History of Buck's County, Pennsylvania / by William J.

Buck ; with
an appendix, containing a history of the early settlement of the
township of Wrightstown ; by Charles W. Smith.
Buck, William J. (William Joseph), b. 1825.
Willow Grove, Pa. : [s.n.], 1855.

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 iWxFryJK^y

YALE
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
 HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

PART L aENERAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER L Tub Indians.

The Aborigines who dwelt in this pxrt of Pennsylvania called themselves the
Lenm Lenape, or the original people^ They were likewise called Woapanachki,
that is, People from ih<e East. They lived on both sides of the river Delaware,
between the Hudson and the Susquehanna, and have, in consequence, at a later

^
period, been called Delawarcs* by the Europeans. By this general isame they
comprehended a number of distinct tribes, speaking dialects of a common lan
guage, and uniting around the same great council flre. The greater portion of
ihe Lenni Lenapes, who formerly resided in what is now known as Bucks county,
were called Neshaminies-, which name originated, very probably, from one of its
principal streams, which, in their language, is said to signify, being derived from
two main branches flowing together.
Though the term savage, as applied to the Indians, is naturally associated
with ideas of barbarism and craelty, yet a closer acquaintance discloses in them
often traits that exalt humanity and claim our admiration or sympathy. They
looked upon the good things of the earth as a common stock, bestowed by the
<jpeat Spirit for the beneflt of alU Of their kindness and hospitality to the early
settlers, numerous instances will be given in'our future pages. To Campantos, a
Swede, who came to this country as earJy as 1642, 1 am chiefly indebted for the
following informatiwi concerning their mode of life :
" Their way of living was very simple. Witii arrows pointed with sharp stones they
killed the deer and other creatures. They made axes from stones, which they fastened to a
stick, to kill the trees where they intended t plant. They cultivated the ground with a
sort of hoe, made from the sbealder-blado of a deer, or a tortoise shell, sharpened with
atones, and fasbened to u sti&k. They made pots of clay, mixed with powdered muscle
vhells burnt in fire, to prepare their food in. By friction, they made fire from two pieces of
hard wood. The trees they burnt down aad into pieces for firewood. On journeys they car
ried fire a great ways in spKnak, or sponges found growing on the trees. They burnt down
great trees, and shaped them mto canoes 'by fire, and the help of sharp stones. Men and
women were dressed in skins ; the women mad<e themselves under garments of wild hemp^
of which also t&ey made twine to knit the feathers pf turkeys, eagles, &c.inta blankets.
" The earth, the woods, and the rivwrs were the provision stores of the Indians ; &r they
eat all kinds of wild animals and productions of the earth, fowls, birds, fishes, and fruits,
which they find within their reach. They shoot deer, fowls, and birds with the bow and
arrow ; they iaka the fishes in tfa same manner ; when the waters are high, the fish run np

*This niume was given to the river and bay in honor of Lord Dblawabb, the colonial
governor of Virginia, between the years 1610 and 1618. The Indian name, as we will find
in the early parchases of lands, was Mac'k-er-isk-iskan, and was also called Jjenape-Wihit-
txiek, or river oif the Lenapes. It was called also by tha Dutch and Swedes VatiSouthJRiver-, ,
in ooatradistinotion to the NertJi Eiver -f^ New Yorlc.
 shoot them at low water,
the creeks and return at ebb tide ; so that the Indians can easily
and drag them ashore. it. <
earth serves them for
.' They eat but, generally, twice a day, morning and afternoon ; the
and their fish ; at other times, dry them
tables and chairs. They sometimes broil their meat
thus eat them. They make bread out of the maize or In
in the sun or in the smoke, and grain
dian corn, which they prepare in a manner
peculiar fo themselves: they crush the
tetween two great stones, or on a large piece of wood ; they moisten it with water, and make
in corn leaves, and thus bake them m the ashes.
it into small cakes, which they wrap up
In this manner they make their bread. The Swedes made use of it when they first came.
compels them, for many days. When traveling, or lying in
They can fast, when necessity
wait for their enemies, they take with them a kind of bread, made of
Indian corn and to
bacco juice, to allay their hunger and quench their thirst, in case they have nothing else at
hand. The drink, before the Christians came into this country, was nothing but water ; but
now they are very fond of strong liquors. Both the men and women smoke tobacco, which
grows in their country in great abundance. They have besides corn, beans and pumpkins, a
sort of original dogs with short pointed ears.
"The American Indians had no towns or fixed places of habitation, they mostly wan
dered about from one place to another ; and, generally, went to those places where they
could find the most likely means of support. In spring and summer, they preferred the
banks of rivers, where they found plenty of fish ; but in winter, they went up into the coun
try, where they found abundance of venison. When they travel, they carry their game
with them wherever they go, and fix it on poles, under which they dwell. When they want
fire, they strike it out of a piece of dry wood, of which they find plenty ; and, in that man
ner, they are never at a loss for fire to warm themselves, or to cook their meat.
"Their principal articles of furniture are a kettle, in which they boil their meat, and
some dishes or plates of bark and cedar wood, out of which they eat ; for drinking they use
commonly the shell of the calabash.
"When a Christian goes to visit them in their dwellings, they immediately spread on the
ground pieces of cloth, and fine mats or skins ; then they produce the best they have, as
bread, deer, elk, or bear's meat, fresh fish and bear's fat, to serve in lieu of butter, which
they generally broil upon the coals. These attentions must not be despised, but must be
received with thankfulness, otherwise their frKi-dship will turn to hatred. When an Indian
visits his friend, a Christian,he must always uncover his table at the lower end, for the
Indian will have his liberty ; and he will immediately jump upon the table, and sit on it
with his legs crossed, for they are not accustomed to sit upon chairs ; he th'en asks for what
ever he would like to eat of" *
" They were also fond of angling ; but not contented with the usual sports of the field and
brook, they furthermore made a most destructive and unsportsmanlike attack upon the un
offending land-tortoises of the neighborhood, which, after capture, were, without mercy, uni
formly condemned to be burnt alive ; their mode of cooking them being to cover them with
hot coals and embers ; and, when sufficiently roasted, they were eaten with a small portion
of salt, and were equally delicious to their taste, and as highly valued as a luxury by them
as the terrapin Is by the inore refined epicure of civilized life.f
" When the Swedes first arrived, the Indians were in the habit of eating the flesh of their
enemies. Once on an occasion they invited a Swede to go with them to their habitation in
the woods, where they treated them with the best the house afforded. Their entertainment
was sumptuous ; there was broiled, boiled, and even hashed meat, all of which the Swede
partook with them, but it seems it did not well agree with him.
The Indians, however, did
not let him know what he had been eating ; but it was told him some time after by some
other Indians, who let him know that he had fed on the flesh of an Indian of a
neighboring
tribe, with whom they were at war."
William Penn, in his letter to the Society of Free Traders, says :
" In liberality they excel : nothing is too good for their friend ; give them a fine gun, coat.
or other thing, it may pass twenty hands before it sticks ; light of heart, strong affections,

* Hist. Soc. Memoirs, iii. 125. t Xb. ii.

but Soon sp6nt. The most merty orfeatures that live, feast and dance perpetually ', thejr
never have much, nor want much. Some kings have sold, others presented me with Several
parcels of land. The pay or presents I made them, were not hoarded by the partioulat
owners ; but the neighboring kings and their clans being present when the goods were
brought out, the parties chiefly concerned consulted what, and to whom,
they should give
them. To every king then, by the hands of a person for that work appointed, is a propor
tion sent, so sorted and folded, and with that gravity, that is admirable. They care for little,
Because they want but little ; and the reason is, a little contents them. In this they are
sufficiently revenged on us ; if they are ignorant of our pleasures, they are also free from our
pains. I
We sweat and toil to live ; their pleasure feeds them ; mean their hunting, fishing,
everywhere."
and fowling; and this table is spread
Speculek op ihe Lknapk Langoage.-^A Sachem's speech to his warriors, at a
Council held in 1645, on the sulyect of the Swedes, and of New Sweden ; being
thirty-seven years before the arrival of Penn :
Suhvijran nitappe, matta chijr siringve, kotznissianus Agga Horn^ pwhw noe itta.
Konna Achoores hatte nijr wna tutenung, ock vickwmen mocheerik hatte, Kallebackhittt
Achoores. Nijr apitzi bakantamen Achoores anckaroppan ock sinkattamen ; konna ock
matta bakanta, matta bachittan, chekw nijr maranijto, matta noota. Kotz nijr ock
tahottamen chijr peewo : Konna chijr ock nijr maranijto simockati checkw maranijto.
Chijr Saeckeman ock pijri Kenappe^ chekw rwe chijr? Tandarijton Achoores ; matta batta
oauivan, matta Siuhus, matta Hopickan, matta Punck, matta arims, matta chekw hatte
m^amen ; senaares hatte suhvijvon huritt.*
TRA2TSLATI0N. My good friends, all of you, don't take it amiss that my son has called
you to this place. The Swedes dwell here upon our land ; and they have many fortresses and
houses for their habitation ; but they have no goods to sell to us ; we can find nothing in
their stores that we want, and we cannot trade with them ; the question

is,
whether we shall
go out and kill all the Swedes, and destroy them altogether, or, whether we shall suffer them
to remain Therefore, am glad that yon have come here, that we may consult together
I
?

on this subject. Tou, chiefs and warriors, w^t advice do you give What shall we do with
t
?

the Swedes? They have no cloth, red, blue, brown. They have no kettles, no brass, no
lead, no guns, no powder: they have nothing to sell to us but the English and Dutch have
;

got all sorts of good merchandise.

f

To Mr. HECKEWELDiiR, the Indian missionary, we are indebted for the follow
ing names which the Lenni-Lenapes, or Delawares, gave to the several streams
and places, in our county, with their significations. These fully account origi
nally, why so called, even in some cases where the causes have long since disap
peared.
Neshaminah, Neshaminy. The word compound of the Words Neska and
is
a

minah, meaning two streams making one, by flowing together.

Poquessing, Poquesink. A mouse, or, the place abounding with mice.
Tohickon, Tohichan. The stream over which we pass by means of bridge
a

of driftwood.
Nockamixon, Nochanixink. At the three houses.
Playwicky, Plauwickichtit. The habitation, or \'illage, of the Turkey tribe.-
This village mentioned in the first conveyance of lands, above Neshaminy,
is

to Penn, in 1682 its locality cannot now be ascertained, but was probably not
;

far from Newtown, or Wrightstown. At that time, there reason to believe to

is

it

have been the largest settlement of Indians within the present limits of the county.
CAMPAirins further tells us that at the falls of the Delaware, (probably at or
near the present borough of Morrisville,) they had settlement in wide plain,
a
a

* In this language the w should have above it, but we have no type of that kind:
a

tCampanius, Hist. Soc. Memoirs, iii. 155.

 there was there a tribe of the - "-^ /^^ J^j;^;^^'
eaned San^Aic^, and tH^t
also a village or settlement of
Indians on the Poquessmg, near the Delaware.
Indians, are the eari.est
called Poael^uessing. These last two settlements of
Swedes, at least thirty years before the
known to us, having been visited by the
Delaware, at Burlington, in 1677.
arrival of the eariiest English adventurers in the
The different Indian settlements known after 1682
will be more fiully mentioned
when we come to the local history of the county, also, a number of aboriginal

names Irom reliable sources, of various hills and

streams, never before published,

which otherwise probaWy would have been lost.

CHAPTER n. Indian Pobchasesv

On just and equal terms the Fand was gaim'd,

No force of arms has any rigbt obtain'd.
'Tis here without the use of arms, alone.
The bless'd inhabitant enjoys his own ;
Here many, to tbeir wish, in peace enjoy
Their happy lots, and nothing doth annoy.
But sad New England's diff 'rent conduct sbow'd
What dire effects from injur'd Indian flowed. Thomas Makiit, 1729-

The Swedes arrived in the Delaware in 1638, with two vessels, under the com
mand of Peter Minuet. They contained a number of colonists, with provisionsr
ammunition, and merchandize for traffic. They first landed at a spot near Cape
Henlopen, which they called Paradise. They conciliated the natives, and pur
chased from them the land on the west side of the bay, from Cape Henlopen tO'
Sankhicon, or the falls at Trenton. This they called New Sweden. Minuet, aS'
well as those who succeeded him, sedulously cultivated peace with the natives.
The Dutch, having wrested the country from the Swedes in 1655, were succeeded,
nine years after, by the English, and its government vested in that of New York.
A pwchase was made, in 1679, in the name oi Sir Edmund Andkos, governor
of thecolony, for the Duke ef York, from Mamabakickan, AnsichtaiN, S:aigkoqdb'
WANO, and Nanneckos, " the true Sachems and lawful Indian proprietors of all
that tract "of land on west side of Delaware, beginning, at a ereek next to Cold
Spring, somewhat above Mattinicum Island, about eight or nine miles below th
Falls, and as far above said Falls as the other is below them, or further that way,
as may be agreed upon, to some remarkable place, fbr the more certain bounds ;
as also all the islands in Delaware river, within the above limits, below and above
the Falls, (except only one island, called Peter Aldiick's Island,) together with
all lands, soils, woods, &c., without any reservation of herbage or trees, or any
thing growing or being thereon ; consideration, a certain sum of wampum, and
other goods to them in hand
paid."
The deed is witnessed by twelve Christians,
and with it is a schedule of the goods ; viz : 60 fathoms wampum, 6 dufflle coats,
6 blankets, 6 coats of dingham, 6 shirts, one-half anker of powder,
6 guns, 6
shovels, 30 axes, 50 knives, 2 ankers of rum, 50 looking-glasses, 50
hoes, 20 pair
stockings, 10 pair shoes, 100 tobacco pipes, 1 pound of paint,
100 awls, and 100
Jew's-harps.'
This conveyance of land, though vaguely stated, must certainly
have embraced about one half of the present limits of Bucks.
The next purchase of lands above the Neshaminy, was made by William
Markuam, the agent of Penn, the 15th day of July, 1082; from Idquahon,
Jtaiiottowe, Idquoquehon, Sahoppe, Okonikon, Merkekowan, Orecton for Nan-
nacussy, Sliaurwawghon, Swanpisse, Nahoosey, Tomakhickon, Westkekitt and
Tolawses, Indian Sacharoakers. The following part describing the extent of this
purchase, is from a copy of the original, deposited by John Watson, sr., in the
library of the Philosophical Society, with bis interlineations made in 1815 ; by
which the localities are bronght to a more recent period:
" Beginning at a white-oak in the land now in the tenure of John Wood,
and
by him called the Gray Stones, over against the falls of Delaware river, and from
thence up the river side to a corner spruce tree, markedwith the letter P, at the
loot of the mountains, (this tree stood one hundred and four perches above the
mouth of Baker's creek,) and from the said tree along by the ledge or foot of the
mountains west-southwest to a corner white-oak, marked with the letter P, (on
land now Benjamin Hampton's,) standing by the Indian path that leads to an
Indian town, called Playwicky, and near the head of a creek called Neshaminah,
(this line crosses where the Newtown road now is, at the old chestnut tree below
Dr. Isaac Chapman's lane end,) along by the said Nesbaminab to the river Dela
ware, alias Makerickbickon, and so bounded by the said main river, to the first
land,"
mentioned white-oak in John Wood's (above Morrisville,) with all those
islands called or known by the several names of Mattinicunk Island, Sepassnick's
Island, and Oreckton's Island, lying in the said river Delaware. Signed by Wil
liam Markham, Deputy Governor to William Penn, Esq. Sealed and -delivered
in the presence of Kontockon, Alloiwham, Lassb Cock, Richabd Noble, Thomas-
Retell. This deed is still preserved in the Secretary of State's OfBce at Harris-
burg, in a MS. volume entitled "Records of Charters and Indian Deeds."
The next purchase brings to our notice for the first time, a celebrated personage,
and reads : " I, Tamanen, this 23rd day of ye 4th month called June, 1683, for

me and my heirs and assigns do grant and dispose of all my lands lying between
Pemmapccka and Nessaninehs Creeks, and all along Nessaninehs Creeks, to WiLr
liam Penn, Proprietor and Governor of Pennsylvania, &o., his heirs and assigns
for ever, for the consideration of so much wampum, so many guns, shoes, stock
ings, looking glasses, blankets, and other goods as ye sd William Penn shall
please to give unto me, and my parcel being much smaller than Ossefenaikes and
SwAKPEES, Hereby for me, my heirs, and assigns, renouncing all claims or demands
of anything in or for ye future from him, his heirs or assigns. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal as above written.
Received moreover all matchcoats, stockings, shirts and blankets, besides seve
I
ral guilders in silver, and acknowledge'I have sold all my land as above."
Tamanen 's ><! mark.
Sealed in the presence of Lasse Cook, John Blunston and Jos. Cubtis.
Indians present, Richard, Shockhdppo, and Mesamequan.
" We, Tamanen and Mbiambquan doe hereby acknowledge to have received of
* Gordon's Hist. Fenna., 37.
 8

Pennsylvania, &c these following

WiLLUM PENN, Proprietor and Governor of
betwixt and about Pem-
goidi being the consideration for our tractof land lying
Neshemmeh creek, sold and gran
apc^ke
and Neshemineh creeks, and all along
ye 4th month, m ye
a deed dated ye 23rd of
ted unto ye sd Willum Penn, as by here-
year 1683, doth more plain appear bearing ye date hereof with wh we doe
satisfyed."*
by hold ourselves fully contented and
5 pair stockings, 5 hats, 10 glasses,

l"o
caps 10 P^' ''="'
20 bars lead, 25 lbs. powder,

5
10 tobacco boxes,
peck pipes, 15 combs, ,

'
1

4 4 3 6A
38 yds. duffields, hoes,

5
coats, Wa^kets
2 6

gimblets, blankets,
euns, 16 knives,

Is,
handful of be
sfwrti, 100 needled, 20 fishhooks,
yds. stroudwater.
iketUei,
12 awls,
begins: " W
the same day, with several others, and
made
A

deed
is

EssBPBNAiKK, SwANPEEs, Okettaeickon and WissAPOAT, this 23d day of the 4th
grant and dispose
month, called June, 1683, for us and our heirs and assigns, do
of all our lands lying betwixt Pemmapecka and Nesheminck creeks, and all

along upon Nesheminck creek and backwards of same, andgo," to run two days
ye sd river doth &c. Indians
journey with an horse tfp into ye country, as
present at signing Menanb, Hittoken, Richard, and Shockhanno.
;

the same time as above, Essepenaike and Swanpses renounce all claims t
At
lands lying between the Pennepack and Neshaminy creeks, &c. Sealed and de
livered in the presence of N. Moore, Lasse Cock, Thomas Holmes and C. Tatlob
Thontmb. Indians present, Weanappo, Bnshockhoppo, Btnacherah, and
Alaenoh.
Mention made of an unrecorded deed of June 15th, 1692, where
" King
is

Taminen't, King Tangoras, King Swanpes, and King Hickoqucom, acknowledge

satisfaction for all that tract of land belonging to Tamwbnt and others, " which
&c.,"
they parted with unto Willlam Penn, the said tract lying between
Neshaminy and Poquessing, upon the river Delaware, and extending backwards
to the utmost bounds of the provence."t
A made the 5th of July, 1697, from Taminy, his brother and sons, and
is

deed
in " We, Taminy Sethimack, and Weheeland, my brother, and
these words
is

Wehbqueekhon, alias Andrew, who to be king after my death, Yaqueeehon,

is

alias Nicholas, and Quenamockquid, alias Charles, my sons, for us, our heirs and
successors, grant, &c., all the lands, woods, meadows, rivers, rivulets, mines mine
rals and royalties whatsoever, situate, lying and being between the creek called
Pemmopeck and the creek called Neshaminy, extending in length from the river
Delaware, so far as horse can travel in two summer days, and to carry its
a

breadth according as the several courses of the said two creeks will admit, and
when the said creeks do so branch that the main branches thereof cannot be dis
covered, then the tract of land hereby granted, shall stretch forth upon direct
a

cour.se, on each side, and so carry on the full breadth, to the extent of the length
thereof.
" Acknowledged in open court, at Philadelphia, 6th July, 1697. Recorded in
the Rolls-Office 7th of the 12th month, 1698, in book page 57, &c."
3,

5,

vol.
E

By these different deeds seen that repeated purchases were made for the
is
it

_
V

* Archives, 64. Smith's Laws, ii.

1.

111.
t
Same ground, but this was deemed essential, as the claims of the Indians to their
lands frequently conflicted, from their having no particular boundaries and hold
ing it in common. It was the wise policy of William Penn to secure their gen
eral consent, and cause no jealousies among them that might in the least degree
conflict with the prevailing harmony.
The name of Tamint, Taminent, or Tamanen, as it is variously spelled, (like
many of the other early Indian names,) has been introduced ; it now becomes our
duty to say a few words. The earliest known from authentic sources of Taminy
is in the purchase of June 23d, 1683, for the lands lying between Pennypack and
Neshaminy creeks. He was undoubtedly a person of high consideration among
his people. From the last purchase made with him in 1697, as just mentioned,
the conveyance is endorsed from the great Sachem Taminent, by which it is in
ferred that he was superior to any of the others. As his son Wehequeekhon, or
Andrew, as he was called by the whites, was his chosen successor, it is presumed
from this that he must then have been well advanced in years. This is believed
to be the last positively known of him or his son. But we need not be surprised
at this, for we know fully as little of the rest. Their names have only reached ua
through the medium of business ; beyond this, who, or what they were, or when
they disappeared, are alike a mystery and a wonder. But for all this tradition has
endeavored to fill up this blank in the life of the renowned chieftain, too much so
for the credit of historical accuracy.
Mr. Heckeweldek, in bis historical account of the Indian nations, says " All we
know of Tambnend is, that he was an ancient Delaware chief, who never had
equal."
his This, indeed, is saying a great deal ; he further states that his name,
in the Lenni Lenape, signifies the affable. " It is said that when, about 1776,
Col. George Morgan, of Princeton, visited the western Indians, by direction of
Congress, the Delawares conferred on him the name of Tamany, as the greatest
mark of
respect which they could show to that gentleman, who, they said, had
the same address, affability, and meekness as their honored chief. In the revo
lutionary war, his enthusiastic admirers dubbed him a saint, and he was estab
lished under the name of St. Taminy, the patron saint of America. His name
was inserted in some calendars, and his festival celebrated on the first day of
May, in every year. On that day a numerous society of his votaries walked
together in procession through the streets of Philadelphia, their hats decorated
with bucks' tails, and proceeded to a handsome rural place out of town, which
they called the 'Wigwam, where, after a long talk, or Indian speech, had been
delivered, and the calumet of peace and friendship had been duly smoked, they
fipent the day in festivity and mirth. After dinner, Indian dances were performed
on the green in front of the wigwam, the calumet was again smoked, and the
company separated. Since that time, Philadelphia, New York, and perhaps other
places, have had their Tamany Societies, Tamany Halls, &c., &c." Of all places
Bucks is certainly the most identified with this distinguished chief, and it is sin
cerely hoped that his name may be kept in remembrance by our citicens.
 CHAPTER III. The Walking Pitbchasb.

The Indian Walk not only forms a prominent feature in the history of Bucks
County, but of Pennsylvania. Enough has been written on it to fill an ordinary
volume, by Nicholas Scdll, by the author of the
" Enquiry into the causes of
Indians," published
tbe alienation of the Delaware and Sbawanese anonymously
t London, in 1759, and by John Watson, Samuel Preston, and others. On
this, as well as all other subjects, our wish is to be as brief as possible, and to
these authorities we are chiefly indebted for our information concerning this trans
action. Mr. Watson, in his communication to the Philosophical Society, says,
that in the year 1692, a white man, living at Newtown, and Cornelius SpRiwa,
Delaware Indian, accompanied by several Indians and white people, undertook
and performed the walk in the Indian manner ; but by whose authority, or by
whose direction, is not known. They started from the spruce-tree, and walked
up the river ; the Indians jumped over all the streams until they came to the

Tohickon, which they positively refused to cross, and therefore they proceeded
up the creek on the south side to its source, and then turning to the left, they
fell in with Swamp creek, and going down it a small distance, it was noon on
the second day, or a day and a half from the time of setting out. To close the
survey, it was prc^osed to go from thence to the source of the west branch of the
Neshaminah, (so called,) thence down the creek to the west corner of the first
purchase, and thence to the spruce-tree, the place of beginning. These bounds
would have included a tract of land rather larger than the first purchase, and no
doubt would have been satisfactory to the Indians. It does not appear to have
been a final settlement, or that any thing was done relative to the sutjject, except
talk about it, for 43 years ; in which time a large tract was sold to a company
at Durham, a furnace and forges were erected there, and numerous scattered set
tlements made on the frontiers as far back as the Lehigh hills. The chief settle
ments of the Indians at the time were in the forks of the Delaware and Lehigh,
below and beyond the Blue Mountains. But A the summer season many fami
lies migrated in their way, and cabined among the white people in different places,
as far down as Pennsbury Manor, where they long retained a permanent residence
on sufferance ; and, although a general harmony subsisted between the natives
and the white people, yet they showed a dislike to the surveys and settlements
that were every year extending further back in the woods, and, as
they presumed,
far beyond the proper limits of the land they had sold.
As we have seen, " one tract after another had thus been purchased
by Pek
nd his agents, until all of what is now Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware,
nd Philadelphia counties, had been included. Some of the tracts were accurate
lydefined by natural boundaries of many others, they were left to be
determined
by riding or walking at some future time. Such, however, was the
benevolent
policy of Penn, that he preferred to purchase lands three
times over, and pay for
 u
it

it,
to as many different claimants, than to fight for or expose his colony to the
tomahawk and scalping-knife, by encouraging settlements on lands not clearly
and indisputably relinquished by all Indians whatsoever."*
WtLLiAJt Pe.n'x and his agents, ignorant of the topography of the wilderness
in the interior, had, in their early purchases, been in the habit of defining the
boundaries of land by well-known streams or highlands, as far as their knowledge
extended while for the interior boundaries of the tract such vague terms were
;

used as these: " to run two

days'
journey with an horse up into the country as the
said river doth go northwesterly back into the woods to make up two full days'
journey, as far as a man can go in two days from the said station, &c." There

is
no evidence that any of these boundaries had been ever authorized to be rode or
walked out: they had been, the boundaries of some would have extended far
if

beyond the Lehigh hills or the South mountain, or even the Kittatinny but such

;
evidently was not the expectation of the Indians, and, accordingly, after the great
natural features of the interior had become better known, as well as the ideas and
wishes of the Indians, on the 17th of September, 1718, deed of release was given

a
by sundry Delaware Indian chiefs, viz: Sassoonah, Mebtashechay, Ghetty-
peneeman, PoKEHAts, Atamackan, Opbkasset,and Pepawmamam, for all the
lands situate between the two rivers, Delaware and Susquehanna, from Duck
Creek to the mountains on this side Lechay, with an acknowledgement they had
seen and heard divers deeds of sale read unto them, under the hands and seals of
former kings and chiefs of the Delaware Indians, their ancestors and predecessors,
who were the owners of said lands, by which they had granted the said lands to
William Penn, for which they were satisfied and content which, for further

a
consideration of goods delivered them, they then confirmed. This deed recorded,

is
May 13th, 1728, in Book A, voi. p. 59.
6,

William Penn expired on the 30th of July, 1718, something more than six
weeks after the above mentioned release for must be remembered that after
it
;

his death different policy was pursued with the Indians by the Proprietaries,
a

his successors. And no wonder, from their subsequent treatment, that they
it
is

so long remembered by tradition
had called Penn.
From the preceding deeds
their great and good brother Miquon, as they
observed that their undefined limits west, two
is
it

days'
journey with a horse, &c., which would have extended far beyond the
Lehigh hills,, are here restricted to those hills, which, so far as related to the pur-
tshases from the Delawares, were the boundaries of the purchased lands. The
settlers, notwithstanding, encroached on the Indian lands beyond this boundary,
which occasioned great anxiety and uneasiness among the Delawares. The com
plaints of the aged Sassoonah were eloquent and pathetic. Violence had ensued,
and blood had flowed. Preparations had been made, and alliances were forming
for war but by prudence and skill the danger was turned aside.f
;

Among the old deeds which were, or ought to have been, rendered obsolete by
the general deed of 1718, was one made to Thomas Holme, Penn's agent and
Surveyor General, by several Delaware chiefs, in 1686, for tract of land, (here
a

after described,) of which one of the boundaries was to be ascertained by walking.

The original, however, of this deed never could be found and musty copy, of
a
;

* Day's Hist. Coll. Pa., 605. Smith's Laws, ii. 113.

f
 12
produced from
authenticity, was therefore
which it was very difBcult to prove the
Proprietaries' years after it
papers in England ; and this copy, fifty
.among the
was made-after William Penn, Thomas
Holme, and the signing chiefs, were
become well known,
dead-after all the great natural features of the country had
boundaries-after it was
and no necessity existed any longer for walking out
known that these vague boundaries had all been concluded by the treaty of 1718,
in which the Lehighhills were made the extreme boundary of the white settle

mentsthis copy was produced, and made the basis of a confirmatory deed,

described in Smith's Laws as follows :

August 25, 1737. We, Teshakomen, alias Tisheednk, and Nootamis, alias
NuTBins, two of the sachemas or chiefs of the Delaware Indians, having almost
three years ago, at Durham, begun a treaty with our honorable brethren, John
and Thomas Penn; and from thence another meeting was appointed to be at
Pennsbury the nest spring following, to which we repaired, with Lappawinzoe,
and several others of the Delaware Indians, at which treaty several deeds were
produced and showed to us by our said brethren, concerning several tracts of
land, which our forefathers had, more than fifty years ago, bargained and sold
unto our good friend and brother William Penn, the father of the said John and
Thomas Penn ; and in particular one deed from Maykeerickkisho, Sayhoppy,
and Taughhaughsey, the chiefs or kings of the northern Indians on Delaware,
who for, &o., did grant, &c., all those lands lying and being in the province of
Pennsylvania, beginning upon a line formerly laid out from a corner spruce-tree
by the river Delaware, (Makerikkitton,) and from thence running along the ledge
or foot of the mountains west-north-west to a corner white-oak, marked with the
letter P., standing by the Indian path that leadeth to an Indian town called
Playwickey, and from thence extending westward to Neshamony creek ; from
which said line, the said tract or tracts thereby granted doth extend itself back
into the woods, as far as a man can go in one day and a half, and bounded on the
westerly side with the creek called Neshamony, or the most westerly branch
thereof, and from thence by a line to the utmost extent of the
said one day and a half's journey, and from thence to the aforesaid
river Delaware, and from thence down the several courses of the said river to the
first mentioned spruce-tree. &c. But, some of our old men being absent, we re
quested more time to consult with our people, which request bdng granted, we
have, after more than two years from the treaty at Pennsbury, ijow come to
Philadelphia, together with our chief sachem, Monockykichan, and several of
our old men. They then acknowledge that they were satisfied that the above
described tract was granted by the persons above mentioned, and agree to release
to the Proprietors all right to that tract, and desire it may be walked, travelled,
or gone over, by persons appointed for that purpose. [Signed] Monockykichan,
Lappawinzoe, Teshakomen, Nootamis ; and witnessed by twelve other Indians,
in token of full and free consent, besides other witnesses. Recorded May 8,
1841, in book G., vol. 1., p. 282.

William Allen, an influential man, who shortly afterwards became Chief Jus
tice of the province, was a particular friend of the Penn family. Governor John
Penn, the grandson of William Penn, was married to his daughter, and there
by we see in their business relations, with the Indians, their particular interests.
 ];i

While the Delawares were paid .for their lands on the Tulpehocken, they were
unjustly, and in a manner forcibly, dispossessed of their lands in the Forks of the
Delaware.
William Penn, by his last AVill, devised to his grandson, William, and his
heirs, 10,000 acres of land to be laid out " in proper and beneficial places in this
province by his trustees." AVii.liam Penn, the grandson, sold out this land to
Mr. Allen, who was a great land-jobber. By a little management, Allen got
this land located, generally, where he desired. One considerable tract included
part of Minisink ; and no previous arrangement had been made with
those In
dians. It would be very charitable to suppose that the trustees intended, and
that perhaps they did not doubt, that the same course would be pursued in pur
chasing of the Indians, as had been before, by others ; but no sooner had the new
Proprietor got the lands surveyed to him, than he began to sell it to those
that
would go on it at once and settle it. Hence we see the road opened for all diffi
culties. Abo^it the same time proposals were published for a land lottery ; and
by the conditions of these proposals, not the least notice was taken, or the least
reserve made, of the rights of the Indians. By this means much of the lands in
the Forks of the Delaware, (since Easton and vicinity,) as well as other places,
was taken up, and the Indians were thus crowded from it. They for some time
complained, and at length began to threaten. To still the clamors of these injured
people, recourse was had to as great abuses as had already been practised ; crimes
were sought to be clouded by bold stratagem ; the Iroquois were connived with,
aad they came forward, confirmed the doings of the land-jobbers, and ordered
the Delawares to leave their country. The power of the Iroquois could not be with
stood, backed as it was by the English. They ordered the poor Delawarcs to
remove, or they would destroy them. They retired to Wyoming, with the re
peated wrongs rankling in their hearts. And as their last alternative, theyjoined
the French against the English, and thus ended these affairs in a long and san
guinary war.
As the Proprietaries were extremely anxious to get the walk performed, and to
do it
more effectually for their own interests, they advertised for the most expert
walkers in the province ; promising to the most successful a considerable reward
in land and money. Accordingly it was performed near the latter part of Sep
1737,*
tember, the presence of Benjamin Eastburn, Surveyor General, and
Timothy Smith, sheriff of Bucks county. The following account of the walk, is
given by an eye-witness :
I
" At the time of the walk, was a dweller at Newtown, and a near neighbor to Jajies
Ykates. My situation gave him an easy opportunity of acquainting me with the time of
setting out, as it did me of hearing the diiferent sentiments of the neighborhood concerning
the walk ; some alleging it was to be made by the river, others, that it was to be gone upon
a straight line from somewhere in Wrightstown, opposite to a spruce-tree on the river's bank,
said to be a boundary to a former purchase. I
When the walkers started, was a little behind,
but was informed they proceeded from a chestnut-tree near the turning out of the road from
Durham ro.ad to John Chapman's ; and, being on horse back, overtook them before they
reached Buckingham, and kept company for some distance beyond the Blue Mountains,
though not quite to the end of the journey. Two Indians attended, whom I
considered as

?Some accounts have it in September, 1733 ; but this cannot be, for it'is the deed of Au
gust, 1737, that was to be walked out; and we would further say, in confirmation, that
Nicholas Scull gives it this jear ; besides, Benjamin EAsiBaRN was not commissioned as
Surveyor General till October 29th, 1733.
 M
deputies appointed by the Delaware nation, to see
^^'>.l'^\l''^f'\lfirit
J''
therewith. The first day of ^e walk,
of them repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction
meadows of one Wilson, an Indian
before we reached Durham creek, where we dined in
the
up the river ; and complaining of
trader, the Indian said the walk was to have been made TnoKAS"
expected Penn would have
the unfitness of his shoe-packs for travelling, said he
horses walked, and lei!
made him a present of some shoes. After this, some of us that had
and some hours before sun
the Indians ride by turns ; yet in theafternoon of the same day,
Marshall that afternoon, and forbid him to
set, the Indians left us, having often called to
appeared would go no further with us ; for
run. At parting they dissatisfied, and said they
good land, they did not care how far or where
as they saw the ,vaUers would pass all the
we went to. It was said wc travelled twelve hours the first day ; and it being in the latter
obliged to walk in
end of September, or beginning of October, to complete the time were
the twilight. Timothy Sjiith, then SheriBf of Busks, held his watch some minutes before we
ground to ascend, he called out to them,
stopped, and the walkers having a piece of rising
telling the minutes behind, and bid them pull up, which they did so briskly, that immediate
ly upon his saying the time was out, Marshall clasped his arms about a sapling to support
himself. Thereupon, the Sheriff asking him what was the matter, he said he was almost
gone, and that, if he had proceeded a few poles further, he must have fallen. H'e lodged
in the woods that night, and heard the shouting of the Indians at a cantico, which they were
said to bold that evening, in a town hard by. Next morning the Indians were sent to, tff
know if they would accompany us any further ; but they declined although

it,
believe some

I
of them came to us before wo started, and drank dram in the company, and then straggled
a

off about their hunting, or some other amusement. In our return, we came through this
Indian town or plantation, Timothy S.mith and myself riding forfy yards, more or less, be
fore the company and as we approached within about 150 paces of the town, the woods
;

being open, we saw an Indian take gun in his band, and advancing towards us some dis
a

tance, placed himself behind log that laid by our way. Timothy observing his motions^
a

and being somewhat surprised, as apprehended, looked at me, and asked what thought
I

I
thai Indian meant. said hoped no harm, and that thought best to keep on which th
it
I
I

;
Indian seeing, he arose and walked before us to the settlement. think Smith was sur
I

prised, as well remember was. through a conciousuess that the Indians were dissatisfied
I

with the walk, a thing the whole company seemed to be sensible of; and upon the way in
our return home, frequently expressed themselves to that purpose. And indeed, the un
fairness practiced in the walk, both in regard to the way where, and the manner how, was
it
performed, and the dissatisfaction of the Indians concerning
it,

were the common subjects of

conversation in our neighborhood, for some considerable time after was done. When the
it

walk was performed was a young man, in the prime of life. The novelty of the thing
I

inclined me to be spectator, and as had been brought up most of my time in Burlington,

I
a

the whole transaction to me was a series of occurences almost entirely new, and which,
therefore, apprehend, made the more strong and lasting impression on my memory.
I

Thomas Fdkniss."

Samuel Preston, in 1826, published statement of the Indian walk, some

a

what different from what has been given. The following an extract
is

" With the venerable Thomas Janney, was well acquainted, (he resided between New
I

town and Yardley's Ferry,) always making his house my stay in the neighborhood; and fre
quently heard him relate his seeing the walkers pass through Newtown that James Ye ates
;

and Solomon Jennings were side by side, walking so fast that Thomas Penn had to
gallop his
horse that he saw James Yeates gain little, and he appeared to be gaining while he
a
;

saw them; that B. Marshall came behind, chewing dry buseuit and swinging hatchet.''
a

Mr. Peeston further says

:

" My first acquaintance with the venerable Edward Marshall, was in

the years 1782
and 1783 being called on, as surveyor, to settle some old lines in Tinicum and Nocka-
a

mixon townships. He was then living on his large Island had been chain carrier for
a
;
 15

Nicholas Scull ; he was called on .is a witness to shew lines, corners, Ac, &e. To mo ho
standing as to veracity.
appeared to be a respectable old man, of good memory and fair
He gave me a statement of his great walk from near Bristol to Still Water.''

Moses Marshall,
(the sou of Edward, who performed the walk,) gave to Mr.
John Watson the following account of it, as he bad often received it from hi
father :
That notice was given in the public papers, that the remaining day and a
half 's walk was to be made, and offering 500 acres of land, anywhere in the pur
chase, and 5 in money, to the person who should attend, and walk the farthest
in the given time. By previous agreement the Governor was to select three white
persons, and the Indians a like number of their own nation. The persons em
ployed by the Governor were Edward Marshall, James Yeates, and Solomon
Jennings. One of the Indiana was called Co.mbush, but he has forgotten the
names of the other two. That about the 20th of September, (or when the days
and nights are equal,) in the year aforesaid, they met before sunrise, at the old
chesnut-trce, below Wrightstown Meeting house, together with a great number
of persons as spectators. The walkers all stood with one hand against the tree,
until the sun rose, and then started. In two hours and a half they arrived at Red
Hill, in Bedminister, where Jennings ajd two of the Indians gave out. The
other Indian, (Combush,) continued with them to near where the road forks, at
Easton, where he laid down a short time to rest ; but on getting up was unable
to proceed further. Marshall and Yeates proceeded on, and arrived, at sun
down, on the north side of the Blue mountain. They started again next morn
ing, at sunrise. While crossing a stream of water, at the foot of the mountain,
Yeates became faint, and fell. Marshall turned back, and supported him until
others came to his relief ; and then continued the walk alone, and arrived at noon
on a spur of the Second, or Broad mountain, estimated to be 86 miles from the
place of starting, at the chesnut-tree below Wrightstown Meeting house.

He says they walked from sunrise to sunset without stopping, provisions and
refreshments having been previously provided, at different places along the road
and line that had been run and marke4 for them to walk by, to the top of the
Blue mountain ; and persons who attended on horseback, by relays, with liquors
of several kinds. When they arrived at the Blue mountain they found a great
number of Indians collected, expecting the walk would there end ; but when they
found it was to go half a day further, they were very angry, and said they were
cheated Penn had got all their good land but that in the spring every Indian
was to bring him a buckskin, and they would have their land again, and Penn
might go to the devil with his poor land. An old Indian said, " No sit down
!"
to smoke no shoot a squirrel ; but lun, lun, lun, all day long He says his
father never received any reward for the walk, although the Governor frequently
promised to have the 500 acres of land run out for him, and to which he was so
justly entitled.
This walk was the cause of jealousies and heart-burnings among the Indians,
that eventually broke out in loud complaints of injustice, and atrocious acts of
savage vengeance. It is supposed that Thomas and John Penn, the Proprieta
ries, with William Allen, were the prime leaders in this nefarious business.
Allen, by his land speculations, became at the time the wealthiest man in the
 16
Rev-
the approach of the
province. On account of his Tory principles he fled, at
September, 1-80. He
olution, to England, where he died at an advanced age, m
was the son-in-law of Governor Hamilton.
the Indians,
When we reflect, for nearly a century previously, how amicably
mourn this transgression.
Swedes, and English had lived together, we cannot but
conclusion of our work, the
The reader will perceive from the beginning to the
repeated instances mentioned, of kindness received from the natives before this
occurrence. Partly in corroboration, Riohabd Townsend, who settled in this
country in 1682, remarks, as
" our worthy Proprietor treated the Indians with
us, and brought in
extraordinary humanity, they became very civil and loving to
As in other countries the Indians were exasperated by
abundance of venison.
hard treatment, which hath been the foundation of much bloodshed, so the con
affection."
trary treatment here hatb produced their love and
The method resorted to by the Proprietaries after this walk, cannot but excite
our pity and abhorrence, by employing the distant and powerful Iroquois to come
and forcibly dispossess the Delawares from their native lands. Thus disappeared
the Lenni-Lenapes from amongst us, who so long in peace had been our friends,
but in war our most desperate enemies. Who would have thought, in so short a
time after the departure of Taminy and Miquon, that their descendants would be
at strife ?

CHAPTER IV. Indian Remains.

There is no doubt that much may be brought to light concerning the aborigines
of our soil, from those relics which are yet occassionally discovered, as they
existed anterior to the time when the whites first came amongst them, ere their
savage virtues became lost to the vices of civilization, and had wholly to depend
upon their own mechanical skill and ingenuity, not only for subsistence but pro
tection and defence. Wherever found, they possess a local importance, they in
dicate their settlements, they show their progress in the arts, and the disadvan
tages they had to contend with from possessing no knowledge of the most useful

of metals. When we reflect on their situation we cannot sufficiently admire the

perseverance required, even for making their most common utensils and imple
ments from stone, when we remember too that they furnished them the only ma
terials in their construction. It is much to be regretted that on these matters so
little has been left us by the early settlers.

If we compare the American Indians with the natives of Europe, or Asia, we

shall tiad that the superiority displayed by the latter in conducting the operations
of agriculture, depended chiefly on two circumstances, the use ot tame animals
and the possession of iron and other hard metals. But the aborigines of America
had not reduced animals to subjection; and they were completely ignorant of the

harder and more useful metals. Gold, with the exception of a little silver and
copper, was the only metal known in America before the
discovery ; and the use
 17

of this was chiefly confined to ornament. The principal

tool in possession of the
natives were hatchets of stone ; and with these the labor of a year was requisite
to cut down a tree and hollow it into a canoe. In agriculture their progress was
equally slow. The trees, with which the forests were crowded, were of the hardest
wood, and the shrubs so thickly interwoven, that the efforts of a whole tribe were
scarcely sufficient to clear a small piece of ground, and adapt it to the purposes of
cultivation. The fertility of the soil, rather than the industry of the people, se
cured to them an increase equal to their wants. Necessity, therefore, chiefly, com
pelled them for subsistence to depend on hunting and fishing.
Indian relics are becoming more scarce, and little pains have been taken for
their collection. The plow, the harrow, and other agricultural instruments, as
well as felling timber, by breaking, destroy many ; alluvial deposits bury them in
the soil, and the waters cover them for other ages. In making inquiries on this
subject in the country, aged persons have been met with who have not only never
found, but did not know of them, and were surprised that they should possess
an interest or even cause curiosity. But how much will this apply to other pur
suits and circumstances, and what losses have been occasioned to mankind !

We learn when Isaac Boilibo settled near Hatborough,^ about 1750, he was
told by several of his neighbors, that when they first came in that vicinity they
found several spots bare of trees and bushes, which were familiarly known as
" Indian fields," which the natives had previously cultivated, and kept clear by
means of fire every spring and autumn. Numerous circular excavations were
found in the woods by the early settlers of Plumstead, particularly in the neigh
borhood of Dyerstown ; they were from 3 to 4 feet in diameter about 2 feet in
depth. Joseph Dyer, when a boy, from a motive of curiosity, about 70 years ago
examined several of them, and from the remains of cobs found, no doubt, served
as repositories through the winter for their corn. In Haycock township, large
stones and rocks were seen several years ago, which bad been worked out with
great labor, and may have held several gallons, which tradition asserts, from the
early settlers there, that the Indians used as kettles for boiling their corn and
venison, by filling the cavity with water, which was heated by stones kept in a
fire for the purpose.
My venerable friend, Thomas Lewis, of Buckingham, mentioned that upwards
of fifty years ago, at Cave Bank, on the Delaware, near Point Pleasant, several
curiously formed smoking pipes, 4 and 5 inches in length, were found wrought
out of stone, besides numbers of spears and axes. A friend residing at Trenton,
informed me that, about three years ago, a spear-head was found of extraordinary
size, a few miles above that place, near the Delaware, 12 inches in length.
Pettit Bukson, about 20 years ago, near Bursonville. in Springfield township,
found in a meadow, near a spring of water, an unusual dark spot, which on ex
amination was found to be circular, and was occasioned by a great quantity of
charcoal and ashes interspersed with a considerable number of arrow-heads. A
mile northeast from the same place, there is a high hill which still retains its In
dian name of Buckwampun, on the summit and sides of which a number of cir
cular and oval stones have been found, which no doubt were carried there by the
Indians, from the Delaware, for pestles and other purposes.
It is curious at the present day, where the Indians originally procured their
flint, particularly that of a yellow, brown or black color, from which their arrow-
 1.?

heads were generally made. It is a pity that our geologists have not given attetl"
tion to this subject. From many inquiries, I
have the flrst person to find that
could give the localities from whence they were originally procured, of a consid
erable number of arrow-heads in my possession of various kinds of stone ; and in
only one instance have I been
successful to my satisfaction. This was found in
the woods a mile north of Doylestown, and was quite perfect, and as afterwards I
ascertained by comparison, was made of the peculiar stone somewhat resembling
limestone, found on the summit of Buckingham hill, about a mile from Centre-
ville.
The general localities of these relics incontestibly prove that the Indians resided
mostly on the south side of hills, on our best lands, adjacent to lasting water.
On cold clay lands they are very seldom found anywhere, even beyond the limits
of the county. They likewise indicate that the present race of Indians could not
have resided here many centuries previous to the discovery of Columbus.
It has occurred to us after an examination of many arrow-heads in various
localities, that each tribe may possibly have had its peculiar and distinctive shape,
as a feature of identity and recognition. In most localities they vary in size,
material and workmanship ; those of flint always display more finish,
and from
its superior hardness seems to have been their favorite stone, as best adapted
to
different purposes. The discovery from whence they procured the stone
for ma
terial, might show us their changes of residence, and
their peculiar characteris
tics, the occupation by diflerent tribes of the same vicinity!
It is hoped to
this hitherto neglected subject more attention given
may be in the future, as these
relics can alone rescue from oblivion, and give light on
the settlements of a race
long passed away.

!"' 1*^' y^"""- Historical Society's " Collections,"

with'nL72?Q"'it T?'iT beginning

CHAPTER V.
As OccnpiED ANb Settled
before the ArmvaL of Penu.
To the Swedes the credit is due of
having first settled Pennsylvania. In 1643
Governor John Printz arrived from Stockholm, in the
ship Fame, accomnankd
with two other ships of war, the Swan
dence the broad a luvial island
and the Charitas. h! select d or hfsrsf-
below Philadelphia, at the mouth of
called Tinicum, the same near which Darby reek
the
Lazaretto now stands.
founded the town o New Gottenhurg, Here was
which for several years was the metroplli
of New Sweden. In 1655, it was
taken by Sti^vesant, the governor Dutch S
 19

As has been Staled, live Dutch, for nine ycar.<! in the government, ."?uoceedcd tii.,
Swedes. It was still the latter that gave character and prosperity
to the colony
At how early a period the Swedes first settled in this county cannot now be as
certained, but no doubt it was earlier than any titles to lands granted them.
In 1654, Peter Lindstrom, the Royal Swedish Engineer, made a map of New Swe
den, which included the bay and river Delaware, with the adjacent country up as
far as the falls, at Trenton. That part of the cwanty above the Poetquessing is
marked with some fourteen Indian and Swedish names, mo3t of which are given
to streams, but few of wWch can now be recognized. The Poetquessing is called
Poanpissing ; Neshaminy, Kickamens Kyi. The point of land on the north side
of the Neshawiiny, by the Delaware, is marked Ploirtmonudden uddcn, in the
Swedi.sih, 'being a point of land, and kyl or kil, a creek. Though this map is not
a correct 'cne, there is enough delineated to show that the Swedes wore familiar
at that taime with the country below the Falls, adjacent to the river.
Campanius'
We lEBst yet take a few more extracts from work on New Sweden,
which particularly relate to this part <A the country, and from their novelty can-

Bot fafl to interest the reader.

"About the Falls, there grow walnut, 'chestnut, peach, and mulberry trees, and several
orts of plum trees, and grape vines ; hcm-p and hops grow in abundance.
" On this river, there grows a plant, the fruit of which is round, and is called Calabash,
Ct is a vino that runs along the ground. The fruit is shaped like a pear. Some are as large
51S a great pumpkin, and others aro as small as a snuff box. The skin is yellow, smooth,
and thin as glass ; it is hard and tough as horn. If
they chance to fall on the ground they
^ill not split to pieces.Within, they are full of seeds ; when these are taken out, the fruit
"Serves as a vessel for several tises. If sawed in two, they will make Tjottles, cups, and
dishes ; and for variety's sake, they may be rimmed with silver. Some of them are so large
<tbat they will hold a gallon t
more."

It seems by this that the calabash is a native of this country, and that the
name is of Indian origin,
" There is here, also, a large ajid horrible serpent, which is called a rattlesnake. It has
a head like that of a dog, and can bite oSf a man's lg as clear as if at had been hewn down
5fith an axe. There are horny goints in their tails, which make a noise like children's
rattles, and when they see a man, they wind themselves in a circle, and shake their heads,
which can be heard at the distance of a hundred yards, so that one may put himself on his
guard. These snakes are three yards long, and thick as the thickest part of a man's leg ; they
are as many years old as they iha've rattles im tieir tails; their color is brown, black, and
yellow."

In this somewhat esaggerated descrijAion, he seems to haTC had no knowledge

af their bite being a deadly poison.
On the 233 of November, 1677, as we learn from the records, a petition was
sent to the court at Upland, (Chester,) for a settlement and town "just below
the
Falls." The probabiKty is that most of the petitioners were born in this
country ; %sy thefe names <we judge, at least the majority of them, to be of Swedish
origin.
" Lawrence Oock, Iseset. Helm, Moens Cock, Andreas Bencksoh, Ephraim Her
man, Caspas Herman, Swen Loon, John Daleo, Jaspae Fisk,Hans Moonsok, Frederick
BooMV, EEicn MoEMc, Gdnner Kambo, Thomas Haewood, Erich Cock, Peter Jockum,
Peter Cock, Jon., Ja. Stille, Jonas Nielson, Oole Swenson, James Sanderlino,
MATHiAg Mathias, 3. Devos, and William Oriam, petition court; showing that they,
fceing all inhabitants of the livor and parts, as for the convenience of travellers and other
 20

side of the river,

just below the Falls do
ways to settle together in a town at the west
worshipful court to move the case to the governor that th*
rhere're humbly request this with a fit
propor-
hundred acres of land
pe t ners may, each of them, in lots laid out, one
most convenient
town may be laid out in the

fion
also that a fit place for

Ls
of marsh,

a
place thereabout, with such privileges and liberties for
their encouragement as shall be
thought fit, and that the same may be confirmed unto them by his honor the governor, and
accordingly,"
petitioners will forthwith seat &c.
the
petition till several years
We arc not aware that any action was taken on this
English settlers, under pat
fterwards,
a: when the lands there were taken up by travellers,"
" For the convenience of as set forth
ents from Sir Edmund Andros.
then already con-
in the petition, we infer that the communication by land was
side of the Dela
siderable between the settlements extending below, on the west
ware, and New York.
The flrst lands to have been taken up by actual surveys in Bucks, was
believed
court at Upland, as we learn from
in the years 1677 and 1678, by order of the Poquessink"
their records, when 417 acres, called the
" patent, were conveyed

to Jambs Sanderland and Laurens Cock which extended from Poetquessing

;
creek, north-eastwardly, one mile along the Delaware. Immediately adjoining,
on the north of the last mentioned patent, was tract conveyed tn Henry Hast

a
" Hastings' Hope,"
ings, fronting on the Delaware neariy half mile, called
a
containing 200 acres. Also, about the same time, Dunck Williams, Jan Claas-
SBN, Paerdb Cooper, Pelle Dalbo, Lace Cox, Thomas Jacobsb, and William
Jeacox, purchased lands on the Neshaminy and its vicinity. Pabrde Cooper's
tract contained 300 acres, and was two miles above the mouth of the Neshaminy,
adjoining James Sanderland. The others had each 100 acres. Of these land
holders, Lawrence Cock, Pelle Rambo, and James Sanderland, were petition
ers for the Falls settlement, as has been stated. James Boyden, another Swede;

about the same time, settled on the north side of the Neshaminy, near its mouth.
In November, 1677, there were stated to be 65 taxables north of the Schuylkill
no doubt being mostly Swedes all the country then above being called Taocor
it
;

nick. The principal way of travel along the river to the Falls was called ths
" King's path," as we learn from the petition of Dunck Williams to the court at
Upland, in which he desires grant of four acres of marsh, back of his lands, on
a

the Neshaminy, in the woods.

To the quiet and industrious Swedes much honor due they prepared the
is

way for William Penn, and long before his arrival continued to dwell here
in

peace and friendship with the natives, and under all governments were alike good

and useful citizens.

The first English vessel that arrived in the Delaware, up as far as Burlington,
was the Shield, from Hull, Daniel Towbs, commander. This was in the 10th
month, 1678. She had number of passengers on board, mostly Friends, who
a

settled about Burlington and vicinity. The earliest English settlers that came
over and settled in Bucks are supposed to have been John Pcbsloir, Daniel
Brinson, and Joshua Bore and family, in 1677. These were followed by Johk
Wood, in 1678, who arrived in the Shield. William Biles, Chakles Biles,
Gilbert Wheeler, Robert Lucas, and Richard Ridgwat, with their families,
came in 1679. Samuel Darke, William Dabkb, and Lyonel Brittain and
fiunily, came in 1680 Gideon Gambell and William Clark, in 1681. The
 21

following came previous to the 29th of 8th month, 1G82: Richard Amor, Henry
Paxson, Luke Brinsley, John Clow, Joseph Clow, John Brock, William
Venables, and John Heycock. George Pownall and William Yardley came,
also, this year, with their families. Several of these took up lands in the vicinity
of the Falls, by virtue of patents from Sir Edmund Andros, governor of New
York, when this country was not known as Pennsylvania, being a short time
previous to Penn's grant from Charies II., in March, 1681.

CHAPTER VI.

The Fokmation and Pkogeess op the County.

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, landed at Upland, now called
Chester, on the 29th of October,* 1682, in the ship Welcome, commanded by
Robert Greenaway. One of the first acts of Penn, was to naturalize all the
settlers who had seated themselves previously, and had remained after his ar
rival ; and it appears to have been his warmest desire to extinguish every kind
of title, or claims to the lands necessary for the accommodation of his colony, and
to live in lasting terms of friendship with the Indians.
With those who came in the Welcome, with the great founder, and settled
in Bucks, were Thomas Fitzwater, Nicholas Waln, CuTfiBiiRTHAYHuRST, Giles
Knight, John Rowland, Thomas Rowland, and William Bookman, all having
families. Shortly after in the same year, the following, also, arrived : Henry
MarjorItM, William Beaks, Henry Comly, John Scarborough, Thomas
Walmsley, Randolph Blackshaw, James Harrison, Phineas Pbmberton, Ralph
Pemberton, Robert Bond, Joseph Kikkbeide, Ellis Jones, James Clayton, and
James Dilworth. In 1683, Thomas Janney, George Stone, Richard Hough,
John Palmer, Joshua Hoopes, William Bennet, John Hough, Henry Baker,
Joseph Growdon, Lawrence Growdon, and David Davis. In 1684, John
Chapman, Thomas Langhorn, and David Hall. The succeeding year came John
Clows, Sr., Edmund Cutter and Edwakd Stanton. Most of these mentioned
brought families and a considerable number of servants, male and female ; also
relatives.
As at this time much interest is expressed concerning the early settlers, espe
cially by their numerous descendents, we take occasion here to say that in our
future articles, on the local history of the county, full particulars will be given,
or at least as much so as success has favored our researches.
On the 4th of December, following, William Penn called together, at Chester,
the first Assembly, and Bucks With Philadelphia and Chester, formed the three
original counties. The members from Bucks were, William Yardley, Samuel
Darke, Robert Lucas, Nicholas Waln, John Wood, John Clows, Thomas
Fitzwater, Robert Hall, and James Boyden. Richard Noble was chosen the

* According to now style, 8th of November, 1682.

 of 1st month, 1083, in
first sheriir. a Council held at Philadelphia, the 23d
At
Governor, it was ordered, " That the seal of
the presence of the Proprietary and
"Vine."
ihe county of Bucks be a Tree and
organized 4he county, vn IG82, he selected
About the time that William Penn
an extensive tract of flne land on the banks of the Delaware, &ur or five miles
above where Bristol now stands, which he
called Pennsbury Manor, intending to
establish there his favorite eountry residence. He says in a letter he had bought

it a short time previously of an eld Indian King, and had once been a royalty
called Sepessin. I
This name also find on Lindsteomb's map of 1654, as
given

to the stream afterwards called AVelcome creek. This tract originally

contained
8,431 acres, but after 1C84, was reduced by various grants. Here, by the mar
gin of the Delaware, Penn got his mansion constructed in the years 1S82-3',

under the direction of his relative, Mahkham, at a cost of 7000, which at that
day was a great sum. For its better construction a considerable quantity
of the
most finished and ornamental materials had been brought from EngVatnd. Here
he lived after 1683 with his family for several years, and held numeroas treaties
and covenants with the Indians, religious meetings, &c.
The first English settlers located themselves along the Delaware, mostly in the
vicinity of the Falls, Pennsbury, and Bristol. They nearly all belonged to the
Society of Friends, and strong expectations were entertained by many of them at
first that the city of Philadelphia would be located either at Peansbury, or Bris
tol ; but it was deemed that the liver channel was too shallow for ship navigation
up so far as those places. From the arrival of Penn, we may date the continued
prosperity of the county, down to the present time, assisted, as it was, by a
steady influx of emigrants from Europe^
Phineas Pemberton, whom we have already mentioned, as having shortly ar
rived here after Penn, and who is so well and favorably known in the early an
nals of Bucks, was commissioned the first Clerk of the Court, as the following for
the flrst time published bears testimony :
"William Pehn, Prspriietary and Governor of the Provence of Pennsylvania and the
Territoriesthereunto belonging. To Phineas Pemberton greeting i Reposing confidence
I
In thy integrity and ability, do hereby constitute and appoint thee Clark of the Court of
the County of Bucks, to act in the same employment with all diligence, fajthfulness and
according to law ; and to receive the fees due as by law directed. This Commission to be
of force as long, as thou shalt well behave thyself therein. G-iven at Pennsbury the Twenty-
first of the Fifth month. One thousand six>hundred and eighty-three. Wm. Penk."

It appears the bounds of the county were sot clearly determined on till the 8th
of 2d month, 1685, when the Council passed the following resolution:
" Whereas, there is a necessity to ascertain the bounds of the several counties of Pennsyl
vania, in order to the raising and collecting of taxes, public monies, and otherways to adjust
the limits of the respective Sheriffs for the performing of their power and duty and also,.
that the people might know into what county they belong and appertain to answer their
duties and places ; and whereas, the Governor, in the presence of Thomas Janney and
Phineas Pemeeetoh, was pleased to say and grant that the bounds of the county of Bucks
and Philadelphia should be as follows :
" To begin at the mouth of Poetquessink creek on Delaware, and so
by the said creek,
and to take in the townships of Southampton and Warminster,- in obedience thereto and
confirmation thereof, the President and Council having seriously weighed and considered
t!ie same, have and do hereby agree and order that the bounde between the
said-oouBtier
rtiall bo thus : to begin at the month of Poetquessink
crock on Delaware river, and go ap
thence along the said creek by the several couroes thereof, to a southwest and northeosS
line, which said line divides the land belonging to Joseph Qbowdon and company, from
Southampton township; from thence by a line of marked trees along the said line 120
perches more or less, from thence northwest by a line of marked trees, which said lino iu
part divides the land belonging to Nicholas Moore' from Southampton and Warminster
townships, continuing the said line as far as the said county shall extend."*

The Council on the 2d of 11th month, 1G89, " Ordered that commissions of
the Peace be made for all the counties, and these persons following be inserted."
For Bucks, Arthur Cook, Joseph Growdbn, William Yardley, Thomas Janney,
William Biles, Nicholas Newlin, John Brook, and Henry Baker.
" Inquiry"
Concerning the Court of we believe nothing has yet been published.
The following commission constituting it was copied literally from the original
document now in possession of the Historical Society ; this is our apology for
giving it at length.
" William Penn, absolute Proprietary and governor in Chief of the Provence of Pennsyl
vania and territories thereunto belonging.
"To my Trusty and well beloved ffriends Phineas- Fembeeton, William Biles, and
Richard Houoh sendeth Greeting :
" Fr the compleat Settling and Establishing of Affairs of Property within the County of
Bucks in this Provence of Pensilvania. Know ye That Ihave constituted and appointed
you, and doe hereby appoint and Commission You the said Phineas Pemberton, William
Biles, and Richard Hough, or any two of You to hold a Court of Inijuiry, for examining.
Searching and Inquiring into the Rights, Titles and Claims of all and Singular the ffreehold-
ers or Inhabitants of the said County, to any Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments within
the same, at such times and places in the said county as to you shall seem most convenient.
Hereby granting unto you full power and authority by your Order or Warrant under the
hand of any two of you, to summon or cause to be summoned all persons concerned to
appear before you in the said Court, as you shall appoint ; to produce all Grants, Letters
Patent, Conveyances, Records, and all other Papers and Writings, as you shall see cause,
that in any wise relate to Their Titles or Claims as aforesaid. Also to commend and require
sU needful Officers, especially ye Constables of the said County, to attend your Service, a
there shall be occasion, who are hereby required and Commanded to obey all your Ordera
respectively herein. I
doe also hereby further Improve You the said Phiseas Pemberton,
William Biles, and Richard Hough, or any two of you, fully to inquire into the State f
my Quitrents in the said County, and diligently to examine what part of the Said Rent
have been paid, and to whom, and what remaineth behind unpaid, and to take and keep ai%
exact account thereof- Also carefully to inquire into all Escheats, ffines and fforfeitures,
that are fallen to me or become my due in ye sd County, And of all your Proceedings in pur
suance of this Commission make a due and faithful Report to me fairly in writing, under
your hands, to the end that ye State of Property in the Said County being particularly
known, the respective Inhabitants and ffreeholders may be the more effectually Settled and
Confirmed in all their just titles and Claims to lands therein. Given under my Hand and
great Seal of the Provence, at Philadelphia, the eighteenth day of the Tenth Month, 1700.
Wm. Penn."

From Phineas Pemberton's " Registry of all wills, letters of

administrations,"

&c., beginning with the 10th of 10 month, 1684 to 1693, in the Recorder's offlce,
we have evidence enough of the great mortality among the early settlers. This
no doubt, was much owing to change of life and country. From Pbmbbrton's
letters, we also learn, that in 1687, a great land flood and freshet at the Falls oc
casioned much sickness. On the 27th of 2d month, 1692, fi:om the sudden melt-

* Col. Records, i. 320.

 u
above usual high water maik. It
in" of the snow, the water rose twelve feet
reached the upper stories of some of the houses built on the low lands.
even
was a member of the Provincial Council.
The follow
In 1700, William Biles
appointed by Penn one of his council of State,
ing year Phineas Pemberton was
Joseph Growdon, John Swift,
and Samuel Preston to the Provincial Council.
Joshua Hoopes, and William Paxson were members of Assembly, of which
Joseph Growden as Speaker.
Henry Pax
William Croasdalb being sheriff, returned as members in 1707,
son, Samuel Darke, John Swift, William Paxson, Thomas Hillborn, Wil
liam Biles, Ezra Croasdalb, and Samuel Beaks. William Biles became coro
ner in 1717. In October, 1725, the following were elected members for Bucks':
Jeremiah Langhorn, William Biles, Joseph Fell, Abraham Chapman, Chris
tian Vanhorn, Mathew HutSHES, Benjamin Jones, and Thomas Watson.
The progress of settlement in Bucks is shown by a petition numerously signed,
praying the Council to grant them a road for the convenience of travel, from the
river Delaware to Philadelphia, which was passed by the Governor and Coun
cil, Nov. 3d, 1711 ; and was laid out the same month by Peter Cha.mberlain,
George Shoemaker, Daniel Thomas, Isaac Knight, Henry Bennet, John
Scarborough, Thomas Watson, Stephen Jenkbns, Nathaniel Bye, Mathew
Hughes, and Griffith Miles. It was commenced opposite John Reading's
landing, in Solebury, Meeting House, then through Thomas
to Buckingham
Watson's land, by the house of Stephen Jenkbns and George Shoemaker, to
Philadelphia. This is now known as the old York road ; and John Reading's
landing, in Solebury, as mentioned, was at a later period known as Howell's
Ferry, now Centre Bridge, four miles above New Hope.
In this country when the Europeans first came, they found much to interest
and surprise, occasioned by the novelty of things around them ; generally so
different from what they had been accustomed to. As an instance the follow
ing is Mr. Sandbl's account of the first general appearance of the locusts :
In May, 1715, a multitude of locusts came out of the ground everywhere, even on the
solid roads. They were wholly covered with a shell, and it seemed very wonderful that they
could with this penetrate the hard earth. Having come out of the earth, they crept out of
the shells, flew away, sat down on the trees, and made u peculiar noise till evenings. Be'
ing spread over the country in such numbers, the noise they made was so loud that the
cow-bells could scarcely be heard in the woods. They pierced the bark on the branches of
trees, and deposited their eggs in the opening. Many apprehended that the trees would
wither in consequence of this, but no symptom of it was observed next year. Hogs and
poultry fed on them. Even the Indians did eat them, especially when they flrst came, boil
ing them a little. They did not continue long, but died in the month of June. The same
year was very fruitful.*

In 1717, the governor. Sir William Keith, with the advice of the Council, ap
pointed the following persons Justices of the Peace, for the county of Bucks :
Joseph Kirkbride, Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas Stevenson, Thomas Watson,
EvERAHD Boulton, Thomas Watson, of Buckiugham, William Biles, Anthony
Burton, John Snowden, Joseph Bond, John Hall, and Christopher Vansant,
and a Commission is ordered to pass the Great Seal.f
By an act of the General Assembly, passed March 20th, 1724, the county build
ings for Bucks were directed to be built at Newtown, as
being more central and

*Clay'8 Swedish Annals. fCol. Records, iii. 18,

Convenient for the people. Heretofore the courts and county business had been
transacted at Bristol, for nearly a quarter of a century, but as the population
kept steadily extending itself upwards more into the country, the change had
become desirable. We believe the courts were not held at Newtown till 1725,
owing probably till on or near the completion of the court house.
To Bucks county belongs the honor of having one of the earliest Seminaries of
learning in the State. The Rev. William Tennent came from Ireland, in 1718,
and three years after settled in Bensalem ; from thence about 1728, he removed
to the Neshaminy, in Warwick township, and established here an Academy,
which was more particularly intended for the education of ministers for the Pres
byterian church. As Mr. Tennent was much celebrated for his profound and
accurate acquaintance with the Latin and Greek classics, which he taught here
with great success, his school justly became distinguished as having pro
duced some of the earliest and ablest divines in the church, among whom could
be named Rowland, Lawrence, Campbell, Beatty, Robinson, Blair, and the
four sons of Mr. Tennent, Gilbert, William, John, and Charles. Inconse
quence of having been constructed of logs, this school has been popularly denomi
nated the the " Log
College."

The following Justices of the Peace were commissioned for Bucks, the 22d of
November, 1738 ; William Biles, Joseph Kirkbride, Thomas Canby, Thomas
Yardley, Mathew Hughes, Lawrence Growdon, Benjamin Jones, Isaac Pen
nington, Abraham Pennington, Abraham Chapman, Simon Butler, John
Wells, Mathew Kuw, Richard Mitchell, of Durham, and the Chief Burgess of
Bristol, for the time being.
To show the changes of the seasons formerly, we extract the following from
Comly 's sketches of Byberry :
" Old people used to tell us that the winters formerly were more remarkable for cold
weather, and that there was more snow than of latter time. In the hard winter of 1740,
the snow covered the fences; and the crust on the top of it was so firm that it would bear
sleds and horses, so that people could travel in any direction, without reference to roads. We
are also told of a very moderate winter, the ground being so little frozen that they could
plough all winter with the exception of two or three days."*

An act was passed the 11th of March, 1752, to erect the northwestern part
of Bucks into a separate county ; the necessity of which will appear obvious in
the following extract :
" Whereas a great number of the inhabitants of the upper parts of the county of Bucks,
by their petition, have humbly represented to the Governor and Assembly of this provence
the great hardships they lay under by being so remote from the present seat of judicature,
and the public offices, that the necessary means to be used for obtaining justice is attended
with so much difficulty and expense, that many forego their right, rather than attempt the
recovery of it under such circumstances, while others, sensible of these difficulties, commit
great villanies with impunity. For remedying whereof, and for relief of the inhabitants.
Be it enacted. That all and singular the lands lying within the provence of Pennsylvania,
aforesaid, be erected into a county, and the same is hereby erected into a county, named,
and henceforth to be called, Northampton ; to be divided from the county of Bucks by tha
upper or norihwestward line of Durham tract, to the upper corner thereof ; then by a streight
line to be run southwestwardly to the line dividing Philadelphia and Bucks counties ; and
provence."
then by that line to the extremity of the said
Previous to the passage of this act, Bucks in its extent underwent no altera-

*Hist. Soc. Memoirs, ii. 185.

 20

period of seventy years, and mMt

tions from the time oflts formation in 1082, a
have then contained at least 1301
square miles. That is by allowing it to have
Delaware, exten
extended Kittatinny mountains, though it really, on the
to the
ded, as we shall see, somewhat further. The division line of 1685 extended in a.
northwest course from the Poetquessing creek, to an indefinite length, but finally
as the population spread, was terminated at the Kittatinny or Blue mountains,
then some distance beyond any white settlements. From the county records we
learn that William Allen and Nicholas Depub, as early as 1733, purchased
great tracts of lands above the mountains on the Delaware, which are stated to
be in Bucks. Mention is likewise made of a Shawnee town. One island, called
Maw-wallamink, containing 126 acres, is stated to be opposite Depub's place of
residence; the other containing 146 acres, is called the Great Shawnee Island, and
being opposite the said Indian town. The lands about the confluence of the Le
high and Delaware rivers, were mostly taken up about 1737 ; when Benjamin
Eastburn, the surveyor-general, laid out several tracts, containing upvyards of
3,000 acres, for William Allen of Philadelphia. About 1738 to 1740, the
Moravians settled in and near Bethlehem and NaEareth, and what is now known
as Milford, Saucon, and several adjoining townships had been settled sometime
earlier. So Northampton, at the time of its formation, most probably contained
.several thousand inhabitants, and a majority of these resided upwards of forty
miles from Newtown, the county seat of Bucks. With our present conveniences,
we can hardly realize the difficulties that beset the hardy pioneers.
In the time of the French and Indian war in the year 1756, the people of this
county organized, for their protection, nine associated companies, as they were
called, containing 513 men, but their services we believe never were required.
The following list of officers is given from the Archives.*
Alexander Graydon, Capt. William Ramsey, Capt.
Mathias Keen, Lieut. John Johnson, Lieut.
John Priestly, Ensign. John Adams, Ensign.
Private men, 50. Private men, 56.

Henry Creusen, Capt. Henry Lott, Capt.

Josiah Vansant, Lieut. Garrett Wynkoop, Lieut.
Andrew Van Boskirk, Ensign. Lufibrd Laffordson, Ensign.
Private men, 50. Private men, 74.

Jacob Orndt, Capt. Joseph Inslee, Capt.

Anthony Miller, Lieut. John Zubers, Lieut.
Nicholas Conrad, Ensign. Joseph Inslee, Jr., Ensign.
Private men, 33. Private men, 62.

Anthony Teate, Capt Jonathan Palmer, Capt.

Robert Cummings, Lieut. Luther Calvin, Lieut.
James Cummings, Ensign. Thompson Price, Ensign.
Private men, 40. Private men, 108.
Charles Stewart, Capt.
Private men, 40.

Vol. JiJ. 20.

 To thesame source we are likewise indebted for the following list of Justices
of the Peace in 1757 ; several of which have curious notices appended to their
names. It appears that they had been commissioned the 9th of June, 1752 ; but
for certain reasons several had refused to serve, or else had become incapacitated
through bodily infirmities. What future action the Governor and Council took
on this matter is not known.
Affirmed, Abraham Chapman, dead.
Sworn, Mathew Hughs, very old and infirm.
Sworn, Simon Butler.
Affirmed, Eanion Williams ; scarce ever comes to Court and refuses to give ta
oath.
Sworn, John Abraham Denormandie ; in the Assembly.
Sworn, Alexander Graydon.
Affirmed, Thomas Janney.
Sworn, Richard Walker.
Sworn, John Jamison.
Affirmed, William Buckley ; refuses to give an oath.
Sworn, John Hart ; old and impaired by apoplexy.
Affirmed, John Chapman.
Sworn, John Wilson.
Affirmed, William Rodman ; refuses to give the oath, &c.
Affirmed, Gilbert Hicks.
qualified
The following in the same Commission who have not been :

Mahlon Kirkbride, refuses.

Langhorne Biles, refuses.
Septimus Robinson.
John Watson, Jr., refuses.
William Paxson, refuses.*
From the formation of the county to the commencement of the Revolution, cen
tury had nearly elapsed, yet in all this time, peace, tranquility and contentment
prevailed within her borders ; the historian cannot chronicle here scenes of vio
lence and bloodshed. The whites, though composed of the different nations of
Europe, not only lived in harmony with the natives, but with each other ; thus
the country rapidly advanced in population, knowledge, and the arts and sci
kindness,
ences. Love thy neighbor as thyself, was practically carried out by the
justice, and generosity of the eariy settlers. The Indians the rude and untutored
noblest traits that
sons of the forest reciprocated every act, with some of the
adorn human nature. During the long and bloody wars on our frontiers, which

continued with little intermission from 1744 to 1764, scenes of the most
atrocious

and barbarous character were enacted, as if each side endeavored to excel

the
people adhered to their pacific character
other in cruelty ; the of Bucks county
and remained unmol4ted. Had the Proprietaries and successors of
Willlam
; the
adhered to his principles, no doubt the result would have been different
Penn
people here were sensible of their misconduct, and long, no doubt, before the Rev
might choose their own
olution was thought of, a change was desired, that they
government as best suited their wishes. But the
rulers and control the affairs of

*Ib. iii., 182.

 28
antici-
event, yea, sooner, it seems than was
wheel of Time was hastening the progress, till
speed increased with its
pated. Like the mountain avalanche, its
impetuosity.
no obstacles could resist its

CHAPTER VII.

The Commencement of the Revolution.

Bucks, held at
Ata meeting of a number of the inhabitants of the county of
July, 1774, Gil-
Newtown, agreeable to notice given, on Saturday the 9th day of
RBRT Hicks, Esq., was appointed Chairman, and William
Walton, Secretary.
The chairman, having taken his place, in a short address to the company
ex

plained the nature and intention of the meeting, when they proceeded to business,
harmony.
which was carried on and finished with the greatest propriety and
" In this time of public distress, when, by the operation of divers acts of the British
Parliament, the Americans are subjected to the universal control of a Legislature, in
which
held, at
they are not represented. The inhabitants of the county of Bucks, at a meeting
gentlemen ;is committee
Newtown, on the 9th day of July, appointed the following a to

represent them at a meeting of the several committees of the respective counties of Penn
July, inst., viz : John Kidd, Joseph
sylvania, to be held at Philadelphia, the 15th day of
Kirs:bride, Joseph Hart, James Wallace, Henry Wynkoop, Samuel Foolke, and
Joseph Wilkinson.
" After which the sense of the inhabitants of the said county, was recommended to them as
general rules for their conduct at the said meeting in the following resolves, viz :

"Resolvsd, That the inhabitants of this county have the same opinion of the dangerous
tendency of the claims of the British Parliament, to make laws, binding on the inhabitants
of these Colonies, in all cases whatsoever, without their consent, as other our fellow Amei-
ican subjects have.
" Resolved, That it is the duty of every American, when opprest by measures either ot
Ministry, Parliament, or any other power, to use every lawful endeavor to obtain relief, and
to form and promote a plan of union, between the Parent country and Colonies, in which
the claim of the Parent country may be ascertained, and the liberties of the Colonies defined
and secured, that no cause of contention, in future, may arise to disturb that harmony, 80
necessary for the interest and happiness of both ; and that this will be best done, in a Gen
eral Congress, to be composed of Delegates, to be appointed either by the respective
Colonial Assemblies, or by the members thereof in convention.
" A large
majority of the Committee chosen on the loth of December last, in pursuance
of notice for that purpose given, assembled in Newtown, January 16th, 1775, and unani
mously chose Joseph Hart, Esq., Chairman, and John Chapman, Secretary.
" The
Committee then taking into consideration the measures recommended by the Con
tinental Congress, for the redress of American grievances, entered into the following resolves,
unanimously :
" 1st.
That we highly approve of the pacific measures recommended by the Continental
Congress, for redress of American grievances, and do hereby render our unfeigned thanks to
the worthy gentlemen who composed that august Assembly, for the faithful discharge of the
trust reposed in them.
" 2d. That we hold ourselves bound in justice to ourselves, our posterity, our king and
 29

otir country, strictly to observe and keep the association of said Congress, especially as it is
recoiuincndod to us by the united voice of our reprosentfttives in Assembly, and as a Com-
mitte'e^ will use our utmost endeavors to have it carried into execution.
"3d. That wo hold it as our bounden duty, both as christians and as countrymen, to
contribute towards the relief and support of the poor inhabitants of the town of Boston, now
flufl'ering in the general cause of all the colonies; and do hereby recommend the raising of
a sum of money for that purpo>ie, to every inhabitant or taxable in this county, as soon as
possible.

'^Tho Committee then taking into consideration a late resolve of the Committee of the
city of Philadelphia, setting forth an absolute necessity that the Committees of the counties
of this Provence, or their Deputies, are requested to meet together in Provincial Conven
tion on the 23rd day of January, instant, cannot conceive from any information we have
had, the necessity of such Provincial Convention, or that any good effects can be produced
thereby, towards carrying into execution the association so clearly pointed out to us by the
Contineutal Congress.
*' Voted,That Joseph Hart, Joh^ Wilkinson, Hgnry Wynkoop, Joseph Watson, and
John Chapman, or any three of them, ,be a committee of correspondence ; and that Henrv
WvNKoop be Treasurer, to receive such charitable donations as may be collected in pursu
ance of the third resolve of this committee."

The county committee met again on the 8 th of May following, at the house of
Richard Lebdom, and there boldly declared the following as their sentiments :
'^Resolved unanimously^ That we do heariily approve of the resolves of the late Pro
vincial Convention, held at Philadelphia, the 23rJ daj of January last, and do earnestly
recommend it to the observation of the inhabitants of this county.

^'Resolved unanimously., That notwithstanding the disapprobation we have hitherto

shown to. the prosecution of any violent measures of opposition, arising from tho hopes and ex
pectations, that the humanity, justice and magnanimity of the British nation would not fail
of affording us relief, being now convinced, that all our most dutiful applications have hitherto
been fruitless and vain, and that attempts are now making to carry the oppressive acts of
Parliament into execution by military force ; we do therefore earnestly recommend to the
people of this county to form themselves into associations, in their respective townships, to
improve themselves in the military art, that they may be rendered capable of affording their
country that aid which its particular necessities may at any time require. Joseph Hart,
John Kidd, Joseph Kirkbride, Jasies Wallace, and Henry Wynkoop, or any three of
them, are appointed as delegates to meet in Provincial Convention, if any should be found
necessary.
'* The Committee request all persons who have taken subscriptions for the relief of the

poor of Boston, as soon as possible to collect and pay the same into the hands of the trea
surer, Henry Wynkoop, that it speedily may be applied towards the benevolent purpose for
which it was intended; and, at the same time, to give those who have not subscribed, an
opportunity to contribute also.
" Cy order of the Committee. Henry Wynkoop, Clerk ^ro temp."

It is with gratification
that our researches have enaoled us to record the early
and noble stand that our forefathers took in the impending struggle, fully a year
and two months before the famous Declaration of Independence by Congress.
As an illustration the following letter from a gentleman in this county to his friend
in Philadelphia, dated, May 9th, 1775, confirms :
*' Our Committee met yesterday. From their resolves you will find
they have adopted
your plan, and recommend our associating into companies to learn the military exercise of
arms Some townships have already begun, and many others, animated with the same zoal
for the welfare of their country, will, I
trust, readily fall in with the plan, a knowledge of
which, we have great reason to fear, we shall be soon called upon to give a proof of. The
unanimity, prudence, spirit and firmness, which appeared in the deliberations of yesterday
 80

do honor to Buckscounty, and will, Ihope, in some measure, wipe off those aspersions we too'
deservedly lay under. A large number of the inhabitants being assembled, the resolves of
the day were made public, who testified their highest approbation of conduct of tho Com
mittee, and unanimously voted them the thanks of the county. A disciple of those species-
of creatures, called Tories, being formally introduced to a tar barrel, of which he waj
repeatedly pressed to smell, thought prudent to take leave abruptly, lest a more intimate
acquaintance with it should take
place."

Jqseph Galloway, of Bensalem township, who had been speaker of the As

sembly, was appointed by that body of the delegates from Pennsylvania to the
General Congress in Philadelphia, in September, 1774. He was an active parti
cipant in its leading recommendations and measures. On the 20lh of October,
Congress adopted the celebrated measure of " non-importation, non-consumption,
non-exportation,"
and and ordered that the several members subscribe their
names to it, among which is Mr. Galloway's signature. At the close of the session'
he was appointed with Mr. Adams and others, to revise the minutes of Congress.
At this time no man in Pennsylvania was more in favor with the popular party.
In the attack on the proprietary rights, he had been regarded the leader ; and with
Fbanklin, he was on terms of intimacy and confidence. At his request the As
sembly the 12th of May, 1775, agreed to excuse him from serving any longer as
a member of the Continental Congress. At this time, as may be well sup
posed, this led to various surmises, when he immediately issued the following cir
cular, which, from its length, we are compelled to reduce to our limited space :
TO THE PUBLIC.
" Whereas the following false reports have been industriously propagated with the ma
licious design of injuring my character with the public, viz : ' That I had insulted the
delegates of the present Congress, at Bristol, and declared that they were an unlawful body
of men, and that the Magistrates ought to disperse them :' And ' That I have wrote letters
to the Ministry inimical to America.' Now in justice to my own reputation, and that the
good people of this provence may not be deceived by such groundless falsehoods, I
do de
clare that these reports are malicious and without the least foundation. M ^ *
AU that I have to request of my countrymen on this or the like occasions is, that they will
deal with so much candor and justice towards me, as to discredit any malevolent reports
I
until the authors shall exhibit some proof in support of their charges. This trust no good
man will think unreasonable, as he cannot but be aware, that the most innocent may be*
condemned, unless, this great rule of justice be observed. JOSEPH GALLOWAY.
" Trevose, May 12th, 1776."
The County Committee met again the 22d of January, 1776, and issued th*
following notice in which they knew the public had an interest from the emer
gencies likely to ensue :
" The Committee of safety of this provence have lately published a process for making
saltpetre, with a view to induce the inhabitants of this colony to sot about the work ; but
as no description, however exact, can so fully answer the purpose of instruction as an actual
exhibition of the process, this Committee, at the request of the Committee of Safety, has ap
pointed James Wallace, Andkew KicHLEis, and Joseph Penton, Jun., to
attend the
saltpetre works in Philadelphia, so as to obtain a competent knowledge
of the method
practiced at the saltpetre works there, that they may be qualified to exhibit
the process to
uoh persons as are desirous of being useful to their country, by entering into the manufac
ture of that useful and necessary commodity; and James Wallace is also appointed to
receive all the saltpetre that shall be made in tliis county, who will be furnished with pow
der, to pay in that article one-fourth part the value of the sailtpetre, and the rest of tht
price will bo punctually paid in cash
by Mr. Wallace. By order of the Committee.
JOSEPH HART, Choitmatt."
 31

It cannot now btit be a matter of surprise to any person who is familiar with
the history and progress of the Revolution, what admirable foresight
our citizens
displayed in the above, and the
following ; at a time, too, when independence had
not been declared, and a direct appeal to arms had become necessary.
Such a
people would be free ! and history nowhere presents
the like.
Buds Coimty, in Committee, 26th March. 1776.
" Resolved, That the Committee man in each township be appointed to purchase, aa
soon
as possible, all the arms that he judges fit for service, that may be found in
his township,
that are not made use of by Associators; and the owners will sell and deliver
the same to
He.n-et WrsKoop, Esq., in the lower district; to James Wallace, middle district;
and to
Saudel Smith, in the upper district; who are hereby appointed to receive the same, to
pay
for them, and send them to Philadelphia, agreeable to the request of the Committee
of
Safety, contained in their letter of the 23rd of March, 1776 ; and that information be given
to the Colonels of the several Battalions of Associators in this county, of the present critical
situation of our affiiirs, and that they may be requested to use their utmost abilities and
diligence to put their several Battalions in the best order that the
nature of the thing will
admit of, to be ready to march immediately, if it should be thought necessary ; and it i
expected and required, that every township and Committee man do
every thing in his power
to assist the officers in carrying the above resolve into execution.
" A true copy from the Minutes. Joseph Hart, Chairman.
''John Cox, Clerk pro temp."

CHAPTER Vm. Thb Rbtolotioit.

On the 18th of June, 1776, a conference was called at Philadelphia, of dele

gates from all the connty committees. Thomas McEean was President, and Col.
Joseph Hast, of Bucks, Yice President. Their object was to prescribe the mode
of electing delegates to a great provincial convention, for forming a new constitu
tion, and the qualifications of electors who might vote for delegates. All persons
suspected, or publicly denounced, as enemies to the liberties of America, and who
would not abjure allegiance to the King of Great Britain, were excluded from
voting. The Declaration of Independence, on the 28th of June, was reported to
Congress, and passed by every vote of the Colonies, on the 4lh of July, 1776. On
the 15th following, the convention for forming the constitution of the State of
Pennsylvania met, and elected Benjamin Franklin President. The members
from Bucks, were John Wilkinson, Samuel Smith, John Keller, "William
Vanhobn, John Gsier, Abraham Van Middlewarts, and Joseph Kirkbride.
These gentlemen not only entered upon the task of forming the constitution, but
assumed the legislative power of the State. The new constitution was completed
on the 28th of September, and soon after went into operation.
Independence had been openly declared, and it was now to be maintained by
the last resort an appeal to arms, to be followed by a long and bloody war.
The close of the year 1776, was a gloomy period. In the summer, the British,
with a powerful army, attacked New York. Washington attempted to defend
it ; but the disastrous battle of Long Island threw the city into their power. He
 32

year beheld him, with a handful of half-

entered New Jersey, and the end of the
The fate of the country
clad, starving men, retreating before a victorious
foe.

appeared to be decided. In this county, he determintd to make a stand, and de

Coryell's Ferry (now New Hope,) to Bristol.
fend all tlie passes of the river, from
At Newtown he established his head-quarters, and urged upon^ Congress the ne

cessity of immediately reinforcing the

army. The enemy posted themselves along
bridge by which
the Jersey side of the Delaware, waiting for the ice to form a
they might reach Philadelphia.
The affairs of America now wore a serious aspect. A considerable
part of

New Jersey was in possession of the enemy. The American army had lost during
the campaign, near 5,000 men, by captivity and the sword ; and the few remain
upon the eve of beipg disbanded,
ing regular troops, amounting to 2,000 men, were
as their enlistments had been for only one year. In this dilemma. Congress in
vested General Washington with great power ; and the Council of Safety, at
Philadelphia, the 17th of December, issued the following :

Resolved, That it be recommended to General Washington to issue orders immediately

for the Militia of Bucks and Northampton counties forthwith to join his army, and to send
out parties to disarm every person who does not obey the summons, and to seize and treat as
enemies all such as shall attempt to oppose the execution of this measure, and likewise every
person in the said counties who is known or suspected to be enemies of the United States."

In of this call the militia of Bucks, and of several adjoining counties,

pursuance
flocked to Washington's standard with alacrity in considerable numbers.
The enemy's strongest post was at Trenton, where were 1200 Hessians under
the command of Colonel Rawle. Washington had occupied the heights this side
of the river, in full view of the enemy. A few cannon shot were now and then
exchanged across the river, but without doing execution on either side. For seve
ral weeks the armies lay in this position. In the meantime the spirit of liberty,
aroused by the ravages committed in New Jersey, by the British army, began to
revive in every part of the country. Fifteen hundred Associators, marched from the
city of Philadelphia to reinforce the expiring army. On the evening of the 25th
of December, General Washington marched from his quarters, with his little
army of regular troops, to M'Konkey's Ferry, now Taylorsville, with the design of
surprising the enemy's post at Trenton. He had previously given orders to Gen
eral Irvine, with a small body of militia to cross the Delaware below Trenton,
so as to cut off the retreat of the enemy towards Bordenlown. He likewise ad
vised General Cadwalladbr at the same time to cross the river at Dunks' Ferry,
three miles below Bristol, in order to surprise the enemy's post at Mount Holly.
Unfortunately, the extreme coldness of the night increased the ice to
that degree,
that it was impossible for the militia to cross either in boats or on
foot. General
Washington, from the peculiar nature of that part of the river,
met with fewer
obstacles from the ice, and happily crossed about daylight.
He immediately di
vided his little army, and marched them through two roads
towards Trenton,
a distance of six miles. About eight o'clock the enemy's outpost
on the road was
driven in ; and in three minutes heard the fire from
the column which had taken
the river road. The picket-guard attempted to keep up a fire
while retreating, but
was pursued with such ardor as to be unable to make a
stand. Colonel Rawlk
in the commencement of the action was
mortally wounded ; upon which the
troops in apparent confusion, attempted
to gain the road to Princeton. General
Washixgtok threw a detachment into their front, while he advanced rapidly on
them in person. Finding themselves surrounded, and tlieir artillery already seized
they laid down their arms and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. About
20 of the enemy were killed, and about 1000 made prisoners. Six field-pieces and
1000 stand of small arms were also taken. Private baggage was immediately
rendered sacred by a general order.* About one hundred of the enemy escaped
by the lower road to Bordcntown. On the part of the Americans, two privates
were killed, two frozen to death, and one officer anj three or four privates woun -
ded. Count Donop, who commanded the troops below Trenton, on hearing the
disaster which had befallen Colonel Rawle, retreated to Princeton. General
Mifflin joined General Irvixe. with about 1500 Pennsylvania militia, and those
troops crossed the river and united with General Cadwalladeb's. Washington
finding himself once more at the head of a foree with which it seemed practicable
to act offensively, determined to employ the winter in endeavoring to recover
Jersey.
On the night before the battle. General Cadwallader had under his command
about 1800 men near Bristol. With these he intended to attack about the same
time the enemy's post at Mount Holly. At
Dunks' Ferry, he attempted to cross,
but unfortunately, the extreme coldness of the night increased the ice in the river
to that degree that was impossible for the militia to do it, either in boats or on
it
foot. After many attempts, till near 4 o'clock in the morning, they reluciantly
abandoned it, and returned to their quarters. The next day, however, found them
at Trenton.
Soon after the battle the Hessian prisoners, nearly a thousand in number, with
their arms, six brass field pieces, eight standards, and a considerable quantity of
munitions of war, were brought near Newtown, under the command of Captain
Murray. On the 29th, they were marched to Philadelphia to be sent to Lancaster.
It issaid their journey through this county caused a great sensation ; and on those
that beheld it, made an impression that could not easily be forgotten. The Hes
sians were well clad, with large knapsacks, and spatterdashes to their legs, with
downcast looks. While on either side of them as guard, in single file, were our
countrymen at the end of December, in their worn-out summer uniforms, some
even without shoes, yet stepping light and cheerful.
General Washington, on the 28th, again made Newtown his head-quarters.

From here Clement BiDDLB, the deputy quarter-master general, sent an urgent
letter to the Council of Safety, hoping that if they
" could by any means, furnish
relief." And further says :
shoes and stockings for our troops, it would be a great
" have, by his Excellency's command, requested the Committee of this county to
I
collect all they can find, which the inhabitants can spare ; but the movement of
our army prevents the sending any oflicers on this service, and it certainly will be
persons ap
more acceptable to the inhabitants to have them collected by some
pointed by the government of the Stale ; and they shall be immediately paid for on
Quarters."
the delivery at Head
General Washington after staying a few days at Newtown, crossed the Delaware,
and on the 3rd of January, 1777, was engaged with the enemy at Princeton. Lerd
Stirling, who was stationed in command at Newtown, on the 4th instant, writes :

* Marshall's Ufe of Washington.

 34

"' I was ill with the rheumatism before our first expedition to Trenton, but fatigue and
liardshipa I endured
for forty hours, in the wcrst weather I
ever saw, rendered me unfit for
further duty in the field ; General Washingto.*?, therefore, placed me here to do the best I
coulJ to secure the ferries and upper part of the country against any surprise, or to pass
above. I I I
will do the best can. with the few have to command.
" THo.\r.iii
Watsom, a man of very good character, has made my heart bleed for him ; ha
h^5 refuse 1 the Continentnl money for hay, necessary for the subsistence of our troops. I
I I
confined him ; he is a good man by all accounts ; have released him ; have suffered him on
his parole to go and abide with his family, till your further order; I
do not like to meddle with
these civil matters, and for God's sake take them off my shoulders. I
have a number of
prisoners from the enemy's army,
pouring in upon me ; but tell me what I
am to do with
them."*
The Council of Safety at Philadelphia, on the 19th of February, issued an order
to Joseph Hart, Richard Gibbs, and Henry Wynkoop, the County Committee, to
remove all the records, &c., from the residence of the Prothonotary and Clerk of
the Court. In reply, the 22d instant, to the Council, they say that they " repaired
to the house of Isaac Hicks, at Newtown, received from Mrs. Hicks all the papers
she alledged to be in the house, and deposited the same in the public offlce ; and
having examined the records there, which we found to consist of the following
books, viz : The Records of Deeds from Book A to Book F, 3 vols, each, exceptthe
third vol. of Book A. Orphans' Court Books from A to G, one vol. each, except
vol. E. Will Books from A to C, one vol. extended to the year 1776, from which
we apprehend that all the public records belonging to said offlce are
there except
two volumes now in your possession ; we likewise have ordered the magazine
to
be removed, which will be done to-morrow."

It has been erroneously published that about this time the records of the county
had been deposited in Growdon's old fire-proof in Bensalem,
and where they had
been for a long time previous, and that
after Joseph Galloway joined the British,
the office had been broken open and the papers all
strewed about, to the use of any
who might choose to possess them. In
reply to this, would say, that from a very
early period at least, the County records and papers have
invariably followed the
seats of Justice ; and the books in the
Recorder's offlce are all complete to the
present day, as is stated above
by the County Committee.
About the close of the year 1776, when the cause of
America seemed to be ex-
piring, and the attack on Trenton had
not yet been made, to revive the drooping
spirits of the land, Joseph
Galloway, like many others, in this greatest hour of
need, deserted his country, doubtless
thinking that Britain's powerful arm would
soon crush these colonies, and his best
policy would therefore be to secure her
friendship in time. The people of Bucks were not surprised
at this, as we have
already mtimated in our previous number ; and
their suspicions proved not unfonn-
'''""^ ^''
*='"="'" '"' ^'""'*'^ *^^"' approaching a crisis,
Ta
and
-
required1 this
'u"*'. ?
delay only to know which side would be
likely to prove success-
ful for his interests to join. After he
had fled from his family and the
cause of
his country the Supreme Executive
Council of Pennsylvania, the 2d of April, is-
sued the following order to the
Sheriffs and Magistrates of Bucks :
Cf..W:_Mrs. Galloway is apprehensive of receiving some
perhaps injary to her effects insults t^ her person and
base conduct of Mr gLlo-
from the public, on account of the
WAT towards this State in particular. * * * Therefore recommend it youl pre-
to
~ ~
*Pnna. Archives.
 3;"i

VcnV so TiT aa in your power, any insult being otferod to Mis, U.ai.oWAr ; and the public
may rest assured that duo notice will be taken of all offenders against the peace and wel-
<are of tWs State.

It is truly gratifying to say that such instances aio highly honorable to the
enlightened patriots of the dayvand speak volumes of tho motives that
actuated
them. Would we could say a.s much of their enemies.
The Legislature of the State under tho new Constitution, at Philadelphia, on
the !7th of March, 1777, passed a militia law by which they established a sort
of military tribunal in each county, composed of five officers a Lieutenant, and
four sub-Lieutenants, with the rank of Colonel, and Lieutenant Colonels, respec-
livcjy. These officers were to hold Courts, to class and district the militia, to
organize them into regiments and companies, to hold the elections for officers, io
Call out the classes, to find substitutes in the place of delinquents, and fines to be
collected and paid into the State Treasury, with other extensive duties
enumerated in the law. Captain John Lacbt, a native of this county, having
served with his company, in the 4th Pennsylvania battalion, under, the command
of Col. Anthony Wayne, in the expedition to the northward, in 1776, was one
of the most active and zealous in the prosecution of the business. Having suc
ceeded ia organiKing the militia of Bucks, Mr. L. carried in the returns of the
officers ; when he was complimented by the Executive Council, as being the first
who had complied with the requisition of the law. The militia of the district
where he lived chose him for their Lieutenant Colonel : and as this appointment
did not interfere with his duties as sub-Lieutenant, he was commissioned a
Lieutenant Colonel, on the Cth of May, 1777, and continued to act in both ca
pacities.

We presume it is not generally known that Gen. Benedict Arnold wa9 sta
tioned, awhile, at Coryell's ferry, now called New Hope, with a command of
troops tlie same who afterwards gained so much notoriety for his treason. At
the instance of the Executive Council, Arnold and Gen. Potter made an exami
nation of all the fords from Trenton to Coryell's. The object of this was to ena
ble the Americans in conductio,g their future opBratiDns,on the Delaware, to have
a more thorough knowledge of these important passes. We give below Arnold's
report from Coryell's ferry, dated 2d of April, 1777, to President Wharton.
At the present day it certainly would be interesting to know whether the river
bag materially altered at those places, after an interval of 77 years.
" About two miles above Trenton ferry, at Mahlon Kikkbeide's farm, there is a ford
which is passable when the river is low ; at this time there is five feet^wator the river here
is still and wid.
" At Yardley's ferry, four miles above Tirenton, the river, at the head of the island below
the ferry, is ford4ible, when the river is low ; at this time there is near four feet of water,
somewhat rapid at the ferry it is dead water, and a good place to lay a bridge of pontoons ;
the river is about 3ft0 yards wide ; a good road from Princeton leads to the ferry.
" Sander's falls, two miles and a half higher, there is a ford, rapid four and a half feet
water, about 150 yards to the island and 400 over.
" At Brown's ferry, two miles above Sander's falls, there is still water 250 to 300 yards
over. Koads from Penny town, Maidenhead, Princeton and Brunswick como directly to this
ferry.
Knowles' pass 125 yards over, rapid
^' At <!0V0, two miles above Brown's ferry, is a narrow
and deep. No roads of consequence lead to this place.
 88
Knowles'
.',AIPetit'a ferry, one mile above cove, Is a fording place four or four nnJa
ihalf feet water, 300 yards over, still water.
"To the foot of Well's falls is three and a half miles from Petit's ; here is deep water, 150
place.
yards over; the country rough on each side; several roads lead to this
" From the foot of the falls of Coryell's ferry is one and a quarter miles, rapid, deep and
over."
wide, one island between. At the ferry still and 400 yards

In July, 1777, the British with a powerful army under the command of Sir
Willum Howe, embarked at New York, evidently intending an attack on Phi!
Adelphia, On the 25th of August, they landed at the head of the Chesapeake bay
And moved in two divisions, towards Chad's Ford, on the Brandywine. Thecit
izens of Bucks, with their usual foresight, prepared themselves for the emergen
.cjes that might ensue, should Philadelphia be taken. In apprehension of this,
((Dol.Henry Wyncoop, of Northampton township, appointed the following per-
iSons to drive offall stock and cattle, whenever the approach of the enemy made
it necessary. Subsequent events, showed the policy of this, as it was one of the
jmeans that afterwards caused much distress to the British, and hastened their de-
^pu-tore from the city.
Bensalem. Benjamin Severns, Lawrence Johnson, Henry Bouser.
Bristol Borough. David Kennedy.
Bristol Township. Robert Patterson, John Bamsley.
Falls. Thomas Harvey, William Kilpatrick, Henry Pitner.
Middletown. Jonathan Hibbs, William Goslin, James Gregg.
Southampton. Simon Yanarsdale, Nicholas Yanarsdale, Seth Beans.
Northampton. Garret Dungan, Jacob Bennet, Christian Hegeman.
Newtown. Peter Lefferts, Abraham Johnson.
Lower Makefield. Peter Vansant, Cornelius Slack, Cornelius Vansant.
Upper Makefield. James Mathews, James McNear, James Tolbert.
Wrightstown. James Barron, Henry McKinstry.
Wwwicjc. Benjamin Snodgrass, Jr.,
Andrew McMicken, James Ramsey.
VTorminster. Isaac Hough, Charles Garrison.
Warrington. William Long, Robert Wier.
New Britain. Sanmel Wier, John Barton,
Bftokingham. John Carr,
John Sampler, William Sitapson, William Bennet-
Solebury. Barnet Vanhorn,
William Neily, Josiah Winter,
Plumstead. Robert Gibson, John Dunlap, David Nesbit.
Bedminster.- Andrew Armstrong, Robert McNeily,
Peter Stout.
Hilltown, James Armstrong, Henry Lewis.
James Bbnezet, John Vandbgrift, and Richard Gibbs, were appointed a com
mittee of Correspondence, to receive the orders of
President Wharton, and to car
ry Hie orders of the Executive Council in execution.
In the return of the militia belonging to the State, September
6tb, Bucks coun
ty is reported to have in service, rank and file, 154 men, under
the command of
Folwell ; 3 had previously been discharged, and none deserted, l^ the
return of the other counties, at the same time, we
observe a number given as hav
ing deserted.
The battle of Brandywine took place on the 11th of
September, and resulted
in the defeat of the Americans. On the 26th, General Howe,
crossed the Schuyl-
toll without opposition, and entered Philadelphia, at the
head of a detachment
 37

of Biitish And Hessian grenadiers, and was welcome! by tho royalists with tran
sports of joy. While on the other hand, Washington and hia army the 18th of
December went into winter-quarters at Valley Forge.

CHAPTER IX. The Rbvohjtion Continobd.

Colonel Lacby, was commissioned a Brigadier General on the 9th of January,

1778, and to him was given the command of the militia between the rivers Schuyl
kill and Delaware. A few days after the appointment, Gen> Lacey was stationed
at Gilbert Rodman's, in Warwick. On the 23d, Gen. Washington sent him hi*
orders from head-quarters, at Valley Forge, from which the following is an extract :

"I must request that yott will exert yourself to fulfill the intention of keeping a body of
troops in the country where you are posted. Protecting the inhabitants is one of the ends
designed, and preventing supplies and intercourse with the enemy and city, the other. This
I
with the utmost vigilance cannot be totally effected ; but must entreat you to tak*
l^erhaps

teVory step that may reader I

it possible. As to tho reduction of your numbers, wish you
to make timely application to the President of State, to keep the necessary force under your
command.

I
" am well informed that many penons, under the pretence of furnishing th^ inhabitasti*
of Germantown, and near tha enemy's lines, afford immense supplies to the Philaldelphi*
markets a conduct highly prejudicial to us, and contrary to every order. It is therefore
become proper to make an example of some guilty one, the rest may expect a like fato,
should they persists This I
am determined to put in execution ; and request you, when a
euitablo abject falls into your hands, that you will send him here with a witness, or lot
toe know his name ; when you shall have power to try, and (if gitilty) to execute. This yo
again warning."
will be pleased to make known to the people, that they may have

In the beginning of February, Gen. Lacey formed his camp at the Cross Roads,
(now Hartsville,) and here received a dispatch from Washington, dated the 8th
of that month, which we give entire :
*' The communication between the city and country, in spite of everything hitherto done,
etiU continues, and threatens the most pernicious consequences; lam induced to beg
Will exert every possible expedient to put a stop to it. In order to this, to excite the ieaJ
of the militia under your command, and to make them more active in thir duty, Would I
have you let everything actually taken from persons going into and coming out of the-city,
redound to the parties who take them. At the same time it will be necessary to use great
precaution to prevent an abuse of this privilege ; since it may otherwise be made a pretext
for plundering the innocent inhabitants. One method to prevent this will be, to let no
forfeitures take place, but under the eye, and with the concurrence, of sotoe commissione<[
either'
-officer. Any horses captured in this manner, fit for the public service, a ligbC or
draught horses, must be sent to camp, to the Quarter-master General, who will be directed
to pay the value of them to the captors.
I
" cannot but think your present position is at too great a distance from the clty,i 8 lit
puts it in tho power of the disaffected very easily to elude the guards^ and carry on tbeif
injurious commerce at pleasure ; I would therefore reoomnaend to you to remove to some
nearer post, and not to depend upon fixed guards ; but to keep out continual soouti litti
possible to ramble through thff woods and bye-w'ays, aa'**!! M
patiroleS, as neit the city aa
 The strictest wJers should be giren Io tfie partfcs; evew.
When n*eeSfryt
the great roads:.
intention is evident, to fire upon those gangs of mercenary wretches who makeal-
and the
"
practice of resorting to the city with marketing.
resigned his com
General Potter, who had been for some time on active duly,
mand to Gen. Lacey. Wasdington, on tlie 12th, iu a letter to President Whar
ton, says :
I
" As have not ths pleasure of knowing Son. Lacey, Iwill not undertake to say Whether
the little that has been done since Gen. Potter's departure, has been owing to sny warn
of activity in him, or whether he has not been furnished with the stipulated number of
men ; but this is a fact, that they have by some means or other dwindled away to nothings
and there are no guards within twenty miles of the city on the eat side of Schuylkilly
except a few patroles of Light Horse, who, being unsupported by Foot, dare not go near the
enemy's lines. Owing to this, the intercourse of all tbe country between Schuylkill and
Delaware is as open and uninterrupted as ever it was, and must continue so, unless a suffi.-
cient number of Militia are immediately ordered out. The Continental troops, much worn
down with tbe fatigues of the campaign building themselves bouses and fortifying their
camp,, are unable to perform more duty than they have to do on this side of tbe river, egpo-
clothing."
cially as many of them cannot leave their quarters for want of
On the 18th, Gen. Lacey, from his camp at Warwick, writes to WAsniNGios,
in which he says
I
" am well apprised of the intercourse kept np between tbe country and city ; but my
strength hitherto has been such as rendered it impossible for me put a stop to it. My num
bers begin to increase ; and I expect in a few days to be ii* a condition to encamp nearer
the city. I
At present have, out of about six hundred men, but one hundred and forty that
are armed. I expect arms to arrive to-morrow suflicient to complete the whole ; when I
assure ypur eacellency every measure shall be taken, in my power, to pat a stop to the
city."
intercourse with the

On the morning of the 13tb, a party of British light horsemen eame into Ben
salem, and took prisoner John Vandegrwt, the connty commissioner, his sou,
Edward Ddffield, and others, besides taking away a large quantity of forage.
The enemy were generally kept well informed of the most important doings of
the Americans, or those who strongly opposed them, by well paid spies who had
res.ided in the country, and whenever they came amongst their countrymen, who
were whigs, pretended to be the greatest enemies of the British. About January
the 20th, Gen. Lacey, the better to put his orders into execution, stationed eighty
men at Smithfield, and on the 14th of February, a party of the enemy's horse and
infantry came by surprise, and took nearly half of them prisoners ; the remainder
narrowly escaped. It was much the practice of the British to come out of the
city in the night for forage, as well as to surprise tho Americans, and retire by
next morning.
Advanced guards and scouting parties occasionally arrested
individuals goinf
to market vrith provisions, but it was diflacult to find proof
sufficient for their
conviction. Among those taken, was an individual named Abel Jones, from
Bensalem, charged with trading with the British, and
passing spurious coin, and
continental paper money. He was sent for trial to
bead-quarters, at Valley
Forge, with the evidence ; he was found guilty, and
sentenced to receive one hun
dred lashes on his bare back, and sent to some public place
in PennsyWania, to
be kept at hard labor during the war.
As the British paid in gold, which was very scarce in those
paper-money days,
for every thing they wanted in Philadelphia, and
that at high prioeB, induced
 m
many to run the risk. Amongst them were many young men who had fled ftom
their homes, either to escape from serving in the army, or to save their fines-
Numbers of women, too, engaged in this illicit trade, taking, generally, their
produce on their backs or in baskets, a-foot, as being at less risk, and that
they
might avoid patroles and scouting parties as occasion required,
by going''!acros3
fields. They usually carried poultry, meat, eggs, flour and grain ; and brought
usually back, calico, tea, coffee, and what was of great importance, salt. Many
were arrested, found guilty, and publicly whipped ; their things forfeited to the
captors ; the horses taken, when fit for draught or dragoon service, were ordered
to be sent to the Quarter-master general, at Valley Forge, who paid the full value
for them.
General Washington, in a letter to President Wharton, of the 23d of Feb
ruary, mentions that,
" The militia from the westward, who had been detained by the badness of the weather,
have arrived at Gen. Lacey's camp, and those from Northampton have, I
hope, come in by
this time. Their presence had become exceedingly necessary, as the insolence of the disaf
fected in Philadelphia and Bocks counties, had arisen to a very alarming height. They
have seized and carried off a number of respectable inhabitants in those counties, and such
officers of the army as fell in their way, among others. Major Mdrkat of the 13th Penn
sylvania Regiment, who was at Newtown with his family. What adds to the misfortune is
that they carried off near 2000 yards of cloth, which had been collected in the county, and
regiment."
was making up for the

Majors Lilly and

Buchanan's two Battalions from York and Cumberland
counties, arrived about the 24th inst., at Gen. Lacey's Camp, at the Cross Roads,
and made now bis total rank and file amount to 492 men ; of whom about one
fourth were armed. Some time after, arms were received from Allentown. They
days'
suffered much at times, for provisions, and often had but two allowance in
camp.

In a letter, of the 26th of March, to President Wharton, Gen. Lacey says :

" I
have made every disposition to cover the country from the cruel ravages of the British
mercenaries, that my numbers would admit of, and I
have to flatter myself that they havo
been attended with tolerable success, especially with regard to stopping the small parties
from ransacking the country ; but to stop the intercourse and marketing is impossible, with
the numbers I
have. I
wish Council would consider those infamous wretches that my
parties take going to the enemy with marketing, and appoint some way for their trial. I
have now 80 men commissioned to escort a drove of cattle to Head Quarters, 30 at Doyles
town with the stores, arms, &b., and have commissioned 20 men to take a person who has
passed a large sum of counterfeit money, and 18 men are foraging and guarding some cattle
belonging to the miltia. The remainder, which is 162, 1 keep on the different roads leading
large."
to the enemy's lines. From the detail above, you will find my scouts cannot be
General Washington, from Valley Forge, in a despatch to Gen. Lacey, dated
the 4th of April, sends the following orders :

" Commissioners from me are to meet others from General Howe, on Monday next, at
Newtown, for a general exchange of prisoners. During the sitting of the commissioners,
none of our parties are to enter the town ; and you are therefore to give immediate notice
to all the officers under your command, to pay strict obedience to this order. The British
commissioners will probably come part of the way on Sunday they will be attended by an
escort of horses ; and care must be taken not to offer the least insult to their flag. If yon

fall in with any of the Continental parties, communicate the above to them."*

?Hazard's Reg. of Penna. iii, 325.

 40

near the Billet, *

General Laoey with his forces arrived ^'fl^^;,^^*^"'^^^
reqmrerf
Roads. On the 7th of April, his duty
the Id of March, from the Cross person^
court martial some who had
him to proceed to Doylestown, to try by ^t\P^;^^>f-
been arrested for supplying the
enemy, in Philadelphia,
^^
President WhaHTON, at Lancaster, and
wrote from Doylestown, on the 13th, to

.' Inciosed is a list of some prisoners, their crimes and the

Washington,
judgment of the "O"--'. "^^
jj
in a letter to me, dated A?ri
part by his excellency General
!s approved of in
I
llt{ 1778, a copy of which also inclose in this letter. The prisonersI send you. are no
great practice of going to market, as well as beinf
torious offenders, and have made a
guilty of other traitorous acts. I
send them to you to do with them
as you and ConnoUt

kept close at some laborious business, during the campaign,

may direct, but hope they may be
for you may r^ly on their going directly to the enemy
if they have their liberty.
It is hoped that this list of prisoners may be obtained, as it would be interest
offences with which they stood.
ing at this time to know their names as well as the
charged..
Vanj'
Lieutenant Robert
On and after the 19th of March, Genv Lacbt directed
light-horse as a scoutitig parfyi
HORN, of Southampton, to take command of the
Marsh ioads by nigfrt
They patroled the Bristol, Smithfield, Old York and White
and day, with orders to report immediately any
appearance of the efiemy. Oi
Northampton
the morning of the 26th of April, several teamsters from left the,
had proceeded about a mile on the County Lins
camp for home, and after they wagon*^
captured one
road, were met by a party of the enemy's horse, who and

eight, horses, and five or six prisoners. Of those that escaped several were
wounded.
have been supposed, after the surprise, at Abington, Smithfieldyof
It would
Mayor Mdrray, and the Northampton teamsters, that these misfortunes, at least,
would have made Gen. Lacey, and his men, more vigilant, as several had oc
ourred nearly in sight of his camp, and always at, or near, the break of day ; but
such wasnottobethecase. What will no w be related were the consequences tliat
followed. As we have stated. Gen. Lacey lay encamped about half a mile east
of Hatborough, near the county line, on a part of the farm of Isaac Boiliec
The British were kept informed of the situation of his camp, the arrangement of
his forces, and the places of his patroles. As his men had been active in- pfe-
venting supplies from reaching the city, as well as checking communication witlt
the country, the British suffered for provisions ; therefore the capture of Gen.
Lacey would be of considerable importance ; and to do it more effectually and
less risk, they resolved to go by night. They had a number of guides, who were
well acquainted with the country around ; among them, two particularly have
rendered themselves notorious in this affair.
The British left Philadelphia, on the evening of tbe 30th of April, under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel AberCrombih, consisting of a large detachmentof
light infantry and one of cavalry, with horses to mount a part itffantl'y,-
of the
for greater expedition. As near as can be now ascertained, they left tbe dtyb/
tbe Second street or Middle Road, and somewhere below where Huntingdon now is
separated. One division was given to the
command of Major Simcob, whichen^
tered not far south of the Willow Grove, into the Welsh
Pu)ad ; from this road, at
the upper end of Mooreland, they struck across to Horsham
meeting-house, and
 41

from thence kept on the road leading directly to Hatborough. Col. Aberckom-
BiE, with his division, went up the Middle Road, and then entered the
Byberry
road, which went directly to Lacey's camp, to the east of Hatborough. It was
the intention of the British to attack Lacey in the front and rear
nearly at the
same time, but Major Simcoe, from thedistanoe made in his
circuits to avoid the
most public places, came half an hour too late. One of Lacey's
scouting par
ties, under the command of Lieutenant Nielson, flrst met
Abercrombie's di
vision, two miles to the south-east of the camp ; but fearing he would be cut to
pieces if
he fired to give the alarm, from the nearness of the enemy's horse, fled
in a contrary direction, and gave orders to another of tbe party to proceed towards
the camp and give the alarm ; but he never went.
Abercrombie's forces were
within two hundred yards before they were discovered, as it was near daylight.
The alarm was so sudden that Gen. Lacey had scarcely mounted his horse before
they were within musket shot ; a portion of the enemy had got
by this time in
his rear, and commenced firing from behind fences, while the remainder attacked
him in front. He soon observed, that in numbers they were far superior to him,
when he concluded to move in column towards the left, under cover of a wood in
a north direction, with the baggage following in the rear. He had not passed
far, before his flanking parties exchanged fires with the enemy ; he now entered
the woods, when he was attacked on his right flank by a party of foot and horse.
Major Simcoe's division now arrived and fell on his rear ; in these woods, about
a mile north-east of Hatborough, he made a stand, and gave such a warm fire as
to force them to move back, in which the cavalry attempted to make several
charges. Their strength now concentrating, Lacey moved on, when the enemy's
dragoons, by a sudden charge, intercepted his baggage ; in tbe front, their horse
giving way, he continued retreating and fighting for two miles, when he made
* sudden turn to the left through a wood, which extricated him from the enemy.
'Lacbt with his forces came into the Old York road, about half a mile below where
is now Hartsville, when he slowly moved down that road to Hfitborougb, when
he i^und they had retired with the baggage to the city.

In this action the American loss was thirty killed and about seventeen
W9i\ip(le4r LieutenantPinenard, in the beginning of the skirmish, was severely
^oupdeij ; be was carried to the house of Isaac Boilieu, where he expired the
next day ; he stated that among the British he had seen several whom he knew
had lived not far from that vicinity. The British loss was trifling ; six or seveji
were wounded, five horses were found dead and three captured.

Gen. Lacey, with his forces, proceeded from Hatborough to tbe principal scene
of action, where they found many spectators witnessing the shocking spectacle of
those that were killed and wounded. During the skirmish, the enemy took a
number of tbe wounded and threw them on buckwheat straw, which they set on
fire.* Several of the surviving sufferers related, that they saw them struggle to
put it out, but from the loss of blood they were too weak, and so expired in the
greatest agony ; their half-consumed remains confirmed the fact. Some that had

* Under our present system of farming it seems somewhat remarkable, that a pile of
buckwheat straw should be found in a field in the beginning of May. On inquiry, I was
informed by several aged persons, that in those times it was customary in the Fall to gather
the Jittpkwheat apd thrash it in the fields, thus leaving the straw there all winti^r. Xftis
fully accounts for the above.
 i-2

butchered, their bodies

been wounded with ball, were afterwards inhumanly
tbe cutlass and bayonet. The
Showing as many as twenty cuts and thrusts from
together near the place where they were burned, and
dead were all collected
placed in one grave, in Warminster township, on the north side of the County
interment,
Line road. It can be truly said of this place of
Here sleep the brave, their names forgot,
And not a stone to mark the spot.
At the beginning of the action, Isaac Boilibo drove his cattle in a northeast
direction from his house, to save them from being taken. During his
absence,

the enemy, knowing from their spies that he was an ardent whig, searched all
his premises to take him, but without success. The officer who commanded the
scouting party before it was divided, and who had orders to leave the camp by
two o'clock, and whose duty it was to see it enforced, did not leave till near day
light : was overtaken by the enemy's horse, and killed on his way to camp. To
the disobedience and misconduct of this and tbe other oflicer of the scouts. Gen.
Lacey attributed his misfortunes.
It never has rightly ascertained what were the strengths of the respective
been
forces engaged, but it is supposed that the Americans had about 400 men, and
the British near triple that number. In this affair, though the enemy met with
some success, they failed completely in the general object of the expedition.
From the scene of action, Gen. Lacbt and his forces went to the Neshaminy bridge,
on the dd York road, where he formed his camp. Hence he immediately sent a
despatch to Gen. Washington, informing him of the result. The Commander-in-
chief, the next day sent him the following brief and excellent letter :
" Head Quarters, Yalley forge. May 3d, 1778.
Sir 4 I received yours of yesterday, giving me an account of your misfortune. Tou may
depend that this will ever be the consequence of permitting yourself to be surprised ; and if
that was owing to the misconduct of the officer who was advanced, you should have him
brought to trial. It is not improbable that the enemy, flushed with their success, will soon
be out again ; if you keep a strict watch upon their motions, you may perhaps repay them.
I am, sir, your obedient servant. Go: Washikotoh."
On the 4th, a return was made from camp, of the Pennsylvania militia, com
manded by Brig. Gen. Lacey, jr. From this report we learn that his command
at this time comprised three Battalions, containing 333 men. The first was the
Bucks County Battalion, commanded by Captain Pogh, the second and third by
Colonels Frederick Watts and Abraham Smith. While at the Bridge, a Court
Martial was held of the officers who neglected their duty on the morning of the
skirmish. The following are tbe proceedings ;
" Captain Jacob Wagoner, of Northampton
County militia, waa tried by a Court Mar
tial, held ia Gen. Lacey's Brigade of Pennsylvania militia, of
which Colonel Sidmbn wai
President, and found guilty of going to sleep when officer of
the provost-and his
letting
guard go to sleep also ; and suffering a
traitor to his country, under sentence of death, to
make his escape from under their care. The Court do adjudge
Captain Waoonee tob.
cashiered, and discharged the service with infamy.
.Lieutenant William Nielson, of Cumberland
County militia, was tried by a Court
Martial held by order of Gen. Laoev, of which Col. Abr.
Smith was President ; and found
guilty of disobedience of orders lu not firing on the
enemy, nor giving the alarm, when h.
m them with his party wo miles from camp, on
the morning of the first of
Billet. The Court do adjudge Lieut. NiEfcsoN to be May near the
cashiered.
 43

" The General approves the sentence of the Court, and orders both to quit
the Regiment
Immediately."

The following deposition from the Archives, is well worthy of publication, in

corroboration of the statements made concerning the inhumanity of the British
in their late attack on the Americans.
"Bucks, SS.
Personally appeared before me, one of the justices of the Peace for the County of Bucks,
Col. Frederick Watts and Samuel Henry, and being qualified as the law directs, de-
poseth and sayeth,that on the first day of May instant, a part of Gen. Lacey's Brigade
was
attacked by a number of the British army, both horse and foot; the dispute was sharp, but
their numbers being greatly superior obliged us to retreat. Upon our return the same day to
the place of action, we found tbe bodies of the dead used in a most inhuman and barbarous
manner : the field in which some of the men fell there was buckwheat straw, which appeared
to us they had taken and set fire to, and threw the men into, whether quite dead or not we
cannot tell, but when found, burnt to that degree that some of them could not be known.
We viewed the corpses of most of the dead, and saw only two, as we remember, that had es
caped the most cruel barbarity that had ever been exercised by
any civilized nation ; nay,
eavage barbarity in its utmost exertion of cruelty could but equal it.
Sworn before me, this 14th day of May, 1778. ) Frederick Watts,
Henry."
Andrew Long. J Samuel
It may not be amiss to inform the reader of the subsequent fate of Lt. Col.
Abercrombie's regiment, which comprised the greater part of the men engaged
in the above attack. It "
was called the
Rangers,"
Queen's and numbered 800
men, divided into ten companies ; many of whom were tories, or American
royalists. They were uniformly dressed in green, trimmed with black, for pur
poses of better concealment. It is said, by this dress Americans frequently mis
took them for friends, and were thus made prisoners and impressed into service.
This regiment was sent from New York, with Lord Cornwallis' army, to the
South, where they followed his fortunes, and finally surrendered at Yorktown,
with the rest, to General Washington, when it was ascertained that they had
been reduced to 320 men in less than three years and a half.
On the 5th of June, Gen. Lacbt writes from Doylestown to George Bryan,
"Vice President of the Executive Council, as follows :
" Since Gen. Potter left this quarter. Col. Watts, from Cumberland county, has com
manded the militia. I have been with
him occasionally he and the militia at present are
near this place, settling with the Pay Master on Sunday next the whole are free, except a
few from Bucks, and some from Cumberland, who were a few days behind in marching; the
whole to be left will not exceed thirty men. Major McCammon with a small scout of ten
men fell io with a gang of market men and vagabonds from the enemy, last Saturday eve
ning; the Major with his little though brave party, made twenty-five of them prisoners,
among which were nine armed ; the whole are sent to Easton jail for confinement ; they had
cocked their firelocks, but struck with their guilt, threw them down and begged for mercy ;
part saved themselves by a speedy flighli back to the enemy."

Sir William Howe having returned to England, was succeeded by Sir Henrt
Clinton, who, fearing a blockade of the Delaware, by the French, evacuated
Philadelphia, on the 18th of June, and took up his march across New Jersey
towards New York. Washington immediately moved his troops from their
quarters at Valley Forge to pursue the enemy. At Doylestown his army for the
night encamped in three divisions ; the next day, near noon, were all again un
der way, and on tbe 28th, found them engaged in the memorable battle of Mon
mouth.
 44

having met at Newtown, the 10th of July, 1779,

The County Commissioners
Issued the following notice :
Whereas, by an Act of tho General Assembly of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania,
entitled, " An Act to compel certain persons intrusted with public money by or for the use
expenditure of the same, and to pay such parts
of this Commonwealth to account for the
thereof as they shall be chargeable with into the State Treasury.
We, the subscribers, being appointed Commissioners for the county of Bucks, to liquidate,
audit, adjust and settle the accounts of the Commissioners of confiscated estates, and also
the accounts of the Lieutenants and Sub-Lieutenants of said county, pursuant thereto,
hereby request all the Commissioners, the Lieutenant and Sub-Lieutenanta, as well as those
who have been in office and now are not as those in office, that have not already settled
their accounts, to meet at the house of Capt. William McCalla, in the township of Plum
August next, with their accounts
stead, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon of the third day of
prepared for settlement. John Benezet.
John Chapman.
Thomas Long.

For the further prosecution of the war. Congress ordered that for the year 1779,
fifteen millions of dollars be raised by taxes among tbe several States of the
Union. For the raising of this sum, Pennsylvania was to contribute as her
share one million five hundred thousand dollars. The Legislature immediately
ordered a tax to be forthwith laid on all estates, real and personal, within the
Commonwealth. The amount required of Bucks was two hundred and sixty-two
thousand five hundred dollars, or nearly one-seventh of the whole amount required
from the State. The probability is, that if we consider the population at this
time, it must have averaged twelve dollars per head for this single year, on every
inhabitant in the county.
After tbe departure of tbe British from Philadelphia, in June, 1778, the coun
try around became tolerably quiet, though at times apprehensions were enter
tained of an invasion of the enemy from their stronghold at New York. For this
purpose the militia were kept in readiness to check any sudden irruption that
should be made along the Delaware. On the 12th of October, 1781, the Execu
tive Council ordered the militia, at that time stationed at Newtown, to be dis
charged, and Gen. Lacet was requested to issue, in general orders, their thanks
for the readiness they had exhibited in taking the field for tbe defence of the
State.
The terms of with England were settled by tbe British and American
peace
ambassadors at Paris, in November, 1782. In 1783, the British evacuated New
York, which terminated our long and arduous struggle for independence.
Through all the revolutionary contest, as we have
already stated, Bucks nobly
did her duty. Inthe beginning, for the protection of the northern colonies, she
sent soldiers, and money for their relief. When Washington
was compelled to
retreat through Jersey with his handful of half-clad and
starving men, before tbe
victorious foe, it was in this county that he raised his
standard anew, and the
spirit of her citizens, rallied to his
assistance, contributed much to give the enemy
his first check at Trenton. On all occasions she raised her quotas
of men and
money, and her patriotism fully equalled that of
any of the other counties.
We find in tbe records of the county that no less than
3090 citizens of Bucks
came forward, between June 1777 and 1785, and
voluntarily subscribed their
oaths or affirmations of allegiance and
fidelity to the commonwealth, before th.
 4f.

following Justices of the Peace: Josula Andkrson, Johh Chapman, Samtbl

Sknkzet, Thomas Dyuu, John Davis, Joseph Hart, Thomas Long, Andrew
Long, William McHisnrt, William McTi.vaine, Robert Patterson,
John
Praul, Timothy Taylok, Henry Wynkoop, George Wykeh, and James Wal
lace. What was the exact number of taxables in the county at any time in this
period, I
am unable to tell, but we find that in 1771 the number is
stated to be
3177. Though we must allow for some increase afterwards, and that some per
sons had not come forward to give their adhesion, yet on the whole here
is suffi
cient evidenceto prove strongly that the royalists were much less in these
trying
times, than has generally since been supposed.

During the war a number of young men, either to escape from serving in the
army or paying fines, and yet did not choose to enlist openly with the enemy,
found a more profitable employment in secret acts of treachery and piracy
among
their neighbors ; and for which they were amply compensated by tbe British,
during their stay in Philadelphia and New York. Among these outlaws were
several brothers by the name of Doane, from Plumstead, who became notorious.
They persisted in their unprincipled depredations, even after the war, and at
length public opinion became so aroused as to offer a considerable
reward for
their capture. Tbeir leader, Moses Doane, was shot in August 1783, in a small
cabin, occupied by Nathan Hoeseley, near the mouth of the Tohickon. Aaron
and Levi Doane were finally captured, and publicly executed in Philadelphia, in
1788. Joseph, the younger brother, escaped by fleeing to Canada.
The following members were chosen by Bucks to meet in the Convention of
Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, in November, 1787, for the purpose of adopting
the Constitution of the United States, which just a short time before had been
framed : IIbnry Wynkoop, John Barclay, Thomas Yardley and Abraham
Stout.

CHAPTER X. The House Tax Rebellion.

The northwestern portion of this county, with the adjoining parts of Mont
gomery and Northampton, was tho scene of great excitement, about the years
1798-9. This arose in consequence of the United States attempting to collect a
direct tax ; the object of which was to raise a revenue to reduce the heavy debt
incurred by the revolutionary war. The kind of tax in this instance that became
so obnoxious was " the house
tax." No doubt if the participants in this affair
had clearly understood the law and the objects of Congress in passing it, they
would not have proceeded to that length as to resist by force of arms any attempt
at its collection. Tho consequences were chiefly attributable to prejudices aris
ing from ignorance instigated by certain evil designed persons for the sake of fu
ture emoluments. For the following information I am indebted to Carpenter's
Report of the trial, published at Philadelphia, in 1800, and which has been great
ly abridged to suit our limited space.
 46

" During the latter months of the year 1798, discords prevailed to an enormous cxtenf
.throughout a large portion of the counties of Bucks, Northampton, and Montgomery, and
considerable difaculties attended the assessors for the direct tax in the execution of their
duties. In several townships, associations of the people were actually formed in order to
prevent the persons charged with the execution of these laws of the U. S., from performing
their duty, and more particularly to prevent the assessors from measuring their houses. Thij
opposition was made at many public township meetings called for the purpose. In many in
stances resolutions in writing were entered into, solemnly forewarning the officers, and many
times accompanied with threats. Not only so, hat discontents prevailed to such a height,
that even the friends of the government in that part were completely suppressed by menaces
against any who should assist those officers in their duty ; repeated declarations were made,
both at public as well as at private meetings, that if any person should be arrested by ths
civil authority, such arrest would be followed by the rising of the people, in opposition to that
authority, for the purpose of rescuing such prisoners ; indefatigable pains were taken by
those charged with the execution of the laws, to calm the fears and remove the misapprehen
sions of the infatuated people ; for this purpose they read and explained the law to them,
and informed them that they were misled into the idea that the law wa not actually in
force, for that it actually was ; at the same time warning them of the consequences which
would fiow from opposition; and this was accompanied with promises that even their most
capricious wishes would he gratified on their obedience. The favor was in many instances
granted, that where any opposition was made to any certain person executing the office of
assessor, another should be substituted ; in some townships proposals were made for the peo
ple to choose for themselves ; but notwithstanding this accommodating offer, the opposition
continued. The consequences were, actual opposition and resistance ; in some parts violence
was actually used, and the assessors were taken and imprisoned by armed parties, and in
other parts, mobs assembled to compel them eiiher to deliver up their papers or to resigo
their commissions ; in some instances they were threatened with bodily harm, so that in
those parts the obnoxious law remained unexecuted in consequence. The state of insurrec
tion and rebellion had arisen to such a height, it became necessary to compel the execution
of the laws, and warrants were in consequence issued against certain persons and served
upon them; in some instances, during the execution of that duty, the marshal met with in
sult and almost violence ; having, however, got nearly the whole of the warrants served, he
appointed head-quarters for these prisoners to rendezvous at Bethlehem, where some
of
xhem were to enter bail for their appearance in the city, and others were to come to the city
in custody for trial.
" On the day appointed for the prisoners to meet, and when a number of them had actually
assembled, agreeably to appointment, a number of parties in arms, both horse and foot,
more than a hundred men, accoutred with all their military apparatus, commanded in some
instances by their proper officers, marched to Bethlehem, collected before the house in
which were the marshal and prisoners, whom they demanded to be delivered up to them,
and in consequence of refusal, they proceeded to act very little short of actual hostility, so that
the marshal deemed it prudent to accede to their demands, and the prisoners were liberated.
" Some time in February, 1799, a public meeting was held at the house of John Kline, in
Lower Milford township, Bucks county, to consider this house tax ; at that meeting certain
resolutions were entered into, and a paper signed by fifty-two persons. John Fries,
of ths
same township, was present at this meeting, and assisted in drawing up the paper, at whioh
time his expressions against this law were extremely violent ; and he threatened to shoot
one of the assessors, Mr. Foulke, through the legs, if he proceeded to assess the houses.
Again, the prisoner at a vendue threatened another of the assessors, Mr. S. Clarke, that if
he attempted to go on with the assessment he should be committed to an old stable, and
there fed on rotten corn. The assessor in Lower Milford was
intimidated so as to decUne
making the assessments; and the principal assessors, together
with three other assessors,
were obliged to go into that township to execute the law.
At the house of Mr. Jacob Feus,
on the 5th of March, Mr. Chapman met with John
Fries, who declared his determination
not to submit, but to oppose the law,
and that by next morning he could
opposition to it. raise 700 men in
 47
" Fries and his partisans continued to follow and persecute several of the assessors, cha
sing them from township to township, in parties of fifty to sixty. Most of them were in
arms, with drum and fife. Fries was armed with a large horse-pistol, and accompanied by
one KnYDER, who assisted him in command. Thus equipped, they went to Quakertown,
seized two assessors, and attempted to fire at another who ran away, but the fire-arm did
not go off. They examined the papers of the assessors, and exacted a promise that they
should not proceed in the valuation of the houses in Lower Milford. They abused a tra
veller who had the independence to stand up for the government. At Quakertown, learning
that the Marshal had taken a number of prisoners, they resolved to efi'ect their rescue, and
the people of Milford were invited to assist in this business, and a paper setting forth their
design, was drawn up by Fries, at his own house, and signed by the party.
" On the morning of the next day, twenty or more of them met at the house of Conrad
Mares, in arms. John Fries was armed with a sword, and had a feather in his hat. On
the road, as they went forward, they were met by young Marks, who told them they might as
well turn about, for that the Northampton people were strong enough to do the business with
out those from Bucks Connty. Some were so inclined to do, but at the instance of Fries, and
some others, they did go forward, and actually proceeded to Bethlehem. Before the arrival
of these troops, a party going on the same business had stopped at the bridge at Bethlehem,
where they were met by a deputation from the Marshal, to advise them to turn home ; they
agreed to halt there, and send three of their number to declare to the Marshal their de
mand. During this period Fries and his party came up ; but it appears when they came,
Fries took the party actually over the bridge, and he arranged the toll, and ordered them
to proceed. With the consent of his people he demanded the prisoners of the Marshal ; and
when that officer told him that he could not surrender them, except they were taken from
him by force, and produced his warrant for taking them. Fries then harangued his party
of the house, and explained to them the necessity of using force. This was on the third day,
he said, he had been out on this expedition that he had had a skirmish the day before, and
if the prisoners were not released he should have another that day. He further declared
to the Marshal that they would fire till a cloud of smoke prevented them from seeing each
other ; and he executed the offlce of commander of the troops, which at that time overawed the
Marshal and his attendants. He harangued the troops to obey his orders, which they did.
"The Marshal was really intimidated to liberate the prisoners; and then the object was
accomplished, and the party dispersed amid the huzzas of the insurgents. After this affair.
Fries frequently avowed his opposition to the law, and justified that outrage ; and when a
meeting waa afterwards held at Lower Milford to choose assessors, he refused his assent,
ever."
and appeared as violent as

After two trials, in both of which John Fries was found guilty of treason, he
was sentenced to be hung, but was subsequently pardoned by the President,
John Adams. Several others from the same vicinity were tried, and generally
found gvulty of the subordinate crimes of sedition, insurrection, and riot ; they
good behaviour.
were imprisoned for a time, and heavily fined, and held to bail for
Thus terminated this singular rebellion, without occasioning any loss of life or
limb, and fully sustains the peaceable character our citizens had heretofore home,
even in a period of intense excitement.
 4

CHAPTER XL Rkdbmptionary Servants.

Many persons used to arrive every year from Germany and Ireland, who obli
gated themselves to serve a certain number of years for their passage. Some of
them turned out frugal and industrious, and became, in tbe course of time,
wealthy citizens. The Palatine servants, in 1722, were disposed of at 10 each,
for five years servitude. In 1728, a shipper advertises that he bad, " Lately im
ported, and to be sold cheap, a parcel of likely men and women servants."*
Prom the Pennsylvania Packet, a Philadelphia paper of Feb. 14tb, 1774, we give
the following :

" To be sold, the time of a likely, active, indented man servant, who has two years and
seven months to serve ; he is very capable of acting either as a man servant, footman, groom
or hostler. Also, the like time of an indented middle aged woman servant ; she is a com'
plete cook and good chambermaid."

The redemptioners frequently ran away from their masters ; and advertise
ments of this time are numerous, where rewards are offered for their apprehen-
tion, or arrest in prison, for the call of tbeir owners. No doubt some of our aged
"Soul-drivers."
oitizens can yet remember the Mr. Lewis, of Chester county,
gives the following interesting account of them :

" Soul-drivers. This was a name given to a certain set of men who used to drive re
demptioners through the country, and dispose of them to the farmers. They generally
purchased them in lots consisting of fifty or more, of captains of ships, to whom the re
demptioners were bound for three years service, in payment for their passage. The trade
was brisk for awhile, but at last was broken up by the numbers that ran away from the
drivers. The last of the ignominious set disappeared about the year 1785. A story is told
of his having been tricked by one of his herd. The fellow, by a little management, con*
trived to be the last of the flock that remained unsold, and travelled about with his master.
One night they lodged at a tavern, and in the morning the young fellow, who was an Irish
man, rose early, sold his master to the landlord, pocketed the money, and marched off.-*-
Previously, however, to his going he used the precaution to tell the purchaser, that though
tolerably clever in other respects, he was rather saucy, and a little given to lying. That he
had even been presumptuous enough at times to endeavor to pass for master, and that he
might possibly represent himself as such to him I "

To show further what remarkable changes have taken place in society, we

give the following extract of an act passed in the year
1700 :
" That every servant that shall faithfully serve four
years, or more, shall at the expiration
of their servitude, have a discharge, and shall be duly clothed with two complete suits of
apparel, whereof one shall be new, and shall also be furnished with one new gruh-
axe, one
bing-hoe, and one weeding hoe at the charge of their master or mistress."

This was continued in full force till 1771, when that part
relating to the axe,
grubbing and weeding hoe was abolished.

The general wages before the Revolution, of a hired

man a year, was, in our
currency, from 45 to 60 dollars, and of a servant
women from 22 to 27 dollars !
being fully one third less than present rates.

Watson's Annals, ii., 266.

 49

CHAPTER XH.-Slavery.

Slavery, in Pennsylvania, was always of a mild character, not only from the
favorable and mild feelings of the Friends in their behalf, but from the common
regard they found in families in general, where their deportment was commend
able. Isaac Comly, in his historical sketch of Byberry, mentions, that " Prom
about 1720, we flnd divers of the most opulent persons, in and near Byberry, and
some of them distinguished members of the meeting, were concerned in the pur
chase of negroes brought to Philadelphia, from the coast of Africa. The num
ber of slaves appears to have increased till about 1758, when Friends issued a
formidable protest against slavery. From that time the number rapidly de
creased. It does not appear that more than two or three members of Byberry
meeting persisted in holding slaves, so far as to suffer disownment. The negroes
were generally liberated. Care was taken to provide for those set free, to assist
them in procuring a livelihood, and to educate their children." He further informs
us that it was customary to bury them in the orchards belonging to their masters.
Samdel Hart, of Doylestown, in a communication to the Historical Society, in
Collections,"
1845, and which has since been published in their " mentions
that,
I
" From fifty to sixty years ago, could stand on a corner of my Father's farm, (twentj-
one miles from Philadelphia, on the Old York road,) commanding an extensive view of a
country beautifully situated, and naturally of excellent quality ; from that spot I
could
count sixteen farm houses, and in every house were slaves, more or less. Under the opera
tion of the Abolition law, the slaves gradually disappeared. With the exception of one old
bachelor, I
think there is neither root or branch of them left ; and I have had the opportu
nity of making the observation."
to tbe first official census of 1790 , Pennsylvania had 3,737 slaves,
According
of which Philadelphia, York, Lancaster, Washington, Fayette and Franklin
counties had each more than Bucks, the latter having 261. The greatest number
of slaves at any one time, in the county, is believed to have been about the com
mencement of the Revolution. In consequence of our struggle for independence,
the importation of negroes was checked with our foreign intercourse ; this, with
voluntary emancipation, did much- subsequently to decrease their numbers.
From an enumeration made in 1784, of the colored population, we ^are led to
believe that Northampton township had the greatest number of slaves ; then came
in order Bensalem, Falls, Bristol, Southampton, Newtown, and Lower Makefield.
Making in all for the county 553 blacks. Of this number the ten upper townships
had but 25.
Slaves, in Pennsylvania, never were as numerous in proportion to the white
population as in New York and New Jersey. To our German population this is
certainly attributable. Though they never have taken an active part in the agi
tation of the subject, yet the flrst protest against slavery emanated from them at
Germantown, shortly after the arrival of Penn. Wherever they, or their
numerous descendents, located, they preferred their own labor to that of negro
slaves. It was otherwise with the other settlers of Pennsylvania : it mattered not
of what country or sect, they willingly entered into the holding of slaves. The
Dutch settlers of North and Southampton had many, so had the English and Irish
descendents of the lower and central parts of the county.
 50

A portion of the population always had been adverse to the holding of slaves,
yet from the controling power of the British government, and the influence of
many interested persons, nothing of consequence in opposing it was done till the
year 1780, when an act was passed for the gradual abolition of slavery, and which
required that no child born thereafter was to be a slave. I
much regret to say,
though every effort was used, that I
was unable to procure an earlier emunera-
tion then that of 1790. It is my opinion that about 1775 there may have proba
bly been 800 slaves in the county ; in 1790 there were 261 ; in 1800, 59 ; and in
1810 but 11.
To show the popular feeling, after the Revolution, against bringing them hither,
it may be mentioned that the Legislature passed an act the 29th of March, 1788,
which declared that all vessels employed in the slave trade should be liable to
forfeiture, and a penalty of 1000 be imposed, for building and equipping them for
the traffic.
Partly in connection with this subject, and in illustration of some of our re
marks, we append below, from rare sources, several Philadelphia advertisements
once circulated in this county.
" Just imported from the River Qambia, in the Schooner Sally, Barnard Babgeb, Master,
and to be sold at the Upper Ferry, (called Benjamin Cooper's Ferry,) opposite this city, i
parcel of likely Men and Women Slaves, with some Boys and Girls of different ages. At
tendance will be given from the hours of nine to twelve o'clock in the morning, and from
three to six in the afternoon, by W. Coxe, S. Oldman &. Co.
May 27th, 1762.
N. B. It is generally allowed, that the G-ambia Slaves are much more robust and tracta
ble, than any other slaves, from tbe coast of Guinea, and more capable of undergoing the
severity of the Winter Seasons in the North American Colonies, which ocffasions their being
vastly more esteemed and coveted in this Provence and those to the Northward, than any
other slaves whatever."

" To be sold, a likely negro girl, seventeen years

old, has had the small-pox and meiSlei;
is remarkably healthy, strong and lively, and would suit the country or town ; she can do
all sorts of housework, and might soon be made a good cook. For further particulars en
quire of the printer. Jan. 24th, 1774."

" The subscriber is now wanting a number of Negroes

; men, women, boys or girls;
farmers, house negroes or tradesmen, that are real slaves
and good tiUes. Any persons
having such to dispose of, please to apply to me, at the
London Coffee House, on marked
days, from eleven o'clock to one, and at other times
at my house, the north end of Second
T,u.,/,
street opposite the Bath.
, .
u
Benjamin t,
Bannerman.
Philadelphia, August 24, 1774.

CHAPTER XIII. Bucks County'

in 1795.

coJntlZ'off
T' V: P*''
county, from old works published in
""'
'^'"'^ to procure descriptions of ou,
the last century, and in
has our research been successful.
only two instance,
One was ia Oldmixon'a
Bridsh Empire in
 61

America, published in London in 1710 ; and the other

Scott's U. S. Gazetteer, in
Philadelphia, 1795. The latter is a very valuable work for
reference, and is th<i
first of the kind published in America. It is a matter of surprise that of the
many works published in Pennsylvania within the last twenty-five years, none
we believe, have made any mention of it. Both of said
works are now compara
tively rare. The information from Oldmixon will be hereafter given ; tbe follow
ing is entire from Scott. The population is that of 1790.
" Bucks, a populous and well cultivated county of
Pennsylvania, bounded northeast and
outheast by Delaware river, whioh separates it from Hunderdon
county, New Jersey.
Southwest by Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, and northwest
by Northampton.
Its greatest length is 41 miles, and 21 in breadth, and contains 411,900 acres. It is
divided
iato 27 townships, viz : Duiham, Springfield, Haycock, Nookamixon, Richland,
Lower Mil
ford, Rockhill, Bedminster, Tinicum, Hilltown, New Britain,
Plumstead, Solebury, Buck
ingham, Warwick, Warrington, Warminster, Southampton, Northampton, Wrightstown,
Upper Makefield, Lower Makefield,
Newton, Middletown, Falls, Bristol and Bensalem. It
contains 25,140 free inhabitants, and 261 slaves. This county abounds with limestone.
Iron ore is found in some parts, and lead has been also discovered in it. In the northern
parts of the county tho land is poor, but
on advancing to the south it becomes more fer
tile. Near the north end of the county is a remarkable hill, called the Haycock, in a
township of that name. Two branches of Tohickon creek wash the northeast and south
sides, and unite on the southeast. Its base is about 15 miles in circumference. The ascent
to the top is gradual, which affords a most extensive and variegated prospect to the south-
southeast and southwest. Its height has never been ascertained. Chief town, Newton."

CHAPTER XIV. Elections.

During the Proprietary government, the county officers were chosen in the fol
lowing manner: the two persons receiving the highest number of votes were con
sidered duly elected by the people for each office, one of whom afterwards the
Governor approved and commissioned. In this manner the Representatives,
Sheriff, Coroner, Prothonotary, Commissioner, Assessor, and Collector of Excise,
were chosen and appointed. Previous to the Revolution, the Sheriff received for
his salary 100, the Coroner 10, the Collector of Excise 20, Prothonotary and
Clerk of the Court 100.
The general elections for the county were held at Newtown till 1786, when, by
an act of the Assembly, passed the year previous, two election districts were
formed. The first was composed of the townships of Milford, Richland, Spring
field, Durham, Haycock, Nockamixon, Tinicum, Bedminster, Rockhill, Hilltown,
Plumstead, and New Britain, and the elections held at the public house of Abra
ham Keiohlein. The rest of the townships in the county held their elections at
the Court House at Newtown. The elections were held at these two places till
1794, when, to the greater convenience of the voters, the county was divided
into flve districts. The first comprised the townships of Newtown, Middletown,
Wrightstown, Northampton, Southampton, Upper Makefield, Lower Makefield,
 62

Warminster and Solebury. The second, Springfield, Haycock, Rockhill, Richland,

and Milford, and held their elections at the house of Jacob Fries, in Milford.
The third, Tinicum, Nockamixon, and Durham, and held their elections at the
house of Jacob Young, in Nockamixon. The fourth. New Britain, Plumstead,
Buckingham, Warwick, Warrington, Bedminster and Hilltown, and held their
elections at the house of William Chapman, Esq., in Buckingham. The fifth,
Bensalem, Falls, Bristol, and the Borough of Bristol, at the old Court House in
said borough. A sixth district was formed in 1804, of the townships of Rockhill,
Bedminster, and Hilltown, and the elections ordered to be held at the house of
Henry Trumbower, in Rockhill.
The following number of votes were polled in these districts at the Governor's
election on the 8th of October, 1805. The first, 1,248 votes; the second, 684;
the third, 346 ; the fourth, 936 ; the fifth, 603 ; the sixth, 626 ; making a total
of 4,443. There is ne doubt, as long as the whole county comprised but one or
two districts, as was the case previous to 1794, the attendance of voters gene
rally must have been slim, from the disadvantage of distance. Compared to this,
our modern politicians, to attend elections, must consider it a luxury, when every
township and borough is now a district.

CHAPTER XV. Roads and Travelling Facilities.

As an index to the progress of settlement, roads have much to do, as well as

with the development of a country's resources. With this in view, we here in
troduce this article as a means towards further elucidating that obscurity, that
somewhat involves our earliest history to a period when more ample materials
exist. The first highway for travel by land, was the road leading from the Swedish
and Dutch settlements, below Philadelphia, to New York ; this road, we find in
1677, was called tbe " King's Path," and extended through
Bensalem, Bristol and
Falls ; we presume that the turnpike road from Philadelphia
to Morrisville, by
way of Bristol, is located without any material deviation on this route. In the
original surveys, an allowance of six acres
to the hundred was made to the first
purchasers, for roads ; and at the same time several were
marked out on a reguhr
plan, to be afterwards extended with the
wants of the people. The following
were of this kind, and were projected before 1695
:-The County Line, the Street,
and the Bristol roads ; the road from AddisviUe,
by way of Jamison's corner and
the Alms House, to New Britain ; the road
from Churchville, on the Bristol road,
to the Neshaminy at Wrightstown ; besides a
number of shorter roads, which will
he more fully noticed when we come to the
local history of the county. The
onginal roads were intended to
run perfectly straight in their respective cources,
which design has not in all cases been
fully carried out. The Old York road
was laid out m "H, where is now Centre Bridge,
to Philadelphia.
fiom the York road m 1722, was
A branch
extended from where is now
the county line m Warrington ; this Willow Grove to
was the commencement of
the present md
 53

leading from Philadelphia to Doylestown and Easton. About 1720 tho road from
Bristol was laid out, and by 1745, was extended northward to Durham,
to Newtown
from whence its name of Durham road ; from the furnace there, it was laid out
and further extended, in 1755, to Easton. It was on this road, beginning near
Wrightstown Meeting-bouse, that Edward Marshall performed his celebrated
walk. The Bethlehem road was opened about 1750, by way of where is now
Quakertown and Sellersville, to Philadelphia. The road leading from where is
now Hinkletown, on the Durham road, to the mouth of Tinicum creek, was
opened before 1770 ; so were the two roads leading from where is now Yardley-
ville to Newtown, and to Philadelphia by way of Attleborough. The principal
way of travel to Philadelphia, from the upper
end of the county, waa on the
Durham and York roads, till
about 1775, when the road from the County line
in Warrington, was extended to the Durham road at Pipersville, by way of Doyles
town. The Philadelphia, Bristol, and Morrisville turnpike road, was made in the
year 1804, and was the first of the kind made in the county. The Trenton and
Morrisville bridge was the first that spanned the Delaware, and was erected in
1805.
Even when Bucks had been settled more than three-fourths of a century, much
in the way of transportation was done on horseback ; huge sacks, wallets, and
baskets or panniers, were constructed on purpose. In this way, nearly all pro
duce was taken to Philadelphia, and horsemen would thus be seen nearly surroun
ded with poultry, pork, butter, flax, &c., and even live calves and sheep would
be taken to market by these means. Old and young, male and female, were
usually conveyed on horseback, it mattered not either on business or pleasure,
as well as to their different places of worship on the Sabbath. In these primitive
times, jurymen in attending court at Newtown, not only took their horsefeed but
their provisions along ; such a one now-a-days would occasion some curiosity,
weeks' siege.
particularly if
he came prepared for a one or two For hauling, sleds
were used previously to wagons ; the latter were at first very rudely constructed
with little or no iron, the wheels were generally of solid wood cut with the saw
from tbe end of a log ; four of these would be placed on the ends of two heavy
axletrees. A wagon thus made, would require nearly the strength of two horses
to draw, from the scarcity as well as the newness of the roads, which were made
with little regard for the removal of rocks or stumps, or the bridging of streams ;
and in unfavorable weather, particulariy in the spring and commencement of
winter, they were rendered so bad to travel over, as to be used with little advan
tage. Atongue cart, was generally used for going to market, and as a protection
against the weather : hoop-poles were used for bows, over which would be stretched
a coveriet, often composed of a variety oi colors. These market carts may yet
Gigs and chairs came into
be in the recollection of some of our oldest citizens.
general use about the time of the Revolution, as vehicles for conveyance on busi
ness or pleasure. Elliptic springs were then unknown to wagons, and the exces
thought irremediable.
sive jolting occasioned by the roughness of the roads was
in fact necessity had made them accustomed to it.
 54

CHAPTER XVI. -Population.

No county, in proportion to its population, probably, in Pennsylvania, before

1730, was more taken up and settled by English Friends, or Quakers, than
Bucks. As early as 1690 they had built two meeting houses, one in Falls and
one in Middletown ; in Southampton they held meetings for worship in 1697 ; in
Buckingham they built a meeting bouse in 1706, at Bristol about 1714, at
Wrightstown in 1721 ; and at Richland they first held meetings in 1710, and
built a meeting bouse there in 1742 ; at Plumstead their meetings were held itt
1727, and a house built in 1730. As further evidence of our assertion, near the
county line, in Gwynedd, they had built a meeting house in 1700, and another at
Horsham in 1718 ; of course both these meetings had many members residing in
the adjoining townships of the county. The Episcopalians, about 1712, erected
a church at Bristol. The next were the Presbyterian settlers from the north of
Ireland ; they built their first church in Warwick, in 1730 ; the second at Deep
Run, in Bedminster, in 1732 ; and one on the Durham road, in Tinicum, in 1766.
The Baptists had a church in Hilltown in 1737, in Southampton in 1746, and at
New Britain in 1754.
By the above it is seen that no other denomination than the Friends had any
bouses of worship erected before 1712. I
have every reason to believe, from the
examination of tbe county records, that the Friends were the first actual settler*
ia every township in the county, unless, probably, excepting a few Swedes ; I mean in
the upper, as well as the central and lower parts. Even after the Revolution, the
Friends held private meetings in most of the upper townships, especially in
Springfield, Milford, Haycock, and Durham, but within tbe last fifty years have
60 diminished that but a few families of that denomination are now found there.

About 1720 and 1730, the Welsh Friends, from Gwynedd, commenced settling
in New Britain and Hilltown, in considerable numbers. The former place, at
first, they called North Britain. A number of Dutch settled in Northampton,
Southampton, and Bensalem townships, between the years 1725 and 1735. Many
of them had negro slaves. They were our best farmers, and in the Revolution
their descendants were distinguished for their patriotism and zeal in the Ameri
can cause. Before 1740, comparatively few Germans were in the Upper town
ships ; but after that date, as we learn from the records,
they poured rapidly into
the county, where they settled as good and industrious citizens. It is generally
supposed that, after the Indian disturbances in 1740, it was tbe
policy of the Pro
prietary government to induce the Germans to settle on the frontiers ; and owing
to this, a cordon of German settlements was formed before the treaty of 1768,
as a barrier against the encroachments of the Indians. As much as the govern
ment is censurable for thus exposing an innocent people to the attacks of savage
warfare, yet the Germans, to their great credit,
successfully maintained peaceful
relations with the exasperated Indians, which friendship doubtless resulted in
saving the life of more than one English descendant. Since their flrst arrival
they have rapidly increased in numbers, and probably at this time one-third of
the population in the county may be of German descent.

Previous to 1790, no official census was taken of the population,

and the only
 5&

way flow ta arrive 9t any such result ia by the number of taxables. In 1752'^
the taxables are stated to be 3,012 ; in 1760, 3,148 ; and in 1771, 3,177 :
by thi
it appears the population increased very slowly. From the foregoing, we might
suppose the population, in 1752, about 18,000 ;
and in 1771, near 19,000 ; i
1784, 20,831 ; in 1790, 25,401 ; and in 1800, 27,496.

CHAPTER XVII. Customs and Improvements.

The houses built by tbe early settlers were with few exceptions of logs, but in
the course of time, when lime could be conveniently procured, stone buildings
were erected. But even down to 1800, their barns and stables were rudely con
structed of logs, and covered either with straw or split clapboards, lapping on one
another, and from their not being well seasoned, liable to warp, and admit the rain
in stormy weather. The greater number of houses were but one story high, with
hipped roofs. The fire-places or hearths were of large dimensions, on which in the
Winter season would be seen a flre brightly burning, which in these days of innova
tion we can hardly flnd a parallel. As wood was of little value from i.ts abund-*
ance, and for all the purposes it was used, its economy was not considered, but
on the contrary they took all possible means for its speedy removal, that the soil
might the sooner he bronght into cultivation. And as an additional inducement
to effect this, indentured servants on farms at tho time of their freedom, were re
quired to be furnished with a new axe and grubbing hoe. Into these huge fire
places, to save the labor of cutting and splitting, would be put, as they were
back-logs,"
called, " of such a size as sometimes to require rolling in, to be placed
against tbe back wall of tbe hearth. Around these fire-places, which not only
gave forth warmth, but a sufficient degree of light for ordinary purposes, would
our forefathers on the long evenings of winter be assembled, with usually several of
their neighbors, when astonishing stories would be told, perhaps of witches and
ghosts ; adventures would be told, too, of tbe chase, and tbe skill displayed at
marksmanship, and of those who had achieved renown in the use of the axe, at
wrestling, and other feats that required physical strength. On these occasions
would the women of tbe household be seen busily engaged in spinning flax or
wool, to be woven into goods for family use, as all dressed in their own home
spun, and prided themselves much on account of its quality. There then existed
more familiarity and freedom in social intercourse : this arose from their circum-
cumstances, as they were more dependent on one another than now.
Many things, at the present time regarded as necessaries, were then looked
upon as luxuries, and only used by tbe wealthiest. Tea and coffee at first was
only drank on Sundays, even by those in tolerable circumstances. Garden herbs,
such as sage and thyme, were used, but more especially dittany, or mountain
mint, was in great request for tea, and rye was substituted as less expensive than
coffee. Doughnuts were considered such a rarity as to be eaten only on Christ
Sundays.
mas, and calicoes were deemed too costly to be worn on any other than
An aged lady, for some time deceased, informed us, that eighty-five years ago,
 56

o'id and young commonly went half the year barefoot, aiid those who were ehft*

bled to wear shoes during the summer, were considered in fortunate circumstances.
The fashions of those times were as they are sometimes at the present, carried
to extremes, so as to become a matter of inconvenience. We have been told of a
young lady, who had purchased in Philadelphia, about 1765, a pair of black vel
vet shoes, the pink of the fashion, we presume, and alter she had put them on in
her chamber, found herself unable to descend the stairway on account of the heels,
which were made of cork, three inches in length. The shoe and knee buckles of
this period were often of solid silveij, highly ornamented, and of elaborate work
manship. They are yet occasionally found in cultivating the fields, and are
regarded as the curiosities of a past age.
Farming, at the close of the last century, was still carried on in_a slovenly man
ner ; their implements were rudely constructed, and often made of wood. As the
soil was new and fertile, scarcely any attention was given to the application of
manures lime was rarely used, and plaster unknown.
; The principal crops were
wheat, rye, Indian corn, buckwheat, flax and oats ; potatoes were^scarcely intro
duced, timothy and clover grasses had not yet been brought into cultivation, and
their hay was procured generally from meadows, which were made more productive
by the attention paid to irrigation. It was customary in those days, when farms
contained two and three hundred acres, to save time and the labor of walking a
distance, to dine in the fields in summer time. Before 1790, our commodious
cellar barns were unknown, as grain was generally stacked. Women then per
formed considerable out door labor, such as reaping, binding, and raking. Flax
was an object of cultivation, and a spinning wheel, reel, and side saddle, formed
a portion of the bride's outset.
At the present time, the community can have but a faint idea of the vast and
important change that the culture of timothy and clover effected in agriculture.
Before, as we have stated, the farmers were totally dependant on meadows for their
winter's provender for cattle. No farm then would sell without a fair proportion
of meadow ; and in making hay the greatest economy was practiced in procuring
a full supply. Nor need we wonder at this, the way they exhausted their lands
without placing an equivolent return thereon. An aged gentleman assured me
that, not more than sixty years ago, in his neighborhood, early in every spring,
neighbors'
some of his cattle would perish either from want or disease, arising
from improper food.

CHAPTER XVIII. Local Superstitions.

" There is an indescribable charm about the illusions with
which chimerical ignorance one.
I
clothed every subject. * * * Even now, cannot look
back upon those fanciful creation!
of Ignorance and credulity, without a lurking regret that
they have all passed away. The
experience of my early days tells me
they were sources of e-^quisite delight. "-Tfo^Aiw-
t07i Irving. 'i-,iT

" Now every fragment of old

times has, in some degree, its story with or gives an ink-
it,

ingof something charac eristic of the circumstances and

manners of it, day, and so sell
the imagination at work." Walter ,Sro,
 57

Such a change since the acknowledgement of our Independence

has taken place
in the customs and institutions of society, as at the present
day can hardly be
credited. As the country was but sparsely settled, every neighborhood for the
want of good roads, good accommodations, and travelling facilities, formed as it
were a community within itself. Every hamlet and village, even a few miles
apart from tbe communication between them, whioh was
generally a-foot or by
horseback, caused such a separation as to give each its local history, opinions,
and I might add superstitions.
This want of intercourse caused them to be fonder
of their homes and care less for wandering, which was doubtless owing to the
general practice of subdividing their then unsettled possessions
among their
children, and the absence of all stage coaches, steamboats and railroads.

When we consider the disadvantages our forefathers labored under compared

to the blessings we now enjoy, we need not wonder at their humble superstitions,
which were peculiar to the age in which they lived. And to their great creclit as
Pennsylvanians, their posterity can say with pride that they accord with their
character, as both were simple and inoffensive ; while abroad it not only too often
bore a repulsive, but an intolerant and persecuting spirit. The early settlers
doubtless retained the peculiar superstitions of their fatherland, and their poster
ity we may consider as the originators of our local superstitions. These, from their
imperfect education and simple credulity as will be observed, were generally oc
casioned by the circumstances around them. Nature, from the newness of the
country, then wore a far wilder and more picturesque appearance. And their
isolated manner of living occasioned more sociability in their own neighborhoods,
as the people then were more dependant from their circumstances on one another
than now. Probably no one thing had a greater tendency to spread superstition
and cherish a love for the marvellous and supernatural than their fireside con
versations, which often enlivened the long evenings of winter, for the want of
papers, books, and science, now so generally diffused.

But faint traces of some of the superstitions can now be found, and that mostly
in some long rooted families, in the neighborhoods where progress has made but
little innovation ; but as the march of improvement is ownward with its easy com
munication, it will, in this matter-of-fact age, cause these to disappear, probably
to serve in the future as rich materials for some other Shakespeare, Scott, or
Irving. The causes too of many of the superstitions have disappeared with the
changes of progress, probably never to recur, and as our distinguished country
men already quoted remarks : " it is curious how the most beautiful fictions
ignorant.''
have their origin among the rude and And the hope to rescue a por
tion of these fanciful creations from being altogether lost, is the intention of this
paper, only regretting that on the same grounds others had not forestalled him.
Perhaps it may be necessary to mention that the materials have been collected
^
in the localities mentioned in this article without reference to what they may have
been elsewhere.

as they were often called, was

general ; and
The belief in ghosts, or spooks,
wherever any treasure or ill-gotten gain was concealed, it was believed that the
ghosts
spirit of the perpetrator would guard it ever after. It was said Indian
engen
haunted many places, particularly where the natural scenery was likely to
glens by running streams.
der such feelings, as gloomy forests, and deep solitary
 58

The Neshammy ^ Pennepack creeks particularly, were believed t he thB

graves kept vigils ; many imagined
fre-

too
uented, and where the spirits by their
tfeeirwailings as they we^ upbraiding themselves and their
they had heard
sacred from time immemorial.
posterity, for rdinquishing tbeir rig?t to lands held
originated from the fact that these streams eariy formal the
It is likely this feelief
William Penn and hi,
purchases, %y
boundaries in ne less than three or four
too was strengthened by the sub-
gents, from tbe Indians. Probably this belief
attachment to the
seqnent regret of the Indians to leave the soil, as their strong
houses, old lime kilns, and
graves of thT ancestors was well known. Deserted
; and where unnatural
secluded grave yards, were believed to be often haunted
night be carefully avoided
deaths occuired, or suicide had been committed, would at
places. often caution their children not to destroy
as suspicious Mothers would
cows give bloody milk.
or injure toads, and barn swaltows, as it would make the
destroy, and which are so an
This belief very likely arose from the insects they
likewise charged by their
noying to cattle in newly settled countries- They were
foreboded ill. To
careful mammas not to leave a loaf lie upside down, as it
shoot turtte doves or injure their nests, was regarded as likely to meet with Di

vine displeasure ; andwoc to the destroyer of kittens, for he would meet with
century, none met with
misfortunes. Probably of the discoveries of the last
more opposition than lightning rods ; their erection by many was considered an
undertaking.
impiety. Friday was believed to be an unfortunate day for any new
(un-
The ticking ot the death-watch was considered ominous. The unlucky egg,
iuecks ei,) which was one less than half the usual siae, to prevent disaster had to
object of horror
be thrown over the barn by the finder ; and crowing hens were an
to all good house-wives. The occasional appearance of comets, meteors, and
northern lights, would be the cause of considerable alarm ; and were generally re
garded as the harbingers of some dire calamity, as war, feimine or pestilence. ,

There were individuals who devoted themselves to finding lasting water for
wells, and mineral treasure, with the divining rod : Some of them became re
nowned for their success, and wefs frequently called upon errands of this kind
twenty or thirty miles distant. The instrument called tbe divining rod, was no
other than a forked branch of sweet apple wood ; that which grew wild was gener
ally preferred, though sometimes other wood was used ; while elsewhere witch-
hazel was mostly substituted. A prong of the fork was held in each hand, and
its mystic influence was believed to be such as to point out
the exact locality of
whatever the search was for, when the operator came within proper distance.
Tbe moon too was believed to possess a powerful influence, and the almanac would
often be consulted to know whether the " signs were
right"
for sowing, planting,
graftiog, and many other minor things, to insure success. Dreams were believed
to premonish, and various interpretations were given them. Old shoes were often
collected and burnt, and the ashes scattered around the premises to keep awaj
snakes and ward off evil influences.

Of all our superstitions, undoubtedly witchcraft was the most odious, but it
never, as we are aware of, at any time became so abused as to lead to any actual
vil beyond mere imputation. If old women bewitched children and cattle, who
were suffering from malignant disorders, their owners had the consolationj to
have a remedy at hand, by calling the witch doctor, who by his conjurationi
 59

would expel their influences. And as a further preventive, talismans would be

worn red strings tied to tho cattle, and a horse shoe nailed to the door. There
were persons also who enjoyed notoriety as magicians, in recovering lost and sto
len goods, telling fortunes, etc.

The ignis fatuus, or Jack-o'lantern, has been the cause of many a fright. The
following incident is related as having occurred in Solebury, where it was known
as the " fox fire." A bold young man, who had laughed at all ideas of ghosts,
being on an occasion a few miles from home, returned at a late hour in the night,
which was exceedingly dark and foggy ; he had not gone far on his way before
his attention was arrested by a ghastly looking light near a stream of water, that
seemed to shoot forth flames of light blue and yellow. He seized a large stone,
and hurled it with all his power to destroy who or whatever it might be ; but
what was his astonishment to observe the light become four times larger than it
was before, with nearly a hundred smaller fires scattered around, whose light it
seemed even the brook could not extinguish. The consequence was that he ever
afterwards believed it spooked there. He related this adventure to his neighbors,
who laughed at him, that he should have been so incredulous before as not to have
believed in ghosts. As instances of Jack-o'lantern appearing at the present day
are so extremely rare, a further account may not be altogether interesting. On
a dark, foggy night several years ago, as I
was going to retire, I
observed from
my chamber window, a large light emitting flames of light blue and yellow,
which I knew was on the wood pile, premises with which I was
well acquainted.
I felt an interest in such an unusual occurrence, thinking probably it might be an
ignis Iktaus, which I had before never seen, I
was not disappointed when came I
to the place, and as may be supposed, I had a desire to know more of such a re
markable phenomenon, particularly as what I
heard and read concerning them,
to me had been vague and unsatisfactory. It proved on examination to be a large
tulip poplar stump, emitting phosphuretted hydrogen, while undergoing decom
position, occasioned by tbe weather, which had been wet and drizding. It had
been brought there that day from the woods. To try its luminous qualities, for
experiment, a piece was detached about three inches square, which, when held a
few inches from the page, the smallest print could be read. The light depended
altogether on the moisture ; when that left the wood it all disappeai-ed.

1793, the year of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, several that had died
In
from that disease were brought from the city, and interred in a field by the old
York road. About half a mile above this place lived old Josey W . who

was brimful of the supernatural, and as good a specimen of the olden times as
an antiquarian would be delighted to find. He stated that one night, coming by
these graves, he saw a huge black dog spring up, who he knew was the guardian
spirit. Ever after in the night, he carefully avoided the spot by going around : he
believed that it was an indication that these men had come to their death by some
unnatural means.
Samuel Prbston relates that there was a general belief that Edward Mar
shall had discovered a rich silver mine, and had made from the ore a great num
ber of Spanish dollars, and that ho kept it a profound secret. After his death
some individuals were actively engaged in the search of this treasure, along the
wood-crowned hills of the Delaware. There was a belief, in Bensalem, that
 60

Captain Blackbeahd, the pirate, had buried some of his treasure on a small iV
attempts
land, above the mouth of the Poquessing ; and numerous, but ineffectual
have been made to find it. The Swedes, in the same locality, two centuries ago,
" that opposite to Poaetquessingh there is a
had a belief according to Campanius
kind offish with great long teeth, which the Indians called Manilto, which means
spouts it up like a
a spirit or devil: it plunges very deep into the water, and
elsewhere."
whale ; the like is not to be seen
past we must not forget to mention
Among the many beautiful fictions of the
the bird of happy omen. This was said to be a snow white dove from the spirit
land, to announce to the sick their approaching death, and their speedy depar
ture to the happy land. An instance of this kind occurred a short time before
the decease of an aunt of my mother's, who was at the time lying very low.
About midnight a gentle tapping was heard at the window, which drew the at
tention of the female attendant, who related that she saw the bird of happy omen.
The tidings he brought somewhat relieved her fears. This belief was common
in Haycock and Springfield. This bird, the truth is, was no other than the snow
owl, who in searching for prey at night, was attracted to the sick chamber hy
the dazzling of the light at that late hour. What strengthened this superstition
was that even where these birds most abound, instances of seeing them by day
light are extremely rare, as Mr. Wilson testifies in bis American Ornithology.
For the following legend we are indebted to Mrs. Jacob Fulmer, of Spriifgfield,
who died in 1839, at tbe advanced age of eighty-five. She had often heard it re
lated when a girl : the circumstances occurred in Bedminster. Among the early
settlers in that district, was a family who had a daughter of about four years of
age. As it was in the busy season of hay and harvest, they worked much
abroad in the fields. The little girl was in the practice of spending much of her
time in play, by a copse below the garden, daily, in fine weather, with a cup of
bread and milk. One time as she was staying longer than usual, her father
went after her, and first observed her there through the branches, at the same
time saying " eSz auch die
hrocken,"
eat the crumbs too. On going nearer he be
held, to his horror, a large black snake taking milk from the cup in his child's
hands, who at the same time was repeating " esz die
bracken,"
as she was pat
ting the snake's head with the spoon. The anxious parent with a stick finally
despatched the snake. The child with sympathy for the snake, said it had often
before partook of her bread and milk.* Not long after tbe child became unwell
and died, and it becamethe belief of the neighborhood that fate decreed their
lives to be linked together, and that the destruction of the snake involved that of
the child. The parents, ever after, deeply regretted it, and believed that the
child's death was occasioned by killing the snake.

The only trace of belief in fairies I

have yet found, was among the German
descendants, of Nockamixon, and this was rather exercised in the
way of a joke,
but its origin doubtless had some foundation in a superstition of the kind. Any
number not less than three, of whom one or more were in the
secret would take
the rest on a cold windy night, on the bleak surface of a hill, to
hold a blanket or

I
*In corroboration of this statement, have it from three or four credible witnesses, that
the black snake has been seen twined around the legs of
cows sucking milk. 1 am not
aware of having seen any mention of this in any work on
natural history.
 6l
" ;"
Il die elfen mil zu fangen
S&ok, to catCh the fairies : these when CaUght, It W6S
Said, would bring great sums of money in market. Ouce on such an occasion^
while a number held the sack, their more knowing companions started, as they
said, to scour aroUnd the hill for the fairies, wheta unintentionally and without
their knowledge, a hare was started and ran by those who held the sack, who
recognixed it at once as a fairy, and long after spoke with regret that such a
prize should have escaped them. After having frozen long enough over their cre
dulity, they hastened home as may well be supposed, to warm themselves by the
comfortablte fireside they had left, when whom should they find there but those
who had imposed on them, snugly enjoying themselves instead of chasing "
e{/en."

That superstition has been of some benefit to mankind, probably, no one will
deny. To poetry and fiction it has furnished some of the choicest materials ; and
though it is the antipodes of science, it is the source whence it sprang. Not*

it,
withstanding true knowledge may wholly banish our love for the marvellous
will not cease.
 PART IT. LOCAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER I Bensaleh.

The township of Bensalem was laid out before 1695, by the Stfrveyor-Genefal,
Captain Thomas HodKb. The first purchasers of lands, were Walter, Jambs,
and Francis Forest, John Gilbert,
Joseph Growdon, Lawrence Growdon, Na
thaniel Allen, Dunkin Williams, Nathaniel Hardiks, John Bowen, Samuel
Allen, Francis Walkeb and Ellis Jones. In 1697, John Dbnkin, William
Bealb and Abel Hinkson, settled near the Poquessing ; and John Scott about
1713. Ellis Jones with Jane, his wife, and children, Barbara, Dorothy, Mart,
and Jane, came from Wales in 1682, as servants for the Governor. He took np
present village of Bridgewater.
a tract of land on the Neshaminy, near the
Joseph and Lawrence Growdon, came from Cornwall, in England, and settled
here about 1683. A yea or two before their arrival they received of William
Penn, in London, a grant of 5000 acres of land, which they finally located in
Bensalem ; comprising nearly half of the township. They belonged to|the Society
of Friends, and were evidently a family of consideration.
Joseph, in 1689, was appointed a Justice, and in 1701 was chosen speaker of
the Assembly. His residence on the Neshaminy he named Trevose, which it
still retains, after his place of nativity. He died in 1730, leaving three children,
Joseph, Lawrence and Hannah, Gabriel Thomas, in his account of Pennsylva'
nia in 1696, mentions that " Judge Growdon hatb a very noble and fine house,
very pleasantly situated, and likewise a famous orchard, wherein are contained
trees.'' Oldmixon, who was here in 1708, says that
above a thousand apple he
was " very instrumental in planting and settling this county, for which, and
services."
many other things, it is very much indebted to his care and
Lawrence Growdon, like his father, was a person of distinguished attainments^
In1739, he was appointed one of the Commissioners, with Richard Peters and
Benjamin Eastburn, to run and lay out the division line between Pennsylvania
and Maryland. He was also, for a long period, speaker of the Assembly, and at
various times held other important trasts and appointments. In 1770 he died,
and his extensive landed estate was inherited by his daughter, the wife of Joseph
Galloway.
The Growdon purchase originally extended from opposite Newportville up the
Neshaminy to the corner of Northampton and Southampton, and thence down the
Poquessing about four miles. Another tract was situated on the Delaware about
a mile above the Poquessing, and had a front of a mile and a quarter on the
river. Nathaniel Harding received bis grant of 500 acres in England before the
arrival of Penn. Walter Forest's tract was in tbe point formed
by the conflu
ence of the Poquessing and Delaware, and extended up the river upwards of a
mile, to the lands of JosEffi Growdon. John Swift was
also an early settler
and land owner. He died in 1732*
From the Colonial Records we learn that, in 1697,
by order of the Provincial
 63

Cotincil, the road was laid aat from the Poqtiessing creek to the Neshaminy at
Joseph Growdon's, and from thence to Buckingham,
(Bristol.) At lie eam
time a bridge over the Poquessing was required to be built by the counties of
Bucks and Philadelphia. John Baldwin,
by giving good security for his faithfu)
performance, was permitted to keep the ferry over Neshaminy creek, and Joseph
Chorlbt, over tbe Delaware. These men most probably were the first ferrymen
in Bucks. The Neshaminy ferry mentioned, was at the present village of Bridge-
water.
A correspondent of the Intelligencer, in March, 1854, gives an interesting ac
count of this township, from which we take the liberty of making several
extracts :
" Bensalem, as the name of a place, is peculiar no other so called has come within our
knowledge. It is borrowed from the ingenious fiction of Lord Bacon, called the New Alln-
ftis ; being the name therein given to an imaginary Island in the ocean between America
arndJapan. Bensalem is a Hebrew compound, signifying. Son of Peace, or house of order
and consolation."
In the deeds of 1708, 1 find it called the " Manor of Bensalem."

Isaac Comly tells us that in. this neighborhood, in 1719, there was an extraor
dinary wet harvest, which was long remembered, and that but a small quantity
of wheat was secured before the raina commenced. Much of it was in the shock,
and was so damaged by tbe grain growing, that the shocks were all green with
it. Even the heads of the standing wheat grew in like manner.
The Neshaminy creek, by an act of Assembly passed the 9th of March, 1771,
was declared to be a highway for the purpose of navigation from the Delaware up
to Babnslet's ford.
Tbe Presbyterian church in this township was built more than a century ago.
In the time of the Revolution, its pastor, the Rev. James Boyd, used to excite
his hearers in favor of American liberty. This church was incorporated by an
act of Assembly in September, 1786. Mr. Boyd, in 1783, waa chosen one ol the
first trustees of Dickinson college, at Carlisle.
The people of Bensalem, in the time of the Revolution, suffered much from the
Dunks'
marauding parties of the enemy. It was here, between the Red Lion and
ferry, that Gen. LACfBT, according to orders, destroyed a large quantity of forage,
in the beginning of March, 1778, to prevent it falling into the hands of the British.
For these losses, it should be remembered, the distressed inhabitants never
received any remuneration.
The Red Lion tavern, near the Poquessing, on the Bristol turnpike, is supposed
to have been kept as a public house upwards of a century. An Englishman, by
the name of Philip Ames, probably, first set it up. After his death, according to
Scull's map of 1770, it was kept by bis widow. In 1781, a part of Washing
ton's army, in their march to Yorktown to attack Cornwallis, encamped at thia
place over night.
According to an enumeration made in the year 1784, Bensalem contained 653
white inhabitants, 175 blacks, 131 dwellings, 83 out-houses, and 11,656 acres of
land.
JOSEPH GALLOWAY.
Maryland about the year
He was the son of Peter Galloway, and born in
1730. Early in life he went to Philadelphia, and commenced the practice of th
law, and soon iil his profession. He tiairried the daughter of
arose to eminence
connexion he enjoyed a conslderattU
the Hon. Lawrence Growdon, by which
years after represented
fortune. In 1761 he resided at Newtown, and three
Bucks in the Assembly. After continuing in this office for some years, he was
Through his wife having inherited his
at last elected Speaker of that body.
father-in-law's mansion at Trevose, he removed hither about 1770. In 1774 he
an active partici"
was elected a member of the Whig Congress, of which he was
pant in its leading recommendations and measures. Near the close of the sea-
of Congress.
sion he was appointed, with Adams and others, to revise the minutes
At this time, probably no man in Pennsylvania was more in favor with the popu
lar party. In the attacks upon the Proprietary rights he had been
regarded the

leader ; and with FRANKLi>r he was on terms of intimacy and confidence. At his
agreed
request, the Assembly of Pennsylvania, the 12tb of May, 1775, to excuse
Congress. As may
him from serving any longer as a member of the Continental
be supposed, this led to many surmises as to the course he would
be likely to
pursue in the approaching crisis. He immediately issued a circular to tbe public,
prejudice the public mind against
cautioning them of false rumors calculated to
him. Some time after the disastrous battle of Long Island, in the most gloomy
period of the Revolution, from policy, he left Trevose and joined the royal army
at New York. In June, 1?78, accompanied by his only daughter, he went to
England. The next year he was examined before the House of Commons as to
the state of affairs in the revolted colonies. This examination is quite lengthy,
and at the time produced considerable sensation. The Historical Society have a
copy of it among their papers, and it shovf s Mr. GallowaT to have been a shrewd
observer of the events connected with the Revolution. From the time of his
arrival in England to the recognition of independence, his pen was constantly
employed on subjects connected With tbe war aiid its management on the part of
the officers of the crown. Against the American cause his writings show him to
have become exceedingly Virulent and prescriptive. On account of his treason,
his estates, in 1779, were confiscated by Pennsylvania. The greater part of hiH
property, however, being derived from his wife, was finally restored to his daugh
ter, and consisted in Bucks of fourteen plantations, containing 2,220 acres, of
which 1,297 were in Bensalem. In 1802, a work was published in London,
written by Mr. Galloway, entitled, " Brief Commentaries on the Hevelations and
Prophecies,"
in two volumes ; A, copy of which is in the Hatborough library. Ei
died in England in 1803, at the age of seventy-three yeirs.

OLD ALICE.
She was a slave, and born in Philadelphia, of pareilts who cairie from Barba-
does, and lived in the city Until she was ten years old, wheh her master removed
her to Dunks' ferry, in which neighborhood she Continued to the end of her days.
She remembered the ground on which Philadelphia stands when
it was a wilder
ness, and when the Indians hunted wild game in the wood,
while the panther,
the wolf, and the beasts of the fofest were prowling about the wigwams and
cabins in which they lived. Being a sensible, intelligent woman,
and having I
good memory, which she retained to the last,
she would often make judicious re
marks on the population and improvements of the
city and country. She remem
bered Willum Penn, Thomas Story, James Logan,
and several other dlstin*
 65

gttished characters of that day. She was a worthy member of tbe Episcopa}
society, and was so zealous to attend church, that she has often been met on
horseback, in full gallop, to church, at the age of ninety-five years. About the
one hundred and second year of her age, her sight gradually returned. Before
hair became perfectly white, and the last of her teeth dropped perfectly
she died her
sound from her head at the age of 116 years. At this age she died in 1802, near
Bristol.*

THE JOURNAL OF HENRY TOMLINSON.

Henry Tomlinson resided most of his life in Bensalem, where he died in April
1800, aged 79 years. For fifty or sixty years he made notes of occurences, and
kept a register of the deaths of bis friends and acquaintances, without respect to
persons or calling. As some of these are a little curious, we append a few ex
tracts, having a bearing on our subject :

1763, October 30. There was a smart shock of an earthquake.

1768, June 11. A heavy white frost.
1769, September 17. Began to rain moderately, and continued until 8 o'clock next morn
ing, when the wind rose from the north-east and blew violently; large green trees were torn
up, cr twisted off in abundance. The waters of the creeks rose very high.
1775, IWay 18. Joseph Cox went to learn the military exercise at the Red Lion. Au
gust 5. A great mnster among the soldiers.
1776, May 3 and 4. Groat guns fired vastly down the river. July 21. The soldiers in
Bensalem all off for Trenton. August 24. The Americans and Regulars fighting on Long
Island. October 3. The rebels after Gilbert Hicks. December 20. Early the alarm
gun fired to call the grenadiers home. December 21. Two soldiers came here and enquired
the way to Newtown.
1777, January 2 and 3. Terrible fighting at Trenton. The cannon roared like thunder.

June 24. N. W. and two soldiers took away two of my horses out of the plow. July 3.
The soldiers went by Byberry Meeting House, and shot off many guns as ihey went. July
31. Heard of the English Fleet being in the river.
1778, January 4. The soldiers took away a bull and heifer from me. January 8. Sharp
firing towards Philadelphia. March 6 Much wheat and hay burnt by the soldiers.
March 15. A horse taken by the soldiers. March 27. A mare taken by the soldiers for
(Exciting times truly.) April 8. The English at
Smith-
the use of the Continental army.
13th Much firing towards Philadelphia. 17th. All night the English ranging at
field.
Bristol and in Bensalem. June 18. Tho English left Philadelphia.
1780,
January. The month as cold from first to last as any month these forty years, I
captive by the In
think. April 3. Heard of Benjamin Gilbert and family being taken
dians, and who had his house and mills burnt by them. (One of this family is yet living,
day. August 17. Had a horse
and resides in Byberry.) May 19 A remarkably dark
taken out of the plow, for the wagons, by J.
N. This summer was remarkably dry and
rain, and but little second crop for grass. Novem
warm ; corn suffered greatly for want of
ber. Distressed for fines by A. L ; forty-five bushels of corn, twenty-five bushels of buck
wheat; and took 300 Continental money besides.
1781, February 23. This winter the most moderate I
ever knew. Mny 21. Widow
Harris's barn burnt by lightning. 24th. The lower battalion met at Four-Lanes-Evd.
a field day by the militia. Adieu to Continental money, six
hundred for one ;
It is called
August 30. General WAsniNGTON went to Philadelphia,
not worth having at that rate.
gu.nrd.
escorted by forty or fifty men, who rode sword in hand as a
captivity.
1782, September 17. Gilbert's family returned from
19. The Locusts coming up in places. June 5 The Locusts pretty thick.
1783, May
29. A smart shook
19th. The Locusts dying fast. The Locusts chiefly gone. November

*Haard's Register of Penn'a., v. 319.

 66

hours after, another shock, though

,f an earthquake at half past ten at night; about Bve

" spoke in public, and spoke

n87!'rgust 19-ARTHOB Howbll at Byberry Meeting, and

..
\fe\\, t/iough a Whig.
Aged persons J J 17M Henry Walmsley,
'
'^"^'^'''''--l^^^'J^'^Y^Jlt Rue
To.ml.nson, 76 ; 1770, Mathew
m ,
88 years; 1761, Seroch Titus, 94;
98- 1776, Williah Ridge, 80; 1785,
de 98 177,
1764, Thomas
SAMOEL
1789,
Allek, 84; Locret.a Strickleb, 92
William Hibbs, 89; 1"1> J'''' ^iod,
'

Jenks,*
"f
70 , 1794, William
''^^^'J/^j^^^^,^,
97
Ko
1798, Ann
^ ., %,^, mary
^^^"'
^
KiD8E,91; John Rodman, 81 ; 1797, Tho.mas Register, and B. ""'^
C. Intel-
GILES KNi.nr, 88; 1800, Blizabeth
State., ^^.-Ha.ard's
iigetwer.

Borough.
CHAPTER II.Bristol
present limits of tbe borough of Bristol, was
The land included within the
Clipt and Griffith Jones. Their grants were
originally taken up by Samuel
and extended from the mouth of
situated between Mill creek and the Delaware,
Samuel Clift, as we learn from the
the creek on the river upwards of a mile.
Andros, governor of New York,
records, received his purchase from Sir Edmund
lower part of the borough
in the beginning of W8l. Probably three-fourths of the
is on bis tract. , ,. .
Records, was called Buckingham,
Bristol at first, as we learn from the Colonial
present name, after tbe large com
which it did not long retain before it received its
mercial town of Bristol, in England, from which many of
the early adventurers

embarked, as stated in Phineas Pbmberton's registry of arrivals.

"
Oldmixon, who was here iu 1708, mentions that Bristol is reckoned the chief
town in this county. It is 20 miles from Philadelphia, and consists of 70 or 80
Jersey. 'Tis noted for its
houses, and lies over-against Buriington, in West New
planter in this
mills of several sorts, built by Mr. Samuel Carpenter, an eminent
merchant."
country, forraeriy a Barbadoes By the number of houses, he proba
bly includes those in the neighborhood around.
Bristol was incorporated as a borough by Sir William Keith,
governor of the

province, on the 14th of November 1720. From the petition for the charter, we
learn that ANTHONt Burton, John Hall, Wm. Wharton, Joseph Bond, Wm.
Walton, and several others, were at that time residents and land holders in the
place. They further state that they had laid out streets, erected a church and
meeting. house, a court house, and a prison, and that the courts for the county

had been held here for some time. John Hall and Ioseph Bond, were
appointed

the flrst burgesses, and Thomas Clifford, high constable. At this time, Mr. Hall
was sheriff of the county. The meeting house referred to belonged to the Society
of Friends, and was built in 1710-14. For some time previous they worshipped at
private houses. The Episcopalians erected their first church in the county here
about 1712.

* These two were not inhabitants of Bensalem.

 87

This place at^er its incorporation

was destined to remain the county seat but
ft short time. The Assembly passed an act the 20tb of March, 1724, for the
erection of new county buildings at Newtown, and tbe following year the seat of
justice was removed there. Alexander Graydon, whose father was president
of
the court, says in his memoirs :
" My recollections of tho village of Bristol, in which was I
born on tbe 10th of
April, N. S., in the year 1752, cannot be supposed to go further back than the
year 1756 or 1757. There arc few towns, perhaps, in Pennsylvania, which, in
the same space of time, have been so little improved, or undergone less alteration.
Then, as now, the great road leading from Philadelphia to New York, first skirt
ing the inlet, at the head of which stand the mills, and then turning short to the
left along tbe banks of the Delaware, formed the principal, and, indeed, only
street, marked by anything like a continuity of buildings. A few places for
streets were opened from tbe main one, on which, here and there, stood an bum
ble, solitary dwelling. At a corner of tvro of these lanes was a Quaker meeting
house, and on a still more retired spot stood a small Episcopal church, whose
lonely graveyard, with its surrounding woody scenery, might have furnished an
appropriate theme for such a muse as Gray's. These, together with an old brick
jail, (Bristol having once been the county town of Bucks,) constituted all tbe
public edifices in this my native town. With the exception of the family of Dr.
Denormandie, our own, and perhaps one or two more, the principal inhabitants
of Bristol were Quakers. Among these the names of Buckley, Williams, Large,
Meritt, Hutchinson, and Cnuncn, are familiar to me."
Bristol, in tbe summer season, has long been a favorite resort of Philadelphians,
and was formerly celebrated for a chalybeate spring and baths, situated by a
marsh, about half a mile northwest of the principal part of the borough. The
following advertisement, setting forth the advantages of this place, we clip from
a weekly Philadelphia paper of April 25tb, 1774 :
" The Bristol Baths and Chalybeate Wells are completed in the most commodious manner,
for such persons as may incline to make use of them the approaching season. It is for
strangers to be informed that these Baths and waters, from their effects in a number of dis
years deservedly in the
eases which had resisted every other medicine, have been for some
highest repute. The advantages to be obtained from chalybeate waters are too oitensive
for an advertisement, for which reason Ihe public are referred for a more particular account
of their uses, and the advantngeous situation of Bristol, to the experiments and observations
on the Mineral Waters of Philadelphia, Abington, and Bristol, read before the American
Philosophical Society, ot Philadelphia, June IBih, 1773, by Benjauin Rush, M. D., and
pamphlet.""
oon after published in n small

The original charter continued in force until the Revolution ; after which ano
ther was re-established by the Legislature, the 16th of September, 1785.
Chalss Bessonett, an enterprising citizen of the place, in 1773, started tho
first line of stage coaches from Philadelphia to New York, making the trip through
in two days. The fare was for inside pas,';cngers, 30 shillings (S4.00) each, and
for outside passengers 20 shillings. In 1785, an act was
passed confirming to

Mr. Bessonett and Gerham Johnson a road, and permitting them to establish a
ferry, and baild a toll bridge over the Neshaminy.
The old residents of Bristol, no doubt, still remember the fairs once held in thia
place by virtue of the original charter, and which often brought great number*
of people together. The following extract is given authorising them :
 68

" And we do further grant to the said burgesses, &c.. That they and their suc
cessors shall and may forever hereafter, hold and keep, within the said town, in
every week of the year, one market on the fifth-day of the week, called Thursday ;
and also two fairs there in every year ; the first of them to begin the eighth day
of May, and to continue that day and one day after ; and the other of said fairs
to begin the twenty-ninth day of Octjber, and to continue till the thirty-first day
of the same month ; in such place or places in tbe said town as the burgess from
appoint."
time to time may A petition was sent to the Legislature from the Bur
gesses, Common Council, and a number of inhabitants of the borough and ad
joining townships, ia which they state that these fairs have become
" useless and
immorality."
unnecessary, and promote licentiousness and For these reasons
they were abolished by an act of April 4th, 1796.

The area of the borough was extended by an act of Assembly in 1801 to about
450 acres. Previously from an old paper we learn it contained about 210 acres.
An enumeration of 1784 gives 45 dwellings, 44 out-houses, and 269 white and
24 black inhabitants. Scott, in his Gazetteer of 1795, mentions that it was then
a post-town, and contained about 50 dwellings, some of which were neat and
tommodious ; and in the summer season was the resort of much genteel com
pany.

CHAPTER IIL Bristol Township.

The lands in this township were originally taken up by William CLmt,

Richard Noble, Jacob Pelisson, Samuel Allen, James Boyden, John Swart,
John Spencer, Thomas Holme, Edmund Bennet, Griffith Jones, Francis
Richardson, Christopher Taylor, William IIaigb, Thomas Bowman, Thomas
RCDYARD, AYlLLlAM DuNGAN, MoRDECAI BoWDEN, ClEMENT DcKGAN, ThOMAS
Dungan, and Richard Lundy.
William Clark received his grant from Governor Andros, in 1681, and was
situated at the mouth of the Neshaminy. About 1683, he died, leaving his pro
perty to his widow, Ann Clark. Richard Noble, who, in 1682,
was appointed
the first Sheriff of Bucks, had an extensive tract on the
Delaware, adjoining Clark's.
Samuel Allen resided up the Neshaminy, about three-quarters
of a mile from
its mouth. At his house, the 22d of Second-month, 1686,
Daniel Pegg, of Pliila*
delphia, was married to his daughter Martha. Pegg's Run, and a Streetin
Philadelphia, derived their name from him. He was at
the time, owner of 350
acres of land in the Noithern Liberties, below
Conshehocken creek. He died in
1732.
James Botden was, in 1682, one of the first
members in the Assembly from
Bucks, and lived on the Nc shaminy above Samuel
Allen. Samuel Preston, in
1826, related, that his grandmother was brought
np by Boyden, and that they
were a Swedish family ; that " their neighbors were
Indians, good and kind.-
 69

As a proof, she used to relate, when young, that

it was her business to tend their
cattle out of
the swamps. One rainy time she was lost, and wandered in the
wet three days and nights, until too weak to go farther, when she laid down and
cried. An Indian heard her, and then carried her home. She always retained a
peculiar friendship and esteem for the natives,
having learned their language in
infancy."
her

Captain Thomas Holme, was a member of the

Society of Friends, and came from
Waterford, in Ireland, lie was one of the first surveyor-generals of Pennsylva
nia, and was appoi.itcd by a commission from the Pioprictary the 18th of Second-
month, 1682. He rendered many valuable services in the settling of the Province,
and to bis map of original surveys we are much indebted for valuable informa
tion. He died near the close of 1695, and appointed Silas Crispin, of Upper
Dublin, his executor^ He owned all the land in the vicinity of Newportville,
and back from the Neshaminy along the Middletown line, nearly three miles.

Edmund Bennet was an early settler and extensive land owner. lie married
Elizabeth Potts, of Philadelphia
county, in 1685. At his house, on the 29th of
8th month, 1086, Nbhemiau Allen was mairied to Mary Eaklyman. Adjoint
ing Edmund Bennet, William Uaige had 500 acres. In 1684, Richard LuNDt
married Elizabbth, the daughter of William Bennet. Thomas Dungan was a
Baptist minister from Rhode Island, and settled at Cold Spring, about a mile south*
west of the present village of TuUytown. He died in 1687.

The following is worthy of insertion, as giving the names of some of the resi
dents of this township in 1774 ; and shows that at this time there was slill much
land uncultivated :

" WiU be exposed to sale, or public vanduo, on the premises, the second of April next, in
the forenoon, A Plantation situated by the river Delaware, wilbin three miles of the borough
of Bristol, iu Bristol township, in the county of Bucks, known by tliennme of Cold Sprivgs,
adjoining the plantation the subscriber lives on, .and to lands of .John Pemberton, contain
ing 100 acres, about one half cleared, a stream of water running near Ihe door, a fishery at
the landing, where shad, herring, and other fish have been caught with a seine. * *
TnosiAs Stanaland. March, 1774."

Joseph White, at the same time, holds at private sale, the plantation on which
he resides, of 263 acres 96 of which are woodland. And another, adjoining this,
in the tenure of John Wright, containing 170 acres, nearly half in wood.
The township line roads of Bristol, were originally laid out for highways by
the surveyor-general, before the year 1695.

An Act was passed in March, 1772, to enable the owners of the lands called
Pigeon Swamp, in this township, to raise money, to be enabled to drain, ditch,
and keep open the water courses of said swamp. Another Act was passed in
1798, to enable the owners of the Bristol Island meadows, to raise funds to keep
in repair the banks, dams, sluices, and flood-gates of said meadows.
According to an enumeration of 1784, Bristol township contained 716 white,
nd 41 black inhabitants ; 114 dwelling houses, 115 out-houges, and 9,459 acres.
 79

CHAPTER IV. Buckingham,

An account of the settlement of Buckingham, by, Dr. John Wjtson, waa pnl>
lished in the "
Memoirs" of the Historical Society, in 1826, and from which w0
make the following extracts :

" The township of Buckingham is situated near the centre of Bucks ; is the largest town'
(hip in the county, containing 18,433 acres. The whole of this township and Solebury, in
early time, was called Buckingham, being a favorite name with our first worthy proprietor,
William Pehs. The name was first given to the township and borough now called Bristol,
but transferred here perhaps about the year -, before CUTLEh's re-survey; by whieh it
appears that the two townships were divided by a northwest line from the lower corner of
TnouAS and John Bye's tract, and extending to the upper corner of Bandall Blacksbire's
tract.
" It appears by an enumeration of the inhabitants taken in 1784, that Buckingham con-
lained 173 dwelling houses, 183 out-houses, 1,173 white inhabitants, and 13 blacks,
" T'befirst settlers generally came from England, and were of tbe middle rank, and chiefly
Friends. Many of them had at first settled at tbe Falls, but soon after removed back, as i(
was then called, into the woods. As they came away in tl.i reigns of Charles, James, and
William and Anne, they brought with them, not only the industry, frugality, and slrict do
mestic discipline of their education, but also a portion of those high-toned political impres
sions that then prevailed in England. Many of the early settlers had been educated iu what
may, with some propriety, be termed good style ; though not great scholars, yet were great
men.
" At that early period, when our forefathers were building log houses, bams, and sheii}
for stables, and clearing new land, and fencing it chiefly with poles or brush, it has been
(aid that a Aear^y, sincere good will for eachothergenerally prevailed among them. They
nil stood occasionally in need of the help of their neighbors, who were often sitnated at some
distance through the woods.

"As money was scarce, and laborers few, and business often done that required many
hands, friends and neighbors were commonly invited to raisings of houses and barns, grub
bing, chopping, and rolling logs, that required to be done in haste, to get in the crops in
season. Bum, and a dinner or supper, were provided on those occasions ; and mueh compe
tition excited in the exercise of bodily strength and dexterity, both at work and athletic
diversions.
" The imposing authority of necessity obliged the first settlers,
and their successors, to
wear a strong and coarse kind of dress : enduring buckskin was used for breeches, and some
times for jackets; oznabrigs, made of hemp tow. Is. 6d. per yard, was much used for boys'
(hirts ; sometimes flax, and flax and tow, were used for that purpose, and
coarse tow for
trowsers ; a wool hat, strong shoes, and brass buckles, two linsey jackets, and a
leathern apron
made ont the winter apparel. This kind of dress continued to be common for the laboring
people until 1750.

" The first adventurers were chiefly members of the Falls

meeting ; and are said to have
a it,

frequently attended and often on foot. In the year 1700, leave was granted
by the quar
terly meeting to hold meeting for worship at Buckingham; which was first at the house of
William Cooper (now John Gillingham's). They soon after removed to the housed
James Steeipeb (now Bbsjahis William's); andin that time, and for
some time after,
some of those who died in the now settlement were buried on
his land, believe nearth?
I

line in the old orchard others were taken to the Falls, or

Middletown. In a short tim'e
:

they removed again, and held meeting^t Nathanie!, Bye's, where

a

his grandson, Thomas

Btk, now lived
 n
" About llOi, several hew settlers arrived ; among whom was my great-grnndfatlier,
tuoMAS Watson. His certificate is from Pnrdsey Cragg. in Cumberland, 11., dated IM

(It
7th month, 1701. His wife waj Eleanor Pearson, of Probank, in Yorkshire; and their
two sons. Thomas and John. He first settled at a place then called Money Hill, near Bristol,
Buckingham."
and settled finally, about 1703 or 1704, on RoaiLL's 400 acres, in
find, ia 1717, that he was Justice of the Peace, and member of Assembly

a
I

in 1725.
Among the early settlers of Buckingham may be named, Mathew Hughes,
Efhraim Fenton, Robert Smith, William Lacey, John Lacet, Nathaniel Btb,
Hugh Ely, Samuel Hough, John Worstall, Henry Large, Joseph Largb,
Joseph Fell, Amor Preston, Richard Lundy, Jr., and Enoch Pearson.
Samuel Preston, who was formerly surveyor and conveyancer in this town

a
ship, was born about tbe year 1756. Most of his information he derived from bis
grandmother, who was a woman of little education, but possessed of good,

a
retentive memory and understanding. She died at the residence of his father,
Paul Prbston, tbe 14th of 2d month, 1774, aged upwards of one hundred years.
Mr. Preston says that she had seen William Penn first land near or where
Philadelphia now stands, and often related the particulars, which were always
the same. She possessed her natural faculties nearly to the close of her life. She
was married near Pennsbury to his grandfather. Amor Preston, above mentioned,
who was " tailor by tiade, and made frocks, trowsers, and moccasins out of
a

deer skins the clothing then most generally in use. After they were married
they went to Wiccocoe, below
Philadelphia, where, in dry, windy time, their
a

little establishment was surrounded by fire in the woods, and they with difSculty
escaped with their lives all their little property being consumed. Some of their
go over Laskeek, (Buckingham moun
former Indian acquaintances invited them to
tain,) to their village, called Hollekonk. know well limestone sink
is
it

it

a
I

hole, that used to contain good water. Here they were well treated by the hos
pitable Indians, and here my uncle, Nathan Preston, was born the first white
Buckingham township. The mother and infant were
child in the bounds of
Indian woman named Sarah. Amongst the young
kindly nursed by young
a

Indians, Nathan learned to speak their language before he did English, and she
was fearful that her children, like herself, would not obtain any leaining but the
;

event proved
possessed considerable influence.
Mathew Hughes, in bis day, was man that
a

He represented Bucks in the Assembly in 1725. In 1738 he was commissioned

and fourteen yearS after reported to the Council aa
is

Justice of the Peace

;
a

incapacitated to serve, from his great age and infirmities. Samuel Prbs
being
"
ton says, that he is said to have been man of very
little, any, learning, yet
if
a

great integrity, and of an amiable

of strong, sound mind, good natural abilities,
a

Justice of the
disposition. By tbe choice of his neighbors, he held the ofBce of
greater number of years than any other man in Bucks county. He
Peace for
a

respected. have seen

kept in bis neighborhood, and was highly
I

peace and order

acknowledged before Mathew
number of ancient deeds witnessed to have been
a

passed as his name and

Hughes, to which, for his name, he made an X, and they
canonical."
character were
meetings for worship since the first settle
The Society of Friends have held
meeting-house was built, which stood
ment of Buckingham, in 1700. In 1706,
a
 72

till 1729, when a more commodious one was erected. Their Monthly ineetiDg
tommenced in 1720i

Before the opening of the York road to Philadelphia, the people of this town*
tship usually, in going to the city, it is said, went by the way of Newtown, and
Trevose, in Bensalem.

The last remnants of the Lenni Lenapes, probably, in Bucks, (about forty in
number.) removed from their residence on Buckingham mountain, in 1775, under
the leadership of Isaac Still. They went to join a portion of their tribe on the
Wabash, who had preceeded them.

JOHN WATSON,
Surveyor-general of Pennsylvania, is well deserving of a notice. Early in lifei
his grandfather, Thomas Watson, who, by age and infirmities, could no longer
instruct him, for his better education, consigned him to his learned and ingenious
friend, Jacob Taylor, of Philadelphia. Alter he had successfully pursued his
studies, Mr. Taylok was appointed surveyor-general of Pennsylvania, when he
selected Mr. Watson his deputy for Bucks. In this county, according to Sam*
tJKL Preston, as a surveyor and conveyancer, he soon had more business than he
could possibly do, and was therefore assisted by John Chapman, and Samuel
FoDLKE, of Richland. He was an expert penman, and wrote all kinds of handi
with facility and elegance.Rattlesnakes he always held in dread, in consequeflct
of his father having died from the bite of one. In his dress he appeared negligent,
nd was fond of going barefoot, but by way of precaution, in surveying through
brush or grass, he wore uncommon thick and heavy boots. It is related by Dr.
Franklin, that on one occasion, in company with Governor Morris, as they went
to Easton, to hold tbe first Indian treaty, they found John Watson mending hii
fence by the York road, barefoot, " That ia not your penman,
hope?"
Yes,"
Isaid tht
Governor. " said Franklin. " Mr. Watson, how soon can you be ready ?"
" I am ready
now,"
said Wats ,n, flung down bi.s hoe, and walked with them,
barefoot, to Eiston. At this Treaty, Abel Jambs, who was present, said his pen
manship caused general admiration." The surveyor-general, Nicholas Scoll,
appointed Mr. Watson and John Lukens, his assistants,
to run the boundary line
between Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland ; while on the performance of
this duty, Mr. Scull became ill and died. The then appointed Mr.
Proprietary
Watson his successor. The duties of the office had not long devolved upon him,
before he also caught the contagious'fever of the low grounds,
which induced bim
to hurry to his home and friends in this county.
Hard riding had so much ag
gravated the disease, that he died in a few days.
He was buried at Buckingb
meeting-house, and his funeral is said to have been larger
than any ever seen there
before. He was aged about 42 years, and not married, though
at the time, be
was under an engagement. John Lukens, of Horsham, who succeeded him in

r- ' "' ""^"''''' "" '""""'8 '"""" """"""d = A, th.

ad^f
more aged of Ib r
the Indians came to speak in their turn to the
Governor, he would ask their
names. On being old, he would ask Franklin,
or Ben, as he called him,
do to
remember them.
I
Amongst the rest was one who called
.an remember this long name?" Franklin
himself Tocarededhogan. -
He.
answered th. Governor, by ..yi,^. "ThiTef
whMlbiT.w < earry a dtad hog en." /". a"""
 73

the office of surveyor-general, was fond of

relating anecdotes of him, and con
sidered him one of the most eminent men born in Pennsylvania.
From a Philadelphia paper, of July 9th. 1761, we
extract the following :
" Last Friday, died of an inQaminatory and mnlignant
disorder, Mr John AVatsok, of
Bucks county, principal surveyor, on the part of this Province,
in running the division linei
between us and Mnrylnnd. He was a mnn of unbinfsed integrity, great
penetration, and
ingulardepth of thought. Ho did not content himself with a bare superficial knowledge of
thf, practical part of his profession, but
had closely s'ndied the principles on which it is
founded, even up to the higher gMmrtry and most useful branches
of asironnmy. A a
surveyor he has left, perhaps, but few equals in this part of the world
; and his death ii
justly regretted by all who had the happiness of hia acquaintance, as a loss to his
friends, to
his country, and to men of business."

JOHN LACEY,
As has been mentioned, was an active officer, and zealous whig of the Revolu
tion. He was born in Buckingham, on the 4th of February, 1755. His great
grandfather emigrated from the Lsle of Wight, England, and
was among the early
Settlers of this county. The family, from an early period, were all educated in
the religious principles of the Society of Friends, Who were chiefly devoted to the
peaceful pursuits of agriculture.

Previously to the American Revolution, the opportunities of education were

very limited in Pennsylvania, especially in the country schools ; and, in addition,
there was considerable prejudice against giving much school learning to children.
The joint operation of these causes prevented Mr. Lacey, while young, from re
ceiving more than the rudiments of an imperfect education ; a defect which ht
subsequently often felt and regretted ; and which he endeavored afterwards to
supply, as far as possible, by his own industry and application. It is said that,
to the close of his life, he earnestly deprecated that neglect of the expanding fac
ulties of youth, which it bad been his own misfortune to experience. As early
as the fourteenth year of his age, he was taken from school, and employed occa
sionally on tbe farm, but more generally in attending his father's grist mill, the
same lately owned by Joseph Carver. Here he devoted his leisure moments to
reading and study : and with the aid of borrowed books, procured among his
friends added considerably to his stock of useful knowl
of the neighborhood, he
edge. was principally occupied, until the disputes be
In this manner his time
tween the Colonies and Great Britain assumed a serious aspect.
On this momentous occasion, Mr. Lacey warmly espoused the cause of his
country ; and animated by the patriotic feelings ol his whig neighbors, he pre
pared to resist, even to extremities, the oppressions of the mother country. The
young men in hi.s vicinity, in compliance with the order of the County Commit
tee, having formed a volunteer as.sociation, to learn the use of arms, unanimously
elected him captain. As several of this corps, with Mr. Lacey, belonged to the
Society of Friends, they were respectfully infonntd by the meeting that these
proceedings were inconsistent with their tenets, and therefore Kque.stcd them to
withdraw. But Mr. Lacey, as well as some of the others, decided to pursue a

different course in this eventful crisis.

At the recommendation of Congress, several battalions of troops were ordered

to be raised in Pennsylvania, far the defence of the country and its liberties, ^r.
 74

Lacey received a captain's commission from Congress, dated the 6th of January,
1776. The commission reached him the 20th of the month ; and such was his
s;eal, diligence, and good fortune, that he enlisted his complement of men, (mostly
farmers'
sons of the neighborhood,) by the 12th of February following. Captain
Lacby's company was attached to the 4th battalion of the Penn.sylvania line,
commanded by Colonel Anthony Wayne, and was directed to rendezvous with
the other troops at Chester, on the Delaware ; for which place be commenced his
march on the 12th of Petiruary. From Chester, they were all soon afterwards
ordered to New York, and from thence towards Canada.
In April,he was sent by Colonel Wayne to Pennsylvania, to settle the affairs
of his company. On his return to St. Johns, he sent a letter to the Council of
Safety, complaining that, in his absence, a Captain Moore bad received the com
mand of his company. Col. Wayne declined reinstating Lacey till the arrival
of Moore's company, ahd ordered him in tbe interval to serve as a volunteer.
On the 13th of July, at TicOnderoga, he again received the command ; but a difB-
culty arising between him and the Colonel, the latter, on the 11th of September,
put him under arrest. He shortly afterwards was released without a trial ; and
having served out the campaign, he resigned his commission at Philadelphia, in
January, 1777.
As we have already, in our former numbers on the Revolution, sufficiently
detailed the subsequent career of Gen. Lacey in this county, it is not our wish
here to mention them, beyond a few additional particulars not given.
Whilst on his tour of duty, in November, 1777, he was engaged in frequent
Skirmishes with parties of the enemy, particularly in one, of some severity, near
the Gulf Mills, on the Schuylkill, from which he had a narrow escape, in conse-
sequence of his perseverance in rallying and
encouraging the troops, in the face
of a superior force. Gen. AVashington, in his orders the next day, expressly
complimented Lacey's regiment, for its good conduct on the occasion.
A number of hazardous enterprises in the vicinity of the enemy's outposts
requiring great address and dexterity in the execution, were undertaken by
Gen. Lacey, at the request of Gen. Washington; and were performed, for the
most part, with entire success. A most unpleasant duty was also imposed by
the Commander-in-chief upon Gen. Lacey, to be performed,
for the most part,
amongst his neighbors and relations ;
which was the derancement of their grist
mills, and the destruction of grain, forage,
and other pri\"ate property, with a
View to distress the enemy, and prevent him
from drawing supplies from that
part of the country. This painful service was executed, reluctantly indeed, but
with such rigid impartiality, that some of his
connexions could hardly ever foi^
give him,
notwithstanding he had acted under the peremptory orders of General
Washington, who believed that the
safety and best interests of tbe country re
quired the measure.

After the British had evacuatedPhiladelphia, General Lacey was elected a

memb_er of the Assembly from the county of Bucks, and
took his seat in Novem
ber, 1-78 -The year following he was
elected to Council, of which he was a
member for the three succeeding years. In
August, 1780, Gen. Washington
bemg apprehensive that the enemy intended
to aim another blow at Pennsyl-
vama. General Lacey was ordered to Trenton,
with a brigade of militia from the
 75

counties of Bucks and Berks, and appears to have been in

almost continual ser
vice until October, 1781, when the militia were discharged
at Newtown, and the
thanks of the Council voted them and their commander.

During this latter command. General Laoey married Anastasia, the daughter
of Col. Thomas Reynolds, of New Jersey, and shortly afterwards removed
to
the village of New Mills, now called, Pemberton, in Buriington county, where
be
became largely concerned in the Iron works. He was for many years an active
and useful citizen of New Jersey, Judge of the County and a mem
having been a
ber of the Legislature. In the latter pm-of his life he was much afflicted with
the gout, to which disease he fell a victim on the 17th of February, 1814, aged 59
years, leaving a widow and four children.

General Lacey is represented, by all who knew him, and served with him in
the Revolution, as having been an officer of a remarkably fine martial appearance,
and of the most determined and enterprising character. All bis letters, written
under every difficulty, breathe the most ardent spirit of patriotism, and devotion
to the cause of his country.

CHAPTER v. Bedminster.

A majority of the people who originally settled in this township, came &om
the north of Ireland, and were of tbe Presbyterian denomination. As early as
1732, they erected a log church, at Deep Run. In 1738, the Rev. Francis
M'Henry, who also came from Ireland, became their pastor. He died in 1757, and
was succeededin 1761, by tbe Rev. James Latta, who was invited to take the
pastoral charge. After nine years, he was called to Chester county, where,
having made full proof of his ministry, he finished his course, leaving four sons
in the ministry of the Presbyterian church. To Mr. Latta, and " his successors
ministry,"
in the the lot of ground on which the church stands, and the adjoin
ing farm of 100 acres, were deeded by the Hon. Willlam Allen, of Philadelphia,
for the use of the congregation. Mr. Latta was succeeded by the Rev. Hugh
McGill, in 1776, who was followed by the Rev. James Gribr, in 1791. In 1798,
the Rev. Uriah DuBois, succeeded to the charge, and under him, public worship,
in 1804, began to be held interchangeably at Deep Run and Doylestown. Sever
al years after, on the erection of the Academy at the latter place, he became its
first principal.

In 1730, we have reason to believe, the settlers were very few, for about this
time the Proprietaries first began here to sell their lands to the original purchas
ers. Among these may be named John Hough, who purchased 200 acres in 1734,
Tohicon."
on Deep Run, which is stated to be " a branch of The same year,
John Britain also made a purchase of 150 acres, on the same stream. In 1745,
WttLiAM Armstrong, a member of Deep Run church, made a purchase of 104
 76

acres in " Bedminster township." This is the earliest mention of this township
I have found in the records.

A great change has taken place here in tbe population, since the middle of last
century, fully three-fourths being now of German descent.

According to an enumeration of 1784, Bedminster contained 988 white inhabi

tants, 3 blacks, 143 dwelling houses, 125 out-houses, and 16,058 acres.

CHAPTER VI. Durham.

At what precise time the lands of this township were first taken up and set
tled cannot be well ascertained ; but most probably about the year 1730. From
an Indian treaty, begun here in 1734, we know that the creek, or the country
lying adjacent thereto, was called Durham. Thomas Fcrness, in his account of
the Walk, in 1737, says " We reached Durham creek, where we dined in the
trader." This, probably, was in the exten
meadows of one Wilson, an Indian
sive meadows near Long's. By 1738, it must have been somewhat settled, for
we find among tbe Justices of the Peace, commissioned in Bucks, this year, tho
Durham."
name of " Richard Mitchell, of

Probably amongst tbe earliest of those that took up lands, were Lawrencb
Gbowdon and Jeremiah Langhorne, of Bensalem. These gentlemen were the
principal proprietors of the Iron works ; of which Samuel Preston says, that :
"After their decease,both their shares were held by my late worthy friend, Abel
Jakes, in trust for their heirs. I
had to assist him in settling up that business, and had
full access to all the old Durham papers and accounts ; by which it appears that the Dur
ham Company had for a number of years given Wm. Satteethwaite a salary for keeping
a free school, perhaps to encourage settlement in the neighborhood, and support an emi
nently worthy man. That the furnace was built in expectation of ore, from the north side
of the creek, but that not answering, they were about to stop, when an Indian offered, for
some reward, to flnd them plenty of ore. He took them on the hill on the south side of the
creek, where there was no appearance of ore on the top of the ground. There, said he, dig
a certain depth and you will find it. They dug that depth, and found it. There then came
other Indians and killed him for
informing."

Captain Flowers,at one time, leased these works for five years. The
furnace,*
we know, was erected before 1755, for in this year tbe road from
Easton was laid
out to this place. Mrs. Galloway inherited here, from
her father, Lawrencb
Growdon, the above-named proprietor, about 923 acres,
including the old fur
nace, iron ore, cave, limestone quarries, and five or^six
farms, which were all
sold in 1847, by her descendents.

*The boats belonging to this Furnace wore of a peculiar

construction, and were chiefly
intended for conveying ore t Philadelphia; hone., in
the course of time, they received the
name of Durham hoats.
 In a letter from William Logan to Richard Peters, in 1755, be says : " As
the Durham lines are not settled, or cannot be found on ihat side where they are
said now to be surveying, owing to my not being able to get the return from
I
Edward Snell, who surveyed it ; and as took out a warrant, some time since,
for some vacant land, adjoining Durham, (not yet surveyed,) and then promised
me, also, I should have another of those 300 acres yet due to my father's estate,
right."
on a former

We learn from William Scull's map, that Durham, in 1770, had two furna
ces, and two forges ;
of which the Durham furnace and old forge are represented
on tbe Durham or old Easton road ; and the Chosery forge and new furnace
midway on the creek towards the river. A tavern is also marked as the " Gt.
House,"
where the old road crosses the creek.

Our information concerning the Indian treaty begun here in 1734, is derived
from the Deed of August 25th, 1737, which was made in Philadelphia, and refers
to it in these words : We, Teshakomen, and Nootamus, two of the sachemas
or chiefs of the Delaware Indians, having almost three years ago, at Durham,
begun a treaty with our honorable brethren, John and Thomas Penn, and from
thence another meeting was appointed to be at Pennsbury, the nest spring
following, to which we repaired, with Lappawinzoe, and several others of the
Delaware
Indians."

The Historical Society have in their possession , two original portraits of Teshako
men and Lappawinzoe, no doubt, taken about this time, in the city, for Thomas
Penn, by some unknown artist. They were sent from England several years
ago, as a present from the Penn family. And it is believed, of all the early Del
aware chicf;^ once residing in Pennsylvania, these are the only portraits existing.
An enumeration of 1784 gives Durham 360 white inhabitants, 4 blacks, 33
dwellings houses, 22 out-houses, and 5,791 acres.

DANIEL MORGAN.

Durham has the honor of having given birth to this distinguished officer of tha
Revolution. His father here followed the humble occupation of charcoal burning
for the furnace. Early in life, be went to Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and
from thence, in 1755, to Virginia. Like many of the distinguished men of every
country, his birth was indigent ; and be had to rise by the force of his own talents,

unaided by wealth or influence.

At first, necessity compelled young Morgan to earn his subsistence as a com
mon laborer. Sometime after he was employed to drive a wagon for John Ash
ley, in Frederick county, on the Shenandoah river. When he left this place, by
purchase a wagon and team,
his care and industry he had amassed sufficient to
and entered with it into the employment of Mr. John Ballatine, at his estab-
libhmcnt on Occoquan creek. At the expiration of his time, he entered in the
capacity of a private under the rash and unfortunate Braddock.

In the beginning of the Revolution, we find him leave his home in central Vir
ginia, and march to the American head-quarters near Boston. Thence, he was
present at the assault of that city, when
soon after despatched to Quebec, and was
Arnold was wounded, and
Montgomery fell. Morgan, in his intrepidity in the
 proffered a colonel's commission,
works, was made a prisoner, and soon after was
country, and join the
and its accompaniaments, if be would desert the cause of his
King's standard. The proposal was spumed with contempt by the devoted son
of freedom.

On being exchanged, he rejoined the American army, and was at bis post at
Stillwater and Saratoga. In these he had the command of a select corps of rifle
men. At the last named place, the English General, Frazer, fought nobly for a
long time. Colonel Morgan observed him at last, called up one of his best riflemen,
fellow,"
and pointed him out. " Do you see that tall, fine looking said he,
" fighting like a lion ? It is Frazer. I honor the man but he must
die."
This
was enough for the rifleman. He aimed, and Frazer was shot dead. Much of
tbe glory and achievement acquired from the surrender of Borgoyne belonged to
Morgan and his trusty band.

The battle of tbe Cowpens was a brilliant affair, and in which General Mob-
gan achieved a great victory. With only 600 militia, he was attacked by Tarle-
TON, a famous British officer, with 1100 men and two cannons. He affected to
despise Morgan, and bore down upon him at once with his whole force, and was
received on the point of the bayonet, with a firmness he was not prepared for.
The conflict, for a few moments became desperate ; when Morgan's reserve, un
der tbe command of Col. Howard, came up at tbe proper moment, and charging
with fixed bayonets, routed the enemy at every point. Barely one-third of the
British escaped to report tbe disaster to the main army. It is said that Morgan
told his men " to aim at the epaulettes, and not at the poor rascals who fought
day."
for sixpence a The restdt, as may be supposed, was that many of their
officers were either killed or wounded. -

Gen. Morgan was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General of the Virginia
line, and deservedly earned himself the reputation of being a most efficient officer.
During the whole of the Revolution, he was nearly in continual service ; and to
give even the principal occurrences of his career would far exceed the limits of
our work. Like many of tbe prominent men of this eventful time, he was of
herculean frame, full six feet high, well proportioned, and of wonderful strength
and activity. He died at Winchester, Virginia, in 1802, aged 67 years.

CHAPTER VH. FALLa.

This township originally derived its name from the falls, which here first
obstruct the navigation of the Delaware ; and before the arrival of Penn, the
Swedes and other eariy settlers applied this name not only to these rapids, hut
to the country adjacent. Robert Proud, in his history, remarks,
(and we have
no occasion to disagree with him,) that " The first
most considerable English
settlement in Pennsylvania proper is said to have been near
the lower falls of
the river Delaware, in Backs county, where the Quakers had a regular and
established meeting, for religious worship, before the country bore the name ol
Pennsylvania : some of the inhabitants there having settled
by virtue of patents
from Sir Edmund Andros, Governor of New York."
Amongst the original purchasers of lands in Falls, may be named James Har
rison, Phineas Pemberton, George Heathcote, George Brown, Lionel Brittain,
Daniel Gardner, John Luff, Edward Luff, Samuel Darke, William Darke, Thomas
Wolfe, Ralph Smith, William Biles, Charies Biles, Gilbert Wheeler, Robert
Lucas, Joshua Bore, Richard Ridgway, John Acreman, Daniel Brinsley, John
Wood, John Rowland, Thomas Rowland, James Hill, Ann Milcomb, Jeffry
Haukis, John Parsons, Thomas Atkinson, Jonathan Witscard, John Wheeler,
John Haycock, John Collins, John Palmer, Joshua Hoops, William Beaks, Wil
liam Venables, Andrew Ellet, and Luke Brinsley.
James Harrison came from Bolton, Lancashire, and embarked at Liverpool in
the ship Submission, James Settle, master, and arrived at Cboptank, in Mary
land, the 2l8t of 9th month, 1682, being brought hither through the dishonesty
of the captain, and arrived in this province the 15th of 11th month following.
At the same time with him came his wife Ann ; Agnes Harrison, his mother,
aged 81 years ; Phbbb, his daughter, the wife of Phineas Pemberton ; Robert
Bond, and servants, Alice Dickerson and Jane Lyon, who were each to serve
four years, and at the expiration of the time to receive fifty acres of land. Rob
ert Bond, a youth, was placed under the tuition of James Harrison, by his
father, Thomas Bond, of Waddicar Hall, and died soon after his arrival, in his
sixteenth year. James Harrison was a shoemaker by occupation, and at the
time of his arrival was 57 years of age. He received grants of Penn, in England,
a short time before his departure, for 5000 acres, most of which be located in
this coimty. Robert Proud states that he was
" one of the Proprietor's first
commissioners of property ; was divers years in great esteem with him, and his
agent at Pennsbury, &c., being a man of good education, and a preacher among
the
Quakers." He died the 6th of 8th month, 1687, aged 62 years.

Phineas Pemberton, the son-in-law of James Harrison, arrived likewise in

the Submission, and brought with him his wife,
Abigail and Joseph, his chil
dren, and servants Joseph Stbrr, Willlam Smith, Joseph Mather, and Eliza
beth Bradsbury. He had been a grocer at Bolton, in England, and at the time
of his arrival was 33 years of age. Ralph Pemberton, his father, who bad
accompanied him, was 73. Phineas Pemberton, we learn from the records, on
the 17th of 11th month, 1683, purchased a tract of 300 acres in Falls. He was
appointed by the Governor, at Pennsbury, the 21st of 5th month, 1683, the first
Clerk of the Court for Bucks. While he held this offlce he kept a registry of
arrivals, down to the year 1687, in which he entered the names of some of the
the
early settlers, the number of children, names and number of servants, and
The following are also by him
vessels in which and at what time they arrived.
:

" A Registry or Bnrowlment of all Charters, Gifts, Grants, &o., Conveyances of

land, and of all Bills, Bonds, andjSpeoialties within ye County of Bucks, in the

Provence of Pennsylvania, Begun ye 22d of 11 mo., 1684, to 2nd of 7 mo., 1692.

keeper of Bucks." He also
Book A, volume 1. By Phineas Pemberton, Boll
made "A Registry of all Wills, letters of
Administration, and the names of exec-
 80

;"
utors and trustees, in the Countie of Bucks, in the Provence of Pennsylvania
begun the 10th day of 10th mo., 1684, and closing with the year 1693. These
comprise the earliest records in the county office, and though they have been
referred to by different writers, but comparatively little has been heretofore pub
lished from them. To us they have rendered invaluable aid, and we must
acknowledge our indebtedness for information that could, possibly, from no other
source have been obtained. Phineas Pemberton, like James Harrison, held a
number of important trusts, and ever retained the confidence and friendship of
the Proprietary. In 1701, we find him appointed by Penn one of his Council of
State.
Lionel Britain was a blacksmith by occupation, and came from Alney, in
Bucks, and arrived here in 4th month, 1680, with his wife Elizabeth. His
daughter Elizabeth died as they came up the Bay, and was buried at Burlington.

Samuel Darke came from London, and arrived here in the Eighth-month, 1680.
On the 17th of Fourth-month, 1683, he was married to Ann KnIght, who had
arrived here in Sixth-month, 1682. In 1683, he represented Bucks in the Assem
bly. AVe flnd him married the second time on the 6tb of Twelfth-month, 1686,
to Martha Worral, of this county. He died in 1716. William t)ARtcE, a glover,
from Camden, in Gloucestershire, arrived at the same time, and was probably a
brother to Samuel. His wife, Alice, and son, John, did not arrive here till in
Sixth-month, 1684.
William Biles came from Dorchester, and arrived here in the ship MiEabeth
and Sarah, of Weymouth, tbe 4th of Fourth-month, 1679, with his wife, Johanna,
and children, William, George, John, Elizabeth, Johanna, Rebecca and Mary,
and servants, Edward Hancock and Elizabeth Petty. Proud, says he was a
preacher among the Friends, and he had taken up his lands under a grant of
Governor Andros. " He is said to have been a very useful person both in tha
civil and religious Assembly."
line, being often in the Council and In he 1717,
was coroner of the county. His brother Charles arrived at tbe same time, and
both were extensive land holders.
Gilbert Wheeler was a fruiterer of London, and arrived here the 12th of
Seventh-month, 1679, with his wife Martha, and children, William, Beiant and
Martha, and servants, Charles Thomas, Robert Benson, and Catharine Knight.
Robert Lucas, yeoman, came from Deveral, in Wiltshire, and arrived here the
4th of Fourth-month, 1679. His wife, Elizabeth, and children, JoSN, Giles,
Edward, Robert, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, and Sarah, arrived in Seventh-
month, 1680. In 1683, he was a member of Assembly ; his oldest son, John,
died in 1719.
Joshua Bore, husbandman, came from Drainfleld, in
Derbyshire, and arrived
here as eariy as the Seventh- month, 1677, in the ship Martha, of Hull, Thomas
WiLDBUYS, mr. His wife, Margaret, arrived
the 29th of 1679.-
He died in 1688, leaving a son, Joshua, aged years.
7
Richard Ridgway, a tailor by occupation,
from Wellford, in Berkshire, arrived
with his wife, Elizabeth, and children,
Thomas and Richard, in Seventh-month,
fr.'""
f'
J*"'^^^'
^'"^^^'y' Devonshire, arrived the
"^

Zh'
.K
"""""^ Mind,of I.ndon. He mamed
28th of Seventh-
in ^^1
month, 1681,''^
Frances Grebnleaf, of East Jersey.
 81

John Wood, husbandman, of Sheffield, Yorkshire, arrived in Tenth-month, 167^,

with his children, John, Joseph, Esthkb, Mary and Sahah.
He was eariy
member of Assembly, and according to the Indian deed
of July 15th, 1682, ho
called his place the Gray Stones. The lower part of the borough of Morrisville is
on his purchase, and extended from thence down the river
nearly a mile.
John Rowland and his wife, Priscilla, of Billingshurst. in Sussex, arrived in
the Welcome, with William Penn, in 8th month, 1682, with Mog-
Hannah
DRiDGE, a servant. His brother, Thomas Rowland, came at the same time. They
had received grants of Penn, in England, for 3500 acres, in this Province.
Thomas died in 1708.
Ann Milcomb, a widow, from Armagh, Ireland, arrived in the ship Antelope.
the 10th of 10th month, 1682, with her children, Jane, Grace and Mary, and
servant, Frances Sanders, who was to serve four years, and at the expiration
of her time, receive 50 acres of land. Jane Milcomb, the daughter, was married
the 8th of 6th month, 1685, to Maurice Lelston, of New Castle.
John Palmer, husbandman, of Cheadland, Yorkshire, with his wife, Chris
tiana, arrived tbe 10th of 9th month, 1G83. Joshua Hoops, of Skelton, York
shire, arrived at the same time with his wife, Isabel, and children, Daniel,
Margaret, and Christiana. He was a member of Assembly, in 1701. Wii.-
UAH Beaks, with his son, Abraham, came from Somersetshire, in 1682, and re
ceived in England, a grant of 1000 acres in this Province. William Venables
came from Chatbill, Staffordshire, in 1682, with bis wife Elizabeth, and child
ren, Joyce and Frances. He died the 17th of 10th month, 1684. Andrew
Ellot, a dealer in small wares, came from Tifod, Somersetshire, and arrived in
the ship Factor, of Bristol, in the 10th month, 1681, with his wife Ann, and
servants, John Roberts and Mary Sanders. Luke Brinsley came from Leeke,
Staffordshire, and arrived here in 'the ship Friend's Adventure, the 28th of 7th
month, 1682. Tn the same vessel, also, came John Haycock, husbandman, of
SKnn, in the aforesaid county, with James Morris as servant.
James Hill was a shoemaker, from Somersetshire, and received a grant of
Penn, in England, the 27th of July,
1681, for 500 acres, which he took up in
this township. Thomas Wolfe was an early settler, and we find that his
daughter, Sarah, was married at his house, the 2Gth of 9th month, 1086, to
Abraham Cox. John Acreman, or Akerman, was here as early as 1678 ; he
died 1685. Ralph Smith died in 1686. The lands in and around Tyburn were
taken up by him and Thomas Wolfe.
Tbe first meetings for worship in Bucks were held by the Friends in Falls,
principally, by turns, at the houses of Jambs Harrison, Phineas Pemberton,
William Biles, Willlam Darke, Lionel Britain, and William Beaks. The
monthly meeting was set up in 1683, mostly by tbe aforesaid Friends, and held
first at the house of William Biles, and continued there, and at tbe house of
Ann Harrison, widow of James Harrison. In 1690, the meeting house was
built near Fallsington, which was the first building for worship erected in the
county.
Great mortality at flrst prevailed here among the early settlers. This was, in
a great degree, owing to the mode of life and change of climate, which was so
difl^ent from what they had been accustomed to in the old conntries. Phineas
 82

Pemberton tells us of a great land flood in 1687, and which occasioned much
sickness and mortality. In tbe latter part of April, 1692, he speaks of another,
which rose twelve feet above usual high water mark, occasioned by the sudden
melting of the snow ; and that the water rose to tbe second stories of some of the
houses on the lowlands. On the 16th of February, 1731, there was another very
destructive freshet, nearly as high as that of 1692.
Joseph Kirkbride came to this country when a boy, about the year 1682 ; and
it is supposed that neariy if not all at present in tbe county, bearing the name,
are his descendents. Robert Proud, in the first volume of his history, page 193,
gives the following account of him : " He is an instance, among many others
that might be given, in the early time of this country, of an advancement from
low beginning to rank of eminence and esteem, through industry, with a virtu
ous and prudent conduct. This Joseph Kirkbride, above mentioned, was after
wards a preacher among the Quakers, and for many years in the magistracy, and
frequently in the Assembly. He is said to have been an exemplary and zealous
promoter of the religion of bis profession ; and a very serviceable person in divers
respects and capacities. He lived in Bucks County ; where he died in the First
month, 1737."
In 1718 an act was passedfor establishing a Ferry over tbe Delaware, at the
Falls. Another act was passed about the same time for continuing and establish
ing the Ferry at Joseph Kirkbride's landing, now opposite Bordentown.
From Scull's map of 1770, we learn that the roads now leading from Attlebo
rough to the Falls, and from Bristol to the Falls, were then, as now, the principal
highways for travel.
The lands at Morrisville and its vicinity were originally taken up before 1690|
by the following persons, beginning at the Lower Makefield line : Luke Brinsley,

Andrew Ellet, William Beaks, Willum Venables, William Beaks (a second

tract), John Parsons, John Lcffb, and John Wood. Morrisville was erected
into a borough by an act of March 29tb, 1804. This same year the turnpike and
bridge were also constructed. The growth of this place has been unusually slow,
when we reflect on its numerous advantages. Though half a century has elapsed
since its incorporation, it scarcely at the present day deserves being called a bo
rough from its size.
Scott, in his Gazetteer of 1795, calls Fallsington a village, " situated on the
east side of a small stream whieh empties into the Delaware, about three miles
above
Bristol."
In 1786, according to an act passed the 25th of September, the Commissioners
appointed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey confirmed to Falls
township Bird's
Island, above the falls.
An enumeration of 1784 gives Palls 908 white inhabitants, 61 blacks, 140
dwellings, 53 out-houses, and 14,838 acres of land.

PENNSBURY.
The manor of Pennsbury originally contained 8,431 acres, and was situated in
the southern part of Falls, comprising nearly one-half of the township.
The road
leading from the northern corner of Bristol township, by way of Tyburn, to the
Delaware, opposite the lower end of Biles' Island, formed its northern boundary.
 83

To this day, the farms and residences south of this road are said to bo in tho
Manor. Penn, in a letter, says that he bought this tract from an old Indian
"king, and that it had been a royalty once, called Sepessing, which name we find
given to Welcome creek, in Lindstrom's
map of New Sweden, in 1655.
John F. Watson and J. Francis Fisher have written so ably and interestingly
of Pennsbury, as published in the second and third volumes of the Historical
Society's Memoirs, that we are induced to make liberal extracts from tbeir
respective articles, as we can at farthest give but few additional particulars.
" The principal mansion was about 60 feot in front, facing the river. It was two stories
in height, and of brick. Its appearance was, as it is said, stately, and it was entered by a
handsome porch and steps. On the first floor was a large hall, probably the whole length
of the house, used on public occasions for the meeting of tho council, and the entertainment
of strangers and the Indians ; a little hall, and at least three parlors, all wainscotted, and
communicating by folding doors. On the roof was a large leaden reservoir, for water, to
the leakage of whioh, is attributed, in part, the ruin of the mansion. The out-houses, which
were uniform, and facing in a line with the house, were a kitchen and larder, a wash house,
a house for brewing and baking ; and a stable for twelve horses : all these one story and a
half high. The mansion house was seated on a moderate eminence, made a peninsula by
the Welcome creek, which was crossed by several bridges. A broad walk through an
oevnue of poplars led to the river, descending from the upper terrace to the lower grounds
by a flight of steps. The house was surrounded with gardens and lawns; and the more
distant woods were opened in vistas, looking down the river, and upwards to the Falls.
These woods had been laid out in walks, at the proprietor's flrst visit, and the preservation
of the trees is enjoined in several of his letters. He sent out several gardeners, one of
them a Scotchman, recommended as *' a rare artist." He directs, that he shall have three
jnen under him, and, if he cannot agree with the old gardener, Kaiph, is to leave to hia
charge the tipper gardens, and court yards, and to take as his own province the lower
grounds. The proprietor sent out from England walnuts, hawthorns, hazels, fruit trees,
and a great variety of the rarest seeds and roots ; while in this country, (as we learn from
the cash book,) he procured from Maryland, several panniers of the trees and shrubs
Indigenous in that province, and he directed, in his letters, that the most beautiful wild
flowers of the woods should be transplanted into his grounds. On the whole, his directions
indicate a love of nature, and elegance of taste, which are very remarkable. While wa
peruse the letters of William Penn, we may believe that Pennsbury was truly a delightful
seat; but of its charms not one trace remains; its wood^ are destroyed, its lawns are corn
wild" survives: a few English
fields; not one shrub, not one "garden flower grown
cherries, and some stumps of ornamental trees, were all that Mr. Watson could trace of th
glories of the garden.
" During his first visit to this country, William Penn generally rode a large white horse ;
nag,"
but he had also a " ball which he probably used at Pennsbury when overlooking tho
improvements of his farm : he often inquires about them in his letters to James Harrison,
and directs especial care to be taken, that they should not be
injured in his absence. Like
all English genflemen, he was fond of horses, and desirous to introduce the best stock into
America.
" LoRB CoRNEDRY, OD his woy back to New York, paid a visit to Pennsbury. Jameb
Loqan writes, ' he was attended all the way with four boats besides his own, and about ten
in the morning arrived there with fifty in company. With Mary's great diligence, and all
though much inferior to
our care, we got ready a handsome country entertainment, whioh,
good order, gave no less satisfac
those at Philadelphia, for cost, Ac, yet, for decency and
tion, which he expressed at his, departure to the highest degree, promising to acknowledge
thee.' in those days shown to rank and station,
it particularly to Such was the deference
even in a community of Quakers.
" No man can doubt the pleasure of William Penn in tho exercise of hospitality : and
we flnd that ho frequently entertained at Pennsbury, not only all the distinguished strangers
 84

families of the province. Though his house

who visited Pennsylvania, but most of the chief
he permitted no extravagance
was handsomely furnished, and his table plentifully spread, poor.'
' it destroys hospitality and wrongs the
in either-for it was his maxim that
permanent
"All his directions to his steward, James Harrison, seem to look to a estab
directs the improvements
lishment at Pennsbury ; and even after his second departure, he
preserved.
to be continued, and the gardens and the house
If
" In 1705, he writes, ' Pennsbury has cost me one penny, it has cost me above 5,000, and
it was with an intention to settle there ; though God has been pleased to order it otherwise.

I would have returned to it in 1686, or at farthest, in

1689.'

" The servants of William Penn, named in the cash book, are Mary Lofty, house
Hdgh Sharp,
keeper ; Ann Nicholas, cook ; John Sotcher, steward at Pennsbury ;
Kobert Beekham, man servant; Dorothit Mollabs, German maid; and
gardener;
DoBCAS, a negrine. These do not appear to be the whole of the establishment. There
contemporary with the cash book, except such as
were evidently no slaves at Pennsbury,
period." *
were hired of their masters for a limited
"
We learn from Phineas Pbmbbrton's registry, that Hbnrt Gibbs, the Govern
carpenter," " Point."
or's died the 21st of 9th month, 1685, and was buried at the
Oldmixon, who was here in 1708, says : " The next place is Pennsbury, on
a small creek. The Lord Cornbubt, when he was Governor of New York, visited
this manor, and was extremely well pleased with the house, gardens and orchards ;
pippins."
the latter produced excellent pearmains and golden We may add, as
to the latter, that it fully sustains its ancient reputation. Mr. Robert Crozier,
the present proprietor of the place, had at the Newtown Agricultural Exhibition, in
" pippins," pounds.
September, 1852, his Pennsbury 14 weighing 15
"John Kichardson, in his Journal in 1701, tells of his being there when many Indians
and chiefs were there to revive their covenants with Wiillam Penn before his return home.
There they received presents, held their cantico or worship, by dancing around a fire pre
pared on the ground.
" In 1703-4, when young William Penn came to this country, there assembled as many
as one hundred Indians, and nine Kings, at Pennsbury, to greet his arrival there.
" After Penn had gone back to England, the Pennsbury place was retained some time in
hopes of his return ; but as they found this less and less probable, it was rented in 1707,
merely to keep it in occupancy, to Col. Quarry, of the customs, for 40 a year, for house
and gardens only, on condition he should keep it in repair, and be ready to render it back
when required. But almost as soon as he agreed, herelinquished it, from hearing of Fenn's
embarrassments by 'the claim of the Fords.' In 1708, William Penn writes, saying, 'let
William Watson, that comes from Bristol, keep all in order till we come.'
" Penn's furniture remained long at Pennsbury after his death. And at all times there
was preserved a set room for the use of any of the proprietaries when they should visit
them. Charles Thompson talked of seeing Penn's bed when he was there. Mrs. D.
LooAH saw there his quilt of white holland, quilted with green silk, in figures, by Letitia.
" Pennsbury, in former times, used to be much visited by persons from Burlington.
With them the idea was very prevalent that the mansion had a ' fish pond' on the top of it.
The story doubtless arose from its having had originally a leaden reservoir there to retain
water as a security against fire. As early as the year 1700, 1 saw that William Pens
spoke of the house leaking, saying, it suffers in great rains ; send Lessel
up to mend the
leads, if
he dare undertake it, speedily ; and when in England in 1701, he says to JameS
LoSAH, ' mind that the leads are mended.'
I
" In the year 1826, made a short visit to Pennsbury, to see the
remains of what had
been Penn's palace. I
shall set down some of my notes then made.
' These to the
feeling heart are hallowed haunts,
Though but in ruins seen and faintly traced.'

* J. Francis Fisher.
 JSi")

Oar approach to the place, through

the manor, presented a general
level and rich soil
Btt act the notice of passengers
passing in the daily steamboats.
"
'
The Welcome wl
'"' "'';""' " '^^ -^""" '"""^ f "> ---.
TniTuldT-: ":^
and suieed at Its mouth-once five feet deep-now shallow,
^^mm crrse
originally wLnt round Penns
bury farm, so a. to have made it into an island in high
indges going to Mr. Rowlands,' tides-over these Penn once had
and the other ' towards the New England people's.' "

CHAPTER Vni. Haycock.

The name of this township, is said to have been derived from

its principal hill,
which the early settlers fancied bore a resemblance to a cock,
hay which in con
sequence has been transferred to a stream
running at its base, forming the boun
dary between Haycock and Nockamixon. This hill is prominently figured and
named on Scull's map of 1770, and is the only eminence marked
in the county.
Scott, in his Gazetteer of 1795, says that it " is a remarkable hill. The
ascent
to the top is gradual, which affords a most extensive and variegated prospect.
Its height has never been ascertained."
The lands of this township probably were not taken up till after 1735. In
1737, 1 find 300 acres of vacant land were laid out
by William Parsons, the
surveyor-general, for John Anderson, on Haycock run, and states " with the
usual allowance of 6 per cent, for roads." Thomas and Patrick McCarty, pur
chased, in 1748, a tract of nearly 500 acres on the same stream. As the larger
portion of this tract was in Nockamixon, we will, under that head, give
further
particulars relating to their purchase and settlement.
The enumeration of 1784 gives Haycock, 614 inhabitants, 113 dwelling bouses,
72 out-houses, 10,387 acres of land.

CHAPTER IX. Hilltown.

township,"
In the early records, this is sometimes called " Hill and was known
by this name before 1725. A part of Hilltown, with Rockhill, was also formerly
called Perkasie, from a manor owned here by the proprietary, Thomas Pbnn.
An account of this manor will be given under the head of Rockhill.
Amongst the earliest settlers and owners here, may be mentioned Jambs and
Jeremiah Lewis. These brothers both died in the year 1729, and copies of their
wills are on record. William Bryan, in 1743, made a purchase from the Pro-

* John F. Watson.
prietaries of 55 acres of land. Henry Rice, Amos Vastine and Charles LkIDIgU,
were residents before the Revolution.
period.
William Thomas made a purchase of several hundred acres, at an early
He raised a family of flve sons and two daughters, viz : Thomas, John, Ephraim,
Manassah, Ann and Gwently. Ann was married to Stephen Rowland, but
died without leaving any issue. Gwentlt was married to Morris Morris, who
became tbe progenitor of a numerous offspring. He divided his lands, on which
plantations he
he erected seven stone houses, and several barns ; and on those
settled his children as they married. He likewise laid off about four acres of
land, on which he built a stone meeting house, in 1737, and ofBciated as its
preacher. It is now known as the Hilltown Baptist meeting house, and was the
first this denomination had for worship in tbe county. The following epitaph
was copied here from a tombstone:
" In memory of William Thomas, minister
years."
of the Gospel, who died October 6tb, 1757, aged 79
The enumeration of 1784 gives Hilltown 941 white inhabitants, 7 blacks, 154
dwelling houses, 144 out-houses, and 14,520 acres of land.

CHAPTER X. Lower Milford.

Before the division of the county in 1752, the townships of Upper and Lower
Milford were separate districts, and continued to bear these names in contradis
tinction till the beginning of the present century. We know that previous to
1735, they formed but one township, by the name of Milford, which name is now
again applied to the portion retained in this county.
Amongst the early settlers here may be named William Jamison, who was the
owner of an extensive tract of land, and resided here till his death in 1736. I
have seen a copy ef his will on record.
From the Archives, we learn that a petition was sent,in 1767, to the General
Assembly, from sundry freeholders, inhabitants of Lower Milford, in which they
state that they have been much burdened and disturbed by a company of Indians,
being upwards of forty, living in one neighborhood all the winter past ; though
they are some distance off now, the petitioners are informed that they intend to
return again next fall to winter among us ; therefore as they have been not only
a heavy expense to us in furnishing them with provisions, but have given occasion
of great fear and terror to divers of your petitioners, by their extreme insolence
and rudeness in and about some of our houses, we apprehend it worthy the con
sideration and care of the Legislature to take measures to prevent them coming.
We are really fearful of the consequence, their ill behaviour having incensed some
people to that degree as to make their return dangerous. Signed, Abijah Weight,
Thomas Blacklbdgb, Jr., John Miller, John Leiderock, and others. They
further state the damage done by tbe Indians to Peter Zcck, one of the petitioners,
on whose land they settled and built their houses, is estimated to be 15, by the
 87

destruction of a fine piece of young timber destroyed

by building their houses,
for firewood the whole winter, and otherwise destroyed.
The Indians, however,
on being notified, finally removed some distance away and
ceased to become
troublesome.
The House Tax Rebellion in 1798-9, was the cause of considerable excitement.
One of the chief leaders, John Fries, was a resident of this township, was tried
and found guilty of treason, and sentenced to be hung. President John Adams,
subsequently pardoned him, and the affair terminated without bloodshed.
The enumeration of 1784, gives Milford 861 inhabitants, 156 dwelling houses,
137 out-bouses, and 13,068 acres of land.

CHAPTER XL Lower Makefield.

This township, with about half of the lower part of Upper Makefield, was once
known, as we learn from the records, as Makefield. About 1750 or 1760, they
were divided, as we now find them, into separate districts, and have continued so
to the present day.
The lands of Lower Makefield were taken up before 1695, by the following
purchasers : Richard Hough, Thomas Janney, Richard Vickers, Samuel Ovbr-
TON, John Brock, John Clows, William Yardley, George Pownall, Thomas
Bond, and James Harrison. These ten individuals owned all the land on the
Delaware, from Falls township to the Upper Makefield line, a distance of about
five miles. James Harrison's tract lay adjoining Upper Makefield, in its whole
length from the Delaware to Newtown township, a distance of three miles.
Thomas Bond's tract lay on the south side, adjoining, and had a similar length.
Richard Hough came from Macclesfield, Cheshire, in the ship Endeavor, of Lon
don, and arrived here the 29th of Seventh-month, 1683, with Francis Hough,
James Sutton, Thomas Wood, and his wife, Mary Wood, as servants. His pur-'
chase lay adjoining Falls.
Thomas Jannbt, yeoman, came from Shiall, Cheshire, and arrived at the same
time with his neighbor, Richard Hough, in the Endeavor, accompanied by his
wife, Margery, and children, Jacob, Thomas. Abel and Joseph. He also brought
as servants, John Nbald, and Hannah Falkner, the former of which was to
expiration of their respective
serve five years, and the latter four, and, at the
terms, receive each fifty acres of land. Robert Proud, in his history, mentions
that Thomas Jannet is said to have been a very servicable person in the country,
respects. He was a preacher, and in the work
and among his neighbors, in divers
ot the ministry visited the Friends in New
England. After a twelve years resi
dence, he re-visited his native country, on a religious account, where he died, aged
" being a man of good reputation,
63, and a preacher in the Society 41 years ;
example."
character and
Friends'
John Brook, yeoman, came from Stockport, Cheshire, in the ship
Adventure, and arrived here the 28th of 7th month, 1682, with servants. Job
 88

HoULE, William Morton, and Eliza Eaton. He received a grant for one thousand
acres from William Penn, in England, before his departure, which, on his arrival,
he located here. We flnd in 1689, he was one of the Justices for the county.
John Clows, yeoman, of Gosworth, Cheshire, arrived here in the Endeavor, in
1683, with his wife, Margery, and children, Sarah, Margery, and William ;
and servants, Joseph Chorley, Samuel Hough, and John Richardson. The
same year we find bim a member of Assembly. His daughter, Margery, was
married at his house, to Richard Hough, the 17th of 1st month, 1683. Sarah,
was married to John Bainbridgb, the 15th of 6th month, 1685. We learn from
the records that John Clows died in 1688. Joseph Chorley, mentioned as hia
servant, was married the 6th of 2nd month, 1686, to Mary Aokbrman.
Gborge Pownal, yeoman, came from Laycock, Cheshire, in tbe Friends' Ad
venture, and arrived here the 28th of 7th month, 1682, with his wife, Elbanob,
and children, Reuben, Elizabeth, Sarah, Rachel, and Abigail ; and servants,
John Brbarly, Robert Saylor, and Martha Worral. He was killed accidently
by the fall of a tree, the 30th of 8th month, 1682. His widow retained posses
sion of his property.
William Yardley, yeoman, came from Ranscleugh, near Leeke, in Stafford*
shire, in the Friends* Adventure, with bis wife, Jane, and children, Enoch,
Thomas, and William ; and as servant, Andrew Heath. Before his departnre
from England he received a grant of 500 acres, of Penn, which he
flnally located.
here. He was an uncle of Phineas Pemberton, a member of
Assembly in 1683,
and a Justice for the county in 1689. After his death, his son,
Thomas Yari)-
LBY, came in possession of his land on the Delaware, and
established the flrst
ferry here, which was subsequently confirmed and vested in his right
hy an act
of Assembly, passed in 1722. This was afterwards
long known as Yardley's
ferry, which at a later day was changed to Yardleyville.
According to Scull's
map of 1770, the three great roads terminated here,
leading to Philadelphia, via
Attleborough, the Palls, and Newtown. The larger stream emptying into the
Delaware here from the lower part of the
township is marked as Mill creek.
The Commissioners appointed in 1786,
by the states of Pennsylvania and New
Jersey, confirmed to Lower Makefield, Slack's three
islands, Dunn's island, and
Harvey's lower island.
The enumeration of 1784 gives 722
white inhabitants, 26 blacks, 101 dwelling
bouses, 103 out-houses, and 9,947
acres of land.

CHAPTER XII.-Middlbtown.

before 1687. Amongst tbe original

purchasers may be nam d Itohert Hall
George White John White,

'S
Richard Amer,
William Amer. William Carter
Parson. William Paxson. Edward Samway, William
H^S
WigginsTprand
 .^9

Francis Andrews, Richard Davis, Ralph Ward,

Philip Alford, John Town, Nich
olas Waln. John Scarborough, Richard Thatcher, James Dilworth,
Thomas
SUckhouse. Sen., Robert Heaton, Alexander Giles,
P^obert Holgate, Thomas
Constable, Walter Bridgman. Ralph Smith,
Robert Carter, William Bryan,
Joshua Bore, Thomas Marie, and John Fleckne.
Richard Amer, husbandman, came from Buchebury,
Berkshire, in the ship
Samuel, and arrived here the 22d of 7tb month, 1682,
with his servant, Stephen
Lands. He took up 250 acres on the Neshaminy, a short
distance below the
present village of Huhneville, where he
settled. A few months after, in the same
year, he died.
Hbnhy Paxson came from Bycothouse, Oxfordshire, in
the ship Samuel, as
above. His wife and sons, Henry and Jonx, and brother Thomas, all died at
sea. He received a grant of 500 acres of William Penn, beforcjhis departure
firom England, which he located on the Neshaminy, adjoining the upper part of
Hnlmeville. On the 13th of 6th month, 1684, he married Margery, the widow
of Willum Plumly, of Northampton. In 1707, he represented Bucks in the
Assembly. The present road leading from Hulmeville to Fallsington, is laid on
the original line between him and William Carter's tract, which is on the south
side ; both extended north-east from the Neshaminy, upwards of two miles.
Richard Davis, and his son David, came from Welshpoole, Wales, in the ship
Morning Star, of Liverpool, and arrived here the 14th of 9th month, 1683.
Davtd Davis, is believed to have been tbe flrst surgeon in Bucks. He married
the 8th of 1st month, 1686, Margaret Evans, of this township. He lived but
fifteen days afterwards, and was buried at (his neighbor) Nicholas Waln's bury
ing ground.
Jahbs Dilworth, husbandman, came from Thomley, Lancashire, in the ship
Lamb, and arrived here in the 8tb month, 1682, with his son William, and servant,
Stkphen Land. He took up a tract here of 1000 acres, which had previously been
granted bim from William Penn, before his departure from England. It was
situated between Attleborough and Bridgetown, and extended from the Nesham
iny eastward within a mile of the Lower Makefleld line.
Nicholas Waln, came from Yorkshire, and arrived here in the Welcome, with
William Penn, in the 8th month, 1682. He was a distinguished preacher among
the Friends, and resided on his extensive tract at the Neshaminy meeting bouse,
near the present village of Attleborough. In the early history of Bucks he is a
prominent character ; he was long a member of Assembly, and on a religious
account, in 1698, visited Friends in New England. He died in 6th month, 1744.
We learn from the records that at his house on 25th of 8th month, 1684, Stephen
LAin>s, was married to Jane Cowgill. And at the house of the latter, on the
26th of 6th month, 1686, Walter Bridgman was married to Blank Constable.
Bridgman resided near the Newtown line.
John Cutler, and bis brother Edmund, arrived in 1685, with servants, Wil
liam Wardlb and Jambs Mulineaux, and flnally settled here. John died in
1720. Robert Heaton, Sen., died in 1716 ; his son Robert, in 170|, I flnd was
a landholder here. William Paxson, in 1701, was a member of Assembly. He
died in 1731. Thomas Stackhocsb, Sen., and his son Thomas, were the original
owners of a great tract between the Neshaminy and Lower Makefield ; in its
 90

southern limits was included the present site of Bridgetown. Richard Thatcher
received in England a grant of 1000 acres. Likewise Ralph Ward and Philip
Alford, who took np here 125 acres each, and Francis Dove 500 acres. Robert
Hall, whose tract lay adjoining Bristol township, was a member of Assembly in
1683. Thomas Jbnks, I
find in 1744 was also a resident of Middletown, and an
owner of 145 acres.
Robert Proud, in his history, mentions that, in 1684, Thomas Langhornb,
arrived and settled in Middletown, where then dwelt Nicholas Waln and
others ; that he was an eminent preacher among the Quakers : and of whom
there is a very excellent and extraordinary character, in M. S. from Friends at
Kendal, in Westmoreland, by way of certificate, on his removal to this country.
He died in 1687, a few years after his arrival. His son, Jeremiah Langhorne,
was afterwards Chief Justice of the Province.
Smith, in his history, states that the Friends from Neshaminy, joined the Friends
of Falls monthly meeting till 1684, when they separated and joined the other
part of Neshaminy Friends. And that the meetings for worship were flrst held.
here in 1682, at the houses of Nicholas Waln, Robert Hall, and John Otter,
in Newtown. A general meeting for some time was held once every three weeks,
at the house of Robert Hall, till the meeting house was built, about 1690.
In the time of the Revolution, and for a number of years previous, the present
village of Attleborough, and its vicinity, was known as the Four- Lane's- End
we presume called so from the number of roads coming here together. It is
marked by this name on Scull's map, of 1770. Henry Tomlinson, of Bensa
lem, in his journal of May 24th, 1781, says : " The lower battalion met at Four-
Lane's-End. It is called a fleld day by the militia."
The enumeration of 1784, gives Middletown 698 white inhabitants, 43 blacks,
124 dwelling bouses, 63 out-houses, and 12,000 acres of land.

JOHN SCARBOROUGH.
He came from London, coach-smith, arrived in this country in 1682, with his
son, John, then a youth, and settled in Middletown, in Bucks
county, (adjoining
Nicholas Waln's,) among the first in those parts ; where he remained about
two years, and then embarked for his native country, with intention
to bring over
his wife and family ; having suffered much by persecution, for his religion, in
Eng
land, being a Quaker.
During his residence in Pennsylvania, provisions being sometimes scarce in
that part where he resided, especially in the flrst year,
he is said to have had
occasion to remark the providence of God, to him and
his neighbors, when under
the greatest difficulty. '

The wild pigeons came in such great numbers,

that the air was sometimes
darkened by their flight, and flying low, they were
frequently knocked down as
they flew, m great quantities, by those who had no other
means to take them,
whereby they supplied themselves ; and having salted those
which they could not
immediately use, they preserved them, both for bread and
meat.
Thus they were supplied several times, during the
flrst two or three vears, till
they had raised by their industry, food sufBcient out of
the ground. For the til-
hng of which, at that time, they used A^es,
having neither horses nor ploughs.
 91

The Indians were remarkably kind, and very assistant to them, in divers respects,
frequently supplying them with such provisions as they could spare, &c. John
Scarborough, having placed his son under the care of a friend, sailed for England,
but he never returned. His wife, who was not a Quaker, being unwilling to leave
her native country, and persecution beginning to cease, he afterwards gave his
possessions in Pennsylvania to his son, whom he had left in the province, with
a strict charge when it should be in bis power, to be kind to- the poor Indians for
the favors he had received from them ; which his son faithfully observed , and is
said to have been a worthy man. Proud, ;. 223, from M. S. believed to be now lost.

CHAPTER Xni. New Britain.

This township, as we learn from the patent books of the Surveyor General,
was at first called North Britain. Under this name, in 1735, Lewis Evan pur
chased 100 acres of land here of the Proprietaries.
From Holmes' map of original surveys, made previous to 1695, it appears that
nearly the whole of the present area of the township, including two-thirds of
Doylestown township and borough, was taken up by Thomas Hudson, Col. Mild-
may, and the " Society Land." Hudson's purchase lay between the Bristol and
County Line roads, and extended from Warrington to Hilltown, and must have
contained at least 5,000 acres. He also owned several other extensive tracts in
different parts of the county. I
All am able to give concerning him is derived
"
from the county records, where he is mentioned as a gentleman of Sutton, Eng
land." Most
probably be never resided in this country, for we find he had at
torneys appointed for the transaction of his business and sale of lands. Of Col.
MiLDMAY I
am unable to give any information ; his tract was somewhat larger
than Hudson's, and extended partways into Hilltown.
The Society land, as marked on the map of surveys, extended in its southern
course from the corner of New Britain and Warrington, on the Bristol road, di
rectly north-east three to about the present borough of Doylestown, and
from thence northwest to Mildmay's tract, and may have contained in this space
about 4,000 acres. With the exception of the above, no lands are given as sur
veyed up to the above date, to any purchasers on the east side of Neshaminy
Creek, north of Wrightstown.
In the first volume of the county records mention is made that on the 22d and
23d of March, 1682, William Penn granted to Nicholas Moore, and others, of
the Free Society of Traders, a tract of 20,000 acres of land ; and hy a charter
dated the 25tb of the same month, erects it into the Manor ofFrank, with nearly
feudal prerogatives, amongst which was the power to control and regulate the
government thereof, hold and establish courts, &c. The probability is that this
manor, as stated, never was formed, for no evidences at least are found in proof
of it. But the Sociiety Landheit referred to, may have possibly been taken up by
 92

circumstances after
them as a part or parcel of the contemplated manor, which
wards prevented from being entirely fulfilled.
New Britain was mostly settled by Welsh, who removed hither at an eariy
pe

Gwynedd Montgomery.
riod from the neighboring townships of and

Tbe Baptist church was erected in 1754 ; the Rev. William Davis was the
first minister, and had orginally nineteen members. It was
incorporated by an

act of Assembly in September, 1786.

The enumeration of 1784 gives New Britain 764 inhabitants, 149 dwelling

houses, 113 out-bouses, and 15,830 acres of land.

CHAPTER XIV. Doylestown.

The present borough of Doylestown, as well as the greater part of the township
of this name, previous to 1819, formed a part of New Britain, and for this reason
it is placed here under this head.
The earliest mention Ihave found anywhere of Doylestown is in General La-
cbt's despatches of March to June 1778 ; by which it appears that stores and
arms were kept here for the use of the army, and a guard for its security, and the
prevention of intercourse between the country people and the enemy in Philadel
phia, with a view to distress tbe latter for the want of provisions.
The following account appeared in the Inlelligencer in 1833, and cannot fail
but interest the reader at the present time.
" Al far backai the year 17T8, there were but two or three log buildings in the place; the
oldest of which was occupied and kept as a sort of public house, for " the entertainment of
horse,"
man and and stood nearly, or perhaps quite, on the site where the handsome new
building f Pugh Bunoak now stands. No trace of this venerable building was to be ob
served for a number of years, saving a small cavity which designated the spot occupied by
the cellar, and a well, which has been re-opened by Mr. DnNGAS. The next was a low log
building, whioh subsequently gave place to the ' Mansion House' of Mrs. Masill. These
were perhaps the only buildings in the place at that time. The most particular event which
signalized the history of Doylestown at that period, was the encampment of the American
army a few nights previous to the memorable battle of Monmouth, whioh took place on tho
28th of June, 1778. The army was divided into three encampments : the first of which was
stationed in the rear of a row of cherry trees that eitended westward from the last mentioned
building, whioh was occupied during the night as Head Quarters, and whioh bore the impo-
Beer;'
ling insignia of 'Cakes and the second was placed near where the Presbyterian
ohuroh stands ; and the third on tho farm of Mr. Callender, about half a mile from the
village, on the New Hope road. The next morning was occupied until near noon before the
army and baggage wagons were completely under way. The place soon after this began to
manifest the appearance of a village, and received the name of Doyle Town, from a family
who owned the principal part of the property. Traces of the family still remain in the
neighborhood."

Scott, in his Gazetteer of1795, mentions it as " a village, 15 miles northwest

of Philadelphia."
Newtown, and 26 miles north of The Academy was inoorpo-
 98

rated hy an act of April,

1807, and $800 were granted it by the State, on condi
tion that there should be a certain number of poor children educated gratis, not
exceeding three in number at any one time, and none to continue longer than one
year. In addition, $3,000 were authorized to be raised by lottery for its comple
tion.

It appears singular at this day that, as small and unimportant as this place
was, and eight years before it became the seat ot justice, Ashbr Miner here began
in July, 1804, to publish his weekly paper, the first in the county, called the
" Pennsylvania Advertiser,"
Correspondent and Farmer's which has since been
successfully continued to the present day in the Bucks County Intelligencer. Its
present worthy proprietor, Mr. Brown, has all the numbers complete to tbe pre
sent time.

CHAPTER XV. Newtown.

This township was originally laid out in the shape nearly of an exact penta
proba
gon, as we still find it, by Thomas Holme, the Surveyor-general, as early,
bly, as the year 1686. The original landholders were Richard Price, Thomas
Rowland, John Rowland, Eli Braber, Thomas Revell, Christopher Taylor,
William Bennet, Arthur Cook, John Otter, Jonathan Eldrey, Abraham Wbarley,
Benjamin Roberts, Shadrack Wally, William Sneed, Israel Taylor, and probably
others.
William Bbnnbt, yeoman, and his wife, Rebecca, came from Hammonds-
worth, Middlesex, and arrived here in 9th-month, 1683, in the ship Jeffery, of
London. He died in 1685.
1683-4.
John Otter presided, with William Penn, as a county Justice, in
Friends' meetings in the township were held at his house.
The flrst
Shadrach Wally, according to the county records, owned here in 1709, as
much as 1240 acres. In Pemberton 's Registry we read that
William Berry,
Pennsbury, the 9th of 7tb-month, 1686, to Nao-
of Kent county, was married at
of name, it is
MY Wally, of Bucks county. As there are no others found this
probable that she was Shadrach's daughter.
an early period, may be
Among those ascertained as having resided here at
in 1716; Thomas Hilbohn, in 1720; and
mentioned John Frost, who died
James Yates, in 1730. Their wills may be seen in tbe records.
Ehipire in America,
Newtown, on the map accompanying Oldmixon's British
spelled Newtowne, and in Scott's Gazetteer of
in the second edition of 1741, is
plan present borough was laid out
1795, JSewlon. In the original of surveys, the

one mile square, containing 640 acres,

with the stream running through
exactly
square a road was reserved, which has ever
its centre. On the outside of this
since continued a
highway. By an act of Assembly passed the 20th of March,
place of Bristol ; and continued so till 1812,
1724, it became the county seat, in
 04

when the courts and public ofBces were removed to Doylestown, as ft more cen.
tral situation. The Presbyterian church was founded in 1769, and was incorpo
rated by an act of March, 1783. The Rev. Jambs Boyd was its paster, in con
nection with the church at Bensalem, for forty-five years. The Academy was
the ninth (in 1798) incorporated in Pennsylvania ; at which time the State ap
propriated no less than $4,000 for its completion, with a proviso that the trus
tees should cause to be taught, gratis, as many poor scholars as may be offered ;
provided the number did not exceed ten at any one time. The elections for the
whole county were held here till the year 1786. John Smith, of Plumstead, now
aged 67, informed me that he had heard his grandfather say that he had been at
Fairs, which had once been held here, and that on these occasions a considerable
number of negroes would be assembled together, many of whom were slaves.

The following account of Newtown, in 1795, is extracted from Scott's Gazet

teer :
" It
contains about 50 dwellings, a, stone jail, court-house, a Presbyterian
church, and an academy. A court of common pleas and general quarter-sessions
of the peace is held here the first Monday in February, May, August, and No
vember."

As this place was for nearly a century the county seat of Bucks, besides being
connected with some of the memorable events of the Revolution, as has been
briefly mentioned in our former numbers, it has appeared strange that no one
residing here has collected and caused to be published, ere this, some of its remi
niscences. If
it has been done we must confess our ignorance, for we failed in
our researches to observe any thing of the kind. It is sincerely hoped that it
may yet be done, ere Time totally obliterates the few remaining traces.
The enumeration of 1784 gives this township 497 white inhabitants, 28 blacks,
84 dwelling houses, 76 out-houses, and 6,246 acres of landv

CHAPTER XVI. Nockamixon.

Nockamixon, or Nockamixink, according to Heckbweldbh, in the

Delaware or
Lenni Lenape tongue, signified the place at the three houses. This district,
probably, with Tinicum, are the only townships that
have retained their
aboriginal names-nearly all the others
being called by the eariy settlers after
places in England. I
The earliest mention have found of Nockamixon in
is deeds
of 1748.
The eariiest seftlements, undoubtedly, were made
along the Durham road,
which was, probably, before 1735. Bartholomew Longstreth purchased 250
acres of the Proprietaries, in 1737, on " Gallows Hill Run. "
There is a tradition
in the neighborhood, that by the steep hill on the Durham road,
near the source
of this stream, at an eariy period, an unknown traveler
was found hanging dead
from the branch of a tree, supposed from suicide.
It
appears, from the above
purchase, that this must have been some time before
the above date. The name.
 9.^

in consequence of said occurrence, was applied

to this hill and stream, by which
they arc known to the present day.
Thomas and Patrick MoCarty were two brothers from Ireland, and
flrst set
tled on lands bought here of the Proprietaries in
1748. It is said they were
offered, at tbe same price, the choice of
any of the unsold lands in the upper
section of the county. Thomas's tract comprised 206 acres, and extended east-
wardly nearly to Bucksville, on the Durham road. The tract of the
latter, 203
acres, laid adjoining, on Haycock Run. Deer then abounded in the neighbor
hood, and wolves sometimes proved destructive to their
animals.
Samual Preston visited Edward Marshall in 1782-3,
on his island in Tini
cum, and says that he had heard from James Pellar,
of Buckingham, that King
MuTiMus, (probably Nutlmcs,) the famous Indian doctor of
Nockamixon, curing
William Satterthwaite, of Durham, of the bite of a rattlesnake ; that
being at
the time surveying here, near the Tinicum line, he asked
Marshall to show him
where he had lived. " lie took me to some apple trees,
on or near the river
bank ; this, said he, is the place ; Iknow it well he bad been a king of a
nation on some part of the Susquehanna ; bad abdicated, and came
with his
daughter and lived there ; that he spoke
very little English, but she did, hoed his
corn and nursed him ; that she was actually bitten by a mad dog and
went mad ;
that he tied and conflned her ; that he, (Marshall,) and others, made him a
trough, in which, for several days, he kept her conflned, under a warm decoction
of herbs, except her face ; that it made a perfect cure ; and that the material herb
was Seneca snake root."
Tbe Commissioners appointed by the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
in 1786, conflrmed to Nockamixon Loughley's Island, in the Delaware.
The enumeration of 1784 gives this township 629 white inhabitants, 116
dwelling-houses, 87 out-houses, and 12,425 acres of land.

CHAPTER XVII.Northampton.

The lands of this township were originally taken up by William Plumly, Nich
olas Waln, Thomas Walmsley, Christopher Taylor, Edmund Bennet, Richard
Thatcher, Anthony Tomkins, Robert Turner, John Bowen, William Pickering,
Benjamin East, Edmund Desmond, Peter Freeman, Samuel Allen, Daniel Wher-
ley, John Pennington, Thomas Rowland, William Buckman, Joab Howie, Arthur
Cook, Ralph Dunn, and probably others.
William Plumly settled on his tract, in the lower part of the township,
adjoining Bensalem, where he shortly after died. His widow, Margery, in 1684,
was married to Henry Paxson, of Middletown.
Thomas Walmsley arrived from England in 1682, with his wife and sons,
Thomas and Henry. He purchased a tract of land near tbe lower part of the
township, on the Neshaminy creek, with a view of erecting mills. The machi
nery for this purpose he had brought over with him. He had not lived here two
 96

weeks before he was seized with the dysentery and died. His son Thomas! taar
ried Mary, the daughter of William Paxson, of Middletown.
William Buckman, carpenter, came from Billingshurst, Sussex, and arrived
here in the Welcome with William Penn, in 1682. His wife, Sarah, and daugh
ters, Sarah and Mary, came at the same time. He settled a short distance above
what is now known as Churchville. His tract extended from tbe Bristol road
nearly up to the present Bear tavern. In addition to the family mentioned
at the time of his arrival, he had a daughter Ruth, born in 1688, and a son Wil
liam, born in 1690. Sarah, his wife, died the 10th of May, 1090. In 9th
Month, 1706, he married Elizabeth Wilson, with whom he bad the following
children : Thomas, born in 1707, Elizabeth, in 1709, David, in 1711, and Re
becca, in 1712. William Buckman died the 9th of 8th Month, 1716, and was
buried at Middletown. His will is on record, and is dated October 26th, 1716.
Elizabeth Buckman, the widow, afterwards married Thomas Story, of Falls, in
the 1st Month, 1717-18. Henry Cooper married Mary Buckman, the 30th of
9th Month, 1703. Their children were Henry, John, Ruth, Sarah and Wil
liam. Edward Buck married Sarah Buckman, and bad three children, Sarah,
Frances, and Edward. Ruth Buckman was married to Peter Blaker, the 24th
of 9th Month, 1708. William Buckman, Jr., married, in 1716, Esther, daugh
ter of John Penquite, of Wrightstown. Thomas married Agnes Penqcitb.
Elizabeth Buckman was married to Zebulon Heston, in 1726.*
Joab Howlb arrived here from England in 1682, as a servant of John Brock,
who settled in Lower Makefleld. He was indentured to him for four years, at
the expiration of which time he was to receive 50 acres of land, which was
located here on the Bristol road, on the north side of William Buckman's tract.
Arthur Cook had an extensive tract adjoining Warwick, which extended
down the Bristol road two miles. In 1689 he was appointed a Justice for the
county. John Pennington's tract contained 1250 acres, which he had pur
chased of Penn in England, before his arrival here. Ralph Dunn died in 1727.
Clement Dungan flrst settled in Bristol township, from whence he removed here,
and died about 1732. The wills of the two latter are on record.
The Dutch Reformed church, which was erected neariy a century ago,
was in
corporated by an act of Assembly passed the 20th of
September, 1782.
According to tbe enumeration of 1784, Northampton contained 722 white in
habitants, 91 blacks, 108 dwelling houses, 106 out-houses, and 14,380 acres of
land.

CHAPTER XVin. Plumstead.

This name was probably applied before 1720, but it does not appear as a town-
ship, till about 1730. Previous to this date it formed a part of Buckingham. It
 97

is said the first settler was

Thomas Brown, who located himself at an eariy
period m the woods, (now
Dyerstown,) then seven or eight miles from any white
mhabitants. For travel, Indian paths were chieflv used. After
having lived this
way for near seven years, he built a small corn mill,
with the assistance of his
sons. His first neighbor was John
Dyer, a Quaker preacher, and his family,
whom he had known in England, who came
from Nails worth, Gloucestershire, in
1714, and first settled at Abington, of
whose meeting he was a member. Thomas
Brown sold him his mill and improvements, and moved
further up into the
woods, near the present Plumstead meeting-house.
One son was named Alex
ander, and another Thomas. The latter, in 1722, was a
collector of taxes for
Plumstead and Buckingham. Among other settlers who were probably here be
fore 1724, may be named Christopher Day, Joseph Brown, John Boyle, and
Joseph Large.
Joseph Brown, I find,
in 1734, purchased here, of the proprietaries, 250 acres
of land. Possibly he may have been a son of Thomas Brown, sr. In 1736,
John Boyle was an original purchaser of 300 acres, and Joseph Large of 100.
John Dyer died in 1738, and his lands are still in the possession of his descen
dents.
The Friends of Plumstead, in 1727, flrst held their meetings at the house of
Thomas Brown, during the winter season, every other Firstjlay. At a monthly
meeting for Buckingham and Wrightstown held in lOth-month, 1730, Thomas
Watson, Thomas Canby, Abraham Chapman, Cephas Child, and John Dyer,
were appointed to fix on a suitable place for Plumstead Friends to build a meet
ing-house. They reported a place near the grave yard, where fifteen acres was
conveyed for the purpose, by Thomas Brown and his sons, Thomas and Albx-
ANDER, for tbe consideration of fifteen shillings. A log meeting-houSe soon after
was built, which stood till 1752, when a more commodious stone building was
erected, which is still standing.
The last Indians that permanently resided in this part of the county, are believed
to have been two, who lived near Parker's spring, at a later period better known
as the " Devil's Half
Acre,"
a short distance above Lumberville, near the river's
bank, since destroyed, in 1830, by the construction of the canal. One of these
Indians had remarkable success in hunting, while the other had not ; and though
the former offered him a full share of his game, he declined receiving any. He
luck,"
believed it was owing to his " and refused to take any food but what he
should procure himself. At length he became so famished as to stir up the water
to muddiness, believing, when thus drank, it would afford him more nourish
ment. After considerable suffering for the want of proper sustenance, he at
luck,"
length killed a deer, when his " as he termed it, made him afterwards
more fortunate in hunting. This was about 1755 or 1760.

For the following reminiscences I am indebted to the aged Thomas Lewis, now
of Buckingham. Thomas Lewis, bis grandfather, resided between Plumstead
meeting-house and the river, on the farm now occupied by Samuel Lewis, brother
of my informant. The time, as near as could be arrived at, was about ninety-
five years ago. One moonlight night, after he had retired to his rest, he heard
his pigs make an unusual squeal, when he arose to his chamber window, and
observed something large and dark in the pen, which at length seized a pig nearly
 98

huge bear, who caught

half grown, and flung it over the enclosure, followed by a
gtin, when
it up and started off. Mr. Lewis hastened in pursuit with his dog and
him. On another oc
the bear at length was discovered on a tree, where he shot
from Plumstead meeting, on
casion, about the same time, returning one sabbath
horseback, in company with his wife, about two miles east of the meeting-house,
passed with her two cubs
where there was woods on each side of the road, a bear
neighbors ;
but a short distance before them. Bears were often troublesome to his
as as a dozen on hie
and be had frequently shot deer, of which he had seen many
farm in a flock.
gave tbe following an
Mr. Lewis, in reply to several of my interrogatories,
swers from his own recollections : Wild turkeys he bad seen ; tbe last he remem

bers, were two together, one of which was shot by Elias Carey, about thirty-

five years ago, on Plumstead hill, between Black's Eddy and Lumberville. He
pilot
knew of but two slaves in the township ; had seen no rattlesnakes, but
snakes were very numerous; of wolves he heard nothing but of one. This was
caught by John Smith, who is still living in the township, on the aforesaid bill, in
a trap, about the year 1804. He was full grown, and may possibly be remem

bered as the last wolf captured in the

county. In the same vicinity, in February,
1844, Peter Learshot a lynx, that was 16 inches high, and 3 feet long. well I
wolf trap, about fifteen years ago, which had begn
remember being shown here, a
an heir loom probaWy for a century.
Tbe family of Doanbs, a set of daring and reckless fellows, were born in the
Plumstead-
two-story stone house that stood on the Easton road, not far south of
ville. Its owner, John Mybss, levelled it to the ground seven or eight years ago,

for the purpose of erecting a larger and more commodious

dwelling. Joseph
DoANB, the father, is said to have borne a good name ; but bis sons, as they
grew to manhood, become a set of notorious thieves and desperadoes, whose prin
cipal object seemed to be plunder. In a former number, on the Revolution, a
brief account was given of the concluding part of their career in this county.
In Scull's map of 1770, the Plough tavern is marked as being on the Durham
road. It is said that on the porch of this bouse Moses Doane sprang from be
tween his guards over a low covered wagon in his front, and thus escaped. On
inquiry 1 learn that this tavern was near the present bouse of C. M. Price.
Dyerstown is mentioned in Scott's Gazetteer of 1795, as " a village situated on
creek." From this work it is inferred that this place and
a branch of Neshaminy
Doylestown were then of a similar size.

Tbe following advertisement of " A List of Letters remaining in tbe Post OEBce
1805,"
at Plumstead, February 8th, may serve to give the reader an idea how
business was done half a century ago, when these ofl3ces were but few :
"Jacob Bishop, Bucks county; Whitson Canby, Wrightstown ; John Eliart, two miles
from tfie Crooked Billet; Wilson, Upper Makefield; John
Thomas Lackner, care of Mr.
McNeily, Plumstead ; linda Paxson, Solebury ; Aaron Qnimby, Buckingham.
JOHN EODROCK, P. M."
According to the enumeration ot 1784 Plumstead contained 946 white inhabi
tants, 7 blacks, 160 dwelling houses, 136 out-houses, and 12,820 acres of land.
 99

CHAPTER XIX. Richland.

This township I
find in the patent books was called, as early as 1715, the
" Manor of
Richland," though
the name " Great
Swamp"
was more generally
applied to this section of the county. In 1715 Michael Atkinson purchased
250 acres adjoining lands of John Moorb. In 1737 John Bond purchased 250
acres, and John Geoegb Bachman 234. Hugh Foulke purchased 313 acres in
1740. All these lands are stated to be in the " Manor of Richland, commonly
Swamp."
called the Great

Richland was first settled by a few families of Friends, about the year 1710.
Not long vSixT, by the increase of Friends around them, a regular meeting for
worship was established. The Gwynedd monthly meeting, to which they had be
longed, authorized them to hold a preparative meeting for business till 1742, when
their numbers had so increased tbat a monthly meeting was established among
them by the quarterly meeting of Philadelphia.

The village of Quakertown, which we presume was called so in commemora

tion of the early settlers, is marked on Scull's map of 1770, as Walter
McCootb's. The road from Bethlehem by way of this place to the city, is one of
the oldest thoroughfares for travel in the northwestern section of the county.

The enumeration of 1784 gives Richland 860 inhabitants, 147 dwelling houises,

166 out-houses, and 11,341 acres.

CHAPTER XX. Rockhill.

The earliest meffltton 1 have found of this township is on Scull's map of 1770.
part of
Probably this was owing to its being called, at an eariier period, with a
Billtown, the " Manor of
Perkasie." OldjUXon, who was in Pennsylvania in
1708, says that tht;re was 10,000 acres of land advertised for sale at Perkasie.
granted 2,500
Thomas Pbnn, the Proprietary, besides a liberal sum of money,
Perkasie,"
acres of land, " being the fourth part of the manor of to the use of the
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. " In the deed of conveyance, dated
University of at
provided trustees should never dispose of their
July 21st, 1759, it was that the
interest in the estate, and when the income from it should amount to two
hundred
pounds per annum, tbt;y should educate, maintain, and clothe two persons of the
heirs." * The rent at the period of conveyance
nomination of the grantors or his
was worth 45, and in 1813 had increased in value to more than 600 bushels of
wheat.

In a report to the Legislature in 1835, it is stated, that the houses, lots, and

* Histoncal Society's Memoirs, i, 153-.5.

 100

Pennsylvania, are valued

lands in Bucks county, belonging to the University of
$3,710. This includes
at $64,594.00, and the income arising therefrom to be
besides the property here, we presume, the three estates in Tinicum, Hilltown,
and Middletown, comprising 411 acres, confiscated by the act of 27th of Novem
ber, 1779, and by an act of September 22d, 1785, granted by the state for the use
applied for its support, and
of the University. The incomes of these estates are
no doubt are becoming more valuable. We have no hesitation in saying that
these 3,000 acres, with their improvements, would now bring more than twice
the valuation of 1835.
We understand that the greater portion of Rockhill is still spoken of in that
part of the county as Perk-a-sie.
inhabitants,
According to the enumeration of 1784, Rockhill contained 969 158

dwelling houses, 330 out-houses, and 14,343 acres of land.

CHAPTER XXLSolebury.

This township was formed earlier than has been generally supposed, as ap
pears from the following, which is given literally as copied from a quaint old
manuscript :
" Whereas, Williah Penn, Proprietary and Governor of ye sd provence, by his present
Commissioners of Property, to wit : Eoward Shippen, Griffith Owen, and Thomas
Stort, in and by a certain grant or patent under their hands and his ye sd proprietary's
great seal, dated ye twenty-ninth of December, A. D., 1702, for ye consideration therein
mentioned, did grant and confirm into ye sd Jaues Loeian a certain tract of land situate
tn ye sd township of Solebury ; beginning at a corner marked white-oak growing in the
line of John Scarboroogh's land, thence by ye same and by vacant land northwest two
hundred and fifty perches to a corner marked black-oak, thence by vacant land northeast
three hundred and twenty-four perches to a post standing by a black-oak sapling, thence
by land appropriated to ye proprietary's use, at a place called ye Great Spring, southwest
three hundred and twenty-four perches to place of beginning, containing five hundred acres."

John Scarborough, mentioned above as a landholder, we presume was the son

of John Scarborough, mentioned by Proud in bis history, who came from Lon
don, in 1682, and settled in Middletown, and in a few years returned to England,
where he died leaving his son here in possession of his property. We learn
from the records that John and William Scarborough, of Solebury, died in
1727. John White purchased from the Commissioners of Property, in 1703, a
tract containing 2500 acres. Jacob Holcombe, after a residence of several years,
purchased, in 1709, a tract of 300 acres, near the Great Spring, where he settled.

The following extract is taken from Dr. John Watson's account of Bucking
ham and Solebury, as published in the Memoirs of the Historical Society :
" Solebury lies between Buckingham and the river Delaware, and contains 14,073 acres.
It appears by an enumeration, taken in 1784, it contained 166 dwelling houses, 150 out
houses, 928 white inhabitants, and no blacks.
 101
" A certain Dr. Bowman, (I
have been told Dr. Beaumont,) being of a contemplative turn
of mmd, in the early settlement, used to frequent the fine
round top of one of tho hills near
the river ; and, at his request, was buried there. It is since called Bowman's hill. Many
others have since been buried at the same place. opposite'
Bowman's hill is directly to
another on the Jersey shore, called Belmount, of the same height,
form, and direction.
" When wheat and rye grew thick and tall on new land, and all was to
be cut with sickles,
many men and some women became dexterous in the use of them, and
victory was contended
for in many a violent trial ; sometimes by two or three only, and
sometimes by the whole
company, for 40 or 50 perches. About the year 1741, 20 acres were cut and shocked in
half a day in Solebury. Until a sufficient quantity of grain was raised for themselves and
the ne*-oomers, all further supply had to be brought from the Palls or Middletown
; and
until 1707, all the grain had to be taken there, or to Morris Gwin's, on the Pennepack,
below the Billet, to be ground. In that year, Robert H eath built a grist mill on the Great
Spring stream, in Solebury. This must have been a great hardship, to go so far to mill for
more than seventeen years, and chiefly on horseback. It was some time that they had to
go that distance with their plough-irons, and other smith work. Horses were seldom shod ;
and blocks to pound hominy were a useful invention borrowed from the natives.
" In 1690, there were many settlements of Indians one on the low land near the river
on George Pownall's tract, whioh remained for some time after he settled there; one on
Jakes Streiper's tract, near Oonkey's Hole ; one on land since Samuel Harold's ; one
on Joseph Fell's tract; and one at the Great Spring, &o. Tradition reports that they
were kind neighbors, supplying the white people with meat, and sometimes with beans and
other vegetables ; which they did in perfect charity, bringing presents to their houses and
refusing pay. Their children were sociable and fond of play. A harmony arose out of their
mutual dependence.Native simplicity reigned in its greatest extent. The difiference be
tween the families of tho white man and the Indian, in many respects, was not great
when to live was the utmost hope, and to enjoy a bare sufiioiency the greatest luxury.

"No cross occurrence happened materially to disturb the general tranquility ; every
thing, both public and private, went on in an even and regular routine moderate wishes
were fully supplied necessaries and conveniences were gradually increased ; but luxuries
of any kind, except epiritous liquors, were rarely thought of, or introduced, either of ap
parel, household furniture, or living. Farm carts were had by the best farmers. Thomas
Canby, KicnARD Nortoh, Joseph Large, Thomas Gilbert, and perhaps a few more, had
wagons before 1745, and a few two-horse wagons, from then to 1750, were introduced ; and
some who went to market had light tongue-carts for the purpose. These were a poor make
shift, easily overset; the wild team sometimes ran away, and the gears often broke. John
Wells, Esq., was the only person who ever had a riding chair. Ho and Mathew Hughs
were the only justices of the peace, except Thomas Canby, who held a commission for a
short time- and there were no taverns, except on the Delaware, at Howell's and Coryell's
ferries."

For the following sketch I

am indebted to a communication of Joseph Smith,
of Tinicum, written in 1826, a few weeks before his death :

" Thomas Canby was an early settler: he had six daughters by his first wife ; all of them
married, (one of them my grandmother Smith ;) and five by the second wife, three married,
and two sons by each ; who all had families, and some of them numerous ; consequently
Pennsylvania. He lived much in harmony
they may be equal in number to any family in
and friendship with his Indi.in neighbors, (who used to say if war happened between them
and the whites, they would kill him and his family themselves, that they might not be
tortured to death ;) and they still continued to erect their cabins where the daughters were
Brother-
settled, as long as they resided in the county, whioh ended by tho removal of the
ton Jersey Indians to New Stookbridge, in tho Oneida country, about twenty years ago,
where they offered me 300 acres of land if I would go and instruct them in
agriculture."

There is a tradition, which was told me by a descendant of one of the earliest

 102
Armitages'
settlers, that the stream now commonly known as creek, went former
ly by the name of Scutlelaushe, and that it had been called so in consequence of
the following occurrence : An Indian woman, having an only child, left it for a
short absence alone in her cabin, which stood by the banks of this stream. On
her return, the child was missing, and for a number of days afterward,^the dis
tressed mother would be seen going up and down calling for Sccttelaushe ; but
ScuTTBLAusHB nevcT returned. The supposed remains were found sometime after,
and in commemoration of the child, the stream was so called.

Milton creek it is said, was called by tbe Indians Paunaquessing. In this

stream, Thomas Lewis informed me that he had heard his father, John Lewis,
say tbat, when a boy, about ninety years ago, he had frequently caught trout and
pike of three and four pounds weight.

Previous to the opening of the York road, in 1711, from the Delaware at Centre
Bridge to Philadelphia, John Reading had a ferry here on the
Jersey side. On
Scull's map of 1770, 1 find it called Howell's ferry, which has since been changed
to Centre Bridge. Where is now New Hope, on Scull's map is called Wells'
ferry, which not long after was changed to Coryell's ferry. From the Colonial
Records, we learn that an act was passed for "
settling a ferry at Solebury, Bucks
county."
It was probably at this place.
The Great, or Ingham's Spring, by the natives was called Aquetong. Samuel
Preston says tbat the celebrated chief, Tedxuscung, was born at this place, and
lived here for some time.

The Commissioners appointed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to

the act of September 25th, 1786, conflrmed to Solebury, Smith's Island and bar,
and Paxson 's Island and bar.

The Towsend Apple. The following has been abridged from a lengthy ar
ticle by Samuel Prbston, published in the Bucks County Patriot, in 1826. On
inquiry we are informed that this tree stood near Lumberville :
In the same ship with William Penn, in the year 1682, came from London, Bichas
Townsend ; he was a famous Quaker preacher, religiously concerned to cultivate the friend
ship, and better the condition of the native Indians, in which concern reports have said that
he devoted mueh time in travelling. For the history of the original apple tree, I have had
it traditionally, from the family of Richard Townsend's descendents, who were deemed
of great respectability. Stephen Townsehb, his grandson, was an
elderly and amiable man
in my time, and owner of the apple tree. I heard him relate that his grandfather had
been informed by the Indians, that back ia the country waa a great apple
tree where
abundance of Indians collected in the season to live on apples that with
Indian guides he
undertook the journey through the wilderness, to pay them a religious
visit. When be
came there he was surprised to see so many Indians. There was a
spring of good water
near by, and an apple tree in an Indian clearing, vastly larger than
any he had ever seen
in England, heavily loaded with larger and better apples than be had
ever seen before
He bought here their title or good will to the clearing, but no conai4eration
would purchase
the apple tree. That they reserved to be as free as sunshine to all
or any that wanted ap
ples. That part of the contract the Townsend
family ever faithfully observed ; Stephbs
Townsend did more, he supported a strong fence around it to
keep cattle from the falling
apples, and used to haul and throw buckwheat straw under the
tree, to keep such as fell
high frcm splitting. The apples were very large and flat, of a
delicious flavor, and general
ly esteemed to this day in preference to any other. It was about the year 1766 that I ouS
 s^j;r:-i,r-.'c=:- i;,-r-rzs.r
103

CHAPTER XXII. Southampton.

This township waa formed previous to tbe year 1685. Amongst

the original
purchasers may be named John
Gilbert, Joseph Jones, Richard Marsh, Thomas
Groom, Marke Betres, Robert Presmore, John Martin,
Thomas Hould, John
Swift, John Jones, Richard Wood, John Luffe, and Enoch
Flowers.
John Swipt, before his arrival, received of Penn, in England, a grant
of 50O
acres, which was afterwards located here. It was situated
between the county
line and street roads, and lay not far south of the present Buck
tavern. At his
house, as eariy as 1691, the Keithian Friends, after their separation
in this sec
tion, held their flrst meetings. In 1701 and 1707, he represented
Bucks in the
Provincial Assembly. He died in 1732. The lead mine is on his purchase.
Jambs Carter died in this township in 1714, and Derrick Crusbn in
1732.
Both were landholders, and their Wills are on the records.
Etebard Bolton
settled here about 1698, and died in 1728.

The lands in the vicinity of Southampton church were taken up by John Mar-
TIN and Robert Presmore. John Martin's tract lay adjoining Warminster,
and extended from the Bristol to the Street road, at Dayisville. The lands on
the south side of the Street road, at this village, to the County Line, were owned
by John Lupfe.
The Sonthapipton Baptist church was founded in 1746, and had originally 48
members. The Rev. Joshua Potts was its flrst minister, and at the time of
his ordination was quite young. According to the minutes of the Hatborough
library, he was one of its original members, in 1755. From 1756 to 1759 he was
its librarian and secretary, and then resided in that village, it is further stated
that, " at the annual meeting of November 7tb, 1761, Joseph Longstreth is
admitted a member, having purchased the share of Rev. Joshua Potts, deceased."
Some time previous to the erection of this church, meetings had been held by the
members once a month, at the houses of Peter Chamberlain and John Morris,
where the Rev. Jbnkin Jones officiated. From the year 1772 till 1785, the Rev.
William Vanhornb was pastor of the church, when he removed to Scotch Plains,
where he died in 1807, aged 61 years.

According to the enumeration of 1784, Southampton contained 538 white in

habitants, 30 blacks, 84 dwelling houses, 57 out-houses, and 8,119 acres of land.

The Black Lead Mine How Discovered. For the following account of this
discovery,I am indebted to the seventh volume of my friend Mr. Hazard's valu-
ble Register of Pennsylvania ;
 104

" On a ridge of land, north of Edge Hill, in Southampton, Bucks county, ia a valuable
mine of black lead. The discovery of this mine, was made near eighty years ago, (from
1830,) by a Frenchman named Ralph Dkackit, who lived in a small house on the side of
a small hill, near the seat of the late Joseph Thornton, Esq., beyond the Buck tavern, on
the road to Newtown. Drackit was in low circumstances, but was remarkable for ingenu
ity, intelligence,and sagacity ; he was called a miner and a tinker, and was fond of drink ;
but was considered an innocent, inoffensive man. It is said, he first found tbe black lead
on the surface of the ground, or near it ; that he kept the discovery a secret, procured his
supplies in the night, and left the earth as little disturbed as practicable. The lead he
converted into crucibles, which he carried to Philadelphia and sold. It is not known how
long he followed thia place. But the owner of the lead, John Naylor, having noticed the
ground somewhat displaced in his cornfield, after he had finished plowing it, suspected some
mystery in the business, and set watch at night, in order to effect a discovery of its meaning.
It waa not long before Drakit appeared, and, when he had got fairly at work, Naylor ad
vanced to demand an explanation. Drakit frankly confessed the discovery of the black
lead, and the use to whioh he applied it. Naylor, then, very generously, offered him the
privilege of procuring as much of it aa he chose. It does not appear ihat Drakit made
any other use of this grant, than merely to obtain enough for his own manufacture. His
wares are aaid to have been of very superior quality ; and we are informed, he communi
cated his art and mystery of making the best crucibles to Amos Subers, of Smithfield, who
died a few years ago in Philadelphia, at an advanced age. Drakit died in 1780."

CHAPTER XXIII. Springfield.

The earliest information I

have been able to obtain of Springfield, as a town
ship, is in the year 1745, Thomas Blair having then purchased here 422 acres,
and Joseph Blair, adjoining, 150 acres of land. Nicholas Hill,
in 1739, pur
chased 321 acres, which is mentioned, to be " on a branch of Cook's run, near
Durham." George Bachman,
in 1740, purchased 213 acres, at " the branches
of the Tohicon and Saucon creeks."
We suppose he is the same person that, in
1737, purchased 234 acres in Richland. The assertion
may appear strange, but
we have every reason to believe it, that he was one of the earliest, if
not the flrst
German settler and landholder in the upper section of the county.
John Briggs,
in 1741, purchased 472 acres " on a branch of Cook's creek, near Durham."
In
1748, 96 acres were laid out by Nicholas Scull, tbe
surveyor-general, for Wil
liam Artwood. The aforesaid individuals were original purchasers,
and their
lands embraced about one-tenth of the township.

In the eastern partof Springfield is an elevated hill, which is

still called
Buckwampun, the name given it by the Indians. Tradition
has it from the early
settlers in the neighborhood tbat, in their tongue it signified
a swamp on the hUl,
which IS yet found on its summit. Around its sides numerous copious springs
of excellent water, with an abundance of game, caused
the Indians to linger here
till about the commencement of the revolution.
About half a mile north of Stony Point, on the farm
now in the possession of
Enos Beihn.Is a point of cultivated land formed
by two branches of Gallows run,
 IOC

elevated from twenty to forty feet above

the adjacent meadows. From the abnn-
dance of Indian arrows, darts, &o.,
found here, it is supposed that they had an
extensive settlement. Its situation shows it admirably calculated for defence.-
It is now and has been for a long time an orchard.
According to the enumeration of 1784. Springfield had
979 inhabitants, 160
dwellmg houses, 179 out-houses, and 17,030 acres of land.

CHAPTER XXIV.-TiNicuM.

The name of this township is probably of Indian origin,

being applied from
Tinicum below Philadelphia. It has been variously called Tenakongh,
Tenacum,
Tenicum, and Tenecum, on tbe map of 1770.

The following advertisement is copied from the Pennsylvania

Journal of March
18th, 1762, and is interesting as giving tbe names of some of
tbe residents at that
time :
" For sale the
following settled plantations, and tracts of land in the township of Teni
cum and County of Bucks, in Penna., by Richard Stevens, all laying on or near the river
Delaware.
" I possession of Herman Ronsecrout, 261 acres ; of Bernard Schneider, 143 acres ;
of Samuel McConoghy, 137 acres; of William Richards, 345 acres ; of Henry Newton,
356 acres ; of Jacob Fox, on Delaware, 179 acres ; of Robert Stovart, on Delaware, 264
acres ; of John Wallace, 112 acres ; of Martin Freyle y,176 acres ; of Robert Stovart,
411 acres, part cleared. 1747 acres of woodland and swamp, to be divided aa will suit the
purchasers.
" All the above Farms are under lease to the present possessors only till the first
day of
next April, and is free from all Quit rents and other incumbrances, and will be disposed of
on easy terms of
payment."

The above tracts contained a total of 4131 acres, or nearly one-fourth of the
township, and prove the sparseness of the population at the above date.
Some Presbyterian settlers, mostly from tbe north of Ireland, built a church in
1766, on the Durham or Easton road, not far from Red Hill. It was an antique-
looking stone building, with a stairway on the outside to approach the gallery.
It stood closed for some time, within our recollection. This was owing to the
English and Irish descendants disappearing before the German population. The
church, as a consequence, has also undergone a change. A larger and more commo
dious building has been erected, in which the Lutherans and German Reformed
now alternately worship.
According to Scull's map, it appears that, in 1770, a road from Hinkletown,
in Plumstead, terminated at or near where is now Erwinna, on the Delaware-
" London Ferry.''
where a ferry was then established, known as the
Edward Marshall, the celebrated walker, lived in this township, on an island,
in the Delaware. For his great exploit he never received any reward from the
 106

displeasure of the
Proprietaries but this was not all ; even after, he incurred the
;

Indians, who sought at different times to obtain their revenge on him and his
family. It appears, in 1754, he removed about 18 miles above Easton. While
residing here, several years after, in his absence, about 16 Indians attacked his
house and killed Mrs. Marshall, and wounded one of his daughters with a ball,
in the shoulder, while fleeing from the house. On another occasion, in 1758,
they waylaid his son, whom they killed. So strong remained their desire for
vengeance that even in the Revolution war, it is said, a company of Indians came
all tbe way from Ohio to destroy him, and he escaped only by being absent.
Marshall was a native of this county, and is said to have been a stout, athletic
man, a distinguished hunter, and capable of enduring great fatigue. There is a
tradition in bis neighborhood that he was an inveterate enemy of the Indians,
and that after they sought his life, and had killed his wife and son, whenever
opportunities presented would seek retaliation. He died on his island, at the ad
vanced age of 90 years.

It was at Red Hill, in this township, at the time of the great walk, where Sol
omon Jennings gave out, and Marshall and Jambs Yeates proceeded on. It is
stated that they arrived here in two and a half hours from Wrightstown meeting
house, a distance, probably, of about 19 miles.
The Commissioners of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in 1786, confirmed to
Tinicum, Prall's two islands. Wall's island. Resolution island, Marshall's island.
Wall's two islands, Pishing island, and Pennington's island.
According to tbe enumeration of 1784, this township contained 769 white in
habitants, 9 blacks, 87 dwelling bouses, 144 out-houses, and 17,177 acres of land.
Joseph Smith. This ingenious man is justly entitled to a more extended no
tice, but for the want of proper materials we are prevented from giving it. Proba:'
bly te did more than any other person in improving the plough, and his patent
at that time deservedly entitled him to an honorable position among our inventors.
He was the great-grandson of Thomas Canbt, Esq., one of the early settlers of
Solebury. For the following obituary notice, we are indebted to the " Patriot :"
" Died, in Solebury, on Fifth-day, the 28th of September, 1826, Joseph Smith, of Tini
cum, aged 73. The deceased was smitten by the hand of death while in apparent health,
suddenly, and without warning. He was retiring home from a visit to his daughter, in
Upper Makefield, and stopped at the house of a relation in Solebury. He sat down before
the fire, and while in the act of stooping to untie his shoes, fell from the chair, and with
out a struggle, expired. On Seventh-day, his remains were interred in the Friends burial
ground, in Plumstead. He was blessed with a strong and penetrating mind, and had im
proved it by reading and reflection. His improvements in the plough, procured him the
confidence of Jefferson, and entitled him to the thanks of the agricultural community.
His labors in introducing clover, and the use of plaster, have proved a lasting source of
wealth to his native county. Selecting a rude and almost inaccessible site on the Delaware,
he subdued the torrent to useful purposes, and made his establishment the blessing of a
large and populous district. To him we owe the introduction of anthracite coal into Bucks,
and it is greatly
throu^ his recommendation and example, that our cities and manufac
tories now enjoy a supply of this invaluable fuel. The poor and needy of his neighborhood
can bear witness to the benevolence of his heart in administering to their necessities
during
the inclemency of winter."
 107

CilAPTER XXV. . -Upper .Makefield.

The Surveyor-General, Thomas Holme, some time before tha year 1695, lai'a
' Highlands,"
out here the Manor of whioh name it retained down to 1745, or
later. The original plan, since then, has been somewhat departed from, for it
included a portion of the lower end of Solebury : while that part south of the road
now leading from the E.^igle tavern to Taylorsville, was then included in ' Make
fleld.'

Hbnrt Baker, Lupf. Henrt Sidwbll, Thomas Hudson, Daniel Mil-

Edmund
NKR and Joseph Milner
were landholders here before 1690. Thomas and Rbc-
aEN AsHToN, in 1703, purchased each 100 acres. William Blackpan, in 1733,
purchased 200 acres in the " Manor of Highlands." Samuel Brown, in 1743, pur
chased "in right of his wife and on behalf of her sisters, the daughters of John
county,"
Clark, of Bucks 427 acre.5 " in the Manor of Highlands, beginning at
John Pidcock's land, on the Delaware." All the aforesaid were original pur
chasers.
IIsNRT Baker was an early settler, and at his house, in 1683, the Friends of
the neighborhood held their meetings, till the erection of the Falls Meetinghouse,
in 1690. In 1680 he was one of tho Justices for the county.
Taylorsville, in the time of the Revolution, was known as MoKonkey's Ferry.
It was ac this place where Washington crossed the Delaware in his memorable
attack on the Hessians at Trenton. The lands in this vicinity were originally
taken up by Joseph Milner, Hbnrt Baker, and Richard Hough. The road
leading from this place to the Eagle tavern is located on the original line between
" Proprietaries' Highlands."
Richard Hough and the Manor of
The lands in the vicinity of Dolington were taken up by Thomas Hudson, in
one great tract, extending from the Lower Makefield line nearly to Hough's creek
on the north, and from the Delaware to Newtown. The Friends' Meetinghouse
was first built in 1752, when a meeting was regularly settled here.
The Commissioners appointed by the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
Lownes'
8T1 1786, conQi-mod to this township Harvey's Upper Island, and Island.

According to the enumeration of 1784, Upper Makefield contained 792 white

inhabitants, 5 blacks, 117 dwelliD.E;-house.=i, 6S ont-house.s, and 11,628 acres of
land.
Thomas LiixsLBT^Oame from near London, England ; and arrived in Penn
sylvania about the year 1756, with a snug little fortune for those times. He
comTnenced shop keeping, in Upper Makefield, where he carried on the busines*
reputation ; when, without any ap
for ."revefal years, with due propriety and
parent cause, he fell into a partial derangement of his understanding, in which
he continued to the last. He supposed himself King of Pennnsylvania, but was
regal authority ; and had
content not to trouble society with any exercise of his
of evil spirits. His next busines.s was
also a firm belief in the invisible agency
to travel on foot in the employ of an itinerant cooper, carrying a pair of saddle
bags with his clothes and a few tools. He likewise knit his own stockings, and made
apparel in a neat and workmanlike inannei
and repaired most of his wearing foot,' carry-
In tbe ."itimmer of 1803, be visited Charieston, in South Carolina, on
 108

ing his knapsack and traveling rations ; consisting of buiscuit, cheese, tJa, sugar,
molasses, Ac. After his return he resided in his old neighborhood, in Upper
Makefield, where he died in February, 1806, aged upwards of 70 years. He
left personal property to the amount of X500, and is supposed to have left no will
or heirs in this country.

CHAPTER XXVI. Waiuiinstek.

This township was formed and known by this name before the year 1685. Among
John Rush, John Hart, Qeorgb
the original landholders here may be mentioned,
Rai7dal, James Potter, William Binglet, Nathaniel Allen, A. Noble, Hbnrt
Endish, Sarah Woolman, and Henrt Comlt.
John Hart came from Whitney, Oxfordshire, and received a grant for 1,000
acres, of Penn, in England. On his arrival here he became a preacher among
the Quakers till about the year 1691, at which time he separated with George
Keith. From this time he preached to a society of Keithians, at the house of
John Swift, in Southampton. About six years after, he.and some of the society
adopted the principles of the Baptists.
Henrt Comlt came from Bristol, in England, with his wife, Janb, and son,
HeNrt, in 1682. Before his departure he received, of Penn, a grant for 500
acres of land, which he located in the west corner of this township, between the
Warrington, where he settled. In 1684,
County line and Street roads, adjoining
he died and was buried at Middletown, in this county. Jane, his widow, waa
married on tbe 6th of second month, 1685, to Joseph English, of Philadelphia.
In 1689 she died, and was likewise buried at Neshaminy. Their son, Hbnrt
Comlt, on the 17tb of 8th month, 1695, was married to Agnes Heaton, at the
Middletown Meeting-house. Not long after, he purchased a tract of 500 acres, in
Moreland, near the present village-of Smithfield, on which he afterwards resided.
He died about the year 1727, at the age of 53. He left eleven children, seven
sons and four daughters. It is said that all those by the name of Comlt, of
whom there are now many residing in Bucks, Philadelphia and Montgomery
counties, are his descendents.
Sarah Woolman's purchase lay adjoining Henrt Comlt's tract, and contained
250 acres. John Cadwalladbr, in 1735, purchased a tract of 250 acres, on the
eounty line. Isaac Cadwalladbr, a landowner, died here in 1739. A copy of
his will is on tbe records.
Bartholomew Longstreth was an early settler in this township ; he came
from Yorkshire, in 1699, and was married to Ann, the daughter of John Dawson.
He built himself a house, about the year 1714, not far from the present village of
Johnsville. Daniel Longstreth, the author of a memoir of John Fitch, was his
descendant.
According to the enumeration of 1784, Warminster contained 368 white in
habitants, 28 blacks, 66 dwelling houses, 84 out-houses, and 6,099 acres of land.
 109

of twenty-five he married Lucr Roberts,

and lived with her ahonrfw ?
.ntinual dissatisfaction,when they separated.
New Jersey, where he pursued the Hrfhen'reltllt
business of a silversmith, with repaid
^^
clocks &c.. until the commencement
of the Revolution, when he set upgunsS
mg. W en the British occupied
the place, they destroyed all
his tools andlr
niture. He next went to Attleborough,
and then to Charles
ATarm.nster, where his .$4000 Garrison's in
continental money depreciated to 100.
Durine
his residence here, as I
learn from the minutes of the Hatborough
iibrarv be
James Oglebt. It fur her appears that, at the annual
meeting of November 6th,
17/9 The Company taking mto consideration the depreciation
of the currency
conclude that the fines on delinquent members
are too small ; they therefore
choose
Samuel Irwin, Daniel Longstreth and
John Fitch, a committee to regulate
and fis the fines according to the currency."
There is no report from this com-
;^or"l'" '^^ ^'''' *^*'' *' "^
r/i,"7M ^J ""^^""S ^ '^' directors on the
6th of May, 1780, "John Folwell,
making it appear that he had pur<:hased the
share of John Fitch, is admitted a member." The records also contain his auto
graph, which is written in a neat hand. He was a member of the library com
pany about a year and a half. I
As bad a desire to know what books he had
out, on examination, I
found the following entry :
"John- Fitch.
17th of 11 mo. DuPretz' Hia. Louisiana; returned ye 22nd of 11
mo. 177.
22nd of 11 mo.Lifeof Charles XII. King of Sweden; returned 4th
of 12 mo,
4th of 12 mo. History of Late War."

By his love for history, we see the practical turn of his mind. Soon after in
1780, he went to Kentucky, as a surveyor ; and in 1782 he was made a prisoner
by the Indians, on the Ohio, near the Muskingum, who gave him up to the Brit
ish at Ditroit. After being a prisDuer near ten months, he got around from Que
bec, by sea, and arrived again in this county, at the house of his old friend Core
Scout, when they rushed into each others arms like warm-hearted brothers. While
here he engraved a map of the North-western parts of the United States, iq
Scout's wheelright shop, and printed it on Charles Garrison's cider press. All
these efforts of the man were specially designed to raise funds whereby to push
forward to completion and success the absorbing subject of his steam inventioii.
It is said that in Southampton run, on the farm of Charles Garrison, he first
tried his model. After innumerable difficulties, Fiica at length got his boat con
structed and launched on the Delaware. "In October, 1788, she not only performed
a second trip to Burlington, but to Trenton, returning the same day to Philadelphia,
and moving at the rate of eight miles an hour. It is true, she could hardly per
form a trip without something breaking ; our mechanics then were very ordi
nary; and it was impossible to have machinery so new and complex made
with exactness and competent skill. It was on this account that Fitch was
obliged to abandon the great invention, on which the public looked but coldly.
Such was the unfortunate termination of this early coneeived project of the steam-
 no
boat. FrrcH was no doubt an original inventor of the steamboat ; he waa cer"
propulsion of vessels in America."*
tainly the first who ever applied steam to the
Tt should be recollected that this was fifteen years before Robert Fulton's
first attempt on the Seine. was the opinion of the Hon. Nathaniel Bj
It
Boilieu, of Hatborough, who was acquainted with Fitch, that it was only the
want of means that prevented him from being completely successful in establish'
ing steam navigation. In the Columbian Magazine of 1789, there is a drawing
and plan of bis boat, accompanied with a description. His prevailing tempera
ment seems to have been of a melancholy cast ; nor need we be surprised at this,
for his whole life appears to have been a continual scrie.s of misfortunes. The
result of his experiments involved him in debt, when to wend bis fortunes he
again went west, where he died in Nelson county, Kentucky, about the year 1798^

CHAPTER XXVII. Warrington.

Amongst the first who took up lands from the Proprietary in this township,
may be named Samuel Carpenter, Charles Jones, Robert Vickers, Richard
Smxed, and Richard Ingels. Most probably none of these were settlers.
Charles Jones' tract was situated between the Bristol and Street roads, and
extended from the Warminster line beyond Newville. Richard Sneed received
his grant of 1500 acres from Penn, in England, and was located between the
eounty line and Street roads, adjoining New Britain. Richard Ingels came over
in the Welcome, with Penn, in 1682, and in 1 685 he was chosen clerk of the Pro
vincial Council.

The Governor, Sir William Keith, in 1721, purchased a tract of 800 acres in
Horsham and Warrington, on which he commenced a settlement on the Ilorshani
side, near the county line, and for its improvement and better communication with
Philadelphia, petitioned the Council in March 1722, to cause public roads to be
made through the woods from said settlement. At his request, Robert Fletcher ,
Peibr Chamberlain, Richard Carver, Thomas Iredell, John Barnes, and
ElleS Davis, were constituted a jury, and laid out, tbe 23d of April following, s
road from said settlement, since known as Grseme Park, to Horsham Meeting
house, and from thence to a bridge at Bound Meadow, (Willow Grove,) on the
York road, a distance of four miles and a half. Previous to the construction of
of this road, there was but a winding pathway for travel, leading nearly all the
way through woods. This highway for nearly half a century afterwards, was
road,"
called the " Governor's in honor of its projector. It was afterwards, in
the course of time, called the Easton road ; and now the greater portion of the
distance is occupied by the Doylestown and Willow Grove turnpike. The same
gentlemen, the next day, laid out from the York road, in a north west course, on
the county line, a public road extending thence a distance of four miles. This
.J. P, Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 460
 Ill
is now known as the County line road,
and forms the bon^larv
rmgton and Ho.sham. The surveys between l^ar-
of both these roads were
made by N lOHotl
Scull, afterwards Surveyor-general of Pennsylvania.
A branch of Neshaminy has its source in Horsham,
and in consequence of il
flowmg through Gr^me Park, has received the name
of " Park run " At the
time of the aforesaid settlement. Governor
Keith caused a mill to be "erected on
this stream. A portion of its foundation walls were shown me
a few years aeo
m the meadows of William Penrose, the present proprietor
of Grine Park.
According to the enumeration of 1784, Warrington
contained 251 white in-
habitants. 4 blacks, 33 dwelling houses, 51 out-houses, and 5,553
acres of land.

CHAPTER XXVni. Warwick.

Amongst the original purchasers of lands in

this township, previous to the
year 1695, may be named Benjamin Twilt, John Blatling,
Nathaniel Stan-
BuxT, John Gbat, John Fbitiplacb, John Cows, Randall Blackshaw, Jambs
Clation, George Willard, Thomas Potter, James Botden and Henrt Bailt.
James Clayton, with his wife, Janb, and children. Jambs, Sarah, Johw
Mart, Joseph and Ltdla, came from Middlewithe, England, in the ship Submis
sion, Captain James Settle, and landed at Cboptank, Maryland, the 21st of 9th
month, 1682, and arrived io this province about the 15th of 11th month follow
ing. He purchased an extensive tract of upwards of 2000 acres adjoining North
ampton, on the west side of Neshaminy creek, extending nearly to the present
Jamison's Corner. He has numerous descendants in this county and Montgomery,
John Gray's tract lay where is now the Poor House. Henrt Bailt's purchase
comprised the neighborhood of Hartsville. Benjamin Twilt's the vicinity of Jam*
ison's Corner. It appears that the Proprietary title here was not extinguished
as late as the year 1744, when I
learn, from the Patent books of the Surveyor-
General, that Joseph Carr had made a purchase of 100 acres.

To a communication to the Historical Society, in 1845, by Samuel Hart, I am

indebted for the following extract relating to this township :
I
"' From fifty to fifty-five years ago, could stand on a corner of my father's farm, (twenty-
one miles from Philadelphia, on tbe Old York Boad,) commanding an extensive view of a
oonntry beautifully situated, and naturally of excellent quality; from that spot I could
oount sixteen farm-houses, and in every house were slaves, more or less. By the side or
idee of every fence within view, were hedge rows, (by which I mean a strip of briara,
waeds, bushes, or trees, varying in width from six to twenty or more feet,) amongst which,
with almost a certainty of tearing his coat, (his breeches being of buckskin, were briar
proof,) the farmer or hia negro was to penetrate when the fence required repair; and the
operation was frequently performed by cutting a sapling near the fence, some four feet from
the ground, and letting it fall lengthways on the old fence,
" The ground, generally, appeared to be cultivated in a slovenly and miserable manner
from the first clearirg, and the crops corresponded with the appearance, A little
tome rye, buofewheat, Indian corn, hay from natural meadow? only, alt poor, cider and
 112

immediate descendants of
whiskey, conatitoted the sum total; and on thia the proprietors,
Irish emigranta, lived, casting dull care
away. And I may add, that a more hospitable,
people has not since fallen in my way. The slaves gradually
kind, afi'ectionate, and merry
operation of Abolition law ; aa gradually the fence-rowa were
I
disappeared, under the the
system of farming. presume
uprooted, the farmers almost universally adopting a new
from the same spot, over a tract of country as pro
that forty farm-houses may now be seen
cultivated as any portion of land in Pennsylvania equally remote
ductive and tastefully
metropolis."
from the
purchased the estate of
The Commissioners for the county, in December, 1807,
Gilbert Rodman, Esq., in this township, containing 360 acres, as a place for the
reception, employment, and support of the poor. The price was 20, ($53.33i)
per acre, amounting to 7,200 Pennsylvania currency, to be paid in four equal
annual instalments, with interest, commencing with the first day of April, 1811.

According to the enumeration of 1784, Warwick contained 609 white inhabi

tants, 27 blacks, 105 dwelling houses, 85 out-houses, and 11,883 acres of land.

The Log
College. The Rev. William Tennent came from Ireland, in 1718,
and first arrived at New York : from thence he came to Philadelphia, where he
renounced his connection with the Episcopal church, of which he had been a
clergyman, and joined tbe Presbytery of Philadelphia. " He was much celebra
ted for bis profound and accurate acquaintance with the Latin and Greek clas
sics, and taught them with great success, at his Academy, on the Neshaminy,
logs."
called the Log College, from its being built of Jambs Logan, Esq., a cou
sin by his mother's side, as early as 1728, bestowed fifty acres of his land here
permanent.
to enable him better to prosecute his views, and render his residence
Mr. Logan, likewise, in the beginning, had to furnish him with provisions from
Philadelphia, till circumstances enabled bim to procure a sufficiency in the neigh
borhood. This school seems to have been more particularly designed for the edu
cation of ministers for the Presbyterian church, and as such became at that early
time one of the most distinguished seminaries of learning in Pennsylvania. The
ablest divines of the church were here formed, among which can be named Row
land, Camppbll, Lawrence, Beattt, Robinson, Blair, and tbe four sons of Mr.
Tbjinent, namely, Gilbert, William, John, and Charles. Mr. Tennent died
here the 6th of May, 1746 , at the age of 73. " The Rev. Charles Beattt, a native
of Ireland, obtained a pretty accurate classical education in bis own country, but
his circumstances being narrow, he employed several of his first years in America
in the business of a pedlar. He halted one day at the Log College. The pedlar,
to Mr. Tennent's surprise, addressed him in correct Latin, and appeared to be fa
miliar with that language. After much conversation in which Mr. Beattt man
ifested fervent piety, and considerable religious knowledge, as well as good eduqa-.
two in other respects-.-Mr. Tennent said, " Go and sell the contents of your packf
and return immediately and study with me. It will be a sin for you to continue a
pedlar, when you can be so much more useful in another profession." He accept
ed Mr. Tennent's offer, and in due time became an eminent minister. He was
chaplain in the army under Dr. Franklin, on tbe Lehigh, in the
beginning of 1756.
In 1755 he was one of the original members of the Hatborough Library,
and, in I^ovember 1757, was chosen one of its directors, with John Swift, and
LiJK^JfS, afterward surveyor-general.
J^OBjr About the close of 1760, he went to
England, and at the Company's request made a rurchase of books thcrCj whieh
 118

he transmitted from London, in the

pring of 1761. W further learn from the
Library minutes that, in 1773, his share had been purchased
by Mordecai
IHOMAS. He died in Barbadoes, where he had gone to
collect benefactions for the
Princeton College. The Rev. Samuel Blair was also one of Mr. Tennent's
pupils, and came from Ireland when quite young.
The church most probably
was founded a short time before the school,
and was incorporated by an act of
20th of September, 1782.
Most of the above information concerning the
Log College, is derived from
MiUer's Life of Dr. Rodgers, and Watson's Annals of Philadelphia.

CHAPTER XXIX. Wrightstown.

Amongst the original purchasers of lands in

this township can be mentioned
Herberi Springett, James Ratclipp, James Harrison, Ra^jdal Blackshaw,
Thomas Dickerson, Henrt Baker, Cn-utcH Harpord, John Chapman, and
others.
Randal Blackshaw, came from Hallinger, Cheshire, in the ship Submission,
in 1682, with his wife, Alice, and children, Phebe, Sarah, Jacob, Mart, Na
thaniel and Martha. His servants, William Beasb, Ralph Nuital, Ralph
Cowgill, Roger Bradburt, and Sarah Bradburt, arrived shortly after in the
ship Friends' Adventure. His purchase lay on tbe Neshaminy, in the west cor
ner of the township.
Spingetts'
Herbert tract contained 500 acres, and was situated on the Ne
shaminy, adjoining Newtown. James Harrison purchased 1000 acres of Penn's
Commissioners of Property, in 1682, which extended from the Neshaminy east
ward nearly to where is now Pennsville. Charch Harford's tract also con
tained 1000 acres, for which he received a grant before his departure, of Penn, in
England. Henrt Baker's purchase lay in the vicinity of where is now Pineville,
adjoining Buckingham. Thomas Dickerson had not settled here long before be
died, in 1687. John Penquite, also an early settler and landholder, died here
in 1719. The wills of both these individuals I
have seen in the records.
Thomas Holme, the Surveyor-General, some time before 1695, according to the
original plan of surveys, laid out, in the centre of this township, a tract of land
one mile square, to be bounded by a road, which evidently was intended for a
town, being similar to the square already mentioned, in Newtown. The present
villages of Pennsville, Anchor, and a part of Wrightstown, are on this tract.
Friends' Meetings were held in 1686, if not earlier, at the house of James Rat-
cliff, a noted preacher. After the decease of John Chapman, his children gave
four acres for a meeting-house, which was built thereon about the year 1721. A
short time previous, meetings bad likewise been held at Chapman's and John
Penqoitb's. " Anne, the second daughter of John Chapman, in the year 1699
came forth in the ministry, and travelled on that account, several times through
 114
Europe."
Kuw England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and in From accounts, i?
would seem that it was at or near Wrightstown meeting-house, on the Durham
road, where the celebrated Indian Walk began.
Dr. John Watson, in his account of Buckingham and Solebury, says :
" It appears in an account book of my grandfather, Richard Mitcheli,, who had a grist
mill and store in Wrightstown, from 1724 to 1735, that his charges are as follows :wheat
from 3 to 48. ; rye one shilling less; Indian corn and buckwheat 28. ; salt 4s. ; beef 2d. ;
bacon 4d, ; pork waa about 2d, Improved land was sold generally by the acre, at the price
of 20 bushels of wheat. When provender could be procured to keep stock through the win
ter, milk, butter and cheese became plenty for domestic use. Swine were easily raised and
fattened. Deer, turkeys, and other small game made a plentiful supply of excellent pro
vision in their season, Koast venison and stew-pies were luxurious dishes, which the
pleasure,"
hunter and his family enjoyed in their log cabins with a high degree of

From Mr. Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, we learn that old Jacob Heston,
who died about 1832, " had resided at, and died on the spot, and perhaps at the
same house that was first built in Wrightstown by his ancestors, who emigrated
from New England at the time of the Quaker persecution. A remarkable provi
dence attended them, deserving of some record here. The family was obliged to
escape in the night, and eventually to cross the Delaware, not knov?ing whither
they were going. They sat down in the woods, and to their surprise and satis
faction, found an old neighbor who had also fled on the same night, without the
knowledge in either of them of their several intentions ! Here, amongst wild
beasts and Indians, they found security and repose that was denied them else
where."

The enumeration of 1784, gaveWrightstown 360 white inhabitants, 4 blacks,

58 dwelling bouses, 40 out-houses, and 5,063 acres of land.
John Chapman came from Skelton, Yorkshire, in the ship Shield of Stockton,
Daniel Tows, master, in the beginning of 8th month, 1684, with his wife, Janb,
and children. Mart, Ann, and John. A daughter, Jane, died on the voyage.
At the time of his arrival he was 58 years of age, and Mrs. Chapman 42. Proud ,
in his history of Pennsylvania, gives us additio'nal particulars. The ship in
which he came, by reason of bad weather, put into Maryland ; where he met with
Phineas Pemberton, whose father-in-law. Jambs Harrison, had purchased in
Bucks County 5,000 acres, part of it iu Wrightstown ; hence. Chapman, getting
intelligence of that part of the country, afterwards settled there.
He went flrst
with his family to Phineas Pbmberton's, near the falls of Delaware, and enter
tained the new comers with much kindness. From hence Chapman went to his
purchase in Wrightstown, where, within a year afterwards,
his wife had two sons ;
whence he called the place Twinsborough.
At this time Chapman's place was the farthest back, in the woods, of
any En
glish settlement ; and the Indians,
being then numerous, much frequented his
house in considerable companies, and were very kind to him
and his family, as
well as those who came after him often supplying them with corn, and other
provisions ; which, in those eariy times, were
very scarce, and hard to be pro
cured. In one of those scarce times his eldest daughter, Mart, supplied
his fam
ily by an incident unexpected : Being near Neshaminy creek, she heard an
unusual noise, like that of something in distress ; upon search, she found a large
bn(!k, which had disengaged himself from a wolf, that a little time before had
 115

neized on him, and had fledto the creek for safety, under a high bank ; the buck
stood StiU till
she took the halter from the horse on which she rode, and with a
tick, put it over his horns, whereby she secured him till assistance came ; on
which tbe wolf retired. Such incidents as this, in those times, were looked upon
as providential favors.
Abraham and Joseph Chapman, the twins before mentioned, when boys,
about nine or ten years old, going out one evening to seek their cattle, met an
Indian in the woods, who told them to go back, else they would be lost. Soon
after this they took bis advice, and went back ; but it was night before they got
home, where they found the Indian, who, being careful, had repaired thither in
the night to see, lest they should lose themselves. On another occasion, when
John and Jane Chapman attended the Yearly meeting of Friends in Philadel
phia, the Indians would come every day to see whether anything was amiss with
the young family left behind. Such, in many instances, was the kind behaviour
of tbe Indians to tbe Quakers.
Willlam Chapman, grandson of the aforesaid John Chapman, died in Wrights
town on the 1st of July,
1810, having lived to the great age of 93 years. What
reminiscences of the Olden Time must have died wiih him, now irrecoverably lost
to the present and future generations !

, CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY.

Our work having come to a close, we deem a few parting words appropriate in
apology for some of its
imperfections. The manuscript all passed from our hands
elapsed from
to the publisher, in .September last, and seven months only had then
reposed in our ability to
the time tbe first intimation was given of the confidence
accomplish a task at once so arduous and hitherto unattempted. Though more
found, experience, to be
than usual pains were taken to be correct, we have by
from what source it is
wholly so is an impossibility. Information, no matter
circumstances the
obtained, will occasionally be found to conflict, and under such
resource, follows that which he believes to be the most re
historian, as the only
through the medium of his
liable. At our request, the publisher several times,
paper', announced tbe wish to receive
communications with the additional facts
ascertained inaccurate. These it seems
on any statements of ours that should be
supposed in a work treating on such a
have been less than might have been
It is our intention now to mention, up to this date, such as
variety of topics.
have been ascertained by us or
communicated by others.
is found in Markham's deed
In Chapter II, on Indian Purchases, an
omission
doubt, was either in Wrightstown or one
of Towsissinck creek. This stream, no
of the adjoining
townships. I
would suggest to the antiquaries in that section
identity.
possession of the landholders, for its present
to consult the early deeds in
correspondence it seems there is a diversity of opinions as to which of the
By our
present streams it might be.
 116

In Chapter XXI, on Solebury, another omission occurs. The sentence should

passed in 1722 for
read : From the Colonial Records, we learn that an act was
" settling a ferry at Solebury, Bucks County." As tbe original manuscript is
still out of our hands, we are at present unable to say whether these omissions

were occasioned by us or the printer.

In Chapter VI, Part I, and VII, Part II, mention is

made of Joseph Kirkbride
having come to this country in 1682. He arrived in tbe Bristol Factor, in De
cember, 1681. In an article in the Intelligencer of December 5th, on tbe New
Britain Church, we observe a slight diflerence from our account of the same.
The Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association is the authority for our
statements.

A correspondent in Springfield states tbat be has been enabled to ascertain that

the road beginning at Line Lexington and passing through the townships of
Hilltown, Bedminster, Haycock and Springfield, was used as a highway before
the year 1745 ; and he thinks it is the earliest route of travel from Philadelphia
through the upper end of the northwestern part of the county to Bethlehem.
From this opinion we dissent. The first settlement, to our knowledge, made
any where in the upper townships, was in the year 1710, by Members of the
Society of Friends, in Richland, on the road by Quakertown. On Scull's map,
a road is marked as being the principal route of travel from Line Lexington to
Bethlehem, by way of Quakertown. Between this and the Durham road no other
is indicated. Bethlehem and its vicinity were settled about 1740.

At the time of writing our work, we were informed that Asher Mines pub
lished the first paper in tbe county. After we bad stated so, and just before the
manuscript left us, in making more inquiries, we received from so respectable a
source a contrary statement, tbat without the last hesitation we appended the
following in a note as our opinion, which has become realized :
I
" Since the above was written, learn from Joseph Morton, of Hatborough, that a paper
was published here for several years, and was suspended only a short time previous to the
^
commencement of Mr. Miner's paper. The name of the paper has escaped his recollection.
No donlit some of the subscribers of the Intelligencer can give us further information on
this subject ; perhaps in corroboration of this statement copies of this paper may be found.
Intelligencer of Feb. 13.

To the above, in an uncalled for reply, the editor says. " The note to the
History of Doylestown, on our first page, we believe is erroneous. We cannot
learn that a newspaper ever was published at Doylestown previous to Ashbr
Miner's paper in 1804." Within a week of this publication, we received the
additional testimony of at least three respectable persons in the county of the ac
curacy of our statement. To the kindness of John Dyer and James Barclay of
Dyerstown, ihat paper is now before us. It is printed in folio, and contains four
columns to the page, tbe size of which is 114 by 184 inches. The following is
copied literally from its title page : THE FARMERS' WEEKLY JOURNAL.
' Open to all parties But influenced by none.' PRINTED AT THE CEN
TRE HOUSE, IN DOYLTOWN, BUCKS COUNTY, (Penn.) BY ISAAC RAL
STON. ToESDAT EVENING, NOVEMBER 11, 1800. Two dollars per Annum; six
months paid in advance. VOL I. NO. 16." A neighbor informs us that the
paper at Newtown was published by Wm. Co ale, in 1803-4, and that it waa
 117

shortly after discontinued. We have recently received additional facts, concern

ing the early publication of other newspapers, and a magazine in the connty.
which will appear in our future work.

To the letter which appeared in the Inlelligencer of the 13th ult.,

by Mathew
Hbnrt, of Philadelphia, we reply with reluctance, on account of its errors.
S.
We presume from the knowledge displayed therein, bis best policy would have
been not to have sought publicity with such glaring exposures. For our defence
we shall say little, but leave other authorities do it for us. In the
beginning
of his letter, according to a living testimony, he says " The
(Durham) furnacr,
was the first one erected in Pennsylvania, in 1723, by a company of eleven Gen
tlemen, amongst whom were Jambs Hamilton, James Logan, and others, (see
proceedings of Provincial Assembly)." In Jos. J. Lewis' History of Chester
coun
ty, and in Day's His. Coll. Penn., page 224, the following is found : " A settler
by the name of Nuit, early built a forge called Coventry, within the limits of
this township, (Coventry, Cbtster county,) and made other extensive improve
ments. It went into operation about the year 1720, and made the first iron
manufactured in Pennsylvania. There was also a furnace called Reading, in this
township, belonging to a company of which Branson, Vanlber, and others,
members."
were Also see tbe flrst vol. of the Hist. Society's Colhctions, page 357,
for the following : " Philadelphia, March 13, 1729. On Sunday night last, died
here, Thomas Rutter, sen., of a short illness. He was tbe first that erected an iron
Pennsylvania."
work in We have searched the authority we supposed he refers to,
but are unable to find anything about tbe erection of the Furnace. We doubt
whether any authority can be produced that it was erected as early as 1723. He
next says " The Lands of Durham were purchased from the Indians, by the Compa
ny, and was not sold to the Heirs of Wm. Penn. " In reply to this we will refer him
to the second vol. of Smith's Laws, in the article on Land Titles, from which we
take the following extract : " By force of the Royal Charier William Penn and
his successors, proprietaries, were the undoubted lords of the soil. They stipu
lated, however, with the purchasers under them, to extinguish the aboriginal
power."
right of the natives. They alone had this Mr. Henrt, further on, says,
I
" Among the records of Bucks County found it thus recorded : A road laid out
from Thomas Morris's road, at Peckasie, (Poquessing Creek,) ending at Na
thaniel Irish's mill, at the mouth of Saucon. (The mouth of Saucon is near
Bethlehem, in Northampton County, and Thomas Morris's road led from Phila
Trenton,)"
delphia to Morrisville, opposite What a stretch of the imagination !

Whoever heard before of the Poquessing being called Peckasie ? Peckasie or

Perkasie (a manor.) is in Rockhill and Hilltown townships, near the head of the
Perkioming, which stream Oldmixon also calls " Perkasie creek, 27 miles from
Philadelphia."
At the close of
his letter, he mentions that the Durham boats
were used for boating pig and bar iron, and not ore. We will not deny that they
conveved iron from the Furnace ; but what authority has he that they did not con
respectable authority, in Durham, that not only
vey ore? We have it from
before the erection of the Furnace, but after it suspended operations, ore was sent
away in boats to be converted into iron. We would ask what was done with the
ore from the ancient mines at Solebury and
Minisink, on the Delaware? Can
of furnaces having ever been erected at either of those places ?
any one tell
 118

Much more might be said in reply, but we have given it already more space tha
its merits can possibly claim.
The principal errata in our work have been mentioned some time ago by the
editor ; the rest are easily detected by the intelligent reader. They will generally
be found more or less where the revision of the proof sheets is left to other
hands. Concerning the Walking Purchase, House Tax Rebellion, and Pennsbu
ry, we have now in our possession additional particulars, with the promise of
still more. We mention this because these chapters were not by any means as
original as we desired them to be ; but from the limited time allotted us, no more
could have been reasonably expected. Little attention was given to style, our
principal aim being fullness, with brevity ; in fact, from the amount of our ma
terials (which considerably exceeded our most sanguine expectations.) we were
compelled to do so, to bring it within any reasonable compass for the columns
of a newspaper. In labors of this kind, Griswold, in his Prose Writers of Amer
ica, makes the following remarks : " There are few if any kinds of composition
requiring a higher order of genius or more profound and varied acquirements
than History; and it might be supposed, therefore, tbat it would be amongst
the last of the fields in which the authors of a new nation would be successful."
The utmost endeavors on our part were made to procure the census of the
townships separately, for the years 1790 and 1800. At our request the Hon.
William H. Witte, of Philadelphia, used his utmost exertions to procure them
at Washington. He was informed that the original papers had been destroyed
by the burning of the public buildings. It is sincerely hoped that the copies
may yet be recovered. Among the gentlemen to whom we are particularly in
debted for materials for our work, we will name Samuel Hazard, the able editor
of the Archives ; John F. Watson, the Annalist, of Germantown ; Townsbnix
Ward, Librarian of the Historical Society ; John J. Smith, of the Philadelphia Li
brary ; Joseph Morion, of the Hatborough Library ; Isaac Helm, Recorder of
Philadelphia ; Amos A. Morrison, Deputy Recorder of Bucks ; and John S.
Brown, for his valuable file of papers. Of Washington Irving we also have re
ceived a favor, which will be treasured as a valued memento.
As this work is intended to be re-written and published in book-form, for this
purpose we will still continue to collect additional particulars to
what is now in
our possession. A fuller list will then be given of our authorities and tbe per
sons to whom we will be in any way indebted for information. We would men
tion that the old style was retained throughout our work previous to the year
1752 the flrst month being March.
WILLIAM J. BUCK.
Willow Ghove, Pa., March Itk, 1855.
 APPENDIX.

[Bntered, according to Act of Congreas, in the year

1355, by John S. Brow,, in the Clerk'f
Office of the District Court ef tho U. States, for the
Eastern District of Pennsylvania.]

A BISTORT OF THE EAKLT SETTtEUIEIVT

OF THE

TOA^TSHIP or WEIGHTSTOWN.
BT miTlT-K!; TV. smteh, m. d.

The township of Wrightstown is one of the smallest in the County of Bucks,

being about 44 miles from east to west, and upwards of 3 miles from north to
soath- bordering on the Neshaminy, thence arising by a gradual
ascent for
about 24 miles to the top of the dividing ridge, which separates the waters that
run south into the Neshaminy, from those running north into the Delaware
then descending more abruptly to the line of Upper Makefield, which forms its
boundary on the north-east, with Newtown township for its sonth-eastern bound
ary. The Neshaminy creek, which separates the township from Northampton,
and partly from Warwick township, forms its south and south-weslem bounda
ries ; and Buckingham joins it on the north- west Small streams of water descend
about every half mile from the dividing ridge into the Neshaminy, cutting that
part of the township, in a handsome and convenient manner for affording water
to the fcu'ms, and occasioning many beautiful swells, adding greatly to the beauty
of the township : indeed, at this time, taking a view of tbe fields and woods, and
carrying the mind back to tbe first settlers, it is difficult to conceive of a more
desirable situation for an inland place. The township contains about 5,880 acres
of land.
iNBLiS'
Thb Purchase. The history of Wrightstown township has a^ociated
with it many important events connected with the early history of the county.
In this township the Umits forming the most northern boundary of the flrst purchase
of land from the Indians by Willias Penn, in 1682, terminated. And in this
tree,"
town^ip stood the celebrated " chestnut which formed the starting poitit
for the Walk limiting the extent of the second purchase, in 1737, known as the
tNDi.iN Walk. As there have been many accounts written respecting this pur
chase, most of which are very confused and contradictory in their nature, it seems
proper tbat they should be briefly noticed in this place. That errors of locality
should find their way into the accounts of writers who have never viewed the
situation of the ground about which they write, is naturally to be expected. And
an error once introduced into history is with great difiBculty eradicated.
The first purchase of land above Neshaminy made by William Markham, the
agent of William Penn, was in 1682. This purchase was to be bounded by the
River Delaware on the north-east, and the Neshaminy on the north-west ; and
was to extend as far back as a man could walk in three days. Tradition saya
that William Penn and the Indians began to walk out this land, commencing
at the mouth of the Neshaminy, and walking up the Delaware ; and in one day
and a half they got to a spruce tree, near Baker's Creek, when Penn concluded
this would include as much land as he would want at present. A line was drawn,
and marked from the spruce tree to the Neshaminy. The Deed conveying this
land is dated July 15th, 1682, and sets forth that certain Indian Chiefs, for them
selves and their people, grant to William Penn, the following piece or parcel of
land on the Delaware River, " Beginning
at a white-oak on the land now in tbe
tenure of John Wood, and by him called the gray stones, over against the falls
of Delaware river, and from thence up the river side to a corner spruce tree,
marked with a letter P, at the foot of the mountain,
(this tree stood 104 perches
above the mouth Creek, now called Knowles' Creek) ; and from tbe
of Baker's
said tree, along by tbe ledge or foot of the mountain, west-southwest, to a cor
ner white oak, marked with the letter P, (on land now Moses Hampton's),
standing by the Indian path, tbat leads to an Indian town called Playwicky,
and near tbe head of a creek, called Towsisnick or Towisinick ; and from thence
westward to the creek called Neshamineh, at the high rocks : and along by the
said Neshamineh to the river Delaware, alias Makerickbickon, and so bounded
by the said main river to tbe first mentioned white-oak, in John Wood's land,
river,"
(above Morrisville,) with the several Islands in the &c. These boundaries,
having landmarks established by the band of nature, will, in all human proba
bility, never be eradicated. The northern limit of the purchase commences 104
perches above what is now known as Knowles' Creek, in Upper Makefield town
ship, and follows the course of the mountains in a south-westerly direction, nearly
at right angles with the Delaware, until they diverge more to the westward, when
itpasses on in a straight line, until it corners at a white-oak, near the head of a
creek, on Moses Hampton's land, about three-fourths of a mile north-east from
Wrightstown meeting-house. The Towsisnick Creek runs in a west-north-west di
rection, and crosses the Pineville Turnpike road a little below tbe Anchor tavern,
forming a branch of the Mill Creek, or Labaskeeke creek, and runs into the Ne
shaminy. A line extending from this point to the high rocks on the banks of the
Neshaminy, about half a mile below the Richboreugh and Pineville turnpike
road bridge, will cross the Durham road above Wrightstown meeting-house, and
near where the Pennsville road unites with the Durham road.The course of
this line is south 43i is parallel with the southern line of the
degrees west, and
township, and about one mile north of it. The establishment of this line is impor
tant, as it not only marks the limits of the first purchase, but it also fixes the
" point"
starting for the second.
 The Indian Walk. From the period of the first purchase,
numerous white set
tlers established themselves on the lower part of
the second purchase. The set
tlements gradually extended northward as far as Durham, upper
in the part of
Bucks county, where a Furnace was erected ; and some of the
scattering frontier
establishments of tbe white people reached as far as tbe Lehigh hills.
The Indians becoming uneasy at the approach of the white settlements, natural
ly desired to have a limit placed upon these encroachments, and accordingly a
Treaty was begun at Durham in 1734, which was continued at Pennsbury in May,
1735, and concluded at Philadelphia in August, 1737 ; in which the limits of tbe
tract, as described in tbe Deed, were conflrmed, and it was agreed that tbe " Walk"
which was to determine tbe extent of the territory to the northward, should be
performed. It seems to have been expected by the Indians that this Walk would
not extend beyond tbe Lehigh bills, about forty miles from the place where it waa
to begin. Nor would it have reached beyond them if performed in a similar
manner to tbe one previously performed by William Penn ; but those who suc
ceeded Wm. Penn were not governed by those principles of generosity and justice
which ever characterized his intercourse with the aboriginal proprietors of tbe
soil, and which procured for him such high regard and respect among them. It
was the desire of the Proprietaries of the province, in 1737, to extend the Walk
as far as possible, so as to include tbe land in the forks of the Delaware, and even
further up the river : and if possible obtain possession of tbe Minisink lands a
desirable tract along the river above the Blue Mountain.

The limits of this purchase were defined as follows : " Beginning at a line for
merly laid out from a corner Spruce Tree by the river Delaware, (Mackerick-
hickon), and from thence running along a ledge of rocks or foot of the mountain,
west-south-west, to a comer White-Oak marked with the letter P, standing by
an Indian path, that leadeth to an Indian town called Playwicky, and near the
head of a creek called Towisinick, and from thence extending westward to Ne
shaminy creek, at tbe high rocks ; from which said line the said tract or tracts here
by granted, doth extend itself back into the woods as far as a man can walk in
one day and a half ; and bounded on the westerly side by the Neshaminy, or the
most westerly branches thereof, as far as the said branches doth extend ; and from
thence by a line to the aforesaid river Delaware, and from thence down the several
Spruce Tree."
courses of the said river to the first mentioned
pur
It willbe seen tbat this Deed is more properly a re-aflnrmation of tbe flrst
days'
chase of 1682, than a new purchase, as it only finishes out the three walk
bargained for in tbe first purchase. The time appointed for the Walk was the
agreed upon as the point at which the Walk
19th of September, 1737. The place
the present site
was to commence, was at a chestnut tree standing a little above
of Wrightstown Meeting-house, in the corner of the field south of where the Penns
pur
ville road unites with the Durham road, and directly in the line of the first
tree stood above, and not
chase. There is abundant evidence showing that this
Meeting-bouse. Edward Chapman, who always resided in the town
below the
life, and who owned a large tract of land there
ship of Wrightstown during his
the writer of this,
in, and who lived to the age of 91 years, repeatedly testified to
tree that it stood in the place above
that he had a distinct recollection of this
to school
mentioned-and tbat he had frequently swung on its branches on going
after it was blown down. His great uncle, John Chapman, was tbe owner of ^his
land, and was present at the Walk. The tree was blown down about the year 1765.
It is a remarkable fact that, of the many writers upon this subject, they should
all differ so much in respect to the place of
starting. Samuel Preston says :
" The chestnut tree, the starting point of the Walk, was at or near Bristol" and
the walk
that he frequently heard the venerable Thomas Jannbt relate his seeing
Newtown and that Edward Marshal gave to him a statement
ers pass through
of his great Walk from near Bristol to Stillwater.
John Watson, Sr., locates this tree " below Wrightstown Meeting-house, near
Br. Isaac Chapman's lane end." And as there is now standing a very old chest
nut tree at this place, the impression seems to be general that this tree was the
actual starting point of the Walk ; and many of its
twigs and branches have been
carried away by visitors as mementos commemorative of the walk. This tradi
tion, like many others, is erroneous. This tree is about half a mile below where
the old chestnut tree stood, at the Pennsville road, and of course out of the line
of the survey.
" when the
Thomas Furniss, who was an eye-witness of the walk, states tbat,
proceeded from a
walkers started,! was a little behind, but was informed they
Chestnut tree near the turning out of the road from tbe Durham road to John
Chapman's" John Chap
which must have been correct, as it is well known tbat
man lived at that time on the road leading to Pennsville.
The Walk was under tbe superintendence of Timothy Smith, then Sheriff of
Bucks County, and Benjamin Eastburn, Surveyor General. The persons em
ployed by Government to perform this Walk, were famous for their ability as fast
walkers ; and they were to have as a compensation 5 in money, and 500 acres
of land in the purchase. They were Edward Marshall, a native of Bucks coun
ty, a noted hunter, chain carrier, &c.; Jambs Yeates, also a native of Bucks coun
ty,a tall, slim man, ot much agility and speed of foot ; and Solomon Jennings,
a Yankee, a remarkably stout and strong man. These were accompanied by
some of the Indians. At sunrise they started from the chestnut tree alluded to,
above Wrightstown Meeting-house, accompanied by a number of persons, some
of whom carried refreshments for them. They walked moderately at first, but
soon quickened their pace, so that the Indians frequently called to them to walk
and not to run ; but these remonstrances produced no effect, and most of the In
dians left them in anger at such conduct, saying they were cheated. A number
of people were collected about twenty miles from the starting point, to see them
pass. First came Yeates, stepping as light as a feather, accompanied by Thomas
Penn on horseback ; after him, but out of sight, came Jennings, with a strong,
steady step ; and yet far behind came Marshall, apparently careless, swinging a
hatchet in one band alternately to balance tbe motion of bis body, and eating a
biscuit. Bets ran in favor of Yeates. Jennings and two of the Indian walkers
gave out before the end of the first-day, being unable to keep up with tbe others.
But Marshall, Yeates, and one Indian kept on and arrived, at sunset, on the
north side of tbe Blue mountain. At sunrise next morning they started again,
but when crossing a stream at the foot of the mountain, Yeates became faint and
fell. Marshallturned back and supported him , until some of the attendants came
up, and then continued the Walk by himself. At noon, the hour when the Walk
was to terminate, he had reached a spur of tbe second moun'ain, or Broad Moun
tain, estimated to be eighty-six miles from the point of starting from the chestnut
tree.
Having thus reached the furthest possible point to the north-westward, it now
remained to draw a line from the end of the Walk to the river Delaware. The
course of this line not being described in the Deed of Purchase, the agent of the
Proprietaries, instead of lunning by the nearest course to the liver, ran north
eastward across the country, so as to strike tbe Delaware near the mouth of the
Lackawaxen thus extending far up the river, taking in all the Minisink terri
tory, and many thousand acres moie than if they had run by the nearest course
to the Delaware. It is well known that the Delaware Indians immediately saw
and complained of the manner in which these things were done, as a fraud upon
them ; nor would they relinquish the land until compelled to do so by tbe depu
ties of tbe Six Nations, at the treaty of 1742. The proceedings at this Walk are
mentioned as one of the causes of the hostile feelings of the Indians, which even
tually ledto war and bloodshed ; and the first murder committed by them in the
Province was on the very land they believed themselves cheated out of. The In
dians always contended that the Walk should be up the river by the nearest
path, ^ was done in the first day and a half's walk, by William Penn ; and not
by the compass, across tbe country, as was done in this case. It is said that
afterwards, when the Surveyor General, and other persons to assist him, passed
over this ground, it employed them about four days to walk to the extent of the
purchase. Jennings, who did not hold out to cross the Lehigh, never recovered
his health, and lived but after. Yeates, when taken out of the
a few years
stream at the loot the mountain, was quite blind, and died in three days af
of
terwards. Marshall lived and died on Marshall's Island, opposite Tinicum
township, in the Delaware, aged about 90 years.
The Park. About tbe time that William Penn organized Bucks County, in
1682, he selected an extensive tract of land on the banks of tbe Delaware, four or
five miles above where Bristol now stands, which he called Pennsbury Manor,
intending to establish there his favorite country residence. This original tract
contained 8,432 acres, in 1684 ; but was afterwards reduced by various grants.
William Penn always had a strong predilection for country life. In a letter of
" Let my children be husbandmen, and house
counsel to his family, he says :
wives. This leads consider the works of God and nature, and diverts the
to
mind from being taken up with the vain arts and inventions of a luxurious world.
Of cities and towns, of course, beware. The worid is apt to stick close to those
who have lived and got wealth there. A country life and estate I hke best
for
children."
my
Upon this favorite spot Penn erected, or caused to be erected during his ab
sence, a magnificent mansion house, sixty feet long by forty feet deep,
with offices
upon a beautiful garden which extended
and out-houses at the sides, fronting
years afterwards, the
down to the river. It was, in his day, and for many
imodel of the neighborhood.
He also located in the township of
Wrightstown, a Park, or as it is frequently
called, a Town Square. This Park, or Town Square, was laid out on the most
beautiful piece of land in the township, of an oval, smooth surface, having no

broken land, or large streams of water

within its limits, embracine a rich soil
and heavy timber. Tho Park was laid out in a perfect square, near tbe centre of
the township, the lines running due north-west, north-east, south-west, and south
east, parallel to the township lines, of just one mile in length, containing about
650 acres of land within its enclosure. This Park was to be exempt from culti
vation or settlement, and was to be kept for purposes similar to the Parks of
England. The location of the Park, tho name and extent of the township, were
given in the oldest deeds of the township. After the Park had continued in this
manner for 35 years from the first settlement of the township, and as the land
around it was brought more into a state of improvement and cultivation, the in
habitants of the township became dissatisfied with its continuance, as it produced
much inconvenience to them from many causes. Upon this representation being
made to the Proprietary government, and at their request, it gave them permis
sion to divide the Park between the landholders in the township, in proportion
to the land each one held in the township. The following is the instrument of
writing dividing the Park among the owners of the land :
" Wheeeas, we, John Chapjiah, William Smith, Benjamin Clabk, Abraham Chap
man, Joseph Chapman, John Penqoite, Israel Pembeetok, William Teotteb, Johni
Parsons, Joseph Ambler, Kichaed Sunley, (iAeeet Vansant, Peter Johnson, Eobert
dTHCKSBDEY, and Nicholas Williams, having by certain Deeds and Patents duly executed
unto each party, their heirs and assigns forever, a good and lawful undivided right unto a
certain tract, situated and lying in Wrightstown, in tho county of Bucks, and Province of
Pennsylvania, commonly known as the Park, or Town Square, finding it inconvenient, hav
ing our lands lying undivided, therefore having met together in order to divide the same,
and doth every of us, for ourselves, our heirs, and assigns, agree that the said tract of land
shall be divided unto every of us his equal proportion, which is nominated in each man's
particular Deed or Patent or legal survey, in manner and form as is expressed in this
Draught, which is hereunto annexed, with each man's name written therein ; which lots or
parcels of land each man's lot joining in full or in part unto his other land adjoining to the
said Town Square, which lots or parcels of land shall be peaceably and enjoyed
by every of us, our heirs, or assigns forever. And for the more legal division of the said
Town Square, we do impower John Chapman to survey and divide unto every of us our right
and proportion as abovesaid. And likewise we do every of us agree, that our agreement,
with his annexed Draught, be recorded in the public records of the county of Bucks ; and
likewise wo every of us agree that the said John CJtAPMAN shall be paid for his surveying,
and other charges, by every particular of us according to the proportit)n of land he pos-
lesseth, and likewise the recording of it is agreed to be paid proportionably.
In witness hereunto, we, the said owners of the said Town Square, doth unto these pre
sents interchangeably set our hands this 23rd day of December, 1719.
John Chapman, Kicbaed Sdhley,
William Smith, John Penquite,
Benjamin Claek, Robert Stuckbhry,
Abea, Chapman, Gaeeet Vansant,
Joseph Chapman, Joseph Amblee,
John Parsons, William Teotter,
his
t><

Peter Johnson.
mark,
" agree to the intention above written, the manner, provided there' he an alteration
I

made in my lot, that may front more on my land, which may be done without any dam
it

age to the other lots. Is. Pemberton,".

" agree, in behalf of the Proprietor of this Province, to the intention of the above writ
I

ten Instrument, saving to the Proprietor all his just rights, and with one exception against
the charges. Jis.
LoqAn.
" Philadelphia, the 16th of 12th mo., 1719-20."
 '
Recorded in Book A, vol, 2, page 317. Witness my hand and seal of the Rolls' Office,
tho eighth day of February, 1731.
f ,/-, )
Jer. LANaBORNE,Dept. r. m. v. f seal. J-
\
The following draught of the Park, prepared by Jonx Chapman, in 1719,
accompanies the document referred to, and gives to each
landholder in the town
ship his proportion of land within the Park :

John Parson's L.ind B. Clark'eLnnd. .Brngan'fi .l>ler'a. .

N
J. Parson's. n
Of Charles Joseph
28 Acres, Brogaii's Ambler's
1
28 Acres. 23 Acres.

Vacant in 1719,
ri A. Chapman's.
56 Acres.
c
'i
Israel Pemberton and
Israel Pember- Robert Stucksbury'a. J. Uhapmaa'fl,
inn and Robert 23 Acres, 2S Acres.
Stucksbury's.
Richard Joseph &, Abraham
Sunley's,
Richnrd San- Chapman's!.
ley's. 28 Acres,

i
5G Acres.

Garret s
Garret Van- Vanaant'B.
gant's.
28 Acres.
1 2 S

Peter Johnson's.

W.
 Thompson's land this being the south corner of the Park ; thence north 461 de
gree.? west along the line between Mart Roberts and Charles Gaine's land,
crossing the Pineville and Richborough turnpike road about one-fourth of a mile
below Pennsville ; crossing Charles Gaine's land, following the N. W. line of
the old grave-yard lot ; crossing Mahlon W. Smith's land, joining in with and
following the public road in front of his house, and crossing lands of Abner
Reeder and John Evebitt ; then following the public road leading to Cauver's
mill to an angle in said road, the corner of Sackett Wethekill and Jesse Wo-
thington's land, this being tbe West corner of the Park ; thence North 43i degrees
East, crossing lands of Jesse Worthington, Benjamin Lair and Edmund S. At
kinson, and following the line between Edmund S. Atkinson, and Thomas Martin-
dale's land, crossing tbe land of William Smith north of his buildings, to a
point between William Smith's and Thomas Warner's land this being the North
corner of the Park ; thence South 464 degrees East, across Thomas Warner's land,
south of his buildings, across William Smith's land, crossing the Durham Road
near the Anchor tavern, following the line between George Buckman's and
'Thomas Smith's land, thence crossing lands of Thomas Smith, Joseph Mobris,
and Benjamin Lacet, to the place of beginning ; containing 658 acres.
It may be remarked that all the oldest Deeds describe the course of the Park
lines as running due North-west, North-east, &c., while later surveys differ much
from that bearing, owing, no doubt, to the variation of tbe compass, and to the
defection of tbe instruments used. Many of the original division lines of tbe
Park are still in existence, forming boundaries to the contiguous farms ; and upon
several of them public roads have been laid out, thus perpetuating their existence
through an indefinite period of time.

The Earlt Settlers. It appears from family records that the first settler in
'the township was Johns Chapman. He, with his wife, Jane, and tbeir three
children, Mara, Ann, an* John removed from Yorkshire, in England, in the
summer of the year 1684, and arrived in the township about the 10th month in
the same year ; having previously ^^chased of Daniel Toaes, in England, and
secured to him by Deed dated 1684^ a tract of over 500 acres of land, on which
he settled. This tract of land extended from the Park, or Town square, to the
line of the township of Newtov^n, a great part of which is now in the possession
of his descendants, having never been sold out of the family. The village of
Wrightstown, and Friends meeting-house, are now situated on this tract. He
built a cave for his habitation, in tbe side of a bank, near the south-east side of
the Park, some remains of which were visible so late as the year 1768. At this
time Chapman's place was the farthest back in the woods of any English settle
ment, and the Indians being then numerous, much frequented his house, and
were very kind to him and his family, well as to those who came after him,
often supplying them witfi com, and other provisions, at that time very scarce.

John Chapman. The writer of this History, has obtained much valuable in
formation from MSS. of the late Dr. Isaac Chapman, of Wrightstown, written
many years since, and embracing among other interesting matter, the following
account of the Chapman family, till their arrival in America, taken from an ori
ginal manuscript, chiefly in the hand-writing of John Chapman, the son of the
flrst settler in Wrightstown, and from his certificate, now in being, from thie
monthly meeting of Friends at Stanhah, in Yorkshire, England, and preserved
by
the Chapman family :
"John CBAP.MAH was born in Stanhah, in the county of York, in old
England, (his fa
ther's name, Johm, his mother's name
Jane.) of honest and godly parents ; and himself
is said to have been of a very laudable deportment, and when grown up to
maturity to have
been taken always for a very honest, creditable man for his honest, chaste,
sober and godly
life; living with them in gro*t unity, as appears by his certiBcate
aforementioned, signed
by a number of Friends. He suffered considerably for his profession, as being one of
the
people called Quakers, by several imprisonments, and fines to a
considerable amount. He
had at various times much property taken from him, (at one time not less than
nine head
of cattle,) and was often imprisoned for attending Friends' Meetings. Perhaps the last
time he suffered in this way, he was put into the stocks, and there he remained the
whole
night, which he bore with great resignation ; as the account says, ' He opened not his
mouth,
or uttered a word.' The said John Chapman was a mariner by profession, as were most of
his predecessors and relations.

"On the longest day of the year 1684, John Chapman, with his family, set out from
Stanhah, In Yorkshire, in order to come to America They took ship at New Castle, upon
the river Tyne, and came by way of Scotland. On tho 12th day of the 7lh month, they had
a mighty storm, which blew so tremendously, that, in short, it first carried away the bow-
aprit, and afterwards their three masts, flagstaff and all, by the board, before the sailors
were able to get them cut. It likewise took their awning from above their quarter deck, and
left not so much as a yard of rope above their heads, all which was done in the course of
half an hour ; and they lay thus distressed, like a pitiful wreck, all that night, (they having
lost their masts about 12 o'clock in the day,) and two days after, at the mercy of the sea,
tbe waters being mountains high, occasioned by the storm and wind. Thus they lay with
out hopes of recovery, being two hundred leagues from the land ; but through Glod's mercy
the; got in sight of the Capes of Virginia, within fifteen days or thereabouts, by reason of a
fair wind, having had a passage of nine weeks from Aberdeen to the capes of Virginia.
They thus being arrived in America, came and settled in Wrightstown about the 10th month,
1684. Nearly the whole province was then a wilderness, and not an inhabitant in the town
ship. They met with many difficulties and hardships in clearing and settling the land,
being at a great distance from any neighbors where any assistance might be had. But they
wore zealous in religion, and much favored by an over-ruling Providence. About one year
after arriving in the township, his wife, then in the 50th year of her age, gave birth to
twins, Abraham and Joseph ; whence, it is said, he called the place Twinsborough.
These children were brought up in the township, and resided there till their death. They
''
received an education that qualified them for much usefulness,

John, the eldest son of John Chapman, built for himself a convenient frame
house, a little to the west of the Pennsville road, to the east of where Garret D.
Pbhct now lives, and improved his farm. He was a Land Surveyor, and Deputy
Surveyor for tbe county for more than twenty years ; and acquired large tracts of
land out of tbe township. He married Ruth Wilkinson, when he was 61 years of
age, and had by said marriage one child, John, who became a Physician. He
died in 1743, aged 65 years. Abraham, the second son of John Chapman, married
Susanna Olden, in 1715, and settled on a part of his father's land, on the Dur
ham road, below Wrightstown
meeting-house. He was a Justice of the Peace

frequently presiding at Courts as President. He was elected to the Legislature for

society. He had by said marriage
near twenty years, and was a useful member of

the following children, viz : John, who married
Mart, daughter of Stephen
Twining ; Abraham, who married Elizabeth Beiggs ; William, who married
Jane, daughter of John Penquite ; Jane, who married John Lacet, and were
Margaret, daughter of
the parents of Gen. John Lacbt ; Thomas, who married
 10

llicnAKO MitchellElizabeth, who married Ricitakd JIasoN, of Philadelphia ;

;

Joseph, who married Ann Fell ; and Benjamin, who never married. Several
of these sons became conspicuous in their day, both in church and state affairs.
Abraham was Treasurer of the county, and a member of the Assembly for many
years, and a Trustee of the Loan Offlce a place of great trust and responsibility.
Joseph was a Justice of the Peace, and Treasurer of the county, at his decease
in 1790, aged 51. Benjamin, was Sheriff of the county, and a Representative in
the Legislature for several years. He died in the 87th year of his age. William
carried on the Blacksmithing business for many years, on his paternal farm.
He afterwards moved to his wife's farm on the Neshaminy, where he built a large
and valuable merchant and saw mill. He died in the 90th year of his age.
Joseph Chapman, twin brother of Abraham, married Mart Worth, in
the
1715, and had the following children, viz : Sarah, who married Ichabod Wilkin
son ; Ann, who married Robert Verbee ; and Isaac, who never married. After
the death of his flrst wife, he married Mart, daughter of John Wilkinson, in
1730, and had a daughter, Jane, who married Joseph Jeans. At Joseph's death,
he left his farm on the Neshaminy to his son, Isaac ; at whose death it was sold
out of the name. Joseph also settled on a part of the paternal tract, on the
Pennsville road, and was a useful member of society.

Mara, the daughter of John Chapman, married John Croasdel ; and after bis
decease, she married John Wildman. Ann Chapman, the second daughter of
John Chapman, was an eminent minister of the society of Friends. She appear
ed in the ministry in her youth, and travelled on that account several times
through New England, and several of the Provinces of America, and through
England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. She married .John Parsons, an early
settler in the township. She died the 9th of Tenth month, 17.32, aged 57 years.
John Chapman, the tirst settler, died in Wrightstown, in the Fifth-month, 1694,
and was buried in the same township, in the old grave yard in the west side of
Park,"
the " west of Pennsville. Also, Jane Chapman, his wife, died and was
buried by bim in the Ninth-month, 1699. They had each of them a long stone
placed at the head of their graves. The following epitaph on John Chapman,
the elder, is in the hand writing of his son Joseph Chapman :
" Behold, John Chapman, that christian man, who first began,
To settle in this town.
From worldly cares and doubtful fears, and Satan's snares.
Is here laid down ;
His soul doth rise, above the skies, in Paradise,
crown,''
There to wear a lasting

The Chapman family, being the oldest, and most numerous family of the early
settlers in this section of the country, and being much employed in public busi
ness, their opportunity for buying and selling land was freely embraced, and they
became the most wealthy, and for a long time, the most influential in the town
ship. At tbe division of the Park, in 1719, among the land owners, the Chap-
mans owned more than one-fifth of the land in the township ; and at a later date,
some of the members of the family owned about three-fourths of the township,
and large tracts out of it.

William Smith. The second settler in the was William Smith.

township
 11

He came from Yorkshire, England, soon

after John Chapman, and purchased of
him 100 acres of land, a part of the original purchase of
500 acres, lying on the
south west, of the tract, and adjoining to it. This
tract was afterwards secured
by Deed, dated 1697, by Jane Chapman, widow of John Chapman, and
was found
to contain upon a re-survey, 150 acres. William Smith also took up by patent,
150 acres, adjoining to his first purchase,
extending from the Park to the New
town line, and partly on Neshaminy. He built for hia residence a comfortable
stone house, near where Charles Reeder now lives, some remains of which weie
visible a few years since. William Smith married Mary Croasdel, daughter of
Thomas Croasdel, at Friends' meeting, Middletown, 1690, and had by said mar
riage the following children: Margaret, who married Enoch
Pearson, ot Bucking
ham, in 1712 ; Mary, who married John Atkinson, in 1717 ; Sarah, who married
Samuel Blaker, in 1721 : William, who married Rebecca Wilson, in 1722;
Thomas, who married Elizabeth Sanders, in 1727 ; Hannah, who mairied
Lee ; and Lydia, who married Heaton.

Mary, the wife of William Smith, died, and was buried in the old grave yard,
Tenth-month 16th, 1716 : and in the year 1720, he married Mercy , and had

by said marriage the following children : Joseph, who married Rachel Wildman,
at Friends' Meeting, Middletown, in 1743 ; Ralph, who married Mercy, daughter
of John Penquite, 1750 ; John, who married Martha Burgess, in 1752 ; Samuel,
who married Ann ; David, who married Hannah Hibbs, a minister of the

Society of Friends Esther, who married Thomas Lacey, in 1748 ; and Elizabeth,
;
who married Thomas Hartley, in 1755.

William Smith, the elder, died in the .spring of 1743 ; and by his will he divi
ded his lands, among his sons, several of whom afterwards sold out their shares,
and in 1768 moved to Virginia and South Carolina with their families. His
son, William Smith, remained on bis farm, and built a house, where William
Buckman now lives, a part of which is now standing, and purchased nearly all
the original tract ; and also purchased a large tract in Upper Makefield township.
He was a man of enterpriseand industry, and became very wealthy for those
days. He was elected to the Legislature for several years, and held several im
portant trusts, both in Church and State. He married Rebecca, daughter of Ste
phen and Sarah Wilson, at Friends' Meeting, Middletown, 2d month 8th, 1722,
and bad by said marriage the following children : Thomas, who married Sarah,
Friends' Meeting, Buckingham, 1752 ; Isaac,
daughter of Stephen Townsend, at
who married Sarah, daughter of John Hampton, of Wrightstown, 1771 ; Stephen,
who married Phebe Marshal, in 1775 ; Sarah, who married Thomas Betts, of
Buckingham, in 1744 ; Mary, who married James Wood, a minister of the society
of Friends, in 1752 ; Rebecca, who married Jacob Buckman, of Newtown, in
1779 ; and Rachel, who married Henry Carver, of Buckingham, in 1755 ; and
Buckingham. William Smith died
after his decease, married Samuel Harrold, of
Wrightstown to his son Stephen
in the year 1780, and left most of his lands in
Smith, and which was continued in the family, until the
year 1812, a period of

125 years. The original tract is now owned by Charles Reeder, William Reeder,
Twining, Mary Roberts, Simon
Canby C. Smith, William Buckman, Susan
Brooks and Davis Watson.
Penquite. The next settler in the township was John Penquite, who
John
 12

purchased a tract of 314 acres of land, extending from William Smith's line, to a
tract afterwards taken up by Joseph Chapman, and from the
Park to tbe Nesham
15tb, 1701-2,
iny creek. This tract was secured to bim by Deed, dated January
and was originally granted to Phineas Pemberton, by Patent, in 1692.
John Penquite came to America, in the Seventh-month, 1683. He married Ag
nes Sharpe, in 1690, and had by said
marriage the following children : John, who

married Grace Stackhouse, in 1715, and alter her decease, married Rachel Twi
ning, in 1720 ; Esther, who married William Buckman in 1716 ; Joan, who
Abigail Biles, of
married Nathaniel Twining in 1719 ; Nicholas, who married
Shrewsbury, in 1722 ; Agnes, who married Thomas Backman in 1726 ; and
Jane, who died in the 17th year of her age. John Penquite died Ninth-month
12th, 1719. Agnes, the wife of John Penquite, was a minister in tbe Society,
country.
of much ability, and was of great value in the early settlement of the
Friends' meetings were She brought a certificate from
long held at her house.
Europe, dated the 6th of Second-month, 1686. She departed this life on the
20th of Eleventh-month, 1758, being upwards of 100 years old, and having been
a minister for more than 70 years.
John Penquite, Jr.,
inherited the land belonging to his father in Wrightstown,
and resided on it till his death, in 1750 ; after which it was divided between his
four daughters, viz : Jane, who married William Chapman ; Mercy, who married
Ralph Smith ; Sarah, who married William Linton ; and Abigail Penquite.
Rachel, the widow of John Penquite, died in the year 1777. This land was after
wards all sold out of the family, except the part taken by William Chapman,
upon which he built a large and valuable merchant mill, and saw mill.
This property is now owned by George Chapman, his grandson, who sold the
mills to Abraham Thompson, in 1852. John Warner and Mary Roberts, now
own the remaining portion of tbe original tract.

Francis Richardson secured by patent, in 1684, a tract of 519 acres of land in

the East corner of the township, joining John Chapman's land on the South-west,
and extending from the Park to the Upper Makefield line. He never settled in
tract,'
the township. John Routlige purchased 170 acres, a part of this which he
again sold to Abraham Chapman in 1716. This tract is now owned by Isaac
Chapman, his descendent.John Routlige was a minister of the Society of
Friends, and traveled much in the service of Truth. He died on the 21st of 5th
month, 1725. Lancelot Gibson also purchased 117 acres, a part of this tract,
situated in the east corner of the township. He sold the same to Thomas Stack-
house, who, in 1723, sold it again to George Mitchel, who sold it in 1748 to
Joseph Tomlinson. This is a part of the same property now owned by Ralph
Twining and John Twining.
John Latcock purchased of John Chapman, in 1722, 120 acres of land, situ
ated near the east corner of the township. This tract is now owned by Isaac
Chapman. John Laycock was a preacher among Friends for many years, and
was of great value to the church. He died 15th of 8th month, 1750. In the
year 1724, Joseph Hampton settled in the township, and purchased of Zebulon
Heston the remaining portion of tbe Richardson tract, about 250 acres. He also
purchased a large tract of land out of the township. He was an active man, of
good business capacity, and was a useful member of society. He built tbe Anchor
 1:1

Tavern, and kept it several years as a public house. His land in Wrightstown,
is still owned by his descendant, Moses Hampton, and has become noted in histo
ry as the land upon which stood a " corner "^Vhite-oak, marked with the letter
P, standing by an Indian path, that leadeth to an Indian town called Playwicky,
and near the head of a creek called
Towsisnick,"
which is the angle in the line of
the Indian purchase in 1682, as it passes through the township. The exact loca
tion of the Indian town of Playwicky, above mentioned, is not known with cer
tainty at this time. Tradition has fixed its site upon a part of the land now
owned by Thomas Smith, in Wrightstown, on the North West side of the public
road near Isaac Lacey's residence, and about half a mile above the boundary line
of the Indian purchase. At this place there are two large and never failing
springs water, well calculated for the accommodation of an Indian village.
of
The numerous Indian relics frequently found in this neighborhood would also
seem to point out this situation as its true locality, and tend to confirm the tradi
tionary report. Joseph Ambler purchased a tract of 200 acres of land in the
North East part of the township, extending from the Richardson tract to the
public road leading to Brownsburg, and from the east corner of the Park to tho
Upper Makefleld line, secured to him by Patent dated in 1687. At his death this
land descended to his son Joseph, who sold it to Daniel Doan, in 1722. John Lin
ton purchased 150 acres of this tract of Robert Ray, in 1746. At his death, in
1757, this land descended to his son, Isaiah Linton, and in 1784, to William
Linton, who sold it in 1795 to John Lacey, a cousin of Gen. Lacey, of Revolu
tionary memory. This tract is now owned by Benjamin Lacey and Isaac Lacey,
his decendants. The Linton family came originally from England. John Linton
was a useful man, both in religious and civil affairs, and added much to the re
spectability of the neighborhood. There is none of the family or name now re
siding in tbe township.
Chasles Bsiggham, purchased a tractof 200 acres adjoining the Ambler tract,
and separated from it by tbe road above mentioned : Patent dated 1687. He died
in 1723, and bis land was divided equally between his two daughters, viz :Mary,
Worthington.
who married Nicholas Williams, and Sarah, who married Thomas
Nicholas Williams and wife sold their share to Benjamin Ferriby, in 1723 ; Thomas
Worthington and wife, sold their share to Abraham Chapman, in 1727. David
Dawes purchased in 1746, 114 acres a part of the
original tract, which, at his
death, he left to his daughter, Elizabeth, who afterwards married John
Warher,

to whom the property was secured by Deed in 1770. It is now owned by Amos
Warner, their descendant. David Dawes was a minister among Friends. He
part of the Brigg-
Joseph Morris now lives on a
died Twelfth-month 24th , 1748 .
ham tract, next to the Park. Upon this tract there was a Tannery establishment,
William Penn granted by in
in 1784, which is now entirely removed. In 1681,
dentures of land in tbe Province of Pennsylvania, to William Tan
1000 acres
Benjamin
ner and London, who, in 1683, conveyed the same to
John Tanner, of
Proprietary's Commis
Clark, of London. And by virtue of a warrant from the
of Wrightstown, 492
sioners dated in 1686, there was laid out in the township
acres a part of the above mentioned 1000 acres-to Benjamin Clark, of Stony
Benjamin aark,of London.) Thia
Brook, Middlesex co., N. J., (the only son of
side of the township, extending from the
tract was located in the North East
line of this
Briggham to the New Hope road, which is laid out on
tract the tract.
 14

and from the Park to the Upper Makefield line. Benjamin Clark never settled in
the township ; and in 1728, he sold the whole of this tract to Abraham Chap
man for 350. In December, 1728, Abraham Chapman sold 200 acres, a part
of this tract next to the New Hope road, to Robert Smith, a part of which is now
owned by John Eastburn, whose wife is a descendant of Robert Smith. Joseph
Warner and Timothy Atkinson own the remainder of this tract. Joseph War
ner having brought a Certificate from Friends' meeting, Middletown, settled in
the township of Wrightstown, in the year 1726, and in January 1728-9 be pur
chased of Abraham Chapman 150 acres of land, adjoining to Robert Sn;iith's
tract, and extending to the township line, being a part of the original Clark tract.
He was the son of John Warner, and was born in Blockley, Philadelphia Coun
ty, in 1701, being the youngest of nine children. His grandfather, William War
ner, the founder of the Warner family in this country, having taken an active
part with Oliver Cromwell, being a Captain under him, left England immediately
after his death, in 1658, and settled on the west side of the river Schuylkill, op
posite Philadelphia, and named the place Blockley, after his native place in Eng
land. He here purchased of the Proprietary 200 acres of land, secured to him
ij Deed dated 1684. He acquired extensive possessions, and was much engaged
in public business, being a Justice of the Court, and was elected a member of the
first Assembly from Philadelphia under Gov. Penn. He died in the year 1706.
Joseph Warner married Agnes, daughter of John and Marah Croasdel, and
grand daughter of John Chapman, at Friends' Meeting, Middletown, in 1723, and
had by said marriage the following children, viz : John, who married Elizabeth
Dawes, in 1750 ; Mary, who married James Wildman, of Middletown, 1750 ;
Joseph, who married Ruth Hayhurst, in 1752 ; Croasdel, who married Mary Briggs,
in 1756 ; Abraham, who married Ann Yardley, in 1769 ; Isaac, who married
Martha Janney, in 1773 ; Sarah, who married Benjamin Wiggins, in 1760 ; and
Thomas and Ruth who never married. Joseph Warner was a man of industrious,
and frugal habits, and accumulated a large property. He died in the year 1746,
aged 45 years. Agnes, his widow, afterwards married Richard Mitchell, of
Wrightstown.
John inherited his father's tract, which is now owned by Joseph Warner, the
fourth in descent. Joseph purchased, in 1750, a tract of 160 acres lying on both
sides of the Durham road, a part of the Parsons tract. This land he sold to his
brother, Thomas, in 1785, and which is now owned by Thomas Warner and
George Warner, descendants of the same family. In 1756, Croasdel ^Warner,
another son, purchased a tract adjoining to Joseph, where Timothy Atkinson
now lives. He built on this tract a Pot house, and the business was carried on
successfully for many years. It was accidentally burned down, in 1812, and was
never re-built. Croasdel Warner sold out this property, in 1770, and with his
brother, Josepb, moved to Maryland. It is here worthy of remark tbat the pre
dominant traits of character manifested by Joseph Warner, the ancestor that of
honesty, industry and frugality having descended from sire to son, have consti
tuted the Warner family, in Wrightstown, among the most reputable and wealthy
of her citizens. They own over 700 acres of land in the township at this time,
and large tracts in adjacent townships.
In 1795, the descendants of Abraham Chapman sold 100 acres of land, a part
of the original Clark tract, to John Briggs, who sold the same in 1812, to Thomas
 15

Smith, a descendant of William Smith, the second settler in tho township.

The
farm purchased by George Buckman, in 1854, originally belonged to the Clark
tract, and is the 70 acres included within the limits of the Park. John Parsons
settled in the northern part of the township, and purchased a tract of 150 acres
of land in 1718. He also purchased a contiguous tract of 179 acres, in 1725, which
was originally granted to Joseph Hall. These two tracts were secured to John
Parsons, by Deed from John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn, dated
September 17th, 1740, and upon a re-survey was found to contiin 369 acres,
extending from the New Hope road, to a tract granted to Samuel Baker, west of
the Durham road, which runs through the property : and from the Park to tbe
Buckingham line. Pineville is situated on this tract, as is also the Anchor
Tavern. In 1742 he sold 140 acres of this tract, next to the township line, to
Abraham Chapman, who sold the same to John Verity, in 1752. John K. Trego
now owns a part of this tract. In 1778, Gen, John Lacey purchased of his pa
rents, John Lacey and Jane his wife, 10 acres of land where Pineville is now
situated, which was Deeded to Jane Lacey by her mother, Susanna Chapman,
the widow of Abraham Chapman, deceased, in 1763, being part of the original
Parsons tract. Gen. Lacey's parents resided in Buckingham township, adjoining
to Wrightstown, and owned the mill property now known as Carver's Mill, with a
large tract of land adjoining it. At the close of the Revolutionary war. Gen.
Lacey moved to New Mills, Burlington county. New Jersey, the native place of
his wife. Jacob Heston purchased this lot of Gen. Lacey, in 1792, and also an
adjoining lot of 25 acres, in tbe same year, of Jacob Beans, who purchased the same
of George Newbum being a part of the original Baker tract. Jacob Heston kept a
store here for many years. These two lots are now owned by Jesse P. Carver.
John Parsons married Ann, 'daughter of John Chapman. At his death, leav
ing no issue, his property descended to his brother, Richard Parsons. Tbe name
is now extinct in tbe township.
By virtue of a grant from William Penn to James Harrison, for 5000 acres of
land to be laid out in the Province, the said James Harrison grants to Henbt
Baker, of Makefield, 400 acres of land, a part thereof to be located in Wrights
town, which was secured to Samuel Baker, eldest son and heir of Henry Baker,
deceased, by a Deed granted by William Penn's Commissioners, dated the 28th
of October, 1701, and which, upon a re-survey, was found to contain 494 acres,
66 of which was included within the Park. This tract is situated in the north
west side of the township, and extends from John Parson's land (then vacant) to
Park the Buckingham line. Samuel
the line of Thomas Coleman, and from the to

Baker sold this tract to Robert Shaw, for 100, by Deed dated October 31st,
tract, next to Parsons' line,
1707. Robert Shaw sold, in 1723, 121 acres of this
to Robert Sanders for 32 ; who sold the same to
John Parsons, in 1730, for 142 :
acres, a part of the above mentioned tract, to John
in1739 John Parsons sold 74
Terry, for 74. This tract is now owned by Thomas Martindale. Robert Shaw
the last mentioned tract, who
also sold to Robert Stuckbury, 200 acres adjoining
afterwards sold to John Guriey, who sold it to
owned it in 1719. This tract was
belongs to Thomas Hillborn. Robert
John Smith ,in 1750. This property now
portion of tbe original Baker tract, to Richard
Shaw sold 200 acres, the remaining
Richard Sunley, in 1717, for 113, who
Mitchell in 1707, for 45, who sold it to
1727, for 250, who sold the same, in 1741, to
sold it again to David Drake, in
 16

John Vanbuskirk, lor 300, who sold it to Amos Strickland, in 1745, for 350,
who sold it to Thomas Atkinson, in 1750, whose descendants now own it. A
public road divides this tract from that owned by Thomas Hillborn.

Thomas Coleman took up 200 acres of land by Patent, in the north-west cor
ner of the township, extending from the Baker tract to Randal Blacksbaw's land,
and from the Park to the Buckingham line. He sold this tract to Garret Van
sant, who owned it in it was inherited by his two sons,
1719, at whose death
Cornelius and Garret. This property is now owned by Benjamin Lair. Upon
this land there is an old grave yard, where the Vanzant family lie interred.
Randal Blackshaw took up by Patent, 200 acres of land in the west comer
of the township, adjoining Coleman's tract, and extending from the Park to the
township line. He sold this tract to Abraham Cowgill and Nehemiah Cowgill,
who sold it to Peter Johnson, in 1713, and which descended to his son, John
Johnson, by the death of the father, in 1725. This tract is now owned by Jesse
Worthington.
By virtue of a Warrant from William Penn, dated 11th month, 29th, 1682,
there was laid out to Jambs Harrison 1000 acres of land, in Wrightstown, Bucks
county, out of which the said James Harrison granted to James Badcliff 200 acres.
The remaining 800 acres, at the death of James Harrison, descended to his
daughter, Phebe, wife of Phineas Pemberton. After her death, Phineas left by
bis will dated 10th month, 26tb, 1701, to his son, Josepb Pemberton, 400 acres,
and to his daughters, Abigail and Priscilla, each 200 acres. Joseph died under
age, and his 400 acres to bis brother, Israel Pemberton, as his next heir.
descended
The said 800 acres, including the 200 acres left to Abigail, who married Stephen
Jenkins, and 200 acres to Priscilla, who married Isaac Waterman, was secured to
him by Deed, dated June 8th, 1713, signed by William Penn's Commissioners,
Samuel Carpenter, Richard Hill, and James Logan, with the usual provision of
" yielding and paying therefor one silver English shilling for every hundred acres
thereof, yearly, and reserving three full and clear fifth parts of all royal mines,
free from all deductions and reprisals for digging and reflning the same." The
title to the whole of this tract was secured to him by Deed dated in 1718.

This tract was located in the south-west side of the township and extended
from the Park to the north-west corner of the township, thence down the Ne
shaminy creek to the mouth of Randal's creek, and from Randal Blacksbaw's
land to the tract sold to James Radclifi, which joins it on the south. Israel
Pemberton sold 307 acres, a partof this tract next to Neshaminy, to John
Wilkinson, in 1713.John Wilkinson had a large family of children, several of
whom went to the West. Jacob purchased a farm where Amasa Worthington
now lives, and sold the same to Stephen Twining. Josiah moved to Bucking
ham. Ichabod married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Chapman, and inherited 32
acres of land, near Wrightstown Meeting-house, from his father-in-law, by will
dated 1746. He sold this tract to his brother -in-law, Joseph Chapman, in 1753,
and moved to New Hope, where he built a forge. John remained in the town
ship, and lived on the south side of Neshaminy, where David 'Warner now lives.
He had a large tract of land ; a part of it still remains in the family. He was a
prominent man in his day, and transacted much public
business. He was a Jus
tice of the Peace, and a member of the Assembly during the Revolutionary war.
 17

In 1719, Israel Pemberton sold to William Teotter 290 acres, a part of hi

original tract, 56 acres of which was included within the limits of tbe Park. In
1726, Israel Pemberton sold the remaining portion of his land in Wrightstown,
280 acres, to Abraham Vickers, who sold the same to John Hillborn, in 1729,
who sold 220 acres thereof to Joseph Sackett, of Hunterdon county. New Jersey.
Joseph Sackett also purchased the tract belonging to the Wilkinsons, on the
north side of Neshaminy. Sackett's Ford derives its name from him. He kept
a store for many years ; and being remarkably frugal and industrious, acquired
considerable property. He was a Justice of the Peace, and held other important
public trusts. A large part of bis property is still owned by his descendants.

In 1718, Richard Mitchell purchased of Joseph Wilkinson 70 acres of land,

on the east side of Randall's creek, or Mill creek, as it is now called. On this
tract he built a grist mill, near the present dam in tbe creek, where he carried
on the business for many years. This mill is now removed, and. another one
was built on tbe same property lower down the creek, by the Ellicotts, of Balti
more, which is now owned by Henry M- Twining. Richard Mitchell purchased
in 1734, of Daniel Asbcraft, 100 acres of land, extending from the mouth of the
Mill creek down the Neshaminy. This property is now owned by Benjamin
Worthington. He also purchased of John Hillborn 55 acres, on the west side o^
the Mill creek, above the dam ; and in 1748 he purchased 56 acres within the
Park, originally belonging to William Trotter. Richard Mitchell was a man of
high standing in those times. He was a Justice of the Peace for many years,
and was much occupied with public business, and was an exemplary member of
the Society of Friends. He died in 1759, and left his property to be divided
Joseph
between his three daughters, who married, respectively, Eldad Roberts,
Watson, and Thomas Chapman. The mill property, and farm of 250 acres, were
years.
sold to Watson Welding, in 1793, and continued in the family for about 40

Cephas purchased a part of the 234 acres belonging to William Trotter,

Child
which he owned in 1740. It was afterwards owned, at diflerent times, by Jacob
Twining, Samuel Kirk, and Ebenezer Conrad ; and is now owned by Giles Gor
don and Mahlon W. Smith.
within the
James Harkbe purchased of William Trotter 56 acres of land lying
Park, in 1723. He also purchased of Joseph Kirkbride, in 1734, an additional
purchase and the Philadelphia Road.
tract of 7 acres, lying between his first
Upon this property the village of Pennsville is principally located. Upon the south
the line of the Park, and embraced within
west part of this tract, contiguous toYard,"
"
its limits, is located the Old Grave where the early settlers of the town
Tyson,
ship lie interred. James Barker sold his property, in 1738, to Henry
yard and lot containing half an acre, which, upon the
reserving the old grave
Wrightstown monthly meetmg. In
death of James Harker, was donated to
an additional half acre of ground con
1804 the meeting purchased a house, and
tenement, the proceeds of
tiguous to the grave yard lot, which is now rented as a
support of the poor belonging to the meeting. There
which are appropriated to the
grave yard within the memory of the "oldest
has been no one interred in this
inhabitant," of respect for the
but the ground is reserved from cultivation, out
departed.
memory of the early
acres, in right of James Harrison's
James Radclifi? purchased a tract of 200
 18

original purchase, located to the south of the Pemberton tract, extending from
the Park to the Neshaminy creek. At his death this property was divided
between his children. The family is now extinct in tbe township.
Joseph Kirkbride took up a tract of 205 acres, adjoining to James Radcliff,
and extending to the Philadelphia Road, and from the Park to tbe Neshaminy.
Patent dated 1753. Joseph Kirkbride was a member of the Legislature fqr many
years, and held other important
ofiBces. He was a resident of the Falls. His
property is now owned by Amasa Worthington, Henry Pearson, and Charles
Gaine.
Joseph Chapman, son of John Chapman, the first settler, took up a tract of
195 acres, bordering on the Philadelphia Road, which divides this tract from
Joseph Kirkbride's, and adjoining the Penquite tract. The Patent securing this
purchase is dated in 1734. At his death, he left this property to his son, Isaac,
who died without issue. The property was therefore sold to William Thompson,
in 1770, who sold the same to his brother, John Thompson, in 1783. It is now
owned by John Thompson, his grandson.

I have thus passed over the whole township, and noted the names of all the
first purchasers therein, together with many of tbe subsequent settlers in the
township. It is a remarkable fact that so few of the names that have occupied
such a prominent position in its early history, should now be residents of the
township, or even of the county the Chapman and Smith families being the only
ones who have had a continual residence in the township from its first settlement
down to tbe present day, a period of over 170 years. There are at this time no
descendents of any other of tbe flrst settlers now residing in the township : and
many of their names are now extinct.

Habits and Customs op the Earlt

Settlers. After the division of the Park,
in 1719, great improvements took place in the township. The Durham road was
laid out from Bristol to Easton, through the Durham Iron Works. The Phila
delphia road, and the road from Wrightstown to Opdycke's Ferry, or Brownsburg,
and tbe road to the forks of Neshaminy, assisted much in the settlement of
the township. At this period a great part of the township was settled, but
in very large tracts, and but a small portion brought under cultivation ; but
what was cleared was very productive, and game being plenty, the people
began to live more at ease. They lived altogether on what their farms pro
duced meat and bread, mush and milk, being their principal diet, with such
vegetables afforded. Health and good appetite made up for many
as tbe season
deficiencies.The labors of the men and women were great in clearing their land,
and making tbeir clothing, and in erecting their buildings, which now began to
assume a better appearance ; but being made of frame, or logs, have nearly all
disappeared. Tbe apparel of tbe men was deer skins neatly dressed ; that of the
women was linsey and linen. Very little luxury appeared in the most wealthy
families, either in dress, furniture, or diet. The neat wooden trencher, and pew
ter dishes and spoons of all kinds, were used, and everything in the greatest
simplicity, having a regard for utility rather than show. The pastimes of the
men were hunting and fishing ; and the women were occupied with household
affairs ; and so robust were they at this time, that they worked much out on the
farm, and would make good hands at reaping, making hay, or any such business.
 VJ

Raising and dressing flax was attended to by every family : and every good
housewife would spin and prepare for tbe weaver a long piece of linen or linsey-
woolsey, for household use, annually : and no young woman would deem it proper
to enter into any matrimonial contract until after she had prepared, by her own
industry, a sufficiency of linen and woolen fabrics for her lull and complete out
set. The hum of the spinning wheel, during the long evenings, with a blazing
fire on the hearth, would be music enough for the weary laborer on his return
trom the fleld. At this time there was no such thing as accumulating money to
put out at interest, as the prices for produce were so low, and the land so cheap,
there was no motive for accumulation, even if it were practicable. They raised
little for sale except wheat, which had to be carried to Bristol, as there was no
market for their overplus grain nearer, and no store for the purchase of goods

more convenient. The early settlers carried their grain to Bristol on horseback,
in the following manner : They made what they called suggins, of straw, and
placed them on the backs of tbe horses, and placed the bags of wheat thereon ;
the second horse would be tied to the tail of the first horse, the third horse tied
-to the tail of the second, and the others in like manner to the preceding one, until
a team of six or eight horses would be joined together ; and one man, by riding
or leading the first readily command the whole team. In this tedious
one, could
paths, for a
manner did the people carry all their grain to market, along Indian
wagon in the township,
distance of twenty miles. At this period there was not a
was drawn with sleds.
and what could not be carried on horseback, on the farms,
Philadelphia market, they went on horse
When the first settlers began to go to
their produce, con
back ; and this was generally done by the women, carrying
large wallets. This practice was
sisting of butter, poultry, fresh meat, &c., in
tongue carts, drawn by two
continued many years. Afl:erwards they made use of
to drive for them.
horses. Still the women did the marketing, taking a boy
wagons
year \775. After that time
These carts were common so late as the
year 1780,
the men. In the
were used, and the women gave up tbe business to
Wrightstown meeting, and that belonged to John
but one riding chair came to
twelve miles m a morning
Buckman. It was common for women to walk ten or horseback.
generally traveled on
to monthly or quarteriy meeting; but they
days, rather smaUer than the
They had an excellent breed of horses in those pacers of
horses of the present
day-well made, easy of keeping, and generally
regret the loss of the
easy carriage, and very
gentie. The elderly people often

year improved more rapidly. ^ great many

^^erthe 1760, the township
circumstances to P"^bs k"<^'
people settled in the township, who were not in yea^-
A-
K took improvement leases of the large tract holders for
improvements.
or more
The non-residents also ^--d
p^;'""
agreeing to make certain
parts to
of^eir tracts in tbe same manner, and sold -'^^^'-'"^'fy^^^^;^
improvemen was "-^stitu ted.
was soon settled, and a rapid course of
township
customs of the people ^-ame greenly
About that period also, the habits and
Philadelphia had become every year more fre
changed. The intercourse with
spread into the and many
quen?, and the fashions of the city gradually -untij after money
people strove more
introduced. To obtain these,
of its luxuries were heretofore-.ach
particular interests than
anfbSre more attached to their own thmgs which
"e eZvoS to excel, or at least to
equal his neighbor in those
 20

their ancestors deemed Hence arose envyings and rivalry among

superfluous.
the people, which materially alienated their minds one from another, and which
will ever be the case under the same circumstances.

The modeof collecting debts and administering justice in those days, was ac
tive and efficient, as is abundantly illustrated by an examination of the Docket
of Abraham Chapman, a Justice of the Peace for the county ; a few cases from
I
which will here introduce, in order to show tbe changes that have taken place
since that time in the laws upon such subjects :

Attachment dated the Attached of the Defendant's goods, one bed and bolster, cov
8th day of March, 1732-3. erlid, and bedsteads, bed cord, and 53. in the hands of Benj.
Thomas Blacklege, Plaintiff. Blacklege, and 10s. in the hands of John Towne, by
John Beedy, Defendant. James Uakeer, Constable.
Execution awarded ye 13th of ye 4 mo, 1733, for 15s, 6d, debt, and 8s, 3d. cost.

. Attachtaent, August ye Attached the 9th day of August, 1734, of the Defendant's
7th, 1734, goods, a gun, a great coat, a close bodyed coat,, two maule
Thomas Parker, Plaintifi'. rings, a pair of iron wedges, and in the hands of Joflfry Surges,
John Jones, Defendant, 7s, 6d,; in the hands of John Scott, 10s, per
David Drake, Constable,

February 3d, 1736,

Attachment, Attached of the Defendant's goods, one bar '
David Drake, Plaintiff, rel of beef and pork, one coat, and a jacket,
Jos. Holden, Defendant. . and a linen jacket, one pair of leather britch
Judgment for the Plaintiff, for 1 193. lOd. es, a pair of stockings, and an old hat, per
Execution granted the 11th of May, 1736, Thos. Stbadlino, Constable.

The following case, taken from the same docket, will sufficiently illustrate the
laws upon larceny under flve shillings, when two Justices were empowered to sit
in judgment :

Bu6ks,ss. Newtown, April the 19th, 1733, Before us, Thomas Yardley and Abraham
Chapman, two of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, for the county of Bucks, came John
Flhofi, who waa charged by Isaac Brake, that he, the sd John Pinch, did, on the thirtieth
day of March, 1733, steale, take, and carry away, a man's saddle, belonging to him, the sd
Isaac Brake, of the value of 4s, lid,, to which the sd John Finch pleaded guilty, and sub- ,
mitted to be tried according to the Act of Assembly, entitled an act for the trial.and pun- .
ishment of Larceny under five shillings. It is therefore adjudged, that the said John Finch
restore tho goods stolen to the owner, and receive on his bare back, at the common whip
ping Post, Thirteen Lashes well laid on, and pay charges of prosecution and whipping,
Abba. Chapman,

It
being the practice, in the early settlement of the country, for government to
pay a bounty for killing Wolves, Foxes, &c., the following are some of the orders
upon the Treasurer for that purpose, given by Abraham Chapman :

May ye 10th, 1730, An order granted to Indian Bnoek, upon the Treasurer, for killing
a grown 'Wolf on ye 9 th inst,

April ye 2d, 1731, An order granted to Indian Simon, upon the Treasurer, for taking
four young Wolves.

May ye Ist, 1736, An order to Samuel Blaker, upon the Treasurer, 6s., for killing six
young, red Foxes.

May ye 1st, 1736. An order to the Treasurer for paying Indian Tom 4 lOs., for killing
nine young 'Wolves.
 21

The following are the Election Returns for the County of Bucks, for their res
pective years. The smallness of the vote ia partially accounted for by the fact
that all the voters of the County met at one place, Newtown, to deposit their
votes :
October let, 1725. October lf, I7fl0. October lat, 1734. October Ist, 1739.
RSPRBSSNT ATIVBS . Rbprebentativbb, Rktresentativeb. Reprbbbntativeb.
Jer. Langhorne, Jer. Langhorne, Jer. Lai'ghorne, 334 Jer. Langhorne, 303
Wm. Bile9. Joseph KirKbrtde, Joseph Kirkbride, 389 Jof^eph Kirkbride, 297
Joseph Pell, William Paxson, William Biles, John Watson, 382
Abraham Chapman, Abraham Chapman, Abra. Chiipman, Abra. Chapman, 239
Christian Vanhorn, Christian Vanhorn, Christian Vanhorn, Mark Watson, 337
Matthew Hnghes, Matthew Hughen, Thomas Merriot, Benjamin Field, 229
Benjamin Jones, Andrew Hamilton, Andrew Hamilton, Benjiimin Jones, 189
Thomas Watson, Thomas Canby, Lawrence Growden, 266 ThomaB Canby, 309
Shbbiff . Shkbifp. Sheriff. Sheriff,
Thomas Biles, Timothy Smith, Timothy Smith, John Hart, 431
Samuel Beakes, Joseph Thornton, John Hart, Ira Hague, 335
CoROTfEB. Coroner. Coroner. Coroner.
Jona. Wotaton, Wm. Atkinson, Wm. Atkinson, Wm. Atklnpon, 436
Samael Baker, Jonathan Wolston, Jont. Wolston, Benjamin Taylor, 338
COMMIBBIONBS. Commissioner. COMMIBBIONER. Commissioner.
Matthew Haghes, Joseph Kirkbride, Jos. Kirkbride, 235 Timothy Smith,
Assessors. ASSEBBORS. A^BEEBORB. Abbeseobb.
Robert Heaton, William Atkinson Benj Taylor, son Abra. Griffith, 464
John Dawaon, John Dawson, John DawBon, 266 Bur. Longstreth, 433
Henry Mitchell, Christian Vanhorn, Joseph Luplon, 265 John Hutchinson, 341
Richard Mitchell, Richard Mitchell, Richard Mitchell 273 Cephas Child, 337
John Hoagh, Samuel Baker, Nalhan Watson, 270 Robert Smith, 336
Simon Butler, Christopher Day, David Wilson, 263 Garret Vansant, 310

Establishment op Fbeends' Meetings. Nearly all the early settlers in the

township of Wrightstown, were memhers of the Society of Friends, most of them
in good circumstances and ahle to enjoy the necessaries and even luxuries of their
native country. But, inasmuch as the Church of England, established by law,
sought to extirpate out of the nation all opinion and practices not precisely conforma
ble to their own creed and Church Government, these early pioneers were willing
to sacrifice all the comforts in their native land to enjoy freedom of conscience
and a free worship in the wilderness. In England Friends were harrassed ex
ceedingly for nonconformity to the established mode of worship. Their property
was taken from them, and they imprisoned in noisome dungeons, and many of them
lost their lives by such means.
In Bess' Collections of the sufferings of early Friends, from the year 1660 to
1675, among many others, the names of John Chapman, William Smith, Jona
than Scaife and Thomas Croasdale are given, who were frequently fined and im
prisoned for non-conformity to the national chqrch government, and for attend
ing Friend's meetings. This it was that led those pious people tp brave every
sufferings ; as it is an ascertained
diflSculty in seeking an asylum from their
religious
fact that persecution makes men adhere more obstinately to their
opinions, even to brave death at the stake. It is to be
expected therefore, that
establish their
these settlers would very soon after their arrival make efforts to
religious meetings.

The first meeting for Discipline established in Bucks County, was a Monthly
Biles' house, at the Falls, the 2d of the 3d month, 1683,
Meeting held at William
at which the following minute was made :
" Then held to hear what should be offered in or
to wait upon the Lord for his wisdom,
der to inspect into the affairs of the church,
therein, to the Lord, and hy our care
that all
over the
things
church,
might be kept sweet and savoury
helpful in the works of God. -
being present, thought it fit and necessary that a
"And we whose names are as follows,
up, both of men and women, for that purpose, and that this
monthly meeting should be set
meeting be the first of the mens meetings after our arrival into these part*. The Friend*
present are William Yardley, James Harrison, Phineas Pemberton, William Biles, William
Beaks."
Dark, Lyonel Brittaine and William

This monthly meeting embraced within its limits all the Friends living io
Bucks County, and continued to he held at private houses till 1690. In the year
1686, Thomas Janney offers so much land as would serve for a burying place on
Slate-pit Hill. In 1689, it is concluded to build a meeting house between Ran
dal Blacksbaw's and Samuel Burges's, to be 20 feet by 25 feet ; which cost 30.
On the 1st of 11th month, 1683, a Monthly Meeting was established at Middle-
town, and held at Nicholas Wain's. The Friends of Wrightstown were mem
bers of this meeting. In the year 1686, Middletown Monthly Meeting gives leavje
to Wrightstown Friends to hold meetings at John Chapman's ; and after his de
cease at his widow's which was continued to be held at private houses, fre
quently at John Penquite's, whose mother was a minister of the Society ; until
the year 1721, when Falls Quarterly Meeting gave Wrightstown Friends permis
sion to build a meeting house. The land upon which this meeting house was
built was given by John Chapman and Joseph Chapman, each giving two acres,
in fee, in trust to Richard Mitchell, Abraham Chapman, Stephen Twining an<]
John Laycock, for the sole use of the people called Quakers to build a meeting
house, and for a grave yard, in Wrightstown. Deed dated 1722.

As all the members of the Society of Friends in Bucks Cownty, at this time,
were members of one Quarterly meeting held at the Falls, and of two Monthly
meetings, one of them held at the Falls, the other held at Middletown, the loca
tion and establishment of the different meetings of the county by their superior
meetings, will
be proper subjects for notice in this place, inasmuch as Wrights
town Friends contributed towards their location. In 1703, the Friends at Buck
ingham are allowed to have a meeting at the house of William Parkt, on the
third day of each month. In up the njev are allowed to have
1703, the Friends
a meeting at Samuel Baker's, once in two weeks. In 1705, the Friends agreed
with James Streater for ten acres of ground to build a meeting house on, and
for a Grave Yard. In 1705, Samuel Carpenter proposes to give a piece of ground
for a meeting house, grave yard, and pasture, in Bristol, to Friends ; which was
kindly accepted, and the meeting orders a Deed to secure it, given to Joseph
Kirkbride, Tobias Dimmock, Thomas Watson, William Beaks, Edward May?
trust,'
and William Croasdel, in for the use aforesaid. In 1710, the Friends at
Mays'
Bristol remove their meetings from Ann house, to the widow Baker's,
till fiarther orders. In 1714, they request to have their meetings continued every
First day, which is granted till there is cause to alter it. In 1713, Bristol Friends
want 40, to finish their meeting house. Falls Monthly Meeting gave them 24 and
Middletown Monthly Meeting gave 16. In 1719, meetings are allowed to be held
at Makefleld for the winter, on First days, at the houses of Samuel Baker, John Bald
win, and Thomas Ashton. In 1723 , the Falls Friends propose to build a new meet
ing house near the old one ; which, when finished, in 1728, cost 346 5s. lOd. In
1723, a deed is directed to be made to Samuel Baker, in trust, for a piece of ground
formerly given by Abel Janney, for an addition to the grave yard. In 1720, Buck
ingham meeting concludes to separate from the Falls
Monthly Meeting ; and in 1724
Wrightstown and Middletown separate as a
Monthly Meeting ; and Wrightstown
and Buckingham unite in constituting one Monthly Meeting.
In 1727, Bucking-
ham and Wrightstown, as a Monthly Meeting, grant Friends of Plumstead leave
to hold a meeting every other First day at Thomas Brown's. In 1730, Plum
stead Friends have a settled meeting. In 1734, Wrightstown and Buckingham
Friends agree to separate as a Monthly Meeting, and Buckingham ap(^ Plupi-
stead to join in one Jlonthly Meeting. In 1735, the meeting house af Wrjghta-
towTi was enlarged by an addition of 20 feet square ; and Joseph Hampton
an(|
Abraham Chapman to have the care of the building. In 1735, the QuartCTly
Meeting for Bucks is held for the first time in rotation, viz : Falls, Middletown.
Wrightstown, and Buckingham, which still continues to be the practice. In
1752, Joseph White and Samuel Brown are appointed to confer with Makefield
Friends about a new meeting house ; who agree to build one 25 feet by 30 feet,
one story high ; and Benjamin Taylor, Joseph Duer, Timothy Smith, and Benja
min Gilbert, to be the undertakers. In 1764, they agree to enlarge it 20 fe^t
north.
In1774, a wall was built around the grave yard at Wrightstown, which
co^
$506.50. In 1787, a new meeting-house was built at Wrightstown, an4 Ab^a^
ham Chapman, Benj. Hampton, Edmund Smith, William Buckman, J%me$ Brings,
Thomas Story, WUliam Linton, Joshua Vansant, Stephen Smith, aijid ,Jo,S!5p}j
Chapman, were appointed to have the oversight of the building. This is ^i^
present meeting-house, being 40 feet wide and 70 feet long, and two stories hjgjj.
The cost of it was $2,106.00. In 1791, an additional piece of ground adj(jipjng
strangers'
the grave yard, and called the burial ground, was purchased of Jp,h)^
Chapman, by Wrightstown meeting. In the year 1804, the first row of private
sheds was built along the Durham road. In 1805, a row of private shp4s was
built along tiie grave yard wall, and the log sheds removed and rebjiil| ]^^
stone.

In 1811, a meeting-house was built at Solebury, and a Monthly I^eejaflg ;stftlT

lished there. In 1820, the meetings of Makefield and Newtown were united into
one Monthly Meeting.
lorge
The meetings of the society of Friends were attended at this period by a
concourse of people. After harvest there was a solemn religious assembly pf
Friends from all parts, who met at
Wrightstown. These were called Geperj^J

Meetings ; and also youth's meetings were held, where the blessipgs, ad %
providential care of the bountiful Creator were set forth, and commemorated yritb
ii;ieetipgs wei;e
great effect upon the minds of the vast gathering of people. These
continued yearly foT more t^iap
instituted by Friends in early times, and were
point perjod of t;hi^ part
100 years. Indeed, all the eldcriy people out the happy
meetings were copliftijed
of the country, as extending from 1725 to 1765. These
till 1785, when some of them were discontinued. They were all
discontinued ^
meetings regularly established amoi^g |^
1811. There were also afternoon
in religious capacity w^s fre
members. The practice of visiting families a
up a good fellowship an,M,g
quently renewed, and had a tendency to keep
t^^

members.

The Early Ministebs of Friejjds at WEiGHisTOWN.-There were many emi

Wrightstown meeting at this period. Besides the
nent ministers belonging to
Paksons, John Routlige, John Layoook id
names of Agnbs PENQniTE, Ai.n
of note. Zebulon
DAvn, Dawes, already mentioned,. there were others worthy
 24

HaaroN was a minister of great celebrity. He travelled much in the ministry,

several times through this and the adjacent colonies ; and, when in the 70th
year of his age, he paid a religious visit to the Delaware Indians residing to the
westward of the colonies, on the Muskingum river, from whom he received a
Belt of Wampum as a token of friendship, by Capt. White Eyes, which was pro
duced at Wrightstown meeting on his reinirn, and afterwards, was sent to the
Meeting for Sufferings in Philadelphia. He died 12th-month 3d, 1776.
Thomas Ross was also an eminent minister of the Society of Friends. He was
bom in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, and emigrated to America at 20 years of
age, and settled on a farm in Solebury. He made application, and was received
into membership in the society, the 3d of 1st month, 1730. When Wrights
town and Buckingham meetings separated and formed two distinct Monthly
Meetings, in 1734, he attached himself to Wrightstown. He traveled much in
the ministry in the different provinces of America, and in England, Scotland, and-
Ireland, with much power and effect. While on a religious visit to England, he
died at his friend Lindley Murray's, in York City, the 13th of 2d month, 1786, in
the 78th year of his age, having been a minister upwards of 50 years.
James Wood made application, and was received into membership at Wrights
town, in 1750. He became a minister in the society shortly after, and in 1772,
moved with his family to Chester Monthly Meeting, in Chester county, having
been a minister at Wrightstown about 20 years.
James Simpson, a valuable minister inthe society of Friends, was a member of
Wrightstown meeting for many years. Besides these, there were several others
less distinguished, but perhaps not less valuable.
Ann Hampton frequently spoke to the edification of the meeting. Mabt At
kinson, a minister, recommended in 1753, and Sarah Smith, recommended as a
minister in 1798, contributed to keep up a lively concern among the members,
and others present.

Note by the Publisher. The author of this History of Wrightstown has re

lied almost entirely upon original documents, (Patents, Deeds, Records of Friends'
Meetings, and documents and papers of the Chapman family, in the possession
of Amos Chapman, great-great-grand-son of the first settler in the township,) for
his authority ; avoiding as much as possible everything of a traditionary charac
ter, or of doubtful authenticity, and using great care in its compilation. After
writing it, he received from Mathew S. Henrt, of Philadelphia, a communication
corroborating the statement with reference to the Indian Walk, and stating that
" Solomon Jennings resided in 1740, at the Lehigh river,
about two miles from
Bethlehem, towards Allentown, where he owned 200 acres of land, and upon
which he erected a house, &c., previous to the settlement of the Moravians at
Bethlehem. After the erection of Northampton county in 1752, he was elected
one of the County Commissioners for that county, in 1754. Jennings
could not
write his name, as is shown by his mark being appended to papers
requiring
his signature. He died in the year 1755, his will being now on record in North
ampton county. His son, John Jennings,
was elected sheriff of Northampton
county, at several different times."

TAi0
 ^'/ a _j,, f\ '
%h