USA > Delaware > History of the state of Delaware, Volume II > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
Reliance is a small village, formerly known as Johnson's Cross Roads, which is situated on the Maryland line about six miles below Seaford. Its location is in the midst of a fer- tile farming country. This place marks the dividing line between the two states, and came into prominence over sixty years ago as the headquarters of parties engaged in the slave trade. It was here that the slaves, after being kidnapped, were secreted prior to their shipment to southern markets. Here lived the notorious Patty Cannon, who was the perpe-
C
710
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
trator, according to tradition, of many horrible crimes which brought untold suffering and sometimes death to her captives. Her ancestry is unknown, as well as the time of her advent into Delaware. For years she carried on her nefarious busi- ness. Her home, being situated in both states, gave her the advantage for a long period of eluding the authorities. After leading a life of infamy, and being a source of terror to the public for a long time, her career was ended in 1829, when she was arrested and convicted ; but while confined in the jail at Georgetown, she died before the date set for her execution.
Cannon's Station is an active shipping point situated on the main line of the Delaware railroad, in the northern part of the Hundred. In late years the country surrounding this place has been greatly improved, a number of handsome houses have been erected on the farms in this vicinity, the shipping interests at this point have greatly increased, and a boom has been given to the station and the country contiguous to it.
Methodism was established at an early period in the Hun- dred. The first Methodist church was erected in 1781 near the Maryland line in the northwestern section of the Hundred and was known as Bethel Church, and subsequently as Brown's Chapel. In 1881 its first centennial anniversary was cele- brated. Although this building was ready for occupancy in 1781, it was not fully completed until 1806. The prime mover in this enterprise was White Brown, a nephew of Judge Thomas White of Kent County. It was here that the pioneers of Methodism, Bishop Asbury, Freeborn Garretson, and others preached, and it was one of the central points from which missionary effort was put forth more than a century ago.
At Seaford, Woodland and Reliance are neat and commodi- ous churches of religious worship. Several of the churches in this Hundred have had many circuit relations, and in con- nection with other churches have had a long line of ministers. The churches established at an carly period, have been con- tinuously maintained and are in a prosperous condition. The schools in the Hundred have gradually improved in quality
711
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
and efficiency and are at present in excellent condition. Many attractive school buildings have been erected in recent years, and the educational facilities have exhibited a marked ad- vancement. The introduction of the free school system gave a new impetus to the work of education in all parts of the HIundred ; the methods of teaching have improved, while the ability and capability of the teachers are of a much higher standard than formerly. The old and rudely built school houses have for the most part been replaced by new ones, and as the increased population has demanded greater school con- veniences, former district boundaries have been changed and new school districts created.
BROAD KILN HUNDRED.
This Hundred is located in the northeastern part of the County of Sussex, and derives its name from a creek bearing the same name which flows through the central part of the Hundred, and is navigable as far as Milton. There are many small streams which flow through the Hundred, thus affording abundant irrigation. The larger part of the land in the Hun- dred is in a good state of cultivation, and produces the usual farm products and small fruits in abundance. The Delaware, Maryland and Virginia railroad runs through the southern portion of the Hundred, thereby affording advantages for shipping and travel in addition to the facilities supplied by water.
Among the earliest settlers in this Hundred was Hermanus Wiltbank and his son Cornelius, who took up land in the Hundred in 1673, a large portion of which is now in the pos- session of their descendants in the vicinity of Milton. The genealogy of this family dates back to quite an early period in the history of the county, and for over two centuries has been linked with its development and growth. The Clark, Ponder, Fisher and Paynter families were among the carly settlers in the Hundred and owned large tracts of land, some of which are still held by their descendants. There are a number of
11
1.0
712
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
excellent farms in the Hundred that of late years have been materially improved, and present an attractive appearance.
The early industries of the Hundred consisted in the opera- tion of grist and saw-mills and cotton and bark factories. These various industries gave employment to a large number of persons, and contributed to the growth of the small towns and villages.
Milton is the only town of importance in this Hundred. It is situated on Broad Kiln creek, and stands on a tract of land which was granted at a very early period to James Gray under the name of "Milford." In process of time these lands changed ownership, and various tracts were sold to different persons. This village was early known as Osbourne's Land- ing, Conwell's Landing, Upper Landing, and Head of Broad Kiln. In 1807 the name was changed from Head of Broad Kiln to Milton, and was so named in honor of the poet Milton. The records show that at an early date Milton was an import- ant grain-shipping point, and was the seat of a thriving busi- ness in that industry until the construction of the railroad afforded new facilities for transportation.
In 1865 the place was incorporated as a town, and its growth gradually increased. For several years ship-building was one of the principal branches of industry. From 1861 to 1880 there were a large number of ships built there, which gave employment to many workmen and made the place one of great industrial activity. This industry has now almost entirely ceased. The abandonment of shipbuilding and the lack of industries have greatly retarded the advancement of the town. The fine facilities for shipment afforded by water, however, still exist, and are utilized in the shipment of large quantities of grain and other products. In this locality peach- growing is carried on to a considerable extent, which has led to the building of evaporators that are sources of profit under enterprising management.
This town was the home of Hon. James Ponder, who was an important factor in the industrial interests of the place,
3
713
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
contributing much to its growth and prosperity, and who was in 1866 elected Governor of the State, which position he filled with credit and honor. Another prominent citizen of Milton was David Hazzard, whose life was spent in this town. He served in the General Assembly and also as Governor for a full term, and later in life was an honored member of the bench. A devoted Methodist in religion, he was classed as a leading and influential member of that denomination. Dr. Joseph Maull practiced medicine in Milton and the surround- ing country for many years, and was almost continually in public life, serving a brief term as Governor, his death occur- ring while he was acting Governor in 1846.
Drawbridge is a small village, situated on Broad Kiln creek, three miles east of Milton. Its name is derived from a draw-bridge which crosses the Broad Kiln at this point. Being an important landing place, large shipments of grain are made from it, and vessels ply regularly between this place and the larger cities.
Among those whose energy has contributed to the prosperity of the village may be mentioned the Paynters and the Dor- mans. The Paynters have owned land in Broad Kiln Hun- dred for two hundred years. Samuel Paynter was born on a farm near this village, and in his young days engaged in business at the Drawbridge, which grew into large propor- tions, and made him one of the leading men of the county. He served several terms in the General Assembly, and in 1823 was elected Governor of the State. He was the father of John H. Paynter, associate justice of the Superior Court from 1887 to 1890. The business conducted at this place for two or more generations by the Paynter family, afterwards came under the control of Burton and Dorman, the junior partner being John B. Dorman, who served a term in the State Senate, and afterwards was Clerk of the Peace for Sussex County. A well-equipped store is still carried on at the old stand.
Harbeson is a small village in this Hundred and was founded in 1869, deriving its origin from the establishment of a rail-
ب
714
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
road station at this point in that year. It was named after Harbeson Hickman, who at that time owned the land on which the village stood.
Cool Spring is a small railroad station, which in 1870 was located near Cool Spring Branch and the present name given to it. Being situated in a lumbering district, large quantities of lumber have been shipped from this station.
At a very early period in the history of the Hundred reli- gious matters engaged the attention of the people. In 1729 "St. John the Baptist " Protestant Episcopal Church was erected at the fording place of Long Bridge Branch, and placed under the charge of St. Peter's Episcopal Church at Lewes. In this ancient building the families of Ponder, Pettyjohn and Palmer (originally Paramore) worshiped. The building was used for religious purposes until 1800, from which time it was used as a school house for many years. In later years the congregation was revived, and in 1877 the present building was erected in Milton and consecrated by Bishop Lee of Wil- mington.
In 1742 the "Society of Friends " purchased a tract of land at Cool Spring and erected thereon a "meeting-house " where religious services were held for many years. This building has long since disappeared, and nothing remains to mark its existence, save a small plot for the burial of the dead which is still enclosed and cared for by the descendants of the early families.
The earliest Methodist church founded in the Hundred was Zion, erected in 1818. The original building was used for nearly thirty years when it was replaced by a larger structure still in use. White's Chapel between Drawbridge and Lewes was built in 1838 and has always been a strong country church. It was named after Rev. Henry White, a famous Methodist preacher of earlier days. The Methodist Church at Milton, founded in 1801, is the largest and strongest church in the Hundred, and it has attracted several of the strongest preachers of the conference. The graveyard which marks the
715
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
site of the original church is well cared for, and contains the remains of many of the old residents of the town. The Metho- dist Protestant denomination is also represented by churches in this Hundred.
A Protestant Episcopal church in Milton, known as “St. John the Baptist," was consecrated by Bishop Lee in 1877. It was the successor of one of the earliest churches of this denomination, founded by Rev. William Beckett in 1728, located near the present town of Milton and bearing the same name ...
Prior to 1829 private schools were in operation in several sections of the Hundred and an academy was in existence at Milton, but in a short time after the adoption of the free- school system the academy was abandoned and nearly all the private schools closed. There was a change made in the original division of the school districts, and in later years several new school buildings have been erected and the edu- cational facilities in the Hundred have been materially improved. The general advancement in school work has been recognized, and the residents of this portion of the county have shown themselves not to be behind the inhabitants of other Hundreds in the establishment and support of good schools. The citizens generally are active promotors and advocates of all public improvements.
LEWES AND REHOBOTH HUNDRED.
While this may be one of the smallest Hundreds in territory in the county, it is by no means the least in historical interest. Rehoboth bay and Indian River Hundred form its southern and western boundaries, while Broad Kiln Hundred lies to the north. In view of the fact that this Hundred borders on the Delaware bay and the Atlantic ocean, it naturally partakes of many of the characteristics of this indented coast. The most noted and largest stream in the Hundred is Lewes creek, which derived its name from the present town located on its banks. This body of water was originally called the Hoorn
г .
٠
716
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
Kill, is about ten miles in length, and flows from south to north parallel with the ocean and Delaware bay. The farm- ing lands of this section having been under cultivation for a long time, a few give evidence of being impoverished, but as a rule they are well managed and productive. Most of the farms are of good size, and are capable of producing a variety of products. The low lands of the Hundred grow a fine quality of marsh grass, which affords abundant pasturage.
On a high tract of land on Lewes creek is located the an- cient town of Lewes. The occupancy of this section by the whites dates from 1622. The records show that in that year business was carried on between the Dutch traders and a neighboring tribe of Indians, and in 1631 what was known as the De Vries expedition settled on Lewes creek, but for reasons elsewhere more fully explained a bitter hostility sprang up between the white settlers and the Indians which resulted in the destruction of the whole colony, none being left to tell the tale. De Vries returned to the Hoorn Kill in 1633, but no permanent settlement was made until years afterwards. Peter Minuit made no stop when he sailed up the bay in 1638 with his little band of Swedish emigrants. In 1673 this territory came into the possession of the Dutch, who established a court at Lewes. The English having recaptured this section in 1674 continued the court at Lewes, and six years later the Whorekill County was divided, and what is now known as Sussex was called Deale. In 1682 all the territory along the Delaware river and bay as far south as Cape Henlopen was deeded by the Duke of York to William Penn, and the present names of the town and county were adopted and confirmed by the official sanction of William Penn.
After Penn had received title to the Delaware country, greater interest was developed in its settlement, and in a short time several titles for lots in Lewes were granted by the court. The population rapidly increased, and several in- dustries in the mechanical trades were established. By an act of the Legislature passed February 2, 1818, Lewes was
٢١٠٠١ ٠ ٢٠٠
٠٫٠٠
Y
/
HENLOPEN LIGHTHOUSE.'
717
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
incorporated, and commissioners were named to make a proper survey of the boundaries and streets of the town. The same act authorized an election to be held in June of each year, of five persons, to be known as the "Trustees of the Town of Lewes." It was soon apparent that more general powers were needed in order to satisfy public demands, hence a new act was passed in 1871 by the Legislature, and amended two years later, by which the power of the town authorities was increased and new boundaries were established. The govern- ment of the town is now vested in a board of representative citizens, known as town commissioners, and the later charter authorizing and designating their official duties has been of marked benefit to the town.
The breakwater in the Delaware bay, opposite Lewes, is one of the most important and wonderful works of internal im- provement in the United States. It is constructed of heavy granite masonry, and is twenty-eight hundred feet in length, exclusive of the "ice breaker." The latter is seventeen hun- dred feet long. This structure cost two and a-quarter millions of dollars, and was more than forty years in construction. The great benefit to navigation, and the protection afforded to thousands of vessels yearly by the Delaware breakwater, have been incalculable, while disasters to mariners on this danger- ous coast have through its protection been wonderfully lessened.
The Cape Henlopen light-house is located about three miles east from the town upon a barren sand-hill. This pile of pure white sand has been increasing from year to year, and has resulted from the sand drifting westward from the shore of the ocean until it has completely submerged a pine forest, the sand now reaching to the tops of the tallest trees. The first light-house was erected in 1763, a tract of land of two hundred acres having been granted for that purpose. In 1777 it was almost entirely burned down by the British fleet, but in 1785 was rebuilt by the Philadelphia port wardens. It was con- structed in the shape of a hexagonal pyramid, and was eight stories high. Afterwards a circular tower was built, and at
١٤
١١١٠٠
718
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
present it is equipped with one of the most powerful lights on the Atlantic coast, the machinery controlling the lenses and light being most intricate and interesting. At the base of the light-house tower is the house occupied by the keeper of the light and his family, but this house cannot be seen except when one is near at hand, as the sand-hill rises higher than the roof of the house, and it would be completely submerged if precautions were not taken from time to time to prevent the drifting sand from settling too near the dwelling.
Not far from the light-house, near the ocean front, for many years salt works were conducted, and proved highly profitable .. In early days ship-building was carried on to a considerable extent, and in later years an occasional small craft is built ift Lewes. The project of connecting the waters of Lewes creek and Rehoboth bay by cutting a canal has been discussed for more than a hundred years, it being claimed by so doing the commercial interests of Lewes would be greatly enhanced. Within the past fifteen years active steps were taken and an appropriation from the United States government secured, whereby the Assawoman canal was dug for some distance in Baltimore Hundred, the ultimate object being to continue this canal to Lewes. The scheme failed after work had been car- ried on for a few months, and it has not been renewed.
The town was known as Lewes as early as 1672. In that year a tract of land was granted to Hermanus Frederick Wilt- bank by Governor Lovelace, on which part of the town was afterwards built. Luke Watson was one of the earliest settlers in the Hundred, and he became a large land-owner in the county. The courts established as early as 1658, continued at Lewes until 1791, when the county seat was changed to Georgetown. The neat, well-kept and attractive houses that line Front street, running parallel to Lewes creek, and extend- ing northwardly from Ship Carpenter street, as laid down on the published plot of Lewes, constitute what is called Pilot- town. Just where Lewes ends and Pilottown begins, it is difficult to say, but for a hundred years and more this has
719
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
been the favored location for the homes of the pilots, and here generation after generation of seafaring men, hard-working, thrifty, saving, after the accumulation of a competence, have settled to spend the evening of their life in rest and quiet ; in full view of the gaping mouth of the Delaware bay, with glimpses of the great ocean beyond.
There are no towns of importance in the Hundred except Lewes. Midway is a postoffice, and has two stores. It is located on the road from Lewes to Rehoboth Beach, about equidistant from either place. Nassau is a station on the railroad three miles from Lewes. Rehoboth Beach postoffice was established in 1873. A few years before Rehoboth City had been projected, and in 1869 Louis Tredenick opened rather rude quarters for the accommodation of gunners, and later for summer boarders. Then followed the Douglass House, owned for a few years by William C. Fountain. Rehoboth Beach proper was projected as a summer resort and for campmeeting purposes, the whole enterprise being under the control of leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington and Baltimore. The first hotel built was called the "Surf House," then followed the Bright House and the Douglass House, and later the Hotel Henlopen. The Surf House was burned down in 1879, and the Bright House met the same fate several years later, and within the past three years the Douglass House was also burned, so that of the four original hotels, only one, the Hotel Henlopen, remains. Within the past ten years other hotels have been built. For ten years after the founding of Rehoboth City and Rehoboth Beach, the only means of reaching these places was by stage or private conveyance from Lewes. In 1879 a branch railroad was built to the outskirts of the settlement, and five years later the railroad was extended eastward on the main avenue at Reho- both Beach almost to the ocean. This gave a new impetus to the place ; several new hotels have been built, many cottages adorn the settlement and a large summer population is attracted to it, the bathing at this point being unexcelled on the Atlantic coast.
2
1
⑈
720
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
The Friends established a meeting at Lewes as early as 1692. the first meetings being held in the dwelling house of Cor- nelius Wiltbanks. The Fisher and Miers families were mem- bers of the society and the Lewes meeting was connected with Camden Monthly Meeting. The Lewes meeting was discon- tinued about 1800.
The Presbyterians built their first meeting house in Lewes in 1707, but this denomination had held meetings in the town as early as 1691, the first preacher being Rev. Samuel Davis. The first meeting house stood for twenty years, when it was re- placed by a brick structure that was used for service a hundred years, and remained standing until 1871. The present build- ing was dedicated in 1832, but in 1886 was so completely re- modeled as to become in reality a new church. It is one of the handsomest and most commodious churches of the de- nomination south of Wilmington. About 1725, possibly earlier, a second Presbyterian church was built seven miles west of Lewes and called Cool Spring, taking its name from a spring of cool water near at hand. From 1734 it was con- nected with the Lewes church, the same minister serving both churches. For many years it was a strong church. Three buildings have successively occupied the same site, the present structure having been built in 1855. The Rehoboth Presby- terian Church, near Midway was built in 1855, and for twenty years was used as a chapel connected with Lewes. In 1876 it became independent, but of late years only occasional services have been held there.
The Methodists established Ebenezer church near Lewes in 1788. Three years later, another church was built in Lewes and called Bethel. For several years both churches were maintained but finally Ebenezer was abandoned, only the old graveyard on the same site remains. A new Ebenezer was established in the lower part of the Hundred in 1858. The Methodists removed to the location occupied by their present Bethel Church on Mulberry street in 1872. The church since then has twice been enlarged and improved, and is now one
:
. SHAW
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT LEWES.
Founded 1728.
Rebuilt 1760.
Demolished 1871.
721
HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES AND HUNDREDS.
of the best charges in the conference. There is a Methodist church at Nassau.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church occupies a conspicuous corner in the ancient town. The first church was built on the same lot and was completed in 1728, but services were held in the town by clergymen of the Church of England as early as 1708, possibly before that date. The first church of frame lasted for eighty years, and it was succeeded by a second frame church which served as the place of worship until 1858, when the present substantial brick structure was erected and consecrated by Bishop Lee. A tower was added in 1870 and of late years other improvements have been made. The colored people have three churches in Lewes and one near Nassau.
The United States government constructed a pier at Lewes in 1838. In 1870 it was replaced by an iron pier. In early days there was a steamboat line maintained between Lewes and Philadelphia. The Junction and Breakwater railroad was completed to Lewes in 1869 and has proved a great factor in the development of the town. Until the Junction and Breakwater railroad was absorbed by the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company, boats of the Old Dominion steamboat line were run from Lewes to New York, and much of the fruit and grain from Lewes and the country round about was shipped to New York. The Queen Anne's railroad came to Lewes in 1896, by way of Milton, giving an additional impetus to the commerce of the town.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.