USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > A history and geography of Montgomery county, Pa., together with county and township government > Part 1
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.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
LOCAL HISTORY,
GEOGRAPHY AND GOVERNMENT.
HXBLEY.
F 157 . M7 H3 Copy 1
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
Chap.F157 Copyright Do. Shelf, M7H3
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA.,
TOGETHER WITH
COUNTY AND 1 OWNSHIP GOVERNMENT.
[Designed for the Use of Schools and the General Reader
BY
J. K. HARLEY, M. E., Principal Public Schools, Conshohocken, Montgomery County, Pa.
REVISED EDITION
There is no geography of so much practical use as local geography.
COPYDIGEZ
PHILADELPHIA : 1891.
11764×1
F157 . 17 H3
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by J. K, HARLEY,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Copyright, 1802, by J. K. HARLEY.
1-10514
Revised
CONTENTS,
PAGE
PREFACE,
.
. 5
NOTE TO SECOND EDITION, ·
. .
.
.
8
SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS, . . .
. 9
OUTLINES, . .
.
. 10
PART I,
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, .
. 13
GENERAL DESCRIPTION, · . 31
REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE COUNTY, .
. 33
QUESTIONS ON STATE GEORAPHY,
·
. 37
PART II,
DESCRIPTION OF EACH TOWNSHIP, WITH QUESTIONS, . 39
DESCRIPTION OF EACH BOROUGH, .
72
.
PART III.
TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT, 83 ·
BOROUGH GOVERNMENT,
. 90
COUNTY GOVERNMENT,
. 92
STATISTICS,
.
. 105
PREFACE.
MTHIS is probably the first attempt ever made to present the subjects of Local History, Geogra- phy, and Government in the form of a text-book. Although the idea and method are entirely new and original with the author, the present work is an ear- nest attempt to give to teachers, pupils, and others the subjects in a form that can be used conveniently ; and as such it is open to criticism, which, it is hoped, will be entirely fair and indulgent.
Object .- The work is designed as a text-book on the subjects named. It is to be studied and mastered, in connection with maps, by the pupils in our county schools. The subjects have thus far been taught orally or by notes, if taught at all, and, with a view to avoid inconvenience and to save the time of the teacher, whose time is generally very limited, the work is prepared. The object is, mainly, to prepare a work suitable for class use.
Origin .- The work is an outgrowth of the school- room and experience. The matter was originally prepared by the author for his own classes, and has
vi
PREFACE.
been used by them. Primarily, it was given orally to the classes, or in notes and outline, the pupils studying therefrom. So inconvenient was this, and so much valuable time used to a disadvantage, that the author has resolved to put the matter in a printed form.
Importance .- The necessity of such a work cannot be questioned. The subjects themselves demand it. Local History, Geography, and Government are very imperfectly understood, even by those who are pro- ficient in all other branches of learning. All agree that local geography is, practically, of more use to the majority of people than the geography of Asia or Africa ; it is evident that a thorough knowledge of the government of a township and county is more useful to all citizens than a knowledge of the Constitution of the United States, the foundation of all law and gov- ernment, however all-important it is. The demand for a complete knowledge of these subjects becomes more manifest every day. It is the hope of the author that this work may meet the want and supply the de- mand.
Method .- The matter has been arranged in such a way, it is believed, to be most conveniently studied. It is difficult to present a text-book on any subject that will meet the wants of all grades of classes; however, the author has endeavored to supply pupils at the age ready to study these subjects with the proper book. Special pains have been taken to employ
vii
PREFACE.
a simple, clear, and concise style, and avoid all rhe- torical ornament.
Origin of Matter .- Much of the matter has been obtained by observation and actual investigation. Several works on the topics have been examined, and, in some cases, the language partially followed, and acknowledgments duly made. It is possible credit should have been given where it has been with- held.
In conclusion, the author desires to express his sincere thanks to friends for suggestions and critical examination of manuscript; also, to F. G. Hobson, Esq., in rendering grateful assistance in preparing the subjects of Township and County Government. Hoping that the work will meet with favor, in which is the author's highest reward, it is respectfully sub- mitted to the public. THE AUTHOR.
Trappe, Pa., October 20th, 1882.
NOTE TO SECOND EDITION.
ITHE first edition of this work having met with T much favor, it is by the earnest request of teachers and friends that this, the second edition, is published. This revision has been delayed for sev- eral years in order to get the census returns of 1890, and noting the recent improvements, and changes in the political divisions of the county. All of these matters have now been brought up to date.
The map in this book and the Author's large school map of the county are entirely new, claiming to be the only accurate maps made. The exact loca- tion of every post-office, railroad, boundary line of township or borough, parallels of latitude and long- itude for every five minutes, etc., may be seen upon the large map.
Advantage is also taken of this revision to make a few changes in the subject-matter of the work and the manner of presenting it, all of which are con- sidered an improvement .*
The book is thus respectfully submitted to an in- dulgent public. J. K. H.
Conshohocken, Pa., September 20th, 1891.
* It is suggested that changes in the political divisions, and others, may be written from time to time upon the blank leaves placed into the book for that purpose.
viii
SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS.
1. In teaching this subject it is the opinion of the author that the topical method is preferable. For this purpose the outlines should be followed.
2. The historical part may be used for reading or recitation, at the discretion of the teacher, and the time to be devoted to this branch of study.
3. Be sure that pupils thoroughly understand this department of geography, as well as township and county government. With proper questions this may be ascertained.
4. The questions, as given in the work, are by no means exhaustive. Every teacher must add such questions, or change those given to suit circumstances, SO that all points may be fully brought out.
5. Pupils, in answering, should be required to give them in complete sentences.
6. Teachers, in putting questions, should not state them that a " Yes " or a " No" simply will answer. It is believed that only when pupils can discuss a subject in their own correct language they under- stand it.
7. Teach geography and civil government by the synthetic method.
9
OUTLINE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
I. HISTORY.
1. First Inhabitants.
1. Selling the Lands.
2. First White Settlers.
1. Settlements.
3. During the Revolution.
1. Warren's Tavern.
2. British enter Philadelphia.
3. Skippack Creek.
4. Battle of Germantown.
1. Washington's Retreat.
2. Americans at Whitemarsh.
5. The Surprise of Howe.
6. American Army at Valley Forge.
1. Condition.
2. Conspiracy.
7. Baron Steuben.
8. Colonel John Lacey ..
9. Howe Resigns.
10. Bamen Hill.
11
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
11. Philadelphia Evacuated.
12. Americans leave Valley Forge.
13. Peter Muhlenberg.
14. Close of War.
4. County Established.
5. Late War.
6. Improvements.
1. Turnpike.
2. Canals.
3. Railroads.
a. Pennsylvania.
b. Philadelphia, Germantown, Norristown.
c. Philadelphia and Reading.
d. North Pennsylvania.
e. Perkiomen.
f. Colebrookdale.
g. Doylestown.
h. Stony Creek.
i. Chester Valley.
j. Płymouth.
k. Northeast Pennsylvania.
l. Bound Brook.
m. Newtown.
n. Other railroads.
II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
1. Name.
12
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
2. Position and Extent.
3. Surface.
1. Drainage,
2. Soil.
4. Population.
5. Resources.
6. Industries.
7. Boroughs and Townships.
8. Education.
III. STATISTICS OF THE CENSUS OF 1890.
1. Townships.
2. Boroughs.
3. Schools.
4. Banks.
5. Newspapers.
6. County Officers.
7. Post-offices.
PART FIRST.
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
1. Montgomery County was originally settled by a race of Indians who called themselves the Lenni Lenape, or Original People, and also by the Woapa- nachki, or the People from the East. They assumed these names from a belief that they were superior in all respects to any of the neighboring tribes. They occupied the territory from the Hudson to the Susque- hanna Rivers, and therefore lived on both sides of the Delaware and Schuylkill; and for this fact the early white settlers gave them the name of Delawares. These Indians were tall, straight, and well-propor- tioned, with fine Roman features, and they were very friendly to the English. All the Indian names now existing in the county are the following: Consho- hocken, Goshenhoppen, Macoby, Manatawny, Methac- ton, Pennepack, Perkiomen, Sciota, Sanatoga, Skip- pack, Tacony, Towamencin, and Wissahickon. These, with their burial-grounds in various parts of the county, and the occasional stone relics found in the
13
14
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
fields, are now about the only mementos of a long- departed race.
2. The earliest purchase by William Penn of any part of what now is Montgomery County was made June 25th, 1683, of Wingebone, for all his rights to lands lying on the west of the Schuylkill, beginning at the lower falls and up to the end of his rights. The next purchase was made July 14th, 1683, of Secane, Idaquoquehan, and others, for all the land between the Schuylkill and Chester Rivers; and, at the same time, the land lying between the Schuylkill and Pennepack was bought of Malebore and others. On June 3d, 1684, the land lying along the Perkiomen was pur- chased of Maughaugsin, with the promise on the part of the Chief never "to molest any Christians that may settle thereon." Soon after other lands were bought on both sides of the Pennepack, and extending in a northwest direction "two full days' journey." Thus all the rights and titles of the Indians to any part of what now is Montgomery County was finally extin- guished by purchase.
3. The Dutch and Swedes, who settled the eastern part of Pennsylvania, had established some trading- posts within this county between 1623 and 1665. Records of the Holland Company show that a great beaver trade was carried on in 1656 along the Schuyl- kill; and for its successful operation were erected several forts. The Little Schuylkill in consequence
15
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
was called by the Delaware Indians "Tamaqua," sig- nifying the beaver stream. The English, in 1664, conquered the whole country, and though the Dutch and Swedes had made settlements along the banks of the Delaware and Schuylkill, and hold large quan- tities of fertile lands, the English from this date became the principal actors in the settlement of this part of the country.
4. William Penn received his grant of the province of Pennsylvania, March 5th, 1681, and landed at New Castle, October 27th, 1682, and eleven days after arrived in Philadelphia. At the first Provincial Assembly, held in Philadelphia in March, 1683, it became necessary to pass a number of laws to render the government effective. Amongst the rest the province was divided into three counties-Philadel- phia, Chester, and Bucks-and their respective boun- daries settled. These were the first three counties created in the State of Pennsylvania. Emigration began to increase as early as in the summer and fall of 1683. During the few years following several Welsh Friends settled in the present Township of Lower Merion. About the same time the English Friends commenced settling in the present Townships of Cheltenham, Abington, Plymouth, Springfield, and Whitemarsh, and several years later in Upper Dublin, Moreland, and Horsham. Some Welsh also settled about 1690 in Whitemarsh and Plymouth, and, in
16
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
1697 and a few years following, in considerable num- bers in Gwynedd. They commenced settling in Montgomery Township in 1710, and a few years later, to some extent, in Hatfield and Limerick. A few Germans from Germantown settled in Springfield and Whitemarsh before 1690, and after 1708 their settle- ments became more extended. In 1709 several settled in the present Townships of Limerick, New Hanover, and Pottsgrove. So great had become their increase, that in 1734 considerably over one-half of the popula- tion of the county were Germans, and about one-fifth Welsh. Of all the early settlers the German element has shown the strongest attachment to the soil, and the result has been in all the lower townships an im- provement in the land and a steady increase in their number as landholders. Montgomery County thus was peopled by English, Welsh, Swedes, Germans, and Irish. Though holding different religious opinions, they resolved to live peaceably with each other, and to labor diligently to improve their possessions till they have become as we behold and enjoy them at this day.
5. Important events of the Revolutionary War transpired within the present limits of Montgomery County. After the disastrous battle of Brandywine, fought on the 11th of September, 1777, Washington retreated to Philadelphia, and took post at German- town, a few miles north of the city. Undismayed by
17
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
his reverse, he resolved to risk another engagement. Accordingly, on the 15th of the month, he re-crossed the Schuylkill and marched toward the scene of the late struggle. Two days later he met General Howe near Warren's Tavern, on the Lancaster Turnpike, about twenty miles from Philadelphia. For awhile the two armies manœuvred, the enemy gaining the bet- ter position ; then a spirited skirmish ensued, and just as a great battle was about to take place, a violent tem- pest of wind and rain swept over the field. The com- batants were deluged, their cartridges soaked, and fighting made impossible. Before dawn of the next day, Howe marched to the Schuylkill; when there they beheld the breastworks of Washington's army on the opposite side of the river. Howe turned sud- denly about and hurried up stream along the right bank in the direction of Reading.
6. Washington pressed up the left bank, crossed the Schuylkill at Parker's Ford,* hoping to be able to confront the enemy while on their passage up the river. But the movement of the British was only feigned, for as soon as they ascertained that the Americans were near Pottstown, they crossed the Schuylkill at Fatland Ford (now Pawling's Bridge), on the night of September 22d, and hastened to Phila- delphia, which they entered on the 26th without oppo-
* Parker's Ford crossed the Schuylkill where the Lawrence- ville bridge now stands, a little above Limerick Station.
2
18
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
sition, and the main division of the British army encamped at Germantown.
7. After several days' rest, Washington broke up his camp near Pottstown to take up a strong position and within a convenient distance from the British. He encamped on the Skippack Creek, about twenty miles northwest from Philadelphia. Here he was joined by the troops that had been detached under General Wayne, and by the Continental troops that had been ordered from Peekskill, and also by the Jersey militia. By the close of the month of Sep- tember, Washington's army numbered about 18,000 troops. The American army, at this time, was in wretched condition for want of clothing and shoes. Upward of 1,000 men were actually barefooted, and performed their marches in this condition.
8. General Howe, on taking possession of Phila- delphia, dispatched a large division of his army to capture Forts Mifflin and Mercer, on the Delaware. Germantown was thus considerably weakened, and
Washington resolved to attempt a surprise.
The
same plan of attack which had been so successful at Trenton was again adopted. Washington ,having been informed through friendly emissaries of the di - vided condition of Howe's army, arranged a time and plan of attack. He so disposed his troops that the divisions of Sullivan and Wayne were to march down the main road and enter Germantown by way of Chest-
19
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
nut Hill; the divisions of Green and Stephens pro- ceeded down the Lime Kiln Road, and reached the town at the market-house; General Armstrong was ordercd to march down the Ridge Road and attack the enemy on the left ; in like manner Generals Small- wood and Foreman were to march down the old York Road and attack the right of the enemy. The divi- sion of Lord Sterling and the brigades of Generals Nash and Maxwell formed the reserve corps. This excellent. plan having been made, Washington broke camp on the Skippack (in the vicinity of Wentz's Church), and moved the several columns toward the enemy shortly after dark on the evening of the 3d of October. The attack was made early on the morning of October 4th. There was much severe fighting, and at one time it seemed that the British would be defeated ; but they gained possession of a large stone house-"Chew's Mansion "-and held it. A foolish attempt to dislodge them gave the enemy time to rally. On account of a heavy fog, prevailing at the time, and probably more on account of the inefficiency of the commanders of the flanking columns to co-operate with the attack upon the centre, the tide turned against the patriots and the day was lost. Washington, that same night, marched his men to Pennypacker's mill (near Schwenksville) on the Perkiomen. He placed his wounded and disabled soldiers in hospitals wherever he could establish them,
20
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
using for that purpose churches and other public buildings between Perkiomen and Reading.
9. As soon as Washington's forces had recovered from the shock of battle and were in a fit condition to move, he proceeded, with his army, to Whitemarsh, twelve miles from the city. Lines of defense were here thrown up, some of which are still to be seen near the village of Fort Washington, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. The defenses were thrown up October 20th, winter was approaching, and the patriots began to suffer for food and clothing. Howe, knowing the distressed condition of the Ameri- cans, determined to surprise their camp, but failed by reason of his plans having been discovered and com- municated to the American army .*
* General Howe had established his headquarters on Second Street, Philadelphia, and directly opposite lived William and Lydia Darrah, members of the Society of Friends, at whose house the council of war was held. On the 2d of December, the Adjutant-General told Lydia that they would occupy a certain room of her house and remain late, and that they wished the family to retire to bed early, adding that when they were ready to go away they would call her to let them out. She, accord- ingly, sent all her family to bed; but, as the officer had been so particular, her curiosity was excited. She took off her shoes, put her car to the key-hole of the door, and overheard an order read for all the British troops to march out late on the evening of the 4th and attack General Washington at Whitemarsh. On hearing this she immediately returned to her chamber and lay down. Soon after, the officer knocked at her chamber door, but she rose only at the third summons, pretending to be asleep. IIer mind was agitated, and supposing it in her power to save the lives of thousands of lier countrymen, she determined, by
21
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
10. The campaign closed at Whitemarsh on the 11th of December, 1777. Washington, after confer- ring with his principal officers, and due deliberation, concluded to go into winter-quarters at Valley Forge. The main division of the army crossed the Schuylkill River at Swede's Ford (now Norristown).
11. The sagacity of Washington had pointed to a strong position for his encampment. To the security of the river and hills the additional securities of for- tifications were added. Upon the recommendation of Congress, the whole army engaged in religious services, and observed the day with public thanks-
some means, to convey the information to General Washing- ton. Accordingly, on the following morning, she obtained a pass- port from Lord Howe, and left the city on the pretense of going to mill for four. Having passed the British lines, she was met by an American officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Craig. To him she disclosed her secret, after having obtained from him a solemn promise never to betray her individually, as her life might be at stakewith the British. The Colonel immediately acquainted Washington with what he had heard, and Lydia returned home with her flour. The British troops went to the intended attack and returned in a few days. The next evening the Adjutant- General called upon Lydia, as he wished to ask her some questions. She now supposed she was either suspected or be- trayed. He earnestly inquired whether any of her family were up the night he and the other officers met. She told him they all retired at eight o'clock. He observed : "I know you were asleep, for I knoeked at your door three times before you heard me. I am entirely at a loss to imagine who gave General Wash- ington information of our intended attack, unless the walls of the house could speak. When we arrived near Whitemarsh we found all the eannon mounted, and the troops prepared to receive us, and we have marched back like a parcel of fools."
22
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
giving and praise. The next day the men were di- vided into companies of twelve to build for themselves a hut fourteen by sixteen feet. The whole number of men was 11,098 when the encampment commenced, while the British army, at the same time, contained 33,736 men. The condition of the American army in their encampment at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777 and '78 was truly distressing. The soldiers suffered intensely from the want of clothing, food, and proper shelter. Many became sick, and thus added to the misery. The patriotism and bravery of the soldiers were shown in fighting the evils in their midst as well as the enemy upon the field. Washington here saw his darkest days, and much was added to their gloom when the miserable conspiracy headed by Generals Gates, Conway, and Mifflin to remove him from his command became known. But the alienation was only for a moment ; the allegiance of the army remained unshaken, and the nation's confidence in the troubled chieftain became stronger than ever. The news of Burgoyne's surrender and the treaty of alliance with France was received with great rejoicing in the American army. It inspired the patriots with new zeal and energy that they might carry on the war to a successful issue.
12. It was during the spring of 1778 that Baron Steuben, a veteran soldier and disciplinarian, from the army of Frederick the Great, came and joined him-
23
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
self to Washington's army, and thus rendered in- valuable service in drilling the troops.
13. Colonel John Lacey, of Bucks County, was com- missioned a Brigadier-General January 8th, 1778, and took command of the militia between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. His orders were to watch the enemy and protect the inhabitants, and for that pur- pose he took station at Warwick about the middle of January, later at Græme Park, and next at Harts- ville. From this place he proceeded to Hatboro, about half a mile east of which he formed his camp. His forces numbered about 450 men, a part of whom only were armed, and at times suffered for the want of pro- visions. The British having obtained information of General Lacey's camp, the arrangement of his forces, and the places of his patrols; and as he had been active against the enemy, concluded his capture would be an object. Accordingly, a regiment, called the " Queen's Rangers," numbering 800 men, under Colonel Abercrombie, was sent to capture him. They left the city by the Middle Road and below Huntingdon Valley separated. One division under Major Simcoe proceeded up the Welsh Road to the upper corner of Moreland, then across to Horsham meeting-house, thence on the road to Hatboro. Colonel Abercrombie's division entered the Byberry Road, which led directly to Lacey's camp. General Lacey and his forces were entirely surprised, as they had not been sufficiently
24
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
watchful. They continued retreating and fighting for two miles, when they suddenly turned into the wood which protected them from the enemy. General Lacey attributed his misfortunes to the disobedience and misconduct of officers of the scouting parties. The Americans lost thirty killed and seventeen wounded ; the British loss was trifling-some six or seven wounded.
14. On the 17th of May, Sir Henry Clinton suc- ceeded Sir William Howe* in the command of the British army in Philadelphia, the latter having re- signed and returned to England. On the 18th of June, the British evacuated Philadelphia, and re- treated across New Jersey to New York. Previous to the evacuation, Washington dispatched La Fayette with 2,000 choice troops to take position at Barren Hill to watch the enemy. He crossed the Schuylkill at Matson's Ford (Conshohocken) about noon on the 18th of May, and proceeded to the Ridge Road, thence to Barren Hill, where he took post one-fourth of a mile west of the church. Howe, having been in- formed of La Fayette's position, at once formed a plan to surprise and cut him off. For that purpose Howe sent General Grant, on the night of the 19th, with 5,000 troops, to gain the rear of La Fayette's position. They proceeded from Philadelphia directly to Flour- town, thence to the present village of Broad Axe,
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.