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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02219 8540
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Theo MBEam MED.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
A COLLECTION OF PAPERS PREPARED FOR THE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA.
V. I
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.
VOLUME I.
NORRISTOWN, PA. : HERALD PRINTING AND BINDING ROOMS. 1895.
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1687328
OFFICERS
OF THE Historical Society of Montgomery County, Pa. 1895.
PRESIDENT : HON. HIRAM C. HOOVER.
VICE PRESIDENTS : JOSEPH FORNANCE, HON. A. D. MARKLEY, WILLIAM W. POTTS.
TREASURER : WILLIAM MCDERMOTT.
LIBRARIAN : MRS. JACOB L. REX.
TRUSTEES : HON. JONES DETWILER, PROF. JOS. K. GOTWALS, WM. MCDERMOTT, ELLWOOD ROBERTS, HON. HENRY W. KRATZ.
SECRETARY : MRS. A. CONRAD JONES.
lo valeria
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
- PAGE
FRONTISPIECE-THEO. W. BEAN.
OLD SWEDES' CHURCH, UPPER MERION
240
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NORRITON
256
CENTENNIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, JEFFERSONVILLE
304
DIE HIRTEN (The Shepherds)
312
DRAFT OF THOMPSON'S LAND
348
THOMPSON GENEALOGY .
352
JEFFERSONVILLE INN
376
OLD MAP OF NORRISTOWN
405
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
INTRODUCTORY
5
COL. THEODORE W. BEAN.
William McDermott
IO
WHITEMARSH.
Hon. William A. Yeakle
16
THE STORY OF LYDIA DARRAH. Miss Margaret D. Rex
90
BANKS AND BANKING. William McDermott
94
NORRITON TOWNSHIP. Dr. David Schrack 122
THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. Dr. Hiram Corson
134
LOCAL HISTORY. William J. Buck
139
THE SWEDES. Dr. George W. Holstein 143
MEN OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN STATE AND NATIONAL LEGISLATION. Hon. A. B. Longaker :46
SOMETHING ABOUT LOWER MERION.
Miss Margaret B. Harvey
149
HISTORY OF THE FIRST TROOP OF CAVALRY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY,
PA. Hon. Hiram C. Hoover . 176
THE SECOND TROOP, MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAVALRY. Major William H. Holstein 184
CLOCK AND WATCHMAKERS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. M. Auge IS7
YESTERDAY'S SUNSET. William McDermott 197
THE REDEMPTIONERS. Lewis R. Harley, Ph. D. 209 WOMEN OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN WAR-TIME. Mrs. Anna M. Holstein, 219 SKETCH OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA. Rev. Matthias Sheeleigh, D. D. . 232 CHRIST (SWEDES') CHURCH, UPPER MERION. Rev. A. A. Marple, Rector, 240 NORRITON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Rev. Charles Collins 255
AN EARLY TEACHER OF LANGUAGES AND MUSIC IN NORRISTOWN. William ยท
J. Buck 300
2
CONTENTS.
FRIES' REBELLION. Lewis R. Harley, Ph. D. PAGE
313
A BRITISH CAPTURE. William J. Buck
327
FOURTH AND FIFTH BATTALIONS, PENNSYLVANIA MILITIA, 1777 1780. Hon. Jones Detwiler 336
THE THOMPSON FAMILY AND THE JEFFERSONVILLE INN. Dr. Willoughby H. Reed . 348
OLD " HARRITON," NEAR BRYN MAWR. Samuel Gordon Smyth 394 - AN OLD MAP OF NORRISTOWN 405
GENERAL INDEX. D. K. Cassel 410
T
INTRODUCTORY.
The objects of a county historical society are to perpetu- ate a record of important events occurring within the county, or in any way affecting its welfare, and also to preserve the memory of eminent persons who have lived within its borders, or who have advanced its interests.
The Historical Society of Montgomery County was incor- porated on May 11, 1883. The object of this society, as stated in its charter, was " the study and preservation of the history of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania." The society had its real start several years before a charter was obtained. A strong motive for forming the society was to prepare for a proper celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of the county. The Act of Assembly for erecting part of the county of Philadelphia into a separate county, to be called Montgomery, was passed on September 10, 1784.
The first meeting for establishing the Historical Society was held at the Court House, Norristown, on February 22, 1881. Among those who signed a call for this meeting, most of whom were present, were Dr. Hiram Corson, Major Wm. H. Holstein, Col. Theodore W. Bean, Robert Iredell, Gen. William J. Bolton, Moses Auge, Isaac Chism, Reuben Krieble, Samuel M. Corson, F. G. Hobson, Prof. R. F. Hoffecker, Isaac Roberts, Nathaniel Jacoby, Jones Detwiler, L. H. Davis, Dr. J. S. Shrawder, William M. Clift, A. K. Thomas, William J. Binder, William H. Bean, M. S. Longaker, Wm. J. Nicholls, William Auchenbach. Col. Theodore W. Bean was made chairman, and Samuel M. Corson secretary.
A permanent organization of the society was soon formed. A name for it was selected, constitution and by-laws were
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HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
adopted, ladies were declared eligible for membership, and dues fixed. A circular letter was prepared and sent to public spir- ited citizens throughout the county, asking them to assist in collecting historical information for the purposes of the society. The interest of William J. Buck, Abraham Cassel and other local historians and antiquarians was enlisted, and their assist- ance was promised.
It was determined to hold meetings of the society monthly, and they were so held for several years. But subsequently the meetings were held quarterly; the principal meeting being always held on the 22d of February of each year. These meetings were mostly held at the Court House, Norristown, the County Commissioners having given a room there for the use of the society. The larger meetings were held in one of the court rooms. Meetings were also held at the houses of members, among them William B. Livezey, Plymouth ; Jacob L. Rex, Whitpain; Charles Fitzwater, Flourtown; and Francis Whiting, Jeffersonville. The society also held a meeting in July, 1 889, at Valley Forge, where they were addressed by Hon. John S. Wise, of Virginia. A joint meeting with the Bucks County Historical Society was held at Ambler, in June, 1886. A gen- eral meeting in the interests of the society was held at the Court House, on December 29, 1893, presided over by Hon. Aaron S. Swartz, President Judge of the county, and addressed by Gen. W. W. H. Davis, of Doylestown, and by the State Librarian, Dr. Wm. H. Egle, of Harrisburg. Several banquets have been given by the society, at which suitable toasts were responded to by the members and invited guests.
The successful celebration of the centennial of the forma- tion of Montgomery county was largely owing to the His- torical Society. This occurred on September 9, 10, 11 and 12. 1884. The celebration of this centennial was one of the motives leading to the original formation of the society. A joint association, called the Centennial Association, was then formed, composed of members of the Historical Society, pub- lic officers of the county, and some public-spirited citizens, for the purpose of promoting and carrying out the celebration.
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INTRODUCTORY.
This association was under the control of the Historical So- ciety. A great deal of time and labor was spent in preparing for the celebration. It was made a great success, and was a credit to the county and to those engaged in its management. A volume, giving a full account of the celebration, was issued under the auspices of this society. The celebration was even made a success financially. It was so well managed that of the receipts, after paying all expenses, and after wiping out all the accumulated debts of the Historical Society, there remained a surplus of $1,200. That sum was paid over to this society in trust, to be invested in good real estate security, the prin- cipal sum to remain intact, and the interest only to be used for the objects of the society. The fund has been kept intact for the purpose of the trust.
After the centennial celebration was over, a reaction set in, and the Historical Society began to languish. General inter- est in it seemed to decline. For several years only a few kept up the organization and attended its meetings. But presently there was a revival of interest and a considerable increase of membership. This was largely due to the efforts of Senator A. D. Markley. He sought and obtained for it recognition and members. He presented it with a number of historical books and documents, and induced others to make similar contributions.
The society is now in a flourishing condition. It has on its lists the names of sixty members. It gladly welcomes to its membership all who feel an interest in its objects. The entrance fee for members is one dollar, and the dues are fifty cents a year.
Much of the success of the society was due to Col. Theo- dore W. Bean. He was largely instrumental in its formation. He labored for it and worked hard to keep up its organization. At his death the society lost an efficient and active member. He was its first president, and continued to serve it in that capacity until 1889, when he declined a re-election. He was succeeded as president by Hon. Jones Detwiler, and the latter by Hon. Hiram C. Hoover.
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HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
The society is collecting a historical library, and has a good collection of such books. A number of books and documents were given to it. Some books were purchased. It desires to have a complete collection of all books of a local historical nature. It will be glad to receive donations of any printed matter, such as local sketches ; histories of townships, churches, schools and societies; school catalogues; lists of members of local societies ; genealogies of families, any of whom have ever lived in this county ; old directories of towns ; and historical documents and letters.
At one time an effort was made in the society to estab- lish auxiliary historical societies throughout the county. Un- fortunately, the plan was not urged. It would be well if some- thing of this nature were done.
The legitimate work of the society being the study and preservation of the county's history, much has been done by it in that direction.
A number of papers and sketches concerning the county history have been prepared for the society by such of its mem- bers as are especially interested in historical research, and have been read at its meetings. Most of these papers are the result of careful investigation. They record facts gathered with much labor and patiently collated. There is in them much of inter- est to the people of this county. In order the better to pre- serve them a committee was appointed by the society to ar- range for their publication in a permanent form. For that purpose this book is issued by the society.
The first paper prepared for the society and read at its meetings was a sketch of the early settlement of Plymouth and Whitpain townships, by Samuel M. Corson, of Plymouth Meet- ing. He was the first secretary of the society. He died not long after preparing that paper. The paper has unfortunately been lost. It was carefully prepared, and reflected the ability of its author. It is to be regretted that it can not be included in this publication.
Several other papers which were read at the society's meetings, and which this committee considered worthy to be
9
INTRODUCTORY.
included in this volume, have been omitted at the request of their authors. They were not satisfied with their work, and did not consider it of sufficient value to permit its publication.
The society expects to continue in the future the publica- tion of such papers and sketches as may be hereafter prepared for it.
JOSEPH FORNANCE, JONES DETWILER, MRS. A. CONRAD JONES, Committee on Publication.
NORRISTOWN, PA., June 20, 1894.
10
COL. THEODORE W. BEAN.
Prepared by William McDermott.
The Montgomery County Historical Society, desiring to place in more permanent form the sentiments of esteem and regard entertained for the founder of the society, Theodore Weber Bean, and for his diversified talents and accomplish- ments, lay this tribute of our abiding respect as a memento upon his grave.
Whether at the bar, before judge and jury, with forensic eloquence and knowledge of the great fundamental principles of law; or in the dominion of literature, as historian or author, proving his scholarship and accuracy of information; or on the platform of the orator or lecturer; or on the field of battle, with a calmness and courage that inspired all around him; whether in one, or in all these relations of life, Colonel Bean proved himself qualified to take rank with his associates. Here in our own society, when many were disappointed and disheartened, and our outlook was without encouragement, his indomitable will, that knew no retreat, his cheerful spirit that looked upon the bright side of all questions, kept marching on unconscious of defeat. We, in turn, took faith from his enthusiasm and all kept step to the music of advance and progress, until now success perches upon the standard of the Montgomery County Historical Society.
We therefore owe our present position largely to him who was a father, a citizen, and a soldier in the best qualities of all these relations of life, and it is fitting that this first publi- cation of our society should bear record of his life and services.
In taking the chair at the first meeting of the society, Col. Bean said :
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11
COL. THEODORE W. BEAN.
Gentlemen: I beg to acknowledge the compliment ten- dered in the presidency of this meeting, the presence of which is encouraging. It has been thought proper that measures should be taken to preserve the common history of our ances- try as associated with the organization and development of the county, and that the initiatory steps should be taken in pre- paring for a proper celebration or memorial to mark the close of its first century.
In this country comparatively new in these subdivisions of the earth, we have been more successful in making history than in preserving it. The almost marvelous achievements of the great heroic and distinguished men and women who have preceded us in the work of life, and bequeathed to us civil and religious liberty and the personal advantages of permanent self-government, place us under obligations to reciprocate in some measure the distinguished favor, and, if possible, to rescue their work, their common history, from the households of their progeny before it is forgotten or deemed of minor importance. To this end this meeting has been called, and we hope it will result in permanent and effective organization, intelligent and methodical effort, until the work is accomplished.
The history of a country can not be written by the or- dinary bookmaker; it comes from the thousands of homes where it is lived and repeated in the generations constantly succeeding each other. And it is only when the archives of the rich contributions of facts are associated with the domestic, civil and religious and political lives of those gone before that we can write a book that will adequately tell the beautiful story of their hardship and perils, their devotion and sacrifice, their patriotism and achievements.
After serving as president of the society for the first eight years of its existence, Col. Bean wrote the following letter :
NORRISTOWN, PA., February 19, ISS9.
To the Officers and Members of the Montgomery County Histor- ical Society :
I regret my necessary absence from home, and inability to attend the annual meeting of the society. It will, I hope. be understood that it is from no want of interest in the work of this organization, which is of greater future than present interest.
In this connection, I beg leave most sincerely to suggest the propriety-indeed, I think the necessity-of changing our
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12
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
custom of re-electing the president. I feel confident that our progress will be best assured by inviting to the chair a suc- cession of gentlemen who feel alike a deep interest in the growth and prosperity of the society. To this end, I beg leave to decline further service as president, and ask to be placed on duty as a member of the Executive Committee, where I may contribute as best I know to the usefulness of the society.
With great respect, very truly yours, THEO. W. BEAN.
In accordance with his request, Col. Bean was placed on the Executive Committee, and served the society in that capa- city until the time of his death, January 20, 1891.
At the annual meeting of the society, held February 26, 1891, Mr. Wm. McDermott presented the following memorial :
To us, assembled at this, the annual meeting of the His- torical Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, the vacant chair of Col. Theodore W. Bean tells its story of sad- ness ; and we realize the grief we feel and the irreparable loss the society has sustained in his death.
In Col. Bean we recognized the organizer and the inspir- ation of the society. To his enthusiasm and constant devo- tion to its success and welfare the perpetuation of the organ- ization is largely due. He was its first president, and continued in office consecutively for eight years, retiring only because the pressure of his other public and. official duties prevented his giving the time and attention the position demanded ; and his connection was no half-hearted service.
His varied and extensive knowledge, his studious research. his analytical mind brought to us much that was valuable, and much that would otherwise have been lost not only to the so- ciety but also to the county and the state.
As a citizen, as a soldier, as an author, as a lawyer, as a legislator, and as a patriot, on the battle-field and in civil life, he discharged every duty and every obligation with fidelity and devotion.
We extend our sympathies to the family, who, above all others, feel the poignant pangs of sorrow, for he was a most devoted husband and father. We commend the grieving house- hold to Him who alone can heal the wounded heart.
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13
COL. THEODORE W. BEAN.
The following biographical sketch of Col. Bean was pre- pared by order of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Legion of the United States, and read at a stated meeting of the Board of Officers, Philadelphia, May 11, 1891 :
THEODORE WEBER BEAN.
Second Lieutenant 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, October 17, 1862; First Lieutenant, November 21, 1862; Captain, November 1, 1863 ; honorably mustered out, June 20, 1865.
Breveted Major of United States Volunteers, March 13, 1865, " for distinguished and gallant services during the late campaign in Virginia"; Lieutenant-Colonel, March 13, 1865, " for distinguished services throughout the late campaign."
Elected November 1, 1882. Class I. Insignia 2578.
Born in Montgomery county, Pa., May 14, 1833.
Died at Norristown, Pa., January 20, 1891.
Companion Bean was mustered into the service of the United States as a private of Company L, 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, September 17, 1862, "to serve for three years or dur- ing the war." He was appointed First Sergeant on the organ- ization of the company, and promoted to Second and First Lieutenant before the command left the state. He became Captain of his company May 30, 1863. The command en- tered the Army of the Potomac in the winter of 1862, and participated in all its subsequent campaigns, including Chan- cellorsville, Beverly Ford, Aldie, Gettysburg, Winchester, Five Forks, Taylor's Creek, and Appomattox. During the first day's battle at Gettysburg the services of Captain Bean attracted the attention of his division commander, General Buford, and after the battle he was called to division head- quarters and placed on staff duty as provost marshal. He continued to serve as a member of General Buford's staff until the death of that officer, and subsequently on the staffs of Generals Merritt and Torbert, remaining with the latter until the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomat- tox, April 9, 1865.
During his whole period of service Col. Bean displayed that same indomitable energy, courage and devotion to duty so characteristic of his whole life, whether as soldier or civilian. Gifted with intelligence and foresight, never hesitating when he saw his duty clearly defined, ever obedient and ready to
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HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
obey orders, he at all times attracted the attention of his superiors as an invaluable assistant when nerve, energy, promptness and courage were required. Among his fellow- officers he was always a favorite because of his suavity and kindness of manner. Without one particle of envy or jealousy in his nature, he was ever willing to add to the happiness of others regardless of self.
At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, and for years followed that honorable occupation ; but his de- sire to advance himself in life led him to adopt the law as a profession. He was admitted to the bar of his native county February 24, 1869, and continued in active practice until the close of his life January 20, 1891.
In 1873 he delivered a course of lectures on the subject of " Property Rights of Married and Single Women" before the Pennsylvania Female College, at Collegeville, Pa. He was devoted to literature, and was especially interested in the study of history. As an orator he ranked high, and his services were eagerly sought after upon important occasions. He was the author of " The Roll of Honor of the 17th Pennsylvania Cav- alry," "Footprints of the Revolution; or, Washington at Valley Forge One Hundred Years Ago"; Annals of the War -" Buford at Gettysburg," " Custer's Charge at Yellow Tavern," "The Fall of General Zook," "General Pleasanton at Chancellorsville," " Sheridan in the Shenandoah."
He also delivered Memorial Day orations at Lancaster, Pa., 1882; Cavalry Post, No. 35, 1883; Seven Pines, Va .. ISSS; and Bryn Mawr, Pa., 1890. In 1884 he published a history of Montgomery county, Pa. It was mainly through Colonel Bean's efforts that Valley Forge was preserved to the nation as sacred ground. He labored long and earnestly with other noble spirits to make this hallowed spot worthy to be visited and remembered for all time to come.
Always interested in the cause of education, he advocated with much earnestness the subject of manual training in the public schools ; and in 1887 Governor Beaver appointed him a member of the State Commission on Industrial Education, which body presented an exhaustive report on the subject to the Legislature of Pennsylvania. In 1889 he was elected to the Legislature, and during the session was made chairman of the Committee on Education. He took an active part in the debates, and was regarded as one of the leading members of that body.
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15
COL. THEODORE W. BEAN.
Colonel Bean was particularly happy in his domestic re- lations. He was a kind and devoted husband and father, de- voting his whole life to the advancement and welfare of his family. He leaves to survive him a wife and three children.
COE DURLAND, Brevet Colonel United States Volunteers, LOUIS W. READ, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel United States Volunteers, HENRY K. WEAND, Captain 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Committee.
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WHITEMARSH.
By William A. Yeakle.
When the Europeans first came to the shores of the Dela- ware, they found it inhabited by the Indians. All the eastern part of what is now the state of Pennsylvania was occupied by roving bands of the Lenni Lenape, one of that great family of nations known as the Five Nations, or Mengwe, or more frequently by us called Iroquois. The territory of the Lenni Lenape, or, as they became better known to the white settlers, the Delawares, from the river of that name, included all that region of country lying between the Hudson and Susquehanna rivers, and consequently both sides of the Delaware river and bay. Under the general name of the Delawares was compre- hended quite a number of distinct tribes, yet speaking dialects of a common language, and gathering around the same council fire. William Penn, when he landed on the shores of the Delaware, in 1682, at once concluded a treaty of peace and friendship with the aborigines, and thus laid the foundation of that security and good will which for seventy years guaranteed to the early settlers that prosperity and safety for which the colony of Pennsylvania became proverbial, and so conducive to its growth.
The treaty made at the Great Elm Tree at Kensington was shortly followed by others, by which the Indians relin- quished their right to lands, from time to time, as it became necessary for occupation by the immigration which was flow- ing into the colony. July 14, 1683, a treaty was made by Penn's agents with Neneshickan, Malebore, Neshanccke, and Oscreneon, for the purchase of all the lands lying between the Schuylkill and Pennepack streams, extending northwest as far as the Conshohocken ridge of hills. By this treaty the lower
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WHITEMARSH.
part of the present county of Montgomery was relinquished and quit-claimed by the Indians. This included the southwest corner of the township of Whitemarsh.
On the 30th of July, 1685, a treaty was ratified with the Indians by which they released to the whites, all their right and title to the lands described within the limits of Montgom- ery county, excepting that part lying east of the Pennepack creek. The treaty is in the following words:
We, Shakhoppah, Secane, Malebore, Tangoras, Indian Sakamackers, and right owners of ye lands lying between Mac- opanackan, alias Upland, now called Chester river or creek, and the river or creek of Pemapecka, now called Dublin creek, beginning at a hill called Conshohockingn the river Mana- iunck, or Schuylkill, from thence extending a parallel line to the said Macopanackan (alias Chester creek) by a south- westerly course, and from the said Conshohocken hill to the . aforesaid Pemapecka (alias Dublin creek), by the said parallel line, northwesterly, and so up along the said Pemapecka as far as the creek extends, and so from thence 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 of the said parallel line at Pemapecka, as also beginning at the said par- allel at Macopanackan (Chester creek), and so from thence up the said creek as far as it extends, and from thence north- westerly 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 of the said parallel line at the said Macopanackan creek, alias Chester-For and in consideration of 200 fathoms of wampum, 30 fathoms of duffells, 30 guns, 60 fathoms of strawd . waters, 30 kettles, 30 shirts, 20 gun belts, 12 pairs shoes, 30 pairs stockings, 30 pairs scissors, 30 combs, 30 axes, 30 knives, 21 tobacco tongs, 30 bars of lead, 30 pounds powder, 30 awls, 30 glasses, 30 tobacco boxes, 30 papers of beads, 44 pounds of red lead, 30 pairs of hawks' bells, 6 drawing knives, 6 caps, 12 hoes-To us in hand well and truly paid by William Penn, proprietary and governor of Pennsylvania and territories-Do by these presents grant, bargain, sell, &c., all right, title and interest that we or any others shall or may claim in the same -hereby renouncing and disclaiming forever any claim or pretence to the premises, for us, our heirs and successors, and all other Indians whatsoever. In witness whereof we set our
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