USA > Pennsylvania > Bucks County > Falls in Bucks County > Historical sketches, chiefly relating to the early settlement of Friends at Falls, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania > Part 1
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Gc 974.802 F197b 1753048
M
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02223 8445
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historicalsketch00brow 0
HISTORICAL SKETCHES,
CHIEFLY RELATING TO THE . :
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF FRIENDS
AT.
FALLS,
IN
BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
BY G. W. B. 1882.
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PHILADELPHIA : PRINTING HOUSE OF JOHN P. MURPHY. 227 South Fifth St.
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1753048 ·
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
CHAP. I.
Among those eminent for virtue, energy. religious weight. and usefulness in church and state: who left their dwelling places in old ancestral England. and crossing the Atlantic. founded their habitations in foreign lands. sur- rounded by wilderness aspects. and uncivilized aborigines, was Phineas Pemberton; a goodly number of his contemporaries, who, like him- self, were primitive settlers of the country Iving adjacent to the falls of the Delaware River. in the south-eastern part of Bucks County. Pennsylvania, (a locality recognized by the general name of Falls.) were those of congenial character, and who with him, doubt- los were largely instrumental in shaping the local affairs, and future prospects of the newly planted colony, by their wise counsels, their upright walking, their diligent industry. their
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HISTORICAL SKETCHES
prudent economy, their Christian spirit, and religious weight and influence.
. Numerous offices of trust and importance were conferred upon. Phineas Pemberton in the civil and public service of the county and province of which he was a resident, and being a prominent member of the little community with which he was surrounded, it may not be uninteresting, historically, to refer to an earlier period. and as sketched chiefly by himself, bring partially into view the standing and position of some of the primitive settlers. and trace some of the influences and considerations which finally resulted in the immigration of a band of fifty-two persons from England, ap- parently bound together by common interest, and looking forward to the same place of de- barkation, which the captain of the vessel they occupied. promised by contract. should be at a satisfactory place in Pennsylvania.
Phineas, the son of Ralph and Margaret Pemberton, was born eleventh month. 31st. 1649, and in due time was apprenticed to John Abraham, a valuable friend, whose re-
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sidence was at Manchester, England. Pos- sessing energy, fearlessness, and independence in a remarkable degree, he, in common with many of his brethren of those days, several times suffered persecution for conscience sake, even while serving as an apprentice. After one of these seasons of trial, he wrote a long letter to his father, describing the proceedings : this letter has been referred to as portraying a "specimen of undaunted bearing, honest firmness, and promptness of reply, little to be expected in a youth then under age;" it is concluded in the following language: "Blessed be the Lord God of everlasting goodness, that gave me power and dominion over and above them all! I can truly say when he (the pre- siding officer) had uttered all his railing and bitterness, and all the cruelty that was in him, it was no more to me than if he had smiled upon me." In addition to other railing words; this officer, or justice, as he was called, told Phineas that this was his second offense, and if he offended again, he would be hanged, and that he, himself, would prosecute.
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HISTORICAL SKETCHES
Phineas has left a record of the following particulars relating to the last visit that he ever made to his affectionate master, whose precepts and example, and fatherly care, had been of so much value to him during the im- portant period of his apprenticeship.
"The 19th of the 4th month. 1681, being the first day of the week. he being then sick, of the sickness whereof he in a short time afterwards died. I went from home early in the morning to visit him thinking. after I had visited him, to go to the meeting in the town, (Manchester) and I had acquainted him that I intended to take my journey toward London in a few days. About meeting time, being about to take leave, Ralph Ridgway being then present, and ready to go with me, he desired us to stay awhile, and said to me: I would not have thee go to meeting this day, but spend it with me; for thou mayest not have another to spend with me: but to enjoy the benefit of a meeting. thou mayest have more opportunities. Accordingly I stayed, and the friend R. R., for some time. and he placed us on each hand of his chair.
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After a little silence he desired to stand up, and, being helped by us, he leaned on our shoulders, and spoke forth in a living spring of life, of the loving kindness of the Lord unto him, and how it had been extended, and was stretched out, and continued still unto him; and also, how he had walked and spent his days in his fear; and of his assurance of his favors and blessings ; and of his willingness to receive his dissolution, that he might arrive at that long desired haven of rest. And although he was under great weakness of body, yet, he was so filled with life, that he livingly spoke forth his words as when in his strength, to the penetrating, and piercing, and tendering of my spirit."
Phineas relates the following pleasing in- cident respecting his first acquaintance with Phebe Harrison, which took place in 1669, and whom he afterwards married. "Phebe. with her mother, as they were going into Che- shire, called at my master's shop, but I knew them not ; she being about nine years of age, said to her mother, (having some cherries in
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her apron.) I have a mind to give one of these young men some cherries; her mother said, then give to both. She said, no; I will but give to one: and through the crowd of people that then stood before the counter, she pressed. holding out her hand with cherries for me, before I was well aware, and I admired that a child I knew not, should offer me such kindness; but on inquiring, remembered that I had heard her name: and retaliated her kindness at the same time with a paper of brown candy."
Time passed on. and the friendship and at- tachment existing between Phineas and Phebe still progressing, it resulted in marriage en- gagement. and. eventually, in their marriage. A copy of the certificate appertaining to the oc- casion, from the records of Hardshaw Monthly Meeting, exhibits the simplicity. language and order of those primitive times ; and it is pro- bable that the same peculiarities which charac- terized those worthies, Boulton and its vicinity. were carried to America by the noble band that immigrated from thenee, and settling within the
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borders of what was afterward Falls Monthly Meeting, were instrumental in disseminating their principles and peculiarities around them.
In relation to the ceremonial proceeding which terminated in its accomplishment on the first day of the eleventh month, (repre- sented as being called January.) 1676, Phineas writes : " We joined together in marriage be- fore many witnesses, and Jesus was there. It was solemnized in the heart melting and ten- . dering power of God; also many were wit- nesses thereof, departing thence with a sense of the weighty savor of life, which proceeded from the fountain thereof, even the Son of God: and it rested upon their spirits, to the great refreshment of many, as the distilled showers upon the tender grass."
From the overflowings of a grateful heart. Phineas, in after years, thus wrote of their union. . ". In this, our weighty undertaking. we had our eve unto the Lord, and He had regard unto us; He honored us with his pre- sence, and hath been our support and defense through all difficulties, even to this present
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day. We will render and give to him our hearts, and we shall then be enabled to offer up the offering of praise and thanksgiving acceptably to Him, who is over all, and above all, is worthy, worthy thereof, saith my soul. ·for ever and ever."
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The following extract is from a- letter writ- ten by Phineas Pemberton to his wife the year before her dercase: " I am thine in the power of that endeared love which the power of death cannot break. The root lies hid by the hand of Divine Providence, until the warm rays again prevail: and then it shoots forth in tender buds, and is clothed with its wanted beauty and loveliness. So will seasons con- tinue, until we shall be transported to that region, where there shall be no more sucht winters and wrestlings."
There is an interesting feature in the history of Phineas Pemberton and his friends of Boul- . ton, and those parts. They were remarkable for their courage and constancy in braving the storm of persecution, and yet remarkable for their tenderness of heart. and as an evidence
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of their sensibility and tenderness of feeling, the following beautiful little sketch of Ann, the eldest daughter of Phineas and Phebe. is inserted :
"The first child born to this loving pair was named Ann, and appears to have been as interesting and lovely as her mother. When about four years of age, her health failed. and she felt that death would soon take her from her dear parents and friends. That valuable minister. Rodger Longworth, being about to depart upon a religious visit to Germany. this little girl who loved him greatly. when bid- ding him farewell, said she must never see him again, and so it proved : for her illness soon increased upon her, and meekly and gently as if going to sleep, the beautiful clay came to a perfect rest ; as the spirit departed to the God who gave it. Her grandfather Harrison thus writes of her: Most sweetly methinks she vet liveth. . I think some hun- dreds came to see her as she lay. after she was departed; some bowing and kissing her; and many broke forth and fell a weeping. She lay
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as if she had been in a sound sleep, with a fresh and lively countenance. The remem- brance of it melts my heart."
Our friends were lovers of peace and quiet- ness. and, doubtless, their patience was often sorely tried. The malice of some of the Priests, the tyrannical dispositions of men in power, and the cruelty and annoyance mani- fested by many in the more humble walks of life. produced great interruptions and unset- tlement in their outward affairs, as well as abridgment of liberty, and suffering of body. It is no marvel that the frequent trials to which this peace-loving people were subjected. in the form of imprisonments, fines. levies, distresses, impositions, and ill-treatment in a variety of ways, in the operation of unright- eous laws, administered by unrelenting ofli- cials, should loosen their hold upon the land of their nativity, and interest their minds in a country where civil and religious liberty were to be respected.
In the year 1681, William Penn obtained the grant of the province of Pennsylvania,
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and made preparations to found a colony there upon what he believed to be true Chris- tian principles, and some of our friends deter- mined to adopt this land of promise as their future home. We cannot suppose that this resolution was matured in their own will and wisdom. they were too sensible of their de- pendence upon Divine Providence to proceed in a measure of such importance, without feeling an evidence of Divine permission or approval. But we find that the prospect of removing to Pennsylvania. gradually became brighter and brighter, until at length they resolved to remove thither. and made prepa- rations accordingly.
It is said that the friends of these immigrants to the western hemisphere. were very loth to part with them. for their upright conduct, and kind and hospitable manner, together with the ties of consanguinity. and common faith. had largely endeared them to their friends, and also to many of their neighbors. In re- ference thereto, James Harrison thus writes : " Love in people appears more than ever ;
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some argue against our going; others declare their trouble, and say that they are sorry; and some ery when they think of our going." It is further stated, that according to the cus- tom and order of the society, Friends gave them a certificate; and it has been represented as being " most tender, full and large."
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Having embarked on board of the ship. "Submission." Captain James Settle, then lying . at Liverpool. they bid adieu to their native - land, and set sail for America on the fifth of the seventh month, 1632. Their company con- sisted of fifty-two persons. among whom were Ralph Pemberton. Phineas Pemberton. Phobe his wife. Abigail and Joseph their infant chil- dren. Agnes Harrison. Jamies Harrison. Anne his wife. Robert Bond. and Lydia Wharmby. The terms agreed upon between the passengers and captain were these: he was to receive four pounds two shillings per head for every one twelve years of age and upward. and two pounds two shillings for every one under twelve. and thirty shillings per ton for their goods and was to proceed with the ship to the
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"Delaware River, or elsewhere in Pennsyl- vania, to the best conveniency of freighters."
At the distant period of time. when this in- teresting band of emigrants to a foreign and distant land. turned their backs on England. and committed themselves to the perils of the turbulent and trackless ocean. a voyage to America was a very formidable undertaking. Vessels were imperfect, and navigators un- skillful, and the voyage tedious and dangerous. But they knew in whom they trusted, and it is reasonable to suppose that many of them re- signed themselves in faith, to the mercy and protection of that power that could control the winds and the waves, and enable them to reach their destined port in safety: or, if more consistent with the Divine will. require their lives, and conduct their souls to a better in- heritance, the haven of everlasting peace and rest.
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CHAP: II.
In violation of the contract between Captain Settle and his passengers, he sailed with his ship. "Submission." for Maryland, instead of Pennsylvania, encountered a severe storm at sea. and arrived in the Pautuxent River on the 30th of eighth month. 1682, disembarking his passengers, and unlading their goods at. . Choptank. This dishonest conduct of the Captain was a serious disadvantage to our friends, and detained them several months from their place of destination, which was near the falls of the Delaware in Pennsyl- vania. James Harrison and Phineas Pem- berton. leaving their families at the house of William Dickenson. travelled overland by was of New Castle to the place where Philadel- phia now stands. At New Castle, they had hoped for an interview with William Penn who had arrived on the 24th of the eighth month. previous: but they did not succeed at that time in obtaining any intercourse with
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him. he being absent in New York. Phila- delphia was not yet founded; its site was a wilderness, and they could procure no enter- tainment for their horses: and after spancel- ling them. and turning them out in the woods, availed themselves of such accommodations as they carried with them, and were, otherwise. obtainable. The next morning the horses could not be found. and after two days' search- ing for them in vain, they were abandoned. In this dilemma the travellers concluded to take boat and proceed up the Delaware River. The result of this expedition is thus recorded : " William Yardley. an uncle to Phineas Pem- berton. had arrived a few weeks before him, and had taken up land at the Falls, where he commenced the erection of a habitation. On the banks of the Delaware, opposite to Orclean's Island. Phineas determined to settle. and purchased a tract of three hundred acres of land which he called " Grove Place." Is he and his father-in-law were returning from their tour of investigation. the latter. having Wwen chosen a member of the Assembly. and
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speaker of the House of Provincial Repre- sentatives. remained at Chester, before called Upland. Here the first General Assembly met. in the month called December, William Penn being President. The sessions continued three days, in which about sixty laws or acts were passed in due form." The circumstance of landing in Maryland. instead of a conve- nient place on the River Delaware, subjected Phineas Pemberton and company to a tedious and annoying transportation of themselves and movables to the Falls: which was not accomplished until the second month, 1683. Phineas, with his family. pending the creation of a dwelling upon his own land. abode at the house of Lyonel Brittain. a friend who had settled earlier at the Falls. On a very old map of the locality. James Harrison's name is indorsed upon a plot representing a tract of land adjoining that of Phineas Pemberton.
Among those eminent for piety and useful- ness-who received the truth in the love of it. in the revival of primitive Christianity in its ancient purity : in the dawning of a brighter
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day, after a long night of apostacy; a day of renewed breaking forth of gospel light and power-was James Harrison; concerning whom, two of his contemporaries. William Yardley and Phineas Pemberton. put forth the following testimony : " That the righteous may not be buried in oblivion. we give forth this testimony concerning our well-beloved friend James Harrison, who was born at Kendal in Westmorland : and in the break- ing forth of truth in those parts. he was early convinced thereof. and. in a short time after. came forth in a public testimony for the same. His ministry was not in the wisdom of this world. but in the demonstration of the spirit and power of God. by which many were con- vinced. the serpent's head was broken. the wisdom of the flesh confounded. and several came forth in a living testimony for God. who were begotten to the Lord by him. and still romain seal- to his ministry. As he was in- strumental in turning many to God. so he was helpful in the establishing such as were con- verted, being a good pattern, as well in con-
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versation as in doctrine, walking uprightly as in the daytime, being bold and valiant for the truth, in opposing its enemies. whether professors or profane, though they often raged sore against him. so that his sufferings were very great. both by imprisonment and spoil of goods; yet. he always with great courage kept his ground against all those that rose up against him. for truth's sake, which was of more worth to him than all outward enjoy- `ments. In the year 1652 he removed with his family into Pennsylvania, and as his testi- mony was in the power of God when in the land of his nativity, so it was when here. he being likewise serviceable many ways. And though he had great concerns in this world. vet he earnestly labored to keep a conscience void of offense. being a man of peaceable spirit, and the Lord's power kept him a sweet. savor to the end. He bore his sickness with much patience, though often greatly bowed down therewith. to the time of his departure. laying down his head in peace, and passing away in much stillness. His removal being
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our loss, but his gain, for, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, they shall rest from their labors. and their works do follow them."
James Harrison suffered much in his native land, in support of the doctrines and testimo- nies he felt bound to uphold and defend ; and his fidelity to his Divine Master, and zealous- ness in his cause. led to his imprisonment in the years 1660, '61. 63. 64. '65 and 66. The cup of suffering arising from the persecution of the times, was often meted out to him. and not unfrequently to his wife, who appears to have been his truly sympathizing friend. a faithful partaker of his joys and sorrows. a mother in our Israel, and a prominent helper in the society of which she was a member. Of her. Phineas Pemberton thus writes : " In all the before-mentioned sufferings. his wife. that worthy matron, was not dejected or cast down. but went through all with a cheerful spirit. having her aim and eve upon that lot of inheritance, whose builder and maker is Kind, and is beyond the reach of persecution. Whether he was in bonds or at liberty, in suf-
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ferings or out of sufferings. always managing his and her own business and herself, with great prudence and dexterity ; taking delight, and making it her business, how to spend her days in the service of truth, and the serving of its friends; behaving herself in such an even frame and temper of spirit, to all per- sons and at all times. that she was greatly beloved by friends. and enemies scarce daring to come nigh, her conduct was so prudent."
William Yardley appears to have been a friend largely gifted for the administration of the discipline. as well as an eminent minister in the Society of Friends: the early records of Falls Monthly Meeting. give evidence of his usefulness in the affairs of the Church, and the high estimation in which his friends held him: a full share of the meeting business appears to have fallen to his lot, which it is reasonable to suppose, he transacted with tidel- ity and sound judgement. as became a pillar in the Church, and a faithful guardian of the monthly meeting in its infant state; he being one of its originators, among whom his
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name stands first .. He migrated to America in the fiftieth year of his age, and, doubtless, the experience, counsel and fatherly care of such a friend, were of great value to those among whom his lot was cast, and being a friend of superior judgment, was eminently calculated to dispense that which was comfortable, and that which was profitable around him. Hay- ing. in his youth, chosen that good part which was never taken away from him, and being favored to partake largely of Divine qualifica- tions and favors, he did not put his light under a bushel. nor hide his talent in the earth. but labored as ability was extended. for the present and eternal welfare of his fellow man : first. in England. the land of his na- tivity, and place of his residence for near half a century, and, where it is said, " he received the truth with a ready mind and gladness of heart, and thought nothing too dear to part with for it." and where he labored abundantly. being zealous for the prosperity of Zion. and the enlargement of her borders. And after his migration to America, where his services
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were so eminently useful, as a light shining in a wilderness land he still went about doing good, proving himself an able minister of the gospel, and a faithful watchman of Zion's walls; zealously concerned to keep the camp free from detilement, whether of a spiritual or moral character, and a pleasing companion in social life. The influence of such a friend was of great value when the foundations of society were being laid in the wills of America.
It is pleasing to muse upon a picture such as this, upon such an example of faithfulness, of uprightness, of devotedness to the welfare of the Church, and the good of mankind gene- rally. And it is pleasing to turn from the blood-stained history of most of the other colo- nies of America, and dwell upon the peaceable and righteous civil and religious policy advo- cated by William Yardley, and other kindred spirits of his day. These were stars of hea- venly lustre: not as the stars of some of the other colonies, that attained an earthly bright- ness by famous deeds of blood : our worthies
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did not seek to advance the Redeemer's king- dom, nor to prove the efficacy of Gospel prin- ciples, nor to promote the welfare of their fellow man. in that way: but the blessings of peace and prosperity generally accompanied them in their civil and religious concerns ; a kind Providence was evidently 'round about them to preserve and protect : the firey spirit of the red man was held in subjection, and his affections were won by the irresistible power of Christian love. And this friendship was not of momentary duration : it was not as an empty bubble, or a misty vapor. dissolving in air, and leaving no traces of its existence: but its permanency has been transmitted from sire to son, and is eveval with the lapse of time from that day to this. And this friendship was useful and comforting to both parties, and proved. in measure, that our friends had built upon the right foundation-" by their fruits ve shall know them."
William Biles, a co-temporary, and much "stremed friend of the immigrants who were primitive settlers about the Falls of the Dela-
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ware. was an active, able, and early supporter of the civil government founded by William Penn, in the Province of Pennsylvania. He was one of the first delegates chosen to repre- sent the inhabitants of Bucks County, in the Provincial Assembly, and a share in its im- portant concerns was frequently confided to him in subsequent years. Nor was he less skillful in Church government: the ancient . records of Falls Monthly Meeting, show him to have been instrumental in its first establish- ment, and largely concerned in the transaction of its business, the first of the monthly meet- ings being held at his house. It would be difficult at this distant day to fix upon the precise period when William Biles first settled at the Falls, or from whence he came. as there does not appear to be any record handed down to us from which such information might be gathered: but judging from the trust and confidence in him reposed. both in civil and church government. it is evident that he was a man of no common character. There is a large brick dwelling, of ancient date. erected
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