USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > A history and geography of Montgomery county, Pa., together with county and township government > Part 3
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3. INDUSTRIES .- The people are engaged in farm- ing, with some manufactures.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Prospectville, the township seat, Horshamville, and Davis Grove.
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5. SCHOOLS .- Horsham has three public schools with a term of ten months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Horsham. 2. What county to the east ? 3. What can you say of the shape of the township ? 4. Name the villages. 5. The present township officers.
LIMERICK.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Limerick is in the northwestern part of the county joining the Schuyl- kill on the west. It is the third township in size in the county, having an area of 14,101 acres, or about 22 square miles. Population, 2,224.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is rolling, and in the northern part hilly. Stone Hill is the highest elevation. There are also steep hills in the western part along the Schuylkill. The soil is of red shale and clay. The streams are few.
3. INDUSTRIES .- The people engage in farming, with some manufacturing. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad traverses the entire length of the township along the Schuylkill, and has stations at Linfield and Royersford.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Limerick Centre, the township seat, Limerick Square, Linfield, and Fruitville. The borough of Royersford is also in this township.
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5. SCHOOLS .- There are thirteen public schools in this township with a term of six months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Limerick Township. 2. What township in Chester County that joins Lim- erick ? 3. What is the township seat ? 4. What villages and borough in the township? 5. What rail- road? 6. How many schools in the township? pupils ?
LOWER MERION.
1. ITs RANK .- The township derives its name from Merionethshire, a county in Wales, where some of the first settlers came from. Formerly, Upper and Lower Merion constituted one township, but were divided previous to 1734. It ranks as the largest and most populous township in the county, and is noted for its internal improvements. Its nearness to Philadel- phia gives it a ready market for all its farm produce.
2. POSITION AND EXTENT .- It is situated in the southern part of the county. Its area is 22.5 square miles, or 14,400 acres. Population, 10,362.
3. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface of Lower Merion is rolling, and in the eastern part hilly, afford- ing beautiful scenery. Mill Creek is the largest stream.
4. INDUSTRIES .- Farming, market gardening, and manufacturing are the occupations of the people. Lower Merion is more largely engaged in manufactur- ing than any other township in the county. The
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Pennsylvania Railroad passes within the township for a distance of six miles, and has stations at Merion, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford, White Hall, Bryn Mawr, and Rosemont. The Philadelphia and Read- ing Railroad passes through the township for a dis- tance of seven and a half miles, and has stations at Pencoyd, West Manayunk, Roseglen, and West Spring Mills.
5. VILLAGES-The villages are Bryn Mawr, Gen- eral Wayne, Merion Square, Haverford College, Merionville, Ardmore, Overbrook, Libertyville, and West Manayunk.
6. SCHOOLS .- Lower Merion has twenty -three public schools, all of which are graded. Term, ten months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Lower Merion. 2. What townships in Chester County touch Lower Merion ? 3. What railroads pass through the town- ship? 4. Name the post-offices in the township. 5. What are the township seats? 6. Who are the present township officers ?
LOWER POTTSGROVE.
1. FORMATION AND EXTENT .- Lower Pottsgrove is the southern part formed by the division of Potts- grove Township. It is situated in the northwestern part of the county, bordering on the Schuylkill. 4
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This township has an area of about 94 square miles, or 5,900 acres. Population, about 875.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is generally hilly. The elevations are Ringing Hill * and Crooked Hill. The soil is red shale, and fairly productive. Sprogle's Run and Sanatoga Creek drain the greater portion of the township.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the chief occupation of the people. The Philadelphia and Reading Rail- road has a station at Sanatoga.
4. VILLAGES AND SCHOOLS .- The villages are Crooked Hill, the township seat, and Sanatoga. There are five schools with a term of six months.
LOWER PROVIDENCE.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- This is the most cen- tral township in the county, fronting on the Schuylkill. Upper and Lower Providence constituted one town-
* Ringing Hill, with its ringing rocks, constitute one of the natural curiosities of Montgomery County. These consist of a solid bed of trappean rocks. They are exceedingly hard; when struck with a hammer they ring like iron, producing all har- monious sounds, varying with the size and shape of the rock. The largest may weigh from five to twenty-five tons each. A number of impressions, as tracks of horses and other animals, and even of the human foot, are distinctly outlined. The Ger- man inhabitants of the place call this elevation Klingleberg, signifying Ringing Hill.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
ship, called Providence, previous to 1805, when it was divided. The name was given by Penn, probably in honor of his mother's family. The area of this town- ship is 9,143 acres, or about 14.3 square miles. Population, 1,374.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is undu- lating and the western part slopes gently toward the Schuylkill and Perkiomen. Along the Skippack Creek it is slightly hilly. Methacton Hill begins in the eastern part and extends eastward through Wor- cester. The township is drained by the Skippack Creek and Mine Run, which flow into the Perkiomen on its western boundary. The soil is generally of a red shale, and productive.
3. INDUSTRIES AND RESOURCES .- Farming is the chief occupation of the people. The township is very rich in mineralogical specimens; copper, lead, and their sulphates and oxides are found, some specimens of which are very beautiful and rare. Copper was mined some years ago near Shannonville, shafts were sunk, and an amount of ore raised, but these mines are now not in operation.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages of Lower Providence are Eagleville, the township seat, Shannonville, Evans- burg, and Providence Square.
5 SCHOOLS .- The township has seven schools, all of which are graded. Term, eight months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Lower Providence. 2.
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Name and locate the villages of the township. 3. What township in Chester County opposite Lower Providence ? 4. What minerals are found? 5. Name the present township officers.
LOWER SALFORD.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- This township is situ- ated north of the centre. It has an area of 14 square miles, or 8,960 acres. Population, 1,755.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is gently undulating, with a few hills along the Branch Creek, which flows through the northwestern part. The Indian and Skippack are also streams of the town- ship. The soil is of red shale with some clay.
3. INDUSTRIES AND FORMATION .- Farming with some manufacture is the business of the people. What now constitutes Upper and Lower Salford was origi- mally called Salford, a name derived from a town and several parishes in England. It was separated into two townships previous to the formation of the county.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Harleysville, Led- erachsville, the township seat, and Mainland.
5. SCHOOLS .- The township has ten public schools. Term, six months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Lower Salford. 2. What streams in the township ? 3. Name the post- offices. 4. How many schools ? 5. Who are the present township officers ?
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
MARLBOROUGH.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Marlborough is situ- ated in the northern part of the county. The arca is nearly 15 square miles, or about 8,500 acres. Popu- lation, 1,151.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is hilly in the western and rolling in the eastern part. The soil is of red shale or clay. The township is drained by the Perkiomen, East Swamp, Ridge Valley, and Ma- coby Creeks. .
3. INDUSTRIES .- The manufacture of powder and oil is largely carried on, together with farming, as the chief industry. The Perkiomen Railroad has a course of 33 miles in the township, with stations at Green Lane, Perkiomen, and McLeans.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Sumneytown, the township seat, Hoppenville, and Marlboroughville.
5. SCHOOLS-The township has five public schools, and a term of six months. The Sumneytown Acad- emy is situated at that place.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Marlborough Town- ship. 2. What townships in Bucks County join Marl- borough? 3. What streams in the township? 4. Name the villages and township seat. 5. Name the post-offices. 6. Who are the present township officers? 7. What railroad passes through Marlborough?
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
MORELAND.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Moreland is the most eastern township in the county. Its area is nearly 17 square miles, or 10,900 acres. Population, 1,889.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is undulat- ing and the soil a productive loam. Edge Hill crosses the centre of the township. The Pennepack Creek, with tributaries, drains Moreland.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming and market gardening are the chief occupations of the people. Manufacture also receives attention. The Northeast Pennsylvania Railroad passes through the township for three miles, and stations are at Willow Grove, Heaton, Fulmor, and Bonair ; and the Bound Brook, with a station at Bethayres.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Willow Grove, the township seat of upper district, Morganville, Yerkes- ville, Huntingdon Valley, and Sorrel Horse, township seat of lower district
5. SCHOOLS .- There are seven public schools in the township, with a term of ten months and 317 pupils.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Moreland. 2. What can you say of the shape? 3. What townships in Bucks County opposite Moreland? 4. What rail- roads in the township ? 5. What streams? 6. Name the villages and post-offices.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
MONTGOMERY.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- The township is in the northeastern part of the county, joining Bucks. The area is nearly 11.25 square miles, or 7,170 acres. Popu- lation, 836.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is level and the soil loam and red shale. The township is drained by the Wissahickon, rising near Montgomeryville, and the West Branch of the Neshaminy Creek.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the employment of the people, with some attention given to manufacturing.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Montgomeryville, and Montgomery Square, the township seat.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are four public schools in the township. Term, eight and one-half months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Montgomery Township. 2. What townships in Bucks County join this town- ship? 3. Name the villages. 4. What creeks rise in Montgomery Township? 5. Name the present township officers.
NEW HANOVER.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- New Hanover is in the northwestern part of the county. Its area is 20.25 square miles, or 12,960 acres, being the fourth in size in the county. Population, 1,728.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is rolling and the soil red shale and loam. The Swamp and
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Deep Creeks, with their branches, drain the town- şhip.
3. ORIGIN AND INDUSTRY .- What is now com- prised in the present townships of New Hanover, Upper Hanover, Douglass, and Pottsgrove as early as 1734 was called Hanover Township. This name was de- rived from a capital and kingdom in Germany. Farm- ing is the chief occupation of the people.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages in New Hanover are Swamp, the township seat, Fagleysville, New Hanover Square, and Pleasant Run.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are eleven public schools in the township, including the independent districts of Swamp and Fagleysville. The schools have terms of six, seven, and eight months respectively.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound New Hanover. 2. Name the villages and post-offices. 3. What creeks in the township? 4. Who are the present township officers ?
NORRITON.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Norriton is situated nearly in the centre of the county. Its area is 8.6 square miles, nearly, or 5,500 acres. It is the third smallest township in the county, having been decreased by enlarging the borough of Norristown. Popula- tion, 1,236.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is undu-
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lating, and the soil is of red shale and clay, and is productive. Stony and Indian Creeks and a few minor streams, drain the township.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming and considerable manu- facturing are the occupations of the people. The Stony Creek Railroad passes through the eastern por- tion of the township and has a station at Hartranft.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages of Norriton are Jeffer- sonville, the township seat, Norritonville, Penn Square, and Springtown.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are five public schools in the township with a term of nine months, and are graded.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Norriton Township. 2. Name the villages and post-offices. 3. What rail- road in the township ? 4. Name the present town- ship officers.
PERKIOMEN.
1. FORMATION .- Perkiomen Township was divided by decree of court March 19th, 1886, making the Perkiomen and East Branch Creeks the dividing line. The division west of these streams is now Perkiomen Township, and the division east, Skip- pack.
2. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Perkiomen is situated in the northwest central part of the county. It is
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
the smallest township in the county, having an area of about 5.5 square miles, or 3,600 acres. Popula- tion, 1,024.
3. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface for the most part is hilly. The soil is red shale, of a sandy nature, and generally productive. The Perkiomen, with the Lodle Creek, drains the township.
4. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the principal occu- pation. The Perkiomen Railroad extends through the township for four miles, and has stations at Rahn's, Gratersford, and Schwenksville.
5. VILLAGES .- The villages are Schwenksville, Gratersford, the township seat, and Ironbridge.
6. SCHOOLS .- There are seven public schools, with a graded course of study, in the township. Term, eight months.
PLYMOUTH.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Plymouth is situated south of the centre of the county. The area is nearly 8.25 square miles, or about 5,200 acres. Population, 2,224.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is undu- lating, and near the Schuylkill slightly hilly. The scil is fertile and productive, being of a limestone formation. Plymouth Creek is the largest stream in the township.
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3. RESOURCES .- The natural fertility of the soil, immense quantity of limestone and beds of iron ore, constitute its important resources.
4. INDUSTRIES .- The industries are farming, burn- ing of lime, and mining of iron ore, together with some manufacturing. The Plymouth Railroad passes through the southern part, with stations at Ridge and Plymouth, and the Norristown, Germantown, and Philadelphia Railroad in the southeastern part, with stations at Mogee and Ivy Rock.
5. VILLAGES .- The villages are Hickorytown, the township seat, Plymouth Meeting, Harmanville, and Mogeetown.
6. SCHOOLS .- There are six public schools in the township, with a term of ten months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Plymouth Township. 2. What railroads pass through the township? 3. Name the villages and township seat. 4. What river cn the southwest ? 5. Name the present township officers.
SKIPPACK.
1. FORMATION AND EXTENT .- This is the eastern portion, formed by the division of Perkiomen Town- ship. It is situated northwest of the centre of the county. The township has an area of about 12.25 square miles, or 7,900 acres. Population, 1,360.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface of Skip- pack is quite level, except along the Perkiomen. The soil is of a clayey nature, but under good culti- vation. The Perkiomen and the Skippack Creeks, with their branches, drain the township. Farming is the occupation of the people.
3. VILLAGES .- The villages are Skippackville, the township seat, Lucon, and Harmony Square.
4. SCHOOLS .- There are seven schools, with a graded course of study, in the township. Term, seven months.
SPRINGFIELD,
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Springfield Township is situated in the southeastern part of the county. Its area is about 6 square miles, or 3,840 acres, being the smallest township in the county. In 1877 part of the narrow strip running to the Schuylkill was ceded to Whitemarsh. Population, 1,892.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is undulating. The soil is fertile, being of an excellent limestone. Branches of the Wissahickon Creek drain the town- ship.
3. RESOURCES .- Great quantities of iron ore and limestone are found in this township. The iron mines are extensively worked and the ore sent to Spring Mill, Conshohocken, Edge Hill, and other places.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
4. INDUSTRIES .- The principal are farming and market gardening, also mining and some manufac- turing. The Plymouth Railroad has a course of two milos in the township, with stations at Flourtown and Oreland, where it connects with the N. P. Railroad. The North Pennsylvania Railroad passes through the township a distance of two miles, and has stations at Edge Hill, Oreland, and Sandy Run.
5. VILLAGES .- The villages are Flourtown, the township seat, and Chestnut Hill.
6. SCHOOLS .- There are four public schools in the township, with a term of ten months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound this township. 2. What metal is found in this township ? 3. What creeks in the township ? 4. Name the township seat. 5. How many schools ?
TOWAMENSING.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Towamensing is situ- ated nearly in the centre of the county. Its area is 9.63 square miles, nearly, or 6 160 acres. Population, 1,140.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is generally level and the soil red shale and clay. The Skippack and Towamensing Creeks, with their branches, drain the township.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the principal industry. Manufacturing receives some attention.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Kulpsville, the township seat, and Union Square.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are six public schools in the township. Term, six months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Towamensing. 2. Name and locate the township seat. 3. What creeks in this township ? 4. Has the township any railroad within its borders ? 5. Name the present township officers.
UPPER DUBLIN.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Upper Dublin is in the southeastern part of the county. It has an area of 13.8 square miles, or 8,840 acres. Population, 2,008.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is rolling and the soil of loam and limestone formation. Camp Hill is an elevation extending through the north- western part. Wissahickon Creek, with its tribu- taries of Rose Valley, Pine, and Sandy Runs, drains the township.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the principal industry. The mining of iron ore and manufacturing of lime are also carried on. The North Pennsylvania Rail- road passes through the western part for 1} miles and has a station at Ambler.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Fitzwatertown,
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Jarrettown, the township seat of the lower district ; Three Tons, Upper Dublin, Dreshertown, Pennville, and Pinetown.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are six public schools in the township, with a ten months' term.
Map Questions-1. Bound Upper Dublin Town- ship. 2. Name and locate the villages. 3. What railroads in the township ? 4. How many schools in the township ?
UPPER HANOVER.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Upper Hanover occu- pies the extreme northern corner of the county. Its area is 22 square miles, nearly, or 14 260 acres, being the second largest township in the county. Popula- tion, 1,977.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is undula- ting and in some parts hilly ; the soil is chiefly red shale. Hosensack Hill extends across the township, and is the highest elevation in the county. The Per- kiomen, Hosensack, West Branch, and Macoby Creeks drain the township.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming and manufacturing are the occupations of the people. The Perkiomen Rail- road passes through the township, and has stations at Palm, Pennsburg, Welkers, Hanover, and Hosensack.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Palm, Kleinville, Hillegassville, and Red Hill.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are ten schools in the town- ship. Term, six months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Upper Hanover. 2. What creeks in the township ? 3. Name and locate the villages. 4. How many schools ? 5. Name the present township officers.
UPPER MERION.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Upper Merion is in the southwestern part of the county. Its area is 16 square miles, nearly, or 10,200 acres. Population is 3,405.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is generally rolling, with high hills in some parts. The soil is of limestone and loam, and very productive. The more important streams are Gulf Creek, East Valley Creek, and Mashilmac Creek.
3. RESOURCES .- Upper Merion, throughout, is the most fertile township in the county and first in its natural wealth. Iron is obtained in abundance in parts, and sent to mills at Port Kennedy, Valley Forge, West Conshohocken, Swedesburg, and other places. Lime is manufactured in great quantities and shipped to different markets. Many quarries of fine marble also abound, which are extensively worked.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
4. INDUSTRIES .- Farming, mining, and manufac- turing constitute the chief occupations of the people. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad passes through the entire length of the township, and has stations at Valley Forge, Port Kennedy, Merion, and Swedeland. The Chester Valley Railroad, running from Bridge- port to Downingtown, Chester County, has stations at Shainline, Henderson, and King of Prussia. Several short railroads running from the Schuylkill to the mines and quarries were constructed by private enter- prise.
5. VILLAGES .- The villages are King of Prussia, the township seat of the upper district ; Gulf Mills, of the lower district; Port Kennedy, Swedeland, Mat- sunk, Valley Forge, and Mechanicsville.
6. SCHOOLS .- There are twelve schools, graded, and a term of ten months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Upper Merion. 2. What is the shape ? 3. How many schools ? 4. What river on the eastern boundary ? 5. What minerals are found ?
UPPER POTTSGROVE.
1. FORMATION .- Pottsgrove Township was divided in Upper and Lower Pottsgrove by decree of court December 2d, 1889. The Charlotte Street (from Pottstown) road, with its various courses to Swamp, is the dividing line. 5
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
2. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Upper Pottsgrove is situated in the extreme northwestern part of the county. The area is about 9 square miles, or 5,630 acres. Population, about 1,010.
3. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is generally rolling. The soil is red shale, and in parts pro- ductive. The Manatawny Creek,* rising in Rockland Township, Berks County, and Sprogle's Run, drain the township.
4. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the chief occupation of the people, also some manufacturing. The Cole- brookdale Railroad has a course of more than a mile in the townships
5. VILLAGES AND SCHOOLS .- The principal vil- lage is Half- Way, the township seat. There are six schools, with a term of six months.
UPPER PROVIDENCE.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Upper Providence is situated in the western part of the county. It has an area of 18.9 square miles, or 12,096 acres. Popula- tion, 3,529.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is rolling, and in some parts hilly. Black Rock Hill is in the western part. The soil is red shale and well cultivated. ¡ Signifies the place where we drank.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
The Mingo Creek and tributaries of the Perkiomen drain the township.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming and manufacturing are the occupations of the people. The Perkiomen Rail- road has a course of six miles in this township, with stations at Oaks, Arcola, Yerkes, and Collegeville. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad passes through the western part, with a station at Mingo.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages of Upper Providence are Trappe, the township seat of the upper district, Collegeville, Mont Clare, Quincyville, and Port Provi- dence, township seat of the lower district.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are thirteen public schools in the township, and four in the independent district of The Trappe. They are open for seven and eight months respectively.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Upper Providence Township. 2. What railroads in the township ? 3. What streams form part of its boundary ? 4. What is the area ? 5. Name the present township officers.
UPPER SALFORD.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Upper Salford is situ- . ated in the northeastern part of the county. It has an area of 20 square miles, nearly, or 12,755 acres. Population, 1,869.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is generally * Signifies the place where we drank.
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
level, except in the western part, where Stone Hill forms the highest elevation. This hill is covered with large bowlders. The soil is chiefly red shale and loam. The Ridge Valley and East Branch Creeks drain the township.
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