USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > A history and geography of Montgomery county, Pa., together with county and township government > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the chief employment of the people. Manufacturing receives some attention. The Perkiomen Railroad passes through the township.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Tylersport, town- ship seat of the eastern district ; Salfordville, of the western district, Branchville, and Mechanicsville.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are nine public schools in the township, with a term of six months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound the township. 2. What creeks in the township? 3. What are the township seats ? 4. Name and locate the villages.
69
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
WHITEMARSH.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Whitemarsh is situated in the southeastern portion of the county. Its area is 14.125 square miles, nearly, or 9,040 acres. Popula- tion, 3,516.
2. NATURAL FEATURES .- The surface is undulat- ing. The soil is a rich loam of limestone origin. The Wissahickon,* with branches, drains the town- ship.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the chief occupation. Iron-ore mining, burning lime, quarrying marble, all of which abound in great quantity and of excellent quality, also form important branches of industry. The Plymouth Railroad passes through the central part and has stations at Plymouth Meeting and Williams. The Norristown Railroad passes along the western border and has stations at Spring Mill and La Fayette. The North Pennsylvania passes through the eastern portion and has a station at Fort Washing- ton.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages are Barren Hill, the township seat of the western district, Fort Washington, of the eastern district, Plymouth Meeting, White-
*Signifies the catfish stream, or the stream of yellow watez.
70
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
marsh, Marble Hall, Spring Mill, Lancasterville, and Valley Green.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are twelve public schools in the township, all of which are graded. Term, ten months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Whitemarsh. 2. Name the creeks in the township. 3. What river bounds it on the west? 4. What metals are found ? 5. Name the present township officers.
WHITPAIN.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Whitpain is situated southeast of the central part of the county. Its area is 13.5 square miles, or 8,640 acres. Population, 1,565.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is generally level, and the soil is a loam and red shale. The Wis- sahickon, with tributaries, drains the southern portion, and branches of Stony Creek the northern portion.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Farming is the principal industry. The Stony Creek Railroad passes through the northern part and has stations at Custer and Belfry.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages of Whitpain are Centre Square, the township seat, Blue Bell, Broad Axe, Franklinville, and Washington Square.
SCHOOLS .- There are seven public schools in the township. Term, nine months.
71
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Whitpain Township. 2. Name and locate the township seat. 3. What is the shape of the township? 4. Locate the railroads. 5. Locate the villages.
WORCESTER.
1. POSITION AND EXTENT .- Worcester is situated in the centre of the county. It has an area of 15.75 square miles, or 10,080 acres. Population, 1,517.
2. PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The surface is rolling, the soil red shale and under good cultivation. Zacha- ria Creek is the most important stream in the northern part. Branches of Stony Creek drain the southern portion.
3. ORIGIN AND INDUSTRIES .- Farming forms the chief occupation of the people. Manufacturing also receives some attention. The Stony Creek Railroad crosses the eastern portion. The name Worcester is applied from a city and county of the same name in England. It is derived from the Saxon word Ceaster, signifying camp.
4. VILLAGES .- The villages of Worcester are Cen- tre Point, the township seat, Fairview, and Cedar Hill.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are seven public schools in Worcester. Term, eight months.
Map Questions .- 1. Bound Worcester Township. 2.
72
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
What creek in the township? 3. Name and locate the township seat. 4. What township is in the centre of the county ? 5. Name the present township officers.
BOROUGHS.
AMBLER.
1. ORGANIZATION .- The borough of Ambler was established by decree of court June 16th, 1888. It is situated in the southeastern part of the county at the intersection of Gwynedd, Upper Dublin, White- marsh, and Whitpain, from which townships its terri- tory was taken. Population, 1,073.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The streets are being well laid out and graded, and when finished will make an at- tractive borough. The residences are generally hand- some. The North Pennsylvania Railroad passes through the place, also a branch of the Pennsylvania.
3. INDUSTRIES .- The business enterprise of the borough is establishing various manufactories for employment of the people.
4. SCHOOLS .- There are three public schools, with a term of ten months.
73
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
BRIDGEPORT.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Bridgeport is located in the eastern part of Upper Merion Township on the Schuyl- kill, opposite Norristown. It was incorporated by an Act of Assembly February 27th, 1851. Population, 2,651.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- Various public improvements add much to the business advantages and prosperity of the borough. The canal of the Schuylkill Nav- igation Company, passing through the borough, was finished in 1824. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad passes through the place. The Chester Val- ley Railroad connects with the Philadelphia and Reading at this place and with the Pennsylvania Central at Downingtown.
3. INDUSTRIES .- The improvements give rise to various kinds of business. There are several im- portant manufactories, mills, and machine shops.
. 4. SCHOOLS .- There are seven graded schools, with a term of ten months. A library was organized in 1858, and contains at the present time about 1,000 volumes.
CONSHOHOCKEN.
€ 1. ORGANIZATION .- Conshohocken is situated in the southern part of the county, on the left bank of
74
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
the Schuylkill. Its territory, one mile square, was taken from Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships, and incorporated by an Act of Assembly May 15th, 1850. Population, 5,470.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The canal of the Schuylkill Navigation Company passes through the borough. The railroad to Norristown was finished through this place in August, 1835. The Plymouth Railroad ex- tends from this place to Oreland.
3. INDUSTRIES .- The manufactories are extensive. Large quantities of bar and boiler iron and boilers are made. Considerable sheet-iron of excellent quality is made. The manufacture of castings, ma- chinery, and iron pipe is largely carried on. Prints and cotton and woolen goods are also manufactured.
4. SCHOOLS .- In this borough there are, including the high school, fifteen public schools, also a large parochial school. The school term is ten months.
EAST GREENVILLE.
1. ORGANIZATION .- East Greenville was incorpo- rated September 6th, 1875. It is situated in the northern part of the county ; its territory was taken wholly from Upper Hanover Township. Population, 539.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The Perkiomen Railroad passes within the borough, thus affording easy com-
75
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
munication with all points north or south. It was opened for travel in 1874.
3. INDUSTRIES .- The manufacture of cigars and dealing in general merchandise constitute the business of the people.
4. SCHOOLS .- There are three public schools in the borough, whose terms are eight months.
GREEN LANE.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Green Lane is the smallest borough in the county. It is situated in the western part of Marlborough Township, from which its terri- tory was taken. It was incorporated by an Act of Assembly December 10th, 1875. Population, 237.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- Three turnpike roads meet in the borough-Sumneytown and Springhouse, the Perkiomen, and the Green Lane and Goshenhoppen. The Perkiomen Railroad was opened to this place in 1872, and in 1875 to Emaus. Manufacturing is car- ried on to some extent. There is one public school, and a term of eight months.
HATBORO.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Hatboro is situated in the eastern part of the county, in Moreland Township,
76
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
from which its territory was taken. It was incorpo- rated August 26th, 1871. Population, 781.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The North East Pennsylvania Railroad, extending to Hartsville, passes through the borough. Several important public roads intersect here.
3. INDUSTRIES AND EDUCATION .- The people are engaged in various pursuits ; manufacturing is carried on to some extent. The borough has four public schools, and a term of ten months. The Union Library of Hatboro was founded in 1755, and now contains about 8,000 volumes. It is the oldest and largest public library in the county.
JENKINTOWN.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Jenkintown was organized December 8th, 1874. It is situated in the south- eastern part of the county, in Abington Township, from which its territory was taken. Population, 1,609.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The North Pennsylvania Rail- road passes within the borough limits, giving it many business advantages. A library was established in 1805, and now contains about 1,400 volumes. There are six graded public schools in the borough, having a term of ten months.
LANSDALE.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Lansdale was incorporated August 24th, 1872. It is situated in the eastern part
77
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
of the county. Its territory was taken from Gwynedd and Hatfield Townships. Population, 1,858.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The North Pennsylvania Rail- road passes through the centre of the borough. The Doylestown branch and Stony Creek Railroad connect here with the main line, thus making the town an important railroad centre and contributing largely to its business prosperity. The borough is growing rapidly. There are eight public schools in the bor- ough, with a term of ten months.
NORRISTOWN.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Norristown, the county seat of Montgomery County, was organized by Act of Assem- bly March 31st, 1812. It is situated south of the cen- tre of the county, on the Schuylkill River. Its territory was taken from Norriton and Plymouth Townships. The borough is divided into ten wards, and has a population of 19,791.
2. RANK .- Norristown is the largest borough in the county. It is not surpassed by any town in Pennsyl- vania in beauty of location, supply of excellent water, and abundance of marble, iron, and limestone in the vicinity.
3. IMPROVEMENTS .- The improvements of Norris- town are various and important. In the order of time the Ridge turnpike was completed first; the
78
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Schuylkill Navigation was the next to be opened, in 1826. The Company constructed a dam here which furnishes valuable water-power to several manufactur- ing establishments. The Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Railroad was finished in 1835, and in 1856 laid with a double track. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, on the opposite side of the river, adds to the interests of the borough. The Chester Valley, crossing the Swedes Ford bridge, forms a con- nection with the Norristown road and the Pennsylva- nia. The Stony Creek Railroad connects the North Pennsylvania with the Norristown. The Court-house, built in 1851, of white marble procured in the county, is one of the finest buildings of the kind in the State. The Insane Asylum is situated a short distance north of the borough and accommodates about 1,600 inmates. There are many handsome residences, the streets are regular and many are shaded, all of which combined give an appearance of neatness to the borough not so generally found elsewhere.
4. INDUSTRIES .- Norristown has attained consider- able importance as a manufacturing town. The man- ufacture of cotton and woolen goods, iron, glass, nails, tacks, marble, and oil is largely carried on; there are also saw and planing mills, flour mills, shirt factories, and various other establishments.
5. SCHOOLS .- There are fifty-seven public schools in the borough, including the high school, and a term of ten months; also a parochial school.
79
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
NORTH WALES.
1. ORGANIZATION .- This borough is situated near the centre of Gwynedd Township. It was incorporated August, 1869. Population, 673. North Wales is a translation of the Welsh name Gwineth, from which Gwynedd is a corruption .*
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The North Pennsylvania Rail- road passes through the borough. Local business is much improved. There are five public schools. Term, ten months.
POTTSTOWN.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Pottstown is situated on the Schuylkill, in the extreme northwestern part of the county. It was erected into a borough in 1815. In 1888 the limits of the borough were extended, taking in large portions of Upper and Lower Pottsgrove, and is now the largest borough in area in the county. Population, 13,285.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The borough is beautifully located, the land sloping gently toward the Mana- tawny and Schuylkill. The streets are well laid out. The improvements are rapid, handsome, and substan-
* According to Buck.
80
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
tial. The Philadelphia and Reading and the Penn- sylvania railroads pass through the borough. The Colebrookdale forms a connection at this place.
3. INDUSTRIES. - The iron, steel, and bridge works, machine shops, and numerous other minor manufac- turing establishments give employment to the people.
4. SCHOOLS .- There are forty-eight public schools in the borough, including a high school, with a term of ten months ; also private schools.
PENNSBURG.
1. ORGANIZATION .- The borough of Pennsburg was formed November 19th, 1887. It is situated in the northern part of the county, near the centre of Upper Hanover Township, from which its territory was taken. Population, 627.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The Perkiomen Railroad passes through the place. The manufacture of to- bacco and a few other industries give employment. There are three public schools, with a term of nine months.
ROYERSFORD.
1. INCORPORATION .- The borough of Royersford was incorporated in 1879. It is situated on the Schuylkill, in the southwestern part of Limerick
81
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Township, from which its territory was taken. Pop- ulation, 1,815.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The borough has increased very rapidly since its organization. The streets are well laid out and well graded. The improvements are generally fine and substantial. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad passes through the borough.
3. INDUSTRIES .- Stove and iron foundries, glass works, and machine-shops are the important indus- tries of the borough.
4. SCHOOLS .- There are eight schools in the bor- ough, with a term of nine months.
SOUDERTON.
1. ORGANIZATION .- Souderton is situated in the northeastern part of the county, in Franconia Town- ship. It was organized December 15th, 1887. Pop- ulation, 679.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The borough is growing. The streets are being laid out and improved. Various branches of local industry and business are carried on. The North Pennsylvania Railroad passes through the place. There are two public schools, with a term of seven months.
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN.
1. INCORPORATION .- West Conshohocken is situ- ated on the right bank of the Schuylkill, directly 6
82
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
opposite Conshohocken. It was incorporated in 1874, and its territory was taken from Upper and Lower Merion Townships. Population, 1,666.
2. IMPROVEMENTS .- The Philadelphia and Read- ing Railroad passes through the borough. The rail- road and canal on the opposite side of the river add much to the business interests.
3. INDUSTRIES .-- The manufacture ofiron is largely carried on, for which the borough is principally noted. Other establishments are also in operation.
4. SCHOOLS .- There are five public schools in the borough. The term is ten months. There is also a parochial school.
PART THIRD.
TOWNSHIP AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
OUTLINE .- TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT,
I. INTRODUCTION.
1. Definition and Origin.
2. Powers.
1. To hold property.
2. To elect officers.
II. OFFICERS OF A TOWNSHIP.
1. Justice of the Peace.
2. Constable.
3. Supervisors.
4. Assessors.
5. School Directors.
6. Auditors.
7. Town Clerk.
8. Board of Election.
III. ELECTION DISTRICTS.
SECTION I .- INTRODUCTION.
1. DEFINITION AND ORIGIN .- A township is a subdivision of a county, having its local officers. In
83
84
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
England a division of a parish is called a township, from which the term came to be applied to & subdi- vision of a county in the United States. In some States, town is of the same signification as township, but the latter is more commonly used.
2. POWERS .- A township may hold property within its limits-both personal property and real estate. The different school-houses and lots constitute the real estate held by the township; and the school fur- niture and implements used by the Supervisors, the personal property. A township may sue and be sued. The corporate powers are vested in the Supervisors and School Board.
The citizens of a township have the power to elect the several township officers on the third Tuesday of February of each year. The township officers are the following: Justice of the Peace, Constable, Super- visors, Assessors, School Directors, Auditors, Town Clerk, and the Board of Election, consisting of a Judge, two Inspectors, and Registry Assessor.
SECTION II .- OFFICERS OF A TOWNSHIP.
1. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE .- Every township and borough is entitled to two Justices of the Peace. The term of office is five years. Should a Justice of the Peace die or resign, the vacancy is filled by ap- pointment by the Governor of the State until the next township election. Justices of the Peace may be re-
85
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
moved from office only by the Legislature. If twenty or more citizens petition for such removal, the court of the county will take the evidence of witnesses in writing and transmit this to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, who will lay the same before the Legislature for its decision. The jurisdiction of a Justice of the Peace is two-fold, both civil and criminal.
CIVIL JURISDICTION .- He has exclusive juris- diction in nearly all cases where the sum demanded by the plaintiff does not exceed $100. Where the sum demanded is between $100 and $300 the plain- tiff can commence proceedings either before a Justice, or the County Court of Common Pleas. The judg- ment of a Justice under $5.33 is final, but if over that amount, any party aggrieved may appeal the same to the Court of Common Pleas, where the case will be heard anew.
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION .- As his name implies, this officer is indeed a peace officer. Upon oath of any citizen, setting forth that any crime has been committed, it is the duty of the Justice to issue a war- rant to apprehend the criminal, and bring him before said Justice. It is the duty of the Justice then to hear the witnesses for the prosecution only. A Justice of the Peace never hears the defense. If the Common- wealth makes out a probable cause against the pris- oner, he must put him under bail to appear at the
86
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
next Court of Quarter Sessions to stand his trial ; or, in case the prisoner cannot procure bail, he must be committed to prison until the next court. Ten days before the next term of court, the Justice must make a return to said court of all criminal cases heard before him.
The Justice of the Peace is authorized to acknowl- edge deeds and mortgages, and to act as Coroner when the Coroner of the county is absent, or when the office of the Coroner is more than ten miles dis- tant from the place where the death occurred or the body was found.
2. CONSTABLE .- A Constable is an officer hav- ing power to preserve the public peace and good order, and bound to execute the warrants of judi- cial officers. He is elected for three years. He is the executive officer of the Justice of the Peace, the same as the Sheriff is the executive officer of the court. He has power to make arrests on warrants from the Justice, and for breach of the peace or any crime coming under his own observation. He must give public notice of township elections, at least ten days in advance thereof; report to the court places in which intoxicating liquors are sold contrary to law, also gambling-houses in his township. Vacancies are filled by appointment from the court.
3. SUPERVISORS .-- Each township annually elects two Supervisors, although any township may by vote
87
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
determine on a greater number. Should a vacancy occur the Court of Quarter Sessions can fill the same.
The duties of the Supervisors are to open all roads ordered by the court, and keep them in good travel- ing order; to make bridges over small creeks, rivu- lets, and deep gullies. They must erect index-boards at cross-roads, with names of places and distances to which said roads lead. Every taxpayer can de- mand the privilege to work out his tax upon the road, but no more. A Supervisor receives a salary of two dollars per day for every day he is engaged in the duties of his office, and a commission on the money he actually handles. He must give a bond in double the amount of tax to be collected. Supervisors must an- nually submit their accounts to the Auditors.
4. ASSESSORS .- Every township elects annually one Assessor, and every three years two Assistant As- sessors. Vacancies are filled by the County Com- missioners.
It is the duty of the Assessor proper to assess all persons over twenty-one years of age and all prop- erty, both real and personal. He makes a return of his work to the County Commissioners, who levy the taxes based upon such assessment. Their duties begin on the day after the holding of the general election.
5. SCHOOL DIRECTORS .- Each township has six School Directors, elected for a term of three years, two are elected each year. When a vacancy occurs
88
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
in the Board the remaining members have power to fill such vacancy until the next annual election. The term of office of School Directors commences on the first Monday of June, when the Board should meet to settle their accounts and organize for the next school year.
The duties of the School Directors are to establish a sufficient number of common schools for the educa- tion of every individual, between the ages of six and twenty-one years ; to select sites for, and erect school- houses ; to fix the length of school terms ; to fix sala- ries, and appoint teachers, and lay such taxes as may be sufficient to defray the expenses of the same; to grade schools when necessary; to direct what branches shall be taught; to decide what text-books shall be used, and to visit the schools at least once a month. The studies to be pursued in the common schools are left to the discretion of the Directors, who are governed in their decision by the wants of the district.
6. AUDITORS .- Each township or borough elects three Auditors, each for a term of three years, one of whom is elected each year. Any two, if properly convened, constitute a quorum. They meet on the second Monday of March of every year to audit all accounts of the Supervisors. The accounts of the School Board are audited on the first Monday of June.
89
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
7. TOWN CLERK .- Each township or borough has one Town Clerk elected for one year. Vacancies are filled by the court.
The office of Town Clerk has almost fallen into dis- use, and it now exists only in name. The law gives him charge of stray cattle, and he may accompany the Supervisor in his work on the roads, and act as his clerk, for which he is suitably to be paid.
8. BOARD OF ELECTION .- Each election district annually, at the township election, elects a Judge of Elections and two Inspectors. (Each voter casts a vote for but one person for Inspector, and the two having the highest number of votes are elected.) These offi- cers, together with two Clerks appointed by the two Inspectors, constitute the Election Board, whose duty it is to conduct all elections, decide who are entitled to vote, keep a list of all votes cast, and count them at the close of the polls, announce the result, and certify the same to the County Court.
Each district also annually elects one Registry Assessor, whose duty it is to prepare a list of all voters, residing in his district two months before any election.
In some counties of this State there is an office of Township Treasurer, but in Montgomery County there is no such office.
90
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
SECTION III .- ELECTION DISTRICTS.
Each township and borough constitutes at least one election district. Some townships, on account of their extent and number of voters, are again subdivided into two or more election districts. The larger boroughs are also divided into several wards.
BOROUGH GOVERNMENT.
Upon the petition of a majority of the freeholders of any town or village, the Court of Quarter Sessions, with the concurrence of the Grand Jury, has jurisdic- tion to incorporate such territory into a borough, pro- vided the acts of Assembly are complied with and the same appears expedient to the court.
Every borough has power to sue and be sued, to make and use a common seal, and to purchase, hold, and sell such real and personal estate as the purposes of the borough may require.
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.