USA > Pennsylvania > Encyclopedia of genealogy and biography of the state of Pennsylvania with a compendium of history. A record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Volume I > Part 3
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 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
In this emergency Penn was urged to sell his province to the crown. He was averse to such a course, but the urgency of the occasion de- manded that something be done to relieve his pressing wants. More- over, the government needed the aid of the province in carrying on the war against France, and particularly in the conquest of the Canadas, the French stronghold in America. In this contest Pennsylvania was
35
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
required to arm and maintain one hundred and fifty men, the expense of which was estimated at about £4.000. Instead, the assembly re- luctantly voted a free gift to the queen of £800, and also £200 for the governor's salary, which, however, it was proposed not to allow until the executive should approve certain bills already passed, which were objectionable to him, and should redress certain grievances growing out of the retention of Logan, who had incurred the displeasure of the legislature. When Logan was about to visit England the assembly di- rected the sheriff to take him into custody, but the governor's supersedeas prevented such action, and at the same time so angered the assembly that all its business was stopped, while the governor's course was de- nounced as arbitrary and illegal. Logan, however, went to England, justified his action and returned to the province confirmed in his office.
The unpleasant conditions in the province called forth a strong letter from Penn himself to the assembly, and it was plainly intimated that if the latter should persist in its unwarranted opposition to his interests and government, he must seriously consider what should be done in regard to his province, and that the future conduct of that body would largely determine his course. This was a direct intimation on the part of Penn that unless matters in control of the assembly were changed, he would be inclined to dispose of his province to the crown or to other proprietors. In fact. the proprietor did, in 1712, negotiate a sale of the province to Queen Anne for the sum of £12,000, and a part of the purchase price was paid; but the sudden illness of the proprietor occasioned a delay, and the requirements of the law and sale were never completed. In 1714 the queen died, and was succeeded on the throne by George the First.
This action by Penn was the occasion of much anxiety through- out the province, for the transformation of the proprietary into a royal
36
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
government was not favored either by the assembly or the inhabitants. Hitherto the assembly, in a great measure, had dominated the pro- prietor himself, had interpreted the provisions of the charter to suit provincial conditions, frequently to gratify the legislative ambition, had made new laws, and controlled the policy of the government. With Pennsylvania a royal province, the governor would be nothing more than the creature of the crown, and the assembly could enact only such laws as the executive should approve, and the council would be simply the obedient followers of the governor. Therefore Penn's proposed sale of the province was well calculated to create uneasiness in official circles and also among the people, for now their liberties were threat- ened.
Whatever the provocation, and the abuses of power which provoked it, Penn's negotiations for the sale of the province had its effect on the assembly and the people, for at the election in 1710 the composition of the legislature was materially changed and harmony between the lieu- tenant governor and that body was restored. The proper organization of the courts was effected, and the sum of £2,000 was voted for the queen's use, although the representatives in the assembly, a majority of whom were Friends, knew that the money would be used in waging war against France. Those of the settlers who chose to take part in the war were permitted to do so, but the Quakers steadfastly refused to sanction the organization of a military branch in the province, and the result was that during the early wars between England and France the Pennsylvania contribution of troops and means was exceedingly small.
During the latter part of his lieutenant governorship. Gookin in- curred the displeasure of the Friends, which action marred his other- wise successful administration. In attempting to justify his course he
37
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
disregarded good sense, and on the presentation of the council he was recalled, and was succeeded, in May, 1717, by Sir William Keith. For the welfare of the province and its inhabitants, Keith's appointment was fortunate. He had served in an official capacity in the lower counties, and was well acquainted with the needs of the people in every locality. In his first address to the assembly he plainly outlined his policy, which was entirely favorable to local interests, and afterward he had the good sense to carry out what he had promised. He corrected many former abuses, inaugurated new and approved measures, and otherwise sought to establish prosperous conditions among the people. On its own part, the assembly received his suggestions with approval, and dealt generously with him, voting a grant of £550 from the first moneys received in the treasury, and replenished the latter with an ad- ditional supply bill. Keith's governorship was a success. He felt it a (luty to administer the laws in the interest of the province rather than the proprietor or even the crown; but neither of the latter was offended by his course. His first term in office ended at the death of Penn, and under the successors of the latter he resumed the lieutenant-governor- ship. serving in that capacity until July, 1726.
William Penn, founder and proprietor of Pennsylvania. governor of the province from 1681 to July 30, 1718, died on the date last noted. at Rushcombe, near Turyford, in Buckinghamshire, England, at the age of seventy-four years. His loss was severely felt in the province, for he had established a proprietary government which then ranked almost first among all the provinces in America. Yet there were those to come after him who could govern with the same spirit of toleration and fairness that he always manifested in behalf of those whom he regarded as his especial dependencies. At the time of his death the province was encumbered with an indebtedness of £12,000, and the incomplete con-
3S
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
tract of sale to the crown. His will provided for the issue of his first marriage by the devise of his estates in England and Ireland, which yielded an annual revenue of £1.500. and were regarded as of greater value than his American properties, from which provision was made for the payment of his debts, and also for his widow and the children of his second marriage. The government of the province and territories he willed to "the Earls of Oxford. Mortimer, and Pawlet. in trust, to sell to the crown, or to any other person or persons; and his right and estate in the soil he devised to other trustees, to sell such portion thereof as should be necessary for the payment of his debts: to assign to his daughter Letitia, and the three children of his son William, £10,000 each ; and to convey the remainder, at the discretion of his widow, to her children, subject to an annuity to herself of £300."
Some of the close questions of Penn's will were the occasion of a prolonged contest, and finally, in 1727. the matters in dispute were amicably compromised : but it was determined in chancery that the tes- tator's disposition of his right to govern the province of Pennsylvania was void, from his inability to make a proper surrender of the govern- ment. Therefore, upon the death of the younger William Penn, and of Springett Penn. his son, the government of the province descended to and devolved upon John, Thomas and Richard Penn. Their proprietor- ship continued from 1718 to 1746. Keith retained the lieutenant- governorship, and proved in all respects a faithful public servant. In- deed. he so ingratiated himself in the confidence of the people, and of their representatives in the assembly, that he succeeded in establishing a court of chancery in the province, and also secured the organization of an efficient body of militia.
The remaining years of Keith's administration were marked with events of importance, and he acquitted himself with credit and good
39
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
judgment. However, in 1722, on account of his attitude in relation to the currency bill. he drew upon himself the displeasure of the so-called proprietary party, of which James Logan was the leader. Logan was a power in government circles, and a man of influence among the people. With Logan as an enemy, and Lloyd also against him, Keith was doomed to downfall. He was removed from office in July, 1726, and was suc- ceeded by Patrick Gordon. One of the best commentaries on his per- sonal and official career was that which came from the pen of Franklin. in these words: "Differing from the great body of the people whom he governed, in religion and manners, he acquired their esteem and con- fidence. If he sought popularity. he promoted the public happiness : and his courage in resisting the demands of the family may be ascribed to a higher motive than private interest. The conduct of the assembly toward him was neither honorable nor politic: for his sins against his principles were virtues to the people, with whom he was deservedly a favorite ; and the house should have given him such substantial marks of their gratitude as would have tempted his successors to walk in his steps. But fear of further offense to the proprietary family, the in- fluence of Logan, and a quarrel between the Governor and Lloyd, turned their attention from him to his successor." After his removal Keith lived for some time in the province, and was elected to the assembly. Soon afterward he returned to England, where he died November 17, 1749.
In 1726 Patrick Gordon was appointed lieutenant-governor. He was of English birth, and was "bred to arms," having served from his youth to about the close of Queen Anne's reign, and having won a high reputation as a soldier and officer. At the time of his appointment, Gordon's military service was not counted upon as of any considerable value in the administration of affairs in the province, but he was expected
40
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
to more closely represent the interests of the crown, and particularly the interests of the new proprietors, than his predecessor. Nor was he conversant with needs of the people in the province, but even that quali- fication was not considered necessary, as one of the Penns was expected to live in America, and Gordon was merely the instrument in carrying out the plans of his superiors, without annoying them with the cares of official life. Yet. during his ten years in office, Gordon accomplished good works, and deserved credit therefor. Death cut off his career, as he died in Philadelphia. August 5. 1736.
When Gordon came into the life of the province that which caused the greatest anxiety to the proprietors was the rapid increase in the number of German immigrants. They were chiefly from the Palatine regions, and while they were industrious and law-abiding, their number was so great that the Quaker element feared lest their own power and influence in public affairs would be lost, and that unless in some manner restrained Pennsylvania would become a colony of aliens. Several years before this time the assembly had become alarmed at the increase in foreign population, and had devised measures to meet the occasion, but now the situation seemed to call for more decisive action. Under in- structions from the ministry. the assembly passed the "impolitic act," which imposed a duty of forty shillings per capita on all foreigners coming into the province. However, the rapid immigration of the Scotch-Irish had the effect to turn the course of Quaker opposition to the Swiss and Germans, "for the interests and dispositions of the former being ever antagonistic to the Friends, the 'foreigners' were more readily cajoled. and the odious law was repealed." By this means the Quakers retained their supremacy in the legislature far longer than they other- wise could have done.
The current of German immigration settled itself first in the city
41
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
of Philadelphia, but soon began to reach out to more remote parts. The colony at Germantown has been mentioned, and was the first and most important seat of settlement. Later on this people branched out into the Lehigh and Schuylkill valleys, establishing themselves in numbers in Easton, Allentown, Lebanon, Reading. Lancaster, and other places. Still later they spread out to the westward, into the Susquehanna valley and beyond it, wherever a fair reward promised a return for patient toil. As has been mentioned. as early as 1725 there were fifty thousand Ger- man settlers in the province, and twenty-five years later they consti- tuted one-third of its entire population. In subsequent years they in- creased and multiplied until they became a controlling power in political affairs; not that they were much disposed to seek preferment in that direction until within the last few score years, but were a balance of power whose allegiance was much sought by the great political parties.
For many years it was a common remark that "as the Germans vote, so goes the state," and to a great extent this is still true. But it must be said that in whatever period in the history of the commonwealth, the influence of the German element always has been for the public welfare. In early times they were averse to participation in political affairs, and were in a measure deprived of some of the privileges enjoyed by settlers from England. The Quakers felt it incumbent upon them- selves to retain a dominant influence and power in the province, and it was not until about the close of the long series of French and English wars that they yielded their political power into the hands of others.
The first Scotch-Irish settlers began to arrive in Pennsylvania soon after 1700, and from that time their settlements increased rapidly. They were chiefly Presbyterians in religious belief, and farmers by occupa- tion. They were also a hardy, aggressive people and frequently found themselves in collision with the Germans. For this reason they were
42
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
encouraged by the proprietary to settle in the more western localities, where they grew up large and thrifty families. When the country west of the Mleghanies was opened for settlement the Scotch-Irish carried civilization into that region: and they were able of their own native strength to withstand the hardships of pioneer life, and also, on occa- sion, to successfully resist the Indian attacks on the frontier. During the French and English wars, their service on the western border was of great value to the welfare of the colonists eastward of them. They were not born fighters, as some writers would have us understand, but if occasion offered, they were equal to almost any emergency, whether in aggressive or defensive contest. Because they could fight, and on sufficient provocation would fight, they were disliked by the Quakers, and as peoples of opposite characters there was little in common be- tween them.
In the history of Pennsylvania subsequent to 1725, and from that to the present time, the Scotch-Irish have held an important place. and always have been regarded as factors for good. Their services during the French and English wars, and during the American Revolu- tion. can never be forgotten ; and during the war of 1861-65 their de- scendants acquitted themselves with honor on many fields of battle. In all generations of the past this people has been noted for independ- ence, self-reliance, and straightforward honesty. Its representatives have earned places of distinguished prominence in the legislative halls of the state, and nation, in the learned professions and in the boundless fields of literature, science, and the arts.
The Friends, or Quakers, as they were frequently known, con- stituted a large and influential element of provincial population at the time of which we write. Although the governor's welcome was ex- tended to all sects and nationalities, the Friends were always regarded
43
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
as the especial charges of the proprietor and his successors. He was of them, and one of them, and naturally the high places and offices of trust were to a great extent filled by them. In a measure they kept aloof from other sects, yet never held themselves above their neighbors, what- ever the creed of the latter might be. Their influence always was for good, their institutions always were of a high order, and they ruled not with a high hand, but always that the right might prevail and that peace might reign on every hand. They were progressive, in a liberal sense, yet the government of the province made slow progress under their ministrations. They hell a majority in the assembly for many years, and it was only upon the request of the proprietary that they yielded their strength to others and accepted a minority in the legisla- tive body. They opposed going to war with enemies, and through their refusal to establish a militia, or properly defend the frontiers in time of attack, the westward tide of settlement was much delayed.
But notwithstanding the widely differing character of settlers who peopled Pennsylvania during the first half of the eighteenth century, substantial progress was made, and the population rapidly increased. In 1729 Chester county was divided and Lancaster was organized. Twenty years passed before another division of the territory was made, and then, in 1749. York county was set off from Lancaster. In 1750 Cumberland county was created from Lancaster, and in 1752 Berks and Northampton were formed: the former from Philadelphia, Bucks, and Lancaster, and the latter from Bucks. Next came Bedford, from Cum- berland, in 1771, followed by Northumberland. from parts of Lan- caster, Cumberland, Berks, Bedford, and Northampton in 1772 and Westmoreland from part of Bedford in 1773.
In 1732 Thomas Penn arrived in the province and remained until 1741. living fashionably after the manner of an English country gen-
44
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY .IND GENEALOGY
tleman, but did not associate much with the colonists, who grew to dis- like him. John Penn, elder brother of Thomas, came in 1734, and returned to England in 1735. From this time on. the proprietors began to lose popularity in the province, and never were they shown the respect the founder had received. The successors affected English manners. and appeared to regard the province simply as an estate-a source of revenue. They took little interest in public affairs, and generally re- ferred all matters to their representative, the lieutenant governor.
About this time, however, publie attention was drawn in another direction. The rivalry which long had existed between England and France was beginning to assume a serious aspect in their American colonies, and already the wily Frenchmen, through the zealous labors of the Jesuit fathers, were extending their influence to the Indian occu- pants of the territory south of lakes Ontario and Erie and the St. Law- rence river. In 1733 they had established trading posts on the upper waters of the Allegheny and Ohio, with the evident design to alienate the Indians from the English. Their endeavors, however, were not fully successful, as the Six Nations were at enmity with the Canadian Indians, the latter being allies of the French. Champlain had long before made the Iroquois acquainted with the murderous effects of firearms, and the whole people of the Long House afterward hated both the French and their allies. However, the intrusions of the French into the territory of Pennsylvania seemed to demand attention, and the treaty held at Phila- delphia in 1733 with the Six Nations was the result.
Besides the threatening attitude of the French and their attempts to win favor with the Indian tribes in the western part of the province. the proprietors and the assembly were much annoyed by the serious turn in affairs regarding the southern boundary of Pennsylvania, and the unwarranted action of Lord Baltimore in assuming a more north-
45
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ward boundary line for his own province of Maryland. To settle this question various expedients were resorted to, but abuses and violence continued notwithstanding the vigilance of Pennsylvania officers. In this controversy Lord Baltimore sought chiefly to acquire territory, and whether it came from the lower counties comprising the Delaware district, or from Pennsylvania, was quite immaterial to him. On the other hand, Pennsylvania had an interest in retaining a water front on Chesapeake Bay. Delaware sought only to retain the territory right- fully belonging to that district, which then was under the government of Pennsylvania. Without assuming to discuss in detail the merits of this dispute, or to narrate at length the numerous acts of aggression (some individual, and others instigated by Maryland authorities) and the measures taken to repel them, it is sufficient to state that the con- troversy dragged along throughout an entire period of fourscore year ... and was not finally settled until 1761.
It will be remembered that under Penn's charter his province was to be bounded south by "the circumference of a circle whose center was New Castle and whose radius was twelve miles in length, to be drawn from north to west till it reached 'the beginning of the fortieth degree'; and thence the line was to extend westward five degrees of longitude." According to Lord Baltimore's charter, the northern boundary of his territory was to extend west from that part of Delaware Bay "which lieth under the fortieth degree of latitude." In some respects this dif- ference in location of boundaries was an honest one, yet the means taken to enforce the claims, especially on Baltimore's part, were not jus- tifiable. However, the matter was finally settled in chancery court in 1761, when a decree was rendered in favor of horizontal measurement. Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, both skilled English surveyors. were appointed to run the line. Their work established what afterward
46
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
was known as "Mason and Dixon's line"-the division line in later years between the free and slave states.
While these forces from without the province were disturbing the peace and harmony within, other important events were taking place. From 1718 to 1732 the proprietary land office was closed. owing to the fact that neither Richard nor Thomas Penn bad attained his legal majority, hence could not convey lands. In the meantime large num- bers of settlers had come in and seated themselves on such lands as were unoccupied and best suited them. Says Egle: "The number of settlers of this kind entitled them to great consideration. Their rights accru- . ing by priority of settlement were recognized by the public. and passed, with their improvements, through many hands, in confidence that they would receive the proprietary sanction. Much agitation was produced when a provincial proclamation required all who had not obtained and paid for warrants, to pay to the receiver-general, within four months. the sums due for their lands, under penalty of ejeetment. As a conse- quence great difficulties arose : the assembly sought to compromise the matter by postponing payment of the purchase money for several years."
Again, upon the death of Hannah Penn, and Springett Penn, the assembly assumed that Gordon's authority as lieutenant-governor was terminated, and therefore declined to act on a message he had sent to that body. But Gordon was immediately reappointed by John. Thomas, and Richard Penn, and was continued in office until his death, in August, 1736, after having served a little more than ten years with much credit to himself, and without having antagonized any of the elements of the province. His successor was not immediately appointed, and during the interim the council. headed by Logan, its president, performed the (Inties devolving upon the executive.
Sir George Thomas became lieutenant-governor of Pennsylvania,
47
OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
by appointment. in August, 1738, and served in that capacity until May, 1747. Thomas was born at Antigua about 1700, and was a planter and the son of a planter. From 1752 to 1766 he was governor of the Lec- ward and Carribee islands. He was made a baronet in 1766, and died in London in January, 1775. On assuming the duties of office in Penn- sylvania, Thomas undertook a settlement of the boundary dispute with Maryland, but without material results other than the mutual agreement that the respective proprietaries should hold and exercise jurisdiction over the lands occupied by themselves and their tenants at the date of the agreement. During Thomas' term, too, the minor matter of land titles growing out of squatter settlements was adjusted.
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.