USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Historical sketches : a collection of papers prepared for the Historical Society of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Volume I > Part 31
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
Samuel Patterson, "to commemorate the memorable event. After dinner a president and two vice-presidents being ap- pointed, seventeen toasts were drank. This was a memorable occason, and a jolly good time enjoyed by all present."
On December 2, 1807, the "Light Infantry Blues" were ordered to convene at the house of Samuel Patterson, inn- keeper, Norriton, completely equipped, thence to proceed to Norristown according to brigade orders. Samuel Gross, Cap- tain.
This is the first record that I have been able to find in print of a military organization convening at this hotel for drill or other purposes ; although local military troops (I am led to believe) convened at this place at intervals ever since such local organizations existed in this county.
For the years 1808, 1809 and 1810 John Benjamin be- came innkeeper as renter of the Jefferson inn.
June 29, 1808, the following notice appeared in the Nor- ristown Register : "At a meeting of the Democratic Repub- licans, held at the house of John Benjamin, in Norriton town- ship, on Tuesday, June 28, 1808, David Dewees was appointed chairman, and Archibald Darrah secretary, for the purpose of taking in consideration measures to commemorate the anni- versary of American Independence. A communication was presented at the meeting, stating that there were a number of Democratic citizens who would gladly participate on the oc- casion were it not for interference of the harvest. * Agreeably to the meeting the celebration was postponed to take place on the 12th day of August. John McFarland, Jo- seph Crawford, Isaiah Wells, Mathew Roberts, James Winnard, Archibald Darrah and Thomas Humphrey be a committee of arrangements for the day."
In due time the celebration took place, and the Register of August 17, 1808, contains the following record of the event :
" COMMEMORATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
Agreeably to previous arrangements, this glorious event was celebrated on the farm of Mr. John Benjamin, in Norriton
---
37 I
THOMPSON FAMILY AND JEFFERSONVILLE INN.
township, on the 12th inst., by nearly four hundred Democratic Republicans. The Republican Troop of Cavalry, commanded by Captain Wells, and the Lower Merion Republican Blues, commanded by Captain West, attended in full uniform. The cavalry and infantry assembled in Norristown, and after a march of two miles arrived at the place of rendezvous precisely at twelve o'clock. At three the company sat down to a hand- some entertainment prepared by Mr. Benjamin. Gen. Henry Scheetz was appointed president, and Major Andrew Norney vice-president. The cloth being removed the Declaration of Independence was read by John McFarland, to an audience deeply penetrated by sentiments of gratitude towards the pa- triots who dared to conceive and publish, with magnanimity, that declaration so honorable to human nature, in the face of powerful and hostile armies.
" The Republican Blues having formed under arms seven- teen regular and seven volunteer toasts* were drank; some with three cheers and one volley; some with six cheers and two and three volleys; some with nine cheers with one, two and three volleys. * *
" The company having rose from the table were enter- tained with a display of evolutions performed by the cavalry and infantry in a spirited manner. The cavalry exhibited the evolution of charging both with sword and pistol; and the infantry performed the charge in column in a style particularly happy. At sunset the military displayed before the house of Mr. Benjamin, and firing a salute which the citizens returned with three cheers, when they retired in the order in which they arrived. The company having spent the day in the greatest hilarity and harmony dispersed with
' Hearts resolved and hands prepared, The blessings they enjoy to guard.'
" Too high praise cannot be given to the infantry corps ; many of them attending at a distance of twelve miles on foot ; of which number was Captain West, and remained under arms nearly the whole day.
On September 10, 1808, a meeting of Democratic young men of Montgomery county, was held at the house of John Benjamin for the purpose of making arrangements preparatory
*The " regular" toasts at all of these celebrations were as many as the then existing states-or thirteen, the number of the original states of the union Tle " volunteer" toasts were unlimited, and were usually outbursts of expression of sentiments formulated by the guests for the occasion.
-
372
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
.
to the ensuing general election. A great effort was put for- ward at this meeting toward naming and getting into active shape a good working committee. The Committee of Vigi- lance appointed at this meeting for the county was composed of not less than seventy-four members.
On August 12, 1808, I find recorded the convening of the Democratic Republican Troop of Montgomery county (later known as the First Troop*), at the house of John Benjamin, in Norriton township, in full uniform, for drill, etc. This mili- tary troop at this time, and for a long time afterwards, was considered the "crack " military organization of the kind in Eastern Pennsylvania. The three essential features required of each applicant before joining were : first, good citizenship ; second, good horsemanship ; third, a good horse. For a long while previous to this time, I believe, and up to the disband- ment of the troop in 1861, the outbreak of the civil war, was this hotel greatly used by this troop for one of its favorite places of meeting for drill and the transaction of routine busi- ness.
In 18c9 we find John Benjamin, innkeeper, Captain of the · Light Infantry Blues, a local military organization.
On February 10, 1810, was a gala day at the Jefferson Inn for the neighboring sportsmen. A great fox-chase took place here, and the fox was set free from the inn. A general invi- tation was extended to all neighboring fox hunters to be present. t
*" The First Troop of Montgomery County Cavalry is one of the oldest troops in this Commonwealth. First embodied between the periods of 1795 and 1798 under the command of Captain Kennedy." An extract from an address delivered before the troop in the Court House, Norristown, August 23, 1841, by Francis Dimond, Esq. Norristown Register, September 8, 1841.
tAn advertisement of the same was published in the Norristown Register February 10, ISIo, in the following novel poetic form :
" A LARGE RED FOX AM I.
" Come all ye sportsmen, bold and free, Your horses and hounds, too, On Monday next at 10 o'clock, I'll show myself to you.
" I am a bold old traveller as ever you have seen ;
As for my age, I do not know but I think it is fifteen,
I challenge each and every one, so therefore don't lay by,
As I shall be prepared for you ; my bottom for to try."
.
373
THOMPSON FAMILY AND JEFFERSONVILLE INN.
On March 25, 1810 the Jefferson Inn, with eighty acres of land, was deeded by Archibald Darrah and his wife Sarah to Isaac Markley, of Limerick township. Consideration, £3,750 lawful gold and silver. Archibald Darrah reserved fifty acres of land, with the improvements thereon, it being the southeastern portion of the original tract of land. The line of division was but a few rods below the hotel.
With this sale of the Jefferson Inn, with the land thereto belonging, to Isaac Markley, this property passed out of the ownership of the Thompson family, as Archibald Darrah and his wife (Sarah Thompson) were the last of the Thompsons who owned and occupied said property.
Archibald Darrah was a prominent and popular man at the innkeeping business in his day. He was a man above the average in ability and his worth to the community was early shown by the interest he took in public affairs. He loaned his influence and means to all early innovations that were agitated for general or public good.
We find Archibald Darrah in 1803 one of the number of progressive citizens of this community loaning his aid and influence for the establishment in Norristown of an academy " for the education of the youth." He assisted materially in the creation of the public school in Norriton, known at that time as "the public school in Norriton near Darrah's hotel." He filled the position of trustee of this school for several years.
Mr. Darrah early associated himself with the militia, and held various commissions in such for many years. He was a man strongly opinionated in politics-a firm Democratic Re- publican. During the Jefferson campaign Mr. D. waxed warm in support of his favorite. He went into this campaign body and soul, and labored untiringly for Jefferson's success. Many a secret caucus was held during this campaign by the staunch supporters of Jefferson of this community within the confines of the walls of this inn, and Mr. Darrah was topmost, urging onward party success.
47
----
374
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Archibald Darrah in 1809 was appointed by Governor Snyder Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills for the county of Montgomery ; to which position he was reappointed annually for nine consecutive years. In 1809 he was also appointed by the Governor one of the commissioners for the erection of a bridge over the Schuylkill at Pawling's ford, etc.
Darrah's innkeeping business was a success financially. During his hotel keeping career this place was in the ascend- ency, and when he retired, in 1803, he was well rewarded with means for the continuous labors he spent in the hotel business at this place.
April 2, 1810, " Norriton Riflemen," an infantry military organization, met at the house of John Benjamin. Samuel Paterson, captain. Subsequently we find this military com- pany meeting frequently at this place for drill and otherwise.
In August, 1810, another celebration of American Inde- pendence took place. There were present on this occasion the Light Infantry Blues, Republican Troop of Montgomery County, Norriton Rifles, Montgomery Light Infantry Blues and a large assemblage of citizens (this meeting was post- poned to the above date at the request of farmers, as the har- vest interfered with them participating on Independence day). After dinner the Declaration of Independence was read by John McFarland. Gen. Henry Scheetz was made president and Samuel Gross, Esq., vice-president of the meeting. On this occasion the Germantown band of music attended. Each toast was accompanied with an appropriate tune from the band. There were 17 regular and 7 volunteer toasts drank, which were grected with cheers and volleys.
It is said that the assemblage on this occasion was between 600 and 700 persons. * *
In 1811 the hotel license was issued in the name of Isaac Markley, and thereafter it was annually granted in his name up to the time of his death in 1817. Isaac Markley moved with his family and took up his abode at this inn April Ist, 1811, at which time assuming the innkeepership.
375
THOMPSON FAMILY AND JEFFERSONVILLE INN.
July 4, 1812, another celebration of American Independ- ence took place at the " Jefferson Inn " by the " Democratic Republicans of this county. Gen. Francis Swaine was made president and Gen. Henry Scheetz vice-president of the meeting.
"The company sat down to an excellent dinner at 3 o'clock, after which the Declaration of Independence was read, and 18 regular and 13 volunteer toasts were drank, accom- panied by cheers, martial music and firing of cannon.
During the whole day the greatest hilarity prevailed, several appropriate songs were sung ; also an original song was sung amidst bursts of laughter and applause."
On September 11th, 1812, a meeting of Montgomery and / Chester county conferrees was held here to nominate candi- dates for Congress. Jonathan Roberts, of Montgomery county, and Dr. Roger Davis, of Chester county, were selected. Thomas Bodly was chairman and Dr. John Hahn was secre- tary of this meeting.
As the war of 1812 with Great Britain was now declared, on June 13, 1812, the " Democratic Republican Troop of Montgomery County" convened at the house of Isaac Markley. They there and then did agree to offer their services to their country.
Around 1812 the Limerick Church was making strenu- ous efforts to raise funds to build a new edifice. Isaac Markley, as a member of said congregation, was very much interested in the church's welfare, and in order to raise funds a lottery was created for said purpose. Several of these drawings took place in the Jefferson Inn. Isaac Markley for several years was treasurer of said church.
About 1812 Isaac Markley erected on his lands on the eastern side of the Ridge road, below the hotel, a small two- story stone house and a stable. This dwelling was early used as a toll-house, and was known as gate No. 5 on the Ridge turnpike. This dwelling was first occupied by John Rhoads, as renter, who held the position of gate-keeper for a number of years ; with the house Rhoades rented eight acres of land.
-
376
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
After Mr. Markley's death in 1818 Rhoads purchased this property-the buildings and eight acres of land-at public sale.
About 1812 Isaac Markley erected a forge on his land in the woods, on the south side of the Ridge road, a few rods below the hotel. Markley early employed a man to ply the trade of blacksmithing here. The location of this shop now would make it in the yard of Jackson W. Miller, but a short ·distance southeast of the dwelling house. The soil here is still black from this old forge if upturned.
In the year 1813 Isaac Markley was appointed treasurer of Montgomery county by Governor Simon Snyder, which position Markley filled for one year.
In May, 1813, Isaac Markley purchased to the hotel pro- perty of Jesse Bean 1612 acres of land, adjoining the south- eastern corner of Markley's land. This field is now part of Jackson Miller's farm, and is known as his lower field ; it is a long, narrow strip of land extending from the Egypt to the Port Indian road.
In 1813 Isaac Markley was also appointed one of the com- missioners by the Governor for the construction of the Egypt turnpike road. This turnpike never materialized-lacking necessary support and funds.
On the fourth day of July, 1814, the Democratic Republi- cans again celebrated the anniversary of American Inde- pendence at the Jefferson Inn. "The day was ushered in by the firing of cannon and the air resounded with spontaneous rejoicings of an emancipated people. Gen. Fran- cis Swaine was appointed president of the day, and Gen. Henry Scheetz and Dr. John Hahn vice-presidents. The Declaration of Independence was read by the president, after which an oration* was delivered by Philip S. Markley, Esq., and the company at 2.30 p m. sat down to an excellent dinner near a fine spring in the meadow opposite the house. After
*The oration delivered by Mr. Markley on this occasion was a masterpiece of oratory, and deserves much commendation as an able and patriotic speech. It was published in full in the Norristown Register on July 20th, 1814.
1
-
4
JEFFERSONVILLE INN.
377
THOMPSON FAMILY AND JEFFERSONVILLE INN.
the cloth was removed 18 regular and 16 volunteer toasts were drank, interspersed with firing of cannon, martial music and patriotic songs. An original song, written for the occa- sion, was sung by one of the company amidst bursts of applause."
In 1814 the Montgomery National Bank of Norristown was chartered and Isaac Markley was elected one of the first directors, to which position he was re elected annually there- after up to his death. Isaac Markley made the first deposit in said bank November 18, 1815 ; amount $50.
On September 16, 1814, the Democratic Republican con- ferrees of the counties of Chester and Montgomery met at the house of Isaac Markley and recommended Dr. John Hahn, of Montgomery county, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Jonathan Roberts, Esq., to the United States Senate.
On September 21, 1816, the Democratic Nomination Con- vention of Montgomery county met at the public house of Isaac Markley. Rev. Silas Hough, M. D., was made president and Gen. Henry Scheetz secretary of the meeting. This was one of the largest attended county conventions for years past.
Isaac Markley about 1815 erected on the northern section of his farm, near the Ridge road, suitable buildings ; and pur- chased some five acres of land from a neighbor ; attaching also 23 acres of land from his plantation (10 acres of which was woodland), making 27 acres in all, which property was sold by the administrators of the estate of Isaac Markley on Decem- ber 30, 1819. This farm is now owned and occupied by Mr. Isaiah Boorse.
In the summer of 1816 quite a controversy took place in the columns of the Norristown Register over the poor-house management in Montgomery county. The aggressor in the case was a writer who signed his name as " Detector," and the defense was Isaac Markley. The controversy originated ·through preferred charges of dereliction of duty on the part of the Directors of the Poor, and " Detector." became rather personal and offensive in his charges and directed his efforts
378
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
mainly to ruining the good character of Isaac Markley. Con- sidering the importance, popularity and high standing in the community of the defense at this time this mud-slinging must have created no little public interest and surprise. Without a doubt it was these efforts at refutation that led to Mr. Mark- ley's defeat for re-election to the office of Director of the Poor at the general election in the following fall. .
On the 10th day of April, 1817, Isaac Markley's eldest son, Abraham Markley, led to the marriage altar Mary Ann, daughter of Archibald Darrah.
" Agreeably to previous arrangements made by the Dem- ocratic Republican Troop of Montgomery county, that ever memoriable day, 4th of July, 1817, was celebrated at Isaac Markley's, Norriton township. The day was ushered in by firing a salute. At II o'clock the Republican Troop, commanded by Captain Matheys, Captain Holgate's Com- pany of Light Infantry and a number of citizens assembled in the borough of Norristown, formed a procession and marched, accompanied by a band of music, to the place of celebration. On the way the procession was joined by a volunteer com- pany commanded by Lieutenant Teany. After the arrival of the military at Isaac Markley's several evolutions were per- formed in a meadow contiguous to the house. About 300 persons sat down, at 2 o'clock, to an excellent dinner prepared by Mr. Markley. The cloth being removed an appropriate exordium was made by Thomas Ross, Esq., who was ap- pointed president of the day, and Gen. Isaiah Wells, John Mc- Farland and Joseph Crawford vice-presidents. The number that had come to participate in this celebration was unusual and unexpected, particularly considering the time of year, but it was a source of gratification and pleasure to witness the farmers and all classes of citizens relinquishing their avoca- tions and uniting in the commemoration of that glorious epoch that secured to us the inestimable blessings that we enjoy. 18 regular and 7 volunteer toasts were drank, followed by booming of cannon and cheers."-Register, July 9, 1817.
Isaac Markley died at the inn October 17, 1817. At the
-
379
THOMPSON FAMILY AND JEFFERSONVILLE INN.
time of his death he possessed right and title to considerable real estate and personal property. Isaac Markley during his natural life was a man of considerable enterprise and force of character. Engaged as he was at the inn-keeping business, and at this time an important and essential one, its thrift made Mr. Markley public spirited and he became interested in many enterprises of a public and private nature. He was elected to many positions of public trust; all of which he filled with ability, honor and credit.
The following communication is taken from the Norris- . town Register-the character of which speaks for itself :
" Died on the 18th inst., after a short illness, Mr. Isaac Markley, of Norriton township, in the 45th year of his age. On the 19th the mortal remains were committed to the grave, attended by a greater concourse of people than was ever wit- nessed on a like occasion in this part of the country.
" He was a tender and careful husband, an affectionate and provident parent, an obliging neighbor, a useful citizen and an 'honest man.' Through his life he was honored with various public trusts, which he discharged with exemplary diligence and attention. In every capacity he was distin- guished as a ' doer of good'. Long will his remembrance be- dew the cheek of the widow and the orphan, and the recollec- tion of the past awaken every string of painful sensibility. Afflicted mourners, let the thought that there is a husband to the widow, a father to the fatherless, of whom you can never be bereaved, and who will never forsake you, moderate your grief for this sad breech made in your little society. While many pass away leaving only a remembrance that they lived and died, society, in Mr. Markley, has sustained a loss which will be deeply felt, and not easily repaired. In his actions something beneficent was ever in view. The tenor of his life evinced that he ' put a greater value on the doer of good than any other kind of character.' But a kind Providence-
In every purpose wise In what he grants-and what denies,
has pleased to take him from a troubled world to a place where its cares are forgotten, its tumults are hushed and its miseries disappear."
·
380
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Isaac Markley died intestate. Jesse Bean and Abraham Markley were administrators. To settle the estate the tavern stand, with 65 acres of land, was offered and sold at public sale, Monday, February 23d, 1818.
The following is an extract of the description of the property at that time taken from a sale bill of that date :
" The building is a large commodious two-story house, with four rooms on the first floor and six on the second, with a double piazza in front and a kitchen with a single piazza back. A barn, hay stable, and sheds sufficient for 100 head of horses, a milk-house over a good spring of water, near the dwelling, and a blacksmith shop. All of the said buildings are of stone and in good repair." *
The license for the year 1818 was granted in the name of Mary Markley, widow of Isaac Markley.
Christian Keisellar and John Miller, of Germantown, be- came purchasers of the property at the above sale. The property was deeded to them April Ist, 1818-paying there- for $15,438.82.
The license of the inn was assigned by Mary Markley to John Miller on April Ist, 1818. Miller was a son-in-law of Christian Keisellar, who now became tavern-keeper.
Miller, on March 13, 1820, advertised for a blacksmith. The applicant that filled the position was a man by the name of Peter Richards. Richards later on in his life was instru- mental in adding a number of dwellings to the village of Jef- fersonville. He was also the manufacturer of the famous Richards plough; which at one time enjoyed an enviable reputation.
Richards was a married man when he came to Norriton, and in order to provide for him a home for his family, Miller, his employer, converted a wagon-house adjoining the north- west gable end of the stone stable into a dwelling, in which Richards resided with his family for a number of years. Sub- sequently Richards purchased from Miller land a short dis- tance above the inn, on which he erected for himself and family a stone dwelling. This property is now owned by Jacob Custer.
--
381
THOMPSON FAMILY AND JEFFERSONVILLE IN.N.
About 1824 Miller erected on his land, on the north side of Ridge turnpike, opposite the smith shop, a wheelwright shop, and employed a wheelwright by the name of Sloane to conduct the business. The present location of the site of this shop would make it in the yard of the property of Mr. Taber.
During the gubernatorial campaign of 1820 a strong op- position developed throughout the state against the re-elec- tion of William Findlay, the Democratic Republican nominee for Governor. In Montgomery county a share of dislike manifested itself and as an outcome of this the Democratic party split -- a faction rallying to the support of Heister, the Federal nominee.
This Heister faction of the Democratic Republicans called a meeting, to be held at the house of John Miller, Nor- riton township, on April 29th, for the purpose of organizing for efficient work. John McFarland was made chairman and Francis Murphy secretary of the meeting. Another meeting was held by the above faction at the above named place, August 31st, 1820. Stephen Porter was made chairman and Jesse Weber secretary of the later meeting.
On September 14th, 1820, the Heister faction of the Democratic Republican party of Montgomery county met in convention at the house of John Miller to frame a ticket for the different elective county offices, at the same time recom- mending it to the support of the freemen of said county. At this meeting Thomas Ross was selected as president and Jacob Dewees and Benjamin Harris secretaries.
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.