USA > Pennsylvania > Bucks County > Falls in Bucks County > Historical sketches, chiefly relating to the early settlement of Friends at Falls, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania > Part 4
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cally onward. The clearing and preparation for the crop is a very gradual work, and the needs of his family have not abated. The seed is at length committed to the bosom of the earth. and in due time the first harvest is gath- ered in ; but the quantity sown being small. the harvest is scanty also. Many families suffered extremely before they became natu- ralized to the climate, and many of the earlier settlers succumbed to the severe ordeal through which they were passing. But there is much evidence and ground for believing that many of these were through Divine favor, enabled to enlure their privations and sufferings with an extraordinary degree of Christian fortitude; and although their bodies often languished with disease, and sometimes for the want of outward bread. vet many of them evidently were often supplied abundantly with the bread of life, Stranthehed with might by the spirit in the ister man, enabled to look forward in hope, rekening that their many afflictions which might be for a limited season perhaps, would is followed by the dawn of a brighter day in
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temporal things, or be permitted to work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. And although their accom- modations were rude, their supplies scanty, their neighborhood frequented by numerous warlike tribes. and wild beasts of prey prowled around their insecure dwellings, yet feeling their dependence upon Divine Providence for protection and preservation, and seeking heavenly aid with purity of heart, the Divine blessing was not withheld. Many that sickoned departed hence from the earthly tabernacle, with the glorious assurance of a happy immor- tality : and many that recovered were doubtless strengthened to take courage, and go on their way with humble thanksgiving and with grate- ful hearts.
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Relief was sometimes experienced in seasons of great scarcity by the sudden appearance of will pigeons in the neighborhood : and by the Indians bringing in provisions, which they sometimes did in perfect charity. refusing any Compensation.
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The spinning wheel, and the hand loom were early brought into requisition, and the principal part of the clothing worn at that distant period was of home-made manufacture. Wheat, if not the principal medium of exchange. entered largely into the circulation of value in those days.
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CHAP. VII.
Many offices of public trust were from time to time bestowed upon Phineas Pemberton. In the year 1683, he was appointed by Christopher Taylor, to be his deputy Register for Bucks County; the duties of the office were to write and register all contracts and certificates of marriage, to register births and burials, and the names of all servants that were in. or should come into said county-the time of service, pay- ment, and freedom. In the same year he was appointed by William Penn to be clerk of the court. In the year 1684 he was appointed by C. Taylor. Register of Wills in Bucks County. In the year 1686 he received a commission from Thomas Lloyd, to be deputy master of the Rolls in Bucks County. In 1689. by William Mark- ham and John Goodson. Receiver of Quit Rents in Bucks County. In 1691, by Thomas Lloyd. Register General of Bucks County. In 1696. was Master of the Rolls in Bucks County. In 1701. by William Penn, one of the Council of State.
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In the year 1684, James Harrison accepted the office of steward from William Penn, which granted him the oversight of the Establisment at Pennsbury, and thither he and his wife went to reside, continuing their abode there, and the administration of the accepted trust, during the life of James. The selection doubtless was a wise one, and we cannot but suppose that the duties of the position were discharged with fidelity. The superintendence and requisitions of the office embraced the oversight of " the servants, building, &c .; and what relates to the place, to receive and pay, take and put away "every servant ; to receive all strangers, and to place them as to lodgings. " The duties of his wife were " to overlook the maids in the dairy. kitchen and chambers; with the charge of linen and plate ; and to have the maids account- able for inferior matters to her." For this service the Proprietor proposed allowing them. " a couple of chambers, and a horse; and be- sides meat. drink and lodging, forty pounds for the first year, and fifty ever after ; " which W. P. Navs. " I conceive will be a clear sub.
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sistence. I have truth and virtue in my eye for my family. Pray let me know your answer as soon as you can." Having accepted the proposal. the commission was issued on the 15th day of the 6th month.
A Post Office was early established in Pem- sylvania, and arrangements made for the regular transportation of letters and passen- gers to and from the Falls, and other places. The following is a notice thereof. " In the 5th month 1683, William Penn issued an order for the establishinent of a Post Office, and granted to Henry Walby of Taconey, authority to hold one. and to supply passengers with horses from Philadelphia to New Castle, or to the Falls. The rates of postage of letters, were from the Falls to Philadelphia. three pence : to Chester. five pence; to New Castle, seven pence: and to Maryland, nine pence."
The first presentation of intentions of mar- riage. that finally passed Falls Monthly Moct- ing, occurred at a session held at the house of William Biles on the 6th of the 12th month 1683. The following account thereof is tran-
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scribed as a specimen of the proceedings in such cases, in those days, and also as bringing into view some of the prominent members. " Richard Hough and Margery Clowes. this day presented their intentions, to take each other in marriage, being the first of their presentation; therefore this meeting doth order William Yardley and Thomas Janney to take inquiry concerning their clearness from all other persons relating to marriage." The following minute was adopted at the succeed- ing Monthly Meeting held on the 5th day of the 1st month 1684. Richard Hough and Margery Clowes have again appeared in the meeting, and do desire the meeting's consent to take each other in marriage; and Friends ordered to make inquiry do say, they find nothing but they are clear, both ; therefore. the meeting doth leave them to their liberty to proved in marriage, and doth order Thomas Janney, and William Yardley to see the same orderly done and performed." Among the minutes of the next Monthly Meeting the fol- lowing occurs, which terminates the proceeding.
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" William Yardley hath given the mecting an account that the Marriage of Richard Hough and Margery Clowes was orderly performed, and hath brought the Certificate of Marriage to be recorded."
Among the minutes of Falls Monthly Meeting, held at the house of Richard Hough, on the 4th day of the 3d month 1687, appears the following. " It is the unanimous judg- ment of this meeting, to sell rum to the - Indians directly, or indirectly, or sell rum to any person ; that the so selling it, so to be disposed of [is wrong] because we know and are satisfied they know not, viz., the Indians, how to use it in moderation, but most com- monly to the abuse of themselves and others." This early testimony in support of temperance was commendable to the meeting which issued it.
One member was dealt with for speaking " unsavory words." Another who had com- mitted some indiscretion in court, was required to publish his condemnation in the court, and in the meeting.
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Benevolence appears to have been a prominent feature in the character of the primitive settlers at Falls; the records of the Monthly Meeting give early evidence of this. The following minute describes a portion of the business of their third Monthly Meeting, held the 4th day of the 5th month 1683. " William Biles hath this day acquainted the meeting that -of Neshaminy, hath made him acquainted that he is in want as to his outward concerns, and he and some others hath took his condition into their consideration. and have bought him a cow and calf, the price is .ES. and do desire this meeting's assistance towards the payment of said cow and calf, to which this meeting doth consent." The re- mainder of the minute provides for the pay- ment of the said sum, which at a subsequent meeting was reported paid. This minute is also evidence that the settlements of Friends had extended to Neshaminy at that date.
In the year 1684, Friends of Neshaminy were organized into a separate Monthly Meet- ing, by direction of the Yearly Meeting ; and
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in the same year Bucks Quarterly Meeting was established, the two Monthly Meetings being represented therein. After Friends of Neshaminy became divided off from Falls, there yet remained three branches. One Meeting for worship was held above the Falls of Delaware. one below the Falls, and. one at the middle lots, now Fallsington : at which place, in the year 1690. the first Friends' Meeting House in Bucks County was erected. About the same time it was concluded to hold meetings for worship on first day. in the New Meeting House. for the members of the three meetings collect- ively: and it is probable that those separate meetings were not long afterwards discon- tinued altogether. Burial Ground was pro- vided at each of the localities. That above the Falls was deeded to Friends by Thomas Janney, for a nominal consideration. in the year 1690. It has been represented as located at Slate Hill, upon the King's Road. leading to the uppermost plantations on the
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Delaware River. There were afterwards ad- ditions made to it, and it is now known by the name of "The Stone Graveyard."
The earliest known title conveying .pro- perty to Falls Monthly Meeting. bears date the fourth day of the 4th month, 1690. At that period a deed was granted by Samuel Burges, for six acres of land, then supposed to be the six acres now occupied by Friends Meeting Houses and other improvements at Fallsington ; but by some unaccountable mis- take, the bearings and distances recorded in the Deed. embraced a plot of ground en- tirely beyond the eastern boundary of the intended gift. This oversight was a source of considerable annoyance for years, and it was not until the year 1724. that Daniel Burges, who had inherited his father's real estate, conveyed the originally intended six aeres, by Deed. to trustres appointed by Falls Monthly Meeting. subject to a yearly quit rent of one grain of Indian corn, to be paid to the said heirs and assigns, if the same by them be lawfully demanded. This appended
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condition was probably designed to meet some technicality of law. In a Declaration of Trust executed for these premises in the year 1706. the Trustees certify that they held the property "To the uses and intents hereinafter mentioned and declared, and under considerations, provisions, and restric- tions. hereinafter limited and expressed, and for no other use. intent, or purpose what- soever; that is to say, for the benefit. Use. and behoof of the poor people of said Quakers, belonging to the said Meeting. for- ever, and for a place or places to erect and continue a meeting house or meeting houses, and for places to bury their dead." This language, or something like it, was inserted in the Declarations of Trust until the year 1828. The meeting house built on the said six aere lot in the year 1841. is the fifth Friends' Meeting House erected on the promises.
Falls Monthly Meeting extended its care and control over the Burying Ground for Friends at the Middle Lots, now the Ohl
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Graveyard at Fallsington, about the year 1691; but it is apparent that this burying place existed previous to that date. And as in the process of time the meetings held at Fallsington became the general resort of .. Friends that formerly constituted the three aforesaid meetings. it is probable that the Graveyard at that place became generally preferred. and consequently has been filled up to much greater extent than either of the others.
Extract from Phineas Pemberton's will : " I also give to our Monthly Meeting. Twenty Pounds towards the advancing and main- taining a free school, when more gifts are added, (considerable,) for the carrying on of the said work."
A mill of ancient origin, and perhaps one of the first in the State of Pennsylvania, was created by the side of a large rock. lying at the western skirts of what is now the village of Fallsington: it probably belonged to Ran- dal Blackshaw.
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Tradition represents that the first man hanged in the State of Pennsylvania, was executed in Penn's Manor, near Tyburn ; after judicial process by judge and jury. The position which Friends occupied in relation thereto, is not now certainly known: the records of the Court proceedings of Bucks County having been destroyed by British soldiers at the time of the Revolutionary War.
John Rowland and Thomas Rowland, ap- pear to have been early immigrants, and active supporters of the infant Monthly Meeting; they possessed a large tract of land in the Colony. There is a stretch of low land extending southward from the village of Tyburn, which vet bears the name of Rowland Swamp. Edmund Lovett settled carly on the banks of the Delaware, but afterwards removed inland, and the meeting at Middle Lots was for a time held at his house. Joshua Hoopes and Thomas Fitz- water appear to have been of early promi- nence, and doubtless there were other valuable
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Friends at that period whose names are now but little known.
The first testimony inserted in the old Book of Memorials, published by direction of Phila- delphia Yearly Meeting in the year 1787, is thus introduced. "An abstract of Nicholas Waln's Testimony concerning that faithful servant of the Lord, Cuthbert Hayhurst, who departed this life at his own house in the County of Bucks. in Pennsylvania, about the 5th of the first month, 1682-3. near the fiftieth year of his age." There can be but little doubt but what this valiant in our Israel resided among his friends at Falls, as there had been but little enlargement of their borders at that period. But as his decease occurred a few weeks previous to Falls Monthly Meeting, his name does not appear upon its records, and the exact place of his residence is uncertain.
Another testimony in the old Book of Memorials is thus brought into notice, "John Hayton's testimony concerning Thomas Lang- horne, who died at his own habitation in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the 6th of the eighth
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month 1687." There is also uncertainty respect- ing the residence of this interesting minister, but it is quite likely that he died at Neshaminy, and probable that his dwelling was at the locality which is now called Langhorne's Hill. . In compiling this brief account relating chiefly to the early settlement of Friends at Falls, it is not designed to trace the personal history of the many worthies who located there at a later date, but simply to gather up a few kindred fragments of general history. extending down to a much later period of time.
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CHAP. VIII.
Doctor Watson, whose memory extended back as far as 1750, and who doubtless had personal acquaintance with some of the aged who had been early settlers at Buckingham, states that the first adventurers were chiefly from the Falls Meeting, but afterwards named a number of later arrivals from other points. He also. in harmony with other informa- tion. bears several testimonies to the zeal and diligence of many of those primitive worthies. in attending their distant religious meetings for worship, and discipline at Falls. The Quarterly Meeting allowed Buckingham Friends a meeting for worship, in the year 1700, which relieved them from much wear- isome traveling: but their meeting continued a branch of Falls Monthly Meeting for ten Year's longer, during which time their zeal did not abate, but they are represented as continuing diligent in attending their meet- ings for discipline. until their connection with Wrightstown Friends in a Monthly
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Meeting capacity was consummated in 1710. These items of history exhibit a pleasing and instructive feature' in the character of some of our primitive Friends in the pursuit of things relating to their everlasting welfare. .Prior to the year 1700, there was no meeting for worship located at Buckingham, and Friends in that vicinity were members of - Falls Particular Meeting, which was held at the distance of near twenty miles from the residences of some of them. And when we take into consideration the wilderness state of the country in these days, the very imperfect roads. the difficulty and tediousness of traveling, that the best mode of convevance for men, and women also, was on horseback. and that even this accommodation was beyond the reach of some; the time that elapsed before Friends leaving their dwellings. could attend their meetings, and return from thence : the frequent occurrence of those meetings: the necessity of diligence and frugality in order to obtain a livelihood : the exposed situation of travelers without the conveniences
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of modern invention, to shield them from the inclemencies of the weather; and the fatigue of body to be endured in those journeys :- when we take into consideration a situation such as is here represented, it is manifest that the carrying out of the privilege of attending their religious meetings was attained at the cost of very considerable sacrifice. The assembling of ourselves together for the solemn purpose of Divine worship, has always been held by our society as an imperative obli- gation for our observance, when circumstances do not render it impracticable; and it is evident that the pioneers of our society at Buckingham were not less sensible of this obligation in their day, than we are sensible of it in this our day. Inconveniences and difficulties stood in their way, such as have not been experienced in modern times; yet when the sense of indispensable duty was manifest before them. these inconveniences and difficulties were cheerfully encountered, and doubtless the pious pilgrimage was generally accomplished with devotion of spirit
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and crowned with peace of mind. Nor need we marvel at the zeal of those worthics in this respect, when we reflect that most likely some of them were of the number, but if not of the number, were kindred in spirit with them, who stemmed the torrent of persecution in England; who having been hauled from their religious meetings to prison, suffered. the penalty of the law for months and being liberated, sought the first - opportunity, publicly, to. assemble with their friends for the cherished purpose of Divine worship; thus manifesting their allegiance to the King of kings, although they knew that the laws of the King of England would bear heavier upon them for every additional offence. It is however manifest that the attendance of their religious meetings was dear to them. an enjoyment they were not willing to forego, a duty to their Divine Master which they looked upon as indispensable, and they were willing to bear testimony to that duty, even at the expense of convenience. of property, of liberty and of life. It therefore
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need not astonish us that many of our Buckingham Friends were faithful in the attendance of their religious meetings, although located twenty miles from some of their dwellings ; and it appears that some of these devoted ones attendel on foot; nor was this number confined to the male sex. but females Were seen wending their way along solitary Iulian paths, on horseback and on foot, some of thom carrying their young children in their arms, crossing obstructive water-courses. pass- ing through forests haunted by wild beasts. and by the proximity of such tribes as were a terror to the white man of other colonies : nevasionally discomforted by summer's heat. and winter's frosts. and sometimes confronted by -wollen streams or drifting snows. Their mitward lot was evidently a hard one, but ling in the way of their religious duty, and animated by holy god and forvency of spirit. they doubtless were enabled to go on their way rejoicing. The faithful are sometimes permitted to rejoice in tribulation; and having sowa in tears, have reaped in joy. These
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trusting ones were preserved from outward dangers, nor can we doubt that a large amount of preservation from spiritual enemies was experienced also; nor need we marvel that the Church prospered in those days. Were we now to travel back in retrospect to the carly days of our society, and take a glance at the condition of our suffering Friends in England. it might not be surprising to us that the prevalence of severe persecution, growing out of oppressive government policy. and striking at the root of civil and religious liberty. did loosen the attachment of some of them to their native land, and present the Province of Pennsylvania to their view as an attractive asylum for the persecuted and oppressed. These persecuted ones suf- fered for righteousness sake, and rather than turn aside from the path of manifested duty, we're willing to suffer, and yet could they be relieved from the yoke of cruel oppression by removal to a distant land, some of them were willing to choose it rather. Numbers of these faithful ones sought our shores, and
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laid the foundations of their dwellings in the wilds of America. carrying with them that purity of principle and integrity of heart which they could not exercise unmolested in their native land.
The condition of the burial ground at the Point. or Grove Place, the ten rods square which Phineas Pemberton set apart for the accommodation of his family and friends. is calculated to awaken a variety of feeling. That portion which contains the remains of the Pembertons and some of their particular friends, is enclosed by a suitable stone wall. without any gateway therein. It was thus enclosed by direction of John Pemberton, a beloved minister, (a short time previous to his last religious visit to Europe; a visit from which he never returned, but died at Pyrmont. in Prussia.) in affectionate remen- bonnes of departed relatives and friends. that their graves might not be laid waste: and for the purpose of preserving the enclosed plot in decent order, he left a small annuity, -. vured by will, upon a farm in the neigh-
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borhood. and Falls Monthly Meeting accepted the guardianship thereof. and has long con- tinned to administer the trust. This annuity of latter time has not been paid; nevertheless the Meeting continues to extend care over the premises. A few years since, some Friends planted four silver pine trees within the enclosure, chiefly in view of checking the undergrowth. These trees have now grown to attractive proportions. An adjoining stone wall, created several years since. encloses another portion of the general repository of the dead. The plot thus enclosed is of small extent. and perhaps was designed as a family burial place. The aspect of the remaining portion of the ten rods square has considerably changed of latter times: the hand of man has removed the grave stones; the plow has leveled the graves: and crops have been gathered from the soil beneath which repose the remains of many of our fellow mortals. A Friend who visited the locality a few years since writes: .. I stood upon the grave yard wall, and mused on the scene around me. In the enclosure on my
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right hand were the graves of the worthy P'em- bertons, and Harrisons, of Roger Longworth, and of other worthies; but John Pemberton left no provision for repairs of the wall which surrounds them; the cover is already much out of order, portions of the wall itself are be- coming somewhat defective, and time's wasting hand may crumble it to the earth; and as several of the latter deeds for the surrounding farm make no reserve for these premises. I thought it would not be improbable that the day would come. when the hand of avarice would remove the fragments of the decaved wall, the plowshare invade the covering of the dead, and naught remain to mark this interest- ing spot. On my left hand lay the other in- closure; it contained the remains of at least, one Friend, who was rich in the abundance of this world's goods, but the pale messenger would not be denied : he and his poorer neigh- bors of this village of the dead, have with like accountability, all passed to their final account : while their bodies lie side by side in this their mother earth. Before me lie the obliterated
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