USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches > Part 106
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| Peter Dicke and Nathaniel Pennock resigned Oct. 16, 1756, and Isaac Wayne and Ralph Pyle were elected to succeed them in the same month. Wayno took his seat Nov. 2, and Pyle Nov. 23, 1756.
380
HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Oct. 14, 1761 .- Joseph Gibbons, George Ashbridge, Nathaniel Pennock, Josbus Ash, Jolin Morton, Isaac Wayne, Isaac Pcarson, Roger Hunt.
Oct. 14, 1762 .- Nathaniel Pennock, George Ashbridge, Joshna Ash, Isaac Pear. son, John Morton, Isaac Wayne, Joseph Gibboos, John Jacol:s.
Oct. 14, 1763 .- George Ashbridge, Joshua Ash, Isaac Pearson, John Mortoo, Na- thaniel Pennoch, John Jacobs, Isaac Wayne, Charles Humphreys.
Oct. 15, 1704 .- George Ashbridge, John Morton, Nathaniel Pennock, Joshua Ash, Isaac Pearson, Charles Humphreys, Jobn Jacobs, John Fairlamb.
Oct. 14, 1765 .- John Morton, George Ashibridge, Jolio Jacobs, Nathaniel Pen- nock, John Fairlamb,* Charles Humphreys, Isaac Pearson, Joshua Ash. Oct. 14, 1766 .- John Morton, t George Ashbridge, Nathaniel Pennock, John Ja- cobs, Charles Humphreys, Isaac Pearson, Joshua Ash, John Minshall.
Oct. 14, 1767 .- Isaac Pearson, Charles Humphreys, George Ashbridge, John Min- shall, Jonas Preston, Julin Jacobs, John Sellers, Nathaniel Peonock.
1768 .- John Jacobs, Nathaniel Pennock, George Ashbridge, Charles Humphreys, John Sellers, John Minshall, Isaac Pearson, John Crosby.
1769 .- George Aslibridge, Charles Humphreys, Isaac Pearson, John Sellers, John Jacobs, John Minshall, John Crosby, John Morton.
1770 .- Chules Humphreys, Isaac Pierson, John Mioshall, John Morton, John Jacobs, Juhn Crosby. George Ashbridge, John Sellers.
1771 .- John Morton, Charles Ilumphreys, Isaac Pearson, John Jacobs, John Sel- lers, John Minshall, George Ashbridge, John Crosby.
1772 .- Charles Humphreys, Isaac Pearson, John Morton, John Jacobs, John Minshall, Jamee Hockley, George Ashbridge, Benjamin Bartholomew.
1773 .- Isaac Pierson, Benjamin Bartholomew, John Jacobs, Charles Humphreys, John Morton, James Gibbs, John Minshall, Joseph Pennock.
1774 .- Benjamin Bartholomew, John Jacobs, Joseph Pennock, James Gibbons, Isaac Pearson, Charles Humphreys, John Morton, Anthony Wayne.
1775 .- John Morton (Speaker), Benjamin Bartholomew, James Gibbons, Isaac Pearson, John Jacobs, Charles Humphreys, Joseph Pennock, Joseph Pyle. 1776.1-John Jacobs, Caleb Davis, Joseph Gardner, John Fultoo, Samuel Cun- niogham, John Sellers.
1777 .- Joseph Gardner, John Fulton, Samuel Cunningham, John Culbertson, Lewis Gronow, Stephen Cochran.
1778 .- Josephi Gardner, Joha Fulton, John Culbertson, Stephen Cochran, John Fleming, Patrick Anderson.
1779 .- John Fulton, David Thoaias, Henry Hayes, James Boyd, Patrick Anderson, Joseph Park, William Harris, Sketchley Morton.
1780 .- David Thomas, Henry Hayes, Joseph Park, William Harris, James Boyd, Patrick Anderson, John Culbertson, Evan Evans.
1781 .- John Culbertson, Evan Evans, James Moore, Persifor Frazer, Thomas Maffat, Patrick Anderson, John Ilannum, John Lindsay.
1782 .- Persifor Frazer, James Boyd, Evan Evans, Thomas Strawbridge, Benjamin Brannan, David Thomas, John Lindsay, Thomas Maffat.
1783 .- David Thomas, Evan Evans, John Hannum, Joseph Park, Richard Will- ing, Thomas Potts, Thomas Bull, Edward Jones.
1784 .- Richard Willing, Anthony Wayne, Edward Jones, Robert Ralston, James Moore, Thomas Potts, Persifor Frazer, Joseph Strawbridge, Charles Hum- phreys.
1785 .- Anthony Wayne, Robert Ralston, James Moore, Thomas Bull, John Han- num, Robert Smith (Oxford), Samuel Evans, Jonathan Morris.
1786 .- Robert Ralston, Richard Willing, James Moore, Samuel Evans, Richard Thomas, Townsend Whelen.
1787 .-- Same members re-elected.
1788 .- Richard Thomas, James Moore, Mark Wilcox, John McDowell, Caleb James, Richard Downing. Jr.
1789 .- Richard Thomas (2927 votes), John McDowell (2306), Jaleb James (2773), Richard Downing, Jr. (2682).
This completes the list of members of Assembly until the adoption of the constitution of 1790. Up to this period the Assembly had consisted of but one house. The new constitution provided that the legislative power should thereafter be vested in a General Assembly, consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives, and that these bodies should be composed of such numbers as the General Assembly should determine at each septennial apportionment, the number of senators not to be less than one-fourth nor more than one-third of the number of representatives.
The first House of Representatives under this constitution was com- posed of 72 members. In 1794 the number was increased to 80, in 1801 to 86, in 1808 to 95, in 1815 to 97, and in 1822 to 100. An amendment to the constitution, adopted in 1857, provided that there- after the House should consist of 100 members.
* Joho Fairlamb died prior to Fub. 8, 1766, and John Minshall, his successor, took his seat May 6, 1766.
+ Jonas Preston, elected March 23, 1767, In room of John Mortou, who had accepted the office of sheriff.
# A marked change is apparent in the character of the members of the Assem- bly from this county on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. Up to that period they were largely of the Society of Friends. During the war, and for several years thereafter, scarcely the name of a Friend appears in the list, their places being filled chiefly by persons of Scotch-Irish and Welsh extraction. The members of that society being conscientiously opposed to war, doubtless largely withdrew from political affairs.
Under the constitution of 1873 the number is increased to 200, and the members are elected for two years.
1790 .- Richard Downing (1103 votes), Caleh James (953), Jobn McDowell (917), James Boyd (859).
1791 .- Richard Downing (2032), Caleb James (1941), James Boyd (1630), Samuel Evans (876).
1792 .- Dennis Whelen (2883), Charles Dilworth (2362), John Haonum (1864), Samuel Sharp (1713).
I793 .- Denois Whelen, Thomas Bull, John Ross, Joseph Pierce.
1794 .- Thomas Bull, John Ross, Robert Frazer, Roger Kirk.
1795 .- Thomas Bull, Robert Frazer, Roger Kirk, Joseph Pierce, Abish Taylor.
1796 .- Thomas Bull, Robert Frazer, Roger Kirk, Abish Taylor, James Han- num.
1797 .- Thomas Bull, Roger Kirk, Abish Taylor, James Hannum, Joseph Hemp- hill.
1798 .- Same members re-elected.
1799 .- Same members re-elected.
1800 .- Thomas Bull, Roger Kirk, Abiah Taylor, Isaac Wayne.
180I .- Thomas Bull, John McDowell, Abiah Taylor,¿ Isaac Wayne, William Gib- bons.
1802 .- Joseph Park, James Fulton, Edward Darlington, Thomas Taylor, Methn- selah Davis.
1803 .- James Fulton, Edward Darlington, Methuselah Davis, John Boyd, Heze- kiah Davis.
1804 .- Same members re-elected.
1805 .- John Boyd, Methuselah Davis, James Kelton, Francis Gardner, John G. Bull.
1806 .- Same members re-elected.
1807 .- Joseph Park, James Kelton, William Worthington, Isaac Darlington, Georgo Evans.
1808 .- James Kelton, John G. Bull, Isaac Darlington, George Evans, Abraham Baily.
1809 .- James Steele, John W. Cunningham, John Ramsay, Jacob Clemmons, Roger Davis.
1810 .- James Steele, John W. Cunningham, John Ramsay, Jacob Clemmons, William Harris.
1811 .- Edward Darlington, Jacob Clemmons, William Harris, John Reed, James Brooke.
1812 .- John G. Bull, Abraham Baily, John Menough, Nathan Pennypacker, Lca Pusey.
1813 .- Edward Darlington, John Harris, John Reed, James Brooke, James Hiodman.
1814 .- Nathan Pennypacker, John Menough, Lea Pusey, Jacob Humphrey, James Roberts.
1815 .- John Menongh, Jacob Humphrey, James Roberts, Joseph Sharp, John Jones.|
1816 .- John Menough, Thomas Ashbridge, Evan Evans, Joseph Sharp, Samuel Cochran.
1817 .- Same members re-elected.
1818 .- Thomas Achbridge, Wallace Boyd, John G. Parke, Joseph Sharp, Joshna Hunt.
1819 .- James Kelton, Thomas Ashbridge, Joshua Hunt, Abraham Buily, Thomas Baird.
1820 .- James Kelton, Joshna Hunt, Thomas Baird, Stephen Webb, Joshma Evans.
1821 .- Wallace Boyd, Timothy Kirk, Jonathen Jones, Elijah Lewis, Steplien Webb.
1822 .- Wallace Boyd, Timothy Kirk, Elijah Lewis, Jonathan Jones. 1823,-Elijah Lewis, Joshua Hunt, Davie Potts, Jr., John Chandler.
1824 .- Joshua Hunt, David Potts, Jr., John Chnudler, William Thompson. 1825 .- Same members re-elected.
1826 .- William Thompson, Townsend Haines, Robert Miller, Matthias Peuny- packer.
1827 .- Same meinbers re-elected.
1828 .- Robert Miller, John Morgun, Isaac Trimble, Dr. Samuel McCleane. 1829 .- Joshua McMinn, Jesse James, Jesse Pugh, Gen. Matthew Stanley.
1830 .- Thomas Ashbridge, Matthias Pennypacker, Arthur Andrews, Dr. Benja- min Griffith.
1831 .- Thomas Ashbrilge, Arthur Andrews, Dr. Benjamin Griffith, Elijah F. Pennypacker.
1832 .- Same members re-elected.
1833 .- Oliver Alison, Dr. Samuel McClesne, Dr. Wilmer Worthington, Dr. Thomas L. Smith.
1834 -Elijah F. Pennypacker, Charles Brooke, John Hutchinson, John Parker. 1835 .- Same members re-elected.
1836 .- John Purker, Abraham R. McIlvalne, Maurice Richardson, Isaac Down- ing.
1837 .- Abraham R. McIlvaine, Maurice Richardson, William H. Dillingham, Benjamin J. Passmoro.
1838 .- Maurico Richardsoo, Richard M. Bernard, William K. Correy, Beynard Way.
1839 .- Joseph Baily, Joshus ITartshorne, John Morgan, Joel Swayne.
¿ Abiah Taylor died Dec. 3, 1801, and Isaac Anderson was elected iu hls stead, and took his seat Dec. 20, 1801.
! John Jones died, and Isaac Darlington was elected, Feb. 27, 1816, to fill the vacancy.
RES OF H. GRAHAM. COATESVILLE CHESTER CO. PA.
RES. OF ROBT F. CHRISMAN, SCHUYLKILL, TP. CHESTER CO. PA.
RES. OF SUSAN W, LARGE, SADSBURY TP. CHESTER CO. PA.
381
CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS.
1840 .- John D. Steele, Robert Futhey, William K. Currey, Dr. John B. Chris- mao.
1841 .- William K. Correy, Robert Futhey, Emmor Elton, Robert Laverty. 1842 .- Enmor Elton, Robert l'arke, Jesse C. Dickey, Jolm Beidler. 1843 .- Robert Parks, Jesse C. Dickey, Joseph Whitaker. 1844 .- Robert Parke, Jesse C. Dickey, Willium Price. 1845 .- William Price, Philip D. Thomas, Geo. Ladley. 1846-47 .- George Lndley, Henry S. Evans, Thomas K. Bull. 1848 .- Henry S. Evans, Thomas K. Bull, David J. Bent. 1849 .- David J. Bent, Joha S. Bowen, Jolin Acker. 1850 .- David J. Bent, John S. Bowen, James M. Dorian. 1851 .- Jobo Acker, William Chandler, Jesse James. 1852 .- William Chandler, Jesse James, Dr. Joseph Hickman. 1853 .- Robert E. Monaghan, Heury T. Evans, William Wheeler. 1854 .- Dr. Matthias J. Pennypacker, Mark A. Hodgson, William R. Downing. 1855 .- Andrew Buchanan, Joseph Dowdall, Robert Irvin. 1856 .- Dr. Ebenezer V. Dickey, Jumes Peurose, Paxton Vickers. 1857 .- Jolin Hodgson, Eber W. Shinrpe, Morton Garrett. 1858-59-60 .- Isaac Acker, William T. Shafer, Caleb Pierce.
1861-62-63 .- P. Frazer South, William Windle, Robert L. Mcclellan.
1864-65-66 .- William B. Waddell, Nathan J. Sharpless, Dr. Nathan A. Penny- packer.
1867 .- John llickmen, James M. Phillipa, Dr. Stephen M. Meredith. 1868 .- James M. Phillips, Dr. Stephen M. Meredith, Archimedes Robb. 1869 .- James C. Roberts, Joseph C. Keech, Abel Du lington. 1870 .- Joseph C. Keech, Levi Prizer, Samuel H. Hoopes. 1871 .- Josephi C: Koech, Levi Prizer.
1872-73 .- Levi Prizer, Dr. E. W. Baily.
1874 .- E. W. Baily, Peter G. Curey, Joho P. Edge, George F. Smith. 1876 .- Samuel Butler, William T. Fulton, Jesse Matlack, John P'. Edge. 1878 -Samuel Butler, William T. Fulton, Jesse Matlack, John A. Reynolds. 1880 .- John A. Reynolds, Theodore K. Stubbs, John T. Potts, William Wayue.
It will be neted that the years given in the foregoing lists are those in which the members were elected.
The member who served the longest term was George Ashbridge, who filled the office from 1743 to 1772, inclusive, a period of thirty con- sccutive years. John Morton was a member seventeen years. lle also subsequently represented the county in the Continental Congress, and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Jeseph Gibbons and Nathaniel Pennock each were members sixteen years ; David Lloyd and John Blunston-both of whom were Speakers of the Assembly-were each members eleven years, and Caleb Pusey and Nathaniel Grubb each ten years. These all were members prior to the adoption of the constitution of 1790. Since then the members who have served the longest periods were Thomas Bull, who filled the office from 1793 to 1801, inclusive, nine years, and Roger Kirk, frum 1794 to 1800, inclusive, seven years.
Since 1790 no member from Chester County, so far as we are aware, hns filled the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. This has been doubtless owing, in some measure, to the proverbial modesty of our people, who are not want to unduly magnify their own impertance, or to push their way into positions of prominence. It has certainly not been owing to any lack of members qualified for the office, as a glance at the foregoing lists will show that this county has frequently been represented by men who would have graced any position which they might have been selected to occupy.
It will be observed that during the same period-from 1790 to the present time-but nine lawyers have been elected from this county to the House of Representatives. These, with their terms of service, were Robert Frazer, three years ; Joseph Hemphill (afterwards Judge Hemphill), three years; Isaac Darlington, three years; Townsend Haines, two years; William H. Dillingham, one year ; John S. Bowen, two years; Robert E. Munaghan, one year ; P. Frazer Smith, three years; William B. Waddell, three years; and John Hickman, one year. It cannot be claimed that the members of the bar have had representative honors unduly conferred upon them.
Of those who were members prior to 1841, forty years ago, but three are now living,-Elijah F. Pennypacker, Joshua Hartshorne, and Joseph Baily.
COUNCILORS, 1681-1789.
Governor Markbam, upon his arrival at the Delaware, July 1, 1681, proceeded to call a Council, consisting of nine persons, who met and were qualified on the 3d of August.
According to the first "frame of government," prepared by Wil- liam Penn, and signed May 5, 1682, it was to consist of a Governor, Provincial Council, and General Assembly. It was directed that on the 20th of the 12th month in that year the freemen should elect seventy- two persons as councilors,-one-third for three years, one-third for
two years, and one-third for one your next ensuing,-and that on the 20th of 12th month yearly thereafter twenty-four persons should be so chosen.
Writs were issued by Penn in the 11th month (January), 1682, for the election of twelve persons in cach of the six counties on the 20th of the next month, who were to mect in Council on the 10th of March. On the latter date the Council met, and the sheriff's made return of the writs, together with petitions from the inhabitants, of which Thomas Usher presented the following from Chester County :
" To William Peun, proprietary and governor of the province of Pennsyl- vania and territories thereof :
"The petition of the freeholders of the County of Chester respectfully showeth Tlint in obedience to the writ sent to our sheriff we have chosen twelve persons for our delegates to serve in the provincial conucil, but coosidering that the numbers of the people are yet small, and that we have few fit or acquainted with auch public business, and also that we are unable to support the charge of grenter elections and Assemblies, after our humble acknowledgment of the favor intended us thereln, we take leave humbly to request that three of the twelve we have chosen may serve as provincinl councilors, and the other nine for the Assembly, which provincial councilors are Joho Symcock, for three yenrs, Ralph Withers, for two years, and William Clayton, for one year, leaving it to thee to increase the number, as occasion shall serve hereafter."*
This nrrangement was agreed to, and by a new frame of govern- ment the number of councilors was reduced to three from each county. This number was subject to future changes by the Governor, Council, and Assembly, but was never to exceed the limitations of the charter.
In 1693 the government of the province being placed by the crown under the care of Governor Fletcher, of New York, the latter chose his own Council of twelve persons, who served for that and the follow- ing year. In 1695, under Governor Markham, the former plan of election was resumed, and of those chosen this year a committee was selected to prepare a new frame of government, as the old was not satisfactory to the people. Nothing was accomplished nt once in that direction, and the next year the Governor, instead of ordering an election, selected his own Council. A frame of government wns nuw completed, under which councilors were elected for one year only, two from each county. In 1700 three members were again elected, but their service was short, as the old charter was surrendered in the 3d month (May), and a new one granted, under which councilors ceased to be elective, being appointed by the proprietary or bis lieu- tenant. At a council, 7, 17, 1701,-
" Capt. Snm1 ffinney being Called to the Board by the Gov" to assist in Council, was admitted and took and subscribed the following attestation," etc .:
April 21, 1702 .- "The Governor Informed the Board That he had been given to understand that the Propry, before his departure, had proposed and Intended John ffinney, eldest son of Capt. Samal fhuney, now Resident of the County of Chester, to be admitted a member of Council of this Government upon which it was proposed to the Council and thereupon Order'd that the sd John fhudey should be fforthwith admitted, and accordingly
"The said John fhinney was admitted and took the several Oaths Injoined to he taken by officers in Government, and the attestation of a member of Council, and thereupon took a Chair at the Board."
From this time until the Revolution but few councilors were from Chester County. The report of Governor Gordon to the Lords of Trade and Plantations in 1731 says,-
"There is a Council, not limited to any number, consisting of about twelve, . . . wth whom the Governor advises in all matters Laid before him by the Honse, or of any importauce."
The Revolutionary convention of January, 1775, appointed a " Coun- cil of Safety," and the convention of 1776,t usurping the whole gov- ernment, appointed a Council of Safety, and formed a constitution which went into immediate effect without a vote of the people. The legislative power was now vested in a General Assembly of one House, elected annually, and the supreme executive power in a Council of
* Hazard's Annals, p. 603.
The nanies of the menibers of the convention from Chester County were Benjamin Bartholomew, John Jacobs, Thoumus Strawbridge, Robert Smith, Samuel Cunningham, John Hart, John Mackey, and John Fleming. This con- vention had its origin in an assembly called the " Provincial Conference," which was convened in pursuance of a resolution of Congress recommending a change in the form of State governments. It met at Philadelphia on the 18th of June. The members from Chester County were Col. Richard Thomas, Maj. William Evans, Col. Thomas Hockley, Maj. Caleb Davis, Elisha Price, Esq., Mr. Samuel Fairlamb, Col. William Montgomery, Col. Hugh Lloyd, Richard Riley, Esq., Col. Evan Evans, Col. Lewis Greno, Maj. Sketchley Morton, and Capt. Thomas Levis.
382
HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
twelve persons, elected in classes for a term of three years, with a president elected annually by a joint ballot of the Assembly and Council. This constitution continued in force till 1790.
The minutes and proceedings of the Council under the proprietary government, of the Council of Safety, and of the Supreme Executive Council, covering the period from 1683 to the year 1790, were pub- lished by the State several years since in sixteen volumes, which con- tain a vast amount of historical matter.
The following is believed to be a pretty complete list of the mem- bers of Council from Chester County :
1681 .- Robert Wade, James Sandelande, William Woodmanscy, Chester; Wil- liam Clayton, Chichester.
1683 .- William Clayton, for one year; Ralph Withers, for two years (died 1683 -84), Chichester (?); John Simcock, for three years, Ridley.
1684 .- William Clayton, for one year (diod 1689) ; William Wood,* vice Withers, Darby (died 1685) ; Christopher Taylor, probably elected from Bucks County, now residing at Tinicum.
1685 .- Nicholas Newlin, Concord.
1686 .- John Simcook, re-elected ; Francis Harrison, vice Wood (?), Chichester.
1687 .- John Bristow, Chester.
1688 .- Bartholomew Coppook, Springfield (died 1720).
1689 .- John Simcock, re-elected.
1690 .- Jobn Blunstou, declined, Darby; William Howell, vice Blunston (nleo de- sired to be excused), Haverford.
1691 .- Jobn Bristow, probably re-elected.
1692 .- Samuel Levis, Springfield ; John Simcock.
1693-94 .- George Foreman, Chichester.
1695 .- George Maris, for one year, Springfield; Caleb Pusey, for two years; David Lloyd, for three yenrs, Chester; John Simcock also signs the qualifi- cation September 10th of this year.
1696 .- Jasper Yates, only member from county, Chestor.
1697 .- John Simcock and Caleb Pusey.
1698 -Johu Simcock and David Lloyd.
1699 .- Caleb Pusey and David Lloyd.
1700 -David Lloyd, elected for three years; Caleb Pusey, for two years; John Simceck, for one year.
AFTER SURRENDER OF CHARTER.
1700 .- Caleb Pusey, continued till 1715.
1702 .- Johu Finney.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
1775, June 30th .- Anthony Wayne, Benjamin Bartholomew, Francis Jolineton, Richard Riley.
1775, October .- Same, with Nicholas Fairlamb added.
1776 .- Council of Safety, Benjamin Bartholomew.
SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
1777 .- John Evans (March 4th).
1777 .- John Mackey, Esq. (November 21st).
1779 .- Dr. Joseplı Gardner.
1782 .- Dr. John McDowell.
1785 .- Evan Evans, Esq.
1788 .- Col. Richard Willing, of Haverford.
For some reason-perhaps owing to the division of our county, which left it without representation-an elcetion was held in 1789, and Dr. Thomas Ruston clected by 1586 votes. Ilis claim to a seat in Council was rejected, Oct. 29, 1789.
CONGRESS.
The first American Congress convened in the city of New York on the first Tuesday of October, 1765, and was composed of delegates from nine of the colonies. It originated in a call issued by the Legislature of Massachusetts, inviting all the colonics to send delegates to a con- gress, to consider the oppressive measures onacted by the British Par- liament. This Congress drew up a declaration of rights, a memorial to Parliament, and a petition to the king, in which they claimed the
* The following is a copy of the return made by the sheriff of the election held by him for Chester County in 1684, with the omission of the recital of his warrant, etc. :
"I linve accordingly made my Summons of the frecholders who hath made Choise of those persons following for the service aforesd by which I thus muke my return
for the provencial Concel
william wade [Wood] in ye room of Ralph withers william Claiton for one year
for Assembly John Blunston georg maries Joshua Hasting, Robert wade Henry matukes Thomas usher
"I Heare Declare that they was Lafully Chosen and may freely Appenr to make up an Assembly according to Charter in witness wberennto I sett my hand and seale the 10th 3mo 1684.
"TH. WITHERS."
right of being taxed only by their own representatives. The colonial Assemblies approved the proceedings of the Congress, and thus, for the first time in their history, a federal union was formed among the American colonies.
Chester County had the honor of having a representative in this first Congress in the person of John Morton, who resided in that part of the county now constituting Delaware Connty.
The next Congress of the colonies, composed of delegates elected by the Assemblies and in conventions, assembled in Carpenters' Hall, in Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774. The whole number of deputies was fifty-five, representing all the colonies except Georgia; of these, eight were from Pennsylvania, two of whom, Jobn Morton and Charles Humphreys, resided in Chester County.
This Congress-usually known in history as the " First Continental Congress," although in reality the Second Congress of the colonies --- was perhaps never excelled by any collection of men for talents, firm- ness, and judgment. They were possessed of the purest minds and the most disinterested patriotism. The cause of the selection of such suitable men was to be found in the then purity of the elections, the absence of any selfish and private aims, and the patriotism of the peo- ple. Instinctively the people had turned to their best men for coun- scl and action in the trying situation in which they were placed by the action of the mother-country. They sat with closed doors, and continued in session about eight weeks.
The next Continental Congress, usually known as the Second, con- vened on the 10th of May, 1775. It had been hoped and believed that there would be no necessity for the assembling of this body ; that the representations made to the home government would induce them to reconsider their action and bring the desired relief. In this, however, they were mistaken ; the Parliament persisted in the insane attempt to force their obnoxious measures upon the people, and there appeared to be no remedy but a resort to arms.
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