History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 14

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162

USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches > Part 14

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"We, the Inhabitants of St. Vincent Township, Pike Land, Chester County, here underwritten having maturely weighed and considered the almost Inevitable Dangers to which We are exposed, and thinking it our bounden Duty as Christiaos and most Loyal Subjects to our most gracious Sovereign Lord, George the Second, by the Grace of God, &c.,

"To Save, if possible, Our Lives, Wives, Children, Liberty, and our most holy Religion from the Hands of our most cruel and Merciless Enemy, who daily approaches Us with hasty, Conquering, and Mur- dering Steps, Have, first imploring the Assistance of the Almighty Sovereign, Giver of all Victories, on our Feeble Endeavours, Formed, and by these presents do form and associate Ourselves into an Iode- pendent Company, under the Denomination of the St. Vincent and

# Votes of Assombly, iv. 618-19.

HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Pike's Land Association, and to be in Subjection to One Capt", One Lieutent, and One Enaign, which shall be regularly chose and Voted for by us hereafter.

"The tenth Day of May, 1756, We further Assembled, do choose Adam Heylman, Capt", John Hart, Lieutent, Adam Roontour [Ram- saur,] Ensign of the said Company.

" As witnesses of Our hands :

Jeho Lewia Ache.

Frederick Hasserus.

John Beker.

Philip Lewis.

John Bownd.

Jacob Losch.

Jacob Braun:

Adam McNally.

Ritchart Brischert.

John McNally.

Esaias Charles.

Frederick Mack.

Michael Conrad.

Jacob Mann.

Jacob Corner.

Adam Moses.

Charles Cramp.

Philip Muatz.

Jeba Crossert.

George Nieler.

Jacob Danefela.

Dietrich Roam.

Jacob De Fran.

Michael Roth.

Peter Demler.

Peter Selle.

John Valentin Erost.

Conrad Sellner.

Yost Everhard.

Peter Sleider.

Ernst Fanatiel.

Simon Sleider.

Jacob Gebbard.

Valentine Smidt.

George Good.

John Stein.

Jacob Good.

Peter Steiger.

John Hartman.

Adam Stone.

George Hartz.

Frederick Swab.

Valentine Henry.

Adam Swerner.

William Henry.

Jacob Themos.

Balthaser Heylman.

Jacob Vine.

Jobo Heylman.

Valentine Vittler.

John Adam Heylman.

George Werny."

In the Pennsylvania Gazette of March 25, 1756, men- tion is made of officers who have received commissions under the new militia law, including David Thomas (cap- tain), John Thomas (lieutenant), and Robert . Fullerton (ensign), in Vincent, Chester County.

June 4, 1756, six members of Assembly resign their seats, including William Peters, of Chester County. This was owing to the clamor against Friends for refusing to support extreme war measures.

The Delaware Indians had been so far seduced by the French as to engage in committing the most barbarous atrocities against the frontier inhabitants of Pennsylvania. The Six Nations still remained friendly, and it was hoped that, through the instrumentality of this powerful combina- tion of savages, the Delawares could be brought to terms of peace. The Quakers used every effort to bring about this result, but the Governor unwisely made a formal dec- laration of war against the Delawares; and not to be behind the savages themselves in cruelty and atrocity, a proclamation was issued offering a premium for prisoners or scalps taken from their Indian enemy.

A reconciliation was, however, soon brought about through the instrumentality of Sir William Johnson, the Six Nations, the Quakers, and a few of the Delawares who remained faithful.

It does not seem to be generally understood that the English Ministry at this time contemplated a measure that would have rendered it impossible for a Friend to have served as a member of Assembly, but such was the case. In January, 1756, a bill was framed to prevent any person in the colonies (meaning Pennsylvania) from being " capa- ble to sett, vote, or have deliberative voice in any Council or Assembly," who would not take an oath.

At the October election a number of Friends were again elected, but at the opening of the session four of them sent in their resignation, as follows :

"October 16th 1756:

" Mahlon Kirkbride, William Hoge, Peter Dicka, and Nathaniel Pennock returned Representatives to serve in Assembly, requested leave to resign their seata for the reasons set forth in the following paper, by them presented to the Honac, viz

"May it please the Speaker and the House of Representatives; Understanding that the Ministry have requested the Quakers, who from the first settlement of this Colony have been the Majority of the Assemblies of this Province, to suffer their seats, during the difficult aituation of the affairs of the Colonies to be filled by members of other denominationa, in such manner as to prepare without any scruples all such lawa aa may be necessary to be enacted for the defense of the Province in whatever manner they may judge best suited to the cir- cumstances of it; and notwithstanding we think this has been pretty. fully complied with at the lost election yet at the request of our Friends, being willing to take of all possible objection we who have (without any solicitation on our part) been returned as Representa- tives in this Assembly request we may be excused and suffered to withdraw ourselves and vacate our seats in such manner as may be attended with the least trouble and most satisfactory to this honour- able House.

" MAHLON KIRKBRIDE, PETER DICKS,

" WILLIAM HOGE, NATHANIEL PENNOCK.

" And the House taking the foregoing paper into consideration Re- solved, That the request of said members be granted and that their senta be deemed vacant accordingly; and they are hereby disabled from aitting or serving in Assembly for the ensuing year. Ordered That Mr Speaker do issue his order to the Provincial Secretary re- quiring him to issue Write to the Sheriffs of the counties of Bocks and Chester respectively, for electing other persons in the room and atead of the said members so disabled from sitting or serving io Aa- sembly."

At a Quarterly Meeting held at Concord, 11th mo. 8, 1756,-

"Our Friends and Brethren of the Yearly Meeting and Meeting for Sufferinge in London having understood that the Government there were about to impose an oath on all auch aa accepted seats in the house of Assembly here : Thereby effectually to prevent all Friends from any share in Legislation in this province, noder a supposition that they were incapable (by reason of their peaceable principles) to serve their country in time of war: Taking the premises into consid- eration concluded to interest themselves against so violent a step being taken, whereby our political constitution would be much wounded, by making application and succeeding in such sort as to prevent it, en condition that Friends generally withdrew from the House of As- sembly at this time of Danger and Distress. Wherefore, the said meetings engaged our dear Friends Christopher Wilson and John Hunt, (whom they recommend as Brethren in full unity) to under- take a visit to Frienda in this province and who are now in this meet- ing with an Epiatle from said meetings to the Quarterly Meetings in Pensilvania, and copies of their proceedings on the occasion whereby it appears that a deep concern and solicitude hath affected those meet- ings in regard to the reputation of Truth and good of the Society ; and a singular instance of friendship and Brotherly Love is mani- fested by our said two Friends who have come so far to see ua. For all which this meeting is thankfully sensible. In consequence of their application and the dissatisfaction of some Friends formerly members of Assembly we understand so many have left the House that there remains but about eight or nine friends there."

This appears to have placed those having no conscien- tious scruples on the subject of taking up arms in a majority in the Assembly, but still the want of harmonious action between that body and the Governor was not diminished. The future angry disputes between the parties conclusively demonstrate that Quakerism was but a small item in the serious obstacles to harmonious legislation. The represen -. tatives of the people, without distinction of seot or party,

GENERAL HISTORY.

knew their rights, and determinedly asserted and main- tained them against all doubtful claims of prerogative, either by the crown, the proprietaries, or the executive. The doctrines that eventually led to a separation between the colonies and the mother-country had their origin in these and similar disputes.

So captious had the Governor become that it seemed almost impossible for the Assembly to shape a militia or money bill to suit the views of His Excellency. At length that body resolved that it appeared to them "that the Governor is determined to withhold that protection from the people of this province which a proper militia bill might afford them, unless we will present him with such a bill as will enable certain designing men to subvert the Constitution and deprive the inhabitants of every liberty they think worth enjoying."

As a sample of proceedings in Friends' Meetings on the subject of war, the following notes are taken from those of Goshen Monthly Meeting, composed of Goshen, Newtown, and Uwchlan Weekly Meetings :

6, 21, 1756. Amoa Williams (U. Mtg.) makes acknowledgment for enlisting among soldiere.

2, 21, 1757. Complaint is made of Francie Mechem Jur " for that he voluntarily Inlisted himself as a soldier in military sarvice & in- tends to continua there" : disowned 3, 21, 1757. (G. Mtg.)

2, 21, 1757. Report is made that Thomas Williams who was die- owned for other reasons, had not received notice " because of his In- liating himself in military service & keeping among the soldicre.' (Of Goshen Mtg.)

3, 31, 1757. William John (U. Mtg.) complained of for ahscooding from his master's service & going to sea on a privateering voiaga. He offered ack. 4, 18, 1757, hut was disowned 5, 16, 1757.

4, 18, 1757. Francia Machem, Jr., reported "removed with the sol- diere out of thia province towards York, &c."

7, 18, 1757. Joseph Haale (U. Mtg.) complained of for Inliating as a military soldier & fraudulently carrying off a sword not his own : dieowned.

1, 15, 1759. James Massey, Jr., (N. Mtg.) complained of for en- listing as a soldier, for which he offere ack., having obtained hie dis- charga.

5, 18, 1759. Report that ha is again Inlisted & like to continue with the soldiere: disowned 6, 18, 1759.

7, 16, 1759. Evan Jones, late of Nantmeal, complainad of for en- listing as a soldier : disowned 8, 17, 1759.

10, 9, 1761. Hayes Pennell (N. Mtg.) complained of for ahacond- ing when an apprentice, being several times engaged on board a pri- vateer, &c.,-disowned 11, 6, 1761.

At Goshen Mo. Mtg., 7, 17, 1758 :- In answer to 8th Query : "Nought but Clearnese appears Except military servicea, soma having shown an unbecoming forwardness in furnishing Horses & Carriages for the Expedition now on foot."

10, 16, 1758. "Not all clear of contributing towards carriages, &c., for the prasent Expedition to the westward."

1, 15, 1759. Ane. to 2nd query-"There is & degree of Love & Unity subsisting among us tho' unity hath suffered some interruption on account of the occasion of furnishing Waggons & Horses, &c., tho' we don't know of any furnished untill press warrants wera out."

4, 16, 1759. "Soma further paine have haen taken with such as have contributed towarde the affair of the waggons, &c., several of whom have acknowledged thair Error therein."

7, 16, 1759. Ans. to 8th Query-" We hope clear except that of Military Service, several having again contributed to the furnishing waggons for the use of the Army to the westward, & on heing spoke to some seem to justify their conduct therein."

At the Quarterly Meeting the subject was brought up at different times, and on the 13th of 8th month, 1759, report was made,-

"That pains hath been taken in soma places, according to the ad- vioe of the last yearly meeting with auch as had contributed to the furnishing waggons, &o., to carry Military Storae, but in most places ffriends have been so generally concern'd in that affair that there were but few olear; therefore there hath not heen much done that way, but contrariwiae wa understand that many of auch as contributed last year hava practiced the like again this year; and that come upon heing spoke to on the occasion do justify their conduct therein."

ACADIAN EXILES.

In November, 1755, there arrived at Philadelphia, in three vessels, several hundred of what were known as " French Neutrals," or Acadian exiles, from Nova Scotia. These persons, or their ancestors, upon the surrender of that country to the English, about 1713, had consented to become subjects of Great Britain, on condition that they might not be compelled to take up arms against France in any future conflict. Owing to the state of war between the two nations, the British authorities now conceived the in- famous design of driving these people from their homes, under pretext of their being secret enemies. Of the 483 men, 337 women, and 1053 children thus exiled, one ac- count says 800 were transported to Pennsylvania. These people, being Roman Catholics, were not welcomed in a Protestant colony, and naturally, considering themselves as prisoners of war, did not incline to settle down and become citizens, but thought they should be maintained at the expense of the government or sent to France, as they de- sired. In March, 1756, was passed "An act for dispersing the Inhabitants of Nova Scotia, imported into this Prov- ince, into the several counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, and Lancaster, and the townships thereof, and making provision for the same." The commissioners for Chester County to carry out this act were Nathaniel Pen- nock, Nathaniel Grubb, and John Hannum. The overseers of the poor in some of the townships refused to receive 'them, many of them died with smallpox, and their condi- tion was truly pitiable. In January, 1757, an act was passed for the binding out of their children, against which they carnestly remonstrated.

In the provincial accounts we find such items as these :

£ s. d.

1757, July 5. Jesse Maris and Joho Cameron, for French Neutrale in Spring6eld town- ship ..

17 18 3

Aag. 11. John Larkin for support of ditto .. 16 14 7

26. James Soott per Nathaniel Grubb fur dilto.

14 9 1

¥ Oct. 18. Thomas Temple for ditto in Kennatt township.

6 0 11

1758, June 6. James Allison for his and George Gar- ret's Accounts for French Neutrals in Chaster County 6 15 5

July 25. Haines and Matlack for ditto in Goshen.

14 16 0

Aug. 11. Thomas Spakeman for ditto in Goshen .. 2 1

Thomas White and Amoa Yarnall for ditto at Willistowa. 2 14 10

In February, 1761, a committee appointed to examine into the condition of these people, with a view to lessening the burden of their support, reported that their children were not bound out to service, as they should have been, owing to the parents' opposition to the law, on account of their religion. Many of them were industrious, and needed no assistance, but there had been much sickness amongst others. Up to this time there had been appropriated of the public funds upwards of seven thousand pounds for

HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

their relief, in addition to private benefactions, which in Philadelphia were very considerable.

The wrongs and sufferings of these people have been im- mortalized by Longfellow's touching story of " Evangeline."

GEN. FORBES' EXPEDITION.

In 1758, Brig .- Gen. John Forbes commanded an expe- dition to the westward, which resulted in the capture of Fort Du Quesne (now Pittsburgh) in November. It was for this expedition that the wagons heretofore mentioned were needed. Early in 1759 another expedition was pro- jected under the command of Gen. Stanwix, who was appointed in place of Forbes, deceased, the object beiog to restore the ruined Fort Du Quesne, or to build a new one, and, in general, to protect the interests of the colonies. For this purpose wagons were again required.

(Advertisement) :

"By Brigadier General Stanwix, Commanding His Majesty's Forces in the Southern Provinces of North America, Notice is bereby Given,

" That a Number of Waggons will be wanted for His Majesty's Ser- vice, and, in order to avoid Impressing, and all other severe Methods, I have thought proper to make the following very advantageous Pro- posala. The Number of Waggons now demanded from each County is as follows, viz .: From Philadelphia County, Eighty; Chester, Sixty-six ; Bucks, Sixty-four; Berks, Sixty; Northampton, Thirty; Lancaster, Two Hundred; York, Fifty ; Cumberland, Thirty. Each Waggon to Load at the Grand Magazine at Carlisle; and for every Gross Hundred Weight, carried from thence te Pittsburg (formerly Fort Duquesne) to receive forty-two shillings and Sixpence.

" And for each Hundred Gross Weight, carried from Carlisle to Fort Ligonier (formerly Loyal Hannen) to receive Thirty Shillings.

"And for each Hundred Gross Weight, carried from Carlisle te Fort Bedford (formerly Rays-Town) for the Supply of the Garrison there, Seventeen Shillings and Sixpence.

"Provender for the Horses to be provided by the Owners. The Drivers to be furnished with Provisions as the King's Troops.

"The Waggons entering into the Service to be appraised and paid for, if taken or destroyed by the Enemy; and to have Fifteen Shil- lings for every Twenty miles from the Place of their Abode to Car- liale; and Fifteen Shillings a Day, noto the Day they set off from thence; and the same for every Twenty Miles on returning home.

" Proper and sufficient Escorts will be ordered with every Brigade of Waggons that goes from Fert Bedford.

" After the Waggons have made one Trip, they are to be discharged, if the Owners require it, and are to be immediately paid for their Loading, according to their Certificates of Delivery.

"The Counties of York, Lancaster, Cumberland and Berks, to be paid at Lancaster. And the Counties of Philadelphia, Chester, Bucka and Northampton, to be paid at Philadelphia.

"The Waggons of Cumberland County to be at Carlisle the Fourth of June; . . . those of Chester the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth of June.

" And for the Convenience of the Townshipa, proper Persons, living in each County, will be appointed to contract with the Owners of the Waggons, and have them appraised.

" Each Waggon is to be provided with Forage sufficient to main- tain the Horses to Pittsburg and back ; and such as are ordered to unload at any of the other Posts, their Surplus of Ferage will be pur- chased for the King's Use.

" Each Waggon to be fitted in the following manner, viz., With four good strong Horses, properly harnessed; the Waggon to be com- plete in every Thing, large and strong, having a Drag Chain, cleven Feet in Length, with a Hook at each End, a Knife for cutting Grass, Falling Axe and Shovel, two setts of Clouta, and five setts of Nails, an Iron Hoop to the End of every Axletree, a Linen Mangoe, a twe Gallon Keg of Tar and Oil mixed together, a Slip Bell, Hopples, two Setts of Shoes, and four Setts of Shoe Nails for each Horse, eight Setta of Spare llames and five Setts of Hame-Stringa, a Bag to receive their Provisions, a spare Sett of Linch Pins, and a Handscrew for every

three Waggons. The Drivers to be able bodied Men, capable of lead- ing and unloading and of assisting each other in case of Accidents.

" The same price by the Hundred will be paid to those who carry Provisions or Stores on Pack Horses to any of the Posts between Car- lisle and Pittsburgh, and they shall also receive Eighteen Pence per Horse for every Twenty Miles from the Places of their Abode to Carlisle.

" Given at Philadelphia, this Fourth Day of May, 1759. '

" JOHN STANWIX."

June 9, 1759 .- Gen. Stanwix complains that, notwith - standing his terms offered for wagons, but few were yet obtained; being 17 from Bucks, 14 from Lancaster, and 6 from Carlisle.

Aug. 13, 1759 .- Gen. Stanwix writes from Bedford: " The County of Lancaster, our Chief Dependance, is the most Back ward, and Bucks and Chester have given us only Nominal Assistance, by sending us impressed Waggons, unfit for this Service, by the Weakness of the Horses and Carriages. The Managers meet with more opposition in these two Counties than in any of the others, as the Magis- trates seem unwilling to disoblige them ; and unless they are spurred by the fear of incurring your displeasure, I am afraid they will not Exert their Authority in such a man- ner as will Answer the Purpose."

At the same time he wrote a circular letter to the " Managers for Waggons" in each county, urging them to exert themselves to procure a sufficient number.

Ang 16 .- He urges that the Assembly should pass a law for three months, as last year, with a penalty of twenty. pounds to be levied upon those who refuse to send their wagons to Fort Bedford, when thereto called upon by the lawful magistrates to make good the quota at every town- ship, the present penalty of forty shillings being insuffi- cient.

Sept. 1, 1759 .- The Assembly decline to pass the de- sired law, and inform the Governor that it would be better for Gen. Stanwix to pay off old contracts. "Besides, we are of opinion the Prices the General offers for Carriages and Drivers are by no means adequate to the Risque and service expected from them, and are much inferior to the terms fixed and Established by a Law made for that pur- pose ; this manifestly appears from long Experience, the several Townships which have fitted out Carriages being obliged to give large Bounties for their Waggons and Drivers over and above the Wages offered by the General for that Service, which has been a very great additional Burthen to our present Taxes."

In Roger Hunt's account-book, though not in his hand- writing, are "Incident Charges extraordinary," some of them being as follows :

" 1759, June 10, To ensh paid Henry Atherton for filling up blank Advertisements for contracting, 150 in Number, @ 5d.

"To ditto paid Jobn Jones for posting them and dispersing them thro' the County, 150 @ 18. 0d.

"To 2 Advertisements for the setting out of the firat Brigade of Wagens, and further Directions and Instructions thereunto relating, 58.

" 12th : Te Charges Contracting,-1st at the Square, 68. 11d. To travailing Expences 18. 4d .; Nights Charge 38. 2d.

" 13th : To Charges at Jnº Hannuma in Conoord 78. 11d.

"14th : To Expences at the Half-way House, Andw Caldwell's, 68. 10d.

" 16th : To ditto at Buffington's, 28. Ild .; at Jones's Is. 7d.

GENERAL HISTORY.

"To ditto at Geo. Aston's and travailing 11a. 8d .; at the White Horsa, 3a. 4d.

" 18th : To do. at the Ship in East Caln, 78. 6d.

"19th : To do. at the same place 68. 4d.

" To do. at the Ship from 20th, to September 8th at Sundry Times, £4 118. 8d.

" July 8th : To travailing Expances and sending Express to eight magistrates to meet Col. Boquet at the Ship by his order, £2.

" To Cash paid George Aston for 6 Horses Hay (impressed) 48.

"To do. paid John Baldwin, for Pasture and Hay for 20 Horses, impressed, 3 days and 2 Nights each, £1 68.

" To travailing Charges, to Philadelphia to buy Bags, £1.

"To ditto to Lancaster by Colon1 Boquet's order, £1.

" To cash paid C. Lewis for showing the Colonal's Horsa, 28.

" To Caah paid Richª Evans for taking up a gray mare belonging to the king, branded P. I. M. and for pasture 78. 6d.

" To Wm. Power to take her to Carlisle and find Pasture 12e.

" August 10th : To Cash paid John Downing for bringing 300 Bags from Philoda to my House, £1.

"To do. paid Phineos Lewis for Horse Pastura £5.

"To do. paid Thoms Legate for taking up the Kings Horses 10a.

"To Cash paid Joseph Mckinley for 8 Bags, £3.

"To ditto paid Joseph Long for 2 ditto, 158.

"To do. paid John Smith for 14 do. of 4 Bushela each £5 58.

"To sending Copies of General Stanwix'a Letter to the £ s.d.

Magiatrates of this County &c. ª per order. 2.50

"To Cash advanced to Owan Aston, Wagn Master ..

30 0 0

"To ditto paid for 300 Bags. 105 0 0

"To ditto paid Jane Parke for 2 Nights Hay for 2 Horses aent to Bedford by Captain Hambright.

0 4 0,

"To ditto paid Wm. Jones for 69 Bushels of Oats @ 28. 0d.

6 18 0

"To Cash paid Constables for impressing Wagons Horses &c.ª, 57 in Number, 58. 0d. each Constable per Colon1 Boquet's order.

14 5 0

" September 5, To ditto paid Thos Legate for 12 Horses Pasture, 18 daya in the Day Time, @ 3d. each. 2 14 0 "To do. to Jane Parka [at the Ship] for do. Horses in the Night at Stable, @ 8d. per Night. 7 4 0

"To Debentures for Balances due to two Townships Wagons fitted out at the Charge of the Crown ...

"To the Balance of East Nottingham wagon account, No. 61, £5 38. Id. To Ditto of London Grove, No. 72, both impressed, £1 2a. Vzd. The money remaining in the Contractora Hands till accounted for and demanded by the Inhabitants of the aaid Townships. 6 5 14

"October 5, To Pasture of Sundry Horses impressed from East Marlbro., London Grove, Newlin, East Notting- ham, West Nantmell and Uwchlan, at Jane Parkes.

" To Sundry Expencea at the Ship from Sept. 8th to Novr the 3d about the Businesa of Contractor .. 1 11 6

"1760, Jany 24 : To Cash paid Lieutent Jones for Chargea of keeping impreased Horses whilst the party were out in that Business &c.ª. 1 10 0

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History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 14

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts Number of Pages: 1162

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162