History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 53

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 53

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).

" Resolved, That the Indians he sent for, and the contents of the said paper he explained to them, and inquiry made whether it be satisfactory to them.

"Ordered, That John Wright and Samuel Hollingsworth acquaint thein thereof, that they may attend forthwith; who return and report that they have been with the Indians, and that they are now attending with their interpreters; who being called in, the said paper was ex- plained to them by the interpreters; and they declared that they were well satisfied therewith, and they desired that the said paper might remain among the records of this house, and n copy thercof he given to them.

" Ordered, That a copy be made out accordingly, and signed by the Speaker, and delivered to them, and the original lodged in the House, which was done accordingly.

"And the Indians further said that they had been very much dis- turbed in their minds, but that now they were perfectly easy, since they found that this House would stand by them and see them righted.

"Then Nathaniel Newlin was called in, and acknowledged the said writing to them ; so they shook hands together, and parted fully re- conciled, and then the House adjourned."

What recompense was made to Nathaniel Newhin by the commissioners of property for his promise "that neither he or his heirs would by any means disturb or molest the Indians in their possession or claims" does not appear.

In 1729 the chief Checochinican, on behalf of his peo- ple, sent to the Governor a letter, wherein he complained that, notwithstanding the promise made by Nathaniel New- lin in 1726, that they should not be disturbed in the free and peaceable enjoyment of their lands on Brandywine, yet that, contrary thereto, some of these lands had been sold, and they had been forbidden even to make use of tim- ber growing thereon for the purpose of building cabins. He also complained that the town at the head of the Brandywine was surveyed to one James Gibbons, who said that he had an assurance of a conveyance from the com- missioners of property, although James Logan had prom- ised the Indians that no person should have a conveyance of lands within their claims.

What action, if any, was taken upon the complaint does not appear. The settlement of the lands on Brandywine does not seem to have been much retarded, as soon after the death of Nathaniel Newlin, which occurred in 1729, the remainder of his tract purchased from the Society of Free Traders was divided among his children, and doubtless soon occupied by purchasers.

The Indian town at the head of Brandywine, mentioned in the letter of Checochinican, is supposed to have been situated about where the "Indiantown School-house" now stands, in Wallace towoship.

Not many years after the foregoing occurrences the greater part of the Indians removed from the county, and all trouble growing out of their claims ceased.

In connection with this affair, it may be mentioned that a bill was brought into the Assembly by Silas Prior and Ezekiel Harlan for their services as interpreters for the Indians on their visit to Philadelphia. The Assembly al- lowed a part of their charge, but censured them for assum- ing to act without authority.

Up to about the year 1738 the settlers here were as- sessed as of Marlborough or Bradford, according as they were on the north or south side of the Brandywine. In 1739 we find the "Society rate" in the assessment, and in February, 1740-1, the inhabitants petitioned to be formed into a township. This was granted, and the township named Newlin. It was, however, frequently written New- linton.

TAXABLES MENTIONED IN "SOCIETY RATE," 1739.

Mordicay Cloud, Richd Barnatt, Philip Taylor, Anthony Baldwin, Thos Stubbs, James Shilds, John Harlan, George Bayley, George Pirce, John Standson, Robert Chaffin, John Beatle, Thos Willson, W'm Wickersoo, Moses Pyle, Ww Nicholas, Tho Smith, Magnea State, Dan1 ffew, David Eakhooff, Joel Cloud, George Ligget, Wu Littler, James Ligget, Robert Clark, John Withers, Jno ffilson, Robert fhilson, Sam1 fhlson, Jr., Widdow fflemin, Thos Price, George Jeffrey, Richd Woodward, Wm Bemount, Isaac few, Robert Cole, George Rego, Boul- tus Miller, John Bayle, Guston Gurman, Richd Reynolda, Robert Willson, John Bradley, John Lard, Robert Thornbery.

freemen .- Job Moor, Stephen White, Wm Mansell.

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TOWNSHIPS AND BOROUGHS, ETC.

LAND-OWNERS, 1774.

Thomas Buffington, William Wickersham, James Smith, Charlas Wilsen, Jesse Taylor, Joha Buller, George Piarce, Thomas Baldwin, Themas Wilson, Joseph Pieres, James Shields, William Nichols, Isanc Trimble, Mordecai Hayes, Richard Bernard, Job Pyle, Joseph Hayes, Joel Harlan, William Wickersham, Jr., l'eter Wickersham, Caleb Hayes, John Buily, Henry Hayes, Thomas Sheot, David Eckhoff, William Eckhoff, John McGuire, Samuel Bailey, William Adkins, Jessa Bently, Rebert Chalfuat, William Hannah, Robert Cowan, David Drenon, James Porter, Themas Baldwin (tailor), Ebenezer Spikeman (Speakman ?), John Smith, Joseph Smith, Mary Shield.

NEW LONDON.

The township of New London, as well as Londongrove and London Britain, were doubtless so named because they were formed wholly or in part from the lands belonging to the London Company.

About the year 1704 some surveys were made to the westward of the London Tract for two or three persons, of whom Abraham Emmit was probably one. He pur- chased about a square mile of land, and had a mill on Elk Creek, which must have been one of the first in that neigh- borhood. Five hundred acres on the north side of this was surveyed for Robert Assheton. In 1714 a tract of 900 acres was surveyed for Michael Harlan, at Thunder Hill, afterwards owned by Robert Finney. While the line be- tween the provinces remained unsettled, the Maryland sur- veyors frequently came into Chester County and laid out land for persons who claimed to be under the government of Maryland, and obtained patents therefrom for the same. This was the case with the Pleasant Garden tract of 740 acres, though called 660 in the patent to Robert Hodgson. This was partly in Nottingham (now Elk) towoship, but mostly in New London, and lay nearly south of the Thunder Hill tract which joined it. Phineas Hodgson, a son of Robert, obtained about 400 aeres of it, and this was divided between his sons, Robert, John, and Abel, in 1771. John Scott and John Mackey also became the owners of parts of the original tract. In 1720 several surveys were made for the settlers in the northeast part of New London, viz. : for Jeremiah Starr, 450 acres in the corner next to Londongrove, and south of this came Franeis, Alexander, James, and Patrick Moore, with 200 acres each ; to the south of these, Susanna McCane obtained 300, William Reynolds 100, and Gabriel Alexander 100 acres. Some of these are now in Franklin township. In 1721 surveys were made for Thomas John, 150 acres, and Samuel Steel, 200. The last became the property of Francis Alison, and is supposed to include the site of New London village. In the central parts of the township lands were settled by Alexander Johnston, Hugh Cook, Roger Cook, and John Cook. A little east of the Pleasant Garden tract was one of 100 acres, also held by patent from Maryland, called "Partners' Parcels." It belonged to the Hollingsworths, and by them was sold to Thomas Caldwell. In the northern part Samuel Campbell, James Shaw, Robert Mackey, Robert Finney, John Morrison, and others held land. The possessions of Susanna McCane were on the road leading from New London to Kimbleville, about where it crosses the line of Franklin township. She was the grandmother of Governor Mckean, of this State.

The following correspondence is here offered as relating to land in this township :

" PHILAn'TA, 8th 12 mo., 1719-20. " LOVING FRIEND, ISAAC TAYLOR.

" Thou wilt be as much tired perhaps with my letters as I am with the applications that occasion them. This comes by one Rennalds, who, coming in above two years age, ventured (as he says by the advice of othors) te sitt down and build on some lund to the westward of the Leoden Truct, which some tell bici is vucant and others that it was surveyed to a merchant in London, Sir Joha Sweetapple, by II. Hol- lingsworth about 17 er 18 years agoe. If it be surveyed already, of which there appears nothing in the office, tho' 'tis certain such a sur- vey was made about that time, he is willing to run ye hazard of it; but being upprehensive that it is not, he fears lest it should be laid out to some of those in whose favour thou hast directions from J. Steale; but if that be the case, and the maa be willing to submit to the same terms that others doe I have encouraged him to expect that it will not be surveyed to others, that not being our practice. I leave ye management of it to thee. I also refer to thee one Linton whose son has been with me to-day for a grant, but I rather choose that you should take measures in those enses there. The mco, as I hinted before, have no great mint on their side; however, thou wilt taka notice of what I have here said. I hope this will meet Col. ffrench and thee together, to whom are my hearty respects, as also to thyself, -from thy Loving ffriend,

"JAMES LOGAN."

" PRILAN'TA, Aug. 5th, 1726.

" LOVING FRIEND, ISAAC TAYLOR.

" William Reynolds and the widow McCune are now hoth here com- plaining heavily of a survey made by thy son John, on some land running along their claims, ia a narrow, but very extended skirt, and cutting them off from the Barrens, which isnd they say has beca long promised to them, upon their frequent applications to the office and thee,-that is, that when it was to be granted they should have the refusal of it. This survey, they say, is made fer one Gabriel Alexan- der, who they alledge cnn have no right to it by grant or purchase, bad if he had, they insist upon it they have not had fair play.

" Tho' thy son was the surveyor, yet as he has no authority but what is derived from thee, who art the appointed officer, believing that be would do notbing of that kiad but by thy order, I thought it most regular to apply to thee, requesting some account of that survey, and by what authority it was done; for I depend on it that no man's solicitations of what kind soever can prevail with thee to survey the Proprietor's lands, without a warrant or full instructions from the office, for I need not observe te tbee of what pernicious consequence such measures would prore, and therefore I should be unjust to thea to suppose it possible without stronger reasons than the application of those whe conceive themselves injured. In ye mean time if that sur- vey be not made on such a foundation, it will be well done of thee to save us the trouble of ocquainting G. Alexander that be preceed not to make any improvement there. I request a line from thee in sa- swer to this per first, which will oblige, -. Thy real friend.

" JAMES LOGAN."

" August 10th, 1726.

" LOVING FRIEND, JAMES LOGAN.

"I received thise of the 5th of this moath, last seventh day, by Elisha Gatchel, and had I not been well acquainted with the strange caprices of that hot beaded person for above seven years, it would have been surprising to me, that any man should endeavor te lay & Block ia the way of any persons having a small Traet of Land, oa such just and Regular methods as the late survey made by my soa John, for Gabriel Alexander was done, with which I am sure he is well acquainted.

"The case is thus : in March. 1720, James Steele came to my house by thy order, and urged me to go down towards Elk to make some surveys to prevent the Land being taken by Maryland. I told him that I was Iadispesed, and was not likely to go myself, but would send my son John as soon as he was a little better recovered, (far he also had been sick,) and would precure a mon to go along with him, that was with Henry Hollingsworth when be made the last surveys ia these parts in 1704; and in the next month (i.e. April, 1720) John did go dowa, and having surveyed 200 aeres to each of the-four Moors, there was aboul 5 or 600 acres Left between those-Lands and

HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Robert Assheton's Tract, and by the Direction of Elisha Gatchel and John Churchman, who were on the spot with him, be divided it among the persons that were settled on it ;- to William Reinolds 300, to Wil- liam Rees 100, & to Sam'l Steel and Gabriel Alexander 250 acres in one Tract. A few months after, Thomas Calwell and others that pur- chased Robert Assheton's 500 acres made a complaint to him, that my son had come within the limits of the said 500 acres, tho' he had the same chain man that II. Hollingsworth had, when he laid out the said Land and knew the bounds very well that Heury made and affirmed that John had not gone within it : But because Tho. Calwell continned his clamor, I went down myself & viewed the place the 26th of Aug- ust 1720, and saw Assheton's northern line fair and well marked, and John had not interfered therewith, as can be proved by persons yet Living. But Calwell procured one Joseph Meredith to resurvey As- sheten's Land the 13th of March, 1720-1, and found that if it was run the length of the Patent, it would take in Alexander's house and Improvements ; then he applied himself again to Robert Assheton and he to James Steel who sent to me about it. Soon after, I being in Town, Steel told me that Robert Assheton was a Kinsman of ye Proprietors, and that the Commissioners would not allow of any Land to be confirmed there till Assheton's Land was made up its full quan- tity ; and then he spoke to me to survey to Gabriel Alexander, the like quantity in the adjacent vacancy that Assheton took off, and in the month of October, 1721, Gabriel Alexander came to James Steel's office, and my son John and myself were present, and. told James Steel that he was settled without the line that H. H. made for R. As- sheton, as conld be proved by good evidence yet Living, but if Asshe- ton's Land must extend as far as Calwell claimed, it would take away his house and de him a very great diskindness. Steel's answer was ' I am sorry for that, but R. Assheton must have his full quantity according to his Patent, and Isnac sball survey to thee the same quantity that Assheton takes off in the vacant Land next thee, and that is all the kindness that I can do thee'; then turning to mc he spoke to me to do it the next time I went that way, but if he has for- got to make entry of this, it is no fault of mine. I having no other business near the place did not go to do it, thinking it was in no great haste, but told Alexander that he having James Steel's promisc, he might improve on that vacancy as soon as he pleased. Some time after, Robert Assheton sent me a letter wherein he desired me to go down and settle the bounds of his Land, but I being weak was not able to go. My son John told me that in the Spring, in 1725, he was in town and James Steel told him that he was desired by Robert As- sheton, to desire me to settle a difference between the persons, that he had sold his land to and one Alexander, and he desired John, if I continued weak, to go down himself and do it, and make up what Alexander lost out of the next vacancy ; a memorandum whereof John took on a bit of paper and has yet by him, and do believe J. Steel cannot deny it. Soon after John did go down and resurveyed Assheton's Land and ran a new line agreeing with the patent, which cutt off poor Alexander's house and Improvements; But the weather proving wet he could not stay then to survey to Alexander, so much of ye vacant Land as would make up what he lost. I was in hopes then that Alexander might have been at quiet, but some weeks ago ho came up and told me, that unless I would send some body to survey his land he should be ruined, for while it lay as vacant Land, Reinolds and others would fetch all the timber off. As soon as John had oppor- tunity, I sent him down and he surveyed as much of the vacant land as Assheton took off, in a very regular Tract, and what Gatchel is pleased to say of the irregularity of that survey, and of its being done without orders, is entirely false, for the first survey was made by thy own orders to me as other lands in that place in 1720 was done, and as for the new addition I have given thee the true reason.

"I know Reinolds pretended to take up all the vacant Land to ye westward of his, but I told him Alexander must be first served. And yo 2d day of June, last, Reinolds came to my house again and looking very big, told me that he had been informed of a good piece of Land on Pequea, and hoped I would not hinder him from having that as I done of other Land, for he had money to pay down. I told him that I had begun a survey there for a gentleman in London, that paid his moncy 40 years ago and I had a warrant for it ; and tho' he talked so much of his money, it was well known he had got it off other men's Land, for he settled a choice piece of ye proprietor's without Leave or License, cleared large fields very easy and made a great quantity of money off the corn that he raised, and then sold his Improvement to ye widow MeCane for ninety pound ; then got 100 acres by, that was

surveyed to nether man. After that, he had an improvement in the London Tract that he sold to great advantage, and seeing that he had had so many places, he might let his neighbors have a little land to live on without finding fault; but if he could get a grant, he might have sny vacant Land that was not yet premised. The person he then grumbled about was Thomas Reid, for whom I have I. Steel's order in writing, to accommodate him with a tract of land near Nottingham, as well as the country will now afford. As for the widow MeCane, she has already - acres of good Land that was surveyed for Reinelds to ye very best advantage, and for her to desire the piece of land that poor Alexander had a grant for before she came to America, and has built a good house upon, (since he unhappily lost his first house and improvements, by means of a blunder made by H. Hollingsworth, with which Gatchell, her and Reinolds are well acquainted,) is really unaccountable. With Leve and respects to thee and thine, I remain thy Leving ffriend.

"ISAAC TAYLOR."

On the 2d of August, 1726, Gabriel Alexander signed a paper to the following effect :

" I hereby agree to suffer Susanna MeCaine te sow all the land she has now cleared on the vacancy by her, with corne next season, and peaccably to carry off the same, she claiming no right of possession thereby."

The dispute did not end here, and on the 17th of the same month a number of his neighbors signed a recommen- dation, stating that "Gabriel Alexander has lived in this neighborhood odds of six years preceding this date, and we, the subseribers, never knew him to defraud no manner of person, or wrong any man," ete. : " Jobn Betty, Morgan Leyson, David Emmit, William Gilespy, Abraham Emmit, Sr., John Seott, Jr., James Smith, James Andrews, Josias Emmit, John Tood, John Cain, Joseph Hedges, and Gayen Miller." Nigel Gray also wrote to Isaae Taylor a quaint letter of recommendation of Gabriel Alexander. The following spring Abraham Emmit granted a warrant to arrest William and James McKean for trespass, on the complaint of Gabriel's son, Zaceheus, against which Elisha Gutchel protested, deelaring that the Alexanders had no right to the land. In 1739, Thomas MeKean appears to hold a part, if not all, of his mother's land.

An attempt to trace the title to the present owners of the MeKean land was not entirely successful. Prior to 1783 it passed into possession of James Smith, Jr., of Burlington, who in that year conveyed 187 aeres in New London to John Kenible. The heirs of the latter sold 115 acres in 1812 to Edward Owen, whose administrator conveyed the same in 1821 to David Woodington. Wil- liam E. Haines purchased in 1823, and sold in 1869 to Joseph Peirce, the present owner.

In 1725 the township was divided, and London Britain taken therefrom. About 1733 the boundary on the north, between Londongrove and Elk Creek, was established, run- ning from the northeast corner of John Todd's land to the southeast corner of Fagg's Manor, and thenee to the creek. This was granted on petition of William MeKean, William Gillespy, John McClenaehan, Samuel Steel, Lazarus Finney, George Correy, John Henderson, James Futhey, Josias Emmit, John Todd, and several others. In 1775, George Correy and others presented a remonstranee against the pe- tition from London Britain for taking some of the territory into the latter. In 1724 the assessment of New London included the territory of London Britain. In 1852 the township of Franklin was taken from New London, since

195

TOWNSHIPS AND BOROUGHS, ETC.

which the latter contains none of the original London Com- pany's land.

TAXABLES IN 1725.

Gayen Lepeer, Robert Linton, Hugh Stewart, John Beetem, Peter Hegot, James Mesirs, Wm Bowhannin, Wm Steels, Gabriell Alexander, Robert Smith, Thomas Caldwell, Jean Soett, John McCrakan, John Cook, Neill Gray, James Donnell, Susannah McKecn (widdow), Sam1 Carsoo, John Croghton, Wm Regala, Patrick Moor, Alexander Moor, James Moor, William ffeil, John Todd, John Mongomery, Joba Hen- derson, The. Black, James Makanless, Nicholas Curry, Henry Small, John Steel, John Clenoughan, Robt Messar, Josias Emmit, IIugh Barkley, Abraham Emmit, David Emmit, John Gelaspy, Robert Robi- Ben, James Smith.

Freemen .- Zechariah Alexander, Ninian Steel.

TAXABLES IN 1753.

John Scott, Esq', Alexander Johnston, Wm. McDowell, James Purtle, Matthew Porterfield, John Currey, John Moore, Matthew Logan, Widow Fury, James Reed, Robt Anderson, Alexandr Walker, Jeho Sturges, Peter Gubby, James Donald, Widow Dicky, Rolt Lin- ton, Robt Finney (saddler), Widow Finny, John Morrison, Thos Minor, Sam Steel, Roht Finny, Junt, John Moore, James Sloan, David Em- mitt, Alexandr McCurdy, Henry Small, James Whitecraft, Andrew Henderson, John Henderson, Tho" Cooke, Joseph Cook, James Mc- Conless, Wm. Downard, John Todd, Alex" Craige, James Harrison, Robt Gillmore, Robt Kelton, Geo. Curry, Robt Jurdain, Wm. Com- mons, John Meoah, Humphry Riske, James Moore, Joseph Moore, Joseph Allison, James Welsh, Robt Taylor, Wm. Gelespie, John Por- terfield, James Mears, Michal Montgomry, Arthur McClure, Wm. Mc- Dowel, sent, James Jurdan, jun", Tho" Finny, Jnº Fleming, Sam1 Betty, Thos Magee, Widow English, John Moore (scboelmaster), Robt Allison, Widow Steell, John Moore (cooper), James Farise, Hugh Canble, Robt McKee, Andw Scott, Roht Latimore, Wmn. Young, sent, Wm. Young, Jun', John Buntiog, Alexander Morrison, John Smith.

Poor men .- James Brown, John McKenny, John Montgomery, John Moore (weaver), John Branagan, Thos Welsh, James Cannon, James Johnston, Edward Boyle, Owen McGrew, Wm. Reed, Wm. Alexander, David Shean, Patrick IIay, Felix Gallaher, James Achan, Cornelius Welsh.

Freemen .- Joseph Haze, Richd White, William Bietts, James Rusk, Darby Dergan, Jnº Moor, Joseph McDowel, David McDowell, Andw Small, James Small, Thos Sturd, Joseph Boyd, Charles Bravard.

LAND-OWNERS, 1774.

George Alexander, Francis Alison, William Beaty, David Buchanan, David Correy, Robert Correy, George Campbell, Thomas Campbell, Wm. Cummings, Allen Cunningham, Patrick Culbertson, John Dickey, Thomas Donelson, Walter Davis, Robert Finney, Robert Finney, Jr., Walter Finney, Thomas Fulton, Samuel Floyd, Joseph Furey, James Falls, John Gibson, Thes. Gilmore, Peter Gobby, Robert Giffin, Robert Gilmore, Robert Graham, James Hutchinson, James Hughs, Alexander Hughs, Thomas Hughs, David Hutchinson, Eliza Henderson, Alex- ander Johnstuo, Esq., Samuel Kennedy, John Lemon, George Lesley, Wm. Montgomery, John Montgomery, John McDowell, William Mc- Dowell, Wm. McDowell, junior, Ephraim Morrison, Alex'r Morrison, James Moss, Arthur McClure, Thomas McConnell, Joseph Moore, Robert Moore, Robert Montgomery, Michael Montgomery, Joseph Morrison, John Menough, George Mitchell, Charles Newcome, John Pennock, James Reed, William Reed, John Robinson, John Scott, Andrew Scott, William Steel, Jeremiah Starr, John Small, John Smith, John Tedd, Joseph Thompson, Robert Wilkins, Matthew Wil- kins, Thomas Wiley, James Whiteraft, Archibald Woodside, Agnes Young.

NEWTOWN.

TAXABLES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF 1715.

Daniel Williamson, Rees Howell, William Bevan, David Thomas, William Phillips, Thomas Rees, John Rees, Jun", Lewis Rees, Lewis Lewis, Evan Lewis, William Lewis, John Rees, John ffawkes, Mor- gan James, Lawrence Peirce, Daniell Williamson, John Williamson, James Price, John Meredith, Edward Themas, William Thomas. free Men .- John Goodwin, Adam Trehenll.

This is now a part of Delaware County.

NOTTINGHAM.

At a meeting of the commissioners of property at Phil- adelphia, 14th of 11th month, 1701.

Present, Edward Shippen, Griffith Owen, Thomas Story. JAMES LOGAN, Secretary.

"Cornelius Empson for himself and several others to the number of 20 families, chiefly of the county of Chester, proposes to loake a settlement on a tract of land about half way between Delaware and Susquehannah, or nearer the latter, being about 24 miles distant from New Castle, ou Octorara river, in case they may bave a grant ef 20,000 acres in the said place, at a bushel of wheat $ hundred reot or five pound purchase, to be after at a shilling sterling $ annum; which being duly considered and the advantages that might arise thereby, by rendering the adjacent land more valuable, and encouraging the set- tlement of Susquehannah river ;- Tis proposed that they shall have 15 or 20,000 acres at £8 $ 100 or at 2 bushels of wheat rent p annum, the first year for their encouragement to be free of rent, er one year's credit to pay the purchase money. He agrees to the price of purchase, or to a bushel and an half + C. @ annum; But is referred to their further consideration."

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History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 53

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