USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > Downingtown > History of Downingtown, Chester County, Pa > Part 16
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Firemen's Day-Saturday, May 29.
The delightful weather with which the town was favored throughout the entire five days of the celebration made Satur- day an ideal day for a parade. The former residents, who began to arrive in numbers on Friday, were largely added to this day, until there were hundreds who were guests of relatives and friends throughout the town. In addition there were large crowds brought by the railroad and trolley cars, which filled the Centre Square and considerable portions of Lancaster avenue in both wards.
The principal event of the day was the parade of firemen, in connection with the dedication of the new fire house and the Rousing of the engine of Minquas Fire Company, No. 2. The chief marshal was Dr. Joseph Huggins, and his aides Horace S Carpenter, J. Penrose Moore, Ellis Y. Brown, Jr., Alfred L. Crowe, J. Lewis Baldwin and Edward I. Griffith. The commit- tec in charge of the day was J. Hunter Wills, Dr. D. Edgar Hutchison, Dr. Joseph Huggins, Horace S. Carpenter and John P. Noll. The order of parade was as follows, including several bands and drum corps :
FIRST DIVISION West Chester Fire Police West Chester Fire Company, No. 1 Brandywine Fire Company of Coatesville Malvern Fire Company, No. 1 Berwyn Fire Company, No. 1
SECOND DIVISION
Fame Fire Company, No. 3, West Chester
Radnor Fire Company, No. 1, Wayne Downingtown Fire Police Alert Fire' Company, No. 1, Downingtown Minquas Fire Company, No. 2, East Downingtown
The route of parade was as follows: Form on Brandywine and Washington avenues, march west to Lancaster avenue, to Downing avenue, to Pennsylvania avenue, to Stuart avenue, to Highland avenue, to Hunt avenue, to Lancaster avenue, to Whiteland avenue, countermarch to Chestnut street, south to Jefferson avenue, to Green street, north to Washington avenue, to Chestnut street, to Lancaster avenue, to Minquas Fire House.
THE PROGRAM.
Music . Bryn Mawr Band
Prayer Rev. Joseph H. Earp
Rector of St. James' Episcopal Church.
Dedicatory Address. . S. P. Bicking
l'resident Minquas Fire Company.
Address of Welcome Chief Burgess, Thomas Pedrick
Bryn Mawr Band Music
Address
Rev. L. W. Mudge, D. D.
Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church.
Housing of Engine West Chester Fire Co., No. 1 Address Gibbons G. Cornwell, Esq., West Chester Presentation of silver trumpet bearing the inscription, "Presented to the Minquas Fire Company, No. 2, by the First West Chester Fire Company, on May 29th, 1909."
The presentation was made by Dr. Jesse C. Green, of the West Chester Company, ninety-two years of age, the oldest vol- unteer fireman in the county.
Music
Bryn Mawr Band
Following the exercises the visiting firemen and their friends were entertained at the Opera House by the Ladies' Auxiliary. It is estimated that some 1500 persons were entertained.
Church Day-Sunday, May 30.
The morning was devoted to the services in the various churches of the borough, the pastors generally preaching ser- mons appropriate to the occasion.
In the afternoon at three o'clock the Opera House was filled, the occasion being the Baccalaureate Exercises of the Graduat- ing Class of the Downingtown High School.
PROGRAM.
Rev. L. W. Mudge, D. D., Presiding.
Hymn-"O Paradise" Congregation Invocation Rev. J. W. Tindall
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Scripture Reading Rev. Joseph H. Earp Song-"Jesus the Shepherd' Junior Chorus Sermon Rev. William H. Oxtoby. D. D.
Pastor of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia.
Prayer Rev. Wm. H. Derr
Song-"Love That Passeth Knowledge' Junior Chorus
Hymn-"The Lord is My Shepherd Congregation
Benediction
Dr. Mudge
Dr. Oxtoby's text was from Matt. 8: 2: "If thou wilt, thou canst."
In the evening there was a Union Memorial Day service under the charge of the town pastors. It was held in the Opera House. W. S. Hancock Post, No. 255, G. A. R .: Capt. G. C. M. Eicholtz Camp. No. 255. Sons of Veterans, and Washington Camp, No. 338, Patriotic Order Sons of America, attending. The Rev. Dr. Mudge, pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church, pre- sided.
ORDER OF SERVICE.
Hymn-"O Lord of Hosts, Almighty King."
Rev. William H. Derr, Prayer Pastor of the Lutheran Church.
Scripture Lesson Rev. Joseph H. Earp
Rector of St. James' Episcopal Church.
Hymn-"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Offering for Grand Army Relief Fund.
Offertory-"Ein Feste Burg'
Choir
Rev. L. A. Schnering Sermon Pastor of the Baptist Church. Hymn-"My Country, "Tis of Thee" Benediction
Rev. L. W. Mudge, D. D.
The hymns were led by the combined choirs, members of the Choral Society and the Downingtown Orchestra, Mr. Fred- erick P. Mudge conducting and Miss Mary B. Garrett, accom- panist.
The congregation was the largest ever seen in Downingtown. All available space was occupied by chairs and the hall was crowded, including the gallery, while scores of people were una- ble to obtain entrance. Mr. Schnering's text was from Exodus 12:26, "What mean ye by this service?"
Memorial Day-Monday, May 31.
In the morning the usual ceremonies connected with deco- rating the soldiers' graves were conducted by comrades of the Grand Army at Northwood and St. Joseph's Cemeteries.
In the afternoon there was a parade of Grand Army and patriotic orders, with industrial floats and exhibits.
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ORDER OF PARADE. FIRST DIVISION.
Chief Marshal, S. F. Banghart. Aides, Judson Armor and William McClure, Jr. Clergy in Carriages. W. S. Hancock Post, 255, G. A. R., in Carriages. Capt. G. C. M. Eicholtz Camp, No. 255, Sons of Veterans. I. C. B. U. Society. Washington Camp, No. 338, P. O. S. of A.
Washington Camp, of Parkesburg, Commandery, P. O. S. of A. Cohansey Glass Blowers' Association.
SECOND DIVISION. FLOATS AND EXHIBITS.
P. O. S. of A. Camp, Strawthreshers, Independent Order of Red Men, Cohansey Glass Company, Alert Fire Company, No. 1, Minquas Fire Company, No. 2; A. B. Downey, milliner; I. J. Deitz, department store; J. Swank, ice and coal ; Zinn's, stoves and tinware; McGraw & Sons, ice, coal, wood, paint and flour ; Philips, flour ; Furlong, cigar emporium ; South, solgram paper ; Hertel, baker: Chester County Gas Company, stoves ; Trego's restaurant : Carpenter, snowflake ; Bicking, paper ; L. T. L., tem- perance ; Trego, laundry.
The order of the parade was: Bradford avenue to Viaduct, to Downing ave., to Pennsylvania ave., to Stuart ave., to High- land ave., to Hunt ave., to Lancaster ave., to Whiteland ave., to Washington ave., to Brandywine ave., to Opera House, counter- march on Brandywine ave. and dismiss. At the Opera House the order of exercises was as follows :
Parkesburg Band.
Praver Rev. Josepli H. Earp Scripture Reading Rev. L. W. Mudge, D. D.
Address J. Hunter Wills Address Wilmer W. MacElree, Esq.
Benediction Rev. Wmn. H. Derr Glen Moore Band.
THE BANQUET.
In the evening a subscription banquet was held in the Penn- sylvania House, and proved one of the most enjoyable parts of the semi-centennial program. By inclosing the west porch Mr. Gibney, who outdid himself in providing for the comfort and pleasure of the guests, was enabled to seat the one hundred and twelve attendants. The blessing was invoked by the Rev. Chas. (. Mudge, and this menu followed and was ably served :
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Radishes
Grape Fruit Little Neck Clams Pickles Rice Croquettes
Queen Olives
Bread Sticks
New Peas
Squab
Saratoga Chips
Banquet Rolls
Chicken Salad
Neapolitan Ice Cream
Assorted Cakes
Nuts
Fruit
Mints Salted Peanuts
De Brie Cheese
Crackers
Tea
Coffee
The guests at the banquet were the following :
Rev. and Mrs. L. W. Mudge, D. D .; Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Earp, Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Tindall, Rev. and Mrs. L. A. Schnering, Rev. W. H. Derr, Rev. Charles O. Mudge, Mr and Mrs. Joseph H. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. E. V. Philips, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Ash, Dr. and Mrs. L. T. Bremerman, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. James G. Fox. Harry McFadden, J. Hunter Wills, Miss Reese, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Eachus, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. E Ash, Jesse H. Roberts, Thomas Pedrick, Joseph A. Bicking, Professor John Hunsicker, Ezra Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Dapp, Mr. and Mrs. Shelly Matlack, Mr. and Mrs. J. Harry Reed, J. T. Carpenter, James Eppehimer, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Philips, George Burke, John P. Noll, Jacob Ringwalt, Oscar Wilson, R. M. Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Townsend, Josiah Swank, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Wel- din, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Holl, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Darlington, P. E. Rowan, Hugh Gormley. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Simmons, William Gertizen, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Carey, A. M. Hoster, George W. Brown. Miss Mary Mudge, Mrs. George Dennisson. Dr. and Mrs. John Batten, Miss Edith Sides, Mrs. H. B. Sides, Miss Mary Wells, B. Frazer, Charles McFadden, Frank MeGraw, Charles Tindall, Park Smedley, W. W. MacElrec, J. K. Stewart, William MeClure. Jr., Miss Jane Ringwalt, Evans Miller, Fred Mudge, Dr. I. H. Whyte, Mr. and Mrs. Edge Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. George Fisher, J. Kirk Smith, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Pat- ton, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Hess, Mr and Mrs. S. P. Bicking. Allen E. Keim. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Dennis, S. Lewis Moses, Dr. Edgar Hutchi- son. Ernest Smedley, Fred McClure, Howard E. Laird, William Harrison, John Woodward, E. L. Browne, S. A. Black, Isaac Y. Ash.
After the banquet Mr. I. Y. Ash installed Dr. L. T. Bre- merman as toastmaster and after-dinner speeches were made by Wilmer W. MacElree, Esq., Rev. L. W. Mudge. D. D., Isaac Y. Ash, William McChure, Jr., J. Hunter Wills, J. 11. Johnson, Esq .. E. Vinton Philips, A. M. Hoster, John P. Noll, Rev. J. H. Earp, Rev. L. A. Schnering, Rev. J. W. Tindall, Rev. W. H. Derr, Dr. D. Edgar Hutchison, Prof. J. R. Hunsicker. Dr. John M. Batten, Jacob Ringwalt.
EDUCATIONAL DAY. Tuesday, June I.
The closing event of the celebration was the laying of the corner-stone of the new Public School Building on Tuesday af- ternoon, by Dr. L. T. Bremerman, President of the Board of Directors, and, notwithstanding the severe heat, a considerable number of citizens were present.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
Music . School Chorus
Invocation
. Rev. J. H. Earp
Address Dr. L. T. Bremerman
Music School Chorus
Address Rev. J. W. Tindall
Address
Prof. George W. Moore
Music
. School Chorus
Address Thos. W. Baldwin, Esq.
Address Prof. John W. Miller, of Swarthmore College Laying of Corner-stone.
Benediction . Rev. L. W. Mudge, D. D.
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Historical Addenda
The effort to trace the first school in Downingtown extend- ed in the history only to 1784. Further research has enabled us to fix quite definitely the erection of the first school house. There is record that John Downing, proprietor of the "King in Arms," in 1774, after reciting the inconvenience under which "the inhab- itants residing in or near the place commonly called and known by the name of Milltown," lay, "for want of a house wherein a school may be kept for the instruction of their youth in litera- ture," donated a lot on the side of the road leading from Milltown to Uwchlan. The building was probably erected soon afterward and is called School No. 3. on pp. 107 and 108, of the History. The second school house was on Pennsylvania Ave., near Stuart Ave., and is spoken of as Schools Nos. I and 2, on page 107 of the History.
Dr. Thomas E. Parke furnishes a copy of the following in- teresting ancient document, giving the subscriptions of promi- nent Friends, for a school fund, 1793 to 1798. A large number of the subscribers were Downingtown residents, at that time connected with Uwchlan meeting.
Subscription to School Fund, 1793.
A plan for raising and instituting a fund for the promotion and encouragement of schools agreeable to the recommendation of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends.
We, the subscribers, members of the Monthly Meeting of the people called Quakers, held at Uwchlan, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, do hereby severally for ourselves, our executors and administrators, promise to pay unto George Thomas, Treas- urer of Friends' school or schools within the verge of the said monthly meeting, or to his successor for the time being, the sums of money respectively to our names hereunder annexed; and that upon demand or interest therefor, at the rate of five per cent. per annum, from the dates respectively thereunto prefixed until paid, which principal so subscribed to be and remain a per- manent fund under the care and direction of the Committee ap- pointed by the said Monthly Meeting for that and other pur-
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poses relative to schools ; to be by them laid out, or lent on in- terest, in such manner as they from time to time shall judge most conducive to the securing an interest to said school or schools ; which interest or annuity so arising to be applied to the encour- agement of suitable school masters ; educating stich poor Friends' children, as now do, or hereafter may belong to the said Monthly Meeting : or such other poor children or purposes, as the said Committee, or a majority of them, shall from time to time direct, consistent with the design of this Institution.
On payment of either principal or interest the subscriber to have the Treasurer's receipt for the same.
DATES
SUBSCRIBERS AND AMOUNTS
Rudolph Haines, £ 100 pd.
By Will
Mary Phipps Dennis Whelen
£20 10s., pd.
15th, 8mo, 1793. Joshua Baldwin, £10, pd. 1st mo., 3rd. 1799.
15th, Smo .. 1793. Thomas Lightfoot, £15, pd. 4-17-1800.
17th, 1mo., 1797. Richard Downing. £10, pd. in boarding by R.D .. Jr .. 5-12.
6th, Smo., 1791.
John Downing, £10. rec'd ten pound 18th, ist mo.
By Will
Cadwalader Jones, £10, pd. to J. R.
6th, 2mo., 1795. John Roberts, £10, pd.
4th. 2mo., 1795. Abiah Parke, £7 10s.
23rd, 1mo., 1795.
Simon Meredith, £2, pd. 3. 1798, one dol.
Nathan Sharpless, £5. pd. 25, Imo., 1811.
23rd, 1mo., 1795.
John Martin, £2, pd. 23. 8mo., 1808.
23rd, 1mo., 1795. 33rd, 1mo., 1795. 3rd. 2mo., 1795.
George Massey, £5, pd. 4mo., 17th, 1806.
George Valentine, E7 10s., pd. 1st of 11th mo., 1806.
17th, 1mo., 1797.
17th, 1mo., 1797.
17th, 1mo., 1797.
Joseph R. Downing, £5, pd. 4th of 1st mo., 1816. John Baldwin, 15s.
17th, 1mo., 1797.
Malachi Parke, £2 5s.
17th, 1mo., 1797.
Jonat'n Parke, £2 5s
Thomas Parke, £2. 5s., pd. by schooling poor children.
Abiah Parke, Jr., £1 10%., pd. 10th, 12th mo., 1828.
1st, 2mo., 1797.
1st, 2mio., 1797.
Josiah Kirk, £5, pd. Ist mo., 2nd, 1800.
David Hilles, £1, pd. 4th of 3rd mo., 1813.
Samuel Rea, £1 10s.
James Pugh. £1 10s., pd. 1st mo., 10th, 1814.
Jonathan Williams, 15s., pd. 11th mo., 11. 1800.
Jonathan Evans, 15s.
James Meredith, £1 2s. 6d.
Joel Meredith, £1 25. 6d .: pd. 7th mo., 1st, 1797. Jesse Harry. 15s., pd. 7mo., 1797.
16th, 1mo., 1798.
Jonathan Rogers, £2 5s., pd. 16th, 2nd mo., 1811.
16th, 1mo., 1798.
John Edwards, 15s .. pd. 27th, 3rd mo.
16th, 1mo., 1793.
Barth'n Fussell. 15s .. pd. 7mo., 7th. 1814.
27th, 2mo.,
Fredrick Fultz, left by will, £4 13s. 9d., pd. by Ex- ecntor.
16th, 1mio., 1796.
Joseph Star, 15s., pd. 5th mo.
16th, lino., 1796.
Charles Rogers, Fs. 6d., pd. 16th, 2nd mo., 1811.
16th, 1mo., 1796. William Rogers, 75. 6d., pd. 16th, 2nd mo., 1811
15th, 3mo., 1796. William Beale, £10. pd. same time.
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23rd, 1mo., 1795.
Jesse Jones, £5, pd. 23. 1mo., '93.
17th, 1mo., 1797.
17th 1mo., 1797.
Elihn Evans, £1 10s.
Sm'l R. Downing, £5, pd. 9mo., 1815.
Jane Downing,
It is with satisfaction that we are able to record something definite concerning Carl Heins, Ph. D., and his school. Dr. Carl Heins began his school in Downingtown in 1854, first in the house now occupied by his widow, and then in the building now known as The Downingtown Public Library. He was a master teacher and many of the residents of Downingtown, now past middle life, were among his pupils. Among his assistants was Mr. Adam H. Fetterolf, who afterward, for a brief period, conducted his own school in Central Hall, now the edifice of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Fetterolf is at present the president of Girard College, Philadelphia. After a successful career, leav- ing the impress of his work on a Downingtown generation, Dr. Carl Heins died November 17, 1866.
DOWNINGTOWN IN 1859.
One of the most interesting events of the semi-centennial exercises, especially to the older residents, was the reading of a paper prepared by John S. Mullin, of West Chester, giving the roster of the adult male residents of the town at the time of incorporation as a borough, including some youths near their majority. This paper, revised by Mr. Mullin, is given entire.
Allen W. Wills, a farmer, Justice of the Peace, and second Chief Bur- gess of the Borough. and his sons, George E. J. Hunter Wills, ex-Burgess; Abner E. and Allen W. Wills, Jr. Col. Samuel Ringwalt, farmer, with drove yard; Porter Ringwalt, school teacher; Luther, Jacob and Abiah Ringwalt. afterward Burgess. Joseph Levy, self-constituted mail carrier. Charles Downings, one of the fathers of the borough, and his sons, Joseph R., Charles and Edward. George Whelen, called "Watty," a coal dealer. Joseph Hunt, Justice of the Peace. James Wilcox kept store in the old building where the post-office now stands. Sold whiskey for twelve and a half cents a quart and segars four for a penny. Samuel Black, merchant tailor, with his sons, Wil liam and Samuel A. Richard D. Wells, of the firm Wells and Miller, who did business in the Odd Fellows' building. Henry Eicholtz, proprietor of the Pennsylvania House, with his sons, Leonard, James and Captain S. C. M. Eicholtz. Doctor J. Stuart Leech, the most popular man in town, and for whom Stuart avenue was named. Frank O'Neil, bottler. James and William McConaghy. Benj. W. Hyatt, shoemaker. Lewis Dennison, shoe- maker. Jacob Fondersinith, saddler and confectioner. John McGraw, rail- road manager. Liberty Brown, auctioneer and wheelwright. Stephen Blatch - ford, with his two sons, Thomas and Stephen, Jr. Daniel Kelly, wheelwright. George Rembaugh, undertaker. The Webster family was extensive. They were: Isaac, John. James, Richard, Joseph, Samuel, Downing, and Elisha, of which the last two are the only ones living. Isaac and Joseph at this time, 1859, ran a market car to Philadelphia every week. They had a large ware- house at this place and dealt in lumber. coal and feed. Edwin and William Hoster. Adam Fullerton, a one-legged man, bridge watchman. Michael Mc- Fadden, hotel man. Webster F. Hilton, butcher. John Pawling, blacksmith. William Wilkinson, conductor on Chester Valley Railroad Thomas S. and Humphrey Ingram, cattle dealers. William Evans and Morgan L. Reesc. John P. Baugh and sons, Edwin and Daniel, who kept store and manufactured phosphate Frederick Andress, tobacconist. Jesse R. Kirk, Frank McGraw, Sr., and William B. Hoopcs, farmer. The above were all residents of the west end of town and those east of the Brandywine were: Thomas Bailey,
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living in the log house, supposed to be the oldest house in town. Thomas Scott, postmaster. James Lockhart, first Burgess, a merchant. Evan Thorn- bury, blacksmith. John S. Mullin, merchant, doing business where the bank now stands. L. Wesley Ayers, salesman. Charles Zeigler, saddler. Joseph P. Tucker, proprietor of Swan. Jonathan and Thomas Parke, stone cutters. Abiah Parke, farmer. Jacob E. Parke, land owner. John E. Parke and his son. Oscar, and ex-Burgess Thomas E. Parke. Professor Carl Heins. Ed- ward Broomall, a livery boy, bartender. Thos. J. Bones, conductor on Ches- ter Valky Railroad. William MeLaughlin, George Ryan and Washington Arters. Temple Jones, afterwards Burgess. George T. and William Jones, carpenters. James and Harvey Humphrey, shoemakers. David Shellmire and son. merchant millers. A. G. Compton and James Harbison, coopers. George Koons, Zebu'on Thomas. John F. Parke. Ellis Miller and Richard Downing. Doctor Klotz kept a drug store in half-way house. William Edg., superintendent of Chester Valley Railroad. Richard Meredith. Samuel P. Miller. merchant. Silas D. Yerkes, dea'er in lumber and grain. Doctor Sharpless, oklest physician in town. Dr. John P. Edge, physician and schoc! director. John Fisher. William and John Rogers, merchants. Milton Iloopes, potter. Andrew. David M .. and Andrew Cox. Jr., were brickmakers and the first bricks they furnished went into the buildings now partly occu- pied by J. Harry Reed, which was the second brick building in town. Reuben Evans, weaver. Joshua Springer, Nelson and William Lea, laborers. Isaac Hunter, section boss. Rev. George Kirk. Episcopal minister, who rode on horseback every week to Kennett Square. and on h's way took in the County Home, preaching to the inmates. William W. Kirke, undertaker. William Lent, cooper and tinsmith Hannum W. Gray, wheelwright. Eugene Down- ing. farmer. Samuel J. Downing. William W. Downing, surveyor. George W. Gordon and Robert Shecan, tinsmiths. Samuel Lineinger. shoemaker. Robert Miller, plasterer. Silas Walton, plasterer. George Brown, Joseph Y. C"ark. carpenters. John Hoopes, livery stable. Baldwin Keech, dentist. Jno. Grave, watchmaker. Thomas Kutchler, mason. T. D Lindley, farmer. Jas. T. Mullin, salesman. Abel Patterson, ticket agent at Chester Valley. Eli V. Peacock. blacksmith. George A. Downing, retired. Jonathan Peckett, painter. Charles L. Wells, Jr., salesman. John F. Vanleer. P. R. R. agent. Richard Webster. Jr., saddler. John Knauer, railroad man. James R Gordon. Joshua Sharpless, retired. The following comprise mostly workingmen : Pat- rick Dailey. Abrer Evans, Jesse Johnson, John Carlisle, Aaron Lukens, Theo- dore Rambo, Hazel Thomas, Wi'mer Alm. Robert. George and Reese Bailey, Atlee Brown, Ezra Cummins, William Davis. William Devine, Andrew Frieze George Gray, Morris Hoster, Jesse Jones. John Mitchell, John B. Mullin, John W. Powel. George Sweeten, Edgar Schofield, William Thompson, Daniel Sullivan, William Whitely. Henry and Robert Walker, R. W. Rhyhurst.
EARLIEST DOWNINGTOWN.
It seems hopeless at this late date to obtain anything like a consistent story of earliest Downingtown. 'The following facts or inferences may, however, be of interest :
Geologically, Downingtown lies in the centre of a primitive limestone belt about two miles wide, extending along the valley from the east to Atglen, at the western border. As to the aborig- ines, the Indians of this district belonged to the numerous body scattered over a wide region and known as the Lenni Lenape, sig- nifying "original people," but there were numerous lesser tribes. Considerable numbers occupied the Chester Valley. As a whole they were known by the settlers as the Delawares, and those occuping the region drained by the Brandywine were known as
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the Nanticokes. As to the Brandywine stream, there is evidence that it was earliest known as the Fishkill. After the grant of land to Andrew Braindwine in 1670 it is referred to in the records as Braindwine's kill or creek, and the name was later corrupted into Brandywine.
Just when slavery ceased in this district cannot be deter- mined. It probably died out under the strong sentiment against it among the Friends. An Act of General Assembly, March I, 1780, provided for registration of slaves, directing that existing slaves should remain in servitude, that all persons born after that date should be free, except children born of registered slaves who should be servants until they reached twenty-eight years of age. In this connection there is an exceedingly important his- torical record. In view of the resistance of the Colonies to the Stamp Act and the consequent severe action of England, conven- tions were held and committees appointed in many cities and colonies. A Chester County Committee was appointed and its third meeting was held March 20, 1775, at the "King in Arms," kept by Richard Cheyney. At this meeting a committee was appointed "to essay a draught of a petition to present to the General Assembly of this Province, with regard to the commis- sion of slaves, especially relating to the freedom of infants here- after born of black women within this colony." This is the earli- est action on this subject we can find by any body competent to express public opinion and the remarkable correspondence be- tween the action of the committee and that of the General As- sembly warrants the belief that the Act of the Assembly secur- ing the gradual extinction of slavery in Pennsylvania finds its beginning in the resolution of the committee passed in our town- ship. The registry of 1780 shows only four slaves in East Caln, of whom William Allison held three and David Gill one. The interest of the Friends in slaves escaping from the South is well known. The main route of this "Underground Railroad," as it was called. passed through Downingtown and along the line there were earnest philanthropists to whom the refugees were directed for harbor and further guidance. The refuge in Down- ingtown was with Zebulon Thomas and daughters, who passed the fleeing slaves to Micaiah and William Speakman, Uwchlan, thence to John Vickers and Charles Moore, Lionville, and so on.
Downingtown, in the Revolution, is a most difficult subject to trace. The muster rolls are so wanting in particulars or utter- ly lost that no roll of soldiers can be made and it would not be wise to presume too much on the similarity of names received with those given in the early list of taxables in the township. But Downingtown was too near the battlefield of the Brandy- wine and the subsequent stirring period in the Chester Vallev and at Valley Forge not to have been deeply interested. We
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find under date April 3. 1777, the Board of War, made a requisi- tion on Isaac Webb. Milltown. for wagons.
The barn of Joseph Downing, just east of the borough, was used as a hospital and forty soldiers were buried on the farm. In the fall of 1777 Mr. Downing's team was with the army and the seeding was done with an old mare and oxen driven by Joseph Downing, Jr.
In a partial list of revolutionary pensioners from Chester County we find the name of Robert Wood, Downingtown. It is said that the host of the old "Ship" tavern, west of Downing- town, remained loyal to the crown and on one occasion some Continentals shot thirteen bullets through the effigy of the ship. The old sign carried the marks as long as it swung at the old stand or at the new one in West Whiteland. The sign of the Downing Hotel bore an effigy of Washington and a civilian standing side by side.
The inhabitants of our town were not rich in silver plate. as in the list of 1777, returned by the assessors for taxation the only name in East Caln is that of John Carmichael, who pos- sossed five spoons. They were better off in carriages, for, in 211 assessment made February, 1281, to pay the United States and State debts we have this list and valuations. Widow Car- michael, chair, £15: Hunt Downing, Jr., chair, £25: Richard Downing. Jr., chair. £15: John Edge, chair, £25: Wm. Trimble. chair. £25.
'To the list of Civil War heroes should be added the names of Col. Samuel Ringwalt, who served as Brigade Quartermaster in the Second Brigade of the Pennsylvania Reserves. Gen. Meade, commanding, and Captain William R. Downing for many years owner of the "Egypt Farm." who served as Brigade Quartermaster under Gen. Rosecrans in West Virginia.
"THE SHIP."
"The Ship," the oldest of the Downingtown taverns. is iden- tified as the present residence of Mr. A. Robinson Mellvaine. It is always spoken of as a Downingtown tavern in the histories. probably because of its vicinity and because its local patronage was from Downingtown. Its present location, with reference to the Lancaster Pike, necessitates further information concern- ing this, the oldest of stone roads. Robert Brooke, who com- pleted his survey of the Lancaster Pike in 1806. says that from the 29th mile-stone, east of Downingtown, to a point ninety-seven perches west of the 31st mile-stone, the course of the pike and the old Lancaster Road were practically the same. This would bring "The Shin" on the pike, but we ascertain from Pennsyl- vania railroad officials that the building of the railroad has made some changes in the original line of the pike, which accounts for
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the distance of "The Ship" from the present road. At the point named, ninety-seven perches west of the 31st mile-stone, the old Lancaster Road leaves the turnpike, returning west of the resi- dence of James G. Fox, where stood in olden days Wm. Haw- ley's tavern, Sign of the Waggon. This vacated road is easily found. It may be well to state here that the rear of the old tavern on the "Oil Farm." of the P. R. R., was formerly the front facing the road. The variations of the course of the pres- ent Lancaster Avenue from the old road may be seen east of the bridge in the strange angle made by the "Half Way House." next to the Presbyterian Church. Standing at the east end of the bridge the eye will give the direction of the old Lancaster Road, which passed to the rear of 'Squire Johnson's office and crossed the present site of Philips' mill. This accounts again for the strange angles made by the oldest houses on both sides, of Lancaster avenue, of which the MeCaughey residence is a notable illustration.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
Several citizens have thought that Dowlin's Forge, although not within the limits of the borough, is worthy of a place in the history of the early industries as contributing measurably to the business and somewhat to the population of the town. The subjoined story has also been contributed by John S. Mullin :
DOWLIN'S FORGE.
"Dowlin's Forge," situated about one and one-half miles north of Downingtown, on the Brandywine, was an interesting spot 50 years ago. One could hear it thumping four or five miles away, as it hammered out the pig iron into blooms. These they hauled to Thorndale or Coatesville with six-mule teams, through our borough. There they were rolled out into iron plate or bar-iron. John Dowlin bought all the hills north and south of Downingtown for the purpose of obtaining the wood. This he had cut and made into charcoal, which he used for heat- ing the iron, as bituminous or anthracite coal would not answer.
Their mode of making charcoal was this: They leveled off a piece of ground and, having made a pyramid of fifty or sixty cords of wood and covered it over with dirt to keep it from blazing, they set fire to the pile. It would require about one week to char it. The smoke, when the wind was favorable, would envelop the town. They employed twenty-five or thirty men at the forge and in the woods. These men purchased their goods mostly in Downingtown and were quite a help to the trade, but, alas! the day of the old mill and the old forge has passed and the owls and bats have taken possession.
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The mill will never grind. The forge will never pound.
With the water that is past.
It may be added that the earlier name of the forge was the Mary Ann Forge, so named for two daughters of Samuel Hil- bert, a previous owner and to whose children the property de- scended. The unsatisfactory conditions of forest growth in the hills along the Brandywine, which has been matter for remark by later Downingtown residents, is explained by the denuding of the hills for forge purposes and the level spots on the hills which look like abandoned gardens are the ancient hearths where the charcoal was made.
Mention may be made of a tannery which occupied the po- sition of the tenant houses in the rear of the A. P. Tutton prop- erty on Lancaster avenue.
ADDED ITEMS.
In the diary of Shepherd Ayars, of date August 3, 1834, there is this important item.
"This morning we opened our Sabbath school in the M. E. Church. There were 20 scholars present. This is the first Sab- bath school ever held in Downingtown. May it prove a great blessing to the neighborhood."
In his address at the dedication of the House of the Min- quas Fire Company, No. 2, President S. P. Bicking added im- portant historical facts to the record in the History. The charter of the company was granted May I, 1909. After the organiza- tion a Finance Committee was appointed and a canvass resulted in the subscription of $4500 and, as a result of the fair held by the Ladies' Auxiliary, $2500 was added.
CORRECTIONS.
In view of the haste necessary in issuing the History, we are pleased that the errors are so few and that so generally they correct themselves. One galley of corrected proof was over- looked in the hurry of the last days and most of the errors were in this. The following are. perhaps, all it is necessary to note :
P. 18. Omit bottom line. See p. 21, 1. 16.
P. 72. Civil War Soldiers, for James R. Gordon, read George W. Gordon.
P. 79. On the authority of Mr. Mullin. 1. 5, for Elijah Davis read Err Davis, and 1. 16 for Stephen Ayers read Shepherd Avars. P. 87. Add J. Hunter Wills to vestry of St. James Church. P. 92, 1. 1. For 1885 read 1855.
1. 96. Trustees, for Charles W. Wilson read Chas. W. Rob- inson.
P. 105, 1. 32. For Thomas Eachers read Thomas Eachus.
IS
P. 107. For Stewart Avenue read Stuart.
P. 166. Roll of Chief Burgesses-John S. Mullin and Eber Garrett are living ; D. M. Cox is deceased. For Mr. Wills, who died in office read resigned his office. In list of Councilmen for Daniel Ringwalt read Samuel.
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SEP 3 0 1969
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