History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 90

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Evans, Samuel, 1823-1908, joint author
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1320

USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 90

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The remaining part, now constituting the town-hip of Little Britain, is bounded on the northeast by the | the forest perch of six yards, instead of five and a

western branch of Octorara Creek, separating it from Colerain ; on the southeast by the main Octo- rara Creek below its forks, separating it from Chester County ; on the west by Fulton township, and on the northwest by Drumore township. Its extreme length from north to south is very nearly eight miles ; its greatest width, from the Fulton line to Pine Grove Bridge, something over five miles, but its shape is so irregular that the average width would scarcely be two-thirds of that figure. The waters of the Octorara Creek, either the main stream or its western branch, wash considerably more than one- half of its entire length of boundary. Besides these it has no considerable streams, but quite a unmber of smaller streams, tributary to these or to the Cone- wingo. Of these the Little Conewingo rises within

its limits, and running first southward and then west- ward enters Fulton township; Patterson's Run pur- sues a northeasterly course, and passing James King's mill, falls into the West Branch of Octorara ; Pieken's Run finds its source near the centre of the township, and running southeasterly, furnishes power for Bal- lance's saw-mill and Harkness' grist-mill, and falls into the main Octorara; Raccoon Run rises not far from Oak Hill, and pursuing nearly a south direc- tion, gives motion to Kirk's mills, near Eastland, and Conrad's saw-mill, at Kinseyville, entering the Oeto- rara a short distance below. Numerous smaller streams interseet nearly every part of the township and furnish all the water needed for ordinary pur- poses, making this indeed a well-watered country.

The Peach Bottom Railroad (narrow - gauge) enters the township from Chester County, crossing the Octorara a short distance below its forks, passes up the West Branch on its southern side to King's Bridge, then turns up a small run to a summit beyond Fair Mount Station, then descends a small branch of the Conewingo, till it crosses the township line into Fulton, before reaching the Fulton House, passing tour stations on its way, to wit : Spruce Grove, White Rock, King's Bridge, and Fair Mount.

Pioneer Settlers and Land Warrants .- This township has, perhaps, the earliest location of land in the county. In 1704 a survey of 1000 acres was made for John Wilmer, by the name of Milcom Island (see map), which he soon after transferred to Randal Janney, and he in turn to John Budd and Sarah Morrey. It is doubtful whether a settlement was ever made by virtue of this location, for in 1715 Budd and Morrey relinquished it to the proprietaries, taking in lien thereof two warrants for 500 acres each, which were afterward located in Philadelphia County.

The Ross Tract .- In 1714, on the 5th day of No- vember, Alexander Ross took out a warrant for 500 aeres, which was located on the northern part of this tract. As these surveys were made by what was called half, it might have netted between eleven and twelve hundred acres.

Gatchell and Reynolds' Tracts .- In 1735, Elisha Gatchell took out a warrant for 600 acres, which was laid on the southern part, and which he divided with Henry Reynolds, each one taking 300 acres and allow- ance, for which each one obtained a patent, dated July 8, 1737. These surveys make 1100 acres, and with the usual allowance very nearly 1200 acres, or, strictly, 1166 acres. Alexander Ross sold his part to John Jamison, who on March 4, 1742, added a war- rant of his own for 142 acres. These lands remained in the Jamison family for many years, other land- being added to them and afterwards alienated. Of the whole 1200 acres, together with the various addi- tions, but little now remains to the family of the early possessors. A small portion of the additions still belongs to the Jamisons, while James Peeples,

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937

LITTLE BRITAIN TOWNSHIP.

a lineal descendant in the sixth degree of the origi- two sons, Samuel and Reuben, and now owned by the heirs of William N. Griffith, James Wood, nal Henry Reynolds, still holds about 100 acres of the original 300. All the rest has passed into other : Abner Carter, and others. Henry Reynolds took up hands. Gatehell's 300 acres were early disposed of, SS acres and allowances additional by warrant of 1745, now belonging to James Wright, In 1766 he entered an application, No. 2104, on which 102 acres was surveyed to him, and patented by the name of " Reynoldstown," now owned by heirs of John Reyn- olds and others. divided, and conveyed. The late Joseph Ballance held about one-half of it, and since his time it has been repeatedly sold. George Hershom and others are now the owners of it. The other half belongs to Joseph C. Jamison, now or late Jacob Proctor, lately the Ashton girls, and others. Reynolds' 300 acres Another Samuel Reynolds in 1790 took 2551 acres on Octorara, now owned by David M. Taylor, B. F. 'Taylor, and others. are now owned by James Peeples, William King, heirs of William N. Griffith, and others. Henry Reynolds, however, took up other land, some of which Three other tracts, containing together about 500 acres, passed through the hands of different men of the name of Reynolds (as well as divers smaller pieces) of which nothing now remains to any of them. One of these tracts of 137 acres, sold by John and Franeis Rowland to Jacob Reynolds in 1795, is be- lieved to be one of the seven farmis owned by Henry Reynolds the elder, but the evidence is not at hand to establish this fact. still remains to his family, though only a small part of the whole. He boasted that he owned seven farms at one time, and that he could stand on his own ground and view them all. llis great - grandson, Josiah Reynolds, held two hundred and twenty-six acres of this, which he devised to his children, where most of it still remains. The heirs of his son, John Reyn- olds, hold 132 acres of this; the heirs of his daugh- ter, Maria Peeples, have 29 acres; Sarah Philips, another daughter, had 35 acres, part of which she still retains; and Rachel .I. Pickering, another daughter, has 29 acres. Beside what has been mentioned, and possibly some small pieces not noted, all has passed into other hands. Verily, one generation gathereth together and another generation scattereth abroad, so uncertain are earthly things and human fortunes.

Edward Pleadwell had a warrant from the Proprie- taries' commissioners for 700 acres, dated July 10, 1707, whereof 200 acres were surveyed July 16, 1717, on both sides of Octorara Creek, chiefly on the west side (being then in Chester County). This land be- came the property of his daughter, Sarah, intermar- ried with John Priest, who sold to Joseph Wood, June 16, 1791. It now belongs to the Tyson Mining It may be instructive to glance at these various ; Company, of Baltimore, whose chrome pits on this possessions and see what has become of them. One : land were long the most productive in the world, and of the first was one hundred and twenty-five acres on furnished a large proportion of the chrome of com- merce. From the two facts of its being situated in a bend of the Octorara Creek, and being owned by Priest, the bend of the creek and the land within it has long been known as " Priest's Neck." Octorara Creek, taken up in 1737, and sold to David Reynolds in 1771. David sold to Samuel Reynolds in 1773, who sold to Roger Teague in 1793, he to Samuel Carter in 1801, who sold to John, Abel, and Seth Kinsey in 1811. It now belongs to Samuel Con- Jolin Allison was a prominent man in the early days of Little Britain. Ilis farm consisted of 330 aeres on two warranty, one to himself and one to John McComb, now owned by John J. Evans, Wil- liam W. Evans, heirs of Albert Wilson, deceased, and others. Ile was a man of means, and sometimes loaned money on mortgage. nard and others, and is intersceted by Raccoon Run. The village of Kinseyville is on this tract, the Kin- seys having erected an extensive blacksmith-shop and tilt-hammer on the run, and built a number of houses there. Since Abel Kinsey's death it was converted into a spoke-factory, and is now used as a saw-mill. This tract was located as being in Drumore township. Matthew Atchison. Feb. 8, 1743, warrant for 200 acres including improvements, now William Scott's and Isaac Wilson's. It appears to have been settled by William Marshall at an earlier day, but perhaps only as a squatter without right. He is supposed to have been a step-son of William Baldridge, by a former wife, but this is uncertain. Two hundred and thirty acres he took up by warrant in February, 1748, and had the survey of Malcolmn Fisher, of December, 1748, transferred to him, both confirmed by patent of April 14, 1752. These prop- erties now belong to Abner C. Wood, Samuel Fite, heirs of Nathan Haines, deceased, heirs of William Hilton, deceased, and others. A tract of 145 acres John Atchison. Sept. 5, 1738, next to Matthew Atchison, now Isaac Wilson's, Bockius & Black and joining his first 300 acres. This is partly included in . others. It was once owned by Aaron Lovett, and hence was long known as " Lovett land." It was at one time the property of William Gibson, of Oak Hill. who sold it to redeem the property of his nephew, was patented to Henry Reynolds, March 22, 1741, ad- the land held by Josiah Reynolds, and devised to his children, and partly held by William King, William Griffith's heirs, and others. Henry Reynolds sold 233 acres to Samuel Reynolds, Ist ino. 3, 1745, and to : William Gibson, Jr., then in difficulty, and was di- Henry Reynolds, Jr., Ist mo. 10, 1747-18. Samuel vided into several parts. Reynolds took np 120 acres adjoining, and sold to his ! William Barclay had 113 acres surveyed on war-

938

HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.

rant dated May 13, 1736, for 130 acres on West Branch of Octorara (then Drumore township), resurveyed by warrant of May 10, 1743, for 100 acres, including vacant land adjoining the above with it, and returned 366 aeres and 151 perches, after which additions were made of adjoining vacancies by three warrants dated March 29, 1753, upon which 302 acres 146 perches were added, making the whole 669 aeres and allow- ance. William Barclay died, and the whole was con- firmed to his son, John Barclay, Dec. 15, 1772, who sold to Hugh Barclay, Joseph Miller, John Allison, and Robert Campbell two weeks afterward. They divided the property into two parts, and sold the western, containing 300 acres, to James Patterson, and the eastern, containing 367 acres, to Gilbert Bu- chanan Jan. 29, 1773, who sold 128; acres to Walter Buchanan in 1784. The western part now belongs to James S. Patterson, Bordley S. Patterson, and Nich- olas IT. Wells, whose wife with the other two are the grandchildren of James Patterson, to whom the west- ern part was patented Aug. 31, 1809. The eastern part belongs to John P. Hays and James lays, while Walter Buchanan's part has been largely divided.

William Baldridge was an early settler who appears to have purchased the right of William Clarke, to a survey of 167 acres by virtue of a warrant dated Ang. 25, 1738. At his death his son, Michael, took the property, for which he obtained an entirely new war- rant in his own name, on which a survey of 278; acres was made to him Sept. 8, 1788, and patented to him by the name of St. Michael April 15, 1789. He had previously taken out a warrant (in 1766) or order for a vacancy adjoining Clarke's survey which he also suppressed. About 1802 he sold out here and bought in Colerain. This land now belongs to Thomas Wright, Bockius, and Black and others, John Bald- ridge, another son of William, settled in Martic. The title to the above land was afterward disputed on account of the original survey being suppressed, but the decision was in favor of the patent.

Thomas Brabston. On Feb. 15, 1748, a warrant was granted to Thomas Brabston for 50 acres near Henry Reynolds' land, and on Jan. 4, 1759, another for 25 acres next to his other land. On these two warrants 165 acres were surveyed in Little Britain, north of Octorara Creek. The renmants of the Brabs- ton family are still found in Little Britain, but none on the original location which is now owned by Henry P. Townsend and the heirs of Reuben Cook, deceased.

John Barclay, by warrant of May 13, 1736, located 167 acres in Little Britain (then Drumore) and Cole- rain, afterward possessed by Archibald White, who obtained two additional warrants in 1748 and 1749, and sold his right to the whole to John Walker, for whom these were located. Descended to Joseph Walker, who had an additional survey made of 7; acres, and sold the whole to Cyrus Milner. It is now the property of Robert B. Patterson, Milton Keech, C. P. Collins, and others, all of whom live in Cole-

rain. It includes Spruce Grove station on the Peach Bottom Railroad, in Little Britain, and the Spruce Grove Mills, in Colerain. A species of slate is found on thesereek a short distance below the station that is said to have furnished the roof for the brick feet- ing-house, Nottingham, and to have been carried to the place on pack-horses, before roads were made or wheel-carriages introduced. This allegation is made on the strength of old account books in which the carriage is charged for. The whole account is vague and indefinite, and while it may be true, looks very much as if it were apocryphal.

James Brown had 134 acres surveyed by warrant of Jan. 13, 1744-45, in Colerain and Little Britain, to which he added jointly with his son, Hugh, a warrant for two pieces adjoining, one in Little Britain and one in Colerain, estimated at 50 aeres. James Brown sold one-half his interest to Hugh Brown, May 4, 1762, and confirmed it by will dated May 18, 1768, whereby the other half was devised to John and Mary Briggs, who sold parts to David Baird and Mary Cooper, and the remainder to Samuel Reynolds, Sept. 14, 1797. Reynolds sold, by article, 150 acres to James King, Oct. 20, 1818, and by an additional article of May 18, 1819, reduced it to 142: acres, but never conveyed. King was to pay $3000, paid $1000, and then appointed an assignee, who sold the interest of the assigner, so acquired, for $50 to John Sproat, whose administrator sold and conveyed to James King, Feb. 7, 1846. Ellis Reynolds, trustee for the heirs of Samuel Reynolds, sold and conveyed to James King, June 29, 1846, who thus, after twenty-seven years' absence, returned to his former possession. He lived here many years, and died, honored and respected, leaving the prop- erty to his children. It may not be out of place to remark here that about the time James King pur- chased this property land had reached an unusual nominal value, and that shortly afterward it receded to a point perhaps as much below its real worth. Very many persons bought at the high rate, and lost all they were worth in the revulsion, or with extreme difficulty and good management held their own with much diminished means. Many a man, owning a good farm, bought another, and lost both by the ven- ture. This James King was a grandson of James King, who built the first mill on Conewingo Creek. lle left four sons and three daughters, one of the lat- ter being the wife of John Alexander, who for many years carried on the White Rock forge. Vincent King and Jeremiah King, doctors of medicine, were brothers of his. The former at one time lived in Columbia, but returned to Little Britain, where he died. Jere- miah retired from practice, and went into the manu- facture of steel (in a small way ) and also the making of razors, in which he so far excelled that many per- sons would use no other. Franklin Flora, James King, and Robert Snodgrass are the present proprie- tors of the land owned by James King, while Rey- nolds sold the other part of the Brown survey to

939

LITTLE BRITAIN TOWNSHIP.

furnish a water-power for White Rock forge. King's Bridge Station is on land now of Franklin Flora, formerly James King, and the name is derived di- reetly from him.

Another James Brown, by warrant of April 10, 1754, took up 167 acres and allowances, which de- seended to his son William, and from him to Richard Moore. It was afterward the property of Levin II. Jackson, Esq., and now belongs to Vineent K. Alex- ander and others.

James Cowden, by virtue of a warrant dated Nov. 9, 1758, had a survey made of 112} aeres, which he sold to John Warnock, who, Dee. 16, 1772, took out a warrant, on which 12! aeres additional were sur- veyed, and then sold to John Hill and John Gibson. John Gilson sold to William Gibson, who divided with John Hill. It lies immediately north of Oak Hill, extending in rather a narrow strip both east and west. It now belongs to William H. Runner, F. W. Hiekman, David Christie, and others.

John Crampton, by warrant of March 1, 1737, had surveyed 81; acres and allowance, called "Cramp- town," owned by Samuel Scott in 1768, and partly in Fulton since the division. Now owned by Marshall Wright, Samuel Wright, and others, east of Wrights- dale.

James Denny, March 9, 1743, took out a patent for 50 acres next to William Clark, William Barclay, aad Matthew Atchison, on which, together with a warrant for 20 acres next his other land, 254 acres were surveyed, and afterwards sold to John Atchison, who called it " The First Purchase." It now belongs to Benjamin Morris, William H. Wilson, and others, being much divided. Also by warrant of Sept. 8, 1749, for 100 acres, he located 186 acres about two miles west of the former. It now belongs to Sidwell T. Wilson, J. Miltimore Wilson, and George J. Bock- ins. Denny sold to Walter Buchanan in 1749, or shortly afterwards. John Buchanan and Mary, his wife, and Jean Buchanan, sold to Matthias Yantz, April 22, 1795, and was again sold to Leonard and John Nutz, in 1813. These were now residents, and after holding the property for a quarter of a century, sold it for about three dollars an acre, or less than six hundred dollars for the tract. Of course, it was very little improved.

Benjamin Dilworth on two warrants, dated Nov. 14, 1743, and May 4, 1750, had surveyed 113} acres, to which he added 36 acres of Alexander Ross' warrant of Nov. 5, 1714, and sold to William Gibson, April 4, 1765, who patented it in 1787, by name of " Unity." It now belongs to Joseph A. Jamison and C. C. Canffman and Robert A. Scott, who purchased the remaining property of William Gibson, deceased, grandson of the patentee, in 1881 or 1882. Dilworth was a useful man in his day, furnishing means to those who needed, and of course helping himself at the same time.

Richard Dilworth, by warrant of Sept. 25, 1745,

had 122| acres surveyed ; also sold to William Gib- son, and it now belongs to the heirs of John Gibson, his grandson.

Anthony Dilworth, 173 acres, located on warrant dated Aug. 16, 1742, for 200 acres. Anthony Dil- worth sold to Samnel Dilworth, and he to Banjamin Mason, 4th mo. 1, 1795. Mason sold to Jesse Piek- ering, 4th mo. 8, 1801; now owned by William Witman, Samuel Overholt, Robert Wason, and others.

Patrick Ewing, two warrants, dated March 27, 1744. for 200 aeres, and Sept. 8, 1749, for 50 acres. These two warrants cover 275 acres, patented to said Ewing April 22, 1788. Part of it is now the property of his great-grandson, Alexander Ewing, and the rest belongs to Washington Walker, Esq., heirs of Edwin L. Morgan, and others. Fair Mount post-office is on this land, though the railroad station is about a quarter of a mile northwest. This is one of the few proper- ties of which any part is remaining to the family of the original possessor. The whole of it came down to the third generation, and then, except as above, passed away.

John Evans had two warrants, one dated April 23, 1747, and the other March 20, 1749, upon which 125 aeres were surveyed, partly in Colerain, and by war- rant of April 16, 1772, 86 aeres in Little Britain were added to it. He also became possessed of the farm onee owned by John Allison, and added to it nearly 73 acres of the Alexander Foster property by pur- chase. Ile came from Drumore township (or at least that was the early seat of his family ), and was a man of means, investing largely in land. His son Robert became owner of the Allison farm, while James took possession of the Octorara location. John J. Evans, William W. Evans, and others own the former, while Robert A. Evans has acquired the. other. James Evans, the rich banker of Lancaster, devised it to his grand-nephew, Jane Evans, son of W. W. Evans, from whose hands it passed to those of his uncle, Robert A. Evans.

Alexander Foster was the owner of 177 aeres, by warrant of April 17, 1749, for 100 aeres. His son, John Foster, becoming owner of the land, soll it, when it was divided into several pieces. In 1792, Thomas and John Campbell sold the major part to John Evans and Alexander Ewing.

Rev. William Foster, another son of Alexander Fos- ter, born in 1740, was pastor of Upper Octorara and Doe Run churches. Rev. N. W. Sample and others studied theology with him. He died in 1780. His eldest son, Samuel B. Foster, was the father of Henry D. Foster, Democratic candidate for Governor of the State in 1860. William B. Foster, eanal commissioner many years ago, was also a lineal descendant of Aex- ander Foster. The above land is now owned by Rob- ert Montgomery, Alexander Ewing, Dr. J. W. Zell, and others.

Benjamin Goldley, March 20, 1752, took a warrant for 100 acres, including improvements (showing that

940

HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.

he had been for some time resident there). On this warrant 156 acres was surveyed adjoining John Alli- son and William Whiteside. It passed into other hands, being patented to Ulrich Runner, March 6, 1788, by name of " Dunkirk." Still remaining in the Runner family, it is now the property of the heirs of Alexander, John, and Samuel Runner.

William Gibson was an early settler in the town- ship. lle appears to have owned a part of Alexander Ross' 500 acres, and on April 11, 1749, applied for 60 acres adjoining that and John Jamison, and on May 24th for 40 acres adjoining his other land, John Jamison, and John Atchison. This land he sold to James Jolison, Feb. 8, 1760, and after passing through various hands it is now owned by John Work's heirs, James Hand, and divers others. Hle afterwards purchased the Dilworth properties, before noticed, and also considerable real estate east of Oak Hill, as well as a tract located by David McComb, adjoining the : strumental in procuring its erection, and was active Dilworth land. These were divided between his two in securing an improvement in the location and con- dition of the roads in the vicinity. He sold off some portions of the large farm above described, and left the remainder thereof to his children. He died Ang. 25, 1841. This property is now divided into several fine farms, and now belongs to Levi Kirk, Lewis J. sons, William getting the Oak Hill and John the Dilworth land. John died young, about 1797, while William lived to a good old age, added to his pos- sessions, and died about 1847, without direct heirs. John's property was divided between his two sons on their coming of age. William became involved, and ' Kirk, Abner C. Wood, William Pennell, and others. his property was bought by his Uncle William of Oak Hill, who suffered him still to remain on it till his own death, in 1847, when it was confirmed to William, Jr., who held it till his death, about two years ago, when it was sold to C. C. Cauffman and Robert A. Scott. John added to his possessions by industry and econ- omy, and his estate still remains to his heirs. For ten years he held the position of a magistrate,

Stephen Giffin held 379 acres by warrant for 150 aeres, dated April 10, 1754. It seems he did not hold it very long, for in and about 1772 we find it in the hands of David Alexander and others. It now be- longs to Jolin Hastings, Abraham Morris, Joseph Graver, Thomas Wilson, and several others.

James Ilanna, by warrant of March 23, 17-19, for 150 acres, had 275 aeres surveyed next to William Montgomery. Ile seems to have sold this at an early day, and taken another location in what is now Ful- ton township, where the family achieved distinction, and where some of them still reside. This property passed through different hands, was sold to Abraham Hess, and divided among his children. Now owned by James A. Kyle, Edgar Witman, heirs of Alexan- der Runner, deceased, and others.

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History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 90

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Evans, Samuel, 1823-1908, joint author Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1320

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Evans, Samuel, 1823-1908, joint author
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1320