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PAPERS  READ 


BEFORE  THE 


Lancaster  County  Historical  Society 

FRIDAY,  JANUARY  7,  1921 


"  ^tBtnrg  l^ttBtit  VLB  Bnn  in  If^r  omtt  nmrkaljoti. 


AWAKENING  AND  EARLY  PROGRESS  OF  THE  PEQUEA 

CONESTOGA  AND  OTHER  SUSQUEHANNA 

VALLEY  SETTLEMENTS. 

By  David  M.  Landis 

OFFICERS  FOR  1921. 

OBITUARIES  FOR  1920. 

TREASURER'S  ANNUAL  REPORT. 

LIBRARIAN'S  ANNUAL  REPORT. 

SECRETARY'S  ANNUAL  REPORT. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  JANUARY  MEETING. 


VOL.  XXV.    NO.  1. 

PRICE  TWENTY-FIVE  CENTS  PER  COPY 


LANCASTER,  PA. 
1921 


•     •       »   • 


»  •.  - ,.»' 


•••••■       • 


The  Awakening  and  the  Early  Progress  of  the  Pequea,  Cones- 
toga  and  other  Susquehanna  Valley  Settlements,  by 
DAVID  M.   LANDIS    5 

Officers  for  1921   17 

Obituaries  for  1920 18 

Treasurer's  Annual  Report 20 

Secretary's  Annual  Report   24 

Minutes  of  the  January  Meeting 27 


(3) 


The  Awakening  and  the  Early  Progress  of  the  Pequea,  Conestoga 
and  other  Susquehanna  Valley  Settlements,  as  Shown 

hv   Official   Letters,   etc..   of   the   Time.  ^ 


(By  DAVID  M.  LANDIS) 

This  paper  aims  at  two  purposes.  It  is  intended  to  set  forth,  (by  means 
of  the  correspondence  connected  with  the  granting  and  selling  of  the  orig- 
inal tracts  of  land  in  our  neighborhood)  as  much  of  the  life  and  spirit  of 
the  first  settlements  htre,  as  may  be  brought  out  and  discovered,  in  that 
correspondence;  to  explain  the  location  of  the  tracts  of  land  to  which  the  let- 
ters refer,  so  that  present  owners  may  learn  of  the  problems,  conditions  and 
circumstances  attending  tthe  original  grants  in  their  line  of  title,  and  the 
true  date  of  the  first  interest  in  the  same,  and  the  age  of  such  tracts  compar- 
ed with  other  sections  and  tracts;  to  inform  such  present  owners  of  the  kind 
cf  person  who  first  took  up  that  land,  and  the  purposes  for  which  it  was 
used  and  what  part  of  the  early  community  life  it  contributed;  and  to 
clothe,  upon  the  skeleton  history  of  the  very  earliest  days  of  our  splendid 
valleys,  the  flesh  and  blood,  and  thereby  to  add  the  life  of  that  history,  and 
to  reveal  something  more  of  the  character,  aims  and  general  community 
purposes  of  these  earliest  localities  in  our  county,  than  is  given  in  the  bare 
records  of  title. 

The  second  object  of  the  writer  is  to  transfer  to  print,  as  many  as  pos- 
sible of  those  ancient  letters,  so  that  their  contents  shall  not  be  lost  in  ihe 
process  of  fading  into  illegibility,  now  so  rapidly  going  on.  Those  letters  are 
mounted  in  folios  entitled  "I^ancaster  County  Miscellany"  and  "Taylor  Pa- 
pers", etc.,  in  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  at  Philadelphia;  but 
that  does  not  stop  the  fading  out  of  the  ink.  It  is  with  the  greatest  diffi- 
culty even  now  that  some  of  them  may  be  deciphered.  Besides  this  purpose, 
it  seems  fitting  that  these  documents  relating  to  our  local  history,  ought  to 
be  in  convenient  form,  here  :n  Lancaster,  and  not  only  to  be  found  in  Phila- 
delphia. These  letters  are  original  sources  and  we  ought  to  have  the  entire 
list  faithfully  copied. 

The  first  purpose  to  be  attained  will  require  certain  comments  upon, 
and  explanations  of  the  contents  of  the  letters,  for  otherwise,  persons,  not 
careful  studens  of  local  history,  could  not  fix  the  locality  of  the  lands  and 
places  referred  to,  nor  determine  to  whom  at  the  present  day  such  letters 
would  have  special  or  indeed  any  importance  or  interest. 

The  second  purpose,  preservation,  will  of  course  require  the  copying 
verbatim  of  the  letters  and  also  a  designation  of  the  folio  and  page  therein, 
where  they  may  be  found. 

The  writer  deems  this  introduction  necessary,  because  there  are  alto- 
gether too  many  persons  who  think  that  entertaining  historical  essays  are 
the  object  of  our  meetings.  It  is  submitted  that  this  view  misses  the  mark. 
The  preservation  of  the  early  muniments  of  the  past  and  the  interpreting  of 
early  activities  are  the  valuable  ends  which  this  Society  must  strive  for  just 
as  its  master-minds  did  in  the  past.  This  will  give  our  publications  dignity 
and  value  among  the  historians  of  our  state  and  country. 

(5) 


'■"-"■'■■■'"    ''"  (;6) 

To  lay  the  ground  for  the  plan  just  outlined,  it  is  necessary  to  go  bacK 
to  a  date  prior  to  the  first  settlement  in  what  is  now  our  county.  The  earliest 
Scotch-Irish  and  Enghsh  immigration  here,  was  from  old  Chester  County; 
though  the  first  Swiss  settlement  was  begun  by  people  from  the  old  world 
.directly.  Thus  to  explain  the  appearance  of  the  Scotch-Irish  and  English, 
so  prominent  in  the  earliest  settlement  on  Conestoga,  about  1715,  we  must  go 
to  some  old  Chester  County  records;  while  the  Pequea  settlement  of  1710, 
stands  on  its  own  bottom. 

1693 

In  a  provincial  tax  list  of  1093,  the  names  of  many  persons  appear,  aa 
living  in  Chester  County  at  that  time,  who  themselves  afterwards  moved  to 
Conestoga;  and  many  more  whose  sons  and  other  descendants  later  did  the 
same.  Thus  in  Bethel  Town.ship  we  find  Robert  and  Nicholas  Pile;  in  Ches. 
ter  Township  were  J.  Bristow,  Caleb  Pusey,  D.  Lloyd,  A.  and  J.  Hendrickson, 
Robert  Barber,  Francis  Worley.  Jeremiah  Carter  and  others;  in  Concord 
Township,  Wm.  Cloud,  Rich  Moore,  and  Thomas  Moore;  in  Darby,  Jos.  Wood, 
John  Blunston,  Ed.  Cartilege  and  John  Bartram;  in  Haverford,  John  Beavan, 
Wm.  Howell,  Richard  Hayes  and  others;  in  Middleton  Township,  Richard 
Crosby,  John  Musgrove,  John  Turner  and  John  Worrall.  A  generation  later  ' 
a  majority  of  these  names  are  found  here  in  our  Conestoga  settlement;  and 
some  of  them  in  the  Pequea  settlerhent. 

1701 

This  year  Cornelius  Empson  and  twenty  other  families  chiefly  of  Chester 
County  took  steps  to  make  a  settlement  on  a  tract  half  way  between  Dela- 
ware and  Susquehanna,  or  near  the  latter,  twenty-four  miles  from  New  Cas- 
tle on  Octoraro  Creek.  They  applied  for  15000  or  20000  acres  at  eight 
pounds  per  hundred  acres;  and  a  warrant  dated  Dec.  25,  1701  was  signed  for 
the  same. 

1710 

In  the  Taylor  Papeis,  und«^  r  date  of  Oct.  16,  1710, -there  is  the  original 
order  to  survey  10000  acres  of  land  on  Pequea  Creek  to  Rudolph  Bundely 
and  others,  on  the  authority  of  a  warrant  dated  Oct.  8,  same  year,  which  1^ 
therein  recited.  The  order  is  directed  by  Jacob  Taylor  to  Isaac  Taylor,  sur- 
veyor of  Chester  County.  It  is  No.  572.  A  similar  order  bearing  like  date 
reciting  a  like  warrant  requests  500  acres  to  be  surveyed  adjoining  the  large 
tract,  to  Bundely  and  company.  It  is  No.  573.  These  are  the  orders  on 
which  the  original  Lancasti^.r  County  settlement  at  Willow  Street,  was  sur- 
veyed.      They  are  in  print,  and  a  reference  to  them  is  all  that  is  needed. 

1711 

The  progress  of  the  Pequea  settlement  in  its  first  year  is  described  in  No. 
2796  of  the  Taylor  Papers,  dated  July  20,   1711.     It  is  as  follows: 

"Philadelphia.  20th  of  5th  mo.,  1711. 
James  Logan,  Worthy  Friend 

I  design  to  take  some  time  in  Sept.  or  October  to  answer  thy  desire  re- 
lating to  those  purchases  of  1681  and  2.  There  is  a  great  want  of  commis- 
sions to  sell  the  proprietor's  land.s,  for  many  persons  are  desirous  to  go  back- 
wards to  settle.  Six  or  seven  famines  of  Palatines  are  settled  at  Pequea  and 
many  more  desiring  to  go  there  next  winter. 

Jacob  Taylor." 

The  purchase  of  1681  and  2  refer  to  rights  sold  by  Penn  to  divers  per- 
sons in  England,  to  take  up  lands  here  on  Conestoga,  etc.,  not  at  that  time 
located  however.  The  earliest  deeds  and  patents  of  parts  of  Conestoga 
Township  and  other  sections  refer  to  the  dates  1681  and  2.  as  the  foundation 
cf  title.       (See  Recorder's  Office,  at  Lancaster.) 


(7) 

1T13 

"Philadelphia  15th,   4th  mo..  1713. 

Loving  Friend:  / 

Isaac  Taylor — Isaac  Lefever  has  purchased  300  acres  of  land  at  ten 
pounds  per  hundred,  to  be  laid  out  adjoining  to  any  of  the  Palatines  set- 
tlements or  surveys,  and  the  v/arrant  is  actually  drawn  for  it  dated  thi? 
day.     Thy  real  friend  .lames  Logan"  Taylor  Papers  2809. 

"Philadelphia,  June  23,  1713. 

Loving   Brother: 

John  Estaught  (the  preacher)  desires  me  to  get  two  tracts  of  land,  laid 
cut  in  Chester  County  for  which  he  promises  to  pay.  I  told  hini  there  was 
land  to  bC  had  backwards  in  the  county  about  the  settlement  of  the  Pala- 
tines or  that  way;  but  that  it  was  proper  for  him  to  see  it  or  be  further  sat- 
isfied about  it,  before  it  was  surveyed.  He  replied  that  he  was  a  stranger 
to  the  matter,  and  requesed  that  it  might  be  done  and  he  would  be  satisfied, 
I  told  him  I  would  write  to  thee  about  it,  whether  thou  think  it  proper  to 
be  at  the  charge  of  claiming  etc.,  but  I  know  not  how  I  can  advise.  Though 
I  am  apt  to  think  he  will  pay  well  enough.  Tracts  are  2  50  acres  to  John 
Marlow,  warrant  dated  12th  of  5th  mo.  1713  and  250  acres  to  Elizabeth  Pace, 
warrant  same  date.  I  am  thy  loving  brother  Jacob  Taylor."  Taylor  Paper 
No.   2810. 

This  tract  of  Elizabeth  Pace,  also  written  "Page"  was  afterwards  the 
Gale  tract  and  its  exact  location  may  be  found  on  the  map  p.  292  in  Volume 
19  of  this  Society.  It  is  tract  No.  38.  The  present  owner  can  readily  be  as- 
certained therefrom. 

1714 

The  great  rapidity  in  taking  up  land  In*  the  four  years  intervening  from 
the  date  of  first  settlement  of  the  county,  may  be  seen  iji  No.  3323  of  Tay- 
lor Miscellany  where  under  date  of  1714,  there  is  a  statement  in  the  docu- 
ment "Lands  of  Pecjuea  and  Conestoga  51937  acres." 

"Phil.  24th  of  the  7th  mo.  1714 
jj^aac  Taylor: 

The  bearer  hereof,  Christlar'  Schlegel  complaining  that  a  certain  per- 
son hath  seated  himself  near  the  mill  he  has  lately  built,  at  Conestoga,  by 
whose  means  the  Indians  that  are  hereabout  are  likely  to  be  very  trouble- 
some if  not  dangerous  to  him  and  that  the  said  person  so  settled  hath  no 
other  right  than  what  the  Tndi£.ns  have  given  him  and  also  that  the  lands 
v/here  he  is  seated  ought  to  be  included  in  the  300  acres  that  is  yet  untaken 
up  of  the  1000  acres  first  granted  to  him  which  he  says  there  is  but  700 
o.cres  laid  out;  these  are  to  desire  thee  to  order  the  person  so  seated  to  re- 
move off  the  said  land  without  delay  and  use  thy  endeavors  to  make  the  man 
easy,  and  accommodate  him  in  laying  out  ye  300  acres,  so  far  as  thou  can 
without  offending  the  Indians. 

I  am  with  real  love  and  good  will 

JAMES  STEEL. 
(Taylor  Miscellany   2827.) 

Thy  brother  Jacob  is  providing  to  send  the  warrant  to  town  this  week." 
"Robert  Hodgson  and  James  Hendricks,   1500  acres  on  Conestogji  Creek 

Tor  150  pounds  in  the  place  aforesaid  including  in  the  same     those     Indian 

fields  on  the  north   of  said  creek.     Dec,   16,   1714." 

(Taylor  Paper  No,   578,) 
This  is  the  tract  of  land  embraced  in  part  of  the  Postlehwaile  tract  at 

liock  Hill,  the  Stehman  tract  and  others. 


(8) 

1715 

Phil.  18th  of  12th  mo.  1714-5 
Loving  Friend,  Isaac  Taylor, 

Upon  application  of  Roberi:  Hodgson  and  James  Hendricks  for  a  grant 
of  land  at  Conestoga  we  have  agreed  with  them  for  3500  acres  in  two  tracts; 
but  J.  Steele  committed  a  mistake  in  mentioning  the  Indian  fields  in  the 
warrant  for  1500  acres  when  it  i^bould  have  been  in  ye  greater  tract  and  ac- 
cordingly it  is  to  be  surveyed. 

But  as  to  those  fields,  beirg  all  ol  us  unwilUng  to  make  the  grant,  we 
now  positively  agree  as  follows,  that  if  the  Indians  are  not  freely  wilhng 
that  they  shall  seat  on  those  old  fields  on  the  Creek  (which  are  the  only 
ones  that  the  warrant  reaches  to)  neither  those  on  the  river  nor  the  new 
ones  where  the  Indians  are  last  seated  even,  though  they  be  willing  to 
leave  them,  then  that  part  is  void. 

It  is  intended  that  none  of  Peter  Bezilion's  improvements  be  included 
therein  without  his  consent  to  the  same,  which  they  agreed  that  he  hold  as 
long  as  he  please,  according  to  agreement  which  it  assumed  cannot  be  long. 
It  is  agreed  that  Hodgson  and  Hendricks  shall  "seed  in"  the  Indian  corn  for 
them  without  charging  them  a-oything  for  it.  If  Harry  the  interpreter  can 
be  had  when  thou  go  up  I  wish  he  could  be  there  at  the  time.  Since  our 
last  law  of  property  has  been  repealed  the  grant  of  six  acres  to  each  hun- 
dred would  be  void.  Thou  are  very  sweet  drawn  to  Philadelphia.  Ask  the 
next  honest  Scott  thou  meet  to  explain  ye  word. 

From  thy  real  well  wishing  frined  James  Logan." 

March  being  the  first  month  of  the  year  at  this  time,  this  letter  was 
v.ritten  Feb.  18,  1715.  This  tract  of  2000  acres  locates  one  of  the  old  In- 
dian towns  or  fields  in  Manor  Township,  as  the  same  was  situated  in  this 
tract.  However  it  will  be  observed  that  it  was  an  "old"  Indian  field  or  town 
and  not  the  one  then  occupied  by  the  Indians  on  Inudiantown  run,  the  one 
where  the  massacre  occurred  in  1763.  See  location  of  this  tract  in  map  p. 
292  of  Vol.  19  of  our  Society  proceedings. 

1716 

Among  the  manuscripts  and  documents  in  possession  of  Gilbert  Copo  of 
West  Chester  is  the  following: 

Petition  of  Edward  Dougherty  for  tavern  license.  Your  petitioner  be- 
ing settled  in  a  convenient  place  for  keeping  a  house  of  entertainment  for 
travellers  who  pass  to  and  from  Conestga  it  being  about  half  way  between 
John  Minshall's  and  John  Postlethwaits,  your  yetitioner  desires  the  honor- 
able Bench  to  grant  a  recommendation  to  the  Honorable  Governor  for  a 
license  to  sell  all  sorts  of  liquors  by  the  retail.  Edward   Dougherty. 

The  undersigned  petitioners  recommend  his  place  as  suitable: 

JOHN    WRIGHT 
SAMUEL,    BLUNSTON 
EDWARD    SMOUT 
SAMUEL    KENNESON 
JAMES    HENDRICKS 
WILLIAM    WILSON 

Endorsed;  Petition  for  (avern  license  on  Pequea  Creek  1716.  John  Min- 
shall's property  was  the  starting  point  of  the  dividing  line  between  Lan- 
caster and  Chester  Counties,  novth  of  the  head  branch  of  the  Octoraro  Creek; 
(Rupp.  p.  239).  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  nothing  is  said  in  the  sur- 
vey about  the  Octoraro  Creek  itself  as  being  the  remainder  of  the  bound- 
ary. 


(9) 

"Oct.   18,   1716 

Dear  Brother:  . 

John  Estaugh's  warrant  is  dated  Oct.  18,  1716  for  12871  acres  of  which 
he  desires  thee  to  survey  6871  acres.  The  warrant  positively  forbids  sur- 
veying any  lands  above  Conestoga  near  Susquehanna. 

Thy  brother  Jacob  Taylor"   (No.  2847) 

1717 

"Phil.  2d  mo,  1717 
Loving  Friend,  J.  Taylor, 

I  have  a  warrant  and  draft  left  in  the  office  by  James  Logan  to  be  in- 
formed by  thee  when  thou  so  next  to  Conestoga  and  Pequea  to  survey  for 
those  people  whose  lands  are  not  yet  located  thereabouts  because  there  are 
persons  in  East  Jersey  desirous  to  be  with  thee  to  choose  some  tracts  for 
themselves  and  their  neighbors. 

If  by  any  means  thou  canst  secure  that  point  of  land  in  Conestoga  over 
against  James  Hendricks  for  me  I  shall  take  it  as  a  great  favor.  With  kind 
love  to  thyself,  wife  and  children, 

I  remain  thy  loving  friend  James  Steel."      (No.  2  8533) 

This  sets  forth  historical  facts  concerning  our  local  settlement  not  gen- 
erally known,  namely  that  there  was  a  migration  from  New  Jersey  into  our 
Conestoga  country.  We  shall  see  later  where  these  people  settled  and  who 
they  were;  and  also  how  they  v/ere  looked  upon. 

"Phil.   15th   of   2d  mo.   1717 
Loving  Fr.  Isaac  Taylor, 

I  received  thine  of  the  12th  instant  by  thy  son  John.  I  shall  take  care 
to  let  those  persons  in  East  Jersey  know  the  time  of  going  to  Conestoga  by 
r.ext  post;  but  as  for  those  nev/  settlers  thou  speak  of  they  have  had  no  in- 
structions from  hence  nor  liberty  given  them  for  any  such  disorderly  prac- 
tices; for  my  part  I  cannot  remember  that  I  ever  gave  any  leave  for  any 
person  to  settle  in  any  part  of  the  province,  unless  they  had  obtained  war- 
rants for  said  lands;  but  on  the  contrary  it  has  been  my  constant  practice 
to  send  the  persons  who  have  obtained  grants  to  the  respective  surveyors. 
1  do  not  see  any  reason  for  the  taking  notice  of  such  settlers  but  to  proceed 
in  the  usual  manner  and  way  of  surveyong  without  regard  to  the  presump- 
tuous attempts  of  such  fellows  or  having  any  regard  to  them;  which  may  be 
a  means  to  deter  others  that  might  have  like  designs.  I  am  fully  sensible  of 
the  evil  consequences  that  must  ensue  to  a  neighborhood,  or  county  where 
such  rogues  as  thou  speak  of  harbor  and  remain,  and  therefore  have  avoid- 
ed as  much  as  possible  making  out  warrants  to  any  except  those  we  know, 
or  who  are  recommended  by  you. 

^  I  hope  before  thou  go  toward  Conestoga  to  get  warrants  for  the 
point  of  land  I  mentioned  to  thee,  formerly,  either  in  some  old  rights,  or 
purchase  from  the  commissioners.  James  Steel."        (No.  2854) 

"Phil.  28th  of  3d  mo.  1717 
James  Steel  to  Isaac  Taylor  q 

I  am  glad  thou  art  safe  returned  from.  Conestoga  and  return  my  thanks 
for  reserving  the  point  of  land  v/hich  I  so  much  desired. 

James  Steel."      (No.  2860) 

"Kent  ye  East  Delaware  3d  Sep. 
To  Isaac  Taylor, 

Dear  Isaac,  When  we  parted  last  and  concluded  to  meet  again  at  Cones- 
toga I  had  forgot  the  circumstances  at  my  home.  I  hope  my  friends  will  see 
that  nothing  is  done  to  my  hurt  at  the  Old  Shawanna  Town  which  the  com- 
missioners had  promised  me.     Thy  loving  friend  Benthurmer. 

P.  S.     Give  my  love  to  James  Hendrickson  and  tell  him  I  have  secured 


(10) 

the  business  he  spoke  to  me  about  and  that  he  has  nothing  more  to  do  till  I 
see  him,  but  to  observe  strict  silence." 

(No.  2862) 
There  we'ce  more  than  one  "Old  Shawanna  Town."  One  is  mentioned  in 
Rupp  in  connection  with  the  <iarly  road  in  eastern  Lancaster  County,  and 
mention  is  made  of  one  near  Shenk's  Ferry,  in  the  old  drafts  of  that  section. 
There  may  also  have  been  others.  The  one  on  Susquehanna  River  is  the  one 
t'bove  referred  to. 

"June   10,    1717 

Dear  Brother, 

Collum  McQuaire,  late  of  West  Jersey  has  now  got  a  warrant  dated  this 
day  for  200  acres  of  land  among  the  new  surveys  in  Chester  County,  but  I 
'svill  not  send  him  a  copy  because  I  know  he  intends  to  go  to  Conestoga  to 
settle  without  waiting  thy  pleasure  I  think  he  will  not  pay  for  the  land. 
James  Steel  desires  us  not  to  make  him  a  survey  nor  direct  him  where  to 
settle  until  he  signs  a  bond. 

Thy  brother  Jacob  Taylor."  (No.  2858) 
This  is  an  interesting  letter  to  one  who  is  acquainted  with  the  facts 
connected  woth  the  early  settlement  of  the  lands  about  the  neighborhood 
where  the  present  townships  of  Pcquea  and  Conestoga  and  Martic  meet.  This 
section  was  an  Irish  cr  Scotch-Irish  settlement  right  in  among  the  Swiss 
Mennonites.  A  poorer  class  of  people  seem  to  have  taken  it  up.  Turning  to 
ihe  map  Vol.  19  p.  29  2  we  sec  that  tract  81  is  the  McQuaire;  that  in  the  game 
neighborhood  were  John  McDonald,  David  Priest,  Thos.  Lindley,  Rob't  Ellis 
William  Sherrill  and  others.  Some  of  those  names  such  as  Ellis  and  others 
were  extant  in  that  locality  until  very  recent  years-  Nearly  all  of  these  pur- 
chases were  characterized  by  email  tracts  and  indifferent  homes,  and  they  ex" 
hibited  entirely  different  features  and  traits  from  the  Mennonite  neighbors 
surrounding  them.  McQuaire,  we  have  seen  was  from  Jersey  and  it  is  likely 
the  others  were  old  friends  of  hiP  who  came  here  with  him  or  through  his 
influence. 

"Oct.    21,    1717 
The  Proprietor  Debtor: 

To  survey  of  Conestoga  Manor,  being  with  allowances  of  6%  the  amount 
of  16500  acres  and  to  chaining,  marking,  accounting  and  stationery  one 
pound,  fourteen  shillings  and  eight  pence. 

Isaac  Taylor."      (No.  3349) 
1718 
Isaac  Taylor,  Loving  Friend: 

Yesterday  being  at  James  Cloud's  on  my  return  from  Conestoga,  wither 
M.  Cartier's  death  called  me,  I  was  informed  that  thou  designed  to  be  at 
Joseph's  next  2d  day.  I  desire  earnestly  to  see  thee,  before  thou  go  toward 
Conestoga  about  some  matters  of  importance  and  h^jpe  this  desire  of  mine 
will  not  interfere  with  thy  resolution. 

Thy  loving  friend  James  Logan."  (No.  2875) 
Taylor  paper  No.  2811  sets  forth  that  Richard  Carter  desires  some  land 
at  Conestoga,  on  or  near  the  said  creek.  Carter  had  two  tracts  of  land  on 
the  east  side  of  Conestoga  Creek  just  below  Rock  Hill.  The  present  owners 
of  that  land  desiring  to  ascertain  the  area  and  other  facts  about  the  original 
taking  up,  can  secure  a  starting  point  by  referring  to  the  map  before  men- 
tioned in  Vol.  19  of  our  proceedings.     See  tracts  numbers  4u  and  41. 

1719 

"Phil.   20th  fourth  mo.  1719 
Isaac  Taylor,  Loving  Friend: 

I  was  in  hopes  to  have  .seen  thee  before  this  time  and  by  that  means  to 


i 


(11) 

have  heard  what  thou  hast  done  at  Conestoga.     I  doubt  Peter  Bazilian  is  dis- 
affected  about  Comb's  land   and   I   wish  to   know  what   was   done   about   it. 

Thy  loving  friend  James  Logan."      (No.  2919) 

"Phil.  21st  ye  mo.  1719 
Lsaac  Taylor,  Loving  Friend: 

The  bearer  Jonah  Davenport  is  recommended  to  me  for  an  honest  man. 
He  wants  200  acres  of  land  to  be  laid  out  near  Moses  Combs,  lately  John 
Combs  where  N.  Christopher  lived.  And  Ann  Letort  desires  some  in  the 
same  place.  If  it  can  be  laid  out  regularly  there  with  a  reasonable  proper* 
tion  of  front  to  the  several  qualities  it  may  be  done  but  not  otherwise.  They 
are  all  concerned  in  the  Indian  trade;  but  I  desire  the  proprietor's  interest 
may  be  chiefly  considered.  One  John  Robinson  desires  also  100  acre* 
about  one  of  the  points  of  Pequea  Creek  still  vacant.  They  say  he  has,  his 
money  ready.     Pray  observe  the  application.     The  same  terms  as  the  above. 

I  am  told  there  is  a  vacant  point  of  good  land  on  this  side  of  Conestoga 
Creek  over  against  that  called  Madam's  point.  They  say  there  is  but  very 
little  of  it.  But  if  there  be  any  such,  pray  secure  a  hundred  acres  for  me 
there  includmg  that  spot.     I  should  be  glad  to  hear  from  thee  and  am 

Thy  assured  loving  friend  James  Logan 

I  suppose  thee  understands  what  I  mean  by  J.  Coomb's  land  from  form- 
er directions  though  thou  niiSt  no<  a  ■ivarriim;,  ror  I  think  I  wrote  to  thee 
about  it.  They  desire  2  or  30C  acres  there  but  ye  front  must  be  proportioned 
to  ye  quantity.     I  would   have  Jonah  accommodated.     J.  L."      (No.    2920) 

"Phil.   20th  of  5th  mo.  1719 
Loving  Friend: 

The  bearer  hereof  Everhard  Ream  or  Edward  Ream  a  brother-in-law  of 
Christian  Franciscus  has  agreed  for  200  acres  of  land  near  Conestoga.  Please 
lay  it  out  and  the  warrant  shall  be  redy  in  the  office. 

I  am  thy  loving  friend  James  Steel."      (No.  2952) 

^  August  15,  1719 

Dear  Brother, 

Whereas  Robert  Baker  a  smith  of  this  town  has  bought  Colonel  French's 
land  on  Susquehanna  and  Pequea  he  tells  me  that  being  minded  to  build  a 
mill  on  Pequea  for  boring  logs  that  he  needs  an  addition  of  two  or  three 
perches  of  ground  on  a  corner  Oi!  Pequea  next  the  barrens  (as  he  describes  it) 
which  he  may  be  obliged  with  by  paying  thee  for  running  the  line. 

Thy  loving  brother  Jacob  Taylor."      (No.  2930) 

"Phil.  12th  Oct.  1719 
The  bearers  Hans  Herr  and  Abram  Herr  have  much  importuned  me  for 
the  grant  of  about  400  acres  of  land  for  their  brother  Isaac  who  is  lately  ar- 
rived here,  which  notwithstanding  the  unwillingness  of  the  Commissioners 
to  grant  any  more  lands  at  present,  yet  I  believe  I  can  prevail  with  them  for 
this.  Therefore  I  desire  thee  to  lay  out  about  that  quantity  to  him  and 
warrant  for  the  same  shall  be  provided. 

Thy  loving  friend  James  Steel."      (No.   2932) 
This  tract  of  land  was  "soor-   afterwards  laid   out   and   it  extended   from 
the  Millersville  Pike  westward  to  Little  Conestoga  Creek.  Afterwards  it  came 
to  the  Bausmans;   and  Frank  Bausman's  farm  and  that  of  David  H.  Baus- 
man's  estate  are  par!\s  of  it. 

"Phil.  4th  of  9  br.   1719 
Isaac  Taylor,  Loving  Friend: 

Thou  wilt  receive  from  Peter  Bazilion,  himself  the  warrant  or  orders 
for  surveying  a  thousand  acres  of  land  to  his  wife  and  her  brother,  in  execu- 
tion of  which  T  doubt  it  will  be  difficult  to  reconcile  his  and  An  Letorts  expec 
tations;  but  I  request  thee  to  use  thy  endeavors.  Peter  will  talk  high  but 
SMierally  barken  to  reason.  However  his  and  Coomb's  desires  are  principally 


(12) 

to  be  regarded.  Though  on  the  other  hand  I  am  very  desirous  the  old  gentle- 
woman should  have  some  land  that  she  may  be  seised  and  leave  something 
for  her  grandchilden.  Pray  Fee  that  it  is  laid  out  of  sufficient  depth,  I  think 
a  mile  and  a  half  or  a  quarter  at  least  is  little  enough;  but  this  is  left  to 
thee,  and  thou  art  by  no  means  to  produce  or  mention  this  letter.  J.  Letort 
is  also  to  have  500  acres  laid  out  in  the  same  manner.  Keep  this  wholly  to 
thyself. 

Thy  loving  friend  J.  Logan."      (No.  2931) 

1720 

"Phil.  12th  of  12th  mo.  1719 
Isaac  Taylor,  Loving  Friend: 

Samuel  Kirk  and  his  brother  press  me  for  500  acres  which  Ezra  Steel 
points  out  to  them  on  some  branches  of  Pequea.  I  can  say  no  more  than 
that  if  they  settle,  I  shall  be  willing  to  have  them  secured;  but  at  present 
we  would  not  sell  there.  I  wish  we  had  one  hour  conference  to  settle  some 
of  these  matters.     I  am  puzzled  about  thy  meeting  Colonel  French. 

James  Logan."      (No.  2941) 
Reference  to  the  map  aforesaid  will  show  that  Col.  French  originally  se- 
cured tracts  48  and  56.     This  originally  was  one  large  tract  and  extended 
from  the  Susquehanna  River  about  Shenk's  Ferry,  eastward  to  Martic  Forge. 

"February  ye  17th,  1721-22 
Isaac  Taylor: 

Esteemed  friend,  These  Inform  thee  yt  there  is  qome  into  this  Province 
from  New  England  a  gentleman  named  Jno.  McNeall  and  hath  been  with  me 
and  have  viewed  the  iron  oar  (ore)  and  matter  yt  wee  laid  out  (dug  out). 
I  suppose  yt  he  will  apply  to  thee,  as  I  have  advised  him,  to  know  ye  most 
easy  way  to  come  at  ye  land,  if  we  conclude  to  go  on  with  ye  business;  for  If 
any  old  rights  can  be  had  I  incline  most  to  make  a  purchase  yt  way,  however 
thy  opinion  in  yt  matter  is  what  is  desired  by  me,  and  a  line  or  two  from  thy 
hand  of  advice  till  an  opportunity  present  of  conversing  and  consulting  ye 
best  measure  further  about  ye  same.     Which  is  all  at  present. 

Respect  from  thy  true  and  loving  friend  John  Cartledge.  No.  2975.) 
This  is  one  of  the  earliest  references  to  iron  ore  in  Conestoga  of  which 
there  is  any  record.  The  Indians  rumored  that  ore  was  to  be  found  there 
however  in  1707.  (See  Susquehanna  Indians  p.  192).  Then  too  under  date 
of  May  31,  1723  (Paper  No.  2987)  in  a  letter  from  John  Churchman  and 
Arthur  Barrett  there  is  mention  made  of  valuable  mines  in  the  barrens. 

1723 

In  a  letter  dated  Sept.  3,  1723,  it  is  stated  that  Stephan  Atkinson  de- 
sires a  piece  of  land  among  the  "barrens"  beyond  his  present  plantation  with 
conveyance  of  water  for  a  "fulling  mill."     No.  2991). 

1724 

"Phil.  Feb.   23,   1724 
Loving  Friend,  Isaac  Taylor, 

Look  into  Jonah  Davenport  to  whom  thou  once  showed  more  friendship 

in  locating  his  land  than  I  could  approve He  is  now  severely  held  by 

his  neighbors;  but  I  think  that  Justice  Mitchell  is  more  accounta])le  for  the 
servant  being  bound  to  the  Indian  that  he  is.  As  to  him  and  others  taking 
out  licenses  for  Indian  trade  they  must  answer  for  it.  James  Letort  ought 
to  be  entirely  excused  for  it,  because  he  has  been  in  the  branches  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi for  these  two  winters  past  and  trading  far  up  Susquehanna.  (No. 
3000;  Taylor  Miscellany) 

"Conestoga  Sept.  ye   2,   1724 
Sir,  In  a  day  or  two  I  shall  go  to  meet  my  people  and  help  them  home 


(13) 

and  shall  make  all  ye  haste  I  Ccxn  to  get  ye  peltry  to  town  in  time  for  ship- 
ping. Count  Trum  (?)  is  come  to  your  town,  for  to  see  he  get  goods  from 
you.  He  has  been  at  me  to  join  partners  with  him  but  I  have  given  him  no 
result  till  I  hear  from  you.  I  believe  he  may  put  off  a  considerable  quan- 
tity of  goods  for  he  intends  to  remain  in  the  woods  till  next  June.  If  you 
trust  him  and  I  hke  on  it  I'll  join  with  him.  I'd  also  have  you  not  forget  to 
Intervene  for  me  at  your  next  Court  for  a  recommendation  for  a  lycense.  In 
hopes  of  coming  shortly  to  town,  I  shall  call.  No  more  at  present;  but  I  am 
J  ours 

Edm.   Cartledge."     (Lane.   Co.    Miscellany) 

1727 

"Phil.  26th   of  2d  mo.  1727 
Loving  Friend,  Isaac  Taylor, 

Upon  the  application  of  sundry  persons  who  are  settled  about  Octo- 
raro,  to  Secretary  Logan,  for  100  acres  of  land  for  a  meeting  house  he  has 
ordained  me  to  write  to  thee  that  such  a  grant  may  be  secured  for  that  pur- 
pose. ^        ^ 

lam  thy  loving  friend- James  Steel."      (No.  3030) 

"Phil.  Nov.  2,  1727 
Isaac  Taylor,  Loving  Friend, 

Joseph  Staman  (Alias  Stone)  of  Conestoga  having  bought  200  acres  of 
Francis  Worleys  tract  on  which  he  says  there  is  very  little  timber  left,  is 
therefore  desirous  to  take  up  some  of  the  adj*oining  vacant  land,  but  both 
he  and  Joseph  Higginbotham  are  apprehensive  of  that  free-booter  Thos.  Per- 
rin  setting  down  there  to  prevent  which  I  wish  thou  would  order  a  line  or 
two  to  be  run  that  may  take  in  about  200  acres  for  the  trouble  of  which, 
Staman  must  make  satisfaction  since  it  is  to  prevent  the  intrusion  of  a  neigh- 
bor that  may  disappoint  him  of  future  conveniency. 

I  am  thy  loving  friend  James  Logan."      (No.  3039) 

1728 

"August  27th,  1728 
Whereas  about  2  years  ago  liberty  was  granted  by  some  of  us  to  Stephen 
Atkinson,  clothier,  to  settle  and  build  a  fulling  mill  on  a  certain  neck  of  land, 
vacant,  situated  between  a  tract  surveyed  to  Edmund  Cartledge  and  Conestoga 
Creek  and  also  to  raise  a  dam  which  he  erected  and  he  now  requests  the 
same  may  be  surveyed  and  that  he  may  have  a  piece  of  land  on  the  side  of 
Conestoga  Creek  too,  so  now  there  may  be  added  ten  or  twelve  acres  of  the 
si'me.'  (James  Logan  et  al  No.  588  Lane.  Co.  Papers) 

The  fact  that  Atkinson  v/as  a  clothier  (with  a  business  likely  in  Phila- 
delphia) indicates  why  the  kind  of  mill  he  was  interested  in  \Yas  a  fulling 
mill.  That  he  found  it  profitable  to  erect  it  here  on  Conestoga  Creek  as 
early  as  1728,  indicates  that  sheep  raising  must  have  been  an  industry  here 
even  then. 

Friend  Isaac  Taylor, 

Some  time  in  Sept.  1718  Robert  Wilkins  obtained  a  warrant  for  150  acres 
of  land  near  Conestoga  as  it  wa^  called;  and  he  paid  ten  pounds  of  the  pur- 
chase money  some  time  after  and  was  allowed  to  add  fifty  cres.  Now  Rob- 
ert Wilkins  sold  his  right  to  James  Anderson  the  Presbytarian  minister  of 
those  parts  who  finding  the  survey  begun  but  not  finished  he  desires  the  same 
completed  and  if  there  be  vacancy  adjoining  that,  he  may  be  accommodated. 
I  desire  thee  to  send  return.     I  intend  to  bring  the  patent  with  me. 

James  Steel."      (No.  3040) 


(14) 

"August  24th,  1728 
My  Good  Cousin, 

I  suppose  you  know  much  better  than  I  how  far  your  dear  father  pro- 
posed to  accommodate  John  Baker  the  gunsmith  on  Conestoga  and  Samuel 
Taylor  in  the  manner  of  locating  land  for  him.  Baker  and  Samuel  complain 
of  delays.  Ja.  Taylor."      (No.  3041) 

In  the  map  before  referred  to  it  will  be  seen  that  tract  No.  28  is  marked 
Kaleb  Baker.     It  is  lower  down  than  the  mouth  of  Conestoga  Creek. 

1729 

"Phil.  Sept.  23.  1729 
John  Taylor, 

I  have  written  in  behalf  of  an  honest  man  Isaac  Jackson  and  for  sev- 
eral more  friends  who  represent  that  several  friends  being  seated  near  the 
place  called  the  "Gap"  in  ancaster  county  they  have  in  a  little  while  estab- 
lished a  meeting  place  there  and  want  some  vacant  land  on  which  to  set- 
tle. (See  No.    3055   Taylor  Papers) 

1733 
"My  loving  friend, 

From  some  consultation  I  had  last  night  among  some  of  our  friends  I 
thought  it  expeditious  thou  shouldst  without  delay  go  up  and  make  surveys 
about  Donegal  and  Hempfield  for  it  has  been  lately  reported  to  the  proprie- 
tor by  certain  persons  dwelling  that  way  (one  of  whom  has  offered  his  ser- 
vices) that  people  are  very  desirous  to  have  it  done  and  therefore  I  gave  them 
this  intention  to  prevent  anything  interfering. 

Nicholas  Scull  is  appointed  not  only  surveyor  of  Philadelphia  but  of 
Bucks  also.     They  have  taken  pains  to  have  him  established. 

Thou  will  see  in  Bradford's  Mercury  the  most  malicious  and  violent  per- 
formance ever  levelled  against  our  persons  written  as  "The  Farmer."     The 

author   is  unknown.     James    m.eeting  Hamilton  two   days   after, 

near  the  Court  House  spent  a  cane  about  his  thick  skull  without  penetration. 
James  is  bound  over  to  next  Court.  This  paper  and  scuffle  has  been  that  talk 
of  town  ever  since.  "Michael  Plowman"  and  "Hans  Timberman"  have  just 
come  to  town.  I  shall  want  thy  assistance  about  settling  the  Wilkins  sur- 
vey. 

James  Steel."      (No.  3162) 

"June  22,  1733 
Friend,  Thos.  Penn: 

I  received  thine  through  Jos.  Minshall,  with  the  agreeable  account  of 
thy  intention  of  a  visit  this  way,  last  week,  a  season  of  the  year  well  chosen 
for  such  a  journey,  when  the  affairs  of  the  farmers  afford  some  leisure,  and 
their  minds  were  full  of  hopes,  to  see  one  of  their  proprietors,  amongst  them, 
I  am  altogether  a  stranger  to  the  cause  of  thy  disappointment,  but  I  am 
sorry  it  happener"  for  the  ne.ar  approach  of  harvest  has  left  little  expectation 
of  seeing  thee  till  it  is  over.  The  unhappy  disposition  of  our  neighboring 
proprietor,  and  the  various  reports  by  some,  industriously  spread  in  his  favor 
seem  to  render  a  speedy  settlement  of  the  land  affairs  very  necessary. 

Sa.  Blunston. 

P.  S.  My  neighbor  John  Wright  desires  to  be  kindly  remembered  to 
thee.  At  the  moment  I  was  closing  this  letter  six  or  eight  of  ye  Shawnese 
Indians  called  here,  in  their  way  from  Peshtank  (Paxtan)  to  ye  Conestoga 
lown  with  a  little  Catawba  Indian  boy  prisoner  which  they  were  carrying  for 
a  present  having  lately  taken  a  woman  and  four  boys  more  in  their  last  ex- 

(See   Lane.    Misc.) 


(15) 

1735 

"Nov.   26,    1735 
Friend  Isaac  Taylor — 

No  more  land  may  be  given  to  Michael  Baugrhman  of  Conestoga,  as  there- 
about until  the  time  for  the  present  lottery  has  gone  by. 

James  Steel."      (No.  3180) 
This  same  year  under  date  of  Feb.  23,  in  a  letter  dated  Donegal,  Martha 
Bailey  writes  to   Ewd.  Shippen  and  she  states  that  70   gallons   of  rum  are 
needed  in  that  section  and  that  her  husband  requests  it  be  sent  from  Phila- 
delphia by  Andrew  Boggs.  (Lane.  Co.  Misc.) 

1736 

"Chester,  May  27,  1736 
John  Taylor: 

I  came  down  on  purpose  here  thinking  to  have  seen  you,  but  being  dis- 
appointed I  take  this  opportunity  to  let  you  know  that  last  week  I  was  going 
to  take  patents  for  some  100  acres  of  land  at  Pequea  in  Lancaster  County, 
that  you  surveyed  for  John  Farra,  (Forry?)  where  the  mill  stands,  and  also 
a  hundred  acres  of  Collum  McQuaerey,  where  Samuel  Taylor  lives,  also  for  100 
acres  surveyed  for  John  McDonell  all  of  which  were  sold  to  Samuel  Taylor 
as  appears  by  bills  of  same,  drawn  by  you,  but  the  surveyor  general  told  m^ 
it  was  impossible  to  have  a  patent  for  want  of  return  by  you,  there  being  but 
one  return  in  his  office  for  McQuaery  and  that  imperfect.  1  have  levied  an 
execution  on  all  of  those  tracts  and  they  will  be  expos^  to  sale  about  the 
middle  of  next  month.  Dear  John  pray  be  as  expeditious  as  possible  and 
send  up  returns  that  I  may  have  patents. 

Yours  Septimus  Robinson"  (No.  3191) 
This  again  concerns  the  Irish  tract  on  Pequea.  Septimus  Robinson  was 
an  early  sheriff  and  owned  a  large  tract  of  land  in  the  county  among  them 
a  big  tract  where  Marticville  now  stands  extending  in  a  widening  triangle  to 
the  Pequea  Creek.  It  was  at  one  time  the  Albertus  Hendricks  tract  No.  88 
en  the  map.  John  Robinson  owned  a  tract  at  mouth  of  Pequea.  See  51  on 
the  map. 

Under  date  of  Lane.  Oct.  4,  1736,  there  is  an  interesting  letter  from  Wil- 
liam Willis  who  owned  a  tract  near  Rock  Hill  in  which  he  requests  35 
pounds  of  good  to  be  sent  by  Messrs.  Logan  and  Shippen  to  him  for  his  busi- 
ness etc. 

1737 

Phila.,    Jan.    15.,    1736-7 

To : 

By  last  accounts  from  Lancaster  we  hear  that  nothing  can  prevail  with 
John  Hendrick's  wife  to  leave  the  plantation.  There  is.  constant  corres- 
pondence between  her  and  Higginbotham  going  on.  There  is  a  good  deal  in 
this  but  they  make  much  more  out  of  tne  story.  I  acquainted  the  proprietor 
with  your  evidence  and  endeavored  to  remove  this  plague.  I  have  wrotQ  to 
Worley  also  who  I  presume  will  accompany  you.  When  I  saw  you  last  we 
concluded  on  a  way  to  remove  her  but  it  is  now  a  rigorous  season  to  turn  a 
family*  out  of  doors.  I  would  be  glad  if  she  could  be  prevailed  upon  to  go 
some  place  ot  her  own  accord  and  choosing  and  save  her  goods.  If  that 
cannot  be  brought  about  it  will  be  necessary  to  levy  the  execution  on  the 
effects  and  this  would  create  a  charge  of  being  cruel.  I  cannot  instruct  you 
how  to  deal  with  this  woman  Roger  Hunt  or  some  other  ordinary  keeper 
has  bill  of  sale  for  John  Hendrick's  effects,  but  you  know  there  can  be  no  sale 
of  goods,  while  the  owner  continues  in  possession  and  uses  them  as  his  own. 
This  will  bar  execution.  I  will  take  her  own  recognizance  if  she  cannot  get 
any  one  to  be  the  bond.  The  people  at  Lancaster  say  we  can  do  no  harm. 
]  have  sent  a  line  to  Blunston  to  discharge  Hendrick's  goods. 

A  Hamilton"    (No.  3206) 


I 


(16) 

"Phil.   16th  of  2d  mo.  1737. 
John  Taylor: 

The  proprietor  has  come  to  a  resolution  to  settle  about  ten  thousand 
acres  of  Conestogoe  Manor  and  would  like  to  speak  with  you  about  it  and  get 
directions  about  laying  out  of  the  same  into  lots  for  the  settlement  and  if  any 
good  people  will  purchase. 

J.  Steel  (No.  3110) 

25th  ye  2d  mo.  1737 
Under  this  date  J.  Steel  w^rites  that  Peter  Leaman  is  allowed  a  price  of 
l&nd  in  Conestoga  Manor  where  "he  now  lives"    (No.   3213).     This  tract     is 
No.  19  on  the  map  and  lies  on  Taylor's  run  at  the  upper  end  of  Safe  Harbor. 

Lane,   May  26,   1737 
To  the  propretor: 

I  have  this  day  divided  Conertoga  Manor  into  lots  according  to  thy  di- 
rections and  on  tiiy  return  will  make  a  plot  thereof  and  will  wait  on  thee.  The 
good  part  of  said  Manor  is  made  choice  of  by  a  lot  of  industrious  and  civil 
men  who  have  money  at  command  and  will  soon  bring  it  to  the  receiver. 
And  several  other  good  people  are  now  going  to  review  the  remainder.  I 
desire  that  a  surveyor  be  appointed  for  Lancaster  County,  the  business  there 
being  so  much  more  and  always  attended  with  contest,  so  that  I  cannot  pos- 
sibly do  it.     If  thou  continue  mo  in  Chester  I  shall  be  pleased. 

John  Taylor"    (No.   3218) 

And  now  this  paper  is  concluded.  The  writer  feels  that  the  above  ma- 
terial will  furnish  information  and  interest  to  many  persons  who  now  are 
and  hereafter  shall  happen  to  be  the  present-owners  of  the  lands  in  the  imme- 
diate neighborhood  which  is  connected  with  the  correspondence  just  set  out 
and  read  to  you.  These  manuscripts  are  a  part  of  the  great  mass  of  mater- 
ial making  up  the  record  of  Lancaster  County's  history. 


Officers  of  the  Society  for  1921 


President, 
HON.    CHARLES    I.    LANDIS. 

First  Vice-President, 
P.    R.    DIFFENDERFER,    Litt.D. 

Second  Vice-President, 
H.    FRANK    ESHLEMAN,    Esq. 

Recording-  Secretary, 
MISS    ADALINE    B.    SPINDLER. 

Assistant  Recording  Secretary, 
JOHN    L.    SUMMY. 

Corresponding  Secretary. 
MISS    ADALINB    B.    SPINDLER. 

Treasurer, 
A.    K.    HOSTETTER. 

Librarian. 
HARRY    L.    STEHMAN,    Jr. 


Executive  Committee. 


L.    B.    HERR, 

D.    F.    MAGEE,    Esq., 

MRS.    SARAH    D.    CARPENTER, 

MISS    VIRGINIA    B.    CLARK, 

MISS    DAISY    E.    B.    GRUBB, 

D.    B.    LANDIS, 

PROF.    H.    H.    BECK, 

GEO.    F.    K.    ERISMAN, 

I.    C.    ARNOLD,  Esq. 

WILLIAM    FREDERIC    WORNER. 


(17) 


In  Memoriam. 


MISS  ELIZABETH  G.  ARMSTRONG 

Miss  Elizabeth  G.  Armstrong,  a  member  of  the  Lancaster  County  Histor- 
ical Society,  died  at  her  residence  406  North  Duke  street,  Lancaster,  Pa.,  on 
October  14,  1920.  She  was  a  daughter  of  Arthur  Armstrong,  a  well  known 
portrait  painter  and  artist.  Her  interest  in  the  Society's  work  was  manifest- 
ed by  a  liberal  bequest  of  money  to  help  promote  historical  research  in  this 
county. 

ELMER  E.   BILLINGFELT 

Elmer  E,  Billingfelt  of  Adamstown,  Pa.,  died  on  Saturday,  April  10, 
19  20.     He  was  a  member  of  the  Society  for  many  years. 

DR.  ROBERT  K.  BUEHRLE 

Dr.  Robert  K.  Buehrle,  first  city  superintendent  of  public  schools  in 
Lancaster,  Pa„  was  born  September  24,  1840,  in  Germany,  and  his  decease 
occurred  on  June  18,  1920,  at  Lancaster,  Pa. 

MISS  MARTHA  BLADEN  CLARK 

Mi.ss  Martha  Bladen  Clark,  daughter  of  James  Brice  Bladen  Clark,  was 
born  in  Donegal  township,  Lancaster  county.   Pa. 

Miss  Clark  took  great  interest  in  historical  and  genealogical,  research. 
Her  brain  was  a  veritable  storehouse  of  such  data,  from  which  treasures, 
great  and  small,  were  constantly  produced  for  the  enlightenment  of  her 
hearers,  and  to  their  great  enjoyment.  She  prepared  a  score  and  more  of 
the  most  interesting  and  valuable  historical  papers  which  were  read  before 
the  Lancaster  County  Historical  Society  at  its  meetings  and  published  in 
its  proceedings. 

She  was  actively  identified  with  all  the  Work  of  the  Society,  and  it  was 
mostly  due  to  her  indefatigable  efforts  that  the  outings  of  the  Society  wen 
held  annually  with  much  success. 

Because  of  her  intense  interest  in  matters  pertaining  to  local  history, 
it  was  but  natural  that  she  should  be  one  of  the  charter  members  of  th< 
Lancaster  County  Historical  Society.  Her  efforts  to  advance  its  great  work 
were  untiring.  She  was  elected  corresponding  secretary  in  1898,  in  which 
capacity  she  served  with  untiring  fidelity  and  great  ability  to  the  day  of  her 
death. 

Her  familiar  and  genial  face  was  rarely  absent  from  any  meeting  ol 
the  Society.  It  will  be  greatly  missed  now  that  she  has  been  called  to  hei 
everlasting  reward. 

Her  decease  occurred  on  August  5,  1920,  at  Lancaster,  Pa. 

HENRY  P.  EICHLER  ' 

Henry  P.  Eichler,  who  was  born  at  IJtitz,  Pa.,  died  on  November  17, 
1920,  at  Lancaster,  Pa. 

(18) 


(19) 

MISS  JOSEPHINE  FRANKLIN 

Miss   Josephine  Franklin  was   born   at  Lancaster,    Pa.,   and   removed   to 
i  Pittsburgh,   Pa.,  a  short  while  bfeore  her  death,  which  occurred  November 
15,  1920. 

HON.  HORACE  L.  HALDEMAN 

Senator  Horace  L.  Haldeman  was  born  at  Locust  Grove,  Conoy  township, 
Lancaster  county.  Pa.,  on  September  16,  1847,  and  died  at  Marietta,  Pa.,  on 
October  27,   1920. 

ABRAM  E.   LANE 

Abram  Erb  Lane  was  born  in  Manheim  township,  Lancaster  county.  Pa., 
on  January  28,  1864,  and  his  death  occurred  on  November  28,  1920,  at  Lan- 
caster, Pa. 

JAMES  A.   MYERS 

James  A.  Myers  was  l)orn  at  Lititz,  Pa.,  September  10,  18  41,  and  died  at 
Columbia,  Pa.,  on  November  4,  1920. 

MRS.  MARY  NAUMAN  ROBINSON 

Mrs.  Mary  Nauman  Robinson  was  born  at  Holton,  Maine,  April  13,  1839. 

i  She  was  actively  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Lancaster  County  Historical 

Society,  and  served  on  the  executive  committee  with  great  ability.     She  con- 

I  tributed  a  large  number  of  papers  on  local  history.     Her  death  occurred  No- 

!  vember  18,  1920,  at  Lancaster,  Pa. 

JAMES  SHAND 

j  James  Shand   was  born  November    11,    18  49,   at   Lesmahagow,    Scotland, 

j  and  died  May  8,  19  20,  at  Lancaster,  Pa. 

GEORGE    STEINMAN 

George  Steinman,  son  of  the  late  George  and  Elizabeth  Meyers  Stein- 
man,  was  born  in  Lancaster,  Pa.,  February  17,  1847.  He  was  educated  at 
Beck's  Academy  at  Lititz,  Pa.  He  helped  to  organize  the  I^ancaster  County 
Historical  Society,  and  served  as  its  first  president  from  1896  to  1917. 

He  died  at  J^ancaster,  Pa.,  on  March  31,  1920. 

FRANKLIN  WILLIAMSON 

Franklin  Williamson  was  born  at  Morrisville,  Pa.,  and  died  at  Lancaster, 
Pa.,  on  December  18,  1920. 


Treasurer's  Annual  Report. 

January  6,  1921. 


To  the  Officers  and  Members 

Lancaster   County  Historical  Society. 

The  Treasurer's  Annual  report  for  the  year  ending"  Dec.   31,   19  20,  is  as 
follows: 

Jan.  1,   1920,  Balance  on  hand    $     216.96 

Received    for   dues    and    fees 377.00 

Received    for   pamphlets    4.75 

Received  from  County  Treasurer 200.00 

Received  from  Geo.    Steinman's    Estate    1,000.00 

Received  from  Int.  on  Certs,  of  Deposit 53.90 

Received    from    Certificates     of   Deposit    810.87 

Total    Receipts    $2,663.48 

EXPENSES 

Rent  to  Oct.    1,    1920    .$       35.00 

State    Federation    Dues     2.00 

New  Era-Examiner   (printing  and  mailing  pamphlets)    454.80 

L.  B.  Herr  &  Son  printing 11.50 

Officers — postage     25.00 

Bookbinding     3.00 

Song-leader     5.00 

House-cleaning     5.00 

$2,200.  Fourth   Liberty  Loan   4*4  %    Bonds    1,892.81 

Jan.    1,    1921,    Balance    on   hand    229.37 


$2,663.48 


The  bonds  above  referred  to  represent  all  of  the  society's  interest  bearing 
funds,  and  are  registered  in  the  name  of  the  Society,  dated  Oct.  24,  1918,  ma- 
turing Oct.  15th  19  38,  with  interest  payable  semi-annually,  on  April  15th,  and 
October  15th,  of  each  year. 

They  are  numbered  as  follows: 

290858  for  $1,000.00 

290859  for  $1,000.00 

1361181  for  $100.00  • 

1361182  for  $100.00 

Respectfully  submitted, 

A.  K.  HOSTETTER,  Treasurer. 

Lancaster,  Pa.,  Jan.  5,  192»1. 
We,  the  undersigned  auditors  appointed  to  examine  the  accounts  of  A.  K. 
Hostetter  Treasurer  of  the  Lancaster  County  Historical  Society  do  hereby 
certify  that  we  have  duly  audited  said  accounts  and  find  them  correct  as  stat- 
ed therein,  showing  the  balance  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of  the  year,  to 
have  been  $216.96.     The  receipts  for  the  year  were  $2,446.52,  and  the  expon- 

(20)     . 


(21) 

ditures,  for  which  orders  were  regularly  drawn,  amounted  to   $2,434.11,  thus 
leaving  a  balance  in  the  Treasury  January  1st,  of  $229.37. 

The  certificates  of  deposit  included  in  last  years  audit,  aggregating 
($810.87,  with  interest  of  $53.90,  to  Nov.  20th,  1920,  making  a  total  of  $864.- 
77,  also  a  $1,000.00  bequest  from  George  Steinman's  Estate  are  included  in 
the  above  receipts,  and  used  in  part  payment  for  $2,200.00  of  U.  S.  Fourth 
Liberty  Loan  4^4%  bonds  costing  $1,892.81,  the  registered  certificates  for 
same  having  been  submitted  to  us  by  the  Treasurer  and  remaining  in  his 
custody. 

Respectfully  submitted, 
L.  B.  HERR 
I.  C.  ARNOLD 
J.    L.    SUMMY 
Auditing 
Committee 


Annual  Report  of  Secretary 


In  reviewing  the  records  of  the  year  1920  the  Lancaster  County  Historical 
Society  has  every  reason  to  be  proud  of  itself  and  its  achievements.  It  is 
steadily  progressing  in  prestige  and  membership.  While  the  year  has  takei 
its  toll — an  unusually  heavy  and  important  toll  of  prominent  members — lost 
to  us  by  translation  to  the  Great  Beyond,  we  have  gained  in  new  member- 
ship the  largest  acquisition  in  many  years. 

The  Society  has  met  statedly  at  its  regular  appointed  time — the  first 
Friday  of  every  month  except  vacation  months  July  and  August.  Each 
month  saw  a  carefully  prepared  paper,  sometimes  two,  read  before  the  So- 
ciety, all  of  which  are  either  already  published  or  to  be  published  as  soon 
as  the  Publishing  Company  that  has  the  work  in  charge  can  get  them  is- 
sued. Even  our  misfortunes  in  this  respect  have  had  their  compensations. 
We  have  considered  it  a  misfortune  that  our  pamphlets,  which  we  wer< 
promised  should  be  regularly  issued  on  time,  did  not  appear  in  accordance 
with  our  hopes  and  expectations — but  are  still  delaying,  yet  these  delays  un- 
fortunate as  they  are  were  the  means  by  which  was  made  known  to  us  how 
much  and  how  widely  they  are  sought  for.  Many  letters  from  various  parts 
of  the  country  have  come  inquiring  if  they  had  been  sent  and  miscarried  or 
why  they  had  not  appeared.  One  letter  from  a  Pacific  Coast  city  and  on< 
from  Boston  an  Atlantic  Coast  city  making  the  same  inquiry  were  handet 
to  me  in  the  same  mail,  in  each  appeared  an  indication  as  to  the  valuatioi 
placed  upon  them. 

There  have  been  many  reque.sts  for  purchases  of  our  periodicals  by  in^ 
dividuals  and  institutions;  in  one  instance  a  definite  statement  that  anj 
amount  of  money  would  be  paid  that  the  Society  wished  to  ask  if  the  pam- 
phlet could  be  procured.  Several  letters  from  near  and  far  have  been  re- 
ceived requesting  information  about  persons  and  places  and  articles  of  his- 
toric significance  concerning  this  wonderful  county  of  ours — this  Gardei 
Spot  of  the  World.  It  is  a  privilege  to  dig  for  its  riches  and  share  theii 
worth  as  we  are  doing  annually  in  our  ten  installments. 

The  Society  held  two  celebrations  both  of  which  were  great  successei 
from  every  standpoint. 

Our  indoor  Social  at  the  Iris  Club  was  a  feature  that  was  talked  aboa 
favorably  for  a  long  time  afterwards  and  was  one  of  wich  we  can  reason- 
ably be  proud.  The  speakers  on  this  occasion,  Mr.  Alfred  Cooke  Myers  an( 
Hon.  Frederick  A.  Codcharles  made  the  evening  a  memorable  one  by  theii 
most  excellent  papers.  Our  President,  Judge  Charles  I.  Landis  on  this  oc- 
casion in  his  excellent  opening  address  gave  the  scope  and  the  hope  of  oui 
future  which  meets  the  desire  of  every  member.  These  appear  in  our  pain 
phlet  for  April. 

A  Pilgrimage  to  Judge  Emmanuel  Carpenter's  grave  in  the  old  Church- 
yard near  Talmage  was  immen.sely  pleasurable  and  profitable.  We  heard 
some  rare  papers  on  a  rare  old  man  who  did  great  things  for  this  our  towi 
and  county  and  State  and  Country  who  was  the  peer  of  his  contemporarie 
which  included  some  of  the  builders  and  makers  of  our  country  in  its  makinj 

Your  Secretary  can  not  let  this  occa,"ion  pass  without  most  earnestl; 
calling  attention  to  the  great   privilege  which  it   is  ours  to  accomplish.     Wi 

(22) 


(23) 

have  valuable  books  some  of  which  and  not  the  least  valuable  of  which  we 
have  made  ourselves  some  of  which  have  been  rare  gifts.  We  have  many 
and  varied  articles  of  historic  interest  and  intrinsic  worth  and  many  more 
and  of  as  great  or  even  greater  value  promised  to  us  and  ready  to  be  hand- 
ed over.  A  Library  without  a  building-.  A  museum  without  a  shelter.  They 
are  crying  to  us  to  give  them  a  home.  Don't  let  those  promised  gifts  slip 
through  our  fingers  to  go  to  other  towns  because  of  our  lack  of  interest  and 
energy.  "We  do  not  gain  by  withholding"  when  we  ought  to  give.  I  leave 
this  sugigestion  for  the  consideration  of  the  members. 


k 


Minutes  of  January  Meeting. 


Lancaster,  Pa.,  7  Jan.,  1921. 
The  Lancaster  County  Historical  Society  held  its  stated  meeting  this 
evening  at  the  regular  hour,  7:30  in  their  auditorium  in  the  A.  Herr  Smith 
Memorial  Building.  The  President  Judge,  C.  I.  Landis  officated.  After  the 
reading  of  the  minutes  of  the  December  meetinig  which  were  approved,  the 
monthly  report  of  the  Treasurer  was  presented  and  approved.  The  report 
of  the  Librarian  Mr.  Harry  Stehman  showed  the  following  donations  an( 
exchanges: 

I.  The  Glories  of  Ireland  from  the  Sons  of  Irish  Freedom,  Washinigton, 
D.  C. 

II.  Home  Ballads  and  Metrical  Versons  by  A.  H.  S.  D. 

III.  Fifty-Fourth  Annual  Encampment  of  the  Department  of  Pennsyl- 
vania G.  A.  R.  1920. 

IV.  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  No.  67  from  the  Smithsonian  Insti- 
tution. 

V.  Program  of  the  35th  Annual  Meeting  of  the  American  Historical  As- 
sociation, December  19  20. 

VI.  Proceedings  of  the  Fourteenth  Annual  Conference  of  Historical  So- 
cieties in   Philadelphia. 

VII.  Records  of  the  American  Catholic  Historical  Society  of  Philadelphia 
September  1920. 

VIII.  The    Wisconsin    Magazine    of    History,   December    1920. 

IX.  Annual  Report  of  the  American  Historical  Association,  1917. 

X.  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  Proceedings,   1919,  1920. 

XI.  Report  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  19  20. 

XII.  American  Philosophical  Society  Proceedings,  Nos.  5  and  6,   1920. 

XIII.  An  Old  Hotel  Swinging  Sign-board,  designated  "Tounbain  Inn." 
The  donor  is  Henry  L.  Shenk. 

Harry  Stehman,   Jr.,  Librarian. 

These  reports  were  all  received  and  the  secretary  was  instructed  to  enter 
them  on  the  minutes. 

The  Annual  Reports  of  the  Librarian,  the  Treasurer  and  the  Secretary 
were  then  read,  all  of  which  were  approved  and  ordered  inserted  in  the  So- 
ciety's journal  for  January. 

There  were  two  new  applicants  for  membership.  Miss  Agnes  Shand 
and  Mi.ss  Katharine  Sharp.  Under  the  rules,  action  on  these  names  was 
deferred  until  the  next  regular  meeting. 

The  applicants  presented  at  the  December  meeting  were  elected  to  mem- 
bership. Mr.  Howard  M.  Hoffman,  Nw  Holland,  Pa.  Rev.  R.  H.  Brenneck< 
Jr.,  City.  Miss  Marguerite  Albright,  Maytown,  Pa.  Mr.  Edgar  L.  Matterer, 
City. 

The  Auditors  report  was  then  presented.  It  certified  that  the  accounts 
of  A.  K.  Hostetter  had  been  duly  audited  by  them  and  found  to  be  correct. 

The  Society  next  proceeded  to  the  election  of  officers  for  the  ensuing 
year.  The  Secretary  was  instructed  to  cast  the  ballot  which  was  as  fol- 
lows : 

President,  Charles  I.  Landis. 

Vice  Presidents,  F.  R.  Diffenderffer,  Litt.  D.,  H.  Frank  Eshleman. 

(24)  ; 


(25) 

Recording  Secretary,  Miss  Adaline  B.  Spindler. 

Assistant  Recording  Secretary,   Mr.   John   L.   Summy. 

Corresponding    Secretary,    Miss   Adaline    B.    Spindler, 

Treasurer,  Mr.  A.   K.  Hostetter. 

Librarian,   Mr,   Harry   Stehman, 

A  resolution  was  presented  by  Mr.   Hostetter  as   follows: 

Resolved  that  until  such  time  as  the  Society  shall  determine  otherwise 
an  associate  Librarian  shall  be  selected  to  act  with  the  Librarian  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties. 

This  resolution  was  adopted  and  Miss  Helen  Myers  was  selected  as  As- 
sociate Librarian, 

The  following  Executive  Committee  was  elected: 

L.  B,  Herr,  D.  F.  Magee,  Mrs.  Sarah  D.  Carpenter,  Miss  Virginia  Clark, 
Miss  Daisy  E.  B.  Grubb,  D.  B.  Landis,  Prof.  Herbert  H.  Beck,  George  F.  K. 
Erisman,  I.  C.  Arnold,  Wm.  F.  Worner, 

The  Librrian,  Mr.  Stehman  suggested  that  an  addtional  number  of 
twenty-five  copies  of  the  pamphlet  be  published  monthly  because  of  the 
small  number  now  left  over  from  each  time  as  surplus  for  future  demands. 
It  was  decided  to  find  out,  as  the  Librarian  was  not  present  to  report,  how 
many  copies  above  what  are  used  for  members  and  exchanges  are  now 
printed  before  ordering  an  additional  number. 

The  Treasurer  presented  a  bill  from  the  Examiner-New  Era  Company 
which  was  ordered  paid.  The  question  of  insurance  came  up  as  the  time 
had  expired  for  which  insurance  had  been  paid.  A  resolution  was  passed 
to  place  the  matter  in  the  hands  of  the  President  and  the  Treasurer  for  ac- 
tion. 

The  paper  for  the  evening  was  then  announced.  "The  Awakening  and 
Early  Progress  of  Pequea  and  Conestoga  Settlements  as  Shown  by  Early 
Letters,  etc."     It  was  prepared  and  read  by  Mr.  David  Landis,  of  Pequea. 

The  paper  showed  considerable  original  data  and  evident  careful  re- 
search .A  discussion  followed  in  which  Judge  Landis,  H.  Frank  Eshleman,  A. 
K.  Hostetter,  D.  F.  Magee  and  Wm.  F.  Worner  took  part.  A  unanimous 
vote  of  thanks  was  extended  to  the  writer.     The  meeting  then  adjourned. 

ADALINE  B.   SPINDLER,   Sec'y. 


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