A HISTORY
OF
DELAWARE COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
AND ITS PEOPLE^ ,
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UNDER THE EDITOKlAt Sy'upRVISilQN OF
JOHN W. JORD'AN;rLLV;%
Librarian of llic FTistorical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
■J
NEW YORK
LEWIS HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
3'(J*
THENEVv ,....,..
PUBLIC LIBRARY
672607
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A8TOR, LENOX AND
TILDtN FOUNDATIONS.
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. .*. : .••;Cot4.RIGHT
LiftvjS'HisTQRj^A^ Publishing Company
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Table of Contents
Iliul.Min's X'oyagc; t!ie West India ('onipaiiy; Swedish Occupation; Dutch
Settlement on the Delaware ; Governor Stuyvesant ; New Amsterdam ;
English Occupation; arrival of Perm; first Courts; Friends' Meet-
ings ; Delaware county ; Churches established ; Revolutionary scenes :
Court-house at Chester ; Delaware County Institute of Science ; Media
the county seat Pages 1-279
Townships and Boroughs — Tinicum, Aston, Bethel, Birmingham, Chester, Up-
land, South Chester, North Chester, Upper Chichester, Lower Chiches-
ter, Marcus Hook, Concord, Darby, Edgmont, Haverford, Marple, Me-
dia — Court-house and jail, Middletown, Newtown, Nether Providence,
Upper Providence, Radnor, Thornbury. Springfield, Ridley, Aldan, Clif-
ton Heights, Collingdale, Colwyn, Eddystone. Glenolden, Landsdowne,.
Milbourne, Morton, Norwood, Prospect Park, Ridley Park, Rutledge,
Sharon Hill, Swarthmore, Yeadon, City of Chester, Historic Houses,
old Chester Hotels, Population'..... . . : ... . !•. :'. ^.\:'l w . . .Pages 280-330
Agriculture, Manufactures in various tcvnsliips, Ravly Transportation, Rail-
roads. River Navigation, Trolley Ciues'^^V'. .•.'.'.". Pages 331-392
•" y, "'•
Churches — Friends' Meetings, Protestant; -Epj-^copa^ Churches, Presbyterian
Churches, Baptist Churches, Methodist Episcopal Churches, Catholic
Churches, Undenominational Churches, Church Statistics. Pages 393-422
Education — Early Schools, Public School System, Schools in the various
Townships, Chester City Schools, Borough Schools, Private Schools,
Haverford College, Swarthmore College, Crozer Theological Seminary,
Pennsylvania Military College, Williamson Free School of Mechanical
Trades, Institute for Colored Youth, Convent of the Holy Child.. .
Pages 423-474
Courts and Lawyers — Early Courts, President Judges, Associate Judges, List
of Lawyers from 1789 to 1913, Eminent Lawyers, New Court
House Pages 475-499
Medical History — Early Physicians, Distinguished Practitioners, Delaware
County Medical Society Pages 500-513
Newspapers Pages 514-517
Members of Congress, Assemblymen, County Officials Pages 518-521
Delaware County in the Civil War Pages 522-555
In the Spanish-American War Pages 555-558
Family and Personal History Pages 561 to end
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Foreword
It was the consensus of opinion of many native residents of Delaware
county. Pennsylvania.— men deeply interested in its history and proud of the
impress its people have ever made upon the character of the State and Nation—
that the time had come when a comprehensive history of this remarkable region
would jirove an invaluable contribution to the literature not only of the county
itself, but of the commc-.nwealth,' and of the countrv at laree.
With this encouragement, and the assistance of unusually well informed
antiquarians and annalists, the publishers undertook the present work, "A
History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and Its People." This includes a
comprehensive resume of the history of the county, from its colonization down
to the present day. The narrative down to 1862 is based upon the elaborate
history of Dr. George Smith, iniblishcd in that year. While not at all slight-
ing the periods covered by that acc()m])lished historian, due attention has been
given in the present work, to the marvelous development of the county during
the half century which has passed away since the appearance of his publication.
In each generation, and at every stage of progress, the people of Delaware
county have had the ser\ices of men of the loftiest character and highest capa-
bility—in the arts of peace, in statesmanship, in affairs, and in letters. Nor
have their accomi)lishments been bounded by their native field. Crossing the
mountains, her sons have pushed their way into the valleys of the Ohio and
Mississipj)i. and to the Far West, building up new communities, creating new
commonwealths, planting, wherever they went, the institutions of religion and
education, leading into channels of thrift and enterprise all who gathered about
them or into whose midst they came, and proving a power for ideal citizenship
and good government.
The narrative, at once heroic and pathetic, is not only a noble heritage, but
an inspiration to those of the present and of the future, giving emphasis to the
pregnant words of Martineau : ''To have had forefathers renowned for hon-
orable deeds, to belong by nature to those who have bravely borne their part
in life, and refreshed the world with mighty thoughts and healthy admiration,
is a privilege which it were mean and self-willed to despise. It is as a security
given for us of old, which it were falsehearted not to redeem ; and in virtues
bred of a noble stock, mellowed as they are by reverence, there is often a
grace and ripeness wanting to self-made and brand-new excellence. Of like
value to a people are heroic traditions, giving them a determinate character to
sustain among the tribes of men, making them familiar with images of great
and strenuous life, and kindling them with faith in glorious possibilities."
History proper, of necessity, is a narrative of what has been accomplished
by people in the mass, and can take little note of individuals Here begins the
mission of the annalist and investigator of the personal lives of those who have
borne the heat and burden of the day, in tracing whence and from whom
vi FOREWORD
they came, in portraying their deeds, showing the spirit by which they were
actuated, and holding up their effort as an example to those who come after-
ward. The story of such achievements is a sacred trust committed to the peo-
ple of the present, upon whom devolves the perpetuation of the record. The
custodian of records who places in preservable and accessible form his knowl-
edge concerning the useful men of preceding generations, and of their descend-
ants who have lived lives of honor and usefulness, performs a public service in
rendering honor to whom honor is due. and thereliy inculcating the most valua-
ble lessons of patriotism and good citizenship. This fact finds recognition in
the warm welcome given in recent years to family and personal histories. Such
are in constant and general demand, and are sought for in the great libraries
by book, magazine and newspaper writers and by lecturers, from foreign lands,
as well as from all portions of our own country. Such a work as the present
one will possess an especial value for those who. out of a laudable pride, seek
to trace their descent from those who battled for the making of the United
States, and aided in bringing the Nation to its present i)rc-eminent position.
The publishers desire to express their special obligations to all who have
aided them in their tmdertaking, and especially Dr. John W. Jordan, T.L.D.,
librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Mr. Benjamin H. Smith,
who furnished the text of the famous Delaware County History of 1862, from
the pen of his revered father. Dr. Cieorge .^mith ; Isaac Sharjiless. S. D..
LL.D., president of Haverford College, for valuable services along educational
lines ; Mr. Morgan I'unting, of the Pennsylvania and Delaware County His-
torical Societies; Mr. \ . (iilpin Robinson, for information as to the iJench and
Bar ; and to Dr. Daniel W. Jefferis for similar service with reference to the
Medical profession.
In order to ensure greatest possible accuracy, all matter for the genealog-
ical and personal pages of this work has been submitted in typewritten manu-
script to the persons most interested, for correction. If in any case a sketch is
incomplete or faulty, the shortcoming is ascribable to the paucity of data obtain-
able, or neglect of the person to whom submittal was made. It is believed
that the ])resent work, in si)itc of the occasional fault which attaches to sucli
undertakings, will prove a real addition to the mass of annals concerning the
people of Delaware county, and that, withcnit it, much valuable information
would be inaccessible to the general reader, or irretrievably lost, owing to the
passing away of custodians of family records, and the consequent disappearance
of material in their possession, THE PUBLISH l^^RS.
NoTK. — The old-time illustrations in the historical volumes are reproduced from
Dr. George Smith's History, of 1862.
History of Delaware County
In giving an account of the first settlement by Europeans of any part of
America, it has been customary with writers to precede their narratives by a
detailed history not only of the events that were then transpiring in the Old
World, but of every event that had occurred for a century or more previously,
having the least possible bearing, upon the settlement in question. As the his-
tory of a district of country so limited in extent as that of Delaware County
must derive its chief value from the number of local facts it may present, the
transatlantic events that led to its settlement in common with that of larger dis-
tricts of our country, will only be briefly adverted to.
More than a century had elapsed, from the time of the discovery of the
Western Continent by the Cabots, before the noble river that forms the south-
eastern boundary of our county, became known to Europeans. The first set-
tlement of Virginia was commenced at Jamestown in 1607. Two years later,
the celebrated English navigator Henry Hudson, after having made two un-
successful voyages in the employ of London merchants, in search of a north-
ern passage to the East Indies, entered the service of the Dutch East India
Company, and, with the same object in view, made his celebrated voyage that
resulted in the discovery of the great New York river, that most justly bears
his name. Sailing from Amsterdam April 4th, 1609, in the "Half-Moon," he
doubled North Cape with the object of reaching Nova Zembla. In this he was
foiled by reason of the dense fogs and the large bodies of ice he encountered,
when, changing his original plan, he directed his course with the view of dis-
covering a north-west passage to China. He arrived off the banks of New-
foundland in July, and continuing his course westwardly, after some delay on
account of dense fogs, entered Penobscot bay on the coast of Maine. Here
Captain Hudson had friendly intercourse with the natives of the country, and
after having repaired the damage his little vessel had sustained, he pursued his
course southerly in search, it is said, of a passage to the Western Pacific ocean,
which he had formerly learned from his friend. Captain John Smith, had an
existence, "south of Virginia." Halting a second time at Cape Cod, he ob-
served in possession of the Indians, who treated him kindly, "green tobacco
and pipes, the bowls of which were made of clay, and the stems of red copper."
The voyage of the "Half-Moon" was again continued southwest along the
coast until August 18, she arrived at the mouth of Chesapeake bay. If there
was any truth in the rather improbable story that Hudson pursued this south-
west course in search of a passage to the Pacific, south of Virginia, he cer-
tainly abandoned his plan; for, without much delay, he reversed his course.
2 DELAWARE COUNTY
making a more particular examination of the coast as he passed along. On
August 28, 1609, in latitude 39° 5' north, Hudson discovered "a great bay,"
which, after having made a very careful examination of the shoals and sound-
ings at its mouth, he entered ; but soon came to the over-cautious conclusion
that "he that will thoroughly discover this great bay must have a small pinnace
that must draw but four or five feet of water, to sound before him."" To this
great bay the name of Delaware has been given in honor of Lord De-la-\Vare,
who is said to have entered it one year subsequently to the visit of Hudson.
The examination of the Delaware bay by Hudson was more after the man-
ner of a careful navigator than that of a bold explorer in search of new lands,
and scarcely extended beyond its mouth. It must have been very slight in-
deed, as we find that in further retracing his steps, he had described the high
lands of Navesink on September 2d, four days after his entrance into the Dela-
ware bay; and on the 4th of that month, after having rounded a low "Sandy
Hook," he discovered "The Great North River of New Netherland"" — a dis-
covery that will transmit his name to the latest posterity.
Though an Englishman, Hudson was in the employ of the Dutch, and his
visit to the Delaware is rendered important from the fact that on it principally
if not wholly rested the claim of that government to the bay and river, so far
as it was based on the ground of prior discovery. This claim is now fully con-
ceded ; for although the bay was known in Virginia by its present name as
early 1612, no evidence exists of its discovery by Lord Delaware or any other
Englishman prior to 1610, when it is said that navigator "touched at Delaware
bay on his passage to \'irginia."
An official Dutch document drawn up in 1644 claims that New Nether-
land "was visited by inhabitants of that country in 1598," and that "two little
forts were built on the South and North rivers." Better authority is needed to
support this claim, than the assertion of an interested party made nearly half a
century subsequent to the event.
Though reasonable doubts may exist in respect to the visit of I^rd Dela-
ware to the Delaware bay, that bay in 1610 did actually receive a transient visit
from Captain Samuel Argall, who probably was the first European that en-
tered its waters after its discovery by Hudson.
The various names by which the Delaware river and bay have been known,
are enumerated in Hazard's "Annals of Pennsylvania." By the Indians it was
called, Pautaxat, ]\Iariskitton and Makerish-kisken, Lenape Whittuck ; by the
Dutch, Zuyt or South river, Nassau river. Prince Hendrick river, and Charles
river; by the Swedes, New Swedeland stream; by the English, Delaware.
Heylin in his "Cosmography" calls its Arasapha. The bay has also been known
as New Port May and Godyn's bay.
Six years now intervene before we have any further accounts of discov-
eries in "New Netherland," a country which, in the estimation of Their High
Mightinesses, The States General of Holland, embraced the Delaware bay and
river. On March 27, 1614, a general charter was granted securing the exclu-
sive privilege of trade during four voyages, with "any neAv courses, havens,
DELAWARE COUNTY - 3
countries or places," to the discoverer, and subjecting any persons who should
act in violation thereof, to a forfeiture of their vessel, in addition to a heavy-
pecuniary penalty. Stimulated by this edict of the States General, the mer-
chants of Amsterdam fitted out five vessels to engage in voyages, in pursuance
of its provisions. Among them was the "Fortune," belonging to the city of
Hoorn, commanded by Captain Cornelis Jacobson Mey. Captain Adrian Block
commanded another vessel, which was unfortunately burnt upon his arrival at
the mouth of the "Manhattan river." To repair this misfortune, Captain
Block immediately engaged in the construction of a new vessel — a yacht, 44^
feet long, and 11^ feet wide. This craft was of but 16 tons burden, and was
named the "Unrust" (Restless.) She was the first vessel built by Europeans in
this country, and her construction, under the circumstance, savors more of a
Yankee proceeding than any event in the history of New Netherland.
The "Fortune," commanded by Skipper Mey, alone proceeded southerly.
The coast, with its numerous inlets and islands, was examined and mapped as
he went along, until he reached the mouth of the Delaware bay, to the two
proper capes of which he appropriated two of his names ; calling the one Cor-
nelis, the other Mey. To a cape still further south he gave the name of Hind-
lopen, after a town of Friesland. All the vessels except the "Restless" now re-
turned to Holland, to make report of their discoveries, and to claim the exclu-
sive privileges of trade, to which, under the general charter granted by the
States General, their owners would be entitled. By an edict dated October 14,
1614, this monopoly of trade was granted to the united company of merchants
of the cities of Amsterdam and Hoorn, by whose mearis the expedition had
been fitted out. It was limited, however, to "newly discovered lands, situate
in America, between New France and Virginia, whereof the sea coasts lie be-
tween the fortieth and forty-fifth degrees of latitude, now named New Neth-
erland," and was to extend to four voyages, to be made within three years
from January ist. It will be seen that the Delaware bay is not included in this
grant, a circumstance that would suggest that the discoveries in that quarter by
Skipper Mey, had not been appreciated.
Captain Cornelis Hendrickson, who had been left in command of the Amer-
ican built vessel "Restless," now proceeded to make further explorations, and
especially on the Delaware bay. It has even been said that this expedition ex-
plored the river as high up as the mouth of the Schuylkill, the discovery of
which is credited to Captain Hendrickson. If this be correct, the crew of the
"Restless" were the first civilized men who visited the territory now embraced
within the limits of Delaware county.
It cannot be fairly inferred that the Schuylkill was one of the three rivers
discoverer by Captain Hendrickson, and the original "Carte Figurative" found
attached to the memorial of his employers, presented on the day before the re-
port was made, furnishes almost conclusive evidence that the voyage of the
"Restless" did not extend even to the mouth of the Delaware river. The re-
fusal of the States General to grant the trading privileges to these applicants,
which in justice could not be withheld from the discoverers of "any new
4 DELAWARE COUNTY
courses, havens, countries or places," furnishes additional proof that the dis-
coveries made in the "Restless" did not go much beyond what had been pre-
viously made. If any knowledge of the Delaware or Schuylkill rivers was ac-
quired on this occasion, it was probably obtained from the three persons be-
longing to the company, purchased from the Indians, or from the Indians
themselves.
In anticipation of the formation of a Dutch West India Company, exclu-
sive trading privileges were not again granted under the general charter of
1614, except in a few instances and to a very limited extent. The trade to
New Netherland, regarded by the Dutch as extending beyond the Delaware,
was thrown open, in a measure, to individual competition. This did not last
long, for on June 3, 1621, the West India Company was incorporated. It did
not, however, go into operation until 1623.
Thus far, trade, and new discoveries for the purpose of extending trade,
appear to have wholly engrossed the attention of the Dutch. This year a
proposition is made by the Directors of the New Netherland trading company,
for the emigration to America of "a certain English preacher, versed in the
Dutch language," then residing in Leyden, together with over four hundred
families both out of Holland and England, whom he assured the petitioners,
he had the means of inducing to accompany him thither. The petitioners also
asked that two ships of war might be provisionally dispatched "for the preser-
vation of the country's rights, and that the aforesaid minister and the four
hundred families, might be taken under the protection of the government ; al-
ledging that his Majesty of Great Britain would be disposed to people the
aforesaid lands with the English nation." After considerable delay this peti-
tion was rejected.
On September 28 of this year, and during the time that elapsed between the
incorporation of the Dutch West India Company and the time it commenced
its commercial operations, the States General granted certain parties permis-
ion to dispatch "two ships with all sorts of permitted merchandise, the one tCK
the aforesaid New Netherland, and the other to the aforesaid New river, ly-
ing in latitude between eight and thirty and forty degrees, and to the small
rivers thereon depending, to trade away and dispose of their old stock, which
ihey have there, and afterwards bring back into this country their goods, car-
goes, clerks and seamen, on condition that they must be home before July i,
1622." The New river mentioned was undoubtedly the Delaware ; and it might
be inferred from the permission asked in respect to the old stock, &c., that a
trading post had been established by the Dutch on the Delaware prior to this
date. There are many facts to show that such a conclusion would be erron-
eous, and that the Dutch had no trading establishment on that river at this
time.
At the instance of the British Government, Sir Dudley Carleton, their am-
bassador at the Hague, entered upon an investigation of certain charges made
against the Hollanders of having left "a Colonic" at, and of "giving new
names to several ports appertaining to that part of the countrie north of Vir~
DELAWARE COUNTY 5
ginia" called by them "New England." This preacher was the Rev. Mr. Rob-
inson. Some of the families alluded to embarked at Delft in the "Mayflow-
er" and "Speedwell," July 16, 1620, and though they were destined for the
Hudson, they landed at Plymouth, and became the renowned Colony of Pil-
grims.
In the prosecution of this investigation, which was rather of a private
and informal character, the ambassador could not make "any more of the mat-
ter but that about fower or five years since, two particular companies of Am-
sterdam merchants began a trade into these parts between 40 and 45 de-
grees, to w'='' after their manner they gave their own names New Netherlands,
a South and a North sea, a Texel, a blieland and the like; whither they have
ever since continued to send shipps of 30 and 40 lasts, at the most to fetch
furres, w'^^ is all their trade ; for the providing of w*^** they have certain factors
there continually residents trading, w^^ savages, and at this present there is a
ship at Amsterdam, bound for those parts, but I cannot learn of anie Colonic
eyther already planted there by these people, or so much as intended." The
letter of the ambassador communicating this information to the British gov-
ernment, is dated February' 5, 1621. Sir Dudley gives as an additional reason
why he arrived at the conclusion that the Dutch had not as yet planted a col-
ony, that divers inhabitants of this country (Holland,) had been suiters to him
to procure them "a place of habitation amongst his Ma*'^^ subjects in those
parts," suggesting the improbability of these people desiring to mingle among
strangers, and to be under their government, if they had settlements of their
own. He did not fail, however, to present to the States General, on behalf of
his government, a remonstrance against further commerce by the Dutch with
the country in question, and to lay before their High Mightinesses the British
claim thereto by right of first occupation, (jurae primae occupationis.)
This proceeding of the British government was intended to prevent their
rights from being lost, rather than to enforce any immediate claim. It was
so regarded by the Dutch government, and particularly so by the West India
Company, which now, after having secured an amplification of their privileges
and completed their preliminary arrangements, proceeded at once to carry out
the very measures that had been so recently protested against by the British
ambassador. They extended the commerce of the country by building up es-
tablishments with the view of securing its title to their government and its
trade to themselves — the latter being always a paramount consideration with
the company.
The West India Company having by virtue of their charter taken posses-
sion of the country, they dispatched the ship New Netherland with a number
of people thereto, under the direction of Captains Cornelis Jacobson Mey and
Adriaen Joriz Tienpont. Mey proceeded to the Delaware or South river, on
the eastern bank of which, fifteen leagues from its mouth, he erected Fort
Nassau, at a place called by the natives Techaacho. — supposed to be near the
mouth of little Timber creek, in Gloucester county, New Jersey, and a short
distance below the present town of Gloucester. There is some discrepancy as
6 DELAWARE COUNTY
to the precise date of the erection of this fort, but 1624 is specified in an official
report on the condition of the country, made in 1644, and may be regarded as
the best authority on the subject. The distinction, at all events, belongs to
Captain Mey, of being the first European to establish a settlement on the Dela-
ware, if the erection of this fort, — a mere trading post, abandoned from time
to time, as occasion required — can be regarded as a settlement.
The seat of government of New Xetherland was located at Manhattan
Island, now the site of the city of New York, and the superior local officer of
the government was styled a Director. Shortly after the commencement of
the administration of its affairs by the West India Company, this office was
conferred on Peter Minuit or Minewit, of Wesel, kingdom of Westphalia,
who arrived at Manhattan Island in one of two ships dispatched by the Am-
sterdam department of the West India Company, in 1624. He was assisted
in his government by a council of five members and a "Scout Fiscal," whose
duties embraced those now usually performed by a sheriff and district at-
torney. The authority vested in the Director and his council was ample, being
executive, legislative and judicial, and extended to the South as well as the
North river. The records of the government or of the company give very lit-
tle information in respect to the administration of Minuit. It lasted till 1(^)32,
and is supposed to have been generally successful. It is distinguished by no
remarkable event except the purchase of Manhattan Island from the Indians,
in 1626. The title to this Island, now the site of the city of New York, and
estimated to contain 22,000 acres, was acquired for the paltry sum of sixty
guilders or $24. This purchase is important as probably indicating a period
when the policy of the Dutch underwent a change ; when from having been
merely Indian traders, they began to contemplate a permanent settlement of
the country.
The commencement of the directorship of Minuit is fixed by Wassenacr
in his history of Europe (Amsterdam, 1621 to 1632,) in the year 1626, and
he assigns him two predecessors in that office, viz : Willem Van Hulst, for the
year 1625; and Cornelis Mey, for 1624. These men, in conjunction with
Adriaen Joriz Tienpont, appear, however, to have been merely directors of
an expedition, and it would seem that the government of the country, of which
the territory embraced within the limits of our little county in the estimation
of the Dutch constituted a part, commenced with the administration of Minuit.
It is a circumstance worthy of note that the party who erected Fort Nassau
was accompanied by females. The fact is fully established by a deposition of
Catelina Tricho, said to have been the first white woman at Albany, dated New
York, February 14th, 1684-5. I^i another deposition of the same lady taken a
few years afterwards (1688), she states that "two families and eight men"
were sent to the Delaware. This effort at a settlement on the Delaware was
soon abandoned — probably before the expiration of a single year ; as Wassa-
naer, under date of 1625, says, "The fort at the South river is already vacated
in order to strengthen the colony (at Manhattan.) For purposes of trade,
only one yacht is sent there, in order to avoid expense." It is not remarkable
DELAWARE COUNTY 7
that this poHcy should have been adopted, as the whole colony at Manhattan at
this period scarcely numbered two hundred souls. The fort was abandoned to
the Indians, who did not fail to occupy it as their occasions required ; and the
country again passed into their possession as completely as it was on the
day Hudson touched at the Capes.
Gustavus Adolphus, reigning monarch of Sweden, through whose wisdom
and valor that nation had acquired an elevated standing among the govern-
ments of Europe, now sought to confer still further benefits upon his country
by extending its commerce. Chiefly with this view, a charter was granted by
him for a Swedish West India Company. This company, which was to go
into operation May i, 1627, and to continue twelve years, had every necessary
power conferred upon it for the establishment of a colony, with the promised
aid of the government to a very liberal extent. William Usselinex, a native of
the low countries, represented as having spent much time in seeking out new
ports and as being "the inventor in Holland of the West India Company," had
counselled and advised the adoption of the measure, and was to have a share
in its management.
While these proceedings were in progress, the war in Germany, in which
Gustavus became so largely engaged, postponed for a time the project of
Swedish colonization in America ; and his death in 1632 would have led to a
total abandonment of the scheme but for the persevering energy of his re-
nowned minister Oxenstiern.
Seventeen years had now elapsed since the discovery of the country by
Hudson, and but little had been accomplished towards making it a permanent
home for civilized man. The whole population of Manhattan at this period
was 270 souls, consisting chiefly of the officers and servants of the company
with their families. But few others resided elsewhere on the Hudson, and,
as has been shown, no permanent establishment of any kind was maintained
on the Delaware. The trade of the country was, however, by no means in-
considerable, the Delaware contributing a fair proportion of it. The ship that
carried to the Fatherland the news of the purchase of Manhattan from the In-
dians, was freighted with 7246 beaver skins, 853^4 otter skins, 81 mink skins,
36 wild cat skins, and 34 rat skins, besides a considerable quantity of oak and
hickory timber. But this was chiefly Indian trade — a trade that must neces-
sarily diminish in proportion to the vigor with which it was prosecuted. Fore-
seeing this, and with the more prosperous colonies of the English on either
side of them, the settlement of the country was determined upon by the
Dutch as the only means by which it could be saved from passing into other
hands, while its trade at the same time would be augmented.
With the view of promoting colonization, a plan not one step in advance
of the prejudices of the times, was resolved upon. The privileged West In-
dia Company adopted articles termed "Freedoms and Exemptions to all such
as shall plant colonies in New Netherland." Under this scheme the feudal
tenure of lands was to be introduced into America south of Canada, where
settlements on an analagous plan had already commenced. The wealthy im-
8 DELAWARE COUNTY
migrant who could in four years plant a colony of fifty souls would be a "Pa-
troon," becoming the absolute owner of a vast tract of land which if situated
only on one side of a river, might have a front of sixteen miles, but if on both
sides, one half that front, and extending "so far into the country as the situa-
tion of the occupiers will permit." The Patroon could hold courts of justice,
and when the amount in litigation did not exceed $20, there was no appeal
from his judgment The company also agreed to use their endeavors for a
time, "to supply the colonists with as many blacks as they conveniently can, on
conditions hereafter to be made." (Slaves were introduced into New Neth-
erland as early as 1628. In a letter recently discovered dated at the Island of
Manhattan, on the nth of August of that year, from the Rev. Jonas Michael-
ius, the writer says, "the Angola slaves are thievish, lazy and useless trash.")
Previous to the ratification of this document by the States General, or
even by the West India Company, two of its Amsterdam directors, Samuel
Godyn and Samuel Blomaert, by their agents in this country, had purchased a
large tract of land at the mouth of Delaware bay. This grant was confirmed
to the purchasers by Peter ]\Iinuit, the Director, and his council, on the "Island
Manahatas" July 16, 1630 — the savage grantors being then and there present.
The land embraced in the grant thus confirmed was "situate on the south side
of the aforesaid bay of the South river, extending in length from C. Hinlopen
oflF into the mouth of the aforesaid South river, about eight leagues and half a
league in breadth into the interior, extending to a certain marsh or valley
through which these limits can be clearly enough distinguished." Samuel
Godyn had previously given notice of his intention to make the above pur-
chase, and to occupy the bay of the South river as Patroon, on the conditions
set forth in the "Freedoms and Exemptions." Meeting with David Pieterszen
DeVries, of Hoorn, "a bold and skilful seaman" who had been "a master of
artillery in the service of the United Provinces." he made him acquainted with
the design of himself and associates, of forming a colony. The bay of the
South river was held up to De \'ries as a point at which a whale fishery could
be profitably established, as Godyn represented that there were many whales
which kept before the bay, and the oil at sixty guilders a hogshead, he thought,
would realize a good profit. De\'ries declining to accept a subordinate position
in connection with the colony, he was at once admitted, on perfect equality into
a company of Patroons who associated themselves together October 16, 1630.
Besides Godyn, Rloemaert and De\^ries, the members composing this patroon-
ship were Killian \'an Rensselaer, Jan DeLaet, Matthys \'an Keulen, Nicholas
Van Sittorigh, Harnick Koeck and Heyndrick Hamel, being all directors of
the West India Company except De \'ries. All of the expected advantages
were to be equalized ; and DeVries, who had charge of the establishment of
the colony, dispatched from the Texel, December 12, 1630, a ship and a yacht
for the South river, "with a number of people, and a large stock of cattle," the
object being, "as well to carry on a whale fishery in that region, as to plant a
colony for the cultivation of all sorts of grain, for which the country is very
w^ell adapted, and of tobacco."
DELAWARE COUNTY 9
De Vries did not accompany this expedition as has been supposed by most
writers on the subject, but on the 20th of the month he learned that the
yacht had been "taken by the Dunkirkers" before leaving the Texel, owing
to the carelessness of the large ship which had sailed after the yacht. The
large ship, which was commanded by a Captain Peter Heyes, of Edam, pro-
ceeded on the voyage alone, but failing in an important object of it, "the dis-
embarking of a lot of people at Tortugas," returned to Holland in September,
163 1. The ship conveyed the colony to the "South river in New Netherland,"
but was unsuccessful in the whale fishery, the captain alleging "that he ar-
rived there too late in the year," though he brought home a sample of oil
*'from a dead whale found on the shore."
"Swanendael" (Valley of Swans,) was the name given to the tract of
land purchased for the accommodation of the colony, and had its greatest
length parallel with the shore of the bay. The date of the arrival of Captain
Heyes with his colonists is not known ; but allowing the usual time occupied in
making a passage, from December 12, 1630, it may be arrived at with sufficient
accuracy. On May 5, following, Skipper Heyes, (Heysen) and Gillis Hosset,
Commissary of the ship "Walrus" (for that appears to have been the name of
the ship that brought out the colony) purchased of the Indians, "the rightful
owners," a tract of land sixteen English miles square at Cape May, and ex-
tending sixteen miles on the bay. This purchase was made for Bodyn and
Bloemaert, and was duly reported and recorded at Manhattan June 3rd fol-
tending sixteen miles on the bay. This purchase was made for Godyn and
Bloemaert, and was duly reported and recorded at Manhattan, June 3rd, fol-
lowing. At the date of this writing, the "Walrus" was in the South river, but
must have sailed very shortly afterwards, to arrive at Holland in September.
A house "well beset with palisades in place of breastworks," had been erected
on the north-west side of Hoornkil (Lewes creek,) a short distance from its
mouth. It was called "Fort Optlandt," and appears to have served the colony,
which consisted of thirty-two men, as a place of defence, a dwelling and a
storehouse. This colony, the most unfortunate that settled on the bay or
river, was left under the charge of Gillis Hosset or Osset.
On February 12, 1632, we are informed by De Vries than an agreement
was again entered into "to equip a ship and a yacht for the whale fishery, in
which much profit had not been realized." A second voyage was especially
urged by Samuel Godyn, and, to render success more certain, it was resolved,
says De Vries, "that I myself should go as patroon and as commander of the
ship and yacht, and should endeavor to be there in December, in order to con-
duct the whale fishery during the winter, as whales come in the winter and re-
main till March." When this second whaling voyage had been determined
upon, only the pecuniary disasters of the first were known to those concerned
in it ; but before sailing out of the Texel, the loss of their little fort and the
destruction of the whole Colony was communicated to DeVries.
Leaving the Texel on May 24, and taking a very circuitous passage, De
Vries did not enter the Delaware till December 5th. His first greeting was, "a
TO DELAWARE COUNTY
whale near the ship!" which made him anticipate "royal work — the whales so
numerous — and the land so fine for cultivation." The explorations of the next
day in the boat revealed to them the melancholy spectacle of the house of the
former colony "almost burnt up," with the skulls and bones of their people,
and the heads of the horses and cov;s which they had brought with them lying
here and there about it ; but no Indians were to be seen.
De Vries did not for a moment allow his presence of mind to forsake
him. Being unable to punish the savages, he sought and obtained an interview
with their chiefs, and at the cost of some duffels, bullets, hatchets and Nu-
remburg trinkets, ratified a treaty of peace with them. Some preparations
were also made for the prosecution of the contemplated whale fishing.
In furtherance of the object of his voyage. De \"ries sailed up the Dela-
ware on January ist, 1633, to obtain beans from the Indians. He encountered
a whale on the first day, at the mouth of the river, and "two large whales near
the yacht" on the following day, which made him wish for the sloop and the
harpooners which were lying at Swanendael. On the 5th of the month the
yacht arrived before "the little fort named Nassau." The fort was unoccu-
pied except by Indians, who were assembled there to barter furs, but De Vries
"was in want of Turkish beans and had no goods to exchange for peltries."
He was advised by the Indians to enter Timmer kill, but was cautioned by an
Indian woman not to enter the kill entirely. This woman, after having been
bribed by the present of a cloth garment, discovered the fact that the crew of
an English sloop had been murdered, who had gone into Count Ernest's river,
and the story was confirmed by the appearance of some of the Indians dressed
in English jackets. Thus placed on his guard, and by making the Indians be-
lieve that he had been made acquainted with their wicked designs through the
agency of their own evil spirit, Manitrie. he was enabled to make a lasting
peace with them, which was concluded with the usual Indian solemnities.
Soon after this, some corn was obtained, and also some beavers.
On the loth, at noon, they came to anchor at "Jaques Island," and on the
day following, in the evening, "about half-a-mile above Minquas Kill," they
saw a whale six or seven times, which surprised them, as it was "seven or
eight miles (Dutch) into fresh water." On the 13th, they had arrived at the
ship at Swanendael, where they were greeted by their friends, who in their
absence had shot two whales which yielded but little oil.
On January 18, goods were placed in the yacht, which again sailed up the
river, but was frozen up in Wyngaert's kill from January 19, till February 3rd.
While here they shot wild turkeys weighing from thirty to thirty-six pounds f
When they reached Fort Nassau they found no Indians, the fort being evacu-
ated, but as it had commenced to freeze again, and being apprehensive of dan-
ger, if frozen up where they were, they "hauled into a kill over against the
fort," where they remained eight days before the ice broke. The Indians soon
made their appearance in unusually large numbers, for it turned out that a
war was raging between the "Minquas. who dwell among the English in Vir-
ginia," and the tribes on this river, one of which De\^ries calls Armewamen,.
DELAWARE COUNTY ii
and another Sankiekens. After having been subjected to very great danger
from the Indians and floating ice, they returned again to the ship on the 20th,
after an absence of a month. There was great rejoicing at their safe return
by those left at Swanendael, as "they did not imagine that we had been frozen
up in the river, as no pilot or astrologer could conceive, that in the latitude
from the thirty-eighth and a half to the thirty-ninth, such rapid running rivers
could freeze."
Still in pursuit of supplies, but partly to gratify a little vanity in being the
first of his countrymen to visit that country, he set sail for Virginia on March
6th. Here he met with an exceedingly kind reception from the governor, but
after informing his excellency that he came from South river, he was made
acquainted with Lord Delaware's visit to the bay, and the English title thereto ;
whereupon our worthy captain duly set forth the Dutch claim to the country,
resting it on the establishment of Fort Nassau. "It was strange to the gover-
nor that he should have such neighbours and never heard of them." The gov-
ernor sent six goats by De Vries for the governor at Fort Amsterdam, and,
after having purchased provisions, he returned to the whale fishery at Swan-
endael,
During his absence but seven whales had been caught, and they very poor
ones, yielding but thirty-two cartels of oil. Seventeen had been struck, which
went to show that the bay was frequented by those creatures, but their poor-
ness seemed to satisfy De Vries that the business would not be profitable. On
April 14, he sailed for Fort Amsterdam (New York) on his return to Europe,
leaving no colony behind him, and the whole bay and river free from any
European settlement.
As we go along it will be necessary to note the changes in the govern-
ment to which the country embracing the territory now occupied by our little
county was subjected. Director Minuit having been recalled, was succeeded
by Wouter Van Twiller, who arrived at Fort Amsterdam in the spring of
1633 in one of the company's ships, with 104 soldiers, the first military force
ever detailed for New Netherland. He was a near relative to the patroon,
Van Rensselaer.
On April 10, 1633, Chancellor Oxenstiern revived the interest which had
formerly existed in Sweden in respect to colonies, in signing, by authority of
the crown, the proclamation that had been left unsigned by Gustavus Adol-
phus. The time for uniting with the company was extended to the first of the
next year, and William Usselinex appointed the first Director. The trade in
peltries at this time became very profitable, which induced the new Director
to turn his attention to that species of trade on the Delaware. With the view
of rendering it more secure to the West India Company, it is said he directed
Arent Corsen, who had been appointed commissary at Fort Nassau, to pur-
chase from the Indians a tract of land situated on the Schuylkill, which pur-
chase was accordingly made during the year 1633. This is the first claim to
land in our vicinity by virtue of a title acquired from the Indians.
The extreme jealousy of the West India Company lest any one should
12 DELAWARE COUNTY
share with them in the smallest degree the trade of New Netherland, led to
fierce disputes with patroons still residing in Holland. The different interpre-
tations put on the charter of the company, and on the privileges granted by
them to the patroons, were well calculated to widen the breach between the
parties. With the view of terminating these unpleasant quarrels, and it may
have been partly on political considerations, the Directors of the company
were authorized by the Assembly of XIX of the States General, to repurchase
patroonships. Under this authority, the patroon owners of Swanendael, on
February 7, 1635, retransferred all their right, title and interest in their lands
on both sides of the bay, to the West India Company for the sum of 15,600
guilders, ($6,240.) All charters, maps and papers concerning the aforesaid
colonies were to be delivered over to the purchasers. This transaction was
well calculated to put an end to private enterprise on the Delaware river on
Dutch account, and probably had that effect.
The British government never having recognized the claims of the Dutch
to any part of North America, a party from the English colony on the Con-
necticut river, consisting of George Holmes, his hired man Thomas Hall, and
about a dozen others, attempted to effect a settlement on the Delaware in 1635.
Hall deserted his master, and the others, failing in an attack upon Fort Nas-
sau, were captured by the garrison and sent to Manhattan. These English-
men were not punished, but were permitted to settle in the vicinity of Fort
Amsterdam, and are said to be the first English settlers among the Dutch on
Manhattan. This Thomas Hall became a man of some distinction, as his
name frequently appears in the Dutch records. Although this attack on the
Dutch fort was unsuccessful, the fact that it was made by so small a party is
evidence of the weakness of the garrison and of the small establishment kept
on the Delaware by the company at this time, to protect its trade ; nor is there
any evidence that this force was kept there permanently.
Up to this period there is no reliable evidence that the Dutch had effected
any permanent settlement on the Delaware; and, unless the unfortunate colon-
ists at Swanendael be an exception, no one had adopted its shores as his home
for life or as an abiding place for his posterity. From the period of the foray
of Holmes and his Englishmen till about the time of the arrival of the Swedes
in 1638, the doings of the Dutch on our river remain very much in the dark
for want of authentic documents on the subject during that period. A report
made to the States General in April of that year, "on the condition of the
colony of New Netherland," furnishes rather conclusive evidence that noth-
ing of the kind had been attempted. Even the present occupancy of the river
is not claimed, as will be seen by the following question and answer extracted
from that document:
"Are these limits, (limits including the Delaware,) in the possession, at the present
time, of the West India Company, and the inhabitants of this country?" Answer: "We
occupy Mauritius, or the North river; where there are two forts, Orange and Amster-
dam ; and there is moreover one house built by the company, and that is most of the
population."
DELAWARE COUNTY 13
The house here spoken of, in the opinion of Dr. O'Callaghan, the very
best authority on the subject, was the "House of Good Hope," built by the
Dutch on the Connecticut river.
The charter of the Swedish West India Company having been completed
it was printed in Hamburg in 1635. It was not, however, till 1637 that any
active operations connected with the establishment of a colony on the Dela-
ware were commenced. The name of William Usselinex, the projector not
only of the Swedish Company but also that of the Dutch and who had been
named in the proclamation of Oxenstiern as the "first director," no longer ap-
pears.
Arrangements having been fully made for planting a Swedish colony (on
the Delaware), the expedition for its establishment was placed under the
charge of Peter Minuit, who had served the Dutch West India Company as
their first Director, and who no doubt had a practical acquaintance with the
river. The squadron consisted of but two ships the "Key of Kalmar," a man-
of-war, and the "Grififin," a tender. They sailed from Gottenburg very late
in 1637 or early in 1638, both vessels "being well stored with provisions, am-
munition and goods proper for commerce with the Indians, and donations for
them." The first notice of the arrival of the expedition on our coast is con-
tained in a letter written from Jamestown, in Virginia, by Jerome Hawley,
treasurer of that colony, dated May 8th, 1638. The date of arrival is not giv-
en, but it was subsequent to March 20th, of that year, and at least ten days
prior to date of his letter. Minuit refused to exhibit his commission to the
authorities of Virginia except upon condition of free trade in tobacco to be
carried to Sweden, which was refused as being "contrary to his Majesty's in-
structions," but he freely proclaimed the fact that "he held it from the young
queen of Sweden," and that "it was signed by eight of the chief lords" of
that government. During the ten days the ship remained at Jamestown, to
refresh with wood and water, Minuit also made known "that both himself and
another ship of his company were bound for Delaware Bay," which, in the
language of the letter, "is the confines of Virginia and New England, and there
they pretend to make a plantation and to plant tobacco, which the Dutch do
also already on the Hudson river, which is the very next river northward from
Delaware bay."
Minuit having sailed from Jamestown previous to May 8, the date of the
treasurer's letter, the time of his arrival in the Delaware may be estimated with
sufficient accuracy. There are still other facts that will narrow down the
period during which he must have arrived.
Van Twiller had been succeeded as Director-general of New Netherland
by William Kieft, who arrived at Fort Amsterdam on March 28 of this year.
As early as April 28, this new and vigilant Director had been made acquainted
with the arrival of the Swedes on the Delaware, as on that day he addressed
a communication to the directors of the West India Company advising them
of the movements of Minuit, a notice of which he had received from Peter
May, the assistant commissary at Fort Nassau. One of the Swedish vessels
14 DELAWARE COUNTY
had sailed past the fort, had dropped down again, had been prevented from
going up a second time, and had been visited officially by ]Mey for the purpose
of seeing Minuit's license, previous to sending a notice to Kieft of the arrival
of the strangers. These transactions, with the time required for a messenger
to reach the seat of government, must have occupied at least a week ; besides,
it is fair to presume that the Swedes had been in the Delaware several days be-
fore the Dutch assistant commissary had become aware of their presence. As
they could not have left Jamestown before April ist, the time of their arrival
in the bay could not vary more than a few days from the middle of that
month.
Sailing up the bay, Minuit first landed at "Paradise Point," now known
as "Mispillon Point," a short distance above the site that had been occupied by
the unfortunate colony of De Vries and his co-patroons. The next place at
which he cast anchor was off the mouth of the Minquas river, which in honor
of the young Queen of Sweden he named Christina. On this stream, about
two and a half miles from its mouth, ]Minuit eflfected a landing at a point
then favorable for that purpose, and now known as "The Rocks." Here, after
having purchased the land from the Indians, he erected a fort or trading
house, upon which he also bestowed the name of the Swedish sovereign.
Immediately upon receiving notice of the arrival of the Swedes on the
Delaware, Director-general Kieft dispatched Jan Jansen, clerk of Fort Am-
sterdam, to keep a watch over their doings, with instructions, in case Minuit in-
tended to do anything to the disadvantage of the Dutch, "to protest against
him in due form." This duty was faithfully performed but, failing to have the
desired effect. Director Kieft caused the commander of the Swedes to be
served with a protest under his own hand. Minuit being aware of the weak-
ness of the Dutch at Manhattan, and of the disinclination that government
would have at that time to have a misunderstanding with her Swedish Maj-
esty, had but little regard for these paper missiles, but proceeded on with the
erection of his fort, which was soon completed, when he heartily engaged in
the trade of the country, a business he had learned in the service of the Dutch.
Before the end of July both vessels had departed for Sweden well freighted
with furs. This rapid progress of the Swedish colony, which was doubtless
owing to the intelligence and experience of the commander, became so alarm-
ing to the Dutch Governor at Manhattan that he at once advised the West
India Company in respect to it, by a letter dated July 31, 1638, of which the
following is an extract : "Minuyt erected a fort on the South river, five leagues
from ours ; attracted all the peltries to himself by means of liberal gifts ; de-
parted thence with two attendant ships, leaving 24 men in the fort, provided
with all sorts of goods and provisions, had posts set up with these letters, C.
R. S., &c."
From this letter it might be inferred that Commander Minuit returned to
Sweden with the ships. Acrelius, however, gives us to understand that he
did not, but remained and "did great service to the Swedish colony," and dur-
DELAWARE COUNTY 15
ing three years protected this small fort which the Dutch never attempted;"
and that "after some years he died at this place."
A most important act performed by Minuit was the purchase from the
Indians of the whole western shore of the Delaware, to the falls, near the pres-
ent site of Trenton. Besides giving the Swedes some show of an equitable ti-
tle to the country against the legal claim set up by the Dutch, it enabled the
Swedish settlers to occupy their lands in a manner much more satisfactory to
the natives. It is but fair to state, that this purchase by the Swedes was called
in question by the Dutch authorities of Manhattan at a subsequent period, on
the flimsy testimony of certain Indians, procured in a very questionable man-
ner. These Indians denied "that the Swedes or any other nation had bought
lands of them as right owners" except a "small patch" embracing Christina
fort. These savages, of whom Mattehoorn was one, claimed to be the "great
chiefs and proprietors of the lands, both by ownership and descent, and ap-
pointment of the Minquas and river Indians."
There is still other evidence of this early Swedish purchase. Captain Is-
rael Helm, who was a justice of Upland court, informed the Rev. Mr. Rud-
man of the purchase, to the extent that has been mentioned, and that the "old
people" had informed him that they often had seen there "fixed stakes and
marks." "The purchase was formerly stated in writing, under which the In-
dians placed their marks." This was seen by Mr. Helm when at Stockholm.
This digression, to establish the Swedish purchase from the natives, will
be excused, as it was the first effort of civilized man to extinguish the Indian
title to the district of country that is to claim our particular attention. It will
be seen that it embraced Swanendael, for which the Dutch had already ac-
quired the Indian title, and also the lands about the Schuylkill, to which, on
account of prior purchase, they set up a rather doubtful claim. The lands
within the limits of our county were free from any counter claim on this ac-
count; and it follows that to the wise policy of the Swedes we are really in-
debted for the extinguishment of the Indian title to our lands, — a policy first
introduced by the Dutch as a matter of expediency, and subsequently adopted
by William Penn on the score of strict justice to the natives. But it cannot be
contended that, in accordance with national law, this purchase from the na-
tives gave to the Swedish government any legal claim to the country. They
had no legal right to make purchases from the Indians. To the Dutch, as dis-
coverers of the river, belonged the right of preemption, or, if any doubt ex-
isted on this point, it would be in favor of the English. As against the Swedes,
the Dutch claim rested not only on discovery, but the exercise of preemption
and occupancy.
The Rev. Reorus Torkillus accompanied the Swedish expedition and re-
mained with the colony at Christina as its pastor, where he died about five
years afterwards. The Dutch, who had a small garrison at Fort Nassau at
the time of the arrival of the Swedes, continued to maintain it there, as well
for the purposes of trade as to keep a strict watch on the movements of the
new comers, of which Director Kieft was kept constantly advised. It is from
i6 DELAWARE COUNTY
his rather ill tempered communications to the West India Company that we
have the little that is known in respect to the Christina colony for the next two
years.
In 1639 they had so much interfered with the Dutch trade on the river as
to reduce it to "a small amount," and "by underselling had depressed and con-
tinue still to keep down the market." Up to October of that year the Dutch
trade had "fallen short full 30,000 (beavers)," but hopes were entertained
"that they must soon move off, if not reinforced." The location of Fort Chris-
tina was not very favorable to health, and it is probable that the despondency
incident to ill-health had something to do with the projected removal of the
colony. That it did not happen was owing to the timely arrival of fresh set-
tlers, we learn from a letter of Director Kieft, dated the last of May, 1640, of
which the following is an extract. "The Swedes in the South river were re-
solved to move off and to come here. A day before their departure a ship
arrived with a reinforcement." The same in substance is repeated in another
letter from the Dutch Director, dated October 15, following. This timely ar-
rival at once revived the confidence of the colony, and blasted the hopes of
the Dutch.
On January 24th, 1640, a passport was granted by the Swedish govern-
ment to "Captain Jacob Powellson, with the vessel under his command, named
'Fredenburg,' laden with men, cattle, and other things necessary for the
cultivation of the country; (who) designs departing from Holland to America
or the West Indies, and there establishing himself in the country called New
Sweden." Passports for other vessels connected with the Hochhanmer set-
tlement or patroonship were granted in blank at the same time, and an agent
named Jost De Bogardt was appointed, who accompanied the expedition.
Peter Hollander, a Swede, appointed to succeed Peter Minuit as governor
of New Sweden, arrived in the first of the vessels that brought out the Dutch
colony, or, what is more probable, came in one of the vessels sent shortly after-
wards for the relief and reinforcement of the colony at Christina. His admin-
istration continued but one year and a half, when he returned to occupy a
military post in his native country. (A more full account of the founding of
New Sweden will be found in the Pennsylvania Magazine, vol. iii, p. 269.)
Since the unsuccessful efl'ort of George Holmes and his small company in
1635, we have no notice of any attempt by the English to make a settlement on
our river till about this period. Their operations, even now, are involved in
much uncertainty. Mr. Samuel Hazard, whose investigations have thrown so
much light on the early settlements on the Delaware, after diligent search
among the ancient records of New England "can collect but little definite in-
formation on the subject," except that several attempts at settlement were
made. In a Dutch document descriptive of New Netherland, published in
1649, the efforts of the English "at divers times and places to annex this South
river," is adverted to. According to this authority they had previously to that
time been prevented from making actual settlements "by divers protests and
DELAWARE COUNTY 17
by being expelled by force, well knowing if they but once happened to settle
there, the river would be lost, or cause considerable trouble."
In the records of the United Colonies evidence exists that an effort was
made in 1640 to plant a colony from New Haven. A Captain Turner, agent
for New Haven, made a large purchase "on both sides of Delaware bay and
river." Besides trade, the object of the purchase "was for the settlement of
churches in gospel order and purity."
In the year 1641, against the anxious admonition of Director General
Kieft, a company of emigrants from New Haven proceeded to the Delaware in
a barque fitted out by a Mr. Lamberton, and placed under the command of
Robert Cogswell. Notwithstanding the purchases of land made the previous
year, these emigrants made others, and located themselves on Varkenskill,
near the present town of Salem, New Jersey, in direct violation of a promise
made by the captain of their vessel to Director Kieft. New England history
and records establish the fact that such a settlement had been commenced on
the Delaware ; but the actual existence of English settlers at the locality men-
tioned is first officially noticed in the instructions of John Printz, the. third
governor of New Sweden. The instructions, which are drawn up with ability
and with a very correct knowledge of the river, are dated at Stockholm, Au-
gust 15, 1642. They left it to the discretion of the Governor either to attract
these English families (numbering about sixty persons) under the authority of
the crown of Sweden, or what the government thought better, to secure their
removal. To effect the latter alternative, the governor had the sanction of his
sovereign "to work underhand as much as possible, with good manners and
with success."
In another attempt by the English to make a settlement on the Delaware,
they did not even keep at a respectful distance from other settlements, "but
had the audacity to land in the South river," opposite Fort Nassau, "where
they made a beginning of settling on the Schuylkill, without any commission of
a potentate." This intrusion, in the estimation of the Dutch, was an affair of
"ominous consequence" that might eventually result in the ruin of their trade
on the South river.
No time was to be lost in getting rid of these dangerous rivals; and, in
consequence of a resolution of the authorities of New Amsterdam that this
was to be done, "in the best manner possible," two yachts were placed under
the charge of Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam, with particular instructions for that
object. These instructions were promptly carried out in respect to those lo-
cated on the Schuylkill, who, it appears, were only a company of traders, and
their whole establishment a single trading house. This house was burnt, and
those in charge of it subjected to indignities and losses by the attacking party.
Smith, in his "History of New York," supposes these English intruders to
have come from Maryland, but this is not credited by Bozman, the historian of
that province, because "no Maryland records have been found that mention
any such an attempt from that quarter."
The English colony on Salem creek was also got rid of. In effecting its
2
i8 DELAWARE COUNTY
removal, the Swedes have the credit of lending a helping hand to the Dutch.
The only measures in which the Dutch and Swedes could unite harmoniously
in carrying out, were such as would keep the English from gaining a footing
on the river.
Our narrative has now reached a period in which the citizens of Delaware
county will feel a local and more direct interest. The government of New
Sweden, and substantially that of the whole river, now passed into the hands
of John Printz, who established his seat of government within the limits of
our county. This was the first settlement made by civilized man within its
limits, and the first permanent settlement within the bounds of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania of which any record exists.
The new governor was a military man. and held a commission as lieuten-
ant-colonel of cavalr}\ His instructions, dated at Stockholm, August 15. 164^,
are very carefully prepared, with a full knowledge both of the geography and
the condition of the country. They enjoin upon him to see that neither violence
nor injustice was done nor permitted to be done to the Indians, and that, in
order to secure their trade and goodwill, he should "furnish them with the
things they require at lower prices than those they receive from the Dutch of
Fort Nassau, or from the English, their neighbors." If he felt able to protect
himself in Fort Giristina he was to engage the people to give themselves to ag-
riculture with zeal, "especially sowing enough grain to support the people un-
der his orders ;" after which his attention was to be given "to the culture of
tobacco." Besides the cattle and sheep sent out. he was at liberty to purchase
others from his English neighbours, and. "before all," he was to direct his at-
tention to the sheep, "in order to have a good species," so that a considerable
portion of good wool might in future be sent to the mother country. The
trade in peltries was to be supported in a good condition, and the manufacture
of salt, the culture of the grape, and the raising of silk-worms suggested.
Metals and minerals were to be sought after, and how fisheries may be estab-
lished "with profit" was to be inquired into, "as according to report they may,
at certain times of the year, establish the whale fisheries in Godyn's bay and its
neighborhood."
Whatever regarded police, government, and the administration of justice.
was to be done "in the name of her Majesty and of the crown of Sweden."
From necessity it was not possible to give "perfect and detailed instructions,"
but much was left to the discretion of the governor. Great offenders might be
punished "with imprisonment and other proportionate punishments, and even
with death," but not otherwise "than according to the ordinances and legal
forms, and after having sufficiently considered and examined the afifair with
the most noted persons, such as the most prudent assessors of justice that he
can find and consult in the country." The Dutch colonists sent over two years
before and settled below Fort Christina, were to be permitted to exercise the
reformed religion — all others were to be subject to the Augsburg Confession,
and the ceremonies of the Swedish church. Thus it will be seen that the settle-
DELAWARE COUNTY 19
merit of our county commenced with an established reUgion, though it cannot
be said that conformity to it was ever rigorously exacted.
As mentioned, the Swedes based their claim to the country wholly upon
their purchases made from the Indians, followed by occupation. The extent
of that claim is estimated at thirty German miles in length — its width in the in-
terior, as had been stipulated and decreed in the contracts with the savages,
"that the subjects of her Majesty and the members of the Navigation Com-
pany, might take up as much land as they wished."
The Swedish Dutch colony is referred to in the instructions to Printz, as
subject immediately to Commander Jost De Bogardt, but the governor is en-
joined to see that the stipulated conditions under which the settlement was
made, are complied with, and their removal to a greater distance from Fort
Christina is suggested.
Previous to the issuing of these instructions to Governor Printz, the two
vessels, the "Stoork" and the "Renown," which were to bear him and his fel-
low adventurers to New Sweden, had sailed from Stockholm for Gottenburg
to complete their equipments. According to the Rev. John Campanius, who
accompanied the expedition, they sailed from Gottenburg on November ist,
1642, and after a tedious voyage by way of Antigua arrived at Fort Christina
on February 15, 1643, having experienced a severe snow storm ofif the Hooern
kill, from which one of the vessels sustained great damage.
The energetic character of the new governor is abundantly evinced dur-
ing his administration ; and. could his acts always have been tempered by pru-
dence, his success would have been greater. The expedition under his com-
mand was the most formidable that had entered the Delaware, and it required
him but a very short time to give the Swedish establishment on the river a very
imposing aspect. His instructions required that the river might "be shut" or
"commanded." For this purpose, the position of Fort Christina at once de-
termined its insufficiency. The bold shore of the island of Tennaconk (Tini-
cum,) then extending further into the river than it now does, was wisely se-
lected as the site for a new fortress ; for while by its position it commanded
the river, its proximity to Fort Nassau enabled the governor more readily to
control the operations of the Dutch. Its insular position also rendered it more
secure from attacks by the Indians.
Besides the fort, named New Gottenburg, Governor Printz "caused to be
built there a mansion for himself and family which was very handsome ; there
was a fine orchard, a pleasure house, and other conveniences. He called it
Printz Hall." The dilapidated remains of what was said to be the chimney of
this mansion were standing within the recollection of the author, and up to this
time one of the small foreign made bricks, of a pale yellow color of which it
was partly constructed, may be occasionally picked up in the vicinity. Its site
was a short distance above the present Tinicum Hotel, and on the opposite side
of the road. The fort, we are told by Hudde, was built of groenen logs, the
one on the other, and "was pretty strong." Groenen has been translated hem-
lock, but as that timber did not grow within any convenient distance, and that
20 DELAWARE COUNTY
of a kind much better fitted for the purpose was at hand, there is evidently a
mistake either in the translation or in the statement of Hudde.
This vigilant governor did not feel satisfied that he had quite "shut the
river" by the erection of Fort Gottenburg ; for before the expiration of eight
months from the day of his arrival, he had completed another fortress near
the mouth of Salem creek, which he called Elfsborg or Elsinborg, and on
which were mounted eight brass twelve-pounders.
Upon the arrival of Governor Printz, the only European population on
the river were the few persons occupying the Dutch Fort Nassau, the Swedish
colony at Christina, and the Dutch patroon colony established by the Swedish
government at one or more points lower down. How many persons accom-
panied the governor is not known, but the number, though not large, was
probably greater than the whole previous population of the river. He brought
with him his wife and one daughter, and probably other members of his fam-
ily ; a lieutenant-governor and secretary, a chaplain and surgeon (barber,) be-
sides twenty-four regular soldiers, with officers suflficient for a much large
force. These, with ample military stores and provisions for the garrison, and
a large stock of goods suitable for Indian tratlfic, which is known to have con-
stituted part of the freight of the two vessels, would leave little space for act-
ual settlers, their household goods and implements of husbandry. Still a con-
siderable number of settlers accompanied the expedition, who doubtless fixed
their places of abode within a convenient distance of the newly erected forts.
It was the first successful colony planted within the limits of Pennsylvania.
We are told by Campanius that "on this island [Tinicum] the principal in-
habitants had their dwellings and plantations." From the limited extent of the
island this could not have continued long in respect to the plantations. In
1645, when Andreas Hudde, the Dutch commissary on the Delaware, made his
examination of the river preparatory to making his report to the government,
there were on the same side of the river with Fort Christina and about two
[Dutch] miles higher up, "some plantations" which, in the language of the re-
port, "are continued nearly a mile ; but few houses only are built, and these
at considerable distances from each other. The farthest of these is not far
from Tinnekonk. * * * Farther on, at the same side, till you come to the
Schuylkill, being about two miles, there is not a single plantation, neither at
Tinnekonk, because near the river nothing is to be met but underwood and val-
ley lands." This report, from such a close and accurate observer as Hudde, ren-
ders it certain that the immigrants who accompanied Printz. as they spread
themselves from Tinicum, at first for a time, continued within the bounds of
what is now Delaware county. The points on the river where no marsh or
fiats intervene between the water and the shore, were doubtless the locations
first occupied by these settlers. Chester, Marcus Hook, and one or two points
above and below, may therefore claim a priority of settlement to any part of
the county of Philadelphia, and after Tinicum, of any part of the common-
w^ealth.
It is not easy at this time to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion in re-
DELAWARE COUNTY 21
spect to the social and domestic condition of the settlers on the Delaware at
the time of the arrival of Governor Printz, and for a short time afterwards.
The Swedes were of three classes : "The company's servants, who were em-
ployed by them in various capacities ; those who came to the country 'to better
their fortunes,' and who, by way of distinction, were called freemen; and a
third class, consisting of vagabonds and malefactors," who "were to remain in
slavery and were employed in digging earth, throwing up trenches, and erect-
ing walls and other fortifications."
Fort Nassau was merely a military establishment to maintain a trading
post. It is not known that any actual settlement had been made at that point
previous to the arrival of Governor Printz, or for some time afterwards. The
fort was occupied by the soldiers and servants of the Dutch West India Com-
pany, and there is reason to believe that at times some of the latter were ne-
gro slaves.
But little is known of the early doings of the settlement of Hollanders un-
der Swedish authority on the river and bay below Christina. As has been be-
fore observed, this colony had its origin in the bitter feuds that existed be-
tween the patroons and the West India Company. The chief element in this
controversy was the amount of trade which should be enjoyed by the patroons,
which the company seemed determined to wholly monopolize. As the trading
privileges contained in the Swedish grant to these Hollanders are strikingly
liberal, it is reasonable to conclude that trade at first constituted their chief
employment.
In respect to domestic animals, goats were probably first introduced. In
the investigation of charges brought against Governor Van Twiller in 1639, a
witness mentions "twenty-four to thirty goats" as being in his custody at Forts
Hope and Nassau. The careful and prudent Minuit had no doubt suppHed his
settlement at Christina with both cattle and sheep. In the grant to the colony
of Hollanders it was provided that they should take "two or three vessels with
men and cattle," and as the English settlers at Vrakens kill (Salem) came
from New England, they were doubtless well supplied with domestic animals,
which were probably left on the river when they abandoned their new home.
Prior to this period, but very few females of European birth had resided
on the Delaware. There was not one in the ill-fated colony at Swanendael, by
her supplication for mercy, to stay the hand of savage cruelty. The affidavit
of Dame Catelina Tricho, before referred to, establishes the fact that on at
least one occasion four females accompanied their husbands to Fort Nassau;
but, as the fort was soon abandoned, and only occupied occasionally up to
the arrival of Printz, their residence here could only have been temporary.
There is also some evidence that the colony at Christina did not consist ex-
clusively of the male sex. The Rev. Reorus Torkillus, the Swedish priest who
accompanied Minuit, w^e are informed by Campanius, took a wife there by
whom he had one child previous to his death February 23d, 1643. It is not
to be supposed that Mrs. Torkillus was the sole representative of her sex in
that colony; nor would it be reasonable to conclude that the colony of Jost
22 DELAWARE COUNTY
De Bogardt had omitted to introduce an item so necessary to its prosperity and
permanency. Still, the number of European females on the river prior to the
arrival of Governor Printz, must have been very few, and, even with the addi-
tion brought by him, the number must have been disproportionately small com-
pared with the other sex.
Tobacco and maize and probably beans were Indian productions of the
river prior to the arrival of the Dutch or Swedes. \Mieat. rye and buckwheat,
v/ith a number of garden vegetables, had become articles of culture at this
period. But the immigrant settlers had none of the luxuries, and but few of
the comforts of civilized life. Where woman was so nearly excluded, but few
could feel that they had a home even in name.
In respect to religion, there is nothing on record except that the Rev. Mr.
Torkillus officiated as clergyman at a church built within the walls of Fort
Christina, up to the period of his death.
The river is generally spoken of as healthful : but it would appear that
great sickness and mortality prevailed among the settlers in 1642. Winthrop
attributes the dissolution of the English "plantation," that is, the settlement at
Salem creek, to the sickness that prevailed that year. He says "the same sick-
ness and mortality befell the Swedes settled on the same river." The despond-
ency with which the early colonists were usually seized, was well calculated to
increase the mortality of any serious disease that might liapi)en to prevail.
Up to this period, notwithstanding the repeated sales of large tracts of
land that had been made to the Dutch and Swedes by the Indians, the country
remained substantially one unbroken forest, and was almost as much in posses-
sion of the savages as when Cornelis Mey first sailed up the river. They had
received but little compensation for their lands, but as yet they had the
same use of them as they had heretofore enjoyed — not dreaming that the en-
joyment of these lands by the white man was eventually to result in the total
exclusion of their race. The time has now arrived for dispelling this delusion.
The traffic that necessarily made the savage a party, is gradually to give place
to the culture of the soil, that renders his presence a nuisance.
Before resuming our narrative it may not be amiss briefly to advert to the
Indian tribes that occupied the river when first visited by Europeans. These
tribes, collectively, have been designated Leni Lenape. or Delaware Indians.
They had once been a more powerful and warlike nation, but had been con-
quered by those more northern and western assemblages of Red Men known in
history as the "Five Nations." Not only were they a conquered people, but,
on the condition of still being permitted to occupy their lands, they had sub-
jected themselves to a kind of vassalage that excluded them from engaging in
war, and, according to Indian ideas of such matters, they were placed on a
footing with women. They remained in this degraded condition until the last
remnant of the nation had left the shores of the Delaware. The Leni Lenape
were not exclusively confined to the shores of the Delaware. They occupied
most of New Jersey and the whole valley of the Schuylkill. The northern por-
tion of this large district was occupied by a division of the nation called Minsi,
DELAWARE COUNTY 23
or Muncys. The Nanticokes, a rather warUke independent nation, occupied
the eastern shore of the Chesapeake.
The Delaware Indians enjoyed the advantage of a general exemption
from the horrors of savage warfare, as a guaranteed protection was an inci-
dent to their vassalage; but they were frequently subjected to the intrusions of
parties of the Five Nations, who occupied portions of the Lenape country as
their occasions required. The ]\linquas, whose name was borne by the Chris-
tina river, was among the warlike tribes that most frequently visited the Dela-
ware for trade. Campanius located them twelve (Swedish) miles from New
Sv»'eden, "on a mountain very difificult to cHmb." He also describes them as a
very warlike tribe, who had forced the Delaware Indians, who were not so
warlike, to be afraid of them "and made them subjects and tributary to them
so that they dare not stir, much less go to war against them." The Minquas
Indians, as a tribe, belonged to the Five Nations. They resided upon the Con-
estoga, but their visits to the Delaware for purposes of trade or to fish were
frequent.
It will thus be seen that the early settlers on the Delaware had two classes
of Indians very different in character to deal with ; the one a constant inhabi-
tant of the country, whose presence was familiar to them and caused no un-
easiness ; the other, an occasional visitor whose stay amongst them, when the
object of it was not well understood, excited apprehensions for their safety.
The Lenape lived in small tribes, generally occupying the tributaries of the
Delaware. Each tribe was frequently known to the settlers by the Indian
name of the stream it occupied.
Governor Printz possessed many qualifications that fitted him for the po-
sition he occupied. His plans were laid wnth good judgment, and were exe-
cuted with energ>'. He managed the trade of the river with the natives so as
to monopolize nearly the whole; and while the jealousy of the Dutch on this
account was excessive, he succeeded in avoiding an open rupture with that
government. But he was imperious and haughty and sometimes gave offence,
especially in personal interviews, when a milder course would have better be-
fitted the occasion.
Though the Swedes had erected a fort on the Jersey side of the river,
they never placed so high an estimate on their title to the land on that side as
to that on the western shore. As a consequence, most of their settlements
were at first made on this side of the Delaware, up which and the Schuylkill
they were gradually extended. These rivers and our numerous tide-water
creeks constituted the highways of the Swedish settlers, and it was in close
proximity with these streams their habitations were erected.
Campanius informs us that in the beginning of Governor Printz's admui-
istration "there came a great number of criminals who were sent over from
Sweden. When the European inhabitants perceived it they would not suffer
them to set their foot on shore, but they were all obliged to return, so that a
great many of them perished on the voyage." The same author says that it
"was after this forbidden, under a penalty, to send any more criminals to
24 DELAWARE COUNTY
America, lest Almighty God should let his vengeance fall on the ships and
goods, and the virtuous people that were on board." This part of the state-
ment is not strictly correct, for reliable evidence exists that an individual was
sentenced to be transported to New Sweden nearly ten years subsequently.
The settlement of the country proceeded very slowly under the Swedish
dynasty, while trade was pushed to an extent never before known upon the
river. This was a source of great annoyance to the Dutch, as the trade of the
river was lost to them in proportion as it was acquired by the Swedes. In
the language of Van der Donk, they "would regret to lose such a jewel by the
devices and hands of a few strangers."
It is by no means wonderful, that the Dutch should become alarmed at the
progress the Swedes were making in securing the trade of the river, for dur-
ing the year 1644 they freighted two of their vessels, the "Key of Calmar"
and the "Fame," with cargoes that included 2.127 packages of beaver and 70,-
421 pounds of tobacco. This shipment of tobacco would indicate that this
noxious plant was cultivated to a considerable extent on the river at that
early period.
The Swedes mill, known to have been the first mill erected in Pennsyl-
vania, was probably built this year, though it possibly might have been erected
during the year 1643. It was located on Cobb's creek, immediately above the
bridge, near the Blue Bell tavern. From the holes in the rocks at the point
mentioned, the mill must have occupied a position partly over the stream, and
was doubtless driven by a tub-wheel, which required but little gearing. Kara-
kung, as given by Campanius, was the Indian name of Cobb's creek. This
mill, which the governor "caused to be erected," he says, "was a fine mill which
ground both fine and coarse flour, and was going early and late ; it was the
first that was seen in the country. There was no fort near it. but only a strong
house, built of hickory, and inhabited by freemen."
The jealousy of the Dutch on account of the progress made by the
Swedes, induced their Governor (Kieft) to send an agent to the Delaware to
keep a watch on the procedures of Governor Printz, and to resist his supposed
innovations. The person selected was Andreas Hudde. whose report, though
incomplete, was made at different dates. That part of it from which the two
following paragraphs have been taken, was made November ist, 1645. As it
will be seen, the Swedes mill was then erected, and was erected by Governor
Printz, who arrived in the country in 1642, the date of its erection can hardly
vary from the time above mentioned.
"In regard to this Schuylkill, these are lands purchased and possessed by the
Company. He (Governor Printz.) employed the Company's carpenter, and constructed
there a fort on a very convenient spot on an island near the borders of the kill, which
is from the west side secured by another creek, and from the south, south-east, and east
side with valley lands. It lays about the distance of a gun-shot in the kill. On the
south side of this kill, on the same island, beautiful corn is raised. This fort cannot,
in any manner whatever, obtain any control on the river, but it has the command over the
whole creek ; while this kill or creek is the only remaining avenue for trade with the
Minquas, and without this trade the river is of little valur "
DELAWARE COUNTY 25
"At a little distance from this fort was a creek to the farthest distant wood,
which place is named Kinsessing by the savages, which was before a certain and invari-
able resort for trade ^ith the Minquas, but which is now opposed by the Swedes, having
there built a strong house. About a half a mile further in the woods, Governor Printz
constructed a mill on a kill which runs into the sea [river] not far to the south of
Matinnekonk, and on this kill a strong building just by the path which leads to the
Minquas ; and this place is called by the savages Kakarikonk, so that no access to the
Minquas is left open ; and he, too, controls nearly all the trade of the savages on the
river, as the greatest part of them go a hunting in that neighborhood, which they are not
able to do without passing by his residence."
The above extracts have been introduced not only because they exhibit
the means resorted to by the Swedes to secure the whole trade of the river,
but because they contain all that the Dutch Commissary Hudde relates on the
subject of the location of the Swedish fort on the Schuylkill; in respect to
which Mr. Ferris, in his "History of the Original Settlements on the Delaware,"
has fallen into a very serious error — an error the correction of which has
been rendered more important from the fact that the opinion of Mr. Ferris has
been relied upon by subsequent writers, on account of his supposed "local
knowledge." Mr. Ferris locates this fort on a cluster of rocks, once a very
small island in the Schuylkill above Bartram's Garden, but now connected with
the shore by marsh meadow. As the island on which the fort was erected
"lays about the distance of a gunshot wnthin the kill," it became necessary for
our author to remove the mouth of the Schuylkill to a point a short distance
below the site of the Bartram Garden, because the water at high tide was over
'the great meadows," extending from thence "in a southerly course to the Del-
aware." Even if the real mouth of the Schuylkill had been mistaken by Hudde,
the "cluster of rocks" fixed on by Mr. Ferris would entirely fail to meet his
description of the island upon which the Swedish fort was erected. This isl-
and, from the west, was "secured by another creek," and "on the same island
beautiful corn was raised." While these facts could not possibly apply to the
site designated by Mr. Ferris, they, as well as the other facts mentioned by
Hudde, exactly fit the island then, as now, at the real mouth of the Schuylkill.
The location of the fort was undoubtedly upon what is now known as Province
island ; and, as it could not in "any manner whatever obtain any control on the
river," but had "the command over the whole creek" or kill, its exact site must
have been near the western abutment of Penrose Ferry bridge, or perhaps a
little lower down. "At a little distance from this fort was a creek to the farth-
est distant wood, which place is named Kinsessing by the savages." This is
designated "Minquas creek" on the "map of the first settlements, &c.," and
is still known in the neighborhood under the corrupted name of Minkus. That
the name assigned to this creek on the map is the one it bore in very early
times, is confirmed by a conveyance of Marsh meadow bordering on it, by
Lasse Cock to James Hunt, bearing date 3rd mo. 27, 1685, in which that name
is applied to it, and is conclusive in establishing its identity with the creek re-
ferred to by Hudde. This being established, there will be but very little dif-
ficulty in fixing approximately the site of the "strong house" built by the
26 DELAWARE COUNTY
Swedes. This creek for some distance borders on the fast land, and as the
remainder of its course was through grounds overflowed or partiahy over-
flowed at every high tide, there is no room to doubt that the "strong house"
occupied some point on this margin of fast land. "About half a [Dutch]
mile further in the woods, Governor Printz had constructed a mill, &c." This
distance accords very nearly with the location assigned to the "strong house"
of the persevering and avaricious Swedes.
Jan Jansen \'an Ilpendam, who had held the office of commissary at the
Dutch Fort Nassau, on account of improper conduct was recalled, and Hudde
appointed in his stead, who proved himself a more efficient officer in resisting
Swedish aggressions, at least with paper missiles. He repaired the fort, which
he found in a dilapidated and destitute condition.
The accidental destruction of Fort Gottenburg by fire happened Decem-
ber 5, 1645. This circumstance is not mentioned by Campanius, though it
must have occurred while his grandfather resided there. It was doubtless soon
again rebuilt, as the seat of government of New Sweden was continued at Tin-
icum.
The first controversy in which Commissary Hudde was engaged was on
account of the arrival of a shallop or sloop from Manhattan under the com-
mand of Juriaen Rlancke, a private trader, who was ordered by the commis-
sary to the Schuylkill, '"near the right, and to await there for the Minquas."
When arrived there he was peremptorily "commanded to leave the spot at
once, as belonging to the Swedish crown." This Commander ]>lancke at first
refused to do, and referred the matter to Hudde, who conducted a rather an-
gry controversy with the governor, which not being likely to result in ob-
taining permission for him to remain in the Schuylkill, at ilic spot he desired
to occupy, and being a private person whose expenses and losses would not
be borne by the company, he wisely took his departure ; not however by rea-
son of any order from the commissary. What is remarkable, a Swedish priest
most probably Campanius, took a part in the negotiation.
It may be inferred from the proceedings in this controversy that an ar-
rangement had been entered into between the Swedes and tTie Dutch about the
trade of the Schuylkill. To a query propounded by Printz : "On the Schuyl-
kill, ill what manner the property of it is ascertained and understood; what
and how far are extended its limits?" Hudde answers, "That the acts relative
to the division of the limits are at the Manhattans, where he (Printz) may
obtain correct information." Also, in the letter of the governor to Blancke,
directing him to leave, this language occurs : "Directly leave that spot with
your trading vessel in the Schuylkill, seek the spot where usually slooi)S are
accustomed to trade — which shall not be prohibited; neither do I desire that
m.y subjects shall be admitted there, from respect and friendship for the com-
mander and his commissions as long as you are remaining and trading in the
Schuylkill, or that they would obstruct your interests." It is evident that it
was the particular place that Blancke was in, that he was commanded to leave.
DELAWARE COUNTY 27
and not the kill. The letter of Governor Printz is dated at "Tinnekonk" June
20th, 1646.
Following on July 12th, the particulars of this event were communicated
by Hudde to Governor Kieft at Manhattan, together with a plan for continu-
ing the trade with the :\linquas, and in the meantime he received instructions
to inquire about certain mmerals in the country in pursuance of which he vis-
ited Sankikans, which was the Indian name for the Falls of the Delaware at
Trenton, but he was arrested in his upward progress by an Indian sachem,
who confided in the truth of a story alleged to have been gotten up by Gover-
nor Printz, that the Dutch "had an intention to build a house near the Great
Falls, and that in the vessels which were expected, 250 men would arrive,
which would be sent hither from the Manhattans, and would kill all the sav-
ages below on the river, etc. !" It was manifestly the interest of the Dutch at
this time to have an establishment higher up the river in order to secure its
trade, and it is much more reasonable to believe that something of the kind was
contemplated by them, than that the whole story was the malicious invention
of the Swedish governor.
Under instructions received September 7th of this year, "to purchase
some land from the savages, which was situated on the west shore about a
mile (Dutch) distant from Fort Nassau on the north," we find the vigilant
commissary busily engaged on the very next day in taking possession of the
coveted spot, by erecting the company's arms upon it. This Christian method
of acquiring title to Indian lands, by taking possession in advance of the pur-
chasj. is to be excused in the present instance on account of the proprietor not
being "at home." On the 25th of the same month, however, the purchase was
completed, in evidence of which the original proprietor aided in placing the
arms of the company on a pole, which was fixed in the ground on the limits.
This purchase included a portion of the grounds now occupied by the city of
Philadelphia, as it also certainly did some of the lands that had been purchased
by the Swedes upon their first arrival in the country, and of course this trans-
action became a bone of contention between the two governments. The plant-
ing of a Dutch settlement on the western shore of the Delaware was now the
policy of the authorities at Manhattan. Upon certain Dutch freemen making
preparations to build on their newly acquired possessions, the Swedish com-
missary, Henry Huygen, removed the emblem of Dutch sovereignty, that had
been set up by Hudde with the assent of his savage grantor, using at the same
time the very insulting remark "that although it had been the colors of the
Prince of Orange that were hoisted, he would have thrown these too under his
feet." In one of the conflicts between the parties, a Swedish sergeant behaved
himself so much "against all good order and decency," that Commissary Hudde
felt it to be his duty to arrest him and keep him "in the guard house some
time," besides giving him a severe reproof. This event elicited from Governor
Printz a sharp protest, directed to Hudde, in which he reminds him "to dis-
continue the injuries of which he has been guilty against the Royal Majesty of
Sweden," and accuses him of "gross conduct" on account of his "secret and
28 DELAWARE COUNTY •
unlawful purchase of land from the savages," alleging that in making it "he
betrayed his conviction of the justice, equity and antiquity of his pretensive
claims, of which he so loudly boasted." This protest is dated N. Gottenburg,
September 30, 1646, O. S., and was delivered by Oloff Stille and Moens Flom,
two Swedish freemen.
On October 22, the reply of Hudde was sent to the governor. It is rather
pacific in its tone. He assures the Governor that he purchased the land of
"the real owner," and if he (the sachem) had sold the land previously to his
Honor, then he had imposed most shamefully upon him. He protests "that
he performed everything and endeavoured to employ all means by which a
good correspondence and mutual harmony might be promoted," and closes
with these words, "I will confide, that it is your Honor's intention, to act in
the same manner — at least from the consideration that we who are christians
will not place ourselves as a stumbling block, or laughing stock to those sav-
age heathens which I trust, that shall remain so, as it is by your affectionate
frieml." This affectionate epistle was received in a rather gruflf manner by
the governor, who threw it towards one of his attendants, saying, "there, take
care of it." This is reported by Hudde's sergeant, who acted as messenger on
the occasion, and as the governor was engaged with "some Englishmen just
arrived from New England," the statement may be credited ; but no credit can
be given to his tale that the governor took a gun down from the wall "with
the intention of shooting him."
Hudde also complained that Printz had forbid his subjects (as he called
them,) "to enter into any transactions" with the Dutch. This non-intercourse
policy does not appear to have been very strictly enforced, for in less than a
year we find Hudde and his wife at the governor's table — the fact being re-
ported to show the rough and vulgar expressions his excellency was capable
of using in the presence of a lady.
Nor were the Dutch annoyed alone by the Swedes. A letter from Presi-
dent Eaton, of New Haven, to Governor Kieft, dated August 12, 1646, O. S.,
complains of "injuries and outrages" to the persons and estates of the Eng-
lish, received at Manhattaes, Delaware river. &-c. Since the removal of the
English colony from Salem creek, there is no account of that people being
present in the river except those in conference with Governor Printz, above
mentioned, and a trading vessel from Boston in 1644, four of whose crew were
inhumanly murdered by the Indians, and the others — a man and a boy — car-
ried off by them. These, through the instrumentality of Governor Printz,
were procured from their captors and sent to Boston — the man to be tried for
his life on the charge of having betrayed the vessel into the hands of the In-
dians.
It is not very creditable to the Rev. John Campanius, who accompanied
Governor Printz to America, that he has not furnished a better account of the
progress of ecclesiastical affairs during his residence. He was no doubt much
occupied in learning the language of the Indians, into which he translated
Luther's catechism. This work was partly accomplished during the six years
DELAWARE COUNTY 29
he resided in New Sweden. The Rev. Reorus Torkillus dying about the time
of the arrival of Campanius, the latter no doubt officiated at Christina as well
as at New Gottenburg. During the year 1646 a church was erected at the seat
of government at Tinicum, which was consecrated to divine services Septem-
ber 4, and also its burying place, by the pastor. "The first corpse that was buried
there was that of Catharine, daughter of Andrew Hanson. She was buried
October 28, same year, being the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude." The site
of the burying place, and doubtless that of the church also, was close on the
margin of the river, and is now occupied by a part of its bed between the
Lazaretto and Tinicum Hotel, but nearer the latter. It is not many years
since human bones were seen protruding from the undermined and receding
bank of the river.
The younger Campanius relates that "the Indians were frequent visitors
at my grandfather's house. When for the first time he performed divine ser-
vice in the Swedish congregation, they came to hear him, and greatly won-
dered that he had so much to say, and that he stood alone and talked so long,
while all the rest were listening in silence. This excited in them strange sus-
picions ; they thought everything was not right, and that some conspiracy was
going forward amongst us; in consequence of which, my grandfather's life,
and that of the other priests, were for some time, in considerable danger from
the Indians, who daily came to him and asked him many questions." Cam-
panius availed himself of these opportunities to make his savage visitors un-
derstand there was one self-existing God ; to acquaint them with the doctrine
of the Trinity ; the creation of the world and of man ; original sin ; together
with the doctrines and miracles of Christianity generally. If we are to credit
his grandson, whose statements are not the most reliable, he was so successful
in his instructions "that many of those barbarians were converted to the
Christian faith, or at least acquired so much knowledge of it that they were
ready to exclaim, as Captain John Smith relates of the Virginia Indians, that,
so far as the cannons and guns of the Christians exceeded the bows and ar-
rows of the Indians in shooting, so far was their God superior to that of the
Indians."
Governor Kieft having been recalled, the administration of affairs upon
Dutch account on our river passed into the hands of Peter Stuyvesant, his
successor, a man of great energ}% intelligence and bravery, but possessed of a
will characteristic of his countrymen. His administration commenced May
27, 1647, and continued till 1664, when the American interests of the Dutch
passed into the hands of the English.
The bickerings between the Swedes and Dutch were continued, and dur-
ing the early part of the administration of the new director general the latter
in their claims for redress, were not more successful than they had been under
his less worthy predecessor.
If the evidence of Commissary Hudde is to be relied upon, the annoy-
ances practised by the Swedes towards the Dutch were unceasing and unen-
durable. In the absence of Swedish authority on the subject, without ques-
30 DELAWARE COUNTY
tioning the general truthfulness of the commissary's statements, it would bd
unjust to give too ready an ear to his suspicions; to admit the correctness of
his conclusions without some grains of allowance ; or to believe that all the ag-
gressions, of which he complains, were without provocation on the part of his
people. Hudde accuses Governor Printz with conniving at the abuse of the
company's subjects — freemen as well as servants — "when arriving at the place
where he resides, * * * go that they are often, on returning home,
bloody and bruised." and he seems to attribute similar treatment from the sav-
ages to these examples, and particularly a surprise mediated by the Armewsick
savages on May 12, 1647, ^t noon, which "was rendered void by God's mercy
and correct information, and through a misunderstanding amongst them." He
accuses the governor w'ith closing the river, "so that no vessel can enter it on
any account, except with his previous consent;" with vilifying their High
Mightinesses; treating as frivolous and insignificant the commissions granted
by the Director-general, &c.
However unsatisfactory the proceedings of Printz were to the Dutch,
they met the hearty approval of his own government. In a letter sent home
by him in February of this year, he gave full information "of the nature and
actual condition of New Sweden, as also respecting the progress of cultivation
and the construction of dwellings in that country." This information was
"infinitely agreeable" to her Majesty's government, and although she "had
remarked with particular satisfaction the zeal, skill and activity" with which
he had filled his station as Commander, (for so he is styled in the letter,) and
gave him assurances that "his zealous and faithful services" should be held in
remembrance and rewarded with all her royal favor, yet she declined for the
present to confer on him "certain lands and occupations" for which he had
made a particular request in his letter. She "was well disposed to grant him
what was just," but the cautious government of Sweden required that the
business should first be examined in the "chamber of finance," and that it
should be ascertained that the lands he asked "had not been given away or
were not required for the cavalry or soldiers." Printzdorp. hereafter to be
mentioned, was probably granted in response to the letter of the governor.
On August 17, Hudde delivered to Governor Printz a protest which he
had received from Director General Stuyvesant, and, having obtained permis-
sion to visit Manhattan, he carried back with him the reply of the Swedish
governor. These documents do not appear to be on record.
The ship "Swan," which had accompanied Printz, arrived a second time
during the year 1647, bringing more people. Three other vessels are men-
tioned as arriving during the administration of Printz — the "Black Cat," the
"Key" and the "Lamb."
On January 20, 1648, the government of Sweden issued letters patent in
favor of the South Company, "for the State of New Sweden and the payment
of those in their employ, granting one third of the excises of the crown upon
all confiscated tobacco, besides fines and forfeitures, and provided that in case
the revenue from this source should be insuflficient to furnish the necessary
DELAWARE COUNTY 31
sum for the annual support of the State of New Sweden," the deficit was to
be made up from the other resources of the crown. In addition, all merchan-
dise from Holland transported to New Sweden and not landed in Sweden to
be sold, was to be free from payment of duty, as were also tobacco and furs
sent from New Sweden to the mother country. This was a wise stroke of
policy on the part of the Swedish government, as it secured the regular pay-
ment of wages to the persons in their employ, and at the same time gave the
colony commercial advantages as favorable as could be desired.
A Swedish bark in going up the river, in violation of an understanding
between the two governments, neglected to show her colors in passing Fort
Nassau. This Hudde regarded as a national insult, and sent eight men in pur-
suit, which proved unsuccessful. The testy commissary was not disposed to
allow the affair to pass unnoticed, particularly as the offending skipper on his
return had aggravated his offense by telling Hudde that his act was intended
as a personal insult. The result was a formal protest to Governor Printz,
which, if it had no other effect, it gave reason to suspect that the representa-
tive of New Nethcrland, on "the South river," was disposed to make the most
out of a very small matter.
Governor Printz was generally successful in the execution of every scheme
in which he engaged, but this year Stuyvesant was advised that he (the gover-
nor) was tampering with the Minquas, and endeavouring to obtain their con-
sent to the erection of a Swedish trading post in their country. Either the
Dutch governor was misinformed, or Printz had overestimated his influence
with this distant savage nation, for no such trading post was ever established.
During the winter the Swedes had been engaged in bringing together a
large quantity of logs, and had already carried a great number of them to the
Schuylkill. This made Hudde apprehensive "that the governor had an inten-
tion to construct some buildings near the place where the vessels are now us-
ually laying at anchor ;" and he says, "as these, trading as before, had been
driven from Kinsessing, and we cannot otherwise approach the large woods to
trade with the Minquas, by which consequently the trade being lost to us, the
possession of the river, as I well observed before, would deserve very little
consideration." In case the Swedes went on with the building and took pos-
session of some yet unoccupied places, Hudde humbly proposed "to take pos-
session of the tract of land nearest to him, in the name of the Company." It
happened very opportunely for the commissary, and affords him some excuse
for his subsequent proceedings, which otherwise might have been considered
as an act of aggression, "that on the fourth day of the same month some
sachems came to him from the savages of Passayonk, who asked him why he
did not build on the Schuylkill ; that the Swedes had already there some build-
ings constructed." Circumstances sometimes almost miraculously adapt them-
selves to our wishes, or we might suspect that Hudde had some instrumentality
in bringing about this kind invitation of the Passayonk savages for the Dutch
to occupy their lands.
Having received "correct information with regard to the anticipation by
32 DELAWARE COUNTY
tlie Swede and particularly so with regard to some places of the highest im-
portance," he directly prepared himself to build near the place, and on the 27th
"went thither with the most necessary timber, calling then without delay for
the sachems, and stating to them that at present he came there with the
intention to build on that spot which they had granted him." Upon this rep-
resentation the sachems sent a message to the Swedes '"who lived there al-
ready, and commanded them to depart from thence, insinuating that they had
taken possession of that spot in a clandestine way, and against their will, and
that they had made a cession for the present to Hudde ; that he too should
build there ; on which two of the principal sachems, as Maarte Hoock and
Wissementes, planted there with their own hands the colors of the Prince of
Orange, and ordered that I should fire a gun three times as a mark that I had
taken possession." After this ceremony and waste of powder, the house was
raised in the presence of the chiefs, but towards evening the Swedish com-
missary, Huygens, with seven or eight men, arrived there, to question Hudde
"by whose permission or order he had raised that house." Hudde replied,
"by order of his masters, and with the previous consent of the savages." The
Swede demanded documentary evidence that he was acting by authority of
his masters, "and not on letters of some freemen." This Hudde agreed to
produce, after Huygens had delivered to him the like authority for making
such a demand.
The sachems now interceded and delivered a rather sharp reprimand to
Hendrick Huygens and his company. They informed them that they should
grant the Dutch "that tract of land, and that they would settle there ;" and
asked, "by whose orders they (the Swedes) did erect buildings there? If it
was not enough that they were already in possession of Matennekonk, the
Schuylkill, Kinsessing, Kakanken, Upland, and other places possessed by the
Swedes, all of which they had stolen from them? that Mennewit, now about
eleven years past, had no more than six small tracts of lands, upon Paghag-
hacking, purchased to plant there some tobacco, of which the natives, in grati-
tude, should enjoy the half of the produce ; . . . that they, (the Swedes,)
arrived only lately on the river, and had taken already so much land from
them, which they actually settled, while they, [the Dutch] pointing to them,
never had taken from them any land, although they had dwelt here and con-
versed with them more than thirty years." Hudde continued the work —
"surrounding the house with palisades because the Swedes had destroyed be-
fore, the house, which the company possessed on the Schuylkill, and built a
fort in its place, and they might do the same here." "While we were thus at
work." continues Hudde, "arrives Maens Klingo, lieutenant at the fort on the
Schuylkill, with twenty-four men fully armed, with charged muskets, and
bearing maces, marching in ranks. He asked if we intended to finish that
work, and if we would proceed with it? To which I answered, what was
commenced must be finished, too ; upon which he commanded that his men
should lay down their muskets and each of them should take his axe in his
DELAWARE COUNTY 33
hand and cut down every tree that stood around or near the house — destroy-
ing even the fruit trees that I had planted there."
This House of Contention afterwards became what was well known as
"Fort Bevers Rheede," though the fact is not directly stated by Hudde. As
permission for its erection was obtained from the Passayunk Indians, the
site of this fort must have been at some point on the east bank of the Schuyl-
kill, now in the first ward of the city of Philadelphia, and within the limits of
the former township of Passayunk. An approximate location has been as-
signed to this fort on "the map of the early settlements," after taking into
consideration the suitableness of location in connection with the facts above
stated.
It will be observed, that in the harangue of the Passayunk Savage, Up-
land is mentioned as a Swedish settlement. This is the first notice of that town
under its Swedish name, on record ; but doubtless one or more of the planta-
tions observed by Hudde in November, 1645, was at that place. It may also
be inferred from that harangue that up to this time the Dutch had not
made, what the speaker considered, an actual settlement.
It is now observable that the Dutch became more anxious to acquire an
Indian title to the lands on our river, and particularly to those lands that had
been granted by the savages to the Swedes. With this object, a committee of
the high-council at Fort Amsterdam, consisting of Vice-director Dinclage and
the Hon. La Montague, were commissioned to proceed to the South river,
where they arrived June 7th, and on the loth obtained a confirmation in writ-
ing of a transfer said to have been formerly made to Arent Corson. By a
reference thereto, it will be seen that the savage grantors claim to be "sa-
chems over the district of country called Armenverius." This country on
the Dutch map is located on the Jersey side of the river, in the vicinity of
Fort Nassau, and not at all likely to include "the Schuylkill and adjoining
lands." Passayunk embraced the eastern shore of the Schuylkill from its
mouth some distance upwards, and is given by Campanius as one of the
"principal towns or places" of the Indians, on the river; and Hudde himself,
but a little over a month previously, had recognized the authority of its sa-
chems to make a grant for the erection of a trading post on their lands, while
it will be seen that these same sachems are not among those who joined in this
pretended conveyance, or rather confirmation without consideration, of a pre-
vious conveyance to Arent Corson, of the same lands, by the same parties,
part of the purchase money for which, was still due ! A late writer has very
properly remarked that "the readiness which the natives manifested to part
with their territory was equalled only by their willingness to sell it again to
any who might choose to purchase it." He might have added, as applicable to
this period in the history of our river, that there was no lack of these pur-
chasers at second hand.
After the Hon. Committee of the Dutch Council had concluded their pur-
chase and had taken public and lawful possession, they "with a becoming suite
sailed for Tinnekonk," where they met with a very cold reception from Com-
3
34 DELAWARE COUNTY
missary Huygen and Papegoya, the son-in-law of Governor Printz. who kept
them standing in a constant rain about half an hour. After being admitted
to an audience "they delivered, among others, their Solemn protest against the
aforesaid Printz, against his illegal possession of the Schuylkill." Governor
Printz promised to give his answer before their departure, of which Hudde
has made no note.
Places of settlement on the Schuvlkill were now assigned to several free-
men. On July 2nd, one of the number commenced to build, but was prevented
by the son-in-law of the governor, who caused to be pulled down and burnt
what he had raised, and adding insult to injury, threatened "that if he there
came again, he would carry oflf with him a good drubbing." Hudde records
similar proceedings, though not so violent, on the part of the Swedes, towards
one Thomas Braes, who attempted to settle and build at a place named by
them "New^ Holm." This is probably the same occurrence mentioned by
Acrelius as happening in 1646, in which Thomas Broen was the person de-
siring to build. If so, "Xew Holm" was located in the neighborhood of .Man-
tua creek, in New Jersey. Printz offered Broen permission to build under
Swedish jurisdiction, which he refused.
Commissary Hudde being temporarily absent on a visit lo his superiors
at Fort Amsterdam, Governor Printz erected a building about 30 feet long
and 20 wide, immediately in front of the new Dutch Fort Beversrecde, on
the Schuylkill, "so that the vessels that came to anchor under the fort could
discover said fort with difficulty." The back gable of the house was only
twelve feet from the gate of the fort, and on the outer side of it. Alexander
Boyer, who had charge of the interests of the Dutch during Hudde's absence,
very properly regarded the building of this house by Governor Printz, as in-
tended more to insult his "lords and masters than to reap for himself any
real advantage from it," because, he said, "the ground in the same range with
our fort is large enough to admit twenty similar buildings."
Boyer also reports two Swedes as having been murdered by the Maquas
— the first instance on record of Swedish blood having been shed by the
Indians.
Hudde returned October 5th with a few freemen to whom had been de-
livered letters patent to settle and build on the Schuylkill. He says he "was
directly informed that the Swedes placed his best hope on the country of the
Minquas against the bargain concluded by us," and "to prevent similar frivo-
lous pretentions, and to shew that the contract was by no means broken by
the honorable committee," he addressed a note to Hendrick Huygens, intended
to be shown to the Governor, of which the following is an extract : "Hon-
orable and obliging good friend, accept my cordial salutation. It was with
deep regret that I was informed on my return, that our fugitives can find no
residence in the Minquas country, against the good intentions indeed of our
Director-general, who will not permit that anything shall be undertaken by
his subjects against our contract, but expects that similar conduct shall be
holden from both sides."
DELAWARE COUNTY 35
It is evident from the foregoing extracts from Hudde, as has been before
suggested, that a contract existed between the Swedes and the Dutch that
contained some specifications in respect to the trade and occupancy of the
Schuylkill ; and it is but reasonable to conclude that the harsh conduct of Gov-
ernor Printz towards the Dutch on that river resulted from a belief that their
acts were in violation of that contract. It may also be inferred that the Min-
quas maintained a kind of ownership over the country about the mouth of
the Schuylkill, as in my apprehension the allusion to their country in the
quoted language of Hudde, had no reference to the usual place of residence of
that powerful tribe of savages, which will be shown hereafter was on the Sus-
quehanna. This ownership might have been for the purposes of trade or fish-
ing, and to serve their convenience during their periodical visits. Whatever
it was, Hudde was evidently apprehensive, that the late act of the committee
of the Dutch Council might be regarded with disfavor by these savages. In a
subsequent negotiation with the Dutch, in which some of the same sachems
who confirmed "the Schuylkill and adjoining lands" to the honorable commit-
tee, participated, when asked whether "they were chiefs and proprietors of
the lands situate on the west side of this river, at present partly incorporated
and settled by the Swede?" replied that they "were great chiefs and proprie-
tors of the lands, both by ownership and descent, and by appointment of Min-
quas and river Indians."
The Schuylkill river was not the highway by which the Minquas reached
the trading mart near its mouth, or at Kinsessing, as might be inferred from
the language of some writers. Their route passed diagonally over the whole
extent of Delaware county, entering Philadelphia at the head of tide water on
Cobb's creek, near the site of the Swede's mill ; doubtless a branch of the us-
ually travelled path to their more southern trading post at Fort Christina.
The land assigned to the freemen who accompanied Hudde on his return,
was located on the Schuylkill, at a place then known as "Mast-rnakers Corner,"
"Point," or "Hook." In their efforts to occupy and build on these lands, they
met with the same determined opposition from the Swedes that others had
experienced. The officers to whom this work of demolition was assigned, did
not hesitate to avow that they were acting under the special instructions of
Governor Printz. The exact position of Mast-makers Corner is not known.
It was on the east side of the Schuylkill, and probably but a very short distance
from the Dutch Fort Beversreede. An account of these harsh proceedings on
the part of the Swedes, forwarded to Fort Amsterdam by Hudde on Novem-
ber 7, closes the often cited report of that vigilant functionary.
Two days later, Adrian Van Tiedhoven, "clerk of the court on the South
river," also reported sundry of the Swedish outrages above noted, but he ar-
rives at the conclusion that these cannot cause much injury to the Dutch trade
with the Indians. He, however, regards commerce here as "nearly spoiled ;"
as he says, "we are compelled to give two fathoms white, and one of black
seawant (wampum) for one beaver; one fathom of cloth for two beavers;
every fathom of seawant amounts to three ells, sometimes one-sixteenth less.
36 DELAWARE COUXTV
so that in my opinion this barter is too much against us, as the Indians always
take the largest and tallest among them to trade with us."
The Swedish priest Campanius, after residing in the country six years^
"sailed from Elfsborg in New Sweden." May 18, 1648. Rev. Lawrence
Charles Lokenius succeeded Campanius and for a time had charge of the
churches at Tinicum and Christina. After a time he gave up the former, but
kept the latter till his death in 1688. Rev. Israel Holgh was also a minister
here in the time of Governor Printz. but soon returned to his native country.
The disagreements between the Swedes and the Dutch are still continued,
giving rise to a mutual hatred and jealousy. Stuyvesant, in a letter to Hudde,
complains of the encroachment of the Swedes — fears they will not stop, but
admits that he does not know "what he shall apply as a remedy." Even plans
by the Swedes are suggested, to interfere with the Dutch to and on the North
river. Each party agrees to pursue the policy of obtaining additional grants
of lands from the Indians, as the one most likely to strengthen its claims upon
the river. As yet the Swedes maintain their ascendency.
As Campanius, the elder, left New Sweden in 1648, and it is probable that
most of the descriptions of settlements, &c., in the work of his grandson were
derived from him, it may not be amiss at this time to notice some of them that
have not already claimed our attention :
"Mecoponacka. or Upland, was an unfortified place, but some houses were built there.
It was situated between Fort Christina and New Gottenburg, but nearer the latter. There
was a fort built there some time after its settlement. It is good even land along the river
shore.
"Passayunk was given by the crown to the Commandant Swen Schute. At that place
there was a fort called Korsholm. After Governor Printz's departure for Sweden, it
was abandoned by the Swedes, and afterwards burnt and destroyed by the Indians.
"Manayunk, or Scluiylkill, was a handsome little fort, built of logs filled up with sand
and stones, and surrounded with palisades cut very sharp at the top. It was at the
distance of four German miles east of Christina. It was mounted with great guns as
well as the other forts. Those forts were all situated on the water side.
"Chinsessing was called the New Fort. It was not properly a fort, but substantial
log houses, built of good strong hard hickory, two stories high, which was sufficient to
secure the people from the Indians. But what signifies a fort without God's assistance?
In that settlement there dwelt five freemen, who cultivated the land and lived very well.
"Karakung, otherwise called Water Mill stream, is a fine stream, very convenient
for water mills : the Governor caused one to be erected there. It was a fine mil! which
ground both fine and coarse flour, and was going early and late ; it was the first that
was seen in that country. There was no fort near it but only a strong dwelling house,
built of hickory, and inhabited by freemen.
"Chammassungh, or Finland. This place was inhabited by Finns, who had strong
houses but no fort. It lies at the distance of two German miles east of Christina by
water; and by land, it is distant two long Swedish miles.
"Techoherassi, Olof Stille's place, was a small plantation, which was built by
Swedish freemen, who gave it that name. They were frequently visited by Indians as it
was on the river shore, and surrounded with water like a small island." The Indians
named Olof on account of his thick black beard. This place was near the mouth of
Ridley creek."
DELAWARE COUNTY 37
The troubles of Governor Stuyvesant were not alone with the Swedes.
He was constantly embroiled with his own people, and his New England
neighbors gave him nn'ich trouble. His correspondence with the English, in
which several transactions on the Delaware come under review, evinces much
ability, while his domestic feuds show him to have been self-willed and arbi-
trary.
Governor Stuyvesant had been advised by the Directors of the West In-
dia Company of their intention to apply to the Queen of Sweden for the es-
tablishment of limits between the Swedes and Dutch on the South river. This
may have been in part the inducement for the visit of his excellency to the
Delaware, which happened this year. Upon his first arrival it does not appear
that he had a personal interview with Governor Printz — as their negotiations
are said to have been conducted by means of "letters and messengers," After
communicating to the governor the rights of the West India Company by rea-
son of first discovery, possession and purchases from the Indians, "which in-
cluded the Schuylkill district," he demanded him "to show in like manner, by
similar evidence, what lands there had been purchased by him or his, and
were consequently conveyed to them by the natives and proprietors." "The
result was only a simple writmg, wherein the aforesaid governor designated
the Swedish limits wide and broad enough," alleging, that the deeds of the
purchase were "in the chancery at Stockholm." This allegation Stuyvesant re-
garded as a mere subterfuge and destitute of truth. He endeavored to sus-
tain this serious charge against Printz by adducing the fact that he (Printz)
then, "for the first time, had tried to buy from a certain sachem or Indian
chief named Waspangzewan, such lands as he already occupied, and insisted,
were included within his limits." The fact relied on by Stuy/esant proves
nothing — it being more likely that the offer to purchase was to get rid of a
troublesome claim, than to liquidate a just one. This is rendered more proba-
ble by the fact that before Stuyvesant left the river, the Indian sachem wao
refused to sell to the Swedes made a "free donation and gift" of the same
lands to the Dutch.
This occurred July 30th. On the 9th of that month the very singular and
rather suspicious negotiation was conducted, by which the Dutch pretend to
have extinguished the Indian title to the land from Christina kill to Bomp-
gens hook, before adverted to. This was also a "free gift," except that one
of the ceding sachems made a condition "that when anything was the matter
with his gun it shall be repaired ;" and also, that when he came empty among
the Dutch, they were to give him some maize. The grantors in this case were
Amattehoorn, Pemenatta and Sinques — who, although they claim to be the
right owners of the west bank of the river from the Schuylkill downwards, de-
clined selling the lands between that river and Christina, to the Dutch. They,
however, do admit, that the Swedes did purchase the lands they occupy, but
Jeny that it was from the right owners, which they now claim to be. No
deed was executed at this conference, that ceremony having been postponed
for four years, when another grantor named Ackehoorn joins in a regular In-
3& DELAWARE COUNTY
dian conveyance for the same premises — the consideration being as usual, duf-
fels, kettles, guns, powder, &c. What is remarkable in this deed, the right of
fishing and hunting is reserved to the Indians.
That the Swedes were the first to purchase from the Indians the lands in-
cluded within the bounds of Delaware county, has already been shown. The
object of Governor Stuyvesant, was to make it appear that the Swedish title
was imperfect, because their purchase was not made from the rightful owners.
Of this he brings no proof but the testimony of the adverse claimants, who
themselves refuse to sell to him this particular part of their dominions.
Since the arrival of the Swedes, the names of the Indian sachems who
were owners or who set up a claim of ownership to the country embracing
Delaware County, are — Siscohoka, Mechekyralames, Kyckesycken (Live Tur-
key,) Amattehoorn or Mattehoorn, Pemenatta, Sinques, Wappingzewan and
possibly Aquahoorn. These are given on Dutch authority. It will be seen
hereafter that the dominions of a chief named Naaman, may have extended
within our limits.
During General Stuyvesant's detention on the Delaware, a petition for in-
demnity on account of injuries sustained at the hands of the Swedes at diflfer-
ent times and by sundry persons, was presented to his Excellency. Several of
these have been noticed already ; but, in addition, a garden had been made back
of Fort Beversreede, which was at once destroyed and the fence burnt by or-
der of Printz. Also two persons had commenced the erection of buildings on
the Island of Harommuny, or Aharommuny, "west of the Swedes' plantation."
— one having "laid the ground timbers and set up the ties" — the other had
"brought his clap-boards." In the first instance the timbers were cut into fire
wood, and in the second the building was forcibly prevented, by the deputies of
the Governor, Huygens and Papegoya. "fully armed." No clue is given to the
location of this Island Aharommuny, except that it was "west of the Swedes
plantation." This expression could not have applied to Tinicum, because
there was no island west of it. It must refer to the Swedish fort on the
Schuylkill, and assuming that to be the case, I have assigned the above name
on the map of early settlements to the island situate next westerly from that
on which the Swedish fort is located, and at present occupied by farm build-
ings. This island was confirmed to Peter Kock, October ist. 1669.
Having acquired an Indian title to the west bank of the river below
Christina kill. Governor Stuyvesant at once determined to erect another fort,
"for the greater security of the company's jurisdiction, and the protection of
its people," and to raze Fort Nassau, which "lay too high up and too incon-
venient a distance." The new fort, which was called Casimir, was erected on
"a tolerably suitable spot" about a league from the Swedish Fort Christina.
Its site was within the limits of the present town of New Castle. Governor
Printz protested against the erection of this new fort, but appears afterwards
to have been reconciled to the measure, as before Stuyvesant took his depar-
ture frcm the river "he had divers verbal conferences with Johan Printz, the
Swedish governor, and they mutually promised not to commit any hostile or
DELAWARE COUNTY 39
vexatious acts against one another, but to maintain together all neighborly-
friendship and correspondence, as good friends and allies are bound to do."
The doings of Stuyvesant on the Delaware were wholly upon his own re-
sponsibility, not having given to the West India Company "so much as a hint
of his intentions." The news was unexpected to the directors, and they de-
clined to give any opinion on the subject until they "had heard the complaints
of the Swedish governor to his queen, and ascertained at her court how these
have been received."
The erection of Fort Casimir rendered the Swedish Fort Elsinborg use-
less for the purpose of its original design. If any acts of submission were
now required from Dutch vessels in passing that fort, the same would be ex-
acted from Swedish vessels in passing Fort Casimir. Elsinborg was therefore
abandoned, as it does not appear to have been a place of trade. The Swedes
allege that it had become untenable from the great number of mosquitos, and
gave it the nickname of "Myggenborg or Musquito Fort."
Governor Printz having been accustomed to an active military life, be-
came wearied of his present position and requested permission to return to
Sweden, at the same time soliciting a speedy reinforcement, in order to be
prepared for the more threatening aspect that the affairs of the river had lately
.issumed. Not waiting for the arrival of his successor, he sailed for his native
vountry during the present year, leaving the government in charge of his
son-in-law, John Papegoya. Some writers have placed his departure in 1652,
but this is disproved by a trading commission issued by him from Fort Chris-
tina, October ist, 1653.
In Sweden, three persons had been convicted, each of killing an elk on
the Island D'Auland. Two of them were sentenced to run the gauntlet, each
three times, — the third "to be sent to New Sweden." This is perhaps the last
Swedish criminal sent to New Sweden.
On August 20, of this year. Queen Christina granted to Captain John
Amundson Besh, and to his wife and to his heirs and their heirs, "a tract
of land in New Sweden extending to Upland kill." This grant has been sup-
posed to embrace the present site of Marcus Hook, but this is not probable.
On the same day another grant was made by her Swedish Majesty to the
"brave and courageous Lieutenant Swen Schute" and to his wife and to his
heirs, "a tract of country in New Sweden, viz., Mockorhulteykyl, as far as
the river, together with the small island belonging thereto, viz., the island
Karinge and Kinsessing, comprehending also Passuming." To those acquainted
with this region of country it will not be difficult to give the above grant an ap-
proximate position, but I have not met with anything that enabled me with any
degree of certainty to decide upon the island embraced in the grant.
It is a remarkable fact that on October 6th, just about the time Governor
Printz sailed for Sweden, Director-general Stuyvesant wrote to the directors
of the West India Company that "the Swedes on the South river would be
well inclined to repair among us, in case we will take them under our safe-
guard;" adding "that hitherto and until we receive further information from
40 DELAWARE COUNTY
your honors, we decline their proposal, inasmuch as we know not whether it
would be well or ill received." It will be remembered that a colony of Hol-
landers, before the arrival of Printz, had settled under Swedish jurisdiction in
the neighborhood of the place where the Dutch had erected their new Fort
Casimir. From these such a proposition may have been received : but it is
highly improbable that the regular Swedish settlers on the river participated
in making it.
In November of this year, the Swedish College of Commerce granted to
John Amundson a commission as a captain in the navy. He was about to em-
bark on board of a galliot belonging to the South Company for New Sweden,
and when arrived there, part of his duty was to consist in superintending care-
fully "the construction of vessels, in order that they may be faithfully built."
This is the same person to whom the grant of land "extending to Upland kill"
was made. Besh or Besk, in the name of the grantee, being the place of his
residence. The appointment of this officer would indicate that the Swedish
government designed to establish the business of building shi]is in New Swe-
den. The land granted to Captain .Amundson was at a point on the river well
adapted to that business, and was probably selected with that view.
The letter from the Queen, granting Governor Printz leave to return to
Sweden, is dated December 12th, when it may be supposed he had already
embarked. lie was urged to delay his departure until "the best arrangements
could be made in regard to his successor." It has been said that Printz be-
came unpopular "by the exercise of a too rigid authority." This letter is con-
clusive that he possessed the entire confidence of his government. The com-
mission of John Rysingh. the successor of Printz, bears the same date with the
above letter. Both documents show that the government contemplated the
continuance of Printz in the country for some time longer, during which per-
iod Rysingh would act as his aid. But the interval between the dej^arture of
the old governor and the arrival of the new one, during which the burden of
the government devolved on Papegoya, must have been brief — not exceeding
five or six months.
The semi-romantic claim and settlement of Sir Edmund Plowden. or Ploy-
den (although its vague boundaries probably included the district now em-
braced within the limits of Delaware county) has not been noticed in its prop-
er order of time, because it has little or no historical value in connection with
the early settlements on the Delaware. To show, however, that the "Earl
Palatine of New Albion" had a real existence and was not a myth, we give the
following extract, from "The Representation of New Netherland :" "We
cannot omit to say," (remarks the author, \^ander Donck) "that there has
been here (at Manhattan) both in the time of Director Kieft and that of
General Stuyvesant. a certain Englishman who called himself Sir Edward
Plowden, with the title of Earl Palatine of New Albion, who claimed that
the land on the west side of the North river to Virginia was his by gift of
King James of England: but he said he did not wish to have any strife with
the Dutch, though he was very much piqued at the Swedish governor, John
DELAWARE COUNTY 41
Printz, at the South river, on account of some affront given him, too long
to relate. He said that when an opportunity should offer, he would go there
and take possession of the river." It is presumed the "opportunity" never did
offer, and the reader, in consequence, can only imagine the character of the
threatened exploit. The grant was not made, however, by King James as
mentioned in the extract, but it was obtained in the reign of King Charles I.,
(1634) from the deputy-general or viceroy of Ireland.
The commercial privileges were as liberal as could be desired, and in this
respect were in striking contrast with those of the Dutch. The purchase and
cultivation of land was encouraged — the purchases to be made "either from
the company or the savages," and, "in respect to the lands thus purchased, sub-
jects recognizing the jurisdiction of the crown of Sweden" were to enjoy "all
franchises and allodial privileges, themselves, and their descendants forever."
In consideration of the very faithful and zealous services that Rysingh
had rendered and was still disposed to render, her Majesty granted "to Umi
and his wife, and to their legitimate male heirs and their descendants, as much
land in the West Indies and New Sweden as he shall be able to cultivate with
2() to 30 peasants ; ceding to him the aforesaid country with all its dependen-
cies, with all, &c., ... to enjoy, employ and keep the same, in the same
manner and with the same franchises as our nobles, and as a perpetual prop-
erty." This royal grant was located on the river a short distance below New
Castle.
Arriving in new Sweden towards the end of May, 1654, on board of the
government ship "Aren" (Eagle), Rysingh commenced his administration by
capturing the Dutch Fort Casimir. in direct violation of his instructions.
There is some variation in the accounts given of this transaction, which it will
not be necessary to notice. Gerit Bicker was in command of the fort, and see-
ing a strange sail in the distance, dispatched Secretary Van Tienhoven and
others "to ascertain the particulars." The messengers did not return till the
next day, and then only two hours in advance of the Swedish ship, which they
reported to be full of people, with a new governor, who made known to them
his intention to take the fort, "as it stood on ground belonging to the Swedish
crown." Bicker was urged to give orders to defend the fort, but declined be-
cause "there was no powder." Soon after a boat's crew consisting of twenty
or thirty Swedish soldiers landed under the command of the former lieutenant
of Governor Printz, Swen Schute, who were welcomed by Bicker "as friends."
Escorted by him, the Swedes passed immediately into the fort, took possession,
and stripped the few Dutch soldiers by whom it was garrisoned of their mili-
tary equipments, even of "their side arms." Bicker seems to have stood para-
lyzed while these proceedings were in progress, and it was not till Van Tien-
"hoven made the suggestion that he and two others were deputed to demand
from Governor Rysingh his authority for taking forcible possession of Fort
•Casimir. The governor claimed "to act by orders of her Majesty in Sweden,"
and he further informed the embassy that when complaints had been made by
the Swedish Ambassador to the States General in respect to the building of
42 DELAWARE COUNTY
the fort, they referred him to the West India Company, who in their turn
denied giving any authority for its erection, and had further told the Swedish
Ambassador "that if our people are in your way there, drive them off." The
truthfulness of the reply of Rysingh is in a measure corroborated by a letter
from the Company to Governor Stuyvesant on the subject of the erection of
the fort before referred to ; from which it may reasonably be supposed that a
correspondence between them and the Swedish Ambassador would ensue, and
that the company was disposed to make concessions to the Swedish crown.
This correspondence may have resulted in additional orders to Rysingh, sub-
sequent to the issuing of his general instructions, in which the capture of the
fort was authorized. It is not, however, to be supposed that such orders would
afford any palliation or excuse for the rash and unsoldierlike manner in which
the capture was effected. Rysingh was not a soldier, and it does not appear
that Amundson, commissioned as his military colleague, accompanied him. or
was ever in the country.
The exploit of capturing Fort Casimir happened on Trinity Sunday, and
in commemoration of that circumstance, the captors changed the name of the
fortress to Trefalldigheet, or Trinity Fort. News of the event was duly
communicated to Governor Stuyvesant. both by Rysingh and Bicker, — their
statements, of course, varying somewhat in the details of the transaction.
Three or four of the Dutch soldiers, including Bicker, remained on the river,
who, with nearly all the Dutch freemen residing there, took an oath of fidelity
to the Swedish governor. The depositions of Van Tienhoven and the eight or
ten soldiers who returned to Xew Amsterdam, place the conduct of Bicker in a
very unfavorable light. His behavior served as an invitation to a small body
of men to capture the fort, who probably had only been detailed to make a
formal demand for its surrender, preliminary to the usual negotiations in such
cases. But the "brave and courageous Lieutenant Swen Schute," who com-
manded the Swedes, was not the man to allow so favorable an opportunity t»
pass unimproved, for he was never more in his element than when adminis-
tering a lesson of humility to the Dutch.
With the capture of Fort Casimir. the authority of the Dutch on the river,
for the time being, was suspended. The engineer, Peter Lindstroom, who came
to the country with Rysingh. caused this fort to be greatly strengthened. He
also laid out the town of Christina back of the fort of that name, and con-
structed a map of New Sweden. There also arrived with Rysingh several offi-
cers, some troops and a clerg}'man. and all the Dutch accounts mention that he
v.'as accompanied by a large number of people. We are informed by Acre-
lius, that Papegoya soon went home, and that Rysingh assumed the title of
Director-general.
(/)n June 17. a great convocation of Indians, including ten sachems, was
held at Printz Hall, on Tinicum. at which "it was offered on behalf of the
Queen of Sweden to renew the ancient league of friendship that subsisted be-
tween them and the Swedes, who had purchased from them the lands they oc-
cupied. The Indians complained that the Swedes had brought much evil up-
DELAWARE COUNTY 43
on them, for many of them had died since their coming into the country,"
whereupon considerable presents were distributed among the Indians, which
brought about a conference among themselves. The result was a speech from
one of their chiefs, Naaman, m which he rebuked his companions for having
spoken evil of the Swedes and done them an injury, and told them he hoped
they would do so no more, for the Swedes w-ere very good people.
"Look," said he, pointing to the presents, "and see what they have brought to us,
for which they desire our friendship." So saying he stroked himself three times, down
his arm, which among the Indians was a token of friendship ; afterwards he thanked the
Swedes on behalf of his people for the presents they had received, and said that friend-
ship should be observed more strictly between them than it had been before ; that the
Swedes and the Indians had been in Governor Printz's time as one body and one heart
(striking his breast as he spoke), and that thenceforward they should be as one head;
in token of which he took hold of his head with both hands, and made a motion as if
he were tying a knot, and then he made this comparison ; — that as the calabash was
round without any crack, so they should be a compact body without any fissure; and
that if any one should attempt to do any harm to the Indians, the Swedes should
immediately inform them of it, and, on the other hand, the Indians would give imme-
diate notice to the Christians of any plot against them, even if it were in the middle of
the night. On this they were answered that that would be, indeed, a true and lasting
friendship, if every one would agree to it ; on which they gave a general shout in token
of consent. Immediately on this, the great gvms were fired, which pleased them
extremely; and they said. Poo, hoo, hoo; mokirick picon ; that is to say, "hear and
believe, the great guns are fired." Then they were treated with wine and brandy.
Another of the Indians then stood up and spoke and admonished all in general, that they
should keep the league and friendship which had beeii made with the Christians, and
in no manner to violate the same, nor do them any injury, or their hogs or cattle, and
if any one should be guilty of such violation they should be severely punished as an
example to others. The Indians then advised that some Swedes should be settled at
Passyunk, where there lived a great number of Indians, that they might be watched and
punished if they did any mischief. They also expressed a wish that the title to the lands
which the Swedes had purchased should be confirmed ; on which the copies of the
agreements (for the originals had been sent to Stockholm) were read to them word for
word. When those who had signed the deeds heard their names, they appeared to
rejoice; but when the names were read of those who were dead, they hung their heads
in sorrow. Then there were set upon the floor in the great hall two large kettles, and
many other vessels filled the sappaun, which is a kind of hasty pudding made of maize
or Indian corn, which grows there in great abundance. The sachems sat by themselves;
the other Indians all fed heartily and were satisfied."
This proceeding, copied nearly entire from Campanius, is highly charac-
teristic of such transactions with the Indians. Other treaties with the aborig-
ines may have been held within our limits, but this is the only one the re-
corded proceedings of which have come down to us. It is conclusive that the
Swedes had purchased from the Indians the lands then occupied by them ; and
the fact that one of the principal chiefs. Xaaman, who was a party to this
transaction, resided on the creek that bears his name, renders it almost equally
conclusive that the former purchase of the Swedes had been made from "the
right owners," the pretension set up by the Dutch to the contrary notwith-
standing. The treaty thus so solemnly made between the Swedes and In-
44 DELAWARE COUNTY
dians, we are informed by Campanins, "has ever since been faithfully ob-
served by both sides."
The war between England and Holland having been concluded, and the
Dutch having been driven from the Delaware, a favorable opportunity was
presented to the New Englanders to renew their claims on the river. These
were pressed on the ground of purchases made from the Indians, and gave rise
to a correspondence between Governor Rysingh and the Commissioners of the
United Colonies which it will not be necessary to notice.
A Swedish vessel, called the "Golden Shark," by accident or design, was
piloted into the Raritan river. The vessel was immediately seized by Gover-
nor Stuyvesant, who regarded this as a fair opportunity to force the Swedes
to restore Fort Casimir. The event gave rise to considerable correspondence,
which did not result in a restoration either of the fort or the vessel.
The affairs of the Swedes on the Delaware were now approaching a
crisis, but nothing had occurred to arouse the suspicions of the home govern-
ment. The triumph of Rysingh was regarded as a reconquest of usurped ter-
ritory, and no other means to reclaim it by the Dutch were apprehended be-
yond the usual one of protest. This was a fatal delusion ; for at the close of
1654, while estimates were being made in Sweden for the support of their
colony during the ensuing year on a peace basis, an armament was being fitted
out in Holland, not only sufficient to replace "matters on the 'Delaware in their
former position," but to drive "the Swedes from every side of the river."
In the spring of 1655, five armed vessels well equij^ped were forwarded
to Stuyvesant, with a carte blanche to charter others. The armament when
completed at New Amsterdam consisted of seven vessels, and from six to
seven hundred men. The greatest caution was used in ])rovi(ling against every
contingency, in fitting it out, and a day of thanksgiving and prayer was ob-
served before the sailing of the expedition ; which hapi)ened on Sunday, Sep-
tember 4th. "after sermon." It was commanded by Governor Stuyvesant in
person, and arrived in the bay of South river the next day about 3 o'clock in
the afternoon. The deserted Swedish l-'ort Elsingborg was visited on the fol-
lowing day, but it was not till Friday tiiat the expedition reached Fort Trinity
or Casimir. This fortress was under the immediate command of Swen Schute,
while Governor Rysingh in person had charge of Christina. To prevent com-
munication between the two forts, Stuyvesant had landed fifty men. The de-
mand made by the Dutch was "'a. direct restitution of their own property," to
which Commander Schute, after having had an interview with Stuyvesant,
reluctantly yielded on the following day, upon very favorable terms of cajMtu-
lation. For the reduction of Fort Christina a bloodless siege of fourteen days
was required. As a matter of necessity it yielded to an immensely superior
force, September 25th, on even more favorable terms than had been granted
to the garrison of Fort Trinity. Agreeable to special instructions from the
home government, an offer was made to restore the possession of Fort Chris-
tina to Governor Rysingh, but he declined the offer, preferring to abide by
the articles of capitulation.
DELAW^ARE COUNTY 45
The magnificent scale on whicli the expedition was got up by Stuyvesant
for the capture of these inconsiderable forts, with the slow caution observed
by him in conducting the siege of Fort Christina, borders on the ridiculous,
&nd has afforded an ample field for the satire of the veritable Knickerbocker.
His ignorance of the weak condition of the enemy will, in a measure defend
him from the shafts of ridicule, but it will be difficult to find an excuse for the
acts of wantonness his soldiers were permitted to exercise towards the peace-
able inhabitants of the country. If the official report of Rysingh is to be re-
lied upon, "they killed their cattle, goats, swine and poultry, broke open houses,
pillaged the people, without the sconce, of their property, and higher up the
river they plundered many and stripped them to the skin. At New Gotten-
burg they robbed Mr. Papegoya's wife of all she had, with many others, who
had collected their property there." Nor does Rysingh fail to remind Stuy-
vesant of these unjustifiable acts. "His men." he says, "acted as if they had
been on the lands of their inveterate enemy," as, for example, the plundering
of "Tennakong, Upland, Finlandt, Printzdorp, and several other places, * * -^•
not to say a word of w^hat was done in Fort Christina, where women were vio-
lently torn from their houses, whole buildings destroyed, and they dragged
from them, yea, the oxen, cows, swine and other creatures, were butchered
day after day ; even the horses were not spared, but wantonly shot, the planta-
tions destroyed, and the whole country left so desolate, that scarce any means
are remaining for the subsistence of the inhabitants." He also tells him, "your
men took away at Tennekong, in an uncouth manner, all the cordage and sails
of a new vessel, and then they went to the magazine, and without demanding
the keys entered it alone, broke the boards of the church, and so took away
the cordage and sails."
Campanius says "the Dutch proceeded to destroy New Gottenburg, lay-
ing waste all the houses and plantations without the fort, killing the cattle and
plundering the inhabitants of everything that they could lay their hands on."
A late writer (Ferris) concludes that "this is unquestionably erroneous," and
assigns two reasons for his opinion. First, "the Dutch had no motive for such
destructive cruelty, the country being now theirs by a formal surrender, and
they were bound by their treaty at Christina," &c. Second, "that the church
at Tinicum was standing twelve years afterwards, and Printz Hall at the com-
mencement of the present century." But the writer has failed to observe that
the depredations were committed during the siege of Fort Christina and not
after its surrender and the conclusion of the treaty ; and that a fair construc-
tion of the language of Campanius will not warrant the inference that any
building except the fort was actually destroyed.
The Dutch were not. however, permitted to practice these cruelties
towards the Swedes with impunity. Even before the return of the fleet to
New Amsterdam, to use the language of Governor Stuyvesant, "it pleased God
to temper this our victory with such an unfortunate and unexpected accident as
New Netherland never witnessed, inasmuch as in less than three days over
forty of our nation were massacred by the barbarous natives ; about one hun-
46 DELAWARE COUNTY
dred, mostly women and children, taken prisoners ; boweries and some planta-
tions burnt and laid in ashes, and in and with them over 12,000 schepels of
grain yet unthrashed." With one-half of the force taken to the Delaware, the
conquest of the Swedes would have been equally certain and far more credita-
ble to the conquerors, while the other half could have guarded their own peo-
ple against such a dreadful calamity.
By the terms of capitulation of Fort Christina, all the Swedes and Finns
who desired to remain in the country were obliged to take an oath of allegiance
to the States General of the United Netherlands — even those who intended to
leave, but who were obliged to remain for a time to dispose of their lands and
settle up their business, (for which one year and six weeks were allowed,)
were not exempted from taking the oath, to be binding so long as they re-
mained. Thus ended Swedish sovereignty on the continent of America. De-
riving its only title from the savages, which is not recognized by the law of
nations, no very protracted endurance could have been anticipated for the
colony as a dependency of Sweden; but its sudden downfall was manifestly
the direct result of the rash, unjustifiable and unauthorized acts of Governor
Rysingh in capturing Fort Casimir.
The hardships of the Swedes, though they were not protracted under the
Dutch government, did not terminate with the capture of their forts. We
are informed by Acrelius that "the flower of their troops were picked out and
sent to New Amsterdam under the pretext of their free choice, the men were
forcibly carried on board the ships. The women were ill treated in their
houses, the goods pillaged, and the cattle killed."
But little has come down to us in respect to the domestic administration of
affairs in the Swedish colony. The administration of justice was doubtless
conducted by means of a military tribunal of which the governor was the head.
Printz felt himself disqualified for the performance of the duties of a judge,
and in a dispatch to the Swedish West India Company, dated February 20,
1647, he makes known his difiiculty in this wise : ".Again, I have several times
solicited to obtain a learned and able man. ist, To administer justice and at-
tend to the law business, sometimes very intricate cases occurring, in which
it is difificult, and never ought to be for one and the same person to appear in
court as plaintiff as well as judge." . . . As the seat of government was
located at Tinicum from the commencement of the administration of Governor
Printz. it may be concluded that the seat of justice was also located there.
Mrs. Papegoya, the daughter of Governor Printz, it will have been seen,
did not return to Sweden with her husband. For many years she continued to
reside at Tinicum, rather in poverty than affluence. Tinicum is no longer men-
tioned as a fortified place, and if the fort was not destroyed by the Dutch as
mentioned by Campanius, it was suffered by them to go into decay.
The government of the Dutch on the river was established by the ap-
pointment of John Paul Jaquet as vice-director and commander-in-chief, and
Andreas Hudde as secretary and surveyor, and keeper of the keys of the fort,
&c. The council was to consist of the vice-director, Hudde, Elmerhuysen
DELAWARE COUNTY 47
Klein, and two sergeants, in purely military affairs ; in matters purely civil, or
between freemen and the company's servants, two of the most expert free-
men were to be substituted for the two sergeants. The instructions given Ja-
quet show a want of confidence in the Swedes. "Good notice" was to be taken
of their behaviour, and in case any of them were found to be not well affected
they were required to depart, "with all imaginable civility," and, if possible
to be sent to New Amsterdam ; and no Swede living in the country was to re-
main in the fort all night. The seat of government was established at Fort
Casimir — provision having been made for extending the town, which took the
name of New Amstel.
"In granting lands, care was to be taken that a community of 16 or 20
persons reside together. The rent to be 12 stivers per morgen, per annum;
but permission to plant was only to be granted, on taking an oath to assist the
fort, or to be transported in case they refuse the oath." "The free persons of
the Swedish nation residing on the second corner above Fort Cassimer," so-
licit counsel "that they may remain on their lands, as they have no inclination
to change their abode, neither to build in the new village," claiming the prom-
ise made to them by Stuyvesant. Their petition was granted until the expir-
ation of the year and six weeks, mentioned in the capitulation.
As evidence that the Swedish government had been kept in ignorance of
the intended conquest of New Sweden by the Dutch, was the arrival March
24, 1656, of the Swedish ship "Mercury," with 130 souls on board, intended
as a reinforcement to the colony. They were forbidden to pass the fort, but
a party of Indians joined the crew and conducted the ship up the river, the
Dutch not venturing to fire a gim against them. The "Mercury" was allowed
to pass the fort owing to the number of Indians on board, the Dutch feeling no
disposition to provoke their animosity. The passengers of the "Mercury"
were landed contrary to the direct orders, sent at considerable trouble from
New Amsterdam, but the captain and crew of the vessel were exonerated from
all censure, the responsibility resting with the Indians and resident Swedes.
Among the passengers was Mr. Papegoya, the son-in-law of Governor Printz,
who wrote to Governor Stuyvesant immediately upon his arrival. There were
also two clergymen on board, one of whom, named Matthias, who continued to
reside in the country during two years. Andres Bengston was also a passen-
ger, who was still living in this country in 1703. Much negotiation was occa-
sioned in consequence of the arrival of the "Mercury," and though the Dutch
government never yielded its assent to the landing of the immigrant passen-
gers, they all did land, and probably most of them remained in the country.
The vessel was allowed to proceed to New Amsterdam and discharge her
cargo at a reduced duty, and to take in provision for her return voyage.
The conquest of New Sweden was not quietly acquiesced in by the home
government. Their minister protested against the outrage and claimed resti-
tution, but this claim was disregarded, the Dutch being well aware that noth-
ing more serious than paper missiles could be resorted to, the Swedes at that
time being engaged in a war with Poland. The Directors of the West India
48 DELAWAKi: COL'XTV
Company did not hesitate to communicate to Stuyvesant their approbation, in
general, of his conduct.
After Governor Printz left the country, his plantation at Tinicum seems
to have been very much neglected, and for a time wholly abandoned. The in-
terference of Commaiukr j.-ujiui lo ])revent his daughter, Mrs. Papegoya,
from resuming the possession of the property, gave this lady occasion to me-
morialize the Director-general. She says:
"It is. without doubt, well known to the Director-general, that our late lord gov-
ernor, ni\ hiylily revered lord and father, prepared a farm, partly cultivated by freemen,
who are returned to Sweden, and surrendered it to him, and partly cleared by his orders,
and cultivated for several years; and this was granted by the King (Queen?), and by
the present royal majesty was confirmed, but which now since three years, being aban-
doned, was again covered with bushes, and the dwelling-house nearly destroyed by the
Indians, and so I have been obliged to repair it, by three Finns, and to sow its fields,
when, unexpectedly, I was forbidden by the present commander, to take possession of it
again ; wherefore I am compelled to inform the Director-general of this event, with
humble supplication that it may please him graciously, and from the friendship between
him and my lord and father, to favor me with this possession, as I am confident his
honor will do ; and solicit further that my people may remain unmolested at Printzdorp,
and continue to cultivate its soil ; and that his Honor, &c., may be pleased to grant me,
for my greater security, letters patent for that spot, and so too for Tinnakonk. I hope
that my lord and father will acknowledge it as a mark of great friendship, and as far
as it is in his power, be remunerated with thankfulness; with which I recommend the
Director-general to the protection of God Almighty. Dated at Tinnakonk August 3,
1656. The Director General's humble servant, Armgard Printz."
"The suppliant is permitted, agreeably to the capitulation, to take posses-
sion of the lands of her lord and father in Printzdorf, and to use it to her best
advantage," was the response of the Director-general.
The Dutch West India Company had become greatly embarrassed by the
large amount of their debts, which had been increased by the aid afforded by
the city of Amsterdam towards the conquest of the Swedes on the Delaware.
To liquidate this debt, that ])an of the South river extending from the west
side of Christina kill to the mouth of the bay, "and so far as the ^linquas land
extended," was, after much negotiation, transferred to that city, with the com-
pany "s rights and privileges, and subject to conditions agreed upon by the con-
tracting parties. These conditions with a slight modification were ratified by
the States General, August 16, 1656 — the colony thus established taking the
name of Nieuer Amstel.
As the jurisdiction of the City's Colony, as thus established, did not ex-
tend over the district claiming our particular attention, the doings within it will
onlv be briefly noticed. The government of the colony was organized by the
establishment of a board of commissioners to reside in the city of Amsterdam;
forty soldiers were enlisted and placed under the command of Captain Martin
Krygier, and Lieutenant Alexander D'Hinoyossa ; and 150 emigrants, free-
men and boors, were forthwith dispatched, in three vessels, to settle in the new
colony. Jacob Alrichs accompanied the expedition as Director of New Am-
DELAWARE COUNTY 49
stel. Alrichs assumed the government of the colony towards the close of
April, 1657, when Hudde was appointed to the command at Fort Christina,
(the name of which was changed to Altona,) and also of New Gottenburg.
Over the Swedes and Finns, who were exclusively the inhabitants of the
river above the Colony of the City of Amsterdam, Goeran Vandyck had been
appointed with the title of schout fiscal, and under him Anders Jurgen. Goer-
an Vandyck, the schout, suggested to Stuyvesant the necessity of concentrating
the Swedish inhabitants, and procured from him a proclamation inviting them
to assemble in one settlement either at Upland, Passayunk, Finland, Kingses-
sing or where they pleased. The invitation was not accepted. The appoint-
ment of "one Jurgin the Finn, on Crooked Kill," as court messenger, is men-
tioned.
Andries Hudde, who held a military command under the Company, was
also provisionally engaged in the New Amstel Colony as clerk in "the dispatch
of law suits and occurring dififerences ;" and as he understood "somewhat of
surveying," he was also employed in that capacity.
Evert Pieterson, who held the office of schoolmaster, comforter of the
sick and setter of the psalms, in the City Colony, writes to the commissioners
that upon his arrival in April he found but twenty families in New Amstel, all
Swedes except five or six families. He appears to have been a man of obser-
vation, and suggests our black walnut timber for making gun-stocks, requests
that inquiries be made of the gunsmiths in respect to its value, and in what
shape it should be cut. In August he had a school of twenty-five children.
This is the first school established on the river of which we have any account.
Director x-\lrichs not only communicated with the commissioners of Am-
sterdam City, but also with Stuyvesant. He advises that seventy-five men be
sent to Altona, thereby showing that he was under some apprehensions on ac-
count of the Swedes.
The winter of 1657 was remarkable for its severity. "The Delaware was
frozen over in one night, so that a deer could run over it, which, as the Indians
relate, had not happened within the memory of man."
In the spring of 1658, a vessel which had taken in hickory wood at Altona
that was cut by Stuyvesant's orders, completed her cargo with rye straw at
Tinicum.
The affairs of the South river, in the opinion of Governor Stuyvesant
and his council, "required to be examined into," and "some regulations" also
becoming necessary among the Swedes, his excellency in person, accompanied
by Mr. Tonneman, repaired to the river, and May 8th, in this year visited Tini-
cum. Here they were met by the schout, or sherifif, Vandyck; Olof Stille,
Malhys Hanson. Pieter Rambo and Pieter Cock, magistrates; Swen Schute,
captain; Andries D'Albo, lieutenant; and Jacob Swenson, ensign. After re-
newing their oath of allegiance to "the high and mighty lords, the States Gen-
eral of the United Netherlands and lords directors of the general privileged
West India Company with the director general and council already appointed,
or in time being," these Swedish officials presented their petition asking that a
4
50 DELAWARE COUNTY
court messenger might be appointed for executions ; for free access to the sol-
diers of Altona, in case they wish their aid for the execution of resolves ; that
no person shall leave their limits without the knowledge of the magistrates,
much less male and female servants, &c. Some subsidies were also asked
for. The Director-general thought the jailor could perform the duties of
court messenger, as he is now employed by the sheriff and commissioners to
make summons, arrests and executions. Free access to the soldiers was
granted, if solicited by the sheriff. No person was to leave without the consent
of the commissary, first obtained of the Director-general and council, and sub-
sidies were allowed "when they can be obtained with least incumbrance to the
Swedish nation." Those who had not taken the oath of allegiance were re-
quired to do so.
It is probable that the above named petitioners, except Vandyck, con-
stituted what remained of an organized government at the close of the Swed-
ish authority on the river. The articles of capitulation are silent in respect to
a continuance of Swedish officers in power, but it would appear that those who
remained in the country and took the oath of allegiance to the Dutch govern-
ment, continued to exercise their functions, in which they seem to have been
oflficially recognized by the Director-general at the meeting at Tinicum. Un-
fortunately, no record of their official acts .has been preserved.
After the Director-general returned to New Amsterdam, he reported to
the Council that the Swedes, after taking the oath of allegiance, desired that
in the case of a difference between the crown of Sweden a, id the Netherlands
in Europe, that they might occupy the position of neutrals, which was agreed
to. The military officers mentioned at the meeting at Tini-^un: were .-'t the
same time elected to their respective offices.
The summer of 1658 was a season of great sickness an '; nortality at New
Amstel and surrounding country. In a letter from Alrichs t., the commission-
ers of the City Colony, dated October 10, of this year, he speaks of "two par-
cels of the best land on the river on the west bank, the first of which," he says,
"is above Marietens hook, about two leagues along the river and 4 leagues into
the interior ; the second on a guess, about 3 leagues along the same including
Schuylkill, Passajonck, Quinsessingh, right excellent land, the grants or deeds
whereof signed in original by Queen Christina, I have seen : they remain
here." He also expresses the belief that "the proprietors, as they style them-
selves, or those who hold the ground briefs," would willingly dispose of these
lands for a trifle, according to their value or worth.
The prosperous commencement of the City Colony was soon followed by
evils that almost threatened its dissolution. Sickness, a scarcity of provisions
and failure of crops, followed by a severe winter, spread dismay and discon-
tent among the people. The arrival of additional settlers not properly supplied
with provisions, greatly increased the prevailing distress. In the midst of this
general gloom, news arrived that the burgomasters of Amsterdam had changed
the conditions on which the colonists had agreed to emigrate, making them less
favorable to the emigrants. Discontent was increased, and many of the inhab-
DELAWARE COUNTY 51
itants deserted to Maryland, carrying with them the news of the distressed
condition of the colony. News of a threatened invasion by the English reached
the ears of the colonists, and added to the general feeling of insecurity. In the
midst of this anxiety and alarm, commissioners from Maryland arrived with a
letter from Governor Fendal and instructions to command the Dutch to leave,
or to acknowledge themselves subjects of Lord Baltimore. An immediate
answer was demanded, but at length Col. Utie, the head of the Maryland com-
mission, granted a delay of three weeks in order that Alrichs and Beekman
might confer with their superiors. Upon being advised of the visit of the
Maryland commissioners. Governor Stuyvesant forwarded a reinforcement of
sixty soldiers with Capt. Krygier and Secretary Van Ruyven to regulate mat-
ters on the South river. He also sent Augustine Heemans and Resolved Wal-
dron as ambassadors to Maryland, with instructions to remonstrate against
Col. Utie's proceedings, and to negotiate a treaty for the mutual rendition of
fugitives. Upon the arrival of the ambassadors in Maryland a protracted con-
ference ensued, in which the Dutch title to the lands on the Delaware river and
bay was defended with considerable ability.
The land from Bombay Hook to Cape Henlopen was secured by purchase
from the savages, and a fort erected at Hoern kill as a further security against
the English claim. It was attached to the district of New Amstel.
Alrichs had become unpopular from the exercise of a too rigid authority.
The clashing of interests between the city and the Company, taken in connec-
tion with the adverse circumstances with which he was surrounded, rendered
his position one of great difficulty. But death relieved him from his troubles
towards the close of the year; his wife departed this life at its com-
mencement. Previous to his death, Alrichs nominated Alexander D'Hinoyossa
as his successor, and Gerit Van Gezel as secretary.
The Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam soon discovered that their
colony of New Amstel would be attended with more expense and trouble than
profit, and entered into negotiations with the company for a re-transfer of
the same to them. Trade was the prime object of the company, and as the
City Colony served as a defence to the southern border of New Netherland
without diminishing their commercial advantages, the negotiation, of course,
was a failure.
In September, 1659, Alrichs says there are no houses in New Amstel, 16
or 17 more on land belonging to the Dutch, and 13 or 14 belonging to the
Swedes. In a proposition to tax the Swedes and Finns within the jurisdiction
of the West India Company, towards the close of 1659, the number of their
families is estimated at 200. By estimating five persons to each family at the
close of this year, the whole European population of the river would amount
to 1,700.
The Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam failing to get rid of their
American colony, made a new loan and showed a disposition to act with more
vigor in promoting the interests of the colonists. A year, however, was al-
lowed to pass aw^ay before the inhabitants of New Amstel felt the invigorat-
52 DELAWARE COUNTY
ing effects of this change in the pohcy of their rulers. They were even in a
state of uncertainty during the most of the year 1660, whether arrangements
had not been made for their re-transfer to the Company. As a consequence,
many disorders ensued, among which jangling and quarreling among the offi-
cials were the most prominent. As a means of averting the evils with which
the colony was surrounded, days of public thanksgiving were occasionally ob-
served, but this year the ungodly council of New Amstel commanded that "a
fast and prayer day should be holden on the first ^londay of each month."
Sheriff Vandyck estimates the number of men in the "Swedish and Fin-
nish nation"" capable of bearing arms, at 130. Some of them were allowed to
be enlisted as soldiers, while at the very same time an order from Stuyvesant
was in force to collect them all into one or two villages. Preparatory to carry-
ing this unjust and unreasonable order into execution, Beekman spent a few
days amongst the Swedes and b'inns, and found that different settlements could
not converse with each other, "for want of a knowledge of their reciprocal
language." There was a difference of opinion between the settlers about
Aroumerk and those of Keneses, as to which was the more eligible for the
proposed Swedish village. It was argued against the latter "that there was no
defence whatever, neither a place for safe retreat, as considerable under-
wood and many streams must be passed ;" and in favor of Aroumerk, that
"there is a pretty large kill, which might be chosen to cover a retreat or pre-
pare for defence." Besides, "at Arounderyk they might cultivate their fields
on the other side of the kill, on the Passayung road, where is a rich, fruitful
soil, and last harvest a considerable quantity of seed was sowed." He found
some willing to compromise, by accepting the pi"oposals, while others were for
maintaining their own rights, in keeping their own farms and lots. Miss Printz,
(as Mrs. Papegoya is usually called by the Dutch w-riters,) was among the lat-
ter. She could not remove her residence, "the heavy building not permitting
her to change it, and the church where she usually worships being upon that
spot." She says further that "she oft'ers her lands without any compensation,
but can nevertheless induce no person to settle in her neighborhood."
Finding that the Swedes could not agree among themselves, Beekman
commanded a list to be delivered to him within eight or ten days, designating
where it suits best for every person to fix his future residence promising his
assent in case it comported with the Governor's order, otherwise he would be
compelled to designate where each of them should reside. At the urgent re-
quest of the Swedes, from four to six weeks more time was granted, Miss
Printz and others requesting Beekman to aid them ; for which purpose, he
informs Stuyvesant, "more soldiers will be required." At the solicitation of
the Swedish commissaries, Beekman asks permission from the governor to al-
low the Swedish nation "to remain in tlieir present possessions till they have
harvested their corn." He had understood that they intended to unite them in
one village at Perslajough, &c. Peter Kock, Peter .'\ndrieson and Hans Moen-
son were among those who took a decided stand against removing to Passa-
yunk. There was not sufficient land obtained there "for the pasture of their
DELAWARE COUNTY 53
creatures," and they "ardently wished not to remove." They add, "if com-
pelled to go, then we will go, or depart to a spot where we may live in peace."
Beekman eventually became convinced of the injustice of the order for
removing the Swedes into one village. He represented to Stuyvesant that it
was "unmerciful to force people from their cultivated lands and put them to
new labor and expense." The Swedes were therefore allowed to remain at
their respective settlements — a result not brought about by any kind feelings
entertained towards them by the Director-general. Persuasion had failed, and
as for compulsion, the means were not at hand. The Swedes outnumbered
the Dutch on the river, and within the territory of the company very few if
any Dutch had settled. Dissensions were also rapidly growing between the of-
ficials of the two colonies. More favorable privileges being offered by D'Hin-
oyossa, a number of Swedes had joined the City Colony, and others had re-
moved to Sassafras river. Apprehensions that the whole Swedish territory
would be abandoned may also have had some weight in suspending the opera-
tion of this iniquitous measure.
The Dutch having got into difficulties with the Esopus Indians on the
North river, sent to the Swedes and Finns for recruits. They could not be
persuaded to go to Esopus as soldiers ; though "they would not be unwilling,
provided they could remain there in peace with the savages." The sheriff,
Vandyck, and some of the commissaries, are accused with discouraging and
actually preventing some individuals from emigrating to Esopus.
Miss Printz, instead of her recognitions (taxes), requests permission to
make payment in a fat ox, fat hogs, bread and corn.
The seat of justice for the company's jurisdiction was at Altona, where
annually three or four courts were held, "as circumstances might require."
Among the Finns was a married couple who lived together in constant strife,
the wife being daily beaten and "often expelled from the house like a dog."
A divorce was solicited by the priest, the neighbors, the sherifif and commis-
saries, on behalf of these parties, and that their small property and stock be
divided between them. The matter was referred to the governor, but the re-
sult is not known. As the parties were Finns, they probably resided in the vi-
cinity of Marcus Hook.
About this time, mention is made of Israel Helm carrying on trade at
Passayunk. He took a prominent part in the transactions on the river till
some time after the arrival of Penn.
Beekman becomes alarmed in consequence of a threatened war between
the Indians and the English of Maryland, and is apprehensive that the savages
^ill again claim and take possession of these lands, or that they will be event-
ually settled with English and Swedes.
A war is at this time in progress between the Senecas and Minquas In-
dians, the small-pox being prevalent in the latter nation at the same time
Great alarm spread among the European inhabitants, which was fully shared
by the Swedes for the Senecas were as little known to them as to the Dutch.
During the early part of this year, the common council of the city of Am-
54 DELAWARE COUNTY
sterdam, by means of commissioners appointed for that purpose, went into a
thorough examination of the causes tliat had heretofore defeated all their
efforts to render the colony of new Amstel prosperous. The result was a ne-
gotiation with the \\'cst India Company for an amplification of the privileges
of the city in respect to trade ; of the powers of the local government render-
ing it less dependent on the Director-general ; and an extension of their terri-
tory, so as to embrace the east side of the river as high up as their present
limits extended, and the west side to Upland kill.
The introduction of negroes as laborers had now become more general on
the river. As early as 1657 complaints were made against Vice-director Al-
richs "fcr using the company's oxen and negroes," and in a letter from Beek-
man to Director-general Stuyvesant, dated March 18, 1662, he "solicits most
seriously" that his Honor "would accommodate him with a company of ne-
groes, as he is very niiicli in want of them in many respects."
A corn-mill was now in the course of erection at "Turtle Falls, about one
and a half miles (Dutch) from Fortress Altona," on condition, however, "that
the garrison should not pay for their grist." A mill of some kind was in ex-
istence at New Amstel called a Rosmolen (Ross mill,) to which the people of
Altona resorted, or wdien they could not be served, were compelled to go to
the old "Swedish mill" at the distance of six miles (Dutch) from Altona.
This old Swedish mill was the mill built by Governor Printz, on Cobb's creek.
The West India Company having assented to a favorable modification of
the conditions under which the City of Amsterdam held its colony, and the
city having agreed to furnish pecuniary aid to emigrants, a reasonable pros-
spect was presented that immigration in that direction would proceed with
great rapidity. Among those who were allured by the proposed advantages
was a community of Mennonists, who proposed to plant themselves at Hore-
kill. Their articles of association are remarkably singular. The associators
were to be married men or single men twenty-four years old. Clerg)'men were
excluded from the community, as were also "all intractable people — such as
those in communion with the Roman See ; usurious Jews ; English stiff-necked
Quakers; Puritans; fool-hardy believers in the Millennium; and obstinate
modern pretenders to revelation." Laws, subject to the approval of the au-
thorities of the City of Amsterdam, could be passed by the votes of two-thirds
of the members, but no magistrate was to be allowed any compensation for
his services — "not even a stiver." Enticed by the favorable terms offered to
emigrants by the City of Amsterdam, sixteen or eighteen families, chiefly
Finns, had embraced them by removing within its jurisdiction. They were to
be eighteen years free from tax, and to have their own judges and religion,
while at the same time they meant to retain the lands from which they emi-
grated.
It appears that towards the close of 1662, "Miss Printz (Mrs. Pape-
goya,) made a conveyance of the Island of Tinicum to a Mr. LaGrange, and
had received from him a bill of exchange as part of the purchase money,
which bill was protested. Beekman visited Tinicum for the purpose of arrang-
DELAWARE COUNTY 55
ing the matter, but after using every exertion failed. From this transaction
much Utigation ensued, which was not ended till after the government passed
into the hands of Penn. The letter of Beekman, communicating this matter
to Stuyvesant, is dated at "Tinneconk, N. Leyden," December 23rd, 1662.
Harmonious action between the officers of the city and those of the Com-
pany was not established by the new arrangement entered into between the
parties. It became apparent that a joint occupancy of the river must ever be
attended with difficulties that would prevent the rapid settlement of the coun-
try, and would materially interfere with the prosperity of the colonists. Un-
der this impression, the burgomasters of the city, in the early part of 1663,
made application to the Company for authority to extend their jurisdiction
"from the sea upwards as far as the river stretches." After considerable ne-
gotiation a cession was accordingly made to the city, embracing a margin of
nine miles on the coast, and extending to the English colony on the west side
of the river, on conditions that made its colony almost wholly independent of
the Company. The cession was not however actually made till near the close
of the year, until which time Beekman continued to perform the duties of his
office.
A trade had sprung up between the Colony of the City and the Mary-
landers, which under the new arrangement that excluded the company's offi-
cials from the river, the city hoped to extend ; it having been offered by the
English, in case they would trade with them, "to make a little slit in the door"
whereby they could be reached overland. In a proposal submitted by the
<rommissioners to the burgomasters of the city, cargoes amounting to from
thirty-five to thirty-six thousand guilders are estimated for this trade and that
of the Indians. In the same document it is especially urged that a contract be
immediately made for fifty head of slaves, "for procuring which the West In-
dia Company had a ship ready to sail." These slaves were ordered in pursu-
ance of a report made by Director Alexander d'Hinoyosa, who regarded them
as "particularly adapted to the preparation of the valleys which are found
exceedingly fertile."
Hendrick Huygens, the commissary, is about to remove from N. Leyden,
which was on Tinicum. He probably fixed his residence at Upland, as he re-
ports to Beekman "a horrid deed" that was committed at that place by a Finn
named Jan Hendrickson against "the honest Juriaen Kuys Sneart, whom he
had cruelly beaten."
The Swedes entertained a more kindly feeling towards the officials of the
City Colony than towards those of the Company, which appears to have been
reciprocated; for no sooner is the authority of the city extended over the
Swedish settlements than we find Peter Kock, a Swede, appointed to the im-
portant trust of "collector of tolls on imports and exports from the Colony
of the City," and Israel [Helm.] another Swede, to superintend the fur trade
at the upper end of Passayunk.
Mrs. Papegoya is now absent from the river, but the precise time she left,
is not mentioned. Israel [Helm], who appears to have accompanied this lady
56 DELAWARE COUNTY
to Swetlen, returned early in December with D'Hinoyosa and Peter Alrichs,
who had been on a visit to Fatherland. A formal transfer of the whole river
was immediately made by Stuyvesant to D'Hinoyosa, who received it on be-
half of the burgomasters of the city of Amsterdam. The burgomasters did
not, however, accept of this enlargement of their American possessions with-
out apprehension that the whole might not soon be rescued from them ; but
they did not discern the real source of danger. News of the fitting out of a
secret expedition in Sweden had reached Governor Stuyvesant, and could not
have been unknown in Holland. A demand was also formally made by the
resident Swedish minister at the Hague for a restoration of New Sweden to
the Swedish Company which clearly shows the real object of the expedition.
But a series of maritime disasters that befell the ships composing the expedi-
tion, and forced their return — disasters in which Stuyvesant saw "the hand
of God," — relieved the Dutch "from all apprehension and dread," and saved
our land from again passing under the dominion of the Swedes.
During the exclusive exercise of Dutch rule on the Delaware, the personal
intercourse existing between the Dutch and Swedish inhabitants was no doubt
friendly ; but the government looked upon the Swedes with suspicion and dis-
trust, and adopted tyrannical and oppressive regulations in respect to therri.
Had all these regulations been rigidly enforced by the local authorities, it
would probably have resulted in a general exodus of the Swedes and Finns to
Maryland.
Ecclesiastical affairs during this period present rather a gloomy aspect.
Two of the three Swedish priests on the river at the time of the Dutch con-
quest left with Rysingh, or shortly afterwards. The standing of the one who
remained and who doubtless had charge of the church at Tinicum, as well as
of that at Christina, was not during this period well calculated to elevate the
morals of his flock. We may sympathize with this man on account of the
wrongs he suffered, but our sympathy will be tempered by the belief that had
he lived a life more in accordance with his holy functions, he would not have
fallen into the hands of his persecutors. Such as he was, he was the only one
in the country, and "served both the Swedes and the Dutch."
Towards the close of the Dutch dynasty, the Swedes made an effort to
supercede the Rev. Laers by the appointment of Albelius Zetzcoven, or Sels-
koorn, but the opposition made by the reverend incumbent was so strong that
no permanent position appears to have been assigned to him. This gentleman
preached at the Tinicum church on the last Monday of Pentecost, at the re-
quest of the Swedish commissaries. They desired to engage him as a school-
master at the same salary given to the Rev. Laers. but the people of New
Amstel, where it may be inferred he was employed in the same capacity,
would not dismiss him. He never had charge of any congregation on the
South river as a regularly ordained minister.
While the city and the Company occupied the country jointly, the seat of
justice of the latter jurisdiction was at .'Mtona. The Swedes did not resort
voluntarily to the court held there, preferring to settle their differences among
DELAWARE COUNTY
57
themselves, and in one or two instances they willfully disregarded its pro-
cesses.
Horses and cattle were sent over by the Company and by the city in great
numbers. These were distributed among the settlers, to be returned at the
€nd of four or five years, with one half of the increase. The Swedes consti-
tuting almost exclusively the agricultural population of the river, a large pro-
portion of these animals was distributed among them.
The time had now arrived when the dominion of our favored land was to
be wrested from the Dutch, and, with the exception of a short interval — for-
ever. The crown of Great Britain having been restored to Charles II., he
granted to his brother James, Duke of York, the territory embracing the whole
of New York and New Jersey, and, by a subsequent grant, that which now
comprises the State of Delaware. To secure the possession of his newly ac-
quired territory, the Duke fitted out an expedition consisting of four men-of-
war and four hundred and fifty men, which he placed under the command of
Col. Richard NicoUs. With the commander were united Sir Robert Carr, Sir
George Cartwright and Samuel Maverick, Esq., to act as commissioners, to
receive possession, settle boundaries, &c. The expedition reached the mouth
of the Hudson in the latter end of August, and, after considerable negotiation,
New Amsterdam and its immediate dependencies were surrendered to the
English, September 8th, without firing a gun. The settlements on the Dela-
ware being now under a government wholly independent of the West India
Company, they were not included in the capitulation of New Amsterdam. Sir
Robert Carr was immediately dispatched with a sufficient force to effect their
capture. Arriving there on the last day of September, he sailed past the
forts, "the better to satisfie the Swede, who, notwithstanding the Dutches per-
suasion to y^ contrary were soone their frinds." After three days' parley the
burghers and townsmen yielded to the demands of the English on terms favor-
able to themselves and the Swedes, but the governor, D'Hinoyosa, and sol-
diery, refused every proposition, although the fort was in a bad condition, and
defended by only fifty men. "Whereupon," says Sir Robert in his official dis-
patch, "I landed my soldiers on Sonday morning following and commanded y*
shipps to fall down before y« fort w^Mn muskett shott, w*^ directions to fire
two broadsides apeace uppon y« Fort, then my soldiers to fall on. Which
done y^ soldiers neaver stoping untill they stormed y^ Fort, and sae conse-
quently to plundering ; the seamen, noe less given to that sporte, were quickly
w*^in, and have gotten good store of booty." The loss on the part of the
Dutch was three killed and ten wounded; on the part of the English, none.
The articles of agreement entered into between Sir Robert Carr, acting
on behalf of his Majesty of Great Britain, and the burgomasters, secured to
the planters and burghers protection in their estates, both real and personal;
the continuance of the present magistrates in their offices and jurisdiction ; the
liberty of conscience in church discipline as formerly ; together with "the privi-
lege of trading into any of his Majesties dominions as freely as any English-
man," after having taken the oath of allegiance.
58 DELAWARE COUNTY
The general system of plunder that ensued ujxtn the surrender of the
fort, was disgraceful to the commander, and his excuse that "in such a noise
and confusion noe words of command could be heard for some tyme," affords
better evidence of the enormity of the transaction than of any sincere disposi-
tion on his part to have prevented it. No less than forty horses, sixty cows and
oxen, one hundred sheep, and from sixty to seventy negroes, were included in
the plunder. Sir Robert appropriated to his own use the farm of D'Hinoyosa^
his brother. Captain John Carr, took possession of that of Sherifif Van Swer-
ingen, while Ensign Stock possessed himself of "Peter Alrich's land." But
the possessions of the local officers, which were regarded as legitimate booty,
were not sufficient to gratify the cupidity of all who wore epaulets in the ex-
pedition. To satisfy the claims of the two captains — Hyde and Morley — Sir
Robert granted to them "the Manour of Grimstead, situated near the head of
the said river Delaware in America."
The conduct of Sir Robert Carr subsequently to the capture of the fort,
did not meet with the approbation of Col. Xicolls. In his report to the Secre-
tary of State he speaks disparagingly of his selfish conduct in respect to the
plunder, and particularly of his presumption in appropriating "the prize to
himself.'" and of "disposing of the confiscations of the houses, farmes and
stocks to whom he doth think fitt." The Colonel soon visited the Delaware to
attend to the interests of his sovereign. Captain Robert Needham was sub-
sequently deputed to the command of the Delaware.
With the change of masters, the name of New Amsterdam was changed
to New York, and that of New Amstel to New Castle.
Even before the Duke of York had acquired the possession of his Ameri-
can territory, he conveyed all that portion of it which now constitutes the State
of New Jersey, to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. At the time of the
English conquest of the Delaware, the settlements on the east side of the river
were so few that no notice is taken of them in any account of the transaction^
that has come under my notice. Col. Xicolls acted as governor of both New
York and the Delaware. The Swedes were benefited by the change in the
government, as under the new order of things, nearly all restrictions on their
trade were removed. But independent of any pecuniary advantage, they must
have felt a secret satisfaction in seeing their ancient enemies, the Dutch,
humbled.
Beavers still continued to be used as currency ; and, in the payment fon-
imported goods, the standard value fixed on each beaver, by the governor, was
guilders, or 13s. 4d. The export duty on beavers was lo^^ per cent., on to-
bacco, two cents per pound. In 1666, an order was issued by Col. Nicolls
granting a temporary immunity from all duties, for the purpose of encourag-
ing trade.
In luly of this year, an order was issued by the Court of Assizes of New
York, which applied to the country on the Delaware, for a renewal of all the
old patents that had been granted for land, and that those who had no patents
should be supplied.
DELAWARE COUNTY 59
Col. Nicolls performed the duties of governor both of New York and its
dependencies on the Delaware for about three years. He was succeeded by
Col. Francis Lovelace in May, 1667. The administration of Nicolls was con-
ducted with prudence and judgment, his efforts being especially directed to the
promotion of trade. There was no popular representation in the government.
"In the governor and his subservient council were vested the executive and
the highest judicial powers; with the Court of Assizes, composed of justices
of his own appointment, he exercised supreme legislative power, promulgated
a code of laws and modified and repealed them at pleasure." The laws thus
enacted and promulgated, called the "Duke's Laws," were collected out of the
several laws then in force in the British American colonies, and if not an im-
provement on these laws, they are divested of the worst features of some of
them.
This year, a Swedish church was erected at Crane Hook, at which Mr.
Lock officiated as well as at the church at Tinicum.
On April 21, 1668, the government at New York adopted "Resolutions
and directions for the settlement of a garrison on the Delaware." Under this
head, directions were given that it was only "necessary to hold up the name
and countenance of a garrison, with 20 men and one commissioned officer."
But the more important matter of establishing courts of justice was also con-
tained in the "Resolutions and Directions." To prevent "all abuses or oppo-
sitions in civil matter, so often as complaint is made, the commission officer
Capt. Carre, shall call the scout w^'^ Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Rambo,
Peter Cock, Peter Alrich, or any two of them as counsellors, to advise, hear
and determine, by the major vote, what is just, equitable and necessary, in the
case or cases in question." It was besides directed "that the -same persons
also, or any two or more of them, he called to advise and direct what is best
to be done in all cases of difficulty, which may arise from the Indians, and to
give their counsel and orders for the arming of the several plantations and
planters, who must obey and attend their summons, upon such occasions."
"That the Fynes or Preminires and light offences be executed with moderation,
though it is also necessary that all men be punished in exemplary manner."
The commissioned officer, Capt. Carr, when the votes were equal, was to have
a casting vote. It was also ordained "that the laws of the government estab-
lished by his Royal highness, be showed and frequently communicated to the
said counsellors and all others, to the end that being therewith acquainted, the
practyce of them may also, in convenient time be established w'^^ conducteth to
the publique welfare and common justice."
Three of the newly appointed counsellors were Swedes, residing up the
river, and as no time or place is mentioned for holding the courts, and as the
three Swedish gentlemen mentioned were all justices of the first Upland court
of which the record has been preserved, it may reasonally be concluded that
the court thus established occasionally exercised its functions at Upland. If
so, it will mark the earliest period at which that place could have been a seat
of justice. In the order for establishing a judicial tribunal on the Delaware,
6o DELAWARE COUNTY
it was directed "that no offensive war sliould be made against the Indians"
before directions were received from the government for so doing. Recourse
was also to be had to the government, by way of appeal, in all cases of diffi-
culty.
In consequence of the commission of two murders by the Indians while
in a state of intoxication, Peter Rambo proceeded to New York, bearing a
request from the Indians "that there should be an absolute prohibition upon
the whole river of selling strong liquors to the Indians." The whole matter
was referred to Captain Carr and those associated with him in commission,
with the promise that what they should (upon discourse with the Indians) con-
clude, should be confirmed.
Before Mrs. Papegoya visited Sweden in 1662 or 1663, she had sold the
island of Tinicum, as has been mentioned, to a Mr. DeLagrange, but the con-
sideration in whole or in part was a protested bill of exchange. It will be
seen hereafter, that when she returned to the country she prosecuted her claim
to be reinstated in possession of the island with success, though in the enrl. her
title to it was decided not to be good. Printzdorp, however, was confirmed to
that lady under the name of Ufro Papegay, June 18, 1668, which renders it
probable that she had then returned to reside on the river. The following is
a description of the property :
"A parcel of cleared land situate on the west side of the Delaware river between
two creeks, the one called Upland, the other Le Mokey's creek, including all the land
being between the said two creeks, as also the valley or meadow ground thereunto
belonging, and containing by estimation, as it lies along the river side twelve hundred
tread or single paces" * * * "as held and possessed by the said Ufro * * * "
The situation of this land cannot be mistaken. It subsequently became
the property of Robert \\'ade. During this and the two succeeding years, sev-
eral tracts of land within the limits of Delaware County and vicinity, were con-
firmed to persons who held titles from the Dutch, including a few lots in Up-
land.
J The order issued in 1666, for repatenting lands, was renewed by Governor
Lovelace, and William Tom was appointed collector of quit-rents on the Dela-
ware. Those who had neglected to take out patents are not on that account to
be exempt from the payment of these dues.
The Swedes and Finns had conducted themselves with so much propriety
that they had very fully secured the confidence of the government. But this
year an insurrection broke out. headed by one Marcus Jacobson, generally
known as the "Long Finn," who gave out that he was "the son of Conings-
mark," heretofore one of the king of Sweden's generals. He had for a con-
federate one Henry Coleman, also a Finn, and a man of property. Coleman
had "left his habitation, cattle and corn," to reside among the Indians, with
whose language he was well versed, where also the Long Finn generally kept.
No treasonable acts are charged against these confederates except "raising
speeches, very seditious and false, tending to the disturbance of his Majesty's
DELAWARE COUNTY 6i
peace and the laws of the government." On August 2d, Governor Lovelace is-
sued a proclamation for the arrest of the parties, with an order to confiscate
the property of Coleman in case he did not surrender himself in fifteen days.
The principal in the insurrection was soon arrested, and upon information of
that fact being communicated to the governor and council, they expressed their
great satisfaction on account "of the prudence and careful management" of
the officers on the Delaware, "in circumventing and securing the prime mover
of this commotion."
Jeufifro Papegoya (Armgard Printz) was somewhat implicated, "though
what she had done was not of any dangerous consequence, yet it was a dem-
onstration of her inclination and temper to advance a strange power, and a
manifestation of her high ingratitude for all those indulgences and favors she
hath received from those in authority over her." The governor also perceived
from the papers sent to him that "the little domine hath played the trumpeter
in this disorder." The quality of his punishment was referred to the discre-
tion of Captain Carr. The instructions to Captain Carr were "to continue the
Long Finn in custody and irons until he can have his trial ;" the appearance of
"those of the first magnitude concerned with him was to be secured by im-
prisonment or by taking security ;" but "the poor deluded sort" were to be sub-
jected to a method for keeping them in order which the governor is pleased to
say was prescribed by their own countrymen, and which is "severity, and lay-
ing such taxes on them as may not give them liberty to entertain any other
thoughts but how to discharge them."
In the commission for the trial of the insurgents on the Delaware, the
names of the judges are omitted in the record. The sentence was passed by
the council at New York on the Long Finn, or that passed by the commission
on the Delaware was confirmed. He was deemed worthy of death, but "in re-
gard that many others being concerned w^ith him in the insurrection might
be involved in the same premunire," amongst them "divers simple and ignorant
people," the said Long Finn was sentenced "to be publicly and severely
whipped and stigmatized or branded in the face with the letter (R), with an
inscription written in great letters and put upon his breast, that he received
that punishment for attempting rebellion." After undergoing this sentence
the culprit was to be sent to "Barbadoes and some other of those remote plan-
tations and sold." In compliance wath the latter part of his sentence, he was
put on board of Mr. Cossen's ship, "Fort Albany," bound for Barbadoes, in
January, 1669-70, where, no doubt, he was sold into slavery. What became of
Coleman is not certainly known. He probably remained among the Indians
for some years, when his offence was overlooked by the government.
So few of the names of those implicated in the insurrection are given that
it is diflticult to fix on the particular district of country that was its principal
seat. The leader was a Finn; the "Little Domine" was a Finn; and, as the
Swedes and Finns did not understand each other's language well, it is proba-
ble that the hot bed of the conspiracy was in the district of country chiefly set-
tled by Finns, below Upland. This supposition is strengthened by the fact that
62 DELAWARE COUNTY
Mrs. Papegoya was implicated ; for, though not a Finn, she doubtless then re-
sided on her estate of Printzdorp, in the vicinity of the Finnish settlement, she
not being in possession of Tinicum at this time.
It will be remembered that Mrs. Papegoya had sold the island of Tinicum
to a Mr. De La Grange. The grantee soon after died, and his widow Mar-
garet intermarried with Andrew Carr. This year Governor Lovelace issued a
patent confirming the whole island to the said Andrew and his wife.
Previous to the insurrection of the Long Finn, there had been, as before
Stated, two murders committed on the river by the Indians. As yet the mur-
derers had not been apprehended, but the governor, by his orders to Captain
Carr, evinces a determination not to let them go unpunished.
On the 13th of April, a pass was granted "to the Magister Jacobus Fabri-
tius, pastor of the Lutheran confession," to go to New Castle, or any place on
the Delaware. This personage, who at this period and for some years later
bore no very enviable reputation, subsequently, it will be seen, became the first
clergyman at Wiccaco, and by a course of good conduct gained the confidence
and respect of his employers.
Early in 1671, at the suggestion of Captain Carr, several orders were
made by the governor and council in respect to the Delaware. No persons were
to be permitted to distill liquor without license ; the number of victuallers and
tapsters to be ascertained — three only to be allowed in New Castle, and "some
few up the river," who may be licensed ; constables are to be appointed to keep
the king's peace. As to the tenure of lands on the Delaware, it was to be held
"in free and common socage as his Royal Highness, by his Majesty's patent,
holds all his territories in America, that is to say according to the custom of
the Manor of East Greenwich, only with this proviso, that they likewise pay
the quit rents reserved in their several patents, as acknowledgments to his
Royal Highness."
As to the mill that Carr had represented to the council as being "up Del-
aware river at y*" Carcoons Hooke," and which "did heretofore appertain to y®
publique, and now is endeavoured to be engrossed by some particular persons
for their private uses," it was ordered "that care be taken for y^ letting out y®
said Mill for y^ best advantage to some person who will undertake y® same,
and that y^ profitt thereof be reserved for y^ publique." This is the old
Swedes mill on Cobb's creek.
At a council held at New York, September 25, at which Peter Alrichs was
present to give particular information in respect to the two murders committed
by the Indians ; as to the number of Indians, &c. One proposition for having
the murderers destroyed, came from an Indian sachem. It was "to cause a
Kinticoy to be held, and in the midst of their mirth, that then one should be
hired to knock them in tlie head." Two days previous to this meeting, Gov-
ernor Lovelace had notified the governor of New Jersey that the Indians ac-
cused of the murder were within his jurisdiction, at a place called Suscunk,
four miles east of Matineconk Island, where the murder was committed.
The officers on the Delaware had become very apprehensive that an In-
DELAWARE COUNTY 63
dian war was about to break out, and had communicated their views to the
governor and council. In reply, orders were issued for placing the settlement
in the best possible position for such a contingency. Orders that had already
been given by the local authorities for the people to retire into towns for their
better security, were approved. Every person "that could bear arms, from six-
teen to sixty years of age, was to be always provided with a convenient pro-
portion of powder and bullets ;" no powder or ammunition was to be sold to
the Indians ; no corn or provisions to be transported out of the river ; and the
Susquehanna Indians or others were to be induced by appropriate rewards "to
join against the murderers and such as should harbour them."
The governor of New Jersey, after receiving notice, was in a very short
time "prepared with a handsome party ready to have stepped into the work
to bring the murderers to condign punishment." But the backwardness of the
people of the Delaware "put a stop to the forwardness of those of New Jer-
sey." This was in the month of November; and although, one month earlier,
Carr had been instructed by the governor that the season of the year was unfit
for the commencement of an Indian war, his excellency made the fact of the
New Jersey preparations the occasion to administer to that officer a severe re-
buke for his tardiness and neglect of duty.
But the masterly inactivity of Commander Carr proved to be the wisest
policy, and still preserved the country of the Delaware in its peculiar exemp-
tion from hostilities between the Indians and whites. In eleven days after
Alrich's return from New York, a conference was held at Peter Rambo's
house with the Indian sachems, which resulted in a promise by them to bring
in the murderers within six days, dead or alive. One of the criminals made his
escape, while the other — the more courageous of the two, allowed himself to
be surprised. One of the two Indians in pursuit, being his friend, was unwill-
ing to shoot him, but finding that the sachems had said he must die, and that
his brothers were of the same opinion, he was shot at his own request. His
body was removed to Wiccaco, and from thence to New Castle, where it was
hung in chains. William Tom, who communicated this information to the
governor, became satisfied from the conduct of the sachems that they desired
no war. The sachems promised to bring in the other Indian alive, and to the
young men brought with them they held up the fate of the murderer as that
which should be visited on every Indian who should act in like manner.
A prohibition had been in force against vessels trading directly to any
point on the river above New Castle. This prohibition was removed early in
1672, in respect to such vessels as sailed from New York. Immediately there-
after a pass was obtained by the wife of Laurs Hoist "to go in the sloop of
Krygier to Delaware, and thence up the river in some boat or canoe, to the
Swedes' plantations, with shoes and such other of her husband's trade, and
return without hindrance."
Early in this year, ample preparations were made by Governor Lovelace
for a visit to the Delaware by the overland route, crossing that river at Matine-
conk Island, near the present town of Burlington. A bodyguard and an ad-
64 DELAWARE COUNTY
vancccl guard were appointed, and instructions were sent to the river to make
preparations for the reception of his excellency. If this visit was accom-
plished, it was without result, or there has been an omission to record any-
thing that transpired on the occasion, or, if recorded, the record has been lost.
English laws are now to be established more fully on the river. The of-
fice of schout is to be converted into that of sheriff, to which office Edmund
Cantwell received the appointment, as well as to that of collector of quit rents
on the Delaware, William Tom having resigned the latter office.
In August of this year, the court of Upland is authorized, with the as-
sistance of one or two of the high court, to examine into a matter of difficulty
between "Jan Cornelis Mathys and Martin Martinson, [Morten Mortenson,]
inhabitants of Amesland," and Israel Helme, about "a parcel of valley or mea-
dov^ land, upon an island over against Calcoone Hook."
The daughter of Governor Printz still resided on the river, but it will
appear from the following order of the governor, made upon her petition,
that she did not live in much affluence :
"Whereas Jeuffro Armigart Printz, alias Pappegay, living in Delaware River, did
make a request unto me, that in regard she lived alone, and had so little assistance by
servants, having only one man-servant, and likewise in harvest time, or other seasons of
the year for husbandry, when she was constrained to hire other people to help her, for
whose payment in part, and relief also, she was wont to distil some small quantities of
liquors from corn, as by divers others is used in that river, that I would excuse her man-
servant from ordinary attendance at trainings in the company in which he is enlisted,
and also give her license to distil in her own distilling kettle, some small quantities of
liquors for her own use, and her servants and laborers upon occasions as before men-
tioned. I have thought good to grant the request of said Jeuflfro Pappegay, both as to
the excuse of her servant's being at trainings, (extraordinary ones, upon occasion of
an enemy or invasion, excepted,) and likewise that she have license to make use of her
distilling kettle as is desired, provided it be done with such moderation, that no just
complaint do arise thereby, to continue one year."
The limited means of Mrs. Papegoya is accounted for by the fact that
she was engaged in a heavy law suit for the recovery back of the Island of
Tinicum. There had been a trial in the "High Court on the Delaware," from
which the case was taken by appeal to the Court of Assizes at New York,
where it is thus set down, October 2, 1672: "Jeuffro Pappegay als. Armigart
Prince vs. Andrew Carr and Margaret Persill, [Priscilla] his wife, by John
Carr their attorney." The case was tried October 12-13-14. Various docu-
ments were read on the trial, translations made, and interpreters employed.
The counsel for the defendant desired time "for other witnesses out of Hol-
land," but it was thought fit "to delay the case no longer ; so the court recom-
mended it to the jury," who brought in the following verdict : "In y*^ case de-
pending between Armgart Prince, als. Mrs. Pappegay Ptff., and Mrs. La
Grange, Deft., y^ jury having seriously considered the Matf, do find for y*
Ptff., and award y'' Deft, to pay y*^ principall w^'^ costs of suite and all just
damages." Execution was issued against Andrew Carr and his wife Persill in
Delaware river and precincts for £350, with costs, for the use of Jeuffro
DELAWARE COUNTY 6-
Armgart Prince, "and for that it is thought the most considerable part of their
property is upon the Island of Tinicum," the sheriff was empowered "to put
the said Jeuffro Prince in possession of the said Island and the stock there-
of * * *."
The celebrated George Fox, the founder of the religious Society of
Friends, in returning from a religious visit to New England this year, had oc-
casion to pass through the whole extent of the territory now included in our
county, but it appeared he had no mission to the Swedish settlers here. Ac-
cording to his own account, after remaining all night in a house near the pres-
ent site of Burlington, "which the Indians had forced the people to leave," and
which he speaks of as the "head of Delaware Bay," he says :
. "The next day we swam our horses over a river about a mile, at twice, first to an
Island called Upper Dinidock (Teneconk), and then to the main land, having hired
Indians to help us over in their canoos. This day we could reach but about thirty miles,
and came at night to a Swede's house, where we got a little straw and hy there that
night. Next day, having hired another guide, we travelled about forty miles through the
woods, and made us a lire at night, by which we lay, and dried ourselves; for we were
often wet in our travels in the day time. The next day we passed over a desperate river,
which had in it many rocks and broad stones, very Hazardous to us and our horses.
From thence we came to the Christian-river, where we swam our horses, and went over
ourselves in canoos. From thence we came to a town called New Castle, heretofore
called New Amsterdam: And being very weary, and inquiring in the town where we
might buy some corn for our horses, the Governor came into the street and invited me
to his house: and afterwards desired me to lodge there; telling me he had a bed for
me, and I should be welcome."
The Brandywine is sufficiently identified by its "rocks and broad stones ;"
but in reaching that "desperate river" from the point at which he crossed the
Delaware, our worthy preacher has greatly overestimated the distance. Ben-
jamin Ferris supposes the Swede's house at which he lodged was at the Blue
Bell tavern, near the site of the Swede's mill. To have reached this point he
would have passed over fully one-half of the distance from Upper Dinidock
to the Brandywine. But the Swede's house was thirty miles from the former
and forty from the latter ; and as the mill, then a rarity in the country, is not
mentioned, and the Swedish settlements of Upland and Marcus Hook are not
noticed, it is probable our travellers crossed the country higher up.
A war broke out between the English and Dutch in 1672, but scarcely any
notice appears to have been taken of the matter in this country until a Dutch
fleet under the command of Commodores Cornelius Evertse and Jacob Benckes
appeared before the fort at New York, August 6th of the following year.
After making a slight resistance, the fort was surrendered, and the whole
country submitted again to the authority of the Dutch. This happened in the
absence of Governor Lovelace, who was at New Haven.
The two commodores immediately issued their proclamation appointing
Anthony Colve, a captain of Netherland infantry, to the office of Governor-
General of New Netherland, embracing the full dimensions it possessed pre-
vious to its surrender to the English, which included the whole of New Jersey.
5
66 DELAWARE COUNTY
There appears to have been a ready submission to the Dutch authorities, depu-
ties appearing before the commanders, inckiding Colve, who constituted a kind
of military council, and held their sittings at Fort William Hendrick, the name
now given to the fort at New York. The deputies from the Delaware ap-
peared before this tribunal and gave in 'their submission to their High Mighti-
nesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene
Highness the Prince of Orange, on the 12th of September." In return they
obtained for their constituents, among other privileges, "free trade and com-
merce with Christians and Indians ;" freedom of conscience ; security in the
possession of their houses and lands, and exemption from all rent charges and
excise on wine, beer and distilled liquors consumed on the South river. This
last privilege was granted in consideration of the expense the inhabitants
would incur "in erecting the fort," and was to continue till 1676 — "those of
the English nation to enjoy the same privileges upon taking the oath of alle-
giance." At the same time, three courts of justice were established on the Del-
aware — one at New Amstel, one at the Hoern Kill, and one at Upland. The
jurisdiction of the Upland court extended provisionally from the east and
west banks of "Kristina Kill upwards unto the head of the river." The in-
habitants were required "by a plurality of votes" to nominate for each court
eight persons as magistrates. From these the Council at New York selected
the justices of the several courts.
Peter Alrichs was appointed by Governor Colve, commander and schout,
and Walter Wharton was reappointed surveyor of the South River district.
Peter Alrichs took his oath of office and allegiance without reservation, but
Wharton, being an Englishman, made it a condition in his fealty that he was
not to be forced to bear arms against his own nation. Alrichs was appointed
to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants of the South River, and
also authorized to enlist ten or twelve soldiers "on government account," in-
cluding two corporals.
While freedom of conscience was granted to the inhabitants of the Dela-
ware, the instructions to Alrichs directed that "the pure, true Christian Reli-
gion, according to the Synod of Dort, should be taught and maintained in
every proper manner, without suffering anything to be attempted contrary
thereunto by any other sectaries."
Public property belonging to the crown of England, together with the
debts due the government, was confiscated, but property belonging to officers
of the late government was restored to them upon taking the oath of allegiance.
On this condition, upon the petition of his wife Petronella, Capt. John Carr,
late commander on the Delaware, was reinstated in his possessions.
The re-establishment of the Dutch authority in their former American
possessions did not continue long. By virtue of the treaty of peace between
England and the Netherlands, signed February 9, 1674. it became necessary to
restore these possessions again to the English. Lest the title of the Duke of
York should be impaired by the Dutch conquest, a new grant was made to
him by his brother, whereupon the Duke, on July 15, constituted Major, after-
DELAWARE COUNTY 67
wards Sir Edmund Andros, his lieutenant and governor. Upon the arrival of
Governor Andros at New York the government was surrendered to him aoree-
ably to the terms of the treaty, the allegiance of the Dutch having become for-
mally absolved by Governor Colve. On November 9, Andros issued his first
proclamation, confirming "all former grants, privileges or concessions" and
"all estates legally possessed" under his Royal Highness, before the late Dutch
government, and all legal judicial proceedings under that government. By
this proclamation the Book of Laws, known as the "Duke's Laws," and also
the former courts, with the time and manner of holding them, were estab-
lished, and "all magistrates and civil officers belonging thereunto were to be
chosen accordingly."
Edmund Cantwell and William Tom were commissioned by the governoi
to take possession of the fort at Newcastle, and of all military stores there, or
on any other part of the river, on behalf of his Majesty of Great Britain. Un-
der this commission, in the record at Albany is the following list of justices:
"Names of y^ Justices for Newcastle are : Mr. Hans Block, Mr. Jn° Moll, Mr.
Fopp Outhout, Mr. Joseph Chew, Mr. Dirick Alberts. For the River: Mr.
Peter Cock, Mr. Peter Rambo, Mr. Israel Helm, Mr. Laers Andrieson, Mr.
Woolle Swain." These justices had no formal commissions issued to them at
this time, but simply an order from the governor, directed to them under the
title of Commissaries, "to resume their places as magistrates." Captain Ed-
mund Cantwell was commissioned to administer to these justices their official
oath, he having been reinstated in his office of sheriff, or schout. Captain
Cantwell, in conjunction with Johannes DeHaas, was also appointed collector
of quit-rents on the Delaware, and of all other duties, whether custom or ex-
cise.
It has already been shown that a court was established in 1668, embracing
three of the above mentioned justices of Upland court ; and two of these jus-
tices, with the commander, being sufficient to form a court, it is rendered al-
most certain that courts were then occasionally held at Upland. In 1672 an
order issued from the governor "to authorize and empower the court at Up-
land, with the assistance of one or two of the High Court," to examine into a
matter of difficulty then pending. This order requiring the aid of justices of
the High Court in a special case, proves that the Swedish justices alone at
that time usually held the court at Upland. It is quite probable that the jus-
tices now reinstated are the same who constituted the Upland court in 1672,
and who doubtless exercised their functions during the short intervening
period that the country was under the dominion of the Dutch.
Captain Cantwell, besides holding the office of sheriff, appears to have
been entrusted with the charge of affairs generally on the Delaware. In let-
ters addressed by him to the governor, November 30, and December 9, he
assures him of the general satisfaction of the people with the change of gov-
ernment, and also acquaints him with the prospect of the arrival of new set-
tlers. The governor gives notice of his intention to visit the Delaware in the
spring, but in the meantime authorizes Cantwell to supply the new comers
68 DELAWARE COUNTY
with a reasonable quantity of land, and t(i act as surveyor of the whole river
and bay.
Governor Andros visited the Delaware in May of this year, and on the
13th and 14th held a special court at New Castle. At this court it was ordered
"that highways should be cleared from ]ilace to place, within the precincts of
this government." It was also ordered "that the church or place of meeting
for divine worship in this towne, and the affaires thereunto belonging, be regu-
lated by the court here in as orderly and decent manner as may bee ; that the
place for meeting att Crane Hoeck do continue as heretofore;" and "that the
church att Tinnecum Island do serve for Upland and parts adjacent." "And
whereas there is no church or place of meeting higher up the river than the
said Island, for the greater ease of the inhabitants there, its ordered that the
magistrates of Upland do cause a church or place of meeting for that purpose
to be built att Wickegkoo, the w'^^'' to be« for the inhabitants Passayunk & so
upwards. The said court being empowered to raize a tax for its building and
to agree upon a competent maintenance for their minister, of all of which they
are to give an account to the next general court, and they to the governor, for
his approbacon."
This court also established regulations in respect to various other matters
on the river, among which was an entire prohibition of the sale "of strong
drinke or liquors to the Indians by retayle, or a less quantity than two gallons
att a tyme. under the penalty of five pounds ;" and a prohibition against distill-
ing grain by any of the inhabitants, under a like penalty. It was also or-
dered "that a ferry boate bee maintained and kept att the falls att the west
side of this river ; a horse and a man to pay for passage 2 guilders, a man
without a horse, 10 Stivers."
This is the earliest record of the proceedings of any court on the Dela-
ware. They are recorded incidentally among the proceedings of the regular
New Castle court, for the early part of 1677 (N. S.) The functions of this
court, which was intended to be held annually, were rather legislative than
judicial. The order "that highways should be cleared from place to place,"
seems to have been the first step taken for the establishment of roads, in the
States of Delaware or Pennsylvania. It is our first road law.
As early as 1672, the court of assizes, held at New York, ordained in
respect to parochial churches, "that y^ law be attended [to] ; but although per-
sons bee of different judgments, yet all are to contribute to y® allowed minis-
ter." Strangely as this ordinance may contrast with the liberty of conscience
granted in the articles of ca])itulation, when the country was first surrendered
by the Dutch, it will sufficiently explain the order of the Special or General
Court at New Castle to the L'pland court, in relation to the maintenance of the
minister for the new church at Wiccaco, and the action of this court in respect
to such matters that followed.
A number of settlements had been made on the Jersey side of the Dela-
ware, principally by the Swedes, but this year the ship "Griffith." from Lon-
don, arrived with a considerable numl)er of emigrant passengers, several of
DELAWARE COUNTY 69
whom were heads of famihes. They were landed at Salem, where they made a
settlement. Edward, Robert and John Wade and Richard Noble arrived in
this ship.
On May 15, the day after the adjournment of the Special Court at New
Castle, at which the governor presided, sundry matters of legislation, or rather
regulation, that had been omitted by the court, claimed the attention of his
excellency. These he embodied in a letter which he directed "To the three
several Co""*^ of delowar River or Bay." The "want of corn mills, or not
keeping them in due repair," he regarded as "a great prejudice to the inhabi-
tants and traders," and recommended the courts "to examine the same and
cause all such mills already made and the bankes to be well fitted and kept in
due repair;" others were to be built "in convenient and fitting places where
none are ;" and the courts were to adopt regulations in respect to tolls or prizes
for grinding, applicable alike to all millers or owners, whether of public or
private mills. The governor next gives important directions in respect to keep-
ing records. Patents for lands were to be recorded in the books of the re-
spective courts, and patents were to be applied for by those who had taken up
lands after the same had been surveyed.
Robert Wade, who came in the "Griffith" with Fenwick, settled at Upland,
on the west side of the creek, on the same tract that had been known as Printz-
dorp, and which had been recently occupied by Mrs. Papegoya. This lady hav- ^/^
ing been reinstated in the possession of Tinicum, disposed of her Upland es-
tate either to Robert Wade or to some other person from whom he obtained
his title to the property. Be this as it may, William Edmundson, an eminent
minister of the Society of Friends, in travelling through the country in 1675,
found Robert Wade settled at Upland, where with a few Friends he held a
meeting at his house. After meeting they took boat and went to Salem, "where
they met with John Fenwick and several families of Friends, (who, with those
at Chester,) had come from England in that year with John Fenwick." From
thence Robert Wade accompanied the travelling Friends to New Castle, where
their horses had been sent, and from thence to Upland. Doubtless the house
of Robert Wade, at which the meeting was held, was the famous Essex
House, at which William Penn was entertained upon his first landing at Up-
land ; but whether it was erected by Wade or had been built by the daughter of
Governor Printz, when she occupied the premises, is uncertain. The fact that
Robert Wade within at most a few months after his arrival in the country,
had house room sufficient for the accommodation of a Friends' meeting, and
was prepared to make a journey to Maryland, would suggest that he had been
fortunate enough to secure a dwelling already erected to his hand. It is not
known what other members of the Society of Friends, of those who accom-
panied Fenwick, besides Robert Wade and his family, settled at Upland.
They were the first members of that society who settled within the limits of
our county or of the commonwealth.
The special execution granted in 1672 to Mrs. Papegoya, or "Jeufifro
Armigart Printz," as she is called, and which put her in possession of Tini-
/o DELAWARE COUNTY
cum, failed to satisfy the juclgiiKnt oljtained against Andrew Carr and his
wife. Sheriflf Cantwell is ordered to proceed to a full execution of the judg-
ment.
About this time. William Penn, as trustee, became interested in the settle-
ment of West Jersey ; a circumstance that brought to his notice the not yet ap-
propriated territory west of the Delaware, and gave rise to the idea of plant-
ing a colony there on principles that, in all future ages, will claim the admira-
tion of the world for their liberality.
Since the final establishment of British rule on the Delaware, Captain
Cantwell, in addition to his office of sheriff and other appointments, had acted
as the superior military officer. On September 23d, 167C, he was superseded in
the latter office by the appointment of Captain John Collier as "Commander in
Delaware River and Bay." On the same day justices of the peace were com-
missioned for the jurisdictions of New Castle and Upland, for one year or
till "further order;" any three of whom would constitute a court of judicature.
Ephraim Herman was appointed "clarke" of both courts. The justices com-
missioned for Upland district were Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm,
Laers Andrieson, Oele Swen and Otto Ernest Cock, being the former justices,
with the addition of the last named. They were all Swedes.
From this period to the present time, the judicial proceedings in the dis-
trict embracing the limits of Delaware county have been preserved of record.
Those extending down to the commencement of Penn's administration have
lately been published by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania as part of the
7th volume of its Memoirs, under the title of "The Record of the Court at
Upland," with a valuable Introduction and Notes by Edward Armstrong,
Esq. The original manuscript record is in the possession of Dr. J. Dickinson
Logan, of Philadelphia. The records of previous judicial transactions, not
only at Upland, but elsewhere on the river, have not as yet been discovered.
The following letter of instructions from the governor very fully ex-
plains the character and jurisdiction of the court :
Edmond Andros, Esqr : & Seigneur of Sausmarez, Lieut : & Govern'" : Gen" : under
his Royall Highnesse James Duke of Yorke and albany, etc : of all the Territories
of America :
Whereas. The Last leare att my beeing att Delowar uppon application of the Inhabi-
tants Representing that my prdecesso*" Govern'' Lovelace had begun to make ^ Regulacon
for the due administracon of Justice according to the lawes of this Government, pursuant
to wich I: did appoint some majistrates and made some Rules for their proceeding the
leare e'suing or till further order; In which haveing uppon mature deliberation, by the
advyce of my Councill made some alteracon. They are to Remaine and bee in force in
forme following:
1. That the bookes of Lawes Establisht by his Roy" Highnesse and practized in
New Yorke, Long Island and dependences Bee Likewyse in force and practice in this
River, and precincts, except the Constable's Co*"*': County Rates and some other things;
Peculiar to Long Island, — and the militia as now ordered to Remain in the King; But
that a Constable be leariy in each place chosen for the preservation of his May*'** Peace
w*** all other Powers as Directed by Lawe.
2. That there bee three Courts held in the several! parts of the River and Bay as
DELAWARE COUNTY 71
formerly, to wit, one in New Castle, one above att upplands, another below at whorekills,
3. That the Courts consist of Justices of the Peace, whereof three to make a coram
& to have the power of a Court of Sessions & decide all matters under twenty pounds
wt^out appeal!. In w^^ Court the Eldest Justice to p'side unlesse otherwise agreed
amonghst themselves, above twenty pounds & for cryme, extending to Lyfe, Limb, or
banishment to admitt of appeale to the Co'"* of Assizes.
4. That all small matters under the vallue of fyve pounds may bee determined by
the Court without a Jury, unlesse desiered by the partees, as alsoe matters of Equity.
5. That the Court for New Castle be held once a moneth, to begin the first Teusday
in Each month, and the Co'*^ for uppland and the whoorekill quarterly, and to begin
the second Tuesday of the month or oftener if occasion.
6. That all necessary By-lawes or orders, not Repugnant to ye Lawes of the Gov-
erI^u^ made by the said Courts, bee of force and binding, for the space of one whole
leare, in the severall places where made. They giving an account thereof to the Governo'"
by the first opportunity : — and that no fines bee made or imposed but by order of Court
7. That the several Courts have power to Regulate the Court and officers' fees, not
to Exceed the Rates in the Booke of Lawes, nor to bee under halfe the vallue therein
Exprest.
8. That there bee a high Sherife for the Towne of New Castle, River, and Bay,
and that the s^' High Sherrife have power to make an undersherrife or marshal, being a
fit pi'son, and for whome hee will bee Responsable, to bee approved by the Court. But
the Sherrife. as in England, and according to the now practice on Long Island, to act
as a principal! officer for the Execution of the Lawes, but not as a Justice of Peace
or magistrate.
9. That there bee fitting Bookes provyded for the Records. In which all judicial!
proceedings, to bee duly and fairly entred as also publicq orders from the Governo"",
and the names of the magistrates and oilficers authorized, w^^ the tyme of their admis-
sion. The s^i Records to be kept in English, to wich all pt^sons concerned may have free
Recourse at due or sesonable tymes;
ID. That a fitt p^son for Clarke (when vacant) be recommended by Each Court to the
governo"" for his approbation, in whose hands the s<^ Records to bee kept;
11. That all writs, warrants & proceedings att lawe shall be in his may"es name.
It haveing been practized in the Governm^ ever since the first writing of the Lawe
booke. and itt being his Roy" Highnesses special Pleasure and Order.
12. That no Rates bee Imposed or Levys of mony made w^hi,-, the Towne of New-
castle, River, or Bay by any, under what denomination soever wt^out the approbation
of the Govern"", unlesse upon Extraordinary occasion in Case of necessity, of w^h the
Governo"" to have p""sent ace* sent him. That upon the Levy of any Rates there be a
faire acc^ kept both of the Receipts and disboursments, w^h account to be given in to the
Cort there to bee past then sent to the Governo"" for his allowance, until wich not to bee
a sufficient discharge.
Whereas by this regulation there are no overzeers apointed nor Contstables Courts,
but all matters to bee determined by the Justices; I: doe therefore Recomend the Com-
posure or Referring to arbitracon of as many matters particularly under the vallue of
fy^•e pound as mav properly be determined that way, Provided it may bee by the consent
of Partees; That' anv p"-son desiering Land make application to the Court m whose
bounds itt is, whoe are required to sitt once a month or oftner if there bee occasion to
Give order therein & certifv to the Governo-" for any Land not taken upp and Improved
fitt proportions, not exceeding fifty acres p"" head unlesse uppon Extraordmary occasions
where thev see good Cause for itt. w-^ Certificate to bee a sufficient authority or warrt
for the surveigo""- to surveig the same and with the Surveigors Returne to bee sent to
New Yorke for the Governo""^ approbation; That in the Certificates be specified liow much
upland and meaddow wt»> due Reguard that Each may have a proportionable sheare.
/-
2 DELAWARE COUNTY
according to the place they are in Landward ; Given under my hand and scale in New
Yorke, the 25th day of Septembt" in the 28th leare of his mayt'^'s Reigne, a° Dom: 1676."
(Signed) E. Andross.
The recently appointed justices, according to the record, held their first
court at "L'ppland in Delowar Riuer," on the 14th of November, 1676. After
they had been sworn into office, the first act of the court was to order "that
Mr. Tom, the former clarke, should deliver unto the present clarke, Eph:
Herman, the records and other publiq bookes and wrytings belonging to this
court."
The first instance on record of the appointment of guardians for minors
was made in this court, in the case of the children of "Hendrick Johnson,
Dec*^," — "Jan Jansen and morten morten sen," were appointed 'to be "ouerzeers
and guardians."
Mr. Justice Helm presented a petition to the court "desiering to haue
some recompence for haueing served the Riuer often and att sundry tymes as
an interpreter w*^ the Indians," &c. This application the court determined to re-
fer to Governor Andros, which they did in a letter addressed to him on the
same day, wherein they also intreat that his honor "will be pleased to confirm
the order made att the Last Gen" Court here about the voolves heads," and
that he will prescribe a w-ay & order how the charges of this Court, when they
sitt, may bee found, conceidering that wee all Liue att a great distance from o''
Court place, and the amercem^^ (by Reason of the small number of actions)
amounting to Little ; and that yo"" hon"" will bee pleased to Impower us, so that
the old debts of the Court together \v^^ the debts sence yo"" hon""^ government
may also be sattisfyed by the same way w"^*^ yo"" bono"" shall prescrybe."
The court was held at the house of Neeles Laerson, who also entertained
the justices. The account made out by the court of the public indebtedness to
Laerson for "the Charges of Keepeing of Court and Justices dyet there," es-
tablishes the fact that the former court, of which the records have not been
discovered, was held at the same place. Laerson probably kept a public house.
His charge for entertaining the court during its present sitting, which appears
to have lasted but one day, was 100 guilders.
The next court at Upland was held on March 13th, 1677. Two cases of
assault and battery were brought before this court, but were postponed till
the next. The people on the river having been apprehensive for some time of
being attacked by the Indians, the justices of Upland, at the close of the court,
held a meeting with Captain John Collier, the commander, "uppon the news
of the Simeco Indians coming down to fetch the Sasquehanno, that were
amongst these River Indians." At this meeting "itt was concluded uppon the
motions of Rinowehan, the Indian Sachomore, for the most quiet of the River,
viz. : That Capt" Collier & Justice Israel Helm goe upp to Sachamexin,
(where att p'"sent a great number of Simico & other Indians are,) and that
they Endeauor to p''swade the Simecus, the Sasquehannos & thes Riuer In-
dians to send Each a Sachomore or deputy to his hono"" the Governo'' att New
DELAWARE COUNTY 73
Yorke, and that Justice Israel helm goe w*^ them; for to heare & Receiue his
■s^ hono" Resolutions & answer to their demands."
The conference with the Indians was accordingly held at Sachamexin
<^Shackamaxon) from the 14th to the i8th of the same month, at a cost of 250
guilders to Upland district, "for the expenses of the commander, justices and
Indians." It does not appear that New Castle shared any of this expense,
though equally benefited with Upland. The justices of New Castle inform the
governor that the Indians had passed by them, and had gone up the river.
This may account for the whole expense of the Shackamaxon meeting being
visited on Upland.
Labor at this time was seldom obtained, as now, for wages. Even me-
chanics sold themselves, or were sold for a specified time ; their masters being
responsible for their support. The change in the ownership of persons thus
owing services, required the approbation of the justices, as will be seen by the
following extract from the record of the Upland court : "M*" John Test brought
into Court a certaine man servant named William Still, being a Taylor by
traede, whome hee the s'^ Test did acknowledge to haue sold unto Capt'' Ed-
mund Cantwell, for the space and tearme of foure yeares, beginning from
the first of Aprill Last past; The s'^ William Still declared in Court to bee
willing to serve the said Capt" Cantwell the aboves"^ tearme of foure yeares."
The following record of a case of assault and battery is given as a
fair specimen of the manner in which business was transacted in our earliest
•Courts of Justice : —
"Justice Israel Helm, PI*. Oele Oelsen (als) Coekoe, Deft.
"The P't Complaines that at the Plant" of Juns Justesse. in his house, hee the pl^
■was first wth Evill words abused by the deft, and afterwards by him beaten, and his
shirt all torne In pieces by the s^ deft, and therefore desires y* the Court will inflict
punishment according to the meritt of the s^ deft, and that hee is one of the members
•of the Court, hee may bee so maintained.
"The deft sayeth that the pU hath struck, etc.
"The High Sheriffe, Capt" Edm. Cantwell desires that the Court will take the case
in consideration, and not suffer a Justice of Peace shall be so abused!
"The Court haveing Examined into ye whole businesse, and heard the debates of
^oth partees, together wth the Testimony of Lace Coleman, Doe Condemne the said
■oele oelsen in a fyne of two hundred and Ten gilders; sixty thereof for the Poore or
Church, and the remainder 150 gilders to the Sheriffe, and doe further order yt the s^
oele oelsen doe humbly ask forgiveness of Justice Israeli Helm and the Co^t for his s"*
•offence.
"The Cort & High Sherife Conciedering that the s^ oele was a poore man wt" a
great charge of Children ; uppon his humble submission did Remit & forgive him the one
"hundred and fifty gilders fyne."
Albert Hendrix, having served out "his leare" as constable, was dis-
missed by the court at his own request, and William Orian appointed "constable
for the jurisdiction of this court" in his place. Hendrix (Hendrixon) is the
iirst person known to have held the office in Pennsylvania. Jurian Harts-
74 di-:laware county
welder (Hartsf elder.) the deputy slicrifT, being alxmi to remove further up
the river, resigned his office. Me was succeeded by Micael Izzard.
At the June court of this year, an order was adopted in respect to the ad-
mission of attorneys to plead in the court, but before the clo.se of the year, it
became the duty of the court to i)ublish a resolution of the governor and coun-
cil by which it was "ordered that pleading attorneys bee no longer allowed to
practize in ye governm^ but for ye : depending causes."
The last adjustment of the dividing line between Upland and New Cas-
tle of which there is any record, seemed to fix the division between the two
districts about the Christina ; but a mandate issued from the New Castle court,
September i8th of this year, of which the following is an extract, would indi-
cate that a different arrangement had been made : —
"To Mr. Charles Ramsey, Constable In Christeena : You are requested in his May**
name to take a true and exact list of all the Tydable p''sons from i6 to 60 years of adge
w'^'^in the bounds, w'^'^ is all y^ north syde of Cresteena Creeke up as far as y« bogh*
Creeke. above ole fransens house, & y^ names of y^ s^ Tydables to bring * * * * "
.•\t a meeting of Mr. John Moll, president of New Castle court, with the
justices of Upland court, held at L'pland on November 12th of the following
year, the above division was confirmed and extended ; The County of Upland
was "to begin from the north syde of Oele fransens Creeke Called Steen Kill,
Lying in the boght above ye verdrietige hoeck, and from the said Creek ouer
to ye single tree point on the East syde of this River." In other directions,
Upland county extended as far as settlements had been made ; and although
the authority of the Duke of York to govern New Jersey had been resisted by
Fenwick and others, it had been maintained on the ground that the sovereignty
of the country did not pass to Cartaret and Berkley, the purchasers of the soil.
Fenwick. for attempting to exercise authority independently of Governor An-
dros, had even been forcibly arrested in his own house, and sent to New York,
where he was for some time imprisoned. This will account for the jurisdic-
tion of the courts, on the west side of the river, being extended into New Jer-
sey.
In the accounts of the country during the earlier periods of its settlement,
that have come under the notice of the author, not much is said in respect to
the depredations of wolves. The numbers of these animals had probably
greatly increased in the neighborhood of the settlements, both on account of
the increased means to obtain food that civilization had furnished, and the di-
minished numbers of the Indians, who had heretofore destroyed them for
their skins. The depredations of these animals had now become so alarming,
that it became necessary to secure their destruction by means of a liberal
bounty. At the solicitation of the justices of the New Castle court, authority
«vas obtained to pay 40 guilders for each wolf scalp brought in. This, it will be
seen, became a heavy item of expenditure.
It had been supposed that a tax could only be levied by the authority of
"general court." but the governor, upon application being made to him for the
DELAWARE COUNTY 75
holding of such a court in order to authorize a levy, decided that every court
had the power "to make fitting rates for the highways, poor and other neces-
saries as is practiced in England." The governor had authorized a levy of
id. per pound on every man's estate, towards paying public expenses, but the
justices of New Castle obtained authority from his excellency to substitute a
poll tax, representing the inconsiderable value of estates, the difficulty of de-
termining that value, and the distance of the people, as their excuse for asking
the change.
The unliquidated expenses of Upland county had by this time so much
accumulated as to present an alarming aspect of indebtedness, when the
means of liquidation are considered. This indebtedness embraced the follow-
ing items : —
'To neels Laerson for ye Courts Expensis to this day, Except 200 gilders by
Capt" Cantwell paid him before, there being no other accommodation for ye
court, G.639
To Lace Cock, for Expensis of ye Comand"" and Simico Indians last spring; ye
acc^ being allowed by ye Court, 250
The woolves heads in this Co^"*, not all brought in yet, but computed by ye Court, 420
To ye Clercq allotted by ye Court for his several Extraordinary services to ye
Cort, etc 200
To Justice Israeli helm for his severall services to ye Country as interpreter
about ye Indians, 400
To Capt" Cantwell, w^h hee hath p'^ to neels Laerson for ye Courts accommoda-
tions, etc., 200
Justice Otto Ernest for sundry Expensis on ye publicq acct. of w^h hee hath
not yet brought In his acct. of perticulars, 300
Lace Cock for Expensis when his honr ye governor was there, . . . .112
Peter Rambo demands for Expensis when his bono'" the Governor was there,
800 gild'-s, 800
Captn Cantwell proffered in Court to pay him 400 gilders w^h hee refused, soo
that this is left to his bono"" to judge of.
G.3321
Besides fees due for ye collecting the s<i Levy."
At the November court of this year, the justices decided to levy a poll tax
of 26 guilders upon each Tydable (taxable) person, which included every male
inhabitant in the county between the ages of sixteen and sixty years, except
the justices, who were by the Duke's laws exempt from the payment of taxes,
except for the support of the church. This levy was to be collected by the
high sheriff, before the following March 25, and instead of money he was au-
thorized to receive "wheat at five, rye & barley at four, and Indian corn at
three gilders per Scipple (three pecks, English) ; tobacco and pork at eight
stivers, and bacon at sixteen stivers per lb., or else wampum or skins at the
courant price."
The list of the Tydable persons presented to the court on this occasion, m
giving us at this distant day some idea of the number and places of residence
of these early settlers, forms a most important and highly interesting part of
the record. No apology will be needed for inserting the list at length.
76
DELAWARE COUNTY
"A LIST OF THE TYDABLE PRSONS.
Att Taokanink (Tacony.)
oele neelsoii & 2 sons,
bans moens,
Erick Poulson,
Cliristiaen Tomasse,
Casper fisck,
Peter Jookum & serv*,
bans Jurian,
michill fredericks,
Justa Daniells & servant
Jonas Juriaensen,
Hend : Jacobs upon y^ Isl'^,
Erick Cock & servant,
moens Cock,
Lace Dalbo,
Rymer Peterssen, .
Oele Dalboo,
Andries Boen,
Swen Boen,
Pelle Rambo, Junior
Andries Rambo,
Richard Duckett,
Mr. Jones y^ batter,
Josepb Peters,
Jan Cock,
Peter Cock, Junior,
barmen Ennis,
mort mortens. Junior,
Bertell Laersen,
moens Staeckett,
bans Jurian,
hendrick Tade,
andries Bertleson,
Jan Bertleson,
Jan Corneliss" & son,
mort. mortense, Senior,
Lace mortense,
neels matson, .
Antbony Matson,
bendrick Jacobs,
Jacob bendricx,.
Upland.
Claes Schram,
Robbered Waede,
Jan bendrix,
Rich : Bobbingbton,
James Sanderling & slaue,
Jobn Test & servant,
Jurian Kien,
Ricb : noble, ....
Neels Laerson & son,
henry bastings,
Att Carkoens hoek.
Andries homman & son,
Pelle Erickson,
Benck Saling,
Andries Sailing,
Laers Boen,
bans Peters,
Pell Puttke, .
barmen Jansen,
bendrick bolman,
Peter Nealson,
Gunnar Rambo,
Lace Cock & servant
Michilli nealson,
Andris Swen and father,
Oele Swenson bis servant,
Swen Swenson & son,
John Stille,
Swen Lorn,
Oele Stille,
Andries Benckes,
Jan Mattson, .
dunck Williams,
Tbo : Jacobs, .
Jan Claassen & 2 sons
Mathias Claassen,
franck Walcker,
Will Thomasse.
Peter matson,
Jan Baelsen,
Jan Scborten,
Jan Justa & 2 sons,
Jonas Nealson & son
Peter andries & son,
Arian Andries at Peter Ramboos,
Calkocns Hoek.
I
2
1
3
2
2
I
I
will : woodman & servant,
John bayles
micb Yzard
2
I
I
I
I
Eastern Shoure.
I
2
2
I
oelc Dircks
will Bromfield, ....
Juns Justafs
I
I
I
DELAWARE COUNTY
77
T»ice Coleman, ....
I Carell Jansen,
bans hofman and his 2 sons.
3 Oele Raessen,
Peter freeman
I Thom: Denny,
Moens Junsen, ....
I John Browne,
Poull Corvorne, ....
I Rich : fredenicx,
•bans Oelsen, .
marr: Kill.
Tho : harwood,
Jurian hertsvelder,
Jan Jansen,
I Andris Inckhoore,
Will: Orian
I Rodger, Pedrick,
Daniell Linsey, . . . .
I Cristaen Claassen,
morten Knoetsen
I Jacob docker.
Knoet mortensen, ....
albert hendricx, ....
• I 136
Oele Coeckoe, ....
I 136 Tydables in Upland J
urisc
ictio
n."
The extreme slowness with which the population on the river increased,
is a very remarkable circumstance. An approximation to the whole number
of inhabitants in the Upland district may be arrived at from the data furnished
by this list of taxables. The male population between the ages of sixteen and
sixty years, by including the justices of the court, a few soldiers and paupers,
would probably reach 150. By making the number of females between those
ages equal to the males, the whole number of inhabitants between sixteen and
sixty years of age would be 300. An estimate made by a comparison with
census returns, would make the balance of the population about the same, and
the whole population of Upland county 600, only about two-fifths, or 240 of
whom resided within the district now forming the county of Delaware.
The justices becoming tired of holding court in a public house, "Capt°
Hans Jergen is ordered & desiered by the Court to warne his men belonging
to his Company, and w"^ them to fitt up and finish ye house of defence att
upland fitt for the Court to sitt in, against ye next Court." The site of this
first courthouse is designated on the map of "the Early Settlements."
In 1669 a block-house had been erected at Wicaco for defence against at-
tacks by the Indians. This year it was occupied as a church, the Rev. Jacobus
Fabritius, the installed minister, preaching his first sermon there in Dutch, on
Trinity Sunday. It is very certain that the Upland court had not as yet com-
plied with the order of the general court held at New Castle in 1675, in caus-
ing "a church or place of meeting to be built at Wickegkoo ;" as no expendi-
ture is included for this purpose in the estimate for which the general levy was
made. The blockhouse was probably fixed up as a place of worship by private
subscription.
The records of New Castle show that Commander Collier sat there as a
judge of the court. The governor being advised of his conduct in this respect,
ordered him to forbear, and immediately commissioned Captain Christopher
Billop as his successor. Walter Wharton was at the same time commissioned
as "Surveyor in Delaware Bay and River," and Ephraim Herman "to bee re-
ceiver of quit rents in Delaware river in the jurisdiction of New Castle and
Upland courts."
^
78 DELAWARE COUNTY
Since the arrival of Fenwick, owing to difficulties about the ownership of
West Jersey, there had been no arrival of settlers for that province, until this
year, when three vessels arrived — the "Kent," the "Willing-mind," and the
fly boat "Martha." These were all well freighted with members of the So-
city of Friends, the greatest number of whom settled at and near Burlington, —
some settled at Salem, and a few found their way to the western side of the
river. Among the latter were William Clayton, Morgan Drewett, William
Woodmancy, and William Oxley, and probably Henry Hastings and other
Englishmen, whom we first find settled in the vicinity of Upland about this
time.
Directions are transmitted to the Upland court by the governor, to pur-
chase from the Indians two miles in extent along the river, from the lands
previously purchased to the Falls. He also requires, by authority of the Duke,
of all persons who "have or Clayme any land in Delawor River or Bay," that
they make a return thereof to the clerk of the proper court, to be by the
court returned to him. The governor also notifies the court of his intention to
visit England, and to return again in the spring.
The great troubles and inconveniences to which the settlers of a new
country are subjected, are but little understood by persons who have always
resided in old and thickly settled districts. The great annoyance suffered by
the settlers on the Delaware at this period, merely from depredations com-
mitted by wolves, will be understood from the action of the New Castle court,
with a view to their destruction. "The court takeing into consideration the
dayly and continuall spoyle & damadge w*^"^ y^ woolves commit uppon the
Stockes of the Inhabitants and that the said woolves (notwithstanding the
former order of the laest high court allowing 40 Guilders for each woolfe
head), are no wayes more destroyed then before, make an order for setting,
52 Wolfe pitts or trap houses, and direct who shall set them," &c.
A provision is contained in the "Duke's Laws" for the support of "dis-
tracted persons," but no direction is given in respect to the manner of secur-
ing them. As to their restoration, it was a subject that claimed but little at-
tention in these early times. The action of the LTpland court, on a case brought
before it, though certainly curious, should not be so much a matter of aston-
ishment : "Jan Cornelissen of Amesland complayning to ye Court that his
son Erick is bereft of his naturall sences & is turned quyt madd and y^ : hee
being a poore man is not able to maintaine him ; ordered : that three or 4
p'"sons bee hired to build a Little Blockhouse at amesland for to put in the s^
madman, and att the next Court, order will bee taken y^ : a small Levy bee
Laid to pay for the building of y^ house and the maintayning of y^ s^ mad
man according to Lawes of y^ government." This block-house may be re-
gaided as the first lunatic asylum in Pennsylvania. The necessity for such a
building and the order for its erection, bespeak at once the great deprivations
to which our early settlers were subjected, and the inadequacy of the means at
hand for their relief.
Some conveyances have already been noticed in the narrative, and it will
DELAWARE COUNTY 79
be necessary to advert to a few more, with a view of throwing as much hght as
possible on the earhest of the settlements within our prescribed limits.
"Hans Juriansen Kien, of Taokanink (Tacony) This day appeared in Co^ and then
& there did acknowledge a deed of conveigance bearing date the 9th day of this Instant month
of March, for the makeing ouer unto his Brother Jonas Juriansen Kien, as followeth,
viz^ : one Equal! sheare and Lott of Land In quantity Equall w^h ye sheares & Lotts of ye
other Inhabitants of Upland Towne or neighborhood, w'th all and Singular the appur-
tenances. Lying & being in Upland aforesaid, The whole devident or tract of Land being
heretofore surveiged & Laid out for ye six inhabitants of Upland Towne, in general Con-
taynes twelve hundred acres, whereof the part & sheare of him the said Hans Kien, be-
ing one of ye said six Inhabitants, is two hundred acres as well cleared land as wood
land, w^h said 200 was thereby sould and made ouer as above, together w^^ the hous-
ing and other appurtenances standing upon the said Hans Kien his Lott of Land Lying
and being att upland Towne aforesaid near the Creeke, between the houses & Lotts of
James Sanderling and Jurian Kien ; the said bans Kien did aknowledge also to haue Re-
ceived satisfaction for the premises from him the said Jonas; as by the said deed signed
sealed & delivered by the s"! bans Kien, in the p^'sence of Johannsen De haes & John Ad-
dams, & bearing date as above, more att Large did apeare."
The above grantee, Jonas Juriansen Kien, appeared in the same court, and
acknowledged a deed of conveyance of the same premises, in consideration of
"a. certayne Sume of money." to John Test, late of London, merchant, together
with "a. certayne new Blocq house, by him the s^ Jonas built on the above men-
tioned Lott. near ye water syde of y® Creeke aforesaid," &c. John Test, at
this time a resident of LTpland, appeared in the sam.e court and acknowledged
a conveyance in fee of the same premises to Marmaduke Randell, of London,
merchant. The land at Marcus Hook was also taken up by a company of six
persons, as appears by a patent granted therefor by Sir E. Andros, as well as
by the following conveyance, which was acknowledged in the next Upland
court : —
"Jan Hendricksen, of Delowar River, husbandman, appeared in Court, and then and
there did acknowledge a certayne deed or transport unto Rodger Peddrick, of all his
the said Jan hendricksen's Right, Tytle and Interest of all the Land & appurtenances Ly-
ing & being on the West syde of delowar River, called & knowne by the name of mar-
reties hoeck, the whole tract of marreties hoeck Land being granted and confirmed by
Pattent from the Right hono^ie governor andros, bearing date the 28^1^ of march, 1676,
unto the six possessors thereof, viz^: Charles Jansen, Oele Raessen, bans oelsen, oele
neelson, bans hofman and him the s'^ Jan hendrick, and contayning in the whole one
thousand acres of Land ; w^h s'^ deed was signed, sealed and delivered by the s^ Jan hen-
dricks in the prsence of Johannes De haes and Carrell Junsen, and beares date y^ iS***
day of June, a" 1678."
Both Upland and Marcus Hook were settled a long time before these
grants were respectively made to "the six inhabitants" of each place. The
names of the grantees of the Marcus Hook purchase are given ; those of Up-
land, besides Hans Juriansen Kien, were, probably, James Sandeland, Israel
Helm, Rev. Laurentius Carolus Lock (Lawrence Lock), Villus Lacie, and
Niels Laerson. There were certainly other residents in LTpland at the time the
8o DELAWARE COUNTY
grant for the 1200 acres was niailc. This new patenting of lands by persons
who had resided in the country for a long time and held their titles from form-
er governments, was one of the impositions practiced under the Duke's author-
ity on that class of people. They were required by law "to bring in their form-
er grants and take out new pattents for the same from the i)resent Governoure,
in behalf of his Royall Highness the 1 )iikc of Yorke." It may have been that
the inhabitants of Upland and Marcus Hook, and other settlements, respec-
tively united in an a])plication for a large tract of land, with the view of sav-
ing expenses.
A ship from Hull arrived at Burlington this year. Among the passengers
Avas Thomas Revel, who settled for a time within our limits, and was the clerk
of the first court of Chester county.
On April 3d a meeting of the justices was held '"at the house of Justice
Peter Cock, in y^ Schviylkill." The business of this meeting was about the
same that is usually performed by county auditors. Sherifif Cantwell appears
to have been charged with both the collection and disbursement of the taxes.
His allowance "for collecting & receiving y'' publicq levy," etc., was 884 guild-
ers, being very nearly one-fourth of the whole amount collected !
Part of the record of the June court has been lost, but the minutes of the
following court show that it was held on the i8th and 19th days of that month.
This court resolved to impose "a levy or small tackx of fyve Gilders p"" head
on every Tydable p'son," the payment to be made at Tinicum, thus saving the
great expense of collecting, that consumed so much of the former levy. The
court not having imposed a penalty for non-payment of this "small tax," the
justices, upon assembling at their November court, found that their former
order had "Layne dorment," and finding themselves "necessiated," issued a
new and very rigid order, "that every Tydable within the Jurisdiction of this
Court, wdio have payed their levy Laest yeare, doe w^'^n the space of 14 days
now next Ensuing come and pay Each of them 5 Gilders as formerly, and
that they bring ye same unto Tinnecong Ysland in ye hands of M^ Otto Ernest
Cock ; this order to bee published and fixed up att the churches of Wicaco and
Tinnecong to ye end no p'son may plead Ignorance."
In the year 1675, Governor Andros, among other regulations then estab-
lished, made an order remitting the quit rent for the first three years on all new
lands to be taken up and seated within the precincts of the Delaware. Finding
that persons were taking up lands and not seating them, he issued another or-
der in October of this year, repealing and recalling his former order except
in respect to lands that had actually been seated. Lands taken up and not
seated and improved, and not duly returned, to be forfeited, and to be dis-
posed of as vacant land ; that seated and improved and not returned, to be re-
turned within six months : all arrears of quit rents since the governor's arrival
in 1674, to be paid within the same time, and in future the payment of quit
rent was to commence with the taking up of the land.
A jury was empannelled in a case tried at this court, being the first which
appears on the records of Upland court, and was doubtless the first jury that
DELAWARE COUNTY 8i
was empannelled within the hniits of Pennsylvania. Though not necessary un-
der the "Duke's Laws'" to have more than six jurors, there were twelve em-
panneled on the jury in question, whose names here follow, viz : — "hans moens,
dunk Williams, Xtopher Barnes, Edm : draufton, Peter Yocum, Isacq Sauoy,
Jan hendricks. Jonas Kicn, moens Cock, John Browne, Jan Boelsen, henry
bastings." It required only a majority of the jurors to bring in a verdict; but
there is nothing to show that they were not unanimous in the present case.
The court, however, determined to be judges both of the law and the facts,
"suspended" the verdict, and at the next Court tried the case themselves, and
reversed the decision of the jury.
The subject of mills claimed the particular attention of the Upland court.
A year prior to this time, the court had granted liberty to Jan Boelsen "to take
up one hundred acres of land above the mill in amesland Kill." The mill here
alluded to is the old Swedes mill erected by Governor Printz, about the year
1644, and doubtless the most useful institution in the country. The inhabitants
became alarmed at seeing land taken up "so near the mill of Carkoen creek,"
lest "the s'' mill would bee Left destitute of any land to gett timber for y®
vise of s'' mill, and upon their representation the Court ordered that 100 acres
of land should be laid on the west syde of ye s'^ mill branch," for the use of
the mill. The court also ordered that the one hundred acres granted to Jan
Boelsen should be reserved for the mill, having first obtained his assent. The
mill tract on Holmes" map is on the East side of the creek. It would therefore
appear that two hundred acres were reserved for the use of the mill, unless the
tract on Holmes" map is incorrectly laid down.
At the same court, the erection of another mill was decided upon. "It be-
ing in consideracon that it was very necessary that a mill be built in the
Schuylkill ; and there being no fitter place than the faall Called Capt" hans
moenses faalls ; The Co'*^ are of opinion that Either Capt" hans moenses ought
to build a mill there, (as hee sayes that hee will,) or else suffer another to build
for the common good of the parts."
Where there are mills, there must of necessity be roads, particularly as
settlements begin to be made in the interior of a country. Hence the court
"ordered that every p'son should w"'in the space of twoo months, as far as his
Land Reaches, make good and passable wayes from neighbour to neighbour,
w'^ bridges where it needs, To the End that neighbours on occasion may come
together." Those neglecting, to forfeit 25 guilders.
The interests of the church also claimed some of the attention of the
court. "Complaint being made by the church wardens that Neeles Laerson
has taken in (w"" Lotts of Land by him bought of dom : Lasse Carolus here in
Upland Towne) some of the Church or glebb Land ;— ordered, that Neeles
Laersen shall haue his due of the 2 Lotts by him bought of s'^ dom: Carolus
Equall w''^ the other Lotts in Upland, but for what shall be found that s'^
Neeles Laersen has taken in more, he to Leaue out againe annexed to y*= other
Church Lotts."
Captain Billop, the present commander, seems to have been less faithful
6
82 DELAWARE COUNTY
in the performance of his duties ilian his predecessor, CoUier. He used the
fort at New Castle as his own private properly, converting it into a stable for
his horses and a pen for his hogs. The room above the fort, which had been
occupied as a court-room, he had filled with hay and fodder; and he employed
the soldiers "about his own ])rivate affairs." Fortunately for the Upland
court, the captain was stationed at a distance from their seat of justice; and
we do not learn that his subordinate ofificer, Captain Hans Jergen, stationed at
Upland, ever interfered with our court in its full enjoyment, as a hall of
ju.stice, of the recently finished "House of defence."
These, with other complaints against Billop, were made to the governor
by the justices of New Castle court, who were also not disposed to spare their
brother Justice, Walter Wharton, who likewise held the office of surveyor-
general. He had married himself, or was married contrary to law, and had
not performed his duty as a justice, in absenting himself "three following
court days." The former com])laint was referred to the governor, but for
the neglect of his judicial duties he was fined iio by the court. Billop was re-
called to New York by the governor, but Wharton was removed by death,
towards the close of this year.
It is probable that the marsh lands appertaining to any particular settle-
ment along the river, were for a long time held and used as a common pastur-
age. That this was so in respect to I 'pland, would appear from a complaint
being made by James Sanderling, "In behalfe of ye Rest of ye Inhabitants of
Upland that Neels Laersen w^*^ a fence stopps up the old and usuall way to
the fly (marsh) ; and Neels Laersen being thereupon heard," the Court ordered
the way to be left open as formerly.
The records of Upland court also furnish some evidence that education
of children was not wholly neglected. In the case of "Edmund Draufton, plain-
tiff vs. Dunck Williams, deft.,"' "The PI* demands of this Def*^ 200 Gilders for
teaching this Defts children to Read one Yeare." "The Cor* haucing heard
the debates of both parties as alsoe ye attestation of ye witnesses. Doe grant
judgm* ag^* ye Def* for 200 gilders w*'^ ye Costs." "Richard Duckett sworne in
Court declares that hee was p'"scnt at ye makeing of ye bargaine, and did heare
that ye agreem* was that Edmmid draufton should Teach Dunkes children to
Read in ye bybell, & if hee could doe itt in a yeare or a halfe yeare or a quarf,
then hee was to haue 200 gilders."
Edmund Draufton is the earliest schoolmaster within the jurisdiction of
Upland court of whom any account has been preserved. The location of his
school is not certainly known.
The "House of Defence" appears to have been built on the private prop-
erty of Neels Laersen. At the first court held in 1679 he was ordered "to
make or leaue a lane or street from Upland creeke to ye : house of defence or
Countrv house." or in default to be fined at the discretion of the court. The
appellation "Country house," sufficiently indicates the u.ses to which the "House
of Defence" was now appropriated. We have seen that its completion was
urged in order that the courts might be held there, and it is probable that it
DELAWARE COUNTY
83
was used as a place for the transaction of public business generally. For what-
ever other purpose the House of Defence may have been used, it was certainly
the first court house within our limits.
The attention of the New Castle court was frequently occupied with
church disputes and differences. The following is the most remarkable in-
stance of the interference of the Upland court in ecclesiastical affairs :
"It being Represented to ye Court by the Church Wardens of Tinnagcong and
Wicaco Churches that the fences about ye Church yards, and other Church buildings are
mutch out of repair, and that some of the People, members of ye s<3 Churches are neg-
lective to make the same Up etc : The Co«-t haueing taken ye premises into Consideracon,
doe find itt necessary to order, authorize & Impower, and doe by these pi'sents order, au-
thorize & Impower the Respective members of ye s^ Churches, from tyme to tyme, and
att all tymes when itt shall bee found necessary, to build, make good and keepe in Re-
pair the sii Church yard fences as also the Church and other the appurtenances thereof,
and if any of the s'i members upon warning doe proove neglective In the doeing of their
proportion to the same, They and each of them to forfeit fifty gilders for each such
neglect, to bee Levyed out of their goods and Chattels Lands and Tenements."
It has been alleged that Richard Buffington, the first male child born of
English parents in Pennsylvania, was born at Chester this year. This event
was corroborated by his father, Richard Buffington, in the year 1739, on the an-
niversary of his eighty-fifth birthday, by assembling all his descendants, who
numbered 115, at his house in Chester; the first born, Richard, in the sixtieth
year of his age, was among the number.
On December 15, Richard Noble was commissioned Surveyor of Upland \/
in the place of Walter Wharton, deceased, who had held the office for both
New Castle and Upland counties. On May 28, 1680, Governor Andros issued
a new commission to "M"" Otto Ernest Coch, IVF Israel Helm, Mr. Henry
Jones, Mr Lawsa Cock, and M"" George Brown to bee Justices of y^ Peace in
y® Jurisdiction of Upland Court or County, in Delowar River & dependencies."
It will be perceived that the number of justices is reduced from six to five —
that two Englishmen have been substituted in the place of two Swedes, and
that of the old bench only two justices have been retained. Though it is not
known that any jealousy existed between the Swedes and English, the number
of Englishmen who had settled on the west side of the river, made it necessary
that they should be represented on the bench. As nearly as can be ascertained
the places of residence of the justices were as follows : — Israel Helm, at Up-
land; Otto Ernest Coch, at Tinicum; Henry Jones, at or near Wicaco; Law-
rence Cock, at Moyamensing, and George Brown, nearly opposite to Trenton.
As the Duke of York about this time, upon the judgment of Sir William
Jones, yielded his rights to the government of West Jersey, the jurisdiction
of the new justices did not extend to the east side of the river. They held
their first court at Upland on June 8th, and among other things ordered a poll
tax of one scipple of wheat, or 5 guilders to be levied, "for defraying y^
charges of this court's sitting, to be brought unto Justice Otto Ernest, att
Tinnagcong Island."
84 DELAWARE COUNTY
The justices also assumed the authority of removing tlie seat of justice
from Upland. They say "that in regard that Upland crecke where ye Court
hitherto has sate, is att y'' lower end of y* County, The Court therefore for y®
most Ease of y*' people, have thought fitt for y'' future to sitt and meet att y**
towue of Kingsesse in y*" Schuylkills." It does not appear that this first re-
moval of our seat of justice met with any serious opposition from the inhabi-
tants of Upland or its vicinity.
The first court was held at the new seat of justice, on October 13th. If
the increased amount of law business and the character of a considerable por-
tion of it resulted from the removal of the court, the justices gained but little
by the change. Among the cases tried, were three for "Slaunder and defama-
tion."
For the due preserving "of y^ peace of o"" Souerayne Lord y® King," &c.,
the court found it necessary to appoint a constable "to officiate between the
Schuylkill and Nieshambenies kill." The court also found it necessary to ap-
point two "viewers of y^ Highwayes & roads & fences," who resided in the
same district. There was one jury trial at this court, Init the names of the
jurors are not given. The court did allow "of y^ jury's verdict," and passed
judgment accordingly.
Xo other court was hekl till March, 1681, when nothing of importance
was transacted. At the court held in the following June. "Justice Otto Ernest
Coch acquaints the Court, that hee has bought and paid of ye Indian proprie-
tors a certaine swampy or marshy Island called by ye Indians quistconk Lying
att the upper End of Tinnachkonk Island in ye river opposit andrews Boones
creek ; and desires y*" Co""*^ approbation. The Cor*^ hauing well informed them-
selves about y*" p'mises, doe allow thereof." There was also a jury of seven
men empanelled at this court, viz. : "James Sauderlins, Will : Boyles. John
Boeyar, barmen Ennis, Will : orian, andries petress and oele raesen."
The Dutch clergyman at Wicaco, "Magisf Jacobus fabritius," "not find-
ing his dues regularly paid," upon application to the court, obtained an order
"that y® church wardens of the peticon''*^ church doe take care that Every one
of those as haue signed and promised towards his maintaynance, doe pay him
y® sumes promised, upon payne of Execution ag^*^ y*^ defective." This magister
did well to make sure of his pay in time. The advent of a new government
v/as at hand, in which such claims could n< it be viewed with much favor.
Roads and highways are frequently mentioned in the proceedings of the
Upland and New Castle courts, but it is not to be supposed that these ways, at
this early day, were used for wheeled vehicles of any kind. The usual mode
of travelling was either by water or on horseback ; but the roads, such as
they were, required some repairs, and hence the appointment of overseers.
No taxes were laid, but those who refused to work on the highways were sub-
jicted to a fine. This practice continued for many years under Penn's govern-
ment. The imposition of a fine of 25 guilders, for neglecting to work on the
roads was among the last acts of the Upland court under the Duke's govern-
ment.
DELAWARE COUNTY 85
During the year 1680, William Penn had been perseveringly, but success-
fully negotiating with King Charles the Second and his ministers for a grant
of the territory that now constitutes our great commonwealth. The only Eu-
ropean settlements comprised within its limits were included in Upland county,
and were subject to the jurisdiction of Upland court. Though Lord Baltimore,
the proprietor of Maryland, was aware of every step taken by Penn to secure
his grant, and, through his agents, interposed objections, it is not probable that
the i)eoi)lc included within the limits of tlic embryo province had the faintest
idea that they were about to be transferred from the iron rule of the un-
scrupulous Duke of York, to the mild and peaceful government of the Quaker
proprietor. The patent to Penn was executed on March 4th, 1681, while the
last Upland court, under the Duke of York adjourned on the 14th of June,
"till y® 2^ Tuesday of y^ month of September," — the very last act of the
judges being the appointment of a surveyor and overseer of the highways from
Poetquessing creek to the Falls of the Delaware, (Trenton,) the furthest point
to which settlements had then been extended.
Information of the grant to William Penn must have been communicated
officially to the governrnent at New York very shortly after the adjournment
of the last session of the Upland court. Governor Andros being absent, the
king's letter on the subject, addressed to the inhabitants within the limits of
the grant, was laid before Anthony Brockholl, the commander, and his coun-
cil, no doubt, by William Markham, who, at the same time, submitted his com-
mission from William Penn to be his deputy governor of the province. On
June 2 1 St, the commander and council addressed a letter "To y'' severall Jus-
tices of y® Peace, magistraets and other officers inhabiting w^^in y® bounds and
limits" of the grant to Penn, notifying them of the change in their govern-
ment, which letter was sent by Colonel Markham, who, no doubt, within a
few days after the date of the letter, reached his government, and entered upon
the duties of his office. This letter is the last entry made in the book containing
the record of the LIpland court.
Before parting with this record, which throws so much light on the his-
tory of the time during which it was made, and from which I have drawn so
liberally, it will be necessary to make some general observations.
The territorial jurisdiction of the court, it will have been observed, was
very extensive. Except the provisional line that separated it from New Castle
county, its jurisdiction at first extended to the last approaches that civilization
had made on the home of the savage. Subsequently its jurisdiction was
limited to the west side of the Delaware. The earliest notice of a court at
Upland, is on the i8th of August, 1672. Evidence of the existence of records
of an earlier date than those which have come down to us, is found in these
records themselves. These commence on the 14th of November, 1676, and end
at the time just mentioned. When a court was first established at Upland
cannot now be ascertained. It was in all probability as early as the establish-
ment of English authority on the river, and may have been earlier. If but one
court was at first established by the English, its probable location was at New
86 DELAWARE COUNTY
Castle. Upon the establishment of two, the natural location of one of them
would be Upland. At the time our record commences, it was one of three
courts on the river — "one at New Castle, one above at Uplands, another below
at the Whorekill ;" the latter evidently being of recent establishment. The
court established at New Castle was the most important, being held monthly ;
the others were to be held quarterly, "or oftener if occasion;" but that of Up-
land was really held less frequently.
These courts possessed both criminal and civil jurisdiction. In criminal
matters their powers were about equal to those of our courts of quarter ses-
sions, while in civil cases not involving more than i20 the judgment of each
court was final. In cases involving a larger amount, an appeal could be taken
to the court of assizes of New York, and so of crimes of the higher grades.
Parties could demand a trial by jury, but in the Upland court this privilege
was only claimed in three or four instances during the nearly five years that its
records have been preserved, and in one of these instances the verdict of
the jury was wholly disregarded by the court. By the "Duke's Lawes," no
jury could "exceed the number seaven nor be under six, unless in special
causes upon life and death, the justices shall think fitt to appoint tw^elve." This
wnll account for only seven men being empanneled in one of the cases where
the jurors' names are given in the record. Except in cases of life and death,
the major part of the jury, when agreed, could give in a verdict, "the minor
being concluded by the major without any allowance of any protest by any
of them to the contrary."
In equity matters the court of Upland exercised jurisdiction. It also
made local regulations, which in these days would have required an act of the
legislature. The justices, either as a court or a board, performed all the duties
that are now performed by county commissioners, directors of the poor, and
auditors. The court granted applications for taking up land, received returns
of surveys, and had acknowledgments of transfers of real estate between
parties made before it. It regulated the affairs of the church, and exercised a
general supervision over the various concerns of the body politic — such as the
repairs of highways, the maintenance of fences, the sale of the time of ser-
vants, and even to the recording of the ear marks of cattle. Besides the court
the sheriff and surveyor, the government possessed no agent charged with the
performance of civil duties within the county of Upland.
A legal gentleman who has carefully examined the record of the Upland
court, remarks "that the forms of proceeding were of a character no less prim-
itive and incongruous than the jurisdiction of the court, partaking rather of
the nature of suits before an ordinary justice of the peace than those of a
court of record. The 'Instructions' directed 'all writts, warrants, and proceed-
ings at Lawe to be in his majesty's name.' A declaration, or informal state-
ment of the cause of action seems to have been required, and a rule was
adopted directing it to be entered at least one day before the court met. Al-
though the technical names of actions were used in many cases, such as action
on the case, slander, &c., no actual division of actions was known, these names
DELAWARE COUNTY 87
having probably been taken from 'y*" Lawe Booke' referred to occasionally.
'I'here does not, in fact, seem to have been any clearly drawn distinction be-
tween civil and criminal cases ; a proceeding exclusively civil in its character
frequently resulting in a judgment, partially at least, appropriate to a criminal
case. In short, the whole method of practice was rather a dispensation of jus-
tice, as the ideas of it existed in the heads, and was tempered by the hearts of
the judges, than the administration of any positive law, written or unwritten."
Offences, criminal in their nature, were usually punished by the imposi-
tion of a fine; the want of a jail precluded imprisonment. Corporal punish-
ment by whipping, was, in a few instances, resorted to by the court at New
Castle, but it forms no part of any sentence of the court of Upland contained
in the record. But this record has been mutilated by cutting out two leaves;
and as the minutes of the court next following that of which the record is thus
defective, contains a bill of costs against parties of bad repute, in which there
is a charge of lOi guilders "for payment of the Indians that whipt," etc., it may
be inferred that corporal punishment was resorted to in one single instance,
and that Indians were employed in its infliction. In this view of the matter,
it is not difficult to account for the mutilation of the record.
The fines imposed were sometimes remitted by the court. This was
especially the case when one of the justices had an interest in the matter. In
one instance, a fine of 1000 guilders was thus remitted. An open acknowledg-
ment in court of the offence committed, or the asking of forgiveness from the
offended party, sometimes constituted a part or the whole of a sentence.
The justices were uneducated, l)ut well-meaning men. A commendable de-
sire to maintain the dignity of the positions they occupied had some little in-
fluence upon their acts. Otherwise, the most careful scrutiny of the records
will show that they acted with the strictest regard to justice and the preserva-
tion of the public morals. This record, and that of New Castle court, give us
a good idea of the condition of our people in these early times, socially and
otherwise.
Common labor, per day, was worth from 50 styvers to 4 guilders, accord-
ing to the season. Wheat was worth 5 guilders, rye and barley 4, and Indian
corn 3 per scipple. Tobacco or pork was worth 8 styvers per lb., and bacon
double as much. In 1677. New Castle court ordered "that the gilder pay should
be recond ag^* Tobb^ in Maryland at 6 styv""^ pr lb." A cow was appraised at
150 guilders, and other cattle at rather less prices.
It was the practice of the Swedes to erect their dwellings immediately on
the margin of the river or tide water creeks. Up to this time, very few if any
houses had been erected in any other situations,— the few English settlers fol-
lowing the example of the Swedes.
With the recent accession of English Friends from New Jersey, the en-
tire population of Upland county could not have exceeded five hundred, at
the arrival of Governor Markham ; of these, less than one-third resided within
the territorial limits of Delaware county.
It has generally been supposed that Colonel Markham was accompanied
R8 DELAWARE COUNTY
to Pennsylvania by emigrants; and Proud, in lii'^ "History of Pennsylvania,"
leaves it to be inferred that this was the ease, and that he did not arrive till
near the close of the year. His commission as deputy governor, first pub-
lished in Hazard's Annals, is dated April lo, 1681. and we find it was laid be-
fore the government ai Xew York ])revious td June 21. following. Colonel
Markham doubtless proceeded directly to his government, and entered ui)on
the responsible duties with which he had been entrusted. He could have
made but little delay; for we find that on September 13. — the very day to
which the old Upland court had adjourned, — a newly organized court for Up-
land county was sitting and transacting business, composed of justices, sheriflF,
and clerk, holding their appointments under him ; and on November 30th the
Deputy Governor himself presiding over the same court.
Governor Markham was the bearer of a letter, dated two days earlier than
his commission, from William Penn, "for the inhabitants of Pennsylvania,"
which he was directed to read. In this letter the proprietor promises his peo-
ple that they shall be governed by laws of their own making: that he will not
usurp the rights of any, nor oppress his person ; and in short, that he would
heartily comply with whatever sober and free men could reasonably desire for
the security and improvement of their own happiness. This letter is in the
well-known hand of William Penn.
The commission to Colonel Markham empowers him "to call a council,
and that to consist of nine, he presiding." In pursuance of this authority, he
selected for that important trust Robert Wade, Morgan Drewet, William
Woodmanson, William Marriner, Thomas Fairman, James Sandelandes. Will.
Clayton, Otto Ernest Koch and Lacy Cock. L'nfortunately, no part of the
record of the doings of this council has come down to us, except their attesta-
tion, in which they say, "wee do hereby bind ourselves by our hands and
seales, that wee neither act nor advise, nor consent, unto anything that shall
not be according to our own consciences the best for y® true and well Govern-
ment of the s"" Province, and Likewise to keep secret all y*" votes and acts of us
y^ s*^ Councell unless such as by the General Consent of us are to be Pub-
lished." This attestation is "Dated at Vpland y*" third day of August 1681."
the day on which a government was first established for the province of Penn-
sylvania. Upland was undoubtedly the seat of that government. These gen-
tlemen councillors omitted to append their "seales" to their signatures, and two
jf them did not write their own names.
Colonel Markham also bore a letter from the King to Lord Baltimore,
apprising him of the grant of Pennsylvania to Penn. Being authorized by his
commission "to settle bounds" between the Proprietary and his neighbors ; and
as it is said the King's letter required both parties to adjust boundaries, an in-
terview was brought about between I^rd Baltimore and Markham at Up-
land. By an astronomical observation made during this interview, it was as-
certained that even Upland itself was twelve miles south of the parallel of
40 degrees, which indicated the southern boundary of Pennsylvania. This dis-
covery terminated the conference, and was the prelude to the protracted con-
DELAWARE COUNTY 89
troversy between Penn and Lord Baltimore and their descendants, which at
length resulted in the line of Mason and Dixon — a line, that for its notoriety-
has been compared by a late writer to the equator.
This discovery, it is supposed, was communicated to William Penn, and
he having been an applicant to the Duke of York for a grant of New Castle and
the settlements below on the Delaware, was thereby induced to press his ap-
plication more strenuously, under the apprehension that he might lose the
whole peninsula, in case of failure. On August 20th of the following year,
Penn obtained from the Duke a release of all claim to the territory embraced
within the limits of his patent, and, subsequently, a release of the territory now
constituting the State of Delaware.
With the royal charter, Penn published in England some account of his
newly acquired province, with valuable suggestions and information necessary
for persons disposed to become colonists under him. This paper is drawn up
with much care and truthfulness. Much of it is taken up in demonstrating the
importance of plantations or colonies to the mother country. The description
of the province is brief, and by no means exaggerated ; valuable directions are
given to those who determine to emigrate, and he concludes with a desire to
all who may determine to go to those parts, "to consider seriously the premises,
as well as the present inconveniences, as future ease and plenty, that none may
move rashly, or from fickle, but solid mind, having above all things an eye to
the providence of God in the disposal of themselves."
While the public mind in England, particularly the Quaker element of it
was thus directed to the new province. Governor Markham was administer-
ing affairs here very much after the fashion that had heretofore prevailed.
He appears to have been indisposed to make any unnecessary innovations on
the established order of things. It has already been mentioned that the first
court under the new government was held on the day to which the last session
of the former court had adjourned. The first session of the new court was
not, however, at "the towne of Kingesse," but at Upland, where, no doubt,
Governor Markham had fixed his residence. The justices of this court were
"Messrs. William Clayton, Wm. Warner, Robert Wade, Otto Ern^* Cock, Wil-
liam Byles, Robert Lucas. Lasse Cock, Swan Swanson and Andreas Bankson ;"
the sheriff, John Test, and clerk, Thomas Revell. Of the justices, five are
Englishmen and four Swedes, two of whom had been members of the former
Court. The "Duke's Laws" were now inoperative. In pursuance of the Dep-
uty Governor's instructions, all was to be done "according to the good laws of
England." But the new court, during the first year of its existence, failed to
comply with these laws in a very essential particular,— persons were put upon
trial without the intervention of a Grand Jury. No provision was made under
the Duke's laws for this safeguard of the citizen, and the new justices acted
for a time in accordance with former usage. A petit jury, so rare under the
former court, now participates in every trial where facts are in dispute. In
criminal cases, the old practice is adhered to of making the prosecutor plain-
tiff.
90 DELAWARE COUNTY
The first case that came up for consideration was that of Peter Errickson^
i'lff. vs. Harmon Johnson and Margaret his wife, Deft. An action of "AssauU
de Batt^'." Jurors — Morgan Drewett, Wm. Woodmanson, W ni. Hewes, James
Browne, Henry Reynolds, Robert Schooley, Richards Pittman, Lassey Dal-
boe, John Ackraman, Peter Rambo, Jr., Henry Hastings, and William Oxley.
Witness, William Parke. The jury find for the plaintiff; give him 6d. dam-
ages, his costs of suit.
In the next case the parties are reversed ; the offence charged being the
same, and tried by the same jurors. The witnesses were Anna Coleman, Rich-
ard Buftington, and Ebenezer Taylor. The jury tind for the plaintiffs 40-
[shillings] and their costs of suit.
At this first session of the court, nine cases w^ere tried and sixteen with-
drawn ; among the latter were two "for disobeying the justice's order." In
the last case tried, which was for debt, the verdict was 62 guilders — an evidence
of the lasting influence of the ascendency of the Dutch on the river.
It having come to the ears of Justice Lassey Cock that he had been ac-
cused of speaking certain improper words to the Indians, proclamation was
made in the court "that if any had anything against him, they should declare
it ; whereupon Daniel Brenson and Charles Brigham, upon oath, together with
Walter Humphrey, upon his solemn attestation, declared what they heard cer-
tain Indians speak against him and Captain Edmund Cantwell ; the said Lassey
Cock, upon oath, declared his innocency. and that he had never s])oken those
words to the Indians, or any of that nature, was thereupon cleared by the
court."
Letters of administration were granted by the court to Caspar Fiske on
the estate of Eusta Daniell — security in iioo, given to Robert Wade and Wil-
liam Clayton.
Besides the English names already mentioned, there occur in the proceed-
ings of this court those of Richard Ridgeway, Francis Stephenson, Richard
Noble, John Champion, Thomas Nossiter, John Wood, and William Cobb.
These and many others had become residents of Upland county prior to the
date of Penn's patent. Most of those who were Friends emigrated with the
early West Jersey settlers, but for some reason settled on the west side of
the river.
At the next court, which was held on November 30, Deputy Governor
]\Iarkham presided, and James Sandelandes and Thomas Fairman, with all
those who held the last court, sat as justices, except \\'illiam Warner, who was
absent. But four cases were tried at this court; one withdrawn and one con-
tinued.
Three ships sailed from England for Pennsylvania this year ; two from
London and one from Bristol. No particulars of the arrival of the "John and
Sarah," which is said to have arrived first, are given ; but we are informed by
Proud, that the Bristol "Factor," Roger Drew, commander, "arrived at the place
where Chester now stands, on December 11, where the passengers seeing some
houses, went on shore at Robert Wade's landing near the lower side of Chester
DELAWARE COUNTY 91
creek ; and the river having froze up that night, the passengers remained there
all winter." The other ship, the "Amity," '^having been blown off to the West-
Indies, did not arrive until the spring of the next year."
Proud places the arrival of William Markham in one of these ships, with
certain commissioners, whom he says were joined with him, "to confer with
the Indians or Aboriginies of the country respecting their lands, and to con-
firm with them a league of peace." It is possible that certain commissioners
arrived on board of one or more of these vessels, but they were not associated
with the Deputy Governor as has been mentioned. The only purchase of land
that was made from the Indians for the Proprietary before his arrival, was
the large purchase on the Delaware above Shackamaxon, which was made by
Markham alone, although the commissioners were then in the country.
The commissioners were William Crispin, William Haige, John Bezer,
and Nathaniel Allen. W^illiam Crispin was appointed surveyor-general as
well as commissioner, but died before his arrival, whereupon Thomas Holme
was appointed in his place. Though they appear to have been authorized to
treat with the Indians and purchase their lands, their instructions show that
their main business was to fix upon the site of and lay out a city — to survey
and apportion lands and city lots among the newly arrived immigrants, who
had for the most part made their purchases in England. The following ex-
tract from these instructions, no doubt gave rise to the tradition that Penn
had fixed on Upland or Chester as the site of his great city.
"That having taken what care you can for the people's good, in these respects above-
said, let the rivers and creeks be sounded on my side of Delaware River, especially Up-
land, in order to settle a great town, and be sure to make your choice where it is most
navigable, high, dry, and healthy; that is where most ships may best ride, of deepest
draught of water, if possible to load or unload at the bank or keys side without boating
and lightening of it. It would do well if the river coming into that creek be navigable,
at least for boats up into the country, and that the situation be high, at least dry and
sound, and not swampy, which is best known by digging up two or three earths and see-
ing the bottom."
The celebrated "conditions and concessions" agreed upon between Penn
and those who became "adventurers and purchasers" under him, were pub-
lished in England some time before the date of the letter of instructions to the
commissioners. Thomas Holme, the surveyor-general, did not arrive till the
last of June of the following year.
Although the minutes of the council of Governor Markham are not to be
found, there is a document preserved that shows that one of its first acts was
the prohibition of the sale of strong drinks to the Indians. This paper is a pe-
tition to the Governor and council over the uncouth signatures of Passayunk
Indians, asking the removal of the prohibition, on the ground that there was
no prohibition in New Castle, "and that they find it a greater ill-convenience
than before, our Indians going down to New Castle, and there buying rum and
making them more debauched than before."
It will be remembered that Robert Wade was settled at Upland in 1675,
92 DELAWARE COUNTY
and that W illiani lulnunidMiu. a iravrlling preacher of the Society of Friends,
held a meeting;; at his house (hiring that year. Robert Wade was a purchaser
from John I'enwick, in England, and it is supposed emigrated with him in
1675. but from some cause he preferreil to settle at U])land, being, with his
wife, among the first Quakers who settled in Pennsylvania. It is n(jt there-
fore probable that a Friends' meeting was held in Pennsylvania earlier than
that year, — the first being held at the house of Robert Wade. No meeting of
record was held till the year 1681, the following being the earliest minute:
"The 10"^ day of the it"' month 1681. A monthly meeting of Friends belong-
ing to Marcus-hook, alias the Chester and Upland, held at the house of Robert
Wade."'
These meetings for a time were held alternately at the places designated,
and constituted one monthly meeting. That held at Robert Wade's eventually
became "Chester Monthly Meeting," while from the Chichester, or Marcus
Hook ]\Ieeting, originated at first the Chichester Monthly Meeting, which sub-
sequently became merged in that of Concord.
The only Quaker heads of families that were settled at Chester and Mar-
cus Hook, or in the vicinity of those places, before the arrival of the first ship
sent out by Penn, so far as the author can discover, were Robert Wade, Roger
Pedrick, Morgan Drewet, William Woodmanson, Michael Izzard, Thomas
Revel, Henry Hastings. \\'illiam Oxley, James Browne, Henry Reynolds, and
Thomas Nossiter. There were no other Friends then settled within the pres-
ent territorial limits of our county, but quite a number were located higher up
the river on the Pennsylvania side of it.
The next court for Upland county was held at Upland on March 14, 1682.
which, according to the record, is still within the year i68r. This court was
held by the same or nearly the same justices. Deputy Governor Markham pre-
siding. The details of a trial that occurred at this court are given, to illustrate
the manner of conducting judicial proceedings in these primitive times :
"J A , bound by recognizance to appear at this Court to answer our
Sovereign Lord the King upon the accusation of Richard Noble, Peter Rambo Jun"", and
Lawrence Lawrenson, who were bound over to prosecution.. This Court proceeded
upon indictment; to which the prisoner pleaded not guilty: and put himself upon the
tryal &c., of this Jury:" "Jurors: George Foreman Gent, John Child, Nathaniel
Allen, Nathaniel Evans, William Oxley, John Akraman, Albert Hendrickson, Mons Pe-
terson, Wooley Rawson, John Cock, Erich Cock, Peter Yoakum."
"Richard Noble deposed that hee, with several others, found divers peeces of burnte
porke or bacon in the said A's house; and also that hee the said Richard Noble with
others found hidden in unfrequented places in an out house belonging to the said J
A , where, (as an Indian had before then informed them.) the said \
used to hide porke; and further deposed that the said A gave out tiireatining
words against the officers and others who came to search."
"Peter Rambo Junr. and Lawrence Lawrenson deposed the same as above. Judith
Noble deposed that the said A gave out threatning words against the officers who
came to search."
"Francis Walker deposed that a person who bought a peece of porke of the said
A •. told him the said Walker that the said porke had a bullet in it."
DELAWARE COUNTY 93
"Francis Stephens deposed that the said A being asked concerning a hogg's
head, (hee, the said A , having then a headless hogg,) where the head then was,
hee, the said A , answered, hee had left the head down the river; and the said
A 's boy said noe, the hogg's head is upon the mill att home."
"John Hollinshead gave in his evidence before Thomas Budd, a magistrate at Bur-
lington, which was also produced under the hand of the said Thomas Budd, being of the
same import with the deposition of the aforesaid Francis Stephens."
"Thomas Wallis gave in his evidence before the same Thomas Budd, and testified
under the hand of the said Thomas Budd, of the same import with the aforesaid Judith
Noble's testimony."
"Another examination of notorious circumstances, of a stranger who lay at the
said A 's, taken by Mahlon Stacey. a magistrate at the Falls, and signified under his
hand."
"The jury bring in the prisoner not guilty, and thereupon by order of Court is dis-
charged."
The following minute of the doings of the same court, is a further proof
that Governor Markham and his council had placed some restraint upon the
sale of strong drink, to others besides the Indians.
"Henry Reynolds having appeared to answer for his selling strong liquors by small
measure in his house contrary to the Governor and Councel's order; upon his submission
to the Court, was discharged."
"Overseers for the Highways nominated and elected at the Court, March 14**^, 1681
[1682] for one year next ensuing, which is to be done within their respective precincts,
before the last day of May next, ut sequitur : Woolley Rawson, from Marcus creek to
Naman's creek. Robert Wade, from Naaman's [Marcus] Creek to Upland creeke. Wil-
liam Oxley from Upland Creeke to Ammersland. Mons Stawket from Ammersland to
Karkus mill. Peter Yokeham from Karkus Mill to Schore kill [Schuylkill] falls. An-
dreas Rambo from Schore kill falls to Tawrony [Tacony] Creeke. Erick Mullikay from
Tawrony Creeke to Poynessink Creek. Clause Johnson from Poynessink creeke to
Samuel Cliffs. John Akraman from Samuel Cliffs to Gilbert Wheelers."
Gilbert Wheeler's residence was in the neighborhood of Trenton, which
shows the territorial extent of Upland county. The main road that re-
quired repairs appears to have crossed the Schuylkill and other streams at or
near the head of tide water.
On June 12, messengers from Lord Baltimore, with letters to Governor
Markham, arrived at Upland, but the Governor being on a visit to New York,
James Sandelandes and Robert Wade dispatched a messenger to him, with
the Lord Baltimore's communication, and also a letter from them, advising
him that Commissioners were in waiting, ready to meet him at Bohemia river.
"The grant formerly made from Governor Markham to the inhabitants of
Marcus Hooke att their request for the calling the name of the said Town Chi-
chester, which said grant bears date the twentieth day of April, 1682, and was
read and published in the court held at Upland June the thirteenth Anno
1682, according to order as a record thereof." This was the fourth court held
under Governor Markham's administration.
At the first court under his government, the English currency of pounds,
shillings and pence was introduced, but at this court there was a return to the
94 DELAWARE COUNTY
old currency of guilders, so difticult is it to change the established customs of a
people. One verdict at this court is for 6i6 guilders, and there are several for a
less number. "Skipps of wheat," also occur in the proceedings.
The next court in order was h.eld on September 12, 1682. Governor
Markham officiated as president, and was assisted by several of the justices
that have been named.
The first grand jury that ever sat in Pennsylvania of which there is any
record, was summoned to attend at this court. Their names, as given in the
minutes of the court are : William Clayton, Thomas Brassey, John Symcock,
Tho. Sary, Robert Wade, Lawrence Cock, John Hart, Nath". Allen, William
Woodmanson, Tho^. Coebourne, John Otter and Joshua Hastings ; being one
iialf the usual number. These jurors were summoned in the case of Lassey,
alias Lawrence Dalboe, and are called his "Grand Jury."
The first order for filing an administration account w^as made at this
court. The administrator was directed to appear at the next or the following
court, "and bring into the court the bills of the creditors or other satisfaction,
signifying to the court the justness of each particular debt, and also to produce
his receipts for what he hath paid." This is the last court held previous to the
arrival of the Proprietary. Quite a number of Friends had arrived here since
Markham came to the country. Among those who settled within the territorial
limits of Delaware county, were Richard Fewe, John Kennerly, Thomas Co-
bourn, Jeremiah Collett, Richard Worrall, Henry Grubb, and John Simcock.
Before introducing the Proprietary into this land of promise, it may not
be amiss to enlighten the reader in respect to the progress made in religious
affairs by the Friends who had preceded him. At a monthly meeting held at
Chester the nth of the 7th mo. (September) 1682, it was agreed "that a
meeting shall be held for the service and worship of God every first day of the
week at the court house at Chester." It was also agreed "that there be three
meetings in the week : the western part to meet at Chichester the 5th day of
the week ; the middle meeting at Harold at the house of William Woodman-
son the 4th day of the week, and the eastern meeting at Ridley at John Sim-
cocks the 5th day of the week until otherwise ordered." It was further or-
dered that "the monthly meeting for business be held the i^' Second day of
the week in every month at the house of Robert Wade."
The world did not contain a more busy man tlian William Penn, from
the time the charter for Pennsylvania was granted to him until he sailed for
America. Besides the documents issued by him, that have already been men-
tioned, he incorporated a company with extraordinary powers and privileges,
styled the "Free Society of Traders :" he published his "Frame of Govern-
ment for the province of Pennsylvania, together with certain laws agreed ui)on
in England by the Governor and divers freemen of the aforesaid Province ;"
he obtained from the Duke of York a release of any claims he might have to
the province of Pennsylvania ; and also two deeds of feoffment for the terri-
tory now constituting the State of Delaware — one being for twelve miles
round New Castle, and the other for the balance of the territory below : he
DELAWARE COUNTY 95
wrote innumerable letters to his friends, and sundry epistles to the settlers and
the Indians, besides being subjected to various importunities to part with his
lands and to confer privileges on terms different from those which he had
adopted and published.
With his mind thus overtasked with questions of the highest moment,
would it not have been wonderful if he had committed no mistakes? Is it
not strange that he committed so few ? We may at this day be startled at some
of the privileges granted to "The Free Society of Traders ;" but may we not,
with Penn's limited experience with corporations, believe in the sincerity of his
assurance, that it was "a Society without oppression : wherein all may be con-
cerned that will ; and yet have the same liberty of private traffique, as though
there were no Society at all." Certainly we may concede this much, when it
is known that he resisted the ^great temptation" of £6000 and two and a half
per cent, acknowledgment or rent for a monopoly of the Indian trade between
the Susquehanna and Delaware with 30,000 acres of land, the Indian title of
which to be extinguished by the corporation. Penn's ideas of government
were greatly in advance of the age in which he lived. The few errors he com-
mitted were the result of surrounding circumstances. No friend of humanity
can quibble over these, when he reflects upon the mighty impulse that was
given to the cause of free government by his many wise and prudent measures.
Having completed his arrangements in England, Penn sailed from Deal
on the 30th of the sixth month (then August), on board of the ship "Wel-
come," Robert Greenaway commander, in company with about one hundred
passengers, mostly members of the Society of Friends, the major part of
whom were from Sussex. Great distress was experienced during the passage,
in consequence of the breaking out of the small-pox, of which loathsome dis-
ease thirty of the emigrants died. Otherwise the voyage was prosperous, the
vessel arriving at New Castle on October 27, 1682. On the next day, Penn
having produced his deeds of feoflFment from the Duke of York for the twelve
miles surrounding New Castle, and also for the country below, the possession
and seisin of the New Castle grant were formally given to him by John Moll
and Ephraim Herman, who had been constituted attorneys for that purpose
by his Royal Highness. At the same time, a number of the inhabitants signed
a pledge of their obedience to the Proprietary. On the same day he com-
missioned justices for New Castle, and constituted Markham his attorney to
receive the possession of the territory below from the attorneys of the Duke.
A letter addressed to Ephraim Herman in respect to summoning a court
to be held at New Castle on November 2Tid, and dated at Upland on October
29, shows that he had then arrived at his seat of government. He may have
arrived the day before. The fancy of the artist has portrayed the landing of
Penn at Upland ; but neither the hour, the day, nor the manner of his landing,
is certainly known.
He landed at Upland, but the place was to bear that familiar name no
more for ever. Without reflection, Penn determined that the name of this
place should be changed. "Turning round to his friend Pearson, one of his
96 DELAWARE COUNTY
own society, who Iiad accompanied him in the shijj 'Welcome,' he said^
'Providence has brought us here safe. Thuu hast been the companion of my
perils. What wilt thou that 1 should call this place?' Pearson said 'Chester,'
in remembrance of the city from whence he came. William I Vnn replied that
it should be called Chester, and that when he divided the land into counties,
one of them should be called l)y the same name." Thus from a mere whim,
the name of the oldest town ; the name of the whole settled part of the prov-
ince ; the name that would naturally have a place in the affections of a large
majority of the inhabitants of the new province, was effaced, to gratify the
caprice or vanity of a friend. All great men occasionally do little things.
Immediately after Penn's arrival, he dispatched messengers to Lord lialti-
more, evidently for the purpose of procuring an interview and a settlement of
their difficulties. He at the same time went to New York, to "pay his duty"
to the Duke by way of a visit to his government Upon his return he caused
three counties to be laid off — Chester, Philadelphia, and Bucks. The precise
time and manner of making these divisions will probably be ascertained when
the record of the doings of Governor Markham and his council is discovered.
The lines on either side of Chester county, it will hereafter be seen, were not
very definitely fixed for some time.
In pursuance of writs of election sent to the sheriff's of the several coun-
ties, elections were held for members of assembly. No list of the members
elected has been discovered ; the names of several appear in the imperfect min-
utes of their proceedings.
The first assembly was held at Chester, 4th of 10th mo. (December) 1682,
being the second day of the week. The first business was the appointment of
a committee on election privileges, consisting of Christopher Taylor for Bucks
county ; President Moore for Philadelphia, John Simcock for Chester, Wil-
liam Clark for Deal, and Francis Whitwell for Jones. "A committee for
Grievance" was also appointed, viz : Griffith Jones, Luke Watson, William
Sample, William Yardley, and Thomas Brassey. It was resolved that Ralph
Withers "on extraordinary occasions, have leave from this house to be absent
to-morrow." Then "the house adjourned to the loth hour to-morrow."
"About the time appointed, the house sat." "Dr. ^Nloore, president of the
Society in Philadelphia," [of Free Traders] it was reported by the committee,
"should be preferred as chairman." Then they called to account the sheriff of
New Castle for undue electing a member to serve in assembly for that county.
John Moll was declared duly elected from New Castle, instead of Abraham
Mann.
John Simcock and Christopher TayKtr were ajipointed a committee of
"Foresight for the preparation of provincial bills. Then the House proceed
further unto four more for the said committee, viz, W"^ Clark, Nicholas
Moore, president, Griffith Jones, and Luke Watson."
"It being moved that an address be sent to the Governor, by four select
members, humbly to desire him to honour the house with a transmission of his
constitutes; and thereupon appointed Thomas Holmes, surveyor general, Wil-
DELAWARE COUNTY 97
liani Clarke. Thomas Winn, and Edward Southrin, should go with the afore-
said address, and make a return of his answer in the afternoon." In the after-
noon, "the Governor's answer by the four members was : that the constitutions
they desired were not ready, but when ready he would immediately send them
by one of his servants."
Rules and regulations for the government of the proceedings of the As-
sembly were adopted, some of which are not found in legislative manuals of
the present day. "Offending members were to be reproved for the tirst of-
fence; for the second reproval and fine of I2d., and so for each offence not to
exceed los." A resolution was not before the House till "seconded or thirded."
Any member presuming to pervert the sense of questions agreed to by the
house, was to be "put out of the house." Two members were elected, "to in-
spect which party carried it by the major votes, on diversity of votes arising
in the house." On the question, "whether the house now proceed or not," on
a division, the noes go out ; if for adjournment, the yeas. None to speak but
once before the question is put, nor after but once. Most of the rules adopted
are, however, substantially the same as those now used in legislative bodies,
though given in the quaint language of the day.
A question propounded by the speaker — "Whether any absolute note of
distinction betwixt one officer and another should be concluded on by vote as
the carrying a white rod or reed," shows there was some disposition to follow
the etiquette of the home government. This question was left in suspense.
A petition was presented "for an act of Union" between the freemen of
the three lower counties and those of Pennsylvania. It was delivered by John
Moll and Francis Whitwell, in the name of the rest of the freeholders, and
"was accepted and approved of by the whole house." The act providing for the
"aforesaid Union," after being regularly passed, was carried by the president
and Christopher Taylor to the Governor, in order to get "his subscription as
an established law."
A petition is presented to the Governor from the Swedes, Finns and
Dutch, that he "would be pleased to make them as free as other members of
this province, and that their lands may be entailed on them and their heirs for-
ever."
"The printed laws and the written laws or constitutions" were at length
brought before the house, and after having been altered or amended, were fin-
ally adopted. "The power of the Free Society of Traders was also debated."
This ended the second day's proceedings.
"The house met again about half an hour past seven in the morning of the
7th day of the loth month, 1682." The Governor, assuming the chair, ex-
presses himself in an obliging and religious manner to the house." After hav-
ing been consulted by the president on "divers material concerns," the Gover-
nor "urges upon the house his religious counsel." A debate of some warmth
appears to have ensued in respect to the time to which the assembly should ad-
journ : twenty-one days appears to have been fixed on, at which the members
of the lower counties "were in a great strait." Two members were thereupon
7
98 DELAW ARE COUNTY
appointed to inform the Governor of it, who returned with intelhgence tliat
the Governor is wilHng "that the assembly adjourn for twenty-one days, which
was done by order of the speaker." There was probably no meeting held at
the end of twenty-one days, or at any other time by this first legislature. There
are no minutes of such a meeting, nor laws of that date.
No list of members being given, the names of all the representatives from
Chester county cannot be given. The following Chester county names appear
incidentally in the minutes : — John Simcock, Thomas Brasey, Ralph Withers,
and Thomas Usher. It would appear that the members of the "first Assem-
bly" received no pay for their services. The next assembly did not, however,
allow a question of such vital importance to pass by without being "argued."
"The great law, or the body of laws." embracing many sections or sepa-
rate laws, was passed by the first assembly, besides the act of Union and Nat-
uralization and the Act of Settlement.
All the acts except the last had been prepared and well considered, before
being presented to the legislature. This act became necessary on account of
the people of the several counties refusing to elect seventy-two members of
council, and to assemble in mass to constitute the first assembly, as had been
provided for by Penn in his "Frame of Government," and in accordance with
the writs that had been issued to the sheriffs of the several counties. This act
fixed the number of the council at three from each county, and the assembly at
double that number. It also provides for other matters connected with future
legislation. It was no doubt prepared at Chester on the occasion, and this fact
explains why the Proprietary was not ready for the assembly when they met.
On what was considered the most reliable tradition, it has been universally
believed that this assembly held its sittings in an old building which till recently
stood on the west side of Filbert street, near the margin of Chester creek, and
which was familiarly known as "the old Assembly house." It will be shown
in another place that this building was erected several years subsequently to
the sitting of the assembly. It is most probable that the first assembly sat in
the "House of defence," as it was then the only public building erected in Up-
land of which we have any account.
Every material particular in respect to the first assembly has been given,
because its sittings were held within the territorial limits of what was then
Chester, but is now Delaware county. The next assembly under a new elec-
tion was held at Philadelphia on March 12, following, where it continued to sit,
with occasional meetings at New Castle, while the union with the Lower Coun-
ties lasted.
The last court for the county of Upland, embracing all the settled parts of
Pennsylvania, was held on September 12, 1682. The first court for Chester
county met at Chester on February 14, following, but from some cause ad-
journed till the 27th of that month without transacting any business. .At this
court there is a marked change in the aspect of things. The name of no
Swede remains in the list of justices, and but two are found in the list of
DELAWARE COUNTY 99
jurors, and the 3klr. that had ahvays been appended to the names of the jus-
tices, and to that of the clerk and sheriff, is now uniformly omitted.
The form of attestation for jurors, adopted by Penn, is not given in the
records of the Chester court. The following is recorded at New Castle, under
date of February 22, 1682-3 •
"The forme to bee used in y^ Roome of y^ oath for y^ Jury as the same was de
livered in Cor^ by y® Hono^i William Penn vizt.
"You Solemnly promis in ye presence of God & this Cor* that you will Justly try &
deliver in yC verdict in all cases depending, that shall be brought before you during this
session of Court according to evidence, and ye laws of this government to ye best of yo'"
understanding."
The justices who held this court — the first for Chester county, as it had
recently been established — were John Simcock, president; Thomas Brasey,
William Clayton, Robert Wade, and John Boyer; the sheriff was Thomas
Usher ; the clerk, Thomas Revel. The jurors summoned were "William Raw-
son, James Browne, Jeremiah Collet, William Hewes, Walter Martin, Nath'
Evans, Joshua Hastings, William Woodmanson, Thomas Cobourne, Albert
Hendrickson, Joseph Richards, Edward Carter, and Thomas Vernon."
George Thompson appeared before this court to answer the charge of
being married to one Merriam Short, "contrary to the laws of the province ;"
but no one appearing against him, he was discharged. The officiating priest,
Lawrence Carolus, did not fare so well. He was bound over to appear at the
next court for performing the marriage service for Thompson.
At the next court, "held at Chester for the County of Chester, on the
27th of the 4th month, called June, 1863, "William Penn, Esq'" Proprietory
and Governor," presided. The names of Otto Ernest Cock and Ralph Withers
appear among the justices at this court. Among the grand and petit jurors
there was a fair sprinkling of Swedes.
The following singular verdict was rendered at this court : "The jury
find for the Plaint : and give him a cow and a calf, the same to be delivered
within 7 days or 4^ 19s. 2d. at the choyce of the Plaint : or the value thereof in
Porke, Beefe or Corne in the 8th mo : next & 40s. damages & Costs of suit."
It was "ordered by the court that a tax for defraying the public charges
be raysed within this county ; and in order to the effecting the same with jus-
tice and proportion, three of the magistrates of the county are to meet weekly."
"John Ward, for sundry Felons, committed to the custody of the sheriff,
and made his escape with irons upon him." From this it may be inferred that
At yet there was no building in Chester that would rank as a jail. This Ward
had robbed James Sandelandes and George Foreman, whom the court ordered
10 receive back their goods. The early judicial proceedings of the province
would indicate that a number of professional rogues had smuggled themselves
over in some of the numerous immigrant vessels that were arriving about this
time, or else had made their way here from other provinces.
The following constables were selected at this court: "For Chichester
loo DELAWARE COUNTY
liberty. Will'" Hewes; Chester lil)Lri\ , 'rhoina< Cubourn ; Derby liberty, Thom-
as Worth; Ammersland liberty, Will'" Cobb; Concord liberty, Jn° Menden-
hall."
Besides the regular county courts, there was established in each county
another tribunal invested with the power of hearing and determining matters
in liiigation. The persons composing it were termed "Peace Makers," and
were appointed by the courts. They possessed about the same power, and oc-
cupied the same position as arbitrators of the present day, but they were not
appointed with reference to any particular case, and held periodical meetings.
The court orders them "to meet the first fourth day in every month."
Among the cares that engrossed the attention of William Penn during his
first visit to Pennsylvania, was the purchase of lands from the Indians. The
boundaries mentioned in the numerous deeds to him from the Aborigines, are
frequently uncertain and overlap each other ; and while it cannot be doubted
that he was careful to secure titles from the "right owners," it appears to have
been his policy to liquidate any other claims that might be set up, and to take
deeds from the claimants, rather than to engage in litigation with savages.
One of these deeds, that gives us the Indian name of Chester creek, and em-
braces nearly the whole county east of that stream, commences thus :
''We, Secane & IcQUOQUEHAN, Indian Schackamakers and right owners of y«
Lands Lying between Manaiunk als. Schulkill and Macopanackhan, als. Chester River,
doe this 14th day of y^ fifth month, in y^ J'ear, according to English account, 1683, hereby
grannt and sell all o"'' Right & title in y® s<^ Lands Lying between y^ s'^ Rivers, begin-
ning on y*? West side of Manaiunk, called Consohocken, & from thence by a Westerly
Line to y^ s<^ River Macopanackhan, unto William Penn Proprie*'"" * * * &c_
The consideration is the usual quantity of wampum, blankets, duffils, ket-
tles, guns, &c., but no rum, and to the deed are appended the peculiar marks of
the grantors.
The next court was held on the 22d of the 6th month "called August." A
civil case of vast importance, involving the title oi the whole Island of Tini-
cum, was tried at this court. The case stands on the record : "Arnoldus Dela-
grange Pltff : Otto Erns*^ Cock Deft : The Plaintiff sues and declares as
Heire Tynnicum Island & premises." It will be remembered that Mrs. Pape-
goya had sold the Island to a Mr. De La Grange, who, it appears, was the fath-
er of this plaintiff. He dying soon after, his widow married Andrew Carr.
Against these jjarties, in the court of assizes of New York, in 1672, Mrs. Pape-
goya obtained a heavy verdict, and was shortly afterwards put in possession of
the Island, which she had sold to Otto Ernest Cock, previous to this date.
Abraham 'Sla.n acted as attorney for the plaintiff, and John White for
the defendant — neither of them being residents of the county. It was ad-
mitted that the plaintiff's father was legally possessed of Tinicum, but that
amount of purchase money was paid, and that, "the Lady Armgard
Prince had tryall and execution thereupon & was put in possession of the
same premises, and sold the same to the defendant." On behalf of the plain-
DELAWARE COUNTY loi
tiff it was set forth "that he the said pltff. (who was heir to the said Island,)
at the time of the said Tryall & Execution, was under age and in Holland, and
therefore could make no defence; and further that the said Heire (this pltfif:)
was not mentioned in the said tryall ; the action being commenced against An-
drew Carre and priscilla his wife, mistaken in the execution for the mother of
the pltff: whose mother's name was Margaretta." The parties appear to have
entered into an agreement pending the trial, in accordance with which the jury
rendered their verdict in favor of the plaintiff, with costs and forty shillings
damages ; "The Pltf : paying to the Deft. Thirty seven-pounds & Tenne shil-
lings," * * * "also delivering the Block house & peticulars in the same
agreement mentioned."'
The practice of acknowledging deeds in open court, under Penn's govern-
ment, commenced with this court.
At the following court, "held on the 17*^*^ of the 8'^ month, called Octo-
ber," 1683, the inhabitants of Providence made their application to the court
lor a highway leading to the town of Chester. It was accordingly ordered by
the court "that the grand jury doe meete on the 22d instant at Thomas Nossi-
ters, there to consider the premises." This is the first time that the name of
Providence has appeared as a division of Chester county. The grand jury
"was empannelled to look out a convenient highway from Providence to Ches-
ter," but their report is not recorded. The name of Robert Eyre appears now
for the first time as clerk of the court, in the place of Thomas Revel ; and
at the following court, held on December 14, Thomas Withers supplies the
place of Thomas Usher as sheriff. In a case before this court, in which the
plaintiff suffered a non suit, the matter was referred by the court to the "peace
makers."
From the circumstance that several of Penn's letters written during the
winter of 1683 were dated at Chester, it is believed that he resided at that
place nearly up to March 10. when his first council was assembled at Philadel-
phia. The members of the council being now reduced to three from each
county ; those from Chester were John Simcock, Ralph Withers and William
Clayton. The second assembly was convened at Philadelphia two days after-
wards, and continued its session twenty-two days. But little was done at this
session specially relating to Chester county except the establishment of a seal,
the design of which was a plow. The first charter, which it was found impos-
sible to conform with, in respect to the number of representatives, was, in an
amended form, accepted from the Governor, "with the hearty thanks of the
whole House."
This year the noted "Chester Mills" were erected on Chester creek, a lit-
tle above the site of the present manufacturing village of Upland. Richard
Townsend, who came over with William Penn, in a letter written in 1727,
says, "After some time I set up a mill on Chester creek, which I brought ready
framed from London ; which served for grinding corn and sawing of boards ;
and was of great use to us." From this it might be inferred that Richard
102 DELAWARE COUNTY
Townsend was chiefly instrumental in the erection of these mills, which was
not the case, he being only one of ten partners who furnished the means.
The i)artncrshi]) was established b\- virtue of a verbal agreement in 1682,
probably before the partners left England, "for the erection of one or more
water mills, by them intended to be built and erected in said Province [of
P'ennsylvania | . and in gears, utensils and implements, i)ropcr for such an un-
dertaking, and in all such lands buildings and conveniences as might be neces-
sary to accommodate the same." The whole concern was divided into thirty-
two equal parts, of which William Penn "was to have and bear five parts there-
of, both in profit and loss ;"' Philip Ford, 5 ; John Bellars, 5 ; Daniel Whorley,
5; Daniel Quare, 2; John Barker, 2; Richard Townsend, 4; John Bickley, 2;
Thomas Burberry, i ; and Caleb Pusey, i. These partners agreed that Caleb
Pusey should be agent and manager "of the joint concern," who accordingly,
"soon after the first arrival of the Proprietary in the Province, obtained two
warrants from him, for taking up lands to set the said mills upon." By virtue
of these warrants two parcels of land — one on each side of Chester creek —
were surveyed for the use of the mills ; the whole containing but twenty acres.
"Upon or near" this land, Caleb Pusey, "with the advice of the said Proprie-
tary, and such other of the said partners, as then were in the Province, in the
year of our Lord 1683, did at the joint charge of all the said partners, erect a
corn mill," &c. These facts are taken from the recital of a deed for the prem-
ises, executed in 1705, and no doubt give a correct account of the establish-
ment of what may be regarded as the first mill erected within the borders of
Delaware county, unless the Swede's mill stood on the western side of Cobb's
creek. When a saw-mill was attached to the Chester mill, is not known. A
further account of this early improvement, with the disasters which befell it,
will be given in the proper place, as we proceed.
The peculiar population, that in three or four years was to occupy the
<vhole territory now embraced within the limits of our county had, before the
close of 1683, gained a very permanent footing at four different points, viz:
Chester, Marcus Hook, Darby and Haverford. From these points the new
settlements rapidly diverged, and spread over the adjacent townships. At each
of these places except Haverford, the first Quaker immigrants sat themselves
dow^n in the midst, or in the vicinity of a civilized people. The Welsh, who
had in their native land bargained for a separate Barony of 40,000 acres, be-
ing excluded from the city liberties, were forced at once to plunge into the
wilderness. They first occupied Merion and Haverford in 1682 with a very
few settlers. These townships were rapidly filled up by the constant influx of
immigrants from Wales, where the spirit of persecution against the Quakers
was raging at this period ; and from these townships the Welsh settlements
soon spread over Radnor anrl the chief part of Newtown, and after a time ex-
tended over Goshen, Tredyflfrin, and Uwchlan. But three settlements were
made in Haverford in 1682 — those of Lewis David, Henry Lewis, and Wil-
liam Howell. The number was largely augmented before the close of 1683.
Nearly all the early immigrants of mature age were Friends from con-
DELAWARE COUNTY 103
vincement, and many of them had suffered persecution. Under such circum-
stances it cannot be supposed that their rehgious meetings were suspended even
during their passage, much less after their arrival. But we have no positive
evidence that meetings of record were held either by the Friends of Darby or
Haverford earlier than 1684.
Although monthly meetings had alternated between Chester and Marcus
Hook, First day meeting for worship were not held at the latter place till the
early part of 1683. The first appropriation, by Chester Monthly Meeting for
the support of their own poor, was made this year. No regular burying-place
appears to have been established at Chester till 1683, when, after the appoint-
ment of sundry committees, and some delay, a suitable piece of ground was
fixed upon, which was ordered "to be fenced about as soon as may be." The
ground thus selected continues to be the burying-place of the Society to the
present day.
No evidence exists of a meeting for worship being held at Providence
earlier than the commencement of 1684, and it is not certainly known at what
particular place it was held. The earliest quarterly meeting was held at Ches-
ter, the 4th of the 12th mo. (February) 1684.
The minutes of both Haverford and Darby Meetings commence in 1684;
the former on the loth of the 2d mo. (April) and the latter on the 2d of the
5th mo. (July). There is some evidence that the business of a monthly meet-
ing had been transacted at Darby a short time prior to the date of the first
regular minute. The early meetings of Darby were held at the house of John
Blunston, located nearly in front of the present Friends' meeting house in Dar-
by, and near the mill race.
Three particular meetings were united to form what became, and was for
a long time known, as "Haverford Monthly Meeting." These meetings at first
were "The Schuylkill," Merion and Haverford ; the monthly meeting being
held alternately in private houses at each of those places. The first monthly
meeting was held at the house of Thomas Duckett, which was located on the
west bank of the Schuylkill, a short distance above the present site of Market
street bridge.
Suitable burial-places for the dead, unfortunately, were among the earli-
est necessities of the first English settlers. Accordingly, it is recorded, that
"att our monethly meeting held at John Beevan's house at Haverford, the 9*^
of the 8'*" moneth [October! 1684, it was ordered as followeth : "This meet-
ing having taken to their consideration the necessity of a burying-place, it was
ordered that Thomas Ducket and Barnaby Willcocks for Schoolkill, Hugh
Robert and Robert David for Merion, George Painter and William Howell for
Haverford, should view and set out convenient places for that purpose, re-
spectively, for the meeting they belong to as aforesaid."
At the next monthly meeting, reports were made that burying-places had
been laid out' respectively for Haverford and Merion. The sites thus selected,
with some enlargements, constitute the burial-grounds attached to these meet-
ings at the present day. There was more difficulty in having the ground laid
I04 DELAWARE COUNTY
out at the Schuylkill; but it was eventually effected, and its site is still marked
by a few dilapidated grave-stones, that may be seen on either side of the street
that passes under the Pennsylvania railroad, west of the Schuylkill, which was
laid out through it. This monthly meeting was attached to the Philadelphia
Quarterly Meeting at its commencement, and continues so attached to this day.
Chichester Meeting was established as a monthly meeting in 1684, the
first monthly meeting being held at (^hichester on the 17th of the 1st month,
(March). At their fourth meeting, a liberal subscription was inade to enable
J. poor man to build a house.
Christopher Taylor having removed from ]>ucks county to the island of
Tinicum, his age, ability, and learning at once secured him the position of pre-
siding justice of the Chester court. The names of William Wood and John
Harding also appear for the first time as justices at the court held in July,
1684. This court, "considering the necessity of defraying the charge of the
Court-house and prison att Chester by a public levie, it was ordered that, ac-
cording to law in that case provided, every man possessed of lands should pay
towards the levie after the rate of one shilling for every 100 acres within this
county : and every freeman should pay sixpence, being above sixteen years of
age and not exceeding sixty ; and every artificer not exceeding the aforesaid age
of sixty, and above sixteen, is. 6d., by the pole, and every servant three-pence ;
and also non-residents, having land in this county, and not occupying the same,
shall pay for every hundred acres after the rate of one shilling sixpence per
hundred."
This is the earliest notice of a court-house contained in the Chester court
records. In what building did the court sit, from the arrival of Governor
Markham up to this time? Is it not most reasonable to conclude that it was in
the "House of Defence," or "Country House," spoken of in the Upland court
records? This building had been finished and fitted up, "fitt for the court to
sitt in," only about seven years previously, and although the records of the
court are silent in respect to the building in which its sittings were held, the
minutes of the monthly meeting show conclusively, that up to September, 1682,
they had been held in an edifice that was well known as "the court house at
Chester." This being the case, is not the conclusion almost irresistible, that up
to the period of the erection "of the court house and prison." for defraying the
expenses of which a levy is now being made, that the court, as well as the
"First day" meetings of the Friends, was held in the "House of Defence?" And
in the absence of every other kind of evidence but tradition, is it not most rea-
sonable to conclude that the first Assembly also sat in the same building? -\d-
ditional facts will be presented in their regular order that will corroborate
these conclusions.
The appointments by the courts of collectors "to gather the assessments"
made for the erection of a court-house and prison, and other appointments
made during this year, give a good idea of the progress that had then been made
in the settlement of the county, and show the municipal districts into which
it had been divided. As collector^, Thomas Worth and Insliua Fcarne were
DELAWARE COUNTY 105
appointed for Darby; Mons. Stacket and William Cobb, "for Amoseland &
Calcoone Hook;" Thomas Usher and Jeremy Collet for Chichester; Richard
Crosby and Andrew Nelson for Providence ; James Kenerly and Randolph
Vernon for "Ridley and in the woods;" Richard Crosby and Edward Carter
for Chester; Jonathan Hayes and James Stanfield for Marple; John Minall
and Thomas King for Concord and Bethel.
For supervisors of the highways, the following appointments were made;
''from Naaman's Creeke to Marcus Hook, alias Chichester, Walter Martin;
from Chichester Creeke to Chester Creeke. John Childe ; from Chester Creeke
to Croome Creeke, Robert Taylor." John Hendrickson was appointed for
Amoseland and Calcoone Hook, Michael Blunston for Darby, and for Marple,
Thomas Person [Pearson],
So numerous had the live stock become that were allowed to range the
woods promiscuously, that it became necessary for each farmer to have a par-
ticular mark and brand, and the law required that a record of these marks
should be made. A goodly number of such records is found in the minutes
of the court, and is continued through many years. The following are given
as specimens of such records made this year : "George Maris' Cattle marks, a
slit in the tip of the near year : — his Brand Mark G. M." "The ear mark of
John Blunston of Darby, a crop in the near ear and a hole in the far ear: — his
Brand Mark I. B."
At the court held in December, 1684, "Joseph Cookson was presented by
Robert Wade for taking a wife contrary to the good and wholesome laws of
this Province." He was ordered "to finde security in tenne pounds," but ap-
pears not to have been troubled any further about the matter.
The first report of "the Peace :Makers" was made to the court this year,
though, from its date, the case had been acted on nearly a year previously. It
differs but little from an award by arbitrators, except that one half of the
amount awarded was to be paid "in good and merchantable wheate and rye
att the common market price on this river."
The acknowledgment of deeds, as has been mentioned, was now made in
Open court, and the practice was continued until the number acknowledged at
a single court became a large item of business. The following is a specimen
from the minutes of the September court of this year : "Arnoldus Delagrange
past over a deed in open Court unto Christopher Taylor for the Island com-
monly known by the name of Mattinnaconk, bearing date the 2d day of the
I2th month, 1684." At the same time, "Christopher Taylor, President, did, in
open Court, deliver over a penal bond of performance for four hundred
pounds at or upon the ist day of November. 1685." Persons charged with the
higher grades of crime were not tried by the county courts. The imaginary
crime of Witchcraft was in those days placed among the most heinous ; and
hence it was that the celebrated Pennsylvania witch trial took place before
Governor Penn and his council, sitting as a Superior Court at Philadelphia.
The parties, who. in that case, were the victims of this most stupid of all sup-
erstitions, resided near the month of Crum creek, were in good circumstances,
io6 DELAWARE COUNTY
and for aught that is known to the contrary, were quite as respectable as their
accusers. The following is the record of the trial copied from the ])ublished
minutes of the council, "held at Philadelphia y^ 27^^ of the 12^^ month, 1683."
[February, 1684.]
"Margaret Matson's Indictm* was read, and she pleads not Guilty, and will be tryed
b> the Country."
"Lasse Cock attested Interpriter between the Prop^"" and the Prisoner at the Barr."
"The Petty Jury Impanneled ; their names are as followed: — Jno. Hasting, foreman,
Albertus Hendrickson, Robt. Piles, Robt. Wade, Nath. Evans, Edwd. Carter, W"™.
Hewes, Jer : Collet, Jno. Kinsman, Jno. Gibbons, Walter Martin, Edw^. Bezar."
"Henry Drystreet, attested, saith he was tould 20 years ago, that the Prisoner at the
Barr was a Witch, and that several cows were bewitcht by her ; also that James
Saunderling's mother tould him that she bewitcht her cow, but afterwards said it was
a mistake, and that her cow should doe well againe, for it was not her cow but another
Persons that should dye."
"Charles Ashcom, attested, saith that Anthony's Wife being asked why she sould
her cattle ; was because her mother had Bewitcht them, having taken the Witchcraft of
Hendrick's Cattle, and put it on their oxen ; she myght keep but noe other Cattle, and
also that one night the Daughter of y® Prisoner called him up hastely, and when he came
she sayed there was a great Light but just before, and an old woman with a knife in her
hand at y^ Bedd's feet, and therefore she cryed out and desired Jno. Symcock to take
away his Calves, or Else she would send them to Hell."
"James Claypool attested interpritor betwi.xt the Prop"" and the Prisoner."
"The affidavid of Jno. Vanculin read. Charles Ashcom being a witness to it."
"Annakey Coolin. attested, saith her husband tooke the Heart of a Calf that Dyed,
as they thought, by Witchtcraft, and Boyld it. whereupon the Prisoner at y^ Barr came
in and asked them what they were doing ; they said boyling of flesh ; she said they had
better they had Boyled the Bones, with several other unseemly Expressions."
"Margaret Mattson saith that she values not Drystreet's evidence; but if Sander-
lin's mother had come, she would have answered her ; also denyeth Charles Ashcoms
attestation at her soul, and saith, where is my daughter; let her come and say so."
"Annakey Cooling's attestation about the Gees, saying she was never out of her
Conoo. and also that she never said any such things concerning the calve's heart."
"Jno. Cock attested, sayth he knows nothing of the matter."
"Tho : Baldings attestation was read, and Tho : Bracy attested, saith it is a true
copy."
"The prisoner denyeth all things, and saith that y^ Witnesses speake only by hear
say."
"After w^h y® Gov'" gave the Jur\' their Charge concerning y*" Prisoner at y^ Barr."
"The Jury went forth, and upon their Returne Brought her in Guilty of having the
Common fame of a Witch, but not Guilty in manner and forme as she Shee Stands
Indicted."
"Neels Matson and Antho. Neelson enters into Recognizance of fifty pounds a piece
for the good behaviour of Margaret Matson for six months."
It is to be regretted that the charge given Ijy the Governor has not been
preserved, as it may fairly be ])re^umc(l that it was upon his suggestions that
the jury based their very righteous, but rather ridiculous verdict.
The following is a copy of the return made by the Sheriff of the election
held by him for Chester County in 1684, with the omission of the recital of
his warrant, &c. :
DELAWARE COUNTY 107
"J have accordingly made my Summons of the freeholders who hath made Choise
of those persons following for the service afores^ by which I thus make my return: for
the provencial Concef william wade [Wood] in y^ room of Ralph withers; william
Claiton for one year ; for Assembly John Blunston georg maries Joshua Hasting, Robert
wade Henry matukes Thomas usher.
'1 Heare Declare that they was Lafully Chosen and may freely Appear to make up an
Assembly according to Charter in witness whereunto I sett my hand and seale the
IQth 31110 1684.
"Th. Withers."
Having established a Provincial Court, a commission for the sale and
transfer of lands, and having also conferred the executive power of the Prov-
ince upon the Council, with Thomas Lloyd as its president. Governor Penn
sailed for England, on the 12th of the 6th month (August) 1684, very much
to the regret of many of the inhabitants, and arrived in England early in Octo-
ber. His difficulty with Lord Baltimore was the cause of his early return to
his native country.
On February 6, following (1685), King Charles the Second died and was
succeeded by his brother James, the Duke of York and Albany, who, on the
same day, was proclaimed King under the title of James H. This information
was communicated by William Penn in a letter to Thomas Lloyd, who on May
II, laid the same before the council. On the day following a formal proclama-
tion was published by that body.
As yet, the boundary line between Chester and Philadelphia counties had
not been permanently established. This matter was accomplished by the fol-
lowing resolution of the council, adopted Tvlay ist, 1685, in pursuance of cer-
tain verbal directions left by the Proprietary.
"Whereas, the Governor in presence of John Symcock and W" Wood, was pleased
to say & Grant That y« bounds of the Countys of Chester & Philadelphia should be as
followed, viz :
"That the bounds should begin at the Mill Creek and slopeing to y^ Welsh Town-
ship, and thence to Schoolekill, &c. in obedience thereto and confirmation thereof.
"The Council! having seriously Weyed & Considered the same, have & doe hereby
Agree and order that y^ bounds betwixt the said Countys shall be thus ; That is to say :
"The County of Chester to begin at y^ Mouth or Entrance of Bough Creek, upon
Delaware River, being the Upper end of Tenecum Island, and soe up that Creek, devid-
ing the said Island from y^ Land of Andros Boone &_company; from thence along the
several courses thereof to a Large Creeke Called Mill Creek ; from thence up the several
courses of the said creek to a W : S : W : Line, which Line devided the Liberty Lands of
Philadelphia from Severall Tracts of Land belonging to the Welsh & other Inhabitance ;
and from thence E : N : E : by a line of Marked Trees, 120 perches more or less ; from
thence N: N: W: by the harford [Haverford] Township 1000 perches more or less:
from thence E: N. E: by y^ Land belonging to Jno: Humphreis 110 perches more or
less ; from thence N : N : W : by y^ Land of Jno : Ekley, 880 perches more or less ; from
Thence Continuing the y^ said Course to the Scoolkill River, w^h s^ Scoolkill River
afterwards to be the natural bounds."
This line continues to be the eastern boundary of Delaware county to the
north line of Haverford. The resolution of the council makes the next course
io8 DELAWARE COUNTY
run easterly instead of westerly, and is probably a mistake, as Radnor town-
ship never extended further easterly than it now does.
In consequence of Christopher Taylor removing from Bucks county to
Tinicum. there were four members of the council from Chester county, viz:
Christo])hcr Taylor, John Simcock, William Wood and Nicholas Newlin.
Charles Ashcom had held the office of deputy surveyor for Chester county
under the surveyor-general, Thomas Holme, but the complaints against him
were so numerous, and a misunderstanding having arisen between him and
Holme, the council were obliged to issue an order prohibiting him from sur-
veying any more lands in Chester county.
At a meeting of the Council, held on the 22d of the jth month (Septem-
ber), 1685, information was received from Captain Lasse Cock that the In-
dians were willing to dispose of their lands between Upland and Appoquin-
omy. Thomas Holme, John Simcock, and the secretary (William Markham),
or any two of them, were accordingly deputed to make the purchase. The re-
sult was a deed from about a dozen Indian kings and sachemakers, with ua^:
pronounceable names, executed on October 2nd, for "all the lands from Quing
Quingus, called Duck creek, unto Upland called Chester creek, all along by the
west side of the Dalaware river and So betweene the Said Creeks Backwards as
far as a man can ride in two days with a horse." The consideration did not
vary much from what was usual in such cases, except that it included forty
tomahawks. This grant, with the one that has already been noticed, extin-
guished the Indian title to the whole of Delaware county.
Notwithstanding these sales of their lands, the Indians had no idea of
yielding up the possession before they were required for actual occupation and
culture by the whites. They roamed through the forest as freely as ever, and
were, sometimes, rather troublesome to the border settlers. This year "the
Complaint of y* friends. Inhabitants of Concord and Hertford [Haverford]
against the Indians, for y^ Rapine and Destructions of their Hoggs," was laid
before the council. Other inhabitants of the Welsh Tract, besides those of
Haverford, joined in the complaint : but what action was taken by the council
to abate the evil, further than to send for "y'^ respective Indian kings, with all
speed," to appear before them, is not known.
In the proceedings of the Chester court for this year, several orders are
made in respect to the new -court house and prison. The collectors of the
levy for their erection are to "be considered, for their time and paines. twelve
pence in the pound :" Joseph Humphrey and Thomas Xorberry are appointed
collectors of the levy for Newtown, which now makes its first appearance as a
township : Darby township is to pay Lassie Dalbo. or his assigns, "seven
pound? two shillings & six pence out of the assessment for the court house &
prison, if they see they can soe doe with safety;" and William Dalbo. "so
much as he can make appear to be due for his work done on the court house
and prison," out of the levies raised for that purpose in said township. Nor
was the building to be exclusively occupied for judicial purposes and the in-
carceration of criminals. Its location, convenient to Chester creek, gave it
DELAWARE COUNTY 109
commercial advantages that were not overlooked in its construction. Hence
it was ordered by the court, "that all people that shall make use of the court
house for Sellerage of any Goods, shall for every Tonne pay after the rate of
three shillings four pence a Tonne, for any time not exceeding a week; and
for what time it shall continue afterwards, halfe soe much."
There was another levy ordered this year, partly, no doubt, on account of
the new court-house and prison. This assessment imposed a tax of 2s. 6d. per
100 acres on lands belonging to residents, and 3s. on that of non-residents ; on
free male inhabitants, from 16 years of age to 60, a poll tax of 2s. 6d., and
upon servants is. 3d. The collectors were authorized to receive this tax in
good merchantable Indian corn at the rate of 2s. 8d. per bushel ; wheat at 4s.
6d., and rye at 3s. 6d. Before the collection was made these prices were raised
to 5s. per bushel for wheat, 4s. for rye, and 3s. for corn.
A practice had now become general for constables, and sometimes for sup-
ervisors, at the expiration of their official terms, to come into court, report "all
was well," and receive their discharge. The following is given as a specimen
of the usual minute m^de in such cases : "Samuel Bradshaw, Constable for
the last year for Darby, made his returne, 'all was well." whereupon Edmund
Cartelidge was elected to serve and attested for the ensuing year."
Jeremy Collett held the office of sheriff this year. Robert Eyre was con-
tinued as clerk. The office of "peace makers" was held by Caleb Pusey, Ran-
dall Vernon and Walter Faucit. Their sittings had become such a regular
business that it was known as "the monthly court."
Heretofore the usual punishment inflicted by the Court for criminal of-
fences had been the imposition of a fine ; imprisonment was out of the ques-
tion, for Vv-ant of a jail. This desideratum being now supplied, a reasonable
hope might have been entertained that our Quaker justices would have been
satisfied with the incarceration of the violators of the law. But imprisonment
was an expensive mode of punishment that the early settlers, most of whom
were in straitened circumstances, could not have borne. Hence the law of
necessity prevailed over the pleadings of humanity; and we find our county
court, for the first time, resorting to corporal punishment, just as they had been
provided with the means of carrying into effect the more mild and humane
sentence of imprisonment. The first sentence directing the infliction of corpor-
al punishment was passed by the February court of this year, and what is re-
markable, the place of its execution was not at the seat of justice. With the
omission of the name, the following is the sentence pronounced: "
-, being convicted of stealing money out of the house of William Browne,
was ordered twelve stripes on his bear backe. well laide on att the Common
Whipping post at Chichester, the 4th Instant, between the loth and nth hours
in the morning."
In the next case both modes of punishment are resorted to, being the first
sentence of imprisonment: " , being lawfully convicted for
abusing and menacing the magistracy of this county, was ordered twenty-one
no DELAWARE COUNTY
lashes att tlie publick wliijjping pc^st on his bearc backe, well laid on, and 14
days imprisonment at hard labour in the house of Correction."
This sentence very clearly illustrates the ideas prevalent at this time, of
the necessity that existed for maintaining the indei)endence and dignity of the
judiciary. Evidence of this feeling pervades the court records, from those of
the Upland court, for more than half a century. At the same time another
person "was fined, for his contempt of the court, 40s., in not appearing when
lawfully summoned, and for abusing the officers of the court."
At the October court of this year it was "ordered that the township of
Chichester extend its bounds as formerly laid out by Charles Ashcom, untill
further order."
A sufficient number of Welsh Friends had now made settlements in
Radnor to establish an independent meeting for worship in that township,
the name of David INIeridith, being the first that appears in the Haverford
records as belonging to that particular meeting. The early meetings of Rad-
nor were held at the houses of John Jerman and John Evans; the first mar-
riage in Radnor bemg solemnized at the dwelling of the latter on the 2d of the
3d month, (May,) 1686, between Richard Ormes, of Philadelphia, and Mary
Tyder, of Radnor. Notwithstanding the line had been run between Philadel-
phia and Chester counties, leaving Haverford and Radnor in the latter, the
Welsh settlers of those townships had no idea of being separated from their
Welsh friends of Merion, and still insisted on being included within the limits
of Philadelphia county. Being attached to the Quarterly Meeting of Philadel-
phia, the Haverford Monthly Meeting contributed towards the erection of the
Centre Square meeting-house, now being erected. The amounts subscribed by
the several meetings will indicate the extent of the settlements at this time in
the vicinity of each: Radnor contributed £1 7s. 6d. ; Haverford contributed
£6; Merion contributed £6.
From the south-western corner of the county the settlements had extended
up into the country as far as Birmingham, at the commencement of this year.
At the close of last year (1685) James Browne conveyed two acres of land to
trustees for the use "of the people of God called Quakers in the township of
Chichester." On this land, without much delay, it was agreed to build a meet-
ing-house, and some time afterwards, to fence in a grave-yard. This is the
site of the present Chichester meeting-house and burial-ground. The first
subscription amounted to £36 4s., and was contributed by twenty-six persons.
Up to this time the monthly meetings appear to have been held at Marcus
Hook, (Chichester,) but in October, 1686, a monthly meeting, for the first
time, was held at Concord, and for some years afterwards, the place of holding
it was varied, but it was generally at private houses — at Edward Bezer's. in
Bethel; at William Brainton's, (Brinton's,) in Birmingham; at John Kins-
man's, in Chichester; at Robert Piles', in Bethel; at John Harding's, in Chi-
chester, &c.
John Symcock was re-elected a member of council from Chester county
for three years, and Francis Harrison to serve in the place of William Wood,
DELAWARE COUNTY
III
now deceased. David Lloyd, who appears to have just arrived in the country,
presented to the council his commission from the Governor as attorney-general
of the Province, dated the 24th of the 2d month (April,) 1686, and was duly
qualified into office.
Our staid settlers were rarely much affected by events that were transpir-
ing in England, but the affair of the Duke of Monmouth was too serious a
matter to pass entirely unnoticed. The following order of the court is evi-
dence that the justices were willing at least to make a show of their loyalty
after the unfortunate result of the Duke's foray into England was known:
"Ordered that the Sheriff take into custody the body of David Lewis upon sus-
pition of Treason, as also the body of Robert Cloud for concealing the same,
for that he the said Robert Cloud being attested before this Court, declared
that upon the y^ day of the weeke before Christmas last att the house of
George Foreman, the said David Lewis did declare in his hearing that he was
accused for being concerned with the Duke of Monmouth in the West Coun-
try." They were both bound over to appear at the next Provincial court.
A spirit of improvement now begins to show itself. Orders are issued by
the court for the erection of two bridges — one "to Albertus Hendrickson, sup-
ervisor of the highways belonging to Chester, to forthwith erect a horse bridge
in such a place as the grand jury have already laid it out" — the other "to Bar-
tholomew Coppeck, supervisor of the highways for Croome creek, to forthwith
erect a bridge in the Kings road over said Croome creek." Besides determin-
ing upon the sites of the aforesaid two bridges, the grand jury laid out and
made "return of a highway from Bethel to Chichester (Marcus Hook) sixty
foote broad." The return is given as a specimen of the manner in which roads
were laid out in these very early times :
"Beginning at the side of Concord toward the river, on the street or Highway of
Concord, first through the land of John Gibbons, his house on the right side — then
through the land of Robert Southry late deceased, his house on the left side; thence
through Robert Pile's land, his house on the right hand — then through Joseph Bushell's
land, his house on the left hand — Then through Francis Smith's land — Then through
Thomas Garrett's land, his house on the right hand — Thence through Francis Harri-
son's and Jacob Chandler's land down the point to a small branch of Naaman's Creek —
Thence up the hill to the first inclosed field of Francis Harrison, the field on the left
hand; then through James Brown's land, thence down to another branch of Naa-
man's Creek, through Walter Marten's land up to the point, his house on the right hand^
Thence through Jeremy Collets land bearing toward the left hand, his house standing
on the left hand — from thence to the lands of Chichester, beginning att the head of a
small swamp, on the left hand — thence down Crosse the King's road or Highway towards
the foot of the Hill, to a lyne tree marked with 5 notches, — thence downe to the river's
side, the lyne between James Brown & William Clajrton Jr."
At the following court, the inhabitants of Bethel and Concord presented
a paper signifying "their good-Hking of the road lately laid out by the jury
to Chichester." L^p to the present time a road has been continued over nearly
the same ground.
Fence viewers, two for each township or district, are for the first time ap-
112 DELAWARE COUNTY
pointed this year. Also a lawyer, for the lii>i lime, appears in a criminal case,
and "pleads as attorney to the King." This officer was Charles Pickering,
who no doubt held his api)uintnient imder David Lloyd, who had been recently
commissioned attorney general. This fust kj^al effort on behalf of the
Crown, though not successful in establishing the guilt of the prisoner, did not
fail to mystify the case sufficiently to induce the jury to cou])k' with their
verdict of acquittal, that he was "guilty of suspicious circumstances in rela-
tion to the indictment :" uj)on which he was bound over to appear at the next
court.
The very recently erected court-house and jjrison, it may be judged, from
the following minute in respect to the sale of them, did not give satisfaction :
"The Court, in behalf of the county, have bargained and sold unto Robert Wade,
his heirs and assigns, the court house and prison att Chester; upon consideration whereof
the said Wade doe oblige himself, his heirs Executors & assigns to defray all charges
which are already due from the first erecting said houses; provided, that from the day
of the date hereof to the full end and term of two years and a half, the said Robert
Wade shall have liberty to reimburst what moneys he have alread received of the levie
raised in this county towards the purchase and building of said houses. Upon all which
this Court engage to make the said Wade a firm and sure title to said houses and to give
him lawful & quiet possession." "At the same time, James Saunderlaine for himself
his heirs and assigns doe promise this Court a Convenient peese of Land in the town
of Chester where they may erect a Court house and Prison, and to make a firm title
to the same, to the proper use and behoof of this County."
The first court under the name of a Court of Equity for Chester county,
was held this year. It was held by the justices of the common pleas, under the
title of commissioners, as will be seen by the following extract from the
record: "Att a Court of Equity held att Chester the S^^ day in the i^^ week
of the 10^'' month 1686. Commissioners present : — John Blunstone, John Sim-
cocke, George Maris, Bartholomew Coppock, Samuel Levis, Robert Wade,
Robert Pile. — Robert Eyre Clerk." Only two causes were tried.
The municipal divisions of the settled parts of the county had not as yet
been definitely fixed, and some appear to have been recognized by the court
that never had any established boundary, and only a very temporary existence.
Up to the close of 1686, ofificers had been appointed for the following places :
Chester, Chichester, Providence. Amosland, Darby, Bethel. Concord. Spring-
field, Marple, Newtown. Birmingham, Northby. and Gilead.
Chichester included both townships of that name, and so of Providence
and Darby — Calcon Hook having been added to the latter township this year.
Northby included the whole or part of Aston, and Gilead was probably in
Edgmont. During the following year, 1687, Ridley, Middletown, Aston,
Thornbury, and Edgmont are recognized by the court as townships, and sup-
plied by appointment with one or more ofificers.
Grand juries, which, for two or three years after the establishment of
Penn's government, were hardly regarded as a necessity in the administration
of justice, had now assumed an importance scarcely equaled by the court it-
DELAWARE COUNTY 113
self. Both public wants and the neglect of official duties were promptly
brought to the notice of the court, while evil doers could scarcely hope to es-
cape their scrutinizing vigilance. But holding office during the whole year,
this vigilance, after a time, degenerated, in each grand juror, into a kind of
Quaker Puritanical surveillance, and subjected to the exposure of judicial in-
vestigation every slight departure from strict moral rectitude. Many matters
were presented that had better been rectified by the kind offices of the friends
of the party ; or the evils that resulted from their exposure, been allowed
to pass into oblivion unnoticed. If there was anything to make the practice
tolerable, it was the impartiality with which it was exercised; the justices of
the court and even grand jurors themselves were sometimes the subjects of
these presentments.
At the first court in this year, the township of Chester was presented "for
not finding and making a foot Bridge over the mill creek (Chester Creek), sn
the Kings Highway hard by William Woodmancies." At the same court,
Caleb Pusey "Petitioned against Thomas Coborne for setting a water mill
above him upon Upland creek." But the court, "considering the premises, and
finding it to be for the common good, dispenseth therewith." The propriety of
erecting this mill was not wholly left to the decision of our county court. The
petition of "about three score people inhabitants of Chester county" was pre-
sented to the Provincial Council, "setting forth the great want of a Mill in their
parts, and requesting a permission for Thomas Coebourne to goe forward with
y^ building, and setting up his mill on Chester Creek." Whereupon the Coun-
cil express a willingness "to give incouragement to y^ Procedure of Thomas
Cobourne in the finishing of his mill that he is now about, for y^ urgent neces-
sity of y" contrey, Reserving to y'' Gov"" his Proprietary Ship." This mill, it
is supposed, occupied the site of what is now "Dutton's Mill."
At the June court, the want of a bridge over Chester creek, on the King's
road, is again presented by the grand jury; the same want for Ridley and
Crum creeks is also presented. Quite a number of persons were presented and
fined for being drunk, and some for suffering others to be drunk in their
houses ; for selling liquor to the Indians, or for keeping an Ordinary without li-
cense. In one "liquor trial," the terms "Punch and Tife" are used by a witness
as names for drinks then in use. Drunkenness appears to have been a grow-
ing evil, and, as at the present day, much of the time of the court was occupied
with cases connected with the illegal sale or immoderate use of liquor. The
following is among the presentments of the grand jury this year : "The Grand
Jury doe also present Anne Neales, Widow, for keeping and harbouring doggs
that worries and kills her neighbours Hoggs ; as alsoe for deteining in her ser-
vice one Indian boy Chato, who with the said dogg, have been found to worry
& kill the neighbours hogs as aforesaid." Anne was fined los., although she
denied the ownership of the vicious dog; and Andrew Friend became bound
"to the King and Governor in 2oi for the Indian boy Cato's good [behaviour]
towards all the Kings Leidge people."
The rapid spread of population over the whole extent of territory now in-
8
114 DELAWARE COUNTY
eluded within our county, created a necessity for highways. Hence we find
the grand jury much engaged in this and the following year in laying out
roads. .\ road was laid out from Birmingham to Concord, from thence to
the bridge near Chester mill, and from thence to Chester. This road passed
"the Hamlet of Bethell."' Another road was laid out "from Edgmont to the
Kings High way in Chester, being a sixty foote road ;" another "from New-
town. Marple & Springfield to the landing at .Xmosland," and also one from
Darby to Haverford. This last road was laid out "by the Grand Jury and
other neighbours," under an order from the court "that the townshi]) of Darby
finde out a convenient High way from thence to the township of Hartford."
Neither was the Provincial Council neglectful in providing our early set-
tlers with highways. "Cpon y'' Reading y*" pcli'ion of y'' Inhabitants of Rad-
nor, Coniplayning y' part of y'' road y^ leades to the ferry of l'hiladel|)liia is
fenced in. & more likely to be, it was Ord^*^ y' John Bevan, Henry Lewis, David
Meridith, John Evans. Barnabas Wilcox & Tho. Ducket, meet within four-
teen days, to view or agree upon as conveniently as may be, a Road from y^
Place aforesaid to y® ferry, and y^ Like Convenient road from Darby to y^
ferry aforesaid, by y^ said Barnabas Willcox. Tho. Ducket, with John Blun-
ston & Joshua fearne, by y^ time aforesaid, and to return y*" same &c."
The early records that have been examined in the preparation of this
work, establish the fact that the wolves congregated very much in the vicinity
of the settlements — that they were more numerous in the neighborhood of the
Delaware after considerable settlements had been made, than when the coun-
try was first visited by the Dutch and Swedes. This is accounted for by the
introduction of domestic animals, which furnished an easy prey for these vo-
racious creatures. Their depredations had become so alarming, that this year
it became necessary to order a levy for their destruction, as well as "other
hurtful vermine." The rate of this levy was one shilling per loo acres upon
occupied, and eighteen pence upon imoccupied lands, and a poll tax of one
shilling upon freemen between the ages of i6 years and 60, and sixpence upon
servants of the same age.
The court, from time to time, has transacted business proper for an Or-
phans' Court, but the first court under that name was held "att Chester on the
3'"'^ day, in the r'^* weeke, of the 8''' month [October] 1687."
John Bristow was this year elected to the Provincial Council from Chester
county, in the room of Francis Harrison. The executive power of the pro-
vincial government was now vested in five commissioners of state, any three
of whom could act as deputy or lieutenant governor. The first to act in this
capacity were Thomas Lloyd, Robert Turner, Arthur Cook, John Simcock and
John Eckley.
A history of Delaware county would be incomplete without some account
of what, in ancient times, was familiarly known as "The Welsh Tract." This
intended Barony had its origin in the desire of the Welsh purchasers of Penn-
sylvania lands to be seated together, and in a promise exacted from Penn be-
DELAWARE COUNTY 115
fore leaving Wales, that this desire should be gratified. The survey of the
Welsh Tract was authorized by the following warrant from the Proprietary :
"Whereas divers considerable persons among ye Welsh Friends have requested me y'
all ye Lands Purchased of me by those of North Wales and South Wales, together with ye
adjacent counties to y", as Haverfordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire, about fourty
thousand acres, may be lay^ out contiguously as one Braony, alledging yt ye number
all ready come and suddenly to come, are such as will be capable of planting ye same
much wti>in ye proportion allowed by ye custom of ye country, & so not lye in large
and useless vacancies. And because I am inclined and determined to agree and favour y™
wth any reasonable Conveniency & priviledge : I do hereby charge thee & strictly
require thee to lay out ye s<i tract of Land in as uniform a manner, as conveniently may
be, upon ye West side of Skoolkill river, running three miles upon ye same, & two miles
backward, & then extend ye parallell w^h ye river six miles and to run westwardly
so far as till y® s<i quantity of land be Compleately surveyed unto y™.— Given at Penns-
bury, ye 13th jst mo. 1684."
Will: Penn."
"To Tho : Holmes, Surveyor-General."
In pursuance of this warrant, the surveyor-general, on the 4th of the 2d
month (April), 1684, issued an order to his deputy, David Powell, and after
reciting it he directs him "to survey and sett out unto the said purchasers the
said quantity of land, there, in manner as before expressed, and in method of
townshipps lately appointed by the Governor att five thousand acres for a town-
shipp and to be directed (for placing the villages of each township and divi-
sion of the purchasors) by Thomas Lloyd Master of the Rolls who is prin-
cipally concerned therein, unto whose care and prudence is recommended the
ordering and managing of this affair to the content and satisfaction of the
said purchasors and make me a true return of the original field work and pro-
tracted figures, as well as the distinct quantity of each purchaser, &c."
The survey was probably made before the end of 1684. Soon after en-
croachments were made by others within its limits, and particularly by Charles
Ashchom, a very troublesome deputy surveyor. In consequence thereof the
Welsh inhabitants petitioned to the Proprietary's deputies against these intru-
sions, who after they had "well weighed the mater, truly considered the case,
and rightly understanding the Governors intention in granting the warrant,"
issued their mandate on the 25th day of the 5th month (July), 1687, forbid-
ding such intrusions, and making void what had been done within the pre-
scribed limits, which are given as follows : — "Beginning att the Schoolkill,
thence running W. S. W. by the City liberties 2256 perches to Darby Creek.
Thence following up the several courses thereof to New Towne Line, Thence up
the said line N. N. W. 448 perches. Thence S. S. W. and by W. by New Towne,
988 perches, to a corner post by Crumb Creek, Thence down the several courses
thereof 460 perches. Thence W. and by S. by a line of trees 1920 perches.
Thence E. and by N. by a line of trees, 3040 perches, Thence E. and by S.
1 120 perches. Thence S. S. E. 256 perches. Thence E. N. E. 640 perches,
Thence S. S. E. 1204 perches, Thence E. N. E. 668 perches to the Schoolkill,
Thence down the several courses thereof to the place of beginning."— The
ii6 DELAWARE COUNTY
only draft of the Welsh tract that has been ft)Uiul in the survcyor-gcncrars
office does n(Jt entirely agree with this survey.
The Welsh settlers not only contemplated having their settlements to-
gether, ])ui expected to constitute one municipal district, in order that they
might manage their affairs in their own way. They certainly had grounds for
this expectation ; and consequently when the division line was run between
Philadelpliia and Chester counties, through the Welsh tract, and separating the
Welsh settlements of Radnor and Haverford from those of Merion. it gave
rise to much dissatisfaction, wliich will be noticed hereafter.
The Monthly Meeting of Chester was this year removed to the house of
Walter Faucet of Ridley, who had been recently authorized by the council to
keep an ordinary. It would seem strange at this day to hold a religious meet-
ing at a public house, but at that time and under the circumstances there was a
real necessity for it. A number of the persons who attended this meeting re-
sided at the distance of ten miles. Entertainment for themselves and horses
was necessary, but from their numbers, to receive it without compensation,
would have been oppressive.
The settlements about Darby increased very rapidly, and the settlers being
all Quakers, it became inconvenient to hold their meetings any longer at a
private house. This year John Blunston, at whose house the meetings had
been held, acknowledged a deed in open court ''for one acre of land in the
township of Darby, to build a meeting-house thereon, to the use of the said
township for ever, to exercise the true worship of God therein." The meeting-
house was erected during the following year (1688). Its site was doubtless on
the hill within the grounds now occupied as a graveyard. The minutes are
silent as to character of the structure, except one, which records an agreement
to have it "Hned within."' It was doubtless built of logs. The first marriage
accomplished within it, was that of John Marshall to Sarah Smith, in Feb-
ruary, 1689. Though built in 1688, it was not finished till the next year. At a
monthly meeting held in October, 1689, it was "ordered that all belonging to y^
meeting, shall come every one a day, to worke at y** meeting house, and that
four come a day till all the work be done."
In 1687 it was agreed by the Chester Monthly Meeting "that Rartholmew
Coppock, James Kennerly, Randal Vernon, and Caleb Pusey, do agree and
contract with such workmen or men, as they shall think fit. to build a meeting
house at Chester, 24 foot square and 10 foot high in the walls."
On March ist, 1688, Urin Keen conveyed in trust to John Simcox, Thom-
as Brasey. John Bristow, Caleb Pusey, Randal X'ernon, Thomas \'ernon.
Joshua Hastings, Mordecai Maddock, Thomas Martin, Richard Few, Walter
Faucet, and lulward Carter, a lot in Chester, "beginning at said Urin's lot or
Carding, and so running, 60 foot along and fronting the street towards the
prison house, thence down the lower ei\gc in Chester creek — thence along the
creek 60 foot — thence to the place of beginning * * * to t^g ,^,se and be-
hoof of the said Chester — the people of God called Quakers & their successors
forever." It might be inferred that a new meeting-house was built about this
DELAWARE COUNTY 117
time, and upon the lot of ground thus conveyed. It will be seen, however, as
vre proceed, that the erection of the meeting-house was postponed for some
time.
The evil resulting from the use of intoxicating drinks, being most striking
among the Indians, the sale of it to them first claimed the attention of Friends.
A strong testimony against the practice, was about this time received from the
yearly meeting. The approval of this paper was attested by the signatures of
the principal male members of the Chester Monthly Meeting to the number of
seventy-six. This array of witnesses does not only show the magnitude of the
evil as it existed among them, but it gives some idea of the extent to which the
settlements had progressed at this early period. Seventeen persons give their
approval of the same testimony on behalf of Chichester and Concord Monthly
Meeting.
A portion of the minutes of Haverford Meeting, at about this period, be-
ing lost, the date of the erection of the first meeting-house at that place cannot
be precisely ascertained, fhere are however undoubted facts to show that it
was erected in 1688 or 1689. The first marriage solemnized at "Haverford
Meeting House," was that of Lewis David to Florence Jones, at .a meeting
held 1st mo. (March) 20th, 1690.
The justices of the court were in the practice of holding what they termed
"Petty Sessions," at other places than the seat of justice. Thus in the pro-
ceedings of the regular sessions it is recorded that "Richard Buffington was
called to the bar to answer his contempt of an order of Petty Sessions, held on
the 2'/'^'^ of the 10^'' month last at George Foremans' — Remitted, paymg his
fees." George Foreman lived at Marcus Hook.
It was ordered by the court "that Upper and Nether Providence and Rid-
ley, doe for this time repair the Bridge in the King's road near Walter Faw-
setts', upon Croome Creeke." The King's road, running from Philadelphia to
the lower counties, was located higher up than at present. It crossed Ridley
creek near Shoemakerville, and Chester creek above Upland. It was laid out,
(if laid out at all) so as to head the tide in the several creeks. Providence has
heretofore constituted but one township.
On the 2nd of the 8th month, the grand jury report that they "doe lay
out a street and a landing upon the creek to the corner soe far as over against
the North West Corner of the court house fifty foote in breadth and from
thence up to the said Chester towne for a street thirty foote in Breadthe."
One of the presentments of the grand jury was of Con-
cord "for traveling on the first day of the week, being the 21^^ of the 8*^ month
in the year 1688, with a yoke of oxen and a wayne. and a horse or mare be-
fore them." They likewise presented "the road between George Willards
fence and Jonathan Hayes for being not passable ; likewise the mill way to
Darby creek, to be cut both in the township of Marple." This refers to the
earliest erected mill on Cobb's creek, known as "Haverford Mill." The
grand jury of this year fully maintain the character of that tribunal in these
times for vigilance and diligence. Besides what has been mentioned, and a
ii8 DELAWARE COUNTY
variety of other presentments, all the roads formerly laid out were reviewed
by them, without being more definitely located, or having their routes mater-
ially changed. A new road was also laid out from Thornbury to Middletown.
Notwithstanding the kind feelings that had been cultivated between the
natives and the English settlers, the latter were not entirely free from appre-
hensions of danger. This is shown by a great alarm that prevailed this year,
which was caused by two Indian women of New Jersey, communicating to an
old Dutch inhabitant near Chester, the report of an intended insurrection of
the Indians, which was to happen on the next fourth day of the week. Several
influential P>iends. being sensible that no reasonable cause for such an attack
could exist, endeavored to appease the people. But the apprehension of dan-
ger, as is usual, increased the evidence of its existence. About lo o'clock on
the night preceding the dreaded day, a messenger arrived at Chester, out of
the woods, and told the people that three families, about nine jniles distant,
were all cut oflF by the Indians. A Friend, then at Chester with two young
men, about midnight proceeded to the reported scene of the outrage. They
found empty houses, but no evidence of murder : their occupants under the
prevailing alarm, having fled to the houses of their parents at Ridley creek.
The master of one of these families, being from home, had been informed that
five hundred Indians were actually collected at Naaman's creek in pursuit of
their design to kill the English. So much was he alarmed, that as he was
approaching his house, he imagined he heard his boy crying out "What shall I
do, my Dame is Killed." Instead therefore of going to his house, he ran off to
acquaint the government at Philadelphia, but was persuaded to return. The
report, however, soon reached the city, when a messenger was immediately
dispatched to Marcus Hook to inquire into the truth of it. He quickly re-
turned with a confirmation of the report in a varied form — the 500 Indians
were at an Indian town on the Brandywine : and having a lame king, they had
carried him off together with all their women and children. The Council were
sitting in Philadelphia, when one of them, who lived in Chester county, volun-
tarily offered himself to go to the Indian encampment, provided five others
were named to accompany him ; and to proceed without weapons. This being
agreed upon, the party rode to the place designated ; but instead of meeting
with 500 warriors, they found the old King quietly lying with his lame foot on
the ground, and his head on a pillow — the women at wdrk and the children at
play. \\'hen informed of their mission, the old man was displeased, and said
the Indian women who raised the report ought to be burnt to death ; adding
that the Indians had nothing against the English, but at the same time remind-
ed the men, that about £15 was still due on the land that had been purchased
from them ; which the messengers assured him should be paid. Thus termi-
nated the most serious Indian trouble that ever befell the European inhabitants
of the land now embraced within the limits of Delaware county.
At the earnest solicitation of Thomas Lloyd to be released from the cares
of government, that worthy gentleman, with his associated commissioners,
DELAWARE COUNTY 119
was this year superseded by the appointment, by William Penn, of John Black-
well as his lieutenant governor.
Besides the Indian conveyances that have already been noticed, there was
still another executed, in 1685, for all the lands "lying between Macopanackan
als. Upland, now called Chester river or creek, and the river or creek of Pema-
pecka. now called Dublin creek. Beginning at the hill called Conshohockin, on
the River Alanaiunck or Skoolkill, from thence extends in a parallel line to the
said Alacopanackan als. Chester creek, by a South-Westerly course, and from
the said Conshohocken hill to y^ aforesaid Pemapecka, als. Dublin creek so far
as the creek extends, and so from thence North westerly back into y« Woods,
to make up Two full Daies journey as far as a man can go in two dayes from
the said station of y'^ s^ paralell line at Pemapecka, also beginning at the said
paralell Macopanackan, als. Chester creek, and so from thence up the said
creek as far as it extends ; and from thence North Westerly back into the
Woods to make up Two full Dayes Journey, as far as a man can go in two
dayes from the s^' station of the s'^ paralell line at y*" s<^ Macopanackan als.
Chester creek."
Some delay occurred before arrangements were made for ascertaining the
western boundary of the above strangely described purchase ; but when made,
it will be seen by the following letter and annexed diagram, that it was not
without ample preparations for obtaining the greatest possible distance out of
the "two full Daies Journey :"
■'Philadelphia." "To my very louing friends, Shakhoppoh,
Secanning, Malebore, Tangoras, In-
dian Kings, and to Maskecasho, Wawarim, Tenoughan, Terrecka, Nessonhaikin, Indian
Sakemakers, and the rest concerned."
"Whereas I have purchased and bought of you, the Indian Kings and Sackamakies
for the use of Governor William Penn all yo"" land from Pemapecka Creek to Upland
Creek and so backward to the Chesapeak Bay and Susquehanna Two days Journey, that
is to say as far as a man can go in two days, as under the hands and seals of you the
said Kings may appear and to the end I may have a certain knowledge of the lands
backward, and that I may be enabled and be provided against the time for Running
the said two days Journey, I do hereby appoint and authorize my louing friend Ben-
jamin Chambers of Philadelphia, with a convenient number of men to assist him, to mark
out a Westerly line from Philadelphia to Susquehannah, that the said line may be pre-
pared and made ready for going the said two days Journey backward hereafter, when
notice is given to you the said kings or some of you at the time of going the said line,
and I do hereby desire and require in the name of our said Goven"" Penn that none of
you said kings, Sakamakies or any other Indians whatsoever that haue formerly been
concerned in the said tracts of land, do presume to offer any interruption or Hindrance
in making out this said line, but rather I e.xpect yo"" furtherance and assistance, if occa-
sion be herein, and that you will be kind and loving to my said friend Benjamin Cham-
bers and his company for which I shall on the Governrs behalf, be kind and loving to you
hereafter as occasion may require.
Witness my hand and seal this 7^^ day of the st^ mo. called July, being the fourth
year of the reign of our great King of England &c. and 8*11 year of our Proprietary
William Penn's government. Thos Holme."
This document is certified by Jacob Taylor, as being "a true copy from the
I20 DELAWARE COLXTV
original." The diagram, which is without date, was prol)ahly made from a
survey executed this year, and in pursuance of the foregoing notice. It shows
that the Hue run passed chrcctly through this county, tiie dwcUings of four
well-known early immigrants being marked on it within the limits of Delaware
county.
Bartholomew Coppock was elected a member of the i'rovincial Council
this year.
Towards the close of the year 1688. Governor lUackwcll issued a new
commission to the justices and sheriffs of the several counties. Those of
Chester county had continued to act under their old commissions, which com-
ing to the ears of his Excellency as he passed through Chester, he availed him-
self ^f the opportunity afforded by the next meeting of council to reprimand
John Simcock, John Rristow and Bartholomew Coppock. Jr.. who were jus-
tices of the court as well as members of council. After debating the matter
"it was thought advisable and agreed that a Cjeneral Sessions should be called,"
specially for the purpose of making proclamation of the new commissions of
the justices of Chester county. ^ This took place on the 19th of the ist mo.,
(March) 1689, when the commissions constituting John Simcock. John Bris-
tow\ Bartholomew Coppock, Jr.. John Blunston, George Claris, Francis Har-
rison and Nicholas Newdin, justices, and Joshua Fearn, sheriff, were read and
published in due form.
Notwithstanding the line run in 1685 between Philadelphia and Chester
counties put Haverford and Radnor in the latter county, the Welsh inhabitants
of those townships refused to recognize the validity of the division. This led
some of the justices and other inhabitants of Chester county to petition the
Governor and Council on the subject. In their "Humble petition," they repre-
sent the county as "a small tract of Eand, not above nine miles square and but
thinly seated, whereby y*" said county is not able to Support the Charge there-
of," and after reciting the division line run in 1685, ask that it may be con-
firmed, so that "the County of Chester may be in some measure able to defray
their necessary Charge."
Nothing could be produced as authority from Penn for establishing the
line, except verbal statements made to different persons shortly before he re-
turned to England. The Governor required the persons to whom these .state-
ments had been made, to put them in writing ; which being done, and Holme's
map examined, the Governor and a majority of the Council expressed opinions
adverse to the pretensions of the Welsh inhabitants. It was asserted that the
Welsh had also "denyed themselves to be any part of the county of Philadel-
phia, by refusing to bear any share of the charges, or to serve in the office of
jury's, and the like as to y^ County of Chester ; — that the pretence thereof was
they were a distinct Barrony, w""^ though they might be, yet that several Bar-
ronys might be in one and y*" same County."
Upon the application of Thomas Lloyd for a hearing, the subject was
,»ostponed till the next day, when he, in conjuction with John Eckley, ap-
peared on behalf of the Welsh, but not being provided with anything but ver-
DELAWARE COUNTY 121
bal testimony, that Penn had intended the Welsh Tract as a Barony or County
Palatine, as was contended by Thomas Lloyd, the decision of the Governor
and Council was a confirmation of the original line. It is a remarkable cir-
cumstance that Penn's warrant for laying out the Welsh Tract, already given,
was not adduced in this controversy, as it certainly recognizes the idea of a
Barony.
Notwithstanding the decision of the Governor and Council, our Welsh-
men were not yet ready to yield the point. In an election for a member of
Council and six assemblymen for Philadelphia county, fifty or sixty persons
of the townships of Haverford and Radnor gave their votes by ballot with the
freemen of the said county. The Governor and Council having decided that
these townships were in Chester county, they "resolved y* y^ Election of Jo"
Eckley (the member returned) was not a good Election according to y*^ Char-
ter ;" whereupon a writ was rssued for another election. In this election the
freemen refused to vote by ballot, but inva voce, confirmed the election of
John Eckley. unanimously. Some of the discussion that ensued in Council up-
on the validity of this procedure is given, as it explains the manner in which
elections were conducted by our ancestors in these primitive times. After sev-
eral members had expressed themselves satisfied with the return, "the Governor
say'^ : The former Election has been already determined not to be a good Elec-
tion, and therefore that cannot l)e insisted upon."
"[•^hn Courtis say: I think it was a very fayre Election. In other places
we are generally chosen by the \'ote : and I think where they are unanymous,
there needs no controversy." "The balloting box is not used in any other place
but this county. We are elected by vote." "Griff. Jones answered, That was a
mistake, for it is used at upland & all the Lower Countyes, by black and white
beanes, put into a hatt. w"-'^ is a balloting in his sense, & canot be denyed by
the Charter when it is demanded."
What a contrast between this simple mode of exercising the elective fran-
chise by means of "black and white beanes," and the scrutinizing and expen-
sive method that the dishonesty of poUticians and the scramble for office have
forced us to adopt in these latter days.
The Welsh troubles are now transferred from the Council Chamber to the
court at Chester. The court made an order appointing John Jerman constable
for Radnor, and John Lewis for Hartfort. [Haverford,] but these gentlemen
did not come forward to be qualified into office. At the following court it was
"ordered that warrants of Contempt be directed to the Sheriff to apprehend
the bodys of John Lewis and John Jerman for their contempt in not entering
into their respective offices of Constable (viz) John Lewis for Hartfort, and
John Jerman for Radnor, when thereunto required by this Court." David
Lawrence had been returned as a grand juror from Haverford, but, refusing
to attend, was presented by that body and fined los. They also "do present the
want of the inhabitants of the townships of Radnor and Hartfort and the in-
habitants adjacent, they not being brought in to Join with us in the Levies and
■other public services of this county."
122 DELAWARE COUNTY
At the June court of this year the commission of WilHam Howell, of
Haverford as a justice, was read and published, and "he did afterwards sub-
scribe to the solemn declaration, prepared by the 57^*^ Chapter of the great law
of this province;" at the same court William Jenkins, of Haverford, served as
a juror, and at the December court John Jerman was attested constable for
Radnor. This is the first official recognition by any of the inhabitants of these
townships, that they were subject to the jurisdiction of Chester county. They
seem to have given up the idea of a Barony, and with as good a grace as pos-
sible, submitted to the authority they were unable any longer to resist. By
the close of the year, these townships were sup])lied with a full set of township
officers, being the first appointed within their limits.
The King's road between Naniaan's creek and Chichester creek, "not be-
ing cleared of logs," became a subject of presentment by the grand jury; also
"the want of a foot bridge over the mill creek between this county and Phila-
delphia, it being the King's road."
In their watchfulness over the interests of the county the want of a prop-
er accountability on the part of disbursing officers, did not escape the notice of
the grand jury. In a presentment they ask for an account in detail — showing
payments on account of the court-house and prison, the poor, wolves' heads,
councilmen's fees, &c. The clerk is presented for extortion, and they likewise
present "as a general grievance of this county, the want of a standard to try
60th dry measure and liquid measure." for they say "some are too big and
others are something too little." They recommend the "Winchester measure."'
New modes of punishment for crime are constantly introduced : T
L , a servant, for counterfeiting pieces of eight, is sentenced, "to stand at
the public place of correction at the town of Chester, two several court days,
3 hours each day, with a paper of his crimes, written in capital letters affixed
upon his breast." This punishment became what was known as "Standifig in
the Pillory." This is the first instance of its infliction, and that name is not
applied to it in early times.
It was at the August court of this year that the appointment of a jury of
women Avas made. It is the only instance found in the record. The infliction
of corporal punishment had become very general in cases of criin. con. When
pregnancy had ensued the punishment was delayed ; and it was to decide a
question of doubt in a particular case that the female jury was empaneled.
"They make their return that they cannot find she is, neither be they sure she
is not." The result showed that the punishment was properly delayed.
The freedom of speech was very much restricted in these early times.
Prosecutions for slandering the officers of the Provincial government or the
justices of the court were of frequent occurrence. In most instances the crim-
inal expressions were nothing more tlian tlic wild ravings of drnnkenness. or
the boastful expressions of weak nnii who sought notoriety. Eor "speaking
or uttering slanderous and dishonorable words against the life, person, and a
government of the chief Projjrietary, William Pcnn, as also against the life
and person of this present Governor. John Tilackwcll. Esq.," the defendant uponi
DELAWARE COUNTY 123
his own confession was fined £5. "For defaming John Simcock, one of the
people's representatives in the Council, in the words that he was drunk at
the last court at Chester, the party was bound to his good behaviour, & was to
set up a paper of what his crime was."
At the June court of this year, the grand jury laid out a landing place and
open street for the service of the county as follows : "beginning at the North-
westerly corner of the court house to low water mark, by Chester Creek and
so of the same breadth by the said creek down to the Delaware River to low
water mark, thence and also from the first mentioned corner of the Court
house a public street 30 foot wide through Chester town."
Appraisements of the effects of decedents were made to the orphans'
court. The names of some articles included in the inventories, sound strangely
to us of this day, and the value put on others is equally remarkable. Thus, i
doz. trenches is valued at is ; 4 quaifs at 2s ; 7 petticoats at £3 ; one pair of stays
& two green aprons, at £2 los, and a cow and calf at £1 10, &c.
Previous to 1689 the records of the Chester court furnish no instance of
imprisonment as a punishment for crime for a period longer than a few weeks.
This year there was a sentence for a year's imprisonment, in addition to cor-
poral punishment.
John Simcock was re-elected to Council from Chester county, and the
name of George Foreman appears as sheriff. William and Mary were pro-
claimed King and Queen in 1689.
Probably nine-tenths of the population of the county were at this time
members of the Society of Friends, and their plan of accomplishing marriages
had become so common that it came to be looked upon with favor by persons
not in membership, who indeed, sometimes asked and obtained permission to
be joined in marriage in that way. Chester Monthly Meetings had permitted
a marriage where one of the parties to it, "owned himself to be none of us, yet
was willing to submit to the order of Friends." In Haverford Meeting, mar-
riages of persons not members appear to have been allowed, as a matter of
course, but in Chichester and Concord it appears from the following extract
from the minutes of their meeting, that such parties were subjected to rather
an embarassing examination previous to permission being granted to proceed.
It was proposed bv Friends to the voung man and woman :
"ist Whether he did believe that was the truth which we professed, and walked
in according to our measure— further showing that if we did not walk in the truth
according to our measure given to us, we were but a community of men and women and
not a Church of Christ— and then marriage would be as well by the law of the Province
as among us ; and your coming to us to propose your intentions of marriage and desiring
our consent is as we are a church, which we cannot be without we walk in truth—
Therefore whether thou dost believe that is the truth we profess, to walk in? His
answer was yes he did believe it. Also the young woman was asked the same, Her
answer was, I do believe it."
"2nd Whether you do believe that this way of marriage among friends is accordmg
to the order of Truth?"
124 DELAWARE (AirXTV
"3'"'i Whether you do believe it is your dutv thus to proceed? they both answered—
yes."
"Friends said as Paul to the Church of the Romans — Chap. 14-1 — Him that is weak
in tlie faith receive you. but not to doubtful disputations."
"Wliereupon friends left them to proceed according to the good order of truth, they
having their parents consent thereunto."
However nnicli the people of England were benefited by the accession of
William and Mary to the throne, to Penn the change was the source of great
trouble, serious disap])ointments, and, no doubt, of ])ecuniary loss. I'^rom hav-
ing been the friend and favorite of the deposed monarch, James II.. he came
to be a suspected person under the new government : and. without liaving
committed any offence, he was subjected to all the inconveniences that sus-
picion brought upon its victims at this period of alarm and distru.st. He was
arrested, held to bail, examined, discharged, re-arrested and imprisoned; and
eventually driven into retirement. But his private interests suft'ered most ; and
particularly in having his matured arrangements for returning to Pennsyl-
vania frustrated. His interests here had been greatly neglected, especially in
the collection of quit-rents. As a consequence, more stringent instructions for
their collection became necessary.
The too rigid enforcement of these instructions gave rise to dissatisfac-
tion, which, in some instances, was not without reason. This was particularly
the case in the Welsh Tract, where the commissioners insisted that the pur-
chasers within its limits should pay the quit-rent on the whole 40.000 acres
because it had been surveyed, or that others than Welshmen should be al-
lowed to take up lands within the bounds of the Tract. The excuse offered by
the commissioners for this stretch of their power, was the great damage the
Proprietary had sustained from the want of seating and improving the Welsh
Tract, and "the loss and hindrance to the well seating and strengthening the
province." These allegations were destitute of truth, for up to this period the
legitimate settlements within the Welsh Tract had progressed as rapidly as in
other directions ; and notwithstanding the commissioners, upon the refusal of
the Welshmen to pay quit-rent on the whole Tract, granted patents to others
within its bounds, the immigration from Wales was sufficiently rapid to sub-
stantially settle the whole territory allotted to them by Penn. as early as the
adjoining districts were peopled.
The pathetic appeal made by Griffith Owen and other inhabitants of the
W'elsh Tract against the unwarrantable jjroceedings of the commissioners is
worthy of particular notice, as it fully explains the peculiar kind of community
our Welsh ancestors had hoped to establish in the land of their adoption. They
say: *
"Wee, the Inhabitants of the Welsh Tract, in the Province of Penn*, in America,
being descended of the Antient Britains, who always in the land of our Nativity, under
the Crown of England, have enjoyed that liberty and priviledge as to have our bounds
and limits by ourselves, within the which all causes, Quarrells, crimes & titles were
tryed & wholly determined by officers, magistrates [and] Juries of our own language.
DELAWARE COUNTY 125
which were our equals. Having our faces towards these countries, made the motion to
our Gov: that we might enjoy the same here, w^i^ thing was soon granted by him before
he or we were come to these parts."
They then recite the fact of the grant and survey of the 40,000 acres,
upon which they say there were already near four score settlements, besides
"several scores of their men servants who were very desirous to have out their
head land." and that some of their friends had been here awhile, and had re-
turned for their families, friends and relations, &c. ; "and now," they say,
"to deprive these of their lands & Libertys which they depend upon when com-
ing here, (& that in their absence,) we look upon it to be very unkind Dealing,
like to Ruin many Families, as also a subtell undermining to shutt that Door
against our Nation, which the Lord had opened for them to come to these
Countreys, for we can declare with an open face to God and man that we
desired to be by ourselves for no other End or purpose, but that we might live
together as a Civill Society to endeavour to deside all Controversies and de-
bates amongst ourselves in Gospel order, and not to entangle ourselves with
Laws in an unknown Tongue, as also to preserve our Language, that we might
ever keep Correspondence with our friends in the land of our nativity. There-
fore our request is that you be tender not only of violating the Governor's
promise to us, but also of being instrumental! of depriving us of the things
which were the chief motives and inducements to bring us here." &c.
The commissioners having prejudged the case, their answer was of course
not satisfactory, and the land within the Welsh Tract was thrown open for set-
tlement to others besides the descendants of the "Ancient Britains," but the
number who embraced the opportunity was not large.
John Blunston having declined to serve any longer as a member of Coun-
cil from Chester county, \\'illiam Howell was elected to serve in his stead.
What is remarkable in the return of this election is, that it is signed by all the
freeholders who voted, the number being 29.
Upon the petition of David Lloyd, "a road or street was laid out from his
plantation to Chester creeke to the public landing place," as follows : • "Chester,
this 4^*^ of the 4^^ month 1690. — We the Grand Inquest do lay out a street 30
feet wide, the one half of this public street to be on one side the line dividing
betwixt David Lloyd's and the Green L. C. one half on David Lloyd's Land,
the other half on the Green's side, note that this street begins at the public
landing place at Chester Creek, and ending at the further side of Joseph Rich-
ards his lot near David Lloyd's house ; note also, that if any part of the 15
foot on David Lloyd his side, which is laid out for the street, it must so re-
main."
The street thus laid out is now known in the borough of Chester as Fil-
bert street, and we are thereby enabled with great precision to locate "the
Green," a plot of ground well known at this period, and for some time after-
wards! by that name. This Green was church land, and was no doubt secured
by the Swedes in anticipation of the erection of a church at Upland. It is m-
cluded in a patent for a larger tract granted to "Rev. Laurenty Caroly minis-
126 DELAWARE COUNTY
ter to the Swedes," April 8tli, 1669. This patent inckidcs the whole river
front from Upland Kill to 'Trissers Kill," and is referred to as "the minister's
land," in a patent granted to Jurian Kene on the 4th of August of the previous
year. "The Green" does not appear to have liarl any definite lx)unds till the
nth of the 7th month, (September,) 1684, when, upon a warrant of survey, a
plot of nearly five acres in the form of a parallelogram, extending 12 perches
along the cast side of I'pland Creek, and 65 perches along the river, was sur-
veyed and laid out "unto Swedes in Upland township." It will be seen, here-
after, how this Church Glebe came to be appropriated to secular uses.
John Hoskins was presented by the grand jury for trespassing "upon the
county's land belonging to the prison house in Chester." "James Sanderlands
being called and examined about the above said land, declareth that he did give
all that land on which the prison now standeth between the street and the creek
at the first beginning of this government, for to build a prison upon."
This year Thomas Person [Pearson] and Peter Worrall were appointed
"fence viewers," and as a consequence of this step in the road of improvement,
John Thomas of Marple was presented by the grand jury "for keeping un-
lawful fences, and disturbing his neighbor's cattle." "Bethel Hamlet" is also
presented "for not repairing the bridge in said Hamlet."
The Kings road crossing Chester creek at the head of tide, there was no
public road extending directly from Chester to Chichester (Marcus Hook).
With the view of rendering the intercourse between the inhabitants of those
places less difficult, the grand jury laid out "a foot way six foot wide from
Chester creek over against the common landing place . . . unto Chiches-
ter creek."
"A deed of foefmcnt was delivered in open court by Thomas Powell unto
Peter Taylor and Randall IMaylin in the behalf of several others for a par-
cel of land lying in Upper Providence, for the use of a burying place, bearing
date the second day of the seventh month 1690." This acre now constitutes
Sandy Bank grave-yard.
No one can examine these early records of Chester county court without
discovering that there had been an increase in the higher grades of crime.
Persons of bad character had smuggled themselves into the Province with the
early settlers, or had been banished from the neighboring counties or Pro-
vinces. With this increase of crime, more severe and more revolting punish-
ments were resorted to. Whipping with "39 lashes well laid on his bare back
at the cart's tail," was the sentence of a servant man in Chichester for steal-
ing fourteen dressed deer skins ; and, in addition, he was directed to be sold
for eight years for his fine, costs, and to repay the losses occasioned by a form-
er larceny. Banishment for collusion with a horse thief, and a forfeiture of
one-half of the defendant's estate, in addition to one year's imprisonment, for
adultery, were also among the sentences of this year.
At the September court, the name of Joshua Fearne appears both as a
justice and as clerk of the court.
The disputes between Governor I'lackwell and his Council were so fre-
DELAWARE COUNTY 127
quent that Penn was obliged to make a change in the executive department of
the government. The executive duties now devolved on the Council, with
Thomas Lloyd as president. This change rendered a new appointment of jus-
tices in the several counties necessary. The following persons were appointed
for Chester county ; John Bristow, John Beaven, John Blunston, Nich. Newlin
flfrancis Harrison, Sam". Levis, James Sanderling, W™. Howell, Jo^ ffearne.
It was resolved and ordered by the council this year, "that each county
shall hencefforward Elect or give their Suffrages according to Charter, viz. :
by y^ ballat." This mode of election has ever since prevailed in Pennsylvania.
The Friends' Monthly Meeting of Chester, now composed of the four par-
ticular meetings of Providence, Middletown, Springfield, and Chester, became
more earnest in respect to the erection of a meeting-house on the lot that had
been purchased for that purpose, A committee for each meeting was ap-
pointed to collect the necessary funds, and in the commencement of the follow-
ing year it was agreed, "that John Bristow and Caleb Pusey do forthwith agree
with and emi)loy workmen in the building the meeting house at Chester, (with
stone) on the place that was formerly bought for that purpose, the situation of
which, as also the manner of building the same, is left to their own discretion,
and that this meeting do defray the charge of the same, so that it exceed not
above one hundred pounds, and that there be one convenient chimney at the
least, and that the said John Bristow and Caleb Pusey do give account of what
they have done,"
The Welsh inhabitants of Haverford and Radnor have, at length, fully
submitted to being annexed to Chester county. The names of several from
those townships appear as jurors, and that of William Jenkins, of Haverford,
as a justice of the court,
David Lloyd appeared on behalf of the recusant Welshmen, and assured
the court "that they were willing to pay according to their proportions from
the time they have been legally in this county ; and after some debate it was
agreed and acknowledged by David Lloyd, that the Welsh who are reputed to
Be within the bounds of Chester county, shall contribute towards paying the
tax, the same being assessed and levied upon them as upon the inhabitants of
Chester County according to due proportion & priority of residence and settle-
ment, the inhabitants of the County of Chester indemnifying them the said
Welsh from paying in Philadelphia and be at the charge of altering the patents
and deeds which mention Philadelphia instead of Chester County ; provided
that such their contribution to the said tax shall not be prejudicial or made use
of to debar them of any privileges the Proprietor is or shall be willing and
capable to grant or confirm unto them." Thus ended the Welsh difficulty ; and
although the result was not in the end really prejudicial to the inhabitants of
the two townships, it was certainly in violation of a solemn promise made to
many of them before leaving their native country. The Welsh people, though
placed in two municipal districts, in each of which they were greatly in the
minority, did not for a long time lose their distinctive characteristics. The
Welsh language prevailed for many years ; and if tradition is to be relied up-
128 DELAWARE COUNTY
on, there were many Welsh Quakers who could not luidcrstanfl William I'cnn
when he preached at Haver ford meeting in 1700-1.
The strict impartiality with which the grand juries aclcd has been men-
tioned. As an instance of this impartialit} , Caleb Pusey was foreman of the
grand jury lliis year, and yd we find liis name included in the following ju'c-
sentment : "W C the (irand jury ])rescnt. Richard I'arker, Caleb Pusey, George
Foreman, James Sandilands, John Hoskins & Roger Jackson, for selling Beer
&c. without license contrary to law."
The following presentment contains the first intimation of the existence in
the county of the instrument of punishment to which it refers: "We [the
grand jury ] also present Edward Eglinton for breaking the Stocks in the town
of Chester, and unlawfully letting out a prisoner against the Peace of the
King & Queen &c." It will be seen hereafter that stocks were established at
other places besides Chester. Punishment by means of the stocks was mostly
for petty ofifences, and was inflicted by authority of a magistrate or chief Bur-
gess of the village in which they were "set up." This punishment rarely forms
any part of a sentence of the court.
The very temporary character of the prison erected since the establish-
ment of Penn's government, a period of about ten years, may be judged of
from the action now taken by the court in respect to the erection of a new one.
"The want of a prison having been presented by the Grand jury it was
this Court (Oct. 1691) debated concerning the building of a new prison and
work house for felons ; and it was agreed by the Court that one should be
builded, eighteen foot and twenty-six foot, all builded of stone, and John Bris-
tow and James Sandilands are intrusted and impowered by the court as near
as they can to complete the charges and make return of the same at the next
County Court." It will be seen that this order of Court was not carried into
effect.
Heretofore, it has been the practice for the justices of the court to hold
an orphans' court at specified times, when the other courts were not in session.
The present mode of proceeding is now initiated, with the exception that when
the court turns its attention from other business to that properly cognizable
by the orphans' court, the record informs us that "An Orphans' Court was
called." This tribunal was also charged with various duties, that would be
rather onerous upon orphans' courts of the present day. The inventories and
accounts of executors and administrators were brought into court for personal
examination by the justices, and, as "father of the poor," they put out appren-
tices. An instance occurs this year in wdiich two minors, a boy and a girl, were
put out till they were twenty-two years of age.
Making base coin appears to have been a common offence during the early
settlement of the Province. At the last court of this year, of
Haverford. was presented, not only for making base pieces of coin, but "for
making stamps for others."
A road had been laid out from ISIarple to Chester. In 1691 the grand jury
extended this road from a point not very distant from Rhoads' tan-yard in
DELAWARE COUNTY 129
]\Iarple to a point near Radnor meeting-house. As nearly as can now be as-
certained, the route of this road passed along the present Springfield road to
the road that passes the Drove tavern; thence by the Presbyterian meeting-
house to Darby creek, through a valley, the jury says, "called the dry hollow."
The road then occupied the bed of the present direct road to the meeting-house;
the route does not appear to have been varied in the least on account of hills.
The grand jury also laid out a road, "from the King's road in Darby town-
ship to the landing place at Calcin Hook."
In 1691 the three lower counties were separated from the Province, much
to the regret of the Proprietary. He appears, however, to have yielded his
assent to the separation, by commissioning Thomas Lloyd as governor of the
latter, and William Markham of the former.
As serious as has been the disagreements between those with whom the
government had been entrusted, and which brought about its division, the ele-
ments of discord of a still more serious character, had gained a footing in the
religious society to which a very large proportion of the inhabitants of the
province were attached. This doctrinal feud was introduced into the Society of
Friends by the teachings of George Keith, a man of ability and education, who
had been an eminent minister amongst them. The Quakers of this county, al-
ways alive to every thing that affected the interest of the Society, took an ac-
tive part in the controversy, and though many took sides with Keith, there was
no division that resulted in the establishment of separate meetings within our
limits.
In June, 1692, a meeting of Public Friends, in Philadelphia, issued the
famous Testimony against George Keith, which was confirmed by the Yearly
Meeting at Burlington, held in September. This document was signed by
George Maris, Joshua Fearne, John Simcock, John Blunston and Walter Faw-
cet, ministers of the Society residing in Chester county. Previous to the time
of issuing this testimony, no notice appears in the minutes of any of the
Monthly Meetings of Chester county on the subject of the controversy.
Friends now begin to give their attention to the subject of schools. At a
monthly meeting, held at Darby the 7th of the 7th mo. (September), it was
agreed, "that Benjamin Clift is to teach scoole, Beging'^ y^ 12^^ of y^ 7*^ mo :
and to continue one whole yeare, except 2 weekes." The annual salary of
this worthy teacher, as appears by an agreement for employing him another
year, was but £12. He probably boarded with his employers.
Up to this time the supervisors of the highways were appointed by the
court, when the justices ordered "that every respective township within this
county, for the future, from time to time, shall within themselves appoint sup-
ervisors and fence viewers, and make returns of the same to the county court
from time to time." Our justices did not hesitate to legislate a little, occa-
sionally, in these early times.
It was not uncommon for the court to notice abusive words spoken
against any of its members. This practice was in accordance with the spirit
of the times, but was evidently unattended by any beneficial results. A case,
9
130 DELAWARE COUNTY
such as the following, could hardly be allowed to pass unnoticed at the present
time : "J M was called to the bar to answer a presentment of
the Grand Jury, for abusing John Bristow and John Simcock, two of the King
and Queen's Justices of the peace, in calling them a pack of Rogues, and the
Jury was called & the said M did then, in open Court, afifirm that the
said party s was two of the greatest rogues that ever came to America. Where-
upon the Court gave judgment that he pay a fine of five pounds & Costs of
suit, &c. The said M was also fined 5s, for swearing."
From the following proceedings, in respect to laying out a road in Ches-
ter, it may be inferred that a public Dial was set up in that town. Upon peti-
tion of James Lownes and others, the grand jury was authorized "to lay out a
road to the Dyall post straitway to the road for the convenience of both town
and country." This road was laid out and returned as follows: "Beginning
at the Dyall post and so running south 22 degrees West to low water mark ;
then beginning again at the Dyall po.st aforesaid thence running North 22 de-
grees East up the King's road, which said road or street is to contain thirty
foot in breadth, and the said Dyall post is to be the western bounds thereof."
The same grand jury, at the same court, made what they are pleased to
term, "a return of a road to Thornbury." Being brief, the "return" is given
as another specimen of the manner these early road viewers performed their
duties : "Beginning at a marked tree by Edward Carters, which was marked
by a former Grand Jury, and so along a line of marked trees to John Baldwin's
fence, and then by John's consent over a corner thereof through a corner of
his field and so along to a black oak, being a corner of John Nield's land, and
from thence down to John Nields field and by his consent over a corner there-
of, and so through the creek, and up the hill, by Gilbert William's Barn."
The order for the erection of a new jail and work-house, made by the
court in 1691, does not appear to have been enforced, and the grand jury again
presents the want of such a building. The court having considered this action
of the grand inquest, "agreed forthwith to build a prison," and did "order
John Simcock & John Bristow to take care for the building of the same ; and
that the sherifif take care to levie the fines due to the public in order to defray
the charges of the prison."
The following order for a levy, made at the January court of the follow-
ing year, will show that the sheriff had not been very successful in the collec-
tion of "fines due the public." "Whereas the Grand jury have taken into con-
sideration, the necessity of a prison, and the defraying of the charge of the
county, have unanymously agreed to lay a levie for defraying the said charges
as followeth, viz : Upon every male white and black from 16 years to 60, 3s.
every 100 acres belonging to persons resident, 3s. — and upon every 100
acres belonging to persons non-resident, 4s. 6d. ; and the Court considering of
it agreed to the same, and doth order that forthwith warrants be issued out of
the levie, the same in every township, by the respective constables, one moiety
to be paid, at or before the next County Court ; and the other moiety, at or be-
fore the first of the 9th month following: and the constables shall [hold] a
DELAWARE COUNTY 131
town's meeting to make assessment for levying the same ; and when account is
taken of Males and Lands, to return a duplicate of the same to Chester or
Darby, when we will be at both places, for the ease of the country, Justices
met to receive the same, upon the 13th day of the 12*'^ mo. next." This is the
first instance in levying a poll tax, where no distinction has been made between
freemen and servants.
It might be supposed that the prompt erection of the new jail was now
a matter of certainty, but it does not appear that the above levy was ever made ;
owing, it is probable, to the desperate condition of the affairs of the Proprie-
tary ; for it was about this time that the King and Queen took the government
of the Province out of his hands, and commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, the
Governor of New York, to be captain general of Pennsylvania and the terri-
tories annexed. Be this as it may, a minute of the December court of this year
shows that another levy was authorized for the erection of the new prison. It
is in these words : "The Grand Jury presented the want of a prison in the
county, and they have given in their judgment, that one hundred and fifty
pounds will defray the charge — the order of the Court is that there shall be a
levy forthwith for the raising of the sum for the defraying of the said charge."
At a Court of Petty Sessions, held at the house of John Hodgkins at
Chester, early in the next year, an assessment was authorized for raising £150
for defraying the charge of the new jail, "at the true value of two pence per
pound upon the real and personal estates of all the inhabitants of this county,
seasable by the first act of the new laws — all freemen 6s. per head." This is
the first ad valorem assessment made withm our limits.
It was the custom for the grand jury, whose duties were about to expire,
to meet and make their presentments of every presentable matter that had
come to their knowledge since the adjournment of the previous court. After
naming the justices present, sheriff and clerk, the minutes of each court, at this
period, proceed thus: "After proclamation made and silence commanded, by
the King & Queen's authority, and in the Proprietary's name, the Grand Jury
was called over, and appeared and gave in their presentments and was dis-
charged ; and a new Grand Jury returned by the Sheriff was empannelled." A
less number composed a grand jury then than at the present day — usually about
fifteen.
Some idea may be formed of the mischievously inquisitorial character of
Chester county grand juries at this period, from the fact that at one court two
newly-married couples were made the subjects of presentment because a chilH
was born, in each case, too soon after marriage. In one case, besides the court
charges and a fine of 20s., both parties were sentenced "to attend at the com-
mon whipping post, and for the officer to declare their offence to the people ;"
while in the other case the fijie was 50s., but the woman only was subjected to
public exposure. This was more wantonly cruel than was inflicted in the
former case, and consisted in standing at the common whipping post for one
quarter of an hour with a paper on her breast, thus : "I here stand for an ex-
132 DELAWARE COUNTY
ample to all others for committing the most wicked & notorious sin of forni-
cation."
Presentments by the grand jury of such cases as the above could have no
beneficial result, but their watchfulness when directed to matters that con-
cerned the public was often productive of much good, especially when sec-
onded by the court. A bridge over Ridley creek having been several times pre-
sented, the court this year imposed a fine of £5 each on the supervisors of
Chester and Ridley for their neglect to repair it. Such cases were not un fre-
quent.
While the courts at this period, and for many years afterwards, did not
hesitate to sentence a freeman to be sold into servitude for a period of years,
in order to liquidate a fine or some other dues, they were extremely vigilant
in guarding servants against oppression by their masters. Upon the complaint
of a servant that he had served out his time and had been turned off "without
clothes fitting for a servant to have," the court ordered his master to "pay
him'" a hat, coat, waistcoat, breeches, drawers, stockings and shoes, all new,
and also ten bushels of wheat or fourteen bushels of corn, two hoes and one
axe. This kind of complaint was very common, and was denominated a claim
"for the custom of the country." Justice Jonathan Hayes constantly inter-
poses his dissent to the allowance of this "custom."
There was another duty the court had to perform in respect to children
about being bound out to service. This duty consisted in determining their
ages, and the time they should serve. This was termed "Judging" them. At
the October court of this year "the boys that ^Mauris Trent brought into the
country were called up to be judged." There were eight of these boys, and
they were probably negroes. They were ordered to serve their respective mas-
ters till they arrived at the age of 21 years.
The grand jury laid out the following roads in 1693, viz : One from the
townships of Upper Providence and Edgmont "to the limestone ;" one from
Newtown to Haverford Mill ; one from Thornbury towards Chester, and they
reported adversely to one application for a road, which is the first adverse re-
port on the record.
Upon the petition of the inhabitants of Radnor to the Lieutenant Gover-
nor and Council "requesting a road to be laid outt from the upper part of the
s*^ township of Radnor unto marion ford," a warrant was directed by the Lieu-
tenant Governor to lay out the same.
Upon petition of the inhabitants of Chester county to the Governor and
Council, setting forth that they had long suffered for want of a division line
between that county and New Castle, it was resolved, "that for the present con-
venience of the government and not for an absolute and final proprietarie di-
vision, (but that the inhabitants on the borders of both counties may know to
which of the two to pay their levies, taxes, &c., and perform their countie ser-
vices,) the bounds of New Castle Countie shall extend Northward to the
mouth of Naaman's creek, and upwards along the S. W. side of the norther-
DELAWARE COUNTY 133
most branch, (excluding the townshipps of Concord & Bethell) and not to ex-
tend backwards of the northermost branch above the s*^ townshipps."
It is a source of regret that the minutes of Haverford Monthly Meeting
from the 5th mo. (July,) 1686, to the 5th mo., 1693, are wanting, because that
meeting was more particular than any other in noting matters that would form
interesting items for a local history. During this period, the meeting at the
Schuylkill has ceased to be connected with this monthly meeting, but the regis-
ter of marriages, still preserved, shows that the connection continued till 1688.
The Haverford Monthly Meeting is now composed of the three preparative
meetings of Merion, Haverford and Radnor.
It has been seen that the Welsh people, of which these meetings were al-
most wholly composed, refused till 1690 to attach themselves to any district
in which municipal government had been established ; claiming a promise from
the Proprietary, that they should form a separate community, with a view of
deciding all controversies and debates amongst themselves in their own lan-
guage and "in Gospel order." The monthly meeting was doubtless the tribunal
that regulated the secular as well as the spiritual affairs of our Welsh ancestors
for seven or eight years after their first settlement ; nor did they wholly entrust
their civil matters to the officers of the law for some time after they had sub-
mitted to a division of the Welsh Tract between the counties of Philadelphia
and Chester. Thus, at the monthly meeting held at Haverford in the 6th month
(August,) 1693, it was ordered, "y*^ Wm. Howell, Morris Llewelyn for Haver-
ford, David Merideth, David Evans for Radnor, Griffith Jones, James Thomas
for Merion, see y* sufficient fences be kept in his respective neighborhood."
And again in the proceedings of the following mouth, this minute occurs : "It
is ordered by this meeting and consent of the inhabitants of the townships of
Haverford and Radnor, in pursuance of a law in that case made y* y'^ inhabi-
tance of y® s^ two townships should pay is. per hundred toward y^ takeing of
Wolves. Wm. Howell, William Jenkins, for Haverford, and David Meredith
and Stephen Bevan for Radnor, to receive y® s*^ Taxe."
Previously to the disownment of George Keith, as has been mentioned,
the minutes of the several monthly meetings are silent in regard to him. Since
that time he is frequently noticed, but not with respect. The first is by Chester
Meeting, which orders "that [copies] of the paper written by Jane Biles as a
testimony against George Keith and his company and separation and abusing
friends, (which said paper being read and well approved of), be obtained," to
be disposed of "for the general service of truth." The first meeting-house at
Chester appears to have been completed in 1693. A meeting-house at Radnor
was also completed and brought into service about the same time.
The Society of Friends had been in advance of other religious sects in
providing comfortable quarters for their horses at their places of worship.
The first provision made for this purpose, of which there is any record, was at
Haverford in 1694, when a committee was appointed by the meeting, "to get a
stable made adjoining this meeting house."
134 DELAWARE COUNTY
In early times, tci\vn>liip meetings assumed the riglit of enacting rules and
regulations, or rather to make laws, for their respective townships. Unfortu-
nately but few of the ancient records of our townships have been preserved.
The following items have been extracted from the Darby township book :
I
"Agreed that this meeting begin at Eleven o'Clock in the forenoon, and tliat the con-
stable give notice the first day before.
"And it is also agreed that the said town's meeting be held on the third day of the
last week in the twelfth month, (yearly) to appoint officers for the ensuing year, at which
time the officers is to give up their accounts.
"Agreed that none of the inhabitants of this Town take any horses or mares either
to keep in winter or summer, nor no cattle in summer except they keep them within
their own fenced lands, upon the penalty of five shillings per head for every month."
J
The above extracts are without date, but stand on the record immediately
above the following. It may therefore be inferred that they were enacted at
the same, or at an earlier period.
"Agreed by the Townsmen of Darby at the meeting house, upon 26**^ day of the 12th
month, 1693-4, [Feb., 1694,] that whatever handy-Crafts men shall offer himself to inhabit
in the township, shall first continue forty days as a sojourner, to have the approbation
of the said township; whither he shall be received as an inhabitant or no ; and that no per-
son shall dare to receive any stranger as an inhabitant before such probation and grant
of said Townsmen.
"Signed on behalf of the Town of Darby, by Tho. Worth."
"Agreed at a Town meeting 1693-4, That Tho. Worth shall as Clerk of the Town,
signe all public agreements in behalf of the town, and the same shall be as binding as if
every mans particular hand was at the same."
The Court proceedings of this year are introduced by imposing upon
Mary M a fine of "five shillings for her lying."
A road was laid out "between Radnor meeting house and the Schuylkill
ford ;" and also one "from John Longworthy's house to a road between Ches-
ter and Radnor."
One Philip England claimed the monopoly of the ferry at High street on
the Schuylkill, but from some cause, the Friends of Haverford Monthly Meet-
ing, with the assistance of some Friends of Darby, supported a ferry in the vi-
cinity of that kept by England, and employed a man named Nathaniel Mulli-
nax to attend it. England petitioned to the Governor and Council to support
him in his monopoly, wdiich they eventually did, on the ground that the ferry
was the Proprietor's right, a grant of which was held by England. The deci-
sion of the Governor was accompanied by a prohibition against all others "us-
ing anie other ferrie within foure miles distance on either side of the river,
of the proprietors ferrie."
A report made by a committee of the Council this year, giving the
amounts raised in the several counties upon an assessment of id. per pound,
will give some idea of the relative progress that had been made in the different
counties :
DELAWARE COUNTY 135
£ s. d. £ s. d..
County of Philadelphia, ... 314 n n County of Chester, 65 00 0/
New Castle, ... 143 15 00 " Bucks 48 04 01
" Sussex, loi 01 09 .
Kent, 88 02 10 £760 16 2
At this time the settlements had spread in Chester county but httle beyond
the territory now included in Delaware county.
There appear to have been great losses of stock and cattle during 1694,
from want of provender.
"The want of a Bridle road between the broad road near James Brown's
house in Chichester [Marcus Hook] and Chichester creek and from thence to
Chester creek," was presented by the grand jury at the March term of 1695.
A similar presentment had been made at the previous session of the court.
The necessity of such a road will be understood, when the reader is informed
that the King's road did not, up to this time, pass through Chester, but crossed
both Ridley and Chester creeks at the head of tide ; there being no bridge over
the creek at Chester, and no public road from thence directly to Marcus Hook.
The Grand Inquest, after having examined the accounts of the county
recommend a levy of a penny in the pound, which was ordered by the court,
"for finishing the prison and defraying of the old debts & for wolves heads ;"
also for the relief of the poor. The grand jury also on this occasion performed
the duty of county auditors, and "having examined Jeremiah Collet's [the
treasurer's] accounts, finds them to be true accounts, and finds him to be in-
debted to the county, the sum of eighteen shillings and eleven pence, and the
county to be indebted to Thomas Smith the sum of 18 pounds 19s. and 46.."
The next grand jury held a meeting on the 2d of October, to consider the af-
fairs of the county. The following interesting record of their proceedings is
given at length :
"We the Grand Jury by the King's authority, finding that the county is in debt by
the accounts that the last Grand Jury presented; that the County Treasurer is out of
purse, and others in the concerns of the county charge ; and that the prison is not yet
finished, and several wolve's heads to pay for : We the Grand Inquest have taken it into
our consideration to lay an assessment upon the county for to pay the Judges expenses,
which is to be paid to Joseph Wood, Sheriff of Chester County, and what was disbursed
by the said Treasurer of said county concerning the building of the prison, and to finish
the said county prison, with as much expedition as may be, and the said levy to be
raised as followeth : — on all real and personal estates, at one penny per pound and three
shillings per head on free men, (viz) every acre of cleared land, and being in tillage, at
one pound per acre ; and for every hundred acres of rough land by the river, at ten
pounds per hundred, and for every hundred acres in the woods, at five pounds per hun-
dred ; for all horses and mares from three years old and upwards, at 3 pounds ; for
every colt one year old and upwards, 20 shillings; for all cows and oxen, from three
years old and upwards, £2. 10s; for all cattle one year old and upwards, at one pound;
for all sheep a year old and upwards, at six shillings a piece; for all male negroes, from
16 years old and upwards, to sixty, 25^ per negro; for all female negroes from 16 years
old to sixty, at 2oi per negro ; for Chester mill at one hundred pounds, Joseph Cobourn's
at £50, Darby mill at one hundred pounds, Hartford [Haverford] mill at 2oi pounds.
Concord mill at io£ pounds ; Jasper Yeates for his estate and calling 200 pounds, Caleb
136 DELAWARE COUNTY
Pusey for his estate and calling loo pounds, Jercniiali Collctt for his estate and calling
30 pounds, Nathaniel Newlin for his calling 20 pounds; all ordinary keepers, for their
callings, 20 pounds ; for all handicrafts that followeth no plantation for calling, 3 shill-
ings a piece. — Subscribed by this present Grand Inquest."
From the above extract we learn maii\- interesting facts. There were five
mills in the county at this early date, besides the Swedes' mill on the Philadel-
phia county line. The dates of the erection of the Chester mill, and Coburn's
mill have already been given; and a presentment of the grand jury made in
1688, shows that the Haverford mill was then erected. This mill was on
Cobb's creek, near the place where that stream is crossed by the road leading
past Haverford meeting-house. Of the Darby mill and Concord mill, the au-
thor has not met with an earlier notice. The Concord mill occupied the site of
the mill now owned by Samuel Leedom. A mill was shortly afterwards built
lower down the stream by Nicholas Newlin, but not so low down as the mill
owned by John Hill.
While it is not presumed that the full value of property is given in the as-
sessment, the relative value may be relied on as nearly correct. We thus see
that cleared land, under tillage, was ten times as valuable as unimproved land
near the river, and twenty times as valuable as unimproved lands further
back, etc.
Maurice Trent, before mentioned, brought another set of boys into court
to be "judged." Their respective periods of servitude were accordingly fixed
by the justices. It had become a common practice at this period for servants
who had run away, or in any other manner caused loss or expense to their
masters, to be brought into court for the justices to determine, what additions
should be made to their terms of servitude, as an equivalent for such loss or
expense.
At this time, there was considerable trade at Chester, and also some at
Jylarcus Hook. Hence we find appointments of officers connected with its
proper regulation. Edward Dangger was this year "attested Geager and Pack-
er and Culler of this County of Chester."
The arbitrary rule of Governor Fletcher, under which Quakerism found
but little favor, continued about two years, when the King and Queen were
pleased to restore the government of the province again to William Penn, very
much to the satisfaction of the people. The afTairs of the Proprietary were
not, however, in such a condition as to allow him to visit the country, and
Thomas Lloyd having died, he again commissioned his cousin William Mark-
ham as his deputy.
It came to the knowledge of the Concord and Chichester Monthly Meet-
ing, about this time, that two young persons of the latter township, were en-
gaged in certain studies and practices that, at this period, were regarded as
very dangerous. The serious gravity with which the subject was treated by
the meeting is really remarkable.
"Some friends having a concern upon them concerning some young men which came
among friends, to their meetings, and following some acts which friends thought not fit
DELAWARE COUNTY 137
for such as professed the truth, to follow, viz: Astrology and other arts, whereupon
it was stated to the meeting concerning Astrology and other Sciences, as Geomancy and
Chiromancy and Necromancy &c.— It was debated and the sence of this meeting is, that
the study of these sciences brings a veile over the understanding, and a death upon the
life."
The meeting ordered the young men, as well as their father, to be spoken
to on the subject. The conference with the former is given as follows :
"Philip Roman and his brother Robert, friends of Chichester, was speak'd to about
those arts and sciences above said; they seemed to disown that is mentioned except the
Astrolog\'. Much was said to them, but it was not received. Af last they proposed to the
meeting, if they thought well of it, to confer with Nicholas Newlin and Jacob Chandler,
and if they could convince them that it was evil, they would leave it."
The meeting accepted the offer of the young men. At the next meeting
(January, 1696) the committee reported that they had conferred with the
young men, and there had been "many arguments on both sides — at length,
Philip concluded with us that he did not know that he should use that art of
Astrology again, for he had denied several that came to him to be resolved of
their questions already. Robert promised the same but with this reserve — un-
less it was to do some great good by it. From which belief of some great good,
we could not remove him." This was not satisfactory to the meeting. Philip
was required "to give forth a paper to condemn his practice of resolving ques-
tions in Astrology, concerning lost and Gain, with other vain questions." The
meeting gave out a similar paper against Robert.
The subject of these dark practices was also brought before the Chester
Quarterly Meeting, which body appears to have taken a rather rational view
of the subject for the times. The following is an extract from the preamble
of a long testimony published by that meeting, early the year 1696 :
"Whereas the meeting being acquainted, that some persons under the profession of
truth, and belonging to this meeting, who professing the art of Astrology, have undertaken
thereby to answer questions, and give Astrological Judgments concerning persons and
things, tending to the dishonor of God, and the reproach of Truth and the great hurt
of themselves and those who come to inquire of them; and whereas, it is also
reported that some professing truth among us seems too much inclined to use and prac-
tice Rabdomancy, or consulting with a staflf, and such like things, all which have brought
a weighty exercise and concern upon this meeting, as well because of the reproach, that
is already brought upon the truth hereby, as also to prevent, as much as in us lies, its
being further reproached by any among us that may attempt to follow the like practices
for time to come, &c."
But this business did not end with the meeting. An offence so serious as
the practice of Geomancy could not escape the vigilance of the grand jury, par-
ticularly as the foreman lived in the same neighborhood with the parties. In
"bringing the matter to the notice of the Court they say : "We the grand Inquest
hy tlie King's authority, presents Robert Roman of Chichester for practicing
Geomancy according to hidden, and divining by a stick. Walter Martin,
Foreman."
i3« DELAWARE COUNTY
\\ illi the view of cfl actually eradicating the evil, it l)ecame necessary to-
destroy the implements of mischief by another presentment, which is thus re-
corded : "We the Grand Inquest by the Kings authority i)resents the following
books : Hidons Temple of Wisdom, which teaches Geomancy, and Scots dis-
covery of Witchcraft, and Cornelias Agri])pas teach Necromancy. Walter
Martin, Foreman." Upon which "the Court orders as many of said Books as
can be found be brought to the next court." The following minute records the
closing scene of this ludicrous judicial procedure: "Robert Roman was
called to answer the presentment of the Grand Jury the last Court ; he ap-
peared and submitted himself to the Bencli. 1'hc order of the Court is that he
shall pay five pounds for a fine and all charges, and never practice the arts,
but behave himself well for the future, and he promised to do so, whereupon
he is discharged for this time."
Two young men were presented at the next court "for running a horse
race on the first day of the week." They each got off with a fine of 5 shillings,
thus proving that the practice of Geomancy in those primitive times was a
twenty fold greater offence than Sunday horse racing.
"John Simcock brought in his account. — The County of Chester debtor to
John Simcock, for balance of his account to the year 1695, the sum of £28 2s.
John Simcock debtor to the sale of the old Court house, the sum of £57. — By
balance remains due John Simcock £28 i8s." This must have been the court-
house erected in 1685, the expense of which does not as yet appear to have
been fully liquidated, as William Clayton makes complaint that "there is due
to him ii8 IS. 6d. for his father's salary and work on the old Court house."
Nor is this remarkable, as by a presentment of the grand jury, it is shown that
taxes laid on large tracts of land in 1685, for the erection of the court-house
and prison, were still due.
In 1696 a road \vas laid out "from David Meridiths plantation to Haver-
ford Meeting house." This road passes White Hall and west of Haverford
College. The court orders Ellis Ellis, supervisor of Haverford, to cut and
clear the road way, "that leads to the limestone hill from Darbv through Har-
ford."
The several meetings composing Chester Quarterly Meeting subscribed
£85 8s. 4d. tow^ards building a meeting-house in the city of Philadelphia. The
meetings composing Haverford ]\Ionthly Meeting also subscribed, but tlie
amount is not given. The minutes of that meeting show that the location of
the meeting-house to be built in Philadelphia was "in y*" second street near the
market place."
The follow ing minute from the Haverford Records, is the authority upon
which the Friends' meeting at Newtown was established : "\\'illiani Lewis
and some other friends having proposed to this meeting, to settle a meeting at
Newtown, they are left to their freedom therein." It is dated i illi mo. 14th
1696 O. S. Before the close of the year, Thomas Jones was ordered by the
meeting "to acquaint friends of Chester ^Meeting, that the meeting lately set-
DELAWARE COUNTY 139
tied at Newton is done w*'' ye consent of this meeting, in order to have their
approbation therein."
Notwithtanding the Governor and Council in 1694 sustained England in
his claim to a monopoly of ferrying people over the Schuylkill, the following
extract from the Haverford Meeting Records shows that this monopoly was
not continued by the Proprietary's government when restored, and that a ferry
was again kept up by the monthly meeting: "David Evans & Daniel Hum-
phrey are ordered by this meeting to collect twenty shillings out of each of the
meetings of Haverford & Radnor and the rest y* are unpaid of the subscrip-
tion towards the ferry, to pay Nath : Mullenex's wages."
Notwithstanding that this meeting and others occasionally gave their at-
tention to secular afifairs, there was no falling off by the members in the per-
formance of their moral and religious duties. It is really wonderful, the amount
of patient labor that was bestowed about this period in preserving the church
in its purity ; in counselling and advising the rising generation, and in reclaim-
ing the wayward. And it is even still more wonderful to see the large amounts
that were appropriated to charitable purposes. This was particularly the case
among the Welsh Friends. Every reasonable want was attended to. Ha
newly arrived immigrant, or a "poor friend" stood in need of a house, it was
built for him ; of a plough or a cow, he was provided with one. The fields of
the sick and the weak were not allowed to remain uncultivated, and their pe-
cuniary wants and other necessities were liberally supplied. Nor was their
care in these respects confined to their own little communities. Wherever
suffering humanity was found, our Quaker ancestors were ever ready to con-
tribute liberally to its relief.
In 1697 the meetings were made acquainted with the distressed condi-
tion of the people of New England ; "the great want and necessity of Friends
and others, by reason of the Indians making inroads upon them, burning and
destroying their habitations and the lives of many, and by reason of the fail-
ing of their crops." The relief afforded was prompt and liberal. Haverford
Monthly Meeting subscribed i6o 14s. iid. ; Chichester, Concord, and Birm-
ingham, £37 5s. 3d.; and Chester, £32 2s. iid. The amount subscribed by
Darby is not given.
There was a subscription made this year of £86 by the Friends of Con-
cord, Birmingham, and Thornbury, towards the erection of a meeting-house —
it is supposed at the first-mentioned place. The subscription list contains thir-
ty-four names. From its heading, it is very apparent that some of the mem-
bers were imbued with Keithian doctrines. A Hst of those who contributed
towards fencing the grave-yard is also given.
As traveling by land increased, the inhabitants of Chester felt more
strongly the inconvenience of being located at a distance from the King's high-
way — the main thoroughfare of travel between the northern and southern
Provinces. To bring the main road through the town, a bridge over the creek
would be required, and to secure this object, "several of y^ Inhabitants of y"
town & countie of Chester & others," presented a petition to the Governor and
I40 DELAWARE COUNTY
Council. Hut this pctiliou was met l)y a strong remonstrance, and after the
matter had been considered in "Grand Committee," that is, a meeting of the
Council and Assembly together, it was put "to the vote of y® s** grand commit-
tee, whether a bridge should be built tAcr the navigable i)art of Chester creek,
as is petitioned, it was carried in the negative, nciuinc contradicentc." So ended
the matter at this time.
At the July court a deed was acknowledged to John Simcocks, John Blun-
ston, Samuel Levis, Jasper Yeates and Jonathan Hayes, the justices of the
county, "for all that piece of land whereon the new court house stands, con-
tayning in breadth to the street twenty-nine foot back to Chester creeke. unto
them and theyr sucksessors for ever ;" the deed bearing date the ninth day of
the fourth month called "June An. Dom. 1697."
A road was in 1697 laid out "from Henry Hames, (in Alarple) to Haver-
ford Meeting House." The closing part of the report of the grand jury in
laying out this road is rather remarkable for the evanescent character of the
land marks they fixed on to identify the route they selected. When they ap-
proach the meeting-house they say : "running up the said line betwixt William
Howell and David Lawrence — making the fence the middle of the road till it
comes to the fence where we pulled downe, and so to the meeting house where
we end. Andrew Job, Foreman."'
There was also a cart-way reported, "for the convenience of the county,
from the corner of Walter Faucetts fence to Darby." This is the first laying
out of the King's highway between the points mentioned.
The number of servants brought into court to be "judged," has greatly
increased. More than thirty were brought to a single court. In some instances
the justices direct that they shall be taught to read and write.
The justices were exceedingly strict in seeing the law enforced against
persons who failed to comply with the legal enactments on the subject of mar-
riage. In one case, the grand jury presented the parties and all the witnesses,
and in another case one Matthew Risley was sentenced to receive thirteen
lashes for attempting to marry persons contrary to law, although it was proven
on the trial that it w^as a joke practiced on him — the parties being both men.
Corporal punishment is becoming more common. A man was sentenced
to receive thirty lashes on his bare back, well laid on, for the larceny of one
bushel of wheat.
A grand jury, of which George Pearce was foreman, made a presentment
against a law that took the business of levying taxes out of their hands and
placed it in the hands of six assessors. They desired "that the six assessors
might be laid aside, and that the grand jury, which are the body of the county,
may have the order of such things as formerly."
A Provincial Court is occasionally held at Chester. At one held in Octo-
ber, 1698, before which there was but one case, Jolm ]\Ioorc appeared as coun-
sel for the "Appellant," and David Lloyd for the "Appellee."
In the appraisement of 700 acres of laul situated in Providence, taken
in execution bv the sheriff, it will be <oen liow little land h.'i'l improved in ]irice.
DELAWARE COUNTY 141
independently of the improvements. Tlie land was valued at £80; "One house,
barn, orchard nursery and Garding at i 160;" and the wheat in the ground at
ii8.
Haver ford Monthly Meeting now appears to be disposed to get rid of the
municipal concerns with which it has heretofore been burdened. To accom-
plish this object, it was concluded by the meeting "that there be a towns meet-
ing held at Haverford to regulate matters and decide controversies, the first
third day of the third month, for the townships belonging to this monethly
meeting, & then to appoint meetings & adjourn the same as they think con-
venient." The minutes of these town meetings have not been discovered. The
monthly meeting has been constantly held at Haverford since the erection of
the meeting-house at that place. Now it is agreed to let the monthly meeting
alternate among the several meetings composing it, viz : Merion, Haverford
and Radnor. It still retained the name of "Haverford Monthly Meeting."
The Friends of the Quarterly Meeting of Chester county became dissat-
isfied "that some Welsh Friends live within their county, and yet join with
friends of y'' county of Philadelphia in their monthly and Quarterly meetings."
John Bevan, William Howell, Row. Ellis and Rees Thomas were appointed by
the Haverford meeting "to remind them of the conclusion made betwixt them
& the Welsh friends, that their meetings should not be separated." This effort
of the Friends of the Chester Quarterly Meeting failed, and the meetings that
then composed the Haverford Monthly Meeting have remained attached to the
Philadelphia Quarter to this day.
The Keithian doctrines had found more favor in the meetings that com-
posed Concord Monthly Meeting than in any others located in the county.
There was one disownment by that meeting in 1698 of a prominent member,
expressly on that ground, and the minutes furnish evidence that others had
quietly separated from the Society without any formal disownment. Some of
these subsequently returned, made an acknowledgment of their error, and
were restored to their former standing in the Society. This was also the case
in other meetings, but not to so great an extent.
In Darby Meeting, a father having unreasonably refused his consent to
the marriage of his daughter, the couple, after having made legal publication
of their intentions, went before John Blunston, a justice of the peace, and alsO'
a member of meeting in high standing, and were legally married. The parties,
and the father of the bride, were dealt with by the meeting, but the part taken
by the magistrate was not called in question as being an ofifence against the
rules of the Society.
The practice of holding preparative meetings by the Society of Friends
here, commenced about this time. *
In the minutes of Darby Meeting for 1699 there are several entries in re-
spect to the building of a new meeting-house. At length it was agreed "that
a meeting house sixty foot one way and twenty foot added to the side 21 foot
wide in the cleare be built." A portion of this meeting-house is still standing,
inside of the grave-yard at Darby.
142 DELAWARE COUNTY
The young people among Friends were very much restricted in these early
times in the matter of courtship and marriage. The meeting at Haverford
ordered, "that all young men among friends make known their intentions to
their parents or guardians before they acquaint y*^ young woman's relations,
and to make it known unto the woman's parents or Guardians, before they
speak to them, and if any do otherwise, that they shall condemn the same be-
fore they proceed any farther. * * ■^" About the same restrictions, it is
believed, prevailed generally in the Society.
David Lloyd presented a petition to the Council, setting forth that he had
purchased a small parcel of land at Chester, "called the Green, w'^'^ Lyes very
commodious for building a town. It fronts to both Chester Creek & delaware
river, and is protracted, & a market place Laid out, with Streets by y'' Sur-
veyor General, as by the mapp to the said petition annex't appears." He asked
the board "to allow and confirm the s'^ model as the law in that case directs."
But in this he was opposed by Jasper Yeates, who regarded the Green as
church land, and was unwilling that David Lloyd should "obtain an act of As-
sembly to strengthen a pretended title of his to the green Lying before Up-
land." So the matter rested for the present.
The inhabitants of Chichester [Marcus Hook] this year petitioned the
Council, "requesting a weeklie markett & two fairs in the year; after a full
debate y'"upon. The Leivt. Gor & Council granted y"" a weeklie market on fri-
days, to be kept in Broad street as is desired."
Edward Shippen, Cornelius Emptson, and William Biles, as judges, held
a Provincial Court this year at Chester, assisted by the county justices. After
John Moore and David Lloyd, as attorneys, had had "several debates about
the cause depending," the parties "referred the matter wholly to three judges
on the benches as arbitrators," the parties to be bound by the decision, which
was immediately made.
At the June court, Joseph Edge, the constable of Chester, presented
Henry Barnes, "for calling our Governor Penn a Rogue," &c., &c. The rest
of the constables returned "all was well." For very many years after this
date the same return was made, when a constable had no breach of the peace
to report. It was also a practice to read the newly enacted laws, in open court
immediately after the grand jury was called.
The last road laid out by a grand jury was from the neighborhood of
Birmingham and Thornbury to Joseph Cobourn's mill and Caleb Pusey's mill,
the report of which was made to the June court. The same court made the
first appointment of six viewers to lay out a road in the manner now practiced.
The appointment was to lay out "a convenient cart road," for Robert Smith of
Darby. The court ordered, "that two supervisors, to witt, Thomas Fox of
Darby, and Matthias Morton of Ridlye, to make good that new road from
Walter Fawcet's fence to Darby, sixty foot wide."
If the people of Chester did fail in obtaining permission to build a bridge
over the creek, they were determined to divert some share of the travel of the
King's road through their town. With this view, Ralph Fishbourne exhibited
DELAWARE COUNTY 143
to the October court of 1699 a petition, "with many hands of the inhabitants of
the County for a convenient road way from the west side of Chester Creek,
where the ferry is to be kept, for to lead to the now King's road." The court
accordingly appointed six viewers "for to go and lay out the said road way in
the most convenient place they can for the conveniency of the Inhabitants."
That dreadful scourge, the yellow fever, prevailed in the city of Philadel-
phia in 1699, producing the greatest consternation and alarm among the peo-
ple. The September court at Chester adjourned without transacting any busi-
ness, and though the cause is not given on the record, it may reasonably be in-
ferred, that the malady had made its appearance at that place. After a very
protracted voyage, William Penn arrived in the Province with his wife and
family, with the avowed intention of ending his days in Pennsylvania. He
landed at Philadelphia in the beginning of November, after the ravages of the
fever had ceased.
When proceeding up the Delaware, Penn left the vessel, and spent one
night at the house of Lydia, the widow of Robert Wade, in company with
Thomas Story, who had recently arrived from a religious visit to Virginia.
Before proceeding to the vessel in the morning, he crossed over to the east
side of the creek in a boat, "and as he landed, some young men officiously, and
contrary to express orders of some of the magistrates, fired two small sea
pieces of cannon, and being ambitious to m.ake three out of two, by firing one
twice, one of them darting in a cartridge of powder, before the piece was
sponged, had his left arm shot to pieces ; upon which, a surgeon being sent for,
an amputation took place."
After the government was restored to Penn, a new constitution had been
adopted under the administration of Markham, which was not satisfactory to
the Proprietary. An entirely new council was elected ; and from Chester coun-
ty, David Lloyd was returned for three years, Caleb Pusey for two, and John
Simcock for one year. Many new laws were passed shortly after the arrival
of the Proprietary, which were duly read at the opening of the March court at
Chester.
Ralph Fishbourne now appears as a justice, and Henry Hollingsworth as
clerk of the court. In a prosecution for highway robbery, John Moore ap-
peared as attorney for the King.
That everlasting subject, the court-house and prison, again claimed the
attention of the court and grand jury, who ordered them to "be forthwith re-
paired for a present necessity * * * that the two back-rooms in the pris-
on be arched over with a brick in length, and be furnished with sufficient doors,
and the whole prison to be laid over with beams close together, and planked on
the top of them." Provision was also made for a pair of stocks and a whip-
ping-post ; all to be at the county's charge.
The justices appoint "four substantial freeholders," as assessors to assist
them in levying the necessary taxes : but the duty now performed by assessors
was then performed by the constables, while the justices and assessors sup-
plied the place of county commissioners of the present day.
144 DELAWARE COUNTY
Among the presentments of tlie Grand Jury was that " did
fraiiducntly expose peces of lead and potshards unto John Stubbs of this coun-
ty for current silver of the Province."
The court and grand jury authorized a levy towards the close of this year
of 3d. in the pound, and 12 shillings poll tax. In anticipation of this duty,
three of the grand jurors, though ])resent, refused to serve, and submitted to a
fine of 20 shillings each ; it being understood that the tax was for the defence
of the Province. This tax amounted to ^325, and was laid by the assembly-
men and assessors of the county, in pursuance of a law lately enacted at New
Castle.
\Miat is now known as "the old end" of Haverford Meeting House was
built this year, at an estimated cost of £158. It was built as an addition to a
former meeting-house, which was replaced by the present "new end" in the
year 1800 — one century afterwards. The old meeting-house was without a
chimney, being warmed by a kind of stove, or furnace, placed on each side of
the building, and supplied with fuel from the outside of the house. Only the
top of these stoves were of iron, and the smoke escaped by flues opening on the
outside of the wall, a few feet above the opening through which the fuel was
introduced. Part of this arrangement is yet conspicuous in the walls of the old
meeting-house.
Clarkson records the attendance of Penn at a general meeting of the
Welsh Quakers at Haverford — doubtless in their then newly erected meeting-
house. If tradition is to be relied on, a goodly number of our Welsh ancestors
were so little acquainted with the English language, that they were unable to
understand the sermon preached by the Proprietary.
. On another visit to Haverford, an anecdote is recorded of the Proprietary.
A little girl named Rebecca W'ood was walking from Darby, where she resided,
to Haverford Meeting, when Penn, who was on horseback, overtook her, and
inquired where she was going. Upon being informed, "he with his usual good
nature, desired her to get up behind him ; and bringing his horse to a conven-
ient place, she mounted, and so rode away upon the bare back, and being
without shoes or stockings, her bare legs & feet hung dangling by the side of
the Governor's horse."
From the first settlement of the country up to this time, disownments
from the Society of Friends were very rare. The first minuted loss of mem-
bership in Chester Monthly Meeting occurs this year. P>y repeated visits, and
patient careful and judicious management, nearly every offender was reclaimed
and restored to his former standing in the Society. Some thus restored by
careful dealing, afterwards became the pillars of the church. The growth of
the Society now appears to be rapid, both in numbers and means ; new meetings
are being established and new meeting-houses erected. In 1699 a new meeting-
house was proposed to be erected "by the Friends belonging to Thomas Min-
chall's meeting, at the burying ground by Thomas Powell's" This burying
ground is now known as Sandy Bank. The committee appointed to fix the site
of the meeting-house, decided that, "the farther end of Thomas Minshall's-
DELAWARE COUNTY 145
land by the high road side," was the best location. Thomas Minshall donated
an acre of land for the purpose and the meeting-house was erected and ready
for use this year. It occupied the present site of Providence Meeting-house.
Early this year a committee fixed a site "for a meeting house, for friends
of John Bowater's Meeting * * * upon the land or lot belonging to the
meeting's burying place." This is the site of the old meeting-house in Mid-
dletown. The house proposed to be built may not have been completed before
the next year.
A meeting-house was also erected at Springfield this year for the accom-
modation of the meeting that had been held at the house of Bartholomew Cop-
pock. It is not known that it was occupied earlier than the 26th of the 3d
month (May), 1701, when Chester Monthly Meeting was held there.
Evidence of the existence of Episcopalian organizations within the limits
of our county now begins to dawn upon us. In the History of the Society for
the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts, we are told that "the Swedes
and Dutch settled in this Province [Pennsylvania] had some ministers among
them, but the English had none till the year 1700, when the Reverend Mr.
Evans was sent over to Philadelphia by Bishop Compton." After describing
the labors and success of Mr. Evans, the author goes on to say, that "a hearty
love and zeal for Religion spread so wide, that there arose soon several con-
gregations, in other parts of the country ; Mr. Evans was forced to divide his
labours among them, as often as he conveniently could, till they might be
formed into Proper Districts, and the ministers sent over to them."
"He went frequently to Chichester, Chester and Concord, to Montgomery
and Radnor, each about 20 miles distant from Philadelphia, and to Maiden-
head in West Jersey, 40 miles distant. This travelling was both fatiguing and
expensive, yet he frequently visited those places, being determined by all
means, to lose none of those he had gained. But Montgomery and Radnor
next to Philadelphia had the most considerable share in his labors." There
is no notice of a church edifice at either of the places named, except Philadel-
phia. Mr. Evans was, in part, supported by the royal bounty of King Wil-
liam and not at all by the Society.
Since the establishment of a mill at Darby, the Swedes' mill appears to
have attracted less attention. A conveyance made this year by the widow of
Neals Laerson, and her son, Andrew Friend, of one twenty-third part of this
mill and appurtenant land, to William Cobb, shows that it had been held by a
joint-stock company of Swedes. Having passed into the hands of William
Cobb, the creek on which the mill was located, after a time, acquired his name.
The people of the town of Chichester [Marcus Hook] were not satisfied
without the privilege of holding a fair, which it appears they had enjoyed un-
der the administration of Governor Markham. "Because some complaints had
been made against fairs in general," the grant of a fair to Chichester was made
by the Council conditionally; it was to be suppressed when the government
thought fit to suppress others. The people of the town of Chester concluded
that this grant of a fair to Chichester was intended to supersede one of the two
10
146 DELAWARE COUNTY
annual fairs that their town had enjoyed for ahout eleven years, under a grant
from the (lt)veni(>r and C'nuncil. r])iin a|)])licali()n a fair, in the usual course,
was ordered to be held, and the privilege of holding two annual fairs and a
weekly market, was soon afterwards confirmed to the inhabitants of Chester
by a charter from the Governor.
At the March court, it was "ordered by the justices and grand jury that
the old court house be set on sale the 6th day of the 3d month next, and in
order thereto, papers be set up to give notice that it is to be sold at vandew."
And at the same court, in respect to a prison, it was "ordered that Jasper
Yeates, J\al])h Eishbourn. Joseph Cobourn and Andrew Jobe be supervisors
for the building of a new prison u])(in the ground bought of James Sanderland,
and we order them to imploy workmen & to provide materials for performing
and carrying on the said work, and the said supervisors are empowered to re-
ceive the levy from the collectors as they are raised and to pay the workmen
and to do all things material for the said work; and they are to build the said
house 25 foot long and 18 foot wide in the clear, or thereabouts, as they see
cause — the said house to front high street, and at the north corner of the
ground."
At the December court. "James Sandiland Ijy liis attorney, David Lloyd
delivered a deed to John Blunston, Caleb Pusey, Ralph Eishborn, Robert Pile
and Philip Roman for a piece of land being 120 foot square in the township of
Chester," for which land, the grantees at the same time delivered a declaration
of trust, showing that the purchase was for the use of the county. At the
same court, it was agreed by the justices and grand jury "to repair the court
house and prison with all possible speed, and they appoint Walter Martin.
John Hoskin and Henry Worley to be supervisors and oversee the work and
to agree with workmen, provide materials and finish the said work with all ex-
pedition, and to provide a pair of stocks and whipping post."
Eastown was organized as a township this year. The new roads laid out
have become so numerous, and the reports of their location so indefinite, that
a further notice of them would prove tedious. It will therefore be omitted,
except in very particular cases. The tax laid for the support of the govern-
ment was very unpopular. So much so that the constables returned that the
inhabitants were unwilling to pay or delayed payment, whereupon it was or-
dered by the court "that a warrant be issued to the sheriff to collect the said
levy."
The establishment of Newtown meeting by Haverford Monthly Meeting
has already been mentioned. This was not regarded with favor by the Chester
Quarterly Meeting which had considered the connection of Haverford and
Radnor Meetings with Philadelphia as an innovation on its appropriate juris-
diction. Complaint was at once made, first to Haverford. then to the Philadel-
phia Quarterly Meeting, and finally to the Yearly Meeting, which decided,
"that Newtown Meeting may remain as it is, and may belong to Philadelphia ;
but for the future the Welsh Eriends are not to set up any more meetings in
the county of Chester without the consent of (Chester) Quarterly Meeting."
DELAWARE COUNTY 147
The Welsh settlements had extended into Goshen, and the Haverford
Monthly Meeting had already authorized or were about to authorize a meeting
to be held there. The decision of the Yearly Meeting made it necessary for
the Goshen Friends to make application to the Chester Quarterly Meeting,
which was accordingly done, and permission was obtained in the following
year, to have a meeting at Goshen, "every other first day."
Notwithstanding the jurisdiction over the Goshen Friends could no longer
be claimed by the Haverford Monthly Meeting, the members of that meeting
for a long time continued to extend a tender care over them, to supply their
wants and to unite with them in their meetings. Even the next year the
Friends of Haverford Meeting contributed ii6 9s. 8d. to aid Robert William
of Goshen in building a house, he having received Friends "Kindly and open
hearted," and keeping the meeting in his house. At the same time £12 5s. 2d.
was contributed to Cadwalader Ellis and brother, also of Goshen, "whose
house had been burned by fire, and his mother and brother having lost most
they had." These acts of kindness, taken in connection with a common an-
cestry and language, produced a more familiar and friendly intercourse be-
tween the Goshen Friends and those of Haverford Monthly Meeting, than ex-
isted between them and the monthly meeting to which they formally belonged.
The name of ]\Iarcus Hook had been changed to Chichester by Governor
Markham and his Council before the first arrival of the Proprietary. Upon
petition of the inhabitants of the venerable town, the Governor by letters
patent confirmed the name of Chichester, and granted to the people of the
place the usual privileges enjoyed by boroughs.
Governor Penn received intelligence from England which compelled him
to embrace the earliest opportunity to return. The crown had become jealous
jf its Proprietary governments in America, and desired to convert them into
regal ones. For this purpose, a bill had been introduced into Parliament, and
was only postponed at the earnest solicitation of the friends of Penn, until he
should return. This rendered his early departure necessary, and he according-
ly sailed from Philadelphia on the ist of November, 1701. He never returned
to Pennsylvania.
A very unpopular act was passed this year in the shape of a law directing
all located lands to be re-surveyed at the expense of the Proprietary — he ex-
acting payment for all surplusage, which was found to be great in this county.
Before leaving, Penn by letters patent established a Council of State, com-
posed of ten members, of whom Caleb Pusey and John Blunston were from
this county. He also appointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of
East Jersey, deputy governor.
The boundary line between the counties of Chester and New Castle had
only been temporarily established. A warrant was granted in 1701 to run the
circular line, directed to Isaac Taylor of Chester county, and Thomas Pierson
of New Castle county. The running of the circular line was no easy task.
The cost was imposed on the two counties instead of the Province, and to
judge from the following report of the grand jury on the subject, it may be
148 DELAWARE COUNTY
concluded that the worthy surveyors were not overpaid : "We the Grand Jury
from this County, having duly considered and carefully adjusted an account of
charges contracted by running a circular line dividing this County from the
County of New Castle and settling the boundaries, and having duly and delib-
erately debated, every article of the said account, do allow the sum of twenty-
six pounds nine shillings due, to be paid by this County for said work. James
Couper, Foreman."
Notwithstanding the court and grand jury last year directed that the
court-house should be repaired "with all possible speed," we find the grand
jury of this year presenting "the necessity of a court-house, and that all such
as have not paid their levy, may be forced." They also added, that in case of
emergency, for the speedy perfection of said work, "we the grand jury request
that the justices take care to raise money as the law directs, for we are sensi-
ble that law and justice cannot have its perfect course without such houses
for their distribution as aforesaid." No new court-house, however, was erected
till 1724.
From the presentments of the grand jury and orders made by the court
from time to time, it appears that the court-house was on this occasion only
repaired, and that a new jail was erected, the latter occupying the site, it is be-
lieved, of the building last used as a jail in Chester, and may have been part
of that building. It will be seen hereafter, that at this period there was still
a building known as the "old court house."
Several roads were laid out this year. Among the number was one from
"Limestone Hill to Springfield meeting House."
Among the numerous presentments made by the grand jury, there are
several for neglecting to keep the roads in repair. Thus, the townships of
Chester, Ridley and Darby are presented "for neglecting to repair the Great
road between Chester and the Philadelphia county line. & for want of con-
venient bridges over the creeks." They also request that care be taken for a
bridge "over Mill Creek, that parts this county from Philadelphia. In respect
to the width of roads, the court made the following order which does not ap-
pear to have been enforced : "Ordered, that all Cart roads, laid out by order
of Court, and allowed, shall be fifty feet broad, as the two roads laid out from
Upper and Nether Providence to Darby and Caleb's mill and all others."
An Episcopal church was established this year on the site now occupied
by St. Martin's church, at Marcus Hook. Walter Martin, a well known in-
habitant of Chichester, by a singular deed of gift, in the year 1699 conveyed
to the inhabitants of Chichester an acre of ground for a church or free bury-
ing place: the inhabitants to build a church, chapel, or meeting-house, to the
honor and service of God, "Quakers or reputed Quakers only excepted."
The privilege of securing the lot by the erection of a church edifice, was
confined to such as owned "the two ordinances of the Sacraments of baptism,
and the Lord's Supper, viz: water baptism, that is by sprinkling or dipping;
and the Lord's Supper of bread and wine ; and such as own the resurrection
of the bodies of the dead, and own the ordinances of singing of psalms in the-
DELAWARE COUNTY 149
praise of God in the Congregation or in their families, and such as own the
taking an oath on the Bible according to the laws of England, if lawfully called
thereto for the confirmation of the truth."
A record in the vestry-book of St. Martin's church shows that the lot was
secured to the Episcopalians by "Sundry persons, adventurers from England,
Scotland, and Ireland, into the Province of Pennsylvania, being well principled
in and affected to the pure Apostolick and primitive doctrine and discipline of
the truly Episcopal and Protestant Church of England," who purchased, in
1702, an old frame house from Jane and Tobias Hendrickson, for about £5,
and removed it upon the lot conveyed by Walter Martin for a church yard. It
was fitted up for divine worship the same year.
The evidence in respect to the time of the erection of St. Paul's Church
at Chester is somewhat contradictory. In one account, contained in the His-
tory of the "Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign parts," the church
is represented as having been completed in 1702, while a letter from the con-
gregation to the Society, written in 1704, and contained in the same book, may
be construed to mean that it was "not then quite finished."
Gwynedd or North Wales, East of the Schuylkill, was settled with a later
immigration of Welsh people than those who had settled Merion, Haverford,
and Radnor. Many of them were relatives or personal friends of the earlier
settlers of the three townships, and being Quakers, they at once united with
them in their meeting aft'airs. The Gwynedd Friends now appear at the Hav-
erford Monthly Atceting. as representing an independent preparative meeting
in connection with it. A first day meeting for six months is also established at
Plymouth by the Haverford Monthly Meeting. In the following year Ply-
mouth Meeting was also established as a preparative meeting.
A great difficulty had occurred among Friends in respect to the payment
of a levy authorized for the support of government. Many of them had re-
fused to pay, on the ground, it is supposed, that some part of the money would
be appropriated to military purposes. The matter was at length brought be-
fore the Chester Quarterly Meeting, which body, after due consideration, and
the avowal that the Society "have been always ready and willing to assist and
support civil government," did order "that all be advised not to refuse the pay-
ing any levys lawfully demanded ; and if any be stubborn and not take advice
by their brethren, that they be speedily dealt with, and truth kept clear."
The decision of the yearly meeting, in respect to Newtown Meeting, ex-
cluded the Haverford Monthly Meeting from extending its jurisdiction over
any other meetings in Chester county. Upon application, the Chester Quar-
terly Meeting now authorizes the Friends of Goshen to establish a meetmg
"every other first day at the house of Griffith Jones."
"Chester [preparative] Meeting, proposeth their intentions of purchasmg
in the town, which this meeting approves of, provided they preserve and keep
in good order the old Burying place."
King William died January 18, 1702, but it was not till July loth, that
150 DELAWARE COUNTY
his successor, the Princess Anne, of Doninark. was proclaimed at Philadelphia
as Queen of England.
But the most im])i)rtant event oi the year was the legislative separation
of the three lower counties from the Province. Ijefore leaving the country,
Penn had given his reluctant assent to this sej)aration, to take place at any
time within three years. It was now accomplished, very much against the
wishes of Governor Hamilton. From this time the separation was final.
It appears from the Warrant of Survey, the original of which is filed in
the Surveyor General's office, that up to about the time William Penn returned
to England, a tribe of Indians, known as the Okekockings, were seated within
the present limits of Delaware county. This tract to which the Indians were
removed, is located in the township of Willistown. in the i)rcscnt county of
Chester.
Early in 1703, Governor Hamilton died. The Council, with Edward
Shippen as its president, administered the affairs of the government till the
end of the year, when John Evans, the newly appointed governor, arrived.
Upon the petition of Humphrey Ellis. Daniel Lewis, and fifty-eight oth-
ers, "the principal inhabitants of y^ Welsh Tract," to the Council, Samuel
Richardson, David Lloyd, Rowland Ellis. \\'m. Howell. \\'ni. Jenkins, and
Richard Thomas, were appointed to view certain roads that had been laid out,
and "to lay out and survey one direct road of fifty foot in breadth, as con-
venient in all respects as may be, both to y® inhabitants and settlers of y®
interjacent lands & travellers. Leading from Willm. Powell's ferry, on Schuy-
kill & passing Haver ford meeting House to y'^ principal part of Goshen Town-
ship, and thence continued in a direct course to y^ upper settlements on
Brandywine." * * *
The laying out of this road indicates that the settlements were rapidly pro-
gressing westward. This is corroborated by the additional fact that the
Friends of Goshen were sufficiently numerous to erect a meeting-house this
year, at which the quarterly meeting ordered a meeting to be kc])t every first
day, except the last first day in every loth, ist, 4th, and 7th months, at which
times it was ordered "to be kept at David Jones' at Whiteland in the Great
\'alley." There was also a meeting ordered to be kept at "the Goshen meet-
ing house," every sixth day. The "Goshen meeting house." here referred to,
is the meeting place at Robert William?, as will be seen hereafter. The next
year the Whiteland meeting was discontinued, and ordered to be held at
"Robert Williams in Goshen." Although a meeting-house had been erected
at Springfield for some time, the deed for the groimd (two acres) was not de-
livered till 1703. It was conveyed by Partlmldnu'w Coppock. Jr.
The earliest record that ha;- come under the notice of the author, in
wh.ich a burying-])lace at Chester is mentioned (other than that of the Quakers)
is the will of John Johnson [Jan Jansen] "of IMarkes Creek." dated 1684-5. He
desires to be buried "in Chester alias Upland." The testator was a Dutchman,
and doubtless an Episcopalian, and hence it may be inferred, that the burying-
place mentioned was one belonging to an organized congregation of Episco-
DELAWARE COUNTY 151
palians at Chester. But the fact that the testator designates the burying-place
by the name of the town, and not by that of the church, is very strong, though
not conclusive evidence, that no church edifice had been erected at the time of
making this will ; and that the establishment of an Episcopal burying-place at
Chester, by that Society, preceded the erection of a church edifice, of any kind
many years.
The ground at Chester, known in ancient times as "The Green," was
church land, but it belonged to the Swedes. It was much nearer the river
than St. Paul's Church. The Swedes never had a church at Chester, and the
fact, that in parting with their church lands at that place, they make no reser-
vation of a burying-place, is most satisfactory evidence that no part of these
lands had been appropriated to the interment of the dead. From all the facts
and circumstances that have come to the knowledge of the author, he has ar-
rived at the conclusion that the Episcopalians had no church edifice at Chester,
prior to the erection of the old St. James' brick church, recently demolished,
and that it was erected between the years 1702- and 1704.
The presentments now made by the grand juries have become very num-
erous. The necessity of a pair of stocks and a whipping-post, in the town of
Chester, is again presented, and the township of Chester is presented for not
erecting the former, and for not clearing the road. In fact many of the pre-
sentments are "for not clearing the roads."
At the last court in 1703. the grand jury presented "the old court house as
being a nuisance to the town in case of fire, and also the chimney of Henry
Hollingsworth in Chester town." In consequence of this presentment, the
court "on deliberate consideration orders that the said house be pulled down,
and that Jasper Yeates, chief burgess of the borough of Chester, shall see
the said order performed."
Since the first settlement of the county, the sentences of imprisonment, by
the court, have been very rare. For many years past there has been none un-
til this year, when was ordered "to remain in prison till he give
security for his good behaviour."
The following is a sentence on a man servant of Richard Woodward, for
stealing a horse, saddle, bridle and wearing apparel from Jonathan Munrow :
"That the said shall serve his said master and Jonathan Mun-
row, or their assigns seven years, (which time is to be equally divided betwixt
them, and they to be at equal charge,) and to wear a T according to law."
"West town" makes its appearance as a township in 1703 — its first con-
stable being Richard Buffington.
The attention of the justices was frequently called to matters that would
now scarcely claim the attention of our courts. Thus, an apprentice boy com-
plains that his master had not freely performed his duty in teaching him to
read and write. The court directs the master "to put the said servant to school
one month, and to instruct his said servant another month.
not b
An illegitimate child is brought to the court, whose reputed father could
)e found out. The court ordered the child "to be called John Thorley."
152 DELAWARE COUNTY
Tavern licenses were granted by the governor, but none could apply but
such as were recommended by the court. The api)lication for these "recom-
mendations" were rather annovin".
At the May court, this year, a commission from Governor Evans to Jas-
per Yeates, Caleb Pusey, Jeremiah Collett, Philip Roman and Jonathan Hayes
was read, when they were qualified as Justices.
In the year 1701. an act was passed authorizing the erection of a bridge
over Chester creek, in the town of Chester, and ordering the justices of the
county court of this county "to lay out a road from the Kings road that leads
to New^ Castle and Maryland, near as may be to Ralph Fishbourn — the in-
tended place for a bridge over Chester creek." The road was not laid out
till this year, when it appears the bridge was completed. But another trouble
presented itself ; for some of the inhabitants of Chichester "did declare they
would never cut nor clear" the said road. I'.ut the court got round the difficulty
by ordering "the inhabitants of Chester, with such others as are willing to as-
sist them, at their own proper charge, for the more effectual answering the
said law% and speedy accommodation of all travellers, to cut and clear the road
as they had laid it out." The Chester people were very anxious for the road,
and the work was soon accomplished, and a report thereof made to the next
court. The great thoroughfare, by land, from the north to the south now,
for the first ti 
