History: Local: Chapter XXIX & XXX : Agriculture and Township Organization : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ 439 (cont.) CHAPTER XXIX. AGRICULTURE THE annals of agriculture in Eastern Pennsylvania are so essentially blended with that of the whole Country that some reference to the subject, in a general way, seems a necessary prelude to the history of farming and farmers in Montgomery County. If the number, character and condition of persons employed in tilling the soil were considered in connection with the necessity and gross value of the product, great importance must be conceded to the calling. Agriculturists are producers, and from least to greatest, the farm, plantation or modern ranch must show a product in excess of home consumption equal to a fair rental value over the interest cost of the land and improvements, or the investment will be deemed a financial failure. Under the American system of tenures, and the excellent laws for the registration of titles, land has become the most safe, and hence the most desirable, security for all permanent investment of surplus capital. This in itself has enhanced the value of improved lands eligibly located. The primary disadvantage to the practical tiller of the soil is increased by our vast system of internal improvements in rail and waterways, by means of which the products of cheaper lands, thousands of miles westward, can be brought in direct competition with the more costly agricultural products of the Atlantic States. This disadvantage is, however, in some measure compensated by the superior markets afforded to those who are at a convenient distance from our seaport cities and large inland manufacturing towns. The census reports of 1880 exhibit results flattering to agricultural pursuits. Of four million eight thousand nine hundred and seven farms, approximating into which the cultivated area of the United States is divided, nearly seventy percent are managed and tilled by their owners. In the Northern States the proportion rises to eighty percent and even higher. We have millions of farms just large enough to profitably employ the labor of the proprietor and his growing sons and daughters. In the Far West we have 440 multitudes of plantations and ranches upon which labor, capital and improved machinery, are employed under skilled direction; among them farms that are the wonder of the world, where one thousand or five thousand acres are sown as one field of wheat or corn, or, as on the Dalrymple farm in Dakota, "where a brigade of six-horse reapers go twenty abreast to cut the grain that waves before the eye almost to the horizon." The American farmers, as a class, differ essentially from the agriculturists or peasantry or Europe. The active tillers of the soil here are the same kind of men as those who fill the professions are engaged in commercial and mechanical pursuits. Of a family of sons of the same parent; born and raised on the old homestead, all are liberally educated as they grow up, and having outgrown the farm, one becomes a lawyer and judge, another goes down into the city and becomes a merchant, or, perhaps, gives himself to political affairs and becomes Governor or a member of Congress; but one among them, inspired by ancestral pride, remains upon the old farm, or carves out a new one for himself and his children, on the public domain in the West, remaining through his life it plain, hard-working farmer. This has been the experience of many generations, and nowhere in the world, for the last half century has there been mental activity and alertness equal to that in America, applied to the cultivation of the soil. And while this has been the character of the native born farmers, those who have come among its from foreign countries have caught the step all spirit of the national Government with wonderful ease. With examples on every hand of the right way of doing things, the Germans, Scandinavians, and perhaps, in a less degree, the Irish and French who have made their home, with us, have been changed from the crude ways of the European peasant to the happier methods of the American farmer. [See NOTE 29-1.] The landed wealth of American farmers evidenced the fruit of their toil. Of the 4,008,967 farms in the whole county of Pennsylvania contains 213,542. Of these 38,331 contain over 20 acres and less than 50 acres and 78,877 contain over 100 and less than 500 acres and although the tendency of the later years has been to decrease the numbers of acres in farms, we still have in the State 922 farms of over 500 acres and less than 1000, and 244 farms containing over 1000 acres of improved land. The average number of acres of Pennsylvania's 213,542 farms was, in 1880, 93 acres; the average in 1870 was 103; in 1860, 109; in 1850, 117. The value of these farm lands, as reported in the census of 1880, was $975,689,410; in 1870, $1,043,481,582; in 1860, $662,050,707; in 1850, $407,876,099. The value of implements and machinery was: in 1880, $35,473,037 in 1870, $35,685,196; in 1860, $22,443,842; in 1850, $14,722,541. The product of cereals in Pennsylvania aggregate all immense annual wealth,- Barley: 1880, 438,100 bushels; 1870, 529,562 bushels; 1860, 530,714 bushels; 1850, 165,584 bushels; Buckwheat: 1880, 4,661,200 bushels; 1870, 3,904,030 bushels; 1860, 5,542,024 bushels; 1850, 2,193,669 bushels; Corn: 1880, 45,821,531 bushels; 1870, 34,702,006 bushels; 1860, 28,196,821 bushels; 1850, 19,835,214 bushels; Rye: 1880, 3,683,621 bushels; 1870, 3,577,644 bushels; 1860, 5,474,788 bushels; 1850, 4,805,160 bushels; Wheat: 1880, 19,462,405 bushels; 1870, 19,672,967 bushels; 1860, 13,042,165 bushels; 1850, 15,367,601 bushels; Tobacco: 1880, 36,943,272 pounds; 1870, 3,467,539 pounds; 1860, 3,181,586 pounds; 1850, 912,651 pounds; Irish potatoes: 1880, 16,284,819 bushels; 1870, 12,889,367 bushels; 1860, 11,687,467 bushels; 1850, 5,980,732 bushels. Value of livestock in Pennsylvania: 1880, $84,242,877; 1870, $115,647,075; 1860, $69,672,726; 1850, $41,500,053. Products of Montgomery County 1880: Barley, none reported; buckwheat, 2234 bushels; Indian corn, 1,521,097 bushels; oats, 840,085 bushels; rye, 194,636 bushels; wheat, 486,763 bushels. Value of orchard products, $748,691; hay, 111,612 tons; Irish potatoes, 564,643 bushels; sweet potatoes, 1684 bushels; tobacco, 20,930 pounds. Horses, number, 14,805; mules and asses, 452; working oxen, 12; milch cows 34,918; other cattle, 9874; sheep, 2800; swine, 21,160. [NOTE 29-1.] In the South the soil was, until the war of Rebellion tilled by a race of blacks, degraded and brutalized, so far as is implied in a system of chattel slavery. Upon the fruits of their labor the master lived, either in luxury or in squalor, according to the number of those whose unpaid services he could command. The great majority of the slave-holding class lived far more meanly than ordinary mechanics in the North, or even than the common day-laborers among us. Of the three hundred and eighty-four thousand slave-holders of 1860, twenty per cent owned but one slave each, twenty-one percent more owned but two or three; those who owned five slaves, or fewer, compromising fifty-five percent of the entire number, while seven-two percent had less than ten slaves, including men, women and children. To the vast majority of this class slavery meant, simply and solely, shirking work; and to enjoy this blessed privilege they were content to live in miserable huts, eat the coarsest food and wear their butternut-colored homespun. The slave worked just as little as he could, and just as poorly as he dared; ate everything on which he could lay his hands on without having the lash laid on his back; and wasted and spoiled on every side, not from a malicious intention, but because he was ignorant, clumsy, stupid, or at least stupefied. The master lived on whatever he could wrest from laborer of this class. Of the planters with seven cabins or families of slaves averaging five each including house-servants, aged invalids and children, Mr. Fred Law Olmstead, in his work, on "The Cottage Kingdom," estimated the income "to be hardly more than that of a private of the New York metropolitan police force." Yet there were only about twenty thousand slave holders in 1800 who held slaves in excess of this number. Of these, two or three thousand lived in something like state and splendor. What the industrial outcome of the abolition of slavery will be, it is yet too early to decide; but we already know that we are past the danger of "a second Jamaica," of which we had had once a reasonable fear. The blacks are already under the impulse of their own wants, working than better than they did beneath the lash; and these wants are likely to increase in number and intensity. As to the poor whites of the South, I am disposed to believe that they are preparing for us a great surprise. We have been accustomed to think of them as brutalized by slavery till they had become lazy, worthless and vicious. Perhaps we shall find that the poor whites have been suppressed rather than degraded, and that beneath the hunting, fishing, lounging habit which slavery generated and maintained, lies a native shrewdness almost possessing Yankee wit, an indomitable pluck, such as has made the fights of Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg memorable forever in the history of mankind, and an energy which when turned from horse-races, street-fights, cocking-mains, hunting and fishing, to breaking up the ground, felling the forest, running the mill, exploring the mines and driving trade, may yet realize all the possibilities of that fair toil[?]. -Francis A. Walker, late superintendent of the tenth census. [FINIS NOTE 29-1.] 441 Products of wool, 15,428 pounds; milk, 5,534,032 gallons; butter, 4,166,479 pounds; cheese, 342,004. Average Annual Value of Products of Milk Cows. Gallons of milk per cow, 158, 16 cts. per gallon 25.28 Pounds of butter per cow, 119, 40 cts. per pound 47.60 Pounds of cheese per cow, 9 at 5 cts. per pound .45 Value of one calf per year 12.00 ______ Total $85.33 Farm areas and farm values in Montgomery County: Farms, number, 6114; improved land, 270,056 acres; value of farms, including improvements, $36,688,601; value of farming implements and machinery, $1,567,046; value of livestock, $2,779,555; cost of building and repairing fences, 1879, $282,631 cost of fertilizers purchased, 1879, $141,278; estimated value of all farm products sold and consumed for 1879, $6,086,078. The following comparative statistics from the census of 1880 exhibit the industrial resources of Montgomery and adjoining counties: Areas of improved land: Berks, 405,714; Bucks, 324,763; Chester, 401,714; Lancaster, 490,922; Lehigh, 173,104; Montgomery, 270,056. Estimated value of all productions sold and consumed: Berks, $4,485,551; Bucks, $5,960,056; Chester, $5,9711,229; Lancaster, $9320,202; Lehigh, $2,416815, Montgomery, $6,086,078. Value of annual products sold and consumed per acre: Berks, $11.60 Bucks, $18.83; Chester$14.86; Lancaster, $18.90; Lehigh, $13.96; Montgomery, $22.54. Estimated market value of land per acre: Berks. $91.04; Bucks; $111.31; Chester, $97.50; Lancaster, $140.41; Lehigh, $103.41; Montgomery, $135.85. Gross indebtedness: Berks, $1,384,455; Bucks, $95,649; Chester, $954,821; Lancaster, $1,270,919; Lehigh, $1,014,019; Montgomery, $324,145. Securities and convertible assets: Berks $135,700; Bucks, not reported; Chester, not reported; Lancaster, $132,958; Lehigh, $40,122. Number of manufacturing establishments: Berks, 1044; Bucks, 599; Chester, 737; Lancaster, 1437; Lehigh, 473; Montgomery, 840. Capital invested: Berks, $12,522,140; Bucks, $3,039,014 Chester, $6,411,853; Lancaster, $10,481,798; Lehigh, $12,850,472; Montgomery, $13,789,461. Annual products: Berks, $20,143,164; Bucks, $6,208,209; Chester, $10,404,331; Lancaster, $14,809,330; Lehigh $14,097,475; Montgomery $20,656,993. The estimated value of the annual agricultural and manufacturing product of Montgomery County exceeds by $2,613,439 that of any other county in the state, excepting the city and county of Philadelphia, and Allegheny County, which includes the city of Pittsburg. The importance of the foregoing results will be fully appreciated when contrasted with the total yield of the gold and silver of the United State total gold and silver, 1880, $74,490,620. The industrial pursuits of Montgomery County yielded a product in money value equal to thirty-five percent of the bullion of the United States for the year 1880. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. -In the winter of 1845-46 a few farmers in the neighborhood of Jeffersonville, Norriton township, animated by the example of the agriculturists of Philadelphia County, met together in the village schoolhouse to discuss the propriety of forming a local association for the promotion of the interests they had in common, believing such a course best calculated to aid them in the successful prosecution of their calling. Their deliberations resulted in the adoption of a constitution the 23d of February, 1846, by which they agreed to style themselves "The Jeffersonville Agricultural Association of Montgomery, County." This may be considered the starting point in the history of the society. Dr. George W. Holstein in delivering an address before this Society on the 19th of October, 1856, referring to the organization of the society says: "All honor to that little, Spartan band of six that there and then bond themselves together and resolved to battle against the difficulties and trials that such an enterprise must always encounter in its infancy. Its first officers were: President, William Bean; Vice-president; John Miller and Robert Stinson; Treasurer, Samuel Shannon; Recording Secretary, Michael S. Ramsey; Corresponding Secretary, A. W. Shearer. Thus, you see, that when first organized the officers were filled by six gentlemen, and, although but ten years have rolled by since that period, more than one-half of that little party have already passed the stage of action, and gone to find their reward in a higher sphere; and if no other memorial of their useful career is left behind them, they have a lasting monument to their worth in this honorable and prosperous institution." The meeting of this society were held every two months, alternately at Jeffersonville and Penn Square. These meetings were often informal in their character, combining social features with those of a business nature. Addresses upon subjects pertaining of the objects of the association were frequent. Among those who read important papers in the year's of 1847-48 were Hon. Jonathan Roberts, Judge Longstreth and Rev. Henry S. Rodenbough. On the 6th of December 1847, at resolution was presented and adopted to hold a public exhibition during the ensuing year. At that date the proposition was novel and the difficulties to be met and overcome were, deemed of a serious character. A committee, consisting of William Bean, William Hamil, Daniel Smith, Arnold Baker, and Daniel Getty was appointed to submit a plan of details. The want of funds precluded the association from offering premiums in money; the committee suggested the substitution of certificates of merit for the best display of such stock, products, implements, etc., as might be exhibited. The plan was approved, and the following committee was appointed to carry it into effect, with power to make all necessary arrangements: A. W. Shearer Arnold Baker James H. Owen Daniel C. Getty Jonathan Ellis John Beard Augustus W. Styer. The want of proper accommodations presented a serious obstacle to success, but these difficulties were surmounted, and on the 19th and 20th of October, 1848, the first annual exhibition of the association was held at Jeffersonville, on which occasion Mr. John Wilkinson, of Chestnut Hill, delivered the address standing on a carpenter's workbench on the barn floor of the tavern property. From the stand A. W. Shearer read off the list of premiums awarded by several committees. The display of livestock was highly creditable to the effort and neighborhood; the implements of husbandry exhibited were of the best quality, and it became evident that the interests of the farmer and the mechanic were mutual; it led to competitive trials 442 plows, and plowmen, grain-threshers and farms, mills for making cider, pumps for lifting water, and a general display of all mechanical inventions of that date in which farmers were interested. There was a Domestic or Ladies' Department at the first exhibition. The display was made in the old hotel still standing in the village. The rooms occupied were on the second floor at the West End of the building. The farmers' wives and daughters evinced a disposition to cooperate, and their contributions were numerous and greatly admired. This was the first instance in the history of Montgomery when the almost sacred "spare rooms" of our blessed mothers were made to pay tribute to the "cattle show." One remembers with what decorous modesty and blushing shyness the maiden daughters stood guard over the precious things and rare household goods that were here consecrated to new uses. Mothers were not without misgivings, and watched with critical interest the curious inspection to which the well-preserved articles "brought from home" were subjected by the crowd. The "exhibition" was a success, and the society took the necessary steps to have them annually. The farmers from the east end of Norriton, Whitpain and Plymouth united their efforts, and the second annual exhibition was held at Penn Square on the 17th and 18th of October, 1849. Later the society purchased several acres of ground at Springtown, a village at the point where De Kalb Street road crosses the Germantown turnpike, and erected permanent buildings and shedding for all kinds of cattle, with a quarter-mile track for speeding horses and exhibiting rare and fancy stock. This ground was secured and the improvements erected in the year 1850. The following committee selected the grounds find located the several buildings: William Bean Jonathan Ellis John H. White Samuel Roberts John Walker Arnold Baker Joseph Shannon. The following gentlemen were appointed a building committee Samuel Roberts David Getty Samuel Shannon John Styer John Harding John Rex George Geatrell Rees Conrad William Hamil. The following gentlemen constituted the committee of arrangements for the first exhibition, held at Springtown on the 9th and 10th of October, 1850: John Styer Colonel Thomas P. Knox William Wentz Daniel C. Getty Henry Novioch Edwin Moore Rees Conrad. Of the early officers of this society, Dr. Holstein writes: "Mr. William Bean occupied the presidential chair during the first year of its existence, and on the 1st of February, 1847 retired in favor of Dr. Jones Davis of Lower Providence, brother-in-law of Mr. Bean. "Dr. Davis, brought with him to the chair a ripe experience, as a scholar and practical farmer, and for a period of five years gave freely his time and mean in advancing the work in hand. He retired February 2, 1852, and G. Brown, Esq. was elected his successor who presided with zeal and ability for two years On the 6th of February 1855, Dr. James A. McCrea was elected his successor who served efficiently for one year. Mr. Edwin Moore of Upper Merion was elected, at the ninth annual exhibit, which was the most encouraging in the history of the society." The first recording secretary, Michael S. Ramsey, Esq., filled the office but one year, when he was succeeded by Christian Miller, Esq., who, like his predecessor, retired after serving, one year, preparatory to exploring the gold-fields of California. Mr. Miller made a most excellent secretary, and his loss was keenly felt. Mr. William Bean, the first president, was induced to accept the office, serving with credit for the succeeding year. He retired in favor of James Henry Owen, his son-in-law. Mr. Owen fulfilled the duties of the office for five consecutive years, when he was succeeded by George F. Roberts, who was in office at the time of the ninth annual exhibition, held at Springtown in 1856. The subordinate offices of the society underwent frequent changes, but from the first able and competent gentlemen were always found ready to step forward and give their aid and services, either as officers or private members. The society had three hundred and fourteen contributing members at the close of the year 1856. The name of the society was changed on February 4, 1850, to The Montgomery County Agricultural Society, per report of Jonathan Ellis, NV, A. Styer and William Yerkes, committee. There was quite a lively contest between the friends who favored the three several villages bidding for the permanent location, -Jeffersonville, Penn Square and Springtown. The friends of the two latter united in accepting the liberal overtures of the proprietor of the Springtown property, and won the day. The society now numbered several hundred members, among them the most enterprising and intelligent agriculturists, manufacturers, merchants and mechanics of the county. Their stated meetings, were largely attended, and frequently papers were read by learned specialists, and discussions of a practical character were encouraged, to the manifest advantage of all concerned. Their annual exhibitions were distinguished for the rare displays of stock, farm products, machinery and fast horses, while the Ladies' Department developed into proportions that made it for many years the most conspicuous feature of each annual exhibition. The attendance was large, and the proceeds from admission; to the grounds enabled the society to pay liberal premiums to competitors, and extend their improvements for the convenience and encouragement of exhibitors. The remoteness of the place, however, from railroad facilities, and want of hotel accommodations commensurate with the public need on these annual occasion, gave rise to dissatisfaction among the wide circle of membership, which resulted in the organization of a new Society located at Norristown know as East Pennsylvania Agricultural and Mechanical Society, and the removal of the original society to Ambler 443 Station on the Northern Pennsylvania Railroad, in Upper Dublin Township where more extensive grounds were purchased and enlarged buildings erected. The society became well established at Ambler, under the presidency of Hon. Wm. B. Roberts, and an energetic board of officers, materially aided by the ladies of the vicinity. For many years its annual exhibitions were largely attended, and the display of agricultural products, farmstock, and implements was very creditable. The Home Department was under the control of the ladies, whose choice contribution, from the well conducted farm- homes of the county, rendered these annual exhibitions memorable in the annals of agriculture. [See NOTE 29-2.] A notable feature on these occasion was the trails of speed which in the judgement of many, was only another name for "horseracing," and the continuance of the practice eventually gave rise to dissatisfaction to many of the farmers, who believed it to be a perversion of the original or primary object of the society. Wm. G. Audenried succeeded Mr. Roberts in the presidency of this society, who, in turn, was succeeded by Dr. Milton Newberry, Lewis Styer and Joseph Rex being recording secretaries in the order named. No exhibitions have been held by the society for several years past, and the grounds and improvements were sold in 1884 to a number of gentlemen who held liens against the property. THE EAST PENNSYLVANIA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY was organized December 1860. The first officers elected were: President, Dr. William Wetherill Vice-presidents, M. C. Boyer, Samuel E. Hartranft Recording Secretary, Theodore W. Bean Corresponding Secretary, A. Brower Longaker Treasurer, David Sower Executive Committee Henry S. Hitner Samuel F. Jarret Samuel E. Hartranft William L. Williamson Abraham Brower James M. Chain John Ogden Chas. P. Shannon Auditing Committee George Pennick George Fronfield A. F. Jarrett. The following gentlemen served as president of this society; John Kennedy, elected January 15, 1866 Joshua Ashbridge, elected January 20, 1868 C. F. Norton, elected January 17, 1870 Hiram C. Hoover, elected January 19, 1871 Walter H. Cook, elected February 10, 1873 S. E. Hartranft, elected February 18, 1875 0. G. Morris, elected February 14, 1876 John Kennedy, elected February 12, 1877. The last officers of this society were President, John Kennedy Vice Presidents, William H. Holstein, Thomas H. Wentz Recording Secretary, F. T. Beerer Corresponding Secretary, A. S. Hallman Treasurer, Charles Hurst Executive Committee Morgan Wright, Jesse P. Eastburn Daniel Getty Andrew Hart Chas. D. Phillips Benj. P. Wertsner Chas. Dager John J. Hughes The society purchased a tract of twenty acres, with its front on Stanbridge and Marshall Streets, wherein the executive committee erected a large exhibition hall and commodious shedding for cattle, a large building for the display of machinery, and graded a very fine half-mile track for the trial of fast-trotting horses. [See NOTE 29-3.] The first annual exhibition of the society was held in the fall of 1861, and was attended with marked success. The Home Department was managed by the, ladies of the society, to whom the gentlemen committed the, entire control, limiting them only in the amount of money expended for premiums paid. This society was for several years a liberal patron to artisans, who, in turn, made liberal displays of their products. The accommodations enabled merchants of Norristown and Philadelphia to display their goods and wares, while inventors and manufacturers of improved machinery from different parts of the United States entered their product for the liberal premiums offered. The competition among owners and trainers of trotting horses was a feature of great local attraction. As compared with the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, this society may have surpassed it in exhibits of fast horses and machinery, may have equaled it in the Home and Floral Departments, but as to farm products and horned cattle, sheep, swine and poultry, the Montgomery County Society always had the finest displays. The last exhibition of this society was held in the autumn of 1877, since which time the grounds and improvements have been converted to other uses. The practical utility of agricultural societies has been in some measure superseded by the society of patrons of husbandry. These organizations found early auxiliaries in the county and State agricultural societies [NOTE 29-2.] It was during the presidency of Mr. Roberts that an ineffectual effort was made to unite the two county societies; the difference of opinion were found to be to irreconcilable; the matter of location was in favor of Norristown, but the fear of to much horse-racing prevented the union of these societies. [FINIS NOTE 29-2.] [NOTE 29-3.] This society was publicly inaugurated on the 4th day of July 1861. The ceremonial exercise embraced a parade of military and civic organizations and it formal dedication of the grounds and building to the uses intended General William Shall, was chief marshal of the parade assisted by Colonel John R. Rigg Colonel A. W. Shearer Major J. C. Snyder S. E. Hartranft Henry G. Hart Jacob Mitchner Abijah Stephens Dr. John Schrack, aids The following military organizations participated in the parade: Wayne Artillerists (Captain David Shall), National Artillerists (Captain John C. Snyder) Pulon Cadets (Jacob F. Quillman) Jeffersonville Rangers Bluebell Rangers Upper Merion Rifle Company Hand-in-Hand Rifle Company Captain Winters' and Captain Owen Jones' calvary companies. The two latter were subsequently mustered into service and served until the close of the Rebellion. The military were followed by a division of civic societies marshaled by Theo. W. Bean; Montgomery Lodge of Odd Fellows. No. 57 Curtis Lodge No 239 Norris Lodge No 430; and the Encampment of Odd Fellows; Taylors Council, American Mechanics No. 29; Cadets of Temperance, No. 32. The fire Department was represented by Norristown Hose Company and Fairmont Engine Company. On reaching on the fairground the parade was met by a large concourse of people. Dr. William Wetherill the president of the society called the vast assemblage to order and announced the formal opening of the exhibition hall and dedication of the grounds to the use intended in a brief but comprehensive speech. Hon. A Brower Longacker read the Declaration of Independence; he was followed by David Paul Brown, Esq., who delivered the oration of the day. The event was successful and the new society was ushered into existence with every prospect of public favor and usefulness. [FINIS NOTE 29-3.] 444 throughout the county, and in many localities have thoroughly absorbed public interest in their fraternal offices of cooperation its to render agricultural societies in some measure useless. It must be conceded that the associated efforts of the farmers of the county in the two societies had a tendency to quicken the energies and sharpen competition among them as a class. These associations encouraged the introduction of improved implements and machinery, by which the labor of the farmer has been lightened and seasons of extreme toil shortened. The mower, reaper and binder have materially lessened the risk of securing crops, by shortening the period of hay and grain harvests. Improved plows, cultivators and seed-drills have made, the planting of crops quite as much a matter of skilled labor as that of the mechanic and artisan. As a matter of history, the annual product of all hundred-acre Montgomery County farms, Well managed, for the year ending April 1, 1865, is deemed worthy of preservation: 250 bushels of wheat at $2.50 $625.00 400 bushels of oats at $1.00 400.00 500 bushels of corn at $1.40 700.00 300 bushels of potatoe at $1.50 450.00 2400 pounds of butter at 60 cent 1440.00 Pork, lambs, veal, wool, hay, poultry orchard fruit and dairy products in excess consumption 600.00 ________ $4215.00 Paid for hired man $300.00 Paid for hired boy 100.00 Paid for hired girl 150.00 Paid for harvest labor 125.00 Paid for taxes and repairs 300.00 Paid for feed 400.00 Paid for incidental expenses 150.00 ______ 1525.00 ________ Profit $2690.00 The war ended April 9, 1863, and it declined in the price of all commodities followed. This was first and most keenly felt by the agriculturists of the country. The cost of labor, transportation, improved machinery; lumber, fuel and fertilizers receded slowly from the maximum of expansion reached in the protracted struggle. The farmers of the interior and of the great West felt most the sudden change. The fall in the price of corn, wheat and oats, horses, horn cattle, pork, sheep and wool, all of which were subject to continued high rates of transportation to a market east of the Alleghanies, led to cooperative efforts among farmers as a class of producer, having for its object the expulsion of all "middle men" between them and the consumers, the purchase in bulk of their own supplies and the cheapening of freights by antagonizing corporate monopolies. This effort crystallized in the organization of the Farmers' Grange, the operations to which have become a part of the history of the country. No review of the agriculturists of this generation would approach completeness without reference to these societies and the influence they have and still are exerting upon large communities throughout the North mid West. The keen sense of commercial advantage natural to the intelligent American farmer was quickened and enlarged by the stirring times through which they, in common with others, had passed and representing the great landed wealth of the country, their leading men and capitalists were urgent in all cooperative efforts to equalize the advantages of the producing classes with those of the consumers. In addition to the commercial advantage of the organization, it has certain social features of peculiar interest. The grange recognizes in the adult woman of the period an equal factor in domestic economy and in these societies, as we are informed, she is placed on a perfect equality with men in all matters pertaining to their offices of usefulness. In this they are the most progressive of all fraternal organizations of the age, and the measure of influence for good they are exerting is difficult to estimate. [See NOTE 29-4.] [NOTE 29-4.] "We would especially urge the importance of woman's mission in the grange. No social, education or moral work can prosper without her sympathy and active support. The founders of our order very wisely 'opened wide the door and bade her welcome to the grange,' welcome to all its privileges, welcome to share in the social enjoyment and its mental culture, and to be the centre of its moral influence. It is her mission to help to a higher life all that are permitted to associate with her in like social circles of the home. Let that influence is felt with equal power in the grange, and its existence is assured. Her presence will always secure good order and add to the enjoyment of our meetings, and her strong faith, patient endurance in adversity, and her intuitive perception of the right will prove to be the sheet-anchor of our fraternal organization whenever it is threatened with danger of any kind. A grand opportunity is here offered to woman to extend her influence for good. We hope it will be improved and in thus helping others to successfully fight the battle of life, her better nature will be strengthened, and she will come nearer to our ideas of the 'perfect woman nobly planned.'" -Report of Committee on Good of the Order, National Grange 1882. "REPORT OF THE WORTHY CHAPLAIN, "As Chaplain of the Pennsylvania State Grange, I take pleasure in reporting the condition of the order, so far as it has come under my notice since our last annual meeting. "My visitations have been confined chiefly to my native county of Montgomery. Here, in company with my wife, who occupies the position of Ceres, I have visited nearly all the subordinate organizations in the county. Two of the oldest granges in the state are in our county Keystone, No. 2, and Pennypack, No. 8. In the early days of the order they were strong and vigorous they have had troubles to discourage them, removals, death, the weeding-out process etc., all of which have lessened their numbers. In both of these granges are found some of our most earnest patrons, who continue to have an abiding faith in the stability and importance of our order. For both of them we hope a better day is dawning. "Our own, Merion, No. 112, comes next in line she holds her own well, never having missed a stated meeting without a quorum. "Our visit to Star, No. 562, Cold Point, No. 606, and Wissahickon, No. 760, have most of the mod pleasant kind, finding all in good working order. "Our Pomona, No. 8, is in a very flourishing condition, The meetings, are always largely attended and deeply interesting. The annual combined meeting of Pomonas Nos. 3, 8 and 22 has become thoroughly established, and accompanied with good results. Here we have the 5th degree conferred in full form. Visitors come from all the adjoining counties, and many from New Jersey and Delaware. "WILLIAM H. HOLSTEIN "Chaplain Pennsylvania State Grange, 1883" "REPORT OF THE WORTHY CERES "WORTHY MASTER: "The only grange, work I have done, separate form my husband, Worthy Chaplain of State Grange, was in April last when at the request of Brothers Herr and Brown, of Clinton County. Pa who had arranged visits in their county, some other granges along the route added to the plan. One in Columbia County, with their Pomona Grange; one in Monitor grange, one in Snyder, one in Union, two in Lycoming and one in Clinton County. The cost of this trip to the State Grange $14.64. As a report of this visitation was sent to the Farmers' Friend upon my return, and an itemized statement of expenses sent to 'Worthy Secretary R. H. Thomas, it, is not worth while to repeat them. "Whether this trip resulted in any good to the places visited I am unable to say; but the pleasure of meeting so many true Patrons is a most agreeable remembrance of thus time, spent. "ANNA M. HOLSTEIN "Ceres of Pennsylvania State Grange, 1883" [FINIS NOTE 29-4.] 445 The order of Patrons of Husbandry was introduced into Montgomery County in the year 1873 by the granting of a charter to Keystone Grange, No. 8, of Montgomery County, Pa., located in Upper Providence Township. The following are among the granges organized in Montgomery County, [See NOTE 29-5.] as recently said by one of their most active members, to unite the Agriculturists in a brotherhood that knows no North, South, East or West." [NOTE 29-5.] We have been unable to obtain complete data of these organizations. Sanitoga Grange, P. of H., located in Pottsgrove Township, is among those omitted for the reason stated. [FINIS NOTE 29-5.] KEYSTONE GRANGE, NO. 2, P. OF H., PENNSYLVANIA. [Grange No. 1, Pennsylvania is in Lycoming County.] -Organized March 20, 1873, G. W. Thompson, of New Jersey. This was the first organization of the Patrons of Husbandry in Montgomery County, Pa. CHARTER MEMBERS Josiah S. Miller John Wanner H. R. Rittenhouse Milton C. Rambo Abr'm Eddleman Jesse W. Slough Nelson 0. Naille Jonathan Hayes John D. Wittey John D. Saylor Henry Keeler J. W. Shupe James R. Weikle B. M. Markley Chas. S. Miller A. D. Bechtel H. D. Bechtel Mrs. Hannah C. I. Miller Mrs. Mary A. Wanner Elizabeth Edleman Sarah Naille Mary A. Slough Elizabeth Shupe Elizabeth Keeler Time of meeting, first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. GOOD-WILL GRANGE, NO. 7, P OF H., was organized July 24, 1873. CHARTER MEMBERS D. H. Keck M. H. Brendlinger D. S. Levengood Wm. H. Young John Roos George M. Drumheller Abraham Hoffman J. F. Yost David Hatfield Miss Hannah Pannebacker Miss Louisa Roos Miss Emma Yost Mrs. S. Wagner Henry W. Schneider James S. Knous Francis Updegrove M. F. Leidy Joel M. Koch John Sabold, Jr. A. L. Wilson Mrs. Kate Young Miss Amanda Roos Miss Rebecca Yost Mrs. Elizabeth Drumheller M. H. Brendlinger was the first Master and D. H. Keck is the present Master. STAR GRANGE, NO. 562, P. OF H., was organized June 10, 1875, by George Hammel, County Deputy at Eagle Hall, Huntington Valley, Montgomery Co. CHARTER MEMBERS William W. Ridge Nauris S. Saurman Wynkoop Boutcher Christian Snyder Christian B. Duffield R. Edwin Duffield Peter Fesmire Harvey Fesmire George Heaton Amos Buckman James B. Lesher James Marsh Joseph Winder Elwood Lukens William Banes Joseph Banes Samuel Yerkes Charles Heaton Cecelia Shelmire Emma Heaton Carrie Banes M. Ella Duffield Meeting on Wednesday evenings on or before full moon, and on the Wednesday evening two weeks after. PENNYPACK GRANGE, NO. 8, P. OF R., was organized August 2, 1873 in Jones' Hall, Hatboro by James Wilkinson, of Iowa, a deputy of the National Grange. CHARTER MEMBERS Chas. L. Walton Joseph Barmsley John C. Hobesack B. I. Hallowell A, L. Phillips Geo. W. Walton Chas. R. Kauffman Anna S. Walton Elizabeth B. Walton Chas. W. Heaton John Shaw Samuel C. Walker Eliz. Hobensack Wm. Phipps John Dennison Seth L. Walton Edwin C. Walton Mary W. Walton Mina Young Lottie Hobensack Edward H. Parnell George W. Benchler Thomas Reading Tacey A. Appleton The present Master (1884) is Alfred L. Phillips. Place of meeting, Chas. L. Walton's Hall, Moreland township. Time of meeting, Wednesday on or before the full moon. MERION GRANGE, NO. 112, P. OF H, was organized at the King of Prussia schoolhouse, February 4, 1874, by District Deputy Master Heckel. CHARTER MEMBERS George W. Righter Isaac W. Holstein John Hampton William Davids James Abraham Wm. B. Roberts Mark R. Supplee Servitus Supplee Samuel Tyson Benj. C. Abraham William Pechin Ezekiel Anderson Andrew Supplee Thomas Abraham Austin L. Taggart Caroline H. Righter Anita M. Holstein Esther Hampton Alice H. Holstein Kate Anderson Susan H. Roberts Hannah Supplee Hannah. R. Supplee Sarah R. Tyson Josie Abraham B. D. Abraham John Hallowell Frank Mancill Jona W. Shainline George W. Shainline George W. Righter was the first and is also the present Master. Merion Grange meets; on the Wednesday evening of or before full moon and the second Wednesday following, the year round, in Merion Chapel near Merion Station, Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. COLD POINT GRANGE, NO. 606, P. OF H., was organized October 11, 1875, in the old Cold Point Baptist Church, by George Hammel, Deputy of Montgomery County, with forty charter members. Benjamin Wertsner Jesse Roberts S. Powell Childs Samuel S. Richards H. C. Biddle Howard Cadwallader William A. Styer Henry Brownholtz John M. Conrad, Frances C. Hoover L. D. Zimmerman Jacob L. Rex Edwin L. Kirk George Freas Charles N. Shearer David Marple William B. Richards Jesse Streeper Mary Wertner Sarah S. Rex E. K. Styer Amanda Biddle Mrs. Francis C. Hoover Maria Zimmerman, Martha Cadwallader Maggie Freas Malinda Childs Lizzie W. Richards Elma B. Conrad Mary Ann Kirk Martha C. Styer Hannah Egbert Elizabeth Harley Mary P. Styer Hannah Styer D. R. Brownholtz Edith Marple The first and present Master is S. Powell Childs. Place of meeting, Plymouth Valley Creamery Hall, every Thursday night. WISSAHICKON GRANGE, NO. 760, P of H., was organized December 5, 1881, by Sarah S. Rex, 446 Deputy-at-large for the State of Pennsylvania, house of Jacob L. Rex, near Blue Bell. On December 26th the grange, took possession of a hall at Ambler Park, the grounds of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society. Charter members: Jacob L. Rex William F. Cramer Sarah S. Cramer Charles Shoemaker Mary Shoemaker John S. Rex Amos Walton Henrietta Walton George Elkinton Mary S. Rex M. Lizzie Keisel Anna Keisel Ellie Walton J. W. Merrill Conrad Walton Christian B Duffield Frank W. Duffield Frederick Nash Charles Keisel The first Master was Jacob L. Rex, the present is John W. Merrill, of Springhouse. Place of meeting, the hall over the Springhouse Creamery, every Thursday night, near Penllyn, on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. PICTURE OF MRS. SARAH S. REX, APPEARS HERE. MRS. SARAH SLINGLUFF REX, daughter of William H. and Mary Slingluff whose ancestry are elsewhere mentioned in this book, was born in Norristown, Pa., October 10, 1834, in the well known old time mansion, the two lower rooms of which were occupied many years for banking purposes by the old Bank of Montgomery County. She was the eldest of five children, and during her school-age years, or until 1848, attended the public schools of Norristown, and subsequently entered, as a student the Oakland Female Institute, under the at the tuition of Rev. James Grier Ralston who was not only the principal of the school, but he owner of the property. Mr. Ralston was as earnest advocate of education for women equal to that obtained by men. From this institute she graduated with the highest honors September 29, 1852. She is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Norristown. She is also a member of the Montgomery County Historical Society, the first woman member ever admitted to that honorable institution. Having a natural as well as an acquired taste for literary pursuits, she has for several years been an industrious contributor to the grange organ of this State, The Farmers' Friend and Grange Advocate, and for two years editress of the department devoted to flowers, their origin, culture, etc. She performed this work solely for the purpose of spreading such Knowledge among the many farmers' wives and families in order to lighten their cares and brighten their homes and lives. In the great grange movement throughout the country she saw great possibilities for the women of the farms, and as her lot in life, had been cast with them, she felt it her duty to assist them all that lay in her power. She was for a number of years president of the 447 "Home Department" of both of the agricultural societies of Montgomery County; first, the East Pennsylvania, then the "old" Montgomery County; in fact, was the presiding officer of each, until each in its turn departed this life. She has, with honor to herself and profit to the Pennsylvania State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, filled the high and responsible office of Flora for two terms, and was in 1885 a member of the Finance Committee of the State Grange, and also Deputy-at-Large to the State of Pennsylvania. She is omnivorous as regards books, newspapers and periodicals, extravagantly fond of flowers, gardening and of the annual kingdom she is passionately fond of the noble horse and other pet animals of a domestic nature or species. She was married, April 1, 1853, to Jacob Lentz Rex, Esq., and a farmer of Whitpain, township, Montgomery. Co., the marriage ceremony being performed by Rev. John S. Ermentrout, pastor of the Reformed Church of the Ascension, of Norristown. All her married life has been spent, thus far, upon her husband's farm, which was formerly owned by his father, John Rex, and prior to that by his grandfather, Levi Rex, then of Chestnut Hill, whose wife was Catharine Riter. Mr. and Mrs. Rex are the parents of three children, viz Mary S., William S. and John Rex. POMONA GRANGE, No. 8, Montgomery County Organized in 1875. This is a county organization, and is composed of representatives from all the subordinate granges in the county, and meets quarterly. The State Grange meets annually in January, and is composed of delegates from all the subordinate granges in the State. The National Grange meet annually, and is composed of representatives front all the State Granges. CHAPTER XXX. TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH ORGANIZATION - POST OFFICES - ROADS. TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH ORGANIZATION. -The subject of township and borough formation and the history of local government has as yet been almost entirely overlooked. Watson, in his "Annals," makes no mention of the matter. Very few counties, whose organization or history dates back into the colonial period have had complete accounts or tables prepared as to the origin, date, formation and organization of their respective townships for the purpose of carrying into effect the duties and requirements of the inhabitants of the same in their relation to the government. Though the smallest division, yet taken collectively with the boroughs they form the counties, and these again form the state, which again thrills all integral part of this great republic. Oil the early history of townships errors have been repeatedly published, chiefly through Holme's map of original surveys, bearing the date of 1681, which tiny one only ordinarily informed should know has been filled up down even to 1730, of which we shall have more to say hereafter. Another great error is in the dates assigned for the organization of townships. The population at the dates . "signed in itself shows that their formation was not required and was impracticable: Prior to the grant to Penn no evidence exists that any settlement had been made by Europeans within the present limits of Montgomery County, although the Dutch had, no doubt, for many years previously voyaged up and down the Schuylkill in pursuit of the beaver traffic and other peltries. Section 10, of the royal charter gave unto the said William Penn, his heirs and assigns, free and absolute power to divide the said country and islands into towns, hundreds and counties, and to erect and incorporate towns into boroughs and boroughs into cities, and to make and constitute fairs and markets therein, with all other convenient privileges and immunities according to the merit of the inhabitants and the fitness of the places." To the same was also given the right to erect any parcels of land within the province aforesaid into manors, " and in every of the said manors to have and hold a Court Baron, with all things whatsoever which to a Court Baron do belong; and to have and to hold view of frank-pledge, for the conservance of the peace and the better government of those part. by themselves or their stewards or for the lords for the time being. We see herein-ample powers given to Penn for laying out townships and chartering boroughs; also to confer manorial privileges to large purchasers, with right to hold thereon courts and exercise feudal prerogatives. Owing to the sparse population, attention was tint At once directed to county boundaries until at a meeting of the Provincial Council held 8th of Second month, 1685, when they passed a resolution that " there is a necessity to ascertain the bounds of the several counties of Pennsylvania, in order to the raising and collecting of taxes, public monies, and other ways to adjust the limits of the respective Sheriffs for the performing of their power and duty ; and also that the people might know into what county they all belonged and appertain to answer their duties and places." Such all object necessarily would soon call attention to the formation of townships, and that their lines for the same reasons be clearly established. To carry this into effect the Council, at a meeting held 9th of Second month, 1690, "ordered that a warrant be made to empower each county, by their respective magistrates and grand jury, to divide their respective counties into hundreds, or such other divisions as they shall think most convenient for their ease in col- 448 lecting ye levies for defraying ye charge of the counties." It was on this authority that the first townships of the three original counties namely, Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks were officially formed and organized, and not before, though otherwise stated. Records exist to prove that in Bucks County, from the power now conferred, a court was held at Neshaming Meeting-house the 27th of Seventh Month, 1692, for the especial purpose of laying out aid county into townships, nine being then formed, constituting its most populous portions. In Philadelphia they must have been formed at very nearly the same date, but, most probably, somewhat earlier and not long after the Council's order. We will now briefly refer to Holme's map, that it may no longer mislead even intelligent persons. We find thereon "The Manor of Moreland" duly mentioned and its boundaries denoted. This tract was not taken up nor surveyed until 7th of Sixth Month, 1684. There is also "Letitia Penn's Mannor of 'Mount Joy" and William Penn, Jr's, Mannor of Williamstadt," the surveyors of which were not made until October, 1704, twenty-three years after 1681. Samuel Carpenter's great tract to the north of Moreland was not taken up nor granted him until May 26, 1706. However, we deem it unnecessary to go any farther into this matter than to state that it is a "filled-up map," and that no reliance can be placed on it as to dates. Through this source Mr. Westcott has also been led into errors in his "History of Philadelphia," wherein he states that between the years 1682 and 1684 there were "undoubtedly established the German township, Oxford, Bristol, Moreland Manor, Plymouth, Byberry, Dublin and Kingsessing." We will admit that they may have existed in name; but that was all, not legalized nor laid out in townships, for their population was then entirely too sparse to warrant it. Even no settlement had been made at Germantown until late in the year 1683. As to the paucity of some early records, the following will explain: In a petition of the inhabitants of New Hanover to December Sessions of court, 1735, they state that eleven years before they had been made a township called: Frankfort and New Hanover," and that at the time no record was made of the fact or of its boundaries, hence they desire that now "the same may be recorded by the draft and boundaries hereunto annexed." Courts of Quarter Sessions were not established in the three counties until October 3, 1706, when the Council "ordered that there be a court erected in every county, to be held four times in every year, in which all actions and causes may be tried except matters of life and death." So the power in this court to erect townships could not have existed until after said date, and in which it has ever since remained. This fact, too, will explain the want of early records on the subject. After the minutest search or our part in the records of Philadelphia, we could not find any positive mention earlier then that of Upper Hanover in 1724, and this was by reference in the petition from there to the court in December, 1735. For all earlier dates we had to depend chiefly on deeds, noting therein the first mention of the name is a township, and it is on this authority that the dates are given. Probably the earliest township that bore a name within the present limits of the county was "The parish of Cheltenham," which is so called in a survey made by Thomas Fairman, 1st of Seventh Month, 1683, for a purchase made by Patrick Robinson. The Manor of Moreland was not located until August 7 1684, and we have been unable to find it called a township earlier than 1718, when its population even then must have been very small. Whitpain in one instance is called a township in 1701; but it could not possibly have been such until some years after, Springfield was located in 1681, and in a petition of 1703 is called a manor. Whitemarsh was, called a township in 1704, and it may be possible, from its situation and size, that at that time it exercised such powers. We find thus mentioned Gwynedd and Abington in 1704, Plymouth, 1705; Skippack and Van Beber's, 1713; Upper Merion, 1714; Montgomery, 1747; Limerick, 1722; and Salford in 1727, which brings us down to the period when all future townships are duly mentioned in the records as to their origin and organization, though, in a few instances, very briefly because the draft alone has been preserved. The minutes of the county, commissioners commence in 1718, at which date assessors and collectors had been appointed for Cheltenham, Merion, Upper Merion, Abington, Whitpain, Perkiomen and Moreland; Upper Dublin and Plymouth in 1719; Whitemarsh and Springfield, 1720; and Gwynedd in 1722. It is interesting, in examining those early petitions to the Court of Quarter Sessions, to observe the various reasons set forth therein for the application. Thus, in the petition for the erection of Franconia in 1731, it is stated that the said settlements are too great a circuit for one constable to serve with the township of Salford." The petition for Douglas in 1736 represents; that "the High road leading to Philadelphia through George McCall's Manor and several other tracts of land has been so bad that it was difficult for a single horse to pass without damage, and that the said petitioners had several times represented to this Court the badness thereof, but that nothing as yet is been done; the reason, as they were informed, was because no overseers have been as yet appointed by the Court over the said road, and that there were at least thirty families settled on the said lands who are not in Hanover or Amity townships, between which the said road lieth, and pray the said Court would by pleased to erect the said lands into it township and appoint a Constable and Overseers." For the same year a petition is presented for the erection of New Hanover into a township, because they state that they are now about sixty families settled on a tract of land six miles 449 square who have no "Constable or Overseers of the poor or highways." A petition is presented from New Hanover the same year wherein they present a dispute about supporting a crippled person owing to the boundary with Limerick not having been "fixed and recorded at the time the said person became a cripple." The court then directed the surveyor-general to make it return of the lines in dispute, when they would determine the boundary. In the petition for a division of Salford, in 1741, is stated, among other reasons, "that said township is settled with many inhabitants, some of whom escape being taxed for want of the true boundaries being ascertained." From the petition for the erection of Worcester, in 1733, we have the singular fact that that section was "formerly called New Bristol." Skippack and Perkioming" were not formed into a township until September Sessions, 1725, when by the latter name was included what had been heretofore known as Bebber's tract or township, constituting over one-half of the entire present area. The townships generally derived their names from what they requested to be called in the petition but there are several instances in which no name was mentioned, when, in the order from court, it would be designated. Sometimes the petitioners sent in also a draft denoting the bounds and number of acres, but this, it appears, during the colonial government, was generally done either by the surveyor-general or one of his deputies. The court also in some cases specified the extent and boundaries of the township on which such a survey or draft should be made. We regret to state that very few of the early township drafts have been entered in the records, and consequently have been lost. Immediately on the formation of a township the Court would appoint a constable and one or two overseers of highways and the same number for the poor, these constituting the only local officers until near the date of the Revolution, when, in addition, an assessor and a collector were appointed for the same. Previous to 1760 in some of the smaller townships but one overseer of highways would be appointed; after that date two appears to have been the general number. An act was passed in 1771, which provided for the appointment of two overseers of the poor in each township, by the justices of the peace at a yearly meeting convened for the purpose. This office was not abolished until after the several counties had been amply provided with houses for the support and employment of their needy poor. As respects the formation of townships and local government, it appears no change worth noting is observed until the passage of the act of March 24, 1803, which instruct that "the several Courts of Quarter Sessions of the Peace of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in their respective counties, shall, from and after the passing of this act, have authority, upon application by petition to them made, to erect new townships, to divide any township already erected or to alter the lines of two or more adjoining townships so as to suit the convenience of the inhabitants thereof, and the several courts in their respective counties, upon application so as aforesaid made to them, are hereby authorized and required to appoint three impartial men, if necessary, to inquire into the propriety of granting, the prayer of the petition, and it shall be the duty of said men so appointed, or any two of them, to make a plot or draft of the township proposed to be divided, and the division line proposed to be made therein, or of tile township proposed to be laid off, or of the lines proposed to be altered, or of any two or more adjoining townships, as the case may be, all of which they, or any two of them, shall report to the next Court of Quarter Sessions together with their opinion of the same, and, at the court after that to which the report shall be made, the court shall confirm or set aside the same, as shall appear to them just and reasonable." This act still remains in force, and by it all townships in the State have been formed down to the present time. By the act of April 6, 1802, two supervisors of public road are elected annually, in the several townships on the third Saturday of March. To this were added, in 1807, all assessor and two inspectors. The act of March 20, 1810, permitted the election of "two respectable citizens for constables, whereof the Court of Quarter Sessions should appoint one." This singular mode was a return to the colonial system of the Penns, as pursued in the election and appointment of sheriffs and coroners. Through the new Constitution of 1839 a considerable change was made the offices of justice, of the peace, constable, two supervisors, assessor, assistant assessor, auditor, treasurer and clerk were established in every township and elected by the voters thereof, to which were afterwards added school directors. The first election was held the third Friday in March, 1840, which day has been changed to February. Never before has local government possessed such an influence, and power as now, or so thoroughly recognized the choice to lie in the people, an idea which had no existence under the proprietary sway of almost a century. The power to erect boroughs was vested entirely in the Penn family, and remained thus until the Revolution, when it was confided to the Legislature or the State, in whom it continued until the act or April 1, 1834. This act authorized Courts of Quarter Sessions, with the concurrence of the grand jury of the respective counties, "to incorporate any town or village, within their respective jurisdiction containing not less than three hundred inhabitants." The act of April, 1851, abolished the clause limiting the population, which is to be regretted, and has led, in consequence, to dissatisfaction from the expense entailed on the government of insignificant places. An additional act was passed in June, 1871, to arrest hurried proceeding which required that due mention of such applications 450 be published in at least one newspaper not less then thirty days before such petition should be presented. In all cases a draft or plot of the town to be incorporated must be filed in the office of the clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions and also of all intended enlargements or extensions of existing boroughs. Norristown was originally incorporated in 1812, Pottstown 1815, Conshohocken 1850, and Bridgeport in 1851 by special acts of Assembly. The remaining and later boroughs, of course, have been authorized by the Courts of Quarter Sessions, also townships, wards and election and school districts. In concluding this subject, from the researches made on the history of our several township and borough organizations, we have been impressed with one hitherto great neglect, the importance of which can not be too soon remedied, -in the surveys of all the townships prior to the Revolution the number of acres is invariably given, but since then not a township or even a single borough has been returned with its area in acres. Even in the change made in 1876 of a portion of the boundary line between Whitemarsh and Springfield, no estimate whatever is given of the number of acres which were taken from the latter township. When the history of Montgomery County was prepared, in 1858, the author was desirous of knowing the number of acres taken from Plymouth by the extension of the borough of Norristown five years previous. To ascertain so important and interesting, a fact in local history he was obliged to make calculations himself in what he deemed the most convenient mode. His estimate, as may be seen in said work, was about one hundred and fifty-eight acres; although this has been since repeatedly published as correct, yet it was not official nor made by a special survey. It is hoped in the future that this matter will be no longer be overlooked by the proper authorities. Further, that all the boundary lines may be gone, over as near as possible after the early surveys, and at all corners and at certain intervals square white marble stones be placed to designate the proper lines, and that all the township and borough areas be then given as to the number of acres they respectively contain. This, if accomplished, will several purposes, particularly to assessor, and collector, and to supervisors of highway, as well as determining more satisfactorily in numerous cases road and farm boundaries. The following tables have been prepared only after a long period of time has been spent in securing the information, a considerable portion of them being now published for the first time: A Tabular Statement of the several Townships and Boroughs of Montgomery County, with the date of Formation, Area, Population and Election Districts and Wards. TABULAR STATEMENT APPEARS HERE. 451 A Tabular Statement of the several Townships and Boroughs of Montgomery County, with the Number of their Land-Holders, Taxables and Amount of Taxable Property. [NOTE: Compares various years from 1734-1882] TABULAR CHART APPEARS HERE. POST OFFICES. [By Wm. J. Buck.] -Our modern requirements and necessities have certainly made the post-office an important place to every hamlet, village and town. To lack in this is to be wanting in one of the elements of business prosperity to which, however humble, every place aspires. Besides, there is the amount of intelligence and information, which it conveys, and which contributes not a little to the diffusion of knowledge. The post-office of a country village to a close observer of human nature affords an interesting place of study ; we mean on the immediate arrival and opening of the mails, by watching the actions and countenances of the various individuals thus brought together. Generally silent, and looking inquiringly and anxiously. The result is, while a few depart pleased, others are disappointed or distressed. Ah, those little silent messages, that so wonderfully, through education, enable us, however distant, to still hold intercourse with each other! How often to their receivers the source of pleasure or pain! Then there are, too, the newspapers and magazines; with what haste are their wrappers torn off, and their contents devoured! Yet this is but a common every-day occurrence at a post-office. William Penn, as proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania, issued an order in July, 1683, for the establishment of a post-office, and granted Henry Waldy, of Tacony, authority to hold one, and supply passengers from Philadelphia to the Falls and New Castle. The rate of postage on letters from the fall to the city was three-pence, to Chester five-pence, and to New Castle seven-pence. A trip was made once a week. Colonel Andrew Hamilton was postmaster-general of the province for several years, receiving for his services in annual salary from the Assembly. It was not till after the reorganization of our present government, in 1789, that Congress established post offices and made the requisite arrangements for the transportation of the mail. Like everything else in the beginning, it was at first a slow and crude affair, and, from the nature of circumstances, could not be expected to have that dispatch that now distinguishes it. Then a letter from Boston to Philadelphia was longer on its journey than now from either of those cities to Europe. The time for railroad travel, ocean steamboat navigation and magnetic telegraphs had not come. In November, 1796, there were but five hundred and two post-offices in the United States and thirty-three in Pennsylvania. During the colonial period but three-post-offices were established in this State, -namely, at Philadelphia, Chester and Bristol, -and not one within the present 452 limits of Montgomery or Chester Counties. In 1791 the number had increased in Pennsylvania to ten. The first in this county was established at Pottstown in October, 1793, and Jacob Barr was appointed post-master. The next was few years afterward at Norristown, of which John Davis was postmaster in 1799. Surprising to relate, so slow was their introduction that the whole number in the country in 1819 was only 3618. The postage charged in 1805 for single letters, for 40 miles or less, was 8 cents; under 90 miles, 10 cents; under 150 miles, 17 cents; and under 500 miles, 20 cents; while now the reduction has become so great that for two cents a letter can be sent anywhere over the United States, which in some cases may require a distance of three thousand miles of travel, equivalent to the distance to Europe across the Atlantic Ocean. The extension of settlement, a denser population and such greatly improved means of travel and transportation have jointly aided to bring about the present greatly reduced rates, the tendency of which is to greatly increase correspondence over previous years, as well as the circulation of newspapers, magazines and books, thus showing that we do, indeed, live in a reading age. Among the manuscripts of Mrs. Ferguson, of Horseham, was found an article written in 1787, entitled "An Old Woman's Meditations on an old Family Clock," from which we take an extract relative to the postal facilities of the neighborhood at that date,- "Since my clock and I have passed our days in retirement, how frequently, for the want of a post nigh, on the evening of a market day, when expecting a letter from the metropolis filled with wit, sentiment or affection, or all united in one, have I with impatience numbered your strokes, or still more ardently longed for the epistle that had crossed the Atlantic, whose value was appreciated as danger and distance had endeared it to the longing receiver." We perceive by this that she was at that date dependent on her neighbors going to the city for her mail facilities, the post-office there being a distance of eighteen miles. Prior to 1800 the total number of post-offices in Montgomery County was 2; in 1819, 11; in 1827, 20; in 1832, 29; in 1851, 51; in 1858, 61; in 1871, 85; in 1876, 92; and in 1883, 112. Post-offices prior to 1816. Hatboro' Horsham Jenkintown Norristown Pottsgrove Sumneytown Swamp Churches Whitemarsh Willow Grove Trappe. 1816-27. Barren Hill Bird-in-Hand Evansburg Montgomery Square New Goschenhoppen Plymouth, Pottstown Reeseville Shannonville Skippack Upper Dublin. 1827-32. Centre Square Franconia Gulf Mills Gwynedd Hillegas Jeffersonville Kulpsville Limerick New Hanover Perkiomen Bridge Pleasantville Spring House Union Square Upper Hanover Upper Merion Worcester. 1832-51. Abington Blue Bell Conshohocken Crooked Hill Douglas Edge Hill Fairview Village Frederick General Wayne Harleysville Huntingdon Valley King of Prussia Limerick Bridge Lower Merion Montgomeryville Norritonville Pennsburg Penn Square Plymouth Meeting Port Kennedy Port Providence Royer's Ford Salfordville Schwenk's Store Sorrel Horse Tylersport. 1851-58. Broad Axe Cabinet Cheltenham Eagleville Fitzwatertown Gilbertsville Hoppenville Hickorytown Prospectville Shoemakertown 1858-71. Bridgeport Collegeville Fagleyville Flourtown Grater's Ford Green Lane Half-Way Hatfield Jarrettown Lansdale Lederachsville Limerick Station Line Lexington Lower Providence North Wales Oaks Overbrook Palm Penllyn Perkiomenville Red Hill Souder's Station Three Tons Waverly Heights William Penn Zeiglersville. 1871-76. Ardmore Bryn More Colmar Davis Grove East Greenville Eureka Haverford College Hendricks Hartranft Klein's Merion Pleasant Run Souderton Schwenkville Swedeland Telford 1876-83. Academy Ashborne Belfry Cedars Charlton Creamery Fort Washington Gehman Hartranft [sic] Hoyt Iron Bridge Mainland Mingo Niantic Obelisk Pencoyd Providence Square Rosemont Rudy Weldon West Point Wynnewood Yerkes. The aforesaid increase is really surprising, and it will be observed that from 1871 to the present time it has averaged upwards, of three per annum. With the present reduced rate of letter postage the business must keep increasing. We confess, however, that for reform and improvement in postal facilities we have now for some time been the followers of the British system. We owe to them through the example set us, the introduction of stamps, postal cards and lower rates. In Great Britain, for some time, authors have been permitted to send their manuscripts to publishers at newspaper rates by leaving one end of the package open. Here such are compelled to pay the rates of letter postage, which is a serious expense to those who are required to write on but one side of the paper. The result is to forward their manuscript by express, to the great emolument of those companies and a loss to the government. In either respect this is a great disadvantage to the sender. When the author resides in the country, and wishes to communicate with his publisher in the city, though a near post- office, yet be may be many miles from an express-office, to which he is compelled to go in order to send his parcel, unless he pays letter rates for it by mail, which is sixty-four cents per pound. In either case it will be observed, considerable unnecessary expense incurred, to the great detriment of authors. It is time that a more liberal policy be pursued here towards the encouragement of literature. With our present easy and frequent mail facilities and numerous post- offices, the disadvantages labored under formerly call be best understood by the following; announcement of letters called for remaining at Norristown, October 4, 1799, as advertised by John Davis, postmaster, which we give verbatim: "Charles Polaski, Esq. (3), Miss Ann Little, Nockamixon; Messr. George and Andrew Stewart (merchants), Maurice Stephens, Esq., Dr. Charles Moore, Montgomery Township; William Orr, Chester County; Nathaniel Boileau, Esq., near the Billet; William Boyd, care of A. Crawford (3), Robert Morrison, James McIntire, Lower Merion township 2; William Paine; Cornelius Fornoston, Andrew Todd, Trap; Mordecai Moore, Sen, Great Valley; Callwallader Roberts, Steven Love Mayson, Horsham township 2; David Rittenhouse, Jacob Longaker to the care of A. Darragh, William McCray, Benjamin Scultz, Upper Hanover; Daniel Jourdon, near the Billet; Wiliam Dill, Merion township; Jacob Bittle, Mrs Berey de Sebert, Trap; Conrad Zorns, Margaret Duff." Several to whom those, letters were addressed must have resided above sixteen mile distant, and in one instance all of thirty-five miles. The first newspaper was in Norristown published in 1799, and the second in 1801. In 1810 the number was only two within 453 the county, in 1831 it had increased to five, in 1840 to six, and in 1858 to eight. Such were the limited mail facilities that for some time, at first, the aforesaid newspapers were chiefly delivered by regular carriers throughout the county, employed to make weekly trips for this purpose by the several publishers, which entailed some expense. It is very probable that even as late as 1840 one-half of the entire number were convened thus or by stage lines. Since the introduction of railroads and the reduction of newspaper postage the mails have been more and more resorted to, until now we believe that within the county the "paper-carrier" or the "post-rider," as he was respectively called, has become a matter of the past, the deliveries for their patrons being chiefly made in packages to stores, inns, mills and mechanic shops, or the road-side box, placed there on purpose for this accommodation, where no house stood near. ROADS. [Wm. J. Buck] -As an index to the progress of settlement roads have considerable to do, as well as with the development of a country's resources. We introduce the subject with the idea of shedding light upon the obscurity that somewhat environs our earliest history down to a period when more ample materials exist. The first highway for travel by land in this State was the road leading from the Swedish and Dutch settlements below Philadelphia to New York. We find this road in 1677 called the "King's Path," and extending through the present towns of New Castle, Wilmington, Chester and Bristol to the Falls, where the Delaware was crossed in canoes. Overseers for the same were appointed by the court at Upland March 14, 1681, to serve for one year, to whom were respectively assigned particular portions, which were to be put in order before the last day of May. This would show that at a remarkably early period the matter was receiving some attention, and at a time when the population must have been necessarily very sparse and Philadelphia as yet unknown. William Penn, in his "Frame of Government" for the Province of Pennsylvania, adopted the 2d of Second Month, 1682, in section 8th, states "That the Governor and Provincial Council shall at all times settle and order the situation of all cities and market-towns in every county, modeling thereon all public buildings, streets and market-places, and shall appoint all necessary roads and highways in this province and territories thereof." In his "Conditions and Concessions to First Purchasers" he provides "that the surveyors be necessary for the cities, towns, or through the lands. "Great roads from city to city, not to contain less than forty feet in breadth, shall be first laid out and declared to be for highways before the dividend of acres be laid out for the purchaser, and the like observation to be had for the streets in the towns and cities, that there may be convenient roads and streets preserved, not to be encroached upon by any planter or builder, that none may build irregularly to the damage of another." The amount thus allowed was in the proportion of six acres for every one hundred as sold to the first purchasers and was given as a compensation for the loss they might sustain, not only in consequence of laying out all roads or highways, but also for the unevenness of the grounds and for barrenness or waste. After Penn's return, in his instructions to Lieutenant-Governor Blackwell, dated London, 25th of Seventh Month, 1688, he charges him "That care be taken of the roads and highways in the country, that they may be straight and commodious for travelers, for I understand they are turned about by the planters, which is a mischief that must not be endured." This showed in him a solicitude on the subject that is creditable. An act was passed in 1700 to authorize the justices of the Quarter Sessions, upon petition presented to them, to cause roads to be laid out from or to any dwelling-place not near a highway, to be first viewed by six sufficient householders of the neighborhood, and it, expediency and necessity agreed to by at least four of the number. The width, formerly limited to forty feet, was now reduced to thirty-three, and to be duly recorded as public roads or highways. In 1705 an act was passed that "No travelling waggon or cart, or other carriage, going or coming to the city of Philadelphia, between the rivers Delaware and Schuylkill, in the county of Philadelphia, carrying any burden, shall be drawn in any highway or road with above three horses or oxen in length." If any person shall cause such "to be drawn with a greater number of horses or oxen, then in such case the horses or oxen shall draw in pairs, that is to say, two abreast for such a number as they shall use except one horse;" the fine for every offense to be forty shillings. The act of 1734 provides that no roads shall be laid out through any man's improved grounds unless there bean actual necessity. In this case the land was to be valued by six persons, to be appointed by the courts thereof to be paid to the owner by the persons at whose request and for whose use the same was laid out. These were also to be recorded as public roads, and to be cleared and maintained by the persons using the same; and to stop or interrupt the course, or commit any nuisance thereon, subjected the offenders to a penalty. We find in the early petitions for townships to the Court of Quarter Sessions that the principal cause assigned therein for the request, is the want Of overseers to keel) the highways in proper condition and repair. Take, for instance, this extract, presented in June term, 1736: "Whereas, upon the petition of several of the Inhabitants of the township of Ouley to the last Court, setting forth that for several years past about four miles distant from the High Road leading to Philadelphia through George McCall's Manor and several other tracts of land have been so bad that it was difficult for a single Horse to pass without damage, and that said Petitioners had several times represented to this court the badness thereof, but that nothing as yet 454 had been done; the reason is they were informed; was because no Overseers have been yet appointed by the Court over the said road, and that there was at least thirty families settled in the said who are not in Hanover or Amity townships, between which townships the aforesaid road lieth; prayed the said Court would be pleased to erect the said Lands into a Township, and appoint a Constable and Overseers. Whereupon the Court erected said township of Douglas and appoint John Ball and James Yokham Overseers of Highway of the said township, and Andrew Ringberry Constable." To the same court was also presented a petition for the erection of Upper Hanover township, wherein is stated "that there are above sixty families settled on lands between Salford and New Hanover, which land is six miles long and six miles wide, and no Constable or Overseer of the Poor or Highways within the said lands." Robert Thomas and Frederick Hillegas were appointed overseers of the highways within the new township and to serve for the ensuing year. For without a township organization no taxes could be collected to meet such expenses; neither was there any local authority to keep roads in proper order or enforce repairs, no matter how impassable or dangerous their condition. All public roads or highways within the boundaries of a township were placed under its care and management. One or two overseers were appointed by the Court of Quarter Sessions in each, the number somewhat depending on its territorial extent and population. The overseers were held responsible for due attention to the roads within their respective districts. When summoned, every taxable or freeholder was compelled to work upon them, and if be refused to obey, a penalty could be imposed. This was imperative in the case of damages arising front great floods and snows of considerable depths. The expense was met through county levies well into this century. The overseers or supervisors were also responsible for the repair or renewal of all Causeways and small bridges, those on the dividing or boundary lines to be, shared equally by the districts. A petition was presented to the court in December Sessions, 1731, by some of the inhabitants of Upper Dublin, praying that the township line road with Horsham be divided and that the supervisors of the latter township be required to keep their portion in proper condition, "which hath been hitherto neglected and the court so ordered. The town-book of Upper Dublin has been preserved, commencing in 1765, from which we ascertain that but one overseer or supervisor was appointed down to 1772, since which period the number has been two. Edward Burk retained the office longest, from 1777 to 1786. The town-book of Cheltenham commences in November 1767, when the road expenses amounted to ฃ23 19s. 8d. The act of April 6, 1802, authorized the election of two supervisors in each township on every third Saturday of March, that, in addition were required to put up index-boards. In case of no election or irregularity, the act of March 24, 1818, empowered the judges of the Court of Quarter Sessions to fill vacancies. We here present a list of overseer of highways in the several townships, being the earliest and fullest we could secure: ABINGTON 1707 Joshua Knight Lewis Roberts 1773 Evan Roberts John Paul 1785 Isaac Whiteman Joseph Webster CHELTENHAM 1707 Bartholomew Mather 1785 Alexander Loller Thomas Shoemaker HORSHAM 1767 Daniel Jones Abraham Lukens 1773 Robert Iredell Samuel Coman 1785 Abraham Lukens William Miller 1810 Joseph Kenderdine Isaac Perry LOWER MERION 1767 Robert Jones Stephen Goodman 1773 Stephen Carpenter John Zell 1785 William Stadleman John Jones 1810 Lewis Knox Peter Pechan MORELAND 1767 Philip Wynkoop John Handcock 1773 Isaac Cadwallader John Summer 1785 Garrett Van Buskirk John Rhoads 1810 Amos Addis Charles Johnson MONTGOMERY 1767 Humphrey Bates[?] 1773 Samuel Hines 1810 Jacob Kneedler John Gordon PLYMOUTH 1767 David Morris 1785 Frederick Dull Joseph Levering 1810 John Shoemaker Henry Clare SPRINGFIELD 1810 Jacob Miller Robert McCurdy TOWAMENCIN 1773 Frederick Wampole 1810 Joseph Smith John Boorse UPPER DUBLIN 1773 John Spencer John Burk 1810 Christopher Dresher Jonathan Scout UPPER SALFORD 1767 John Hildebiddle Philip Wentz 1773 Richard Klein 1785 Valentine Kratz Michael Schall 1810 Frederick Barndt Abraham Schall WHITEMARSH 1767 John Kitler Jacob Edge 1773 John Kitler James White 1785 Joseph Luken George Freas 1810 Jacob Gilbert Andrew Fisher A county situated as Montgomery is, and embracing all the continuous territory from the north to the west of Philadelphia, must necessarily have numerous roads spreading through it from that point, like the framework of a fan. Such roads were the earliest highways and as settlements, extended farther and farther in those directions, they became more and more important. It has been stated, on good authority, that the products of Pennsylvania became so considerable that in 1760, for their transportation to the city alone, from eight to nine thousand wagons were required. Now, as two-thirds of the territory surrounding Philadelphia was within our present county limits, it is reasonable to conclude that of the said number of wagons about six thousand must have passed over our roads to market within the space of one year. Hence we see the importance of this subject with reference to promoting easy and ready means for the several purposes connected with business or traffic so long before the era of steamboats, canals and railroads. The earliest mention of a road within the county's present limits yet found is in the petition of James Fox and other settlers of Plymouth to the Council to have a "cart-road" laid out from the city to said place, for which a permit was given 5th of Second Month, 1687, and the road must have been opened not long after for use. Nicholas Scull and some other, petitioned from Sandy Run for a road for the purpose of hauling lime from the kilns to the city, the road to meet the Plymouth road near Creisheim, or the upper part of Germantown. This road the Council ordered to be laid out May 19, 1698; but it appears from a subsequent petition, that nothing further was done in the matter until March 1703, when the court ordered it to be opened according to the petitioners' 455 request. We next find that the inhabitants of North Wales petitioned, in June, 1704, for a road up to their settlement, stating that they then numbered in said township above thirty families. The court ordered the road to be laid out from Philadelphia, through Germantown, up into the present Gwynedd. This was the beginning of what has been since known as the Bethlehem road. The same court also confirmed the laying out of a road leading from Merion Meeting-House to Powell's ferry, on the Schuylkill, which was, very probably, at or near the present West Manayunk. We now approach a period that was marked by a rapid extension of settlement up into the country. At March Sessions, 1706, the grant of "a common cartway or road, to extend from Wissahickon Mill up to Perkioming Creek at Edward Lane's" (which was laid out fifty feet wide), was confirmed by the court, John Henry Sprogell, Mounce Jones and others petitioned, in March Sessions, 1709, that the said road might be extended from Edward Lane's up to "Mauntitaung," and it was so ordered. This was the original Reading road, and ran about to the present limits of the county. According to a petition and grant of March Sessions, 1711, a road was laid out "from the bridge between the land of John Humphreys and Edward Foulke, in Gwyneth, to Pennypack Creek," at a ford in Moreland township, which grant and laying out the court, in September, 1712, confirmed. This was the original Welsh road, leading from the present Spring House to Huntingdon Valley, where the early settlers went to have their grain converted into flour, it being but little over one-third the distance to the city. The York road was ordered to be laid out in answer to the prayer of a petition presented to Governor Gookin and Council, who appointed twelve prominent freeholders residing along the route to make the survey. The action of the freeholders was subsequently confirmed. This important thoroughfare commenced at the intersection of Fourth and Vine Streets, Philadelphia, and terminated at John Reading's landing, on the river Delaware, now known as Centre Bridge. It passed through the present Rising Sun, Shoemakertown, Jenkintown, Willow Grove and Hatboro'. It received its name from being one of the early routes of travel between the two great cities. The want and laying out of this road at the time shows that the progress of settlement had been pretty well extended towards the north and northeastward, even to the boundaries of the province. A road commencing "at a stake in the upper line of Bebber's township, over Skippack Creek," to Edward Farmar's mill, on the "Gwynedd road," was laid out and confirmed in March, 1713, and in the following August was surveyed and a draft made. This is the well-known Skippack road, terminating about a mile above Flourtown in the Bethlehem turnpike. As early as June 1714, a road was laid out from Richland township, Bucks Co., to John Humphrey's, near the present Spring House, in Gwynedd. To this same point another road was located in 1717, commencing, "at Theophilus Williams' plantation, on Neshaininy creek." The Limekiln road, extending southward, from Fitzwatertown, was in use and known by that name before 1716. The road leading from Whiteland, in Chester County, to Swedes' Ford, on the Schuylkill, was laid out in 1723, thus showing travel from a new direction. The road leading from the present Salfordville, through Lederachsville, to Skippack was surveyed and confirmed in June, 1728. The present highway from Sumneytown, through Harleysville, and Kulpsville, to the Spring House was surveyed and confirmed in June 1735. In August following the Bethlehem road was originally laid out from the lands of Peter Trexler, in the present Lehigh County, to the Spring House, thus making this an early and important centre for roads. Friends' Meeting House was made early and prominent termini for roads, particularly in directions at variance with the usual routes towards the city. From Abington Meeting-House to Byberry Meeting-House a survey was made and confirmed in September, 1712; from the latter place to Horsham Meeting-House in June, 1720. The road from Plymouth Meeting-House to Gwynedd or North Wales Meeting-House was surveyed in March, 1717, and which, it appears, was reconfirmed in December, 1751; from Fitzwater's lime-kilns, in Upper Dublin, to Abington Meeting-House in December, 1724. The road from Germantown to Abington Meeting-House was confirmed in June, 1735, since known as Washington Lane; from St. Thomas' Church, in Whitemarsh, to Oxford Church, was surveyed and confirmed in September, 1734. The road from Gwynedd Meeting House to Swedes' Ford was surveyed in March, 1738, and ordered, in September, 1756, to be resurveyed and opened thirty-two feet in width, which the court confirmed. Also a road from the latter meeting-house through Whitpain was surveyed and a review ordered in December, 1746. This is very probably the Present highway from Gwynedd to Blue Bell. That which became the greatest of all our traveled thoroughfares, the road from Lancaster to the foot of High (now Market) Street ferry, was laid out November 23, 1741, and since denominated the old Lancaster road, in contradistinction to the turnpike route, which was materially straightened. By Lewis Evans' map we know that the Gulf road must have been opened to travel, at least as far as Valley Forge, several years before 1749. Several important roads were laid out in 1766. The Upper Ridge, commencing on the line of Bucks County, was laid out August 26th, passing through the present Tylersport and extending westwardly through the townships of Upper Salford, Marlborough, Frederick, New Hanover and Pottsgrove, ending at "Turkey Point," on the Schulykill. It was reviewed February 19, 1767, and confirmed by the court who, 456 directed the several overseers of highways the route to open the same. On September 3rd a road was laid out through Marlborough Township to Funk's mill (formerly Grove's), on the east side of Perkiomen Creek, to be thirty-five feet in width. In November of that year likewise a road from the Pottstown ferry, by the division lines of New Hanover and Douglas, and across the Skippack road and lands of the late William Mayberry, deceased, to the Bucks County line. We are unable at present to state the exact date of the opening of the Ridge road through the present borough of Norristown, but we find it called the "New Reading or Egypt road" in 1774, which would imply that it could not have been long in use. As an important auxiliary to roads and travel, we must not omit some mention of bridges. In looking over the early laws very little can be found on the subject; and no wonder, for during the whole colonial period comparatively few were built, and these were very rude and chiefly constructed of logs. An act was passed August 15, 1732, authorizing bridges over all small creeks to be built and maintained by orders of the justices of the Quarter Sessions, the grand jury, assessors and commissioners, the latter defraying the expenses from the county funds. The earliest mentioned ascertained of abridge in the county was in 1717, at John Humphreys', in Gwynedd township. In the laying out of the Governor's road from the Bucks County line to the present Willow Grove, in 1722, mention is made of a bridge over Round Meadow Run, at the latter place. The grand jury, in 1773, reports the bridge on the York road, over Pennypack Creek, at Hatboro', as very much out of repair, and recommend its improvement at the cost of the county. It was entirely rebuilt in 1789. We have the authority of Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg's journal that in the Revolution there were no bridges on the Reading road over either the Perkiomen or Skippack Creeks, though a main road to Philadelphia and in a thickly settled country. The grand jury reports, in 1786, the bridge over Stony Creek, at Norristown, as being unsafe, from one of its abutments being undermined. The venerable bridge at Bird-in-Hand, over Gulf Creek, must be considerably over a century old. Substantial stone bridges were built on the Ridge road, over Plymouth Creek and the Perkiomen, in 1798, and both are in use. The latter was considered a great affair in its day and cost sixty thousand dollars. The bridge on the Bethlehem road, over Sandy Run, below Fort Washington, was erected in 1792, and over Tacony Creek, at Shoemakertown, in 1798. The bridge over the Manatawny, at Pottstown, was completed in 1805, and was also quite an undertaking at the expense of the county, costing thirty-five thousand dollars. Milestones, in this connection, also deserve some attention. We could find no law whatever respecting them; hence guide-boards would have superior claims. Several venerable stories, bearing on the rear side the Penn coat- of-arms, are still standing along the east side of Gulf road, in Upper and Lower Merion, on the faces of which are denoted the number of miles to Philadelphia. They are of soapstone, and hence more easily wrought upon. They average about three and a half feet high and ten miles in thickness. This road was probably laid out about 1740, and these milestones are the only ones known to bear such emblems. The late H. C. Hill, of Norristown, took sufficient interest in them a few years ago to have those that had fallen over replaced, and traced them up to Valley Forge. It is singular by whose order it was done. The county, no doubt, bore the expense, for the Penn family took no lead or interest in promoting works of public utility. On the road from the Spring House to Sumneytown the milestones bear the date of 1767, thus proving them to be of colonial origin. On the Bethlehem road, above Pleasantville, Bucks Co., a milestone bears on its face 1793. 44 M. to P." There may, perhaps, be found, on some other roads in the county, milestones with dates. This matter deserves attention and worthy of future investigation. Peter Kalm, in his "Travels in 1748-49," states that "there are not yet any milestone put up in the country; the inhabitants compute the distance by guess." Turnpike roads claimed the attention of the people of Montgomery County at quite in early period. The Philadelphia and Lancaster turnpike was the. first road of the kind constructed in Pennsylvania, if not in America. It was commenced in 1792 and finished in two years, at a cost of $7500 per mile, having a course in the county of about four and one-half miles. The Germantown and Perkiomen turnpike, on the Reading road, twenty-five miles in length, was commenced in 1801 and finished in 1804, at a cost of $11,287 per mile, -certainly a nice sum for that day. Next, the Cheltenham and Willow Grove turnpike, eleven miles in length, on the York road, commenced in 1803 and completed the following year, at $8OOO per mile; the Chestnut Hill and Spring House turnpike, eight miles in length, on the Bethlehem road, finished in 1804, at over $8000 per mile, and in 1814 extended into Hilltown, Bucks Co., three miles above Line Lexington; the Perkiomen and Reading, twenty-nine miles, at $7000, commenced in 1811 and finished in 1815; the Ridge turnpike, twenty-four miles, at $7500, commenced in 1812 and finished in 1816; Doylestown and Willow Grove turnpike, eleven and one-half miles, at $3000, commenced in 1839 and finished in 1840; the Sumneytown and Spring House turnpike was completed in 1848; the Fox Chase and Huntingdon Valley turnpike was finished in 1848 to the "Sorrel Horse" tavern, five miles (an act was passed March 11, 1850, to extend it to Richborough, Bucks Co., which was soon after accomplished); the Conshohcken and Plymouth turnpike, constructed in 1849, to the "Broad Axe" and extended in 1855, beyond the "Three Tons", seven and one-half miles, on the Butler 457 road; the Perkiomen and Sumneytown turnpike, twelve miles, completed in 1849, and the following year extended one and one-quarter rules to Green Lane; the Hatboro' and Warminster, commencing at Willow Grove, on the York road, four and one-half miles, finished in 1850, cost $2800 per mile; the Limekiln turnpike and also the Goshenhoppen and Green Lane were completed in 1851; the Bridgeport and King of Prussia, on the State road, completed in 1853, And the Skippack pike the following year; the Limerick and Colebrookdale turnpike in 1855; the Willow Grove and Germantown plank-road and turnpike, completed in 1857, cost $8000 per mile; the Gerysville pike and the Harleysville and Souderton pike were completed before 1866; the Harleysville and Lederachsville and the Norristown and Centre Square pikes were finished in 1868; the pike from Blue Bell to Penllyn in 1872. It may be justly estimated that there are in the County at this time about two hundred miles of turnpike roads, constructed at a cost of upwards of a million dollars. It was this improvement in facilitating transportation that opened the way for the introduction of canals and railroads, the latter now so decidedly leading the way that at this time there need be but thirty-four miles constructed to surpass in length the aforesaid total turnpike mileage. How wonderfully illustrative of our progress in population and wealth within a period of considerably less than a century! In our recent researches we have become convinced that the construction of our turnpikes was often attended with great difficulties, which required time and indomitable perseverance to overcome. We find, for instance, that the Doylestown and Willow Grove Turnpike Company was chartered in 1828, and, after several years exertions, was abandoned, when incorporation was obtained again in 1838, and it was completed in three years. The Sumneytown and Spring House Company were first incorporated in 1829, and were not successful. A second charter was obtained in 1845, and after a three years' struggle this road was also finished. The Willow Grove and Germantown Plank-Road and Turnpike Company, which was chartered in 1853, was four years in progress, and, owing to expensive lawsuits for right of way, cost its stockholders more than double its original estimate. Pursuant to an act of Assembly, passed April 6, 1830, the State road was laid out December 29th following, forty feet in width, commencing at New Hope, on the river Delaware. Passing through Doylestown and the townships of Montgomery, Gwynedd, Whitpain, Norriton and Upper Merion, and the boroughs of Norristown and Bridgeport, on the present De Kalb Street. It extends the full breadth of the county, the distance being sixteen miles, seventy-two chains and sixty-nine links, passing through West Chester to the Maryland line in a general southwesterly course. About half its distance in the county has been turnpiked since 1852. It was a beneficial improvement, and deserves, in this connection, honorable mention. Even down to the beginning of this century much in the way of transportation was done on horseback; huge sacks, wallets and baskets, or panniers, were constructed and used for this especial purpose. In this way nearly all produce was taken to Philadelphia, and horsemen would thus be seen nearly surrounded with poultry, pork, butter, flax, etc., and even live calves and sheep would be taken to market by such means. Old and young, male and female, were usually conveyed on horseback, it mattered not whether on business or pleasure, as well as to their different places of worship on the Sabbath. For hauling, sleds were used previously to wagons. The latter were at first very rudely constructed, with but little or no iron, and the wheels generally of solid wood, cut with a saw from the end of a log. The roads, which were made with little regard for the removal of rocks and stumps or the bridging of streams, through the action of frost and unfavorable weather, could not fail at intervals to be rendered almost impassable, particularly during the winter and early spring. A tongue-cart was the first general conveyance to market, and, as a protection against the weather, a coverlet would be stretched on hickory boughs. Gigs and chairs began to come into use just before the Revolution as vehicles for conveyance on business or pleasure. As these were taxable, we find, in 1785, but fifty-three "riding-chairs" returned in the whole county, the highest number being fourteen in Moreland, seven in Upper Hanover, six in Upper Dublin, five in Horsham, four in Abington, four in Cheltenham, three in Douglas, and two each in Norriton, Plymouth, Springfield and Whitemarsh, not one being returned in Frederick, Franconia, Gwynedd, Hatfield, Limerick, Providence, Upper or Lower Salford, Marlborough, Montgomery, New Hanover, Perkiomen, Upper Merion, Whitpain and Worcester. It seems now surprising that such townships as Gwynedd, Providence, Perkiomen and Upper Merion should thus be without, clearly demonstrating how much, even a century ago, the people were addicted to going either on horseback or on foot. At this period it is stated that it was regarded as no unusual thing for women to go on horseback to Philadelphia from Pottstown and its vicinity, a distance of thirty-seven miles, to do their shopping, and return the following day. It would certainly require a good physical constitution for the sex to endure this now. A writer in the Herald, in 1853, states that "fifty years ago our farmers brought their marketing into Norristown on horseback and carried it from house to house to dispose of at low prices. Now they bring it in carriages and wagons, and sell it out in a large, comfortable market-house, at fair prices."