History: Local: CHAPTER LXXIX : Whitemarsh Township: 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. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/montgomery/beantoc.htm URL of html Table of Contents and illustrations. ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ 1137 (cont.) CHAPTER LXXIX. WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP. By William J. Buck. WHITEMARSH is bounded on the northeast by Upper Dublin, southeast by Springfield, southwest by the Schuylkill and Conshohocken, west by Plymouth and northwest by Whitpain. Its length is six and one-fourth miles and breadth two and one-half, and it contains an area of eight thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven acres. In 1850, by the erection of Conshohocken into a borough, its territory was reduced three hundred and twenty acres, but by a change of the boundary line, in 1876, about one hundred and sixty acres were added from Springfield township along the Schuylkill. The surface is rolling and the soil generally of a superior quality, being a rich loam, with in abundance of excellent limestone. Edge Hill extends through this township a distance of two and a half miles, and crosses the Schuylkill, below Spring Mill. It is a singular circumstance that in limestone, iron or marsh is found anywhere on the south side of this hill. Barren Hill, Militia Hill and Camp Hill are well-known elevations that figure in our Revolutionary history, but do not extend to any length. 1139 Whitemarsh possesses several fine lasting streams of water. The Wissahickon Creek rises from two small branches in Montgomery township, and then flows through Gwynedd, Whitpain, Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh and Springfield townships into the Schuylkill, nearly a mile below Manayunk. Its total length is about nineteen miles, of which thirteen are in this county and three and a half in this township. It is an excellent mill- stream, being steady, copious and rapid in its current. Its principal branches are Valley Run and Sandy Run. At a very early period the Wissahickon was used for mill purposes, a grist-mill having been erected on it by Edward Farmar very near the beginning of the last century. On Holme's map of original surveys it is called "Whitpaine's Creek," after Richard Whitpaine, a large land-holder on this stream in the present township of Whitpain. In the Upland Court records for 1677 it is called "Wiessahitkonk," which, according to Heckewelder, in the Delaware Indian language, signifies the "catfish or yellow-water stream." Sandy Run has a course of upwards of a mile through the east corner of the township, and empties into the Wissahickon below Fort Washington. It is a clear, spring- water-stream, abounding in native trout, and propels a grist-mill and an auger-factory. We know from records that it bore its present name in 1703, if not earlier. After Lower Merion, Pottsgrove, Upper Providence and Upper Merion, Whitemarsh is the most populous township in the county. In 1800 its population was 1085 in 1840, 2079 1880, 3239. The real estate for taxable purposes, in 1882, was valued at $2,284,915, and including the personal, $2,454,050 the average per taxable, $2981 Montgomery, Upper Dublin and Towainencin being rated higher. In May 1883, licenses were issued for six hotels eleven general stores two hardware-stores four dealers in flour and feed one lumber yard two coal-yards. In 1858 it contained ten hotels fifteen stores six gist-mills three furnaces two marble-mills one paper-mill and one auger-factory. In 1785 five inns five grist-mills three paper-mills two tanneries are mentioned. The public schools are eleven in number, open ten months, with an average attendance of three hundred and one pupils for the school year ending June 1, 1882. In 1856 the township had eight public schools, open nine months. In 1880 a small portion of Whitemarsh was attached to Ambler School District. The census of 1850 returned 398 dwellings 426 families 149 farms. The villages are Barren Hill, Plymouth Meeting, Fort Washington, Spring Mill, Marble Hall, Lafayette, Lancasterville, and Whitemarsh or Valley Green. The first four contain post-offices, Barren Hill has lately been changed to Lafayette Hill, and William Penn post-office is at Spring Mill. There are, six houses of worship in Whitemarsh, namely, -one Episcopal, one Lutheran, one Lutheran and Reformed, one Friends', one Baptist and one Evangelical. Besides the common roads, which are numerous, five turnpikes traverse the township. The Norristown and Schuylkill Valley Railroads pass beside each other along its southwestern border upwards of two miles, with stations at Lafayette and Spring, Mill; also the Schuylkill navigation for the same distance. The North Pennsylvania Railroad crosses the eastern angle near the Upper Dublin line for about a mile, with a station at Fort Washington. The Plymouth Railroad passes through its central part upwards of three miles, with stations at Plymouth Meeting, Williams and Flourtown. The Schuylkill Valley Railroad was commenced in 1883, and finished in the summer of 1884, extending from Philadelphia, through Norristown, to the coal regions. Through the researches of Hon. William A. Yeakle it has been ascertained that the executors of Edward Farmar, in a deed of a portion of his estate, dated April 14, 1746, to George Greenfield, mention that it was a "part of the lands by the Indians called Umbilicamense." Through this information an additional discovery has been made in regard to an excursion on horseback by William Penn to view the country. In a bill of charges made out by Thomas Fairman, commencing in 1682, he states, among other items, of his being debtor "To a journey with the Proprietor and his friends to Umbolekemensin, with 3 of my horses, 12 shillings." This trip was no doubt made in 1683 as on August 12th of the following year he embarked for England. It was under these singular circumstances that we have been enable to locate Umbilicamense, and prove that it was actually within the rich valley of the Wissahickon and not more than a mile from the centre of the township. Another interesting circumstance in this connection is the discovery of the origin of the name of Whitemarsh. In the petition of the inhabitants of Skippack and vicinity to the Court of Quarter Sessions, dated June 2, 1713, for a road, they state that it may be laid out "from the upper end of the said township down to the wide marsh or Farmer's Mill." At the latter place, by the Wissahickon, as is well known, there is an extremely broad, level expanse of meadow greatly subject to overflows, and we do not doubt, from its miry, wet nature at that early day, that it was known as "the wide marsh," which has needed but a slight change to convert it as now called. The settlement at this mill, too has borne the name of Whitemarsh form the earliest period, Lewis Evans having thus denoted it on his map of the province published in 1749. 1139 The Farmer family were the earliest and most extensive purchasers of land in Whitemarsh, as well as the first of its settlers. Major Jasper Farmar was an officer of the British army and a resident of Cork, Ireland. Hearing of the advantages offered by William Penn in colonizing his province induced him to purchase from Penn, by a patent dated, January 31,1683, two tracts containing together five thousand acres. [See NOTE.] When all arrangements had been made for the voyage Major Farmar died when his widow Mary and children- Edward Sarah John Robert Catharine Charles Jasper Robert - accompanied by Thomas Farmar Catharine Farmar (widow) Elizabeth Farmar Edward Batsford and servants Joanna Daly Philip Mayow and Helen his wife John Mayow John Whitlow Nicholas Whitlow Thomas Young and his wife William Winter George Fisher Arthur Smith Thomas Alferry Henry Wells Robert Wilkinson Elizabeth Mayow Martha Mayow Sarah Burke Sheele Oceven Andrew Walbridge all from Ireland embarked on the ship "Bristol Merchant," John Stephens, master, and arrived at Philadelphia November 10, 1685. In the same ship also arrived Nicholas Scull and his servants Samuel Hall Cornelius Davye George Gooding Miles Morin Daniel Morin John Ward Mary Cantwell. All these must have soon after their arrival settled on the aforesaid purchase, which it is likely had not been long located. It appears from the colonial records that John Scull, as overseer for the Farmar family, had settled on the tract with a number of servants several months before their arrival, probably with a view to the immediate erection of buildings and other improvements and preparations in advance of their coming. Complaint was made by Indians to the Governor's Council July 21, 1685, that the servants on Jasper Farmar's place had made them drunk and abused them. A warrant was issued and sent out by a messenger, who, after being lost in the woods returned, when it was deferred. When the time arrived the servants made their appearance but the Indians did not appear as accusers, and so the matter was probably dropped. This would show that in the immediate vicinity there must have then existed an Indian settlement, and from this circumstance Edward Farmar acquired his knowledge of the Indian language which enabled him, in May, 1701 and 1712 to perform for the government the duties of an interpreter. [NOTE: Since this article was written we have secured the following interesting document much has not heretofore been published : "L. S: Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and the Territories thereunto belonging. At the request of Jaspar Farmar, Junior, in the behalf of his father, Major Jaspar Farmer, his brother Richard and himself, that I would grant him to take up 5000 acres of land, being of the lands by the Indians called Umbilicamence, fronting at one end upon the River Schuylkill. These are to will and require thee forwith to survey or cause to be surveyed unto him the said five thousand acres in the aforementioned place where not already taken up, according to the method of townships appointed by me, and make return thereof unto my Secretary's office. Given at Philadelphia the 31st of 10th month, 1683. WM. PENN. "For THOMAS HOLMES, Surveyor-General" END NOTE.] As legatee of her husband's estate, Madame Farmar, as she was usually called, and Catharine wife of Jasper Farmar, deceased, made a partition of the estate, by which one-half of the five thousand acres under the will became in fee her property and the other one-half that of her two sons, Richard and Jasper Farmar, Jr. Shortly after this Richard disposed of his share one thousand two hundred and fifty acres to Thomas Webb, who sold his interest to Madame Farmar, who, by will, devised the whole to his son Edward Farmar, who, thus became the owner of three-fourths of the original purchase. The mother, prior to 1690, married a gentleman by the name of Billop, of Philadelphia, and must have died within a few years thereafter. Respecting this lady, Chief Justice Nicholas More mentioned, in a letter dated from his residence at Green Spring in the manor of Moreland September 13, 1686, to William Penn, then in England, that "Madame Farmar has found out as good limestone on the Schuylkill as any in the world and is building with it; she offers to sell ten thousand bushels at sixpence the bushel upon her plantation, where are several considerable hills, and near to your manor of Springfield." This would show that she must have been an energetic woman, and that probably the earliest lime from limestone used in Pennsylvania came from her kilns at what has been so long known as the village of Whitemarsh. PICTURE OF SEAL OF EDWARD FARMAR, APPEARS HERE. Edward Farmar was one of the early noted men that settled in this county, and, judging from his penmanship, must have received a good education in his youth, which eminently qualified him for the important trusts he afterwards assumed. The family, from purchasing here so much land retaining so many servants and making the extensive improvements they did, must have been in affluent circumstances, at least wealthier than the majority of the early emigrants. At his arrival Edward Farmar was not fourteen years of age, and consequently did not attain his majority until in 1693. With John Sotcher, of Pennsbury, he was sent, in May, 1701, to the Lehigh River to ascertain the intentions of the Indians in that vicinity. He was commissioned a justice of the peace for Philadelphia County September 2, 1701, which office it is known he held continuously till or near the close of his life. Andrew Hamilton, the Lieutenant-Governor, appointed him, with John Guest and Samuel Finney, justices of the court, February 23, 1703, for the trial of criminal cases. 1140 His settlement in Whitemarsh, we know in 1708, if not earlier, was called "Farmar's Town" and probably several years before this he had erected a grist-mill on the Wissahickon which had an extended reputation in 1713. In 1710 he presented the lot of ground on which St. Thomas' Episcopal Church was built, besides taking an active part in its erection, for which he may be almost regarded as its founder. A council with the Indians was held at his house May 19, 1712, at which was present the Governor, Charles Gookin and several of his friends, besides a number of Indians. The most prominent chiefs at this meeting were Sasoonan, Ealochelan and Scholitchy, the latter being the principal speaker, Mr. Farmar acting as interpreter. He was elected to the Assembly in 1710, and held the office almost continuously to 1732, and was also for several years one of the county commissioners. He died November 3, 1745, aged seventy-three years and was buried in the graveyard of St. Thomas' Church, where a tomb is inscribed to his memory. From the Penn-Physick manuscripts we learn that he furnished lime and flour to Thomas and Richard Penn, at Springettsbury at various times from 1735 to the period of his death. His extensive estate was settled by his son, Joseph Farmar, and Peter and Jonathan Robeson who had married his daughters. Though once so numerous the name of Farmar has now become extinct, not only in Whitemarsh but probably in all the surrounding townships. Strange to say, in the assessment of Horsham township for 1702, the name of Edward Farmar is mentioned as holding a small farm there. From the similarity of names, it is very probable that he belonged to this family. Descendants exist through intermarriage in the families of Robeson, Shoemaker, Mitchell and Pierce. From what has been stated, it appears the Scull family settled early here with the Farmars, and it has been supposed from their intimacy, they were related. Nicholas Scull who arrived here in 1685, made a purchase in the vicinity, in 1688, of four hundred acres but which was not located until December 24, 1692. John Scull, who had arrived here previously as overseer for the Farmar family, was a brother of the aforesaid and also came from Ireland. Nicholas Scull died in 1703, having a widow, Mary, and six sons,- Nicholas Edward Jasper John James Joseph Nicholas, the eldest son, and subsequently surveyor-general was born in Whitemarsh and, in 1708, married Abigail Heap. The latter was buried in the family ground on the south side of Camp Hill, now on the estate of Gillingham Fell, where a stone has been erected to her memory stating that she died May 21, 1753, aged sixty-five years. Her husband it is said was also buried here and his headstone was removed, but from attending circumstances, this is regarded as doubtful. Mr. Scull as a land surveyor in his day had few equals and could also speak the Indian language which, in his youth, he had acquired here, acting on several occasions on behalf of the government as an interpreter. From what information we have been able to procure respecting him, he must have received a better education than was usually given at this early period of our colonial history. In 1722 he made the survey of the road leading from where is now Willow Grove to Governor Keith's residence in Horsham and from the latter place another road on the county line to York Road. He was sent with his brother, John Scull, as interpreter, by Governor Gordon in May, 1728, to hold a council with the Indians at Conestoga. This year, a disturbance happening between several Indians and whites residing in the vicinity of New Hanover township, he was sent with presents to pacify them, in which he was successful. He was sent on a similar errand to Shamokin in 1729. Mr. Scull, we know, in 1731 resided in Philadelphia and for several years afterwards. In February, 1734, he was appointed deputy-surveyor for the counties of Philadelphia and Bucks. Governor Thomas, in May, 1740, sent him to the Minesinks to settle a difficulty between a white man and an Indian, by which the former was wounded, for which service the Assembly allowed him fifteen pounds. In October, 1744, he was commissioned sheriff of Philadelphia County, which office he held for several years. The Indians from Shamokin having visited Governor Thomas, in Philadelphia, in July, 1745, he again served as interpreter. Through ill health, William Parsons resigned the office of surveyor-general of Pennsylvania when June 14, 1748, Mr. Scull was appointed to fill his place, which he continued to hold to the close of his life, -a period of thirteen years. Dr. Franklin speaks of him, in his autobiography, as one who "loved books and sometimes made verses." In connection with George Heap he published "A Map of Philadelphia and Parts Adjacent" in 1750. In 1759 he had published a large map of the improved parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland, which, for correctness, far surpassed all previous ones. Mr. Scull died at an advanced age about the beginning of November, 1761, when his associate, John Lukens, of Horsham, was appointed his successor. Respecting Mr. Scull, Richard Peters, in a letter dated Philadelphia, May 11, 1753, wrote to Thomas Penn that "though he is industrious and enjoys a good office, yet he has a large family and is not beforehand in the world." All efforts at finding some notice of his death in the Philadelphia newspapers at the time has proved unsuccessful. By order of Thomas Penn, one of the proprietaries of Pennsylvania, the constables of the several townships of Philadelphia County were required to make a return of the names of all the land-holders, with the number of acres respectively held by them, and also of the tenants. This list was made out in 1141 1734, and is called an "uncertain return," prepared by John Hyatt, but, in the absence of anything better or more reliable, possesses unusual interest at a particular period, when the country bad been sufficiently settled to warrant the care of the government in the due enforcement of the laws. From said list, as pertaining to the township of Whitemarsh, the following forty-seven names have been copied: Edward Farmar Jonathan Robeson Edith Davis John Klinkey, 150 acres Henry Barflestal, 170 Marchant Maulsby, 40 Nicholas Stiglitz, 150 Benjamin Charlesworth, 200 John Morris, 200 Jonathan Potts, 80 Samuel Gilkey, 50 Josiah White, 18 David Davis, 50 John Petty, 500 Margaret Nichols, 200 Francis Cawly, 50, David Harry, 200 William Williams, 200 Frederick Stone, 150 Joseph Williams, 200 Adam Kitler, 170 Ludwig Knoos, 100 Walter Gahone, 100 Casper John Anderson Joseph Woolen Evan Jones John Scull John Parker Henry Rinkard John Ramsey, Jr. Edward Stroud John Ramsey ____ Campbell Henry Steward Thomas Shepherd William English Jenkin Davis John Patterson Joseph Faris John Coulson Handle Hansell Mathias Ignorance It will be observed that no figures appear after the first three names, information probably being refused to evade a higher rate of taxation. The list serves as an aid in arriving at a knowledge of the early settlers, though no doubt the number of acres in most instances is given only in round numbers, without aiming at exactness. The name of Robeson does not appear in Whitemarsh on the list of 1734, but the family were quite early settlers along the lower Wissahickon. Before the death of Edward Farmar, in 1745, Peter Robeson had married his daughter Sarah, and his nephew Jonathan Robeson, Jr., Catharine, a younger sister. Through this connection they came in possession of considerable real estate in the township. Peter Robeson's tract contained nine hundred and fifty-two acres on the Wissahickon, and was part of the tract which the Indians had called Umbilicamense. He sold a portion containing five hundred and fifty-two acres, March 4, 1755, to Anthony Williams, of Bristol township, for £1666 4s. 9d. Charles Williams, a descendant, still retains a valuable portion, that has ever since been in the family. Jonathan Robeson, in 1780, was assessed for two hundred and thirty-eight acres, a grist-mill, and three negroes, one riding-chair, five horses and four cattle. He is reported as having eleven children, who have numerous descendants in the county and elsewhere. Jonathan inherited the mill property now owned by Silas Cleaver, and a portion of the tract is comprised in the farms of John Cleaver and Thomas S. Phipps, adjoining. Among the sons were also Peter and Andrew Robeson. Judge Andrew Robeson, the ancestor of the family, died February 19, 1719-20, aged sixty-six years. Robeson township, which he was considerable land-holder, was called after him. Adam Kitler, who is mentioned on the list of 1734 as owning one hundred and seventy acres of land, resided in the vicinity of the present Marble Hall, where buildings erected by him in 1743 are still standing. In 1745 he purchased additional land, which extended southward to Barren Hill Church. His name is mentioned in the assessment of 1780, and John Kitler, who may have been a son, as holding one hundred and sixteen acres. The former was buried in the Barren Hill graveyard. This tract has proved itself rich in marble and iron-ore; large quantities of both have been sent off to Philadelphia or to the neighboring works and furnaces. In the list of 1734 we find the name of John Morris as holding here two hundred acres, and in Abington, at said date, Morris Morris, four hundred acres. It is a tradition that the family in Whitemarsh are descended from Evan Morris, who came from Wales and settled a mile east of Friends' Meeting-house, in Abington, and it may be, in consequence, that the aforesaid John and Morris Morris were his sons. Samuel Morris was a justice of the peace in Whitemarsh from 1745 to 1753 and an overseer of Plymouth Meeting. He died in 1772, leaving an estate of three hundred and fifty acres, which descended to his brother Joshua, of Abington, long a member of Assembly. He donated a lot of land for a school-house and five hundred and thirty pounds in trust, the interest to be applied to the building and keeping the same in repair, which went into operation before 1790, and was long known as the Union School. In the assessment of 1780 the only names found in Whitemarsh are Samuel Morris, tanner, rated for twenty-nine acres, and Owen Morris, a single man. In the northern part of the township, adjoining Upper Dublin, a tract of six hundred acres was taken up by the Free Society of Traders, who sold three hundred and ten acres of the same to John Jones, which was located by Jacob Taylor, surveyor-general, April 4, 1724. This descended by will to his son, John Jones, Jr., who, with Sarah, his wife, May 21, 1760, conveyed twenty and three-fourths acres, for £39 5s., to Abraham Houser, chair-maker. The original deed of this purchase was by the latter buried in the ground for greater safety while the British held possession of Philadelphia in 1777. When it was taken up the parchment was found to be almost entirely illegible through the effects of moisture, when the owner thereof called on Mr. Jones, "gentleman, of Philadelphia," who executed to him a new deed, bearing date November 14, 1793, wherein the aforesaid circumstances are related. Abraham H. Carn, a descendant of Mr. Houser and the owner of said tract, possesses both the deeds, which are thus invested with singular interest, the latter having been executed a third of a century later, denoting that the parties thereto had been favored with longevity. 1142 The Scheetz family has, been for some time in Whitemarsh, several members of which have been noted business men and held office in the county. It has, been stated that John Jacob Scheetz, a minister of Creyfelt, on the Rhine, was a member of the Frankfort Company, organized in 1683 to promote and encourage settlement from Germany. His son Henry was thus induced to come to Pennsylvania and first settled at Germantown, afterwards removing on a purchase in this township, where he spent the remainder of his days. This property was inherited by his son, Henry Scheetz, who, in the assessment of 1780, is called a "paper-maker," and rated for owning a paper-mill and eighty acres of land. This mill he built in 1769, on Sandy Run, to which he added afterwards a grist-mill, which is still standing. It is said he also erected, at a later date, the paper-mill on the same stream, a short distance over the Springfield line, which is still in possession of the family. He was appointed a justice of the peace before the Revolution and or the formation of Montgomery County commissioned, December 10, 1784, one of the justices of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Common Pleas. He died about 1794, leaving two sons, Henry and Justice. The latter was elected sheriff, serving in the office from 1816 to 1819. General Henry Scheetz, son of the aforesaid Henry and Catharine Scheetz, was born at the homestead on Sandy Run, in Whitemarsh, in 1761. His education was received in the schools of the neighborhood. During the rebellion of John Fries, in 1798, the command of a county brigade was assigned him. When they arrived in the vicinity the affair had subsided; be returned and the troops disbanded. In 1805 he was elected a member of the Assembly, followed, in 1808, as one of the directors of the new poor-house. In September, 1811, was appointed by Governor Snyder major-general of the Second Division of the Pennsylvania militia. After the breaking out of the war with England he marched with his command to Marcus Hook and the protection of Dupont's powder-works, near Wilmington. After the unsuccessful attempt of General Ross on Baltimore, the militia were recalled and discharged. In 1817, General Scheetz was elected one of the directors of the Montgomery Bank, at Norristown. He was appointed, in 1830, one of the six viewers for laying out the State road from New Hope, on the Delaware, through Doylestown, Norristown and West Chester, to the Maryland line. Though in his seventy-seventh year, he was elected, in 1837, one of the members from Montgomery County to frame a new Constitution for the State, the duties of which he faithfully performed. Having a competency, he retired from business, making his home in Valley Green, where he died September 4, 1848, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The plain, substantial two-story house he occupied is still standing on the east side of the turnpike, near the Springfield line, above Flourtown, and is now owned by Samuel Van Winkle, Jr. He left nine surviving children, all by his first wife. His descendants are numerous, bearing the names of Scheetz, Hitner, Sechler, Wentz and Acuff. His daughter Catharine was married to Daniel Hitner, of Marble Hall, and was the mother of Daniel 0. and Henry L. Hitner, long and well-known business men of the county. Among, the eminent teachers of the past may be mentioned Patrick Menan, a native of Ireland, who resided on a farm of fifty acres at the east corner of the cross-roads at the present Marble Hall. Here, in addition to school-teaching, he followed for a long time conveyancing and surveying. He wrote, in 1746, the deed for the old burying-ground near Williams' school-house and witnessed it, which indicates that he must have resided in the township some time previously. He was made one of its trustees in 1786. Among the pupils of his school can be mentioned General Andrew Porter and the eminent philosopher, David Rittenhouse; to attend, they came daily from the homes of their parents, in Norriton and Worcester, six miles distant. Through his instruction they made rapid progress in mathematics. In the assessment of 1780 he is reported as being "aged" and as keeping a horse. He died February 5, 1791, aged eighty years, and is interred in the graveyard mentioned, where a tombstone has been erected to his memory. The road from Plymouth, through Whitemarsh, to the city was laid out quite early, as also that from the present village of Whitemarsh. The latter, we know, was opened in 1703. What is now known as the Reading or Manatawny road was laid out, fifty feet wide, from Wissahickon Mill to Edward Lane's, at the Perkiomen. In 1714 the Skippack road was opened, striking the road to the city at Farmar's mill, in the present village of Whitemarsh. What is now termed the Church road, leading from St. Thomas' Church to Oxford, was laid out in 1811. The Germantown and Perkiomen turnpike was completed in 1804, twenty-five miles in length, at a cost of two hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars, and solely built by individual subscription. In 1874 the company forfeited its charter through a suit with the city of Philadelphia, by which the latter was required to pay to the stockholders ninety-one thousand dollars, and the whole road made free to travel. Since said date, the several townships in the county through which it passes are required to keep it in order. The Skippack road was turnpiked in 1855, and the Township Line road, from Plymouth Meeting to Upper Dublin, the same year. The mill built by Edward Farmar, on the Wissahickon, before 1713, stood where the Gwynedd and North Wales and Philadelphia roads cross the Skippack. In 1722 a well-traveled pathway is mentioned leading from the present Bridge Point, on the Neshaminy below Doylestown, through Graeme Park, to this mill, thus showing a necessity of coming hither for flour, a distance of thirteen miles, previous to said date. After the death of Edward Farmar it came in possession of Samuel Morris, thence to his brother, Joshua Morris, and next to his son-in-law, Isaac Mather, who erected the present mill and mansion-house. After his death it passed to William Miller, who owned it but a short time, when Samuel W. Comley became the possessor, who carried on milling for many years; next, Wm. H. Witte, from whom it passed to Charles Otterson, Esq., of Philadelphia, the present owner. A violent tornado visited this property in 1837, unroofing the buildings, twisting off the tops of trees and carrying them towards Camp Hill, on which occasion also a huge spiral column of water arose from the dam to a great height, dropping the fishes in the neighboring fields. Its fury was chiefly confined to this locality. 1143 What was known as Joseph Lukens' grist-mill, near the Upper Dublin line has been converted into an manufactory of woolen goods, but has not been in operation for some time. Before the Revolution it was owned by Daniel Morris. A grist-mill was erected on the Sandy Run, beside the Spring House turnpike, which has been converted into an auger factory, before 1850, by Albert Conard, and who still carries on the business. The mill now owned by Silas Cleaver is near the Springfield line, and has been greatly improved. He is now enabled, with the assistance of a steam-engine, added in 1882, to grind two hundred bushels of wheat per day. This mill was also originally built by Edward Farmar, on whose death it passed into the hands of his son-in-law, Peter Robeson, thence descended to his son Jonathan, after which William Dewees, Esq., became owner. About the beginning of this century it came in possession of Nicholas Kline, of Flourtown, who erected the present mill and was for some time its owner. There is also a grist-mill on the Wissahickon, three-quarters of a mile above this, belonging to J. B. Comly, the history of which we have not ascertained. The average volume of the Wissahickon, like that of other streams, by the removal of forests, and the drainage and cultivation of the adjacent land for nearly two centuries, has been materially reduced. On the farm lately owned by Lewis A. Lukens, near the Wissahickon, is an old burying-ground that deserves notice. It was used for this purpose in 1722 and most probably earlier. Samuel Farmar, a son of Edward, conveyed, by a deed dated September 2, 1746, half an acre of ground to Henry Bartleson, Peter Knight and James Stroud, for the purpose of a burying- ground and place of worship, for the consideration of five pounds Pennsylvania currency. Peter Knight, as the last surviving trustee, continued the tract, August 2, 1786, to George Hocker, Nicholas Kline, Patrick Menan, Peter Bartleson and Bartle Bartleson, for the object contemplated. For its better preservation and care the whole was inclosed in a wall which was greatly dilapidated. The earliest tombstone here containing an inscription is that of John Nichols Knight, who died December 29, 1729, aged forty years and ten months. It is of some size, deeply paneled, with antique-looking letters, which, for that early day, must have cost some labor as well as expense. Isaac Knight and Isaac Knight, Jr., who were land-holders in Abington in 1734, may have been relatives. A stone is inscribed to the memory of Elizabeth Bartleson, who died March 24, 1769, aged sixty, and another to Bartle Bartleson, deceased February 17, 1777, aged eighty years. The names of Trump, Menan, Siddon, Hench, Coleman, Mason and Bilger are also found here. A number of the graves are unmarked, which, of course, cannot now be ascertained. Among those were some of the Kline family and George Heydrick. That no house of worship was built here, as originally designed, was probably owing to the erection of Barren Hill Church, in 1761. On the main roads passing through this township from the northwestward, and leading to Philadelphia, there was before the introduction of railroads, a great amount of travel, which, of course, necessitated a use for inns. From the records we learn that Joseph Norris was licensed in 1773 and James Stringer in 1774; in 1778, Conrad Bean, Jacob Hauser, George Hitner and Isaac Lyle. Besides Bean and Lyle, the following year the names of Ludwig Dagen, Frederick Houseman and Andrew Gilkison are mentioned. In 1785 five public-houses were licensed; four of these were kept by George Daub, George Eckhart, Christian Steer and Ludwig Dagen. Conrad Bean kept at Barren Hill and George Eckhart at Whitemarsh, where the elections were so long held. Sandy Run tavern was advertised for sale in 1809, with stabling for one hundred horses; it has recently ceased as a public-house. George Streeper advertises the "Rising Sun" tavern for sale, on the Ridge road in 1810, eleven miles from the city. The stand of George Eckhart, on the Spring House turnpike, must have been an old and noted one. It was kept by a Mr. Bisbing; next by Philip Sellers, who was here at least in 1811 and continued in the business until after 1829. He kept the post-office here in 1816, and was sheriff from 1819 to 1822. Jacob W. Haines afterwards became the owner and kept it and the post-office many years. Oncoming into the possession of William H. Witte, of Philadelphia, who moved here, he converted it into a private dwelling, which it still remains. Among those who held township offices in the past may be mentioned Nicholas Stiglitz, collector in 1721, and Peter Robeson in 1742; Samuel Morris, appointed, in 1745, justice of the peace, as successor to Edward Farmar John Kitler and Jacob Edge, supervisors in 1767 John Kitler and James White in 1773, Joseph Lukens, George Freas in 1785 and in 1810, Jacob Gilbert and Andrew Fisher Samuel Williams was constable in 1774, John Bower, collector Leonard Streeper assessor in 1780. From the assessment of 1780 we get some additional information. The manufacture of paper was then carried on by Henry Scheetz, Henry Katz, William Kagge and Jacob Hagge, in four paper-mills, showing that this was quite an industry. Jonathan Robeson, Evan Meredith and Joseph Paul carried on grist-mills; the latter, in addition, a saw-mill. Christopher Shupart is mentioned as having in operation two stills, and Leonard Kulp one, probably for the manufacture of apple whiskey. We next find the names of Henry Kuntzman and Peter Streeper, smiths Samuel Morris, tanner Jacob Jones and William Fitzgerald teachers Richard Maers, millwright Jacob Cook, weaver Samuel McCool, James White and Benjamin Krouse, tailors John Clinton, Robert Kane, Henry Seabolt and Israel Everly, shoemakers. William West is rated for two hundred and eighty acres, part of the property being now owned by Thomas Wentz. Anthony Williams' estate of four hundred and seventy acres, in tenure of Isaac Williams, is now chiefly owned by Charles Williams Joseph McClain, two hundred and thirty acres, now partly comprised in the Sheaff estate Evan Meredith rented three hundred acres and a grist-mill from Robert Walls. The latter is now Eberhart Flues' woolen manufactory, near Fort Washington. 1144 Whitemarsh is rich in Revolutionary associations and on its hills are still to be seen the remains of redoubts and entrenchments erected in that memorable struggle. While the British held possession of the city they made several excursions out here, and the damages thus committed upon the people of the township were estimated by commissioners appointed for the purpose at six hundred and sixty-one pounds. The large stone building used by Washington as his headquarters is still standing in Upper Dublin township about half a mile over the line, owned by Charles K. Aimen, and may be seen from the passing cars on the North Pennsylvania Railroad, just above Sandy Run Station. The army was encamped here from about October 20th to December 11, 1777, when they proceeded on their march to Valley Forge for winter- quarters. From his autobiography we learn that Col. Samuel Miles, in 1774, removed from Philadelphia to a farm he purchased at Spring Mill. While here he took an early and active part in opposition to the arbitrary proceedings of the British government. He states that the second company of militia raised in Pennsylvania for the service was organized by him in Whitemarsh, and that he commanded forces raised in Whitemarsh, Plymouth and Germantown. At the battle of Long Island he was taken a prisoner and retained above two years before being exchanged, when he returned to his farm to recruit himself after his long and severe confinement. He shortly afterwards sold his place and removed to Cheltenham, where lie died in 1805, in the history of which township additional particulars are given concerning him. Before the Revolution the electors, not only of this township, but also of the whole county, voted at the inn opposite the State-House, in Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. By an act passed June 14, 1777, the elections of this and all adjoining townships were required to be held at the public-house of Jacob Coleman, in Germantown. After the erection of Montgomery County an act of Assembly was passed, September 13, 1785, which divided the same into three districts, and the freemen of the townships of Whitemarsh, Springfield, Cheltenham, Abington, Moreland, Horsham, Upper Dublin, Gwynedd, Montgomery, Towamencin, Hatfield, Lower Salford and Franconia were required to hold their elections at the tavern of George Eckhart, in the present village of Whitemarsh. By an increase of the number of districts, in 1797, the townships voting here were reduced to Whitemarsh, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Horsham. This district in October, 1802, polled 476 votes. In 1838 the townships of Whitemarsh, Upper Dublin and Springfield still voted here, the house being then kept by Jacob W. Haines. Springfield continued voting here until 1847, when the elections of that township were ordered to be held at Flourtown. By an act of Assembly passed April 18, 1853, the elections were ordered to be held at Barren Hill. By a decree of the court, July 2, 1875, Whitemarsh was divided into two districts, to be called the Eastern and Western, the elections of the former to be held at the Clifton House, at Sandy Run, below Fort Washington, and of the latter at Barren Hill. Samuel Morris, of Whitemarsh, having died in 1772, by an unsigned will donated a lot of land for the purpose of a school, extending the benefit to the neighborhood around for the distance of a mile and a half, and five hundred and thirty pounds in addition for the erection of a school-house and keeping it in repair, for which the interest was only to be applied. The aforesaid objects were fully carried out by his brother, Joshua Morris, to which was afterwards added the sum of $33.33 from Mr. Ulrich. A conveyance from the aforesaid was executed, January 13, 1773, to John Cleaver, of Upper Dublin, Thomas Lancaster, Joseph McClean, Jacob Edge, Joseph Lukens and Henry Scheetz, of Whitemarsh, in trust. The school-house was built not long afterwards, with a building attached on the lot fronting oil the Spring Road turnpike, about half a mile below Fort Washington. It was incorporated by an act of Assembly passed May 12, 1797. The first entry in the minute book is dated 11th of Fourth Month, 1791, but the school was opened several years before this. The first teacher was Ezekiel Hill, who retained the position for several years; afterwards Thomas Livezey who became a justice of the peace; Francis Murphy, about 1812, followed by Robert Kerr William Kerr John M. Jones Daniel Sellers Samuel Davis Thomas Bitting and others. It was known as the Union School and used as such until 1869, when the school directors of Whitemarsh built the house adjoining for the public school, when the former building was remodeled by the trustees. It is now used principally for lectures, concerts, etc. 1145 A lot of ground, containing two acres and eighty perches, adjoining the aforesaid school-ground was conveyed, 23d of Sixth Month, 1791, by Joshua Morris to Joseph Lukens, Isaac Mather, John Wilson, Thomas W. Pryor, Joseph Jeanes, Thomas Lancaster, Jr., and Jesse Trump, of Whitemarsh, and Jesse Cleaver, of Upper Dublin, in trust to Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, for a meeting-house and burial-ground forever. Four of the surviving trustees, the 25th of Second Month, 1815, continued the trust, which, in 1847, was again transferred, to William Longstreth, Charles Williams, Joseph Jeanes, Ellis Cleaver, Thomas Livezey, Daniel Foulke, John L. Jones and Henry Jones. The present meeting-house and dwelling on said lot was erected about 1860. Friends had occasional meetings here, the dwelling part being occupied. The first school-house where is now the Williams Public School was built by a committee of Plymouth Preparatory Meeting in 1816. It was octagonal in form and hence bore the name of Eight-Square School-house. The first teacher was Thomas Paxson, father of Judge Edward M. Paxson, of the Supreme Court, who died in Buckingham, Bucks Co., April 19, 1881, in his eighty-eighth year. He was followed by his sister, Grace Paxson, next David Lukens, John H. Callender, Hughs Bell, Jacob Paxson and others. When the common-school system went into operation the building was taken in charge by the board of directors, who, in 1866, had it torn down and a more commodious one erected in its place. Iron-ore has been obtained in considerable quantities in Whitemarsh for some time. Mention is made in Gabriel Thomas' "Account of Pennsylvania" published at London in 1698, of the discovery of ore in the province several years previous, but the locality is not specified. Near the present Edge Hill village, in Abington township, the existence of mines is stated in 1725. Just a short time previous to the completion of the Schuylkill navigation, in 1826, iron-ore was discovered in abundance near Spring Mill, from whence great quantities were shipped to furnaces in New Jersey and elsewhere. it was pronounced to contain seventy-five per cent. of pure iron, for which, in 1827, a royalty of fifty cents per ton was paid on the ground and when delivered in the city, $4.50. From the quantity of ore taken from his farm, at Marble Hall, Henry S. Hitner had, to 1858, attained to a depth of ninety-five feet perpendicular, a steam-pump being used to remove the water. Great quantities have also been dug in the vicinity of Harmanville, Barren Hill, Cold Point and Lancasterville. According to the census of 1870, nineteen iron-ore mines were worked in the county, employing two hundred and twenty-seven hands, producing 52,179 tons, valued at $152,736. It is probable that Whitemarsh may have produced one-third of this amount, the other iron-producing townships being Abington, Upper Dublin, Springfield and Upper Merion. Marble has also been procured for some time in Whitemarsh. Several quarries were worked before the beginning of this century. The Hitner quarry, at Marble Hall, in 1858 had reached a depth of two hundred and forty-two feet, showing that a considerable amount of marble must have been taken out to cause such an excavation. The Fritz quarry, which had been opened before 1800, in 1858 had attained a depth of one hundred and seventy-five feet. Besides these may be mentioned the Lentz and Dager or Potts quarries, that have also produced considerable of this material. The marble is of various colors and differs in quality,-white, blue and clouded, the former being the molt valuable. Considerable of the marble used in the construction of Girard College were obtained from Mr. Hitner's quarry and Henderson's, in Upper Merion. The census of 1870 returned five marble-quarries in the county, which are limited to Whitemarsh and Upper Merion, the former producing the most. The business appears to be a very fluctuating one, at times the mills and machinery connected therewith being in full operation, and at intervals long idle or applied to other purposes. James Traquar had a marble-yard established near Marble Hall, in 1801, if not some time earlier, in charge of William Bush, keeping on hand a supply of tombstones, mantel and chimney-pieces, steps, sills, etc. Lime was burned for building purposes in Whitemarsh, we know, in 1686, and in the vicinity of Plymouth Meeting before 1698. Its excellence and whiteness are known over the Union. According to the census of 1840, Whitemarsh produced lime to the value of fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty-eight dollars, but the business has since been greatly increased through the extension of the railroad to Oreland. It is most extensively burned in the vicinity of Plymouth Meeting, Corson Station, Williams Station, Sandy Run and Whitemarsh village. Peter Le Gaux, a native of Lorraine, France, where he was born in 1743, was a counselor of law by profession, and came to America in 1785 and settled the following year at Spring Mill. He resided on the hill to the north of the railroad station in an imposing, substantial two-story house, now occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs. Toland, to which was attached a considerable plantation. An act was passed by the Assembly, September 8, 1787, empowering him to establish and keep a ferry here. From 1786 to 1790 he was a contributor to the "Columbian Magazine," published in Philadelphia, especially on meteorology, of which he was a close and practical observer and a man of scientific acquirements. He was on intimate terms with the Audubons, father and son, of Lower Providence. While residing here he entered into vine-growing, with a view to the manufacture of wine. Robert Sutcliff, an English traveler, in a visit here, in August, 1804, thus mentions it in his work: "We crossed the Schuylkill at Spring-Mill Ferry, and had a sight of a vineyard of about five acres, under the management of a Frenchman. As the vines were not suffered to grow more than three feet in height, it had somewhat the appearance of a field of raspberries." No doubt he endeavored to introduce the cultivation of the foreign grape; hence, like many others, was unsuccessful. Mr. Le Gaux died here in 1828, aged seventy-five years. His will, in the registers office, is quite lengthy, and exhibits an eccentric mind. 1146 With a view to changing the boundary line between Whitemarsh and Springfield, William Sibley, Michael O'Brian and Florence Sullivan were appointed commissioners, and made a report, which the court, November 11, 1876, modified and confirmed as follows: "That instead of the Ridge turnpike road being the northeastern boundary, the dividing line shall be the line dividing the lands of J. Kratz and Wm. L. Rittenhouse, on the southwesterly side of said Ridge turnpike road that the township of Whitemarsh shall comprise that port of Springfield lying between the River Schuylkill the line of Philadelphia City and the county the said line between lands of J. Kratz and Wm. L. Rittenhouse." By this change Springfield township no longer extends to the Schuylkill, and Whitemarsh has gained about one hundred and sixty acres of additional territory. About half a mile southwest of Flourtown, on the Wissahickon, is the residence and farm of Norman W. Kittson, of St. Paul, Minnesota, containing four hundred acres, devoted to the rearing and improvement of blooded horses; with this purpose in view, Aristides Welsh, about 1861, purchased here a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which he increased to two hundred and fifty acres. Among the most noted horses owned or bred by him may be mentioned Rysdick, Strathmore, Lexington, Susquehanna, Leamington, Lady Duke, Alarm, Reform, Iroquois (the winner, several years ago, of the Prince of Wales' stakes at the Ascot races), Harold and others. He likewise became the owner of Flora Temple, the famous trotter of thirty years ago. In May, 1882, Mr. Welsh sold the property known as Erdenheim to Mr. Kittson for one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, who has increased its area by adjoining purchases and making additional improvements, with a view to the enlargement of stock-raising. Three tracks for training and exercising the horses and colts have been recently laid out, of a mile, half-mile and the eighth of a mile in length, the latter under cover, so that it can be used in bad weather. For the purpose of affording readier communication between the grounds on the opposite sides of the Wissahickon, Mr. Kittson, in the summer of 1883, had a stone bridge erected across the stream, which, as a private enterprise was, possibly, not previously surpassed in the county. About one hundred and twenty-five acres of this estate are in Springfield township. On the line adjoining Plymouth and Whitpain townships is an elevation known as Cold Point, where there is a scattered hamlet, containing on the Whitemarsh side more than a dozen houses. The Cold Point Baptist Church, located at this place, was first known as the Plymouth Church, and the locality became a preaching-place about 1842, when the Rev. Robert Young, then pastor of the Chestnut Hill Baptist Church, began service in the school-house, which then stood opposite the present church. The corner-stone of the old stone church edifice was laid in the summer of 1845, and after completion was in use until 1867. The corner-stone of the present stone house, sixty by forty feet, was laid in August of that year and completed and dedicated in 1868 and is still used. It stands a short distance west of the old church. The Rev. Mr. Young retired from the charge of Chestnut Hill Church in 1849 and the Revs. ____ Wilson and Barnhurst preached at the place until 1854, when the present church was regularly organized and the Rev. Jesse B. Williams became the pastor. He was succeeded by Alexander H. Folwell, ____ Trotter J. B. Williams H. H. Lemy ____ Oakley Rolando Kocher and John C. Jacobs. The churches are at present without a pastor. The membership is about one hundred and fifty. The grounds occupy about two and a half acres and are kept in neat condition. We find on the tombstones the names of Freas Rodebaugh Lysinger Fight Phipps Hellings Williams White Sands Bisbing Hallet Rex Coulson Moore Robinson Fisher Nagle Schlater Yetter Butler Kirk Radcliff Getman Wood Jones Childs Wimmer Roberts Heller Gilbert and Dewees. From these grounds a fine view is obtained of the surrounding country, particularly towards the north and west, embracing the greater portion of Plymouth township. Near this is the residence of the late Alan W. Corson, well known as a teacher, surveyor, nurseryman and botanist, who died June 21, 1882, aged, ninety-five years. The Union Church, as it is called from being held in common by the Lutheran and Reformed denominations, is situated in the lower part of the village of Whitemarsh, on the turnpike, and was originally built in 1818. In 1867 it was remodeled with a tower in front. It is built of stone, one story high, with stained-glass windows. The grounds comprise about five acres and extend front the turnpike to the Church road. Quite a number have been buried here, as may be judged by the following surnames transcribed from the tombstones: Van Winkle Kehr Shriver Smith Cox Shaffer Schofield Francis Aimen Heist Swimp King Bisbing Gratly Pierce Trexler Stout Herrman Hoover Hallowell Ruch Robbins Kuhler Wallace Thompson Baum Detweiler Fisher Prince Rodebaulgh Dewees Bolland. 1147 Keyser Wentz Armstrong Steevy Ball Slingluff Heydrick Day Bitting Sorber Wolf Dager Yetters Quandrill Dotts Faringer Everhart Harmer Cook Carr Engard Hocker Scheetz Gilbert McClellan Clemens Nace Jones Graff Wimmer Hess Heister Redifer Fries Lear Hallman Benner Ott Heany Frantz Hersh Fultz Bryan Heller Cox Carn McNeill Sechler Farr Davis Neiman Kline Coar Peterman Hauss Brooke Daub Shugard Irwin Bush Yeakle Burnet Closson Hemp Kerper Bowers Hogg Cooper Shaw Frederick Steer McClay Jacoby and Roberts. A handsome monument has been erected here to the memory of General Scheetz, who died in 1848. On the part of the Lutherans, the pastor, of Barren Hill Church had charge here until the Rev. Mr. Sentman's time. Since the erection of the Upper Dublin Church, in 1857, this congregation has been assigned to the same pastor, the Rev. Lewis Hippee having charge until August, 1859; Rev. Edward Koons, from March, 1860, to May, 1863 Rev. George Sill, from September, 1863 to 1869, who was succeeded by the Rev. Mathias Sheeleigh. The Rev. George Wagner was the German Reformed pastor in 1858; the present is Rev. J. D. Dietrich, who reported that there were, in June 1883, one hundred and sixty church members and one hundred and sixty Sunday-school scholars. Barren Hill has a high location on an eminence of this it, which appears to be a spur of Edge Hill, and affords a fine view of the surrounding country. The Chestnut Hill and Perkiomen turnpike and Ridge turnpike approach here within a quarter of a mile of each other, and between them the village is chiefly situated. It contains three stores, three hotels, several mechanic shops, school-house, a three-story hall, post-office, mill and about fifty houses, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, a handsome edifice, founded in 1761, of which a further account will be given. The post-office was established before 1827. A steam grist-mill was built in 1858. The public school-house is a large two-story building. A passenger railway was completed from this place to Roxborough about ten years ago, over which five or six daily trains are drawn by two horses. The elections for the Western District of the township have been held here since 1875. That this place has improved, the following statistics will show: In the Revolution it contained a church, school-house and four or five houses; in 1858, thirty-three houses; and in 1880, four hundred and sixteen inhabitants. A meeting of the people of this county was held in December, 1799, to raise by subscription a sufficient sum to have the bill here on the Ridge road graded, when Colonel Andrew Porter, Abraham Webb and Andrew Norney were appointed a committee to make a survey and to report thereon. The work was accomplished by the middle of the following April and duty paid for. In the summer of l883 an effort was made by some of the citizens residing here to have the name changed to that of Lafayette Hill, which, being assented to by the post-office department, took effect January 1, 1884. Spring Mill until recently was the most populous village in the township, but owing to the demolition of its furnace, and several manufacturing establishments, its prosperity has been impaired. It is situated on the east side of the Schuylkill, with two railroads having double tracks passing through it from Philadelphia. It contains at present four stores, one hotel, two clay-works, a grist-mill, several mechanic shops and about fifty houses, The census of 1880 gives seven hundred and eighty-eight inhabitants; if this is no typographical error, it is entirely too high; the number of houses will not admit of half this population. Mr. Hitner has sold his two furnaces here to the Schuylkill Valley Railroad Company to give room to their improvements. The village received its name from several copious springs of water near by, the principal ones being five or six in number. They are all situated within an area of half an acre, and flow into one stream, which, after a course of a quarter of a mile, empties into the Schuylkill. In this distance it has sufficient power to propel the whole year round the grist-mill mentioned, which was built here before 1715, and then owned by David Williams, next by Robert Jones. Thomas Livezey, in January 1812, advertised it for rent, stating that it was affected by "neither frost nor drought." Mr. Hitner's furnaces were erected here in 1814 and 1853, with an estimated capacity to produce annually twelve thousand tons of iron. John Meconkey advertised the tavern and ferry here for sale in December, 1803, stating that the house was thirty-five by eighteen feet, two stories high, with an ice-house attached, and that the ferry had the advantage of not being fordable at any time of the year. Edge Hill crosses the Schuylkill just below the village, and continues up the other side of the river to West Conshohocken, where it turns to the southwest. The river is quite narrow where it flows through the hill and rises on both sides to an elevation of upwards of two hundred and fifty feet, contributing to the beauty of the scenery. Its flourishing neighbor, Conshohocken, bids fair to absorb the entire place, it being no easy matter now to a stranger to tell where the one begins or the other ends. The post-office here is called William Penn, and was established before 1876. Marble Hall is situated on the Germantown and Perkiomen turnpike and extends within half a mile of Barren Hill. It contains two stores, a marble-mill, several mechanic shops and above twenty houses. The census of 1880 gives it one hundred and twenty-two inhabitants. Daniel Hitner, the father of Daniel 0. And Henry S. Hitner, was the founder of the place; he died here March 3, 1841, aged nearly seventy-six years. It was some time before the Revolution when Patrick Menan kept school here and taught the higher mathematics. Daniel 0. And Henry S. Hitner holds considerable real estate, and has long carried on the iron and marble business. The latter, according to the report of Henry D. Rogers, the State geologist, secured from his farm of two hundred and thirty-five acres here, in 1852, ten thousand tons of good ore, and in the following year over twelve thousand tons. The village appears to have improved very little since 1858. 1148 Fort Washington is situated near the Upper Dublin line, at the intersection of the Spring House turnpike and North Pennsylvania Railroad. It contains two stores, hotel post-office railroad station coal and lumber-yard and about eighteen houses. The post-office was removed here from Whitemarsh village in 1873 and A. H. Carn appointed postmaster, who still retains the position. Its title was changed from Whitemarsh to its present designation January 1, 1879. A woolen-mill and a silk-factory are in the vicinity, but have not been in operation for some time. Near this is also Isaac & Albert Conard's augur manufactory, who have been in the business many years. What was known in 1702 as the "wide marsh," on the early North Wales road, and gave name to the township, begins at this village and extends southwardly nearly a mile. The venerable stone bridge over Sandy Run bears the date of 1792, and gives fair promise soon to be a centenarian. About half a mile south of Fort Washington Station a terrible collision between two trains took place July 7, 1856, by which forty persons were instantly killed, twenty died subsequently and nearly sixty were wounded. The accident was occasioned through the up train being behind time with a Sunday-school excursion, and the down train not waiting here, as it should have done. What pleasing anticipations that party must have badly but a few moments before, when the object of their journey was almost in sight! Undoubtedly the oldest settlement in the township is the village of Whitemarsh, situated on the Spring House turnpike, thirteen miles from Philadelphia. It contains two merchant mills propelled by the Wissahickon, two churches, school-house and seventeen dwellings. A considerable quantity of lime is burned here. An account of the Episcopal and Union Churches is given elsewhere. The Skippack road, laid out in 1713, was turnpiked from here, in 1855, a distance of five miles. It was at this place where the elections were so long held and the Whitemarsh post-office established before 1816. The lower portion of the place lips for sometime been denominated Valley Green. Here resided, from 1837, Morris Longstreth, appointed associate judge of Montgomery County, in 1841, afterward elected canal commissioner, and in 1848 defeated by a very small majority for Governor by William F. Johnson. A few years after this he died here on his farm. The buildings and a portion of the land are now owned by Franklin P. Seltzer, the balance by Franklin A. Comly, president of the North Pennsylvania Railroad, who resides here. This is a populous section of country and abounds in fine, productive farms. Lancasterville is situated near the Whitpain line, and formerly owed its prosperity to the manufacture of lime, but since the completion of the Plymouth Railroad to Oreland the business has been removed to its proximity, and the place has gone to decay. Here resided Thomas Lancaster, a Friend, who, in 1774, emancipated his Negro man, Cato, aged forty-six years, and, in addition, gave bond that he should not fall for his keep on the public charge. He was assessed in 1780 for holding a farm of two hundred acres and keeping four horses. He had a son of the same name, who inherited the property. It was from this family that the place received its name. The numerous neglected kilns and quarries abounding here attest the industry that once prevailed. Lafayette is the name of a station a mile below Spring Mill, on the Norristown Railroad. Ali extensive paper-mill was built here in 1856 by Mr. Cope, of Germantown, who carried on the business for several years. It is now owned and operated by W. C. Hamilton & Sons, who employ about one hundred hands. The census of 1880 gives one hundred and thirty-nine inhabitants. In 1858 there were but four or five dwellings and the roads of a grist-mill that had been propelled by a stream that empties here into the Schuylkill. At Plymouth Meeting, on the Perkiomen turnpike in this township, are now some twenty houses, and it appears to be an improving place. An Evangelical meeting-house was commenced here in 1876, but not dedicated until July 22, 1893. It is a two-story stone edifice, with a capacity to seat five hundred persons. The pastor is the Rev. H. M. Capp. [See NOTE.] [NOTE. The writer acknowledges himself under obligation to the Hon. William A. Yeakle for some information relating to Whitemarsh, having written a series of interesting sketches on the subject, recently published in the Norristown Herald.] ST. THOMAS' EPISCOPAL CHURCH. -This congregation ranks among the earliest of the denomination in Pennsylvania. The Farmar family, who were its founders and principal patrons, arrived in September, 1685, and had probably settled here the following year. Tradition derived from several sources states that between 1690 and 1700 a church was built, of logs, which, in 1710, was destroyed by fire, when a stone building was erected in the northeast corner of the old graveyard, on land given for the purpose, by Edward Farmar, and which stood there and served all the purposes of a house of worship to the congregation for the long period of one hundred and seven years. Who was its first pastor remains undetermined. It was not, however, till about, 1695, that the Rev. Mr. Clayton, first established that services of the Church of England in Philadelphia; his death occurred only three years later. He was followed by the Rev. Evan Evans, who came to this country in 1700, and was for many years rector of Christ Church. He was frequently invited by those that visited his church to make journeys of fifteen and twenty miles from the city to minister to their spiritual wants, which opportunities he did not neglect, and thus an interest was maintained for worship. 1149 The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in 1718, appointed the Rev. Mr. Weyman as their missionary at Oxford and Radnor. He came to this country and entered upon his ministry with diligence and made his residence at the former place. He shortly afterwards informed the society "that there is a congregation at Whitemarsh, about ten miles distant from Oxford. who are desirous of a minister, and have, for the decent performance of divine worship, erected a goodly stone building." This certainly implies that at that early date the congregation could not have been small, and that they had a creditable church. Mr. Weyman now resigned the Radnor charge and confined his labors chiefly to the Oxford and Whitemarsh congregations, which came thus to be associated for a long period. He was succeeded, June 24, 1733, by the Rev. Alexander Howie, whose ministry lasted nine years, when he left for the West Indies. The Rev. William Currie assumed the duties in 1742, at which time the wardens were John Barge and Hugh Burk, and the vestrymen Thomas Bartholomew, William Malchior, Edward Burk, Francis Colley, William Dewees, Jr., and John Burk. From a record of the business proceedings of the wardens and vestrymen for 1749 the following interesting extract is taken: "It was agreed that James Whiley, for officiating as Clark, cleaning the church and keeping things in decent order, should receive five pounds per annum. That the old tiles be sold for the best price, and the roof covered with cedar shingles. That a new pew and pulpit be made in the northeast corner, and new bannesters round the communion table. Also to fence in the graveyard with red cedar posts and cedar boards, and make three gates, one on each side, and the other at the end of the graveyard." This establishes the fact that the original roof had been covered with tiles. The expense of repair was met by some forty contributors. The accounts show that Samuel Gilkey repaired the roof and Jacoby Whiley and George Lawrence attended to the carpenter-work. The Rev. Eneas Ross came over from London in June, 1741, and became pastor of Christ Church, Philadelphia, which he resigned in June, 1743, to take charge of the churches at Oxford and Whitemarsh, in which he continued until 1758. He was the first minister to make any record of baptisms and marriages; unfortunately, his example was not followed for over half a century afterwards. Mr. Ross having been transferred to New Castle, Del., the Rev. Hugh Neill became his successor, who stated, on entering on his duties, that the attendance at worship was about one hundred and fifty, of which not more than thirty were members, the rest being Dissenters, or Germans who had received some knowledge of English. It is supposed that on the removal of Mr. Neill, in 1766, that the Rev. Dr. William Smith, provost of the college at Philadelphia, officiated occasionally until 1779. From the following entry made April 17, 1786, it will be observed that all early records of the church have been unfortunately lost, except one book from 1742 to 1766: "Ordered, That proper books be provided for keeping the registers of this Parish, the old books and registers having been destroyed during the late war." At the aforesaid meeting of the congregation, John P. Gilpin and Andrew Redifer were elected wardens, and Edward Burk, Levi Stannerd, William Hicks and Frederick Hitner vestrymen. Efforts were at once made to repair the injuries resulting from the war. It is therefore "Resolved, that, as the church is much gone to decay and the fence round the graveyard totally destroyed, the church be immediately put into decent repair, a communion table provided and a desk made for the clerk. Also, that a rail-fence of cedar be made round the graveyard." The Rev. Joseph Pilmore was, on this occasion, chosen minister and John Stewart appointed clerk. For the long space of twenty years, extending from 1766 to 1786, they had no regular pastor and but irregular worship, the members being scattered and the building and grounds in a ruinous condition. Mr. Pilmore retained the charge until 1794, when Rev. Dr. Wm. Smith succeeded until 1796, followed by the Rev. John H. Hobart to 1797, who afterwards became bishop of the diocese of New York, next the Rev. Slater Clay until 1812, then his son, Rev. J. C. Clay. The Rev. Bird Wilson, rector of the church in Norristown, officiated until 1821, followed by Rev. Mr. Robertison for a short period. He was followed by Rev. John Rodney, in connection with St. Lukes' Church, Germantown, to 1833, the Rev. Dr. Cruse and Rev. John Reynolds to 1836, Rev. Wm. H. Deihl to 1852, Rev. George Foote to 1855, Rev. David C. Millett from 1856 to 1864, Rev. Charles Bonnel to 1869, Rev. Mr. Stryker to 1876, who was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. H. I. Meigs. On the erection of the church, in 1817, the tower and spire were not completed until between the years 1847 and 1857, when the parsonage and school-house were built, additional ground purchased and a bell of eleven hundred pounds weight and a communion service presented. The church was forty by sixty feet in dimensions, built of stone, one story high, with a spire of one hundred and thirty feet. So weak at times has been the congregation that in 1817 the membership was only fifteen and worship was held only once a month. A drawing was made of this building in May, 1867, which many now be the only one extant. The distance to the Oxford Church does not exceed nine miles, and it was not till 1734 that the road was opened between them and declared a public highway, which has ever since borne the name of Church road. The remains of Edward Farmer, who died, in 1745, were placed in the upper part of the North aisle; the original slab retains its position, thus denoting the site of the old church. Tradition states that several Indian chiefs were buried here, but the exact place of their interment is unknown. 1150 The church in the Revolution was occupied by both parties. During Washington's encampment in the vicinity soldiers were quartered in it, who made hearths of the grave-stones for their cooking purposes, which will account for the loss of head-stones from the earliest graves, fragments of which may be still discovered with lettering on them. On the retreat of the Americans from Germantown, the British, in their pursuit, occupied it, and again on their march out here to attack Washington. On this last occurrence they made use of it for several days. The late church, believed to be the third erected here, was torn down in 1868, and the present large and beautiful edifice commenced in the previous year, which, however, was not used for worship until 1877, and not fully completed until 1881. It is built of dressed red sandstone, procured in the neighborhood, forty-two by one hundred and twenty-four feet in dimensions, with a tower at the east end eighty-two feet in height. The windows are of stained glass and of the most elegant design. From this elevated churchyard a fine prospect is afforded of the surrounding country, including Flourtown, Chestnut Hill, Barren Hill, Camp Hill, Fort Washington and the romantic valley of the Wissahickon. It is undoubtedly one of the handsomest church buildings in the county. The grounds embrace all of six acres, substantially inclosed and kept in a neat condition. As maybe expected from its antiquity, many have been buried here, probably above two thousand. The oldest stone bearing a date is that erected to the memory of James Allison, who died in 1727 aged forty-five years. Several quaint and curious epitaphs are here, bearing the dates of 1732, 1738, 1749, 1755 and 1763. Among the numerous surnames to be found here can be mentioned Burke Barge Wells Farmar Allison Woolen Brant White Shay Houpt Ingleman Cleaver Bisbing Robinson Nash Acuff Donatt Taylor Nague Loeser Bradfield Hayes Hinkle Lukens Smith Jackson Hickling Young Warley Comly Corson Aimen Stackhouse Hersh Summerfield Grafly Hart Gibbs Janney Dodson Kifer Platt Foote and Vancourt. In the spring of 1883 this church was represented in the Episcopal Convention by William H. Drayton, John H. Bringhurst and Hamilton Taggart as lay delegates. The present communicants number nearly one hundred; the children attending the Sunday and parish-schools number about eighty. Of the eleven Episcopal Churches now in the county, this was established the earliest, the next being St. James', in Lower Providence, in 1721. ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. -The origin of this Church appears to be greatly due to the early and active efforts of the Rev. Henry M. Muhlenberg, which is thus acknowledged in the minutes: "Our collectors having, in his name and with his letters of recommendation, raised contributions to defray the expenses of the school-house, and having, after these were paid, also, by means of his written petitions, collected money in Philadelphia and in the Provinces of New Jersey and New York for the building of St. Peter's church, he himself having, at the same time, as far as it was possible for, himself and his fellow-labourers, served us in the preaching of, the gospel." From the deed of the school-house, dated March 15, 1758, we learn that Christopher Roberts, Philip Creasman, Valentine Miller, Philip Hersh and Adam Snider, of Whitemarsh, had commenced the building, but, through a majority of votes, transferred their rights to Rev. Richard Peters; Charles Magnes Wrangel, D.D., provost of the Swedish Lutheran Churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; Henry M. Muhlenberg, first minister of the United German Evangelical Congregations in Pennsylvania; Henry Keppele, Sr., of Philadelphia; John Koplin, of Providence; Valentine Miller, Ludwig Kolb and Mathias Sommer, members of the church in Whitemarsh. PICTURE OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH, BARREN HILL, APPEARS HERE. The aforesaid school-house was completed in 1758, and worship was held in it until the completion of the church. The first teacher was Michael Seely, who subsequently had the misfortune to become blind. The church, it is supposed, was commenced in 1761, but was not finished until a few years later. it was a substantial stone edifice, with galleries on three of its sides, surmounted by a steeple, which remained-standing until 1849, a period of nearly eighty-eight years. The school-house was built of logs; since, three others have been successively erected on the same spot the two last, by the directors, under the public-school system. Conrad Bischoff, in 1765, taught the school, followed by John George Kuhn in 1768. Mr. Muhlenberg officiated at the laying of the corner-stone of the new church, and gave towards it, out of a certain legacy, twenty-four pounds, and preached in it before roofs, in which state it had cost fire hundred pounds, and on its completion, upwards of five hundred pounds more. 1151 It appears that the congregation had subscribed but little towards its building, for they were in debt upwards of £1000 ($2666.66) when the church was finished. Hearing Of the pecuniary embarrassment Dr. Ziebenbagen, chaplain to the King of England authorized Mr. Muhlenberg to draw on him for five hundred pounds sterling. After the most clamorous of the creditors had been paid the church, school-house and lot of ground were conveyed to the German Lutheran congregation of Philadelphia. But what principally enabled the securities to meet their engagements was a legacy of thirteen thousand gulden (five thousand two hundred dollars) from the Count of Roedelsheim, in Germany, which he bequeathed to the German Lutheran congregations of Pennsylvania, three thousand gulden (twelve hundred dollars) of which were expressly given towards the indebtness of this church. Thus was the debt of the church paid off to save it from being sold, and not long afterwards the whole was freed from incumbrances. At an election held at St. Peter's, April 1, 1766, Henry Katz, John Bauer, Andrew Koeth and Philip Lehr were chosen elders, and William Hiltner and John Fisher deacons. In June, 1769, Rev. John Frederick Schmidt accepted the charge of the Germantown Congregation, and preached every other Sunday in the parochial churches of Frankford and Whitpain, and occasionally at Barren Hill, in which church divine service had been previously held every other Sunday by the Germantown ministers, during the time of Pastors John Nicholas Kurtz, John Ludwig Voight and James Van Buskirk. Through the war and for several years after its close the Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, no doubt, occasionally officiated here, also his son, the Rev. H. E. Muhlenberg, of St. Michael's, Philadelphia, followed by the Rev. Daniel Schroeder and John Henry Weinland, in 1786 to 1789, of the Germantown congregation, whose several labors helped to keep the congregation together. During the Revolution the church received considerable injury, having been by turns occupied by the contending armies. And used as a battery and stable. The Rev. H. Muhlenberg, in his journal, under date of November 4, 1777, says " that it was used as a stable for horses by a portion of the American army, encamped in the vicinity," and further mentions that a short time previous the British army had been here, and taken from the people their horses, oxen, cows, sheep and hogs. Lafayette quartered in the church, as a point for observation, during his brief tarry on the hill, in the middle of May 1778, and came near being captured by General Grant, with a strong detachment of the British army. After the war, as may well be supposed, it was almost a ruin, full of rubbish and dirt, and its members, from being pillaged, were miserably impoverished and destitute of even the necessaries of life. The Rev. Frederick D. Schaeffer has left the following interesting account of the condition of affairs here: "In the year 1790 I was called to the congregation of St. Peter's Church as their regularly ordained minister, and found the church and school in such a lamentable condition as to be commiserated. Only a few heads of families adhered to this congregation; the greater number of the children had already been sent to English schools, and an English schoolmaster had been appointed to teach without my knowledge. The church building was in a deplorable condition like a neglected or disordered house, the rude walls windows and frames broken and shattered, and the roof appeared also ready to fall in." Like St. Thomas' Church at Whitemarsh, it seems it required some time to get over the disasters occasioned by the war and relieve themselves from the difficulties under which they had labored. Through the exertions of Mr. Schaeffer the church and surrounding premises were put into better condition, but from having been built nearly half a century considerable repair was needed. To carry this out, the congregation made application to the Assembly, who passed an act, April 13, 1807, authorizing them to bold a lottery to meet the expense. For the want of unanimity this was not carried out, when a committee of seven members was appointed, in 1809, to rebuild the structure and restore the fence and graveyard which was accomplished within the year. It was dedicated January 7, 1810, in the presence of a numerous assemblage. The preaching in the forenoon was in the German, and in the afternoon in English. After a service here and with the Germantown congregation of over twenty-two years, Mr. Schaeffer resigned and went to Philadelphia preaching his farewell sermon August 23, 1812. The Rev. John C. Baker succeeded in the charge and remained its; pastor until 1828. During his ministry the German language was entirely dispensed with and the English substituted. The Rev. Benjamin Keller, D.D. commenced his labors in February, and remained till 1835. Under the charge of Rev. C. W. Schaeffer the parsonage was built, in 1836, at a cost of nearly nine hundred dollars. The Rev. F. R. Anspach, D.D, became the pastor January 1, 1841, and remained until 1850. He held the last communion in the old church April 8, 1849, when the present fine edifice was erected, at a cost of six thousand five hundred dollars. Through the industry and perseverance of Dr. Anspach the membership of the congregation here and at Whitemarsh was greatly increased. In connection with his other duties, he conducted a select school wherein the higher branches of English education were taught. Rev. Wm. H. Smith succeeded in 1850, and resigned May 10, 1852. In November of said year Rev. Wm. Baum, D.D., accepted, and served until July, 1858, and was followed by Rev. S. Sentman, who remained till April, 1862. In his ministry the centennial celebration of the church was observed with appropriate ceremonies. Rev. C. F. Keedy was the next pastor, followed by Rev. J. Q. Waters, when Rev. R. Demme succeeded in 1867. The Rev. T. C. Pritcherd received the charge September 1, 1871, and remained until July 1883, and was succeeded by Rev. J. Q. McAtlee. To the pastors of this congregation was also assigned the charge of the Union Church at Whitemarsh from 1818 until 1858, when the latter was connected with the Upper Dublin Church. 1152 The present church, as has been stated, was built in 1849, in the Gothic style, two stories high, with buttresses and stained-glass window. Its dimension are forty-eight by seventy two feet, with a tower and spire one hundred feet high. The steeple, from its high situation, is seen for many miles around. From the churchyard a fine prospect is obtained, particularly in a northeast direction. The ground probably comprises in all eight acres, inclosed by an iron railing and wall. A considerable number have been buried here in the past one hundred and twenty-five years. On the stones are found the names of Dettere Dager Morris Prutzman Barnet Crawford Bell Rapine Harbst Cook Gilinger Gulp Dewees Hitner Robinson Righter Bond Pflieger Young Staley Lyle Johnson Jago Keys Mattis Rex Bolton Sassaman Wolf Thomas Lysinger Kline Ellis Garn Becher Boyer Lightcap Gray Neil Klair Streeper Bartle Haugh Culp Wampole Hiltner Cole Heritage Coltman Kirk Davis Johnson Goshen Bickings Ludy Pifer Kenzie McIntire Matlack File Haines Butter Markley Marple Fisher Shinkle Hellings Freas Peters Heilman Hagy Harner Graver Vandike Cressman Kirker Ritter VanWinkle Moyar Nelson Faringer Deshong Spealhoffer Hart Thorp Yeely Hesser Potts Zern Schlatter Herman Barnhart Hallman Steer Share Sharp Fight Bauer Calender Kutz Shaw Dennison Snyder Wood Thompson Cress Jacoby Faust Edelman Scheetz and Brant. A handsome white marble monument, about twenty-five feet high, was erected to the memory of the Soldiers who died in the late civil war. The oldest stone observed, bearing a date, is to the memory of "Johan Heinrich Klein, gestorben 1760." During a severe storm in November, 1878, which passed over the centre of the township and did considerable damage, the steeple of the church was blown down and greatly injured, but was restored in the following year. ASSESSMENT OF WHITEMARSH, 1780. Leonard Steeper, assessor and John Bower, collector. Andrew Cate, 100 acres 2 horses 3 cows John Sheppard, 83 a 2h 2 c Christopher Shupart, 60 a 1 h 3 c. 2 stills Jacob Cate, laborer Henry Katz, 17 a. 2 h 3 c. paper-mill and 43 a. in Springfield Joseph Ake, miller, 1 c Wm. Kagge, 3 c paper-mill Hagge, 100 a, 2 h 2 c. paper mill Caspar Wampole, 50 a 1h 2 c Adam Miller, 3h 3c John Shupart, 1c George Knitle, 2 h 2 c George Geiger, 2 h. 2 c. Jacob Hauser, 100 a 1h 1c Wm Johnson, laborer, 23a 1c Ludwig Dagen, inn-keeper, 95a 1h 2 c Henry Kuntzman, smith, 1c Margaret Robins, 15 a Martha Shoemaker, widow, 30 a 1c John Conard, aged, 1 h 1 c Jacob Shoemaker, aged, 150a 1c David Shoemaker, 3 h 3c Elizabeth Baker, 7a aged and infirmed Michael Lentz, 30 a 2c Christopher Carr, 1c John Rickert, 212a 5h 6c 1 still Jacob Jones, schoolmaster, 94 a 1 h 1 c Griffith Thomas, 85 a 2 h 2 c Samuel Miles, gentleman, 2 h 3 c 1 four-wheel carriage 1 two-wheel do. Joseph Paul, miller, 25 a and grist and saw-mill Thomas Livezey, 125 a 1 h John Conard, laborer, 1 c Francis Henry Isaac Fryer Philip Lehr, 1h 1c Christopher Lehr, 1 h 1 c John Jones, 190 a 2 h 1 c John Harry, 100 a 3 h 4 c James Stroud, 1 h 1 c Michael Mitchell, 4 h 2 c John Hart, 14 a 1c John Clinton, shoemaker Jacob Kuhn, 2 h 1c John Wolf, laborer, 15 a 1 c Frederick Zorn, 20 a 2 h 2 c Hannah Maulsby, widow, 100 a 1 c Thomas Shepherd Wm Stroud, laborer John Yetter, 2 h Jonathan Powell, 95a 2h 4 c John Hufty, 120 a 4h 3 c Davis Davis Christian Steer, inn-keeper, 200 a 9 h 7 c 1 chair George Fries, 100a 3h 3c William Hiltner, 30 a h 2 c John Ketler, 116 a 2 h 2 c Jacob Sharp, shoemaker Valentine Cressman, laborer 1c George Fries, Jr, shoemaker, 2 c Catherine Rapp, widow, 100 a Peter Streeper, smith, 1h 1 c George Creesman, laborer, 100a John Bower, 48a 4h 2c Adam Kiteer John Fisher, 25a 1h 1c William Hirsch, laborer James Griffin, 2h 2 c Joseph Kenton, laborer Adam Snyder, 2 h 1c Catharine Moyer, 25 a 1c Frederick Gilbert, 1c Wm. Dewees, laborer, 6 a 1c Benjamin Krouse, tailor, 1a 1c Philip Sharp, 100a Isaiah Hups, 100 a 4 h 2 c Leonard Culp, 50a 2h 2c 1 still Leonard Streeper, 180 a 2h 3c Dennis Streeper Jacob Shearer, 2 h 2 c Peter Dager, 4 h 5 c Albrecht Houser Jacob Edge, 198a 2 h 3 c David Acuff, 30 a 5h 3c Jacob Acuff Wm. Fitzgerald, school-teacher, 6 a 1h 1c Abraham Houser, 20 a 1h 2 George Aimen, 45 a 1h 3 c Conrad Bean, 2 h 1c John Derrick, laborer James Haslett, 1 c, laborer Richard Mairs, millwright, 2 h 1 c Isaac Mathers, 2 h 3 c 1 still William West, 280a 5h 10c 2 negroes one four-wheel carriage Samuel Morris, tanner, 29 a 3 h 2 c Jess Gilbert, 1h 1c Henry Scheetz, paper-maker, 80 a 3h 4c paper-mill Joseph Lukens, 190 a 3 h 6 c George Ankele William Jones, laborer Marchant Maulsby, 80 a 3 c aged John Kerbaugh, 18 a 4h 1c Edward Hopkins, 1h 2 c Martin Faringer, 80 a 2 h 3 c Jacob Mathews, smith, 1c Samuel Cox, shoemaker, I c Andrew Miller, 3 h 1c Henry Enghart 2h 2c Henry Gordon, laborer Edward Davis, 50 a 2 h 2 c Walter McCool, 1 negro 50a 2h 2c Samuel Mccool, 1h 2 c tailor David Evans, laborer, 1c Joseph McClean, 230a 3h 5c Jacob Cook, weaver, 1c David White James White, 47a 2h 2c tailor Robert Kane, shoemaker, 1c John Cox, schoolmaster Thomas Cox, 11a 1h 1c, laborer Dorothy Jarret, widow, 200 a 3 h 5 c John Hallowell, 120 a 3 h 4 c John Wilson, 117 a 2 h 3 c John Eldridge 1 servant 150 a 4 h 5 c John Eldridge, 1 servant, 150 a., 4 h 5 c Sarah Egbert, widow 60a 4h 1c John Egbert Lawrence Egbert Thomas Lancaster, 200a 4h Thomas Lancaster Joseph James, 160a 2h 2c George Shatinger, laborer, 2c Evan Meredith, miller, 6h 4c I chair rents of Robert Wells 300a and grist-mill Joseph Wood Samuel Williams, 2h 2 c Casper Freas, 3h 4c Jacob Lesley, laborer, 1 c Jonathan Robesor [sic], 238a grist-mill 3 negroes 1chair 3h 4c Michael Knorr, 170 a 5 h 5 c George Harker, 200 a 4 h 6c Melchior Knorr 170 a 5 h 5 c Benard Knorr, laborer 2 h 2 c Isaac Williams, 470 a belonging to Anthony Williams' estate Michael Bowman, 2 h 1c Henry Seabolt, shoemaker, 1c Michael Miller, 13 a 1h 1c Frederick Miller, 11 a 1c Michael Miller, 33a 1h 1c Joseph Ramsey, laborer, 1c Israel Everly, shoemaker, 2 c Patrick Menan, aged, 50a 1h 2c Josiah Dickeson, 2 h 3c Frederick Hitner, 4h 2c Jesse Greenfield SINGLE MEN- George Geiger George Aimen Owen Morris Philip Keese Morris Maulsby Lawrence Egbert Joseph Wood Lewis Wood Peter Robeson. 1153 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ELIAS HICKS CORSON. The subject of this biography is the son of Alan W. and Mary Corson, of Whitemarsh township, and was born on the 19th of February, 1816. His father, a distinguished mathematician and botanist, was able to give his son superior opportunities of instruction, to which primary store of knowledge lie added by reading and observation. At the time of his majority he engaged in lime-burning in Chester County, but soon returned and began the same business in Plymouth, where it was continued with energy and profit until his death, on the 5th of November, 1877. He was also engaged in the coal business, and was the owner of a fine farm adjacent to the quarries, which he cultivated to its fullest capacity. Mr. Corson, on the 13th of March, 1845, married Miss Emily R. Harris, daughter of Henry and Rachel Harris, of Philadelphia. Their children are Henry H., George, Emily, Martha, Walter H., Carroll, Percy H. and four who died in early youth. Mr. Corson, early in the anti-slavery movement, joined his efforts to those put forth by the friends of human rights, and through the long years of that strife was active in the cause, contributing freely and aiding in all proper ways to give freedom to the slave. To the temperance cause he also gave his heartiest approval, for which work he was eminently fitted, no amount of opposition or inconsistency of others being able to tempt him to unbecoming violence or prevent his administering a deserved rebuke. PICTURE OF E. H. CORSON, APPEARS HERE. It may be said of Mr. Corson that few men in his section of the State were better known or more universally esteemed. He displayed a varied knowledge, was quick of apprehension and possessed a rare facility of conversation, combined with the kindness and gentleness of a child. He possessed a strong individuality, was a marked man in stature, strength and symmetry, and possessed not less remarkable business qualifications than strong mental endowments. He was fond of literature, a reader of the poets, and kept pace with the transactions of the times. His conversation and presence were magnetic, his manner agreeable and his wit devoid of sting or bitterness. Good, pure, strong and true, his influence will survive, while to his friends he remains as a bright memory, a spur to noble deeds in the cause of humanity. JOSEPH FREAS. Mr. Freas is of German extraction, his father having been George Freas, who married Barbara Wolf. Their children were John, George, Samuel, Jacob, Benjamin, Daniel, Joseph, William, Mary (Mrs. Samuel Roberts) and Catherine (Mrs. William Freas). Joseph was born on the 6th of May, 1794, on the homestead farm, in Whitemarsh township, and during his youth remained with his parents, receiving meanwhile such education as the neighboring schools afforded. 1154 He then chose as his trade that of a blacksmith, and became an apprentice to his brother Samuel, in Plymouth. This trade he followed for some years in Plymouth, but, concluding that the occupation of a farmer, with which he had been made familiar in his youth, was more to his taste, he abandoned his trade and returned to Whitemarsh. Here he purchased of his father the farm, which for many years he cultivated, and on retiring from active farm-labor be erected the residence on the same farm which is now the home of his widow and daughter. His political sentiments were those of the Old-Line Whig party, though he did not take an active part in the public movements of the day, and devoted his time and efforts wholly to his own business. PICTURE OF JOSEPH FREAS, APPEARS HERE. Mr. Freas was married, on the 15th of January, 1818, to Ann Keely, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Keely, of Philadelphia County, whose birth occurred November 17, 1792. Their children are: Henry, born in 1818 Joanna, in 1820 Walton, in 1822 Essachar, in 1824 Elizabeth, in 1826 John Quincy, in 1828 Orlando, in 1830 Caroline, in 1834 Tacy A., in 1836 Barbara A., in 1839. Mr. Freas was not less favorably known for his industry than for his up- right character and integrity, which caused him to be universally esteemed in the township, His death occurred November 22, 1879, at his home, in Whitemarsh. JESSE W. FREAS The great-grandfather of Jesse W. Freas (or Fries, as originally spelled) and uncle of Jacob Frederick Fries, the founder of a philosophical school in Germany and professor at Heidelberg in 1805, was from Saxony. His son, Simon, resided at Marble Hall, in Whitemarsh township, where he followed the blacksmith's craft. He was united in marriage to Margaret Rapin, born in 1773, died in 1863, a descendant of the celebrated Paul da Rapin de Thoyras, an eminent historiographer, born in Languedoc in 1661. A member of the family, Philip Rapin, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war, and Daniel Rapin was the first mayor of Washington City, justice of the peace, appointed by President Jefferson, and postmaster of the House of Representatives at the time of his death, in 1825. The children of Simon and Margaret Freas were William David Ann Charles Nicholas Sarah Elizabeth Philip Henry Elizabeth (2d) David (2d) William, of this number, was born December 27, 1796, in Whitemarsh, where he was early a blacksmith, and later became the owner of a productive farm. 1155 He married Catherine Freas, daughter of George Freas, the latter of who was but an infant of one year on his emigration from Germany. Their children were a son, Jesse W., and a daughter, Barbara Ann, now Mrs. Philip Cressman, of Philadelphia. Jesse W. was born on 23d of October 1818, in Whitemarsh Township and devoted his boyhood to labor, varied by attendance at the nearest school, where he acquired a substantial education. He was instructed at an early age in the uses of the hammer and forge, as also in the various occupations pertaining to the life of a farmer, and continued thus industriously occupied until his marriage, December 24, 1846, to Miss Ann Catherine Streeper, daughter of Leonard and Sarah Streeper. Their children are,- William S., born in 1848 Frederick R., in 1851 Eva, in 1853 (died in 1854) Luther, in 1855 Henry M., in 1859 L. Streeper, in 1862 Oliver S. Abold, in 1864 Lilly, in 1868 (died in 1883) Ida M., in 1872. PICTURE OF JESSE W. FREAS, APPEARS HERE. Mr. Freas, on his marriage, removed to a farm belonging to his father, which he cultivated in conjunction with the mining of iron-ore. Though at a later period his residence was changed, a spacious dwelling erected by his father becoming his home, he continues his customary pursuits as a miner and farmer. For a number of years he was also engaged in a general merchandise business. The Freas family have been blessed with great longevity. Jesse W. is now sixty-seven, William died at eighty-four, Margaret at ninety, and nearly all her children at advanced ages. Mr. Freas is in politics a Republican, having formerly voted with the Democratic party, as did his father. He has served as school director, but declined other official positions, though holding the commission as postmaster at Lafayette Hill. He is a Lutheran in his religious faith, and member of the Lutheran Church at Barren Hill, as are his wife and most of the children, his son, William S., being a clergyman of that denomination, settled at Carlisle, Pa. Mr. Freas was for many years superintendent of the Sunday-school of his church. SILAS CLEAVER The Cleaver family are of German antecedents, though little is known of the advent of the first representative in America or of his immediate descendant. Salathiel Cleaver, the father of Silas, a brief sketch of whose life is here given, was a resident of Montgomery County, where he followed farming pursuits during his active life. To his wife, Mary Shoemaker, were born five sons, - Nathan Josiah Daniel Silas John. The birth of Silas, of this number, occurred on the 7th of January 1819, on his father's farm, in Gwynedd township. 1156 He was educated at the boarding-school of Joseph Foulke, in Gwynedd, and at the age of nineteen repaired to Whitemarsh township, where he entered the mill of William Ely for the purpose of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the miller's trade. On completing his apprenticeship be removed to Walnut Mill, in Lower Dublin township, and became the lessee of a mill, which he operated for a period of eight years. Mr. Cleaver, at the expiration of this time, purchased a mill property at Wissahickon, in Whitemarsh township, which, in connection with his brother John, he operated for thirty-six years. Having during this time been assiduous in his devotion to business, it was his intention to have abandoned active labor in connection with the mill, and he retired to a home he had purchased. His life was, however, suddenly ended on the 18th of February, 1884, before this project was consummated. Mr. Cleaver was, on the 9th of March, 1848, married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John Ruppert, of Lower Dublin, who survives him. In politics the subject of this sketch was a Republican, his affiliations having formerly been with the Whig party. Apart from the office of school director, he held no official positions in the township. PICTURE OF JOHN CLEAVER, APPEARS HERE. He was a member of the Corn Exchange of Philadelphia for many years, and at his death a director of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was by birthright a Friend, and worshipped with the Plymouth Meeting. Mr. Cleaver, though a man of modest and unobtrusive demeanor, wielded a commanding influence in the township. His sterling integrity in all matters of business won the respect of the community, while the qualities of gentleness, kindness and sympathy caused him to be greatly beloved by those who, through daily intercourse, became familiar with the tender and loving heart and the generous and unselfish nature. JOHN CLEAVER Salathiel Cleaver, the son of Nathan and Ruth Cleaver, who was of German descent, and born on the 10th of August, 1780, was numbered among the enterprising farmers of Montgomery County, his residence during his lifetime. He married Mary, daughter of Daniel Shoemaker, of Upper Dublin township, Montgomery Co., who was of Welsh extraction, and had children, -Nathan, Josiah and Daniel (deceased), Silas and John. The last-named and youngest of the number, who is the subject of this biographical sketch, was born November 1, 1822, on the homestead, in Montgomery township. 1157 Here his youth, until the age of nineteen, was spent, his education having been received at a private school on his fathers property, and later at the boarding-school under the direction of Joseph Foulke. He decided upon acquiring a trade, and chose that of a miller, entering as apprentice a mill on the Pennypack stream, near Bustleton. Two and a half years after, having completed his apprenticeship, he repaired to Byberry, in Philadelphia County, and spent a year as journeyman, at the expiration of which period he formed a copartnership with William Buckman, and continued this business relation for two years. In the spring of 1848 an advantageous opportunity was offered in connection with his brother Silas, who owned a mill in Whitemarsh township. This copartnership of social and business relations of the most agreeable character continued until the death of the senior partner, in the spring of 1884, William J. and Chalkley Cleaver having been admitted to the firm in 1883, under the name of S. & J. Cleaver & Sons. The mill has been greatly improved, much new machinery and many modern appliances having been introduced, and its capacity largely increased. In the fall of 1876, Mr. Cleaver purchased the farm adjoining the mill property, known as the Peter Phipps farm. He was married, on the 11th of November, 1852, to Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Chalkley and Ann Jarrett Kenderdine, of Horsham township, Montgomery Co. Their children are William J. Anna K., wife of George Rex Ella (deceased) Chalkley K., married to A. Laura White Mary R. Emma Sallie Tacey K. Silas, Jr. (deceased). Mr. Cleaver has for twenty-five years been a member of the Commercial Exchange of Philadelphia. He was formerly, in politics, an Old-Line Whig, and readily adopted the platform of the Republican party on its organization. Aside from the exercise of his privilege as a voter, he, however, finds little leisure for participation in matters of political import. He was in religion reared a Hicksite Friend, and with his family worships at Plymouth Meeting. DAVID W. YEAKEL Mr. Yeakel is the great-grandson of Christopher Yeakel, who emigrated to America in 1734, and married Susanna Schultz. Among their sons was Abraham, who was united in marriage to Sarah, daughter of Christopher Wagner, whose children were Isaac, born in 1777 Samuel, in 1779 Jacob, in 1780 Susannah, in 1782 Maria, in 1784 Christopher, in 1787. PICTURE OF D. W. YEAKEL, APPEARS HERE. Isaac, of this number, whose birth occurred November 9, 1777, married Regina, daughter of Andrew Schultz, on the 4th of November, 1800. Their children were Jacob S., born in 1802 Sarah, in 1805 Samuel, in 1807 John, in 1809 Charlotte, in 1811 Emeline, in 1814 Daniel, in 1816 Mary, in 1818 David W., the subject of this sketch. Isaac Yeakel died on the 23d of October, 1847, and his wife, Regina, on the 16th of January, 1860. 1158 The birth of their youngest son, David W., occurred on the 30th of December, 1821, in Springfield township, where the early years of his life were spent. After a period of youth devoted to the acquirement of a plain English education, he began the routine of farm labor, and continued thus occupied until thirty years of age, when, being ambitious for a larger sphere of industry than was opened in his native county, he removed to Lehigh County, Pa., and engaged in the foundry and machine business at Allentown. Here he remained nine years, having meanwhile, in September, 1852, married Sarah Wentz, of Whitemarsh township. Their children are John L., married to Bertha Hellings, who had four children; George K., of Whitemarsh M. Lula. Mr. Yeakle, on his return to Whitemarsh township, settled near Lafayette Hill, where he at present resides, having some years since retired from active business. He was, in his early political associations, a Whig, and joined the ranks of the Republican party on its formation. He has neither desired nor accepted office, nor been actively allied with the working phlanx of the party. He was a loyal supporter of the Union during the late war and actively interested in filling the quota for his township. Mr. Yeakel is not identified by membership with any religious denomination, though his belief is that of the New Church (Swedenborgian). PICTURE OF JAMES M. COULSTON, APPEARS HERE. JAMES M. COULSTON The Coulston family is of Welsh descent, the grandfather of James M. having been William Coulston, who resided in Whitemarsh township, where he was an enterprising farmer. His children were Charles William John Thomas Mary (Mrs. William Kettler) Sarah (Mrs. Jacob Rohrer). William Coulston was born August 9,1797, in Whitemarsh, where he devoted his active life to farming employments. He married Ann, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Meredith, whose birth occurred October 29, 1802. Their children are James M. Elizabeth Hannah. William Coulston died April 17,1863, in his six-sixth year, and his wife, Ann, March 25, 1833, in her thirty-first year. 1159 Their son, James M., was born on the 27th of January, 1831, in Whitemarsh. His youth was similar to that of other kids whose parents were farmers. At the age of eight years he removed with the family to his present home, attended school for a period and lent a willing hand at the labor of the farm. He was married, April 7, 1857, to T. Amanda, daughter of Joseph and Ann Freas, of the same township, and granddaughter of George and Barbara Freas. Their children are Ann Freas (Mrs. Daniel Maguire) Alice Hinckley (Mrs. Harvey Lentz) William Carpenter Lizzie Sarah Roser Francis Coudie Joseph Percival Walter. William Coulston, having died in 1863, his son James M., inherited his portion of he estate and purchased the remainder of the paternal home. Here he has since continued the healthful pursuits of a farmer. He has always affiliated with the Republican party in politics, and served as a school director of his district. He is also a director of the Montgomery Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and active in the promotion of the best interests of the township of which he is a representative citizen. He is identified as a member with Marble Hall Lodge, No 351, of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He adheres to the faith of the Society of Friends, and worships with the Plymouth Meeting. CHARLES WILLIAMS. Written by the family. Charles Williams, born Fourth Month 11, 1814, married Fourth Month 27, 1837. He very decidedly prefers having a biographical sketch of his wife's father, Charles Stokes. Charles Stokes, farmer, of Rancocas, son of David and Ann Stokes, born in Willingborough (now Beverly), in the county of Burlington, N. J., Eighth Month 12, 1791, traces his genealogy from Thomas Stokes, of London, England, who was born in 1640, married Mary Barnard, daughter of John Barnard, Tenth Month 30, 1668, and settled in Burlington County, N. J., soon after the making of "The Concessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of the province of West Jersey, in America." To this instrument he was a party. This constitution or form of government for the province was thus characterized, in a letter to Richard Hartshorne, by William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, Nicholas Lucas and others, dated Sixth Month 25, 1676: "There we lay a foundation for after ages to understand their liberty as men and Christians, that they may not be brought into bondage but by their own consent, for we put the power in the people, etc., etc." In it was established a representative form of government, trial by jury and liberty of conscience, all concisely, but fully set forth, especially the last, which commences with the memorable declaration that no men nor number of men upon earth hath power or authority to rule other mens consciences in religious matters, etc." Although it formed "the common law or fundamental rights and privileges of West, New Jersey," it has been but little improved in this or any other county since its promulgation, though two centuries have elapsed. Thomas Stokes became the proprietor of a farm on the north side of the North Branch of the Rancocas River, about three miles west of Mount Holly, and had three sons John, Thomas and Joseph, all of whom were farmers. The latter two were heads of large families of children, by whom the name his been widely extended. John, who married Elizabeth Green daughter of Thomas Green, and granddaughter of Arthur Green, of Bugbroke, county of Northton, England, became proprietor of a farm on the north side of the Rancocas River, less than two miles westwardly of his fathers location. He had but one son, John, who married Hannah, daughter of Jervis Stockdale, and succeeded his father on his farm on the Rancocas. He left three sons,- John David Jervis David married Ann, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Lancaster, of Bucks County, Pa., and succeeded his father on the farm on the Rancocas; he had four sons, named Israel John L. Charles David Stokes, but no daughters. Charles Stokes married Tacy, daughter of William and Ann Jarrett, Montgomery County, Pa., Tenth Month 18, 1816. He erected buildings and commenced business on part of the homestead farm on the Rancocas River. They had three sons- David (who died when an infant) Jarrett William three daughters Hannah Alice Annie -married as follows: Jarrett, married Martha, daughter of William and Hannah Hilyard William married Annie, daughter of James and Rebecca McIlvaine Hannah married Charles, son of Joseph and Ann Williams Alice married William, son of J. R. and Letitia P. Parry Annie married Chalkley, son of John and Ann Albertson, -all forming an unbroken succession of farmers, including a space of nearly two centuries, and continuing to the present time. Charles Stokes, the subject of this sketch, received the greater portion of his school education at Friends' School, at Rancocas. At a time when but few aspired to anything further than such branches as were thought necessary to qualify for the ordinary business of life, he, having a taste for study and the acquisition of knowledge, with a few others of about the same time of life, availed themselves of an opportunity which presented, and took a deep interest in advanced studies, particularly of a mathematical character. These tended to enlarge his views and stimulate in his mind a desire to obtain useful knowledge from every available source. Books of a character to gratify this desire were but few and hard to be obtained in the vicinity of his, residence. No library existed nearer than Burlington, five miles distant, where was an ancient and good collection of books for that day. In addition to this, he was proffered by Joshua Wallan, a venerable citizen of Burlington, the free use of his extensive private library. He now commenced a study of history, seeking to make himself acquainted with the rise and fall of nations and the acts of distinguished characters who had signalized themselves in the different departments of life. Love of liberty and aversion to tyranny of every description appeared to be inwrought in his nature, and he felt it to be his mission to cherish and support the one and discountenance the other on every proper occasion, and by all suitable means. 1160 He endeavored to make himself acquainted with the history, constitution and laws of his State and country, to judge of the acts of such as were in power to administer them calmly and without excitement, and in his own judgment mete out impartial justice to all. In his early life he became impressed with the conviction that Infinite Wisdom was not unmindful of man after his introduction into this life, but, by His omniscience and omnipresence, was always with him as a sure and unfailing rule, to rightly instruct him in all things in matters of duty, furnishing ability to perform it, providing the terms were accepted. This conviction, deeply engraven, had much influence in moulding his character and pursuits. He endeavored in all things io to conduct himself that his mind would be at ease and avoid remorse, being satisfied that this rule of life gave all the liberty necessary for its enjoyments and would qualify for its duties. Agriculture was the pursuit chosen by him. He labored on his father's farm during the summer months, teaching the balance of the year. This was continued for several years, keeping him in sympathy with the manual laborer, and also brightening what he had acquired of school learning, and furnishing opportunities for extended improvement. His time was occasionally employed in surveying land, writing, and taking acknowledgments of deeds, etc., being a master in the Court of Chancery, settling estates and performing the duties of township offices, as township committee, clerk, chosen freeholder, etc. He was one of the originators and stockholders of the Mount Holly Insurance Company, an institution organized in 1831, with which he was identified from its commencement, and served until his decease its a member of its finance committee. In the fall of 1830, without his wish or desire, he was elected a member of the House of Assembly for the county of Burlington. After taking his seat the first duty presented to his mind was to have repealed an enactment to pay a chaplain for services at the State Prison, and this was effected on the ground that the constitution as it then stood prohibited the payment of money for the support of a ministry, etc. In those days New Jersey did not have any clergyman to open the session of the Legislature with prayer. The old sentiments embodied in the "concessions and agreements" had not become entirely obliterated in the roads of the people, and legislative bodies left the important matter of approaching Infinite Mercy in supplication to the individual members. It was believed by Charles Stokes to have been quite as well done and with more safety to our religious liberties. In 1831 the constitution required the Legislature to be elected and meet in the fall of the year, the custom being to meet, organize, perform a few official acts and adjourn to an early day in the ensuing year. At this adjourned session in 1831, Dr. W. B. Ewin, an old and influential member from Cumberland, moved that J. Hanock (a worthy member from Morris) should open the session with prayer. Charles Stokes objected to the right of the House, by resolutions or otherwise, to direct a member to perform an act of this kind, stating that if any member should find it to be a duty to engage in the solemn act of public invocation he would be among the last to object. Hancock arose and stated that such was his ease, but he did not wish to impose upon the House without consent. Charles Stokes then withdrew his objections, whereupon Hancock knelt, and the House arose, as by common consent, without vote. The prayer was impressive and accompanied by due solemnity. When the House was about to close, sine die, and the members separate to their several homes, Hancock made a short address, suited to the occasion, and said if there was no objection he would address the Throne of Grace in supplication. The House (without vote) manifested their approval by rising, and a fervent prayer was uttered by Hancock; immediately the Speaker pronounced an adjournment without delay, and the members separated to their respective homes with much friendly feeling. At the preceding session of the Legislature two companies were incorporated, one to unite by canal the water of the Delaware and Raritan Rivers, the other to construct a railroad front Camden to Amboy, under the names of Camden and Amboy Railroad Company, and Delaware and Raritan Canal Company. Stock was taken; both companies organized and commenced operations. In the session of 1830 the Canal Company asked for additional powers to enable them to build a railroad on the bank of their canal. This was vigorously opposed by the Railroad Company, and upon this point the House of Assembly was nearly equally divided. The result was the introduction of a bill to unite the two companies under the name of the Delaware and Raritan Canal and Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation Company. 1161 This was opposed by Charles Stokes, on the ground that the location of the works and the union of two such companies would concentrate a power not to be managed or controlled by the State. The union was sanctioned by the Legislature, and at the ensuing session an act was passed prohibiting any other railroad being built to compete in business with the works of the joint companies, thus giving them the exclusive right of transportation and travel between New York and Philadelphia, which for many years greatly retarded the improvement of the State. During all this time Charles Stokes, always a friend of the companies, but steadily and unyieldingly opposed to their monopoly privileges, with a few others, by availing themselves of every suitable opportunity, at length had the gratification of seeing the State enfranchised and freed from the incubus which had paralyzed every effort in the way of railroad improvement. At the close of the session he retired to an active private life, positively refusing to be again a candidate, until the public became much divided in regard to the policy of Andrew Jackson, President, concerning the Bank of the United States. His refusal to allow the bank further to receive the revenues of the government on deposit created much excitement and dissatisfaction with a large portion of the community; so much so that but comparatively few would speak in advocacy of his measures. That there might be no doubt as to his opinion Charles Stokes permitted his name to be used as a candidate for Council in the State Legislature, in connection with others who approved of the policy of the President. They were defeated then, as was expected, but very soon the public sentiment subsequently became so much changed upon the subject that in the fall of 1836 lie was returned a member of the Legislative Council. Having discharged this trust in such a way as to meet his own approval, he declined a further candidacy and again resumed his former avocation. The Legislature of New Jersey passed an act providing for an election of delegates to meet in convention to frame a constitution for the government of the State, Second Month 23, 1844. Charles Stokes was elected a member of this body, and Fifth Month 14th of the same year took his seat at the organization of the convention, which was composed of men distinguished for talent and high moral character, selected with the intention that party preferences should be balanced. Early in the session R. S. Field offered a resolution that the sittings of the convention be opened every morning with prayer, and that the clergymen of the city of Trenton and its vicinity be invited to officiate on such occasions." Charles Stokes said that he appreciated the importance of the service for which they were assembled and the necessity for Divine assistance to enable them to wisely perform their duties. They were in their seats representing different sections of the State, the whole people and the interests of all. Different views, no doubt, were entertained with regard to the proper mode of offering prayer, and each one was entitled to his opinion; and no man, nor number of men, had a right to impose religious services upon another, contrary to what he believed to be right. The provisions of the eighteenth and nineteenth sections of the Constitution of 1776, which they had bound themselves, by solemn asseveration, to maintain, guaranteed this protection, and up to this time had been sacredly observed. If now, on this momentous occasion, they should sanction the principle embraced in the resolution offered by the member from Mercer, they would open a door for practices, for legislation, leading to a subversion of liberty of conscience, to a union of church and state; Legislatures would have imposed upon them prayers, gratuitously for a time, but soon compensated by enforced taxation. He believed the mind should always be in this attitude of prayer, that men should "pray without ceasing," that they should do their own praying, and not by proxy. He was satisfied with Scripture doctrine; that such things as are revealed belong to us, and those things that are secret and not revealed belong to the Great Fountain-Head and source of all good. It is truly wonderful, his disregard of popularity and determination to uphold what he believed to be right. His life was one of remarkable energy and activity throughout all of seventy-five years of the same, was exceedingly useful, desirous of wearing out instead of rusting out. He was prompt to form opinions of measures touching public welfare, and solicitous to discharge every duty. He was well informed in matters of law, and when consulted on those points gratuitously gave counsel and advice; and where parties were at variance his advice rarely failed to promote harmony. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years. His death occurred Second Month 27, 1882. He was buried in Friends' burial-ground, Rancocas, N. J. He attributed his long and happy career through life to the fact that he always endeavored to follow that beacon, " The Light within," which never misled or betrayed his conscience. The rule of life by which he had lived proved to be a perfectly safe one in the hour of death. He bore his illness with resignation, and remarked "that Divine Providence has been good to me; I have the comforts of life and am surrounded and cared for by a loving and attentive family. The manifestations of friendship on the part of others is exceedingly joyful to me; I love them all; I do not entertain an unkind feeling for any one. I feel that life is ebbing away; I am resigned. My mission is nearly ended; I am prepared and ready to die." Thus ended a long, happy, useful and well-spent life.