History: Local: Appendix - 1 : The Centenial Celebration - Programme and Opening Prodeedings: 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. บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ i APPENDIX. THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, AT NORRISTOWN, PA., SEPTEMBER 9, 10, 11, 12, 1884. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CERTIFICATE. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS. _________________ FIRST DAY. OPENING EXERCISES. PRAYER . . . . . . . . Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, D.D. ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. P. Hale Jenkins ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Fornance Dedication of Rittenhouse Meridian Stone. Report of Memorial Committee. ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . Hon. B. Markley Boyer BENEDICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Isaac Gibson _________________ SECOND DAY. MEMORIAL EXERCISE. PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. H. S. Rodenbough ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Fornance HISTORICAL ORATION . . . . . . . . . William J. Buck POEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hon. George N. Corson ORATION . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. C. Z. Weiser, D.D. _________________ THIRD DAY. THE PARADE. Route of Parade and General Order. First Division, Second Division, Third Division, Fourth Division. The Indian Children. REMARKS BY . . . . . . . . . . . . Col. Theo. W. Bean. _________________ FOURTH DAY. THE ANTIQUARIAN EXPOSITION. List of Exhibits and Exhibitors. Indian Relics and Antiquities. Antiquities of the First Settlers and Early Purchasers. Relics and Records of the Colonial Period. Relics of the Revolutionary War. Relics of the War of 1812. Relics of the Mexican War. Relics of the War for the Union. Implements of Early Husbandry. Implements and Articles of Household Use in Early Times. Kitchen Furniture and Pewter Ware. Antique Furniture and Clocks. Home-manufactured Articles. Old Silver, Silver-plated, Glass and China Ware. Antique Wearing Apparel and Jewelry. Antique Handiwork in Silk, Floss, or Wool and Laces. Antique Handiwork of Our Own Times. School Books, Old and New. Books, Papers and Manuscripts. Maps, Oil Paintings, Engravings, etc. Portraits. Views of Churches and School-Houses. Rittenhouse Clocks and Scientific Instruments. Arms and Equipments. Early Surgical and Dental Instruments. Coins and Paper Money. Herbarium of Ferns and Flora of County. Minerals and Fossils. Miscellaneous Articles. ACTION OF THE COURT AND GRAND JURY. FINANCIAL EXHIBIT. Treasurer's Report. Auditors' Report. Disposal of Fund. OFFICERS OF ASSOCIATION. COMMITTEES. THE GENERAL COMMITTEE (Assistants to Township Committeemen). VOCALISTS. ii CERTIFICATE. The following constitutes a correct record of the proceedings connected with the Centennial Celebration of Montgomery County, Pa,, with a list of exhibits and exhibitors, compiled from the original Entry Books, under the direction of the Centennial Association of Montgomery County, Penna. Attest: JOSEPH FORNANCE President. F. G. HOBSON Recording Secretary. MUSCOE M. GIBSON Corresponding Secretary. At a regular meeting of the Montgomery County Historical Society, held May 25, 1882, the project of a suitable celebration of the centennial of the countyํs organization, in 1884, was discussed at some length, and a committee appointed to confer with a similar committee of the county officials to consider the proper observance of that occasion; said committee consisting of F. G. Hobson, Esq., Hon. Jones Detwiler and A. K. Thomas. On the same day the county officials met at the office of Irving P. Wenger, Esq., district attorney, to take similar action. At that meeting a committee, consisting of Henry W. Kratz, recorder of deeds, J. Roberts Rambo, register of wills, and Jacob R. Yost, county treasurer, was appointed to act in conjunction with the committee of the Historical Society. On the afternoon of the same day the two above committees met In the rooms of the Historical Society and effected a permanent organization. At the same time it was determined that a general committee be appointed, consisting of one person from each election district in the county, into whose hands the whole work of the celebration be placed. That general committee was gradually selected and the names of Its members made public at the annual meeting of the Historical Society, February 22, 1883. Here the matter was again left to rest until Monday, the 10th day of September, 1883, when, on the call of the chairman, the General Committee came together In the room of the Historical Society, at the courthouse. Here the real work began. Though few responded to the first call, yet those that did assemble were imbued with the idea that the matter was worthy of considerable effort and could be made a pronounced success. The following persons were present at the first meeting, viz.: Dr. J. E. Bauman, of Franconia the Rev. C. Z. Weiser, D. D., of East Greenville Dr. C. H. Mann, of Bridgeport Isaac R. Rosenberger, Hatfield John Walton, Horsham William J. Buck, Jenkinstown J. J. Morrison, Moreland Hon. Isaac F.Yost, New Hanover Joseph Fornance, Esq., First Ward, Norristown John W. Bickel, Esq., Second Ward, Norristown Hon. George N. Corson, Sixth Ward, Norristown Dr. Samuel Wolfe, East Perkiomen Albert Bromer, West Perkiomen D. Morgan Casselberry, Lower Providence Joseph Fitzwater, Upper Providence in addition to Col. Theodore W. Bean, F. G. Hobson, Esq., and Hon. Jones Detwiler, of the. Historical Society, and J. Roberts Rambo, of the county officials. The chairman of the joint committee called the body to order, and stated the object of the assembling, after which Hon. Jones Detwiler was unanimously chosen temporary president. On suggestion of the committee on permanent organization the following officers were unanimously elected: President, Hon. B. Markley Boyer Vice-Presidents Joseph Fornance, Esq. Wharton Barker Hon.Isaac F. Yost Philip Super Warner Roberts Robert Iredell Dr. Hiram Corson Abraham H. Cassel Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger D. D. George Lower Daniel Foulke Recording Secretary F. G. Robson, Esq. Corresponding Secretary Muscoe M. Gibson, Esq. Treasurer Lewis Styer At the same time the following chairmen of the various committees were appointed and authority was given each to appoint a number of members on each committee. Executive, F. G. Hobson, Esq. Finance, David H. Rosa, Esq. Antiquarian, William J. Buck Literary Exercises, Hon. George N. Corson Music, Prof. Thomas O'Neill Parades, Col. John W. Schall Programme, Col. Theo W. Bean Memorial, Hon. Jones Detwiler. The next meeting of the association was held at the same place, on the 15th of November 1883. Prof. Thomas O'Neill, declining to serve as chairman of the Music Committee, Henry W. Kratz was appointed in his stead and place. At this meeting the several chairmen of committees announced their associates. As the business to be brought before the Association accumulated. It was resolved to meet each month, on the Thursday next following the 22d of the month. iii At this time the general nature o celebration was discussed at length, resulting substantially in the afterwards successfully carried out. The Memorial Committee was instructed to have prepared and erected a granite monolith to the memory of David Rittenhouse, the astronomer, to be placed In front of the Court-House, marking a continuation of the surveyor's meridian line. On December 27, 1883, and January 24, 1884, regular meetings were held which the various committees reported and further plans were discussed concerning the manner of celebrating the forthcoming anniversary. The next meeting of the association was held on February 22,1884, Hon. B. Markley Boyer presiding, when plans were discussed for raising money to defray the necessary expenses of the celebration and were referred to the Finance Committee. Col. Theodore W. Bean was appointed chairman of a committee to invite the different civic and fraternal organizations of the county to parade, and Mrs. Sarah S. Rex was appointed chairman of committee to prepare and issue a circular to the householders of the county, suggesting the kind of articles desired for the exposition, and requesting their loan for the same, with the power to appoint committees of ladies In each township and ward who were to make a complete canvass of the several districts. The thoroughness with which these instructions were carried out is attested by the complete its of ladies reporting from nearly every district in the county; and to these committees is due the credit of canvassing, reporting and actually collecting most of the exhibits placed in the antiquarian exposition. On April 10, 1884, an adjourned meeting of the association was held, at which the important question of finance was finally decided, and upon suggestion of the Finance Committee a season-ticket, good for four admissions to the antiquarian exposition, was ordered to be issued at once to be sold a one dollar each, with which was to be presented a memorial certificate of membership of the association. A communication from Hon. B. Markley Boyer was read, asking to be excused from further services as President of the Association, on account of the press of his judicial duties, but still extending to the association his best wishes for success, and promise of hearty co-operation. The vacancy was filled at the following meeting, May 15, 1884, by unanimously electing George W. Rogers, Esq., as President, but as he was about to sail for Europe, to be absent until the close of the Centennial, he tendered his resignation at the meeting of May 29, 1884, when Joseph Fornance, Esq., was unanimously elected to that position. Of first importance were the finances. Money had to be raised in sufficient amount to assure success. The Finance Committee organizing with David H. Ross, Esq., chairman, and J. A. Strassburger, Esq., as its secretary and treasurer, soon had a plan matured. It pressed the sale of season tickets and memorial certificates vigorously, and popularized this plan of raising the needful funds. Each election district was asked to subscribe one hundred dollars. Within four days of sending out the supplies to the different committeeman, the upper district of Upper Providence, under the canvass of Professor J. Shelly Weinberger, had subscribed and paid its full quota. Other townships rapidly followed, until the total amount realized from advance sale of tickets and memorial certificates amounted to the sum of three thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. Credit is undoubtedly due to Mr. Strassburger for his active, energetic and systematic work in raising the necessary funds as well as arousing public interest. The next meeting of the association was held on July 24th, and was one of its largest gatherings. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company announced their willingness to return free of charge all articles shipped over their lines, by express, consigned to the exposition, and also to give the association a liberal rate on tickets sold to and from Norristown during centennial. The full committee on parade, antiquarian and memorial were announced : also a committee, composed of persons identified with the county, but residing in Philadelphia at the present time, said committee being known so the "Auxiliary Committee is Philadelphia," of which James B. Harvey was chairman. At the meeting of the 6th of August a great amount of detail work was attended to, and from that time the Executive Committee met almost daily, to pass upon the various questions as they arose. The Building Committee had a space one hundred feet square squared over in the Court-House lot, upon which were erected four large tents. The court-room was floored over the tops of the seats, and glass cases, arranged around the sides of the room and upon three large tables running its entire length. The Grand Jury room was prepared to the Art Gallery, and placed to proper shape under the special direction of Mr. J. W. Ridpath, of Jenkinstown, who is deserving of special mention, as giving invaluable assistance in fitting up the room and arranging the pictures in proper place. He wait assisted in this by Miss Sophia S. Freedley, of Norristown, a teacher in the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. The two arbitration rooms were fitted up with tables, upon which were exhibited the old and rare books of the county. When the exhibition opened everything was in readiness. The Committee on Vocal Music met soon after their appointment and invited about two hundred persons to assist in singing, on September 10. About half of that number assembled in response to the invitation, and selecting Professor J. V. Bean as their leader, soon became an efficient chorus. An immense amount of work was necessary to get everything in running order. But so well was it managed, that when Tuesday morning the 4th of September, A. D. 1884, came, it found everything in its place. A committee of ladies and gentlemen devoted special attention to the decorations of the Court-House and Music Hall, and both were greatly improved in appearance by the artistic arrangement of plants, flags and red, white and blue bunting. The work of the Committee on Parade, the Antiquarian Committee, memorial and literary exercises were most complete and satisfactory. The morning of Tuesday, September 9, 1884, witnessed the opening exercises of the centennial celebration of Montgomery County. The crowd early gathered at the County Court-House, and upon its porch and steps were the officers of the Centennial Association and invited guests. shortly after nine o'clock, Joseph Fornance, Esq., president of the Centennial Association, came forward and said: "Citizens of Montgomery County, we have met here to hold the opening exercises of the celebration of our county's centennial. I present to you the Rev. Dr. Bomberger, president of Ursinus College. Dr. Bomberger then spoke as follows: "I have been asked, my friends to open these commemorative festivities with prayer; with prayer to Almighty God. It is eminently fitting that an occasion like this should be so begun. We owe to Him the blessings we enjoy from the first establishment of our fathers in this country, and especially in this section of it. We owe to Him all that we possess to-day in the way of real prosperity and progress. Let us therefore endeavor, not with the ceremonial formality of a merely decorous prelude to this interesting occasion, but with devout reverence for Him to whom our heartiest adoration belongs, to engage sincerely and heartily, in supplication, thanksgiving and prayer. Let us pray." PRAYER. "Almighty God, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, and our Creator, gathered here under Thine own Heaven, and surrounded by the Thy hands, and realizing that we are Thy creatures, we would come at the beginning of these interesting solemnities and festivities, and look to Thee with devoutly worshipful and thankful heart, to praise Thy name as we ought to praise Thee for all Thou art, glorious in Holiness fearful in praises, doing wonders, and for all Thou art pleased to be us, and thus worthily magnify Thy Great and Excellent Name. Help us in these festivities thankfully to call to mind all Thou hast done for us, all Thou didst for our fathers in generations past. iv Although we have proved unworthy of Thy many mercies, grant us grace most heartily to feel, deplore and confess our unworthy, and yet penitently rely on Thy forgiving grace in Jesus Christ Thy Son. We desire heartily to thank Thee for all Thou hast done for us as a people in days gone by; that Thou didst bring our fathers to a land rich and richly furnished in, all things needful for their bodily comfort. We praise Thee for the temporal prosperity that has attended their efforts, and the rich inheritance we have received from them and through them, in thee earthly gifts which so abundantly surround us; for a rich and fertile land; for a healthful country, and for all the resources of it, the wealth and temporal comforts which bound on every side. But above all do we praise Thy name that Thou wast pleased to bring to this land a people that feared God and loved righteousness; that brought with them not only desires for worldly prosperity, but principles founded on Thy Holy Word, derived from Thy Gospel, and that have been faithfully sown and maintained in our midst. O! help us to remember with grateful hearts how largely we are indebted to them, and above all to Thee through them, in these respects. May we prove worthy of the holy and blessed inheritance that has been secured and handed down to us. May we not forsake the God of our fathers nor the gospel of our fathers, never turn our backs upon the grace which gave them such peace, such power and influence for good. We thank Thee for the educational institutions which they are founded along-side of the churches they built years ago, and praise Thy name that what was thus planned has been carried forward and that we enjoy the improvements that have been so secured. And now Lord we evoke Thy blessing upon this occasion. Throughout these days of joyous festivities, help us to fear Thy name, and amidst all our gladness to praise the Lord and may our purpose to serve Thee be deepened and confirmed that we may go forward into the future a people full of the fear the Lord, sober, righteous, God- loving, cleaving to the great truths of the gospel, handing them down in Thy name unaltered and uncorrupted generations to come, that when another centennial shall occur our descendents may rise up to magnify Thy name for what Thou hast through us accomplished on their behalf. Hear our prayer and accept of us in Christ, our adorable Redeemer, unto whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost, we will give immortal praise. Amen." After music by the band Mr. Fornance said: "The Burgess of the town, John H. White, was to have been here to welcome you this morning. Unfortunately he is prostrated on a bed of sickness. In his absence, the Solicitor for Town Council, J. P. Hale Jenkins, Esq., of Norristown, will address you." Mr. Jenkins delivered the following ADDRESS OF WELCOME. "In behalf of the Burgess of the borough of Norristown, now stricken with disease, I speak to you, Mr. President, and to you, ladies and gentlemen, fellow-citizens, all, welcome. "To-day close the first century as a county. There can be no hesitancy in saying that none of those who lived within its borders at the time of its organization imagined that the close of the first century would find it the home of a hundred thousand happy souls. It is but proper, therefore, that these ceremonies about to take place and eminently fitting is it that these ceremonies should commence by dedicating a meridian stone to the greatest son of her soil, the father of olden science. "The men of one hundred year ago knew nothing of steam as a motive power. To-day iron roads transverse from end to end and from side to side. Little did they know of the mechanical arts, but now, by the aid of inventive genius, our beautiful valleys are dotted all over with busy mill and work- shop. The Constitution of the United State was not framed when the county was organized. Now, securing to all political freedom and religious tolerance, 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,' is an assured fact - a union of States which none can server. "Let me then say in welcoming you to our county seat on this gala day that we should devoutly thank an indulgent Providence for the many blessing bestowed upon us in the past and pray that the institution which made these blessings possible be secured to us, our children, and our children's children forever. "Again I bid you, in the name of the Burgess and Town Council of the borough of Norristown, a hearty, thrice hearty welcome." At the conclusion Mr. Jenkins' remarks, Mr. Fornance, President of the Association delivered the following ADDRESS: "To-day closes the first century of the existence of Montgomery County. We are here from all parts of the county to celebrate the event. Not only from our own county have you come, but also from adjoining counties some are here to rejoice with us. You here just been welcomed by the representative of the municipal authorities of Norristown. On behalf of the Centennial Association and speaking for the people of Montgomery County, I also give you a welcome. "It is proper for us to come together and celebrate the occasion in a manner befitting the event. We have cause to rejoice. The century just rolled by has caught has brought us great prosperity. In forming the county, the chief idea was nearness to the Court-House. The act of Assembly, establishing the county, states that the cause for cutting off three-fourths of Philadelphia County and making Montgomery County of it, was its great distance from the courts of Philadelphia. That seems a strange reasons now; for railroads and telegraphs and telephone have annihilated distance. The easy access to this Court-House is shown by the presence of many of you who have left your distant homes to-day, and are here at this early hour. By railroad, the remotest station in the county is but two hours ride from the county seat, while Norristown itself is but forty minutes ride from the heart of Philadelphia. "There is a tradition to the effect that it was urged that the county seat should be located where Egypt road diverges from the great road from Philadelphia, at Jeffersonville; but it was finally decided to locate it some three miles further down, where a road branches off Swedes' Ford. Here they built the county buildings; a village sprang up around them and here is to-day the great town of Norristown. "Of the five men who were authorized one hundred years ago to buy a piece of land in Norriton township, near Stony run and contiguous to the Schulylkill River and erect thereon the for the new county, not one would of dreamed of prophesying the growth that has followed their selection. The county has grown from twenty thousand to one thousand in population. The town has grown from nothing to nearly fifteen thousand. Our growth has been great in the past; it must be greater still in the future. Situated as we are, in the centre of a network of railroads, near to the great coal beds of Pennsylvania, with easy access to the two largest cities of the country in the midst of fine scenery, with fertile land, and healthful surroundings, we have every element for future development. "Montgomery County was established September 10, 1784. Franklin County was established September 9, 1784. There is but one day difference between our ages. At Chambersburg, the county seat of Franklin County, they are to-day celebrating their centennial. It is proper that we should send them some greeting. On your behalf I will therefore send them this telegram, - "COURT-HOUSE, NORRISTOWN, PA., September 9, 1884. "To the Centennial Association of Franklin Co., Chambersburg, Pa: "Montgomery county congratulates her twin-sister on her one hundredth birthday. "CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION OF MONTGOMERY CO." v "As we mark this era, we contemplate the past, and part of our centennial celebration is the Antiquarian Exposition. Here are displayed the. possessions of our own ancestors for comparison with things of to-day. We have collected from our own people the prized treasures of a century. Here are revived fashions of times so different from ours. Here are the works of once busy hands that have long since crumbled into dust. We see their works, we are reminded of their ways in many respects simpler and more frugal than ours. We honor and respect their memories. "On behalf of the Centennial Association declare this exposition now open." After music by the band, the people in large numbers sought admission to the Antiquarian Exposition. DEDICATION OF RITTENHOUSE MERIDIAN STONE. At eleven o'clock A.M. on Tuesday, September 9th, in the presence of a large concourse of people, the ceremonies of unveiling the monolith took place. Joseph Fornance, Esq., president of the association, standing near the granite stone, said,- "A Committee was appointed by the Centennial Association to erect a suitable memorial to the memory of David Rittenhouse. Is that committee ready to report?" Hon. Jones Detwiler, chairman of the committee, spoke as follows,- "Mr. President! In behalf of the Memorial Committee, appointed by the Montgomery County Centennial Association, and at their request, I present the following report as their action." [Report handed to Mr. Fornance]. Mr. Fornance, in receiving the report, said,- "The committee appointed present the following report." The report was then read. REPORT. "At a meeting of the Centennial Association of Montgomery County, Pa., held February 22, 1883, Jones Detwiler was appointed chairman of the Memorial Committee of said Association. "After due consideration and deliberation, on the part of the chairman, the following additional members of the committee were appointed, viz., Dr. Hiram Corson, of Plymouth John Hoffman, Esq. Hon. Hiram C. Hoover ex-County Treasurer Samuel Jarrett Samuel Rittenhouse, of the township of Norriton. "At a meeting of the committee, held July 24, 1884, all the members present, it was unanimously "Resolved, -That a monolith, to be styled the memorial stone, be erected to the memory of the eminent philosopher, astronomer and mathematician, David Rittenhouse, once a resident of the township of Norriton, Montgomery Co. The stone to be of solid Quincy granite, seven feet in height, twenty-four inches at the base, and eighteen at the top, with four sides polished for inscriptions, and to be planted in the ground to the depth of four feet, imbedded in masonry of stone and cement. "After consultation on the part of the committee with the different stone-cutters of Norristown, it was agreed to award the contract to George W. Smith. "Dr. Hiram Corson was appointed a committee to prepare a suitable inscription for the same. "John Hoffman was appointed a committee to superintend the erection, to have the privilege to call to his aid such assistance as should be required. "It was agreed to erect the stone at the north end of the present meridian line, and to extend the said line about four feet without disturbing the present stones already planted, and to have the ceremonies connected with the unveiling, and passing it over to the proper authorities, to take place on September 4, at eleven o'clock A.M. "This is to certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of our proceedings. "JONES DETWILER, Chairman "HIRAM CORSON, M.D. "JOHN HOFFMAN "HIRAM C. HOOVER. "SAMUEL F. JARRETT "SAMUEL RITTENHOUSE." Mr. Fornance then said,- "Colonel Bean, to you, as President of the Historical Society of Montgomery County. I deliver this report of the memorial committee." Col. Theo. W. Bean said,- "Mr. Chairman, in the name and in behalf of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, it affords me great pleasure to receive and accept the report of this Memorial Committee. It shall become part of the records of the society referred to, and shall ever be cherished as an interesting memorial of the event which it reports. "By courtesy, it is now my pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, in furtherance of this memorial service, to introduce the Hon. B. Markley Boyer, who will make an appropriate address upon this interesting occasion." Being thus introduced, Judge B. Markley Boyer made the following ADDRESS. "Fellow citizens: It was a happy inspiration to have engraved upon the meridian stone planted upon the Court House terrace, and dedicated this day to its appropriate uses, the name of David Rittenhouse. "Born in the county of Philadelphia, of which Montgomery was then part, he resided In youth and manhood, during most of his lifetime, within the present limits of our county. In Norriton township, within about five miles of this Court House, stood his patrimonial mansion. There lies the farm upon which, as a farmer boy, he grew to manhood, and there, throughout most of his life, he afterwards resided. "There, in a little shop by the wayside, without other instruction than the intuitive promptings of an extraordinary genius, he taught himself to make clocks and mathematical instruments. His clocks remarkable for their accuracy and the beauty of their workmanship, are still treasured as heirlooms in many a household. There, in Norriton, be erected his observatory; there, with instruments in a great measure constructed with his own hands, he explored the heavens. "There, learned scientists went for consultation and to participate with him in his observations. There it was be constructed his wonderful orrery, illustrating mechanically the movements of the solar system, upon a scale more elaborate and exact than had ever before been attempted, and which was a marvel of mechanical skill, exhibiting by the simple turning of a winch, the relative positions of the planets and their satellites in their respective orbits at any given point of time during thousands of years in the future and in the past. No description call impart any adequate conception of this marvelous achievement in the mechanical art. "In alluding to it, Thomas Jefferson, who was a philosopher as well as statesman, wrote: 'We have supposed Mr. Rittenhouse second to no astronomer living; that in genius he must be the first, because he was self-taught. As an artist, he has exhibited as great a proof of mechanical genius as the world has ever produced. He has not, indeed, made a world, but he has, by imitation, approached nearer its Maker than any man who has ever lived from creation to this day.' "In his observatory in Norriton, he observed and calculated the transit of Venue In 1769, which gave him a worldwide reputation for the accuracy with which his observations had been made and mathematical deductions achieved. At that time the whole scientific world had been aroused by the vast astronomical importance of the transit of Venus over the Sun's disc, in determining the parallax of the Sun and other scientific results depending thereupon, especially as this phenomenon can occur but twice in a century, and in some centuries not at all. vi "If, among the contemporaries of Rittenhouse, there were those in Europe who left behind them the record of more original discoveries, it was owing to their ampler means and more favorable surroundings, rather than to any superiority of genius. "Our self-taught philosopher unfortunately was not allowed to pass his life merely in philosophical contemplation and experiment. He was also a man of affairs, and participated largely, in the active transactions of his countrymen. He served his country in various important and useful public capacities. He was a member of the convention which framed the first Constitution of Pennsylvania, wad was elected the first Treasurer of the State, and was annually elected to that position by the unanimous vote of the Legislature for thirteen successive years. "For the acceptance of such offices he was reproved by his friend and correspondent Jefferson, who wrote to him in 1778 as follows: PICTURE OF RITTENHOUSE MERIDIAN STONE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, APPEARS HERE. "Your time, for two years past, has, I believe, been principally employed in the civil government of your country. Though I have been aware of the authority our cause would acquire from its being known that yourself and Dr. Franklin were zealous friends of it, and I am my self duly impressed with a sense of the arduousness of government and the obligations of those who are able to conduct it, yet I am also satisfied that there is an order of geniuses above that obligation, and therefore ought to be exempted from it. Nobody can conceive that nature ever intended to throw away a Newton on the occupations of a crown. * * * I do not doubt there are in your country many persons equal to the task of conducting government, but you should consider that the world has but one Rittenhouse. "Nevertheless, for more than ten years afterwards, he continued to serve in the office of State Treasurer. Recognized as the first among scientific surveyors, he was successfully employed as commissioner in the settlement of an alarming boundary dispute, between the States of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and also in determining the dividing line between the States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. "When the United States Mint was established, David Rittenhouse was appointed by Washington its first director, and it was he who arranged the machinery and successfully organized that institution. "His was, therefore, a busy life apart from the pursuits of pure science. What he might further have accomplished for astronomy, if his genius had been afforded exclusive and untrammeled scope in the sphere of his favorite science, none can tell. But a man so admirably equipped for practical life, and so ready and conscientious in the discharge of every duty, could hardly escape his share of the extraordinary responsibilities of citizenship in Revolutionary times, and in the organization of a new nation, struggling through its transition state from colonial to independent government. "At such times the public services of the greatest and the best are in demand. As the result, therefore, of the public confidence in the exalted character of David Rittenhouse as a man, as well as the fame of his attainments, official employments of high civil trust, although unsought, were thrust upon him. And go, for long years, science lost the undivided devotion of his transcendent genius. "As an astronomer and mathematician, amid all his other multifarious employments, he retained the foremost position in his own country, and as such was recognized in Europe. He succeeded Dr. Franklin as President of the American Philosophical Society, and was a fellow of the Royal Society in London. He died eighty-eight years ago, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. "Such is a brief sketch of the citizen we honor by the simple memorial inscription which marks this granite monolith. It to not intended as his monument. It is erected, primarily, for another practical and useful purpose, but of a nature kindred with his pursuits in life. As a monument to his memory, merely, it would be too insignificant. But the memorial inscription is especially significant and appropriate when we consider the practical uses of the stone. To this monolith, firmly planted in its immovable foundation, our county surveyors will make their annual visitations, to compare and correct the variations of their instruments by the true meridian; and the dedication, recorded by the inscription it bears, will ever testify to them and to all, our grateful remembrance of David Rittenhouse, once the chief among surveyors; and the honorable pride we feel in counting him, the illustrious astronomer and artisan, among those who have distinguished and adorned the history of our county; and in thus honoring him, we honor ourselves." At the conclusion Rev. Isaac Gibson pronounced the following. BENEDICTION. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with us all, evermore. Amen. Music by the Norristown band followed, which concluded the exercises of that day. The meridian stone thus unveiled contains the following inscriptions: On the east face: DAVID RITTENHOUSE, EMINENT ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN BORN APRIL 8, 1732 DIED JUNE 26, 1796. On the north face: HE CALCULATED AND OBSERVED THE TRANSIT OF VENUS AT HIS HOME IN NORRITON, 1796. On the west face: ERECTED BY THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION. On the south face: 1784.|1884. vii SECOND DAY. MEMORIAL EXERCISES. The exercises of Wednesday, September 10, were held in Music Hall. Before ten clock, the time of opening, every available seat in the auditorium and gallery was filled, while great numbers crowded all the aisles and other spaces. In the rear of the stage, arranged upon elevated seats, were the vocalists, who, with the orchestra, were under the leadership of Prof. J. V. Bean. The exercises commenced with the rendition of an overture by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Norristown, after which the hymn, "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne," to the tune of "Migdol," was effectively rendered by the Centennial chorus and the orchestra. Rev. H A. Rodenbough, pastor of the Providence Presbyterian Church of Lower Providence, the oldest pastor in continuous service in the county, offered the following PRAYER. "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, the whole earth is full of Thy glory. Great Creator, we magnify Thine infinite wisdom. All Powerful Supporter and Preserver, we rest In Thy strength. Sovereign Ruler, we own Thine authority. We bow before Thy throne. Omniscient Judge, we stand at Thy righteous bar. Kind, loving Heavenly Father, through Christ, Thine only begotten Son, our elder brother, we, Thy children, seek Thy tender care. According to Thy good pleasures, Thou settest up and Thou puttest down. Thou hast highly exalted this nation, and we would exalt the glory of Thy great name. Thou hast bountifully blessed this Commonwealth, and we would sincerely honor Thee. This county, whose centennial we now celebrate, Thou hast richly .blamed in every spiritual, moral, Intellectual and material interest. For so great favors we would most devoutly bless Thee, while we would humbly ask for grace, rightly to use, diligently to cultivate, and hand down in undimmed brightness to those who shall follow after. We thank Thee for the excellent men and women raised up and employed by Thee in the great work Thou hast done for us. Help us to honor their memory, by cultivating their spirit, copying their example, and faithfully carrying forward the work they have left in our care. And now, kindly vouchsafe to favor all the exercises of this memorial occasion. Let nothing mar; make everything contribute to the desired success. May impressions be made, healthful and lasting, a perennial fountain, sending forth an unfailing stream to gladden and refresh this, our heritage, not only throughout another century, but until time itself shall be no more. These favors with every other needed blessing, grant for Jesus' sake, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all glory, honor, might and dominion, now and evermore. Amen." At the conclusion of the prayer, Joseph Forance, Esq., President of the Centennial Association, said: "The idea of celebrating the Montgomery County centennial started in the Historical Society of Montgomery County. They appointed a committee for that purpose, composed of citizens from the various districts of the county. That committee met, organized, called Itself the Centennial Association of Montgomery County, and got to work. I am here as President of that committee, and it is my duty to call this assemblage to order, and to preside over its exercises. In working up the cause, at first we met with little encouragement; but as the universal day approached, interest was aroused, and the people of the county responded nobly. They needed but a little stirring up to show that they were full of patriotism. "Yesterday, on behalf of the Centennial Association of Montgomery County, I sent a telegram to Franklin County, congratulating it on reaching its one hundredth birthday. I have received this telegram in answer to it: "CHAMBERBURG PA., Sept. 9, 1884-1.23 P.M. "'To the Centennial Association" of Montgomery County: "'Franklin County returns the salutation of her twin sister, Montgomery County. Recalls with pride the triumph of the past. Rejoices in the present prosperity of all, and enters upon a second century with gratitude and hope. "BENJ. CHAMBERS, Chairman'" The "Centennial Hymn," written by John G. Whittier, was sung by the chorus, accompanied by the orchestra. Mr. Wm. J. Buck delivered the following HISTORICAL ORATION. "It is well in the flight of time to have occasion to pause and review, the events that have transpired around us; to know whether, on the whole, we have advanced or retrograded as concerns the general welfare; in what respect, if any, we have really progressed; and that the changes going on be pointed out, that comparisons may be instituted and deductions drawn as to the results. This is the philosophical aim of history, and, if justly carried out, when made known to a thinking people, cannot fail but exert a beneficial influence. Time will not pause a single moment, and no people can remain stationary. Change, greater or less, in a law in nature to which all that has life must submit. It behooves us then to guard that it be for the better. This gathering is no ordinary one -a centennial, because one hundred years ago this county was formed; a bicentennial, because, two hundred yaers have elapsed since its first settlement. In less than half an hour's time allotted, where shall I begin, and what shall be omitted? Hence, forbearance is expected on much that cannot even be alluded to, relating to the long period that has elapsed. "The first knowledge of our territory by Europeans must have been gained through the prosecution of the beaver trade on the Schuylkill, and along which they had erected several forts. The Upland Court Records mention, in 1677, Beaver island, on this river, which may have been the present Barbadoes island, or one of those in Lower Merion. In the pursuit of this traffic, either by the Indians, Dutch and Swedes, the canoe must have been their chief dependence in travel and conveying freight. But in this project they were only actuated by a love far gain, and but little for the progress or development of the country; hence their easy conquest by the English. A map was published to London in 1698, which has been faithfully reproduced and will appear in the forth-coming history of the county, that represents, at that early date, the Schuylkill from its mouth up as far as about the present city of Reading, or fully one-third its entire length, with the Wissahickon, Perkiomen, and the Manatawny, and all their leading tributaries, with accuracy, clearly demonstrating that at that time the present territory of Montgomery must have been pretty well explored. "The date of settlement by the Welsh, English and Germans was very close in this county; indeed, so close with the two former, that the matter by further research maybe contested. Hence the important question, who was the first European that permanently settled on our soil, sustained by original records? As the case now stands, that honor belongs to the Welsh. These people, before the arrival of Penn, had purchased from him forty thousand acres of land, which was subsequently located in Merion, Haverford, Goshen, and several adjoining townships. How much of it was located in the present Upper and Lower Merion is not known, but no doubt it embraced considerably over half their area. viii Under this encouragement, the ship 'Lyon,' John Compton, master, arrived with forty passengers in the Schuylkill river August 13, 1682, almost two months preceding Penn's arrival, on board of which was Edward Jones, with his family, who, on the following 26th, sent a letter to Wales, wherein he states: 'The Indians brought venison to our door for sixpence ye quarter. There are stones to be had enough at the Falls of Skoolkill -that is where we are to settle, and water power enough for mills; but than must bring mill stones and the irons that belong to it, for smiths are dear. We have the authority of John Hill's map of the environs of Philadelphia, published in 1809, that the aforesaid made 'the first British settlement, 18th of Sixth month, 1682,' which is only five days after his arrival in the Schuylkill. The place designated thereon is now the estate of his descendant the late Col. Owen Jones, near the present Libertyville; and is certainly an early claim, for Philadelphia had not then been founded. "This will now direct us to the Welsh, a people descended from the ancient Britons, possessing their own language and peculiar characteristics. Dr. Thomas Wynne arrived with his family in the following November on the 'Welcome,' with William Penn. He settled beside his son-in- law Edward Jones, whence has originated the name Wynnewood. John Roberts came in 1683, and settled near the present Pencoyd, which has received its name from the place of his nativity. In the list of 1734, fifty-two taxables an mentioned in Lower Merion, of which forty-four are Welsh and four English; in Upper Merion, for said date, of thirty-two, twenty-two are Welsh and one English; in Gwynedd, of forty-eight, thirty-nine are Welsh and six English in Towamencin, eight are Welsh and three English in Horsham, five are Welsh and four English; in Plymouth, eight are Welsh and six English; in Montgomery, of twenty-nine, twenty-two are Welsh; in Norriton, seven are Welsh and six English. Thomas Evans and William Jones purchased seven thousand eight hundred and twenty acres in Gwynedd, in the beginning of 1698, and were soon joined by Cadwallader Owen and Robert Evans, Hugh Griffith, Ellis David, Robert Jones, Edward Foulke, John Hugh, and John Humphrey. In 1700 they erected a small log building for worship. Owing to an influx of settlers, a large stone building was erected in 1712. The subscription paper was written in Welsh, to which was affixed sixty-six names. A petition from the residents of Gwynedd for a road to Philadelphia, in June, 1704, states that they then numbered thirty families. "Before 1720, John Evans, William James, Thomas James, Josiah James, James Lewis, Edward Williams, and James Davis, had settled in Montgomery township, in which year they built there a Baptist church, in which preaching in the Welsh language was maintained down to the Revolution. According to a well known tradition, the early Welsh settlers sought out in preference, the lands in Gwynedd and Montgomery because they were not near so heavily timbered as in the townships below and would, therefore, in its removal, require so much less labor the same under cultivation; not imagining, in consequence, its much greater productiveness. Before 1703, David Meredith, Thomas Owen, Isaac Price, Ellis Pugh, and Hugh Jones, all from Wales, settled in Plymouth. The Welsh Friends built in Lower Merion, in 1695, the first house of worship erected in the county. The Rev. Malachi Jones, from Wales, organized the first Presbyterian congregation at Abington, in 1714. According to the list of 1734, the Welsh at that data exceeded the English decidedly in population. Out of a total of seven hundred and sixty names, the former numbered one hundred and eighty-one and the latter one hundred and sixty-three. Necessity at first compelled the Welsh, the English and the Germans to form settlements by themselves, owing to a general ignorance of each other's languages, which, of course, for a long time, must have greatly interfered in their social intercourse. The Welsh, for the first half century, mine in and settled here pretty extensively, for in 1734 they formed nearly one-fourth of the entire population; but with the cessation of religious persecution at home, ceased coming, which is one reason of their having since so diminished. "The next settlement most probably was made by the English in Cheltenham. There is no doubt but what this township received its name through Toby Leech, one of the earliest settlers and landholders there. On his tombstone, at Oxford Church, is found this extract that he came from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, in 1682, which is a matter of confirmation. There is reason to believe that there is no district in the county that was named earlier than this, or had earlier surveys made to purchasers. In evidence, we know from the records that Thomas Fairman, on the 1st of Seventh Month, 1683, surveyed, for Patrick Robinson, two hundred acres adjoining Richard Wall, by Tacony Creek, which states that 'this tract of land is in the parish of Cheltenham.' From the aforesaid we learn that Richard Wall's purchase had been made still earlier, and as located in the vicinity of the present Shoemakertown. The latter was also from Gloucestershire, and we know John Day William Brown Everard Bolton John Ashmead John Russell Joseph Matuer, were also early settlers here from England. John Hallowell, John Barnes and Joseph Phipps had settled in Abington before 1697. Nicholas More, a physician from London, arrived soon after William Penn, in 1682, and had conveyed to him by patent, 7th of Sixth Month, 1684, the manor of Moreland, containing nine thousand eight hundred and fifteen acres. About 1685 he commenced thereon the erection of buildings, where he lived and died, calling the place Green Spring. Jasper Farmer, by patent, January 31, 1683, took up, in two tracts, five thousand acres of land. His widow, Mary Farmar, settled thereon, with the family in the fall of 1685, and it was the first settlement in Whitemarsh. Edward Farmar, on the death of his mother, about the close of 1686, became the owner of three-fourths of the original purchase. He became a noted man, interpreter of the Indians, and before 1713 built a grist-mill on the Wissahickon. About 1685 Plymouth was originally purchased and settled by James Fox, Richard Grove, Francis Rawle and John Chelson, all from Plymouth, in Devonshire, but who afterwards removed to Philadelphia, John Barnes, who had purchased in 1684, two hundred and fifty acres in Abington, and settled there, by will, in 1697, vested in the trustees of Abington Meeting, one hundred and twenty acres, for the use of the same and for a school house. This was, no doubt, the first donation, for educational purposes within the present limits of the county, if not among the first in Pennsylvania. Thomas Palmer and Thomas Predell were among the earliest settlers in Horsham. Edward Lane and Joseph Richardson settled in Providence in 1701, and the former built a mill in the vicinity at Collegeville in 1708. Henry Pawling came from Buckinghamishire, and was also an early settler in Providence. To the English belongs the honor of having burnt the first lime from limestone, in Pennsylvania. "Nicholas More, in a letter to William Penn, in England, dated September 13, 1686, states that 'Madame Farmar has found as good limestone as any in the world, and is building with it. She offers to sell ten thousand bushels at six pence the bushel, upon her plantation.' Thomas Fitzwater carried on the burning of lime before 1705, at the present Fitzwatertown. Oldmixon mentions lime burning in Upper Merion before 1708. "We will now take up the most English townships, as settled in 1734, to compare with the Welsh. Abington had twenty-four English and thirteen Welsh Cheltenham, eleven English and six Welsh Moreland, forty-seven English find seven Welsh Whitemarsh, twenty-three English and nine Welsh Upper Dublin, fifteen English and five Welsh Springfield, nine English and no Welsh. It will be perceived that even in the most English settled townships, with one exception, the Welsh possessed some strength. The English built Abington Friends' Meeting house to 1697; at Horsham 1721; at Providence, 1730, and at Pottstown, 1753; St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, in Whitemarsh about 1710, St. James' in 1721. ix "According to the list of 1734 out of a total of seven hundred and sixty names three hundred an ninety-five were already Germans, and can be regarded as the original settlers of over half the territory in the county. In less than a year from the landing of Penn a colony of Germans chiefly from Creyfelt arrived in October 1683, and shortly afterwards founded the village of Germantown. The Proprietary had been among them in their native land and encouraged them to come. Here liberty of conscience had been proclaimed and an exemption from tithes; though neither was tolerated in Great Britain or even to a very limited extent along the valley of the Rhine where also were the frontier lines of powerful France and the frequent wars of Germany; the results of which combined were strong incentives to emigration to those more peacefully and liberally disposed. To facilitate this a company was organized at Frankfort-on-the-Main and numerous pamphlets circulated throughout Germany, in the language of its people setting forth the peculiar advantages of the distant colony. Hence, it need not to be a wonder that the weaker of the persecuted were disposed to come first, for no matter how strong the attachment of nativity, the fatherland presented, from their experience in the past, no bright or sanguine future. The doctrine of the Reformation had now been established almost a century and a half; yet through the connection of church and state progress to toleration was very slow. "A majority of the earliest Germans were members of the Society of Friends and they had not been in Pennsylvania five years, before they were shocked at the system of Negro slavery that prevailed, and was maintained and continued by the English colonists. The result was a protest on the subject dated at Germantown 18th of Second month 1688. As this was the first document ever issued in English-America against the iniquitous system it demands for these people some credit. Concerning themselves as a body, and to whom it was alone directed the Friends did not approach it until the long period of three-quarters of century had elapsed, through the excitement brought about at the dawn of the Revolution by the passage of the Stamp Act, as to the rights of mankind. The start, however, made by these Germans was so powerful in its effects on their countrymen, the Mennonites, Dunkards, and all of their other sects, as to cause them to abstain almost entirely from holding negroes or Indians in bondage; and hence the great exemption, from an early period of the present territory of Montgomery County from the evils arising from African slavery. "Mathias Van Bebber purchased a tract of six thousand one hundred and sixty-six acres of land, which, by patent dated February 22, 1702 was located on the Skippack creek, constituting about one-half the southern portion of what in now Perkiomen township. He began thus early, for so remote a distance from the city, to invite settlement by selling it off in parcels. Among the settlers prior to the close of 1703 were Henry Pennepacker John Kuster John Umstat Claus Jansen John Frey; John Jacobs in 1704 Edward Beer Gerhard and Herman Indehoffen Dirck and William Renberg before the close of 1707. In 1708 we find here William and Cornelius Dewees Herman Kuster Christopher Zimmerman John Sholl and Daniel Desmond; Followed, in 1709, by Jacob John Martin Kolb John Strayer. The settlement so increased that Van Bebber gave one hundred acres towards a Mennonite meeting house which was built prior to 1726. Henry Frey, or Fry, who settle in this vicinity is stated to have arrived in the colony two years before the landing of Penn. But even prior to the Skippack settlement, it is known that some of the German settlers located themselves in some of the lower townships, as, for instance, Cheltenham Springfield Whitemarsh Abington Moreland Upper Dublin Horsham. For the Shoemakers Tysons Snyders Clines Ottingers Cleavers Redwitzers Rinkers Bartlestalls Melchers Leverings Reiffs Conrads Lukenses Yerkeses, were located pretty early there, as substantial land-holders. The Germans were original settlers of Perkiomen Towsmencin Upper Salford Lower Salford Hatfield Franconia Frederick Marlborough New Hanover Upper Hanover Douglass, and contend almost with the English in the settlement of Cheltenham, Springfield, and Upper Dublin. "The Frankfurt Land Company purchased twenty-two thousand three hundred and seventy-seven acres, that chiefly lay in New Hanover and adjoining townships. John Henry Sprogell purchased a tract of six hundred and thirty acres adjoining the present borough of Pottstown, upon which he settled before 1709, and consequently among the first in that section. Isaac Schaeffer was a settler and a considerable landholder in Plymouth in 1702. Jacob Schrack settled in Providence in 1717 John Frederick Hillegass in Upper Hanover in 1727 Elias Long John George Gankler John Henry Beer George John Weiker John Martin Derr, in Salford and vicinity, before 1728. Justus Falkner had a Lutheran congregation organized in New Hanover in 1703. A church was built in Upper Providence 1743, in Upper Dublin in 1754, at Barren Hill in 1761, St. Johns', Whitpain, and St. Pauls', Lower Merion, in 1769. The German Reformed had congregations at Whitemarsh, Skippack, Salford, and New Hanover, at which John Philip Boehm preached before 1727. A church was built at Whitpain in 1740, and in Worcester in 1770. "The Mennonites had houses of worships erected in Perkiomen in 1726 in Lower Salford in 1741, and Towamencin in 1750. The Schwenkfelders arrived here in 1734 and 1740, and the Dunkards still earlier and had organized congregations. The census of 1870 given the county one hundred and forty- four houses of worship. Of this number the exclusive German sects had sixty-eight, only four less then half an follows; Lutheran, twenty-five German Reformed, ten Mennonite, ten Dunkards, nine Evangelical Association, nine Schwenkfelders, five Of the balance it is estimated that at least one-fourth may be allowed the German element which will make two-thirds of the total number which is about their present proportion of the population. "Although the Swedes had settled near the month of the Schuylkill to 1642 and four years later erected a church there, yet no evidence exists of their having settled early within this county. It has been recently ascertained that Peter Cox had made a purchase of land in Upper Marion before 1702, and that Gunner Rambo, in said year, had endeavored to secure a tract beside him. However, there is no doubt that the latter, with Peter Rambo, Peter Yocum, and Mats Holstein had settled on their purchases be previous to 1714. John Matson it is probable did not settle here till considerably later, as his name is not on the list of 1734. At Morlatton, beside the Schuylkill, in the present Berks County, several had settled before 1716. We find in Upper Merion, in 1734, the names of Mounce Rambo, John Rambo, Gabriel Rambo, Elias Rambo, Mats Holstein, and Peter Yocum. The Swedes had a partiality to the Schuylkill and were skilled in its navigation with the canoe, transporting themselves and their produce by this means to mill, to church, and market. We even ascertain that to their weddings and funerals they were also frequently thus conveyed. It is known that some of their canoes, in 1732, carried from Morlatton as much as one hundred and forty bushels of wheat to Philadelphia. The Swedes were pious people, who lived along the Valley of the Delaware, in peaceable relations with the Indians for forty years before the arrival of William Penn. One matter concerning the Swedes is remarkable. Although their writers have left us most excellent books on the country, yet there are no accounts of early explorations up or along the Schuylkill. Indeed they do not appear too have been an exploring people leaving that to the English and the Dutch, and among Germans to such fearless and adventurous spirits as Conrad Weber and the devoted missionaries Zeisberger, Pyrlaeus, Schmick, and Heckewelder. x "The Scotch-Irish did not settle here early. To our surprise, in the list of 1734, only some sixteen or seventeen names can be ascertained, chiefly in the townships of Norriton, Whitpain, and vicinity. The Porters, Knoxes, Todds, and Burnsides must have came in later. The influx of Irish into this county was small previous to 1824, but since has greatly increased, especially along the valley of the Schuylkill, where manufacturing interests prevail. The Scotch-Irish and the Irish materially contributed to the strength of the army during the Revolution. Andrew Porter's company of artillery was largely made up of the former and Col. Stephen Moylan's cavalry regiment of the latter. "The Revolution could not pass by without the people in this country contributing thereto, and bearing their share of its trials and sufferings. Concerned from the very beginning, we had such men as Gen. Peter Muhlenberg Col. Samuel Miles Col. Robert Loller Col. John Bull Col. Andrew Porter Col. Christopher Stuart Col. Archibald Thompson Charles Thompson David Rittenhouse Frederick Antes and the patriotic Hiester family of Upper Salford as well as many more who did much to aid the cause. The events of Whitemarsh, Barren Hill, Valley Forge, and the Crooked Billet transpired on our soil, and all that precedes and follows the battle of Germantown. Within these limits during the memorable struggle, Washington and his army remained nine months, lacking five days, very probably a longer time than was spent in any other county during this period. The several houses used as his headquarters are still standing, and the remains of entrenchments, thrown up on our hillsides, can be traced to this day. "After an arduous struggle, the Revolution at last came to a close, and the country achieved its independence, and on September 3, 1783 a definite treaty was signed with Great Britain. Peace, happy peace, now reigned within our borders, and industry soon brought returning prosperity to the long neglected fields and work-shops. Above all, confidence was now restored, and the laborer was secured in his reward. Up to this period, all the territory at present in the county was comprised in that of Philadelphia, which, from the increase in population, required many in attending to county affairs, to go a considerable distance at a great inconvenience; and, in consequence, petitions were gotten up and numerously signed praying for the erection of a new county. Those were considered and acted upon by the Legislature which law passed September 10, 1784 'for erecting part of the County of Philadelphia into a separate county.' Thus did the present County of Montgomery, rich and populous as it now, spring into origin one hundred years ago. "In this brief and hasty survey of our progress it is well to glance at what Montgomery County was a century ago. It was then comprised twenty-eight townships, with a population of about twenty thousand inhabitants. The first assessment of 1785, returned four thousand three hundred and sixty taxables eighty bound servants one hundred and eight negro slaves ninety-four grist-mills forty-nine saw-mills five oil-mills nine distilleries nine paper-mills thirty-one tanneries ten fulling-mills four hemp-mills fifty-three riding chair or gigs six phaetons. At this time, though a century had elapsed since the first settlement, there was not a turnpike, no post office, no newspaper, no poor house, no canal and even a secondary school in the county. No bridge had been erected over the Schuylkill, or any of our larger streams; but, instead, they had to crossed either at fords or ferries. Not a town or a village within its entire area that at this time contained thirty-five houses. One public library alone, at Hatboro', founded in 1755, for which the books had to be imported from London, at this date contained five hundred and fifty volumes. Only two stage lines had been established; one from Bethlehem to Philadelphia, started in 1763; the other from Reading, through Pottstown, to the city, in 1781, by William Coleman. Each made but one weekly trip. The churches numbered about thirty-five, of which the Friends had seven; the Episcopalians including Swedes' Church, three Presbyterian, three; Baptist, one; Methodists, one. And the twenty remaining church belonged to several German denomination showing that the latter had now become pretty numerous in population. "From the above statement, we are led to consider as to what Montgomery County is to-day, though with only four hundred and fifty square miles of territory. In population and resources, without Philadelphia, it is the sixth county in the State, being only exceed by Allegheny Luzerne Lancaster Schuylkill Berks. It now possesses thirty townships twelve boroughs sixty-five election districts one hundred and eighteen post offices two hundred miles of turnpike one hundred and sixty miles of railroad, with considerably over one hundred stations. Fourteen bridges span the Schuylkill, all built in less than three-fourths of a century. To strangers it should be mentioned, that the noble building in which the antiquarian exposition is held, was built from our own marble, lime, and iron procured within a few miles of its site. Of the numerous manufactories, educational establishments, charitable institutions, and various improvement that abound, only an allusion can be made. We have in this goodly heritage of our forefathers two hundred and four inhabitants to the square mile, while, according to the latest statistics, Scotland, Denmark and Portugal, average but very little over half this number; Austria and Hungary have one hundred and forty-four Bavaria, one hundred and seventy-four France one hundred and eighty-three. The township Cheltenham, without the any large villages, contains three hundred and ninety inhabitants to the square mile, approaching the most thickly settled countries. Such are our wonderful resources and the general happiness of our people, that we cannot realize that we are densely peopled, which, in other and much older countries has so long been associated with wretchness, and, as they would have, arising from inability to secure a sufficiency of food. What a subject is here for the Europe to ponder on. Taken collectively, and considering the progress we have made since our first settlement, how eventually, and at no great distance of time, we must surpass in population and resources, not only the very best portions of Europe, but perhaps every country on the face of the globe. "Within the small area of Montgomery county have lived and died distinguished persons. A Major General of the Revolution army, a Speaker of the first Congress of 1789, and three Governors of Pennsylvania, were born here. Among the distinguished dead may be mentioned Nicholas Scull John Lukens Robert Loller Nathaniel B. Boileau Isaiah Lukens Samuel and John Gummere Benjamin Hallowell Job Roberts Henry Funk Henry Ernst Muhlenberg Charles Philip Krauth John and Daniel Heister Andrew Porter John Bull Henry Scheetz William R. Smith Jonathan Roberts William Potts Dewees William Cullum David R. Porter Francis R. Shunk Joseph Foulke Alan W. Corson They were also born here. Among the distinguished residents we can mention Charles Thomson H. M. Muhlenberg Samuel Miles Sir William Keith Thomas Graeme Elizabeth Furguson Rowland Ellis Christopher Dock David Rittenhouse John J. Audubon Jacob Taylor Benjamin Lay Bird Wilson Arthur St. Clair Lucretia Mott. Having no desire to be invidious, the distinguished living I shall pass by. But it is enough to say that in all the varied pursuits of life in which we find them, whether it is in mechanical skill and invention, in agriculture, in the learned professions, or in any of the prevailing arts and sciences, they have talent to do us credit. Montgomery county has furnished gallant officers and men, not only in the Revolution, but in the war of 1812 and with Mexico. To the late rebellion, it furnished its share again, and a monument in the neighboring square contains the names of five hundred and forty-seven that gave their lives in the terrible struggle, that the Union of their forefathers might still be preserved and perpetuated. This goes to show a people eminently self-sacrificing and patriotic. xi "In conclusion, a few words more for our honored county. In the long course now of two centuries, not an instance can be found that a white man or an Indian had here shed each other's blood. Mobs have never here prevailed, the most violent reformers have had their way, and no church or other building have been destroyed under such temporary excitement. Though peopled by the English, Welsh, Germans, Swedes, and Irish, speaking various languages, and holding different religious and political views, they resolved to live here peacefully with each other, while they diligently labored to improve their possessions, till they have become as we now behold and enjoy them at this day. Let, then, the celebration of this centennial be regarded as a deserving memorial and honor due to those who have so long preceded us, and whom we should endeavor to follow in every good example." "Festive Hymn" rendered by the chorus. Mr. Geo. N. Corson read the following POEM. "Backward through the tide of time we gaze This morning upon the dawning days Of our town and county, to thank God That our transatlantic fathers trod These bosky shores, to establish homes In the valley where the Schuylkill roams, The Perkiomen and the Skippack sweep, Gulf and Valley creeks their vigils keep In the deep gulch and the deeper gorge Of the sacred shades of Valley Forge! Where Wissahickon winding invites True lovers to scenes of rare delights, Where Mingo, Macoby and the Spack, Manatawny and the Pennypack, The Swamp creek and Tacony travel On sylvan beds of sand and gravel; Where the Sanatoga springs do sink In the Schulykill with the Arrowmink; And where Stony creek comes romping down A life-preserver to Norristown. "Our fathers surely were wiser men Than we are, for they were nearer Penn, And not afraid to make a nation, Found a State, or excite creation With a creed engrossed upon a scroll That gave liberty to man and soul; To carve a county from an old one, Build a borough, aye, and a bold one, From a village straggling up and down- Make a county-seat of Norristown. Our people, now, more is the pity, Afraid to make the town a city, Would waddle back, for fear of taxes To tomahawk and battle-axes. We are proud of our sires, those great men Who made the new Republic just when The King was strongest and his power Felt in every clime, and every hour There was somewhere the gleam of the sun Ne'er setting on realms he ruled upon ! But are prouder far, if that can be, Of our fathers born this side the sea, Who fled not from oppression, but here Their own sires' memories to revere, Their fame extend and their will obey. Just one hundred years ago to-day Carved a county below the above Out of the loins of Brotherly Love ! And such a county, from such a race ! By chance of birth with Heaven's grace We sons enjoy these vales and rivers So blessed by gift and by the givers; A double heritage more precious Than thrones and crowns to Princess specious. For here is freedom, and here each man May contemplate the Creator's plan, Worship under his own vine and tree, Write, vote, speak and think and still be free One hundred thousand people make this A county, to-day where plenty is ! Where fruitful fields and exhaustless mines, Factories and schools and fruits and vines, The purest water and richest ground And all thing wee need on earth abound. If we have no seas, no lakes, no ocean, Neither have we wrecks or commotion Of the tornadoes ! We need no dyes Nor levies to bar the tide that strikes The rock-ribbed and shaded banks and shores Of each beautiful streamlet that pours Into the vast sea inviolate The waters from lands they irrigate ! Content with wheat, corn, rye and grasses, Good men and women, boys and lasses, With products for the proudest table And horses for the richest stable, With farms far-famed, well-tilled, prolific, Home of plenty and more pacific, We grow and live on these hills and plains Well satisfied with our modest gains; With our mines of iron, marble, lime, With fruitage and food of every clime, With all birds, fowls, fish, sheep and kine And porcine mastodons just as fine; And bless the parents have gave us birth On this favored spot of mother earth, Where schools are free, and the air serene; Where summer's harvest and winter sheer. Fill the garners and bless the yeomen Along the Schuylkill, the Perkiomen, And through all the bounds of the bounty Bestowed by Montgomery County. "The changes wrought the century past Not all for good, or destined to last, Have yet been smaller, it is believed, In what is lost than in that achieved. Tho' magnified by the common mind, The changes have left their mark behind. xii The stagecoach has given way to cars Now pulled by engines on iron bars, And in the canals and on the seas Boats pushed by steam ply with eel-like ease, As moved by the unseen hand that rules. And usurp the place of sails and mules, It would have made our forefathers laugh To have open the talking telegraph, And would have transformed their flesh to stone To have heard the laugh by telephone. And surely they would have fled the land And left to the Indians, contraband, Their plows and yokes anti scythes and sickles Could they have seen how the bicycles, Made of spinning-wheels turned upside down, Are ridden by men through Norristown ! Poor spinning-wheels, pig-yokes, grain-cradles, Flax-brakes, drag-rakes and wooden ladles, Where are you? Oh ! dames and men of yore, Down the corridors of time, before, Could you have cast prophetic glances, You would have leaped at these advances ! To have seen us spinning and weaving, Plowing and harvesting and sheaving, Threshing, milling, printing and preaching, Aye, it is true, preaching and teaching; Do our washing, and churning of cream, And e'en hatching our chickens, by steam ! But our crops, our eggs, our clothes, our fur, Are not better than our father's were. Their houses were just as large and fine, And stronger with oak than ours with pine; Their coats and jackets of sterner stuff Than our shoddy, with half wool enough, Made by modern machines for sewing Pretty seams, that part with our growing. The ancients, -says St. John- had a coat Without seam and woven to the throat; But this priceless suit has gone beneath, With the harrows of the wooden teeth. So, we lose in clothes, in iron gain, Make progress here with the hand and brain, And there is more ancient honored parts Pine with Phillips over the Lost Arts. In the wars of "twelve and "forty-eight," As in the Rebellion, born of hate, In eighteen hundred and sixty-one, Our men in valor were ne'er outdone; But on all the fields famed in story Won laurels for their deeds of glory, Were true to man and State and nation, True to that cause of toleration, Broad based in every institution By our laws and the Constitution. Pennsylvania ! We praise thee, because Thou art mother of peace, equal laws, Justice, equality among men, Freedom of conscience from denizen Or dynasty, priest, Pope or preacher; Mother of love to every creature To which creation has given life And biding-place in this world of strife; Mother of pure charity and truth, Of wisdom to eldest age and youth; And through thee, thou gracious parent State Two hundred years have enhanced the fate Of millions of our race and nation; A century of growth and station, Prosperity, happiness, renown, To our county and our county town; And on the escutcheon of the world, Thou hast to man everywhere unfurled Those VAST WORDS OF HOPE, immortal hence, VIRTUE, LIBERTY, INDEPENDENCE ! !" The poem was followed by the "Hallelujah Chorus," effectively rendered by the vocalists accompanied by the orchestra. Dr. C. Z. Weiser delivered the following ORATION. "Fellow-Citizens- The life of man is measured by the flight of years; the history of a province by the revolution of centuries; the course of the world by the cycle of the ages; and the ages of eternity, by the Creator Himself. "Montgomery county completes its primal round of one hundred years to-day. Like a century plant, our proud shire opens into bloom with a sound and a savor loud enough to fill the domain with a bracing melody and a pleasant flavor; drawing to its centre the masses from rural and from urban quarters, from thirty townships and twelve boroughs, like a magnet of great power. And beyond its borders, too, the music and the odor float. "Our twice venerable and bi-cetennial neighbors, Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks (1682), like the three ancient Graces, discern the echo, and are with us to taste of the 'feast of reason and the flow of soul.' "The senior counties Lancaster(1729) York (1749) Cumberland (1750) Berks and Northampton (1752) Bedford (1771) Northumberland (1772) Westmoreland (1773) Washington (1781) Fayettte (1783)- all are glad to hail Montgomery into the mystic guild of the centenarians. "Our twin sister Franklin (1784) crosses the line with the province of Montgomery, arm-in-arm. "The junior counties are happy as well as their elder sister's majority and speed her with cheering words, that their own period of adolescence may grow speedily and beautifully less, when they, too, may wear the manly toga. Peer and compeers, you are welcome. "So live and so general an "esprit du corps," pervading the Commonwealth, renders it all the better to be here, and helps us to swell Montgomery's jubilee to real grand proportions. Our proud shire is of age; has one hundred thousand inhabitants, five hundred square miles of territory- old enough, and large enough, and rich enough, to rejoice alone. But it is 'not good to be alone,' especially on a festive occasion. Mankind is mankinned. Not only misery love company, but joy as well. It is written on the big heart of humanity: 'Whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member be honored, all members rejoice with it.' That is St. Paul's commentary on the legend inscribed on our national escutheon - E PLURIBUS UNUM. "Inasmuch, however, as it is meet and right to inquire into the reason of things, as far as mortals may, let us here now ask, What means this gala day? "A sweet American singer tells us in flowing rhyme to 'bury the dead past.' But surely this is not Montgomery's funeral ! It were a lively corpse, indeed. It is an Eastertide. Some unseen power has touched the dry bones of its hills and dales, breathed upon them, and wrought the miracles of a resurrection.