Philadelphia County PA Archives Biographies.....William PENN, October 14, 1644 - July 30, 1718 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Thomas Smith Tomroysmith@aol.com The Ghost of William Penn: The Forgotten “Period of Togetherness” Thomas R. Smith, a.k.a., William Penn Today’s Ghost of William Penn missive treats the time when Pennsylvania and Delaware were tied, which era can be called: ‘The Period of Togetherness.’ Ranging in years the era ran 1681-1701. In the text Delco’s John Blunston is re-saluted; by contrast, Delaware’s William Rodeney is given a much overdue deserving salute. First an expanse to the above said: Separate governments for Pennsylvania and Delaware started in 1701. Tangles needed to be ironed out and these were pressed to joint agreement in 1704. Full stretch truth, Pennsylvania and Delaware held loosely tied together to 1776. So it may be said the wedded pair saw their Platinum Anniversary. It is hence odd that the two are little spoken of as a couple. First order a few head start paragraphs. These will assist in the grapple of what Governor Penn relates. Today the ‘Togetherness’ years are deserted by historians, and they o unknown to common citizens. William Penn wishes to instruct the uninformed populace, but above this he wishes to give a kick to professional historians, whose laziness enabled the faux amnesia. Year 1701 in many theme ways ranks as the year of the century – the most important year of the 18th Century. I speak in terms of Pennsylvania and Delaware. More than nominally the Proprietary Penn family had a say in Delaware up until 1776. That said, for a practical matter Delaware, with its own governing body, was on its own. From 1681 to 1701 Delaware citizens were essential equals; this era hinges unfamiliar. It should-be remembered. Hence this missive by one who knows the topic well, William Penn. Early Pennsylvania history is taught sparingly of early (pre) Delaware history; likewise, early Delaware history is taught sparingly of early Pennsylvania history. Historians of both states have treated the other sibling as a related orphan who best ought-go unnoticed. Snob censorship on both sides has urged a half-done, slap rendering. The under teaching is wonton silliness - because: From early Penn arrival time, representatives from both Pennsylvania and (modern) Delaware served together. To teach minus noting the togetherness is to slice history. A better job ought to be done, to teach the together fold history. Separate history should sensibly start with their unfolding. The ‘unfold’ commenced in 1701. It is only sensible that the togetherness forepart history ought-be told. Minus further delay - give welcome to William Penn: “Thank you.” “Delaware in early Penn Proprietary time,… Ahem, in My Proprietary leadership time, Delaware was commonly styled "The Three Lower Counties on the Delaware (River)." Small in size the original three sisters, New Castle, Kent and Sussex, witnessed no “mothering” of offspring counties. Excepting the twelve mile circle with radius from the seat of New Castle, the counties have sustained unchanged. Hear Ye: I subscribe to the frequent providing of pen sketch biographies; with such ‘Hear Ye’s’ To finish out this missive I am intent to give pen sketches for two historical personages. I plan to couple a contemporary early Pennsylvanian with same era Delawarean: William Rodney (De.) and John Blunston (Pa.). “My first words on the subject of governance, spoken in 1682, follow in echo recall: “You are now fixed at the mercy of no governor that comes to make his fortune great; you shall be governed by laws of your own making and live a free, and if you will, a sober and industrious life. I shall not usurp the right of any, or oppress his person. God has furnished me with a better resolution and has given me his grace to keep it.” Delaware before Pennsylvania: William Rodeney, (1652-1708) William Rodeney, of Bristol, settled in New World Pennsylvania soon after William Penn.” Albeit, soon after My Arrival at Opland / Chester. Thence Rodeney relocated to ‘Lewes on the Delaware.’ Here in 1689 he was elected Sheriff of Sussex County, Again he removed, this secondly to new governance seat, Dover, Kent County, where he held local offices. In 1698-'99 he was a member of my personally chosen Council. As Assemblyman he served increasingly respected 1700-'04. Esteem in the last year elevated him to Speaker. Terra firma, I never heard William Rodeney speak. I recall being told, however, his was the best legislative voice, it bore sense and clarity. On-High, his soft-speaking belies the terra firma skill. More focused: Lastly, in 1707, he served as Justice of the Peace of New Castle. Hindsight retired, Rodeney counted his greatest service to having been his role in ironing out the roughness in the ‘Charter of Privileges.’ Even unto Ghost-hood I shall never forget what transpired: When I handed the Charter to him, after looking it over, Rodeney handed it back. Saying, he wished a provision included that would permit the Lower Counties’ to form their own legislature. He phrased it - bespeaking a case of ‘What if…’ What if Pennsylvania dissolved? He wanted a letter of the law assurance that the lower three counties could peel off separately. This request I furnished and it came of no surprise that the allowance clause was acted on in a matter of weeks. The lower three sisters were not willing to await - a what-if scenario… Hence Delaware started the gestation of birthing. Stickler detailed, however, W. R.’s ironing continued after my 1701 return to England. In my absence, the ironing went forth through to 1704. The ragged edge work is never recited by historians. Yet! Yet it marks an important history part of the ‘Togetherness.’” My missives number many and many have recited facts relating Pennsylvanian, Darby-ite, John Blunston (1644-1725). So he needs in the way of sketch. Digest the next. “W.P. Me: Blunston never served on my personally chosen Council. He served more roles, however, than any civic personage I can recall. Respectful notice:. He would have felt awkward on the Council. Why? Blunston was a master of the role of Moderate. I esteemed for it. In 1705 I had my Provincial Secretary relay, ‘To John Blunston, My love as ever.’ Blunston included service in the Pa. Assembly, ultimately as Pa. Speaker. Whilst the sisters, the ‘Upper and Lower’ counties worked together, Blunston and Rodeney yoked side-simultaneously. Hindsight retired, J. B. counted his greatest assist as having been his role - in the early progress work - on the Charter of Privileges. The early stage work needed a moderate voice. John Blunston was that voice of reason. Before closing, permit me to lash out. Current legislators seem not to know what colligate work and compromise is. They need not look any further than Delaware County’s John Blunston. So you have it. Through togetherness we addressed the Period of Togethgerness. Your Governor thanks you for listening. I close. William Penn This file is located at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/philadelphia/bios/penn-w4.txt