AREA HISTORY:  Fawn Grove Borough, York County, PA

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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FAWN GROVE BOROUGH – Page 759

This pleasant little borough is situated in the southeastern part of the township, 
one-fourth mile from the Maryland line.  The land in and around the town was settled 
first by the Scotch-Irish, who were followed soon after by the Friends.  Some of the 
early settlers in the vicinity were the Tomkins, Brooks, Johnsons; Webbs, Wilsons, 
Bennetts, Bonds, Lukens, Spencers, Joneses, etc., whose descendants now live here.  
The site upon which the town is built was a sporting ground for young deer, which 
were very numerous at the time of the first settlement, and for a long while 
afterward.  Owing to the large grove near by, some one suggested that the place be 
called “Fawn Grove,” which was accepted.  A charter of incorporation was granted in 
1881.  The survey was made by John S. McElwain.  The first burgess was Dr. John 
Hawkins, who served on year.  T. H. Wright was elected in 1883, and re-elected in 
the next year with Jason Bradely, Asa Jones, H. S. Merryman, William A. Webb and 
William E. Brooks as councilmen.  There is no hotel in the village, as the strong 
temperance views of the inhabitants discourage the sale of intoxicating liquors.  
The first store was kept by one Hugo in the building now owned by Misses Sarah and 
Martha Jay, who also kept a store in same building for many years.  A part of the 
time Benjamin Gemmill was a partner in the business.  The firm was succeeded by 
Merryman & Wright.  Dr. McDonald, a physician of considerable local reputation, died 
here at an advanced age.  His wife, Deborah, was a highly esteemed preacher of the 
Quaker faith.

The firm of Merryman & Hawkins now conduct a store of general merchandise; William 
R. Webb, undertaker and cabinet-maker; Dr. John A. Hawkins is the physican of the 
village; Thomas H. Herbert, justice of the peace; H. S. Merryman, postmaster.