THE CHESTER COUNTY COLONIZATION SOCIETY - 425
ell, five; Job Ruston, ten ; David Hayes, two; William Starrett, one; William Pinkerton, two; Joseph Luckie, one ; Patrick Alexander, one.
Pennsbury.-No returns.
Pikeland.-Capt. Alexander McCaraher, two ; Alexander McKinley, four ; heirs of Samuel Kennedy, three.
Sadsbury -Agnes McPherson, one; Catharine Boyd, one; Matthew Boyd, one ; Andrew Boyd, two ; Thomas Davis, one; Rev. William Foster, three; Joseph Park, Esq., four.
Tredyffrin.-Sarah Havard, two ; Ann Havard, one ; Lewis Gronow, five; John Cloyd, two; Dr. John Davis, one; Richard Brittain, four ; John Wilson, two; Benj. Davis, one; David Wilson, one; Col. William Dewees, one ; Thomas Walters, two; John Williams, one.
Thornbury.-Thomas Cheyney, Esq., two.
Uwchlan.-John Evans, one; Thomas Evans, six.
Vincent.-No returns.
East Whiteland.-Peter Mather, one; Richard Richardson, five; David Lloyd, one; Stephen Bowen, one.
West Whiteland.-Estate of John Jacobs, seven ; William Richards, three; James Dunwoody, one.
Westtown.-James Black, one.
Willistown.-Isaac Griffith, one.
In addition to the foregoing, the following returns were made by persons whose residences are not given in the registration, and have not been ascertained by the writers:
Thomas May, four; John Vanlasey, four ; Capt. Thomas Wiley, one; George Boyd, one ; Thomas Scott, one; William Steele, two.
An analysis of the foregoing table shows that the largest number of slaves returned for registration were from the Welsh townships of Charlestown, Tredyffrin, East Nantmeal, and West Nantmeal, and from the Scotch-Irish townships of New London, Londonderry, Oxford, and East Nottingham ; while from the more central townships, largely inhabited by members of the Society of Friends; but few returns, comparatively, were made.
The township of Charlestown then included what is now Schuylkill ; West Nantmeal, what is now Honeybrook and Wallace ; New London, what is now Franklin ; Londonderry, what is now Penn ; East Nottingham, what is now Elk ; Oxford, what is now Upper and Lower Oxford ; and the borough of West Chester was then part of Goshen township.
Of the children of slaves for life, registered as servants until twenty-eight years of age, the following returns were made from the several townships :
Charlestown, two; Coventry, one ; East Fallowfield, one; West Fallowfield, four ; Goshen, one; East Caln, one ; West Cain, five; New London, nine; West Marlborough, one; Londonderry, two; Oxford (Upper and Lower), twenty-three; East Nantmeal, four; West Nantmeal, including Honeybrook, fourteen ; London Britain, one; East Nottingham, six ; Londongrove, two ; Sadsbury, two ; Tredyffrin, three; and East Whiteland, two.
It will be noticed that Charlestown, Tredyffrin, and Londonderry, which each returned a considerable number of slaves for life, returned very few children as servants until twenty-eight, and that the largest number of such children returned was from the Oxfords and West Nantmeal.
" The Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, the Relief of Free Negroes unlawfully held in Bondage, and for Improving the Condition of the African Race," *as organized April 14, 1775. After an interval of nearly nine years of inactivity the society was reorganized in 1784, and was incorporated by act of Assembly,
- 54 -
Dec. 8, 1789, with a membership of nearly 300, including many names which will ever live in history.
The following list of early members, prior to 1820, with dates of election, includes such as were then, or during some portion of their lives, residents of Chester County, and forms a " roll of honor" second to no other in our annals :
1784, John Todd, Israel Whelen, Norris Jones, Abraham Sharpless, Isaac Massey, John Tolbert (Talbot ?), Isaac Lloyd, .Charles Dingee; 1785, William Trimble, Jr., Richard Riley ; 1786, Jonathan Pugh, William West, Reece John, Col. Francis .Johnston, Philip Price, Jr.; 1787, Dr. John Luther; 1788, Jacob Parke ; 1789, James B. Bonsall, Henry Hale Graham, Samuel Jackson ; 1790, Richard Hill Morris, Thomas Ross, Matthias Holstein, Nathaniel Newlin, Col. Absolom Baird, William Graham, James McIlwain, Robert Smith, Joseph Townsend ; 1791, Joshua Pusey, Jr.; 1792, Emmor Baily, Moses Marshall, Randall Malin, Jr., Joseph Malin; 1793, John Malin, Charles Dilworth, John Talbot; 1794, Dr. William Martin, Dr. Joseph Pierce, Caspar Wistar, Isaac Taylor, Richard Strode, Cheyney Jefferis; 1795, William Sharpless, Samuel Painter, Jr., Robert Frazer; 1796, William Gibbons, Emmor Kimber, Enoch Lewis, George Ashbridge, Joseph Hemphill, Isaac Baily, Jr., Richard Barnard, Jr., Isaac Wilson, John Jefferis, Caleb Massey, Jeffrey Smedley, Titus Bennett, Caleb Hoopes, Thomas Taylor, James Lindley, Henry Hoopes, Robert Lamborn, Jr.; 1797, Thomas Vickers; 1799, Thomas Peirce; 1800, Luke Cassin ; 1801, Joseph Trimble, Jr., John Meredith; 1802, Thomas Marshall ; 1804, Benjamin H. Smith ; 1809, Dr. William Price; 1810, Isaac Smedley ; 1812, William Wayne, Jr.; 1813, William Price, Jr.; 1814, Dr. David J. Davis; 1817, Thomas P. May, Samuel Schaeffer, Stephen Rosseter, Mordecai Thomas, Thomas Vickers, Thomas Lewis, Joseph Cloud; 1818, Edward H. Bonsall, Lewis Wernwag, Solomon Temple ; 1819, William Kirk ; 1820, Charles Miner, William H. Dillingham.
THE CHESTER COUNTY COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
The " American Colonization Society" was organized soon after 1816, and the " Pennsylvania Colonization Society" in the fall of 1826. Of the State society, Eli K. Price was in 1827 one of the managers. Auxiliary (county) societies were at once formed (to the number of nine within a year), one of which was that of this county. In December, 1827, Simeon Siegfried, of West Chester, published an eight-page pamphlet, which contained the " Constitution and Address of the Managers of the Chester County Auxiliary Colonization Society," from which it appears its officers then were :
President, Dr. William Darlington ; Vice-Presidents, Jesse Kersey, Rev. Robert Graham; Secretary, Thos. Williamson ; Treasurer, David Townsend ; Managers, Wm. H. Dillingham, Townsend Haines, Thomas S. Bell, Jonathan Jones, Gen. John W. Cuningham, Rev. William Hodgson, Dr. Samuel McClean, George Hartman, Jr., Rev. Ebenezer Dickey, Rev. Simeon Siegfried, William Everhart, Jonathan Gause.
" GEN." JAMES JACKSON.
A sketch of the life of this remarkable colored man, who is now living in West Chester at the venerable age of one hundred and three years, was prepared and published by Caleb S. Cope in 1880, from which we condense the following points. He was born the slave of Betsy Jacobs, near Baltimore, Md., about the year 1778. His mistress married Benjamin Fowler, who was so cruel to his slaves that he was murdered by them, for which crime three of them were hung. His second master, Benjamin Walters, was as much of a tyrant as the first., and his inhuman usage
426 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
was such as to cause Jackson to resolve to run away. He passed through Baltimore, the next night slept in a fodder barn, and the third day was arrested by a man on the road as a runaway, but managed to escape from him, and at night
" GEN." JAMES JACKSON.
arrived at Port Deposit bridge, the gates of which were shut and locked. The Susquehanna rolled between him and freedom. Goaded on by desperation, he scaled the gates, and after a hard struggle safely landed on the opposite side. For several days following he wandered, bewildered, traveling through Delaware, nearly to Frenchtown. He reached Newark the 31st of December, and the next day started for New Garden township, Chester Co. Reaching there safely, he hired to Thomas Gawthrop, and worked at woodcutting on the Toughkenamon hills. He says he was a man of about thirty-five years of age when he ran away, which would place it about the year 1813. One of the first places he worked was at Jacob Lindley's, near where Avondale is now located, prior to 1814. Among others, he worked for Benjamin Swayne, south of the Street road ; for Dr. Michener, of New Garden ; cut ship-timber in " Dungeon Bottom" for Joseph Painter ; worked a short time for Jesse Matlack ; carried the hod for William Hutz on some of the Bolmar school buildings ; was similarly employed on the school-house on Barnard Street, Benjamin Price's schools, and the residence of the Everhart family. About 1828 he carried hod on Ogden's row of houses on New Street, and many others, after which he became one of the principal wood-sawyers of the borough. In 1837 he commenced to work for Ezra Haines, where is now Bash's store, and served his successors, George B. Townsend and E. M. Hoopes, from 1858 until 1877, when he retired from -active life, and since has been one of the private gentlemen of the borough, his step-daughter, Margaret A. White, living with and faithfully caring for him. He married, March 28, 1833, Frances Green, who was bought from slavery when she was seven years old, afterwards enticed South and sold into slavery, from which she was rescued by Thaddeus Stevens and others ; she then moved to West Chester, where she became acquainted with the " General," was married, and where she died, Feb. 26, 1868. She was quite a noted fortune-teller. For fear of being discovered and returned to slavery, Jackson's lips were closely sealed ; his most intimate friends could rarely, if ever, get him to mention his earlier history, until after he had availed himself of his franchise by casting his vote as a citizen of the United States, when he began to realize that he was " truly free."
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.*
When the convention to frame the Constitution of the United States met in Philadelphia in May, 1787, many were opposed to the clause sanctioning negro slavery. They felt it incompatible with the principles of a free government they were about to establish to hold any class of people in bondage more degrading, more oppressive, more tyrannical than that from which they had just emancipated themselves through the trials and hardships and sufferings endured through a seven years' war. They yielded, however, to the adoption of that clause, with the hope that ere long the wisdom, humanity, and justice of the people would entirely and forever obliterate the obnoxious system of slavery from a soil they fought to make free.
But little antagonism, however, was manifested towards this institution by its opponents until some cases of kidnapping occurred in Columbia, Pa., in 1804, which incited the people of that town, who were chiefly Friends or their descendants, to throw around the colored people the arm of protection, and even to assist those who were escaping from slavery to a section of country where they might be free. This gave origin to what was afterwards known as the " Underground Railroad."
The active and determined position to which the opponents of slavery were now aroused, and the large number of colored people who had settled there, made it a point where the fugitive reasonably expected aid, and his expectations were not disappointed.
William Wright, of that place, an unreserved and inveterate hater of slavery, was one of the earliest, boldest, and most active agents on this new road. He assisted all who came to him, and whenever he heard of a fugitive being captured, he lost no opportunity by his broad, deep strategy, in court or out of it, to effect the captive's escape.
The great number now arriving there made it necessary to establish other and reliable agencies along some direct line to Canada, whither the fugitives generally desired to go. This course seemed to naturally shape itself by way of some earnest-hearted Abolitionists in York, Lancaster, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, and Berks Counties, to Phoenixville, Norristown, Quakertown, Reading, Philadelphia, and other places. The chief agents were Daniel Gibbons, Thomas Whitson, Lindley Coates, Dr. Eshleman, James Moore, Caleb C. Hood, and Jeremiah Moore, of Lancaster County ; James Fulton, Gideon Peirce, Thomas Bonsall, Thomas Vickers, John Vickers, Esther Lewis and daughters, Dr. Edwin Fussell, William Fussell, Norris Maris, Emmor Kimber, Elijah F. Pennypacker, and Lewis Peart, of Chester County ; Rev. Samuel Aaron, Isaac Roberts, John Roberts, Dr. William Corson, Dr. Jacob L.
* By Robert C. Smedley, M.D., of West Chester.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - 427
Paxson, Daniel Ross (colored), and others, of Norristown. This was called the northern route through Chester County, but that which subsequently hecame the most traveled was through the middle and southern part of the county. Being contiguous to the boundary line of the slave States, a rapid transit of passengers had to be made, which was not unfrequently attended with exciting incidents of close pursuits and of narrow escapes. Many who came on this route crossed the Susquehanna at points in the vicinity of Havre de Grace, and were forwarded by Joseph Smith, Oliver Furniss, and others, in Lancaster County ; while a still greater number came from Wilmington, through the hands of Thomas Garrett, Benjamin, William, and Thomas Webb, and Thomas Flint. Others came direct from the more Southern slave States, traveling only by night, and guided solely by the north star, their universal guide, until they reached some abolition friends along the line who fed them, secreted them by day, and either took them at night to the next station, or gave them notes with names of agents, and directions how to find them. And the intuitive gift or instinctive power they were possessed of at once discerning their friends from others, was a marvel to all. Every slave that came from the South knew the north star, and that by following it they would reach a land of freedom. Trusting to this beacon-light before them as a celestial pilot, thousands successfully made their escape. The slave-holders, knowing this, freely expressed their hatred for that star, and declared, if they could, they would tear it from its place in the heavens.
So great was the travel upon this southern route that it was necessary, for safety, to have several branches. Some of these interlaced with the northern route, particularly at the Peirces' and Fultons', in Ercildoun ; Esther Lewis', in Vincent ; John Vickers', near Lionville ; and Elijah F. Pennypacker's, near Phoenixville. At this place quite a number crossed the river into Montgomery County, and were sent in different directions, many to Norristown.
One route from Havre de Grace was by way of Thomas, Eli, and Charles Hambleton's, in Penn township, to Ercildoun, thence to John Vickers' and Esther Lewis'. Those who were sick or worn out were taken to the latter place, an carefully nursed until able to proceed' farther.
After leaving Wilmington the main route came by way of Allen and Maria Agnew, Isaac and Dinah Mendenhall, Dr. Bartholomew Fussell, in Kennet ; John and Hannah Cox, Simon and Sarah D. Barnard, East Marlborough ; William and Mary Barnard, Eusebeus and Sarah Marsh Barnard, Pocopson ; Isaac and Thamsine Meredith, Mordecai and Esther Hayes, Newlin ; James Fulton, Jr., and Gideon Peirce, Ercildoun ; Zebulon Thomas and daughters, Downingtown ; Micajah and William Speakman, Uwchlan ; John Vickers and Charles Moore, Lionville ; Esther Lewis and daughters Marian, Elizabeth, and Graceanna, William Fussell, Dr. Edwin Fussell, and Norris Maris, West Vincent ; Emmor Kimber, Kimberton ; and Elijah F. Penny-packer, Phoenixville.
Another branch passed by way of Chandler Darlington's, Kennet; Benjamin Price, East Bradford ; the Darlington sisters and Abram D. Shadd (colored), West Chester. Dividing here, one portion united with the middle route at John Vickers', the other went to Nathan Evans, in Willis-town, a sterling old Friend, who stood inflexible and almost alone in the cause in this neighborhood. Nearly all fugitives who came to his place were harbored, fed, and taken by himself in a wagon at night to Philadelphia, a distance of eighteen miles. Occasionally, when large parties came at close intervals, he would take a load to Elijah F. Penny-packer's. At one time he took fifteen, who were forwarded by Elijah to Phoenixville, thence to Canada. In 1837 feeling himself unable to make so many long journeys at night, on account of his age, he called on James Lewis, in Marple township, Delaware Co., to ask if he would make his place a station and forward all whom he might send there. The proposition was acceded to, and James T. Dannaker. living with James Lewis, was made conductor. Nathan had eight passengers with him, and Dannaker accompanied him to Philadelphia, to be initiated into the way of delivering them without detection.
Davis Garrett, of Willistown, frequently aided Nathan Evans in conveying fugitives.
The great central station, where the Chester County and other routes converged, was at the anti-slavery office in Philadelphia, managed by J. Miller McKim, assisted by William Still, a former slave, and others.
When fugitives came in large numbers and close together, many were sent off the direct route to well-known Abolitionists, in order to elude pursuit if slave-hunters should be on their track. Among these on the northern route were Dr. Augustus W. Cain, Joshua Brinton, Joseph Moore, Joseph Fulton, J. Williams Thorne, and James Williams, Sadshury (the latter known as " Abolition Jim," in contradistinction to one near by of the same name, but of opposite principles) ; William Trimble, West White-land ; and Louis Peart, near Valley Forge.
Along the southern route were Amos and Mahlon Preston, and Benjamin and Hannah Kent, Penn township.
To successfully convey passengers over the great trunk-lines and branches of this road, from its beginning to its terminus, to prevent capture, to escape arrests and the muletary punishments attached to slave-holding laws, required men of firmness, courage, sagacity, coolness, and intrepidity in time of danger, predominant philanthropy impelling them to do unto the liberty-seeking slave as they would be done by under similar circumstances, and having firm reliance in Him who enjoined to " undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free." Arid it is a notable fact that nearly all who thus assisted the fugitive to freedom were members of the Society of Friends, although the majority of that society, while averse to slavery, took no part in the labors, and, with few exceptions, refused the use of their meeting-houses for anti-slavery lectures.
In the early part of this concerted arrangement slaves were hunted and tracked as far as Columbia. Here their pursuers lost all indication of their traces. The most scrutinizing inquiries, the most vigorous search failed to educe any knowledge of their whereabouts. They seemed to have reached an abyss beyond which they could not see, the depths of which they could not fathom ; and in their bewilderment and discomfiture they declared " there must be an underground railroad somewhere." This gave rise
428 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
to the term by which this secret passage from bondage to freedom was known ever afterwards.
Daniel Gibbons gave the slaves papers containing the names of agents along the road, with directions how to find them. Sometimes these papers contained the simple message, " These are our friends," signed with full name or only initials. Thomas Garrett frequently wrote, " I send thee" two, three, or four, or whatever number it might be, " bags of black wool." John Vickers, who was a potter, in sending them to Norris Maris, often wrote, " Thy friend Pot." These and similar plans of directing them were universally adopted when they were not taken by agents from one station to another. Norris Maris' son George, now principal of the West Chester State Normal School, but then a lad, often drew a map of the road for them as far as Elijah F. Pennypacker's. Elijah kept a two-horse wagon, and took some to friends in Montgomery County, but the greater number he took to Daniel Ross, in Norristown. Some he sent to William Still, in Philadelphia.
Many of these. negroes were poorly clad, or attired in their usual coarse apparel. These required change of clothing to avoid detection, or to protect them from inclement weather. For this purpose clothes and money were furnished by the agents and their friends. These whole-souled, philanthropic Abolitionists gave without stint ; they thought of no compensation ; their daily and only reward was the gratitude of these poor beings and the consciousness of being instruments in God's hands for their liberation from slavery.
A few incidents connected with the " Underground Railroad" travel will illustrate the dangers attending it to both fugitives and their friends, the hair-breadth escapes that were made, the prudence and promptness of action required, and the unselfish and unwearied labors of those who periled their property and their own liberty to aid the slave who sought their assistance in securing his freedom.
In 1818 two fugitives were sent to John Vickers from his father's, and were hidden in an attic. All things moved along in their accustomed orderly way during the forenoon ; the women felt a sense of satisfaction that two fugitives were resting secure under their roof, and the negroes were fondly dreaming of freedom and happiness soon to be theirs. Suddenly the kitchen-door burst open, and in rushed John, pale and trembling with anxiety, and said, " The owners of these slaves are at my father's searching the house, and they'll soon be here. We must get the men away at once." With almost the swiftness of an arrow he sped up-stairs, mounted a ladder, removed the attic-door, told the men of their peril, hurried them down to the back-yard, bade them flee across the field to a wood and make good their escape. This was barely accomplished when the pursuers, like hounds in close chase of the deer, rode up to the opposite side of the house and demanded entrance.
" It will be of no use to search my house," said John, " for I know there are no fugitives in it."
" We'll soon see about that," was the tart response. " They were seen corning this way."
Without further ceremony they commenced searching the house from cellar to garret, under beds and in closets, and in every nook and box where they thought a man could be doubled up. John accompanied them with the utmost placidness,—he knew the slaves were fast lengthening the distance between themselves and their hunters.
Reaching the garret and yet finding no one, they were about giving up in despair when one of them espied a trapdoor in the ceiling leading to the attic. Elated with this timely discovery he shouted in his hoarse voice, " There they are ; they're up in that attic ; we'll search there !"
" They are not there," said John ; " we never use that place."
" But you have a way to get there, and we must see into it."
" It will be of no use," continued John, " for there is no one there I know."
" We must see," was the laconic and mandatory reply.
The ladder was given them ; they ascended and groped around in the dark over the uncovered joists until fully convinced the objects of their search were not there. Incensed at their disappointment, and chagrined over their utter failure, they abandoned all further efforts. On leaving the house one of them caustically remarked, " We might as well look for a needle in a hay-stack as for a nigger among Quakers." They, however, continued their search in the neighborhood, but with no better success. The slaves got safely to Canada.
Two women from Virginia, one very light colored, left their master to seek a home of freedom in the North. They were pursued, captured, and placed in jail. During the night a few Abolitionists and the jailer assisted them in escaping through the roof. A reward of $1000 was offered for them. They were brought in the night to John Vickers. On account of this reward and the recent enactment of the fugitive-slave law, imposing a fine not exceeding $1000 and imprisonment not exceeding six months upon any individual harboring or giving aid to fugitives, and $1000 for each slave who was lost to his master through their assistance, it was necessary to use the utmost caution in forwarding them along the line. They were therefore taken to William Hall's, a retired place near by, and about one and a half miles from a public road, and there secreted three days and nights until arrangements could be made at headquarters in Philadelphia for receiving and forwarding them without delay. J. Miller McKim and James Mott agreed to receive them at the latter's house at eight o'clock on a specified morning. J. Vickers and his daughter Abbie supplied them with provisions, and then started with them in the night for Philadelphia, a distance of' thirty miles. It was very dark and stormy, and while passing through a woods about half-way to the city they got too near the edge of the turnpike-road and upset. The dearborn was broken, the horse kicked loose from the harness, but was held firmly by the lines and restrained from running, while the first concern of the women was to know if " missus was hurt." Fortunately, all escaped without injury.
Hiding the colored women in the woods, John and his daughter went back a mile and a half to a tavern and procured another wagon. To avoid even a suspicion of his
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - 429
having fugitives in his charge in case any one should come to his assistance, he ordered the women to remain perfectly quiet until he gave a particular sound of voice as a signal that he was ready for them. This precaution proved as fortunate as it was wise, for the tavern-keeper kindly took his own horse and went with them to the spot, gathered up the broken vehicle, and took it back to his place to have repaired next morning. At the given signal the women emerged from their wet covert, lively and laughing at " massa's" success.
With this delay they did not arrive at James Mott's until ten o'clock, two hours after the appointed time. Miller McKim was there tremulous with anxiety lest the party had been captured. Agents immediately took charge of the women. The one who was so white and good-looking was at once dressed in different attire with false curls, and Isaac T. Hopper, taking her hy the arm, walked with them to the wharf, registered their names on the boat as Isaac T. 'Topper, lady, and servant, and accompanied them to New York, where they were received by other agents and forwarded to Canada.
A company of eleven men, women, and children left the South in a body, willing to peril everything for liberty. The slave-holders immediately started out men in a body after them, sending large advertisements in advance. These advertisements always opened the eyes of Northern " underground agents," and put them on the alert. The company all arrived at the home of Graceanna Lewis and sisters. They had been there but a short time when William Still learned at the anti-slavery headquarters in Philadelphia where they had stopped. He dispatched a special messenger at once to Lewis' to apprise them of the danger, and to request them to scatter the company as widely as possible. The party were immediately given a change of clothing, so as to baffle recognition ; the women and children were dressed quite handsomely, their hats and bonnets being trimmed with artificial flowers. They were then sent, with some of the men, to different stations on the Reading Railroad, so that the number at any one place would not excite suspicion. Taking the same train as it arrived at these different stations, this portion of the party was again united, and all went through to Canada within twenty-four hours. The other men of the party were sent out in different directions to hire with farmers and thus earn money enough to pay their own passage.
A fugitive named George Harris came to the house of Dr. Bartholomew Fussell, who then lived near Hamorton. In some respects lie possessed extraordinary qualities of mind. He was raised in Maryland or. Virginia, was sold and taken to Georgia, near the boundary line with Florida. He was young and full of energy, and determined not to live a life of slavery. Undeterred by the long distance to be traveled on foot, or the privations to be endured and risks incurred before he could reach Mason and Dixon's line, he started on the journey, resolved not only to make the undertaking, but to succeed in it. For directions he relied entirely upon the course of the -railroads running north and his memory of the country through which he passed going south. His narration of the journey abounded in incidents of peril, humor, and even romance.
Longwood being one of the first stations on the road after leaving Wilmington, on the boundary line with Delaware, the family of John and Hannah Cox, residing there, were often called upon, chiefly in the night, and were ever ready to aid the fugitive on his way to freedom. They fed and clothed all who needed it, and either directed or took them to the next station, as it was unsafe to keep them long so near the State line. When women and children were to be sent from Wilmington they were generally taken by a colored man named Jackson. Arriving, he gave three distinct raps upon the paling fence. This well-known sound aroused the family, who responded by the interrogatory, " Who's there 'I' " Friends," was the reply. They were admitted, food prepared for them, and were then taken farther on. This well-known and hospitable family aided hundreds on their way to freedom, and incidents of peril and anxiety were not rare.
The home of Isaac and Dinah Mendenhall, in Kennet, ten miles from Wilmington, was another of the most important stations near that end of the route. Fugitives came there direct from the slave States, even as far south as North Carolina ; but the greater number were sent by Thomas Garrett, who gave them a few lines, by which they would be known as no impostors, and then, directing what road to take, told them to " go on and on until they came to a stone gate-post, and then turn in." As great numbers came to this place, they were taken or sent in different directions, some to Darby, others to Philadelphia, or to John Vickers', and many to Simon Barnard's, and to other stations in that vicinity.
With the exception of two or three cases in York County, in the very earliest period of the Underground Railroad, no slave was ever captured while under the care or direction of the managers of this transportation line. Some who remained to work for farmers throughout the country, when it was discovered, by advertisements or otherwise, that they were fugitives, were informed on by persons who, Judas-like, betrayed them for a paltry reward, and they were remanded to the inexorable chains of a slaveholding power. Such a case occurred in 'West Chester.
Rachel Harris, at one time a slave, lived many years in this borough, and occupied a small house by herself on West Miner Street, where Dr. Thomas Ingram's house now stands. She was ever lively and cheerful, and her clear, strong, musical voice, as she sat in her doorway in the evenings and sang, was heard in all that part of the town. She was employed by as many families as she could serve to do their weekly washing and ironing, and in housecleaning times her services were always in demand.
A large reward had been offered for her, and a man in West Chester learning this, and having a more selfish love for money than a regard for her liberty, informed her master where she was living. He came, engaged a constable to go with him, proceeded to her house, arrested her, and took her before Judge Thomas S. Bell, and proved his property. While the examination was going on in the judge's office, then located at the southeast corner of Church and Miner Streets, she asked permission to step out into the back-yard, which was granted, the officer accom-
430 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
panying her. The moment she entered the yard she ran to the board fence surrounding it, about seven feet high, and, as if assisted by an Unseen Hand, scaled it with the agility of a cat, and fled. The constable had not time to seize her, for she left him in the quickness of a flash nor could he with his best efforts climb that fence to pursue her.
Rachel sped out the alley, up High Street to Samuel Auge's hat-store, down an alley and through the hat-shop, over a vat of boiling liquid, frightening the men as though an apparition or a comet had suddenly darted among them, out through an alley back of Dr. Worthington's stable, and into the kitchen of John T. Worthington's house, where Caleb E. Chambers' leather-store is now situated. Rushing up to Mrs. Worthington she threw her arms around her. " For God's sake, take me in, save me, my master is after me !" cried the poor affrighted woman. " Oh, I guess not," said Mrs. Worthington, trying to soothe her. " He is ! he is ! they had me, but I got away from them. Oh, hide me somewhere quickly, do !"
Her emotions and piteous appeal convinced Mrs. Worthington that she was actually pursued, and immediately she took her up to the garret, hid her in a cubby-hole, fastened the door and returned. Shortly after her husband came home to dinner, the family took their seats around the table, and no sign was manifest that anything unusual had occurred.
The constable, exasperated at her successful escape, and mortified at his discomfiture, went back into the office and told his tale. Bewildered and amazed at such an instantaneous flight, they knew not for a moment what to do. Gathering their senses again, they determined upon an immediate and vigorous search. Hearing in the afternoon that something like a phantom had passed through " Sammy" Auge's shop that day, they went thither immediately, examined the alley and Dr. Worthington's stables, and passed by John T. Worthington's house without calling. The Beneficent Hand that guided her to this place still threw the protecting mantle around her, and it did not enter the minds of her pursuers to make inquiries here; but meeting John on the street, they asked if he had seen or heard anything of her. He told them he had not. His wife had fortunately revealed nothing to him. Rachel had washed for Mrs. 'Worthington for many years, and was beloved by her as a faithful, honest woman ; and now in her distress she could return the measure of faithfulness. The colored woman had frequently said she would rather be cut to pieces than be returned to slavery.
In the afternoon Mrs. Worthington informed Samuel M. Painter of the case, and asked him to send his carriage in the evening for her, and to bring a man's hat, overcoat, and boots, which was done ; and, dressed in male attire, she stepped into the carriage and was driven to John Vickers', who immediately forwarded her on the direct route to Canada. She afterwards wrote to Hannah Jefferis and others of her friends in 'West Chester stating that she arrived there safely, and was happy and contented.
The slave-master and constable continued their hunt in West Chester for two days, and then abandoned it.
For the part Mrs. Worthington took in this escape her friends for a long time humorously called her " the little Abolitionist."
Not only were fugitives liable to be informed upon and returned to bondage, but for upwards of a quarter of a century free negroes were subject to the danger of being sent into slavery on certificates of justices of the peace, founded on fictitious claims fabricated by kidnappers for the purpose. When a negro was arrested as a slave, all that would be done was to attend the hearing before the justice, ascertain the character of the evidence exhibited by the claimant, and present such proof of a contrary tendency as could be had. Enoch Lewis, when quite a young man, and a teacher at the boarding-school at Westtown, was well acquainted with the law relating to the rendition of slaves, and was frequently called upon on behalf of colored persons claimed as fugitives from labor. In each case he exerted himself to the utmost to prevent free persons from being carried off as slaves, and his success on such occasions was valuable in keeping the justices, who usually favored the claimants, to the strict line of their duty.
The residence of Enoch Lewis, at New Garden, was long a station on the Underground Railroad during the time of Isaac Jackson, its former owner, and it continued to be so many years after. Although Enoch did not approve of encouragement being given to slaves to leave their masters, and thought no general good would be derived from it, yet if a fugitive sought a temporary asylum beneath his roof, or a helping hand when fleeing from slavery, his claim to hospitality and charitable aid was never denied. If slaves were closely pursued, a horse and carriage were promptly furnished to convey them to a safe distance.
SERVANTS AND REDEMPTIONERS.
Servitude by indenture, which was little better than actual slavery, was very common in colonial days. The master owned the time, if not the body, of the servant, and public sentiment allowed of treatment which would not now be tolerated. Servants were in great demand in the early settlement of the country, and to supply this demand persons would bring over cargoes of laboring people and dispose of them on their arrival here. Indentures were prepared in England, binding the servant, in consideration of his passage, necessary, clothing, and provisions, to serve for a number of years—rarely less than four—after his arrival in Pennsylvania. Judging from the early court records, there were few laborers except those whose service was by indenture. Even mechanics sold themselves, or were sold, for a specified time. Orphan children were brought to court to.be "adjudged," there being on one occasion, in 1697, no less than thirty-three whose terms of service were fixed by the court. The following are samples of entries on the records about this time:
"Francis Chadsey brought a boy whose name was Alexander Steward, who was adjudged to serve eight years from the 14th of September last past, to be taught to read and write, or else to serve but seven years; also, he had a servant maid whose name is Ann Hearn, who was adjudged to serve five years from this Court, to said Francis Chadsey or his assigns."
" William Cope brought a boy whose name is Thomas Harper, who was adjudged to serve five years and three quarters, if he be taught to read and write, or else to serve but five years, to him or his assigns."
INDIAN TRADERS - 431
"Elizabeth Withers brought a servant girl whose name is Margaret Mongey, who was adjudged to be eleven years of age, and to serve ten years to Thomas Withers or his assigns."
"Henry Nayl brought a servant boy to the Court whose name is Alexander Stewart, whose time the said Nayl had bought of Francis Chadsey, and the said boy consents and agrees to serve the said Henry Nayl one year and a quarter above his time by record, if the sd Henry Nayl teach him the trade of shoemaker; if not, the said Nayl to allow the said boy satisfaction for the overplus time as the Court shall allow."
" Elinor Clayton, an orphan of the age of fourteen years, was ordered by the Court to serve Daniel Hoopes for the term of seven years, on condition that he should teach her to read, knit and sew, and pay £12 according to the order of the Court."
Owing to harsh treatment the servants were continually running away, and much of the business of the courts consisted in hearing the complaints of masters and servants, and judging the latter to serve additional time for running away. In 1721 mention is made, in a letter from England, of a consignment of forty-seven servants, sent over on account of the London Company. Captains of vessels brought over many servants and sold their time here to pay for their passage. These were called redemptioners, and the custom was continued into this century.
A remarkable case, if true, was that of James Annesley, son of Arthur Annesley, Lord Altham, who, being left an orphan, was enticed on board of an American vessel by an uncle who wished to get possession of the estate, and sold as a servant by the captain on his arrival at Philadelphia. Watson fixes the place of his servitude near the fortieth milestone on the Lancaster road, where he remained about twelve years. In 1740 he was discovered by two Irishmen from his native place. Through the influence of persons who became interested in his case he returned to Ireland, and in 1743 instituted suit against his uncle, who was now in possession of the property. He gained the suit, but, pending an appeal to the House of Lords, the claimant died. A full account of the trial was published at the time, but it does not state where Annesley lived in this country. The case has furnished the groundwork of "Roderick Random," " The Wandering Heir," by Charles Reade, and other novels. Reade locates the scene in this country near Wilmington.
It became the custom for those who imported servants to take them in companies through the country, in order to dispose of them to farmers. They were, on this account, termed " soul-drivers," and an anecdote is told of one who had finally disposed of all but one of his drove, who was a pretty smart fellow. Putting up at a tavern for the night, the servant rose first, and sold his master to the landlord, to whom he gave a good account of the fellow, except his habit of lying, and warned him that he would probably try to pass himself off as the master.
The well-authenticated cases of brutality exercised towards these people in time past leads one to think there must be some improvement in the state of society at this day.
As many persons are unfamiliar with the old form of an indenture of apprenticeship, we here give one in full in this case there is nothing peculiar, except the compensation of live stock :
“This Indenture Witnesseth that Elizabeth Hastings, Daughter of Henry Hastings of West Bradford in the County of Chester and Province of Pensilvania, Yeoman, hath put herself and by these presents doth voluntarily and of her own free will and accord and with the Consent of her Parents put herself Apprentice to Phebe Buffington of West Bradford afforesaid and after the manner of an apprentice to serve her from the day of the Date hereof for and During the Term of Five Years Eight Months next ensuing the date hereof; During all which Term the said Apprentice her said Mistress faithfully shall serve, her secrets keep, her Lawful Commands gladly every where obey. She shall do no damage to her said Mistress nor see it to be done by others without Letting or giving notice thereof to her said Mistress. She shall not waste her said Mistress's good nor lend them unlawfully to any, She shall not Commit fornication nor Contract Matrimony within the said Term. At Cards, Dice, or any other unlawful Game she shall not play whereby her Mistress may have Damage, With her own goods nor the goods of others, without Licence from her said Mistress she shall neither buy nor sell. She shall not absent herself Day nor Night from her Mistress's service without her leave, nor haunt Ale-Houses, Taverns or Play Houses, but in all things behave herself as a faithful apprentice ought to do, During the said Term. And in Consideration of the said Term the said Mistress shall procure and provide for her said apprentice Sufficient meat, Drink, Apparel, Lodging and Washing fitting for an apprentice both in health and sickness During the sd Term, Together with Two Cows and two Calves, Each Cow and Calf to be worth Four pounds of Current money of Pensilvania in the following manner—One Cow and Calf to be delivered unto above named Henry Hastings for the use of said apprentice in the spring in the year 1746 and the other Cow and Calf in the spring in the year of our Lord 1748. And the said mistress shall learn her said apprentice to Sew and Knitt so as to know how to make a man's Shirt and knitt Stocking and to give her one month's schooling in Reading and Writing within the said Term and at the Expiration of said Term said Mistress shall procure for her said apprentice One full Suit of new Apparel besides her working apparel. And for the true performance of all and every the said Covenants and agreements either of said parties bind themselves unto the other by these presents. In Witness whereof they have Interchangeably put their hands and seals this ninth day of April One Thousand Seven hundred and forty and three. 1743
" PHEBE BUFFINGTON [SEAL.]
" Signd seald and Deliverd in the presence of
" JOHN BUFFINGTON "AMY BATE
"JNO MCCARTY"
One month's schooling in five years would not now be considered a very liberal allowance.
INDIAN TRADERS.
In 1722, James Le Tort petitioned the court of Chester County to recommend him to the Governor for license as an Indian trader, on the ground that he had followed that business for twenty-five years. He was licensed, and gave his bond in the sum of £100, with Silas Pryor, yeoman, of Chester County, as his surety.
In the same year James Patterson, of Conostegoe, petitioned, indorsed by Ezekiel Harlan, who went on his bond when appointed. In 1723 said Patterson was re-licensed, with James Mitchell as bondsman. This year John Burt, of Conestogoe, also petitioned, and was indorsed by said Mitchell, who went on his bond when reappointed by the Governor.
In 1724, Thomas Perrin, of Conestogoe, petitioned, indorsed by John Hendricks, John Roberts, Thomas Wilkins, Martin Mirlin, Daniel Gorman, and was licensed.
In next year (1725) a large number of the inhabitants of Donnegall petitioned for a license for Jonah Davenport, and on its grant George Stuart became his bondsman.
In the year 1724, Joseph Cloud, of Caln, was licensed, with George Aston and John Taylor as his bondsmen, and
432 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
in 1725 was relicensed, with Joseph Jervis and Daniel Cookson on his bond.
In 1726, John Burt was again licensed, with James Mitchell, of Donnegall, as his bondsman.
PEDDLERS FROM 1730 TO 1773.
These peddlers were also termed " hawkers," " venders," and " petty chapmen," the latter seeming to be the technical or legal word for designating them. The following is a probably incomplete list of the same from 1730 to 1773:
1730, Archibald McGee, William Young, Alexander Richardson, Terrance O'Neal], George Mason, Charles Conner ; 1731, Charles Conner ; 1732, Alexander Richison, John Lockarty, Charles Conner, Terrance O'Neal]; 1733, Joseph Burgoin ; 1737, William Young, Alexander Richison, George Mason ; 1738, James Ross, William Black ; 1742, Charles McMichel, John Swanner, Daniel Stewart ; 1743, Charles McMichel, John Swanner, Robert Anderson, James Adams, John McClure ; 1744, Samuel Cross, Charles McMichel, Robert Anderson ; 1745, Samuel Cross, Charles McMichel, Alexander Richison ; 1746, Henry Hetherington, Charles McMichel, Samuel Cross; 1747, Samuel Cross; 1748, Samuel Cross, Charles McMichel, Robert Anderson; 1749, Henry Hetherington, Neal McLaughlin, Patrick Whinnery, George Connell, Charles McMichel ; 1750, Patrick Whinnery, James Hunter, Charles McMichel, Samuel Mealey ; 1751, Matthew Dunlap, Charles McMichel, James McMordie; 1752, Sam. uel Patterson, Charles McMichel; 1753, Richard Hall, Charles Mc-Michel ; 1754, Thomas Clark, John Millison, Francis McBride, John Shaw, Charles McMichel, Samuel Patterson; 1755, John Prince; 1756, John Johnson ; 1758, Charles Rodin ; 1759, William Little, Samuel Patterson ; 1766, John McCarty, Nicholas Fain; 1772, Jacob Sleer; 1773, David Brooks.
In their petitions to the court, some assigned as reasons for desiring to travel as peddlers their advanced years of age, lost use of a hand or arm, and other physical infirmities preventing them from hard manual labor. Others set forth that they had just arrived from ahroad with large stocks of merchandise to self for the advantage of the people. John Johnson, of Kennet, in his petition, said he had an ailment in his breast that deprived him from labor, and Patrick Whinnery alleged that he had been a weaver, but, having broken a thigh, had " fallen into a consumption." Many of these peddlers became forehanded, and finally settled down as thrifty farmers or merchants.
SILVER PLATE IN 1777.
The following is a list of silver plate in Chester County in 1777, as returned that year by the assessors for taxation :
Westtown Township.—Benjamin Hickman, six spoons; James Black, six tea and one large spoon ; Thomas Taylor, five spoons.
Birmingham Township.—Caleb Brinton, five tea spoons; Charles Dilworth, one tea spoon ; Joseph Dilworth, six spoons; Gideon Gilpin, six tea spoons.
Sudsbury Township.—Andrew Boyd, six spoons.
Oxford Township.—Hugh McCollough, 5i lbs. of plate; Job Ruston, one can, one porringer, seven spoons, one pair tea tongs.
East Caln Township.—John Carmichael, five spoons.
Uwchlan Township.—Charles Reed, one table and six tea spoons; Dennis Whelan, one tankard and six table spoons ; Edward Owen, two table and five tea spoons; Israel Whelan, one cream jug, six table and six tea spoons; John Scott, six tea spoons; Col. Robert Smith, six tea spoons.
Kennet Township.—Joseph Shippen, 32 ounces.
Charlestown Township.—Patrick Anderson, one ounce ; William Bodley, three ounces: William Dewees, Jr., eight ounces; William Fussell, one ounce; William Graham, two ounces ; Benjamin Longstreth, eight ounces; Ephraim Jones, one ounce; William Moore, eighteen ounces ; George McElheany, one ounce; Alexander McCalla, one ounce; Anthony Pritchard, one ounce; Benjamin Thomas, one ounce.
New London Township.—Moses Cox, two ounces ; Allen Cunningham, two ounces ; Joseph Furry, two ounces; Alexander Johnston, eight ounces; David Mackey, two ounces; John McDowell, eight ounces ; William Shearer, two ounces; William Shields, two ounces; Robert Wilkin, two ounces.
Londonderry Township.—Francis Blair, one tankard ; John Finney, one cup, two candle sticks, six table and six tea spoons.
East Whiteland Township.—John Adams, one dozen tea spoons ; Benjamin Bartholomew, three table and six tea spoons ; John Bartholomew, one cream jug, nine tea and six table spoons ; David Cloyd, one pair tea tongs, cream jug, seven table and fourteen tea spoons; Thomas Harris, six tea spoons; Josiah Hibbard, six tea spoons; Richard Jacobs, one pair tea tongs and six tea spoons; John Kerlin, cream jug, one pair tea tongs, one pint can, five table and six tea spoons; Joseph Lewis, six tea spoons ; Joseph Malin, cream jug and six tea spoons; Peter Mather, seven table and seven tea spoons ; Robert Powell, four tea spoons; James Robinson, six tea spoons; Richard Richardson, one pair tongs, six tea and six table spoons; John Templeton, six tea spoons; Robert Todd, six tea spoons ; George Graham, six tea spoons; Richard Malin, Jr., six tea spoons; Harvey Simms, one tea spoon.
Easttown Township.—Gen. Anthony Wayne, one cream jug, six tea and six table spoons; Martha Davis, three tea spoons; Benjamin Jenkins, six tea spoons; William Hunter, Jr., six tea spoons; John Butler, four tea spoons ; Whitehead Weatherby, six tea spoons.
Goshen Township.—Francis Trumble, four spoons.
Treydyffrin Township.—Richard Brinton, five spoons ; Rev. William Currie, one tea pot, one sugar dish, one pair tea tongs, one soup dish, three table and six tea spoons; Dr. John Davis, six tea spoons; David Davis (Valley) six tea spoons; David Havard, six tea spoons; Mary Howell, six tea spoons; John Rowland, six tea spoons ; Joseph Mitchell, six tea spoons ; Thomas Walters, cream jug and six tea spoons.
West Caln Township.—Samuel Denney, four pieces ; Mary Way, five pieces.
East Nantmeal Township.—Branson Vanleer, one quart cup.
Pikeland Township.—Joseph
Berkinbaugh, one coffee pot, six tea and six table spoons; David Ford, six tea spoons.
West Fallowfield Township.—John Bell, sixteen ounces.
RIDING VEHICLES.
In an assessment made February, 1786, for the purpose of raising money to pay the United States and State debts, the following riding carriages were returned within our present county limits with the valuation annexed :
East Bradford.—John Hannum, chair, £10.
West Bradford.—Humphry Marshall, chair, £24.
East Caln.—Widow Carmichael, chair, 115 ; Hunt Downing, Jr., chair, £25; Richard Downing, Jr., chair, £15; John Edge, chair, £25; Wm. Trimble, chair, £25.
Goshen.—Joshua Ashbridge (four-wheeled), £40 ; Jos. Garrett (four-wheeled), £40; Geo. Hoopes, chair, £5; Enos Thomas, chair, £15; John Warner, chaise, £12.
Londongrove.—Joshua Pusey, carriage, £3; Joseph Preston, family carriage, £3.
West Nantmeal.—Baron Debillion,* phaeton.
Thornbury.—John & Joseph Brinton, chair, £15; Wm. Williamson, chair, £30.
Westtown.—Joseph Hoopes, chair, £30.
East Whiteland.—Richard Jacobs, phaeton, £25; Casper Fahnestock, caravan, £20; John Templeton, chair, £14.
West Whiteland.—John Jones, chair.
The tax laid upon this species of property was one and one-half pence on the pound.
* Properly Baron de Beelen Bertholf.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS - 433
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
On the 18th of June, 1776, a provincial conference convened at Carpenters' Hall, in Philadelphia, in pursuance of a resolution of Congress, recommending a change in the form of State governments, and a suppression of all authority under the King of Great Britain. The members from Chester County, deputed by the county committee, were Col. Richard Thomas, Maj. William Evans, Col. Thomas Hockley, Maj. Caleb Davis, Elisha Price, Samuel Fairlamb, Col. William Montgomery, Col. Hugh Lloyd, Richard Riley, Col. Evan Evans, Col. Lewis Gronow, Maj. Sketchley Morton, and Thomas Levis.
Col. Thomas McKean, a son of Chester County, then representing Philadelphia, was chosen president of the body. This conference, June 24, 1776, unanimously declared their willingness to concur in a vote of the Congress declaring the united colonies free and independent States. This was ten days before the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress. A convention was also called for the purpose of framing a constitution and forming a new government in the province, on the authority of the people alone.
The convention thus called met at Philadephia, July 15, 1776, and adopted the first constitution of the State or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It provided that the legislative power should be vested in a single Rouse of Representatives, and the executive power in a President and Council, the representatives and members of Council to be elected by the votes of the people, and the President to be chosen annually by the joint ballots of the Assembly and council, the delegates to Congress to be elected annually by the Assembly. It also provided that there should be chosen by the voters every seven years a council of censors, to be composed of two persons from each county, for the purpose of, seeing that the constitution was preserved inviolate, and for the performance of other prescribed duties. The members of this convention from Chester County were Benjamin Bartholomew, John Jacobs, Thomas Strawbridge, Robert Smith, Samuel Cunningham, John Hart, John Mackey, and John Fleming. The convention was presided over by Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
Nov. 13, 1783, a council of censors, chosen in pursuance of the provisions of this constitution, convened at the State-House in Philadelphia, and continued in session from time to time until Sept. 25, 1784. This was the only council of censors ever held. The members of this body from Chester County were Anthony Wayne and John Evans. The latter died during its sittings, and James Moore was elected in his room, and took his seat Dec. 30, 1783.
The constitution of 1776 not proving very acceptable to the people, a convention was called to frame a new constitution, which met in Philadelphia on Nov. 24, 1789, and formed what is known as the constitution of 1790, providing, among other changes, that the executive power should be vested in a Governor, elected by the people, and the legislative power in a Senate and House of Representatives.
This constitution went into operation Sept. 2, 1790, and a procession, composed of officials and citizens, paraded, under the direction of the convention, on the occasion of its proclamation. Neither this constitution nor that of
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1776 was submitted to a vote of the people. Thomas Mifflin was president of the convention, and was afterwards elected the first Governor of the State under its provisions.
Chester County was represented in this convention by William Gibbons, Thomas Bull, Thomas Ross, and James Boyd.
At the general. election in 1825 a vote was taken, by authority of an act of Assembly, on the question of calling a convention to amend the constitution of 1790, which resulted in a majority against the proposed convention.
April 14, 1835, an act of Assembly was passed authorizing a vote to be taken at the next general election on the question of the expediency of a revision of the constitution: The vote being in favor of such revision, an act was passed March 29, 1836, calling a convention, to consist of a number equal to that of the members composing the Senate and House of Representatives, and to be elected Nov. 4, 1836.*
The convention thus called met May 2, 1837, and finally adjourned Feb. 22, 1838, a portion of their sessions being held at Harrisburg and a portion in Philadelphia. The result of their labors was submitted to a vote of the people at the general election held in October, 1838, and the amended constitution, being ratified, went into operation on Jan. 1, 1839. †
The delegates in this convention from Chester County were Thomas .S. Bell, senatorial, and William Darlington, Morgan J. Thomas, Matthias Pennypacker, and John Chandler, representatives.
It was presided over by Hon. John Sergeant, of Philadelphia.
June 2, 1871, an act of Assembly was passed submitting to a vote of the people at the October election the question of calling another convention to revise the constitution. The vote being in the affirmative, an act was passed April 11, 1872, providing for the calling of such convention ; the members to be elected at the October election then next, by what is known in common parlance as the cumulative system.
The delegates met in convention in the hall of the House of Representatives at Harrisburg, Nov. 12, 1872, and organized by the election of Hon. William M. Meredith, of Philadelphia, as president. The convention continued. in session at Harrisburg until Nov. 27, 1872, and then adjourned to meet again in Philadelphia on Jan. 7, 1873, when it re assembled.
The members representing this senatorial district were William Darlington and Joseph Hemphill, of Chester County, and John M. Broomall, of Delaware County. There were also in the convention four other sons of Chester County, viz. : Joseph Baily, of Perry County ; Wayne MacVeagh, of Dauphin County ; Dr. Levi Rooke, of Union County ; and Joel B. McCamant, from Schuylkill County. Abraham D. Harlan, of Coatesville, was one of the assistant clerks.
This was the fourth convention called to frame or amend the constitution of the State.
* The vote of Chester County in 1835 was 2546 for a convention, and 3308 against.
† Chester County voted for the amendments, 3879; against, 5085.
434 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
TAXABLES, 1730 TO 1780.
