1843 History of  Chester County, Pennsylvania

GEOGRAPHY

Chester County is one of the three original counties established by Wm. Penn in 1682, and included at that time Delaware co., and all the territory (except the small portion now in Philadelphia co.) S. W. of the Schuylkill, to the extreme limits of the province. Lancaster was separated in 1729; Berks, (partly formed from Chester,) in 1752; and Delaware in 1789. Length 37 miles, breadth 20; area 738 sq. miles. Population in 1790, 27,937; in 1800, 32,093; in 1810, 39,527; in 1820, 44,451 ; in 1830, 50,910; in 1840, 57,515.

The county embraces every variety of soil and surface. The northern part is rugged; the Welsh mountain, a sandstone chain of considerable elevation, belonging to the lower secondary formation, forms the northwestern boundary. A wide belt of red shale and sandstone, and a considerable area of gneiss rock lies to the south of the mountain, and to this succeeds the North Valley hill. The "Great Valley," of primitive limestone, forms the most distinguishing feature of the county, and constitutes one of its greatest sources of wealth. This valley, which is generally from two to three miles wide, crosses the county a little north of the centre, in a southwest and northeast direction. It is shut in on both sides by parallel hills of moderate elevation, and from either of these the whole width of the valley may be comprehended at one glance; presenting, with its white cottages, and broad, fertile, highly cultivated farms, and smiling villages, one of the most lovely scenes in the United States. Its numerous quarries furnish splendid marble for the palaces and monuments of Philadelphia; and a great abundance of lime to fertilize the less favored townships of the co. It must have received its name of "Great" in the earlier days of the province, when the greater limestone valleys of the Kittatinny, and those among the mountains were yet unknown. Compared with these it is rather diminutive. To the south of the valley lies the extensive primitive formation of gneiss and mica slate, covering the whole southern section of the county, and forming a gently undulating country, with occasionally a few abrupt elevations. In this formation there occur frequent beds of serpentine, hornblende, trap-dykes, and deposits of pure feldspar. The appropriate name of barren-stone has been given to the serpentine, on account of the extreme sterility of soil wherever it appears. Many tons of the clay formed from the decomposition of feldspar were formerly transported from New Garden township to New York, for the manufacture of porcelain.

The principal streams are the Brandywine, Elk creek, and Octarara cr., running southwardly; and Pickering's cr., Valley cr., French cr., and Pigeon cr., tributaries of the Schuylkill. The original Indian name of the Brandywine is said to have been Suspecough.

The Columbia railroad passes across the centre of the co. The Valley railroad, intended to reach Philadelphia without an inclined plane, has been located and partly constructed, down the Great Valley to the Schuylkill, but is now in a suspended state for want of funds. A railroad of about nine miles connects Westchester with the Columbia railroad at the Paoli.

Excellent roads cross the county in all directions, of which the principal are the Lancaster turnpike, the Downingtown and Harrisburg turnpike, the Strasburg road, and the Chadsford road. The Schuylkill canal and the Reading railroad pass along the northeastern boundary.

There are several localities of iron ore in the northern hills, and very extensive iron works at the mouth of French creek. The ancient iron works at Yellow Springs and at Valley Forge have been long discontinued. The principal manufacturing enterprise of the county has its location on French cr., and the others tributary to the Schuylkill. There are also many mills along the Brandywine and other streams, but they are principally for flour and lumber. Agriculture is the great business of the county; and a more intelligent, industrious, thrifty, and orderly set of farmers are not to be found in the state. They are generally the lineal descendants of the early Welsh and English pioneers, who came over in Wm. Penn's time, and of the Germans, who came in at a somewhat later date. The Quakers predominate.

Chester co. is famous for its excellent schools, which will be noticed in another place.

INDIANS

In the year 1824 there appeared in the Village Record at West Chester, then edited by Charles Miner, Esq., a long and elaborate series of communications written, evidently, after careful research and personal inquiry, by Joseph J. Lewis, Esq., then a young law-student, and now one of the most distinguished members of the bar of Chester co. The following copious extracts have been made from those communications, generally in the language of the original; though the liberty has been sometimes taken of condensing some passages, and of changing the arrangement of others, to adapt them to the restricted limits of this work.

The Indians formerly inhabiting Chester co. belonged to the Lenni Lenape, more generally known as the Delaware nation. They appear to have been most thickly settled about Pequa, now in Lancaster co., and along the great valley. In other parts of the co. they were evenly distributed, and west of White Clay cr. rather sparsely. They were scattered through the forests, generally near some spring, and on the sunny sides of the hills, in clusters of five or six wigwams in a place. They were usually engaged in their natural employment of hunting and fishing, and occasionally manufacturing baskets. These baskets were beautifully stained in plaid-work, by berries and mineral earths, known only to themselves. Since the natives have retired, the baskets have gone out of vogue, and the more trim handy work of the French has taken their place.

The last of the Lenape, resident in Chester co., died in the person of old Indian Hannah, at the poorhouse, in 1803. The circumstance of her being for many years the sole survivor of her people, (in this section of country,) entitles her to a notice, which the merit of her character alone would not have procured. She was one of a family that called themselves Freeman, and in. habited for a number of years one of a small cluster of wigwams in Marlborough township. Her principal abode after she set up for herself in the world, was a wigwam upon the Brandywine, but during the summer she travelled much through different parts of the co., visited those who would receive her with kindness, and distributed her baskets. She was a doctress, as well as basket-maker. Her fame was at one time so great, as to induce the venerable Mr. Parker, of Kennet, to seek her prescription for his children, who were ill. She furnished him a few herbs and pounded roots, her only medicines, with directions for then* use, and charged him five shillings for her recipe. Though a long time domesticated with the whites, she retained her Indian character, with her copper complexion, to the last. She had a proud and haughty spirit, hated the blacks, and deigned not to associate even with the lower order of the whites. Without a companion of her race-without kindred-surrounded only by strangers, she felt her situation desolate; often spoke emphatically of the wrongs and misfortunes of her people. In her conduct she was perfectly moral and exemplary, and by no means given to intemperance, as many of her race were. At her death she was over 90 years old.

There is a place near the Brandywine, on the farm of Mr. Marshall, where there are yet a number of Indian graves that the owner of the ground has never suffered to be violated. One of them, probably a chiefs, is particularly distinguished by a head and foot stone. Indian Hannah wished much to be buried in this ground, and her wish should have been complied with.

THE PURCHASE BY WILLIAM PENN

The territory now included in Chester co., together with much lying in other counties, was honorably purchased of the Indians by Wm. Penn, and was conveyed in several distinct deeds. The first, bearing date June 25,1683, and signed by an Indian called Wingebone, conveys to Wm. Penn all his lands on the west side of Schuylkill, beginning at the first falls, and extending along and back from that river, in the language of the instrument, " so far as my right goeth." By another deed of July 14th, 1G83, two chiefs granted to the proprietary the land lying between the Chester and Schuylkill rivers. From Kikitapan he purchased half the land between the Susquehanna and Delaware, in September, and from Malchalola, all lands from the Delaware to Chesapeake Bay, up to the falls of the Susquehanna, in October. And by a deed of July 30th was conveyed the land between Chester and Pennypack creeks. This last instrument is a quaint piece of conveyancing, and will show the value attached by the natives to their lands.

" This indenture witnesseth that we, Packenah, Jackham, Sikals, Portquesott, Jervis Essepenaick, Felktrug, Porvey, Indian kings, sachemakers, right owners of all lands from Quing Qingus, called Duck cr., unto Upland, called Chester cr., all along the west side of Delaware river, and so between the said creeks backwards as far as a man can ride in two days with a horse, for and in consideration of these following goods to us in hand paid, and secured to be paid by Wm. Penn, proprietary of Pennsylvania and the territories thereof, viz.: 20 guns, 20 fathoms match coat, 20 fathoms stroud water, 20 blankets, 20 kettles, 20 pounds of powder, 100 bars of lead, 40 tomahawks, 100 knives, 40 pair of stockings, 1 barrel of beer, 20 pounds of red lead, 100 fathoms of wampum, 30 glass bottles, 30 pewter spoons, 100 awl blades, 300 tobacco pipes, 100 hands tobacco, 20 tobacco tongs, 20 steels, 300 flints, 30 pair of scissors, 30 combs, 60 looking-glasses, 200 needles, 1 skipple of salt, 30 pounds of sugar, 5 gallons of molasses, 20 tobacco boxes, 100 jewsharps, 20 hoes, 30 gimlets, 30 wooden screw boxes, 103 string of beeds-do hereby acknowledge, &.c. &.c. Given under our hands and seals, at New Castle, 2d of the 8th month, 1685."

Before the close of the year 1682, no less than twenty-three ships had arrived in Pennsylvania from Europe, conveying more than two thousand souls. They were principally Friends, who had purchased allotments, and came to occupy them. Many were of opulent families, upon whom no common consideration could have prevailed to leave their homes; and whom, perhaps, nothing but the goad of unceasing persecution could have driven entirely away. All were industrious, discreet, and prudent, and every way fitted to render a colony prosperous, flourishing and happy. Not an inconsiderable number of these settled in Chester co. Some had taken the precaution to bring with them frames of houses, and other conveniences: some, who arrived early, were enabled to erect temporary cabins of logs; and some were compelled to pass the winter in rude shanties, or caves dug in the side of a hill.

At the time the European emigrants first settled in the county, it was principally overshadowed by forest, with here and there a small patch cleared by the natives for the purpose of raising corn. Owing to the Indian practice of firing the woods once or twice in the year, the small timber and bushes were killed in their growth, and of course the forests were but thinly set. One of the first settlers said, that at the time of his first acquaintance with the country, he could have driven a horse and cart from one of its extremities to the other, in almost any direction, without meeting with any material obstruction.

EARLY SETTLERS

The early settlers of Chester co. were from different parts of Europe, England, Wales, Ireland, Holland, and Germany. Of these, the English, as they arrived first, seated the southern parts adjoining the Delaware, and a few took up lands bordering upon the Maryland line. They were principally from Sussex, (the residence of Wm. Penn,) Cheshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire. The Welsh occupied the eastern parts, and settled in considerable numbers. The oppression which they suffered in their native country from the tyranny of the nobles, first determined their emigration, and the happy consequence resulting to the first adventurers, from their change of situation, induced many to follow them. Soon after their arrival here they generally joined the society of Friends, and established meetings. Wm. Penn once paid them a visit, but as they neither understood his language, nor he theirs, they could only enjoy the satisfaction of seeing him. It is said, however, that they were highly gratified with this mark of his attention and good-will, and took even their little children with them to the meeting which he attended, that they also might have a sight of the great proprietor. Rowlan Ellis was one of their most conspicuous characters.

The Irish emigrants located the north and western sections of the co. Those who first arrived were generally men of some standing and character, and were welcomed as an accession of virtue and intelligence to the little community. They were almost all Protestants, and many of them Friends. The Dutch and Germans, who are now the principal landholders in many of the northern townships, are not the descendants of the original settlers of those parts. Within the memory of those now living, they formed the smallest portion of the population in those very districts where they are now the most numerous. Their untiring industry, and stubborn perseverance seem to have peculiarly qualified them to become successful tillers of a soil such as obtains there-fertile, indeed, but hard of cultivation; and the posterity of the Irish, who are not so remarkable for the patient qualities of character, seem to have gradually relinquished to them the possession of the land.

Soul-drivers.-This was a name given to a certain set of men who used to drive redemptioners through the country, and dispose of them to the farmers. They generally purchased them in lots consisting of fifty or more, of captains of ships, to whom the redemptioners were bound for three years' service, in payment for their passage. The trade was brisk for a while, but at last was broken up by the numbers that ran away from the drivers. The last of the ignominious set disappeared about the year 1785. A story is told of his having been tricked by one of his herd The fellow, by a little management, contrived to be the last of the flock that remained unsold, and travelled about with his master. One night they lodged at a tavern, and in the morning the young fellow, who was an Irishman, rose early, sold his master to the landlord, pocketed the money, and marched off. Previously, however, to his going, he used the precaution to tell the purchaser, that though tolerably clever in other respects, he was rather saucy, and a little given to lying. That he had even been presumptuous enough at times to endeavor to pass for master, and that he might possibly represent himself as such to him!

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

The long period of 80 years that elapsed between the settlement of the co. and the war of the revolution, was a peaceful era, unfruitful of incident. During all that time the settlers were left to pursue their peaceful occupations, uninjured and unmoved by the commotions that shook the rest of the world. They plied the arts of commerce, brought new lands into culture, established schools and meeting-houses, and advanced with uniform progress towards a state of superior opulence and refinement. The contests indeed of 1736 and 1755 occurred within the period mentioned, but these little affected the settlers here. They were principally Friends, took no active part in military concerns, and were not molested by them.

The cloud, however, which had been long gathering and rumbling on the horizon, had at length spread itself over the land, and the awful moment arrived when it was to burst. The citizens of Chester co. were now to see their fields crossed by hostile armies and made the theatre of military operations, while they themselves, throwing aside the implements of husbandry, and forgetting the employments of peace, were to mingle m the general strife.

The first military force raised in the co. was a regiment of volunteers, of which Anthony Wayne, Esq., was appointed Col., and Richard Thomas, Lieut. Col. Wayne afterwards joined the regular army, and the command of the corps devolved upon Thomas. This regiment marched to New York previous to the battle of Long Island, but, with the part which joined the flying camp, was neither engaged in that, nor in any of the subsequent actions which took place in that vicinity. A second regiment was raised and officered principally by the inhabitants of Chester co., soon after the-first had been formed. Mr. Atlee, of Lancaster, was appointed Col.; Parry, of Chester co., Lieut. Col.; John Potts, Major; and Joseph McLellan, of Westchester, was among the captains. Thus it will be seen that Chester co. contributed a full proportion of men for the service, and evinced a spirit scarcely to be expected among a people so generally opposed in principle to the practice of war. Early in the contest Chester co. became the scene of active operations.

THE BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE

The battle of Brandywine took place on the 11th Sept., 1777. The following spirited account of the engagement is from Botta's History of the American Revolution. Botta was himself a soldier in Napoleon's campaigns: he describes the maneuvers of the battle with a soldier's enthusiasm.

Late in August, 1777, Washington was informed that the enemy had appeared with all his forces in the Chesapeake. He then saw distinctly the course he had to pursue. He dispatched orders to all the detached corps to join him, by forced marches, in the environs of Philadelphia. The militia of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and the northern parts of Virginia, were ordered to repair to the principal army.

On the 25th of August, the British army, 18,000 strong, was disembarked not far from the head of the river Elk. It was plentifully furnished with all the equipage of war, excepting the defect of horses, as well for the cavalry as for the baggage. The scarcity of forage had caused many of them to perish the preceding winter, and a considerable number had died also in the late passage.

This was a serious disadvantage for the royal troops; who, in the vast plains of Pennsylvania, might have employed cavalry with singular effect. On the 27th, the English vanguard arrived at the head of the Elk, and the day following at Gray's hill. Here it was afterwards joined by the rear guard under Gen. Knyphausen, who had been left upon the coast to cover the debarkation of the stores and artillery.

The whole army took post behind the river Christiana, having Newark upon the right, and Pencada, or Atkins, on the left. A column commanded by Lord Cornwallis having fallen in with Maxwell's riflemen, routed and pursued them as far as the farther side of White Clay cr., with the loss of some dead and wounded.

The American army, in order to encourage the partisans of independence, and overawe the disaffected, marched through the city of Philadelphia; it afterwards advanced towards the enemy, and encamped behind White Clay cr. A little after, leaving only the riflemen in the camp, Washington retired with the main body of his army behind the Red Clay cr., occupying with his right wing the town of Newport, situated near the Christiana, and upon the great road to Philadelphia ; his left was at Hockesen. But tins line was little capable of defense.

The enemy, reinforced by the rear guard under Gen. Grant, threatened with his right the centre of the Americans, and extended his left as if with the intention of turning their right flank. Washington saw the danger, and retired with his troops behind the Brandywine; he encamped on the rising grounds which extend from Chadsford, in the direction of northwest to southeast The riflemen of Maxwell scoured the right bank of the Brandywine, in order to harass and retard the enemy. The militia, under the command of Gen. Armstrong, guarded a passage below the principal encampment of Washington, and the right wing lined the banks of the river higher up, where the passages were most difficult. The passage of Chadsford, as the most practicable of all, was defended by the chief force of the army. The troops being thus disposed, the American general waited the approach of the English. Although the Brandywine, being fordable almost everywhere, could not serve as a sufficient defense against the impetuosity of the enemy, yet Washington had taken post upon its banks, from a conviction that a battle was now inevitable, and that Philadelphia could only be saved by a victory. Gen. Howe displayed the front of his army, but not, however, without great circumspection. Being arrived at Kennet Square, a short distance from the river, he detached his light horse to the right upon Wilmington, to the left upon the Lancaster road, and in front towards Chadsford. The two armies found themselves within seven miles of each other, the Brandywine flowing between them.

The Americans defended themselves with gallantry, and even passed several detachments of light troops to the other side, in order to harass the enemy's flanks. But after a course of skirmishes, sometimes advancing, and at others obliged to retire, they were finally, with an eager pursuit, driven over the river. Knyphausen then appeared more than ever determined to pass the ford; he stormed, and kept up an incredible noise. In this manner the attention of the Americans was fully occupied in the neighborhood of Chadsford.

Meanwhile, Lord Cornwallis, at the head of the second column, took a circuitous march to the left, and gained unperceived the forks of the Brandywine. By this rapid movement, he passed both branches of the river, at Trimble's and at Jeffery's fords, without opposition, about two o'clock in the afternoon, and then turning short down the river, took the road to Dilworth, in order to fall upon the right flank of the American army.

The republican general, however, received intelligence of this movement about noon, and, as it usually happens in similar cases, the reports exaggerated its importance exceedingly ; it being represented that Gen. Howe commanded this division in person. Washington therefore decided immediately for the most judicious, though boldest measure ; this was to pass the river with the centre and left wing of his army, and overwhelm Knyphausen by the most furious attack. He justly reflected that the advantage he should obtain upon the enemy's right, would amply compensate the loss that his own might sustain at the same time. Accordingly, he ordered Gen. Sullivan to pass the Brandywine with his division at an upper ford, and attack the left of Knyphausen, while he, in person, should cross lower down, and fall upon the right of that general.

They were both already in motion in order to execute this design, when a second report arrived, which represented what had really taken place as false, or in other words, that the enemy had not crossed the two branches of the river, and that he had not made his appearance upon the right flank of the American troops. Deceived by this false intelligence, Washington desisted; and Greene, who had already passed with the vanguard, was ordered back. In the midst of these uncertainties, the commander-in-chief at length received the positive assurance, not only that the English had appeared upon the left bank, but also that they were about to fall in great force upon the right wing. It was composed of the brigades of Gen's Stephens, Sterling, and Sullivan. The first was the most advanced, and consequently the nearest to the English ; the two others were posted in the order of their rank, that of Sullivan being next to the centre.

This general was immediately detached from the main body, to support the two former brigades, and, being the senior officer, took the command of the whole wing. Washington himself, followed by Gen. Greene, approached with two strong divisions towards this wing, and posted himself between h and the corps he had left at Chadsford, under Gen. Wayne, to oppose the passage of Knyphausen. These two divisions, under the immediate orders of the commander-in-chief, served as a corps of reserve, ready to march, according to circumstances, to the succor of Sullivan or of Wayne.

But the column of Cornwallis was already in sight of the Americans. Sullivan drew up his troops on the commanding ground above Birmingham meeting-house, with his left extending towards the Brandywine, and both his flanks covered with very thick woods. His artillery was advantageously planted upon the neighboring hills ; but it appears that Sullivan's own brigade, having taken a long circuit, arrived too late upon the field of battle, and had not yet occupied the position assigned it, when the action commenced. The English, having reconnoitered the dispositions of the Americans, immediately formed, and fell upon them with the utmost impetuosity.

The engagement became equally fierce on both sides about four o'clock in the afternoon. For some length of time the Americans defended themselves with great valor, and the carnage was terrible. But such was the emulation which invigorated the efforts of the English and Hessians, that neither the advantages of situation, nor a heavy and well-supported fire of small-arms and artillery, nor the unshaken courage of the Americans, were able to resist their impetuosity. The light infantry, chasseurs, grenadiers, and guards, threw themselves with such fury into the midst of the republican battalions, that they were forced to give way. Their left flank was first thrown into confusion, but the rout soon became general. The vanquished fled into the woods in their rear ; the victors pursued, and advanced by the great road towards Dilworth.

On the first fire of the artillery, Washington, having no doubt of what was passing, had pushed forward the reserve to the succor of Sullivan. But this corps, on approaching the field of battle, fell in with the flying soldiers of Sullivan, and perceived that no hope remained of retrieving the fortune of the day. Gen. Greene, by a judicious maneuver, opened his ranks to receive the fugitives, and after their passage, having closed them anew, he retired in good order ; checking the pursuit of the enemy by a continual fire of the artillery which covered his rear. Having coma to a defile, covered on both sides with woods, he drew up his men there, and again faced the enemy. His corps was composed of Virginians and Pennsylvanians ; they defended themselves with gallantry; the former, especially, commanded by Col. Stephens, made an heroic stand.

There the fugitives arrived incessantly, having effected their escape through by-ways and circuitous routes. The victors passed the night on the field of battle. If darkness had not arrived seasonably, it is very probable that the whole American army would have been destroyed. The loss of the republicans was computed at about three hundred killed, six hundred wounded, and near four hundred taken prisoners. They also lost ten field-pieces and a howitzer. The loss in the royal army was not in proportion, being something under five hundred, of which the slain did not amount to one fifth.

The French officers were of great utility to the Americans, as well in forming the troops, as in rallying them when thrown into confusion. One of them, the Baron St. Ovary, was made a prisoner, to the great regret of congress, who bore him a particular esteem. Capt. De Fleury had a horse lulled under him in the hottest of the action. The congress gave him another a few days after. The Marquis De Lafayette, while he was endeavoring, by his words and example, to rally the fugitives, was wounded in the leg. He continued, nevertheless, to fulfill his duty, both as a soldier in fighting and as a general in cheering the troops and re-establishing order. The Count Pulaski, a noble Pole, also displayed an undaunted courage, at the head of the light horse. The congress manifested their sense of his merit by giving him, shortly after, the rank of brigadier, and the command of the cavalry.

If all the American troops in the action of the Brandywine had fought with the same intrepidity as the Virginians and Pennsylvanians, and especially if Washington had not been led into error by a false report, perhaps, notwithstanding the inferiority of number and the imperfection of arms, he would have gained the victory, or, at least, would have made it more sanguinary to the English. However this might have been, it must be admitted that Gen. Howe's order of battle was excellent; that his movements were executed with as much ability as promptitude ; and that his troops, English as well as German, behaved admirably well.

The day after the battle, towards evening, the English dispatched a detachment of light troops to Wilmington, a place situated at the confluence of the Christiana and the Brandywine. There they took prisoner the governor of the state of Delaware, and seized a considerable quantity of coined money, as well as other property, both public and private, and some papers of importance.

Lord Cornwallis entered Philadelphia the 26th of Sept., at the head of a detachment of British and Hessian grenadiers. The rest of the army remained in the camp of Germantown. Thus the rich and populous capital of the whole confederation fell into the power of the royalists, after a sanguinary battle, and a series of maneuvers, no less masterly than painful, of the two armies. The Quakers, and all the other loyalists who had remained there, welcomed the English with transports of gratulation. Washington, descending along the left bank of the Schuylkill, approached within sixteen miles of Germantown. He encamped at Skippack cr., purposing to accommodate his measures to the state of things.

The movements of the two armies on the Schuylkill, previous to the entry of the British into Philadelphia, and the scenes of the winter's encampment at Valley Forge, will be found described under the head of Montgomery co.

Mr. Lewis, who generally followed Marshall in his account of the battle, has appended to it some very interesting notes, gathered from various sources, some of which are here inserted.

Squire Cheyney first gave information to Washington of the near approach of Cornwallis. He had been within a short distance of the enemy, and with difficulty escaped their grasp. Washington at first could scarcely credit the account of the Squire, and directed him to alight, and draw in the sand a draft of the roads. This was done promptly. Washington still appearing to doubt, Cheyney, who was a strenuous Whig, exclaimed, " Take my life, general, if I deceive you." Washington was at length convinced.

Major Ferguson, commander of a small corps of riflemen attached to the British army, mentions an incident which he says took place while his corps was concealed in a skirt of a wood in front of Knyphausen's division. In a letter to Dr. Ferguson he writes, "We had not lain long when a rebel officer, remarkable for a hussar dress, passed towards our army within one hundred yards of my right flank, not perceiving us. He was followed by another dressed in dark green and blue, mounted on a good bay horse, with a remarkably large high cocked hat. I ordered three good shots to steal near to them, and to fire at them ; but the idea disgusted me-I recalled the order. The hussar, in returning, made a circuit, but the other passed within a hundred yards of us ; upon which I advanced from the wood towards him. Upon my calling he stopped, but after looking at me proceeded. I again drew his attention, and made signs to him to stop ; but he slowly continued his way. As I was within that distance at which, in the quickest firing, I could have lodged half a dozen balls in or about him before he was out of my reach, I had only to determine ; but it was not pleasant to fire at the back of an unoffending individual who was acquitting himself very coolly of his duty, so I let him alone. The day after, I had been telling this story to some wounded officers who lay in the same room with me, when one of our surgeons, who had been dressing the wounded rebel officers, came in and told me that Gen. Washington was all the morning with the light troops, and only attended by a French officer in a hussar drew, be himself dressed and mounted in every respect as above described. I am not sorry that I did not know at the time who it was."

At this stand (soon after the first rout) for a few minutes was some very hard fighting. Washington himself was present, with Lafayette, and it was here the latter received his wound in the leg. (See the preceding page, at the top.)

The event verified the prediction. Tin name is not reported among the slain In the British official account, because he held no commission in the army. He was merely a volunteer.

Among those who were distinguished by their conduct on this day was Col. Marshall, (father of Chief-justice Marshall,) who commanded the 3d Virginian regiment. It is said, also, that the chief-justice, then quite young, was also present as a volunteer.*

Maj. Gen. Greene in person was rather corpulent and above the common size. His complexion was fair and florid, his countenance serene and mild, indicating a goodness which seemed to shade and soften the fire and greatness of its expressions. His health was delicate, but preserved by temperance and regularity.

Gen. Wayne was about the middle size, with a fine ruddy countenance, commanding port, and eagle eye. His looks corresponded well with his character, indicating a soul noble, ardent and daring. At this time he was about thirty-two years of age. In his intercourse with his officers and men he was affable and agreeable, and had the art of communicating to their bosoms the gallant and chivalrous spirit which glowed in his own.

Gen. Lafayette, then the Marquis Lafayette, at that time was one of the finest-looking men iu the army, notwithstanding his deep-red hair. The expression of his countenance was strong)} indicative of the generous and gallant spirit which animated him, mingled with something of the pride of conscious manliness. His mien was noble, his manners frank and amiable, and his movements light and graceful. He wore his hair plain, and never complied so far with the fashion of the times as to powder.

Major Lee, (not Maj. Gen. Lee,) one of the most vigilant and active partisan officers in the American army, was short in stature and of slight make, but agile and active. His face was small and freckled, and his look eager and sprightly. He was then quite young, and his appearance was even more youthful than his years. (See Lancaster co.)

Sir Wm. Howe was a fine figure, full six feet high, and admirably well proportioned. In person he a good deal resembled Washington, and at a little distance might have been easily mistaken for him ; but his features, though good, were more pointed, and the expression of his countenance was less benignant. His manners were polished, graceful, and dignified.

Lord Cornwallis in person was short and thick-set, but not so corpulent as Sir Henry. He had a handsome aquiline nose, and hair, when young, light, and rather inclined to sandy, but at the time of his being here it had become somewhat gray. His face would have been a fine one, had he not blinked badly with his left eye. With his officers he used the utmost familiarity, and was greatly beloved by his soldiers, to whom he was always accessible. When busy in making preparations for a battle, he had a habit of raising his hand to his head, and shifting the position of his hat every moment, by which signs his men always knew when to expect business. The whisper, " Corn-cob has blood in his eye," which ran through the ranks on such occasions, showed that these signs were perfectly understood.

Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen was a good-looking Dutchman, about five feet eleven, straight and slender. His features were sharp, and his appearance martial. His command was confined almost exclusively to the German corps, as his ignorance of the English language in a great measure disqualified him for any other.

*In July, 1776, he was a lieutenant in the 11th Virginia regiment; in May, 1775, he was appointed a captain. His regiment belonged to the brigade of Gen. Woodford, which formed part of the American right at the battle of Brandywine, in front of which was placed the 3d regiment, commanded by his gallant father. He was in the battle of Germantown, and in that at Monmouth. He was one of that body of men who tracked the snows of Valley Forge with the blood of their footsteps in the rigorous winter of 1778. He was in the covering party at the assault of Stony Point.

THE BATTLE AT THE PAOLI
(THE MASSACRE AT THE PAOLI)

The action commonly known as the Affair at the Paoli, and sometimes as the Massacre at the Paoli, took place on the night of the 20th Sept. 1777, at a place about a mile south of the Warren tavern, on the Lancaster turnpike, and at least two miles southwest from the Paoli tavern.

After the battle of Brandywine, the two armies met again on the 16th Sept. near this place, but were prevented from engaging by a heavy rain, Washington Withdrew across the Schuylkill at Parker's ferry, but sent Gen. Wayne, with 1,500 men, to join Gen. Smallwood, and annoy the rear of the enemy who was posted near Tredyffrin church.

Wayne had encamped in a very retired position, near the present monument, and at some distance from the public roads. The British general, receiving information from traitors who knew every defile in the neighborhood, and every movement of the republican troops, detached Gen. Gray, a brave and desperate, but cruel officer, to cut off Wayne's party. Stealing his way through the woods, and up the narrow defile below the Paoli, he drove in the American pickets, and rushed in upon the camp. " The assailants were received with several close and destructive fires, which must have done great execution, but the American troops were compelled by superior numbers to retreat. The number of Americans killed and wounded in this action amounted to 150. Gen. Gray, it is said, had ordered his troops to give no quarter. Many victims were massacred with ruthless barbarity, after resistance on their part had ceased. The cry for quarter was unheeded : the British bayonet did its work with unpitying ferocity." It is said by some that the enemy set fire to the straw in the camp, thus torturing many sick and wounded victims who were unable to escape the flames.

The whole American corps must have been cut off, if Wayne had not preserved his coolness. He promptly rallied a few regiments, who withstood the shock of the enemy, and covered the retreat of the others. When this attack commenced Gen. Smallwood was already within a mile of the field of battle; and had he commanded troops to be relied upon, might have given a very different turn to the night But his raw militia, falling in with a party returning from the pursuit of Wayne, instantly fled in confusion.

A few persons are yet living who assisted in burying the dead ; but 53 were found on the field, whose bodies were decently interred by the neighboring farmers in one grave, immediately adjoining the scene of action.

On the 20th of Sept. 1817, being the 40th anniversary of the massacre, a monument was erected over the remains of those gallant men by the Republican Artillerists of Chester co., aided by the contributions of their fellow-citizens. It is composed of white marble, and is a pedestal surmounted by a pyramid. Upon the four sides of the body of the pedestal, are appropriate inscriptions.

It has often been said, even by some American historians, that this affair was a surprise. A court-martial, convened by Washington at Gen. Wayne's urgent request, within five weeks after the affair, decided, after minute investigation, that " he did everything that could be expected from an active, brave, and vigilant officer, under the orders which he then had."

GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE

Gen. Anthony Wayne was born in the township of Eastown, Chester co., (about 1 ½ miles south of the Paoli tavern,) on the 1st Jan. 1745. He received a thorough education, and was particularly skilled in the mathematics. After leaving school he became a surveyor, and also paid some attention to astronomy and engineering, by which he attracted the attention of Dr. Franklin, who became his friend and patron. At the opening of the revolution he was a prominent member of the provincial legislature. He entered the army in 1775 as colonel of a corps of volunteers; and was afterwards active on the northern frontier at Ticonderoga. Here he was made brigadier general on the 21st Feb. 1777. In the battle of Brandywine he commanded the division of Chadsford, resisting the passage of the column under Knyphausen with the utmost gallantry until near sunset, when, overpowered by superior numbers, he was compelled to retreat. His conduct at the Paoli is described above. At the battle of Germantown he evinced his wonted valor, leading his division into the thickest of the fight.

In all councils of war he was distinguished for supporting the most energetic measures. At the battle of Monmouth, he and Gen. Cadwallader are said to have been the only two general officers in favor of attacking the enemy. His conduct on that occasion elicited the special applause of Gen. Washington. His attack upon the fort at Stony Point, in July 1779, an almost inaccessible height, defended by a garrison of 600 men, and a strong battery of artillery, was the most brilliant exploit of the war. At midnight he led his troops with unloaded muskets, flints out, and fixed bayonets, and without firing a single gun, completely carried the fort, and took 543 prisoners. In the attack he received a wound from a musket ball in the head, which, in the heat of the conflict, supposing to be mortal, he called to his aids to carry him forward and let him die in the fort. In the campaign of 1781, when Cornwallis surrendered, he bore a conspicuous part; and he was afterwards actively engaged in Georgia. At the peace of 1783, he retired to private life. In 1789 he was a member of the Pennsylvania Convention, and strongly advocated the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. In 1792, after Harmar and St. Clair had been repeatedly unsuccessful, Wayne took the command on the northwestern frontier, and by his wise and prudent measures, his excellent discipline, and bravery, he gained the decisive battle of the Maumee, and concluded the war by the treaty of Greenville in 1795. A life of peril and glory was terminated in Dec. 1796, in a cabin at Presqu'isle, then in the wilderness, and his remains were deposited, at his own request, under the flagstaff of the fort on the margin of Lake Erie. His remains were removed in 1809 by his son, Col. Isaac Wayne, to Radnor churchyard, in Delaware county.

By direction of the Pennsylvania State Society of Cincinnati, an elegant monument was erected, of white marble, of the most correct symmetry and beauty.

South Front.-In honor of the distinguished military services of Major General Anthony Wayne, and as an affectionate tribute of respect to his memory, this stone was erected, by his companions in arms, the Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati, July 4th, A. D. 1809, thirty fourth anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America; an event which constitutes the most appropriate eulogium of an American soldier and patriot.

North Front.-Major General Anthony Wayne, was born at Waynesborough,* in Chester county, State of Pennsylvania, A. D. 1745. After a life of honor and usefulness, he died in December, 1796, at a military post on the shore of Lake Erie, Commander-in-chief of the army of the United States. His military achievements are consecrated in the history of his country, and in the hearts of his countrymen. His remains are here interred.

*This is incorrect; see the biography on the preceding page.

JIM FITZPATRICK (FITZ)

Mr. Lewis gives the following narrative, which is corroborated by others. Fitz was probably connected with the Doanes of Bucks co., and similar desperadoes in Franklin co. and in Virginia:-

Daring the winter in which the British occupied Philadelphia, and the year following, some alarm was created and kept up in the county by the daring depredations of one Jim Fitzpatrick, a celebrated desperado of those times. Fitz, as he was commonly called, was born of Irish parents, and was apprenticed, when quite a lad, to a respectable blacksmith of Chester co., named John Passmore : and he labored faithfully at his trade (at or near Downington, it is thought,) until the end of his apprenticeship. While in his boyhood he practiced a good deal in athletic exercises, in which he manifested great superiority.

On arriving at his majority, he quit his trade and joined the American army. Not relishing the subordination and discipline of the camp, he deserted, and roamed the country for some time, working as a day laborer for a maintenance. While thus engaged he was seized ' unawares, by two soldiers, in a meadow in London Grove township. It was proposed to lead their prisoner directly to Wilmington, but at his entreaty the men were prevailed upon to go with him first to his mother's to procure some clothes, which he said he should want in case of detention. On opening his mother's door, he grasped his rifle, which stood behind it, and presenting the muzzle to the soldiers, threatened to shoot them down unless they would leave him instantly. They did not think it prudent to dare him to the execution of his threat, and Fitz returned to his labor, and continued to pursue it as if nothing had happened.

To particularize the many adventures related of this singular man-this Rob Roy McGregor of the county-would surpass my restricted limits. During the year or more that he infested this vicinity, he was extremely active, and every day plotting or achieving some new plan of mischief. He however never molested his tory friends, for, having espoused the British interest, he considered the Whigs only as his enemies, and himself at liberty, as a partisan chief, by the law* of war, to harass them in every possible manner.

He had his peculiar humor, which he frequently indulged at the expense of others. Even in his treatment of those whom he chose to punish, he often proceeded in such a manner as to render them objects of ridicule rather than pity. He despised covetousness; and in all his depredations was never known to rob a poor man. Indeed he often gave to the poor what he took from the rich. It is related that while lurking in the neighborhood of Cain meeting-house, he met with an old woman on her way to the city with all her little stock of money to procure a supply of goods. Not knowing the robber, and but little expecting at that time the honor of his company, she made known to him her apprehension that, as Capt. Fitz was in the neighborhood, she might fail into his clutches, and be deprived of her whole fortune. Fitz, after obtaining her secret, told her he was the man she so much dreaded, but there was nothing he would disdain so much as to wrong a weak and defenseless woman. At the same time he drew from his pocket a purse of guineas, presented it to her, wished her a pleasant journey, and turned off into the woods.

The Whig collectors of public moneys were the special objects of his vengeance, and all the public money which he could extort from them he looked upon as lawful prey. One of these men he not only plundered of a large sum, but took him off to his cave in the woods, where he detained him two weeks, to the great alarm of his family, who supposed him murdered.

He was often pursued by whole companies of men, but always escaped them by his agility, or daunted them by his intrepidity. On one occasion, 50 or more persons assembled well armed, and resolved to take him if possible, dead or alive. They coursed him for some hours over the bills, but becoming weary of the chase, they called at a tavern to rest, and procure some refreshment. While sitting in the room together, and every one expressing his wish to meet with Fitz, suddenly, to their great astonishment, he presented himself before them with a rifle in his hand. He bade them all keep their seats, declaring that he would shoot the first man that moved. Then having called for a small glass of rum, and drank it off, he walked backwards some paces, with his rifle presented at the tavern door, wheeled and took to his heels, leaving the stupefied company in silent amazement.

Not long after tins occurrence, another party of 18 or 20 men was hunting him with guns and rifles upon the South Valley hill. Stepping from behind a tree he presented himself to one of the company separated a short distance from the rest, and asked him whom he was seeking. The man answered, " Fitz." " Then," said Fitz, " come with me and I will show you his cave where you may find him." The bold man-hunter went accordingly. After leading him some distance from his companions, Fitz told the fellow who he was, bade him ground arms, tied him to a tree, cut a withe, and flogged him severely. He then told him he might go and inform his comrades where to find the Fitz they were hunting. When they arrived at the place, he had decamped.

Shortly after a price had been set upon his head, to show how much he dared, or how heartily be despised the cowardice of the multitude, armed with two pistols and a dagger, he deliberately walked in open day, from the southern hill opposite Kennett square, through a great company of people, who made way for him, to Taylor's tavern, took a glass of grog, and went away without molestation, though there were men present with arms and muskets m their hands.

A man from Nottingham, once in pursuit of Fitz, entered the house of his mother, behaved rudely, and broke her spinning-wheel. Fitz vowed revenge, and sent the fellow word that he would visit him shortly. The man swore he would be glad to see him, and ventured to predict that if Fitz appeared he should give a good account of him. The robber kept his promise, and having .met his mother's injurer at his own door, ordered him in a peremptory tone to follow him to the woods. The man had not the hardihood to disobey, but did as directed. Fitz then tied him to a tree and inflicted on him his favorite punishment-a sore flagellation.

But this man, who had daunted multitudes, and baffled so long the vigilance of his enemies, like Sampson was at length betrayed and taken by a woman. This Delilah was the mistress and confidant of Fitz, and was mainly dependent for the means of support upon his generosity. She then lived in a house near the Strasburg road, and a little beyond Crum creek, in a retired situation.

He was apprehended by men concealed in the house, and conducted immediately to Chester, where he was tried, condemned, and executed : behaving throughout with a firmness worthy of a hero, and consistently with the character he had sustained.

VILLAGES AND BOROUGHS

The county of Chester contains no very large towns, but is studded over with pleasant rural hamlets, which have grown up in the progress of years, at the crossings of the great roads, or near the sites of the ancient inns, with which the county abounds. Many of these old taverns on the Lancaster and Harrisburg turnpikes were famous among the travelers of the olden time, and not a few have been distinguished in the annals of the revolution. Such were the Spread Eagle, the (Gen.) Paoli, the (Gen.) Warren, the White Horse, the Black Horse, the Ship, the Red Lion, &c &c. Near some of these, small villages have grown up. When Gov. Pownal visited Lancaster in 1754, he spoke of stopping on his way at the Buck, by Ann Miller; at the Vernon, by Ashton, (now the Warren ;) the White Horse, by Hambright; the Ship, near Downingtown, by Thos. Park ; the lied Lion, by Joseph Steer; the Wagon, by James Way, &c.

Westchester, the seat of justice, is a pleasant town, rather compactly and substantially built situated in Goshen township, five miles south of the Great Valley, and 23 west of Philadelphia, on very high ground, the dividing ridge between branches of the Brandywine and Chester creeks. In 1800 the population was 374; in 1810, 471 ; in 1820, 552; in 1830, 1,252 ; and in 1840, 2,152. The town is regularly laid out on streets at right angles. The public buildings, especially those erected within the last ten years, reflect great credit on the enterprise and taste of the citizens. Of these the bank, with a magnificent Doric portico of pure white marble, the new prison, the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches, the Athenaeum, and Mr. Bolmar's seminary, are the most conspicuous. Besides the churches enumerated, there are, a Catholic church and two Friends' meeting-houses; also an academy, a female seminary, two or three large boarding-schools, a public library, Athenaeum and Cabinet of Natural Science, the courthouse, and public offices. The town is remarkable for salubrity, and is surrounded by a beautiful undulating country. Westchester is pre-eminent among the villages of the state for its highly cultivated state of society, and the general diffusion of intelligence among its citizens. The geology, mineralogy, and natural history of the county had been very fully explored and written upon by citizens of the town engaged in the ordinary pursuits of life, long before the state geological survey was set on foot; and with many departments of science, literature, and the arts, the great mass of the citizens have acquired familiarity, by self-instruction and by lectures at their admirable Athenaeum. Among the curiosities deposited in the cabinet here, is the telescope of Gen. Wayne, and a collection of autograph letters to himself from nearly all the distinguished officers of the revolution, together with his own autograph.

A railroad, nine miles long, constructed in 1832, connects with the Columbia railroad near "the Paoli"-and a branch also at a nearer point for the purpose of transporting limestone and lime from " the Great Valley." The Strasburg road passes through the town.

Westchester became the seat of justice in 1786 but the removal of the public offices from Old Chester; it was made a borough in 1799. The original plan of the town consisted of four squares. In 1829 several streets were opened and new squared forms on the western side of the primitive squares by Wm Everhart, Esq.

The removal of the seat of justice was not made without great opposition on the part of the "Upland" or Old Chester people, almost amounting to a civil war. The first law was pre?d in 1784 ..?.. place at some point not more than one mile from the Turk's Head Tavern. Col. Hannum , an active and efficient man was one of the ..?... Before (can't read……)

As the population of the county increased ….can't read ----- object having been given by some of the leaders to the neighborhood of the Turk's Head, preparations were immediately made for their reception. Col. Hannum was particularly active. Men were collected, arms and cartridges prepared ; grog and rations freely distributed. The windows of the courthouse were boarded upon each side, the space between being filled with stones, and loop-holes left for the musketry. Mr. Marshall and Col. Isaac Taylor commanding in the upper story, and Underwood and Patton below, while Col. Hannum had the direction of the whole. The non-removalists having passed the night at the Gen. Greene tavern, made their appearance early in the morning, and took their ground about 200 yards southeast of the Quaker meetinghouse. Here they planted their cannon and made preparations for the attack. An accommodation, however, was effected, by the intervention of some pacific persons, who used their efforts to prevent the effusion of blood. To the non-removalists was conceded the liberty of inspecting the defenses, on condition that they should do them no injury jand they on their part agreed to return peaceably to their homes.

The cannon was turned in another direction, and fired in celebration of the treaty. An act of indiscretion, however, had nearly brought on a renewal of hostilities. One of Maj. Harper's men having entered the fort struck down the flag erected by their opponents. Highly incensed at this treatment of their standard, the removalists flew to their arms, and were with difficulty prevented from firing upon the major and his companions. Some exertion, however, on the part of the leaders, allayed the irritation of the men, and the parties at length separated amicably, without loss of life or limb. No prosecution was ever instituted. The removalists were well satisfied with what they considered their victory, and indulged their humor in satirical songs.

Another law was passed in 1786, again directing the removal; the buildings were completed, and the seat of justice firmly established at Westchester.

The county buildings at old Chester were sold ; but in 1789 an act was passed dividing the county, and establishing the county of Delaware; and the buildings were re-purchased for the use of the new county. By the act, the line of separation between the counties was not permitted to divide farms. This will account for the very irregular boundary along a part of the line.

In 1798, the county was authorized to establish a house for the employment and support of the poor. A large and valuable farm of 300 acres was purchased, about eight miles from Westchester, on the banks of the Brandywine. A commodious two story brick building, 40 feet by 100, and a large barn of almost equal dimensions, and three stories high, were soon erected, at a cost of about $16,000. The establishment is under the charge of a steward, subject to the control of a board of directors. The number of inmates was at first 118, but has very considerably increased. They are provided with three meals a day, of plain substantial food. The produce of the farm contributes considerably to the support of the paupers, but is insufficient for the whole consumption, and a balance is always chargeable upon the county.

For a few years too free an intercourse was permitted among the inmates; frequent marriages took place among the paupers, and the county family was found to increase more rapidly than was considered prudent for the interests of the county, or the comfort and good morals of the establishment; and better regulations were consequently introduced.-Lewis.

The spacious edifice here represented, stands about half a mile from town, near the railroad. It was originally built some three or four years since by an association for a female seminary, and occupied as such for one year. For some reason the female seminary did not succeed, and the building was purchased by Mr. Bolmar, who had already for a number of years conducted a very successful boys' school in the borough. It is now one of the best regulated and most complete institutions for the education of young lads in the country. It is capable of accommodating without inconvenience 100 boys, although in 1841-42 the number was only about 60. Many of these were from the south, and some from Mexico, South America, and the West Indies. Boys are fitted either for the compting-room, or for college, as may be desired.

Mr. Bolmar is a native of France, and was a pupil in one of her celebrated polytechnic schools. Having been long in this country, he is an accomplished English as well as French scholar. It is well worth a visit to the establishment to witness its admirable arrangement, and its very vigilant and efficient-but still mild-discipline. There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place: the eye of the master is everywhere. Every boy has his own single bed, at the foot of which is his trunk ; in another room is his own basin, soap, towel, toothpowder and brush, arranged in a long washing-room; and in another place is a box for his boots, brushes, umbrella, and little etceteras. All is as orderly as a military quarters; the police is as vigilant as that of Paris, and misdemeanor is sure to be followed with instant detection and punishment- which in ordinary cases is the privation of some privilege or enjoyment. Such is the perfection of this police, that even the most common apartments in the daily use of 60 boys, are not disfigured by the slightest scratch or pencil mark.

There is also near the borough the excellent boarding-school for boys of Mr. Joshua Hoopes, which has long enjoyed great celebrity. It was originally commenced at Downingtown in 1817. The number of scholars is limited to 20. The Academy in Westchester and the Female Seminary are also very flourishing.

Among the most distinguished of the seminaries of learning in the Co., is the old institution established by the Society of Friends in Westtown, in 1794, "with a desire, more especially for the promotion of piety, than the cultivation of science." It was to be under the patronage of the yearly meeting of Philadelphia, and to furnish, "besides the requisite portion of literary instruction, an education exempt from the contagion of vicious example, and calculated to establish habits and principles favorable to future usefulness in religious and civil society. A farm of 600 acres was purchased of James Gibbons, and a large brick building erected for the accommodation of the students. The farm cost between $16,000 and $19,000, and the building $22,470. Pupils were first received in the 5th month, 1799, ten of a sex being admitted until the whole number amounted to nearly two hundred. In 1802 a large building of stone was erected, originally intended to be used as an hospital in case of infectious diseases, but subsequently appropriated for the use of teachers with families.

The immediate charge is intrusted to a superintendent and eight teachers-three men and five women. The superintendent attends to the finances of the institution, but has no direct oversight of the literary departments. A library and philosophical apparatus is provided, and the usual branches of an English and classical education are taught. For many years the classics were omitted.-Lewis

The number of pupils admitted during the year ending Oct. 1841, was 131-50 boys, 81 girls; the average number at the school during the year, 220. The school is restricted to the children of Friends. Our readers are probably aware, that though the Society of Friends cheerfully contribute their quota of taxes for the purposes of general education, yet they seldom, if they can avoid it, send their children to the public schools, or to schools taught by persons who are not in membership with them, as they believe that religious instruction and school education should progress together, and therefore do not wish their children taught by persons who hold different tenets from their own.

The first academy of any note established in the co., was situated in Nottingham, under the charge of the Rev. Samuel Finley, D.D., afterwards president of Princeton college. Little can now be said of this once celebrated seminary, as nearly eighty years (in 1841) have elapsed since it was broken up by the removal of the preceptor to Princeton ; but it u well known to have flourished for many years, and to have enjoyed the confidence and patronage of the public to an extent unprecedented at that time. The immortal Dr. Rush was one of its pupils.-Lewis.

In Birmingham the Brinton family were among the most considerable,-Edward, the principal personage, being one of the judges of the court, magistrate, &.c.

In Westtown the Gibbons family were distinguished as landholders, members of assembly, and mill owners. The Westtown school is located on a part of their lands.

Goshen, in which West Chester is situated, was taken up early. Two large tracts adjoining Gay-st., each a mile square, were owned by Richard Thomas and Capt. . The eastern part of this township was settled by the Ashbridge family-of which the late Geo. Ashbridge, for twenty years successively elected a member of assembly, was a branch,-David Jones, and others.

West Whiteland was principally settled by Richard Thomas, in right of original purchase made in Wales, by Richard Ap Thomas of Whitford garden in Flintshire, North Wales, from which, it is presumed, the name of West Whiteland is derived. The house which this settler built upon his allotment was placed near the Valley creek, and in the immediate vicinity of an Indian village ; and the reason assigned for such a situation was, that the dogs of the village would assist in keeping the wild beasts, then numerous, at a distance. The place was called, in the Indian language, Katamoonchink, signifying Hazelnut grove.

Downingtown is a pleasant rural village, extending for about a mile along the Lancaster turnpike, where it crosses the Big Brandywine 33 miles northwest of Philadelphia. It owes its prosperity to its position in the heart of the Great Valley, and to the water-power of the creek. It contains a number of stores and taverns, a Methodist church, a Friends' meeting-house, and an Episcopal congregation who contemplate building. There is an excellent Female Seminary here, kept by the daughters of the late Zebulon Thomas. Several mills and factories are located along the creek. A turnpike to Harrisburg by way of Ephrata commences here. The Columbia railroad sweeps past the village, and crosses the Brandywine by a splendid bridge.

Wm. Penn, in a letter of instructions to one of his agents concerning Philadelphia, says, " Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the middle of its plat, as to the breadthway of it, that so there may be ground on each side for gardens, or orchards, or fields-that it may be a greene country towne, which will never be burnt, and always be wholesome." Such is the aspect of Downingtown, with its spacious substantial houses, shaded by tall pines and elms, and situated in the midst of verdant yards and gardens, flanked by fragrant orchards and fields of clover. It is one of the very few green spots that has been left unscathed by the mania of modern speculation. Not even the passage of the railroad along its southern border, could seduce the old-fashioned citizens from their quiet, staid, and thrifty ways into the delusive dream of making haste to be rich. No water-lots nor corner-lots have ever been laid out, and the citizens buy in whatever lots may happen to come into market by deaths, &c. No wars, nor mobs, nor bankruptcies, unless of some transient adventurer, have disgraced the place. Even the temptation of being the county seat was resisted ; and although at an early date the commissioners had obtained the refusal of a single lot adjoining Mr. Hunt's, yet not another lot in the vicinity would any one sell. They were opposed both to parting with their homesteads, and to the noise and brawling of a county town. The annexed view was taken from Miss Thomas's Female Seminary. In the centre, near the street, is seen the old mill.

The following facts were derived principally from Messrs. William and Joshua Hunt:

The place and the vicinity was originally settled by English from Birmingham, and the present occupants live generally upon property that has been in the families for many generations. Mr. Lewis remarks that " Cain township on the west, and in the valley, was occupied by Baldwins and Moores, Parkes, Mendenhalls, Coates, Pines, Millers, and others." The brick house a Jew rods west of the railroad depot, now occupied by Messrs. Joshua and Joseph Hunt, was erected in 1728. It was then the first house except the log-cabins of the pioneers. George Aston, great-grandfather of the Hunts, took up some 500 acres at this place, and about 1000 acres of woodland. The deeds are dated in 1682, and the settlement was made probably about 1700. Roger Hunt, the grandfather of the Hunts, came from Birmingham in England. He and Aston were Episcopalians. Roger Hunt was a wagoner under Dunbar in Braddock's expedition. Some of his descendants have been Quakers. Mr. Moore first took up the land where the village now is. Thomas Downing bought of him, and built the mill and the old house near it, somewhere about 1730 or '40. The place was known as Milltown for many years. Of the Parke family, Robert kept the old " Ship" tavern, west of the Hunts, and the others that in the village, where the family still reside. Jason Cloud was an early settler on the south side of the valley. During the revolution, the house of the commissary, Mr. Richard Downing, was at the east end of the village. Col. Steward's regiment was quartered here in 1781.

Coatesville is in the great valley, 3 miles west of Downingtown, and exactly half way between Columbia and Philadelphia. It is situated on the left bank of the west branch of the Brandywine, across which the railroad passes on a bridge, towering 73 feet in the air, and stretching across a chasm 850 feet. The situation of the village is very picturesque. In the vicinity there is an abundance of water-power, and several manufacturing establishments. The place contains some fifty or sixty houses, stores, a Presbyterian church, schools, &c.

Coatesville and its vicinity was originally settled by the Coateses from Montgomeryshire; by the Bresallons, a French family, who were the ancestors of the Gardners; and by the Fleming family. The village has much increased since the completion of the railroad.

The Yellow Springs, a noted and beautiful watering-place, are near the Morgantown road, about 8 miles nearly north of Downingtown. They are in a healthy and picturesque country, and are provided with baths, walks, two splendid hotels, and other accommodations for visitors. The establishment is kept by Mrs. Holman, the proprietress. The springs were discovered as early as 1722, and a rude cabin was erected in 1750 for the use of visitors. A silversmith of Philadelphia, called "honest John Bailey," made considerable improvements; and they afterwards passed into the hands of Dr. Kennedy and his son, and then, in 1806, to Mr. Bones, who improved them extensively. A splendid new hotel has been built within a few years past. Behind one of the hotels stand the "old barracks"-a long frame building with a porch, erected by Gen. Washington during the revolution, for the sick and wounded of the army.

It retains many marks of their rough sports. It is very properly preserved by the proprietor of the springs, as an interesting historical relic. The regiment of Col. Steward was encamped here in 1780-81.

Mr. Lewis gives the following history of the townships in this northern section of the county:-

Uwchlan was settled principally by Welshmen, under the auspices of David Lloyd, of Old Chester; and a Friends' meeting-house was established. The preaching and exhortation were in Welsh. The first preachers here were Samuel and Griffith John, brothers; neither of whom could ever speak English free from a strong tincture of their native tongue. The other settlers were Morris Reese, Cadwallader John, (or Jones,) David Cadwallader, David Evans, Humphrey Lloyd, David Lloyd, the Phillipses, and other Welshmen. The name signifies higher than, or above the valley.

To one entirely unacquainted with the inhabitants of the county, this catalogue of names may be devoid of interest; but it may not be entirely uninteresting to the families descended from the early settlers.

Tredyffrin was also taken up principally by the Welsh. Its name is indicative of the character and situation of the land, signifying stony valley. (Tre, stony; dyffrin, valley.)

Charleston was purchased in England by a gentleman named Charles Pickering. The township took one part of his name, and the creek running through it the other.

Pikeland was presented by the proprietor to Pike, m England, in order to induce that gentle to emigrate. It was unseated many years, but at length was leased in small tracts, with the right of purchase after twenty yean' possession, at a, valuation then to be made. Among the first settlers were Samuel Lightfoot, Thomas Milhouse, and Michael Lightfoot. This last tenanted the place now (1824) held by Pennypacker, and lived a number of years in a cave, some traces of which were visible not long since. Samuel Lightfoot built the first mill in this neighborhood. The operation of bolting was then performed by hand.

Vincent was purchased in England by Sir Matthias Vincent, Benj. Furloy, and Dr. Daniel Coxe. It was leased and settled much in the same way as Pikeland. The fine stream (French cr.) passing through it, for many years bore the proud title of Vincent river. Ralston, Jenkin, Davis, Thomas, John and Michael Paul, Gordon, Brombac, and Dennis Whelen, the respectable ancestor of Col. Dennis Whelen, were among the first settlers. Garret Brombac established the first tavern north of the Lancaster road, in a little low house of rude construction, where he continued to perform the duties of host many years. He was a merry German, and lived to see himself rich.

Coventry.-A settler by the name of Nutt early built a forge called Coventry within the limits of this township, and made other extensive improvements. It went into operation about the year 1730, and made the first iron manufactured in Pennsylvania. There was also a furnace called Reading in this township, belonging to a company of which Branson, Vanleer, and others were members. It eventually was abandoned for want of ore. Meredith was an original settler in this township.

Four miles from the Springs, towards Phenixville, is the lovely village of Kimberton, which has grown up around the distinguished female seminary conducted by Mr. Kimber and his accomplished daughters.

The Kimberton Female Seminary was established in 1817, "on the broad basis of a public school, confined to no particular class of religious professors. It is conducted without any code of laws, on the plan of parental government. The only law imposed is that of our Savior - ' Whatsoever ye would that others should do unto you, do ye also unto them.' " The house is large, and sufficient for the comfortable accommodation of 40 scholars.-Lewis.

Where the village now stands, there were some 40 years since only 3 farm-houses; and soon afterwards a saw-mill and grist-mill. About the year 1808, the great water-power of French cr. attracted more extensive establishments, and a nail factory and rolling-mill were put into operation. These mills were first owned by Mr. Longstreth. Other proprietors succeeded, among whom was Mr. Lewis Wernwag, the distinguished architect of the celebrated wooden bridge at Fairmount, and of several others in the U. S. In 1822, Jonah and George Thompson, of Philadelphia, purchased the site, and erected new works, founding them upon the rock. Since the opening of the canal and railroad, the place has increased rapidly.

Waynesburg is on the Downingtown and Harrisburg turnpike, 13 miles from the former place, and 38 from Philadelphia. It contains a Methodist church, some 50 or 60 houses, and between 200 and 300 inhabitants.

Among the other villages of Chester co. the more prominent are New London, Kennet Square, Cochranville, Unionville, Sadsbury, Parksville, Red Lion, Pughtown, Shugarttown, &c. New London township is distinguished as the birthplace of Thomas McKean, a representative in the early congress, many years chief-justice of the state, and nine years governor. He was one of the most able statesmen in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Lewis gives the following facts in relation to the early settlement of the southern townships:-

A considerable part of the land in New London, London Britain, East Nottingham, Penn, and London Grove townships, was included in the grant made to the London Co., in the early days of the province. The whole amount of land taken up by this company in Pennsylvania was £5,000 acres, 17,200 of which were in Chester co. The tract in Chester co. was mostly rented to different persons, generally at the rate of 40 shillings per 100 acres. A small part was sold. The heirs of the company becoming scattered after many years, the title to the lands became a subject of dispute between the settlers and some new purchasers; but the matter was finally com. promised amicably.

Newlin was first purchased by, and named after Nathaniel Newlin, an Irishman of good family. He himself settled in Concord, Delaware co.

London Grove.-The first settlements in this township were made in the year 1714, by Francis Swain, John Smith, Joseph Pennock, William Pusey, and some others. Richard Flower, Jeremiah Starr, William Downard, and James Ranfro, located themselves in 1720. Ranfro was a great lover of hunting wild turkeys and other game. Isaac Jackson arrived from Ireland in 1725, and took up the last vacant tract in the township. An old manuscript says, " While they (Jackson and his wife) were under exercise and concern of mind about so weighty an undertaking, and desirous that the best wisdom should direct, Isaac had a dream or vision, to this import-that having landed with his family in America, he travelled a considerable distance back into the country, until he came to a valley through which ran a pretty stream of water. The prospect and situation seemed pleasant-a hill rising on the north, and a fine spring issuing near its foot; and in his dream he thought that there he and his family must settle, though then a wilderness and unimproved. Isaac, having arrived at Jeremiah Starr's, on relating his dream as aforesaid, was informed of such a place near. He soon went to see it, which to his admiration so resembled what he had a foresight of, that it was cause of gratitude and humble thankfulness." Here he settled, and his posterity hold the tract to this day. The spring spoken of is now the centre of one of the finest gardens in the state.

Nottingham.-A settlement was made in this township very early by William Brown, from Northamptonshire, England-a man long noted for his benevolence and hospitality. Reynolds, Underhill, and some other friends from England, became afterwards Ids neighbors. Some took up their land under Perm, and some under Baltimore, as the boundary line was then undetermined.