This file has not been completely proofread, nor have the sources been verified, so use this material with caution.
Collected by Jim Jones, David Flogaus, Kelly Kulp-Bosler, Mike Wolford and Bob Gialanella (Spring 1995). Additional information collected by Jim Jones, Robert Gregory, Robert Troutman, Nancy Hershey, Christopher Waychunas, Kenneth McFadden, John Morrison, Scott Harre and Daniel Cleary (Spring 1996). Last edited by Vincent Civiletti (April 29, 1996).
--------------------------------------
1679 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 72.
The original Chester county courthouse was located at Upland
(Chester) in 1679 and was known as the "House of Defense."
--------------------------------------
1682 Source: Norma Jacob, editor, QUAKER ROOTS: THE STORY OF
WESTERN QUARTERLY MEETING OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF
THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (Kennett Square, Pa.:
Graphics Standard, Inc, 1980), 1.
The first Quaker settlement in Pennsylvania was at Upland, a
Swedish settlement on the banks of the Delaware River where
modern Chester is located. The town was renamed in 1682 by
William Penn when he arrived.
--------------------------------------
1683 Source: Norma Jacob, editor, QUAKER ROOTS: THE STORY OF
WESTERN QUARTERLY MEETING OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF
THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (Kennett Square, Pa.:
Graphics Standard, Inc, 1980), 2.
William Penn laid out Street Road (PA926) in a straight line
to connect a number of Quaker communities.
--------------------------------------
1684 Source: Norma Jacob, editor, QUAKER ROOTS: THE STORY OF
WESTERN QUARTERLY MEETING OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING OF
THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (Kennett Square, Pa.:
Graphics Standard, Inc, 1980), 4.
William Penn was forced to return to England in 1684 to
settle the boundary dispute with Lord Baltimore, who
controlled Maryland.
--------------------------------------
1685 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 72.
A second Chester county courthouse plus a prison were built
in Chester in 1685.
--------------------------------------
1711 Source: County Government and Archives in Pennsylvania,
prepared by the Pennsylvania Historical Survey, Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, 1947. p52
The County Commissioners were created in 1711 to relieve the
courts of some taxation duties and became the "chief
Assessing authorities".
--------------------------------------
1724 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 72.
A third Chester county courthouse was constructed in Chester
in 1724.
--------------------------------------
1760 Source: County Government and Archives in Pennsylvania,
prepared by the Pennsylvania Historical Survey, Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, 1947. p52
"Provision for the election of local Assessors was made as
early as 1760" ( 1760,VI St. at L. sec. 3), (1835 P.L. 46
sec. 8)
--------------------------------------
1766 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 72.
As early as 1766, there were complaints about the location
of the courthouse at the extreme eastern end of the county,
which was inaccessible to residents at the western end.
Public opinion divided into two groups, the "removalists"
and the "non-removalists."
--------------------------------------
1780 Source: County Government and Archives in Pennsylvania,
prepared by the Pennsylvania Historical Survey, Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, 1947. p52
The office of County Assessor was abolished in 1780.
--------------------------------------
1780 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 72.
In 1780, the state assembly gave permission to move the
courthouse. A piece of land was purchased in what was known
at the time as "West Downington."
--------------------------------------
1784/05/01 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF
CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA:
Horace F. Temple, 1926), 73.
In 1784, the Assembly authorized construction of buildings
"not at a greater distance than one mile and a half from the
Turk's Head tavern in the township of Goshen, and to the
west or southwest of said Turk's Head Tavern." This
prevented Downingtown from becoming the county seat.
Land was purchased on 1 May 1784 from Benjamin Trego of
Goshen and work began immediately on a courthouse and jail.
--------------------------------------
1785/03/30 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF
CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA:
Horace F. Temple, 1926), 73.
First the winter delayed construction of the court house in
West Chester, and then the non-removalists succeeded in
convincing the state assembly to halt construction on 30
March 1785. A group from Chester under the leadership of
Major John Harper went to Turk's Head to destroy the
unfinished buildings ("Harper's invasion). A group from
Turk's Head, under the leadership of Colonel Hannum, Colonel
Isaac Taylor and Mr. Marshall, gathered ammunition and
provisions and surrounded the unfinished buildings to defend
them. The unfinished building was fortified and the men
took positions with muskets. Marshall and Taylor commanded
the upper story while Underwood and Patton commanded the
lower story. Hannum directed the entire operation.
p74 The non-removalists spent the night at the "General Greene"
and reached Turk's Head early in the morning. They set up
their cannon about 200 yards southeast of the Quaker Meeting
House, but were reluctant to begin firing. After several
hours, "some pacific people" convinced both sides to
withdraw without bloodshed, so the non-removalist cannon
were redirected and fired in celebration of the treaty. At
the next session of the state assembly, the Suspension Act
was repealed and construction continued.
--------------------------------------
1786/11/28 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF
CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA:
Horace F. Temple, 1926), 75.
In September 1786, prisoners were moved to the new jail, and
on 28 November 1786, the first court session opened in West
Chester.
--------------------------------------
1789 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 75.
The people of Chester used the new courthouse in West
Chester until 1789, but complained about the distance to
travel and the "poor conditions of entertainment." In 1789,
the state assembly authorized the creation of Delaware
county from the eastern portion of Chester County, with
Chester as its county seat. They defined the boundary
between the two counties with a complicated formula that
used the Brandywine Creek from the Delaware state line as
far as Chadd's Ford, then zigzagged northeast so as not to
divide anyone's property, passed to the north of Newtown,
Edgemont and Radnor townships (included in Delaware County)
until it met the Montgomery County line. .
p76 One bizarre consequence of using the Brandywine Creek to
define the boundary was a small piece of land bounded by the
Creek and the Delaware State line (between US202 and PA100).
Legally, it belongs to Birmingham Township in Chester
County, but it is completely cut off by Birmingham Township,
Delaware County.
--------------------------------------
1794 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926),
108.
Newspapers and founding dates in West Chester: "The Gazette"
(1794)
--------------------------------------
1797 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926),
108.
Newspapers and founding dates in West Chester: "The Literary
Museum" (1797)
--------------------------------------
1798/04/01 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF
CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA:
Horace F. Temple, 1926), 92.
The first post office in the county was established at
Downingtown on 1 April 1798, under postmaster Hunt Downing.
--------------------------------------
1799 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 21.
The first fire companies in West Chester were the West
Chester Fire Company, founded 1799
--------------------------------------
1799 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 31.
"West Chester.--Located in the eastern part of the county,
it was incorporated in 1799 and was originally called
"Turk's Head."
--------------------------------------
1799 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 19.
On 20 March 1799, the town of West Chester was elevated to a
borough.
--------------------------------------
1800s Source: Frazier, E. Franklin, BLACK BOURGEOISIE: THE
RISE OF A NEW MIDDLE CLASS (New York: The Free
Press,1957), 14.
Many free Negroes obtained freedom by being permitted to
"hire their time" and work as "semi-free" laborers. With
the money earned from this, they were able to buy their
freedom.
--------------------------------------
1800 Source: Heathcote, Charles William. "History of Chester
County Pennsylvania" (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple,
1926), 215-216.
In 1800, the present site of Coatesville was a small cluster
of houses and shops, known as Bridge Town. Much of the land
was owned by Moses Coates. His grandfather (also Moses
Coates) had emigrated there in 1717. His grandfather had
been an Irish Quaker.
--------------------------------------
1802 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 884.
A small market was built behind the public buildings in West
Chester in 1802, but it was not very successful because
merchants preferred to visit their customers at home. (JJ:
probably using wagons) The town built a bigger market on
Market Street in 1831 and enlarged it several times in the
subsequent 20-25 years.
--------------------------------------
1804/01/01 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF
CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA:
Horace F. Temple, 1926), 92.
The West Chester post office was established on 1 January
1804.
--------------------------------------
1805 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 23.
West Chester's first criminal execution, of a black woman
named Hannah Miller, took place in 1805
--------------------------------------
1809 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926),
108.
Newspapers and founding dates in West Chester: "Chester and
Delaware Federalist" (1809)
--------------------------------------
1812 Source: Heathcote, Charles William. "History of Chester
County Pennsylvania" (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple,
1926), 215-216.
1812 - The Coatesville post office was created in 1812 and
Moses Coates became the first postmaster.
--------------------------------------
1814 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 28.
The Bank of West Chester was founded in 1814 on High Street
almost directly across from the court house.
--------------------------------------
1818 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926),
108.
Newspapers and founding dates in West Chester: "Village
Record" (1818)
--------------------------------------
1823 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 28.
West Chester received its first sidewalks in 1823. They
were made of brick. The first MacAdam streets were laid in
1829-1830.
--------------------------------------
1823 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 885.
In 1823, the town began to systematically lay brick
sidewalks.
--------------------------------------
1827 Source: J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope, HISTORY OF CHESTER
COUNTY, PA, WITH GENEALOGICAL AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
Philadelphia: Louis H. Everts, 1881) p359
In 1827, the Legislature authorized canal commissioners to
make examinations through Chester and Lancaster Counties for
a railroad to connect with the Pennsylvania Canal. In 1828,
these commissioners were directed to locate and put under
contract a railroad through Chester County via Lancaster to
Columbia.
--------------------------------------
1829-1830 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and
its People (Chicago and New York: The Union History
Company, 1898), 885.
In 1829 and 1830, Gay and Church Streets in West Chester
were paved for the first time.
--------------------------------------
1830 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 23.
West Chester's second criminal execution, of a black man
named Edward Williams, took place in 1830.
--------------------------------------
1830/12/11 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 1, in West Chester
University special collections.
A public meeting was held at the Turk's Head Hotel on Dec.
11, 1830 concerning the building of West Chester's first
railroad.
--------------------------------------
1830/12/22 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 1, in West Chester
University special collections.
A second public meeting was held on Dec. 22, 1830 to discuss
the possibility of building a railroad to West Chester.
Joseph Wilson was appointed engineer to investigate
possibilities. Judge Izaak Darlington presided at both
meetings.
--------------------------------------
1830/12/24 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 1, in West Chester
University special collections.
On December 24, 1830, a third public meeting concerning a
West Chester railroad link resolved to construct a railway
from WC to intersect with the Columbia Railway line, and
chose Dr. William Darlington to head the local committee.
--------------------------------------
1831 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 884.
West Chester built a bigger market on Market Street in 1831
and enlarged it several times in the subsequent 20-25 years.
--------------------------------------
1831/01/08 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 1, in West Chester
University special collections.
On January 8, 1831, John (or Joseph) Wilson presented a
satisfactory route approved by the committee. The estimated
cost was $88, 021.29 A charter was obtained on July 18
1831. It was the first rr charter granted by the state
which was carried into effect.
--------------------------------------
1831/03/28 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 2, in West Chester
University special collections.
On the 28 March, 1831, a board of directors was elected for
the West Chester Railroad. John (or Joseph) Wilson was
appointed the chief engineer. By May 26, the contracts were
let for grading the surface in mile-length sections.
--------------------------------------
1832/09/18 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 2, in West Chester
University special collections.
At a board meeting on Sept. 18, 1832, it was announced by
John Baily that the entire nine-mile track would be
completed within sixteen months.
--------------------------------------
1833 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 21.
The second fire company in West Chester, the Good Will Fire
company, was founded in 1833.
--------------------------------------
1833/10/18 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 4, in West Chester
University special collections.
The first track superintendent was J. Lacey Darlington, who
was paid $1.00 daily.
On Oct. 18, 1833, the PA Canal Commission completed a
railroad line to the head of the inclined planes, located
four miles from Philadelphia on the other side of the
Schulkyll. Passengers were conveyed the rest of the way by
stages.
--------------------------------------
1834 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 23.
West Chester's third criminal execution, of a black man
named Charles Bowman, took place in 1834.
--------------------------------------
1837 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 32.
Illustration: engraved picture showing the intersection of
High and Market Streets in 1837. (Courtesy of the National
Bank of Chester County) JJ: It appears to show the
courthouse on the left, with a clock tower and weather vane
similar to the present one. That makes me think that this
picture must be of the view towards the north. However, it
must be the old courthouse, since this picture is dated
earlier than 1846 (see notes from p76). Note the use of
stone slabs to provide a pedestrian crossing at the
intersection of the dirt streets.
--------------------------------------
1837 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING IN
CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West Chester,
January 20, 1898), 6, in West Chester University special
collections.
The Chester County Bank lost half of its capital in the
general crash of 1837. As a consequence, the West Chester
Railroad suffered major losses and fell heavily in debt.
--------------------------------------
1838 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 21.
The third fire company in West Chester, the Fame Fire
Company, was founded in 1838.
--------------------------------------
1838 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 884.
The West Chester street plan expanded in 1838 to include
land north of the Matlack property on the north side; beyond
the "old Turk's Head or Patton estate" on the east side, and
beyond John Rutter's land on the northwest.
--------------------------------------
1839 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING IN
CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West Chester,
January 20, 1898), 6, in West Chester University special
collections.
No dividends were paid to West Chester Railroad stockholders
during 1839. The stockholders were not happy. The West
Chester Railroad did receive some breaks from the state on
toll rates for use on the Columbia Road. The directors were
apparently maligned by the Directors. Since its inception,
the West Chester Railroad paid the state $30, 000 in tolls.
--------------------------------------
1842-1910 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER
COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F.
Temple, 1926), 108.
Newspapers and founding dates in West Chester: "The
Jeffersonian" (1842-1910)
--------------------------------------
1844/01/15 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 7, in West Chester
University special collections.
At the annual meeting of the West Chester Railroad directors
on January 15, 1844, a new board of directors appointed
Philip P. Sharples and Dr. Isaac Thomas as an executive
committee. Sharples become obsessed by railroad matters.
--------------------------------------
1844/01/31 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 7, in West Chester
University special collections.
1/31/1844, the Executive Committee of Philip P. Sharples and
Dr. Isaac Thomas as an executive appointed Samuel M. Penten
as the superintendent of the West Chester Railroad.
--------------------------------------
1844/05/25 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 7, in West Chester
University special collections.
An agreement was reached with Canal Commission for a rate of
$15 a train for running from the West Chester intersection
of the Columbia-Philadelphia Railroad to the inclined plane.
It started operating on 5/25/1844. Two second-hand 8-
wheeled passenger cars were bought for service. Then two
new cars were commissioned from the W.E. Allison Company.
The baggage on these cars was carried beneath the seat.
--------------------------------------
1845 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 23.
West Chester's fourth criminal execution, and the first of a
white man, named Jabez Boyd, took place in 1845.
--------------------------------------
1845/05/26 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 7, in West Chester
University special collections.
On May 26, 1845, the Canal Commission agreed to haul West
Chester Railroad trains for only $6000 annually. (JJ: that
is 400 trains at the 1844 rate. Was it actually an
increase? Was it due to the introduction of steam
locomotives?) Philip Sharples reported completed contracts
for relaying for the junction from West Chester to the
junction.
--------------------------------------
1846 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 75.
The original West Chester court house was used until 1846
when the present courthouse was built.
--------------------------------------
1847 Source: Jackson, Luther Porter, FREE NEGRO LABOR & PROPERTY
HOLDING IN VIRGINIA, 1830-1860. (New York: Antheneum,
1969), 155
In 1847, Alexandria was pulled away from the District of
Columbia and became part of the state of Virginia. Many
land holding free Negroes after this annexation became
disillusioned by the "obnoctious" laws of Virginia. For
this reason, many free Negroes migrated to Washington D.C.
and northern cities.
--------------------------------------
1851 Source: Darlington, William, DIRECTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF
WEST CHESTER, FOR 1857: CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE
BOROUGH FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME ...
(West Chester, PA: Wood & James, Publishers, E.F. James,
printer, 1857), 23.
West Chester's fifth criminal execution, and the second of a
white man, named George Pharaoh, took place in 1851.
--------------------------------------
1855s/mid Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and
its People (Chicago and New York: The Union History
Company, 1898), 468.
Robert F. Hoopes was the Chester County Recorder of Deeds
from 1854/11/10 to 1857/11/09.
--------------------------------------
1857 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 885.
By 1857, almost all of the sidewalks in West Chester were
bricked, and its streets were much improved.
--------------------------------------
1857/08/01 Source: Alfred Sharpless, A HISTORY OF RAILROADING
IN CHESTER COUNTY in the "Daily Local News" (West
Chester, January 20, 1898), 10, in West Chester
University special collections.
The Pennsylvania Company bought the rights to the state
railroads and canals at auction on August 1, 1857.
--------------------------------------
1859 Source: "Announcement: Nominee for Recorder of Deeds" in
"Daily Local News," (West Chester:September 7, 1886)
Sharpless M. Paxson moved to West Chester in 1859 at the age
of 12. He stayed for the rest of his life.
--------------------------------------
1860s Source: Frazier, E. Franklin, BLACK BOURGEOISIE: THE
RISE OF A NEW MIDDLE CLASS (New York: The Free
Press,1957), 136
Many slaveholders set up seperate residences for their black
mistresses and some even lived with them monogamously since
marriage between the races was illegal.. ( Could be the
reason why Moses Hepbuirn's white father is not in the
Alexandria censuses in the early 1800s, becasue if he was
monogomous he would not qualify for the census since you had
to be the head of a household.)
--------------------------------------
1860-1865 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and
its People (Chicago and New York: The Union History
Company, 1898), 345 & 347.
Chester County underground railway agents included Norris
Maris (perhaps B53-3 in FBS) of West Vincent Township.
p347 In West Chester, George Maris (perhaps B53-11) acted as the
local underground railway agent when he was a young man:
"who, as a lad, drew many a map of the road from there to
Elijah F. Pennypacker's place" (near Phoenixville).
--------------------------------------
1861/08/23 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF
CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA:
Horace F. Temple, 1926), 108.
"The Jeffersonian" (1842-1910) was one of only a few
northern papers that supported the South during the civil
war. A mob attacked its office and partially wrecked it (no
date given). On 23 August 1861, US Marshall William
Millward ordered the newspaper closed, but after a protest
and lawsuit, the newspaper was allowed to reopen on 26
October 1861. The Postmaster General Blair barred "The
Jeffersonian" from using the mails to distribute its issues,
but it continued in operation until 1910.
--------------------------------------
1862 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 290.
The population of Chester County was 77,000, and the
population of the state of Pennsylvania was 2,900,000 in
1862 when Lincoln instituted the military draft during the
civil war. (What this 1898 book calls the "war of the
rebellion.")
--------------------------------------
1863/03/01 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County
Pennsylvania and its People (Chicago and New York:
The Union History Company, 1898), 294.
Black soldiers were drafted for the first time in the USA on
1863/03/01.
--------------------------------------
1866
NOTE W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its People
(Chicago an Source: ork: The Union History Company,
1898), 977.
In 1865 or 1866, George B. Thomas joined the firm and the
name changed to "Hoopes Brothers & Thomas."
--------------------------------------
1867 Source: Heathcote, Charles William. "History of Chester
County Pennsylvania" (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple,
1926), 215-216.
1867 - Coatesville became a borough. First election of
officers: William B. Morrison, Abram Gibbons, Craig
Ridgeway, Richard Strode, William T. hunt, Joseph Suydam.
--------------------------------------
1870 Source: "Announcement: Nominee for Recorder of Deeds" in
"Daily Local News," (West Chester:September 7, 1886)
Sharpless M. Paxson began to work in the West Chester
Recorder's office in 1870. He was a staunch Republican
--------------------------------------
1872 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926),
108.
Newspapers and founding dates in West Chester: "The Daily
Local News" (1872).
--------------------------------------
1874-1888 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and
its People (Chicago and New York: The Union History
Company, 1898), 967.
Josiah Hoopes served as the recording secretary of the
Chester County Agricultural Society from 1874-1888 (JJ: His
mother died in 1887; father died in 1888). The CCAS
disappeared in 1895 when the West Chester State Normal
School purchased the fairgrounds and declined to hold the
annual agricultural fair.
--------------------------------------
1876/09/28 Source: J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope, HISTORY
OF CHESTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA:WITH GENEALOGICAL
AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (Philadelphia: Louis H
Everts, 1881), 373.
Prior to Sharpless M. Paxson, the office of Recorder of
Deeds was held by a man named Edwin Bateman. Bateman died
on August 28th, 1876. Paxson was his highest ranking
subordinate at the time, so he was appointed to fill the
position until January of 1878. (Note that normally, this
was an elected position.
--------------------------------------
1882/04/04 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
79.
F.A. Tencate Esq., Cashier of the Phoenixville Iron Works,
brings a suit to civil court against John Diamond regarding
a rental property in Cottage Row (#?). The suit contends
that rent is due and unpaid by the defendant John Diamond in
the amount of $31.50. A summons was issued 1882/04/08, with
a judgment rendered in favor of Phoenixville Iron Works.
John Diamond was ordered to give up peaceable possession of
said premises and the sum of $31.50, plus $1.92 as cost of
the suit.
--------------------------------------
1882/04/11 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
81.
F.A. Tencate Esq., Cashier of the Phoenixville Iron Works,
brings a suit to civil court against Michael Connily
regarding a rental property in Puddler's Row (#?). The suit
contends that rent is due and unpaid by the defendant
Michael Connily in the amount of $61.31. A summons was
issued 1882/04/15 at 10 A.M. Whereabouts of the tenant are
unknown, having moved away 1882/04/12, according to the
Constable. A judgment was rendered in favor of Phoenixville
Iron Works. Defendant Connily was found to be indebted to
said corporation in the sum of $61.31, plus $1.97 as cost of
the suit.
--------------------------------------
1882/04/17 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
82.
F.A. Tencate Esq., Cashier of the Phoenixville Iron Works,
brings a suit to civil court against John McAdams regarding
a rental property in Puddlers" Row (#?). The suit contends
that rent is due and unpaid by the defendant John McAdams in
the amount of $31.12. A summons was issued 1882/04/17,
retrievable 1882/04/22 at 10 A.M. A judgment was entered
that the defendant delivered up peaceable possession of said
premises and the sum of $31.12, plus $1.77 as cost of the
suit.
--------------------------------------
1882/04/28 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
82.
F.A. Tencate Esq., Cashier of the Phoenixville Iron Works,
brings a suit to civil court against Michael Keenan
regarding a rental property in Puddler's Row (#?). The suit
contends that rent is due and unpaid by the defendant John
McAdams in the amount of $16.72. A summons was issued
1882/04/28, retrievable 1882/05/03. A judgment was rendered
in favor of Phoenixville Iron Works. Defendant Keenan was
ordered to give up peaceable possession of said premises and
the sum of $16.72, plus $1.77 as cost of the suit.
--------------------------------------
1882/04/28 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
83.
F.A. Tencate Esq., Cashier of the Phoenixville Iron Works,
brings a suit to civil court against Thomas McAnnay
regarding a rental property in Puddlers" Row (#?). The suit
contends that rent is due and unpaid by the defendant Thomas
McAnnay in the amount of $14.24. A summons was issued
1882/04/28, retrievable 1882/05/03. A judgment was rendered
in favor of Phoenixville Iron Works. Defendant McAnnay was
ordered to give up peaceable possession of said premises and
the sum of $14.24, plus $2.02 as cost of the suit.
--------------------------------------
1882/03/07 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
117.
James Halt, agent for the Phoenixville Iron Works, brings a
suit to civil court against David Signett regarding a rental
property at #22 Frame Row. A summons was issued 1882/03/07,
retrievable 1882/03/12. The suit was discontinued, with no
further information listed.
--------------------------------------
1882/03/07 Source: Chester County Civil Court Docket #76290,
117.
James Halt, agent for the Phoenixville Iron Works, brings a
suit to civil court against James Doran regarding a rental
property at #5 Red Row. A summons was issued 1882/03/07,
retrievable 1882/03/12. The suit was discontinued, with no
further information listed.
--------------------------------------
1887-1890 Source: "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in "Daily
Local News," (West Chester: May 5, 1930).
In tribute form: they said of Sharpless M. Paxson,
"filled with credit the office of Recorder of Deeds of
Chester County" particularly his excellent penmanship. He
was a "paragon of neatness and accuracy."
--------------------------------------
1887-1890 Source: "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in "Daily
Local News," (West Chester: May 5, 1930)
Sharpless M. Paxson was elected to a term as Recorder of
Deeds from 1887 to 1890 following Richard H. Plank.
Sharpless M. Paxson was always a republican who remained
"loyal to principles of the party."
--------------------------------------
1889/02/13 Source: Daily Local News (February 13, 1889)
Mrs. Lamborn, the woman who took care of the PRR station at
North Matlack Street, reported to Officer Gheen that she had
trouble with rowdy "colored" loiterers.
--------------------------------------
1890/12/10 Source: Daily Local News (December 10, 1890)
Loitering at the PRR station was greatly reduced in recent
weeks.
--------------------------------------
1891/09/03-1891/12/08 Source: Elizabeth M. McGlone vs. The
Phoenixville Iron Works in Chester
County Appearance Docket #55, 73.
On 1891/09/03, Elizabeth M. McGlone filed a complaint in
court against the Phoenixville Iron Works for the wrongful
death of her husband, John McGlone. The defendant,
Phoenixville Iron Works, pleads "Not Guilty" on 1891/09/23.
On 1891/11/09 it is agreed that Thomas M. Baldwin, Barclay
Lear, and John D. Mullin shall act as arbiters, hearing the
case 1891/12/07-08.
--------------------------------------
1891/09/03 Source: Plaintiff's Statement: Elizabeth M.
McGlone vs. The Phoenixville Iron Works
In her statement, Elizabeth M. McGlone claims that her
husband John McGlone was killed through negligence on the
part of the defendant on 1891/06/25. Elizabeth M. McGlone
has two children, Joseph and Lizzie, the latter being
between 15 and 16 years old and has been an invalid for 6
years by reason of a spinal affliction. This suit is
brought on her behalf.
John McGlone died as a result of a lift accident, which the
plaintiff claims was of "extraordinary negligent and
dangerous construction." The lift was allowed to be run
unoccupied as well as be operated by a boy aged under 14
years. Because of negligence and the fact that her family
is now deprived of their support, Elizabeth M. McGlone is
bringing suit against Phoenixville Iron Works for damages in
the amount of $10,000.
--------------------------------------
1892/03/30 Source: Daily Local News" (March 30, 1892)
John J. Pinkerton was the attorney for the PRR.
--------------------------------------
1892/08/01 Source: Plaintiff's Statement: Mary Steinberger
vs. The Phoenixville Iron Works
In the statement, it is noted that Mary Steinberger has two
children, John B. Jr., 3 years, and Sarah, age 3 weeks. It
is claimed that Mary has suffered the loss of her husband
who was "constantly earning and in receipt of good wages,
supporting and providing said plaintiff and her children and
affording them a comfortable livelihood and maintenance."
Suit is brought for damages in the amount of $20,000.
--------------------------------------
1892/09/02 Source: "What I Saw at the Station at West
Chester" reprinted from the "Pottstown Ledger" of
Wednesday, in "Daily Local News" (September 2,
1892).
This article describes the procession of people who used the
water cooler at the PRR station, including local leaders.
--------------------------------------
1892/late Source: "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in "Daily
Local News," (West Chester: May 5, 1930)
During the Homestead Riots near Pittsburgh, PA in the early
1890s (JJ: the strike at the Homestead Coal mines began June
20, 1892), Sharpless M. Paxson led the members of company I,
6th regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania in the coal
districts of the state and remained on duty throughout
insurrection.
--------------------------------------
1892/01/20 Source: Daily Local News (January 20, 1892)
After the borough of West Chester decided to extend East
Nields Street past the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks to the
borough line at Bolmar Street, a jury awarded damages of
$300 to A. D. Sharples and $105 to Pennsylvania Railroad.
--------------------------------------
1892/10/26 Source: "Daily Local News" (October 26, 1892)
Following a lawsuit initiated by his wife, John Doran was
declared to be a lunatic even though he was not present at
the trial. John Doran was a street cleaner for West Chester
who managed to save his money and acquire a small fortune
(roughly $4000). After his son James died of typhoid in
1889, John Doran went to Nebraska in 1891, then returned to
get half of his money and left for Nebraska again, leaving
the rents from his properties to support his wife. She
engaged a lawyer, Robert E. Monaghan, to have her husband
declared incompetent before he could take anymore of his
money away. Another lawyer, Wilmer W. MacElree, represented
John Doran's interests, but several witnesses, including
Doran's son Lawrence, declared that John Doran had begun to
act strangely ever since his son James had died. Only
Thomas Furlong, a cousin of John Doran, testified on his
behalf.
--------------------------------------
1893 Source: Pamphlet Laws: Laws of the General Assembly of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1893.
Act No. 281: This act ordered the Clerk of Orphans Court to
be responsible for the registering of births and deaths in
the county. The records must be updated semi-annually. It
will be the duty of parents, guardians and all others
involved to supply information concerning births and deaths
to the Assessors who will collect and return the information
to the Clerk of Orphans Court at the same time the Assessor
returns his Assessments of property to the County
Commissioner along with a written oath of authenticity. The
County Commissioner will supply appropriate books to the
Clerk of Orphans Court in which the information will be
entered.
--------------------------------------
1893/02/28 Source: Daily Local News (February 28, 1893)
After John Doran returned from Nebraska to defend himself,
he was declared to be "not insane." Doran accused his wife
of plotting to take his money, and said that he had asked
her to accompany him to Nebraska.
--------------------------------------
1893/05/01 Source: Daily Local News (December 20, 1893), in
Chester County Historical Society.
Starting on May 1, 1893 birth and death statistics were
compiled twice a year by the Assessors, the first period
covered May 1st to Oct. 30th and the second Nov. 1st to
April 30th.
--------------------------------------
1893/12/20 Source: Daily Local News, Chester County
Historical Society, West Chester, Pa., 1893/12/20.
"In accordance with an act of the Legislature passed at its
last sessions, a register will hereafter be kept of all
births and deaths in Chester county. The precinct Assessors
who make their rounds twice a year are required to make a
return of all births and deaths and file it with the Clerk
of the Courts. It is made the duty of the latter officer to
prepare a book and keep a careful record of all these
returns. This is the first day on which such returns are
expected to be made, but they will come in at intervals as
may suit the convenience of the Assessors."
--------------------------------------
1894/03/03 Source: Daily Local News (March 3, 1894)
There was a penny scale at the train station, but it was out
of order. The author asked if this was due to something he
observed some time ago, when a group of small boys put a
single penny in the scale, and then each jumped on in place
of the previous boy before the scale could reset. In this
way, they all got weighed for a single penny.
--------------------------------------
1895/03/18 Source: Daily Local News (March 18, 1895)
This was a complaint about "colored" boys who loafed at the
train station, used bad language and littered the floor with
peanut shells.
--------------------------------------
1895/12/21 Source: Daily Local News, Chester County
Historical Society, West Chester, Pa.,
1895/12/21.
Tax Assessors. The latter have many more duties now than
formerly. Besides making a return of all taxable persons and
all property subject to taxation and the number of persons
liable to be called upon for military service, as formerly,
they have now to make return of all births and deaths, and
next spring will have to make return of all children of
school age. So far as the return of births and deaths are
concerned the Assessors have first to show them in the
Commissioner's Office and have the number taken account of
an ele(l)ment in making up their pay, as they are paid a
certain amount for each birth and death properly returned.
The sheets on which they are tabulated are then filed with
the Clerk of the Courts, whose duty it is to have them all
recorded in a book or books kept for that purpose."
--------------------------------------
1896 Source: "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in "Daily Local
News," (West Chester: May 5, 1930)
Sharpless M. Paxson served as the commander of the "Old
Wayne Fencibles" Company I, Sixth Regiment. He showed
continued interest in the unit even after he became to old
to remain active. During the Spanish War, Company I went to
field as a part of the US infantry. Sharpless M. Paxson
organized company M of the PA reserve guard "in order that
the neighborhood might have protection while the gallant
young men, many of whom he had trained, were out of town".
--------------------------------------
1897 Source: "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in "Daily Local
News," (West Chester: May 5, 1930)
Sharpless M. Paxson served as the captain of the Young men's
Republican club "a marching organization" till 1897.
--------------------------------------
1898 Source: W. W. Thompson, editor, County Pennsylvania and its
People (Chicago and New York: The Union History Company,
1898), 349.
"West Chester was known far and wide as being friendly to
the slave ... it is largely for this reason that so many
colored people have made and now make this city their home.
They now constitute about one fourth of the population, have
a ward of the city practically all to themselves, and have
had representatives in the Council." (JJ: This was in 1898.
See population statistics from p484.)
--------------------------------------
1901/10/24 Source: Chester County Sheriff's Deed Book 14,
167.
Elisha G. Cloud sued Harry M. Burns for an unpaid debt and
won. As a result, Cloud was able to purchase the property
at 390-392 East Nields Street including two houses, owned by
Burns, for $1500.
--------------------------------------
1901/12/16 Source: Daily Local News (December 17, 1901)
Fire destroyed the "small one-story frame building on
Franklin street south of Linden street, occupied for years
by the late Patrick King and his wife Ellen." The fire
broke out at 10pm on 16 December. An alarm was sounded from
Box 33 at the corner of Matlack and Lacy Streets, and
although it was too late to save the house, the Fame Fire
company got a chance to practice with "its chemical cart."
Mrs. King had left the previous Saturday for her former home
in Dublin, Ireland, so she was not at home when the blaze
broke out. "It is supposed that the fire was caused by some
of the boys of the southern portion of town. Mrs. King had
her own troubles with them and many of them have been
previously arrested and fined by the Burgess for molesting
her."
The value of the house was estimated at $500 and the value
of the furnishings at $100.
--------------------------------------
1905/11/23 Source: "Daily Local News" in Chester County
Historical Society.
J. Preston Thomas dies of illness. Elected to the Directors
of the Poor in 1887. Graduate of Haverford College. 1870
elected director of National Bank of Chester County. V.P.
of bank 1895/01/11, 1901/11/01 made President of Bank. On
Board of Trustees of the West Chester Normal School. Helped
found Chester County Hospital, and their Board of Mangers.
Member of the Downingtown Friends.
--------------------------------------
1914/05/30 Source: "Profile Piece on Sharpless M. Paxson as
Justice of the Peace" in "West Chester Star,"
(West Chester: May 30, 1914)
This article discussed Sharpless M. Paxson's role as a
Justice of the Peace in West Chester. It described him as
having heard thousands of cases, and having earned respect
for his impartiality in all matters. His jurisdiction was
both in the criminal and civil cases. Before becoming
Justice, he was in the office of Recorder of Deeds, and
seved in the borough council. The article siad that
Sharpless M. Paxson was "still in his prime, (67) is fond of
hunting, fishing and outdoor sports, and is one of our most
wide awake and progressive citizens."
--------------------------------------
1915 Source: Heathcote, Charles William. "History of Chester
County Pennsylvania" (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple,
1926), 215-216.
In 1915, Coatesville was chartered as a city.
--------------------------------------
1919/08/21 Source: "Notice of Sharpless Jr. acceptance into
the Army" in "Daily Local News,"(West Chester:
August 21, 1919)
Sharpless Jr., who was living in Schnectady NY at the time,
sent word to his father that he had been accepted into the
"National Army from the empire state". He menioned that his
employers were not pleased with losing him, but he was
willing to go. However, he was sorry that he would not be
going with the Pennsylvanians.
--------------------------------------
1926 Source: Charles William Heathcote, HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA (West Chester, PA: Horace F. Temple, 1926), 31.
The present population of West Chester is 13,409, is the
county seat of Chester County.
--------------------------------------
1927/05/20 Source: Eightieth Birthday piece on Justice
Paxson" in "Daily Local News," (West Chester: May
20, 1927).
Paxson's term as Justice of the Peace was to expire that
year, but he wanted to continue in the role. He was quoted
as saying "There is one thing that I have always conceded,
and that is when a person reaches that age of eighty years,
I consider they are living on borrowed capital".
--------------------------------------
1929/03/27 Source: Daily Local News (March 27, 1929)
Twelve small boys who called themselves the "Riggtown Gang"
went before West Chester Burgess George J. Brinton for
stealing iron (including motorcycle parts) from a garage
behind Frank Stancato's house on Lacy Street. They were
lectured and their parents were made to pay damages.
--------------------------------------
1930/05
NOTE "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in "Daily Local News,"
(West ChesterSource: , 1930)
Sharpless M. Paxson was a life-long resident of West Chester
who, even in later life, regarded as "one of the most
energetic and aggressive of her elderly citizens."
--------------------------------------
1930/05/05 Source: "Obituary of Sharpless M. Paxson" in
"Daily Local News," (West Chester: May 5, 1930)
At his death in 1930, Sharpless M. Paxson owned extensive
property, including a number of houses. At one time, he
owned most of the land North of Price Street, south of Union
and west of Wayne. (SEE ATTACHED MAP indicating size and
location...)
--------------------------------------
1931/09/11 Source: "Roaring Oil Blaze Perils Crown Here;
Three Are Injured" in DLN (September 12, 1931), 1
& 10.
This is the account of the "Goose Creek Fire" which spread
from East Nields Street to asphalt tanks owned by the
Bituminous Service Company at East Union Street and the PRR
crossing. The fire broke out at 6:50pm and burned for three
hours.
"A match, a cigarette or a spark from a brush fire falling
on the usually placid waters of Goose Creek, a small stream
running the length of the eastern end of town, set off the
conflagratio. The creek had an hour or so previously being
(sic) transformed into a stream of oil when two 10,850
gallon tanks at the Bituminous Company service year, fell
from the supports and breaking, leaked into the water."
"Frame houses on Magnolia street and a row of brick and
frame houses on South Franklin street were seriously
threatened by the fire. Sparks also flew across the
railroad to the coal shed of J. Leon Haggerty, the P. R. R.
freight station and the lumber yard of Hoffman and Baldwin.
"The buildings in greatest danger were those along the creek
on South Franklin street. Wooden fences bordering the
stream were set ablaze and the fire worked towards the
houses with unbelievable rapidity. ... Sparks, however, set
fire to the rear kitchen roofs of the homes of Lawrence
Hamilton, William Montgomery and Nathan Shur." Nathan Shur
(506 South Franklin Street) lost a small building at the
rear of his house which housed 25-30 chickens.
NOTE: the article mentions "several airplanes [that] circled
above the crowd and took pictures of the fire before
darkness settled." George J. Moses was the West Chester
fire chief.
Another small sidebar mentioned Jackie McCallin of 222 Lacey
Street who owned a dog named Jonah. Jonah fell into Goose
Creek and got soaked with oil, so his owner had to keep him
away from the fire.
There was also a quotation by William Patton, colored, of
307 South Franklin Street.
--------------------------------------
1944/08/05 Source: Daily Local News (August 5, 1944)
Greenfield Park required many loads of fill in the swampy
area around Goose Creek. A local resident, Joseph Cotter,
supervised the placement of truckloads of fill. He
constructed a small shack for his own use at the site, and
marked it with a sign to "Keep Out" to deter local vandals.
--------------------------------------