Collection Title: Jones Family Papers
Collection Number: Ms. Coll. 165
Repository: Chester County Historical Society, West Chester, PA 19380
Language: English
Project Archivist: Joseph L. Weber
John Cadwalader (1660- 1742)
With his wife and children moved from their home in Wales to Uwchlan in 1697, built a large log house and helped the other residents to organize a worship group.
Cadwalader Jones ( 1687 – 1758)
The son of John Cadwalader, was born on the 24th Day of the 5th Month in the year 1687.
Cadwalader married Elinor Evans in 1710.
There were at least two children:
Cadwalader (1724 – 1796)
Evan Jones (?).
Cadwalader married Mary Gatlive ( 1731 – 1793) in 1750.
The children of this union mentioned; Jesse (? – 1816), Mary and Jonathan.
Jesse Jones married Mary Townsend (? – 1829) on October 16, 1777.
If there were children of this union they are not mentioned in Mary’s will.
Ms. Collection #165 begins with the year 1710 and concludes with the year 1830. The manuscripts are comprised of family, friend, and business correspondence, marriage certificates and wills.
These documents reflect a picture of day to day colonial family and business life.
When initially processed and catalogued into the CCHS manuscript collection, the manuscripts were basically filed in chronological order. They have been kept in that order for this collection.
The Jones family originally settled in what is now UwchlanTownship, Chester County Pennsylvania.
As the family grew through marriages and births, the extended family moved about and settled in East Bradford, what is now West Bradford, and Downingtown Pennsylvania.
Groups of the extended family migrated to Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
Others of the extended family traveled to the south to do missionary work in Virginia and the Carolina’s.
These Quakers had by this time freed their slaves and had difficult times promoting their ideals of freedom through their religion in the lands to the South.
Their journeys have not been without sorrow.
Ailments, simple to cure by today’s standards of hygiene and medicine, prove to them their mortality each day. They write about themselves, their loved ones and neighbors falling prey to cuts and bruises, measles, digestive ailments and consumption.
They write and lament of the turmoil that is occurring in their Quaker religion and hope that the old order will be restored.
Throughout all of their journeys however, their communications to each other are filled with a joy of life and a caring for one another that is evident in each letter.
They rejoice in what they have achieved and what they have found in their new environments. They long to be able to share these with their loved ones.
Finally, their caring for one another as well as their history is projected through the very thoughtful disposition of their wealth and possessions described in their Wills.
Box 1 – File 1
No. 3807: Marriage Certificate dated the 19th Day 10th Month 1710 describing the marriage of Cadwalader Jones to Elinor Evans a spinster lady.
The name of the future bride was originally written as Elinor Stephens. “Stephens” was crossed out and “Evans” was written in. The intention of marriage was published by “fixing a Bill for ye purpose according to Law permitted by one of her majesties Justice of ye Peace”. Elinor used her “Mark” to sign the document. In attendance at the wedding which took place at the home of Isaac Knight were some notable names of the times such as Richard and Thomas Marple, Joan Potts and Sarah Rush.
Box 1 – File 2
No. 3808: Marriage Certificate dated the 5th Day 2nd Month in the year of Our Lord 1750 describing the marriage of Cadwalader Jones (the son of Cadwalader Jones and Mary Evans, Jones) to Mary Gatlive.
Cadwalader Jones and Mary Gatlive lived in UwchlanTownship in the County of Chester, The Province of Pennsylvania. While the intention to be married was declared before several meetings of the “People called Quakers” at Goshen Meeting, the marriage was held at the Uwchlan Publick Meeting house. In attendance were the parent’s of the couple as well as some notable names of the times such as Buffington, Cadwalader, Downing, and Gatlive.
Box 1 – File 3
No. 3809: Copy of Will of Cadwalader Jones dated 11th Day 7th Month 1758.
Cadwalader resided in the Township of Uwchlan, the County of Chester in the Province of Pennsylvania. Cadwalader bequeathed his estate as follows:
Eighty Pounds of “current money” paid out in twenty Pound increments beginning one year after he became deceased to his son Evan Jones.
To his daughter Sarah Jones Martin, the sum of twenty pounds.
To his daughter Rebecca Jones Thomas the sum of twenty pounds.
To Rebecca John the sum of one pound.
To his sister Elizabeth Carter the sum of one pound.
To sister Gwen John the sum of one pound
To a grandson Hugh Pugh the sum of ten shillings and to all other grandchildren the sum of five shillings each.
To his son Cadwalader Jones the residual of the estate.
Box 1 – File 4
No. 3810: Biographical Notice of Cadwalader Jones:
Cadwalader Jones was born on the 24th Day of the 5th Month in the year 1687 “of honest parents” in Wales. His father and grandfather were sufferers for their religion. “In the year 1697 or there about his father removed himself and family to pensilvania”.
Cadwalader as a youth is stated as “Naturally very wild and Delighted much in wild Company”. He eventually “brook off from his former companions”, and moved about twenty miles away. When he married in 1710 he and his wife moved to Uwchlan where he lived until his death in 1758. In the beginning, it is stated, that he was met with much adversity and hardship of diverse kind. Some time after settling, a meeting was established and he found it his duty to attend. He attended both week day and fifth day meetings stating that he knew nothing better than to leave the hurry of the world to go to meetings. He was well thought of and he became an overseer. He eventually attended Quarterly meeting in Concord which was about sixteen miles from his house. He became quite ill and weak in 1758 and eventually had to confine himself to his room before he passed away on 21st Day, 11th Month of 1758.
Box 1 – File 5
No. 3811: Letter from the Monthly Meeting held at Uwchlan on 4th Day 9th Month 1777 to “Friends of Concord Monthly Meeting”.
Application by Jesse Jones to marry Mary Townsend (a member of “your” Concord meeting). Signed by Thomas Lightfoot of Uchwlan meeting.
Box 1 – File 6
No. 3812: Marriage Certificate dated 16th Day, 10th Month of 1777.
Describes the marriage of Jesse Jones (son of Cadwalader and Mary Jones of Uwchlan) to Mary Townsend (daughter of John and Joanna Townsend of the Township of East Bradford).
The marriage took place in the Publick Meeting House in Birmingham. In attendance were the parents of the couple as well as some notable names of the times such as Cadwalader, Darlington, Evans, Gatlive, Jefferis, John, Jones, Osborn, Painter, Sharples, Sharpless, and Strode.
Box 1 – File 7
No. 3813: Letter from the Monthly Meeting held at Concord on 3rd Day 12th Month 1777 to “Friends of Uwchlan Monthly Meeting”. Application by Mary Townsend (wife of Jesse Jones) to join the Uwchlan Meeting. Signed by Mary Pierce and Caleb Pierce of the Concord Monthly Meeting.
Box 1 – File 8
No. 3814: Letter from Isaac Jacobs to Cadwalader Jones dated 27th Day of 12th Month 1784.
Isaac moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia and describes how he felt upon leaving the company of Cadwalader. He writes how he has met with “Low times” but that he has felt the “overshadowings of Devine Regard”. He further writes that “This has been the Closest trial that I have been met with since I was called as I believe to labor in the Service of Faith”. He writes of the distance that must be traveled between Meetings. He further writes about the “Dark Cloud” over the minds of people “Especially in “Old Virginia””. The Yearly Meeting is stated to have made a rule to oblige their members (slaves) and restore them to liberty. He writes at length of the condition of the “poor Blacks”. Isaac had a visit with Edith Sharples and Sarah Talbot. It is proposed that he might move to Carolinato continue his work.
Box 1– File 9
No. 3815: Copy (partial /of the time) of communication that appeared in a Baltimore Paper, 30th Day, 5th Month 1797.
The writer states that he was invited to a Friends Meeting to hear a Preacher, who looked to be about forty years of age who had traveled from Carolina. He writes about the powerful, connected manner in which the Preacher spoke. There is no name of the Preacher or writer given in this partial communication.
Box 1 – File 10
No. 3816 Letter dated 13th Day, 4th Month 1792 from Bradford Meeting to Uwchlan Meeting.
A proposal to allow Jesse Jones and his wife Mary to remove to the Uwchlan Meeting. Signed by Isaac Coates and Margaret Marshall of the Bradford Meeting.
Box 1 – File 11 & 12
No. 3817 & 3818: Notices of Various Friends buried at Uwchlan Meeting.
John Cadwalader age 82 in whose home the Friends met before the construction of the Uwchlan Meeting was buried in 1742.
Hugh Davis who was a minister for about forty years.
Mary Pugh was buried and two months later her husband Hugh Pugh, also Hannah McCord.
Cadwalader Jones on 19th Day 11th Month 1758 who had been a member of the Uwchlan Meeting from the beginning.
Samuel John was buried on 18th Day, 10th Month 1766 at age 87, who had been a minister for fifty years.
James Speary who was born in New London in Great Britain at age 49. He was educated in the way of the Church of England. A lengthy dissertation regarding his conversion to the Quaker religion.
Ruth Roberts was buried on 30th Day, 8th Month 1778. She was about age 80 when she passed away and had been a minister of over fifty years. She travel and ministered in the “Southern Provinces” in her younger days.
Jane Downing was buried on the 25th Day, 5th Month 1779 at age 69.
Rachel Valandin died at age fifty and was buried on 3rd Day, 8th Month of 1779. “She was a truly Religious friend” and worthy of “Double honour”.
Susannah Lightfoot in her 65th year. She was a minister of the faith from age nineteen. s. She began her ministry in her native Ireland and also in Great Britain before removing herself to settle here. In honor of Susannah’s contribution, the Monthly Uwchlan Meeting memorialized her with words written in this notice.
This memorial was later adopted by the Yearly Meeting.
Mary Baldwin was buried on 26th Day, 5th Month of 1784 at age 61.
On the 3rd Day of 5th Month 1793 was buried in at Uwchlan, Mary Jones age 62.
Box 1 – File 13
No. 3819 : Letter from Cadwalader Jones to his Children, Jesse and Mary. Dated 13th Day, 6 Month of 1793.
Cadwalder describes his health in detail. He is being treated for a wound “as big as the face of a large tea cup”. The doctor is treating it daily with “Blue Stone” Cadwalader indicates that he can now dress and feed himself. Some friends visited him, by name:
Mary Bonsall, Ann Humphres “seemed much affected” upon hearing of the “loss of my Dear wife”, Wm Millhouse, Samuel Smith visited after hearing of Cadwalader’s troubles in New York, Wm Trimble and John Whelen.
Letter is continued on 14th Day 6 Month.
Cadwalader writes that he is does not know when he can come home as he can not put his coat on. He “walks about with a gown on”. He describes his state of mind as “often meet lonesome sorrowful hours”. He would be glad if his children wrote to him.
Box 1 – File 14
No. 3819 1/2: Biographical Note written by Cadwalader Jones on 19th Day 3rd Month of 1794.
Cadwalader writes that at age seventy his health is very much impaired in both mind and body. He mentions how much the loss of his wife has contributed to his mental condition.
Box 1 – File 15
No. 3820 Letters of Administration re: the Will of Cadwalader Jones, dated the 19th day of May, 1796.
Document which approves the Last Will and Testament of Cadwalader Jones and names Jesse Jones the Executor. Signed by John Hannum, Register for the Probate of Wills for the County of Chester.
Box 1 – File 16
No. 3821 Copy of Last Will and Testament of Cadwalader Jones, dated the 8th Day, 3rd Month of 1795.
Cadwalder’s son, Jesse Jones is named as executor.
Cadwalder bequeaths money from his estate to; his brother Evan Jones, son Jonathan Jones, grandson Jonathan Jones. To Jesse Jones he bequeaths the house that he (Jesse) lives in. Jesse Jones also receives by bequest Cadwalader’s “plantation” which is estimated at 147 acres. He also makes a bequest to the Uwchlan Friends for support of their schools.
Box 1 – File 17
No. 3823 Letter from Jesse Jones to his wife Mary Jones dated 21st Day 4th Month of 1803.
An accounting of Jesse assisting a friend in bringing an ill daughter (P Milhous) home from school.
Also a short list of items (food) for his wife, Mary to purchase.
Box 1 – File 18
No. 3824 Power of Attorney from Moses Bartram to Jesse Jones dated the 3rd Day of April 1805.
Power of Attorney also describes that Moses Bartram, a Chemist and Druggist has received payment of both the principal and interest in full of a mortgage from Joseph Gibbons. Document is signed by Moses Bartram, George Bartram and William Bartram. Signed before Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas J.B.Smith.
James Bones was the CountyRecorder.
Box 1 – File 19
No. 3825 Letter from Mary J. Lamborn to her aunt and uncle, Mary and Jesse Jones. dated 7 month 19th day 1808.
Mary has been away at the Westtown School for three months and longs to see Uwchlan. For several weeks, she states, she has had the company of E. Kimber and J. Kersey. J. Jacobs informed of the death of E.Martin.
Box 1 – File 20
No. 3826 Bond from Jesse Jones to Jonathan Jones dated the 27th Day, 3rd Month of the year of Our Lord 1809.
The sum of the bond is eight hundred dollars.
Bond is signed by Jesse Jones, George Downing and Elizabeth Downing.
Box 1 – File 21
No. 3827 Share of stock in Pawlings Ford Permanent Bridge, dated 19th day of February, 1810.
One share of stock sold to Jesse Jones.
Document is signed by Levi Pawling as President and John Jones as Treasurer
Box 1 – File 22
No. 3828 Letter granting Braddock Harris the right to build a house on property of Jesse Jones dated 3rd Month, 28th Day 1811.
Signed by Jesse Jones.
Box 1 – File 23
No. 3829 Copy of EXTRACT of letter concerning Comfort Collins dated 9th Month 1814.
Letter is from Matthew Franklin. It was copied for Mary Jones.
Comfort Collins was 101 years and 8 months of age when visited by Matthew Franklin and Betsey Purington. It is written that “all of her faculties have in a manner fled, save religious sen-sibility”. The name of Mary Griffin is mentioned.
Box 1 – File 24
No. 3830 Letter from Mary Bonsall to Mary Jones dated 2nd Month 28 Day year unknown.
Letter describes Philadelphia as a crowded metropolis. It mentions her husband, Isaac and friend Mary Lamborn.
Box 1 – File 25
No. 3831 Letter from Jesse Jones to Mary Jones, dated 6th Day morning yearly meeting week.
Jesse mentions James Meredith, Jon Gordon and Jon Martin. He describes his general health given that there appears to have been a “prevailing fever” about.
Box 1 – File 26
No. 3832 Letter from James Roberts to Jesse Jones, dated 2nd of February 1815; from Harrisburg.
Letter describes a personal loan from Sarah Pennock as well as a mortgage held by Ms Pennock.
There is a discussion of legislation pending in Harrisburg; Pieces of legislation to reduce the salary of members of the legislature as well as a conscription bill.
Box 1 – File 27
No. 3833 Letter from James Roberts to Jesse Jones, dated 2nd Day 12th Month, 1815.
James wishes to borrow fifty dollars. He mentions that “the flour may be considered as paying the interest” on a bond held against Ellis Lewis.
Box 1 – File 28
No. 3834 Lines by Autope on the death of Jane Darlington and Jesse Jones, dated 1, month 1817
“Reflections occasioned by the Death of My Uncle Jesse Jones, also A few lines addressed to the Darlington, on the Decease of her Daughter, Jane Darlington – Autope”
Box 1 – File 29
No. 3835 “Farewell to Uwchlan” by Autope, dated March 1817.
Poetry.
Box 1 – File 30
No. 3836 Same as 3834
Box 1 – File 31
No. 3837 Letter from Hannah Darlington to her sister, Mary Jones, dated 11th month 18th day, 1817.
From Philadelphia, Hannah writes to describe her travels. She has traveled to Jos. England’s on first day night. Safely crossed the river and arrived at Edwd. Brinton’s. Then on to Baltimore to “Brother Jos family”, “likewise Sarah Janney.
Her travel continues on to Philadelphia.
She writes, in the letter of a “Sally” and describes her (Sally’s) health.
In a postscript she asks if Hannah can “stay with our girls during butchering week”.
Box 1 – File 32
No. 3838 Exemplification of will of Jesse Jones dated 31st Day 5th Month in the Year of our Lord 1816.
Jesse bequeaths to the “8 Children of my Brother and Sister in law Jesse and Joanna Sharples of Philadelphia Twelve Hundred Dollars”.
To his “Niece Mary Pennock wife of Moses Pennock Six Hundred Dollars”.
To “Jesse the son of John Beitler, fifty dollars”.
To Sarah Evans, Grand-daughter of Ann Gatleir One Hundred Dollars”.
“I give and bequeath to Uwchlan Monthly Meeting in trust One Hundred and Fifty Dollars”.
To “Jesse Pennock, son of Moses and Mary Pennock Two Hundred Dollars”.
Jesse bequeathed, in trust to Phillip Garrett and Charles Townsend, for the “use of an Institution near Philadelphia by the name of “The Contributors to the Assylum for the relief of persons deprived of the sense of their reason the sum of Eight Hundred Dollars”.
This money to be used for the support of poor patients.
For the used of Westtown Boarding School, Jesse bequeathed Eight Hundred Dollars to John Cook and William Evans. These funds to be cared for by the “Committee of the Yearly Meeting”.
He exonerates his former neighbor John Morgan from two obligations.
To his “beloved wife Mary Jones all the rest and residue of my Estate real, personal and mixed”.
He authorizes and empowers “my esteemed friends Thomas Downing, of Uwchlan and James Roberts of Charlestown Township” and their survivors to sell and convey any part or whole of his Real Estate with the consent of his wife Mary.
Thomas Downing is appointed Executor.
Witnesses are John Fisher, Joseph Williams, and Mordecai Lee.
Robert Sproul is the recorder.
Box 1 – File 33
No. 3839 Account of the administration of estate of Jesse Jones by Thomas Downing, undated.
Box 1 – File 34
No. 3840 Sermon copied by H. Cope, Jr. for Mary Evans, dated 6th Month, 30th Day, 1818.
The original sermon was dated 5th Day, 12th Month 1792, at the internment of a woman mentioned only by her initials E.B at Burlington, Vt.
Box 1 – File 35
No. 3841 Copy of Bishop of Rochester’s writing by H. Cope, Jr., dated 1818.
The original is dated Nov. 20th 1729 at Montpelier and is from the Bishop of Rochester on the death of his daughter to “A. Pope”.
Box 1 – File 36
No. 3842 “The Funeral” dated 10th Month, 10th Day, 1819.
Verses copied for Mary Jones by “A.B.”
Box 1 – File 37
No. 3843 Receipt from D.H. Malcom to Mary Jones, dated November 20, 1819.
Mary Jones contributed ten dollars for the Orphan Society.
Box 1 – File 38
No. 3844 Letter from Mary Pennock to Mary Jones dated 3rd Month 14th Day 1823.
In this letter written at East Marlborough, Mary Jones describes her “gratification” at seeing Mary Jones at “Aunt Margaret’s” house at the time of “Uncles” funeral. She describes her mother’s health and asks about the health of Aunt Margaret.
She mentions that her youngest son John was thrown from a “Mature” and considerably hurt his head. She writes that Priscilla Hunt is traveling to a number of Meetings in the area. She mentions Hockesin, Uwchlan and Kennett meetings. She writes about Alice Wilson and Jno Mans.
Box 1 – File 39
No. 3845 Poetry, dated June 4th 1823.
Box 1 – File 40
No. 3846 Letter from Mary Pennock to Mary Jones dated 11th Month, 30th Day 1823.
Mary Pennock writes that she is spending several weeks in East Marlborough. Winter is approaching. “Mary Lewis lodged here”. She writes that the “neighborhood”, “was “visited with affliction, as well as most others”. She claims that she was “never reduced to such weakness before yet health has returned”. She writes that “My little Morton (Pennock) is a very quiet thriving child”.
Box 1 – File 41
No. 3847 Letter from Mary Nixon to her aunt Mary Jones dated June 15th 1824.
Letter is written while traveling through “Wheeling”. It describes various health issues encountered and mentions Joseph Hunt and Ann Roberts.
Box 1 – File 42
No. 3848 Letter from Mary Pennock to her aunt Mary Jones dated 7th Month 7th Day 1824.
Mary Pennock writes that she would like to visit her aunt but that her son, Morton is a very active child and she fears he would be troublesome in such a journey. She writes that the “connections” (relatives) are reasonably well but that “Mother” complains of “debility”.”Aunt” Amy Dixon is visiting. At Monthly meeting there were a number of her friends; “Samuel Hadly and his wife – who is Phebe Uarts grand-daughter”. She mentions Nathan Lewis. Joshua Taylor and his wife have become members. Sarah Sinclair was disowned because of her marriage. David Cope is visiting the meeting as are Sarah Crisson and Elizath Barton from Haddonfield. She writes of various children (relatives) that have been born. Hannah Dilworth has left “Aunt Hannah”.
Box 1 – File 43
No. 3849 Letter from Martha Nixon to Mary Jones dated July 12th 1824.
Martha and her family have been traveling. This letter is written from Hillsborough. While on the road three of the children were afflicted with the measles. She refers to a letter, which she wrote from “Wheeling”. Her husband, William has also been ill. Her sister’s daughter has moved to from Hillsborough to Cincinnati. She writes about her husband’s business and that the children will be starting school soon. She mentions Nathan Sharpless and Martha Nixon as travelers also. She sends respects to John and Thomas Vickers and also to Thomas Downing.
Box 2 – File 1
No. 3850 Letter from Mary Nixon to her “Brother” Samuel Nixon, dated July 16th 1824.
Mary writes about life in Hillsborough; farming, trade etc. She discusses the health of children and others, of a group traveling to Hillsborough.
This letter is quite similar in content and references to letter No. 3849
Box 2 – File 2
No. 3851 Letter from Edw. B. Darlington to his Aunt, Mary Jones, dated 8th Month, 22nd day 1824.
Edw. Describes traveling from his aunt’s “PleasantMansion” to Jesse Sharpless’ (of Goshen), before dinner. Traveled on to Westown in the afternoon and returned to Nathan Sharpless’s in the evening. He writes of traveling home to Birmingham and that “Mira” “was” expecting to go down in Stage next morning” but had to remain until 4th day when she was in the company of J.W. Townsend. He further writes of the death of Elizabeth Kimpton of a severe case of dysentery. According to this letter, he and others have been similarly afflicted. He finishes the letter with, “Excuse the bad writing. Has thee been to the Springs yet?”
Box 2 – File 3
No. 3852 Letter from Martha Nixon to Mary Jones dated 23rd day, 11th month 1824.
Written from Hillsborough. She laments on not having heard from Mary in some time. William has been looking for farmland in the Miami area. She mentions a fiend, Mary Brown Pusy. She also writes about Jesse Jones.
Box 2 – File 4
No. 3853 Letter from Mary Nixon to Mary Jones dated 11th Month, 27th day, 1825.
Written to her “Respected Aunt” from Hillsborough.
Box 2 – File 5
No. 3854 Letter from Mary Pennock to Mary Jones dated 1st Month, 5th day, 1825.
In this letter, written from her home in East Marlborough, Mary Pennock indicates that Nathan Lewis has offered to carry correspondence “if it might be the means of getting any information back from thee.” Mary Jones is in Uwchlan. She wonders if Mary Jones has heard of the “decease of Aunt Mary House” of a leg infection? Martha Darlington and her children attended the funeral. She hopes that Nathan will bring information back.
There has been a little snow which has near(ly) closed the roads. “Thomas Walter has lost his wife having an infant of 10 days old, the 3rd in 2 years.”
Box 2 – File 6
No. 3855 Letter from Tamzin Pennock to Mary Jones dated 1st Month, 5th day 1824.
Tamzin writes from East Marlborough of much illness in the area. She states that school has not been in session since the “Dr. buried his son with putrid soar throat”. School has been closed until spring. Ann Mercer buried an infant but is now nursing one of Thomas Walter’s. A new paper mill has been raised and enclosed.
Box 2 – File 7
No. 3856 Letter from Lewis Lewis to Mary Jones, dated April 4, 1825
A request to Mary Nixon for a letter from William Nixon to be sent to him.
Box 2 – File 8
No. 3857 Letter from Martha Nixon to her son Samuel Nixon dated 6th Month, 1st day of 1825.
From Springsborough in Warren County Ohio, Martha writes that a “neighbour and acquaintance of Aunt Mary will be traveling to the east and will deliver this letter to “Uchland”. Samuel Nixon is requested to tell Aunt Mary that this neighbour whose name is Eliza Hatten is the daughter of Robert Hatten. Martha remarks that she has not seen Lewis (Lewis) yet but that he possibly returned to his fathers’ home which is 40 miles away “between the 2 miamees (rivers) in a friend’s settlement in a little village called Springsborough 40 miles from the Indiana Yearly meeting”. They are in good health. The farming is going well. The “girls have had a very good school between 40 and 50 scholars”. She writes that “Uncle Samuel and their family lives in a smart little town call Lebanon 9 miles from us and he has a very good practise”. “Uncle William Patterson is doing as well”. They live near Francis Worrell Tailor. Martha writes that “Moses Roberts has not bettered himself much by coming to the Ohio.
Box 2 – File 9
No. 3858 Letter from Lewis Lewis to his aunt Mary Jones dated June 26th 1825 from ConcordTownship.
Lewis has been on the road for 20 days when he writes this note to his aunt. He has visited with Uncle William Nixon and writes about John Barnes. He mentions William Paterson selling on commission.
Box 2 – File 10 – 11-12
No. 3859 – 3860 -3861 Letter of Martha Nixon to her son Samuel Nixon, not dated.
Written from WarrenCounty, Clearcreek Township, Ohio. Addressed to Samuel Nixon of Downingtown, “The first house over the bridge”.
Martha writes that Lewis (Lewis) has delivered his letter. She is pleased to hear that Samuel is enjoying good health and assures him that they will see him. Martha is now living “between the two Miamees”, near a canal being dug between Dayton and Cincinnati. She compares the country side to “downingtown”, but apparently not as “well improved”. She states that the health of the family has improved after moving from Pennsylvania. “Father has taken some land to share” and is growing corn. She writes that “Uncle Samuel” and his family live a few miles away in Lebanon, on the little Miamee. William Peterson, who is in the shoe business, lives near Uncle Samuel. Martha mentions the bad accident that has befallen Aunt Mary.
Martha continues in letter 3860 that she had much to write but the “paper was to small”.
The family has enjoyed good health but she has not been feeling well. She has a “weakness” in her back. She writes that Samuel had given her some “white turpentine” for her back and wonders if it would help but has lost any directions (for its use) that might have accompanied the turpentine. She requests, of Samuel, that she would like a few articles (apparently to be delivered by Lewis). She would like a pair of candlesticks and a dozen spoons. Prices are stated to be higher in Ohio. She further requests some pottery items. She mentions “Cousin Nancy Price”. The “girls” request whalebone “enough for 7 or 8 bonnets”. She also desires dome colored and white cotton (cloth).
Martha continues in letter 3861. She wants to know what the whalebone costs as she wishes to sell them. “Pleas to get me some good bobbin”.
Box 2 – File 13
No. 3862 Letter From Mary Pennock to Mary Jones, dated 7th month, 22nd day of 1825.
Written from East Marlborough to her “Esteemed Aunt”. She is sending this letter via a neighbor who is traveling to “Lewis’s”. The weather is very warm and dry but “the Dysentary is appearing in many places”. She mentions that an “apprentice of Jno Hadly’s is just getting out of it”. Hannah Passmore is ill. “It (dysentery) prevails much about Nottingham It is very mortal”. “Margaret Walter has last week buried her colored girl (in her 18th year) with Bilious & Typhus fever”. Sister “Joanna” is confined with something of a “paraletic kind principally affecting her recollection & sight”. She mentions “little Ann” who at present is at Pennsborough and “Aunt Amy Dixon who is nought to be very near her end”.
Box 2 – File 14
No. 3863 Letter from Lewis Lewis, Jr. to Mary Jones dated February 3, 1826.
Letter was delivered by Judah Lewis.
Written from Sugar Tree Ridge to his Aunt Mary in Uwchaln. Lewis lives in Ohio and writes of the extremely dry conditions, the crops that have been destroyed by insects and the price of beef and pork. He mentions that William Nixon is living in Springsborough but in the spring is going to a great factory on the big “Miamee”. “William Patterson and family are going about the country”. “Moses Roberts has got another wife”.
Box 2 – File 15
No. 3864 Letter(s) from Martha Nixon to her son Samuel Nixon and from Martha to her friend Mary Jones, dated 3rd month, 6th day of 1826.
Letters were written on the same piece of stationary and addressed to Samuel Nixon or Mary Jones of Uchland.
In the first letter Martha writes that Lewis (Lewis) had sent word to “Ellis to provide a way for thee and Judah to get out here”. She writes that “it is out of our power at this time to send thee anything to get one, (horse)” for the journey. She is going into business and Hannah (Nixon) is getting married on the 29th of March to Joel Matthews from Baltimore. She is also getting ready to move closer to Monthly meeting. Martha suggests that Samuel not to neglect getting his “certificate” and to direct it to Springsborough monthly meeting. She writes that “Father was at Isaac Vickers’s last week”. She mentions “Uncle William Roberts”. She asks that Samuel take the letter to Aunt Mary Jones “and ends by asking Samuel to “Remember us to William Downings family”.
In the second letter, written by Martha to Mary Jones she mentions that she did not know how “crippled” Mary was. She wishes that Mary will get someone to write for her. She writes of how she was favored in having a good friend in Maryland that the Darlington’s are coming (for a visit).
Box 2 – File 16
No. 3865 Letter from Jesse Jones John to Mary Jones dated 4th Month 29th day of 1826.
Letter was written at Shamokin and addressed to “ChesterCounty, Uwchland Near the Red Lion Tavern”.
It also was addressed “To kind attention of Joanna Sharpless in Philadelphia”.
Jesse writes of a difficulty he has with a family named Yocum.
“There is considerable agitation” regarding “the contemplated Railroad from Danville to Pottsville”. He sends respects to “Uncle Geo. Brinholtz’s family”. He hopes that his letter will be received by his aunt and that she will reply.
Box 2 – File 17
No. 3866 Letter from Martha Nixon to Mary Jones dated 6th Month, 4th Day of 1826.
Letter is postmarked at Lebanon, Ohio and addressed to Downingtown.
Martha writes, again in this letter, of the crippled condition of Mary and laments of the distance between them.
Samuel has arrived (at Hillsborough), after a very good journey. She mentions Sarah living at Isaac Vickers’ school. “William Patterson is keeping store and doing much better..” There is a lengthy dissertation of the less than gentlemanly treatment of Samuel by William Downing. Judea Lewis has delivered the “bond and money” that Martha has sent.
Box 2 – File 18
No. 3867 Letter from J.J. John to Mary Jones dated 8th Month, 20th Day of 1826.
J.J. (probably Jesse Jones) John to his aunt Mary. Writes “by way of Philadelphia” that he has been home a few days. His family is well but that “health has been a stranger to me”. He is afflicted with “despepsia” He is “attending store for Amos Yarnall in SchuykillCounty”. He remarks of the dry season and that a great hail storm had literally destroyed all the grain in some fields. Much window glass was broken.
Box 2 – File 19
No. 3868 Letter from J.J. John to Mary Jones dated 4th Month 6th Day of 1827.
Letter is addressed from Philadelphia to MaryJonesChesterCounty.
“J.J.” is in Philadelphia and “entrusted with Store goods” which he must “superintend up the canal to Pottsville”. He states that he can not pay his aunt a visit because of this business responsibility.
He writes that “Abisha and Emily Thomas arrived home with reasonable luck”. He hopes that his aunt is blessed with good health.
Box 2 – File 20
No. 3869 Letter from Mary Pennock to Mary Jones dated 2nd Month of 1828.
In this letter Mary Pennock laments that she does not hear from Mary Jones but indirectly from other relatives. She would like it if her Aunt Mary “Jones” would write occasionally.
She writes of the health of various family members and that Solomon Fussell will likely deliver this correspondence.
She states that “The Orthodox of N. Garden 2nd have at their last Meeting had the company of T. Thelito, E. Robson, S. Bettle etc. who have amazingly strengthened them toward the great work of disownment of the mighty mass of unbelievers”.
The overseers of W. Grove visited Amos Preston, Joseph Wilson etc. to inquire if they had joined the “new society”. The inquiry continued to determine if the aforementioned had not attended a yearly meeting in Philadelphia. She believes that these inquires will continue as “ A. Barker says “this work” is the Lords and will prosper”.
James Miles sold his farm to Jno Kendall and Jesse Pyle purchased a brick house.
Mary writes that she hopes that Mary Jones will visit in the spring.
She mentions that her neighbor Hannah Mercer has “pass’d Meeting with a young man the name Brocius”. Further that “Rebecca Webb and Jno Parker made their appearance in like order at the Ortho Mo. Meeting”. She mentions Sarah Thomas, Aunt Joanna and Lydia Way.
Box 2 – File 21
No. 3870 Letter from J.J. John to Mary Jones, dated 4th Month, 28th day of 1828.
Written from Shamokin, “J.J.” writes that he was disappointed that he could not visit and thought that he should write of the family’s welfare. His health has improved. He would be pleased to hear from his aunt and closes with wishes from his father and mother.
Box 2 – File 22
No. 3871 Letter from Sarah Nixon to Mary Jones, dated 5th month 4th day of 1828.
Written from Leesburg Ohio, Sarah writes to her aunt that “Samuel and Judah” have safely arrived.
Sarah states that she teaches at “Unkle Isaac Vickers” school which is 33 miles from home. She has “25 scholars at 2 dollars per quarter”.
Sarah describes having seen the Shakers and describes their ceremony and lifestyle as well as the Shakers town and gardens.
She mentions the current location of some of the family.
Box 2 – File 23
No. 3872 Letter from Martha Nixon to Mary Jones, undated.
There has been little correspondence between Martha and Mary. Difficulties are due to distance(Martha is in Ohio); and expectations of friends carrying mail, which does not arrive.
Sarah discusses the health and condition of various family members. She writes “We are all living together yet” but that they “expect to loose Sarah in the spring” as she (Sarah) is keeping company with a “young friend by the name of Nathaniel Brown”.
William Patterson is in Winchester. She sends regards to Thomas Vickers and Esther Roberts.
Martha writes “thee can inform Samuel Williamson that John Barns family is all well”.
She wonders “whether Caln quarter is divided and how Pikeland friends are coming on?”
Box 2 – File 24
No. 3873 Letter from Hannah Pennock to Mary Jones, dated 1st Month, 18th Day of 1829.
On a “very snowy day”, Hannah writes of “Father, Tamzin and I”, returning from meeting. She describes the attendance at meeting. “Lydia Chandler had the gallery to herself”.
B. Parker told “Father” that he had “seen thee at West Chester” monthly meeting. She closes with “Barclay sends his love with Mine”.
Box 2 – File 25
No. 3874 Letter to Mary Jones, dated 1st Month, 30th Day of 1829.
“Joshua Hoops from Downingtown” “will perhaps carry if handed to him”.
The writer describes weather conditions and the health of various family members.
Also “Reports still say the treaty is not likely to drop at East Bradford think the old landlady will be somewhat released”.
Reference to; J. Hoops and a class to study Astronomy.
Box 2 – File 26
No. 3875 Letter from Mary (Pennock) to Mary Jones, dated 2nd Month 16th Day of 1829.
Mary writes that the classes (Astronomy – see previous letter) given by J. Hoops are nearing and end and that perhaps he (J. Hoops) will deliver this letter. She mentions a “tour” which was satisfactorily concluded by the “children”.
The Quarterly Meeting was attended by Edw Hicks, Jesse Kersey, and Saml. Livezy and Jno Folk. Elizath Wilson, the widow of Ephraim Wilson has passed away, also the lame son of Amy Pyle. Benj. Pyle’s children have taken the measles and two of them have died. Much more illness among the residents is described. Jno Hadly’s “man” (Moore) who is married to Joshua Hoops sister. Ann Hadly, Elizabeth Way, Caleb Mercer, Harlan Webb.
Box 2 – File 27
No. 3876 Letter from Hannah Pennock to Mary Jones, dated 1829 on “a” Seventh day afternoon.
Hannah writes about yarn, spinning and making clothing.
She mentions an accident in which the son of James Jones shot and killed a “little black boy”. She writes of Joshua Thompson and John Hadley and that some children have died from measles.
Box 2 – File 28
No. 3877 Letter form Mary (Pennock) to Mary Jones, dated 3rd Month 28th Day of 1827.
Mary writes that she spent some time with S. Jacobs and E. Lewis and that they will deliver this letter to her “Esteemed Aunt”.
“Mother left … for the City in (the) company with Gardner”. Mary then writes that they probably are in Middletown by this time and that “this will be a decisive visit”. She, (Mary) looks at the negative side. But others have said that “it might be a suitable connection, he (Gardner) thinks her very much like his former companion”.
She then writes of the health of various family members and acquaintances. Measles has been a major problem. Sarah has a “crooked hand”, the son of Ann Cox, Aunt Susan Marshall and uncle Abner Marshall, Elizath. Way, Hannah Hoops.
She describes consumption as the “family disease” of the Hillis family, and that Frances Chalfant had a “slight paraletic touch affecting her speech”.
Box 2 – File 29
No. 3878 Copies of Will and Probate of Mary Jones, dated 27th Day of October, 1829.
Eber Worthington was the recorder for the County.
Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend are named as executors.
In her Will, Mary bequeaths $250.00 in a trust to Uwchlan “Particular” Meeting. The interest earned by this trust is to go to repair of the Meeting house.
She bequeaths $500.00 in a trust to Joseph Hawley and Mordecai Lee of the Green Street Meeting in Philadelphia. The interest earned by this trust to be given to indigent friends of the Uwchlan and Pikeland preparative meetings. She mentions the “present disturbed state of our society (friends)”. When “peace and tranquility is restored”, the trust is to be given to the Meeting.
She bequeaths funds to Phebe Broomhall ($300.00) and Susannah Harvey ($100.00) who are the daughters of Amos and Sarah House.
To Sarah, Hannah, Phebe, Mary and Amos Darlington who are the children of Emanuel and Martha Darlington, each $100.00.
To Pamela Brenhold and Ann Haines each $200.00, Sarah Janny and Phebe John who are the children of Ruben and Lydia John, each $300.00.
To Sarah Pennock, Mary Pennock and Mary Walters who are the daughters of Robert and Martha Lamborn, each $300.00. Also to certain personal items to Mary Pennock and Mary Walters.
To Emily Stephens, Lydia Sharpless and Eliza Parker, the daughters of Jesse and Joanna Sharpless, each $400.00. Also to Julia Anna Sharpless and Mira Townsend (also daughters of Jesse and Joanna Sharpless), $200.00 as well as some personal items.
To Townsend Sharpless $300.00.
To Eusebius and Hannah Townsend, the children of her nephew Joseph Townsend, each $100.00 and to their mother Sarah Townsend, $200.00.
To Mary Jones Parker, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Parker, $100.00 plus some personal items.
To Sarah Ailes, wife of Isaac Ailes, $400.00and some personal items. Also to their daughter Mary Ann, $100.00.
To Lydia and Abigail the daughters of John Townsend of Philadelphia, $300.00.
To the children of Moses and Mary Pennock; Tamzin Pennock $150.00 plus some personal items and to Jesse Jones Pennock, $100.00.
To Deborah, wife of James Lackey, $100.00
To Hannah Dilworth, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Dilworth, $100.00.
To Mary Jones Boitler, $100.00.
To Sarah Thomas and Levi Evans, the children of Joseph and Elizabeth Evans, $100.00.
Also to Sarah some personal items.
To Mary Jones Heston, the daughter of Isaiah and Mary Heston, $100.00.
To Eusebius Townsend, son of William and Grace Townsend, $100.00 and to his brother John W. Townsend her eight day clock.
To Mary Paxson, the wife of Jacob Paxson, $100.00.
To Jesse John the son of Abiah and Martha John, $100.00.
To Phebe Brenhold, the daughter of George and Pamela Brenhold, $100.
To Mary Richards the wife of Samuel Richards, $200.00 and to her daughter Hannah Richards, $200.00.
To William, Thomas, Ziba, and Edward Darlington, each $100.00.
To Jesse Jones Thomas the son of Abraham and Sarah Thomas, $100.00.
The rest of the estate is to be divided as follows:
To her sister Joanna Sharpless, three fourths.
To Thomas, Ziba and Edward Darlington, her nephews, the other one fourth that they may use it in maintenance and support of her brother in law Jonathan Jones.
Box 2 – File 30 – 31
No. 3879 – 3880 Inventory of goods and Chattles of Mary Jones, dated October 29th 1829.
The articles inventoried are arranged by the room in which they are to be located.
There is an appraised value next to each item.
Parlour
Entry
Sitting room
Cellar
Wood House
Garrett
West Room upstairs
The total value is stated as follow:
“Inventory
D C
Cash on hand 55.70
Amount of obligations 6036.54
7 Shares Bank Stock @ 41 Dols 287.
Goods appraised 519.57
6898.81
Price of Jonathans lot 20.
$6918.81”
Box 2 – File 32
No. 3881 List of Bonds in Estate of Mary Jones, dated 1829
This list of Bonds or Notes is arranged by the name of the person to whom the funds were loaned, the Amount due, Interest and the Original date of “the” obligation.
Box 2 – File 33
No. 3882 Vendue List/Book of goods of Mary Jones, dated November 20th 1829.
The list of goods is headed with the conditions of sale and is signed by the executors of the estate of Mary Jones, Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend.
“The condition of the present sale of personal property of Mary Jones dec are as follow”.
1st The highest and best bidder at a fare and open bid shall be the purchaser.
2nd Any persons so purchasing to the amount of 5 dollars and upward shall have 4
months credit, by giving their notes with approved security.
3rd No articles to be removed until the conditions are complied with”.
Box 2 – File 34
No. 3883 Note of legacy left to the Uwchlan Preparative Meeting by Mary
Jones, dated 26th Day, 3rd Month 1830.
This Note is addressed to the “Trustees appointed by Uwchlan Preparative”
The wording of the paragraph contained in the will of Mary Jones related to the Uwchlan Meeting is stated.
“John Phipps and Evan Lewis are appointed to receive the money of the executors give and discharge in behalf of this meeting and see that it is applied according to the uses intended by the testator”.
Box 2 – File 35
No. 3884 Receipt in Estate of Mary Jones, dated May 4, 1830.
Received of the executors of the estate, (Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend),
The sum of “ninety seven dollars & fifty cents” “less the tax due under the act of Assembly relative to collateral inheritance”.
Signed by Wm Darlington.
Box 2 – File 36
No. 3885 Receipt in Estate of Mary Jones, dated 9th Month 30th day,1830.
Received of the executors of the estate, (Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend),
The total sum of $2000.00 part of which was in Bank Stock, part in Bond and part in goods purchased in sale of estate.
Signed by Joanna Sharpless.
Box 2– File 37
No. 3886 Refunding Bond of Jesse Sharpless, Townsend Sharpless and Joseph J. Sharpless, dated 22nd Day of October, 1830.
This Bond is written to the executors of the will of Mary Jones (Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend).
The bond is for $4559.38.
It is further stated that the executors have paid “unto Joanna Sharpless wife of the bounden Jesse Sharpless the sum of Two Thousand Two Hundred and seventy Nine Dollars and sixty nine cents such as above said in full of a residuary Bequest made to her…”.
The bond continues that if the executors require the funds $2279.69 to discharge any future debt of the estate that Joanna and her husband Jesse Sharpless must return and refund the funds extended to them.
Box 2 – File 38
No. 3887 Copy of Accounts of Estate of Mary Jones by her Administrators, dated 9th Day of November 1830.
This document is a detailed listing of the funds paid out of the estate of Mary Jones by her executors, Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend.
It is sealed by Geo. Fisher as the clerk of the Orphans’ Court of Chester County.
Box 2 – File 39 – 40
No. 3888- 3889 These 2 Documents – Papers of Settlement and list of Legacies of the Estate of Mary Jones by Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend, dated 13th Day of November 1830.
These documents provide a detailed listing of the funds received and paid by the executors of the estate of Mary Jones. Signed by her executors, Thomas Darlington and Eusebius Townsend.
225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 | 610-692-4800
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