Taylor Family Papers, 1702-1826

Biographical Note

As surveyors, mill owners, publishers and public officials, the Taylor family was active in the community of early Pennsylvania.  Beginning with the 1702 document “The Indians of Oakhookney,” and concluding with a livestock purchase in 1826 by Alice Frazer from Vernon G. Taylor, the collection reveals one hundred and twenty-four years of family history.

The following excerpt from Futhey & Cope’s History of Chester County, Pennsylvania (1881) traces the family genealogy:

John Taylor, who is supposed to have come from Wiltshire, was a resident on Tinicum Island in 1684, as a lessee under Christopher Taylor. The name of his wife was Hannah, and their children, Elizabeth, Isaac, and John. He was deceased in 1688. His daughter Elizabeth was married, 1, 1, 1686, to Hugh Durborow, who with the rest of the family moved to Thornbury.

Jacob Taylor acquired a good education, and was engaged in teaching school in 1701, when, owing to the death of the surveyor general, he was called to take charge of that office, and about 1706 was commissioned surveyor-general. He was succeeded by Benjamin Eastburn in 1733, and retired to live with his nephew, John Taylor, in Thornbury, where he died March 2, 1745/6. For several years he prepared the necessary calculations for an almanac, together with verses of his own composition and other matter, which were published by Isaiah Warner, William Bradford, and perhaps others.

Isaac Taylor, the brother of Jacob, resided in Thornbury, and was deputy surveyor for Chester County from 1701 until his death in 1728. He married, in 1694, Martha, daughter of Philip Roman, and had children, – John, Jacob, Philip, Ann, and Mary. Ann married Samuel Savage, of Coventry, an ironmaster. Jacob married, 8, 13, 1728, Grace Worrilow, and had several children.

John Taylor, son of Isaac, was a physician, as was his father, and also a surveyor, both under the latter and as his successor until 1740. After this he engaged in iron manufacture, and erected Sarum Forge, at the present Glen Mills Station, on Chester Creek. He died in 1756, leaving children, – Martha, Isaac, John, Philip, Jacob, and Mary. His son John married Sarah, daughter of John Worrall, of Edgmont, and left three children, – Mary, m. to Persifor Frazer [1766]; Isaac, m. to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Townsend; and Sarah, m. to James Thompson. 

Jacob (the Surveyor-General), who seems to have married twice, was originally known as an astronomer and mathematician who wrote the first North American mathematical publication – a guidebook to the solar and lunar eclipses for the years 1698-1717.  He taught school in Philadelphia briefly and went on to author a yearly almanac for forty-six years.  While he oversaw the Society of Friends’ Philadelphia press, and occasionally published his own almanac, many of the volumes were printed by others which enabled him to interact with colonial printers such as Regnier Jensen, John Zenger and the Bradfords.  Jacob praised Ben Franklin as “an able and poetic almanac maker,” and Franklin eulogized Taylor on the cover of his 1747 edition of “Poor Richard’s Almanac.”  Franklin later integrated Taylor’s two-page calendar in his own almanac.

Mary Worrilow Taylor, granddaughter of John (d. 1756), married Colonel Persifor Frazer in 1766.  The Society of Friends disapproved of this marriage since Persifor was Presbyterian.  Mary has been purported to reply that she was sorry that she had offended the Society, but she would never be sorry that she had married Persifor.

Isaac, son of John (d.1756) received a letter from his father in 1740 in which his father instructed him not to give credit at the shop to Elizabeth, John’s second wife.

Scope and Content – Taylor 

Taylor family papers are arranged chronologically under subject and name headings.

Box 1 contains documents related to Taylor surveying careers.  This includes, but is not limited to, drafts of Lord Baltimore’s Line; New Castle, Delaware; work in Philadelphia and around the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers, Springton Manor, and Indian lands (“Oakhookeny”).

Also in Box 1 are legal documents and letters that relate to their county offices and personal matters.  These include: letters from John Taylor to the Chester County Commissioners and Assessors concerning the county treasurer’s office, letters of James Logan to John Taylor, manuscripts documenting Thompson vs. Thompson domestic abuse court case, a list of members of Concord Weekly meeting, several documents relating to John’s separation from his second wife, and a survey by Anthony Wayne.

Box 2 contains correspondence, poetry, etc.  Folders 1 -5 are papers related to Isaac Taylor which include estate papers, a deposition, a commission as well as an indenture agreement with Margarita Herner.  Folders 6 – 25 contain documents related to Jacob Taylor, correspondents include: James Logan, Nicholas Scull, Joseph Rose, and several printers, as well as family.  There are also poems and some astronomical observations.

Box 3 contains documents related to John Taylor and his operation of Sarum Forge in Thornbury, including surveys and drafts, work contracts with employees and suppliers of the forge.   

Taylor family, Box 1 – Surveying, etc.

Folder 1 – John Taylor – James Logan letters, 1719-1739/40

• To J.T. from James Logan, Philadelphia, 4^th day, 9^th month, 1719, regarding Jeremiah Harre.
• To John Taylor from James Logan, Stenton, August 16, 1735, survey order regarding agreement with John Meas to purchase a tract in Letitia Aubrey’s land, called Faggs Manor.
• To John Taylor, from James Logan, Philadelphia, March 18, 1736/7, survey order regarding Fagg’s Manor.
• To J. T., from James Logan, Philadelphia, December 30, 1737, regarding John Meas survey order.
• To J. Taylor from J. Logan, Stenton, January 24, 1737/8, regarding several individuals, including James Lindley, who gave conflicting reports on land ownership.
• To John Taylor from James Logan, Philadelphia, September 22, 1737, regarding the ongoing ownership conflict at Fagg’s Manor.
• To John Taylor from James Logan, September 22, 1737, authorizing him to manage the Fagg’s Manor tract.
• To J. Taylor from J. Logan, Stenton, September 29, 1737, regarding the James Lindley incident.
• To J. Taylor from J. Logan, Stenton, August 12, 1738, regarding payment by John Cook.
• To J. Taylor from J. Logan, Stenton, February 6, 1739/40, regarding sale of 425 acres of the Fagg’s Manor tract to Job Ruston[i]. Other information in the letter.

Folder 2 – John Taylor – “Calculation by Anthony Wayne, Surveyor, of Land in West Bradford Township, Chester County 1769.”  Late John Taylor’s Land.

Folder 3 – Survey by Anthony Wayne (?), Undated. 

Document is in pieces.  Photocopy in folder for viewing.

Folder 4 – John Taylor – Marlborough Street Certificate. 

His testimony concerning a survey he conducted in 1717 in Marlborough Township.  This document indicates he was approximately 57 years old when the testimony was given.

Folder 5 – Directions to an Iron Ore deposit, Undated. 

Document in two pieces.  Photocopy in folder for viewing.

Folder 6 – Survey of T. Crosop, Hendrick and Minshall Land. Five documents, 1735 and undated.

• “Copy of deposition taken before ye Mayor concerning he situation of Crosop plantation and others on Susquehanna” September 9, 1735.  John Taylor appeared before Thomas Lawrence, Mayor of Philadelphia.
• Rough draft of an affirmation of John Taylor’s possession of the Articles of Agreement for a survey of Thomas Crosop’s land.  Also mentions the survey of Lord Baltimore’s Line by Isaac Taylor, his father.  Undated.
• Rough draft of partial document in regards to Crosop, Hendrick and Minshall land.  Also some survey notes. Undated.
• Rough draft of partial document, Undated.
• Survey notations with rough drawing of a river (?) Undated.
• Survey notations which include “from the Paralol (sic) of Philadelphia to Lord Baltimore’s Line is 16 miles and 300 perches .. to the Paralol (sic) of Newcastle.”)

Folder 7 – Survey notes, 1734, undated.

• Survey notations dated August 29, 1734.
• List of names, some with amounts after them, Undated.

Folder 8 – Lord Baltimore’s Line, undated.

• Rough draft that begins “John Taylor saith…”
• Drawing of Lord Baltimore’s Line in relation to the Susquehanna River. Undated.

Folder 9 – New Castle

• Plot drawing of part of New Castle. Penciled note on back with figures and a year 1732(?)
• “New Castle Worke” drawing of Delaware border.  Drawing contains rivers, trees and a compass rose.  Undated. photocopy in folder.

Folder 10 – John Taylor – Anna Nutt Survey, 1738.

Survey order from Thomas Penn and Benjamin Eastburn to John Taylor to survey a grant of 150 acres of land in Nantmel (sic) Township for Anna Nutt, March 27, 1738.  Signed by Thomas Penn and Benjamin Eastburn.

Folder 11 – John Taylor – Letter from Thomas Callowhill giving directions to John Taylor on the surveying of his 5000 acre land grant.  Undated.  Transcript with the fragile document.

Folder 12 – “A Draught explaining the annexed affirmation John Taylor, Surveyor” Undated.

Folder 13 –“Draught of the western part of the Province of Pennsylvania.”

Also lists names of those who lived near the Susquehanna River and the southern boundary of Pennsylvania. Undated.

Folder 14 – Springtown Manor (Springton Manor)

• 1804 copy of 1753 survey of Springtown Manor for Daniel Henderson, 390 acres.
• 1804 copy of survey drawing of Springtown Manor, 10,000 acres.

Folder 15 – “Draught of Land near Conecochegue” Undated.

Folder 16 – “Survey Notes of the Boundary of Delaware ___ in 1732 and 3 and the Penn Southern boundary ____ in 1734 by John Taylor with other memorandum.”  Paper booklet written in pencil and ink.

Folder 17 – Susquehanna River

• Map of SusquehannaRiver basin with locations of stores and Indian towns. Undated.
• Survey drawing of “Susquehanah Line, SocietyLand, etc.” Undated.

Folder 18 – The Indians of Oakhookeny, October 13, 1702.

Original is extremely fragile.  Photocopy in folder.

Folder 19 – “Estimate draught of the Land by the Indians” Undated.

Folder 20 – “Thom Biles Draft of Society Land in Bucks County.” “A Draught of the Society’s Land in Bucks County, resurveyed the first day of May 1723 ..” Also date of May 17, 1725 written on top edge.

Folder 21 – “Copy of the Return of a Road from Philadelphia to the Point over against Glocester in West Jersey laid out be an Order of the Governor and Council dated August 6, 1720 and confirmed by the same Board November the 9^th, 1720.”  Jacob Taylor is one of the signers.

Folder 22 – Drawing of “The Streets from Broad Street to Schuylkil.” Undated.

Folder 23 – “Warrant for Running a Line from Susquehannah to Conogochoge” document signed October 19, 1734 by John Penn and Thomas Penn and written to Samuel Blunston and John Taylor.

Folder 24 – Drafts, 1716-1746

• Joseph Cloud 150 acres in Concord, ChesterCounty, Undated.  Iron gall ink damage where river is drawn.  Photocopy in folder.
• Memorandum from Richard Peters regarding James Green’s (sp.?) need to produce a copy of John Taylor’s survey.  February 14, 1746.
• Account of debt due for survey or Letitia’s Manor. 1724 – 1725.
• Copy of John Taylor’s Warrant for 400 acres and order for Survey thereof to Isaac Taylor and signed by Jacob Taylor. January 12, 1724.  Reference to the Free Society of Traders.
• John Taylor’s 400 acres in Thornbury in ChesterCounty surveyed by Isaac Taylor April 2, 1725.
• Certified copy of above document. “Certified at Philadelphia the 19^th of April 1725 by Jacob Taylor Surveyor General.”
• Survey “The Proprietor and C___ Evans Survey’d 8^th 18^th 1716.”  Original extremely fragile.  Photocopy in folder.

Folder 25 – John Taylor – Correspondence in regard to a 1727 survey of Captain Holl’s land at Tulpehocken, May 12, 1735.  A rough draft addressed, “May it Please the Proprietor.”

Folder 26 – John Taylor – Correspondence – County Treasurer’s office, 1739-1740/1

4 letters to the County Assessors and Commissioners dated 9/27/1739, January 4, 1739/40, February 4, 1739/40, and July 2, 1740/1. 

Folder 27 – Bill on the Commissioners, 1782.

To the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from John Gardner for keeping British Prisoners. Prisoners’ names listed, 1782.

Folder 28 – Thompson vs. Thompson, 1786-1790, undated.

• Warrant for the arrest of James Thompson, August 17, 1786.
• Testimony of abuse of Sarah Thompson by James Thompson, Undated.
• Copy of Charge of Abuse of Sarah Thompson against James Thompson October 1, 1790.

Folder 29 – “An Extemporary Sermon preached at ye request of two scollars by a lover of ale out of a hollow tree” no name or date.

Folder 30 – “Account of Disposal of Churchill’s Books” 2 documents with titles of books listed along with number of copies and cost. Also account of a “T. H (?) junior and father.” Undated.

Folder 31 – Charges for improving land and raising deceased man’s child by Peter Grubb and Martha ______.  Charges approved, signed and witnessed by twenty-five men including “John Taylor and his Man” Undated.

Folder 32 – Gideon Griffith’s Deposition, undated.

Tells how he tried to serve Charles Calvert, Edmond Jennings and Benjamin Tasker and the results.

Folder 33 – John Taylor – document fragment, 1727.

Folder 34 – Two miscellaneous receipts, 1717, 1826.

• March 12, 1717, Nathaniel Newlin.
• April 20, 1826, Livestock bought from Vernon G. Taylor by Alice Frazer.

Taylor family, Box 2 – Correspondence, etc.

Folder 1 – Isaac Taylor – Correspondence, 1714-1945.

• Letter from nephew John Duborow, Philadelphia, April 1, 1714.
• Letter from Daniel Stevenson, New York, August 8, 1745.
• Letter to Helena Taylor from Daniel Stevenson, New York, August 8, 1745 (?). (some water damage)
• Letter from John Stevenson, New York, August 8, 1945.

Folder 2 – Isaac Taylor – Estate Related, 1733-1772..

• Joseph Parker’s receipt for Letter of Administration of Jacob’s Estate, November 19, 1745.
• Helena Taylor’s Renunciation, November 13, 1745.
• “The Settlement between me and brothers about father’s Estate,” April 12, 1739. Signed by Phillip, Jacob, Ann and Mary Taylor.
• Administrations on Isaac Taylor’s Estate, November 16, 1745.  Document is in two pieces.  Photocopy in folder.
• Deed – Martha and John Taylor and the Estate of Isaac Taylor to James Widdow, April 20, 1733.
• Advertisement for sale of the late Isaac Taylor’s property, July 12, 1754.
• Notations from Peter Worrall’s will which was dated March 19, 1772.

Folder 3 – Isaac Taylor – Deposition. “A Copy of my Deposition,” July 15, 1742.  Affirmed testimony of Isaac Taylor stating, with details, that he saw David Weems receive a racehorse from Anthony Whitehead Waters.

Folder 4 – Isaac Taylor – Commission to Weights and Measures, 1741/2-1742.

• Commission to Regulate Weights and Measures January 15, 1741/2.  Signed by George Thomas, Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Pennsilvania (sic) and Counties of Newcastle Kent and Sussex upon Delaware.
• Indenture between Isaac Taylor and the Commissioners and Assessors of Chester County confirming a receipt for weights and measures, September 2, 1742. Signed by Daniel Walker, Thomas Morgan, Robert Miller, Joseph Gibbons, John Davis, William Jefferis, John Yarnall and Joshua Thomson.

Folder 5 – Isaac Taylor – Margarita (Henrita) Herner Indenture, September 16, 1742.  Indenture agreement of Margarita Herner to Isaac Taylor.  Back of document has transfer of indenture to John Taylor, May 15, 1748.  Photocopies in folder.

Folder 6 – Jacob Taylor – Correspondence, 1704-1710.

• Letter from J. (?)  Estaugh, Haddonfield, to Jacob Taylor, Philadelphia, Twenty-first day of tenth month, 1704.
• Letter from John Roberts (Roberdis?) to Jacob Taylor, October 3, 1709.
• Deed of Gift from Thomas Fairman to Jacob Taylor, December 12, 1710.

Folder 7 – Jacob Taylor – Correspondence, 1711-1720.

• §  The Copy of a Letter from Jacob Taylor to Thomas Fairman concerning the Division of the Estate at Shackamaxon. Circa May 27, 1715.
• §  Letter from Hugh Durborow, Kent, to “Honored Uncle” Jacob Taylor, Philadelphia, February 16, 1718/9.

Folder 8 – Jacob Taylor – Correspondence, 1731-1748.

• Letter to John Taylor, ChesterCounty, from Jacob Taylor, Uncle, July 15, 1731.  He mentions a deed, health matters and a Captain Annis.
• Letter to James Steel from Jacob Taylor, May 7, 1740.
• Letter to Nicholas Schull from Jacob Taylor, August 10, 1739.
• Note to Benjamin Eastburn from Jacob Taylor, June 2, 1739. Some astronomical notations and figures on front and back of note.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor, Thornbury, from Benjamin Eastburn, September 19, 1739.  He references Nicholas Schull in the letter.
• Letter to “Uncle Jacob” from Isaac Taylor, November 12, 1748.  Refers to Jacob’s almanacks (sic).
• Letter to James Logan from Elisha Gatchell, November 7, 1737.

Folder 9 – Jacob Taylor – Correspondence, 1741-1744.

• Letter to Jacob Taylor from Joseph Rose, Philadelphia, November 11, 1741.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor, ChesterCounty, from D. Harry, jr., Philadelphia, October 27, 1744.

Folder 10 – Jacob Taylor – Correspondence from James Logan, Stenton, December 20, 1743. One letter.

Folder 11 – Jacob Taylor – Correspondence, 1736-1743 – Nicholas Scull

• Letter to Jacob Taylor, ChesterCounty, from Nicholas Scull, Philadelphia, February 5, 1736.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor, from Nicholas Scull, Philadelphia, July 27, 1739.
• Jacob Taylor’s account from Nicholas Scull, July 28, 1739.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor, ChesterCounty, from Nicholas Scull, Philadelphia, February 2, 1742.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor, from Nicholas Scull, Philadelphia, July 10, 1743.

Folder 12 – Jacob Taylor – Astronomical Observations, 1717-1741

• Letter to Jacob Taylor from T. Godfrey, Philadelphia, November 4, 1741.
• “J. Logan’s Observations of moon with Aldebarian,” observed on July 15, 1717.

Folder 13 – Jacob Taylor – Almanac – Correspondence, 1739. 

A letter from J. Breintnall, Philadelphia, to Andrew  Bradford, Printer, Philadelphia, twenty-ninth day, eighth month, 1739, in regard to Jacob Taylor’s Almanac.

Folder 14 – Jacob Taylor – Almanac – Correspondence, 1745, undated.

• Letter to Jacob Taylor from William Bradford, October 5, 1745.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor from William Bradford, undated.
• Letter to Jacob Taylor, ChesterCounty, from William Bradford, Philadelphia, October 12, 1745.

Folder 15 – Jacob Taylor – Almanac – Correspondence, August 4 (no year).

Letter from J. Zenger to Jacob Taylor, August 4^th.

Folder 16 – Jacob Taylor – Almanac – Correspondence, 1743.

Letter from Isaiah Warner, Philadelphia, to Jacob Taylor, Sarum Forge, Chester County, December 29, 1743.

Folder 17 – Jacob Taylor – Almanac, undated.

A small page from a bound booklet that contains a notation of printer’s terms, possibly print types or a layout for a publication.

Folder 18 – Jacob Taylor – Almanac – Poetry, undated.. 

• “Ten Syllables to his Friend  J.T.”
• Poem “from J. Breintnal in Blank Verse”

Folder 19 – Jacob Taylor – Receipts, Accounts, etc., 1705-1735.

• Promissory note – William Dickson, Philadelphia, to Jacob Taylor, December 22, 1705.
• Receipt from Jacob Taylor to Charles Stow for Henry Drinker’s account, November 15, 1735.
• Itemized account from Jacob Taylor to Thomas Dunning, 1730 to 1733.

Folder 20 – Taylor Family – Poetry

Poem “To Jacob Taylor, on his Calculations (?) for ye Year 1737,” addressed to Andrew Bradford.  Document torn in half with center missing.  Photocopy in folder.

Folder 21 – Taylor Family – Poetry, 1741-1744, undated.

• Letter with poem to Jacob Taylor, Concord, from Richard Thomas, August 12, 1741.
• A Panegyrick in memory of Dr. John Keasley (sp.?), Philadelphia, August 3, 1744.  Addressed to Jacob Taylor, author unknown.
• Poem about Teaching, no author listed, but possibly Jacob Taylor.  Mathematical calculations on the reverse of the document. Undated.
• Two pages of surveying and astrological notes.  Two surveying formulas set to poetry.  Astrological notes dated 1741. Undated survey notes.  Probably Jacob Taylor’s notes.
• Reverse of document reads: “Verse on rum written as is supposed by Caleb Evans.” Title written:  “Sir Richard Rum’s Name, and Nature, in harvest _____ to ye Reinter __ :  or two sorts of Rum in one cagg” Undated.
• Poem “For J. W. Prichet,” the tale of a man who lives off his wife’s wealth and then goes off and then returns.  (See the definition of revet in the Oxford English Dictionary to aid comprehension of the poem.)  Undated. Document fragile.  Photocopy in folder.

Folder 22 – Taylor  Family – Poetry, undated.

• Poem in Latin about Thomas Penn entitled “In Adventum Proprietary.”  No author.
• Biblical poem that references Jesus Christ, David and Saul.  No author.  Mathematical notations on reverse.  Document fragile.  Photocopy in folder.

Taylor family, Box 3 –Sarum Forge papers, etc.

Folder 1 – John Taylor – Sarum Forge – Work Agreements, 1743-1753.

• Agreement – May 25, 1743, Richard Maybury with John Taylor.
• Agreement – January 18, 1744, Thomas Mills with John Taylor
• Agreement – April 9, 1747, John Larkin with John Taylor
• Agreement – March 29, 1748, Thomas Francis with John Taylor
• Agreement – June 13, 1749, William Hasselton with John Taylor
• Agreement – August 5, 1749, John Larkin with John Taylor
• Agreement – June 10, 1752, John Larkin with John Taylor
• Agreement – June 15, 1753, John Larkin with John Taylor

Folder 2 – John Taylor – Sarum Forge – John Larkin Account, 1744-1755.

• “Note payable December 1, 1744.”
• Itemized account and settlement, July 6, 1749, and the balance of a bond, 1752.
• Receipt “Bennet’s account of Larkin’s and Esington’s debt,” March 2, 1750/1.
• General release John Larkin to John Taylor, February 2, 1752.
• John Larkin work account, settlement, December 4, 1755.

Folder 3 – John Taylor – Sarum Forge – John Larkin Account, 1749-1755.

• Account John Larkin to John Taylor, settled February 24, 1752.  Itemized list of work performed for the Sarum Forge during the year 1749.
• Bill of Sale John Larkin to John Taylor, February 24, 1752.
• Receipt, Roger McGuley (sp.?) and John Larkin, 1755.

Folder 4 – John Taylor – Sarum Forge – John Larkin Account, 1752-1755.

• Account John Taylor to John Larkin, August 3, 1752, for Larkin’s instruction in work performed by Robert Campbell, George Goils, and Michale Masters at the slitting mill dam.
• Account John Larkin to John Taylor, settled June 13, 1753. Itemized list of work performed for the Sarum Forge during the year 1752.
• Receipt of paper that reads, “John Larkin’s accounts and Last Settlement”
• Bond John Larkin to John Taylor, December 24, 1755, witnessed by Isaac Taylor and Dan Calvert.

Folder 5 – John Taylor – Sarum Forge – Caesar Andrew Account, 1748-1752.

• Written account of Caesar Andrew’s work relationship with John Taylor (rough draft.)  Starts with the date of July 8, 1749, and notes two more dates: June 25, 1748 and February 2, 1750.  John Taylor says, in one paragraph, that C. Andrew, “neglected my business, destroyed my hamors (sic) …and wasted my Anconies and coals..”  On the reverse of the document are more notes about Caesar Andrew as well as John Taylor’s pasture land.
• Work Agreement – June 25, 1749, Caesar Andrew with John Taylor
• Receipt of paper that reads, “Caesar Andrew’s Account sent to Lancaster County Court with ___ Lawyer’s directions.”
• Account of Caesar Andrew to John Taylor from July 10, 1749, to June 23, 1752.  Reverse of document lists itemized charges for 1752. 

Folder 6 – John Taylor – Receipt for land from Thomas Wills, Middle Town, March 11, 1728/9.

Folder 7 – John Taylor – Agreements, Deeds, Bonds, etc., 1723-1755.

• Indemnifying Bond of John Baldwin to John Taylor, High Sheriff, June 1, 1723.
• Land sale agreement – John Baker to John Taylor, March 5, 1723/4.
• Bond, Patrick Campbell to John Taylor, November 5, 1729.
• Bond, Edward Cartlidge to John Taylor, November 5, 1729.
• Bond, James Kinkead to John Taylor, October 2, 1740.
• Receipt – Abraham Taylor, December 1, 1742.
• Work Agreement – Rees Jones to John Taylor, wood deliveries, June 10, 1746.
• Agreement – John Taylor and Ruben Young, farm tenant, March 26, 1750.
• Receipt – John Potts, September 21, 1754.
• Receipt – John Taylor vs. John Spruce, October 2, 1754, received by H.H. Graham.
• Receipt – Joseph Hemphill’s itemized account, March 8, 1755.

Folder 8 – John Taylor – Agreements, Deeds, Bonds, etc., 1716-1723.

• Lease – Joseph Baker, Edgemont to John and Ann Worrilow, Edgemont, April 5, 1716.
• Bond – James Thomas and John Ingram to John Taylor, 10^th day of [?], 1721. Document fragile and has two holes in it and some water damage, but is legible.  Photocopy in folder.
• Walter Worrilaw’s assignment, April 17, 1723. Walter Worrilaw, Peter and Alice Yarnall, Nicholas and Sarah Pyle, Thomas Worrilaw, Anne Worrilaw and Jane Worrilaw to John Taylor.  Document has holes from the iron gall ink and water damage, but is legible.  Witnessed by Joseph Way, John Lyn, Francis and Mary Yarnall, Samuel Gilpin and Peter Halton.

Folder 9 – John Taylor – Agreements, Deeds, Bonds, etc., 1724-1736.

• Agreement – John Taylor and Joseph Hayes to P. Joseph, January 9, 1743/4.
• Bond – John and Isaac Taylor to Francis Rawle, November 11, 1724.
• Lease – John Dutton to John Taylor, December 8, 1726.
• Lease – John Riley to John Taylor, November 15, 1736.

Folder 10 – John Taylor – Correspondence to Samuel Savage in regards to M Taylor’s effects, July 18, 1735. Rough draft.

Folder 11 – John Taylor – Correspondence – County Treasurer’s Office, 1737-1740/1.

Correspondence about filling the post of County Treasurer. Six letters.

Folder 12 – John Taylor – Joseph Baker and Mary Worrilaw Taylor – Legal documents, 1711-1731.

• Receipt – Samuel Thomlinson from Mary Baker, February 14(?) no year.
• Bond – Joseph Baker, Jr., and Joseph Baker, Sr., to Joshua and Daniel Hoopes, June 25, 1711.
• Bond – John Baker to Mary Baker, March 12, 1716.
• Receipt – Nathaniel Newlin from Mary Baker, 1718. (1^st day, 2^nd month?)
• “My account of ye administration of Joseph Baker’s estate,” itemized account by John and Mary Taylor, December 25, 1731.

Folder 13 – John Taylor – Joseph Baker and Mary Worrilaw Taylor- Legal documents, 1703-1717/8, undated.

• §  Account of Thomas Priest to Joseph Baker’s estate, Undated.
• §  Bond – Joseph Baker and Francis Yarnall to William Penn, November 2, 1703.
• §  Bond – Joseph Baker, Jr., to Joseph Baker, Sr., August 25, 1713.
• §  Receipt – Thomas Priest with dates for three services, 1714, 1715, 1717.
• §  John Willis’s account against Mary Baker, 3^rd month, 3^rd day, 1717.
• §  Account of Elis Williams’ bond to Nathaniel Newlin, 1717/8.
• §  Receipt – Charles Brooks from Mary Baker, November 4, 1717.

Folder 14 – John Taylor – Joseph Baker and Mary Worrilaw Taylor- Legal documents, 1716-1719/20, undated.

• Receipt – itemized, Undated.
• Bond – Mary Baker to John Baker, March 12, 1716.
• Agreement – Mary Baker to John Baker, brother-in-law, llth day, 1^st month, 1716/7.
• Receipt – William Heurtin from Joseph Baker, Jr, for the year 1717. Itemized.
• Receipt – John Allen from Isaac Taylor and Mary Baker, December 27, 1717.
• Receipt – John Turner from Isaac Taylor, December 31, 1717.
• Receipt – Thomas Tidball from John Taylor for the Baker estate, January 19, 1719/2.

Folder 15 – John Taylor – Joseph Baker and Mary Worrilaw Taylor – Legal documents, 1712-1721. 

• Bond – Joseph Baker to John Turner, May 4, 1712.
• Bond – Joseph Baker to Nathaniel Newlin, March 4, 1714.
• Receipt – Joseph Baker to James Logan, signed by John Riley, 1716.
• Receipt – Joseph Baker, 27^th day, 1^st month, 1716.
• Copy of Joseph Baker’s inventory, April 13, 1717.
• Account – John Allen’s account for work done, December 27, 1717. Itemized.
• Account – Thomas Dawson, December 12, 1718.
• Account Evan Honle (sp.?) to John Taylor, 29^th day, 11^th month, 1721.

Folder 16 – John Taylor – Joseph Baker and Mary Worrilaw Taylor – Legal documents, 1715-1719/20.

• Bond – Joseph Baker to George Pearce, October 5, 1715.  Document torn at top. Photocopy in folder.
• Receipt – Joseph Baker to John Willis, received by William Hammans, 8^th day of the 11^th month, 1716.
• Account – John Moore’s account against Mary Baker, July 21, 1717.
• Receipt – Isaac Taylor to Daniel Calvert for coffin, October 6/1, 1717.
• Receipt – John Taylor to John Dutton for Joseph Baker, jr. estate, 23^rd day, 12^th month, 1719/2.
• Page that reads “Account of the Administration of the Estate of Joseph Baker, jr.

Folder 17 – John Taylor – Joseph Baker and Mary Worrilaw Taylor – Bond, 1719

• Bond – Isaac Taylor and John Baker to John Worrall, August 14, 1719. 

Folder 18 – John Taylor – Correspondence, 1734-1745, undated.

• Letter from Hugh Durborow, Undated.
• Letter of apology from Jacob Vernon to John Taylor, 11^th day, 8^th month, 1745.
• Rough draft of a letter to Meeting in regards to some actions taken by them.  December 7, 1734

Folder 19 – John Taylor – 31 – Documents pertaining to John Taylor’s Second Wife, 1740-1745

• “My Orders to Isaac not to Trust Dame,” October 11, 1740.
• “Advertisement about Elizabeth Taylor,” April 27, 1745, and Request for a “Surety of the Peace” for John Taylor and his children, April, 1745.
•  “If Silence In Season be a Laudable Virtue…” Broadside, 13”x9”, signed in print by John Taylor proclaiming the reasons for his separation from his second wife, Elizabeth[ii]. August 20, 1745.

Folder 20 – John Taylor -Draught of Petition in regards to John Worrall’s Account, December 20, 1745.

Folder 21 – John Taylor

• Martha Taylor’s Marriage Certificate, “Copy of William Empson’s Certificate of Marriage, November 29, 1738.
• John Taylor’s miscellaneous notes he recorded regarding the cost of Martha’s wedding and other items he purchased for or gave to Martha and her family. Also records physicks that he performed for family members and servants. Dates from 1738 to 1744. Booklet pinned and sewn together.

Folder 22 –John Taylor – Miscellaneous, 1682-1776.

• Letter to Richard Collett in London, 1718.

•  “A List of Those who belong to the weekly Meeting of Concord 1747.”
• Printed advertisement June 1, 1724, “J.T. Sheriff,” issued dismissing false accusations against 17 men who served on an inquest.  Their names are printed.
• Fragment of document. “1776 ye 2^nd month” on bottom edge.
• Booklet, sewn together, with miscellaneous notes:  shopping lists, form letters, notes about surveys, etc.  Mentions Ralph Evenson and John Lewis, grandson to W. Tally on inside front cover.  Pencil writing on front cover faded.  Other names mentioned.  Dates range from 1682 to 1714.  Author not indicated.

Folder 24– John Taylor – Thomas Bell Estate, March 19, 1744/5.

Folder 25 – John Taylor –Receipts, etc., 1732-1744/45.

• “Father’s order for Aunt Mary Brogdon,” written to Isaac from John Taylor, July 22, 1742.
• Sarah Taylor’s receipt, February 15, 1744/5.
• Mary Taylor’s order to John to pay Ralph Eavenson (sp.?), 8^th day, 9^th month, 1732.
• Sarah Taylor’s receipt March 11, 1744/5.

Harris Family Papers, 1779 – 1885

Biographical Note

Dr. Stephen Harris was born September 4, 1798, to William and Mary Campbell Harris.  He was the youngest of seven children and brother to Campbell, Thomas, Mary, John, William and James.  After attending the Chester County Academy, he became a medical doctor upon his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 1819. He came back to the East Whiteland area where he served the community as their doctor.

Dr. Harris married Marianne Smith, daughter of Joseph and Mary Frazer Smith, on April 4, 1833. They had three children; Stephen, Joseph and Martha.  They were founders of East Whiteland Presbyterian Church and were influential in the building of the church and parsonage.

Dr. Harris died in Philadelphia on November 18, 1851.  Marianne died March 12, 1890.

Scope and Content

Folders 1 – 6 of Harris family papers are documents related to William Harris, father of Stephen Harris.  Most of these concern his time of service as captain in the East Whiteland Militia during and after the Revolutionary War.

Folders 7 – 12 are largely concerned with Dr. Stephen Harris.

They include: correspondence, receipts and memorandums, real estate papers such as mortgages, deeds, leases, maps, building plot plans, surveys, and floor plan drawings.  The real estate papers are for his personal and family property and for the parsonage of the East Whiteland Presbyterian Church. 

Also included are matriculation cards for classes and lectures he attended at the University of Pennsylvania.  According to “Sketch of the Life of Dr. William Harris,” Dr. Stephen Harris was asked to take care of his brother William’s finances as he was better with money than he.  It appears that was so as the collection also includes Dr. Stephen Harris’ involvement with accounts for Capt. John Harris, Campbell Harris, the East Whiteland Presbyterian Church and Sunday School.  (See Folder 18, which houses the account book, 1829-1843, of Dr. Stephen Harris, which includes children’s birthdates, estate records of Mary Todd, Capt. John Harris’ accounts, farm and employee accounts, East Whiteland Presbyterian Church and parsonage accounts.)

Folder 14 includes four letters from 1845, which document a lively correspondence between Thomas Hutchison and Rev. D. H. Emerson.

Harris family, Box 4

Folder 1 – Harris Family – Capt. William Harris – Correspondence, receipts 1779 – 1782.

• Capt. William Harris’ certificate of public oath of allegiance March 29, 1779.
• Request to William Crawford from John Campbell for a copy of a 1774 land survey to William Harris dated February 12, 1782.  Land was near FortPitt on the Ohio River.
• Request to Mr. Penticoast from John Campbell for a copy of “two certain tracts of land,” which were surveyed in 1774, to William Harris dated February 12, 1782.

Folder 2 – Harris Family – Capt. William Harris – Correspondence, receipts 1783 – 1789.

• William Harris’ account of sales of flour by John Wall, 1786.
• William Harris’ account of sales of flour by John Wall, 1789.
• Receipt Capt. William Harris to Mary Cloyd January 1, 1785.
• December 7, 1789, copy of a November 1789 Chester County Court of Common Pleas document.
• Receipt, August 22, 1789, Philadelphia.
• Arrest of Joseph Doane, June 4, 1785
• Harris, et al. vs. Buckhanan, December 1, 1787.
• Bond of Elizabeth Buckhanan to Ezekiel Leonard, High Sheriff, for payment to Thomas Harris and Joshua Evans, 1787.

Folder 3 – Harris Family – Capt. William Harris – Correspondence, receipts 1790s, 1800s.

• Memorandum from John Davis, May 11, 1783, asking “Dear Sir” to encourage Dr. Kennedy church attendance and explaining that his children had mumps and he could not attend.
• Receipt to William Harris for Bill of Material to the meetinghouse from B. Meredith, August 16, 1793.
• Receipt from William Taggart by William Harris for Peter M___(?) dated April 1794.
• Accounting and receipt of court costs William and Mary Harris, and Ezekiel Potts dated 1798, 1799, and 1803.

Folder 4 – Harris Family – Capt. William Harris – Correspondence, receipts. Undated.

• Receipt William Harris to Joshua (?) Vernon amount received at vendue.  Reverse side of this receipt has additional notation signed by Jonathan ___(?)
• Paper with list of names on one side and liquors on the reverse.

Folder 5 – Harris Family – Capt. William Harris – Militia Correspondence, Receipts, 1782-180(0)?

• §  Discharge Certificate Peter Osburn June 7, 1782.
• §  Receipt of three British bodies by John Gardnerd (sp.?), sheriff. Names and location listed. March 25, 1782.  Enlarged photocopy with receipt.
• §  Order from Lewis Gronow to Capt. Wm. Harris and militia to stand ready, May 30, 1782.
• §  Receipt to certify transfer of recruit Sadler Roach to East Whiteland Township battalion (57^th?)  by Capt. Harris to Lewis Gronow.  February 14, 178(5)?  Reverse of receipt has another notation.
• §  Receipt of arms, January 20, 1789, by Thomas Bartholomew, 6^th Battalion Chester County Militia, for thirty-one “stands of arms with bayonets” from Capt. William Harris.
• §  “A Return of East Whiteland Company of Militia for the fore part of the year 1792, by William Harris, Capt.” Attendance recorded on document.
• §  Regimental orders for the 44^th Regiment, September 17, 180(0)?  to Capt. Meredith from Lt. Col. Commandant Philips.

Folder 6 – Harris Family – Capt. William Harris – Militia Nonattendance Fines and Receipts, 1781-1783.

• Receipt of non-attendance fine from Capt. Harris to Lewis Gronow, August 28, 1782.
• Receipt for public services by Capt. Harris to be applied on account of nonattendance fines for the year 1781.  Dated August 9, 1783, and signed by John Beaton.
• Receipt for nonattendance fines from Capt. Harris for the year 1781.  Two notations, the last dated December 21, 1784, by David Davis.
• Receipt for services by Capt. Harris and receipt of nonattendance fines for the year 1782.  Dated April 16, 1784, signed by Robert Smith. Writing faded.
• Copy of the East Whiteland Nonattendance Fines for the year 1781.  Authorization of Capt. William Harris by Lewis Gronow to collect the nonattendance fines.  List of names and amounts due.  Document is in three pieces.  Photocopy is in the folder.

Folder 7 – Harris Family – Stephen Harris – Matriculation cards, 1815-1819, 1850-1851.

Cards for classes and lectures that he attended at University of Pennsylvania.

Folder 8 – Harris Family – Stephen Harris – Samuel Turney’s Estate, 1822-1830, undated. 15 documents.

• Samuel Turney’s Will, unsigned, 1823.
• Memorandum dictated by Samuel Turney a few days previous to his death. (1823)
• Receipt for head and foot stone, January 4, 1823.
• Receipt for advertisement, March 21, 1823.
• Receipt for travel costs for escorting William Turney to Connecticut, July 23, 1830.
• Receipt February 15, 1823, purchase of muslin.
• Receipt March 17, 1823, property sale.
• Receipt March 22, 1823, costs of making coffin.
• Receipt March 25, 1823, boarding.
• List of items belonging to Samuel Turney still in M. Chaffin’s possession June 22, 1822.
• Mrs. Chaffin’s itemized bill for costs of boarding, etc., William Turney, Undated.
• Administration account of Stephen Harris to the Estate of S. Turney, May 1, 1823.
• Itemized letter from Kimber and Sharpless in regards to the Estate of Samuel Turney.  Note on bottom of letter from Margaret Chaffin to Dr. Harris in regards to William Turney. Dates for the years 1822 and 1823.
• Inventory of Samuel Turney’s personal property March 10, 1823.
• Vendue papers containing an account of sale of Samuel Turney’s effects, March 22, 1823.

Folder 9 – Harris Family – E. Whiteland Presbyterian Church Manse.

Written building specifications 1842, signed by Samuel Hartman, Stephen Harris, John Todd and William P. Hibbard.

Folder 10 – Harris Family – E. Whiteland Presbyterian Church Manse. 

Floor plans, 3 documents.

Folder 11 – Harris Family – Stephen Harris – Will, September 18, 1832, written when he was very ill.

Folder 12 – Harris Family – Conditions of Sale of the Old Homestead, Stephen Harris, November 1849.

Folder 13 – Harris Family – Correspondence, 1830-1833.

• Campbell Harris, sale of Willistown property 1830.
• Letter to Capt. John Harris, American Consul, Marseilles, France, from Stephen Harris, July 27, 1833.

Folder 14 – Harris Family – Correspondence – 1845.

• Letter to Thomas Hutchison from D. H. Emerson, August 25, 1845.
• Letter to Rev. D. H. Emerson from Thomas(?) Hutchison, August 28, 1845, regarding a “church quarrel” as noted in pencil on back of document.
• Letter to Rev. D. H. Emerson from Thomas Hutchison(?), September, 1845.
• Letter to Thomas Hutchison from D. H. Emerson(?), September 16, 1845.

Folder 15 – Harris Family – Correspondence – 1849.

• Letter of reference to Rev. H. Osborn, Pastor of Polegreen and Salem Church, Hanover County, Virginia, from Horatio Howell on behalf of Stephen Harris, May 12, 1849, with envelope.
• Letter to Dr. Thomas Claggett, Leesburg, Virginia, from T. W. Winchester, Montgomery, Virginia, on behalf of Stephen Harris, May 12, 1849.
• Letter of reference to Francis Peter, Martinsburg, Virginia, from Sam Miller, Philadelphia, on behalf of Stephen Harris, May 14, 1849.
• 2 copies:  Letter of reference to Dr. Samuel Tyler, Frederick, Maryland, from T.W. Winchester on behalf of Stephen Harris, May 12, 1849. On the reverse side is another letter of reference to Frances Peters, Martinsburg, Virginia, from Sam Miller on behalf of Stephen Harris, May 14, 1849.

Folder 16 – Harris Family – Dr. William Harris. “Sketch of the Life of Dr. William Harris 1792 – 1861, by his son Dr. Robert P. Harris”, 1885.  Copy with envelope.

Folder 17 – Harris Family – “Homestead”. 

Notes from the collector including photocopies of maps and book articles, Chain of title from William Penn to Thomas Harris, and handwritten notes.

Folder 18 – Dr. Stephen Harris’ account book, 1829-1843.  

Lists children’s birthdates, Estate records of Mary Todd, Capt. John Harris’ accounts, Farm and employee accounts, East Whiteland Presbyterian Church and parsonage accounts.

Roman Family Papers, 1683-1724.

Biographical Note

The central figure in the Quaker Roman family papers is Philip Roman who left England to settle in Chichester, Chester County, in the 1680s.  According to documents in the collection, he was married at least twice. The death of his first wife and two children, sometime before June 1684, left him a widower with their remaining children, as condolence letters from Thomas and Ann Norris, Edward Harper and Edward Bayley seem to indicate.  It can not be ascertained from these documents whether they died on the voyage over or after they arrived.  There is, however, a marriage certificate for Philip Roman and Sarah Bezer dated 1684.

Scope and Content

The papers in Box 5 and 6 are arranged in chronological order; most are accompanied by typed transcripts.  Consisting primarily of correspondence to members of the Quaker Roman and Beazer families, these letters shed light on the political, social, and religious climate of late 17^th century England.  Several letters from English relatives tell of imprisonment of Quaker friends and loved ones. A letter between Mary Coole and Sarah Beazer mentions Fisherton as the name of a prison. 

The transition from new immigrants to established residents is also revealed in these letters as the topics shift from social and religious issues to economic and estate problems.

Includes letters from: William Coole, Benjamin Coole, Mary Coole, Thomas and Ann Norris, Edward Harper, Edward Bayley, Thomas Withers, William Hitchcock, Richard and Mary Walter, Cornelius Harding, John Childe.

Roman family, Box 5 – Correspondence

The following folders contain original manuscripts with typed transcripts unless otherwise noted.

Folder 1 – Letters

• William Coole, Vizes, to Sarah Beazer, 24^th of ye 12 month, 1683.
• William Coole, Vizes, to William Beazer, Pennsylvania, 28^th of ye 3^rd month, 1683.  Address portion torn.

Folder 2 – Letters

• Benjamin Coole to Jeane Coole, Pennsylvania, 29^th day 3^rd month, 1683.
• Benjamin Coole, Goatacre, to William Beazer, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2^nd day 7^th month, 1683.

Folder 3 – Letter – Mary Coole, Devizes, to Sarah Beazer, Chichester, 18^th of the 12^th month, 1683. 

Folder 4 – Letters

• William Coole, Devizes, to Sarah Beazer or Jean Coole, Pennsylvania, 8^th day of ye 2^nd month, 1684.
• William Coole, Devizes, to Sarah Beazer, Chichester, 13^th day of ye 5^th month, 1684.

Folder 5 – Letter – Thomas and Anne Norris, Preston, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 16^th June, 1684.

Folder 6 – Letter – Edward Harper, Linham, to Philip Roman, Chichester, July 18, 1684.

Folder 7 – Letter – Edward Bayley, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, near Marcus Hook, 24^th day 5^th month, 1684.

Folder 8 – Letter – Benjamin Coole, Goatacre, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 13^th day 5^th month 1685.  It includes a small note at end of letter from Mary Roman.

Folder 9 – Letter – William Coole, Devizes, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 24^th day 5^th month, 1685.

Folder 10 – Letter – from Mary Coole, Devizes, 19^th day 7^th month, 1685.

Folder 11 – Letter – William Coole, Devizes, to Sarah (Coole) Roman, Chichester,  29^th day 6 months, 1686.

Folder 12 – Letter – Thomas Withers, Calne, to Amy Harding, Chichester, 28^th day 9^th month, 1689.

Folder 13 – Letter and Power of attorney

• Power of Attorney for Francis Harrison, London, to Philip Roman, Francis Chadsey and William Clayton, July 16, 1690.
• Letter – written by Edward Bayley, Pickwick, 11^th day of the 7^th month, 1690. (torn corner, and a hole)

Folder 14 – Letter – Benjamin Coole, Bristol, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 18^th day 7^th month, 1691.

Folder 15 – Inventory – “An Inventory of what Goods Philip Roman Received being Gardean (sic) for Richard Bezer orfon (sic) son of John Bezer deceased.” 20^th day, 12^th month, 1693.

Folder 16 – Letter – William Hitchcock, Marlbrough, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 17^th day of ye 8^th month 1694.

Folder 17 – Letter – William Hitchcock, Marlbrough, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 15^th day, 3^rd month, 1695.

Folder 18 – Letter – Edward Bayley, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 8^th day of ye 3^rd month, 1697.

Roman family, Box 6 – Correspondence, continued

Folder 1 – Letter – Benjamin Coole, Bristoll, to Philip Roman, 18^th day, 7^th month, 1691 [1697?].  Transcript only.

Folder 2 – Letter – William Hitchcock, Marlbrough, to Philip and Amy Roman, 6 September 1697.

Folder 3 – Letter – Richard and Mary Walter to Amy Roman, November 1697.

Folder 4 – Letter – William Hitchcock, Marlbrough, to Philip Roman, 1^st of ye 2d month 1699.

Folder 5 – Letter – Thomas and Ann Norris, et. al, Preston, to Philip and Amy Roman, September 13, no year.

Folder 6 – Letter – Cornelius Harding to William “Hiskock” [Hitchcock], March 10, 1700, and William Hitchcock, Marlbrough, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 18^th day of ye 1^st month, 1700.

Folder 7 – Letter – William Hitchcock, Marlbrough, to Philip Roman, 28^th day 12^th month, 1703.

Folder 8 – Letter – Edward Bayley, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, 8^th day, 6^th month, 1704.

Folder 9 – Letter – Three receipts:  John Child to David Lloyd, Chester, through Philip Roman, 5^th November, 1705. (John Jones and Nathaniel Evans also mentioned on receipt).  The back includes another notation of John Jones to David Lloyd through Philip Roman.

• Order on Thomas Millard from John Childes through Philip Roman, July ye 30^th, 1706.

• Memorandum from William Parker to Philip Roman, May 5, 1727, in regards to “sider” he intended to “teak” away.

Folder 10 – Correspondence

• Philip and Amy Roman, Chichester, to William Hitchcock, “Malster in Marlbrough”.  Three memorandums in regard to bills of exchange.  Two written to William Hitchcock:  27^th day 4^th month, 1706, and a third written to John Hitchcock, 27^th day of ye 5^th month, 1710.
• Letter from John Childe, New Castle, August 17, 1706, to Philip Roman, Chichester, and an itemized account which may belong with the letter.  Letter edges torn.

Folder 11 – Letter –

• §  Thomas Bayly to Philip Roman, 23^rd 5^th month, 1711.
• §  John Hitchcock to Thomas Bayly in reference to Philip Roman’s letter of 23^rd 5^th month, 1711.  It is dated “London, 14 July 1711.”  Letter in two pieces.

Folder 12 – Letter – Thomas Bayly, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 17^th day of ye 4^th month 1712.

Folder 13 – Letter – Thomas Bayly, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 22^nd day of ye 7^th month, 1714.

Folder 14 – Letter – Thomas Bayly, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 20^th day of ye 4^th month, 1716.

Folder 15 – Correspondence

• Memorandum of money received by John Bezer from Philip Roman.  Further orders to John Hitchcock to pay monies to John, Sarah and Margret Hardings. 1^st day of ye 3^rd month, 1718. Transcript only.
• Letter from Thomas Bayly, Pickwick, to Philip Roman, Chichester, 8^th day of ye 5^th month, 1718.

Folder 16 – Marriage Certificate of Phillip Roman and Sarah Bezer, January 5, 1684, Chester County.  No transcript.

Folder 17 – Bond – William Smith to Philip Roman 1724. No transcript.

Frazer Family Papers, 1750 – 1980

Box 6

Biographical Note

Col. Persifor Frazer, son of John Frazer, was born August 9, 1736, near Newtown Square, PA.  As a young man, he was involved in business with his family, but eventually migrated into the iron business and partnered with J. Vernon. After their iron business closed, he went to Sarum Forge where he worked with his future father-in-law, John Taylor[1]. 

On October 2, 1766, he married Mary, daughter of John and Sarah (Worrall) Taylor. After their marriage they moved to a farm in Thornbury Township, Chester County.

Persifor Frazer served as a delegate to the Provincial Convention in January 1775. In 1776, he was named a captain of one of the companies of the fourth regiment of Pennsylvanian troops under Anthony Wayne. Shortly after the Battle of Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777, he was captured by the British and imprisoned in Philadelphia. After his escape from jail, he returned to his troops and participated in the Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778. Soon after he retired from the military, he served in various public offices, including his election to the legislature in 1781, 1782, and 1784.

Col. Frazer died April 24, 1792 and is buried at Middletown Presbyterian Church (Delaware County, PA).  The remains of his home are now part of a park in Glen Mills.

Although the Frazer family was an integral part of Chester County history, this section of the collection contains mostly photographs (listed with Box 9 Smith family) and a few manuscripts. 

Source for above: see Futhey & Cope’s History of Chester County, Pennsylvania (1881) for more information.

Frazer family, Box 6

Folder 18 – Sarah Worrall’s will, September 28, 1750.  Document is in 2 pieces.  No transcript.

Folder 19 – Letter – Letter to Col. Persifor Frazer from  James(?) Thomson, undated.  [James Thomson could be P. Frazer’s brother in law.]

Folder 20 – Receipt – from Captain William Harris, December 21, 1790, with envelope.

Folder 21 – Transcript – Twenty-four typed pages on the biography of Col. Persifor Frazer. Originally pages numbered 18 through 41.  Author unknown.

Folder 22 – Land

• Lease for the Schoolhouse, March 13, 1775.
• “Map of Thornbury, circa 1860” signed by Inez M. Scheerle, June 1980.
• Handwritten notes of chain of title of property.

Folder 23 – Letterhead for Dr. Persifor Frazer, American Association for the Advancement of Science, September 1884.

Folder 24 – Frazer Family – “Revolutionary Items related to the Battle of Brandywine,” Daily Local News (West Chester, PA) article, September 11, 1877. Photocopy of document.  Envelope labeled, “Aunt Lizzie…Battle of Brandywine given by Sallie Frazer daughter of [Genl.] Persifor Frazer to her (niece?) Lizzie.”  Another copy of article located in CCHS clippings file.

Smith Family Papers, 1758 – 1844

Box 7

Biographical Note

The Smith section of the collection consists primarily of real estate papers.  There is one family letter and a document giving the lineage of the marriage of Robert and Margaret Vaughan Smith.

 John Smith (d. Dec.19, 1765, age 79) and his wife Susanna (d. Dec. 24, 1767, age 76), left Ireland and settled in Uwchlan Township in 1720 because of religious persecution.  According to Futhey & Cope’s History of Chester County, Pennsylvania (1881), they were the parents of fifteen children. Their son Robert Smith (d. 1803, age 83), was born aboard ship during this voyage.

Robert Smith married Margaret Vaughan (d. 1822, age 87) on December 20, 1758. She was the daughter of John Vaughn of Red Lion, Uwchlan Township, Chester County. They were the parents of eleven children. 

Robert inherited his father’s property and became a prominent citizen in Chester County.  He served during the French and Indian War and over the years rose in rank to Colonel.  During the Revolutionary War, he was called on to be the Lieutenant for Chester County.  He was the county Sheriff and Justice of the Peace and served one term in the State Assembly.  Robert and Mary were founding members of the Brandywine Manor Presbyterian Church.

Three of their sons, John, Jonathan, and Joseph, and one grandson, Persifor Frazer Smith (son of John), are represented in these papers along with other descendents.  John was an ironmaster and owned Joanna Furnace.  Jonathan was the first cashier of the Bank of Pennsylvania and then the Bank of the United States.  Joseph was an iron and shipping merchant in Philadelphia.  Persifor Frazer Smith was the son of John and Mary Frazer Smith.  Born in 1808, Persifor graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and became a lawyer.  He helped establish the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester. 

Robert’s Aunt Mary also sailed from Ireland with her brother John in 1720.  She married Alexander Fulton and was the grandmother of Robert Fulton.

Smith family, Box 7

Folder 1 – Robert Smith and Margaret Vaughan lineage, married December 20, 1758.

Folder 2 – Correspondence – Ann Vernon, letter. Undated.

Folder 3 – John Smith – Survey, copy of 1757 survey drawn in 1806.

Folder 4 – John Smith – Survey, New London Township 1741/2.

Folder 5 – Persifor Frazer Smith – Philadelphia Covenant 1844.

Folder 6 – St. David’s Church History, written either 1820 or 1826. Two names, M.A. Smith and Mr. Brinkle, are written on the reverse of the document.

Folder 7 – “Robert Smith” by Joseph S. Harris, 1880, reprint from Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography.

Related Materials

Box 7, Miscellaneous

Folder 8 – Broadside, Joseph Reed, Philadelphia, January 27, 1781, stating publicly his defense against the rumor that he was guilty of “trading to New-York.” Reed states that he was a member of Congress.

Folder 9 – Music, poetry, undated.

• Letter/Song “To the Author of Common Sense to the care of Misters Wall and Sellers, Philadelphia.”  “THE FREEBORN AMERICAN a new song tune (sp.?) Rule Britannia being a parody of Thompson, Rule Britannia.”  Undated., no author.
• Poem, “The World’s Vanity,” undated, no author. Document in two pieces.

Folder 10 – Misc. Legal documents, 1772, 1813.

• Receipt for Gabrieth English, U.S. infantry, to W. Robert Wilson for work done on the Reading and Perkiomen Road, January 24, 1813.
• Bond and warrant of attorney for Isaiah Hoopes to Phinehas Lewis, May 5, 1772.

Folder 11 – “Part of Deed Nathan Newlin to Nathaniel Newlin,” May 8, 1749.

Document fragile, photocopy in folder.

Folder 12 – Mortgage. Isaiah & Jane Hoopes to Phinehas Lewis, May 6, 1772.

Document fragile, photocopy in folder.

Folder 13 – Photograph Related Manuscripts, 1903, 1960.

• Letter from Clinton Gardner Harris, NYC, to Joseph S. Harris, Germantown,  December 2, 1903, described enclosed photos taken on Thanksgiving Day, 1903.  Photos are in Box 8, Folder 11 of this collection. Original envelope.
• Description of visit by D. Edwards, M. Paul, R. K. Stephens, jr., E. H. Stevens, on June 16, 1960, to see the Col. Persifor Frazer house in Thornbury, PA. (Written by E. H. Stevens ?)  Photos are in Box 8, Folder 14.

Folder 14 – Daily Local News (West Chester, PA) newspaper article, April 2, 1977, “Great Valley church records date back to 1600s.”  Photocopy in folder.

Folder 15 – Notes, envelopes from collector.  Various notations that were made by the collector(s) in regard to manuscripts.

Folder 16 – Envelopes from photographs.

Box 8, Photographs

Folder 1:  Smith and Frazer Family

• Mary Ann Frazer (Mrs. Jonathan Smith) 2 platinum prints of a portrait with original sleeves. Undated.

Folder 2:  Smith and Frazer Family

• Jonathan Smith, “Banker – Brother of Joseph Smith our ancestor and married sister of Joseph Smith’s wife (Mary Frazer) Mary Ann Frazer.” 2- 2×3.25” albumen prints.  These are photos of a printed picture. Undated.
• Gen. Persifor Frazer Smith 2 albumen prints, different ages.  One taken in Germantown and the other in San Francisco.  One silver gelatin print of a portrait. Undated.

Folder 3: Marianne Smith?

• Unidentified Female Relative.  2 platinum prints of a daguerreotype.  (Marianne Smith?) Undated.

Folder 4:  Isaac Smith – Engraving. Plate from a book, “portfolio, Vol. 1. 1809, p. 135.”

Folder 5: Frazer and Vaughn Family

• Silhouettes of Mary Frazer, Mrs. Joseph Smith, and Margaret Vaughn, Mrs. Col. Robert Smith, Undated.

Folder 6:  Smith and Harris Family

• Persifor Frazer Smith, Lawyer and Marianne Smith Harris, (Mrs. Dr. Stephen Harris), both albumen prints.

Folder 7:  Smith and Harris Family

• Marianne Smith Harris, wife of Dr. Stephen Harris.  Large albumen print. Undated.

Folder 8:  Smith House

• House of John Smith and Robert Smith.  3 albumen prints.  Photos taken 1903.

Folder 9:  Smith House

• House of Joseph Smith, EastWhitelandTownship.  2 albumen prints.  Photos taken circa 1864.  Owners and dates listed on back.

Folder 10:  Harris house, near Frazer Station

• 1 black and white print.  Very fragile. Undated. Note on envelope reads, “Harris House in Frazer torn down 1934(?)”

Folder 11:  Harris House (Accompanying letter in Box 7, Folder 13.)

• Joseph S. Harris, John Harris House, Brandywine Manor Graveyard, Samuel Macel Duff.  6 black and white prints taken Thanksgiving November 26, 1903. 
• Unidentified photo, (possibly Frazer Station?) circa 1903.

Folder 12:  Joseph Smith Harris

• 1 platinum print portrait in a folder. Undated.

Folder 13:  Harris House, East Whiteland

• 1 albumen print of a drawing of the homestead. Undated.
• 2 silver gelatin panoramic prints.  “General view from the north” and “General view from south including house, house, barn.” 1928.
• 4 silver gelatin prints of the barn.  Shows tractor and part of a pickup.  One print has 3 unidentified men.  1928.
• 6 silver gelatin prints:  4 of the house, another of the barn, and a general view from the north.  1928.
• 1 albumen print of 2 unidentified men in the cemetery of St. Peter’s in the GreatValley. Undated.

Folder 14:  Col. Persifor Frazer House, Thornbury (accompanying letter in Box 7, folder 13)

• 2 black and white prints of the ruins of Col. Persifor Frazer’s house in Thornbury, June 1960. 
• Negatives for the prints.
• 4 albumen prints of exterior of the house in 1894.

Folder 15:  Col. Persifor Frazer House, Thornbury

• 5 albumen prints of the interior of the house in 1894.

Folder 16:  Col. Persifor Frazer, Thornbury

• 4 albumen prints of the view from the house in 1894 including a view of the GlenMillBoysSchool (then known as Philadelphia House of Refuge).

Oversized Documents

3 folders (33 items)

Folder 1, Oversized Deeds, Leases, etc. 1701 – 1719

1 – October 13, 1701, Sale of land by John Harris and Edward Harris to Phillipp (sic) Roman.  Document in poor condition with stains and holes, readable.

2 – Fifth day, Seventh month, 1702, Sale of land by John Worrolaw and Daniel Hoops to Joseph Baker.

3 – January 13, 1712/3, sale of land by Joseph and Mary Baker, Edgemont, to Joseph Baker, his son, Thornbury. Attached is a draft of the land.

4 & 5 – February 3, 1713, sale of land, messuage and plantation by Philip Roman, Chichester and Nicholas Pyle, Concord, to, Robert Pyle, the second part and Jonah Roman, his son, the third part.  Document was written in “tripartite”, and these are two of the three copies.  One is signed by Philip Roman and Nicholas Pyle and four witnesses. The other was not negotiated.

6 – September 23, 1713, sale of land by Robert and Conrad Roberts, Philadelphia, to William Smith, Darby.

7 – July 16, 1718, sale of land by Mary Baker, widow of Joseph, Thornbury, and Isaac Taylor, Thornbury, to John Taylor, eldest son of Isaac.

8 – September 18, 1718, sale of land by John Worrilaw, Thornbury, to John Taylor, Thornbury.

9 – October 23, 1719, Release and confirmation by Isaac Norris, Philadelphia, and David Lloyd, Philadelphia,  to Joseph Seale, Middlesex, Great Britian, and Theodore Ettleston, London.  Estate related.  Four holes in document,  readable.

Folder 2 Oversized Documents, Deeds, Leases, etc. 1724 – 1750

10 – March 5, 1724, Lease of land by John Baker, Edgemont, to John Taylor, Thornbury.

11 – March 26, 1724, Release of land by John Baker, Edgmond (sic), to John Taylor, Thornbury.

12 – January 28, 1724/5, Sale of land by Charles Read, Job Goodsonn, Evan Owen, George Fitzwater and Joseph Pidgeon, Philadelphia, to John Taylor, Thornbury.  Two holes in document, but they do not affect the handwriting.

13 – 1725, no month or day, non-negotiated release by James Child, Burlington, West New Jersey, to Jacob Roman, Chester, Pennsylvania.

14 – March 21, 1728, Release by John Ettlestone, London, to John and Priscilla Blandon, London, and John and Mary Mann, London, and conveyed to Priscilla Blandon and Mary Mann and their heirs.  Power of Attorney executed by Job Goodman and Thomas Annis, August 12, 1729.

15 –  March 26, 1729, Sale of land by Ephraim Jackson, Edgmont (sic), and Thomas Wills, Middle Town to John Taylor, Thornbury.

16 – August 7, 1733, Release by Sarah Baker, Thornbury, to John Taylor, Thornbury.

17 – December 1, 1733, Sale of land by Jacob Taylor, Bradford Township, to John Taylor, Thornbury. Two pages, stitched together. 

18 – November 10, 1736, Release by Joseph and Hannah Baker Talbot, Middle Town, to John Taylor, Thornbury.

19 – May 17, 1744, Release by Joseph Baker, Goshen, to John Taylor, Thornbury.

20 – May 3, 1749, Sale of land by Richard and Ann Richison, Whiteland, to Jacob Trego, Whiteland.

21 – March 24, 1749, Lease by William and Elizabeth Kinnison, Burdon Town (sic), West New Jersey, Thomas Smedley, Willis Town, Pennsylvania.

22 – Ninth day of the first month, 1749, Lease by Thomas Smedley and Thomas James, Willis Town, executors of the last will and testament of Edward Kinnison, Whiteland, to William Kinnison, Burdon Town (sic), West New Jersey.

23 – Tenth day of the first month, 1749/0, Release by Thomas Smedley and Thomas James, Willis Town, executors of the last will and testament of Edward Kinnison, Whiteland, to William Kinnison, Burdon Town (sic), West New Jersey.

The following two documents have been damaged by iron gall ink:

24 – March 25, 1750, William and Elizabeth Kinnison, Burdon Town (sic), West New Jersey, to Thomas Smedley, Willis Town, Pennsylvania.

25 – October 3, 1750, Release by William and Elizabeth Kinnison, Burdon Town (sic), West New Jersey, to Thomas Smedley, Willis Town, Pennsylvania.

Folder 3 Oversized Documents, Deeds, Leases, etc. 1754 – 1844

26 – March 20, 1754. Sale of of the William Kinnison’s land, tenements, and goods by Isaac Pearson, sheriff, to John Minshall. (penciled note on document: “Deed to what became Harris homestead Pearson to Minsall Minsall (sic) sold to Thos Harris 1770.”

27 – July 21, 1755, Sale of land by John and Sarah Minshall, Middletown Township, to Francis Smedley, John Smedley, Thomas Smedley, and George Smedley, Willistown. Signed by John and Sarah Minshall, witnessed by John Scott and Edward Pilkinton.

28 – June 1768, Sale of land by Abiah and Ann Taylor, to George Smedley, Willistown.  Left side of document cut off.  Further notation, dated 1790, on back of document concerning Ann. 

29 – December 30, 1770, Deed from John and Sarah Minshall, Francis and Anne Smedley, Thomas and Lydia Smedley, George and Patience Smedley and John Smedley  to Thomas Harris.

30 – January 1, 1771, Mortgage for Thomas and Elizabeth Harris, Whiteland Township, to John Minshall, Middletown Township, Francis Smedley, John Smedley, George Smedley, Willistown.  Document fragile at folds.

31 – November 1782, Land patent for John Smith. Mention Hugh Cook and John Smith’s wife Martha and daughter and/or sister Margaret.

32 – January 25, 1790, Deed from Thomas and Susannah Smedley, John Smedley, Nathaniel and Phebe White, George and Priscilla Green, Jesse and Mary Smedley, George and Ann Matlack, and Priscilla Smedley to Thomas Harris.  Signed by all grantors along with Sarah Smedley, Charles Dilworth, James Dilworth, Jr., John Hannum, Isaac Woodrow, Nathan Mudegraff and John Bartholom.

33 – March 14, 1818, Deed from Mary and Hannah Burgess, Philadelphia, to Campbell Harris, Dr. William Harris and John Morton Davis, Tredyffrin Township. Includes drafts of two lots.

34 – April 10, 1830, Deed from Campbell and Jane Harris, Genesseeo (sic), New York, Dr. Stephen Harris, their attorney, Dr. William and Matilda P. Harris, John M. and Anna Maria Davis to Capt. John Harris.

35 – April 13, 1836, Deed from Dr. Stephen Harris, East Whiteland, to John Harris of the United States Marine Corps.

36 – August 9, 1839, Deed from Thomas Finley, Baltimore, Maryland, to Jonathan Smith, Philadelphia.  Reverse of document has notation from the City of Baltimore clerk Solomon Sting with attached Armstrong County record number slip.

37 – January 3, 1844, Release of Mortgage, from Sarah Wharton Chancellor Twells, Wharton Chancellor and Josiah Hamar to Joseph and Mary Smith.