Christina Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware
This division borders on the
Pennsylvania line, and extends to the Christiana Creek,
comprising that part of the county which lies between Brandywine
and Red Clay Creeks. It thus embraces the hills which border
those precipitous streams, causing its general surface to be
elevated and broken, excepting along the Christiana, where it
expands into low lands, a small portion being of a marshy
nature. The soil is generally fertile, and many excellent farms
abound, some having costly buildings. There are also a number of
country homes, with extensive grounds and other improvements, to
enhance the appearance of a naturally attractive country, making
this one of the most pleasant sections.
On account of their situation, much of
the history of the hundred is blended with that of Newport and
Wilmington, but separate interests are detailed in the following
pages.
A number of land grants were made in the
territory now comprised in Christiana Hundred soon after the
English obtained possession of the country. A large tract of
land lying between Christiana and Mill Creeks, extending from
the mouth of the latter nearly to where Newport now is, and
north to Mill Creek, containing about one thousand two hundred
acres, was granted by Governor Francis Lovelace,
Old Richardson House, (Now Owned By H. C. Conrad.) |
September 1, 1669, to Andries Andersen,
Seneca Broor and Gysbert Walraven. Not long after this Andersen
died, leaving his property to his widow and five children. The
other two-thirds soon after passed to Arnoldus De Lagrange and
others. In 1688 the whole tract was owned by De Lagrange,
Walraven and Broor Sinnexsen, who had married the widow of
Andersen. In April of that year this tract was divided, but they
kept in common a tract of eighteen acres of mill land, on which,
before 1687, they built a mill, as shown in the agreement
following:
" This may certifie that, according to agreement of Arnoldus De
Lagrange, Broor Sinnexsen and Gysbert Wal-raven, there is layd
out for a mill a certain tract of land, situate, lying and being
on ye south side of a branch of Christiana Creek, commonly
called Little Falls Creek," eighteen acres surveyed 7th of
Second Month, 1684. This mill was bought of the different
owners, in 1723 and 1726, by John Richardson, who had begun
buying lands soon after the division in 1683. In August, 1687,
he purchased the Walraven tract of one hundred and ninety-five
acres, and in 1723 the Richardsons built a large stone house on
it. Later, another large stone house was built on the same
tract, nearer the mill. It was erected by Richard Richardson in
1765, and is located on the Newport turnpike, about one-half
mile from the present limits of the city of Wilmington. The land
on which it stands was part of the "old mill tract," granted to
three of the original Swedish settlers, named Broor Sinnexson,
Gysbert Walraven and Arnoldus De Lagrange, in the year 1683. The
whole of the mill tract, comprising about eighteen acres,
together with the adjoining property on the south, was owned by
John Richardson at the time of his death, in the year 1755; and
he by will devised "the mill lands and mill, and the house and
improvements which is thereupon," to his son, Richard
Richardson, who at that time was a bachelor of thirty-five
years. Ten years after, in 1765, he built the house, as shown
above, and the year following was married to Sarah Tatnall,
daughter of Edward Tatnall, a prosperous miller on the
Brandywine. The house is built of stone quarried presumably on
the premises, or taken from the bed of Mill Creek, a few hundred
yards away. The wood used in its construction was doubtless
found near at hand, as the adjoining farm land was for many
years afterward covered with the best quality of timber. At the
time it was built no house in the neighborhood equaled it in
size or pretensions. It is related that the residents of
Newport, at that time a village of more importance than
Wilmington, would come on foot to see the "big house on the
hill," deeming it a wonderful production of the artisan's skill.
The interior of the house is marked by a spacious hallway, high
ceilings, open fire-places in every room, and chimneys that are
marvels of strength. The exterior is the same as when built, and
for one hundred and twenty-two years no change has marred its
original construction either on the exterior or interior. R.
Richardson died in 1797, and bequeathed the property to his son
Joseph, the oldest of his seven children. Joseph Richardson
owned and occupied it during his lifetime, and at his death, in
1833, it descended to his seven children, he having made no
will. In 1837 Joseph's heirs joined in a deed of the property to
Samuel Richardson, the oldest son of Joseph, and Samuel owned
and occupied it until his death, when by will it was devised to
Joseph S. Richardson, the only son of Samuel Richardson. In 1887
the house, with fourteen acres of land, was purchased by Henry
C. Conrad, Esq., of Wilmington, who is now making some additions
and improvements in the property, with a view of making it his
home in the near future. As far as known, the place has never
had a local name, but Mr. Conrad has recently christened it "Glynrich."
The descendants of John Richardson
continued to live here, and in 1785 re-built the mill, which is
still standing. Much of the land acquired in the last century is
still owned by the Richardson family, but part of the mill tract
became the property of Henry C. Conrad.
Early Settlements
In the division of the above tract, in
1683, De Lagrange Walraven took one hundred and eighty-one
acres, lying on the west side of the tract, adjoining lands of
Conrad Constantine, on which Newport was later built. He also
had a tract lying near the mouth of Mill Creek.
Guysbert Walraven had his home lot on
the creek, containing twenty-nine acres, east of De Lagrange,
now owned by the Latimers, and on which the old Walraven house
still stands. He also had one hundred and ninety-five acres of
land lying on Mill Creek, above Sinnexsen and south of the mill
lands, which were in a neck; and also thirty acres of marsh
land, at the junction of the two creeks.
Broor Sinnexsen, who married the widow
of Andries Andersen, was instructed by the court that he should
enjoy the third part of the estate, educate the minors and when
they were of age should pay each five hundred guilders.
These minors were Christian, Andreas,
James, Evart and Peter, all of whom attained their majority
before 1796.
Sinnexsen bequeathed part of his
property to his son, James, and after his death, in 1708, the
remainder of the estate passed to his wife, Sophia, for life,
and after her death to his sons, Broor, John and James.
The Sinnexsen lands are mostly owned, at
present, by the Lynam family. The last of the name Sinnexsen
died a few years ago, and was known as Sinnex.
Conrad Constantine, in 1683, was in
possession of a tract of land containing six hundred and thirty
acres, lying on Christiana Creek, west of the large tract of De
Lagrange, Walraven and Sinnexsen. One hundred acres of it passed
to Henry Parker, who, April 26, 1731, sold it to John Justis, it
being on the east side of Rainbow Run. The rest of the tract
remained in the hands of the Constantines until after 1740.
Arnoldus De Lagrange had surveyed to
him, in 1684, on the north side of Christiana Creek, and
adjoining the lands of Sinnexsen, two hundred and fifty acres,
and on a warrant bearing date 21st of Twelfth Mouth, 1682, four
hundred acres on Christiana Creek.
July 29, 1685, on a warrant, there was "layd
out for Neal Laerson's friend "a tract of land of eight hundred
acres, on the north side of Red Clay Creek, called "Oak Hill"
and for Neils Laerson. March 12, 1684, nine hundred and
thirty-six acres.
January 4, 1702, there was laid out for
Jacob and Hendrick Hendrickson a tract of three hundred acres,
called "Jacob's Possession," on the south side of the Brandy
wine, bounded south by Adam Stidman's land, called "Adam's
Garden" north by land of Mathias Defosse's and by Squirrel
Creek, which had been taken up March 12, 1684.
On the Brandy wine, between Rattlesnake
Run and Stony Run, a tract of two hundred and sixty-eight acres
was resurveyed, on a warrant, April 19, 1744, for Andrew
Hendrickson, Sr., and Andrew Hendrickson, Jr.
The upper part of the hundred was
included in the manors of the Penns, and patents were granted
for lands lying therein after 1684.
Among the principal ones were the
following: In Rockland Manor, William Gregg was granted a
warrant, January 26, 1684, for four hundred acres ef land, which
was surveyed May 11, 1685, and April 23, 1692, was divided by
Henry Hollingsworth between John and Richard Gregg, sons of
William. It was adjoining lands of Matthias Defosse, on Squirrel
Creek. Richard Gregg had in the division one hundred and fifty
acres. John Gregg had a warrant dated August 13, 1734, for a
tract of two hundred and fifty acres of land at the mouth of
Squirrel Creek, a branch of the Brandywine.
Thomas Hollingsworth received warrants
for several tracts of land as follows: February 4, 1701, eight
hundred and eighteen acres; May 20, 1703, two hundred acres;
Samuel Hollingsworth, January 27, 1685, three hundred acres. The
last mentioned tract was released to Thomas Hollingsworth and
was confirmed by patent May 7, 1705.
On the 20th of May, 1685, a warrant was
granted to John Gregg for two hundred acres and confirmed by
patent February 18, 1693. Gregg sold the tract to Samuel
Underwood, Sr., who, by will, June 11, 1722, conveyed fifty
acres on the east end to his son Samuel. The executor sold part
to John Gregg, who, February 18, 1733, sold to Jonathan Strange
fifty acres, who, April 26, 1744, received warrant for fifty-one
acres adjoining his own land and land of Samuel and John Dennis,
which was patented May 3, 1744. Upon this land, lying on the
Brandywine and a small run, he erected a fulling-mill,
grist-mill, saw-mill and other buildings. January 29, 1738,
Strange sold to John Smith three acres of the land, which was
known as "ye sawmill lands," together with" ye grist-mill,
saw-mills, bolting-mills, mill-races, dams, ponds, wheels,
flood-gates, waste-gates, ditches, etc., together with right to
make dam above Jonathan Strangers fulling-mills as they now
stand."
At a later period John Smith owned
considerable land in that part of the hundred. The greater
portion of the manor lands along the Brandy wine have passed
into the possession of the Du Pouts, and have been brought into
a high state of cultivation.
Anthony Burgess took out a warrant April
15, 1686, for three hundred acres, which was called "Cole
Harbour," in the vicinity of Newport.
On the 8th of May, 1678, a warrant was
issued to Tyman Stidham for one hundred acres, for which a
warrant for resurvey was granted April 19, 1744, when the tract
by divers conveyances had been in-creased to two hundred and
sixty- eight acres. Among the later warrants was one granted by
the proprietor, March 25, 1755, to Richard Baker, for two
hundred acres of land on the road which, in 1811, became the
Wilmington and Kennett Turnpike. William Killen, the deputy
surveyor, made the following note concerning the property: " It
lies on the great road leading from Wilmington to Kennett, 8
miles distant, from said towne, and is generally poor stony
ground; better than one-half is cleared, with a good stone
house, two-story high thereon. Joshua Baker, father of the
aforesaid Richard, died possessed of the premises, leaving issue
nine children, all of whom except three that are absent, claim a
right in the same."
The Hollingsworth family owned a large
tract of land near the Pennsylvania line, and near Hollingsworth
Ford one of the members, Joseph, built a small mill to turn out
bowls and wooden-ware and to spin wire. The power was abandoned
before 1800, and forty years later a poplar tree two and a half
feet in diameter was growing on the site of the mill. Joseph
Hollingsworth divided his land among three sons, Thomas, Amor
and Isaac. The latter built a house in 1769 of yellow poplar
plank, four inches in thickness, which is still standing, as the
homestead of Henry Swayne. It became the property of Joel Swayne
in 1821, and was one of the first Hollingsworth tracts that
passed out of the family; but since that time all their lands
have been sold and none of that name remain. The old Gregg lands
have also passed to other ownerships. A mansion built in 1749 of
stone, with walls two feet in thickness, was retained by the
family many years, but the place has become one of the Du Pont
farms, and but one direct descendant remains near the place of
nativity.
George Chandler immigrated to America in
1687 and settled on a tract of land, which has remained in
possession of the family ever since it was deeded to it. In 1887
the old homestead was owned by Jesse Chandler, a descendant of a
later generation, and many others of the same lineage were
honored citizens of the hundred. The J. Poulson Chandler farm
has also passed through the hands of several generations. The
fine brick mansion on it was built in 1805, by Joseph and
Benjamin Chandler, and is not as near the highway as was the old
house, which has been removed. Above this tract of land was the
home of Alphonso Kirk, the grandfather of Caleb Kirk, the
manufacturer. The former owns the land on which stands the
Friends' Meeting-house, near Centerville. One of his sons,
William, became a citizen of Chester County, Pa., and from his
family have descended many of the prominent people of that
section. The name is not perpetuated in Christiana Hundred.
South of Centerville, William Dixon made
notable improvements, soon after the settlement of the
Chandlers, and his descendants later built a mill in that
section, which is still standing. Alexander H. Dixon (a son of
William of a later generation, born in 1804), is a resident of
Centerville. The homestead has become the property of others.
But very little of the foregoing lands can be traced to the
original proprietors in an unbroken succession of family
ownership. Nearer the Christiana Creek the Crans, Armstrong and
Cranston families have for many years been amongst the most
prominent and useful citizens of the hundred.
The following is ''A
List of the Taxable Persons and Estates in
Christiana Hundred, taken by Robert Hamilton, Col'r of S'd
Hundred, September 28, 1787:"1
Roads
The hundred is well supplied with
highways and railroads, some of the former dating from the
settlement of the country, though somewhat modified as to their
course in later years. In 1783 the road from Garrett's to the
Hockessin meeting-house was laid out, and the road from the
Brandy wine to intersect this was located in 1795. Prior to this
time the roads which afterwards became turnpikes were located,
excepting the modification of their course when they became
improved highways The Kennett pike was built in 1812, and the
Lancaster pike at a later period, both being excellent roads
before railways removed the necessity for their use for other
than local travel. In 1887 they were practically common
highways, many of the tollgates having been removed.
The Philadelphia, Wilmington and
Baltimore Railroad was built through the hundred in 1831, and
later, the Wilmington and Northern, in 1869 and 1870, the
Wilmington and Western in 1872, and the Baltimore and Ohio in
1886. The last two roads are operated as one system, thus
affording extended facilities for the many industrial
establishments which have been located in the hundred on the
opposite banks of the Brandywine and Bed Clay Creeks. Both
streams have been well spanned by bridges, the most important
ones having been built on the Brandywine, at Smith's Ford, in
1816; at Young & Kirk's Ford, in 1818; Manufacturers Bridge, in
1832; on the Red Clay, at Philip's Mill, after 1802; and at
other points on the same stream at later periods. Some of these
were replaced by very substantial structures and are more fully
noted elsewhere.
Manufacturing Interests
In 1804 the following industries were
reported in the hundred, including those of Newport as well as
some at Wilmington:
onah Anderson, hatter-shop
Jacob Anderson, large
apple-orchard
James Bryan, wharf and store
Robert Bratten, smith-shop
Samuel and David Bush, wharf
and store
Hadden A Chandler, tavern
Samuel Canby, two grist-mills
Morton Canby, barley-mill
William Dixon, stone
grist-mill
Bumford Dawes, grist and
saw-mill
E. I. du Pont, powder-works
Vincent Gilpin stone mill
Fisher, Gilpin & Co., stone
paper-mill
Samuel Graves, saw-mill
Capt. Henry Geddes, brick
still-house
Levi Garrett, snuff-mill
H. G. Garrett, paper-mill
John Hedge, rope-walk
William Hemphill, wharf and
stores
Job Harvey, grist-mill
Captain James Jeffries,
grist-mill |
William Kirk, brick-kiln
Caleb Kirk, grist, saw and
fulling mills
James Latimer & Co., wharf
and store
Joshua Lobb, grist-mill
John Morton, two grist-mills
Thomas Meredith, tan-yard
David McCalmont, wharf and
store
James Philips, old grist-mill
and saw-mill
Phoebe Pemberton, grist and
saw-mill
John Richardson, grist and
saw-mill
John Smith, tan-yard
Jonas H. Starr, tan-yard
Thomas Springer, tavern
Joseph Shipley, grist-mill
William Seal, tan-yard
Joseph Wilkinson, tan-yard
Francis Way, malt-house
John Worthington, tavern
George Wetzel, wharf and
shops
John Warner, wharf and store
William Wilson, saw-mill |
Many of these properties changed
ownership in the course of the next two decades and others fell
into disuse. In 1822 the principal interests in the hundred were
owned by the following:
Joseph Bringhurst, cotton
factory
Brandy wine, Mill Seat
Company.
Caleb Baldwin's Est., air
furnace
David Bush, wharf, store and
lumberyard
John Cummings Est.,
grist-mill
Samuel Canby, grist-mill
John Dixon's Est., wharf and
store
Deleplaine, McCall & Co.,
cotton factory
E. L du Pont, powder-mills
John Gregg, warehouse
Joshua and Thomas Gilpin
paper factory
Job Harvey's Est., wharf and
store
George Hodgson's Est., mill
seat
Edward Hamilton's Est.,
tavern
Caleb Harlan's Est., old
"White Horse Tavern"
Caleb Kirk, grist and
barley-mills
Thomas Lea, Jr., grist-mill
Thomas Lea's Est., cotton
factory
Evan Lewis, tan-yard
Joshua Lobb, grist and
saw-mills |
John Morton's Est.,
grist-mill
Morton, Canby & Co.,
barley-mills
John McCalmont's Est., wharf
and store
McLane & Milligan cotton
factory
Thomas and William Morrison,
malt-house
McLane & Hersey, tan-yard
Charles Plumley, tavern
James Philips, grist and
saw-mill
Joseph Richardson, grist-mill
Jonathan J. Robinson, wharf
and store
Samuel and Joseph Shipley,
grist-mill
Thomas Seal, tan-yard
Caleb Sherward, brew-house
Joshua Strand, piaster-mill
Thomas Springer, tavern
William Twaddle, tavern
Edward Worrell, wharf and
store
James Webb, tan-yard
Benjamin Wade, tan-yard |
After a lapse of more than thirty years
a great many of the foregoing industries had ceased to exist,
and others had passed under new management. But if the number of
the establishments was less, the product and value were far
greater on account of the improved machinery and better methods
employed. The manufacturing interests became the most important
factors in the industrial history of the community and have ever
since so continued.
In 1854 the most important industries
were:
Alexander H. Adams,
grist-mill
Chas. L du Pont Est., Rokeby Factory
Henry Clay Factory; barley mill |
Squirrel Run Mill
Wm. E. Garrett, two snuff-mills
Samuel Richardson, grist and saw-mills |
Joseph
Bancroft, Rockford Cotton Mill, 28 Tenements
E. I. du Pont A Co., Upper Powder Mills, 25 Tenements
Hagley Powder Mill, 28 Tenements
Riddle & Lawrence cotton factory, 52 Tenements |
Most of these are now classed as
industries on "Brandywine Bank," and are elsewhere specially
mentioned.
At Rockland, Caleb Kirk began his
improvements about 1795, building the large stone mansion near
the grist- mill in 1797. The fulling-mill on Wilson's Run had
been built by Thomas Hollingsworth at an earlier period. The
saw-mill was on the site of the present Le Carpentier
grist-mill. In the course of years the Kirk grist-mill was sold
to the Young family who operated it in connection with their
interests on the other side of the Brandy wine a number of
years, but finally turned it to other uses. About 1812 Caleb
Kirk put up a cotton factory, higher up on Wilson's Run, and
operated the same eight or ten years. Subsequently this stone
building was used as a tin-smith shop, large quantities of ware
being there made. It is still standing on the Le Carpentier
place, serving as a farm building. This was one of the first
cotton factories in the State, but was unfavorably located for
extensive business.
William Wilson's old saw-mill, built in
the last century, was more than a mile up the Run. About 1885
Jesse Chandler put up a new mill which was soon after burned
down, In 1854 Alexander H. Adams had a grist-mill at the site,
which is still standing, as the property of the du Pont family.
The water power being weak, it has a small capacity.
For its volume Red Clay Creek affords a
number of excellent powers, which were improved and utilized
soon after the settlement of that section of the hundred. One of
the oldest sites in Christiana is that which has so long been
the property of the Garrett family. As early as 1749 John
Garrett, Jr., was granted title to some of this land, by the
will of his father, while another son, Thomas, in the same way,
became the owner of property in Mill Creek Hundred. In 1771 this
mill is spoken of as being near John Garrett's, on the Okesson
Road." Since 1782 the for-mer has been employed to operate snuff
mills, and from a small beginning, on the site of the old mill,
have grown the extensive works, operated in 1887, as the
business of Wm. E. Garrett & Sons. The property extends half a
mile along the creek, from Yorklyn Station down the stream, and
the buildings were erected as business increased. In 1846, No. 1
mill was built of stone three stories high, but has been
re-modeled and much improved since that time. What is now known
as Mill No. 4, on the lower site, a four-story stone building
was erected in 1849, the brick addition being built at a later
day. No. 2 mill was put up in 1874, and No. 4 in 1884. Both are
four stories high, the latter being of brick. Nos. 1, 2 and 3
are all connected, and, since 1874, the water power has been
supplemented by steam. In 1872 shipping facilities were offered
at Yorklyn, by the Western Railroad, (completed that year) and,
since 1884, goods have been loaded at the warehouse at the
mills, from which a siding was built to the main track. Like
facilities are afforded at the lower mill. Since January, 1857,
the manager of the upper mill has been Israel Durham, and J. L.
Press, manager of the lower mills, having succeeded William
Press. The mills are supplied with improved machinery for
manufacturing cut snuff, which has a high reputation in the home
and foreign markets. The plant also embraces several mansions
and tenements and the property is kept in excellent order.
Above Garrett's is a manufacturing site
called Auburn, and also formerly known as Pusey's Mills, foe
spinning cotton. After the late war the property passed into the
hands of William Clark, who operated the mill on woolen yams,
working in connection with Henry Clark's mills, in Mill Creek
Hundred. In 1869 the mill was destroyed by fire and has not been
rebuilt. The plant also included a number of substantial
tenements.
At Ashland Station, below Garrett's, is
a grist-mill, which includes a part of a building put up in
1715. A stone mansion nearby, it is believed, was built the same
year, while the brick house on the hill was erected by W. & M.
Gregg in 1737. At that time they also owned the mill. Later
owners were B. Philips and John C. Philips, but since 1862 the
property has belonged to A. & J. D. Sharpless. In 1883 the mill
was supplied with roller machinery.
Lower down the creek, and at the lowest
seat on the stream, on the Christiana side, is the old
grist-mill of Joshua Lobb, which was also long owned by the
Speakman family. James Wilson is the present owner. The mill has
been enlarged, but is confined to custom work. A machine-shop
formerly carried on at this place has been abandoned.
Near the mouth of Burris Bun Hayes
Graves is the owner of a saw-mill, which occupies an old site;
and higher up the same stream, near the Pennsylvania line, W.
Passmore has built a grist-mill within recent years. A site
still higher up has been vacated.
The old Dixon Mill, on Dixon's Bun, a
very aged structure, is still used in a small way as the
property of the Edwin Griffith estate; and on Mill Creek remains
the time-honored landmark of Richardson's Mill, for more than a
century the property of that family. Its capacity is also small.
Business Interests
The business interests of the hundred,
outside of Newport, and what is now comprised within the limits
of Wilmington, are confined to a few small villages, of which
Centreville is the most important. It has a very pleasant
location, on the Kennett Pike, seven miles from Wilmington, on a
tract of land said to be the highest in the State. There are a
number of fine residences, a good public hall, several stores
and an inn. In the locality are houses of worship belonging to
the Friends and the Presbyterians, and some old mansions, on
highly improved farms, this being one of the richest sections of
the hundred.
Centreville was an active business point
sixty years ago, and had in 1821 a good store, kept by James
Delaplaine, who prospered there as a merchant. William Todd and
Ezekiel Bailey each had good inns; and there were mechanics of
all kinds, among them being John McCullough, blacksmith;
Benjamin Hollingsworth and Bernard Dalton, carpenters; Joseph
Hollingsworth, wheelwright; John Kitchen, stone mason; Levi
Walker and Henry Jeffers, farmers; and George Matson, drover.
The inns were taxed to their uttermost
to accommodate all the guests, as many as fifty teams stopping
in one night. Liquor was freely used, and also sold at the store
to the extent of a wagon-load per week. The Bailey stand has
been discontinued, but where William and (later) Rebecca Todd
entertained the public, stands a hotel remodeled and enlarged by
James Lancaster. An early innkeeper at this place was a member
of the Twaddle family. Near the State line Charles Twaddle was
the keeper of a public house, which has long since been closed,
but was a long time famous as the "Delaware and Pennsylvania
Inn."
At the Delaplaine stand Thomas Dalton
engaged in trade in 1846, and continued until 1877, when he
removed to his present place of business, in Odd Fellows' Hall.
He is now (1888) one of the oldest merchants in the county, and
is also the postmaster of the Centreville office.
In 1887 W. C. B. Colquhoun was the
druggist of the village and Dr. J. H. Chandler the resident
physician. His predecessors in this profession were Doctors J.
P. Chandler, George Hamilton and a number of others for short
periods, some of them also eminent practitioners.
On the Kennett Pike, below Centreville,
was the "Blue Ball Inn," a well-known hostelry in the early part
of the century, which was long kept by the Hamilton family. It
was removed, after the era of travel on the turnpike, and a
farm-house marks its site. The "Buck Tavern," lower down the
road, where Peter Hendrickson long dispensed hospitality, has
also passed away; and the "Columbus Inn," on the same road, is
within the present limits of Wilmington.
At Du Pout's Works goods have been sold
by Andrew Fontaine, Jonathan Shipley, James Bratten and Victor
Sterling. Since 1866 merchandising in connection with his
business at the old hotel and store-stand of William S. Fleming,
where he has traded since 1875. This old building is a landmark,
and was enlarged to its present size in 1820. Lower down the
creek, and near Wilmington, is Rising Sun, a locality which took
its name from the old public-house of Patrick Higgins, long kept
at that point. It was converted into a residence and a more
pretentious inn opened, which is known as the ''Jefferson
House," and having Thomas Toy as the proprietor. In this
manufacturing village several stores are maintained, and mail
facilities are afforded by the Henry Clay post-office, which was
established at the factory of that name. It was long kept at the
drug-store of John Wood, but since 1886 Timothy McCarthy has
been the postmaster, keeping the office at his place of
business. Nearer the city is the suburbs of Highlands, on a
commanding tract of land, platted into town lots by the Brinckle
family. The first residence was here put up in 1873 by John S.
Miller.
Above the clustering hamlets along the
Brandywine is Greenville, a post-office and station on the W.
and N. R. R., where it crosses the Kennett Pike. The office was
established in 1871 with W. R. Brinckle as postmaster, who also
engaged in business at this point as a coal and lumber dealer.
In 1887 Charles Green was associated with him in carrying on
this trade. A similar business at Silver Brook has been carried
on since 1882 by C. F. White & Bros.
On the Western Railroad post-offices are
maintained at Ashland, J. D. Sharpless, postmaster, and at
Yorklyn, at the store of E. H. Dennison, who succeeded James W.
Robinson in trade at Auburn Mills. Other parties had
merchandized at this place; and in other localities of the
hundred small places of business have been established which
have not attained the character of a hamlet.
Lodges
Centerville Lodge, No, 37, I. O.
O. F. This society received its charter December 10,
1874, and was formally instituted June, 13, 1875, with the
following principal officers: N. G., Francis Green; V. G.,
Joseph Pyle; R. S., George W. Ely; F. S., Dr. Joseph H.
Chandler: Treas., Wm. Carpenter.
At the first meeting six persons applied
for member-ship, and five months later the number belonging had
been increased to sixty-one persons. The lodge has had a
flourishing existence reporting one hundred and thirteen members
in 1886, when the aggregate belonging has reached one hundred
and sixty-two. Its finances have always been on a good basis,
more than four thousand dollars being invested for the good of
the order, and about three thousand dollars have been paid for
sick benefits. The principal officers are: Dr. J. Harvey Day,
Noble Grand; Benard Dalton, F. S.; Dr. Chandler and A. B.
Entriken, trustees.
The meetings are held in the third-story
of Center-ville Hall, a brick edifice twenty-eight by forty-five
feet, erected in 1876, at a cost of five thousand dollars, by an
association formed for this purpose. The second-story of this
building forms a public hall, and the lower floor is used for
business purposes. The directing members of the Association in
1887, were Joseph H. Chandler, J. Paulson Chandler, A. B.
Entriken, Wm. L. Dilworth, James L. Carpenter and James
Dilworth.
Washington Conclave, I. O. of H.,
was instituted in the above hall, February 22, 1886, with
twenty-one members. In 1887, there were thirty-five persons
belonging, having as officers: James H. Carpenter, A. W. Wilson,
W. S. Talley, W. C. R. Colquhoun, B. Dalton, A. B. Entriken,
Joseph H. Chand-ler and J. Harvey Day. This order is purely
beneficiary.
Center Orange, No, 11, P. of H.,
was organized at Centerville, fifteen years ago and has
maintained regular meetings ever since. In this period there
have been seasons of growth and declining interest, but in 1887
there were thirty members and the affairs were in good
condition. Meetings were held in Centerville Hall.
Eagle Lodge, No, 36, I. O. O. F,
was instituted at du Pout's Mills, under a charter granted
December 15, 1874, to the following persons, William Allison,
Jonas W. Miller, James A. Stirling, Robert Gamble, Samuel
Kelley, Wm. R. Wood, Samuel J. Davis, John Ball, Jr., John Q.
Stirling, John Rumer, Neal Conley, Joseph Knox.
In 1887 it had a vigorous membership,
and was on a good basis financially. This Lodge is an off shoot
of Brandywine Lodge, No. 18, I. O. O. F. which was instituted
lower down the creek in October, 1847. Its meetings have been
regularly maintained since that period, and the membership has
generally been large. In 1887 the number reached one hundred and
fifty-two, the majority of whom were in good standing. Since
1871 the meetings have been held in a spacious, well-furnished
lodge-room, which is also occupied by other societies. The Lodge
has a fund of three thousand six hundred dollars, and has been
an important social factor in the community. The trustees in
1887 were Sam'l Moore, Rob't Printer and Henry Stewart.
Here, also, was held the meeting of
Union Encampment, No. 7, which yielded up its organization in
1878, although having at that time twenty-one members. Its
dissolution was caused by simple lack of interest and nearness
to Wilmington.
Du Pont Lodge, No. 29, A. F. &
A. M., was instituted under a warrant granted October
4, 1876, and had as its First Master, John Taylor. Other Past
Masters are: James Fisher, William H. Miller, John S. Miller,
John Q. Stirling and B. F. Sheppard. The lodge has prospered,
and had fifty members in 1887.
Wawaset Tribe, No. 9, I. O. of
R. M., was instituted July 19, 1871, with eighteen
charter members, and the following principal officers: G. H.
Dugdale, R. O. Green leaf, John Gardner, S. J. Davis, James A.
Stirling and John Q. Stirling.
The meetings are held in Odd Fellows
Hall, and the Tribe has prospered. In 1887 there were sixty
members.
Brandywine Lodge, No, 15, K. of
P., was instituted in Brandywine Hall, July 11, 1872.
For several years the Lodge prospered, but a lack of interest
following the meetings were discontinued, and the charter
surrendered. There were about thirty members.
Religious Interests
The earliest organized religious effort
was made by the Friends. Some of the first members of the Newark
Meeting in Brandywine Hundred, lived in Christiana and were
regular attendants of those meetings until 1687. In that year
George Harlan and others petitioned to have a meeting on the
west side of the stream, in winter, on account of the
"dangerousness of the ford," which they would have to cross. In
1690 the Meeting established a short time previously became
permanent, and in 1708 a small wooden church was built for its
accommodation. Monthly Meetings had also been established, and
alternated with Newark until they were then abandoned, when they
were held in connection with Kennett Square, and, in later
years, with Hockessin. In 1794 the need of a larger and better
meeting-house caused the members to unite their subscriptions to
build the same, as follows:
Name, £, s. |
Bumford Dawes 6
James Phillips 6
William Walter 20
Emmon Jeffers 6
Caleb Kirk 20
Samuel Gregg 15
William Wilson 6
James Armstrong 3 15
Samuel Nichols 15
James Bryan 10
Christopher Hollingsworth 7 10 |
Richard Meredith 6
Thomas Chandler 30
Amor Hollingsworth 3
Jacob Graves 15
William Hicklen 15
Joseph Pierson 1 10
Stephen Logue 15
Thomas Hollingsworth 11 5
Daniel Nichols 7 10
Thomas Wilson 7 10
Jemima Stanley 15 |
Six acres of land were deeded by
Alphonso Kirk for the use of the Meeting, upon part of which was
built, in 1796, a brick house, thirty by forty feet, which is
still standing, in good condition.
The graveyard was improved in 1857, and
1873, and is also in good order, being enclosed by a very
substantial stone wall. On the eastern part of the grounds a log
school building was put up before 1800, which was replaced with
a stone structure in 1818. This was in use until 1854, when the
present school-house was erected, being at that time one of the
best in the Stat-e. A generous Frenchman, Antonia Bidderman,
donated one thousand dollars for the erection of this building,
being moved thereto by local pride and his interest in the cause
of general education.
For many years the meetings at the
Centre were the occasions of much edification and large
attendance, embracing, in 1821, thirty-nine families. In each
succeeding year the members became less in numbers, owing to
deaths and changes in population, until, in 1887, but a few
families remained. The monthly meetings were permanently
discontinued in 1884.
The Lower Brandywine
Presbyterian Church has a history as an organized body
which is antedated only by that of the Friend's Centre Meeting.
Its origin can be distinctly traced back to 1720, when the
Presbyterian Synod, assembled in Philadelphia, was asked to
supply preaching for "some people in and about Birmingham, upon
the Brandy wine,'' and when the Bev. Daniel McGill was
instructed to preach to this people as he in "Christian
prudence" should find occasion.
The Birmingham here spoken of is the
southwest township of Delaware County, Penna., where the first
meeting-house was built. For this purpose a tract of land was
purchased, October 15, 1720, and a deed therefor executed to
''John Kirkpatrick, James Houston, James Mole, William Smith,
Magnus Simonson, Ananias Higgins, John Heath, members of the
Presbyterian Meeting in Birmingham." The house stood near the
foot of what was formerly called "Bald Hill," and was of hewed
logs. Nearby was a good spring, which may have had something to
do in the selection of this spot, being a matter of great
convenience for the congregation during the noon hour. The house
stood until 1773, and possibly later, the exact time of its
removal being unknown. A part of the half acre lot was used for
burial purposes, and an interment was made there as late as
1820. It has since become neglected.
In the course of fifty years the church
had become dilapidated and too small to accommodate the
congregation, many of the members of which lived on the west
side of the Brandywine, while the meeting-house, as has been
stated, was on the east side of the stream. The question of
building a new house being agitated, very naturally the people
on the west side of the Brandywine, being in the majority,
desired to have the house erected in their midst or at least to
share honors with the old site and to have new houses built in
each locality. Neither proposition was accepted by the minority
and the question of building was a matter of controversy more
than three years. In this period many of the members connected
themselves with the churches at Wilmington. In the meantime the
pastor left and the church was without a regular service several
years, which had the effect of still more dispersing the
members, and it became apparent that if the organization was to
be preserved a new house of worship must be provided.
Accordingly it was determined to build on the west side of the
Brandywine, and within the bounds of the State of Delaware. This
purpose not being approved by the adherents to the old site,
that interest soon declined and the old church passed out of
existence as a place of worship about 1773.
In August, 1774, the distinctive history
of the present Lower Brandywine Church had its beginning. On the
22d of August of that year Jeremiah Smith deeded not quite two
acres of land to John Bratten, George Craghead and John
Armstrong, as trustees for the congregation, and the work of
building a new house of worship was begun. It was a small log
building, but for many years accommodated the congregation which
could not have had more than forty members when it was
completed. There was no means of heating the house, and those
attending had nothing but the fervor of the minister's discourse
to keep them warm. After 1885 the church was weather boarded and
plastered, thus being made more comfortable and inviting. It
continued in use until the fall of 1861, when the new edifice
having been erected it was taken down and used in building horse
sheds, but the ruins of its foundation may still be seen.
The movement to build a new church was
begun April 15, 1859, when a meeting to determine this purpose
was held. The project was received with so much favor that it
was "Resolved that the trustees be authorized to proceed
immediately to have a new church erected, and that the following
persons be appointed a building committee: John Brannen, David
Martin, Peter W. Gregg, Samuel Armstrong, Reece Pyle, William
Armstrong, J. Paulson Chandler, James L. Deleplain." Work
progressed so rapidly that the corner-stone was laid September
1, 1859, and the dedication followed November 8, 1860. It is a
plain but substantial brick building, seating four hundred
people, and has basement accommodations for Sunday-school and
lecture purposes. The cost of the structure was five thousand
dollars exclusive of the labor performed by the congregation,
which at the time did not number more than twenty persons. The
liberal donation of a Mrs. Gamble aided much to complete the
Sabbath-school rooms of the church, a means which has greatly
promoted the welfare of the congregation, which was one hundred
and fifty-nine members strong, in 1887. The Sunday-school had a
membership of two hundred and ninety-eight at the same time.
At a later period a parsonage was
provided near the church on three acres of land, and other
improvements made. June 1887, the property was in charge of
trustees Frederick Klair, George I. Fen n, George K. Woodward,
William Carpenter, Henry Chandler and Milliard F. Day.
The Rev. Robert Cathcart appears to have
been the first pastor of the church, beginning his ministry in
November, 1730, serving also the congregation at Middletown, and
continued about eleven years. A vacancy in the pulpit followed,
the only preaching being by supplies until April 18, 1769, when
the Rev. Joseph Smith was ordained pastor. But owing to the
division of the congregation on account of the dissensions
arising from the inability to agree upon a church site, this
pastorate was continued only a little more than three years.
After preaching was established in the
new church, in Christiana Hundred, Mr. Smith again became the
pastor and continued until April, 1778. A short vacancy ensued
when the Rev. Wm. R. Smith be-came the pastor of the Lower
Brandywine and Wilmington churches, ministering to the latter
only after October, 1785. For a number of years there was no
pastor, and the congregation had become so weak that its
existence was with difficulty sustained; and the preaching was
by supplies, the Rev. Alexander Mitchell, filling the pulpit
most frequently.
In September, 1801 the Rev. Thomas
Grier, entered upon a pastorate of the Lower Brandywine and
Middletown Churches, and was pastor and supply a little more
than seven years. In the fall of 1809, the Rev. Nathaniel R.
Snowden, became the stated sup-ply, and so ministered several
years. He was succeeded by a regular pastor, the Rev. Samuel
Henderson, who was installed in November, 1813. This pastorate
was terminated in less than a year.
A period of ten years now ensued in
which there was no regular minister and, consequently, a dearth
of spiritual matters. The Rev. James Taylor, next preached,
serving in an independent connection. But in December, 1825, the
Rev. Thomas Love be-came the pastor of the church, in connection
with the congregation in Red Clay, and entered upon a ministry
which was productive of much good. In 1828, the Presbytery of
New Castle met with the church, and was entertained the first
time in its history without ardent spirits. This was a bold
departure from a long honored old custom, but the ladies of the
church furnished an acceptable substitute in the tea which they
provided, some of the presbyters testifying that "they never
left a meeting with better feelings." From this time on
temperance sentiment had an assured and steady growth. Closely
connected with this feeling was the revival of 1831, which
augmented the membership of the church to more than double its
former proportions. In 1832, twenty-six more persons were added
to the church. Mr. Love's pastorate continued until October,
1856, and was one of the longest and most eventful in the
history of the church.
For a period of four years the pulpit
was supplied, but in March, 1861, the Rev. David W. Moore
be-came the pastor, beginning a ministry which added many
members to the church, and more firmly established its temporal
affairs. His pastoral relation was dissolved October 15, 1872,
and for several months the pulpit was again supplied. In May,
1878, the Rev. George E. Jones was installed pastor, and
acceptably filled that position until July, 1877. After an
interval of a few months the Rev. Robert Graham, became the
settled minister, and served from the fall of 1877, until
October, 1883. Again the pulpit was supplied a short period, but
since May, 1884, the pastor has been the Rev. T. R. McDowell
under whose ministry the church continues to prosper.
The Ruling Elders of the church have
been the following:
James Houston
James McCorkle
George Creaghead
John Augustus
John Armstrong
John Boughman
William Houston
John McMinn
Peter Hendrickson
Alexander McMullin
William Armstrong
Benjamin Chandler
Thomas Sterling |
John Nixon
James Delaplain
J. Poulson Chandler
Peter W. Gregg
James M. Brackin
William Bratten
James Leach
John B. Barney
John Armstrong
George I. Fenn
Jacob Chandler
Geo. K. Woodward
Wm. Wilson |
Lower Brandywine has had many seasons of
growth, followed by corresponding ones of decline, but has
outlived its vicissitudes, and although other churches of like
faith have been established within the bounds of its original
territory, it is today a strong, vigorous body, whose promise
for usefulness in the future cannot be fairly estimated, but
whose outlook is beneficent in the highest degree.
Green Hill Presbyterian Church
was organized under the direction of the New Castle Presbytery,
June 5, 1849. At the same time Alexander Stephens, John Wood and
James Scanlan were elected ruling elders; and John McCartney and
John Keowan deacons. Bat before this, Presbyterian meetings had
been held in this neighborhood by the Rev. S. M. Gayley and
others. The former became the first pastor, serving in
connection with the Rockland Church, and remained the minister
until 1851. Through his efforts the church building was begun,
and the comer stone laid November 15, 1848. But the edifice was
not completed for several years, and the dedication did not take
place until September 14, 1851, when the dedicatory sermon was
preached by the Rev. G. I. Moore. The church is a commodious
brick structure, and was erected under the supervision of John
Wood, Alexander Stephens, James Stephens, John Peoples, Joseph
Hendrickson, Taylor Crosby and Peter Gregg, who were, also, the
first trustees of the Green Hill Cemetery, which became an
incorporated body, by an act of the Legislature February 9,
1849. The grounds embrace three acres, situated a short distance
from the Kennett Pike, two miles from Wilmington. The church has
a central location in the cemetery, which contains many graves.
Near by a parsonage was provided, at a later day, and the entire
property is valued at twenty thousand dollars. In 1887 it was in
charge of trustees J. Q. Stirling, S. F. Stirling, Robert
Printer, Samuel Frizzell, Wm. H. Miller, Samuel Moore and J. M.
Smyth.
The members of the session at the same
time were W. H. Oliver, J. Q. Stirling, W. H. Miller, Andrew
Fleming, John Moore and James Smyth; and other elders have been
Hugh Stirling, William Nevin and Robert Magee. The trustees and
ruling elders also attend to the affairs of the Rockland Church,
which is now practically a preaching station of Green Hill, and
for more than thirty years has had the same ministerial service.
In 1851 the Rev. S. M. Gayley was succeeded by the Rev. W. C.
Windle, who was pastor three years. In 1855 the Rev. A. Tudehope
supplied the pulpit. From 1856 to 1863 the Rev. James Otterson
was the pastor. The Rev. H. B. Scott occupied the same relation
from 1864 to 1869. In November of the same year the Rev. G. L.
Moore entered upon a ministry which continued until 1883, when
he was succeeded by the Rev. Hugh K. Walker, who was pastor
eighteen months. Since April, 1886, the pastor has been the Rev.
J. C. Lenhard. In the fall of 1884 the church was visited with a
revival of unusual interest, which resulted in fifty-four
additions to the church membership. In June, 1887, the members
numbered one hundred and sixty, forming an active progressive
body. From the ranks of the church have gone as ministers the
Revs. James Roberts and Henry Rumer, who have rendered effective
service in other fields of labor.
Ebenezer Baptist Church
was erected in the south-western part of the hundred, more than
half a century ago. The society which occupied it became extinct
many years ago, and Union meetings or general religious
exercises were afterwards held in the same house. About thirty
years later the building was placed in the hands of a board of
trustees, authorized for this purpose, who sold the building,
and it was removed. The burial-ground on which it stood is still
used by that community.
Mt. Salem Methodist Episcopal
Church was founded at Riddle's Bank, on the Brandywine,
in 1847, and the first meetings were held in the old Lyceum
building. James Riddle was one of the early members and also a
local preacher, an office which was shared by Franklin Supplee.
John Miller, Jesse Elliott, William Henderson, Samuel Pierce,
William Hart and William Henderson also belonged to the first
classes. William Wier became connected soon after. Besides the
preaching by the local men named above, a shipwright by the name
of Kirkman, in the employ of Harlan & Hollingsworth, frequently
preached and later came the Rev. Boswell and the regular
appointees by Conference. In 1865 the charge became independent,
and the ministers since that period have been the following:
Rev. W. S. Pugh
1865
Rev. O. W. Landreth 1866
Rev. John D. Rigg 1868
Rev. Geo. D. Watson 1871
Rev. John France 1873 |
Rev. John W.
Weston1 1875
Rev. Charlee F. Sheppard 1877
Rev. O. L. Tomkinson 1880
Rev. J. Edward Smith 1888
Rev. B. C. Jones 1886 |
In 1847 the congregation erected its
first house of worship, on the beautiful elevation overlooking
the city of Wilmington, which appropriately received the name of
Mount Salem. It was a two-story structure of stone and stood
until it was taken down in 1878, when a new edifice took its
site, the same year. The latter was built under the direction of
a committee composed of John Macklan, Levi Garrett, William
Maine and Lee T. Archer. It was a very fine building, but,
unfortunately, was destroyed by fire in February, 1879, three
months from the time it was completed. Although a loss of twelve
thousand dollars was sustained, the work of restoration was at
once begun, and June 14, 1879, the present fine church was
dedicated, a worthy memorial to the devotion and perseverance of
the membership of the congregation, who again expended about
thirteen hundred dollars. In rebuilding, the tower of the old
church was used, but the structure is almost wholly new and is
one of the most substantial edifices of the kind in the county.
The interior is beautifully finished and very inviting. In 1887
the property was controlled by trustees William Buck, Richard
Brown, Hiram H. Cloud, George Walker, John W. Haley, John
Benson, Morris Lutton, John Larker and John S. Miller. These
serve as an incorporated body, under an act of the Legislature,
and also control the fine cemetery on the opposite side of the
church. It was opened for burial purposes in the latter part of
1852, and the first person there interred was Ellen McCartney,
who died January 1, 1853. Since that time it has become so
rapidly filled that it has been found necessary to enlarge it.
On part of this ground stands a good parsonage.
Connected with the general work of the
church are the missionary efforts at Riddle Chapel and Centre-ville,
giving it a wide field of labor as well as making the church an
important factor in the religious history of the county.
Although having had many seasons of especial interest, the great
revival in the fall of 1848 is still remembered as being of
unusual importance. Before its close, in December, ninety-four
persons were added to the membership of the church, and its
spirituality was greatly promoted. At this time the Rev. John
Talley was the minister.
Riddle's Chapel was
built by the Rev. James Riddle for the benefit of the people
residing at Riddle's Banks, who could not conveniently attend
worship at Mount Salem. Before his death he endowed it with a
perpetual annuity of one hundred dollars and made a like
provision for Mount Salem, making the water right of the Banks
liable for the payment of the same. In addition to the
occasional preaching in the chapel, a Sunday-school is regularly
maintained, which has had as superintendents Samuel Pierce and
Richard Brown.
Christ Church, Protestant
Episcopal, had its origin in a school established in
1816 by E. I. du Pont and his daughter, Mrs. Bauduy. A building
was put up near the powder-mills, in which both secular and
religious instruction was imparted on the Sabbath to the youth
of that community with such satisfactory results that the school
was made a legal body. On the 29th of January, 1817, it was
incorporated as the "Brandywine Manufacturers' Sunday-school,"
with a board of trustees composed of E. I. du Pont, Robert
McCall, John D. Carter, Charles I. du Pont, George Hodgson,
Peter Hendrickson and William Huston. The purpose of the
incorporation was declared to be "To not only promote the
instruction of the youth in manufacturing establishments in the
first rudiments of learning, but that Sunday-schools conduced
greatly to their good and orderly behavior, by preventing them
from spending the Sabbath in idleness and contracting habits of
vice and immorality." Although this school was conducted without
sectarian bias, the forms of the Episcopal Church were gradually
adopted; and later regular church services were established by
the Rev. Samuel C. Brinckle, whose home was near Wilmington.
Following his preaching was the confirmation. May 2, 1852, of
the first class of catechumens, consisting of seven persons, who
in this manned became the first members of the school. The
ordinance of confirmation was administered by Bishop Alfred Lee.
A few years later a church edifice was erected on the du Pont
property, which was opened for Divine service in 1856. This
building was repaired and very much beautified in 1876. A
comfortable rectory was also provided by the du Pont family, and
a regular parish created. The Rev. Samuel C. Brinckle was the
first rector, preaching almost to the time of his death, in
1863.
In the spring of that year he was
succeeded by the Rev. William A. Newbold, whose rectorship
continued until the fall of 1869. The following spring the Rev.
I. N. Stanger became the rector, and served in that relation
about three years, being succeeded, in the latter part of
November, 1873, by the Rev. Dudley D. Smith, whose ministry has
since been continued.
In 1887 the parish had one hundred and
thirty-eight members, the following sustaining an official
relation: A. L. Foster and James Conley, wardens; H. A. du Pont,
William du Pont, John Conley, Neal Conley, Henry Brown, William
R. Wood and William R. Green, vestrymen. A flourishing
Sabbath-school is still maintained.
St. Joseph's Church, Roman
Catholic The missionary efforts of that zealous priest,
Father P. Ken-ney, extended to the neighborhood of Brandywine
Banks more than sixty years ago, and in 1828 the first Mass was
here said by him at the house of Madam Victor du Pont. Though
Catholic services were occasionally thereafter held in that
locality, a number of years elapsed before a church was built.
But, in 1841, through the efforts of P. N. Brennan and others,
aided by the generous donations of the du Pont family, the
present church edifice was erected; and soon thereafter a
school-house and pastor's residence, standing on either side of
the church, were added to the property. At different periods the
church grounds have been enlarged until they embrace several
acres, a part of which was set aside for a residence for the
Sisters who should take charge of the school. For a number of
years this school has been well attended and has been in charge
of the Sisters of St. Francis. It has materially advanced the
interests of the parish, which had, in June, 1887, a membership
of nearly one thousand persons.
The priests of the parish have been the
following: 1846 till September 20, 1867, Father J. S. Walsh;
1867 till 1869, Father J. Scanlan; April, 1869, till March,
1887, Father Georgius J. Kelley; since May, 1887, Father Peter
Donaghy. The affairs of the parish are in a very flourishing
condition. The church has recently been placed in good repair
and enlarged, and the area of the cemetery increased by the
addition of two acres.
St. Patrick's Church, Roman
Catholic, is near Ashland Station, in the southwestern
part of the hundred. The grounds embrace seven acres of
well-located land, two of which were donated by Michael Mullin
and Michael Kane. A portion of it has been consecrated to the
dead. The church is a neat frame building, thirty-four by sixty
feet, with basement, and was dedicated October 10, 1881. The
priests house adjoining was completed the same season. The
entire property has a value of eight thousand dollars, and its
existence is due to the labors of Father Peter Donaghy, who
established Catholic services in this locality in 1880, there
being at that time but a few families of that faith in this
region. He served as priest of the new parish (embracing St.
John's at Hockessin and St. Patrick's) until May, 1887, when he
was succeeded by the present priest, Father Francis Farney.
Fifty families contributed to the support of the interests of
the parish.
The
Ferris Reform School,
This institution is located in a beautiful section of the
hundred, four miles from the court-house in Wilmington. It was
established through the liberality of John Ferris, of that city,
who died September 2, 1882, leaving an estate valued at nearly
one-fourth of a million of dollars, much of which was devised
for benevolent purposes. His benefaction to the Reform School
was the residue of the estate, and was entrusted to Dr. Caleb
Harlan, to be applied at his discretion "to aid in establishing
what is known mostly as a House of Refuge, or place for
bettering wayward juveniles," and amounted to eighty-three
thousand eight hundred and twenty-three dollars. Realizing the
importance of the trust, which the confidence of his friend had
placed in his hands, Dr. Harlan wisely sought and obtained the
advice and co-operation of the follow-ing citizens, to aid him
in carrying out the provisions of the bequest: Lewis Thompson,
Samuel N. Pusey, Dr. Lewis P. Bush, Allen Gawthrop, David W.
Harlan, Henry C. Robinson and Leonard E. Wales. The latter
prepared the excellent charter for the school. This committee
held its first meeting March 27, 1884, and its work was entirely
of an advisory nature.
In order to place the matter upon a more
permanent basis, Dr. Harlan had The Ferris Reform School
incorporated by legislative enactment March 10, 1885,
forty-eight persons being named as incorporators. These
organized under the terms of the charter April 15th the same
year, and selected the following board of officers and managers:
President, Caleb Harlan, M.D.;
Vice-Presidents, Leonard E. Wales, J. Taylor Clause;
Treasurer, Henry C. Robinson;
Secretary, David W. Harlan;
Managers, Caleb Harlan, M. D., Lewis P. Bush, M.D., Edward
Betts, Thomas Bird, Joseph L. Carpenter, Jr., Allen Gawthrop, J.
Taylor Gause, George Gray, David W. Harlan, Job H. Jackson,
William C. Lodge, Samuel N. Pusey, William T. Porter, Henry C.
Robinson, Lewis Thompson, Stransbury J. Willey, Leonard E. Wales
and Alfred D. Warner, the mayor of the City of Wilmington, the
judge of the Superior Court resident in New Castle County, and
the president of the Levy Court of New Castle County, ex-offico.
By-laws were also adopted and provision
made for securing a site for a home, and to open the same at an
early day. Some difficulty was experienced in securing a proper
location, until "Woodside," the country-seat of Philip Quigley,
was placed on the market, when it was purchased, and it has been
found admirably adapted for the purpose. The farm contains one
hundred and ninety acres of choice land, on which were spacious
buildings, with accommodations for fifty inmates. Appliances
have since been furnished, and new buildings erected to increase
the conveniences of the home, so that it lacks but a few things
of being a first-class institution of that nature.
The home was opened for the reception of
inmates January 1, 1886, and before the close of the year had
seventeen inmates, consisting of lads between the ages of nine
and sixteen years, and of both colors. Newton Chandler was
placed in charge as superintendent, and Mary E. Chandler as
matron; and under their supervision the school has been
admirably conducted. In the government of the institution the
merit system is successfully used, and has been the means of
appealing to the better purposes of the in-mates, whose
connection with the school has been generally beneficial.
Instruction in the school-room is imparted ten months in the
year, and light manual labor is added to give proper physical
development. The future of Ferris Reform School promises to
reflect great honor upon the memory of the generous founder, and
to be a source of much benefit to the county fortunate enough to
have it located in its midst as one of its public institutions.
Footnotes:
1.
It will be remembered that Wilmington and Newport was at that
time within the limits of the Hundred.
New Castle
County
Source: History of Delaware, 1609-1888,
Volume I, by J. Thomas Scharf, L. J. Richards & Company,
Philadelphia, 1888.
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