FIRST GENERATION - Taylor



[pic]FIRST GENERATION

1. Daniel NEVIN. There are various stories about how Daniel Nevin came to America. The original "Nevin Genealogica" states:

"It is believed that Daniel Nevin was the first of this family to come to America. Tradition has it that he came from Scotland with his brother who settled in the Hudson River Valley, but of this I can find no record. Daniel suddenly appears in New York City marrying, Margaret Eagles, a widow."

James Melancthon Nevin’s "Nevin and Boyd Genealogies" claims Daniel’s son, Daniel was

"Brought to America 1760. Did his parents bring him? The statement on his tombstone at Middle Spring, Pa. ‘Born in New York’ is clearly an error. This could readily enough appear since he had been an American 63 years, and would look like one; besides, he may have formerly lived in New York."

The real question, though, is where did this Daniel come from. It may be one of those genealogical quests that a firm answer may never be known. However, there is evidence to believe that Daniel is descended from the Nevins of Monkredding, Ayrshire, Scotland. The Nevins possessed Monkredding from 1546 until 1698, when William Nevin alienated the lands to Hugh Cunninghame of Clonbeith. There is a crest of an "N" on a tower of the Monkredding Castle which matches a signet ring that was once in the possession of David Lynham Nevin (Thomas Marshall 5, Arthur Finley 4, Robert Peebles 3, John 2, Daniel Nevin). This ring, now stolen, was described as worn, with an "N" etched into a black stone such that a blue stone under it could be seen. Down each side of the ring was a stirrup. It is not known for sure where William went to, but a letter from Robert Peebles Nevin III to Anne J. Krush, dated May 27, 1966 adds:

"Perhaps I should add that during my visit in 1956 to the Nevin manor house - named Monkredding - at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, the then tenants gave me access to some old documents which showed that in about 1679 those Nevins emigrated to America and the manor passed, or was sold to another family. However it is still in excellent condition."

While not conclusive, it is most likely that this Daniel is descended from William Nevin, the last Nevin to own Monkredding.

He was married to Margaret EAGLES .on 29 Oct 1743 in New York City, NY. Married in the Dutch Reformed Church, the Old South Church in Garden Street built in 1693, about where Nassau, Broad and Wall Streets now meet. Margaret was one of six children of Alexander and Margaret) EAGLES. Her brothers were Alexander, trader of Newark, province of New Jersey, William, a saddler of New York, and Thomas of Newark. Her sister Easter Slit lived in Ireland; Mary was the wife of John Craig and died before July 1765, she had five children.

"Eagles Street," now Hester Street in New York City, is said to have been named for William Eagles Junior and later changed to Hester, the name of his sister, niece of Margaret Eagles Nevin. William Eagles, Margaret's brother lived on the north side of Cedar Street a little west of Broadway.

In a Poll list of electors for Representatives for the City and County of New York, 1768, is the name of "Dan'l Nevin, Freeholder", with William Eagles, Freeholder, and James Nevin, Freeman. In the List for 1769 appears, James Nevin (cooper), Archibald Nevin (stands for scrutiny in respect to his freehold), and Daniel Nevins (sworn or qualified with respect to his freehold).

Another Daniel Macniven arrived in New York from Bowmore, Islay, and remained there until the Revolution, after the disbanding of the Army he moved to Newburg, Ulster County, where he lived until his death in 1809. But his name was invariably spelled Niven (he dropped the "mac" soon after emigrating). He was only 23 years old in 1765 and there is no record of his being a freeholder or acquiring property before the year 1771. Thus it would appear that the freeholder voting in 1768 and 1769 as Daniel Neven and Daniel Nevins was the same who married Margaret Eagles in 1743. If he remained in America, he most likely died before 1790 since he is not in any of the 1790 census of any state.

Margaret Eagles was living in 1765 as shown by the Will of her brother, thus "I Alexander Eagles of Newark in the County of Essex and Province of New Jersey, Trader (15 July 1765) . . . Item I give and bequeath to my Loving Sister Margaret Nevens the Sum of Twenty pounds the ounce." She was not then a widow for her brother in mentioning her sisters describes them as "widows of" &c. But what became of them, where they lived, died or are buried, remains to be discovered. A brief history of the Eagles Family is delineated later in this chapter.

Daniel NEVIN and Margaret EAGLES had the following children:

+2 i. Daniel NEVIN.

THE EAGLES FAMILY

The Eagles family crossed from Scotland to Ireland at the time of the Covenanters, later coming to New England, probably Connecticut. Tradition says the first of the Newark branch rode from New England to Newark on a white horse with his wife on the pillion behind him. When Charles Eagles moved from Orange Street in 1875, it was said that for 200 years an Eagles had always lived on that street, which would make their coming prior to 1675.

In the Brooklyn Directory for 1796 is listed one "Jacob Eagles, grocer, Main Road." And in the History of Brooklyn, this:

"On one side of the John Rapalje homestead in the early village days, was Ansel Titus' wheelwright shop; and, in the other, Mrs. Eagles' candy shop. This somewhat remarkable female, rejoiced in the soubriquet of 'The American Heroine', from a tradition that she had once worn a uniform and seen service in the Revolutionary Army. She was a little, squat, 'snapping eyed woman,' always wore a red and white plaid turban, and to the great delectation of the villagers 'bossed' it most tyrannically over her husband, a tall, lank, easygoing man who called himself a grocer. Mrs. Eagles was succeeded after a while by a Mrs. Burnet."

Besides the bequests to his mother and sisters mentioned above, Alexander Eagles left "unto my Loving Brother William Eagles and unto my loving Brother Thomas Eagles his two Sons namely Thomas Eagles and Alexander Eagles the equal half of all the Residue of my Estate" Thomas Eagles and David Burnit he appoints executors. The Will was proved 29 July 1765.

William died the same year for his Will was proved before Goldsbrow Banyer 12 October 1765. He leaves to his son John his silver bowl, "with intent to bar him from all other claims as eldest son and heir at law," to his son William he gives, "my book entitled Burkit's Exposition of the New Testament" also "my gun and cane." To Alexander his son "all my working tools and utensils belonging to the sadler's trade also my other gun." Continuing:

"To my son Thomas all my wearing apparell . . . to my daughter Ann Eagles my negro child called 'Happy' . . . my wife Anna shall have and enjoy the use of the house and lot where I now live also my household goods and furniture and bonds for life if she so long remain my widow . . . my house and lot in Cortlandt Street wherein Mr. Auchmuty now lives, in the Broadway, shall be sold . . . and the money put at interest for the support and bringing up of my children who are under age, until my daughter Ann is of age . . . that the sum of £4 yearly be paid toward the support of my honored Mother Margaret Eagles in Jersey money yearly during her natural life. When my youngest child is of age then the money from the sale of the house to be divided among my children. But the sum of £50 is to be reserved out of the shares of my daughter Hester Baird, and my son John they each having received a competent sum."

His wife Anna and sons John and William are executors. In a Codicil he leaves to his wife "my negro man 'horsman' and the use of all my estate during widowhood and she is to support my daughter Ann till of age . . . the legacy to my mother is to be punctually paid." The witnesses to the will are Baltus Hyer, Peter Hyer, cooper. John Nathaniel Hutchins, schoolmaster. To the Codicil, George Duncan, merchant. Jacobus Wynkoop, goldsmith. William Smith.

Jeremiah Owen of New York left, by his Will, "to my loving friends, Peter Van Brugh Livingston and William Eagles, a silver tankard for the use of the Presbyterian Church in New York for ever." In a Codicil to the Will, "the £10 given to Oliver Shouart is given to William Eagles . . . " and "I give my black coat, best hat and wigg to William Eagles. My land coloured coat to Mr. George Johnson, my riding chair to Tunis Rapalye and Jane Johnson. To Anna, daughter of William Eagles £10. To Rebecca Shouart, three gold chains. I give to Mrs. Kip and Mrs. Sidell each a gold ring at 30 shillings each for laying me out."

William Eagles was a deacon of the Presbyterian Church of New York.

The Arms of Eagles as recorded in Burke's General Armory are blazoned, Or, a fesse betw. 3 eagles displayed az. Crest Two lion's paws in a saltire ppr. While those of the family of Eagle (Co. Suffolk), are: Sa. Six lions ar. three two and one. Crest a lion's gamb. erect and erased or. grasping an eagle's leg erased at the thigh gu.

 

SECOND GENERATION

2. Daniel NEVIN was born on 28 Aug 1744 in New York City, NY. Sometime between 1765 and 1770 he moved to Cumberland Co., PA. He served in the military during the American Revolution, being listed in the Pennsylvania militia in 1778 in PA.

From the Pennsylvania Archive, Fifth Series, Vol. 6, page 67 et sec. (Pittsburgh Carnegie Library, r974.8 2.399 p 4):

p. 37, Associaters and Militia, Cumberland County. Lieutenant Isaac Miller’s Company (b); First Battalion, Seventh Company, called March 28th, 1778. Among the privates of the 7th class is Daniel Nevin.

Pp. 38 and 39. Battalion called out by Order of Council for ye 7th & 8th Classes. Dated at Lancaster March ye 25, 1778.(e) First Battalion. In service March, 1778. Colonel, Frederick Watts; Captain (1st Battalion), Joseph Brady "W.M."; First Lieut. Isaac Miller. Among the privates. "Daniel Neevins".

P. 40. Capt. Isaac Miller’s Company (b). "A Return of Captain Isaac Miller’s Company of the 7th Class, & First Battalion, of Cumberland County, Carlisle, April 10th, 1778." Captain Isaac Miller; Lieut. James Stuart. Among the privates, "Daniel Nevins".

P. 145. Class Roll of Capt. Campbell’s Company (e) 6th Capt. John Campbell. (No date - 1782?) Among the privates of 7th class is "Daniel Nevins".

P. 327. An Account of the 5th, 6th and 7th Classes of the 6th Battalion of Cumberland County Militia called upon to perform a Tour of Duty by an Order of Council hearing date the 1st of August, 1780 and marched August 22d." Among the privates, 5th company, 7th class, is "Daniel Nevins". (In 6th Co., 7th class, David Williamson).

P. 429. "A Class Roll of Capt. William Strains Company of Militia of the 6th Battalion Cumberland County; commanded by Col. James Dunlap, July 27th, 1782." Among the privates of 7th class is "Daniel Nivvens".

P. 656-7 "A Return of the 6th & 7th Classes of Militia that Marched with Captain John Hodge." Among the privates of the 7th class is "Daniel Nivans".

This is the same individual in every case, with his name spelled five ways. Daniel's spelling of it was always Daniel Nevin.

He was a member of Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, his name appearing in 1776 in a list of subscriptions and arrearages in John Herron's district: subscription £1-9-10; arrearage £5-19-9. The original building was destroyed by fire, but the church still meets and is active today (1999).

In 1778 he was the owner of 161 acres of land and kept two horses and two head of cattle. The following year he was taxed on 200 acres; the next year 220 acres, two horses, three head of cattle; and in 1781, the same acreage, with two horses, four head of cattle, and one negro.

The valuation of his property as assessed in 1794 by Thomas Grier, James Dunn, and William Scott, assessors of Southampton Township, was:

|200 |acres |£650 |  |

|4 |horses |30 |  |

|4 |cows |12 |  |

|  |  |£692 |Tax £1-2-3 |

Tradition says that Daniel Nevin kept the Black Horse Tavern on the Strasburg Road west of Herron's Branch, a log house which was destroyed by fire in 1843, and that here he entertained General Washington in 1794. In support of this, John O. Orr, writing in the Kittochtinny Magazine, says, in part, "The maid of all work at the tavern was Sibey Richards, afterwards a noted midwife. General Washington and staff on their return from Bedford, 22 October 1794, halted at noon at the log tavern and inquired of the maid if dinner could be had. Sibey Richards replied that the only food ready was an old-fashioned pot-pie to which they were welcome. This has always been a current story" Mr. Orr writes, "vouched for by a daughter dead but a few years."

Washington continued on to Shippensburg and lodged at the Black Horse Tavern kept by Captain William Rippey. This was a stone house built by Hugh Rippey in 1738 and stood on the north side of the street on the bank of the stream at the head of the town. On the 23rd he resumed his journey to Carlisle.

William R. Johnston, of Shippensburg, writes, in a letter to the late Andrew Parker Nevin (David Robert Bruce 3, David 2, Daniel 1, Daniel).

"Dr. Stewart does not know where Daniel Nevin kept a tavern on the Strasburg Road. John McCurdy, a local antiquary, who died about 1880, told him he had heard of the 'pot-pie story' but said there was nothing in it and that a Mr. McConnel, who in 1796, lived in a stone house now standing in the East end, told him that he, McConnel, and several others were sitting in front of his home when General Washington rode through and saluted them, but he, not recognizing him, paid no attention. Later, learning who it was, they dressed in their best and went to the Black Horse Tavern, where the General was staying and paid their respects, on which occasion the landlord for the only time in his life got intoxicated. One of the troopers also got full and was disciplined by being marched under guard up and down the Branch. The Black Horse I myself remember stood where Dr. Stewart's residence now stands. It was here Washington stopped.'

'The only tavern on the Strasburg Road that Dr. Stewart knows of is about two miles from Shippensburg but Dr. Stewart knows of is about two miles from Shippensburg but Dr. Stewart does not know that any Nevin ever owned it. I know the house and my mother says that when she was girl it belonged to her grandfather, David Nevin. This would indicate the tavern his father, Daniel Nevin, kept It being so near Shippensburg when Washington stopped it would be unlikely that he would have stopped there also and Mr. McCurdy said he did not."

Washington, who carefully recorded in his diary every detail of his journey to and from the west, makes no mention of stopping at Daniel Nevin's tavern but he does mention stopping at the Black Horse in Shippensburg. It seems hardly likely that there would be two Black Horse Taverns in the immediate locality.

The original "Nevin Genealogica" writes: "It would also appear that if Daniel Nevin kept a public house it was an unlicensed one for there is no record in the courts of Carlisle or Chambersburg that a license for that purpose was ever applied for or granted to William Reynolds, Margaret Reynolds, or Daniel Nevin." However, there apparently was a tavern kept by Daniel and Margaret Nevin. This tavern was originally owned by William Reynolds, Margaret's first husband. The following was found regarding the transfer of ownership of the tavern to John Cessna in 1793. It appears that this is not the same tavern that George Washington would have eaten at if he stopped by in 1794 since the tavern was sold in 1793. The following transcript from the Cumberland Historical Society document the transaction:

From Cumberland Co. Index to Deeds

William Reynolds Heirs –John Cessna 1 K 562 1773 Shippensburg

Release of Dower from Danl. Nevin & Wife to John Cessna. To all people to whom these presents shall come Daniel Nevin of the County of Franklin in the State of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Margaret his Wife, late Margaret Reynolds widow of William Reynolds late of the County of Cumberland deceased fond Greeting, Whereas the said William Reynolds was in his lifetime seized in fee of and in a certain Lot of Ground Situate in the said Town of Shippensburg marked in the General plan of said Town Number Eighteen containing in Breadth sixty four feet, and four Inches and in length two hundred and fifty seven feet and four Inches bounded on the fourth by King Street on the East by lot No. 17 on the North by a fourteen foot Alley and on the West by Lot No. 19. Now know ye that for and in Consideration of the sum of five Shillings lawful Money of Pennsylvania to them the said Daniel Nevin and the said Margaret his Wife in hand paid by John Cessna the Elder of the Said Town of Shippensburg the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge and also for other good causes and valuable considerations they the said Daniel Nevin and Margaret his Wife have and each of them hath remised released and forever quit claimed and by these presents do and each of them doth fully freely and absolutely _______release and forever quit claim unto the said John Cessna his heirs Executors, Administrators and Assigns all and all manner of Dower and right and Title of Dower whatsoever which they the said Daniel Nevin and Margaret his Wife now have or either of them hath may might should or of right out to have or Claim of in or out of the said Lot of Ground Number Eighteen with the Appertenances, And also all manner of Actions and writs of Dower whatsoever so as neither they the said Daniel Nevin and Margaret his Wife nor either of them nor any other person or persons for them or either of them or in their or either of their Names or Names any Dower or Writ of Action of Dower or any manner of Right or Title of Dower of in(in crossed out) or in the Said Lot of Ground Number Eighteen with the Appertenances or any Part or parcel thereof at any time hereafter shall or may have claim or prosecute against the said John Cessna his heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns but of and from the same shall be utterly barred and forever excluded by these presents. In Witness whereof the said Daniel Nevin and Margaret his Wife have hereunto set their hands and seals the thirty first day of Agust in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety three

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Mattw. Scott James Lowrey

The thirty first day of Agust in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety three. Before me Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Cumberland came the above and within named Daniel Nevin and Margaret his Wife, and acknowledged the forgoing Instrument of writing to be their Act and deed to the Intent the same may be recorded the said Margaret thereunto Voluntarily confronting, she being of full age, apart by me examined, and the Contents of the said writing being fully made known to her. Witness my hand and Seal.

James Lowrey

Received the day of the Date of the foregoing Instrument of writing from the aforesaid John Cessna the Sum of five Shillings lawful Money of Pennsylvania being the full Consideration Money therein mentioned. Danl. Nevin

Margret Nevin.

Witness Present at Signing Mattw. Scott James Lowrey. Enteredin the Office November 29th 1793 recorded and compared.

William _____.

William Reynolds et al deed to John Cessna

This Indenture made the day of in the year our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety three Between Wiliam Reynolds, William Herran and Agness his Wife and Frances Graham and Margaret his Wife all of the County of Franklin in the State of Pennsylvania ( the Said William Reynolds, Agness Herran and Margaret Graham being the only surviving Children and heirs of William Reynolds late of Cumberland County in the state aforesaid deceased) of the one part and John Cessna the Elder of the Town of Shippensburg in the County of Cumberland aforesaid of the other Part. Whereas the said William Reynolds the Father was in his lifetime seized in fee of and in a certain Lot of Ground situate in the said Town of Shippensburg marked in the General plan of the said Town Number Eighteen containing in Breadth Sixty four feet four Inches and in Length two hundred and fifty seven feet and four Inches, Bounded on the South by King Street on the East by Lot No. 17 on the North by a fourteen feet Alley on the West by Lot No. 19 under the Yearly rent of Seven Shillings and Six pence Sterling forever and whereas the said William Reynolds, the father did in his lifetime agree with the said John Cessna for the Consideration of two hundred Pounds lawfull Money of Pennsylvania to Convey to the said John Cessna and his heirs the said Lot of Ground Number Eighteen with the Appertenances but died before any Convenance thereof was made. And whereas all the above named Children of the said William Reynolds have since attained their ages respectively of twenty one Years. Now this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the monies paid by said John Cessna to the Said Williams Reynolds the father in his lifetime and also in consideration of the further sum of five shillings lawful Money of Pennsylvania the Said William Reynolds the son, William Herran and Agness his Wife, Frances Graham annd Margaret his wife in hand paid by the said John Cessna at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge and to be in full of the whole consideration Money above mentioned they the said William Reynolds, the son William, William Herran and Agness his Wife, Frances Graham and Margaret his Wife have and each and every of them hath granted, bargained, sold, released and confirmed and by these Presents do and each and every of them doth grant, bargain, full release and confirm to the said John Cessna his heirs and assigns. All that Lot of ground Number Eighteen above described together with all and singular the Buildings and other Improvements thereon erected and made and all and Singular the rights, members(?)and Appertenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversions and remainders, rents Dues(?) and Profits thereof. And all the Estate and Estates, right, Title, Interest, Property claim and demand whatsoever of them the said William Reynolds the Son, William Herran and Agness his Wife Francis Graham and Margaret his Wife or any or either of them of in or out of the same. To have and to hold the said Lot of ground number Eighteen, Hereditaments (?)and Premises, hereby granted or mentioned or intended to be with the Appertenances unto the said John Cessna his Heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said John Cessna his heirs and assigns forever Subject to the payment of the Yearly rent aforesaid due and to become due and payable for the same to the heirs of Edward Shippen late of the Borough of Lancaster __and to their heirs and assigns forever subject to the Payment of all Taxes and assignments whatsoever due and to become due for the same. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents have here unto interchangeably set their hands and seals Dated the day and year first above written . Sealed and delivered in the presence of Mattw. Scott James Lowrey.

William Reynolds

William Herron

Agness Herron

Francis Graham

Margaret Graham

Received the day of the Date of the above written Indenture from the abo e named John Cessna the Sum of five Shillings lawful Money of Pennsylvania, which together with the monies by him paid to the above named William Reynolds the father in his life time we acknowledge to be in full of the shole Consideration Money aforesaid. William Reynolds, William Herron, Agness Herran, Francis Graham Margaret Graham

Witness present at signing Mattw. Scott James Lowrey

The thirty first day of August in the Year of our lord one Thousand Seven hundred and Ninety three before me Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Cumberland came the above named William Reynolds William Herran and Agness his Wife and Francis Graham and Margret his Wife and acknowledged the above instrument of Writing to be their Act and deed respectively, to the Interest the same may be recorded the said Agness and Margaret both being of full age separately and apart from their respective husbands by me examined and the contents of the said writing being fully made known to them. I n Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and Year aforesaid. Entered in the Office Nov. 29th 1793 recorded & compared James Lowrey

William ______"

There is another tradition that Margaret (Williamson) Reynolds was keeping public house on the Strasburg Road when Daniel Nevin fell in love with and married her. In support of this is the fact that Margaret's mother-in-law, Mary Reynolds, was also a widow and that in 1753, a Mary Reynolds along with James Silver, Robert Erwin, and Jane Riper, was indicted at the October Quarter Sessions for keeping a public house without a license.

Daniel Nevin was concerned in at least two conveyances of land, the first dated 17 September 1779,

"BETWEEN Samuel Perry of the State of Maryland and Frederick County farmer of the one part and Daniel Nevin farmer and John Herron Farmer both of the State of Pennsylvania and Cumberland County of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Samuel Perry for and in consideration of the sume of thirteen hundred Pounds lafull Money to me in Hand paid by the said Daniel Nevin and John Herron the recept whereof the said Samuel Perry doth hereby acknowledge, and he the said Samuel Perry hath granted bargained and sold alined and confirmed and by these present doth grant bargain and sell alien and confirm unto the said Daniel Nevin and John Herron their Heirs Executors and Assigns forever all that Messuage and part of a tract of land situate and being in Lurgan Township and County and State of Pennsylvania afforesaid the same being a part of a tract of Land adjoining to James Patterson Abel Mahoon and Robert Donavon & Wm. Turner Survayed in pursuance of an Order of Survey granted to Andrew Purvian out of the Land office at Philadelphia datted the first day of August 1766 No 640, the same being a part of two hundred and sevinty sevin Acres & c 3/4 of an Acre with allowance of six pr ct for Roads and highways survayed by Matthers Henderson beginning at a post running South 69 East two hundred two Perch & 1/2 to a spanish Oak thence North 72 East sevinty nine perch to a post thence North 13 degrs weast one hundred and nineteen perch to a post thence North Eighty two degrs west thirty six and haf perch to a white oak thenc thirty nine west thirty foure perch to a Chestnut Oak thence South fourteen perch to a Chestnut Oak thence South seventy six West one hundred and sixty to the place of beginning Containing One hundred and twenty Acres & 133 perch & allwane of six pc & c. the same being a certain Improvement and clame of James & William Hamseys and conveyed to the said Samuel Perry by an Instrument of writing bearring date the __________ day of __________ and also all proffites Comonodities Advantages Hereditaments Ways Watters and appurtanances whatsoever to the said Premisses and every part thereof against him and his heirs and against all and every other person and Persons whatsoever to the said Daniel Nevin and John Herron their Heirs and Assigns shall and will warrant and Defend from all other former Bargains and Seals whatsoever to them their Heirs and Assigns forever. Nevertheless the said Land & Premises above mentioned is subject to the purtchase Mony and quit Rent due or to become due to the Chiefe Lord or Lords of the fee and I the said Samuel Perry for myself my Heirs shall and will at all times hereafter at the reasonable request Costs and charges of them the said Daniel Nevin and John Herron or them Heirs and Assigns shall and will make do and execute or cause or procure to be made all and every other farther and reasinable act thing and Device Conveyance in the law whatsoever for the farther better and more perfect granting and assuring of all and singular the said Premisses above mentioned with the appurtenances unto the said Daniel Nevin and John Herron their heirs and assigns forever as by their Council learned in the law shall be reasnabley devised and required. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the said Samuel Perry hath hereunto set his Hand and Seall the Day and Year first above written Signed, Sealed and delivered in Presents of us.

William McCall

James McCall Samuel Perry (Seal)

(Seal) Be it remembered that on the twenty first day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six came before me the subscribing Justices of the Pease and Pleas in and for said County Samuel Perry and acknowledged the within Instrument of writing to be his Act and Deed and desires that the same may be recorded as much as witness my hand and Seal the Day and Year above written.

James Finley

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, say I, Wm W. McKinnie, Recorder of Deeds, Mortgages, &c, in and for the County and State aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the within and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the deed from Samuel Perry to Daniel Nevin and John Herron, as the same remains of record in this office in Deed Book Vol. 1 Page 320 &c.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Chambersburg this 2 day of June A.D. 1925

Wm. W. McKinnie Recorder"

The second instrument made September 25, 1782,

"By and between Daniel Nevin and Margaret his wife of the one part and George Phousts of the other part. WITNESSETH that whereas a certain Richar Peters did by his Indenture bearing date the fourteenth day of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five grant & confirm a certain tract or parcel of Land situate upon Herrons branch containing ninety acres and the usual allowance, unto a certain John Williamson and whereas the said John Williamson did by his Indenture dated the fifteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy five grant and convey the above mentioned ninety acres of land together with one other tract of land situate and being adjoining the before mentioned ninety acres, containing one hundred and twenty seven acres and sixty six perches it being the same which was granted by order of survey unto a certain Hugh Williamson and by him conveyed unto the above mentioned John Williamson unto the above mentioned Daniel Nevins as by the above recited deeds will more fully appear. NOW KNOW YE that I the said Daniel Nevin for and in consideration of the sum of One hundred and six pounds ten shillings unto me in hand payd by the above mentioned George Phousts the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain and sell unto the said Phousts and his heirs all my right interest and property of in and to the following described tracts or parcels of land viz: one of them beginning at a post on the bank of Herrons Branch and thence by land of Daniel Nevin south forty nine degrees West twenty three perches unto a post thence north seventy four degrees and a half west three perches unto a post thence north thirty seven degrees west twenty three perches unto a marked Iron wood thence up Herrons Branch by the several corces thereof unto the place of beginning CONTAINING three acres the other being partly adjoining Beginning at the before mentioned marked Iron wood and thence south thirty seven degrees east four perches unto a marked ash thence south seventy three degrees West fifty four perches unto a post in John McCombs line and thence by same north thirteen degrees west thirty five perches unto a marked black oak upon the bank of Conodowinet creek thence down said creek by the several corces thereof unto the mouth of Herrons Branch thence up Herrons Branch unto the place of Beginning CONTAINING twenty acres and fifteen perches. Together with all and singular the improvements that are thereon erected or made with all & singular the appurtenances unto the said described tracts of land belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversions and remainders rents Issues and profits thereof with all the estate right title Interest propert claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Daniel Nevin and his heirs of in and to the same. To have & to hold the said two described tracts of land one of which contains three acres & the other twenty acres and fifteen perches unto the said George Phousts and his heirs and assigns forever and I the said Daniel Nevin shall and will warrant and forever defend the said described tracts of land containing twenty three acres and fifteen perches from me and my heirs forever and from all and every person or persons laying claim in Justice or in equity unto them or any part or parcel of them subject nevertheless unto the payment of the purchase money which is due upon the said described tracts of land.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the parties to these presents have interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

)

Sealed and delivered in the presence of )

Saml. Maclay ) Danl. Nevin (Seal)

Jas. Lowrey )

) Margt. Nevin (Seal)

Reed of George Phousts the full sum of one hundred and six pounds ten shillings being the full consideration money within mentioned Pr me.

Witnesses present

John Maclay Danl. Nevin.

Cumberland County SS:

Be it remembered that on the twenty ninth day of Nov 1782, Personally appeared before me the within and above mentioned Danl. Nevin together with Margaret his wife who being examined apart from her husband did acknowledge the above and within instrument of writing to be her act and deed & the (said) Daniel did acknowledge it to be his act and deed & desired the same as such may be entred on record witness my hand and seal the day & year first above written.

John Maclay (Seal)

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, ss:

I, Wm. W. McKinnie, Recorder of Deeds &c &c DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the within and foregoing is a true and correct copy &c &c . . . as the same remains of record in this office in Deed Book Vol. 4, Page 485.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Chambersburg this 2" day of June A.D. 1925.

Wm. W. McKinnie, Recorder."

He died on 6 Dec 1813 in Herron’s Branch of the Condoguinett Creek, near Shippensburg, Franklin Co., PA. He was buried about 9 Dec 1813 in Middle Springs, Cumberland Co., PA. Middle Spring Presbyterian Church. The Franklin Repository, 15 December, printed this obituary: "Died - on Sunday the 6th inst., at his farm, on Herron's Branch. Mr. Daniel Nevin, in the 69th year of his age. Few men have passed through life in its domestic and social relations, with a more unanimous assent, that he hath 'done justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly.' His departure was remarkably tranquil, & attended with peculiar serenity of mind; the consequence of a good hope thro' grace." The inscription on his tombstone reads: "Daniel Nevin born in the City of New York August 28, 1744 died at his residence on Herron's Branch December 6th 1813" "O death the poor man's dearest friend, the kindest and the best.

Welcome the hour my aged limbs are laid with thee at rest."

The following copy of Daniel Nevin's Will is taken from the Recorder's Office at Chambersburg:

"I Daniel Nevin of Southampton Township in the County of Franklin and State of Pennsylvania, do by these presents make ordain and constitute this to be my last will and testament.

Item I leave and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Margaret Nevin all my real and personal estate during her natural life and at her death to be disposed as follows to wit. -

Item to my oaldest son John Nevin, one dollar as I have given him before what I allowed him.

Item I give & bequeath unto my son David Nevin four hundred dollars to be raised out of my estate if so mutch there may be and lastly all the residue of my estate that may remain I allow to be equally divided amongst my four children namely David Nevin my son and Elizabeth Poomery, Sarah Henderson and Mary Maclay each one an equal share of whatever the residue May be at my said wifes decease, and in fine I apoint and autherize & constitute my two sons John Nevin & David Nevin to be my executors of this my last will and testament to execute the same as is therein mentioned.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & nine, 1809.

In presents of

J. W. Herron Dan'l. Nevin (Seal)

Margaret Herron"

He was married to Margaret WILLIAMSON (daughter of John WILLIAMSON and Mary DAVISON) on 4 Dec 1770 in Cumberland or Franklin Co., PA. Margaret WILLIAMSON was born on 24 Oct 1741 in Octorara Creek, Lancaster Co., PA. Margaret’s tombstone inscription states: "Margaret Nevin, born at the residence of her father, John Williamson, on the banks of Octorara Creek, Lancaster County, October 24, 1741, departed this life in Shippensburg 2 May 1822. She died on 2 May 1822 in Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., PA and was buried in the Middle Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Middle Springs, Cumberland Co., PA.

Inventory of the estate of Margaret Nevin copied from the Register's Index, Carlisle, PA by Franklin T. Nevin:

NEVINS MARGARET Shippensburg

Letters testamentary 26 June 1822 to David Nevin $2000 bond.

Sureties Johnson Williamson and John Nevin

Docket C page 236 Inventary filed 25 July 1822 #33

List of Goods and Chatles the property of Margaret Nevins Deceased appraised and valued by Robt Porter and Isaac Peebles the 16th day of July 1822.

One old desk and Book Case $ 7.00

one large Rocking Chair .37 1/2

one dining Table 4.00

half a dozen Rush Bottomed Chair 11.00

one Gilt frame Looking Glass 6.50

Scotts family Bible 9.00

one family Bible .75

three Sermon Books .75

Simpsons plea .25

one pocket Bible 1.25

1 lot containing 10 Books 2.50

one Carpet 22.00

one Eight day Clock 17.50

one Stand .80

a lot of Cupboard ware 1.25

6 Silver Teaspoons 3.50

2 Silver Tablespoons & Sugar Tongs 3.25

one st. knives & forks 1.00

one Small Looking Glass .75

Washington in frame .37 1/2

one Kitchen Cupboard 1.00

one old Beding & Bed stead 8.00

one do do 10.00

three old Quilts 2.25

four Blankets 5.25

one small lot of napkins .75

one Table Cloth 1.00

two Sheets 1.75

one old Carpet 2.00

one old Case of Drawers .75

one Ten plate Stove 14.00

one Large Waiter 1.75

note of Hand on David Nevin 291.02

Do Do on Danl Henderson 75.00

$ 515.69

Sworn and subscribed to by Isaac Peebles and

Robert Porter, Appraisers, 22 July 1822

Before Samuel Redete

Daniel NEVIN and Margaret WILLIAMSON had the following children:

+3 i. Elizabeth NEVIN.

+4 ii. Sarah NEVIN.

+5 iii. John NEVIN.

+6 iv. Mary NEVIN.

+7 v. Major David NEVIN.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON MARGARET WILLIAMSON:

Margaret Williamson was descended from John Williamson and Mary Davison. John was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1704 and emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1730. He was a clothier. He died in 1757 in Cumberland Co., PA. Mary Davison was born in Derry Co., Ireland in 1714. She emigrated with her parents in 1717. A family tradition says they were captured by Edward Teach, the pirate, known as "Blackbeard", who, after robbing them of all they possessed, set them free. Blackbeard's career was short, 1716 - 1718, and his piracy confined to the coast of America with headquarters at Ocracoke Inlet on the coast of North Carolina. This story has been handed down through the generations of the Williamson family in the United States. It is also held by the Samuel Williamson family in England, a descendent of the same family. R. Henry King of London, writing to Franklin T. Nevin, says:

"Sir Walter Mieville sent me on your letter to him with pedigree of your family and it is interesting to note that Maria Williamson who was a daughter of the Rev. Samuel Williamson of Congleton, Cheshire, was my grandmother. There is an entry in the very ancient pedigree book in my possession of the marriage in 1731 of John Williamson to Mary Davison but the exact date and place of marriage are not given but presumably it took place somewhere in the States as she was the person who was captured by the pirates at the age of three on her way to America."

About 1752, the family moved from Chester County and settled near Shippensburg, Cumberland County, somewhere in the vicinity of Fort Carnahan, and here John Williamson died in June 1757.

Dr. David Hosack says in his Memoir that Hugh was the eldest of ten children but seven only are mentioned in the will of their father, written 21 May 1757, and there are no authentic records of any others. The "infant children" are undoubtedly Samuel and David, who were at the time, eight and six years old respectively. The will is given here:

"In the Name of God Amen, I John Williamson of Cumberland County Cloather being very sick and Weak of Body but yet of sound mind Judgment and Memorie & calling to mind my own Mortality and that it is appointed for all men once to die I do therefore make ordain and Constitute this my Last will and Testament and first and above all I do commit my soul to God who gave it and my body to be buried in a Decent and Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Exrs, firmly believing the General Resurrection and the Reunion of Soul and body & as for what worldly Goods it has Pleased God to bless me with in this Life I do Will and Bequeath in Manner and form following, that is

1. first I will and bequeath to Mary my well beloved Wife One Hundred Pounds lawfull monie out of my personall Estate and the use and benefit of my Negro Slave Cesar during her Widowhood and no longer also her living and Maintainance upon either of my Plantations at her choice during her Widowhood and no longer, I allso allow my Wife my best bed and furniture.

2. I will and bequeath to my son Hugh Fifty Pounds Lawfull Money out of my Estate also my Saddle Horse.

3. I will and bequeath to my son John all my right and Property to that farm or Plantation which I purchased of the Executors of George Reynolds situate in Lurgan Township in said County with the implements and All the tools belonging to my said trade Now in my property and possession.

4. I will and bequeath to my other two sons David & Samuel that place farm and Plantation which I purchased of Collonel John Armstrong near to John Mitchell's by Connodiguinin Creek with all my full & whole Right as my Deed Appears.

5. I will and bequeath to my Daughter Rachel the use and Benefit of my Negro maid Slave during her Natural Life and no longer and then ad Slave to Return to my other daughter hereinafter mentioned in Equal proportions.

6. I will and bequeath to my Daughter Margret & Mary to each of them One Hundred Pounds Lawfull money to be paid out of my Estate and if my slave Cesar survive's my said wife's widowhood then to Return in Equal proportion to my three sons David and Samuel and John, the right of Purchase after Value to be in John. Lastly seeing that at this present time the County is harrassed with War, therefore if it so fall out that my sons John David & Samuel cannot enjoy their Lands for that the Country is Wasted and Depopulated by the Enemy, that then and in that case I do Will that these said Males do fall in and share equally Alike with their sisters Margret and Mary, the Males namely John, David and Samuel finally I appoint my well beloved Wife Mary and my son Hugh to be Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. Also I Appoint Thomas Willson of said County Esqr and Mr. David Magaw of Shippensburg to be Guardians over my Infant Children Revoking Disallowing and Makeing Void all former or other Wills heretofore made and Publishing Pronouncing and Declaring this to be my Last Will & Testament bearing date this Twenty-first day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and fifty-seven.

(signed) John Williamson

Signed Sealed and Delivered in Presence of John McIreel, Isaac Miller, Fra Campble.

The words "Allowing my Wife my Best Bed Furniture" above written Done before signing.

Be it Remembered that on the 20th day of July, 1757, letters Testamentary issued in Common Form to Mary Williamson and Hugh Williamson in the Within will named; Inventory to be Exhibited on or before the 20th August next and acct of the Administration to be Rendered when thereunto Required

Given under my hand and seal of office

(signed) Harold Alrichs

"An inventory of Goods belonging to the Estate of John Williamson late of Lergan Township Cumberland County, dec'd

Appraised by Francis Campble & John McIlray June 23, 1757, per order of Mary Williamson & Hugh Williamson Exrs.

£ s d

1 Chest of Drawers 2 17 6

1 Desk 3 0 6

1 Chest 3 0 6

1 Box 0 3 6

1 Feather Bed & Clothes, viz Rugg, double Blanketts & 2 Sheets 6 10 0

1 Flax Bed, Pair of Blankets Sheets 3 0 6

1 White Rugg 1 10 0

1 Pair of Blankets 1 0 0

1 Old Quilt 0 10 0

1 Blue Coat & Jacket 2 2 6

1 Camblet Do 2 0 0

1 Pair Camblet Breeches 0 17 0

4 Small Pewter Dishes & 1 Large Plate, Small Basons 0 12 11

1 Dozen Pewter Plates 1 7 0

1 Rifle Gun 2 10 0

1 Long Muskit 1 0 0

1 Short Do 1 0 0

1 Hatt of Rabbit's Fur 0 7 6

1 Large Pot & Small do 1 Skillet 1 5 0

1 Griddle 0 7 0

1 Frying Pan 0 3 0

1 Large & 2 Small Pails 0 1 6

1 Pair of Fire Tongs, 1 Shovel 0 4 0

2 Iron Pott Hangers 0 7 6

1 Tea Kittle 0 9 6

25 Pounds Wool 1 5 0

A Small Quantity of Coperse & red Wood 0 2 3

A Parcel of Nails 0 3 0

12 Cows, calves &c 10 10 0

1 Clock 7 0 0

1 Roan pacing Mare 15 0 0

1 Gray Do 8 0 0

1 Dark brown trotting Horse 5 0 0

1 Do 10 0 0

1 Sorrel Pacing Mare 7 0 0

1 Yearling Horse Colt 4 0 0

1 Mare Do of 2 Years old 1 0 0

1 Waggon & Gears 20 0 0

£ 137 10 2

The above Inventory of Goods was appraysed June 23, 1757 by (Signed) Fra Campble Jon McIlree"

(Note: With the above is filed a list of bonds of various individuals, Notes of Hand and Book debts also the Account by the Executors showing disbursements and expenses connected with settling the estate.

From the date of the Will and Inventory it appears that John Williamson died sometime between May 21 and June 23, 1757. John Williamson and Mary Davidson had issue (children of whom there is authentic record):

i. Hugh Williamson M.D. LL.D. born 5 December 1735. Married in New York, 3 January 1789, Maria daughter of the Hon. Charles Ward Apthorp and had issue, two sons, Charles and John. John died in infancy; Charles died in 1811 at the age of 22, shortly after his graduation from Columbia College, New York. Hugh Williamson died 22 May 1819.

ii. John Williamson, a merchant who accumulated a fortune in the West India trade. He lived and carried on business in Charleston, SC, until his death, 26 June 1839. He was unmarried.

iii. Rachel Williamson, married William Ritchie, of Chestnut Level, Lancaster Co., PA, and had issue two sons, John and Hugh.

iv. Margaret Williamson, born 24 October 1741. Married (1) William Reynolds (2) Daniel Nevin.

v. Mary Williamson, born 1743, married before 1771, James McClintock of Virginia, later of Chillicothe, Ohio.

vi. Samuel Williamson, Basil King of London, a descendant of Charles King and Margaret, daughter of Samuel Williamson, wrote to Franklin T. Nevin: "Samuel Williamson was born 1749 and I have no doubt the note you sent me about his leaving for Europe in 1779 referred to him, for in 1785 he was made Rector of Congleton, in Cheshire, and the same year (21 September) he married Mary Chadwick. You will perhaps have heard about Sir Andrew Chadwick's property, which an American Society of Chadwicks and other have been trying to claim. My forbears made some efforts to claim this property. My grandmother always claimed Sir Andrew Chadwick's mythical millions. Samuel Williamson died in July 1831, aged 82. So he only outlived his brother John, 13 months. He only had three daughters so his name is not held by any of his descendants." The daughter were:

1. Ellen Williamson

2. Margaret Williamson, married Charles King and had issue.

3. Maria Williamson, married 1834, Richard Henry King M.D. of Mortlake, Surrey, England; and had: Maria, Henrietta, Laura Green Price, Rev. Richard Henry King, and Mary King.

The Rev. Richard King, son of Maria Williamson above, died in 1886, having married Fannie Margaretta Mieville, first cousin of Adelaide Mellier who married (1) William Irwin, and (2) William McCracken Nevin.

Fannie M. Mieville and Adelaide Mellier were granddaughters of Francois Frederic Mieville and great granddaughters of Jonas Francois Louis Mieville (1739-1795) and Susanne Francoise Peclard (1742-1795).

The Rev. Richard Henry King and Fannie M. Mieville had twelve children, the eldest, Richard Henry King, was born in 1854.

Basil King of London, writes, 19 March 1923:

"I enclose the only two letters as far as I know in existence, one from Hugh Williamson and the other from John Nevin, his nephew. At this time they are very interesting to read and you are quite welcome to them (John Nevin letter is contained in Appendix __).

The originals and one or two small objects connected with Hugh Williamson are with my brother Mr. R. H. King. . . .

Mr. Apthorpe the clergyman spoken of was Rector of Croyden, about 11 miles from London.

Samuel Williamson was Vicar of Congleton in Cheshire and married a Miss Chadwick said to be related to the well known Sir Andrew Chadwick.

I have given a good deal of time to the tracing of John Williamson's pedigree but unsuccessfully. My grandfather, Dr. Richard King, married Miss Williamson and his brother married the only other daughter. We have good portraits of Mrs. Sam'l Williamson and her daughter but I don't remember one of Samuel Williamson although I have a vague idea I have seen one. There is of course one of Hugh but I rather fancy it came from New York.

P.S. Samuel Williamson married Mary Chadwick 21 September 1785, at Chiduall, Lancashire. Came to England in 1779 having been Chaplain to the Regiment of Dragoons."

Regarding his service as Chaplain, Franklin T. Nevin supplies this from the Colonial Record, "23 August 1779. Samuel Williamson, late Chaplain to the Regiment of Dragoons commanded by Colonel Moylan, being about to go to Europe to prosecute his studies and desirous to have some Testimonial from this Board, and the President (His Excellency Joseph Reed Esq.) having personal knowledge of the said Mr. Williamson -

"ORDERED: That a certificate be made out under the Lesser Seal of the State, certifying the office and services of said Mr. Williamson, and recommending him to the kindness and notice of the Civil and Military officers of any State to which he may go, in amity with these Sates."

vii. David Williamson, of Middleton Township, Cumberland Co., PA. His Will dated 28 January 1803, probated 2 March 1805. Recorded Office of Register of Wills , Will Book "F" p. 347, Carlisle, PA. Mentions wife Elizabeth (Johnson). Daughters Eliza (unmarried), Mary McCulloch and Margaret Moon. Sons John, Samuel, David and Johnston Williamson. Executors, brother John Williamson of City of Charleston; friend Samuel Laird of Carlisle; John Moreland, Middleton Twp; son John Williamson and son-in-law John McCulloch. Witnesses High McFadden and James Duncan.

The son, Johnston Williamson, b 1789, d 8 September 1859, married, 4 June 1812, Margaret Graham (b 17 Nov 1793. d 21 Dec 1859) granddaughter of Margaret Williamson and her first husband William Reynolds. They are bot buried in Dickinson Presbyterian Graveyard, Cumberland Co., PA. They had issue eight children.

 

HUGH WILLIAMSON - Of note was Margaret's brother, Hugh Williamson, signer of the United States Constitution. Hugh Williamson was a well educated man who had been a minister, professor, physician, astronomer, merchant, and a legislator. He studied divinity under Rev. Samuel Finley. In 1759 he continued his studies in Connecticut and was licensed as a minister but never served as a pastor. In 1760 he was granted a Master of Arts degree at the College of Philadelphia where he was then appointed as a professor of mathematics. He then also took up the study of medicine. Resigning his professorship, Hugh then went to Scotland, then London, and finally the Netherlands where he got his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Utrecht in 1768. He then returned to Philadelphia to practice medicine. As a philosopher and scientist, Hugh Williamson published papers on subjects such as comets, astronomy, and weather.

In 1772 Williamson had become a trustee of an academy at Newark, Delaware which would later become the University of Delaware. In an attempt to raise money for the school, he made a trip to the West Indies. With his success in the West Indies, he decided to go to Europe to try to raise funds. In December of 1773, while awaiting a ship in Boston, he was present for the Boston Tea Party and met leaders such as John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Otis. The ship he sailed on was owned by John Hancock.

Hugh Williamson was questioned by British officials on the circumstances of the Boston Tea Party. He told the officials that if Parliament passed the Coercive Acts against Boston that there could be bloodshed. British Prime Minister Lord North said that Hugh Williamson was the first person who had ever told him that there were was a possibility of civil war in the colonies.

Hugh Williamson was involved in an incident that had important role in that increased the revolutionary flame.

"Williamson had learned that the British governor of Massachusetts, Thomas Hutchinson, had been carrying on secret correspondence urging that the Parliament take away some of the liberties of the colonists. Williamson boldly went to the British bureau where he had been told the letters were filed and asked for them, pretending he had been sent by another department of the government. After the letters had been handed over to him, he presented them to Benjamin Franklin who promptly published them, bringing great indignation against Hutchinson among the people of Massachusetts."

When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Hugh Williamson returned to America in 1777. On his return, his ship was captured by a British cruiser. Williamson and another passenger escaped in a row boat. He returned to North Carolina. In 1780, he was appointed surgeon general for North Carolina.

In 1782, Hugh Williamson was elected to the North Carolina state legislature and was then elected as one of the delegates to Congress of Confederation. In 1787 he was elected as a member of North Carolina's delegation to the Constitutional Convention. He was the first to propose that a United States Senator should serve six years. He continued to serve as one of North Carolina's Congressmen. In 1793 he retired from public life. He was married to Maria Apthorpe, daughter of a well-to-do New Yorker. They had two sons, both died young and had no children.

WILLIAM REYNODS (First husband of Margaret Williamson): William was the eldest son of John and Mary (Magaw) Reynolds, and was born in Hopewell Township in 1730. His father, John Reynolds, was one of the leading citizens of Shippensburg, a man of intelligence and character, possessed of considerable means and holding a warrant for a large tract of land in Lurgan Township (6 October 1738, surveyed 16 May 1743).

William Reynolds was commissioned Lieutenant, 19 December 1757, in Colonel James Burd's battalion, Pennsylvania troops, and was wounded at Grant's Defeat near Fort Duquesne, 14 September 1758. Never fully recovering from his wound, he resigned 17 March 1760, and appears among the taxables of Hopewell Township of that year as "William Ranalds, 250 acres patented. Full patent granted from the Proprietaries." William Reynolds died after a short illness in February 1769, at his home in Hopewell Township. His will reads:

"IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. I William Reynolds of Hopewell Township County of Cumberland and Province of Pennsylvania, being through the abundant mersy and goodness of God the weak in body yet of a sound and perfect Understanding and memory, do Constitute this my last Will and Testament and desire it may be received by all as such. Imprimis, I most humbly bequeath my soul to God my maker beseeching his most gracious Acceptance of it, and my body to the earth from whence it was taken, in full assurance of its resurrection from thence at the last day. As for my Burial, I desire it may be decent without pomp or State at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named. As to my Worldly Estate, I will and positively order that all my debts be paid. I do order that the Pine Meadow with the Plantation thereunto belonging & Mill with Priviledges and all my personal estate be sold - Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife a third part of my personal estate, and the enjoyment of this house and Plantation wherein I now dwell during her widowhood. But in case the above mentioned estate viz, Pine Meadow Plantation & Mill with the priviledges & all my personal estate do not fill to a value equal to the payment of my just Debts and aford a sufficient Maintainance to my children during their Minority. Then my will is that this Plantation whereon I now dwell be sold and an equal distribution made between my three daughters viz Mary Reynolds, Agnes Reynolds, Margret Reynolds and the child with which my wife is now Pregnant, first deducting a third part for my wife - I do hereby constitute and appoint my well beloved friends Francis Campbell and Benjamin Blyth Executor of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the 26th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred Sixty Nine.

Signed Sealed in presence of William Reynolds (Seal)

John Stevenson

James Reynolds

Jno Colhoon

Be it known to all men by these Presents that I William Reynolds of Hopewell Township, County of Cumberland and Province of Pennsylvania have made and declared that my last Will and Testament in writing bearing equal Date -

I the said William Reynolds do by these Presents contained in this Codicil confirm and ratify my said last will and do authorize and impower my well beloved Friends - Francis Campbell and Benjamin Blythe my Executors to convey unto my Brother James Reynolds 100 acres of my Patent Land as agreeable to the spirit and meaning of a memorandum of Bargain as may be and my will and meaning is that this Codicil be esteemed and adjudged to be part of my said Will and Testament and that all things therein contained and mentioned be faithfully performed in as full and ample manner in every respect as if the same were so declared and sat down in my last will - In Witness whereof I the said William Reynolds have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 26 day of February in the year of our Lord 1769 -

Signed Sealed and acknowledged in William Reynolds (Seal)

presence of

Sam Perry

Jno Colhoon

Proved 3 March 1769"

Book B. Office of Register & Recorder, Carlisle, PA.

The mill mentioned above was erected by William Reynolds on the Franklin Co. side of the Conodoguinet above Shippensburg. It later came into the possession of his brother and remained in the family until about 1810. The site was afterward occupied by the Metcalf Works.

An old account book (in possession of William Reynolds' descendants), which had been used in succession by a blacksmith, a miller, a storekeeper, a tavern keeper at Herron's Branch, and finally as a diary tells of the building of the mill. The first entry in the book is of August 1749 - "Thomas McCall, sharpening, 6 pence." The second owner of the book, William Reynolds, entered in March 1764:

"Sundry expences toward the building of my mill.

To cash given the Verneys, 10 shillings, 0 pence.

14 hands getting logs, 14 s. 3 gallons liquor, 9 s

Cash paid William Campbell, 4 pounds - 15 shillings - 1 pence.

Diet and liquor, 3 pounds - 15 pence.

The total cost of the mill, including digging of races, 276 pounds - 3 shillings, - 3 pence."

John Reynolds was granted in 1740, 433 acres of land and a meadow of 36 acres. This tract began at a hickory tree on the west side of Midway Spring and ran east to the "barrens". Beyond the barrens lay the 36 acres adjoining the pinelands and running to South Mountain. Midway Spring is known as the Branch Spring and is marked on his draft as White Spring.

This mill belonging to William Reynolds has frequently been confused with the mill on Herron's Branch now owned by Harvey Greenawalt and operated by him as the "Branch Mill". It originally belonged to John Herron.

In an old account book of John Herron's, dating back to 1792, is this entry: 20 August, 1793. "This day agreed with Adam Hildebrand to build a merchant mill with one water wheel, to pairs stones, three bolting cloths, rolling screen and fan hopper boy, with other things suitable, for 74 pounds, the one-half to be paid when the work is finished, the other in six months."

"Agreed with Leonard Louer to come to the mill 10 March 1795."

"5 February 1794. James Foland and Samuel Cox agreed to quarry out the stone for the mill house for 10 pounds, and help to put them out of the quarry on the wagon. I was to find them in their meals and four gallons of whiskey."

John Davenport furnished the mill irons and George Coux, blacksmith, of Cublertson's Row, turned the spindles. John Smith and George Miller did the carpenter work.

"14 June 1793, settled all accounts from the beginning of the world to this day with Elizabeth Tate (his sister) for her part of the place."

David, Francis, William, and James Herron and two sisters emigrated from Ireland and settled at Pequea, Chester Co. in 1734. In 1738 they removed to the Cumberland Valley and took up the first land under the Blunston License consisting of a large tract lying along the Conodoguinett Creek near Orrstown. A creek running through his tract took its name Herron's Branch from his family.

On the opposite side of the Branch, on the main highway a few hundred yards from the mill, stands a red brick house which Mr. Greenawalt assured me (John Dennison Nevin) was the place where General Washington ate the pot pie, though Mrs. Greenawalt insisted it was apple-dumplings. As quantities of old brick have been uncovered in the garden he was of the opinion that the present house had been built upon the foundations of the original building.

In the efforts of John Dennison Nevin to find the patent above referred to, he discovered a survey for 325 acres of land which was patented to James Paxton's heirs in right of William Reynolds, 4 January 1815. William Reynold's application for the land was dated 3 September 1768, application number 5165. On an examination of the application, it disclosed the fact that it adjoined "his Pine Meadow Plantation in Lurgan Township, Cumberland County." The survey on file here describes the land as being in Southampton Township, Franklin Co., and it has a call on its northwest side for "Reynold's Pine Meadows." He then searched for a survey that would meet the call at that point, and the one we are enclosing does so. The survey adjoins the James Paxton tract above referred to along the course S 17 E 133. This land was taken up in right of Benjamin Blyth's application of 24 February 1777, and the application recites that the land is in "Lurgan Township, Cumberland County, on the west side of William Reynolds, including his little Pine Meadows, near the South Mountain."

The Maclay tract was patented to John Maclay and Hannah, his wife, 25 February 1814, and the patent recites that the property was seized by the High Sheriff of Franklin Co. as the property of John Blyth and John Young, and sold to John Reynolds, who died intestate before a deed was made to him by the Sheriff, and the Orphans' Court for Franklin Co., after an appraisement and inquest on the estate of the said John Maclay in right of his wife (late Hannah Reynolds), and in pursuance of directions from the Supreme Court, the Sheriff of the County aforesaid, by Deed dated 5 October 1813, conveyed the land to John Maclay and Hannah his wife, to whom a warrant for the acceptance of the survey issued the 19 February 1814, and patented to them as already stated.

Margaret WILLIAMSON and William REYNOLDS had the following issue:

i. Mary REYNOLDS, died young.

ii. Agnes REYNOLDS, was born on 20 December 1764. Died 30 November 1809. Married William Herron and had issue.

iii. Margaret REYNOLDS, born 7 April 1767, died 12 December 1810. Married 22 May 1738, at Big Springs Presbyterian Church, Francis Graham of Roxbury, near Shippensburg, and had issue.

iv. William Reynolds Jr., born 24 August 1769, died 3 November 1822. Married Elizabeth Maclay of Concord, PA. She was born 21 November 1773, and died 26 June 1848. Elizabeth Maclay was a sister of Robert and Charles Maclay. The latter married Mary Nevin daughter of Daniel and Margaret Nevin.

It is interesting to note that Charles Maclay, brother of Elizabeth Maclay Reynolds (No. 4 above), married Mary Nevin, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Williamson Reynolds) Nevin. And that Charles Maclay Reynolds, the son of William Reynolds Jr. (No. 4 above) married Jane McAllister Nevin, daughter of David Nevin, and granddaughter of Daniel Nevin and Margaret (Williamson Reynolds) Nevin.

Helen K. Herron, great-great granddaughter of Margaret Nevin by her first husband, William Reynolds, married William Howard Taft, President of the United States, later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

For the descendants of William Reynolds and Margaret Williamson, see "A Table of the Descendants of Margaret Williamson" by Franklin T. Nevin.

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