>>We used tow cards as a teaching tool. I still have my pair. I found a photo of an old flax comb, so I wonder if his brass heckle did not use metal in the way. So many heckles seem to have wooden platforms. http://www.geocities.ws/possumjim/xhtml/spinning_flax_combs.html All very interesting. Liane

Death on the RailRoad seems to be a Discovery (Science) project http://tilefilms.ie/productions/death-railroad/ Look for it Death on the Railroad airs on PBS on the 8th of May 2013 (it is on that date at my "local" PBS <G> Eliz On Sat, Apr 27, 2013 at 6:52 PM, Sandra Ferguson <ferg@ntelos.net> wrote: > We have mentioned several times the finding of a good many young > Irishmen, buried near the RR tracks where they had worked and died.....of > Cholera or something darker? PBS has a CD for sale.....a Secrets of the > Dead episode called Death on the RR. If interested I can give you the info > on getting a copy. But, you have to promise to let me know if any > decisions were reached!! > > Sent from Sandra's iPod ???? > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PA-OLD-CHESTER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- Eliz Not Today and Not without a Fight (Anon) For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes. (Dag Hammarskjold)

We have mentioned several times the finding of a good many young Irishmen, buried near the RR tracks where they had worked and died.....of Cholera or something darker? PBS has a CD for sale.....a Secrets of the Dead episode called Death on the RR. If interested I can give you the info on getting a copy. But, you have to promise to let me know if any decisions were reached!! Sent from Sandra's iPod ????

The 1760 Chester archives has the following Kirkpatricks: Andrew, owns land in west fallowfield Edward, inmate in LondonBritain John, land in West Nottingham John, land in West Fallowfield John, land in West Nottingham John jr, land in West Nottingham Samuel, single man in East Fallowfield 1753 tax list for West Fallowfield has a John K. ..... a freeman. Andrew is a landowner in1753 Andrew Kirkpatrick is listed on the 1774 tax list of West Fallowfield, along with a John and Joseph. Sandra > I'm looking for information on the family Andrew Kirkpatrick whose will is dated 14 Feb 1774 in Caln Township, Chester Co., PA > > Wife: Barbarah > Sons: John > William > James > Andrew > Joseph > Daughters: Marey (sic) > Catarine (sic) > > > >

I'm looking for information on the family Andrew Kirkpatrick whose will is dated 14 Feb 1774 in Caln Township, Chester Co., PA Wife: Barbarah Sons: John William James Andrew Joseph Daughters: Marey (sic) Catarine (sic) Any help is appreciated Tom C Below is the transcript of his will: In the name of God Amen The Fourteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy four I Andrew Kirkpatrick in the county of Chester being of perfect mind and memory thanks be unto God therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say ??rincinally & ????? of all I give recommend into the hands of Gog that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and descent manner at the direction of my Executors not doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God & as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner & form. FIRST I give to my beloved sone (sic) John Kirkpatrick ten pounds of good and lawful money to be (paper fold obscures the next few words) [raised and levied out of] my estate. Likewise I give to my beloved daughter Marey (sic) five pounds to be raised and levied out of my estate. Likewise I give to my beloved son William five pounds to be raised and levied out of my estate. Likewise I give to my beloved son James ten pounds to be raised and levied out of my estate. Likewise I give to my beloved son Andrew ten pounds to be raised and levied out of my estate. Likewise I give to my beloved sons Andrew and Joseph & my beloved daughter Catarine the remainder of my estate allowing my dearly beloved wife Barbarah her maintaina(nce) her life the remainder of my estate to be divided into three equal shares betwixt Andrew, Joseph & Catarine constituting Andrew and Joseph my only and sole executors of this my last will and testament allowing six years to pay of legatees after my decease. Andrew Kirkpatrick [Seal] James Scott his Joseph X Millar mark East Caln January 14th 1785 The personally appearing Joseph Millar and on the Eighth of June in the same year personally appeared James Scott (remainder of this line is unreadable from a fold in the paper) depose declare and say that they were present and saw and heard Andrew Kirkpatrick the above testator above named sign publish pronounce and declare the foregoing writing ??? ??nd for his last will and testament and at the doing there of he was a of a sound well disposing mind and memory to the best of their understanding. Sworn before John Beaton Reg ~~~~~~~~~~~

It is very easy now to order estate papers from Chester County Archives. They are indexed online as are deeds. Anna ----- Original Message ----- From: pa-old-chester-request@rootsweb.com To: pa-old-chester@rootsweb.com Sent: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:00:33 -0000 (UTC) Subject: PA-OLD-CHESTER Digest, Vol 8, Issue 41

I live just below Chester County and at one time worked at the Landis Valley Farm Museum in Lancaster teaching "Wool to Weaving". We used tow cards as a teaching tool. I still have my pair. Ever wonder where the term "tow head" came from? That's it! My dad was always called a tow head as a young boy because his hair was blond like flax. Barb Kelly Rising Sun, MD

Thanks for the book suggestion, I've read Ulrich's midwife book so will look for The Age of Homespun. Robert Hogg [Hogue] is my first weaver in America, most of mine were in Germany. I tracked the witnesses to the probate document and the men who did the inventory and they seem to be from Londonderry and Fallowfield which would tally with where his son later lived in Chester Co. His widow Margaret Willson supposedly remarried to Robert Patterson - a Robert Patterson made the report to the registrar Wm Plumstead. Margaret and Hogg had just been married 5 years and their son was only 4, so I would guess she remarried fairly quickly. I cannot pinpoint which Robert Patterson she could have married, has anyone on the list researched this family? Thanks, Liane

Thanks, Barb- that was exactly what I was hoping someone would share! Kim Spangrude On Apr 25, 2013, at 6:34 PM, Barb and Howard Kelly wrote: > > I live just below Chester County and at one time worked at the Landis Valley > Farm Museum in Lancaster teaching "Wool to Weaving". We used tow cards as a > teaching tool. I still have my pair. Ever wonder where the term "tow head" > came from? That's it! My dad was always called a tow head as a young boy > because his hair was blond like flax. > > Barb Kelly > Rising Sun, MD > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PA-OLD-CHESTER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

An interesting book about artifacts that have been woven, including tow, is "The Age of Homespun: Objects and Stories in the Creation of an American Myth" by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, who also wrote "A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812." Her books are full of excellent scholarship and have a great bibliography. She discusses the lives of many people- sadly none of my ancestors (yet) but her books give an excellent understanding of daily life in a time and place. Pamela

Several of you seemed to enjoy kilt 101 and here is a great site that will compliment the 'lecture'......pay attention - there will be a quiz later! lol Sandra http://www.garbtheworld.com/pgs/foldkilt.shtml Sent from Sandra's iPod ????

I just gave a program on early settlers for the bicentennial of Union County. We used several inventories to compare and contrast 4 different men whose net worth varied. An Irish immigrant farmer, a miller of Huguenot heritage, a 3rd generation Scots Irish farmer (Clingan of Chester County background), and a 3rd generation German--legislator and county registrar. The registrar's inventory had at least 4 pages of clothes and shoes--pantaloons and shoe buckles--quite a dandy compared to the others. I too love seeing books. Also one can learn what the wife received--she was entitled to 1/3 of the estate under dower rights. In some the husband made sure the children provided for her with livestock, grain, etc. Of course if she remarried all bets were off. No pensions and social security in those days to support a widow. I have ancestors who died intestate but their inventories and accounts tell a lot about them, and if their household items were sold you get the names of the purchasers, usually relatives or neighbors. Nancy One if the things I always look for is an inventory.

I have somehow lost my morning emails but do remember your speaking of tow. The making if linen fabric is a very labor intensive process and only the longest fibers were suitably for spinning linen thread that was then used to weave into linen fabric. Those threads too short for spinning are called the tow. This was used in other wars cot those were the days when nothing was wasted. It could stuff pillows or ticks, etc......anywhere one didn't need a fabric product. I'm including a site with some interesting pics http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com/2009/10/towtow-clothtow-ragtow-linen.html?m=1 One if the things I always look for is an inventory. These tell us how our family members actually lived, what they had around them in their daily life (And my favorite, if they had books!). I remember The first time I found a family will that had slaves, listed among the livestock.....how shocking it was. These are just a few of the many things an inventory will tell you. A plaid is a long, long piece of often clan tartan fabric (although there were also regional tartans and others, too....but that Is another story.). To wear this long piece of fabric a man would first lay his belt flat out on the floor. He would then lay His fabric on top of the belt , finger pleat it till it is the size of the belt.. lay down on it, pull the belt and fabric around his waist, buckle his belt , get up and do any adjusting necessary. The rest of the fabric can be thrown over a shoulder and held with a broach. Or draped over the head if it rains (and anyone who has ever been to Scotland can testify that it always rains It could also be used as a makeshift tent.... It was a very useful garment. The sewn in kilt pleats we see today didn't come along till much, much later..... Thus ends kilts 101!! Lol Sandra Sent from Sandra's iPod ????

Thanks for this heads up, and how interesting to see your ancestors possessions. You can see them being packed up for the trip over. Eliz On Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 9:54 AM, lfenimore <lfenimore@columbus.rr.com>wrote: > I noticed yesterday that Ancestry was featuring Chester Co. estate papers > as > a new database. I've long known that Robert Hogg who d sometime in 1747 > had > no will but knew there was an inventory. I never did order it on microfilm > and now it is on Ancestry. > > The inventory is actually very interesting as he supposedly died shortly > after arriving from Kilmaurs, Scotland. So no cows, sheep or horses. > > One line says: > > A gold ring, a brass heckle and a pair of tow cards > > On Wikipedia I found something called a heckling comb and there is a photo > of one; they were used by linen weavers to process flax. It looks like > something he could have brought with him. > > Tow cards are apparently paddles with metal teeth used to comb fleece. > > He also owned a pair of scissors, 6 coats and jackets, and a waistcoat - > some of which had the same value as his gun. One coat and jacket was > valued > at £4. There is also a plead which must be a plaid. > > This changes my 'picture' of him considerably - I should have ordered the > film years ago. > > Liane Fenimore > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PA-OLD-CHESTER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- Eliz Not Today and Not without a Fight (Anon) For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes. (Dag Hammarskjold)

I noticed yesterday that Ancestry was featuring Chester Co. estate papers as a new database. I've long known that Robert Hogg who d sometime in 1747 had no will but knew there was an inventory. I never did order it on microfilm and now it is on Ancestry. The inventory is actually very interesting as he supposedly died shortly after arriving from Kilmaurs, Scotland. So no cows, sheep or horses. One line says: A gold ring, a brass heckle and a pair of tow cards On Wikipedia I found something called a heckling comb and there is a photo of one; they were used by linen weavers to process flax. It looks like something he could have brought with him. Tow cards are apparently paddles with metal teeth used to comb fleece. He also owned a pair of scissors, 6 coats and jackets, and a waistcoat - some of which had the same value as his gun. One coat and jacket was valued at £4. There is also a plead which must be a plaid. This changes my 'picture' of him considerably - I should have ordered the film years ago. Liane Fenimore

Thank you Sandra. I have seen the Futhey & Cope info. There are a few inaccuracies in the article. Gerhard was not "the founder" but one of the founders of the First Reformed Church of Coventry, later known as Brownback's Reformed Church. He actually "took up" 600 acres in 1723 & acquired an additional 350 by patent in 1736. He had 4 daughters who married Richard Custer, John Benner, Frederick Bingaman & Jacob Munshower. William Posey was not a son-in-law. Also, Gerhard/ Garrett's naturalization was approved on 18 Mar 1734/5 by Patrick Gordon. PA Archives. I have many pages of info on Gerhard Brownback & wife Mary Papen which I will share with anyone interested. At this point, I am really only interested in any info on Gerhard prior to 1719. Thanks again. Sharon Subject: Fwd: [PaOldC] Gerhard Brownbackp/Brumbach. From: ferg@ntelos.net Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:31:58 -0400 To: pa-old-chester-l@rootsweb.com; snkgenealogy@hotmail.com This is from Futhey and Cope:" Garret, or Gerhard Brumbach, as it may have been in German, was one of the earliest settlers of that nationality in Vincent; was the founder of Brownback's Reformed Church, and the first tavern-keeper in that part of the county. He took up 1000 acres of land, partly in Vincent and partly in Coventry, on that part of which the church was built at a later date. He had two sons, Benjamin and Henry, and daughters who became the wives of Richard Custard, John Brenner, Frederick Bingaman, John Munshower, and William Posey. Catherine was the wife of Munshower. When Garret settled here there was a Indian village about fifty or sixty perches from his dwelling, and the natives rendered him services in return for favors shown them. Garret Brownback died about 1758, and was succeeded at the tavern by his son Benjamin, who continued in the business nearly thirty years. The latter served during the Revolution. His widow was robbed and murdered, but the murderer never was discovered."Garrett is included in the 1724 tax record for Vincent .He was naturalized in 1738.I Have placed a lot of tax records on the Chester co web site.... Some early ones that you might want to look through..... also, a good many passenger lists. I didn't see any earlier dates in F&C.

This is from Futhey and Cope: " Garret, or Gerhard Brumbach, as it may have been in German, was one of the earliest settlers of that nationality in Vincent; was the founder of Brownback's Reformed Church, and the first tavern-keeper in that part of the county. He took up 1000 acres of land, partly in Vincent and partly in Coventry, on that part of which the church was built at a later date. He had two sons, Benjamin and Henry, and daughters who became the wives of Richard Custard, John Brenner, Frederick Bingaman, John Munshower, and William Posey. Catherine was the wife of Munshower. When Garret settled here there was a Indian village about fifty or sixty perches from his dwelling, and the natives rendered him services in return for favors shown them. Garret Brownback died about 1758, and was succeeded at the tavern by his son Benjamin, who continued in the business nearly thirty years. The latter served during the Revolution. His widow was robbed and murdered, but the murderer never was discovered." Garrett is included in the 1724 tax record for Vincent . He was naturalized in 1738. I Have placed a lot of tax records on the Chester co web site.... Some early ones that you might want to look through..... also, a good many passenger lists. I didn't see any earlier dates in F&C.

I am interested an any documentation that places Gerhard Brownback/Brumbach in America prior to 1719. I have seen it written that he was born about 1662 in Germany; & came to America in 1683 on the Concord. Settled in Germantown, then later in Vincent & Coventry Twp about 1723.But have found no record of Gerhard prior to 1719. It seems rather unbeleivable that he could have been in America 36 years without any record. What have I missed? Sharon snkgenealogy@hotmail.com

Sandra and Mary Ann, Thanks for the great article on Old West Caln. I was past there in Februrary as well as the old Sign of the Wagon tavern on Rt340 in Waggontown. My ancestor Mary [Kerlin]Way bequeathed 50 pounds in trust to her grandson Joshua Way for walling in the graveyard at West Caln. I don't know if her money went towards that stone wall or not. Sounds like they could use a few more bequests. I'm pretty sure she is under one of those unmarked stones in the graveyard there. George Kirlin -----Original Message----- From: Mary Ann [mailto:chip44@verizon.net] Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 11:55 AM To: Sandra Ferguson Cc: PaOldCh Subject: [PaOldC] Restore Old Caln meetinghouse >From this morning's Philadelphia Inquirer. Enjoy Mary Ann http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20130408_Work_under_way_revive_historic_Caln_Quaker_meeting_house.html

Could you tell me who made the inquier about Huston's in Bucks County. My ancestor lived there for a while before moving to Chester County. The Philpot reference is part of my family.  Dale Huston --- On Mon, 4/8/13, Sandra Ferguson <ferg@ntelos.net> wrote: From: Sandra Ferguson <ferg@ntelos.net> Subject: [PaOldC] Huston To: "PaOldCh" <pa-old-chester-l@rootsweb.com> Date: Monday, April 8, 2013, 10:04 AM (An answer to a query) Wills: Bucks Co.....page 122. William Huston, of Warminster, Weaver. May 5, 1781. Proved June 28, 1781.Wife Mary. Son John, exr. Sons Alexander, John and Mathew. Daus. Margaret and Sarah Huston.Wit: John Ramsey, Jno. Horner, James Horner. Bucks Co...Page 133. Jane Huston of Warwick. May 18, 1779. Proved September 25, 1781. Son Robert Mearns and Dau. Mary Mearns, exrs. Sons Hugh Mearns, William and John Thompson and Thomas Huston. Son William Smith and Dau. Agnes. Wit: Wm. Ramsey, John Huston. Bucks Co...Page 71. William Satterthwaite of Lower Makefield, yeoman. August 30, 1786. Proved February 8, 1788."Far advanced in years." Wife Pleasant. Son William and Samson Cary and Daniel Wharton exrs. Daus. Esther Worstall, Ann Erewagen, Sarah Mitchel and Mary Ball. Gdch. William, Thomas, Robert and Ann Huston ch. of dau. Pleasant December'd. Son-in- law Robert Huton. Gddau. Ann Buly. Dau. Sarah Mitchell's dau. Hannah. Land where James Worstall lives. Land in Parish of St. Martins London. Land Purchased of Samuel Cary. (Vary?) John Palmer and Daniel West. Wits: Richard Neeld, Nathaniel Price Junr.,William Bayly. - Bucks Co.Page 427. Jane Philpot, single woman, Newtown. September 9, 1794. Proved February 21, 1795.Niece Mary Torbert exttx. Sister Mary Torbert's ch., viz.: John Torbert,Jane Burrows, Ann Burrows, William Torbert, Samuel Torbert and Phebe McNair. Sister Phebe Huston and her two daus. Elizabeth Spear and Jane Huston. Wits: Samuel Torbert, Is. Huddleson. I'm sending these along, in case there are clues for you....I'd be fairly sure, though, that they were part of the same family, for Huston is rather unusual, I think. Bucks Co?Page 394. Henry Huston, New Britain Twp. March 22, 1820. Proved March 30, 1820. Sons David and Abraham exrs. Wife Catharine _ of profit of plantation lately purchased until sold, and interest of $800 out of proceeds of sale of plantation whereon I live. 5 ch. John, David and Abraham Huston, Barbara Shelly and Elizabeth Fritz.Wits: Abraham Herman and Isaac Chester Co TAYLOR, RICHARD. Kennett, yeoman.August 21, 1744. November 17, 1744. B.171.Provides for wife Eleanor including plantation in Kennett during widowhood or until sons are 21. To sons John and Joseph when 21 the above plantation they paying legacies to daughters Sarah and Hannah and another child yet unborn. Executrix: wife Eleanor. John Marshall and Saml. Seller, overseers. Witnesses: John Brinton, John Jones, Jos. Harlan. March 27, 1747. By inter marriage of Eleanor the widow to Thomas Huston her executorship terminated and letters were granted toJohn Marshall and Saml. Sellers. HUSTON, HENRY. West Caln.September 23, 1760. October 1, 1760.To brother Levenees Huston 1/2 of estate and wearing apparel. To sisters Jennet and Frances the other 1/2 of estate who are now in Ireland. Executors: John Kinkead, Sr. and JohnFleming.Letters to Fleming, the other renouncing.Witnesses: William Fleming.                   Sandra Sent from Sandra's iPod ???? " I think my family lived in Bucks Co " ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PA-OLD-CHESTER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message