This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RoyRuppert Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.adams/3171.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From the Adams county historical society: The Manor of Maske was one of the largest manors in Pennsylvania. In 1734, the Penns authorized a Lancaster County surveyor and public official to issue what were call licenses to persons wishing to take up land west of the Susquehanna River. Two licenses were issued on April 8, 1735, for a total of 600 acres of land among the branches of Marsh Creek. The land that now comprises the center of Adams County was purchased from the Iroquois Indians by the family of William Penn in 1736. The Indian claims were settled, the temporary boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, was settled, and the settlers were being attracted to the area by means of regular warrants and surveys. The residents of the Marsh Creek Settlement (synonymous with the Manor of Maske) were all, or virtual all Scotch-Irish. These Scots had lived in Ireland for a century or more. They were convinced that the British government had mistreated them. Many were embittered and had begun coming to Pennsylvania and Delaware in the second decade of the eighteenth century. They provided the largest number of pioneer settlers in what are now Cumberland and Franklin Counties, Pennsylvania. In the 1740's, there were many more Scotch-Irish in what is now Adams County, than any other ethnic group. The pioneers in the Marsh Creek Settlement came in to the area in response to what they said was a governor's proclamation, calling for the settlements of unimproved lands west of the Susquehanna River. The Marsh Creek settlers became an integral and valued part of the society of York County, which was created in 1749. The Manor of Maske and the Marsh Creek Settlement was surveyed January 17, to January 30, 1766. One early settler, Samuel Gettys, established a tavern in 1761. By 1786 his son James had laid out a town of 210 lots with a central town square on the land surrounding the tavern. This town would become known as Gettysburg. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.