In all the World over the centuries of time, those people who have been led by a
most provident God to America, would consider themselves fortunate. Those early
settlers throughout the land met the challenge of forming a new life for
themselves and their descendants that is truly exemplary. Life in those
early days was fraught with constant danger, strife and discouragement. However,
God shed his grace on the people and the land. The result, two hundred years
later stands before the World as the greatest Nation on earth. She is great
because the very cause of freedom that inspired the formation of this government
is still the basis of our existence. Frequently, some words of a famous poem
come to mind when we ponder the true meaning of Patriotism,
The residents of West Nantmeal Township appreciate most proudly and sincerely,
the ancestry and the aspects of this wonderful place that we call home.
The original spelling was "Nantmell" or ‘Nantmel," which means
sweet water or land of the sweet stream. The first settlers were Welsh and the
name was chosen for their birthplace in Radnorshire, Wales. These early Welshmen
entered these wooded hills between 1700 and 1710.
In 1739, the township was divided into East Nantmeal and West Nantmeal. Some ten
years prior to this division, in 1729, some Scotch-Irish immigrants landed at
Newcastle. They moved up the historic Brandywine and along the Indian Trail that
led from the great Valley to Conestoga Valley and chose this area in which to
build their homes. In 1789 West Nantmeal was divided again and Honey Brook
Township was formed to the West, which was predominantly Scotch-Irish and the
Welsh in the East. Again, in 1852, Wallace township was divided from West
Nantmeal.
Agriculture became the primary pursuit of these early settlers and the raising
of livestock of all kinds became of major importance. The first mill began
operation in 1740 on the West Branch of the Brandywine just above the Beaver
Dam.
As the population grew, so did the pursuit of religion. In 1763 the first
monthly meeting House included the meetings of Uwchlan, Nantmeal and Pike-land.
The Scotch-Irish Presbyterians built and established their first meeting house
at Brandywine Manor in 1735. From the beginning, the Honey Brook Presbyterian
Church was built in 1835 by former members of the Brandywine Manor Church. In
1839, the West Nantmeal Presbyterian Church (Fairview) was also constructed. The
Baptists built a church in East Nantmeal in 1741, shortly after that township
had been established. A second church was established by them in East Brandywine
in the year 1842.
The Good Will Methodist Church was established in 1832 on ground that had been
donated by Rev. Thomas Millard for a church and a burial ground. The white and
yellow pine lumber used in construction of the church was hauled from Columbia,
Pennsylvania. The original building was 47 feet long by 37 feet wide and II feet
high to the square. The outside was "pebble dashed." The original cost
was $1,349.00. It is of interest to note that a steeple and belfry was built
into the church, but it never had a bell.
Another early church is St. Mark’s Episcopal Church located on Church Hill
along the Chestnut Hill Road, just north of Cupola. The founder of this church
was Levi Bull. He was an Englishman and not of Welsh descent. Doctor Bull’s
family was related to George Washington. There were no Episcopal seminaries in
the colonies at this time, consequently Levi Bull studied theology, church
history and biblical exegesis with the Reverend Nathan Grier, who was then
pastor of the Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church (Brandywine Manor).
The first Episcopal Church Bishop of Pennsylvania, William White, tested Levi
Bull’s knowledge and being satisfied, ordained him to the priesthood. One of
his first assignments was St. Mary’s in Warwick, which was established in
1806. This was Dr. Bull’s home base for more than 50 years and he lived nearby
at Bulltown in Mount Pleasant with his wife, the former Ann Jacobs, who was the
daughter of the ironmaster at Hopewell Furnace. This home is still standing just
north of Rte. 401.
While at St. Mary’s, Doctor Bull founded St. Mark’s at Church Hill in 1835
and the following year began another mission at Ludwig’s Corner called St.
Andrew’s. These churches were founded primarily for the benefit of the
Englishmen who came into this area for the purpose of mining the iron ore and
engaging in the industry of iron manufacture. Some of the clergymen, who
migrated here from England, became ill or did not wish to endure the primitive
conditions they found in America. Consequently some returned to England, but
Levi Bull continued in his missionary work and was determined to have the
apostolic message preached and represented in Nantmeal Township. His
determination was evidenced by the rifle, which he occasionally carried into the
pulpit at St. Mary’s to defend the congregation from an Indian warrior,
who was intent to put an arrow into one of the worshippers. This rifle is
presently on view in a case as you enter St. Mary’s. At St. Mark’s there isa window between the two front doors dedicated to Levi Bull, which reads:
"Blessed are they which die in the Lord."
St. Mark’s original charter was granted on August 22, 1887. The
incorporating vestrymen were: Modecai Barclay, Samuel Shingle, H. H.
Dengler, John Ranck, C. Morgan Talbot, Samuel Jones, Sr., Samuel Crouse, Jr.,
Brinton P. Swymelar. Harry D. Jones and Reese H. Buchanan. The building is
situated on 4.5 acres surrounded by a burial ground at the top of a bill
overlooking Cupola to the south and the new Lake Struble to the north.
In more recent years, the Wyebrooke Baptist Church began by conducting prayer
meetings in homes in 1966. This church was incorporated in May, 1968. At that
time there were four charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Earl Shepherd; Mr. and Mrs.
Worth Stamper. James Stamper was pastor from 1968 to 1970. Gene Murphy began in
1970 until the present. As the congregation grew, they rented the old Franklin
School until they could acquire ground and build on the location of their new
building. This is a growing and active congregation.
St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church was established in 1963 and the new church
building and rectory are located at the intersection of Rt. 82 and Cupola Road.
Catholics in the West Nantmeal Township area before 1963 belonged to St.
Joseph’s parish in Downingtown. As a convenience, they attended Mass in the
Chapel at St. Mary of Providence School, which was served by priests of St.
Joseph’s. In 1963, John Cardinal Krol, Archbishop of the Philadelphia
Archdiocese saw a need for a separate parish to serve the area. Rev. Eugene
Riley was the founding pastor of St. Peter’s parish, which was officially
begun in June, 1963. Father Riley remained at St. Peter’s until January of
1971. He was succeeded by Rev. Edmund Rafferty, who, due to poor health,
remained just a few months. In September of that year, Rev. Hugh 0. McSherry was
appointed pastor, and is currently still head of the parish.
In addition to the church, a large activity hall and the rectory comprise the
present parish building. Once farmland, there is a total of 96 acres, most
rented out and still under cultivation. There are about 150 families who belong
to St. Peter’s, a very small number for a parish that covers approximately 50
square miles — one of the largest in the Archdiocese.
Despite its small membership, the church sponsors many activities and groups,
including Cubs, Scouts, boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, an active CYO
(Catholic Youth Organization), and other parochial groups. The hall is open for
use by groups not necessarily of the parish, and is a popular place for dances,
wedding receptions, sports activities, and fund raising events.
St. Mary’s of Providence also has a very fine chapel and a more detailed
description will be included in a latter portion of this narrative as it
pertains to the Potts Mansion.
Many of the farm deeds of West Nantmeal trace their origin to the sons of
William Penn: Thomas, Richard and John. The Titus Beam farm was deeded from
John, Richard and Thomas Penn to Mary and William Clews in 1740 and in 1744 it
was again conveyed to James Creswell. In 1770 John Creswell transferred to J.
Creswell and John Moore. lames Levengood acquired the farm in 1899 and Harr~
Levengood, who was born in 1881, later acquired the grant which eventually was
acquired by Titus Beam and wife in 1970. Mr. Harry Levengood is a nonagenarian
and still living on the hill overlooking his former home. He is active and
exceedingly alert. He has been most helpful in recalling some of the historic
past that he has lived and seen in this township.
Another tract conveyed by the Penns was that formerly known as the George Ranck
farm at Barneston. This has been traced by Thomas and Richard Penn in the early
1750’s when the earliest part of the house was built. The Penns sold it to
John and Ann Potter on April 12, 1750 and the description notes that the
buildings were "surrounded by 205 acres." This farm is now owned
by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Buss. This is their home and since the original purchase,
they have acquired some additional acreage to the East. Over the years, portions
of the farm have been split and sold off in smaller parcels.
The earliest tax transcript that seems to be on record is that of the year 1722.
It is of interest to note the name of Mordecai Lincoln on the original tax lists
(1720 to 1725). He was married to Hannah Salter Lincoln and they had a daughter
named Hannah Lincoln and a son John, who was the grandfather of Abraham Lincoln.
Other children were named Deborah, Mary Anne and Sarah.
This line of descent marks Mordecai Lincoln as Abraham Lincoln’s great
grandfather and places Hannah Lincoln Millard as his great-aunt. Hannah was also
the great grandmother of Thomas Millard and was married to Joseph Millard. Many
present residents of West Nantmeal Township trace their ancestry to Han nah
and Joseph Millard. The name is familiar throughout the area and it appears that
the Millard family has been established here since the early 1700’s.
The child Deborah was born in 1717 and died in 1720. She was buried in the old
Jemison burying ground in Monmouth County, N.J. Shortly after Deborah’s death,
Mordecai moved his family to Pennsylvania. His land was described as lying near
"the branches of the French Creek and the Brandywine in Chester County,
Pa." In 1725, he was one-third owner of the Coventry Forge, which he sold
to a partner on December 14, 1725 for 500 pounds. His-wife Hannah died in
Coventry Township in 1727 and in 1729 he married Mary, who it is thought, was a
daughter of Andrew Robeson. Mordecai leased a 1,000 acre tract in neighboring
Exeter Township, Berks County, which he later purchased in May, 1730. The house
he built there in 1733 is still standing and bears the inscription
"ML-1733." It appears that Mordecai then left West Nantmeal Township
and took up residence in nearby Berks County.
It is of interest that mention be made somewhere in this narrative concerning
Jonathan Millard, who still lives on his family farm near Barneston. He can
trace his ancestry to Hannah Lincoln Millard. She was a daughter of Mordecai
Lincoln and also a great aunt of Abraham Lincoln.
Jonathan Millard truly loves his farm home. So much in fact, that he has never
spent one night of his life away from that farm. He and his wife, Millard, are
gentle, loving people. They live quietly and as the years roll by, they take
satisfaction in watching their grandson Thomas Kaiser, begin his activity of
continuing the farming process on Millard land for yet another generation.
Isabella Furnace. The promise of making their fortune in a new country drew many people from the
Old World, who had engaged in the iron manufacturing industry in Europe. Some of
these migrated to Pennsylvania.
It was mainly in the Eastern portion of the State that some furnaces were
established. This was undoubtedly due in part to the largely unsettled areas in
the West. All of these furnaces contributed greatly to the development of
America through the manufacture of all types of iron products ranging from
kitchen utensils to the cannon and cannon balls used in the Revolutionary
War.
Warwick Furnace has been credited with the manufacture of the first Frank un
stove that was invented by Benjamin Franklin. This stove has recently gained
popularity because of the energy shortage.
The owner and operator of these furnaces was called the ironmaster because of
his knowledge of the fluxing of metals and the iron manufacturing process
together with his qualities of leadership and business acumen. Many of
these iron-masters built great fortunes for themselves. The beautiful forests of Pennsylvania were a welcome invitation to this young
industry and many acres succumbed to the ax. It was important, therefore that
the ironmaster would have to have access to large tracts of land and the
adequate manpower needed to maintain the production of iron. Consequently, many
furnaces had homes built in small villages near the furnaces and it was
here that the ironworkers lived and raised their families. The ironmaster came to be looked upon as the most respected person in many of
these communities because he not only provided a means of livelihood for the
ironworkers, but supplied a home for them as well. Also, the ironmaster was
frequently called upon for advice or leading in the settlement of legal
disputes. Some of the furnaces in the Eastern counties of Pennsylvania were Warwick,
Hopewell, Cornwall, Rebecca and Isabella. There were several others of equal
prominence that are not mentioned here because they have no particular
significance in pertaining to West Nantmeal Township. Originally, Warwick and Isabella were both located in Nantmeal Township before
it was eventually divided into several smaller townships. Warwick started
operation in 1730 and Isabella was begun about 1830 by David Potts and was later
operated by his son William Potts until 1890. The stack at Isabella was raised
from 32 to 60 feet in 1886-7 and the furnace went out of blast for the last time
in April of 1894. In compiling data for this history of Isabella, Russell Buckwalter of nearby
Exeter Township in Berks County has been most helpful. He relates that his
grandfather, Silas E. Buckwalter, was a drover for the Potts family when
Isabella was in operation. He drove six mule teams hauling charcoal all the way
from Cornwall. Sometimes he hauled limestone which was used in the iron
manufacturing process. When he traveled on some of the longer trips, he carried his bedroll and slept
under the wagon at night. He frequently carried along a demijohn of whiskey, no
doubt for medicinal purposes. Silas Buckwalter and his wife later lived in the
old ironmaster’s mansion located across the road from the furnace. This
property was recently purchased and is presently being improved by Mr. and
Mrs. lames Derksen and family, who now call this fine old dwelling their home.
The magnificent new mansion was built in 1892 through 1896. This
"castle" or "iron mansion," as it was known, is now occupied
by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, who operate a school for retarded
children in the building. The paneling, imported marble and the great bronze
staircase are some features, among many others, that made this incredible
mansion so outstanding. James Bollinger of Barneston reports that his grandfather, David Bollinger, was
the last "Keeper of the Furnace." He originally came from Bedford
County, Pa. Here at Isabella, a good grade of pig iron was made that was later
sold and shipped to the Baldwin Locomotive Works at Lima, Pa. via railroad from
the line that formerly ran between Downingtown and Lancaster known as the
D&L. Isabella Furnace also boasted a very beautiful lake. It was from this lake that
the Knickerbocker Ice Company obtained ice that was shipped by rail to
Philadelphia and New York on the same line. William Potts is reputed to have built the roads around and through his
holdings. He also employed the former furnace workers to build the unusual stone
walls that may still be seen forming the boundaries of this elegant estate.
William Potts lived to be more than ninety years of age. Prior to his death on
June 1, 1943, he made his home in the great mansion. The old furnace, long
unused, had begun to settle into ruin. Following that fateful date of December
7, 1941, America was plunged into World War II and President Roosevelt made a
formal declaration of war against Japan. Due to this, an unprecedented demand
for scrap metal was created. Mr. Potts was urged to grant his permission to
remove all the railroad tracks from his unused spur lines running into the
furnace area. However, he was reluctant to do this and it was not until after
his death in 1943 that his estate gave permission to remove these rails and
other metal to be used in the war effort. For this reason, no tracks remain
around the furnace today. In recent years, many organizations became interested in preserving Isabella
Furnace as another historic site, however adequate funds were not available.
Eventually, the furnace and some surrounding acres, including the site of the
former lake and dam breast were sold to Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Lieberman, who
have converted one of the largest stone buildings of the furnace into a very
fine home. Progress in iron manufacture proceeded over the years and one of the
improved processes eliminated the use of charcoal in iron manufacture. Most
of the furnaces still in operation began to close and soon became a part of
history. Isabella Furnace, by comparison with other furnaces did not function quite
as long as some. However, each furnace will long be remembered for its
respective contribution to American progress and development. The last superintendent
of Isabella was R. Walter Head, who was actually a chemist by profession. He was employed by Col. Potts
in the year 1887 and
remained in charge until the business ceased to operate in April of 1894. Some interesting news items concerning the furnace and its operations are
Over the years of operation, Isabella Furnace faced some financial difficulties
from time to time. In 1855. due to financial problems, ownership was procured by
Robert S. Potts and Addison May. The following year the furnace and sixty-four
acres of land were sold to John Frey and James Rutter. After David Potts retired
from the furnace business, he became interested in the lumber business which he
carried on successfully. In 1860 John Frey purchased sole interest in the
furnace. In 1864 the furnace was purchased by Brutley, William, Levi and Horace
Smith of Joanna Furnace, Berks County. This firm operated it until 1880. Then
the furnace was purchased by Joseph D. Potts, the son of David Potts. This
incident brought the furnace again into the Potts family. Joseph D. Potts
was a very successful civil engineer and rendered capable military service
during the Civil War. He attained the rank and commission of lieutenant colonel
and after the war became, an unusually successful businessman. After Col. Potts secured possession of the furnace, he equipped it with steam
power. This method increased its production over the water power of Perkins Run.
which was uncertain in drought seasons. Under this new method the production
capacity of the furnace was increased to 16 tons per day instead of from 20 to
30 tons per week. Other references in this transcript refer to Joseph D. Potts as Colonel Potts
and it would seem to be of interest to note here how he attained the title or
military rank. The furnace was built about 1830 although some historians say that it was built
in 1835 after Henry Potts and John P. Rutter secured 49 acres of land from
Robert Wilson and wife. The location was in West Nantmeal Township near the
place that Perkins Run empties into the Brandywine Creek. This spot later
became known as Wyebrooke. In 1836 the ownership of the furnace became
vested in Henry Potts, David Potts and John P. Rutter. Somewhat west of Wyebrooke and Isabella Furnace near the village of Cupola, the
old Rebecca Furnace was built about 1764 along the Brandywine Creek in West
Nantmeal Township. It is interesting to note that this furnace was located some
two miles west of Isabella Furnace, which started operation some years later.
There remains no trace of the old Rebecca Furnace today although some evidences
have been located to firmly establish the site of operation. This furnace was established by Mordecai Piersol. It appears to have been built
on land owned by Jeremiah Pierson, Mordecai’s father, by mutual agree ment.
In 1774, Jeremiah Piersol died and this parcel became a portion of the estate
passing to Mordecai. Near the furnace Mordecai Piersol also built a grist mill
and a saw mill. The grist mill later passed into the possession of James Lewis,
which therefore became known as Lewis Mill. Following the Revolutionary War, hard times fell upon Mordecai Piersol and he
lost his properties to the sheriff in 1789. Some understanding must be given
here to the state of this nation at that time. Financial conditions were quite
serious after this costly war. A new nation was struggling to organize and therewas a lack of a stable financial policy. All of these conditions contributed
unfavorably to Mordecai as he tried to hold his business together. However,
the Sheriff sold the property to Jacob Vinance, Thomas Rutter, Sarah May and
Samuel Potts. The new firm had the privilege to use the high grade iron ore from
the Jones Mines in Berks County. However, the renewed prosperity of the furnace
received a sudden reverse because the farmers in the neighborhood refused to
supply any more wood for the furnace which cut off their charcoal supply.
Consequently, the furnace went out of business in 1794 and was never
operated after that. In the meantime, the grist mill was sold by Jacob Winning
to Jacob Happersett. On the north side of Bollinger road just west of the Bollinger bridge, stands
the remains of a small grist mill that received its power from the flow of water
from Perkins Run. These ruins are across the road from the home of Steven A.
Green family. This fine old stone house is presently being restored by Mr.
Greene. The date on this home is 1790. Apparently the original property
consisted of 40.6 acres and the mill was operated by Lewis P. Lewis. The
Lewis family, as will be revealed later in this narrative, figured prominently
in the operation of grist mills both in West Nantmeal and Honey Brook Townships. At the Bollinger bridge there are two fine stone houses, one on each side of the
road. Both of these homes have been carefully restored by Mr. Elmer Fisher. The
first restoration on the south side of Bollinger road is now owned and
occupied by Dr. and Mrs. Morris Kauffman. On the north side of the road, at
the road, at the end of a long drive, Mr. Fisher has restored another stone
house in which he lives. Both of these homes are a credit to the ingenuity of
the restorer and have enhanced the beauty of this lovely wooded setting. Many references have been found concerning the Lewis Mills and it would seem
that three operations were related to the same family. The mill on Bollinger
Road, mentioned above included with the ones on Cupola Road appear to have been
conducted by members of the Lewis family. The mill on Lewis Mill Road and Cupola
Road was built in 1762 and the house now owned and occupied by the Joseph
Blosenski family was built in the same year by Mordecai Piersol. The stone house
across from the mill at the west side of the arched bridge was built in the same
year by Mordecai Piersol. This house, now owned and oc cupied by the Howard
N. McNeal family was not used as a home until some years later. It appears to
have been used as a storehouse and was a part of the grist mill complex of
buildings. The old sluice and water gate may still be seen in the meadow where
the water was turned into the mill where it flowed through a stone archway to
power and turn the water wheel by which the grist was ground. This mill was
operated by Samuel P. Lewis. The Cupola Mill at Cupola is now occupied and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Barto.
This mill is now converted into a very beautiful home. The mill dam lies to the
West of this building and the breast of the dam is to the southwest of the mill.
This property is located in Honey Brook Township although a small portion of
ground on the east side of Chestnut Tree Road lies in West Nantmeal Township. There was another grist mill operated by the Lewis family to the west in Honey
Brook Township. It is interesting to note that the earliest tax records reveal the builder of
the mill at Lewis Mill Road and Cupola Road, Mordecai Piersol, as one of the
early settlers of Nantmeal Township. The tax transcript of 1722 lists three
members of the "Pearsall" family as owners and residents of Nantmeal
Township. They were John, Richard and Jeremiah.
given below: