tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post8541821487101285572..comments2024-03-26T10:17:51.566-04:00Comments on The Mill Creek Hundred History Blog: The Walkers of Little BaltimoreScott Palmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10850758840846585533noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-60316023573804699882019-01-02T11:15:43.603-05:002019-01-02T11:15:43.603-05:00I actually lived in the house at 1137 little Balti...I actually lived in the house at 1137 little Baltimore Road the house was actually built at a later date put on the property behind the house there are still remnants of the original Brick House that was built on the propertyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08538392352520369820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-11996362273173422662015-05-14T14:34:37.354-04:002015-05-14T14:34:37.354-04:00Thank you for your blog. I live in West Marlborou...Thank you for your blog. I live in West Marlborough Township in Chester County, PA - not far from you. My great grandparents were Willian H. Walker and Anna Phoebe Shortlidge Walker. I have photos of them and have just scanned them. if you would be interested in seeing them, I can e-mail them to you in jpeg or PDF formate. Please let me know if you are interested. Sincerely, Helen E. Martin SatTeacher@aol.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09448522180889169867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-54055364457032661682014-07-25T16:57:10.644-04:002014-07-25T16:57:10.644-04:00I can't place him, either. I spent a little ti...I can't place him, either. I spent a little time digging around, but I can't find him in anyone's tree. The timing would be right for him to be the son of the Andrew in this post, but I can find no evidence of that. I'll keep my eye out, and if I come across anything I'll let you know.Scott Palmernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-4837899087080744972014-07-23T10:25:34.873-04:002014-07-23T10:25:34.873-04:00I have a James Logan Walker 1818-1893 Born in Dela...I have a James Logan Walker 1818-1893 Born in Delaware. Father Andrew Walker. Have you come on this name? James moved to Del. Co. PAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-42597838498782374562012-05-31T16:02:01.809-04:002012-05-31T16:02:01.809-04:00I am currently researching the Walker family of Ne...I am currently researching the Walker family of New Garden, Pa., and I came across this blog. From the available census records I have a Hiram Walker in the 1800s, but I can't figure out who his parents were. I'm going to read through your other posts, but if you have any info on a Hiram Walker please post. Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-54641214723783978462012-02-19T19:36:28.518-05:002012-02-19T19:36:28.518-05:00That is interesting about the supply of gunpowder ...That is interesting about the supply of gunpowder and the question....how did it get there? I was wondering if it could have been stashed there prior to the "possible battle" that never occured as a precaution/reserve if Howe was to move his troops in that direction during or after a battle in Stanton and the supply here was getting depleted.Denisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-50970708752803854962012-02-16T21:16:09.584-05:002012-02-16T21:16:09.584-05:00Walt C., You are really going the extra mile to de...Walt C., You are really going the extra mile to decypher the mystery of Pike Creek. Philly, no less. Your previous explanation sounds very plausible, regarding the name of Pecco. I'm familiar with the name of the swede Broor Sineckson, but have not read anything about Pecco. Still, it sounds like he could be our man!Delaware21noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-31475202547164261002012-02-16T20:17:41.533-05:002012-02-16T20:17:41.533-05:00Well, I went to Philly today and returned with cop...Well, I went to Philly today and returned with copies of about 20 property surveys from 1705 to 1740. Three show Pike Creek but do not name it; three label it as Peck's Creek, and one as Peck Creek. So I guess it wasn't named after the fish. And Middle Run is named at least twice; I had assumed its earliest name was Muddy Run. Live and learn. <br /><br />The earlier records of New Sweden are meager and challenging.<br /><br />I've made a bit of progress on the property records. Let me know how I can help.Walt Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539629322688424807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-16316378893507164572012-02-16T10:57:55.737-05:002012-02-16T10:57:55.737-05:00That's a great catch, Walt. In fact, I think t...That's a great catch, Walt. In fact, I think that idea is good enough that it deserves its own post so we can elaborate on it.Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-46698503162904715512012-02-15T22:45:25.301-05:002012-02-15T22:45:25.301-05:00Just struck me. In the 17/18th centuries, many sm...Just struck me. In the 17/18th centuries, many smaller streams were often identified by the adjacent property owners. Hyde Run has been referred to as Guest's Run, for William or John Guest who acquired property on the creek from the MacDonald family. Pike Creek has been referred to as Brewer's Run, not for the distilleries but for Brewer (Broor) Sineckson (Sinneck) who owned land where the creek emptied into White Clay Creek. Broor purchased the land from Peter Oalson (Olafson) Pecco in 1682. Certainly a Swede, perhaps a Finn, and an early settler.<br /><br />Pecco...Peck...Pike? Anybody want to run with this one?Walt Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539629322688424807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-11671814239822110962012-02-03T18:50:59.171-05:002012-02-03T18:50:59.171-05:00After a little further digging, I can only add the...After a little further digging, I can only add the following. Smallwood received Washington's note on Sept. 15th while he is near Oxford Meeting in Chester County. On September 19th, Smallwood is in Parkesburg west of Downington. The direct route would be up PA10 through Cochranville. So unless Smallwood sent out foraging parties, the militia passed many miles west of MCH.<br /><br />Alas, you ask good questions, but the 18th century does not give up its secrets easily. The British were taking food and livestock from all the local farms, and there are very few specifics as to what they commandeered.<br /><br />Looking at Samuel Young, the Cooch history is consistent with geneological data that suggests he married Jane Kincaid (Kinkead) and had four daughters. Otherwise he is an enigma. <br /><br />To clarify, Smallwood was commander of the regular Maryland brigade of the Continental army. Washington dispatched him specifically to raise a brigade of militia, or volunteers. His regular brigade suffered at Brandywine without his leadership, while the militia literally marched directly into the British buzz saw at the Battle of Paoli. Smallwood was a respected officer and had a distinguished career.Walt Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539629322688424807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-11003156220201472012-02-03T10:42:01.006-05:002012-02-03T10:42:01.006-05:00That's a great story, Walt. Thanks. I knew tha...That's a great story, Walt. Thanks. I knew that the British were camped in the area, but I had never heard the story about the gunpowder. I have to think you're right that it's the same Samuel Young, which brings up other fascinating questions, in addition to the obvious of whether Smallwood ever got it.<br /><br />So there was "a quantity" of powder on a property more or less directly adjacent to where the British were encamped, and had even put up earthworks. Was that powder hidden there when the British were there? Was it elsewhere, then moved back after they left? What was Samuel Young's involvement? Did he have anything to do with it, or was the powder just on his property?Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-71166308564204341112012-02-03T00:55:11.734-05:002012-02-03T00:55:11.734-05:00For the die-hard history buffs here.
On September...For the die-hard history buffs here.<br /><br />On September 8th and 9th, 1777, the British army marched through Mill Creek Hundred on their way to Chadd's Ford and the Battle of Brandywine on September 11th. On the 8th, a brigade of British troops was likely camped on the hillside a few hundred yards southeast of Samuel Young's farms, according to a map by John Andre, aide to British General William Howe. <br /><br />On Sept. 14th, after the Battle of Brandywine and while George Washington is consolidating his troops along the Schuylkill River, Genl. Washington writes to General William Smallwood of the Maryland militia. He encourages Smallwood to bring his troops north to harass the British, and "he wishes you, if you can, to obtain a supply of powder out of a Quantity said to be deposited at a Saml. Youngs, about Nine Miles from Wilmington in Mill Creek Hundred." <br /><br />I don't know if the British found the gunpowder, or Smallwood's Maryland militia found it (they did march to PA, arrived in the midst of what is called the Paoli Massacre, and most of them fled). I've not come across another Samuel Young in the Hundred in that era, so I assume these are the properties that played a documented role in the American Revolution.<br /><br />Enjoying your posts as always. -wWalt Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539629322688424807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-73750665524473503662012-01-24T19:27:39.274-05:002012-01-24T19:27:39.274-05:00Scott, I think you're right about the Faulk co...Scott, I think you're right about the Faulk connection. The current owners told me the house was built by John Faulk in 1735. Since John Faulk witnessed my 3xs great grandfather's lease (Leonard Woodward)in 1833,it was likely another Faulk. The mill had a Oliver Evans designed milling system in it. The mill was originally a grist mill. The current owners have photos of the mill showing the house directly behind it so the mill was likely right on Faulkland Road. The remains of the mill race are still visible too leading right down beside where the mill was likely located. The house was divided into an east and a west side when my family lived there. They leased the west side of the house for $30 per year. The house is now combined into one residence.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-39633742460779841862012-01-24T16:55:00.036-05:002012-01-24T16:55:00.036-05:00Sorry, Scott. I spoke too soon. North side. If the...Sorry, Scott. I spoke too soon. North side. If the brick house in your first picture is the Clarence Jester house, then the house I referred to was Mahlon Lee's. That was John Walkers place. It burned in the early 30's. Would have been one of the two Walker farms Cooch mentioned. My Uncle took over the mortgage for the farm and built a cape cod style house on the site of the "mansion", as it came to be known, using stones from the mansion. The frame house was simply a tenant house. Behind that house are the foundation stone of the barn. it was struck by lightning and burned soon after the farm except for a few acres around Uncle's cape cod was sold to the Downes Conservancy. There are houses there now, and Uncles cape cod has been modified and enlarged. <br />If you were to continue westward around the bend, and looked across the field to the woods you see the residence of "Doc" Palmer the local veterinarian. Any connection?<br />My cousin sent me a lengthy email on the subject. It is too long for this space. If you are interested, I can send it by snail mail.John M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-35517541355002513482012-01-23T14:07:02.437-05:002012-01-23T14:07:02.437-05:00That's awesome that you found which house they...That's awesome that you found which house they were living in! Your people were the Woodwards, right? So they lived in the Miller's House. I have not yet gotten back to the Fell District to look deeper into any of the other structures, but I'm sure I will. And when I do, the Miller's House will be at the top of the list, since it's the oldest structure in the area. It's definitely 18th Century, and 1735 is not out of the question, as far as I know.<br /><br />What really intrigues me about it is its connection to the Faulks, and also, I think, to Oliver Evans. Maybe I will have to get to it sooner rather than later....Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-6194131020467076222012-01-23T13:55:30.593-05:002012-01-23T13:55:30.593-05:00Was this house on the north side of Little Baltimo...Was this house on the north side of Little Baltimore Road or the south? From what I can tell from county records, the John (or William H.) Walker House, the grey one in the bottom picture, is located on the Robert N Downs Memorial Conservancy, which looks like it encompasses the former farm property. I don't think anything south of the road is included, but I could be wrong.Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-12621606689460754552012-01-23T13:26:57.985-05:002012-01-23T13:26:57.985-05:00That's a good question about Pike Creek. I too...That's a good question about Pike Creek. I too have seen it written several different ways on old maps. I can't recall ever coming across an explanation for the name, though. If I ever do, I'll be sure to note it and write it up.Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-77590754959589585942012-01-23T13:24:24.290-05:002012-01-23T13:24:24.290-05:00I think I found the same guy you did, but accordin...I think I found the same guy you did, but according to the online records, that John M. Walker was a shoemaker born in Salem County, NJ. I wonder if he ever got asked if he was related to any of the MCH Walkers?Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-84587591512035230262012-01-22T19:45:10.936-05:002012-01-22T19:45:10.936-05:00Have you ever researched the Spice Mill Manager...Have you ever researched the Spice Mill Manager's House on Faulkland Road where Fell's Spice Mill was? I stopped and met the current owners recently while in Wilmington. I'm interested because I found my 3xs Great grandfather's lease for the house dated 1833 at the Hagley Library where he lived for about 30 years. Current owners think the house was built in 1735.<br />Ken ShelinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-40116072288702183972012-01-22T09:43:37.124-05:002012-01-22T09:43:37.124-05:00I found a John Walker in the Delaware 4th Regiment...I found a John Walker in the Delaware 4th Regiment Infantry roster for Company B. These were mostly local MCH fellows. I'm not sure if there is any way to positively link him to the Little Baltimore Walkers, though. KC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-66252010388466754012012-01-21T14:51:30.621-05:002012-01-21T14:51:30.621-05:00Always curious as to how or why certain areas get ...Always curious as to how or why certain areas get their placenames. "Little Baltimore" seemed somewhat unusual for the area, but your research shows that the naming had a real meaning behind it. Hopefully it will stay that way and not be renamed for some politician 20 years down the road.<br />A bit off subject, but does anyone know the origin of the name "Pike", as in Pike Creek? I have seen it referred to as Picks Creek, Peecks Creek and Pikes Creek. Just curious.Delaware21noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-11387744464786558762012-01-21T12:57:45.259-05:002012-01-21T12:57:45.259-05:00Good catch, Ken. That makes sense, because I didn&...Good catch, Ken. That makes sense, because I didn't think it was very far away. The reference I mentioned to John Walker's store near Hockessin was in Joseph Lake's "Hockessin: A Pictorial History". I don't have it in front of me right now, but it was pretty vague. I think it might have said it was on Old Wilmington Road, though. Perhaps whatever vague recollection he was using actually was referring to the Ewart's Corner store.<br /><br />The 1849 map shows a bit of PA, but the only store it shows is at the intersection of Gap-Newport Pike and Limestone Road. It's not on what's now Ewart Road, but it's very close. Maybe that store is the one that used to be John's.Scott Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-64914983804935089432012-01-21T11:44:15.586-05:002012-01-21T11:44:15.586-05:00As I understand it, The Jester house you mention i...As I understand it, The Jester house you mention in this article burned on Christmas Eve 1932 or '33. Don't know where the family went, but the farm was purchased by my uncle. He used the stones from the foundation to build a cape cod style home. The property has since become part of a conservancy which reaches northward to the Limestone Road and the house has been modified. I sent the link for your site to the cousin who lived there and he thoroughly enjoyed it. You may hear from him.<br />I love these articles and look every day for a new one.John M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945719747276028760.post-24214201806402011032012-01-21T07:47:31.986-05:002012-01-21T07:47:31.986-05:00Per my late 20th Century maps, Ewart Road is the n...Per my late 20th Century maps, Ewart Road is the name taken after Old Wilmington Road crosses the PA state line (and also where Benge Road and McGovern Road intersect. Ewart Road is only about a mile long and has two crossroads - the intersection just mentioned and it's intersection with Kaolin Road at the other. Beyond the second intersection, Ewart Road then (confusingly)becomes another "Kaolin Road" as it passes by Hartefeld CC. Hope this is helpful. KC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com