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Start Over Subject Genealogy Place Chester County (Pa.) Year 1850 to 1899

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Kennett Township Historical Commission subject files, 1980-2014 (bulk) 1847-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:
10.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The first recorded mention of "Kennett Township" in Chester County, Pennsylvania is from 1705. An abolitionist stronghold, Kennett was popular with freedom-seekers escaping slavery prior to the Civil War due to the presence of progressive Quakers and a community of free blacks that was established as early as 1830. Later, the Kennett area became known for producing more than half of the mushrooms consumed in the United States. The Kennett Township Historical Commission subject files, 1847-2014 (bulk 1980-2014), focus on people, places, organizations, buildings, and events of Kennett Township. The files consist mainly of secondary-source materials, such as clippings, pamphlets/ephemera, and family genealogies, as well as a small amount of primary-source materials.

Held at: Kennett Township Historical Commission [Contact Us]

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Wallace Township local history collection, 1789-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:
30.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Although the first official survey of Wallace Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania took place in 1729, the Township was formally created in 1852 and has had multiple changes to its boundaries since. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, farms, mills, and forges dotted the landscape, but the late 19th century brought the railroad and considerable development of the area. A Pennsylvania Turnpike entrance was created near Wallace in 1950, and during the late 20th century, many residential subdivisions were built in the Township resulting in a substantial population increase. The Wallace Township Historical Commission local history collection, 1789-2014, consists of a mix of primary and secondary-source material relating to the history and residents of Wallace Township. Materials include scrapbooks, maps and blueprints, deeds, financial and administrative records, photographs, audio recordings, ephemera, correspondence, posters, and genealogy and other research materials.

Held at: Wallace Township Archives [Contact Us]

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Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area subject files, circa 1850-2013

Extent:
53.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Phoenixville, which was incorporated as a borough in 1849 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, evolved from an early 18th century village. The history of the town largely mirrored the history of the Phoenix Iron Company which became hugely successful in the mid-19th century with the advent of the railroad. The Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area subject files, circa 1850-2013, consist primarily of photocopied primary-source documents, newspaper clippings, and research articles that relate to numerous aspects of Phoenixville's history. It also contains a fair amount of original documents, principally pamphlets, small printed works, and ephemera, as well as some photographs, deeds, and manuscript pages. The collection is organized into series and subseries by subject; the largest series are Genealogy and Phoenix Iron Company / Phoenix Steel Company.

Held at: Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area [Contact Us]

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West Caln Township Historical Commission local history collection, 1990-2013 (bulk) 1851-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:
10.0 linear feet
Abstract:
West Caln Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, was officially recognized as a Township in 1744. The area developed due to its location along what was known as Kings Highway (now Route 340), the main road between Philadelphia and Lancaster. The West Caln Township Historical Commission local history collection, 1851-2013 (bulk 1990-2013), consists mostly of secondary-source materials such as newspaper clippings, photocopies, and research notes, with some original documents including maps, photographs, letters, oral histories, and deeds. The collection documents various West Caln Township individuals, families, organizations, and properties. It is organized based on document type and subject: "I. Subject files," "II. Obituaries," "III. Genealogy reference," "IV. Census records," "V. Deeds," "VI. Tax records," "VII. House histories," "VIII. Audiovisual materials," "IX. Photographs," "X. Maps," and "XI. Local manuscripts."

Held at: West Caln Township Historical Commission [Contact Us]

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Spring-Ford Area Historical Society subject files, circa 1880s-2012

Extent:
45.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Previously a sparsely-settled farming area, early development in Spring City (Chester County, Pennsylvania) and adjacent Royersford (Montgomery County, Pennsylvania) coincided with the opening of the Schuylkill Navigation Canal in 1824. Industry in the two towns continued to grow during the 19th century, especially with the construction of major rail lines through both. By the early 20th century, Spring City and Royersford were booming industrial towns with extensive stove factories, glass and bottle works, and embroidery, hosiery, and knitting mills, among other businesses. The Spring-Ford Area Historical Society subject files, circa 1880s-2012, document various topics of local interest. The collection mostly contains photocopies, with some original materials, such as newspaper clippings, photographs, research notes, narrative histories, cemetery records and indexes, obituaries, and family histories. Major categories include: burial records, church histories and sacramental...(see more)

Held at: Spring-Ford Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Downingtown Area Historical Society General Archives collection, 1843-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:
20.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society General Archives collection, 1843-2012, consists of various small accumulations of records (less than one linear foot) from businesses, clubs, organizations, individuals, and families based in or near Downingtown.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Upper Uwchlan Township Historic Commission local history collection, 1829-2005 (inclusive)

Extent:
17.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Upper Uwchlan Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania, was established in 1858 when it broke off from Uwchlan Township. Its boundaries include the historic district of Byers Station and the Wheelen House (Fellowship Farm), a Georgian-style farmhouse built in the mid 18th century. Remaining a rural community for most of its existence, Upper Uwchlan experienced large population growth beginning in the 1980s, leading to an increase in area development and the construction of several new subdivisions. The Upper Uwchlan Township Historic Commission local history collection, 1829-2005, contains a mix of primary- and secondary-source materials relating to the people, buildings, property, organizations, and other aspects of Upper Uwchlan Township. The collection is organized into four series: I. Manuscripts (organized by family/donor), II. Property files (organized by location), III. Subject files (organized into sub-groupings: people, clippings by date, and other), and IV. Subject binders.

Held at: Upper Uwchlan Township Historic Commission [Contact Us]

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Malvern Historical Commission local history collection, 1880s-2000s

Extent:
11.0 linear feet
Abstract:
In the 17th century, Welsh immigrants settled in the area that would later be known as Malvern, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Originally part of Willistown Township as a village called West Chester Intersection, the village was renamed Malvern in 1873 and incorporated in 1889 as the Borough of Malvern, formally separating it from Willistown Township. The Malvern Historical Commission local history collection, 1880s-2000s, consists of primary-source materials such as manuscripts, scrapbooks, and photographs, as well as secondary-source materials including newspaper clippings, postcards, photocopies of primary-source documents, and other materials that document the history of Malvern and its residents.

Held at: Malvern Historical Commission [Contact Us]

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Uwchlan Township Historical Commission manuscripts collection, 1742-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:
10.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Originally inhabited by Leni-Lenape (Delaware) and Iroquoian-speaking Susquehanuck peoples, Uwchlan Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania was settled by Welsh Quakers in the early 18th century. The township was founded in 1712. It remained a largely rural farming community until a post-World War II suburbanization boom. The Uwchlan Township Historical Commission manuscripts collection, 1742-2000, includes photographs, deeds, maps, family papers, business records, municipal records, and various other materials collected from local people and organizations from Uwchlan and nearby areas. Of special interest are a dozen Civil War letters.

Held at: Uwchlan Township Historical Commission [Contact Us]

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Stinson Markley family papers, circa 1850-1995

Extent:
20.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Stinson Markley (1898-1995) was a prominent farmer, conservationist, and historian in Charlestown Township, Pennsylvania. He also was a founding member of the Charlestown Historical Society. Stinson's wife, Kathryn Donahue Markley (1903-1981), was a well known educator and elementary school principal in the same region. The Stinson Markley family papers, circa 1850-1995, contain material relating to Stinson Markley's farming operations, personal life, and interests and hobbies; Kathryn Donahue Markley's personal and professional life; and others in the Markley, Donahue, and Kerk families. The collection includes numerous photographs and slides, personal papers, farming business records, scrapbooks, and printed materials.

Held at: Charlestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Downingtown Area Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1991

Extent:
7.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1991, consists of photographs and postcards depicting the people, businesses, churches, organizations, and schools of the Downingtown area.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Charlestown Historical Society manuscripts collection, circa 1790-1990

Extent:
10.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Charlestown Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania is named for Charles Pickering, who was granted the land from William Penn that today makes up a large portion of the Township. Charlestown was the site of the Valley Forge General Hospital during World War II. The Charlestown Historical Society manuscripts collection, circa 1790-1990, includes photographs, slides, deeds, maps and atlases, family papers, business records, school and municipal records, scrapbooks and various other materials collected from local people and organizations from Charlestown Township and nearby areas.

Held at: Charlestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Tri-County Heritage Society local history collection, 1735-1990s

Extent:
75.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The region of southeastern Pennsylvania where southern Berks, northern Chester, and eastern Lancaster counties meet is known locally as the "Tri-County" area. The Tri-County area was first settled by Welsh immigrants, and later by German, Irish, and Scottish immigrants. While the area was largely agricultural, it also developed into an important early industrial corridor. In the early twenty-first century, the Tri-County area is a mix of farmland, industry, and suburban real estate development. Tri-County Heritage Society local history collection, 1735-1990s, consists of manuscripts and other original materials, photographs and audiovisual materials, secondary-source materials, printed matter and ephemera, and other documents relating to the history, residents, organizations, and businesses of Berks, Chester, and Lancaster counties. There is also some material relating to Delaware, Montgomery, and other nearby counties in Pennsylvania.

Held at: Tri-County Heritage Society [Contact Us]

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Hannum family papers, circa 1850-1950

Extent:
2.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The Hannum family were members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) based in and around Kennett Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Charles Beverly Hannum (born 1861) was employed at times as a railroad agent and owner of a general store. One of his sons, Edward Darlington Hannum (1892-1977), worked variously as a postmaster, greenhouse manager, florist, and mushroom grower. The Hannum family papers, circa 1850-1950, consist of various materials from the Hannum, Cloud, and Darlington families, including photographs, scrapbooks, financial records, and other documents. Best represented are Charles B. Hannum and Edward D. Hannum.

Held at: Kennett Township Historical Commission [Contact Us]

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Brower family papers, circa 1750-1950s

Extent:
12.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Mennonites Hubert and Anna Brower left Germany and emigrated to Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1726. They settled in Coventry (now, East Coventry Township). Hubert and Anna's son, Henry Brower (1720-1784) purchased land and established a family farm in the Parker Ford area of Coventry. His descendents, many of who were farmers, doctors, and ministers, resided in this area of Chester County for several generations. The Brower family papers, circa 1750-1950s, consist of financial, legal, and property documents; letters; family records and genealogy research; school records and teacher certificates; photographs and scrapbooks; newspaper clippings, printed matter, and ephemera; and other materials. There are small amounts of materials from other families that are connected to the Brower family. Individuals well-represented in the collection include M. Bertha Brower (1900-2000), Dr. William Brower (1842-1919), Abraham Brower, and David Stiteler Taylor (1832-1925) and his second wife,...(see more)

Held at: Tri-County Heritage Society [Contact Us]

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Seal family papers, 1752-1943 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.0 linear feet
Abstract:
William Heyburn Seal (1822-1910) settled in Birmingham Township (now Chadds Ford), Delaware County, Pennsylvania before 1850. He and his wife Deborah Twaddell, had six children. The Seal family papers, 1752-1943, include ledgers, teacher's lists, deeds, school workbooks, marriage certificates, a scrapbook, correspondence, a tax record, and many other materials from the Seal, Twaddell, and related families. Mary Emma Seal (1865-1941) and William Heyburn Seal (1822-1910) are especially well documented.

Held at: Chadds Ford Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Kimes and Nelson's Funeral Service funeral registers, 1884-1936 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Servicing Spring City and Royersford, Pennsylvania, Kimes and Nelson's Funeral Service was in operation for close to a century, beginning in 1884. The Kimes and Nelson's funeral registers, 1884-1936, consist of 11 volumes that cover a 50-year period. Entries include a significant amount of information about decedents, including occupation, birth place, parents' names, and cause of death.

Held at: Spring-Ford Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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