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Archiver > PHILLY-ROOTS > 2008-04 > 1209581612


From: Eugene Stackhouse <>
Subject: Re: [Phly-Rts] Help in localizing a place in Germantown
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:53:32 -0400
References: <BAY139-W330A883B406E7DE792AAE0A2DC0@phx.gbl>
In-Reply-To: <BAY139-W330A883B406E7DE792AAE0A2DC0@phx.gbl>


I have not been able to find a map of the Wissahickon Creek that is early enough to identify the mills in question.
I am, however, reasonably sure that the mills were on the lower Wissahickon Creek.I am still looking for the properties on Germantown Ave.
Gene Stackhouse,Historian and Genealogist and Judge of Fine Beer "We have met the enemy, and he is elected", Lloyd Jones,...



> From: > To: > Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:29:03 +0200> Subject: [Phly-Rts] Help in localizing a place in Germantown> > > Hi,> > Living far away in Europe, I was wondering if some kind person(s), with some knowledge of the area, could help me localize the property that my 5 x great grandfather, William DAVY (1757-1827), owned in Germantown between 1794 and ca. 1812. I have no precise address (something which presumably did not exist in Germantown at the start of the 19th Century), but I have some rather detailed descriptions of the property which were published in different Philadelphia newspapers. Here is what I have :> > “To Manufacturers and Capitalists. For sale to the highest bidder. On Wednesday evening 23d September at 7 o’clock at the Merchants’ Coffee House. An extensive, and valuable manufacturing establishment, six miles from Philadelphia. It consists of sixty acres of orchard, meadow and arable land in the populous and remarkably healthy neighborhood of Germantown. An ample stream of water runs through the whole, on which two mills are already erected, and others may with facility and advantage be added, building stone being abundant on the premises. The present buildings consist of one large new Mill built of stone, four stories high, with a water wheel 19 feet diameter, of a highly improved construction, and just set to work in Carding Wool and Cotton, and with Spinning and weaving Rooms over. One other Mill built of stone, with the Water Wheel – also of the best construction, and all the works nearly new for carding, spinning, turning &c. with a wool sorters room, a dye house, a press shop, and finishing room adjoining. One double weaving shop, and store rooms, 90 feet long, and a spinning room over the whole. One stocking weavers shop of stone, and a Smith’s shop. One Mansion House, large enough, and constructed to accomodate two families, with Gardens, Bath house, &c., adjoining. One stone barn, stables, granary, &c., and two spring houses. Five stone, and one frame dwelling houses for labourers. This property is at present divided and rented to two tenants, each holding one mill in full operation and about 30 acres of the land. Three roads leading to and from Germantown, communicate distinctly with the two mills. It will be offered altogether or divided according to survey already made, into two parts, as at present rented, for two manufacturing establishments, and few places in the United Sttes offer equal advantages, either for labour, health, or communication with a great market. The purchasers may be accomodated with a variety of machines and utensils now in use at a fair valuation ; and arrangements will be made for giving possession as speedily as possible. For viewing this property, and for further information, application may be made to WILLIAM DAVY in Philadelphia, or in Germantown. Joshua Lippincott, Commission Merchant” . (Poulson's American Daily Advertiser, 9 September 1812).> > A few years earlier, in 1797, I found this advertisement :> “For sale elegant building lots on elevated and very healthy situations, at a convenient distance north of the Church and Market House, in Germantown, each commanding picturesque views of the town and adjacent country [...] Sale will be held on the premises on Saturday the 23rd instant, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Apply to William Davy at his house adjoining these lots” (Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 9 September 1797).> > In 1799 :> “For Sale : Four lots of ground of six acres each, in a delightful and remarkably healthy situation, at a short and convenient distance from from the centre of Germantown with a good road leading to them ; they command an extensive prospect of the town and adjacent country; are well supplied with excellent water, and stone for building may be raised on each lot. Apply to William Davy, Germantown” (Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 18 September 1799).> > I would be most grateful if anyone could tell me where this property was (modern day street name...) and if, by any chance, some of the buildings might still be standing. Would also be glad to exchange any information about William Davy, if anyone is interested.> > Thanks in advance,> > Roderick Craig,> Mulhouse, France.> > > > _________________________________________________________________> Créez votre disque dur virtuel Windows Live SkyDrive, 5Go de stockage gratuit !> http://www.windowslive.fr/skydrive/>; > > *********> Visit the threaded archives of this list: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/PHILLY-ROOTS>; *********> > -------------------------------> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

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