The Little Church Around the Corner

Recently, my friend and colleague Jeff Marshall sent me an article asking if a particular referenced building was the Makefield Monastery. The article was from September 11th, 1880 and the monastery only existed for a brief period in 1895 so I quickly surmised that it couldn't have been that. The article says

Adolphus Y. Watson having obtained possession of the Church building at Jericho, in Upper Makefield, so long in dispute, has concluded to remove it and make a wagon house of it. - Thus holy places are desecrated.

If it wasn't the Monastery, and it was too early to be Woodhill Chapel, then what church in Upper Makefield were they talking about? We went back and forth a few times, but the bottom line is that neither of us had heard of this before. I needed a new research topic, so I set about discovering what I could about this forgotten church.

Adolphus Y. Watson is on the 1876 Atlas owning the house that today sits at 100 Stonybrook Rd. The  surrounding property is now the Sycamore Farms development and extended across Stonybrook Rd to Brownsburg Rd, where it formed two triangle shaped parcels. The middle triangle has Stony Brook running directly through the center of that parcel and the upper is at the base of Jericho Mountain. 

1876 Atlas

If we look at the 2008 Upper Makefield Subdivision Map we see that the middle triangle parcel is still part of the property, though the upper is not. 

Modern Roads View

Note that we see an extension of today's Shannon Rd that no longer exists, which once connected Woodhill Rd directly to Brownsburg. In fact, that road once extended even further, over the mountain, and was the main thoroughfare before Eagle Rd was realigned through J. Merrick's (on this atlas) property, splitting the barn from the main house. 

Samuel Merrick Property 1916

General Nathaniel Greene made his headquarters in the Samuel Merrick house prior to the crossing of the Delaware. In this picture we see Eagle Rd leading to Jericho Mountain bisecting the farm. Today it is two separate properties, and the 1773 main house as well as the circa 1800 barn and carriage house are deservingly well-preserved.

Surprised I'd never come across this church before, and only knowing the ending to the story, I started a few searches in the Newtown Enterprise for the years surrounding the article and in no time had something to work with.

The first mention of any church in the neighborhood is on October 9th, 1875.

A new church is to be built on Jericho Mountain, near the Eagle. It is to be commenced at once, and finished by Christmas. It is to belong to the "Christian" society, but we have not heard who is to be its pastor, or any further particulars.

Three months later we see an advertisement for the opening of the church, with a Reverend James M. Burdick presiding over the dedication.

Jan 15, 1876 Newtown Enterprise

On January 22nd, 1876 the paper published an article about the opening of the church.

Opening Of A New Church - The new Church recently erected near "Jericho Hill", on ground generously donated by Mr. Adolphus Watson, and who also, together with other liberal minded citizens, contributed freely toward the construction of the building proper, was opened for worship on Sunday last, with fitting services. The edifice is said to be the result of the recent revival at Lurgen (sic), and we hear this new Church is undenominational - that is doors will be open to all who believe in Christ crucified. In appearance, the building is plainly constructed in pine boards, with a capacity for seating over a hundred persons. It starts forth under very favorable circumstances, and it is believed will do much good in the neighborhood, no other house of worship being nearer than three or four miles. The pulpit will be occupied during each service by some minister or layman at the command of the officers of the Church. Rev. Burdick and J.W.S. Johnson conducted the services. The building will be dedicated on Sunday.

There was excitement at the prospect of a new place of worship in a location that seemed convenient for the neighborhood, as there were no other churches in the vicinity. The papers reported on the dedication the next week, January 29, 1876.

Dedicated - The new Free Christian Church located in Upper Makefield, near the upper course of the stream of water known as Stony Brook, "where the rugged pine in its lonely price, leans groomily over the murky side", was dedicated last Sunday afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Burdick of Wilmington, Del., assisted by the Rev. J.W.S. Johnson, of Frenchtown, N.J. The attendance was surprisingly large, and had the weather been more auspicious, the belief is that the edifice would have been filled to overflowing. All the young men of this neighborhood were there with their sisters or somebody else's sister - and entered into the exercises with the true Christian spirit. In the rear of the pulpit, in bold and beautiful letters, were the words: "Come to Jesus," and "Ye must be born again."... Services have been held in this church every evening during the week. There is a small indebtedness yet remaining on the edifice, to liquidate which every worthy effort available is being made.

Five months later we find a notice in the paper that the church is going in a different direction and would now be known as the Congregational Methodist Church of Upper Makefield and would hold an "old-fashioned Methodist Love Feast" the next week. 

June 3, 1876 Newtown Enterprise

Shorty after the announcement of this denominational shift we find a lengthy article that gives a synopsis of the congregation and outlines some of the problems happening at the little church. A power struggle was brewing between some of the founders of the church and Burdick. June 10, 1867:

Congregational Methodist Church of Upper Makefield - Dissatisfaction Among the Pastors and Attendants. - For some time past, and in fact from the first commencement of the building of this edifice for church worship, numerous drawbacks and discouragements have attended the progress of  Christian work in this new field of labor. The history of the church, briefly stated, is as follows: By generous donation and liberal subscriptions of money the work was commenced with apparently good prospects. The church building was located, planned and built during last fall and winter under the supervision of Ralph T. Anderson, of Hunterdon county, N.J., assisted by Gardner Randall, of Easton, J.W.S. Johnson, of Kingwood, N.J., and William Scott and B. Sylvester Bennett of Newtown, Pa., official men in a new religious organization, known as the Free Christian denomination. A small strip of land, pleasantly situated in a delightful grove of majestic oaks on the bank of Stony Brook half way between the Eagle and Brownsburg, had previously been deeded gratuitously by Adolphus J. Watson, upon which the building was erected. The meetings were held from time to time under the supervision of the above named exhorters, until the 16th of January last, when Rev J.M. Burdick, of Wilmington, Del., was called to dedicated the house, but owing to improper discipline and by laws which had been selected, together with a large debt outstanding for work and material against the church, and not very bright prospects now in anticipation, Mr. Burdick refused to perform the dedicatory ceremonies. He, however, continued to preach in the house for some time. A discipline was subsequently compiled for the church government, embodying the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church, or so much thereof as would apply to a congregational or independent body. This was agreed to with one exception, which exception caused a division in the body, and the house was thereupon closed by the trustees. Subsequently the house was opened, and by invitation of the trustees and the remaining members of the congregation, Mr. Burdick preached a sermon on the evening of the 31st of January, and has been preaching there ever since. Ralph T. Anderson, the person formerly in charge, has also been about the neighborhood most of the time for the past six months, and since the call of Rev. Burdick to the pastorate, has been devoting his time principally to the selling of bibles, some of which we understand are now in the hands of the express agent at this place. On Sunday, the 28th ult., whilst Mr. Burdick was engaged in conducting the services at the "little church in the grove," Mr. Anderson came in and took a seat in the pulpit, and we are told that when Mr. Burdick sat down after the congregation had commenced singing the opening hymn, Mr. Anderson endeavored to gain the attention of the audience but without avail. This led to considerable comment after the close of service, and from that time until the present quite an excitement has prevailed from this quarter in the heretofore quiet and reserved regions about Jericho. Mr. Anderson is said to be supported in his course in the matter by some of the prominent members of the church, together with Mr. Watson, the donor of the land for the building, and while he is not endorsed by the trustees and the present attendants at the church, there appears to be a desire manifested by some that he shall have charge of the mission instead of Mr. Burdick. Many of his followers are those living in the vicinity of Brownsburg. However, on the morning of Friday, the 2d inst., Mr. Anderson brought two stout iron hasps over from Brownsburg, screwed them tightly on the doors, and securely locked them with padlocks, taking the keys away with him. Mr. Burdick hearing of this shortly afterwards, proceeded to the building and removed the fastenings, and again the church was opened. He then in company with Mr. Peter Weckerly, one of the trustees, went to New Hope, and before Johnson, J.P., had a warrant issued for the arrest of Anderson and one of his friends. Anderson hearing of this speedily departed from the neighborhood, and retraced his steps across the river into New Jersey, from Whence he came. In compliance with previous announcement services were held in the church on Sunday last, morning and evening, but the attendance was not so large as was anticipated, and the "noon lunch" was accordingly dispensed with. At the morning service the sacrament was administered to a number of communicants. Selections were read in the service from I and XXXVII Psalms and I and II chapters of Luke. All present seemed attentive listeners to the sermon, and the pastor, judging from his discourse, is undoubtedly a learned and earnest man. The church has been thoroughly reorganized and is now known as the Congregational Methodist. The trustees are Mr. Weckerly and Cadwallader, B.S. Bennet having resigned, leaving a vacancy unsupplied. The trustees have assumed the remaining debt of the church, and have taken a mortgage on the building as security. The portion of the congregation who followed the teachings of Mr. Anderson, have established themselves at Brownsburg, and hold services in the private dwelling of Mr. Carver regularly. Mr. Anderson hd been preaching there previous to his return to our sister State, and was being assisted in the work by William Scott of this place. We understand that the services will be continued at both points. Mr. Burdick is the inventor of the celebrated hay tedder, and a machinist of no little acquirements, having been previously in the employ of the Remington Gun Works and of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. We are sorry to be called upon to publish these statements, and hope that at no distant day we shall hear of a union of these factions, and that good feeling will be restored and everything transpire harmoniously in connection with the Congregational Church of Upper Makefield.

There's a lot to unpack in that article but the problem seems to have arisen when the congregation wanted to change to Methodist, there was one holdout, Ralph T. Anderson. Anderson was a founder and the man who supervised the building of the church, before Burdick entered the picture. Burdick soon took over as the de-facto head of the church, and eventually Anderson wanted the power back. While Burdick preached at the little church, Anderson and his followers assembled at a private residence in Brownsburg, where most of them lived. Anderson's desire to be the leader led him to attempt to lock Burdick out of the church, which didn't go as planned. Once the authorities were notified, he fled his congregation and went back to N.J., where he came from. Burdick resumed preaching in the little church and Anderson was out of the picture.

We also find out that Rev. Burdick was an inventor of sorts, as he is credited with inventing the hay tedder, and he had previously worked for some large corporations. In 1879 we see him winning an award at the State Fair.

Sep 27, 1879 Newtown Enterprise

Despite Burdick's successes in the secular world, his antics in the sacred were starting to wear on the normally quiet and reserved neighborhood of Jericho. On July 7, 1877 an article is written about a trip taken to the neighborhood, which leaves out any mention of the church. A flabbergasted Burdick anonymously, though it was clearly him, writes a letter to the editor titled A Blast from the Walls of Jericho! wondering why the church wasn't visited. He goes on to tell the editor of all that he missed out on, while he ruminates over why another preacher, this time church founder J.W.S. Johnson, was allowed to hold an outdoor meeting "within hearing distance of the church."

The next week appeared a rebuttal to Burdick's letter titled A Counter-Blast From Jericho. The author, Charles T. Clark, calls out Burdick for having penned the first letter and appeals to a third party to mediate the church difficulty that has raged twenty months. A week later we see William Scott preaching at the "out-of-doors" meeting at Jericho, presumably the same spot as Johnson near the little church, again annoying the hell out of Burdick.  

The question of who should have the right to preach at the church wasn't the only trouble Burdick found himself in the middle of. On October 19th, 1878, the Newtown Enterprise published the following article detailing a spat over the collection of shellbarks between the owner of the land and Burdick which happened the previous year. 

Before Our Justices - On Tuesday Adolphus Y. Watson of Upper Makefield, was brought before Justice Merrick upon a charge of assault and battery preferred by Rev. J.M. Burdick. It is alleged that the offence was committed during the month of Novemer, 1877, and grew out of a quarrel about trespassing and gathering shellbarks upon the premises of the Free Christian Church, located between the Eagle and Brownsburg. Watson was bound over for his appearance at Court. A similar case will be brought before Merrick to-day, the 19th inst., in which the trustees of the above named church will prosecute Watson, the Clark's father and son, and others, for the gathering of nuts upon the church premises this season. The "little church around the corner" seems to have been shrouded in difficulties from its very infancy. 

In 1878 and 1879 there are a few mentions of Burdick speaking or preaching at various locations such as Dolington and Doylestown but not much about the little church until early 1880, when we learn of its fate.

February 2, 1880 Newtown Enterprise

It seems as though the little church by the creek, corner and grove was no longer James M. Burdick's domain. He was unusually short in his assessment of the situation, choosing not to call out his enemies and simply give a run down of the accounting. After this, Burdick went to New York for a year.

On April 9th, 1881 he writes a letter to the Enterprise.

Remembrance of Jericho - It would have been a great pleasure to me to have worked a reform in Jericho, but the rum influence is so strong, and the better portion of the community so indifferent to any reform, that Time's reaper must do the most of the work. Those brought up under the shadow of the old still must first die off. The little church will probably be turned into a wagon house or some other common use. After over 30 years in missionary work, spending all my leisure for the benefit of those around me, this Jericho is the first failure. Here we have a strong temperance element, and this year the town voted "no license," giving 200 majority against Rum.

Burdick laments that alcohol was the reason for the churches failure, which is interesting as it's the first time we hear anything of the sort. He dedicates another paragraph to his recent marriage, to a woman of 253 pounds, which he found noteworthy. 

So now we have the story of the church, but where exactly was it located and what did it look like? We find some context clues hidden in the newspaper articles. 

• Near the upper course of the stream of water known as Stony Brook
• Little church in the grove 
• Little church around the corner
• Little church by the bridge
  
• The building is plainly constructed in pine boards

The little church is a frame building near the creek, in a grove, around a corner and by a bridge on the property of A.Y. Watson. Since the creek only runs through the triangle shaped parcels of Watson's property, it must be located on one of those. The church is by a bridge, of which there must be 2 on the property. One bridge on Brownsburg Rd and another on the extension of Shannon. Logically, one would think that the extension of Shannon would be the lesser traveled road, especially since it has disappeared completely. Also, Watson owned the property on both sides of Brownsburg Rd, where John O'Brien owned the other side of the Shannon extension, now Jericho National Golf Club. 

1937 Aerial showing outline of Shannon extension

If he were to choose a location to build, I would think that the best option would be off Brownsburg Rd, as it was well-traveled with traffic to and from Brownsburg. The church could've been built on either side of Stony Brook, and either side of Brownsburg we don't have enough clues to know for sure. Based on all of this, I think it was likely on the right before you cross the creek headed towards Brownsburg. 

Stony Brook from the Bridge Today

So that's the story of the little church around the corner. I keep getting discouraged by thinking there's  no story in Upper Makefield we haven't heard yet, but here we are. Thanks to Jeff for piquing my interest and leading me to this research.

The final story is from the Enterprise on May 7th, 1881.

It is under consideration to erect a creamery in Upper Makefield, at the site of the disused Jericho Church, on the land of A. Y. Watson. This is a place having many natural advantages; a shady situation, at the intersection of public roads, and where pure cold water can be brought by pipes from springs on the hill side, with sufficient elevation to flow to any part of the building. 

This was a time when there was a creamery boom in the county, though this one never materialized. To see what happened to the building we go back to the original article Jeff Sent me.

Adolphus Y. Watson having obtained possession of the Church building at Jericho, in Upper Makefield, so long in dispute, has concluded to remove it and make a wagon house of it. - Thus holy places are desecrated.

Thus holy places are desecrated.  

I sent this to my friend Clint Flack and he came back with some cool ephemera for James M. Burdick. First, a patent for his Hay Tedder.

1880 Patent

And next he found an amazing trade card for the Burdick Hay Tedder, when he was working out of Point Pleasant in 1886. 

Courtesy Clint Flack

Historic Maps of Bucks County

If you're reading this you're probably like me and spend a lot of time on Google Maps checking out various old houses and locations mentioned in history books. I find the modern aerials fascinating, but what were these properties like one hundred, or two hundred years ago?

Luckily we have plenty of maps printed over the years that can help us with our research. Most of these are well-known and have been used by researchers forever, some are more obscure and are only useful in certain situations. Here's the list of all the maps I use in my research, perhaps you’ll find something new and useful for yours.

Holme Map

In 1687, the first Surveyor General of Pennsylvania Thomas Holme (1624-1695) printed the Map of ye Improved Part of Pensilvania in America Divided into Countyes, Townships and Lotts which includes original purchasers of land in Bucks County. William Penn appointed Holme as one of his councilors, and he eventually served as justice of the peace and commissioner of property. This map gives us the first glimpse of what the early settlement of the county looked like and is an important research tool.

1775 William Scull

Almost one hundred years later William Scull engraved a mouthful of a map of Revolutionary era Pennsylvania, which is also one of the most important cartographical works of its time. There are various revisions of this map with different towns shown from different years, such as 1770. Bucks County is well represented with churches, mills, ferries and many towns noted. 

Bucks County 1775 Scull Map

1817 Thomas G. Kennedy

Thomas G. Kennedy published his colorful map of Bucks County in 1817. This map doesn't show landowners, but it has towns and landmarks of note like churches and mills. Kennedy was the husband of Eliza Violetta Hicks, sister of Edward Hicks, who drowned in Newtown Creek the same year this map was published. He was also a prominent figure in other areas. He was a member of the house of Representatives in 1818, prothonotary and sheriff in Bucks and unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1828. He died at the age of 53 in Erwinna. 

1817 Brownsburg

In this we see Brownsburg, aka Pebbletown for the cobbles that were quarried from the Delaware River for cobblestone street paving. It notes John Knowles' mill, Vances is the Eagle tavern. Bowmans' Hill, Pidcock's Creek and Neely's Mill are all recognizeable landmarks of today.

1828 Thomas Gordon

In 1828 Thomas Gordon published a Map of the State of New Jersey with part of the Adjoining States Compiled that includes Bucks County in its entirety. There are many long gone villages to be found here. This is regarded as the most important map in New Jersey history, as it was the first large format map for the state. Multiple revisions of this map came out in the ensuing years, with publication eventually being taken over by Robert E. Horner.

A few lost villages, some still here

1831 Kennedy

In 1831 the son of Thomas G. Kennedy, Augustus Willet Kennedy, published a map of Bucks County showing towns and some buildings, though the locations and numbers of buildings aren't particularly precise. It's still a good resource. It seems as though the skills of mapmaking passed from father to son. This map includes a table with population, acreage, number of taxables and valuation for each township. 

Morris Map

A more robust attempt at a map of the County was made in 1850 by W.E. Morris, with great success. This map shows landowners, a few engravings, and insets of Bristol, Doylestown and Newtown Boroughs. There is a population table and description of the county. It is beautiful and large and a valuable resource.  

Morris Map Newtown Borough

Upper Makefield 1857

Next, in 1857 R.K. Kuhn and William B. Shrope published a Map of Bucks and Montgomery Counties and the Consolidated City of Philadelphia, which is much like the Morris Map. You can find individual images of the Townships here. 

Farm Map of Plumstead 1859

In 1859 Matthew Hughes published a series of Farm Maps of Bucks County, which are exceedingly scarce. These large-scale wall maps are very valuable and each has around a dozen beautiful lithographs of farms in the township. There's not a lot out of these out there, if anyone has a line on a copy of the Upper Makefield map it's my white whale so please get in touch with me. Here's a link to the beautiful Plumstead map.

1859 Residence of Benjamin Hall, Danborough

1860 Gillette and Stone

In 1860 John E. Gillette and C.K. Stone published a map of the vicinity of Philadelphia which includes Bucks County. 

1876 Atlas Title Page

Next up is the most detailed mapping of Bucks County to date, the 1876 Combination Atlas Map of Bucks County published by J.D. Scott. This large volume spanned 45 pages, with beautifully drawn, highly detailed maps for every Township and Borough. There are dozens of interesting lithographs of different properties in the county, statistics and more. 

1876 Farm of Thomas B. Scott, Newtown Litho

Original Receipt for 1876 Atlas

1891 E.P. Noll Atlas

In 1891 E.P. Noll, of Philadelphia, published another Atlas of Bucks County much like Scott's volume, minus the lithographs. This is another amazing resource that brings us close to the turn of the century.

Brownsburg in 1891

1948 Farm Atlas

A lesser-known atlas was published in 1948 by Franklin Survey Company, "America's Leading Publishers of Real Estate Atlases". This volume only has certain Townships and was supposed to be the first of three. The second two were never published. It is even larger than the first two atlases and gives a glimpse into the land owners of the middle of the 20th century. When comparing these atlases, one notes the reduction in parcel sizes that occured in the 57 years between publications. It's one of my favorites, as it includes Newtown, the Borough and Upper Makefield broken into 2 gigantic pages. 

Nowadays, people who don't appreciate what they have buy the atlases to cut them up and sell the pages individually. There's only so many of these extant, let's keep them together. 

Those are the main maps I use for Bucks County research, but there are some lesser known maps, or documents that include maps, that one should seek out as well. 

AW Kennedy 1829 Canal Map

There were a few different Delaware Canal Maps published in the 19th century that are useful for researching the towns that it ran through. In 1829 A.W. Kennedy, who would publish the map of Bucks two years later, published a map of the proposed canal and all of it's mechanical work. It's a clearly drafted, well presented view of the landowners and certain buildings in the area of the canal. The mechanical work includes locks, aqueducts, lock houses and more. It's a great lesser-known resource. 

Taylorsville 1829 Canal Map

1868 McNair Canal Survey

The canal was surveyed again in 1868 by Thomas S McNair. This 60 page volume shows the canal and it's appurtenances along its entire length and is beautifully colored. Oddly, there are 2 versions of this same map, each with minor differences such as different buildings. Copies are available at the Pennsylvania State Archives.

Taylorsville at the Canal in 1868 showing Lime Kilns

Moses Moon Land Survey Upper Makefield 1777

Moses Moon was an 18th century Bucks County surveyor who lived at Woodbourne his entire life (1754-1822). Many of his original surveys exist and some are on collection at the Mercer Museum. in MSC 304 Moon Family Land Drafts, 1751-1812. He was a remarkably accurate surveyor who produced clear and precise maps. I wrote about that particular survey here. 

RR 938 Showing Taylorsville in 1827

A road return is a report filed with the county by a surveyor after a road was laid out. There are many of these on file at the Mercer Museum and they are absolutely fascinating. The original road petitions are there as well and contain the signatures of many important early Bucks County settlers. 

1756 Upper Makefield Road Petition

In this petition we see the early settlers of Upper Makefield petitioning for a road leading through the London Land Company's lands down to Taylorsville Rd (Riverside Rd) near Thompson's Mill, granting easier access to the "back settlers". What's interesting about this is that two of the signers owned houses that were headquarters prior to the crossing, Samuel Merrick and William Keith.

Road Return Research at Mercer Museum

Road returns are fascinating in that they show the development of our modern day roads, essentially road genealogy. Theres much info to be found in these and they're an important part of Bucks County history. 

1893 Fowler

Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler was known for his birds-eye panoramic lithographs of different towns. He was active for over fifty years (1870-1922) and produced 426 views, 248 of those were in Pennsylvania. Bucks County is lucky to have a few towns represented. There's Newtown, Perkasie, Sellersville, Morrisville and other views. While not maps, per-se, these are very interesting in their own right. They're essentially highly-detailed early aerial views of the towns, with great lithographs of important landmarks and accurate, scale drawings. 

White Hall Hotel 1893

1915 Newtown Sanborn Map

Sanborn Fire Maps were produced for Newtown in 1909 and 1915 and are highly detailed. There are other Bucks County towns, such as Doylestown and New Hope. Unfortunately they doesn't show owner information, except in the case of businesses, which can be very handy for research purposes. The layouts of the buildings, including their composition, is meticulously catalogued. 

1909 Newtown Sanborn Fire Map

In 1849 M. Dripps published a Plan of the Township and Borough of Newtown, which is a good early map showing landowners and buildings in the borough. This map isn't available online, but a copy can be seen at the Newtown Historic Association.

1849 Dripps Map of Newtown

Washington Crossing 1937

Aerial photography is an important avenue to research. We don't have aerials from the 19th century (unless you count the Fowler map), but we have great images of the county in 1937, 1958 and 1971. These can be found at Penn Pilot and Historic Aerials. It's fascinating, and somewhat heartbreaking to compare the parcel sizes through the years. 

Newtown Common Survey

The PHMC has copies of survey books from 1681-1912, series #17.114, on file. Many of these surveys contain detailed maps, though locating them can be a pain. Here's the layout of the Newtown Common sometime in the 18th century. 

1781 Upper Makefield

Historical organizations often reproduced, or created maps of their particular area of focus. Jeff Marshall has done a few of these including the 1981 the Upper Makefield Historical Commission's map showing landowners in 1781. This is a fascinating map showing many names that are still familiar to the township as roads or families who still reside here. I can't possibly cover all of the other countless number of maps that have been produced for researchers and fans of local history, but they're all great resources.

I'm sure there are other original maps out there for particular locations like the Dripps map of Newtown, but my main focus here was all of Bucks, and the towns I care and know most about. Hopefully this opens up research opportunities for others. 

Upper Makefield Road War

In the 1880s there was a creamery boom in Bucks County and Upper Makefield was no exception. Neighbors in the vicinity of Pineville and Thompson Mill Roads wanted easier access to Joseph Scott's creamery, located near the intersection of Eagle and Wrightstown Roads. This led to the idea of opening a new road, which would also be a more convenient way to get to the creamery, thence Newtown. Those who would benefit most lived in the vicinity of Pineville and Brownsburg Roads, the lands to the northwest of the creamery. The Feb 10, 1881 Newtown Enterprise featured an article on the subject.

New Road Wanted - A petition to open a new road in Upper Makefield was presented to the taxpayers for their signatures at the Makefield store on election day. It was signed by a number of prominent citizens. The proposed new road will start at a point on the Brownsburg and Wrightstown road a short distance from the intersection of the road leading to Pineville, below the Brookside School house, to run in the most convenient course to a point on the Newtown and Brownsburg road near Joseph Scott's farm. This road would open up a large section of country, and would be the most direct and convenient route for the people in the upper end of the township to reach Newtown, and would also be a convenient route for persons desiring to deliver their milk at the proposed new creamery on the Scott farm. It is a reasonable request and a much needed improvement, and should be granted.

The April 10 issue follows up on the story.

Road View - Watson Kenderdine, John Kitchen and Albert Livezey, the viewers appointed by the Court to lay out a new road in Upper Makefield, met on Saturday last, went over the route of the proposed road and are prepared to make a favorable report. The new road will branch off the Newtown and Brownsburg road at a point near the lands of Patrick Crotty and John R. VanHorn, and come out at a public road leading from Wrightstown to Brownsburg, near the lane gate on the farm of Mrs. Hettie Ann Williams. Mrs. Williams will give a clear title for the right of way through her property, and the jury awarded John R. VanHorn $147.50 and J. Wesley LaRue $172.50 damages. This road will be of great convenience to those patronizing the creamery on the farm of Joseph M. Scott. There was to have been a jury on a road in the same neighborhood through the farms of Wm. Robinson and others, but the day fixed upon was very unfavorable, and the matter was for the time postponed. 

1891 Atlas

If we look at the 1891 Atlas, we can match some of the names up to the article. On the map, we see Hettie Ann Williams was owned Egypt Farm, one time home of Doan gang member John Tomlinson. The bulk of the proposed road would be over her two hundred and forty seven acres. Hettie Ann Williams was the daughter of John Eastburn, a wealthy landowner with many properties. Other affected property owners we see on the map are John R. VanHorn (Pemberton VanHorn) and J. Wesley LaRue. It's curious as to why the VanHorns were awarded so much in damages when the road would seemingly barely intersect their farm, if at all. LaRue's damages were much easier to justify.

Modern View of Proposed Road

At the same time this new road was proposed, another group proposed opening a new road on a different route a little further west, which opened up essentially the same part of the township.

April 23, 1881 Newtown Enterprise

New Roads - Two projected new roads in Upper Makefield, each less than a mile and a half long, now excite considerable interest in that township. We noticed last week that a jury had reported favorably on the road from the Newtown and Brownsburg road across to the road from Wrightstown to Brownsburg. This road commences just beyond the cross roads south of Joseph M. Scott's, and passes down the valley of a stream in a northwest direction, keeping the same general course to its point of destination. On looking at the township map, it would appear that such a road was wanted to accommodate the neighbors, and save much driving, particularly now when creameries are being built. Years ago there was an open road near the line surveyed, and even now one can drive through, by opening [unintelligible]. Previous to the application for this road, efforts had been made to have a road on the same general direction further west. This would leave the road from Wrightstown to Taylorsville at a point on the Canaan farm of J. Wesley LaRue, and then striking the township line between Upper Makefield and Wrightstown, follow the same to a road leading from Wrightstown to Buckmanville, on the property of J. H. Warner. The jury appointed to view the road met on the 14th; Dr. I. Michener, Benjamin S. Rich and Jacob Booz. They viewed the ground, reported favorably, and awarded damages as follows: To J. Wesley LaRue $125, John Twining $125, Edward Maher, $50, Charles B. Hudnit $100, Benj. Wiggins (Edward Horne place) $75, Jesse Wiggins $25, and Jacob Warner $25. The road is about the same length as the other, about a mile and a quarter, and makes an outlet for William Robinson, whose property does not adjoin a public road. In following the township line it runs over hills, and would not be a very desirable road to travel. A much better route, in our opinion, would leave the township line on the premises of Edward Maher, then pass down by his buildings, following the valley, striking the road at the foot of the hill by Charles B. Hudnit's. Both roads have their friends and opposers, and though the different juries have reported favorably, it is not probable that both will be made. For the short distance, they would both be expensive roads to make. We hear it suggested, though probably without foundation, that the last named jury will suggest to the court that a third jury be appointed to view both routes, and decide on which shall be made a public road. 

Egypt Farm today

The story quiets down until April 21, 1883.

Our readers will recollect the late road "war" in Upper Makefield. The viewers finally settled down on what is known as the "Scott" route, from a point near the lane end of Hettie Ann Williams, (the farm occupied by Peter Hogeland) to a point near Joseph M. Scott's creamery. The land damages were paid, and the road was about to be opened, when the great rain of last September occurred, washing away so many bridges and injuring so many of the township roads. The supervisor then deferred opening the road on account of the expense in repairing those in use. Then parties opposed to the road on that line petitioned for a review, with a view of vacating the road. The petition was granted, and the Court appointed Albert S. Paxson, Charles H. Williams and Samuel E. Broadhurst of Buckingham, as viewers. They advertise to meet on the ground on Thursday, the 3d of May, to attend to the duties of their appointment. There is a curious phase in this business. The road has been granted and damages have been paid. It is now the same as vacating an opened and traveled road. If it is vacated now the land will revert to the original owners, who will not be required to refund the money they have received from the county. 

The "great rain" of September, 1882, caused damages throughout the township to the point where the opening of this new road was being reconsidered. The May 5, 1883 Newtown Enterprise covered the outcome of the next meeting.

The Upper Makefield Road - It is known to our readers that there has been for some time a controversy in Upper Makefield about a county road. A jury had granted the road, which is little over a mile long, running from a point on the road from Newtown to Brownsburg, to a point on the road from the Eagle to Wrightstown, through what is known as "Cavey's Hollow." The county had paid the damages to land owners, and the Supervisor was directed to open the road. Then came the great freshet of last fall, greatly damaging the roads and bridges of the township. A feeling against opening the road arose in the township, mostly on account of the cost, and a majority of those who signed in favor of it, signed a petition to the court to appoint a jury to vacate it. The court appointed on this Jury Albert S. Paxson, Samuel E. Broadhurst, and Charles H. Williams, all of Buckingham. They met on the ground on Thursday the 3d. Opposition to the road was represented by Henry Lear, Esq., in favor by Geo. A. Jenks, Esq. A large number of tax payers of the township were present, mainly composed of those opposing the road. The whole parry passed over the surveyed line of the road, and then assembled in the barn of Peter Hogeland on the Hettie Williams farm. Here quite a number of persons were qualified and questioned as to the need of the road, etc. Wm. H. Trego, Supervisor, thought it would cost $1,000 to properly open it. S. B. [illegible], a former Supervisor, testified that opening it would be a burden to the tax-payers much beyond the advantaged, as it would benefit but a few. Samuel M. Slack, Henry Wynkoop, Edward Johnson, John S. Keith, John A. Beaumont, Edward Horne, Samuel Walton, Edward Merrick and others expressed the same opinion. On the other side, Joseph M. Scott, Stephen Betts, Jr, Esq., Mathias Hall, and others were in favor of opening the road. The jury then walked to the Eagle Store (Makefield P. O.) where they had left their horses, and after dinner, met in an upper room of the store, when W. B. Lovett, Supervisor, and others were examined. Speeches were then made by the attorneys, and the jurymen were left for consultation. In a short time they came down stairs and announced their verdict to the assembled citizens, agreeing to vacate the road. We heard two were for vacating, one for sustaining the road. This for the time settles the question. 

If we look at the list of names opposed and for the road and compare it to the Atlases, it makes sense that those who benefitted from the road, like Joseph M. Scott, who would undoubtedly see an uptick in the creamery business, were in favor of its opening. Those who had no use for the road were opposed to it. Unfortunately, the latter prevailed and the road ended up vacated, despite never being opened. Those who were awarded damages were allowed to keep their money. It's interesting how the group parked their horses at the Eagle, walked the proposed route, met in Hogeland's barn (perhaps the same barn where the Doan gang planned their escapades?), then trekked back to the Eagle for dinner and deliberations. That must've been a long day with more than a few miles put on their boots. Some of the terrain in the area isn't exactly hospitable either, specifically Cavey's Hollow and its environs. Cavey's Hollow features a lost graveyard, a ghost, and is the start of another lost road. 

So close, yet so far

Today, the house and barn of Peter Hogeland still stand, surrounded by a development with multiple roads that almost parallel the route of the proposed road. If one were able to bridge the thousand foot gap between Bryce Lane and Goldney Dr, the route would be complete. The road would benefit many more people than it did in the 1880s. Imagine if you could get to Scott's from Goldney Dr instead of having to drive all the way around the Eagle. That would save ten minutes and over 3.5 miles of driving. Too bad for those new residents of Egypt farm, they have to go the long way like always.