Chronicles of Baltimore - Part 2



Page 33 continued

1735. On the 23d of April the Assembly passed an Act to prevent the 
injuring of harbors within this Province. By this Act masters of vessels 
and others were prohibited, under a penalty of £50 currency, from casting 
ballast into the bay above Cedar Point, nor into any river, creek or 
harbor below high-water mark, nor to unload ballast but between the rising 
and setting of the sun.

1736. John Stokes, Clerk of the county, died, and was succeeded by his 
son, Humphrey W. Stokes. Col. William Hammond was Sheriff, and Richard 
Gist presiding Justice.

1738. In this year Col. Nicholas Ridgely was Sheriff. Mr. Edward Fell 
died, leaving a daughter, or daughters, in England, but bestowed his 
property here on his brother's son Edward.

1739. On the 29th of August Captain Michael Willson, of the good ship 
Parad and Gally, published according to law that he was up for freight; 
and it appears from the records that he received one hogshead of leaf 
tobacco, shipped by Avarila Day, and consigned to Messrs. Delmitt and 
Heathwat of London, at the rate of £7 sterling per ton. This is the first 
vessel we find in the records of Baltimore County published according to 
law for freight.

1740. Mr. John Moale died, bequeathing his lands near Baltimore to his two 
surviving sons, John and Richard.

1741. Thos. Brereton was clerk of the county. On the 19th day of February, 
for the sum of 40 pounds sterling money of Great Britain, Mr. Jonathan 
Hanson sold to Mr. Edward Fottrell all of his the said Hanson's right, 
title and interest in the lands lying upon Jones Falls, being part of the 
tract called "Cole's Harbor," containing by estimation about 30 acres, and 
also all of his interest and property of and into 20 acres of land lying 
on both sides of Jones Falls: the latter being taken by Jonathan Hanson 
and George Walker in 1735 by virtue of the law for appropriating mill-
seats. Walker also sold his interest this year to Fottrell for 120 pounds 
paper money of the Province. Mr. Edward Fottrell was a gentleman from 
Ireland, and imported the materials and erected the first brick house with 
freestone corners, and the first which was two stories without a "hip-
roof" in the town. It stood near the northwest corner of Calvert and 
Fayette streets, on or near the lot at present occupied by Reverdy 
Johnson's mansion, opposite Barnum's Hotel, and was the dwelling house of 
Mr. Fottrell. He returned to Ireland before the Revolution,

Page 34

when his property was confiscated and sold. Our worthy forefathers did 
not, at this period, arrive at the stature of so high a fact as to believe 
that there was earth in Maryland which could be made into a brick, much 
less that they were daily walking over a soil which was destined to be 
fashioned into the material of a beautiful city, whose architectural 
renown should be in some degree connected with the unrivalled excellence 
of its brick.

1742. Mr. Thomas Harrison, merchant, arrived from England, and built a 
house near the northeast corner of South and Lombard streets, buying the 
lots nearest the water on each side of South street.

On the 29th of October St. Thomas's Parish was taken from St. Paul's, and 
the new parish church of that name was erected about ten miles northwest 
of the town.

Major Thomas Sheredine was presiding Justice, and John Ridgely sheriff.

On the 20th of January, Mrs. Elizabeth Groor shipped on board the ship 
Swan, Capt. Joseph Tuck, four hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, 
consigned to Jonathan Foward, of London, at the rate of nine pounds 
sterling per ton.

1744. On the 22d of August, John Boyley shipped on board the Elizabeth, 
Capt. David Frazer, 4 hogsheads Maryland leaf tobacco, consigned to Joseph 
Adams, London, at the rate of nine pounds sterling per ton.

1745. The Assembly of Maryland, on the 28th of September, passed a 
supplementary and additional Act to the Act entitled, "An Act for erecting 
a town on the north side of Patapsco, in Baltimore County, and for laying 
out in lots sixty acres of land in and about the place where John Flemming 
now lives; and to an Act entitled, An Act for erecting a town on a creek 
divided on the east from the town lately laid out in Baltimore County, 
called Baltimore Town, on the land whereon Edward Fell keeps store." 
(Thomas Bladen, Esq., Governor.) "On the joint petition of the inhabitants 
of Baltimore and Jones's Town, in the County of Baltimore, it is herein 
enacted:

"1st. That the same Towns, now called Baltimore and Jones's Town, be 
incorporated into one entire Town, and for the future called and known by 
the name of Baltimore Town and by no other name. 
"2d. The bridge built by the inhabitants on the branch that divided the 
said Towns, shall for the future be deemed a public bridge, and repaired 
and kept, &c., at the charge of Baltimore County. 
"3d. Certain Commissioners (Maj. Thomas Sheridine, Doctor G. Buchanan, 
Capt. Robert North, Colonel William Hammond, Capt. Darby Lux, and Messrs. 
Thomas Harrison and William Fell), seven in number, appointed to see the 
present and former acts, relating to the Towns before mentioned, put in 
execution, and

Page 35

cause them to be carefully surveyed by their outlines, therein including 
the branch over which the bridge is built; and shall from time to time 
(for preventing disputes.), cause all the lots taken up and improved, or 
that shall hereafter be taken up, &c., to be regularly surveyed, 
substantially and fairly bounded, and numbered. 

"4th. On the death, removal, or declining to act, of any commissioner, the 
major part of the remaining commissioners shall appoint another to serve 
in the stead of such commissioner dying, &c. 
"5th. Disputes about the bounds of lots shall be fully determined by a 
majority of the said commissioners; and to prevent partiality herein, the 
commissioners, or a major part, shall meet at least once a year, and see 
that a boundary to each lot be kept up and preserved, in manner before 
prescribed; and cause other sufficient boundaries to be fixed in the room 
of any missing or decayed. 
"6th. The commissioners have power to employ a clerk (William Lux, son of 
Darby Lux, was appointed in place of Doctor Walker, who died in 1743,)who 
shall be under oath fairly and honestly to enter in a book, to be kept for 
that purpose, all the proceedings of the said commissioners relating to 
the town; in which book, among other things, shall be kept a fair plat of 
the said town, describing every lot by its right number, and who the taker-
up was, or shall be; and to prevent corruption, all or any of said 
commissioners, and their successors, shall have recourse to the clerk's 
book as frequently as they please without fee or reward. 
"7th. The commissioners are impowered to levy, assess, and take by way of 
distress, if needful, from the inhabitants of the town, by even and equal 
proportion, the sum of 3 pounds yearly, to be paid to their clerk; and 
also have power to place and displace their clerk as often as they shall 
think fit. 
"8th. The commissioners for the time being, may, by due course of law, or 
any other legal manner, in the name of the said commissioners, or the 
major part of them, take, demand and recover any money which shall be 
found due to the first commissioners nominated for the said towns, from 
any takers-up of Iota by virtue of the original laws for laying out the 
same; which money they shall apply to the uses intended by the said 
original Acts, and in no other manner. 
"9th. All after purchasers of lots, whether before or after the making of 
this Act, shall be deemed to be within the said town, provided their lots 
shall be within the outlines thereof; and shall have as good estate in 
their lots as if taken up, improved and paid for under the original laws 
erecting the said town. 
"10th. All improvements, of what kind soever, either wharf, houses, or 
other buildings, that have or shall be made out of the water, or where it 
usually flows, shall (as an encouragement to

Page 36

such improvers) be forever deemed the right, title and inheritance of such 
improvers, their heirs and assigns forever. 

"11th. None shall keep or raise any swine, geese, or sheep, within the 
said town, unless they be well inclosed within some lot or pen. 
"12th. All takers-up of lots, therein directed, shall have a sure 
indefeasible estate of inheritance, in fee simple, in the lots by them 
taken up; any law, custom, &c., notwithstanding."

Of the Commissioners, Capt. Lux commanded a ship in the London trade as 
early as 1733 and 1743, purchased the lots number 43 and 44 on the west 
side of Light street, where he resided and transacted much business.

On the 28th of September the Assemby passed a law for the "prevention of 
frauds and abuses, frequently practiced by greedy avaricious traders in 
pork, beef, tar, turpentine, and pitch, who for their own private lucre 
and gain, not only make and set up badly made and beeped small barrels, 
but slightly pack and deceitfully fill the same, to the great prejudice of 
the trade of this Province in the commodities and merchandise, &c., &c."

On the 27th of November, Mr. Charles Ridgely shipped on board the Three 
Friends, Capt. David Livingston, six hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, 
consigned to Messrs. Williams & Rothlitt, London, at the rate of 12 pounds 
sterling per ton freight, and 5 pounds on each hogshead for insurance.

1746. Mr. Wm. Fell dying during this year, he was succeeded by Mr. 
Alexander Lawson as one of the town Commissioners.

On the 2d of December, Jacob Gupon shipped on board the Frederick, Capt. 
James Hall, 10 hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, consigned to William 
Black, London, at the rate of 12 pounds per ton, and 5 pounds per hogshead 
insurance.

1747. The communication by the bridge, which brought the great eastern 
road from the ford directly through both parts of the town, gave value to 
the intermediate grounds, and the whole land and marsh, containing twenty-
eight acres in all, was purchased of Mr. Carroll by Mr. Harrison in 1747, 
for 160 pounds sterling; and on the 11th of July the Assembly passed "An 
Act for the enlargement of Baltimore Town, in Baltimore County, &c. 
(Samuel Ogle, Esq., Governor.) The inhabitants of Baltimore Town, in 
Baltimore County, petitioned to the General Assembly that there is between 
what was formerly called Jones's Town and Baltimore Town, a parcel of land 
of about eighteen acres which is not included in what was called Jones's 
Town, nor in Baltimore Town, which, by means of a bridge which is already 
built, reduce the said laces into one, which would be an encouragement to 
people to build and improve, and they beg that the same may be laid out in 
lots, and made part of Baltimore Town." The Act was passed, by which Gay 
and Frederick and part of Water and Second streets were laid off, with 
eighteen acres of ground. This addition, principally

Page 37

on the west side of the Falls, contained all the fast land between the 
eastern limits of the first town and the Falls. Takers-up of lots were to 
agree with and pay the owners of the grounds, as for the former addition. 
The Commissioners were authorised to open and widen streets or alleys, 
with the consent of the proprietors, and remove nuisances, and also to 
hold two annual fairs, the first Thursday of May and October, with 
privileges from civil process during the fairs. Housekeepers were subject 
to a fine of 10 shillings if' they did not "keep a ladder high enough to 
extend to the top of the roof of such house, or if their chimnies blazed 
out at top."

During this year the shipping interests of Baltimore and vicinity showed a 
wonderful increase from one vessel a year to seven. The following is a 
copy of one of the advertisements:

"I herewith publish the freight of the ship Baltimore now at anchor in 
Patapsco river, burthen 450 tons or thereabouts, carrying twenty guns, six 
pounders, and forty hands, at the rate of twelve pounds sterling per ton, 
with insurance at five pounds sterling per hogshead, the freighter 
consigning their tobacco to Stephen Theod. Jansson, Esq., merchant in 
London. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 26th of June, 
1748.

"John Anter." [SEAL.]

Captain Antho Beck, of the Francis and Elizabeth, publishes that she 
"mounts ten guns; as good as can be made of wood, and the best sailing 
ship in Maryland; takes in tobacco for Mr. John Philpott & Co., at £14 
sterling per ton, and shall be glad to see my friends on board the said 
ship at any time they please."

Often at this period when vessels were up for freights, they would be 
compelled to wait three and four months until they could get a cargo. We 
find from the records that Captain Darby Lux paid for some time, three 
pounds sterling per day demurrage, "the tobacco not being ready and 
collected for that purpose." Mr. John Toward, merchant in London, writing 
to Captain John Jackson, says, "Capt. Lux will supply you with rum to 
treat my friends when they come on board, and Mr. Blackburn will supply 
you with a good parcel of your north country ale, which may be the means 
of getting dispatched a month earlier."

1748. Messrs. Leonard and Daniel Barnetz, from York, Pa., erected a 
brewery at the southwest corner of Baltimore and Hanover streets, now 
replaced by stores. These gentlemen, if not the first, were among the 
first of the Germans, or the descendants of Germans, whose successive 
emigration from that Province, with capital and industry employed here, 
contributed so essentially to aid the original settlers.

Capt. Darby Lux was elected a delegate in the place of Col. Hall. Talbot 
Risteau was clerk of the county at this time.

During the year there were fifteen vessels published according to law, up 
for freight in the rivers running into the Patapsco, all bound for London.

Page 38

1749. Mr. Thomas Sheredine and Thomas Sleigh bought of Mr. Hurst and of 
Richard Colgate's sons, John and Thomas, their several rights to the 
residue of Cole's Harbor and Mountenay's Neck, east of the Falls, and High 
street from Plowman to French street, with lots on each side, including 
eighteen acres of ground, which is added to the town.

1750. On the 2d of June, the General Assembly, in pursuance of a petition 
from the inhabitants of that portion of Baltimore County, caused about 25 
acres of land, on the north and east sides of Baltimore Town, formerly 
called Jonas's Town, to be surveyed and laid out into lots and streets, 
and to be declared to all intents and purposes a part of Baltimore Town.

A house for the inspection of tobacco was erected on the west side of 
Charles street, and near the head of the inlet into which Uhler's spring 
emptied, and a public wharf commenced at the south end of Calvert street, 
a long time called the "County Wharf." Messrs. Lawson, Hammond, and Lux, 
three of the commissioners, entered notices of their intention to improve 
into the water, and did actually erect houses on the bank near the shore, 
the first of wood, on the east, and the last of brick, on the west side of 
Light street, near the west end of Bank street (Mercer), and the other 
further east, near South street.

Our annals about this date are embellished with an exploit of some 
unction, in an historical fact pleasantly demonstrative of the vivacity 
and of the picturesque imagination of the founders of our city. For what 
reason connected with our position in reference to foes either foreign or 
domestic, we have never been able to find out; but there was a vague and 
latent opinion in Baltimore for several years, that the inhabitants were 
dangerously exposed to the incursions of an enemy. We have on one occasion 
at least--just after Braddock's defeat--the tradition of a panic which 
drove the country people into the town, and the town's-people into the 
boats of the harbor--suddenly and strangely apprehensive of mischief that 
never came. This peculiarity of opinion or temper, or whatever it might 
have been, suggested, at an early period, to the inhabitants the policy of 
building a defensive fortification. So our people went to work and raised 
a subscription, and having provided the funds, straightway--under the 
direction of what military engineer we know not, for history has not 
preserved his name--but what we suppose was intended to be considered and 
regarded as a fence or wall of defence around the whole inland border of 
the town; thus showing very clearly that the enemy against whom this 
provision was made, was not of the maritime or salt-water kind. In this 
formidable wall, which, it is to be noted, was not pierced for cannon, 
there were two great gates to admit the friendly traveller, or to be shut 
in the face of the unfriendly one. The first of these gates was at the 
west end of Baltimore street, and was placed somewhere very near the 
present intersection

Page 39

of McClellan's alley. The second gate for carriages opened into the upper 
part of North Gay street, not far, we conjecture, from the stone house at 
the corner of Front street. Between these two great portals a smaller 
gate, for the use of foot-passengers--a postern, it may be called--was cut 
through the fence near the head of Charles street, that is to say about 
the intersection of Saratoga. This line of fortification never had its 
virtue put to the trial by any attack from abroad, but like some of the 
most distinguished martyrs of history, it sank before privy sedition at 
home. It was not more than three or four years after its erection when a 
severe winter came on, and the wall, by a great and indeed fatal mistake, 
being made of wood of a very combustible kind, and not being put together 
with so much skill as the engineer ought to have employed in so weighty a 
matter--this whole bulwark was, by very secret and gradual assaults, 
pulled to pieces, and stolen away for "kindling." A second winter finished 
it; and it thus fell a sacrifice to the rigors of the climate and the 
fireside comforts of the inhabitants. Not a vestige of a decayed post or 
rusty nail belonging to this ancient fortification of the only "walled 
town" in the United States remains. Lloyd Buchanan was employed by the 
commissioners to prosecute the needy inhabitants, but found they had not 
sufficient legal authority.

In this year Doctor Buchanan died, leaving, besides the son Lloyd, 
Archibald, who was a merchant, Andrew, George, and William, noticed 
hereafter.

The following is a copy of the original subscription-paper, now in the 
possession of the Maryland Historical Society, to keep the fence in repair:

"Maryland, Baltimore Town, January 28th, 1748.

"Whereas, there is an Act of Assembly which prohibits all the inhabitants 
of Baltimore Town from keeping or raising hogs or geese in the said town, 
we the subscribers do hereby agree and oblige ourselves to pay to the 
clerk of said town the sums affixed against our respective names towards 
keeping up, repairing, and making good the fence of the said town, and 
supporting a person to keep it in good order--

                           £ s. d. 
Robert North gives        10 00 00 
Wm. Hammond "             10 00 00 
Thos. Chase "             10 00 00 
R. Chase "                10 00 00 
Nicholas Rogers "         00 10 00 
John Shephard "           00  5 00 
Hannah Hughes "           00 10 00 
John Frasher "            00  5 00 
James Perkins "           00  5 00 
Nich. Hartway "           00  5 00 
Capt. Darby Lux "          1 00 00 
Chris. Cytmire "          00  5 00 
Thomas Harrison "          1 00 00 
Darby Lux gives           10 00 00 
Wm. Rogers "              10 00 00 
Wil. Lyon "               10 00 00 
Brian Philpot, Jr., "     00 10 00 
John Ensor, Jr., "        00  5 00 
Abraham Pamer "           00  2  6 
Joseph England "          00  5 00 
Henry Johnson "           00  2  6 
Wm. Ferguson "            00  3 00 
Dr. Geo. Buchanan "       00 10 00 
Wm. Rogers "               1 00 00 
Edward Dogan "            00 10 00 
Capt. Chas. Ridgely gives 00 10 00

Page 40

Dr. Buchanan was succeeded in the Board of Commissioners by Mr. Brian 
Philpot, an English merchant then lately arrived, and in the Assembly, by 
Wm. Smith, Esq., of the northern part of the county. Thomas Franklin, 
Esq., was presiding Justice, and so continued more than twenty years, 
during which time the following gentlemen were appointed to the office of 
sheriff, viz: Messrs. Roger Boyce, in 1750; William Young, 1754; Charles 
Christie, 1756; Aquilla Hall, 1761; Robert Adair, 1765; Daniel Chaimier, 
1768; and John R. Holliday, 1770.

The precise date of the origin of the First German Reformed Congregation 
in this city is not known. There is, however, good reason to believe that 
it was established in or about the year 1750. An old German manuscript, 
found a few years since among the archives of this church, states, among 
other things, that "in the year 1756 or 1757, the congregation purchased a 
lot on which to erect a church, of Mr. Croxall for nine pounds, besides 
making him a present. . . . After this the congregation appointed a 
committee to superintend the building of a church, which consisted of 
Andrew Steiger, Frederick Meyer, Jacob Kuhbord, John Soller, Valentine 
Loersh and Conrad Smith. These men made preparation to build, and with the 
means they had they built the best church they could. We then called the 
Rev. John Christian Faber to become our pastor, and we all in peace and 
love.". . . . . At that early period, one hundred and seventeen years ago, 
they called a settled pastor, and were numerous and strong enough to give 
him a support, besides undertaking to build a house of worship. Previous 
to the year 1756, the congregation was occasionally visited by several 
German Reformed ministers, among whom was Rev. Mr. Lachey. With these 
statements before us it is perfectly safe to presume, we think, that if 
the congregation in 1756-57 felt themselves numerous and strong enough to 
build a church and support a stated minister, they must have been in 
existence some six or eight years before, at least, for under the 
circumstances they must have increased in numbers rather slowly. But there 
are other facts to sustain the statement. In the early records of the 
first Lutheran congregation in this city, on Gay street, we find "up to 
the year 1758, both Lutherans and German Reformed worshipped together, and 
great friendship and harmony prevailed. In that year they resolved to 
erect a house of worship in common, as each party was too weak to build 
alone; and it was at the same time determined that a pastor should be 
called by either church, as might best suit." Previous to this time they 
were occasionally visited by ministers of both Churches. Although the 
Reformed account makes no mention of the two denominations worshipping 
together up to a certain period, yet there Can scarcely be a doubt of the 
fact, as stated by the Lutheran records. It was usual in the beginning 
(and even now in very many instances) for the Lutheran and Reformed to 
worship together in the same place, but

Page 41

maintaining for the most part separate organizations. The first church 
building owned by the German Reformed Congregation was built, as it would 
seem, about 1756--58. It was located on North Charles street, nearly 
opposite to and north of the present St. Paul's Episcopal Church. A 
deceased member of this congregation for more than forty years, and who, 
when a boy, used to worship with his parents in the old church on Charles 
street, once wrote to a friend as follows: "Our first church was located 
up North Charles street, and was approached with difficulty, especially by 
the aged and infirm, on account of the steep hill of sand they were 
obliged to climb every Sabbath in order to reach their humble place of 
worship. At that time we had no cushioned seats, no carpeted aisles, no 
sweet-toned organ to aid in the musical exercises--no, not even a stove to 
warm the body. The cold northwest wind would pierce through the tender 
weather-boarding, and almost blow the light fabric off." The first regular 
pastor of this congregation was the Rev. John Christian Faber. In one of 
the old church books belonging to the congregation, the following is the 
first record made:

"Baltimore, January 25, 1769.

"The first minister of this congregation was John Christian Faber, born in 
Mosback on the Neckar, in the Pfaltz, in Europe. His father was a preacher 
at Gimmeldingen on the river Haardt. May the blessing of God attend this 
enterprise, and may the church increase and flourish."

Mr. Faber was pastor of this church about fourteen years. Towards the 
close of his ministry he met with great opposition from a portion of his 
congregation, who charged him, it is said, with coldness and languor in 
his ministrations. They wished him to give place to a warm-hearted younger 
preacher, a Rev. Mr. Swope, who had recently come from Germany. In this 
they did not succeed. Mr. Faber continued in his place, and the 
consequence was a division of the congregation in the year 1770. The 
opposition members withdrew, built a Second Reformed church, and elected 
Mr. Swope as their pastor. After a few years Mr. Swope either resigned or 
died, we do not know which, and in 1774 the Rev. Philip William Otterbine, 
who came from Germany in 1752 with the Rev. Mr. Slatter and others, and 
who had served the congregation at Lancaster, Tolpehocken, Frederick, 
York, alternately, for twenty years with great acceptance and success, 
took charge of the new congregation, and remained its pastor until his 
death, which occurred November 11, 1813. The old church blamed Mr. 
Otterbine and Swope for the division that took place in the congregation. 
Under Mr. Otterbine's long administration the German Reformed congregation 
in Conway street, between Hanover and Sharp streets, erected three 
different houses of worship. The first soon became too small for his 
rapidly increasing

Page 42

congregation, so the second and then the present fine church edifice on 
Conway street was erected, where he officiated till the year of his death. 
In one of the old church books we have the following entry: "After Mr. 
Faber had been here many years, and had seen much trouble, he left, and 
was succeeded by Rev. George Wallauer, who held the same faith. The next 
minister was the Rev. Charles Boehme, a member of the Pennsylvania Synod. 
After some time Mr. Boehme got into trouble, and at a meeting of the Rev. 
Synod held at Reading, Pa., in 1782, he was dismissed from the ministry. 
At the same time liberty was given to call another minister, and they 
called the Rev. Nicholas Pomp, who delivered his first sermon on the first 
Sunday in September, 1783. At this period Jacob Coberts, Frederick Meyer, 
Jacob Meyer, and Henry Zorah were the elders of the church; and Philip 
Crusius, Andrew Granget, and Philip Miller the deacons." Mr. Wallauer 
during our struggle for independence left his congregation and joined the 
British army, but in what capacity is not known.

It was under the administration of the Rev. Mr. Pomp that the congregation 
resolved to build a new and larger church, and to locate it at the 
northwest corner of Baltimore and Front streets. They purchased the lot, 
which was 60 by 115 feet, in 1784 for £125, and built the church in 1785, 
the estimated cost of which was £4000. It was resolved that the thousand 
pounds which they had at interest should be taken towards erecting the new 
church, and that every member of the church should give from his private 
means to the same object, according to his ability. The subscription list 
was headed by Michael Diffenderffer (who appears to have been the leading 
spirit of this congregation to the close of a long and useful life), with 
the very liberal subscription of £150. Next are Frederick Meyers and 
Daniel Diffenderffer with each a £100; then follow Peter Diffenderffer, 
Jacob Myers and others, with their fifty and twenty-five pound 
subscriptions, and the rear is brought up with a good list of names with 
smaller amounts, and the sum total of the whole is a subscription large 
enough to encourage them to build. The number of male members who 
contributed to this object was one hundred, and those who contributed to 
the support of the pastor one hundred and twenty-five. But there were 
some, for some reason or other, who opposed the building of the new 
church, and who gave the congregation a great deal of trouble. Herman 
Sticher, Weinbert Tschudy, Nicholas Tschudy and others, were opposed to 
the new church enterprise, but would support it notwithstanding; whilst 
others not only opposed the building of the new church, but did all they 
could to hinder the enterprise from going forward. At length the minister, 
Mr. Pomp, was requested to announce from the pulpit that they could not go 
on to build in consequence of the violent opposition which a few persons 
made to the movement. But a little time after, the congregation, on the 
26th of June, 1785, again

Page 43

resolved to go forward with the new church. On the first of September, 
1785, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate solemnities. After the 
walls were up the opposition created further and more serious 
difficulties. Scarcely was the church under roof in 1786, before the gable 
end wall on Jones Falls was swept away by the flood, and damage done to 
the amount of more than five hundred pounds. On the 8th of May, 1787, the 
Consistory met at Daniel Diffenderffer's, and made another contract to put 
up the injured walls and otherwise improve the church. On the 20th of 
June, 1787, the first service was held in the church, and the Rev. Mr. 
Troldenier of York, and Hendel of Lancaster, Pa., were present on the 
occasion. Soon after this, in view of the difficulties and misfortunes of 
the congregation, several of the neighboring ministers brought their 
congregations to the church on different Sabbaths, and after they had 
preached, took up collections. These pastors were the Rev. Mr. West of the 
Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Allison of the Presbyterian Church, and the 
Rev. Dr. Kurtz of the Lutheran Church. The collections in all amounted to 
sixty-three pounds. A year after this, in consequence of much opposition, 
from only two members, chiefly growing out of the new church building, Mr. 
Pomp resigned, and on the 15th of November, 1789, preached his farewell 
discourse. The Rev. George Troldenier, a native of Germany, was his 
successor, He was called from York to this place, and on the 13th of 
October, 1791, he preached his introductory sermon. At this time Michael 
Diffenderffer, Conrad Smith, Nicholas Tschudy, and John Dargenberg were 
the elders; and Peter Diffenderffer, Peter Herr, John Hull, and Philip 
Heisher, the deacons of the church. In 1788, the congregation petitioned 
the State Legislature for an Act of incorporation, and they obtained a 
very liberal and most excellent charter in December of the same year.

In the year 1795, having become dissatisfied with their church property 
for several reasons, and among others for its proximity to Jones Falls, 
and the frequent interruptions in public worship from vehicles passing 
over Philpot's bridge (as our Baltimore street bridge was then called), 
the congregation resolved to sell the church lot and building, and Jacob 
Hoffman, Peter Diffenderffer, George Decker, and others were authorised 
and directed by eighty-two male members to carry the resolutions into 
effect. After some time the committee succeeded in selling the property 
(old Christ's Church, as it was afterwards called) to St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church, and the sale was ratified by the congregation in August, 1796. The 
ground which they afterwards selected as the site for the erection of a 
new church was situated on the north side of Second street, nearly in the 
bed of Holliday street, as now cut through. It was nearly 100 feet front 
by 200 feet deep, and was purchased from a certain William Russell as 
early as June, 1772, and held in trust by Melchoir Keener, Andrew Stiger, 
and others,

Page 44

for the congregation. On the 29th of June, 1795, it was conveyed by the 
surviving trustees, Keener and Stiger, to Geo. Decker, Peter 
Diffenderffer, Nicholas Tschudy, and others in trust for the congregation. 
A few months after the charter was obtained this and all other property 
vested in trustees for their use, was vested in the elders, deacons, and 
trustees of the church. The corner-stone of this building was laid on the 
28th of April, 1796, with appropriate solemnities. The pastor of the 
congregation, Mr. Troldenier, delivered a brief discourse, from Romans ix. 
33. Rev. Mr. Otterbine followed with a short address, the Rev. Dr. Kurtz 
closed with prayer. When the money received from the sale of the old 
(Christ's) church, on Baltimore street, was all laid out on the new 
building, the congregation came together and subscribed liberally to carry 
on the work. On the 24th of September, 1797, this church, which was nearly 
one year and a half in building, was solemnly consecrated. The pastor, 
Rev. Mr. Troldenier, preached in the morning, the Rev. Dr. Becker, of 
Lancaster, Pa., in the afternoon, and the Rev. Mr. Otterbine at night. The 
dimensions of this church were fifty by eighty feet. The architect and 
builder was Lewis Herring, an eminent architect and builder in his day. 
The steeple was erected in 1805, several years after the church proper was 
completed. It was built by George Robach, of Lancaster, Pa., a celebrated 
architect, and was nearly two hundred feet high. The bells, three in 
number, weighing forty-five hundred pounds, were cast in England, by 
Thomas Mears, for the use of the congregation, at a cost of $1800, and 
brought to Baltimore by Robert Gilmor, Esq., shipping merchant, free of 
charge. They were placed in the steeple in 1805-6. About the same time the 
large clock was put up by Mr. Eberman, of Lancaster, Pa. The organ was 
built by John Geib and Son, in New York, at a cost of about $3000, and was 
put in the church in 1809. Soon after the church was finished, the 
congregation was called to mourn over the death of their pastor, which 
occurred on the 12th of December,1800. He was succeeded in 1802 by Mr. 
John H. Dreyer; four years aider he resigned, and was succeeded by the 
Rev. Dr. Christian L. Becker, of Lancaster, Pa., about the 1st of July, 
1806.

In February, 1818, a petition drawn up by Dr. M. Diffenderffer, and signed 
by him and thirty-five other members, was presented to the Consistory, 
respectfully soliciting permission to have English preaching in the church 
on every Sabbath afternoon. This subject seems to have caused a great deal 
of excitement, and gave the pastor no little trouble and uneasiness. On 
the 12th of July, 1818, Dr. Becker suddenly died, and his death, for a 
time, put an end to further proceedings about English preaching. The Synod 
having granted the petition presented by a committee consisting of Peter 
Diffenderffer and Jacob Hoffman, they invited the Rev. Lewis Mayer to pay 
them a visit, and preach in German and English. On Sabbath morning, Sept. 
27, 1818, Dr. Mayer preached a discourse

Page 45

in the German language to a very large congregation, and in the afternoon 
he preached another in the English language (which was the first sermon 
ever delivered in this church in English) to an immense concourse of 
people. The excitement was intense. Some of the members, regarding English 
preaching as an innovation that ought not to be tolerated, threatened 
violence to the minister, and said and did many things which they 
afterwards regretted. On the 10th of February, 1819, the Rev. Albert 
Helffenstein, Sr., then pastor of the German Reformed Congregation of 
Carlisle, Pa., was unanimously invited to the pastorate of this church, 
and about the 1st of July in the same year he preached his introductory 
discourse. As years rolled away, German preaching became less and less 
frequent, and in the year 1827 it was abandoned by the pastor altogether. 
Mr. Helffenstein tendered his resignation to the Consistory in April, 
1835, which was accepted, and in September following he preached his 
valedictory discourse, and immediately left with his family for the 
Western country (Ohio). In November, 1835. Rev. Elias Heiner, the last 
pastor of this church, received a unanimous call, and on the first Sabbath 
in January, 1836, he delivered his introductory discourse, from Genesis 
lv. 24, "See that ye fall not out by the way." On the 8th of December, 
1850, Mr. Heiner delivered in the Second Street church, a centenary sermon 
on the occasion of the centenary celebration. A short time aider the close 
of the late civil war the church was torn down, to open Holliday to Second 
street.

From the statements we have made in the opening sketch of the German 
Reformed denomination in this city, it is reasonable to suppose that the 
Lutheran denomination was organized about the same time; for we learn, as 
before mentioned, from the early records of the first Lutheran 
congregation in this city, that "up to the year 1758, both Lutherans and 
German Reformed worshipped together, and great friendship and harmony 
prevailed. In that year they resolved to erect a house of worship in 
common, as each party was too weak to build alone; and it was at the same 
time determined that a pastor should be called by either Church, as might 
best suit." Previously to this time they were occasionally visited by 
ministers of both Churches from Pennsylvania, &c. It was usual in the 
beginning (and even now in very many instances) for the Lutheran and 
Reformed to worship together in the same place, but maintaining for the 
most part separate organizations. In 1773, Messrs. Lindenberger, Wershler, 
Hartwig, Hoecke, Rock, Grasmuck, Levely and Barnetz, Dr. Wiesenthall, and 
others, German Lutherans, with the aid of a lottery, erected a new church 
on the site of the original one, which was built in 1758, in Fish (now 
Saratoga) street; the identical establishment now known as the African 
Bethel Meeting House--their pastor being the Rev. Mr. Gerock, who was the 
resident minister of the Lutheran congregation in this city. He died on 
the 25th of October, 1788, aged 65

Page 46

years; being some time assisted, he was now succeeded by the Rev. Daniel 
Kurtz. In 1808, the German Lutherans disposed of the church in Fish 
street, and erected that on north Gay street, of which Mr. George Roerback 
was architect. On the 30th of March, 1840, this church was nearly 
destroyed by fire, (see fire 1840). Mr. Kurtz remained pastor for over 50 
years, and was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. John Uhlhorn, a 
brilliant German orator, who died about 1844 in Bremen, whither he had 
gone on a visit. The next pastor was Rev. Henry Scheib, who still 
survives. During Mr. Scheib's pastorate the pastor and congregation 
dissolved their synodical connection with the Lutheran Church, and now 
maintain an independent relation.

Until 1824 this was the only Lutheran church in the city. About that time 
an English Lutheran congregation was established, which worshipped in a 
school-house on south Howard street, near Pratt. The original corporators 
were John Reese, David Bixler, George Stonebraker, Joshua Medtart, 
Frederick Segler, Philip Uhler and Andrew Hack.

In 1826, the church recently burned (see fire 1873) was erected, and in 
February, 1828, Rev. John G. Morris assumed the pastoral charge. He served 
the congregation thirty-three years, during which the house of worship was 
twice enlarged, two Sunday school-rooms and the parsonage were erected. 
When Mr. Morris resigned his pastorate in 1860, to take charge of the 
Peabody Institute, over 100 members withdrew and purchased the 
Presbyterian church on Eutaw street, above Saratoga. When Mr. Morris 
retired from the Lexington street church, he was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. 
J. McCron, who served them nine or ten years, when he resigned. Rev. J. H. 
Barclay was then elected, who is pastor at present. The congregation have 
purchased a lot on the corner of Lanvale and Fremont streets, and are now 
engaged in erecting a magnificent house of worship.

1751. In this year a subscription was set on foot to build a market-house, 
but the object of it was not effected until ten years after. It was 
erected on the northwest corner of Gay and Baltimore streets, on ground 
lease by Messrs. William Lyon, Nicholas R. Gay, John Moale and Archibald 
Buchanan, a majority of the town commissioners, from Mr. Harrison, at 
eight pounds sterling per annum. It was constructed with a large room in 
the second story, where public assemblies, dances, jugglery now and then, 
and other matters of public concern were held or exhibited; an early and 
dim type, perhaps, of greater market-houses in after-times. The following 
is a copy of the original subscription list, now in the possession of the 
Maryland Historical Society, which shows how anxious the first settlers 
were to improve the town:

"Whereas, Several Acts of Assembly have been made for the Enlargement and 
Encouragement of Baltimore Town, and forasmuch as the said Town Increases 
as well in Inhabitants as good

Page 47

Buildings and Trade, and the Situation thereof renders it convenient for 
Navigation and Trade, as well with the Inhabitants of Baltimore and Ann 
Arundel Countys, as the Back Settlements of this Province and 
Pennsylvania. But no Provision hath yet been made by Law or otherwise for 
Purchasing a Lott or Lotts, whereon to Build, a Market House, Town House 
and other Necessary Buildings for the Benefit of said Town, and 
conveniency of such Persons as bring their Butchers Meat, and other 
Commodities to sell at Market in the said Town.

"Wherefore, for the further Encouragement, and Improvement of Baltimore 
Town We whose Names are hereunto subscribed do hereby Promise and Oblige 
ourselves our Executors and Administrators to Pay to the Commissioners of 
Baltimore Town or their Order the Several Sum or Sums of Money to each of 
our Names affixed to be applied to the Purchasing a Lott or Lotts in said 
Town, and Building thereon a Market House and Town Hall in such manner as 
the Commissioners of said Town shall direct and appoint. Provided the said 
Lott or Lotts shall be Purchased, and the Building began within Two Years 
from the date hereof.

"Witness our Hands and Seals this Twenty third Day of April, 1751.

                                   £ 
T. Sheredine, ten pounds   [SEAL.] 10 
W. Hammond, five pounds   [SEAL.] 5 
Thomas Harrison T. Flumford   [SEAL.] 15 
Alex. Lawson, ten pounds sterling   [SEAL.] 10 
Brian Philpot, Jr., ten pounds sterling   [SEAL] 10 
Wm. Rogers, cash   [SEAL.] 10 
Wil. Lyon, 5 pounds sterling   [SEAL] 5 
Thos. Sleigh, sterling   [SEAL] 10 
Thos. Chase, five pounds   [SEAL.] 5 
Jno. Rendell, sterling   [SEAL.] 5 
Ld. Buchanan, five pounds currency   [SEAL] 5 
Wm. Lux, 5 pounds sterl   [SEAL] 5 
N. Ruxton Gay, five pounds currency   [SEAL.] 5

1752. There hangs upon the wall of the saloon of the Maryland Historical 
Society, a rude and very primitive drawing in ink, colored after a most 
juvenile fashion, purporting to be a true portraiture of Baltimore Town in 
the year 1752. It is said to be by Mr. John Moale, the father of one of 
our oldest and most esteemed families, and the son of that parliamentarian 
who was so successful in protecting his iron mines. He was then quite a 
youth, we should say, from the style of his work; rude and unartistic as 
it is, it is a very interesting memorial. Some years ago it was engraved 
by the direction of Mr. Edward J. Coale, with some touches of improvement 
both in the matter and manner of it thrown in by Mr. Bayley. We prefer, 
however, the original with all its faults, because they obviously show 
that Mr. Moale was not an ambitious or an imaginative artist, but dealt 
severely with facts; manifestly, every house is put down to the best of 
his knowledge and belief, as if he were upon oath. It is palpably a 
conscientious production, and we would be willing almost to certify that 
he counted every

Page 48

window, and drew it with a ruler upon the paper, though in a shocking 
disregard, we must say, of the laws of perspective. Still this picture of 
Baltimore Town, taken in 1752, is a most veritable historical document, 
and is a relic to be guarded -- precious as the book of Sibyl. These 
houses are scattered, with abundant space for elbow-room, over a hillside 
which slopes towards the basin. The principal locality which we recognise 
is Calvert street, and there is a brick building laid down which is 
ascertained to be the house that stood, until a few years ago, at the 
corner of Calvert and Bank street (Mercer), and was at the date of the 
drawing, Payne's Tavern. There was a rival to this tavern at the northeast 
corner of Baltimore and Calvert streets, kept by Mr. Rogers. Mr. Bayley's 
improvement of the drawing is valuable for some authentic insight it gives 
us into the state of navigation at the epoch. The whole of our marine, 
employed in the foreign trade is engraved in the picture. There lies the 
good brig Philip and Charles, belonging to Mr. Rogers, and there the 
trusty sloop The Baltimore, belonging to Mr. Lux. This is the marine list 
of the port, comprehending all the shipping that ventured beyond the capes 
of the Chesapeake. These are very descriptive statistics: two hundred 
inhabitants; twenty-five houses, four of them brick, one of them two-
storied, without a hip-roof; one church (St. Paul's,) two taverns; and 
then, for the navigation, one brig, one sloop, both owned in the town. We 
have some other particulars to help along this view of Baltimore. Mr. 
James Gardner kept a school at the corner of South and Water (Lombard) 
streets; and still he was not sufficient for the literary need of the 
town, for we read, in an advertisement put in the Maryland Gazette, 
published at Annapolis, of the 27th of February, 1752, that "A school-
master of sober character, who understands teaching English, writing and 
arithmetic, will meet with good encouragement from the inhabitants of 
Baltimore Town, if well recommended."

The population of the county of Baltimore at this time consisted of 2,692 
white men, 3,115 white boys, 2,587 white women, 2,951 white girls, 595 
servant men, 126 servant boys, 200 servant women, 49 servant girls, 470 
men convicts, 6 boy convicts, 87 women convicts, 6 girl convicts--being 
571 convicts in all, designed for compulsory labor in the county, and sold 
for certain terms; while, there were 116 mulatto slaves, 196 free 
mulattoes, 4,027 black slaves, and 8 free blacks, making a total 
population of 17,238; whereof eleven thousand three hundred and forty-five 
occupied the position of master or mistress, and four thousand eight 
hundred and ninety-three the position of menials, affording a servant for 
nearly every two. Servants in Maryland at this time may properly be 
classed, as the Redemptioners, provided for by Lord Baltimore in his 
originial scheme of colonization. Much of the early emigration to Maryland 
was thus effected, the emigrant binding himself to five years in the 
Province in consideration of his

Page 49

transportation thither at the cost of the co-contractor. In 1638 the term 
of service was reduced by Act of Assembly to four years. Where these 
agreements were made with a merchant, ship-owner or ship-captain, these 
indentured servants, or "Redemptioners," were sold at auction for the term 
of four years, and at the end of their term they received one whole year's 
provision of corn and fifty acres of land. These "servants" therefore are 
not to be confounded with the negro slaves or the convicts, the latter of 
whom were also sold to labor for terms.

The following list of well-known inhabitants of Baltimore town in 1752, is 
from a paper in possession of the late Joseph Townsend, who had it many 
years before his death, from one of the early settlers, who was cognizant 
of the facts stated: "Capt. Lucas, Wm. Rogers, Nich. Rogers, Dr. Wm. Lyon, 
Thomas Harrison, Alex. Lawson, Bryan Philpot, Nick Ruxton Gay, James Cary 
(innkeeper), Parson Chase, Mr. Paine, Chris Carnan, Dame Hughes (the only 
midwife among English folk), Chs. Constable, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Goldsmith, 
Mr. Jno. Moore, Mr. Sheppard (tailor), Bill Adams (barber), Geo. Strebeck 
(only wagoner, drove a single team), Jake Keeports (carpenter), Conrad 
Smith, Captain Dunlop, Jack Crosby (carpenter), Bob Lance (cooper), Philip 
Littig (whose wife was accoucheuse among the German population), John 
Wood, Hilt Stranwitch (laborer), Nancy Low, Mr. Gwinn."

1753. On the 17th of November, the Assembly passed an Act empowering the 
commissioners of Baltimore town to make an addition to the town of thirty-
two acres of "Cole's Harbor," which Mr. Joshua Hill had purchased of Mr. 
Carroll, being part of the tract which lay between the town and the lines 
of Lunn's lot at the south, west and north of the first town; commencing 
at the same point on the river, and including the grounds between 
McClellan's alley and Forest's lane (Charles street), and ran to the 
Falls' side, north of the church and city spring, where Mr. John Frazier 
rented a ship-yard and resided. It was enacted at the same time, that no 
earth, sand or dirt was to be thrown into or put upon the beach or shore 
of the Patapsco river, or any navigable branch thereof below high-water 
mark, unless secured by stone walls, dove-tailed log-pens, &c., from 
washing into the river, under a penalty of five pounds current money.

During the year a lottery is advertised in the Maryland Gazette
(Annapolis,) for the purpose of raising 450 pieces of eight, or dollars, 
towards building a public wharf; of which lottery Messrs. John Stevenson, 
Richard Chase, John Moale, Charles Croxall, William Rogers, Nicholas 
Rogers, John Ridgely, N. R. Gay, William Lax and Brian Philpot were 
managers. The drawing took place in Annapolis on the 30th of April, 1754.

Mr. George N. Myers, a Pennsylvania German, moved to Baltimore; and 
another, Mr. Valentine Larsh, built an inn at the south-west

Page 50

corner of Baltimore and Gay streets; and Mr. Andrew Steiger, butcher, 
built at the southwest corner of Baltimore and Charles streets. Mr. 
Steiger in 1756 procured the lot at the northeast corner of Gay and 
Baltimore streets; and in 1759 he purchased of Dr. William Taylor, the 
wooded marsh in the bend of the Falls, and then on the east side of the 
stream, which he drained and cleared for the pasturage of his cattle.

1754. On Monday, February 4th, His Excellency Governor Horatio Sharpe, who 
had lately arrived in Maryland, visited Baltimore town, where he was 
received by a company of foot under arms, the firing of cannon, displaying 
of colors, and many other tokens of joy and respect. In the evening there 
were dances, fire-works, &c.

Tuesday and Tuesday night, July 30th, Baltimore was visited with a great 
freshet, which did immense damage, and the like had never been known up to 
this period. Almost all the bridges were carried away in the county, and 
"the fine large bridge in Baltimore town was removed about sixty feet," 
and the roads were so washed as to be almost impassable. There was 
scarcely a mill left either in Baltimore or Kent county.

Mr. Moale built a brick store on the southeast corner of Calvert street 
and Lovely lane, and a dwelling near the corner of Sharp and German 
streets, in the rear of where St. Peter's Episcopa| church lately stood. 
Conspicuous among the houses built this year, and forming quite an era in 
our history, is the Mount Clare House, erected in 1754 by Charles Carroll, 
then usually called Barrister Carroll. The bricks were imported for this 
mansion, the record somewhat carefully informs us, as they had been, 
before that, for other houses. This fact stands in very striking contrast 
with the brick-yards which now engross the once beautiful grounds of Mount 
Clare. This old mansion, which yet survives, is a graphic monument of the 
past time. Its aspect is solemn and scrupulously aristocratic, and 
magnificent too, in view of the means of that day. One may fancy its 
amplitude and grave dignity of exterior, with the old lions carved in 
stone that stood rampant on the pillars of the gateway, and there was a 
fine terrace overlooking the town. It is but a few years since these 
disappeared.

Doctors John and Henry Stevenson arrived from Ireland; the former 
conducted an extensive trade with that and other countries, and the latter 
entered into the practice of medicine, and built his house on the hill 
near the York road, rough-cast, which is still to be seen there. This 
house, on account of its elegance, was called by envious townsmen of that 
time, "Stevenson's Folly." It was not too elegant nor too costly, however, 
to be converted by him into a small-pox hospital, supported at his own 
expense, when the town stood in need of it--a noble act, worthy of 
honorable commemoration now, of a man whose genius was equal to his 
generosity.

Page 51

Mr. Sheredine dying, was succeeded by Lloyd Buchanan; and Mr. Nicholas 
Ruxton Gay, who was surveyor, succeeded Col. Hammond, who had been one of 
the first commissioners of the town.

Mr. John Sly came to settle in Baltimore, and erected a house on the north 
side of south Gay street, and Mr. Conrad Smith another on the opposite 
side; and three years afterwards, Mr. Jacob Keeports another one 
adjoining. In the meantime, Frederick and Peter Myers arrived.

John Paca, Wm. Govane, Lloyd Buchanan and Walter Tolley, are elected 
delegates; but Mr. Buchanan being appointed prosecutor, is succeeded by 
Wm. Smith. Beale Bordly is clerk of the county.

1755. The savages, after Braddock's defeat by the French and Indians in 
1755, penetrated the country past Forts Frederick and Cumberland, and 
pushed their plundering and murdering parties to within fifty miles of 
Baltimore. There is no doubt the growth of Baltimore was promoted by the 
continuation of the war, preventing the extension of the settlements 
westward, for within a year after peace the town became suddenly the 
greatest mart of trade in the province, if not before the war began.

1756. On the 26th of March, an Act was passed by the General Assembly to 
raise large supplies for His Majesty's service towards securing and 
protecting the frontiers of this province, and engaging the friendship and 
assistance of the southern tribes of Indians, and for repelling and 
removing His Mafajesty's ambitious and perfidious enemies from their 
unjust encroachments on these dominions. Charles Carroll, Jr., was 
appointed one of the commissioners to treat with the Indians. By this Act 
a duty was laid on all bachelors of twenty-five years of age and upwards, 
worth £100 and under £300, five shillings; if worth £300 or upwards, 
twenty shillings; on all freehold estates per 100 acres, one shilling; if 
belonging to Roman Catholics, two shillings. Under this Act the following 
persons, who were bachelors of twenty-five years and upwards, were taxed 
in Baltimore Town from 1756 to 1762 for six years, when the French or 
Indian war terminated: Thomas Harrison, John Moale, Andrew Buchanan, 
Daniel Charnier, Sr., James Franklin, Jonathan Plowman, John Shule, Dr. 
John Stevenson, Edward Parish, William Baxter, Thomas Dick, John Mercer, 
Mark Alexander.

In this year there is an influx of inhabitants, sent hither by an event 
which belongs to a most melancholy page of history, the expulsion of the 
Acadian French from Nova Scotia, upon the conquest of that province by the 
British. You may find their story sung in the exquisitely sweet and 
plaintive story of Longfellow's "Evangeline." There is nothing in human 
chronicle more tender or more touching than the fate of that little 
colony, of which a fragment, like frightened birds driven by storm, lit 
down, wearied and bruised, at our hearthstones. A nation of simple, 
virtuous peasants

Page 52

are driven from the homes consecrated to them by affections of more than a 
century, and are thrust almost penniless upon the world. Not friendless, 
homeless nor hopeless, however, were they in Baltimore. Those who came 
here were received with a ready and generous hospitality. They were at 
first lodged in private houses, and in that building of Mr. Fotterall's 
with the "free stone corners," to which we have alluded, which was now 
empty. Here they had quarters and established their little chapel, and it 
was not long before these frugal and industrious exiles were able to 
construct some small but comfortable houses upon South Charles street, 
near Lombard, giving to that quarter its designation as "French Town," 
which it preserved for a long time. The names of Guttro, Blanc, Gould, 
Dashield and Berbine, who had suffered least perhaps, attached themselves 
mostly to navigation, and the infirm picked oakum.

1757. At the general election in September, Mr. William Govane, Captain 
Thomas C. Deye, Doctor Samuel Owings and Captain John H. Dorsey, were 
chosen delegates, and again in 1758.

1758. Mr. Jacob Myers took a lot at the southeast corner of Gay and 
Baltimore streets and built an inn. At this period there also arrived and 
settled on lots north of Baltimore street, Messrs. Leveley, Conrad, and 
Grandchut, the last of whom erected a brewery on North Frederick street.

The following items, taken from an original bill for the "funeral expenses 
of a gentleman in Baltimore Town, in this year," are curiously indicative 
of manners and expenses then: Coffin, £6 16s.; 41 yards crape, £7 3s. 6d.; 
32 yards black tiffany, £4 16s.; 11 yards black crape, £1 18s. 6d.; 51/2 
yards broadcloth, £6 11s. 3d.; 71/2 yards of black shaloon, 19s. 3d.; 61/2 
yards linen, £1 13s.; 3 yards sheeting, 7s. 10d.; 3 dozen pairs men's 
black silk gloves, £5 8s.; 2 dozen pairs women's do., £3 12s.; 6 pairs 
men's black gloves at 3s., 18s.; 1 pair women's do., 3s.; then there were 
black silk handkerchiefs, 81/2 yards calamanco, mohair, buckram, 131/2 
yards ribbon; 471/2 pounds loaf sugar; 14 dozen eggs; 10 oz. nutmegs; 11/2 
pounds allspice; 205/8 gallons white wine at £4 2s. 6d.; 12 bottles red 
wine; 103/8 gallons rum; while 10 shillings additional were paid for 
coffin furniture, and one pound sterling each to Dame Hannah Gash and Mr. 
Ireland for attendance; and so it seems our forefathers went becomingly 
and jovially to their graves Anne Domini 1758, in Baltimore Town.

1759. Messrs. John Smith and William Buchanan, from Carlisle, the first a 
native of Strabane in Ireland, and the last from Lancaster county in 
Pennsylvania, purchased of Mr. Harrison, after having been refused water 
lots on terms which they would accept by Messrs. Moale and Fell, the lot 
fronting on Gay and Water streets (now Lombard), building besides the 
dwelling houses there a short time since, two wharves of pine cord wood 
about one thousand feet long each, to the channel of the river.

Page 53

Mr. Jonathan Plowman, an English merchant, arrived, and bought several 
acres of ground of Mr. Sligh, adjoining the last addition east of the 
Falls, and built at the northeast corner of York (Baltimore) and High 
streets.

1760. Mr. Philpot purchased of Mr. Sligh most of the peninsula between the 
Falls and Harford run, and built a house at the northeast corner of 
Baltimore street bridge, which caused the bridge afterwards built to be 
known by his name.

1761. Messrs. Wm. Smith and James Sterritt moved from Lancaster, Pa., and 
improved, the first in Calvert street, and the latter at the northwest 
corner of Gay and Lombard streets, where he erected a brewery, which was 
burned and rebuilt, and burned again soon after the Revolution. Mr. Mark 
Alexander, from Cecil County, purchases part of the original lot number 
one, on the north side of Baltimore street, and afterwards the water lot 
on the west side of Calvert street, and erects extensive buildings at both 
places, as well as a house at the southwest corner of Charles and Saratoga 
streets.

Mr. Melcher Keener arrived from Pennsylvania and built in North Gay 
street, and also builds a wharf and warehouse below Hanover street. Mr. 
Steiger erected a dwelling, and Mr. Lytle took a lot at the corner of 
Baltimore and Hanover streets and erected an inn, and Mr. Amos Fogg rented 
the "White Horse Inn," on the southeast corner of Front and Low streets.

Mr. William Moore, who came from Ireland and removed to Baltimore in 1762, 
purchased from Mr. Edward Fell of William, who held a commission in the 
provincial army, the mill property (Hanson's). The next year Mr. Moore 
sold the upper mill-seat to Messrs. Joseph Ellicott and John and Hugh 
Burgess, from Buck's County, Pa., who built the mill opposite the present 
jail. Mr. Ellicott sold his interest to Burgess and went away, but 
returned with his brothers John and Andrew, purchased the lands and 
erected the mills on Patapsco ten years after.

John Paca, Thomas C. Deye, John H. Dorsey, and Corbin Lee, Esqs., are 
elected delegates.

1762. The Assembly passed an Act on the 24th of April, empowering the 
Justices of Baltimore County Court to assess and levy on the taxable 
inhabitants of St. Paul's parish, in said county, £600 current money, 
together with the sheriff's salary of 5 per cent. for collection, at three 
equal annual assessments, in the same manner, &c., as the county charges 
are usually assessed and levied; and certain commissioners are appointed 
and empowered to purchase in fee, in the name of the rector, vestrymen, 
and church wardens of said parish, two acres of land, and thereon erect a 
Chapel of Ease to the aforesaid parish, &c., &c. The said chapel, when 
built, to be deemed a Chapel of Ease for the said parish. Divine service 
shall be performed therein, by the incumbent for the time being, every 
third Sunday; and the same Chapel of Ease

Page 54

to be constantly kept in repair at the charge of the parish of St. Paul's 
aforesaid forever.

1763. Messrs. Plowman and Philpot laid out some grounds between the Falls 
and Harford run, into streets running northwest to southeast, and nearly 
parallel with the former stream, with other streets at right angles with 
them. And Mr. Fell laid off part of the tracts of land on the east which 
his father had purchased of Harris, Carter, and others, buying of Sligh 
himself part of Mountenay's Neck, and all, two years before, resurveyed 
and patented by the name of Fell's Prospect, with streets running north, 
south, east, and west, except on the extreme Point itself, where he was 
governed by the course of the river; which locations were confirmed and 
the same added to the town by Act of Assembly ten years after.

Messrs. John Brown, Benjamin Griffith, and Samuel Purviance settled in 
Baltimore, the former from Jersey, and, learning his trade in Wilmington, 
erected a pottery on the east side of Gay street; and the latter, who came 
from Donegal by way of Philadelphia, erected a distillery on the southeast 
corner of Lombard and Commerce street, with a wharf. Mr. Griffith came 
from New Castle, and having purchased Fell's lot adjoining the bridge, 
rebuilt it by contract, which was afterwards called by his name.

A new tobacco inspection house was erected on Mr. Thomas Harrison's 
grounds, near what is now the southwest intersection of Lombard and South 
streets; and a powder magazine on the Falls' side, under the hill, at the 
northeast corner of Calvert and Lexington streets. A tobacco inspector was 
appointed, with a salary of nine thousand six hundred pounds of tobacco a 
year.

The following law, among others, was enacted at this session of Assembly: 
"Coroner's fee for viewing the body of any person or persons murdered or 
slain, or otherwise dead by misadventure, to be paid out of the goods and 
chattels of the party so dead, if there be; otherwise, to be levied by the 
commissioners of the county where such accident shall happen, 187 pounds 
of tobacco."

The justices of the peace, whose jurisdiction out of court, in relation to 
small debts, had been first limited to the sum of sixteen shillings and 
eightpence, was extended to fifty shillings, and some chancery 
jurisdiction was extended to the county courts.

On the 5th of December Messrs. Henry Stephenson, William Smith, James 
Sterritt, Mark Alexander, John Brown, Benjamin Griffith, Robert Purviance, 
John Plowman, and William Spear, Presbyterians, leased two lots on Fayette 
street, in the rear of Christ Church, on the corner of Gay street, where 
they erect a small log meeting-house, which two years after was sold to 
Mr. Charles Ridgely for £100 and the accrued ground-rent due on said lot 
from the date of the lease. This meeting-house was used for many years 
afterwards as a carpenter-shop, and originally stood on the bank of a 
precipice overhanging Jones Falls, which, strange

Page 55

as the assertion may now seem, did at one time meander, navigable for sea-
vessels, in this neighborhood. In March, 1765, feeling the disadvantages 
of worshipping in so poor and incommodious a building, they purchased 80 
feet of ground for £60 Pennsylvania currency, at the northwest corner of 
Fayette and North streets, from Mr. Alexander Lawson. The deed from 
Alexander Lawson to William Smith and others is dated October 21st, 1765. 
In 1772 this was added to that portion of the lot which had been leased 
from Alexander Buchanan, and afterwards purchased in fee. The building was 
completed in November, 1766, and all the pews rented except two. In 1771 
this building was enlarged one-third, so as to contain fifty pews. In 1789 
the congregation, finding the house still too small for them, met 
together, and after some deliberation resolved to erect the edifice which 
was lately torn down to give place to the new United States Court-House. 
The new church was made ready for occupancy in 1791; at this time it was 
one of the largest and finest church edifices in this country. The church 
was elevated some twelve feet above the level of the street, and its large 
portico and towers contributed to render it one of the most conspicuous 
buildings in the city. It was continued in use almost, seventy years, and 
all the other churches of the sect have grown out of it. In 1811 an organ 
was introduced into the church, which at first gave some dissatisfaction, 
but it soon passed away, although several valuable families left the 
church. The old parsonage, which stood on Fayette street, east of the 
church, was removed for the opening of North street, which was previously 
an alley, and a new one erected on North street, in the rear of the 
church. It is also remarkable, that in one hundred and ten years since the 
foundation of the First Church, it has had bat four pastors, viz: Rev. 
Patrick Allison, D.D., from May, 1763, till Aug. 21st, 1802; Rev. James 
Inglis, D.D., from 1802 till Aug. 15th, 1819; Rev. William Nevins, D. D., 
from Oct., 1820, till 1835; while Rev. John C. Backus, D.D., the present 
pastor, was settled in 1836, and has consequently occupied the pulpit for 
thirty-seven years. The first Sabbath-School of this church was commenced 
in 1815 by the ladies of the church, and was held for some time in a room 
over the "Old First Baltimore Hose Company" house in McClellan's alley, 
and with it was connected a weekly meeting for social prayer. The first 
Sabbath-School in the city was introduced by Mrs. Stephen Williams, then a 
member of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, with the assistance of 
the ladies of that church. At length the time came when the venerable 
building itself was obliged to give place to another structure. For many 
years the locality had been changing, offices and stores taking the place 
of dwellings, and most of the congregation had moved far westward. In 
October, 1853, it was determined to erect another church and dispose of 
the old one, and ground was accordingly broken on the new lot, corner of 
Madison and Park streets, in July, 1854.

Page 56

The present beautiful structure of brown-stone and of pointed Gothic 
architecture was then erected and completed, with the exception of the 
tower, which will now be completed in a year or two, work upon it rapidly 
progressing. The final service in the old church was held on the last 
Sabbath of September, 1860, when Dr. Backus preached a historical 
discourse of very interesting character. The old site was purchased by the 
United States, the church was demolished, and in its stead the United 
States District Court-House, of solid granite, was erected.

Messrs. William Lyon, Nicholas R. Gay, John Moale, and Archibald Buchanan, 
a majority of the town commissioners, leased the lot on the northwest 
corner of Baltimore and Gay streets of Mr. Harrison, at £8 per annum, for 
a market-house, which was built by the subscription of the citizens, with 
the aid of the following lottery, which is advertised in the Maryland 
Gazette:

"Baltimore Town, July 16th, 1763.

"The following Scheme of Lottery is humbly proposed to the Public for 
Raising the sum of 510 Pounds Current. Money, to be applied towards 
Completing the Market House in Baltimore-Town, in Baltimore County, Buying 
Two Fire Engines, and a Parcel of Leather Bucketts, for the Use of the 
said Town, Enlarging the present Public Wharf, and Building a New One."

The scheme contained--

1062 prizes, amounting to   £2490 
1938 blanks--sum raised   510 
3000 tickets at 20s. each   £3000

The managers were Messrs John Ridgely, Brian Philpot, John Smith, John 
Moale, Jonathan Plowman, Barnabas Hughes, James Steret, William Lux, 
Andrew Buchanan, William Aisquith, Benjamin Rogers, Nicholas Jones, Mark 
Alexander, John Hartz, and Melchior Keener, all of said town.

1764. Mr. William Spear, who came from Lancaster, took the water lot near 
Gay street, and wharfing out about 1000 feet to a small island, erected a 
bakery there. Mr. Robert Long, who, it is said, had persuaded Mr. Fell to 
lay off that part of the town, commenced some improvements at the corner 
of Ann and Thames streets, but moved to the country and left his 
improvements unfinished. Some lots were also conveyed to Mr. John Bond by 
Mr. Fell, but sold out by him. James Heath, Esq.; was elected one of the 
delegates in the place of Mr. Dorsey.

1765. Captain Charles Ridgely and Mr. Griffith purchased water lots of Mr. 
Fell, west of the public wharf, the latter building a wharf and warehouse, 
which was the first there; and Mr. Benjamin Nelson, shipwright, who had 
moved from Charlestown, Cecil county, established a ship-yard in Philpot 
street; three years

Page 57

after Mr. Isaac Griest, also from Cecil, took the water lot east of the 
public wharf. The ensuing year George Patton, who came from Ireland, 
erected the wharf on the west end of the Point, and three years after Mr. 
Jesse Hollingsworth another on the east, the remainder of the water lots 
being chiefly taken and improved in the meantime by Messrs. Purviance, 
Wells, Smith, Mackie, and Vanbibber. The Point containing all the artisans 
and articles requisite for building and fitting vessels, was already a 
rival of the town. Mr. Hollingsworth, from Elkton, and Mr. Vanbibber, from 
Charlestown, Cecil county, joined by their brothers, afterwards moved from 
the Point to the town, and made other considerable improvements. The first 
settlers were at great loss to determine in which part to buy, as most 
likely to improve; and those who had sufficient means or enterprise, 
generally took lots both in town and Point.

Mr. Cornelius Howard, from part of the tract of land called Lunn's lot, 
then lately re-surveyed by Mr. Howard, added thirty-five acres of it, 
including the streets called Conway and Barre, after those successful 
opponents of the Stamp Act in the British Parliament; and the dwelling-
house near the southeast intersection of Hanover and Pratt streets, and 
running between the west side of Charles and the east side of Liberty to 
Saratoga street, which addition was confirmed by law the same year, and 
Messrs. Keener, Myers, Vanbibber and others took water lots of him.

September 17th, instructions from the Honorable the Lower House of 
Assembly of the Province of Maryland: To William Murdock, Edward Tilghman, 
and Thomas Ringgold, Esqs., a committee appointed to join the several 
committees from the several colonies in America, at New York: "Gentlemen, 
you are to repair immediately to the city of New York, in the province of 
New York, and there join with the committee from the houses of 
representatives of the other colonies, in a general and united, loyal and 
humble representation to his Majesty and the British Parliament, of the 
circumstances and condition of the British colonies and plantations, and 
to pray relieff from the burthens and restraints lately laid on their 
trade and commerce, and especially from the taxes imposed by an act of the 
last session of Parliament granting and applying certain stamp duties and 
other duties in the British colonies and plantations in America, whereby 
they are deprived in some instances, of that invaluable priviledge of 
Englishmen and British subjects, trials by juries, that you take care that 
such representation shall humbly and decently, but expressly, contain and 
assertion of the rights of the colonies to be exempt from all and every 
taxations and impositions upon their persons and properties to which they 
do consent in a legislative way, either by themselves or by their 
representatives, by them free chosen and appointed. Signed by order of the 
House, Robert Lloyd, Speaker." This convention met, and Mr. Edward 
Tilghman, one of the delegates

Page 58

from Maryland, was appointed one of the committee to prepare a memorial 
and petition to the lords in Parliament.

1766. During this year a law was passed to compel Messrs. Harrison, 
Lawson, and Philpot to fill up the marsh between Frederick street and the 
Falls, and nine commissioners, viz: Robert Alexander(John Smith, William 
Smith, Jonathan Plowman, William Spear, Andrew Steiger, Charles Ridgely, 
Jr., John Merryman, and Benjamin Griffith, or five of them, were appointed 
to lay it off as an addition to the town. A law was also passed 
prescribing a quarantime, at the discretion of the Governor, on all 
passenger ships infected by diseases, and another relating to the roads of 
the county.

Within the year Mr. Edward Fell died, leaving one son, William, an infant.

On the 24th of February, a large number of the principal inhabitants of 
Baltimore County, assembled in Baltimore Town, and organised themselves, 
as an association for the maintenance of order, and the protection of 
American Liberty, under the name of the Sons of Liberty. Thus associated, 
they entered into a resolution to meet at Annapolis, on the first of March 
ensuing, for the purpose of compelling the officers there, to open their 
offices, and to transact business without stamped paper. This design was 
immediately communicated to the inhabitants of the neighboring counties, 
who were invited to co-operate in it, by the formation of similar 
associations. The officers, at whom their resolutions were aimed, were 
afterwards notified, in very polite terms, of their intended coming, and 
advised to be in readiness to receive them. True to their promise, on the 
first of March, they assembled at Annapolis in considerable number; the 
associators of Anne Arundel and Baltimore being personally present, and 
those of Kent appearing by deputy. Upon their organization, it was 
resolved, that a written application should be preferred, to the Chief 
Justice of the Provincial Court, the Secretary, the Commissary General, 
and the Judges of the Land Office requiring them to open their respective 
offices on the 31st of March, or earlier, if a majority of the Supreme 
Courts of the northern governments should proceed in their business before 
that period; and that in the event of their acceding to this request, they 
should receive a written indemnification, signed by the Sons of Liberty. 
The replies which they received, although not direct refusals, were not-
entirely satisfactory; and the associators, after issuing invitations to 
the other counties to unite with them, by forming similar associations, 
adjourned to meet again at Annapolis, on the day assigned to the officers, 
for the purpose of witnessing the issue of their application. On the day 
appointed they again assembled, and repaired in a body to the Provincial 
Court, to present and enforce their petition. It was at first peremptorily 
refused by the Court, but the Sons of Liberty were not now to be denied. 
"It was again

Page 59

earnestly insisted upon, and demanded, by the Sons of Liberty, (says the 
writer of that day in giving his account of that transaction), with united 
hearts and voices;" and such applications, at that period. were too well 
understood to be resisted. The Court yielded, and passed an order in 
conformity to their petition, of which an attested copy was delivered to 
their associators. The other officers immediately acceded, without further 
opposition. Thus was consummated, in Maryland, the nullification of the 
Stamp Act.

1767. John Ridgely, Thomas C. Deye, John Moale, and Robert Adair, Esqs., 
were elected delegates. Mr. Adair, who was sheriff, resided at the 
southeast corner of Baltimore and South streets, which was struck during 
the year by lightning, and a Mr. Richardson, of Annapolis, killed.

Mr. Eddis, in his letters from Annapolis written about this period, to 
London, says: "Lands to a very considerable extent, are taken up by 
persons who, looking to security for greater advantages, are content to 
clear gradually some portion of their domains for immediate subsistence. 
Not having the means to sell, and carry their timber away, they make a 
deep incision with an axe entirely round each trunk, at the distance of 
about four feet from the ground, which occasions the leaves almost 
instantly to wither, and before the total decay of the tree, Indian corn 
may be cultivated to great advantage amidst the immense trunks that fill 
the dreary forest." "The habitations of the planters, in this remote 
district of the province, are in general, of a rude construction; the 
timber with which they frame their dwellings, seldom undergoing the 
operation of any tool except the axe. An apartment to sleep in, and 
another for domestic purposes, with a contiguous store-house, and 
conveniences for their live-stock, at present gratify their utmost 
ambition Their method of living, perfectly corresponds with their exterior 
appearance. Indian corn, beaten in a mortar, and afterwards baked or 
boiled, forms a dish which is the principal subsistence of the indigent 
planter, and is even much liked by many persons of a superior class. This, 
when properly prepared, is called homony, and when salt beef, pork, or 
bacon, is added, no complaints are made respecting their fare."

1768. Baltimore, seventy-seven years ago, was known only as "Baltimore 
Town in Baltimore County." Her population having increased to about 
eighteen thousand, she was incorporated as a city in the year 1796. But 
she still remained a portion of the county It is true she had been allowed 
a distinct representation in the Legislature of the State; but in almost 
every respect she was but Baltimore City in Baltimore County. The same 
Court of Oyer and Terminer exercised criminal jurisdiction over both; and 
Baltimore County Court at the same terms heard and decided all civil 
causes, whether the parties were residents of the city or county. There 
were the same Sheriff, Clerk, and Jurors. There was the same Record 
Office, the same Court House, Alms House,

Page 60

and Jail. It seems to be the general impression that the first Court House 
for Baltimore County was at Joppa, upon Gunpowder river; but this is an 
error. It is a singular fact that no living man can tell, with any degree 
of certainty, the place where the county seat of Baltimore County was 
first located. The county was established in 1659, and the Court House was 
not built at Joppa until nearly fifty years afterwards. The County Court 
held its first session at the dwelling of Captain Thomas Howell, in the 
year 1661. Soon afterwards a court house was built not at Joppa, on 
Gunpowder river, but at some point on Bush river, which empties into the 
Bay about four miles farther north. By reference to Bacon's edition of the 
laws of Maryland it will be found that the county seat was on Bush river 
as late as 1683, and that a port of entry was established there in that 
year. The court house on Bush river was abandoned at some period between 
1683 and 1707, and a second one erected on Gunpowder river, at a place 
called "Forster's Neck." In 1707, the Provincial Assembly of Maryland 
passed an Act, directing that the court house at Forster's Meek "should be 
deserted, and in lieu thereof fifty acres of land in a tract on said 
river, belonging to Anne Felks, called 'Taylor's Choice,' should be 
erected into a town, and the Court House of the said county should be 
built there." The place designated for the county seat by this Act was the 
same afterwards known as Joppa. The commissioners appointed for the 
purpose proceeded forthwith to build the court house, and had nearly 
finished it when, to the great disappointment of the good people of the 
county, the news came across the ocean that Her Royal Highness Queen Anne 
had vetoed the bill l What grave reasons influenced tier Majesty to prefer 
that the court-house of Baltimore County should not be removed from 
Forster's Neck to Taylor's Choice, history hath not disclosed. At all 
events, the commissioners discovered that they had been proceeding under a 
void Act; and they found it necessary to obtain a subsequent law to 
legalise what they had done. This was passed in 1712, and is entitled "An 
Act for settling Baltimore County Court at the new house at Joppa." It 
recites the former proceedings of the commissioners, confirms them, and 
then declares "that Baltimore County Court shall be from henceforth held 
at the said court-house, now built at the town of Joppa, and not 
elsewhere; and that the same house be to all intents, constructions and 
purposes, adjudged, used, reputed and taken as the proper court-house for 
Baltimore County."

It appears that the commissioners for building this courthouse at Joppa 
were peculiarly unfortunate. The first blunder was in commencing 
operations before the Queen had approved the bill. They made another one 
equally serious in putting the building upon the land of a minor, to which 
they had acquired no legal title. It was found necessary to get an Act 
passed in 1724 to remedy this latter mistake. This Act, as published in 
Kilty's edition.

Page 61

states in its preamble, that a court-house and prison had been erected at 
Joppa at the county expense, but that the right of the land was in a 
minor, "who could not convey, although his father, Col. James Maxwell, had 
received full satisfaction for the same." It then proceeds to declare, 
that the two acres of land on which the court-house and prison were built 
"shall be to the use of the county forever." It further provides, that 
certain commissioners should, by purchase or condemnation by a jury, 
obtain twenty acres of land at Joppa, and lay it out into forty lots "to 
be erected into a town." It also directs that no house to be built in said 
town shall have any chimney unless of brick or stone, and that each house 
shall cover at least four hundred feet, or about twenty feet square. But 
the most important provision in this law, in reference to the commercial 
prosperity of Joppa, was one which would be regarded at this day as rather 
a curious specimen of legislation. The last section provided that every 
debtor who should bring tobacco to Joppa for the purpose of paying a debt, 
should be allowed a discount or reduction of ten per cent. on the claim. 
This was intended as an inducement to draw trade to the new county-seat, 
which was also made a port of entry. The result proved that the 
legislators of that day were tolerably good judges of human nature. 
Tobacco was brought to Joppa in vast quantities; and tradition informs us 
that she soon became an important shipping-point, carrying on a 
considerable commerce, not only with the West Indies, but with Europe. Her 
population was never large, but she was one of the most prosperous and 
important seaports of Maryland, before the first house had been erected at 
Baltimore. The courts were held at Joppa down to this year (1768).

Such had now been the increase of "Baltimore Town," and the inconvenience 
to which the inhabitants were subjected in attending court at Joppa, an 
Act was passed on the 22d of June of this year for the removal of the 
county seat to "Baltimore Town." From this time may be dated "the decline 
and fall" of the ancient town of Joppa. No vestige of her former glory now 
remains. The old court-house was sold, and has long since crumbled away; 
her wharves, at which hundreds of the largest merchantmen have been laden, 
have disappeared; her dwellings have fallen one by one, until scarcely 
their foundations can be traced. A solitary tenement of antique style and 
venerable appearance, standing a short time since on the Harford shore of 
Gunpowder river, about half a mile north of the railroad bridge, is seen 
by the traveller passing between Baltimore and Philadelphia. That lonely 
building is all that now remains to mark the spot where Joppa once stood. 
Her history has never been written, and those who could have furnished the 
materials for it have now passed to the tomb. By this time her very 
existence would have been totally forgotten, except for the name of the 
numerous "Joppa roads," which still exist, and remind us that the 
inhabitants of every section of Baltimore and

Page 62

Harford counties were once accustomed to resort to that important county 
seat, to attend to courts and pay their debts in tobacco, less ten per 
cent., deducted according to law. How different a fortune was destined for 
Baltimore, the next and fourth county-seat of Baltimore County! Of all the 
chief commercial cities of the Atlantic coast she is the youngest, and, 
considering the recent period since she was founded, her growth has been 
the most rapid and wonderful. New York, originally called New Amsterdam, 
was founded by the Netherlands as far back as 1614; Boston was founded in 
1630, and Charleston in 1680; Philadelphia, on the arrival of Penn in 
1684, contained 2500 inhabitants; New Orleans was founded in 1718.

Messrs. J. B. Bordley, John Ridgely, Jr., John Moale, Robert Adair, Robert 
Alexander, William Smith and Andrew Buchanan, were appointed under the Act 
of 1768 commissioners to build the County Court House and prison "on the 
uppermost part of Calvert street next to Jones Falls." The Court House was 
erected on a bluff overhanging the Falls, precisely where the "Battle 
Monument" now stands. It was two stories high and built of brick, and 
tapered off in the centre of its roof with a tall lookout and spire, 
terminated with "a weathercock and the points of the compass." The jail of 
those days stood higher up on the hills, about the site of the granite 
Record Office; while the Powder House was in the declivity east of the 
Court House, and near the original bed of the Falls, at the southeast 
corner of our square and Lexington street, with a small wharf in front of 
it, to which boats from the shipping came for powder during the war. The 
water was quite deep, and the late Mr. Robert Gilmor in his 
"Reminiscences" asserts "that he learned to swim, and often dived from the 
banks in front of this edifice," about the present southeast corner of 
Lexington and Calvert streets. Mr. Gilmor also says that a "man was 
drowned not far from this spot." The low swampy fiat embraced by the horse-
shoe curve of the Falls in this neighborhood was called "Steiger's
Meadow," the name it was commonly known by to a very late period. The 
commissioners were directed to sell the court house and prison at Joppa, 
the courts being accommodated in the meantime in the hall erected for 
public assemblies over the market, and the prisoners lodged in a log 
building, near Mr. Chamier the sheriff's house on the east side of South 
Frederick street. The subscription towards building the court house 
amounting to nearly 900 pounds currency, chiefly by inhabitants of the 
town, did not reconcile the people on the north and east sides of the 
county, and the removal of the records by Mr. Alexander Lawson was 
attended with some violence and outrage. In the grading of Calvert street 
the bluff overhanging the "Falls" on which the court-house stood was to be 
cut away, but it was very much desired to save the court-house. Mr. 
Leonard Harbaugh, a zealous craftsman of Baltimore, pondered over the 
matter, and finally persuaded himself, and

Page 63

afterwards the Town Council, that he could preserve the favorite building 
by leaving it twenty feet in the air, after all the adjacent earth was 
taken away. Our towns-people thought this an incredible exploit, the dream 
of a bold projector; but Mr. Harbaugh knew what he was about, and 
successfully accomplished, in the face of that incredulous world which 
dwelt upon the banks of the Patapsco, this daring achievement. The old 
court-house, with its magnificent arch below, that gave it something of 
the air of a house perched upon a stool, the whipping-post, pillory and 
stocks which stood in front of the arch, with a most malignant aspect of 
admonition addressed to the loafers, rowdies and petty thieves of that 
day. But steeple and arch were both fated to follow the common fate of all 
sublunary creations, and on the 27th of January an Act was passed by the 
Legislature "to provide for the erection of a new court house," and in 
1809 the present court house was finished, and the old one taken down with 
the buildings to which they belonged, and, except in the page of the 
annalist, became as things that never had been. The following is a copy of 
the original subscription list for the underpinning of the old court house 
as before mentioned:

"Baltimore, 21st September, 1784.

"The subscribers, impressed with the many advantages which would result to 
Baltimore Town and the country at large from Calvert street in said town 
being opened, which street is at present blocked up by the court-house, to 
the great injury of the town and country, do, by this instrument of 
writing, engage and bind themselves to pay the sum or sums annexed to 
their names, respectively, for the purpose of underpinning and arching the 
said court-house in Calvert street aforesaid, so as large and convenient 
passages may be had underneath the same to the end that new communications 
may be opened with the country; provided always, that the said 
subscriptions shall not be paid or demanded unless the Honored the General 
Assembly of the State of Maryland shall authorise the said undertaking, 
and appoint fit and proper persons for the collecting and applying the 
same.

                £  s. 
John McHenry   130 00 
Griffith, Hall, and Lemmon, in case Calvert street is extended eight 
hundred feet across their meadow, near the mill, will pay   100 00 
J. E. Howard, in case the street is not extended so as to run through my 
ground on the west of Jones Falls   50 00 
Engelhard Zeisser   125 00 
John McLure   50 00 
John Boyd   50 00 
Nath'l Smith   25 00 
Henry Speck   20 00 
W. Smith   20 00 
John Moale   40 00 
Peter Hoffman   15 00 
William Neill   10 00 
Geo. Salmon   10 00 
John Parks   10 00 
Richard Burland   10 00 
Geo. Pressman   10 00 
Thos. E. and Sam'l Hollingsworth   20 00 
Caleb Hall   10 00 
Adam Fonerden   7 10 
Aaron Levering   15 00

Page 64

Matthew Patton   10 00 
Twinnal & Geroack   10 00 
Hansheweg   10 00 
Andrew and Alex. Robinson, in case the said Calvert street is not extended 
so as to interrupt the carriage road   10 00 
Michael Allen   10 00 
Jacob Brown   11 5 
George Levely   10 00 
Erasmus Uhler   10 00 
Wm. Clemms   10 00 
Elisha Winters   7 10 
Wm. Wilson   7 10 
Wm. Baker   7 10 
-- --   6 00 
George McCandless   11 5 
Robt. Portteus   6 00 
Benjamin May   10 00 
John Brown   7 10 
Edward Kelly   20 00 
Dan'l Bowly   10 00 
Clem't. Brooke   10 00 
Jno. Sterrett for Gen'l Gist   35 00 
ditto   15 00 
Henry Wilson, paid   3 00

1769. Messrs. David Shields, James Cox, Gerard Hopkins, George 
Lindenberger, John Deaver and others, aided by a general subscription, 
procured an engine for the extinguishment of fires, which was called "The 
Mechanical Company." This was the first machine of the kind in Baltimore, 
and cost ninety-nine pounds, or two hundred and sixty-four dollars. This 
company formed in this city the leader in a long line of kindred 
associations, who devoted themselves to a truly benevolent object, with a 
gallantry amounting to heroism.

November 14th, a meeting of the merchants and others, inhabitants of 
Baltimore Town and county, associators for non-importation of European 
goods, was held at Mr. Little's, with John Smith chairman; the committee 
of inquiry having reported that William Moore, Jr., had imported a cargo 
of goods in the Lord Cambden, Captain John Johnston, from London, of the 
value of £900 sterling, which they were in doubt were not within the terms 
of the association. The following question was put, whether William Moore, 
Jr., had imported the said cargo within the terms mentioned in the 
agreement of the 30th of March last, to which he was a signer? Upon which 
question, the gentlemen present were unanimously of opinion that the said 
cargo was imported contrary to that agreement. Of which determination 
William Moore being informed, he alleged, as a justification of his 
conduct, that at the time he signed the agreement, he objected to Mr. John 
Merryman, who then had the carriage thereof, and who is now absent in 
London, that he would not sign unless he had liberty to send off his 
orders for fall goods, and to import the same. That some few days 
afterwards Mr. Merryman informed him, that the merchants of the town would 
gave leave to send off the orders, and receive the fall goods; and that in 
consequence of this information, he signed the agreement, without any such 
condition, written or expressed, in the same opposite to his name. After 
which the question was put, whether Mr. Morris should have liberty to land 
and vend his whole cargo? which was determined in the affirmative by the 
following vote:

For the Affirmative--Thomas Ewing, Alexander MacMachen, Benjamin Rogers, 
Jonathan Hudson, Murdock Kennedy, Henry Brown

Page 65

William Hammond, Andrew Buchanan, John Deaver, H. D. Gough, Jonathan 
Plowman, Richard Moale, Archibald Buchanan, Hercules Courtenay, John 
Macnabb, Charles Rogers, John A. Smith, Thomas Place.

For the Negative.--John Moale, Henry Thompson, William Lux (E. R.), Robert 
Christie, Robert Alexander, John Smith, William Smith, Alexander Lawson, 
Ebenezer Mackie, William Lux. The committee of inquiry having also 
reported that Benjamin Howard had imported a cargo of goods, of the value 
of £1700 sterling, in the Lord Cambden, Captain John Johnston, from 
London, which they were in doubt were not within the terms of the 
association of the 30th March, upon which the following question was put: 
whether Benjamin Howard be permitted to land and vend the said cargo, he 
having alleged that he never signed the association of the 30th March, 
being then an inhabitant of Anne Arundel county, and that he apprehended 
he was entitled to import within the terms of the general association of 
the 22d June, to which he was a subscriber, his orders for the said cargo 
having been transmitted the 1st May, resolved in the affirmative by the 
following vote:

For the Affirmative.--Thomas Ewing, Alexander McMachen, Benjamin Rogers, 
Jonathan Hudson, Thomas Place, Henry Thompson, Henry Brown, William 
Hammond, Andrew Buchanan. John Deaver, H. D. Gough, Jonathan Plowman, 
Richard Moale, Archibald Buchanan, Murdock Kennedy, John Moale, John 
Macnabb, Charles Rogers, John A. Smith, Hercules Courtenay.

For the Negative.--John Smith, Robert Christie, William Smith, Ebenezer 
Mackie, Alexander Lawson, William Lux.
1770. In this year a storm of wind carried away a part of the roof of the 
First Presbyterian Church.

It would doubtless be interesting to many of the Roman Catholics of the 
present day to know the history of their respective congregations; and it 
is not less due to the memory of the Christian men who planted the seed of 
their religion, than it may be profitable to the piety of their children 
in the faith, to record the humble beginnings, the painful labors, the 
generous zeal and persevering fidelity which led to those respectable 
establishments which now adorn the State by their beauty, while they 
improve society by their usefulness. With this view the writer proposes to 
furnish some particulars of the origin of the two oldest Catholic 
congregations in Baltimore, those of the Cathedral and St. Patrick's. In 
the view of "Baltimore as it was in 1752," which we have mentioned before, 
a brick house with stone corners is represented. Its location, as well as 
we can determine, is on or near the lot at present occupied by Mr. Reverdy 
Johnson's mansion, opposite Barnum's Hotel, and was the dwelling of Mr. 
Edward Fottrell, a gentleman from Ireland. This building was not designed 
or intended for a church; but the proprietor having returned to Ireland, 
where he died, left it in an unfinished state, and it was a waste and 
deserted

Page 66

house when some of the "Neutral French" or Arcadians, who had been cruelly 
expelled from Nova Scotia by the British, arriving in Baltimore in the 
most forlorn condition in 1756, took refuge in this deserted house, 
occupying such rooms as were habitable. No Catholic priest resided nearer 
than Daughoregan (Carroll's) Manor, about fifteen miles from Baltimore. 
The priest who was stationed at the Manor occasionally visited Baltimore 
and celebrated mass. The Rev. Mr. Ashton, who was at that period the 
residing priest of Carroll Manor, visited Baltimore once a month, for the 
purpose of giving the few Catholics of Baltimore the convenience of 
attending divine service. On these occasions he brought with him the 
vestments and sacred vessels used in the celebration of mass. A room in 
the lower story of Fottrell's building was prepared for the purpose. A 
part of this preparation consisted in first expelling the hogs which 
habitually nestled there. A temporary altar of the rudest description was 
erected each time. The congregation sometimes consisted of not more than 
twenty, and seldom exceeded forty persons. These consisted principally of 
the "Neutral French" and some few Irish Catholics, among whom were Messrs. 
Patrick Bennet, Robert Walsh and William Stenson. About the year 1770, the 
Catholics having increased in number, determined to build a church. A lot 
for the purpose, fronting on Saratoga and Charles streets, was obtained 
from Mr. Carroll, and on the northwest side of it a very plain brick 
building was erected of the modest dimensions of about twenty-five by 
thirty feet, which was known as St. Peter's Church. Mr. John McNabb 
erected or superintended the building until the walls and the roof were 
completed. It is probable that the church was then used for the purpose of 
worship, although in an unfinished state. Before its completion the 
superintendent failed in business, owing a debt on account of the building 
of two hundred pounds in Maryland currency, (about five hundred and forty 
dollars). The principal creditor, Mr. P--, locked up the church and kept 
possession of the key until 1774 or 1775. Griffith, in his "Annals of 
Baltimore," says, "By a ludicrous suit against Ganganelli, Pope of Rome, 
for want of other defendant, to recover the advances of Mr. McNabb, who 
became a bankrupt, the church was sometime closed. This was at the 
commencement of the Revolution, and the congregation assembled in a 
private house in South Charles street, until possession was recovered." 
The manner of re-opening St. Peter's was somewhat novel, and partook of 
the spirit of the times. A volunteer company, probably in 1775, which was 
part of a military force organised to repel the apprehended attacks or 
incursions of Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, was in Baltimore, under 
the command of Captain Galbraith. The company was then employed in 
guarding some Scotch malcontents from North Carolina. On Sunday morning 
some of the soldiers asked permission of the captain to go to church. A 
majority of them decided on going to the Roman

Page 67

Catholic Church, and on learning that it was closed and the key in the 
possession of Mr. P--, they marched in a body, with their captain at their 
head, to the residence of this gentleman, and Captain Galbraith demanded 
the key of the church. It so happened that Mr. P.-- had fallen under 
suspicion of being disaffected to the cause of American independence, and, 
on seeing a body of soldiers halted in front of his house, he apprehended 
they were about to make him prisoner; but on learning their object, he 
readily delivered the key to Captain Galbraith. The company then moved 
off, opened the church, and after they had satisfied their devotion, the 
Catholics retained possession of the key and the church until the close of 
the Revolutionary war, after which period the sum of two hundred pounds 
was raised by subscription and paid to Mr. P.-- in discharge of the debt 
due to him, and he relinquished all claim upon the church.

There was no resident pastor at the church before the year 1784. The Rev. 
Mr. Phelan, an Irish priest, passed rapidly through Baltimore, celebrated 
mass and preached in English in St. Peter's Church, and also preached in 
French for the Acadians, who understood English imperfectly. In the year 
1782 Count Rochambeau, returning with his army from Yorktown, halted in 
Baltimore, where some of his troops remained until the close of the war. 
The legion of the Duke De Lauzun encamped on the ground where the 
Cathedral now stands, which, as well as that around St. Peter's, was then 
covered with forest trees. The chaplains of the French army frequently 
celebrated mass in this place. On one occasion a grand mass was celebrated 
with great military pomp; the celebrant was an Irish priest, chaplain to 
General Count Rochambeau. The bands of the French regiments accompanied 
the sacred service with solemn music, the officers and soldiers attended 
in full uniform, and a large concourse of the people of the town were 
present, so that the small church was not only crowded, but the spacious 
yard in front was also filled. St. Peter's remained in an unfinished state 
until 1783. In the following year the Rev. Charles Sewell came to reside 
in Baltimore, having been appointed pastor of St. Peter's, and was the 
first resident Catholic priest. The congregation having increased so much 
as to make a larger church necessary, an addition to St. Peter's was 
built, of larger dimensions than the original church. The Rev. Mr. Sewell 
was the only pastor for two or three years. This respectable priest had 
very moderate abilities as an orator. In the year 1786 the Rev. John 
Carroll was stationed at St. Peter's, and in conjunction with Mr. Sewell, 
attended to the laborious duties of the mission as parish priest for 
several years. He preached his first sermon in Baltimore on the parable of 
the ten virgins; the classical purity of his composition, the sweetness of 
his manner, and his earnest piety made a deep impression upon his 
audience; and on preaching a second time, he became a decided favorite, 
His sermons were so much admired that many Protestants

Page 68

attended them with great satisfaction. Before the Revolution the Catholics 
of America were dependent on the spiritual jurisdiction of the bishop 
(Vicar Apostolic) of the London district; but after the Revolution there 
was very little communication between the bishop and the Catholics on this 
side of the Atlantic. Shortly after the war the clergy of Maryland and 
Pennsylvania, convinced of the necessity of a superior on the spot, 
requested permission of the Holy See to choose a superior from their own 
body; which request having been acceded to, their unanimous suffrages 
centred in the Rev. John Carroll, whose nomination was approved by the 
Holy See, and ample power, even that of administering confirmation, was 
immediately conferred upon him.

In the year 1789, the earliest general meeting of the Roman Catholic 
clergy of the United States of which we find any account, was held in 
Baltimore. At that meeting it was decided that the sovereign pontiff 
should be requested to establish an Episcopal See in Baltimore, and the 
Rev. Dr. Carroll was recommended as a suitable person for the office of 
chief pastor. It became necessary for Dr. Carroll to go to Europe to 
receive consecration; he accordingly repaired to England, and presented 
himself for that purpose to the Rt. Rev. Chas. Walmsley, bishop of Rama, 
senior vicar apostolic of England. By invitation of Thomas Weld, Esq., the 
consecration of the new bishop was performed during a solemn high mass, in 
the elegant chapel of Lulworth castle, on Sunday, the 15th August, 1790, 
and the munificence of that gentleman omitted nothing that could possibly 
add dignity to so imposing a ceremony. It was during his short stay in 
England that Bishop Carroll met the Rev. Mr. Nagot, who had been sent by 
the superior general of the Sulpitians from Paris to London, to confer 
with him upon the expediency of establishing a theological seminary in 
America. The good bishop encouraged the pious design, and on the 10th of 
July, 1791, Rev. Mr. Nagot, with several priests of the society, arrived 
in Baltimore, and founded the Seminary of St. Mary's. During their voyage 
they were accompanied by the celebrated Chateaubriand, then a young man on 
a visit to America. It may be interesting to observe that at this time the 
whole thirteen original States were included in Bishop Carroll's diocese. 
There were nineteen priests in Maryland and five in Pennsylvania.

In 1791 a diocesan synod was held by Bishop Carroll in Baltimore, at which 
several decrees of discipline were enacted. This synod was attended by 
twenty priests. Some time after this period a very painful duty devolved 
upon the bishop by the misconduct of a German or Dutch priest, named John 
Baptist Cousy, who, being irregular, was suspended by him. Cousy was 
refractory, and having assembled some of his countrymen, said mass in an 
old house formerly used as a theatre. Dr. Carroll at length resolved to 
excommunicate him, and on the appointed day preached on the occasion, 
taking his text from 2 Cor. iii., and

Page 69

manifested great sensibility. Sentence of excommunication was formally 
pronounced against Cousy, whose followers immediately deserted him. In St. 
Peter's Church, in the year 1800, the Rev. Leonard Neale was consecrated 
bishop of Gortyna, and coadjutor to the Rt. Rev. John Carroll.

For many years St. Peter's was the cathedral church of Baltimore, but the 
Catholics became so numerous that notwithstanding the organization of St. 
Patrick's and St. John's congregations, St. Peter's was crowded to excess 
on Sundays and holidays. Necessity demanded the erection of a larger 
church, and the good bishop laid the corner-stone of the present Cathedral 
on the 7th of July, 1806. In 1808 Episcopal Sees were established at 
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Bardstown, and Baltimore was erected 
into a Metropolitan Church, by which arrangement. Dr. Carroll was invested 
with the dignity of archbishop. On the former site of St. Peter's is 
erected Calvert Hall, now a Catholic school for boys. Full of years and 
good works, the venerable Archbishop Carroll surrendered his soul to his 
Maker on the 3d of December, 1815, in the eightieth year of his age.

The second Catholic church erected in Baltimore was St. Pattick's. The 
original building has disappeared from its site in Apple alley, near Wilks 
street. The congregation of St. Patrick's Church dates as far back as 
1792. The Catholics who lived in the southeastern part of the city, known 
as Fell's Point, finding it very inconvenient to attend worship at St. 
Peter's Church, which was at nearly two miles' distance, procured the 
necessary approbation of Bishop Carroll for the public exercise of divine 
service among them, and for this purpose rented an unplastered room in the 
third story of the house which was standing a few years since at the 
northeast corner of Fleet and Bond streets. They fitted up this room as a 
chapel, and the first mass was celebrated in it by the Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Carroll, assisted by the Rev. J. Tessier, afterwards superior for many 
years of St. Mary's Seminary. The little congregation was committed to the 
care of the Rev. Mr. Garnier, who soon devoted himself to his charge with 
the punctuality and zeal of the true pastor. They next procured a room in 
the second story of a house in Thames street, where religious worship was 
performed for two or three years. In the year 1796 the number of Catholics 
on the Point was so large that they determined to build a church. A lot 60 
by 100 feet was leased at a ground rent of forty dollars per annum, and 
the church erected on Apple alley. The whole length of the church was 42 
feet, width 35 feet, and height of ceiling 12 feet.

1771. Mr. William Eddis, in a letter dated January 18th, from Annapolis to 
his friends in London, describes Baltimore as follows: "This place, which 
is named Baltimore, in compliment to the Proprietary's family, is situated 
on the northern branch of the river Patapsco, about thirty miles higher up 
the bay of Chesapeake than

Page 70

Annapolis, and at nearly the same distance by land. Within these few years 
some scattered cottages were only to be found on this spot, occupied by 
obscure storekeepers, merely for the supply of the adjacent plantations. 
But the peculiar advantages it possesses, with respect to the trade of the 
frontier counties of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, so strongly 
impressed the mind of Mr. John Stevenson, an Irish gentleman who had 
settled in the vicinity in a medical capacity, that he first conceived the 
important project of rendering this port the grand emporium of Maryland 
commerce. He accordingly applied himself, with assiduity, to the 
completion of his plan. The neighboring county being fertile, well 
settled, and abounding in grain, Mr. Stevenson contracted for considerable 
quantities of wheat, he freighted vessels, and consigned them to a 
correspondent in his native country; the cargoes sold to great advantage, 
and returns were made equally beneficial. The commencement of a trade so 
lucrative to the first adventurers, soon became an object of universal 
attention. Persons of a commercial and enterprising spirit emigrated from 
all quarters to this new and promising scene of industry. Wharfs were 
constructed; elegant and convenient habitations were rapidly erected; 
marshes were drained; spacious fields were occupied for the purposes of 
general utility; and within forty years from its first commencement, 
Baltimore became not only the most wealthy and populous town in the 
Province, but inferior to few on this Continent, either in size, number of 
inhabitants, or the advantages arising from a well-conducted and universal 
and commercial connection." In a note he adds: "Soon after the appointment 
of Mr. Eden to the government of Maryland, Sir William Draper arrived in 
that Province on a tour throughout the Continent. He contemplated the 
origin of Baltimore, and its rapid progress, with astonishment, and when 
introduced by the Governor to the worthy founder, he elegantly accosted 
him by the appellation of the American Romulus."

Mr. Jonathan Hanson, son of the gentleman of that name who had erected the 
third, fourth and fifth mills on the Falls, was appointed Inspector of 
Flour, which continued to be sold by weight until after the Revolution.

Messrs. Cumberland Dugan and Lemuel Cravath, from Boston, the latter the 
first New-England gentleman who settled here, traded largely hence. Mr. 
Dugan, who came from Ireland and married in Boston, took the lot on Water 
street near Cheapside. About this time Mr. William Moore built a stone 
house at the southeast corner of South and Water streets. South street, 
originally an alley sixteen and a half feet broad, at the instance of N. 
Rogers' guardians was widened from Baltimore street to the water by the 
new inspection-house.

Samuel Owings and George Risteau, Esqs., were elected delegates in the 
places of Messrs. Ridgely and Adair.

Page 71

Among those who arrived and carried on trade from Baltimore about this 
period were Messrs. Hercules Courtenay, James Clarke, Thos. Usher, James 
McHenry, David Williamson, David Stewart, Daniel Carroll, David Plunkett, 
James Cheston, John Ashburner, Matthew Ridley, William Russell, Thomas 
Russell, Jonathan Hudson, Robert Walsh, Mark Pringle, James Somervel, 
Thomas Place, John Riddle, Charles Garts, William Neil, Johnson Gildert, 
John McKim, George Woolsey, James Calhoun, William Aisquith, Joseph 
Magoffin, Henry Schaeffer, George Lindenberger, Barnet Eichelberger, 
Francis Sanderson, Richard Lemmon, Jacob Walsh, William Wilson, George 
Presstman, Richardson Stewart, Robert Steuart, Englehart Yeiser, 
Christopher Hughes, John Cornthwait, and William Smith. The practising 
physicians in and near the town were Doctors Lyon, Hultz, Stenhouse, 
Weisenthall, Pue, Stevenson, Boyd, Craddock, Haslet, Gray, and Coulter. 
The members of the bar who resided here were Robert Alexander, Jeremiah T. 
Chase, Benjamin Nicholson, Thomas Jones, George Chalmers, Robert Smith of 
W., Robert Buchanan of W., W. Francis Curtis, and David McMechin, Esqs.

1772. In this year the first efforts were made in Baltimore to introduce 
the use of umbrellas as a defence from the sun and rain. They were then 
scouted as a ridiculous effeminacy. On the other hand, the physicians 
recommended them to keep off vertigos, epilepsies, sore-eyes, fevers, &c. 
Finally, as the doctors were their chief patrons, they were generally 
adopted. They were of oiled linen, very coarse and clumsy, with rattan 
sticks, and were imported from India by way of England. Before their time 
some doctors and ministers used an oiled linen cape hooked around their 
shoulders, looking not unlike the big coat-capes now in use, and then 
called a roquelaire. It was only used for severe storms.