TERRE HAUTE —
One of the great migrations from Britain to the American colonies involved the Quakers and occurred primarily from 1675 through 1725. Knowing where your Quaker ancestor settled is a key to knowing where he/she came from back in England.
The Quakers were concentrated in the North Midland area of England, an area which went northward from Stropshire on the border of Wales up to Durham in the north. The northernmost part of this region, in the Pennine uplands, was made up of Derbyshire, Nottinghampshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Westmoreland and Yorkshire, and was an impoverished rural area with a history of division between the common people and those who governed.
When the Normans invaded England in 1066, they brought with them their traditions of large manors, a ruling elite, and a system tenant farming. While this system took firm root in the southern part of England, the people of the north Midlands resisted, and private ownership of some land continued. In addition, the North Midlanders had democratic ways, including freemen voting on local issues. They valued an independence of thought which gave rise to a number of religious sects, including Quakerism, which was the sect that survived over time. So by the 1600s, the ruling elite had remained Catholic while the rest of the area’s population was independently Protestant.
The Quakers were persecuted in the 1660s and into the mid 1670s for non-payment of taxes; they objected to their money going to the support the established Anglican churches. By 1675, however, most of the arrests had stopped but the Quakers wanted to leave England to pursue their egalitarian way of life elsewhere. The first groups of Quakers to arrive in the New World settled along the Delaware River, on the east side in what is now New Jersey, and on the west side in what is now Pennsylvania. About 2,000 Quaker settlers a year migrated to the New World.
Now for some statistics: 80 percent of the Quakers arriving in Philadelphia between 1682 and 1687 came from the five English counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Two-thirds of the Quakers who settled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, before the year 1687 came from the above five counties plus Staffordshire. The other third came from the cities of London and Bristol. Quakers coming from Dublin, Ireland, settled in Newton, N.J. Quakers from Wales settled in the so-called “Welsh Tract,” located west of the Schuykill River in Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania.
Other Quakers settled in the costal areas of Nansemond County, Virginia, and Pasquotank and Perquimans counties, North Carolina. According to William Dollarhide, in British origins of American Colonists, these counties “were mostly inhabited by Quakers before 1700. Quakers became an important part of North Carolina’s population up to 1800 when most of them left because of their opposition to slavery. As a result, Quakers were to become early settlers of the new free states, such as Ohio and Indiana, created from the old Northwest Territory.”
The Quakers brought with them the customs and speech patterns of the Midlands of England. Their values were egalitarian. Clothing, homes, furnishings and food were simple. The informal “thee” and “thou” were used in that area long after the rest of England had adopted “you.” Their marriages were recorded separate from the state and must be sought among Quaker meeting records. Naming patterns included naming the first son after either grandfather and the first daughter after either grandmother. Inheritance patterns include a double parcel of land for the first son, smaller shares for the other sons, one-third to the widow, and personal property, but not land, to the daughters.
History
GENEALOGY: Quaker settlements indicate path of migration
- History
-
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
-
GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
-
Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
-
Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
-
The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
-
Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
-
Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
-
‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
-
1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
-
Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
-
‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
-
Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
-
Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
-
Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
-
Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
-
Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
-
Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
-
Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
-
River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
-
Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
-
Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
-
Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
-
Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
-
Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
-
Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
-
The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Tornadoes Spotted in Kansas
Today in History for May 20th
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Obama Exhorts Good Deeds by Morehouse Graduates
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Celebs Celebrate the Rise of the Side Butt
Grizzly bear gets up close and personal with camera
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
