Being early in our country's history, this was a time about figuring out what it means to be America and setting up a foundation for generations to come. York was a German-settled area with most residents being farmers or small business owners. Because of this, several newspapers were printed in German, as that was what most could read. York was very active in the Revolutionary War, even serving as the temporary capital of the United States. The Colonial Complex is a standing reminder of York County's impact on national history.
Women usually helped with the children, cooking, cleaning, making clothes, family businesses and with the war cause. Women still lacked certain rights, but it didn't stop them from making an impact. Black women started gaining freedom from enslavement after 1780.
Women usually helped with the children, cooking, cleaning, making clothes, family businesses and with the war cause. Women still lacked certain rights, but it didn't stop them from making an impact. Black women started gaining freedom from enslavement after 1780.
Susanna Wright
Native from England, Susanna Wright came to Lancaster County 1726. She is the daughter of John Wright, a widowed Quaker. She runs the household that would launch many prominent families in the Wrightsville-area. She raised flax and silkworms (the Philadelphia Silk Society awarded her a premium, 1771), compounded medicines and tended the sick, drew legal papers, wrote poetry, painted and gave advice on public business. She wrote many essays and poems, and also owns a large multi-language library. She mediates legal disputes and corresponds with Benjamin Franklin.
Below is a letter to Susanna Wright from Benjamin Franklin from 1751. Madam, Your Guests all got well home to their Families, highly pleas’d with their Journey, and with the Hospitality of Hempfield. When I had the Pleasure of seeing you, I mention’d a new [kind of Candles very convenient]1 to read by, which I think you said you had not seen: I take the Freedom to send you a Specimen of them. You will find that they afford a clear white Light; may be held in the Hand, even in hot Weather, without softening; that their Drops do not make Grease Spots like those from common Candles; that they last much longer, and need little or no Snuffing. I may add, what will be another Recommendation of them to you, that they are the Manufacture of our own Country, being wrought at Marcushook. In the Magazine of August, I find that the magnificent King of Portugal has rais’d his Marble Aqueduct near 100 Foot higher than your Chicaselungo.2 It must be a most stupendous Work. I send you the Prospect of it. Accept an Almanack for the New Year, with my hearty Wishes that it may prove a happy one to you and your Friends. I am Madam, Your obliged humble Servant, B Franklin |
Ann Matthews Jessop
Ann Matthews Jessop was born on October 10, 1738. She was the daughter of Walter and Mary Matthews. She first married John Floyd and had a daughter named Elizabeth. John then died and Ann married Thomas Jessop which she had four children with: John Jessop, 12/15/1766
Hannah Jessop, 9/19/1768
Jonathan Jessop, 9/30/1770
Ann Jessop, 1/16/1777
Ann came to York in the 1780s and was made a minister in the Society of Friends in 1765 and is most known for her Quaker missionary work. She often traveled with the missionary and established roots in her new home county. She died in her daughter's home in Highland, Ohio, on September 26, 1822. She was 84 years old when she died and was buried at the Fall Creek burial grounds. Her son Johnathan is the most prominent Jessop, making contributions as a clockmaker, storekeeper, civil engineer, and apple grower.
Shinah Etting
Shinah Etting was prominent in York around 1773, where she lived with her husband Elijah Etting. They were known for being the first Jewish family in York. Visiting law student, Alexander Graydon once said this about Shinah Etting, “ … there was but a single house in which I found that sort of reception which invited me to repeat my visit; and this was the house of a Jew. In this I could conceive myself at home, being always conceived with ease, with cheerfulness, and cordiality.” (Nine Months in York Town, pg 17)
She was known for her hospitality and up lifting spirt. Mrs.Etting would often invite visitors on outings including trips to the Susquehanna River. After her husband died, she moved to Baltimore to where she became the matriarch of a prominent Maryland family. Throughout her life she managed to gain influence from the many people she had met while living in York.
She was known for her hospitality and up lifting spirt. Mrs.Etting would often invite visitors on outings including trips to the Susquehanna River. After her husband died, she moved to Baltimore to where she became the matriarch of a prominent Maryland family. Throughout her life she managed to gain influence from the many people she had met while living in York.