Taverns of West Chester
THE TAVERNS OF WEST CHESTER.1Excerpted from Bulletins of the Chester County Historical Society
With the establishment of the seat of justice at West Chester, it was naturally expected that the place would in time become a town of considerable size, but being an inland location, distant from navigable water or other highway of commerce, and agriculture being: the only industry worth mentioning:, there was really nothing to depend upon except the influx of persons attending the courts and public offices. Hence tavern keeping was the first promising field of business.
The Turk’s Head tavern had been in operation for more than twenty years, Phinehas Eachus having received license at the old log building which stood about where the Rank of Chester County stands, in 1762. He appears to have continued in the business until 1768, when he was succeeded by John Clark. In 1769, John Hoopes, who had become the owner of the property, erected a new building a short distance south of the old one, and at the present site, though the house has been enlarged more than once. John Harper was the first landlord at the new house in 1770 and in 1774 he was succeeded by Jacob James, who entered the British service. September 13, 1778, and was commissioned by Sir William Howe a captain of a troop of Philadelphia light dragoons.
With the removal of the county seat other taverns quickly sprang into operation and in 1788 there were six licensed houses. Two of these dropped out of the list the next year, probably on account of the diminished business resulting from a division of the county. New ones appeared, however, from time to time, and in 1840 the number was nine.
THE TURK’S HEAD
This being, as it were, the nucleus of the coming town, it is proper to enter more fully into the details of its history. While Phinehas Eachus was the owner of the farm in the north-eastern angle of the Valley and Philadelphia roads, he appears to have crossed over to the S E. corner to reside on property belonging to David Haines (?), as early as 1761. In November of that year he petitioned for license to keep a tavern, for which occupation he was recommended by thirty-three of his neighbors, yet was unsuccessful.
On August 31. 1762. he presented another petition, almost identically worded with the first, in which he says:
“That Whereas your Petitioner’s Habitation being at the Intersection of two Public Roads, one whereof leading from Bradford to Philadelphia. And the Other from the Great Valley to Willmington; which Roads, bat Especially the Latter, is much occupied by Travellers from Distant Parts; and being Destitute of a Public House for many Miles together, is therefore Inconvenient for those who travel from Remote Parts, and Burdensome to the Adjacent Inhabitants.
“Therefore it is Your Petitioners Humble Request, that you may be Pleased to grant him your Recommendation to the Governor, in order for his Obtaining a License to keep such a Public house of Entertainment. And your Petitioner, as in Duty bound. Shall Pray, etc. PHINEHAS EACHUS.
“We the Subscribers, being Neighbours and Acquaintances of the Above Petitioner, are of the Opinion that there is Need of a Public house of Entertainment at the Place above mentioned, And Deem him to be a Person Sufficiently Qualified for the Exercise of that calling. Therefore we Request that he may be Recommended according’ to the Tenor of his Petition.”
Thos. Darlington, Ralph Forrester, John Darlington, Joseph Townsend, James Jefferis, George Carter, Joseph Pierce. Thos. Pim, Ellis Davies, Jonathan Parke, Warrick Miller, Charles Ryant, Abiah Taylor, Emmor Jefferis, Isaac Haines, Jr. Samuel Kennedy, William Eachus, John Hoopes, John Strode, Joseph Garrett, James Marshall, Daniel Hoopes, Caleb Way, William Johnston, Jos. Matlack, Thomas Yearsley, Alex’nd’r Johnson, Jno. Townsend, James Dilworth, John Downing, Jos. Gibbons, Jr. Isaac Taylor, Thos. Stalker, Thos. Williamson, Titus Bennett, Isiah Matlack.
Tins petition was successful and being once established in the business, fewer signers were deemed necessary in succeeding years, there being but six in 1764. For the following three years the license was renewed, but it is is known that in 1768 the Sheriff seized the property of Phinehas Eachus, on the north side of the Philadelphia road, and he disappears from this locality.
In August, 176S, John Clark, having “Rented the House lately “kept by Phinehas Eachus, at the sign of the Turk’s Head in Goshen,” obtained license to succeed him in the business.
August 29. 1769, John Hoopes represents that he “has purchased the tavern known by the name of the Turk’s Head, in Goshen, and the House being Rendered unfit for that purpose by its Deed and Other Inconvenies thereto Belonging I have Built a New Brick House near the other, and more Comodious tor the Accommodation of Travelers than the other.” Although twenty-eight substantial citizens signed his request, it was merely indorsed “Allowed at the old House.” In November following he renews his request, assuring the court that his house is ready, but probably was unsuccessful, and in his disappointment made some uncomplimentary remarks about the justices.
August 28, 1770, John Harper comes forward, “having lately taken a lease of a very Convenient house, within a few Perches of the noted Tavern, known by the name of the Turks-head, in Goshen * * * and as the old Tavern house is now become Insufficient for a dwelling place,” etc. he wishes to have license in the new house. This petition was rejected, but on November 15th following John Hoopes sent to the justices a “recantation,” in which he says, “if I have said any Thing Disrespectful of the Bench Heretofore I am hartily sorey for it. and ask the Justices Pardon * * * but if my Intreaties have nor ye Desired Effort I had rather suffer a Doubel Portion of the Misfortune than John Harper ami the Publick should suffer on my account.” Two weeks later he plainly admits that “Whereas I have spoke Disrespectfully of the Honorable Bench heretofore. I now Declare that I am sorey for it and ask the Justices Pardon, or any one of them that I Treated with Contempt.” etc. A petition from John Harper for license in the new house is now favorably received, and the name of the “Turk’s Head” transferred thereto as appears by his petition in the following year.
May 31, 1774: Jacob James “hath Rented a House In the Township of Goshen, which hath Been a publick House these several Years (known by ye Sign of the Turks Head) And Your Petitioner hath Laid in Stocks. And Been at Considerable Expence in Order to Accommodate the Publick,’etc. 18 signers: Allowed. May 30, 1775. Jacob James “hath for some time kept a Publick House in the Township of Goshen at the Sign of the Turks Head.” &c. Five signers. May 28. 1776, same “hath kept a Publick House At ye Sign of ye Turks Plead in Goshen.” &e. Four signers.
August 2nd 1778: Francis Trumble “hath Rented the House known be The name of the Turks Head in the Township of Goshen And have Provided Every necessary to keep an Inn or Publick House.” Recommended by Jonathan Paschal and Ezekiel Leonard.
Last Tuesday in May, 17822: John Underwood, of the Township of Goshen, “having lately removed to that Noted place known by the Name of the Turks head in sd Township & by your Honours Leave obtained Lycence for keeping a Publick house of Entertainment for Travellers, hath been Informed that it is Necessary at this Term to make fresh application for Leave to Continue the Same.” 17 signers.
May 27, 1783: John Underwood “‘hath for Sometime past kept a Publick House of Entertainment at the Sign of the Turks Head in said Township * * That your Petitioners present Licence will expire on the 10th of August next,” &c. 14 signers.
Last Tuesday in May 1786: Nathan Scholfield, of Goshen sheweth “That your Worships have long been Pleased to favour him with your Recomendation for Licence to Keep an Inn Or Tavron which Favour with gratitude he doth acknowledge and therefore prays that your Honorable Court will be pleased to grant him your Further Indulgence by Recommending him to His Excellency the President and Council in Order that he may Obtain licence to Keep a Publick Louse at the Sign of the Turk’s bead in the Township of goshen aforesaid,”‘ etc. 17 signers, Bond dated” 20 Oct. 1780. The next year Scholfield went to the Green Tree.
May 28, 17S7: Isaac Webb “now occupies the Public House in West Chester (Goshen Township) lately kept by Nathan Scholfield, and hath provided himself with accommodations suitable to entertain the Public.” 6 signers.
Last Tuesday in May 1788: “The Petition of Isaac Webb Respectfully Sheweth. That your Petitioner fur a series of time Having Experienced your Worships Goodness in recommending him to his Excellency the President and Supreme Executive Council as a fit and Suitable Person to keep a Public House of Entertainment.. Sollicits your Worships for a further Continuance of your Benignity. And your Petitioner as in duty Bound will Gratefully acknowledge the favor.” Signed by five others but not by Webb. Bond dated Sth Sep. 1788. £100 as in all cases.
Last Tuesday in May, 17S9: Peter Mather of the Town of West Chester “hath rented and now Occupies that Noted and Commodious House or Inn Situate in the Town of West Chester aforesaid known by the Sign of the Turk’s Head. That your Petitioner hath provided himself with every requisite to Entertain Judges. Justices, Lawyers. Jurors, Suitors, Travelers. Neighbors & Gentlemen & Ladies of every profession & Denomination.” &c. 8 signers. Mather came from the Warren Tavern, East Whiteland. but did not remain long.
May 25, 1790: “The petition of the Subscriber respectfully Sheweth thar your Petitioner now occupies that noted Inn in the Town or West Chester known by the name of the Sign of the Turks Head where he has good accommodations for Travelers &c. & Craves the kind indulgence of the Court for their recommendation to the Supreme Executive Council for their Licence to keep a Publick House of entertainment for the ensuing year. And vour Petitioner shall Pray.” JOSHUA WEAVER.
It may be noted that from 1777 to 1790, the functions of a Governor were administered by the Supreme Executive Council, of which the President was elected by that body in conjunction with the House of Assembly.
May 30, 1791: The Petition of John Harper “Humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioner hath Removed from the Yellow Springs in Pikeland to the Sign of the Turks-Head in the Town of West Chester aforesaid Where he proposes to keep a house of Publick Entertainment, etc. Six signers.
May 21, 1792: “The Petition of John Harper Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioner has for one year last passed Occupied that Antient Inn in the Town of West Chester in the County of Chester as a public House of entertainment for the benefit of Travellers, etc, & prays your Honours will recommend him to his Excellency the Governor of this Commonwealth for a continuance of his favour by granting him a Lisence for that purpose.”
May 21, 1798: John Harper represents that he “Has for seven Years last pass’d kept a Public house of Entertainment at the Sign of the Turks Heade in West Chester.”
May 20. 1799: “The petition of the subscriber humbly sheweth that vour petitioner hath rented the Tavern latelv occupied bv Maior Harper well known by the name of the Turk, in West Chester, where Your Petitioner at Present keeps Tavern, where he hopes he will be able to Give General satisfaction he Therefore requests the favour of the honourable Judges to recommend him to his ExceUency the Governor in order to Obtain Licence to keep a public house of entertainment where he now dwells, and Your petitioner will acknowledge the favour,” etc.
BENJAMIN MILLER.
Recommended by Joseph McCIellan and William Gibbons. Miller’s last petition for license at the Turk’s Plead was in 1805.
May 19, 1806: “Your petitioner humbly Sheweth that he has Rented the well known stand Called the Turk’s Head lately kept by Benjamin Miber, which has been a long Licenced house. THOMAS TUCKER
Recommended by Joshua Gibbons and nine others. Allowed May 21st. Tucker continued here until 1811.
April 29, 1811: John Patton “has lately removed to that noted Stand in the Borough of West Chester known by the Sign of the Turk’s head.” He continued here till 1S24. In 1S16 he locates the house on High Street, and in 1S20 says it is well known “by the Sign of the Grand Turk.”
May 3. 1824: Eber Worthington “has become the owner and keeper of that well known tavern Stand in West Chester. Sign of the Turks Head.”
April Term. 1827: Daniel Buckwalter, who married Francina, daughter of Eber Worthington. and granddaughter of John Underwood, “has taken and now occupies that old established tavern sign of the Turks head in the Borough of West Chester.” He continued to be the landlord till 1834, being recommended at different times by Gen. I. D. Barnard, Thomas S. Bell and others. After 1830 the law required each applicant for license to have the endorsement of at least twelve reputable citizens. About this time printed forms of application became common.
May 6, 1834: Eber Worthington “is the owner and occupier of that old established Tavern Stand, situate in the Borough of West Chester in the said County of Chester known as the Sign of the Turks Head. “on the corner of Market and Hiffh Street.” Recommended by James M. Kinnard, Robert Mercer. Oluf Stromborg and eleven others, Eber Worthington was the landlord for four years, when he was succeeded by Joel Matlack.
It has been shown that John Haines. 2d, conveyed to his son David 51 acres, 112 perches of land in the S E. angle of the Philadelphia and Wilmington roads, 6 mo. 2. 1753; and David Haines and Mary his wife, 10 mo. 23, 1753, conveyed 50 acres thereof to John Hoopes. David Haines afterwards died intestate, seized of the remaining one acre and 112 perches, and leaving two sons, Joshua and John. The sheriff conveyed Joshua’s share to Benjamin Trego, Sept. 10, 1768, to whom also his brother John Haines released his share. Dec. 2. 1709. and Benjamin Trego and wife, Mary, conveyed the whole to John Hoopes 12 mo. 27. 1769, as recited in later conveyances. The deed not being on record we cannot determine whether this acre and 112 perches included the original Turk’s Head tavern, but this is the supposition. In the petition of John Hoopes for license in the new house. .Aug. 20, 1769, he says he has purchased the old building, yet this was prior to the conveyance from Benjamin Trego and wife for the acre and 112 perches. However, he may have bargained for it at an earlier date. Perhaps the residence of David Haines, who was married about 1742, became the original Turk’s Head.
As already stated the new building was erected by John Hoopes in 1769. In 1784 he conveyed the property to John Patton, who. dying iu 1798. devised this part of his estate to his son Thomas Patton, a minor. The latter died intestate and without issue, whereupon this property was taken by his brother, John Patton, Jr. He. with Elizabeth, his wife, on Dec. 13, 1823, conveyed the tavern, together with 54 acres of land, to his step-father, Eber Worthington, of West Goshen, and afterwards of West Chester. Eber Worthington and Lucy, his wife. March 30. 1811, executed a deed for the tavern and one acre of land to John T. Worthington. Subsequent conveyances were from John T. Worthington and Rachel his wife to Charles K. McDonald, of East Nottingham; Charles K. McDonald, of West Chester, and Louisa B., his wife, March 20, 1851, to John McGinley, of the same place; John McGinley and Catharine his wife April 1. 1852, to their son-in-law. A. Harvey Levis, of West Chester; A. Harvey Levis and Sarah Ann his wife, March 10. 1854. to James M. Hughes. of the same place. The latter converted the establishment into a boarding school for girls, but the venture proving unsuccessful he made an assignment, Sept. 23. 1S57, to his brother. Jesse Hughes, of London Grove, and John T. Worthington, of West Chester. They conveyed the property, April 1. 1858, to Joseph Morgan, of West Chester. Since then the conveyances have been from Joseph Morgan and Thamzin his wife. March 31. 1800. to James D. McClellan: James D. McClellan and Elizabeth L.. his wife. March 26 1867, to Lemuel Kenney, of the borough of Oxford; Lemuel Kenney of West Chester, and Martha E., his wife, Jan. 21. 1880, to their daughters, Harriet A. and Alice H. Kenney; and Harriet A. Kenney and Alice H. Kenney, August 25, 1898, to George H. Smith, of Lancaster city.
THE GREEN TREE.
“This tavern was erected in 1786 by Isaiah Matlack, the owner of the farm which included the N. E. quarter of the town, and his son-in-law, Nathan Scholfield, was the first landlord, in 1787. In 1793 Isaiah Matlack conveyed the farm and tavern to his son Jesse Matlack. and the latter, at his death, in 1830, devised the same to his son, Robert Matiack, subject to considerable mortgaged indebtedness. Robert died in 1834, having appointed Walker Yarnall and Jesse Matlack his executors, with directions to sell the property; but it was seized by the sheriff, Robert Irwin, and conveyed, Nov. 5. 1835, to Walker Yarnall and David Townsend. The land included 137 acres, of which 20 were in West Goshen. The purchasers sold the tavern and three lots of ground, by deed of April 1. 1836, to Joseph P. McClellan, of West Chester, for §14,702.91. The latter, with Mary E, his wife, conveyed the same to John Marshall. March 27th, 1847, with the exception of a portion sold to Samuel M. Rainier. The next conveyance, from John Marshall to Joseph Hemphill and James B. Wood. March 10, 1S50, reduced the property in size nearly to its present condition. It then extended north-ward to the alley. Joseph Hemphill and James B. Wood, with their wives, conveyed the tavern, March 25, 1831, to Joseph Wood, of Londonderry, and he to Henry R. Guss, of West Chester. March 31. 1854. For thirty-eight years it continued under this proprietor, who, with Rachel Ann, his wife, conveyed it to Ellis P. Newlin April 7, 18192. The subsequent conveyances have been from Ellis P. Newlin and Bella his wife, Mar. 27. 1893, to Marshall J. Speakman, and from Marshall J. Speakman, of West Chester, to Benjamin Vandever, of Caln township, April 1, 1898.
THE WHITE HALL.
This was erected in 1786 by William Worthington, who was the first landlord. He conveyed it to Robert McClenachan. March 31. 1794, and the latter to Isaac Webb, April 5, 1790. No evidence has been found of its being licensed between 1789 and 1896, when Webb took possession. The latter conveyed it to Ephraim Buffington, March 30. 1801. who continued “to be the landlord until 1812. The name of “General Wayne” appears in 1797, but tradition says the original name was the “Cross Keys.” In 1801 Buffington changed the name from Gen. Wayne to President Jefferson. In 1814. Benjamin Jefferis became the owner of the property and was landlord for one year, when he was succeeded in the occupation by Mary (“Polly”) Pearson, and the place was known as Pearson’s Tavern. Davis Beaumont became the landlord in 1S18, and changed the name to the Cross Keys. The property was purchased in 1837 by Philip P. Sharpies, who built an addition and sold it to Robert Irwin the next year. Having received a coat of white plaster its name was changed in 1839 to the White Hail. It was occupied by various renters until 1869, when it censed to be kept as a tavern and fell into decay. In 1874 it was purchased by Eber Woodward and Lewis W. Shields, who demolished the old landmark and erected on its site the present stores at and near the S. E. corner of Church and Gay Sts.
THE WASHINGTON HOTEL.
This house was built by John Hannum about 1787, immediately north of the Court House lot, it being a 3 story brick building of 30 feet front. John Hannum and wife conveyed it to Isaac Webb, Aug. 30, 1792, and the latter to James Bones, March 29th, 1796. David Lewis, who owned a farm in East Bradford, exchanged with Bones, Jan. 1, 1801. This was not the David Lewis, who with his brother, Jonathan, had purchased the Hoopes farm, north of Gay street and west of High. After his death his property was sold by the sheriff to Benjamin Miller, Feb. 3. 1811. The latter, with Hannah, his wife, conveyed it to John Jefferis, of Baltimore Co.. Md., though a native of Chester County, and at whose death, in 1825, it was taken by his son, Samuel C. Jefferis, an uncle to William W. Jefferis, the long- time Cashier of the Bank of Chester Couuty and collector of a mineralogical cabinet of rare size and beauty. Samson Babb was the next purchaser, April 1. 1830, and on August 13, 1841, the sheriff made title to John Babb, at whose death it passed to his only son, John W. Babb. He, with Phebe H., his wife, conveyed the old hostelrie, April 1. 1853. to David and Sarah B. MeConkey, soon after which it was demolished to make room for the fine brown stone residence, now the Assembly Building.
THE BLACK BEAR
Was erected in 1789 by Samson Babb, who came from the neighborhood of West Cain township. It stood at the S. W. corner of High and Market streets, and was torn down, I believe, between 1865 and 1870. It remained in the possession of the Babb family, and so far as I know was managed by one of the name, except the years, 1797-1804, when James Jackson was the landlord.
THE WEST CHESTER HOTEL.
On February 2. 182S, Jane P. Jefferis, the widow of John Jefferis, late of the Washington Hotel, petitioned for license in a house “lately erected by Joseph L. Taylor, in the Borough of West Chester at the junction of the Strasburg and Oil Mill read.” Her petition was granted. The extension of Gay Street westward was known as the Old Mill Road, said Old Mill being close by the present residence of John M. James.
THE SPREAD EAGLE.
Situated at the N. W. corner of Gay and Walnut streets, was erected by Jonathan Matlack, about 1803, aud James Jackson, late of the Bear tavern, was the first to receive license, 1805. The property is believed to have remained in the Matlack family until recent times, having been devised by Jonathan to his son, Isaiah R. Matlack, in 1828. There have been numerous changes in the management and among others, Samuel Guss may be mentioned as landlord for several years, beginning with 1836.
In 1803 there were two orher applicants for license, the one by Jesse Roberts, who represented that he resided on the main street, directly opposite the Court House. He was refused, although recommended by William Worthington and thirty-five others. His property was on the site of the Bank of Chester County.
Another application was from Joseph Clark, who stated that he had “lately built and finished two very commodious and elegant houses with suitable rooms, cellars, and a kitchen to each, all under one roof and a convenient stable adjoining the premises. situate in Gay Street,” and that these buildings had “cost him an immense sum of Money to complete them and that he carryed on the buildings at a time when the growth of the Borough was seemingly at a stand and public spirit in a State of Stagnation.”
He is supposed to have been located on the south side of Gay Street, a little west of Church.
OTHER TAVERNS.
In 1786 Emmor Trego was granted license to keep a tavern where he lived, probably in the farm house which stood a little southward of the Mansion House. The license was renewed to him May, 1787. In 1788, Joshua Weaver, his brother-in-law, succeeded him. and was granted license again in 1789, after which there is no further mention of the house. In the last application the place was styled the “Horse and Groom.”
John Rouse, having rented a house convenient to the Court House, was licensed at May Court. 1788, but the next year was at Dilworthtown, and no one appears to have succeeded him at West Chester.
TRAVELLER’S REST, STAR TAVERN.
This was erected by William Bennett, on the Strasburg Road, within a few rods of the borough line, about 1820, and his son, Imla J. Bennett, was licensed there in 1822. It has not been kept as a tavern in recent years.
CHESTER COUNTY HOTEL. MANSION HOUSE.
This was built in 1831, by William Everhart and started as a temperance hotel, but it was found that this would not pay and the next year received a regular license. It continued to be owned by William Everhart for many years.
The Grove Hotel, on the State Road, opposite Everhart’s Grove, and the Famer’s Hotel, on West Market St. are comparatively modern enterprises.
Sources & Notes
- 1Excerpted from Bulletins of the Chester County Historical Society