THE MILLER’S
DAUGHTER
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Goldenrod Blooming on the Bank of Muddy Creek in York County photo by Cindy Cruz, 2021 |
William
probably became acquainted with other Scots Irish settlers in his “neighborhood”
in York County at worship meetings and other community gatherings. William
Nichol lived nearby and operated a mill, most likely a grist mill, on the forks
of Muddy Creek which crossed his land. William may have taken his grain to the
Nichol’s mill to be ground into flour. While at church services or doing
business at the mill, the Nichol’s young daughter, Sarah, might have caught his
eye.
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McWilliams and Nichol Properties in York County |
William McWilliams owned plat 314 which was less
than five miles away from plats 304 (Nabs Narrows) and 306 (The Deans) owned by
William Nichol. James Nichol, William Nichol’s oldest son, owned plat 305 (Saw
Pitts) purchased in 1774.[i]
William Nichol and his wife Mary Johnston
Nichol were also Scots-Irish Presbyterians who most likely followed a path to
the New World similar to that of the McWilliams family. Their involvement in
church sacraments and the words in William’s will indicated that they were devout
Christians. The Nichols were in York County by June 10, 1753, when their oldest
son, James’, baptism was recorded in the diary of the traveling minister, Rev.
John Cuthbertson.[ii]
Rev. Cuthbertson had the distinction of being the first Reformed Presbyterian
minister in the American colonies.
Rev. Cuthbertson was probably well acquainted
with both the Nichol and McWilliams families. He kept a diary of his travels on
horseback, the scriptures he used for sermons, and the sacraments he performed
in colonial Pennsylvania between 1751 and 1791. William Nichol was mentioned
several times in Rev. Cuthbertson’s writings. He preached sermons at the Nichol
home, baptized the Nichol children and presided over William and Sarah’s
marriage ceremony. It is likely Rev. Cuthbertson even lodged with the Nichol
family while riding his ministry circuit. He also traveled to the home of John
McWilliams, who may have been the brother who immigrated from Ireland with
William.[iii]
Sarah, the Nichol’s only daughter, was born
sometime before her baptism was recorded on September 19, 1756. Unverified
sources stated her date of birth as January 11, 1754. She was surely born
between 1753, when her brother James was baptized, and the date in 1756 when
she and another brother, William Jr., were both baptized on the same day.[iv]
Her age at death in 1806 has been read and recorded as 62 from the inscription
on her tombstone, but upon close examination of the faded numbers, it could
read “52” instead.[v]
This would indeed have placed her birthdate around 1754. Two more sons
completed the Nichol family. Hugh was baptized on April 16, 1758,[vi]
and Samuel was baptized on April 20, 1760.[vii]
Hugh must have died in childhood because he was not included as an heir in his
father’s estate.[viii]
Sarah’s baptism was performed on the Sabbath
after Rev. Cuthbertson preached messages from three scriptures:
Psalms 91: 1-7; He that dwelleth in the
secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I
will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I
trust. Surely, He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the
noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under His wings
shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for
the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth
at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right
hand but it shall not come nigh thee.
Matthew 3: 13; Then cometh Jesus from
Galilee to Jordon unto John, to be baptized of him.
Psalms 146: 7; Which executeth judgment for
the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners.[ix]
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Main Branch of Muddy Creek in York County photo by Cindy Cruz, 2021 |
William Nichol filed a warrant for 60 acres of
land on the forks of Muddy Creek, called “Nabs Narrows,” on March 1, 1757.[x] The
plat covered the corners of three townships; Chanceford, Fawn and Hopewell
(called Shrewsbury in the application). It is possible he lived on the property
prior to the date of his warrant because filing paperwork required
long-distance travel and payment of fees to secure a claim. A formal copy of the warrant requesting a
survey was filed on July 15, 1762.[xi] He
took out a mortgage on the land for three hundred pounds on December 15 of the
same year. The terms of the mortgage stipulated that he would repay the principal
and legal interest within five years, on December 15, 1767.[xii]
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Muddy Creek Forks in York County photo by Cindy Cruz, 2021 |
William’s milling business must have been successful
and profitable because he purchased an additional 226 acres for five hundred
pounds on June 25, 1770. The parcel, named “The Deans,” adjoined his other plat
and had been warranted to George Erwin on March 7, 1767.[xiii]
It was described “on a branch of muddy Creek below a Survey made for Thomas
Morgan in the Barrens of York Co.”[xiv] A
note on the survey stated the property had been “Improved about 8 years.”[xv]
Mary Nichol may have been bold and
enterprising for a woman in her time and place. She applied for a warrant on 36
acres of land “joining Land surveyed for William Nichol in Fawn Township in the
County of York” on September 28, 1771. She was required to pay “the Rate of
Five Pounds Sterling, or Value thereof in Current Money of this Province for
every Hundred Acres” within six months “and also to pay the yearly Quit-Rent of
One Penny Sterling for every Acre” in the terms of the warrant.[xvi] Not
only was Mary a landowner in her own right, she would also act as executrix of
her husband’s estate. Many colonial women forfeited this responsibility and
named a male relative or friend to complete the settlement of their late
husband’s affairs. She was an active participant in the sale of her property
after William’s death.
William’s name was listed in at least two
books concerning the history of York County. The Thomas Johnston named in the
first excerpt may have been related to Mary Nichol.
Scotch-Irish in the Lower End.
It is not possible to name all the
Scotch-Irish who came into the lower end of York County, but many can be
enumerated, and the approximate time indicated at which they crossed over from
Lancaster County. Among the families settled in Chanceford … arriving before
1770, as follows: … Thomas Johnston … William Nichol …[xvii]
Lower Chanceford, York County.
This place is situated about twenty-two miles
southeast of the city of York, and in the section of country known as “The
Barrens.” The rev. John Cuthbertson preached at Chamber’s tavern, York,
December 9, 1751, and three days afterward preached at Chanceford, at the house
of William Wilson… He frequently visited this society, for it was a large one
…The names of the principal members previous to 1774, were … William Nichol
…[xviii]
A WILDERNESS WEDDING AND FUNERAL
Rev. Cuthbertson served a large circuit as a
traveling minister. The infrequent church services in each location were
probably lengthy due to the needs of the attending congregation. William and
Sarah were married at a “session” or church council meeting held by Rev.
Cuthbertson on March 27, 1771. He lectured on scripture taken from Ephesians
4:7; But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ. The service included the McWilliams’ marriage, the
ordination of two ministers, and the baptism of a baby.[xix] William
was 32 years old and Sarah was 17 when they were joined in matrimony.
Sarah’s father was probably only in his early
forties when he became “Very
Sick and Weak in body” and prepared his last will and testament on July 9,
1773. He was indeed near death and his will was entered for proving only seven
days later on July 16 in the county seat at York. The words in his will
professed his faith in the Resurrection and his love for his family. It also
gave a glimpse into the property he owned and his most-valued possessions. It was
of interest that he willed “little John, the bound boy” to his wife. John was
probably an orphan or child of parents who could not support him and William
“purchased” his service for a term of indenture or apprenticeship that would
end when he reached the age of twenty-one. It was possible, but unlikely, that
he was a “slave” because of the wording William used to describe him.
 |
Copy of William Nichol's Will |
William owned cattle, sheep, hogs, and at least one kid which he specifically mentioned in regard to the division of his assets. He must have placed considerable value on his pistol, as he stipulated that it should be given to his son William Jr. He directed that his property be sold at public auction and the proceeds be equally divided into four shares for Mary and his three sons. Sarah received her Bible, her bed and bedding, one kid, a white-flecked cow, and forty shillings.[xx]
[Transcription] 164
Last Will and Testament of William Nichol
In the Name of God Amen this Ninth
Day of July 1773: I William Nicol of Chnceford Township York County
& province of pennsylvania. Being Very Sick and Weak in body but of perfect
mind and memory thanks be Given Unto God therefor Calling unto mind the
mortality of my body and knowing that it is Apointed for all men to Die do Make
and Ordain this my Last Will and testament that is to Say principaly and first
of all I Give and Recommend my Soul Unto the Hand of Almighty God that Gave it
and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in A Desent Christian Buriel
at the Discreation of my Executors Nothing Doubting but at the General
Resurrection I Shall Receive the same Again by the Mighty power of God and
touching Such Worldly Estate Where With it hath pleased God to Bless me in this
Life I Give Dismiss and Dispose of the Same in the following Manner and form
Impromise I Order and do Desier that all my Whole Estate of Lands Mill
Improvements With all the Buildings and Apertenances there Upon and Likewise
all Houses Cows Sheep and Hogs With all my Whole Effects Real & Moveable be
Sold at Publick Vandue but What is Hereafter Mentioned and Willed as follows
and first of all that I may have A Desent Buriel and Next that all my Just and
Lawfull Debts may be Honestly paid out of the Whole & that my Minde and
Desier is that What Remains After funeral Charges and all my Legal Debts are
Legaly paid off that it Shall all be Equily Divieded In four Shares Amongst
them But out of the Whole I do Give and Bequeathe to Mery my Dearly beloved
Wife little John the bound boy & one big White faced Cow With
two beds and Beding & Just A fourth Share Equely Divided With Each one of
my three boys and no more and I Give And bequeath to my Sun James Nicol
A big Ridish brown Cow and A fourth Share as his mother and two brothers his
and no more he Shall have & I Give & bequeathe to my Sun William
Nicol my pistel and his Devided fourth Share With the Rest and I do Give
& bequeathe to my Sun Samuel Nicol his Equel fourth Share Equel With
his Mother and brothers and no more and I do Give and bequeathe to my doughter
Sarah McWilliams her bible her bed and beding and one kid and White flecked
Cow & forty Shilling pennsylvania Currincy & no no more and Likewise I
do Hereby Nominate and Apoint for Gardeen over my Children William Gemmill and
I Do hereby Nominate and Apoint Mery Nicol my Wife and Samuel Nielson
Executors or Administrators of this My last Will and testment hereby Revoakeing
& Do Dissanul all & Every other former testments Wills Legasies and
Bequeathements & Executors by me Any Waise before Named Willed and
Bequeathed Retifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and
testment in Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand Seal day and Year Above
Writtin
Sined Sealed published and
Delivered the words
Interlined little John the bound boy &c
in the Preasants of Us Who have
hereunto } Dun before Acknowledged
Subscribed our Names in the preasants
of William Nicoll
{Seal}
the testator
Samuel Patterson
David Gemmill
York
County ss Before me Samuel Johnston Esquire Deputy Register for the Probate of
Wills and Granting Letters of Administration in and for the County of York in
the Province of Pennsylvania personally appeared Samuel Patterson and David
Gemmill the two subscribing Witnesses to the within Instrument of Writing and
the Said Samuel Patterson and David Gemmill on their solemn Oaths taken on the
holy Evangelists of Almighty God do respectively say they were personally
present and heard William Nicoll the testator within named publish
pronounce and declare the within Instrument of Writing to be his last Will and
Testament that at the time of doing thereof the Said William Nicoll was
of sound disposing Mind memory and understanding according to the best of these
Deponents knowledge and belief that they Subscribed their Names as Witnesses to
the same in the presence of the Said Testator and at his request-
Sworn & Subscribed before me at York the Samuel Patterson
Saml
Johnston Dept Regr
A true Copy compared with the Original at York Saml Johnston Depty Regr
.jpeg) |
Roller Mill on Land Once Owned by William Nichol photo of Cindy Cruz, 2021 |
A series of mills were operated on William
Nichol's land for over two hundred years, from at least 1757 until 1951. A
living history site now occupies Muddy Creek Forks. The farm, general store,
roller mill railroad depot, and several other buildings once owned by A.M.
Grove are open to the public and a steam passenger train runs on a seasonal and
holiday schedule.
NEXT - FEATHERING A NEST
[i] Hively, Neal Otto, Original Colonial Warranted Lands Beginning in 1724, Chanceford Township Established 1747 Lower Chanceford Township Established 1806, York County, Pennsylvania, Map #25 - Original Pennsylvania Land Records Series ISSN #1066-0100, United States, N.O. Hively, 1997; accessed Dallas Public Library
[ii] Fields, S. Helen, Register of Marriages and Baptisms Performed by Rev. John Cuthbertson Covenanter Minister 1751-1791 with Index to Locations and Persons Visited, Lancaster, PA., Lancaster Press, Inc., 1934, page 209; accessed https://babel.hathitrust.org
[iii] Fields, S. Helen, Register of Marriages and Baptisms Performed by Rev. John Cuthbertson Covenanter Minister 1751-1791 with Index to Locations and Persons Visited, Lancaster, PA., Lancaster Press, Inc., 1934, page 209-219; accessed https://babel.hathitrust.org
[iv] Fields, pages 209-210
[v]Finney, Rev. William Gardner, The History of the Chillisquaque Church,
1926, Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985,
page 79, Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Historic Pennsylvania Church and
Town Records; Reel: 236, accessed www.ancestry.com
[vi] Fields, p. 211
[vii] Fields, p. 212
[viii] Pennsylvania Probate Records, 1683-1994, York County, Wills, Volume C, 1770-1776, William Nichol, page 164-166; accessed www.ancestry.com, image 412-413
[ix] Fields, page 210
[x] Pennsylvania, Land Warrants and Applications, 1733-1952, Harrisburg, PA, Pennsylvania State Archives, Land Warrants, Wm Nicholl, (1757), 1 March, 1757; accessed www.ancestry.com, York, 1757, image 116-117
[xi] Pennsylvania, Land Warrants and Applications, 1733-1952, Harrisburg, PA, Pennsylvania State Archives, Land Warrants, William Nicholl, (1762), 15 July, 1762; accessed www.ancestry.com, York, 1762, image 538-539
[xii] Recorder of Deeds Office, York, York County, PA., Mortgage, William Nichol, 15 December 1762, Deed Books, volume B, 1763-1764, page 75-76; accessed www.familysearch.org, filmstrip 7856719, DGS 22096, page 75-76, image 400-401
[xiii] Recorder of Deeds Office, York, York County, PA., Deed, William Nichol, 25 June 1770, Deed Books, volume D, page 280; accessed www.familysearch.org, filmstrip 8067700, DGS 22097, page 280, image 434
[xiv] Pennsylvania State Archives, RG-17, Records of the Land Office, West Side Applications: Numeric Listing of Applications, 1766-1769, series #17.40, page 25, No. 3012, George Erwin, 7 March 1767, York County; accessed www.phmc.pa.gov , Numeric Index of West Side Land Grant Applications, page begins with #3005, page 25
[xv] Pennsylvania State Archives, RG-17, Records of the Land Office, Copied Surveys, 1681-1912, series #17.114, William Nichole, No. 3012, 12 July 1770, York County; accessed www.phmc.pa.gov, Images of Each Survey, “B” Volumes: volume B-1, page B-1-92 and reverse
[xvi] Pennsylvania, Land Warrants and Applications, 1733-1952, Harrisburg, PA, Pennsylvania State Archives, Land Warrants, Mary Nichol, 21 September 1771; accessed www.ancestry.com, York, 1771, image 110-111
[xvii] Prowell, George R., History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume 1, Chicago, Illinois, J.H. Beers & Co., 1907, p. 125; accessed https://play.google.com/books
[xviii] Glasgow, W. Melancthon, History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America…, Baltimore, Maryland, Hill & Harvey, Publishers, 1888, p. 257; accessed https://archive.org
[xix] Fields, page 219
[xx]
York County, Pennsylvania,
Register of Wills, Courthouse, York, Pennsylvania, Wills, volume C, page
164-166, William Nichol; accessed www.familysearch.org,
Pennsylvania Probate Records,
1683-1994, York County, Wills, Volume C, 1770-1776, images 412-413
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