The sun., 1898-01-23
OLD bRANDYN|NE MILLS
Something About Their Original
ProprietorS.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
And They Have Always Been Closely
Identified With Wiln,ingtOn's
GrOwth--Keeping Abreast
With the Times.

The old Brandywine mills were famous
years and years ago, not only in Della
ware but in adjoining States as well.
For nearly century they stood un-
rivaled in the output OF their product. 1t
was indeed proud distinction to be held
second to none for 50 long time.
The Brandywine is known to be one
Of the most picturesque little streams in
the country, and the scenery along its
banks, where first the old mills were
erected, and where the more modern
structures stand, compares favorably
with that in most of the best city parks.
There is the winding stream OF pure
spring water, the steep banks, the grace
full shrubbery and evcrgrcen:, and the
rocks and bouldcrs, ana everything to
make an enchanting scene, more espe-
cially so in summer.
The first one OF the Brandywine mills
was built by a man named Oliver Candy.
1t was erected above the bridge. The
second mill to 90 up was built by
Thomas Shipley below the bridge. Mr..
Shiplcy was an ancestor of one of the
Oldest and most respectable families in
Wilmington. One Of the busiest streets
Of the city now bears his name. The
mills are doubly fortunate in the mater
Of transportation facilities, in that slips
can load and unload grain into Their
very doors. In these old mills wheat
was conveyed to the upper stories by
means OF buckets OF an antique style and
rude construction.
Joseph Tatnall was probably the best
known as well as the most distinguished
man OF early Brandvwine mill fame. He
was Il true-biue patriot of the s,aunchc>t
kind. This was proven by the fact that
hc alone, was the only man who pos
sesscd the real courage, mingled with
audacity, to manufacture flour for tine
I hungry army OF the Revolution under
Washington.
He did this at great risk. There
were enemies OF the American cause
everywhere, and many times they
threatened to blow his mill to atoms
with gunpowder.
His property was in continued danger,
and his life as well.
While the French General, Lafayette,
was in Wilmington, he stopped with Mr..
Tatnall Great men knew him and
loved him for his patriotism.
While General Washington was Prcsi
dent of the United States he stopped at
Joseph Tatnall's house on his way south.
Mr.. Tatnall being down to one OF the
mills, the great general walked down
there, and together they walked back to
Tatnalls house.
One Of Maryland's greatest grain grow
ers came to Tatnall to find a market for
I his grain. Mr.. Tatnall said that he
would take his whole crop. First, the
gentleman from Maryland was sur
priscd, then he began to laugh in his
sleeve, thinking no doubt, that it was a
huge joke He told Mr. TatnaIl that it
would take forty thousand dolIars..tu buy
his crop. TO the great a~tonishment Of
the man from Maryland. Mr. Tatnall
said that he would take it, and when the
crop was delivered he paid the cash
down.
The linral descendants Of Joseph Tat
nall own and operate the Brqndywlne
Mills until this day.
The Rrandywine Mills have kept pace
with the city's growth until today, un-
der the operation Of the William Lea &
Sons Co.. they are on" Of the leading
manufacturing concerns, in their line,
in the country.