Milford chronicle., 1909-01-22
+ rs and Fancies of Milford Neck
nErOm Early Times to the
Yhl Present.

fQU
The history OF Milford Neck. If writer
by an abler pen than mine, would reaC
like a romance A complete story of it,
early traditions would seem very mucl
like fairy tale Although there have
been many accidents and episodes oil
which no definite description can be given
and there are many Others that ought ia
be preserved and handed down to pros
perity in readable form. An intense de-
sire to preserve and perpetuate the tradi-
cions is the only apology the writer has
so offer, for this intrusion on the time and
patience of the reader
The territory OF Milford neck consists
of peninsula lying between MispilIion
and Murderkil Rivers and extending
from the headwaters OF each river until
its eastern boundry kisses the briny
waters Of the Delaware Bay. 1t has a
coast line Of more than ten miles in ev-
tent from the MisplIion to the Murderkill,
fringed with a marshv skirting OF about
one mile in width, dotted with a number
ofsmall islands, which were formerly COW
cred with growth of large forest trees,
magnificent and uxurient. Viewed from
the Bay with the dense forest Of timber
on the mainland Tor a background, it pre-
sents a picturesque and enchanting APP
pearance to the beholder. ltis little won
der that the early explorers bestowed on
- tho name of Paradise poiDf
The early settlers of Milford Neck were
mostly of English origin, with just enough
Scotch and Irish blood in their veins to
make them cheerful and contented and
supply wholesome amount Of wit and
humor for which their decendents have
always been proverbiaI. They were in
large measure from the eastern shore OF
Maryland and Virginia and brought with
them their manners and custom as well as
their slaves Their settlement in this
section antidated the arrival of William
Penn about two years. The grants OF land
which they patented from James the
Duke Of York dating back to 1880 about
five years before he succeeded to the
throne as James the second.
Among the early settlers are found such
names as Bowman, Clark, Davis, Emerson,
Hall, Fisher, Minors, Molleston, Manlove,
Smith and Young whose decendents can
still he traced The Harringtons Of Mil
ford and Misipillion Hundred very prob
ably descended from james Harrington,
the English Barristor and Patriot, who
figured conspiciously in the reign of CrOm-
we'll and was compelled to flee from his
country at the restoration OF Charles II.
Among the early settlers Of this section
was Henry Moleston. His real estate
consisted Of what is now known as the
creamery farm owned by DR.. L L. Car
Isle, the farm Of James A. Martin
part Of the farm Of Thomas A. Kirby, 43
acres belonging to the heirs of Thomas
Mason, the farm OF the late John w. Hall
Jr., and probably the two farms OF DR..
William F. Goodwin, Of the two last how
ever am not certain. Mr.. Molleston
was a man Of much prominence, he was
a member Of the Assembly from 1898 to
100, president Of the Council from 1900
probably until his death which occurred
about the time the three counties drew
off from Pennsylvania I703) and set up
for themselves a separate organization.
His large plantation passed to his son,
Henry Molleston, who was also a very
prominent man. After the death Of
Henry Molleston (2ndl the estate passed 1
20 bis son and daughter, Henry and Mary |
Molleston. The son, Henry Molleston,
(srd) receiving for bis share all that part