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In 1717 Simon and Ruth Hadley built Messuage Plantation on 1000 acres in one of William Penn's townships, Steyning Manor, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Mason-Dixon survey of 1763-69, undertaken to settle the William Penn-Lord Baltimore dispute as to the southern boundaries of Pennsylvania, located Messuage Plantation just over the line in Delaware, near Hockessin. Part of Simon's farm continued to be in Pennsylvania, however, and apparently he was recognized as a citizen of both states. The house is located on Lime Stone Road, Hockessin Delaware, about 10 miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, off Route 41. Go to Kaolin (about 3 miles before you get to Avondale) and turn left. Go down Route 7 for about 2 or 3 miles, turn right and go up a hill, and there you are. The cornerstone is hidden under a tree.
Among Simon's neighbors were some familiar names: Lindley (#6), Starr (#25), Hutton (#28), Rutledge (#20), Miller (John- #2 & #15, Gayan - #27), Rowland (#1), and Johnson (#3). All of these families were of English origin, as were all of the Friends who went to Pennsylvania from Ireland (with the exception of 2.) Many of them had been friends in Ireland and others were related by blood or marriage. Note: a perche equals 5.5 yards |
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