Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Caleb PUSEY
Caleb's father owned a malt mill and Caleb evidently learned from him how to
brew the beer which he made at Landing Ford.
Caleb had moved to London and joined the Friends' meeting by 1675 when his
first religious tracts were published there. At the age of thirty, he married
the widow of a well-to-do merchant and acquired two stepsons. He became well-
known in the circle of Friends around William Penn and the estimation in which
they held him explains their choice of him as Manager of "Keeper of their mill
to be sent with Penn on the "Welcome" in 1682. His trade at that time was
that of "lastmaker" or carver. Shoes were built over these lasts. as "a man
of good understanding and abilities in divers respects--endowed with a good
natural capacity, sound in judgement."
Our only clue to his physical appearance is the fact that when Penn later sent
over some broad-brimmed hats as gifts to his friends, only the largest one
fitted Caleb.
During his years in Penn's Province, Caleb was:
A member of the Provincial Assembly for eleven years
A member of the Governor's Council
Frequently a member of the Jury, often chosen as Foreman
An appraiser of estates and Collector of Taxes
One of the two Justices of the Peace for Chester County
Local Sheriff or Magistrate
A Supervisor of Penn Charter Academy
Treasurer and Overseer of Chester Monthly Meeting
A signer of Penn's Charter and Code of Laws for the Colony in 1701
Appointed to the Council of State which was to rule during Penn's absence
An intermediary with the Indians when trouble was feared
Appointed to the committee to select the site for Providence Meeting
Signer of the Indian Tribute to Penn in 1701. One deed also describes him as
"Attorney".)
A member of the Committee sent to measure the boundary between PA and MD--his
estate included surveying tools.
The following about Caleb's House is also from "Friends of Caleb Pusey House."
Built in 1683 by Caleb Pusey, it is the only building which can claim
documented association with the Proprietor William Penn and which he is known
to have visited on several occasions.
The house stands beside Race Street, the small road paralleling the millrace
that brought water from Chester Creek to power the mills.
"Landing Ford" was the name Pusey gave to the 150 acre plantation adjoining
the mill site which Penn had deeded to him and which he cultivated to raise
food for his large family.
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