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Erwin–Stover House Front: east side |
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COLONEL ARTHUR ERWIN Colonel Arthur Erwin of Erwinna, Bucks County, PA, was born in Ireland in 1726. He came to America in 1765, stayed about a year, and bought an estate which bordered the Delaware River for 10 miles, opposite Frenchtown, NJ. (He founded the town called Erwinna). He returned to Ireland to bring his family and tenants. In May 1768, he chartered a ship, "The Newry Assistance," and brought his wife, five sons, one daughter, and a large company of relatives, tenants, and servants. His wife and infant son, who was born on shipboard, died and were both buried at sea. The ship landed in Philadelphia on August 18, 1768. On July 27, 1771, he married Miss Mary Kennedy of Easton, PA, and they had four sons and two daughters. In 1776-1777, he was Colonel of the 4th and 2nd Battalions of Bucks County Militia, furnishing much of the equipment and pay himself. His estate lay very near to where the famous "Crossing of the Delaware" was made. He furnished and manned, with his tenants and servants, a large number of the boats which carried Washington's Continental Army across the River, personally assisting at the risk of his own life. Embarking in the last boat to cross, he took part in the Battle of Trenton. After the war, Erwin settled down to life as a country gentleman, buying large tracts of land in Luzerne Co., PA, and in Steuben Co., NY. Early in 1789, he purchased all the land around Painted Post, NY. In 1792, while visiting at Tioga Point, he was shot and died within a few hours. His body was taken back to Erwinna, PA, and was buried in the family lot on the Banks of the Delaware River. |
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Flower garden sundial South side |
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