Pennsylvania biography: or, Memoirs of eminent Pennsylvanians: with occasional extracts, in prose and verse, from their writings ...

Front matter

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Preface

If is a remark of Dr. Johnson, that *' no species of writing seems more worthy of cultivation than biography, since none can be more delightful or more useful. Nofte more certainly enchains the heart by irresistible interest, or more widely diffuses instruction to every diversity of condition." In subscribing to the correctness of this sentiment of the great moralist, the editor of this work has prepared the memoirs with a special i*eference to the benefits which might be expected to result to the young, from narratives of individuals who have deservedly won the admiration, and secured the reverence of their fellow men. The moral portraits which he has drawn, may, it is hoped, present such features as will call for their close attention ; whilst the account of their lives should beget a desire of imitation, in order to secure a like measure of merited renown. A feeling of state pride has also been attempted to be awakened; and among those jewels which he has here exhibited, there will be found many that the people of Pennsylvania will long treasure, as a portion of the legacy bequeathed to them by the great and good of their beloved commonwealth.

J. R. G.

Philadelphia, 1840. ^^^

Contents

Letters recommendatory, ------------ 1

Dedication, - ----- 5

Life of William Penn, ------------- 9

Part I. Science, Literature, Arts, Etc

DAVID RITTENHOUSE.

Born MDCCXXXII — Died MDCCXCVI.

Few men have more remarkably exhibited the elastic power of genius, in overcoming obstacles of the greatest magnitude, and in conquering the untoward circumstances which beset their progress towards the objects of their pursuit, than the eminent subject of this article. The high elevation in science which he reached, was not more astonishing, than the inadequate means which he enjoyed for the attainment of that knowledge, the possession of which secured for him the homage of the learned in Europe, and ministered to the glory and benefit of his country.

Indeed, the history of the early literature and science of America, is a subject which cannot fail in arresting the attention of every inquirer. Within the first half century of its settlement, almost every province had produced some mighty mind of giant mould ; towering in all the majesty of strength, and calling up the admiration and reverence of the philosophers of the old world. They beheld the master spirits of an age, which was emphatically one of intellect, presiding in the rude academic grove, which was even yet the forest home of the savage ; and from the wilderness of the barbarian they heard the results of a wisdom, which was not surpassed by her favoured votaries in the venerable halls of enlightened Europe ! It is impossible, when reminded of this truth, to withhold our homage for men who have not only benefited mankind by their discoveries and inventions, but who have aided in raising one of the most splendid monuments of honour and praise to their native land. They were, indeed, the children of those who had left the regions of long accumulated wisdom ; and where all that ministers to the dignity and elevation of the human mind, was industriously cultivated. But their sires were not among the learned and the great of the world ! They were among those who, humble in possessions of any kind, sought either an asylum from the wrongs of their rulers, or a home where competency might reign. And they brought with them but little of this world's goods ; and least of all, the volumes of worldly wisdom. The bible, with the greater part, was the only book which they bore with them over the ocean wave ; and the holy and inspired truths of which they only sought to know.

From such an origin there sprang these great and mighty men ,* and they went forth on the course of their glory, conquering and to conquer. Their eyes had never been cheered with the sight of lofty domes, which crowned the temples of science ; nor had they access to the rich storehouses of wisdom, which seers had bequeathed to immortality. Their pathway was straight and narrow ; beset with obstacles, at which temerity itself might falter. But they went on, urged by an impulse to which their aspirations and genius gave force; and they conquered, where thousands have yielded ; and the trophies which they won, are imperishable, for they are the conquests of the human mind, itself undying.

Among the names of those who achieved so much, with means so partial, David Rittenhouse holds a distinguished rank ! " As a philosopher and a man of science,'* is the declaration of a foreign writer, "America has not produced any one superior :" and it is not in a spirit of national vanity, that it is inquired, whether Europe has on her long scroll of the great and wise, many who excelled him ? He soared where the most venturous had gone, but with no guide; and he gained a measure of glory such as few have gained, but with little aid ! Let the times and the circumstances in which he was placed, — the want of that inspiriting and almost inspiring impulse, which is given from without, by those who, estimating the worth and dignity of pursuits such as his, cheer on to the work ; — and then let the stupendous height in science which he reached be scanned, and it must be conceded, that the Astronomer of Pennsylvania is deservedly honoured in the minds of her sons.

And in their hearts, too, ought he to be reverenced, deeply reverenced ; for Rittenhouse was a good man I If, before the world, he was one of lofly genius, in private life he was endeared by the virtues which lend its sweetest, holiest charms. With almost infantile simplicity, and a meekness which is the marked characteristic of the Christian, he can well be compared to the immortal Newton ; and the inquiry may here be made. Does not the cultivation of the science of astronomy, in a special degree, produce those graces which adorn the most, since they are the rarest jewels which man exhibits? In him, they were throughout his valuable life, for ever shown ; and added to his great integrity, his affectionate temper, and affability to all, made him the beloved friend, as he was the honoured philosopher.

David Rittenhouse was the son of a respectable farmer, and was born on the 8th of April, A. D. 1732, on the paternal estate, near Germantown, in the county of Philadelphia. His ancestors were originally from the Duchy of Guelders : and established the first paper manufactory in America, in 3 the year 1690; a period nearly identical with the introduction of the art in England. In early childhood, his peculiar genius displayed itself; and although the instruction which could be afforded in a remote district of a newly-settled country, must have been necessarily imperfect, yet the defects of his education were surmounted through the strong impulse and energy of his mind. A maternal uncle, indeed, who appears to have devoted much attention to mathematics, though of the humble occupation of a joiner, assisted him in his progress towards knowledge : and on his decease, David inherited, what to him seemed a treasure of wealth, the elementary wc^-ks possessed by his relative, together with the tools of his trade.

Of his capacity to use the latter, and as indicative of his propensity to the mechanic arts, it is told of him, that in the eighth year of his age, he made a miniature water-wheel, with some of its adjunct machinery, and soon after, produced a wooden clock, complete in its several parts. In occupations such as these, he sought a relaxation from his severer studies, which were followed, however, with unremitting attention. Every occasion was seized by him for pursuing his researches, and his fondness for figures was ever exhibiting itself. His occupations in the fields did not interfere with this thirst for knowledse : for it was often observed that the fences would be covered with diagrams and calculations ; and that the plough, which he had been using, would frequently show the results of his investigation. Before his nineteenth year he had mastered Newton's Principia, which he found among the books of his relative, and to the full understanding of which . so great a knowledge of algebra and mathematics is necessary. Another, and a greater triumph was achieved by him about this time, in fixing the principles of the method of fluxions ; which he did by his own unaided researches, and for the discovery of which he long regarded himself as the author, until an event occurred which had some measure of influence upon his future career of professional honour.

This was the arrival of the Rev. Thomas Barton, in Norriton, where the family of Rittenhouse then resided. He was a Presbyter of the Church of England ; and had come to America in search of preferment. He had but recently graduated at Trinity College, Dublin ; and that he deservedly received the honours of the above institution, the talents which he exhibited in the several distinguished stations to which he was called in this country, bear witness. Having taken charge of an Academy in the vicinity of Rittenhouse's residence, an intimacy soon took place, which was eventually cemented by a union in marriage, between Barton and the sister of our youthful philosopher. The latter, now occasionally aided by the instruction of his brother-in-law, devoted his attention to the Latin tongue, and was soon able to read his favourite Newton in that language. The library of Barton also furnished him with facilities in his favourite pursuits, which were unremittingly prosecuted.

Having reached a period of life when the choice of a profession became necessary, he determined upon that of a watch and mathematical instrument maker. To this pursuit he now devoted a sedulous attention ; spending his idle hours, as he called those of relaxation and repose, in his scientific studies. For the space of eight years he followed this course ; and so eager was he to acquire knowledge, that he had seriously impaired a constitution, at no time very vigorous. Hs soon became known to the learned of that day ; and was deservedly regarded by them as an ornament to their circle, as he was honoured with several important appointments by his country. A short time previous, having been presented by his father with the paternal mansion, he married in the year 1764, Miss Colston, the daughter of a respectable farmer, with whom ho lived in the most devoted and affectionate attachment.

The valuable knowledge and practical skill of our subject, were now called into requisition by his government, and he was appointed a commissioner to define the boundary lines between his native State, Delaware, and Maryland, and between Pennsylvania and New York. At this time also, he first conceived the plan of a new Orrery, which, at intervals, he prosecuted, until he at length perfected one of the greatest monuments of science and practical usefulness. Instruments for exhibiting the relative situations and motions of the celestial bodies had, for a long time, been previously used ; but beyond this they had not been extended. Rittenhouse, however, purposed regulating the planets to each other with such nice accuracy, that his instrument might be employed in place of tables for predicting the positions and phenomena of any required period. All of his knowledge in astronomy was employed in its construction, and his matchless practical skill produced at length a work which alone was sufficient to establish an enviable fame. This orrery is now in the University of Pennsylvania ; and another similar to it, is at Princeton College, among the philosophical apparatus of these institutions. So great was the interest among the learned, on the exhibition of this instrument, that the legislature of Pennsylvania honoured the inventor by appointing a special committee to visit it, and bestowing £400 upon the maker, as an acknowledgment for the glory which he had conferred upon his native state.

The year 1769 is memorable in the annals of astronomy, on account of the transit of the planet Venus, over the Sun's disk : and it presented an opportunity for the display of the extensive acquisitions of this subject of our memoirs. An intense anxiety prevailed throughout Europe, as to the event about to occur ; and its results, so advantageous to the cause of science, were impatiently expected. Through the representations of Rittenhouse, the American Philosophical Society, in Philadelphia, entered with the most lively zeal into the measures he proposed ; and appointed himself, Dr. Wm.

DAVID RITTENIIOUSE. 29

Smith, Provost of the Academy of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Lukens, surveyor-general of the State, the committee of observation, at Norriton. With the greatest difficulty the necessary instruments were procured, and the requisite preparations made by the Doctor. The expected day arrived, and commenced with all the joyful indications, that its loveliness was auspicious, as to the results of the observations about to be made. But the preparatory labours of our astronomer, the many and arduous duties which devolved upon him as the principal director of the arrangements, necessary to the object of their inquiries, had worn dov/n a frame, already enfeebled by long and arduous study. The excitement of the occasion, however, sustained him until the moment of the contact of the planet; when his delight was so great that he fainted, and was received in the arms of his associates ! No higher commendation can be expressed of the great capacity of the Pennsylvania astronomer, than to repeat the admitted truth, that the report of this memorable event by the learned committee at Norriton, is regarded as the most full and complete by the astronomers of the world. About this time, he was honoured with a fellowship in the Royal Society, in England.

Rittenhouse continued in the most enthusiastic investigations of his favourite science, and with unabated vigour. His personal merits, and the great integrity of his character, drew upon him the notice of the government ; and demanded his services in those departments where moral virtue and intellectual capacity could, alone, present a claim for their occupancy. In the year 1775, when the most animated discussions as to the obnoxious measures of the mother country were carried on, his political integrity recommended him to a seat in the legislature of Pennsylvania : and when resistance to English aggression became general, he was elected one of the committee of public safety. He was likewise appointed Treasurer of the State ; and perhaps it ought to be a matter of special record, 3* that during a season of the greatest political confusion, and in too many instances of lawless violence, he discharged his duties, with not more ability and firmness, than with the most unbending integrity.

His declining health, and his unwearied attachment to scientific pursuits, influenced his resignation of the important trusts which had been conferred upon him by his State. But the claims of his country could not be unheeded ; as the capacity which he so eminently possessed, could not be disregarded at that important period of our history. After having been elected a commissioner of the United States Bank, he was honoured with the appointment of Director of the Mint, by General Washington. Upon him there was devolved the arduous duty to put in operation a department, which is correctly termed an " attribute of sovereignty." That his directory was eflicient, and that his practical skill was of the greatest advantage to the establishment, need not be stated. In this department he continued until within a short time of his death.

This melancholy event took place on the 26th of June, 1796, and was preceded by much of pain and suffering, which he bore, however, with a resignation and patience only equalled by the immortal Newton. Having been told that a friend had inquired after his health, he asked. Why he had not been admitted into his chamber? The attendant replied, that he was too weak to converse with any one ; but observed the astronomer, " I might have pressed his hand."

The papers and essays of this amiable and illustrious man, are to be found in considerable numbers among the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, an institution of which he was a distinguished ornament, and towards which he always cherished the liveliest interest. On his death, this society decreed a public eulogium, which was pronounced by Dr. Rush ; and the highest honours were conferred upon his memory by the diflferent literary associations of the country.

Who was David Rittenhouse ?

When, and where was he born ?

What is said about his childhood, his ingenuity, great application, &c. f What profession did he adopt ?

What very ingenious astronomical instrument did he make ? For what is the year 1769 memorable ? • On that occasion how was he engaged ?

What offices did he hold in his native state ? What situations-imder the United States government ? When did he die ?

During his sickness what did he remark about one who had called to see him?

Extract from Mr. Rittenhouse's Oration, before the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, February 24, 1775.

" The opinion of the earth's rotation on its axis was once violently opposed, from a notion of its dangerous tendency with respect to the interests of reUgion : but as truth is always consistent with itself, so many new proofs were furnished, from time to time, by new discoveries, that a mistaken interpretation of some passages in the Bible was compelled to give way to the force of astronomical evidence. The doctrine of a plurality of worlds is inseparable from the principles of astronomy ; but this doctrine is still thought, by some pious persons, and by many more I fear, who do not deserve that title, to militate against the truths asserted by the Christian religion. If I may be allowed to give my opinion on a matter of such Importance, I must confess that I think, upon a proper examination, the apparent inconsistency will vanish. Our religion teaches us what philosophy could not have taught ; and we ought to admire with reverence the great things it has pleased divine Providence to perform, beyond the ordinary course of nature^ for man, who is undoubtedly the most noble inhabitant of this globe. But neither religion nor philosophy forbids us to believe that infinite wisdom and power, prompted by infinite goodness, may, throughout the vast extent of creation and duration, have frequently interposed in a manner quite incomprehensible to us, when it became necessary to the happiness of created beings of some other rank or degree.

"How far, indeed, the inhabitants of the other planets mayresemble man, we cannot pretend to say. If, like him, they were created liable to fall, yet some, if not all of them, may still retain their original rectitude. We will hope they do : the thought is comfortable. — Cease, Galileo, to improve thy optic tube : and thou, great Newton, forbear thy ardent search into the distant mysteries of nature ; lest ye make unwelcome discoveries. Deprive us not of the pleasure of believing that yonder radiant orbs, traversing in silent majesty the ethereal regions, are the peaceful seats of innocence and bliss ; where neither natural nor moral evil has ever yet intruded ; where to enjoy with gratitude and adoration the Creator's bounty, is the business of existence. If their inhabitants resemble man in their faculties and affections, let us suppose that they are wise enough to govern themselves accoi'ding to the dictates of that reason their creator has given them, in such manner as to consult their own and each other's true happiness, on all occasions. But if, on the contrary, they have found it necessary to erect artificial fabrics of government, let us not suppose that they have done it with so little skill, and at such an enormous expense, as must render them a misfortune instead of a blessing. We will hope that their statesmen are patriots, and that their kings, if that order of beings has found admittance there, have the feelings of humanity. — Happy people ! and perhaps more happ)' still, that all communication with us is denied. We have neither corrupted you with our vices, nor injured you by violence. None of your sons and daughters, degraded from their native dignity, have been doomed to endless slavery to us in America, merely because their bodies may be disposed to reflect or absorb the rays of light in a way different from ours. Even you, inhabitants of the moon, situated in our very neighbourhood, are effectually secured, alike from the rapacious hand of the haughty Spaniard and of the unfeeling British nabob. Even British thunder, impelled by- British thirst of gain cannot reach you : and the utmost efforts of the mighty Frederick, that tyrant of the north and scourge of mankind, if aimed to disturb your peace, becomes inconceivably ridiculous and impotent.

" Pardon these reflections ; they rise not from the gloomy spirit of misanthropy. That being, before whose })iercing eye all the intricate foldings and dark recesses of the human heart become expanded and illuminated, is my witness with what sincerity, with what ardour, I wish for the happiness of the whole race of mankind ; how much I admire that disposition of lands and seas, which affords a communication between distant regions, and a mutual exchange of benefits : how sincerely I approve of those social refinements which really add to our happiness, and induce us with gratitude to acknowledge our great Creator's goodness : — how I delight in a participation of the discoveries made from time to time in nature's works by our philosophic brethren in Europe.

" But when I consider, that luxury and her constant follower tyranny^ who have long since laid in the dust, never to rise again, the glories of Asia, are now advancing like a torrent, irresistible, whose weight no human force can stem, and have nearly completed their conquests of Europe ; luxury and tyranny, who by a vile affectation of virtues they know not, pretend, at first, to be the patrons of science and philosophy, but at length fail not effectually to destroy them : agitated, I say, by these reflections, I am ready to wish — vain wish ! that nature would raise her everlasting bars between the new and old world ; and make a voyage to Europe as impracticable as one to the moon. I confess, indeed, that by our connexions with Europe we have made most surprising, I had almost said unnatural advances towards the meridian of glory ; but by those connexions too, in all probability, our fall will be premature. May the God of knowledge inspire us with wisdom to prevent it : let our harbours, our doors, our hearts, be shut against luxury. But I return to my subject, and will no longer indulge these melancholy thoughts.

" If it shall please that Almighty Power who hath placed us in a world, wherein we are only permitted " to look about vs and to die ;''"' should it please him to indulge us with existence throughout that half of eternity which still remains unspent ; and to conduct us through the several stages of his works ; here is ample provision made for employing every faculty of the human mind, even allowing its powers to be constantly enlarged through an endless repetition of ages. Let us not complain of the vanity of this world, that there is nothing in it capable of satisfying us ; happy in those wants, happy in those restless desires, for ever in succession to be gratified ; happy in a continued approach to the Deity.

*' I must confess that I am not one of those sanguine spirits who seem to think that when the withered hand of death hath drawn up the curtain of eternity, almost all distance between the creature and creator, between finite and infinite, will be annihilated. Every enlargement of our faculties, every new happiness conferred upon us, every step we advance towards the perfection of the divinity, will very probably render us more and more sensible of his inexhaustible stores of communicable bliss, and of his inaccessible perfections.

" Were we even assured that we shall perish like the flowers of the garden, how careful would a wise man be to preserve a good conscience, during the short period of his existence ! because by his very constitution, which he cannot alter, this is his pride and glory, and absolutely necessary to his present happiness ; because this would insure to him at the approach of death, the soothing reflection, that he was going to restore, pure and uncorrupted, that drop of divinity within him, to the original ocean from whence it was separated. How much more anxiously careful ought we to be, if we believe, as powerful arguments compel us to believe, that a conduct in this life depending on our own choice, will stamp our characters

DAVID RITTENIIOUSE. 35

for ages yet to come. Who can endure the thought of darkening his faculties by an unworthy application of them here on earth, and degrading himself to some inferior rank of being, wherein he may find both his power and inclination to obtain wisdom, and exercise virtue, exceedingly diminished 1 On the other hand, if that humble admiration and gratitude, which sometimes rises in our minds when we contemplate the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Deity, constitutes by far the most sublimely happy moments of our lives, and probably will for ever continue to do so, there cannot be a stronger incitement to the exercise of virtue and a rational employment of those talents we are entrusted with, than to consider that by these means we shall in a few years be promoted to a more exalted rank amongst the creatures of God ; have our understandings greatly enlarged ; be enabled to follow truth, in all her labyrinths, with a higher relish and more facility, and thus lay the foundation of an eternal improvement in knowledge and happiness."

THOMAS GODFREY, SR.

It is painful to know, that the fate of genius has become a standing theme with the historian or biographer. Trite and familiar, however, as are the reflections which present themselves, yet, every instance of the melancholy destiny on earth, of some of the gifled children of lofly aspirations and impulses, will always beget a due share of sorrowful regret. It must needs be, that sympathy should be awakened for the untoward fortunes of those who lived neglected ; struggling, perhaps, with the evils of penury, or the cruelty of ignorant prejudice, and dying without the cheering consciousness, that the world hereafter would honour their names, or even know that they once lived.

But, if sensibilities, so honourable to our nature, are mournfully experienced in the breast, when a neglect in properly estimating or encouraging merit, is perceived, of what nature should be our emotions, when an act of deliberate and positive injury to a benefactor of mankind, is wantonly perpetrated ! It is, in most instances, that these favoured sons of an inward " mystic fire," expend the mighty energies of their spirits' power, in securing for themselves some share of fame or renown; careless of the worldly tribute, which a pecuniary recompense might afford. It is, that they may be honoured among men, and their names be held in homage by succeeding generations, that they struggle against the thousand evils of life, indifferent as to its necessities or comforts. They toil for glory : and meteor though it may be, yet the impulse is a noble one ; for the motive is not mingled with baser dross, nor tainted with the meaner springs of human action. And, when that is reached, for which they have more earnestly laboured than mortals have ever laboured for earthly gain ;

to secure "which, repose would not be sought, though Nature called, and made perhaps a premature death the penalty of disobedience to her commands ; and for which much, if not all that sweetens life, was cast away, because the throbbing soul would not be arrested in her career, — when thus made their own, and then to lose it by injustice, is a case so deeply marked with cruelty, that the most stoical must sympathize in the decision awarded by a world which is not worthy of those who were its ornament and praise.

Such was the melancholy fate of him whose name stands at the head of this article. Having succeeded in bringing to perfection an improvement in one of the most useful instruments in navigation, and lessening the dangers of the mariner, he was deprived of the merit of his invention, and permitted to die in comparative obscurity. He had achieved a triumph in science ; and by his genius had secured a benefit to the world. But the result of his laborious investigations, of the long toil of his mind, was not only neglect, but the bitter mortification of knowing that another, who deserved it not, enjoyed the favour which belonged to him, and bore away the proud honours which himself had won, for an immortality of fame.

Indeed, every thing about and around Godfrey, in respect to his life and fortunes, is singularly remarkable and unfortunate. Although known to many scientific gentlemen, who were his contemporaries, yet of his origin, or even of the time of his death, no distinct account is given. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, and followed the business of a glazier for some period of his life. In this humble occupation, however, he contrived, through a close application to mathematics and astronomy, to make himself worthy of the notice of Dr. Franklin, the Honourable James Logan, Secretary of the Province, Dr. William Smith, and others, who could appreciate his talents, and estimate aright his acquisitions. The first named of the above gentlemen was, for a time, an inmate of the family of Godfrey ; and in his interesting autobiography, states, that 4 he was the inventor of the Quadrant, and was " a man whoHy absorbed in mathematical studies." That he had made no inconsiderable improvement in these, a reference to the letter of his patron, appended to this article, will demonstrate. Not only by the strength of his mind, and close application, had he made a remarkable progress, but, in order to pursue his researches, he became a proficient in the Latin tongue, the language in which many valuable treatises were, at that time, written. And it was amid the calls of bis humbje occupation, perhaps amid the anxieties consequent upon a limited income, that he was thus enabled to present another instance of the power of genius, in overcoming obstacles of magnitude.