Misc. Notes
After his first marriage to Ann, Joshua settled in Kennett Township, Chester, PA.
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Joshua (1683/84-1782) built the original farmhouse which Pierre DuPont added onto.
1694Joshua received from his father George land conveyed to him on June 6, 1725. Joshua devised the property to his son Caleb, (from his second wife Rachel), on August 23, 1752. Caleb's sons Samuel and Joshua established a botanical garden or arboretum on their property, located 30 miles outside Philadelphia at Kennett Square, PA which eventually became Longwood Gardens, described as "America's premier public display garden," and a popular tourist attraction.
1695See also this source which misidentifies father Joshua above as “Jacob” and dated 23 September 1752.
1696____________
Leaving a will dated 23 Aug 1752, proven 23 Sep 1752. Provides for wife Rachel. Legacy to son George. Leaves plantation to son Joshua Jr. Leaves lot in Wilmington and small legacy to son Joseph. Leaves half of dwelling plantation to son Caleb and remaining half to son Isaac when 21. Legacies to daus. Mary Cloud and Ann Mendenhall.
1282____________
Resident of East Marlborough [Township, Chester, PA].
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Joshua was born in England to parents George and Ann (Gainer) Peirce. George received a farmland land grant in 1700 from William Penn for what is today Longwood Gardens.
They came to America in 1684 on one of William Penn's ships.
Joshua married Ann Mercer (1693 England - 1752 Chester Co., PA) in 1713, Chester Co., PA. They had at least one daughter Mary Peirce (1716/17-1793) who married 1739 William A. Cloud (1717/28-1791).
He married second, Rachel Gilpin in 1722.
Joshua built the original brick farmhouse in 1730, Pierre DuPont later added onto this.
Joshua's twin Grandsons Joshua and Samuel born 1766, planted some trees in 1798 which developed into Peirce's Park and later Longwood Gardens.
Joshua's Great Granddaughter Hannah Peirce Pennell Cox was an active abolitionist, gave land for Longwood Progressive Friends Meeting.
1698