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The Meeting of Commissioners of Property at Philadelphia proposed to make a settlement at Nottingham, a tract of land, located halfway between the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. The grant was for 20,000 acres. Twelve men, including Andrew Job, Jr., reserved 1,000 acres each. Others took smaller plots. The Proprietor, William Penn, also requested 3,000 acres for his own personal use.A large tract of 1800 acres was laid out by Henry Hollingsworth, surveyor. Andrew Job drew lots #32 and #35, each containing 500 acres. It was upon Lot #35 that Andrew would later build the Blue Ball Tavern. The grantees, all Quakers, agreed to pay 8 lb. for every 100 acres within 1 year and 1 shilling sterling as quit rent for every 100 acres for ever after.
The PA MD countryside is still beautiful (as one can see above) but succumbing to population growth too. The AMTRAK goes right through Elkton, so people can work in Baltimore / DC and go home to lovely suburbs at night I think.
A document at the Cecil Co. Historical Society said that the farm land goes for around $60,000 an acre these days, sometimes as much as $75,000. I see a few new houses along the east/west state highway; but it's so close to Baltimore, etc., I'm just sure it will burst with houses soon. My hotel was 1/4 block from the amtrak rail, and you just know it will be marvelous new home sites one day.
The photo of road with trees and houses (shown to the right) is where lot 35 was. The farm land appears to me to be lot 34, just across the small road.
I found the Blue Ball Inn and went into the farm/auto implement store next door. The place is now owned by the Mendenhall family; and I met Mr. & Mrs. Mendenhall. Blue Ball Tavern
