Humphry Marshall

Marshallton was named for Humphry Marshall, a noted eighteenth century scientist and stone mason whose botanical garden and home stood adjacent to the Center House property. His name appeared on many tavern license petitions, and he may have contributed to the tavern’s remarkable stonework. His nephew, Abraham Marshall III, purchased the Center House from Joseph Martin in April 1776 but did not operate the tavern himself until 1786. Beyond his local reputation as a craftsman, Humphry Marshall gained worldwide recognition in 1785 with the publication of what is believed to be the first American essay on native trees and shrubs, Arbustum Americanum The American Grove. Like his cousin John Bartram, he devoted much of his life to studying, cataloging, and collecting North American plants. In addition to his scientific work, he influenced the region through public service and an interest in developing the Strasburg Road, and he remained a model of citizenship and personal character for the people of Chester County.

Marshallton, Pennsylvania · United States