The minutes of the Uwchlan Meeting recorded on Jan 8, 1778: "A few days ago, the key of the Meeting House was demanded by some of the physicians of the Continental army in order to convert the same into an hospital for their sick soldiers. The Friend who had the care of the house refusing to deliver it, forcible entry was made into the house and stable. "
Although the Friends were not in favor of this action, they made no further protest and met in member's homes until the building was returned to them. Gen. Geo. Washington visited the sick soldiers at the Meeting House and stayed at the Red Lion Inn. Dr. John Latimer resided at the inn during the time he was in charge of the Meeting House hospital. Continental troops marched to and from Warwick Furnace, Coventry Forge, Yellow Springs and Valley Forge. Dr. James Craik, another army surgeon, mentioned Uwchlan in a letter, written in 1778. "On my way to Manheim I visited Yellow springs and Red Lyon hospitals, which I found in excellent order and they have but few sick at present. However, as the army is becoming more sickly, we may expect they will soon be full." Some Uwchlan residents who were not Quakers enlisted in the Continental Army. Names on the mustering lists were not listed by their residence so it would be impossible to locate all of those who fought. The following Uwchlan residents who served in the PA Regiment were listed under the 7th Battalion of the Chester County Militia as of 1777.
- 1st Company
- John Hughs, 2nd Lieutenant
- 2nd Company
- David Phillips, Captain
- Josiah Philips, 2nd Lieutenant
- John Philips, 1st Lieutenant
- Joseph Philips, Ensign
- 7th Company
- William Moore, Ensign
- 8th Company
- David Denny, Captain
- James Denny, 1st Lieutenant
- William Denny, 2nd Lieutenant
- George Sharf, Ensign
In addition, Conrad Acker served as an Ensign in the 7th Company, 1st Battalion of the Chester County Militia. His son, Conrad Jr. was a Private in the same company.
All of the above is from a great book - A HISTORY OF UWCHLAN TOWNSHIP 1682-1782, by Susannah Wilson Brody, and is available from the Chester County Historical Society.
This page was updated on February 18, 2009