West Pikeland Township After the War

Most of the soldiers from this township made it through the war just fine. Of the 49 that I know of that served, only five died. That was much better that the one in six death rate across the rest of the North. Most everyone that served eventually received a pension after the war. My father received one for my brother Nelson's death. I later received one when I lost the use of my right arm in a planing mill accident.

Life in West Pikeland township changed a lot after the war. The state of Pennsylvania established the Soldiers' Orphans School in the heart of Chester Springs. People tended to focus more on industry, especially mining of resources such as ore and plumbago (graphite). When the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad decided to build the Pickering Valley Railroad through the middle of the township, people became more connected to the outside world. We no longer had to trek to the station at Phoenixville to travel by train. Dairy farmers could ship their products to far away markets with ease and store owners could quickly receive shipments.

As for me, John Himes, I married Mary Pugh, daughter of the fourth richest man in the township, William Pugh. So life was good for me after the war. I opened a store in the West Pikeland and sold everything from syrup to shovels. In 1875, I opened up another store in Milford Mills, Upper Uwchlan Township. In 1881, I started the Royal Springs Planing mill, a door and window sash business. I even ran for County Commissioner and served as West Pikeland Post Office's postmaster for a while. Having lived a full life, I passed away in 1910, leaving two children, Mrs. Augustus Grubb and Harry Himes.

ìJohn S. Himes, of West Vincent, announcing that he will be candidate for the office of County Commissioner, subject to Republican rules. Mr. Himes is a thorough Republican and a practical business man, and in every manner is qualified for the office named.î