Names from the past

|Chadds Ford History| Names from the past

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

His passion for medicine prompted him to form the Medical Society of Chester

If you remember the som- County. Darlington passed ber music in the film away on April 23, 1863; he’s Platoon, you’ve heard an buried in Oaklands Cemetery orchestral piece by a local in West Chester. native son. If your grandfa- The decade of the 1920s ther served in the Marines, was for many one of wealth he would have known about and decadence--and Joseph another long-time resident. Hergesheimer’s novels porIf anyone in your family is a trayed the “aesthetic life” history buff, a fan of sports, during that period. Born in or early 20th century novels, Philadelphia on February 15, they’re likely familiar with 1880, he later lived in West some other denizens who Photo courtesy of the Christian Sanderson Museum. Chester. His novel “Three spent years in West Chester Anyone who drives north past Hank’s Place in Chadds Ford has gone Black Pennys” was the first and Chadds Ford. by the Christian Sanderson Museum. Chris Sanderson was the village one printed by the new It’s not often that a man achieves success in three historian for many years, and he helped people understand the heritage of the area, including its role in the Battle of the Brandywine. Alfred A. Knopf publishing house. He produced sevcareers; William Darlington eral works, including “Java did. Born on April 28, 1782 at Birmingham in Chester Head”(1919), “Cytherea” (1922) and “The Limestone Tree” County, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (1929). His style fell out of favor in the 1930s; he died on with a medical degree. He was a Navy ship’s surgeon in the April 25, 1954 and was buried at Oaklands Cemetery. East Indies in 1806, returning to West Chester the following Smedley Butler was born on July 30, 1881 and later year. Darlington raised a company of volunteers during the give new meaning to the words “Semper Fi.” Butler was War of 1812, made a Major for his efforts. schooled in West Chester, enlisting in the Marine Corps at

Darlington was elected as a U.S. Congressman in 1814 age 16. He served in the Phillippines, Central America and and served a total of three terms, taking a stance against the Caribbean during the “Banana Wars” and Veracruz, slavery. When the canal craze swept the nation, he became Mexico during their move toward revolution, which earned a member of the Board of Canal Commissioners. Darlington him his first Medal of Honor. His efforts in a 1915 uprishad a strong interest in botany and helped organize the ing in Haiti got him a second Medal of Honor. In World Chester County Cabinet of Natural Sciences, publishing War I Butler was awarded both the Army and the Navy Cestrica, a catalogue of native plants in the Borough of West Distinguished Service Medal. At his passing on June 21, Chester. He had interactions with Humphry Marshall and 1940, he was one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. John Bartram, two of the most famous botanists in America. history, the only Marine to win the Brevet Medal and two

Jim Furyk in 2017. Smedley Butler Joseph Hergesheimer

‘William Darlington’ by John Neagle circa 1825.

Medals of Honor. His grave is also at Oaklands Cemetery; Butler’s home has been maintained by his family as a museum.

While he was studying music, Samuel Barber didn’t know that a composition by him would become one of the most famous orchestral pieces in American history. Born in West Chester on March 9, 1910, he played piano at age six, composing his first piece the next year, a solo piano work called Sadness. Its title foreshadowed what would be his legacy. In 1931 at age 21, Barber created an overture to The School for Scandal, with a successful premier two years later by the Philadelphia Orchestra. At 26 he composed Adagio for Strings, a somber, haunting piece which brings the listener feelings of deep sadness. The conductor Arturo Toscanini performed it in 1938 with the NBC Symphony

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Orchestra. After the first rehearsal, he said “Semplice e bella” (“Simple and beautiful”). The recording from this performance was included in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. It was broadcast over radio at the death of President Franklin Roosevelt. Adagio for Strings was one of President Kennedy’s favorite pieces of music. It’s in the repertoire of orchestras around the world. Barber died on January 23, 1981 after receiving numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes.

Anyone who drives north past Hank’s Place in Chadds Ford has gone by the Christian Sanderson Museum. Chris Sanderson (1882-1966) was the “village historian” for many years. He helped people understand the heritage of the area, including its role in the Battle of the Brandywine. Sanderson had an indirect tie to the battle- he lived in the Benjamin Ring House (Washington’s headquarters) at Brandywine Battlefield Park from 19061922. His later home--now a museum- holds more than 18,000 artifacts and pieces of Americana from the 1700s through the 1960s.

If you’re a golfer, you’ve probably heard of Jim Furyk. Born in West Chester on May 12, 1970, Furyk won the U.S. Open in 2003 and was ranked the #2 golfer in the world in 2006. Furyk was FedEx Cup Champion and Player of the Year in 2010. His Samuel Barber unusual golf swing has gained him followers, who applaud his 17 PGA Tour wins and 28 victories overall.

All these men had notable impacts on our society. By focusing on their achievements, they “come alive” within us, helping us to better understand their significance. We should never forget those who made important contributions- and how they have created a richer, more productive nation through their efforts.

Gene Pisasale is an historian and author who lives in Kennett Square. He has written ten books and conducts an historical lecture series throughout the region. His latest work is “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution.” His website is www.GenePisasale.com. He can be reached at Gene@ GenePisasale.com.

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