This is a story I tell my students in my history class. As I recall, she actually admitted to being a witch, even admitting to flying around on her broom. From my research, the big issue was the language barrier between the accused and the accusers. Like you said, William Penn was the voice of reason and prevented a tragic ending to this event.
Thanks for this, I live in Australia and have Margaret Matson in my family tree, she is my 10th Great Grandmother. It's great to see the area she and her family lived in
Last year I visited my Dad who was from Eddystone 91 yrs. also attended St. James ( Chester Pa.) Class "79 40th reunion at the Dog House near the old Baldwin Locomotive Works. Things have changed there since 1981. But still love the trips.. along the River and up the "cricks"
Interesting story and beautiful a beautiful walk along the creek . I love history so I greatly enjoyed this story about this poor lady and some in information about Pennsylvania s history. 😊
Hi Cliff, thank you for another interesting video, it was a pretty grim era for practitioners of herbal medicine back then, she was very lucky that she was given a fair trial as so many weren't. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx💖
Yeah, and in that book…the Hexenmeisters and Brauchers caused the majority of the kerfuffles. Fought amongst themselves, allowed jealousy to engulf them, caused murders to occur, and then blamed Hexen for the last 200 years.
Gosh Cliff that was just great. So many innocent women died back in the day it was pretty awful. I’m pleased she wasn’t hung. The area is just beautiful thanks so much for taking me along and please stay safe
When I was young there was an old women who lived down the grove from us She was strange islated and reclusive we used to call her a witch but we were influenced by our elders She was from a different country and maybe very lonely Thanks Cliff enjoyed your video xx🐱🐱
Swedesboro, NJ right across from Ridley Creek via Commodore Barry Bridge. Chester, PA major Quaker area. Swarthmore College part of Univ of Penn has a large genealogical collection dedicated to Quakers. The Park took a big hit from a storm and lots of trees fell making a lot of the trails just recently opening due to the storm. Brandywine Pa and Delaware not far at all from this area. Brandywine Battlefield might also be an area of interest. A beautiful Wyeth Art Museum not far either. Underground Railroad is documented all through this area especially Mendehall family. This is one of my favorite area to go into on weekends.
Had never heard this. Live only a couple of miles from the park and have been there many times. Have you done a video of the family graveyard in the park? thats a cool little bit of history as well. And speaking of nearby settlements on the Delaware, how about the Lazaretto Quarantine Station down in Essington? We just found out about that within the last year or so. Wonderful building and land to visit, can even do some ghost hunting there if you are into that type of thing. Thanks for the always informative and interesting videos!
There is a lot of historical information in your presentation as well as in the viewers comments. This channel is a joy in many ways. Please keep up the great work!
Thank you for this video and story. Have you heard of the Lost Children of the Alleghenies? From Bedford. County? They brought in a witch from Somerset County to help find the children.
Hi from down the way in Chester County, Cliff. Wm. Penn did many 500+ acre land grants in PA back in those days too. My fieldstone farmhouse sits on part of an Old Quaker Assemblymans' dairy farm that Penn afforded him back in those days. Good vid 👍
@@alpacama1 Was back there (DelCo) last Autumn and Winter. Property value and taxes have greatly increased since back then ? I believe I'll stay in the Rockies. But it was sure nice to visit.
Oh I love this video and I am a new subscriber. I’m also a Pennsylvanian lol lived here my entire life …Norristown Montco area. And I am Wiccan, this is interesting for me thank you. I also have an English background which is even crazier. Now you’ve got me researching lol
I researched witch trials a few years ago and one of the ways I read about "testing" a person for witchcraft was tossing them in water. If the victim swam and saved themselves, they were guilty of witchcraft and hung. If they drowned, they were innocent, so it was basically a damned if you do and damned if you don't. As another commenter stated, it was often women who had wealth and property. Sometimes jealousy played a part- "get rid of the competition" or a man who felt rejected "got even" with the object of his desire by accusing her of witchcraft and sealing her fate- if he can't have her, nobody can.
Well, that's a mighty fine legal point. Guilty for having a reputation that others just made up. Anyway, thanks for this. I never knew about Martha or that PA (my home state) belonged once to Sweden, then to the Dutch and then to England!?!?!? But I'm relieved Penn made the best of a bad situation.
As a Swedish descendant who grows and gathers herbs to use as medicine- this is crazy! Thanks for sharing. Heard about you on the Lebtown website, I'm from Annville and I am often exploring the woods... !
Do you explore around here often? I live so close to Ridley creek state park. I was just there today. Just got back about an hour or so maybe. Well if you explore around delaware county often and would like to link up I'd be interested in doing so. I love documenting abandoned places as well.
I’m not trying to be a know it all, but William Penn was a devout Quaker, never wanting anyone hurt or treated unjustly, so I’m extremely surprised. Btw, I’ve been enjoying your videos, which are new to me. Keep up the awesome work!
Isn't it funny, that even today, people get spooked at the blink of an eye. We like to think that we have it all figured out, but just underneath the surface, we are mostly scared little wabbits. Tell anyone something long enough, and they will begin to believe it, even if we know better.
So interesting! Sure didn't learn about this in HS Pa. History class. Do they even teach such a course now? History is being rewritten so much now, it's hard to know whats up anymore.
Hey been watching for a while now and right now I am watching and you mentioned eddy stone I live in Upland and it's historic you mentioned William Penn you should visit the pusey house I live around the corner wooooo
I live in ridley park I'm but , where I used to live in Philadelphia /fdr park there's a Swedish museum also , a guy I know every halloween does a party with toast to margret.
My family was the victim of being a witch in Salem. She did not die thank God. She was an old lady who could not sleep at night. because she suffer from arthritis. She barely survived prison.
A popular legend tells of William Penn dismissing the charges against Mattson by affirming her legal right to fly on a broomstick, saying "Well, I know of no law against it.
Wow, nothing has changed, now Pharmaceutical Companies murder Naturopathic Doctors to keep their glutenous profits, and back in the day they called people witch's to get their land etc.
Yes witch trials around the world were awful had these women truly been practice's of magic they would cast spells and escaped LOL ppl are always wary of anyone who doesn't fit the general mould but we all walk to a different drum great tale
This is a story I tell my students in my history class. As I recall, she actually admitted to being a witch, even admitting to flying around on her broom. From my research, the big issue was the language barrier between the accused and the accusers. Like you said, William Penn was the voice of reason and prevented a tragic ending to this event.
It's good you are teaching the youth so well.
Thanks for this, I live in Australia and have Margaret Matson in my family tree, she is my 10th Great Grandmother. It's great to see the area she and her family lived in
Next adventure find Margaret Mattson grave in Pennsylvania. Beautiful scenery thx for sharing.
New subscriber. Just found u by accident. Exactly what I have been researching. Great great channel
Nice little video. Beautiful spot. I just love these old tales. Especially when there are witches involved. Perfect for this time of year!
man, ur videos simply calm me. thx.. and hi from Prague. look forward to more...
Very interesting, I've lived in south eastern PA near Eddystone my entire life. Thank You for this story,I love finding out the local history.
Last year I visited my Dad who was from Eddystone 91 yrs. also attended St. James ( Chester Pa.) Class "79 40th reunion at the Dog House near the old Baldwin Locomotive Works. Things have changed there since 1981. But still love the trips.. along the River and up the "cricks"
Thanks for taking us with you on your journey
Interesting story and beautiful a beautiful walk along the creek . I love history so I greatly enjoyed this story about this poor lady and some in information about Pennsylvania s history. 😊
Glad I came across your channel
I love hearing these stories about Witches and trials etc. Thanks for sharing this history!
Hi Cliff, thank you for another interesting video, it was a pretty grim era for practitioners of herbal medicine back then, she was very lucky that she was given a fair trial as so many weren't. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx💖
If the people back then could see our society today they would be utterly horrified and disgusted
I'm horrified and disgusted by our times!
Isnt that the truth. I say that everyday.
Yes; they would fall down and die
you never fail us, always a great story ! Thanks
Thanks Cliff enjoyed the interesting story, the creek, & our walk!!
I grew up not far from there and never heard this story until now - thank you.
Agreed, I'm still not too far from there. And, great scenery.
Not enough is well understood about those times. Not by all of us anyway.
Poor Margaret! Un-neighbors! So sad. I like the format, Cliff! Adding an interesting story, very cool.
Enjoy hearing all these legends but it is very sad what people had to deal with back then!!!
That makes for a good bedtime or a Halloween story lol there Cliff. Thanks for sharing the story behind the Ridley Creek.
“Witches of Pennsylvania” by Thomas White includes this story, among others. That trial apparently set a precedent for the state.
Yeah, and in that book…the Hexenmeisters and Brauchers caused the majority of the kerfuffles. Fought amongst themselves, allowed jealousy to engulf them, caused murders to occur, and then blamed Hexen for the last 200 years.
Sounds like modern politics.
Guilty but not guilty
Gosh Cliff that was just great. So many innocent women died back in the day it was pretty awful. I’m pleased she wasn’t hung. The area is just beautiful thanks so much for taking me along and please stay safe
When I was young there was an old women who lived down the grove from us
She was strange islated and reclusive we used to call her a witch but we were influenced by our elders
She was from a different country and maybe very lonely
Thanks Cliff enjoyed your video xx🐱🐱
Swedesboro, NJ right across from Ridley Creek via Commodore Barry Bridge. Chester, PA major Quaker area. Swarthmore College part of Univ of Penn has a large genealogical collection dedicated to Quakers. The Park took a big hit from a storm and lots of trees fell making a lot of the trails just recently opening due to the storm. Brandywine Pa and Delaware not far at all from this area. Brandywine Battlefield might also be an area of interest. A beautiful Wyeth Art Museum not far either. Underground Railroad is documented all through this area especially Mendehall family. This is one of my favorite area to go into on weekends.
Hmmmm. What do witches look like! Love your hat. Thanks for video✌👻🎃👍
Thank you Cliff! That was fun.
Had never heard this. Live only a couple of miles from the park and have been there many times. Have you done a video of the family graveyard in the park? thats a cool little bit of history as well. And speaking of nearby settlements on the Delaware, how about the Lazaretto Quarantine Station down in Essington? We just found out about that within the last year or so. Wonderful building and land to visit, can even do some ghost hunting there if you are into that type of thing. Thanks for the always informative and interesting videos!
I love old American history and you’ve educated me on so much so thank you 😁
There is a lot of historical information in your presentation as well as in the viewers comments.
This channel is a joy in many ways. Please keep up the great work!
Thank you for this video and story. Have you heard of the Lost Children of the Alleghenies? From Bedford. County? They brought in a witch from Somerset County to help find the children.
Hi from down the way in Chester County, Cliff. Wm. Penn did many 500+ acre land grants in PA back in those days too. My fieldstone farmhouse sits on part of an Old Quaker Assemblymans' dairy farm that Penn afforded him back in those days. Good vid 👍
Hi David, what was the name of the Quaker Assemblyman? Just curious as my ancestors were from the area
@@alpacama1 Webb - Benjamin (father), Stephen (son). The bulk of the farm was purchased by the DuPonts for Longwood Gardens
@@davidcassidy5868 thank you, pretty area, hoping to move back that way soon
@@alpacama1 Was back there (DelCo) last Autumn and Winter. Property value and taxes have greatly increased since back then ?
I believe I'll stay in the Rockies. But it was sure nice to visit.
@@alpacama1 Chesco has been home since 1962. Love it here, Tina
Thank you for this video, love these stories and their history especially this time of year! 🍂🍁🎃👻
Great story and nice creek! Thank you for taking us along!👻👀
Great story, great history of Pennsylvania.
Thank you, interesting story. I’ve been enjoying your videos, very homesick for Pennsylvania!
I really enjoy your videos,l can no longer get out, it through you I can.
Same here. I relocated to Texas 7 years ago
Hay Man ! I know Ridley Creek ! Thank you for this Video ! That's my Home town.
My ol stompin" or wadin" creek or as we pronounce it "crick" Thx. W.W.
I learned 'crick' in Western New York. Love the sound of it.
Yep, it is crick in Clinton and much of Lycoming county as well.
Great job! Our crazy history! Almost hard to believe lol.
Oh I love this video and I am a new subscriber. I’m also a Pennsylvanian lol lived here my entire life …Norristown Montco area. And I am Wiccan, this is interesting for me thank you. I also have an English background which is even crazier. Now you’ve got me researching lol
Love your videos! Great back story with this one. We hike lots of the same places.
Love these kinds of stories
I researched witch trials a few years ago and one of the ways I read about "testing" a person for witchcraft was tossing them in water. If the victim swam and saved themselves, they were guilty of witchcraft and hung. If they drowned, they were innocent, so it was basically a damned if you do and damned if you don't. As another commenter stated, it was often women who had wealth and property. Sometimes jealousy played a part- "get rid of the competition" or a man who felt rejected "got even" with the object of his desire by accusing her of witchcraft and sealing her fate- if he can't have her, nobody can.
Interesting spooky story and thank you for sharing.
You can go on a camping expedition and call it the "Ridley Witch Project". I always enjoy these local stories as we get closer to "All Hallows Eve".
Happy Halloween, Sir. Thanks for all the vids. I never knew there was a pa witch trial.
Well, that's a mighty fine legal point. Guilty for having a reputation that others just made up. Anyway, thanks for this. I never knew about Martha or that PA (my home state) belonged once to Sweden, then to the Dutch and then to England!?!?!? But I'm relieved Penn made the best of a bad situation.
As a Swedish descendant who grows and gathers herbs to use as medicine- this is crazy! Thanks for sharing. Heard about you on the Lebtown website, I'm from Annville and I am often exploring the woods... !
I used to live in Boothwyn and I'd go there a lot during my childhood..we also frequently visited Ridley Manor too
That was very interesting..I enjoyed it very much.. you should do more like this. Thanks.
Thanks
love the videos, thanks for posting this one pre-halloween! also nice seeing you in my neck of the woods
Do you explore around here often? I live so close to Ridley creek state park. I was just there today. Just got back about an hour or so maybe. Well if you explore around delaware county often and would like to link up I'd be interested in doing so. I love documenting abandoned places as well.
I did not realize Sweden was in PA first.Good stuff.
She's one of my great grandma's
I grew up in Ridley park
Never heard this before
In Norway, calling someone "Finnish" used to be tantamount to saying there were a sorcerer or a witch.
I’m not trying to be a know it all, but William Penn was a devout Quaker, never wanting anyone hurt or treated unjustly, so I’m extremely surprised. Btw, I’ve been enjoying your videos, which are new to me. Keep up the awesome work!
Isn't it funny, that even today, people get spooked at the blink of an eye. We like to think that we have it all figured out, but just underneath the surface, we are mostly scared little wabbits. Tell anyone something long enough, and they will begin to believe it, even if we know better.
Thanks for the history! I could only wish for some of her herbal medicine records . Could save trips to the Dr for minor things.
I went Trout fishing there in the 70's
Sounds familiar...collusion delusion. HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🧡👻💛🍁💀🍂☻🌾🎃
They need to open some of the hiking trails to mountain biking
So interesting! Sure didn't learn about this in HS Pa. History class. Do they even teach such a course now? History is being rewritten so much now, it's hard to know whats up anymore.
The Schuylkill County Historical Society covers the Susan Mummey incident on their annual ghost tour.
Hey been watching for a while now and right now I am watching and you mentioned eddy stone I live in Upland and it's historic you mentioned William Penn you should visit the pusey house I live around the corner wooooo
I live in ridley park I'm but , where I used to live in Philadelphia /fdr park there's a Swedish museum also , a guy I know every halloween does a party with toast to margret.
So cool are you a creator from Ridly Park? I am also. Live in glenolden area. Have any tips for me
I’m from Pennsylvania sw actually where is this at ?
What precisely do you think a witch looks like?
Just in time for Halloween
There are so many invasive species in the park it most likely looked nothing like that.
first i ever heard and i am from Ridley
It would really help if you stated the date, each time you film, for people who watch your videos at a later date.
He normally does. He said in this one it’s mid-October when he filmed it.
He always puts the date of the video posting in the description. He generally films the videos two to three weeks before posting.
cool video
My family was the victim of being a witch in Salem. She did not die thank God. She was an old lady who could not sleep at night. because she suffer from arthritis. She barely survived prison.
A popular legend tells of William Penn dismissing the charges against Mattson by affirming her legal right to fly on a broomstick, saying "Well, I know of no law against it.
The Finnish people have an interesting cultural history. The Finns have a lot of Asian DNA.
Forgot to mention that William Penn stayed there
I dated a girl for 2 months. She then told me she was a witch. Gave her the broom
In my family tree
Wow, nothing has changed, now Pharmaceutical Companies murder Naturopathic Doctors to keep their glutenous profits, and back in the day they called people witch's to get their land etc.
My ancestors
Yes witch trials around the world were awful had these women truly been practice's of magic they would cast spells and escaped LOL ppl are always wary of anyone who doesn't fit the general mould but we all walk to a different drum great tale
50 pound fine let off
woman killed for
👎no reason
That’s crazy yeah I live like 10 minutes from William penn highway lol