Beatty Rd. namesake

At one time Beatty Rd. at Crum Creek east of Media was simply referred to as  "Beatty's" for the old Beatty Mill. The above picture is from c.1925

 

 

 

Note: The original Beatty Mills aka Beatty Tool Works stood where Beatty Rd. meets Crum Creek. Some of the original buildings still stand and it is today a water pumping station. The original dam for the mill from the 19th century still exists. An article from 150 years ago.

 

BEATTY’S MILLS 

 

These mills in Springfield, on Crum Creek, about a mile east of this borough, are so well known to the people of this county, that something in relation to their past and present history, cannot but interest our readers.  The business of manufacturing edge tools in this county, was first commenced by W. Beatty, now deceased, ear Chester, in the old mill on the Providence road, this side of the bridge at Shoemakerville in 1806.  It is now used for the manufacture of cotton laps, and was erected by him as well as some of the other buildings there situated.  The race, which is quite lengthy, was dug by moonlight, by Mr. Beatty’s own hands.  He was also the first man in the United States to manufacture edge tools from cast steel.  He remained at this place until the year 1825, when he removed to Springfield, where the Mills are now, and at which place he died, at about the age of sixty-two, 1842, honored by all who knew him.  Specimens of his tools were exhibited at the Franklin Institute, the first year of its existence, in October, 1825, and were awarded the first premium.  The report of the Institute of that year says:  ‘they were adjudged to be specimens of very superior workmanship; their appearance, form and finish, are not equaled by any of the same description which the judges have seen introduced into this from any FOREIGN COUNTRY.’  The edge tools of these works also took premiums at the above Institution in 1846, ’55, and ’58; and are now more sought after, and in more general use than any other in the country.

   The dam and all of the works were swept away by the great flood of August 5, 1843.  The business was then carried on by John C. Beatty, who by his indomitable perseverance, notwithstanding the great loss, rebuilt them during the same year.  The works at the present time are under the control of John C., and William P. Beatty.  The old forge shop has lately been torn down, and another far more extensive, been erected in its stead, besides other improvements made.  This was necessary to keep pace with the greatly increasing demand for the tools there manufactured.  They now employ constantly some thirty men, and turn out at least two hundred pieces of cutlery, daily, consisting of broad and pitching axes, hatchets, cleavers, drawing knifes, &c.  Their tools have a world-wide reputation and are without doubt, the best the country can produce.

   Relatives of this family, whose names are also Beatty, have extensive edge tool works in Chester Township.