In the Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic of 1793, 5000 or more people died between August 1 and November 9.
Silas Watts was born in Lower Dublin Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania on March 7, 1697/1698. His parents were the Reverend John Watts and Sarah Eaton.
When he was about 34, he married Elizabeth Roberts on May 25, 1732. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Roberts and was born September 16, 1705.
Silas and Elizabeth's children included:
John Watts (September 15, 1733),
Silas Watts (July 7, 1735), and
Stephen Watts ( March 5, 1736/37).
He died when he was only 40 years old on August 16,, 1737 in Lower Dublin Township. Elizabeth died January 8, 1793
Lower Dublin Township was located in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania and adjoined Moreland and Byberry Townships. The township was incorporated into the City of Philadelphia
Early European settlers in the American colonies were mostly farmers and craftsmen. They had to work hard to provide daily neccesities for themselves.
William Roberts, in his will, dated 11 March, 1732-3, proved at Philadelphia, 29 March, 1733, describes himself as "of Moreland township, Philadelphia county," and names
son William, to whom he gave two hundred acres of land;
son John, not of age;
son Timothy, to whom he gave a tract of eighty-five and one-half acres, which embraced "all my corn and grist mills, bolting mills, messuages, houses, ponds, dams, and races;"
son Edward;
daughter Elizabeth Watts, and
daughter Mary Whitten.
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
Messuage means a dwelling house with outbuildings and land assigned to its use.
