1. Joshua Howell lived in a large residence on Front Street, above Arch Street, in Philadelphia. Mrs. Henry Drinker, a near neighbor, writing in her journal, July 1, 1781, said:
“Joshua Howell and family having yesterday left our neighborhood, intending to reside for the present at their place on Schuylkill. A delegate in Congress is to take their place next door neighbor. I do not know his name. Am not pleased with ye change of neighbors.”
The place on Schuylkill referred to by Mrs. Drinker was a fine estate known as “Edgely,” which is still in possession of his descendants.
Mrs. Drinker writes, June 25, 1779, of a visit to “Edgely”:
“Katy Howell, her daughter, Betsy, my Nancy and little Molly with myself, went this afternooin to Joshua Howell’s place on Schuylkill, in their wagon; Joshua and H.D. on horseback; spent the afternoon there. A storm of wind and rain set in while there, which toward evening seemed to abate. We set off, but were presently overtaken by a very heavy shower, with thunder and lightning, on ye way. We got home a little before 9 o’clock.” [48]