Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society ; v. 4, no. 7/8
Summary
"From the founding of Lancaster till 1742, it had been moving along without a charter, but, at this time, the inhabitants felt they needed a stronger form of Government. The town now having three hundred houses, and all kinds of manufacturing being represented, the citizens desired the town chartered, and made application for the same. Through the influence of James Hamilton, Esq., a charter was granted and signed by George Thomas, Lieutenant Governor, under John, Thomas and Richard Penn, Proprietors, May 1st, 1742."
