part is now presented for the first time and the whole of it put in form to be of interest, if not of value. The recent destruction of the Columbia bridge prompted my writing a sketch of it, so that there might be a record made of its continuous history, and I will open this paper with that sketch

EARLY COLUMBIA AND VICINITY, The following paper was read by H. Frank Eshleman, Esq., at the recent anniversary of the founding of the town of Columbia: Civilized activity opened up on the Susquehanna very early. Three hun- dred and six years ago Captain John Smith forced his way a short distance

The Public Career of John Wright, Esq. John Wright, Esq., of Columbia, on the Susquehanna, was the acknowl- edged and unquestioned "father" or Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. By unanimous consensus of authoritative opinion, and by common consent, this name and title belong to him and his memory

coal-carrying cross-country railroad from Columbia, on the Sus- quehanna, to tidewater on the Dela- ware; and by grace of Joshua Scott, his map, I succeeded in locating my division, extending through Manor, Conestoga, Pequea, Providence, Dru- more and Colerain townships, to the border of Chester county