Marshallton is celebrating the 300th birthday of its founder, Humphry Marshall, a self-educated farmer, stonemason, and amateur astronomer who loved botany. J.F. Pirro sang the praises of this influential figure for Main Line Today.

Marshall was born in 1722. Over the years, he evolved into a position of importance in the region, despite not being much of a traveler.

He achieved notoriety partially owing to an ability to establish and nurture productive relationships. He connected with Ben Franklin, for example, and other contemporaries of influence. His colonial network-building was all the more impressive, considering his remote location.

“By the time he’d get a letter into Ben Franklin’s hands in London, it could be three months, and then three months for Franklin to converse back,” said Mark Slouf, a West Chester builder and designer.

Slouf is a member of the Humphry Marshall 300th task force, a community group organizing a series of events throughout the year that will commemorate the birthday of Marshallton’s founding father and propagate his legacy.

The events will include a lecture series in June and a park dedication in October, the month Marshall was born.

Read more about Humphry Marshall in Main Line Today.