18th century In 1737, Penn's sons expanded their land holdings through the Walking Purchase to include most of the Lehigh Valley. Although the Lenape did not think this was a legitimate claim, they eventually moved out of the area, allowing Europeans to settle it. Sometime before 1737, Nathaniel Irish established a farm, built a grist and saw mill, and opened a land office for William Penn. He is considered the first European settler in Lower Saucon Township. His land is in present-day Shimersville. Irish was the first justice of the peace in the area, and the first King's Highway, from Philadelphia to the Lehigh Valley, built in 1737, led to his property. His son, also named Nathaniel Irish (1737-1816), built Nathaniel Irish House in Philadelphia.
18th century In 1737, Penn's sons expanded their land holdings through the Walking Purchase to include most of the Lehigh Valley. Although the Lenape did not think this was a legitimate claim, they eventually moved out of the area, allowing Europeans to settle it. Sometime before 1737, Nathaniel Irish established a farm, built a grist and saw mill, and opened a land office for William Penn. He is considered the first European settler in Lower Saucon Township. His land is in present-day Shimersville. Irish was the first justice of the peace in the area, and the first King's Highway, from Philadelphia to the Lehigh Valley, built in 1737, led to his property. His son, also named Nathaniel Irish (1737-1816), built Nathaniel Irish House in Philadelphia.