The
third village [in Springfield Township], Balm
Post-office, or Blacktown as
it is more familiarly known, was first populated by Henry
Black, who erected a log dwelling and prepared to greet all
new-corners. His brother Alexander shortly
afterward followed. In 1845 James S. Black
opened a small grocery. He was succeeded in this enterprise by William
Gilmore, Black & Stewart, Black & Painter, and Alfred
Painter. who is now the sole owner. In 1848 Christian
Snyder opened the first hotel. Others have since acted as hosts,
among them Adam Ketler, Henry Van Horn and James
Stevenson. The school system dates its origin back to 1847, when
the first educational institution was opened, the building being a small
frame. In a list given elsewhere will be found the names of the officers
of Springfield Township who held public trust up to 1831. Many familiar
ones will be found among the number. The list illustrates who were in
the early days sufficiently well versed in the dubious ways of politics
to obtain preferment, and who, of those not distinctive politicians,
were thought worthy of public honor by their fellow citizens. A list of
postmasters is also given, as is a list of early tavern keepers.
History
of Mercer County,
1888,
page
596
Map
and driving directions to Blacktown
If
you're looking for your ancestors in Bethel, try the Census for Springfield
Twp 
