209 years of steel, so where did it all begin? It began with Isaac Pennock, an area farmer-turned-ironmaster. (Family bible shown here ) For Pennock, Western Chester County had abundant streams and iron ore quarries, it was close to Philadelphia, making it an ideal location for successful ironworks. Pennock founded his mill in 1810 on the banks of the Brandywine, the Brandywine Iron and Nail Company. Our star industrialist, Rebecca was born to Isaac in 1794 and the rest is history!