M ::;>1 "IKS CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Date Due CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 090 876 636 •^ (^ *- -\ O mi 1 (A^ . S/£./ ■4 |--&'»T^ TOTEHT j££4-eH9prji p PRINTED IN NO. 23233 XI Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924090876636 HI8TOEY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, Containing A History of the County; its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches. Industries, etc. ; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc., etc. I31.LTJSTI5..A.TEID. CHICAGO: WAKNER, BEERS & CO. 1885. ^ ''■', A/( f:f,|t'UfH' V * JOHN MORRIS SUCCESSOR TO / V-' ' <3< (f y o PREFACE. THE material that comes within the legitimate scope of a history of Crawford County may appear commonplace when compared with that which is embodied in national history; nevertheless the faithful gathering and the truthful narration of facts relating to its aboriginal and pre- Amer- ican period, the coming of the white race to occupy its soil, and the dangers, hardships and privations encountered by its pioneers while engaged in advancing the standards of civilization, together with its sub- sequent moral and material growth and development, is a work of no small magnitude. The first settlers who acted so important a part in this portion of the State, and who heretofore have been the sole custodians of much historical knowledge essential for such a work as this have all passed away, but for- tunately a few of the men who bore the burdens of the pioneer, left to their children a written record of early days in Crawford County, thus pre- serving for future generations the history of the first American settlement in the Valley of French Creek. In connection with these records the descendants of the pioneers in every part of the county have been inter- viewed, and their recollections given due weight in the compilation of its history. Tor the convenience of its readers the book has been divided into parts. The outline history of the State was prepared expressly for us by Prof. Samuel P. Bates, a well known author of Meadville. The history of Craw- ford County and the City of Meadville was written by Mr. R. C. Brown, of Chicago 111. ; while the history of the City of Titusville and the several townships of the county was compiled by Mr. J. B. Mansfield, of Ashland, Ohio. The biographical sketches which appear in the latterpart of the book are purely complimentary, and a proof of each sketch was submitted by mail to the subject for correction. The most authentic publications bearing on early events in Northwestern Pennsylvania have been consulted, and the State and county records have also been freely utilized as reliable sources of information. The scarcity in many instances of authentic local, data, has been overcome by a system- atic and careful research of family manuscripts and the old newspaper tiles, dating back to 1805, from which were gathered many of the most important local events that have transpired during the past three-equartera of a century. The private papers of Gen. David Mead, " Beminiscences of the Olden Time," by the late John Reynolds, Esq. , the recollections of the PREFACE. IT late John Dick, Esq. , the autobiography of Cornelius Van Home, Esq. , Mr. Alfred Huidekoper's "Incidents in the Early History of Crawford County, Penn.," and the address ofWilliam H. Davis, Esq., on the history of the county, delivered in 1848, before the Meadville Literary Union, were all of invaluable aid to the county historian. The series of articles contributed to the press by the late Thomas Eus- ton Kennedy, Esq. , were, too, of great assistance to the same writer, which can also be said of live lectures on the Holland and Pennsylvania Population Land Companies, the churches, schools, agriculture and internal improve- ments of the county, which were respectively prepared and delivered in Meadville, by Alfred Huidekoper, Esq., Eev. Eichard Craighead, Prof. Sam- uel P. Bates, Joshua Douglass, Esq., and Hon. William Eeynolds, each of whom extended to Mr. Brown kindly advice and generous sympathy from the inception until the close of his labors. Among others whose assistance we desire to acknowledge, are the late Judge David Derickson, Hon. Hiram L. Eichmond, Eev. J. V. Eeynolds Hon. G. B. Delamater, Col. Alexander Power, David M. Farrelly, Esq., Joseph Dickson, Esq. , Dr. Edward Ellis and Mrs. Jane Bemus, while the county o£Scials and the leading members of every profession and calling throughout the county were always willing to lend a helping hand in fur- thering the labors of the historians. Special acknowledgments are dae to Francis C. Waid, Esq., of Woodcock Township, for his generous and munificent patronage to the work, and the unqualified interest he has dis- played in its welfare. The publishers avail themselves of this opportunity to thank all who have thus aided in the preparation of the work; for what- ever of merit the history of Crawford County contains is due, in a large measure, to their assistance. We undertook the publication of a history of this county, upon the advice and encouragement of a goodly number of the leading members of the "Historical Society of Crawford County," and after more than a year of unceasing toil we present the book to our many hundred patrons, with the belief that we have fulfilled every promise made in our prospectus, and with the satisfaction of knowing that we bring what we guaranteed. THE PUBLISHEES. CONTENTS. PAET I. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. PAQE. CHAPTER I.— INTKODCCTOKY 16-23 Cornells Jacobson Mey, 1624-25. 'WilUana Van Hulst, 1626-26. Peter Minuit, 1626-33. DaTld Petersen de Vries, 1632-33. Wouter Van Twiller, 1633-38. CHAPTER II 23-33 Sir William Keift, 1638-47. Peter Minuit, 1638-41. Peter Hollandaer, 1641^3. John Printz, 1643-53. Peter Stuyvesant,. 1647-64. John Pappagoya, 1653-54. John Claude Rysingh, 1654-55. CHAPTER III 33-36 John Paul Jacquet, 1655-57. Jacob Alrichs, 1657-59. Goeran Van Dyck, 1657-58. Will- iam Beekman, 1658-63. Alex. B'Hinoyossa, 1659-64. CHAPTER IV 35-41 Richard Nichols, 1664-67. Robert Need- ham, 1664-68. Francis Lovelace, 1667-73. John Carr, 1668-73. Anthony Colve, 1673-74. Peter Alrichs, 1673-74. CHAPTER V 41-50 Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-81. Edmund Cantwell; 1674-76. John Collier, 1676-77. Christopher Billop, 1677-81. CHAPTER VI 51-61 WUliam Markham, 1681-82. William Penn, 1682-84. CHAPTER VII 61-69 Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86. Five Commis- sioners, 1686-88. John Blackwell, 1688-90. Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91. William Markham, 1691-93. Benjamin Fletcher, 1693-95. Will- iam Markham, 1693-99 CHAPTER VIII 1 69-75 William Penn, 1699-1701. Andrew Hamil- ton, 1701-03. Edward Shippen, 1703-04. John Evans, 1704-09. Charles Gooken, 1709-17. CHAPTER'IX 75-89 Sir William Keith, 1717-26. Patrick Gor- don, 1726-36. James Logan, 1736-38. George Thomas, 1738-47. Anthony Palmer, 1747-48. Jam es Hamilton, 1748-54, CHAPTER X 89-97 Robert H. Morris, 1754-56. William Den- ny, 1756-59. James Hamilton, 1759-63. CHAPTER XI 98-104 John Penn, 1763-71. James Hamilton, 1771. Richard Penn, 1771-73. John Penn, 1773-76. CHAPTER Xn 104-114 Thomas Wharton, Jr., 1777-78. George Bryan, 1778. Joseph Reed, 1778-81. William Moore, 1781-82. John Dickinson, 1782-85. Benjamin Franklin, 1785-88. CHAPTER XIII 114-121 Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99. Thomas Mc- Kean, 1799-1808. Simon Snyder, 1808-17. William Flndlay, 1817-20. Joseph HeUter, 1820-23. John A. Shulze, 1823-29. George Wolfe, 1829-35. Joseph Ritner, 1835-39. CHAPTER XIV 122-131 David R. Porter, 1839-45. Francis R. Shunkj 1845-48. William F. Johnstone, 1848- 52. William Bigler, 1852-56. John Pollock, 1855-58. William F. Packer, 1868-61. An- drew G. Curtin, 1861-67. John W. Geary, ' 1867-73. John F. Hartranft, 1873-78. Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82. Robert E. Pattison, 1882. Gubernatorial Table 132 PART II. HISTORY OF CRAWrORD COUNTY. CHAPTER I.— Archeology 137-142 The Mound Builders— Evidences of a Van- ished Race — Delaware Tradition of the Al- legewi — Pre-historic Remains in Crawford County— Stone Mound Near Oil Creek — Old Meadows on French Creek and Indian Tradition Regarding Them — Circular Forts and Mounds Below MeadTille — Indian Graves and Kelics— Description of a Large Fort near Fymatuning Swamp — Numerous Artificial Oil Pits Found by the Pioneers in the Vicinity of Titusville — Mounds in Other Portions of the County — Archseological Conclusions Regarding These Monuments of Antiquity. CHAPTER II.— Indian History 142-153 The Fries Occupy the Southern Shore of Lake Erie— They are Conquered and Dis- persed by the Iroquois— Catholic Missiona- ries who have Written of the Fries— Defini- tion of Their Name— Mention of the Eries on Two Old French Maps at Harrisburg— Seneca Tradition Regarding the War of Extermination — The Senecas Occupy the Conquered Territory — War Between the Senecas and Massassaugas — Indi&n Villages in Crawford County— Friendly Indians and White Prisoners Found Here by the First Settlers— Neighboring Indian Towns- Biog- raphy of Corn-planter — Ancient Indian Trace — Delegations of Wyandots and Sene- cas Pass Through Meadville in 1808— Coun- cil at Jennesedaga Between Citizens of Crawford County and the Senecas— The Lat- ter Join the Americans in the War of 1812-16. CONTENTS. PAGE. CHAPTER III.— French Navigators, Etc.154^169 Cartier discovers the St. Lawrence — Champlain Founds Quebec and Montreal— French Explorations— Catholic Missionaries Visit the Eries and Iroquois— Joncaire— French and English Traders— Conflicting Claims— Celeron's Expedition— The French Take Possession of the Allegheny and Ohio Valleys and Build Forts Presque Isle, Le Bceuf, Machault and DuQuense— Catholic Church Erected at Presque Isle— Eng- lish Eesistance to the Claims of France- Washington's Mission to the French Com- mandant of LeBceuf— War Between the Two Nations— Old French Eoad Through Crawford County— French Fort at Site of MeadTiUe — Evacuation of the Country by the French, and English Occupancy— Forts Presque Isle and LeBceuf Repaired and Venango and Pitt Erected— Indian Dissatis- faction — Pontiac's Conspiracy and Capture of Forts Venango, LeBoeuf and Presque Isle— Revolutionary War and American Possession— Indian Treaties— Erection of Fort Franklin— Soldiers Stationed at Mead's Block-house— French Creek Settlers Organ- ize for Protection— English and Indian Op- position to American Occupation — Wayne's V ictory and Final Peace. CHAPTER IV.— PiONBEES of French Creek 170-181 David and John Mead Visit the Valley in 1787 — Appearance of the Country at that Time— First Settlement Made in May, 1788, by David, John and Joseph Mead, Thomas Martin, John Watson, James Fitz Randolph, Thomas Grant, Cornelius Van Horne and Christopher Snyder — They Plow and Plant a Field ot Corn in the Bottom West of French Creek — Selections of Lands — David and John Mead Bring Out Their Families— Ar- rival of Darius Mead, Robert Fitz Randolph and Frederick Baum— First Birth in tne Settlement — Biographies of David Mead, John Mead, Cornelius Van Horne, Robert Fitz Randolph and Edward Fitz Randolph —The Heritage They Left to Their De- scendants. CHAPTER v.— Indian Depredations 181-191 Friendly Indians— The Settlers Leave the Valley in April, 1791— Return of Cornelius A'^an Horne, Thomas Ray and William Gregg — Capture of Van Horne by the Indians and his Subsequent Escape— He Meets Ensign Jeffers at Mead's Block-house and goes to Fort Franklin— Ray Captured and Gregg Killed by the Savages— The Foi-mer taken to Detroit, but Finally Gains his Freedom — Capture and Death of Darius Mead— Un- settled State of French Creek Valley — Mead's Block-house Garrisoned by Ensign Bond — Indians Attack James Dickson — Cornelius Van Home raises a Company of Volunteers to Protect the Settlement— The Settlers Erect a Blockhouse at Meadville— Fearless Character of the Pioneers — Findlay and JUcCormick Killed by the Indians — Raid on William Power's Camp by the Same Band and Capture of James Thompson- Closing Events of Indian Hostility. CHAPTER VL— Northwestern Pennsylva- nia 191-205 Formation of Counties — Territory Em- braced in Allegheny County — Erection of Crawford County and Location of the Seat of Justice at Meadville — Surrounding Coun- ties Erected and Temporarily Attached to Crawford for Judicial Purposes— The Mer- cer and Erie County Boundary Lines Estab- lished— Biography of Col. William Crawford, After Whom the County was Named— His Useful Career and Cruel Death — Location and Boundaries of Crawford County— Town- ships,Size, Area and General Appearance page. — Population Statistics — French Cr6ek — * The Stream as a Hij^way of Navigation — New Channel at Meadville — Its Tributaries — Cussewago and Other Streams— Oil Creek — Conneaut Creek— Shenango and Crooked Creek— Lake Conneaut— Oil Creek Lake — Sugar Lake. CHAPTER VII.— Topographical Features OF Crawford County 205-225 Elevations, Surface Dip and Physical Phenomena of Streams, Lakes and Swamps — Drainage of Conneaut Marsh — Pyniatun- ing Swamp— Geological Series— Drift— Bur- ied Valleys — Pottsville Conglomerate — Homewood Sandstone, Mercer Group, Cono- quenssing and Shai'on — Sub-conglomerate Formations— Shenango, Meadville and Oil Lake Groups — Venango Oil Sand Group — Venango Upper Sandstone, Upper Shales, Middle Sandstone, Lower Shales and Lower Sandstone. CHAPTER VIIL— Lands 226-235 Land Provision made for Pennsylvania Soldiers of the Revolution by the Act of 1780 — Depreciation Certificates — Act of 1783 . — Depreciation Lands — Donation Lands — Survey and Distribution of Military Lands West of the Allegheny River— Unseated Lands — Act of 1792 — Prevention Clause in said Act, and the Litigation and Troubles Arising Therefrom — Organization of Land Companies — Holland Land Company — Pennsylvania Population Company — North American Land Company — John Reynolds' Reminiscences of the Conflict Between the Settlers and Land Companies and the In- jury ■ Thereby Inflicted on the Settlement and Prosperity of the County. CHAPTER IX. Agriculture 236-246 First Land Cultivated by the Pioneers in the Valley of French Creek, and First Corn Crop Planted — Pioneer Nursery — Introduc- tion of Potatoes. Wheat^ Ry®) Buckwheat, Oats, Barley, Etc.— Rapid Increase of the Cereals — Horses and Cattle — Merino Sheep brought into the County— Anecdote of a Sheep Speculation— Swine of the Past and the Present — Stock and Land in 1826 — Wool Production— Leading Fine Stock Breeders, Dealers and Importers — Agricultural Socie- ties of Crawford County — Agricultural Im- plements, their Changes and Wonderful Im- provements during the Past Century — Pio- neer Mode of Farming — Dairy Interests- First Cheese Factories Erected in the County— Their Rapid Increase and Present Prosperity of the Business — Dairymen's As- sociation — Dairymen's Board of Trade. CHAPTER X. — Primitive Appearance of Crawford County 249-262 Timber and Fruit Bearing Trees and Vines— Roots and Herbage— Pioneer Days and Trials— Habitations ot the First Settlers — Furniture, Food and Medicines — Habits, Labor and Dress— Early Manners and Cus- toms —"Bees" and Weddings— The Hom- iny Block and Pioneer Mills— Store Goods and Produce— Old Cash Book at Fort Frank- lin — Mode of Living— Churches and Schools —Period of 1812-15— Alfred Huidekoper's List of Wild Animals, Birds and Reptiles— An Old Settler— Game— The Inhabitants of Northwestern Pennsylvania Petition the Legislature to Enact a Law for the Destruc- tion of Squirrels— Hunts Inaugurated — Pheasants, Pigeons, Bees and Fish— Wolves- Premium on Wolf and Fox Scalps- Bears- Panther — Fur Bearing Animals — The Rattle-snake and other Pests of Early Times. ' CHAPTER XL— Internal Improvements..263-286 Early Roads and Navigation— Salt Trade CONTENTS. PAGE. — Discovery and Manufacture of Salt in Crawford County — Freightage of Salt Be- tween Erie and Pittsburgh — Turnpike' Roads— State Appropriations for Navigation and Eoads— Old State Road — County Ex- penditures for Roads and Bridges from 1804 to 1834 — Mode of Travel in Pioneer Days — Plank Roads— First Bridges Built Across French Creek— Sta^e Lines and Mail Routes — Boating and Navigation on French Creek — Canals and Canal Building— French Creek Feeder and the Beaver and Erie Canal- Introduction of Steamboats on the Alle- gheny, and Slack-water Navigation on French Creek — Completion of the Beaver and Erie Canal — Railroads of Crawford County. CHAPTER XII.— The Burr Conspiracy, etc. 286-294 One of Burr's Agents Visits Meadville and Enlists Men for the Expedition— Capture of Boats on the Ohio — The Democracy of Craw- ford County Hold a Celebration at Mead- ville to Rejoice Over the Failure of the Con- spiracy — Suggestive Toasts Drank on the Occasion — Tne Federalists Take Offense, and attempt Retaliation— Partisan Strife Be- comes Bitter, but Finally Dies out and Peace Prevails — Religious Phenomena of Pioneer Days — Strange Actions of Those Affected — Vivid Descriptions of the Excite- ment — Early Murders — Killing df a Squaw in Meadville — Murder of Hugh Fitzpatrick by Van Holland — Arrest, Trial and Execution of the Murderer — Hanging of Lamphier for Killing Constable Smith — Charles Higgen- bottom Killed by George Gosnell— The Lat- ter Sent to the Penitentiary — Slavery in Crawford County — John Brown of Ossawa- tomie. CHAPTER XIIL— Judiciary 295-311 Pioneer Courthouses, Their Simplicity and Many Uses — First Buildings Used for County Purposes in Crawford County — First Term of Court and Amusing Incident Connected Therewith — Second Session and First Grand Jury Impaneled— Indictments Found by This Jury— Pioneer Mode of Set- tling Disagreements — Anecdo*.e of Judge Mead— Second Grand Jury— First Jury Trial in Crawford County — 'Early Practice and Practitioners — The. Bench and Bar — ■ President, District and Additional Law Judges^Associate Judges— Deputy Attor- ney-Generals and District Attorneys — United States Courts— The Men Who Organ- ized the First Court at Meadville — Brief Biographies of Leading Members ' of the Bench and Bar — Present Bar of the County — Resident Attorneys out of Practice — De- ceased Attorneys. CHAPTER XIV.— Official Roster 311-320 Members of Congress — State Senators — State Representatives — Prothonotaries — Clerks— Registers and Recorders— Sheriffs — Commissioners — Treasurers — Surveyors — PAGE. Coroners- County Buildings and County Farm— The Old State Arsenal. CHAPTER XV.— Education, etc 321-330 The Old Block-house Wherein the First School in Crawford County Was Taught^- The Act Erecting the County Provides for a Seminary of Learning at the County Seat — Pioneer Schoolhouses— School Law of 1809— Free Schools Established in 1834— Nationality and Educational Characteristics of the Early Settlers — Teachers of Pioneer Days — Organ- ization of the Crawford County Teachers' Institute — Its Growth and Progress and the Work It has Accomplished — School Law of 1854 — Office of County Superintendent Created — Establishment of Normal Schools- Superintendents Since 1854 — Present Con- dition of the Schools— Crawford County Medical Society — Homoeopathic Medical Society of Crawford County — Crawford County Mutual Insurance Company— Farm- ers' Mutual Fire Insurance of Crawford County. CHAPTER XVL— Military History 331-343 English Intrigue and Indian Hostility — Tecumseh andthe Battle of Tippecanoe — War of 1812-15— Preparing for the Conflict — Organization of the Militia— Gen. David Mead and Brigade-Inspector William Clark Engaged in the Work- Military Camp Es- tablished at Meadville by Gen. TannehiU'B Brigade— Political Trouble Between the Sol- diers While in Camp — The Command Leaves for the Front — Excitement Caused by Hull's Surrender — Patriotism of the Pioneers- Tannehill's Brigade Disband — Testimonial to Maj. James Herriott — Recruiting Office at Meadville — Building of Perry's Fleet — Gen. Mead's Stirring Appeal to the People ^Perry's Letter of Thanks to Gen. Mead — Battle of Lake Erie— Second Letter from Perry to Mead — Mead's Troops Stationed at Erie in 1813-14— Capt. Morris Recruiting at Meadville — List of Officers — Peace Pro- claimed—Brief Review of the War — Mexi- can War. CHAPTER XVII.— Crawford County in the War of the Rebellion 344-365 Patriotic Feeling Among its People— Meet- ing Held to Denounce Treason and Uphold the Government — First Volunteers Sent to the Front— Erie Regiment— Thirty-eighth Regiment, Ninth Reserve — Thirty-ninth Regiment, Tenth Reserve— Fifty-seventh Regiment — Fifty-ninth Regiment, Second Cavalry — Eighty-third Regiment — One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment — One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Twelfth Cavalry— One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment— One Hundred and Thirty- seventh Regiment — One Hundred and For- ty-fifth Regiment— One Hundred and Fif- tieth Regiment— One Hundred and Sixty- third Regiment, Eighteenth Cavalry— One Hundred and Ninetieth and Ninety-first Regiment — Two Hundred and Eleventh Regiment — Close of the War. PART III. MEADVILLE AND TITUSVILLE. PAGE. CHAPTER I.— Meadville 371-389 Appearance and Topography of the City — The Town Laid Out by David Mead — First Sales of Lots and the Purchasers — Anecdote of the First Survey — Pioneers — Resurvey and Enlargement of the Town Plat— Brief Sketches of Those Who Located Perma- nently in Meadville Prior to 1805— Early PAGE. Physicians — Natural Phenomena of Pio- neer Days — Strange Psychological Phenome- non — Visit of LaFayette — Meadville in 1830— Business Men Then Residing Here — Old Houses Yet Remaining— The Changes Which Fifty-four Years Have Wrought in the Town. CONTENTS. CHAPTER IL— Religious History 389^03 First Presbyterian Church— Second Pres- byterian Church— Cumberland Presbyterian and United Presbyterian Churches— First Methodist Episcopal Church— State Street Methodist Episcopal Church— African Meth- odist Episcopal Church— Christ Protestant Episcopal Church— Independent Congrega- tional Church— First Baptist Church — Lu- theran Evangelical Trinity Church— St. Paul's Reformed Church— St. Agatha's Cath- olic Church— St. Bridget's Catholic Church — Meadville Hebrew Society— First Evan- gelical Protestant Church — Park Avenue Congregational Church. CHAPTER III.— Schools op Meadville. .404-426 The Old Block-house Remodeled by David Mead for School Purposes— First School Opened in the Town — Night School — Mead- ville Academy Founded by the Legislature — Original Subscribers to the Fund for Its Establishment — The Academy Opened Un- der Rev. Joseph Stockton — Its Early Teach- ers and Future Progress— Free Schools- Growth of Education in Meadville and Present Condition of the Schools — Alle- gheny College — History of the Institution from Its Inception to the Present Time— Meadville Theological School — Meadville Business College. CHAPTER IV.— Newspapers, etc ^26-443 Crawford Weekly Messenger— Allegheny Magazine — Western Standard — Meadville Gazette — Unitarian Essayist — Western Star — Meadville Courier — Crawford Democrat — Statesman — American Citizen — Democratic Republican — Meadville Gazette — Crawford Journal — Pennsylvania Sentinel — Cussewa- PAGE. go Chronicle— Spirit of the Age— Meadville Republican — Meadville Index — Crawford County Post— Meadville Reporter— Demo- cratic Messenger— Messenger Democrat — Morning News — National' Vindicator — Chau- tauquan — Chautauqua Assembly Herald — Pennsylvania Farmer— Meadville Tribune — Past and Present Manufacturing Inter- ests of the City. CHAPTER v.— Meadville, Concluded 443-462 Incorporation of Meadville as a Borough — First Election of Officers — Meadville Be- comes a City — Population of the Town by Decades Since 1800- Burgesses— May ors— Postmasters— The Old Cemetery— Green- dale Cemetery — City Hall — Market House — St. Joseph's Hospital — Meadville City Hos- pital—Fire Department— Meadville Gas and Water Company —Electric Light — Meadville Water Company — Telegraph, Telephone and Express Companies— Banks — Hotels — Secret and Other Societies- Pioneer Shows and Public Halls — Public Library — Parks — Con- clusion. CHAPTER VI.— TiTUSVILLE 462-475 Historical — Early Settlements — First Things— Lumbering Industry— Discovery of Petroleum — Oil Companies Organized — Oil Wells- Refineries— Great Oil Fire— Oil Ex- change — Industries. CHAPTER VII.— TiTUSVILLE, Concluded...476-491 Incorporation — City Hall — Water Works — Gas and Water Company — Fire Compa- nies—Sewers—Banking — Library Associa- tion — Agricultural Association — The Press — Schools — Churches — Cemeteries — Societies — Miscellaneous. PAET IT. TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. CHAPTER I.— Athens Township 495-501 Boundary — Lands — Early Settlements — Organization — Population — Streams — Raii- roads- Topography— Timber — Industries- Schools— Post Offices — Little Cooley — First Settlers — Industries, etc. — Churches. CHAPTER 11— Beaver Township 502-505 Erection— Boundaries — Physical Features — Industries — Land Titles — Settlements^ Salt Industry — Mills— Schools— Beaver Cen- ter — Churches. CHAPTER III — Bloomfield Township and Borough of Riceville 505-513 Organization — Boundaries — Physical Fea- tures — Lands — Early Settlers — Thomas Bloomfield — Richard Shreve — Other Settlers — Money— Schools— Lincolnville — Churches — Chapmanville —Bloomfield — Cheese Fac- tories — Mills. Borough of Riceville 511 Incorporation— Officers— Early Settlers — Schools — Industries— Churches— Societies. CHAPTER IV.— Cambridge Township and Borough op Cambridgeboro 513-521 Formation — Location — Name — Physical Features — Early Settlers—Drake's Mills — Schools. Borough op Cambridgeboro 516 Location — Population — Settlement — Growth— Business— The Railroad— Present Industries — Incorporation — Officers — News- paper — Churches — Societies — The Con- servatory of Music— Schools. CHAPTER v.— CoNNEAUT Township 522-526 Organization — Boundaries— Name — Phys- ical Features — Area and Population — Land Companies — First Purchasers — Early Set- tlers—Mills — Schools — Friends— Churches — Summit — Penn Line — Steamburg. CHAPTER VI.— CussEWAGO Township 526-532 Formation and Boundaries — Name — Streams— Soil— Population— First Owners- Pioneer Life— Early Settlers— Mills— Cheese Factories — Schools — Mosiertown — Crossing- ville— Churches. CHAPTER VII.— East Fairfield Township AND Borough OF Cochranton 533-540 Petition— Election — Physical Features — Titles— Trials of Pioneers— First Settlers — Early School Teachers— Shaw's Landing— Pettis Postoffice—Stitzerville— Churches. Borough op Cochranton 535 Petition — Election — Officers —Name — Population and Present Industries— School — Press — Churches — Societies — Cemetery . CHAPTER VIII.— East Fallowpield Town- „SHiP , 541-545 Fallowfield and Boundaries — Division of the Original Township — Physical Features— CONTENTS. PAGE. Population Company Contracts— First Set- tlers—Other Settlers— Early Schools— Lost Child — Mills — Atlantic — Societies — Churches. CHAPTER IX.— Fairfield Tq-wkship 546-552 Boundaries— Location — Physical Features —Population— First Settlers— Lands— Later Settlements — Conscription — State Road— Library Association — Schools — Great Snow —Mill— Calvin's Corners— Churches. CHAPTEK X.— Gkeenwood Township and Borough ofGeneva 552-559 Location— Area — Population — Physical Features— Field's Claim — Early Settlers- Early Mills— Distilleries— Early Teachers- Glendale — West Green-wood — Mills- Churches. Borough op Geneva 556 Population — Incorporation — Election— Offi- cers — Early Residents-Schools— Churches — Societies. CHAPTER XL— Hayfield Township 559-564 Organization— Area— Physical Features- Population — Early Settlers— Land Titles — Pioneer Trials— Mills— Schools — Churches — Hayfield— Coon's Corners. — NorrisTille. C HAPTER XII.— Mead Township 564-575 Formation — Size — Valuation^Population —Boundaries — Rev.Timothy Alden, on Mead Township — Early Settlers — Titles from the Holland Land Company— Other Settlers — Mills- Wayland — Frenchtown — Bousson — Schools — Churches. CHAPTER XIII.— North Shenango Town- ship 576-579 Original Township— Subdivision — Popula- tion—Physical Features— Mounds — Espy- ville Station— Espy ville Postoffice— Churches —Land Titles— Early Settlers— Mills— Dis- tilleries — Early Teachers. CHAPTER xrv.— Oil Creek Township and Borough of Hydetown 579-585 Erection — Boundaries — Physical Features — Land Titles — Early Settlers— Early Mer- chants — Postoffice — Mills — Distilleries— Oil Wells — Early Teachers — Religion — Churches— Kerr's Hill. Borough of Hydetown 584 First Settlers — Early Business Interests — School — ^Present Business — Incorporation —Officers— Churches — The Equitable Aid Union— Literary Society. CHAPTER XV.— Pine Township and Borough OF Linesville —586-595 Population — Organization—Name — Physi- cal Features— Land Companies— Deeds — Early Settlers— Colt's New Station. Borough OF Linesville 591 Location— Origin— Plat Recorded— Post- office— Early Settlers— Mill— Press— School — Churches— Societies — Police Company — Incorporation — Business — Professions. CHAITER S:VI.— Randolph Township 695-601 Location— Organization — Lands — Popula- tion — Physical Features — Settlements — Land Titles— Pioneers— Soldiers' Titles- Later Settlers — Mills— Schools— Guy's Mills —Societies— Churches. CHAPTER XVIL— Richmond Township... 601-605 Boundaries — Physical Features — Doua^ tion Lands — Soldiers' Claims— Pioneers — Tannery — Mills— Cheese Factories- Early Schools— New Richmond— Lyona^- Ceme- teries — Churches. CHAPTER XVIIL— Rockdale Township... 605- 61 2 Original Boundaries— Present Limits — Population— Physical Features— Early Mills —Land Titles— Early Settlers— Other Mills —First Schools — Roads— Miller's Station— ' Church— Cemetery— Brown Hill. page. CHAPTER XIX.— Rome Township and Borough op Centrbville 612-620 Organization- Boundaries— Area —Popu- lation—Physical Features — Land Titles— Pioneers^Early Tax Payers — Mills — Early School Teachers— Churches. Borough of Centeeville 616 iDcorporation — Election — Officers— liarly Settlement— Present Business Interests — School— Cemetery— Churches— Societies. CHAPTER XX.— Sadseuky Township anjj Borough of Evansbueg 620-625 Original Boundaries — Present Area^Pop- ulation— Canal —Railroads— Con neaut Lake- Physical Features— Land Companies— Early Settlers— Distilleries — Early Teachers — Shermanville— Alden i a— Stony Point Post- office. Borough of Evansbueg 623 Location — locorporation — Hotels — Popu- lation — Business— Religious Orgauizations —Societies — The Founder— Early Settlers and Business Pursuits. CHAPTER XXI.— South Shenango Town- ship 625-630 Erection— Population— Physical Features — Westford — Marshall's Corners — McLean's Corners—Population Company Contracts — Early Settlers— Indians — First Teachers — Religious Organizations. CHAPTER XXII.— Sparta Township and Borough of Spartanseueg esn-e:^ Boundaries — Erection — Population — Physical Features— Mills— Land Companies —Early Pioneers— Early Justice— Early School Teachers, Borough of Spartansburg 633 Location — Business — Early Settlers — First Name — Incorporation — Officers — Religious Organization — Societies, CHAPTER XXIIL — Spring Township and Boroughs of Conneautville and Spring 635-652 Name — Physical Features — Population- Land Titles — Early Settlers— : Adventures of Pioneers— Early Mills-Lumbering- Early Schools — Teachers— Religious Organizations — Rundel's Postoffice. Borough of Conneautville". 642 Incorporation — Election — Officers—Fire Department — Population — Canal Days — Present Industries — Mercantile Pursuits — Alexander Power — Original Plat — First Settl ers — Press — Bank^Cem etery — Agricul- tural Societies — Schools— Churches— Socie- ties. Borough OF Speing 650 Location — Population — Business — First Settlers — Postoffice — Incorporation —Elec- tion—Officers—School — Churches — Societies. CHAPTER XXIV.— Steuben Township and Borough OF Townville 653-658 Erection — Boundaries — Lands — Early Settlers — Lumbering — Early Mills — Tryon- ville — Proposed Railroad — Clappville — Tryonville Methodist Episcopal Church. Borough OF Townville...-. 656 Incorporation — Officers — Population — Business Interests— Name— Early Residents Schools— Press— Religious Organizations — Societies. CHAPTER XXV.— Summeehill Township 658-662 Boundaries — Organization— Physical Fea^ tures — Pioneers — Land Titles — Distilleries — Mills— Early School — Dicksonhurg — Reli- gious Organizations— Society. CONTENTS. PA6E. CHAPTER XXVI.— Summit Township 662-667 Boundaries — Formation — Population — Physical Features — First Settlements — Land Titles — Pioneers — Conneaut Lake— Cemeteries— Early Methodist Organization —Canal— Peat and Marl— Mills— Religious Organizations — Harmonsburg — Churches — Lodges. CHAPTER XXVII.— Tkoy Township 668-672 Boundaries — Organization — Election — Population — Physical Features — Land Tracts — Troubles of Early Settlers — Pio- neers—Early Deaths and Burials— Mills- Schools— Troy Center— Newtontown — Reli- gious Organizations. CHAPTER XXVIII.— Union Township 672-67.1 Petition — Proposed Bounds — Election — Physical Features— Population— Early Set- tlements—Killing by Indians- Early Deeds — Other Pioneers — Religious Organization -Mills. CHAPTER XXIX— Venango Township and Borough of Venango 675-680 Organization — Boundaries — Physical Features— Name — Early Settlers— Distillery — Mills — Religious Societies. Borough of Venango 678 First Settlement — Industries — Incorpor- ation — Officers — Population — Business — Schools — Religious Organizations — Societies. CHAPTER XXX.— Vernon Township and Borough op Vallonia 680-685 Organization — Population — Physical Feat- ures — Industries— First Settlers — Holland Company Titles — Kerrtown — Fredericks- burg or Stringtown— Religious Organiza- tions. Borough op Vallonia 684 Location — Incorporation — Election — Popu- lation—Growth—First Residents— Distillery —Postoffice— School— Mission Chapel. CHAPTER XXXI.— Wayne Township 685-688 Formation— Limits — Population — Physi- cal Features— Sugar Lake— Indians — Rattle- PAGE. snakes — Deer — Wild Animals — Titles- Early Settlers— Mills— Schools— DecardTille Religious Oganizations. CHAPTER XXXII. — West Fallowfield Township and Borough of Harts- town 689-692 Formation — Population— Physical Fea- tures-Pennsylvania Population Land Ti- tles—Early Settlers — Early Presbyterian Congregation — Adamsville — Religious Organizations — Schools. fioROUGH OF HaRTSTOWN 691 Incorporation — Officers — Location — Pop- ulation— Business Houses— Name— Churches —A. O. U. W. CHAPTER XXXIII.— West Shenango Town- ship 693-694 Petition— Elections — Population— Physi- cal Features— Penn Population Company Titles— Early Settlers— Early Mills— Cheese Factory- Early Teachers — Turnersville— Religious Organizations. CHAPTER XXXIV.— Woodcock Township AND boroughs OF BLOOMING VALLEY Saegertown AND Woodcock 695-705 Boundaries— Erection— Population— Phys- ical Features — Early Settlements and Settlers Holland Land Company Titles — Actual Set- tlers — Other Pioneers--Schools — Taverns — Graveyards — Mills— Cheese Factory — Paper Mill. Borough of Blooming Valley 699 Location — Population — Name — Postoffice — Village Plat — Business Interests — Schools — Press — Incorporation — Election — Officers — — Religious Organizations — Societies. Borough of Saegertown 801 Location— Population — The Founder- Early Business — Incorporation — Officers — Present Business — Cemetery — Schools — Churches — Societies. Borough of Woodcock 803 Location — Populatioo — Rockville — Kep- lertown — First Settlers — Incori)oration — Offi- cers — Present Business — Societies — Churches —Grange— Fairs. PAET Y. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Meadville 709 Athens Township 776 Beaver Township .■ 788 Bloomfield Township 791 Cambridge Township 800 Conneaut Township 819 Cussewago Township 841 East Fairfi»-ld Township 857 East Fallowfield Township 863 Fairfield Township 864 Greenwood Township 869 Hayfield Township .' 871 Mead Township 891 North Shenango Township 904 Oil Creek Township 913 Pine Township 919 Randolph Township 925 Richmond Township 943 Rockdale Township 962 Rome Township 970 Sadsbury Township 985 South Shenango Township 993 Sparta Township 999 Spring Township 1010 Steuhen Township 1066 Summerhill Township 1055 Summit Township 1080 Titusville 1088 Troy Township 1101 Union Township 1107 Venango Townsaip 1112 Vernon Township 1128 Wayne Township 1137 West Fallowfield Township 1139 West Shenango Township 1141 Woodcock Township 1143 Jamestown, Mercer County 1184 CONTENTS. PORTRAITS. PAGE. Bemus Dr., Daniel, Meadville ■'■■■ 46 Brawley Francis, Mead Township 187 Britton A. T., Eandolph Township 267 Brown Gideon, Vernon Township 547 Birchard D. D., Cambridge Township 167 Chamberlain £., Richmond Township 367 Culbertson J. H., Cambridge Township 218 Cutshall G. W., Randolph Ttmuship 378 Davis Wm., Jr., Meadville 134 Davis James H., Mead Township 178 Dick John, Meadville 79 Doane I. S., Mead Township 307 Gamble W. J., Cussewago Township 348 Gamble Mrs. Esther Jane, Cussewago Township.. 349 Gamble H. M„ South Shenango Township 387 Gibson Dr. William, Jamestown, Mercer County. 207 Herrington Edward, Union Township 158 Hotchkiss Mrs. Elizabeth, Cussewago Township.. 607 Humes John M., Woodcock Township 407 Johnson Dr. Wm. M., Venango Township 438 Johnson R. C, Fairfield Township 227 Kean John S., Sadsbury Township 527 Kepler S. W., Meadville 538 McKav Neal, Randolph Township 278 Miller Robert P., Pine Township 447 Morse William, Richmond Township 298 PAGE. Pettis S. Newton, Meadville 487 Reitz C, Union Township 458 Richmond H. L., Meadville 197 Richmond A. B., Meadville 247 Ross A. B., Cambridge Township 258 Ryan Geo. P., Woodcock Township 497 Sherry Isaac, Spring Township 398 Virtue J. 0., Randolph Township 558 Waid John, Steuben Township 427 Waid Ira Cy^ Woodcock Township 147 Waid Mrs. Elizabeth P., Woodcock Township... 148 Waid Francis C, Woodcock Township 828 Waid Mrs. Eliza C, Woodcock Township 329 Waid Robert L,, Woodcock Township 607 Waid George N., Woodcock Township 518 Waid Franklin L, Woodcock Township 568 Waid Mrs. Maggie E., Woodcock Township 569 Waid Guinnip P., Woodcock Township 688 Waid Mrs. Anna M., Woodcock Township 589 Waid Fred F., Woodcock Township 618 Warner William, Randolph Township 287 Wilcox George, Rockdale Township 468 Wilcox Mrs. Sarah, Rockdale Township 469 Williams F„ Spring Township 418 Wilson Jacob, Randolph Township 238 Wing D. 0., Rockdale Township 318 MISCBLLAIsrEOUS. Map of Crawford County between 12 and 13 Map Showing Various Purchases from the Indians 113 Diagram Showing Proportionate Annual Production of Anthracite Coal since 1820 118 Table Showing Amount of Anthracite Coal Produced in Each Region Since 1820 119 '•V- *=Mi=it PART I. Bistoryo^Pennsylvania, BY SAMUEL P. BATES. *' God, that has given it me through many difficulties, ■will, I believe, bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the governnnent that it be well laid at first. I do, therefore, desire the Lord's wisdonn. to guide me, and those that may be concerned with me, that we may do the thing that is truly wise and just." f "WILLIAM PENN. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. OHAPTEE I. Introduotoky — CORNELis Jacobson Mby, 1624-25— William Van Hulst, 1625- 26— Petek Minuit, 1626-33— David Petersen de Vries, 1632-33— Wouteb Van Twilleb, 1633-38. IN the early colonization upon the American continent, two motives were principally operative. One was the desire of amassing sudden wealth without great labor, which tempted adventurous spirits to go in search of gold, to trade valueless trinkets to the simple natives for rich furs and skins, and even to seek, amidst the wilds of a tropical forest, for the fountain whose healing waters could restore to man perpetual youth. The other was the cherished purpose of escaping the unjust restrictions of Government, and the hated ban of society against the worship of the Supreme Being according to the honest dictates of conscience, which incited the humble devotees of Christianity to forego the comforts of home, in the midst of the best civilization of the age, and make for themselves a habitation on the shores of a new world, where they might erect altars and do homage to their God in such habiliments as they preferred, and utter praises in such note as seemed to them g6od. This pur- pose was also incited by a certain romantic temper, common to the race, es- pecially noticeable in youth, that invites to some uninhabited j spot, and Bas- selas and Eobinson Crusoe-like to begin life anew. William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, had felt the heavy hand of persecution for religious opinion's sake. As a gentleman commoner at Ox- ford, he had been fined, and finally expelled from that venerable seat of learn- ing for non-comf ormity to the established worship. At home, he was whipped and turned out of doors by a father who thought to' reclaim the son to the more certain path of advancement at a licentious court. He was sent to prison by the Mayor of Cork. For seven months he languished in the tower of Lon- don, and, finally, to complete his disgrace, be was cast into Newgate with com- mon fblons. Upon the accession of James II, to the throne of England, over fourteen hundred persons of the Quaker faith were immured in prisons for a conscientious adherence to their religious convictions. To escape this harassing persecution, and find peace and quietude from this sore proscription, was the moving cause which led Penn and his followers to emigrate to America. Of all those who have been founders of States in near or distant ages, none have manifested so sincere and disinterested a spirit, nor have been so fair ex- emplars of the golden rule, and of the Redeemer's sermon on the mount, as William Penn. In his preface to the frame of government of his colony, he says: " The end of government is first to terrify evil-doers; secondly, to cher- ish those who do well, which gives government a life beyond corrnption, and 16 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. makes it as durable in tlie world, as good men shall be. So that government seems to be a part of religion itself, a thing sacred in its institution and end. For, if it does not directly remove the cause, it crushes the effects of evil, and is an emanation of the same Divine power, that is both author and object of pure religion, the difference lying here, that the one is more free and mental, the other more corporal and compulsive in its operations; but that is only to evil-doers, government itself being otherwise as capable of kindness, goodness and charity, as a more private society. They weakly err, who think there is no other use of government than correction, which is the coarsest part of it. Daily experience tells us, that the care and regulation of many other affairs more soft, and daily necessary, make up much the greatest part of government. Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as govern- ments are made and moved by men, so by them are they ruined, too. Where- fore, governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad. If it be ill, they will cure it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil to their turn. * * * That, therefore, which makes a good constitution, must keep it, men of wisdom and virtue, qualities, that because they descend not with worldly inheritances, must be carefully propagated by a vir- tuous education of youth, for which, after ages will owe more to the care and prudence of founders and the successive magistracy, than to their parents for their private patrimonies. * * * We have, therefore, with reverence to God, and good conscience to men, to the best of our skill, contrived and composed the Frame and Laws of this government, viz. ; To support power in reverence with the people, and to secure the people from the abuse of power, that they may be free by their just obedience, and the magistrates honorable for their just administration. For liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedi- ence without liberty is slavery." Though born amidst the seductive arts of the great city, Penn's tastes were rural. He hated the manners of the corrupt court, and delighted in the homely labors and innocent employments of the farm. " The country," he said, "is the philosopher's garden and library, in which he reads and contemplates- the power, wisdom and goodness of God. It is his food as well as study, and gives him life as well as learning." And to his wife he said upon taking leave of her in their parting interview: " Let my children be husbandmen, and house- wives. It is industrious, healthy, honest, and of good report. This leads to consider the works of God, and diverts the mind from being taken up with vain arts and inventions of a luxurious world. Of cities and towns of concourse, beware. The world is apt to stick close to those who have lived and got wealth there. A country life and estate I love best for my children." Having thus given some account at the outset of the spirit and purposes of the founder, and the motive which drew him to these shores, it will be in place, before proceeding with the details of the acquisition of territory, and the coming of emigrants for the actual settlement under the name of Pennsyl- vania, to say something of the aborigines who were found in possession of the soil when first visited by Europeans, of the condition of the surface of the country, and of the previous attempts at settlements before the coming of Penn. The sui'face of what is now known as Pennsylvania was, at the time of the coming of the white men, one vast forest of hemlock, and pine, and beech, and oak, unbroken, except by an occasional rocky barren upon the' precipitous mountain side, or by a few patches of prairie, which had been reclaimed by annual burnings, and was used by the indolent and simple-minded natives for the culture of a little maize and a few vegetables. The soil, by the annual HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17 accumulations of leaves and abundant growths of forest vegetation, was luxu- rious, and the trees stood close, and of gigantic size. The streams swarmed with fish, and the forest abounded with game. Where now are cities and hamlets filled with busy populations intent upon the accumulation of wealth, the mastery of knowledge, the pursuits of pleasure, the deer browsed and sipped at the water's edge, and the pheasant drummed his monotonous note. Where now is the glowing furnace from which day and night tongues of flame are bursting, and the busy water wheel sends the shuttle flashing through the loom, half-naked, dusky warriors fashioned their spears with rude implements of stone, and made themselves hooks out of the bones of animals for alluring the finny tribe. Where now are fertile fields, upon which the thrifty farmer turns his furrow, which his neighbor takes up and runs on until it reaches from one end of the broad State to the other, and where are flocks and herds, rejoicing in rich meadows, gladdened by abundant fountains, or reposing at the heated noontide beneath ample shade, not a blow had been $truck against the giants of the forest, the soil rested in virgin purity, the streams glided on in , majesty, un vexed by wheel and unchoked by device of man. Where now the long train rushes on with the speed of the wind over plain and mead, across streams and under mountains, awakening the echoes of the hills the long' day through, and at the midnight hour screaming out its shrill whistle in fiery defiance, the wild native, with a fox skin wrapped about his loins and a few feathers stuck in his hair, issuing from his rude hut, trot- ted on in his forest path, followed by his squaw with her infant peering forth from the rough sling at her back, pointed his canoe, fashioned from the barks of the trees, across the deep river, knowing the progress of time only by the riding and setting sun, troubled by no meridians for its index, starting on his way when his nap was ended, and stopping for rest when a spot was reached that pleased his fancy. Where now a swarthy population toils ceaselessly deep down in the bowels of the earth, shut out trom the light of day in cutting out the material that feeds the fires upon the forge, and gives genial warmth to the lovers as they chat merrily in the luxurious drawing room, not a mine had been opened, and the vast beds of the black diamond rested unsunned beneath the superincumbent mountains, where they had been fashioned by the Creator's hand. Rivers of oil seethed through the impatient and uneasy gases and vast pools and lakes of this pungent, parti -colored fluid, hidden away from the coveting eye of man, guarded well their own secrets. Not a derrick protruded its well-balanced form in the air. Not a drill, with its eager eating tooth de- scended into the flinty rock. No pipe lino diverted the oily tide in a silent, ceaseless current to the ocean's brink. The cities of iron tanks, filled to burst- ing, had no place amidst the forest solitudes. Oil exchanges, with their vex- ing puts and calls, shorts and longs, bulls and bears, had not yet come to dis- turb the equanimity of the red man, as he smoked the pipe of peace at the council fire. Had he once seen the smoke and soot of the new Birmingham of the West, or snuffed the odors of an oil refinery, he would willingly have for- feited his goodly heritage by the forest stream or the deep flowing river, and sought for himself new hunting grounds in less favored regions. It was an unfortunate circumstance that at the coming of Europeans the territory now known as Pennsylvania was occupied by some of the most bloody and revengeful of the savage tribes. They were known as the Lenni Lenapes, and held sway from the Hudson to the Potomac. A tradition was preserved among them, that in a remote age their ancestors had emigrated eastward from beyond the Mississippi, exterminating as they came the more civilized and peaceful peoples, the Mound-Builders of Ohio and adjacent States, and who 18 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. were held among the tribes by whom they were surrounded as the progenitors, the grandfathers or oldest people. They came to be known by Europeans as the Delawares, after the name of the river and its numerous branches along which they principally dwelt. The Monseys or Wolves, another tribe of the Lenapes, dwelt upon the Susquehanna and its tributaries, and, by their war- like disposition, won the credit of being the fiercest of their nation, and the guardians of the door to their council house from the North. Occupying the greater part of the teritory now known as New York, were the five nations — the Senacas, the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Cayugas, and the Onondagas, which, from their hearty union, acquired great strength and came to exercise a commanding influence. Obtaining firearms of the Dutch at Albany, they repelled the advances of the French from Canada, and by their superiority in numbers and organization, had overcome the Lenapes, and held them for awhile in vassalage. The Tuscaroras, a tribe which had been expelled from their home in North Carolina, were adopted by the Five Na- tions in 1712, and from this time forward these tribes were known to the English as the Six Nations, called by the Iienapes, Mingoes, and by the French, Iroquois. There was, therefore, properly a United States before the thirteen colonies achieved their independence. The person and character of these tribes were marked. They were above the ordinary stature, erect, bold, and commanding, of great decorum in council, and when aroused showing native eloquence. In warfare, they exhibited all the bloodthirsty, revengeful, cruel instincts of the savage, and for the attainment of their purposes were treacherous and crafty. The Indian character, as developed by intercourse with Europeans, exhibits some traits that are peculiar While coveting what they saw that pleased them, and thievish to the last degree, they were nevertheless generous. This may be accounted for by their habits. " They held that the game of the for- est, the fish of the rivers, and the grass of the field were a common heritage, and free to all who would take the trouble to gather them, and ridiculed the idea of fencing in a meadow." Bancroft says: " The hospitality of the Indian has rarely been questioned. The stranger enters his cabin, by day or by night, without asking leave, and is entertained as freely as a thrush or a blackbird, that regales himself on the luxuries of the fruitful grove. He will take his own rest abroad, that he may give up his own skin or mat of sedge to his guest. Nor is the traveler questioned as to the purpose of his visit. He chooses his own time freely to deliver his message." Penn, who, from frequent intercourse came to know them well, in his letter to the society of Free Traders, saya of them: "In liberality they excel; nothing is too good for their friend. Give them a fine gun, coat or other thing, it may pass twenty hands before it sticks; light of heart, strong aflections, but soon spent. The most merry creatures that live; feast and dance perpetually. They never have much nor want much. Wealth circnlateth like the blood. All parts partake; and though none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers of property. Some Kings have sold, others presented me with several parcels of laud. The pay or presents I made them, were not hoarded by the particu- lar owners, but the neighboring Kings and clans being present when the goods were brought out, the parties chiefly concerned consulted what and to whom they should give them. To every King, then, by the hands of a per- son for that work appointed is a proportion sent, so sorted and folded, and with tb at gravity that is admirable. Then that King subdivideth it in like man- ner among his dependents, they hardly leaving themselves an equal share with one of their subjects, and be it on such occasions as festivals, or at their common meals, the Kings distribute, and to themselves last. ' They care for HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 little because they yimt but little, and the reason is a little contents them. In this they are sufficiently revenged on us. They are also free from our pains. They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange, nor perplexed with chancery suits and exchequer reckonings. "We sweat and toil to live; their pleasure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing and fowling, and this table is spread everywhere. They eat twice a day, morning and evening. Their Heats and table are the ground. Since the Europeans came into these .parts they are grown great lovers of strong liquors, rum especially, and for it exchange the richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquors, they are restless till they have enough to sleep. That is their cry, ' Some more and I will go to sleep; ' but when drunk one of the most wretched spec- tacles in the world." On the 28th of Aagust, 1609, a little more than a century from the time of the first discovery of the New World by Columbus, Hendrick Hudson, an English navigator, then in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, hav- ing been sent out in search of a northwestern passage to the Indies, discovered the mouth of a great bay, since known as Delaware Bay, which he entered and partially explored. But finding the waters shallow, and being satisfied that this was only an arm of the sea which received the waters of a great river, and not a passage to the western ocean, he retired, and, turning the prow of his little craft northward, on the 2d of September, he discovered the river which bears his name, the Hudson, and gave several days to its examination. Not finding a passage to the West, which was the object of his search, he returned to Holland, bearing the evidences of his adventures, and made a full report of his discoveries in which he says, " Of all lands on which I ever set my foot, this is the best for tillage." A proposition had been made in the States General of Holland to form a West India Company with purposes similar to those of the East India Com- pany ; but the conservative element in the Dutch Congress prevailed, and while the Government was unwilling to undertake the risks of an enterprise for which it would be responsible, it was not unwilling to foster private enter- prise, and on the 27th of March, 1614, an edict was passed, granting the privileges of trade, in any of its possessions in the New World, during four voyages, founding its right to the territory drained by the Delaware and Hudson upon the discoveries by Hudson. Five vessels were accordingly fitted by a company composed of enterprising merchants of the cities of Am- sterdam and Hoorn, which made speedy and prosperous voyages under com- mand of Cornelis Jacobson Mey, bringing back with them fine furs and rich woods, which so excited cupidity that the States General was induced on the 14th of October, 1614, to authorize exclusive trade, for four voyages, extend- ing through three years, in the newly acquired possessions, the edict designat- ing them as New Netherlands. One of the party of this first enterprise, Cornelis Hendrickson, was left behind with a vessel called the Unrest, which had been built to supply the place of one accidentally burned, in which he proceeded to explore more fully the bay and river Delaware, of which he made report that was read before the States General on the 19th of August, 1616. This report is curious as dis- closing the opinions of the first actual explorer in an official capacity: "He hath discovered for his aforesaid masters and directors certain lands, a bay, and three rivers, situate between thirty-eight and forty degrees, and did their trade with the inhabitants, said trade consisting of sables, furs, ,robps and other skins. He hath found the said country full of trees, to wit, oaks, hick- ory and pines, which trees were, in some places, covered with vines. He hath 20 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. seen in said country bucks and does, turkeys and partridges. He hath found the climate of said country very temperate, judging it to be as temperate as this country, Holland. He also traded for and bought from the inhabitants, the Minquas, three persons, being people belonging to this company, which three persons were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Machicans, giving for them kettles, beads, and merchandise." This second charter of privileges expired in January, 1618, and during its continuance the knowledge acquired of the country and its resources promised so much of success that the States General was ready to grant broader privi- leges, and on the 3d of June, 1621, the Dutch West India Company was in- corporated, to extend for a period of twenty-four years, with the right of renewal, the capital stock to be open to subscription by all nations, and "privileged to trade and plant colonies in Africa, from the tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and in America from the Straits of Magellan to the remotest north. " The past glories of Holland, though occupying but an in- significant patch of Europe, emboldened its Government to pass edicts for the colonizing and carrying on an exclusive trade with a full half of the entire world, an example of the biting off of more than could be well chewed. But the light of this enterprising people was beginning to pale before the rising glories of the stern race in their sea girt isle across the channel. Dissensions were arising among the able statesmen who had heretofore guided its affairs, and before the periods promised in the original charter of this colonizing com- pany had expired, its supremacy of the sea was successfully resisted, and its exclusive rights and privileges in the New World had to be relinquished. The principal object in establishing this West India Company was to secure a good dividend upon the capital stock, which was subscribed to by the rich old burgomasters. The fine furs and products of the forests, which had been taken back to Holland, had proved profitable. But it was seen that if this trade was to be permanently secured, in face of the active competition of other nations, and these commodities steadily depended upon, permanent set- tlements must be provided for. Accordingly, in 1623, a colony of about forty families, embracing a party of Walloons, protestant fugitives from Belgium, sailed for the new province, under the leadership of Cornells Jacobson Meyand Joriz Tienpont. Soon after their arrival, Mey, who had been invested with the power of Director General of all the territory claimed by the Dutch, see- ing, no doubt, the evidences of some permanence on the Hudson, determined to take these honest minded and devoted Walloons to the South River, or Del- aware, that he might also gain for his country a foothold there. The testi- mony of one of the women, Catalina Tricho, who was of the party, is curious, and sheds some light upon this point. " That she came to this prov- ince either in the year 1623 or 1624, and that four women came along with her in the same ship, in which Gov. Arien Jorissen came also over, which four women were married at sea, and that they and their husbands stayed about three weeks at this place (Manhattan) and then they with eight seamen more, went in a vessel by orders of the Dutch Governor to Delaware River, and there settled." Ascending the Delaware some fifty miles, Mey landed on the eastern shore near where now is the town of Gloucester, and built a fort which he called Nassau. Having duly installed his little colony, he re- turned to Manhattan; but beyond the building of the fort, which served as a trading post, this attempt to plant a colony was futile; for these religious zealots, tiring of the solitude in which they were left, after a few months abandoned it, and returned to their associates whom they had left upon the Hudson. Though not successful in establishing a permanent colony upon the HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21 Delaware, ships plied regularly between the fort and Manhattan, and this became the rallying point for the Indians, who brought thither their commo(^. ties for trade. At about this time, 1626, the island of Manhattan estimatei! to contain 22,000 acres, on which now stands the city of New York with its busy population, surrounded by its forests of masts, was bought for the insig- nificant suin of sixty guilders, about $24, what would now pay for scarcely a square inch of some of that very soil. As an evidence of the thrift which had begun to mark the progress of the colony, it may be stated that the good ship " The Arms of Amsterdam," which bore the intelligence of this fortunate pur- chase to the assembly of the XIX in Holland, bore also in the language of O'Calaghan, the historian of New Netherland, the "information that the col- ony was in a most prosperous state, and that the women and the soil were both fruitful. To prove the latter fact, samples of the recent harvest, consist- ing of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, were sent forward, together with 8, 130 beaver skins, valued at over 45,000 guilders, or nearly $19,000." It is accorded by another hisiorian that this same ship bore also " 853 J^ otter skins, eighty-one mink skins, thirty-six wi Id cat skins and thirty-four rat skins, with a quantity of oak and hickory timber." From this it may be seen what the commodities were which formed the subjects of trade. Doubt- less of wharf rats Holland had enough at home, but the oak and hickory tim- ber came at a time when there was sore need of it. Finding that the charter of privileges, enacted in 1621, did not give suffi- cient encouragement and promise of security to actual settlers, further con- cessions were made in 1629, whereby " all such persons as shall appear and desire the same from the company, shall be acknowledged as Patroons [a sort of feudal lord] of New Netherland, who shall, within the space of four years next after they have given notice to any of the chambers of the company here, or to the Commander or Council there, undertake to plant a colony there of fifty souls, upward of fifteen years old; one- fourth part within one year, and within three years after sending the first, making together four years, the re- mainder, to the full number of fifty persons, to be shipped from hence, on pain, in case of willful neglect, of being deprived of the privileges obtained." * * " The Patroons, by virtue of their power, shall be permitted, at such places as they shall settle their colonies, to extend their limits four miles along the shore, or two miles on each side of a river, and so far into the country as the situation of the occupiers will permit." Stimulated by these flattering promises, Goodyn and Bloemmaert, two wealthy and influential citizens, through their agents — Heyser and Coster — ■ secured by purchase from the Indians a tract of land on the western shore, at the mouth of the Delaware, sixteen miles in length along the bay front, and extending sixteen miles back into the country, giving a sqaare of 256 miles. Goodyn immediately gave notice to the company of their intention to plant a colony on their newly acquired territory as patroons. They were joined by an experienced navigator, De Yries, and on the 12th of December, 1630, a vessel, the Walrus, under command of De Vries, was dispatched with a company of settlers and a stock of cattle and farm implements, which arrived safely in the Delaware. De Vries landed about three leagues within the capes, " near the entrance of a fine navigable stream, called the Hoarkill," where he pro- ceeded to build a house, well surrounded with cedar palisades, which served the purpose of fort, lodging house, and trading post. The little settlement, which consisted of about thirty persons, was christened by the high sounding title of Zwanendal — Valley of Swans. In the spring they prepared their fields and planted them, and De Vries returned to Holland, to make report of his proceedings. ,,>.: 22 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. But a sad fate awaited the little colony atZwanendal. In accordance with the cusbiim of European nations, the commandant, on taking possession of the new purchase, erected a post, and affixed thereto a piece of tin on which was traced the arms of Holland and a legend of occupancy. An Indian chieftain, passing that way, attracted by the shining metal, and not understanding the object of the inscription, and not having the fear of their high mightinesses, the States General of Holland before his eyes, tore it down and proceeded to make for himself a tobacco pipe, considering it valuable both by way of orna- ment and use. When this act of trespass was discovered, it was regarded by the doughty Dutchman as a direct insult to the great State of Holland, and so great an ado was raised over it that the simple minded natives became frightened, believing that their chief had committed a mortal offense, and in the strength and sincerity of their friendship immediately proceeded to dis- patch the offending chieftain, and brought the bloody emblems of their deed to the head of the colony. This act excited the anger of the relatives of the mur- dered man, and in accordance with Indian law, they awaited the chance to take revenge. O'Calaghan gives the following account of this bloody massa- cre which ensued: "The colony at Zwanendal consisted at this time of thirty- four persons. Of these, thirty- two were one day at work in the fields, while Commissary" Hosset remained in charge of the house, where another of the set- tlers lay sick abed. A large bull dog was chained out of doors. On pretence of selling .some furs, three savages entered the house and murdered Hosset and the sick man. They found it not so easy to dispatch the mastiff. It was not until they had pierced him with at least twenty-five arrows that he was destroyed. The men in the fields were then set on, in an equally treacherous manner, under the guise of friendship, and every man of them slain." Thus wan a worthless bit of tin the cause of the cutting off and utter extermination of the infant colony. De Vries was upon the point of returning to Zwanendal when he received intimation of disaster to the settlers. With a large vessel and a yacht, he set sail on the 24th of May, 1632, to carry succor, provided with the means of prosecuting the whale fishery which he had been led to believe might be made very profitable, and of pushing the production of grain and tobacco. On ar- riving in the Delaware, he fired a signal gun to give notice of his approach. The report echoed through the forest, but, alas ! the ears which would have been gladened with the sound were heavy, and no answering salute came from the shore. On landing, he found his house destroyed, the palisades burned, and the skulls and bones of his murdered countrymen bestrewing the earth, sad relics of the little settlement, which had promised so fairly, and warning tokens of the barbarism of the natives. De Vries knew that he was in no position to attempt to punish the guilty parties, and hence determined to pursue an entirely pacific policy. At his invitation, the Indians gathered in with their chief for a conference. Sitting down in a circle beneath the shadows of the somber forest, their Sachem in the centre, De Vries, without alluding to their previous acts of savagery, concluded with them a treaty of peace and friendship, and presented them in token of ratification, "some duffels, bullets, axes and Nuremburg trinkets." In place of finding his colony with plenty of provisions for the immediate needs of his party, he could get nothing, and began to be in want. He accord- ingly sailed up the river in quest of food. The natives were ready with their furs for barter, but they had no supplies of food with which they wished to part. Game, however, was plenty, and wild turkeys were brought in weigh- ing over thirty pounds. One morning after a frosty night, while the little HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 craft was up the stream, the party was astonished to find the waters frozen over, and their ship fast in the ice. Judging by the mild climate of their own country, Holland-, they did not suppose this possible. For several weeks thev were held fast without the power to move their floating home. Being in need of a better variety of food than he found it possible to obtain, De Vries sailed away with a part of his followers to Virginia, where he was hospitably enter- tained by the Governor, who sent a present of goats as a token of friendship to the Dutch Governor at Manhattan. Upon his return to the Delaware, De Vries found that the party he had left behind to prosecute the whale fishery had only taken a few small ones, and these so poor that the amount of oil ob- tained was insignificant. He had been induced to embark in the enterprise of a settlement here by the glittering prospect of prosecuting the whale fishery along the shore at a great profit. Judging by this experience that the hope of great gains from tliis source was groundless, and doubtless haunted by a superstitious dread of making their homes amid the relies of the settlers of the previous year, and of plowing fields enriched by their blood who had been so utterly cut off, and a horror of dwelling amongst a people so revengeful and savage, De Vries gathered all together, and taking his entire party with him sailed away to Manhattan and thence home to Holland, abandoning utterly the settlement. The Dutch still however sought to maintain a foothold upon the Dela- ware, and a fierce contention having sprung up between the powerful patroons and the Director General, and they having agreed to settle differences by the company authorizing the purchase of the claims of the patroons, those upon the Delaware were sold for 15,600 guilders. Fort Nassau was acciordinglyre-oc- cupied and manned with a small military force, and when a party from Con- necticut Colony came, under one Holmes to make a settlement upon the Dela- ware, the Dutch at Nassau were found too strong to be subdued, and Holmes and his party were compelled to surrender, and were sent as prisoners of war to Manhattan. OHAPTEH II. Sm Wn-LiAM Keitt, 1638-47— Peter Minuit, 1638-41— Peter Hollandaer, 1641-43— John Printz, 1648-58— Peter Stuyvesastt, 1647-64^John Pappagota, 1653-54^- JoHN Claude Rtsingh, 1654-55. AT this period, the throne of Sweden was occupied by Gustavus Adolphus, a monarch of the most enlightened views and heroic valor. Seeing the activity of surrounding nations in sending out colonies, he proposed to "his people to found a commonwealth in the New World, not for the mere purpose of gain by trade, but to set up a refuge for the oppressed, a place of religious liberty and happy homes that should prove of advantage to " all oppressed Christendom." Accordingly, a company with ample privileges was incorpo- rated by the Swedish Government, to which the King himself pledged $400,000 of the royal treasure, and men of every rank and nationality were invited to join in the enterprise. Gustavus desired not that his colony should depend upon serfs or slaves to do the rough work. " Slaves cost a great deal, labor with reluctance, and soon perish from hard usage. The Swedish nation is laborious and intelligent, and surely we shall gain more by a free people with wives and children. " 24 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. In the meantime, the fruits of the reformation in Germany were menaced, and the Swedish monarch determined to unsheath his sword and lead his people to the aid of Protestant faith in the land where its standard had been successfully raised. At the battle of Liitzen, where for the cause which he had espoused, a signal victory was gained, the illustrious monarch, in the flower of life, received a mortal wound Previous to the battle, and while engaged in active preparations for the great struggle, he remembered the interests of his contemplated colony in America, and in a most earnest manner commended the enterprise to the people of Germany. Oxenstiern, the minister of Gustavus, upon whom the weight of govern- ment devolved during the minority of the young daughter, Christina, declared that he was but the executor of the will of the fallen King, and exerted him- self to further the interests of a colony which he believed would be favorable to " all Christendom, to Europe, to the whole world. " Four years however elapsed before the project was brought to a successful issue. Peter Minuit, who had for a time been Governor of New Netherlands, having been displaced, sought employment in the Swedish company, and was given the command of the first colony. Two vessels, the Key of Calmar and the Griffin, early in the year 1638, with a company of Swedes and Fins, made their way across the stormy Atlantic and aiTived safely in the Delaware. They purchased of the Indians the lands from the ocean to the falls of Trenton, and at the mouth of Christina Creek erected a fort which they called Christina, after the name of the youthful Queen of Sweden. The soil was fruitful, the climate mild, and the scenery picturesque. Compared with many parts of Finland and Sweden, it was a Paradise, a name which had been given the point at the entrance of the bay. As tidings of the satisfaction of the first emigrants were borne back to the fatherland, the desire to seek a home in the new country spread rap- idly, and the ships sailing were unable to take the many families seeking pas- sage. The Dutch were in actual possession of Fort Nassau when the Swedes first arrived, and though they continued to hold it and to seek the trade of the Indians, yet the artful Minuit was more than a match for them in Indian bar- ter. William Keift, the Governor of New Netherland, entered a vigorous protest against the encroachments of the Swedes upon Dutch territory, in which he said " this has been our property for many years, occupied with forts and sealed by our blood, which also was done when thou wast in the service of New Netherland, and is therefore well known to thee. " But Minuit pushed forward the work upon his fort, regardless of protest, trusting to the respect which the flag of Sweden had inspired in the hands of Banner and Torstensen. For more than a year no tidings were had from Sweden, and no supplies from any source were obtained; and while the fruits of their labors were abundant there were many articles of diet, medicines and apparel, the lack of which they began to sorely feel. So pressing had the want become, that application had been made to the authorities at Manhattan for permission to remove thither with all their effects. But on the very day before that on which they were to embark, a ship from Sweden richly laden with provisions, cattle, seeds and merchandise for barter with the natives came joyfully to their relief, and this, the first permanent settlement on soil where now are the States of Delaware and Pennsylvania, was spared. The success and prosperity of the colony during the first few years of its existence was largely due to the skill and policy of Minuit, who preserved the friendship of the natives, avoided an open conflict with the Dutch, and so prosecuted trade that the Dutch Governor reported to his government that trade had fallen ofi" 30,000 beavers. Minuit HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 25 ■was at the head of the colony for about three years, and died in the midst of the people whom he had led. Minuit was succeeded in the government by Peter Hollandaer, who had previously gone in charge of a company of emigrants, and who was now, in 1641, commissioned. The goodly lands upon the Delaware were a constant attraction to the eye of the adventurer ; a party from Connecticut, under the lead- ership of Robert Cogswell, came, and squatted without authority upon the site of the present town of Salem, N. J. Another company had proceeded up the river, and, entering the Schuylkill, had planted themselves upon its banks. The settlement of the Swedes, backed as it was by one of the most powerful nations of Europe, the Governor of New Netherland was not disposed to molest; but when these irresponsible wandering adventurers came sailing past their forts and boldly planted themselves upon the most eligible sites and fer- tile lands in their territory, the Dutch determined to assume a hostile front, and to drive them away. Accordingly, Gen. Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam — his very name was enough to frighten away the emigrants — was sent with two vessels and a military force, who routed the party upon the Schuylkill, destroy- ing their fort and giving them a taste of the punishment that was likely to be meted out to them, if this experiment of trespass was repeated. The Swedes joined the Dutch in breaking up the settlement at Salem and driving away the New England intruders. In 1642, Hollandaer was succeeded in the government of the Swedish Colony by John Printz, whose instructions for the management of affairs were drawn with much care by the officers of the company in Stockholm. " He was, first of all, to maiutain friendly relations with the Indians, and by the advan- tage of low prices hold their trade. His next care was to cultivate enough grain for the wants of the colonists, and when this was insured, turn his atten- tion lo the culture of tobacco, the raising of cattle and sheep of a good species, the culture of the grape, and the raising of silk worms. The manufacture of salt by evaporation, and the search for metals and minerals were to be prose- cuted, and inquiry into the establishment of fisheries, with a view to profit, especially the whale fishery, was to be made." It will be seen from these in- structions that the far-sighted Swedish statesmen had formed an exalted con- ception of the resources of the new country, and had figured to themselves great possibilities from its future development. Visions of rich silk products, of the precious metals and gems from its mines, flocks upon a thousand hills that should rival in the softness of their downy fleeces the best products of the Indian looms, and the luscious clusters of the vine that could make glad the palate of the epicure filled their imaginations. "With two vessels, the Stoork and Renown, Printz set sail, and arrived at Fort Christina on the 15th of February, 1643. He was bred to the profession of arms, and was doubtless selected with an eye to his ability to holding posses- sion of the land against the conflict that was likely to arise. He had been a Lieutenant of cavalry, and was withal a man of prodigious proportions, " who weighed," according to De Vries, "upward of 400 pounds, and drank three drinks at every meal. " He entertained exalted notions of his dignity as Govern- or of the colony, and prepared to establish himself in his new dominions with some degree of magnificence. He brought with him from Sweden the bricks to be used for the construction of his royal dwelling. Upon an inspection of the settlement, he detected the inherent weakness of the location of Fort Christina for commanding the navigation of the river, and selected the island of Tinacum for the site of a new fort, called New Gottenburg, which was speedily erected and made strong with huge hemlock logs. In the midst of 26 HI8T0EY OF PENNSYLVANIA. the island, he built his royal residence, which was surrounded with trees and shubbery. He erected another fort near the mouth of Salem Creek, called Elsinborg, which he mounted with eight brass twelve-pounders, and garrisoned. Here all ships ascending the river were brought to, and required to await a permit from the Governor before proceeding to their destination. Gen. Van Ilpendam, who had been sent to drive away the intruders from New England, had remained after executing his commission as commandant at Fort Nassau; but having incurred the dis- pleasure of Director Keift, he had been displaced, and was succeeded by An- dreas Hudde, a crafty and politic agent of the Dutch Governor, who had no sooner arrived and become settled in his place than a conflict of authority sprang up between himself and the Swedish Governor. Dutch settlers secured a grant of land on the west bank of Delaware, and obtained possession by pur- chase from the Indians. This procedure kindled the wrath of Printz, who tore down the ensign of the company which had been erected in token of the power of Holland, and declared that he would have pulled down the colors of their High Mightinesses had they been erected on this the Swed- ish soil. That there might be no mistake about his claim to authority, the testy Governor issued a manifesto to his rival on the opposite bank, in which were these explicit declarations: " Andreas Hudde! I remind you again, by this written warning, to discon- tinue the injuries of which you have been guilty against the Royal Majesty of Sweden, my most gracious Queen; again&t Her Royal Majesty's rights, pre- tensions, soil and land, without showing the least respect to the Royal Majes- ty's magnificence, reputation and dignity; and to do so no more, considering how little it would be becoming Her Royal Majesty to bear such gross violence, and what great disasters might originate from it, yea, might be expected. * * * All this I can freely bring forward in my own defense, to exculpate me from all future calamities, of which we give you a warning, and place it at your account. Dated New Gothenburg, 3d September, stil, veteri 1646." It will be noted from the repetition of the high sounding epithets applied to the Queen, that Printz had a very exalted idea of his own position as the Vicegerent of the Swedish monarch. Hudde responded, saying in reply: " The place we possess we hold in just deed, perhaps before the name of South River was heard of in Sweden." This paper, upon its presentation, Printz flung to the ground in contempt, and when the messenger, who^bore it, demanded an answer, Printz unceremoniously threw him out doors, and seizing a gun would have dispatched the Dutchman had he not been arrested; and whenever any of Hudde's men visited Tinicum they were sure to be abused, and frequently came back " bloody and bruised. " Hudde urged rights acquired by prior posses- sion, but Printz answered: " The devil was the oldest possessor in hell, yet he, notwithstanding, would sometimes admit a younger one." A vessel which had come to the Delaware from Manhattan with goods to barter to the Indians, was brought to, and ordered away. In vain did Hudde plead the rights acquired by previous possession, and finally treaty obligations existing between the two nations. Printz was inexorable, and peremptorily ordered the skipper away, and as his ship was not provided with the means of fighting its way up past the frowning battlements oE Fort Elsinborg, his only alternative was to return to Manhattan and report the result to his employers. Peter Stuyvesant, a man of a good share of native talent and force of char- acter, succeeded to the chief authority over New Netherland in May, 1647. The affairs of his colony were not in an encouraging condition. The New England colonies were crowding upon him from the north and east, and the HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. ' 2T Swedes upon the South River were occupying the territory which the Dutch for many years previous to the coming of Christina's colony had claimed. Amid the thickening complications, Stuyvesant had need of all his power of argument and executive skill. He entered into negistiations with the New En- gland colonies for a peaceful settlement of their difficulties, getting the very- best terms he could, without resorting to force; for, said his superiors, the oflSioers of the company in Holland, who had an eye to dividends, " War can- not be for our advantage; the New England people are too powerful for us." A pacific policy was also preserved toward the Swedes. Hudde was retained at the head of Dutch affairs upon the Delaware, and he was required to make full reports of everything that was transpiring there in order that a clear in- sight might be gained of the policy likely to be pursued. Stuyvesant was en- tirely too shrewd a politician for the choleric Printz. He recommended to the. company to plant a Dutch colony on the site of Zwanendal at the mouth of the river, another on the opposite bank, which, if effectually done, would com- mand its navigation; and a third on the upper waters at Beversreede, which would intercept the intercourse of the native population. By this course of active colonizing, Stuyvesant rightly calculated that the Swedish power would be circumscribed, and finally, upon a favorable occasion, be crushed out. Stuyvesant, that he might ascertain the nature and extent of the Swedish claims to the country, and examine into the complaints that were pouring in upon him of wrongs and indignities suffered by the Dutch at the hands of the Swedish power, in 1651 determined to visit the Delaware in his official capac- ity. He evidently went in some state, and Printz, who was doubtless impressed with the condecension of the Governor of all New Netherland in thus coming, was put upon his good behavior. Stuyvesant, by his address, got completely on the blind side of the Swedish chief, maintaining the garb of friendship and brotherly good-will, and insisting that the discussion of rights should be carried on in a peaceful and friendly manner, for we are informed that they mutually promised " not to commit any hostile or vexatious acts against one another, but to maintain together all neighborly friendship and correspond- ence, as good friends and allies aro bound to do." Printz was thus, by this agreement, entirely disarmed and placed at a disadvantage; for the Dutch Governor took advantage of the armistice to acquire lands below Fort Chris- tina, where he proceeded to erect a fort only five miles away, which he named Fort Casimir. This gave the Dutch a foothold upon the south bank, and in nearer proximity to the ocean than Fort Christina. Fort Nassau was dis- mantled and destroyed, as being no longer of use. In a conference with the Swedish Governor, Stuyvesant demanded to see documental proof of his right to exercise authority upon he Delaware, and the compass of the lands tO' which the Swedish Government laid claim. Printz prepared a statement in which he set out the "Swedish limits wine enough." But Stuyvesant de- manded the documents, under the seal of the company, and characterized this writing as a "subterfuge," maintaining by documentary evidence, on his part, the Dutch West India Company's right to the soil. Printz was great as a blusterer, and preserver of authority when personal abuse and kicks and cuffs could be resorted to without the fear of retaliation; but no match in statecraft for the wily Stuyvesant. To the plea of pre-occu- pancy he had nothing to answer more than he had already done to Hudde's messenger respecting the government of Hades, and herein was the cause of the Swedes inherently weak. In numbers, too, the Swedes were feeble com- pared with the Dutch, who had ten times the population. But in diplomacy he had been entirely overreached. Fort Casimir, by its location, rendered 28 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA the rival Fort Elsinborg powerless, and under plea that the mosquitoes had be- come troublesome there, it was abandoned. Discovering, doubtless, that a cloud of complications was thickening over him, which he would be unable with the forces at his command to successfully withstand, he asked to be relieved, and, without awaiting an answer to his application, departed for Sweden, leaving his son-in-law, John Pappegoya, who had previously received marks of the royal favor, and been invested with the dignity of Lieutenant Governor, in supreme authority. The Swedish company had by this time, no doubt, discovered that forcible opposition to Swedish occupancy of the soil upon Delaware was destined soon to come, and accordingly, as a precautionary measure, in November, 1653, the College of Commerce sent John Amundson Besch, with the commission of Captain in the Navy, to superintend the construction of vessels. Upon his arrival, he acquired lands suitable for the purpose of ship-building, and set about laying his keels. He was to have supreme authority over the naval force, and was to act in conjunction with the Governor in protecting the interests of the colony, but in such a manner that neither should decide anything without consulting the other. On receiving the application of Printz to be relieved, the company ap- pointed John Claude Rysingh, then Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, as Vice Director of New Sweden. He was instructed to fortify and extend the Swedish possessions, but without interrupting the friendship existing with the English or Dutch. He was to use his power of persuasion in induc- ing the latter to give up Fort Casimir, which was regarded as an intrusion upon Swedish possessions, but without resorting to hostilities, as it was better to allow the Dutch to occupy it than to have it fall into the hands of the En- glish, ' ' who are the more powerful, and, of course, the most dangerous in that country." Thus early was the prowess of England foreshadowed. Gov. Rysingh arrived in the Delaware, on the last day of May, 1654, and immediately demanded the surrender of Port Casimir. Adriaen Van Tienhoven, an aide- de-camp on the staff of the Dutch commandant of the fort, was sent on board the vessel to demand of Gov. Rysingh by what right he claimed to dis- possess the rightful occupants; but the Governor was not disposed to discuss the matter, and immediately landed a party and took possession without more opposition than wordy protests, the Dutch Governor saying, when called on to make defense, " What can I do ? there is no powder." Rysingh, however, in justification of his course, stated to Teinhoven, after he had gained possession of the fort, that he was acting under orders from the crown of Sweden, whose embassador at the Dutch Court, when remonstrating against the action of Gov. Stuyvesant in erecting and manning Fort Casimir had been assured, by the State's General and the offices of the West India Company, that they had not authorized the erection of this fort on Swedish soil, saying, " if our people are in your Excellency's way, drive them off." "Thereupon the Swedish Governor slapped Van Tainhoven on the breast, and said, ' Go! tell your Gov- ernor that. ' " As the capture .was made on Trinity Sunday, the name was changed from Fort Casimir to Fort Trinity. Thus were the instructions of the new Governor, not to resort to force, but to secure possession of the fort by negotiation, complied with, but by a forced interpretation. For, although he had not actually come to battle, for the very good reason that the Dutch had no powder, and were not disposed to use their fists against fire arms, which the Swedes brandished freely, yet, in mak- ing his demand for the fort, he had put on the stern aspect of war. Stuyvesant, on learning of the loss of Fort Casimir, sent a messenger to the HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29 Delaware to invite Gov. Eysingh to come to Manhattan to hold friendly confer- ence upon the subject of their difficjilties. This Eysingh refused to do, and the Dutch Governor, probably desiring instructions from the home Governmeiit be- fore proceeding to extremities, made a voyage to the West Indies for the purpose of arranging favorable regulations of trade vrith the colonies, though without the instructions, or even the knowledge of the States-General. Cromwell, who was now at the head of the English nation, by the policy of his agents, rendered this embassy of Stuyvesant abortive. As soon as information of the conduct of Bysingh at Zwanendal was known in Holland, the company lost no time in disclaiming the representa- tions which he had made of its willingness to have the fort turned over to the Swedes, and immediately took measures for restoring it and wholly dispossess- ing the Swedes of lands upon the Delaware. On the 16th of November, 1655, the company ordered Stuyvesant "to exert every nerve to avenge the insult, by not only replacing matters on the Delaware in their former position, but by driving the Swedes from every side of the river," though they subsequent- ly modified this order in such manner as to allow the Swedes, after Fort Casi- mir had been taken, "to hold the land on which Fort Christina is built," with a garden to cultivate tobacco, because it appears that they had made the pur- chase with the previous knowledge of the company, thus manifesting a disin- clination to involve Holland in a war with Sweden. "Two armed ships were forthwith commissioned; 'the drum was beaten daily for volunteers' in the streets of Amsterdam; authority was sent out to arm and equip, and if neces- sary to press into the company's service a sufficient number of ships for the expedition." In the meantime. Gov. Eysingh, who had inaugurated his reign by so bold a stroke of policy, determined to ingratiate himself into the favor of the Indians, who had been soured in disposition by the arbi- trary conduct of the passionate Printz. He accordingly sent out on all sides an invitation to the native tribes to assemble on a certain day, by their chiefs and principal men, at the seat of government on Tinicum Island, to brighten the chain of friendship and renew their pledges of faith and good neighbor- hood. ' On the morning of the appointed day, ten grand sachems with their at- tendants came, and with the formality characteristic of these native tribes, the council opened. Many and bitter were the complaints made against the Swedes for wrongs suffered at their hands, " chief among which was that many of their number had died, plainly pointing, though not explicitly saying it, to the giving of spirituous liquors as the cause." The new Governor had no answer to make to these complaints, being convinced, probably, that they were but too true. Without attempting to excuse or extenuate the past, Eysingh brought forward the numerous presents which he had taken with him from Sweden for the purpose. The sight of the piled up goods produced a prof ound impression upon the minds of the native chieftains. They sat apart for conference before making any expression of their feelings. Naaman, the fast friend of the white man, and the most consequential of the warriors, according to Campanius, spoke: " Look," said he, "and see what they have brought to us." So say- ing, he stroked himself three times down the arm, which, among the Indians, was a token of friendship; afterward he thanked the Swedes on behalf of his people for the presents they had received, and said that friendship should be observed more strictly between them than ever before; that the Swede.s and the Indians in Gov. Printz's time were as one body and one heart, striking his breast as he spoke, and that thenceforward they should be as one head; in token of which he took hold of his head with both hands, and made a motion 2 30 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. as if he were tying a knot, and then he made this comparison: " That, as tJie calabash was round, without any crack, so they should be a compact body with- out any fissure; and that if any should attempt to do any harm to the Indians, the Swedes should immediately inform them of it; and, on the other hand, the Indians would give immediate notice to the Christians, even if it were in the middle of the night." On this they were answered that that would be indeed a true and lasting friendship, if every one would agree to it; on which they gave a general shout in token of consent. Immediately on this the great guns were fired, which pleased them extremely, and they said, ^'Poo, hoo, hoo; mokericjc picon," that is to say "Hear and believe; the great guns are fired." Eysingh then produced all the treaties which had ever been concluded between them and the Swedes, which were again solemnly confirmed. " When those who had signed the deeds heard their names, they appeared to rejoice, but, when the names were read of those who were dead, they hung their heads in sorrow." After the first ebulition of feeling had subsided on the part of the DutcL Company at Amsterdam, the winter passed without anything further being done than issuing the order to Stuyvesant to proceed against the Swedes. In the spring, however, a thirty-six-gun brig was obtained from the burgomasters of Amsterdam, which, with four other crafts of varying sizes, was prepared for duty, and the little fleet set sail for New Netherland. Orders were given for immediate action, though Director General Stuyvesant had not returned from the West Indies. Upon the arrival of the vessels at Manhattan, it was an- nounced that " if any lovers of the prosperity and security of the province of New Netherland were inclined to volunteer, or to serve for reasonable wages, they should come forward," and whoever should lose a limb, or be maimed, was assured of a decent compensation. The merchantmen were ordered to furnish two of their crews, and the river boatmen were to be impressed. At this junct- ure a grave question arose: "Shall the Jews be enlisted?" It was decided in the negative; but in lieu of service, adult male Jews were taxed sixty-five stivers a head per month, to*be levied by execution in case of refusal. Stuyvesant had now arrived from his commercial trip, and made ready for opening the campaign in earnest. A day of prayer and thanksgiving was held to beseech the favor of Heaven upon the enterprise, and on the 5th of Septem- ber, 1655, with a fleet of seven vessels and some 600 men, Stuyvesant hoisted sail and steered for the Delaware. Arrived before Fort Trinity (Casimir), the Director sent Capt. Smith and a drummer to summon the fort, and ordered a flank movement by a party of fifty picked men to cut ofl' communication with. Fort Christina and the headquarters of Gov. Eysingh. Swen Schute, the com- mandant of the garrison, asked permission to communicate with Bysingh, which was denied, and he was called on to prevent bloodshed. An interview in the valley midway between the fort and the Dutch batteries was held, when Schute asked to send an open letter to Eysingh. This was denied, and for a third time the fort was summoned. Impatient of delay, and in no temper for parley, the great guns were landed and the Dutch force ordered to advance. Schute again asked for a delay until morning, which was granted, as the day was now well spent and the Dutch would be unable to make the necessary preparations to open before morning. Early on the following day, Schute went on board the Dutch flag- ship, the iJalance, and agreed to terms of surrender very honorable to his flag. He was permitted to send to Sweden, by the first opportunity, the cannctn, nine in number, belonging to the crown of Sweden, to march out of the fort with twelve men, as his body guard, fully accoutered^ and colors flying; the common soldiers to wear their side arms. The com- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31 mandant and other officers were to retain their private property, the muskets belonging to the crown were to be held until sent for, and finally the fort was to be surrendered, with all the cannon, ammunition, materials and other goods belonging to the "West India Company. The Datch entered the fort at noon with all the formality and glorious circumstance of war, and Dominie Megap- olensis, Chaplain of the expedition, preached a sermon of thanksgiving on the following Sunday in honor of the great triumph. While these signal events were transpiring at Casimir, Gov. Rysing, at his royal residence on TinicUm, was in utter ignorance that he wa« being despoiled of his power. A detachment of nine men had been sent by the Governor to Casimir to re-enforce the garrison, which came unawares upon the Dutch lines, and after a brief skirmish all but two were captured. Upon learning that the fort was invested. Factor Ellswyck was sent with a flag to inquire of the in- vaders the purpose of their coming. The answer was returned "To recover and retain our property." Rysingh then communicated the hope that they would therewith rest content, and not encroach further upon Swedish territory, having, doubtless, ascertained by this time that the Dutch were too strong for him to make any eflFectual resistance. Stuyvesant returned an evasive answer, but made ready to march upon Fort Christina. It will be remembered that by the terms of the modified orders given for the reduction of the Swedes, Fort Christina was not to be disturbed. But the Dutch Governor's blood was now up, and he determined to make clean work while the means were in his hands. Discovering that the Dutch were advancing, Rysingh spent the whole night in strengthening the defenses and putting the garrison in position to make a stout resistance. Early on the following day the invaders made their appearance on the opposite bank of Christina Creek, where they threw up de- fenses and planted their cannon. Forces were landed above the fort, and the place was soon invested on all sides, the vessels, in the meantime, having been brought into the mouth of the creek, their cannon planted west of the fort and on Timber Island. Having thus securely shut up the Governor and his garri- son, Stuyvesant summmoned him to surrender. Eysingh could not in honor tamely submit, and at a council of war it was resolved to make a defense and " leave the consequence to be redressed by our gracious superiors." But their supply of powder barely sufficed for one round, and his force consisted of only thirty men. In the meantime, the Dutch soldiery made free with the property of the Swedes without the fort, killing their cattle and invading their homes. ' ' At length the Swedish garrison itself showed symptoms of mutiny. The men were harassed with constant watching, provisions began to fail, many were sick, several had deserted, and Stuyvesant threatened, that, if they held out much longer, to give no quarter." A conference was held which ended by the return of Eysingh to the fort more resolute than ever for defense. Finally Stuyvesant sent in his ultimatum and gave twenty-four hours for a final answer, the generous extent of time for consideration evincing the humane disposition of the commander of the invading army, or what is perhaps more probable his own lack of stomach for carnage. Before the expiration of the time allowed, the garrison capitulated, " after a siege of fourteen days, dur- ing which, very fortunately, there was a great deal more talking than cannon- ading, and no blood shed, except those of the goats, poultry and swine, which the Dutch troops laid their hands on. The twenty or thirty Swedes then marched out with their arms; colors flying, matches lighted, drums beating, and fifes playing, and the Dutch took possession of the fort, hauled down the Swedish flag and hoisted their own." By the terms of capitulation, the Swedes, who wished to remain in the 32 HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. country, were permitted to do so, od taking the oath of allegiance, and rights of property were to be respected under the sway of Dutch law. Gov. Ry- singh, and all others who desired to return to Europe, were furnished passage, and by a secret provision, a loan of £300 Flemish was made to Rysingh, to be refunded on his arrival in Sweden, the cannon and other property belonging to the crown remaining in the hands of the Dutch until the loan was paid. Before withdrawing Stuyvesant offered to deliver over Fort Christina and the lands immediately about it to Kysingh, but this offer was declined with dig- nity, as the matter had now passed for arbitrament to the courts of the two na- tions. The terms of the capitulation were honorable and liberal enough, but the Dutch authorities seem to have exercised little care in carrying out its provis- ions, or else the discipline in the service must have been very lax. For Ry- singh had no sooner arrived at Manhattan, than he entered most vigorous pro- tests against the violations of the provisions of the capitulation to Gov. Stuy- vesant. He asserted that the property belonging to the Swedish crown had been left without guard or protection from pillage, and that be himself had not been assigned quarters suited to his dignity. He accused the Dutch with having broken open the church, and taken away all the cordage and sails of a new vessel, with having plundered the villages, Tinnakong, Uplandt, Fin- land, Printzdorp and other places. " In Christina, the women were violently torn from their houses; whole buildings were destroyed; yea, oxen, cows, hogs and other creatures were butchered day after day; even the horses were not spared, but wantonly shot; the plantations destroyed, and the whole country so desolated that scarce any means were left for the subsistence of the inhab- itants. " " Your men carried off even my own property, " said Rysingh, " with that of my family, and we were left like sheep doomed to the knife, without means of defense against the wild barbarians." Thus the colony of Swedes and Fins on the South River, which had been planned by and had been the object of solicitude to the great monarch himself, and had received the fostering care of the Swedish Government, came to an end after an existence of a little more than seventeen years — 1638-1655. But though it no longer existed as a colony under the government of the crown of Sweden, many of the colonists remained and became the most intelligent and law-abiding citizens, and constituted a vigorous element in the future grovrth of the State. Some of the best blood of Europe at this period flowed in the veins of the Swedes. "A love for Sweden," says Bancroft, "their dear mother country, the abiding sentiment of loyalty toward its sovereign, con- tinued to distinguish the little band. At Stockholm, they remained for a century the objects of disinterested and generous regard; affection united them in the New World; and a part of their descendants still preserve their altar and their dwellings around the graves of their fathers." This campaign of Stuyvesant, for the dispossessing of the Swedes of terri- tory upon the Delaware, furnishes Washington Irving subject for some of the most inimitable chapters of broad humor, in his Knickerbocker's New York, to be found in the English language. And yet, in the midst of his side-splitting paragraphs, he indulges in a reflection which is worthy of remembrance. " He who reads attentively will discover the threads of gold which run throughout the web of history, and are invisible to the dull eye of ignorance. * * * By the treacherous surprisal of Fort Casimir, then, did the crafty Swedes enjoy a transient triumph, but drew upon their heads the vengeance of Peter Stuyvesant, who wrested all New Sweden from their hands. By the conquest of New Sweden, Peter Stuyvesant aroused the claims of Lord Balti- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 83 more, who appealed to the cabinet of Great Britain, who subdued the whole province of New Netherlands. By this great achievement, the whole extent of North America, from Nova Scotia to the Floridas, was rendered one entire dependency upon the British crown. But mark the consequence: The hith- erto scattered colonies being thus consolidated and having no rival coloqies to check or keep them in awe, waxed great and powerful, and finally becoming too strong for the mother country, were enabled to shake off its bonds. But the chain of eflects stopped not here; the successful revolution in America pro- duced the sanguinary revolution in France, which produced the puissant Bonaparte, who produced the French despotism." In March, 1656, the ship "Mercury," with 130 emigrants, arrived, the government at Stockholm having had no intimation of the Dutch conquest. An attempt was made to prevent a landing, and the vessel was ordered to report to Stuyvesant at Manhattan, but the order was disregarded and the col- onists debarked and acquired lands. The Swedish Government was not dis- posed to submit to these high-handed proceedings of the Dutch, and the min- isters of the two courts maintained a heated discussion of their differences. Finding the Dutch disposed to hold by force their conquests, the government of Sweden allowed the claim to rest until 1664. In that year, vigorous meas- ures were planned to regain its claims upon the Delaware, and a fleet bearing a military force was dispatched for the purpose. But, having been obliged to put back on account of stress of weather, the enterprise was abandoned. GHAPTEE III. John Paul Jacquet, 1655-57— Jacob Aleichs, 1657-59— Goeean Van Dyck, 1657 _58— William Beekman, 1658-63— Alexandee D'Hinotossa. 1659-64. THE colonies upon the Delaware being now under exclusive control of the Dutch, John Paul Jaqaet was appointed in November, 1655, as Vice .Director, Derek Smidt having exercised authority after the departure of Stuy- vesant. The expense of fitting out the expedition for the reduction of the Swedes was sorely felt by the West India Company, which had been obliged to borrow money for the purpose of tke city of Amsterdam. In payment of this loan, the company sold to the city all the lands upon the south bank of the Delaware, from the ocean to Christina Creek, reaching back to the lands of the Minquas, which was designated Nieur Amstel. Again was there di- vided authority upon the Delaware. The government of the new possession was vested in a commission of forty j-esidents of Amsterdam, who appointed Jacob Alrichs as Director, and sent him with a force of forty soldiers and 1 50 colonists, in three vessels, to assume the government, whereupon Jaquet relin- quished authority .over this portion of his territory. The company in commu- • nicating with Stuyvesant upon the subject of his course in dispossessing the Swedes, after duly considering all the complaints and remonstrances of the Swedish government, approved his conduct, "though they would not have been displeased had such a formal capitulation not taken place," adding as a paren- thetical explanation of the word formal " what is written is too long preserved, and may be produced when not desired, whereas words not recorded are, in the lapse of time, forgotten, or may be explained away." 34 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA Stuyvesant still remained in supreme control over both the colony of the city and the colony of the company, to the immediate governorship of the lat- ter of which, Groeran Van Dyck was appointed. But though settlements in the management of affairs were frequently made, they would not remain set- tled. There was conflict of authority between Alriohs and Van Dyck. The companies soon found that a grievous system of smuggling had sprung up. After a searching examination into the irregularities by Stuyvesant, who vis- ited the Delaware for the purpose, he recommended the appointment of one general agent who should have charge of all the revenues of both co'onies, and "William Beekman was accordingly appointed. The company of the city seems not to have been satisfied with the profits of their investment, and ac- cordingly made new regulations to govern settlement, by which larger returns would accrue. This action created discontent among the settlers, and many who were meditating the purchase of lands and the acquisition of homes, de- termined to go over into Marylartd where Lord'Baltimore was offering far more liberal terms of settlement. To add to the discomforts of the settlers, " the miasms which the low alluvial soil and the rank and decomposed vegetation of a new country engenders, ' ' produced wasting sicknesses. When the planting was completed, and the new soil, for ages undisturbed, had been thoroughly stirred, the rains set in which descended almost continuously, producing fever and ague and dysentery. Scarcely a family escaped the epidemic. Six in the family of Director Alrichs were attacked, and his wife died. New colo- nists came without provisions, which only added to the distress. " Scarcity of provisions," says O'Calaghan, " naturally followed the failure of the crops; 900 schepels of grain had been sown in the spring. They produced scarcely 600 at harvest. Rye rose to three guilders the bushel; peas to eight guilders the sack; salt was twelve guilders the bushel at New Amsterdam; cheese and butter were not to be had, and when a man journeys he can get nothing but dfy bread, or he must take a pot or kettle along with him to cook his victuals." " The place had now got so bad a name that the whole river could not wash it clean." The exactions of the city company upon its colony, not only did not bring increased revenue, but by dispersing the honest colonists, served to notify Lord Baltimore — who had laid claim to the lands upon Delaware, on account of original discovery by Lord De la War, from whomihe river takes its name, and from subsequent charter of the British crown, covering territory from the 38th to the 40th degree of latitude — of the weakness of the colonies, and persuade him that now was a favorable opportunity to enforce his claims. Accordingly, Col. Utie, with a number of delegates, was dispatched to demand that the Dutch should quit the place, or declare themselves subjects of Lord Baltimore, adding, " that if they hesitated, they should be responsible for whatever innocent 'blood might bo shed." Excited discussions ensued between the Dutch authorities and the agents of the Maryland government, and it was finally agreed to refer the matter to Gov. Stuyvesant, who immediately sent Commissioners to the Chesapeake to settle differences, and enter into treaty regulations for the mutual return of fugitives, and dispatehed sixty soldiers to the Delaware to assist in preserving order, and resisting the' English, should an attempt be made to dispossess the Dutch. • • Upon the death oiE Alrichs, which occurred in 1659, Alexander D'Hinoyossa was appointed Governor of the city colony. The new Governor was a man of good business capacity, and sought to administer the affairs of his colony for the best interests of the settlers, and for increasing the revenues of the com- pany. To further the general prosperity, the company negotiated a new loan HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 35 -with which to strengthen and improve its resources. This liberal policy had the desired effect. The Swedes, who had settled above on the river, moved down, and acquired homes on the lands of the city colony. The Fins and dis- contented Dutch, who had gone to Maryland, returned and brought with them some of the English settlers. Discouraged by the harassing conflicts of authority which seemed inter- minable, the West India Company transferred all its interests on the east side of the river to the colony of the city, and upon the visit of D'Hinoyossa to Holland in 1663, he secured for himself the entire and exclusive government of the colonies upon the Delaware, being no longer subject to the authority of Stuyvesant. Encouraged by liberal terms of settlement, and there being now a prospect of stable government, emigrants were attracted thither. A Mennonite commu- nity came in a body. " Clergymen were not allowed to join them, nor any ' intractable people such as those in communion with the Roman See, usurious Jews, English stiff-necked Quakers, Puritans, foolhardy believers in the mil- lennium, and obstinate modern pretenders to revelation.' " They were obliged to take an oath never to seek for an ofiSce; Magistrates were to receive no com- pensation, " not even a stiver. " The soil and climate were regarded as excel- lent, and when sufficiently peopled, the country would be the " finest on the face of the globe." CHAPTER lY. EicHARD Nichols, 1664-67— Robert Needham, 1664^68— Feancis Lovelace, 1667-73— John Care, 1668-73— Anthony Colve, 1673-74— Petee Alrichs, 1673-74. AFFAIRS were scarcely arranged upon the Delaware, and the dawning of a better day for the colonists ushered in, before new complications began to threaten the subversion of the whole Dutch power in America. The English had always claimed the entire Atlantic seaboard. Under Cromwell, the Navigation act was aimed at Dutch interests in the New World. Captain John Scott, who had been an officer in the army of Charles I, having obtained some show of authority from the Governor of Connecticut, had visited the towns upon the west end of Long Island, where was a mixed population of Dutch and English, and where he claimed to have purchased large tracts of land, and had persuaded them to unite under his authority in setting up a government of their own. He visited England and ' ' petitioned the King to be invested with the government of Long Island, or that the people thereof be allowed to choose yearly a Governor and Assistaiits." By his representation, an inquiry was instituted by the King's council, "as to his majesty's titl^ to the premises; the intrusions of the Dutch; their deportinont; management of the country; strength, trade and' government; and lastly, of the means necessary to induce or force th^n to acknowledge the K,ing, or if necessary, to expel them together from the country. " The visit of Scott, and his prayer to the King for a grant of Long Island, was the occasioii of inaugurating a policy, which resulted in the overthrow of Dutch rule in America.' But the attention of English statesmen had for some time been turned to the importance of the territory which the Dutch colonies had occupied, and a belief that Dutch trade in the New World waB yielding great returns, stimulated inqiiiry. ■ James, 36 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA Duke of York, brother of the King, who afterward himself became King, was probably at this time the power behind the throne that was urging on action looking to the dispossession of the Dutch. The motive which seemed to actuate him was the acquisition of personal wealth and power. He saw, as he thought, a company of merchants in Amsterdam accumulating great wealth out of these colonies, and he meditated the transfer of this wealth to himself. He was seconded in this project by the powerful influence of Sir George Downing, who had been Envoy at The Hague, under Cromwell, and was now under Charles II. "Keen, bold, subtle, active, and observant, but imperious and unscrupulous, disliking and distrusting the Dutch," he had watched every movement of the company's granted privileges by the States General, and had reported every- thing to his superiors at home. ' ' The whole bent," says O'Calaghan, '' of this man's mind was constantly to hold up before the eyes of his countrymen the growing power of Holland and her commercial companies, their immense wealth and ambition, and the danger to England of permitting these to pro- gress onward unchecked.'' After giving his testimony before the council, Scott returned to America with a letter from the King recommending his interests to the co-operation and protection of the New England colonies. On arriving in Connecticut, he was commissioned by the Governor of that colony to incorporate Long Island under Connecticut jurisdiction. But the Baptists, Quakers and Mennonites, who formed a considerable part of the population, " dreaded falling into the hands of the Puritans." In a quaint document commencing, "In the behalf e of sum hun- dreds of English here planted on the west end of Long Island wee address," etc. , " they besought Scott to come and settle their difficulties. On his arrival he acquainted them with the fact, till then unknown, that King Charles had granted the island to the Duke of York, who would soon assert his rights. Whereupon the towns of Hemstede, Newwarke, Crafford, Hastings, Folestone and Graveseud, entered into a "combination" as they termed it, resolved to elect deputies to draw up laws, choose magistrates, and empowered Scott to act as their President; in short set up the first independent State in America. Scott immediately set out at the head of 1 50 men, horse and foot, to subdue the island. On the 22d of March, 1664, Charles II made a grant of the whole of Long- Island, and all the adjoining country at the time in possession of the Dutch, to the Duke of York. Borrowing four men-of-war of the king, James sent them in command of Col. Eiehard Nicholls, an old officer, with whom was as- sociated Sir Eobert Carr, Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, Esq., and a force of 450 men, to dispossess the Dutch. To insure the success of the expedition, letters were addressed to each of the Governors of the New England colonies, enjoining upon, them to unite in giving aid by men and material to Nicholls. The fleet sailed directly for Boston, where it was expected, and whence, through one Lord, the Dutch were notified of its coming. The great- est consternation was aroused upon the receipt of this intelligence, and the most active preparations were making for defense. But in the midst of these preparations, notice was received from the Chambers at Amsterdam, doubtless inspired by the English, that " no apprehension of any public enemy or dan- ger from England need be entertained. That the King was only desirous to reduce the colonies to uniformity in church and state, and with this view was dispatching some Commissioners with two or three frigates to New England to introduce Episcopacy in that quarter." Thrown completely off his guard by this announcement, the Director General, Stuy vesant abandoned all preparations for resistance, and indulged in no anticipations of a hostile visitation. Thus HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 37 were three full weeks lost in which the colonies might have been put in a verj' good state of defense. Nicholls on arriving in American waters, touched at Boston and Connecti- cut, where some aid was received, and then hastened foward to Manhattan. Stnyvesant had but a day or two before learned of the arrival, and of the hos- tile intent. Scarcely had he issued ordei-s for bringing out his forces and for fortifj-ing before Nicholls scattered proclamations through the colony promis- ing to protect all who submitted to his Brittanic majesty in the undisturbed possession of their property, and made a formal summons upon Stuyvesant to surrender the country to the King of Great Britain. The Director found that he had an entirely different enemy to treat with from Eysingh, and a few half- armed' Swedes and Fins upon the Delaware. Wordy war ensued between the Commissioners and the Director, and the English Governor finding that Stuy- vesant not in the temper to yield, landed a body of his soldiers upon the lower end of the island, and ordered Hyde, the commander of the fleet, to lay the frigates broadside before the city. It was a critical moment. Stuyvesant was stand- ing on one of the points of the fort when he saw the frigates approaching. The gunner stood by with burning match, prepared to tire on the fleet, and Stuyvesant seemed on the point of giving the order. But he was restrained, and a further communication was sent to Nicholls, who would listen to nothing short of the full execution of his mission. Still Stuyvesant held out. The inhabitants implored, but rather than surrender " he would be carried a corpse to his grave." The town was, however, in.QO condition to stand a siege. The powder at the fort would only suffice for one day of active operations. Pro- visions were scarce. The inhabitants were not disposed to be sacrificed, and the disaffection among them spread to the soldiers. They were overheard mut- tering, " Now we hope to pepper those devilish traders who have so long salted us; we kaow where booty is to be found, and where the young women live who wear gold chains. " The Rev. Jannes Myapoleuses seems to have been active in negotiations and opposed to the shedding of blood. A remonstrance drawn by him was finally adopted and signed by the principal men, and presented to the Director Gen- eral, in which the utter hopelessness of resistance was set forth, and Stuyve- sant finally consented to capitulate. Favorable terms were arranged, and Nicholls promised that if it should be finally agreed between the English and Dutch governments that the province should be given over to Dutch rule, he would peacefully yield his authority. Tlius without a gun being fired, the En- glish made conquest of the Manhattoes. Sir Robert Oarr, with two frigates and an ample force, was dispatched to the Delaware to reduce the settlements there to English rule. The planters, whether Dutch or Swedes, were to be insured in the peaceable possession of their property, and the magistrates were to be continued in office. Sailing past the fort, he disseminated among the settlers the news of the surrender of Stuyvesant, and the promises of protection which Nicholls had made use of. But Gov. D'Hinoyossa was not disposed to heed the demand for surrender without a struggle. Whereupon Carr landed his forces and stormed the place. After a fruitless but heroic resistance, in which ten were wounded and three were killed, the Governor was forced to surrender. Thus was the complete subversion of the State's General ia America consummated, and the name of New Amsterdam gave place to that of New York, from the name of the English proprietor, James, Duke of York. The resistance offered by D'Hinoyossa formed a pretext for shameless plunder. Carr, in his report which shows him to have been a lawless fel- 38 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. low, says, " Te soldiers never stoping untill they stormed ye fort, and sae con- sequently to plundering; the seamen, noe less given to that sport, were quickly within, and have gotton good store of booty." Carr seized the farm of D'Hinoyossa, hi; brother, John Carr, that of Sheriff Sweringen, and Ensign Stock that of Peter Alrichs. The produce of the land for that year was seized, together with a cargo of goods that was unsold. " Even the inoffensive Men- nonists, though non-combatant from' principle, did not escape the sack and plunder to which the whole river was subjected by Carr and his marauders. A boat was dispatched to their settlement, which was stripped of everything, to a very naile." Nioholls, on hearing of the rapacious conduct of his subordinate, visited the Delaware, removed Carr, and placed Robert Needham in command. Pre- vious to dispatching his fleet to America, in June, 1664, the Duke of York had granted to John, Lord Berkeley, Baron of Stratton, and Sir George Carteret, of Saltmm in Devon, the territory of New Jersey, bounded substantially as the present State, and this, though but little settled by the Dutch, had been in- cluded in the terms of surrender secured by Nicholls. In many ways, he showed himself a man of ability and discretion. He drew up with signal success a body of laws, embracing most of the provisions which had been in force in the English colonies, which were designated the Duke's Laws. In May, 1667, Col. Francis Lovelace was appointed Governor in place of Nicholls, and soon after taking charge of affairs, drew up regulations for the government of the territory upon the Delaware, and dispatched Capt. John Carr to act there as his Deputy Governor. It was provided that whenever complaint duly sworn to was made, the Governor was to summon " the schout, Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock and Peter Alrichs, or any two of them, as counsellors, to advise him, and determine by the major vote what is just, equitable and necessary in the case in question. " It was further provided that all men should be punished in an exemplary manner, though with moderation; that the laws should be frequently communicated to the counsellors, and that in cases of difiSculty recourse should be had to the Gov- ernor and Council at New York. In 1 668, two murders were perpetrated by Indians, which caused consider- able disturbance and alarm throughout the settlements. These capital crimes appear to have been committed while the guilty parties were maddenad by liquor. So impressed were the sachems and leading warriors of the baneful effects of strong drink, that they appeared before the Council and besought its authority to utterly prohibit the sale of it to any of their tribes. These re- quests were repeated, and finally, upon the advice of Peter Alrichs, " the Governor (Lovelace) prohibited, on pain of death, the selling of powder, shot and strong liquors to the Indians, and writ to Carr on the occasion to use the utmost vigilance and caution." The native murderers were not apprehended, as it was difficult to trace them; but the Indians themselves were determined to ferret them out. One was taken and shot to death, who was the chief offender, but the other escaped and was never after heard of. The chiefs summoned their young men, and in presence of the English warned them that such would be the fate of all offend- ers. Proud justly remarks: "This, at a time when the Indians were numer- ous and strong and the Europeans few and weak, was a memorable act of jus- tice, and a proof of true friendship to the English, greatly alleviating the fear, for which they had so much reason among savages, in this then wilder- ness country. " In 1669, a reputed son of the distinguished Swedish General, Connings- HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA, 89 marke, commonly called the Long Fin, with another of his nationality, Henry Coleman, a man of property, and familiar with the language and habits of the Indians, endeavored to incite an insurrection to throw off the English rule and establish the Swedish supremacy. The Long Fin was apprehended, and was condemned to die; but upon reconsideration his sentence was commuted to whipping and to branding with the letter R. He was brought in chains to New York, where he was incarcerated in the Stadt- house for a year, and was then transported to Barbadoes to be sold. Improvements in the modes of administering justice were from time to time introduced. New Castle was made a corporation, to be governed by a Bailiff and six associates. Duties on importations were laid, and Capt. Martin Pringer was appointed to collect and make due returns of them to Gov. Lovelace. In 1673, the French monarch, Louis XIV, declared war against the Neth- erlands, and with an army of over 200 000 men moved down upon that de- voted country. In conjunction with the land force, the English, with a power- ful armament, descended upon the Dutch waters. The aged Du Ruyter and the youthful Van Tromp put boldly to sea to meet the invaders. Three great naval battles were fought upon the Dutch coast on the 7th and 14th of June, and the 6th of August, in which the English forces were finally repulsed and driven from the coast. In the meantime, the inhabitants, abandoning their homes, cut the dikes which held back the sea, and invited inundation. Deem- - ing this a favorable opportunity to regain their possessions wrenched from them in the New World, the Dutch sent a small fleet under Commodores Cornelius Evertse and Jacobus Benkes, to New York, to demand the surrender of all their previous possessions. Gov. Lovelace happened to be absent, and his representative, Capt. John Manning, surrendered with but brief resistance, and the magistrates from Albany, Esopus, Bast Jersey and Long Island, on being summoned to New York, swore fealty to the returning Dutch power. Anthony Colve, as Governor, was sent to Delaware, where the magistrates hastened to meet him and submit themselves to his authority. Property in the English Government was confiscated; Gov. Lovelace returned to England, and many of the soldiers were carried prisoners to Holland. Before their de- parture. Commodores Evertse and Benkes, who styled themselves "The honora- ble and awful council of war, for their high mightinesses, the State's General of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange," commissioned Anthony Colve, a Captain of foot, on the 12th of August, 1673, to be Governor General of "New Netherlands, with all its appendences," and on the 19th of September following, Peter Alrichs, who had manifested his subserviency and his pleasure at the return of Dutch ascendancy, was ap- pointed by Colve Deputy Governor upon the Delaware. A body of laws was drawn up for his instruction, and three courts of justice were established, at New Castle, Chester and Lewistown. Capt. Manning on his return to En- gland was charged with treachery for delivering up the fort at New York with- out resistance, and was sentenced by a court martial "to have his sword broken over his head in piiblic, before the city hall, and himself rendered incapable of wearing a sword and of serving his Majesty for the future in any public trust in the Government. " But the revolution which had been affected so easily was of short duration. On the 9th of February, 1674, peace was concluded between England and Holland, and in the articles of pacification it was provided "that whatsoever countries, islands, towns, ports, castles or forts, have or shall be taken, on both sides, since the time that the late unhappy war broke out, either in Europe, or elsewhere, shall be restored to the former lord and proprietor, in the same con- 40 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. dition they shall be in when the peace itself shall bo proclaimed, after which time there shall be no spoil nor plunder of the inhabitants, no demolition of fortifications, nor carrying away of guns, powder, or other military stores which belonged to any castle or port at the time when it was taken. ' ' This left no room for controversy about, possession. But that there might be no legal bar nor loophole for question of absolute right to his possessions, the Duke of York secured from the King on the 29th of June following, a new patent cov- ering the former grant, and two days thereafter sent Sir Edmund Andros, to possess and govern the country. He arrived at New York and took peaceable possession on the Slst of October, and two days thereafter it was resolved in council to reinstate all the officers upon Delaware as they were at the surrender to the Dutch, except Peter Alrichs, who for his forwardness in yielding his power was relieved. Capt. Edmund Cantwell and William Tom were sent to occupy the fort at New Castle, in the capacities of Deputy Governor and Sec- retary. In May, 3675, Gov. Andros visited the Delaware, and held court at New Castle " in which orders were made relative to the opening of roads, thtj regulation of church property and the support of preaching, the prohibition of the sale of liquors to the Indians, and the distillation thereof by the inhab- itants." On the 23d of September, 1676, Cantwell was- superseded by John Collier, ^as Vice Governor, when Ephraim Hermans became Secretary. As was previously observed. Gov. Nicholls, in 1664, made a complete di- gest of all the laws and usages in force in the English-speaking colonies in Ajjaerica, which were known as the Duke's Laws. That these might now be made the basis of judicature throughout the Duke's possessions, they were, on the 25th of September, 1676, formally proclaimed and published by Gov. Lovelace, with a suitable ordinance introducing them. It may here be ob- served, that, in the administration of Gov. Hartranft, by act of the Legislature of June 12, ] 878, the Duke's Laws were published in a handsome volume, to- gether with the Charter and Laws instituted by Penn, and historical notes covering the early history of the State, under the direction of John B. Linn, Secretary of the commonwealth, edited by Staughton George, Benjamin M. Nead, and Thomas McCarnant, from an old copy preserved among the town rec- ords of Hempstead, Long Island, the seat of the independent State which had been set up there by John Scott before the coming of Nicholls. The num- ber of taxable male inhabitants between the? ages of sixteen and sixty years, in 1677, for Uplandt and New Castle, was 443, which by the usual estimate of seven to one would give the population 3,101 for this district. Gov. Collier having exceeded his authority by exercising judicial functions, 'twas deposed by Andros, and Capt. Christopher Billop was appointed to succeed him. But the change resulted in little benefit to the colony, for Billop was charged with many irregularities, " taking possession of the fort and turning it into a stable, and the court room' above into a hay and fodder loft; debarring the court from sitting in its usual place in the fort, and making use of soldiers for his own private purposes. " The hand of the English Government bore heavily upon the denomination of Christians called Friends or Quakers, and the earnest-minded, conscientious worshipers, uncompromising in their faith, were eager for homes in a land where they should be absolutely free to worship the Supreme Being. Berke- ley and Carteret, who had bought New Jersey, were Friends, and the settle- ments made in their territory were largely of that faith. In 1675, Lord Ber- keley sold his undivided half of the province to John Fenwicke, in trust for Edward Byllinge, also Quakers, and Fenwicke sailed in the Griffith, with a company of Friends who settled at Salem, in West Jersey. Byllinge, having HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 41 become involved in debt, made an assignment of his interest for the benefit of his creditors, and William Penn was induced to become trustee jointly with Gowen Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas. Penn was a devoted Quaker, and he was of that earnest nature that the interests of his friends and Christian devotees were like his own personal interests. Hence he became zealous in promoting the welfare of the colony. For its orderly government, and that settlers might have assurance of stability in the management of affairs, Penn drew up " Con- cessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of West New Jersey in America " in forty- four chapters. Foreseeing difficulty from divided authority, Penn secured a division of the province by " a line of par- tition from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the country to the utmost branch of the Delaware Eiver. " Penn's half was called New West Jersey, along the Delaware side, Carteret's New East Jersey along the ocean shore. Penn's purposes and disposition toward the settlers, as the founder of a State, are disclosed by a letter which he wrote at this time to a Friend, Richard Hartshorn, then in America: "We lay a foundation for after ages to understand their liberty, as men and Christians; that they may not be brought into bondage, but by their own consent; for we put the power in the people. * * So every man is capable to choose or to be chosen ; no man to be arrested, condemned, or molested, in his estate, or liberty, but by twelve men of the neighborhood; no man to lie in prison for debt, but that hfs estate satisfy, m far as it will go, and he be set at liberty to work; no man to be called in question, or molested for his conscience." Lest any should be in- duced to leave home and embark in the enterprise of settlement unadvisedly, Penn wrote and published a letter of caution, " That in whomsoever a desire to be concerned in this intended plantation, such would weigh the thing before the Lord, and not headily, or rashly, conclude on any such remove, and that they do not offer violence to the tender love of their near kindred and relations, but soberly, and conscientiously endeavor to obtain their good wills; that whether they go or stay, it may be of good savor before the Lord and good people." OHAPTEE Y. SiE Edmtjnd Andeos, 1674-81— Edmund Cantwell, 1674-76— John Colliek, 1676- 77— Cheistophee Billop, 1677-81. WILLIAM PENN, as Trustee, and finally as part owner of New Jersey, became much interested in the subject of colonization in America. Many of his people had gone thither, and he had given much prayerful study and meditation to the amelioration of their condition by securing just laws for their government. His imagination pictured the fortunate condition of a State where the law-giver should alone study the happiness of his subjects, and his subjects should be chiefly intent on rendering implicit obedience to just laws. From his experience in the management of the Jerseys, he had doubtless discovered that if he would carry out his ideas of government suc- cessfully, he must have a province where his voice would be potential and his will supreme. He accordingly cast about for the acquirement of such a land in the New World. Penn had doubtless been stimulated in his desires by the very roseate ac- counts of the beauty and excellence of the country, its salubrity of climate, its 42 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. balmy airs, the fertility of its soil, and the abundance of the native fish, flesh and fowl. In 1680, one Malhon Stacy wrote a letter which was largely circu- lated in England, in which he says: " It is a country that produceth all things for the support and furtherance of man, in a plentiful manner. * * * I have seen orchards laden with fruit to admiration; their very limbs torn to pieces with weight, most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold. I have seen an apple tree, from a pippin-kernel, yield a barrel of curious cider; and peaches in such plenty that some people took their carts a peach gathering; I could not nut smile at the conceit of it; they are very delicious fruit, and hang almost like our onions, that are tied on ropes. I have seen and know, this summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown. From May till Michaelmas, great store of very good wild fruits as strawberries, cranberries and hurtleberries, which are like om- billberries in England, only far sweeter; the cranberries, much like cherries for color and bigness, which may be kept till fruit comes again; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison, turkeys, and other great fowl, and they are better to make tarts of than either goosoDerries or cherries; we have them brought to our bouses by the ludians in great plenty. My brother Robert had as many cherries this year as would have loaded several carts. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty; we have brought home to our countries by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks in a day. We went into the river to catch herrings after the Indian fashion. * * * We could have filled a three -bushel sack of as good large herrings as ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and good sheep. The common grass of this country feeds beef very fat. Indeed, the couatry, take it as a wilderness, is a brave country." The father of William Penn had arisen to distinction in tne British Navy. He was sent in Cromwell's time, with a considerable sea and land force, to the West Indies, where he reduced the Island of Jamaica under English rule. At the restoration, he gave in his adhesion to the royal cause. Under James, Duke of York, Admiral Penn commanded the English fleet which descended upon the Dutch coast, and gained a great victory over the combined naval forces led by Van Opdam. For this great service to his country, Penn was knighted, and became a favorite at court, the King and his brother, the Duke, holding him in cherished remembrance. At his death, there was due him from the crown the sum of £16,000, a portion of which he himself had ad- vanced for the sea service. Filled with the romantic idea of colonization, and enamored with the sacred cause of his people, the son, who had come to be re- gai'ded with favor for his great father's sake, petitioned King Charles II to grant him, in liquidation of this debt, " a tract of land in America, lying north of Maryland, bounded east by the Delaware River, on the west limited as Maryland, and northward to extend as far as plantable." There were con- flicting interests at this time which were being warily watched at court. The petition was submitted to the Privy Council, and afterward to the Lords of the committee of plantations. The Duke of York already held the counties, of New Castle, Kent and Susses. Lord Baltimore held a grant upon the south, with an indefinite northern limit, and the agents of both these territories viewed with a jealous eye any new grant that should in any way trench upon their rights. These claims were fully debated and heard by the Lords, and, being a matter in which the King manifested special interest, the Lord Chief Justice, North, and the Attorney General, Sir William Jones, were consulted both as to the grant itself, and the form or manner of making it. Finally, after a careful study of the whole subject, it was determined by the highest authority in the Government to grant to Penn a larger tract than he had asked HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 4S for, and the charter was drawn with unexampled liberality, in unequivocal terms of gift and perpetuity of holding, and with remarkable minuteness of detail, and t'hat Penn should have the advantage of any double meaning con- veyed in the instrument, the twenty-third and last section provides: "And, if perchance hereafter any doubt ur question should arise concerning the true sense and meaning of any word, clause or sentence contained in this our present charter, we will ordain and command that at all times and in all things such interpretation be made thereof, and allowed in any of our courts whatsoever as shall be adjudged most advantageous and favorable unto the said William Penn, his heirs and assigns." It was a joyful day for Penn when he finally reached the consummation of his wishes, and saw himself invested with almost dictatorial power over a country as large as England itself, destined to become a populous empire. But his exultation was tempered with the most devout Christian spirit, fearful lest in the exercise of his great power he might be led to do something that should be displeasing to God. To his dear friend, Robert Turner, he writes in a modest way: " My true love in the Lord salutes thee and dear friends that love the Lord's precious truth in those parts. Thine I have, and for my business here know that after many waitings, watchings, solicitings and dis- putes in council, this day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal of England, with large powers and privileges, by the name of Pennsylvania, a name the King would give it in honor of my father. I chose New Wales, be- ing, as this, a pretty hilly country; but Penn being Welsh for a head, asPen- manmoire in Wales, and Penrith in Cumberland, and Penn in Buckingham- shire, the highest land in England, called this Pennsylvania, which is the high or head woodlands; for I proposed, when the Secretary, a Welshman, refused to have it called New Wales, Sylvania, and they added Penn to it; and though I much opposed it, and went to the King to have it struck out and altered, he said it was past, and would take it upon him; nor could twenty guineas move the Under Secretary to vary the name; for I feared lest it should be looked on as a vanity in me, and not as a respect in the King, as it truly was to my father, whom he often mentions with praise. Thou may est communicate my grant to Friends, and expect shortly my proposals. It is a clear and just thing, and my God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I be- lieve, bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the government, that it b^ well laid at first. " Penn had asked that the western boundary should be the same as that of Maryland; but the King made the width from east to west five full degrees. The charter limits were " all that tract, or part, of land, in America, with the islands therein contained as the same is bounded, on the east by Delaware River, from twelve miles distance northwards of New Castle town, unto the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude. * * * * The said land to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computed from the said eastern bounds; and the said lands to be bounded on the north by the beginning of the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and, on the south, by a circle drawn at twelve miles distance from New Castle northward and westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree of northern latitude; and then by a straight line westward to the limits of longitude above mentioned." It is evident that tue royal secretaries did not well understand the geogra- phy of this section, for by reference to a map it will be seen that the begin- ning of the fortieth degree, that is, the end of the thirty-ninth, cuts the District of Columbia, and hence Baltimore, and the greater part of Maryland 44 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANU. and a good slice of Virginia would have been included in the clear terms of the chartered limits of Pennsylvania. But the charters of Maryland and Vir- ginia antedated this of Pennsylvania. Still, the terms of the Penn charter were distinct, the beginning of the fortieth degree, whereas those of Maryland were ambiguous, the northern limi fc being fixed at the fortieth degree ; but whether at the beginning or at the ending of the fortieth was not stated. Penn claimed three full degrees of latitude, and when it was found that a contro- versy was likely to ensue, the King, by the hand of his royal minister, Con- way, issued a further declaration, dated at Whitehall, April 2, 1681, in which the wording of the original chartered limits fixed for Pennsylvania were quoted verbatim, and his royal pleasure declared that these limits should be respected " as they tender his majesty's displeasure." This was supposed to settle the matter. But Lord Baltimore still pressed his claim, and the ques- tion of southern boundary remained an open one, causing much disquietude to Penn, requiring watchful care at court for ^more than half a century, and until after the proprietor's death. We gather from the terms of the charter itself that the King, in making the grant, was influenced "by the commendable desire of Penn to enlarge our British Empire, and promote such useful commodities as may be of benefit to us and our dominions, as also to reduce savage nations by just and gentle manners, to the love of civil society and Christian religion," and out of "re- gard to the memory and merits of his late father, in divers services, and par- ticularly to his conduct, courage and discretion, under our dearest brother, James, Duke of York, in the signal battle and victory, fought, and obtained, against the Dutch fleet, commanded by the Herr Van Opd&m in 1665. " The motive for obtaining it on the part of Penn may be gathered from tho following extract of a letter to a friend: " For my country I eyed the Lord in obtaining it; and more was I drawn inward to look to Him, and to owe it to His hand and power than to any other way. I have so obtained and desire to keep it, that I may be unworthy of His love, but do that which may answer His kind providence and people. " The charter of King Charles II was dated April 2, 1681. Iiest any trouble might arise in the future from claims founded on the grant previously made to the Duke of York, of "Long Island and adjacent territories occupied by the Dutch," the prudent forethought of Penn induced him to obtain a deed, dated August 31, 1682, of the Duke, for Pennsylvania, substantially in the terms of the royal charter. But Penn was still not satisfied. He was cut off from the ocean except by the uncertain navigation ti one narrow stream. He therefore obtained from the Duke a grant of New Castle and a district of twelve miles around it, dated on the 24th Of August, 1682, and on the same day a further grant from the Dnke of a tract extending to Cape Henlopen, embracing the two counties of Kent and Sussex, the two grants comprising what were known as the territories, or the three lower counties, which were ■for many years a part of Pennsylvania, but subsequently constituted the State of Delaware. Being now satisfied with his province, and that his titles were secure, Penn drew up such a description of the country as from his knowledge he was able to give, which, together with the royal charter and proclamation, terms of settlement, and other papers pertaining thereto, he published and spread broadcast through the kingdom, taking special pains doubtless to have the documents reach the Friends. The terms of sale of lands were 40 shillings for 100 acres, and 1 shilling per acre rental. The question has been raised, why exact the annual payment of one shilling per acre. The terms of the grant by JSjafyttja*^<^^ HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA!. 47 the royal charter to Penn were made absolute on the " payment therefor to us, our heirs and successors, two beaver skins, to be delivered at our castle in Windsor, on the 1st day of January in every year, " and contingent payment of one-fifth part of all gold and silver which shall from time to time happen to be found clear of all charges." Penn, therefore, held his title only upon the payment of quit-rents. He could consequently give a valid title only by the exacting of quit-rents. Having now a great province of his own to manage, Penn was obliged to relinquish his share in West New Jersey. He had given largely of his time and energies to its settlement; he had sent 1,400 emigrants, many of them people of high character; had seen farms ^ reclaimed from the forest, the town of Burlington built, meeting houses erected in place of tents for worship, good Government established, and the savage Indians turned to peaceful ways. With satisfaction, therefore, he could now give himself to reclaiming and set- tling his own province. He had of course in his published account of the countay made it appear a desirable place for habitation. But lest any should regret having gone thither when it was too late, he added to his description a caution, " to consider seriously the premises, as well the inconveniency as future ease and plenty; that so none may move rashly or from a fickle, but from a solid mind, having above all things an eye to the providence of God in the disposing of themselves." Nothing more surely points to the goodness of heart of W^illiam Penn, the great founder of our State, than this extreme solicitude, lest he might induce any to go to the new country who should af- terward regret having gone. The publication of the royal charter and his description of the country attracted attention, and many purchases of land were made of Penn before leaving England. That these purchasers might have something binding to rely upon, Penn drew up what he termed " conditions or concessions " between himself as proprietor and purchasers in the province. These related to the settling the country, laying out towns, and especially to the treatment of the Indians, who were to have the same rights and privileges, and careful regard as the Europeans. And what is perhaps a remarkable instance of provident forethought, the eighteenth article provides " That, in clearing the ground, care be taken to leave one acre of trees for every five acres cleared, especially to preserve oak and mulberries, for silk and shipping." It could be desired that such a provision might have remained operative in the State for all time. Encouraged by the manner in which his proposals for settlement were received, Penn now drew up a frame of government, consisting of twenty- four articles and forty laws. These were drawn in a spirit of unexampled fairness and liberality, introduced by an elaborate essay ou the just rights of government and governed, and with such conditions and concessions that it should never be in the power of an unjust Governor to take advantage of the people and practice injustice. " For the matter of liberty and privilege, I pur- pose that which is extraordinary, and leave myself and successors no power of doing mischief, that the will of one man may not hinder that of a whole coun- try. This frame gave impress to the character of the early government. It im- planted in tte breasts of the people a deep sense of duty, of right, and of obli- gation in all public affairs, and the relations of man with man, and formed a framework for the future constitution. Penn himself had felt the heavy hand of government for religious opinions and practice' sake. He determined, for the matter of religion, to leave all free to hold such opinions as they might elect, and hence enacted for his State that all who " hold themselves obliged 3 48 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. in conseiencG, to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall, in no ways, be molested, nor prejudiced, for their religious persuasion, or practice, in mat- ters of faith and worship, nor shall they be compelled, at any time, to fre- quent, or maintain, any religious worship, place, or ministry whatever. " At this period, such govermental liberality in matters of religion was almost un- known, though Eoger "Williams in the colony of Rhode Island had previously, under similar circumstances, and having just escaped a like persecution, pro- claimed it, as had likewise Lord Baltimore in the Catholic colony of Mary- land. The mind of Penn was constantly exercised upon the affairs of his settlement. Indeed, to plant a colony in a new country had been a thought of his boyhood, for he says in one of his letters: "I had an opening of joy as f^ these parts in the year 1651, at Oxford, twenty years since." Not being in readiness to go to his province during the first year, he dispatched three ship loads of set- tlers, and with them sent his cousin, William Markham, to take formal pos- session of the country and act as Deputy Governor Markham sailed for New York, and upon his arrival there exhibited his commission, bearing date March 6, 1681, and the King's charter and proclamation. In the absence of Gov. An- dres, who, on having been called to account for some complaint made against him, had gone to England, Capt. Anthony Brockholls, Acting Governor, re- ceived Markham's papers, and gave him a letter addressed to the civil officers on the Delaware, informing them that Markham's authority as Governor had been examined, and an official record made of it at New York, thanking them for their fidelity, and requesting them to submit themselves to the new author- ity. Armed with this letter, which was dated June 21, 1681, Markham pro- ceeded to the Delaware, where, on exhibiting his papers, he was kindly re- ceived, and allegiance was cheerfully transferred to the new government. In- deed so frequently had the power changed hands that it had become quite a matter of habit to transfer obedience from one authority to another, and they had scarcely laid their heads to rest at night but with the consciousness that the morning light might bring new codes and new officers. Markham was empowered to call a council of nine citizens to assist him in the government, and over whom he was to preside. He brought a letter ad- dressed to Lord Baltimore, touching the boundary .between the two grants, and exhibiting the terms of the charter for Pennsylvania. On receipt of this let- ter, Lord Baltimore came to Upland to confer with Markham. An observation fixing the exact latitude of Upland showed that it was twelve miles south of the forty-first degree, to which Baltimore claimed, and that the beginning of the fortieth degree, which the royal charter explicitly fixed for the southern boundary of Pennsylvania, would include nearly the entire State of Maryland, and cut the limits of the present site of the city of Washington. "If rfiis be allowed," was significantly asked by Baltimore, "where is my province?" He returned to his colony, and from this time forward an active contention was begun before the authorities in England for possession of the disputed territory, which required all the arts and diplomatic skill of Penn. Markham was accompanied to the province by four Commissioners sent out by Penn — "William Crispin, John Bezer, William Haige and Nathaniel Allen. The first named had been designated as Surveyor General, but he having died on the passage, Thomas Holme was appointed to succeed him. These Commissioners, in conjunction with the Governor, had two chief duties assigned them. The first was to meet and preserve friendly relations with the Indians and acquire lands by actual purchase, and the second was to select the site of a great city and make the necessary surveys. That they might have a HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 49 suitable introductioii to the natives from him, Penn addressed to them a dec- laration of his purposes, conceived in a spirit of brotherly love, and expressed in such simple terms that these children of the forest, unschooled in book learning, would have no difficulty in apprehending his meaning. The refer, ring the source of all'pnwer to the Creator was fitted to produce a strong im- pression upon their naturally superstitious habits of thought. " There is a great God and power, that hath made the world, and all things therein, to whom you and I, and all people owe their being, and well being; and to whom you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world. This great God hath written His law in our hearts, by which we are taught and com- manded to love, and help, and do good to one another. Now this great God hath been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world, and the King of the country where I live hath given me a great province therein; but I de- sire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together, as neighbors and friends; else what would the great God do to us, who hath made us, not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly together in the world ? Now I would have you well observe that I am very sensible of the unkindness and injustice that have been too much exercised toward you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought them- selves, and to make great advantages by you, rather than to be examples of goodness and patience unto you, which I hear hath been a matter of trouble to you, and caused great grudging and animosities, sometimes to the shedding of blood, which hath made the great God angry. But I am not such a man, as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard toward you, and desire to gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable life, and the people I send are of the same mind, and shafl in all things be- have themselves accordingly; and if in anything any shall offend you or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an equal number of just mea on both sides that by no means you may have just , occasion of being offended against them. I shall shortly come to you myself, at which tiipe we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these matters. In the meantime, I have sent my Commissioners to treat with you about land, and form a league of peace. Let me desire you to be kind to them and their people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent you as a testimony oE my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly, peaceably and friendly with you." In this plain but sublime statement is embraced the whole theory of Will iam Penn's treatment of the Indians. It was the doctrine which the Savior of mankind came upon earth to promulgate — the estimable worth of every human soul. And when Penn came to propose his laws, one was adopted which forbade private trade with the natives in which they might be overreached; but it was required that the valuable skins and furs they had to sell should be hung up in the market place where all could see them and enter into compe- tition for their purchase. Penn was offered £6,000 for a monopoly of trade. But he well knew the injustice to which this would subject the simple-minded natives, and he refused it saying: " As the Lord gave it me over all and great opposition, I would not abuse His love, nor act unworthy of His provi- dence, and so defile what came to me clean " — a sentiment worthy to be treas- ured with the best thoughts of the sages of old. And to his Commissioners he gave a letter of instructions, in which he says: "Be impartially just to all; that is both pleasing to the Lord, and wise in itself. Be tender of offending the Indians, and let them know that you come to sit down lovingly among them. Let my letter and conditions be read in their tongue, that they may see 50 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. we have their good in our eye. Be grave, they love not to be smiled on." Acting upon these wise and just considerations, the Commissioners had no diffi- cidty in making large purchases of the Indians of lands on the right bank of the Delaware and above the mouth ot the Schuylkill. But they found greater difficulty in settling the piace for the new city. Penn had given very minute instructions about this, and it was not easy to find a tract which answered all the conditions. For seven weeks they kept up their search. Penn had written, " be sure to make your choice wliere it is most navigable, high, dry afad healthy; that is, where most ships may bestride, of deepest draught of water, if possible to load and unload at the bank or key's side without boating and lightening of it. It would do well if the river coming into that creek be navigable, at least for boats up into the country, and that the situation be high, at least dry and sound and not swampy, which is best known by digging up two or three earths and seeing the bottom." By his instructions, the site of the city was to be between two navigable streams, and embrace 10,000 acres in one block. " Be sure to settle the figure of the town so that the streets hereafter may be uniform down to the water from the country bounds. Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the middle of its plat, as to the breadth way of it, that so there may be ground on each side for gardens or orchards or fields, that it may be a green country town, which will never be burnt and always wholesome." The soil was examined, the streams were sounded, deep pits were dug that a location might be found which should gratify the desires of Penn. All the eligible sites were inspected from the ocean far up into the country. Penn himself had anticipated that Chester or Upland would be adopted from all that he could learn of it; but this was rejected, as was also the ground upon Poquessing Creek and that at Pennsbury Manor above Bristol which had been carefully considered, and the present site of Philadelphia was finally adopted as coming nearest to the requirements of the proprietor. It had not 10,000 acres in a solid square, but it was between two navigable streams, and the soil was high and dry, being for the most part a vast bed of gravel, excellent for drainage and likely to prove healthful. The streets were laid out regularly and crossed each other at right angles. As the ground was only gently rolling, the grading was easily accomplished. One broad street, Market, extends from river to river through the midst of it, which is crossed at right angles at its middle point by Broad street of equal width. It is 120 miles from the ocean by the course of the river, and only sixty in a direct line, eighty-seven miles from New York, ninety-five from Baltimore, 136 from Washington, 100 from Harrisburg and 300 from Pittsburgh, and lies in north latitude 39° 56' 54", and longitude 75° 8' 45" west from Greenwich The name Philadelphia (brotherly love), was one that Penn had before selected, as this founding a city was a project which he had long dreamed of and contemplated with never-ceasing interest. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 61 OHAPTEE YI. William Makkham, 1681-83— "William Penn, 1682-84. HAVING now made necessary preparations and settled his affairs in En- gland, Fenn embarked on board the ship Welcome, in August, 1682, in company with about a hundred planters, mostly from his native town of Sussex, and set his prow for the New World. Before leaving the Downs, he addressed a fareVell letter to his friends whom ho left behind, and another to his wife and children, giving them much excellent advice, and sketching the way of life he wished them to lead. With remarkable care and minuteness, he points out the way in which he would have his children bred, and educated, raarried, and live. A single passage from this remarkable document will indicate its general tenor. " Be sure to observe," in educating his children, " their genius, and do not cross it as to learning ; let them not dwell too long on one thing ; but let their change be agreeable, and let all their diversions have some little bodily labor in them. When grown big, have most care for them ; for then there are more snares both within and without. When marriageable, see that they have worthy persons in their eye ; of good life and good fame for piety and understanding. I need no wealth but sufficiency ; and be sure their love be dear, fervent and mutual, that it may be happy for them." And to his children he said, " Betake yourselves to some honest, industrious course of life, and that not of sordid covetousness, but for example and to avoid idle- ness. ***** Love not money nor the world ; use them only, and they will serve you ; but if you love them you serve them, which will debase your spirits as well as offend the Lord. ***** "Watch against anger, neither speak nor act in it ; for, like drunkenness, it makes a man a beast, and throws people into desperate inconveniences." The entire letters are so full of excellent counsel that they might with great profit be committed to memory, and treasured in the heart. The voyage of nearly six weeks was prosperoas ; but they had not been long on the ocean before that loathed disease — the virulent small-pox — broke out, of which thirty died, nearly a third of the whole company. This, added to the usual discomforts and terrors of the ocean, to most of whom this was probably their first experience, made the voyage a dismal one. And here was seen the nobility of Penn. " For his good conversation. " says one of them, " was very advantageous to all the company. His singular care was manifested in contributing to the necessities of many who were sick with the small -pox then on board." His arrival upon the coast and passage up the river was hailed with dem- onstrations of joy byall classes, English, Dutch, Swedes, and especially by his own devoted followers. He landed.at New Castle on the 24th of October, 1682, and on the following day summoned the people to the court house, where pos- session of the country was formally made over uo him, and he renewed the commissions of the magistrates, to whom and to the assembled people he an- nounced the design of his coming, explained the nature and end of truly good government, assuring them that their religious and civil rights should be re- spected, and recommended them to live in sobriety and peace. He then pro- • 52 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. ceeded to Upland, hencefoward known as Chester, where, on the 4th of Novem- ber, he called an assembly of the people, in which an equal number of votes was allowed to the province and the territories. Nicholas Moore, President of the Free Society of Traders, was chosen speaker. As at New Castle, Penn addressed the assembly, giving them assurances of his beneficent intentions, for which they returned their grateful acknowledgments, the Swedes beiag especially demonstrative, deputing one of their number, Lacy Cock, to say " That they would love, serve and obey him with all they had, and that this was the best day they ever saw. " We can well understand with what satisfac- tion the settlers upon the Delaware hailed the prospect of a stable government established in their own midst, after having been so long at the mercy of the government in New York, with allegiance trembling between the courts of Sweden, Holland and Britain. The proceedings of this first assembly were conducted with great decorum, and after the usages of the English Parliament. On the 7th of December, 1682, the three lower counties, what is now Delaware, which had previously been under the government of the Duke of York, were formerly annexed to the province, and became an integral part of Pennsylvania. The frame of govern- ment, which had been drawn with much deliberation, was submitted to the assembly, and, after some alterations and amendments, was adopted, and be- came the fundamental law of the State. The assembly was in session only three days, but the work they accomplished, how vast and far-reaching in its influence ! The Dutch, Swedes and other foreigners were then naturalized, and the government was launched in fair running order: That some idea may be had of its character, the subjects treated are here given: 1, Liberty of conscience; 2, Qualification of officers; 3, Swearing by God, Christ or Jesus; 4, Swearing by any other thing or name; 5, Profanity; 6, Cursing; 7, Fornication; 8, In- cest; 9, Sodomy; 10, Rape; 11, Bigamy; 12, Drunkenness; 13, Suifering drunkenness; 14, Healths drinking; 15, Selling liquor to Indians; 16, Arson; 17, Burglary; 18, Stolen goods; 19, Forcible entry; 20, Riots; 21, Assaulting parents: 22, Assaulting Magistrates; 23, Assaulting masters; 24, Assault and battery; 25, Duels; 26, Riotous sports, as plays; 27, Gambling and lotteries; 28, Sedition; 29, Contempt; 30, Libel; 31, Common scolds; 32, Charities; 33, Prices of beer and ale; 34, Weights and measures; 35, Names of days and months; 36, Perjury; 37, Court proceedings in English; 38, Civil and crim- inal trials; 39, Fees, salaries, bribery and extortion; 40, Moderation of fines; 41, Suits avoidable; 42, Foreign arrest; 43, Contracts; 44, Charters, gifts, grants, conveyances, bills, bonds and deeds, when recorded; 45, Wills; 46, Wills of non compos mentis; 47, Registry of Wills; 48, Registry for servants; 49, Factors; 50, Defacers, corrupters and embezzlers of charters, conveyances and records; 51, Lands and goods to pay debts; 52, Bailable offenses; 53, Jails and jailers; 54, Prisons to be workhouses; 55, False imprisonment; 56, Magistrates may elect between fine or imprisonment; 57, Freemen; 58, Elec- itions; 59, No money levied but in pursuance of law; 60, Laws shall be printed and taught in schools; 61, All other things, not provided for herein, are re- ferred to the Governor and freemen from time to time. Very soon after his arrival io the colony, after the precept had been issued, but before the convening of the Assembly, Penn, that he might not be wanting in respect to the Duke of York, made a visit to New York, where he was kind- ly received, and also after the adjournment of the Assembly, journeyed to Mary- land, where he was entertained by Lord Baltimore with great ceremony. The settlement of the disputed boundaries was made the subject of formal* confer- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 53 ©nee. But after two days spent in fruitless discussion, the weather becoming severely cold, and thus precluding the possibility of taking observations or making the necessary surveys, it was agreed to adjourn further consideration of the subject until the milder weather of the spring. We may imagine that the two Governors were taking the measure of each other, and of gaining all possible knowledge of each other's claims and rights, preparatory to that struggle for possession of this disputed fortieth degree of latitude, which was destined to come before the home government. With all his cares in founding a State and providing a government over a new people, Penn did not forget to preach the "blessed Gospel," and wherever he went he was intent upon his " Master's business." On his return from Maryland, Lord Baltimore accompanied him several miles to the house of William Eichardson, and thence" to Thomas Hooker's, where was a religious meeting, as was also one held at Choptauk. Penn himself says : " 1 have been also at New York, Long Island, East Jersey and Maryland, in which I have had good and eminent service for the Lord." And again he says: "As to outward things, we are satisfied— the land good, the air clear and sweet, the springs plentiful, and provisions good and easy to come at, an innumerable quantity of wild fowl and fish; in fine, here is what an Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be well contented with, and service enough for God: for the fields are here white for the harvest. O, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, freed from the anxious and troublesome solicitations, hurries and perplexities of woeful Europe! * * * Blessed be the Lord, that of twenty- three ships, none miscarried; only two or thi'ee had the small- pox; else healthy and swift passages, generally such as have not been known; some but twenty-eight days, and few longer than six weeks. Blessed be God for it; my soul fervently breathes that in His heavenly guiding wisdom, we may be kept, that we may serve Him in our day, and lay down our heads in peace." And then, as if re- proached for not having mentioned another subject of thankfulness, he adds in a postscript, "Many women, in divers of the ships, brought to bed; they and their children do well." Penn made it his first care to take formal possessipn of his province, and adopt a frame of government. When this was done, his chief concern was to look to the establishment of his proposed new city, the site of which had already been determined on by his Commissioners. Accordingly, early in November, at a season when, in this section, the days are golden, Penn em- barked in an open barge with a number of his friends, and was wafted leisurely up the Delaware to the present site of the city of Philadel- phia, which the natives called Coaquannock. Along the river was a bold shore, fringed with lofty pines, which grew close down to the water's edge, so much so that when the first ship passing up with settlers for West Jersey had brushed against the branches, the passengers remarked that this would be a good place for a city. It was then in a wild state, the deer browsing along the shore and sipping the stream, and the coneys burrowing in the banks. The scattered settlers had gathered in to see and welcome the new Governor, and when he stepped upon the shore, they extended a helping hand in assisting him up the rugged bluff. Three Swedes had already taken up tracts within the limits of the block of land chosen for the city. But they were given lands in exchange, and readily relinquished their claims. The location was pleasing to Penn, and was adopted without further search, though little could be seen of this then forest-encumbered country, where now is the home of countless industries, the busy mart, the river bearing upon its bosom the commerce of many climes, and the abiding place of nearly a million of people. But Penn did not con- 54 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. sider that he had as yet any just title to the soil, holding that the Indians were its only rightful possessors, and until it was fairly acquired by purchase from them, his own title was entirely void. Hence, he sought an early opportunity to meet the chiefs of the tribes and cultivate friendly relations with them. Tradition fixes the first great treaty or conference at about this time, probably in November, and the place under the elm tree, known as the " Treaty Tree," at Kensington. It was at a sea- son when the leaves would still be upon the trees, and the assembly was called beneath the ample shade of the wide-sweeping branches, which was pleasing to the Indians, as it was their custom to hold all their great deliberations and smoke the pipe of peace in the open air. The letter which Penn had sent had prepared the minds of these simple-hearted inhabitants of the forest to regard him with awe and reverence, little leas than that inspired by a descended god. His coming had for a long time been awaited, and it is probable that it had been heralded and talked over by the wigwam fire throughout the remotest bounds of the tribes. And when at length the day came, the whole popula- tion far around had assembled. It is known that three tribes at least were represented — the Lenni Lenape, living along the Delaware; the Shawnees, a tribe that had come up from the South, and were seated along the Lower Susquehanna; and the Mingoes, sprung from the Six Nations, and inhabiting along the Conestoga. Penn was probably accompanied by the several officers of his Government and his most trusted friends. There were no implements of warfare, for peace was a cardi- nal feature of the Quaker creed. No veritable account of this, the great treaty, is known to have been made; but from the fact that Penn not long after, in an elaborate treatise upon the country, the inhabitants and the natives, has given the account of the manner in which the ladians demean themselves in conference, we may infer that he had this one in mind, and hence we may adopt it as his own description of the scene. " Their order is thus: The King sits in the middle of a half moon, and hath his council, the old and wise, on each hand; behind them, or at a little distance, sit the younger fry in the same figure. Having consulted and re- solved their business, the King ordered one of them to speak to me. He stood up, came to me, and, in the name of the King, saluted me; then took me by th« hand and told me he was ordered by the King to speak to me; aiid now it was not he, but the King that spoke, because what he would say was the King's mind. * * * * During the time that this person spoke, not a man of them was observed to whisper or smile; the old grave, the young reverant, in their deportment. They speak little, but fervently, and with ele- gance. " In response to the salutation from the Indians, Penn makes a reply in. suitable terms: "The Great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship with you, and to serve you to the uttermost of our power. It is not our custom to use hostile weapons against our fellow-creatures, for which reason we have come unarmed. Our object is not to do injury, and thus provoke the Great Spirit, but to do good. We are met on the broad pathway of good faith and good will, so that no advantage is to be taken on either side; but all to be open- ness, brotherhood and love." Having unrolled his parchment, he explains to them through an interpreter, article by article, the nature of the business, and laying it upon the ground, observes that the ground shall be for the use of HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 both people. " I will not do as the Marylanders did, call you children, or brothers only; for parents are apt to whip their children too severely, and brothers sometimes will differ; neither will I compare the friendship between US to a chain, for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I will consider you as the same flesh and blood with the Christians, and the same as if one man's body were to be divided into two parts." Having ended his business, the speaker for the King comes forward and makes great promises " of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the Indians and English must live in love as long as the sun gave light." This ended, another Indian makes a speech to his own people, first to explain to them what had been agreed on, and vhento exhort them "to love the Christians, and particularly live in peace with me and the people under my government, that many Governors had been in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and stay here be- fore, and having now such an one, that had treated them well, they shouldnever do him nor his any wrong." At every sentence they shouted, as much as to say, amen. The Indians had no system of writing by which they could record their dealings, but their memory of events and agreements was almost miraculous. Heckewelder records that in after years, they were accustomed, by means of strings, or belts of wampum, to preserve the recollection of their pleasant in- terviews with Penn, after he had departed for England. He says, " They fre- quently assembled together in the woods, in some shady spot, as nearly as pos- sible similar to those where they used to meet their brother Miquon (Penn), and there lay all his words and speeches, with those of his descendants, on a blanket, or clean piece of bark, and with great satisfaction go successively over the whole. This practice, which I have repeatedly witnessed, continued until the year 1780, when disturbances which took place put an end to it, probably forever." The memory of this, the "Great Treaty," was long preserved by the na- tives, and the novel spectacle was reproduced upon canvas by the genius of Benjamin West. In this picture, Penn is represented as a corpulent old man, whereas he was at this time but thirty-eight years of age, and in the very height of manly activity. The Treaty Tree was preserved and guarded from injury with an almost superstitious care. During the Kevolution, when Phila- delphia was occupied by the British, and their parties were scouring the coun- try for firewood. Gen. Simcoe had a sentinel placed at this tree to protect it from mutilation. It stood until 1810, when it was blown down, and it was ascertained by its annual concentric accretions to be 283 years old, and was, consequently, 155 at the time of making the treaty. The Penn Society erected a substantial monument on the spot where it stood. Penn drew up his deeds for lands in legal form, and had them duly exe- cuted and made of record, that, in the dispute possible to arise in after times, there might be proof -definite and positive of the purchase. Of these purchases there are two deeds on record executed in 1683. One is for land near Nesha- miny Creek, and thence to Penypack, and the other for lands lying between Schuylkill and Chester Rivers, the first bearing the signature of the great chieftain, Taminend. In one of these purchases it is provided that the tract " shall extend back as far as a man could walk in three days. " Tradition runs that Penn himself, with a number of his friends, walked out the half this purchase with the Indians, that no advantage should be taken of them by mak- ing a great walk, and to show his consideration for them, and that he was not above the toils and fatigues of such a duty." They began to walk, out this land at the mouth of the Neshaminy, and walked up the Delaware ; in one day 56 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. and a half they got to a spruce tree near the mouth of Baker's Creek, when Penn, concluding that this would include as much land as he would want at present, a line was run and marked from the spruce tree to Neshaminy, and the remainder left to be walked when it should be wanted. They proceed- ed after the Indian manner, walking leisurely, sitting down sometimes to smoke their pipes, eat biscuit and cheese, and drink a bottle of wine. In the day and a half they walked a little less than thirty miles. The balance of the purchase was not walked until September 20, 17i53, when the then Governor of Pennsylvania offered a prize of 500 acres of land and £6 for the man who would walk the farthest. A distance of eighty-six miles was covered, in marked contrast with the kind consideration of Penn. During the first year, the country upon the Delaware, from the falls of Trenton as far as Chester, a distance of nearly sixty miles, was rapidly taken up and peopled. The large proportion of these were Quakers, and devotedly attached to their religion and its proper observances. They were, hence, morally, of the best classes, and though they were not generally of the aristocracy, yet many of them were in comfortable circumstances, had valuable properties, were of respectable families, educated, and had the resources within themselves to live contented and happy. They were provident, industrious, and had come hither with no fickle purpose. Many brought servants with them, and well supplied wardrobes, and all necessary articles which they wisely judged would be got in a new country with difficulty. Their religious principles were so peaceful and generous, and the govern- ment rested so lightly, that the fame of the colony and' the desirableness of settlement therein spread rapidly, and the numbers coming hither were unpar- alleled in the history of colonization, especially when we consider that a broad ocean was to be crossed and a voyage of several weeks was to be endured. In a brief period, ships with passengers came from London, Bristol, Ireland, Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Holland, Germany, to the number of about fifty. Among others came a company of German Quakers, from Krisheim, near Worms, in the Palatinate. These people regarded their lot as particularly fortunate, in which they recognized the direct interposition and hand of Provi- dence. For, not long afterward, the Palatinate was laid waste by the French army, and many of their kindred whom they had left behind were despoiled of their possessions and reduced to penury. There came also from Wales a com- pany of the stock of ancient Britons. So large an influx of population, coming in many cases without due pro- vision for variety of diet, caused a scarcity in many kinds of food, especially of meats. Time was required to bring forward flocks and herds, more than for producing grains. But Providence seemed to have graciously considered their necessities, and have miraculously provided for them, as of old was pro vision made for the chosen people. For it is recorded that the "wild pigeons came in such great numbers that the sky was sometiifies darkened by their flight, and, flying low, they were frequently knocked down as they flew, in great quantities, by those who had no other means to take them, whereby thej- supplied themselves, and, having salted those which they could not immedi- ately use, they preserved them, both for bread and meat." The Indians were kind, and often furnished them with game, for which they would receive no compensation. Their first care on landing was to bring their household goods to a place of safety, often to the simple protection of a tree. For some, this was their only shelter, lumber being scarce, and in many places impossible to obtain. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 57 Some made for themselves caves in the earth until better habitations could be secured. John Key, who was said to have been the first child born of English par- ents in Philadelphia, and that in recognition of which William Penn gave him a lot of ground, died at Kennet, in Chester County, on July 5, 1768, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was born in one of these caves upon the river bank, long afterward known by the name of Penny-pot, near Sassa- fras street. About six years before his death, he walked from Kennet to the city, about thirty miles, in one day. In the latter part of his life he went under the name of I'irst Born. The contrasts between the comforts and conveniences of an old settled country and this, where the heavy forests must be cleared away and severe la- bors must be endured before the sun could be let in sufficiently to produce anything, must have been very marked, and caused repining. But they had generally come with meek and humble hearts, and they willingly endured hardship and privation, and labored on earnestly for the spiritual comfort which they enjoyed. Thomas Makin, in some Latin verses upon the early set- tlement, says (we quote the metrical translation): "Its fame to distant coiintries far has spread. And some for peace, and some for profit led; Born in remotest climes, to settle here They leave their native soil and all that's dear, And still will flock from far, here to be free. Such powerful charms has lovely liberty." But for their many privations and sufferings there were some compensat- ing conditions. The soil, was fertile, the air mostly clear and healthy, the streams of water were good and plentiful, wood for fire and building unlimit- ed, and at certain seasons of the year game in the forest was abundant. Eich- ard Townsend, a settler at Germantown, who came over in the ship with Penn, in writing to his friends in England of his first year in America, says : " I, with Joshua Tittery, made a net, and caught great quantities of fish, so that, notwithstanding it was thought near three thousand persons came in the first year, we were so providentially provided for that we could buy a deer for about two shillings, and a large turkey for about one shilling, and Indian corn for about two shillings sixpence a bushel." In the same letter, the writer mentions that a young deer came out of the forest into the meadow where he was mowing, and looked at him, and when he went toward it would retreat; and, as he resumed his mowing, would come back to gaze upon him, and finally ran forcibly against a tree, which so stunned it that he was able to overmaster it and bear it away to his home, and as this was at a time when he was suffering for the lack of meat, he believed it a direct interposition of Providence. In the spring of 1683, there was great activity throughout the colony, and especially in the new city, in selecting lands and erecting dwellings, the Sur- veyor General, Thomas Holme, laying out and marking the streets. In the center of the city was a public square of ten acres, and in each of the toiix quarters one of eight acres. A large mansion, which had been undertaken be- fore his arrival, was built for Penn, at a point twenty-six miles up the river, called Pennsbury Manor, where he sometimes resided, and where he often met the Indian sachems. At this time, Penn divided the colony into counties, three for the province (Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester) and three for the Territories (New Castle, Kent and Sussex). Having appointed Sheriffs 'and other proper officers, he issued writs for the election of members of a General 58 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Assembly, three from each county for the Council or Upper House, and niae from each county for the Assembly or Lower House. * This Assembly convened and organized for business on the 10th of Jan- uary, 1683, at Philadelphia. One of the first subjects considered was the revising some provisions of the frame of government which was effected, re- ducing the number of members of both Houses, the Conncil to 18 the As- sembly to 36, and otherwise amending in unimportant particulars. In an assembly thus convened, and where few, if any, had had any experience in serving in a deliberative body, we may reasonably suppose that many crude and impracticable propositions would be presented. As an example of these the following may be cited as specimens: That young men should be obliged to marry at, or before, a certain age; that two sorts of clothes only shall be worn, one for winter and the other for summer. The session lasted twenty two days. The first grand jury in Pennsylvania was summoned for the 2d of Feb- ruary, 1683, to inquire into the cases of some persons accused of issuing counterfeit money. The Governor and Council sat as a court. One Picker- ing was convicted, and the sentence was significant of the kind and patriarchal nature of the government, "that he should make full satisfaction, in good and current pay, to every person who should, within the space of one month, bring in any of this false, base and counterfeit coin, and that the money brought in should be melted down before it was returned to him, and that he should pay a fine of forty pounds toward the building a court house, stand committed till the same was paid, and afterward find security for his good behavior." The Assembly and courts having now adjourned, Penn gave his attention to the grading and improving the streets of the new city, and the managing the affairs of his land office, suddenly grown to great importance. For every section of land taken up in the wilderness, the purchaser was entitled to a certain plot in the new city. The Kiver Delaware at this time was nearly a mile broad opposite the city, and navigable for ships of the largest tonnage. The tide rises about six feet at this point, and flows back '' to the falls of Trenton, a distance of thirty miles. The tide in the Schuylkill flows only about five miles above its confluence with the Delaware. The river bank along the Delaware was intended by Penn as a common or public resort. But in his time the owners of lots above Front street pressed him to allow them to construct warehouses upon it, opposite their properties, which importunity in- duced him to make the following declaratiou concerning it; "The bank is a top common, from end to end; the rest next the water belongs to front-lot men no more than back- lot men. The way bounds them; they may build stairs, and the top of the bank a common exchange, or wall, and against the street, common wharfs may be built freely; but into the water, and the shore is no purchaser's." But in future time, this liberal desire of the founder was dis- regarded, and the bank has been covered with immense warehouses. *It may be a matter of curiosity to know the n.imes of the members of this first regularly elected Legis- lature in Pennsylvania, and they are accordingly appended as given in oificial records : Council : William Markham, Christopher Taylor, Thomas Holme, Lacy Cock, William Haige, John Moll, Saiph Withers, John Simcock, Edward Cantwell, William Clayton, William Biles, James Harrison, William Clark, Francis Whitewell, John Richardson, John Hillyard. Assembly: From Bucks, William Yardly, Samuel Darke, Robert Lucas, Nicholas Walne, John Wood, John Clowes, Thomas Fitzwater, Robert Hall, James Bovden; from Philadelphia, John Longhurst, John Hart, Wal- ter King, Andros Binkson, John Moon, Thomas \^ynne (Speaker), Griffith Jones, William Warner, Swan Swan- son; from Chester, John Hoskins, Robert Wade, George Wood, John Blunston, Dennis Kochford, Thomas Bracy, John Bezer, John Harding, Joseph Phipps ; from New Castle, John Cann, John Darby, Valentine HoU- ingBWorth, Gasparus Herman, John Dchoaef, James Williams, William Guest, Peter Alrich, Henrick Williams ; from Kent, John Biggs, Simon Irons, Thomas Haffold John Curtis, Robert Bedwell, William Windsmore, John Brinkloe, Daniel Brown, Benony Bishop ; from Sussex, Luke Watson, Alexander Draper, William Futcher, Henry Bowman, Alexander Moleston, John Hill, Robert Bracy, John Kipshaven, Cornelius Verhoof. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 69 Seeing now his plans of government and settlement fairly in operation, as autumn approached, Penn wrote a letter to the Free Society of Traders in London, which had been formed to promote settlement in his colony, in which he touched upon a great variety of topics regarding his enterprise, extending to quite a complete treatise. The great interest attaching to the subjects dis- cussed, and the ability with which it was drawn, makes it desirable to insert the document entire; but its great length makes its use incompatible with the plan of this work. A few extracts and a general plan of the letter is all that can be given. He first notices the injurious reports put in circulation in En- gland during his absence: " Some persons have had so little wit and so much malice as to report my death, and, to mend the matter, dead a Jesuit, too. One might have reasonably hoped that this distance, like death, would have been a protection against spite and envy. * * * However, to the great sorrow and shame of the inventors, I am still alive and no Jesuit, and, I thank God, very well." Of the air and waters he says: " The air is sweet and clear, the heavens serene, like the south parts of France, rarely overcast. The waters are generally good, for the rivers and brooks- have mostly gravel and stony bot- toms, and in number hardly credible. We also have mineral waters that operate in the same manner with Barnet and North Hall, not twb miles from Philadelphia." He then treats at length of the four seasons, of trees, fruits, grapes, peaches, grains, garden produce: of animals,beasts, birds, fish, whale fish- ery, horses and cattle, medicinal plants, flowers of the woods; of the Indians and their persons. Of their language he says: "It is lofty, yet narrow; but, like the Hebrew, in signification, full, imperfect in their tenses, wanting in their moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections. I have made it my busi- ness to understand it, and I must say that I know not a language spoken in Europe that hath words of more sweetness or greatness in accent and emphasis than theirs." Of their customs and their children :. " The children will go very young, at nine months, commonly; if boys, they go a fishing, till ripe for the woods, which is about fifteen; then they hunt, and, after having given some proofs of their manhood by a good return of skins, they may marry, else it is a shame to think of a wife. The girls stay with their mother and help to hoe the ground, plant corn and carry burdens. When the young women are fit for marriage, they wear something upon their heads as an advertisment ; but so, as their faces hardly to be seen, but when they please. The age they marry at, if women, is about thirteen and fourteen; if men, seventeen and eighteen; they are rarely elder." In a romantic vein he speaks of their houses, diet, hospitality, revengefulness and concealment of resentment, great liberality, free manner of life and customs, late love of strong liquor, behavior in sickness and death, their re- ligion, their feastings, their government, their mode of doing business, their manner of administering justice, of agreement for settling difficulties entered into with the pen, their susceptibility to improvement, of the origin of the Indian race their resemblance to the Jews. Of the Dutch and Swedes whom he found set- tled here when he came, he says: " The Dutch applied themselves to traffick, the Swedes and Finns to husbandry. The Dutch mostly inhabit those parts that lie upon the bay, and the Swedes the freshes of the Delaware. They are a plain, strong, industrious people; yet have made no great progress in culture or propagation of fruit trees. They are a people proper, and strong of body, so they have fine children, and almost every house full; rare to find one of them without three or four boys and as many girls — some, six, seven and eight sons, and I must do them that right, I see few young men more sober and laborious." After speaking at length of the organization of the colony and its manner of government, he concludes with his own opinion of the country: "I say little 60 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. of the town itself; but this I will say, for the good providence of God, that of all the many places I have seen in the world, I remember not one better seated, so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a town, whether we regard the rivers or the conveniency of the coves, docks, springs, the loftiness and soundness of the land and the air, held by the people of these parts to be very good. It is advanced within less than a year to about fourscore bouses and cottages, where merchants and handicrafts are following their vocations as fast as they can, while the countrymen are close at their farms. * * * i bless God I am fully satisfied with the country and entertainment I got in it; for I find that particular content, which hath always attended me, where God in His providence hath made it my place and service to reside. " As we have seen, the visit of Penn to Lord Baltimore soon after his arrival in America, for the purpose of settling the boundaries of the two provinces, after a two days' conference, proved fruitless, and an adjournment was had for the winter, when the efforts for settlement were to be resumed. Early in the spring, an attempt was made on the part of Peun, but was prevented till May, when a meeting was held at New Castle. Penn proposed to confer by the aid of counselors and in writing. But to this Baltimore objected, and, complain- ing of the sultryness of the weather, the conference was broken up. In the meantime, it had come to the knowledge of Penn that Lord Baltimore had issued a proclamation offering settlers more land, and at cheaper rates than Penn had done, in portions of the lower counties which Penn had secured from the Duke of York, but which Baltimore now claimed. Besides, it was ascertained that an agent of his had taken an observation, and determined the latitude without the knowledge of Penn, and had secretly made an ex parte statement of the case before the Lords of the Committee of Plantations in En- gland, and was pressing for arbitrament. This state of the case created much uneasiness in the mind of Penn, especially as the proclamation of Lord Balti- more was likely to bring the two governments into conflict on territory mutu- ally claimed. But Lord Baltimore was not disposed to be content with diplo- macy. He determined to pursue an aggressive policy. He accordingly com- missioned his agent. Col. George Talbot, under date of September 17, 1683, to go- to Schuylkill, at Delaware, and demand of William Penn " all that part of the land on the west side of the said river that lyeth to the southward of the fortieth degree." This bold demand would have embraced the entire colony, both the lower counties, and the three counties in the province, as the fortieth degree reaches a considerable distance above Philadelphia. Penn was absent at the time in New York, and Talbot made his demand upon Nicholas Moore, the deputy of Penn. Upon his return, the proprietor made a dignified but earnest rejoinder. While he felt that the demand could not be justly sus- tained, yet the fact that a controversy for the settlement of the boundary was likely to arise, gave him disquietude, and though he was gratified with the success of his plans for acquiring lands of the Indians and establishing friendly relations with them, the laying-out of his new city and settling it, the adop- tion of a stable government and putting it in successful operation, and, more than all, the drawing thither the large number of settlers, chiefly of his own religious faith, and seeing them contented and happy in the new State, he plainly foresaw that his skill and tact would be taxed to the utmost to defend and hold his claim before the English court. If the demand of Lord Balti- more were to prevail, all that he had done would be lost, as his entire colony would be swallowed up by Maryland. The anziety of Penn to hold from the beginning of the 40° of latitude was not to increase thereby his territory by so much, for two degrees which he lilSTOR Y OF PENNSYLVANIA. 6 1 securely had, bo far as amount of land was concerned, would have entirely satirified him; but he wanted this degree chiefly that he might have the free navigation of Delaware Bay and River, and thus open communication with the ocean. He desired ako to hold the lower counties, which were now well settled, as well as his own counties rapidly being peopled, and his new city of Philadelphia, which he regarded as the apple of his eye. So anxious was he to hold the land on the right bank of the Delaware to the open ocean, that at his second meeting, he asked Lord Baltimore to set a price per square mile on this disputed ground, and though he had purchased it once of the crown and held the King's charter for it, and the Duke of York's deed, yet rather than have any further wrangle over it, he was willing to pay for it again. But this Lord Baltimore refused to do. ^ Bent upon bringing matters to a crisis, and to force possession of his claim, early in the year 1(584 a party from Maryland made forcible entry u^on the plantations in the lower counties and drove off the owners. The Governor and Council at Philadelphia sent thither a copy of the answer of Penn to Baltimore's demand for the land south of the Delaware, with orders to William Welch, Sheriff at New Castle, to use his influence to reinstate the lawful owners, and issued a declaration succinctly stating the claim of Penn, for the purpose of preventing such unlawful incursions in future. The season opened favorably for the continued prosperity of the young colony. Agricultture was being prosecuted as never before. Goodly flocks and herds gladdened the eyes of the settlers. An intelligent, moral and in- dustrious yeomanry was springing into existence. Emigrants were pouring into the Delaware from many lands. The Government was becoming settled in its operations and popular with the people. The proprietor had leisure to attend to the interests of his religious society, not only in his own dominions, but in the Jerseys and in New York. OHAPTEE Vn. Thomas Llotd, 1684-86— Five Commissioneks, 1686-88— John Blacktell, 1688 -90— Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91— William Maekham, 1691-93— Benjamin Fletchee, 1693-95— William Maekham, 1693-99. BUT the indications, constantly thickening, that a struggle was likely soon to be precipitated before the crown for possession of the disputed terri- tory, decided Penn early in the summer to quit the colony and return to En- gland to defend his imperiled interests. There is no doubt that he took this step with unfeigned regret, as he was contented and happy in his new country, and was most usefully employed. There were, however, other inducements which were leading him back to England. The hand of persecution was at this time laid heavily upon the Quakers. Over 1,400 of these pious and in- offensive people were now, and some of them had been for years, languishing io the prisons of England, for no other offense than their manner of worship. By his friendship with James, and his acquaintance with the King, he might do something to soften the lot of these unfortunate victims of bigotry. He accordingly empowered the Provincial Council, of which Thomas Lloyd was President, to act in his stead, commissioned Nicholas Moore, Will- iam Welch, William Wood, Eobert Turner and John Eckley, Provincial Q2 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Judges for two years; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert Turner to sign land patents and warrants, and William Clark as Justice of the Peace for all the counties; and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for Europe. His feelings on leaving hid colony are exnibited by a farewell address which he issued from on board the vessel to his people, of which the following are brief extracts: "My love and my life is to you, and with you, and no water can quench it, nor distance wear it out, nor bring it to an end. I have been with you, cared over you and served over you with unfeigned love, and you are beloved of me, and near to me, beyond utterance. I bless you in the name and power of the Lord, and may God bless you with His righteousness, peace and plenty all the land over. * * * Oh! now are you come to a quiet land; provoke not the Lord to trouble it. And now liberty and author- ity are with you, and in your hands. Let the government be upon His shoulders, in all your spirits, that you may rule for Him, under whom the princes of this world will, one day, esteem their honor to govern and serve in their places * * * And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what serv- ice and what travail has there been, to bring thee forth, and preserve thee from such as would abuse and defile thee! * * * So, dear friends, my love again salutes you all, wishing that grace, mercy and peace, with all temporal blessings, may abound richly among you — so says, so prays, your friend and lover in the truth. William Penn." On the 6th of December of this same year, 1684, Charles II died, and was succeeded by his brother James, Duke of York, under the title of James IL James was a professed Catholic, and the people were greatly excited all over the kingdom lest the reign of Bloody Mary should be repeated, and that the Catholic should become the established religion. He had less ability than his brother, the deceased King, but great discipline' and industry. Penn en- joyed the friendship and intimacy of the new King, and he determined to use his advantage for the relief of his suffering countrymen, not only of his sect, the Quakers, but of all, and especially for the furtherance of universal liberty. But there is no doubt that he at this time meditated a speedy return to bis province, for he writes: "Keep up the peoples' hearts and loves; I hope to be with them next fall, if the Lord prevent not. I long to be with you. No temptations prevail to fix me here. The Lord send us a good meeting." By authority of Penn, dated 18th of January, 1685, William Markham, Penn's cousin, was commissioned Secretary of the province, and the proprietor's Sec- retary. That he might be fixed near to court for the furtherance of his private as well as public business, he secured lodgings for himself and family, in 1685, at Kensington, near London, and cultivated a daily intimacy with the King, who, no doubt, found in the strong native sense of his Quaker friend, a valued ad- viser upon many questions of difficulty. His first and chief care was the set- tlement of his disagreement with Lord Baltimore touching the boundaries of their provinces. This was settled in November, 1685, by a compromise, by which the land lying between the Delaware and Chesepeake Bays was divided into two equal parts — that upon the Delaware was adjudged to Penn, and that upon the Chesapeake to Lord Baltimore. This settled the matter in theory; but when the attempt was made to run the lines according to the language of the Royal Act, it was found that the royal secretaries did not understand the geography of the country, and that the line which their language described was an impossible one. Consequently the boundary remained undetermined till 1732. The account of its location will be given in its proper place. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63 Having secured this important decision to his satisfaction, Penn applied himself with renewed zeal, not only to secure the release of his people, who were languishing in prisons, but to procure for all Englishmen, everywhere, enlarged liberty and freedom of conscience. His relations with the King fa- vored his designs. The King had said to Penn before he ascended the throne that he was opposed to persecution for religion. On the first day of his reign, he made an address, in which he proclaimed himself opposed to all arbitrary principles in government, 'and promised protection to the Church of England. Early in the year 1686, in consequence of the King's proclamation for a gen- eral pardon, over thirteen hundred Quakers were set at liberty, and in April, 1687, the King issued a declaration for entire liberty of conscience, and sus- pending the penal laws in matters ecclesiastical. This was a great step in ad- vance, and one that must ever throw a luster over the brief reign of this un- fortunate monarch. Penn, though holding no oflScial position, doubtless did as much toward securing the issue of this liberal measure as any Englishman. Upon the issue of these edicts, the Quakers, at their next annual meeting, presented an address of acknowledgment to the Ring, which opened in these words: " We cannot but bless and praise the name of Almighty God, who hath the hearts of princes in His hands, that He hath inclined the King to hear the cries of his suffering subjects for conscience' sake, and we rejoice that he hath given us so eminent an occasion to present him our thanks." This ad- dress was presented by Penn in a few well -chosen words, and the King re- plied in the following, though brief, yet most expressive, language: "Gentle- men — I thank you heartily for your address. Some of you know (I am sure you do Mr. Penn), that it was always my principle, that conscience ought not to be forced, and that all men ought to have the liberty of their consciences. And what I have promised in my declaration, I will continue to perform so long as I live. And I hope, before I die, to settle it so that after ages shall have no reason to alter it." It would have been supposed that such noble sentiments as these from a sovereign would have been hailed with delight by the English people. But they were not. The aristocracy of Britain at this time did not want liberty of conscience. They wanted comformity to the established church, and bitter persecution against all others, as in the reign of Charles, which filled the prisons with Quakers. The warm congratulations to James, and fervent prayers for his welfare, were regarded by them with an evil eye. Bitter reproaches were heaped upon Penn, who was looked upon as the power behind the throne that was moving the King to the enforcing of these principles. He was ac- cused of having been educated at St. Omer's, a Catholic college, a place which he never saw in his life, of having taken orders as a priest in the Catholic Church, of having obtained dispensation to marry, and of being not only a Catholic, but a Jesuit in disguise, all of which were pure fabrications. But in the excited state of the public mind they were believed, and caused him to be regarded with bitter hatred. The King, too, fell rapidly into disfavor, and so completely had the minds of his people become alienated from him, that upon the coming of the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary, in 1688, James was obliged to flee to France for safety, and they were received as the rulers of Britain. But while the interests of the colony were thus prospering at court, they were not so cloudless in the new country. There was needed the strong hand of Penn to check abuses and guide the course of legislation in proper chan- nels. He had labored to place the government entirely in the hands of the people — an idea, in the abstract, most attractive, and one which, were the entire 4 64 HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. population wise and just, would result fortunately: yet, in practice, he found to his sorrow the results most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been gone before troubles arose between the two Houses of the Legislature relative to promulgating the laws as not being in accordance with the requirements of the charter. Nicholas Moore, the Chief Justice, was impeached for irregular- ities in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But though formally arraigned and directed to desist from exercising his functions, he suc- cessfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained. Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in the trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. These troubles in the government were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote, naming a number of the most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an endeavor to check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the province, " that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was £10,000 out of his way, and £100,000 out of the country." In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole Council was too unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James Claypole, Robert Turner and John Eckley, any three of whom should consti- tute a quorum, to be Commissioners of State to act for the proprietor. In place of Moore and Claypule, Arthur Cook and John Simcock were appointed. They were to compel the attendance of the Council; see that the two Houses admit of no parley, to abrogate all laws except the fundamentals; to dismiss the Assembly and call a new one, and finally he solemnly admonishes them, "Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a letter to these Commissioiiers, he says: " Three things occur to me eminently: First, that you be watchful that none abuse the King, etc. ; secondly, that you get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least offensive way to support the government; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and sessions." In a letter to James Harrison, his confidential agent at Pennsbury Manor, he unbosoms himself more freely respecting his employment in London than in any of his State papers or more public communications, and from it can be seen how important were his labors with the head of the English nation. " I am engaged in the public business of the nation and Friends, and those in au- thority would have me see the establishment of the liberty, that I was a small instrument to begin in the land. The Lord has given me great entrance and interest with the King, though not so much as is said; and I confess I should rejoice to see poor old England fixed, the penal laws repealed, that are now suspended, and if it goes well with England, it cannot go ill with Pennsyl- vania, as unkindly used as I am; and no poor slave in Turkey desires more earnestly, I believe, for deliverance, than I do to be with you." In the sum- mer of 1687, Penn was in company with the King in a progress through the counties of Berkshire, Glocestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, during which he held several religious meetings with his people, in some of which the King ap- pears to have been present, particularly in Chester. Since the departure of Penn, Thomas Lloyd had acted as President of the Council, and later of the Commissioners of State. He had been in effect Governor, and held responsible for the success of the government, while pos- sessing only one voice in the disposing of affairs. Tiring of this anomalous position, Lloyd applied to be relieved. It was difficult to find a person of sufficient ability to fill the place: but Penn decided to relieve him, though HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 showing hi8 entire confidence by notifying him that he intended soon to ap- point him absolute Governor. In his place, he indicated Samuel Carpenter, or if he was unwilling to serve, then Thomas Ellis, but not to be President, his will being that each should preside a month in turn, or that the oldest mem- ber should be chosen. Penn foresaw that the executive power, to be efficient, must be lodged in the hands of one man of ability, such as to command the respect of his people. Those whom he most trusted in the colony had been so mixed up in the wran- gles of the executive and legislative departments of the government that he deemed it advisable to appoint a person who had not before been in the col- ony and not a Quaker. He accordingly commissioned John Blackwell, July 27, 1688, to be Lieutenant Grovernor, who was at this time in New England, and who had the esteem and confidence of Penn. With the commission, the proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the last one being: " Eule the meek meekly; and those that will not be ruled, rule with authority." Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained in the Council, probably because neither of the persens designated were willing to serve. Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recommended the appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was in con formity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the Assembly in March, 1689; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary and im- perious, or the Assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and lax discipline; for the business had not proceeded far before the several branches of the government were at variance. Lloyd refused to give up the great seal, alleging that it had been given him for life. The Governor, arbitra- rily and without warrant of law, imprisoned officers of high rank, denied the validity of all laws passed by the Assembly previous to his administration, and set on foot a project for organizing and equipping the militia, under the plea of threatened hostility of France. The Assembly attempted to arrest his proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party among the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign was short, for in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for En- gland, whereupon the government again devolved upon the Council, Thomas Lloyd, President. Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity of Blackwell, and adds, " He is in England and Ireland of great repute for ability, integrity and virtue. " Three forms of administering the executive department of the government had nowbeentried,by a Council consisting of eighteen members, a commission of five members, and a Lieutenant Governor. Desirous of leaving the government as far as possible in the hands of the people who were the sources of all power, Penn left it to the Council to decide which form should be adopted. The majority decided for a Deputy Governor. This was opposed by the mem- bers from the provinces, who preferred a Council, and who, finding themselves outvoted, decided to withdraw, and determined for themselves to govern the lower counties until Penn should come. This obstinacy and falling out be- tween the councilors from the lower counties and those from the province was the beginning of a controversy which eventuated in a separation, and finally in the formation of Delaware as a separate commonwealth. A deputa- tion from the Council was sent to New Castle to induce the seceding members to return, but without success. They had never regarded with favor the re- moval of the sittings of the Council from New Castle, the first seat of gov- ernment, to Philadelphia, and they were now determined to set up a govern- ment for themselves. 66 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. In 1689, the Friends Public School in Philadelphia was first incorporated, confirmed by a patent from Penn in 1701, and another in 1708, and finally, with greatly enlarged powers, from Penn personally, November 29, 1711. The preamble to the charter recites that as "the prosperity and welfare of any people depend, in great measure, upon the good education of youth, and their early introduction in the principles of true religion and virtue, and qualifying them to serve their country and themselves, by breeding them in reading, writing, and learning of languages and useful arts and sciences suitable to their sex, age and degree, which cannot be effected in any manner so well as by erecting public schools," etc. George Keith was employed as the first mas- ter of this school. He was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, a man of learning, and had emigrated to East Jersey some years previous, where he was Surveyor General, and had surveyed and marked the line between East and West New Jersey. He only remained at the head of the school one year, when he was succeeded by his usher, Thomas Makin. This was a school of considerable merit and pretension, where the higher mathematics and the ancient lan- guages were taught, and was the first of this high grade. A school of a pri- mary grade had been established as early as 1683, in Philadelphia, when Enoch Flower taught on the following terms: "To learn to read English, four shillings by the quarter; to write, six shillings by ditto; to read, writeiand cast accounts, eight shillings by the quarter; boarding a scholar, that is to say, diet, lodging, washing and schooling, £10 for one whole year," from which it will be seen that although learning might be highly prized, its cost in hard cash was not exorbitant. Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to be sus- pected of disloyalty to the government when William and Mary had come to the throne. Accordingly on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in White Hall, he was summoned before the Lords of the Council, and though nothing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appear- ance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. At the sec- ond sitting of the Council nothing having been found against him, he was cleared in open court. In 1690, he was again brought before the Lords on the charge of having been in correspondence with the late King. He ap pealed to King William, who, after a hearing of two hours, was disposed to release him, but the Lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term, when he was again discharged. A third time he- was arraigned, and this time with eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was cleared by order of the King's Bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexa- tious suits apparently at an end, he set about leading a large party of settlers to his cherished Pennsylvania. Proposals were published, and the Govern- ment, regarding the enterprise of so much importance, had ordered an armed convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now, backed by the false oath of one William Puller, whom the Parliament subsequently de- clared a ' ' cheat and an imposter. " Seeing that he must prepare again for his defease, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive preparations, and convinced that his enemies were determined to prevent his attention to public or private affairs, whether in England or America, he with- drew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye. But though not participating in business, which was calling loudly for his attention, his mind was busy, and several important treatises upon religious and civil matters were produced that had great influence upon the turn of public affairs, which would never have been written but for this forced retire- ment. In his address to the yearly meeting of Friends in London, he says: HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67 " My enemies are yours. My privacy is not because men have sworn truly, but falsely against me. " His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For lack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commis- sioned Thomas Lloyd Deputy Governor of the province, and William Mark- ham Deputy Governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this division is disclosed in a letter to a friend in the province: "I left it to them, to choose either the government of the Council, five Commissioners or a deputy. What could be tenderer ? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the three upper but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken choice. This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of g]j] ♦ * * f(jj. gjgg t;]jQ Grovemor of New York is like to have all, if he has it not already." But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs. His I'eligious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con- siderable power in argumentation, but of overweaning self -conceit, attacked the Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So venomous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of de- nial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his conduct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meet- ing. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who termed themselves Christian Quakers. Keith appealed from this action of the American Church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in speech that the action of the American Church was confirmed. Whereupon he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the Church of England, was ordained a Vicar by the Bishop of 'London. He afterward re- turned to America where he wrote against his former associates, but was final- ly fixed in a benefice in Sussex, England. On his death bed, he said, " I wish I had died when I was a Quaker, for then I am sure it would have been well with my soul." But Keith had not been satisfied with attacking the principles and prac- tices of his church. He mercilessly lampooned the Lieutenant Governor, say- ing that ''He was not fit to be a Governor, and his name would stink," and of the Council, that " He hoped to God he should shortly see their power taken from them." On another occasion, he said of Thomas Lloyd, who was reputed a mild-tempered man, and had befriended Keith, that he was " an impu- dent man and a pitiful Governor,' ' and asked him " why he did not send him to jail," saying that "his back (Keith's) had long itched for a whipping, and that he would print and expose them all over America, if not over Europe. " So abusive had he finally become that the Council was obliged to take notice of his conduct and to warn him to desist. Penn, as has been shown, was silenced and thrown into retirement in En- gland. It can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity those troubles in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the church, gave his enemies to attack him. They represented that he had neglected his colony by remaining in England and meddling with matters in which he had no business; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder, and that he should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the 21st of October, 1692, they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take the province and territories cinder his government. There was another motive operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce the 68 HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. King and Queen to put the government of Pennsylvania under the Governor of New York. The French and Indians from the north were threatening the English. Already the expense for defense had become burdensome to New York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn, with his peace principles, would be fruitless, but that through the influence of Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation might be secured. Upon receiving his commission, Gov. Fletcher sent a note, dated April 19, 1693, to Deputy Gov. Lloyd, informing him of the grant of the royal commis- sion and of his intention to visit the colony and assume authority on the 29th inst. He accordingly came with great pomp and splendor, attended by a numerous retinue, and soon after his arrival, submission to him having been accorded without question, summoned the Assembly. Some differences having arisen between the Governor and the Assembly about the manner of calling and electing the Representatives, certain members united in an address to the Gov- ernor, claiming that the constitution and laws were still in full force and must be administered until altered or repealed; that Pennsylvania had just as good a right to be governed according lo the usages of Pennsylvania as New York had to be governed according to the usages of that province. The Leg- islature being finally organized, Gov. Fletcher presented a letter from the Queen, setting forth that the expense for the preservation and defense of Albany against the French was intolerable to the inhabitants there, and that as this was a frontier to other colonies, it was thought but just that they should help bear the burden. The Legislature, in firm but respectful terms, maintained that the constitution and laws enacted under them were in full force, and when he, having flatly denied this, attempted to intimidate them by the threat of annexing Pennsylvania to New York, they mildly but firmly requested that if the Governor had objections to the bill which they had passed and would communicate them, they would try to remove them. The business was now amicably adjusted, and he in compliance with their wish dissolved the Assembly, and after appointing William Markham Lieutenant Governor, departed to his government in New York, doubtless well satisfied that a Quaker, though usu- ally mild mannered, is not easily frightened or coerced. Gov. Fletcher met the Assembly again in March, 1694, and during this session, having apparently failed in his previous endeavors to induce the Assem- bly to vote money for the common defense, sent a communication setting forth the dangers to be apprehended from the French and Indians, aud concluding in these words : "That he considered their principles ; that they could not carry arms nor levy money to make war, though for their own defense, yet he hoped that they would not refuse to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; that was to supply the Indian nations with such necessaries as may influence their contin- ued friendship to their provinces. " But notwithstanding the adroit sugar- coating of the pill, it was not acceptable and no money was voted. This and a brief session in September cloaed the Governorship of Pennsylvania by Fletcher. It would appear from a letter written by Penn, after hearing of the neglect of the Legislature to vote money for the purpose indicated, that he took an entirely different view of the subject from that which was antici- pated; for he blamed the colony for refusing to send money to New York for what he calls the common defense. Through, the kind offices of Lords Rochester, Rauelagh, Sidney and Somers, the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenehard, the king was asked to hear the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, and who would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 69 answered that William Perm was his old acquaintance as well as theirs, that he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had nothing to say- to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned William Mark- ham Lieutenant Governor. When Markham called the Assembly, he disregarded the provisions of the charter, assuming that the removal of Penn had annulled the grant. The Assembly made no objection to this action, as there were provisions in the old charter that they desired to have changed. Accordingly, when the appropria- tion bill was considered, a new constitution was attached to it and passed. This was approved by Markham and became the organic law, the third consti- tution adopted under the charter of King Charles. By the provisions of this instrument, the Council was composed of twelve members, and the Assembly of twenty-four. During the war between France and England, the ocean swarmed with the privateers of the former. When peace was declared, many of these crafts, which had richly profited by privateering, were disposed to con- tinue their irregular practices, which was now piracy. Judging that the peace principles of the Quakers would shield them from forcible seizure, they were accustomed to run into the Delaware for safe harbor. Complaints coming of the depredations of these parties, a proclamation was issued calling on magistrates and citizens to unite in breaking up practices so damaging to the good name of the colony. It was charged in England that evil-disposed per- sons in the province were privy to these practices, if not parties to it, and that the failure of the Government to break it up was a proof of its inefficiency, and of a radical defect of the principles on which it was based. Penn was much exercised by these charges, and in his letters to the Lieutenant Governor and to his friends in the Assembly, urged ceaseless vigilance to effect reform. CHAPTER Tni. William Penn, 1699-1701— Andrew Hamilton, 1701-3— Edward Shippen 1703-4— John Evans, 1704-9— Charles Gookin, 1709-17. BEING free from harassing persecutions, and in favor at court, Penn de- termined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the ex- pectation of living and dying here. Accordingly, in July, 1699, he set sail, and, on account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the ocean. Just before his arrival in his colony, the yellow fever raged there with great virulence, having been brought thither from the West Indies, but had been checked by the biting frosts of autumn, and had now disappeared. An observant traveler, who witnessed the effects of t^iis scourge, writes thus of it in his journal: "Great was the majesty and band of the Lord. Great was the fear that fell upon all flesh. I saw no lofty nor airy countenance, nor heard any vain jesting to move men to laughter, nor witty repartee to raise mirth, nor extravagant feasting to excite the lusts and desires of the flesh above measure; but every face gathered paleness, and many hearts were hum- bled, and countenances fallen and sunk, as such that waited every moment to be summoned to the bar and numbered to the grave. " Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arriv- 70 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. al of the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now come to stay. He met the Assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement season, he only detained them loag enough to pass two measures aimed against piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his concern, which was for the welfare of Indians and Negroes, and steps were taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could hear the Word. It is more than probable that he had fears from the first that his enemies in England would interfere in his affairs to such a degree as to re- quire his early return, though he had declared to his friends there that he never expected to meet them again. His greatest solicitude, consequently, was to give a charter to his colony, and also one to his city, the very best that human ingenuity could devise. An experience of now nearly twenty years would be likely to develop the weaknesses and impracticable provisibns of the first constitutions, so that a frame now drawn with all the light of the past, and by the aid and suggestion of the men who had been employed in admin- istering it, would be likely to be enduring, and though he might be called hence, or be removed by death, their work would live on from generation to generation and age to age, and exert a benign and preserving influence while the State should exist. In February, 1701, Penn met the most renowned and powerful of the In- dian chieftains, reaching out to the Potomac, the Susquehanna and to the Ononda- goes of the Five Nations, some forty in number, at Philadelphia, where he renewed with them pledges of peace and entered into a formal treaty of active friendship, binding them to disclose any hostile intent, confirm sale of lands, be governed by colonial law, all of which was confirmed on the part of the In- dians " by five parcels of skins;" and on the part of Penn by " several English goods and merchandises." Several sessions of the Legislature were held in which great iarmony pre- vailed, and much attention was giving to revising and recomposing the consti- tution. But in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the House of Lords for reducing all ihe proprietary governments in America to regal ones, .under pretence of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and the national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hap- pened to be in England, remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming hither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to go immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the Assembly, and in his message to the two Houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage without great reluctancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a wilderness. For my heart is among you, and no disappointment shall ever be able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my family and posterity in it. * * Think therefore (since all men are mortal), of some suitable expedient and provision for your safety as well in your privi- leges as property. Review again your laws, propose new ones, and you will find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer union of our interests." The Assembly returned a suitable response, and then proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The first related to tbe appoint- ment of a Lieutenant Governor. Penn proposed that" the Assembly should choose one. But this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one. Little trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 71 nnion of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new constitution was adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument provided for the union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with great reluctance, it was provided that the province and the territories might be separated at any time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he presented the city of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and always an object of his affectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As his Deputy, he ap- pointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and sometime Governor of both East and West Jersey, and for Secretary of the province and^ Clert of the Council, he selected James Logan, a man of sin- gular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar. Penn set sail for Europe on the Ist of November, 1701. Soon after his arrival, on the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Den- mark succeeded him. He now found himself in favor at court, and that he might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at Kensing- ton. The bill which had been pending before Parliament, that had given him so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped entirely, and was never again called up. During his leisure hours, be now busied himself in writing "several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects." Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite , with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success. He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, for the safety of the colony. The executive authority now devolved upon the Council, of which Edward Shippen was President. Conflict of authority, and contention over the due in- terpretation of some provisions of the new charter, prevented the accomplish- ment of much, by way of legislation, in the Assembly which convened in 1703; though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. This separation proved final, the two bodies never again meeting in common. Though the bill to govern the American Colonies by regal authority failed, yet the clamor of those opposed to the proprietary Governors was so strong that an act was finally passed requiring the selection of deputies to have the royal assent. Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to consider the Queen's wishes. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extrac- tion, only twenty-six years old, a member of the Queen's household, and not a Quaker, nor even of exemplary morals, was appointed, who arrived in the col- ony in December, 1703. He was accompanied by William Penn, Jr., who was elected a member of the Council, the number having been increased by author- ity of the Governor, probably with a view to his election. The first care of Evans was to unite the province and lower counties, though the final separation had been agreed to. He presented the matter so well that the lower counties, from which the difficulty had always come, were willing to return to a firm union. But now the provincial Assembly, having become impatient of the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the dele- gates from these counties, was unwilling to receive them. They henceforward remained separate in a. legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania, under the claim of Penn, and ruled by the same Governor, and thus they con- tinued until the 20th of September, 1776, when a constitution was adopted, and they were proclaimed a separate State under the name of Delaware. 72 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. During two years of tlie government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord be- tween the Council, headed by the Governor and Secretary Logan on the one side, and the Assembly led by David Lloyd, its Speaker, on the other, and little legislation was effected. Realizing the defenseless condition of the colony, Evans determined to organize the militia, and accordingly issued his proclamation. "In obedience to her Majesty's royal command, and to the end that the inhabitants of this government may be in a posture of defense and readiness to withstand and repel all acts of hostility, I do hereby strictly command and require all per- sons residing in this government, whose persuasions will, on any account, per- mit them to take up arms in their own defense, that forthwith they do pro- vide themselves with a good firelock and ammunition, in order to enlist them- selves in the militia, which I am now settling in- this government. " The Gov- ernor evidently issued this proclamation iu good faith, and with a pure pur- pose. The French and Indiana had assumed a threatening aspect upon the north, and while the other colonies had assisted New York liberally, Pennsylvania had done little or nothing for the common defense. But his call fell stillborn. The " fire-locks" were not brought out, and none enlisted. Disappointed at this lack of spirit, and embittered by the factious temper of the Assembly, Evans, who seems not to have had faith in the religious prin- ciples of the Quakers, and to have entirely mistook the nature of their Christian zeal, formed a wild scheme to test their steadfastness under the pressure of threatened danger. In conjunction with his gay associates in revel, he agreed to have a false alarm spread of the approach of a hostile force in the river, whereupon he was to raise the alarm in the city. Accordingly, on the day of the fair in Philadelphia, 16th of Marbh, 1706, a messenger came, post haste from New Castle, bringing the startling intelligence that an armed fleet of the enemy was already in the river, and making their way rapidly toward the city. Whereupon Evans acted his part to a nicety. He sent emissaries through the town proclaiming the dread tale, while he mounted his horse, and in an ex- cited manner, and with a drawn sword, rode through the streets, calling upon all good men and true to rush to arms for the defense of their homes, their wives and children, and all they held dear. The ruse was so well played that it had an immense effect. " The suddenness of the surprise,'' says Proud, " with the noise of precipitation consequent thereon, threw many of the people into very great fright and consternation, insomuch that it is said some threw their plate and most valuable effects down their wells and little houses; that others hid themselves, in the best manner they could, while many retired further up the river, with what they could most readily carry off; so that some of the creeks seemed full of boats and small craft; those of a larger size running as far as Burlington, and some higher up the river; several women are said to have miscarried by the fright and terror into which they were thrown, and much mischief ensued." The more thoughtful of the people are said to have understood the deceit from the first, and labored to allay the excitement; but the seeming earnestness of the Governor and the zeal of his emissaries so worked upon the more inconsiderate of the population that the consternation and commotion was almost past belief. In an almanac published at Philadelphia for the next year opposite this date was this distich: "Wise men wonder, good men grieve. Knaves invent and fools believe." Though this ruse was played upon all classes alike, yet it was generally believed to have been aimed chiefly at the Quakers, to try the force of their HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 73 principles, and see if they would not rush to arms when danger should really appear. But in this the Governor was disappointed. For it is said that only four out of the entire population of this religious creed showed any disposition to falsify their faith. It was the day of their weekly meeting, and regardless of the dismay and consternation which were everywhere manifest about them, they assembled in their accustomed places of worship, and engaged in their devotions as though nothing unusual was transpiring without, manifesting such unshaken faith, as Whittier has exemplified in verse by his Abraham Davenport, on the occasion of the Dark Day : ', Meanwhile in the old State House, dim as ghosts, Sat the law-givers of Connecticut, Trembling beneath their legislative robes. 'It is the Lord's srreat day! Let us adjourn,' Some said; and then, as with one accord, All eyes were turned on Abraham Davenport. He rose, slow, cleaving with his steady voice The intolerable hush. ' This well may be The Day of Judgment which the world awaits; But be it so or not, I only know My present duty, and my Lord's command To occupy till He come. So at the post Where He hath set me in His Providence, I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face.. No faithless sei"vant frightened from my task, But ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; And therefore, with all reverence, I would say. Let God do His work, we will see to ours. Bring in the candles.' And they brought them in." In conjunction with the Legislature of the lower counties, Evans was in- strumental in having a law passed for the imposition of a tax on the tonnage of the river, and the erection of a fort near the town of New Castle for com- pelling obedience. This was in direct violation of the fimdamental compact, and vexatious to commerce. It was at length forcibly resisted, and its impo- sition abandoned. His administration was anything but efficient or peaceful, a series of contentions, of charges and counter -charges having been kept up between the leaders of the two factions, Lloyd and Logan, which he was pow- erless to properly direct or control. " He was relieved in 1709. Possessed of a good degree of learning and refinement, and accpstomed to the gay society of the British metropolis, he found in the grave and serious habits of the Friends a type of life and character which he failed to comprehend, and with which he could, consequently, have little sympathy. How widely he mistook the Quaker character is seen in the result of his wild and hair-brained experi- ment to test their faith. His general tenor of life seems to have been of a piece with this. Watson says: 'The Indians of Connestoga complained of him when there as misbehaving to their women, and that, in 1709, Solomon Cresson, going his rounds at night, entered a tavern to suppress a riotous as- sembly, and found there John Evans, Esq. , the Governor, who fell to beat- ing Cresson.'" The- youth and levity of Gov. Evans induced the proprietor to seek for a successor of a more sober and sedate character. He had thought of proposing his son, but finally settled upon Col. Charles Gookin, who was reputed to be a man of wisdom and prudence, though as was afterward learned, to the sorrow of the colony, he was subject to fits of derangement, which toward the close of his term were exhibited in the most extravagant acts. He had scarcely ar- rived in the colony before charges were preferred against the late Governor, and he was asked to institute criminal proceedings, which he declined. This 74 HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. was the occasion of a renewal of contentions between the Governor and his Council and the Assembly, which continued during the greater part of his ad- ministration. In the midst of them, Logan, who was at the head of the Coun- cil, having demanded a trial of the charges against him, and failed to secure one, sailed for Europe, where he presented the difficulties experienced in ad- ministering the government so strongly, that Penn was seriously inclined to sell his interest in the colony. He had already greatly crippled his estate by expenses he had incurred in making costly presents to the natives, and in set- tling his colony, for which he had received small return. In the year 1707, he had become involved in a suit in chancery with the executors of his former steward, in the course of which he was confined in the Old Baily during this and a part of the following year, when he was obliged to mortgage his colony in the sum of £6,600 to relieve himself. Foreseeing the great consequence it would be to the crown to buy the rights of the proprietors of the several English colonies in America before they would grow too powerful, negotia- tions had been entered into early in the reign of William and Mary for their purchase, especially the "fine province of Mr. Penn." Borne down by these troubles, and by debts and litigations at home, Penn seriously entertained the proposition to sell in 1712, and offered it for £20,000. The sum of £12,000 was offered on the part of the crown, which was agreed upon, but before the necessary papers were executed, he was stricken down with apoplexy, by which he was incapacitated for transacting any business, and a stay was put to fur- ther proceedings until the Queen should order an act of Parliament for con- summating the purchase. It is a mournful spectacle to behold the great mind and the great heart of Penn Teduced now in his declining years, by the troubles of government and by debts incurred in the bettering of his colony, to this enfeebled condition. He was at the moment writing to Logan on public affairs, when his hand was suddenly seized by lethargy in the beginning of a sentence, which he never finished. His mind was touched by the disease, which he never recovered, and after lingering for six years, he died on the 30th of May, 1718, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. With great power of intellect, and a religious devotion scarcely matched in all Christendom, he gave himself to the welfare of mankind, by securing civil and religious liberty through the operations of organic law. Though not a lawyer by profession, he drew frames of govern- ment and bodies of laws which have been the admiration of succeeding gener- ations, and are destined to exert a benign influence in all future time, and by his discussions with Lord Baltimore and before the Lords in Council, he showed himself familiar with the abstruse principles of law. Though but a private person and of a despised sect, he was received as the friend and confi- dential advisee of the ruling sovereigns of England, and some of the princi- ples which give luster to British law were engrafted there through the influ- ence of the powerful intellect and benignant heart of Penn. He sought to know no philosophy but that promulgated by Christ and His disciples, and this he had sounded to its depths, and in it were anchored his ideas of public law and private and social living. The untamed savage of the forest bowed in meek and loving simplicity to his mild and resistless sway, and the members of the Society of Friends all over Europe flocked to his City of Brotherly Love. His prayers for the welfare of his people are the beginning and ending of all his public and private correspondence, and who will say that they have not been answered in the blessings which have attended the commonwealth of his founding? And will not the day of its greatness be when the inhabitants throughout all its borders shall return to the peaceful and loving spirit of HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75 Penn ? In the midst of a licentious court, and with every prospect of advance- ment in its sunshine and favor, inheriting a great name and an independent patrimony, he turned aside from this brilliant track to make common lot vyith a poor sect under the ban of Government; endured stripes and imprisonment and loss of property; banished himself to the wilds of the American continent that he might secure to his people those devotions which seemed to them re- quired by their Maker, and has won for himself a name by the simple deeds of love and humble obedience to Christian mandates which shall never perish. Many have won renown by deeds of blood, but fadeless glory has come to William Fenn by charity. CHAPTER IX. Sib William Keith, 1717-33— Patrick Gordon, l7!J6-36— James Lo&an, 1736-38 —George Thomas, 1738-47— Anthony Palmer, 1747-48— James Hamilton, 1748-54. IN 1712, Penn had made a will, by which he devised to his only surviving son, William, by his first marriage, all his estates in England, amounting to some twenty thousand pounds. By his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett, he had issue of three sons — William, Springett and William, and four daugh- ters — Gulielma, Margaret, Gulielma and Letitia; and by his second wife, Hannah Oallowhill, of four sons — John, Thomas, Bichard and Dennis. To his wife Hannah, who survfved him, and whom he made the sole executrix of his will, he gave, for the equal benefit of herself and her children, all his personal estate in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, after paying all debts, and alloting ten thousand acres of land in the Province to his daughter Letitia, by his first marriage, and each of the three children of his son William. Doubts having arisen as to the force of the provisions of this will, it was finally determined to institute a suit in chancery for its determination. Before a decision was reached, in March, 1720, William Penn, Jr., died, and while still pending, his son Springett died also. During the long pendency of this litigation for nine years, Hannah Penn, as executrix of the will, assumed the proprietary powers, issued instructions to her Lieutenant Governors, heard complaints and settled difSculties with the skill and the assurance of a veteran diplomatist. In 1727, a decision was reached that, upon the death of William Penn, Jr., and his son Springett, the proprietary rights in Pennsylvania de- scended to the three surviving sons — John, Thomas and Richard — issue by the second marriage; and that the proprietors bargain to sell his province to the crown for twelve thousand pounds, made in 17l2, and on which one thousand pounds had been paid at the confirmation of the sale, was void. Whereupon the three sons became the joint proprietors. A year before the death of Penn, the lunacy of Gov. Gookin having be- come troublesome, he was succeeded in the Government by Sir William Keith, a Scotchman who had served as Surveyor of Customs to the English Govern- ment, m which capacity he had visited Pennsylvania previously, and knew something of its condition. He was a man of dignified and commanding bearing, endowed with cunning, of an accommdating policy, full of faithful promises, and usually found upon the stronger side. Hence, upon his arrival in the colony, he did not summon the Assembly immediately, 76 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. assigning as a reason in his first message that he did not wish to inconvenience the country members by calling them in harvest time. The disposition thus manifested to favor the people, and his advocacy of popular rights on several occasions in opposition to the claims of the proprietor, gave great satisfaction to the popular branch of the Legislature which manifested its appreciation of his conduct by votiug him liberal salaries, which had often been withheld from his less accommodating predecessors. By his artful and insinuating policy, he induced the Assembly to pass two acts which had previously met with un- compromising opposition — one to establish a Court of Equity, with himself as Chancellor, the want of .which had been seriously felt; and another, for organ- izing the militia. Though the soil was fruitful and produce was plentiful, yet, for lack of good markets, and on account of the meagerness of the cir- culating medium, prices were very low, the toil and sweat of the husbandman being little rewarded, and the taxes and payments on land were met with great difficulty. Accordingly, arrangements were made for the appointment of in- spectors of provisions, who, from a conscientious discharge of duty, soon caused the Pennsylvania brands of best products to be much sought for, and to command ready sale at highest prices in the West Indies, whither most of the surplus produce was exported. A provision was also made for the issue of a limited amount of paper money, on the establishment of ample securities, which tended to raise the value of the products of the soil and of manufact- ures, and encourage industry. By the repeated notices of the Governors in their messages to the Legis- lature previous to this time, it is evident that Indian hostilities had for some- time been threatened. The Potomac was the dividing line between the Northern and Southern Indians. But the young men on either side, when out in pursuit of game, often crossed the line of the river into the territory of the other, when fierce altercations ensued. This trouble had become so violent in 1719 as to threaten a great Indian war, in which the pow- erful confederation, known as the Five Nations, would take a hand. To avert this danger, which it was foreseen would inevitably involve the defenseless familes upon the frontier, and perhaps the entire colony, Gov. Keith determined to use his best exertions. He accordingly made a toilsome journey in the spring of 1721 to confer with the Governor of Virginia and endeavor to employ by concert of action such ineans as would allay further cause of contention. His policy was well devised, and enlisted the favor of the Governor. Soon after his return, he summoned a council of Indian Chieftains to meet him at Conestoga, a point about seventy miles west of Philadelphia. He went in considerable pomp, attended by some Seventy or eighty horsemen, gaily caparisoned, and many of them armed, arriving about noon, on the 4th of July, not then a day of more note than other days. He went immediately to Capt. Civility's cabin, where were assembled four deputies of the Five Nations and representatives of other tribes. The Gov- ernor said that he had come a long distance from home to see and speak to representatives of the Five Nations, who had never met the Governor of Penn- sylvania. They said in reply that they had heard much of the Governor, and would have come sooner to pay him their respects, but that the wild conduct of some of their young men had made them ashamed to show their faces. In the formal meeting in the morning, Ghesaont, chief of the Senecas, spoke for all the Five Nations. He said that they now felt that they were speaking to the same effect that they would were William Penn before them, that they had not forgotten Penn, nor the treaties made with him, and the good advice he gave them; that though they could not write as do the English, yet they could keep HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 77 all these transactions fresh in their memories. After laying down a belt of wampum upon the table as if by way of emphasis, he began again, declaring that "all their disorders arose from the ase of rum and strong spirits, which took away their sense and memory, that they had no such liquors," and desired that no more be sent among them. Here he produced a bundle of dressed skins, by which he would say, ' ' you see how much in earnest we are upon this matter of furnishing fiery liquors to us." Then he proceeds, declaring that the Five Nations remember all their ancient treaties, and they now desire that the chain of friendship may be made so strong that none of the links may ever be broken. This may have been a hint that they wanted high-piled and valuable presents; for the Quakers had made a reputation of brightening and strengthening the chain of friendship by valuable presents which had reached so far away as the Five Nations. He then produces a bundle of raw skins, and observes ' ' that a chain may contract rust with laying and become weaker; wherefore, ■ he desires it may now be so well cleaned as to remain brighter and stronger than ever it was before." Here he presents another par- cel of skins, and continues, "that as in the firmament, all clouds and dark- ness are removed from the face of the sun, so they desire that all misunder- standings may be fully done away, so that when they, who are now here, shall be dead and gone, their whole people, with their children and posterity, may en- joy the clear sunshine with us forever." Presenting another bundle of skins, he says, ' ' that, looking upon the Governor as if William Penn were present, they desire, that, in case any disorders should hereafter happen between their young people and ours, we would not be too hasty in resenting any such acci- dent, until their Council and ours can have some opportunity to treat amicably upon it, and so to adjust all matters, as that the friendship between us may still be inviolably preserved." Here he produces a small parcel of dressed skins, and concludes by saying " that we may now be together as one people, treating one another's children kindly and affectionately, that they are fully empowered to speak for the Five Nations, and they look upon the Governor as the representative of the Great King of England, and therefore they expect that everything now stipulated will be made absolutely firm and good on both sides." And now he presents a different style of present and pulls out a bundle of bear skins, and proceeds to put in an item of complaint, that ' ' they get too little for their skins and furs, so that they cannot live by hunting ; they desire us, therefore, to take compassion on them, and contrive some way to help them in that particular. Then producing a few furs, he speaks only for himself, "to acquaint the Governor, that the Five Nations having heard that the Governor of Virginia wanted to speak with them, he himself, with some of his company intended to proceed to Virginia, but do not know the way how to get safe thifchier." To this formal and adroitly conceived speech of the Seneca chief, Gov. Keith, after having brought in the present of stroud match coats, gunpowder, lead, biscuit, pipes and tobacco, adjourned the council till the following day, when, being assembled at Conestoga, he answered at length the items of the chieftain's speech. His most earnest appeal, however, was made in favor of peace. " I have persuaded all my [Indian] brethren, in these parts, to con- sider what is for their good, and not to go out any more to war ; but your young men [Five Nations] as they come this way, endeavor to force them ; and, because they incline to the counsels of peace, and vho good advice of their true friends, your people use them ill, and often prevail with them to go out to their own destruction. Thus it was that their town of Conestoga lost their good king not long ago. Their young children are left without parents ; 78 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. their ■wives without husbands ; the old men, contrary to the course of nature, mourn the death of their young ; the people decay and grow weak ; we lose our dear friends and are afflicted. Surely you cannot propose to get either riches, or possessions, by going thus out to war ; for when you kill a deer, you have the flesh to eat, and the skin to sell ; but when you return from war, you bring nothing home, but the scalp of a dead man, who perhaps was husband to a kind wife, and father to tender children, who never wronged you, though, by losing him, you have robbed them of their help and protection, and at the same time got nothing by it. If I were not your friend, I would not take the. trouble to say all these things to you." When the Governor had concluded his address, he called the Senaca chieftain (Ghesaont) to him, and presented a gold coronation medal of King George I, which he requested should be taken to the monarch of the Five Nations, " Kannygooah," to be laid up and kept as a token to our children's children, that an entire and lasting friendship is now established forever between the English in this country and the great Five Nations." Upon the return of the Governor, he was met at the upper ferry of the Schuylkill, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, with about two hun- dred horse, and conducted through the streets after the manner of a conqueror of old returning from the scenes of his triumphs. Gov. Keith gave diligent study to the subject of finance, regulating the currency in such a way that the planter should have it in his power to dis- charge promptly his indebtedness to the merchant, that their mutual interests might thus be subserved. He even proposed to establish a considerable settle- ment on his own account in the colony, in order to carry on manufactures, and thus consume the grain, of which there was at this time abundance, and no profitable market abroad. In the spring of 1722, an Indian was barbarously murdered within the limits of the colony, which gave the Governor great concern. After having cautioned red men so strongly about keeping the peace, he felt that the honor of himself and all his people was compromised by this vile act. He immedi- ately commissioned James Logan and John French to go to the scene of the murder above Conestoga, and inquire into the facts of the case, quickly appre- hended the supposed murderers, sent a fast Indian runner (Satcheecho) , to acquaint the Five Nations with his sorrow for the act, and of his determination to bring the guilty parties to justice, and himself set out with three of his Council (Hill, Norris and Hamilton), for Albany, where he had been invited by the Indians for a conference with the Governors of all the colonies, and where he met the chiefs of the Five Nations, and treated with them upon the subject of the murder, besides making presents to the Indians. It was on this occasion that the grand sachem of this great confederacy made that noble, and generous, and touching response, so different from the spirit of revenge generally attributed to the Indian character. It is a notable example of love that begets love, and of the mild answer that turneth away wrath. He said : " The' great king of the Five Nations is sorry for the death of the Indian that was killed, for he was of his own flesh and blood. He believes that the Governor is also sorry ; but, now that it is done, there is no help for it, and he desires that Cartlidge [the murderer] may not be put to death, nor that he should be spared for a time, and afterward executed ; one life is enough to be lost ; there should not two die. The King's heart is good to the Governor and all the English." Though Gov. Keith, during the early part of his term, pursued a pacific policy, yet the interminable quarrels which had been kept up between the As- sembly and Council during previous administrations, at length broke out with /" ^t^cJ HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81 more virulence than ever, and he who in the first flush of power had declared ' ' That he should pass no laws, nor transact anything of moment relating to the public affairs without the advice and approbation of the Council," took it upon himself finally to act independently of the Council, and even went so far as to dismiss the able and trusted representative of the proprietary inter- ests, James Logan, President of the Council and Secretary of the Province, from the duties of his high office, and even refused the request of Hannah Penn, the real Governor of the province, to re-instate him. This unwarranta- ble conduct cost him his dismissal from office in July, 1726. Why he should have assumed so headstrong and unwarrantable a course, who had promised at the first so mild and considerate a policy, it is difficult to understand, unless it be the fact that he found that the Council was blocking, by its obstinacy, wholesome legislation, which he considered of vital importance to the pros- perity of the colony, and if, as he alleges, he found that the new constitution only gave the Council advisory and not a voice in executive power. The administration of Gov. Keith was eminently successful, as he did not hesitate to grapple with important questions of judicature, finance, trade, commerce, and the many vexing relations with the native tribes, and right manfully, and judiciously did he effect their solution. It was at a time when the colony was filling up rapidly, and the laws and regulations which had been found ample for the management of a few hundred families struggling for a foothold in the forest, and when the only traffic was a few skins, were entirely inadequate for securing protection and prosperity to a seething and jostling population intent on trade and commerce, and the conflicting interests which required wise legislation and prudent management. No colony on the .Ameri- can coast made such progress in numbers and improvement as did Pennsylvania during the nine years in which William Keith exercised the Gubernatorial office. Though not himself a Quaker, he had secured the passage of an act of Assembly, and its royal affirmation for allowing the members of the Quaker sect to wear their hats in court, and give testimony under affirmation instead of oath, which in the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne had been with- held from them. After the expiration of his term of office, he was immedi- ately elected a member of the Assembly, and was intent on being elected Speaker, " and had his support out- doors in a cavalcade of eighty mounted horsemen and the resounding of many guns fired;" yet David Lloyd was elected with only three dissenting voices, the out- door business having perhaps been overdone. Upon the recommendation of Springett Penn, who was now the prospective heir to Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon was appointed and confirmed Lieutenant Governor in place of Keith, and arrived in the colony and assumed authority in July, 1726. He had served in the army, and in his first address to the Assembly, which he met in August, he said that as he had been a soldier, he knew nothing of the crooked ways of professed politicians, and must rely on a straightforward manner of transacting the duties devolving upon him. George I died in June, 1727, and the Assembly at its meeting in October prepared and forwarded a congratulatory address to his successor, George II. By the decision of the Court of Chancery in 1727, Hannah Penn's authority over the colony was at an end, the proprietary interests having descended to John, Richard and Thomas Penn, the only surviving sons of William Penn, Sr. This period, from the death of Penn in 1718 to 3 727, one of the most pros- perous in the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Reign of Hannah and the Boys." Gov. Gordon found the Indian troubles claiming a considerable part of his 82 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. attention. In 1728, worthless bands, who had strayed away from their proper tribes, incited by strong drink, had become implicated in disgraceful broils, in which several were killed and wounded. The guilty parties were apprehended, but it was found difficult to punish Indian offenders without incurring the wrath of their relatives. Treaties were frequently renewed, on which occa- sions the chiefs expected that the chain of friendship would be polished " with English blankets, broadcloths and metals." The Indians found that this " brightening the chain " was a profitable business, which some have been un- charitable enough to believe was the moving cause of many of the Indian diffi- culties. As early as 1732, the French, who were claiming all the territory drained by the lilississippi and its tributaries, on the ground of priority of discovery of its mouth and exploration of its channel, commenced erecting trading posts in Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, and invited the Indians living on these streams to a council for concluding treaties with them at Mon- treal, Canada. To neutralize the influence of the French, these Indians were summoned to meet in council at Philadelphia, to renew treaties of friendship, and they were invited to remove farther east. But this they were unwill- ing to do. A treaty was also concluded with the Six Nations, in which they pledged lasting friendship for the English. Hannah Penn died in 1733, when the Assembly, supposing that the pro- prietary power was still in her hands, refused to recognize the power of Gov. Gor- don. But the three sons, to whom the proprietary possessions had descended, in 1727, upon the decision of the Chancery case, joined in issuing a new com- mission to Gordon. In approving this commission the King directed a clause to be inserted, expressly reserving to himself the government of the lower counties. This act of the King was the beginning of those series of encroach- ments which finally culminated in the independence of the States of America. The Judiciary act of 1727 was annulled, and this was followed by an attempt to pass an act requiring the laws of all the colonies to be submitted to the Crown for approval before they should become valid, and that a copy of all laws previously enacted should be submitted for approval or veto. The agent of the Assembly, Mr. Paris, with the agents of other colonies, made so vigor- ous a defense, that action was for the time stayed. In 1732, Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later, John Penn, the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the Province, and were re- ceived with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival of the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to have the Provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made against this by Quakers in England, headed by Eichard Penn; but lest this protest might prove ineffectual, John Penn very soon went to England to defend the proprietary rights at court, and never again returned, he having died a bach- elor in 1746. In August, 1736, Gov. Gordon died, deeply lamented, as an honest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he expressed the hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. His term had been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in numbers, trade, commerce and manufactures, ship-building especially having assumed ex- tensive proportions. James Logan was President of the Council and in effect Governor, during the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of his successor. The Legislatui-e met regularly, but no laws were passed for lack of an executive. It was during this period that serious trouble broke out near tho Maryland border, west of the Susquehanna, then Lancaster, now HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 83 "Sork County. A number of settlers, in order to evade the payment of taxes, had secured titles to their lands from Maryland, and afterward sought to be reinstated in their rights under Pennsylvania authority, and plead protection from the latter. The Sheriff of the adjoining Maryland County, with 300 followers, advanced to drive these settlers from their homes. On hearing of this movement, Samuel Smith, Sheriff of Lancaster County, with a hastily sum- moned posse, advanced to protect the citizens in their rights. Without a con- flict, an agreement was entered into by both parties to retire. Soon afterward, however, a band of fifty Mary landers again entered the State with the design of driving out the settlers and each securing for himself 200 acres of land. They were led by one Cressap. The settlers made resistance, and in an en- counter, one of them by the name of Knowles was killed. The Sheriff of Lancaster again advanced with a posse, and in a skirmish which ensued one of the invaders was killed, and the leader Cressap was wounded and taken prisoner. The Governor of Maryland sent a commission to Philadelphia to demand the release of the prisoner. Not succeeding in this, he seized four of the settlers and incarcerated them in the jail at Baltimore. Still determined to effect their purpose, a party of Marylanders, under the leadership of one Higginbotham, advanced into Pennsylvania and began a warfare upon the settlers. Again the Sheriff of Lancaster appeared upon the scene, and drove out the invaders. So stubbornly were these invasions pushed and resented that the season passed without planting or securing the usual crops. Finally a party of sixteen Marylanders, led by Richard Lowden, broke into the Lan- caster jail and liberated the Maryland prisoners. Learning of these disturb- ances, the King in Council issued an order restraining both parties from fur- ther acts of violence, and afterward adopted a plan of settlement of the vexed boundary question. Though not legally Governor, Logan managed the affairs of the colony with great prudence and judgment, as he had done and continued to do for a period of nearly a half century. He was a scholar well versed in the ancient languages and the sciences, and published several learned works in the Latin tongue. His Experimenta Meletemata de plantarum generatione, written in Latin, was published at Leyden in 1739, and afterward, in 1747, republished in London, with an English version on the opposite page by Dr. J. Fothergill. Another work of his in Latin was also published at Leyden, entitled, Canonum pro inveniendis refractionum, turn simplicium turn in lentibus duplicum focis, demonstrationis geometricae. After retiring from public business, he lived at his country-seat at Stenton, near Germantown, where he spent his time among his books and in correspondence with the literati of Europe. In his old age he made an English translation of Cicero's De Senectute, which was printed at Philadelphia in 1744 with a preface by Benjamin Franklin, then rising into notice. Logan was a Quaker, of Scotch descent, though born in Ireland, and came to America in the ship with William Penn, in his second visit in 1699, when about twenty -five years old, and died at seventy- seven. He had held the oflSces of Chief Commissioner of property, Agent for the purchase and sale of lands, Eeceiver General, Member of Council, President of Council and Chief Justice. He was the Confidential Agent of Penn, having charge of all his vast estates, making sales of lands, executing conveyances, and making collections. Amidst all the great cares of business so pressing as to make him exclaim, " I know not what any of the comforts of life are," he found time to devote to the delights of learning, and collected a large library of standard works, which he bequeathed, at his death, to the people of Pennsylvania, and is known as the Loganian Library. 84 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was appointed Governor, in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. His first care was to settle the disorders in the Cumberland Valley, and it was finally agreed that settlers from either colony should owe allegiance to the Governor of that colony wherever settled, until the division line which had been provided for was surveyed and marked. War was declared on the 23d of October, 1739, between Great Britain and Spain. Seeing that his colony was liable to be encroached upon by the enemies of his government, he endeavored to organ- ize the militia, but the majority of the Assembly was of the peace element, and it could not be induced to vote money, Finally he was ordered by the home government to call for volunteers, and eight companies were quickly formed, and sent down for the coast defense. Many of these proved to be servants for whom pay was demanded and finally obtained. In 1740, the great evangelist, Whitefield, visited the colony, and created a deep religious interest among all denominations. In his first intercourse with the Assembly, Gov. Thomas en- deavored to coerce it to his views. But a more stubborn set of men never met in a deliberative body than were gathered in this Assembly at this time. Finding that he could not compel action to his mind, he yielded and con- sulted their views and decisions. The Assembly, not to be outdone in mag- nanimity, voted him £1,500 arrearages of salary, which had been withheld be- cause he would not approve their legislation, asserting that public acts should take precedence of appropriations for their own pay. In March, 1744, war was declared between Great Britain and France. Volunteers were called for, and 10,000 men were rapidly enlisted and armed at their own expense. Franklin, recognizing the defenseless condition of the colony, issued a pamph- let entitled Plain Truth, in which he cogently urged the necessity of organ- ized preparation for defense. Franklin was elected Colonel of one of the regiments, but resigned in favor of Alderman Lawrence. On the 5th of May, 1747, the Governor communicated intelligence of the death of John Penn, the eldest of the proprietors, to the Assembly, and his own intention to retire from the duties of his office on account of declining health. Anthony Palmer was President of the Council at the time of the with- drawal of Gordon, and became the Acting Governor. The peace party in the As- sembly held that it was the duty of the crown of England to protect the colony, and that for the colony to call out volunteers and become responsible for their payment was bmrdening the people with an expense which did not belong to them, and which the crown was willing tq^ assume. The French were now deeply intent on securing firm possession of the Mississippi Valley and the en- tire basin, even to the summits of the Alleghanies in Pennsylvania, and were busy establishing trading posts along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. They employed the most artful means to win the simple natives to their interests, giving showy presents and laboring to convince them of their great value. Pennsylvania had won a reputation among the Indians of making presents of substantial worth. Not knowing the difTerence between steel and iron, the French distributed immense numbers of worthless iron hatchets, which the natives supposed were the equal of the best English steel axes. The Indians, however, soon came to distinguish between the good and the valueless. Un- derstanding the Pennsylvania methods of securing peace and friendship, the the natives became very artful in drawing out " well piled up" presents. The government at this time was alive to the dangers which threatened from the insinuating methods of the French. A trusty messenger, Conrad Weiser, was sent among the Indians in the western part of the province to observe the plans of the French, ascertain the temper of the natives, and especially to HISTORY OF PBNNSVLVANIA. 85 magnify the power of the English, and the disposition of Pennsylvania to give great presents. This latter policy had the desired effect, and worthless and wandering bands, which had no right to speak for the tribe, came teeming in, desirous of scouring the chain of friendship, intimating that the French were making great offers, in order to induce the government to large liberality, until this " brightening the chain," became an intolerable nuisance. At a sin- gle council held at Albany, in 1747, Pennsylvania distributed goods to the value of £1,000, and of such a character as should be most serviceable to the recipients, not worthless gew-gaws, but such as would contribute to their last- ing comfort and well being, a protection to the person against the bitter frosts of winter, and sustenance that should minister to the steady wants of the body and alleviation of pain in time of sickness. The treaty of Aix-la-Cha- pelle, which was concluded on the 1st of October, 1748, secured peace between Great Britain and France, and should have put an end to all hostile encoun- ters between their representatives on the American continent. Palmer re- mained at the head of the government for a little more than two years. He was a retired merchant from the West Indies, a man of wealth, and had come into the colony in 1708. He lived in a style suited to a gentleman, kept a coach and a pleasure barge. On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from England, bearing the commission of Lieutenant Governor. He was born in America, son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been Speaker of the Assembly. The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that set- tlers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, where- as the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them, and had no claim to them. The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay the rising excitement of the natives. Bichard Peters, Secretary of the colony, a man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian in- terpreter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fear- lessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had built, and accepting lauds on the east side of the river. The hardship was in many cases great, but when they were in actual need, the Secretary gave money and placed them upon lands of his own, having secured a tract of 2,000,000 of acres. But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that were threatening from the West. -Though the treaty of Aix was supposed to have settled all dif&culties between the two courts, the French were determined to occupy the whole territory drained by the Mississippi, which they claimed by priority of discovery by La Salle. The British Ambassador at Paris entered complaints before the French Court that encroachments were being made by the French upon English soil in America, which were politely heard, and promises made of restraining the French in Canada from encroaching upon English territory. Formal orders were sent out from the home government to this effect; but at the same time secret intimations were conveyed to them that their conduct in endeavoring to secure and hold the territory in dispute was not displeasing to the government, and that disobedience of these orders would not incur its displeasure. The French deemed it necessary, in order to estab- lish a legal claim to the country, to take formal possession of it. Accordingly, the Marquis de la Galissoniere, who was at this time Governor General of Canada, dispatched Capt. Bienville de Celeron with a party of 215 French and fifty-five Indians, to publicly proclaim possession, and bury at prominent points plates of lead bearing inscriptions declaring occupation in the name of the French King. Celeron started on the 15th of June, 1749, from La Chine, 86 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. following the southern shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, until he reached a point opposite Lake Chautauqua, where the boats were drawn up and were taken bodily over the dividing ridge, a distance of ten miles, with all the impedimenta of the expedition, the pioneers havinij first opened a road. Following on down the lake and the Conewango Creek, they arrived at Warren near the conljuence of the creek with the Allegheny Eiver. Here the first plate was buried. These plates were eleven inches long, seven and a half wide, and one-eighth of an inch thick. The inscription was in French, and in the following terms, as fairly translated into English: "In the year 1749, of the reign of Louis XIV, King of France, We Celeron, commander of a detachment sent by Monsieur the Marquis de la G-alissonifere, Governor General of New France, to re-establish tranquillity in some Indian villages of these cantons, have buried this plate of lead at the confluence of the Ohio with the Chautauqua, this 29th day of July, near the River Ohio, otherwise Belle Riviere, as a mon- ument of the renewal of the possession we have taken of the said River Ohio, and of all those which empty into it, and of all the lands on both sides as far as the sources of the said river, as enjoyed or ought to have been enjoyed by the King of France preceding, and as they have there maintained themselves by arms and by treaties, especially those of Ryswick, Utrecht and Aix-la- Cliapelle." The burying of this plate was attended with much form and cer- emony. All the men and of&cers of the expedition were drawn up in battle array, when the Commander, Celeron, proclaimed in a loud voice, "Vive le Roi," and declared that possession of the country was now taken in the name of the King. A plate on which was inscribed the arms of France was alfixed to the nearest tree. The same formality was observed in planting each of the other plates, the second at the rock known as the "Indian God," on which are ancient and un- known inscriptions, a few miles below Franklin, a third at the mouth of Wheeling Creek; a fourth at the mouth of the Muskingum; a fifth at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, and the sixth and last at the mouth of the Great Miami. Toilsomely ascending the Miami to its head-waters, the party burned their canoes, and obtained ponies for the march across the portage to the head-waters of the Maumee, down which and by Lakes Erie and Ontario they returned to Fort Frontenac, arriving on the 6th of November. It appears that the In- dians through whose territory they passed viewed this planting of plates with great suspicion. By some means they got possession of one of them, gener- ally supposed to have been stolen from the party at the very commencement of their journey from the mouth of the Chautauqua Creek. Mr. O. H. Marshall, in an excellent monograph upon this expedition, made up from the original manuscript journal of C61eron and the diary of Father Bonnecamps, found in the Department de la Marine, in Paris, gives the fol- lowing account of this stolen plate: " The first of the leaden plates was brought to the attention of the public by Gov. George Clinton to the Lords of Trade in London, dated New York, December 19, 1750, in which he states that he would send to their Lordships in two or three weeks a plate of lead full of writing, which some of the upper nations of Indians stole from Jean Coeur, the French interpreter at Niagara, on his way to the River Ohio, which river, and all the lands thereabouts, the French claim, as will appear by said writing. He further states 'that the lead plate gave the Indians so much uneasiness that they immediately dispatched some of the Cayuga chiefs to him with it, saying that their only reliance was on him, and earnestly begged he would communicate the contents to them, which he had done, much to their satisfaction and the interests of the English.' HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87 The Governor concludes by saying that ' the contents of the plate may be of great importance in clearing up the encroachments which the French have made on the British Empire in America.' The plate was delivered to Colonel, afterward Sir William Johnson, on the 4th of December, 1750, at his resi- dence on the Mohawk, by a Cayuga sachem, who accompanied it by the follow- ing speech: "' Brother Cor lear and War-ragh-i-ya-ghey! I am sent here by the Five Nations with a piece of writing which the Senecas, our brethren, got by some artifice from Jean Coeur, earnestly beseeching you will let us know what it means, and as we put all our confidence in you, we hope you will explain it ingeniously to us.' " CqI. Johnson replied to the sachem, and through him to the Five Na- tions, returning a belt of wampum, and explaining the inscription on the plate. He told them that 'it was a matter of the greatest consequence, involv- ing the possession of their lands and hunting grounds, and that Jean Coeur and the French ought immediately to be expelled from the Ohio and Niagara.' In reply, the sachem said that ' he had heard with great attention and surprise the substance of the "devilish writing " he had brought, and that Col. Johnson's remarks were fully approved.' He promised that belts from each of the Five Nations should be sent from the Seneca's castle to the Indians at the Ohio, to warn and strengthen them against the French encroachments in that direc- tion. " On the 29th of January, 1751, Clinton sent a copy of this inscription to Gov. Hamilton, of Pennsylvania. The French followed up this formal act of possession by laying out a line of military posts, on substantially the same line as that pursued by the Cele- ron expedition; but instead of crossing over to Lake Chautauqua, they kept on down to Presque Isle (now Erie), where was a good harbor, where a fort was established, and thence up to Le Boeuf (now Waterford), where another post was placed; thence down the Venango Kiver (French Creek) to its month at Franklin, eetablishing Fort Venango there; thence by the Allegheny to Pittsburgh, where Fort Du Quesne was seated, and so on down the Ohio. To counteract this activity of the French, the Ohio Company was char- tered, and a half million of acres was granted by the crown, to be selected mainly on the south side of the Ohio, between the Monongalia and Kanawha Eivers, and the condition made that settlements (100 families within seven years), protected by a fort, should he made. The company consisted of a number of Virginia and Maryland gentlemen, of whom Lawrence Washington was one, and Thomas Hanbury, of London. In 1752, a treaty was entered into with the Indians, securing the right of occupancy, and twelve families, headed by Capt. Gist, established themselves upon the Monongalia, and subsequently commenced the erection of a fort, where the city of Pittsburgh now is. Apprised of this intrusion into the very heart of the territory which they were claiming, the French built a fort at Le Boeuf, and strengthened the post at Franklin. These proceedings having been promptly reported to Lieut. Gov. Dinwid- dle, of Virginia, where the greater number of the stockholders of the Ohio Company resided, he determined to send an official communication — protesting against the forcible interference with their chartered rights, granted by the crown of Britain, and pointing to the late treaties of peace entered into be- tween the English and French, wbereby it was agreed that each should respect the colonial possessions of the other — to the Commandant of the French, who had his headquarters at Fort Le Boeuf, fifteen miles inland from the present site of the city of Erie. 88 HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. But who should be the messenger to execute this delicate and responsible duty ? It was winter, and the distance to be traversed was some 500 miles, through an unbroken wilderness, cut by rugged mountain chains and deep and rapid streams. It was proposed to several, who declined, and was finally accepted by George Washington, a youth barely twenty-one years old. On the last day of November, 1753, he bade adieu to civilization, and pushing on through the forest to the settlements on the Monongalia, where he was joined by Capt. Gist, followed up the Allegheny to Fort Venango (now Franklin) ; thence up the Venango to its head-waters at Fort Le Boeuf, where he held formal conference with the French Commandant, St. Pierre. The French officer had been ordered to hold this territory on the score of the dis- covery of the Mississippi by La Salle, and he had no discretion but to execute his orders, and referred Washington to his superior, the Governor General of Canada. Making careful notes of the location and strength of the post and those encountered on the way, the young embassador returned, being twice fired at on his journey by hostile Indians, and near losing his life by being thrown into the freezing waters of the Allegheny. Upon his arrival, he made a full report of the embassage, which was widely published in this country and in England, and was doubtless the basis upon which action was predicted that eventuated in a long and sanguinary war, which finally resulted in the expulsion of the power of France from this continent. Satisfied that the French were determined to hold the territory upon the Ohio by force of arms, a body of 150 men, of which Washington was second in command, was sent to the support of the settlers. But the French, having the Allegheny River at flood-tide on which to move, and Washington, without means of transportation, having a rugged and mountainous country to over- come, the former first reached the point of destination. Contracoeur, the French commander, with 1,000 men and field pieces on a fleet of sixty boats and 300 canoes, dropped down the Allegheny and easily seized the fort then being constructed by the Ohio Company at its mouth, and proceeded to erect there an elaborate work which he called Fort Da Quesne, after the Governor Gen- eral. Informed of this proceeding, Washington pushed forward, and finding that a detachment of the French was in his immediate neighborhood, he made a forced march by night, and coming upon them unawares killed and captured the entire party save one. Ten of the French, including their commander, JumonvJlle, were killed, and twenty-one made prisoners. Col. Fry, the com- mander of the Americans, died at Will's Creek, where the command devolved on Washington. Though re- enforcements had been dispatched from the sev- eral colonies in response to the urgent appeals o£ Washington, none reached him but one company of 100 men under Capt. Maokay from South Carolina. Knowing that he was confronting a vastly superior force of the French, well supplied with artillery, he threw up works at a point called the Great Meadows, which he characterizes as a " charming field for an encounter," nam- ing his hastily built fortification Fort Necessity. Stung by the loss of their leader, the French came out in strong force and soon invested the place. Unfor- tunately one part of Washington's position was easily commanded by the artil- lery of the French, which they were not slow in taking advantage of. The ac- tion opened on the 8d of July, and was continued till late at night. A capit- ulation was proposed by the French commander, which Washington reluctantly accepted, seeing all hope of re-enfurcements reaching him, cut off, and on the 4th of July marched out with honors of war and fell back to Fort Cumberland. Gov. Hamilton had stronglyrecommended, before hostilities opened, that the Assembly should provide for defense and establish a line of block-houses along HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 89 the frontier. But the Assembly, while willing to vote money for buying peace from the Indians, and contributions to the British crown, from which protec- tion was claimed, was unwilling to contribute directly for even defensive war- fare. In a single year, £8,000 were voted for Indian gratuities. The proprie- tors were appealed to to aid in bearing this burden. But while they were willing to contribute liberally for defense, they would give nothing for Indian gratuities. They sent to the colony cannon to the value of £400. In February, 1753, John Penn, grandson of the founder, son of Richard, arrived in the colony, and as a mark of respect was immediately chosen a mem- ber of the Council and made its President. In consequence of the defeat of Washington at Fort Necessity, Gov. Hamilton convened the Assembly in extra session on the 6th of August, at which money was freely voted; but owing to the instructions given by the proprietors to their Deputy Governor not to sign any money bill that did not place the whole of the interest at their disposal, this action of the Assembly was abortive. The English and French nations made strenuous exertions to strengtnen their forces in America for the campaigns sure to be undertaken in 1754. The French, by being under the supreme authority of one governing power, the Governor General of Canada, were able to concentrate and bring all their power of men and resources to bear at the threatened point with more celerity and certainty than the English, who were dependent upon colonies scattered along all the sea board, and upon Legislatures penny-wise in voting money. To remedy these inconveniences, the English Government recommended a con- gress of all the colonies, together with the Six Nations, for the purpose of con- certing plans for efficient defense. This Congress met on the 19th of June, 1754, the first ever convened in America. The Kepresentatives from Pennsyl- vania were John Penn and Richard Peters for the Council, and Isaac Norris and Benjamin Franklin for the Assembly. The influence of the powerful mind of Franklin was already beginning to be felt, he having been Clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly since 1736, and since 1750 had been a member. Heartily sympathizing with the movers in the purposes of this Congress, he came to Albany with a scheme of union prepared, which, having been pre- sented and debated, was, on the 10th of July, adopted substantially as it came from his hands. It provided for the appointment of a President General by the Crown, and an Assembly of forty-eight members to be chosen by the sev- eral Colonial Assemblies. The plan was rejected by both parties in interest, the King considering the power vested in the representatives of the people too great, and every colony rejecting it because the President General was given "an influence greater than appeared to them proper in a plan of govermnent intended for freemen." OHAPTEE X. Robert H. Moreis, 1754-56— William Denny, 1756-59— James Hamilton, 1759-63. FINDING himself in a false position by the repugnant instructions of the proprietors. Gov. Hamilton had given notice in 1753, that, at the end oi twelve months from its reception, he would resign. Accordingly in October, 1754, he was succeeded by Robert Hunter Morris, son oi Lewis Morris, Chie|*- Justice of New York and New Jersey, and Governor of New Jersey. The son 90 HSTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. ■was bred a lawyer, and was for twenty-six years Councilor, and twenty Chief Justice of New Jersey. The Assembly, at its first session, voted a money bill, for £40,000, but not having the proviso required by the proprietors, it was vetoed. Determined to push military operations, the British Government had called early in the year for 3,000 volunteers from Pennsylvania, with subsis- tance, camp equipage and transportation, and had sent two regiments of the line, under Gen. Braddock, from Cork, Ireland. Landing at Alexandria, Ya., he marched to Frederick, Md., where, finding no supplies of transportation, he halted. The Assembly of Pennsylvania had voted to borrow £5,000, on its own account, for the use of the crown in prosecuting the cam- paign, and had sent Franklin, who was then Postmaster General for the colo- nies, to Braddock to aid in prosecuting the expedition. Finding that the army was stopped for lack of ti-ansportation, Franklin returned into Pennsylvania, and by his commanding influence soon secured the necessary wagons and beasts of burden. Braddock had formed extravagant plans for his campaign. He would march forward and reduce Fort Du Quesne, thence proceed against Fort Ni- agara, which having conquered he would close a season of triumphs by the capture of Fort Frontignaee. But this is not the first time in warfare that the result of a campaign has failed to realize the promises of the manifesto. The orders brought by Braddock giving precedence of officers of the line over provincials gave offense, and Washington among others threw up his commis- sion; but enamored of the profession of arms, he a,ccepted a position offered him by Braddock as Aide-de-camp.^ Accustomed to the discipline of military establishments in old, long-settled countries, Braddock had little conception of making war in a wilderness with only Indian trails to move upon, and against wily savages. Washington had advised to push forward with pack horses, and, 'by rapidity of movement, forestall ample preparation. But Braddock had but one way of soldiering, and where roads did not exist for wagons he stopped to f^ll the forest and construct bridges over streams. The French, who were kept advised of every movement, made ample preparations to receive him. In the meantime, Washington fell sick; but intent on being up for the battle, he hastened forward as soon as sufficiently recovered, and only joined the army on the day before the fatal engagement. He had never seen much of the pride and circumstance of war, and when, on the morning of the 9th of July, the army of Braddock marched on across the Monongahela, with gay colors flying and martial music awakening the echoes of the forest, he was accustomed in after years to speak of it as the "most magnificent spectacle" that he had ever beheld. But the gay pageant was destined to be of short duration; for the army had only marched a little distance before it fell into an ambuscade skill- fully laid by the French and Indians, and the forest resounded with the un- earthly whoop of the Indians, and the continuous roar of musketry. The advance was checked and thrown into confusion by the French from their well- chosen position, and every tree upon the flanks of the long drawn out line con- cealed a murderous foe, who with unerring aim picked off the officers. A res- olute defense was made, and the battle raged with great fnry for three hours; but the fire of the English was ineffecttial because directed against an invisi- ble foe. Finally, the mounted officers having all fallen, killed or wounded, except Washington, being left without leaders, panic seized the survivors and "they ran," says Washington, "before the French and English like sheep be- fore dogs. " Of 1,460, in Braddock's army, 456 were killed, and 421 wounded, a greater mortality, in proportion to the number engaged, than has ever oc- curred in the annals of modern warfare. Sir Peter Halkett was killed, and HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 91 Braddock mortally wounded and brought off the field only with the greatest difficulty. When Orme and Morris, the other aids, fell, "Washington acted alone with the greatest gallantry. In writing to his brother, he said: "I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me; yet I escaped unhurt, though death was leveling my companions on every side." In after years, when Washington visited the Great Kanawha country, he was approached by an Indian chieftain who said that in this battle he had fired his rifle many times at Washington and had told his young men to do the same; but when he saw that his bullets had no apparent effect, he had bidden them to desist, be- lieving that the Great Spirit was protecting him. The panic among the survivors of the English carried them back upon the reserve, commanded by Gen. Dunbar, who seems himself to have been seized with it, and without attempting to renew the campaign and return to the en- counter, he joined in the flight which was not stayed until Fort Cumberland was reached. The French were anticipating a renewal of the struggle; but when they found that the English had fled leaving the frontier all unprotected, they left no stone unturned in whetting the minds of the savages for the work of plunder and blood, and in organizing relentless bands to range at will along all the wide frontier. The Indians could not be induced to pursue the retreating English, but fell to plundering the field. Nearly everything was lost, even to the camp chest of Braddock. The wounded General was taken back to the summit of Laurel Hill, where, foar days after, he breathed his last He was buried in the middle of the road, and the army marched over his grave that it might not be discovered or molested by the natives. The eajy victory, won chiefly by the savages, served to encourage them in their fell work, in which, when their passions were aroused, no known people on earth were less touched by pity. The unprotected settler in his wilder- ness home was the easy prey of the torch and the scalping knife, and the burn- ing cabin lit up the somber forests by their continuous blaze, and the shrieks of women and children resounded from the Hudson to the far Potomac Be- fore the defeat of Braddock, there were 3,000 men capable of bearing arms west of the Susquehanna. In six months after, there were scarcely 100. Gov. Morris made an earnest appeal to the Assembly for money to ward off the impending enemy and protect the settlers, in response to which the As- sembly voted £50,000; but having no exemption of the proprietor's estates, it was rejected by the Governor, in accordance with his original instructions. Expeditions undertaken against Nova Scotia and at Crown Point were more fortu- nate than that before Du Quesne, andthe Assembly voted £15,000 in bills of credit to aid in defraying the expense. The proprietors sent £5,000 as a gratuity, not as any part of expense that could of right be claimed of them. In this hour of extremity, the Indians for the most part showed themselves a treacherous race, ever ready to take up on the stronger side. Even the Shaw- anese and Delawares, who had been loudest in their protestations of friendship for the English and readiness to flght for them, no sooner saw the French vic- torious than they gave ready ear to their advice to strike for the recovery of the lands which tiiey had sold to the English. In this pressing emergency, while the Governor and Assembly were waging a fruitless war of wordi^ over money bills, the pen of Franklin was busy in in- fusing a wholesome sentiment in the minds of the people. In a pamphlet that he issued, which he put in the familiar form of a dialogue, he answered the objections which had been urged to a legalized militia, and willing to show his devotion by deeds as well as words, he accepted the command upon the 92 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. frontier. By his exertions, a respectable force was raised, and though in the dead of winter, he commenced the erection of a line of forts and block-houses along the whole range of the Kittatinny Hills, from the Delaware to the Po- tomac, and had them completed and garrisoned with a body sufficient to with- stand any force not provided with artillery. In the spring, he turned over the command to Col. Clapham, and returning to Philadelphia took his seat in the Assembly. The Governor now declared war against the Indians, who had es- tablished their headquarters thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the Susque- hanna, and were busy in their work of robbery and devastation, having se- cured the greater portion of the crops of the previous season of the settlers whom they had killed or driven out. The peace party strongly objected to the course of the Governor, and voluntarily going among the Indians induced them to bury the hatchet. The Assembly which met in May, 1756, prepared a bill with the old clause for taxing the proprietors, as any other citizens, which the Governor was forbidden to approve by his instructions, "and the two parties were sharpening their wits for another wrangle over it," when Gov. Morris was superseded by William Denny, who arrived in the colony and as- sumed authority on the 20th of August, 1756. He was joyfully and cordially received, escorted through the streets by the regiments of Franklin and Duch§, and royally feasted at the State House. But the promise of efficient legislation was broken by an exhibition of the new Governor's instructions, which provided that every bill for the emission of money must place the proceeds at the joint disposal of the Governor and As- sembly; paper currency could not be issued in excess of £40,000, nor could ex- isting issues be confirmed unless proprietary rents were paid in sterling money ; proprietary lands were permitted to be taxed which had been actually leased, provided that the taxes were paid out of the rents, but the tax could not become a lien upon the land. In the first Assembly, the contention be- came as acrimonious as ever. Previous to the departure of Gov. Morris, as a retaliatory act he had issued a proclamation against the hostile Indians, providing for the payment of bounties: For every male Indian enemy above twelve years old, who shall be taken prisoner and delivered at any forts, garrisoned by troops in pay of this province, or to any of the county towns to the keepers of the common jails there, the sum of one hundred and fifty Spanish dollars or pieces of eight; for the scalp of every male Indian above the age of twelve years, produced as evidence of their being killed, the sum of one hundred and thirty pieces of eight; for every female Indian taken prisoner and brought in as aforesaid, and for every male Indian under the age of twelve years, taken and brought in, one hundred and thirty pieces of eight; for the scalp of every Indian woman produced as evidence of their being killed, the sum of fifty pieces of eight." Liberal bounties were also offered for the delivering up of settlers who had been carried away captive. But the operation which had the most wholesome and pacifying effect upon the savages, and caused them to stop in their mad career and consider the chances of war and the punishment they were calling down upon their own heads, though executed under the rule of Gov. Denny, was planned and provided for, and was really a part of the aggressive and vigorous policy of Gov. Morris. In response to the act of Assembly, providing for the calling out and organizing the militia, twenty- five companies were recruited, and had been stationed along the line of posts that had been established for the defense of the froatiers. At Kittanning, on the Allegheny River, the Indians had one of the largest of their towns in the State, and was a recruiting station and HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 93 rallying point for sending out their murderous bands. The plan proposed and adopted by Gov. Morris, and approved and accepted by Gov. Denny, was to send out a strong detachment from the militia for the reduction of this stronghold. Accordingly, in August, 1756, Col. Armstrong, with a force of three hundred men, made a forced march, and, arriving unperceived in the neigh- borhood of the town, sent the main body by a wide detour from above, to come in upon the river a few hundred yards below. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 1th of September, the troops had gained their position undiscovered, and at dawn the attack was made. Shielded from view by the tall corn which cov- ered all the flats, the troops were able to reach in close proximity to the cabins unobserved. Jacobs, the chief, sounded the war-whoop, and made a stout re- sistance, keeping up a rapid fire from the loop holes in his cabin. Not desir- ing to push his advantage to the issue of no quarter, Armstrong called on the savages to surrender: but this they refused to do, declaring that they were men and would never be prisoners. Finding that they would not yield, and that they were determined to sell their lives at the dearest rate, he gave orders to fire the huts, and the whole town was soon wrapt in flames. As the heat began to reach the warriors, some sung, whilo wrung with the death agonies; others broke for the river and were shot down as they fled. Jacobs, in attempt- ing to climb through a window, was killed. . All calls for surrender were re- ceived with derision, one declaring that he did not care for death, and that he could kill four or five before he died. Gunpowder, small arms and valuable goods which had been distributed to them only the day before by the French, fell into the hands of the victors. The triumph was complete, few if any escaping to tell the sad tale. Col. Armstrong's celerity of movement and well conceived and executed plan of action were publicly acknowledged, and he was voted a medal and plate by the city of Philadelphia. The finances of the colony, on account of the repeated failures of the money bills, were in a deplorable condition. Military operations could not be carried on and vigorous campaigns prosecuted without ready money. Ac- cordingly, in the first meej;ing of the Assembly after the arrival of the new Governor, a bill was passed levying £100,000 on all property alike, real and personal, private and proprietary. This Gov. Denny vetoed. Seeing that money must be had, the Assembly finally passed a bill exempting the proprie- taxy estates, but determined to lay their grievances before the Crown. To this end, two Commissioners were appointed, Isaac Norris and Benjamin Franklin, to proceed to England and beg the interference of the royal Gov- ernment in their behalf. Failing health and business engagements of Norris prevented his acceptance, and Franklin proceeded alone. He had so often de- fended the Assembly in public and in drawing remonstrances that the whole subject was at his fingers' ends. Military operations throughout the colonies, during the year 1757, con- ducted under the command of the Earl of Loudoun were sluggish, and resulted only in disaster and disgrace. The Indians were active in Pennsylvania, and kept the settlers throughout nearly all the colonies in a continual ferment, hostile bands stealing in upon the defenseless inhabitants as they went to their plantings and sowings, and greatly interfering with or preventing alto- gether the raising of the ordinary crops. In 1758, Loudoun was recalled, and Gen. Abercrombie was given chief command, with Wolfe, Amherst and Forbes as his subordinates. It was determined to direct operations simul- taneously upon three points — Fort Du Quesne, Louisburg and the forts upon the great lakes. Gen. Forbes commanded the forces sent against Fort Du Quesne. With a detachment of royal troops, and militia from Pennsylvania 94 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. and Virginia, under command of Cols. Bouquet and Washington, his column moved in July, 1758. The French were well ordered for receiving the attack, and the battle in front of the fort raged with great fury; but they were finally driven, and the fort, with its munitions, fell into the hands of the viclors, and was garrisoned by 400 Pennsylvanians. Returning, Forbes placed his remain- ing forces in barracks at Lancaster. Franklin, upon his arrival in England, presented the grievances before the proprietors, and, that he might get his case before the royal advisers and the British public, wrote frequent articles for the press, and issued a pamphlet entitled " Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsyl- vania." The dispute was adroitly managed by Franklin before the Privy Council, and was finally decided substantially in the interest of the Assem- bly. It was provided that the proprietors' estates should be taxed, but that their located uncultivated lands should be assessed as low as the lowest uncul- tivated lands of the settlers, that bills issued by the Assembly should be re- ceivable in payment of quit rents, and that the Deputy Governor should have a voice in disposing of the revenues. Thus was a vexed question of loDg standing finally put to rest. So successfully had Franklin managed this con- troversy that the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia appointed him their agent in England, In October, 1759, James Hamilton was again appointed Governor, in place of Gov. Denny, who had by stress of circumstances transcended his instruc- tions. The British Government, considering that the colonies had borne more than their proportionate expense in carrying on the war against the French and Indians, voted £200,000 for five years, to be divided among the colonies, the share falling to Pennsylvania being £26,000. On the 25th of October, 1760, George II died, and was succeeded by his grandson, George III. Early in 1762, war was declared between Great Britain and Spain, but was of short continuance, peace having been declared in November following, by which Spain and France relinquished to the English substantially the territory east of the Mississippi. The wise men of the various Indian nations inhabiting this wide territory viewed with concern this sudden expansion of English power, fearing that they would eventually be pushed from their hunting grounds and pleasant haunts by the rapidly multiplying pale faces. The In- dians have ever been noted for proceeding against an enemy secretly and treacherously. Believing that by concerted action the English might be cut off and utterly exterminated, a secret leagtie was entered into by the Shawa- nese and the tribes dwelling along the Ohio River, under the leadership of a powerful chieftain, Pontiac, by which swift destruction was everywhere to be meted out to the white man upon an hour of an appointed day. The plan was thoroughly understood by the red men, and heartily entered into. The day dawned and the blow fell in May, 1763. The forts at Presque Isle, Le Boeuf, Venango, La Ray, St. Joseph's, Miamis, Onaethtanon, Sandusky and Michili- mackinack, all fell before the unanticipated attacks of tho savages who were making protestations of frieadship, and the garrisons were put to the slaugh- ter. Fort Pitt (Du Quesne), Niagara and Detroit alone, of all this line of forts, held out. Pontiac in person conducted the siege of Detroit, which he vigorously pushed from May until October, paying his warriors with promises written on bits of birch bark, which he subsequently religiously redeemed. It is an evidence of his great power that he could unite his people in so gen- eral and secretly kept a compact, and that in this siege of Detroit he was able to hold his warriors up to the work so long and so vigorously even after all hope of success must have reasonably been abandoned. The attack fell with great HISTORV OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95 severity upon the Pennsylvania settlers, and they continued to be driven in until Shippensbung, in Cumberland County, became the extreme outpost of civilization. The savages stole unawares upon the laborers in the fields, or came stealthily in at the midnight hour and spared neither trembling age nor helpless infancy, firing houses, barns, crops and everything combustible. The suffering of the frontiersmen in this fatal year can scarcely be conceived. Col. Armstrong with a hastily collected force advanced upon their towns and forts at Muncy and Great Island, which he destroyed; but the Indians escaped and withdrew before him. He sent a detachment under Col. Eouquet to the relief of Fort Pitt, which still held out, though closely invested by the dusky warriors. At Fort Ligonier, Bouquet halted and sent forward thirty men, who stealthily pushed past the Indians under cover of night, and reached the fort, carrying intelligence that succor was at hand. Discovering that a force was advancing upon them, the Indians turned upon the troops of Bou- quet, and before he was aware that an enemy was near, he found himself sur- rounded and all means of escape apparently cut off. By a skillfully laid, ambuscade. Bouquet, sending a small detachment to steal away as if in retreat, induced the Indians to follow, and when stretched out in pursuit, the main body in concealment fell upon the unsuspecting savages, and routed them with immense slaughter, when he advanced to the relief of the fort unchecked. As we have already seen, the boundary line between Maryland and Penn- sylvania had long been in dispute, and had occasioned serious disturbances among the settlers in the lifetime of Penn, and repeatedly since. It was not definitely settled till 1760, when a beginning was made of a final adjustment, though so intricate were the conditions that the work was prosecuted for seven years by a large force of surveyors, axmen and pioneers. The charter of Lord Baltimore made the northern boundary of Maryland the 40th degree of lati- tude; but whether the beginning or end of the 40th was not specified. The charter of Penn, which was subsequent, made his southern boundary the beginning of the 40th parallel. If, as Lord Baltimore claimed, his northern boundary was the end of the 40th, theji the city of Philadelphia and all the settled parts of Pennsylvania would have been included in Maryland. If, as Penn claimed by express terms of his charter, his southern line was the begin- ning of the 40th, then the city of Baltimore, and even a part of the District of Columbia, including nearly the whole of Maryland would have been swal- lowed up by Pennsylvania. It was evident to the royal Council that neither claim could be rightfully allowed, and nence resort was had to compromise. Penn insisted upon retaining free communication with the open ocean by the Delaware Bay. Accordingly, it was decided that beginning at Cape Henlopen, which by mistake in marking the maps was fifteen miles below the present location, opposite Cape May, a line should be run due west to a point half way between this cape and the shore of Chesapeake Bay; from this point " a line . was to be run northerly in such direction that it should be tangent on the west side to a circle with a radius of twelve miles, whose center was the center of the court house at New Castle. From the exact tangent point, a line was to be run due north until it should reach a point fifteen miles south on the parallel of latitude of the most southern point in the boundary of the city of Phila- delphia, and this point when accurately found by horizontal measurement, was to be the corner bound between Maryland and Pennsylvania, and subsequently, when Delaware was set off from Pennsylvania, was the boundary of the three States. From this bound a line was to be run due west five degrees of longi- tude from the Delaware, which was to be the western limit of Pennsylvania, and the line thus ascertained was to mark the division between Maryland and' 96 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Pennsylvania, and forever settle the vexed qnestion. If the due north line should cut any part of the circle about New Castle, the slice so cut should be- long to New Castle. Such a segment was cut. This plan of settlement was entered into on the 10th of May, 1732, between Thomas and Eicbard, sons of William Penn, on the one part, and Charles, Lord Baltimore, great grandson of the patentee. But the actual marking of the boundaries was still deferred, and as the settlers were taking out patents for their lands, it was necessary that it should be definitely known in which State the lands lay. Accordingly, in 1739, in obedience to a decree in Council, a temporary line was run upon a new basis, which now often appears in litigations to plague the brain of the attorney. Commissioners were again appointed in 1751, who made a few of the measurements, but owing to objections raised on the part of Maryland, the work was abandoned. Finally, the proprietors, Thomas and Kichard Penn, and Frederic, Lord Baltimore, entered into an agreement for the executing of the survey, and John Lukens and Archibald McLean on the part of the Penns, and Thomas Garnett and Jonathan Hall on the part of Lord Baltimore, were appointed with a suitable corps of assistants to lay off the lines. After these surveyors had been three years at work, the proprietors in England, thinking that there was not enough energy and practical and scientific knowledge mani- fested by these surveyors, appointed Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two mathematicians and surveyors, to proceed to America and take charge of the work. They brought with them the most perfect and best constructed instru- ments known to science, arriving in Philadelphia on the 15th of November, 1763, and, assisted by some of the old surveyors, entered upon their work. By the 4th of June, 1766, they had reached the summit of the Little Allegheny, when the Indians began to be troublesome. They looked with an evil eye on the mathematical and astronomical instruments, and felt a secret dread and fear of the consequences of the frequent and long -continued peering into the heavens. The Six Nations were understood to be inimical to the further prog- ress of the survey. But through the influence of Sir William Johnson a treaty was concluded, providing for the prosecution of the work unmolested, and a number of chieftains were sent to accompany the surveying party. Mason and Dixon now had with them thirty surveyors, fifteen axmen, and fif- teen Indians of consequence. Again the attitude of the Indians gave cause of fear, and on the 29th of September, twenty-six of the surveyors abandoned the expedition and returned to Philadelphia. Having reached a point 244 miles from the Delaware, and within thirty-six miles of the western limit of the State, in the bottom of a deep, dark valley, they came upon a well-worn Indian path, and here the Indians gave notice that it was the will of the Six Nations that this survey proceed no further. There was no questioning this authority, and no means at command for resisting, and accordingly the party broke up and returned to Philadelphia. And this was the end of the labors of Mdson and Dixon upon this boundary. From the fact that this was subse- quently the mark of division between the Free and Slave States, Mason and Dixon's line became familiar m American politics. The line was marked by stones which were quarried and engraved in England, on one side having the arms of Penn, and on the opposite those of Lord Baltimore. These stones were firmly set every five miles. At the end of each intermediate mile a smaller stone was placed, having on one side engraved the letter P. , and on the opposite side the letter M. The remainder of the line was finished and marked in 1782-84 by other surveyors. A vista was cut through the forest eight yards in width the whole distance, which seemed in looking back through it to come to a HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 97 point at the distance of two miles. In 1849, the stone at the northeast corner of Maryland having been removed, a resurvey of the line was ordered, and suryeyors were appointed by the three States of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, who called to their aid Col. James D. Graham. Some few errors were discovered in the old survey, but in the main it was found to be accurate. John Penn, grandson of the founder, and son of Richard, had come to the colony in 1753, and, having acted as President of the Council, was, in 1763, commissioned Governor in place of Hamilton. The conspiracy of Pontiac, though abortive in the results contemplated, left the minds of the Indians in a most dangerous state. The more resolute, who had entered heartily into the views of their leader, still felt that his purposes were patriotic, and hence sought, by every means possible, to ravage and destroy the English settlements. The Moravian Indians at Nain and Wichetunk, though regarded as friendly, were suspected of indirectly aiding in the savage warfare by trading firearms and ammunition. They were accordingly removed to Philadelphia that they might be out of the way of temptation. At the old Indian town of Conestoga there lived some score of natives. Many heartless murders had been com- mitted along the frontier, and the perpetrators had been traced to this Con- estoga town ; and while the Conestoga band were not known to be impli- cated in these outrages, their town was regarded as the lurking place of roving savages who were. For protection, the settlers in the neighboring districts of Pazton and Donegal, had organized a band known as the Paxton boys. Earnest requests were made by Kev. John Elder and John Harris to the Government to remove this band at Conestoga ; but as nothing was done, and fearful depredations and slaughter continued, a party of these Paxton rangers attacked the town and put the savages to the sword. Some few escaped, among them a known bloodthirsty savage, who were taken into the jail at Lancaster for pro- tection ; but the rangers, following them, overpowered the jailer, and breaking into the jail murdered the fugitives. Intense excitement was occasioned by this outbreak, and Gov. Penn issued his proclamation offering rewards for the apprehension of the perpetrators. Some few were taken ; but so excellent was their character and standing, and such were the provocations, that no convic- tions followed. Apprehensions for the safety of the Moravian Indians induced the Governnient to remove them to Province Island, and, feeling insecure there, they asked to be sent to England. For safety, they were sent to New York, but the Governor of that province refused them permission to laud, as did also the Governor of New Jersey, and they were brought back to Philadel- phia and put in barracks under strong guard. The Paxton boys, in a consider- able body, were at that time at Germantown interceding for their brethren, who were then in durance and threatened with trial. Franklin was sent out to confer with them on the part of the Government. In defending their course, they said : "^Whilst more than a thousand families, reduced to extreme dis- tress, during the last and present war, by the attacks of slmlking parties of Indians upon the frontier, were destitute, and were sutfered by the public to depend on private charity, a hundred and twenty of the perpetrators of the most horrid barbarities were supported by the province, and protected from the fury of the brave relatives of the murdered. " Influenced by the persua- sions of Franklin, they consented to return to their homes, leaving only Matthew Smith and James Gibson to represent them before the courts. 98 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA- OHAPTEE XL John Penn, 1763-71— James Hamilton, 1771— Bichard Penn, 1771-73— John Penn, 1773-76. A DIFFERENCE having arisen between the Governor and Assembly on the vexed question of levying money, the Assembly passed a series of reso- lutions advocating that the " powers of government ought to be separated from the power attending the immense proprietary property, and lodged in the hands of the King. " After an interval of fifty days — that time for reflection and discussion might be given — the Assembly again convened, and adopted a petition praying the King to assume the direct government of the province, though this policy was strongly opposed by some of the ablest members, as Isaac Norris and John Dickinson. The Quaker element was generally in favor of the change. Indian barbarities still continuing along the frontier. Gov. Penn declared war against the Shawanese and Delawares in July, 1765, and sent Col. Bouquet with a body of Pennsylvania troops against them. By the 3d of October, he had come up to the Muskingum, in the heart of the most thickly peopled Indian territory. \So rapid, had been the movement of Bouquet that the savages had no intelligence of his advance until he was upon them with no preparations for defense. They sued for peace, and a treaty was entered into by which the savages agreed to abstain from further hostilities until a general treaty could be concluded with Sir William Johnson, the general agent for Indian affairs for all the colonies, and to deliver up all English captives who had been carried away during the years of trouble. Two hundred and eight were quickly gathered up and brought in, and many others were to follow, who were now widely scattered. The relatives of many of these captives had proceeded witti the train of Bouquet, intent on reclaiming those who had been dear to them. Some were joyfully received, while others who had been borne off in youth had become attached to their captors, and force was necessary to bring them away. " On the return of the army, some of the Indians obtained leave to accompany their former captives to Fort Pitt, and employed themselves in hunting and carrying provisions for them on the road. " The great struggle for the independence of the colonies of the British crown was now close at hand, and the first sounds of the controversy were be- ginning to be heard. Sir William Keith, that enterprising Governor whose head seemed to have been full of new projects, as early as 1739 had proposed to lay a uniform tax on stamped paper in all the colonies, to realize funds for the common defense. Acting upon this hint, Grenville, the British Minister, notified the colonists in 1763 of his purpose to impose such a tax. Against this they remonstrated. Instead of this, a tax on imports, to be paid in coin, was adopted. This was even more distasteful. The Assembly of Ehode Island, in October, 1765, submitted a paper to all the colonial assemblies, with a view to uniting in a common petition to the King against parliamentary taxation. This was favorably acted on by the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and Franklin was appointed agent to represent their cause before the British Par- liament. The Stamp Act had been passed on the 22d of March, 1765. Its passage excited bitter opposition, and a resolution, asserting that the Colonial HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 99 Assemblies had the exclusive right to levy taxes, was passed by the Virginia Assembly, and concurred in by all the others. The Massachusetts Assembly proposed a meeting of delegates in New York on the second Tuesday of October, 1765, to confer upon the subject. The Pennsylvania Assembly adopted the suggestion, and appointed Messrs. Fox, Morton, Bryan and Dickenson as dele- gates. This Congress met according to the call and adopted a respectful pe- tition to the King, and a memorial to Parliament, which were signed by all the members and forwarded for presentation by the Colonial Agents in En- gland. The Stamp Act was to go into effect on the 1st of November. On the last day of October, the newspapers w.ere dressed in mourning, and suspended publication. The publishers agreed not to use the stamped paper. The people, as with one mind, determined to dress in homespun, resolved not to use imported goods, and, to stimulate the production of wool the colonists cov- enanted not to eat lamb for the space of one year. The result of this policy was soon felt by British manufacturers who became clamorous for repeal of the obnoxious measures, and it was accordingly repealed on the 18th of March, 1766. Determined in some form to draw a revenue from the colonies, an act was passed in 1767, to lay a duty on tea, paper, printers' colors, and glass. The As- sembly of Pennsylvania passed a resolution on the 20th of February, 1768, instructing its agent in London to urge its repeal, and at the session in May received and entered upon its minutes a circular letter from the Massachusetts Assembly, setting forth the grounds on which objection to the act should be urged. This circular occasioned hostile feeling among the ministry, and the Secretary for foreign affairs wrote to Gov. Penn to urge the Assembly to take no notice of it; but if they approved its sentiments, to prorogue their sittings. This letter was transmitted to the Assembly, eiod soon after one from the Virginia Assembly was presented, urging union of all the colonies in opposing the several schemes of taxation. This recommendation was adopted, and committees appointed to draw a petition to the King and to each of the Houses of Parliament. To lead public sentiment, and have it well grounded in the arguments used against taxation, John Dickinson, one of the ablest of the Pennsylvania legislators at this time, published a number of articles purporting to come from a plain farmer, under the title of the Farmer's Letters, which became popular, the idea that they were the work of one in humble life, helping to swell the tide of popularity. They were republished in all the colonies, and exerted a commanding influence. Alarmed at the unanimity of feeling against the proposed schemes, and supposing that it was the amount of the tax that gave offense. Parliament reduced the rate in 1769 to one sixth of the original sum, and in 1770 abolished it altogether, except three pence a pound on tea But it was the principle, and not the amount that was objected to, and at the next session of the Assembly in Pennsylvania, their agent in London was directed to urge its repeal altogether. It would seem incredible that the colony of Connecticut should lay claim to any part of the territory of Pennsylvania, but so it was. The New En- gland charters gave limitless extent westward even to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, and south to the northern limits of the tract ceded to Lord Baltimore — the territory between the 40th and 46th degrees of north latitude, and from ocean to ocean. To encroach upon New York with its teaming popu- lation was not calculated to tempt the enterprise of the settler; but the rich virgin soil, and agreeable climate of the wide Wyoming Val- ley, as yet unappropriated, was likely to attract the eye of the explorer. Accordingly, at the general conference with the Indians held at Albany 100 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA in 1754, the Connecticut delegates made a purchase of a large tract in this valley; a company, known as the Susquehanna Company, was formed in Connecticut to promote the settlement of these lands, and a considerable im- migration commenced. The proprietors of Pennsylvania had also made pur- chase of the Indians of these identical lands, and the royal charters of Charles and James covered this ground. But the Plymouth Charter antedated Penn's. Remonstrances were made to the Governor of Connecticut against encroach- ments upon the territory of Pennsylvania. The answer returned was under- stood to disclaim any control over the company by the Connecticut authorities; but it subsequently appeared that the Government was determined to defend the settlers in the possession of their lands. In 1768, the proprietors of Penn- sylvania entered into treaty stipulations with the Indians for all this tract cov- ered by the claim of the Susquehanna Company. Pennsylvania settlers, attracted by the beauty of the place, gradually acquired lands under Penn- sylvania patents, and the two parties began to infringe on each other's claims. Forts and block-houses were erected for the protection of either party, and a petty warfare was kept up, which resulted in some loss of life. Butler, the leader of the Connecticut party, proposed to settle their differences by per- sonal combat of thirty picked men on each side. In order to assert more direct legal control over the settlers, a new county was formed which was called Northumberland, that embraced all the disputed lands. But the Sheriff, even with the aid of the militia, which he called to his assistance, was unable to execute his processes, and exercise legal control, the New Englanders, proving a resolute set, determined to hold the splendid farms which they had marked out for themselves, and were bringing rapidly under cultivation. To the re- monstrances of Gov. Penn, Gov. Trumbull responded that the Susquehanna Com- pany was proceeding in good faith under provisions secured by the charter of the Plymouth Colony, and proposed that the question be submitted to a com- petent tribunal for arbitrament. An ex parte statement was submitted to Council in London by the Connecticut party, and an opinion was rendered favorable to its claims. In September, 1775, the matter was submitted to the Continental Congress, and a committee of that body, to whom it was referred, reported in favor of the Connecticut claim, apportioning a tract out of the very bowels of Pennsylvania nearly as large as the whole State of Connecticut. This action was promptly rejected by the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and a final decision was not reached until 1802, when Congress decided in favor of the integrity of the chartered rights of Penn. Richard Penn, son of the founder, died in 1771, whereupon Gov. John Penn returned to England, leaving the President of the Council, James Ham- ilton, at the head of the Government. John Penn, eldest son of Richard, suc- ceeded to the proprietary interests of his father, which he held in conjunction with his uncle, Thomas, and in October of the same year, Richard, the second son, was commissioned Governor. He held the office but about two years, and in that time won the confidence and esteem of the people, and so much attached was he to the popular cause, that upon his return to England, in 1775, he was intrusted by Congress with the last petition of the colonies ever presented to the King. In August, 1773,, John Penn returned with the commission of Governor, superseding his brother Richard. Soon after his arrival, the Gov- ernor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issued his proclamation, laying claim to a vast territory in the Monongalia Valley, including the site of the present city of Pittsburgh, and upon the withdrawal of the British garrison, one Con- nolly had taken possession of it in the name of Virginia. Gov. Penn issued a counter-proclamation, calling on all good citizens within the borders of Penn- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101 sylvania, to preserve their allegiance to his Government, seized and imprisoned Connolly, and sent Commissioners to Virginia to effect an amicable settlement. These, Dunmore refused to hear, and was preparing to assert his authority by force ; but his Council refused to vote him money for this purpose. To encourage the sale of tea in the colonies, and establish the principle of taxation, the export duty was removed. The colonies took the alarm. At a public meeting called in Philadelphia to consider the subject, on the 18th of October, 1773, resolutions were adopted in which it was declared : " That the disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen; that there can be no property in that which another can, of right, take from us without our consent; that the claim of Parliament to tax America, is, in other words, a claim of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure.'' The East India Company now made preparations for sending large importations of tea into the colonies. The ships destined for Philadelphia and New York, on approaching port, and being advised of the exasperated state of public feeling, returned to England with their cargoes. Those sent to Boston came into the harbor; but at night a party disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels, and breaking open the packages, emptied 300 chests into the sea. The ministry, on being apprised of this act, closed the port of Boston, and subverted the coloniel charter. Early in the year, committees of correspondence had been established in all the colonies, by means of which the temper and feeling in each was well un- derstood by the others, and concert of action was secured. The hard condi- tions imposed on the town of Boston and the colony of Massachusetts Bay, aroused the sympathy of all ; for, they argued, we know not how soon the heavy hand of oppression may be felt by any of us. Philadelphia declared at a pub- lic meeting that the people of Pennsylvania would continue firmly to adhere to the cause of American liberty, and urged the calling of a Congress of dele- gates to consider the general interests. At a meeting held in Philadelphia on the 18th of June, 1774, at which nearly 8,000 people were convened, it was decided that a Continental Congress ought to be held, and appointed a committee of correspondence to communi- cate with similar committees in the several counties of Pennsylvania and in the several colonies. On the 15th of July, 1774, delegates from all the counties, summoned by this committee, assembled in Philadelphia, and declared that there existed an absolute necessity for a Colonial Congress. They accordingly recommended that the Assembly appoint delegates to such a Congress to represent Pennsylvania, and Joseph Galloway, Samuel Rhoads, George Ross, Edward Biddle, 'john Dickinson, Charles Humphries and Thomas Mifflin were appointed. On the 4th of Septemoer, 1774, the first Continental Congress assembled m Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was called to preside, and Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Secretary. It was resolved that no. more goods be imported from England, and that unless a pacification was effected previously, no more Colonial produce of the soil be exported thither after September 10, 1775. A declaration of rights was adopted, and addresses to the King, the people of Great Britain, and of British America were agreed to, after which the Congress adjourned to meet again on the 10th of May, 1775. In January, 1775, another meeting of the county delegates was held in "Philadelphia, at which the action of the Colonial Congress was approved, and while a restoration of harmony with the mother country was desired, yet if the arbitiary acts of Parliament were persisted in, they would at every hazard defend the " rights and liberties of America." The delegates appointed to 102 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. represent the colony in the Second Congress were Mifflin, Humphries, Biddle, Dickinson, Morton, FranJilin, Wilson and Willing. The government of Great Britain had determined with a strong hand to compel obedience to its behests. On the 19th of April, 1775, was fought the battle of Lexington, and the crimson fountain was opened. That blow was felt alike through all the colonies. The cause of one was the cause of all. A public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved to organize military companies in all the counties. The Assembly heartily seconded these views, and engaged to provide for the pay of the militia while in service. The Second Congress, which met in May, provided for organizing a continental army, fixing the quota for Pennsylvania at 4,300 men. The Assembly adopted the recommendation of Congress, provided for arming, disciplining and pay- ing the militia, recommended the organizing minutemen for service' in an emergency, made appropriations for the defense of the city, and offered a pre- mium on the production of salt peter. Complications hourly thickened. Ticon- deroga was captured on the lOfch of May, and the battle of Bunker Hill was fought on the 17th of June. On the 15th of June, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, supported by four Major Generals and eight Brigadiers. The royal Governors were now an incumbrance greatly in the way of the popular movement, as were also the Assemblies where they refused to represent the popular will. Accordingly, Congress recommended that the several col- onies should adopt such government as should " best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general." This meant that each colony should set up a government for itself independent of the Crown. Accordingly, a public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved that the present Assembly is " not competent to the pres- ent exigencies of affairs," and that a new form of government ought to be adopted as recommended by Congress. The city committee of correspondence called on the county committees to secure the election of delegates to a colonial meeting for the purpose of considering this subject. On the 18th of June, the meeting was held in Philadelphia, and was organized by electing Thomas McKean President. It resolved to call a convention to frame a new con- stitution, provided the legal forms to be observed, and issued an address to the people. Having thus by frequent argumentation grown familiar with the declara- tion of the inherent rights of every citizen, and with flatly declaring to the government of Great Britain that it had no right to pursue this policy or that, and the several States having been recommended to absolve themselves from allegience to the royal governments, and set up independent colonial govern- ments of their own, it was a natural inference, and but a step further, to de- clare the colonies entirely independent of the British Government, and to or- ganize for themselves a general continental government to hold the place of King and Parliament. The idea of independence had been seriously proposed, and several Colonial Assemblies had passed resolutions strongly recommending it. And yet there were those of age and experience who had supported independ- ent principles in the stages of argumentation, before action was demanded, when they approached the brink of the fatal chasm, and had to decide whether to take the leap, hesitated. There were those in the Assembly of Pennsylvania who were reluctant to advise independence; but the majority voted to recommend its delegates to unite with the other colonies for the com- mon good. The convention which had provided for holding a meeting of del- egates to frame a new constitution, voted in favor of independence, and au- thorized the raising of 6,000 militia. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 102 On the 7th of June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, introduced in Congress the proposition that, "the United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. " It was impossible to mistake or misinterpret the meaning of this language. The issue was fairly made up. It was warmly discussed. John Dickinson, one of the Pennsylvania delegates, and one who had been foremost in speak- ing and writing on the popular side, was not ready to cut off all hope of rec- onciliation, and depicted the disorganized condition in which the colonies would be left if the power and protection of Britain were thus suddenly re- moved. The vote upon the resolution was taken on the 2d of July, and re- sulted in the affirmative vote of all the States except Pennsylvania and Delaware, the delegates from these States being divided. A committee con- sisting of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston and Sherman had been, some time previous, appointed to draw a formal statement of the Declaration, and the reasons "out of a decent respect to the opinions of mankind," which led to so important an act. The work was intrusted to a sub-committee consisting of Adams and Jefferson, and its composition was the work of Mr. Jefferson, though many of the ideas, and even the forms of expression, had been used again and again in the previous resolutions and pronunciamentoes of the Colonial Assem- blies and public meetings. It had been reported on the 28th of June, and was sharply considered in all its parts, many verbal alterations having been made in the committee of five; but after the passage of the preliminary resolution, the result was a foregone conclusion, and on the 4th of Jaly it was finally adopted and proclaimed to the world. Of the Pennsylvania delegation, Franklin, Wilson and Morton voted for it, and Willing and Humphrey against, Dickin- son being absent. The colonial convention of Pennsylvania, being in session at the time, on receiving intelligence that a majority of its delegates in Con- gress had voted against the preliminary resolution, named a new delegation, omitting the names of Dickinson, Willing and Humphrey, and adding others which made it thus constituted — Franklin, Wilson, Morton, Morris, Cljrmer, Smith, Taylor and Boss. An engrossed copy of the Declaration was made, which was signed by all the members on the 2d of August following, on which are found the names from Pennsylvania above recited. The convention for framing a new constitution for the colony met on the 15th of July, and was organized by electing Franklin President, and on the 28th of September completed its labors, having framed a new organic law and made all necessary provisions for putting it into operation. In the mean- time the old proprietary Assembly adjourned on the 14th of June to the 26th of August. But a quorum failed to appear, and an adjournment was had to the 23d of September, when some routine business was attended to, chiefly providing for the payment of salaries and necessary bills, and on the 28th of September, after a stormy existence of nearly a century, this Assembly, the creature of Penn, adjourned never to meet again. With the ending of the As- sembly ended the power of Gov. Penn. It is a singular circumstance,, much noted by the believers in signs, that on the day of his arrival in America, which was Sunday, the earth in that locality was rocked by an earthquake, which was inteirpreted as an evil omen to his administration. He married the daughter of William Allen, Chief Justice of the colony, and, though at times falling under suspicion of favoring the royal cause, yet, as was believed, not with reason, he remained a quiet spectator of the great struggle, living at his country seat in Bucks County, where he died in February, 1795. The titles of the proprietors to landed estates were suspended by the action 104 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. of the convention, and on the 27th of November, 1779, the Legislature passed an act vesting these estates in the commonwealth, but paying the proprietors a gratuity of £130,000, "in remembrance of the enterprising spirit ot the Founder." This act did not touch the private estates of the proprietors, nor the tenths of manors. The Britioh Government, in 1790, in consideration of the fact that it had been unable to vindicate its authority over the colony, and afford protection to the proprietors in the enjoyment of their chartered rights, voted an annuity of £4,000 to the heirs and descendants of Penn. This annuity has been regularly paid to the present time, 1884, OHAPTEE XIL Thomas Whabton, Jk., 1777-78— Gkoege Bbyan, 1778— Joseph Eeed, 1778-81— William Mooke. 1781-83— John Dickinson, 1783-85— Benjamin Feanklin, 1785-88. THE convention which framed the constitution appointed a Committee of Safety, consisting of twenty-five members, to whom was intrusted the government of the colony until the proposed constitution should be framed and put in operation. Thomas Eittenhouse was chosen President of this body, who was consequently in effect Governor. The new constitution, which was unanimously adopted on the 28th of September, was to take eliect from its passage. It provided for an Assembly to be elected annually; a Supreme Ex- ecutive Council of twelve members to be elected for a term of three years; As- semblymen to be eligible but four years out of seven, and Councilmen but one term in seven years. Members of Congress were chosen by the Assembly. The constitution could not be changed for seven years. It provided for the election of censors every seven years, who were to decide whether there was a demand for its revision. If so, they were to call a convention for the pur- pose. On the 6th of August, 1776, Thomas Wharton, Jr., was chosen Presi- dent of the Council of Safety. The struggle with the parent country was now fully inaugurated. The Britidh Parliament had declared the colonists rebels, had voted a force ot 55,000 men, and in addition had hired 17.000 Hessian soldiers, to subdue them. The Congress on its part had declared the objects for which arms had been taken up, and had issued bills of credit to the amount of $6,000,000. Par- liament had resolved upon a vigorous campaign, to strike heavy and rapid blows, and quickly end the war. The first campaign had been conducted in Massachusetts, and by the efficient conduct of Washington, Gen. Howe, the leader of the British, was compelled to capitulate and withdraw to Halifax in March, 1776. On the 28th of June, Sir Henry Clinton, with a strong detach- ment, in conjunction with Sir Peter Parker of the navy, made a combined land and naval attack upon the defenses of Charleston Harbor, where he was met by Gen. William Moultrie, with the Carolina Militia, and after a severe battle, in which the British fleet was roughly handled, Clinton v.'ithdrew and returned to New York, whither the main body of the British Army, under Gen. Howe, had come, and where Admiral Lord Howe, with a large fleet directly from England, joined them. To this formidable power led by the best talent in the British Army, Washington could muster no adequate force to oppose, and he was obliged to withdraw from Long Island, from New York, from HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 105 Harlem, from "White Plains, to cross into New Jersey, and abandon position after position, until he had reached the right bank of the Delaware on Penn- sylvania soil. A heavy detachment under Cornwallis followed, and would have crossed the Delaware in pursuit, but advised to a cautious policy by Howe, he waited for ice to form on the waters of the Delaware before passing over. The fall of Philadelphia now seemed imminent. Washington had not suflScient force to face the whole power of the British Army. On the 2d of December, the Supreme Council ordered all places of business in the city to be closed, the schools to be dismissed, and advised preparation for removing the women and children and valuables. On the 12th, the Congress which was in session here adjourned to meet in Baltimore, taking with them all papers and public records, and leaving a committee, of which Robert Morris was Chairman, to act in conjunction with "Washington for the safety of the place. Gen. Putnam was dispatched on the same day with a detachment of soldiers to take command in the city. In this emergency the Council issued a stirring address: "If you wish to live in freedom, and are determined to maintain that best boon of heaven, you have no time to deliberate. A manly resistance will secure every bless- ing, inactivity and sloth will bring horror and destruction. * * * May heaven, which has bestowed the blessings of liberty upon you, awaken you to a proper sense of your danger and arouse that manly spirit of virtuous resolu- tion which has ever bidden defiance to the efforts of tyranny. May you ever have the glorious prize of liberty in view, and bear with a becoming fortitude the fatigues and severities of a winter campaign. That, and that only, will entitle you to the superlative distinction of being deemed, under God, the deliverers of your country." Such were the arguments which our fathers made use of in conducting the struggle against the British Empire. "Washington, who had, from the opening of the campaign before New York, been obliged for the most part to act upon the defensive, formed the plan to suddenly turn upon his pursuers and offer battle. Accordingly, on the night of the 25th of December, taking a picked body of men, he moved up several miles to Taylorsville, where he crossed the river, though at flood tide and filled with floating ice, and moving down to Trenton, where a detachment of the British Army was posted, made a bold and vigorous attack. Taken by surprise, though now after sunrise, the battle was soon decided in favor of the Americans. Some fifty of the enemy were slain and over a thousand taken prisoners, with quantities of arms, ammunition and stores captured. A triumphal entry was made at Philadelphia, when the prisoners and the spoils of war moved through the streets under guard of the victorious -troops, and were marched away to the prison camp at Lancaster. Washington, who was smarting under a forced inactivity, by reason of paucity of numbers and lack of arms and material, and who had been forced coastantly to retire before a defiant foe, now took couraga His name was upon every tongue, and foreign Governments were disposed to give the States a fair chance in their struggle for nationality. The lukewarm were encouraged to enlist under the banner of freedom. It had great strategic value. The British had intended to push forward and occupy Philadelphia at once, which, being now virtually the cap- ital of the new nation, had it been captured at this juncture, would have given them the occasion for claiming a triumphal ending of the war. But this ad, vantage, though gained by a detachment small in numbers yet great in cour- age, caused the commander of a powerful and well appointed army to give up all intention of attempting to capture the Pennsylvania metropolis in this campaign, and retiring into winter cantonments upon the Karitan to await 106 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. the settled weather of the spring for an entirely new cast of operations. Washington, emboldened by his success, led all his forces into New Jersey, and pushing past Trenton, where Cornwallis, the royal leader, had brought his main body by a forced march, under cover of darkness, attacked the British reserves at Princeton. But now the enemy had become wary and vig- ilant, and, summoned by the booming of cannon, Cornwallis hastened back to the relief of his hard pressed columns. Washington, finding that the enemy's whole army was within easy call and knowing that he had no hope of success with his weak army, withdrew. Washington now went into winter quarters at Morristown, and by constant vigilance was able to gather marauding parties of the British who ventured far away from their works. Putnam commenced fortifications at a point below Philadelphia upon the Delaware, and at commanding positions upon the outskirts, and on being summoned to the army was succeeded by Gen. Irvine, and he by Gen. Gates. On the 4th of March, 1777, the two Houses of the Legislature, elected uader the new constitution, assembled, and in Joint convention chose Thomas Wharton, Jr., President, and George Bryan Vice President. Penn had expressed the idea that power was preserved the better by due formality and ceremony, and, accordingly, this event was celebrated with much pomp, the result being declaimed in a loud voice from the court house, amid the shouts of the gathered throngs and the booming of the captured cannon brought from the field of Trenton. The title bestowed upon the new chief ofQeer of the State was fitted by its length and high-sounding epithets to inspire the multitude with awe and reverence: "His Excellency, Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Captain General, and Com- mander-in-chief in and over the same." While the enemy was disposed to be cautious after the New Jersey cam- paign so humiliating to the native pride of the Britain, yet he was determined to bring all available forces into the field for the campaign of 1777, and to strike a decisive blow. Early in April, great activity was observed among the shipping in New York Harbor, and Washington communicated to Congress his opinion that Philadelphia was the object against which the blow would be aimed. This announcement of probable peril induced the Council to issue a proclamation urging enlistments, and Congress ordered the opening of a camp for drilling recruits in Pennsylvania, and Benedict Arnold, who was at this time a trusted General, was ordered to the command of it. So many new ves- sels and transports of all classes had been discovered to have come into New York Harbor, probably forwarded from England, that Washington sent Gen. Mifilin, on the 10th of June, to Congress, bearing a letter in which' he ex- pressed the settled conviction that the enemy meditated an immediate descent upon some part of Pennsylvania. Gen. Mifflin proceeded to examine the de- fensive works of the city which had been begun on the previous advance of the British, and recommended such changes and new works as seemed best adapted for its protection. The preparations for defense were vigorously pros- ecuted. The militia were called out and placed in two camps, one at Chester and the other at Downington. Fire ships were held in readiness to be used against vessels attempting the ascent of the river. Lord Howe, being determined not to move until ample preparations were completed, allowed the greater part of the summer to wear away before he advanced. Finally, having embarked a force of 19,500 men on a fleet of 300 transports, he sailed southward. Washington promptly made a corresponding march overland, passing through Philadelphia on the 24th of August. Howe, suspecting that preparations would be made for impeding the passage of the HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 107 Delaware, sailed past its mouth, and moving up the Chesapeake instead, de- barked fifty-four miles from Philadelphia and commenced the march north- ward. Great activity was now manifested in the city. The water-spouts were melted to furnish bullets, fair hands were busied in rolling cartidges, power- ful chevaux-de-frise were planted to impede the navigation of the river, and the last division of the militia of the city, which had been divided into three classes, was called out. Washington, who had crossed the Brandywine, soon confronted the advance of Howe, and brisk skirmishing at once opened. See- ing that he was likely to have the right of his position at Red Clay Creek, where he had intended to give battle, turned by the largely superior force of the enemy, under cover of darkness on the night of the 8th of September, he withdrew across the Brandywine at Chad's Ford, and posting Armstrong with the militia upon the left, at Pyle's Ford, where the banks were rugged and pre- cipitous, and Sullivan, who was second in command, upon the right at Brin- ton's Ford under cover of forest, he himself took post with three divisions, Sterling's, Stephens', and his own, in front of the main avenue of approach at Chad's. Howe, discovering that Washington was well posted, determined to flank him. Accordingly, on the 11th, sending Knyphausen with a division of Hessians to make vigorous demonstrations upon Washington's front at Chad's, he, vfith the corps of Comwallis, in light marching order, moved up the Brandy- wine, far past the right flank of Washington, crossed the Brandywine at the fords of Trumbull and Jeffrey unopposed, and, moving down came upon Washington's right, held by Sullivan, all unsuspecting and unprepared to re- ceive him. Though Howe was favored by a dense fog which on that morning hung on all the valley, yet it had hardly been commenced before Washington discovered the move and divined its purpose. His resolution was instantly taken. He ordered Sullivan to cross the stream at Brinton's, and resolutely turn the left flank of Knyphausen, when he himself with the main body would move over and crush the British Army in detail. Is was a brilliant conception, was feasible, and promised the moet complete success. But what chagrin and mortification, to receive, at the moment when he expected to hear the music of Sullivan's guns doubling up the left of the enemy, and giving notice to him to commence the passage, a message from that officer advising him that he had disobeyed his orders to cross, having received intelligence that the enemy were not moving northward, and that he was still in position at the ford. Thus balked, Washington had no alternative but to remain in position, and it was not long before the guns of Howe were heard moving in upon his all unguarded right flank. The best dispositions were made which time would permit. His main body with the^ force of Sullivan took position along the brow of the hill on which stands the Birmingham meeting house, and the battle opened and was pushed with vigor the whole day. Overborne by numbers, and weakened by losses, Washington was obliged to retire, leaving the enemy in possession of the field. The young French nobleman, Lafayette, was wounded while gal- lantly serving in this fight. The wounded were carried into the Birmingham meeting house, where the blood stains are visible to this day, enterprising relic hunters for many generations having been busy in loosening small slivers with the points of their knives. The British now moved cautiously toward Philadelphia. On the 16th of September, at a point some twenty miles west of Philadelphia, Washington again made a stand, and a battle opened with brisk skirmishing, but a heavy rain storm coming on the powder of the patriot soldiers was completely rained on account of their defective cartridge boxes. On the night of the 20th, Gen. Anthony Wayne, who had been hanging on the rear of the enemy with his 108 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. detachment, was surprised by Gen. Gray with a heavy column, who fell sud- denly upon the Americans in bivouac and put them to the sword, giving no quarter. This disgraceful slaughter which brought a stigma and an indelible stain upon the British arms is known as the Paoli Massacre. Fifty-three of the victims of the black flag were buried in one grave. A neat monument of white marble was erected forty years afterward over their moldering remains by the Eepnblican Artillerists of Chester County, which vandal hands have not spared in their mania for relics. Congress remained in Philadelphia while these military operations were going on at its very doors; but on the 18th of September adjourned to meet at Lancaster, though subsequently, on the 30th, removed across the Susque- hanna to York, where it remained in session till after the evacuation in the following summer. The Council remained until two days before the fall of the city, when having dispatched the records of the loan office and the more valuable papers to Baston, it adjourned to Lancaster. On the 26th, the British Army entered the city. Deborah Logan in her memoir says : " The army marched in and took possession in the city in the morning. We were up-stairs and saw them pass the State House. They looked well, clean and well clad, and the contrast between them and our own poor, bare-footed, ragged troops was very great and caused a feeling of despair. * * * * Early in the afternoon, Lord Cornwallis' suite arrived and took possession of my mother's house. " But though now holding undisputed possession of the American capital, Howe found his position an uncomfortable one, for his fleet was in the Chesapeake, and the Delaware and all its defenses were in posses- sion of the Americans, and Washington had manned the forts with some of his most resolute troops. Varnum's brigade, led by Cols. Angell and Greene, Ehode Island troops, were at Fort Mercer, at Bed Bank, and this the enemy determined to attack. On the 21st of October, with a force of 2, 500 men, led by Count Donop, the, attack was made. In two colums they moved as to an easy victory. But me steady tire of the defenders when come in easy range, swept them down witli deadly effect, and, retiring with a loss of over 400 and their leader mortally wounded, they did not renew the fight. Its reduction was of prime importance, and powerful works were built and equipped to bear upon the devoted fort on all sides, and the heavy guns of the fleet were brought up to aid in overpowering it. For six long days the greatest weight of metal was poured upon it from the land and the naval force, but without effect, the sides of the fort successfully withstanding the plunging of their powerful missiles. As a last resort, the great vessels were run suddenly in close under the walls, and manning the yard-arms with sharp-shooters, so effectually silenced and drove away the gunners that the fort fell easily into the Brit- ish hands and the river was opened to navigation. The army of Washing- ton, after being recruited and put in light marching order, was led to German- town where, on the morning of the 3d of October the enemy was met. A heavy fog that morning had obscured friend and foe alike, occasioning con- fusion in the ranks, and though the opening promised well, and some progress was made, yet the enemy was too strong to be moved, and the American leader was forced to retire to his camp at White Marsh. Though the river had now been opened and the city was thoroughly fortified for resisting attack, yet Howe felt not quite easy in having the American Army quartered in so close striking distance, and accordingly, on the 4th of December, with nearly his entire army, moved out, intending to take Washington at White Marsh, sixteen miles away, by surprise, and by rapidity of action gain an easy victory. But by the heroism and fidelity of Lydia Darrah, who, as she had. often done before HISTOEY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 109 passed the guards to go to the mill for flour, the news of the coming of Howe wap communicated to Washington, who was prepared to receive him. Finding that he could effect nothing, Howe returned to the city, having had th|e weari- some march at this wintry season without effect. Washington now crossed the Schuylkill and went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. The cold of that winter was intense; the troops, half clad and indifferently fed, suffered severely, the prints of their naked feet in frost and snow being often tinted with patriot blood. Grown impatient of the small results from the immensely expensive campaigns carried on across the ocean, the Ministry relieved Lord Howe, and appointed Sir Henry Clinton to the chief command. The Commissioners whom Congress had sent to France early in the fall of 1776 — Franklin, Dean and Lee had been busy in making interest for the united colonies at the French Court, and so successful were they, that areas and ammunition and loans of money were procured from time to time. Indeed, so persuasive had they become that it was a saying current at court that, ' ' It was fortunate for the King that Franklin did not take it into his head to ask to have the palace at Versailles stripped of its furniture to send to his dear Americans, for his majesty would have been unable to deny him." Finally, a convention was concluded, by which France agreed to use the royal army and navy as faithful allies of the Americans against the English. Accordingly, a fleet of four powerful frigates, and twelve ships were dispatched under com- mand of the Count D'Estaing to shut up the British fleet in the Dela^vare. The plan was ingenious, particularly worthy of the long head of Franklin. But by some means, intelligence of the sailing of the French fleet reached fihe English cabinet, who immediately ordered the evacuation of the Delaware, whereupon the Admiral weighed anchor and sailed away with his entire fleet to New York, and D'Estaing, upon his arrival at the mouth of the Delaware, found that the bird had flown. Clinton evacuated Philadelphia and moved across New Jersey in the direc- tion of New York. Washington closely followed and came up with the enemy on the plains of Monmouth, on the 28th of June, 1778, where a sanguin- ary battle was fought which lasted tha whole day, resulting in the triumph of the American arms, and Pennsylvania was rid of British troops. The enemy was no sooner well away from the city than Congress returned from York and resumed its sittings in its former quarters, June 24, 1778, and on the following day, the Colonial Legislature returned from Lancaster. Gen Arnold, who was disabled by a wound received at Saratoga, from field duty, was given command in the city and marched in with a regiment on the day following the evacuation. On the 23d of May, 1778, President Wharton died suddenly of quinsy, while in attendance upon the Council at Lancaster, when George Bryan, the Vice President, became the Acting President. Bryan was a philanthropist in deed as well as word. Up to thio lime, African slavery had been tolerated in the colony. In his message of the 9th of November, he said: ' ' This or some better scheme, would tend to abrogate slavery — the approbrium of America — from among us. * * * In divesting tlie State of slaves, you will equally serve the cause of humanity and policy, and offer to God one of the most proper and best returns of gratitude for His great deliverance of us and our posterity from thraldom; you will also seS your character for justice and benevolence in the true point of view to Europe, who are astonished to see a people eager for liberty holding negroes in bondage." He perfected a bill for the extinguishment of claims to slaves which was passed by the Assembly, March 1, 1780, by a vote of thirty-four to eighteen, providing that no child 110 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. of slave parents born after that date should be a slave, but a servant till the age of twenty-eight years, when all claim for service should end. Thus by a simple enactment resolutely pressed by Bryan, was slavery forever rooted out of Pennsylvania. In the summer of 1778, a force of savages and sour- faced tories to the num- ber of some 1,200, under the leadership of one Col. John Butler, a cruel and in- human wretch, descending from the north, broke into the AVyoming Valley on the 2d of July. The strong men were in the army of Washington, and the only defenders were old men, beardless boys and resolute women. These, to the number of about 400, under Zebulon Butler, a brave soldier who had won distinction in the old French war, and who happened to be present, niioved resolutely out to meet the invaders. Overborne by numbers, the inhabitants were beaten and put to the sword, the few who escaped retreating to Forty Fort, whither the helpless, up and down the valley, had sought safety. Here humane terms of surrender were agreed to, and the families returned to their homes, supposing all danger to be past. But the savages had tasted blood, and perhaps confiscated liquor, and were little mindful of capitu- lations. The night of the 5th was given to indiscriminate massacre. The cries of the helpless rang out upon the night air, and the heavens along all the valley were lighted up with the flames of burning cottages; " and when the moon arose, the terrified inhabitants were fleeing to the Wilkesbarre Mount- ains, and the dark morasses of the Pocono Mountain beyond. " Most of these were emigrants from Connecticut, and they made their way homeward as fast as their feet would carry them, many of them crossing the Hudson at Pough- keepsie, where they told their tales of woe. In February, 1778, Parliament, grown tired of this long and wasting war, abolished taxes of which the Americans had complained, and a committee, composed of Earl Carlisle, George Johnstone and William Eden, were sent empowered to forgive past offenses, and to conclude peace with the colonies, upon submission to the British crown. Congress would not listen to their proposals, maintaining that the people of America had done nothing that needed forgiveness, and that no conference could be accorded so long as the English Armies remained on American soil. Finding that negotiations could not be entered upon with the government, they sought to worm their way by base bribes. Johnstone proposed to Gen. Reed that if he would lend his aid to bring about terms of pacification, 10,000 guineas and the best office in the country should be his. The answer of the stern General was a type of the feeling which swayed every patriot: "My influence is but small, but were it as great as Gov. Johntone would insinuate, the King of Great Britain has noth- ing in his gift that would tempt me." At the election held for President, the choice feH upon Joseph' Reed, with George Bryan Vice President, subsequently Matthew Smith, and finally Will- iam Moore. Reed was an erudite lawyer, and had held the positions of Pri- vate Secretary to Washington, and subsequently Adjutant General of the army. He was inaugurated on the 1st of December, 1778. Upon the return of the patriots to Philadelphia, after the departure of the British, a bitter feeling existed between them and the tories who had remained at their homes, and had largely profited by the British occupancy. The soldiers became dem- onstrative, especially against those lawyers who had defended the tories in court. Some of those most obnoxious took refuge in the house of James Wil- son, a signer of the Declaration. Private soldiers, in passing, fired upon it, and shots were returned whereby one was killed and several wounded. The President on being informed of these proceedings, rode at the head of the HISTORY^ OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill city trp<^, and dispersed the assailants, capturing the leaders. The Academy and College of Philadelphia required by its charter an oath of allegiance to the King of Great Britain. An act was passed November 27, 1779, abrogating the former charter, and vesting its property in a new board. An endowment from confiscated estates was settled upon it of £15,000 annually. The name of the institution was changed to the " University of the State of Pennsyl- vania." France was now aiding the American cause with money and large land and naval forces. While some of the patriots remained steadfast and were disposed to sacrifice and endure all for the success of the struggle, many, who should have been in the ranks rallying around Washington, had grown luke- warm. The General was mortified that the French should come across the ocean and make great sacrifices to help us, and should find so much indiffer- ence prevailing among the citizens of many of the States, and so few coming forward to fill up the decimated ranks. At the request of Washington, Presi- dent Eeed was invested with extraordinary powers, in 1780, which were used prudently but effectively. During the winter of this year, some of the veteran soldiers of the Pennsylvania line mutinied and commenced the march on Philadelphia with arms in their hands. Some of them had just cause. They had enlisted for "three years or the war," meaning for three years unless the war closed sooner. But the authorities had interpreted it to mean, three years, or as much longer as the war should last. President Reed immediately rode out to meet the mutineers, heard their cause, and pledged if all would re- turn to camp, to have those who had honorably served out the full term of three years discharged, which was agreed to. Before the arrival of the Presi- dent, two emissaries from the enemy who had heard of the disaffection, came into camp, offering strong inducements for them to continue the revolt. But the mutineers spumed the offer, and delivered them over to the officers, by whom they were tried and executed as spies. The soldiers who had so patriot- ically arrested and handed over these messengers were offered a reward of fifty guineas; but they refused it on the plea that they were acting under authority of the Board of Sergeants, under whose order the mutiny was being conducted. Accordingly, a hundred guineas were offered to this board for their fidelity. Their answer showed how conscientious even mutineers can be: "It was not for the sake, or through any expectation of reward; but for the love of our country, that we sent the spies immediately to Gen. Wayne; we therefore do not consider ourselves entitled to any other reward but the love of our country, and do jointly agree to accept of no other." William Moore was elected President to succeed Joseph Reed, from No- vember 14, 1781 , but held the office less than one year, the term of three years for which he had been a Councilman having expired, which was the limit of service. James Potter was chosen Vice President. On account of the hostile attitude of the Ohio Indians, it was decided to call out a body of volunteers, numbering some 400 from the counties of Washington and Westmoreland, where the" outrages upon the settlers had been most sorely felt, who chose for their commander Col. William Crawford, of Westmoreland. The expedition met a most unfortunate fate. It was defeated and cut to pieces, and the leader taken captive and burned at the stake, Crawford County, which was settled very soon afterward, was named in honor of this unfortunate soldier. In the month of November, intelligence was communicated to the Legislature that Pennsylvania soldiers, confined as prisoners of war on board of the Jer- sey, an old hulk Ij ing in the New York Harbor, were in a starving condition, receiving at the bands of the enemy the most barbarous and inhuman treat- 112 HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. ment. Fifty barrels of flour and 300 bushels of potatoes were immediately sent to tliem. In the State election of 1782, contested with great violence, John Dickin- son was chosen President, and James Ewing Vice President. On the 12th of March, 1783, intelligenue was iirst received of the signing of the preliminary treaty in which independence was acknowledged, and on the 11th of April Congress sent forth the joyful proclamation ordering a cessation of hostilities. The soldiers of Burgoyne, who had been confined in the prison camp at Lan- caster, were put upon the march for New York, passing through Philadelphia on the way. Everywhere was joy unspeakable. The obstructions were re- moved from the Delaware, and the white wings of commerce again came flut- tering on every breeze. In June, Pennsylvania soldiers, exasperated by delay in receiving their pay and their discharge, and impatient to return to their homes, to a considerable number marched from their camp at Lancaster, and arriving at Philadelphia sent a committee with arms in their hands to the State House door with a remonstrance asking permission to elect officers to command them for the redress of their grievances, their own having left them, and employing threats in case of refusal. These demands the Council rejected. The President of Congress, hearing of these proceedings, called a special ses- sion, which resolved to demand that the militia of the State should be called out to quell the insurgents. The Council refused to resort to this extreme measure, when Congress, watchful of its dignity and of its supposed supreme authority, left Philadelphia and established itself in Princeton, N. J., and though invited to return at its next session, it refused, and met at Annapolis. In October, 1784, the last treaty was concluded with the Indians at Fort Stanwix. The Commissioners at this conference purchased from the natives all the land to the north of the Ohio Eiver, and the line of Pine Creek, which completed the entire limits of the State with the exception of the triangle at Erie, which was acquired from the United States in 1792. This purchase was confirmed by the Wyandots and Delawares at Port Mcintosh January 21, 1785, and the grant was made secure. In September, 1785, after a long absence in the service of his country abroad, perfecting treaties, and otherwise establishing just relations with other nations, the venerable Benjamin Franklin, then nearly eighty years old, feel- ing the infirmities of age coming upon him, asked to be relieved of the duties of Minister at the Court of France, and returned to Philadelphia. Soon after his arrival, he was elected President of the Council. Charles Biddle was elected Vice President. It was at this period that a citizen of Pennsylvania, John Fitch, secured a patent on his invention for propelling boats by steam. In May, 1787, the convention to frame a constitution for the United States met in Philadelphia. The delegation from Pennsylvania was Benjamin Frank- lin, Robert Morris, Thomas Mifflin, George Clyraer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared IngersoU, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Upon the completion of their work, the instrument was submitted to the several States for adoption. A convention was called in Pennsylvania, which met on the 21st of November, and though encountering resolute opposition, it was finally adopted on the 12th of De- cember. On the following day, the convention, the Supreme Council and offi- cers of the State and city government, moved in procession to the old court bouse, where the adoption of the constitution was formally proclaimed amidst the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells. On the 5th of November, 1788, Thomas Mifflin was elected President, and George Ross Vice President. The constitution of the State, framed in and adapted to the exigencies of an emergency, was ill suited to the needs of State 114 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. in its relations to the new nation. Accordingly, a convention assembled for the purpose of preparing a new constitution in November, 1789, which was finally adopted on September 2, 1790. By the provisions of this instrument, the Executive Council was abolished, and the executive duties were vested in the hands of a Governor. Legislation was intrusted to an Assembly and a Senate. The judicial system was continued, tbe terms of the Judges extend- ing through good behavior. CHAPTER XIII. Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99— Thomas MoKean, 1799-1808— Simon Snydee, 1808-17— William Findlat, 1817-20— Joseph Hbister, 1820-23— John A. Shulze, 1823 -29— George Wolfe. 1829-35— Joseph Ritneb, 1835-39. T HH'i first election under the new Constitution resulted in the choice of Thomas Mifflin, who was re-elected for three successive terms, giving him the distinction of having been longer in the executive chair than any other person, a period of eleven years. A system of internal improvements was now commenced, by which vast water communications were undertaken, and a moun- tain of debt was accumulated, a portion of which hangs over the State to this day. In 1793, the Bank of Pennsylvania was chartered, one-third of the cap- ital stock of which was subscribed for by the State. Branches were established at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Beading, Easton and Pittsburgh. The branches were discontinued in 1810; in 1843, the stock held by the State was sold, and in 1857, it ceased to exist. In 1793, the yellow fever visited Phila- delphia. It was deadly in its effects and produced a panic unparalleled. Gov. Mifflin, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the United States Treasury, were attacked. " Men of affluent fortunes, who gave daily employment and subsistence to hundreds, were abandoned to the care of a negro after their wives, children, friends, clerks and servants had fled away and left them to their fate. In some cases, at the commencement of the disorder, no money could procure proper attendance. Many of the poor perished without a hu- man being to hand them a drink of water, to administer medicines, or to per- form any charit^il-ie office for them. Nearly 5,000 perished bv this wasting pestilence. " The whisky insurrection in some of the western counties of the State, which occurred in 1794, excited, by its lawlessness and wide extent, general interest. An act of Congress, of March 3, 1791, laid a tax on distilled spirits of four pence per gallon. The then counties of Washington, Westmoreland, Allegheny and Fayette, comprising the southwestern quarter of the State, were almost exclusively engaged in the production of grain. Being far re- moved from any market, the product of their farms brought them scarcely any returns. The consequence was that a large proportion of the surplus grain was turned into distilled spirits, and nearly every other farmer was a distiller. This tax was seen to bear heavily upon them, from which a non-producer of spirits was relieved. A rash determination was formed to resist its collection, and a belief entertained, if all were united in resisting, it would be taken ofl. Frequent altercations occurred between the persons appointed United States Collectors and these resisting citizens. As an example, on the 5th of Septem- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 115 ber, 1791, a party in disgaise set upon Eobert Johnson, a Collector for Alle- gheny and Washington, tarred and feathered him, cut off his hair, took away his horse, and left him in this plight to proceed. Writs for the arrest of the perpetrators were issued, but none dared to venture into the territory to serve them. On May 8, 1792, the lawwas modified, and the tax reduced. In Septem- ber, 1792, President Washington issued his proclamation commanding all per- sons to submit to the law, and to forbear from further opposition. But these meas- ures had no effect, and the insurgents began to organize for forcible resist- ance. One Maj. Macfarlane, who in command of a party of insurrectionists, was killed in an encounter with United States soldiers at the house of Gen. Neville. The feeling now ran very high, and it was hardly safe for any per- son to breathe a whisper against the iasurgents throughout all this district. " A breath," says Brackenridge, " in favor of the law, was sufficient to ruin any man. A clergyman was not thought orthodox in the pulpit unless against the law. A physician was not capable of administering medicine, unless his principles were right in this respect. A lawyer could get no practice, nor a merchant at a country store get custom if for the law. On the contrary, to talk against the law was the way to office and emolument. To go to the Legislature or to Congress you must make a noise against it. It was the Shib- boleth of safety and the ladder of ambition " One Bradford had, of his own notion, issued a circular letter to the Colonels of regiments to assemble with their commands at Braddock's field on the 1st of August, where they appoint- ed officers and moved on to Pittsburgh. After having burned a barn, and made some noisy demonstrations, they were induced by some cool heads to re- turn. These turbulent proceedings coming to the ears of the State and Na- tional authorities at Philadelphia, measures were concerted to promptly and effectually check them. Gov. Mifflin appointed Chief Justice McKean, and Gen. William Irvine to proceed to the disaffected district, ascertain the facts, and try to bring the leaders to justice. President Washington issued a proc- lamation commandiflg all persons in arms to disperse to their homes on or be- fore the Ist of September, proxirfio, and called out the militia of four States — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia — to the number of 13,000 men, to enforce his commands. The quota of Pennsylvania was 4,500 infan- try, 500 cavalry, 200 artillery, and Gov. Mifflin took command in person. Gov. Richard Howell, of New Jersey, Gov. Thomas S. Lee, of Maryland, and Gen. Daniel Morgan, of Virginia, commanded the forces from their States, and Gov. Henry Lee, of Virginia, was placed in chief command. President Washington, accompanied by Gen. Knox, Secretary of War, Alexander Hamil- ton, Secretary of the Treasury, and Eichard Peters, of the United States Dis- trict Court, set out on the Ist of October, for the seat of the disturbance. On Friday, the President reached Harrisburg, and on Saturday Carlisle, whither the army had preceded him. In the meantime a committee, consisting of James Koss, Jasper Yeates and William Bradford, was appointed by President Washington to proceed to the disaffected district, and endeavor to persuade misguided citizens to return to their allegiance. A meeting of 260 delegates from the four counties was held at Parkinson's Ferry on the 14th of August, at which the state of their cause was considered, resolutions adopted, and a committee of sixty, one from each county, was ap- pointed, and a sub-committee of twelve was named to confer with the United States Commissioners, McKean and Irvine. These conferences with the State and National Committees were successful in arranging preliminary conditions of settlement. On the 2d of October, the Committee of Safety of the insur- gents met at Parkinson's Ferry, and having now learned that a well-organized 116 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. army, with WaBhington at its head, was marching westward for enforcing obedience to the laws, appointed a committee of two, William Findley and David Eeddick, to meet the President, and assure him that the disaffected were disposed to return to their duty. They met Washington at Carlisle, and sev- eral conferences were held, and assurances given of implicit obedience; but the President said that as the troops had been called out, the orders for the march would not be countermanded. The President proceeded forward on the 11th of October to Chambersburg, reached Williamsport on the 13th and Fort Cumberland on the 14th, where he reviewed the Virginia and Maryland forces, and arrived at Bedford on the 19th. Eemaining a few days, and being satis- fied that the sentiment of the people had changed, he returned to Philadel- phia, arriving on the 28th, leaving Gen. Lee to meet the Commissioned and make such conditions of pacification as should seem just. Another meeting of the Committee of Safety was held at Parkinson's Feriy on the 24th, at which assurances of abandonment of opposition to the laws were received, and the same committee, with the addition of Thomas Morton and Ephriam Douglass, was directed to return to headquarters and give assurance of this disposition. They did not reach Bedford until after the departure of Washington. But at Uniontown they met Gen. Lee, with whom it was agreed that the citizens of these four counties should subscribe to an oath to support the Constitution and obey the laws. Justices of the Peace issued notices that books were opened for subscribing to the oath, and Gen. Lee issued a judicious address urging ready obedience. Seeing that all requirments were being faithfully carried out, an order was issued on the 17th of November for the return of tbe army and its disbandment. A number of arrests were made and trials and convic- tions were had, but all were ultimately pardoned. "With the exception of a slight ebuliti on at the prospect of a war with France in 1797, and a resistance to the operation of the " Homestead Tax " in Lehigh, Berks and Northampton Counties, when the militia was called out, the re- mainder of the term of Gov. Mifflin passed in comparative quiet By an act of the Legislature of the 3d of April, 1799i the capital of the State was re- moved to Lancaster, and soon after the capital of the United States to Wash- ington, the house on Ninth street, which had been built for the residence of the President of the United States, passing to the use of the University of Pennsyl- vania. During the administrations of Thomas McKean, who'was elected Governor in 1799, and Simon Snyder in 1808, little beyond heated political contests marked the even tenor of the government, until the breaking-out of the troub- les which eventuated in the war of 1812. The blockade of the coast of France in 1806, and the retaliatory measures of Napoleon in his Berlin decree, swept American commerce, which had hitherto preserved a neutral attitude and prof- ited by European wars, from the seas. The haughty conduct of Great Britain in boarding American vessels for suspected deserters from the British Navy, under cover of which the grossest outrages were committed, American seaman being dragged from the decks of their vessels and impressed into the English service, induced President Jefferson, in July, 1807, to issue his proclamation ordering all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the United States, and forbidding any to enter, until satisfaction for the past and security for the future should be provided for. Upon the meeting of Congress in December, an embargo was laid, detaining all vessels, American and foreign, then in American waters, and ordering home all vessels abroad. Negotiations were conducted between the two countries, but no definite results were reached, and in the meantime causes of irritation multiplied until 1812, when President HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117 Madison declared war against Great Britain, known as the war of 1812. Pennsylvania promptly seconded the National Government, the message of Gov. Snyder on the occasion ringing like a silver clarion. The national call for 100,000 men required 14,000 from this State, but so great was the eathu- siasm, that several times this number tendered their services. The State force was organized in two divisions, to the command of the first of which Maj Gen. Isaac Morrell was appointed, and to the second Maj. Gen. AdamsonTan- nehill. Gunboats and privateers were built in the harbor of Brie and on the Delaware, and the defenses upon the latter were put in order and suitable armaments provided. At Tippecanoe, at Detroit, at Queenstown Heights, at the Eiver Eaisin, at Fort Stephenson, and at the Eiver Thames, the war was waged with varying success. Upon the water, Commodores Decatur, Hull, Jones, Perry, Lawrence, Porter and McDonough made a bright chapter in American history, as was to be wished, inasmuch as the war had been under- taken to vindicate the honor and integrity of that branch of the service. Napw- leon, having met with disaster, and his power having been broken, 14,000 of Wellington's veterans were sent to Canada, and the campaign of the next year was opened with vigor. But at the battles of Oswego, Chippewa, Lundy's Lane, Fort Erie and Plattsburg, the tide was turned against the enemy, and the country saved from invasion. The act which created most alarm to Pennsylvania was one of vandalism scarcely matched in the annals of war- fare. In August, 1814, Gen. Ross, with 6,000 men in a flotilla of sixty sails, moved up Chesapeake Bay, fired the capitol, President's house and the various offices of cabinet ministers, and these costly and substantial buildings, the nation- al library and all the records of the Government from its foundation were utterly destroyed. Shortly afterward, Ross appeared before Baltimore with the design of multiplying his barbarisms, but he was met by a force hastily collected under Gen. Samuel Smith, a Pennsylvania veteran of the Revolution, and in the brief engagement which ensued Ross was killed. In the severe battle with the corps of Gen Strieker, the British lost some 300 men. The fleet in the. mean- time opened a fierce bombardment of Fort McHenry, and during the day and ensuing night 1, 500 bombshells were thrown, but all to no purpose, the gal- lant defense of Maj. Armistead proving successful. It was during this awful night that Maj. Key, who was a prisoner on board the fleet, wrote the song of the Star Spangled Banner, which became the national lyric. It was in the ad- ministration of Gov. Snydei in February, 1810, that an act was passed making Harrisburg the seat of government, and a commission raised for erecting public buildings, the sessions of the Legislature being held in the court house at Har- risburg from 1812 to 1821. The administrations of "William Findley, elected in 1817, Joseph Heister, in 1820, and John Andrew Schulz in 1823, followed without marked events. Parties became very warm in their discussions and in their management of po- litical campaigns. The charters for the forty banks which had been passed in a fit of frenzy over the veto of Gov. Snyder set a flood of paper money afloat. The public improvements, principally in opening lines of canal, were prose- cuted, and vast debts in<|Brred. These lines' of conveyances were vitally need- ful to move the immensw^Sducts and vast resources of the State Previous to the year 1820, little use was made of stone coal. Judge Obediah Gore, a blacksmith, used it upon his forge as early as 1769, and found the heat stronger and more enduring than that produced by charcoal. In 1791, Phillip Ginter, of Carbon County, a hunter by profession, having on one occasion been out all day without discovering any game, was returning at night discouraged and worn out,^ across the Mauch Chunk Mountain, when, in HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 119 TABLE SHOWING AMOUNT OF ANTHRACITE COAL PRODUCED IN EACH REGION SINCE 1820. YEAR. 1820.. 1821.. 1822.. 1823.. 1824.. 1825.. 1826.. 1827.. 1828.. 1829.. 1830.. 1831., 1832.. 1833., 1834., 1835.. 1836.. 1837.. 1838.. 1889.. 1840.. 1841.. 1842.. 1843.. 1844.. 1845.. 1846.. 1847.. 1848.. 1M9.. 1850.. 1851.. 1852.. 1853.. 1854.. 1855.. 1856.. 1857.. 1858.. 1859.. I860.. 1861.. 1862.. 1863.. 1864.. 1865.. 1867., 1869.. 1870.. 1871.. 1873.. 1873.. 1874.. 1875.. 1876.. 1877.. 1878.. 1879.. 1880.. 1881.. 1883.. 1883.. Lehigh, Tons. 365 1,073 2,340 5,823 9,541 28,393 31,280 32,074 30,232 25,110 41,750 40,966 70,000 123,001 106,244 131,250 148,211 323,902 213,615 231,035 225,313 143,037 373,540 267,793 377,002 429,453 517,116 633,507 670,321 781,656 690,456 964,324 1,072,136 1,054,309 1,207,186 1,284,113 1,351,970 1,318,541 1,380,030 1,638,311 1,821,674 1,738,377 1,351,054 ■1,894,713 3,054,669 3,040,913 2,179,364 2,503,054 2,507,583 1,939,533 3,173,916 3,235,707 3,873,339 3,705,596 3,773,836 3,834,605 3,854,919 4,333,760 3,237,449 4,595,567 4,463,231 5,294,676 5,689,437 6,113,809 Schuylkill Tom. 1,480 1,128 1,567 6,500 16,767 31,360 47,384 79,973 89,934 81,854 809,371 252,971 226,692 339,508 432,045 530,152 446,875 463,147 475,091 603,003 573,273 700,200 874,850 1,131,734 1,395,938 1,650,831 1,714,365 1,683,425 1,782,936 2,229,436 2,517,493 2,551,603 2,957,670 3,318,555 3,289,585 3,985,541 3,903,821 3,004,953 3,270,516 2,697,439 3,890,593 3,433,365 3,643,218 3,755,802 4,957,180 4,334,820 4,414,356 4,831,253 3,853,016 6,552,772 6,694,890 7,212,601 6,866,877 6,381,712 6 321,934 8,195,042 6.282,226 8,960,339 7,554.743 9,253,958 9,459,388 10,074,736 Wyoming, Tons. 7,000 43,000 54,000 84,000 111,777 43,700 90,000 103,861 115,387 78,307 133,300 148,470 192,370 353,599 285,605 365,911 451,836 518,389 583,067 685,196 732,910 827,823 1,156,167 1,284,500 1,475,733 1,603,473 1,771,511 1,972,581 1,952,603 2,186,094 2,731,236 2,941,817 3,055,140 3,145,770 3,759,610 3,960,836 3,254,519 4,736,616 5,325,000 5,990,813 6,068,369 7,825,128 6,911,342 9,101,549 10,309,755 9,504,408 10,596,155 8,424,158 8,300,377 8,085,587 12,586,298 11,419,279 13,951,383 13,971,371 15,604,492 Lyken'a Valley, Shamokin, etc., Tons. Total Tons. 11,930 15,505 21,463 10,000 10,000 13,087 10,000 12,572 14,904 19,356 45,075 57,684 99,099 119,342 113,507 234,090 234,388 313,444 388,256 370,424 443,755 479,116 463,308 481,990 478,418 519,752 621,157 830,722 826,851 921,381 903,885 998,839 365 1,073 3,720 6,951 11,108 34,893 48,047 63,434 77,516 112,083 174,734 176,820 363,871 487,748 376,636 560,758 684,117 879,441 738,697 818,402 864,384 959,973 1,108,418 1,263,598 1,630,850 3,013,013 3,344,005 3,882,309 3,089,338 3,242,966 3,358,899 4,448,916 4,993,471 5,195,151 6,003,334 6.608,517 6,937,580 6,664,941 6,759,369 7,808,255 8,513,123 7,954,314 7,875,412 9,566,006 10,177,475 9,652,391 13,703,882 13,991,725 13,834,133 13,733,030 15,849,899 15,699,731 19,669,778 21,327,952 20,145,121 19,712,473 18,501,011 20,828,179 17,605,262 36,143,689 23,437,343 88,500,016 39,130,096 31,793,029 120 HISTORY O? PENNSTLVAMA the gathering shades he stumbled upon something which seemed to have a glistening appearance, that he was induced to pick up and carry home. This specimen was taken to Philadelphia, where an analysis showed it to be a good quality of anthracite coal. But, though coal was known to exist, no one knew how to use it. In 1812, Col. George Shoemaker, of Schuylkill County, took nine wagon loads to Philadelphia. But he was looked upon as an imposter for attempting to sell worthless stone for coal. He finally sold two loads for the cost of transportation, the remaining seven proving a complete loss. In 1812, White & Hazard, manufacturers of wire at the Falls of Schuylkill, in- duced an application to be made to the Legislature to incorporate a com- pany for the improvement of the Schuylkill, urging as an inducement the im- portance it would have for transporting coal; whereupon, the Senator from that district, in his place, with an air of knowledge, asserted " that there was no coal there, that there was a kind of black stone which was called coal, but that it would not burn." White & Hazard procured a cart load of Lehigh coal that cost them |1 a bushel, which was all wasted in a vain attempt to make it ignite. Another cart load was obtained, and a whole night spent in endeavoring to make a fire in the furnace, when the hands shut the furnace door and left the mill in de- spair. "Fortunately one of them left his jacket in the mill, and returning for it in about half an hour, noticed that the door was red hot, and upon opening it, was surprised at finding the whole furnace at a glowing white heat. The other hands were summoned, and four separate parcels of iron were heated and rolled by the same fire before it required renewing. The furnace was replenished, and as letting it alone had succeeded so well, it was concluded to try it again, and the experiment was repeated with the same result. The Lehigh Navigation Company and the Lehigh Coal Company were incorporated in 1818, which companies became the basis of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- tion Company, incorporated in 1822. In 1820, coal was sent to Philadelphia by artificial navigation, but 365 tons glutted the market." In 1825, there were brought by the Schuylkill 5,378 tons. In 1826, by the Schuylkill, 16,265 tons, and by the Lehigh 31,280 tons. The stage of water being in- sufficient, dams and sluices were constructed near Mauch Chunk, in 1819, by which the navigation was improved. The coal boats used were great square arks, 16 to 18 feet wide, and 20 to 25 feet long. At first, two of these were joined together by hinges, to allow them to yield up and down in passing over the dams. Finally, as the boatmen became skilled in the navigation, several were joined, attaining a length of 180 feet. Machinery was used for jointing the planks, and so expert had the men become that five would build an ark and launch it in forty-five minutes. After reaching Philadelphia, these boats were taken to pieces, the plank sold, and the hinges sent back for constructing others. Such were the crude methods adopted in the early days for bringing coal to a market. In 1827, a railroad was commenced, which was completed in three months, nine miles in length. This, with the exception of one at Quincy, Mass. , of four miles, built in 1826, was the first constructed in the United States. The descent was 100 feet per mile, and the coal descended by gravity in a half hour, and the cars were drawn back by mules, which rode down with the coal. "The mules cut a most grotesque figure, standing three or four together, in their cars, with their feeding troughs before them, appar- ently surveying with delight the scenery of the mountain; and though they preserve the most profound gravity, it is utterly impossible for the spectator to maintain his. It is said that the mules, having once experienced the com- fort of riding down, regard it as a right, and neitiier mild nor severe measures HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 121 will induce them to descend in any other way." Bituminous coal was discov- ered and its qualities utilized not much earlier than the anthracite. A tract of coal land was taken up in Clearfield County in 1785, by Mr. S. Boyd, and in 1804 he sent an ark down the Susquehanna to Columbia, which caused much surprise to the inhabitants that " an article with which they were wholly unacquainted should be brought to their own doors." During the administrations of George Wolf, elected in 1829, and Joseph Eitner, elected in 1835, a measure of great beneficence to the State was passed and brought into a good degree of successful operation — nothing leas than a broad system of public education. Schools had been early established in Philadelphia, and parochial schools in the more populous portions of the State from the time of early settlement. In 1749, through the influence of Dr. Franklin, a charter was obtained for a ' ' college, academy, and charity school of Pennsylvania," and from this time to the beginning of the present century, the friends of education were earnest in establishing colleges, the Colonial Government, and afterward the Legislature, making liberal grants from the revenues accruing from the sale of lands for their support, the uni- versity of Pennsylvania being chartered in 1752, Dickinson College in 1783, Franklin and Marshall College in 1787, and Jefferson College in 1802. Com- mencing near the beginning of this century, and continuing for over a period of thirty years, vigorous exertions were put forth to establish county acad- emies. Charters were granted for these institutions at the county seats of forty-one counties, and appropriations were made oE money, varying from 12,000 to $6,000, and in several instances of quite extensive land grants. In 1809, an act was passed for the education of the "poor, gratis." The Asses- sors in their annual rounds were to make a record of all such as were indi- gent, and pay for their education in the most convenient schools. But few were found among the spirited inhabitants of the commonwealth willing to admit that they were so poor as to be objects of charity. By the act of April 1, 1834, a general system of education by common schools was established. Unfortunately it was complex and unwieldy. At the next session an attempt was made to repeal it, and substitute the old law of 1809 for educating the "poor, gratis," the repeal having been carried in the Senate. But through the appeals of Thaddeus Stevens, a man always in the van in every movement for the elevation of mankind, this was defeated. At the next session, 1836, an entirely new bill, discarding the objectionable feat- urea of the old one, was prepared by Dr. George Smith, of Delaware County, and adopted, and from this time forward has been in efficient operation. It may seem strange that so long a time should have elapsed before a general system of education should have been secured. But the diversity of origin and lan- guage, the antagonism of religious seats, the very great sparseness of popula- tion in many parts, made it impossible at an earlier day to establish schools. In 1854, the system was improved by engrafting upon it the feature of the County Superintendency, and in 1859 by providing for the establishment of twelvB Normal Schools, in as many districts into which the State was divided, for the professional training of teachers. 122 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. OHAPTEE XIY. David R. Porter, 1839-45— Francis R. Shunk, 1845-48— William F. Johnstone 1848-53— William Bigleb, 1852-55— James Pollock, 1855-58— William F. Packer, 1858-61— Andrew G. Cfrtin, 1861-67— John W. Geary, 1867-73— John F. Hartrantt, 1873-78— Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82— Robert E. Pat- TISON, 1882. IN 1837, a convention assembled in Harrisburg, and subsequently in Philadel- phia, for revising the constitution, which revision was adopted by a vote of the people. One of the chief objects of the change was the breaking up of what was known as "omnibus legislation," each bill being required to have but one distinct subject, to be definitely stated in the title. Much of the pat- ronage of the Governor was taken from him, and he was allowed but two terms of three years in any nine years. The Senator's term was fixed at three years. The terms of Supreme Court Judges were limited to fifteen years, Common Pleas Judges to ten, and Associate Judges to five. A step backward was taken in limiting suffrage to white male citizens twenty-one years old, it having pre- viously been extended to citizens irrespective of color. Amendments could be proposed once in five years, and if adopted by two successive Legislatures, and approved by a vote of the people, they became a part of the organic law. At the opening of the gubernatorial term of David E. Porter, who was chosen in October, 1838, a civil commotion occurred known as the Buckshot War, which at one time threatened a sanguinary result. By the returns, Porter had some 5,000 majority over Ritner, but the latter, who was the in- cumbent, alleged frauds, and proposed an investigation and revision of the returns. Thomas H. Burrows was Secretary of State, and Chairman of the State Committee of the Anti-Masonic party, and in an elaborate address to the people setting forth the grievance, he closed with the expression " let us treat the election as if we had not been defeated. '' This expression gave great offense to the opposing party, the Democratic, and public feeling ran high before the meeting of the Legislature. Whether an investigation could be had would depend upon the political complexion of that body. The Senate was clearly Anti-Masonic, and the House would depend upon the Representatives of a certain district in Philadelphia, which embraced the Northern Liberties. The returning board of this district had a majority of Democrats, who pro- ceeded to throw out the entire vote of Northern Liberties, for some alleged irregularities, and gave the certificate to Democrats. Whereupon, the minor- ity of the board assembled, and counted the votes of the Northern Liberties, which gave the election to the Anti-Masonic candidates, and sent certificates accordingly. By right and justice, there is no doubt that the Anti- Masons were fairly elected. But the majority of a returning board alone have authority to make returns, and the Democrats had the certificates which bore prima facie evidence of being correct, and should have been received and transmitted to the House, where alone rested the authority to go behind the returns and investigate their correctness. But upon the meeting of the House the Secretary of the Commonwealth sent in the certificates of the minority of the returning board of the Northern Liberties district, which gave the major- ity to the Anti-Masons. But the Democrats were not disposed to submit, and HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 123 the consequence was that two delegations from the disputed district appeared, demanding seats, and upon the organization, two Speakers were elected and took the platform — Thomas S. Cunningham for the Anti-Masons, and Will- iam Hopkins for the Democrats. At this stage of the game, an infuriated lobby, collected from Philadelphia and surrounding cities, broke into the two Houses, and, interrupting all business, threatened the lives of members, and compelled them to seek safety in flight, when they took uncontrolled pos- session of the chambers and indulged in noisy and impassioned harangues. From the capital, the mob proceeded to the court house, where a "committee of safety ' ' was appointed. For several days the members dared not enter either House, and when one of the parties of the House attempted to assemble, the person who had been appointed to act as Speaker was forcibly ejected. All business was at an end, and the Executive and State Departments were closed. At this juncture. Gov. Eitner ordered out the militia, and at the same time called on the United States authorities for help. The militia, under Gens. Pattison and Alexander, came promptly to the rescue, but the Presidentref used to furnish the National troops, though the United States storekeeper at the Frankford Arsenal turned over a liberal supply of ball and buckshot cartridgea. The arrival of the militia only served to fire the spirit of the lobby, and they immediately commenced drilling and organizing, supplying themselves with arms and fixed ammunition. The militia authorities were, however, able to clear the capitol, when the two Houses assembled, and the Senate signified the willingness to recognize that branch of the House presided over by Mr. Hop- kins. This ended the difficulty, and Gov. Porter was duly inaugurated. Francis E. Shunk was chosen Governor in 1845, and during his term of office the war with Mexico occurred. Two volunteer regiments, one under command of Col. Wynkoop, and the other under Col. Eoberts, subsequently Col. John W. Geary, were sent to the field, while the services of a much larger number were offered, but could not be received. Toward the close of his first term, having been reduced by sickness, and feeling his end approach- ing. Gov. Shunk resigned, and was succeeded by the Speaker of the Senate, .William F. Johnston, who was duly chosen at the next annual election. Dur- ing the administrations of William Bigler, elected in 1851, James Pollock in 1854, and William F. Packer in 1857, little beyond the ordinary course of events marked the history of the State. The lines of public works undertaken at the expense of the State were completed. Their cost had been enormous, and a debt was piled up against it of over $40,000,000. These works, vastly expensive, were still to operate and keep in repair, and the revenues therefrom failing to meet expectations, it was determined in the administration of Gov. Pollock to sell them to the highest bidder, the Pennsylvania Eailroad Com- pany purchasing them for the sum of $7,500,000. In the administration of Gov. Packer, petroleum was first discovered in quantities in this country by boring into the bowels of the earth. From the earliest settlement of the country it was known to exist. As early as July 18, 1627, a French missionary, Joseph Delaroche Daillon, of the order of Eecol- iets, described it in a letter published in 1632, in Segard's L'Histoire du Canada, and this description is confirmed by the journal of Charlevois, 1721. Fathers Dollier and Galinee, missionaries of the order of St. Sulpice, made a map of this section of country, which they sent to Jean Talon, Intendent of Canada, on the 10th of November, 1670, on which was marked at about the point where is now the town of Cuba, N. Y. , "Fontaine de Bitume." The Earl of Belmont, Governor of New York, instructed his chief engineer, Wolfgang W. Eomer, on September 3, 1700, in his visit to the Six Nations, 124 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. " To go and view a well or spring which is eight miles beyond the Seneks' farthest castle, which they have told me blazes up in a flame, when a lighted coale or firebrand is put into it; you will do well to taste the said water, and give me your opinion thereof, and bring with you some of it." Thomas Cha- bert de Jonoaire, who died in September, 1740, is mentioned in the journal of Charlevoix of 1721 as authority for the existence of oil at the place mentioned above, and at points further south, probably on Oil Creek. The following account of an event occurring during the occupancy of this part of the State by the French is given as an example of the religious uses made of oil by the Indians, as these fire dances are understood to have been annually celebrated: "While descending the Allegheny, fifteen leagues below the mouth of the Connewango (Warren) and three above Fort Venango (Oil City), we were invited by the chief of the Seneeas to attend a religious ceremony of his tribe. We landed and drew up our canoes on a point where a small stream entered the river. The tribe appeared unusually solemn. We marched up the stream about a half a league, where the company, a large band it appeared, had arrived some days before us. Gigantic hills begirt us on every side. The scene was really sublime. The great chief then recited the conquests and heroisms of their ancestors. The surface of the stream was covered with a thick scum, which burst into a complete conflagration. The oil had been gathered and lighted with a torch. At sight of the flames, the Indians gave forth a triumphant shout, and made the hills and valley re-echo again." In nearly all geographies and notes of travel published during the early period of settlement, this oil is referred to, and on several maps the word petro- leum appears opposite the mouth of Oil Creek. Gen. Washington, in his will, in speaMng of his lands on the Great Kanawha, says: " The tract of which the 125 acres is a moiety, was taken up by Gen. Andrew Lewis and myself, for and on account of a bituminous spring which it contains of so inflammable a nat- ure as to burn as freely as spirits, and is as nearly difiicult to extinguish." Mr. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, also gives an account of a burning spring on the lower grounds of the Great Kanawha. This oil not only seems to have been known, but to have been systematically gathered in very early times. Upon the flats a mile or so below the city of Tituaville are many acres of cradle holes dug out and lined with split logs, evidently constructed for the purpose of gathering it. The fact that the earliest inhabitants could never discover any stumps from which these logs were cut, and the further fact that trees are growing of giant size in the midst of these cradles, are evidences that they must have been operated long ago. It could not have been the work of any of the nomadic Indian tribes found here at the coming of the white man, for they were never known to undertake any enterprise involving so much labor, and what could they do with the oil when obtained. The French could hardly have done the work, for we have no account of the oil having been obtained in quantities, or of its being transported to France. May this not have been the work of the Mound-Builders, or of colo- nies from Central America? When the writer first visited theae pits, in 1855, he found a spring some distance below Titusville, on Oil Creek, where the water was conducted into a trough, from which, daily, the oil, floating on its surface, was taken off by throwing a woolen blanket upon it, and then wring- ing it into a tub, the clean wool absorbing the oil and rejecting the water, and in this way a considerable quantity was obtained In 1859, Mr, E. L. Drake, at first representing a company in New York, commenced drilling near the spot where this tub was located, and when the company would give him no more money, straining his own resources, and bis HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 125 credit with his friends almost to the breaking point, and when about to give up in despair, finally struck a powerful current of pure oil. Prom this time forward, the territory down the valley of Oil Creek and up all its tributaries was rapidly acquired and developed for oil land. In some places, the oil was sent up with immense force, at the rat^ of thousands of barrels each day, and great teouble was experienced in bringing it under control and storing it. In some cases, the force of the gas was so powerful on being accidentally fired, as to defy all approach for many days, and lighted up the forests at night with billows of light The oil has been found in paying quantities in McKean, Warren, Forest, Crawford, Venango, Clarion, Butler and Armshrong Counties, chiefiy along the upper waters of the Allegheny River and its tributary, the Oil Creek. It was first transported in barrels, and teams were kept busy from the first dawn until far into the night. As soon as practicable, lines of railway were con- structed from nearly all the trunk lines. Finally barrels gave place to im- mense iron tanks riveted upon cars, provided for the escape of the gases, and later great pipe lines were extended from the wells to the seaboard, and to the Great Lakes, through which the fluid is forced by steam to its distant destina- tions Its principal uses are for illumination and lubricating, though many of its products are employed in the mechanic arts, notably for dyeing, mixing of paints, and in the practice of medicine. Its production has grown to be enonnous, and seems as yet to show no sign of diminution. We give an ex- hibit of the annual production since its discovery, compiled for this work by William TL. Siviter, editor of the Oil City Derrick, which is the acknowledged authority on oil matters: Production of the Pennsylvania Oil Fields, compiled from the Derricks Hand-book, December, 1883: Barrels, Barrels. 1859 82,000 1873 9,849,508 1860 500,000 1874 11,102,114 1861 2,113,000 1875 8,948,749 1862 3,056,606 1876 9,142,940 1863 2,611,399 1877 13,052,713 1864 ;. 3,116,182 1878 15,011,425 1865 3,497,712 1879 20,085,716 1866 3,597,512 1880 24,788,950 1867 3,347,306 1881 29,674,458 1868 3,715,741 1883 31,789,190 1869 4,186,475 1883 24,385,966 1870 5,308,046 1871 5,278,076 A grand total of 243,749,558 1872 6,505,774 In the fall of 1860, Andrew G. Curtin was elected Governor of Pennsyl- vania, and Abraham Lincoln President of the United States. An organized rebellion, under the specious name of secession, was thereupon undertaken, embracing parts of fifteen States, commonly designated the Slave States, and a government established under the name of the Confederate States of America, with an Executive and Congress, which commenced the raising of troops for defense. On the 12th of April, an attack was made upon a small garrison of United States tro'ops shut up in Fort Sumter. This was rightly interpreted as the first act in a great drama. On the 15th, the President summoned 75,000 vol- unteers to vindicate the national authority, calling for sixteen regiments from Pennsylvania, and urging that two be sent forward immediately, as the capital was without defenders. • The people of the State, having no idea that war could be possible, had no 126 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. preparation for the event, There chanced at the time to be five companies in a tolerable state of organization. These were the Eingold Light Artillery, Capt. McKnight, of Reading; the Logan Guards, Capt. Selheimer, of Lewis- town; the Washington Artillery, Capt. Wren, and the National Light Infan- try, Capt. McDonald, of Pottsville; and the Allen Rifles, Capt. Yeager, of Allentown. On the 18th, in conjunction with a company of fifty regulars, on their way from the West to Fort McHenry, under command of Capt. Pemberton, after- ward Lieut. Gen. Pemberton, of the rebel army, these troops moved by rail for Washington. At Baltimore, they were obliged to march two milesthrough a jeering and insulting crowd. At the center of the city, the regulars filed off toward Fort McHenry, leaving the volunteers to pursue their way alone, when the crowd of maddened people were excited to redoubled insults. In the whole battalion there was not a charge of powder; but a member of the Logan Guards, who chanced to have a box of percussion caps in his pocket, had dis- tributed them to his comrades, who carried their pieces capped and half cocked, creating the impression that they were loaded and ready for service. This ruse undoubtedly saved the battalion from the murderous assault made upon the Massachusetts Sixth on the following day. Before leaving, they were pelted with stones and billets of wood while boarding the cars; but, fortu- nately, none were seriously injured, and the train finally moved away and reached Washington in safety, the first troops to come to the unguarded and imperiled capitaL Instead of sixteen, twenty-five regiments were organized for the three months' service from Pennsylvania. Judging from the threatening attitude assumed by the rebels across the Potomac that the southern frontier woald be con- stantly menaced. Gov. Curtin sought permission to organize a select corps, to consist of thirteen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery, and to be known as the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, which the Legislature, in special session, granted. This corps of 15,000 men was speedily raised, and the intention of the State authorities was to keep this body permamently within the limits of the Commonwealth for defense. But at the time of the First Bull Run disaster in July, 1861, the National Government found itself with- out troops to even defend the capital, the time of the three months' men being now about to expire, and at its urgent call this fine body was sent forward and never again returned for the execution of the duty for which it was formed, having borne the brunt,of the fighting on many a hard-fought field during the three years of its service. In addition to the volunteer troops furnished in response to the several calls of the President, upon the occasion of the rebel invasion of Maryland in September, 1862, Gov. Curtin called 50,000 men for the emergency, and though the time was very brief, 25,000 came, were organized under command of Gen. John F. Reynolds, and were marched to the border. But the battle of Antietam, fought on the 17th of September, caused the enemy to beat a hasty- retreat, and the border was relieved when the emergency troops were dis- banded and returned to their homes. On the 19th of October, Gen. J. E. B. Stewart, of the rebel army, with 1,800 horsemen under command of Hampton, Lee and Jones, crossed the Potomac and made directly for Chambersburg, arriving after dark. Not waiting for morning to attack, he sent in a flag of truce demanding the surrender of the town. There were 275 Union soldiers in hospital, whom he paroled. During the night, the troopers were busy picking up horses — swapping horses perhaps it should be called — and the morning saw them early on the move. The rear guard gave notice before leaving to re- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127 move all families from the neighborhood of the public buildings, as they in- tended to fire them. There was a large amount of fixed ammunition in them, which had been captured from Longstreet's train, besides Government stores of shoes, clothing and muskets. At 11 o'clock the station house, round house, railroad machine shops and warehouses were fired and consigned to destruction. The fire department was promptly out; but it was dangerous to approach the burning buildings on account of the ammunition, and all perished. The year 1862 was one of intense excitement and activity. Prom about the Istof May, 1861, to the end of 1862, there were recruited in the State of Penn- sylvania, one hundred and eleven regiments, including eleven of cavalry and three of artillery, for three years' service; twenty-five regiments for three months; seventeen for nine months; fifteen of drafted militia; and twenty -five called out for the emergency, an aggregate of one hundred and ninety- three regiments — a grand total of over 200,000 men — a great army in itself. In June, 1863, Gen. Kobert E. Lee, with his entire army of Northern Vir- ginia, invaded Pennsylvania. The Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Joseph Hooker, followed. The latter was superseded on the 28th of June by Gen. George G. Meade. The vanguards of the army met a mile or so out of Gettysburg on the Chambersburg pike on the morning of the 1st of July. Hill's corps of the rebel army was held in check by the sturdy fighting of a small division of cavalry under Gen. Buford until 10 o'clock, when Gen. Eeynolds came to his relief with the First Corps. While bringing his forces into action, Eeynolds was killed, and the command devolved on Gen. Abner Doubleday, and the fighting became terrible, the Union forces being greatly outnumbered. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. O. O. Howard, came to the support of the First. But now the corps of Ewell had joined hands with Hill,, and a full two-thirds of the entire rebel army was on the field, opposed by only the two weak Union corps, in an inferior position. A sturdy fight was however maintained until 5 o'clock, when the Union forces withdrew through the town, and took position upon rising ground covering the Baltimore pike. During the night the entire Union army came up, with the exception of the Sixth Corps, and took position, and at 2 o'clock in the morning Gen. Meade and staff came on the field. During the morning hours, and until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the two armies were getting into position for the desperate struggle. The Third Corps, Gen. Sickles, occupied the extreme left, his corps abutting on the Little Eound Top at the Devil's Den, and reaching, en echelon, through the rugged ground to the Peach Orchard, and thence along the Em- mettsburg pike, where it joined the Second Corps, Gen. Hancock, reaching over Cemetery Hill, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. Howard, the First, Gen. Double- day, and the Twelfth, Gen. Slocum, reaching across Culp's Hill — the whole crescent shape. To this formation the rebel army conformed, Longstreet op- posite the Union left, Hill opposite the center, and Ewell opposite the Union right. At 4 P. M. the battle was opened by Longstreet, on the extreme left of Sickles, and the fighting became terrific, the rebels making strenuous efforts to gain Little Eound Top. But at the opportune moment a part of the Fifth Corps, Gen. Sykes, was brought upon that key position, and it was saved to the Union side. The slaughter in front of Eound Top at the wheat-field and the Peach Orchard was fearful. The Third Corps was driven back from its advanced position, and its commander. Gen. Sickles, was wounded, losing a leg. In a more contracted position, the Union line was made secure, where it rested for the night. Just at dusk, the Louisiana Tigers, some 1,800 men, made a desperate charge on Cemetery Hill, emerging suddenly from a hillock 128 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. just back of the town. The straggle was desperate, but the Tigers being weakened by the fire of the artillery, and by the infantry crouching behind the stone wall, the onset was checked, and Carroll's brigade, of the Second Corps, coming to the rescue, they were finally beaten back, terribly decimated. At about the same time, a portion of Ewell's corps made an advance on the ex- treme Union right, at a point where the troops had been withdrawn to send to the support of Sickles, and unopposed, gained the extremity of Gulp's Hill, pushing through nearly to the Baltimore pike, in dangerous proximity to the reserve artillery and trains, and even the headquarters of the Union com- mander. But in their attempt to roll up the Union right they were met by Green's brigade of the Twelfth Corps, and by desperate fighting their further progress was stayed. Thus ended the battle of the second day. The Union left and right had been sorely jammed and pushed back. At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 3d of July, Gen. Geary, who had been ordered away to the support of Sickles, having returned during the night and taken position on the right of Green, opened the battle for the recovery of his lost breastworks on the right of Culp's Hill. Until 10 o'clock, the battle raged with unabated fury. The heat was intolerable, and the sulphurous vapor hung like a pall over the combatants, shutting out the light of day. The fighting was in the midst of the forest, and the echoes resounded with fearful distinctness. The Twelfth Corps was supported by portions of the Sixth, which had now come up. At length the enemy, weakened and finding them- selves overborne on all sides, gave way, and the Union breastworks were re- occupied and the Union right made entirely secure. Comparative quiet now reigned on either side until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the meantime both sides bringing up fresh troops and repairing damages. The rebel leader hav- ing brought his best available artillery in upon his right center, suddenly opened with 150 pieces a concentric fire upon the devoted Union left center, where stood the troops of Hancock and Doubleday and Sickles. The shock was terrible. Earely has such a cannonade been known on any field. For nearly two hours it was continued. Thinking that the Union line had been broken and demoralized by this fire, Longsteeet brought out a fresh corps of some 18,000 men, under Pickett, and charged fall upon the point which had been the mark for the cannonade. As soon as this charging column came into view, the Union artillery opened upon it from right and left and center, and rent it with fearful effect. When come within musket range, the Union troops, who had been crouching behind slight pits and a low stone wall, poured in a most murderous fire. Still the rebels pushed forward with a bold face, and actually crossed the Union lines and had their hands on the Union guns. But the slaughter was too terrible to withstand. The killed and wounded lay scattered over all the plain. Many were gathered in as prisoners. Finally, the remnant staggered back, and the battle of Gettysburg was at an end. Gathering all in upon his fortified line, the rebel chieftain fell to strength- ening it, which he held with a firm hand. At night-fall, he put his trains with the wounded upon the retreat. During the 4th, great activity in build- ing works was manifest, and a heavy skirmish line was kept well out, which resolutely met any advance of Union forces. The entire fighting force of the rebel army remained in position behind their breastworks on Oak Eidge, until nightfall of the 4th, When, under cover of darkness, it was withdrawn, and before morning was well on its way to Williamsport. The losses on the Union side were 2,834 killed, 13,709 wounded, and 6,643 missing, an aggregate of 23, 186. Of the losses of the enemy, no adequate returns were made. Meade HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129 reports 13,621 prisoners taken, and the losses by killed and ■wounded must have been greater than on the Union side. On the rebel side, Maj. Gens. Hood, Pender, Trimble and Heth were wounded, Pender mortally. Brig. Gens. Barksdale and Garnett were killed, ani Semms mortally wounded. Brig. Gens. Kemper, Armistead, Scales, G. T. Anderson, Hampton, J. M. Jones and Jenkins were wounded; Archer was taken prisoner and Pettigrew waS wounded and subsequently killed at Falling Waters. In the Union army, Maj. Gen. Eeynolds and Brig. Gens. Vincent, Weed, Willard and Zook were killed. Maj. Gens. Sickles, Hancock, Doubleday,^ Gibbon, Barlow, Warren and Butterfield, and Brig. Gens. Graham, Paul, Stone, Barnes and Brooke were wounded. A National Cemetery was secured on the center of the field, where, as soon as the weather would permit, the dead were gpthered and care- fully interred. Of the enldre number interred, 3,512, Maine had 104; New Hampshire, 49; Vermont, 61; Massachusetts, 159; Rhode Island, 12; Con- necticut, 22; New York, 867; New Jersey, 78; Pennsylvania, 534; Delaware, 15; Maryland, 22; West Virginia, 11; Ohio, 131; Indiana, 80; Illinois, 6; Michigan, 171; Wisconsin, 73; Minnesota, 52; United States Eegulars, 138; unknown, 979. In the center of the field, a noble monument has been erect- ed, and on the 19th of November, 1864, the ground was formally dedicated, when the eminent orator, Edward Everett, delivered an oration, and President Lincoln delivered the following dedicatory address: " Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this conti- nent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long en- dure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We are met to dedi- cate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who here gave their lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot conse- crate, we cannot hallow this groiind. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedi - cated here to the unfinished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the peofple, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.*' So soon as indications pointed to a possible invasion of the North by the rebel army under Gen. Lee, the State of Pennsylvania was organized in two military departments, that of the Susquehanna, to the command of which Darins N. Couch was assigned, with headquarters at Harrisburg, and that of the Monongahela, under W. T. H. Brooks, with headquarters at Pittsburgh. Urgent calls for the militia were made, and large numbers in regiments, in companies, in squadrons came promptly at the call to the number of over 36,- 000 men, who were organized for a period of ninety days. Fortifications were thrown up to cover Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, and the troops were moved to threatened points. But before they could be brought into action, the great decisive conflict had been fought, and the enemy driven from northern soil. Four regiments under Gen. Brooks were moved into Ohio to aid in arresting a raid undertaken by John Morgan, who, with 2,000 horse and four guns, had crossed the Ohio River for a diversion in favor of Lee. s 130 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. In the beginning of July, 1864, Gen. Early invaded Maryland, and made his way to the threshold of Washington. Fearing another invasion of the State, Gov. Curtin called for volunteers to serve for 100 days. Gen. Couch ■was still at the head of the department of the Susquehanna, and six regiments and sis companies were organized, but as fast as organized they were called to the front, the last regiment leaving the State on the 29th of July. On the evening of this day, Gens. McCausland, Bradley Johnson and Harry Gilmore, with 3,000 mounted men and six guns, crossed the Potomac, and made their way to Chambersburg. Another column of 3,000, under Vaughn and Jackson advanced to Hagerstown, and a third to Leitersburg. Averell, with a small force, was at Hagerstown, but finding himself over-matched withdrew through Greencastle to Mount Hope. Lieat. McLean, with fifty men in front of Mc- Causland, gallantly kept his face to the foe, and checked the advance at every favorable point. On being apprised of their coming, the public stores at Cham- bersburg were moved northward. At six A. M. , McCausland opened his bat- teries upon the town, but, finding it unprotected, took possession. Kinging the court house bell to call the people together, Capt. Fitzhugh read an order to the assembly, signed by Gen. Jubal Early, directing the command to proceed to Chambersburg and demand $100,000 in gold, or $500,000 in greenbacks, and, if not paid, to burn the town. While this parley was in progress, hats, caps, boots, watches, clothing and valuables were unceremoniously appropriated, and purses demanded at the point of the bayonet. As money was not in hand to meet so unexpected a draft, the torch was lighted. In less than a quarter of an hour from the time the first match was applied, the whole business part of the town was in flames. No notice was given for removing the women and children and sick. Burning parties were sent into each quarter of the town, which made thorough work. With the exception of a few houses upon the outskirts, the whole was laid in ruins. Retiring rapidly, the entire rebel command recrossed the Potomac before any adequate force could be gathered to check its progress. The whole number of soldiers recruited under the various calls for troops from the State of Pennsylvania was 366,000. By authority of the common- wealth, in 1866, the commencement was made of the publication of a history of these volunteer organizations, embracing a brief historical account of the part taken by each regiment and independent body in every battle in which it was engaged, with the name, rank, date of muster, period for which he en- listed, casualties, and fate of every officer and private. This work was com- pleted in 1872, in five imperial octavo volumes of over 1,400 pages each. In May, 1861, the Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, an organiza- tion of the officers of the Kevolutionary war and their descendants, donated $500 toward arming and equipping troops. By order of the Legislature, this sum was devoted to procuring flags for the regiments, and each organiza- tion that went forth, was provided with one emblazoned with the arms of the commonwealth. These flags, seamed and battle stained, were returned at the close of the war, and are now preserved in a room devoted to the purpose in the State capitol — precious emblems of the daring and sufifering of that great army that went forth to uphold and maintain the integrity of the nation. When the war was over, the State undertook the charge of providing for all soldiers' orphans in schools located in different parts of its territory, fur- nishing food, clothing, instruction and care, until they should be grown to manhood and womanhood. The number thus gathered and cared for has been some 7,500 annually, for a period of nineteen years, at an average annual ex- pense of some $600,000. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 At the election in 1866, John W. Geary, a veteran General of the late war, was chosen Governor. During his administration, settlements were made with the General Government, extraordinary debts incurred during the war were paid, and a large reduction of the old debt of $40,000,000 inherited from the construction of the canals, was made. A convention for a revision of the con- stitution was ordered by act of April 11, 1872. This convention assembled in Harrisburg November 13, and adjourned to meet in Philadelphia, where it convened on the 7th of January, 1873, and the instrument framed was adopted on the 18th of December, 1878. By its provisions, the number of Senators was increased from thirty-three to fifty, and Representatives from 100 to 201, subject to further increase in proportion to increase of population; biennial, in place of annual sessions; making the term of Supreme Coui't Judges twenty- one in place of fifteen years; remanding a large class of legislation to the ac- tion of the courts; making the term of Governor four years in place of three, and prohibiting special legislation, were some of the changes provided for. In January, 1873, John F. Hartranf t became Governor, and at the election in 1878, Henry F. Hoyt was chosen Governor, both soldiers of the late war. In the summer of 1877, by concert of action of the employes on the several lines of railway in the State, trains were stopped and travel and traffic were in- terrupted for several days together. At Pittsburgh, conflicts occurred between the railroad men and the militia, and a vast amount of property was destroyed. The opposition to the local military was too powerful to be controlled, and the National Government was appealed to for aid. A force oi regulars was promptly ordered out, and the rioters finally quelled. Unfortunately, Gov. Hartranft was absent from the State at the time of the troubles. At the election in 1882, Robert E. Pattison was chosen Governor, who is the present incumbent. The Legislature, which met at the opening of 1883,having adjourned after a session of 156 days, without passing a Congressional appor- tionment bill, as was required, was immediately reconvened in extra session by the Governor, and remained in session until near the close of the year, from June 1 to December 5, without coming to an agreement upon a bill, and finally adjourned without having passed one. ' This protracted sitting is in marked contrast to the session of that early Assembly in which an entire con- stitution and laws of the province were framed and adopted in the space of three days. 132 EISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. TABLE SHOWING THE VOTE FOR GOVERNORS OP PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE ORGAN- IZATION OP THE STATE. 1790. Thomas Mifflin 27,725 Arthur St. Clair 2,802 1793. Thomas Mifflin 18,590 F. A. Muhlenberg 10,706 1796. Thomas Mifflin 30,020 F. A. Muhlenberg 1,011 1799. Thomas McKean 38,036 James Ross 32,641 1802. Thomas McKean 47,879 James Boss, of Pittsburgh 9,499 James Ross 7,538 1808. Simon SnydOr 67,975 James Ross 39,575 John Spayd 4,006 W. Shields 2 Charles Nice 1 Jack Ross 2 W. Tilghman 1 1811. Simon Snyder 52,319 William Tighlman 3,609 Scatt'ring,no record for whom 1,675 1814. Simon Snyder 51,099 Isaac Wayne 29,566 G. Lattimer 910 J. R. Rust 4 1817. William Findlay 66,331 Joseph Hiester 69,272 Moses Palmer 1 Aaron Hanson 1 John SefFer - 1 Seth Thomas 1 Nicholas Wiseman 3 BeDJamin H. Morgan 2 William Tilghman 1 Andrew Gregg 1 1820. Joseph riiester 67,905 William Findlay 66,300 Scattering (no record) 21 1823. J. Andrew Shulze 81,761 Andrew Gregg 64,151 Andrew Shulze 112 John Andrew Shulze 7,311 Andrew Gragg 53 Andrew Greg 1 John A. Shulze 764 Nathaniel B. Boileau 3 Capt. Glosseader 3 John Gassender 1 Isaac Wayne 1 George Bryan 1 1836. J. Andrew Shulze 72,710 John Sergeant 1,175 Scattering (no record) 1,174 1829. George Wolf. 78,219 Joseph Ritner 51,776 George E. Baum 6 Frank R. Williams 3 1832. George Wolf. 91,335 Joseph Ritner 88,165 1835. Joseph Ritner 94,023 GoorgeWolf. 65,804 Henry A. Muhlenberg 40,586 1838. David R. Porter 127,827 Joseph Ritner 122,321 1841. David R. Porter 136,504 John Banks 113,473 T.J. Lemoyne 763 George F. Horton 18 Samuel L. Carpenter 4 Ellis Lewis 1 1844. Francis B. Shunk 160,322 Joseph Markle 156,040 Julius J. Lemoyne 10 John Haney 2 James Page 1 1847. Francis R. Shunk 146,081 James Irvin 128,148 Emanuel 0. Reigart 11,247 F.J. Lemoyne „... 1,861 George M. Keim 1 Abijah Morrison 3 1848. William F. Johnston 168,522 Morris Longstreth 168,226 E. B. Gazzam 48 Scattering (no record) 24 1851. William Bigler 186,489 William F. Johnston 178,034 Kimber Cleaver 1,850 1854. James Pollock 203,822 William Bigler 166,991 B. Rush Bradford 2,194 1857. William F. Packer 188,846 David Wilmot 149,139 Isaac Hazlehurst 28,168 James Pollock i George R. Barret 1 William Steel 1 F. P. Swartz 1 Samuel McFarland 1 George F. Horton 7 1860. Andrew G. Curtin 262,346 Henry D. Foster 230,239 1863. A. G. Curtin 269,506 George W. Woodward 254,171 John Hickman 1 Thomas M.Howe 1 1866. John W. Geary 307,274 Hiester Clymer 290,097 Giles Lewis 7 1869. John W. Geary 290,552 Asa Packer 285,956 W. D. Kelly 1 W.J. Robinson 1 1873. John F. Hartranft 353,387 Charles R. Buckalen 317,760 S. B.Chase 1,197 William P. Schell 12 1875. • John F. Hartranft 304,175 Cyrus L. Pershing 292,145 B. Audley Brown ia,i!44 James S. Negley 1 Phillip Wendie 1 J. W. Brown 1 G. F. Reinhard 1 G. D. Coleman 1 James Staples 1 Richard Yaux. 1 Craig Biddle 1 Francis W. Hughes 1 Henry C. Tyler 1 W. D. Brown 1 George V. Lawrence I A. L.Brown 1 1878. H. M. Hoyt 319,490 Andrew H. Dill 297,137 Samuel E. Mason 81,758 Franklin H. Lane 3,753 S. Matson 2 John McKee 1 D. Kirk 1 R. L. Miller 1 J. H. Hopkins 1 A. G. Williams 1 Samuel H. Lane 1 John Fertig 1 James Musgrove 1 Silas M. Baily 1 A. S. Post 9 C. A. Cornen 3 Seth Yoeum 1 Edward E. Orvis 1 1882. Robert E. Pattison 355,791 James A. Beaver 315,689 John Stewart 43,74;i Thomas A. Armstrong, 23,996 Alfred C. Pettit 5,196 E. E. Pattison 1 B. E. Beaver 1 J. H. Hopkins 1 W. H. Hope 1 R. H. Patterson 2 — Stewart 2 J. A. Brown 1 R. Smith 1 — Cameron 1 James McNalis 1 T. A. Armstrong 1 Thomas Armstrong 16 R. E. Pattison 1 William N. Drake 1 John McCleery 2 John A. Stewart 1 G. A, Grow 1 ^---/^?-»-*'-«- PART II HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 'BIT :r. O- BK.o'w^isr. History of Crawford County. CHAPTER I. Akch^ologt— The Mound Builders— Evidences of a Vanished Eace— Del- aware Tradition of the Allegewi— Pre-historic Remains in Crawford County— Stone Mound Near Oil Creek— Old Meadows on French Creek, and Indian Tradition Eegarding Them— Circular Forts and Mounds Below Mbadville— Indian Graves and Relics— Description of A Large Fort Near Pymatuning Swamp— Numerous Artificial Oil Pits Found by the Pioneers in the Vicinity of Titusville— Mounds in Other Portions of the County — Arch^ological Conclusions Regarding These Monuments of Antiquity. ONLY the earth monuments enclosing a few relics of rude art, and the last lingering remains of mortality — crumbling skeletons which literally turn to dust as the places of their sepulture are invaded — have endured to silently attest in the nineteenth century, the existence of a vast and vanished race, a people whose origin, nature, progress and ultimate destiny are shrouded in a gloom that cannot be dispelled, and only feebly pierced by a few faint rays of light. Strive as we may by what little there is of the accumulated light of study, we can know but little of the people who occupied this continent prior to the age at which its written history begins. The race to which we ascribe the name of Mound Builders is one of which no chapter of history can be produced. No record has been left; no misty legends or traditions have been handed down to give us an idea of the char- acter and condition of this ancient race. We can only gain an uncertain and unsatisfying glance behind the great black curtain of oblivion, but upon the vastest questions concerning the people can obtain no absolute knowledge. We may search the silent monuments that stud a thousand landscapes lying between the AUeghenies and the Mississippi, and stretching from the great lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and deduce conclusions from the facts discovered, in regard to the Mound Builders, and to some extent of their degree of civil- ization; but as to the great questions, whence did they come? and whither did they go? we can only indulge in speculations, fanciful, fascinating and futile. It is certainly a matter of gratulation to archaeologists, that so many way- marks and traces of this lost race yet remain, but which, it is to be regretted, are, to a large extent, in a state of mutilation and partial ruin, and rapidly tending to utter extinction through iconoclastic wantonness and the operations of the agriculturist; also from the devastating effects of the elements, and the destructive tendencies of the great destroyer — Time. When the whites first came in contact with the Lenni Lenape tribe of In- dians, a tradition existed among them of their having migrated from the far West, and on reaching the Mississippi discovered that the country east of that river was inhabited by a powerful race, whom they called " Tallegawe " or 138 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. "Allegewi." The tradition stated that the Allegewi were living in large towns situated along the principal streams, and protected by fortifications. They at first refused to allow the Lenapes to cross the Mississippi, but finally consent- ed, on condition that they would proceed to the country east of that then oc- cupied by the Allegewi. On seeing the great strength of the Lenapes, the Allegewi became alarmed, and attacked and killed those that had crossed over, warning the others to remain west of the river. The Lenapes sought the as- sistance of the Mengwe, a tribe living northwest of the Mississippi, and the two nations agreed to conquer and divide the country between them. A long and bloody war ensued, lasting many years, but at length the Allegewi were conquered, the survivors driven far toward the south, and finally lost sight of among the southern nations. The Lenapes and Mengwe gradually moved eastward, conquering as they went. The former became known on the discov- ery of America as the Delawares, and the latter as the Mingoes, or Iroquois, but each was divided into several branches or tribes, which assumed different names. Some writers have advanced the proposition that the Allegewi are the vanished race called Mound Builders, yet all the evidence we have of the ex- istence of either are the fortifications and earth monuments of the latter, and the Delaware tradition concerning the conquest of the former. Many evidences of the pre-historie age existed in various portions of Craw- ford County for years after the first settlers built their cabins along its beauti- ful streams. A tradition was extant among the Indians, who temporarily occupied the valley of French Creek when these settlements were made, that those traces of a higher civilization were the works of another and totally different race of people to them. In 1830 the New York Journal of Commerce published the following notice of a mound located in the southeastern part of the county: " On an extensive plain near Oil Creek, there is a vast mound of stones, contain- ing many hundred thousand cart loads. This pyramid has stood through so many ages that it is now covered with soil, and from its top rises a noble pine tree, the roots of which, running down the sides, fasten themselves in the earth below. The stones are, many of them, so large that two men can scarcely move them, and are unlike any in the neighborhood ; nor are there quarries near, from which so large a quantity could be taken. The stones were, perhaps, collected from the surface, and the mound one of the many that have been raised by the ancient race which preceded the Indians, whom the Europeans have not known. These monuments are numerous further north and east, and in the south and west are far greater, more artificial and imposing." In 1846, Alfred Huidekoper, Esq. of Meadville, wrote an article for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, entitled "Incidents in the Early History of Crawford County, Pennsylvania," which was published in 1850, among other memoirs of the society, and a copy presented to Mr. Huidekoper. He has kindly and freely given the use of this valuable work, and from his article we take the following extracts relative to the pre-historio occupancy of this county : " When first visited by the whites in 1787, in the valley of French Creek, were old meadows destitute of ■ trees, aud covered with long, wild grass and herbage resembling the prairies ; but by whom those lands were originally cleared, will probably forever remain a matter of uncertainty. " The Indians alleged that the work had not been done by them ; but a tra- dition among them attributed it to a larger and more powerful race of inhab- itants, who had preoccupied the country. Whether some far-straying French- man, or straggling Spaniard, whose wanderings have been unrecorded, made HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 139 his first opening in the primeval forest, or whether some semi-civilized tribe of Indians from the central regions of America, leaving the sunny south, pushed their canoes up the Ohio and Allegheny, and settling in the v^estern regions of Pennsylvania, were finally subdued and destroyed by the fiercer and more warlike tribes of the North, may be an interesting subject for spec- ulation ; but the records are too ambiguous and indistinct to solve the questions which they raise." Further on in the same article he says: "There were originally two circular forts about a mile below the present village of Meadville: the one in the valley, on the farm of Mr. Taylor Randolph, and the other a quarter of a mile below, on the bluff point of a high knoll, where a small stream puts into the creek, or now into the canal. The plow and annual tillage of the soil have now destroyed them. There was also a mound still to be seen a short distance above the fort, which stood in the plain. It is now nothing but a smooth eminence, some two or three feet high, and extending from north to south some fifteen or twenty feet, and about twice as much from east to west. It is described, however, by Mr. Esaac Randolph, one of the oldest settlers, on whose farm it stands, as having been composed originally of two mounds con- nected by a narrow neck between them. The material of one of the mounds he represents as having been of gravel, and the other of alluvial earth. The ground around the mound is alluvial, without stone, and it is evident the material was carried some distance to construct the mound, as there was no ditch or excavation near it from which it could have been taken. The mound stands some thirty rods from the stream, where gravel is abundant. " The fields in the neighborhood abound with small pieces of Indian crock- ery, resembling common earthenware, except that it is not glazed or so well burned; " In plowing in the neighborhood of the above mound some years ago an Indian grave was discovered, covered with a large stone, under which, among the bones, were found some interesting relics. Among the rest, some sharp instruments of agate or other hard stone, shaped in the form of the segment of a circle, from three to five inches long, and having one edge, and the points very sharp; they were probably used either for surgical instruments or for tat- tooing, etc. Indian arrow-heads of flint, and axes of greenstone, are frequently found in the flats along the creek, and occasionally the remains of pipes for smoking carved out of stone. A small idol, carved in the form of an owl, oijt of soapstone, was found a few years since and is now in the cabinet of Mr. Frederick Huidekoper, in Meadville. A small turtle, either a petrifaction or a relic of Indian sculpture, has lately been discovered in excavating for a fur- nace on the Big Sugar Creek; it is now in the possession of Mr. J. Russell, at Russellville, in Venango County. The fossil is a siliceous stone, and was unfortunately and wantonly broken by the laborers who exhumed it; the pieces, however, have been obtained and preserved by Mr. Russell. The head and front part of the body are entire; the head a little distorted, but very dis- tinct. From a hasty inspection I had of it in passing Mr. Russell's, a few days since, I should be inclined to believe it a specimen of Indian sculpture, and an idol of the Delaware, or some other tribe of Indians, who regarded the turtle as sacred. " The most perfect of the Indian fortifications in the county is a circular fort, still in a tolerable state of preservation, which stands on a point of land projecting into the Pymatuning Swamp, in North Shenango Township. The area of the fort includes some two acres of ground, now covered with large timber. The breastwork is about three feet high, and the fosse from two to 140 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. three feet deep; there are from four to five places of egress from the fort, where there are intervals in the ditch. The breastwork has probably originally been fortified with a stockade, and the portals occupied with gates. On the land side, or the side opposite to the swamp, is another breastwork, some twenty or thirty yards from the fort, and now less distinct. " In the interior of the fort there are a great number of places where there is a slight depression in the surface, as though a hole had been dug some two feet in diameter. In excavating in these places the ground has a burnt look, and among the earth are small pieces of charcoal, indicating that these holes have been receptacles for fire, and were probably made use of in cooking. On the top of the breastwork trees are now growing, one of which, a white oak, measured more than ten feet in circumference. In the neighborhood of the fort are Indian graves and remains that have not yet been explored." On the 18th of February, 1848, a lecture was delivered before the Meadville Literary Union, by "William H. Davis, on "Crawford County and Its History," which at the time of its delivery attracted wide attention. In referring to the pre-historic race that once lived and flourished throughout the land, he says: " When and by whom our county was first inhabited it is now impossible to determine, but there is abundant evidence to be found in the landmarks visible in various parts of it that it was at one time occupied by a race totally differ- ent from the North American Indians who were in possession when the white men first trod upon its soil. It is generally supposed, however, that this people were of the same race who erected the mounds and fortifications which are so numerous throughout the whole Valley of the Mississippi — and perhaps are identical with the same nations who were found by Hernando Cortez in the Valley of Mexico, so far advanced in civilization. "Whether they were the same or not, it is certain that the mounds, fortifications, ruins, towns, etc., prove that they were a people far above the red man of the North in all that could make a people great or happy. As an evidence of their knowledge, and to prove that such a race once inhabited Crawford County, I will refer to some of the marks now to be seen on the ground. " A short distance from Titusville in this county, and on the west side of Oil Creek, there are perhaps about 2,000 pits, scattered over a level plain not exceeding 500 acres. Some of these are very close together, as close as the vats in a tan-yard, which they somewhat resemble, each having been about seven or eight feet long, four wide and six deep. These pits or vats had all been nearly filled, some of them entirely so, by vegetable deposit, perhaps the accumulation of ages. The mounds raised at the side ot each pit by the excavation of the earth from it are distinctly visible. Close upon the margin of many of them and upon the very mounds made of the earth, trees whose size indicate an age of two or three hundred years, are found growing. Those trees could not have existed at the time those vats were made, for it is reasonable to suppose that those engaged in making those pits would either have commenced their labor so far from the standing timber that they would not be obstructed by the roots, or would have cut the timber down. Another thing affording an index to the time when these vats may have been made, is the fact that the inhabitants now in their vicinity first discovered the pits from their regularity in size, and the order of their location, and indenta- tions of the surface and the general appearance of the mounds ; they were induced to open them. On doing so they discovered that each pit was of the size before mentioned, and walled with logs regularly cut and halved at the ends so that they could lie close together, thus preventing the caving in of the earth. Now there are no evidences on the ground showing where the logs used HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 141 in walling the pit were cut. And although the whole flat is to this day cov- ered with standing timber, not a stump remains to show that the axe-man had ever been there prior to the visitation by the whites. ' ' Many of these pits have recently been opened, and all were found to be about the same depth, fashioned and walled nearly exactly alike. Whether it was curiosity or cupidity which led to this investigation I am unable to deter- mine — but certain it is that when excavated to the bottom of the log wall it was found that water rose in the pit to the depth of four or five inches. On visiting the pits a day or two after the excavation, it was ascertained that the water in them was covered with oil to the depth of one-third or one-half an inch. This at once demonstrated the use to which they had been applied. They had been used for gathering what we now call ' Seneca Oil ' (petroleum), and the number of the pits shows clearly that whoever engaged in it, had, to use a modern expression, 'gone into a wholesale business.' It also proves that those pits were not made by the Indians. Their regularity, their num- ber, their having been walled with cut logs, halved at the end, the averse- ness of the Indian to labor, all forbid the idea that he could have been their creator. Besides this, the Indians, I have been informed, have no traditions respecting them, at least none more satisfactory than they have of the mounds aad fortifications found throughout the West. ' ' Nor could these evidences of former occupancy have been made by the French. The number of the pits prove that many persons must have been employed in collecting the Seneca Oil. The French were an enterprising, intelligent and warlike people. Had they been the operators, here we would have found, perhaps, an old fort or the ruins of a village. They would not have been in such numbers and for such a length of time, in a particular district of the country, as the work indicated they must have remained without the means of protecting themselves from the red men of the forest. In addition to this, the French did not take possession of our country till the year 1753, while the trees, mounds and pits indicate a much greater age than would be allowed them by assigning that period for their construction. It is well known that their occupation of this country was a military occupation. And by the rules of their military code, everything of note in which a portion of the army was engaged, would have been reported, and would be now on file in the war department of France. Is it probable that so many soldiers of the French army as must necessarily have been engaged in this business, for the requisite length of time, could fail to have been reported to the department, especially in a matter which must have greatly excited their curiosity, as well as their desire for gain? They were not made by the French; they were not made by the North American Indians; but in all probability they were made by that people who erected the other mounds and fortifications, towns and cities in the valley of the Mississippi. Their appearance bears the same age, and justifies this conclusion. " Other evidences might be referred to to show that our county was inhabited by another race of people than those who were found to be its occu- pants by the French. I refer to the mounds, which now exist in various parts of the county. Some are found on Crooked Creek, some on Shenango, some on Conneaut Creek, some on French Creek, and one near Meadville, on the land of the late Cornelius Van Home, Esq. Some of these have been opened, and found to contain human skeletons, and are considered to be receptacles for the dead. Now it is not the custom of any of the present Indian tribes to erect mounds over their dead, at least no instance of the kind has been noticed since they have come in contact with the white race." 142 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Day after day and year after year, since the present race pushed westward across the Alleghenies, the plowshare has uncovered remains which had well- nigh returned to the dust whence they came. So common has been the occur- rence of unearthing human remains in some parts of the country, that the discovery scarcely elicits remark. The wasting banks of the rivers occasionally display vast cemeteries, and names have been given to several localities from such exposures. Extensive ancient burial places have been discovered at vari- ous places, where thousands of graves are found in ranges parallel with each other. It is not to be wondered at that when the bones in the mounds have so nearly crumbled into shapeless fragments, those buried in the common plain, and which are necessarily less protected from moisture, should in many cases have passed to that condition nearly or quite indistinguishable from the mold that surrounds them. A people so numerous as the Mound Builders must have been, and living in the country, as there is evidence they did, for a long perii)d, must have had vast cemeteries. The conclusion to which all archseologists have come in regard to this matter is, that only the illustrious chieftains of the race were honored by the rearing of mounds over their places of sepulture, and that the balance were buried by the simple process of interment. There are, doubtless, grand depositories of the dead who thronged our valleys and raised the silent monu- ments of their toil all about us. We know not when we tread the earth of our village streets or the green turf of the fields, but that we walk over the remains of thousands of forms, which in ages that are past were pregnant with the same life and spirit of which we are possessed. CHAPTER II. Indian Histoby— Thk Eries Occupy the Southern Shore of Lake Erie— ToEY ARE Conquered and Dispersed by the Iroquois— Catholic Mission- aries Who Have Written of the Eries— Definition of Their Name- Mention OF the Eries on Two Old French Maps at Harrisburg — Seneca Tradition Regarding the War of Extermination— The Senegas Occupy THE Conquered Territory — War Between the Senegas and Massassau- GAs — Indian Villages in Crawford County — Friendly Indians and White Prisoners Found Here by the First Settlers — Neighboring Indian Towns— Biography of Cornplanter— Ancient Indian Trace- Delegations OF Wyandots and Senegas Pass Through Meadville in 1808 —Council at Jennesedaga Between Citizens of Crawford County and the Senegas— The Latter Join the Americans in the War of 1812-15. ^T^HE next race of men who dwelt in our leind after the disappearance of -1 the semi-civilized population that reared the countless earth memorials of their existence, were the North American Indians. The southern shore of Lake Erie, together with the territory contiguous thereto, was once occupied by an Indian nation historically known as Eries, a fierce and warlike tribe of whom no trace but the name remains. It is generally admitted by historians that the Eries were conquered and dispersed by the Iroquois about 1650-55. In a lecture delivered at Erie by Henry L. Harvey about 1840, he says: "The Iroquois, after attacking the Algonquins, commenced upon the Eries or Irrironons, a powerful and warlike race inhabiting the south side of the beau- tiful lake which still bears their name — almost the only memento that such a HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 143 nation ever existed — a name signifying cats, which they had adopted as char- acteristic of their tribe. After a somewhat severe contest, the assailants suc- ceeded; 700 of them attacked and carried the main fortress, though it was defended by 2,000; and the survivors were either incorporated with the victors or fled to remote regions." Mr. Harvey claimed that a Seneca chief informed him that this stronghold of the Eries was situated in the vicinity of the mouth of French Creek. In the Jesuit Relations a tribe called "Eries, or Cats" are located on the southern shore of Lake Erie; and the illustrious Catholic missionaries, Fathers Marquette, Hennepin, Perot, Membre and Gravier, all speak of this Indian nation as having dwelt along Lake Erie ere its defeat and dispersion by the Iroquois. Father Hennepin, in his work published in 1684, in speaking of certain Catholic priests, thus alludes to the Eries: "These good fathers were great friends of the Hurons (Wyandots) who told them that the Iroquois went to war beyond Virginia, or New Sweden, near a lake which they called 'Erige,' or 'Ericke,' which signifies 'the cat,' or 'nation of the cat;' and because these savages brought captives from the nation of the cat in returning to their can- tons along this lake, the Hurons named it in their language 'Erige,' or 'Ericke,' 'the lake of the cat,' and which our Canadians in softening the word, have called 'Lake Erie.' " In the State Library at Harrisburg, there are two old French maps, one printed in 1763, and the other in 1768, in which rude attempts are made to show the leading geographical features of portions of the United States and Canada. Both represent the south shore of Lake Erie as having been peopled by a tribe or nation of Indians known as the "Eriez." A note on the margin of each reads as follows: " The ancient Eriez were exterminated by the Iro- quois upward of 100 years ago, ever since which time they have been in pos- session of Lake Erie." On the earliest of the maps the following is printed at a point along the lake between Cleveland and Sandusky: "The seat of war, the mart of trade, and chief hunting-grounds of the Six Nations on the lakes and the Ohio." The foregoing information in regard to the Eries is corroborated in a French book printed in 1708, describing the voyage of Le Baron de Lahonton, an adventurous Frenchman, who spent ten years among the Indians, commencing in 1683. " The shores of Lake Erie," he says, " are frequented by the Iroquois, the Illinois, the Oumanies, etc., who are so savage that it is a risk to stop with them. The Errieronons and the Andestiguerons, who formerly inhabited the borders of the lake, were exterminated by the Iro- quois." Incidentally it may be added, he refers to the Massassaugas as a tribe living somewhere near the western end of the lake. The latter are also alluded to in a memoir on the "Western Indians, prepared by M. DuChisneau, at Quebec, in 1681. It is claimed by most historians, that the word " Erie " was the Indian expression for wild-cat, but a recent writer contends that this is a mistake, that it does not mean wild-cat, but raccoon. The latter were abundant upon the lake shore, while the former were rarely seen. A French memoir, written in 1718, relates that one island in the upper part of the lake was infested to so great an extent by wild-cats, that "the Indians killed as many as 900 of them in a very short time." It is possible that the French explorers, from whom the supposed meaning of the word has descended to us, mistook the rac- coons for wild- cats. Records are in existence which show that the Eries were visited by French Catholic missionaries as early as 1626. They were found to be living on terms of amity with the surrounding warlike tribes, and were governed by a queen, 144 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. called in their own language, Yagowania, and in the Seneca tongue, Gegosasa, who was regarded as " the mother of nations," and whose office was that of " keeper of the symbolic house of peace." The chief warrior of the tribe was Kagnotha, who had his principal location at Te-osah-wa or ' ' Place of Bass- wood," now Buffalo. In 1634 a bloody dissension broke out between the sev- eral branches of the Iroquois family. During its progress two Seneca war- riors appeared at Gegosasa' s lodge and were hospitably- received. They were preparing to smoke the pipe of peace when a deputation of Massassaugas was announced, who demanded vengeance for the murder of their chief's son at the hands of the Seneca tribe. This the queen, in her mediatorial capacity, was prompt to grant. She even set out with a large body of warriors to en- force her decree, and dispatched messengers to Eagnotha to command his assist- ance. The visiting Senecas flew to their friends to notify them of the queen's course, and a body of fighting men was hastily gathered in ambush on the road which her army was obliged to travel. The Eries had no anticipation of trouble at that point, and the first they knew of the presence of the Senecas was when they heard their dreadful war-whoop. The contest that ensued was one of desperation. At first the queen's forces gained the advantage, but the Senecas rallied and compelled the Eries to flee, leaving 600 dead upon the field of battle. No accounts have been preserved of any further hostilities at that time, and it is probable that a peace was effected, and amicable relations for the time restored. The war of extermination between the Eries and the Iroquois occurred about 1650-55, and was one of the most cruel in aboriginal history. From the opening it was understood by both sides to mean the utter ruin of one tribe or the other. The Eries organized a powerful body of warriors and sought to surprise their enemies in their own country. Their plans were tjawarted by a faithless woman who secretly gave the Iroquois warning. The latter raised a force and marched out to meet the invaders. The engagement resulted in a complete victory for the Iroquois. Seven times the Eries crossed the stream dividing the hostile lines and they were as often driven back with terrible loss. On another occasion several hundred Iroquois attacked nearly three times their number of Eries, encamped near the mouth of French Creek, dispersed them, took many prisoners, and compelled the balance to fly to remote regions. In a battle near the site of the Cattaraugus Indian mission house, on the Alle- gheny River, the loss of the Eries was enormous. Finally a pestilence broke out among the Eries, which "swept away greater numbers even than the club and arrow." The Iroquois took advantage of their opportunity to end all fear of future trouble from the ill-fated Eries. Those who had been taken cap- tive were, with rare exceptions, remorselessly butchered, and their wives and children were distributed among the Iroquois villages, never again to be restored to their husbands and brothers. The few survivors " fled to distant regions in the West and South, and were followed by the undying hatred of the Iroquois. * * * Their council fire was put out, and their name and language as a tribe lost." Traces of the tribe were occasionally found by the French Catholic mission- aries during their labors in the western wilderness. A number were living as slaves among the Onondagas, and appealed to the missionaries to aid them in securing their freedom, but abandoned all hope on finding that these zealous priests were powerless to help them. An early French writer, describing the Christian village of La Prairie, says a portion of the settlement was made up of fugitive Eries. _ Students of Indian history are generally of the belief that the tribe was at one time considerably ahead of the other aborigines of North HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 145 America in progress and intelligence; but whether the survivors of this once powerful nation were wholly absorbed by other tribes, or their name grad- ually changed and thus lost sight of, will, doubtless, forever remain a subject of speculation, as no certain trace is left to guide us in arriving at a reliable conclusion. After the expulsion of the Eries from this region of territory, the victors claimed the soil by right of conquest. In 1712 the Tnscaroras, being driven from the Carolinas, joined their fortunes with the conquerors of the Eries, since which time the Iroquois have been known as the Six Nations. This powerful confederacy was composed of the Cay u gas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Senecas and Tuscaroras. The Senecas guarded the western door of the Iroquois "long council house," as they styled their dominions, and were by far the most numerous and warlike of the Six Nations. According to Rev. Timothy Alden, the Senecas called themselves Nun-du-waw-gauh or "the men of the hills," and had many traditions of the' prowess and exploits of their ancestors. They dwelt originally among the hills south of the small lakes in northern New York, and along the Genesee River, and always claimed that the Iroquois nation were the first to obtain the knowledge and use of fire-arms. The Massassaugas, supposed by some writers to have been a remnant or tribal branch of the Eries, had villages at different points along the south- western shore of Lake Erie. The Seneca tradition states that between them and the Massassaugas there arose frequent misunderstandings, which finally re- sulted in a band of the latter invading the Seneca country. A battle took place on the Genesee River, but the rude bows and arows of the invaders were of little avail against an enemy armed with guns, and the Massassaugas were annihilated. The tradition says that the Senecas cut off the arms and legs of their dead foes, and suspended them on poles, reaching entirely across the river, and supported by crotchets driven into the ground. This triumph, how- ever, did not last long, as the tradition adds that the Massassaugas subse- quently procured fire-arms of the French, and after learning the use of them gained a victory over the Senecas; whereupon a treaty was formed, the toma- hawk buried, intermarriages , took place and the two tribes became as one family. In the " Historical Collections of Pennsylvania " we find the following trib- ute to the prowess of the Iroquois nation: " The peculiar location of the Iro- quois gave them an immense advantage. On the great channels of water communication to which their territories were contiguous, they were enabled in all directions to carry war and devastation to the neighboring or to the more distant nations. Nature had endowed them with height, strength and symme- try of person which distinguished them at a glance among the individuals of other tribes. They were brave as they were strong, but ferocious and cruel when excited in savage warfare; crafty, treacherous and overreaching when these qualities best suited their purposes. The proceedings of their Grand Council were marked with great decorum and solemnity. In eloquence, in dignity and profound policy their speakers might well bear comparison with the statesmen of civilized assemblies. By an early alliance with the Dutch on the Hudson they secured the use of fire-arms, and were thus enabled not only to repel the encroachments of the French but also to exterminate or reduce to a state of vassalage many Indian nations. From these they exacted an annual tribute or acknowledgment of fealty, permitting them, however, on that condition, to occupy their former hunting-grounds. The humiliation of tributary nations was, however, tempered with a paternal regard for their 146 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. interests in all negotiations with the whites, and care was taken that no tres- pass should be committed on their rights, and that they should be justly dealt with." On the west bank of French Creek, a short distance above the mouth of Conneaut Outlet, was located the Indian town of Mahusquechikoken. In the summer of 1779 Col. Daniel Brodhead commanded an expedition against the Indians of northwestern Pennsylvania, <'ind in his report to Gen. Washington, dated September 16, 1779, says: "On my return I preferred the Venango road, the old towns of Conawango and Buchloons, and Mahusquechikoken, about twenty miles above Venango on French Creek, consisting of thirty-five large houses, were likewise burnt." When John Huling located on the farm now owned by William H. Harrington, about 1794, the remains of this Indian village were plainly visible, and might still be traced for many years afterward. It is also believed that there was once a small Indian village on French Creek, near the mouth of Cussewago, as a town called " Cassewago" is located on the Historical Map of Pennsylvania, between twenty and thirty miles above the mouth of French Creek, on that stream. John Frazier, the Indian trader, calls the village " Caseoago," and the State Archives uses the same orthography, but all locate the town about the vicinity of Meadville, not far from the mouth of Cussewago Creek. Frazier in a letter to his partner, Young, bear- ing date August 27, 1753, says: "The French had a fort some distance north- west of Venango at a place called Caseoago, up French Creek." Within the period of American possession, the territory embraced in Craw- ford County appears to have been a sort of neutral ground between the eastern and western tribes of Indians. Though the Senecas were recognized as its nominal owners, it was utilized as a general hunting-ground, and occupied principally by nomadic bands who lived by hunting, and some Indian families who had erected a few rude cabins on French Creek.^ When the first perma- nent settlement was made at Meadville, in 1788, Stripe Neck, an aged Mohawk chief, friendly to the whites, was found dwelling on the west bank of French Creek, near where the Mercer Street bridge now spans that stream. With his numerous family he occupied three small cabins, and a few years afterward when the old chief died, he was buried by his people, assisted by the white settlers, on the bank of the creek. This mark of attention did much to secure the good will of many Indians residing in this vicinity, who subsequently proved firm friends of ,the harassed pioneers. Here the bones of Stripe Neck remained until some excavations were being made near the bank of the stream, when the grave was dug away and his resting-place obliterated. The pioneers found living with the Indians in this vicinity several white prisoners, who had been captured during the previous Indian wars. Among them were Lashly Malone, captured at Bald Eagle, below Milesburg; Peter Krause (a German by birth), on Duncan's Creek, near the head of the Monon- gahela River in Virginia; Elijah Mathews, on Grave Creek, Ohio; Nicholas Eosencrantz, the son of a minister, and Nicholas Tanewood, taken in the vicinity of the Mohawk River. Krause, Mathews and Rosencrantz were mar- ried to squaws, and when the first settlers came to the site of Meadville, the two former had children eight or ten years of age. These men having lived from boyhood with their captors, were thoroughly weaned from the habits of civilization, and when the Indians left the valley, they went with them. Rev. Timothy Alden, while on a visit to Cornplanter, in the fall of 1816, staid over night at the cabin of Peter Krause, on the banks of the Allegheny, where he was then living with his Indian wife and family. The nearest villages of the western Indians who were hostile to the whites. Eciir bvE awmiamaMrn NX AD 168", W-^C/ ^ Eng bvKGWtUiBmslBra N.VT A.D 1384 7' J ^^ 9^//^' cv/ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 149 were on the Cuyahoga and Sandusky Bivers. A small band of friendly Indians dwelt at the mouth of the Conneaut Creek, in the northwestern corner of Ohio, and between twenty and thirty families of Senecas, near the western end of Presque Isle Bay, now known as ' ' The Head," some four miles west of Erie. These Indians were living at the above points as late as the beginning of the present century, and cultivated extensive corn-fields in the vicinity of their villages. The pioneer records of Erie County, Penn. , and Ashtabula County, Ohio, speak in terms of praise of these Indians, who, upon the occupancy of their lands by the whites, removed elsewhere, though often return- ing to camp in the beautiful forest bordering the bay and lake. Among the Indians living near the mouth of Conneaut Creek, was a Chief named Cana- daughta, with his three sons: Big Sun, Standing Stone and Flying Cloud, also an Indian called Wire Ears, who extended their friendly protection to the pioneers of French Creek Valley. In a rich bottom on the west bank of the Allegheny Eiver, in what is now the northeast corner of Warren County, Penn., was located Jen-ne-sa-da- ga or Tin-nes-hau-ta-go, which means "burnt houses,-'* the village of the celebrated Seneca Chief, Cornplanter, and the nearest Indian settlement on the east. This noted Chief was the stanch friend of the white settlers, as was also his half-brother, Halftown, of whose fidelity the pioneers always spoke in the most emphatic language. According to Mr. Alden, Cornplant- er's Indian names were as follows: Ki-end-twoh-ke, or " The Planter," and No-nuh, or " The Contemplative;" but they usually addressed him as Shin-ne- wau-nah, or "The Gentleman." From Day's "Historical Collections of Pennsylvania," we select the following sketch of the distinguished Chief, whose life was so closely associated with the Indian history of the northwest- ern portion of the State : " Few names are more distinguished in the frontier history of Pennsylva- nia than that of Cornplanter. He was born at Conewaugus, on the Genesee River, being a half-breed, the son of a white man named John O'Bail, a trader from the Mohawk Valley. In a letter written in later years to the Governor of Pennsylvania he thus speaks of his early youth: 'When I was a child I played with the butterfly, the grasshopper and frogs; and as I grew up I began to pay some attention and play with the Indian boys in the neighborhood, and they took notice of my skin being of a different color from theirs, and spoke about it; I inquired from my mother the cause, and she told me my father was a resident of Albany. I still ate my victuals out of a bark dish. I grew up to be a young man and married me a wife, and I had no kettle or gun. I then knew where my father lived, and went to see him, and found he was a white man and spoke the English language. He gave me victuals while I was at his house, but when I started to return home he gave me no provision to eat on the way. He gave me neither kettle nor gun. ' ***** "Little further is known of his early life beyond the fact that he was allied with the French in the engagement against Gen. Braddock in July, 1755. He was probably at that time at least twenty years old. During the Revolution he was a war chief of high rank, in the full vigor of manhood, active, sagacious, eloquent, brave, and he most probably participated in the principal Indian engagements against the United States during the war. He is supposed to have been present at the cruelties of Wyoming and Cherry Val- ley, in which the Senecas took a prominent part. He was on the war-path with Brandt during Gen. Sullivan's campaign in 1779; and in the following year, under Brandt and Sir John Johnson, he led the Senecas in sweeping * One of the towns destroyed by Col. Brodhead, 1779. 150 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. through the Schoharie Kill and the Mohawk. On this occasion he took his father a prisoner, but with such caution as to avoid an immediate recognition. After marching the old man some ten or twelve miles he stepped before him, faced about and addressed him in the following terms: " ' My name is John O'Bail, commonly called Cornplanter. I am your son ! You are my father ! You are now my prisoner, and subject to the customs of Indian warfare, but you shall not be harmed. You need not fear ! I am a warrior ! Many are the scalps which I have taken ! Many prisoners I have tortured to death ! I am your son. I was anxious to see you, and greet you in friendship. I went to your cabin, and took you by force ; but your life shall be spared. Indians love their friends and their kindred, and treat them with kindness. If now you choose to follow the fortunes of your yellow son, and to live with our people, I will cherish your old age with plenty of venison and you shall live easy. But if it is your choice to return to your fields and live with your white children, I will send a party of my trusty young men to conduct you back in safety. I respect you, my father. You have been friendly to Indians, and they are your friends.' The elder O'Bail preferred his white children and green fields to his yellow offspring and the wild woods, and chose to return. " Notwithstanding his bitter hostility while the war continued, he became the fast friend of the United States when once the hatchet was buried. His sagacious intellect comprehended at a glance the growing power of this coun- try and the abandonment with which England had requited the fidelity of the Senecas. He therefore threw all his influence at the treaties of Fort Stanwix and Fort Harmer, in favor of peace; and notwithstanding the vast concessions which he saw his people were necessitated to make, still, by his energy and prudence in the negotiation, he retained for them an ample and beautiful res- ervation. For the course which he took on those occasions, the State of Penn- sylvania granted him the fine reservation upon which he resided, on the Alle- gheny. The Senecas, however, were never well satisfied with his course in relation to these treaties ; and Red Jacket, more artful and eloquent than his elder rival, but less frank and honest, seized upon this circumstance to pro- mote his own popularity at the expense of Cornplanter. " Having buried the hatchet; Cornplanter sought to make his talents useful to his people by conciliating the good will of the whites, and securing from further encroachment the little remdlant of his national domain. On more than one occasion, when some reckless and bloodthirsty whites on the frontier had massacred unoffending Indians in cold blood, did Cornplanter interfere to restrain the vengeance of his people. During all the Indian wars from 1790 to 1794, which terminated with Wayne's treaty, Cornplanter pledged himself that the Senecas should remain friendly to the United States. He often gave notice to the garrison at Fort Franklin of intended attacks from hostile par- ties, and even hazarded his life on a mediatorial mission to the Western tribes. He ever entertained a high respect and personal friendship for Washington, 'the great councillor of the Thirteen Fires,' and often visited him, during his presidency, on the business of hia tribe. His speeches on these occasions exhibit both his talent in composition and his adroitness in diplomacy. Wash- ington fully reciprocated his respect and friendship. They had fought against each other on the disastrous day of Braddock's field. Both were then young men. More than forty years afterwards, when Washington was about to retire from the Presidency, Cornplanter made a special visit to Philadelphia to take an affectionate leave of the great benefactor of the white man and the red. " After peace was permanently established between the Indians and the HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 151 United States, Cornplanter retired from public life and devoted his labors to his own people. He deplored the evils of intemperance, and exerted himself to suppress it. The benevolent efforts of missionaries among his tribe always received his encouragement, and at one time his own heart seemed to be softened by the words of truth; yet he preserved, in his later years, many of the peculiar notions of the Indian faith. " Cornplanter appears to have taken no active part in the war of 1812-15, but the Senecas took up the hatchet in alliance with the United States; and his son. Major Henry O'Bail, and his half-brother, Half town, were conspicu- ous in that struggle against English tyranny. In September, 1816, Eev. Timothy Alden, founder of Alleghany College, went on a brief missionary tour among the Indians, and spent some days at the village of this venerable chief. On his return to Meadville he wrote a letter to Bev. Joseph McKean, of Harvard University, giving an account of his labors, from which we quote a few passages. He says: "Cornplanter, as soon as apprised of our arrival, came over to see us, and immediately took charge of oar horses. Though the chief Sachem of his tribe, and having many around him to obey his commands, yet, in the ancient patriarchial style, he chose to serve himself, and actually went into the field, cut the oats, and faith- fully fed our beasts from time to time, while we continued in the place, in ipsa persona propria. ******* "Cornplanter has been the greatest warrior the Senecas have ever had; yet he has always been remarkable for his humane treatment of the women and children of his enemies, who at any time have fallen into his -hands. He is a man of strong mind and masterly eloquence. At the treaty of Fort Stanwix, he greatly distinguished himself by his talents and address, insomuch that by general suffrage, he has ever since held the first place of power among the chiefs of his nation. " He appears to be about sixty-eight years of age,* and five feet ten inches in height. His countenance is strongly marked with the lines of intelligence and reflection. Contrary to the aboriginal custom, his chin is covered with a beard three or four inches in length, and upon his head are many of the blos- soms of age. His house is of princely dimensions compared with the gener- ality of Indian huts, and has a piazza in front. He is owner of 1,300 acres of excellent land, 600 of which encircle the ground-plot of his little town. From the United States he receives, annually, according to stipulation, $250, besides his proportion of $9,000 equally divided, one-half in goods and one- half in money, among those of every age and condition in the tribe." In a publi&hed account of a trip of the steamboat Alleghany from Pittsburgh to Clean, in May, 1830, we find the following reference to this noted chieftain. "On the evening of the 20th of May, we departed from Warren for Clean, in the State of New York, seventy-five miles above (by water), with freight and passengers from Pittsburgh. At 9 o'clock next day we arrived opposite the In- dian village of Cornplanter, seventeen miles up. Here a deputation of gentle- men waited on the well-known Indian king or chief, and invited him on board this new and, to him, wonderful visitor, a steamboat. We found him in all his native simplicity of dress and manner of living, lying on his couch, made of rough pine boards, and covered with deer skins and blankets. His habita- tion, a two-story log-house, is in a state of decay, without furniture, except a few benches and wooden spoons and bowls to eat out of, which convinced us of his determination to retain old habits and customs. This venerable chief * Mr. Alden was mistaken as to Cornplanter's age. He was born about 1732, and in 1816 was eighty-four years old. 152 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was a lad in the first French war, and is now nearly one hundred years of age. He is a smart, active man, seemingly possessed of all his strength of mind, and in perfect health, and retains among his nation all the uncontrolled in- fluence of by-gone days. He with his son Charles, who is sixty years of age, and his son-in-law, came on board and remained until the boat passed six miles up, and then after expressing great pleasure with their novel ride, re- turned home in their own canoe. His domain is a delightful bottom of rich laud tvFo miles square, nearly adjoining the line between Pennsylvania and New York. On this his own family, about fifty in number, reside in eight or ten houses." This celebrated chief died at his residence on the 7th of March, 1836, at the age of about one hundred and four years. After nearly half a century passed in strife and danger, bravely battling for the heritage of his people, the declining years of his eventful life were peacefully spent on the banks of his own beloved Allegheny, where at last he was laid to rest. Notwithstand- ing his profession of Christianity, Cornplanter was very superstitious, and whether at the time of his death he expected to go to the happy hunting- ground of the Indian or to the heaven of the Christian, is not positively known. " Not long before his death," says Mr. Foote of Chautauqua County, N. Y. , " he said the Good Spirit had told him not to have anything to do with the white people, or even to preserve any mementoes or relics that had been given to him from time to time, by the pale-faces, whereupon, among other things, he burned up his belt and broke his elegant sword." Thus closed the life of Cornplanter, a name so closely associated with the pioneer annals of northwestern Pennsylvania, that a history of Crawford County would be im- perfect without a fitting mention of his career. In 1866 the Pennsylvania Legislature appropriated $500 to erect a suitable monument at Jennesedaga, to the memory of Cornplanter, which was completed and dedicated on the 18th of October, 1867. The ancient Indian trace from Franklin ran along the east bank of French Creek, following the site of Water Street in Meadville; thence crossed the stream to the island, continuing up the west bank of the creek for several miles, when it re-crossed to the east bank, and thence up the stream to its head waters. W^ashington, in his journey from Venango (Franklin) to Fort Le Boeuf in 1753, kept the eastern bank the whole distance, as the high water prevented a crossing at the regular ford. The Indians living on the head waters of the Allegheny usually came through Meadville on their way to visit the Western tribes, while the latter followed the same general course in com- ing from the Sandusky Eiver, thus placing Crawford County in the direct route between those two great Indian confederacies. On the 6th of June, 1808, a delegation of thirteen Wyandots and Senecas from Sandusky Eiver passed through Meadville, going to a council with the Seneca Nation. They were bringing a friendly message from the Ohio tribes, to allay any fears of an Indian outbreak in that locality. During the summer some twenty or thirty Senecas, from their reservation on the Allegheny, went to Sandusky, where a council was held with the Western tribes. They passed through Meadville going and returning, and it was learned that the council's deliberations related principally to the existing differences between the United States and England, and in the event of a war they had decided to observe a strict neutrality. This decision, however, proved of very little stability, as the Senecas sided with the United States, while most of the Western Indians . through the influence of Tecumseh, assisted by English gold, went with England. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 153 When the war of 1812-15 broke out, a want of confidence began to be manifested between the inhabitants of western Pennsylvania and the Indians on the Allegheny River, which excited some uneasiness, lest disagreeable con- sequences might result from it. To quiet all apprehensions in this locality, the citizens of Meadville held a meeting, and deputized Gen. David Mead, Col. Joseph Hackney and Maj. Patrick Farrelly to visit the Indians and ascer- tain their disposition in the coming war with England; also to make what explanations might be deemed necessary to continue the good understanding that had hitherto existed with these tribes. A council was held with the In- dians at Jepnesedaga, on the Allegheny, at which were present a number of chiefs and Indians of the Seneca Nation, among whom were Cornplanter, Sil- verheels, the old prophet who was the brother of Cornplanter, Joseph Beads, John Parfer, Henry O'Bail and Charles O'Bail, sons of Cornplanter. When the council assembled Cornplanter welcomed the delegates and wished to hear from them. Maj. Patrick Farrelly, explained the object of their mission, viz., to preserve the peace and friendship heretofore existing between the whites and Indians. After a short consultation with the other chiefs, Cornplanter replied, reciprocating the sentiments expressed by Maj. Farrelly, whereupon the council broke up with the best of feelings. At this period a treaty existed between the Senecas and the United States Government, which provided that if a white man shotild kill an Indian or, vice-versa, the culprit would have to pay $200 to the friends or heirs of the murdered man. Though this might now be regarded as very questionable justice, yet it helped to establish a feeling of confidence among the Senecas, which made them the allies of this nation in the war of 1812-15, though every effort was made by the agents of the English Government to seduce them from their allegiance to the American cau-se. To Cornplanter' s influence was due this happy result, as after the Revolutionary war he was always the friend of the young Republic in her struggle against English arrogance, which was exhibited on every occasion, until the war of 1812-15 taught her to respect the rights of American freemen. 154 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER III. French Navigators— C artier Discovers the St. Lawrence— Champlain Founds Quebec and Montreal— French Explorations— Catholic Mis- sionaries Visit the Fries and Iroquois— Joncaire— French a-nd English Traders— Conflicting Claims— Celeron's Expedition— The French Take Possession of the Allegheny and Ohio Valleys, and Build Forts Peesque Isle, Le Btr.nF, Machault and DuQuesne— Catholic Church Erected at Presque Isle— English Resistance to the Claims of France— Washing- ton's Mission to the French Commandant at Le Bceuf — War Between the Two Nations— Old French Road Through Crawford County— French Fort at Site of Meadvillb— Evacuation of the Country by the French, AND English Occupancy— Forts Peesque Isle and Le Bceuf Repaired, and Venango and Pitt Erected— Indian Dissatisfaction— Pontiac's Con- spiracy AND Capture of Foets Venango, Le Bceuf and Presque Isle— Revolutionary War and American Possession — Indian Treaties — Erection of Fort Franklin— Soldiers Stationed at Mead's Block- house— French Creek Settlers Organize foe Protection— English and Indian Opposition to American Occupation— Wayne's Victory and Final Peace. IN 1534 Jacques Cartier, a skilled French navigator, left the shores of hia native land, and, crossing the Atlantic in search of a more direct route to India, discovered, on the feast of St. Lawrence, the beautiful river connect- ing Lake Ontario with the ocean. The following year he made a second voy- age with the same object in view, and on reaching the mouth of that magnifi- cent stream named it the St. Lawrence, in honor of the day of its discovery. He passed up the river to the sites of Quebec S,nd Montreal, and found at each place a flourishing Indian village. Not knowing the climate or heeding the flight of time, the rigors of a Northern winter were upon him ere he re- alized their terrors, and midst untold sufferings these hardy but unprepared seamen were compelled to remain on the St. Lawrence, their ship being ice- bound, until spring navigation opened, when the survivors returned to France. Six years later Cartier made another trip across the Atlantic, for the purpose of founding a permanent colony on the St. Lawrence, but the experiment did not succeed. Subsequent attempts at colonizing were made by other navigat- ors, but nearly a century passed away before Samuel de Champlain, on the 3d of July, 1608, plan1.a4AJl^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 189 and upon reaching the spot near where the barn of Hon. William Reynolds now stands, heard a noise in the bushes, and thinking it was a deer, and being armed with his trusty rifle, he stood still so as to secure a good shot as soon as the animal should appear. While thus waiting three guns were discharged at him, one ball struck him in the left hip, one in the right shoulder, and a third passed through his left band. Discovering the barrel of another riiie pointed from the bushes, he instantly leveled his gun to shoot, but at that moment his hiddeD foe tired, the ball passing through Dickson's hat and grazing the top of his head. The brave Scot stood his ground and shouted to the savages: " Come out you cowardly dogs and fight me fair." Two Indians, tomahawk in hand, immediately sprang from their hiding place, but the fear of the Scotchman's rifle soon caused them to seek protection behind trees, one to his right and the other to his left, thus intending to attack him from both quar- ters at once, and get between him and the village. Dickson concluded to reserve his fire knowing that therein lay his only safety, and by menacing each in turn he managed to keep them at bay, one of whom, however, had in the meantime loaded his gun and again fired at the Scotchman, but missed. The Indians fearing a rescue party from "Mead's Block-house," soon gave up the battle and disappeared in the forest, leaving the hardy pioneer victor of the field. He at once started for the village, but ere reaching the little cluster of cabins which then comprised Meadville, he met Samuel Lord, John Went- worth, Luke Kill and Flying Cloud, coming to his assistance. This party pursued the savages, but the latter had made good their escape, and were not overtaken. Mr. Dickson, wounded and bleeding, reached the cabin where his wife and children were living, and after washing off the blood that covered him, was with difficulty restrained by his wife and friends from joining in the pursuit, as he said: " I want revenge on the bloody rascals." His son, now the venerable Joseph Dickson, still living in Meadville, was then only four years old, and he says : " I well remember seeing my father coming into the cabin, his clothes covered with blood, which streamed from his wounds, and I also reJiember how much trouble my mother had to keep him from following the Indians." Mr. Dickson when speaking of the fight always claimed that at one time when about to fire at the Indians, he distinctly heard a voice saying: "Dinna shoot! Dinna shoot! Dinna be afraid, they canna kill ye." The bullet received in his shoulder during this conflict, remained in his body until his death, some thirty years afterward. The day following the wounding of James Dickson, Flying Cloud offered his son to carry a message to Fort Le Bceuf (Waterford) asking for a guard. The Indian lad left after sunrise and was back before dark. The next day seven soldiers arrived from the fort, all that could be spared from that point, and took up their quarters at ''Mead's Block-house." They did not remain long, however, as it was believed they were more badly needed at Fort Le Bceuf. By the summer of 1794, most of the old settlers had returned, and new ones had arrived to re enforce the struggling colonists. Many improvements <« began t,o make their appearance and the pioneers, by orders of Gen. Gibson, were organized into a military company of which Cornelius Van Home was commissioned Ensign. This company served from August 4 until December 31, and gave to the settlement the appearance of a military post. Not to be dependent upon uncertain aid from the army, they determined to protect them- selves, and in order to more effectually secure the object in view, they carried out the previous recommendation of Andrew Ellicott to the State government by erecting on the northeast corner of Water Street and Steer's Alley, in Mead- ville, a regularly constructed block-house with the upper story projecting, as 190 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was the style of those primitive defenses. A look-out or sentry box was built on the top to provide against surprise, and in the upper story of the building a cannon was mounted, while in each side of the structure in this story a trap door for port holes was constr acted, so that the cannon could be wheeled to each and thus command the approaches from every direction. All these things go to show that the settlers began to feel their strength, and that they were becoming more permanently fixed in their new homes. Nearly all of the earliest settlers were true backwoodsmen, and were ever ready to undertake the most dangerous missions. About the 1st of August, 1794, a soldier having been killed by the Indians near Fort Franklin, Capt. Heath wrote to Robert Fitz Randolph for some men competent to act as spies. The latter recommended Luke Hill, John Wentworth, John Baum and his son Edward Fitz Randolph, all of whom were pioneers of Crawford County. Ed- ward Fitz Randolph engaged in this dangerous servicQ, and served from the beginning of August to the beginning of September of 1794. So these men were fully competent to defend their homes against the wily savage, and feared no foe of equal numbers. The crushing defeat inflicted on the Western Indians by Gen. Wayne August 20, 1794, completely crippled their power and left the settlers of west- ern Pennsylvania in comparative quiet. But though beaten and utterly demoralized, they did not entirely desist from their marauding expeditions. Iiq small bands they kept prowling through the forests attacking the frontier set- tlements of the whites, and they seldom failed to leave bloody marks of the tomahawk and scalping-knife. The last depredation committed by them within the present limits of Crawford County, which resulted in the loss of life, occurred on the 3d of June, 1795. On that day James Findlay and Barnabas McCormick were engaged in making rails about six miles south of Meadville, on the west side of French Creek, near the mouth of Conneaut Outlet; and shots having been heard in that direction by some settlers, search was made for the cause, when the bodies of Findlay and McCormick were found close to the scene of their labors. The Indians had surprised them while at work, and after shooting and scalping the unfortunate men, cut two human figiu-es with other characters in the bark of a tree which stood close to the spot, to illustrate their victory over the pale faces. The bodies were brought to town, placed in one cofiSn and interred in Meadville Cemetery. Two days after committing this deed, the same band plundered the camp of William Power, one of the pioneer surveyors of Crawford County. He was then engaged in surveying lands located in what is now South Shenango Town- ship, and had left James Thompson, one of his assistants, in charge of the camp. On the 5th of June, 1795, the Indians suddenly appeared, made a prisoner of Thompson, and scattered the provisions, etc. , of the camp in every direction. While a prisoner, Thompson saw the scalps of Findlay and Mc- Cormick in possession of the savages, recognizing these ghastly trophies of Indian warfare by the color of the hair. Thompson was taken to Detroit, where he remained a prisoner until after the treaty of Greenville, which was ratified August 3, 1795, when he was released, and subsequently settled north of Cochranton, in Bast Fairfield Township. For many years the site of Pow- er's camp was known to the settlers as the ' 'White Thorn Corner. " The foregoing were the principal depredations committed by the Indians in this county or on citizens thereof; but the killing of Connelly and Wallace on Sandy Creek, in Venango County, while driving cattle to Pittsbui-gh, and that of Ralph Rutledge and his sixteen-year-old son on the site of Erie, in the spring of 1795, demonstrates that scattered bands of savages were roaming all HISTORY OF CBAWFORD COUNTY. 191 over northwestern Pennsylvania, seeking revenge for their terrible defeat the previous autumn. All of those murders vrere committed by Indians belonging to the Ohio tribes, as was fully proven by their own boasting to the English soldiers, in the presence of some American captives, after arriving at Detroit with the scalps of their victims. The power of the Indian confederacy in Ohio was, however, broken, and though in later years alarms were often sounded, they proved groundless. New emigrants were constantly arriving to occupy and clear up lands, and the county progressed rapidly in wealth and popula- tion. CHAPTER VI. KOETHWESTEEN PENNSYLVANIA— FOEMATION OF COUNTIES— TERRITORY EM- BRACED IN Allegheny County— Erection of Crawford County, and Location of the Seat of Justice at Meadville— Surrounding Coun- ties Erected and Temporarily Attached to Crawford for Judicial Purposes— The Mercer and Erie County Boundary Lines Established — Biography of Col. William Crawford after Whom the County WAS Named— His Useful Career and Cruel Death— Location and Boundaries of Crawford County— Townships— Size, Area and Gen- eral Appearance— Population Statistics — French Creek — The Stream AS A Highway of Navigation— New Channel at Meadville— Its Trib- utaries — CussEWAGO AND Other Streams— Oil Creek— Conneaut Creek — Shenango and Crooked Creek— Lake Conneaut— Oil Creek Lake- Sugar Lake. THE territory embraced in northwestern Pennsylvania was nominally attached to Bedford County, which was formed from Cumberland, March 9, 1771, until the erection of Westmoreland from the former, February 26, 1873, toward which county said territory afterward held the same relation ; but, upon its acquisition from the Indians by the treaties of Forts Stanwix and Mcintosh, it was legally attached to Wetmoreland County by the act of April 8, 1785, being described in said act as "a part of the late purchase from the Indians." On the 28fch of March, 1781, Washington County was created out of a part of Westmoreland ; and September 24, 1788, Allegheny County was erected from portions of Westmoreland and Washington, and its boundaries defined as follows : Beginning at the mouth of Flaherty's Run, on the south side of the Ohio River; from thence by a straight line to the plantation on which Joseph Scott, Esq., now lives on Montour's Run, to include the same; from thence by a straight line to the mouth of Miller's Run, on Chartier's Creek; thence by a straight line to the mouth of Perry's Mill Run, on the east side of the Monongahela River; thence up the said river to the mouth of Becket's Run; thence by a straight line to the mouth of Sewickly Creek, on Youghiogheny River; thence down the said river to the mouth of Crawford's Run; thence by a straight line to the mouth of Brush Creek, on Turtle Creek; thence up Turtle Creek to the main fork thereof; thence by a northerly line until it strikes Puckety's Creek; thence down the said creek to the Allegheny River; thence up the Allegheny River to the northern boundary of the State; thence along the same to the western boundary of the State; thence south along the same to the River Ohio; and thence up the same to the place of beginning; to be henceforth known and by the name of Allegheny County. On the 12th of March, 1800, the Legislature passed an act erecting the Counties of Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango and Armstrong, from territory previously embraced in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington and Lycoming Counties. The territory composing Crawford 192 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. County was taken from Allegheny, and the following boundary lines estab- lished : Beginning at tlie northeast corner of Mercer County (which is the north line of Fifth Donation District), thence upon a course north forty-flve degrees east till it intersects the north line of the Sixth Donation District; thence eastwardly along the said line ten miles; thence at a right angle to the said line northerly to the north line of the Eighth Donation District; thence westwardly along the said line to the western boundary of the State; thence southerly along the said boundary to the northwest corner of Mercer County; thence eastwardly along the north line of Mercer County to the place of beginning, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a separate county to be henceforth called Crawford County, and the place of holding the courts of justice in and for the said county shall be at Meadville: Provided the inhabitants or proprietors of Meadville and its vicinity sub- scribe and secure the payment of |4,000 to the trustees of the county, either in specie or land at a reasonable valuation, within four months of the passing of this act for the use of a seminary of learning within said county; and in case of neglect or refusal the trustees shall, and they are hereby authorized to fix on the seat of justice at any place within four miles of Meadville. And the Governor shall, and he is hereby empowered to appoint three Commissioners, any two of which shall run and ascertain and plainly mark the boundary lines of the said county of Crawford, and shall receive as a full compensa- tion for their services therein the sum of |2 for every mile so run and marked, to be paid out of the moneys which shall be raised for the county uses within the county of Craw- ford. By the same act Armstrong County was, for judicial purposes, provision- ally attached to Westmoreland; Butler and Beaver were placed under the juris- diction of Allegheny; " and the counties of Crawford, Mercer, Venango, War- ren and Brie shall form one county under the name of Crawford County." The sparsely settled condition of northwestern Pennsylvania at that period rendered this course necessary for the government of these counties until such time as the population had sufficiently increased to justify separate organiza- tions. Three trustees were appointed by the act for each of the newly erected counties, those for Crawford being David Mead, Frederick Haymaker and James Gibson. On the 2d of April, 1803, Brie and Mercer were organized as separate and distinct counties, Venango April 1, 1805, and Warren March 16, 1819. A part of the line between Crawford and Mercer Counties was slightly changed, by an act passed March 28, 1808, for the convenience of certain citi- zens living on said line who petitioned the General Assembly for that purpose, and in compliance with said petition the following line was run: Beginning at the northwest corner of a certain tract of donation land, known by its No. 1078, situated on the northwest corner of a section of the Fifth Donation District; thence southwardly by a tract of land on which Joseph Burson now resides, 154 perches to a birch tree, the southeast corner of the said tract; thence by the same westwardly to an ironwood tree, the southeast corner of a tract of land on which Alexander Caldwell now resides; and thence in the same direction from the southeast corner of one tract to the southeast corner of the next, to the western boundary of the State, anything in any other law to the contrary notwithstanding. The true boundary line between Crawford and Brie Counties was long a subject of dispute, and to settle the question the Legislature passed an act at the session of 1849-50, providing for three Commissioners to run a new line. This board was given full power to act, and its decision was to be final. In 1850 Humphrey A. Hills, of Albion, was appointed Commissioner for Erie County, Andrew Kyan, for Crawford County, and these two selected H. P. Kinnear, of Warren County, as the third member of the board. Wilson King and Mr. Jagger were chosen as surveyors, the former on behalf of Erie County, and the latter of Crawford, but David Wilson, as deputy for King, did most of the work. The Commissioners experienced some difficulty in finding a start- ing point, but after this was agreed upon, the survey was completed in about six weeks. A perfectly straight line was run from east to west, and marked HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 193 by stones set two miles apart. When the survey was finished, a number of cit- izens who supposed they resided in Crawford County, found themselves in Erie, while some who thought they lived in the latter county were thrown into Crawford. This caused a little dissatisfaction among a few of the settlers thus affected, but the feeling soon subsided, as all were compelled to accept the result accomplished under the law. As this county was named in honor of Col. William Crawford, the friend of Washington, and one of the most distinguished frontiersmen of Western Pennsylvania, it will be bat proper that a brief biography of him should appear in the pages of this work. He was born in 1732, in Orange (now Berkeley) County, Va., his parents being of Irish extraction. His father, a respectable farmer, died when William was four years old, leaving another sou, Valentine, younger than our subject. His mother, Onora, was a woman of uncommon energy of character, possessed of great physical strength, and kind and attentive to her children. She married for her second husband Richard Stephenson, to whom she bore five boys and one girl: John, Hugh, Richard, James, Marcus, and Elizabeth, the last mentioned dying young. The seven boys were all remarkable for their size and physical prowess. In 1749 the youthful George Washington became acquainted with the family, and it was while surveying in the Shenandoah Valley that his acquaintance with William Crawford ripened into a friendship that lasted until the cruel death of the latter more than thirty years afterward. Our subject learned surveying from Washington, which in connection with farming he followed until 1755, when he received an Ensign's commission in a company of Virginia riflemen, and served with Washington under Gen. Braddock, in the ill-fated and disastrous battle with the French near Fort DuQuesne, on the 9th of July, 1755. For gallantry aod meritorious conduct on this occasion Ensign Crawford was pro- moted to a lieutenancy. In 1758, Washington, the Commander-in-chief of the Virginia forces, obtained for Lieut. Crawford a Captain's commission, and thereupon he recruited a company of hardy frontiersmen for Washington's regiment, and was with the command at the occupation of Fort DuQuesne, November 25, 1758, the French having evacuated the post on the approach of the army under Gen. Forbes. Capt. Crawford remained in the service of Virginia three years, then returned to his home in the valley of the Shenandoah, where he was engaged in farming for the succeeding six years. Early in 1767, he started out to And a new location, and having selected land on the south side of the Youghiogheny River, built a log cabin where the village of New Haven now stands, in the northern part of Fayette County, Penn. , which was at that time on the extreme frontier, all around being one vast wilderness. He had previously married Hannah Vance, and was the father of three children — Sarah, John and Effie, who with their mother re: mained behind in Virginia. His half brother, Hugh, who was also married, soon joined him, but it was not till 1769 that the brothers were enabled to bring their families to their new homes on' the banks of the Youghiogheny. Here Capt Crawford resided, except when in the service of his country, until the campaign against Sandusky, which ended in his death. His home was known among the pioneers far and wide as "Crawford's Place, "being a famous tarrying-place for new comers to the valley. The site of his homestead was also called "Stewart's Crossings," from the fact of there having been located here in 1753-54, the Indian trading post of William Stewart, who left upon the coming of the French in the spring of the latter year. With the growth of the settlement, Capt. Crawford fell into his natural 194 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. place as a leader in the public affairs of the community. At the request of Washington he selected and surveyed a tract of land for him, some twelve miles from his own, and on the 13th of October, 1770, Washington visited Capt. Crawford's home, and remained three days exploring the surrounding country. In company with a party of friends they then went to Fort Pitt; thence descended the Ohio in a large canoe, as far as the Great Kanawha River, visiting the Indian village at Mingo Bottom, on the route going and returning. Horses having been brought from Capt. Crawford's home to Mingo Bottom, the party returned by land from that point. During the whole journey Washington and Crawford were inseparable companions. On the 25th of November, Washington took his final departure for Mount Vernon, and never again visited the home of his friend on the Youghiogheny. In 1771, Capt. Crawford was appointed by Gov. Penn, a Justice of the Peace for Bedford County, and upon the erection of Westmoreland, in 1773, he was made Presiding Justice of the courts of that county. He took an active part in "Dunmore's war," in 1774, received a Captain's commission from Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, and raising a company to fight against the Indians, marched to Fort Pitt, which had been seized from Penn- sylvania the previous year, by the Virginia troops, and named Fort Dunmore. Though a prominent actor in " Dunmore's war," Capt. Crawford was not present at the battle of Point Pleasant, his operations being devoted to the protection of the frontier settlements. For the part he took in this war, and his siding with Virginia against the peace policy of Gov. Penn, he was re- moved from all public positions held by him in Westmoreland County. Capt. Crawford now fully transferred his allegiance to his native State, and never again held office by Pennsylvania authority. He played a leading part on behalf of Virginia, in the boundary troubles which arose between these colo- nies, and from 1776 to the beginning of 1780, held the position of Deputy Surveyor and Land-ofScer in Youghiogheny County, Va., being also one of the Justices of that county at intervals during the same period. In the meantime a momentous event occurred, the Declaration of Inde- pendence had been sent forth to the world, and from the first Capt. Crawford was one of the foremost in advocating the rights and liberties of America. He tendered to Virginia his services, in the fall of 1775, to raise a regiment for the defense of the colonies. His offer was accepted, and the regiment raised, but Congress having decided to accept only six Virginia regiments into pay on the continental establishment, and in the organization and consoli- dation of the several regiments, Capt. Crawford failed to obtain a colonelcy, which his patriotism and abilities merited. On the 12th of January, 1776, he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regiment, and on the 11th of October following. Colonel of the Seventh Regiment of the Virginia battalion. He participated in the Long Island campaign, and the famous retreat through New Jersey; crossed the Delaware with Washington, and commanded his regiment at the battles of Trenton and Princeton. He served continuously under Washington up to the fall of 1777, rendering important services while in command of a picked detachment of scouts detailed to watch the movements of the enemy during Howe's advance upon Philadel- phia. Col. Crawford having expressed his fears to Washington of an Indian attack upon the settlements around Fort Pitt, these representations were commu- nicated by the latter to Congress, and two regiments were ordered to be raised on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia for their defense, the latter State responding with a full regiment, and the former with several companies. ^In HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 195 November, 1777, Congress requested Washington to send Col. William Craw ford to Pittsburgh to take command, under Brig. -Gen. Hand, of the continental troops and militia in the Western Department; whereupon Col. Crawford repaired to York, Penn., where Congress was then in session, received his instructions and soon after departed for his new field of operations. In May, 1778, he took command of the Virginia regiment under Brig. -Gen. Mcintosh, the successor of Hand, and his first active service was the erection of Fort Crawford, a stockade fort on the south side of the Allegheny River, a short distance above the mouth of Puckety Creek, where he commanded at intervals for some three years. Col. Crawford was second in command under Gen. Mc- intosh in the proposed expedition against Detroit, in the fall of 1778, which only resulted in the erection of Forts Mcintosh and Laurens, both of which he occasionally visited on official business until their abandonment late in the following summer. Before the close of the year 1779, Col. Crawford had led several small parties into the wilderness in pursuit of the bands of Indian depredators infesting the whole region, and in these expeditions he was usually successful. In all future operations against the savage foe, up to the time of his death. Col. Crawford was a leading spirit, and in raising volunteers and giving advice his services were invaluable. He visited Congress in 1780 to urge upon that body a more effectual and energetic defense of the frontiers. He had often expressed himself in favor of an expedition against the Indian town of San- dusky, located in what is now Wyandot County, Ohio; and had tried to raise a force for its destruction, but failed for the want of supplies. Col. Crawford was placed upon the retired list in the Continental line in the fall of 1781, and returned to his home on the Youghiogheny, with the hope of spending the balance of his life in peaceful avocations. His three children were married and living in the vicinity of the old homestead. Sarah, the eld- est, was the wife of Maj. William Harrison, a man of great spirit and consid- erable distinction among the pioneers of the valley; John, the only son, was the idol of his father, "a young man," wrote Hugh H. Brackenridge, in 1782, "greatly and deservedly esteemed as a soldier and citizen;" and Effie, the youngest, was married to William McCormick. Hostilities still continued between the frontiersmen and the western In- dians, and a spirit of bitter retaliation was the predominant feeling on both sides. In the spring of 1782, Col. Crawford, who yet held his commission in the regular army, was earnestly urged by many leading men to take command of the expedition then organizing against Sandusky, and together with his son, John, and son-in-law, Maj. Harrison,' volunteered to go. He left his home on the 18th of May, and after a consultation with Gen. Irvine at Pitts- burgh, proceeded down the river to the Mingo Bottom, the place of rendezvous. On the 24th of May, Col. Crawford was chosen by the volunteers as the Com- mander-in-chief of the expedition, and on the following morning the whole command, consisting of 480 mounted men, began its march from the Mingo Bottom, located in what is now Jefferson Connty, Ohio. Passing through the territory now embraced in the counties of Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Ashland, Richland and Crawford, to the center of Wyandot, the com- mand reached a point on the Sandusky Plains, some three miles and a half northeast of the present town of Upper Sandusky, whore in and around a grove, since well known as "Battle Island," Col. Crawford was furiously at- tacted by the Indians on the afternoon of June 4. 1782. As night came on the advantage remained with the Americans, the Indians being beaten at every point. The next day desultory firing was indulged in by both sides, but no 196 HISTORY OF CRAWFOED COUNTY. general engagement ensued. As the afternoon advanced, the Indians were re-enforced by a detachment of an English mounted regiment called "Butler's Bangers," while bands of savages were constantly arriving to swell the num- bers of the enemy. Upon discovering that his small force was greatly outnumbered, Col. Crawford called a council of his officers, which decided to retreat during the night, but no sooner had the retrograde movement commenced, than it was dis- covered by the Indians, who at once opened a hot fire. The retreat, however, continued, with the enemy in close pursuit, and, on the afternoon of June 6, another battle was fought, which again resulted in favor of the Americans. The British Light-horse and mounted Indians hung on the Americans' rear, firing occasionally, until the morning of the 7th, when the pursuit was aban- doned, the last hostile shot being fired near where the village of Crestline now stands. The little army thence made its way to the Mingo Bottom without further molestation, arriving at that place on the 13th of June. It immedi- ately crossed the Ohio Kiver, where the tired troops went into camp, and on the following day were discharged. In the darkness and confusion attending the beginning of the retreat, sev- eral small parties became separated from the main body of the troops, and the soldiers composing these were, with a rare exception, killed or captured by the savages, who scattered through the forest for the purpose of cutting off strag- glers. All of the captured were put to death excepting Dr. John Knight, and John Slover, the guide, both of whom escaped after beiiig condemned to be burnt at the stake. Among the many who thus fell into the hands of the sav- ages were Col. Crawford, his son-in-law, Maj. Harrison, and his nephew Wil- liam Crawford. The two last mentioned were taken by the Shawnees to Wapatomica, one of their towns on Mad River, in what is now Logan County, Ohio, andsquibbed to death with powder. But all the punishment that savage hate and devilish malignity could invent was reserved for the unfortunate leader of the expedition. Col. Crawford was captured by the Delawares, whose principal chiefs, Capt. Pipe and Wingenund, decided to burn him at the stake. He was taken to a spot three-quarters of a mile from the Delaware village on the east bank of Tymochtee Creek, some eight miles northwest of where now stands the county seat of Wyandot County, Ohio. Here on the 11th of June, 1782, the victim was stripped naked, his hands bound behind his back, and a rope fastened — one end to the ligature between his wrist, and the other to the foot of a post about fifteen feet high. The rope was long enough to allow him to walk around the pos^ twice and back again, the fire being built in a circle around the post, leaving an open space between them. According to the testimony of Dr. Knight, who was an unwilling spectator of the terrible scene, having been captured with Col. Crawford, the Indians began the torture about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, first discharging about seventy loads of powder into the victim's body, and then cut off his ears. After this the faggots were lighted, and for more than three hours the unfortunate man walked around the stake within the circle of fire. Burning sticks were continually applied to his naked flesh already burnt black with powder, and which ever way he turned the same fate met him. Live coals and hot embers were thrown upon him by the squaws, until the space in which he walked was one bed of fire and scorching ashes. In the midst of his awful sufferings Col. Crawford begged of Simon Girty, the Tory renegade, who was present at the execution, to shoot him, but that white savage laughed at his misery. At last the victim's strength gave out and he laid down, when an Indian ran in and scalped him, and an old squaw threw coals of fire upon his bleeding head. A ^^.^.^^cj HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 319 From the year 1804 up to 1819 the county officials occupied rented offices in the residence of Hon. William McArthur, which stood on the northwest corner of North Main Street and the Diamond. In the latter year a lot was purchased on South Main Street, and a two-storied brick building erected thereon for the use of the county officers, at a total cost of 12,579. When the second court house was built, some five years afterward, this building was sold, and is yet standing in a good state of preservation immediately south of the Unitarian Church. In 1824 a new court house was erected on the site of the present imposing structure, at a total cost of about 115,000. It was a long brick building, with a Doric temple front consisting of four pillars, and was surmounted with a circular cupola or belfry. It was but a one-story building in the interior, the county offices being in the front part, and the court room in the rear of the offices. In 1833 an 800-pound bell was purchased, at a cost of 1351, and hung in the belfry. It was at that time the largest bell in the county, and its clear tones could be distinctly heard a distance of seven miles. This building was used until 1867, when it was removed to make room for the present one, the courts in the meantime being held in the Richmond Block, on Chestnut Street, the county officials also occupying rented offices. The jail is a two-storied stone building in the rear of the court house, and was erected in 1849. It faces on Center Street, the Sheriff occupying the front part of it, while the balance is fitted up with iron cells for prisoners. We understand that the building has been condemned by several grand juries, as being inadequate to the present wants of the county, yet there seems to be little prospect, at the present time, of a new one taking its place, though such a change is strongly advocated by many of the leading citizens. The erection of the present fine court house was commenced in the fall of 1867, the corner stone was laid May 27, 1868, and the building completed in October, 1869. It is located on the east side of the Diamond, in Meadville, and is constructed in the Renaissance style, of pressed brick, with stone trim- mings. It has marble floors, an iron roof, and is considered fire-proof through- out, though the latter is very doubtful, as much of its finishings are of wood. The building is heated by steam, and its total cost, including fencing, flagging and furnishings, was $249,000. A handsome dome, containing a clock, sur- mounts the structure, and on the summit of the dome is a figure representing Justice holding the scales. The court house contains all the county offices, is handsomely finished, and very convenient in its internal arrangements, while its exterior will compare favorably with the public buildings of other counties. On the first floor are located the offices of the County Commissioners' Register and Recorder, Sheriff, Treasurer, Clerk of the Courts, County Superintendent of Schools, District Attorney, Court Stenographer, and the Arbitration Room. The court room, Prothonotary's office and jury rooms occupy the second floor, and the janitor's rooms are in the third story, or attic. The County Com- missioners, at the time the corner stone was laid, were: Benjamin G. David, Jeremiah Baker and John M. Calvin; the architect was E. L. Roberts, and ■the builders Carpenter and Mathews, all of whom deserve credit for the faith- ful performance of their part in the erection of a building that does honor to the enterprise of Crawford County. For more than fifty years after the organization of the county each town- ship cared for its own poor, but on the 15th of April, 1851, an act was passed by the Legislature "To provide for the erection of a house for the employ- ment and support of the poor in the county of Crawford." Isaac Saeger, James D. Mclntire, James Cochran, Hugh Brawley, H. B. Beatty, Anson 320 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Leonard, William McLean and John Eeynolds were appointed by the act Com- missioners to purchase land for said purpose, and the County Commissioners were instructed to erect suitable buildings thereon, and were designated as managers of the institution from that time forward, known as "The Directors of the Poor and of the House of Employment in the county of Crawford." The Commissioners appointed by the act purchased of Joseph "Woodring, December 8, 1851, ninety-nine acres and eighty perches of land adjoining the borough of Saegertown, for the sum of $3,980. On the 22d of May, 1852, the Direc- tors entered into a contract with James A. McFadden and Joseph Balliet to erect a building on said land at a cost of $7,250, to be completed by July 1, 1853. It is a two-story-and-a-half brick structure, 42x90 feet in dimensions, with a kitchen in the rear 22x36 feet; but when finished the Directors would not accept it. A law suit followed and was decided in favor of the contractors. The building was first occupied in 1854, and served all purpose until 1868, when a three storied brick building 45x68 feet in size was erected adjoining the old structure, at a cost of about $20,000. On the 11th of March, 1869, 124 acres were added to the farm, purchased of the executors of Henry Strouss for $8,660. Another addition of thirteen acres and ninety-eight perches was made to the farm July 18, 1881, bought of Dr. Abraham Diechman at an expense of $680. 62 J. The farm thus contains something over 236 acres of good land, upon which many other improvements besides those mentioned have been made from time to time. A fine barn was built in 1884 at a cost of $1,200, and the farm and improvements have thus far cost the county about $50,000. The building is heated throughout by steam, and an abundance of good water is supplied from a spring on the premises. The Superintendent, A. J. Mc- Quiston, and his family occupy the first floor of the main building, while all the balance is utilized by the inmates for sleeping rooms, bath rooms, dining rooms, kitchen, etc. These unfortunates are furnished with good, wholesome food, have a regular attending physician, and their apartments are kept clean and comfortable. The house will accommodate about 150 inmates, though usually it contains only about half that number. There is no special provision for the accommodation of the insane, all of whom are sent to the State Asylum at Warren, Penn. The outbuildings include three large barns, one of which was recently erected, while handsome grounds laid out into well-shaded walks and driveways present a picture that is pleasing to the visitor and a credit to the charity of the county. The Old State Arsenal. — In March, 1816, the Legislature passed an act appropriating*$30,000 toward the erection of two arsenals, one at Harrisbui'g and the other at Meadville. Gen. David Mead donated a piece of land for the Meadville building, and Judge William Clark took the contract to erect and complete the arsenal at a total cost of $16,000. It was a two-story brick building 30x100 feet in dimensions, and stood on the site of the First District schoolhouse. It had seven compartments for cannon and a workshop on the first floor, while the second story was divided into rooms for the storage of small arms and military equipments. During the Rebellion the arsenal was used as a barracks for recruits, and after standing about fifty years as a con- spicuous ornament to Meadville, it was transferred by a special act of the Legislature to the city for school purposes, and torn down to make room for the erection of the school building which now occupies the site. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 321 CHAPTER XV. Education— The Old Block-House Wherein the First School in Craw- ford County was Taught— The Act Erecting the County Provides FOR A Sbjiinary of Learning at the County Seat— Pioneer School- houses— School Law of 1809— Free Schools Established in 1834— Nation- ality AND Educational Characteristics of the Early' Settlers- Teachers OF Pioneer Days— Organization of the Crawford County Teachers' Institute— Its Growth and Progress, and the Work it has ACCOMP'LISHED SCHOOL LaW OF 1854— OFFICE OF COUNTY SUPERINTEND- ENT Creatbd — Establishment of Normal Schools — Superintendents SINCE 1854— Present Condition of the Schools— Crawford County Medi- cal Society— HoMtEOPATHic Medical Society of Crawford County- Crawford County Mutual Insurance Company— Fabmebs' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Crawford County. DURING the first thirty- four years of the present century, the means of education throughout the county were such as the enterprise and fore- sight of the settlers, burdened with ceaseless toil, and beset with poverty, prompted them voluntarily to provide. The forest had to be leveled, the stubborn soil broken, the rough places made even, and the crooked made straight. The family had to be clothed and fed, and provision made in the years of plenty for the years of famine; and it is a wonder, amid trials so great, that the subject of the education of their children arrested the thought of the settler, and a matter of pride and congratulation that the generation which grew up in this severe school attained to so good a degree of instruc- tion and training as they did. It was the good seed that fell on good ground, and, in these later years, has brought forth, " some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold." The fountain-head of instruction in Crawford County was the old block-house erected in 1794, on the northeast corner of Water Street and Steer's Alley, Meadville. It served as a rallying point in times of danger, and when that had passed, was repaired by James Gibson at the expense of David Mead, and the upper story utilized for school purposes. T'he first school was taught in this structure by an Irishman named Kelly, in the winter of 1798-99, and continued at intervals for several years. The next scene in the drama of educational progress was the act of March 12, 1800, erecting Crawford County, which contained a proviso fixing the county seat at Meadville, on condition that the inhabitants of that village and vicinity would contribute $4,000, either in money or land, toward the found- ing of a seminary of learning in the county; but in case this provision was not carried out, the act authorized the location of said county seat within fom- miles of Meadville. David Mead, Frederick Haymaker and James Gibson were constituted Trustees for the county, and empowered to receive and hold in trust for the benefit of the contemplated institution, property of any description, and to sell and re- invest in such manner as to them should seem judicious. It was, doubtless, difficult to raise money for institutions of learning then, as now; but the man who conceived that proviso understood human nature, and plainly foresaw that, by bringing a pressure to bear, which would come of seeing the county seat liable to be carried four miles away, he would surely bring out the needed resources. It was a condition intended to confer lasting benefit, and secure that virtue and intelligence 322 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. which should make the town a fit place for the habitation of justice, and its conception evinced a foresight and political wisdom worthy of imitation by the founders of States. The pioneer schoolhouses were usually built of logs, and sometimes a deserted cabin would be utilized for the purpose. The desks were placed around against the walls, and the pupils occupying them sat facing the win- dows. Benches, without backs, for the smaller scholars, occupied the middle of the room. The windows were quite long, longitudinally, and from two to three panes wide, perpendicularly, and often covered with greased paper instead of glass. A desk for the teacher, a huge stove in the middle of the room, a bucket, and what was called the ' 'pass," a small paddle, having the words "in" and "out" written on its opposite sides, constituted the furniture of the room. These structures have long since disappeared and Crawford County is now well supplied with schoolhouses of a superior character, and fully up to the requirements of the age, both in the style of the buildings and their furniture. In 1^09 a law was passed providing for the "education of the poor, gratis." The assessors, in their annual levies, were required to enroll the names of all indigent parents, and the tuition of the children of such parents, in the most convenient schools, was provided for out of the county treasury. By reference to the record of that period, it is seen that some pupils were educated at the county expense in nearly all of the old townships. But the number was small, as most families were unwilling to proclaim themselves paupers. Their pride and self-respect revolted at such a declaration, and Thaddeus Stevens, in a speech in tfee House of Representatives, said that such a law as that, instead of being called a public school law, ought to be entitled, an act for branding und marking the poor, so that they may he known from the rich and proud.'' Neverthless, we find that the following amoonts were paid out in Craw- ford County for the "education of poor children": In 1810, 130.69; 1811, $58.81; 1812, $67.32; 1813, $40.10; 1814, $28.36; 1816, $51.14; 1818, $49.59; 1819, $120.74; 1822, $248.29; 1823, $325.57; 1824, $299.31; 1825, $376.98; 1826, $366.27; 1827, $271.29; 1828, $230; 1829, $162.24; 1830, $217.90; 1831, $353.58; 1832, $387.26; 1833, $401; 1834, $622.10. The assistance thus given exerted a deadening influence upon the sensibilites of the people, as to the value of education, and, during the progress of the quarter of a century that it was in operation, a lethargy gradually settled down upon them that required a herculean effort to throw off. This system, owing to sparseness of population, was, for the time, perhaps, the best thing that could be offered, though it made no provision for the establishing of schools, but took it for granted that schools already existed, to which the poor could be sent. In 3834 the free school law, open alike to rich and poor, was passed and sent forth to the people. It was not made absolute in its operations, but was left to a vote of the people whether it should be accepted or rejected. By the annual report of the Secretary of State, Dr. Burrowes, read before the Legisla- ture on the 19th of February, 1838, it appears that of the 987 districts in the State, only 742 accepted the provisions of the law. It is a matter of congratulation to find that of the twenty-seven districts of Crawford County not one rejected the free school system when offered. Crawford County was principally settled by pioneers from the older por- tions of Pennsylvania and the Eastern States, and with emigrants from Ireland and Germany, many of whom had crossed the Atlantic and fought for that freedom which they were afterward destined to enjoy. The native American brought with him the habit of free school instruction, which had long been in HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 323 operation in the section whence he came ; the Irishman brought the principles of rigid discipline and that sound education for which his native Jand had for many centuries been noted; and the German was proud of his relationship to a people- among the most renowned in Christendom for great scholarship and advancement in popular education. Hence, the cordiality with which all classes accepted the provisions of the new law, and joined in putting them in operation was a matter of principle, and forms a bright page in the educa- tional history of the county. The qualifications of the pioneer school teachers were in the main, moder- ate. Most of them had been educated in Ireland, or the Eastern States, and though capable of giving good instruction, their method was characterized by a rigid discipline well in kfeeping with the times. The rod was looked apon by the pioneers as an indispensable element in successful teaching. Though the free school system of 1834 was adopted and sustained by legislation, it had a hard struggle at first for existence. Where school buildings had been erected, they were unfit and inadequate; hence, new buildings had to be largely provided, and the first expense without immediate fruit. But the greatest drawback to the success of the system was the lack of suitable teach- ers. To be sure, the compensation was very small, and there was little induce- ment for securing the requisite culture. By the report of 1836, it is shown that there were in Crawford County eighty male teachers and ninety female, and their average salaries were 112.03 for males, and 14.75 per month for the females. The Legislature made some provision for colleges and academies, in the hope that they would do something toward fitting common school teachers. The academies, it is true, accomplished something, and the colleges perhaps more — and notably, the college in this county; yet, it was not much that they did in raising up the great body of common school teachers to that kind of scholastic culture necessary for such teaching. It was like attempting to make watches with only rough, coarse, unskilled workmen, who were to exe- cute the most delicate mechanism. The first hopeful sign of radical improvement among the common school teachers was their attempt at organization — a groping for means of improve- ment, and an indication that they really felt the need of bettering their con- dition. Crawford County has the honor of having had the first teachers' insti- tute ever convened within the borders of the State, outside the city of Phila- delphia, and, even then, the associations which were organized as early as 1818 partook little of the nature of our institute. The first meeting was held on the 25th of March, 1850, at Meadville. The history of its origin is interest- ing, and sounds not unlike the annals of the early missionaries. Several young men, all of whom were engaged in teaching, more or less, in our public schools, deploring the public apathy in regard to the schools in this and adjoining counties, and the lamentable deficiency in knowledge, unity of action, and sympathy, apparent among teachers, began to cast about to find an appropriate remedy for existing evils. Foremost among these praiseworthy men was Mr. J. F. Hicks, who, unsolicited, and without the expectation of receiving any return of honor or emolument, set out as a missionary of educa- tion, on a tour of exploration through Crawford and Mercer Counties. He visited, in person, a large number of schools, and conversed with teachers and parents on the subject of popular education; traveling for this purpose, on foot, in the depth of a most inclement winter. Thanks to his most philan- thropic efforts, and the few others associated with him, the attention of teach- ers was so tar aroused and so much interest was elicited, that they responded in large numbers to a call for a public meeting, to be held at the village of 324 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. Exchangeville, in Mercer County, on the 3d of February, 1850. That meet- ing, after a deliberate survey of the system of public schools, and of the imper- ative duty devolved on them as teachers, to do whatever lay in their povrer to render their schools more efficient nurseries of morality and knov?ledge, solemnly united in a fraternity for the purpose, and drew up a constitution ■which contemplated permanent organization. They adjourned to meet again on the 25th of March following, in Meadville, and at this place, accordingly, was held the first regular meeting of the association. Its meetings occurred every six montbs until 1867, when the statute law designated them to be held annually. "The past history of the Crawford County Teachers' Institute," says Rev. John Barker, D. D., President of Allegheny College in 1853, "is one on which every friend of popular education, indeed, every friend of humanity, and of his race, must dwell with unalloyed pleasure, while the omens of its future prosperity give us reasons to expect that it is destined to enjoy a long career of usefulness and honor — composed of the actual teachers of the county, laboring in common cause^the cause of truth and virtue. Thus harmony, no less than energy, has marked the deliberations of this body; progress has been its watchword, and under its auspices a vast amount of- information has been diffused through the community at large, in regard to the proper province of public schools. To the body of teachers it has been from the beginaing an occasion of the most pleasing re-union, a bond of sympathy, a wise friend and counselor, and a voice of admonition and exhortation, gently chiding our past delinquencies, and urging us forward with a spirit more earnest and more enlightened, in our career of noble and benevolent efforts." "The truth of these prophetic words of over a quarter of a century ago," says County Superintendent James C. Graham, in 1877, "has been strikingly verified by the great amount of good which the institute has been doing yearly for public instruction. Of humble, though heroic origin, that permanent organi- zation laid the keel of our humble craft, which was afterward very wisely secured and strengthened by the revised school law of 1854. By this law, new life and power were given to school officers. It engrafted upon the system the office of County Superintendent, whereby the examining and licensing of teachers should be upon a uniform basis, the supervision of schools secured, the making out and tiling of reports arranged, and the conducting of teachers' institutes provided for. It also provided for a carefully illustrated school archi- tecture, at public expense. This came at a most opportune time. The hour was ripe for better houses. The little red schoolhouse had fulfilled its mission, a- most useful one; but it was outgrown. It was too small, rude and inappropriate. It Ijielped to stimulate the resolution to build. Great activity sprang up throughout the whole State, and there followed an era of building schoolhouses. That period may now be said to have passed, a new and better class of houses having been universally supplied. Many, indeed, of the houses to-day are considered first- class. By the same enactment, the School- Journal was made the organ of the school department, a measure which has proved a powerful agency in disseminating sound knowledge upon educational topics." In 1854 were enacted two measures, deeply affecting the vitality and strength of the common school system, that of the 18th of April, creating an independent school department of the State, with a Superintendent and depu- ties; and that of the 20th of May, providing for the establishment of twelve normal schools, for the special training of teachers. Ten are now in full opera- tion. The one in the twelfth district is located in Edinboro, but three miles HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 325 from this county, in that of Erie. About one hundred teachers from Craw- ford attend this school every term. Through the indomitable energy that knows no discouragement, and the enlightened policy adopted by its Principal, Prof. Joseph A. Cooper, it has become one of the most prosperous of them all. Other legislative acts, from time to time, have strengthened the system; among them, in particular, is the act of 1872, fixing the minimum school term' at five months. The feature of the common school system which, in this county, as well as others, excited the most discussion and some opposition also at first, was the county superintendency. But in the face of many difficulties it has won its way to usefulness through great labor, and it is generally admitted to have been an important aid in improving the grade of instruction, and elevating the character of the schools. The first officer, elected in 1854, was a man of broad mind and large attainments, Mr. S. S. Sears, who labored zealously, but resigned on account of inadequacy of pay, receiving but |400 per annum. He was succeeded, April 1, 1856, by J. Clifton Marcy, a gentleman of equally liberal culture. He was succeeded, in 1857, by Samuel P. Bates, of scholarly attainments, afterward Deputy State Superintendent, a popular educator and well-known author. He resigned in 1860, after re-election for a second term, and Samuel E. Thompson was appointed to fill the vacancy. Prof. Thompson was an able officer, and was re-elected in 1863, but resigned the following November, to teach in the Edinboro State Normal School. Hugh R. Stewart, a practical teacher of the county, was appointed in December, 1864 He served one year, and was succeeded by Daniel R. Coder, who finished the term, and was followed by H. D. Persons, for six years, until 1872, when James C. Graham was elected, and re-elected in 1875. He was succeeded by C. P. Chamberlain, in 1878, who was re-elected in 1881, serving until June, 1884. The present incumbent is J. W. Sturdevant, who was chosen as the successor of Prof. Chamberlain. Since the introduction of the present system of public instruction, school matters have undergone a complete revolution. We have better schoolhouses and furniture; text-books have been greatly improved; the classification of schools is established on a truer basis; and the teachers receive higher salaries and enjoy better opportunities for professional training — afforded by the State normal schools, county institutes, and pedagogical literature, and are in gen- eral superior to the masters of the old regime. It is doubtless owing to the fact that Crawford County was so fortunate in the character of her early set- tlers, and that education was so much prized among all classes, from the earliest settlement of the county, that she owes the reputation which her peo- ple have attained for intelligence and general culture. The Crawford County Medical /Socie% was organized in Meadville, at the office of Dr. "William Church, August 6, 1866, by the following physicians: Drs. T. B. Lashells, William Varian, J. C. Cotton, William Church, David Best, J. W. Grier, J. P. Hassler, D. M. Calvin, E. H. Dewey, C. D. Ashley and W. F. McLean. Dr. J. W. Grier, of Adamsville, was chosen President; Dr. William Varian, of Titusville, Vice-President; Dr. William Church, of Meadville, Recording Secretary; Dr. David Best, of Meadville, Corresponding Secretary, and Dr. J. P. Hassler, of Cochranton, Treasurer. These officers were elected under the constitution of the old society, now extinct, as a new constitution and by-laws were not adopted until September 4, 1866. The society has been in active operation since its organization, and the following officers have presided over its destinies from year to year: 1867. — President, Dr. J. W. Grier; Vice-Presidents, Drs. William Varian 326 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and J. C. Cotton; Recording Secretary, Dr. William Church; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. David Best; Treasurer, Dr. J. P. Hassler; Censors, Drs. J. T. Bay, David Best and S. S. Bates. 1868.— President, Dr. S. S. Bates; Vice-Presidents, Drs. D. M. Calvin and J. P. Hassler; Recording Secretary, Dr. William Church; Corresponding Sec- retary, Dr. David Best; Treasurer, Dr. D. R. Greenlee; Censors, Drs. T. B. Lashells, J. W. Grier and T. F. Cakes. 1869. — President, Dr. J. T. Ray; Vice-Presidents, Drs. J. P. Hassler and T. F. Cakes; Recording Secretary, Dr. E. H. Dewey; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. William Variiin; Treasurer, Dr. D. R. Greenlee; Censors, Drs. G. W. Barr, David Best and D. M. Calvin. 1870. — President, Dr. George O. Moody; Vice-Presidents, Drs. David Best and T. P. Oakes; Recording Secretary, Dr. Stephen Voick; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Arthur O'Neill; Treasurer, Dr. David Best; Censors. Drs. David Best, D. M. Calvin and G. W. Barr. 1871.— -President, Dr. J. C. Cotton; Vice-Presidents, Drs. Arthur O'Neill and G. W. Barr; Recording Secretary, Dr. Stephen VoIck; Corresponding Sec- retary, Dr. J. P. Hassler; Treasurer, Dr. J. T. Ray; Censors, Drs. J. T. Ray, J. P. Hassler and William Varian. 1872. — President, Dr. William Varian; Vice-Presidents, Drs. J. T. Ray and T. F. Oakes; Recording Secretary, Dr. J. S. Chase; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. T. J. Young; Treasurer, Dr. D. M. Calvin; Censors, Drs. G. W. Barr, J. C. Cotton and Arthur O'Neill. 1873. — President, Dr. David Best; Vice Presidents, Drs. G. W. Barr and Arthur O'Neill; Recording Secretary, Dr. J. C. Cotton; Corresponding Secre- tary, Dr. J, P. Hassler; Treasurer, Dr. D. M. Calvin; Censors, Drs. William Varian, J. T. Ray and J. P. Hassler. 1874. — President, Dr. T. F. Oakes; Recording Secretary, Dr. J. P. Hass- ler; balance missing from the record-book. 1875.— President, Dr. D. M. Calvin; Vice-Presidents, Drs. T. J. Young and J. P. Hassler; Recording Secretary, Dr. J. C. Cotton; Corresponding Sec- retary, Dr. William Varian; Treasurer, Dr. J. R. Levan; Censors, Drs. G. W. Barr, David Best and M. C. Dunnigan. 1876.— President, G. W. Barr; Vice-Presidents, Drs. C. D. Ashley and S. S. Porter; Recording Secretary, Dr. William Varian; Corresponding Secretary, David Best; Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Censors, Drs. T. F. Oakes, J. C. Cotton and Arthur O'Neill. 1877.— President, Dr. Arthur O'Neill; Recording Secretary, Dr. S. S. Porter; balance missing from the record book. 1878.— President, Dr. T. J. Young; Vice-Presidents, Drs. G. W. Barr and J. P. Hassler; Recording Secretary, Dr. William Varian; Corresponding Sec- retary, Dr. J. C. Cotton; Treasurer, Dr. David Best; Censors, Drs. David Best, George O. Moody and D. M. Calvin. 1879. — President, Dr. D. R. Greenlee; Vice President, M. C. Dunnigan- and J. S. Eagleson; Recording Secretary, Dr. S. S. Porter; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. G. W. Barr; Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Censors, Drs. David Best, George O. Moody and D. M. Calvin. 1880.— President, Dr. A. P. Waid; Vice-Presidents, Drs. S. S. Porter and William Varian; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Cor- responding Secretary, Dr. J. S. Eagleson; Censors, Drs. George O. Moody, J. S. Eagleson and D. R. Greenlee. 1881.— President, Dr. J. P. Hassler; Vice-Presidents, Drs. J. D. Littlefield and E. S. Ellis; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Cor- 'TzU't'e^ '^^A^ZyO^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 331 responding Secretary, Dr. William Varian; Censors, Drs. J. 0. Cotton (who resigned in April and was succeeded by Dr. A. P. Waid), G. W. Barr and E. H. Dewey. 1882. — President, Dr. William Varian; Vice Presidents, Drs. E. H.Dewey and J. T. Waid; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Cor- responding Secretary, Dr. A. F. Rhodes; Censors, Drs. G. W. Barr, J. T. Waid and David Best. 1883.— President, Dr. E. M. Parrelly; Vice-Presidents, Drs. E. H. Dewey and A. F. Rhodes; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Cor- responding Secretary, Dr. G. W. Barr; Censors, Drs. William A.Baker, G. A. Clark and D. M. Calvin. 1884— President, Dr. E. H. Dewey; Vice-Presidents, Drs. George O. Moody and David Best; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. T. J. Young; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. G. W. Barr; Censors, Drs. William Varian, Arthur O'Neil and D. M. Calvin. The main object of the society is to stimulate and encourage the dissemi- nation of medical science among its members, and so control their practice as to bring it within the code of medical ethics usually adopted by the societies of the allopathic school of medicine. The most important feature of such societies is the interchange of thought and discussion which takes place between the members at their meetings. Any strange or difficult cases that may have come under their observation are reported and discussed, and opin- ions exchanged as to the most successful mode of treatment to be followed. A well conducted medical society thus becomes a training school for the profes- sion. A goodly number of the leading allopathic physicians of this county have belonged to the Crawford County Medical Society in some period of its existence. Some have died, others have removed from the county, and still others have severed their connection with the society and no longer take any interest in its affairs. Its officials, however, claim that it is now in a flourish- ing condition, and contains the following membership: D. M. Calvin, E. H. Dewey, J. C. Cotton, David Best and Charles P. Woodring, Meadville; Will- iam Varian, George O. Moody, George VV. Barr and T. J. Young, Titusville; J. P. Hassler, Cochranton; Arthur O'Neill, Conneautville; Almina F. Rhodes and Jacob P. Strayer; Cambridgeboro; A. P. Waid, Spartansburg; G. L. Clark, Centerville; Ellis M. Farrelly, Townsville; W. A. Baker, Hydetown. Homoeopathic Medical Society of Crawford County. — On the 13th of January, 1874, the Homceopathic Medical Society of Northwestern Pennsyl- vania was organized at Franklin. Its meetings were held in turn at different towns in the counties embraced in this portion of the State. After some four years of active operation it ceased to exist. A new society was then organized, February 13, 1878, at the office of Dr. E. C. Parsons, Meadville, which adopted the name, constitution and by-laws of the previous one. Its organizers were: Drs. E. C. Parsons, J. N. Pond and Susan F. Rose, of Meadville; Dr. J. Whitely, of Oil City, and Dr. C. F. Canfield, of Titusville. The following officers were elected and served during the one brief year of its existence: President, Dr. J. Whitely ; Vice-President, Dr. J. N. Pond; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. Susan F. Rose. Three years passed by ere another effort was made to unite the homoeopathic practitioners of this locality in a society. On the 13th of June, 1882, a number of physicians of the homceopathic school of medicine met at the office of Dr. E. C. Parsons, Meadville, for the purpose of organizing a medical society. Drs. J. L. Dunn, J. D. Stoneroad, J. O. Mor- row, Susan F. Rose, S. W. Sellew and E. C. Parsons responded to the call. Drs. Parsons, Rose and Stoneroad were appointed a Committee to prepare a 332 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. constitution and by-laws for the government of the Society, which adjourned to meet for final action, July 28, 1882. On that date Drs. E. C. Parsons, J. N. Pond, Susan F. Kose, J. L. Dunn, Byron Smith, Anson Parsons, L. R. Heath, Ernest B. Smith, S. W. Sellew, J. B. Frazier and E. P. Wilmot met and adopted the new constitution and by-laws, organizing under the title of the "Homoeopathic Medical Society of Crawford County, Penn.," with the following officers: President, Dr. J. L. Dunn, of Titusville; Vice-President, Dr. J. N. Pond, of Meadville; Secretary, Dr. E. C. Parsons, of Meadville; Treasurer, Dr. Susan F. Eose, of Meadville. The same officers were chosen in 1888, excepting the Vice-President, Dr. J. N. Pond, who was succeeded by Dr. Anson Parsons. In 1884 Dr. Anson Parsons was elected President; Dr. L. K. Heath, Vice President; Dr. E. C. Parsons, Secretary; and Dr. Susan F. Eose, Treasurer. Thus they remain at the present time (August, 1884), the official election occurring in January of each year. The society meets four times a year to look after its affairs. Essays are read by members appointed for that purpose, and free discussion takes place on all subjects which come before the society. The attending physicians report any strange or difficult cases that may have come under their notice, and each case is taken up and thoroughly discussed as to the most scientific mode of treatment. These meetings thus become a school for the dissemina- tion of medical knowledge, and are looked forward to by the members with much pleasure and increasing interest. The present membership embraces every recognized homoeopathic physician in Crawford County, besides four from outside counties, and is as follows: Drs. E. C. Parsons, J. N. Pond^ Susan F. Eose and J. D. Stoneroad, Meadville; Drs. J. L. Dunn and E. C. Quimby, Titusville; Dr. Anson Parsons, Springboro; Dr. G. W. Wagner, Linesville; Dr.^ J. O. Morrow, Evansburg; Drs. Ernest B. Smith, and Byron Smith, Tovmville; Dr. L. E. Heat, Spartansburg; Dr. E. P. Wilmot, Frank- lin, Venango County; Dr. Joseph E. Phillips, Corry, Erie County; Dr. J. B. Frazier, Union City, Erie County, and Dr. S. W. Sellew, Johnstown, Cambria County. The Crawford County Mutual Insurance Company was incorporated April 28, 1840, by John Eeynolds, David Dick, Eliphalet Betts, Norman Callen- der, Andrew Smith, Horace Cullum, Edward A. Eeynolds and John P. Davis. On the 1st of August, 1840, the company organized by electing John Eeyn- olds, President, and David Dick, Secretary. The company have successfully prosecuted the business from that time up to the present, and the risks in force at the close of 1883 amounted to $2,054,160, and the total assets, includ- ing premium notes, $202, 650. The present officers are: James D. Gill, Presi- dent: S. B. Dick, Treasurer; G. W. Adams, Secretary; Directors, James D. Gill, Alexander Power, D. G. Shryock, A. S. Davis, J. G. Foster, L. F. McLaughlin, Thomas McCleary, F. W.^ Ellsworth and Daniel Veith. This company is a Crawford County institution, and its office is at 226 Chesnut Street, Meadville. The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Crawford County was chartered November 2, 1872, and has had a very prosperous career. The amount of insurance in force in September, 1884, was $3,733,008, and the premium notes amounted to $240,648. The present officers are: Joseph Brown, President; J. H. Marcy, Vice-President; Emmett W. McArthur, Secre- tary and Treasurer; Joseph Brown, James Jamison, J. B. Cochran, Cyrus Townley, E. F. Osborn, and J. H. Marcy, Directors. The office is located in the court house, and its success and prosperity are a credit to the management and the people who sustain such local institutions. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 333 CHAPTER XVI. Eaely Military History— English Intrigue and Indian Hostility— Tegumseh and the Battle of Tippecanoe— War of 181^-15— Preparing FOR the Conflict— Organization of the Militia— Gen. David Mead AND Brigade-Inspector William Clark Engaged in the Work— Mili- tary Camp Established at Meadville by Gen. Tannehill's Brigade- Political Trouble Between the Soldiers while in Camp— The Com- mand Leaves for the Front— Excitement Caused by Hull's Surren- der—Patriotism of the Pioneers— Tannehill's Brigade Disband— Testimonial to Maj. James Heeriott— Recruiting Office at Mead- ville— Building OF Perry's Fleet- Gen. Mead's Stirring Appeal to the People— Perry's Letter of Thanks to Gen. Mead— Battle of Lake Erie— Second Letter from Perry to Mead— Mead's Troops Stationed at Erie in 1813-14— Capt. Morris Recruiting at Meadville —List of Officers— Peace Proclaimed— Brief Review of the War- Mexican War. WHEN the brilliant victories of the patriot army under Washington, nobly- aided by its French allies, wrested independence from the British crown, a glorious freedom brought joy and happiness to the united colonies. But freedom forced from tyranny, at the point of the bayonet, could not be productive of a lasting peace, so long as the same old foe of American liberty retained any hope of winning back her lost possessions. Therefore, though the clash of arms was not heard, the agents of England were secretly using her accursed gold among the Tory discontents and the enemies of the young Repub- lic in this land, beside stirring up the savage tribes of the interior to fiendish acts of atrocity against the defenseless settlements on the frontier. The Eastern Tories feared to show an open hand, and though plotting the destruc- tion of this Government and the return of British domination, yet their power and numbers were so limited that their infamous efforts came to naught. Not so their Indian allies, for they kept up a continuous, though desultory war- fare, until their humiliating defeat by Gen. Wayne, in 1794. The Treaty of Greenville was consummated the following year, and the Indians remained at peace until about 1810, when they again assumed a thveateniflg attitude and began to commit depredations upon the inhabitants of the West. The celebrated Shawnee Chief, Tecumseh, was conspicuously active in his efforts to unite the Indian tribes against the Americans, and to arrest the further extension of the frontier settlements. In this scheme he was encour- aged by the promises and material assistance of English agents residing in Canada. His proceedings, and those of his brother, "the Prophet," soon made it evident, notwithstanding their protestations of innocence, that the West was about to suffer the calamities of another Indian war, and it was therefore resolved by the Government to precipitate the coming conflict ere the Indian confederacy was completed. In 1811, during the absence of Tecumseh, on one of his secret missions to the Southern tribes. Gen. Harrison, Governor of the Territory of Indiana, marched against a force of Indians under ' ' the Prophet," which was concentrated on the Wabash River. The battle of Tip- pecanoe followed and resulted in the total defeat of the savages. Peace reigned for a brief period, but the arrogant claims of the English government finally forced the United States into a declaration of war, and the 334 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. edict was sent forth on the 18th of June, 1812. Though the declaration had been expected, a thrill of patriotic devotion to the starry flag, passed like an electric shock through the nation. Enlistments had been making into the Regular army, and volunteer companies tendering their services during several previous months; but the tug of war had come at last, and it behooved the nation to prepare for the conflict. At that time the Canadian territory bordering the lakes and the St. Law- rence was far in advance of the opposite side of the United States in popula- tion, commerce and agriculture. The British were also much better prepared for war, having kept up a series of military posts from Niagara to Sault Ste. Marie, which were well supplied with men, arms and provisions, and being provided with a "Provincial navy, " gave them the mastery of the lakes. They were on the best of terms with the Indians on both sides of the water whose co-operation they artfully managed to retain during the progress of the war, and whose reputation for cruelty kept the American frontier in a constant state of terror whenever their warlike bands were known or supposed to be in the vicinity. On the American side, the population was sparse, the settle- ments were small and widely scattered, and the military posts were few, weak, and either insufficiently defended or left without protection of any kind. There was no navy or regular army in this part of the Union. The military of the several States was poorly organized and without suitable equipments, and to make a bad condition worse, the Indians were everywhere hostile, treacherous and ready at the expected signal to combine for the purpose of driving the white men out of the country. In anticipation of the conflict. Gov. Snyder, who was a warm friend of the administration, had organized the militia of the State into two grand divisions — one for the east and one for the west. The Western division was under the command of Maj. Gen. Adamson Tannehill, of Pittsburgh. The State was afterward subdivided into several military districts, and Maj. Gen. David Mead, of Meadville, was appointed to the command of the Sixteenth division, of which the militia of Crawford Couty formed a part. In July, 1812, Will- iam Clark, of Meadville, Brigade Inspector of the First Brigade, Sixteenth Division, Pennsylvania Militia, called into service 200 volunteers, to be sta- tioned along Lake Erie as a frontier guard. Early in the following month 505 muskets, with flints, powder and lead, were received at Meadville from Harrisburg to equip this force, which left for Erie on the 19th of August. About the same time Capt. James Cochran's company of Riflemen, recruited in Crawford County, that was in camp at Meadville, also marched to Erie. On the 26th of August, Brigade Inspector Clark arrived from Erie with the information that five British vessels had been seen a few miles outside the Bay of Presque Isle, and that four messengers had reached Erie the previous night with the news that a force of British Indians had landed near San- dusky, cutting off all communications with Gen. Hull's army. An express arrived at Meadville from Harrisburg, September 14, 1812, with orders for Brigade Inspector Clark to call out his quota of 2,000 men, to be taken from the counties west of the Allegheny Mountains, Pittsburgh and Meadville being the places of rendezvous. The latter was selected as a con- venient point at which to collect a force for service in the contemplated invasion of Canada. Accordingly instructions were issued to accepted com- panies of Pennsylvania volunteers to rendezvous at Meadville in early autumn, form a brigade, elect officers and await orders. Ground for the camp was offered by Samuel Lord and accepted, and as the companies arrived they formed their encampment, beginning at the French Creek Road, now known HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 335 as "The Terrace," and extending in crescent form to a point east of Allegheny College. These companies were from the western and central counties of the State, and several of them had been long organized and were well disci- plined. Maj. Gen. Tannehill was elected to the chief command, but several weeks elapsed before he arrived to assume control. Early in the fall of 1812, Meadville assumed a warlike appearance as the brave volunteers were rapidly answering the call to arms. The fpllowing officers were in command of com- panies encamped on the farm of Mr. Lord, now partly occupied by the beau- tiful grounds of Hon. "William Reynolds: Capts. Sample, Miller, Warner, Thomas and Buchanan, of Washington County; Capt. Thomas Forster, of Erie; Capts. Vance and Patterson, of Green; Capt. McGerry, of Mifflin; Capt. Kleckner, of Center; and Capt. Sammel Derickson, of Northumberland. It was doubtless a cheering spectacle to the citizens of this county to behold such a body of freemen at the call of the nation, forsaking the comforts and ease of domestic life for the privations and hardships of the tented field, to defend the rights and avenge the wrongs of their beloved country. The inaction of several weeks in camp awaiting organization, tended to produce a spirit of recklessness, and gardens, orchards and poultry yards suf- fered the usual depredations inseparable from camp life. A few days before their departure, one of the soldier's detailed for duty on Gen. Tannehill's guard, took some onions from a garden in the vicinity of the camp. He was reported by the Sergeant to his Captain, tried by court martial, sentenced to dismissal from the service, and actually drummed out of camp with a wreath of onions tied around his neck. The Federalist party was opposed to the war, and its adherents, as a rule, were looked upon by the Democratic party, who was then in power, as traitors to the cause, and thus nicknamed " Tories. " The disgraced soldier being a Democrat, and the owner of the onions a Feder- alist, the matter was looked upon bj- the soldiers of Democratic proclivities as a kind of political persecution. They, therefore, made up their minds to be revenged on several prominent Federalists of Meadville, while the Federalist soldiers determined to protect their political friends, and for a short time on the night appointed for the proposed retaliation, a spirit of insubordination reigned supreme. The state of aifairs did not come to the knowledge of Gen. Tannehill, himself a Democrat, until they had assumed a serious aspect, and a fight between the Democratic and Federalist soldiers seemed imminent. He at once hurried with his guard to the scene of action, where he found a large number of excited, armed men ready for battle. The General called upon them to retire to their tents, telling them that they had elected him as their com- mander, but they were now pursuing the very course to bring disgrace upon him and the whole command. He appealed earnestly to the Democratic sol- diers, and for his sake they finally concluded to obey, and the trouble ended without bloodshed; but throughout the campaign a bitter feeling existed against Federalists both in and out of the service. Two rifle regiments commanded by Cols. Irwin and Piper, and the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Col. Sny- der, that had been in camp at Meadville, left for Buffalo on the 25th of Octo- ber. They remained in camp at Waterford a short time to allow the Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Purviance, to join them, which left Meadville, November 2d, and on reaching the camp on the flats near Waterford, the whole detachment was soon in motion for the Niagara frontier. Gen. Tannehill was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Division, and remained in charge during the campaign. While at Buffalo it is related to their credit, that when 4,000 New York militia refused to cross the Niagara 336 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and attack the foe, gallant Pennsylvanians under Tannehill promptly obeyed the order. Soon after Hull's cowardly surrender at Detroit, August 16, 1812, great excitement was caused by a rumor that the enemy was coming down the lake to take all the important places, as also by the news that a large force of British and Indians were being organized on the northern side of the lake, whose special object was a descent upon Erie. The whole Northwest was aroused, and very soon more than 2,000 men were collected under Gen. Mead, from Crawford, Erie, Mercer and the adjoining counties in defense of that town. It is difficult at this late day to describe the patriotic enthusiasm which at that time filled the hearts of the hardy sons of western Pennsylvania, hundreds of whom had borne from their early Irish homes a deep hatred of English oppression, or whose fathers had been starved and driven from their native land by the same tyranical power. These men longed for an opportunity to strike a blow against their hereditary enemy, and when the tocsin of war sounded, were among the first to leave home and family in defense of free- dom's flag. It was this feeling that prompted' a Member of Congress from Pennsylvania, when the subject of rebuilding the Capitol at Washington, burned by the English, Gen. Ross, in August, 1814, came before the House, to propose in a ringing speech that the Nation encircle the blackened ruins with an iron balustrade, let ivy grow over them, and place on their front in in letters of brass, the following inscription: "Americans, this is English barbarism. Let us swear eternal hatred to England." As an illustration of the sacrifices made by hundreds of the brave settlers of northwestern Pennsyl- ■ vania, we here give a notice as printed in the Crawford Weekly Messenger of November 11, 1812: ATTENTION THE "WHOLE. At this moment I am preparing to march to avenge the wrongs and defend the rights of my country. I have but one request to make, and that is that those who know them- selves indebted to me, make payment to my wife. She will want a variety of necessaries for the comfort of herself and children. This request is altogether reasonable, and those who refuse compliance I shall consider among the vilest of tories. William Bdknside, Blacksmith, Meadville. Before the close of 1812 the detachment of Gen. Tannehill had dwindled down to about 200 men, and as he was furloughed for the balance of his term of service, this force was placed under the command of Maj. James Herriott, of Meadville, but these men were also soon discharged. No provis- ion had been made to transport them from Buffalo to their homes, and a gen- eral feeling of dissatisfaction prevailed among the men. Far from home and friends, without money, in the midst of winter, their treatment was a disgrace to the State: and the following testimonial will show by what agency they were at last enabled to reach their distant homes. To Maj. James Hbkkiott — Sir : — The undersigned officers of a detachment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, who had the honor of being left under your command at Buffalo, beg leave to tender you their thanks for your humane and generous conduct to the soldiers generally. After hav- ing almost unanimously volunteered their services to their country to cross the territorial boundary between the United States and the possessions of Great Britain, and endure the fatigue and sufferings of a winter campaign in Upper Canada, and after having remained faithful to the standard of their country, amidst the general complaint of the Pennsylvania line. Gen. Smy the thought proper to discharge them without making any provision for their necessary subsistence to their homes, or for paying whatever was rightfully due to them and the numerous sick. It was on this occasion that you generously stepped for- ward, and on your individual credit and responsibility, provided for the sick and procured HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTV. 337 provisions to be issued to the soldiers on the way to their homes. The undersigned, there- fore, in behalf of themselves and the volunteers they had the honor to command, dis- charge only their duty in thus expressing their gratitude for conduct so highly praise- worthy. With much esteem, J. Albxandbk, Oa-pt. \»t Beg't Penn. Inft. Walter Lithgow, Oapt. %d Beg't Penn. Inft. Jambs E..Hbkbon, Oapt. %d Beg't Penn. Inft. R. Irwin. Ensign Adj. 2d Beg't Penn. Inft. Samuel Witrkow, Capt. 2d Beg't Penn. Inft. Samuel Hobbs, Lieut. 2d Beg't Penn. Inft. A. F. Dean, Surgeon 2d Beg't Penn. Inft. W.F. Irwin, Surgeon's Mate 2d Beg't Penn. Inft. By orders of Col. Hugh Brady, a recruiting office for the Twenty -third Eegiment U. S. Infantry was opened at Meadville in April, 1813, under the charge of Capt Jacob Carmach. A bounty of 140 was offered as an induce- ment to volunteers, together with food and clothing during service. Upon receiving his discharge, the soldier was guaranteed three months' extra pay, and a warrant for 160 acres of land. The circular setting forth these induce- ments closed as follows: "An officer will attend to the rendezvous daily, for the purpose of enrolling such patriotic young men, whose spirits spurn at the yoke of Britain, and are willing to enter into this truly honorable service. " In the meantime the necessity of a fleet on Lake Brie was recognized by the Government. In the summer of 1812, Capt. Daniel Dobbins, of Erie, was sent by Gen. David Mead to Washington City as a bearer of dispatches, and was the first person who gave the Government reliable information of the loss of Mackinaw and Detroit. At a meeting of the Cabinet, called immediately after his arrival, the Captain was asked to give his view of the requirements on Lake Erie. He earnestly advocated the establishment of a naval station and the building of a fleet powerful enough to cope with the British upon the lake. These suggestions were adopted. A Sailing Master's commission in the navy was tendered to him and accepted, and he was ordered to proceed to Erie, begin the construction of gunboats, and report to Commodore Chauncey, at Sackett's Harbor, for further instructions. He returned home, and late in Oc- tober commenced work on two gunboats. The command on the lake was assigned to Lieut. Oliver Hazard Perry, who arrived at Erie on the 27th of March, 1813, making the trip from Buffalo in a sled on the ice. Perry had served as a midshipman in the war with Tripoli, and had recently been in charge of a flotilla at Newport, R. I. He was but twenty-seven years of age, and was full to the brim with energy, enthusiasm and patriotism. His first step was to provide for the defense of the position. To that end he sent immediately for Gen. Mead. Their con- sultation resulted in a thousand militia being ordered to rendezvous at Erie on or before the 20th of April. Among the number that responded was an artillery company from Luzerne County, who were authorized to take charge of the four brass field-pieces belonging to the State, which had been stored at Waterford. Eeese Hill, of Greene County, was constituted Colonel by the Governor, and given command of the regiment. The old American block- house of 1795, which had nearly gone to ruin, was hurriedly restored, as was also the one on the point of the peninsula. With the facilities of the present day, it is scarcely possible to conceive of the embarrassment that attended Dobbins and Perry in their work. Of prac- tical ship-builders there were very few in the country, and their places had to be taken by house carpenters and blacksmiths gathered from every part of the lower lake region. The timber for the vessels had to be cut in the forests near by and used while yet green. Iron was scarce, and had to be picked up wher- _ 338 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ever it could be found — in stores, warehouses, shops, farm buildings and else- where. A considerable stock was bought from Pittsburgh by flat-boats up French Creek, and some from Buffalo by small boats creeping along the south shore of the lake. Perry wrote to Washington that more mechanics were needed, and Dobbins was dispatched to Black Eock for seamen, arms and ordi- nance. The transportation of the latter was extremely slow, owing to the miserable roads. Some of the cannon were brought up in sail boats, moving at night only, to avoid the enemy's cruisers. Fortunately for the Americans, the Allegheny River and French Creek continued at a good boating stage until August, an allowance so unusual that it would seem to imply that Provi- dence was on their side. Had it become low at the ordinary time, the fleet could not have been rigged in season to meet the enemy under advantageous circumstances. During the ealier stages of the construction of the fleet in the Bay of Presque Isle, considerable uneasiness was felt for fear the enemy would attack Erie and destroy the vessels before they were capable of making a defense. Sometimes the Queen Charlotte, the British flagship, would appear alone, and at others the whole squadron. On the 15th of May, the wildest alarm was created by a false report that 600 or 700 British and Indians had landed on . the peninsula under cover of a thick fog, and got off again without being seen by the American forces. July 19, six of the enemy's vessels were in sight out- side the harbor, where they lay becalmed for two days. Perry went with three gunboats to attack them, and a few shots were exchanged at a mile's dis- tance. A breeze springing up, the enemy sailed away, evidently desiring to avoid a fight. All this time the meager land force at Erie was kept busy parad- ing the bank of the lake, to give the impression to the enemy of a much larger army than was really the case. Upon the appearance of the British fleet. Perry dispatched a messenger to Gen. Mead, at Meadville, informing him of the fact, and telling him that he expected an attack on the town, as the enemy's ships were believed to have troops on board. Perry does not seem to have had any apprehension at this time of danger from the British while his fleet lay in the harbor. He knew that the enemy's vessels could not cross the bar with their heavy armament, and he informed the department that even if a force should land and capture the village, he could easily defend the fleet from its anchorage in the bay. Nevertheless, he did not wish to see Erie fall into the hands of the enemy, and urgently solicited Gen. Mead to send a re-enforcement of militia to assist in defending the town. The General at once issued the following stirring appeal: CITIZENS TO AEMS. Your State is invaded. The enemy has arrived at Erie, threatening to destroy our navy and the town. His course, hitherto marked with rapine and fire wherever he touched our shore, must be arrested. The cries*of infants and women, of the aged and infirm, the devoted victims of the enemy and his savage allies, call on you for defense and protection. Your honor, your property, your all, require you to march immediately to the scene of action. Arms and ammunition will be furnished to those who have none, at the place of rendezvous near to Erie, and every exertion will be made for your subsistence and accommodation. Your service to be useful must be rendered immediately. The delay of an hour may be fatal to your country, in securing the enemy in his plunder and favoring his escape. David Mead, Maj. Oen. 16«A D. P. M. The citizens of northwestern Pennsylvania responded bravely to this call, and leaving their homes flocked in hundreds to Brie. Young and old vied with each other in patriotic devotion, but fortunately the British did not make the threatened attack. While at Erie the command of Gen. Mead assisted in HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 339 getting the vessels over the sand-bar, which at that time nearly blocked the entrance to the harbor. On account of this obstruction the commander of the British fleet looked upon the building of war vessels in the Bay of Presque Isle as a foolish enterprise, believing that they never could be got over the bar, where but a few feet of water then existed. It is a part of the tradition of the time, that when the British squadron was at Port Dover, a compli- mentary dinner was given to her officers, at which Commodore Barclay, in response to a toast, said: " I expect to find the Yankee brigs hard and fast aground on the bar at Erie, in which predicament it will be but a short job to destroy them." The enemy were at this time endeavoring to concentrate an army at Port Dover, to act in conjunction with the fleet in a move upon Erie, but failed because the troops could not be got up in season. Future events prove the fallacy of the British commander's views, when pitted against the perseverance of the indomitable Perry and his brave men; but to the ingenuity of Capt. Daniel Dobbins, Perry's Master Builder and a pioneer of Erie, belong the principal credit of accomplishing the difficult task. He it was who began the construction of the fl.eet ere Perry's arrival, and subsequently invented the process by which every vessel was lifted over the bar and landed in safety on the deep water of the lake outside. General Mead and staff visited Perry in the afternoon of the same day, and the latter took occasion to thank the commander of the land forces in the following letter, for the valuable assistance rendered him. U. S. Sloop of Wab Lawbencb, Off Ebie, August 7, 1813. Sir: — I beg leave to express to you the great obligation I consider myself under for the ready, prompt and efficient service rendered by the militia under your command, in assisting us in getting the squadron over the bar at the mouth of the harbor, and request you will accept. Sir, the assurance that I shall always recollect with pleasure the alacrity with which you repaired, with your division, to the defense of the public property at this place, on the prospect of an invasion. With great respect I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, O. H. Pehky. Maj. Qbn. David Mead, Pennsylvania Militia, Erie. The American squadron soon left on a cruise in search of the enemy, and on the 17th of August anchored off Sandusky, where Perry notified Gen. . Harrison of their presence, and was invited on board the Lawrence the next day by that officer, attended by his staff and accompanied by some twenty Indian chiefs, who were taken on board that they might report the wonders they had seen and be deterred from joining the enemy. The astonishment and alarm of the red men when the salute was fired iu honor of Gen. Harrison is said to have been indescribably comical. Eight days later the fleet sailed to the head of the lake and discovered the British at anchor in the mouth of Detroit Eiver, but failing to draw them out, returned to Put-in-Bay. On the 31st a reinforcement of fifty volunteers was received, making a total muster roll of 470. Most of the new men were Ken- tuckians who had experience as watermen on the western and southern rivers, and they proved to be a valuable acquisition. About this juncture, however, there was much biliousness and dysentery in the squadron, principally among those from the seaboard, caused by the change from salt to fresh water. Among the number who were taken down was Perry himself, who was unable to perform active service for a week. As soon as he could take the deck again, he sailed for the second time to the mouth of the river, where it was learned that the new British ship Detroit was ready for duty. Failing to draw the enemy from his anchorage, Perry returned to Sandusky and renewed his com- munication with Gen. Harrison. 340 HISTORY OF CRAWFORB COUNTY. On the 6th of September, the entire American fleet, with the exception of the Ohio, which had been sent to Erie for provisions, etc., was anchored in Put-in-Bay. Believing that the crisis was near at hand. Perry, on the evening of the 7th, summoned his officers on board the Lawrence, announced his plan of battle, produced his fighting flag, arranged a code of signals, and issued his final instructions. On the 10th, at the rising of the sun, the lookout shouted the thrilling words, "Sail, ho!" and the men of the squadron, who were almost instantly astir, soon saw the British vessels, six in number, rise above the horizon. Still feeble from sickness as he was, Perry gave the signal immediately to get under way, adding that he was "determined to fight the enemy that day. " The battle took place about ten miles north of Put-in- Bay, and the action began on the part of the Americans at five minutes before 12 o'clock. In less than four hours the boasted naval prowess of England had been swept from the lake; while the following famous dispatch to Gen. Har- rison sent a thrill of patriotism through every loyal heart in the land. United States Flagship Niagara, September 10, 4 P. M. Dear Oeneral: — We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, O. H. Pekry. The battle of Lake Erie raised Perry from obscurity to world-wide renown. Congress passed a vote of thanks to him aJid his officers and men, and bestowed gold medals upon both Perry and Elliott. President Madison, in his message some time after, referred to the victory as one "never surpassed in luster." The thanks of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania were voted to Perry and Elliott, gold medals were ordered for both, and silver medals for those citizens of the State who served on board the squadron. In addition to these honors, the General Government granted silver medals and swords to the other living officers, a medal and sword to the nearest male relative of each of the dead commissioned officers, and three months' pay to all the petty officers, seamen, marines and infantry who fought on board the fleet. The British vessels were prized at $255,000, of which $12,750 went to Commodore Chauncey, $7,140 apiece to both Perry and Elliott, $2,295 to each Commander of a gunboat, Lieutenant, Sailing Master, and Captain of Marines, $811 to each midship- man, $447 to each petty officer, and $209 to each marine and sailor. Congress made a special grant of $5,000 to Perry, to make up for a defect in the law which excluded him from a portion of the prize money for his special com- mand, making a total of $12,000, which was quite a fortune for those days. As evidence that the rallying of the militia at Erie, in the summer of ]813, was a necessary military measure, we insert the following communication from Commodore Perry to Gen. Mead: Erie, October 22, 1813. Bear Sir: — It may be some satisfaction to you and your deserving corps, to be informed that you did not leave your. harvest fields, in August last, for the defense of this place, without cause. Since the capture of Gen. Proctor's baggage by Gen. Harrison, it is ascer- tained beyond doubt that an attack was at that time meditated on Erie; and the design was frustrated by the failure of Gen. Vincent to furnish the number of troops promised and deemed necessary. I have the honor to be, dear sir, your obedient servant, O. H. Perry. Ma.j. Gen. David Mead, Meadville. The troubles experienced by Perry were shared, to some extent, by the offi- cers of the land forces. The State Archives contain a letter sent by Gov. Sny- der to Col. John Phillips, Paymaster of Col. Hill's regiment, in which he regrets that no provision had been made for paying the Pennsylvania militia then in service at Erie, and that it could not be remedied by any constituted State authority. On the 2d of August the Governor's Secretary wrote that HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 341 some men in Mead's Division had at first refused to obey orders, but subse- quently marched to the defense of Erie. The difficulty about the pay of the troops seems to have been at least partially arranged, for, on the 16th of August we find that Wilson Smith was appointed Paymaster of the militia called into service by Gen. Mead for the defense of Erie, before the arrival of Col. Hill's command, and that a warrant for $2,500 had been forwarded to him. This gentleman had previously been Quartermaster-General of the State. On the 27th of August, Brigade Inspector Clark reported that upward of 1,600 men had rendezvoused at Erie in pursuance of the more recent orders of Gen. Mead. So little has been preserved in regard to the land operations of the day, that any account of them must necessarily be brief and disconnected; but there were few able-bodied male residents of the county who were not obliged to serve in the militia at some time during the war. The alarms were sent over the country by runners, who went from house to house, stirring up the inhabitants. It happened more than once that whole townships were nearly depopulated of their male citizens. On the 30th of December, 1813, word reached Erie that an army of British and Indians had landed at Black Rock, forced our army to retreat, burned the villages of Black Rock and Buffalo, captured and destroyed the Government vessels, and, flushed with triumph, were advancing up the lake for the pur- pose of capturing Erie. The most terrifying rumors were put in circulation, and the excitement ran so high that many citizens removed their families and effects to the interior. The troops at Erie only numbered 2,000 men, while the hostile force was reported at 3,000. The first brigade of Gen. Mead's com- mand was ordered into service, and came hurriedly together, increasing the defensive force to about 4,000. Happily, the alarm proved to be false, but one deliisive report came after another so fast that a considerable body of troops was kept at Erie during most of the winter. Many of these men were substi- tutes, and all were poorly furnished with arms and equipments. On the 10th of January, 1814, the Governor notified the Secretary of War that a portion of Mead's command had been ordered out, and suggested that as they had ren- dered almost unremitting service during the past eighteen months, it would be nothing more than just to relieve them by " militia drawn from sections that had hitherto been excused by reason of their remoteness from the seat of war. " A letter was received by the Governor on the 18th of January, from Gen. Mead, reciting that when Perry was ready to sail he was deficient in men; that he requested him to induce some of his troops to volunteer for service on the ves- sels, which 100 did, and that he promised they should receive pay as militia- men upon their return. To fulfill his pledge, the General borrowed $500, which he asked to have refunded. On the 18th of January, 1,000 militia from Cumberland and adjoining counties were ordered to rendezvous at Erie by the 8th of March, N. B. Boileau being appointed their Colonel commandant. Feb- ruary 1, Gen. Mead was directed to retain his detachment in service until the arrival of the above troops. A letter from the Governor's Secretary, of the date of February 17, refers to Gen. Mead's complaints that the troops of his command had not been paid on the 3d of March. Gov. Snyder wrote to Gen. Mead in reference to a requisition upon him by Maj. Martin, of the Regular army, for 2,000 men to defend Erie and the fleet, arguing that it was unnec- essary, and refusing to give his assent. These differences produced a certain lukewarmness in the hearts of many patriotic citizens, and it therefore became difficult to fill the decimated ranks of the regiments at the front. In May, 1814, Capt. John Morris opened a recruiting station at Meadville, for the 4th Regiment, United States Riflemen. 342 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. A bounty of $124 and 160 acres of land, also a premium of $8 was offered as an inducement in obtaining recruits for the service. The following is a partial list of army officers from this and other counties of the Northwest, who participated in the war, most of whom made Erie their headquarters: Quartermaster-General, Wilson Smith, 1812-14. Commissary General, Collendar Irvine. Major-Generals, Sixteenth Division — David Mead, 1812-14; John Philips, 1814; Eoger Alden, 1814-15. Brigadier-Generals, First Brigade, Sixteenth Division — John Kelso, 1812-14; Henry Hurst, 1814. Second Brigade — Thomas Graham, 1812. Brigade Inspector, First Brigade, Sixteenth Division — William Clark; Second Brigade, Samuel Powers. Pay- master, John Phillips, 1812-13. Col. David Nelson, Major and Lieutenant- Colonel, Dr. John C. Wallace, Majors Ralph Marling, James Herriott, Patrick Farrelly, John Brooks and William Moore. Commissaries, Kufus S. Eeed, Stephen Wolverton, Capts. Isaac Mason, James Cochran, John Collom, Thomas Havlin and James McKnight. Though a treaty of peace between the two nations was signed at Ghent, Belgium, December 24, 1814, the news did not reach the United States in time to prevent the battle of New Orleans, fought January 8, 1815, and which yet shines as one of the most brilliant victories in the history of the nation. Peace was publicly proclaimed on the 18th of February, 1815, and on that date the glad tidings reached Crawford County by an express, which had left Washington, D. C, the previous Tuesday for Erie, Penn., passing through Meadville in its route. ' Many naval victories on the Atlantic marked the first year of the war; and though defeat, disaster and disgrace ushered in the opening scenes on land, especially in the West, the later events of the contest were a series of splendid achievements. Col. Croghan's gallant defense of Fort Stephenson, on the Sandusky River; Perry's sweeping victory on Lake Erie; the crushing defeat of the allied English and Indians under Gen. Proctor and Tecumseh, on the Thames, in Canada, by Harrison; the rout of the British under Riall at Chip- pewa and Lundy's Lane, on the Canadian side, near Niagara Falls, by Gens. Scott and Brown; the double victory of Commodore McDonough and Gen. Macomb by water and land, over Commodore Downie and Gen. Prevost, at Plattsburg, on Lake Champlain, together with scores of lesser land and naval victories, closing with the great triumph of Jackson at New Orleans, reflected the most brilliant luster on the American arms. The estimation in which the Pennsylvania troops were held by their commanders, is shown by an extract from a letter sent by Gen. Harrison to Gov. Snyder: " I can assure you," he writes, " there is no corps on which I rely with more confidence, not only for the fidelity of undaunted valor in the field, but for those virtues which are more rarely found amongst the militia — patience and fortitude under great hardships and deprivations — and cheerful obedience to all commands of their officers." In every phase of this struggle, the conduct of the citizens of north- western Pennsylvania was patriotic and honorable. They volunteered with alacrity their services in the field; no troops more patiently endured hard- ships or performed better service, and many of the brave sons of Crawford County, sealed their devotion to their country with their life's blood. Mexican War. — The war with Mexico made no gi-eat stir in Crawford County, and though a few of its citizens served in the army of invasion, no military organization was sent from this part of the State. Nevertheless the following action taken by its citizens is an evidence of how they stood at that time. According to previous notice given by Col. James Douglas, Com- mandant of the First Battalion, Crawford County Volunteers, said battalion HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 343 met for review and parade on the Diamond in Meadville, June 6, 1846, with a view of interchanging sentiments in relation to the war with Mexico. At an early hour the volunteers began pouring into Meadville, and by 11 o'clock A. M., the line was formed and reviewed. At 2 o'clock P. M. a mass meeting of volunteers and citizens convened in the court house yard, as the building was too small to hold all that desired to take part in the proceedings. Col. James Douglas was called to the chair, with Majors Torbett and Derickson, Vice Presidents, and Adjt. C. W. Burton and Capt. Sherred, Secretaries. Gen. Perkins, Capts. Derickson, Burton, Daniels and Wagoner, and privates Barron and Porter were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. During the absence of the committee, the large assemblage was addressed on the war issues by Messrs. H. L. Richmond, Wil- liam H. Davis, Col. James Cochran, D. M. Farrelly and M. B. Lowry. The committee having returned, reported a series of resolutions, which were adopted unanimously. They upheld the Government in its policy toward Mexico, and claimed that the United States had exhausted all honorable means to prevent hostilities, having submitted for many years to aggravated and multiplied wrongs, until forbearance ceased to be a virtue, and had no choice left but war. As illustrating the temper of the citizens of Crawford County, at that epoch in the history of the nation, we here give three of the six resolutions adopted at the meeting : Resolved, That we approve of the course of Congress in promptly investing the Presi- dent of the United States with authority and means to raise an army to meet our enemies and defend our soil — a less energetic course would have been a deep, burning, lasting disgrace. Resolved, That while health and strength permit, we will stand by our country, and be ready at her call to bear arms in her defense; her national honor we will sustain at all hazards, and show to the world that as freemen we can and will repel aggression, como from what quarter of the globe it may. That we know our rights, and knowing them dare maintain them. Resolved, That public expectation demands of the Government prompt and vigorous action; the war to be carried into the enemy's country, if no other means will insure a speedy peace. Upon the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, the battalion again paraded on the Diamond, and at the call of Col. Douglas each of the six companies volunteered their services by marching ten paces to the front. The Meadville Light Dragoons, Capt. James Hamilton commanding, and the Mead- ville Grays, Capt. John Williams, commanding, belonged to this battalion. After offering their services, and pledging themselves as ever ready to respond to a call to arms, the men broke ranks and returned to their homes. 344 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER XVII. Crawford County in the War of the Rebellion — Patriotic Feeling Among its People— Meetings Held to Denounce Treason and Up- hold THE Government— First Volunteers Sent to the Front— Erie PvEGiMENT — Thirty-eighth Regiment, Ninth Reserve — Thirty-ninth Regiment, Tenth Reserve —Fifty-seventh Regiment — Fifty-ninth Regiment, Second Cavalry— Eighty-third Regiment— One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment — One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Twelfth Cavalry— One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment- One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment— One Hundred and Forty- fifth Regiment— One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment- One Hun- dred and Sixty-third Regiment, Eighteenth Cavalry— One Hun- dred AND Ninetieth and Ninety-first Regiments— Two Hundred AND Eleventh Regiment— Close of the War. WHEN the news of the firing on Fort Sumter flashed over the wires, a deep feeling of patriotic indignation filled the hearts of the loyal mill- ions of the North, and in nearly every city, town and hamlet, from the Atlan- tic to the Pacific, meetings were held for the purpose of giving public expres- sion to that feeling. Crawford County was not behind the balance of the nation in this respect, for the news had scarcely grown cold, before its citizens assembled in its several towns and passed resolutions of fealty to the Union. Meadville being the seat of justice, the action taken by her citizens will be a fair illustration of the sentiment which prevailed throughout the county dur- ing that momentous period in the history of the nation. Everyone seemed to realize that a struggle for national existence was at hand, and in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers, men of all parties, irrespective of political ties, assembled at the court house on the evenings of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 18, 19 and 20, 1861, and evinced a firm determi- nation to stand by our time-honored flag. The meeting on Friday evening was addressed by James E. McFarland, Esq., Hon. John P. Davis, William Reynolds, Esq., D. V. Derickson, Esq., and many others. On motion James E. McFarland, John W. Howe, C. A. Derickson, William Davis, Jr. , and James E. Dick were appointed a committee to procure subscriptions to equip the Mead- ville company of volunteers, and aid their families if necessary. On Satur- day evening the meeting organized by electing John H. Mattocks, President; T. J. Limber and William Thorp, Vice-Presidents, and J. H. Lenhart, Secretary. David M. Farrelly was called upon to address the meeting, and in an able, elo- quent and patriotic speech, aroused the enthusiam of the audience to the high- est pitch. On motion of D. V. Derickson, the following resolution was adopted amidst great cheering: Resolved, That for the purpose of showing the loyalty and patriotism of our entire people, the occupants of every house in this place and community be requested to display the Stars and Stripes. This was followed by a rousing speech from Judge Marvin, of New York, after which the meeting adjourned, the audience dispersed to their homes imbued with the feeling that the Government and the Union should be pre- served all hazards. On Monday evening, April 22d, a very large and enthusiastic audience HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 345 assembled at the court house on only a few hours' notice, all being anxious to be found on the side of the Government. Hon. David Derickson was chosen President, and Gen. John Dick and Col. J. W. Douglas, Vice-presidents of the meeting. Judge Derickson stated briefly the object of the meeting, and spoke of the necessity of thinking and acting for the defense of our flag and Consti- tution. He said it was not a party question, but a question as to whether a Republican Government should be maintained. On motion of Henry C. John- son, Esq., the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to draft reso- lutions expressive of the sense of the meeting: Alfred Huidekoper, Esq., Henry C. Johnson, Esq., Joseph Derickson, Esq., Thomas E. Kennedy, Esq., and R. H. Guinnip, Esq. During the absence of this committee the audience was addressed by Hon. John W. Howe. The resolutions were then presented to the meeting and patriotically responded to by Alfred Huidekoper, Esq., H. L. Richmond, Esq., Hon. S. N. Pettis and Henry C. Johnson, Esq., whose remarks elicited great applause, whereupon the resolutions were adopted unanimously. They read as follows: Whereas, A state of war exists between those who are in favor of the Constitution, the laws, and the integrity_ of the States, and those who are arrayed in arms against the Government, the indivisibility of the Union, and the National Flag, therefore, be it Sesolved, That when the American flag is fired upon and forced to be lowered from its rightful place over an American fort, and when armed resistance is made to the Con- stitution of our common country, and to the enforcement of her laws, there can be but one of two positions, and no half-way point — either for or against our country. Resolved, That levying war against the United States, or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort, is treason; and that those citizens who levy war against the Government, or adhere to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort, are legally and mor- ally traitors. Resolved, That the exigencies of the times demand that every true patriot should boldly, distinctly and at once, decline his position as on the side of his country ; and that he should firmly denounce treason and sternly discountenance traitors. Resolved, That we are neither Democrats nor Republicans, but the friends of our country, and that those who attempt to prostitute party names to disguise their treason, while rebels tear down the American flag, are, nevertheless, traitors who will be shunned by patriots and denounced and disowned by their own posterity, as were the Tories of the Revolution, and against whose doubly-damned memories, the slow finger of scorn will be pointed In all coming time. Resolved, That it is the duty of all patriots by prompt and spontaneous action to give nations abroad the assurance, and traitors at home the admonition, that we have a Govern- ment which is capable of repelling invasion from without and of resenting and punishing insult to our flag within. Resolved, That we will favor by all consistent means in our power the raising and equipment of volunteer companies to be tendered to the service of the Government in the present exigencies. A committee consisting of James Hamilton, Richard W. Derickson and Thomas R. Kennedy was appointed to enroll names as volunteers, and report to the Chairman. Intense enthusiasm was exhibited throughout the whole proceedings, and the meeting adjourned with three cheers for the Union, and three for the Stars and Stripes. The scenes daily taking place in Meadville at this time can never be forgotten. Volunteers drilling and marching, bands playing, the National banner conspicuously displayed at all available points, and everyone talking war. On Saturday, April 27, the Meadville company of volunteers established a camp at the fair grounds on the Island, and on the following Sunday afternoon, the Stars and Stripes was raised on the ground by Col. Cameron, of Toronto, Canada, in whose honor the camp was named " Camp Cameron." Before the end of April, five companies had been raised in Crawford County, and their services tendered to the Governor, viz. : the Meadville Volunteers, Capt. Henry C. Johnson, 95 men; Allegheny College Volunteers, Capt. Ira Ayer, 78 Men; Conneautville Rifles, Capt. J. L. Dunn, 346 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. 80 men; TitusviJle Volunteers, Capt. Charles B. Morgan, 100 men; Spartans- burg Volunteers, 80 men; while other companies were being rapidly recruited. The commands of Captains Dunn and Morgan, rendezvoused at Camp Wayne, near Erie, where they were mustered into the Erie Regiment. D. V. Derick- son went to Harriaburg to get Capt. Johnson's company accepted in the Erie regiment, and obtained an order to that effect, but before his return the regiment was filled up. The Meadville Volunteers, under Capt. Samuel B. Dick, Capt. Johnson having resigned, were subsequently mustered into the Thirty-Eighth Regiment; while Capt. Ayer's Company joined the Thirty- Ninth Regiment. Over $3,000 were raised in Meadville to fit out Capt. Johnson's company, and to assist the families of volunteers. This command left Meadville for Pittsburgh, May 2, 1861. The whole town turned out to greet their departure, and the scene was one of the wildest enthusiasm, cheers and heart-felt prayers mingling together, as the vehicles which carried the command to Linesville left the camp-ground. The rising of the North is grandly described in the following stanzes, which we find unclaimed and uncredited in the Crawford Journal, of May 7, 1861 : Thank God! the death-like, strange repose, The horrid paralytic rest Is ended, and a Nation's breast, Fired with the old-time spirit glows! A people long grown servile-necked With howing under mammon's yoke, Its bondage on a sudden broke. To-day stands hauglitily erect. It is as when the valley heaped With dry bones, at the Prophet's word, A wind miraculous had stirred; Such Life from seeming Death has leaped! No more supine, while traitorous foes Trample her rights, her prowess mock. But, roused for Battle's rudest shock, When Sumter fell the North arose ! The following sketches of the regiments wherein the great majority of the soldiers from this county were enrolled, have been compiled mainly from the "History of Pennsylvania Volunteers," prepared by Prof. Samuel P. Bates, of Meadville, under the auspices of the State. We have also consulted sold- iers of Crawford County, who served in the war, and have taken much pains to make these regimental sketches both concise and reliable. Erie Regiment. — The Wayne Guard, a volunteer company organized at Erie, by Capt. John W. McLane in 1859, was the nucleus of this regiment. On the 21st of April, 1861, Capt. McLane issued a call for three months' vol- unteers for immediate service in the National army. In four days 1,200 men from the counties of Brie, Crawford and Warren had assembled at Camp Wayne, Erie, and on the 27th of April, an election for field officers was held, all of whom were chosen from Erie. Two companies of this regiment were from Crawford County: Company D, Capt. J. L. Dunn, recruited at Conneautville, and Company F, Charles B. Morgan, at Titusville. On the 28th of April, the regiment left for Pittsburgh, where, at the fair grounds, a short distance above the city, it formed Camp Wilkins. It was the first organized regiment to arrive at Pittsburgh, and Camp Wilkins was made a general camp of rendezvous for volunteers from the western portion of the State. After six weeks spent at Camp Wilkins in learning the art of war, a new camp site was selected some J^a^y.U6^ '-^ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 351 twelve miles up the Allegheny River, near Hulton Station, and named Camp Wright. The regiment remained at this point until the term of service for which it had been called to the field had expired, when it returned to Erie with- out having seen the enemy; but the drill of Camps Wilkins and Wright were the schools in which they learned the rudiments, and became well grounded in the art, which they practiced in the regiments which they afterward joined. Thirty -eighth Regiment, Ninth Reserve. — This regiment was organized on the '28th of June 1861, at Camp Wright, on the Allegheny River, twelve miles above Pittsburgh. The organization was effected under the direction of Gen. McCall. Crawford County furnished one company of this regiment. Company F, raised in Meadville, and commanded by Capt. Samuel B. Dick. On the 22d of July, the regiinent was ordered to Washington, where on the 28th it was mustered into the United States service. From the 9th to the 16th of Sep- tember, it was on picket duty at Great Falls, on the Potomac, and here for the first time encountered and exchanged shots with the rebels, who held the oppo- site bank of the river. The regiment broke camp October 9, and crossed into Virginia, where it occupied a position on the extreme right of the Army of the Potomac. lu the organization of the the corps, the regiment was assigned ' to the Third Brigade. It next engaged at Dranesville on the 20th of Decem- ber, losing two killed and twenty wounded. For gallant conduct in this bat- tle, Capt. Dick, of Company F, and a number of others, were officially noticed by Gen. Ord in his report. The regiment now went into permanent winter quarters, and did not break camp until the following March, when it joined the main division at Falls Church. The Reserves were soon afterward attached to Gen. McDowell's Corps, under whom they remained until ordered to the Penin- sula, where they were assigned to the corps commanded by Gen. Fitz John Porter. On the 26th of June the regiment took part in the battle of Mechanicsville, and at Gaines' Mill on the following day fought like veterans, charging and repelling charges with heroic valor. At the juncture of the New Market, Charles City and Quaker Cross Roads, a large rebel force on the 30th of June attempted to break through the Union line. The Ninth Reserve was posted in support of Cooper's Battery, which was repeatedly charged, but the rebels were as often swept back by the withering tire of the battery and its gallant support. During la short interval the Ninth was withdrawn from its position to support a battery on the left, and the enemy, seeing this, charged upon Cooper's Battery and captured it. At this juncture the Ninth returned to its place, and finding the guns in the hands of the rebels, charged upon and re-captured them. In this charge William J. Gallagher, of Company F which was raised in Meadville, captured the standard of the Tenth Alabama, killing the rebel color-bearer. Earlier in the battle William Tawney, of Company I captured a rebel flag, and saved the standard of the Seventh Regiment from falling into the hands of the enemy, gallantly carrying both flags off the field. After this battle the Ninth was engaged in picket duty until the withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac from the PeninsTila to join the Army of Northern Virginia, under Gen. Pope. On the 29th and 30th of August, 1862, the Ninth took part in the disastrous battle of Bull Run, losing heavily on account of its exposed position, being on the extreme left flank of the Union line. On the 31st it was again engaged with the enemy near Chantilly, the battle rag- ing furiously from 5 o'clock in the afternoon until night put an end to the contest. The Ninth now retired to Arlington Heights, where it arrived with about one-half the strength it took into the field some five months before. 352 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. After but two days' rest the regiment again took the field, and on the 14th of September participated in the battle of South Mountain, the Ninth being commanded in the latter part of the contest by Capt. Dick, of Company F. On the 16th and 17th the Ninth, still under the command of Oapt. Dick, took part in the bloody battle of Antietam, losing sixteen killed and sixty-eight wounded. The Ninth next participated in Burnside's assault on Fredericksburg December 13, where the regiment did excellent service in picking off the rebel sharp -shooters and the gunners from a battery commanding the left flank of the division. This battery had been inflicting terrible slaughter on the Union forces, but it was completely silenced by the sure marksmen of the Ninth, which lost 9 killed, 27 wounded and 16 prisoners during the fight. The regi- ment was soon afterwards assigned to the defenses of Washington to re-organ- ize and recruit its shattered ranks. Its next battle was Gettysburg, where the Ninth suffered but trifling loss, on account of holding a secure position unexposed to the leaden tempest which swept over the field. The regiment joined the army in pursuit of Lee on his retreat from Gettysburg, and was with Gen. Meade in his manoeuvres to again bring the rebel chieftan to battle in Virginia. This was the last active service of the gallant Ninth. The winter was passed in camp recruiting their depleted ranks and preparing for the spring campaign, and on the 4th of May, while standing in the front line in the wilderness ready for battle, the regiment was ordered to Washington, its term of service having expired, and was mustered out at Pittsburgh, May 13, 1864. Thirty -ninth Regiment, Tenth Reserve. — Closely allied in the field with the Ninth Reserve, this regiment won its undying honors upon the same historic fields. It was largely composed of intelligent and educated men, but of little previous military experience. Company I, commanded by Capt. Ira Ayer, was raised at Meadville, and contained a large number of students of Alle- gheny College. The companies rendezvoused at Camp Wilkins, near Pittsburgh, and the regiment was organized during the last days of June, 1861. On the 1st of July it moved up the Allegheny River to Camp Wright, whence it pro- ceeded to Harrisburg, where on the 21st of July it was mustered into the United States service. The regiment left for Baltimore on the following day, and on the 24th proceeded to Washington, and encamped about a mile east of the Capitol, where it remained until the 1st of August, when it removed to the camp at Tenallytown. Its first duty was performed on the picket-line at Great Falls, on the Potomac. The Tenth was assigned to .the Third Brigade, and October 10 moved into Virginia, and took position in line with the army. On the 20th of December the rebels were met by Gen. Ord's brigade at Dranesville, and here the regiment received its " baptism of fire," the enemy being routed and driven from the field. The Tenth saw no more fighting until the following summer, when having been sent to the Peninsula to reinforce McClellan's army, it was attached to Gen. Fitz John Porter's Corps, and participated in the battle of Mechanies- ville, which was fought on the 26th of June, 1862. Here the regiment did gallant service, and repulsed the attacks of the enemy with terrible slaughter, while its own line, being in a favored position, was everywhere preserved intact, and a joyful exultation was felt by these brave boys when night put an end to the battle. On the following day Gaines' Mill was fought, but the Tenth was not engaged until half-past 3 in the afternoon. Its position was twice changed, while the battle raged with fury along the entire line About 4 o'clock the regiment was ordered further to the left, where it was brought under a heavy fire. Soon the order came to charge, and with resistless power it HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 353 swept forward and driving the rebels before them occupied an advanced position against every attempt to dislodge it until ordered to retire. Night soon put an end to the contest, and closing up its broken ranks the regiment retired across the Chickahominy. In this engagement the loss was heavy, Company I alone losing six men killed, three missing and seventeen wounded. At the battle fought June 30, around the junction of the New Market, Charles City and Quaker Cross Eoads, the brigade, of which the Tenth formed a part, made a gallant counter charge, which broke the rebel ranks and drove them from thb open field back to the cover of their guns. In this struggle the Tenth captured sixty prisoners and a stand of colors. The enemy, however, soon rallied, made a sudden attack, and drove the union lines back in disorder to the cover of a protecting woods, and with the coming of night the worn out and exhausted troops of the Eeserves lay down to rest on nearly the same ground occupied by them at the beginning of the battle. During the night they were aroused from their weary slumbers and moved to Malvern Hill, but did not participate in the battle fought there on the following day. The loses of the Tenth in the series of battles beginning at Mechanicsville, was over two hundred. From the James the command was transferred to the Rappahannock, and thence from the Peninsula to the army of Gren. Pope, under whom it served in the second Bull Run battle, August 29 and 30, 1862, and also at Chantilly on the 3l8t, losing twelve killed, thirty-four wounded, and nineteen missing in that disastrous defeat of the union arms. It next met the enemy at South Mountain, September 14th, where it fought its way to the summit of the ridge, driving the rebels before it, and gallantly sharing in the victory there won, its loss being four killed and fourteen wounded. On the 16th and 17th of Sep- tember we find the Tenth fighting bravely at Antietam; and again in the fruit- less attack on Fredericksburg on December 13, it was distinguished for gal- lantry and bravery. In the latter battle its loss was severe, being eleven killed, seventy-five wounded and fifty-one captured. Soon after Buruside' s second attempt on Fredericksburg, the Tenth was ordered to the defenses at Wash- ington to rest and recruit, some of the companies being unable to muster more than three or four men for parade. On the 26th of June, 1863, the Tenth was again ordered to the front, and July 1st, 2d and 3d was engaged in the ter- rible battle of Gettysburg, and shared in the final triumph of the union forces over Lee's army. It also took part in the subsequent pursuit of Lee, and the manceuvers of Gen. Meade to bring the Rebel general to action. The regiment spent the winter at Manassas Junction, and the following April joined Grant's army near Culpepper. The terrible battles of the Wilderness soon followed in which the Tenth participated. This was their last campaign, and on the 11th of June, 1864, the remnants of this gallant regiment was mustered out at Pittsburgh. Many of the Tenth re-enlisted as veterans, though the majority settled down to peaceful avocations and the enjoyment of those rights which their valor on the battle-field had helped to re-establish on a firm basis. Fifty-seventh Regiment. — Recruiting for this regiment commenced early in September 1861, the men rendezvousing in companies and squads at Camp Curtin, where a regimental organization was effected. Company K, command- ed by Capt. Cornelius S. Chase, was originally recruited for an independent company of sharp-shooters, but not being accepted, joined the Fifty seventh. On the 14th of December the regiment moved to Washington; but before leav- ing Camp Curtin considerable sickness had prevailed among the men, and the new camp located on low, wet ground still further tended to decimate their ranks. In February 1862, the Fifty-seventh crossed the Potomac, and 354 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was assigned to Heintzelman's Corps, and on the 17th of March it embarked for Fortress Monroe, and went into camp near the village of Hampton. Its first active operations was in the siege of Yorktown, where large numbers were rendered unfit for service and many died from the deadly malaria and the excessive labor in the trenches constructed through the swamps and marshes surrounding that village. In fact so destructive was the climatic exposure that about one-half of the Fifty-seventh were sent to the hospital or discharged. A short engagement occurred before Yorktown on the evening of April 11, 1862, in which the regiment participated. On the 4th of May it marched to Will- iamsburg, where it arrived just as the fighting ceased. It here performed picket duty until the 7th, then moved to Cumberland Landing, on thePamun- key, and for ten days acted as guard to the supplies stored there. The regiment now rejoined the brigade at Baltimore Store, and on the 24th crossed the Chiokahominy. On the 31st the Fifty-seventh made a forced march to the battle-field of Fair Oaks, and was soon hotly engaged, and by desperate fighting Heintzelman's corps, to which the regiment belonged, succeeded in staying the rout of Casey's Division. In this battle Capt. Chase of Company K received a mortal wound, the Fifty-seventh losing eleven killed and forty-nine wounded. • Again the swamp fevers raged throughout the camp, which was in the midst of a marsh, carrying many of these brave boys to the hospital and the grave. During the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill, the regiment skirmished with the enemy, but on the 30th of June, 1862, it was fiercely attacked at Charles City Cross Eoads, and though assaulted again and again by the rebel hosts, every assault was repulsed with great slaughter, the conduct of the Fifty-seventh winning the highest praise from the brave and gallant Gen. Kearney. The regiment lost in this battle seven killed and fifty-six wounded, most of whom fell into the hands of the enemy, who in the beginning, of the fight took the advan- tage by a sudden attack. On the following day the Fifty-seventh fought at Malvern Hill, with a loss of two killed and eight wounded. On the morning succeeding Malvern Hill, the regiment marched to Har- rison's Landing. It presented a marked contrast to its appearance three months before when it marched forth to battle one thousand strong, while now but fifty-six efi"ective men could answer the roll-call. Malaria and severe duty in the trenches had proven more deadly than the bullet, but rest and good nursing soon restored the regiment to its original eificiency, and it was once again ready for duty. Leaving the Peninsula it joined Pope's army at Bealton Station, and was engaged at Bull Run and Chantilly, the gallant Kearney riding to death on that ill-fated field. Four companies of the Fifty-seventh were sent under a flag of truce to receive his body from the Eebels and bring it into the Union lines. The regiment was next stationed at Conrad's Ferry, on the Patomac, where it remained a month, being a por- tion of the forces detailed to attempt the capture of the rebel Gen. Stuart, on his return from his raid to Chambersburg. Gen. Burnside now came to the head of the Army of the Potomac and began the campaign that ended in the assault on Fredericksburg and the defeat of the Union forces, December 13, 1862. The Fifty-seventh went into the engagement with 316 men, and lost twenty-oae killed, seventy-six wounded and seventy-eight missing. The winter was passed in camp oppo- site Fredericksburg, where the Fifty-seventh rested and recruited its strength for the coming spring campaign. On the 28th of April, 1863, the army, now under the command of Gen. Hooker, moved towards Chancellorsville, where, on the morning of May 2d the battle opened furiously. The rebels were HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 355 again victorious, and on the 6th, the army, defeated ' and humiliated, re- crossed the Rappahannock, and the Fifty-seventh returned to its old camp- ing-groxmd having lost two officers and eleven men killed, three officers and forty-five men wounded, and twenty-three missing. On the morniug of June 11, 1868, the regiment broke camp, and marched on the Gettysburg campaign, arriving in time to participate in the terrible bat- tle fought around the village of Gettysburg in the opening days of July. Here the Rebel army, under its most able general put forth its strength to crush the Union forces, commanded by the brave, but cautious Meade, only to retire humbled, crestfallen and baffled before the loyal sons of the nation. The loss of the Fifty-seventh in this battle was 12 killed, 45 wounded, and 47 missing. The regiment took part in the pursuit of Lee to Williamsport, and the subsequent movements of the army in the valley of Virginia, partici- pating in several skirmishes with the enemy. On the 2d of December it went into winter quarters near Culpepper, where on the 24th, more than two-thirds of the regiment veteranized; and on the 8th of January, 1864, the whole com- mand departed on veteran furlough. After an absence of forty-nine days the veterans returned to camp, bringing with them a large number of recruits, to take the place of those who did not re-enlist. The Fifty- seventh began its spring campaign near the old field of Chan- cellorsville, where about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of May 4th, it met the enemy near the junction of the Brock and Plank Roads, where a furious battle opened, which lasted until dark, resulting in a loss to the regiment of 22 killed, 128 wounded and 3 missing. On the following day the fighting was renewed, the enemy for a time, driving everything before him, but failing in his assault upon the Union breastwork, along the Brock Road. On the 12th, the Second Corps, of which the Fifty-seventh formed a part, surprised and captured the rebel Gen. Johnson, with his entire division. In the fighting on the 12th, the regiment lost in killed, wounded and missing, thirty of its command. From Spotsylvania to the James River the regiment was was marching, fighting and entrenching almost constantly. At North Anna and Cold Harbor, it was in the front line of battle, and in these and other minor engagements, from the 12th of May until the I4th of June, the regiment sustained considerable loss. In the assault on Petersburg, June I8th, the Fifty-seventh did its duty; and whether on the field of battle or in the trenches, displayed that spirit oE obedience and steady courage which characterizes the veteran. The summer and fall of 1864 was passed by the Fifty-seventh driving back the foe, estab- lishing new lines, and erecting fortifications. On the 25th of October, the rebels, under Mahone, fiercely attacked the corps, but was repulsed and driven back. The regiment was also engaged in the raid on the Weldon Railroad. In January, 1865, it was consolidated with the Eighty-fourth Regiment, which restored the Fifty-seventh to something like its pristine strength. In the rebel assault upon Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865, the re-or- ganized regiment was conspicuous for its gallantry, capturing over 100 pris- oners. The end of the war was now close at hand. Petersburg was evacuated on the 8d of April, and the Rebel army was trying desperately to escape from Grant. The effort was in vain, and on the 9th Lee surrendered, and was soon followed by Johnston. The Fifty-seventh participated in the closing scenes of the great drama, and was mustered out of service, June 22, 1865, at Alexandria, Va. Fifty-ninth Regiment {Second Cavalry. ) — This regiment was recruited in the fall of 1861, Company I (Oapt.Richard C. Johnson) being raised in Craw- 356 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ford County. From Camp Patterson, its place of rendezvous near Philadel- phia, the regiment proceeded to Washington, which it reached on the 25th of April, 1862, and was there mounted and equipped for active service. It is not our intention to follow its fortunes closely from the 27th of June, when it crossed the Potomac into Virginia, until the close of the war. The Second Cavalry shed its first blood near Sperryville, Va., on the 7th of August, 1862. It was constantly scouting and skirmishing, as the enemy, leaving McClellan at Harrison's Landing, moved and battled with Pope at Bull Run and Centre- ville. The Second guarded the stone bridge at Centreville, repelled Stuart's attack upon the wagon train at Chantilly, fought at Warrenton, and main- tained unequal battle and defeat on the Occoquan with the forces of Wade Hampton. Again they are employed to check the stragglers at Gettysburg and return them to the fight, convoy prisoners and follow the retreat of Lee. They engage the cavalry of Fitz Hugh Lee and drive them from point to point, and again defeat the enemy at Parker's Store and Todd's Tavern. They form part of the command led by Sheridan which destroyed railroads and provisions, released prisoners, and carried consternation to the occupants of Eichmond. They took part in the fight at Hawea' Shop, where Sheridan's cavalry routed the combined forces of Hampton and Fitz Hugh Lee. After crossing the Eapidan the Fifty-ninth took part in sixteen general actions, and suffered heavy losses in killed, wounded and captured, reducing its strength to about two hundred. Its subsequent career is closely identified with the his- tory of the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac. It participated in the engagements at Wyatt's Farm, Boyd ton Plank Koad, McDowell's Hill and Five'' Forks, and witnessed the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. It took part in the grand review at Washington, May 23, 1865, and on the 17th of Jane was consolidated -with the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, forming the First Pennsylvania Provisional Cavalry, which was mustered out at Cloud's Mills, Va., on the 13th of July, 1865. The record of the Second Cavalry is untarnished and unfading. Its ranks were filled up three times during the period of its enlistment, and Pennsylvania carefully preserves its v?ar-worn banner, and has inscribed on its folds the historic memories of the gallant regiment who so often carried it to victory. Eighty -third Regiment. — This gallant command was organized at Camp McLane, near Erie, and there mustered into the service September 8, 1861. Nearly 300 of the Erie Kegiment enlisted in the new organization. Crawfoni County furnished four companies: Company A, from Titusville, Capt. Charles B. Morgan; Companies B and F, from Meadville, Capts. John F. Morris and DeWitt C. McCoy; and Company H, from Conneautville, Capt. Phineas B. Carpenter. On the 18th of September the regiment left for Wash- ington, where it was armed and uniformed. The regiment soon became noted for its soldierly appearance and proficiency of drill. Gen. McClellan once complimenting it as "one of the very best regiments in the army." It was assigned to the Third Brigade of Porter's Division, and received a rigid course of instruction and discipline. The regiment remained encamped in front of Washington until the 10th of March, 1862, when the whole army began its forward movement, the Eighty- third arriving at Fairfax Court House toward evening. The enemy having retreated, the army now turned toward the Peninsula, , the Eighty-third reaching Hampton by boat from Alexandria, March 24th. The regiment took part in the siege of Yorktown, and in the pursuit of the rebels after they evacuated their fortifications and retreated up the Peninsula. It encountered the enemy at Hanover Court House, and Ash- land Road, and in both contests put them to flight. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 357 On the 27th of June, 1862, Lee began the movement which resulted in the seven days' fight before Richmond. At Gaines' Mill the Eighty-third was in line on the extreme left, fronting the west, and, by the wise forethought of Col. McLane, who raised sftid commanded the regiment, a breast- work of logs was hastily thrown up along its front. Company A, now in command of Capt. Sigler, had been sent out early as skirmishers, and later was relieved by Company B, Capt. Morris, who was soon after severely wounded. A heavy fire of artillery opened on the Union line, and the Eebel infantry were seen advancing, driving the skirmishers before them. When in range a volley crashed among them from the Eighty-third, and the artillery above them poured in a rapid Are. The enemy moved steadily on. One and another color-bearer caught the standard only to be shot down. Three several times the attack was renewed, and as often repulsed. On the right the enemy beat back the line, and the brigade was in" danger of being flanked. Quickly changing front at right angles to its first line, it met a heavy attack without the shelter of the breastwork, and lost many men. Col. McLane here fell dead from a bullet, and Maj. Naghel was mortally wounded by a piece of shell. The line stood fast and repelled the enemy from its front. The latter, marching by, gained the rear of the brigade. The Eighty-third changed front once more and faced eastward. The enemy were now on all sides except on the river front. A retreat in column was not possible, and, by command, the regiment broke ranks for the Chickahominy. A concentrated fire of artillery met them as they crossed the bridge upon the sleepers and swept them down. Five hundred and fifty went into the battle, and two hundred and sixty-five were killed, wounded or captured. The army now retreated to the James, and in the battle around Charles City Cross Roads, June 30, the Eighty-third supported Griffin's Battery, which silenced the enemy's guns and drove them from the field. During the night the regiment was on picket duty, and on the following day fought in the battle of Malvern Hill. Prom 4 to 6 o'clock on the afternoon of July 1, the regiment was under a heavy artillery fire, and was then hurried to the front to support a battery which was in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy. Here for two hours the battle raged with fury, but though exposed to a murderous fire, the line of the Eighty-third was maintained with great gallantry and courage, the regiment losing some forty killed and one hundred and ten wounded. Soon after this campaign had closed, the army was transferred to the com- mand of Gen. Pope. The battles of Bull Run and Chantilly qnickly followed, and resulted in the defeat of the Union forces. The Eighty-third lost in these battles twenty killed and between fifty and sixty wounded. Its next battle was Antietam, but the corps to which the regiment belonged was not much engaged. On the 13th of December, 1862, at the close of the day of Fredericksburg, the Eighty-third was ordered to the front line to relieve troops which had attemp- ted to carry the enemy's intrenchraents. Leaving the town and forming in line, it faced a fiery ordeal from artillery, and advanced to within a few hun- dred yards of the enemy's lines and halted; the regiment lay down and opened fire, but soon ceased, and later found shelter behind the brow of a neighboring hill. After spending thirty hours at the front the regiment returned to the village, having lost in the interval six killed and thirty wounded. Wintering neai- Fredericksburg, the Eighty-third moved on the Chaneellorsville campaign, April 29, 1863, but took no active part in that battle, though somewhab engaged on the skirmish line and throwing up fortifications. The army started on the Gettysburg campaign about the middle of June, 358 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and on the 21st and when near Aldie, a small force of Eebel cavalry" were met and routed by the brigade to which the Eighty-third belonged. Early on the morning of July 2, the regiment arrived on the memorable battle-field of Gettysburg, and formed in line to support of artillery posted on the center. Col. Vincent, in command of the brigade in which was the Eighty- third, was ordered toward evening to move quickly to the support of artillery at Little Eound Top, a rugged hill, the key to the Union position. The regiment had scarcely taken position, the soldiers seeking the rocks for shelter, when a mass of Longstreet's Corps, led by Hood, came yelling frightfully and moving on the double-quick, struck the Union Center. Eapid, well-aimed volleys of mus- ketry greeted the onset and checked its progress. The enemy moved to the left, meeting heroic resistance. A steady fire from the brigade told upon the Rebels, and when a charge was made by the Union infantry, supported by a brigade of reserves, the Eighty-third dashed forward 'and captured seventy- four prisoners, and over 300 stand of arms. The brigade remained masters of the field, and the position was not again seriously menaced. The loss of the regiment in this battle was slight, considering the slaughter inflicted on the enemy, being only eight killed and thirty- eight wounded, of whom six afterward died. Col. Vincent fell mortally wounded in the thickest of the fight. Capt. McCoy, of Company F, from Meadville, came to the head of the regiment as Lieutenant-Colonel, and gallantly lead it in the battles of the "Wilderness. During the fall of 1863, about 400 men, mostly inefficient, were received by the regiment, and during the winter 169 men were re-enlisted. The regi- ment passed the winter behind the Eappahannock, and on May 5 are seen in the Wilderness, making a gallant charge of three-quarters of a mile, driv- ing the enemy before them. Warren's Corps, in which was the Eighty-third, moved on the night of May 7 toward Spottsylvania. When six miles from that place the enemy were found in line across the road. The Eighty-third, on the right of the road, and the Forty-fourth on the left, covered by a section of a battery were advanced to drive them. Upon the brow of a hill they met and drove in the Eebel skirmishers, and learned that the enemy were present in force; still they advanced, quickening their pace to a double-quick and with bayonets fixed. Approaching a wood, the enemy, protected by a breastwork of logs and rails, and far superior in numbers, opened a deadly fire. The Eighty-third dashed bravely upon the breastwork, and, tighting hand to hand, used the murderous bayonet. Some of the men crossed the entrenchment, and fought with a valor worthy of the cause to drive the foe. For half ati hour these two heroic regiments maintained their ground, and, retiring scarcely eighty rods, threw up breastworks. Fifty killed, and above a hundred wounded and captured, attest the severity of the contest On this occasion Corporal Vogus, of Company G, who had saved the colors at the Wilderness battle, proved himself a hero. While on the charge he was struck, and fell with the colors. Corporal John Lillibridge seized them to carry them forward, but Vogus, recovering, took the flag and planted it on the Eebel breastwork; a shot struck him in the breast, and while falling he flung the colors to the rear, where they were rescued by Corporal Daniel Jones, of Company F, and subsequently carried fi'om the field by a soldier of the Forty-fourth, to whom Jones handed them, after being himself severely wounded. From its entrance into the fight of May 5th,_until the close of this engagement, the regiment had lost over 300 men. On the 23d of May, at North Anna, Lieut. -Col. McCoy, at the head of the Eighty-third, flanked a Eebel column under Brown, captured that officer. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 359 and routed his forces, and assisted in taking nearly 1,000 prisoners. At Noel's Station the regiment exchanged^hots with the enemy; at Bethesda Church, was exposed to a heavy tire, and on the 16th of June, 1864, crossed the James, and joined in the siege of Petersburg. For months afterward a ne-ver- ceasing rattle of musketry prevailed in front of its breastworks. Entrenching and fortifying, the days passed until September 18, when about 100 of the Eighty -third were mustered out, and the balance organized into a battalion of six companies. On the 30th of September the regiment fought at Poplar Grove Church, and carried Port McEea by assault. The same evening it suf- fered severely at Peeble's Farm, and in December participated in the raid on the Weldon Railroad. It then went into winter quarters on the Jerusalem Plank Road, and on the 6th of February, 1865, is found in the thickest of the fight at Hatcher's Run. The 29th o-f March inaugurated the beginning of the end. J ones' Farm, White Oak Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Southerland Sta- tion, Jettersville, and the final pursuit and surrender at Appomattox, in all of which the Eighty-third participated, followed in quick succession, and closed the great struggle for national unity. The regiment was engaged in twenty- five battles, and always sustained its reputation for valor and endurance. It was mustered out at Washington, Jnne 28, and finally disbanded at Har- risburg, on the 4th of July, 1865, having proudly recorded on its banner two more battles than any other infantry regiment of Pennsylvania. One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. — The recruits of this regiment rendezvoused in squads at Camp Reed, near Erie; were there mustered into service, and on the 24th of January, 1862, a regimental organization was effected. Though Crawford County is credited with a portion of the men form- ing this regiment there were none of the companies raised within her boun- daries. We will, however, briefly give the principal campaigns in which it participated. It was armed and equipped at Harrisburg, January 28, 1862, whence it proceeded to Baltimore, and about the middle of May was sent to Harper's Ferry to re-inforce Gen. Banks' command. Its first skirmish occurred near Charleston, on the 28th of May. It remained in the valley until the organization of Pope's army, which it joined towards the clo^e of June. It suffered severely at Cedar Mountain, and for eight hours fought gallantry at Antietam, losing heavily in that engagement. The regiment was next engaged at Chancellorsville, and again at Gettysburg the One Hundred and Eleventh displayed heroic valor. It was soon after transferred to Gen. Rosecrans' army in Tennessee, and participated in the Murfreesboro campaign, taking part in the movements which swept Bragg from his strongholds environing the Union army. Early in May, 1864, Sherman's campaign on Atlanta opened, and this gallant regiment was fighting almost constantly until the fall of Atlanta, its colors being among the first displayed inside the captured city. Prom Atlanta to the sea was another glorious campaign in which the regiment took part. The Carolina campaign came next, soon followed by the surrender of the Rebel armies of Lee and Johnston, and the close of the war. The One Hundred and Eleventh returned to Washington, was present in the grand review, served as guard at the old Capitol, Carroll and other prisons, and was mustered out of service July 19, 1865, at Washington, whence the men returned to their homes. One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment {Twelfth Cavalry). — Some of the men composing this regiment, when it first took the field, were recruited in Crawford County. It was organized at Camp McReynolds, near Philadelphia, in November, 1861, and proceeded to Washington, where it was armed, and remained in camp near that city until June 20, 1862, when it was sent to 360 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Manassas Junction, and employed in guard duty. It was past the middle of July ere the command was mounted, and on tl^ 26th of August it started on a reconnoissance, struck the Kebel columns near Bristol, and in the brief engagement which followed, lost 260 in killed, wounded and prisoners. The regiment served on picket duty until the battle of South Mountain, in which it formed a part of the reserve corps. It did good service at Antietam in bringing up stragglers and checking disorder. The regiment was engaged on picket duty and scouting expeditions constantly, and in gathering important information about the movements of the enemy, rendered invaluable services. In this hazardous work it had many severe skirmishes with the Rebels. Gettys- burg was fought and won, and during Lee's retreat, on the 5th of July, the Twelfth assisted in capturing, at Cunningham Cross Koads, 640 prisoners, 550 horses and mules, 125 wagons and three brass twelve-pounders; while near Mercersburg, sixty prisoners and twenty-four" wagons were taken. Soon after the Gettysburg campaign the command crossed the Potomac, and was engaged in picket and guard duty near Martinsburg. At the expiration of its term of service the full regiment veteranized, and went home on furlough. The open- ing of the spring campaign of 1864, found the Twelfth at its post. It took part in the several engagements with the Eebel Gen. Early, in July of that year, losing many of its brave boys. It served under Sheridan throughout the Shen- andoah campaign, though not always in the heat of battle, and upon the close of the war was engaged on duty near Mount Jackson, paroling any of Lee's soldiers returning through that part of the country. It then went into camp near Winchester, and on the 20th of July, 1865, was mustered out of service. One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment. — This regiment was organized at Camp Curtin, August 20, 1862, and was enlisted for the nine mouths' service. A portion of Company I was raised in Crawford County. On the 29th of Au- gust the regiment was ordered to Washington where it arrived during the prog- ress of the battle of Bull Run, and was sent to Fort Lincoln, a part of the chain of defenses around the Capital. After that disastrous battle, the regiment was engaged on guard duty, and in strengthening the fortifications. In the latter part of September it moved to Frederick, Md., and shortly afterward to Sharpsburg, Va., crossing on its route the battlefield of Antietam. It was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the First Corps. Its first battle was Fredericksburg, where it formed a part of the division which bore the brunt of the fighting on the left of the line. The regiment lost in this gallant but unsuccessful attack, one hundred and forty in killed, wounded and missing. Upon the close of the battle the command returned to the north bank of the Rappahannock, where it remained until the opening of the spring campaign. The bloody battle of Chancellorsville was its next experience in the art of war. Here the regiment fought gallantly, which helped to enhance its reputation for courage and determined bravery. This was the last battle participated in by the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth, and on the 29th of May, 1863, it was mustered out at Harrisburg. One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regimeiit. — This was another of the nine months' regiments, and was organized at Camp Curtin, August 25, 1862. Company B, Capt. DeLos Walker, was raised in Crawford County. On arriving at Washington the regiment went into camp, and on the 31st of August was assigned to Hancock's Brigade, Smith's Division, Sixth Corps, then about to proceed to Maryland. At Crampton's Gap, in the South Mount- ain, it was for the first time under fire. , At Antietam the main body of the regiment was held in reserve. The brigade, under Gen. Pratt, was sent in pursuit of Stuart, on his Pennsylvania raid, but the trip proved fruitless, and HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 361 the command went into camp near Hagerstown, not far from the State line. In October the regiment was oiilered to Washington, and encamped to the south of the East Branch of the Potomac. The command was subsequently ordered to Fredericksburg, and though participating in the plan of battle, was not under fire at any time. In the Chancellorsville campaign it was also present, and was exposed to an artillery fire during and after throwing up temporary earthworks on the south bank of the Rappahannock, yet saw no serious fighting. The regiment was ordered to Harrisburg about the middle of May, and on the 1st of June, 1863, was mustered out of service in that city. One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment. — This regiment was principally recruited in Erie County. Capt. Andrew J. Mason's command, Company H, was raised in Crawford. On the 5th of September, 1861, the regiment was organized at Erie, with John "W. Patton, of Crawford County, as Major, and left for the front on the 11th. It was supplied with arms at Camp McClure, and moved in the direction of Hagerstown. At daylight ou the 17th the regiment under arms could distinctly hear the booming of cannon on the field of Antietam, some ten miles distant. A wish to march was gratified, and by noon the regiment reached the extreme right of the Union line, and was placed in position. They were not assailed, and to them fell the task of earing for the wounded and burial of the dead after the battle. Soon after this engagement a wide-spread sickness prevailed among the men of this command, which within a month rendered between 200 and 300 unfit for duty, while many died or were discharged. The regiment went into camp above Harper's Ferry, where it was temporarily attached to the Irish Brigade, but was finally assigned to the First Brigade, First Division of the Second Corps, and was soon made proficient by severe drill and rigid discipline. At Fredericksburg this new regiment moved with the firm tread of veterans, over the ditch and plain, on up toward the stone wall at the foot of Marye'a Heights. With ranks torn and rent by a murderous fire, it breasted shot and sliell in the front rank of Hancock's gallant division, which reached and held the foremost line formed by the Union forces. At night-fall the regiment was relieved and returned to town, leaving on that bloody field 226 killed and wounded, or nearly one-half of those who crossed the Rappahannock. The regiment passed the winter in camp near Fredericksburg, and in the spring of 1863 moved on the Chancellorsville campaign. In the battle which followed, the regiment had 150 of its men captured on the skirmish line, while the balance of the command in supporting the batteries massed around the Chancellor House, was exposed to a servere fire of musketry and artillery. Here Maj. Patton, of Crawford County, was struck by a fragment of a shell, and fell mortally wounded. From the line of the Rappahannack the army moved toward Gettysburg, the Second Corps reaching that point on the morning of July 2, 1863. In that terrible battle the One Hundred and Forty-fifth fought like heroes, the gallant brigade driving the enemy in confusion and silencing a Rebel battery, but the advantage so bravely won could not be held, and the exhausted troops were forced to retire before superior numbers. The regiment lost in this fierce encounter eighty killed and wounded of the 200 which it took into battle, but it gloriously assisted in driving the Rebel General from the soil of Pennsylvania back to his southern lair. It also took active part in the pursuit of Lee, par- ticipating in the engagements at Auburn Hill and Bristol Station, losing a number in killed and wounded. Upon the close of the campaign the regi- ment went into winter quarters near Germania Ford. Early in 1864 the army was again in motion, and the regiment took part in the engagements upon the 302 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Brock Road, May 5 and 6. On the Po Eiver the One Hundred and Forty-fifth lead the charge on the rebel works, losing heavily in the assault. It again met the enemy at North Anna, and participated in the gallant charge of the Second Corps at Cold Harbor, the loss being very heavy. Crossing the James River, the regiment reached Petersburg after a long and fatiguing march. In a desperate charge 'upon the Rebel works June 16, 1864, the regiment was almost annihilated by the capture of its LieutenantColonel, four Captains, four Lieutenants and about eighty of the rank and file, who were held as pris- oners until March, 1865. Only about 200 were present for duty when the charge was made, and of this number about fifty were killed or wounded. During the remainder of the summer the handful of men left in the command was almost constantly under fire. It was engaged in the battles of Ream's Station and Deep Bottom, spent the fall and winter on fatigue and picket duty, and sustained some losses during that period. It participated in the battle of Five Forks, and after the surrender of Lee' s army returned through Rich- mond to Alexandria. The regiment was present at the grand review May 23 and 24, 1865, and was mustered out of service on the 31st, and early in June was disbanded at Erie, where it was received with demonstrations of honor and satisfaction. One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment. — Few regiments that served in the late war are more widely known than those which bore the title of "Buck- tails," a name made celebrated by the heroic valor displayed by these com- mands on many a hard- fought field. The One Hundred and Fiftieth was organized at Camp Curtin on the 4th of September, 1862, its Lieutenant- Colonel being Henry S. Huidekoper, of Meadville, who had studied military tactics at Harvard University. Four companies of this regiment were recruited in Crawford County, viz. : Companies C, H, I and K, the respective Captains being John B. Fay, J. W. H. Reisinger, John W. Sigler and David V. Derickson. On reaching Washington it was assigned to guard duty in and around the city. Companies C and H were assigned to duty at the Soldiers' Home, President Lincoln's summer residence, but by mistake proceeded to the Soldiers' Rest, whence they returned to their regiment. In the meantime the regulars guarding the Home having received marching orders, had departed, leaving it unguarded. The authorities, becoming alarmed at the non-appear- ance of the companies which had been sent, ordered a new detail, and Com- panies D and K were assigned and duly installed as guard to the President. Company D was soon afterward sent to the Soldiers' Rest, leaving Capt. Derickson's command as sole guard at the Home. Considerable effort having been made to have this company join the regiment in the field and replace it at the Home by other troops, the President gave Capt. Derickson the following letter : * Executive Mansion, Washington, November 1, 1863. Whom it May Concern : Capt. Derickson, with his company, has been, for some time keeping guard at my resi- dence, now at the Soldiers' Retreat. He and his company are very agreeable to me; and while it is deemed proper for any guard to remain, none would be more satisfactory to me than Capt. D. and his company. A. Lincoln. On the 1st of May, 1863, Capt. Derickson resigned to accept the position of Provost Marshal of the district wherein Crawford County was located; and under Capt. Thomas Getchell the company continued to act as President Lin- coln's guard until his assassination, April 14, 1865, and was mustered out the following June. Near the middle of February, 1863, the regiment moved to Belle Plain, and HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 363 was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division of the First Corps. Its pioneer service in the field was on the Ohancellorsville campaign, in which battle it took position on the extreme right of the line, but was not actively engaged. About the middle of June the "Buoktails" marched on the Pennsylvania campaign, which closed with the bloody battle of Gettysburg. Here the reg- iment really fought its first battle, winning a reputation for valor that will be imperishable. It was in the thickest of the fight around the village of Gettys- burg, and though the Rebel onslaughts were repulsed again and again with ter- rible loss, the indomitable One Hundred and Fiftieth also suffered severely. Its colors were captured by the enemy, and recaptured in a gallant charge upon the Rebel line. Almost surrounded by the enemy the brigade continued to hold its position, but finally retired, stubbornly contesting every foot of the ground with an overpowering foe, and repelling a desperate charge upon one of the batteries which it supported. The retreat, however, was delayed so long that the Rebels had closed in about them, and many of these brave boys were cap- tured in the streets of Gettysburg, the tattered flag of the "Bucktails" again falling into the hands of the enemy, where it remained until the capture of Jefferson Davis, with whose effects it was found. On the 25th of October, 1869, this flag was transmitted by the Secretary of War to the Adjutant-Gen- eral of Pennsylvania, and may now be seen at Harrisburg with the other bat- tle-stained ensigns of the State. The regiment went into Gettysburg with sev- enteen officers and about 400 men. Of these, 43 were killed, 138 wounded and 79 taken prisoners. Lieut. -Col. Huidekoper, of Meadville, lost an arm in this battle, while Capt. Sigler and Lieut. Rose, of Company I, and Lieut. Perkins, of Company C, all of Crawford County, were among the wounded. After the battle the regiment participated in the pursuit of Lee's forces, but no general engagement followed. During the fall the One Hundred and Fiftieth, which was reduced to less than 200 men, received considerable accessions from the recruiting stations. It went into camp near Paoli Mills, but subsequently established its winter quarters at the town of Culpepper. In February, 1864, Lieut-Col. Huidekoper . was promoted to the head of the regiment, succeeding Col. Wister (resigned), but being disabled by the loss of his arm, and the wound still open, Col. Huidekoper was obliged to leave the service soon after his promotion. Early in May, 1864, the spring campaign opened, and in the battles of the Wilder- ness the regiment bore a conspicuous part. On the 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th of May the brigade was almost constantly under fire, making no less than five gallant charges upon the Rebel works. At Spottsylvania Court House we again find the regiment fighting bravely. At North Anna River on the 23d of May, the firm front and dauntless courage displayed by the "Bucktail '' Brigade, stayed the Rebel onslaught, and the ground was held and fortified. On the 30th at Tolopotomy Creek, and two days afterward at Bethesda Church, the regiment was hotly engaged, losing heavily in both battles. By the middle of June the army had crossed the James, and arrived in front of Peters- burg. On the 17th of June the fighting commenced, and on the following day the "Bucktails" took part in the desperate but unsuccessful assault upon the Rebel fortifications. Its next active ogprations occurred in the advance upon the Weldon Railroad, where the brigade almost annihilated a Rebel column which attempted to flank the division, several stands of colors and 500 prison- ers falling into the hands of the "Bucktails." It again met the enemy at Hatchers' Run,' and in December participated in the grand raid upon the Weldon Railroad, which was completely destroyed for a distance of nearly 364 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. twenty miles. The regiment now went into winter quarters and the quiet of the camp was undisturbed until the following February, when for nearly a week fighting continued on Hatcher's Run with varying success. At the end of this time the " Buoktails " were relieved and sent to Elmira, N. Y., to guard Eebel prisoners collected at that point, and there remained until mus- tered out of service in June, 1865. One Hundred and Sixty -third Regiment {Eighteenth Cavalry). — This regi- ment was recruited from some sixteen counties in the fall and winter of 1862, and partially organized and mounted at Camp Curtin. It contained a fev recruits from Crawford County, but not more than some other regiments not accredited thereto, and its record cannot therefore be properly regarded as a part of the county's military history. To those who desire to know its history we will 8ay,^ou can find it fully written up in the ' ' Pennsylvania Volunteers," whose author, Prof. Samuel P. Bates, is a well-known citizen of Meadville. One Hundred and Ninetieth and Ninety -first Regiments. — When the regi- ments composing the Reserve Corps was mustered out, a large number of veter- ans and recruits remained whose terms of service had not expired, and these were organized into two regiments, known as the One Hundred and Ninetieth, and One Hundred and Ninety-first. Some of these men belonged to the Ninth and Tenth Reserves, each of which had a company from Meadville. These regiments were organized immediately after the battle of Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864, and their first battle was at Cold Harbor, after which they con- stituted the Third Brigade, Third Division, of the Fifth Corps. Near Charles City Cross Roads they were fiercely attacked, on the 13th of June, and during the entire day held at bay a superior force of the enemy. Upon crossing the James, the command moved rapidly toward Petersburg, arriving in front of the enemy on the evening of the Itth. The brigade was ordered to drive the Rebels from a certain position in its front, and in the battles which followed, it captured an entire Rebel regiment, the Thirty-ninth North Carolina. Though vigorously assailed by infantry and artillery, the ground was held, until regu- larly relieved, though losing many in killed and wounded. For the succeed- ing eight days the brigade was almost constantly on active duty, and lost a considerable number of its command. During the two first weeks of July it was engaged constructing Fort "Warren, and afterward took position where Fort Crawford was subsequently located. On the 18th of August it moved on the Weldon Railroad, capturing and destroying a portion near the Yellow House. When the brigade came in front of the rebel breastworks, a line was established and fortified. Here, on the afternoon of the 19th, the brigade was completely surrounded and forced to surrender. The captives were hurried away to rebel prisons, and suffered all the horrors of a cruel confinement until near the close of the war. A small detachment that had been sent to the rear for provisions and ammunition, escaped capture, and was the nucleus for re-or- ganization. At Gravelly Run the re-organized command did good execution; Hnd at Five Forks, April 1, 1865, led the advance, which resulted in a glorious victory. From the 2d until the 9th of April, the command, as skirmishers, hung upon the rear of the fleeing rebels, and was just about to charge a battery, when a horseman bearing a flag of truce rode along the lines with the glad news of Lee's surrender. Returning to Washington, after the surrender, the two regiments went into camp, and on the 28th of June were mustered out of service. Two Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. — On the 16th of September, 1864, this regiment effected an organization at Camp Reynolds, near Pittsburgh. Company A, Oapt. Elias B. Lee, was raised in Crawford County. Soon after HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 365 the regiment was organized it was ordered to the front, and placed in the intrenchments at Bermuda Hundred. It was incorporated with a provisional brigade of the Army of the James, and was here for the first time under fire. Late in November the command was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, where it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, of the Ninth Corps. Nothing of importance occurred during the winter, but on the 25th of March, 1865, it participated in the re-capture of Port Steadman, losing one killed 'and ten wounded. In the attack on the rebel works, April 2d, which were gallantly carried, the regiment lost four officers and seventeen men killed, four officers and eighty-nine men wounded, and twenty- one missing, an aggregate of 135 who went down in that desperate assault. This was the last battle the regiment took part in, for the war was now drawing to a close, and Lee's surrender, on the 9th, put an end to hostile operations. After the battle oE the 2d, the command was engaged on picket and guard duty until April 20, and then left Nottoway Court House for Alexandria, where it was mustered out of service on the 2d of June. The foregoing sketches will serve to illustrate the glorious and distin- guished part taken by the soldiers of Crawford County in the great battles of the Rebellion. When the tocsin of war sounded, they went forth in all their vigorous manhodd to battle for National life, and on many a bloody field car- ried the dear old flag to victory. Many went down in the crash of battle; hundreds sickened and died from exposure and hardships on the tented field, or starvation in rebel prisons; others returned scarred and maimed for life, while many came out unscathed, to again resume their places in civil affairs. The events of this war have passed into history. The youthful student is bewildered with the recital of its gigantic proportions, and the son listens with wonder to fhe tale of bloody strife as it falls from the lips of the sur- viving father who served in the struggle. The mother relates the anguish and long years of anxiety and suffering in those dark days. All are familiar, through written records, with the causes which produced the great Eebellion, its fierce continuance, its glorious termination, and the fruits left for the enjoyment of coming generations. '■''. ^ ^ (yj^^,z/^y^y'^^i-^^^^^^^i^-^^-^^^ PART III. MEADVILLE AND TITUSVILLE. 20 Meadville and Titusville. CHAPTER I. MEADVILLE. Appearance and Topography of the City— The Town Laid Out by David Mead— First Sales of Lots and the Purchasers- Anecdote of the First Survey— Pioneers— Re-survey and Enlargement of the Town Plat— Brief Sketches of Those Who Located Permanently in Mead- ville Prior to 1805— Early Physicians- Natural Phenomena of Pio- neer Days— Strange Psychological Phenomenon— Visit of La Fayette —Meadville in 1830— Business Men Then Residing Here— Old Houses Tet Remaining— The Changes Which Fifty-four Years Have Wrought IN THE Town. NESTLING in the valley of French Creek, and surrounded by towering hills on every side, the city of Meadville presents a landscape of beauty rarely excelled. In every direction beautiful forest- covered slopes overlook the city, and winding down the valley the waters of French Creek may be traced until they are lost amid the green foliage bordering the banks of the stream. The topography of Meadville is of a character to furnish unusual facilities for an ample supply of water and good sewerage, the abundance and elevation of springs, and the high locality of the reservoir within the corporate limits, cre- ates a pressure which carries a pure stream to the topmost story of the highest buildings. Lying on an incline which rises from French Creek eastward, and crossed by Mill Run in a southwest direction, she has the advantage of a thor- ough natural drainage, while a good sewerage system is one of the boasts of Meadville. "With these accessories and an unusual freedom from that poison- ous malaria which affects so many districts, the city is entitled to a high rep- utation for general healthfulness. The first settlement in northwestern Pennsylvania was made on the site of Meadville and its immediate vicinity, and from this point, long known as "Mead's Settlement," the pioneers scattered in every direction over the fertile soil lying west of the Allegheny River. As the story of these events has already been told in the general history of the county, we will not again take up the subject, but pass on to the laying out of the town. The original plan of Meadville was conceived in 1793 by David Mead, though the town was not named until after the first sale of lots, for we find in an old account book now in possession of William Grill, Esq., of Meadville, the following record in Gen. Mead's own handwriting: Journal of the Town of , laid out by David Mead, at Cussewago, and commenced the sale of lots on the 30th day of February, 1793. The purchasers of lots in 1793 were Lewis Bond, William Gill, Thomas Ray, John Ray, Robert Finney, Samuel Lord, Hugh Dupray, Ebenezer Mc- GufiBn, James Campbell, John Beals, Frederick Haymaker, William Jones, John Wentworth, William Black, Thomas Black, Andrew Robinson and Luke Hill. In 1794 the following persons bought lots in the newly laid out town: 372 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. "William Diek, John Wilkins, Jr., Jesse Barker, John Polhamus, John Smith, John Brooks, James Dickson, John Clows, Cornelius Van Home, John Mead, Abner Evans, Barnabas McCormick, James Findlay, Joseph Griffin, Eobert Wilson, Ebenezer McGuffin, Jennet Finney, Edward Cannon, William Clemens, Samuel Lord, Nicholas Lord, John Hawk, George Eoberts, Joseph Armstrong, John Barclay, Benry Kichard and Frederick Baum. In 1795 lots were purchased by William Gill, Jacob Raysor, John Wolfort, John Davis, John Stewart, Solomon Jennings, Robert Finney, Jennet Finney, Alexander Power, Frederick Baum, Robert Johnson, John Johnson, John Morris, Henry Marly, Robert Wilson, John Wilson, Charles Sweeny, John McAddon, Archi- bald Bruce, John Brooks, William Johnson, Robert Burris, James Heatly, Alexander Linn, Roger Alden and Joseph Osborn. When Gen. Mead laid out Meadville he did not then contemplate a city such as it has since become. The enlarged plans and the location of a seat of justice at this point were after considerations, and the block of lots on Walnut Street, between Market and Park Avenue, now occupied by the residence and grounds of D. G. Shryock, Esq., was in the original plan of Gen. Mead, intended for a public square. Henry Marly, one of the pioneers of Crawford County, acted as chain bearer for Gen. Mead in the survey of the town. He used to relate that they commenced at Mead's Mill, a log building then standing near the site of the "Red Mill," at the head of Water Street, and ran south, cutting out the hazel brash in their progress. It was late in the afternoon before they reached the point where Mill Run crosses Water Street, when Mead, looking at his watch, exclaimed, "Well, Henry, we'll stop here. I guess the town will never go farther south than this creek. " He however lived to see the village pass the boundary he had established. But what would be the old General's surprise if he were to return and view the city he founded more than ninety- one years ago ? Many of those who purchased lots of Gen. Mead in 1793-94 and 1795 were non-residents, while others are well remembered pioneers of different sections of the county. The following purchasers, however, located permanently in Meadville, and the majority of them lived and died here ; Samuel Lord, Frederick Haymakei;, William Dick, John Brooks, Henry Reich- ard, Jacob Raysor, John Davis and Roger Alden. Between 1794 and 1800 several other pioneers settled in the village, among whom were Dr. Thomas R. Kennedy, James Herriott, Samuel Torbett, Capt. Richard Patch, James Gib- son, Col. Joseph Hackney, John Carver, William McArthur, David Compton, Patrick Davis, Lawrence Clancy and Alexander Buchanan. In 1795 the town plat was re-surveyed, remodeled and enlarged by Gen. Mead, Dr. Thomas R. Kennedy and Maj. Roger Alden, who at that time were the three leading citizens of the village. The town was divided into seventy- five squares, by streets, alleys and lanes; and one square, known as the Dia- mond, was laid off for public buildings in the form of a parallelogram, meas- uring 300 feet east and west by 600 north and south. By the close of the eighteenth century, scattering cabins dotted the site of Meadville from French Creek to the Diamond, and the little hamlet began to exhibit signs of a healthy growth. The erection of Crawford County in 1800, and location of the seat of justice at Meadville, gave it an impetus that for some years made it the leading town in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Most of the land on which the city is built was in 1805 either covered with a heavy growth of forest trees, or but recently cleared. A handbill was issued that year, signed by the real estate owners of the village, setting forth the advantages of Meadville, and holding out inducements to actual settlers. MEADVILLE. 373 The lots were offered at |6 each, and were chiefly located on those portions of Water, Chestnut, Centre, Walnut and Dock Streets, now most densely popu- lated, or occupied by business houses. The principal residents of Meadville at that time were as follows : Gen. David Mead, Associate Judge of Crawford County in 1800, and from 1808 to 1816, and Major-General of the Sixteenth Division Pennsylvania Militia resided at the north end of Water Street, in the house now occupied by Dr. Edward Ellis. He built here in 1797, carried on a mill and a store for many years, and died in 1816, having been a resident of the valley since 1788, and founder of the city which now bears his name. (See biography in Chapter IV, General History.) Dr. Thomas R. Kennedy came to Meadville in 1795, and resided here until his death in 1813. He was the pioneer physician west of the Allegheny River, and the first Prothonotary of Crawford County, holding that position from 1800 to 1809. His residence was on the northwest corner of Water and Cen- tre Streets, where the frame cottage of John A. Sergeant now stands. (See biography in Chapter XIII, General History.) Maj. Roger Alden came to Meadville in the fall of 1795, and bought a lot of Gen. Mead. He had served throughout the Revolutionary war, and to use his own language, "was in the first platoon that fired a shot at Lexington, and among the last in the action at Yorktown." Maj. Alden was the first agent of the Holland Land Company, which position he held until the close of 1804, and resided where D. G. Shryock's residence stands on Walnut Street. He assisted largely in the settlement and improvement of Crawford County by erecting mills and opening roads, and in many other ways contributing to its prosperity. In 1804 he fought a duel with Alexander W. Poster. The meet- ing took place on the bank of French Creek below Meadville, and at the first fire Maj. Alden fell, shot through the thigh. Dr. Kennedy, of Meadville, and Dr. Wallace, of Erie, were the surgeons in charge, and the event caused much excitement in the village. Maj. Alden represented the county in the Legisla- ture from 1809 to 1811, was County Treasurer from_1816 to 1819, and Regis- ter and Recorder from 1821 to February, 1825. His name may be found in connection with every leading local event of his time. After the war of 1812-15 he became financially embarrassed, and lost all his property. February, 1825, he was appointed Quartermaster at West Point, and removed from Meadville the same year, dying at the former place between eighty and ninety years of age. Col. Joseph Hackney served through the several campaigns against the Ohio Indians, from 1785 to 1791, and settled at Meadville in 1794. His store was in the small frame building still standing north of McFarland's bot- tling works, on Water Street, which he erected in 1797. He resided on Wal- nut Street, on the lot now occupied by B. F. Porter's residence, was a County Commissioner from 1800 to 1802, and from 1811 to 1814. In 1817 he removed to Warren, Penn., and upon the organization of that county he was appointed Associate Judge. Samuel Lord purchased a lot of Gen. Mead, February 20, 1793, and was, therefore, one of the very first settlers of the town. Though residing in 1805 near where Hon. William Reynolds' house now stands, which was then outside the village limits, he was closely identified with the interests of the town. He built the house northwest corner of Water and Centre Streets, which was occupied by Dr. Kennedy in 1805, and had a store connected therewith in a small one-story, log building. Indian trade was then very lucrative, and Mr. Lord understanding their language, had a large share of their patronage. A 374 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. squaw was killed by a drunken Indian at the door of this store, being the only murder ever committed in Meadville. Mr. Lord was an old Eevolution- ary soldier, and though a plain, uncultured man, had a good mind and held in his day several important offices, among which were County Commissioner from 1815 to 1818, and from 1830 to 1833. He was an ardent Federalist and possessed considerable influence and popularity in his party up to the time of his death. Frederick Haymaker came to the village in 1793, and in 1805 lived on Water Street, immediately south of Mrs. John McFarland's residence. He was the first postmaster of the town, and also a pioneer Justice of the Peace. William Dick, with his family settled here in the fall of 1794, purchasing a lot that year from Gen. Mead. He first occupied a log-cabin, inside the stockade around Mead's Block-house, James Dickson living in another of the same sort, but in the spring of 1795, Mr. Dick removed to a double log-house, which then stood on the side of the Central Hotel. He was a carpenter, and built many of the first frame houses in the village, among which was one for Gen. Mead, in 1797, at the head of Water Street, now the residence of Dr.' Ellis. In'1798, he erected the two-story frame, yet standing on the northeast corner of Water Street and Cherry Alley, where he was residing in 1805. All the first courts of the county were held in the second story of this building, which is one of the oldest structures in the city. Mr. Dick spent the balance of his days in Meadville, and his desoendents are among its leading business men. John Brooks was also a purchaser of 1 794, though he did not settle perma- nently in the town until 1804, when he opened a small wagon-shop on Wal- nat Street. He was a Justice of the Peace and one of the largest real estate owners of the village; served as County Treasurer from 1811 to 1813, and as Associate Judge from 1817 to 1830. He lived on the south side of Walnut Street between the Diamond and Liberty Street, and subsequently at the northeast corner of the Diamond, whence he removed to a farm in Mead Township, and there died. Henry Eeichard came from Germany as a soldier in the Hessian Army during the Revolution, was taken prisoner and upon the close of the war re- mained in America. He came to Meadville in the fall of 1794, and bought a lot of Gen. Mead. He built a log-house on Water Street, on the lot just north of the Citizens Hotel, and was living there in 1805, and died many years later. , Jacob Raysor was also a German, and kept a gun-shop. He came early in 1795, and purchased a lot the same spring. He was a little old man, known by all the early residents . as "Daddy" Raysor, and lived on Walnut Street until his death. John, Patrick and George Davis settled in Meadville in the summer of 1795. The first mentioned in 1805, lived on the site now covered by the Boil- eau and Gill Block on Water Street. ^Patrick opened a tanyard in 1796 on Dock Street, which he operated for quite a number of years. He lived where the late James Porter's residence stands, the tannery being behind his house. George Davis' house stood on Chestnut Street, on the east side of S. N. Pet- tis' grounds, Maj. James Herriott located in the village about 1797, and in 1805 his store and residence were in the frame building on the northeast corner of Water and Walnut Streets. Maj. Herriott served a short period in the war of 1812, was County Commissioner from 1813 to 1816, and until misfortune overtook him, he was one of the most prominent business men of this portion of the MEADVILLE. 375 State. He married the only child of Lawrenoe Clancy and, after amassing quite a fortune, reverses came on, and he died in the western part of the coun- ty a poor man. Samuel Torbett was a nail maker, who came to Meadville and opened a shop on Centre Street about 1796-97. He followed that business for some years, residing, in 1805, on the site of the late Kennedy Davis' House; but finally engaged in tavern keeping, which he followed until his death. Tor- bett's tavern stood on the southwest corner of Water and Chestnut Streets. Mr. Torbett was Sheriff of the county from 1815 to 1818. Capt. Eichard Patch was of English parentage and was born on the Atlantic during the passage to America in 1775. He removed to Pittsburgh in boyhood, there married, and in 1795 came to Meadville, settling here per- manently in 1797. He was a boat-captain, and soon after coming built a log-cabin on the southwest corner of Chestnut and Market Streets, subse- quently erecting the two-story stone building yet standing there, where he kept tavern a few years, dying in 1846. James Gibson came to Meadville in the last decade of the eighteenth cen- tury, and subsequently began keeping a tavern on "Water Street, on the site of Ohlman's clothing store in the Delamater Block. He was Postmaster of Meadville from 1807 to 1812. His tavern was a noted stopping place through- out the earlier years of the county's history, and his name is familiar to many of the present residents of the city. John Carver another settler of the last century kept the " Bear Tavern, " on the site of the Corinthian Block, on Water Street, in 1805. It wqs a long log- house erected by him for a tavern in 1796-97. In June of the latter year the building was blown down by a violent storm, and the late John Dick, then a small boy, was caught in the wreck and badly injured. The tavern was at once rebuilt, and stood for many years afterward. David Compton, grandfather of Col. John B. Compton, the present (1884) District Attorney, was a native of New Jersey, located in Meadville in 1797, and from 1804 to 1811 kept the Washington House, now the Citizens' Hotel, which stands on the west side of Water Street, above Walnut. He subse- quently settled on a farm across French Creek, but in 1812, his house was burned down, and two of his children lost their lives in the fire. He then removed to a farm south of Meadville, where he resided until his death at the advanced age of ninety years. William McArthur came to Meadville prior to 1800, and in 1805 was resid- ing in a large log-house, which he had previously erected on the northwest cor- ner of Walnut and North Main Streets. The county offices were located in this building for many years. Mr. McArthur was the first Treasurer of Craw- ford County, served as County Surveyor from 1800 to 1806, was Prothonotary and Clerk from 1809 to 1821, and Register and Recorder from 1812 to 1820. In 1801 he was elected to represent the district in the State Senate, and served until 1809. He died in September, 1822. Lawrence Clancy was an Irish Catholic, who settled in Meadville in 1799, and resided here until his death. He was a blacksmith, and had a shop on the site of the Protestant Episcopal Church for many years, while his log- house was across the street where the family of the late E. A. Reynolds resides. His daughter married Maj. James Herriott, and died in Meadville. Alexander Buchanan built a log tavern on Water Street, about 1798-99, and occupied it for four or five years. He was elected to the Legislature in 1801, when the district included the whole of Northwestern Pennsylvania. The foregoing list of pioneers embraces about all who settled in Mead- 376 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ville before 1800; but early in the present century quite a number located who deserve brief mention in this chapter. William Clark lived immediately south of the village, but within the circle of its society. He was one of the leading Democrats of the county, held many offices, among which were those of County Commissioner from 1800 to 1804, and Associate Judge from 1803 to 1818. He was also Brigade Inspector of Militia, and was prominently identified with the public affairs of the town and county until his return to his early home on the Susque- hanna near Harrisburg. Henry Hurst came to the town about 1800, and erected a tavern on the southeast corner of Water and Centre Streets, which is yet standing, where he hung out the sign of the cross-keys. He was elected County Commissioner in 1802 and served three years. He was Sheriff from 1806 to 1809, and filled the same office from 1812 to (1815. He was Postmaster of Meadville from 1812 to 1814, and State Senator of the district from 1816 to 1821. During the war of 1812 he was appointed a Brigadier-General of the Sixteenth Division Pennsylvania Militia, and was one of the leading Democrats in this section of the State until his death. Thomas Atkinson located in Meadville in the fall of 1804, and January 2, 1805, issued the first number of the Crawford Weekly Messenger, the pioneer newspaper of western Pennsylvania. His office was in a log building on the site of the Central Hotel barn, whence he removed to the east side of the Diamond. Mr. Atkinson published the Messenger until March, 1833, when he retired from the business. In 1810 he was elected County Commissioner and served ufitil 1813. Was Treasurer of the County from 1820 to 1822, and served in the Legislature in 1826-27 and 1835-36. He was a very useful citizen during his residence in Meadville. His death occurred in 1837. H. J. Huidekoper, a native of Holland, born April 3, 1776, came to Meadville in November, 1804, and in January, 1805, entered upon his duties as agent of the Holland Land Company. His first office and residence was on the south side of Walnut Street, between Water and Market, but he subse- quently laid out grounds and erected a two-story frame cottage on South Water Street, where now stands the residence of his son, Rev. Fredric Huidekoper. He was one of the most prominent, enterprising and useful men that Meadville has ever possessed, and the monuments of his generosity remain to praise his memory. For nearly half a century he labored to build up the city and county of his adoption, and when he died, May 22, 1854, his name had become a household word and his memory a blessing throughout the length and breadth of Crawford County. Kev. Joseph Stockton was the first resident minister of Meadville, which he first visited in 1799, and located here as the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in the fall of 1800. He lived on Liberty Street, in the building since remod- eled as a residence, now occupied by Clinton Cullum, Esq. Mr. Stockton was the first Principal of the Meadville Academy, opened in 1805, and besides attend- ing to his duties as pastor, taught in that institution until his removal from town in 1810. William Moore lived, in 1805, on Walnut Street, and was Clerk of the courts from 1800 to 1809, and Kegister and Recorder from 1800 to 1805. John Patterson, the County Treasurer from 1802 to 1808, resided on Wal- nut, between Water Street and French Creek. Bartholomew White kept the Federal tavern on the southwest corner of Water and Centre Streets, in 1805. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and was killed at Fort Erie, This old building stood until the spring of 1880, when it was removed. MEADVILLE. 379 Samuel B. Magaw operated a store in 1805, just north of where the Corin- thian Block stands, and was one of the leading citizens of the village. He was the first President of the Northwestern Bank of Pennsylvania, organized in November, 1814 He died in March, 1816. , Other pioneers living in Meadville in 1805 were as follows: Andrew Work, merchant, who resided on the lot now occupied by the house of Mrs. John Mo- Farland, on Water Street; Eliphalet Betts, tailor, resided in a house built by him in 1804, and still standing on the west side of Water Street, between Chestnut and' Centre, where the late Hiram Betts died; Nicholas Conrad had a bakery on the southeast corner of Chestnut and Water Streets, the site recently occupied by the opera house, and whereon the handsome block was erected in the summer and fall of 1884; Alexander W. Foster, attorney, lived on Dock Street, where the residence of J. C. Dickson stands; John W. Hunter, attorney, resided on the site of Mrs. William Hurst's house, corner of Market and North Streets; James Quigley, Sheriff, from 1803 to 1806, and County Commissioner from 1806 to 1809, lived on the site of the Crawford Hotel, at the southeast corner of the Diamond; Andrew Graff's residence was on the northeast corner of Park Avenue and Chestnut Street; Hugh Allen, Deputy Sheriff, kept a tavern where now stands the residence of Rev. T. L. Flood, northwest corner of Centre Street and the Diamond; William Shannon, saddler, and William Burnside, blacksmith, had shops on Centre Street; William Mc- Fadden, teamster, lived on Centre Street, the site of Jesse Rupp's residence; Daniel Holten's residence was on Walnut Street. ^ He, too, followed the business of teamster. Martha Fisher, a widow, lived on the site of the public library building; the residence of James Douglas, a pioneer school teacher, is not remem- bered by any of the pioneers. The single men who boarded at the various taverns were: Hon. Jesse Moore, President Judge of the district; Patrick Farrelly and Ralph Marlin, attorneys (see biographies Chapter XIII, gen- eral history); Jabez Colt, land agent; Samuel Withrow, hatter; Sampson and Joshua Hamilton, cabinet-makers; George McGunnegle, tailor; Edward Work, attorney and Postmaster; John Reynolds, residing with Dr. Kennedy, and Peter Huidekoper, Clerk in the office of the Holland Land Company. Early Physicians. — Dr. Thomas R. Kennedy located in Meadville in 1795 and for twelve years was the only physician in the town. In 1807 Dr. Daniel Bemus, opened an office here, and upon the death of Dr. Kennedy in March, 1813, succeeded to the practice established by that gentleman. Dr. Bemus spent the rest of his life in Meadville and vicinity, practicing until 1845, and was one of the county's most prominent citizens. His death occurred Febru- ary 24, 1866. In February, 1823, Dr. William Woodruff, began practice here which he continued until his death, which occurred a short time before the war. Dr. John Sprague came to Meadville in 1823 and died in 1825. His son-in- law. Dr. Ransom Warner remained in practice some time after Dr. Sprague' s decease, he then removed to New York. Dr. C. M. Yates opened an office in 1826, and. continued in the profession about twenty- five years. Dr. Reynell Coates came to Meadville as a Professor in Allegheny College, in 1829, and practiced four or five years. Dr. Edward Ellis located here in 1826, and for a few years was in the office of Dr. Bemus. In February, 1830, he opened an office on the northeast corner of Water and Walnut Streets, and from that time up to the present he has been in constant practice. For more £han half a century Dr. Ellis has ministered to the sick and suffering of Meadville and vicinity, and has witnessed the gradual growth of the town from a borough of less than 1,000 inhabitants to a city of 10,000. Dr. Alexander McLeod entered into partnership with Dr. Bemus in the spring of 1833, and after practicing 380 HISTORY OF CRAWFORB COUNTY. medicine a number of years became a minister of the Episcopal Church. Dur- ing the war he served as Chaplain in the army, returned to Meadville in 1871, and died in 1877. The foregoing list embraces the pioneer physicians of Meadville, who resided in the town a sufficient length of time to become iden- tified with its interests. Natural Phenomena of Pioneer Days. — The' earlier years of the present century were memorable for several of those natural phenomena which affect the minds of men more or less vividly in proportion to their intelligence or freedom from superstitious fears. On the 6th of June, 1806, occurred a total eclipse of the sun. It was a beautiful clear day, and at the time of complete obscuration the chilliness of evening was felt, the dew stood in globules on the plants, the bees hastened to their hives, the fowls to their roosts, and the whip-poor-will whistled his twilight note. The lack of astronomical knowledge caused the Indians to view the waning light with great alarm. To them it was problematical if they would ever again see the sun in its brightness. Having had no former experience or traditions of such events, they could assign no natural cause, and readily charged it to the agency of some powerful, malevo- lent being. In Cornplanter's town, they gathered to hear what the medicine man would say, and bow he would advise. No record was made of what was said, but many rifle shots were fired upwards, hoping thereby to drive the demon away or dissolve the incantation. They were, however, soon relieved of their fears, by the reappearance of the great luminary in all h is usual splendor. On the morning of the 16th of December, 1811, two shocks of earthquake were felt at Meadville, between the hours of 3 and 7 o'clock. The ground rose and fell at intervals, the water in French Creek rushed backward and forward, while the trees waved to and fro as if in a storm, though the air was hardly stirring. The town was again visited by a shock of an earthquake on the morning of January 23, 1812. Its violence was so great as to excite considerable apprehension with many for the safety of their build- ings. While the undulation of the earth immediately along French Creek was so great as to cause the utmost fear and astonishment, it is a singular fact that its effects were felt by very few of the inhabitants residing on the rising ground, and then so faintly as to be scarcely perceptible. In the Messenger of January 29, 1812, Mr. Atkinson thus comments on the phenomenon : ' 'Whether those astonishing events proceed from local causes, or are the harbingers of an approaching revolution in nature, may be a subject of inquiry with those who dive into the wandering mazes of scientific research; but the considerate and reflecting mind will naturally trace their origin to that Almighty Being at whose presence the earth trembleth, and who hath said that He would 'shake the heavens and the earth, and the sea and the dry land.' " Several of the vibrations were of sufficient force to cause a creaking sensa- tion in the houses, dishes on the shelves rattled, goods suspended in the stores were set in motion, and the ice on French Creek was split from shore to shore. No injury was sustained, however, beyond a nervous feeling of insecurity necessarily felt when the foundation is yielding to an unknown force. The next natural phenomenon of any note- — which will be remembered by many persons yet living — occurred October 23, 1819, when, between 9 and 10 o'clock in the morning, an uncommon darkness overshadowed the earth. The clouds moved from the southward, and had an unusual brassy appearance. About 10 o'clock the darkness subsided for a short time, but returned before 11, and became so intense as to render it almost impracticable to attend to business, many citizens having recourse to candle-light in their homes and business houses. The few pioneers whom we have spoken with on the sub- ject, refer to that event as " the dark day. " MEADVILLE. 381 Strange Psychological Phenomenon. — On the 21st of June, 181 6,Eev. Timothy Alden wrote to Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell of New Yorl* describing a remarkable case of double consciousness possessed by Miss MarwReynolds, a sister of John Reynolds, Esq., of Meadville. This letter was published in full in the Alle- gheny Magazine, from which it was copied by Sherman Day when compiling his " Historical Collections " in 1843. Miss Eeynolds was born in 1794, and the beginning of this phenomenon was a spell of sickness in 1811. Upon recovery she failed to recognize her father, mother, brothers, sisters or neigh- bors, and even did not know her own name. Her mind had returned to the blank vacuity of infancy, and she was obliged to recommence her learning with her alphabet, and to be introduced to her family and frieuds with whom she had long been familiar. She was apparently possessed of a twofold state of consciousness; entirely unconscious in her second state of what she had known and learned in her primary one, and when relapsing into her first state, equally forgetful of what had occurred in her second state. After learning from her friends the circumstances of these changes in her mental faculties, she always suffered acutely on finding the change approaching, a presentiment of which she usually had several days before it came, fearing that she would never again know those whom she loved, not even realizing that she had learned to know them equally well in both conditions. " These astonishing transi- tions," says Dr. Alden, " scores of times repeated, always take place in ber sleep." The final change to her second state occurred in 1829, and from that time until her death in January, 1854, she was perfectly oblivious of everything she had learned or known in her original state. Miss Eeynolds was for some time a teacher in one of the primary schools of Meadville, and was a lady of sprightly disposition, and poetic turn of mind. Visit of La Fayette. — On the 2d of June, 1825, Gen. La Fayette, while on his way from Pittsburgh to Erie, made a brief stop at Meadville. His arrival at James Gibson's Hotel was announced by the firing of cannon, when old and young hastened to get a glimpse of the noted visitor. The large assem- blage was formed in lines, and the venerable Frenchman passed along shak- ing hands with everyone who came within his reach. He was then conducted to Samuel Torbett's Hotel, where the principal Jadies of the borough received him with marked attention, having assembled to honor the illustrious hero. Many Eevolutionary soldiers came to see the old General, and were received by him with the greatest kindness. The citizens tendered him a public dinner, but his many urgent engagements elsewhere compelled him to decline the courtesy. He reached Meadville between 1 and 2 o'clock P. M. , and remained only about two hours, departing amid the cheers and grateful blessings of hundreds, who had felt an intense anxiety to behold the distinguished friend and early companion of Washington, and the gallant champion of American Independence. " Long Live Lafayette, " rang out again and again, as the great Frenchman left the town. In the evening a ball was given in honor of the visitor, and his presence only was required to add lustre to the scene., and enhance the enjoyment of the gathered throng. The only accident of the day occurred as the first cannon was fired announcing La Fayette's arrival, by which Patrick Shannon, a gallant Irish volunteer of the artillery corps had one of his hands blown off by a premature discharge. The day, however, was long remembered as one of the most noted in the early history of Meadville. Meadville in 1830.— It will doubtless be of interest to our readers to recall the names of those who were the active residents of Meadville fifty-four years ago, many of whom were identified with its early settlement. The town in 1830 contained a population of 1,104, and was comprised within the bounda- 382 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ries of Water, North, Liberty and Pine Streets, with a few houses on Dock Street. The buildings were generally of log or frame, but a few of brick, all on the line of the streets. The lots were enclosed with board fences, and the sidewalks were made of gravel or tanbark, with here and there a small piece of brick pavement. "Water Street, north from Chestnut, was shaded princi- pally with locust trees, though a beautiful row of Lombardy poplars extended from Centre to Walnut in front of John Reynolds' residence. The sycamores yet standing on Market Street on the property of D. G. Shryock, then shaded the long, low cottage erected by Maj. Roger Alden- In front of the log resi- dence of William McArthur, Sr. , on the northwest corner of Walnut and North Main, were fine black walnuts, and the same beautiful maples which add beauty to the home of Hon. G. B. Delamater, then screened from the sun the frame cottage of Col. James Cochran. Apple trees stood in front of the frame resi- dence of Judge John Brooks, on the present site of Dr. J. L. Williamson' s dwelling. With these exceptions, the "Diamond," as it was then and is yet called, was bare and destitute of trees, its chief use being a training ground for the volunteer and militia companies and a pasturage for stock. Wood, the only fuel of that time, was piled on the sides of the streets. The many stores were filled with all the miscellaneous assortments suited to country trade, dry goods, groceries, hardware and drugs, which were exchanged for farm produce, wood, black salts and sugar. Pork and beef were salted and barreled in the rear rooms of the stores, and the upper floors were used as storage places for all kinds of produce. Although the temper- ance question had for some years excited much attention, the early custom of placing the whisky bottle on the store counter, free to all customers, had not been abandoned. A large part of the country marketing was done by the women, who carried their baskets or bundles on horseback, and dismounted on the "horse blocks," placed in front of each store for their accommodation. On the streets wagons drawn by oxen were common. Merchandise was brought from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh in the huge Conestoga wagons, drawn by f our or six horses and carrying from two to three tons, accomplishing the trip from Philadelphia in about four weeks. During the summer months goods were often brought by keel -boats up the Allegheny and French Creek. Most of the exports were either by keel-boats at low water, or during the floods of spring and fall by rafts and flat-boats, which floated in uninterrupted succession, loaded with lumber, hay, grain, whisky and black salts, to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and New Orleans. At night the water front on French Creek, from Centre to Dock Street, was filled with rafts and boats, and the town with noisy boatmen. Few stores were located through the sparsely populated county, and Meadville was the center of trade for a circuit of twenty or thirty miles. The principal public roads running into the town at that time were the Susquehanna and Waterford and the Mer- cer and Meadville turnpikes, both of which were toll roads. A daily line of four- horse mail coaches passed over the latter, making the distance from Pitts- burgh to Meadville in twenty- four hours, and thence over the former road from Meadville to Brie in from ten to twelve hours. This was the chief route of travel from the South to Lake Erie. A tri -weekly line of stages also connected with Harrisbarg. The State Road had lieen cut through the county, but was in an unfinished condition, and at most seasons impassable for wagons. The county roads were rough and unsuited for travel, except by strong wagons, over the wet and low lands, being built with "corduroy." As a result, riding on horseback was much more common than at the present day, the character of the roads MEADVILLE. 383 affording little inducement for pleasure-driving. The French Creek Canal had been in process of construction for three years, but was only completed to the aqueduct below Shaw's Landing, which structure was finished by Mr. Cullum in 1830, and in 1833 boats made regular trips from Meadville to Frank- lin by canal and slack-water navigation. In connection with this, Robert L. Potter, David Dick and other citizens of Meadville, were already undertaking the navigation of the Allegheny by steamboat, and to their enterprise is due the credit for the introduction of the stern-wheel on the Western rivers. H. J. Huidekoper, Esq., agent of the Holland Land Company, since Janu- ary, 1805, resided in a two-story white frame cottage with extensions on the north and south, and a piazza the entire front, on the present site of the resi- dence of Rev. Fredric Huidekoper. On the northwest corner of Water and Pine, the site of the Budd House, was a three-storied frame tavern of Livy Barton, whose blacksmith and wagon-shop was in the two-story frame now partly occupied by Long & Swickard's undertaking shop. At this time the tavern was in an unfinished condition, and a large unplastered apartment on the second floor was rented for public entertainments. In this room, its bare walls lighted with dipped tallow- candles in tin sconces, the rough board stage dimly illuminated by a row of the same for footlights, needing constant trim- ming with the old-fashioned snuffers, the audience seated on rough benches, (the front seats reserved for the ladies), the " Meadville Thespian Society," composed of the young men of the village: W. W., Dick, Archibald Stewart, George King, John Clark, Robert Adrain, W. P. Shattuck, James Buchanan, Sebastian Chappotin and others, rendered most acceptably the pathos of tragedy or the mirth of comedy. The late Robert Adrain, then a jolly, witty young Irishman, was the comedian, while W. P. Shattuck personated the character of the heroine of romance. Nearly opposite Barton's shop was the rival one of John Radle. A broad front stairway and porch gave access to the family residence on the second floor, and the busy hammer rang the anvil chorus beneath. Near the site of the Gable House was the curious workshop of Brazilla Goodrich, the ingenious man of the town, and jack- of- all-trades, wood-worker, pattern-maker, lock- smith, clock and watch repairer, artificer in brass, silver or iron, house-mover and owner of the only billiard table in the village. His shop was tilled with tools of his own invention and manufacture suited to every conceivable pur- pose. Although crippled by rheumatism and thin and weak in body, he was a most useful citizen. On the site of the Gable House was the "Lion Tavern," kept by John E. Smith, which was the office of the Belief ont mail stage. Mr. Smith, formerly a teamster between Philadelphia and Erie, was a popular landlord with his country customers, keeping a house suited to their tastes. Andrew Smith, merchant, occupied the southeast corner of Arch and Water Streets. Roswell Sexton was the owner and host of a yellow frame tavern on the opposite corner of Arch, from which a garden and grass plot with fruit-trees, extended north to the bank of Mill Run. Here beneath the shade of the spread- ing branches, the patriotic citizens sometimes celebrated the National holi- day, with Fourth of July orations, around the festive board of the genial landlord. On the west side of Water Street was the tanyard of Kennedy Davis, and close to it the store of Wood & Perkins. In a yellow frame building on the southwest corner of Dock and Water Streets, was the drug-store of Samuel W. Magill, subsequently co-editor of the Meadville Courier, and editor of the Democratic-Republican. Dr. C. M. Yates this year moved into the brick house 384 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. built by William and James Foster about 1820, on the northwest corner of Dock and Water Streets. Samuel Torbett's tavern (sign of the buck) stood on the southwest corner of Water and Chestnut, and was a well-finished two-story frame building, deserv- edly noted for its good table and comfortable accommodations. Here Gen. La Fayette was tendered a reception by the ladies of Meadville June 2, 1825, when on his way from Pittsburgh to Erie. On the opposite side of Water Street a short distance south of Chestnut was the barnyard of Torbett's tavern, and within its precincts the menageries of the early days were exhibited, the first of which was Harrington's circus. Col, Daniel Shryook lived and carried on the mercantile business on the east side of Water Street, where the fine Shryock Block now stands. North of the alley from Shryock's store Miss Jennette C. Benedict taught school in a small, one-story frame building. Still farther north, in a quaint Dutch look- ing structure, was the bakery of Jacob Flury, noted for his La Fayette cakes, mead and small beer. Colson & Smith, merchants, occupied the center of the block; then came Torbett's barnyard, and on the southeast corner of Water and Chestnut stood the frame store of Oscar Cullum. Where now is Ohlman's store in the Delamater Block was the tavern of Capt. James Gibson, for many years the Pittsburgh and Erie stage office, a favor- ite resting place for travelers, and whose cheerful parlor had witnessed many a scene of hilarious mirth in times past, when around the card table and punch bowl were assembled the visiting lawyers from Pittsburgh, Mercer, Franklin and Erie during the intervals of judicial duties. It was at this tavern that Gen. La Fayette dined when passing through the village on the 2d of June, 1825. Opposite Gibson's tavern was the store of his son, John Gibson, while H. C. Bosler resided in a long log-house built in 1796-97 by his grand- father, John Carver, where now stands the dry goods house of George D. Trawin, in the Corinthian Block. Across the alley from the Corinthian Block, in the house now occupied by L. D. Dunn, was the store of George S. King. Messrs. Hiram Betts and Jef- ferson Limber commenced the tailoring business this year (1830), in the north room of the house then owned by Eliphalet Betts and the home of the former until his death. At the sign of the " Spread Eagle," on the southeast corner of Centre and Water Streets, Mrs. Henry Hurst yet kept the tavern erected by her husband, now deceased. Opposite in the old building erected by Bartholomew White, which was removed in the spring of 1880, John B. Hunter had opened a book store and bindery. Col. William Magaw lived in his brick dwelling, now the "Central Hotel," erected by him in 1819, and occupied the south room with his store. He was engaged in the manufacture of white and straw paper at Woodcock, and about this period, with William A. V. Magaw, had machinery for the manufacture of paper placed in the " Bed Mill " on Water Street. He was the first to invent and successfully practice in America the manufacture of paper from straw by the use of alkalies. Dr. Daniel Bemus, the second resident physician of Meadville, and owner of the then important flouring and saw-mills some two miles north of town, lived in the frame house erected by him on Water Street about 1814, and now the residence of Rev. Richard Craighead. On the opposite side of the street was the frame residence of John Rey- nolds, Esq., who came to Meadville in 1805, and was a leading citizen of the town throughout his long and upright life. He was a man of good education, MEADVILLE. 385 and during his later years contributed a number of articles to the press, from which we have obtained a large portion of the matter embraced ia this and other chapters. John McFarland had the past year (1829) moved his store into the brick building yet standing on the northwest corner of Walnut and Water Streets. Dr. Edward Ellis, who after more than half a century, still continues in active practice, opened an office this year (1830) in the building on the north- east corner of Walnut and Water Streets. Jared Shattuck, merchant, lived in the house erected at the head of Water Street, by Gen. Mead in 1797, and now the residence of Dr. Edward Ellis. His yellow frame store was on the corner of Eandolph and Terrace Streets. Mr. Shattuck was an active, enterprising citizen, and about this time operated a distillery on his farm some three miles northwest of the town. James White resided in the house now occupied by A. C. Huidekoper on Terrace Street. His tannery and yard were immediately north of his residence. In a log-house near the center of the grounds of Hon. William Eevnolds lived Samuel Lord, one of the earliest pioneers and for many years a Justice of the Peace. His tract of land was patented under the name of ' ' Mount Hope." The site of Allegheny College was donated by Mr. Lord to the Trust- ees of that institution, and the deed for five acres handed to Rev. Timothv Alden on the 5th of July, 1820, the day the corner stone of Bentley Hall was laid. There were several business houses on Chestnut Street east of Water Street. Hill & McCurdy manufactured hats on the site of Harry Pierson's meat market. J. & J. R. Dick carried on the mercantile business in the brick building where now is Philip Bender's saloon. On the southwest corner of Market and Chest- nut Streeta was the stone tavern of Capt. Richard Patch, now occupied by a milliner's store; while between Park Avenue and the Methodist Episcopal Church was the store of John P. Davis. Around the Diamond were several residences and business places. On the site of the First Methodist Episcopal Church was the store of Judge John Brooks, erected by his son-in-law, Connor Clark, in 1821. Mr. Clark, who was an enterprising citizen of the town died March 24, 1826, and Judge Brooks succeeded him in business. The Crawford Hotel this year passed from the proprietorship of its builder, George Hurst (sign of the cross keys), to Mr. Jesse Rupp, who for many years conducted a popular and prosperous hotel at this stand. On the south end of the lot where the courthouse stands was the residence and office of Thomas Atkinson, editor and publisher of the Crawford Weekly Messenger. August Bradley carried on chair-making in the house now the residence of Rev. J. V. Reynolds. Near the northwest corner of the Diamond, where the daughters of the late E. A. Reynolds reside, was the postoffice. Daniel Andrews had been postmaster since 1814 and continued to fill the position until 1841. Hon. John B. Wallace lived on the west side of the Diamond on the lot owned by the late Judge David Deriokson. The old log-jail yet occupied the site of Brawley & McClintock's law office, and Judge Derickson then resided in the house now the home of Hon. H. L. Richmond. Samuel S. Adrain lived opposite his cooper shop, which was on the south side of Walnut, between Park Avenue and the Diamond, while on the south- west part of Rev. T. L. Flood's grounds stood the log-tavern (sign of the bear), kept by Samuel Gehr. Roderick Frazier was running a tannery on the corner of Plum and Steers' Alleys, and also carried on a boot and shoe factory on North Main Street, and 386 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the PattersoDE — John and Joseph — had two tanneries, the former in the south- east suburb of the town, and the latter oji Mill Enn, west of Water Street. Lot Lewis had been operating a carding and fulling-mill about ten years on Mill Eun, in the building still occupied as a carding-mill by Edward Northam. Some old houses yet remain, which the few pioneers now living will, doubt- less, remember as familiar in their childhood, a few dating back into the past century. The most ancient of these is the residence of Dr. Edward Ellis, at the head of Water Street, built by David Mead, in 1797. The old frame on the northeast corner of Water Street and Cherry Alley was erected in 1798 by Mr. William Dick. In the upper story of this building the courts were held until the erection of the log courthouse and jail in 1804. The small frame just north of the McFarland Bottling Works on Water Street, was built by Col. Joseph Hackney, in 1797, for a store. The Citizens Hotel (built of logs), was occupied about the close of the last century by Alexander Buchanan. Prom 1804 to 1811 it was kept by David Compton, under the name of the Washington House; In 1805 the house on the northeast corner of Water and Walnut Streets, previously erected, was occupied as the residence and store of Maj. James Herriott, who was in his time a man of great energy and of much business ability. He amassed quite a fortune for those days, and owned extensive tracts of timber land, and considerable real estate in Meadville. His pros- perity, however, deserted him, and he ended his days in the western part of the county in very reduced circumstances. Frederick Haymaker erected the small frame house on the northeast corner of North and Market Streets at a very early day. He also built the log-house (weather boarded) next south of Mrs. John McFarland's, afterward the resi- dence of Hon. Patrick Farrelly. The frame on the southeast corner of Water and Centre Streets was built very early and kept by Gen. Henry Hurst, a prominent citizen of the village, and was the Eepubiican or Anti-Federal headquarters during the first years of the nineteenth century. The old log Federal tavern which stood on the southwest corner of the same streets, was erected and carried on by Bartholo- mew White, who was killed in the war of 1812. It was removed in the spring of 1880. The house on the east side of Water Street, south of Centre, in which Hiram Betts resided until his death a few years ago, was erected by his father, Eliphalet Betts, in 1804, while the home of A. G. Huidekoper on the Terrace was built by James White in 1806, being the first brick residence erected in the village. Capt. Eichard Patch built the old stone on the southwest corner of Chestnut and Market Streets quite early. The comfortable home of Eev. Eichard Craighead, on Water Street, was erected by Dr.Daniel Bemus about 1814, and the building immediately north on the same lot was built by Dr. Bemus about 1817 for an office, one room being occupied by Connor Clark, merchant. Col. William Magaw erected the building now the Central Hotel in 1819, and the same year George Hurst finished and occupied the "Cross Keys " tav- ern, now the Crawford House. The drug store of Yates Bros., on Water Street, was built for a residence by William and James Foster about 1820. The two-story brick building south of the Unitarian Church was erected for county offices in 1819, and Edward Northam's frame carding-mill, near the corner of North and Liberty Streets, was built by Lot Lewis about 1820. Hon. H. L. Eichmond occupies the old homestead of the late Judge David Derickson, erected in 1828, and Mrs. John McFarland still resides in the house built by her husband the same year. jtrmau.cjA/ MEADVILLE. 389 The academy building on Market Street, now occupied by the High School, was erected in 1826, the institution having used the old building which stood on the southwest corner of Chestnut and Liberty Streets since 1805 This latter structure was the pioneer brick building of Meadville, and after its abandonment by the school was remodeled into a residence, and on its site is now the home of James Davis, Esq. Old Meadville may yet be seen on the east side of Water Street from Cher- ry alley to North Street, most of the houses dating back prior to 1830. These old landmarks, with perhaps a few others which could be mentioned, com- prise all that remains of the village of fifty four years ago. The quiet streets are changed to busy thoroughfares, the slow ox- wagon, the country woman on horseback, the huge Conestoga wagon with its horses and bells are no longer seen. The old stores and shops and the old taverns with their quaint old-fash- ioned names and signs are gone forever. Here and there young faces transmit the lineaments of their ancestors. The larger number of the busy citizens of that day have been laid with the great army of the dead. A few are yet seen amid the busy throng, some bowed down with the weight of years, a very few still cheerfully bearing their part in life's work. Most of the old hospitable homes have given place to the thriving store or luxurious residence. Cot- tages and orchards dot the hillside, then clothed in primeval forest. The cheery call of the pilot, and the boisterous mirth of the boatman have long been silenced by the whistle of the engine and the rumble of the railway train. The canal, which we have seen ushered into existence with pomp and parade, is buried with the achievements of the past. The old stage-coach with its self-important driver, its tired, dusty passengers, its tooting horn announc- ing the arrival of news sixty days from Europe, ten days from Boston and six days from New York and Philadelphia, has no more room in the busy present. Even the old burying ground is a resting place no longer; streets, houses and happy children greet us, where once the dead were buried. CHAPTER II. Eeligious History— FiEST Presbyterian Church— Second Prp:sbyterian Church- CujiBERLAND Presbyterian and United Presbyterian Church- es—First Methodist Episcopal Church— State Street Methodist Epis- copal Church— African Methodist Episcopal Church— Christ Protes- tant Episcopal Chubch— Independent Congregational Church— First Baptist Church— LuteEBAx Evangelical Trinity Church- St. Paul's Reformed Church— St. Agatha's Catholic Church- St. Bridget's Cath- olic Church- Meadville Hebrew Society— First Evangelical Protes- tant Church— Park Avenue Congregational Church. IN all departments of human enterprise the outward expression will in time come to correspond with the inward life or appreciation. In that state, or society, where wealth is not more lavished upon social luxury than upon those institutions which have for their aim the elevation of the people morally and intellectually, we may safely look for a commonwealth in which all truly wise parents will gladly place their children. To a stranger in her midst who is weighing these serious considerations, Meadville may without boasting say, "Look at my churches and my schools." Shall we essay to honor the men . 390 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. who year after year have helped, by wise counsel and wiser action, to uprear these structures dedicated to religion and learning? Lo! their works praise them. Tower, and spire, and firm foundation stone are mute but eloquent eulogists. This, without doubt, is now, and will continue to be, one of the chief elements which conduce to the growth of Meadville, and which cannot fail to attract as residents a most desirable class of citizens. First Presbyterian Church. — Rev. Elisha McOurdy, a member of the Pres- bytery of Ohio, and Rev. Joseph Stockton, a licentiate of the same Presbytery, were the first ordained ministers who preached within the bounds of what is now Crawford County. In 1799 they were sent out by the Presbytery on a missionary tour, and among other places preached in Meadville. During the next year Mr. Stockton received an invitation to preach statedly at this place, and in the autumn of 1800 he accordingly, in company with his young wife, left his paternal home in Washington County, Penn., on horseback, bringing some household goods with them, and in due time reached Meadville. Over this church, in connection with that of Little Sugar Creek, now Cochranton, he was ordained as pastor on the 24th of June, 1801. He continued to per- form the duties of a Pastor to these churches until the 27th of June, 18J0, when the relation was dissolved by the Presbytery of Erie. In addition to the duties devolving upon him in these two churches, he traveled through and preached at different points in Mercer and Erie Counties, and was the first Principal of the Meadville Academy, opened in 1805. The first Elders of the Meadville Church were John Cotton, Robert Stockton and Hugh Cotton. The .second Pastor of this church was Rev. Robert Johnston, who was installed October 15, 1811, over the churches of Meadville, Little Sugar Creek (now Cochranton), and Conneaut (now Evansburg), dividing his time equally between Meadville and the other two congregations. This relation continued until April, 1817. During his pastorate, with the assistance of Thomas Atkinson, of the Messenger, Mr. Johnston organized a Sunday-school, which was opened in December, 1814. It had no regular official Board, but was a spontaneous effort to bring the youth of the village under the influence of moral teaching. At their meeting in January, 1815, the Board of Trustees fixed the Pastor's salary for the Meadville church at |200 per annum, from which we can infer that the position was not a bonanza. The first meetings were held in private houses, and afterward in the old academy on the corner of Chestnut and Liberty Streets, and in the courtroom of the old log court house and jail, which stood on the side of Brawley & McClintock's of&ce, near the home of the late Judge Derickson. On the 5th of February, 1818, a contract for the erection of a church was let to George Davis. It was to be a brick building 00x70 feet in dimensions, finished within two years, at a total cost of $6, 500. The Building Committee was composed of the following well remembered pioneers: William Clark, William Foster, Samuel Torbett, Daniel Bemus and John Reynolds. The site chosen was where the present church stands, and the building was completed and the pews sold August 14, 1820, to pay the cost of construction. The Sale Committee were: John Reynolds, H. J. Huidekoper, Levy Barton, John Brooks and James Hamilton. All the inhabitants of the village used this building as a place of worship until 1825, in which year the Methodists fitted up a room on South Main Street. Rev. John Van Liew succeeded Mr. Johnston, entering upon his labors in August, 1821, and devoting his entire time to the Meadville Church. His pastorate continued three years, when, on account of impaired health, it was dissolved. He was succeeded by Rev. Wells Bushnell, whose ministry con- MEADVILLE. 391 tinued for a period of just seven years, when he went as a missionary to the Wea Indians, the church at Meadville reluctantly consenting to his withdrawal The next pastor was Rev. Nathaniel "West, who remained two years. Eev John V. Reynolds, D. D., succeeded Mr. West, and for thirty years filled the pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery dissolving the relation at his request in April, 1869. His successor was the Rev. James G. Carnachan LL. D., who continued as pastor for twelve years. During his pastorate in 1874-75, the present handsome building was erected at a cost of about $43,000, and dedicated August 22, 1875. It stands on the southwest corner of Liberty and Center Streets, has a seating capacity of 750, and is regarded as one of the finest church properties in Meadville. The pastor's residence is on the opposite corner from the church, and is a comfortable two-story frame The present pastor, Rev. Edward P. Sprague, took charge in November, 1881' but the membership had been greatly reduced the previous spring by the withdrawal of a large portion of the members and congregation in the organi- zation of Park Avenue Congregational Church. The membership at present is 145, and the Sunday-school, which was first opened in December, 1814 and regularly organized in 1819, contains about 125 scholars. The church has now quite a substantial fund for the benefit of the poor, donated by the late Alanson Lindley, and named the "Alanson Lindley Pund for the Poor" of which only the interest can be used. Second Presbyterian Church. — On the 17th of June, 1839, a division took place in the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, the portion called the Old School retaining possession of the building, while the portion desig- nated as the New School went out to form a new organization under the title of the Second Presbyterian Church. The wants of the new congregation were for a short time supplied by Revs. Lyon, Lockwood, Anderson and West but the first regular stated supply was Rev. E. W. Kellogg, who acted in that capacity until the close of April, 1841. The congregation first worshiped in the lecture room of the First Church ; but subsequently the'brick building on Center Street, now the barn of the Central Hotel, was fitted up and worship held in it. Afterward, the building known then as the (Cumberland Presby- terian Church, opposite the jail, was obtained and services held there until the completion of the lecture-room of their own church on Center Street, in 1848. The main audience-room of this building was completed June 30, 1844, the striicture having cost about $15,000. In 1869 the building was consider- ably enlarged, and a tower built on each front corner, the improvement cost- ing about 19,000. Rev. Robinson S. Lockwood commenced his labors in this congregation May 9, 1841, and served until October 19, 1843, when he was dismissed from the pastoral charge of the church. Rev. Richard Craighead was the next pastor of the church, entering upon his duties in November, 1843; his ministry extended over aperiod of thirtv-one years ere the relation was dissolved. It was during his pastorate that the building on Center Street was completed and subsequently enlarged, and to his earnest labors the Second Presbyterian Church of Meadville is largely indebted for its present flourishing condition. Mr. Craighead was succee led by Rev. Thomas D. Logan, who, after supplying the pulpit for about six months, was installed pastor in February, 1875, and yet acceptably fills that position. The church now numbers 304 members, and has a Sunday-school of about 160 scholars. Under the earnest labors of the present pastor, the church has retained its old-time vigor, and kept pace with the growth and progress of the city. 392 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The Cumberland Presbyterian and United Presbyterian Churches had each a society here for a few years. The former erected a brick building on the corner of Center Street and Chancery Lane in the summer of 1834, but after an existence of about two years the society disorganized, and the building was sold. The United Presbyterians never had a building in Meadville, but wor- shipped in a frame structure owned by the Old School Presbyterians, which stood on the corner of what is now Park Avenue and Center Street. The society was occasionally attended by Eev. John Findley, of Waterford, Erie County; Rev. H. H. Thompson, of Co.chranton, and Rev. Joseph Waddle, of Evansburg. The organization was effected about 1840, and lasted some eight or ten years, when it gradually went down and finally ceased to exist. First Methodist Episcopal Church. — This church was organized in 1825 in the old Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Robert C. Hatton, and then comprised but eighteen members, viz: John Lupher, Wesley Bowman, Griffith Bennett, Richard Hope, Robert Adrain and Jabez Goodrich with their families, and Hannah Lowry, Betty Randall (Blind Betty), Sarah Johnson, Margaret John- son, Nancy Mattocks and Thomas Benn. The society was small and poor, and unable to erect a place of worship; but soon after its organization Mr. Lupher, who was Class Leader, fitted up a room over his blacksmith-shop, in the frame building yet standing on the southeast corner of Arch and South Main Streets, and here the little flock continued to worship for about nine years, growing gradually in numbers and wealth. In 1830 the congregation began the erec- tion of the old brick building on Arch Street adjoining St. Bridget's Catholic Church, which was finished in November, 1834, at a total cost of about $8,000. This building was never formally dedicated, though used by the Methodists of Meadville for thirty-two years. Early in 1866 it was sold to St. Bridget's Congregation, who yet own it. The corner-stone of the large, massive stone structure on the southwest corner of South Main Street and the Diamond, was laid by Bishop Calvin Kingsley, June 5, 1866 ; and it was dedicated July 29, 1868, Bishop Mathew Simpson preaching in the morning, and the Rev. Pun- chon, of Ontario, Canada, at the evening service. The building was presented daring the latter service, on behalf of the congregation, by Hon. H. L. Rich- mond to Bishop Kingsley, who thereupon performed the ceremony of dedica- tion. It has a seating capacity of 1,200 and cost when completed about $69,- 100, and the lot $15,000, making the total expense something over $84,000. Since the organization of the church by Rev. Robert C. Hatton in 1825, the congregation has been attended by the following ministers: 1826, Revs. J. W. Hill and L H. Tackitt; 1827, Revs. C. Brown, J. Leach and L H. Tack- itt; 1828, Revs. Job Wilson and W. R. Babeock; 1829, Revs. N. Callenderand A. Callender; 1830, Revs. A. Callender and A. Plimpton; 1831, Rev. J. S. Barris; 1832, Rev. D. Preston; 1833, Rev. H. J. Clarke; 1834, Rev. J. Robin- son; 1835, Rev. R. Clapp; 1836-37, Rev. E. Birkett; 1838, Rev. J. J. Stead- man; 1839, Rev. Solomon Gregg; 1840, Rev. J. H. Whallon; 1841-42, Rev. B. S. Hill; 1842, Rev. C. Kingsley; 1843, Rev. J. R. Locke; 1844, Rev. Alfred G. Sturgiss; 1845, Rev. M. Hill; 1845, Rev. A. Callender (supplied); 1846, Rev. M. Hill; 1847, Rev. T. Graham; 1848, Rev. M. H. Bettes ; 1849-50, Rev. John Bain; 1851-52, Rev. E. J. Kenney; 1853-54, Rev. N. Norton; 1855, Rev. G. B. Hawkins; 1856-57, Rev. G. W. Maltby; 1858-59, Rev. E. A. John- son; 1860-61, Rev. T. Stubbs; 1862, Rev. J. E. Chapin; 1863-65, Rev. W. F. Day; 1866-67, Rev. B. Excell; 1867, Rev. L. D. Williams (supplied); 1868, Rev. J. Peate; 1868, Rev. L. D. Williams (supplied); 1869-71, Rev. Alfred Wheeler; 1871, Rev. L. D. Williams (supplied); 1872, Rev. W W. Wythe; 1872, Rev. L. D. Williams (supplied); 1873, Rev. W. W. Wythe; 1874-76, MEADVILLE. 393 Rev. W. P. Day; 1877-79, Kev. T. L. Flood; 1880-82, Rev. J. G. Townsend; 1883-84, Rev. E. D. McGreary. The present membership is 450, and connect- ed with the church is a Sunday-school organized in 1830, and now possessing a scholarship of about 400. State Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in June, 1869, and soon a neat, plain, substantial frame building was completed at a cost of about $9,000. It stands on State Street above its intersection with North, and will seat about 400 persons. The first pastor of this church was Rev. T. P. Warner, who served the congregation throughout 1869. His successors have been as follows: 1870-71, Rev.W. Sampson; 1872, Revs. J. S. Albertson and N. Norton; 1873, Rev. J. S. Albertson; 1874, Rev. W. H. Wilson; 1875, Rev. R. M. Bear; 1876-77, Rev. O. Babcock; 1878, Rev. A. S. Dobbs; 1879, Rev. J. B. Espy; 1880-81, Rev. A. J. Lindsey; 1882, Rev. A.W. Decker (supplied); 1883,Revs. 0. L. Mead and G. W. Clarke; 1884, Rev. O. L. Mead. The church embraces about 175 members, aud has a Sunday-school of 120 scholars. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1850, with five members, by Rev. Jacob Palmer, the first pastor of the congregation. They held services for a time in a small brick building in th(j rear of the Lutheran Church, but in 1853 purchased from the Baptists for $500 their present prop- erty on the northeast corner of Liberty and Arch Streets. The building was repaired in 1867, partially destroyed by fire in 1876, and rebuilt the same year. The church record only goes back to 1861, since which time the following preachers have bad charge: Revs. John Franklin, Hanfield, John Gibbons, W. H. Brown, Benjamin Wheeler, J. M. Morris, Benjamin Wheelor, W. J. Phillips, W. P. Ross, E. C. Herbet, J. M. Griffin, John Russell, J. M. Palmer and R. H. Jackson. The membership is now about seventy, and the attend- ance at Sunday-school averages about forty children. Christ Protestant Episcopal Church was organized January 25, 1825, by the Rev. J. H. Hopkins, Rector of Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, and afterward Bishop of Vermont. He came to Meadville at the solicitation of Hon. John B. Wallace, a leading attorney of the town; and the first services were held in the old Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hopkins remained some two weeks, dur- ing which time he preached frequently and baptized thirty-two adults and forty-three children. On the 18th of January, 1826, Rev. Charles Smith was appointed to take charge of the newly organized congregation, and at once entered upon his labors. In August of the same year the vestry decided to erect a house of worship, and on the 11th of April, 1827, the corner-stone was laid by Rev. Charles Smith, assisted by Rev. Benjamin Hutchins. The building committee in charge of its erection were, Henry Shippen, Jared Shat- tuck, William Magaw, David Dick and Robert L. Potter, and August 16, 1828, the church which stood on the site of the present one was dedicated by Bishop H.W.Underdonk, who in his remarks said that in point of architectural beauty the building was the finest in the diocese. It was the first Protestant ^Episcopal Church erected in the State west of the Allegheny River, would seat 500 persons, and cost about 18,000. This building was enlarged in 1832 and again in 1863 to make room for the growing congregation, but in April, 1883, it was torn down to give place to the new 'and more elegant structure now occupying its site. Mr. Smith served until April 27, 1829, when he resigned, and the follow- ing Rectors have since had charge of the parish: Rev. J. W. James, August 7, 1829, to September, 1832; Rev. Edward Y. Buchanan, May 5, 1833, to June 1, 1834; Rev. Thomas Crumpton, July 27, 1834, to October 17, 1840; Rev. John P. Hosmer, November 1, 1840, to 1841; Rev. Orrin Miller, June 17, 394 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 1842, to March 15, 1844; Rev. Alexander Varian, April 14, 1844, to May 20, 1846; Rev. William Carmichael, D. D., August 16' 1846, to September 25, 1850; Rev. Alexander Varian, April 16, 1851, to March 25, 1858; Rev. R. W. Lewis, April, 1858, to September, 1859; Rev. Marison Byliesby, Novem- ber, 1859, to June 30, 1869; Rev. George C. Rafter, November 2, 1869, to December 3, 1870; Rev. W. G. W. Lewis, February 20, 1871, to December, 1875; Rev. Daniel I. Edwards, January, 1876, to January, 1878; Rev. G. A. Oarstensen, March 1878, to May, 1882; Rev. W. H. Lewis, August, 1882, and is the present incumbent. Since the organization of Christ Church up to the close of 1883, the record shows a total of 723 baptisms, divided as follows: From 1825 to 1845, 162; 1845 to 1865, 173; 1865 to 1883, 388. The confirmations have been: 1834 to 1845, 110; 1845 to 1865, 145; 1865 to 1883, 225— total, 480. In January, 1825, there were upon the record twenty-four communicants, or eight men and sixteen women; in 1858, 117; 1870, 165; 1883, 225. The Sunday- school numbered live teachers and about forty scholars in 1825; 1846, fifteen teachers and ninety scholars; 1882, 20 teachers and 170 scholars. The parish now contains (August, 1884,) 160 families, 223 communicants, twenty Sunday- school teachers and 175 scholars. The corner stone of the new and elegant stone edifice at the northwest corner of the Diamond was laid Julj' 14, 1883, by the Rector, Rev. W. H. Lewis, assisted by Revs. Marison Byliesby and G. A. Carstensen. On Sunday, March 23, 1884, the church was formally opened for services by Bishop Whitehead, assisted by Rev. Dr. Herron, of New Castle, Penn., and the Rector of the parish. The building and furnish- ings, as it now stands, cost about $30,000, from which over $2,500 may be deducted as the cost of individual and family memorial gifts, which decorate the interior, and |225 for the bell, presented by the scholars and teachers of the Sunday-school. On the same lot is a comfortable rectory built in 1878 at an expense of $2,700. This church is undoubtedly the most beautiful piece of church architecture in Meadville, has a seating capacity of 425, and reflects great credit on the architect, builder and congregation. Both interior and exterior display that generous expenditure characteristic of the Protestant Episcopal denomination. The Independent Congregational Church, more generally known as the Unitarian, was organized in 1825 ctiiefly through the efforts and influence of H. J. Huidekoper, Esq. The first minister was Rev. John M. Merrick, who entered upon his duties in October, 1825, and served the congregation just two years. Services were first held in the old Presbyterian Church, and sub- sequently in the court house. In 1835 the present church edifice at the south- east corner of the Diamond was commenced, and dedicated August 20, 1836. It cost about $3,500, independent of the lot, which was donated by H. J. Huidekoper, Esq. , and Miss Margaret Shippen. The ministers who served the church from its organization were as follows: Rev. John M. Merrick, 1825-27; vacancy, 1827-28; Rev. Washington Gilbert, 1828-30; Rev. Ephraim Pea- body, 1830-31; Rev. George Nichols, 1831-32; Rev. Alanson Brigham, 1832-33; Revs. A. D. Wheeler and W. H; Channing, 1834; Rev. John Q. Day, 1834-37; Rev. Henry Emmons, 1837-43; Rev. B. G. Holland, 1843-44; Rev. Rufus P. Stebbins, D. D., 1844-49; Rev. Nathaniel S. Folsom (with coadjutors Revs. Rufus P. Stebbins, D. D., and J. F. Clarke) 1849-53; Rev. C. A. Staples, 1854-57; Rev. Oliver Stearns, D. D., 1858; Rev. R. R. Ship- pen, 1859; Rev Richard H. Metcalf, 1860-65; Rev. John C. Zachos, 1866-68; Rev. Henry P. Cutting, 1870-73; Rev. Robert S. Morrison, 1874-78; Rev. James T. Bixby, 1879-83; Rev. William P. Tilden, 1884. MEADVILLE. 395 In 1876 the Unitarian Chapel, a substantial two-story brick building, was erected immediately east of the church at an expense of about $6,000, and opened in the autumn of that year. It is used for social gatherings and Sunday-school purposes, and the interior arrangements are complete for the end contemplated. The church embraces a respectable membership,' while the mission Sunday-school averages 175 scholars. The brick building immedi- ately south of the church is also the property of the congregation, and has been used as a parsonage. It is one of the oldest structures in the city, having been erected for county ofiSces in 1819. Fimt Baptist Church. — In the summer of 1831 the Rev. Adrian Foote, of Ripley, N. Y., came to Meadville for the purpose of organizing into a congrega- tion the few Baptists then living in this vicinity. He obtained the use of the First Presbyterian building, where he preached on four successive afternoons, assisted in the work by the Rev. William (lildersleeve, of Allegheny; and on the 28d of August, 1831, a number of those who had taken part in the meet- ings assembled at said building and formed "The Baptist Conference of Meadville." On the 27th of August the Eev. Gildersleeve baptized seven per- sons in a small lake east of the town, and on the same date the Conference voted to call a council from eight of the nearest Baptist Churches, to assemble a month later to consider the subject of establishing an independent church. Revs. Foote and Gildersleeve returned in four weeks and held a series of meetings in the academy on Market Street, now the high school building. Finally, on Saturday, September 27, 1831, representatives of tour churches — Randolph, Carmel, Allegheny and Rockdale — met in the academy building and formed the Baptist Church of Meadville. The membership then embraced fourteen persons, viz: Francis Ross, Samuel Harroun, Justin Dewey, Stillman Dewey, John Goodwill, Thomas Sails, Samuel Kirkpatrick, Rachel Ross, Maria Harroun, Mary Dewey, Susan Dewey, Lucy Goodwill, Jane Van Home and Julia Weller. The first meeting of the church after its organization was held at the house of Samuel Kirkpatrick, on Arch Street, as the academy building could not be obtained. On the 12th of May, 1832, Elder Foote became the settled pastor of the church, and August 15 of that year the first steps were taken to procure a lot and erect a house of worship. Ground was purchased on the northeast corner of Arch and Liberty Streets, and a small, plain frame building erected thereon, which was first opened for services Jime 8, 1833. This building was used for about twenty years, then sold to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who remodeled it some eight years ago. Elder Foote served until August, 1834, and was succeeded by Rev. E. Hicks, who officiated as a supply. In March, 1838, Rev. Edward M. Miles was engaged to preach, dividing his serv- ices between the churches at Meadville and Georgetown, Mercer County. After he left, the church was without a pastor for some time, and dwindled down to four active members, but these kept up the organization, and in the summer of 1841 Rev. William Look became pastor, and remained two years. Another vacancy in the pastorate now occurred, regular services were aband- oned, and a state of great depression existed, almost leading to disorganiza- tion. In June, 1845, Rev. Franklin Kidder took charge of the church, spend- ing half his time at Georgetown, and continued until August, 1846, when he was released from further service. Since that time the following ministers have served the Meadville Church: Rev. John Nicholson, 1847; Rev. G. L. Stevens, January, 1848, to February, 1851; Rev. I. M. Chapman, March, 1851, to March, 1852; Rev. William A. Caldwell, March, 1852, to December, 1852; Rev. J. H Hazen, January, 1853, to January 28, 1855; Rev. George W. Fuller, June, 396 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 1855, to April, 1858; Rev. I. M. Chapman, May, 1858, to April 22, 1860; Rev. William Look, May, 1860, to May 3, 1862; Rev. B. C. Willioughby, August, 1862, to April 2, 1864; Rev. R. B. Kelsey, August 7, 1864, to December 2, 1866; Rev. R. H. Austin, December 16, 1866, to May 21, 1871; Rev. J. H. Langille, April, 1871, to September 29, 1872; Rev.W. B. Grow, January, 1873, to Novem- ber 9, 1873; (vacancy for one year); Rev. William M. Young, D. D., Decem- ber 2, 1874, to November 3, 1878; Rev. George Whitman, April 15, 1879, to February 26, 1882; Rev. E. M. Haynes, D. D., May 21, 1882, who still con- tinues to fill the pastorate. In April, 1852, the lot on which the present building stands, on Center Street, was purchased for the sum of $1,050, and the erection of a new briok edifice commenced that year. The work was pushed forward through 1853, and though the building was enclosed, only the basement was carried to com- pletion, being occupied and dedicated in the summer of 1854. The old build- ing having previously been sold, the congregation rented the lecture-room of the First Presbyterian Church, which was used uutil their own was finished. Early in 1865 the main audience-room was completed, first occupied February 16, and dedicated on Sunday, February 19, 1865. In the summer of 1875 an addition of thirty feet was made to the building, heating furnaces put in, and other improvements carried out at a total expense of about $5,500. The build- ing has now a seating capacity of about 400, and the membership of the church is about 250, while the average Sundav-sohool attendance may be estimated at 200. Lutheran Evangelical Trinity Church. — The first German congregations in this county were usually composed of the adherents of both the Lutheran and German Reformed denominations, neither being able to maintain public worship as separate bodies. - In 1815 Rev. Charles W. Colson, then stationed at Plainfield, Northampton Co., Penn. , went on a missionary tour to Ohio, and returning by way of Meadville, preached to the few Germans then living in this locality. It was rarely they heard the Gospel preached in their native tongue, so they made a proposition to Mr. Colson to come to Meadville, and succeeded in inducing him to accept it. Accordingly, in the spring of 1816, Mr. Colson settled in this town, and began the labor of hunting up the Ger- man families scattered throughout northwestern Pennsylvania and organiz- ing them into churches. He formed congregations in Meadville, in the vicin- ity of Saegertown, and near Conneaut Lake, also at Erie. Little is known of these early churches, which, upon the death of Mr. Colson, December 29, 1816, gradually disbanded, or remained for years in a state of • disorganization. Occasionally a Lutheran or Reformed minister would visit this county and preach to the Germans. Among the earliest and most prominent who came to Meadville after Mr. Colson's death were Rev. Philip Zeiser, of the Reformed Church, and the Revs. David Mock and John Kugler, of the Lutheran denom- ination. ' Up to 1847 occasional union services were held in the court house, but in that year the Lutherans and Reformers purchased a lot on Pine Street, between South Main and Liberty, and erected thereon a frame building, the whole costing $1,800. The church was dedicated December 19, 1847, by Rev. Jacob Zeigler, a Lutheran minister, and Rev. Benjamin Boyer, of the Reformed faith. From that time forward separate organizations existed, each congregation occupying the building every alternate Sunday. Mr. Zeigler ministered to the Lutherans for six or seven years, after which a state of disorganization began to exist in both congregations, brought about by some independent preachers, among whom were Revs. Bitter, Claraluna f % (iJ^omT fc^y MEADVILLE. 399 and Ablee. About 1856 the Rev. Bierdemann reorganized the Lutheran Church, and served the congregation until his death, about 1869. In the spring of 1866 the Lutherans purchased the interest which the Reformed congregation had in the building, and the latter erected a house for them- selves. Since Mr. Bierdemann's death the church has been in charge of the following ministers in the order given : Rev. J. G-. Behm, Rev. Bruegel, Rev. W. F. Deiss, Rev. George Kittle, Rev. Powell Doepken, Rev. John Schmidt and Rev. Fiokeisen. Tho church contains twenty-five families and a Sun- day-school of fifty children. Since Mr. £'ickeisen's removal the Rev. Henry Peters, of Saegertown, preaches occasionally to the Meadville congregation. /S'f. Paul's Reformed Church — The pioneer minister of this denomination in the valley of French Creek was Rev. Philip Zeiser, who as early as 1818 traveled through this region on foot — as in the early part of his labors he was too poor to own a horse — preaching at different points in Crawford County and forming churches at Meadville, Saegertown, Watson's Run and Dutch Hill. He ministered to the Meadville congregation off and on for nearly thirty years. The Germans of the Reformed and Lutheran faiths usually formed union congregations that were ministered to by preachers of both denominations. Such was the case in Meadville, their services being held in the court house. This state of things lasted until 1847, when a lot was purchased of James A. McFadden on Pine between South Main and Liberty Streets, and a frame building erected thereon at a total expense of 1 1,800, which was mutually borne by both the Reformed and Lutherans. The building was dedicated December 19, 1847, by Rev. Benjamin Boyer, of the Reformed Church, and Rev. Jacob Zeigler, a Lutheran preacher. Separate organizations were effected at that time, and an agreement made by which each congregation held Sunday services alternately. Mr. Boyer served from 1847 to 1850, and was succeeded by Rev. D. B. Ernst from 1850 to 1854. After Mr. Ernst left a number of independent preachers ministered to both congregations, among whom were Revs. Ritter, Claraluna and Ablee, and a general disorganization took place; but in 1859 Rev. L. D. Leberman, a regular Reformed minister, reorganized the Reformed Congregation, receiving the first year the insignificant salary of 153.75. Mr. Leberman served until the close of 1865, and svas succeeded, April 1, 1866, by Rev. John W. Ebinghouse. In the spring of 1866 the Reformed congregation sold their interest in the old church to the Lutherans, and during the year erected a brick building on the southwest comer of Park Avenue and Poplar Street. The church and ground cost $12,000, and the building, which has a seating capacity of 600, was dedicated in the spring of 1867. Soon after the dedication a portion of the congregation seceded, on account of their opposition to English sermons, since which time the services are prevailingly English, though an occasional sermon is preached in the German language. Mr. Ebinghouse was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. D. D. Leberman, in July, 1867, who has served the congregation continuously and acceptably for more than seventeen years. In the winter of 1879^0, a frame Sunday-school chapel was erected close to the church, at a total cost of |1,400. St. Paul's Reformed congregation embraces a membership of about 290, and a Sunday-school of about 140. St. Agatha's Catholic Church (German).— The first Catholic to locate in Meadville was Lawrence Clancy, who came in 1799, and opened a blacksmith - shop on the Diamond, which he carried on until his death. In 1802 Patrick Farrelly, a young lawyer, settled in the village. He was an Irish Catholic, of fine education, and was soon recognized as one of the leading attorneys of 400 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. northwestern Pennsylvania. He represented the district in Congress from 1820 to 1826, dying at Pittsburgh in the latter year while on his way to Washington, D. C, being attended during his illness by Father McGuire, and inteiTed in the Catholic cemetery of that town. Two other pioneer Catholics of Meadville were Daniel Le Fevre and John McNally, the former of whom was quite a prominent citizen. A few more might be mentioned who lived and died in the Catholic faith, but the absence of a Catholic priest to minister to the spiritual wants of their children left them without a practical knowledge of their relig- ion, and thus in after years they united with other denominations or removed from the town. The absence of a Catholic church in Meadville deterred the members of that faith from settling here in larger numbers, and we therefore find that nearly all the first Catholics located in the northern and eastern por- tions of the county during the last decade of the eighteenth and the first quar- ter of the nineteenth century. In 1845 Bev. M. A. De La Eoque, pastor of St Hyppolytus' Church, at Frenchtown, Crawford County, Penn., visited Meadville, where he found but two Catholic families, viz. : John and Patrick Riordan, and George and Con- rad Fisher, who attended services at Frenchtown, of which Meadville was then a mission. Within a few years a number of others located in the borough, and steps were taken to effect an organization; which was accomplished by Eev. Nicholas Steinbacher, a Jesuit missionary, in February, 1849, under the name of St. Agatha's Church. Mass was celebrated at private houses until the completion of the frame building on the northwest corner of Pine and Lib- erty Streets. The corner-stone of that structure was laid by Father Stein- bacher September 25, 1849, and the building was completed and dedicated to the worship of God August 10, 1850. This building was the cradle of both St. Agatha's and St. Bridget's Churches. Bev. Joseph Hartmann was the first regular pastor of the little congregation, serving from August, 1850, to Feb- ruary, 1851, when Bev. Peter Lechner became pastor. The latter was suc- ceeded in April, 1851, by Bev. Father Schifferer; and in September, 1851, Eev. Anton Beck assumed the pastorate, and ministered to the church until the close of 1864. The pastors of St. Agatha's since that time have been as fol- lows: Bev. Peter Kline, January, 1865, to October, 1866; Eev. Anton Beck, November, 1866, to October, 1868; Bev. Michael J. Decker, November, 1868, to November, 1871; Bev. George Meyer, November, 1871, to July, 1878; Eev. Melchior Appel, July, 1878, died April 24, 1883; Eev. Anton Beck, April, 1883, to October, 1883; Eev. Franz Winter, October, 1883, and is yet pastor of the church. The congregation grew rapidly through the passing years, and in 1862 the English-speaking portion, who did not understand the German language, organized St. Bridget's Churchy In a few years the old frame was too small to accommodate the increasing flock, and on the 8th of August, 1869, the cor- ner-stone of the present imposing brick edifice on the northeast corner of South Main and Pine Streets, was laid by El. Bev. Tobias Mullen, assisted by the pastor. Father Decker, and other priests of the diocese. The building was completed under the pastorate of Father Meyer, at a total expense of about 160,000, and dedicated by Bishop Mullen October 19, 1873. It is one of the finest church edifices in Meadville, is handsomely frescoed throughout the interior, and has a seating capacity of over 1,000. St. Agatha's Church embraces 250 families, or about 1,250 souls, and has also a flourishing Sun- day-school. St. Agatha's Cemetery adjoins Greendale. The land was purchased by Father Beck in 1856. It contains only three acres and cost |375. The parish school was established by Father Kline in 1865. He erected MEADVILLE. 401 a one-story frame building close to the church, and employed lay teachers to conduct the school, but the Sisters of St. Joseph were finally engaged as assistants. Upon the opening of the new church in October, 1873, the old frame building previously used was converted into a schoolhouse, and together with the old schoolhouse has served the purposes of the parish up to the present. From 1876 to 1884 three Sisters of St. Joseph had full control of the school, which now Contains about 165 pupils. In the fall of 1884 Father Winter engaged a male teacher to take charge of the larger boys, while two Sisters looked after the other classes. Besides the usual branches taught in the pub- lic schools, the children are carefully instructed in the Divine precepts of religion, secular and religious education going hand in hand, thus preparing the pupils to uphold the moral, as well as the material affairs of life. St. Bridget's Catholic Church. — All of the Catholics in this vicinity belonged to St. Agatha's Church until the spring of 1862, when St. Bridget's was organized. Some of the original members were JohnBiordan, Thomas McGui- gan, James O'Connor, Walter Furlong, Eiehard Whalen and Thomas Breen, with their families. On the 13th of May, 1862, Thomas McGuigan and James O'Connor, on behalf of the congregation, rented the building then known as " Divinity Hall," which stood on the southeast corner oE Center Street and Chancery Lane, where Mass was celebrated, and the Gospel preached in the En- glish tongue. An influx of English-speaking Catholics, in 1862, swelled the num- bers of the little congregation, and " Divinity Hall " was purchased for the sum of $750. It was dedicated by the Et. Eev. J. M. Young, Bishop of Erie, and the congregation placed under the charge of Rev. M. A. De La Koque, of Frenchtown. It was principally attended by his assistant, Father Gilibarti, who finally, in 1863, was appointed the first resident pastor. In 1864 two Franciscan Fathers, Revs. James Titta and Samuel Fayella, of Allegany Col- lege, near Clean, N. Y., conceived the idea of founding a Catholic institution of learning at Meadville, and were given charge of St. Bridget's Church. Their enterprise did not succeed, however, and they removed from the town. During their pastorate they bought a large two-story brick house on North Main Street, for a pastoral residence, which with their other property was sold at the time of their removal. In 1865 Father De La Roque again took charge of St. Bridget's, and was settled here as resident pastor. He is a native of the Province of Auvergne, France, born January, 14, 1821, where he was also educated, after which he came to America and was ordained at Pittsburgh by Bishop O'Connor, July 26, 1845. He was at once appointed pastor of St. Hyppolytus' Church, at French- town, Crawford County, Penn., which he took charge of the following August. Thence came to Meadville in 1865, and in 1868 was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Warren, Penn., which position he still occu- pies. Early in 1866 Father De La Roque purchased the old Methodist church and parsonage on Arch Street, near the corner of Liberty, for the sum of 17,000. It was fitted up and dedicated the same year by Bishop Domenec, of Pittsburgh. The old property on Center Street was then utilized for school purposes, but was subsequently sold for the original purchase-money. Rev. James Perry was assistant in 1865, and Rev. James Haley a portion of 1866. The latter was succeeded by Eev. John L. Finucane, who became pastor in 1868. He was a native of Ireland and was a well-known lecturer, and an eminent pulpit orator. He served as pastor of St. Bridget's until June, 1871, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y. , some four or five years afterward. Rev. John L. Madigan was the next pastor of the church, he too, being a native of Ire- land, but ordained by Bishop Young, of Erie. During his pastorate the pres- ent school building was erected. 402 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. In March, 1874, Rev. James J. Dunn became pastor of St. Bridget's, and furnished and opened the school in the following September. In 1877 Father Dunn purchased the lot on the northwest corner of Arch and Liberty Streets for $1,500, and moved the old parsonage on to it. The time had now come virhen St. Bridget's needed a new church, and on Sunday, August 11, 1878, the corner-stone of the present beautiful brick edifice was laid by the Et. Rev. Tobias Mullen, of Erie, in the presence of a large concourse of people who had gathered from every portion of the county to witness the impressive cere- monies. It was carried to completion and dedicated November 24, 1881, by Bishop Mullen, assisted by a large number of priests of the diocese and Bishop Gilmour of Cleveland, Ohio, who preached the dedicatory sermon. The church cost complete as it stands to-day about $15,000, and has a seating cap- acity of about 600. The f rescoeing was done by Godfrey Frohe, of Buffalo, N. Y., and will compare favorably with the finer churches of metropolitan cit- ies. Over the altar in the nave is a life-size painting of our Savior, and at His feet the invitation, "Come to Me, all you that are weary and heavy laden, I will refresh you." To His right, but at a lower angle, are similar paintings of St. Peter and St. James; and to His left St. Mary Magdalen and St. John, while the whole ceiling of the church is covered with allegorical scenes repre- senting in historical order the different types of the great sacrifice of the new law from the beginning of the world until the foundation of Christianity. Father Dunn, to whose indefatigable labors is due the rearing of this handsome structure dedicated to the service of God, is a native of Malahide, Dublin County, Ireland, born June 10, 1841. He came to Baltimore, Md., in 1849, where he resided until August 24, 1857, when he entered Mount St. Mary's College, Emmettsburg, Md., and graduated in June, 1863, receiving the degrees of A. B. and A. M. In September of the same year he entered the Theological Seminary attached to the college in order to prepare for the priesthood, meanwhile teaching Latin and Greek in the college, and was ordained October 26, 1866. Father Dunn remained in the college as Professor of Latin and Greek until September, 1867, when he went to Oil City, Penn., as assistant priest in St. Joseph's Church. In June, 1868, he was appointed resident pastor of the church at Petroleum Center, and there remained until his removal to Meadville, where he still officiates as pastor of St. Bridget's Church, which now embraces 135 families or about 800 souls, and a flourishing Sunday-school of nearly 200 children. The land for St. Bridget's Cemetery was purchased by Father De La Roque in 1866, at a cost of |500. It is located a short distance south of Meadville, and is a handsome little ground of five acres consecrated and used as a place of interment for the faithful. The parish school had its inception in 1866, being opened in the old church building on Centre Street, and taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph for three or four years. Father Madigan erected the present two-story frame schoolhouse in the rear of St. Bridget's Church in 1873, but it was furnished and opened by Father Dunn, in September, 1874. The teachers up to 1880 were Herman Senker, Rev. Edward Kelly, Nicholas Justice, and Miss B. E. O'Keefe. The last mentioned, however, has been assistant teacher from 1874 up to the pres- ent, and since 1880 two Sisters of St. Joseph have had charge of the school. The attendance averages 130 pupils, and beside the usual branches taught in the public schools, the course of instruction embraces a thorough religious training of obedience to the commandments of God and the precepts of the church. The Meadville Hebrew Society was organized in 1866 and hold their ser- vices in the Shryock Block, on Water Street. The Society has had several MEADVILLE. 403 ministers and teachers, the Eev. Victor Caro being the most prominent. Though there are now only about ten members in the Society it used to con- tain as high as thirty, the membership having been reduced by removals. The Society own a small cemetery northwest of Greendale, and its present officers are: M. Ohlman, President ; S. Heilbroner, Vice-President ; N. Man- del, Treasurer; M. H. Reefer, Secretary; N. Stein, Financial Secretary. The First Evangelical Protestant Church was organized in 1867, by about fifty of the congregation of St. Paul's Reformed Church, who seceded from the latter because of the preference shown for the English language in the services. The seceders wanted the services conducted in German, and for that purpose established the present church, aad in 1868 erected a frame building on the northwest corner of South Main and Poplar Streets at a total expense of about $4,500. In the spring of 1869 the church was incorporated as the "Inde- pendent German Keformed Congregation," but changed to its present title under the pastorate of the Eev. G. F. Kauffmann. The first pastor was the Eev. Robert Koehler, who acceptably filled the position until his death, Jan- uary 29, 1870. Rev. G. F. Kauffmann was the next pastor and he was suc- ceeded by Eev. A. Gillis. The present incumbent, Eev. Jacob Blass, was the successor of Mr. Gillis. The membership is about fifty,' and the Sunday- school has an average attendance of about 100 children. Park Avenue Congregational Church was organized on May 18, 1881, by • the withdrawal of the majority of the congregation and 132 of the members of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, " who for conscience sake felt it to be their duty to renounce the Presbyterian form of church government." The church was recognized by an ecclesiastical council composed of Congrega- tional ministers from Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio, which met October 12, 1881, when the Eev. James G. Carnachan, LL. D., who for twelve years had been pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, was installed as pastor of the new organization. Until February, 1884, the congregation worshiped in Library Hall, when having purchased the lot on the corner, of Chestnut Street and Park Avenue, it entered upon the occupancy of its chapel, which was built at a cost of over $6,000 and which was dedicated free of debt on Febru- ary 3, 1884. The erection of the main audience room will be proceeded with as soon as the lease, which holds the building at present on the church lot, shall have expired. The chapel is conceded to be one of the most elegant edifices of its kind in this section of the State. Infant class and Bible class rooms are lighted by ten large and six smaller windows filled with rolled cathe- dral glass, the colors of which are admirably harmonized, and which were con- tributed by the children of the Sunday-school. The wainscoting is of oak, in Eastlake design, and the ceiling is of white pine also in Eastlake design. The beams, trusses and corbels are stained cherry. The acoustic properties of the room are perfect and the whole evidences great taste on the part of the architect, Mr. Valk, of New York City. An audience of over 300 can be com- fortably seated, when the folding doors between the chapel and the infant class room are thrown open. A kitchen in the basement is fitted up with all necessary equipments. Park Avenue Church since its organization has enjoyed remarkable prosperity. Its membership is now (July, 1884,) close upon 200. It has a Sabbath -school of 240 members, of which Lewis Walker, Esq., is the efficient Superintendent. Its Deacons are: Dr. D. M. Calvin, Edward A. Eeynolds, Eobert G. Graham and James C. Willson. Messrs. William Eey- nolds, G. W. Adams, James J. Shryock, A. S. Davis, H. H. Loveridge, Will- iam Eoddick, James C. Wilson, A. M. Fuller and H. H. Thompson constitute its Board of Trustees, and Mr. James G. Foster is Church Treasurer. 404 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER III. Schools of Meadville— The Old Block-house Remodeled by David Mead FOE School Purposes— First School Opened in the Town— Night school —Meadville Academy Founded by the Legislature— Original Sub- scribers TO THE Fund for Its Establishment— The Academy Opened Under Rev. Joseph Stockton— Its Early Te.achers and Future Progress —Free Schools— Growth of Education in Meadville and Present Con- dition of the Schools —Allegheny College — History of the Institu- tion from its Inception to the Present Time— Meadville Theological School— Meadville Business College THE want of schools was to the first settlers a severe privation, especially to parents who themselves had in youth the advantages of an education, and to whom the thought of their children growing up in ignorance was insupport- able. But schools could not be established until settlements were formed, that could within a radius of three or four miles supply scholars adequate to their support. The majority of the pioneers were single men or recently married, and it was not until the lapse of eight or ten years after the first settlement was effected around the site of Meadville that a school could be sustained. Quite too large a portion of the first generation necessarily grew up without schooling; but with many the thirst for knowledge overcame the privations with which they had to contend in those early years, and by walking long dis- tances, they managed to obtain the rudiments of an English education. In the autumn of 1794 a block-house was erected on the northeast corner of Water Street and Steer's Alley, and early in the following year David Mead concluded to utilize il for school purposes. He accordingly entered into an agreement with James Gibson, June 23, 1795, by which the latter bound himself to make certain repairs on " a house commonly known by the name of the Block-house, in the town of Meadville, given by the said David Mead with a view of being made use of for the promotion of the education of youth in and near the said town." Mr. Gibson agreed to accept in payment for his labor Lots Nos. 70 and 71, in the town of Meadville at $40 per lot. These lots, upon which then stood a small log cabin, are now the site of the market-house. The late John Eeynolds, Esq., in his " Reminiscences of the Olden Time," says, that a school was first taught in the upper story of this block-house by a Mr. Kelly, an Irishman, in the winter of 1798-99, so that thee or four years passed by ere the building was ready for use. After being utilized several years as a schoolhouse, the block-house was occupied as a carpenter shop, black- smith shop and private residence in varied succession until 1828, when it was removed. The triangular lot on which it stood had been donated by Mr. Mead, before his death, to the village of Meadville, for a common school sit«, and by deed vested in Trustees; but it was afterward transferred under a special act of the Legislature, to the Meadville Female Seminary, with power to sell, and subsequently purchased by Thomas Wilson, whose widow still resides on the property. In October, 1805, the following notice appeared in the Craw- ford Weekly Messenger: The Trustees and subscribers of the town school in Meadville are requested to meet at the schoolhouse on Saturday, the 3d of November. As the interests of that institution are immediately involved, it is hoped a punctual attendance will be given. Tiie present MEADVILLE. 405 teacher flatters himself with the hope of having rendered general satisfaction, and wishes that nothing may be wanting to enable each individual concerned to reap the full benefit which in such case may reasonably be expected. A night school will be opened in the above school-room, if sufiicient encouragement be given, on the first evening in November. A subscription paper will be left at the printing ofBce. Jambs Douglas. This then was the beginning of education in Meadville; but through the passing years the school interests of the town have kept pace with her growth in wealth and population, until to-day the schools of Meadville are second to none in western Pennsylvania. Meadville Academy. — The first step toward the establishment of the Mead- ville Academy, was taken by the Legislature in the act of March 12, 1800, erecting Crawford County, wherein Meadville was designated as the seat of justice, on the following condition: Provided, The inhabitants or proprietors of Meadville and its vicinity, subscribe and secure the payment of $4,000 to the Trustees of the county, either in specie or land, at a reasonable valuation, within four months of the passing of this act, for the use of a Sem- inary of Learning within said county; and in case of neglect or refusal, the Trustees shall, and they are hereby authorized to fix on the seat of justice at any place within four miles of Meadville. For the purpose of securing the county-seat at Meadville in compliance with this proviso, the following subscription paper was circulated among its citizens and those residing in the immediate vicinity of the town. Whbkbas, The Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have passed a law to establish the seat of justice of the County of Crawford at Meadville, on the condition that the sum of $4,000 is subscribed and secured within four months after passing the said law, we and each of us respectively do hereby promise to pay David Mead, Frederick Hay- maker and James Gibson, Trustees for the county aforesaid, for the use and purposes in the said act expressed, such sum of money as is annexed to our respective names at the time and in the manner following, viz. : One-third part on the 1st of June, 1803; one-third part on the 1st of June, 1804, and the remaining third part on the 1st of June, 1805, with interest annually from the 1st of June, 1800, and security if demanded by the said Trust- ees; and if the subscriptions exceed the sum required, the excess shall be appropriated for the support of the academy to be established under the said law. As witness our hands in the year 1800, the day being prefixed to our signatures: April 31, David Mead $500 April 31, Roger Alden 750 April 21, Thomas R. Kennedy 500 April 31, John Wilkins 500 April 21, Cornelius Van Home 200 April 21, Robert Fitz Randolph 150 April 21, James Fitz Randolph 75 April 31, James Gibson 75 April 21, Joseph Hackney 75 April 31, Henry Licher 120 April 21, William B. Foster 100 April 21, James Hamilton 75 April 21, Edward Work .50 April 21, John Davis 150 April 21, George McQunnegle 30 April 31, Patrick Davis 150 April 31, John McGunnegle 150 April 31, James Moore 60 April 31. John Patterson 30 April 31, William Herriott 50 April 21, James Knox 50 April 31, Richard Patch 15 April 31, William McGrady 60 April 31, William Dick 100 April 31, John Garber 50 April 31, Henry Baldwin 50 April 21, James McDill 20 April 31, William Hope 20 406 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. April 22, William Moore $ 60 April 22, Chambers Foster 30 April 22, William Cook 30 April 33, Squire Chamberlain 60 April 22, William Gill 10 April 33, William Davis 50 April 32, Archibald Davison 50 April 33, Frederick Haymaker 75 April 22, David Compton 40 April 32, Henry Reichard 75 April 22, Samuel Lord 100 Total $4,580 This subscription is convincing evidence of the enterprise and public spirit of the men whose names appear in the list, most of v?hom are well remembered •pioneers of Meadville and vicinity, and when it is borne in mind that the pop- ulation of the town was at that time not inore than 200 or 300, the liberality of the subscription is more marked. Its proceeds formed the fund by which the academy was established — an institution that contributed so largely to the educational interests of the county for over half a century. By an act of St .li .2 = fl a |5 a a 'C o ca CO to h 7 74 3 5 $24 16 114 .50 231 $417 57 a , 4 2 8 35 75 16 00 615 1,444 41 11 8i 3 8 71 66 33 33 892 4,988 00 21 9 21 50 78 1,378 24,441 38 38 9 38 45 00 1,506 33,875 42 32 9 32 43 91 1,746 23,611 77 37 9 37 47 08 1,790 25,748 00 as .£3 « 1583 66 179 90 391 40 1,786 31 3,406 56 2,491 38 3,358 31 Allegheny College. — In the spring of 1815 Rev. Timothy Alden removed with his family from the city of New York to Meadville, Penn., arriving at his destination April 24, of that year. A short time after his arrival, in company with the Rev. Robert Johnston, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the village, he called upon John Reynolds, Esq. , to whom he explained his prin- cipal motive in coming to the West, viz. : to select a suitable location for a college. He said he was led to Meadville on account of it being the home of Maj. Roger Alden, a distant relative, as well as of its geographical position in northwestern Pennsylvania, and that he was satisfied Meadville was the most suitable location in this region for such an institution as he desired to found. It was therefore agreed to call a meeting of citizens at the court house, and lay before them the whole subject. Accordingly, on Tuesday evening, June 20, 1815, a goodly number of the leading citizens of Meadville assembled at the old log court house, when Maj. Alden was called to the chair, and John Reynolds, Esq., appointed Secretary of the meeting. A preamble approving the object of the meeting, also a number of resolutions relating thereto, were proposed and unanimously adopted, of which the following abstract will furnish a general idea of the contemplated institution: " Prom the circumstance that a great part of the region for the benefit of which the seminary is designed is watered by the numerous streams' which in the aggregate makes the Allegheny River, it was resolved that the institution be called Allegheny College. It was also resolved that it be located at Mead- ville; that the institution, in due time, consist of a President, Vice-President, Professors and tutors ; that the Rev. Timothy Alden, late of the city of New York, be the President of the college, and/ Professor of Oriental Languages and of Ecclesiastical History; that the Rev. Robert Johnston be the Vice-Presi- dent of the college and Professor of Logic, Metaphysics, and Ethics; that the President and Vice-President be the sole instructors for the present in all departments of literature and science; that they admit as probationers such as are designed to receive a classical education at this college, and instruct them according to their discretion; that from the probationers who may be duly graduated, the freshman class shall be admitted as alumi of the college, on the 4th of July, 1816; that the public academies now in existence, or hereafter to be established in the counties of Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango, Mercer and Butler, comprising the Northwestern Judicial District of Pennsylvania, may be so far connected with Allegheny College as to receive and prepare probationers for matriculation in this seminary; and in this case, that the principal instructor, being a man of competent classical education and of good MEADVILLE. 413 moral character, be considered one of the Faculty, and be added to the list of tutors of the college; that a committee appointed for the purpose, prepare an address to the Legislature requesting a charter; that another committee, which was also appointed, draft a code of laws for the government of the col- lege; that a subscription book be immediately opened by the Treasurer of the college, John Eeynolds, Esq. . for donations in any kind of property which may be useful to the institution; that the Rev. Mr. Alden, President of the college, who, it is understood, is shortly to visit the Eastern and Middle States, be requested to solicit benefactions in aid of the objects of this new institution. " The resolves of the members of this little assembly, on that June evening of 1815, were conceived in a spirit of noble philanthropy, and, doubtless, as they blew out the lights, and wended their way through the quiet streets cif the little hamlet among the hills, they viewed their evening's work with com- placency, and felt assured that a college was to be; but just how, was not so apparent. There was one, however, in that company to whom toil, and priva- tion, and patient waiting, was a real joy, and that was President Alden. He soon started on his mission, and, judging by the long list of donations, varying from 20 cents up to 15, $10, and even 1100— little money, mostly books — and ranging through the principal towns of the North and East, we may infer that he religiously carried out his instructions to present his case to the people of the United States. The first name on his paper is that of John Adams, ex- President of the United States, who sub- scribed 120 in books. Then follow the solid men of Boston, sixty- six in number: the Prothinghams, the Channings, the Davises, the Lorings, the Lowells, the Ticknors, the Green! eafs, the Parkmans and the Thayers. One, D. D. Eogers, Esq., of Massachusetts, gave 500 acres of wild land on the Little Kanawha Eiver, estimated at $2,000. Then follow the men of Cambridge, Charlestown, Dorchester, Marblehead, Medford, Plymouth, Salem (where the learned Dr. Worcester resided, and was one of the contribu- tors). Sandwich, Worcester (where Dr. Aaron Bancroft subscribed), Yarmouth, Bristol (Ehode Island), Pawtucket (where Dr. Benedict, the historian of the Baptists, gave $5) Providence (where Brown and Ives, the patrons of Brown University, gave him $50 in money), Albany (New York), Brooklyn, Hudson, Newburg, New York City (with its twenty-nine subscribers, among whom was Dr. Harris, President of Columbia College), Schenectady (where he obtained a subscription from Dr. Nott, President of Union College), Troy, Burlington, Newark, New Brunswick, Harrisburg (Pennsylvania), Lancaster, Philadel- phia and Pittsburgh. The net results of the mission were: Land, $2,000; books, $1,642.30; cash, $461. Total, $4,103.30. A rather small amount of cash with which to found a college; but the real result of this tour is not represented by these figures, for he paved the way for bequests that were princely. In a letter to the Trustees of the college bearing date March 2, 1816, Mr. Alden says: In fulfilling the duties you assigned me on my late mission, I have collected among the friends of our institution the sum of |461, and books for the library to the amount of about |1,600. I have also collected sundry valuable articles for the cabinet and museum. One gentleman in Massachusetts (D. D. Rogers, Esq.), has promised to convey to us 500 acres of land on the Little Kanawha. Many have given flattering encouragement of further important aid whenever we shall have obtained our charter, which we have reason to expect during the present session of our Legislature. The whole of our actual subscrip- tions may now be estimated at something more than $9,000. During the absence of Mr. Alden on his mission to the East, the Treasur- er's books were opened in Meadville, and the following subscriptions obtained: 414 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Maj. Roger Alden, Hon. John B. Wallace and Hon. William Griffith each 1500; Samuel Lord and Daniel LeFevre, 225 acres of land -valued at $450; Dr. Daniel Bemus, H. J. Huidekoper, Daniel LeFevre, Gen. David Mead, Hon. Jesse Moore, John Eeynolds and Jared Shattuek each $300; Hon. Pat- rick Farrelly, Samuel B. Magaw, Gol. Ealph Marlin and James White, each $200; Samuel Torbett, $150; Rev. Timothy Alden, $120 (in books); Joseph T. Cummings & Co., $110; Thomas Atkinson and Henry Hurst, each $100; Eliphalet Bett, $75; James Foster, $60; Daniel Perkins, $55; Moses Allen, James Hamilton, Rev. Robert Johnston, Alexander McDowell, Joseph Morri- son, Alexander Power and William W. White, each $50; John Cotton, $40; Lewis Neill, $35; David Compton, $30; John Johnston and Noah Wade, each $20; Hugh Cotton and Hugh Cotton, Jr., each $10; total, $5,685, which added to the amount of $4,103.30 collected by President Alden, made a grand total of $9, 788. 30. When we consider that Crawford County was then but sparsely settled, and its people not yet recovered from the war of 1812, we must confess that this subscription exhibits a spirit of generous enterprise and rare liberality. The securing of a charter was vigoriously pushed, but it encountered delay, and did not become a law until March 24, 1817. The act of incorporation ordains the establishment of an institution for the education of youth in the learned, ancient and modern languages, in the liberal arts and sciences, and in all useful literature; with power to "confer oa the pupils of said institution, such reward, diplomas, and degrees in the different liberal arts and sciences, as the Faculty and Trustees shall think them entitled to; and to confer honor- ary degrees according to the general usages and customs of other colleges." The same act appropriated to the college the sum of $2,000, and a further sum of $5,000 was subsequently granted by the State. The charter members of the Board of Trustees were selected from the counties of Crawford, Erie, Venango, Mercer, Butler, Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland and Dauphin, and the city of Philadelphia, besides others from Ohio, New Jersey and Mas- sachusetts. Those residing in Crawford County were: Roger Alden, William McArthur, Jesse Moore, John Brooks, William Clark, Henry Hurst, Samuel Lord, Samuel Torbett, Ralph Marlin, Patrick Farrelly, Thomas Atkinson, John Reynolds, Daniel Bemus, William Foster Daniel Perkins, Rev. Amos Chase, Rev. Timothy Alden and Rev. Robert Johnston. On the 4th of July, 181*7, the charter was formally accepted, and under its provisions a complete organization was effected. On the 28th of July, amid much ceremony was held the first annual commencement of the embryo insti- tution, at which time the Rev. Timothy Alden was inaugurated President of the faculty and Professor of the Oriental Languages, Ecclesiastical History and Theology, of Allegheny College. The inaugural ceremonies took place in the old log court house. It will astonish many of the scholars of to-day, to read the programme of exercises on this occasion: " 1. An address in Latin, to the President and Professor, announcing his appointment to these offices, by Patrick Farrelly. Esq. 2. A reply in Latiij, by Mr. Alden, declaring his acceptance of these offices. 3. A prayer in Latin, by Mr. Alden. 4. Sacred music, by a choir of singers, under the direction of Col. Robert Stockton and Mr. John Bowman. 5. Inaugural oration in Latin, by Mr. Alden. 6. A He brew Oration, an English oration, a Latin dialogue, an English dialogue, and an English oration, by the probationers of Allegheny College. 7. Sacred music. 8, An address in English, in reference to the occasion, by Mr. Alden." It is not surprising that Sherman Day in his " Historical Collec- tions" should make the following comment regarding this programme: "Mr. MEADVILLE. 415 Alden was inaugurated amid an astonishing display of the dead languages." It should be observed that the lower story of the court house was the county jail, and, therefore, the prisoners must have got the benefit of this intellectual treat. Dr. Alden was exceptionally fond of the ancient languages, and in presenting so strong an array of such learning, in this public way, he meant to convince people that his college was to be no two-penny affair, but that the highest order of scholarship was to form the sub-stratum, and that he was abundantly able to impart it, and form his scholars upon his mold. There are few cases on record illustrating such abounding faith and resolution in the face of unbounded difficulties and discouragements. The college opened in the court house, which it occupied for a brief period; then removed to a frame building near the southeast corner of Walnut Street and the Diamond; and thence to a frame building on Pine Street between Liberty and Grove, now the residence of Eobert McMullen. Early in 1818 President Alden issued the following circular in reference to Alle- gheny College: This institution having been duly organized and the subscriber having been appointed President and a Professor of the same, takes this method to inform the public of the terms on which students desirous of a liberal education and disposed to become, members of it, can be accomodated: First, tuition $6 a quarter; second, boarding $1.50 a week; or third, boarding, washing, lodging and tuition at $130 a year, payable quar- terly and no extra charge during the vacations, if any should find it for their convenience to spend them in Meadville. Probationers are here instructed in Latin, Greek, etc., pre- paratory to admission into the collegiate classes. The freshman class is at present attend- ing to Sallust, Horace, Xenophon's Anabasis, Homer's Iliad, the Hebrew, French and English languages, arithmetic. Holmes' Rhetoric, etc. Timothy Aldbk. In due time the first indispensible want of such an institution, viz. , a building, was commenced. Five acres of ground were donated by Samuel Lord and the present beautiful site in the northern suburbs of the city was selected for the rising institution by a committee, composed of Hon. Patrick Farrelly, Dr. Paniel Bemus, Judge John Brooks and Col. Ealph Marlin. On Wednesday, July 5, 1820, the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of Bentley Hall (so named in honor of Eev. William Bentley, D. D., LL. D. ,) the first public building of Allegheny College, took place in the presence of a large assemblage of people from this and adjoining counties, while many leading citizens from a distance were present to witness the ceremonies. Few are now living who took part in that event. Even the names of many of those prom- inent in the duties of that day are, to the larger portion of the present residents of Crawford County, unknown; but the monument of their philanthropy remains for the blessing of future generations. The procession formed on the Diamond early in the afternoon, the several divisions being received by the committee of arrangements, consisting of Rev. Timothy Alden, Hon. Patrick Farrelly, Col. Ealph Marlin and Dr. Daniel Bemus, and were then committed to the Marshals of the day: Col. Ralph Marlin, Col. Richard Bean, George Selden, Esq., and Capt. Jacob Hull. The procession moved west on Chestnut to Water Street; thence north on Water, past the residence of Samuel 'Lord, Esq. (site of Hon. William Reynolds' grounds), and through his fields to the elevated plot of ground given by Mr. Lord for the site of Allegheny College, the deed for which he presented to the President and Board of Trustees on arriving at the corner stone, and ere the ceremony of laying the stone commenced. Eev. Timothy Alden was selected to perform the ceremony, and after being appointed W. M. pro tempore of West- ern Star Lodge, F. & A. M., under whose auspices the stone was laid, he gave the historj' of several articles which were to be deposited in the stone. These 416 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. consisted of a silver plate 4x6 innhes in size, handsomely wrought and engraved by Capt Jacob Hull, and presented by him for the purpose; a bottle contain- ing foreign and domestic coins; a concise history of Allegheny College; sun- dry small rolls of parchment, exhibiting lists of the names of the benefactors and officers of the college, and of the members and officers of the Western Star Lodge and Chapter; several newspapers giving notices of the proceedings of the Board of Trustees; a piece of Plymouth Rock; a piece of marble broken from a pillar which tradition states to have belonged to Queen Dido's temple in ancient Carthage; a specimen of plaster from the tomb of Virgil, presented by J. H. Steele, M. D., of the United States Navy; and specimens of the reeds laid 3,000 years ago between the bricks in the pyramids, presented by Capt. David Molthrop, whose son, William, accompanied Capt. Austin on his expedi- tion to the Euphrates, in 1816, and brought those curiosities of antiquity to America. After consigning these several articles to the reeepticle awaiting them, Dr. Alden sprinkled the stone with corn, wine and oil, according to Masonic custom, and pronounced it "well laid and sure." Then kneeling down he supplicated the blessing of heaven on the work undertaken, and on the benefactors, officers, instructors and alumni of the institution of the pres- ent and all future generations, and on the large assemblage convened on the occasion. He then addressed the people, reciting briefly the growth, progress and future outlook of the college, whose charming location overlooking the valley of French Creek seemed destined by nature to be the site of a flourish- ing school, devoted to the interests of the literary, scientific and moral welfare of the community. This being the anniversary commencement of Allegheny College, the appropriate exercises of the day took place around the corner stone, over which was erected an arched bower decorated with flowers, prepared by the young ladies of Meadville. The following exercises of the students were assigned for the occassion, a portion of which, however, for want of time, was omitted: 1. Hebrew oration, T. J. Fox Alden. 2. Greek oration, A. M. White. 3. Latin oration, R. W. Alden. 4 German oration, David Derickson. 5. Poem on the occasion, O. Taylor. 6. Oration on American Independence. T. J. Fox Alden. 7. Address on War, John W. Farrelly. 8. Speech on the Fall of Csesar, David M. Farrelly. 9. Speech on American Affairs, O. Taylor. 10. Oration on the Dignity of Man, A. M. White. 11. Oration on the Importance of Missions to the Heathen, R. W. Alden. 12. Oration on the Occasion, David Derickson. Respectful notice was taken in the original pieces, of Rev. William Bentley, Isaiah Thomas and other benefactors of the institution. Of the stu- dents who took part in that commencement day more than sixty-four years ago, but one survives, David M. Farrelly, Esq., the senior member of the Crawford County bar, though Hon. David Derickson, the orator of the occa- sion, has only recently passed from the scenes of life. Taking into consid- eration the fact that the population of Meadville was then bu4 666, and of the whole county, 9,397, a proper conception may be realized of the magnitude of the undertaking, and of the public spirit and liberality of the pioneer fathers. President Alden's untiring zeal and enterprise convinced people that his project would succeed, and that it was worthy of tlieir benefactions. To the scholarly mind of Dr. Alden the ideal of a first-class college embraced the necessary feature of a great library, and to realize this, called forth his most earnest exertions. In happily securing such a collection of books as had few superiors in the country, at that time, the scheme of establishing the college seemed measureably assured of success. The first large contribution was bequeathed at his death, January 29, 1820, by the Rev. William Bentley, of CSi, •^K 5^ MEADVILLE. 419 Salem, Mass., "who," says the historian, Day, "had spent his life in amassing one of the most rare collections of theological works in the country. Harvard University had set her eyes upon this collection, and having bestowed the pre- liminary plum, in the shape of an LL. D. diploma, patiently awaited the Doc- tor's demise. She occupied, however, the situation of Esau before Isaac ; for Mr. Alden had previously prepared the savory dish, and received the boon, and the name, Bentley Hall, now records the gratitude of Allegheny College. This collection embraced all his theological books, said to contain such a treasure of the ancient Latin and Greek fathers of the church — as few of the colleges of the United States possessed — all his lexicons and Bibles, and was valued at 13,000. Isaiah Thomas, Esq., LL. D., of Worcester, Mass., the founder and President of the American Antiquarian Society, also donated a consider- able collection of miscellaneous literature valued at 1750. Then came the most important bequest of all, that of Hon. James Winthrop, LL. D., of Cambridge, Mass, who, as the Boston Patriot of that day, said, "has bequeathed his library, one of the best private libraries in the Union, to the Allegheny Col- lege, at Meadville, where the late learned and reverend, and, we will add, uni- formly patriotic, Doctor Bentley, sent a part of his very valuable collection." The Winthrop collection, containing 3, 150 volumes, was characterized as a most rare and costly one, and was valued at $6,400. When all the donations had been collected and arranged, a catalogue was made and printed by Thomas Atkinson, of the Messenger, in 1823, a copy of which was sent to ex-President Jefferson, which drew from him the following reply: MoNTiCELLO, February 14, 1834. Sna — I am very sensible of the kind attention of the Trustees of Allegheny College in sending me a copy of the catalogue of their library, and congratulate them on the good fortune of having become the objects of donations so liberal. That of Dr. Bentley is truly valuable for its classical riches, but Mr. Winthrop's is inappreciable for the variety of the branches of science to which It extends, and for the rare and precious works it possesses in each branch. I had not expected there was such a private collection in the United States. We are just commencing the establishment of a university In Virginia, but cannot flatter ourselves with the hope of such dpnations as have been bestowed on you. I avail myself of this occasion of tendering to yours from our institution fraternal and cordial embraces, of assuring you that we wish it to prosper and become great, and that our only emulation in this honorable race shall be, the virtuous one of trymg which can do the most good. With these assurances, be pleased to accept those of my high respect. Thomas Jefferson. Ex-President Madison responded in a similar strain upon the reception of the catalogue, which elicited many commendations from distinguished men, who were well qualified to form an estimate of the rare worth of such a library. To the agency of Dr. Alden alone is Allegheny College indebted for it, and at this date it is difficult to conceive how he could have better served the cause which he so zealously labored to promote. The library augmented to 8,000 volumes, valued at" $20,000, was the achievement of President Alden's administration; while several donations of land, by one of which the area of the college campus was increased from five to ten acres, also belongs to this period. / The location selected for the college buildings, out of the tract donated by Samuel Lord, upon the northern hillside, giving a southern exposure, with the whole broad valley spread out at its foot, the river, skirted by venerable shades, winding through it like a thread of silver, bold head-lands towering up on every hand, interspersed with a pleasing variety of meadow and forest, and the city, seated in queenly beauty, in the midst — such a situation is not excelled for natural advantages by the site of any college in the land, if at all equaled. The main building, erected at this period, in the Grseeianesque style of archi- 420 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. tecture, was not completed for several years after the laying of the corner stone, and in 1829 a portion of the interior still remained unfinished. It is four stories in height, with wings fronted by lofty pillars, and the whole sur- mounted by a handsome dome, was well planned and substantially constructed, and reflects honor upon the broad and liberal views of the men who con- ceived it. The course of study adopted for the degree of A. B. was very broad, embracing everything required in the older universities, and, while President Alden remained at its head, a high standard of scholarship was maintained. Though it appears from the official records that only twelve students were graduated during the fifteen years of Dr. Alden's administration, this number by no means represents the work done. The course was a severe one, popula- tion was sparse and the people poor, and the consequence was that few held out to the end, though large numbers received limited training. In 1829 an attempt was made to establish a military professorship in the college, but against this President Alden entered a solemn protest, and it was abandoned. In the meantime adverse influences had begun to operate against the insti- tution, which tended to check its growth and even jeopardize its existence. Within the bounds of the Presbyterian Synod of Pittsburgh, which embraced, including Washington County on the south, all of northwestern Pennsylvania, were already two colleges under Presbyterian patronage — Jefferson and Wash- ington — one or the other of which nearly all the Presbyterian ministers of the region claimed as their alma mater. A general sentiment prevailed among them that if Allegheny College succeeded it must be at the expense of those already established, neither of which had adequate support. They therefore withheld their approval in documentary form when assembled in Presbytery, and for the most part their individual influence in their own congregations; hence, students were too few to support instructors, and upon the resignation of President Alden in November, 1831, all operations were suspended and the college closed. Thus, after sixteen years of indefatigable labor and self- sacrifice, the indomitable spirit of Dr. Alden was broken, but so long as time shall last his name will be handed down from generation to generation as the founder of Allegheny College. Dr. Alden was born in Yarmouth, Mass., August 28, 1771; first studied at Phillip's Academy, in Andover, and graduated from Harvard University in 1794. He soon after engaged in teaching at Marblehead, where he was licensed to preach the Gospel, and in November, 1799, he removed to Ports- mouth, Mass. , and became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of that town. In the spring of 1800 he commenced teaching in a seminary for young ladies which was located in Portsmouth, and so continued until 1808, when he opened a similar institution in Boston. In 1809 Mr. Alden resigned this position, and the following year took charge of the Young Ladies' Department in the Academy at Newark, N. J. After a few years spent here, he removed to the city of New York, where he opened a school for young ladies, which he con- ducted until his coming to Meadville. His labors in trying to establish Alle- gheny College have already been told. In June, 1832, Dr. Alden went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but in the autumn of 1838 returned to this State and located at East Liberty, near Pittsburgh. The next spring he took charge of the academy at that place, and spent the remainder of his days in teaching and preaching the Gospel, dying in Pittsbui-gh, July 5, 1839, the nineteenth anni- versary of the day when joyous and happy over the apparent success of his undertaking, he laid the corner stone of Bentley Hall. For two years succeeding Dr. Alden's resignation the college stood a silent MEADVILLE. 421 monument of noble but unsuccessful efforts in the cause of literature and sci- ence. In the meantime an interchange of sentiment took place between the Trustees and some ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having for its object an arrangement for securing to the institution the patronage of the Pittsburgh Conference. In August, 1832, the Conference met at Wellsburg, Va., and an agent of the College Board laid before it their wishes. In har- mony with the proposal the Conference decided to hold its next meeting at Meadvi lie, and accordingly met here July 16, 1833, with Bishop Robert Rob- erts, presiding. After visiting the college and examining its library, etc., the Conference resolved unanimously to accept the proposition of the Board of Trustees by taking the institution under its patronage. It was also resolved to make an effort to raise an endowment fund of $20,000 to aid in sustaining the college, and to found a Roberts' professorship in honor of the venerable Bishop, but the project did not succeed. The following faculty was elected under the new regime: Rev. Martin Ruter, D. D., President of the Faculty and Professor of Moral Science; Rev. Homer J. Clark, A. M., Vice-President and Professor of Mathematics; and Augustus W. Ruter, A. B., Professor of Languages. The first session opened Novem- ber 4, 1833, and the college now entered upon a new era in her history. Between twenty and thirty students were enrolled on the opening day, and from that time forward her prosperity seemed assured, while her growth and high excellence as an institution of learning have kept pace with similar schools throughout the land. President Ruter was a man of large attainments, and had had some experience in working up a languishing institution at Augusta, Ky. He was ably seconded by Dr. Clark, who had also seen service in similar Jabor, at Madison College, in Fayette County, Penn. The number of gradu- ates during Dt. Ruter's Presidency, were: in 1834, three; 1835, four; 1836, one; and 1837, six, or a total of fourteen. Rev. Homer J. Clark, D. C, became President in 1837; and from 1838 to 1844, in which time State aid to the amount of 11,000 annually was 'regularly received, there was a good degree of prosperity; but, upon the withdrawal of that, the college was closed from 1844 to 1845, and President Clark went forth among the friends and patrons of the institution, soliciting assistance. As a result of his exertions, |60,000 was collected and invested. To his sagacity and energy chiefly is the college indebted for the plan of endowment known as the " Scholarship Plan," by which students are admitted to all the departments of the institution free of charge for tuition, and a corresponding income is permanently secured to the school. In 1847 Rev. John Barker, D. D., was made President. He was a native of East Riding, of Yorkshire, England, but came with his parents to this country when three years of age, and was educated at Geneva College, New York. From 1840 to 1845 he was Vice-President of Allegheny College, and Professor of Natural Philosophy, from which position he went to be Professor in the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky. , but returned at the end of two years. He was a man of strong mind, of varied knowledge, and, during his presidency, a good degree of prosperity attended his administration. Ruter Hall, the three-story brick structure immediately east of the main building, was completed in 1855 under the administration of Dr. Barker, at a cost of |6,000~ contributed chiefly by the citizens of Meadville. It contains the chapel, library and museum. His useful work was brought to a sudden termi- nation by death in 1860 while in the midst of his labors. He had passed the evening in examining the papers of his class, and, soon after retiring, was stricken with apoplexy, and shortly after quietly breathed his last. 422 ■ HISTORV OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The Rev. George Loomis, D. D., a native of the State of New York, who was educated at the Wesleyan University, Connecticut, had been Principal of the seminary at Lima, N. Y., Chaplain to the port of Canton, China, and President of the Female College at Wilmington, Del., and succeeded Dr. Barker. His Presidency occurred, in some respects, at an unfortunate period, the fires of civil war being just then beginning to be lighted, and the attend- ance in colleges for the next half dozen years, greatly disturbed thereby; but it was in many respects, successful and highly beneficial to the college. In 1864-65, through the munificence of Hon. C. V. Culver, was built and fur- nished the commodious three-story frame building known as Culver Hall, capa- ble of accommodating over 100 students. It stood across North Main Street from Ruter Hall, and while the title to the property was yet in Mr. Culver's name, it was sold at Sheriff's sale in August, 1866, and bought in by Joshua Douglass, Esq. In March, 1870, Mr. Douglass conveyed the ground and build- ing to the college, but on the 12th of December, 1882, the hall was burned down and has not since been rebuilt. While at the head of the college Dr. Loomis secured large additions to the vested funds of the institution, and the present healthy condition of the endowment fund is largely due to his suc- cessful efforts. After the withdrawal of Dr. Loomis in February, 1874, the management of the affairs of the institution devolved on Vice-President Rev. Jonathan Hamnett, D. D., who was the acting President for one year. Rev. Lucius H. Bugbee, D. D., was elected President of Allegheny College in February, 1875, and inaugurated on the 24th of June following. He was born in Gowanda, N. Y., November 25, 1830, and graduated from Amherst College, Massachusetts, in 1854. He soon afterward became Professor of. Rhetoric and Logic in the Cooperstown Seminary, Cooperstown, N. Y. In 1857 he was appointed Principal of the Payette Seminary, Fayette, Iowa, and the fol- lowing year reorganized the school as the Upper Iowa University, of which he was President from 1858 to 1860. For the next four years he followed the ministry, but in 1865 became President of the Northwestern Female College, Evanston, 111., where he remained until 1868, when he was called to the Presidency of the Female College at Cincinnati, Ohio, whence he came to Mead- ville. Soon the results of his labors here began to yield fair fruits. He found the college with about 100 students, the buildings very much dilapidated, the chapel small and dismal, no regular laboratories, and a general state of decay existing in and about the institution. He set to work at once with unusual vigor, enlarged and beautified the chapel, fitted up two laboratories, enlarged the recitation rooms, thoroughly refurnished the society halls, improved the grounds and renovated the whole interior of the buildings. The Preparatory and Military Departments of the college were established under Dr. Bugbee's administration. During his Presidency and mainly through his energetic labors, the large, substantial, elegant brick edifice, known as Hulings Hall, was completed and opened in 1881. It is the crowning glory of the college buildings, and was erected and partly furnished at a cost of 125,000, princi- pally 6ontributed by Marcus Hulings, Esq., of Oil City, Penn. The building is about 85x100 feet in dimensions, four stories in height, supplied through- out by gas and water, and heated by steam. It is used as a home by the lady students, will accommodate eighty persons, and is one of the finest public buildings in this section of the State. » Dr. Bugbee remained at the head of the institution seven years, during which period the patronage had increased 100 per cent and the graduates 25 per cent, while the contingent fund, derived from the students' matriculation MEADVILLE. 423 fee, had grown from |1,500 in 1875 to over $9,000 in 1882. Throughout his administration he was regarded as the pillar of the institution and recognized a? a good scholar, a man of indomitable energy and remarkable executive ability. Toward the close of his Presidency the lack of harmony in the Eoard and faculty rendered his position an unpleasant one, and on the 28th of June, 1882, he sent in his resignation. His retirement from the head of the college was deeply regretted by a majority of the friends and patrons of the insti- tution in Meadville, who met and passed appropriate resolutions of confidence in his administration and regret at his departure. Upon leaving Meadville, Dr. Bugbee went back to his native State and died at Geneva in the summer of 1883. For one year the Vice-President, Eev. Jonathan Hamnett, D. D. , attended to the duties of the position, while the Board were casting about for a worthy successor to Dr. Bugbee. Eev. David H. Wheeler, D. D. , LL. D., was elected President of the college in April, 1883, and inaugurated on the 27th of June following. Dr. Wheeler brought to the position long experience as an educator, a broad culture and a ripe scholarship. He is a native of Ithaca, N. T., born in 1829, and has devoted most of his life to educational work. He taught Latin three years in the Rock River Seminary, served two years as Superintendent of Public Schools in Carroll County, 111., five years as Professor of Greek in Cornell College, Iowa, and eight years as Professor of English Literature in the Northwestern University, Evanston, 111. Between his service in Cornell College and that at Evanston, he filled the office of United States Consul in Geneva, where he pursued historical and linguistic studies. Dr. Wheeler has for thirty years been a contributor to the periodical press, and is the author of several volumes. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by Cornell College and that of LL. D. by the Northwestern University. For more than thirty years he has been a lay-preacher, but has never been a pastor, having chosen the educational work in his youth as more congenial to his tastes. Dr. Wheeler came to his present position f)»om New York City, where he had edited the Methodist for eight years. His administration opened under favorable auspices, and one short year of President Wheeler's government has convinced the Board and friends of the institution that he is a scholarly gentle- man of high executive ability, under whose firm, vigorous and skillful man- agement Allegheny College is destined to be successful and prosperous. The Presidents of the college since its organization have been as follows : Rev. Timothy Alden, D. D., 1817-31; Eev. Martin Ruter, D. D., 1833-37; Rev. Homer J. Clark, D. D., 1837-47; :ftev. John Barker, D. D., 1847-60; Rev. George Loomis, D. D., 1860-74; Rev. Lucius H. Bugbee, D. D., 1875-82; Rev. David H. Wheeler, D. D., LL. D., 1883, now serving. The Vice-Presidents have been: Rev. Robert Johnston, D. D., 1817-18; Rev. Homer J. Clark, D. D., 1833-37; Eev. Matthew Simpson, D. D., 1837-39; Rev. John Barker, D. D., 1839-47; Rev. George W. Clarke, D. D., 1847-55; Rev. Calvin Kingsley, D. D., 1855-57; Rev. Lorenzo D. Williams, A. M., 1857-63; Rev. Jonathan Hamnett, 1863-84. The past and present members of the faculty are : Rev. Timothy Alden, D. D. , 1817-31; Rev. Robert Johnston, D. D., 1817-18; Rev. David McKinney, D. D., 1829-30; Reynell Coats, M. D., 1829-30; Rev. Martin Ruter, D. D., 1833-37; Rev. Homer J. Clark, D. D., 1833-47; Augustus M. Enter, A. B., 1833-36; Eev. William M. Burton, A, M., 1836-39; Eev. Matthew Simpson, D. D., 1837-39; Eev. George W. Clarke, D. D., 1837-55; Rev. R. T. P. Allen, A. M., 1838-43; Eev. John Barker, D. D., 1839-60; Eev. Calvin Kingsley, D. D., 1840-57; Eev. Moses Crow, D. D. 1840-41; Eev. Jonathan Hamnett, D. D., 424 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. 1845; Eev. Lorenzo D. Williams, D. D., 1846-63; Rev. Alexander Martin, LL. D., 1855-64; Rev, William Hunter, D. D., 1856-71; Rev. George Loomis, D. D., 1861-74; Rev. Jame.s Marvin, D. D., 1863-75; Jeremiah Tingley, Ph. D., 1868; Rev. Ammi B. Hyde, D. D., 1864-84; George F. Comfort, Ph. D., 1866-72; Charles W. Reid, A. M., 1872: George W. Haskins, A. M., 1875; Rev. Lucius H. Bugbee, D. T>., 1875-82; Rev. Wilbur G. Williams, A. M., 1877-82; James H. Montgomery, A. M., 1877; First Lieut. F. W. Hess, U. S. A., 1877-1880; First Lieut. George O. Webster, U. S. A., 1880-82; Harriet A. Linn, A. M., 1880-83; Milton B. Goff, Ph. D., 1882-84; Rev. David H. Wheeler, D. D., LL. D., 1883; First Lieut. John W. Pullman, U. S. A, 1883-84; Harriet A. Rooney, A. M., 1883-84; First Lieut. Alfred M. Fuller, U. S. A., 1884; Rev. David H. Wheeler, D. D., LL. D., President and Pro- fessor of Ethics and Social Science; Rev. Jonathan Hamnett, D. D., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy; Jeremiah Tingley, A. M., Ph. D., Professor of Physics and Chemistry; Charles W. Reid, A. M., Professor of Greek Language and Lit- erature; George W. Haskins, A. M., Bradley Professor of Latin; James H. Montgomery, A. M., Professor of Natural History, and Instructor in Mathe- matics; First Lieut. Alfred M. Fuller, Second Cavalry U. S. A., Professor of Military Science and Tactics; Louise S. McClintock, A. M., Lady Principal; Rev. Jonathan Hamnett, D. D., Librarian; Rev. Alexander W. Newlin, A. B., C. W. Proctor and D. L. Thoburn, Instructors in Preparatory Studies. The college library contains upwards of 12,500 volumes, many rare and valuable works and accessible to all students. Among the recent additions is a donation from the heirs of the late David Dick, Esq. , of 760 volumes, made in the spring of 1877; and one of 600 volumes, in 1882, from the heirs of the late Rev. W. F. Day, D. D., made in accordance with his own request before his decease. The institution possesses extensive cabinets of mineralogy and conchology, and complete chemical and philosophical apparatus of the most approved forms. The museum embraces several distinct collections of minerals, shells, fossils, insects, etc., also about 1,000 zoological specimens, including birds, reptiles, fish and marine animals, which are constantly being increased in number by the exertions of the Scientific Club. The art history collection contains sixty casts of works of sculpture, and about 400 photographs and engravings. They are so selected as to represent characteristic features of the different periods in architecture, sculpture and painting. The college is on a safe financial basis, and its assets are estimated at the following figures: the grounds embracing sixteen acres and buildings thereon, 175,000; library, 120,000; cabinets, $50,000; apparatus, $15,000; permanent invested fund, $160,000; total, $320,000. The alumni of the college now number nearly 700 names; prominent among these are: Hon. David Derickson, Hon. John W. Farrelly, Hon. Will- iam Reynolds, Hon. Darwin A. Finney, Hon. Pearson Church, Rev. Calvin Kingsley, D. D., Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Hon. F. H. Pierpont, ex-Governor of West Virginia; Rev. Moses Crow, M. A., D. D.; Rev. SanfordHunt, M. A., D. D.; Rev. Alexander Martin, M. A., D. D., LL. D., President of Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind.; Rev. O. N. Harts- horn, M. A.., LL. D., President of Mt. Union College, Ohio; Rev. James Marvin, M. A., D. D. , President of Lawrence University, Kansas; Rev. Albert L. Long, M. A., D. D. , Professor in Hobart College, Constantinople, Turkey: J. Walter Waugh, M. A., and Rev. James M. Thoburn, M. A., D. D., mission- aries in India; Milton B. Goff, M. A., Ph. D., President of the Western Penn- sylvania University, and many others well-known to our readers. In all MEADVILLE. 425 departments of life, civil and military, at home and in distant lands, Allegheny College is honored by the record made for her, in the lives and deaths of those whom she proudly calls her own. At present nearly the entire body of students is regularly drilled in tactics, and instructed in military science. The signal gun, tired at sunrise, arouses the sleepers of the entire city, and awakens the echoes far down the valley and up the dark ravines. The Meadville Theological School was founded in 1844. It is provided in the act of incorporation that " no doctrinal test shall ever be made a condition of enjoying any of the opportunities of instruction, except a belief in the divine origin of Christianity." At one time five different denominations were represented among its students, though the school was founded mainly by the Unitarians, with some co-operation by members of the Christian denomination. The brick building, originally built for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, nearly opposite the northwest corner of the First Presbyterian lot, was used for chapel, library and class-rooms until 1853, when the commodious building, known as Divinity Hall was erected upon a commanding site, upon the east- ern hill, as Allegheny College was upon the northern, and commanding a full view of the city and a wide stretch of varied landscape to the west, and occu- pied in 1854. The grounds, four acres in extent, were contributed by the Eev. Frederic Huidekoper, and the building was erected at an expense of $17,500. It contains a neat chapel, a library room with about 15,000 volumes, hung with paintings and medallions of the Presidents and patrons of the school; a reading-room, provided with the leading religious and secular newspapers, periodicals and reviews; dormitories for students, and apartments for boarding and for the family of the Steward. During the early years of the school it was supported by an annual contri- bution from three churches in the city of New York, of |1,000; from the American Unitarian Association, of $500; from the proceeds of a fair held in Boston, and from sundry other smaller contributions. In 1851 an endowment fund of $50,000 was raised, which has been more than doubled since by lega- cies, donations, profits of fortunate investments, and savings from income. The unproductive assets, as the ' building, professors' residences and library, are estimated at $36,951, and the productive at $164,491; making a total val- uation of about $201,442. About three-fifths of this amount came from New York, New England, Baltimore, and Unitarian friends elsewhere, one-fifth from the accumulated results of good investments, and the remaining fifth from the family of the late H. J. Huidekoper, Esq., to which the school is largely indebted in founding, and in the judicious management of its funds and its affairs. The Rev. Rufus P. Stebbins, D. D., was the first President, and to his popularity as a speaker, and his practical methods of instruction for students of various grades of efficiency, was largely due the measure of success attained during its early years. He was succeeded in the Presidency in 1856 by Rev. Oliver Stearns, D. D. , and he in turn, in 1863, -by Eev. A. A. Liver- more, D. D., who still worthily holds the place. The Rev. Frederic Huidekoper, as Professor of New Testament Interpretation Literature and Ecclesiastical History, for many years gave his services gratuitously to the school. In addition to their legitimate duties to the institution the Trustees hold in trust a fund of $23,000, given and bequeathed by the late Joshua Brooks, Esq.: 1. " To aid Western ministers whose salaries are inadequate to their sup- port. 2. To improve the libraries of ministers by a , loan or gift of books. 3. To aid libraries which may be formed by associations of Western ministers. 4. To aid parishes in forming or increasing permanent ministerial libraries." 426 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. In the execution of this trust in addition to other work, the fund (with addi- tions to it) has supplied 4,200 ministers with small libraries. The Meadville Business College was established in 1865 by Prof. A. W. Smith, and is one of the great Bryant & Stratton chain of commercial colleges. It has been under the personal direction and supervision of Prof. Smith since it was founded,' and has prospered to a gratifying degree. The college occu- pies commodious and pleasant rooms in the Corinthian Block on Water Street, and aims to give thorough instruction, enforced and illustrated by practical application of the principles taught. For this purpose teachers of actual expe- rience are employed, whose personal attention is given to each student individ- ually, and the transactions of business life are presented in precisely the form in -which they would present themselves in the counting-room, bank or any other place where the affairs of traffic or exchange are recorded, systematized and brought to completion. CHAPTER IV. NEWSP4.PEKS—CEAWFORD Weekly Messenger — Allegheny Magazine— West- ern Standard — Meadville Gazette— Unitarian Essayist— Western Star— Meadville Courier— Crawford Democrat— Statesman— Ameri- can Citizen — Democratic Republican- Meadville Gazette— Crawford Journal — Pennsylvania Sentinel— Cussewago Chronicle- Spirit of THB Age— Meadville Republican— Meadville Index— Crawford Coun- ty Post -.Meadville Reporter— Democratic Messenger— Messenger Democrat — Morning News— National Vindicator — Chautauquan— Chautauqua Assembly Herald — Pennsylvania Fabmee- Meadville Tribune— Past and Present Manufacturing Interests of the City. THE Crawford Weekly Messenger was established at Meadville by Thomas Atkinson and W. Brendle, and first issued January 2, 1805. • It was the fourth newspaper founded west of Pittsburgh, and the first in northwestern Penn- sylvania. The Centinel of the Northwestern Territory, established at Cincinnati, Ohio, by William Maxwell, November 9, 1793; the Western Spy and Hamilton Gazette, at the same place by Joseph Carpenter, May 28, 1799, and the Scioto Gazette, at Chill icothe, Ohio, by Nathaniel Willis, in 1801, were the only papers published north of the Ohio and west of the Allegheny Eiver at the time Mr. Atkinson cast his fortunes in the little village on the banks of French Creek. In the first number of the Messenger the following notice appears: "The Mes- senger will be published every Wednesday morning and delivered to subscribers at |2 a year, $1 to be paid on receiving the first number, and the remainder in six months. Advertisements not exceeding a square will be inserted three times for $1, and for every subsequent insertion, 25 cents." The paper was a four-page sheet, four columns to a page, and 17x20 inches in size. In 1827 it was enlarged to a 19x24-inch sheet; and again in 1831 to a 20x30, with five columns to a page, which made it quite a respectable looking paper. From the Messenger of 1830 we gather an important item in reference to the first press used in that office. Mr. Atkinson says: "In a note by the edi- tors of the United Stales Gazette, referring to the ancient village of Ephrata, situated in Lancaster County, in this State, the fact is noted that ' one of the first printing presses introduced into the State,' was located in that village. As a small item of history connected with our profession we have to add that the identical press in question became the property of the editor of this paper ^hr^T^ .y^/^*^^^ MEADVILLE. 429 in the year 1804. He caused the wood work to be renewed, and removed it to Meadville in the fall of that year. It was the 'first printing-press intro- duced into this State, northwest of the Allegheny River, and from which the first sheet was issued in this region. All the continental money issued by Con- gress, while at Lancaster and York, during the Revolutionary war, was struck upon it. This relic of antiquity is now, we believe, the property of Mr. Pnrviance, of the neighboring county of Warren, and from which the Union, a very respectable sheet, is issued. Long may it continue to administer to the welfare, prosperity and happiness of the Union." After about eight months' experience Mr. Brendle sold his interest to Mr. Atkinson, who continued to edit and publish the Messenger, first as a Demo- cratic and afterward as a Whig journal, until March, 1833, when he sold the oflSce to Joseph C. G. Kennedy, whose name first appeared at the head of the paper in the issue of March 30 of that year. Prior to disposing of the paper, -Mr. Atkinson endeavored to collect what was due him from delinquent sub- scribers, and in the issue of January 19, 1833, made the following forlorn- hope appeal to that ungrateful class: We seize the occasion to remind delinquent subscribers that beef, pork, tallow, can- dles, butter, and grain of every kind will tje received in payment at fair prices. Also three-quarter inch and inch and a quarter pine boards and shingles of good quality. Mr. Kennedy was not twenty years old when he assumed editorial control of the Messenger, and he continued to publish it until November 7, 1835, when it ceased to exist. Established when Meadville was a small village of log-cabins; when the few "clearings" scattered along the larger streams were the only settlements in the county; when even the paper upon which it was printed was carried on horseback through the dense forest for over 100 miles, it witnessed and recorded on its pages the steady advance of prosperity until the " chopping " of the pioneer was transformed in the cultivated farm, and the public road, the turnpike and canal in turn had brought to the doors of all the comforts and luxuries as well as the necessities of life. To its files in the Public Library we are indebted for many of the earliest events connected with the pioneer history of Crawford County, which were culled therefrom by the late Thomas Ruston Kennedy and Hon. William Reynolds, whose indefatiga- ble labors thus rescued from oblivion many local incidents in the early history of this portion of the State. The Allegheny Magazine was established by Rev. Timothy Alden, the first President of Allegheny College, in July, 1816. It was a small monthly mag- azine, and was published only one year, being discontinued for want of pat- ronage. The Western Standard was begun by Joseph D. Lowry in 1820, but it lasted only a brief period. The Meadville Gazette was started March 18, 1828, by Jacob Williamson, but it too was soon a thing of the past. The Unitarian Essayist, a 12-mo. monthly devoted to the interests of the Unitarian Church, was established in January, 1831, by H. J. Huidekoper, Esq., who published it for tv^o years, the last number being issued in Decem- ber, 1832. The Western Star was started by William M. Whittey & Co., and first issued June 13, 1830. The Messenger, commenting on its appearance, says: "Judging from its editorial expos6 we are led to infer its course will be alike opposed to political Masonry and anti-Masonry." The Star had a flickering existence for not quite a year, and in April, 1831, the office passed into the pos- session of W. W. Perkins. 430 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The Meadville Courier was established by W. W. Perkins, and the first number issued from the defunct Star office April 20, 1831. According to the Messenger it presented a very creditable appearance, and displayed con- siderable talent in its editorial columns. It was a four-page sheet, 20x30 inches in size. In April, 1882, "William McLaughlin obtained an interest in the Courier, and subsequently the whole of it, but Mr. Perkins continued in editorial charge until July, 1838, when he relinquished the post to Samuel "W. Magill. Mr. McLaughlin published the paper regularly up to September 12, 1887, when he sold out to James E. McFarland, of the Democrat. The Crawford Democrat and Northwestern Advertiser was founded by James E. McFarland, and first issued August 22, 1835, at $2 per year in advance. It was a four-page sheet, 20x30 inches in size, with six columns to the page. With the beginning of Vol. Ill it dropped its second title, coming out as the Crawford Democrat. On the purchase of the Meadville Courier, Sep- tember 12, 1837, the name was changed with the first issue to the Craiuford Democrat and Meadville Courier. On the 19th of May, 1840, the heading was again changed back to the Crawford Democrat. Mr. McFarland continued to edit and publish the Democrat until March 31, 1846, when, having been elect- ed Prothonotary of Crawford County, he retired from the management in favor of Henry B. Brooks and Edgar S. Porter, though still retaining the own- ership. No material change occurred in its size uutil January 5, 1847. when it was enlarged four columns, making a sheet 23x34 inches, which was gradually enlarged to 24x36. Brooks & Porter published the Democrat until April 1, 1848, just two years, when Mr. McFarland again took the helm to guide the Democracy of Crawford County, and conducted the paper until the end of April, 1857. ' On the 1st of May, 1857, William Willson, having previously purchased the Democrat from Mr. McFarland, assumed full control. He published the paper until the close of April, 1861, when he sold out to Thomas W. Grayson. This veteran editor published the Democrat continuously for twenty-throe years. Under his judicious management the paper had a prosperous career, but advancing years and ill health forced him to retire from an active business life, and on the 5th of June, 1884, Mr. Grayson disposed of the Democrat to Murphy & Nichols, of the Democratic Messenger. The paper was then a four- page sheet, 27x40 inches in size, and had been in existence nearly forty-nine years, as the leading Democratic organ of the county. The Statesman was a Whig newspaper, established by Joseph C. Hays, and first issued July 27, 1836, from the. type of the Crawford Weekly Messenger, the material of which Mr. Hays had purchased upon its demise. It was a four- page sheet, 21x30 inches in size, and published at $2 if paid within the year, otherwise, $2. 50, and was an ardent advocate of the policy and doctrines of the Whig party. On the 24th of January, 1887, the paper came out under a new heading as the Statesman and Crawford County Free Press, which so remained just one year, when it was changed to the Crawford Statesman and Independent Press, and again, July 27, 1839, to the Crawford Statesman and People^'s Free Press. Mr. Hays continued to edit and publish the paper until May, 1841, when he engaged Darwin A. Finney to take control of its columns. Mr. Finney ran the Statesman until near the close of the year, when Mr. Hays sold out to William Gill, and the paper ceased to exist. The American Citizen was started by Samuel W. Magill, in December, 1841, and sprang from the purchase of the Statesman by William Gill. It was a Democratic four-page paper, 19x82 inches in size, and lasted only until August 17, 1842. MEADVILLE. 431 The Democratic Republican was the successor of the Citizen, and was lirst issued August 24, 1842, by Magill & "Whi taker, at |2 per annum. It was a four-page Democratic sheet, 22x32 inches in size, six columns to a page. In January, 1844, S. "W. Magill assumed full control of the Republican, with A. P. Whitaker associate editor, the latter retiring July 6 of that year. With the close of Volume II Mr. Magill retired, and Henry C. Johnson became editor and' publisher, which position he held until February 22, 1845, when Mr. Magill again assumed control, and continued at the head of the paper until the close of 1846. In January, 1847, E. B. Eshelman took the helm, and ran it one year, when Mr. Magill sold the paper to Joseph C. Hays, the founder of the Statesman, and its career ended as an exponent of Democratic doctrine. The Meadville Gazette and Farmers' Advocate was established in April, 1844, by Lewis L. Lord. It was a Whig paper, published at |2 per annum if paid within the year, otherwise $2.50; was a four page sheet, 22x32 inches in size. On the 20th of April, 1847, the paper appeared under the title of the Meadville Gazette, dropping the latter portion of its old name. In June, 1850, Mr. Lord sold the Gazette to Joseph C. Hays, who consolidated it with the Journal. The Crawford Journal was founded by Joseph C. Hays, under the title of the Democratic Whig Journal, he haviQg previously bought out the Demo- cratic Republican, and on the 13th of January, 1848, issued the first number of the Journal, a four-page sheet, 24x36 inches in size, and as its name indi- cates, politically Whig. In June, 1850, Mr. Hays purchased of Mr. Lord the Meadville Gazette, consolidated the sheets, and June 18, the paper came out under the heading of the Meadville Gazette and Whig Journal. On the 21st of February, 1852, the name was changed to the Craivford County Whig Journal, and June 15, 1855, to the Crawford Journal, which title it still retains. It became tiie organ of the American party, and from the birth of the Eepublican party the Journal was an unswerving advocate of that political faith, and has never deviated from that path. Col. Hays edited and published the Journal until November, 1864, when he sold it to John D. Nicholas. In December, 1865, the office was burned down, and the following spring the Journal was re-isued by Edward Bliss and John D. Nicholas, who ran it until April, 1867, since which time it has been successively under the editorial con- trol of Thomas McKean, McKean & Frey, Johnson & McKean, McKean & Andrews, Robert Andrews & Co., Hollister & Metcalf, Chalfant & Tyler, Col. C. W. Tyler, and Thickstun & Hollister. In the month of April, 1873, Hempstead & Co., purchased the Journal, and under the management and editorial control of E. A. Hempstead, it soon entered upon a new era of prosperity. The partnership lasted until February, 1883, when E. A. Hempstead became sole proprietor. It is an eight-page sheet, 35x48 inches in size, issued every Friday from its office on Chestnut Street, claims a circulation of over 2,000 copies, and is recognized as an able exponent of the Eepublican party, as well as one of the best conducted news- papers in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Sentinel was a Democratic sheet started in November, 1849, by James Onslow, and in 1850 Henry B. Brooks got an interest. Brooks & Onslow published the iSew^MieZ until 1854, when James B. Burch- lield obtained Mr. Onslow's interest in the paper, and Brooks & Burchfield continued to publish it until 1857. In that year Mr. Brooks sold out to his partner, who ran the Sentinel some two years longer. Eemoving the material to Titusville, in 1859, Mr. Burchfield established thePetroleum Reporter and Oil Creek Gazette, which in 1865 became the Titusville Herald. 432 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The Gussewago Chronicle was established ia 1850 by George Youngson. It was a sensational Whig sheet, derisively called the " Jakey, " and was not regarded with much favor by the citizens of Crawford County. The Chronicle was purchased by Harper Mitchell and S. S. Sears, who changed the name to the Semi- Weekly Spirit of the Age, a four-page Whig journal, 18x26 inches in size, published twice a week. It was first issued in September, 1853, and after a few months Mr. Mitchell became sole owner. He finally changed the paper to a weekly as the Spirit of the Age, a four- page sheet, 21x32 inches, and afterward disposed of it to George H. Hamilton, who ran it until the summer of 1860, when Alexander Meyers became proprietor. He changed the name to the Meadville Republican, which is therefore the lineal successor of the Chronicle. William F. Clark purchased the Repub- lican of Mr. Meyers, and early in 1865 sold it to E. Lyle White, who started the Meadville Daily Republican in June of that year. In August, 1867, Col. C. W. Tyler bought a half interest in the Republican, and with Mr. White published it until the spring of 1869, when he sold his interest to Joseph C. Hays, the veteran editor and founder of the Jourual. White & Hays operated the paper until it was sold to a company with Mr. White as editor and publisher. The J?epM&Zican was purchased by Col. J. W. H. Eeisinger, November 1,, 1870, who in a brief time infused new life and vigor into its columns. From the time that he assumed control the Republican began to increase in popularity and circulation, until the patrons of the weekly numbered over 5,000. This la:^e circulation was partly brought about through the purchase, in March, 1881, of the Meadville Index, which had been in operation at Meadville since the fall of 1877. On the 1st of January, 1884, the Repub- lican passed into the possession of the Eepublican Publishing Company, H. C. Flood, editor and business manager. The Republican is an eight- page paper, 38x50 inches in size, claims a circulation of about 4, 500, and is issued every Friday from its office in the Corinthian Block, on Water Street. We may also add that the Republican has the largest circulation of any paper in the county, and has always been an able champion of the Eepublican party, earnestly fighting the battles of that political organization from its foundation up to the present time. The Meadville Daily Republican was an evening paper started in June, 1865, by E. Lyle White, to supply a long-felt want in the daily pablieation of the local news, as well as a brief summary of national and foreign events. Except two short intervals it has been published continuously since its estab- lishment. With the issue of July 13, 1872, the title was changed to the Evening Republican, which heading it retained until March 13, 1880, when it went back to the old name, while the paper was enlarged and considerably improved through the passing years. Upon the purchase of the paper by Dr. Flood, the name was again changed to the Evening Republican, which is issued every evening, except Sunday, and claims a circulation varying from 700 to 1,000 copies. The Meadville Index was the out-growth of a monthly sheet called The Index, started by A. W. Howe, at Cambridgeboro, in 1869. Upon the death of Mr. Howe in February, 1872, Dr. D. P. Eobbins purchased the press and material and published The Index until October, 1877, when he sold out to F. H. and George O. Morgan, who removed to Meadville and commenced the publication of the Meadville Index, a four-page, six-column sheet, 22x30 inches in size. Its last issue was March 30, 1881, when it was purchased and absorbed by the Republican. MEADVILLE. 433 The Crawford County Post, the only German paper in the couniy, was established by Fritz Fries April '20, 1876. It is a four-page sheet 28x40 inches in size, is published at $2 per year, and has a circulation of about 1,000 copies. Politically the Post is independent, and wields considerable influence among the large German population of this portion of the State. The office of the Post is at 992 Water Street, whence it is issued every Thursday. The Meadville Reporter was a small daily paper started in 1877 by Will- iams & Orr, and ran some four years. The Democratic Messenger grew out of the Reporter, and was established in February, 1879, by a stock company of leading Democrats of Meadville, as a Democratic organ. Williams & Orr were the first editors and publishers of the Messenger, and after them came W. E. Hamelbaugh, who conducted the paper until April, 1881, when J. O. Murphy and H. S. Bates, under the firm name of Murphy & Bates, took charge of its columns. On the 10th of Octo- ber, 1883, Mr. Bates retired from the firm, and Mr. Murphy ran the Messenger until June 9, 1884, when J. H. Nichols became a partner. Murphy & Nichols at once bought the Crawford Democrat of Mr. Grayson. They consolidated the papers under the title of the Messenger-Democrat. It is an eight-page paper 30x44 inches in size, and claims a circulation of about 3,200. The office is on the northwest corner of Chestnut Street and Park Avenue, over the Postoffice, and the paper comes out every Thursday. The union of the Messenger and Democrat has made the consolidated paper the Democratic organ of Crawford County, while its large circulation entitles it to be classed among the leading newspapers of this portion of the common- wealth. The Morning News was founded by E. O. Cullom and C. M. Blair, Septem- ber 19, 1882, and printed in the office of the Democratic-Messenger. On the 16th of July, 1883, Murphy & Bates, of the Messenger, became owners of the News, and it is now the property of the Messenger-Democrat. It was at first a four-column folio, but has been increased to a five-column folio, and is a bright, newsy, independent sheet, claiming, a daily circulation of about 800 copies. The National Vindicator was established in 1879 by William S. Plummer, as an advocate of the Greenback party, but after an existence of about three years it was discontinued. The Chauiauquan is " a monthly magazine devoted to the promotion of true culture," and is the organ of the "Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle." It was established in September, 1880, by Dr. T. L. Flood, of Meadville, and Milton Bailey, Esq., of Jamestown, N. Y. ; but after the issue of the first number Dr. Flood purchased Mr. Bailey's interest, and then became sole owner. The Chautauquan was then a forty-eight-page magazine, 9x12 inches in size, but with the beginning of Volume III it was enlarged to seventy-six pages. The first twelve months it gained a circulation of 16,000 copies, which in the past three years has increased to the extraordinary num- ber of 38,000. This magazine thus ranks among the most widely circulated monthlies in the United States, its readers encircling the nation, and Mead- ville may well feel proud to contain a citizen whose enterprise and energy have made her name so well known in every State from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The Chautauqua Assembly Herald was established by Dr. T. L. Flood in June, 1876, and is the organ of the Chautauqua Assembly. It is an eight- page daily of forty-eight columns, and only published during the month of August in each year. Though issued at Chautauqua, the office of the Herald is located on Park Avenue, Meadville. 434 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The Pennsylvania Farmer is a semi-monthly sheet devoted to the interests of the farming community. It was established at Mercer, Penn., in January, 1881, and in August, 1883, the office was removed to Meadville by E. H. Odell, its present editor and proprietor. The B'armer was a monthly until January, 1884, when it was changed to a semi-monthly. It claims a circulation of about 5,000 copies, and its office is located in the Corinthian Block, on Water Street. The Meadville Tribune, daily and weekly, W. R. Andrews, editor, is the latest journalistic enterprise in this city. The daily is a twenty- eight-column sheet, 24x38 inches in size, was first issued August 11, 1884, and is published seven days a week. The Sunday issue is double the usual size, and the weekly is the same size as the Sunday edition. The Tribune ia Republican in polities and has a large circulation throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. It is an enterprising, well edited newspaper, and exhibits a spirit of pluck and deter- mination that the average reader is bound to admire. Under the management and caustic pen of Mr. Andrews it has assumed a foremost place among the newspapers of this section of the State. Past and Present Manufacturing Interests of Meadville. — In 1789 Matthew Wilson began the erection of a log saw-mill on French Creek for David Mead, which was completed early in the following year. It stood just south of the " Red Mill " site in Meadville and began operations as soon as it was finished. The few pioneers then residing at " Mead's Settlement," with characteristic enterprise assumed the importance of an exporting community, and the first raft of lumber that ever descended French Creek and the Allegheny River went from this mill in the spring of 1790. Together with a raft of logs it was taken to Pittsburgh, and sold to Maj. Isaac Craig, Quartermaster in the army, for 11.50 per hundred feet. The hands in charge of the raft were: Edward Fitz Randolph, James Fitz Randolph, Frederick Baum, William Wilson, John Ray, Tunis Elson and John Gregg. In the fall of that year a grist-mill was attached to the saw-mill. It was, however, a primitive afi'air of simple construction, viz. : an upright shaft with a tub- wheel at the bottom bearing the upper mill-stone on its apex. The meal or flour was roughly bolted through a wire sieve stretched over a wide hoop. An overshot wheel was afterward substituted and a water supply brought by a race from a point on Mill Run, near the site of Lindley's mill, which stood on the northwest corner of Liberty and North Streets, to a mill-pond formed by a timber dam on what is now the east line of Water Street. The pond extended east to Park Avenue and north to Randolph Street, and the office of Dr. Ellis is now near its northwest corner. A portion of the embankment which enclosed this pond as well as its bed are still plainly visible. A deep ravine into which the overflow poured extended to French Creek and was spanned at Water Street by a wooden bridge. A distillery was added to the mill in 1805-06. It was the old copper boiler and worm still process and made a good brand of whisky, but stills soon became common all over the county, and whisky was a very cheap article. In 1824 this old log structure contained a grist-mill, saw-mill, fulling-mill, carding and cloth-dressing machines, also an oil-mill, and was operated by William A. V. Magaw until about 1829, when the building was torn down. The Red Mill was erected by William A. V. Magaw about 1830 or 1831, immediately north of the site of the old log structure built by Gen. Mead. The foundation was laid on piles twenty feet long driven throuorh the quicksand underlying the upper crust in the ravine then existing there. Mr. Magaw placed machinery in the building and opened the first MEADVILLE. 435 paper factory ever operated in Meadville. In April, 1833, Edward Derby leased the mill of Mr. Magaw and converted it into a flouring mill. In 1834 lie put in carding and fulling machines. Joseph Dickson ran the mill in 1842, and at this time as well as for years afterward, a saw-mill stood jast north of it. In 1845 Mr. Magaw again took charge of the building and con- verted it into a woolea factory, the first one opened in Crawford County. In 1848 he sold the machinery to Horace Cullum, who removed it to a frame building which he had erected on the northwest corner of Chestnut Street and Park Avenue, on the site of the postoffice. The Eed Mill was then changed back to a grist-mill, which it has since remained, the power being furnished by water from the canal. The pioneer mechanics of Meadville who were manufacturers in a small way were William Dick, carpenter, who began business in 1794; Jacob Ray- sor, gunsmith, 1795; Patrick Davis, tanner, L796; Samuel Torbett, nail-maker, 1797-98; Lawrence Clancy, blacksmith, 1799; Eliphalet Betts, tailor, 1804; John Brooks, -^Agaa shop, 1804; Nicholas Conrad, baker, 1805; William Shannon, Samuel Moon, saddlers, 1805; David Gumay, silversmith, 1805; William Bornside, blacksmith, J 805; Samuel Withrow, hatter, 1805; John Robertson, shoe-maker, 1805; Sampson and Joshua Hamilton, cabinet-makers, 1805; and George McGunnegle, tailor, 1805, nearly all of whom are more fully mentioned in Chapter I of the city history. James White established a tannery on what is now the southwest corner of Hon. William Reynolds' grounds in 1806, which he operated for some years. He erected the house now occupied by Mr. A. C. Huidekoper. James Hamilton commenced the manu- facture of scythes, axes, hoes, etc., the same year. Early in 1807 the " Meadville Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Manufactures and the Useful Arts " was organized for thej)urpose of building up the interests of the county. A circular was issued to the people of western Pennsylvania, setting forth the objects of the society, and showing up by way of encouragement the resources of the country. We cannot more thoroughly illustrate the public spirit of the leading pioneers of Meadville than to quote a few extracts from this circular. After showing that the absence of fac- tories was the principal cause of the high prices paid for the manufactured goods, and, therefore, the corresponding scarcity of money, it says: The want of manufacturing establishments must always keep us moneyless and depend- ent, and in a territory so extensive as ours it is melancholy to relate that except the man- ufacture of whisky, a few hats, a little coarse linen and leather, we are entirely without manufactures. All our hardware and ironware ; paper, clothing, such as are manufactured of cotton, wool, flax; also in a great measure the manufacture of hemp, oil, heer, porter, with numbers of other articles which the compass of this paper will not admit us to enumerate, are imported. * * * The wheat, flour and liquors, which when exported would bear no proportion to the necessaries we would require in exchange, might, if manufactures be encouraged and promoted, be expended at home in their support. This produce so applied would equal our wants, keep specie in the country, and wear away, in time, our dependent situation. Impressed with these sentiments, and wishing to propagate them for the good of our country, this society has been established. It will impart counsel, and give aid in proportion to its resources, to every undertaking that may promote manufactures and those arts which are useful. Money will be loaned as soon as our funds will admit of such accommodation, to those who will establish an oil- mill, fulling-mill, spinning and carding-machines, a brewery, and every other manufactur- ing establishment of use, upon reasonable security. Any individual friendly to such an institution can become a member of it upon going through the formality of an election, and contributing his specified proportion to the creating of a fund. Maj. Roger Alden was President of the Board of Directors, and Henry Phillips Secretary, during 1807; and Gen. David Mead President, and Sam- uel Torbett Secretary, in 1808. This society existed for many years, and by the diffusion of information, the importation of sheep, cattle, flax and cereals 436 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. contributed greatly to the improvement of stock, the development of agricult- ure and the establishment of many industrial enterprises. During the year 1810 there were manufactured vrithin Crajvford County 53,330 yards of linen cloth, 3,250 yards of cotton cloth, 16,^19 yards of ■woolen cloth, and 70,000 pounds of maple sugar. There were 166 male weavers, 181 female weavers, 313 looms and 934 spinning wheels. In 1820 the county produced 89,626 pounds of sugar, 23,688 gallons of whisky, 15,000 pounds of carded wool, and 9,500 yards of dressed cloth; while it contained 40 saw-mills, 30 grist-mills, 4 carding-mills and 4 fulling-mills. In 1813 Samuel Derickson established a cabinet shop on the southwest cor- ner of Chestnut Street and Park Avenue. He had come from Northumberland County, Penn., the previous fall, as Captain of a company of volunteers, but taking sick was left behind when the command marched to the front. His first work in Meadville was to make a cofiin for Dr. Thomas R. Kennedy, who died in March, 1813. The citizens advised Mr. Derickson to take up his abode here, and he thus remained and became a life long resident of Mead- ville, carrying on the manufacture of furniture until his death. About 1814 Joseph^Patterson, John Patterson and William Clark started a tannery on the southeast suburbs of Meadville. The partnership passed through several changes, and the yard was operated for about twenty years. It was at this tannery that George McFadden and Roderick Frazier learned the tanners' trade. Three or four years after the opening of that tanyard, Joseph Patterson withdrew from the firm, and with Connor Clark and Richard Patch, established a tannery on the east bank of Mill Run, west of Water Street, which was run for many years. In 1839 George McFadden and Samuel Torbett, Jr., took possession of the tannery and carried on the business until 1865, a period of about twenty- six years. Philip Leighty established a tannery during the war of 1812-15 on the corner of Plum and Steer's Alley, which he carried on until 1826, when Roderick Frazier bought the yard. He ran the tannery until his death in June, 1852, and his widow conducted the business for a couple of years after- ward, then closed the yard. Kennedy Davis was the next to open a tanyard in Meadville, beginning about 1828-29, on the east bank of Mill Run, west of Water Street. He ran the tannery to within a short period of the Rebellion, when he quit the busi- ness. In 1859 Henry Berg leased the establishment from Mr. Davis and car- ried on the business until 1862, when, having purchased the tannery in Kerr- town, he removed there and the Davis tannery was abandoned. A grist and saw-mill was erected on the west bank of French Creek, near the Dock Street bridge, in 1817-18, by H. J. Huidekoper, Esq. The water-power was furnished by a rac(3 from the Cussewago. It passed from the hands of its builder into the possession of his son Edgar, who rebuilt it in 1854, added steam power, and in 1856 sold it to the present owners, Messrs. Gill & Shryock. The Cussewago Mills, as they are called, have been the lead- ing flouring mills of this locality for many years. The building is now a commodious four-story frame, rebuilt in the spring of 1884. It contains seven sets of Stevens' rolls, with a capacity of 125 barrels of a superior grade of flour per day; also two sets of buhrs for grinding buckwheat and chop-feed. The mill is furnished with both water and steam power, and is a prominent factor in the industries of Meadville. Lot Lewis erected a carding and fulling-mill about 1820, on the north bank of Mill Run, near what is now the northwest corner of North and Liberty ■*', smss 'f^^p^i, W§3;v ^1 (flj^i^-cd^^c-^^ Mt^,>y MEADVILLE. 439 Streets. He ran the mill until 1833, when it was rented by Alvo Flint. In May, 1835, the property was purchased by Alanson Lindley, who carried on the business until 1853, when Edward Northam took charge of the mill, and has operated it up to the present. The same three-story frame erected by Mr. Lewis over sixty years ago is yet occupied, and will, doubtless, last for many years to come. The art of manufacturing paper from straw by the use of alkalies was first discovered and successfully practiced in America by Col. William Magaw, a. resident of Meadville, in 1827-28. Col. Magaw, since the fall of 1820, °had been the proprietor of a paper-mill on Woodcock Creek, and was accidentally led to the important discovery by chewing a stalk of rye straw, which had been used in the leeching of ashes, the alkali having so affected the texture of the straw as to make it easily converted into pulp. The original idea lay in preparing the straw with alkalies, as paper had been manufactured from straw in Europe by a different process prior to that time. Large quantities of paper were afterward manufactured by the Magaws, at the Eed Mill, in Meadville, which was operated as a paper-mill some three years. It was prin- cipally for wrapping, box and binding purposes; the enterprise in Crawford County proving quite a success. The product was mostly shipped to Pitts- burgh, and other Southern markets. In the spring of 1835 Col. Magaw constructed a machine for sawing veneering for furniture out of the native woods, especially birch, and put it into operation. At this time a great deal of handsome furniture was manu- factured in Meadville; birch, ash and the several varieties of maple being most used. Much of this furniture was shipped to the Southern markets, principally New Orleans, where a ready sale was found for it. Samuel Quail built a frame paper-mill on the site of the Eagle Foun- dry about 1840-42, and manufactured straw paper for some two or three years. The business was then abandoned and the building sold to Case & Sennett for a foundry. In 1847 Horace Cullum purchased of William Eeynolds the lot on which the postoffice now stands and erected thereon a plain frame building. He bought the machinery of the Red Mill (which had been operated as a woolen mill since 1845), and opened the Meadville Woolen Mill in 1848. Clinton Cullum subsequently obtained an interest in the mill, and the Cullum Bros, carried on the business until 1862, when Frederick W. Huidekoper bought out the concern. He was afterward joined by his brother. Gen. Henry S. Huidekoper. The mill burned down in 1865, and the Huidekoper Bros, pur- chased the brick building previously erected by Alfred Huidekoper for a market house, on the southwest corner of Centre Street and Park Avenue, and converted it into a woolen mill. They conducted the mill in this building about ten years, when they retired from the business, and the remodeled structure is now occupied for a public library. Roderick Frazier erected a grist-mill near Mill Run, in the eastern part of Meadville, in 1850-51, and with David Morris ran it until his death in June, 1852. It was then leased to Jonathan David, who was succeeded by David Morris. The mill was afterward carried on by Mrs. Frazier, and after some ten or twelve years' operation altogether it was closed, and subsequently .burned down. On the 13th of March, 1833, Jared Shattuck opened a foundry, to which he subsequently added a distillery and carding- machine, on the south side of Randolph Street, opposite the Arsenal, which then occupied the site of the First District School building. In June, 1835, the establishment was burned 440 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. down, but the foundry was rebuilt the same fall. After running it a few years longer he sold out to Edward A. Reynolds, who after four or five years gave up the business. The Eagle Iron Works was established by Watson Case and Pardon Sen- nett, under the firm name of Case & Sennett, on the southeast corner of Pine and Hemlock Streets, in 1845. Edward Reynolds was subsequently a member of the firm. The works came under the ownership of the present proprietor, George B. Sennett, in 1865, and form an important factor in the manufactur- ing interests of the city. The buildings are substantial brick structures, embracing a foundry, machine shops, blacksmith shops and ware rooms. The works are unusually complete, and are fitted up with a full equipment of fine machinery of modern improved character, while the heating apparatus and other provisions for the comfort of the employes is far superior to most estab- lishments of this kind. From forty to sixty men are usually employed, and the annual product aggregates a value of $125,000 to $150,000. The productive capacity of the works is about seven tons of finished machinery per day. The foundry and machine shop located on Pine Street, owned and operated by Curry & Co., was established by Robert Hill more than thirty -five years ago. He ran the foundry in a small way until 1859-60, when Benjamin McNeal became proprietor. In 1864 James Hazlet bought the works, and in 1866 sold them to the Curry Bros. In 1879 three of the Currys retired from the firm, and William F. Dickson and S. G. Curry became sole proprietors. Skilled workmen are employed in the various departments of these works, while the output requires^the use of about 150 tons of pig metal annually. The work turned out is of a fine character and very wide in its range, the foundry having a general custom and job shop. The Crawford Iron Works, located on Arch Street, was established by James Hazlet in the fall of 1858, and operated by him until 1880, when Har- per & Kay became proprietors. In the fall of 1881 the Barrett Bros, bought the works, and still carry them on. The Crawford Iron Works are first-class in their appointments, and give employment to from twelve to eighteen mechanics. The Phcenix Iron Works, at the sojith end of Water Street, was established in 1865, by Dick, Fisk & Co., but did not come under their present title until 1879, the firm in the meantime undergoing several changes in its membership. It is now composed of Samuel B. Dick, Sturgis T. Dick and Pearson Church, all whom are leading citizens of Meadville. The plant embraces about three acres of ground upon which are erected large, commodious brick buildings, wherein from ninety to one hundred hands find employment, ^necessitating an annual wage disbursement of between $50,000 and $60,000. Henry Church and John Dick attend to the practical management of the establishment. The business embraces all the features of a first-class foundry and machine shop devoted exclusively to the manufacture of engines and boilers, and is the most e xtensive private manufacturing enterprise in the city. The Athens Mills were established by William Reynolds and William Thorp, under the firm name of Reynolds & Thorp, in 1869, and are located on the corner of Race Street and the canal. On the 1st of March, 1877, Mr. Thorp was saeceeded in the firm by H. W. Reynolds, since which time the firm has been William Reynolds & Son. The iplant of the Athens Mills embraces about five acres of ground, covered with the lumber yard and buildings devoted to the interests of the business. Between forty and fifty men are employed involving a yearly disbursement of from $15,000 to $20,000 in wages. Beside manufactured goods the firm is heavy dealers in all kinds of rough MEADVILLE. 441 and dressed lumber. Some idea of the large production of the mill may be gleaned from the fact that in the process of manufacture about 1,250,000 feet of lumber is worked up, about 10,000 doors, 30,000 windows, 26,000 feet of blinds and 200,000 feet of moulding turned out annually, beside large quanti- ties of flooring, siding and other material for building purposes. The planing mill and lumber yard of George H. Cutter & Bro., located on Poplar Street had its inception some six years ago when they began operations as contractors and builders, which developed into its present line about three years later. They usually employ nine men in their business, and their annual sales average about $25,000. In 1862 W. D. Sackett opened a small carpenter shop on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, south of Dock Street, and was soon after joined by William Thomas. The business gradually grew into a planing-mill and lumber yard, and the firm changed from Sackett & Thomas to Thomas & Painter, and again to Thomas & Gibson. In 1870 W. S. Harper bought out Gibson, and Thomas & Harper carried on the business until 1877, when Mr. Harper became sole proprietor. From fifteen to twenty hands find steady employment, and large quantities of sash, blinds, doors, etc. , are manufactured annually. John R. Halstead, and W. M. and E. S. Sayer, under the firm name of Hal- stead & Co. , started a sash and door factory, in 1866, on the southeast corner of Willow and South Main Streets. In 1870 the two Sayers, as Sayer & Co., became sole owners. They employed from twenty-five to thirty hands, and ran the business until 1875, when they closed the factory anji it has not since been re- opened. The carriage factory of Dunn & Stalker on South Water Street was founded in 1856 by J. A. Dunn & Co. , of which firm W. T. Dunn, one of the present proprietors, was the junior member. The old firm carried on the business until 1862, when Milton- Dunn became owner, and he in turn was succeeded in 1876 by the present firm. All classes of light carriages, buggies, sleighs, etc., are here manufactured, while beauty of design and durability of construction are marked characteristics of the work turned out by this establishment. Robert Hannah opened a wagon factory on Dock Street about 1845, and some five or six years afterward removed to Arch Street, where he erected shops and carried on a very extensive business for about fifteen years. He then sold out to Joseph Scowden, who in turn disposed of the business to George Shriek, who yet occupies the property. Soon after the Rebellion had ended, a company of Pittsburgh capitalists started a barrel factory on the site of the Meadville Glass Works. They erected a building and equipped it with the finest machinery, but after an experience of about two years they quit the business. The Meadville Agricultural Works were incorporated in December, 1868, with a capital stock of $100,000. Many of the most prominent citizens of Meadville were prime movers in the enterprise, and on the 29th of December, 1868, E. W. Shippen, Samuel B. Dick, G. B. Delamater, J. A. Dull, D. G. Shryock, J. S. Fisk and John Porter were chosen Directors; E. W. Shippen, President, and Edgar Huidekoper Clerk and Treasurer. The company obtained the patent, for the Atlantic mower and reaper, which had been patented by a Meadville mechanic, and in 1869 began the manufacture of these machines in the building erected for the barrel factory. After turning out 1,500 or 2,000 machines it was discovered that many of the points embraced in the Atlantic were covered by other patents, the owners of which came on and obtained royalty. Thus crippled it was useless to go ahead, and the enterprise was abandoned. 442 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The largest manufacturing institution in Crawford County is the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad shops of Meadville, where between 300 and 400 men are employed. The shops were erected in 1872 on the "Island," and consist of several extensive brick buildings devoted to the manufacture of railway cars and engines, beside the large amount of repairing necessary in a railroad establishment. There has never been an enterprise in Meadville that has added so much to its wealth, growth and general prosperity as these railroad shops, which is one of the interests in which her citizens exhibit a commendable pride. The Meadville Glass Company (limited) was incorporated by a company of Meadville gentlemen composed of Samuel B. Dick, Pearson Church, G. W. Delamater, A. M. Fuller, James D. Gill, George B. Sennett, F. W. Huidekoper, A. C. Huidekoper, Sturges T. Dick, Abraham Blum, F. T. Fish, Alfred G. Church and William S. Eose, who organized by electing George B. Sennett, President, and A. C. Huidekoper, Secretary and Treasurer. The works were erected and put in operation Augast 1, 1882. The company have an invested capital of $40,000 in a plant of three acres of land, located in the southern suburbs of Meadville, upon the line of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad. They erected most complete and commodious buildings suitable for the various departments and branches of window glass manufacture, of which the product solely consists. The works have an annual capacity of about 35,000 boxes of window glass in all sizes, and of superior quality. Between fifty and sixty workmen are employed in these works, necessitating a wage outlay of 140,000 per annum. A. M. Fuller, Esq., is President of the com- , pany, and Henry Essex General Manager of the works. The enterprise of this company deserves the highest commendation for the establishment of a business which is calculated to exert a beneficial influence upon the growth and pros- perity of the city. The Belgian Glass Company (limited) was organized in March, 1884, with a paid up capital stock of $30,000, its incorporators being G. W. Dela- mater, A. C. Huidekoper, F. T. Fish, Edgar Haidekoper, Lydie Boasson and Leopold Mambourg. The prime movers in the enterprise, however, were G. W. Delamater and A. C. Huidekoper. The company erected a large frame building on a plant of two acres of ground lying west of French Creek, in the southern suburbs of Meadville, on the line of the Meadville & Linesville Railroad. The oEScers are A. C. Huidekoper, President; G. W. Delamater, Secretary and Treasurer; P. T. Pish, General Manager. The works were opened in July, 1884, since which time about fifty workmen have been steadily engaged in the manufacture of a superior grade of window glass. The Meadville Cigar Works were established by Henry Drewtlein in 1868. One shop is located on Chestnut Street, and another on Oak, and about 600,000 cigars manufactured annually. Twenty workmen find employment in turning out various grades of fine cigars, which have obtained a well-earned celebrity for their excellence, and have contributed largely to the general reputation of the house. In May, 1881, Zieglar & Acufif established a factory on Water Street for the manufacture of brooms, brushes and cigars. In May, 1883, Zieglar, Hall & Lippitt became proprietors and have since dropped the manufacture of cigars, of which the old firm used to turn out nearly 300,000 annually, employing from six to ten hands in the cigar factory. They now employ about seven hands who manufacture 3,600 dozen brooms per annum, and the business bids fair to steadily increase. The French Creek Tannery was founded by Thomas Kerr, across the creek MEADVILLE. 443 in what is now called Kerrtown, many years ago. He carried on the business until 1862, when Henry Berg, who had been, since 1859, running the Kennedy Davis tannery in Meadville, bought him out, and operated the yard about fif- teen years. In the spring of 1877 Schauweker & Goeppinger purchased the tannery, but soon afterward Mr. Frank Schauweker became sole owner. The building is a commodious frame, fitted up with first-class machinery and the yard ample for all purposes. From fifteen to twenty hands find constant employment, turning out about 300 sides of all kinds of hides per week. More than forty years ago William Kerr started a distillery on the west bank of French Creek. He was succeeded in the business by John McCauley, and he by Bartle & Patterson, who, on account of Ihe high government tax on whisky, converted the business into a tannery. It subsequently became a malt house, for which purpose the building is now sometimes utilized. Frank Schwab's brewery on the west bank of French Creek was estab- lished in 1862, by Conrad Fisher, and purchased by the present proprietor in 1871. It is a two-story frame and brick building, and Mr. Schwab manufact- ures from 1,000 to 1,500 kegs of beer annually. The Kerrtown and Cussewago Brick Yard lies in southern Kerrtown on a plant of thirteen acres, and was opened by Joseph Anderson in 1862. He conducted the business five years, Andrew Stolz becoming proprietor in 1867. Both pressed and common brick are manufactured, the total output reaching 800,000 per annum. Mr. Stolz employs fifteen hands, and his brick has an excellent reputation. In 1870 Peiffer & Eichards started a distillery in Vallonia, which has since been operated at irregular intervals. After passing through the hands of several parties, it was purchased by Henry B. Wilson, of Meadville, the present proprietor, but has not been running for about a year. CHAPTER V. Incorpobation of Meadville as a Boeough— Fikst Election of Officees —Meadville Becomes a City— Population of the. Town bt Decades Since 1800 — Buegesses — Mayoes— Postmastees— The Old Cemeteby— Geebndale Cemetery— City Hall— Maeket Hotse— St. Joseph's Hospi- tal— Meadville City Hospital— Fire Department- Meadville Gas AND Water Company— Electric Light— Meadtille Water Company —Telegraph, Telephone, and Express Companies— Banks— Hotels— Secbet and Other Societies— Pioneer Shows, and Public Halls- Public Libraey—Paeks— Conclusion. FOR twenty-three years after the organization of Crawford County, Mead- ville remained a village under the jurisdiction of the township govern- ment, but on the 29th of March, 1823, it was incorporated as a borough, and its boundaries thus described: "Beginning at the east end of Kennedy's bridge; thence along the Meadville and Mercer Turnpike Eoad, to the place where the south line of the south alley crosses said road; thence east along said alley to the Susquehanna and Waterf ord Turnpike Koad; thence south along said road to the place where the north line of William Clark's farm crosses the same; thence east along the said line to the east end of the town tract; thence north along said line to the northeast corner of Samuel Lord's farm; 444 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. thence west along the north line of Samuel Lord's land to the bank of French Creek; thence down the meanders of said creek to the place of beginning." The first election for borough officers was held May 5, 1823, with the follow- ing result: Burgess, Thomas Atkinson ; Council, Eliphalet Betts, Joseph Pat- terson, James Hamilton, Daniel Perkins and George Selden; Clerk, David . Dick; Treasurer, Edward A. Reynolds. In 1841 an amendment to the borough charter erected the office of Assistant Burgess, and in. 1853, by legislative enactment, the limits of the borough were enlarged. On the 15th of February, 1866, a new charter was granted by the Legislature, and Mead vi lie became an incorporated city. Its growth has been slow but substantial, the official census showing the population by decades to be as follows: 1800, 125; 1810, 300; 1820, 666; 1830, 1,104; 1840, 2,000; 1850, 2,578; 1860, 3,702; 1870, 7,103; 1880, 8,860; while to-day it is estimated at about 10,000. The following ars the Burgesses and Mayors of Meadville for the past sixty-one years: Burgesses. — Thomas Atkinson, 1823, to May, 1824; Arthur Cullum, May, 1824, to December, 1824; John B. Wallace, 1825; William Foster, 1826; Rob- ert L. Potter, 1827; James Hamilton, 1828; James Cochran, 1829; John Dick, 1830; Joseph Patterson, 1831; George Davis, 1832; John Reynolds, 1833: John Dick, 1884; Jesse Pupp, 1835; James Cochran, 1836; John W. Farrelly, 1837; Andrew Smith, 1838; John W. Farrelly, 1839-41; Gaylord Church, 1842; Alfred Huidekoper, 1843; Norman Callender, 1844; William Davis, 1845-46; David M. Farrelly, 1847; John Carr and Darwin A. Finney, 1848; Arthur Cullum, 1849: John Dick, 1850-51; Norman Callender, 1852; William H. Davis, 1853; A. B. Richmond, 1854; Jonathan Hamnett, 1855; John McFarland, 1856; John H. Mattocks, 1857-58; Arthur Cullum, 1859; John Mahoney, 1860; William Hope, 1861; John H. Mattocks, 1862; William Davis, Jr., 1863; Arthur Cullum, 1864; William Reynolds, 1865. Mayors. — William Reynolds, 1866; James A. Dunn, 1867; Arthur Cullum, 1868; James G. Foster, 1869; Samuel B. Dick, 1870; A. S. Dickson, 1871-72; James D. Gill, 1873; H. L. Richmond, Jr., 1874; Myron Park Davis, 1875-76: G. W. Pelamater, 1877; Milton H. McNair, 1878; Charles W. Miller, 1879-80; George B. Sennett, 1881; Walter S. Harper, 1882-83; Charles Farni- corn, 1884. Postmasters. — A Postoffice was established at Meadville in 1801, and the Postmasters up to the present time have been as follows: Frederick Haymaker, April 1,1801— December 31, 1802; Edward Work, January 1,1803— September 30, 1807; James Gibson, October 1, 1807— May 31, 1812; Henry Hurst,, April 1, 1812— April 10,1814; Daniel Andrews, April 11, 1814— May 7, 1841; Joseph C. Hays, May 8, 1841— September 22, 1844; Charles L. Rowland, September 23, 1844— Ifecember 28, 1845; John J. Douglas, December 29, 1845— May 8, 1849; Archibald F. Stewart, May 9, 1849— May 12, 1853; James E. McFarland, May 13, 1853— May 5,1861; Joseph C.Hays, May 6, 1861— September 24,1862; Clinton Cullum, September 25, 1862 -July 6, 1869; David V. Deriokson, Julv 7, 1869— December 18, 1873; L. D. Williams, December 19,1873— February 1, 1878; John F. Morris, February 2, 1878— March 28, 1882; J. W. H. Reisin- ger, March 29, 1882, and is the present incumbent. The Old Cemetery. — When David Mead laid out Meadville, he set apart one acre of ground north of Randolph Street, on what is now Park Avenue, for a cemetery. Soon after the organization of the First Presbyterian Church in 1800, Gen. Mead deeded the ground to that body. The church subsequently purchased two acres adjoining the old lot on the north, and this cemetery was used as a general burial-ground until the opening of Greendale, when the bodies were removed and the land sold. i MEADVILLE. 445 Greendale Cemetery. — On the 11th of March, 1852, " The Meadville Cem- etery" was incorporated by the following citizens of the borough: John Dick, John Eeynolds, John McFarland, Frederic Huidekoper, Darwin A. Finney, Gaylord Church, Calvin Kinsley, Joseph Derickson, William Thorp, Horace Cullum, David Derickson, William Reynolds, James E. McFarland, Joseph C. Hays, Richard Craighead, James D. Gill, William McLaughlin, Arthur Cul- lum, D. Sexton, R. C. Boileau, Kennedy Davis and Edward Ellis. The name of the ground was subsequently changed to " The Q-reendale Cemetery, " which title it still bears. The association was organized April 21, 1852, and the fol- lowing officers chosen: President, John Dick; Secretary, William McLaugh- lin; Treasurer, Joseph C. Hays; Managers, John Dick, Gaylord Church, Cal- vin Kingsley, Frederic Huidekoper, "William Reynolds, William McLaughlin and Joseph C. Hays. A site of rare beauty and combining many advantages was in due time secured by the purchase of about fifty-three acres of land in the northeastern suburbs of the town. The grounds were enclosed and partially laid out by the formal opening-day, August 31, 1853, on which occasion John Reynolds, Esq., delivered an appropriate address. Since the first purchase was made an additional purchase of about twenty- eight acres has been added to the cemetery, and it now contains over eighty acres. Sound judgment and good taste were alike employed in the choice and in the laying out of Greendale Cemetery. Many are the elements of natural beauty which adorn these broken acres of ravine and sloping hillside; and in harmony with these are the skill and art of those who directed and planned the early improvements of the grounds. Permanent and valuable improve- ments have been made from time to time. The erection of the beautiful stone gateway, the substantial receiving vault, the Superintendent's house, together with the laying out of handsome walks and driveways, have fully equaled the means at the disposal of the Board of Managers. Situated at the head of Randolph Street, Greendale lies on a beautiful ridge, flanked on the east by a deep and romantic ravine. The headstones are usually in good taste, while the monuments are chaste, and in a few instances aspire to a high order of artistic beauty. Secluded from the busy world, here is a calm retreat, where the liv- ing may walk among the graves and profitably meditate upon death. The City Hall was erected in 1866, under the Mayoralty of William Rey- nolds, Esq. It is a two-story, substantial brick building, contains a council chamber and firemen's meeting rooms in the second story, the lower portion being occupied by apparatus of the fire department. It is located on the southwest corner of Chestnut and River Streets, and fully meets the wants of the city. ' Market Kottse.— Throughout the first half of the present century Meadville had no regular place for holding markets, the farmer and huckster disposing of their produce to the merchants or peddling it through the streets. Some- times, however, a certain point would be selected for a market stand and used for an indefinite period. In 1857 Alfred Huidekoper, Esq. , erected a two- story brick building where the public library now stands, and appropriated the lower story to the town for market uses. This was utilized for a year or two, and then abandoned, and the old mode of street peddling again resorted to. In 1870 the city authorities took the matter in hand, and erected the present substantial brick market house on Market Street, between Chestnut and Cen- ter, where regular markets have since been held. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are the market days, and from' early morn until noon of each the locality is crowded with every species of produce needed by the housewife. The interior of the market house is principally occupied by the butchers' 446 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. stalls, and the institution has proven a great convenience to both buyer and seller. St. Joseph's Hospital, situated near the eastern end of Pine Street, in a quiet, pleasant and healthy locality, was established as an asylum for orphans, in 1865, by Mother Agnes, Sister Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of this city, who drew largely upon her own private means for the construction of the building and the care of its unfortunate inmates. Not only orphans, but many others, sick, wounded, or destitute, found food and shelter in this institution. The rapid growth of the city made the need of \a building to be devoted to the exclusive uses of a hospital more and more felt, and as the means were not available for its erection, application was made to the Legislature at its session, in 1869-70, for the conversion of this asylum into a hospital. A charter was oxanted under the present title, and provides that patients shall be received without regard to religious belief. The building is a substantial two-story frame structure, surrounded by a pleasant yard and garden. In the east end of the building is a neat chapel, where the Sisters and any of the inmates who desire to do so, unite in daily worship. There are eight Sisters of St. Joseph in charge of the hospital, with Dr. T. B. Lashells as the regular attending phy- sician and surgeon. The hospital is heated throughout by furnace and is capable of accommodating about thirty patients. It is also self-supporting, and while those receiving its benefits who possess the means are expected to pay, no applicant is rejected by reason of his or her inability to do so. St. Joseph's Hospital stands as an enduring monument to the energy, earnest devo- tion and self-sacrifice of those noble Sisters of St. Joseph who projected and continue to sustain it. Everything about the institution moves with that ease and regularity characteristic of Catholic institutions, while godliness, and clean- liness, its next of kin, rule through and around this hallowed spot, so truly dedicated to the interests of suffering humanity. The Meadville City Hospital was incorporated July 2, 1880, by some fifty ladies and gentlemen of Meadville, with a capital stock of $50,000, and the following Board of Directors elected: Joshua Douglass, William F. Dickson, George W. Haskins, C. M. Boush, L. C. Magaw, H. W. Reynolds, John B. Compton, William Roddick and Richard Craighead. The Board organized July 24, 1880, by electing Joshua Douglass, President; C. M. Boush, Clerk, and W. S. McGunnegle, Treasurer. Early in 1881 the two-story frame build- ing then known as the- Welde Brewery, on Randolph Street, between North Main and Liberty, was purchased at a cost of |2,500. It was considerably repaired and remodeled, to suit the purposes for which it was intended. The first patient was admitted April 30, 1881, and the building dedicated Novem- ber 19, of that year. Thus the hospital was commenced, and it has gone on under successive Boards, faithfully performing the work for which it was established. An experienced matron has charge of the institution, and two physicians, whose services are donated to the hospital, look after the medical wants of the patients. Fire Department. — The first effort made to organize a fire company in Meadville occurred January 9, 1829, when a meeting was held in the court house, and the preliminary steps taken in that direction. During the year a crank engine was purchased at a cost of 1500, and a fire company organized, and for the first time the borough felt ready to cope with the fiery element. Another engine of the same sort was subsequently purchased, and these served the purpose for about twelve years. In 1842 the Cussewago Engine Company, No. 1, was organized to man a brake engine previously purchased. Some four or five years afterward the Rough and Ready Engine Company, No. 2, was ''S MEADVILLE. 449 organized to take charge of a similar engine. This company contained many of the leading young men of Meadville; and at this time the fire department of the boroiigh was regularly organized, with Wilmot Bartle as Chief Engineer, who served in that position for several years. In the fall of 1865 James D. Gill became Chief of the Department, and a steamer was purchased by the city and named the "J. D. Gill." The Taylor Hose Company, No. 1, was organ- ized by Mr. Gill in 1865, to man a hose cart presented to the town by E. M. N. Taylor, of the McHenry House. The Fire Police were organized under Mr. Gill's administration, in 1866, and Hope Hose Company, No" 2, and Keystone Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, were also orgaaized the same year. Sub- sequently the Torrent Engine Company, No. 3, was organized, and the Eough and Ready changed to the Empire Engine Company, No. 2. The several Chiefs of the Fire Department since 1865 are as follows: James D. Gill, 1865-66; Hudson L. Sherwood, 1866-67; James D. Gill, 1867-69; M. Park Davis, 1869-72; John M. Clark, 1873-75; H. L. Richmond, Jr., 1876-78; William A. Logan, 1879-80; Frank A. Striffler, 1881; John M. Clark, 1882-83; William S. Rose, 1884. In November, 1875, were organized S. B. Dick Hose Company, No. 5, M. Park Davis Hose Company, No. 6, and the Delamater Coffee Engine Company. On the 1st of December, 1875, after the completion of the water works, the department was re-organized on the following basis: Steamer "J. D. Gill," No. 1; Keystone Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1; Taylor Hose Company, No. 1; Hope Hose Company, No. 2; Cussewago Hose Company, No. 3 (name changed to the J. M. Clark in 1877, and in 1884 to the J. Ford Dorrance) ; Empire Hose Company, No. 4 (name changed to the H. L. Richmond, Jr., in the spring of 1877) ; S. B. Dick Hose Company, No. 5; M. Park Davis Hose Company, No. 6; Independent Fire Police, No. 1; and Delamater Coffee Engine Company, No. 1; the latter to supply the firemen with hot coffee during fires. Four hose carriages were pur- chased by Chief Richmond in 1876 to equip the Cussewago, Empire, S. B. Dick and M. Park Davis Hose Companies. The several buildings where the appa- ratus and headquarters of the companies are located, are as follows: The building of the Taylor Hose Company is at the foot of Chestnut Street on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad; Hope Hose, and the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company, in the city hall on Chestnut Street; J. Ford Dorrance Hose, corner of Park Avenue and Center Street; H. L. Richmond, Jr., Hose, on Market Street between Chestnut and Arch; S. B. Dick Hose, on State Street, above its junction with North; and M.Park Davis Hose, on South Main Street, below Poplar. The Board of Engineers is composed of the Chief and his two assistants, and the Foreman and Assistant Foreman of each company. These combined companies give Meadville an active volunteer fire department of nearly 300 members. Each company is fully equipped to successfully combat fires of any reasonable magnitude, while the great elevation of the reservoir will force six steady streams over the top of the highest building in the city. The Meadville Gas and Water Company was chartered January 9, 1854, with a capital stock of $39,000. The works were built by Stephen Meredith, on the corner of Poplar and South Main Streets, and the stock was owned principally by capitalists of New Jersey. In 1864 a company of Meadville citizens purchased the works, increased the capital ^ stock to $100,000, and subsequently erected new buildings on French Creek below the Mercer Street bridge. The company own between seven and eight miles of gas mains, and the receiving tank at the works has a capacity of 40,000 cubic feet of gas. Up to and including the 15th of February, 1884, the city was lighted by ninety -one lamp-posts, but on that date the company's contract with 450 HISTOEY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the city ceased, and gas was replaced by the Fuller electric light. The officers of the company are: William Eeynolds, President; Samuel B. Dick, Treas- urer; S. T. Dick, Secretary; George S. Cullum, Superintendent. Office, 226 Chestnut Street. Electric Light. — On the 20th of October, 1883, the city entered into a con- tract with the Fuller Electral Company for the latter to light Meadville with the electric light. The light was put in on experiment, the city agreeing to pay the Fuller Company |4,800 for the use of fifty electric lamps for one year from the date when first lighted, and in case the light gave satisfaction the city further agreed to pay for the entire plant and apparatus 114,664. The one-story brick building on the corner of Pine Street and the railroad, used as the station for the dynamos, was erected by the city. Meadville was first lighted by electricity February 16, 1884, and so far the light has given good satisfaction, though it is generally admitted by even its most enthasiastic friends that more lamps are needed to light the city in a thorough manner. The Meadville Water Company. — In 1873 a proposition to put in water works at the expense of the city was submitted to the voters of Meadville and rejected. A few of the enterprising citizens, among the most active of whom were J. J. Shryock, James D. Gill, Samuel B. Dick, Pearson Church, George B. Delamater, William Eeynolds, Alfred Huidekoper, F. W. Huid- ekoper, George C. Porter and H. L. Richmond, Jr., then submitted a proposition to the Council agreeing to build the works on condition that the city would contract to use a certain number of hydrants at so much per hydrant. The Council accepted the proposal, and on the 30th of October, 1874, the company was chartered. The construction of the works was commenced at once, and in September, 1875, they began opera- tions. The pump-house is a brick building containing two pumps, and is located on French Creek, just north of the corporate limits. The power is usually furnished by a fifty- four- inch American turbine wheel, supplied by water from the canal; but a 125 horse-power engine is in the building to fur- nish power in case of necessity. The reservoir is located in the northeastern •suburbs of the city, immediately east of Highland Avenue. It has a capacity of 5,000,000 gallons, and an elevation of 290 feet above French Creek at the pump-house. The total pumping capacity is about 2,250,000 gallons per day, though usually but one pump is running at a time; and about seventeen miles of mains carry water to every portion of Meadville, in which there are 930 consumers. The works cost about $155,000, and the capital of the company is 1125,000. J. J. Shryock was President of the company until 1878, when he was succeeded by James D. Gill, who has since held the position. The other officers are: H. L. Kichmond, Jr., Secretary; Samuel B. Dick, Treasurer; George S. Cullum, Superintendent; and the office is at 226 Chestnut Street Telegraph, Telephone and Express Companies. — The Pittsburgh & Erie Telegraph Company opened an office in Meadville about 1850, with C. W. Mead as the first agent and operator. The office was in his jewelry store on Chestnut Street, east of the Delamater Block. The United States Telegraph Company purchased the line soon after it was constructed, and they in turn sold out to the Western Union. Anson Porter was the second agent and oper- ator, and had his office on the southwest corner of Dock and Water Streets. William Woodruff was manager of the office for a few years prior to the appointment in 1871 of the present manager, Mr. E. M. Boynton. The office is in the Delamater Block. The Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company established a line through Meadville in 1878, but after about two years operation it was absorbed by the Western Union and ceased to exist. MEADVILLE. 451 The Postal Telegraph and Cable Company, since changed to the United Lines, began putting in apparatus at Meadville in August, 1883, and sent their first message in January, 1884. They are not yet, however, receiving local messages, though they take business for New York and Chicago after certain hours. The office is on Water Street, between Chestnut and Center. The Bell Telephone Exchange was established in Meadville on the 10th of May, 1881, by E. M. Boynton, the present manager, and has been in use since that date. There are seventy-one telephone patrons in Meadville, and the city has telephonic connection with most of the towns and villages in Crawford County, as well as many of the cities within a radius of 150 miles. The American Express Company opened an office in Meadville in 1858, with L. C. Magaw as agent. The office was in the old J. E. Dick & Co. Building on Chestnut Street, and the express was brought from Erie by stage over the Plank Eoad. Upon the construction of the Erie & Pittsburgh Kail- road in 1859-80, the American changed its route and brought the Meadville express matter from Conneautville. The American continued its office in Meadville until the opening of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad in October, 1862, when it withdrew from this field. The United States Express Company came in with the opening of the Atlantic and Great Western Eailroad to Meadville, in October, 1862. L. C. Magaw was the first agent, and the company has still an office here. The Union Express Company came to Meadville with the opening of the Meadville & Linesville Railroad, in October, 1881. It embraced the Adams and American Express Companies, but in June, 1883, the territory was divided and the Adams retained control of this field. Though the Adams and United States are two separate and distinct companies, they occupy the same office at the foot of Chestnut Street, Capt. W. H. Thompson being the agent of both companies. Banks. — The first financial institution established in Crawford County was a branch of "the Northwestern Bank of Pennsylvania," chartered by the Leg- islature in 1814, with a capital stock of $200,000. This stock was divided into 4,000 shares at |50 per share, and apportioned in the following manner: 1,000 shares to Crawford County; 1,000 to Erie; 1,000 to Mercer, and 1,000 to Venango and Warren. The books for the Crawford County branch were opened at the house of Samuel Torbett, in Meadville, May 4, 1814, Thomas Atkinson, Henry Hurst, John Brooks and Samuel Torbett being the Commis- sioners in charge of the stock. When 1100,000 of stock was subscribed for, and 120,000 paid in, the several branches could begin business under the charter. On the 28th of October, 1814, the bank was organized, and the stockholders of Crawford County having selected Meadville as the site of their branch, elected the following gentlemen Directors of the same: James Herriott, Roger Alden, Eliphalet Betts, William Clark, Samuel B. Magaw, Henry Hurst, John Reynolds, Jacob Shryock, John Brooks, Patrick Farrelly, Euf as S. Reed, Wilson Smith and William Connelly. The Board of Directors then elected Samuel B. Magaw, President, and Joseph Morrison, Cashier, and on the 4th of January, 1815, the bank began business. Mr. Magaw died in March, 1816, and William Clark succeeded him as President. The bank was located on the east side of Water Street, above Walnut, and in 1820 had a circulation of 156,854. It had a very successful career, but was crippled in the financial troubles of 1820, and in the fall of 1822 closed its doors. The private banking house of J. E. Dick & Co. was founded in 1850, by J. and J. R. Dick, who up to that time had been leading merchants of Mead- ville. Possessed of ample capital and large responsibility, the bank has for 452 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. many years prosecuted an extensive business. The firm as at present consti- tuted consists individually of Messrs. Samuel B. Dick and Sturges T. Dick, who while retaining the original firm style under which the house had become so widely known, have also perpetuated the same high business character which has ever been a distinguishing feature of this time-honored establish- ment. The Bank of Crawford County was chartered May 9, 1857, and began bus- iness that same fall, on the Diamond, in the brick building now occupied as the law office of W. E. Bole, Esq. It had a capital stock of 1150,000 divided into 3,000 shares of $50 each. Upon the passage of the national bank law, it obtained a charter as the "National Bank of Crawford County," but never had an issue under this charter. It removed to Water Street, and con- tinued to do business until 1866, when it failed. The First National Bank was organized in 1863, with Charles A. Derickson President. It had a capital of $100,000, but failed on the 3d of June, 1880. The Merchants' National Bank was chartered in January, 1865, and began business April 1 of that year, on Water Street, with a paid up capital of 1100,000. James E. McFarland was President, and John Porter Cashier. On the 10th of January, 1866, John McFarland was chosen President, and James E. McFarland, Cashier, the latter retaining the same position up to the present. In October, 1881, Alexander Power succeeded to the Presidency of the bank, vice John McFarland, deceased. This bank is one of the leading financial institutions of the county, and is the only one in Meadville operating under the national banking system. The Meadville Savings Bank, located on Water Street, was organized April 15, 1867, with a paid up capital of $30,000, though the individual responsi- bility of the stocldiolders is very large. Cyrus Kitchen was elected President at the organization, and has ever since filled that position. Samuel P. Officer was Cashier of the bank from its organization up to August 1, 1884, when he was succeeded by W. R. McCoy. The Peoples' Savings Bank, located on Water Street, was established April 13, 1871, with a capital of $30,000, and has ever since been in successful operation. The stockholders of this bank embrace many of the most substan- tial citizens of the county, therefore the financial standing of the institution is first-class. Upon its organization Gideon Mosier was elected President, and J. H. Lenliart, Cashier. In June, 1872, F. W. Ellsworth became President vice Mosier, deceased. On the 26th of July, 1873, J. L. Beatty was chosen President; July 7, 1879, A. J. Whipple; and July 3, 1882, W. S. Harper. The Cashier, Mr. Lenhart, resigned January 23, 1879, and E. T. Anderson was elected to fill the place. The private banking institution of Delamater & Co. was established on the 22d of May, 1876, and began business in their present elegant quarters in the Delamater Block. The firm as at present constituted is composed of Hon. G. B. Delamater, T. A. Delamater, G. W. Delamater and W. S. McGunnegle. This bank is one of the strongest financial institutions of the city, and is highly creditable to the county, whose thrift has made it at once a necessity and a success. Hotels. — It will, doubtless, be conceded by everyone, that the Commercial is the leading hotel of Meadville, located in the handsome Delamater Block, on the northeast corner of Chestnut and Water Streets. It occupies the second, third and fourth stories of that massive structure, and contains ninety good rooms, most of them large, airy and comfortably famished. Opened for the reception of guests upon the completion of the building in 1876, the Com- MEADVILLE. 453 mercial at once took a leading position, and has ever since maintained a high reputation among the hotels of northwestern Pennsylvania. Every room in the house is supplied with water, gas and an electric bell, while the wide halls and convenient stairways, together with the passenger and baggage elevators, render the Commercial all that the traveling public could desire. The Andrews Bros, took charge of the Commercial May 1, 1883, and under their judicious management it has been highly successful, always receiving the larger portion of the best patronage which business or pleasure has drawn to Meadville. Soon after the completion of the Atlantic & Great Western Eailroad, the company erected adjoining the depot a large frame hotel, called the McHenry House, which was the leading hotel of the city until the opening of the Com- mercial. The furniture was finally purchased by Mr. Delamater in March, 1881, and the house closed. In March, 1882, Col. John M. Clark, who for five years had been proprietor of the old McHenry, leased the Occidental, on Chestnut Street, between "Water Street and the depot, practically rebuilt and refurnished it throughout, and named it the New McHenry. It is a three-story frame building containing thirty-five rooms, and its patronage is wholly made up of transieat guests. The Budd House was erected by Jason Budd in 1875, and was conducted by him for some time. In 1882 the property was purchased by Frank A. Striff- ler, the present proprietor. It is a handsome three-story brick building con- taining forty excellent rooms, and is wholly occupied by the hotel. The Budd is located on the northwest corner of Water and Pine Streets, gets a fair share of the local and traveling trade, and under Mr. Striifler has been very pros- perous and popular. The Gable House had its inception more thaa half a century ago, John E. Smith being the proprietor of the "Lion Tavern," in 1830, which occupied a portion of the present building. A Mr. Sherwood ran it for many years as the Sherwood House; but in 1864 it was purchased by Charles Gable, who remodeled it in 1865, and changed the name to the Gable House. It is a three- story brick structure containing thirty rooms, and is located on Water Street, between Arch and Pine. The Gable is convenient to the business center of the city, and enjoys a good local patronage. The Colt House was erected by Sidney Colt many years ago, and carried on by him until his death in 1867. His widow and son Tracy continued to run it until 1880, when J. P. Williams became proprietor, and he in turn was suc- ceeded by Henry Rogers in the spring of 1884. The Colt is a three-story frame of twenty-five rooms, and is located on Water Street, adjoining the Commer- cial. The St. Cloud Hotel is a three-story brick containing twenty rooms, and is located on the northwest corner of Water and Chestnut Streets. It is owned and carried on by Henry Wilson, and does a small transient trade. The Kepler House stands opposite the Market House on Market Street, and was opened by S. W. Kepler in 1879. It is a three-story frame building of eighteen rooms, a plain, home-like hotel, quite popular with the farming com- munity, as Mr. Kepler is known all over Crawford County. The Centra] Hotel, on the northeast corner of Center and Water Streets, long known as the Eupp Hotel, was erected in 1819, by Col. William Magaw, for a residence and store, but for over thirty years has done service as a hotel. It is a two-story brick building, and does a good local business. There are many other hotels in Meadville well adapted to the class of patrons to which they cater, such as the old Crawford House on the Diamond, 454 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. which has been a hotel since its erection in 1819, and the Thurston House on Park Avenue; but those mentioned embrace the ones best known and patronized. Secret and other Societies. — The first secret society organized in Meadville was the Western Star Lodge, F. & A. M., instituted September 23, 1817, with the following officers: Robert L. Potter, W. M. ; David Logan, S. W. ; David Molthrop, J. W.; J. T. Cummings, Treasurer; John D. Morrison, Secretary; Oliver Johnston and J. N. Y. Hunt, Deacons; Aaron S. Barton and James Stanford, Stewards; Benjamin Plumstead, Tyler. This lodge disbanded at the time of the anti -Masonic excitement. The Masonic lodges instituted in Mead- ville since that time have been as follows: Crawford Lodge, No. 284, F. & A. M., organized November 14, 1848; Solomon Chapter, No. 191, R. A. M., organized February 9, 1859; Northwestern Commandery, No. 25, K. T., organ- ized July 22, 1867, and Lodge No. 408, F. & A. M., organized January 20, 1868. All of these organizations meet in the Boileau Block on Water Street. The I. O. O. F. have four lodges in Meadville, viz. : Cussewago Lodge, No. 108. L O. O. F., chartered April 21, 1845; Olympus Encampment, No. 82, I. 0. O. F., chartered October 9, 1848; Crawford Lodge, No. 734, L O. O. F., chartered October 4, 1870; and Myrtle Lodge, No. 60, Daughters of Rebekah. These lodges and encampment meet in the Derickson Block on Chestnut Street. The K. of P. have four lodges in the city: Crawford Lodge, No. 164, K. of P., organized June 29, 1869, meets in the Postoffice Block; Me'adville City Lodge, No. 256, K. of P., organized June 3, 1870, meets in the Crawford Block on Water Street; Endowment Rank, No. 362, of Meadville City Lodge, K. of P., organized December 4, 1879 ; and Northwestern Division, vNo. 8, Uniform Rank, K. of P., organized April 21, 1881. Jefferson Lodge, No. 1, A. O. U. W., organized October 27, 1868, meets in the Postoffice Block, and Herman Lodge, No. 83, A. O. IJ. W., organized in October, 1874, meets in Sbryock's Block. This Order had its inception in Meadville, the first lodge ever instituted (Jefferson No. 1) having been organized in this city by John Jordan Upchurch in 1868. It has since prospered wonderfully, and has lodges in every portion of the United States and Canada. Meadville Council, No. 78, Royal Arcanum, was organized April 16, 1878; and French Creek Council, No. 325, Royal Arcanum, was organized April 25, 1879. The Home Circle organized in 1881 is a branch of this Order. These lodges meet in the Crawford Block on Water Street. Alpha Lodge, No. 42, K. of H., was organized November 14, 1874; Home Lodge, No. 1349, K. of H. , was organized January 20, 1879, and the Knights and Ladies of Honor also belong to this Order. Shryock Block on Water Street is the meeting place of these' lodges. The German Brotherhood was organized in November, 1858, and meets in the Betts Block on Water Street. This society is composed exclusively of Ger- mans, as is also Allemania Lodge, No. 116, D. O. H., organized September II, 1865. Other societies of a beneficial nature are as follows: Two Equitable Aid Unions, Legion of Honor, Royal Templars of Temperance, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Conductors' Brotherhood, Brakemen's Brotherhood, I. O. O. B., Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, Emerald and St. John's Beneficial Society. If we add to these the Germania and other singing socie- ties, and the many church and college societies, it will be readily seen that Meadville is well supplied with such institutions. Reynolds Post, No. 98, G. A. R., was organized in 1868, but surrendered its charter after an existence of about ten years. Peiffer Post, No. 331, G. A. R., was organized May 11, 1883, and has now some fifty members. MEADVILLE. 455 On the 15th of February, 1880, a society of the Y. M. C. A. was estab- lished in Meadville, but after a brief existence was disbanded. In July, 1882, the present society was organized, and has a temporary room on the northeast corner of Chestnut Street and Park Avenue. The Meadville Literary Union was organized December 14, 1866, by a number of the leading literary men of the city. Under the constitution of the society it cannot embrace more than thirty members at one time, vacancies being filled by the election of other members. Some member of the society delivers a lecture once a month, excepting July and August, at the residence of one of the members, and since its organization eighteen years ago this pro- gramme has been regularly carried out. About 180 lectures on that number of different subjects have, therefore, been delivered by the members of this society, and it is impossible to calculate the great amount of good which it has thus accomplished by the dissemination of knowledge among the people, and the encouragement of historical and literary pursuits among its members. These lectures are preserved in manuscript form with the intention of some time in the future binding them in volumes, which will prove of great value to the county. Pioneer Shows and Public Halls. — The first traveling show to visit Mead- ville came ill the fall of 1819, and was called Harrington's Circus. From the Messenger of October 1, 1819, we cull an item relating to this early circus: "A living African lion will be seen at the inn of Samuel Torbett, in Mead- ville, on Saturday and Monday, the 2d and 4th of October, from 9 o'clock in the morning until 5 in the evening. The form of this lion is strikingly majestic, his figure is very respectable, his Ipoks are determined, his gait is stately, and his voice is tremendous. He is the largest and the only one of his kind in America." Perhaps the earliest exhibition of a dramatic nature in Meadville was given by a local amateur society on the 31st of March, 1824. The Messenger gave the entertainment the following notice: "On Thursday evening will be performed, by the ' Meadville Thespian Society, ' at the tavern of Mr. George Hurst, the comedy called ' Who Wants a Guinea? ' after which will be per- formed the faiee called ' A Pedlar.' The doors will be open at half after sis, and the curtain will rise at a quarter to seven. Admittance 25 cents. Tickets to be had at the different inns of Meadville. The front seats to be occupied exclusively by the ladies." The fashionable opera-goer of to-day will doubt- less smile at the primitive simplicity of those pioneer shows, but they were all the early settlers had or could afford to support. The Thespian Society con- tinued to give entertainments for several years, but as there was no public hall in the borough, the performances took place in the largest room of some one of the many taverns. We find them giving a three-nights' entertainment in April, 1827, at Livy Barton' s hotel, " the proceeds to be devoted to the pur- chase of a fire engine, for the use of the borough. " With the growth of the town, a better class of traveling theatrical troops gave an occasional entertain- ment in Meadville, until finally metropolitan ideas so expanded among the people that none but first-class troops will be patronized. It was not until 1857 that Meadville possessed a good public hall where entertainments could be given. In that year Alfred Huidekoper, Esq. , erected a two-story brick building on the site of the public library, the upper story of which was devoted to a public hall. This was the beginning of public hall building in Meadville. In 1859-60 A. S. Dickson erected the Corinthian Block on Water Street, with . a hall in the upper story; and in 1864 A. B. Eichmond built a frame structure on Chestnut Street above Park Avenue, 456 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. which was known as the Museum Hall. This building was replaced in 1871 by the Richmond Block, wherein a good public hall is located. The Opera Block, which was destroyed by fire January 8, 1884, had one of the finest opera houses in this section of the State. The building was erected in 1864-65 by Horace Cullum, but was purchased in the spring of 1869 by J. & G. C. Porter and Daniel Fowler, who at once began to put in an opera house. It was completed and opened in the fall of 1869, at a cost of about $20,000, and had a seating capacity of about 1,000. In this opera house some of the lead- ing stars of the American stage have appeared. Public Library.— In the fall of 1867 an effort was made by a few of the leading citizens of Meadville to establish a public library and reading room. Among those who took an active interest in the enterprise were Hon. William Reynolds, Hon. George B. Delamater, Joshua Douglass, Esq., Joseph Shippen, Esq., Eev. A. A. Livermore, D. D., Rev. John V. Reynolds. D. D., L. O. McGaw, Esq., R. Lyle White, Esq., H. L. Richmond, Esq., Rev. James Marvin, D. D., Rev. A. B. Hyde, D. D., Rev. George Loomis, D. D., Dr. A. B. Robbins, Rev. John C. Zachos, Harvey Henderson and C. W. Winslow, Esq. A society called the "Meadville Athenaeum," was organized, and a committee appointed to obtain subscriptions to a capital stock of $10,000, to be used in the establishment of a library. The effort to raise this fund did not succeed, and the scheme fell through, the last meeting being held on the 8th of January, 1868. Soon afterward Dr. E. H. Dewey, George O. Morgan and L. P. Margach conceived the idea of establishing a library in which the condition of member- ship should be the donation of one or more books and the payment of II annually. After due deliberation they called a meeting in the hall of the Temple of Honor, in the Betts Block, and among those who responded were Dr. E. H. Dewey, George O. Morgan, L. F. Margach, Col. C. W. Tyler, Brook Butterfield, Thomas McKean, A. Stewart Davis, J. H. Lenhart, E. H. Hen- derson, James Neil, Allen Coffin, William Roddy and J. T. Herrington. The meeting organized and agreed on the " City Library of Meadville" as the name of the institution; Dr. E. H. Dewey was elected President; Brook But- terfield, Secretary and Treasurer; Thomas W. Grayson, Rev. A. A. Livermore, James Neil, Dr. William Church and Allen Coffin, Trustees; L. F. Margach, Librarian. Mr. Margach tendered a portion of his office located in the room now occupied by the Messenger, over the postoffice, also his services free. Some rude shelves were put up, and to the surprise of those interested, books began to come in rapidly, ,and many of them valuable ones. One of the largest and most valuable contributions was made by R. Jjyle White, then editor of the Republican. In less than a month after the organization, the library con- tained nearly 200 volumes, many of them subscription books which had cost the donors from $2 to $4 each. Mr. Margach acted as Librarian daring the two or three years the embryo library remained in his office. It was then removed to a small room over Porter's hardware store on Water Street, and a lady librarian employed. From here it was removed to the Richmond Block on Chestnut Street, where a free reading room was opened, and thence to the Derickson Block on Chestnut Street, its last place of abode. By this time the library contained nearly 3,000 volumes, which were turned over to the " Mead- ville Library, Art and Historical Association," in March, 1880. In November, 1878, Mr. N. B. Hofford, then on the Republican, having read of the successful " Loan Exhibitions " held in other cities, inserted a brief local in that paper suggesting a " Loan Exhibition '" in aid of the City Library, soon followed by a call for a public meeting to perfect arrangements ..-^, eJ^^^^^^ MEADVILLE. 459 for the same. But three persons answered the call, viz. : N. B. Hofford, George W. Adams and Robert Mulrainey, yet, nothing discouraged, they judiciously selected the names of thirty prominent ladies and gentlemen of the city, whom they appointed a Committee of Arrangement to carry the proposed scheme into execution. The majority of the members of this Committee met at the time and place designated, elected officers and took active steps toward holding the " Loan Exhibition," which opened January 16 and closed February 3, 1879. The total receipts were $2,437.47, and net profits $1,687.60. The way now seemed clear for a greater triumph than the projectors and leaders in the "Loan Exhibition " had dreamed of, and Prof. Samuel P. Bates, President of the Library Association, to whose indefatigable labors as Presi- dent of the "Loan Exhibition" its success was largely due, by direction of the Board of Trustees of the City Library, and request of many other citizens, called a meeting at the court house February 14, 1879, to consider a project for the purchase of a property for the use of a public library and art associa- tion. The meeting appointed William Reynolds, J. J. Shryock and Miss E. G. Huidekoper, a Committee to examine and select said property. On the 4th of March, 1879, this Committee reported in favor of the old Central Hall building and lot, on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Center Street, which Gen. H. S. Huidekoper ofifered to sell for $8, 500, and head the subscrip- tion for its purchase with a gift of $1,000. On the 11th of March the Presi- dent of the Library, Prof. Bates, was authorized to select a Committee to apply for a charter, and thereupon appointed the following persons: William Reyn- olds, Miss E. J. Huidekoper, J. J. Shryock, Joshua Douglass, Thomas Roddy, John J. Henderson and George W. Adams. After careful consideration the " Meadville Library, Art and Historical Association" was organized and incorporated May 10, 1879, with a capital of 200 shares at $25 each. The first stockholders in the enterprise were: Elizabeth G. Huidekoper, Thomas Roddy,- Edgar Huidekpper, Samuel P. Bates, William Reynolds, George B. Sennett, Sturges T. Dick, A. McLean White, G. W. Delamater, Joshua Douglass, A. C. Huidekoper, Alfred Huidekoper, George W. Adams, A. M. Puller, D. G. Shryock, G. B. Delamater and H. L. Richmond, Jr. , all of whom subscribed one share each. From this list the first Board of Directors were chosen, viz. : William Reynolds, Miss E. G. Huidekoper, Samuel P. Bates, Thomas Roddy, Edgar Huidekoper, Joshua Douglass, George B. Delamater, George W. Adams and George B. Sennett. The Board organized by the election of William Reynolds, President; Samuel P. Bates, Secretary, and George W. Adams, Treasurer. All of these directors and officers have been re-elected annually up to the present, and under their judicious management the library has prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations of its warmest friends. In August, 1879, the property selected by the committee was purchased, but many changes and improvements were necessary to render it convenient for the objects contemplated. Part of the building was removed, a consid- erable portion of the walls were rebuilt and carried to a greater height, making a portion of the structure three stories high. The interior was completely remodeled In addition to a vestibule, spacious halls and a wide stairway, it contains a lecture-room of seating capacity for seven hundred, a library and reading-hall of 34x51 feet; Historical room, 15x34 feet; Art room, 34x20 feet, and hall of Natural History, 34x15 feet, and Directors' room. The basement was neatly floored, and the lecture-room opened December 22 and 23, 1879, and the other rooms were ready- for occupation in March, 1880. The cost of these improvements, including furnishing, cases and shelving, was $5,862.70, making the total cost $14,362.70. 460 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. By mutual agreement between the officers of the "Meadville City Library" and the "Meadville Library, Art and Historical Association," the books belonging to the former were transferred to the new building od the 3d of March, 1880, and under the supervision of Miss E. G. Huidekoper, President of the Library Department, were re-catalogued and placed upon the shelves. Since that time many additions have been made to the library, and its shelves now contain about 4,000 volumes. The reading-room is supplied with thirteen leading monthly magazines, four weekly magazines and all the city papers, while the Historical Society gets one weekly paper from each of the counties in this Congressional District. In August, 1883, the Association received from Eev. Frederic Huidekoper an endowment fund of 12,500, the interest alone to be used in the pui-chase of books for the library. Under the official charge of Miss Sue McCracken, who has been Librarian since February, 1879, neatness and order prevail in every portion of the library, and the citizens of Meadville have just cause for boasting of an institution which does honor to their city. The Historical Society of Crawford County is a branch of the library pro- per, and was organized February 16, 1880, with Joshua Douglass, President. Within its rooms will be collected and preserved the records of the early his- tory of the county and State, old letters containing descriptions of this part of the State or county, reminiscences of the early settlers, their manner of living, etc. Old maps, manuscript or printed matter, old newspapers and pamphlets, autograph signatures and letters, oil portraits of citizens and others of life size, photographs, old account books, trophies and mementoes of the late war, and Indian and prehistoric relics. Many valuable books, letters, manuscripts, maps and archseological relics have already been contributed by those inter- ested in its objects, and many of the relics of the stone age from the mounds and graves in this county and from, the excavations at other points are exhib- ited in its cases. The Meadville Natural History Society was organized February 23, 1880, George B. Sennett, President, and H. R. Lorandi, Curator. Sections for the various branches — zoology, ornithology, entomology, paleontology, etc. — have been thoroughly organized, and from the interest manifested by its members, and the well-known enthusiasm and practical knowledge of its officers and heads of sections, we may expect a most valuable and perfect collection of all pertaining to the natural history of this part of the State. Generous dona- tions and loan contributions by friends have already rendered the room of the society replete with interest. The Meadville Art Society was organized March 11, 1880, with Prof. Samuel P. Bates as President. In its room it is intended to place casts from the most famous works of antiquity, and such works of the modern sculptor as the resources of the society will permit. Copies of noted paintings of the several schools of art, photographs and engravings of merit illustrating art progress, and such works of modern artists as may be donated or placed on exhibition by friends. Painting and sculpture may here be studied, and much is hoped from the influence on the present and future generations. Time and patience will be required before the art room will show its- excellence, yet, through the generosity of friends, the donations and temporary loans have made the art room an attractive resort. Last in the scheme of the Association is a course of lectures by the several departments upon topics connected with art, history, general literature and science. It is hoped that the evening entertainments will grow in favor and help to promote a public taste for literary pursuits. Such is the outline of MEADVILLE. 461 what has been and what is proposed to be accomplished by the "Meadville Library, Art and Historical Association." It may appear a groat undertaking, but the plan has been successfully perfected, the rest is the work of time and patient effort. Those who have contributed liberally of money and time for this enterprise have done so without anticipation of return, other than the gratification of accomplishing a good work, which it is hoped will leave its impress on the present and future generations. Parks, — When the town plat was remodeled in 1795, David Mead donated for public uses the piece of ground in the center of the city known as the Diamond. Through the passing years this has been carefully graded and handsomely orna- mented with trees, a fountain and a band pagoda. At the Centennial celebra- tion, July 4, 1876, a centennial oak was planted near the northeastern corner of the Diamond. The tree was planted under the auspices of the city, Hon- H. L. Richmond delivering the centennial oration, and Kev. Ammi B. Hyde, D.D., of Allegheny College, the address, at the planting ceremonies. This lit- tle park, though not a public resort, is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Huidekoper Park is a piece of forest land in the eastern portion of Mead- ville, containing about twelve acres. It was donated to the town in 1854, by the heirs of H. J. Huidekoper, Esq., foy the purpose of a "Children's Park," and has since been used for public picnics and entertainments. Island Park had its inception June 10, 1876, when L. C. Magaw, J. J. Shryock, K. C. Boileau, James E. McFarland, Alfred Huidekoper, A. C. Huide- koper, J. F. Dorrance, G. W. Delamater, James E. McFarland, Jr., William Reynolds, Sturges T. Dick and A. M. Fuller obtained a charter of incorpora- tion as "The Island Park Company," with a capital stock of 110,000. This company purchased twenty-five acres of land on "the Island" lying between the old bed of French Creek and the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, and rescued it from a morass. They laid out walks and driveways, constructed a fountain in the center of the park, built rustic bridges over the small branch, which winds through the northern portion of the grounds, bridged French Creek at the entrance on "Vaster Street, where they also erected a gateway and lodge; flower-beds were laid out, lamps placed along the walks, a band -stand built and many other improvements made, which, together with the large number of natural forest trees soon rendered Island Park a very popular and pleasant resort. The enterprising gentlemen who projected and ac- complished this work at an expense of about $15,000, set apart Thursday as ' 'Park Day. " The city band was engaged to play in the park every Thursday evening, and an admission fee of 2 cents for individuals and 25 cents for vehicles was finally adopted to defray the expense of music. From 1876 to 1882, inclusive, this programme was annually carried out through the summer season, though the company did not collect sufficient at the gate to pay expenses. The lack of enterprise exhibited by the majority of the more wealthy class of citizens in withholding their patronage, though willing to lis- ten to the music from their carriages, which would line Water Street while the band concert was in progress, discouraged the management, and, since 1882, the enterprise has been abandoned. The owners then offered the park to the city on condition that it would be kept up as in the past, but the offer was not accepted. The park is now (1884) rented for a base-ball ground, though still patronized by many in their daily walks and drives, and adds much to the landscape beauty of the city. Conclusion. — The principal business thoroughfares of Meadville are well paved and possess good sidewalks, while her merchants in every branch of 462 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. trade are enterprising and progressive. Tbe most conspicuous business blocks in the city are the Delamater Block, erected in 1874:-75; the new block erected in 1884, on the site of the Opera Block; Magaw Block, 1869; Corinthian Block, 1859-60; Shryock Block, 1873; Richmond Block, 1871; Dreutlein Block, 1877; Darickson Block, 1878; Porter Block, 1869; Peirson Block, 1874, and Crawford Block, 1877; all of which contribute to its solid archi- tectural appearance. The lower portions of Meadville lying along French Creek are subject to periodical overflows, and the stream then spreads out over the adjacent low-lands, driving the inhabitants to the upper stories of their houses, and often destroying considerable property. Mill Run, too, sometimes leaps its banks, and carries destruction to perishable merchandise stored in the basements of business houses. The streets of Meadville cross each other at right angles, and most of them are embellished with shade trees. In the resi- dence portion of the city the dwellings are conspicuous for their generous sur- roundings of lawn and grass-plat, and a general air of neatness and order, though in a few instances is observable that elegance of landscape and archi- tectural adornment which only good taste and a lavish expenditure of money can secure. In nearly every part of Meadville, in the valley and on the- beautiful hills which encircle it, will be found homes that compare favorably with those in the suburban sections of metropolitan cities. CHAPTER VI. CITY OF TITUSVILLE. HisTOKiCAL— Eakly Settlements— First Things— Lumbering Industry- Discovery OF Petroleum— Oil 'Companies Organized— Oil Wells— Re- fineries— Great Oil Fire— Oil Exchange— Industries. TITUSVILLE, the first of many cities created and developed by the dis- covery and production of petroleum in their immediate vicinity, lies on the southern confines of Oil Creek Township, in the southeast corner of Craw- ford County. Its water-course is the world -famed Oil Creek, in the valley of which the city is located. The stream here sweeps along in an easterly direc tion close to the southern bluffs, which rise to an elevation of several hundred feet, still vestured in many places with primeval forest, and dotted here and there with cottages. The valley stretches northward from the creek to the dis tance of a mile or more, when it is again met by wooded hills. Nestling in this valley, with however ample scope for extension, the city with its broad, and regularly laid-out streets, lined with stately elms and maples, with its many handsome residences, its substantial business blocks and conspicuous public buildings, and with the bustling activity witnessed^n its refineries and manufacturies, presents from the heights above an attractive, inviting appear- ance — one that betokens the wealth, enterprise and public spirit of its people. The city has sprung up in a region not yet fully divested of its native cov- ering, and within a few miles in every direction are found forests of hemlocik, maple, pine, red and white oak, ash, cherry, hickory, birch, beech, elm, cucum- ber, bass, etc. Nearly all that part of the city lying west of Franklin Street was once the bed of a swamp, which by drainage has been rendered dry and TITUSVILLE, 463 habitable. The population of Titusville in 1850 was 243; in 1860, 438; in 1870, 8,689; and in 1880, 9,046. The facilities for communication with the outside world are the main line of the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Rail- road and the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburgh Eailroad, of which Titusville is at present the terminus. Each of these roads has here a large brick passenger depot. The original settlement made on the site of Titusville was the first in the eastern part of Crawford County. To Jonathan Titus and his uncle, Samuel Kerr, belongs the honor of being the first white occupants of the soil. They had been engaged in making surveys in Ohio, but noting the advantages of a settlement on Oil Creek, they determined to cast their lot in this locality. Accordingly they selected the best land they could find, Mr. Kerr choosing what is now the eastern part of the city, and Mr. Titus the western. The date of their permanent settlement was about 1796, and they came together from Frankstown, Blair Co., Penn. The cabin which Samuel Kerr erected in the wilderness stood near the western line of his land, east of Martin Street and south of Pine. He came to the western country unmarried, but afterward took a wife, and reared the following- named children: Andrew, James, Michael C, Marshall, Joseph, Joanna, Elizabeth and Amelia. James became an emi- nent attorney of Pittsburgh, Penn., where he died recently; Michael C. attained a national reputation, serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Samuel Kerr was an intelligent farmer, and remained on his farm through life. Jonathan Titus, the founder of the city which now perpetuates his name, also came to Oil Creek Valley in a state of single blessedness. He erected a small, round-log cabin, daubed or chinked with mud, and containing but one apartment. It stood just south of Arch Street, opposite the Titusville City Mills, on Franklin Street. The Indians often visited him and slept in his cabin over night. In 1804 Mr. Titus married Miss May Martin, of Chambers- burg, and at once brought his wife to their backwoods home. "When he first came, he was obliged to go to Franklin to get his corn ground, and to Mead- ville and Erie for groceries. He remained a life-long resident of the place, and died February 2, 1857, leaving five children: Susan, wife of Joseph L. Chase; Sarah, wife of Edward H. Chase; Lavinia, wife of Parker McDowell, of Franklin; Olevia, wife of John Moore, of Pittsburgh; and Maxwell. First Things. — The village was planned by Jonathan Titus in 1809, but it was many years before the place assumed the semblance of a town or even hamlet. During the first decade of the century much salt, flour and many other commodi- ties were hauled in sleds between Pittsburgh and the upper Allegheny region, one of the routes being up Oil Creek Valley. The sled drivers carried with them provisions for themselves and horses, but were wont to lodge at the cabin of Jonathan Titus. At a later period, commencing about 1820, lumbering was carried on along the head-waters of Oil Creek and the lumber and logs were rafted during freshets down the streams to Pittsburgh, the lumbermen return- ing afoot. The cabin of Jonathan Titus was a regular place of stopping, and every night f6r weqfes at a time, it was crowded with these rough frontiers- men on their return trips. It was not erected for a tavern but was large and roomy and could easily be adapted to the necessities of the times. When Mr. Titus platted the village he designed to name it Edinburg, in honor of the city whence the mother of his wife had emigrated to this country, but for many years the place was known simply as "Titus's," to which the title ' ' Titusville " succeeded. As the country was gradually filled up by set- tlers, roads became an imperative necessity, and -it happened that two of the 464 HISTOKY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. earliest thoroughfares intersected at Titusville. One passed from north to south, where Franklin Street now is, the other from east to west in the vicinity of the present streets — Spring and Diamond. At the crossing of these roads, on what is now the southwest corner of Spring and Franklin Streets, Capt. William Sheffield, in 1816, opened the pioneer store. Mr. Sheffield had been a sea captain and emigrated to the wilds of western Pennsylvania from New Haven, Conn. He erected a mill in what is now Troy Township, and engaged actively in the lumber trade. The country store, which he opened at " Titus's" he placed in charge of Joseph L. Chase, son of Kev. Amos Chase, then recently arrived, and who afterward became a prominent citizen of Titusville. In a short tijne Joseph L. Chase became a partner in the store, and Capt. Sheffield retiring about 1820, the firm became Chase, Sill & Co. A little later the store was removed across the street to the northwest corner of Spring and Franklin and was conducted for many years by Joseph L. Chase & Co. From 1820 to 1830 the place was an active trading point, and soon after the latter date the village began to attract a few settlers. Kev. Amos Chase had taken up his residence here but retired to Centerville in 1830. His par- sonage stood on Main Street, east of Martin, but had to be removed when Main Street was opened for travel. Parker McDowell opened the second store, about 1832, on East Pine Street between Kerr and Drake, and L. F. Watson, now of Warren, Penn. , was his clerk. About 1838, John Robinson, who had been a clerk in Chase's store, formed a partnership with Parker McDowell and they erected a new store building on the northeast corner of Pine and Frank- lin Streets, where now stands the Mansion House. Mr. Robinson soon after became sole owner. James Brawley and Thomas Keller, the first carpenters, came in prior to 1832. Thomas Stewart, the pioneer tailor, came about that time. Charles Gillett, the first blacksmith, came about 1882. Charles Day, also a blacksmith and the father-in-law of " John Brown, of Ossawatomie, " settled here soon after. William Barnsdall, who is yet a resident of the city, came in 1833 and was the first shoe-maker. Dr. Isaac Kellogg was the first resident physician and, after a long and extensive practice, died at Titusville in 1841. Dr. Gillett, brother to the blacksmith, Drs. E. P. Banning, Orson, Kellogg and Heflron were other early practicing physicians in the backwoods village. The first hotel was erected in 1833 by Arthur Robinson, its first proprietor, on the site of the present Oil Exchange, Spring Street. Mr. Rob- inson afterward moved to Franklin, and his brother William succeeded to the proprietorship of the American Hotel, as it was known. This site was occupied as a public house until the recent building of the Oil Exchange. About 1835 a chair factory was started by Roswell C. Sexton on the east side of Franklin Street, south of and near Main. Lumbering. — The eastern part of Crawford County and adjacent territory, throughout the region of Oil Creek Valley and its tributaries, was devoted largely to the lumbering business. Fine groves of pine and hemlock skirted these streams and the lumber commanded a fair price at Pittsburgh and at other points. Saw-mills sprang up in various places along the creeks, and the lumber turned out was rafted down Oil Creek and the Allegheny. For this upper lumber region Titusville became the chief trading point. It is located near the junct- ure of Pine with Oil Creek, and on both these streams the constant hum of the Bftw-mill was heard. The village itself contained no early saw-mill and no manufactories of note, but as a trading point and stopping place for lum- bermen, it had, in 1850, attained a population of 243, which had increased considerably in 1859. In this latter year it contained two hotels, about half a dozen supply stores and a population of perhaps over 300. TITUSVILLE. 465 Petroleum. — The discovery of oil in 1859 exerted a wonderful influence over the fortunes of the little village, transforming it almost instantly into a crowded city, bustling with intensest energy and activity. The presence of oil, however, was known to the earliest settlers, and by them was called Seneca oil. On the north banks of Oil Creek, within the limits of Titusville, were numerous pits, and the oil covered the surface of the water which collected in them. By sat- urating a flannel cloth with the oil and squeezing it into a vessel, small quan- tities could be obtained at any time. It was used to some extent for illumin- ating saw-mills, etc. , by placing a quantity in a pan, thrusting in one end of a wick, and lighting the other extremity. It was also gathered for its medic- inal virtues, which were, however, more highly prized at a distance than, in the vicinity of Titusville. It was sent abroad in considerable quantities, and in 1853 George H. Bissell, of New York, saw at the office of Prof. Crosby, of Dartmouth College, a bottle filled with the substance, which had been sent to Prof. Crosby by Dr. Brewer of Titusville. Mr. Bissell at once became inter- ested in the product, and six months later sent his partner, J. G. Eveleth, to Titusville, to investigate its possibilities. They purchased 100 acres of land, and leased 11'2 for ninety-nine years, for $5,000, situated on Oil Creek, in Venango County, about two and a half miles below Titusville. These were then thought to include the principal oil lands in this region. In 1854 Messrs. Bissell & Eveleth organized the Pennsylvania Hock Oil Company, the first petroleum organization in the United States. They proceeded to develop the lands by trenching and raising the surface oil and water into vats. The supply obtained by this method was of course very limited. It was measured by the gallon and was purchased by parties who sold it for medicinal purposes, the producers obtaining as high a price as 11.50 per gallon for it. The work of trenching was continued until 1858, when the expediency of boring an artesian well was discussed, the success of similar wells for salt near Pitts- burgh raising the question. It did not meet with general favor among the stockholders, and finally, after much discussion, a number of the members leased the lands, agreeing to pay the company a royalty of 12 cents per gallon on all oil obtained. The lessees organized the Seneca Oil Company at New Haven, and sent forward E. L. Drake, one of their number, with the necessary capital, to superintend and carry out the projected idea. Col. Drake arrived at Titusville in 1858. He purchased at Titusville twenty-five acres of land from Eev. Hampson, and commenced boring south of Titusville in Venango County. He drove down a pipe thirty-two feet and struck rock. After many delays and obstacles the workmen drilled thirty-seven feet six inches further through the rock, and reached the sand rock on the 28th day of August, 1857. On withdrawing the tools the foaming fluid rushed up to within a few inches of the top, and the well at once yielded twenty-five barrels of oil a day. The result produced the greatest excitement; at first, however, confined to local limits; a number of firms were organized at once and began to pierce the earth in various localities for the precious fluid. Brewer, Watson & Co. , obtained the second oil by pumping. Their well was also located in Venango County. Barnsdall, Mead & Rouse was the third firm to meet with success. Their well was the first in Crawford County and stood in the southeast part of Titusville, between Oil Creek and the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburgh Railroad. The oil was struck in February, 1860, at a depth of 112 feet, and at first boiled over the top. It produced twenty-five barrels per day, and was operated successfully for several years. The value of farms within the limits of the supposed oil district rose to 466 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. fabulous sums, and fortunes were made in a day. William Barnsdall sold one-half of his one- third interest in the first Crawford County well to William H. Abbott a few days before oil was struck for $10,000. The success of these first wells led to the sinking of many others within the borough and surround- ing country. It was a slow process for a time, for tools were not perfected, and vexatious delays often impeded progress. These first producers were nearly all residents in this vicinity. The infection for boring spread rapidly, and farmers in the neighborhood moved into Titusville, leased an acre or less of land, and industriously set about to obtain a portion of the hitherto unsus- pected, hidden wealth. The supply of oil became so great that there was no place to store it, and vast quantities were wasted. Barrels at once commanded a high premium, and their manufacture from green timber, for no seasoned lumber was at hand, suddenly became an important and profitable business. In these barrels the oil was shipped, but more than half was often lost by leakage. One of the first necessities in consequence of the oil production was transportation, and an army of laborers and teamsters were employed. The first transportation pipe was laid during the summer of 1863, from the Tarr Farm, on Oil Creek, to the Plumer Refinery on Cherry Eun, three miles distant The oil was driven by steam pumps over an elevation 400 feet above the creek. In 1864 the Harleys made the system general, and the work of the teamsters was ended. Titusville became at once the center of interest. Knowledge of its won- derful treasures soon was widely spread, and attracted from every quarter men intent on fortune-making. The little village found its modest accommoda- tions wholly inadequate to the demands of its incoming citizens. The work of building commenced with a vim, and an active city rose, as if by magic. Men could not wait for the construction of cellars or walls, but built their houses on blocks. It was not uncommon to see buildings far advanced toward com- pletion, on lots which the day before had shown no signs of coming habitation. City lots commandedexorbitant prices, and for five years, or thereabouts,the build- ing was uninterruptedly continued before a lull occurred. From 1862 to 1864 was the period when the oil excitement at Titusville reached its highest pitch. In 1865 the price of oil sank very low, and wild excitement then subsided. At one time oil was quoted at $12 per barrel, but owing to the immense flow of wells in Venaogo County, the price once sank to 12|- cents per barrel. In 1865, when the first calm came over Titusville, its population is believed to have been as great or greater than now. A large number of oil wells have been driven within the limits of Titusville and in adjacent territory, but most of them are now abandoned. Several small wells are still pumped in the city, yielding perhaps 500 barrels per month. The city is, however, the home of many of the heaviest operators and producers in the newer oil regions. '? During the period of the greatest production, when fortunes came in a moment, money was as lavishly expended as it was quickly obtained. Com- modities were all high, but labor was in proportion. There were times, it is said, with of course exaggeration, when almost any newsboy or bootblack could hand one the change for a $50 bill. Buildings were then constructed at treble the present cost. Yet many spacious, magnificent residences were erected. In 1865 the city afforded three public halls, the Bliss Opera House, Crittenden Hall and Corinthian Hall or the Academy of Music, and it was not uncommon for all three to be engaged by theatrical attractions the same night. In comparison with those flush times, the depression which ensued soon after seemed doubly severe. To a calmer state of prosperity the city has been com- pelled to adapt itself. The period of instantaneous wealth had passed in this iS=Ps- "A I V -^ * — J * i^J V p<.. l/. i^y^ :^. 0d-%-t^J^ rTrU^^G^^ TITUSVILLE. 471 vicinity, and fortunes had to be accumulated, not seized at one grasp, and though the business of the city is still largely that of the production, refining and commercial trade of petroleum, the monetary pulse is less feverish than in years agone. So rapidly did the city grow for a few years, that it out- stripped public improvements, but since then it has been substantially built, and will now bear favorable comparison with sister cities. It was not long after the discovery of oil that its refinement became the leading industry of Titusville. The first refining of petroleum is said to have been done by James McKeown and Samuel Kier, of Pittsburgh. The first refinery at Titusville was built by Parker, Abbott & Barnsdall about 1862. It was situated on the north bank of Oil Creek. Two grades of illuminating oil, the white and the common yellow, were produced. Benzine, tar, and other products which are now held valuable and utilized, were emptied into Oil Creek. This refinery was operated for several years. In 1864 Brice & Co. were ope- rating a refinery and continued it until about 1866. The business increased rapidly, and _jn 1872 eleven refineries were in full blast. The number in 1875 was nine, when a business was transacted that was exceeded only by Cleve- land. They were as follows: Easterly & Davis, organized in 1870, and refin- ing 1,500 packages per week; Pickering, Chambers & Co., organized in 1868, and refining 2,400 packages per week; Porter, Moreland & Co., Acme Works, organized in 1867, and refining 6,500 packages per week; the Octave Oil Com- pany, organized in 1872, refining 2,200 packages per week; E. H. Lee, organ- ized in 1865, refining 1,000 packages per week; Caddam & Donohue, organ- ized in 1865, refining 400 packages per week; John Jackson, organized in 1865, refining 600 packages per week; J. A. Scott, organized in 1868, refining 500 packages per week; Bennett, Warner & Co., organized in 1870, refining 3,000 packages per week. There are now seven refineries at Titusville, owned by Rice, Robinson & Witherop, Schwartz & Co., the Oil Creek Refining Company and the Acme Oil Company. The refinery of Rice, Robinson & Witherop was established in 1874 by E. L. Rice and J. C. Robinson, and by them operated until 1880, when the present firm was composed by the admission of J. W. Witherop as partner. The works cover an area of five acres, situated on South Monroe Street near the railroads. This is the largest individual refinery in Titus- ville. It has a capacity of about 2,000 barrels of crude oil per week, and its products are 1,600 barrels of of illuminating and lubricating oils. The Schwartz Brothers, operating under the name Crescent Refining Com- pany, started their refinery in 1880, and have a capacity of about 800 barrels of crude oil per week. The works are located near the D., A. V. & P. R. R. depot. The Oil Creek Refining Company is a recent institution, commencing ope- rations in 1883. The works are located in the western part of the city, near Second Street and the B., N. Y. & P. R. R. They have a capacity of 800 barrels of oil per week. F. L. Woods is the manager. The Acme Oil Company now controls and operates four refineries at Titus- ville, known as Acme No. 2, Acme No. 3, Acme No. 4 and the Keystone. This company was originally incorporated in the State of New York in 1875, and in October of that year commenced business at Titusville by the purchase of the Porter, Moreland & Co. Refinery, which was re-christened Acme No. 1, and the purchase of the Bennett, Warner & Co., re-named Acme No. 2. In 1876 the Octave Oil Company's works and the John Jackson Refinery were pur- chased, consolidated and named Acme No. 3. During the same year the refinery of Easterly & Davis was added' to the company's works, and called 25 472 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Acme No. 4. The Acme Oil Company as now constituted was incorporated under the laws of Ohio in 1879, superseding the company of the same name incorporated four years earlier in New York. The refinery of Pickering, Chambers & Co. was changed to the Keystone in 1876, a,nd in May, 1883, was purchased by the Acme Oil Company. H. Y. Pickering is the present Mana- ger of the works ; C. W, Archbold, Secretary, and Frank Loomis, Treasurer. The capacity of the combined works is about 3,100 barrels of crude oil per week. From seventy-five to one hundred men are employed. Acme No. 1 was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. Great Oil Fire. — In the destruction of the AcmeEefinery occurred one of the most terrific conflagrations that ever visited the oil regions. It was early on Fri- day morning, June 11, 1880, during a severe thunder-storm, that a flashing thun- derbolt was seen to strike Tank 3, of the Tidioute & Titusville Pipe Line, situated on the peak of the south side hill, west of the foot of Perry Street. In an instant a dense volume of smoke and flame shot upward, and 20,000 barrels of oil were on fire. By 9 o'clock Tank 1, containing 17,000 barrels, ignited from the intense heat and exploded with a tremendous report. At noon, Tank 2, with 16,000 barrels of oil, burst forth with another thundering roar, and the oil in flaming torrents swept down to the creek. The flre extended to the Acme Oil Company's Works, No. 1, and as tank after tank exploded with deafening roars, hurled mountains of smoke and flame skyward and added to the general eonflagfation, Titusville appeared to the awe-stricken people a doomed city, and the citizens hurriedly removed their valuables from their dwellings, piled their furniture in the streets and prepared for the worst. Neighboring cities were appealed to for assistance, and with all possible dispatch the fire departments of Warren, Oil City, Franklin, Corry and Clean hastened to the relief. For three days the tire raged with undiminished fury, but the city was spared. The Acme Company was the greatest sufferer, losing $275,000. The Keystone Eefinery and the Tidioute & Titusville Pipe Line also lost heavily. The Franklin and Perry Street iron-brace suspension bridges were both destroyed and many dwellings were consumed. Oil Creek was for days a boiling stream of fire, shooting great tongues of flame and destroy- ing a vast amount of property along its course. It was probably the greatest danger that has ever threatened Titusville. Immense, as the loss was, the preservation of the remainder of the city was almost miraculous. Oil Exchange. — Titusville had the first oil exchange in the United States. It was organized as a private association January 14, 1871, with L. H. Smith, Pres- ident; G. Shamburg, Vice-President; J. D. Archbold, Secretary, and J. F. Clark, Treasurer. Business was transacted in rented rooms until 1880, when the handsome structure, which is justly the pride of the city, was erected. The Titusville Oil Exchange was incorporated February 14, 1880, with a capital stock of $40,000, divided into $100 shares, for the purpose of erecting a building for the use of its members "in the business of buying, selling, transferring and trading in petroleum and its products, and business incident thereto," etc. The building erected is a handsome, three-story edifice of red brick, with sandstone trimmings, and fitted up with all modern conveniences. The main building is 75x100 feet, with a structure in the rear 60 feet square. Its cost was $60,000. The main portion is fitted up as ofttces. The Exchange proper is in the rear on the first floor, approached by a wide corridor, paved with encaustic tiles. It is 40x60 feet in dimensions, and 45 feet bigh, provided with a gallery of large seating capacity at the south end. The first officers of the chartered Exchange, elected in 1880, were: J. L. McKinney, President; H. F. Sweetser, Vice-President; J. A. Pincott, Secretary; A. P. Bennett, Treasurer. TITUSVILLE. 4T3 Industries. — One of the earliest mamifactories of Titusville was Robert's tor- pedo factory. In 1866 W. B.and E. A. L.Eoberts commenced the manufacture of nitro-glycerine here, having secureci patents in relation to its preparation for blasting purposes. At that time little was made in this country except sam- ples prepared in drug stores. At present, from 500 to 600 tons are annually consumed in oil wells alone, and though the patents of Messrs. Roberts have recently expired, the firm still manufacture a large proportion of this danger- ous invention. The factory where nitro-glycerine is produced is located about one and a half miles south of the city, but in Titusville the shells or cases to contain it are made. The largest iron-works in the city are now owned and operated by the H. McKay Manufacturing Company. On the site of the shops, near the west end of Pine Street. Col. E. A. L. Roberts, about 1874, erected a building, now used as the store-room of the iron-works, for the manufacture of nitro-glycerine shells, their construction requiring iron machine work. He afterward enlarged the shops and manufactured boilers and other machinery until his death in 1881, in which year Foster & McKay became the owners and operated the works until May, 1883. After one or two changes in proprietorship, Hugh McKay, in August, 1883, purchased the works, and is the present owner. They occupy a plat of ground six or seven -acres iu extent, covered with numerous buildings, among which are the foundry and storehouse, 80x80 feet in dimensions; the boiler shop, 60x120; the machine shop and forge, 60x180;. a store house, two stories in height, 30x200; another storehouse, 30x60,- and various offices, sheds, etc. They are fitted with the latest improved machinery, and during the last year have employed from 100 to 150 men. The products- of these works are portable and stationary steam engines and boilers, circalar saw-mills and general machinery. A wrought iron furnace and steam forge are also attached to the works, and cranks and shaft forgings are manufactured in large quantities. ■The litusville Iron Works, located on the west side of South Franklin Street, is another important adjunct to the industries of the ciby. The shops were erected and started by McMullen & Bryan, in 1861, and after changing ownership a number of times, in 1877 came into possession of Ames & Keese, who in August, 1883, sold them to E. H. Boughton, Jr., and E. H. Ames, the present proprietors. The works occupy about two acres of ground and consist of the machine shop, 90x171 feet; boiler shop, 60x160; foundry, 64x149; blacksmith shop, 73x97; pattern shop, 20x44; and various ofBces. About ninety workmen now find employment here. Among the manufactures are- boilers, engines, steam pumps, drilling tools and supplies for oil or artesian wells, etc. The city also contains several iron works of lesser magnitude. The machine- shop of J. Harris is a three-story frame, 40x50, located on East Spring, at the foot of Drake Street. Mr. Harris manufactures stationary boilers and engines, of different sizes, from three to one hundred horse-power, for saw and grist- mills, and in addition has a general repair shop, and keeps on hand a general supply of iron fittings. His force at present consists of twelve workmen. The shop has been in operation for many years, and formerly employed a larger number of men. '' The machine shop of Young & Locke is situated at 68 and 70 Franklira Street. The building is 100x180 feet in dimensions, and gives employment, to about ten men. The proprietors conduct a general repair shop, and also deal extensively in second-hand machinery. In the oil regions, where operators are constantly retiring and arriving, this latter business has proved 474 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. quite important in relieving the retiring speculators of their machinery, and supplying it to those incoming. Bovaird & Seyfang, in 1873, started a repair m4chine-shop at the foot of Monroe Street. They removed it to the corner of Perry and Mechanic Streets, where, in 1877, the building was destroyed by fire. Resuming business on Franklin Street, they sold out in 1879 to Young & Locke, the present proprietors. The Queen City Iron Company, composed of C. H. Smith, Edward Allen and Edward Thomas, has recently started^ a similar shop on the corner of Washington and Mechanic Streets. The shop was opened in September, 1883, and besides conducting a general repair shop and dealing in second-hand engines and boilers, the firm has commenced the manufacture of boilers. From eight to ten men are now employed. The shops of the Joy Steam Heating Company are located on Perry Street, near the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad, and were erected in 1882. Thp company was organized in that year for the manufacture of the Joy steam and hot water heater, of which T. C. Joy is the inventor. The company has a capital stock of $20,000. Its President is T. C. Joy, and its Secretary L. B. Silliman. The Joy diamond direct radiator, and the gold pin indirect radiator, are also manufactured. Though yet in its infancy, this industry has been constantly growing, and the demand for its products is greater than the capacity to supply. About forty men are employed throughout the year. The machine-shop is a two -story building, 40x60; the foundry is also 40x60, with cupola annexed; the core room, containing two ovens, is of the same size; the storage room is 24x80, and the pattern room 16x20. One of the industries which has only commenced in Titusvilie is the man- ufacture of furniture. Great forests of valuable timber are found within a few miles of the city, and their products are now beginning to be' utilized. Three factories have sprung into existence in little more than a year, and are already doing an extensive business. The Titusvilie Furniture Company, limited, with a paid-up capital of 110,000, commenced doing business in the summer of 1882. The shops are located on Pine Street, between Perry and Washington. They are controlled by a board of seven managers, and superintended by F. O. Swedborg. From twenty-five to thirty men are employed. A general line of chamber suits and other furniture from the native timber are manufactured. The Union Furniture Company, limited, has a cash capital of $8,000. It was started in October, 1883, and employs about twenty men. Junius Harris is President of the Board of Managers, and D. O. Wickham Treasurer. C. P. Casperson is Superintendent of the works, which are situated on the B., N. Y. & P. Railroad, opposite the passenger depot. The manufacture of exten- sion tables from ash, oak, cherry and maple is made the specialty of these works. The Titusvilie Bedstead Works, limited, was organized in the autumn of 1883, and within several months two frame buildings, one 40x80 feet, the other 30x60 feet, both two stories in height, were erected on the corner of Cald- well and Spring Streets, in the eastern part of th« city. The paid-up capital stock is $10,000, and the Board of Managers consists of David Emery, Chair- man; B. P. Edwards, Treasurer; E. T. Hall, J. R. Barber, J. H. Dingman, D. O. Wickham and W. J. Booth. W. S. Fortney is Superintendent of the works, which were started early in 1 884, and employ about forty workmen. Chief attention is paid to the manufacture of bedsteads from the timber native to this locality. The works of the Acme Extract Company are located in the eastern part of TITUSVILLE. 475 the city. They were erected in the spring of 1883. The members of the company, of which Howard Garrett is President, are residents of Wilming- ton, Del., and before the erection of the present works had conducted the same business in Lycoming County. The capital stock is 140,000. S. N. Iredell is Superintendent. The main building is 120x60 feet, with three wings, 50x50, 40x60, and 20x32, attached. The product of the works is bark extract for the use of tanners and dyers. Only hemlock bark is used in its prepara- tion, immense quantities of which may be obtained in this region. Its juices are extracted, then evaporated to the required strength. The capacity of the works is 125 barrels of extract weekly. It has a wide market, reaching Bos- ton, Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati, Chicago, "St. Louis, and even England. Twenty-two men are now employed in the works, while employment is given indirectly to many others. The Titusville Chemical Works are located in Oil Creek Township, just west of the city limits, but deserve mention in connection with its manufac- tures. The works were started in 1871 by Renny, Roberts & Dunn, who were succeeded a year later by the Titusville Chemical Works. The concern was purchased about 1874 by the Titusville Chemical Company, o£5cered by D. M. Marsh, President; C. A. Grasseli, Treasurer; and J. H. Mansfield, Secretary, all of Cleveland, Ohio, where the chief office is situated. The works are devoted to the production of sulphuric acid and ammonia. They are located on a lot of ten acres and consist of two buildings — one 32x200 feet, containing the burners and chambers; the other is the still house, connected with the former by a condensing pipe. The still is of platinum, and though only three feet in diameter cost 114,000. The works are constantly run at their utmost capacity. This company also operates an establishment for the restoration of spent acids, at Boughton, a few miles south of Titusville. The Titusville City Mills, located on Franklin Street, and owned and operated by John Eason, was erected in 1850 by Dr. Sherman F. Garfield. Pier & Bucklin were soon after operating it, and after changing hands several times the mill came into the possession of Breed & Hancox, from whom it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1870. The mill is 40x90 feet in size, and three stories in height, the third having been added by Mr. Eason. It is run exclusively by water-power, provided by four turbine wheels. It contains five run of stone, and has a capacity of 100 barrels per day. A feed-mill is also attached. There are also a number of other manufactories in the city, among them the carriage factory of Castle & Co., whose establishment at 28 Pine Street is 30x180 feet in dimensions and two stories in height. The firm commenced business in 1866, and employs from ten to twenty-two men. The planing-mill and sash factory of J. J. Sutter & Son was started about 1878, and has been successfully conducted ever since. The industries of Titusville in the past have been almost wholly such as are demanded in an oil-producing and refining country, but of later years they have become more general in character, and are giving to the city a stability independent of its famed oil products. 476 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER VII. Incorporation— City Hall— Water Works— Gas and Water Company— Fire Companies — Sewers — Banking — Library Association— Agricultural Association — The Press— Schools— Churches— Cemeteries— Societies- Miscellaneous. . TITUSVILLE was incorporated as a borough, by act of Assembly, which was approved by the Governor March 6, 1847. William Robinson, John M. Titus and Salmon S. Bates were by the act appointed Commissioners to define the boundaries of the proposed borough, and the electors were directed to meet and hold the first election for ofScers on the following third Friday of March. There is no record of an election in March, 1847, and it is probable that no officers were elected until March, 1848, when Joseph L. Chase was elected Burgess and S. S. Bates, William Barnsdall, James R. Kerr and G. C. Pettit, Council. The first meeting of the Council was held April 1, 1848, when Rob- ert L. Robinson was appointed Clerk and E. H. Chase, Treasurer. There is no further record of officers elected until 1851, and since then the Burgesses elected have been as follows: Jonathan Titus, 1851; Samuel Silliman, 1852; A. B. Hubbard, 1853; J. M. Allen, 1854; James Parker, 1856; J. L. Chase, 1857-59; Z. Wade, 1860; John Moore, 1861; N. Kingsland, 1862; O. K. Howe, 1863; F. W. Ames, 1864-65; J. N. Angier, 1866. The act to incorporate Titusville as a city was approved by Gov. Andrew 'G. Ciirtin, February 28, 1866, and in the spring of that year the city was organized by the election of Joel N. Angier, Mayor, and the following Coun- cil: First Ward, J. H. Bunting and George Custar; Second Ward, Thomas Goodwin and H. B. Ostrom; Third Ward, A. W. Coburn and R. D. Fletcher; Fourth Ward, W. W. Bloss and J. J. McCrum. Mr. Angier was re-elected Mayor in 1867; his successors have been Henry Hinkley, 1868-69; Frederick Bates, 1870-71; W.B.Roberts, 1872; John Fertig, 1873-74-75; David H. Mitchell, 1876, David Emery, 1877. By ordinance of December 17, 1877, the Council ac(^epted the new charter under the laws of the State. It went into effect in the spring of 1878, when the fullowing Select Council was elected: First Ward, E. O. Emerson; Second Ward, G. C. Hyde; Third Ward, E. W. Watson: Fourth Ward, John Lee. The Common Council elected at the same time consisted of the following: First Ward, H. S. Bates, Junius Harris and E. C. Hoag; Second Ward, James H. Davis, N. (3ros8man, J. D. Angier and L. B. Silliman; Third Ward, John J. Carter and Thomas Goodwin; Fourth Ward, Joseph J. McCrum, Timothy Lynch and Joseph Hoenig. By this charter the term of the Mayoralty was made biennal. William Barnsdale was elected Mayor in 1878; A. N. Perrin in 1880, and James H. Caldwell in 1882. The City Hall, located on the west side of Franklin between Pine and Main Streets, was erected for a private residence about 1862, by N. Kingsland. It changed ownership several times, was occupied for a time as a hotel, and was then purchased by the city. It is a large, substantial frame edifice, with mas- sive Corinthian columns in the front, and on the first floor contains the Council room and the offices of the Comptroller and City Clerk; on the second floor the offices of the Mayor, Superintendent of Schools and Treasurer. TITDSVILLB. 477 Water Works. — The city is provided with the Holly automatic system of water- works, owned and maintained by the city. The work of their construction was commenced in 1872, but it was not until 1875 that they were wholly completed, at a cost of 1141,000. The engines are located about one mile and a quarter west of the City Hall. The water is pure and clear, and pumped from two wells, twenty-two feet deep and eighteen feet in diameter, directly into the mains, where it is kept at a pressure of forty-five pounds, which can, if necessary, be increased to eighty pounds. The works are supplied with a rotary engine to increase the pressure in case of fire. The capacity of the pumps is 2,000,000 gallons 'daily. At the present time the department has nine miles of pipe, sixty-nine fire hydrants, and supplies 759 consumers at a cost considerably lower than in the majority of cities, but the income thereby derived is more than sufficient to meet the running expenses of the department. The Titusville Oas S Water Company was chartered in 1865 with a capital stock of $75,000. Although "water" is included in its charter, the company has nothing to do with the water department. The construction of the gas works was at once commenced and completed in 1866. . At present the works include a tank of 100,000 cubic feet capacity, ten retorts or two benches of five retorts each, and about seven miles of pipe. Three hundred consumers are supplied and seventy- nine street lamps lighted. Fire Companies. — In 1865 a volunteer fire company was organized, which was speedily equipped with hand engine and hose cart. Barney Bosch was its Fore- man. In 1866 a second-hand engine was purchased and a hook and ladder truck arrived about the same time, all paid for by private subscription. The Titus- ville Fire Department was organized under the control of the city May 13, 1867, with Thomas Goodwin, Chief Engineer; D. Reagan, First Assistant; W. J. Stevens, Second Assistant; B. Bosch, Foreman of Engine Company No. 1; James Reardon, Foreman of Engine Company No. 2, and J. W. Morrison, Foreman of the hook and ladder company. Within a few years three steam- ers were purchased, two of which, the " City of Titusville" and the " Amos- keag," are still owned by the city. The department was composed of volun- teers until April, 1882, when it was made a paid department, the force con- sisting of three fully paid men, and nineteen "minute" men, who pursue their usual avocations during the day, but remain under the immediate con- trol of the fire department. Augustus Castle, the present Chief Engineer, has occupied that position for six years. Besides the two steam engines the department possesses two hose carriages and a fully equipped hook and ladder truck. One of the two engine houses is located on Franklin Street; the other on the corner of Pine and Monroe. Sewers. — In 1871 the laying of an extensive system of sewerage was com- menced and has since continued until now nearly three miles of sewer mains underlie the main streets. There are two large main sewers of brick and lateral sewers of the best vitrified pipe leading to the same, with catch-basins at necessary points for surface drain.ige. The system is extended as occasion requires. Banking. — The monetary business of the city is great, as the five banking institutions, having a total capital of $1,150,000, will indicate. They are as follows: Second National Bank, established in 1865, capital $300,000, Charles Hyde, President; Roberts & Son, private bankers, established in 1872, $100,000 capital, W. D. and E. T. Roberts; Commercial Bank, capital $150,000, John L. McKinney, President; Hyde National Bank, established in 1880, capital $500,000, Charles Hyde, President; Roberts National Bank, established in January, 1883, capital $100,000, W. D. Roberts, President. 478 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The Titusville Library Association was organized in 1876. Its first officers were: B. D. Benson, President; Roger Sherman, Secretary; J. A. Mill, Treas- urer. The library fund was created and the first purchase of a library accom- plished by the contribution of flOO each from thirty individuals. Current expenses have since been met and accessions to the library made through the generous subscriptions of its friends, and the purchase of annual library tickets at $2 each. The library now contains 4,200 volumes. A free-reading room, where the leading periodicals may be found, is a valuable adjunct to the library. Since its formation William J. Carpenter has been Librarian. Oil Creek Valley Agricultural Association was organized and held its first fair in the autumn of 1875. The fairs have recurred annually ever since, with increasing attendance and success. The spacious grounds are situated just without the city limits on the northwest. Press. — The first paper of the city was the one of which the present Herald is the direct successor. It was started by James B. Burchfield, who had been propri- etor of the Pennsylvania Sentinel, published at Meadville. This latter paper expired in 1859, and Mr. Burchfield in the same year, directly after the oil excitement had been aroused, removed his printing supplies to Titusville, and launched into being the Petroleum Reporter and Oil Creek Gazette. It was continued as a weekly, somewhat ■ irregularly issued, for several years, and came into possession of A. M. Puller. In 1864 it was purchased by Lake & Martin, who continued its publication until June, 1865, when they sold it to Bloss Brothers. These proprietors changed the name to the Herald, and at once commenced the publication of the daily Herald, the first daily issued in te oil regions, and which has been successfully continued since. In September, 1865, J. H. Cogswell was admitted a partner, the firm name becoming Bloss Brothers & Cogswell. In June, 1872, W. W. Bloss retired and Bloss & Cogs- well continued the publication until July 1, 1883, when Mr. Cogswell also retired, leaving Henry C. Bloss sole publisher. The paper has since been con- ducted under his management. It is Republican in politics and an able expo- nent of the interests of Titusville. The Sunday World began its career under that title March 1, 1882. Its origin was the Sunday Newsletter, which was started in 1880 by J. W. Gra- ham and E. W. Hoag, and in 1881 purchased by the World Publishing Com- pany. This latter company had, June 15, 1880, begun the publication of the Petroleum Daily World, under the management of J. M. Place and the editorship of R. W. Crisswell. It was designed to be published in the inter- ests of the oil producers, as against the oil tnonopoly, and for that purpose the World Publishing Company had been organized. A large investment was made in the establishment. An able corps of editors were engaged at high salaries, and during its brief career of eighteen months an excellent newspaper was produced. The field, however, proved too limited to support a paper of this magnitude, and after its financial failure was no longer doubtful its publi- cation ceased. Henry Byron had become manager in December, 1880, and S. L. Williams editor. About six months later George E. Mapes succeeded Mr. Byron, and continued in charge till the Daily World suspended, January 1, 1882. The Weekly World was continued until March 1, 1882, when it was purchased by Frank W. Truesdell & Co. Mr. Truesdell has since remained its editor. The Sunday Woi-ld is independent in politics, and is an ably eon- ducted and well supported paper. Quite a number of other newspaper ventures have been made during the past twenty years, but all have in time met the fate of most similar enterprises. Probably the one of longest continuance was the Titusville Daily Courier. It TIXUSVILLE. , 479 was started by a stock company with a large capital in 1870, with J. T. Henry as editor. The paper afterward passed into the hands of M. N. Allen, who conducted it until 1876, when it was purchased by the Herald. Its politics were Democratic. The Star was a daily campaign sheet published in 1865 by J. B. Close and O. B. Lake. The Daily Journal was afterward published for a brief season by J. B. Close. The Morning Star, edited and published by W. C. Plummer; the Long Roll, edited by N. C. Allen; and the Daily Press, an evening paper started in 1872 bj' W. W. Bloss, were fitful gleams in the past, across the journalistic horizon of Titusville. Schools. — If in one respect above others Titusville can claim pre-eminence, it is in the excellence of its schools. During the period of its most rapid growth the schools could not keep even pace, but since the city has had time to take breath, look around and realize the need oE superior educational advautages, attention, equal to its importance, has been given the matter, and as a result a high grade of proficiency has been attained in the schools. The first school building known to have existed on the site of Titusville was a modest log structure, erected in 1817, on the south side of Oil Creek, west of Franklin Street, and near Trout Run. It was attended by pupils, several of whom came a distance of five miles. Mr. Wylie was the first teacher, and during his term he died from sudden sickness. Charles Plum, a well-educated and competent instructor, from Littlefield, Conn., and Joseph L. Chase, a well-known early merchant of Titusville, were also teachers here. Schoolhouses in those times were erected with but little labor and scarcely any expense. By securing the united labor of a community a single day would suffice, under the merry music of their axes, to complete a school cabin. Con- sequently buildings were erected wherever and whenever a school was desired, if none suitable was at hand. In 1820 a schoolhouse was built just north of the city limits on the Kelly Farm. Daniel Jones, from Susquehanna County, and William Kelly, from Ireland, were teachers in this school. The latter, an early settler near Titusville, was a scrivener and an excellent penman. The year 1823 witnessed the erection of a third schoolhouse in the vicinity of Titusville. It stood near the cemetery in West Titusville, and was taught by William Kelly and others. The old log Presbyterian Church, erected in 1815, at the head of Franklin Street, was used for several years as a school. Miss Sarah Titus taught here in 1830, as did also William Martin, a civil engineer, who made the original plat of Titusville. The frame Presbyterian Church, built in 1833, was also used as a school for several years, and among the preceptors who held sway here was Joseph Nourse. Miss Maria Tripgay, from Norway, taught a school at the home of her parents on the northwest corner of Spring and Washington Streets in 1834 Several other private schools were held about the same time. The place was beginning to assume the appearance of a little village, and the necessity of a public school building was felt. Accordingly Jonathan Titus donated a lot near the southeast corner of Pine and Perry Streets, Joseph L. Chase and others contributed materials, and a large frame building containing one apartment was erected in 1837. This school was supported partly by tax and partly by subscription. Its teacher in 1839 was William Sweatland, who was an excellent teacher and an indefatigable worker. The number of scholars were from 100 to 120. Besides two lengthy sessions during the day he held a night school for the benefit of the older pupils. Each even- ing would be devoted exclusively to one branch. School was also held Satur- days, and on each alternate Saturday a half holiday was given. Aspinwall Cornwall was the teacher in 1841. He was a skillful instructor, a resident of 480 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Venango County, where he died recently. Moses Porter, who settled at Pleas- antville, Venango County, taught in 1842 and in 1843. During the next three years Edwin P. Byles, also from Allegheny Township, Venango County, taught the schools. In 1847 Hon. M. C. Beebe, of Pleasantville, was the teacher. The schoolhouse continued to be used until 1859. During the summer months the 'school was taught by women, prominent among whom were Misses Eliza Morse, Mary Miller and Elizabeth Watson. Among the earliest School Direct- ors after Titusville became a borough in 1847 were: E. P. Banning and S. S. Bates, Joseph L. and Edward H. Chase, John and Kobert L. Robinson, William Barnsdall, P. B. Bruer, Charles Kellogg, E. C. Sexton, Col. James K. Kerr and William Eobinson. During this period private schools were also occasionally held. In 1836 Cornelius Byles, brother of Edwin P., taught one on the southeast corner of Spring and Perry Streets. Another was held in 1842, on the site of the late Parshall's Opera House. About 1854 Rev. Bailey opened a private school in a house on Union Street, in which he taught some of the higher branches. The school was maintained for nearly three years. The old schoolhouse having stood service for over twenty years, and becom- ing too limited to accommodate the school population, in 1859 a two-story frame building was erected on the southeast corner of Main and Washington Streets. The population of the city began to increase rapidly soon after, and in the summer of 1863 an addition of two rooms was made to the building at a cost of $2,700. This remained the only school building, and in January, 1866, a boy playfully dropped a lighted match into a hole in the wall and the build- ing was soon in ashes. The Directors decided, in view of the constantly increasing demands for more room, to erect on the same site a two-story frame building containing eight rooms, at a total cost, including furniture, of $18,000. There was how- ever little money in the treasury, the tax duplicate was small, and it seemed impossible to immediately proceed with the work. At this juncture Col. F. W. Ames, one of the Directors, offered to furnish the necessary material and money. His offer was accepted, the money paid and the building constructed. Nearly two years elapsed before Mr. Ames was paid the whole of the money advanced by him. The schoolhouse was opened for use in the fall of 1866 and was immediately filled to its utmost capacity. For a number of years there was a constant demand for additional room, a demand so great that it could scarcely be met. In 1868 an extra room on Pine Street was temporarily engaged. In 1869 two more rooms were hired in the basement of the Baptist Church. In 1870 the erection of a large brick schoolhouse was commenced at the northeast corner of Walnut and Drake Streets. Its total cost, including furniture and heating apparatus, was about $85,000. It contained eight rooms, and when opened for occupancy in April, 1871, was at once filled with pupils. In 1872, under an imperative demand for increased school facilities, a frame building of two rooms was erected in the Fourth Ward, between Superior and George Streets and nearly opposite Euclid. In 1874 a room was added to it, and in 1875 another, making it now a building of four rooms. In 1873 a brick structure of six rooms was built on the southeast corner of Elm and Third Streets at a total cost of about $18,000. In 1876 an extension containing three rooms was added, and one of the large halls was partitioned off and converted into a school room, making ten rooms in all in this building. These four school buildings are now used to their utmost capacity, twenty- six rooms. For a time the schools were imperfectly graded, and the Directors decided to introduce higher branches into the course of study and to establish a high TITUSVILLE. 481 school. Accordingly, in course of time, a high school department was organ- ized with an enrollment of ninety-five pupils. Prof. William Stewart was Principal for about five years, and in 1869 was succeeded by H. C Bosley. In 1871, the population being sufficient to bring the city within the provisions of the law, Prof. Bosley was elected City Superintendent of the Schools. He was re-elected in 1872 and again in 1875. Prof. H. H. Hough, his successor, was elected in 1878, but closed his services a year later, when Prof. K. M. Streeter was elected and has since filled the position. Titusville became a separate school district by its erection into a city in 1866. The first Board of Directors, elected that year, consisted of Thomas Smith and James P. Burtis, First Ward; O. K. Howe and F. W. Ames, Second Ward; George C. Bartlett and E. H. Chase, Third Ward; J. F. Chesshire and d. J. Sutter, Fourth Ward. E. H. Chase resigned June 30, 1866, and James B. Barber was appointed in his stead. J. F. Chesshire resigned January 4, 1877, and B. C. Bishop was appointed to the vacancy. The Board at present consists of eight members, and has as its President Frederick Bates, and for Secretary Isaac Westheimmer. From the report of the State Superintendent it may be seen that the schools of Titusville stand among the highest in the State. The course embraces eleven years, and since 1871, large classes have graduated from the high school each year. The schools are supplied with all modern improve- ments, appliances and apparatus, and the high salaries paid instructors has secured the best educational talent. Special teachers in music and in draw- ing have developed these branches in the schools to an extent that has elicited general surprise and satisfaction, and placed the schools in these respects far above most schools in the State. The total enrollment of pupils for the year ending June, 1883, was 1,771. Several private institutions of learning are also found at Titusville, which contribute largely to- its educational advantages. Eev. Napoleon Mignault has for years conducted an academy which has prepared many pupils for entering college. St. Joseph's Convent of Mercy is an imposing brick structure, sifiuated on Main Street, west of First. It was erected in 1870, the Sisters of Mercy, who own and control the school, coming in that year from Pittsburgh. Mother Superior Nolasco had charge of the schools until her death in September, 1872, and since then Mother Celestine has had the management most of the time. In the academy, boarding-school and day school combined, are now about 350 pupils. There had formerly been a yearly attendance of nearly 600. The academy prepares young men for college, the boarding school graduates young ladies in a prescribed course of study, and the day school instructs the youth in the common branches. Many additions have been made to the building since its erection, and it is now the home of seventeen Sisters of Mercy, ten of whom are teachers. In 1881 Prof. H. C. Clark established a commercial college in the Com- mercial Block, Diamond Street, opposite the postoffice. Four rooms, each 30x50 feet, are occupied. In addition to full instruction in the commercial branches, telegraphy and stenography are taught. Four teachers are engaged and the school is eminently successful. It has recently come under the man- agement of Profs. Obert and Pettis. Churches. — Prior to the discovery 'of oil in 1859 there had been three religious organizations in Titusville: Presbyterian, Methodist and Universalist. The former two still exist; the last has succumbed to adverse circumstances, and dissolved. The Presbyterian is the pioneer congregation, and for the 482 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. greater part of the following information concerning it credit is due to Elder Samuel Minor. The first settlers on the site of the city were members of this faith, and as early as 1803 requests were sent to the Presbytery of Erie for supplies. In 1809 "Oil Creek," or "Titus's," by both of which names the settle- ment was known, was reported able to pay for its occasional preaching, and in that year, so far as can be traced, the first communion was held by Eev. Rich- ard St(3okton, of Meadville, and Rev. Samuel Tait, of Cool Spring, Mercer County, in a log barn of Jonathan Titus, standing near the present Fletcher Block, on the east side of Franklin, between Pine and Spring Streets. The names of those who participated, as preserved by recollection, were Mrs. Mary, wife of Jonathan Titus; Mrs. Mary, wife of James Kerr; Andrew Kerr and his wife Elizabeth; James Kerr and his sister, Mrs. Brown, a widow; Mrs. William Curry, and James Curry and his wife Hannah. Communions and services were maintained by the constantly increasing little band, and in 1815 a permanent churbh organization was effected with a membership of forty, some of whom lived twelve or fifteen miles distant, by Rev. Amos Chase. For eleven years this venerable pioneer minister labored as a mis- sionary in portions of Warren, Venango and Crawford Counties, including Titusville, and in 1826 he accepted a call to preach at Oil Creek one-half of his time, and one-fourth at Centreville, leaving the remaining one-fourth for his favorite missionary work. This relation continued till 1830, when, at the age of seventy years, Eev. Chase retired to Centreville. The next reg- ular pastor, Rev. George W. Hampson, began his labors September 1, 1830, and was settled in due form June 27, 1832. He continued his ministry twenty- two years and six months, or until March 1, 1853. Between that date and 1858 there was a vacancy in the pulpit most of the time. Rev. Ottinger preached one year and Eev. Montgomery eighteen months. The members becoming scattered, services were irregularly held, and the congregation was in danger of complete dissolution. Eev. George H. Ham- mer was called July 1, 1858, and he and the two Elders, William Kelley and Caleb M. Allen, called a church meeting, held October 31 of that year, at which the congregation was reorganized with twenty-eight members. In the fall of 1861 Eev. Hammer resigned to take charge of a cavalry company enlisted in this county for service. His successors to the ministry of Titus- ville Church have been: Rev. Samuel Wykoff, from 1861 to 1863; Eev. W. C. Curtis, 1863 to May 15, 1865; Eev. William H. Taylor, November 2, 1865, to 1869; Rev. Alexander Sinclair, November 13, 1869, to May 18, 1874; Rev. Robert Sloss, January 17, 1875, to 1877; Rev. William Chichester, 1878 to March, 1880, followed by Rev. J. L. Maxwell, the present pastor, who was installed in April, 1881. From 1819 to 1823 the pastor's salary was from $80 to $100 per year for one-half his time; in 1826,$50 for half his time; in 1832, $200 for two-thirds of his time and in 1846, $350 for the same; in 1858, it was $600 for the whole time; in 1863, it fell back to $400; in 1864, it was made $800; in 1865, $2,000, and in 1869, $3,000. For 1871 and 1872 there was an appropriation of $1,000 additional each year. Early salaries were made payable in commodities, and in 1827 the prices voted were: wheat, $1 per bushel; rye, 50 cents; corn, Q2^ cents; oats, 25 cents; buckwheat, 37|^ cents; bacon, 8 cents per pound. In the division of the Presbyterian Church in 1837, this congregation went with the New School branch, and so continued until the branches were re-united in 1870. The membership in 1868 was 136 ; in 1872, 236; in 1876, 365, and at present is about the same. The first preaching was in private houses, schoolhouses and groves. About 1812 a small round-log meeting-house was erected just east of the old cemetery, TITUSVILLE. 483 at the head of Franklin Street. It was used for some time, but never entirely finished. A short distance west of it a hewed- log church was commenced in 1815, but not wholly completed until 1823. A resolution to build a frame church was passed March 81, 1832; the corner-stone was laid July 4, 1833, and in that or the following year the building was dedicated by Rev. Nathaniel "West. It was not fully completed, however, until 1837. Its cost was |1, 500, and it stood directly at the head of Franklin Street on the site of the present German Reformed Church, and west of the old log church. It was a large building with arched ceiling and supporting pillars, and the only religious edifice for many miles around. The people attended from great distances, traveling horseback and bringing with them dinner, services being held both in the forenoon and afternoon. The ground for this church was donated by Jonathan Titus. The building and part of the lot were sold in 1863 for HiOOO, and the same year the lot on the southeast corner of Walnut and Franklin Streets was purchased for $1,100, and a handsome church building on it was finished in 1865 at a cost of $17,000. Additional permanent improvements, exclusive of repairs, have cost about $4,000. The parsonage, nearly opposite the church building, came into possession of the church in 1870. The Universalist Church had a frame building erected on Lot 65, on the north side of Pine Street, between Franklin and Martin, about 1844. The congregation had been organized a short time before, and was supplied by Rev. Shipman and others. This early meeting-house, after Titusvilie received its sudden impetus to growth, was called into requisition by various denomin- ations, and in 1865 the Universalist congregation erected a lairge, handsome brick structure at the southeast corner of Main and Perry Streets, wherein services were held until 1879, when Rev. Charles E. Tucker, the last minister, closed his pastorate. Loss of membership had reduced the society until it became too weak to longer maintain an organization. Methodist Church. — Meetings of this denomination were occasionally held in the vicinity of Titusvilie as early as 1805, and after the village of Titus- vilie had existence a class of Methodists, too feeble numerically to erect a house of worship, met for services in the schoolhouse. In October, 1860, a class of fifteen members, most of whom were women, was reorganized, with JamesH. Davis as class- leader. Titusvilie Circuit had been formed in 1857. Its pastors have been: N. W. Jones, 1857-58; W. Hayes, 1859; J. C. Sfiofield, 1861-62; D. M. Stever, 1863; T. Stubbs, 1864-65; N. G. Luke, 1866-67; W. P. Bignell, 1868-69-70; D. C. Osborne, 1871-72; A. K Craft, 1873-74-75; J. N. Fradenburgh, 1876-77; W. W. Painter, 1878-79; W. F. Day, 1880-81 -82; J. N. Fradenburgh, 1883. In 1860 it was a four weeks circuit, embra4r i b; ^r:.^^ T. r.— ^ ROME TOWNSHIP. 619 large quantities of hay, wood, lumber and produce. The school building is a substantial frame structure, erected in 1872 at a cost of $3,500. The ceme- tery occupies a knoll of about three acres on the banks of Oil Creek, is beau- tifully laid out and embellished, and is owned by the borough. The first religious society was the Presbyterian Congregation, organized about 1815 by Rev. Amos Chase, who served it as supply until 1827, then as pastor until 1830. Mr. Chase was the pioneer Presbyterian minister of east- ern Crawford, and was held in universal esteem. He continued a resident of Centreville until his death, December 23, 1849, in his ninetieth year. Rev. George W. Hampson was the second pastor, and remained in charge many years. Revs. Chapin and Johns, of Spartansburg, followed, and soon after the church became too weak numerically to maintain existence. This congrega- tion erected the first church edifice in the village. It was a substantial frame, about 30x40, with an old-fashioned elevated pulpit at one end, and did excel- lent service for many years. It stood near the^present Congregational Church. Elder Davenport, Lorin Wood and Charles Peck were among the prominent members of the congregation. The Congregational Church was organized at Centreville September 5, 1841, at the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Lucius Parker, the first pastor. Its eighteen original members were Joel Phillips and wife, and daughter Maria, Jeremiah Tryon and wife, Silas Taylor and wife, Alexander Wood and wife, Pierson Sexton and wife, Oliver Scott and wife, Charles M. Wood, Phineas Wood, Caroline Cummings, Elizabeth Sexton, Julia Bement, Joseph Patten and Benjamin Clark and wife. Meetings were held in the Presbyterian Church. Revs. L. L. Radoliff and Barnes succeeded Rev. Parker and in time the congregation ceased services. It was reorganized April 24, 1859, with thirty-eight members, including Jeremiah Tryon, James Clark, C. M. Wood, O. B. Scott, Leonard Post, Charles D. Hill, George P. Bement, Charles Saunders, E, C. Bloomfield, Julius A. Rodier, Henry Noble, Norman Scott, W. H. H. Boyle, Fred Clark, L. J. GriflBth, Joel Bennett and twenty-two female members. Rev. U. T. Chamberlain, through whose exertions it was reorganized, remained pastor until January, 1865. His successors have been Revs. T. H. Delamater, W. D. Henry, Jones, J. B. Davidson, W. S. McKellar, J. D. Sammons and R. Morgan. Meetings were held in the old Presbyterian sanctuary until 1869, when the present frame house of worship, 35x60, was constructed at a cost of $4,000. The membership is eighty-three. An early Methodist society flourished at Centreville prior to 1831, meeting at the schoolhouse, at the cabin of Samuel Winton and elsewhere. Among its members were Samuel Winton and wife, James Coyle, William Haskins and Roswell BuelJ. The class possessed only a few members and did not con- tinue for many years. Centreville Circuit was organized in 1831 and has had the following ministers: T. Thompson and J. Summerville, 1831; J. Scott and J. Robinson, 1882; D. Richey and S. W. Ingraham, 1888; W. Carroll, 1834; J. W. Davis and A. Keller, 1835; R. Peck and W. B. Lloyd, 1886; C. C. Best and H. S. Hitchcock, 1837; J. A. Hallock and I. Scofield, 1838. The class probably d>d not long survive this latter date. The present class was organized in 1863. Johnson Merrill and wife, Samuel Post, John Baell and Samuel Winton and wife were early members of it. Meetings were held in the Presbyterian and afterward in the Congregational Church until the present commodious frame edifice, about 86x60, was reared in 1875 at a cost of $2,500. The class was a part of Riceville Circuit until 1873, when Centre- ville Circuit was formed. It embraces but two appointments, Riceville and Centreville, and has had the following pastors: J. W. Wilson, 1873-74; M. 620 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. V. Stone, 1875-76; J. L. Mechlin, 1877; D. E. Palmer, 1878-79; G. W. Clark, 1881; L. Beers, 1882; Frederick Fair, 1883. The membership of the society is about seventy-five. The First Baptist Church of Centreville was constituted in April, 1862, by Elder Cyrus Shreve, with the following seven members: Franklin Weatherbee and wife Melissa, I). B. Weatherbee and Penila his wife. Freemen Bradford and Elizabeth, his wife, and Penila Chapman. Elder Freeman Bradford was the first pastor, remaining in charge five years. His successors have been C. J. Jack, Cyrus Shreve, F. Bradford, D. C. Dennison, and Cyrus Shreve again, who is now pastor. Meetings were held at Franklin Weatherbee's house and occasionally at the Congregational Church until 1875, when a Baptist Church was erected at a cost of $1,575. It is 28x35 in size and is neatly furnished. The present membership is forty. Arethusian Lodge, No. 323, Good Templars, was chartered May 11, 1867, with sixteen members: T. L. Noble, C. F. Chamberlain, I. A. Wright, Gay- lord Matteson, L. Matteson, W. P. Klingensmith, J. M. Lewis, Bruce South- worth, Gates Sexton, Mrs. E. S. Southworth, Mrs. Viola Tubbs, Mrs. Sarah Fields, Mrs. E. Klingensmith, Mrs. N. Birch, Miss S. S. Chamberlain and one other. The organization has ever since been prosperously maintained and now has thirty-five active members. Meetings are held every Saturday evening. Centreville Union, No. 164, E. A. U., was organized, October 6, 1880. Its first officers were J. M. Boyd, President; James Bramhill, Chancellor; Mrs. E. S. Southworth, Advocate; and F. L. Markham, Secretary. The member- ship is twenty-five and meetings are held the first and third Wednesdays of each month. CHAPTER XX. SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. 8ADSBURY Township— Original Boundaeies— Present Area— Population- Canal— Railroads— Conneaut Lake— Physical Features— Land Com- panies—Early Settlers— Distilleries— Early Teachers— Sherman- ville—Aldenia— Stony Point Postoffice. Borough of Evansburq — Location— Incorporation — Hotels— Population Business— Religious Organizations— Societies— The Founder- Early Settlers and Business Pursuits. SADSBUEY was one of the eight townships erected in Crawford County by the Court of Quarter Sessions, July 9, 1800. Its boundaries were thus es ablished: " Beginning at the southeast corner of a tract of land surveyed in the name of Michael Emmell; thence northwardly including a tract of land surveyed in the name of William Bell, to the northeast corner of a tract of land surveyed in the name of John James; thence westwardly to the north- east corner of a tract of land surveyed in the name of David Fleming; thence south to the place of beginning." This description, which is both insufficient and obscm'e, appears thus on record. The township originally included parts of what are now Vernon, Hayfield, Summerhill, Summit and Sadsbury. By a re-formation of township lines in 1829 Sadsbury was changed to about its' pres- ent territory, together with the southern half of Summit. The territory of SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. 621 Sadsbury, as now constituted, was, before 1829, apportioned among four town- ships: The northwest portion was part of Conneaut; the northeast, a portion of Sadsbury; the southeast, a part of Fallowfield; and the southwest a part of She- nango. The township now contains 12,770 acres. It is six tracts square, except that about two tracts in the southwest corner have been given to West Fallow- field. The population in 1850 was 982; in 1860, 1,136; in 1870, 894; and in 1880, 895. In 1850 and 1860 Evansburg was included in the census. The Beaver and Erie Canal passed north and south through the western part, and the feeder crossed the township east and west. The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad by a curve enters and leaves the township in the southern part, and the Meadville & Linesville Railroad crosses the township in a northwest and southeast direction. Conneaut Lake, the largest body of water in Crawford County, lies almost wholly within Sadsbury. It is a beautiful sheet of water three miles in length and varies in width from a half to a mile. It varies in depth from a few feet to nearly 100 feet in a few deep holes. It abounds in lish, and is much frequented by sportsmen and pleasure seekers. Four little steamers, the Keystone, Nickle Plate, Luna and Queen, ply on its waters. After the canal was constructed the surface of the lake was raised about nine feet by building a dam across the outlet, and its area greatly increased. It covers at present about 1,200 acres. The surface of the township is level or gently rolling. The soil is a clay, except in the valleys, and is well adapted for grain raising. Oak, chestnut, beech, maple and pine were the prevailing types of timber. Numerous small springs exist, and amply irrigate the soil. The largest stream is Conneaut Outlet. Sadsbury was one of the earliest settled portions of Crawford County. It attracted the foremost pioneers, and most of its tracts were entered before the land companies were in the field. The Holland Land Company owned two tracts in the northeast corner, and the Pennsylvania Population Company four tracts in the northwest corner. The balance was located and settled by indi- viduals. The two Holland Land tracts located in the northeast corner of the town- ship were sold in 1800 to S. B. and A. W. Foster, of Meadville. Of the four tracts of the Pennsylvania Population Company, 200 acres of Tract 755 were contracted for by Joseph Allen, October 23, 1797, and a deed granted him March 25, 1802; 200 acres of 756, under same date, by Daniel Williams, who settled under contract; 200 acres. Tract 761, by Samuel Williamson, under contract of October 23, 1797, settled; 200 acres, 762, Matthew Williamson, under contract of October 23, 1797, settled and deed delivered. The east half of Tract 767 is also in Sadsbury; it is marked a swamp in the records of 1812. All the above settled on their tracts and remained for years. Samuel Will- iamson operated a distillery; he came from the southern part of the State. Dennis Hughes, originally from Ireland, directly from New Jersey, came in 1802 and settled in the northwest part of the township. Abner Evans, whose name is perpetuated in the village of Evansburg, was among the foremost pioneers. He was here probably in 1796. He built a mill on Conneaut Outlet which was the first in the township, but was not a complete success, the fall not being sufficient to afford great power. John Harper came in 1797 or earlier and settled just east of the lake. Other pioneers known to have come equally as early were Luke Stevens, William Shotwell and William Campbell. Mr. Stevens was an Englishman. He settled about a mile south of Evansburg and remained there till death. William Shotwell settled in or 622 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. near Evansburg and remained in the township through life. Mr. Campbell selected a home in the western part of the township and there operated a dis- tillery. Jacob Shontzcame in October, 1800, and remained on his tract near Evans- burg until his death many years after. He was a member of the Seoeder Church, and his descendants still occupy the old homestead. About the same time, or a few years later, the following were residents of the township: Adam Stewart, who came from Ireland — he dwelt in Evansburg and was a Justice of the Peace in 1810; years afterward he removed to West Fallowfield, where he died; Negro Dick, a peaceable colored man, who roved from place to place a great deal, selling straw baskets and bee hives — he died in East Fallowfield; Charles Frew, who lived about three miles west of Evansburg — he was a plow-maker and subsequently removed to Pittsburgh. David Garner settled in the north part of the township just west of the lake, and engaged in farming for life. John Jones also settled in the north part of the township. Samuel Lewis, half brother to David Garner, and an excellent blacksmith, after sojourniag here for many years, removed to Illinois. John Quigley, an Irishman, settled east of the lake and remained a life-long settler. Henry Royer, a German, remained on his farm near Evansburg, until his death. George Shellito, an Irishman, settled about three miles west of Evansburg, where his descendants still live. Richard Coulter, Joseph Marshall and John Williams were ^Iso early settlers. Daniel Miller, a German, came with his family prior to 1800, and settled on the tract patented in the name of his son Michael, and situated about a mile south of Evansburg. An early distillery was built by Joseph T. Cummings on Conneaut Outlet, but his death occurred almost immediately afterward and the still was operated by Mr. Sutleff and others. David Steward operated another, about two and a half miles west of Evansburg. The township is exclusively agricultural outside of Shermanville and Evansburg and contains no manufactories; neither are there any churches beyond these villages. Among the early school teachers of the township may be mentioned Will- iam McMichael who was a Presbyterian minister, Mr. Higgins, James McEn- tire, his son Robert McEntire and Mr. Plum. Of these James McEntire was probably the first. He settled in the township west of the lake in 1800, and two years later removed to Bast Fallowfield. He was a widely known early pedagogue and held terms in this and adjoining townships almost every winter from 1802 till 1827, the winter of the "four-foot snow." In 1805 he taught a term at Daniel Miller's cabin, for which he received $10 per month. John Gelvin and several others who attended this school went the next year on Burr's expedition, and a number of his pupils served in the war of 1812. James McEntire, Sr., died in the township in 1800. A rough, square coffin was prepared for his remains from planks brought from Power's saw- mill, and he was buried near where the Soldiers' Monument at Evansburg now stands. Shermanville is a small village located in the northwestern part of the town- ship. It was laid out along the canal by Anson Sherman, and the plat acknowledged and recorded January 18, 1842. The plat is irregular in out- line, and all lots except fractional ones are 60x160 feet in size. Main Street is fifty feet wide, and Oak, Elm, Vine and Canal, each forty. A Mr. Craven is said to have been the first settler. Anson Sherman, who died in 1873, aged seventy-nine years, and Peter Bakeley, were the leading early residents. Dar- ing the palmy days of the canal, the village was a lumber shipping point of SAUSBURY TOWNSHIP. 623 considerable note. The Sbermanville of to-day contains nineteen dwellings, a school, a blacksmith-shop, a store, a flourishing steam saw-mill,_ owned by Thayer & Ladner, and a Methodist Episcopal Church. A small Methodist class existed here forty years ago, and included Henry Moyer and wife, John Conley and wife, and Mrs. Lasure. Meetings were held in the schoolhonse until about 1867, when the present frame church was built. The membership is about twenty, and the society is a part of Linesville Cir- cuit. Just north of Evansburg, Aldenia was laid out, in the spring of 1828, by Kev. Timothy Alden, on part of a 200- acre tract purchased by him from Henry Reier, in 1818. The original plat contained ninety-five lots, a hollow square and a public common, and was acknowledged October 17, 1828. Winthrop, Thomas and Bentley Streets extended north and south ; Clinton, Hosack, North Lake, South Lake and Line Streets, east and west. Isaiah Alden, brother of the founder, settled on the site of the prospective village, but it did not pros- per, and in a few years was forgotten. Stony Point Postoffice is located near the south line of the township. A small collection of houses cluster around the station of Evansburg, on the line of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, which is located here. BOKOUGH OF EVANSBURG. The little borough of Evansburg is beautifully situated at the outlet of Conneaut Lake, and is well and favorably known as a summer resort. * It was not until the construction of the Meadville & Linesville Railroad, however, that it became conveniently accessible to the outside world. Containing four large hotels and one or two restaurants, it has ample means for the accommo- dation of guests. A tifth hotel, a spacious brick structure, built in 1843 by Robert Andrews, is located a half mile east of the borough, on the Evansburg & Meadville Road. The village in 1870 had a population of 174, and in 1880 of 197, which has since slightly increased. It has two general stores, two groce- ries, two drug stores, a hardware store, a millinery store, and a meat market, a saw-mill, a grist-mill, cheese factory, tannery, wagon-shop, three blacksmith- shops, three shoe-shops and a livery stable, three physicians, a dentist, a school, three churches and four societies. The largest building is the storing house of the Conneaut Lake Ice Company, Limited. A building 80x100 was erected in 1881, and a second structure adjoining, 100x200 feet, in 1882. The schoolhouse is a one story frame, containing one apartment. The oldest religious society in the village is the United Presbyterian Con- gregation, formerly known as Seceders. An old log meeting-house was erected at Evansburg prior to 1815, and services held therein until the construction of a frame church building a half mile east of the borough. This church contained an old-fashioned elevated pulpit, and was occupied 'until the erection of the present frame edifice in 1864, at the southeast corner of High and Fourth Streets. Rev. McLean, of Shenango Township, preached until September 20, 1827, when Matthew Snodgrass was installed pastor in a beautiful grove on the shore of the lake. Since then his successors have been: Revs. Joseph Waddle, Samuel Black and Joseph McNabb. The membership is about sixty. Evansburg Presbyterian Church was formerly known as Conneaut, or the Outlet of Conneaut. From 1811 to 1817 it constituted a part of the charge of Rev. Robert Johnston, in connection with Meadville and Little Sugar Creek. * A petition for the incorporation of Evansburg, signed by twenty-five citizens, was presented to the grand jury, who in April, 1858, recommended that it be granted. In accordance the court confirmed their report, August 9, 1858. 624 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. It was dependent on supplies from that date to April 14, 1841, when Rev. Edward S. Blake was ordained and installed pastor in connection with Gravel Run, remaining one year. Rev. J. W. Dickey became pastor October 4, 1843, and was released in 1847. Rev. James Coulter was pastor from September, 1852, to- 1857 or 1858. The next pastor was Rev. George Scott, installed June 27, 1860, released June 10, 1862. The church building, a large square frame structure, on the southwest corner of Fifth and Water Streets, was erected in 1831. The membership is now about fifty. Recent pastors have been: Revs. J. W. McVitty, McKinney, Anderson and Boyd. A small Methodist Episcopal class existed at Evansburg in very early times. Meetings were held in the old log Seceder Church and in the school- house until 1840, when the present frame meeting-house was erected on Line Street, opposite Third. Michael Miller, James Birch and John Vickers were leading early members. Evansburg Circuit was formed in 1842 with J. Pros- ser pastor that year, and R. Parker in 1843. The circuit was then changed, but Evansburg Circuit was re-formed in 1851, and its pastors have since been: I. C. T. McClelland and T. Benn, 1851; I. C. T. McClelland, 1852; J. Abbott and A. L. Miller, 1853; J. Abbott and F. Vernon, 1854; I. Lane, 1855-56; J. B. Orwig, 1857-58; J. Wigglesworth, 1859-60; L Scofield, 1860-61; S. Hollen, 1862-63; J. W. Hill, 1864; J. Shields, 1865; J. Crum, 1866; J. F. Perry, 1867-68; G. M. Eberman, 1869; J. Eckels, 1870-71; F. Fair, 1872- 73; W. H. Hoover, 1874; J. A. Hume, 1875; L. Wick, 1876-77; D. W. Wampler, 1878-79; L. G. Merril, 1880-81; A. J. Lindsey, 1882-83. The membership is about seventy. Conneaut Lake Lodge, No. 105, A. O. U. W. , was organized March 7, 1877, with Mathew Work, P. M. W. ; W. F. McLean, M. W. ; A. L. Bossard, G. F.; H. C. Jones, O. ; C. E. White, Recorder; A. W. Birch, Financier; R. A. Stratton, Receiver; J. C. Jackson, G. ; Joshua Brown, I. W. ; Z. T. Ray- dure, O. W. The membership is thirty-four, and meetings are held every Wednesday evening. Conneaut Lake Union, No. 352, E. A. U., was instituted August 12, 1881, with thirty-seven members. Its first officers were: E. Graham, Chancellor; Mrs. M. M. McNamara, Advocate; John D. Heard, President; Mrs. S. A. Strat- ton, Vice-President. Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month. The membership has slightly increased. Conneaut Lake Lodge, No. 980, I. O. O. F., was instituted November 25, 1881, with twenty-two members. Its first elective officers were: John S. Keen, N. G. ; J. F. Stewart, V. G. ; Charles McGill, Permanent Secretary; Henry Young, Assistant Secretary; F. Knierman, Treasurer. The membership is now eighty-eight, and meetings are held every Saturday evening. Alpharetta Lodge, No. 135, D. of R., was organized August 14, 1883, with, sixty-four members /and with the following officers: Mrs. Mira Keen, N. G.; Mrs. Mary J. Stewart, V. G. ; Mrs. Josephine Brown, Sec; Mrs. Sai'ah E.' Andrews, Treas. Four new members have been received; the second and fourth Tuesdays of each montJi are the dates for regular meetings. Evansburg is one of the oldest villages in the county. Its founder was Abner Evans, who was one of the earliest settlers in Sadsbury Township. He patented the two tracts containing Evansburg and adjoining it on the east, and settled on the site of Evansburg as early as 1796, and remained there through life. Joseph T. Cummings started a store as early as 1816. Willis Benedict, his salesman, succeeded him, and was the sole village merchant for many years. James Stanford, a cabinet-maker, Zerah Blakely, a carpenter, and Richard Van Sickle were among the earliest residents. Alfred Strong kept an SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 625 early tavern; so also did Eosanna Mushrush. Her twin daughters, Desolate and Lonely, were early school teachers at Evansburg and vicinity. James McEntire was another pioneer pedagogue of the little village. The village grew apace, and when the canal was built, presented quite a thriving appear- ance. It was then as large as now, or larger, and did a greater amount of business, having five general stores beside a number of grocery stores. When the dam was built at the outlet of Conneaut Lake, after the canal was constructed and the surrounding land was flooded, the decomposing vegetable matter filled the atmosphere with deadly malaria, and to escape its ravages most of Evansburg's settlers removed from the village. The perils diminish- ing, in a few years many returned. The time of greatest sickness was about 1840. Jacob Young was a tailor at Evansburg as early -as 1810. George Royer was a carpenter in the village at the sanie date. Two tanneries flour- ished in early times, one owned by James Stratton, the other by Fox & DeWolf. Rev. Timothy Alden established the first Sabbath-school. CHAPTER XXI. SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. Erection — Population — Physical Peatuees — Wbstford — Marshall's Corners — McLean's Corners — Population Company Contracts — Early Settlers — Indians— First Teachers— Religious Organizations. SHENANG-0 was one of the original townships formed in 1800. It was then about eight miles square and occupied the southwest corner of the county. A division into North and South Shenango occurred in 1830, and the territory of the latter w'as reduced in 1863 by the erection of West Shen- ango. South Shenango now contains 17,258 acres. Its population in 1850 was 1,664; in 1860, 1,393; in 1870, 1,042, and in 1880, 991, The surface is almost level. The low lands were wet and marshy in pioneer times, but are now productive farms. On the higher land the soil is clay; it is a sandy loam along the streams. Shenango Creek, the boundary line between South and West Shenango, is the only stream of importance. It is enlarged by numerous little tributaries. Poplar was the principal timber, with a considerable sprink- ling of white oak, chestnut and pine along the creek. The Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad crosses the township north and south. There is one station, Westford, in South Shenango, established in 1881. The next year a store was started, and in 1883 a grist-mill was put in operation by Carkhuff & Hulbert. A blacksmith-shop and several dwellings are also found here, and the place bids fair to make a thriving little village. Westford is the nearest approach to a village in the township. A postofifice existed for many years at Marshall's Corners, but was abandoned soon after the railroad was built. Another was started at McLean's Corners in the southwest part near the railroad, but it has likewise been abolished. An ashery, store, blacksmith- shop and railroad station are among the things of the past at this point. Hulbert & Martin have a cheese factory in the northwest part of the township, where a stave factory is also found. Jamestown, on the southern confines, has some territory taken from this township. 626 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The township lies mostly within the Pennsylvania Population Land Dis- trict, and the following persons agreed at the time mentioned to settle the various tracts within a few days from the date of contract, and were to receive the following amounts of land: Tract 776, John Burfleld, May 1, 1798, 100 acres, deed delivered to James Dickey, assignee of Burfleld; 777, Samuel Ewart, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered to James Davis, assignee of Ewart, February 4, 1807; 778, John Gallagher, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, set- tled under contract; 779, Joseph Elliott, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed deliv- ered October 6, 1808; 780, John Elliott, September 28, 1798, 200 acres, settled under contract; 781, William. Eeed, June 4, 1798, 200 acres, settled under contract; 782, David Logan, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed granted; 788, James Wilson, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, settled under contract; 789, John Gra- ham, May 1, 1798, 100 acres, settled: 790, Thomas Elliott, December 1, 1798, 200 acres, settled; 791, John Ewing, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered; 792, Andrew McArthur, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, settled; 793 (partly in West Shenango), swainp; 794, Eobert Story, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered August 17, 1808; 795, Eobert McConahey, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, settled under contract; 796, John Cochran, December 11, 1796, 200 acres, settled under contract; 797, Thomas Ewing, May 1, 1797, 200 acres; 798, Margaret Wyley, May 9, 1798, 100 acres, deed granted John McGranahan, assignee of Wyley; 805, Hugh Fletcher, July 1, 1797, 100 acres, deeded Gilbert Wade, assignee of Fletcher; 806, Jacob Laymaster, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, settled under eon- tract; 807, James Cochran, December 11, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered to John Cochran, assignee of James, September 17, 1809; 808, Eobert McArthur, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered; 809, William McArthur, May 1, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered; 814, Quintin Brooks, September 24, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 815, unsold, cabin built and eight acres cleared for company in 1798; 816, Sally Fletcher, September 24, 1797, 100 acres, deed delivered to H. Hollenbaoh, assignee of Fletcher; 823, Arthur Connor, Sep- tember 30, 1809, 100 acres settled under contract; 824, Daniel McConahey, September 21, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 825, Ann Brooks, Sep- tember 27, 1797, 200 acres, setttled under contract; same tract, Alexander McEhhaney, October 5, 1809, 100 acres, settled under contract; 835 (partly in West Shenango), John Brooks, September 21, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; same tract, Thompson McMasters, August 27, 1811, 200 acres; 836, William McArthur, September 21, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 837, John Wilson, November 20, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 838, William Snodgrass, September 21, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 839, David Ashbaugh, November 20, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 840, eight acres cleared for company. All the above are still remembered as early settlers except John Burfleld, Samuel Ewart, James Wilson, John Graham, Margaret Wylie, Jacob Laymaster and David Ashbaugh, who if they settled in the township probably remained but a short time. Most of the others were life-long residents and now have descen- dants in the township. Michael Marshall was probably the first settler, hailing from Lancaster County; he was one of Power's surveying party for the Pennsylvania Popula- tion Company, and for his services received the east half of Tract 813, which he settled in 1796. He first came out alone, erected a shanty, then returned to the East and brought his wife and child in the autumn of the same year to the wilderness home. He was one of the original members of the Shenango United Presbyterian Church, and a life-long citizen of the township. His death occurred in his eighty-fifth year. Joseph Marshall, his son, is now the Missing Page Missing Page SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 629 oldest pioneer remaining. He was born August 3, 1798, and was the first white child born in the township. The Marshalls are yet numerous in the township. Patrick and William Davis were here in 1798. Other pioneers who arrived a little later were David Atchison, James Angelo, William Beans, Robert Boyd, Robert Bennett, William Campbell, Jonathan Craven, Solomon and William Douthitt, Archibald Davis, Peter Free, James and Matthew Gamble, Gersham Hull, George Jewell, Thomas Laughery, Charles Logan, Matthew and James McElhaney, John McLaughlin, John Mullen, James Mason, Hugh Murdock, John Ralston, Henry and Peter Royal, Moses Scott, John, Thomas, Matthew and Jesse Snodgrass and Andrew Thompson. They were all here prior to 1810. Moses Allen, a native of New Jersey, came to the township about 1801. David Atchison was the first Justice of the Peace. He came from Lancas- ter County. William Beans was a young unmarried man, who studied theol- ogy with Rev. Mr. McLean, but soon abandoned it. William Campbell oper- ated an early grist-mill on Shenango Creek. William Douthitt, Alexander McElhaney and John and Jesse Snodgrass owned distilleries, and Benjamin Snodgrass a saw-mill. Thomas Elliott and William Lewis also had early saw- mills. William Snodgrass was an early Justice of the Peace. The first mill- ing was done at Greenville, and some time after Campbell's mill was started John Clyde constructed a small one on Tract 812. James McMaster and Rob- ert MeKinley had carding-mills in the southern part of the township. Black salts were made in considerable quantities in early times from lye, and in consequence ashes commanded a ready sale; many settlers thus obtained money with which to pay their taxes. For years after the first settlers arrived Indians encamped in great numbers on the banks of the Shenango, where they engaged in hunting and sugar-mak- ing. One Indian, known as Jake Kashandy, was a general favorite with the pioneers. He was accustomed to visit a cabin and complain of sickness. When asked what would relieve him he quickly responded, "cup tea," and usually obtained it. He afterward repaid the kindness, usually with a haunch of venison, or other wild game. Kashandy was killed in a drunken Indian brawl about 1804, while encamped on the creek, and the perpetrators of the deed were never apprehended. Peter Smith taught the first school about 1802, in the western part of Tract 814, in a cabin which had been used as a barn. Henry, Moses, John, Katie and Betsy Laughery, Joseph, Samuel and Jane Marshall, the Cochrans and others attended. Edward Hatton held the next term in a log-house built on Tract 808 for school purposes. He continued a pedagogue for several years. Miss Datie Buell also taught early. The first organization of the Associate Reformed, later United Presby- terian denomination, in Crawford County, was effected with ten members in Shenango Township in 1801, by Rev. Daniel McLean, who, in 1802, was installed its pastor in connection with Sandy and Salem Churches, Mercer County. This pastorate was continued fifty four years, and was terminated in April, 1854, only three months previous to Rev. McLean's death, in his eighty- fourth year. He possessed unquestioned devotion to the ministry and strong mental and physical powers. The first services of this congregation were held under a tent near the graveyard; and about 1805 a log building was erected in which to worship. In 1818 a second house was built. It was the first frame building in the township. Its furniture consisted of a high narrow pulpit and large square pews with straight backs. The walls and ceiling were unplastered 33 630 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. and the interior undefiled by the painter's brush. It was occupied until 1879, when a handsome frame edifice, 35x60, was erected on the same site, near the center of Tract 797, at a cost of 15,000. It was dedicated June 17, 1880. David Nelson, Joseph Work, Thomas Ewing and Hugh Fletcher were the first Elders. The present session consists of John S. Davis, William Q. Snodgrass, John McQuiston, Robert Bennett and Perry Marshall. The membership is about seventy-five. In 1840 it was 350. Rev. J. A. Collins v^as pastor from 1858 to 1863; J. B. Waddle from 1866 to 1871; John Armstrong from 1875 to 1877; Rev. D. F. Dickson came as stated supply in August, 1878, and was installed pastor in June, 1880. He remained until 1882. At present a vacancy exists. Ebenezer Associate Reformed Church was organized in 1864. Its mem- bers had withdrawn from the United Presbyterian Church for political reasons, and connected themselves with the Ass&ciate Reformed Church of the South. The congregation started with thirty-five members, and its first pastor was Rev. James Burrows, who is yet in charge. In 1868 a church was erected in the northwest corner of Tract 790. James Martin and Free Patton were the first Elders, Robert Martin and William G. Wade the present ones. In Septem- ber, 1881, the congregation on application was received into the United Pres- byterian Presbytery. The membership is sixty. North Bank Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1824 with about nine members by Rev. Charles Thorn. Among the earliest members were Charles Campbell and wife, William Fonner and wife, Aaron Herriott and wife, Mark Royal and Rebecca and Christina Fonner. It was attached to Williamsport, Ohio, Circuit, and at first preaching was held on week days, once in four weeks. Early meetings were held in private houses and in the schoolhouse until about 1845 where the present church was built in the north- ern part of Tract 67 on land donated by Charles Campbell. The building was remodeled in 1878 at a cost of over $1,000. The membership is about fifty. The congregation is a part of Espyville Circuit. CHAPTER XXII. SPARTA TOWNSHIP. Spaeta Township— Boxindakies—Ehection— Population— Physical Feat- ures-Mills — Land Companies— Early Pioneers— Early Justice- Early School Teachers. Borough of Spartansbueg— Location— Business— Early Settlers— First Name- Incorporation— Officers— Religious Organization— Societies. SPARTA TOWNSHIP occupies the northeast corner of Crawford County, and is bounded on the north by Erie and on the east by Warren County; Rome Township bounds it on the south, and Bloomfield on the west. The territory of Sparta in 1800 was a part of Mead Township, but in the same year it was made a portion of the newly organized Oil Creek. In 1811 Bloomfield was erected, and included the whole of Sparta, which in 1829 became a separate township. By Act of Assembly approved April 23, 1829, Sparta Township was made a new election district, and the house of George White appointed SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 631 as the voting place. It has an area of 24,883 acres. The population in 1850 was 884; in 1860, 1,254; in 1870, 1,131; in 1880, 1,181. The apparent decrease for the last two decades is produced by the separate enumeration of Spartansburg, previously included in the census of the township. The surface is rolling and hilly, and is drained by the East Branch of Oil Creek, together with Britton. It contains the highest land in the county, many of the sum- mits rising to an altitude of 1,225 feet above Lake Erie. The principal woods were hemlock, beech and maple, interspersed with groves of pine and with ash, cherry, bass and elm. A considerable part of the land is yet uncleared, and lumbering is an important industry. William B. Sterling, in 1829, erected the first saw-mill. It stood on Oil Creek, Tract 1614, and was operated by the builder fifteen years, then abandoned. The Akins', at Spar- tansburg, constructed the second saw-mill, and George Tucker the third, near Glyndon Station, operating it for many years. The saw-mills now include Lamb's water-mill and handle factory, on Tract 1650, two and a half miles south from Spartansburg; Akin's steam-saw and planing-mill, a mile north- east of the village; Ogden's and Himebaugh Bros.' steam mills, in the southeast part; Taylor's water-mill, on Tract 1610, Britton Run; Chase's steam mill, in the southern part; and several shingle-mills. Only the soft woods were sawed by the early mills, cucumber, hemlock, pine and poplar. The first grist-mill was erected near the west line of the township, on Britton Kun, by Andrew Britton. It was what was denominated a corn- cracker, not rising to the dignity of a fiour-mill; but it was a welcome addition to the neighboring settlers, who could fare sumptuously on corn-bread, wild meats and potatoes. The mill had an overshot water-wheel, and was situated at the very headwaters of the run. The flow of water,' however, was much stronger than now. The next corn -cracker was owned and operated in early times by Moses Higgins. It stood on Cold Brook, in Tract 286, in the north- east part of the township. William B. Sterling erected, on the site of his abandoned saw-mill, a carding and fulling-mill which he operated for about fifteen years. The northern part of Sparta was a portion of the vast domains of the Hol- land and North American Land Companies. The southern part is included within the Eighth Donation District. The first settlements were made in the northern part, though they were few. A tragic interest attaches to this locality from the brutal murder of Hugh Fitz Patrick by a ruffian stranger, George Speth Van Holland. Mr. Fitz Patrick was one of the foremost pioneers, having settled here prior to 1810. His cabin stood on the line between Tracts 286 and 398, near Akin's saw-mil], a mile northeast of Spartans- burg. Here he dwelt in the wilderness in February, 1817, with his wife, the daughter of Daniel Carlin, of Eome Township, and their infant daughter, only a few weeks old when thS terrible deed was committed.* Among the earliest pioneers were Patrick Fitz Patrick and a brother to Hugh, Andrew Britton, and the Prices, all of whom had settled here prior to 1810. Patrick Fitz Patrick located in the northeast part of Tract 398. He died and was buried on the farm. His son Andrew afterward managed the farm for awhile, then moved away, JAndrew Britton came with his father from near Philadelphia and settled in the extreme western part, on the farm now owned by Horace Alsdurf. He raised a large family, cleared a large farm and removed to Ohio. The Prices settled on Tract 406 in the northwest corner of the township. The Blakeslees were the most numerous early family. Eeuben Blakeslee * See County History for full account. 632 HISTORY OF CRAWFOBD COUNTY. in 1817 came from Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., to Meadville, and in the following spring to Sparta, settling on Tract 158, a mile south of Spartans- burg, where he died July 20, 1848, aged sixty-two years. He was soon fol- lowed to Sparta Township by his brothers, David, Jason, Hiram, Jesse, Ger- sham and John, and their father David. The father had been a Captain in the war of 1812; he settled on Tract 150, a mile and a half southwest from Spartansburg and remained till death. David BJakeslee, Jr., also settled on this tract. Jason found a home on Tract 1663, in the southwest part, and Jesse on Tract 150. Gersham located in the southern part on Tract 1659. Hiram settled in Richmond Township, and John in Kome, the latter after- ward moving to Michigan. Gersham died in Concord Township, Brie County. The others remained in Sparta till death, and most of the brothers still have descendants in the township. Hugh Coil, an Irishman, son of Roger Coil, of Rome Township, settled about 1815 on Tract 1644 in the southern part of the township, and remained there till death. He was a Baptist minister, and a successful hunter and farmer. Walter Crouch some time prior to 1820 located a home on Tract 1612 in the southern part of the township. He first erected a little shanty, hanging a blanket over the door-way. This protection did not prove adequate against the wild denizens of the forest, for the wolves came in one day during his absence and devoured a young porker domiciled within. Mr. Crouch soon after departed for other regions. Henry Graves settled on the same tract, also, anterior to 1820. He was a farmer and a cooper, and died in Rome Township. Alonson Spaulding was here equally early. He settled in the southwest part but soon after moved away. Stephen Curtis settled early on Tract 1664 in the southwest part of the township. He died in consequence of a kick from a horse, and his family soon afterward sought a home elsewhere. From 1820 to 1830 a considerable number of settlers arrived. Among them were: Benjamin Rorobeck, who had served in the war of 1812, Joshua Whitney, George White, hailing from Whitehall, N. Y. ; Samuel Holmes and Nathan Southwiok. Many of those who settled in the Donation District in the southern part of the township came from Washington County, N. Y. William Kinney, from that county, settled on Tract 150, a mile and a half southwest from Spartansburg, in 1824, and remained there until his death. His brother Freeman Kinney arrived a few years later. William B. Spauld- ing, from near Albion, N. Y., came in 1828, and settled on Tract 1614. In 1864 he removed to Corry. Few of the earliest pioneers remained in Sparta through life. The township is not yet thoroughly settled, a considerable body of uncleared land remaining in the eastern part. Early houses of entertainment were kept by Mr. Blakeslee and George White. At the cabin of the latter East Bloomfield Postoffice was established, the first in the township. During the years 1826-27, before the erection of schoolhouse or church, religious meetings were conducted by Rev. Amos Chase at the cabin of Marcus Turner. Dr. Horace Eaton was the first physician. The Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Rai Iroad crosses the township centrally from northeast to southwest. Glyndon is a station near the south line. William B. Sterling was the first Justice of the Peace. One of his first official duties was to prescribe justice to an unloving couple, who could not long occupy the same house without an undue exhibition of connubial infe- licity by way of numerous hair pullings and other marks of deficient affection. The Justice decreed that the better half should remain in sole and exclusive possession of the cabin, and that her consort under the penalties of the law should not approach within a radius of two miles. The children, however. • SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 633 were allowed by the terms of the legal instrument prepared to pass beyond this limit and visit their father. The first school was taught by Patty Blakeslee in a deserted cabin which stood about a mile south from Spartansburg. The next was taught by Miss Phcebe Patton in the first schoolhouse built in the township. It stood in the southern part, near the northwest corner of Tract 1644. Miss Phoebe Dickey soon after succeeded and instructed the youth for several years. Stephen Post was also a pioneer pedagogue here. Miss Euth Gleason held a term about 1838 in a schoolhouse built a half mile west of the village. BOKOUGH OF SPARTANSBURG. Spartansburg is a thriving borough, situated near the center of Sparta Township, for the people of which the village is the chief trading and business point. The census of 1870 accredited it with 457 inhabitants, and of 1880 with 486. The population now exceeds five hundred. The Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad passes through its midst and the east branch of Oil Creek meanders southward, affording excellent water-power. The surrounding country is not yet wholly divested of its primeval forests, as the numerous saw- mills throughout this region fully attest. At Spartansburg is a saw-mill, shingle-mill, planing-mill, grist-mill and woolen-mill. Its mercantile busi- ness includes two dry goods stores, five groceries, two drug stores, two hard- ware stores and a furniture store. It has also two millinery establishments, two meat markets, a bank, two hotels, two churches, three physicians, a dent- ist, two harness-shops, two blacksmith-shops, one shoe-shop, and a wagon- shop. The schoolhouse is a commodious two-story frame structure, containing three apartments, all of which are required to accommodate the youth of the village. Spartansburg Bank was organized in January, 1882. I. H. Burt is President, and P. D. Catlin, Cashier. The first clearing was made by Abraham Blakeslee, on land east of the creek. Soon after 1830 Andrew and Aaron Akin, two brothers from Erie County, erected a grist and saw-mill on the creek in the woods, and thus gave origin to the village. The mill property has passed through many hands and is now owned by Eldred & Thompson. The saw-mill has been abandoned, and to the water-power of the grist-mill steam has been superadded. The mill has five run of stone and is widely patronized. Andrew and Aaron Akin, having disposed of the mill which they founded in the wilderness in 1837, started the first store. Eli D. Catlin was the next proprietor of the store. He also operated an ashery for a few years. He became the pro- prietor of most of the land in the borough west of the creek, and surveyed and laid out the village plat. Jotham Blakeslee was an early blacksmith. Smallman & McWilliams in 1849 built on the creek a card- ing and fulling-mill. It was purchased by Harvey Lamb, who in 1862 enlarged the building and converted it into a well-fitted woolen-mill, which he still operates. Chaunoey Akin in early times had a small bowl factory, William Bassett a chair factory, and John McWilliams a tannery, all of which have long ceased to exist. The village has grown slowly and steadily up to the present time. In March, 1878, it was visited by a destructive tire which swept both sides of Main Street from the depot westward to the dis- tance of a square, reducing to ashes about thirty buildings, including the business part of the village. From this disaster the town speedily recovered and the site of the ruins has been covered by new and more commodious structures. In early times the vi llage was called Akinsville. On the establishment of a 634 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. postoffice some time after, its name was changed to Spartansburg, and as such it was incorporated in 1856. The early records are not at hand. Eecent Bur- gesses have been the following: C. H. Buck, 1868; J. W. Williams, 1869, A. M. Ketchum acting as Burgess the greater part of that year ; G. F. Kooster, 1870; E. D. White, 1871 ; Charles W. Hewell, 1872 ; C. M. Newell, 1873; John G. Burlingham. 1874 ; W. W. White, 1875 ; H. L. White, 1876; S. H. Blakeslee, 1877; Harvey Lamb, 1878-79; I'rank Fralick, 1880-81; J. L. Con- ner, 1882; D. W. Tryon, 1883; William Elston, 1884. Bloomfield Baptist Church was formed in June, 1820, by Rev. James Will- iams, a licensed Baptist minister, assisted by Elder O. Alford. A portion of thei membership was from Erie County, and in J 823 meetings were transferred to Concord Township, that county. The society flourished, conducting services just across the line, two and a half miles north of Spartansburg, until about 1849, when Spartansburg Baptist Congregation was formed by the removal of Concord Society to this borough. At this time A. J. Millard and wife, A. Matteson, Joseph Cook and wife, John Carpenter and wife, Isaac Shreve and wife, and Benjamin Darrow and wife were the leading members. . The church was built in 1851. It is a substantia), commodious frame structure. This con- gregation has been attended by Elders Pierce, Devan, Mills, Kelsee, Hayes, DuBois, George Shearer, Dennison and Hovey. The last named is the present pastor, entering upon his duties in January, 1884. Spartansburg Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1827, by Eev. I. H. Tackett. Zebulon Miller, Abner Miller, James Miller, Orrin Miller, Corey Goldin, Green Alsdurf and wife, and Robert Goldin were early members. Meetings were first held in the schoolhouse, a fourth mile west of the village, then in the schoolhouse in the eastern part of the borough and afterward in the Presbyterian Church until the present edifice was reared in 1877. It is located east of the creek, is about 34x60 feet in size,' and cost $2,600. Until the church was erected the membership at no time exceeded thirty-five. It has since increased to about 120. Spartansburg Circuit was formed in 1870 and has had the following pastors: L. D. Brooks, 1870; J. Garnett, 1871-72; T. Burrows, 1873-74; J. W. Wilson, 1875-76-77; C. M. Coburn, 1878-79-80; I. D. Darling, 1881-82; T. W. Douglass, 1883. The circuit includes four appointments, three of which, Beaver Dam, Elgin and Concord, are in Erie County. Prior to the creation of this circuit Spartansburg society had been attached to various circuits, Cambridge, Riceville, Spring Creek and others. The Presbyterian Church of Sparta was organized May 21, 1844, by Revs. George W. Hampson and Amos Chase. Its first members were Eli D. Catlin and Mabel his wife, Wolcutt Bennett and Sally his wife, Mrs. Lua Smith, Joseph Culver, Mrs. Mary Culver, Eli D. Catlin, Jr., Mrs. Sarah Catlin, Isaac Farndon and Nancy his wife, William McLay, Nathan Southwick, Josiah Brown, Charles Day and wife, and John Day and Sarah his wife. The first Elders were Josiah Brown, Eli D. Catlin and Horace Day. Eli D. Catlin, Jr., Henry J. Smith, Charles Huntley and Isaac Farndon 'since served in that capacity. Meetings were held in the old schoolhouse until a. large frame church was erected on the south side of Main Street. It was dedicated in October, 1849, by Rev. George W. Hampson. The church never had an installed pastor. Rev. William Johns commenced his labors as supply in 1844. Eev. O. M. Chapin followed him in 1851, remaining until 1866. Rev. Daniel M. Rankin succeeded and remained eighteen months and since then there have been no regular services and the congregation is no longer active. A Congregational Church was organized October 15, 1875, by a council SPRING TOWNSHIP. 635 composed of representatives from seven surrounding congregations. The original membership included J. T. Waid, W. W. Youngson and William Major, who were the first Elders; Homer J. Hall, Porter S. Ketchum, Jones. Major, Peter P. Beisel, Isaac Catern, Eli Deland and sixteen female members Services have been held in the Presbyterian Church. Eev. L. L. Radclifif sup- plied the church for a few months, followed by Kev. W. S. McKellar, who remained four years. The pulpit was then filled by several supplies of brief duration, after which no regular services have been held. The membership is about thirty. A Lodge of Odd Fellows was organized at Spartansburg about 1850, main- tained probably ten years, then disbanded. Spartan Lodge, No. 372, F. & A. M., was organized January 2, 1867, with eleven members. It now numbers thirty and meets on the first Monday evening of each month. Success Council, No. 194, Royal Arcanum, was instituted December 10, 1878. It has now about thirty members and meets the second and fourth Mon- days of each month. Eev. W. S. McKellar was the first Regent. The Order of the Guardian Knights was organized at Spartansburg in 1879. The Supreme Encampment was incorporated October 16, 1879, and its officers for 1880-81 were: W. S. McKellar, Supreme Commander; F. E. Mulkie, Inspector; Paul Blackmar, Prelate; J. T. Waid, Surgeon; John I. Thompson, Recorder; A. W. Hecker, Treasurer; E. A. Hoffman, Captain of the Guard; John Jude, Lieutenant of the Guard; T. G. Tyler, Sentinel; William M. Major, Vidette. The Order has a total membership of about 500. Dirigo Encamp- ment, No. 1, was organized at Spartansburg in 1879, and now has about thirty memberfe. It meets the first and third Mondays of each month. CHAPTER XXIII. SPRING TOWNSHIP. Spring Township— Name— Physical Fkatures— Population— Land Titles- Early Settlers— Adventures of Pioneers— Early^ Mills— Lumbering —Early Schools— Teachers— Religious Organizations— Eundel's Post- office. Borough of Conneautville — Incorporation — Election— Officers-Fire Department— Population— Canal Days— Present Industries— Mercan- tile Pursuits— Alexander Power— Original Plat— First Settlers— Press— Bank— Cemetery— Agricultural Societies— Schools— Churches —Societies. Borough of Spring— Location— Population— Business— First Settlers— Postoffice-Incorporation— Election— Officers— School — Churches- Societies. WHEN the second general sub-division of the county occurred, in 1829, one of the new northern ones was christened Snowhill. This dreary title was displeasing to its citizens, inasmuch as a neighboring township pos- sessed the genial name of Summerhill, so they petitioned the Judge of the Court to grant them a new name. He listened kindly to their prayer, and vested the township with the genial title Spring. The cabin of Hiram Wood- ward was fixed upon by the Assembly a,s the first election place. The town- ship is regular in outline, seven miles east and west, and almost as great north 636 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. and south. Its three western tiers of tracts were received from Beaver Town- ship, the four eastern from Cussewago. The western part is drained by Con- neaut Creek, which flows northward and reaches Lake Erie; the eastern part by the headwaters of Cussewago Creek, a tributary of French Creek. The soil is of good quality and well adapted either for grain-raising or grazing. The Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad crosses north and south through the western tier of tracts, and the old Beaver and Erie Canal followed the course of Con- neaut Creek through the township. The population of Spring in 1850 was 1,836; in 1860 it was 1,862; in 1870, 1,522, and in 1880, 1,524 The village of Spring was included in the first two enumerations mentioned. The two northern tiers of tracts and the fractions above them were patented by individuals, as were also twelve tracts extending in two rows from Con- neautville northward, and one tract east of the village. The balance of the township was owned by the Pennsylvania Population Company except six sec- tions in the southeast part, which were the property of the Holland Land Com- pany. Contracts for settlement were made by the former company with the persons and at the dates below given. The amount of land negotiated for in each tract and the result are also given: James Luce, Tract 687, November 20, 1797, 200 acres; deed delivered to Philip Mott February 27, 1805. Elijah Luce, 638, November 27, 1797, 200 acres; deed delivered to Philip Mott in 1805. Michael Sloops, 645, November 27, 1797, 200 acres; settled under con- tract. 646, unsold. George Nelson, 647, September 21, 1797, 301 acres; set- tled under contract. Gravner Bailey, 648, October 14, 1797, 200 acres; small improvement made by Bailey and abandoned; intruded on in 1801, and again abandoned after three or four years settlement. 649, 650 and 651, intruded on a few years and since abandoned. 652, Samuel Powers, April 24, 1805, 100 acres; Powers was first an intruder, then a purchaser, and has since left the land and country. John Burna, 653, November 10, 1797, 200 acres; settled two or three years under the contract, then intruded on and since abandoned. 654, unsold. 655, James Gardner, November 1, 1797, 100 acres; settled under contract. 656, unsold. 657, James Patterson, November 1, 1797, 100 acres; settled under contract. 658. Samuel Patterson, November 1, 1797, 200 acres; settled under contract. 659,' James McKee, November 28, 1809, 100 acres; settled under contract. 660, Hugh Montgomery, September 24. 1797, 200 acres; settled under contract. 665, Hugh Montgomery, September 24, 1797, 100 acres; settlement completed. 666, unsold. 671, Gardner Rhodes, August 20, 1798, 200 acres ; deed delivered to Rhcfties, who conveyed to Daniel Compton. 672, Samuel Rhodes, November 20, 1798, 200 acres; deed deliv- ered to Rhodes. 677, small improvement under contract and given up to com- pany. ' 678, John Lock, November 20, 1797, 200 acres; small improvement, then abandoned. Both 677 and 678 were intruded upon in 1801, 1802 and 1803, but since abandoned. As indicated by the above, dissensions were rife between the company and the occupants of the land. A number who settled under contract were after- ward led to believe that the company had no good title, and in consequence abandoned the contract and often sought to hold the entire tract by virtue of their rights as resident settlers. In this attempt, however, they were ultimately worsted. Others settled on the tracts without a contract, expecting under the land laws to acquire a title by virtue of residence and improvements made. In this they were disappointed, as the land company maintained its claim after lengthy litigation in the courts. The first contracts for settlement on the Holland Land Company's tracts in the eastern part of this township were as follows: Tract 1, Samuel Patterson Missing Page Missing Page SPRING TOWNSHIP. 639 100 acres gratuity, 50 acres sold, 150 acres, contract dated August 13, 1798, deed delivered June 11, 1812; Tract 3, Joseph Stanford, 100 acres gratuity, 50 acres sold, contract dated May 22, 1797, deed executed September 23, 1804; Tract 6, John Summers, 100 acres gratuity, 50 acres sold, May 23, 1798, deed delivered June 2, 1803; Tract 9, Andrew Parker, 100 acres gratuity, 50 acres sold, September 13, 1799, repurchased; Tract 12, Joseph Stanford, 100 acres gratuity, 50 acres sold, September 13, 1799, deed executed June 2, 1803; Tract 15, Joseph Baker, 100 acres gratuity, 50 acres sold. May 17, 1797. Alexander and William Power in 1794 and 1795 located several tracts near Conneautville and about 1804 the former removed to the site i of that village and became its founder. In 1797 Samuel Fisher, with his wife, four sous and three daughters, emigrated from Cumberland County and settled at Guntown, a mile north of Conneautville. He remained here till his death at the age of seventy-five years. His son Thomas was the first Justice of the Peace in what is now Spring Township, was a Major of militia and served three months at Erie, and in old age removed to Wisconsin, where he died. Chriytopher Ford settled on the tract north of Spring Borough prior to 1798. He had a large family and about 1816 sold his farm and removed to Conneaut, Ohio. James Orr was another of the foremost pioneers and was the proprietor of the two tracts upon parts of which Spring Borough is located. After a few years' residence Mr. Orr removed from the vicinity. Other pioneers prior to 1800, says Judge Crozier, were James McNamara, John Foster, Samuel Thompson, Rebecca Simpson, Samuel McKee, George Nelson, Henry Mott, James Smiley, William and John Gardner, Andrew Parker and Martin Montgomery. Of these, he continues. Smiley, Montgomery, William Fisher, Parker and " Kentucky Sam" Fisher settled on the Land Company's tracts and afterward left. George Nelson hailed from Ireland. His children were James, John, Robert and Margaret (McDowell). Other early settlers were John Fleming, Samuel Simpson and David and James Thomp- son. Henry Cook came in 1799 from Westmoreland County, and settled two miles north of Spring Borough, where he remained till death. From 1804 to 1816 little improvement was made except the clearing of land and the gradual substitution of hewed- log for round-log cabins. The increase in population was scarcely perceptible, but about 1816 an immigration com- menced from the East, and ten or twelve years later nearly every tract was occupied by two or more families. Among these first settlers from the East were the Bowmans, Powells, Halls, Wells, Sturtevants, Woodards, Woods, Sheldons, Temples, Hurds, Ponds, Hotchkisses, Baldwins, Mylers, Wetmores, Greens, Jenks, Bolards and Thomases. In the east part of the township were Piatt Rogers, Robert Temple, Justice Ross, Judd Hotchkiss, the Sperrys, Run- dels and others. Bowman bought the Ford farm; Powell, the McKee farm; the Halls, the Orr farm: Myler the McNamara farm; W. P. Thomas the Scott farm; Bolard the John Thompson farm. The others purchased unimproved farms and underwent all the toils and privations of pioneer life. Mrs. Thomas Fisher and Mrs. David Thompson were once picking berries, when they heard the vigorous squealing of a hog in the woods just over the brow of a hill. Hastening in that direction the unfortunate pig was discovered in the clutches of a large bear, which was devouring it alive. Mrs. Thomp- son went for assistance and soon reappeared with Thomas Fisher, who with his rifle speedily killed offending Bruin. Henry Christy while hunting discovered in a dense thicket at the foot of a poplar tree an old bear and three half grown cubs. The recognition was mutual, and before he could get a shot the old bear was upon him, while the 640 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. cubs ascended a tree. By a precipitous retreat he eluded his pursuer after quite a race. Twice again he advanced, but could not see the bear until within twenty or thirty feet of it. Each time he was discovered before he could draw a bead on the bear and only saved his life by fleeing in hot haste. At the fourth advance he secured a shot and the bear fell dead. In reloading he found he had lost all his bullets in his pell-mell races. He at once went to a house a half mile away, moulded some bullets and returning added the three young bears to the products of the chase that day. About 1805 John Foster was at work upon a new house about a mile from his cabin. About noon his wife sent their little boy about four years old to call his father to dinner. The boy not arriving, Mr. Poster worked away for some time, and at last started home alone. When he reached his cabin Le was surprised to learn that his son had been sent to summon him to his noon- day meal. An anxious search for the missing boy was at once commenced; the neighbors far and near scoured the woods in all directions, but no trace of the lost child was ever discovered. Conjectures of his probable fate were various; by many it was supposed he was picked up and carried off by strag- gling Indians. In 1830 Robert Foster, another son of John Foster, went deer hunting. The snow was six inches deep and a bitter cold evening approached, but the young hunter did not return. The suspense at length became unbearable and a search was instituted. On the third day, when from 200 to 300 men were threading the forest in a tireless quest, he was found dead within eighty rods of the house. It was believed that bewilderment and fatigue had overcome him while wandering cirouitously through the blinding drift storm. Hunting was often indulged in by the pioneers, and usually resulted suc- cessfully. Among the most successful deer slayers were Robert Foster, Andrew Christy, Thomas Fisher and George G. Foster. The last named once killed eight in one day, and Mr. Fisher shot a total of fifteen in three suc- cessive days. The earliest settlers brought flour, meal, salt, etc., from Pittsburgh. These were conveyed in boats propelled by from six to twelve men with poles as far as Meadville, and thence were carried on horseback, or quite frequently by the settler along paths and across streams until the destination was reached. In 1799 Alexander Power erected a grist-mill on Conneaut Creek, nearly opposite the Conneautville Catholic Chiu:ch. Jacob Hildebrand and W. Wil- verton were the millwrights and received for the work £84. The irons cost £34. Matthew McClure and John Sloan made the mill-stones from the native rock, receiving £12. The blacksmith work was done by Mr. Chamberlain, of Meadville. The mill proved a great convenience to the settlers, and it was replaced in 1805 by a second mill erected about one-fourth of a mile below. This was a double-geared mill with breast-wheel and one run of stone and bolts. The building was made of hewed-logs, and the roof was built of shingles. George Dickson was the millwright. In 1829 and 1830 Mr. Power built a third grist-mill where the Power mill now stands. In 1801 Samuel Fisher erected a saw and grist-mill on Conneaut Creek about a mile north of Conneautville. William Crozier was the millwright. The grist mill was con- structed with a hewed- log- house, lap-shingle roof, undershot wheel, one run of stone, bolt and screen, and was when built one of the best mills in Craw- ford County, doing most of the grinding of northwestern Crawford and south- western Erie. Ark Jenks erected a saw and grist-mill on Conneaut Creek near the Erie County line in 1820, and Robert Foster built a grist-mill a mile south of Spriiig Corners. ^ SPRING TOWNSHIP. 641 The saw-mill built by Mr. Fisher was the first in the township. Previous to its operation, in most cabins the floors consisted of slabs or puncheons split from logs. Doors, benches, tables, stools and bridges were fashioned in a like manner. Clapboards, split in the same way, and bark served for roofing. Mr. Holmes built a saw-mill at Spring Corners. Piatt Rogers, in 1820, constructed the first saw-mill in the eastern part of the township at Rundel's. Frederick Bolard, who came from Erie in 1816, in connection with farming did an extensive business in manufacturing bells. Every farmer then used bells for his oxen, cows and sheep, and sometimes they were put on horses when the latter pastured in the woods. Christopher Ford built the first distillery, prior to 1800. John Foster erected a second, Luther Eundel in 1820 built one at Eundeltown. Others were erected, biit all have long since disappeared, Gurdon and E. B. Wood in 18l7 and 1818 built the first wool-carding and cloth-dressing establishment on Conneaut Creek, two miles north of Conneaut- ville. The second was erected by Collins Hall at Spring Corners, and after doing business there for a few years was removed by the owner to Gun- town. These mills did a good business in their day. Their owners have moved tft the West. Before the mills were set in operation the wool was carded by hand by the women of the household, and then spun into yarn, The opening of the canal gave an impetus to the lumber trade, and water and steam saw- mi lis were erected wherever the timber would warrant. White- wood, ash, lumber and staves found a ready sale in the Eastern markets ; oak timber for building canal-boats, railroad cars and vessels at Erie was in good demand. Hemlock timber was sold for building and fencing in the Southern market. Farmers went into the lumbering business to the neglect of their farms. The country was rapidly cleared, and the lumber now remaining is all required for home use. Saw-milling is still followed in various parts of the township, and among the mills may be mentioned Sheldon's saw and shingle-mill about two miles northeast from Springboro; Dunn's steam saw and shingle and corn-grinding mill about four miles east, and Hickernall's steam saw-mill. Miss Jane Garner taught the first school in 1811 or 1812 in a log school - house erected on the old Cook farm two miles north of Springboro. The chil- dren who attended it were: Christopher Ford's two miles south: James McKee's, three-fourths of a mile southwest; John Garner's two and a half miles southeast; John Fleming's one mile northeast, and Thomas Ford's two miles north. Mrs. Mitty Beals taught a term in her own cabin within the present limits of Springboro about 1817. An early schoolhouse was built on the Powell farm, a mile north of the borough. Mr. Phillips, John Nichols and many others taught there. The first public religious instruction in the township was dispensed about 1817 by George Stuntz, a local Methodist preacher, at the cabin of Henry Cook. In that year he formed a band of religious people, including Watkin and Sarah Powell, David Hurd and wife and Henry Nickerson and wife, all of whom were Pres- byterians, and Elihu Eathbun and wife, Mary Cook and John Peats, who were Methodists. In 1821 Rev. T. C. Truscott, of Erie Circuit, preached to the class once every four weeks, and the following year Eev. W. H. Collins, of the same circuit, disastrously attempted to .make the class exclusively Methodist in its cast. The Presbyterians then organized a congregation, erected a small house of worship about a mile north from Springboro, and for a number of years maintained the organization. Eev. John Boyd was the pastor. Many of its members afterward united with the Christian Church. Spring and Cussewago Baptist Church was constituted in the spring of 642 HISTORY OF^CRAWFORD COUNTY. 1837 by Elder Albert Keith, with twenty-seven members, including William Case the first Deacon, John Turneur, Stutley Oarr, Sr., Stutley Carr, Jr., and others. J. S. Bacon, James Patterson, Gamaliel Head and others united until the membership swelled to eighty. It then declined, and in 1852 united as a body with the Springboro congregation. A church edifice had been built in 1838 near the east line of Spring Township, and is still standing, though it has been unoccupied for many years. A class of the ancient Wesleyan persuasion was organized^in 1889 at Hick- ernell's Corners. The original class included Benjamin Haak, Abraham Hick- ernell, Sr., Abraham Hickernell, Jr., John Michael and others. Eev. William Howard was the first pastor. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse until 1842, when a frame meeting-house was erected on the site of the present United Brethren Church. The society attained a membership of sixty, then languished. From the remnants of this society Kev. Willis Lampson in 1850 organized a United Brethren class, its original membership including the Hickernells, Haaks, Michaels, Maynards and others. The old Wesleyan Church was occu- pied until destroyed by fire about 1857. A year or two later a frame churc;^, 28x36, was erected on the same lot at a cost of $800. It is still used. Early ministers were: Revs. Michael Oswald, G. W. Franklin, William Cadman and Robert Watson. The class forms a part of Oussewago Circuit, and now num- bers sixty members. It is the only church in Spring Township. Rundel's is a postoffice and hamlet in the southeast part. It contains a store, steam saw-mill, cheese factory, blacksmith- shop, wagon-shop and hand rake factory. The only other postofiice in the township is Hickernell' s, recently established at Hiekernell's Corners, where a store may also be found. The township is made famous by " Shadeland," the great stock farm of Powell Bros., which has acouired national repute. The estate comprises more than 1,000 acres of choice land, located a mile north from Spring Borough. It is improved by a handsome residence and half a hundred capacious and substantial barns, stables and outbuildings, admirably adapted to the breeding of pure-bred imported live-stock of various classes. A large corps of employes is required, and an immense business is transacted. Spring Grange, No. 263, was organized May 18, 1874, with twenty-six charter members. Its first Master was W. F. Head; first Secretary, I. S. Bail. It now has thirty-seven members. Present Master, S. B. Lawrence; present Secretary, I. S. Bail. Meets regularly at the residence of the Secre- tary, I. S. Bail, on the first and third Saturday evenings of each month. BOEOUGH OP CONNEAUTVILLB. Conneautville, the third place in size and importance in Crawford County, was incorporated as a borough by act of the State Legislature of 1843-44. In compliance with the terms of the act the first election was held Friday, May 24, 1844, at which date the following borough ofiicers were elected: John E. Patton, Burgess; Willian* S. Crozier, Minor T. Carr, George M. Meyler and Charles Rich, Council; Daniel Scovil, High Constable; J. W. Brigden, Clerk; Chancellor St. John and Alexander M. Stilwell, Street Commissioners; Sam- uel C, Sutliff, Assessor. Mr. Patton served as Burgess until 1853, and his sue-' cessors with dates of election have been as follows: C. Courtright, 1853; J. E. Patton, 1854; J. Norton, 1855; J. E. Patton, 1856; H. Z. Howe, 1857; S. G. Krick, 1858-59; William H. Darby, 1860; W. W. Power, 1861; W. L. Rob- inson, 1862; M. Landon, 1863; N. Truesdale, 1864; W. B. Gleason, 1865; Matthew Stilwell, 1866; David Bligh, 1867; G. W. Slayton, 1868; H. J. SPRING TOWNSHIP. 643 Cooper, 1869; W. A. Hammon, 1870; J. C. Sturtevant, 1871; F.' Molthrop, 1872; J. Bolard, 1873-74-75; H. A. Brinker, 1876; Irvin S. Krick, 1877; T. F. Scott, 1878-79; W. W. Power, 1880-81; John W. Crider, 1882: W. A. Kupert, 1883; E. L. Litchfield, 1884. The borough about 1878 erected a. twostory frame engine-house on Canal Street. It dlso owns a good hand tire- engine, which has been in service for about twenty-five years. The fire department includes a hook and ladder company. The population of Conneautville in 1850 was 787; in 1870, 1,000, and in 1880, 941. The borough received its territory partly from Spring and partly from Summerhill Township. It is located in the valley of Conneaut Creek, and on the old Beaver and Erie Canal. It is one and a half miles east of the Erie & Pittsburgh Eailroad, with which it is in communication by hack lines. A rich and populous agricultural district surrounds the borough, and of the northwestern portion of Crawford County Conneautville is the principal trad- ing point. In the palmy days of the canal, business was brisker than at pres- ent. A heavy lumbering business was transacted here through the facilities afforded by this water-course, and the village reached a population of almost 1,200 in 1860. The discontinuance of the canal wrought a temporary depres- sion of trade, but during the last few years business has again revived, and the present improvements and growth of Conneautville bespeak its future wel- fare. Among its industries may be«specially mentioned the extensive tannery of J. Bolard & Co., with which the one at Spring Borough has been recently consolidated; the Saxon Chemical Works, where acetate of lime, alco- hol, tar and charcoal are produced from hard woods ; the foundry of Moulthrop & Sons; the large furniture establishment of William H. Derby; another, owned by J. Field; the two grist-mills, one operated by steam and water, owned by O. O. Ticknor & Co., the other operated by water and owned by Butts & Co., both custom mills; and the woolen-mills of J. W. Crider. The mercantile business of the borough includes three general or dry goods stores, four groceries, three drug stores, three clothing stores, two tailoring establishments, two jewelry stores, two furniture stores, one boot and shoe store, two hardware stores, three millinery stores and two tin-shops. There . are also several meat mai'kets, two hotels, two livery stables, a marble-shop, a wagon-shop, three blacksmith-shops, two cooper-shops, two shoe-shops and three harness-shops. Four physicians, two lawyers and two dentists reside and practice at Conneautville. Alexander Power was the founder of the village. When a young, unmar- ried man, scarcely past his majority, he with others engaged in the hazardous business of surveying northwestern Pennsylvania during the years 1794 and 1795. Repeatedly the surveying party was obliged to flee from the hostile savages and once the cook, James Thompson, was taken prisoner and conveyed to Detroit, while the camp equipage was scattered and destroyed. While thus engaged, Mr. Power selected a number of tracts which were afterward patented in his name. He was married in 1798 at his home in what is now Perry County, and at once set out on horseback with his wife for a Western home, and settled at the head of Conneaut Lake. About 1804 he removed with his wife and two children to the site of Conneautville, where he remained till his death in May, 1850, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was appointed Justice of the Peace for Allegheny County in 1798 and served many years. About 1800 he built a mill on the site of Butts & Co.'s present mill. Mr. Power was the first Postmaster at Conneautville, receiving his appointment in 1815. His son William was the second. The original plat, as laid out by 644 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Alexander Power in 1815, was rectangular in shape, and was included within High and Main and Arch and Pearl Streets, with a few lots on the southwest side of Main Street. The direction of Main Street is south 60^° east. The public park was included in the original plat. By the construction of the canal the direction of some streets was changed. William Power laid out an addition to the southern line of Spring Township, and the village was after- ward extended into Summerhill. For a number of years it was known as Powerstown. The first house, Alexander Power's, stood on the site of the Presbyterian Church. It was built before the town was laid out. In 1816 William Douglas and Henry Christie erected log-cabins, and in 1817 William Crozier built a frame house, in which he commenced keeping the first tavern in the following December. Peter G. Benway, a shoe-maker, opened a shop in 1819, and Curtis Adams about the same time erected a hewed-log cooper-shop near the corner of Main and Mulberry Streets. His health failing, several years later he abandoned the building, which then became a schoolhouse and ball room. Joseph Pratt, the first blacksmith, came in 1820, occupying the site of the Courier office. Main Street. The first store was kept by Bichard Dibble in 1815, in Alexander Power's dwelling-house. Mr. Power kept the second in the front room of his dwelling, commencing about 1819; Zimri Lewis the third in 1827. Francis McGuire in 1821 erected the first tannery, on the site of the Courtright Block, corner of Main and Pearl Streets. The village continued to grow slowly. The building of the canal produced an influx of laborers, mechanics and tradesmen, and the tide of prosperity set in, which has continued with brief interruption to the present. Two destruct- ive fires have visited the place, one in 1867 and the second in 1874, but the village has recovered from the effects of both. The first newspaper published in Conneautville was the Union, started by Piatt & Son, in October, 1846, and discontinued the following May. Another unsuccessful venture was the Crisis, launched into existence in 1868 by Mr. Field. After three months it was removed to Girard. The first number of the Conneautville Courier was issued November 14, 1847, by A. T. Mead and George W. Brown. A year later Mr. Brown became sole owner by purchase, and in October, 1854, he sold the paper to A. J. Mason and Daniel Sinclair. The subscription list increased so rapidly that the introduction of a steam press became necessary. In 1856 Mason "purchased Sinclair's interest, and in 1862 sold the paper to E. C. and J. H. Frey, to accept the command of a com- pany in service. He was fatally wounded at Fredericksburg, Va. In Febru- ary, 1864, the Frey brothers sold the Courier to J. E. and W. A. Rupert, pub- lishers of the Crawford County Record. The Record was started in 1858 by John W. Patton as an advertising sheet, but soon developed into a regular weekly, and a formidable rival of the Courier. Mr. Patton entered the army at the breaking out of the Eebellion, and died while holding the rank of Major, of wounds received at Chancellorsville in May, 1863. The establishment had been leased, and was subsequently purchased by Fred H. Braggins, who in December, 1863^ sold it to J. E. and W. A. Rupert. After purchasing the Courier they published the consolidated papers, under the title Record and Courier, until 1870, when the old name, Conneautville Courier, was restored by them. These gentlemen still publish the Courier, which is Republican in politics, local in character, and has a wide and extensive circulation through Crawford and adjoining counties. The Conneautville Independent was started in April, 1881, by William F. Zell. In the following June he sold it to Rev. J. S. Gledhill, who in turn dis- SPRING TOWNSHIP. 645 posed of it in September of the same year to W. E. McDowell, its present publisher and editor. As indicated by its name, this paper is independent in politics, and has a good circulation, which is rapidly increasing. The Conneautville National Bank was organized January 1, 1864, and has a capital of $100,000. The present beautiful cemetery was laid out in 1836, and the first burial in its grounds was that of William Foster, aged three years, son of George Gr. Foster. In 1864 the grounds were greatly enlarged. The Crawford County Agricultural Society is the pioneer organization of the kind in the county. It held its first fair at Conneautville in 1852, and fairs have been held annually ever since, increasing in exhibits and visitors until now the society is one of the best and most successful in this portion of the State. The grounds, spacious and well- improved, are located near the south- east corner of the borough. * The first schoolhouse within the limits of the borough was a log building erected in 1812 in the wildarness near Robinson's machine-shops. Long openings for windows were covered with greased paper. The fireplace was without jambs and above the back wall the chimney was built with sticks aod mortar made of clay and cut straw. The firewood used was six or eight feet long. Children attended for several miles around. Josiah Brooks was the first teacher, Sheffield Randal the second, James McEntire the third, and Samuel Steele the fourth. In 1813 or 1814, when the school was in session, a messenger in hot haste brought the false news that the British were landing Indians at the mouth of Conneaut Creek to plunder and slaughter the settlers. The children, thoroughly frightened, were at once dispatched to their homes through the woods to spread the alarm that their parents might prepare for defense. During the term of Samuel Steel the schoolhouse burned. He was an Irish shoe-maker and earned an extra honest penny by cobbling for his patrons. A frame schoolhouse was erected in 1828 on the west corner of Water and Center Streets, wherein early church services were also held. The building now used as a Catholic Church at the west extremity of Washington Street was afterward the village schoolhouse. It contained four rooms and was occupied until the present substantial brick structure was reared in 1867- 68, at an expense of about $20,000. It contains seven rooms and is situated on a fine school lot of nearly four acres near the east end of Washington Street. In the spring of 1829 seven persons, Jesse Danley and wife, Thomas Landon, wife, and daughter Esther, George Nelson and grand-daughter, Mar- garet Nelson, became the original members of the Conneautville Methodist Episcopal Class organized by Rev. Joseph W. Davis, then of Erie Circuit. Early meetings were held in the schoolhouse. In 1837 thirty-two persons subscribed $556 to erect a house of worship. The contract to build was let for $875. Meetings were held in the new frame church in 1838, but it was not finished until 1840. It stood on the southwest corner of Walnut and Main Streets. In 1877 this building was superceded by a handsome brick structure with stone trimmings erected at a contract price of $8, 300, exclusive of cost of lot, on the northwest corner of Water and Walnut Streets. Conneautville Class was made a part of Springfield Circuit in 1829, and ia 1833 of Summer- hill Circuit, changed in 1834toHarmon8burg Circuit. In 1842 Harmonsburg was divided into Conneautville and Evansburg charges. In 1861 Conneaut- ville was divided and Harmonsburg reformed. In 1868 the former became a station. The pastors of Conneautville Society have been since 1828, Samuel Ayres and Daniel Richey, 1829; Samuel Ayres and John C. Ayres, 1830; 646 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Theodore Stowe and W. E. Babcock, 1831; Jacob Jenks and a supply, 1832; Theodore Stowe and Eeuben Peck, 1833; Gustavus Hills and Philander S. Euter, 1834; G. Hills and C. D. Eoekwell, 1835; Benjamin Preston and War- ren Griffith, 1836; Daniel Eichey, C. E. Chapman, 1837; L. D. Prosser, John Deming, 1838; Isaac Schofield, John Deming, 1839; Joseph Leslie, Stephen Heard, S. C. Freer, 1840; Lorenzo Sogers, T. D. Blinn, Albert Norton, 1841; I. H. Tacket, S. 0. Thomas, 1842; "William Patterson, Potter Sullivan, 1843; J. M. Plant, E. M. Bear, 1844; Fortes Morse, William McCormick, 1845; A. L. Miller, Ira Blackford, 1846; A. L. Miller, D. M. Stever, 1847; John Gra- ham, E. T. Wheeler, 1848; John Graham, B. F. Langdon, 1849; William Monks, H. M. Chamberlain, 1850; William Monks, Stephen Hubbard, 1851 J. K. Hallock, W. P. Bignell, 1852; J. K. Hallock, T. S. Bennett, 1853; W C. Henderson, G. W. Staples, 1854; E. M. Bear, James Gilmore, 1855; Jona than Whitely, S. S. Stuntz, 1856; Jonathan Whitely, A. J. Merchant, 1857 Allen Fonts. A. J. Merchant, 1858; Isaiah Lane, W. H Mossman, 1859; J. H. Tagg, W. H. Mossman, 1860; J. H. Tagg, 1861; D. M. Eogers, 1862; J. C. Sullivan, 1863-64-65; Frank Brown, 1866-67; G. Dunmire, 1868-69; N H. Holmes, 1870-71; Henry Sims, 1872; Ira D. Darling, 1873-74-75; A. E. Eich,^ 1876; W. H. Mossman, 1877-78-79; W. W. Painter, 1880-81-82; Francis H. Beck, 1883. The present membership of the church is 136. The First Presbyterian Church at Conneautville was organized with nine members by Eev. Peter Hassinger, October 31, 1835. John Craven was the first Elder elected. The congregation was supplied by Eev. E. Lewis, Eev. D. Waggoner and others until October 4, 1843, when Eev. J. W. Dickey was ordained and installed the first pastor in connection with Harmonsburg and Evansburg, serving until 1847. From 1848 to 1850 Eev. L. P. Bates sup- plied Conneautville and Harmonsburg, and a little later Eev. James Coulter was supply. Eev. George W. Zahniser was installed pastor of Conneautville September 7, 1853, and was released April 13, 1859. Eev. N. S. Lowrie became pastor October 23, 1863; Eev. E. L. Stewart was installed July 6, ]869, and was dismissed in December, 1872; Eev. M. D. A. Steen was installed June 5, 1873; Eev. G. W. Zahniser was supply for one year commencing July 1, 1875, and Eev. W. W. McKinney, the present pastor, was installed May 22, 1877. For eleven years the congregation was divided into two branches, but they were re-united in 1865. The first church was a frame, erected in 1838 on the southwest corner of Washington and Locust Streets. After the division the New School built a church on High Street, used until destroyed by fire in 1867. The present edifice, which has a seating capacity of 400, was dedicated June 14, 1871. It is a handsome brick structure, with stone window- caps and corners and spire 140 feet high, and cost in construction $17,000. The present membership is large. The present session consists of Alexander P. Foster, installed March 6, 1859, Charles S. Booth, Moses W. Oliver, Jr., installed April 8, 1877, and Eobert Montgomery, installed January 14, 1883. Past Elders have been: George G. Foster, Prosper A. Booth, John Craven, Moses W. Oliver, John T. Hubbard, William Borden, Howell Powell and Com- fort Hamilton. The First Universalist Church of Conneautville was organized May 13, 1843. It started with nineteen members, including Charles Eich, S. G. Krick, Mary A. Krick, William Walker, Sallie Walker, Freedom Lord, Jr. , Louisa Lord, Thomas Slay ton, Elvira Slay ton, H. S. Sweet, Wicks Parker, B. F. Hitchcock and Aurelia M. Hitchcock. Early meetings were held in the old schoolhouse and the Baptist Church. About 1846 the building of a frame church was commenced at the north extremity of Pearl Street. The structure was not com- Missing Page Missing Page SPRING TOWNSHIP. 649 pleted until several years later, and is still in use. Rev. B. F. Hitchcock was the founder. His ministerial successors have been: Revs. Ammi Bond, C. L. Shipman, H. C. Canlield, W. S. Bacon, I. K. Richardson, J. H. Campbell, L. F. Porter, J. G. Porter, H. M. Merrill, J. S. Gledhill and 0. L. Shipman. This society purchased the first church bell in the village and the first organ. Its membership has been greatly depleted by removals, and now numbers about seventy. St. Peter's Roman Catholic-Church held its first meetings in the barn of Thomas Henrietta in 1850. Services were held in private houses until the early purchase of a small frame sohoolhouse in the south part of the village, where they were conducted until the purchase of the academy about 1871, at the north end of Washington Street, where services are now held. The con- gregation was attended for many years from Crossingville by Fathers'Quinn, Smith and O'Braniagan. The resident priests have since been: Revs. James Kearney, Snively, Michael Tracy, Martin Meagher, John Donnelly, Patrick McGovern and John J. Ruddy. The last-named became pastor in February, 1878, and still serves. He also oflSciates at Linesville and in Summit Town- ship. The membership of St. Peter's includes about forty-five families. Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church is a frame structure erected in 1870 at a cost of $5,000 and consecrated by Rt. Rev. J. B. Kerfoot, of Pitts- burgh. Rev. Samuel T. Lord as early as 1850 held occasional services at Con- neautville, and several years later regular services were commenced and con- tinued to about 1860, when they were discontinued. About 1868 Rev. S. B. Moore, a missionary, reorganized the parish, and the following vestry was elected: G. B. Power, W. L. Robinson, D. D. Williams, H. A. Brinker and F. M. Robinson. An old Baptist Church on the north side of the Diamond was rented, repaired and occupied until the completion of the present struct- ure. Rev. Moore resigned the rectorship February 1, 1871, and his successors have been: Revs. William Bollard, William J. Miller, John Graham, E. D. Irvine and D. P. Hutchinson. The membership has suffered greatly through removals from this vicinity, and is at present about twenty. Western Crawford Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 258. was chartered September 1, 1851. The charter officers were: William F. Owen, W. M. ; Ammi Bond, S. W. ; James Norton, J. W. The present membership is about sixty-five. Meetings are. held the first and third Mondays of each month. Oriental Chapter, R. A. M., No. 187, was granted a charter July 8, 1856. Its charter officers were: William F. Owen, H. P.; Ammi Bond, King; John W. Patton, Scribe. This is the oldest Chapter in Crawford County, and one of the oldest in northwestern Pennsylvania. The membership is about thirty. Regular meetings are held on the third Friday of each month. Goodwill Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 49, was instituted at Conneautville with twenty-two members March 24, 1873. William P. Gleason was the first Past Master Workman; J. C. Sturtevant, the first Master Workman. The lodge now numbers eighty members, and meets every Wednesday evening. Union Council, R. T. of T., No. 8, was instituted with twenty-three mem- bers June 4, 1878. Its first officers were: S. H. Gibson, S. C. ; Mrs. R. A. Frasier, V. C. ; C. B. Stone, Sec; Charles Landon, Chaplain; John Daven- port, Treas. ; Orlando Crozier, Herald; Mrs. F. S. Lawrence, Guard; S. F. Lawrence, Sentinel. The membership is about 100, and meetings are held every Tuesday evening. Conneautville Lodge, K. of H, No. 1,131, was organized with nine mem bers, July 9, 1878. The first officers werq: W. H. H. Brown, Dictator; A. L. Power, Vice Dictator; F. R. Nichols, Assistant Dictator; E. T. Montague, 34 650 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Treasurer; W. W. Power, Financial Reporter; J. G. Leffingwell, Reporter; W. H. Montague, Guard; C. R. Benjamin, Chaplain and Past Dictator; W. C. Oakes, Guardian. The membership is thirty-six, and regular meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Conneautville Union, E. A. U., was instituted in 1881, and is in a prosper- ous condition. It holds regular meetings twice a month. Capt. M. L. Stone Post No. 374, G. A. R. , was organized September 14, 1883, with twenty-five members. The following officers were elected: Commander, Capt. J. Bolard; Senior Vice Com., R. D. Leet; Junior Vice Com., O. Crozier; Officer of Day, W. L. Benedict; Adjutant, E. S. Cheney; Quartermaster, W. E. Sanderson; Chaplain, Francis Clow; Sergeant, Albert Stevens; Officer of Guard, A. G. Irish; Sergeant Major, Aaron West; Quar- termaster Sergeant, George H. Brown; Guards, R. J. Waldo, A. S. Baker. The post meets on the first and third Friday evenings of each month. The membership has increased to about forty. BOROUGH OF SPRING. Spring Borough is located three miles north of Conneautville on Conneaut Creek, in the western part of Spring Township. It is not compactly built, but extends chiefly along Main and Beaver Streets, which intersect at " the center." Its residences are mostly new, neat and handsome, and quite a number are almost palatial in size and beauty. Probably in no other village in the county of similar size will an equal number of fine residences be found. The popu- lation of the borough in 1870 was 323, and in 1880, 379. It has since mate- rially increased, and now exceeds 400. The business of the place consists of three dry goods stores, two hardware stores, one boot and shoe, one variety, one millinery, one furniture, one drug and two grocery stores. The Coming Wagon Works were erected in 1883, and give employment to about twenty- five workmen. Brown & Bighmy own and operate a steam saw-mill, and I. T. Welch & Son a steam saw-mill and hoop factory. An extensive tannery has recently been removed to Conneautville. Of lesser industries the village con- tains a cheese factory, two blacksmith-shops, one shoe-shop, one wagon-shop and one harness shop. One hotel provides for the entertainment of the trav- eling public, and two physicians are sufficient to attend to the bodily ailments of the community. Spring is a village of slow but steady growth. The first settlers within the limits of the borough were James Orr and Thomas Ford. It was shortly before the canal was opened that the locality began to assume the appearance of a trading point. Harry Pond opened the first store about 1835. About the same time, or earlier, Collins Hall erected a woolen, fulling and saw-mill. The second saw-mill was built by Hawley Dauchey, about forty years ago. The impulse given the village by the canal developed it slowly. During the last fifteen years it has grown more rapidly. The postoffiee was first kept a mile north of the village, but was subse- quently removed to Spring Corners, as the place was known until its incorpora- tion as a borough in the spring of 1866. The first election was held March 16, 1866, and the officers then chosen were: Jonathan Sheldon, Burgess; W. C. Booth, W. D. Lefevre, H. West, Jr., E. E. Eighmy, and A. V. Baldwin, Council; F. W. Oliver, Justice of the Peace; F. H. Cook, Constable; Timothy Sturtevant, Assessor; Orrin Baldwin, Jonathan Sheldon, H. P. Knickerbocker, 0. F. Sheldon, F. W. Oliver and C. L. Fisher, School Directors; A. M. Bald- win, Judge of Bleotioo; G. R. Cook and O. F. Sheldon, Inspectors; and J. B. Bradley, Auditor. The Burgesses subsequently elected have been: C. L. Fisher, SPKING TOWNSHIP. 651 1867; George Hall, 1868; A. K. Stone, 1869; A. F. Crane, 1870-71; E. E. Eighmy, 1872; L. F. McLaughlin, 1873; A. K. Stone, 1874; Levi Lozier, 1875; L. W. Brown, 1876-77; H. C. King, 1878; A. J. Greenfield, 1879; Roswell C. Head, 1880; L. K. Chapman, 1881; L. W. Brown, 1882; M. E. Hall, 1883; Ria Ferguson, 1884. The schoolhouse is a handsome two-story frame structure, erected in 1880 at a cost of $4,500. It contains four apartments, but three of which are now required. The first schoolhouse was a primitive log structure, which stood on the hill east of the village. When the borough was incorporated it contained a frame one-story schoolhouse in the east part of the village, which was occu- pied until about 1872, when the Odd Fellows' Hall on Beaver Street was pur- chased. It was used until the erection of the present commodious school building on the same site. The village contains three churches. The Christian Church of Springboro dates its origin back to 1825. In or about that year Eev. Asa Morrison organ- ized a large congregation. Among the earliest members were Samuel Whit- man, Elisha Bowman, Elan, Daniel and Asa Sturtevant, William Forsythe, Frank and Amos Wells, Orrin Baldwin, and Ebenezer and Lyman Hall. The first meetings were held in' the schoolhouse, and about 1845 the present com- modious frame building, located on the south side of Cussewago Street, was erected. It was the first religious edifice within the limits of the borough. The membership is about seventy-five. Rev. E. M. Harris is the pastor. His immediate predecessor was Eev. J. G. Bishop, before whom Rev. J. J. Sum- merbell preached for years. The congregation now numbers about seventy-five members. Springboro Methodist Episcopal Class was organized in 1828 by Rev. Dan- iel Ritchie, of Albion Circuit, with five members — Joel Jones and his wife Patty, Mary Cook, Maria Cook and George R. Cook — on the upper floor of But- ler's tannery. In 1829 the class was attached to Oonneautville Circuit, with which it remained until 1867, when Rev. W. A. P. Eberhart, a local minister, was employed independently by the society. Spring Circuit was organized in 1868, and has had the following pastors: S. L. Wilkinson, 1868; C. W. Foulke, 1869-71; J. B. Wright, 1872-73; J. Abbott, 1874; L. L. Lase, 1875; C. M. Coburn, 1876-78; C. W. Foulke, 1879-81; S. Fidler, 1882-83. The circuit now includes four appointments — Keepville (in Erie County), Beaver Center, Steamburg and Springboro. The meetings of the Springboro Class were held for a year or two in Butler's tannery, then in the schoolhouse for five or six years. Mr. Butler then erected a store-room at the northeast corner of Main and Cussewago Streets, and meetings were held on its second floor until 1864, when the present frame structure, 36x48, was erected on the north side of Cussewago Street, at a cost of $1,200. The membership is now about ninety. The first Baptist Church of Spring was organized May 25, 1838, by Rev. O. L. Dunfee, of North Shenango, with the following constituent members: Nathaniel Pond, Henry Wait, John Gillett, Liba Woodard, Silas Cooper, Hiram Sheldon, Mary Pond, Polly Wait, Tryphosia Conover, Sybil Woodard, Polly Gleason, Mary Cutler, Ruth Gillett, Jerusha Mann and Sylvia Hammon. Nathaniel Pond was the first Deacon; Silas Cooper, the first Clerk. Elder Adrian Foote, of Meadvilie, preached occasionally for a few months, when Rev. Levi Fuller was secured as pastor, preaching every other Sunday at $75 per year. Subsequent pastors have been, with dates of commencement of pastor- ates: Rev. Keith, January. 1836; Benjamin Oviatt, December, 1836* Elder Cady, 1842; William Walden, 1845; Elder Dodge, 1848; J. J. Fuller, 1851; 652 • HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. D. Beacher, 1853; Elisha Nye, 1857; B. C. Hendricks, 1860; P. Griffis,1862; Wenham Kidder, 1863; M. Barnes, 1865; G. W. Snyder, 1869; C. H. Harvey, 1873; B. C. Farley, 1877; E. Pearse, the present pastor, since 1879. Elders Hall and James Going were also early pastors, but the records do not fix the dates of their ministry. "Early services were held in the old hotel, and after- ward in the sohoolhouse east of town, until the erection of their church in 1853. It was burned May 31, 1880. Work was immediately commenced on a new structure, the corner-stone of which was laid August 26, 1880, and which was dedicated in September, 1882. It is a handsome building, of Gothic structure, 36x55, with chapel 20x32 in the rear. A. J. Gould is the present Clerk. The membership is large. Spring Valley Lodge, No. 401, I. O. O. F., was organized at Spring Cor- ners, in 1851. It maintained an existence until 1872, then surrendered its charter. The lodge was Ve-chartered June 4, 1881, with these officers: J. W. Wright, N. G.; W. P. Owen, V. G.; Henry West, Jr.,- Sec, E. H. Stur- tevant, Ass't Sec. ; E. C. Farley, Treas. Sheldon's Hall has been leased by the lodge, and in it the other orders of the borough hold their meetings. The membership is sixty, and meetings are held every Friday night. Aetna Lodge, No. 93, A. O. U. W., was instituted November 8, 1875, with twenty-four members and the following officers: M. W. Oliver, Jr., P. M. W., L. F. McLaughlin, M. W.; M. E. Hall, G. F.; Hiram Morrell, O. ; H. B. Burnside, Recorder; L. E. Phelps, Financier; E. E. Eighmy, Eeceiver; C. M. Sargent, G. ; P. W. Eeed, I. W. ; C. D. Marlow, O. W. Monday evening is the time of meeting. Membership is forty. Fountain Council, No. 6, E. T. of T., was instituted with forty-two mem- bers, May 28, 1878. Its charter officers were: E. E. Eighmy, S. C; Mrs. E. E. Eighmy, 7. C; J. W. Tucker, P. C; 0. L. Fisher, Chap.; W. J. Ford, Rec. Sec; George E. Foster, Treas.; C. P. Shoppart, Herald; Mrs. M. A. Eighmy, Dep. Her.; Mrs. Adie O. North, Guard; Uzell North, Sent! ; J. W. Greenfield, Med. Ex. The membership now exceeds fifty, and meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Springboro Union, No. 260, E. A. U., was instituted April 6, 1883. Of its initial officers A. K. Stone was President; Mrs. Richard Pearse, V. P.; Mrs. E. G. Tubbs, Sec. ; W. D. Wetmore, Treas. ; J. F. McCurdy Accoantant; Dr. Anson Parsons, Chancellor; and Eev. E. M. Harris, Advocate. Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The membership is about forty. J. W. Patton Post, G. A. E., was organized in June, 1883. Its first offi- cers were: M. W. Oliver, Com.; Charles Dhrer, V. C. ; Edward Prescott, Chap.; Joseph Bowman, Adj.; Irvin Hall, Q. M.; Levi Lozier, O. of D. ; Lafayette Prusia, O. of G. ; William Ross, Commissary; Dr. Anson Parsons, Surgeon. The membership is now thirty-nine, and regular meetings are held each alternate Saturday. STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 65S CHAPTER XXIV. STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. Steuben Township— Erection— Boundaries — Lands — Early Settlers— Lumbering— Early Mills— Tryonville— Proposed Railroad— Clapp- VILLE— TRYONVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Borough of Townville— Incorporation — Officers— Population — Business Interests — Name— Early Residents— Schools— Press— Religious Organ- izations—Societies. STEUBEN in organization is the most recent of the eastern townships. It was formed in 1850 or 1851 from parts of Troy and Athens. Except for one tract of 500 acres, which projects above the northern line, the township would in shape approximate a rectangle, the length of which*is twice or thrice its width. Athens lies to the north of it, Rome and Oil Creek on the east, Troy on the south and Randolph and Richmond on the west. The main por- tion is within the Seventh Donation District. Along the east line are four Holland tracts, and between them and the Donation lands a narrow strip or gore. The land of Steuben embraced within the Seventh Donation District consists of twenty-eight 200-acre tracts, seven 300-acre tracts and seven and two fractions of 500-acre tracts. The 200-acre tracts were drawn by private soldiers, the larger ones by commissioned officers. Muddy Creek, flowing east and northward, drains the western part, while Oil Creek courses southward through the eastern. Between the two, along the tributaries of the latter, is some lowland, too wet for tillage. The assessed acreage of the township is 14,394, of which 3,086 acres were in 1882 unseated. The land has been settled very slowly. Three-quarters of a century have elapsed since settlement began, but there are yet a number of tracts which have not been reduced to purposes of agriculture. Dennis Carrol is reputed to have dwelt in the eastern part as early as 1808, and for a score of years to have been its sole occupant. He however often moved from place to place, and was also an early settler of Rome. His cabin was built on the L. B. Preston place, 500 acres, Tract 184, and here he remained until his wife died, when be removed to near Erie City. Philip Navy, a native born German, in 1821 came from Lancaster County to Tract 1354, in the northwestern part of the township. He had exchanged his house and lot at Lancaster for the property, and learned on his arrival that he had paid for the land at the rate of $8 per acre, when it was worth scarcely one-fourth that amount. He was obliged to leave his family at Newtontown, Troy Township, for two weeks, while he cut a road through to his property and erected a cabin. No one was then living within a radius of six miles of his home. He was a cabinet-maker by trade, but his only vocation here was preparing the ground and tilling the soil. Oak and chestnut grew on his farm, and these were not felled, only girdled. The small brush and trees were cleared away, and crops planted amid the bare skeletons of the trees. In beech and maple land, owing to the tenacity of life of these trees girdling was impracticable. One day, when ill and without meat, Mr. Navy employed Samuel Winton to hunt for him a day for $1. The huntsman came, killed five 654 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. deer and returned home seven miles on the same day. Mr. Navy died about 1824. In 1822 a settlement was made in the vicinity of Townville. John Baker, Zephaniah Kingsley, George Northum and Silas Mason came that year and settled in one locality. The latter two settled on Tract 1371, just west of Townville; Northum, on the I. D. Gillet place; Mason, on the Jeremiah Pond farm. Both came from Fort Ann, N. Y. A few years later Northum moved to Erie County, near the lake, and Mason to Ohio. John Baker settled in the northwest corner of Tract 125, just north of Townville. He was a Baptist, and remained on the farm till death, leaving eight sons and one daughter. His son Casper yet occupies the farm. The Kingsleys settled within the present corporate limits of Townville. Harvey Hull settled about the same time at Townville. Walter Wood, from Vermont, came to Randolph Township prior to 1824, soon after which year he married the widow of Philip Navy, and after a brief residence on the farm removed with the family to near Centreville. David and James Tryon, brothers, originally from Litchfield, Conn., about 1828 removed to the site of Tryonville from Rome Township, where, about three-fourths of a mile below Centreville, they had been operating a fulling and carding-mill. They came with the intention of lumbering, and had purchased two 500-acre tracts, 136 and 137, and some adjoining land well forested with pine. They made the first improvement of note in this portion of Steuben, and at one time had three saw-mills in operation on their land here. They are yet living near Tryonville. James R. Maginnis, son of Will- iam Maginnis, of Troy Township, in 1829 settled with his family just east of Tryonville Station. Reuben Phillips, in 1881 or 1832, emigrated from Water- loo, N. Y., and settled on Tract 124 above Townville, where he remained engaged in agriculture through life. He was of Quaker extraction, and died leaving three sons and two daughters. The above are all the settlers known to have founded homes within the bounds of Steuben prior to 1831. Among the next to arrive were the Winstons, Samuel and John Gillet, George Pond, Ebenezer Smith, Daniel Hopkins, James Bly, Richard Hanna and Jeremiah Palmenter. Most of these remained in the township through life, and now have lineal descendants here. Acces- sions have constantly been made to the population to the present time. In 1860 Steuben contained 898 inhabitants; in 1870, 1,020; in 1880, 782. ' Lumbering was the chief vocation of the early settlers, and lumber expor- tation continued uninterruptedly until the development of the oil regions created a home demand for it. Pine grew in abundance in early times. It was the only product in demand. The lumber had a value here of from $4 to |8 per 1,000 feet, and about twice that amount at Pittsburgh, the cost of raft- ing and loss suffered from the freshets equaling the original cost of the lum- ber. Many pine shingles were also made and shipped to Pittsburgh, where they commahded a price of about |1 a thousand. The shingles were at that date split out and shaved by hand. An average day's work for a shingle maker was 1,500. Like the lumber they were conveyed to Oil Creek and rafted down the stream to the markets on the river below. The right of non- resident owners to the timber on their lands was not held in very high respect and many of the early lumbermen had no scruples in cutting and sawing the pine wherever it could be conveniently found, unless the owner was personally present to oppose such a procedure. The pine has now nearly disappeared, and the hemlock remaining is rapidly being converted into lumber. Its bark js sold to considerable profit at the Titusville Extract Works. The stream of STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 655 people brought to Titusville during the palmy days of oil excitement created a considerable home demand for lumber in the erection of buildings and der- ricks. The rapid growth of Titusville materially benefitted the rural districts of Steuben, as well as other townships, by the demand at high prices of veg- etables and grain. The manufacture of black salts was another source of income to the pioneers. Immense quantities of elm, with less of ash, beech, and maple, were felled and burned that the ashes might be leeched and the lye evaporated into black salts, which commanded a price of $2.50 per 100 pounds at Meadville and other places, where it was refined into pearl ash, used by the settlers as a substitute for soda. The presence of oil in Oil Creek Val- ley induced the purchase of land in considerable quantity in the easbern part of Steuben by speculating oil companies at a price far above its value for agricultural purposes. The title to much of this land is still held by the speculators in petroleum. Wells were drilled but proved wholly unproductive. No very early schools were held in Steuben. The earliest was probably kept within the bounds of Townville Borough. Several early saw-mills were built on Muddy Creek at Townville. About a half mile below the village a grist-mill was erected on Muddy Creek by Ebenezer Smith, but a few years later it was destroyed by fire and not rebuilt. Tryonville is a village in the eastern part, containing a population of per- haps 150. The first settlement here was made by the Tryons. They kept a few groceries on hand for the accommodation of their mill hands, but the first considerable stock of merchandise was brought by E. B. Lee about 1848. The first tavern stand was kept by Lyman Jones. James Tryon kept the first school. The mills which formerly flourished here and gave origin to the village have now disappeared. The village straggles out to considerable length on either side of Oil Creek and besides its several stores has the usual complement of small industrial shops incident to such a place. Tryonville Station is located about a half mile to the northeast. Here the Union & Titusville Eailroad branches from the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia, both continuing side by side up Oil Creek Valley, through the township. Along the railroad near the station quite a little hamlet has sprung into existence, where lumbering is act- ively carried on. As early as 1872 the Pennsylvania Petroleum Eailroad graded a road-bed northwestwardly through the township. The track was also commenced, when operations were permanently suspended. Every year since the construction of the road-bed the rumor has gained currency among the people in this locality that the road was about to be finished, and hopes of its ultimate completion are still entertained by a number. Clappville is a hamlet on the route of the proposed road, and about a mile southwest from Tryonville. It consists of a little store, eight or ten dwell- ings and a thriving saw-mill. Ralph Clapp, a Methodist minister, settled here about 1840. He started a saw-mill, but remained only a few years. John Matthews came about the same time. The present mill was built by Stafford Eadure. Tryonville Methodist Episcopal Church, the only religious society in the township, was organized in 1833. Its original membership was small, includ- ing James Tryon and wife, David Tryon and wife, and Mrs. Harriet Matthews. James Tryon, who was chiefly instrumental in eifecting the organization, was its leader forty years, the present leader, David Titus, being his only successor. Services were held in the schoolhouse until 1870, when the present church edi- fice was erected. It is a well finished frame structure about 34x54 in size, and cost in its erection about $7,000. The membership is now about twenty- 656 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY five. This appointment is now a part of Hydetown Circuit; it was formerly attached to Titusville Circuit. BOROUGH or TOWNVILLE. Townville Borough was incorporated in 1867, and its first officers, who were elected October 8 of that year, were as follows: W. R. King, Burgess; Horace C. Rounds, Thomas Shonts, Salmon Phillips, Byron Smith and John Hawthorn, Council; A. F. Titus, Constable; H. C. Birchard, Clerk and Secretary. Mr. King was re elected Burgess in 1868, and his successors have been: C. Delama- ter, 1869-70; W. R. King, 1871-72; G. R. Hoyt, 1873; C. Delamater, 1874; Thomas Shonts, 1875; Jbhn F. Wykofif, 1876-77; John Fetterman, 1878; Charles Stewart, 1879; S. N. Atkins, 1880, H. A. Drake, 1881; B. S. Childs, 1882; T. Eadle, 1883; B. S. Childs, 1884. The borough is irregular in out- line, and situated in the southwest part of Steuben Township on the south side of Muddy Creek. Its population in 1870 was 280. By an error it was by the census of 1880 accredited with 610 inhabitants. The population is now between 370 and 380, and it was no greater in 1880. Main Street, the princi- pal thoroughfare, extending northwest and southeast, is lined with dwelling- houses for a distance of almost a mile. It is intersected in the southeast part of the village by Fremont Street, and the business of the place clusters near the intersection. Townville contains three dry goods or general stores, two drug and hardware stores, one furniture, one clothing, one tin and two milli- nery stores, one water saw- mill, two steam saw-mills, one of which does an extensive planing business, one grist-mill, one bowl factory, one cheese fac- tory, one jelly factory, a broom handle factory, a tannery, three large carriage shops, one harness, one blacksmith, one gun and two shoe shops, one hotel, three physicians, one dentist, four churches, three societies, a newspaper and a handsome school building. The village was founded by Noah Town, who in 1824 emigrated from Granville, N. Y., to the wilderness, in what is now the eastern part of Ran- dolph Township, whence three years later he moved to Meadville, and in 1831 came to what is now Townville. He was by faith a Congregationalist. He cleared a farm and erected the first saw-mill in this locality on Muddy Creek about 1833, transporting a considerable amotint of lumber by water to Pitts- burgh by way of Oil Creek, whither he teamed it. Mr. Town also kept the first store in the village. He afterward removed to Erie, where he died. Zephaniah Kingsley had in 1822 or 1823 come with his three sons, Zephaniah, Calvinand Ransom, from Fort Ann, Washington Co., N. Y., and settled on Tract 1370, in the western part of the present village. This region was then densely forested, and it was years before the first road was laid out. Ransom Kingsley built a saw-mill on Muddy Creek about the same time Noah Town constructed one. Mr. Kingsley was also the first Postmaster; the office was called "Kingsley's." Harvey Hull moved in soon after. John Baker erected a third saw-mill on Muddy Creek. The place settled slowly, and in 1849 con- tained about eight dwellings. Its settlers then included Noah Town, engaged in mercantile business; Joseph and Lyman Town, his sons, engaged in farm- ing; Ransom Kingsley; Harvey Hull, a farmer; Amby Higby, who had a cabi- net shop; James Boyles, a carpenter; William Boyles, a shoe-maker; Thomas Boyles, a painter; and F. W. Post, a blacksmith. Dr. Adams, the first resi- dent physician, came in soon after and remained several years. A. Hamlin started and has ever since operated the only tannery, and Lewis Wood about 1850 erected the steam grist-mill. The country around was then largely cov- ered with timber, and various mills and factories of wooden wares have since been operated. ' • STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 657 The eohoolhouse was erected about 1860 by the Township Directors, the citizens of the village adding the second floor for a public hall. The necessity for greater school accommodations has converted this upper apartment into a schoolroom. A school is also conducted under the auspices of the Episcopal Church, the building for which was commenced in 1878, and is not yet quite completed. The Townville Weekly News was started in the spring of 1881 by J. L. Rohr, its present editor and publisher. The paper is a live local sheet, and has received the support of the community. In politics it is Independent. As nearly as can be ascertained the Methodist Class at Townville was organized in 1845. J. A. Pond, Harvey Hull and Gamaliel Phillips were of the original class. Soon after Mr. Langworthy, Dr. William Nason and Dr. Luther Pearse were prominent members. Meetings were held in the school - house until about 1849, when a frame church was erected on the northeast side of Main Street. It was occupied until 1877, when the present handsome and commodious structure, 40x60, was erected on the opposite side of the street at a cost of $5,000. The society now numbers about 100 members. It was formerly attached to Saegertown Circuit, but the circuit of Townville was organized in 1862, and it has since been filled by the following ministers: R. Gray, 1862-63; M. Smith, 1864-65; J. Shields, 1866; A. L. Miller, 1867-68; J. W. Blaisdell, 1869-71; J. Eckels, 1872-74; D. W. Wampler, 1875; J. P. Perry, 1876-77; D. S. Steadman, 1878-80; J. S. Albertson, 1881; M. V. Stone, 1882-83. The circuit includes four appointments, Townville, Guy's Mills, Mount Hope, in Randolph Township, and Troy Center. Troy Baptist Church was 'organized in the Kingsley Schoolhouse within the present borough limits of Townville, October 28, 1836. Its earliest mem- bership included Zephaniah Kingsley, Saniuel B. Gillet, Abraham Winston, Nelson Winston, Daniel Lamb, William Lamb, Ransom Kingsley (the first Clerk), Elder Otis L. Durfee, William Gillet, Samuel N. Frost, Ezra Frost and a number of female members. Its pastors were: Elders William Lamb, Dude and Otis Durfee. The society disbanded about 1843. Steuben Baptist Church was constituted February 13, 1851, including in its constituent mem- bership about half of those of the old Troy Church. The church edifice was erected in 1851-52, at a cost of $1,000. It is a neat frame structure located in the extreme western corner of the borough. The pastors have been : Elders William Lamb, 1851-52: W. B. Bradford, 1853-54; William Lamb, 1855-56; Hubbard, 1857; C. W. Drake, 1858; William Lamb, 1859-61; Cyrus Shreve, 1862; Charles W. Snyder, 1863-67: Elder Morris, 1868; Johu Owens, 1869- 70; C. W. Drake, 1871-75; D. J. Williams, 1876; C.T.Jack, 1877-79; L. L. Shearer, 1880-81; D. H. Dennison, 1882-84. The name was changed in 1881 to the Townville First Baptist Church. The membership is about 130. Calvary Chui-ch, Protestant Episcopal, was organized by Rev. Henry Fitch April 8, 1867', with nine members: Peter and Eliza A. Rose, Miss Mary A. Rose, W. S. Rose, S. D. and Mary L. Guion, Miss Mary Myers, Miss Emily and Miss Ann B. Rose. The first vestry consisted of: Peter Rose, Warden; G. R. Hoyt; Edwin Kingsley, S. F. Radle; J. F. Stevens, George Brice and C. Phillips. Of these, only Mr. Rose was a communicant member. The church building was commenced in 1867 and was completed and consecrated in 1873. Jt cost, including lot and bell, $5,000. Rev. S. T. Lord, of Meadville, held the first Episcopal service in the village January 29, 1862. Rev. Henry Fitch was rector in 1867, and the same year was succeeded by Rev. William S. Hay- ward. Rev. S. B. Moore then officiated at irregular intervals until 1870, when Rev. G. C. Rofter, of Meadville, held services once a month. Rev. W. 658 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. G. W. Lowis, of Meadville, ministered from 1871 to 1873, then Eev. Byllsby, of the same city, and Dr. Pardon, of Titusville, occasionally, followed by W. G. W. Lewis until 1877. Eev. D. I. Edwards, af Meadville, preached from 1877 to 1880, followed by Rev. Thomas A. Stevenson, of Corry, until 1881. Occasional services were then conducted until September, 1883, when Rev. John P. Taylor, of Corry, the present clergyman, took charge. The mem- bership is twenty-one. A Congregational Church was a former prominent religious institution of the village. Noah Town and his family, Ebenezer Harris, Harvey Coburn, Esack Coburn, Hezekiah Wadsworth and L. L. Lamb were early members. A church edifice was reared about 1845, but the congregation has since been greatly reduced in membership, and regular meetings were long ago discon- tinued. Townville Lodge, No. 929, I O. O. F., was chartered February 12, 1876, and instituted March 23, following, with ten members. It charter officers were: A. B. Edson, N. G. ; Bemus Buckley, V. G. ; E. H. Smith, Secretary; A. R. Fross, Assistant Secretary; Thomas Shouts, Treasurer. The member- ship is now ninety-six, and meetings are held every Friday evening. Sadie Rebekah Lodge, No. 129, I. O. O. F., was chartered December 22, 1881. Its first officers were: Mrs. Sade Stevens, N. G.; Mrs. F. T. Radle, V. G.: Mrs. W. P. Higby, Secretary; Mrs. N. E. Stevens, Assistant Secretary; Mre. C. Stewart, Treasurer. The membership is now forty-six, and meetings are held each alternate Tuesday evening. William J. Gleason Post, No. 96, G. A. R., was instituted April 18, 1878, with twenty- three members. Its first officers were: A. B. Edson, C. ; James F. Stevens, Sr. V. C. ; "William H. Blair, Jr. V. C; H. A. Drake, O. of D.; A. E. Rose, Chaplain; Byron Smith, Surg.; A. R. Fross, Q. M.; L. J. Childs, O. G. The membership is now forty-seven, and meetings are held on the sec- ond Monday of each month. Steuben Council, No. 24, R. T. of T., was instituted with fifteen members December 11, 1878. Its first officers were: L. D. Barton, S. C. ; John Fet- terman, V. C. ; James Doughty, P. C; A. L. Baker, Chaplain; V. M. Hunter, Rec. Sec. ; Miss Hallie Steadman, Fin. Sec. ; Charles Stewart, Treas. ; H. A. Lamb, Her.; Mrs. M. A. Barton, Dep. Her.; Mrs. V. D. Fetterman, Guard; Lewis Wood, Sent. ; Byron Smith, Med. Ex. The membership is twenty- three, and meetings are held each alternate Tuesday. CHAPTER XXV. SUMMEEHILL TOWNSHIP. Boundaries— Organization— Physical Features— Pioneers— Land Titles- Distilleries— Mills— Early School— DicKSONBURG—KELiGions Organi- zations — Society. StJMMERHILL is an interior township in the northwestern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Spring, on the east by Hayfield, on the south by Summit, and on the west by Conneaut. As organized in 1829, it included, besides its present territory, the northern half of Summit. By act of Assem- bly approved April 23, 1829, the cabin of Benjamin Bearfield was made the SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 659 place for holding elections. The township is now six miles long east and west, and four north and south. Conneaut Creek, with its numerous tributaries iiowing northward, waters the central and western portions, while in th eeast is a small stream flowing eastward, and in the southeast Pine Run, a tributary of Conneaut Lake, rises and flows south into the Cussewago. The old Beaver and Erie Canal crossed Summerhill, through the valley of Conneaut Creek. The soil is a clay except in the flats of the Conneaut, where it is a rich loam. It is adapted either to grain raising or to grazing. The land is rolling in the western part and level in the eastern, and springs are abundant. White oak, maple, sugar, hickory, ash and chestnut are the principal kinds of timber. The population in 1850 was 1,160; in 1860, 1, 237; in 1870, 1,232; in 1880, 1,202. The good quality of the soil and the early date of settlement are attested by the fact that twenty of the thirty-six tracts were patented by individuals before the land companies were locating claims. These individual tracts are situated mostly in the valley of Conneaut Creek, where, consequently, the first settlements in the township were made. James McDowell is reputed the pioneer settler, coming about 1796 or 1797. He was of Scotch extraction, came from theVegion of the Susquehanna, and remained a life-long resident on his farm on the Conneaut, below Dicksonburg. He had five sons and two daughters, and many of their descendants are yet in the township. Daniel Myers came from the same locality about the same time and settled on the adjoining tract, near the center of the township, surveyed in the name of A. Power. He was killed while on his way home from Har- monsburg by being thrown from his horse. John Sterling, an old neighbor, soon followed to the new country, and his sons, James, Washington and Andrew became well-known property-holders. James Fetterman settled on the John Power tract, about one and a half miles southeast from Conneautville, where he remained till death in old age and where his descendants now reside. He at one time owned 1, 100 acres of land. He came a young, unmarried man, and in 1798 wedded Betsy McDowell; this was the first marriage in the town- ship. Besides the above the following, with their families, were among the ear- liest settlers: Neal McKay, John McTier, Thomas Proctor, Robert McCoy, James McMillan, Daniel McMillan, Josiah McNamara, Samuel Gowdy, James Christy, Jacob Lefevre, James Scott, John Fulwiler, Benjamin Bearfield, John Dearborn, Robert Nelson and Peter and Jacob Gevin. Neal McKay was a weaver by occupation and an early Justice of the Peace in the township. His son, Robert, was a Captain of militia in 1812, and served at Erie during the building of Perry's fleet. John McTier was a stone mason by trade, and when hewed-log-houses superseded round-log-cabins, his services in building stone chimneys made him a valuable citizen to the community. He was killed in the spring of 1826 while riding, during a terrific wind storm, by a large oak tree, which fell upon him. James, William and John Proctor, sons of Robert, were well known pioneers. Robert McCoy immigrated prior to 1798; his cabin stood about a half mile east of Conneautville, and his death occurred about 1800. His was the first burial in the McDowell Cemetery. The McMillans located in the northeastern part of the township. Daniel was killed, while cutting a tree for raccoons, by the fall of a limb. Josiah McNamara built the first tan- nery of the township in 1800. A few years later he removed to Mead Town- ship. Samuel Gowdy came a single man to the southwest corner of what is now the township, where he patented a tract. Soon after he married Betsy Gilliland. He was quite an accession to the early settlements, for he manu- 660 ■ HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. factured the wooden plows then in use. Mr. Gowdy was Colonel of mili- tia in 1812, and commanded his regiment at Erie during the construction of Perry's fleet. He died on the farm he settled. James Christy settled about a mile southeast from Conneautville, and remained there through life. Jacob Lefevre was both farmer and tanner, residing near Conneautville. John Pul- wiler dwelt also in that vicinity; his cabin stood on what is now the Conneaut- ville fair ground. Benjamin Beariield was a distiller by trade. He lived about a mile northeast from Dicksonburg, and afterward moved West. John Dearborn located on the F. Johnston tract in the east part of the township, where he died and where his descendants still live. Eobert Nelson was an early settler near Conneautville. Peter and Jacob Gevin were brothers; the former lived near the center of the township. The record of the early settlement of the Pennsylvania Population Com- pany's land, up to 1812, is herewith given: Tract 639, wholly unsold; 640, unsold, a small improvement made in 1798 and 1799, by a settler under the company, and then given up, afterward intruded on, but soon abandoned; 641, unsold, entered upon same as 640; 642, William Conley, 100 acres, settlement completed; 643, John McDowell, November 9, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; 644, John Beatty, September 7, 1796, 150 acres, settled under con- tract; 688, John Quick, December 20, 1797, 200 acres, settlement completed under contract; 699, Andrew Heifer, November 7, 1797, 200 acres, deed deliv- ered to Heifer October 8, 1808; 700, Andrew Heifer, 200 acres, settled under contract; 718, Shubal Luce, September 23, 1797, 100 acres, settled under con- tract; same tract, James McNamara, March 24, 1804, 200 acres, deed granted McNamara. The Holland Land Company's tracts, six in number, in the eastern part of the township, were first settled under contract by the following persons, the date of contract and amount of land being given: Tract 18, Joshua Pennel and Jacob Osborne, 100 acres, August 9, 1799, deed executed to Pennel Novem- ber 16, 1805; Tract 22, Michael Seely, 150 acres, October 25, 1798, forfeited; Tract 26, George Friedley, September 28, 1799; Tract 30, Alexander Freeman, 150 acres, August 16, 1799, deed executed January 15, 1807; Tract 34, Alex- ander Freeman, 150 acres, August 16, 1799, deed executed January 15, 1807; Tract 38, Frederick Hickernell, 150 acres, August 18, 1799, deed executed January 8, 1813. Distilleries were quite common among the pioneers, and the products of the still, after a large local demand was supplied, were sent to a foreign market. James Petterman built the first distillery in what is now Summer- hill, and John McDowell, the second. The latter after operating the still for several years, abandoned the business from a religious conviction of the wrong in manufacturing intoxicating liquors. So general was the custom of using whisky in those days that scruples of that kind seldom occurred. Jacob Myers and others also manufactured the ardent fluid. John and Michael Winger built the first saw-mill. It stood on Conneaut Creek and was erected in 1820. George Dickson operated an early saw-mill on Conneaut Creek; he also owned a grist-mill at Dicksonburg. Lumbering was carried on extensively during the days of the canal. Charles Beebe now operates a saw-mill on Conneaut Creek and W. R. McGill owns a steam-mill in the eastern part of the township. James Beatty erected a carding machine about a mile south of Dicksonburg in 1828. The primitive schoolhouse was a little log structure which stood_ on the present farm of W. C. Sterling about a half mile north of Dicksonburg. It was built about 1812, and its early teachers were: Triphosa Rugg, Samuel SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 661 Steele and Whately Barrett. It was used for about six years as a temple of' education. Dicksonburg is a little village located in the southern part of the township and containing about fifteen dwellings, a store, school, blacksmith shop, Meth- odist Church and a large grist-mill owned by J. B. McDowell. The place was on the old Beaver & Erie Canal and in early times was known as McDowell's Postoffice. John Thompson and Thomas Proctor were early merchants. George Dickson built the first grist-mill. Joseph McCray erected the present one. The Dicksonburg Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest in the north- western part of the county. In May, 1801, the Baltimore Methodist Episcopal Conference sent Rev. James Quinn as circuit preacher to the Pittsburgh Dis- trict to form a circuit extending from Lake Erie to the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, to be known as Erie Circuit. Mr. Quinn entered upon his itineracy with zeal, but for some reason was removed and Rev. Joseph Shackelford sent to fill out the remainder of the year. In the spring of 1802 he organized a class at the house of James McDowell in what is now Summerhill Township. James McDowell and wife, George Nelson and wife and Mrs. Johnson were its earliest members. Erie Circuit soon contained twenty appointments, requir- ing the minister to travel 400 miles every four weeks to till them. The min- isters of Erie Circuit until 1825 were as follows: James Quinn and J. A. Shackelford, 1801; J. Cullison, 1802; Noah Fidler, 1803; A. Hemphill, 1804; David Best and J. A. Shackelford, 1805; R. R. Roberts and J. Watts, 1806; C. Reynolds, A. Daniels and T. Divers, 1807; Job Guest and W. Butler, 1808; J. Charles, J. Hanson, and J. Decellum, 1809; J. Monroe, 1810; J. Watts and J. Ewing, 1811; J. Watts, J. Gorwell and J. Graham, 1812; A. Robinson, 1813; J. Solomon and J. Graham, 1814; R. C. Hatton, 1815; C. Godard and J. P. Kent, 1816; J. P. Kent and Ira Eddy, 1817; D. D. Davidson and S. Adams, 1818; P. Green, 1819; Ira Eddy and Charles Elliott, 1820; Ezra Booth andC. Trescott, 1821; W. H. Collins, 1822; J. Summerville, 1823; J. P. Kent, 1824; N. Reeder and Z. Ragen, 1825. McDowell's Class was prob- ably attached to Meadville Circuit formed in 1826. In July, 1833, Summer- hill Circuit, of Meadville District, was formed. This circuit comprised the following classes: Conneautville, McDowell's, Harmonsburg, Spring, Pier- pont, Huntley's, Penn Line, Prey's, Moorehouse, -Cussewago, Hickernells, Thomas, Holton's and Smith's. Theodore Stowe and Reuben Peck were the ministers. Each minister held service at each appointment once in four weeks, many of the services being held on week days. The distance traveled in mak- ing the round was about 150 miles. The journey was performed on horse- back, the Bible, hymn-book and other volumes were carried in the saddle bags, and much of the study and preparation for services was made at places of entertainment and while going from one appointment to another. In 1834 the name of Summerhill Circuit was changed to Harmonsburg, and to that circuit McDowell's or Dicksonburg Class now belongs. Meetings were held for many years in the cabins of the members ; afterward in schoolhouses until the church was built. The membership is now about sixty. In the extreme northeast corner of the township is the Smith Methodist Episcopal Church. A class was organized here as early as 1825, and its lead- ing members were : Nelson Smith, a local preacher, Edmund Greenlee, Andreas Bagley, Daniel Bagley and Elisha Curtis. For many years and until the erection of the present frame building about thirty years ago, meetings were held in an old log schoolhouse. This was formerly a large society. It is now a part of Harmonsburg Circuit and has a membership of about forty. 662 HISTORY OF CRAWFOBD COUNTY. Close to the western line of Summerhill, in the western part of Tract 713, is an E-vangelical Association Church, erected in 1871 at a cost of 11,800. The class was organized with twenty-five members by Bev. James Crossman, the first pastor, in 1863. Meetings were held in a scboolhouse situated in the eastern part of Conneaut Township, until the erection of the present church edifice. Among the first members were: Minor Walton, Balser Gehr, Mrs. Lawrence, E. Stevens and Nathan Stevens. The membership is now about forty and Eev. Vogt is the Pastor. The class constitutes a part of Crawford Circuit. Dicksonburg Council, No. 14, R. T. of T., organized October 7, 1878, with sixteen members and the following ofiicers: F. L. Lord, S. C. ; J. R. Barnes, V. C. ; Horace Hammon, P. C. ; Volney Johnson, Chaplain; George Procter, Secretary, William Shaw, Treasurer; Miss Libbie Barnes, Herald; R. C. Procter, Guard; Mr. Gevin, Sentinel; Dr. Prazier, Medical Examiner. The membership is now forty-five and meetings are held each alternate Friday evening. CHAPTER XXVI. SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. Boundaries— FoRJLATioN— Population— Physical Features— Piest Settle- ments— IjAND Titles— Pioneers— Conneaut Lake— Cemeteries— Early Methodist Organization— Canal— Peat and Marl— Mills— Religious Organizations— Harjionsburg— Churches— Lodges. SUMMIT is an interior township in the western part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Summerhill, on the east by Hayfield and Vernon, on the south by Sadsbury and on the west by Pine and Conneaut. It is six miles in length and four in width, and contains 14,717 taxable acres. The township was formed in 1841 by act of Assembly, during the term of M. B. Lowry in the Legislaturet Mr. Lowry was a resident of Harmonsburg, which was then on the northern confines of Sadsbury, and the citizens of the village were obliged to attend elections at Evansburg. For the convenience of his neighbors, Mr. Lowry secured the passage of the act for the erection of Sum- mit, the northern half being taken from Summerhill and the ,southern half from Sadsbury. The title Summit was adopted in consequence of the elevated land within its limits. From 1800 to 1829 the two western tiers of tracts were part of Conneaut, and the balance of the land was included within the bounds of Sadsbury. The population in 1850 was 1,074; in 1860, 1,147; in 1870, 1,034; in 1880, 1,058. The 'surface is almost level, and for grain there is no better land in the county. In early times it was somewhat wet in the southern part. A great variety of timber covered the surface. In the southern part was hemlock, on ground a little higher, pine, and still farther north oak, beech, sugar maple, sycamore, cherry and other kinds. Conneaut Inlet with its branches drain the eastern part, enteving Conneaut Lake in the southeast part of the township. Conneaut Creek rises in the western part and flows northeasterly. The first portion of the township occupied was the tract at the mouth of Conneaut Inlet. This tract was located by Alexander Power, in 1795, while SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 663 engaged with a surveying party in the western part of this county. He soon after settled here, and in 1 798 erected a saw-mill on the inlet, which is said to have been the first mill built in Crawford County west of French Creek. Mr. Power soon after removed to the site of Conneautville. Most of the thirty-six tracts of the township were located by individuals. Five along the eastern line became the property of the Holland Land Com- pany, and seven in the southwest corner, of the Pennsylvania Population Com- pany. The former company made contracts for the settlement of its land as follows: Tract 41, William Hope, 150 acres, May 31, 1797; Tract 45, Joseph Fleming, 100 acres. May 31, l797, deed executed to David Gehr, assignee; Tract 49, William Burns, 150 acres, November 20, 1799, assigned to Robert Burns; Tract 55, William McClenachan, 401 acres, August 27, '1798, deeds executed to Alexander W. Foster and William Cook, assignees. None of these are remembered as residents of the township except the Burn ses, who were rug- ged frontiersmen and soon left the county. The early settlement of Population tracts were more permanent. The rec- ords of the company in 1812 made the following exhibit: 200 acres of Tract 744, purchased by Jacob Gehr, under contract of September 23, 1797, settled and deed granted; 100 acres of Tract 745, purchased by Jacob Gehr, Jr., Sep- tember 23, 1797, deed granted Jacob Gehr; 100 acres of Tract 746, John Gehr, Jr., September 23, 1797, deed granted Jacob Gehr; 100 acres same tract, pur- chased by Charles Flickinger, April 25, 1804, settled and improved under con- tract; 200 acres of 747, Joseph Gehr, October 23, 1797, deed delivered to Gehr; 100 acres, same tract, Samuel Gehr, October 6, 1804; and 100 acres John Gehr, Jr., settled and improved under contract; 200 acres. Tract 748, John Gehr, October 23, 1797, deed delivered October 13, 1802; 100 acres, same tract, Adam Slump, October 14, 1804, deed delivered; 101.88 acres, same tract, Chris Kauffman, February 10, 1803, settled and improved under contract; 200 acres. Tract 753, Samuel Gehr, under contract of September 1, 1797, deed granted; 100 acres, same tract, Samuel Yorty, May 17, 1803, deed delivered to David Yorty, February 1, 1812; 101.88 acres, same tract, Balser Gehr, August 13, 1804, settled and improved under contract; 200 acres, Tract 754, Adam Gehr, October 23, 1797, deed delivered September 20, 1802; 100 acres, same tract, Jacob Gehr, Jr., improved under contract. Adam Slump and Christopher Kauflfman are not remembered. The Gehrs were not only among the first settlers, their contracts bearing date of 1797, but their descendants still possess the soil; indeed, one of the early family, Balser Gehr, at'this writing yet remains at the advanced age of one hundred and two years. Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, Adam, John and Balser were brothers, and all settled on farms in one locality. They came from the eastern part of the State, and were of German extraction; with their families they soon formed a large settlemeiit. John Gehr was Captain in the war of 1812. Jacob Flickinger was a German and a Dunkard. He raised a large family, who subsequently removed from the township. One of his sons, John, was a noted racer. He distinguished himself by his fleetness of foot, once, by pursuing a wild turkey and catching it just as the fowl had given up the contest and taken flight on its pinions. The Yortys were also early settlers on Tract 753. But it was on the individual tracts in the central portion of the township that the settlement advanced most rapidly. James McClure, a young unmar- ried man, came from Mifflin County in 1798, and soon after obtained from John Field 400 acres on the west bank of Conneaut Lake. Returning to Mif- flin County, by describing the excellent pine timber found here, he induced his cousin, John McClure, who was a carpenter by trade, to cast his fortune with 664 ' HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. him and together they came West again and erected adjoining cabins. James •was married here about 1803 to Elizabeth Chidester, and settled on the farm. From 1814 to 1827 he resided in Mifflin County, then returned again and remained in Summit till his death in 1852, at the age of seventy-four years. John McClure remained a life-long citizen of Summit. His death occurred in 1845, resulting from malaria engendered by the overflow of the lake for canal purposes. Adam Foust settled on the east side of the lake in 1797. He was a Ger- man of some means and hailed from Berks County; he had a family of eight sons and three daughters; he obtained by purchase and settlement 1,300 acres of land in Summit and Sadsbury Townships, and to each of his childrea he gave one hundred acres and an ax; he died in Sadsbury Township. Will- iam Butler, an Irishman, settled in the eastern part as early as 1797. Other pioneers were Silas Chidester, Jacob Looper, John Inglehoop, James McCray, William MoFadden, William Ringland and John Smith. Silas Chidester, originally from New Jersey, had removed to Pittsburgh and came thence to this township about 1800. He settled about a mile south from Har- monsburg and remained there till death, leaving a large family. Jacob Looper was a German and a blacksmith. He continued a resident of the township till death, and his descendants are yet here. William McFadden was a life- long settler about one and a half miles west from Harmonsburg. John Ingle- hoop was a Kevolutionary soldier. He settled in the northern part of Summit and remained there till death. John Smith settled as early as 1797 in the northern part, where his descendants still reside. Archibald Sloan, from Carlisle, settled about a mile north from Harmons- burg, and died on his farm prior to 1810, leaving a widow and ten children, who remained on the place a number of years afterward. He was a member of the Seceder Church. Samuel Shotwell was also a pioneer. Joseph Garwood moved from Fayette County to the northwestern part of the township as earJy as 1797. He purchased from a Mr. McDonald 400 acres of land there for a barrel of flour and a watch. Mr. Garwood subsequently removed to Illinois, but a son, Joseph, still dwells in Summit at the age of seventy -nine years. Matthew, John and Thomas McClure, three Irish broth- ers, settled early in the northern part. Hugh Gilliland and his sons Hugh and Robert were well-known pioneers of the northwest part. All the above settlers had secured homes in this western land of promise prior to 1810. When the war of 1812 approached rumors of Indian descents pervaded this as well as other settlements throughout the county. Once the scattering set- tlers in the northwestern part of the township gathered at the cabin of Joseph Garwood under the report of an imminent attack, and remained till two of their number who had been dispatched to Brie for information returned and dispelled their fears. A portion of Conneaut Lake lies in Summit Township, and within its bounds on the shore are two boat landings and one hotel, affording accommo- dations for many guests. Near the east bank of the lake is a cemetery, embracing six acres, donated as a public burying ground by Adam Foust. A log church — German Reformed — formerly stood here. Mr. Foust was a leading and an active member. The Browns and Traces were also members, and a strong congregation existed. Many of the memlbers united with other churches, the congregation was dis- banded and the house of worship soon went to decay. Within the township are several private burial grounds. A Catholic cemetery is near the church, and in the southwestern part is the Gehr Grave-yard. At Harmonsburg is a SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 665 burial ground in the lot whereon the Old Union Church stood. In the south- ern part of the village Henry Broadt surveyed a hall acre for a family burying ground. A cemetery association has recently been organized, land adjoining the Broadt burial place purchased and a neat village cemetery laid out. A Methodist Meeting-house was built in pioneer times diagonally across the corners from the present Catholic Church. Religious services were held in it for only a short time, the settlers attending for many miles around. A fire in the woods was communicated to the building. It was soon reduced to ashes and was never rebuilt. The Beaver & Erie Canal passed north and south through the western part. Great difficulty was encountered in its constraction through this township by reason of the great beds of quicksaAd which underlaid its ^course for almost two miles. The Meadville Branch or feeder of the canal entered the main canal in Summit Township, and its junction was the highest point along the entire route. The Meadville and Linesville Railroad passes through the southwest cor- ner of the township. About a half mile northwest from Harmonsburg is an extensive peat and marl bed. The marl is from eight to ten feet in thickness, and is covered by peat. It is largely used as a fertilizer, and is also burned into lime, of which several grades are produced. The peat is from two to three feet in thickness, and is still in process of formation. It is impure, however, in consequence of a muddy sediment deposited during high waters by A small stream which oozes through it. As mentioned above, the first saw-mill was built by Alexander Power. It stood about a half mile above the mouth of the inlet. George Dickson built an early log grist and saw-mill about a half mile south of Harmonsburg, but soon after sold to Henry Broadt. He in turn sold them to Thomas McCray, by whom the present grist-mill, owned by George Dean, was built. Other early mills were owned by John Whiting, Cloud Robinson and Mr. Smith. On Conneaut Creek Conrad Keen and Joseph Garwood had early saw-mills. James Procter there operated a saw-mill and bedstead factory. John Kulp had an early steam saw-mill on the canal, and Smith & Hall operated another near the north line. A steam saw and shingle-mill about a half mile south from Harmonsburg is owned by Harry McClure, and William Looper operates another a mile north of that village. A short distance east of Harmonsburg is a cheese factory. Silas Chidester, John MoClure and many others operated early stills. The Catholic Cliurch of the Immaculate Conception, situated in the north- west part of the township, was erected in 1852. The congregation here was first attended from Crossingville, and afterward from Conneautville. It now has a membership of about twenty-five families, and has services once in two weeks. Services were commenced in this locality about 1840, and conducted for many years at the house and barn of Philip McGuire. The construction of the Erie & Beaver Canal had brought quite a number of Catholic families to this neighborhood. Among the first residents of this faith were: Philip McGuire, Robert Robinson, Timothy Clark, Michael McCarthy, Felix Dufiy and John and Daniel Boyle. In the southwest part of Tract 747, in the southwest part of the township, stands an Albright or Evangelical Association Church, which was tuilt about thirty years ago. The early records of the church are lost, and the date of the organization is unknown, but was probably as early as 1825. The Gehrs were the leading members. Meetings were held in dwellings and the school- 666 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. house until the present frame church was built. Among the first Pastors were : Kevs. John Sibert, Joseph Long and John Bernhart. More recently the fol- lowing have officiated: James Grossman, Abraham Niebel, A. E. Teat, Jacob Weikel, John Arkless, Charles W. Davis, G. W. Brown, J. A. Myers, E. Beatty, B. F. Feitt, John Garner, John Woodhull, A. W. Teat, T. B. ZeJler and Rev. Vogt, who is the present Pastor. The membership is quite small, not exceed- ing twenty. The class is a part of Crawford Circuit. Harmonsburg, the only village of the tovmship, is located about a half mile east of the township center. It was laid out in 1816 by Henry Broadt, or Bright, as recent orthography has made it. Mr. Broadt was a Dunkard, of German ancestry, and about l802 purchased and settled on the farm whereon he laid out the village. He was a blacksmith by trade and pursued that avo- cation in connection with farming during his earlier years. He continued a resident on his farm until his death in 1838. His descendants are still resi- dents of this locality. For many years the village was known as Brightstown. The first house was built by Joseph McMurtry and occupied by him as a tavern. Whately Barrett, George Cook and Mr. Morgan were early merchants. Nathan- iel Jones and John Rice were early village smiths. The village has attained no great size, and now comprises 160 inhabitants. It contains one dry goods, one grocery, one drug, one tin and one variety store; one harness, one shoe, one wagon and two blacksmith shops; one hotel, two physicians, a dentist, a schoolhouse and two churches. Two tanneries were formerly operated here, but both are now gone. Mrs. Knox attempted the first school in her cabin. Carson Sloan was the first male teacher. The present school is graded and consists of two depart- ments. The building now in use was erected for an academy about 1854, and occupied as such for several years. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Harmonsburg was built about 1840. It is a frame building, with basement, and occupies Lots 77 and 78 in the northeast part of the village. The class was organized many years previous, though none of its original members remain to give the date. A Union Church, the first in the village, was erected on the lot immediately north of the present schoolhouse in 1821 or 1822, the deed for the lot being granted by Henry Broadt to eight trustees September 14, 1821. The church was free to all Christian denomina- tions, and the Methodists worshiped in it until the erection of their building. Among the earliest members of the church were John Smith, Watson Smith and Thomas McCray. Harmonsburg Circuit was formed in 1834, and the fol- lowing have been its pastors: G. Hills and P. S. Ruter, 1834; G. Hills and C. D. Rockwell, 1835; B. Preston and W. Griffith, 1836; D. Richeyand C. R. Chapman, 1837; L. D. Prosser and J. Deming, 1838; J. Deming and I. Sco- field, 1839; J. Leslie and S. Heard, 1840; L. Rodgers, T. D. Blinn and A. Nor- ton, 1841. The circuit was in 1842 divided into Conneautville aud Evans- burg Circuits, and by a division of the Conneautville in 1861, Harmonsburg was again created and has since had the following ministers: J. Bain, 1861- 62; N. C. Brown, 1863-64; S. Hollen, 1865; J. Akers, 1866; T. P. Warner, 1867-68; W. Rice and E. Chace, 1869-70; A. R. Rich, 1871-72; J Flower, 1873; G. H. Brown, 1874; W. H. Hoover, 1875-76; M. V. Stone, 1877-78-79; Sylvester Fidler, 1880-81; T. W. Douglas, 1882; Samson Dimmick, 1883. Harmonsburg Circuit now includes four appointments — Harmonsburg, Dick- sonburg. Smith's and Little's Corners. The membership of Harmonsburg congregation is eighty-three. Harmonsburg Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. David McKinney June 13, 1829. Previous to January 1, 1829, there had been occasional SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 667 preaching by different ministers, and for a short time Rev. Timothy Alden had been stated supply, by whom John McClure and John Neal were ordained Elders. Rev. David McKinney was engaged January 1, 1829, for a year to preach one-half his time. David Breckenridge was ordained an Elder May 24, 1829, and June 13 of that year Thomas Chidester was ordained and installed an Elder, and Robert Stockton, who had formerly been Elder of another church was installed, and the church of Harmonsburg was regularly organized with forty-one members, the five aforenamed Elders, Joseph Neal, James Beatty, John Breckenridge, John McClure, Jr., William H. Kyle, Robert Neal and thirty females. Most of these had formerly been connected with Meadville Presbyterian Church. The congregation was dependent on supplies for many years. Rev. Peter Hassinger supplied it in 1832. Rev. J. W. Dickey was ordained and installed pastor October 4, 1843. From 1848 to 1850 Rev. Lemuel P. Bates supplied Harmonsburg and Conneautville. Rev. James Coulter was installed pastor September 14, 1852, and was released five or six years later. His successor, Rev. George Scott, was installed June 27, 1860, released June 10, 1862. Rev. N. S. Lowrie assumed the pastoral rela- tion October 22, 1862, and delivered his farewell sermon June 21, 1868. Rev. R. L. Stewart served as pastor from July 7, 1869, to December 29, 1872. Rev. J. W. McVitty then filled the pulpit for five years, two as pastor and after- ward three as regular supply. Rev. W. E. McCrea was supply from December, 1879, to June, 1880. Rev. T. C. Anderson was called in November, 1880, began his labors in February, 1881, and served as pastor-elect, having never been installed, until May, 1883. Rev. John F. Boyd, the present pastor, took charge in June, 1883. He also preaches at Evansburg. The early meetings were held in the Union Church, and during the summer of 1844 the present frame edifice, 35x45, situated just northeast of the village, was erected at an expense of $800. The membership is now about seventy. Silas Chidester, James C. Stoakton and J. B. Close constitute the present session. Enterprise Lodge, No. 72, A. O. U. W., was chartered March 25, 1874, with fifteen members. Its first officers were: J. C. Weston, P. M. W. ; Dr. J. J. McMillen, M. W. ; W. A. Keen, G. P.; G. L. Kelly, O.; J. A. McMurtry, Recorder; D. G. Harper, Fin.; B. A. Gehr, Receiver; A. W. Smith, G. ; B. C. Coolidge, I. W. ; Aaron Lynce, O. \V. The membership is now twenty-sis, and meetings are held every Saturday night. Excelsior Council, No. 10, R, T. of T., was instituted July 10, 1878. Its charter officers were Dr, J. J, McMillen, S. C; J, Arbuckle, V. C. ; W. A. Keen, P. C; D. V, Smith, Chap.; Julia M. Gehr. Rec. Sec; Mrs. W. A. Keen, Treas. ; A. R. Smith, Her. ; Mrs. F. M. Whiting, Guard; L. D. Brown, Sent, The membership is about forty, and regular meetings are held each alternate Wednesday. 668 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER XXVII. TROY TOWNSHIP. Boundaries — Organization — Election— Population— Physical Features —Land Tracts — Troubles of Earlt Settlers— Pioneers — Early Deaths and Burials— Mills— Schools— Troy Center— NewTONTOWN— Religious Organizations. TEOY TOWNSHIP is situated in the southeast part of Crawford County. It is irregular in outline and bounded on the north by Steuben Township, on the east by Oil Creek, on the west by Randolph and a corner of Wayne, and on the south by Venango County. It was one of the many townships organ- ized in 1829, the State Assembly, by act of April 29 of that year directing that the house of Isaac Sheldon be the place for holding election. As formed the township included the southern part of what has since been made Steuben. Until 1829 the three eastern tiers of tracts were part of Oil Creek Township. The balance of the Seventh Donation District belonged to Randolph, while the southern part had been attached to Wayne. Troy now contains 18,407 acres, valued on the tax duplicate of 1882 at |205,458. Of these 3,118 acres were then unseated. The population in 1850 was 740; in 1860, 950; in 1870, 983; in 1880, 1,327. The main portion of the surface is drained by Sugar Creek and its branches, with a generally southern direction. Oil Creek crosses the northeast corner. From the numerous streamlets the land rises gradually on either side only to fall again toward other streams. Beech, maple and hemlock constituted the prevailing timber when the land was densely forested, with a smart sprinkling of chestnut, ash, red oak, white oak, bass, cucumber and other woods. The soil is generally a clay loam. Troy Township lies mostly within the Seventh Donation District. Most of the irregularly shaped southern part belongs to the Eight Donation District. The eastern tier of tracts is within the domain of the Holland Company, as are also several tracts in the southern part. Some of the lines of the Seventh Donation District were run with the greatest carelessness and irregularity. The Holland tracts to the south of them were surveyed on the supposition that the Donation tracts ^ere uniformly surveyed. In after years the southeast corner of the Donation Tract 1341 was found in the Holland land more than half a mile from its supposed location, and litigation was commenced which involved the title to many hundred acres of land in southern Troy. The dif- ficulty was settled amicably, however, in most cases. Of the tier of Holland tracts in the east part of the township, 200 acres of Tract 8 were sold to E. Alden, of Meadville, in 1806; Tracts 9, 10 and 11 remained unsold till 1815; of Tract 12, John Strawbridge contracted, September 25, 1798, to settle and erect a house on or before the first day of October following; to clear, fence and cultivate eight acres, by November 1, 1799, and to reside for five years from October 1, 1798, for which he was to receive one hundred acres gratuity, at the same time agreeing to purchase fifty acres at 11.50 per acre. The records fail to show that his contract was completed. Trouble between settlers on account of conflicting claims sometimes arose. Not unfrequently two individuals settled on the same tract, each at first in TROY TOWNSHIP. 669 ignorance of the presence of the other. Then a contest for possession often would ensue. Many settled on Holland tracts, expecting that through settle- ment they could hold them directly from the State. On Holland Tract 8, in the northeast corner of Troy, Charles Ridgway, in 1800, determined to locate. He had come from Fayette County, in 1799, and during the ensuing winter he repaired the Holland saw- mill, in Oil Creek Township. In the spring of 1800 he erected a double saw-mill on Oil Creek at the place called Newtontowji, and returning to Payette County for necessary irons for the mill, he left William Kerr in charge, with directions to build a cabin. John Rey- nolds, of Scotch-Irish blood, commenced the erection of a cabin on the same tract. William Kerr soon learned of it, and jealous in his employer's cause, with intent to dispose of the conflicting freehold at a blow, one evening felled a, tree across the partially-constructed cabin and crushed it. Mr. Rey- nolds accepted the course of events very quietly, and when Kerr had finished th^ Ridgway cabin, took possession of it. Kerr awaited his opportunity and when Ridgway was absent, carried out the furniture, placed a lock on the door and fastened it. Matters were finally amicably settled between them. Mr. Ridgway operated this mill and remained on the tract for three years. He afterward became a resident of Hydetown. John Reynolds remained on Tract 8 for awhile, then settled on Tract 10, farther south. He was killed by the falling of a tree limb, while lumberiug near Clarion River. William Ma- ginnis had settled in the eastern part of Troy, on Tract 9, in 1798, and re- mained a number of years. He had come from the Susquehanna and was of Irish extraction. The first permanent pioneer of the western part of the township was James Luse, who, toward the close of the last century set out with his brothers, David and Nathaniel, from their home in Essex County, N. J., for French Creek. Mr. Luse had in his native State been in the employ of William Shotwell, who afterward became the agent for Field's claim, and at whose suggestion it was that Mr. Luse came West. David and Nathaniel set- tled in the western part of the county, but the country was too wild and desolate and marshy, and they soon removed to Redstone. James settled with his family at Meadville, and commenced making improvements on a tract of land six miles distant, near the Cussewago, every Monday morning going with his men from Meadville with provisions, prepared by Mrs. Luse, sufficient to last all the week. The products of their labor proved to be " sick wheat." The grain possessed the quality, not uncommon in a wild country, of producing illness in whomsoever consumed it. It was consequently worthless, and Mr. Luse sought out a new locality for his future home. About 1801 he settled on a tract of Field's claim, located in the south part of present Troy, just east of the Sixth Donation District, on the site of Liberty Schoolhouse, near the east branch of Sugar Creek. The old road from Fort Franklin to Fort Le Boeuf, made and xised by the French, passed through this farm, and it was largely with the intention of keeping a tavern on this road that Mr. Luse removed to the wilderness. The road was not improved as was expected, and there was little travel by the place. Instead, the pike was built a few years later through Meadville. For years Mr. Luse dwelt with his family in the deep recesses of the forest, remote from neighbors, surrounded only by the wild denizens of the wilderness. He was a stone-mason by trade, and remained on his farm till death in September, 1836, in the sixty-sixth year ot his age, leaving four chil- dren: Rachel, wife of Andrew Proper; Shubal; Lydia, wife of James Williams; and I^liza, married at the age of fourteen to William Williams, and now the wife of Jonathan Benn. 670 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The years passed by more rapidly than the settlers arrived. In 1810 there were few in the township. Daniel Ogden, a millwright, had come and gone. He made a settlement on the gore where Jonathan Benn, Jr. , now lives, but secured no title to the land. Amos Messer was another transient dweller in this region. Joseph Armstrong arrived from the central part of the State about 1805, and settled on Tract 1198 in the southern portion of the township. For live years his family lived on wild meats; then pork was introduced. Mr. Armstrong remained through life in the township. He had a family of fifteen children, ten of whom survived him : Joseph, William, Samuel, Daniel, John, George, Sarah, Nelly, Annie and Polly. The family is still represented in the township. Anson McKinsey, a native of Scotland, came prior to 1810, and settled on Tract 1165, at " Fauncetown. " A few years later be removed with his family to Sugar Creek, in Venango County, and there died. During the second decade of the century, few additional settlers arrived. In 1811 Jonathan Benn cast his lot in this locality. He had emigrated from Westmoreland County in 1805 or 1806, and settled in what is now the south- east part of Mead, on land belonging to his brother-in-law — Job Colbert. Desiring a home of his own he came to Troy, purchasing a farm in the south- ern part off the west side of Holland Tract 221. He remained here until his death, in 1855, at the age of seventy-six years, leaving ten children, who grew to maturity. Mn Benn was a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal faith. Andrew Proper, of Holland descent, came with his father, Samuel, from Seo- harie County, N. Y., to Plum Township, Venango County, and about 1818 settled on Tract 1185, in the southern part of Troy, where he died in his eighty-ninth year. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Nathaniel Smith came from Connecticut about 1817, and built his cabin on Tract 1186. He died in Venango County. William ShefiBield, a sea captain, came from New Haven, Conn., about 1813, and settled at Newtoatown, in the northeast corner of the township. He built a saw-mill here, now known as Newton's Mill, and carried on saw-milling extensively for a number of years. He was associated in the first store of Titusville soon after, and not many years later, it is said, he returned to a sea-faring life. Edward Francis, a colored individual, known as " Black Francis," settled in 1819 on Tract 1306, near Troy Center. He removed to Mercer County. Isaac Sheldon, about 1820, settled on Tract 1335, where Stephen Cook now resides. Mr. Sheldon after- •ward removed to Athens Township, where he died. From 1820 to 1830 a few more settlers were received. Stephen At water came from Connecticut about 1823 and settled on 500 acres, Tract 130, in the Seventh Donation District. He was a carpenter, and well advanced in life when he arrived. His death occurred on Sugar Creek, this township, a few years later. Oliver Cowles, his son-in-law, came about the same time and afterward removed to the West. William Williams when a year old came with his father Ellis from Huntington County to Erie County, five miles from Waterford. In 1822 he came to Troy Township and settled on Sugar Creek. The next year he married Eliza Luse, and remained in the town- ship iintil his death in 1859. He was a member of the Pree-Will Baptist Church. Charles Day about 1825 emigrated from Whitehall, N. Y. , and settled on Tract 1186. He afterward removed to Sparta Township. George Kees came from near Pittsburgh about 1825 and took up an abode on Tract 1305 near Troy Center. In after life he removed to Cherry Tree Township, Venango County, where he died. Joseph Crecroft in 1826 or 1828 settled in the northern part of the township. He was killed by the fall of a tree, and his family is now scattered. Tract 1342 was undrawn and possessed success- TROY TOWNSHIP. 671 ively a number of early occupants, first of whom was James Adams, after- ward George Evans and others. John S. Sutton came about 1830 to Tract 1199. The above, with a few of their descendants, were in 1830 all the tax- paying residents of what is now Troy. About 1840 settlements were made more rapidly, though there are yet a few tracts unsettled. The first burial in the township was that of the infant child of Mr. Murphy, a pioneer of Venango County. Its death was due to a severe scalding, received while in charge of an elder brother. It was dressed in a shroud made from a pillow-case obtained from a neighbor, was placed in a coffin split from a pine log and fastened together with wooden pins, and was buried on the farm of James Luse, the only two neighbors in attendance alternately acting as sole pall-bearer in conveying the remains to its resting- place. The first death in the township was that of Mr. Ellis, one of the first settlers. His family soon after departed from this locality. The earliest saw-mills, those of Charles Ridgway and William Sheffield, have already been mentioned. Barnhart Proper about 1840 erected on Tract 1164 a saw-mill which has been in operation most of the time since. Near it is a steam-mill erected in 1883 by Joseph Morse. Isaac Arter about 1850 built a mill on the old Jonathan Benn farm, soon after disposing of it to William Sterling. Other saw mills have since been built and operated, and lumbering is still carried on. The first school was held in 1819 in a little cabin erected for that pur- pose on Tract 1185. The neighborhood desired a school and the men collected, chose a central site, and by their combined labor in a day or two completed the primitive school edifice. The chimney was on the outside at one end of the building and was made of mud and sticks. The customary oiled paper window was arranged at one side and directly under it was the writing-desk, a long pine slab supported by large wooden pins fastened obliquely in the side of the building. The Benns, Armstrongs, Luses, Propers, McKays (of Wayne Township) and Smalls (of Venango County) attended. Miss Peggy Johnson of Randolph Township was the first and only teacher in this build- ing. She taught two terms. Wages for lady teachers were then from $1 to $1.25 per week and board. Troy Center consists of six or eight houses, a store, blacksmith shop, har- ness shop, schoolhouse and church, and is situated near the center of the town- ship, within which it has the only postoffice. John Stratton was the first Post; master, receiving his commission about 1850. The first store was started about 1858, by Almon Heath. Newtontown is A hamlet of similar size, situated on Oil Creek, in the northeast part. Edmond C. Newton, from whom it received its name, located here in 1847, remaining till his death in 1872. He purchased from Samuel Sinclair a farm and the saw-mill on the site of the one erected by William Sheffield, and operated it for many years. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Troy Center was erected in 1876, at a cost of 11,500. It is a neat frame structure, 34x44 feet in size. The class which worships here had been organized some years previous, and among its early prominent members were: Hamilton Bunce, Austin Mills, William Hays, Joseph Free, Abram Banta, Edgar Melvin, Henry Melvin and George Wright. Until the erection of the church, meetings had been conducted in the school- house. The society now has a membership of about fifty, and is connected with Townville Circuit. The Methodist Episcopal church edifice at East Troy was built in 1874, during the pastorate of Rev. J. K. Adams, of the Sunville Circuit. The exact 672 HISTORY OP CRAWFORD COUNTY. time of the class organization is unknown, but it was about 1850, by Eev. T. Benn, in the Bromley Sehoolhouse. Meetings *ere subsequently held in the East Troy Schoolhouso, adjacent to the present church building. Mr. Guild was leader until the erection of the church. He was followed by B. F. Brown and Samuel Aiken, the present leaders. Since 1877, this class has been a part of Hydetown Circuit. As a result of a revival held in the winter of 1883-84, by Rev. J. E. Eoberts, about twenty-five members were added to the society, which now numbers about sixty-five. The above are the only two religious societies of the township. Nor are any others known to have existed, here formerly, except a Methodist class, which had been organized about 1812, at the cabin of Henry Kinneer, in Venango County, and the place of worship for which was removed about 1816 to the cabin of Jonathan Benn, where they were continued until about 1836, then held for a few years in the Armstrong Sehoolhouse, in the southern part of Troy, and afterward removed to Chapmanville, Venango County, where the society still flourishes. CHAPTER XXVIII. UNION TOWNSHIP. Petition— Proposed Bounds— Election— Physical Peatukes— Population —Early Settlements— Killing by Indians— Early Deeds — Other Pio- neers— Eeligious Organization- Mills. IN accordance with a petition to lay out a new township from portions of Vernon, Greenwood and Fairfield, the Court of Quarter Sessions, April 24, 1867, appointed H. B. Beatty, Artist, and Barrett Brown and Charles Drake, Viewers, who reported May 16 following, favorably to the establishment of a new township, with the following bounds: "Beginning on the bank of French Creek, on what is known as the southerly of the Kennedy Tract; thence by said tract line to the southwest corner thereof and the northwest corner of D. Haman; thence south by the division line of land 195 perches to the southwest corner of Amborger, also the corner of Smith, Kebert et al. ; thence west by the north line of said Smith to the center of a public road; thence south by said road and the west line of Smith to the northeast corner of the land of James Johnson's heirs; thence west by the division line of land to a point opposite the dividing line between Tracts 405 and 406; thence south by said dividing line to the center of the channel of Conneaut Outlet; thence down said channel by its several meanderings till its junction with French Creek, thence up said creek by its several courses and distances to the place of begin- ning." On the 19th day of June, 1867, the court ordered that a vote should be taken July 18, 1867, by the electors of Vernon Township, the largest por- tion of the proposed new township coming from Vernon, and by the electors of Greenwood and Fairfield, who resided within the boundaries of the new township. The election resulted: 135 votes for and 74 against the new town- ship. The township thus formed is irregularly triangular in shape, separated by French Creek on the northeast from Mead and East Fairfield, and from Green- wood and Fairfield on the south and southwest by Conneaut Outlet. The UNION TOWNSHIP. 673 division line on the northwest between Union and Vernon is very irregular. The New Yofk, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad crosses in this portion of the township. The surface in the central part is high and rolling, and recedes in all directions to the borders of the township. Along Conneaut Outlet a marshy waste, with an average width of half a mile, extended, but by dredg- ing much of it has recently been reclaimed to agricultural purposes, and has proved to possess a highly productive soil. The old Beaver Canal passed through the township, along the valley of Conneaut Outlet. Union contains 7,939 acres, valued on the tax duplicate of 1882 at |174,018. The population in 1870 was 622, and in 1880, 603. It is a purely agricultural region, con- taining neither village nor hamlet. Dutch Hill Postoffice was established many years ago, but has since been abolished, and the inhabitants for mail facilities rely on adjacent townships. The Meadville and Linesville Railroad circles through the north part of the township. Settlements were made in Union before the suspension of Indian hostili- ties. John Huling, one of the first; and probably the foremost pioneer, came before 1795, and erected his cabin on the banks of French Creek near the southeast corner of the township, on the present farm of William H. Harring- ton. A temporary fort was built on his farm, in which the few scattering settlers took refuge at night. The tragedy of June, 1795, occurred on his farm. Two young men, James Findlay and Barney McCormick, were splitting rails for Mr Huling about sixty rods from Conneaut Outlet and a mile from its mouth, on the present farm of H. Woodworth. A band of savages approached, killed and scalped the two men and disappeared before help could arrive. One of the victims fell where he had been at work, the other had retreated to the adjoining thicket and was there overtaken and killed. At Huling's cabin the two shots were heard. The first report was supposed to issue from the rifle of Aaron Wright, a hunter of Fairfield, but when the second was heard the presence of the Indians was suspected. Aaron Wright himself heard the shots, and so keen was his sense of hearing that he knew they came from strange rifles. Mr. Huling died on his farm prior to 1810. His wife, Agnes, survived until 1814, and was buried in Conneaut Cemetery in the northeast corner of Fairfield. Marcus, James and Ceal Huling were their sons. Robert Wilson settled in the northern part at the mouth of Wilson's Run in 1797, or earlier. He remained here until death, leaving a wife but no children. The exact date of David Mumford's arrival is not known, but it was prior to 1797. He was born in New Jersey, and emigrated from Washington County, this State, to the farm in Tract 429, now owned by J. Hannah, near the center of Union, where he remained engaged in clearing the land and till- ing the soil until his death in 1816, He had served in the Revolutionary war, was a Methodist, and an intelligent, prominent pioneer. His children were: James, William, Peter, Margaret, wife of John Williams; Sarah, wife of William McFadden, and Martha, wife of Arthur Johnson. A half dozen Holland land tracts are found along the French Creek. Con- tracts for their settlement were made as follows: Tract 71, Tunis Elson, 100 acres, August 5, 1799, deed executed June 25, 1804; Tract 72, George Went- zel, 150 acres, August 5, 1799; Tract 73, Peter Elson, 150 acres, August 5, 1799, deed executed July 9, 1804; Tract 74, John McDill, 100 acres, August 5, 1799, deed executed July 9, 1805; Tract 75, William Armstrong, 150 acres, September 26, 1799, deed delivered January 23, 1806; Tract 76, William Arm- strong, 150 acres, September 26, 1799, deed executed to Thomas Van Horn, 674 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. assignee, December 22, 1810. All the above were settlers on their respective tracts. Tunis Elson was a German and followed farming on his farm until death. Peter Elson was his brother, and remained on the farm of his early settlement through life. Henry Elson was a resident of the township prior to 1798. John and George Elson, the two sons of Peter, afterward died on their father's farm. George Wentzel or Vinsel was a powerful German and had three brothers, David, George and Henry, who were also early settlers. The entire family afterward removed to Ohio. John McDill removed to another part of the county, and the subsequent whereabouts of William Arm- strong are not known. The above settlements were probably all made in 1799. Other pioneers of the township who came about the opening of the pres- ent century were: James Birchfield, Mrs. Nelly Beatty, James and Samuel Davis, John and William Henry, Samuel Kincaid, Andrew Mehaffey, John McFadden, Leonard Smock, Theodore Scowden, Robert Stitt and James Smith. James Birchfield came from the Susquehanna River in 1800, and settled .on Tract 427, in the western part of the township. He was a prominent citizen, an Elder in the old Fairfield Township Seceder Church, and an Associate Judge of the county. His children were: James, Samuel, John, Jesse, David, Mary (wife of Arthur Johnson), Sarah (wife of William May), and Mrs. Edward Herrington. Mrs. Nelly Beatty, a widow, resided in the southern part with her sons John, James and Matthew. James and Samuel Davis were brothers. The former cleared a farm in the western part of Union, and died there in July, 1819. His son, J. S. Davis, now occupies the old place. Sam- uel Davis settled on Wilson Run, in the north part of the township, and remained there till death. He was one of a very few pioneers who owned slaves in this county. Samuel Kincaid settled on the farm on Conneaut Creek now owned by N. A. Bligh. He taught singing- school in early times and filled the office of Constable. He removed to Meadville and . died there. Andrew Mehaffey was his close neighbor on Conneaut Creek. John McFadden was also one of the earliest in the southern part. Leonard Smock, a native of New Jersey, came from Westmoreland County about 1805, and settled a half mile north of Conneaut Creek. Theodore Scowden came from the Susque- hanna in 1800, and became a lifelong pioneer of Tract 428. His children were: Samuel, Simeon, John, Theodore, William, David, Mary, wife of Gabriel Davis; Sarah, wife of John Minnis; Elizabeth, wife of Hugh Swaney; Cath- erine, wife of Samuel Power; and Elsie, wife of David Birchfield. Robert Stitt was also a pioneer settler of Tract 428. James Smith came from the valley of the Tuscarora, in Juniata County, in 1805. About 1832 a German settlement commenced, which has continued until at present citizens of this nationality own and occupy about two-thirds of the township. Almost without exception they hail from the Palatinate, Bavaria, and the colony received constant accessions until within about ten years. They have purchased whatever land in the township was offered for sale, but are no longer able to provide sufficient land for the rising generation, colonies of whom have been established near Sugar Lake, Wayne Township and in Missouri. The greater part of this German element adheres to Zion German Reformed Church, which was organized about 1840. Among the first members were John Kebort, Francis and Frederick Stein, Andrew Kahler, William Hubers, Peter Steir, Feter Weber and John Weaver. Rev. Philip Zeiser organized the church and remained its pastor about eighteen years. He resided at New Hamburg, Mercer County, and held services also during this period at Wat- son's Run, Saegertown and Mosiertown. Rev. D. B. Ernst of Saegertown then VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 675 supplied the congregation for a short time followed by Rev. L. D. Leberman, who remained until 1864. Rev. David Klopp then preached one year, and Rev F. Wall, three years; succeeded in 1872 by Rev. D. D. Leberman of Mead- ville, the present pastor. The first house of worship was a log structure, superseded by the present frame building. It is located on Tract 429, near the center of the township, was repaired in 1879 at a cost of $500, and has a seating capacity of 300. Services are held once in two weeks and conducted alternately in the English and German languages; the communicant member- ship is 160. Mt. Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1826 with twelve members, by Revs. John Leach and H. Kinsley of Mercer Circuit; meetings were held for many years in cabins and schoolhouses. The present edifice, located in the north part of Tract 72, was erected in 1858, at a cost of $1,000. The class is a part of Evansburg Circuit, and has a membership of about forty. A Methodist class was organized at the cabin of David Mumford soon after the year 1800. It at first included but three families, those of Mr. Mumford, Andrew McFadden and John Leach, the latter of Mercer County. Meetings were held for many years at the house of David Mumford, and after- ward at schoolhouses. The class has been defunct for many years. James Smith is said to have built the first saw-mill. He was an early Jus- tice and carried on a blacksmith shop. Theodore and Hiram Power kept an «arly store at the pike crossing of the old Beaver Canal. William Birchfield kept a public house at Dutch Hill. Mr. Wilson erected a small corn-cracker on Wilson's Run, and Gabriel Davis had an early grist and saw-mill in the southern part. The marriage of John Williams to Margaret Mumford in 1802 was one of the earliest in the township. CHAPTER XXIX. VENANGO TOWNSHIP. Venango Township — Oeganization — Bound aeies — Phtsical Features- Name— Eakly Settlers — Distilleet— Mills— Keligious Societies. Borough or Venango— First Settlement — Industeies — Incorporation- Officers— Population— Business— Schools— Religious Organizations- Societies. ' YENANGO TOWNSHIP dates its origin back to July 9, 1800, at which time it was created with the following boundaries: " Beginning at the -corner of a tract of land surveyed in the name of John Fries, on the line of a tract surveyed in the name of David Cunningham about sixty perches or there- abouts west of the northeast corner of the same ; thence north to the southwest corner of a tract in the name of James West; thence eastwardly to French Creek; thence up the different windings of the same to the northern boundary of Crawford County; thence by the same westwardly to the northeast corner of Cussewago Township: thence southwardly to the northwest corner of a tract of land surveyed in the name of John James; thence east to the place of beginning." As thus constituted Venango embraced besides its present limits the northeast part of Hayfield and the eastern part of Cussewago. Its bound- 676 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. aries were changed in 1829, so that it then included present Cambridge and Venango. The formation of the former reduced Venango to its present limits. It contains 9,829 acres of land, and is one of the northernmost townships of the county. Cussewago Township is west; Cambridge, east; Hayfield, south, and Erie County, north. The south, west, and north boundaries are straight lines, but the meanderings of French and Conneautee Creeks constitute the eastern boundary. The township is watered by these streams and their sev- eral small tributaries, which flow southeasterly through sloping gullies fifty or a hundred feet deep. Above these the land is comparatively level. It is roughest in the northwestern part, and in the northeastern, along the banks of Conneaut Creek, it is somewhat marshy. The soil is a gravelly and in a few places sandy loam, except in the northwest where a clay predominates. The timber is hemlock, white oak, black oak, butternut, and on higher ground hick- ory, chestnut, sugar, and beech. The name Venango was formerly applied to French Creek, and is a corruption of the Indian term Innun-guah, given the stream by the Senecas and expressive of an indecent figure carved on the bark of a tree near its banks. The earliest settlers of Venango were: William Bole, Henry Bole, Thomas Coulter, Thomas Logue, Philip Straw, Daniel and Christopher Siverling and Jehiel Terrell, all of whom had settled here in 1797. William Bole was a bachelor, and after a residence of some years removed to Sandusky, Ohio, and later further west. His brother, Henry Bole, came to the township in 1797. He was a native of Ireland, but immigrated to America, when a boy. In 1793 he came to this county and remained about Meadville for four years. He then settled in the western part of what is now Venango, on a tract imme-, diately north of Holland Land Tract 94. Erecting a cabin and mak- ing a little clearing, he procured a tenant, Michael Hare, for the place, and removed to the east part of the township on the tract adjoining French Creek, just south of the mouth of Conneaut Creek. This tract a few years later he traded to Christian Blystone for a distillery and land about one mile farther down French Creek, where he removed and remained till his death in April, 1848, at the age of seventy years. Charles Stewart had made the first improve- ment on this tract at the mouth of the run, which still bears his name. He remained here only a few years. Thomas Coulter, who was born in Philadelphia in 1765, settled about a mile northwest from Venango Borough in 1796, and remained there till his death many years later. His son Robert was born there in March, 1797, prob- ably the first birth of a white child in the township. Thomas and Eobert Logue, who were of Irish nativity, came about the same time, and settled in the southwest part of the township. Philip Straw occupied the site of Venango Borough. Christopher Siverling, a German, moved his family from West- moreland County, and settled in 1796 on the tract immediately south of Venango Village. His sons were Christopher, John and Daniel, all well-known pioneers. Two bushels of corn, a small quantity of beef and a few turnips constituted the entire stock of provisions the first winter, except such as the forest and streams afibrded. Pittsburgh was then the nearest trading point, roads were not yet cut, and the dense forests abounded with wild animals. Bears preyed upon the few pigs brought to the pioneer settlements, and for years the howling wolves were the deadly enemies of sheep. The bounty on wolf scalps diminished the number of this latter pest, and organized wolf hunts aiforded sport to the pioneers and rid the settlements of a dangerous enemy. Other settlers soon arrived, and previous to 1810 all the following were VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 677 domiciled within the limits of the township, most of them arriving abqjit the opening of the century : Isaac, Henry and Christian Blystone, Jacob Gross, John Hamilton, Jacob HogeJberger, Samuel Quay, Andrew Sherred, John Stokes, James Skelton and James Torry. Isaac, Henry and Christian Blystone were brothers. They came about 1800 from Lebanon County, and settled on French Creek, about two miles north of Venango Borough. Henry returned to the East, but his brothers remained life- long residents of the township. Jacob Gross, about 1802, set- tled with his family in the northern part of the township. He came from the Susquehanna River, and his sons were John, Henry and William. James Torry, an Irishman, came about the same time, and likewise settled in the northern part. John Hamilton came from Erie County, and built his cabin about one and a half miles north of the borough. He afterward removed some distance below Meadville. Jacob Uogelberger, a native of Greensburg, West- moreland County, in 1799 located in the western part. Like most of his able- bodied neighbors, he served at Erie during the war of 1812. Samuel Quay came from the Susquehanna prior to 1800, and settled in the southwest part of Tract 97, near the center of the township. Andrew Sherred settled on the farm immediately north of Venango Borough, remaining through life. John Stokes came from the central portion of the State to this county in 1804, and settled in what is now Cussewago Township. Soon after he removed to a farm aboiit two miles northeast of the borough, where he remained till death. James Skelton came from Philadelphia in 1801, and made his habitation about two and a half miles north of Venango Village. He first constructed a shelter of brush, and as soon as possible built a cabin of such poles as two men could raise. It afforded little protection against rain or cold, but was occupied for many years. During the first summer Mr. Skelton labored about fourteen miles down French Creek. He once bought from Mr. Van Horn a bushel of wheat, had it ground at Meadville on his way home, and when within five miles of his cabin darkness overtook him, and, weary and foot-sore, he tarried all night, proceeding to his family the next morning. Jehiel Terrell came to the township in 1797, or earlier. He hailed from New Jersey, and settled in the southwest- portion of Tract 98, about three and a half miles north of Venango. Mr. Terrell was one of the first teachers in Venango Township, beginning as early as 1810. His schoolroom was of the primitive type, a round log-cabin, with fire-place extending along one end and with chimney constructed of clay and sticks, the furniture being of the rudest workmanship. Mr. Terrell, after a residence of some years, returned to New Jersey. William Gross and others succeeded him in swaying the ferule over the youth of Venango. William Eeynolds, who dwelt on Cussewago Creek, taught two summer, terms about the years 1818 and 1819 in a cabin on the southeast part of Tract 97. Henry Bole in early times operated a distillery, which he obtained through an exchange of real estate from Christian Blystone. A still was then regarded as a valuable property, and Mr. Bole paid a good round price for it. Reuben and Simeon Bishop built a saw, lath and shingle-mill opposite Drake's Mills in early times, and it was afterward run by Mr. Rhodes. A little grist-mill was also constructed in the same vicinity, but has long since been abandoned. There are now no mills in the township. Venango Presbyterian Church is located just north of the limits of Venango Borough. It was erected in 1853 as an auxiliary of Gravel Run, Woodcock Borough congregation, and was dedicated by Rev. John Reynolds, of Meadville. The Bole and Coulter families were chiefly instrumental in its 678 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. erection. Eev. J. W. Dickey, pastor of Gravfel Run congregation, held services here until 1866. On the 24th of October of that year in answer to a request preferred by the members the presbytery made this branch a separate congre- gation, and John H. Culbertson and J. W. Scott, Elders of Gravel Run, were set apart to act as Elders of Venango congregation. Eev. Ira Condit, Dr. J. J. Marks and Rev. D. C. Cooper supplied the congregation until 1870, when Rev. David Waggoner was installed pastor, serving until the autumn of 1881. The church has since been supplied by Rev. John Zahniser. The membership is seventy-five. Elder Culbertson died in 1876, and the same year David M. Bole and Adam Sherred were elected Elders. The session is now composed of Jonas Ash, A. J. Sherred, J. C. Harris and J. W. Scott. Skelton M. E. Church, located in the central part of the township, was built in 1843 at a cost of $600. The same year a class of twenty-five members was organized by Revs. Scofield and Bear. William Scott, Jacob Wood and Jacob and Christian Blystone were early leading members. Services were held for about fifteen years, and in consequence of the removal of many members and the transfer of the membership of others to surrounding classes, the building was sold to a cemetery association with the reservation that any religious denomination may hold services in it. Recently during the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Vance, of Cambridge Circuit, the class was reorganized, and it has since been maintained. The membership is small. BOEOUGH OF VENANGO. The first settlement on the site of Venango Borough was made by Philip Straw as early as 1797. John Lasher and Solomon Walters purchased his improvement in 1817, and anticipating the location of a turnpike through the place, laid out a village plot. Their expectations, however, were not realized. In 1819 Mr. Walters sold his interest to Michael Peiffer, who in company with Jacob Sherritz soon afte^ built a saw-mill. This, together with the mill priv- ilege and eighteen acres of land, was bought in 1829 by Asa Freeman, and in 1832 John Kleckner, who had removed from Lycoming County the year pre- vious, purchased the mill property and a farm near by. He built a new saw- mill in 1832, and repaired the old one. In 1844 he erected a grist-mill, and operated the mills for many years. In 1838 he had the village plot sur- veyed, and named it Klecknerville; it was changed to Venango when the borough was incorporated. The earliest residents of the village were John Bender, a blacksmith; John Lasher, farmer; George Thomas, a shoemaker; Isaac P. Clark and Josephus Herriott, cabinet-makers, all of whom had settled here prior to 1840. Reynolds and May, of Erie, were the first merchants, and Philip Kleckner in 1840 opened the first tavern, where now stands the Venango House. From 1840 to about 1860 the village grew steadily. Its development has since been slower. Venango was incorporated in the spring of 1852. Its first officers were: Isaac Peiffer, Burgess; Jacob Kepler, John Kleckner, Anthony W. Mumford and Charles P. Penoyer, Council; John Peiffer, Treasurer; John W. Coulter, Collector; George Lasher, High Constable. Isaac Peiffer was re-elected Bur- gess in 1858, and his successors have been: Joseph Blystone, 1854; George Kleckner, 1855-56; S. W. Kepler, 1857; John Bender, 1858; H. J. Logan, 1859; William L. Apple, 1860; William P. Floyd, 1861; A. W. Mumford, 1862; Isaac F. Clark, 1863; William P. Floyd, 1864; W. H. Dibble, 1865- 66; J. C. Giddings, 1867; Adam L. Braden, 1868; J. C. Giddings, 1869; A. L. Braden, 1870; Joseph Blystone, 1871; George C. Straw, 1872; C. Bender, 1873; Samuel Clark, 1874; J. J. Whipple, 1875; J. C. Harris, 1876; George VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 679 C. Straw, 1877; H. J. Brookhouser, 1878; Joseph Blystone, 1879; Robert Clark, 1880; W. I. Blystone, 1881-82; Jonathan Sherred, 1883. The borough contained in 1870 a population of 313, in 1880, 347. It now has two general stores, a grocery, a hardware store, a drug store and a furni- ture store, two physicians, three hotels, a fine school building, three churches and four societies, Benhart & Straw's cigar box factory, Blystone & George's grist-mill, Brookhouser & Shellhamer's saw-mill, and Sherred & Gidding's cheese box factory, a wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, three -shoe shops, a harness shop and a cooper shop. A log schoolhouse was built about 1820 near the southeast corner of Church and South Streets, where the parsonage of Zion Lutheran Church now stands. Charles Fletcher and John and Evan George were its early teachers. The next schoolhouse was a one-story frame erected about a mile west of the vil- lage and the present brick structure was built in 1857 at a cost of $1,350. It is two stories in height and contains four apartments, only two of which are now in use. The oldest religious society of Venango Borough is Zion Evangelical Luth- eran, General Council, Church. It was organized by Rev. Colson with four- teen members in 1816. Revs. Frederick Hoyer, Muckenhoupt, Moyerhoffer, Shultz and Straw were early pastors. Among the earliest members were : Peter Saeger, Frederick Zerns, Andrew and Michael Sherred, John Stokes and John and Michael Peiffer. A round-log-church was built in 1816 on the site of the present schoolhouse, but was not completed. Services were held in it during the summers and in the schoolhouse during winters until the winter of 1838- 39, when a large frame structure was reared. It was occupied until 1879 when the present frame church, 36x50, was erected on the same lot, on the east side of Church Street, south of South Street, at a cost of $2,500. Rev. Elihu Rathbun was serving this charge as early as 1831; he was subsequently elected pastor in 1837. Rev. Henry Zigler became pastor in 1847; J. D. Nunemacher in 1851 ; Henry Weichsel in 1855 ; I. J . Delo in 1858, and subsequently Revs. J. H. Smith, P. Doehr, George Gaumer and E. Cressman. The latter was installed in October, 1881, and is now serving. The membership is about thirty. The First Evangelical Lutheran Church, General Synod, was formed in 1875 with sixty-two members, who had previously been connected with Zion Church. Its handsome frame edifice was erected in 1877 at a cost, including lot on the east side of Meadville Street, of $3,500. The first officers were: Dr. M. L. Faulkner and John Muckenhoupt, Elders, and David Good and H. J. Brookhouser, Deacons. The present officers are: D. S. Lasher and C. Bender, Elders, and R. F. Brookhouser and Christian Hornaman, Deacons. Rev. I. J. Delo was called in 1876 and remained in charge until March, 1880. His suc- cessor, Rev. Eli Miller, the present Pastor, assumed the duties of the pastorate July 1, 1880. The present membership is 100. Venango Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1842, by Rev. Ahab Keller, of Cambridge Circuit. The original class scarcely numbered a dozen, and included Joseph L. Perkins and wife, Jacob Wood and wife, Mrs. John Peiffer, Miss Delilah Mumford, John Terrell, Nicholas Peiffer and Benjamin Hays and wife. The first meetings were held in the old school- house, situated about a mile west of the village, afterward in the Lutheran Church until the winter of 1846-47, when the present frame church, located on the west side of Church Street, opposite South, was erected at a cost of $12,200. The society now numbers forty-eight members. It is connected with Cambridge Circuit. 680 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Venango Lodge, No. 298, K. of P., was chartered June 7, 1871. The fol- lowing names appear on the charter: G. D. Acker ly, J. C. Harris, Arthur Mc- Closky, John Quay, H. M. Bole, A. Logan, H. D. Persons, W. H. Dibble and Solomon Coup. The membership is ninety-six, and meetings are held every Wednesday evening. Venango Valley Lodge, No. 45, A. O. U. W., was instituted February 7, 1873. Its charter officers were: M. L. Faulkner, P. M. W. ; N. F. Peiffer, M. W. ; G. C. Straw, G. F.; A. L. Lasher, O.; J. Blystone, Recorder; William H. Dibble, Financier; G.W. Kleckner, Receiver; A. Torry, G. ; M. P. Barrett, I. W. ; Frank N. Kleckner, O. W. The membership is now thirty, and the regular meetings are held every Friday evening. French Creek Lodge, No. 476, L O. O. F., was chartered February 28, 1876, with the following officers: W. S. Skelton, N. G.; G. D. Humes, V. G.; I. J. Delo, Secretary; Joseph Blystone, Assi^stant Secretary; Isaac Peiffer, Treasurer. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening, and the membership is forty-four. Sylvia Lodge, No. 122, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered March 31, 1879, but regular meetings are no longer held. Myrtle Union, No. 311, E. A. U., was instituted May 9, 1881, with thirty- eight members. Its charter officers were: J. H. Marey, Chancellor; D. S. Lasher, Advocate; Isaac Peiffer, President; Mrs. Sarah S. Lutz, Vice-Presi- dent; Mrs. Maria S. Skelton, Auxiliary; David Gibson, Treasurer; M. M Tut- tle. Secretary; A. D. Foskit, Accountant; Mrs. Mary E. Faulkner, Chaplain; A. T. Zimmer, Warden; Mrs. Sophia Peiffer, Sentinel; J. L. Skelton, Watch- man. The membership has slightly increased, and meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. CHAPTER XXX. VERNON TOWNSHIP. Veknon Township — Ohganization — Population — Physical Features- Industries— First Settlers— Holland Company Titles— Kerrtown— Fredericksburg or Stringtown— Religious Organizations. Borough of Vallonia— Location— Incorporation— Election— Population —Growth— First Residents— Distillery — Postoffice— School— Mission Chapel. VERNON TOWNSHIP was organized in 1829, and the first election place was fixed by act of Assembly of April 29, 1829, at the house of Jesse Col- lum. The territory was derived from Mead and Sadsbury. In population it is the third township in the county, Hayfield and Mead exceeding it. The population in 1880 was 1,919; in 1870, 1,615; in 1860, 1,553; and in 1850, 1,299. It com- prises a fine agricultural region and contains little or no marsh land. French Creek forms its eastern boundary, and Conneaut Outlet a portion of its south- ern. Of the latter Watson's Run is a tributary, coursing in a southeasterly direction through the western part of the township. Van Horn Run flows in the same direction from the central portion of Vernon and empties into French Creek. Cussewago Creek, with the same general trend, joins its waters with those of French Creek just below Vallonia. The alluvial soil of the valleys is rich, and over the rolling lands throughout the township a productive clay VERNON TOWNSHIP. 681 is found. Springs of excellent quality dot almost every farm. Good farm improvements prevail; during the last few years many spacious and handsome residences have been erected and betoken the prosperity of their dwellers. Of industries may be mentioned Andrews' grist-mill on Watson's Run in the southern part of the township, built by Peter Brown and operated by water power; Johnson's saw-mill on the same stream in the northwest part of the township; Isaac Onspaugh's, also on Watson's Run; the steam-mill of Birch Brothers; the cheese factory of Seth Harper in the western part, Brook's saw- mill near the mouth of Cussewago, and Gill & Shryock's grist-mill. Vernon Township shares with Mead the honor of the first settlement in Crawford. In 1788, when the primitive pioneer band of nine resolute men penetrated the Western wilderness, after a weary march, they reached their journey's end on the 12th day of May, on the banks of French Creek, opposite the Cussewago. Their first evening was passed beneath the canopy of a spreading wild cherry tree on the east side of the stream near the present lower bridge. The next few days were spent in exploring the lands on either side of the creek. " This lovely valley," said Cornelius Van Home, " now redo- lent with life and industry, was then reposing in the stillness of primeval solitude, with naught to designate it as the former residence of man save occa- sionally a deserted wigwam of the aboriginal owners of the soil. They had already deserted its shady groves and murmuring -streams, and retired still fui-ther into the wilderness." The solitudes, remote from other settlements, were however uninviting, and the majority of the explorers sooner or later returned to the East. Two located in what is now Vernon Township: John Mead and Cornelius Van Home. John Mead settled on the tract immediately above Vallonia. His first cabin was built close to the west bank of French Creek, between it and the ravine, and just east of the present fair grounds. By occupa- tion he was a farmer. He died here in 1819, leaving five sons: William, Joseph, John, Asahel and Chambers, and one daughter, all of whom are now dead. David Mead first selected land immediately below him, but built his cabin on the site of Meadville, and became identified with its growth and prosperity. Cor- nelius Van Home settled about a mile and a half farther down the stream, on a tract of 412 acres, upon part of which his son, Judge Thomas Van Home, still resides. Cornelius Van Home, like the Meads, had lands at Wyoming under the Pennsylania title; he proved his title in the Supreme Court and obtained a decis- ion in his favor, but the anarchical state of the settlements on the disputed lands rendered the dispossession of the rival claimants difficult, and securing from the Commonwealth a remuneration, he abandoned his lands and sought a home in the West. He was a miller by occupation in Sussex County, N. J., and served as Lieutenant in the Revolution. He tarried at the island for a time, but during the summer took possession of an Indian cabin, which stood on the tract he afterward patented. In October of the same year he returned on a temporary visit to his mother in New Jersey. Indian depredations ren- dered the occupation of his tract for a few years impracticable. His capture by the savages near Meadville and his suteequent escape are narrated in the early history of the county. When quiet was restored he again settled on his tract, remaining till his death. The patent for it is dated February 27, 1800, and states that a settlement was there made April 15, 1793. Mr. Van Home was married in 1798 to Miss Sarah Dunn, of Meadville, and by this marriage had six children. He died at the old homestead farm in 1846, aged ninety- six years. Thomas Van Home settled on the tract adjoining on the south that of Cor- nelius, his brother. Years after he removed to near Zanesville, Ohio, where his descendants still reside. ^^ 682 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Alexander McEntire, who hailed from Sussex County, N. J., and was a brother-in-law to Cornelius Van Home, settled on French Creek immediately north of him. Here he remained many years, then removed to Chautauqua, N. Y. The Eogers brothers (James, John, Alexander and Matthew) were here before the close of the last century. They lived on the site of Vallonia and were boatmen, plying keel-boats between Pittsburgh and Waterford. Among other ea'rly settlers along French Creek were: Phineas Dunham of New Jersey, who purchased land from John Mead near Vallonia and resided there till his death: James Freeman, who was afterward toll collector at the west end of the Kennedy bridge, built in 1810; William Henry, an Irish tenant of Cornelius Van Home; William McCall, who owned 100 acres south of the Van Home place, and later in life removed to Hayfield Township where he died; William Work, an Irishman, who, though possessing no realty, dwelt in the same neighborhood; Jacob and John Work were his sons; Michael Seely, who had formerly piloted a keel-boat from Pittsburgh, lived and died on the Van Home farm. All the above were here prior to 1810. Bobert Andrews settled in the southern part in 1797, or earlier; he came from Ireland and was for years a Justice of the Peace. John Johnson, a native of Ireland, immigrated to America in 1797, and about 1800 settled within the present limits of Vernon, where he died at the age of seventy two years in 1830, leaving a large family. John Leach was an early resident, but subsequently settled in Wayne Township, where he recently died at an advanced age. Daniel Dorrell owned and occupied 200 acres in Tract 403, in the southeast part of Vernon, where he lived many years and died. His brother, Jeremiah, owned and tilled a small place just north of him. Thomas Fleming was a pioneer, but not a proprietor of land. Near the head of Van Home Eun Edward F. Randolph settled early. He was a son of Bobert F. Bandolph of Mead Township, and in after life immi- grated to the West. On the same stream Finlaw Beatty, son of John Beatty, was an early 'settler. He afterward removed to the east bank of French Creek, about five miles below Meadville, and there passed the balance of his days. Michael Myers was an early and life-long settler. About one-half the township, the northern and western parts, was included in the possessions of the Holland Land Company, which made contracts for the settlement of most of the tracts prior to 1800. In most instances the set- tlements were commenced by the parties contracting, but often they became discontented and abandoned, or sold their claims to incoming settlers. The contracts of the company for the settlement of lands within what is now Ver- non, were made with the following persons and at the following dates. One hundred acres were usually given in compensation for the settlement, and generally the pioneer purchased fifty or more acres additional; the total acreage contracted for is given: Tract 52, Daniel Williams, 100 acres. June 1, 1797; A. and C. Williams, 100 acres, July 17, 1798; Tract 54, Richard Patch, August 31, 1799, 100 acres, deed given 1803; Tract 56, Daniel and John Williams, 401 acres, June 21, 1797, deeds executed to John Williatos and to Jacob Trace, Joseph Beatty and D. Brackenridge, assignees; Tract 57, Martha Mason, 75 acres, August 18, 1801; Tract 58, Joseph Schouster, 100 acres, November 23, 1796, deed executed in 1807; Tract 60, William Dick, December 9, 1797, 401 acres, deed executed in 1801; Tract 61, John Harper, 100 acres, August 30, 1799, deed executed; Tract 62, David Harper, 100 acres, June 2, 1797, assigned to John Cotton; Tracts 64 and 65 were sold to S. B. and A. W. Foster of Meadville, in 1800; Tracf 66, Andrew Williams, VERNON TOWNSHIP. 683 150 acres, June 1, 1797, settlement completed but assigned and surrendered for land in Tract 56; Tract 68, James Birch, 401 acres, February 21, 1800, deed executed June 21, 1806; Tract 69, William Butler, 401 acres, July 9, 1798, deed executed to John Irwin, assignee, November 23, 1804; Tract 70, William McFadden, 150 acres, November 29, 1799; Tract 77, Philip Sarber, 100 acres, August 10, 1799, deed executed February 25, 1808; Tract 78, Thomas Van Home, 150 acres, August 29, 1796, deed executed December 16, 1801; Tract 79, John Davis, 210 acres, December 9, 1797, assigned John Beatty, to whose heirs deed v?as executed; Tract 80, 448 acres, sold to S. B. and A. W. Foster, 1800; Tract 81, Robert Brotherton, 150 acres, October 17, 1798, deed executed May 8, 1809; Tract 82, George McGonnegle, 150 acres, November 4, 1796, repurchased. The only thickly settled region of Vernon Township is that which skirts the eastern boundary and lies contiguous to Meadville; Kerrtown, a village of several hundred people, adjoining and below the lower iron bridge which crosses French Creek into Meadville, was so called in honor of its proprietor. William Kerr emigrated from Philadelphia to this county in 1817, and settled near the Kennedy bridge, purchasing 100 acres of land, upon a portion of which Kerrtown has been built. He was a school teacher, and was an early instructor in the Meadville Academy, many of the Meadville business men of to day hav- ing attended him. He afterward opened a store opposite the present Kerrtown tannery, and followed merchandising for many years. He died in 1873. The growth of the village has been steady; many of its residents are employes of the railroad. The school building is a two-story frame, in which two schools are held. Its merchantile business consists of two general stores. In 1868, some years after Mr. Kerr's store had been discontinued, George W. Houser launched in the mercantile trade, opposite the bridge and west of the Mead- ville and Mercer turnpike. He sold out in 1883 to Patterson and Houser. A second store was started by John W. Burchfield and is now owned by De Forest Davis. An extensive tannery, employing about fifteen men, is owned and operated by Frank Schauweker. A tannery was first started here by Thomas Kerr. He sold the property to Henry Berg, who enlarged the buildings and increased the business. Under his successors, Schauweker & Goeppinger, the tannery was burned, but was rebuilt by the present owner. The Rice Brothers have a wagon and carriage factory of considerable note, and Andrew Stolz is the pro- prietor of extensive brick yards, started by Joseph Anderson. A brewery is in operation, and a shoe shop proves a valuable appendage. Kerrtown is the place of voting for Vernon Township. A postoffice was established in the vil- lage in February, 1884. Extending northward from Kerrtown, along the hill-side facing French and Cussewago Creeks for the distance of a mile, is Fredericksburg, or Stringtown, as it has been dubbed by its neighbors. The lots were laid out in 1863, or soon thereafter, by Frederick W. Huidekoper, executor of Edgar Huidekoper, deceased. The building lots found a ready sale among the railroad employes and others, and the settlement now embraces several hundred souls. The schoolhouse is a two-story frame, containing two rooms, both of which are occupied. A short distance above the Dock Street bridge over French Creek is the flouring-mill of Gill & Shryock. A grist and saw-mill was first built on this site by H. J. Huidekoper, in 1817-18. It was operated by water-power supplied through a race from Cussewago Creek. It passed from the first owner into the hands of his son, Edgar Huidekoper, by whom it was afterward sold to the 684 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. present owners. By them it was repaired and enlarged, and steam-power introduced. Watson's Eun Postoffice is located in the northeast corner of the township. Watson's Run German Reformed Church was organized by Rev. Philip Sicer in 1840. Ten years later during the ministry of Rev. D. B. Ernst, who served sixteen years, a church edifice, 31x45, was erected in the southern part of the township, at a cost of $800. Leading members at that time were: Frederick Brown, Benjamin Brown, Joseph Onspaugh, Ferdinand Foust, Samuel Flaugh, Daniel and Reuben Brown. Rev. P. E. Klopp succeeded Rev. Ernst, remain- ing two years. Rev. F. Wall then preached about three years when Rev. Ernst returned for a short time. Rev. J. H. Apple, the present pastor has been in charge since 1872. The present membership aggregates seventy-live. Watson's Run United Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. J. B. Waddle, January 30, 1869, with a membership of thirty-two, nineteen females and thirteen males, the latter as follows: Arthur Johnston, M. A. Calvin, David Nelson, Thomas Nelson, Samuel Beatty, John Beatty, James Irvin, Jacob Work, Alexander Davis, Robert Montgomery, John McKay, William McKay and James Morrow. Arthur Johnston and M. A. Calvin were elected Ruling Elders. Seventy members have since been added, bat seventeen have died and twenty-five removed, leaving a membership of sixty. The church building, 35x55, was erected in the n.orthwest part of the township on Tract 52, in 1870 at a cost of 12, 200. The congregation had various supplies until June, 1873, when Rev. S. M. Black was ordained and installed pastor, remaining one year. Supplies again filled the pulpit until October 12, 1875, when Rev. Joseph McNabb, the present pastor, was installed. Tracy Methodist Episcopal Church is an old frame structure located in the south part of the township. Its erection was commenced in 1843 and it was dedicated in June, 1846. A class had been organized some years previous and services conducted at the residence of John Tracy and elsewhere. Joseph Kyoenceder, David and John Tracy were leading, early members. The mem- bership is now quite small, and regular meetings are no longer held. BOEOUGH OP VALLONIA. Vallonia is located in the valley of French Creek immediately above the mouth of Cussewago Creek. It was laid out about 1866 by Frederick W. Huidekoper, executor of Edward Huidekoper, deceased, and received its name from the tract of land upon which the village is located. A petition to incor- porate Vallonia as a borough was filed in the Court of Quarter Sessions April 17, 1868. It was approved by the grand jury, and confirmed by the court June 11, 1868. The first election was held June 3, 1868, at which T. J. Col- wood received 23 votes for Burgess and George McBride, 15; T. Rowin 24 votes for Justice of the Peace and T. Watson 15. The population in 1870 was 462 and in 1880, 528. Vallonia owes its institution and growth to the railroad shops of Meadville. About two-thirds of the citizens of the village are employes of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad Company. Among the first residents were William Hotchkiss, Theodore Koehler, H. J. West and Adam Steel. William Hotchkiss opened the first and only store, on Wadsworth Street, north of Race, about 1868. About six years later he sold to E. H. Langford, and in 1875 the building was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt by William Hotchkiss and mercantile business was resumed by J. S. Hotchkiss & Brother, the present proprietors. The only industry is a distillery at present operated by H. E. Wilson, started in 1870 by Peiffer & Richards, and owned successively by quite a number of firms. A postoffice was established WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 685 in 1876. J. S. Hotchkiss was the first and present Postmaster. A frame, one- story schoolhouse was built about 1868 on Columbia Avenue, occupying Lota 19 and 20 of Block H. An addition has since been made and the school now consists of two apartments. The only church edifice is Mission phapel, a branch of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church of Meadville. It is located east of Wadsworth Street near the bank of French Creek and was erected in 1881 at a cost of $1,400 during the rectorship of Eev. G. A. Carstensen. Twelve or fourteen familes of this denomination reside in Vallonia. They worship regularly in Christ Church and only occasional services are held in Mission Chapel. CHAPTER XXXI. WAYNE TOWNSHIP. I FoEMATiON— Limits— Population— Physical Features— Sugar Lake— Indi- ans— Rattlesnakes— Deer— Wild Animals— Titles— Early Settlers- Mills— Sohools—Decakdville — Religious Organizations WAYNE TOWNSHIP was formed in 1809. Its original limits included, besides all of present Wayne and East Fairfield, a strip about three miles wide off the southern parts of Mead, Eandolph and Troy. Of this large scope, three times the present size of Wayne, the population in 1820 was 650. The township was reduced to its present limits in 1829. It now includes 19,821 acres of land, 1,166 of which are unseated. The population in 1850 was 882; in 1860, 1,320; in 1870, 1,464; in 1880, 1,597. The township is located in the southern part of the county. It is bounded on the west by Fairfield and East Fairfield Townships, oq the north by Randolph and a cor- ner of Mead, on the south by Venango County, and on the east by Venango County and a corner of Troy Township. In outline it roughly approximates a right angled trianglp, the hypothennse of which facing southeast consists of a series of lines at right angles to each other. French Creek crosses the southwest corner. Little Sugar Creek enters in the northwest from East Fairfield and returns to the same in the southwest part. It is met in Wayne by Deckard's Kun, which flows northwesterly. Sugar Lake Creek passes by a southeasterly course through the eastern part. Each of these streams has numerous tributaries, whichthread the township in every direction, and everywhere may be found springs of excellent quality and copi- ous flow. The surface is rough and hilly. Sandstone outcrops in many places and often renders tillage difficult. The best land lies along the streams. The valley of Sugar Lake Inlet broadens almost to a mile, and much of it is low and marshy. Pine and hemlock here grew profusely, but most of it has been culled for the saw-mills. These trees are also found in great quantities along Little Sugar Creek and other streams in the township. Other varieties of prevalent timber were white and red oak, beech, chestnut, sugar, poplar, bass and cucumber. Sugar Lake, a beautiful sheet of water having a surface exceeding 100 acres, lies in the northeast part. It is fed by Sugar Lake Creek or Sugar Lake Inlet as the stream is also known. The lake is surrounded by low hills, and when first known had a depth of more than thirty feet, twelve or thirteen feet 686 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. in excess of its present depth. Its height above Lake Erie is 704 feet. The lake was in early times a renowned hunting and fishing place. Pickerel, weighing sometimes from eighteen to twenty pounds, black bass, yellow perch, rock bass, sun fish and suckers thronged its waters in much greater numbers than now. Ducks and geese were plenty and all kinds of forest game abounded in the vicinity. Long after the first white men came the Indians encamped at the foot of the hill at the outlet and pursued their favorite pastimes. They were friendly and well behaved, and were not known to have molested the corn fields or potato patches of the pioneers. If grain or vegetable was wanted the owner was first asked for it, and rarely did a settler refuse to embel- lish the cuisine of his dusky neighbors with a pumpkin or mess of turnips. The natives usually repaid such kindnesses with a luscious offering of bear meat or other wild game. Rattlesnakes were quite numerous in the vicinity of the lake as well as elsewhere in early times, and were quite a dangerous pest. On the west side of the lake in a clump of young hemlocks near a spring was a large den of the reptiles, and it was a long time before the snakes were vanquished. Horses were not unfrequently bitten, usually on the nose. Pea vine grew thick upon the ground and was a favorite pasturage, but the rattlesnake often lurked in coils beneath its foliage and repaid intrusion with its poisonous fangs. Deer hunting was pursued with great success on the lake and creek, the hunter approaching the unsuspecting animal by means of a canoe. A bark lantern was made with two apertures for candles and fastened to a board. The board was attached to the prow of the canoe and the lighted candles cast ■a gleam over all objects in front, but the boat and its contents were concealed from view. The game could always be approached in this manner to within -easy range, and the hunter was unfortunate or unskillful who failed to shoot a half dozen deer in one evening. At first the deer proved troublesome by ■destroying the crops of grain which had to be inclosed' as a preventive, within high fences. Wolves were ravenous at first and could scarcely be restrained from attacking the calves tied at the settler's cabin door. Panthers too were occasionally seen, and with stealthy steps sometimes followed a belated child or woman home. Many were the incidents that happened to the pioneers in quest of game. Many a bear and deer story could be narrated did not space forbid. The territory of Wayne lies wholly in the Eighth Donation District, and like all lands in the county awarded by the State for military services, received very slowly the western tide of immigration. The lands were not open to set- tlers generally, except the lots which Remained undrawn by the soldiers, and no concerted effort could be made to people them. The undrawn or State tracts were Nob. 112, 126, 1227, 1232, 1234, 1260 and 1284. Long after Fairfield, East Fairfield, Mead and southwestern Randolph had developed into fruitful farms Wayne remained a wilderness. Not until after 1820 was there anything like a general settlement of the land, and even then it progressed slowly. It is not known to a certainty who first occupied the township, but the first settlement was doubtless in the western part near French Creek. Thomas Cochran, one of the earliest, located on Tract 1294, about a mile east of Cochranton. He came from Adams County and remained through life leaving several daughters and five sons: James, William, Samuel, Joseph and Robert, all of whom settled in this vicinity. David Blair came from Milton, Northumberland County, prior to 1810, probably as early as 1805, and settled near French Creek, on Tract 113 in the extreme southwest corner of the town- ship. He died in Cochranton in 1846 at the age of seventy-two years. Other WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 687 pioneers who arrived prior to 1810 were: Isaac and Samuel Bonnell, Nicholas Bailey, who lived on French Creek one and a half miles below Cochranton, Edward Ferry, John Greer, Sr., who lived below Cochranton on French Creek; John Greer, Jr., who dwelt on Tract 1286 two miles southeast of the village; Michael Kightlinger, who lived on the north side of Sugar Lake and afterward moved to Troy Township and died there; Hugh McDill, William Wheeling, Joseph and Lewis Woodworth, the former a millwright and both residents near French Creek and Jacob Waggoner. The first improvement near the lake was made about 1804 by Michael Dill, who had previously resided near French Creek. Mr. Dill had a cabin-raising in the wilderness, miles distant from any human habitation, and on that important occasion feasted his helping friends on an abundance of the various game found here. Dill, however, did not settle in this cabin. Edward Ferry, who had with his family crossed the mountains from Lancaster County, and had intended settling on the hill above the lake, was induced by Mr. Dill, in consideration of a cow or two and other emoluments, to occupy the cabin and continue there the labor of improvement. Mr. Ferry took up his abode in the cabin and years afterward bought the land, remaining its occupant until death. He left ten children, several of whom yet survive. Hugh McGill, an Irish- man and a Covenanter settled in the extreme eastern part, where he died many years later. Jacob Waggoner was one of the first settlers on Deckard's Bun. Other pioneers who arrived somewhat later, after 1810, and settled in the eastern part were: Samuel Beers, David McKnight, Daniel McDaniels, and John Allen, the last named hailing from Ireland. William Record came from Allegheny County in 1824. Jacob Bees, in 1829, emigrated from Phila- delphia and settled on the site of Deckardville. It was then covered by a dense forest through which Mr. Bees was obliged to cut a road to his place of settlement. Holmes & Herriot erected the first grist-mill in the township soon after 1800, on Little Sugar Creek, about a mile east of Cochranton. Several years later they sold it to Isaac Bonnell, who also operated a distillery. It has been au important industry, notably so in pioneer times, and has frequently changed possession and several times rebuilt. It is now owned by Hugh Smith. A powder-mill was built in the southern part and operated in an early day by Henry Heath. Many saw-mills have sprung up in various parts of the town- ship, and the lumbering interests are still important. James Douglas taught an early school in the western part on Tract 1288 in a log-cabin. A frame schoolhouse was afterward built at the same place, and later removed to Cochranton, where it was occupied a number of years for its original purpose. The youth of the extreme eastern part of Wayne received their first instruction in Randolph Township several miles away. John Kane taught perhaps the first school in this part of Wayne in a little shanty on the east bank of Sugar Creek Lake. John Moreland, a well-remem- bered, efficient instructor, afterward taught in the same building, Wayne is almost exclusively rural in population. Deckardville, the only ham- let or village, lies in the eastern part and contains a store, a blacksmith shop, two churches and six or eight dwellings. Near by is a jelly factory. A third church building is standing, but its owners, the Free- Will Baptists, have dis- banded as an organization. The congregation was organized by Elder Chase in September, 1865, and the edifice had been reared the previous year at a cost of 11,500. Wilson's Mills Postoffice is located near the east bank of Sugar Lake. 688, HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. ' The United Brethren Church at Deckardville was organized about 1848. Quarterly meetings were held at first in barns. Services were conducted in a log schoolhouse which stood near the present church, until the latter was erected in 1855 at a cost of $1,100. The leading early members were: Jeffer- son Cousins, James Tingley, William Houtz, Joseph Shaffer and Jacob Whee- land. This society has a present membership of about forty, and is a part of Deckard Kun Circuit, which was formed from a part of Sugar Lake Circuit in 1880, and has since had the following pastors: 1880, J. W. Lewis; 1881- 82, W. Eobinson; 1883, E. B. Belden. St John's Reformed, formerly German Reformed Church, at Deckardville, was organized in 1846 and held services for a number of years in the school- house. The corner-stone of the present church was laid in June, 1858, and it was dedicated in 1860. The structure was reared at a cost of |1,000, as the Joint property of the Lutherans and members of the German Reformed Church. The former declined in strength and in 1877 withdrew from further support of the church property. Their last pastor was Rev. Swingle. In 1883 the Reformed congregation extended and repaired the building at a cost of $800. John Lubold, Eli Moll, Jonathan Borger, Henry Hoffman, Adam Peters, Levi Peters and George Hollabaugh were early influential members. Rev. Lebor- man was pastor many years and was followed for a brief period by Rev. D. B. Ernst, Rev. John Kretzing then ministered nine years and after a short vacancy Rev. Josiah May for three years. Rev. John W. Pontius, the present pastor then followed in 1877. The membership is seventy-five. Zion Church, of the Reformed, formerly German Reformed denomination, was organized in the summer of 1870 by Rev. John Kretzing. Among the first and leading members were: Francis McDaniel and wife, James Record and wife, William McDaniel and wife and William McElroy. The meetings were held for a short time in a schoolhouse and about 1872 a neat frame church, 36x41, was erected at a cost of $1,800. The lot upon which it stands was the gift of Francis McDaniel, and is located in the north part of Lot 112, in the north part of the township. Rev. John Kretzing, the first pastor, was succeeded by Rev. Josiah May, and he was followed in the spring of 1877 by Rev. John W. Pontius, the present pastor. The membership is thirty-six. Lake United Brethren Church is a modest frame structure standing on the east side of Sugar Lake. It was dedicated in the autumn of 1882, and cost about $1,500. A society of the Wesleyan faith flourished in this region many years ago, and in 1843 reared a log sanctuary on the site of the present United Brethren edifice. Among the leading Wesleyans were: Benjamin Beers, James Dye, Henry Sparling and David Holton. The society decreased in member- ship as time rolled on, and about 1860 passed from existence, leaving the old log-church as a monument of the past. About 1869 Revs. Muncie and Bedow, of the United Brethren Church, visited this deserted field and gathered together a little flock, including Simeon Brink, Andrew Wygant, David Sweet and oth- ers, who met for worship in the old log-house until replaced by the present edifice. The society is attached to Diamond Circuit and now has fifty mem- bers. Its present pastor is Rev. J. P. Atkins. WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP. 689 CHAPTER XXXII. WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHtP. West Fallowfield Township— Formation— Popitlation Physical Fea- tures-Pennsylvania Population Land Titles— Early Settlers- Early Presbyterian Congregation— Adamstille— Religious Organi- zations—Schools. Borough of Hartstown— Incorporation— Officers— Location— Population —Business Houses— Name— Churohes—A. 0. U. W. WEST FALLOWFIELD was founded in 1841 by a division of Fallow- field. It is somewhat irregular in outline, has a width of from one and a half to two miles, a length of about seven, and contains 6,885 acres. Its pop- ulation in 1850 was 654; in 1860, 585; in 1870,503; in 1880, 482. The surface is rolling and the soil a clayey loam. The land was heavily timbered in early days with pine, oak, chestnut and other varieties. Crooked Creek, the eastern boundary line, is the principal stream. The Beaver & Erie Canal passed through its valley, and above Hartstown was a large canal basin covering many hundred acres. When the waters were first pent up on this low land, the mala- ria engendered proved a serious obstacle to the development of the adjoining country. In a few years the sickness greatly decreased, and since the abandon- ment of the canal the locality has proved a very healthy one. The entire township consists of Pennsylvania Population Land. The first contracts for its settlement were made by the company with the fol- lowing persons, for the following amounts of land, and at the dates following : Tract 767 (partly in Sadsbury) swamp; 200 acres of Tract 771, Robert Mc- Dowell, May 1, 1798, deed delivered September 29, 1808; 100 acres of 772, John Graham, May 1, 1798, settled Under contract; 100 acres same tract, John Blair, improved under contract; 200 acres, 774 (partly in East Fallowfield), William Irwin, October 29, 1798, deed delivered November 29, 1802; 200 acres, 775, John McCartney, June 1 , 1798, settled under contract; 200 acres of 783, William Henry, May 10, 1805, settled under contract; 200 acres same tract, James Cal- houn, December 17, 1806, settled under contract; 200 acres of 787, Peter Smith, August 3, 1797, settled under contract; 200 acres of 799, Robert Brownfield, Juno 1, 1798, deed delivered to Hugh Fletcher, assignee of Brownfield; 200 acres of 817, William Campbell, October 1, 1797, deed delivered to Andrew McQuis- ton, assignee of Campbell, June 19, 1805; 200 acres of 822, Thomas McOlel- lan, May 1, 1798, settled under contract; 150 acres of 841, William CampbelJ, November 2, 1797, deed granted; all of Tract 842, 401.88 acres, William Camp- bell, October 28, 1797, settled under contract. Some of the above settlers located on the tracts; others procured tenants or sent members of their families to occupy them. Robert McDowell was a res- ident of South Shenango. John Graham, if here at all, did not remain long. John Blair was one of the earliest settlers. Hugh and Henty Blair were also pioneers. They were natives of Ireland, and Hugh in 1802 settled about a mile north of Hartstown. William Henry came afoot from Fayette County in 1800 and located just west of Hartstown. His first shelter was a hut sup- ported by forked sticks and roofed with bark. He next built a pole hut and 690 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. being unable to make a door, cut a hole in a log near the top, through which he crawled in and out. Mr. Henry was probably the first tanner in the county west of Meadville. He first tanned in a dug-out trough, a horse skin and the skin of a calf partly eaten by wolves. The next season he built vats lined with puncheon. A tannery was built in 1806, which was burned by an incen- diary in 1818. It was rebuilt in 1819, and work was done at the tannery as late as 1872. James Calhoun and Eobert Brownfield were settlers of East Fallowfield, Hugh Fletcher of South Shenango. William Campbell was an early settler and built the first grist-mill, about a mile south of Adamsville. Thomas McOlellan erected the first saw-mill, east of Adamsville. Andrew Mc- Quiston was a pioneer and operated a distillery. Other pioneers of the township were: Fisher Lanty, who came prior to 1798; Adam Owry, a Revolutionary soldier, who also came in 1797 or earlier; his brother John, whose reason was dethroned in consequence of injuries sus- tained while running an Indiana gauntlet; Samuel Rogers, Hugh Andrews', James Calvin, James Hart, Samuel Hays, Michael Kineaid, Eobert Kilpatriok, George Linn, John and Eobert Lee, David McKee, Thomas McClenahan, David McGrenahan, William MoGinnis, James McCurdy, John Scowden, Rod- ney and James Wade and William Wright, many of whom were Irish or of Irish origin. A Covenanter or Reformed Presbyterian congregation was organized with fifteen members in 1804 by Dr. John Black, of Pittsburgh, who visited them every fifth Sabbath, the congregation in the meantime keeping up society, and invariably subjecting an absentee to a rebuke. Samuel Hays was the first Elder, and in 1813 Samuel Rogers and John McMaster were added to the ses- sion. In that year Rev. Eobert Gibson became pastor, and remained thirteen years. Eevs. A. W. Black, David Herron and John Nevin succeeded, and when the latter left, about 1866, the congregation disbanded, and the members joined the United Presbyterian Church of Adamsville. The home of this Cov- enanter congregation was first a round- log-cabin, then a frame church, located on the hill about a mile southwest from Adamsville. Adamsville is a brisk little village, located in the valley of Crooked Creek, in the southern part of the township. The first settlers here were the Owrys. Adam Owry was a blacksmith, and followed his trade here. A little hamlet sprang up, and the construction of the canal gave it shape and position. The settlement was more generally known in its earlier years as Owrytown, but subse- quently acquired the title Adamsville, both names being derived from that of Adam Owry. Adamsville, as platted by Henry Owry, was acknowledged Febru- ary 8, 1841. The original plat contains sixty- four lots. Main Street, sixty feet in width, runs north and south, and First, Second, Third, Liberty and South Streets, each fifty feet wide, cross the village east and west. George Owry was an early tavern-keeper, and Frank Owry operated a saw -mill. The village now has a population of about 150 people, and contains two general stores, one drug, one hardware and one furniture store, two blacksmith, one harness and two shoe-shops, one hotel, a physician, a district school of two apartments, and two churches. The Adamsville United Presbyterian Church was organized about 1852. A church building was commenced in 1851, and finished about two years later at a cost of $2,000. About 11,400 were expended on repairs ten years ago, and the edifice in 1883 underwent changes, which, including bell, cost $1,300. The building is 48x54 feet, and the lecture-room in the basement 30x48. The vestibule in the rear is 12x34, and the bell tower recently constructed 12x24. James M. Blair and Thomas McCurdy were the first Elders. John McMaster WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP. 691 and John Blair were soon after added. James Baird and Michael Harshaw were elected about 1873. A few years previous, by the union with the Beformed Presbyterian congregation, S. H. Pindley, James F. Eandolph, James Kee, Walter Davis and James Jordan were added to the session. The present Elders are: S. H. Findley, James Kee, John McMaster, James Baird, J. H. Blair, E. C. McMaster, Andrew McKee, Andrew Davis, J. S. Henry and John Voorhes. The membership is about 160. The pastors have been: Revs. Will- iam Bruce to February, 1860; John Wallace, from 1862 to 1866; W. E. Stew- art, May 5, 1868, to June 14, 1870; T. W. Winter, installed October 4, 1872, released June 17, 1880; W. J. McCrory, installed October 10, 1881, resigned July 6, 1882; J. L. Clark, present pastor, since July, 1883. The Adamsville Eeformed Presbyterian Church was organized at Greenville as a branch of Springfield, Mercer Co., Congregation, and removed to Adams- ville about 1873, during the pastorate of Eev. J. J. McClurken. He left soon after and supplies filled the pulpit till Eev. J. E. Wylie, the present Pastor, was installed in June, 1877. William Cochran was the only Elder when the branch was removed, and he and James Jordan constitute the present session. Thomas McFeeters was elected Elder but has since 'died. The membership is forty. In 1876, or thereabouts, the Baptist Church was purchased and has since been the house of worship. The Adamsville Free- Will Baptist Church was organized with twenty-one members in April, 1852, by Eevs. J. S. Manning and J. B. Page, the former of whom was the first Pastor. The house of worship was built in 1853. Remov- als and deaths, without compensating accessions reduced the membership and the organization disbanded about 1876. Eocky Glen Cemetery Association was organized at Adamsville in 1880, with a capital of $2,000. It obtained by deed the burying-ground of the old Eeformed Presbyterian congregation a mile southwest of the village, and has enlarged and improved it to the extent of 11,400. It now contains eight acres. The officers of the association are: G. W. Congdon, President; E. C. McMaster, Secretary; J. M. Baird, Treasurer. A school was taught on the William Henry farm, within the present limits of Hartstown Borough in 1820, by Ezra Buell, an old and very able teacher. In 1834 there were four schools in the township; the houses were all log. Hugh Andrews, Calvin Leonard, Thomas Guthrie and Ezra Buell were very noted teachers in this township about that time. The school at Adamsville was started about 1825. It was organized with two grades in 1861. Hartstown has never furnished enough pupils for a graded school. BOROUGH OF HARTSTOWN. Hartstown was incorporated in 1850 and its affairs have been conducted by the following Burgesses: B. Ewing, 1850; J. E. St. Clair, 1851; A. S. Throop, 1853; E. E. McKee. 1854;J William M. Williams, 1855; James A. Sheriff, 1856; John Grace, 1857; J. K. St. Clair, 1858; Moses Kilgore, 1859; J. K. St. Clair, 1860; Jason Budd, 1861; Joseph Patton, 1862; B. Ewing, 1863; J. Patton, 1864; M. Kilgore, Jr.,. 1865-66; W. Y. Mason, 1867; E. F. Ellis, 1868; David Patton, 1869-70; William Henry, 1871; E. F. Ellis, 1872; Joseph Patton, 1873, refused to serve and J. J. Morrow elected; Thomas Getch- ell, 1874, resigned in favor of J. J. Morrow; E. A. Snodgrass, 1876; I. C. Miller, 1877; Gibson Kevins, 1878; William Y. Mason, 1879; C. P. Temple, 1880-81; J. W.^Case, 1882; Gibson Nevins, 1883. The village is located in the north part of West Fallowfield Township. It had a population of 188 in 1870, and of 167 in 1880. It contains one general 692 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. store, a stove and tin store, a grocery, a drug store, a furniture store, a milli- nery store, three blacksmith shops, two harness shops, one shoe shop, a cooper shop, two wagon shops, a steam grist-mill, a school and two churches. The village was named from James and William Hart, brothers and early settlers and land owners in this locality. Dr. Steen built the second cabin in the place and Thomas Rogers, a blacksmith, the third. John McFawn was the first merchant. Mr. LeFevre kept the first tavern in a house built by Mr. Hart. Hartstown owed its start to the construction of the canal and since this water- course has been abandoned it has not increased in population. Hartstown United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1830 as an. Associate Reformed Congregation. Its petitioners to the Presbytery were mostly disaffected members at Shenango who would not consent to have the banns of marriage published three Sabbaths. Rev. S. F. Smith, the first pastor, served until his death in 1846. The next pastor, Rev. William Dal- zell, vsras installed January 29, 1850, and released October 9 of the same year. Rev. H. H. Hervey, the present pastor, came as a supply in Decem- ber, 1852, and was installed June 15, 1853. The Elders at that time were: James F. Henry, Alexander Henry and William Patterson. The membership was then about fifty; it is now 180. The first church edifice was erected in 1880. It was superseded in 1856 by the present edifice, erected at a cost of 12,500. Another church edifice, now the property of Zion Church, was erected about 1852 by a Covenanter's or Reformed Presbyterian congregation, which soon after united with the United Presbyterian Church, and the building was sold to a congregation of the German Reformed persuasion. This society lan- guished, and in turn disposed of the house to the Zion Society, which is now too feeble to maintain services. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Hartstown was orgemized with fifteen members, about 1840, in which year a frame meeting-house was erected on the hill above the village. The second and present edifice was reared in 1882. It is 32x50 in size and cost 12,000. George F. Randolph, James I. Lewis, Vance Cotton, John Hammel, Samuel Cotton, Bennett Trimble and James Wright were early leading members. The charge is connected with Espyville Circuit, and the membership is about 180. Hartstown Lodge, No. 178, A. O. U. W. , was organized July 1, 1880, and now has about twenty members. J. S. Mitchell was the first M. W. Meet- ings are held every Tuesday evening. WEST SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 693 CHAPTER XXXIII. WEST SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. Petition— Election— Population— Physical Features— Penn Population CoMPA-NT Titles— Early Settlers —Early Mills— Cheese Factory- Early Teachers— TuRNERsviLLE — Religious Organizations. ON the petition of citizens of South Shenango Township to the Court of Quarter Sessions to divide the township, James Espy was appointed Sur- veyor and Eliphalet Allen and K. S. McKay, Viewers; they reported favor- ably April 2, 1863, with a slight alteration of the boundaries, and the report was approved and confirmed by the court August 14, 1863. An election in and for the new township to be called West Shenango was ordered to be held in the Turnersville Schoolhouse, and John Custard and Francis Koyal were appointed Inspectors and Samuel Kellogg Judge of the first election. The tovraship contains 4,947 acres, and is the smallest in the county. Its popula- tion in 1870 was 357 and in 1880, 277. The surface is level, and the soil well adapted to the culture of fruit and grain. The Franklin division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad passes through the township in a northwest and southeast direction. The records of the Pennsylvania Population Company which owned most of the land of West Shenango preserve the following contracts for its first settle- ment, the acreage being the amount of land to be granted: Tract 810, settled by an intruder; 811, Samuel Steel, December 11, 1799, 200 acres, settled under con- tract; 812, Moses Scott, December 11, 1798, 200 acres, settled under- contract; 827, John Brodks, November 2, 1797, 401.88 acres, settled under contract; 828 and 829, Jeremiah Yoke, December 11, 1798, and December 11, 1799, 200 acres each, settled under contract; 830, John Gamble, December 11, 1798, 200 acres, deed delivered Andrew Betts, assignee of Gamble; 831, Martha Elliott, December 11, 1798, 200 acres, settled under contract; 832, John Brooks, November 7, 1797, 401.88 acres, settled under contract; 833 (a fraction in South Shenango), Andrew McArthur, September 21, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract; same tract, James McCurdy, August 31, 1811, 200 acres, settled under contract; 834, William Kincaid, September 21, 1797, 200 acres, settled under contract ; same tract, John Snodgrass, November 29, 1811, fifty acres; 835, John Brooks, September 21, 1798, 200 acres, settled under con- tract; same tract, Thompson McMasters, August 27, 1811, 200 acres. Most of the above persons were residents of adjoining townships, who made the necessary settlements through tenants, and were not residents of West Shenango. Jeremiah Yoke, one of the township's earliest pioneers, was an old bachelor, and came from Fayette County. Though he owned considerable land in early times, he lost it and died in reduced circumstances. George Yoke, his brother, was also a pioneer on Tract 828, and his descendants are yet citizens of the township. . Andrew Betts settled on Tract 830 about 1800. He came from Fayette County, was a hunter and a life-long resident of the place. His son John became a Methodist minister. Other pioneers were: James French, Edward Hatton, Samuel Scott, John 694 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. White and Benjamin Snodgrass. James French was a shoemaker, and came about 1800. Edward Hatton settled on Tract 811, where he remained till death. Samuel Scott, an old bachelor and brother of Moses Scott, of South Shenaugo, settled on Tract 812. John White came about 1806 from Perry County, and settled on Tract 826. He was a farmer, and died in 1819, aged forty-five years. Benjamin Snodgrass was a settler through life and his descendants are still in the township. Andrew Betts operated a grist-mill on his place as early as 1810. It was fed by a strong spring, and did the grinding in that neighborhood for a num- ber of years. He also owned a distillery in 1810, and a little later built a saw-mill. Edward Hatton built a little corn-cracker on Hatton's Run, and kept it open for many years. There are no mills now in the township. Henry Difford and sons own a cheese factory in the southwest part. Edward Hatton was one of the earliest school teachers. Polly Moss, of Ohio, about 1820 taught a school in the southwest part, which the Hattons, Yokes, Eoyals and Bettses attended. Schools were rare in early times, and the children often attended schools in what is now South Shenango. Turnersville is a little village of about twenty families situated in the southeast part of Tract 827. Its origin is due to David Turner, who enter- tained high hopes of speedily making it a place of importance. Adopting the suggestions of advisers on the day of the public sale of lots, which was about fifty years ago, he procured a barrel of sugar and a keg of whisky for the entertainment of the attending crowd, but though the liquor was consumed the lots were not sold, and in a year or two the too sanguine proprietor removed from the vicinity, disposing of his property to Peter Doty and Israel Kuder. Jesse Webb kept the first tavern; Charles Davis started the first store; Anthony Hollister, who owned an ashery here, James White and Peter Doty were early settlers. The village now contains one store, a hotel, one harness, one wagon and one blacksmith shop, a school and a Methodist Protestant Church. The Methodist Protestant class was organized December 23, 1877, by Rev. C. K. Stillwagon with about thirteen members, including John Kuder and wife, Gilbert Thomas, Elizabeth Kuder, Andrew McCormick'and wife, Jane A. McCormick, Cornelius and Eleanor Eastlick, George W. Eastlick and wife, and Mary White. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse, and in 1878 the church edifice, a frame structure, 32x57, was erected at a cost of $4,000, and was dedicated by Rev. Alexander Clark, of Pittsburgh, August 11, 1878. The successors of Rev. Stillwagon have been: Revs. E. A. Brindlev, 1878; C. K. Stillwagon, 1879; J. M. Mason, 1880; J. J. Wagner, 1881-82; W. S. Fleming, 1883. This charge was at first connected with Trumbull Circuit, but since 1880 has been a station. The membership is about eighty. Both Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant classes were active at Turnersville, and in common built a schoolhouse and church where regular services of both branches were held, but in time both societies disbanded. State Line Methodist Episcopal society was organized with fourteen mem- bers by Rev. E. Morse, the first pastor, about 1819. The society first wor- shiped in a schwolhouse, and in 1851 the church edifice, situated near the southwest corner of the township and county, in the western part of Tract 830, was erected at a cost of $1,100. William Yoke, Peter Royal, Henry Royal, John Betts and Mr. Edwards and wife were early members. The con- gregation is now large and includes many members residing in Mercer County and in Ohio. It is a part of Jamestown Circuit. WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. 695 CHAPTER XXXIV. WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. BouNDAEiES— Erection— Population— Physical Features- Early Settle- ments AND Settlers— Holland Land Company Titles— Actual Settlers —Other Pioneers — Schools — Taverns — Grate- yards — Mills— Cheese Factory— Paper Mill. Borough of Blooming Valley— Location— Population— Name— Postoffioe — Village Plat— Business Interests— Schools— Press— Incorporation- Election— Officers— Religious Organizations— Societies. Borough of Sagertown— Location— Population— The Founder— Early Business — Incorporation — Officers — Present Business — Cemetery — Schools— Churches-Societies. Borough of Woodcock.- Location — Population— Rocktille—Keplertown —First Settlers— Incorporation— Officers-Present Business— Socie- ties— Chubches—Grange—Fairs. WOODCOCK is one of the interior townships of Crawford County and is situated on the east side of French Creek. It is bounded on the north by Cambridge, on the east by Richmond, on the south by Mead and on the west by Hayfield. Its area is 19, 328 acres. It was erected in 1829 from Mead and Rockdale Townships, Woodcock Creek having previously been the boun- dary between them. The population of Woodcock in 1850 was 2,288; in 1860, 2,093; in 1870, 1,723 and in 1880, 1,499. Blooming Valley is included for 1870, 1860 and 1850; Woodcock Borough for 1860 and 1850; and Saegertown for 1850, so that the large decrease in population is apparent only, and not real. The first place of holding elections in the township was at the cabin of Daniel Grubb. The surface is diversified by hill and dale and the soil is generally of a fine quality. French Creek forms the western boundary and beyond its nar- row valley low hills rise and recede into a rich upland country. Woodcock Run enters from the east and pursues a winding, west direction till it reaches French Creek; Gravel Run flows westward through the northern part and tribu- taries of these streams pierce the township in every direction. The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad passes along the western border. Three bor- oughs, Saegertown, Blooming Valley and Woodcock — have been taken from its territory, and beyond these there are no villages in the township. The western portion of Woodcock Township, lying in the valley of French Creek and not remote from Meadville, was one of the earliest settled regions of the county. Clearings were made and patches of corn and potatoes culti- vated before the country was yet free from Indian hostilities. William Jones was one of the foremost pioneers. He came to Meadville in 1794 or earlier, and in that and the following year tilled the soil near Meadville in company with James Dickson (Scotch Jemmy) and others. Savages lurked in the forest, and the daring frontiersmen must work in companies to guard against attacks. They were accustomed to pass from farm to farm, some of the men performing the necessary agricultural labor while the others with rifles in hand were sta- tioned in the surrounding forest, watching for hidden or approaching" foes. William Jones in 1795 or 1796 settled in the southwest corner of Woodcock 696 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Township, on what is now known as the Cole farm, and remained there through life. He was of German descent. Isaac Berlin, of German nativity, was a pioneer who settled on the east bank of French Creek. He was a Eevolutionary soldier and one of the few who escaped starvation aboard a British prison-ship in 1777. For his services he received a warrant for a tract of land in northwestern Pennsylvania and he came out afoot with gun on shoulder to find it Keturning he brought his family to the western wilds, but the land proved marshy, poor and unin- habitable. Accordingly he removed to the banks of French Creek about two miles below Saegertown, where be purchased a farm from George Peiffer. He was a gunsmith by trade and died in Woodcock Township, June 16, 1830, in his seventy-seventh year. Arthur and Patrick McGill, brothers, came to the township in 1795. Ar- thur entered a tract of land on French Creek above Saegertown and both he and his brother settled there. Both died in 1831, leaving a posterity which is still represented in this township. George Peiffer, about 1797, emigrated from Northumberland County and settled with his family in what is now Bloomfield Township. In 1810 he removed with his son George two miles below Saegertown and there remained till his death, which occurred about 1818. He built a large house soon after his arrival and kept tavern in it during the war of 1812 and for years after- ward. A log schoolhouse stood near by and religious services were held therein by various denominations. This locality in early times was dubbed Peiffer- town, though it contained no public buildings save what are mentioned above. Henry Minium came with the Peiffers and remained a short time in Bloom- field. He was a miller by trade and was placed in charge of Alden's Mills at the site of Saegertown. When Daniel Saeger purchased them Mr. Minium settled where the borough of Woodcock now is, remaining there until his death. Except several tracts along French Creek, which were located by individ- uals, and a few in the eastern part which belong to the Donation Districts, the land in this township was the property of the Holland Land Company in early times. Below are given the names of the persons agreeing to settle the various tracts of this large body of land, the date of contract and the amount of land to be conveyed upon full compliance with the conditions: Tract 140, Edward Eyan, 200 acres, October 17, 1796, deed executed to Rev. John Matthews, assignee; 145, John Hutcheson, 200 acres, November 11, 1797, forfeited; 146 and 149, William Greenlee, 200 acres each, October 17, 1796; 150, John Wykoflf, 272 acres, October 17, 1796, deed executed February 26, 1807; 151, Archibald Humes, 150 acres, November 9,1796, assigned to John Fredebaugh, deed executed December 28, 1804; 152 and 153, William Ham- mond, 200 acres each, January 9, 1799, deed executed; Nathaniel Clark pur- chased 100 acres Tract 152, December, 1808, assigned to Thomas Eice; 154. Isaac Farran, 200 acres, October 18, 1797; 155 and 156, John Wykoff, October 17, 1796, deed executed to William Wykoff, asignee, for 312 acres; 157, John Farran, 200 acres, October 17, 1797; 158, Samuel Blair, 200 acres, August 9, 1796, repurchased; 159, Henry Eust, 200 acres, November 12, 1796, deed exe- cuted to Mathias Flaugh, assignee, June 10, 1809; 160, John Fredebaugh, 150 acres, July 1, 1797, deed delivered to Eoger Alden, July 14, 1812; Grif- fith Carr purchased 200 acres of Tract 160, September 30, 1805; 161, Freder- ick Eice, 200 acres, August 26, 1797, deed executed; David Carr purchased this tract subject to the claim of Eice, February 28, 1805; 162, Samuel Blair, 200 acres, August 9, 1796, deed executed August 25, 1813; 163, Henry Bossard, WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. 697 100 acres, June 27, 1797, deed executed January 26, 1807 ; 164, Jacob Bos- sard, 100 acres, November 18, 1796, deed executed September 11, 1813; 165, JohnEyan, 183 acres, February 22, 1799, deed executed May 29, 1812; 166, William McGredy, 200 acres, November 19, 1796; 167, William .MoGredy, 401 acres, same date; 168, John Limber, 200 acres, November 12, 1796, deed executed January 14, 1807; 169, James F. Randolph, 200 acres, August 31, 1797, forfeited; 170, David Hunnel, 100 acres, July 12, 1798; on same tract Dr. Thomas Murray purchased residue, 820 acres, December 19, 1804; an ejectment suit had been brought by the Holland Company to dispossess Murray and the property was bought by him on compromise at a reduced rate; 171, John Pealman, 100 acres, November 22, 1796, contract cancelled; 200 acres of same tract granted to Francis Fargus, Decembeir 1, 1800, " to settle dis- pute before the Board of Property;" 101 acres same tract sold Henry Phillips, April 13, 1805; 172, Charles Dougherty, 100 acres, May 28, 1798, deed exe- cuted; William Gill purchased 301 acres same tract, April 15, 1805; 173, Luke Hill, 200 acres, October 31, 1800, repurchased in 1814; 174, William and James Johnston, 200 acres, October 22, 1800, deed executed in 1813; 175, Robert Finney, 75 acres, November 28, 1796, deed executed December 17, 1804; same tract Henry Phillips purchased 264 acres, June 15, 1802; John Osborn, 100 acres. May 6, 1808; 176, Luke Hill, 200 acres, October 31, 1800, repurchased; 177, David Oompton, 150 acres, October 28, 1798, deed executed to Compton for 50 acres and to John Douglass for 100 acres. Settlements v?ere made within a few days of contract, so that a scattering settlement had spread over the entire township during 1796 and 1797. For a residence of five years and the making of stipulated improvements a gratuity of 100 acres was usually to be granted the settler, who at the same time agreed to purchase fifty or one hundred acres additional. Many found themselves unable to comply with these terms at the expiration of the lease, and in conse- quence were obliged to relinquish their settlements, and from the uncertainty of the early State land laws much confusion ensued in determining the pro- prietorship of these settlements. The land company usually maintained its claims, though compromises were sometimes effected. In a number of instances the settler abandoned his clearing before the settlement wag com- pleted, when the land reverted to the Holland Company. Most of the above- named contracting parties became residents of the tracts contracted for, but in several cases were living in other parts of the county and performed the con- ditions of settlement through a tenant. Edward Ryan was an old bachelor of Irish birth. He lived much of the time with his brother John Ryan, who occupied Tract 165 until his death, and raised a large family which is still represented here. Rev. John Matthews was a Presbyterian minister who dwelt on Gravel Run for a few years, preaching the Gospel and teaching school. John Hutcheson remained but a few years, and departed for parts unknown. William and John Greenlee came in 1796 from the Susquehanna. The Greenlees are still found in this township. William Wykoff and his son John came from New Jersey and remained life-long resi- dents. Archibald Humes was of Irish extraction. He had relatives who set- tled cotemporaneously in Cambridge Township. John Predebaugh was a German who came to this county in 1795 or earlier. William Hammond was an early Justice of the Peace. Nathaniel Clark was a wheelwright by trade, and from the date of his purchase of a farm in Tract 152 remained in the township till death. Thomas Rice was here at an early date. John Farran is not remembered. Samuel Blair, a native of Ireland, came from the Susque- hanna and settled on Tract 162. He was buried on an elevated spot on his 698 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. farm, which afterward became a public burying place. Henry Kust was 8 German, and came from Westmoreland County. A German also was Mathias Flaugh, his assignee of 200 acres on Tract 159, who came West with his sons Jacob, Mathias, John and George. He was a Lutheran, and at burials, when no iQinister was present, was accustomed to conduct the services. Roger Alden was a resident of Meadville. GrifiSth and David Carr were brothers, of Irish birth. Frederick Eice was here, and his family removed to Baltimore. Henry Bossard first came out alone from his home in Greensburg, and dur- ing the summer cleared a patch of ground and planted and raised a crop of potatoes. He returned for his wife and they traveled to their new home afoot, he carrying their babe and a rifle, while she conveyed on her shoulders a few articles of domestic use. When they reached the cabin Mr. Bossard had built they made the sad discovery that the Indians had stolen all the potatoes left there the previous autumn. William McGredy was a jovial Irishman who afterward removed to Meadville, married a widow and kept a boarding house. John Limber came from Northumberland County a single man, and at first took possession of a tract near Harmonsburg. Mr. Sterling, an old neighbor with a large family came out, and Mr. Limber relinquished the tract to him, and came to Tract 168, in what is now Woodcock, in 1796. He sold his farm in 1816, and with the intention of settling in Ohio purchased a farm near Mansfield, but his wife dying soon after he remained in Crawford County and engaged for years in teaching school. He died at Meadville in 1852. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and attended services at Cochranton, the nearest point. James F. Eandolph was a resident of Mead. David Hunnel did not remain many years, inasmuch as he was unable to pay for his farm. Dr. Thomas Murray, John Pealman, Francis Fargus and Henry Phillips were all here in early times. Charles Dougherty was an Irishman and an old bachelor. He died on Tract 172, and was buried on the adjoining farm of Thomas Frew. William Gill resided in Hayfield Township. David Compton and Robert Finney were of Mead Township. Luke Hill, James and William Johnston, and John Douglass were early residents of southern Wood- cock. Other pioneers of the township who came during the first decade of this century or earlier were: John Faulkenburg, James Fluhart, a gunsmith; Christian Ferst, who -came about 1797, and afterward removed to Mercer County; William Kennedy; James Long, who was born in Lancaster County, immigrated to Woodcock about 1797, and died at the residence of his son George in 1830, at the age of ninety-two years; George, John, James and Cookson Long, his sons; Anthony Matson, Patrick and Hugh McCullough, William Mc'Knight and David Ridenour. The early settlers were largely of German origin, with a fair proportion of Irish. The earliest came mostly from the Susquehanna. About 1825 quite a number emigrated from Lehigh. Many of the present residents of Woodcock are descendants of its first pioneers. Pember Waid and his son, Ira C, from Connecticut, early settled on land now owned by Francis C. Waid. Schools in early times were rare, and accomplished little more than impart- ing the merest rudiments of an education. To learn to read, write and cipher was to attain the greatest possible results. Betsy Peififer taught a German school in the old log-cabin of George Peifi"er about 1812, soon after he moved into the new hewed-log building, which he occupied as a tavern. About 1816 a schoolhouse was erected near the cemetery, about two miles south of Saeger- town, and school was held in it for many years. Miss Manda Dewey, Sarah Dewey, her sister, and Mr. Alden, brother to Maj. Roger Alden, were among WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. 699 the first teachers. School was taught within the present limits of Saegertown Borough as early as 1815. A Mr. Daniels taught about 1816 in a deserted cabin on Tract 170, and about the same time John Johnston held a school in the southwest corner of Tract 166, now owned by William Long. This school was also held in an abandoned log-cabin, situated in the wilderness, and sur- rounded by a small clearing, which was overgrown with bushes. The tavern of George Peiffer was probably the earliest kept in the town- ship. Daniel Grubb was proprietor of a country inn on Tract 158, about two miles east of Saegertown, and later Daniel Wise was host at a public house on the same road, the Meadville and Woodcock pike, but farther south, on Tract 169. More recently the Fountain House was built by James McGill on the southeast corner of Tract 161, also on the pike. He used it as a store-room for awhile, when it was sold and converted into a hotel. Besides several private burying grounds, there are two grave-yards in this township, one two miles south, the other about two miles southeast from Saegertown. The first burial in the former was that of Miss Magdalena Minium, who died at the age of sixteen years in early times. The other is known as the Blair Cemetery. It was set apart for this purpose in pioneer days, and is still used as a place of burial. Beyond the limits of the boroughs there are no churches in the township. The first saw-mill was built by Archibald Humes on Gravel Run. Soon after he added a grist mill in the same locality; it is still in operation and owned by W. S. McGranahan & Son. James Dickson (no relative of the James Dickson who erected an early mill in Hayfield Township) built the first grist-mill in Woodcock. The stones were common rock and were obtained from Laurel Hill near Pittsburgh. It stood on Woodcock Creek and a grist- mill is still operated at the same site by Mr. Carringer. The Alden Mill at Saegertown was also built quite early, about 1801. The township is still well supplied with mills. Edwin Perry has a sawmill on Gravel Run and George Dewey and William Humes own others on Woodcock Creek. Hugh Bean, also, has a grist-mill on this stream. Quite a number of steam-mills are in operation in the township. Near Woodcock Borough is Humes & Williams' cheese factory, and in the northeast part is Gibson's. At Magoffin's Palls, in the southwest part, William Magaw about 1840 erected a paper-mill which he operated until his death in 1845. He had for- merly constructed a mill on Woodcock Run near Saegertown, where the first straw paper in the Dnited States was made. At Magoffin's Falls, H. H. Fuller in 1880 built a paper-mill at the site of the old mill. Like the old mill, it was run by water-power from French Creek. It was closed by Mr. Fuller in June, 1883. Long's Stand Postoffice is located on the main road, about midway between Saegertovm and Blooming Valley. BOKOUGH OF BLOOMING VALLEY. The borough of Blooming Valley is located on a branch of Woodcock Creek, in the southeast corner of Woodcock Township. It includes about 1,200 acres of land, and had in 1870 a population of 209, and in 1880, 232. The village proper is scattered mainly along the State road, or State Street, as it is sometimes called, for a distance of half a mile or greater. The name was bestowed upon this region on account of the luxuriant growth of wild flowers which bedecked the valley with a rich and variegated vesture in early times. A postoffice of that name was established many years before the borough was incorporated. 700 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Jeremiah Smith, a farmer, owning land here about 1845, laid out a village plat of twenty-eight lots at the southwest corner of State and Dickson Streets. Besides himself, James Williams, a millwright, and George Eoudebush, a carpenter and proprietor of a sash factory, were then residing in this locality. George I'leek, a blacksmith, Henry Marker, a carpenter, and others soon after moved in, James Wygant and George Roudebush were the first merchants. In 1860 the village contained about a dozen families. It is surrounded by a fertile, well-cultivated farming district from which it derives its trade. It contains three stores of general merchandise and a drug store, two hotels, two blacksmith shops, one shoe shop and a paint shop. The school building is a fine, two-story frame, containing three apartments, two of which are occupied. It was erected about 1869, at a cost of $3,700. The village also contains two church edifices and two benevolent societies. The Blooming Valley Advertiser, a sixteen-column weekly, has been issued for some time by S. L. Thompson. The borough of Blooming Valley was incorporated by order of the Court of Quarter Sessions May 17, 1867, on the favorable report of the grand jury appointed to investigate the expediency of its incorporation. The court further directed that the first election be held on the first Tuesday of June, 1867. James A. Heard was appointed to give due notice of the election; A. B. Floyd, Judge, and John Roudebush and S. L. Thompson, Inspectors. The officers elected were: S. L. Thompson, Burgess; Michael Coy, A. Drake, N. Eoudebush, George Floyd, Thomas Chipman, Council, and John Roudebush, High Constable. Mr. Thompson was re-elected Burgess in 1868, and his suc- cessors have been: Cress Hellyer, 1869; S. L. Thompson, 1870; R. Teasdale, 1871; W. W. Boyles, 1872-73; John Roudebush, 1874; T. J. Odell, 1875; Daniel Smith, 1876; W. H. Hunter, 1877; I. C. Teasdale, 1878; Cress Hell- yer, 1879; James Wygant, 1880; James A. Heard, 1881; T. J. Odell, 1882; John Eoudebush, 1883; G. W. Barr, 1884. The Methodist congregation of the village was formed more than half a century ago, and among its early members were: Andrew Floyd and wife, James Wygant and wife. Miss Sarah Armstrong, Mrs. John Roudebush and Mrs. John Robbins. Meetings were held for years in a schoolhouse which stood about a mile north of the village. Services were then conducted in the Advent Church until the present Methodist Church edifice was reared in 1874. It is a hand- some and commodious frame structure, and in its construction cost $4,500. The building is surmounted by a bell which cost an additional $300. The present membership of the society is forty-seven. It was formerly connected with Riceville Circuit, but now for many years has been attached to Saeger- town. An Advent society was formed about 1849 with a flourishing membership under the successful ministrations of Rev. Wendell. The first services were held in Cowan's Schoolhouse, about one mile north of the village, but soon after a large frame church building was commenced at Blooming Valley and completed in 1854 at a cost of $2,000. It was erected by the subscriptions of the people generally in this vicinity, irrespective of their "denominational affini- ties, and was free to all religious bodies. The lot was donated by Mrs. Knapp. Early Ad ventists were- Michael Eoudebush, Daniel Cowan, W.- G. Davidson, Orrin Hubbs and Zachariah Cox. Meetings were held in the Union Church for many years, bat the class grew weaker in numerical strength, and finally discontinued services. Protestant Episcopal services were commenced in the same church edifice in 1881 by Rev. Carstensen, of Meadville, but two years later they, too, were discontinued. At present Eev. James T. Bradford, a Baptist minister of Way- land, Mead Township, conducts occasional services in it. WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. 701 Blooming Valley Lodge, No. 1232, K. of H., was instituted by E. S. Cut- ler, of Guy's Mills, October 19, 1878, with fourteen members, as follows: Whitney Braymer, P. D.; C. A. Buell, D.; W. C. Wygant, V. D.; W. G. Barr, A. D. ; A. G. Greenlee, Rep.; Cress Hellyer, Fin. Rep.; Z. Briggs, Treas. ; George Floyd, Chap.; S. L. Wilson, Guide; E. E. Stull, Guard; W. W. Boyles, Sent. ; H. L. Boyles, Mifflin Chipman and W. V. Wheeler. The mem- bership is now forty- one. Regular meetings are held every Saturday. Banner Lodge, No. 126, K. and L. of H., was instituted with twenty-six members, December 30, 1878. Its first officers were Whitney Braymer, P. P. ; C. A. Buell, P. ; Mrs. L. A. Buell, V. P. ; M. L. Roudebush, Sec. ; Dr. George W. Weter, Fin. Sec; Z. Briggs, Treas.; A. G. Ross, Guide; George Floyd, Chap.; E. E. Stull, Guard; W. C. Wygant, Sent. The membership has decreased to nineteen, and meetings are held each alternate Wednesday. BOROUGH OF SAEGERTOWN. Saegertown is pleasantly located on a plain in French Cpeek Valley in the western part of Woodcock Township. It is one of the handsomest villages in Crawford County. Its streets are wide and well kept, and its residences neat and attractive. It is nearly sixty years since the plat was laid out, and the period of greatest growth has been during the last twenty years. The popula- tion in 1860 was 352; in 1870, 441; and in 1880,'678. Two bridges span French Creek within its limits, and the N. Y., P. & O. Railroad passes through it. Daniel Saeger was its founder. In 1824 he purchased the farm upon which it is located fromMaj. Roger Alden, removed to it from Lehigh County, and almost immediately laid out the town. Maj, Alden had as early as 1801 erected a, mill here on the site of the present grist-mill. Henry Minium, the miller, dwelt close by in a double log-cabin, and John McGill owned and occupied land in the north part of the borough. The saw and grist-mill passed into the possession of Mr. Saeger in 1824, and for years was operated by him or mem- bers of his family. It then passed into other hands, and is now owned by J. Kern & Co. Among the earliest settlers at the village, after 1824, were: George Woodring, Peter Beghie and Henry Renner, all farmers. Mr. Freeman opened a little store about 1826, and about 1829 Daniel Saeger built a store room and filled it with general merchandise. The Saegers have ever since conducted the store. Peter Shafier kept the first tavern. The postoffioe was established in 1838, the mail being received at first once a week from Meadville, on a route which extended from the county seat tp Girard. The postoffioe name is Sagertown. The village was incorporated by act of Assembly in 1838. The early records are not known to exist. Since 1865 Burgesses have been elected as follows: A. Saeger, 1865; Josiah Kern, 1866; J. Saeger, 1867; Mark Dixon, 1868; Oliver Saeger, March, 1869; George D. Home, October, 1869, and October, 1870; Oliver Saeger, March, 1872 and 1873; Josiah Kern. 1874; Amos Saeger, 1875; George D. Home, 1876; H. E. Smith, 1877 and 1878; John Westinghouse, 1879; W. D. Johnson, 1880; W. W. Deichman, 1881 and 1882; George D. Home, 1883, resigned and M. Minium appointed to vacancy; W. Mook, 1884. The village now contains three general stores, one hardware, one stove and tin, one millinery, one furniture and one drug store, four blacksmith, one tailor, one jeweler, one wagon, one barber one gunsmith and two shoe shops, a meat market and an undertaking establishment. A grist-mill, two saw-mills, a stave factory and a planing mill, a job printing office, a large ice-house, two physicians, two hotels, two liveries, a schoolhouse, three churches and 702 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. four societies. Saegertown Band was organized in September, 1876, has seventeen members, owns a hall and is widely known for its excellence. The first grave-yard was just north of the Methodist Church, but about 1860 a cemetery association was formed and land purchased on the opposite side of French Creek in Hayfield Township. The cemetery there now covers about twelve acres, and the grounds are beautifully and tastefully laid out. The first school was held in a deserted cabin near the mill. Jonathan G. David and Jane McCaul taught here as early as 1827. About 1830 a one-story frame schoolhouse was erected on the banks of French Creek in the rear of the German Reformed Church. A small brick was a little later built in the southern part of the village and afterward a two-story " brick academy " was built on the south side of North Street, west of and near Commercial Street. It was superseded in 1870 by the present two-story frame building on the east side of Commercial Street. It contains four rooms, three of which are now occupied. The first Lutherans in the vicinity of Saegertown were members of the Venango congregation, organized in 1816. For the convenience of the mem- bers in Woodcock Township, services were held sometimes in Peiffer's School- house, two miles below Saegertown. About 1828 a separate congregation was formed and in 1829 a frame church was erected in Saegertown, on the site of the present German Reformed Church. Its cost was defrayed by the settlers in this region and the Lutherans, German Reformed and Methodist Societies all worshiped in it. Among the earliest Lutheran members were: George Peiffer, Samuel Peiffer, Jacob Flaugh and Daniel Saeger. Rev. Shultz and his son Augustus Shultz were the first pastors, the former preaching in German and the latter conducting services in English; Rev. Elihu Rathbun followed, and served many years. His successors have been: J. D. Nunemacher, Rev. Keil, Rev. Bierdemann, D. M. Kamerer, A. H. Bartholomew and H. Peters. The last has officiated since 1880. The membership is now about 125. Services were held in the old church, in which the congregation had an interest until 1868, when the present spacious edifice was reared on the southwest corner of Erie and Commercial Streets, at a cost of $7,000. The German Reformed Congregation has a handsome frame meeting-house on the northwest corner of Main and North Streets; it is 40x60 feet in size, and was erected in 1872, at a cost of |4,000. Previously services had been held, since 1829, in the old church on the same site. This congregation orig- inally owned a part of this building, and afterward by purchase obtained sole control. The membership is now about seventy. Dr. Joseph A. Apple, the present pastor, has had charge since 1872, succeeding Rev. D. B. Ernst, who preached here about a score of years. The early history of the society is obscure, as the records are lost and no early members remain. The society held early meetings in Peiffer's Schoolhouse. Conrad Baughman, Philip and Henry Renner and Solomon Graff were among the earliest members. Rev. Zeiser and Daniel Rauhouser were early pastors. The Methodist Episcopal class was organized in 1839 or shortly before. Its earliest members included: John McGill and wife, Andrew Ryan and wife, Harvey Sackett and wife, Jacob Brookhouser and wife, Joseph Housel, John Flaugh and wife and Isaac Blystone. Many of these members had formerly belonged to Seavy class, which met on the opposite side of French Creek. For several years Saegertown society met in the Lutheran Church. In 1841 a church was built on the northwest corner of Commercial and North Streets, and occupied until 1875, when the present edifice, 40x60 was erected on the same lot at a cost of about 16,000. The society numbers about 125 members. Saegertown Circuit was formed in 1839, and its pastors have been: J. J. WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. 703 Steadman and J. M. Plant, 1839; A. Fouta and W. W. Maltby, 1840; C. D. Eockwell and C. Kingsley, 1841; A. Keller and J. Mortimer, 1842; I. C. T. McClelland and T. B. Tait, 1848; J. Crum, 1844; D. H. Jack, 1845; J. Gra- ham, 1846; J. Graham and M. Hill, 1847; M. Hill and M. D. Stever, 1848; W. Monks and T. Benn, 1849; H. Luce and S. K. Paden, 1850-51; J. Flower and J. S. Graves, 1852; J. Flower, 1853; I, Lane and W. E. Johnson, 1854; W. R. Johnson, 1855; J. Abbott and W. C. Henderson, 1856; A. H. Bowers, 1857; G. W. Maltby and J. B. Orwig, 1858-59; E. B. Lane, 1860; P. W. Sherwood, 1861-62; N. Norton and L. D. Williams, 1863; G. M. Bberman, 1864-65; J. K. Hallock, 1866-67; N. Norton, 1868-69-70; J. Flower, 1871; G. H. Brown, 1872-73; J. F. Perry, 1874-75; D. W. Wampler, 1876-77; L D. Darling, 1878-79-80; D. S. Steadman, 1881-82; James Clyde, 1883. The circuit now comprises besides Saegertown Church, Blooming Valley and Hamlin's, of Haylield Township. Saegertown Lodge, No. 700, Good Templars, was organized in 1870 and disbanded in 1874. It was reorganized November 12, 1877, with seventy members and the following first officers: B. G. David, C. T. ; Mrs. A. M. McGill, V. T.; Prof. J. M. Morrison, Sec; Mrs. H. Sackett, Fin. Sec.; John Seavy, Treas. ; Rev. D. W. Wampler, Chaplain; Don E. Schanck, Marshal; Ellen Hunter, L G.; J. R. Shoppart, O. G. ; Ambro Whipple, P. C. T.; A. Mook, Lodge Deputy. Fifty members still remain and meet every Friday evening. French Creek Lodge, No. 2371, K. of H., was instituted February 15, 1881, with thirtv-two members and the following officers: J. T. Sackett, Dictator; John Flaugh, V. D.; A. B. Floyd, Ass't D. ; W. F. Moyer, Reporter; W. E. Tost, Fin. Rep.; E. L. Russell, Treas.; A. M. McGill, Guide; J. R. Mosier, ■Chaplain; C. W. Yost, Guardian; Jacob Fleisher, Sentinel; C. W. Robinson, P. D. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening, and the membership is forty-one. Saegertown Lodge, No. 362, E. A. U., was organized September 12, 1881, with five members: C. Yost, James Seavy, Nellie C. Seavy, A. Mook and P. Moon. The lodge now numbers twenty-five members, and meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A lodge of the State Police is also active at Saegertown. BOROUGH OF WOODCOCK. Woodcock Borough is located in the valley of Gravel Run, in the northern part of Woodcock Township. It had in 1870 a population of 220, which in 1880 had decreased to 184. The village owes its origin to Henry Minium, by whom it was laid out and christened Rockville in the spring of 1819, thus making it one of the oldest villages in the county. The Meadville & Erie Turnpike was constructed in 1818, and it was owing to this fact that Mr. Minium, owning land through which it passed, conceived the idea of found- ing a village. He was then a miller at the site of Saegertown, and did not remove to Rockville until about 1824. Jacob Kepler had in 1818 purchased a lot from him, and was the only resident on the plat when it was surveyed in 1819. Mr. Kepler was a shoemaker, and cobbled for the settlers in his locality. After Rockville was started he erected the first hotel and kept the first postoffice, and in view of his local prominence the place was known as Keplertown. Mr. Minium made a public sale of the 'village lots, and under the persuasive accents of the auctioneer, Derk Jan Newenhausen, "Dutch John," as he was familiarly known, the lots were nearly all disposerd of at a handsome figure for those times. The travel on the 704 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. turnpike was then prodigious. It was the main thoroughfare, and the route pursued by hundreds of incoming settlers seeking Western homes. Daniel Shaffer was the first blacksmith. John Scott and Mr. Whitley kept the first stores, which at first were very small. The village thrived, but by the con- struction of the plank road on the opposite side of French Creek it received its first check, the travel being drawn thitherward. The New York, Pennsyl- vania & Ohio Railroad passes within a mile of the village, but has proved of little service in developing it. Kockville was incorporated as a borough and named Woodcock, by an enactment of the Assembly in 1844. George Pond, a chair-maker, was its first Burgess. Recent Burgesses have been as follows: 1868, S. S. Minium; 1869-70, A. Logan; 1871, D. Rupert; 1872, S. S. Minium; 1874, David Rupert; 1875, 0. Schultz; 1876-77, S. S. Minium; 1878, D. Rupert; 1879-82, S. S. Minium; 1883, C. W. Knerr; 1884, C. C. Stalker. The village now contains three general stores, one drug store, one furni- ture store, one hotel, two blacksmith, one harness, one shoe and two wagon- sbops, Perkins & Shaffer's steam saw-mill, three physicians, a two-story frame school building, three churches and two orders. Woodcock Borough Lodge, No. 951, K. of H., was organized with twenty- three members March 13, 1878. B. F. Wales was its first Past Dictator and C. W. Knerr its first Dictator. The membership is now thirty-five and meet- ings are held each alternate Saturday. Magnolia Lodge, No. 249, K. and L. of H., was instituted February 12, 1880, with twenty-five members, and now numbers twenty-seven. Its first Past Protector was C. Schultz; its first Protector, Edward Perry. Regular meet- ings are held each alternate Tuesday. Gravel Run Presbyterian Church was organized about 1809. Rev. John Matthews was the first pastor. He was installed pastor of Waterford and Gravel Run Churches October 17, 1810, and was released from his charge of the latter November 8, 1814. The following have since served as pastors: Rev. Peter Hassinger from October 1, 1828, to 1832; Rev. Alexander Cunning- ham, from October 5, 1843 to 1851; Rev. James W. Dickey was installed April 19, 1854, and served many years. The present pastor is Rev. William Grassie, who came in 1877, succeeding Rev. W. B. McCarroll. In 1838 the congre- gation was divided into Old School and New School branches. In 1854 each branch erected a house of worship: the New School a frame with basement, in which the Protestant .Episcopal Congregation now worships, and the Old School, a brick structure, which is still occupied. Rev. George W. Hampson was pastor of the New School branch for seventeen years until his death in 1869, and soon after the two divisions re-united into one congre- gation. The membership is now about 125. Rockville Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as the Gravel Run Church in 1810, by Rev. Joshua Monroe, at the dwelling-house of John Shearer, situated in the southwest corner of Cambridge Township. In 1817 a log meet- ing house was built in Cambridge Township, immediately northwest of the Woodcock Borough limits, and services held therein until 1839, when a brick edifice was erected within the borough at a cost of $1,800. It has ever since been the house of worship. In 1879 a parsonage was erected at Woodcock at a cost of $700. An old parsonage stood in the village but has not been occu- pied since 1870. In numbers the society exceeds 100. Rockville Circuit was organized in 1844, and its pastors have since been: J. Graham and F. Morse, 1844; J. Graham and L Blackford, 1845; D. H. Jack, 1846-47; A. Callender and J. Hildebrand, 1848; M. H. Bettes, 1849; O. P.Brown, 1850; J. McLean, WOODCOCK TOWNSHIP. 705 1851; S. K. Paden, 1852; B. Marsteller and S. K. Paden, 1853; C. R, Chap- man, 1854^55; A. H. Bowers, 1856; I. Lane, 1857-58; P. W. Sherwood and J, M. DeWoody, 1859; W. A. Clark, 1860; J. Wrigglesworth, 1861-62; E. Wade, 1863; S. Holden, 1864; J. W. Hil], 1865-66; G. M. Eberman, 1867-68; J. F. Perry, 1869-70; E. C. Smith, 1871-73; H. M. Chamberlain, 1874-76; J. H. Vance, 1877; J. L. Mechlin, 1878-80; J. F. Perry, 1881-83. Besides Woodcock the circuit now embraces the following appointments: New Eich- mond, Old Richmond, Van Scoders, Jarvis and Pinneys. The Protestant Episcopal Congregation was organized in the autumn of 1881 by Rev.E. G. Caratensen, of Meadville, who supplied the church until July, 1882. Revs. Steward and Maycock preached for short periods, and since September, 1883, Rev. Lewis, of Meadville, has filled the pulpit each alternate Sabbath. The services are conducted in the old New School Presbyterian Church. The membership is about twenty. Woodcock Grange, No. 639, was instituted in 1875. In 1878 a Granger's fair was proposed, to which each member should bring a choice product of his farm, and for their mutual edification describe the course adopted to bring the product to its high degree of excellence. In the autumn of that year the first fair was held in the Grange Hall, but only five members responded. The next year a much greater variety of articles was exhibited, the condition of describing the method of farming being withdrawn, and besides a large quan- tity of grain, fruit, etc., one calf was on exhibition. The third and fourth years witnessed increased interest and attendance, but the Grange languished. A stock company was formed to perpetuate the fair thus humbly started, as mentioned above, commodious grounds were leased just west of the Borough of Woodcock, and two very successful fairs have been held there. PAET V. Biographical Sketches, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, MEADVILLE. S. J. AFFANTEANGEK, livery and sale stables, Meadville, is a native of the Keystone State, and has seen as much of the globe as Gen. Grant, having been in every State and most of the Territories of the Union, has made three overland journeys to California, and has been in most foreign countries; he, has been three times over the Atlantic Ocean, and has circumnavigated the globe, settling down at last in his native State. He is a quiet man, attending strictly to his business, in which he has been successful. He has been a fre- quent contributor to the newspapers of Meadville. He makes it a rule never to be in haste to be rich, great or wise. In politics he is a Democrat; is a member of the Town Council. He was married first in Virginia, and again after the death of his first wife in 1862, having lived a widower sixteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Affantranger have four children — Celia, Virginia, May A. and Edward J. Our subject is a son of John and Josephine (Earnest) Affantran- ger, natives of Switzerland, and who had to work three years to pay the man who paid their passage to America. They had thirteen children, nine of whom grew up, our subject being the sixth. He first learned blacksmithing, at which he worked for several years. He then owned and conducted a carriage factory in Indiana for eleven years. Since 1873 he has lived in Meadville. He was born in this county, April 7, 1826, and here expects to stay until higher powers call him away. JOHN C. ANDERSON, stationer and bookseller, Meadville, was born in Meadville, September 28, 1856, and is the son of Joseph D. and Jane (Carr) Anderson, natives of this county. His father was born in 1819, and is now a resident of Wisconsin. Of his four children, John C. is the youngest. Our subject, who has been in a bookstore since thirteen years of age, went into business for himself in Meadville in 1876, and has continued here ever since. He is an active member of the fire department, being at one time Assistant Engineer. He takes a deep interest in whatever will promote the general prosperity of the citizens. In politics he is a Eepublican. He keeps, besides a full stock of books and stationery, wall paper and school supplies, also school furniture of all kinds. FEED G. ANDEEWS, hotel proprietor, Meadville, was born in Ashland, Ohio, December 12, 1853, son of Austin Andrews, who was also a hotel keeper, and who raised a family of three children, "of whom Fred G. is the youngest. He received his education in the graded schools of Buffalo, N. Y., and early commenced to learn printing, at which he continued seven years in Toledo, Ohio. Having obtained a position on a vessel bound for Buenos Ayres, South America, he was on the ocean one year, during which he visited many foreign ports. Soon after landing in America he accepted a position in the Wheeler 710 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Dramatic Company, with whom he remained three years, when he took a com- pany himself on the road for a year, playing "Rip Van Winkle. " He then went as clerk in Bonney's Hotel, Buffalo, N. Y. , for two years, and then acted for a third year as manager. In 1883 he came to Meadville, and, in company with his elder brother, took the Commercial Hotel and the depot dining hall and lunch rooms. Fred G. Andrews was married in Toledo, Ohio, in 1882, to Gertrude Nelson, and they have one child — Grace Marie. Mrs. Andrews is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Andrews is a Eepublioan. J. S. AUSTIN, chief train dispatcher for New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, Meadville, was born in Canada, January 25, 1842, and is a son of Horace and Barbara Austin, both of English descent, the father a native of Mississippi, the mother of Nova Scotia. Our subject, who is the second in a family of seven children, received his education in the common schools of Port- age County, Ohio. At the commencement of the war he enlisted in the First Ohio Light Artillery. He was a non-commissioned officer, and served three y^ars. He learned telegraphy at Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1865 came to this county, where he has held various positions on the railroad staff. His marriage with Sylvia A. Lindsey took place in 1867. They have been residents of Mead- ville since 1869. Politically Mr. Austin is a Republican. CHARLES J. BARRETT, of the firm of Barrett & Bros., of the Craw- ford County Iron Works, manufacturers of mill furnishing machinery, steam engines, etc., was born in Minnesota, July 25, 1849, and is a son of Samuel and Jeanet (Osborn) Barrett, natives of England, and who emigrated in 1834, settling in Brie City, Penn., where they now are. His father was a cabinet- maker. There are three brothers engaged in the Crawford County Iron Works (of which they are making a success) — C. J., J. O., and W. N. One brother, George, is a resident of Erie City, and all the brothers are practical mechanics. SAMUEL P. BATES, LL.D., the subject of this sketch, has been chiefly noted as an author, though his life has been singularly devoted to active pur- suits. His writings have been principally upon educational and military themes. His histories of the battles of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, two of the most sanguinary and important, in a military view, of any during the long years of fratricidal warfare, have made his name more widely known than any of his published works, having received elaborate notice in the English press, and been highly commended by the leading Generals in both the Union and Confederate Armies, as well as by eminent English and French military critics. The first, however, of his literary ventures was a volume of Lectures on Education, which has passed through several editions and has attained a wide circulation. Mr. Bates was born on the 29th of January, 1827, in Mendon, Mass. , where his ancestors for several generations had resided. His father, Laban Bates, and his mother, Mary (Thayer) Bates, lived to celebrate their golden wedding, and died at the verge of eighty years. He was educated in the Worcester Academy, and at Brown University under the Presidency of Dr. Francis Way- land, graduating in the class of 1851. He was noted in his college days for his proficiency in the mathematics and in philosophy, several premiums hav- ing been awarded him in competitive examinations. The first year after leav- ing college was devoted to the study of English literature, chiefly the writings of Milton and Shakespeare. For five years subsequent he was employed in teaching the ancient languages at Meadville, Penn. — which he has made his home — and in the meantime gained a local reputation as a lecturer on educa- tional topics and instructor at teachers' institutes. During the four years in which he was at the head of the Meadville Academy, he organized teachers' MEADVILLE. Til classes, before which he delivered, annually, courses of lectures on the science and practice of teaching, which gave the first impulse toward establishing normal schools in this section of the State. In 1857 Mr. Bates was elected Superintendent of the schools of Crawford County for a term of three years. This was one of the largest and most influential counties in the State, having an area nearly equal to the entire arable surface of Rhode Island, Here was presented a wide field for the exercise of his well-defined views of education, and he soon acquired a State reputation for ability and efficiency in educa- tional work. It was at this period that he collected together the lebtures which he had delivered before educational bodies, which were published by Messrs. A. S. Barnes & Co., of New York, as one of the volumes of their popular Teacher's Library, under the title of Lectures on Mental and Moral Cult- ure. This was soon followed by a little work entitled Methods of Conduct- ing Teachers' Institutes, which was also made one of the numbers of the Teachers' Library, and which has had a large sale, having become the hand- book for conducting these useful and popular institutions. At the end of his first term, in 1860, he was re-elected Superintendent and commissioned for a second term, but soon afterward resigned to accept the office of Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, tendered him by Dr. Thomas H. Burrowes, under the administration of William F. Packer. This position he held for a period of six years, and devoted a large portion of his time to the holding of County Institutes, on one occasion being in the four corner counties of the Common- wealth on four successive weeks. During this period he became widely known by his labors in the National Teachers' Association, before which body he delivered his address on Liberal Education, at its meeting at Ogdensburg, N. T., in 1864, which was published in Barnard's American Journal of Education, and also in pamphlet form, in which it had a wide circulation. It was in this address that the diverse pronunciation of the ancient languages was pointedly referred to, and the necessity of professional training for instructors in the higher institutions strongly urged. His views produced a deep impression in educational circles, and was the origin of the agitation which soon followed upon the subject of founding a great national university, where persons destined to become professors in colleges and universities might obtain a thorough training in the science of education. At this period, in recognition of his labors in the educational field, the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him, a compliment fairly earned, and judiciously bestowed. In the last year of his first term as Deputy State Super- intendent, he was designated by Gov. Curtin to visit the colleges of the Com- monwealth and report upon their condition. This was a delicate duty; as the authorities generally consider themselves independent of all outside super- vision, and regard any intrusion with a jealous eye. But so judiciously was the work performed, that the reports brought out a vast fund of information respecting the history and condition of these institutions, and led, in several instances, to radical improvements in their organizations and methods of instruction. These reports were published, and widely circulated in the jour- nals of the day, but never have been collected in book form, which their great value richly merited. During the first year of his service in the office of Superintendent he was employed by Edward F. James, of Westchester, to pre- pare a digest and brief exposition of the school law of the State, for insertion in his volume of Township and Local Laws. This proved an arduous under- taking, as heretofore no systematic guide for the administration of the school system had ever been given, and his work formed the basis of the full exposition which was soon after issued from the School Department, and. 712 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which he himself revised and re-wrote in the subsequent administration. The- forms of report books now used by teachers throughout the State were devised and prepared by him, monthly reports having previously been made on loose sheets, liable to be lost or destroyed, and often never dis- tributed nor used. His thorough acquaintance with the practice of teaching enabled him to systematize the operations in the central office, and many of the forms and methods for the administration of the school system, even to its minutest details, are due to his guiding hand. After pursuing a thorough course in the Boston School of Physical Culture, he prepared a series of arti- cles upon this subject profusely illustrated, which were published in the School Journal of Pennsylvania. Each article was accompanied by copious notes on the preservation of health, together forming a complete treatise, though never issued in book form. Deeming him eminently fitted, both by capacity and culture for the dfficult and delicate work, Andrew G. Curtin, who was then in the Executive Chair, appointed him, in 1866, State Historian, an office created by act of the Legislature for the purpose of gathering the mate- rial and setting in an enduring form a complete account of the organizations which went forth from the State to do battle for the Union when threatened by a rebellion unparalleled in the world's annals. To write of events that transpired ages ago, where the material is ample, is comparatively easy; but to gather up the fragmentary annals of campaigns scarcely finished, and weave from them veritable narratives which shall stand the criticism of the men who were a part of the great transactions, is a far more difficult and embarrassing task, and requires for its accomplishment a degree of patience and painstak- ing, of careful discrimination and wise judgment rarely possessed. For seven weary years he was unceasingly employed, and the result was published by the State, at an expense of nearly a quarter of a million of dollars, in five super royal octavo volumes of over 1,400 pages each, entitled History of Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and forms an enduring monument of the patriotism of the State, and of the research and taste of its author. Upon the completion of this labor, Mr. Bates was immediately engaged to write the Lives of the Governors of Pennsylvania, a work of over 500 octavo pages, and is one of the pleasantest, and most absorbingly interesting of his many works. Closely following this was a work entitled the Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania, published in royal octavo form of some 1,100 pages, illustrated with maps and charts and over eighty portraits of distinguished officers and civilians made famous during the war. It was also published in quarto form in red line edition at an expense of $50 per copy. The matter is divided into three parts: Part I., general history; Part II., biographical sketches of officers; and Part III. lives of civilians eminent in State and national service, and other miscellaneous matter. This work has formed the topic of more favorable criticism and eulogistic comment than any ever issued upon the history of the Commonwealth. The History of the Battle of Gettys- burg, which followed hard upon, a book in royal octavo, embellished with por- traits and maps, is the one which has won for its author a more than national reputation, "and stamped him as a war critic and arbiter of military opera- tions of the very first order." A History of the Battle of Chancellorsville, similar in scope and form to that upon Gettysburg, was issued from the press in 1882, and has proved scarcely less popular. A condensed History of the State of Pennsylvania, which forms a part of this volume, completes the- list of his book publications, though numerous fugitive writings have been scat- tered along his whole career, among which we may mention his contributions to the new edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, now in process of publica- tion. MEADVILLE. 713 In the summer of 1877 Mr. Bates made a tour of Europe, extending through EngJand, Scotland, France, Italy, Switzerland. Germany and Belgium, and upon his return prepared a series of twelve lectures upon themes suggested by his journeyings, which he generously delivered for the benefit of the Mead- ville Public Library. Mr. Bates was married in 1856 to Sarah Josephine Bates, and has a family of seven children: Edward T., in the music business, Arthur L., a practicing attorney, both of Meadville, Alfred J., Walter I., Ger- trude L., Josephine, and Florence. L. 0. BEACH, general agent subscription books, Meadville, was born in Vernon Township, this county, September 15, 1837, and is a son of Isaac and Nancy (Cooper) Beach, natives of Connecticut, of English origin. The father, who was born in 1792, came to this county in 1816 and farmed in Ver- non Township; he died in 1872. The mother was born in 1799, and died in 1858. They were married in 1822 and had a family of nine children, of whom eight grew to maturity and six are now living, five of whom are in this county, L. C. and four sisters. Our subject received his education in Meadville schools and at Allegheny College. In 1855 he commenced teaching and for six years followed that vocation, acting as Principal of the academy for two years. For the last twenty-two years he has devoted his time to the book busi- ness in Meadville, as agent for publishing houses. He was married in 1864 to Mary C. Bigoney, and they have had eight children, viz.: William E., Bertha E. (deceased), George Frederick, Gertrude, Harry, Mary, Lucy and an infant (deceased). Mr. Beach is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a promi- nent member of the Republican party in Meadville, and is now a member of the State Assembly from this county. F. H. BEMIS, insurance agent, Meadville, was born in Sturbridge, Worcester Co., Mass., November 29, 1823, son of Samuel and Betsy (Bigelow) Bemis, of English descent, former a farmer by occupation. Our subject was raised on the farm, received a common school education and when he reached his majority entered the Quaboag Seminary in Warren, Mass., where he remained, teaching school at intervals till 1847, in which year he came to Mead- ville and attended the theological school for three years. After this Mr. Bemis taught school at intervals till 1860, when he left for Massachusetts, remained in that State till 1866, then returning to Meadville entered the insurance busi- ness, which he is at present engaged in. Our subject was married in 1851 to Sarah E., daughter of Maj. Johri Clark, of Mead Township, and to this union have been born eight children, five of whom are now living, viz. : John C, Frank L., Ella S., Herman H. and George Herbert. DE. DANIEL BEMUS (deceased), eldest son of William and Mary (Prender- gast) Bemus, was born in the town of Pittstown, Eensselaer Co., N. Y., on the 4th of September, 1784. His paternal grandfather, William Bemus, was, at the time of the battle of Saratoga, the owner of and resided upon the battle-field known as Bemus Heights. His future profession was early decided upon, and to fit him for it, extraordinary opportunities, for those times, were afibrded him; in addition to the advantages of the public schools, he received the instruction of a private tutor. When nineteen years of age he commenced the study of medicine with his uncle, Jediah Prendergast, a physician in active practice in Pittstown. In the spring of 1805, in company with his father's and maternal grandfather's families, in all twenty-nine persons, he went to Tennessee to search for a new home possessing the advantages of a mild cli- mate and productive soil. They proceeded by wagon and flat-boats to Duck River, near Nashville, Tenn. , their intended location. Being dissatisfied with this country, the whole family turned northward, passing through Kentucky, 38 714 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, arriving at Erie the end of September, 1805. The following spring they removed to their permanent home, now known as Bemus Point, Chautauqua Lake. In the fall of 1805 Daniel went to Phila- delphia for the purpose of attending medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, going the whole distance on horseback. The next spring he returned to the home of his uncle, Thomas Prendergast, at Westfield, N. Y., remaining there practicing and reading during the summer. His practice extended from Silver Creek, N. Y., along the Lake Shore road to Erie, Penn., a distance of over fifty miles. He returned to Philadelphia in the fall of 1806; attended lectures during the winter, and graduated in the spring of 1807 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Soon after his return to his father's home, he was requested by Dr. Kennedy, a prominent physician of Meadville, Penn., then temporarily at his mills near Jamestown, N. Y., to take charge of his practice during his absence, and this resulted in Dr. Bemus locating permanently at Meadville, Dr. Kennedy retiring in his favor. On June 12, 1810, our subject was married to Jane, daughter of William Miles, of Union, Penn., who died August 2, 1826. To thenjwere born two daughters — Mary, born March 21, 1814, who married J. Stewart Eiddle, an attorney of Meadville, and who died March 3, 1839, leaving one daughter, Arianna, mar- ried to Thomas B. Kennedy, of Chambersburg, Penn., and Julianna W. , born February 26, 1816, died December 9, 1836. Dr. Bemus next married, June 19, 1835, Mrs. Jane Clark, widow of Conner Clark and daughter of Hon. John Brooks. By this second marriage was born May 8, 1836, Julia Prendergast, who married George H. Bemus, a lawyer of Jamestown, N. Y., now residing in Meadville. Their children are — William Marvin, a physician residing at Jamestown, N. Y. ; George Prendergast, also at Jamestown; Selden, who died in infancy, and Dudley, residing with his parents. Dr. Bemus at once took a prominent position at Meadville, and was the leading physician for many years. ' He was one of the first Trustees of Allegheny College, doing much to j)romote the interests of that institution. The old college building was con structed upon a plan drawn by him. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and one of the first Vestrymen of Christ Church, Meadville. In poli- tics he was first a Whig and then a Republican. During the war of 1812 he was Chief Surgeon of the division commanded by Maj.-Gen. Mead. About 1828 he built extensive woolen, flour, lumber and oil mills on French Creek, about two miles above Meadville. As a business man he was successful, accumulating a handsome fortune, and at his death was possessed of consid- erable property. He died February 21, 1866, at the advanced age of eighty- three years. Few men of his time were better kno^vn or more highly esteemed in the community in which he lived. GEORGE BENNINGHOFF, retired farmer and oil producer, Meadville. was born in Clearfield County, Penn., April 3, 1825, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Heist) Benninghoff, who were of German ancestry. His father was first a hatter by trade, was in later life a farmer, and succeeded at one time in accumulating a fortune of 1300,000. He was a resident of Venango County, Penn., fourteen years, and before his death lived in Greenville, Penn., where he died in 1882. He had twelve children, who were all at their father's funeral but one, who was sick at the time. The father and all his sons were Republican in politics. George Benninghoff, the eldest of the family, received a common school education in Venango County, Penn., was reared on the farm, and for several years pursued agriculture with success, commencing on fifty acres of unimproved land in Venango County, which he cleared up. In 1861 hJe purchased a farm in Mead Township, and removed to Meadville in 1880. MEADVILLE 715 From 1860 to 1883 he was engaged as an oil producer, since when he has been, retired. He was married in 1848 to Julia A., daughter of John Baney, a prominent farmer of Venango County, Penn. They have five children : Almena Helen, wife of E. L. Affantranger, farmer; Lewis Nelson, farmer in Sugar Grove, Mercer County, and who was also in the oil business for sixteen years; Livingston, a farmer; George E., a practicing physician of Bradford, Penn.; Julia M., wife of C. E. Morgan, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Benning- hoff is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically our subject is a Republican. R. C. BOILEAU, retired merchant, Meadville, was born in Centre County, Penn., December 27, 1810; son. of Daniel and Mary (Robinson) Boileau, natives of this State, of French and Irish descent. Daniel was Quar- termaster-General in the Revolutionary war. Our subject, the seventh in a faijaily of eight children, grew up in the same town with Gov. Curtin, and they were chums together in boyhood. He acquired his^ducation in his native county, and early in life learned the jeweler and watchmaker trade. In 1831 Mr. Boileau came to Meadville, and embarked in the jewelry business, which he carried on for thirty years; was also in the dry goods business for a number of years. He dealt in real estate extensively, and built several business blocks. He has been financially successful, and has accumulated a handsome property. He was married, in 1834, to Harriet W. , daughter of Col. Shryock, a native of Hagerstown, Md., and to this union were born nine children, eight attaining- maturity: Elizabeth, married G. P. Hosmer, in Lockport, N. Y. ; Maria, married toH. H. Thompson, in Bath, N. Y. ; Nathaniel, deceased; Polo, in Illinois; Rol- and C, Jr., in Meadville, Ellen, widow, married to M. D. Newman, in Milford, Penn.; Harriet, married to R. Bard, Ravenna, Ohio; Emma, married to J. H. Culbertson, in Meadville; Marion,' youngest daughter, unmarried, being with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Boileau are members of the First Baptist Churchy in which he has been a Deacon for forty years. He never led a political life. WILLIAM R. BOLE, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Venango Township, this county, October 15, 1838, son of David M. and Mary D. (Clark) Bole, who were of Scotch-Irish descent" and natives of this county. David M. Bole, who lives in this county, was a member of the State Legislature (1848), and has held nearly every office in the gift of the township of which he is a resident. His father, grandfather of our subject, immigrated to this county from the north of Ireland about 1798. He married in this county, engaged in farming and rapidly acquired considerable property. He was prominently engaged in public enterprises, notably the pike road from Meadville to Water- ford, this county. He died at the age of seventy-two. His family numbered six children — three boys and three girls — of whom are now living David M. , John, William and Martha, all residents of this county. Our subject, the eldest of a family of ten children, was reared on a farm and attended the com- mon schools till he was seventeen years of age. Most of his time from then, till he was twenty-two years old was spent in Meadville Academy, Edinboro State Normal School, Allegheny College, in teaching school and in the study of his chosen profession. After reading law for a year with A. B. Richmond,, he commenced a practice which he has continued successfully ever since. He was married in 1862, to Martha S., daughter of Frederick Pendleton, of this county, who bore him one child — Robert C. She died in 1881, at Meadville. In politics Mr. Bole is a Democrat. C. M. BOUSH, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in MundelsLeim, Wurtemberg, Germany, March 19, 1831, and is a son of Charles M. Boush, who was Principal of the common schools in said town in Germany, and who 716 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; had a family of ten children, of whom our subject is the sixth. Mr. Boush received an academic education in his native land, was employed in mercantile pursuits, and received a practical knowledge in the manufacture of cotton silk and woolen goods. He immigrated to this country in 1853, and lived first in Sheakleyville, Mercer Co., Penn., clerking eighteen months in a store. He settled permanently in this city in the spring of 1855, and embarked in the grocery and confectionery business with his brother Albert. In 1862 he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving five years. While Justice he studied law with W. R. Bole; was admitted in 1868, and has since continued practice. Mr. Boush, who was twice a widower, was married to his present wife, Mary, daughter of Jacob Snyder, October 17, 1864. They are members of the Reformed Church, in which he is an Elder. He organized the first Sabbath- school for that church here in 1850, and was Superintendent for many years. Of his four children two are at home, his daughter and his youngest son, a stu- dent at Allegheny College. His eldest son is in business in Canada, and his second son is American Consul at Collingwood, Ontario. Mr. Boush has been twelve years a member of the City School Board, and took an active part in the organization of the present school system. He has been six years a mem- ber of the City Council and three years City Solicitor. He was an active pro- moter of the Meadville Hospital, and is its Clerk and Treasurer. He is at present Grand Master of the A. O. U. W. for Pennsylvania, takes an active interest in the benefit insurance organizations, and is in every way an active and successful business man. He was for years an active Democrat, but takes no interest in politics nbw. J. H. BOYLES, livery, Meadville, was born in Mead Township, this county, April 3, 1840, and is a son of Sylvester and Sarah (Hamilton) Boyles. His mother was born in Mead Township in 1814. His father came here in 1835, and settled on a farm, raising a family of nine children, of whom J. H. is the eldest He received a common school training, and was reared on the farm until 1859, when he went into the oil business, continuing until 1863, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, serving until the close of hostilities. He was a member of the President's body-guard, and saw Booth shoot Lincoln and then jump from the opera-box. Our subject has never attended a theater since, and never expects to attend another. At the close of the war he came home and farmed one year, then again went into the oil business, continuing until 1876, when he went into the livery business in Meadville, in which he has been very suc- cessful, although he has had to pay 16,000 bail money for other parties. The present firm is Boyles & Billings, organized in 1884. He was married in 1861 to Sarah, daughter of Jeddiah Reynolds. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Trustee, Secretary and Treasurer. Our subject's grandfather was the Rev. Patrick Boyles, a pioneer preacher of note. J. B. BRAWLBY, attorney, Meadville, was born July 26, 1844, in Mead- ville. His grandfather, Hugh' Brawley, an early settler of this county, was a farmer and contractor by occupation. He was elected Sheriff of this county in 1823, and served in the Pennsylvania Legislature. He was the parent of six children. Hon. J. Porter Brawley, the second in this family, was educated at Allegheny College, and studied law; served two terms as member of the Legisla- ture; was elected to the State Senate in 1846, serving three years; was Sur- veyor-General from 1850 to 1856. He had a family of six children, of whom J. B. is the eldest. Our subject acquired his education at Meadville and in Allegheny College, from which he graduated in 1860. He accepted a clerk- MEADVILLE. 717 ship in the Census Bureau, and was at Washington, D. C, til] 1862; then returned to Meadville and commenced the study of law in the oflSce of Finney & Douglass, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. Mr. Brawley began practice before the Crawford bar with Edward Wilson, and was associated with him for two years. In 1868 he became a partner with Judge David Derickson, on whom Allegheny College conferred the degree of LL. D. in 1884, and con- tinued associated with him until July, 1875, upon the withdrawal of Judge Derrickson from practice. He was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Courts January 18, 1877. In 1880 he formed a co-partnership with John O. McClintock, with firm name of Brawley & McClintock. Mr. Brawley has been twice married; on the first occasion, in 1870, to Miss Fanny C. Ford, who died in 1872. His second marriage was with Maria, daughter of Judge David Derrickson. Our subject and wife are adherents of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a member twenty-two years, and is now an Elder. He was a member of the General Assembly that met at Chicago, 111., in 1877; also of the National Democratic Convention, 1880. HON. JOHN BROOKS, deceased, who was one of the earliest settlers of Craw- ford County, and who occupied many prominent positions among her pioneers, was a son of William and Anna Brooks (whose maiden name was Snodgrass), and was born in the Parish of Eye, County Donegal, Ireland, May 12, 1765. During his boyhood he received a fair English education, and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed in the city of Belfast, Ireland, and learned the trade of wheelwright. Several years after the expiration of his apprenticeship, in 1786, and after the death of his father, he immigrated to the IJnited States and landed at New York about 1792-93. He remained in New York or vicinity for a brief time, and in 1794 removed to the territory which was afterward organized as Crawford County, Penn., where he remained during the balance of his life. In 1798 his mother and two brothers, Quenton and William, immigrated to America, and settled in Crawford County, where they remained until their deaths. Mr. Brooks first settled on a farm in what is now Green- wood Township, adjoining the Mercer County line, about a mile from Sheak- leyville, and remained there for a few )'ears. He, however, soon removed to Meadville, and commenced business at his trade, which he followed for several years. He afterward entered into mercantile business, which he carried on until about 1828, when he retired to his farm on the Franklin Turnpike, about three miles southeast of Meadville, where he resided till the time of his death, which occurred June 3, 1831, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was the first Justice of the Peace in Crawford County after its organization; was one of the State Commissioners to lay out and construct the Susquehanna & Waterford Turnpike, and for two terms was County Treasurer. In 1813, during the war with Great Britain, he organized and commanded a company which went to Erie to resist the invasion of the soil of Pennsylvania, which was then thought imminent. After arriving in Erie he was appointed aid to Gen. Mead, Division Commander, with the rank of Major. The troops remained at Erie until after the defeat of the British fleet, off Put-in Bay, by Commodore Perry, when the troops were disbanded and returned to their homes. In 1817 he was appoint- ed by Gov. Simon Snyder ah Associate Judge of Crawford County, which oflSce he held fourteen years, or until, his death. Judge Brooks was married twice, his first wife being Elizabeth Wright, to whom he was united July 24, 1800, and by whom he Had three children — two daughters and one son, the only survivor being Mrs. Jane Bemus, of Meadville, now in her eighty-third year. His second wife was Susan Nichols, daughter of Thomas Nichols, of Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn., to whom he was married August 7, 1810, 718 BIOGRAPHIi'AL SKETCHES. and by whom he had eight children — three sons and five daughters — all of whom are dead but Eliza, the wife of Col. David Gompton, of Mead Township, Hen- ry B. and Thomas N. Judge Brooks belonged to what is called the Seced- ers, a branch of the old Covenanters or Scotch Presbyterians. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a good English scholar, and well read in the lit- erature of his day. He was upright, honest, and reliable, and an honor to the community in which he lived and spent the greater part of his life. A. C. CALVIN. M..D., Meadville, was born in this county, October 21, 1854, and is a son of Joseph A. and Mary (Frame) Calvin, natives of Penn- sylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a farmer, and raised a family of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Dr. Calvin was educated at Allegheny College, and took a medical course at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1878. Commenced practice in Philadelphia, but in the fall of 1878 came to Meadville, where he has been in practice ever since. He was married in Meadville in 1880, to Priscilla, daughter of James A. McFadden, for many 3'ears an attorney in Meadville, and who died in 1877. They have one child, J. M. The Doctor is a member of the I. O. O. P. ; in politics a Republican. W. H. CARMAN, liveryman, Meadville, was born in this county in 1847, and is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Carr) Carman, the father a native of'New Jersey, a carpenter by trade, and who came with his parents to this county at an early day; the mother of Germanand Scotch origin and a native of Pennsylvania. ,Our subject, the eldest of a family of seven children, was reared on a farm, acquired a common school education, and at the age ■ of fif- teen went on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad as fireman. After acting in this capacity for three and a half years he was promoted to engineer, ran the lightning train on the Bmlenton, Shippensville & Clarion Railroad and has been credited with making, while on that road, the fastest time ever made on a narrow gauge^ railroad. Afters five years of I this life, ^ Mr. Carman embarked in the hotel and livery business, and in 1879 came to Meadville to engage in his present business, that of proprietor of the Park Avenue Livery Stable, a two-story structure 50x100 feet, where he has a fine array of roads- ters, elegant carriages and wagons of all descriptions. Our subject was mar- ried in 1880 to Miss Turilla Phipps, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Carman is a member of the K. of H., A. O. U. W., and K. of P. REV. JAMES G. CARNACHAN, LL.D., pastor of Park Avenue Congrega- tional Church, Meadville, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, August 29, 1829, and is a son of James S. and^^Jane (Black) Carnachan, natives of Scotland. Their family consisted of eight sons and one daughter, our subject being the •oldest. He received his education ^at the Andersonian College, Glasgow, and entered the University of Glasgow the session of 1843-44 and graduated in May, 1853. He entered the ministry the same year in Scotland, and in 1856 came to America, settling in Tioga, County, Penn., as pastor of Nelson and Farmington Churches from December, 1856, to September, 1858. He was then called to Troy, Bradford County, Penn., remaining there until May, 1866, when he assumed the pastorate of the Grove Presbyterian Church at Danville, Penn., where he continued until June, 1869. He then became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, remaining in that capacity until the organization of the Park Avenue Congregational Church in April, 1881, of which he has since been pastor. He was married June 16, 1856, to Mary Mel- dau, only daughter of George Macfarlane, merchant, Glasgow. She died June. 13, 1866. Of their family of five children, four survive — two sons and two daughters. Dr. Carnachan was again married June 2, 1868, to Rachel Ann, MEADVILLE. 719 only daughter of Robert H. Long, merchant, Lancaster, Penn. Eev. Dr. Car- nachan was in the service of the Christian Commission from August to Novem- , ber, 1864, and was Superintendent at the Fifth Corps Depot Hospital, City Point, Va. He was also elected Chaplain to the One Hundred and Thirty-sec- ond Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, an honor he was compelled to decline. The title of LL.D. was conferred upon him in 1875 by the free University of Naples by promotion. HON. GAYLORD CHUECH (deceased), late President Judge, was among the most prominent citizens of Crawford County, Penn. He was born in Otsego, N. Y., in 1811, son of William and Wealthy (Palmer) Church. His parents, who were natives of Connecticut and of English descent, came to Pennsylvania in 1816, settled in Mercer County and there followed farming. Our subject, who was the second son in a family of six children, was reared on the farm and attended the Mercer Academy; studied law with Hon. John J. Pearson, who was afterward President Judge of the Twelfth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, He was admitted to the bar in 1834, and the same year came to Meadville, where he spent the remaining portion of his life, dying here in 1869, loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a Democrat in politics. In 1837 he was appointed Deputy Attorney-General of the dis- trict, and in 1840 was elected to the Legislature, serving two terms. In 1843 he was appointed -President Judge by Gov. Porter of the Sixth Judicial Dis- trict, consisting of Erie, Crawford and Venango Counties, and served till 1851, when the office became elective. He then resumed his law practice till 1858, when he was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court by Gov. Packer, to fill a vacancy. He was married in 1837 to Anna B. Pearson, of Mercer, Penn., a daughter of Bevan and Ann Pearson, who were members of the Society of Friends. This union was blessed with eight children, six of whom at pres- ent survive. Judge Church and wife were members of the Episcopal Church, of which he was a Vestryman many years. His widow still survives him and resides in Meadville, while the family are among the leading ones of north- western Pennsylvania. HON. PEARSON CHURCH, President Judge of the Thirtieth Judicial Dis- trict, consisting of Crawford County, Penn., is a son of Hon. Gaylord Church {deceased), who was also President Judge of this district. He was born in Mer- cer County, Penn., but has resided all his life in Meadville. He was gradu- ated at Allegheny College in 1856, previously studying law one year with his father, and was admitted to practice February 9,. 1858, at the age of twenty. He has ever been a Democrat in politics. He was married in 1868, to Miss Kate, daughter of Hon. Samuel A. Law, of Delaware County, N. Y. To this union have been born two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Church are members of the Episcopal Church at Meadville, of which he has been Vestryman for over twenty-five years. He has always taken a lively interest in all that pertains to the church here and elsewhere in Crawford County. He has also been active in almost every public enterprise in this place; was elected a member of the School Board in 1870, and in 1872 President of the Board of Control of the Mead- ville schools. In the same year he was elected a delegate to the Constitu- tional Convention, and during 1872 and 1873 assisted in forming the present Constitution, which was ratified and adopted December 16, 1873. In 1859 he was made a Freemason. He is now a member of the Grand Lodge of the F. & A. M. ; member of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. , and of the Grand Com- mandery of K. T. He has taken thirty-two degrees in Masonry, and for ten years was D. D. G. M. of Masons for the district of which Crawford County was a part. In 1877 he was elected President Judge of the Thirtieth Judicial 720 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: District. He has rendered several important decisions while an incumbent of this office, being the first Judge in Pennsylvania, and perhaps in the Union, to decide that colored children should have the same access to our public schools as vrhite children. After this decision the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania made it a part of the statute law. In 1879 the Legislature passed an act making it the duty of the Judge of the county to hold a term of the courts four times a year in the city of Titusville. This measure created considerable feeling upon the part of the citizens of the county as it tended to greatly increase the public expenses and to complicate the ordinary processes of the courts. Meadville and Titusville were especially interested as the movement affected them locally to a considerable degree, and of course it was not long before the whole matter came before the courts. The suit was brought by numerous tax-payers to compel the county authorities to carry into effect the bill. Judge Church, in an able and exhaustive opinion, decided the law to be in conflict with the Constitution and therefore void, and consequently refused to administer it. The next year another act of a similar import was passed designed by its promoters to avoid the constitutional difficulties of the former act. Like litigation was resorted to to prevent its enforcement, but Judge Church decided the second act to be also unconstitutional and void. Both of these decisions were affirmed by the Supreme Court of the State. This ended the efforts of the city of Titusville to have a court held within its bor- ders. In 1883 he decided the Tidewater Pipe Line case, which put an end to the great Standard oil monopoly for carrying oi].. Another effort was made in behalf of the Standard Oil Company to injure and destroy its only rival. A stock-holder of the Tidewater Pipe Line Company, acting in the interest of the Standard Oil Company, used his position as stock-holder in an effort to dissolve and thus legally destroy the company. After a sharp contest he was signally defeated, and Judge Church, in an elaborate and exhaustive opinion, settled the rights of all parties to the litigation, deciding in favor of the Tide- water Company. This decision was acquiesced in by the defeated party, as no appeal was taken from the decision of Judge Church, but the same parties afterward took the measures above mentioned with the result as above stated. It has been the good fortune of Judge Church to be very often called upon to decide grave questions of great public as well as private importance and inter- est — indeed, more than often falls to the lot of a Common Pleas Judge. They have been affirmed in every instance by the Supreme Court of the State. ALFEBD G. CHUECH, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Mead- ville, November 10, 1851, and is a son of Hon. Gaylord Church, who was Judge of the Sixth Judicial District from 1843 to 1852. He is also a brother of Judge Pearson Church, the President Judge of the Thirtieth District. Our subject received his schooling at Eiverdale, N. Y., and at Harvard University, at which latter institution he graduated in the regular course in 1878, after an attendance there of four years. In the same year he entered the office of his brother, Pearson Church, and was admitted in 1875, continuing practice here ever since. He was married December 5, 1876, to Alice L. Mosier, by whom he has one child — Agnes Pearson. Mr. and Mrs. Church are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Church is a Democrat. COL. JOHN M. CLAEK, hotel proprietor, Meadville, was born April 2, 1837, and is a son of Ashbel and Mary (Weller) Clark, the former a farmer, a native of Connecticut, of Scotch descent, and for twenty-seven years a Justice of the Peace in Meadville, the latter also a native of Connecticut. They had a family of four boys and two girls, of whom John M. is the youngest. Our subject received a good English education in the common schools and in Alle- MEADVILLE. 721 gheny College. He afterward clerked in Erie City for several years, also at Erie City Iron Works from 1856 to 1861, when he enlisted in the three months service in Col. McLane' s regiment, at the expiration of which time he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was appointed Assistant Adjutant to Gen. Hayes, of Massachusetts, and continued in that capacity until June 27, 1862, when he became Adjutant of the regi- ment, serving as such till the close of service. After the war he returned to this city and purchased the "American," which he conducted for two years. Most of Col. Clark's time has been spent in the hotel business, except when he was in the grocery trade in Erie City. He was Chief of the Fire Depart- ment for eight years. Our subject was married in 1862 to Bessie V., daugh- ter of Charles Banyard, of Erie City, and of English descent. They have three children: Cora, Bessie and Mattie. They are members of the Episcopal Church of Meadville. COD. JOHN BEOOKS COMPTON, District Attorney, Meadville, was born November 17, 1835, in Mead Township, this county, and grew up on the farm of his father. Col. David Compton, attending district school and Meadvi lie Academy. He then became a teacher, and by that means secured funds to prosecute his stild- ies at Allegheny College, which he entered in the spring of 1858, and continued a student till his senior year, when he enlisted as a private in the three months' service, joining the Meadville Grays, which were stationed at Pittsburgh. He was soon promoted to Sergeant. While in camp, Sergt. Compton wrote his commencement oration, and obtained a furlough for the purpose of graduating with his class. He committed to memory his oration on his way home in a stage coach, and appeared with his class, June, 1861, in uniform, at the request of his class and the faculty. Soon after graduation he joined the famous Eighty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and became First Sergeant of Company F. At the battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, he was wounded, but led his company five days after, at the battle of Malvern Hill, taking thirty-two men into the fight, of whom eight were killed, and fourteen wounded, himself among the latter. He was men- tioned for gallantry in the dispatches of the Division Commander, and was sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, Va. , where he remained until September, most of the time in a critical condition. He afterward went to Alexandria, and then to Washington, where he was discharged on account of disability from wounds and sickness. Returning home, after a partial recovery of health, Col. Compton began the study of medicine under Dr. Edward Ellis, of Meadville, but he had to abandon it on account of continued ill health, and at the sugges- tion of friends he became a candidate for the Republican nomination for Pro- thonotary of the county. Being successful, he was elected in the fall of 1863 by 2,000 majority, and served the entire term. During that time he com- manded a company of Emergency Men, serving until the capture of Mor- gan and the battle of Gettysburg. He was appointed by Gov. Curtin a Com- missioner to take the vote of the State soldiers in the field for the election of 1864, being assigned to Washington City and vicinity. At the general can- vass of the same year he was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and was elected Secretary of the Board. In this capacity all the tickets, poll books, etc. , had to pass through his hands. These were sent in due time by express, but were tampered with at Baltimore, or somewhere on the way, so that in order to obtain them, the Harrisburg officials were telegraphed for a new sup- ply and the Secretary was obliged, with barely time, to visit Washington with a guard, and watch the precious material till safely landed at City Point, and thus saved to the State and Nation the vote of the Pennsylvania soldiers in the 722 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: entire Army of the Potomac. During his Prothonotaryship he was entered as a law student by the late Darwin A. Finney, and was admitted to practice June 11, 1868, which profession and practice he has since continued. He was three times appointed attorney for the county, and is solicitor for the Meadville Loan Association and other corporations. Col. Compton was appointed by Gov. Hartranft an Aid-de-Camp on his military staff, with the rank of Colonel, and served through his two terms, when he was re-appointed on his staff, as Major- General of the State, which position he still retains. He was on duty dur- ing the Centennial Encampment of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and on August 10, the date of the great military parade at Philadelphia, was appointed Officer of the Day. As a politician Col. Compton has ever been an active sup- porter of the Republican party, both in council and upon the stump. He was Chairman of the Republican County Committee in 1872, and was Senatorial Delegate to the State Convention in 1873. In 1874 he received the nomina- tion of his pai;ty as a candidate for the Legislature by a larger number of votes than any of his colleagues. This was the year of the great political revolution in the county, the entire ticket being defeated, but Col. Compton getting the highest vote of any Republican candidate. In 1873 he presided as Chairman of the meeting of the Return Judges of the primary elections. In 1881 he was elected District Attorney of the Thirteenth District, consisting of Crawford County, by the largest majority of any candidate on the Republican ticket. Col. Compton is a member of the Board of Directors of the Meadville City Hospital; also Past Master Workman of Jefferson Lodge, No. 1, A. O. U. W. ; Past Noble Grand of Crawford Lodge, No. 734, 1. O. O. F; for several terms President and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Odd Fellows' Home of western Pennsylvania; Commander of Sergeant Peiffer Post, No. 331, G. A. R. He and his family are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Trustee and Secretary. Our subject was martied November 12, 1863, to Fannie E. Kingsley, of Springfield, Mass. Of their family two sons, Herbert K. and Charles K., died in infancy; Kate Leora, a very interesting and lovely child, died of diphtheria on Christmas eve, 1881, in her twelfth year. The eldest daughter, Gertrude E., now in her sixteenth year, alone remains of this happy family of children to bless and comfort the parents. M. S. COOPER, farmer, Meadville, was born in this county August 17, 1830, and is a son of Lewis and Fidelia (Smith) Cooper, natives of Massachu- setts and Connecticut respectively, and of English origin. His parents were early settlers of Vernon Township, this county. The father, who was a promi- nent farmer, had a family of six children, all of whom except our subject were the children of his second wife, our subject's mother dying when he was young. The father died in 1856. He bad held most of the township offices. Our subject received his education in Kingsville College, Ohio, and farmed until he was thirty-eight years of age, when he came to Meadville. He served as Chief of Police in Meadville, but his life work has been that of an agri- culturist. He was married in 1856 to Rachel, daughter of Robert Harper, who is a sister of Hon. W. S. Harper, of Meadville; they have one child — Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville. In politics he is a Republican. J. A. COOPER, master mechanic for the Eastern Division of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, Meadville, was born in the State of New Jersey, July 24, 1831, and is a son of Albert and Mary (Concklin) Cooper, both natives of New Jersey, of Holland descent, the father a blacksmith by trade. J. A., who is the third in a family of seven children, received a district school education in his native county. He first learned the trade of his father, at MEADVILLE. 723 which he continued for a time. Since 1851 he has been in railroad employ- ment of various kinds, and has filled them all satisfactorily. He was married in Meadville in 1866 to Anna, daughter of Aaron Johnson, and they have two sons — Frank and Bert. Mrs. Cooper is a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject has been a member of the School Board for twp terms, and a resident of the city since 1863. JOHN C. COTTON, physician, Meadville, was born'in Pennsylvania Au- gust 81, 1828, son of William and Elizabeth (Black) Cotton, both natives of Pennsylvania; the father of Scotch-Irish and the mother of English descent. William Cotton was a farmer and raised a family of six children. Our subject received his education at the common schools and at the high school of New Bedford, and also at the academy at Pulaski. He also attended Allegheny College for three years, and graduated therefrom in June, 1853. Left Alle- gheny College in senior year in 1849, read medicine and graduated and then returned to Allegheny College and graduated from both colleges in same year. In 1853 he graduated in medicine from Cleveland Medical College, practiced medicine for two years in Kentucky, and since 1855 has practiced in Mead- ville. Was a charter member of Crawford County Medical Society eighteen years ago, since which he has been an active member; is also a member of Pennsylvania State Medical^ Society and of the American Medical Association. He was married in l855,^to^Mary, daughter of Judge William Davis, and their children are William D. and Harry A. Dr. and Mrs. Cotton belong to the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been Trustee. For twelve years he was United States Examining Surgeon for pensions ; he is politically a Republican. LAWRENCE COYLE, County Treasurer, Meadville, was born in Rome Township, this county, September 19, 1839, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (Griffin) Coyle, who were also natives of this country, but of Irish descent. Our subject's grandfather, Roger Coyle, came to Crawford County about 1800, and was a farmer. His son Patrick, Lawrence's father, was a farmer and a large lumber dealer. He was for a number of years a Justice of the Peace. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject received his education in the common schools, and has been a farmer most of his life. Before his election as County Treasurer, Mr. Coyle held several official positions in the township. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Mary Ann Stark, in July, 1860. Her death occurred December, 1869. Mr. Coyle was married to Miss Lucinda Phillips, April, 1873. She died in March, 1883. He has three chil- dren now living: Clara, Lavern and Mark. In,politics Mr. Coyle is a Repub- lican. HUGrH F. COYLE, train dispatcher on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, Meadville, was born in Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., Septem- ber 21, 1855, and is a son of Bernard and Susan (Kilduff) Coyle, natives of Ireland. His father, who was byroccupation a jeweler, was married in Alle- gany County, N. Y. , and had a family of nine children of whom Hugh F. is third. Our subject received his education at And over, in his native county, and then commenced the study of telegraphy, which he pursued with such zeal and diligence that, at the age of fifteen, he^took charge of the telegraph office for the Erie Railway, where he remained until 1874. He then went to St. Joseph, Mo., where for one year he was train dispatcher, when he was made manager of the office at Green River, on the Union Pacific Railway. In 1877 he was married to Elizajaeth Sinon, by whom he has one son — Eddie B. He then accepted a position on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railway, as assistant train dispatcher, but since 1881 he has been train dispatcher. In politics he is a Republican. 724 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: REV. RIGHA.RD CRAIGHEAD, retired minister, Meadville, was born in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, Penn., October 31, 1815, and is the son of William and Hetty (Weakley) Craighead. His paternal ances- tors were from Scotland, his maternal ancestors from England. He pursued his academic studies at New Haven, Conn. ; graduated at Washington College, Washington, Pa., in 1836; entered the Western Theological Seminary the same year; was licensed to preach in June, 1839, and ordained and installed over the church at Springfield, Erie Co., Penn., September 9, 1840. He was called in November, 1843, to take charge of the Second Presbyterian Church of Meadville, Penn., and continued as pastor of the church until November, 1874, a period of thirty-one years, only relinquishing his charge on account of continued ill health. He still resides in Meadville, preaching occasionally as his health will permit. He was married, January 14, 1841, to Miss Lydia L,, daughter of John Reynolds, Esq., of Meadville, Penn. JOHN HAYS CULBERTSON, United States Deputy Collector, Meadville, was born in Richmond Township, this county, April 2, 1840, only son of David and Nancy M. (Mackelduff) Culbertson, natives of Chester County, Penn. Pre- vious to marriage David Culbertson, our subject's father, in about the year 1818, removed with his father, John Culbertson, to Woodcock Township, this county, where the latter eugaged in agriculture for some time, having previ- ously spent the greater portion of his early life in manufacturing woolen goods in Chester County, Penn. David Culbertson remained with his parents until after his majority, and in 1835 returned to Chester County. On March 4, that year, he married Nancy M. Mackelduff, and shortly after returned to this county, locating on a farm of 250 acres in Richmond ToM'nship. Mr. and Mrs. David Culbertson were parents of two children, viz. : Elizabeth Ann, born April 10, 1836, married August 9, 1857, to Jacob Cowan, of this county, and July 11, following year, died of hemorrhage of the lungs at the residence of her father, and John Hays, our subject. David Culbertson in 1848 sold his farm in Rich- mond Township, and purchased one of about 100 acres in and adjoining the borough of Blooming Valley. In connection with this farm there Vfas a hotel property, both of which interests he operated until about the year 1855, at which time, he leased his hotel and for some years thereafter gave his exclusive attention to farming. In about the year 1866, feeling that himself and wife, both of whom were getting pretty well advanced in years, should lead a less active and busy life, and as their only son and child living was then residing in Meadville, David Culbertson sold his Blooming Valley farm and hotel prop- erty to Alonzo Drake, and, in 1866, removed to Meadville and purchased a house and lot. No. 639 Washington Street. On June 14, 1871, Nancy M. .Cul- bertson, our sabjeot's mother, died. On October 12, same year, J. H. Cul- bertson was married to Miss Emma A., daughter of R. C. Boileau, Esq., of Meadville; and after this date and until his death, which occurred October 19, 1877, David (his father) resided with him. To this union were born three children— Anna S., born August 5, 1872; Williard B., born May 81, 1875, and Blanche, born December 5, 1878. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent at home with his parents, going to school, and in assisting ^bout the farm until the winter of 1864, when he came to Meadville and entered the wholesale grocery house of McFarland Bros., as book-keeper, where he remained for three years, but had to abandon ofSoe work on account of failing health, and a portion of the summer of 1867 was spent up Lake Superior in regaining his former health and strength, which was fully restored. The balance of the year, 1867, and up to August, 1868, Mr. Culbertson acted in the capacity of cashier of the MoHeury House, Meadville, after which time he opened a gen- MEADVILLE. 725 eral insurance agency on Chestnut Street, same city. In 1871 he associated with him in that business John Reitze, and the firm was known as Culbertson & Eeitze, now representing some dozen or more of the best insurance companies in the United States. In 1874 our subject was appointed United States Dep- uty Collector under Hon. James C. Brown, and continued as such until August 1, 1883. On August 1, 1883, he was again appointed Deputy Collector by Jacob F. Walther, successor to Hon. James C. Brown. JOHN DAVENPORT, drayman, Meadville, was born in Ulster County, N. Y., August 10, 1816, and is a son of Isaac and Rebecca (Munson) Davenport, natives of New York, and of English descent, the former a farmer. They had a family of nine children, seven of them now living, of whom John is the fourth. His schooling was obtained in his native county, and early in life he went as boatman on the Delaware & Hudson Canal, at which occupation he spent many years. He was married in 1845 to Jane Ann Lounsberry, also a native of Ulster County, N. Y., and of Holland descent. They had nine chil- dren, seven now living: Levi, freight clerk on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad; Mary Ellen, wife of Prank Bartlett; Anna, wife of Anson B. Leberman; Harriet, wife of Edward Orris, merchant in Meadville; Philip; J. E. and Blanche. Mrs. Davenport is a member of the Park Avenue Congrega- tional Church. In politics Mr. Davenport is Republican. Our subject came to Meadville in 1866, and is now owner of six wagons and thirteen horses. In 1879 he built an ice house, in which he annually stores 1,000 tons of ice. His eldest son was a member of the Fifty-sixth New York Infantry during the two last years of the war of the Rebellion. HON. WILLIAM DAVIS, JR., deceased. Among Meadville's most hon- ored citizens was the gentleman whose name here appears. For nearly half a century he was identified with the business, social and educational develop- ment of the city, and throughout this long period he constantly grew in the respect and esteem of the community. With respect to the family history, we learn that his grandfather, James Davis, was an early settler from Franklin County, Penn., settling here in 1795. His parents, James and Mary (Cotton) Davis, are described as being pious, well-informed people, who took all pos- sible care in preparing their son for his station in life. Judge Davis was born in Vernon Township, Crawford County, September 7, 1812, at a time when his father was absent from home doing military service for the country in the war with Great Britain. His education was procured mostly from private schools. He remained with his father until he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Mary Johnston, daughter of Lancelot Johnston, Esq., who still survives him. One year after his marriage he came to Meadville and engaged in the shoe and leather business, and from 1885 to 1863 continued in that branch of the mercantile trade in this city. His public life began in 1840, when he was elected to the borough Council, where he con- tinued three years. In 1846 he was elected Burgess of the borough, and served three terms. As a Whig candidate in 1849 he was elected County Treasurer, at a time, too, when the Democratic party held a large majority in the county. In 1857 he was chosen one of the Trustees of Allegheny College, and held the position with credit to himself and honor to the institution until his death, June 30, 1881. In this connection we remark that he always took a deep interest in all educational matters, not only in the college but also in the pub- lic schools of the city, having been many years officially connected with their management. He was elected Associate Judge of the county in 1863, again in 1868, and again in 1873, covering a period of fifteen years, a distinction never enjoyed by any other occupant of the office. The arduous duties of his 726 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: position were discharged with eminent satisfaction to the members of the bar as well as to his constituency. Judge Davis was an active member of agri- cultural organizations, and took a deep interest in projects having for their aim the improvement of farming. He was an honorary member of the Craw- ford County Historical Society from lits organization until his demise. He was for twenty years a Director of the Crawford County Mutual Insurance Company, and for several years its faithful Treasurer. Judge Davis was a man of fine personal appearance; in disposition most amiable. When the personal delinquencies of any of his acquaintances was the subject of conver- sation he participated as little as possible, and as soon as opportunity offered changed the subject by referring to redeeming traits in their character. He was a beloved member of the First Presbyterian Church, and for a great num- ber of years served upon the Board of Trustees of that body. His every day life was a beautiful exhibit of practical, self denying Christianity, and few, if any, possessed in so large a degree that charity which " thinketh no evil, suf- fereth long and is kind." He died as he lived, with an unwavering faith in his Divine Master and an unswerving devotion to right and duty. Six of Judge Davis' children survive: the eldest child and daughter, Mary, is the wife of Dr. J. C. Cotton, of Meadville; second daughter, Ellen, is the wife of Dr. J. P. Hassler, of Cochranton; youngest daughter, Emma, is unmarried; eldest son, James J., is Secretary and Treasurer o& the Water Gas Company, of St. Louis, Mo.; second son, Henry L., is connected with the Philadelphia branch of the Standard Oil Company, of which he is one of the managers; the youngest son, William W., is teller in the Oil City Trust Com- pany Bank of Oil City, Penn. ' GEORGE B. DELAMATER was born at Whitehall, N. Y., January 14, 1821. In 1822 his parents removed with him to Crawford County, Penn. He received a thorough and practical education, attending, among other schools, the academy at Waterford, Penn., and Oberlin and Allegheny Colleges. He afterward studied law, and in 1847 was admitted to the bar. For about five years he pursued the active practice of his profession. He then, however, became engrossed in business enterprises and in a great measure withdrew from active practice. For a time he was employed in editing and publishing a newspaper at Youngsville, Warren Co., Penn., and afterward engaged with good success in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits at Townville, Penn. From 1860 to 1864 he was largely interested in oil developments along what is known as Oil Creek, and by that means was enabled to add very largely to his wealth. In 1864 he removed to Meadville, Penn., where he has since resided. During his entire life he has been a remarkable student and has accumulated large law and miscellaneous libraries. He is a Trustee of Ober- lin College, and Truste'e and Vice-President of Allegheny College, to both of which he has contributed largely, and has been for many years largely inter- ested in banking. At the time of the organization of the First National Bank of Meadville and until 1871, he was a Director therein, being the largest stock- holder. At that time he sold his interest. He has also been one of the largest share-holders in the Keystone National Bank, of Erie, Penn. , since its organ- ization; not living in Erie he is not in the Board of Directors. He was also one of the organizers of the Erie Dime Saving and Loan Association. Few business enterprises in Meadville have been started without his active and suc- cessful co-operation. He is Director in the gas and water companies, in both of which he is heavily interested. In 1875 he erected what iB''known as the Delamater Block, the finest business building in Crawford County. The institution, however, to which he is most closely allied is the banking firm of MBADVILLE. 727 Delamater & Co., of which he is senior member. It was organized in 1876, and is at present regarded as one of the solid institutions of the county. Mr. Delamater has ever manifested a deep interest in political affairs; when but a boT, he knew intimately " old John Brown," and while he deprecated the rashness of that old hero in some of his late undertakings, always sympathized with the Free Soil and Eepublican parties. In 1848 he was af delegate to the District Convention which nominated John W. Howe, who was the first Free Soil member of Congress for Crawford, Mercer and Venango Counties, and the same year was a delegate to the National Convention at Buffalo. In 1870 he was elected to the State Senate by Erie and Crawford Counties. His record during his three years' term shows faithful and able service. Since then he has declined political preferment. He has ever been the open friend|and pro- moter of religion and temperance. In his youth studious, industrious and circumspect; in middle life cautious, modest and successful, and in late years enjoying the happy result, in the confidence and respect of all. Mr. Delamater married in 1847, Susan Cowle Town, born in 1820, daughter of the late Noah Town, Esq., and who is in the eighth generation on the part of her paternal ancestors, being a descendant of William Town, an Anglo-American, born in England about 1600, and who upon immigrating to America settled at Salem, Mass. Her father, Noah Town, was born at Granville, N. Y. , November 11, 1786; married Susannah Martin, of French extraction, June 18, 1809. He was a son of Joseph Town, born February 22, 1761, and who married Hannah Col- man, a descendant of Elder Brewster, of "May Flower" notoriety. His nephew, Salem Town, author of various school books and other works, had a national reputation. Joseph Town was the son of Israel Town, born February 12, 1727, who was a son of Israel Town, born November 18, 1684, who was a son of John Town, born April 2, 1658, who was a son of Jacob Town, born in 1631, who was a son of the first settler, William Town, who was living in Salem, Mass., in 1640. The children of George B. Delamater are: George Wallace, born March 31, 1849; Thomas Albert, born December 7, 1850; Susan Adelaide, born March 27, 1859, and Victor Morris, born November 1, 1860. GEOEGE WALLACE DELAMATER, of the banking firm of Delamater & Co., Meadville, son of G. B. Delamater (whose sketch appears above , was born in Meadville, March 31, 1849. After a preliminary course of studies he matriculated as a student of Allegheny College, and graduated from this institution in June, 1869, soon after which he entered upon a course of studies in the Law Department of Harvard College and under Hon. H. L. Rich- mond & Son, which he completed and was admitted to the bar of Crawford County February 1, 1875. His liberal education, practical knowledge of bus- iness affairs, and extensive acquaintance supplementing his legal studies, qualify him for an active and useful career, either in the practice of law or as a banker, in the firm of which he is a leading member. In 1877 he was elected Mayor of the city of Meadville, and discharged the duties of this office during his term with credit. In 1878 he was chosen Senatorial delegate to the Republican State Convention at Harrisburg, and subsequently in the same year was made Chairman of the Republican County Committee, in which posi- tion he conducted an efficient and successful campaign. In 1880 he was chosen Presidential Elector for Pennsylvania, and cast his vote for J. A. Gar- field, His industry, integrity and energy command the confidence of a large circle of friends and of the public. C. J. DENNINGTON, photographer, Meadville, was born in this county in October, 1850, son of John and Margaret (Hollister) Dennington, the father a native of England, the mother of New York State, of English descent. The 728 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: father, who was a farmer, died in this county after a residence of over fifty years. C. J., the youngest of a family of seven children, was educated here, and in 1872 commenced to learn photography, and having a natural taste for art work he soon acquired a reputation as an artist in his line. He was mar- ried in 1874 to Martha, daughter of Luther Wilder, who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dennington is a member of the Royal Arcanum; politically, a Eepublican. JOSEPH DERICKSON, retired merchant, Meadville, was born in Dau- phin County, Penn., July 5, 1801, son of David Derickson. AUGUSTUS DEEST, retired merchant, Meadville, was born August 24, 1822, in Germany, son of August and Christina (Berkes) Derst, who both died in Germany before our subject set sail for America. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Augustus, Jr. , is eighth and the only one to come to the New World. He was married in 1844 to Margaret Burchardt, in his native land, where the eldest child, Charlotte, was born, and in 1846 they came to America, landing in New York, thence traveling direct to Meadville, Penn. Here the family of Mr. and Mrs. Derst was increased, in course of time, by six, viz. : Daniel, married to Mary Christy; Mary, wife of Henry Leighty (have one child); Henry, in Colorado; John in Kansas, married to Eate Small- enberger, of Meadville; Clara, at home, and Elizabeth, deceased. Charlotte is now the wife of Henry M. Rupp, a native of New York, proprietor of res- taurant on Water Street, Meadville; have five children: Carrie E., George A., Henry M., Jr., Lottie and Elmer H. Mr. Derst commenced life on nothing, and for the first seven years after arriving in the land of his adoption, labored at whatever he could find to do. He was absent for a time in California. For twenty years our subject carried on with success a grocery on Water Street, Meadville, and his industry and uprightness in business have enabled him to retire with a good competency, not having for the past twelve years been engaged in any. special business. HON. JOHN DICK, deceased, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., June 17, 1794, son of William and Anna (McGunnegle) Dick, and the eldest of four brothers who attained mature age, viz. : John, David, James R. and Wilson W., all now deceased. He was brought to Mead- ville by his parents in the year of his birth, when the place was but a hamlet of log-houses. He was married, November 16, 1830, to Jane A., eldest daugh- ter of Samuel Torbett, Esq., one of the pioneers of Crawford County, and many years largely interested in real estate business. To this union were born six children: George M., entered as cadet at West Point in 1850, assigned to duty in Texas in Col. Robert E. Lee's regiment, and died in 1856; J. Henry, died at the age of eighteen; Samuel Bernard; Anna C, married toD. C. Shry- ock; Mary E., married to Edward S. Say^r, and John. Gen. John Dick died May 29, 1872, in the seventy- eighth year of his age, leaving behind him the inestimable heritage of a good name, and when the grave closed over him it shut out forever from human sight, but not from loving memory nor from the affection of the heart, a man who had in his lifetime seen the creation in this section of telegraphs, railroads, canals, schools, commerce and other evidences of advanced civilization, with the inevitable and consequent regression of the red man toward the setting sun, and the extinction of their title under the provisions of Wayne's Treaty; it shut out forever from all earthly view one whose every action in life pronounced him to be by nature a gentleman — an honest man — tender-hearted as a child, influenced even to a fault by the warmth of his own feelings, ever ready to protect the weak against the strong, and to cover the faults of a friend with the mantle of charity. In a word, as a sin- MEADVILLE. 729 cerely good man, he was possessed of many strong and admirable points of character. Physically he was of a noble and commanding presence. To the last his will was strong, his heart warm and radiant, emotional as though kin- dled by the tires of youth, while his clear blue eyes beamed in harmony with the kindly, sympathetic tones of his rich voice. In his household he was a worthy example in all its duties as a sincere Christian, a devoted husband and an affectionate father. The disease which carried him off was in the form of a violent cold, which settled on his lungs and baffled the best medical treat- ment. Hon. John Dick was for many years a successful merchant in Meadville, and was one of the founders of the private banking house of J. E. Dick & Co. , which, in 1850, was known as J. & J. E. Dick. In 1840 he was a member of the Electoral College which cast the vote of Pennsylvania for Gen. Harrison. In 1850 Gov. Johnson appointed him Associate Judge of Crawford County, and following year he was elected and commissioned to the same place. It was while tilling this position he was tirst elected to Congress, from the dis- trict composed of the counties of Erie and Crawford, in 1852, continuing to represent it for three consecutive terms. The military titles conferred on Gen. Dick commenced early in life, and ran through a rapid and uninterrupted pro- motion. At the age of twenty-seven he was elected Major of the First Battal- ion, and was so commissioned by Gov. Hiester in 1821. In 1825 he was made Colonel of the Thirty-first Eegiment; in 1831 he was commissioned by Gov. Wolf Brigadier-General of the Second Brigade, Sixteenth Division, composed of the counties of Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Venango and War- ren, extending from the banks of the Ohio to the shores of Lake Erie. In all matters of improvement for the general good he was an earnest co-worker and a generous contributor. The Eastern Plank Eoad was constructed mainly through his instrumentality, and to him is Meadville, as well as surrounding country, indebted in a large measure for the Atlantic & Great Western Eail- road. He was one of the Trustees of Allegheny College, President of Craw- ford Mutual Insurance Company for several years; at one time Captain of the Cussewago Fire Company, the earliest organization in the tire department in this city, over forty years ago, and at the time of his death he was the oldest vestryman of Christ Church, Protestant Episcopal, Meadville, having been elected to that position February 7, 1829, and for more than forty years he devoted his best energies to the welfare of the parish. The mother of Hon. John Dick, whose maiden name was McGunnegle, was born at Carlisle in 1767, and, as already stated, came to this place with her tirst husband, William Dick, in 1794. Travelling at a period when this sec- tion of the country was mostly a wilderness, she went from Pittsburgh to Frank- lin, Penn., in a keel-boat, and traveled from Franklin to Meadville through a remarkably deep snow, on horseback, in the month of December, carrying in her arms her infant child — the future Hon. John Dick. William Dick died in 1810, and in 1817 she inter-married with Hon. Jesse Moore, formerly of Chester County, Penn. , but at that time and up to his decease President Judge of this Judicial District, by whose death, in 1824, she again became a widow. She died in Meadville, March 5, 1848. She was a most exemplary, pious. Christian lady, for many years a consistent member of the Protestant Episco- pal Church of Meadville. Col. Samuel Bernard Dick, banker, Meadville, third son of Hon. John and Jane A. (Torbett) Dick, was born in Meadville, October 26, 1830, .nd received all the advantages of the best private schools and colleges at home, but left col- lege to enter into business before he took his degree. He was engaged with 39 730 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his father and uncle in the banking business at the breaking-out of the war of the Rebellion, and he at once tendered his seryices to Gov. Curtin, and was commissioned Captain of the Meadville Volunteers, the first company of troops organized in Crawford County. The company went into camp at Pittsburgh, and on the organization of the far-famed Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, in May, joined that organization, and his company became known as Coripany F, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. Immediately following the first bat- tle of Bull Run, the regiment and division were ordered to Washington, and sworn into the service of the United States for three years' service, and became the right wing of the Army of the Potomac. On the 20th of December, 1861, at Dranesville, Va., Capt. Dick was severely wounded while leading Gen. Ord's advance in that engagement. He returned home, but on the opening of the spring of 1862, although he had not entirely recovered from his wound, he rejoined his company, and participated with them in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. McClellan, commanding his regiment at South Mountain and Antietam. For gallant and meritorious action, while command- ing his regiment, he was recommended by Gens. Mead, Reynolds, and Hooker for promotion to the rank of a Brigadier- General, but continued ill health resulting from exposure and wounds, compelled his return home on sick leave, where he remained until the first of March, 1863, when, under the advice of the surgeon in charge, he was reluctantly compelled to resign his commission. When Gen. Lee's army moved northward into Pennsylvania in the summer of 1863, Gov. Curtin telegraphed Capt. Dick to come immediately to Harris- burg, and requested him to take charge of the organization and mustering into service of all the State troops west of the Allegheny Mountains, and at the urgent request of the Secretary of War took command of the Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, and proceeded to New Creek, Va., where he assumed command of all the forces at that point, relieving Gen. Kelly. At the expira- tion of this service, he returned to private life, and resumed the banking busi- ness in Meadville, in which he is still engaged, and is now the head of the firm of J. R. Dick & Co., which had been organized in 1850. In 1864 Col. Dick was elected a member of the Electoral College of Pennsylvania which cast the vote of the State for Lincoln's re-election. Col. Dick has been very prominent in the Masonic fraternity since 1857, having served through all the minor grades in Lodge, Chapter and Command- ery up to 1878, when he was elected the Grand Commander of Knights Tem- plar in Pennsylvania, and in 1880 was elected Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania, being the highest distinction in the power of the fraternity to bestow. Col. Dick is the only person ever chosen to be Grand Master of Masons west of the Allegheny Mountains, and the only Mason in Pennsylva- nia who ever held the office of Grand Commander and Grand Master. In 1863 Col. Dick married Miss Agnes Scott, of Pittsburgh, Penn., daugh- ter of Thomas Scott, for many years President of the Merchants' and Man- ufacturers' Bank of that city, and to this union were born two children: John. Henry and Harriet A. In 1878 he was elected by the Republicans of bis dis- trict to represent them in Congress serving one term. He was Mayor of Mead- ville in 1870, and under his administration the City Market was erected. He is Director and Treasurer of the Meadville Gas Company, Meadville Water Company and Phoenix Iron Works; Director of the Meadville Glass Works, and Treasurer of Crawford Mutual Insurance Company; has been a Trustee of Allegheny College for many years, and President of the Board of Trade since its organization. The Colonel is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and has been for many years a vestryman in Christ Church, Meadville. Of a MEADVILLE. 731 genial and warm-hearted temperament, courteous and charitable by nature. Col. S. B. Dick has made himself hosts of friends, who invoke for him many years yet of usefulness, honor and happiness. David, second son of William and Anna (McGunnegle) Dick, and brother of Hon. John Dick, was born March 1, 1797, the second white child to see the light of day in Meadville, which was his home during his long and busy life. He was an enterprising, popular and liberal man, an intelligent and much respected citizen. He died in 1870 of erysipelas. David Dick was the origi- nator of the anti- friction press, and the " Allegheny, " the first steamboat to- ascend the Allegheny Kiver, was the product of his energy. He was a mem- ber of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was married to Lydia C. Calhoun,, of Carlisle, Penn. James R. Dick, the third son of William and Anna Dick^ was bom in Meadville, April 22, 1801. In 1816 he moved temporarily to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he remained five years. He then returned to Mead- ville and went into business with his brother David. From 1835 to 1840 he,, for a second time, became engaged in business in Pittsburgh, in partnership with the late Col. David C. Stockton. About 1845 he resumed business in Meadville, in company with his brother, Gen. John, and subsequently, in 1850; established himself in the banking business, in which he remained until within a few days of his death, which occurred February 9, 1875, at which time he- was Senior Warden of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was married to Harriet, daughter of John Kelty Smith, of New Orleans, La., by whom- he had one son — Jesse Moore — born in Meadville, July 22, 1833, married in 1861 to Louisa Thorp, of New York City, and died February 2, 1874, without issue. For his second wife James R. married Miss Harriet S. Thorp, of Fair- field County, Conn., and to this union were born Anna M., widow of Lieut. Com. John McFarland; Harriet S., wife of George S. CuUum; Sturges T., married to Adelaide King, daughter of Charles A. King, Esq., of Toledo, Ohio; Elizabeth W., wife of "Col. J. Ford Dorrance. Wilson W., the youngest sorii of William and Anna Dick, was born in Meadville, July 17, 1803, and soon after attaining his majority, chose law as his profession. He was admitted to> the bar of Crawford County in 1829, and immediately began to practice, but not finding the pursuit of Blackstone congenial, he soon abandoned it and assisted his brothers in merchandising. In 1832 he married Miss Elizabeth Betts. In 1840 he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving one term. From 1848 to 1850 he was engaged in the coal business at Greenville, and from 185(> to 1865 was similarly interested at Georgetown. With the exception of these- two intervals and the time spent in the study of law at Pittsburgh, Penn., Mr. Dick was a continuous resident of Meadville. He was a devoted Christian man, a member of and for fifty-five years a faithful and exemplary communi- cant of the Episcopal Church. He died July 31, 1882. WILLIAM F. DICKSON, foundryman, Meadville, was born in this county, February 15, 1819, and is a son of Joseph Dickson, who was bom in this State, in 1790, and has lived longer in this county than any man now in it. Our subject grew to manhood in Hayfield Township, this county, attending the old log-schoolhouse, and working in his father's mill from the time he was big- enough to be of any use, but he was so attentive to his schooling that, in 1837, he commenced to teach school, and continued to do so for thirteen winters. In 1840 he was married to Harriet, daughter of John Burns, a native of this; county, her father being a prominent farmer of Hayfield Township. They have four children — Emma, wife of Robert Anderson, of Meadville; Aurelia, wife of S. G. Curry, of Curry & Co., foundrymen; Ellen, wife of Williaoi Hoap, of Meadville, and H. M. , Clerk in the Recorder's office. In 1862 Mr. 732 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Dickson enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war. In 1872 he was elected Register and Eecorder of the county, and again in 1875, serving as a county officer for twelve years. He has been Secretary of the I. O. O. P. Lodge for thirty-five years. In 1879 he purchased his present foundry, which has been carried on under the firm name of Curry & Co. In politics our subject is a Republican. J. COLLINS DICKSON, coal merchant, Meadville, was born March 26, 1824, in Hayfield Township, on the same farm which his grandfather, James Dickson, bought in 1794 and settled on in 1796, purchasing a tract of 800 acres for 20 cents an acre. Our subject was the third son of Joseph Dick- son, and spent his youthful days on the farm and engaged in the saw and gristmills owned by his father and grandfather. His education was limited to that obtainable at the log schools of that period. When seventeen his parents moved to Meadville, and for twenty-six summers he ran on the canal and for all but three years owned his own boat. Since 1871 Mr. Dickson has been in the coal business. He has been twice married, first in 1858 to Mary Sterrett, who died in 1872, and in the fall of the following year he was again married, on this occasion to Katie E. Wilson, and the fruit of this union is one child — Nevin E. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson are members of the Park Avenue Congregational Church. In politics he is a Republican. The father of Mr. Dickson, Joseph Dickson, is now living in Meadville at the advanced age of ninety-five years, having lived in the county since May, 1794. ARCHIBALD S. DICKSON, Meadville, was born near here August 8, 1834, son of Joseph and Mary (Frazier) Dickson, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent. Joseph Dickson was born February 12, 1790, in Pittsburgh, Penn. , and came with his parents to Crawford County, in 1794. He and his brother Robert served in the war of 1812, he being an Orderly- Sergeant, and he is still drawing a pension for his services. In 1815 and 1818 he built a flour and saw-mill, four miles north of Meadville, which he operated for eighteen years; was also engaged in farming. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an Elder since 1831. His wife was born in 1800. They reared twelve children and one died in infancy, seven now residing in this county. Two of his sons participated in the late war, viz. : William now living in Meadville, and Joseph, who served as First Lieutenant. The subject of this sketch moved with his parents to Pittsburgh in 1839, and to Meadville in 1840. He attended the common schools, and when fourteen years of age commenced to learn the drug business, and when nineteen years old embarked in the same line on his own account, and this industry he con- ducted successfully for twenty-one years and then retired. Mr. Dickson was elected and served, 1868-69, as a member of the City Council; in 1871 was elected Mayor, and re-elected in 1872. During 1877 and 1878 he served again in the Council. He was appointed and served two years, 1878 and 1879, as President of the Missouri & Pacific Railroad; was also a Director of the the Meadville Railroad, serving as President of the latter in 1883. Mr. Dick- son has successfully engaged in various enterprises. COL. J. FORD DORRANCE, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Kings- ton, Penn., April 19, 1852, and is a son of Charles and Susan (Ford) Dor- rance, the former of Scotch-Irish, the latter of English descent. Charles Dorrance is a banker, and now President of Wyoming National Bank of Wilkes Barre, Penn., but in his early life was a farmer, and he still owns the 400-acre farm purchased of the Government, by Col. Benjamin Dorrance, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. MEADVILLE. 733 and was killed at the battle of Wyoming. Our subject's grandfather was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Col. J. F. Dorrance is the third of a family of five children, and received his education at Lehigh University, where he graduated in 1869. Soon after he came to Meadville, and studied law with Hon. David Derickson. He was admitted to the bar in 1875, and has practiced ever since. He was married in 1875 to Elizabeth W., daughter of the late James E. Dick, for many years a prominent banker of Meadville. In 1878 Col. Dorrance was appointed on Gov. Hoyt's staff with the rank of Colonel, and served three years. He is attorney and financial agent for th© Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, and has loaned many thousands of dollars for them. He carries on a constantly increasing law business. Mr. and Mrs. Dorrance are members of Christ Church (Episcopal), of which he is a Vestryman. JOSHUA DOUGLASS, attorney and counselor at law, Meadville, was born in Eochester, N. Y. , August 1, 1826. His parents came to Meadville in 1832 and settled on a farm in Mead Township. Our subject acquired his education mostly at the academy in Meadville, and studied law with Hon. A. B. Eich- mond. He was married in 1848 to Oalsina L. Pinch, who died in 1849. He was again married in 1853 to Lavantia, daughter of Joel and Sophia Dens- more, of Erie City. Their silver wedding was celebrated October 4, 1878.. Their children are— Marion, born February 7, 1855, married Decelnber 22, 1875, to Charles W. Lane, of Meadville (have two children: Ealph, born May 9, 1877, and Elsie, born December 14, 1878); Ellen, born Jaly 19, 1858, mar- ried June 23, 1880, to Cornelius Van Home, attorney, of Meadville, Penn. (had one child, Eobert, born March 23, 1884) : Eobert, born November 17, 1861, died in 1862; Mabel, born February 22,1864, married in July, 1882, to Harry C. Flood, of Meadville, Penn., and Gertrude, born November 8, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass are members of the Unitarian Congregation of Meadville. In 1850 Mr. Douglass went to California; returned in 1852 and commenced to read law, in which he has been successfully practicifig since 1854; was admitted to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1858, to the United States Courts in 1862, and to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1869. He has been a Eepublican since the organization of that party. Mr. Douglass is of Scotch origin, and has in his possession a carefully written history of his family, pre- pared by a member of the same, which embraces many eminent names. Hon. Stephen A. Douglass is a member of the family, and is of the seventh gene- ration. THOMAS J. DOYLE, merchant tailor, Meadville, was bom at Cavan, Ireland, November 30, 1842, son of Patrick F. and Mary (McFarland) Doyle, the former a native of Ireland the latter of Paris, France. Mrs. Patrick P. Doyle's father, James McFarland, had strong political sentiments, and was so candid and zealous in expressing his fidelity to the rebel cause, that he was forced to flee his country, and, together with his family, he resided for three years a refugee in France, and it was within this period that the mother of our subject was born. She has long survived her husband, and at this writ- ing (fall of 1884) resides at Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Ireland. Patrick P. and Mary Doyle had born to them eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who attained majority are — James, residing in St. Louis, Mo. ; William, deceased; Kate, now Mrs. John White, in New York City; and Thomas J. Our subject came to America in 1859, and first located in New York City, engaging with James Johnson as an apprentice to the trade he now follows. Previous to leaving Ireland he had served two and one-half years in the same vocation. He remained in New York City, perfecting himself in 734 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; his trade, with different firms, until the spring of 1865. May 1 of that year he came to Meadviile, Penn., where he has pince resided. He was first employed by Porter & Uowell, remaining with them in the capacity of cutter for four years. Next he engaged with Reefer & Orris, with whom he served from 1869 to 1878. In this latter year he again changed employers, and began to work for I. N. Klein, with whom he continued until the latter removed to Cleveland, Ohio, to embark in the wholesale trade. This was in 1881, at which time Mr. Doyle began business on his own account, opening out at 250 Chestnut Street, Meadviile. He continued here for two years, ■then in 1883 formed a copartnership with W. H. Gaskill, under the firm name -of Gaskill & Doyle.- They began to do business at 208 Chestnut Street, in the Opera Building, and from the first their business was highly prosperous. In January, 1884, the Opera House was consumed by fire. Gaskill & Doyle rescued most of their stock, but sustained a loss of f 1,000. They resumed business at ouce, and at this writing (fall of 1884) are located at 227 Chestnut Street. Mr. Doyle is a Democrat, candid in his manner and statements, a good friend, and devoted to his family. He married, December 22, 1866, Sliss Julia A., daughter of James Housten, Esq., of Meadviile, Penn. Their union has been blessed with five children, four now living: Mary J., William H. , Kittie E. and B. Grace. HENRY DREUTLEIN, cigar manufacturer, Meadviile, was born in Ger- many, November 8, 1848, and is a son of Christopher Dreutlein, by occupation a miller, but who followed cigar making after he came to America in 1860. Henry, who is the eldest of a family of five children, received his education in his native land, and naturally learned from his father the art of manufacturing cigars. He came to Meadviile in 1866, established his business here and has met with jnore than average success, all his brands of cigars being well and favorably inown. He was married in 1872 to Caroline Worst, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and of German descent. Their children are Catharine, Anna, G. H., Lottie and May. They are members of the Catholic Church. He votes the Democratic ticket; is a member of the K. of P. and R. A. societies. A. L. DUNBAR, Division Superintendent of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railway, Meadviile, was born in Bushnell, Pike Co., Penn., November '9, 1838, son of Francis K. and Maria (DeWitt) Dunbar, natives of Pennsylva- nia, the former of Scottish and the latter of HoUandish descent. Our subject, the eldest in a family of six children, received his education in the common schools of Pike and Monroe Counties, Penn., early learning telegraphy, and has been in the employment of railway companies ever since, always proving himself faithful and a competent railway man. He was married in 1867 to Mary J., daughter of John Carr, of Meadviile, and they have one child — flarry. Mrs. Dunbar passed from earth in 1880. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, of which he is a Trustee. J. D. DUNN, photographer, Meadviile, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, August 17, 1829, and is a son of Simeon and Eliza (Compton) Dunn. His grandfather, James Dunn, came to this county in l794, was a farmer, for many years Justice of the Peace. He had a large family. All of his sons, seven in number, were soldiers in the war of 1812. Our subject's father, who was the youngest in the family, followed farming, spending his life in Crawford County. He had a family of seven children, of whom J. D. is the second; he died in 1866. Our subject, till seventeen years old, was raised on the farm in Hayfield Township, and after receiving a common school education, he learned plastering, which he worked at for several years until his health MEADVILLE. 735 ;gave way. He then learned photography, at which he continued one year. Then he came to Meadville and worked at plastering until 1857, when his health again failed. He then started his present business, which he has con- tinued ever since. Mr. Dunn was twice married, on first occasion, in 1854, ■to Martha J. Maxwell, a native of Meadville, of Irish descent. The fruit of this marriage is one daughter — Helen E. Mrs. Dunn died in 1866, and three years later Mr. Dunn married Miss Olive Hall. They have two children — Lulu and Gertie. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the Christodelphian Church; in politics he is a member of the National Greenback party. L. D. DUNN, undertaker and liveryman, Meadville, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, July 7, 1832, and is a son of Simeon and Eliza (Comp- ton) Dunn, the father being of French and Scotch descent, coming to Hay- field Township in 1794, from Fayette County, Penn. The mother was a native of this county and of English descent. Our subject's grandfather, James Dunn, was a land agent and farmed here from 1794 to his death. Sim- eon Dunn, our subject's father, was a farmer, a soldier in the war of 1812; he raised a family of seven — five boys and two girls — all now residents of this county. The fifth son settled in Nashville, Tenn., at the close of the war, and died there October 19, 1884. L. D. Dunn, our subject, the fourth son, was educated in the common schools. He farmed until 1870, then kept store at •Coon's Corners until 1876, when he came to this city and embarked in his pres- ent business. He was married in 1853 to Mary E., daughter of Dr. Hiram Boyd, the latter a resident of Crawford County for over fifty years. They have three children : Ettie, wife of Byron De Forest; H. E., a dentist in Coshoc- ton; Mary, wife of D. D. Malroy. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the •Christodelphian Church; in politics he is a Republican. EEV. JAMES J. DUNN, pastor of St. Bridget's Church, Meadville, was born in Malahide, Dublin Co., Ireland, June 9, 1841; arrived in Baltimore, Md., in 1849; entered Mt. St. Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Md., August 24, 1857; graduated at the same institution June, 1863, receiving the degrees of A. B. and A. M. ; entered the seminary attached to the college in the fall of the same year and was ordained by Bishop Quinlan of Mobile for the diocese of Erie, in the church attached to the college, on October 28, 1866; remained for one year attached to the college as Adjunct Professor of Latin and Greek; entered upon missionary work at Oil City, Penn. , October, 1867, was placed in charge of the congregation at Petroleum Center in June, 1868, and transferred to the charge of St. Bridget's Church, Meadville, March 4, 1874. DAVID C. DUNN, dentist, Meadville, was born in this coanty, April 17, 1845, and is a son of Eensselaer and Rebecca (Compton) Dunn. The father, a carpenter and resident of this county, was twice married, our subject being the eldest of the family. He received his education in the schools of Mead- Tille, and commenced the study of dentistry when seventeen years of age with Dr. Greenlee, of Meadville. After completing his course of study he entered upon the practice of his profession which he continued with excellent success, having been in practice here since 1869. He was married in 1868 to Eliza- beth, daughter of Col. Hays, of Meadville, and they have four children, viz. : William 0., Anna, Ellen, and Wallace H. Mrs. Dunn is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Dunn is a Republican. L. P. EDSON, grocer, Meadville, was born in Bloomfield Township, this •county, April 15, 1887, and is a son of Chelos and Julia Ann (Bloomfield) Edson. His mother was a daughter of Stephen Bloomfield, from whom the township was named, and who came to this county in 1815, and settled on a farm. Our subject's father was born in Massachusetts; came to this county at 736 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: an early day, settled on a farm and raised a family of thirteen children, of whom L. F. is the sixth. He received a common school education, and devoted himself to farming until he and two of his brothers enlisted in the army. One of the brothers who was in the war is now elected Prothonotary of this county. Our subject enlisted in 1863 in Company I, Eighty-third Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in 1865 idr disability. Since he returned home he has been in mercantile business. He was twice married, on first occasion, September 12, 1861, to Esther A. Stilson, who died, and Mr. Edson then married, June 12, 1878, Amanda S. Harris, who bore him two children: Leon and Eoscoe. Our subject has served two terms as Justice of the Peace in Bloomfield and Steuben Townships, and has been School Direc- tor, Collector, etc. In politics he is a Republican. EDWARD ELLIS, M.D., Meadville,was born in Chester, Mass., January 15, 1804. His parents were Ebenezer Ellis and Ruth (Stiles) Ellis. His ancestors on both sides were of English blood, and were among the earliest colonists of New England. His grandfather, Samuel Ellis, served in the French and Indian wars and in the Revolution. His father was a farmer and the father of nine children, his five sons being each six feet or over in height. Dr. Ellis is a graduate of Berkshire Medical College, which was formerly the Medical Department of "Williams College, and at that time a school of reputa- tion. He attended lectures both in Philadelphia and New York. His health being delicate he determined upon a change of locality and climate, and came in 1826 to this county, then a comparatively new and unsettled region. His practice therefore extends over a period of nearly sixty years, and now, at the age of eighty-one, he still attends to the duties of his profession. His physi- cal strength is remarkable and his health unimpaired. Dr. Ellis has been twice married; first, on April 4, 1832, to Mrs. Mary Kennedy, who died in 1840; afterward on March 31, 1842, to Miss Sarah Buchanan, of Meadville, who. died March 14, 1844. By his second marriage he had one daughter, Elizabeth Ruth, who was married in 1864 to the Rev. Marison Byllesby, then and for some time afterward Rector of Christ Church, Meadville. Of this church Dr. Ellis was one of the Wardens for many years, and is still a Ves- tryman. During his long residence in Meadville Dr. Ellis has taken an active interest in the welfare of the community. He has aided many young men in obtaining an education, and established others in business, some of whom are now prominent and successful men. He was at one time largely inter- ested in manufacturing and other enterprises which promised to contribute greatly to the prosperity of the place, but which turned out to be unfortunate investments, and resulted in the total loss of his large property. His losses, however, have neither lessened the cheerfulness of his temper nor his kindness of heart. CHARLES FARNICORN, butcher, Meadville, was born in Germany June 20, 1835, and is a son of Francis K. Parnicorn, a tailor by trade, who came to America in 1846, settling down as a farmer in this county. He had a family of three children. Charles, the eldest, was reared on the farm, where he worked by the month for several years, and acquired his education in the com- mon schools. In 1846 he came to Meadville, remaining here two years, when he moved back into the country. In 1870 he commenced butchering, which he still follows. He was married to Barbara, daughter of Andrew Dudenhoffer, a prominent farmer of this county. They have five children — Anna M., John J., Edward C, Mary L., and Margaret R. They are both members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is ?, Democrat. He has been a member of the Town Council, and in 1884 he was elected Mayor of Meadville. MEADVILLE. 737 DAVID M. FAREELLY, attorney, Meadville, was born March 15, 1807, in Meadville, and is a son of Patrick and Elizabeth (Meade) Farrelly; the for- mer a native of Ireland, and vyho came to this county at an early day, was a law- yer. He was elected to Congress in 1820, served three terms, but died about the close of his last term. Our subject's mother was a daughter of Gen. Meade, who was at one time a large and wealthy land owner here, and laid out Meadville, of which he was the founder. Of Patrick and Elizabeth Farrelly's family, David M., our subject, is the eldest. He is a graduate of Allegheny College, and in 1824 entered West Point as a cadet, remaining three years, when he returned to Meadville and studied law under David Derickson. In the spring of 1830 he was appointed Register and Recorder of Deeds of Craw- ford County by Gov. Wolfe. In 1836 he was elected, a member of the Constitutional Convention. In 1838 he was appointed Surveyor in locating Erie Canal from Glenville' to Erie, and had charge of that line of survey. He is now one of the oldest law practitioners in Meadville. His brother, Hon. John Wilson Farrelly, is a, graduate of Allegheny College, and in 1840 was elected to Congress from this district. He served under Presidents Taylor and Fillmore as Sixth Auditor of the Treasury Department of the United States. Our subject's other brother, Patrick, a graduate of West Point, was a Lieuten- ant in the Mexican war, and died at Fort Ouichita in 1852. Our subject was married in 1843 to Elizabeth Meade, who was a grand-daughter of Gen. Meade. They have five children now living. JAMES FERGUSON, dentist, Meadville, was born in Canada, November 23, 1837, and is a son of Edward and Mary Ann (Kirkpatrick) Ferguson, natives of Ireland, who reared a family of live sons and one daughter, our sub- ject being the third child. He received his education in his native land, and there learned printing, working at that business for four years. During the war of the Rebellion he came to the United States,^ and in 1864 was in the Quartermaster's Department. After the war he took up the study of dentistry, attending the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, Canada, where he graduated in- 1871. In 1879 he was married in Canada to Elizabeth G. San- ders, and they have two children — Grace and Edward James. The Doctor has established a good practice in Meadville. THEODORE L. FLOOD, Meadville, was born in Williamsburg, Penn., February 20, 1842. He was educated in the academy of his native town, and studied privately two years under Dr. Ulysses Hewitt, of the same place; received his theological education at the Biblical Institute, Concord, N. H., now the school of theology in the Boston University. He was converted in his sixteenth year in Williamsburg; was licensed to exhort when eighteen, and licensed as a local preacher in his twentieth year. He served in the war nine months as First Sergeant and Lieutenant; joined the New Hampshire Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in his twenty-second year, in 1864; served as Superintendent of the public schools in Salem, N. H. , one year. While pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that place (he was pastor in New Hampshire from 1864 to 1874, at Rumney, Seabrook, Salem, Newmarket and Keene) he was made Presiding Elder of the Concord District in the New Hampshire Conference when thirty-two years of age, and was elected President of the New Hampshire State Sunday-school Convention in 1874, which was composed of delegates from eleven diflferent religious denomina- tions. Failing health obliged him to seek a change of climate, and he was transferred to the Erie Conference, and stationed at Jamestown, N. Y. , in April, of 1874. While here, he delivered a series of four lectures, which were published by the congregation in pamphlet form : ' ' Temperance and the 738 BIOQEAPHICAL SKETCHES: Excise Law, " " Spiritualism, " "Protestantism and the Romish Church," and "The Bible in the Common Schools." His next pastorate was the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Meadville, Penn., a body of about 700 mem- bers. Allegheny College is located here, and the faculty and students mostly attend this church. Here Mr. Flood delivered a series of three lectures which were printed in a number of local papers, also in the Assembly Herald. They were: "Novels and Novel Eeading," "Modern Social Life," "Theater Going, Dancing and Card Playing." Mr. Flood is the author of a book pub- lished by Estes & Lauriat, of Boston, Mass., entitled, "A Hundred Ministers and how they Switched off." While pastor in Jamestown, N. Y., he published a monthly local church paper entitled, the Herald of the Cross, also published one in Meadville called the Evangel. In 1876 the Ohio Wesleyan University conferred upon Mr. Flood the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Flood as editor, and Mr. M. Bailey, of Jamestown, N. Y. , as manager, founded the Chautauqua Assembly Daily Herald, the official organ of the great Chautauqua meetings in 1875, and at this writing Mr. Flood has entered upon his ninth year as editor of this paper. It is a quarto forty-eight column paper issued monthly, till July, 1880, during the year, and daily during the Chautauqua meetings in August. There were 6,000 copies of the daily issued in August, 1880, and 6,000 copies of the monthly the previous year. Mr. Flood purchased Mr. Bailey's interest in the Chautauqua periodicals in October, 1880, so that he is now the editor and proprietor of both the Assembly Herald and the Chau- tauquan. Mr. Flood, with the Eev. J. W. Hamilton, of Boston, Mass., has published at the Methodist Episcopal Book Concern in New York City a book, "Lives of the Methodist Bishops," from the standpoint of an active episcopacy. The design of the book is to give a sketch of the life of every deceased Bishop in every branch of Episcopal Methodism, with a steel engraving of each one. The articles have been prepared by eminent writers in all branches of Method- ism, both in England and America, and several of them by Mr. Flood. Mr. Flood was elected a member of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church which met in May, 1880, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was made Doctor of Divinity by Mount Union College at Alliance, Ohio, in 1881. In 1880 Dr. Flood, as editor and proprietor, established in Meadville the Chautauquan, a monthly magazine, organ of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. The first year it reached a circulation of 15,000 copies, and in 1884 its circulation had reached nearly 50,000 copies. After three years' service in Meadville, Dr. Flood preached two years at Trinity Church, Oil City, and supplied the pulpit of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Titusville one year. In December, 1883, he purchased the Meadville Daily and Weekly Republican, located at Meadville, Penn., the leading secular and political jour- nals of Crawford County. He made his son, Harry C. Flood, editor and pro- prietor of these periodicals. Dr. Flood was elected in 1883, the second time, delegate to the General Conference of his church, at the head of the delegation. In 1888 he purchased a residence on the Diamond, in Meadville, where he now resides. Our subject was married, June 20, 1862, in Huntingdon, Penn., to Miss Annie M., daughter of David Black, Esq., of that town, and by this union were born two sons and one daughter: Harry C. , Ned A. and Eebie M. Dr. Flood retired from the pastorate in October, 1882, to devote himself exclu- sively to the editorial work and business management of the Chautauqua periodicals. HARRY C. FLOOD, editor and proprietor of the Republican, Meadville, was born May 19, 1864, in Huntingdon County, Penn., son of Theodore L. and Annie M. C. (Black) Flood, the former born in Blair County, Penn., the MEADVILLB. 739 latter in Huntingdon County, Penn. Our subject, their eldest son, receivsd the principal part of his education in Allegheny College. He studied law and graduated in Albany (N. Y.) Law School in 1883, and opened a law office in Franklin, Ind., but returned to Meadville the same year, and entered upon his present work, that of editor and proprietor of the Meadville Daily and Weekly Republican. His father, Theodore L. Flood, D. D., has had charge of the Chautauqua Magazine for several years, and Harry C, naturally inclined to journalistic work, has succeeded in building up a large patronage for his paper. As the name of the paper would indicate, his views are Republican. JAMES F. FRAZIER, druggist, Meadville, was born in Meadville, May 16, 1847, son of Roderick and Mary (Morris) Frazier. The former, a native of Chester County, Penn., of Scotch descent, born May 2, 1802, came to Meadville with his parents in 1806, and here learned the tanner's trade and car- ried on a tannery for many years. He also manufactured boots and shoes, and carried on a meat market, conducting all three businesses cotemporaneously, besides, in later life, owning and operatiiig a flour-mill, thus proving him to have been an energetic, active and useful business man in the early days. Mr. Frazier died in 1852. His family consisted of seven children, four of whom are now residents of Meadville. His wife was of Welsh descent, and came with her parents to Meadville in 1815. Her father, a farmer, was a native of New York. She died in 1856. A. M. FULLER, merchant, Meadville, was born in 1847, in Little Falls, N. Y, son of M. A. and Mary (Holcomb) Fuller, natives of New York, of English descent, parents of two cliildren. M. A. Fuller was a merchant in Meadville for sixteen years, having commenced business in 1848. Our subject came to Meadville in 1870 and embarked in the dry goods business, which he has continued in up to the present time, employing now sixteen hands. His store, which stood in the Opera Block, was destroyed by fire January 8, 1884, and Mr. Fuller has since purchased a quarter interest in the property with a view to again prosecuting his business in the same quarters. Our subject has attained his present position as a business man by his own efforts, and has succeeded in establishing a large and profitable business. He was married January 27, 1876, to Elizabeth, daughter of Leon 0. Magaw, and to this union were born two children : Marian and Frederick. Mr. Fuller was elected President of the P. S. D. A., serving four years, and re-elected in 1884. The dairy is one of the leading farming industries of the county, and has con- tributed more largely than any other interest to the prosperity of the farm- ing community of this section. He was also elected, in 1884, President of the Meadville Glass Company (limited), an enterprise he was active in establishing and in which he has been a stock-holder since its organization. He has taken a special interest in all public improvements, being especially energetic in securing the repairing of the streets of Meadville and the accomplishing of other improvements of advantage to the city. Mr. Fuller is connected with the Congregational Church, in the organization of which he took active part. CHARLES GABLE, proprietor Gable House, Meadville, was born Novem- ber 3, 1830, in Woodcock Township, this county, on his father's farm, son of John C. and Sarah (Frankfield) Gable, natives of Lehigh County, Penn. , and who came to this county in 1825, locating in Woodcock Township. John G. Gable first engaged in agriculture, which he followed two years, when he removed to Meadville and began the business of teaming between Erie and Pitts- burgh, an enterprise he conducted for six years and then returned to agriculture, which vocation he continued to follow until his death. To the union of John G. and Sarah Gable were born seven children, five of whom are now living, 740 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: resideDta of this county. Charles Gable, our subject, the youngest surviving child, remained on the farm with his father until he arrived at the age of nine- teen, when he was employed with his brother John, who was conducting the Crawford House in Meadville. His engagement with his brother extended over a period of two years, and on April 1, 1852, he assumed exclusive control and management of the hotel, and retained this relation until 1856, when he formed a co-partnership with C. S. Byre, and conducted a general store on corner of Chestnut and South Main Streets, where now stands the stone Meth- odist Church. Business was continued at this stand five years, when it was removed to Tidioute, Penn., and in 1863 the partnership was dissolved. Our subject then embarked in the transportation of oil from Pit Hole, Venango County, to Scott's Landing, Warren Co., Penn., by flat-boat. This was in the spring and summer of 1863. The following winter he owned teams and engaged in the transportation of oil from Oil Creek to Titusville, Penn. On March 1, 1864, our subject purchased in Meadville the property which he now occupies and conducts, known as the Gable House. After nine years of pros- perity he leased out his city property and moved to the farm, formerly owned by his brother John, on the old State road, which farm of 170 acres is beauti- fully situated and has been much improved. In 1873 Mr. Gable retook pos- session of the Gable House, and since that date has continued to conduct it with success. Our subject was elected in 1882 to a seat in the City Council. He was married April 27, 1857, to Nancy A. Stainbrook, of Meadville, Penn. To this union have been born ten children, nine now living: Arthur E. ; Charles E., married in 1883, to Miss Florence Archer, of Meadville, Penn. (have one son, an infant); Frank P.; Emmett E.; Carrie; Georgia, married in 1884, to A. H. Steele, of Meadville, Penn. ; William H. ; Burton and Hattie May. JAMES D. GILL, one of the oldest business men of Meadville, was born September 17, 1822, on the west bank of French Creek, Hayfield Township, this county, son of Robert and Harriet (Dunn) Gill, the latter of whom was a 'daughter of James Dunn, a Captain in the Revolutionary war. Robert Gill was born in Scotland, and was the eldest son of William Gill, a carpenter by trade, who came from Glasgow in 1786, settling in Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1793 he came to Crawford County and after raising a crop returned to Pittsburgh, and in 1794 moved with his family to what is now Hayfield Township, this county, where he followed farming the balance of his life. His eldest son, the father of our subject, acquired his education in the subscription schools of Hayfield Township, and followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1828. Our subject, after attending the schools of his native township, Meadville Academy and Allegheny College, clerked in a store at Meadville for six years. In 1844 he started a general store on his own account and continued in this business until 1857, when he embarked in the hardware trade, which he conducted till 1873. In 1874 he was elected President of the Crawford Mutual Insurance Company, and in 1877 President of the Meadville Water Company, and is fill- ing both these positions at the present time. Mr. Gill has been twice married: on the first occasion in 1847 to Elizabeth, daughter of Gen. Daniel Shryock, who bore him one child — William R. (now deceased). Mr. Gill lost his wife by death in 1851, and in 1853 was remarried to her sister — Susan E. Shryock, by whom he has throe children: Harriet E. ; D. A. , who is now managing the hardware business, and Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Gill is a Democrat. In 1857 he was elected to the Borough Council; in 1865 was appointed Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, a post he filled with honor, and in 1873 served as Mayor of Meadville. WILLIAM GILL, hardware merchant, Meadville, was born January 28, MEADVILLE. 741 1842, in Meadville, Penn., son of William and Maria E. (Mead) Gill, who were both natives of this county, the former of Scotch and the latter of English descent. William Gill, Sr., was a house plasterer by trade, but in later life was a dry goods and grocery merchant. Our subject, who was the fourth child, was educated at Allegheny College, and in the Commercial College at Pittsburgh, Penn. In early life he acted as clerk, and in 1860 he embarked in the hardware business, in which he still continues. Mr. Gill was married in 1874 to Blanche S., daughter of Hiram Stowe and a sister of Hon. E. H. Stowe, of Pittsburgh, Penn. They have four children, viz. : Katherine C, David Donald, Robert Stowe and Martha Stowe. In politics Mr. Gill is a Democrat. NORTON L. GLEASON, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in South Shenango Township, Crawford' Co., Penn., April 11, 1852, and is a son of Norton D. and Sarah E. (Hart) Gleason, both of English descent. His parents were natives of Trumbull County, Ohio, and came to Crawford County, Penn., to farm in 1833, settling in South Shenango Township, raising a family of six children, of whom our subject is fourth. He was reared on the farm and received an excellent education, finishing in the following schools, viz. : Edin- boro St^te Normal, Farmington Seminary and Allegheny College. After this he entered the law office of Compton & McKay, of Meadville, in 1874, and was admitted to practice April 6, 1876: commenced practice in Meadville the same year, but in 1877 he went to Cochranton, Penn., where he remained in the practice until 1883, when he returned to Meadville. In our subject's educa- tional career he taught in all ten terms, and supported himself at college by teaching. His mother died August 9, 1870, his father May 28, 1880. He is an active member of the I. O. O. P., having filled all the chairs. Politically he is a Republican. JAMES GRAHAM, Clerk of Court, Meadville, was born in Beaver Coun- ty, Penn., May 5, 1838, and is a son of Hugh and Anna (Johnson) Graham, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a car- ' penter and came to this county in 1856, raising a family of four children, of whom James, the eldest, learned his father's trade, working at building saw- mills, etc. In 1876 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Bloomfield Town- ship, and continued in this office till 1882, when he was elected to his present position. He was married in 1861 to Sarah Lincoln, a native of this county, and their children are Eva, Jennie, Lyman and Addie. They are members of the Second Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican. THOMAS W. GRAYSON, editor and proprietor of the Crawford Democrat, Meadville, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1817, son of John Grayson, a native of Ireland, who was brought to the United States in his infancy. John Gray- son marched out of Baltimore as First Lieutenant in the war of 1812 and par- ticipated in various engagements and conflicts with Great Britain, remaining in the service until the declaration of peace in 1815 and officiating as Adjutant of two consolidated regiments. Upon going to the war office at Washington for his discharge he was there informed that he was assigned to the peace estab- lishment and would be located at Fort McHenry. He declined the proffered honor for the reason that he had no taste for the service in time of peace. Soon after the war he married Martha, daughter of John and Mary Wray, and in 1817 established the Washington Examiner. In 1839 he was succeeded in the publication of the paper by his eldest son, Thomas W. Grayson, who was the senior of four brothers and two sisters. In 1860 the subject of this sketch sold out his interest in the Washington Examiner and in May, 1861, became editor and proprietor of the Crawford Democrat. 742 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOHN HAA.S, butcher, Meadville, was born in the town of Mergentheim, Wurtemberg, Germany, August 12, 1848, and is a son of John Andrew and Barbara (Keitel) Haas, natives of Germany. John Haas received a good edu- cation in Germany, and early learned the trade of his father, that of a butcher, at which he has worked all hie life, with the exception of three months when he first came to Meadville, at which time he worked in a brick yard. In 1878 he came from Germany, and remained in New York for a time working at his trade. His health failing, he went to England but returned as soon as he recovered and settled in Meadville in 1875, working five years here for Harry Peirson, in the butchering business. Since 1880 he has been in business, and since 1882 he has carried on the industry alone. He was married in 1873 to Sophia Hofman, a native of Germany, by whom he has three children, Matilda, Charles and Sophia. Mr. and Mrs. Haas are members of the German Lutheran Church. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics a Demo- crat. SAMUEL T. HALLOCK (deceased) was born in the Empire State, July 4, 1812, and received his schooling in his native State. His parents were mem- bers of the Society of Friends (Quakers). His early life was spent as a mer- chant in New York State. For a time he was a commission merchant in New York City, subsequently a merchant at Dentville, N. Y., and in 1847 came to Kiceville, this county, where he carried on a store, grist-mill and saw-mill in company with Jesse Smith, until 1856, when he retired to a farm. His wife's maiden name was Sarah C. Bailey, a native of Massachusetts. Their union was blessed with eight children, of whom five now survive: Dr. W. B. Hal- look, of Cromwell, Conn. ; E. N., an oil dealer of Bradford, Penn.; Martha, wife of N. A. T. Carroll, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Hannah S.; P. F., an attorney of Meadville, the only representative of the family now in Crawford County. He was born in Crawford County, March 80, 1849, and choose law as his pro- fession, studying in the o£Bce of Joshua Douglass in Meadville, and was admit- ted in 1878; to the Supreme Court in 1881. In politics he is Democratic. He was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1878, to Miss Julia A. Barto. Their chil- dren are Robert P. (deceased) and Edith, now two years old. The subject of this sketch was a conductor on the "underground railroad," being among the early Abolitionists, and always took an active interest in public affairs. JOHN HAMMER, SR., retired manufacturer, Meadville, was born in Ba- varia, Germany, July 22, 1822. He received a common school education and early in life was set to learn the cooper trade, at which his father, John Ham- mer, and his grandfather, George Hammer, both worked. He came to New York in 1846 and worked at his trade in that city until 1862, when he came to Meadville, and opened a shop, commencing with eighteen hands. He after- ward took in two partners and added a saw-mill to the business, then employ- ing about thirty hands. In 1880 he commenced the manufacture of cigars, but has now turned the business over to his sons. He was married in 1847 to Rosena Long, a native of Bavaria. Their children are: John, cigar manufac- turer, Meadville, married; Edward, in business with his brother; John, also married; Emma and Louisa, at home; Pauline, wife of George Hessinger, cigar manufacturer, Meadville. Mr. and Mrs. Hammer are members of the Protestant Lutheran Church. JOSEPH HAMPSON, plumber and gas-fitter, Meadville, was born in To- ronto, Canada, July 31, 1844, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Smiley) Hampson, natives of England, who immigrated to Toronto in 1880, where our subject's father died in 1876. Joseph, the sixth in a family of ten children, was educated in Toronto, where he learned the trade of a tinner, working at MEADVILLE. 743 the same five years. In 1864 he came to Cincinnati and the following year to Meadville, embarking in his present business. He was married in 1865 to Elizabeth Dolmage, a native of Canada, of English parentage, and this union has been blessed with twelve children, of whom two sons and seven daughters still survive. Mr. Hampson, by his own exertions, has acquired a fair compe- tency, having, besides real estate in the city, a farm in Mead Township. JOSEPH M. HANNAH, butcher, Meadville, was born December 2, 1850, in Meadville, Penn., son of James and Rebecca (Leiphart) Hannah, former a native of Scotland, latter of Pennsylvania, parents of eight children, viz. ; John, Sarah (widow of T. York, a railroad conductor killed in a collision Decem- ber 24, 1883); Joseph M.; Eobert (married to Julia Conners); Ella; James (married to Margaret De Ross); Ida; "William and Prank (two latter deceased). James Hannah came to this county about 1824-26 and settled in the city of Meadville. He was a wagon and buggy-maker by trade, and for many years did an extensive business in that line on Arch Street, Meadville. Our subject was married April 18, 1870, to Christina, daughter of George Houser, who bore him one child — Agnes. Mr. Hannah received his education in Meadville; went into business first with his brother in 1877, afterward bought him out, and since 1878 has carried on butchering. Mr. Hannah ranks among the prominent butchers in Meadville. Is a member of the Royal Arcanum. WALTER S. HARPER, Mayor of Meadville for 1882 and 1883, also pro- prietor of planing-mill and lumber yard, was born in Vernon Township, Craw- ford Co., Penn., March 16, 1834, son of Robert and Rebecca (Quigley) Har- per, who were also natives of that township, the former of whom died in 1865, the latter in 1879. His paternal grandfather, David Harper, was born in Ire- land, and came to this county, settling in Vernon Township, in 1802. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, by occupation a farmer. Our subject's mother was of English and Scotch descent. His great-grandfather Quigley was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war. James Quigley was the first Sheriff of this county. Our subject is a member of a family of fourteen children, thirteen growing to manhood and womanhood, twelve of whom still reside in this county. He was reared on a farm and received a common school educa- tion. At eighteen years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, and from that entered his present occupation. In 1870 he bought an interest in his present business, and in 1877 he bought out his partner and has since been conducting the business alone, employing from fifteen to twenty men. Our subject mar- ried in 1863 Miss Sarah Denny; she dying, he became united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of John Glenn, of Erie, Penn., and to this union were born three children: Florence E. , Margery B., and Walter G. HENRY HARTMAN, blacksmith, Meadville, was born in Vernon Town- ship, this county, in May, 1824. His parents, Jacob and Barbara (Marsh) Hartman, were natives of Switzerland and came to America in 1817, and to this county in 1820, where they resided until their death. Mr. Hartman was married in March, 1848, to Phebe L. Morris, a daughter of John Morris. They had seven children, all of whom are living and are residents of Mead- ville with the exception of the eldest daughter, Mrs. E. P. Clark, Vassar, Mich. Mrs. Hartman died November 1, 1880. Mr. Hartman began his trade in Meadville in 1842. In 1845 he went to Wisconsin and after remaining there two years returned to Meadville, where he began business for himself, which he has continued in the same place to the present day. He and his son carry on an extensive blacksmith shop on Dock Alley. COL. JOSEPH C. HAYS, Meadville, was born in Somerset, Penn., July 4, 1810. His grandfather on his mother's side was Samuel Wallace, of Cumber- 744 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: land County, Penn., a Scotchman by birth, and his grandfather John Hays settled in Franklin County, Penn., on his arrival in this county from Ireland. His father, whose name was also John, died in Somerset, Penn., July 11, 1811, leaving a family of four sons and one daughter. The widowed mother removed soon after to Carlisle, Pen^ , and subsequently to Harrisburg. After a brief stay in Franklin County at his grandparents' home, the boy — Joseph C. — acquiring the elements of an English education in a log schoolhouse, the family removed to Harrisburg, Penn., where he completed his education at the academy in that city, and then commenced to learn the art of printing in an office owned principally by Simon Cameron. But he soon after went to Philadelphia in order to perfect a knowledge of the business in a book-print- ing establishment. His hgalth failing through close application to business, he was induced to accept a clerical position, and for several years performed the duties of book-keeper to a firm who were builders and contractors of the large viaduct over the Conemaugh Eiver on the Allegheny Mountains, seven miles above Johnstown, being then called the " Portage Eailroad " (the first road of the kind built by the State of Pennsylvania). His health being established, our subject engaged in several undertakings, one of which was the publishing a paper called the Expositor, in company with George Fleming, of Carlisle, Penn. In 1836 he removed to Meadville, Penn., where he issued the first num- ber of a paper called the Statesman, on July 27th of that year, which was continued under his control until May, 1841, when Col. Hays was appointed Postmaster of Meadville by President Harrison. His official career was cut short by John Tyler, who came to the Presidency on the death of Gen. Harri- son. He then engaged for a season in mercantile pursuits, but in 1848 he relinquished these for the press, and January 13 of that year, commenced the publication of the Crawford Journal. The political sentiments of this paper were those of the Whig party, although its anti-slavery views were so pronounced as to give it the character of an "Abolition sheet." This paper our subject continued to own and control until 1864. During most of this time the Journal was the only paper of this class in Meadville, and the party increased from a minority of over 500 in 1848, to a majority of 2,500 in 1860. Col. Hays was variously honored by the party during this period. In 1859 he was elected County Treasurer, and sent as delegate to the Chicago Conven- tion that nominated Abraham Lincoln for President in 1860. The latter, in 1861, appointed him Postmaster of Meadville, but he was removed from this position in 1862 on charges which were proven false. Col. Hays, on his own urgent demand, was tried by the United States District Court held at Pitts- burgh, Penn., in October, 1862, and a verdict of acquittal rendered by the jury on the charges preferred against him. The finding of the jury was approved by the presiding Judge and the United States District Attorney, and certified to President Lincoln. The latter, in vindication, appointed Col. Hays, in May, 1864, an Assistant Quartermaster with the rank of Captain. An accident which befel him at Chambersburg, Penn., soon after the rebels burnt that city, disabled him from active service, and he resigned. In January, 1872, he was appointed a Postoffice Inspector, which position he held until August 15, 1883, nearly twelve years, and when he retired received from the head of his Department a certificate that he had proved him- self "an efficient and conscientious officer." The title, "Colonel," was con- ferred on him by two different Governors of Pennsylvania (Pollock and Curtin), they appointing him an Aid-de-Camp on their staffs with that rank. Educated in Presbyterianism, and having early joined a church of that pursuasion, he became affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, Penn., in MEADVILLE. 745 which he is at present a Ruling Elder, and lives retired from business among friends acquired during a residence of nearly half a century. ERNEST A. HEMPSTEAD, editor and proprietor of the Crawford Jour- nal, Meadville, was born in Dimock, Susquehanna Co., Penn., about six miles south of Montrose, December 15, 1851, and for the first decade of his life resided there and in the adjoining town of Brooklyn, when he removed to Philadelphia. He received his education in the public schools of that city, entering the high school at the age of fourteen and remaining three years. He came to Meadville in 1870, entering the office of the Crawford Journal for the purpose of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the art of printing. Jan- uary 1, 1873, just two weeks after he had arrived at his majority, he took edi- torial charge of the Journal during the absence of the editor, L. W. Thick- stun, at Harrisburg. In April following he took entire charge of the office and became the publisher of the paper. In June, 1874, in company with his father, O. G. Hempstead, of Philadelphia, he purchased the office, and in 1883 purchasing the interest of his father, he became the owner of the busi- ness, which during the ten years of his management has increased more than fourfold. Mr. Hempstead has conducted the Crawford Journal eleven years and a half, a longer time than any of his predecessors, excepting the founder, J. C. Hays. The Crawford Journal under that name was founded in 1848, and is now in its thirty -sixth volume. Mr. Hays, the founder, was the editor until 1863 or 1864. He was succeeded within two years by John D. Nichols, Bliss & Nichols, R. 0. Erey, Thomas McKean, Robert Andrews and Hollister & Metcalf. In 1868 Tyler & Chalfont became the owners, and a few months later Col. C. W. Tyler purchased the interest of his partner,- and conducted the business until 1872. This, in brief, is the history of the Crawford Jour- nal and of its present owner and editor. EDGAR HUIDEKOPER (deceased), was born at Meadville, Penn., May 30, 1812, and died September 9, 1862, in his native place, which had always been his residence. His father was Harm Jan Huidekoper, a native of Holland, who came to America in 1796, arrived at Meadville, his subsequent home, in the year 1804, and on the 1st day of January, 1805, became the local agent of the Holland Land Company, which position he held until its affairs were wound up. His mother was Rebecca (Colhoon) Huidekoper, of Scotch descent, born at Carlisle, Penn. He was married on the 28th day of June, 1838, to Pran- ces Shippen, daughter of Henry Shippen, President Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. To this union eight children were born, six sons and two daughters, named respectively : Henry Shippen, Frederic Wolters, Herman John, Edgar, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Rush Shippen and Frank Colhoon. Edgar Huidekoper, the subject of this memoir, was a man of good judgment, great industry and strict integrity in his business relations in life. He was an able financier. He was Treasurer of the Meadville Theological School in it's early days, carrying on this task with untiring industry and unsleeping vigilance joined to enterprise and courage. He made judicious investments whereby its scanty funds yielded large returns. He was a patriot as well as faithful citi- zen, performing his duties to the community in which he lived, to the church to which he was attached, and to his country with that zeal which characterized all his acts. And yet out of the strong came forth sweetness. He was affection- ate, with a love passing the love of a woman. His thoughtfulness for others was kind and generous. He could confer favors with that delicacy which leaves no taint of pride with the giver, no sense of humiliation with the receiver. He established the first steam grist-mill at Meadville, contributed 40 746 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: toward public improvements and built for himself and family a comfortable home on Chestnut Hill. Whatever he did, he did well. PEOF. FEEDEEIO HDIDEKOPEE, Meadville, son of H. J. and Eebecca Huidekoper, was born April 7, 1817, in a portion of Mead Township now included in Meadville, this county. He attended for a year or two village schools, but from 1825 to 1834 he had, with his brothers and sisters, private tuition in his own home. In 1834 he entered Harvard University one year in advance. After having studied that year and commenced the succeeding one, the oculist ordered him to give up study, which he did for six years. During four of these he worked on the farm, allowing himself ten minutes a day for reading. During the next two years (1839-41) he traveled in Holland, Ger- many, Switzerland, Trance and Great Britain. On his return home he studied theology during two years, but was precluded from entering the theological school at Cambridge as his sight would not safely permit the study of Hebrew, which was then required. In 1844 he aided in starting the Meadville Theolog- ical School, in which he taught during many years. His three published works are " Belief of the First Three Centuries Concerning Christ's Mission to thfr Underworld ' ' (1854), " Judaism at Rome " (1876) and " Indirect Testimony of History to the Genuineness of the Gospels " (1878). He aided in laying out Greendale Cemetery, and was instrumental after many years' labor in straight- ening the southern extremity of Meadville. HON. H. J. HUMES, State Senator and attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Woodcock Township, this county, September 29, 1844, and is a son of James and Eliza (Snell) Humes, his father being a native of this county, of Scotch-Irish descent, and following agriculture as his life pursuit; his mother being of English descent, but born in Connecticut. Our subject was the sec- ond in a family of four children, and received his education in the common schools, at Edinboro Normal School and at Allegheny College, where he grad- uated in 1869. He studied law with W. E. Bole, in Meadville; was admitted to practice in 1871, and commenced business in Meadville in October, 1872, for himself, and has ever since continued here. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1878 and 1874 he was Chairman of the Democratic County Committee, and in 1876 a member of the State Committee, and in 1882 was elected State Sen- ator for the Fiftieth District of Pennsylvania, by 401 majority. As author of the Humes Bill, compelling the investment of the surplus funds in the State Treasury in State or United States bonds, he acquired a State reputation. He was married, in 1874, to Delia E. , daughter of Thomas J. Lowery, who was an early settler of this county, and at one time Associate Judge. Mr. Lowery was of Scotch-Irish extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Humes have one child — Lowery E., born July 26, 1878. Our subject is a prominent member of the A. O.U.W. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, and deserves credit for his success in life. SAMUEL W. KEPLEE, proprietor of the Kepler House, Meadville, was born in this county, June 19, 1821, son of Jacob and Margaret A. (Peififer) Kepler, the former a native of Maryland, and eldest son of Peter Kepler, who located in LeBceuf Township, Erie Co., Penn., in 1798, the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Jacob began his business career in 1817, in Woodcock, this county, conducting a hotel there for twenty-one years, at same time keep- ing the postoffioe. He was the father of thirteen children. In 1843 he aban- doned the hotel business and removed on a farm in Hayfield Township, this county, where he remained about twenty-six years, and then came to Venango and opened a tavern. Much of his time was occupied in the manufac- ture- of domestic wines. He served through the war of 1812. He died in MEADVILLE. 747 1877, in his eighty-fourth year. His widow still draws a pension from the government. Our subject married, in 1843, Christine, daughter of Michael Sherred, of this county, and to this union were born seven children, five now living: Pharus D., Peter S., E. Cassius, Frank P. and Thomas. In 1860 Mr. Kepler married (for second time), Martha C, daughter of Maj. Reuben Strouss, of Saegertown, this county, and seven children were the result of this union, five now living — Edgar, Tracy, Anna, Mattie and Frederick. Our subject com- menced business in 1853 by opening a hotel at McKean Corners, Erie County, where he remained two years; then moved to Venango, this county, and there kept hotel until 1860. Following five years he spent in Titusville, Penn., in same line of business, and then for three years operated a farm in Wood- cock Township, this county. In 1868 Mr. Kepler took charge of the Eagle Hotel, Meadville, and at different intervals kept two other hotels, till 1879, in which year he opened the Kepler House. Our subject and family are mem- bers of the Unitarian Church; he is a member of the A. O. U. W., E. A. U., and I. O. O. F., Encampment D. D. G. P. THEODORE B. LASHELLS, physician, Meadville, was born in New Ber- lin, Union Co., Penn., March 20, 1839, son of George E. and Eliza (Baskin) Lashells. Dr. Lashells received his classical education at Jefferson College, Washington County, Penn., and his medical education at Columbia College, Washington, D. C, from which institution he graduated in February, 1862, when he entered the United States service as Assistant Surgeon, Twelfth Penn- sylvania Volunteer Cavalry. Was promoted to Tihe rank of Surgeon, and assigned to the One Hundred and Seventy- first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try, in which he served till the fall of 1863. He was taken prisoner of war and paroled, during which time, and before his exchange, he built and organ- ized the St. Aloysius Hospital, at the National capital. Returning home in ill health, he began the practice of his profession at Meadville, where he has remained since. In 1864 he was appointed Surgeon of the Board of Enroll- ment for this Congressional District, which position he held till the close of the war. In ] 868 he was appointed Surgeon for the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, now the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, which position he still retains. The Doctor is at present a member of the Board of Examin- ing Surgeons for pensions for this county. He was married, October 1, 1863, to Miss Jane Kellogg, step-daughter of Maj. Samuel A. Torbett, and two chil- dren have blessed this union — Mary Bess, born July 20, 1865, and Edward Torbett, born July 3, 1869. REV. D. D. LEBERMAN, pastor of St. Paul's Reformed Church of Mead- ville, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., May 16, 1841, and is a son of Jacob L. and Henrietta (Fake) Leberman, the former a native of Germany, the latter of Pennsylvania and of Gernian descent. His father has been for many years a merchant of Meadville. Our subject, the eldest of a family of eight children, received his education at the Swatara Institute and the Theo- logical Seminary, TifQn, Ohio, of the Reformed Church, at which he gradu- ated in 1864. He was then licensed to preach, and his first appointment was at Titusville, Penn., for one year. He was then engaged in church work, not being able to preach on account of his health. Since I860 he has made Mead- •ville his home. Since 1867 he has been in charge of a church here, and has also had charge of Zion Hill, in Union Township, since 1872, and both churches have flourishing Sunday-schools. He was married in 1864, to Miss. Julia E. Persons, a native of Ohio and of English descent. They have two children : Edward Oscar and Henry Harbaugh. the former a member of the Freshman class in Allegheny College, the latter a student of Meadville High 748 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: School. Mr. Leberman takes a deep interest in education, having been thir- teen years on the School Board, during the whole of which time he has been Secretary. In his political views Mr. Leberman is Democratic. JOHN C. LIMBER, grocer, Meadville, was born May 2, 1852, in Meadville, Penn., and is a son of T. J. and Angeline (Kincaid) Limber, natives of Pennsylva- nia, of English descent. His father, who was a tailor by trade, was born in this county in 1807, and was a son of John Limber, a farmer and early pioneer of this county. Our subject's parents had a family of six children, of whom three are now living. John C. Limber, who was the third child in the fam- ily, acquired his education in the high school and Commercial College of Meadville. He then embarked alone in thd grocery business, but in 1872 took in as partner George S. Shattuck, which partnership existed for eight- een months, when Mr. Limber continued alone for two years. In 1876 he formed the partnership with Daniel Veith which has existed ever since, under the style of ;Veith & Limber. They conduct two stores in different parts of the city. Mr. Limber was married in 1879, to Delia J., daughter of the late Alexander Davis, who was a farmer. They have one child — Evelyn Belle. PEOF. ABIEL ABBOT LIVERMOEE, Meadville, was born in Wilton, N. H., October 30, 1811, second son of Jonathan and Abigail (Abbot) Livermore. His grandfather, Jonathan Livermore, was the first minister of the town, and his great-grandfather of the same name reached the age of one hundred years and seven naonths. Our subject passed his boyhood on the farm, attended the district school, and encountered the usual experiences of a country lad. At the age of fifteen he left home to attend school in Chelmsford, Mass., and afterward was prepared for college atPhilipps Academy, Exeter, N. H. ; entered Harvard College in 1830, and graduated in 1833. In June, 1883, he celebrated with fourteen of his classmates the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation. The next three years after graduation were passed in the Cam- bridge Divinity School in preparation for the Christian ministry. After the usual candidating, he was ordained November 2, 1836, over the Congregational Unitarian Church in Keene, N. H. He was married May 17, 1838, to Eliza- beth Dorcas Abbot, daughter of Eev. Jacob Abbot, of Windham, N. H., who died in South Boston, Mass., September 13, 1879. Though not blessed with children, several young persons were brought up in their family and were cherished with parental love. Prof. Livermore was invite'd in 1850, after a happy ministry in Keene, to settle over the Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, Ohio, and he removed to that city in May. In 1 856 he was invited to New York to the editorship of the Chistian Inquirer, and at the same time became pastor of the Unitarian Church in Yonkers, N. Y. These offices he filled till 1863, when he was invited to the Presidency of the theological school in Mead- ville, Penn. , which he still holds. The works which Mr. Livermore has pub- lished are a " commentary " on the whole New Testament in six volumes, ' ' The Mexican War Eeviewed, " a prize essay of the Peace Society, a volume of ' ' Dis- courses," "A Marriage Offering," and occasional sermons, addresses and reviews. The latest publication was in 1884, called " Anti-tobacco." In look- ing over the changes and chances of so many years he finds one great lesson written over all his life, of gratitude to God and sympathy with mankind. On June 18, 1883, he was married to Mary A. Moore, of Meadville. EEV. THOMAS D. LOGAN, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, Mead- ville, was born in Allegheny City, Penn., January 29, 1851, and is a son of John T. and Henrietta (Bryan) Logan, the former a native of Maryland and of Scotch-Irish descent, the latter of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent, Thomas D. , who is the sixth of a family of seven children, received MEADVILLE. 749 his early education in Pittsburgh, where his father carried on mercantile busi- ness. He graduated at Lafayette College in 1869, and in 1874 graduated at the theological seminary at Allegheny, Penn., received his license to preach in the Presbyterian Church in 1873, and was regularly ordained in 1875. Previous to his entrance upon the ministerial sphere he taught school one year. Since 1874 he has been pastor of the Second Presby»ian Church of Mead- ville. He was married in 1877 to Caroline B., daughter of John Mahoney, and their children are Howard, Elizabeth and Marjorie. HENRY H. LOVERIDGE, retired civil engineer, Meadville, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., December 1, 1817, and is a son of Ethan and Caro- line (Gunn) Loveridge, the former a native X)f Massachusetts, the latter of Connecticut, and both of English descent. His father, who was a farmer, reared a family of five children, of whom Henry H. was the eldest. H© remained on the farm until seventeen years of age, when he studied civil engineering, and then went on public works, where he continued working for many years, being employed on the Erie Canal for over thirty years, of which for several years he was Superintendent of th% French Creek feeder. He was married in 1843 to Nancy Jane, daughter of John B. Plummer, a merchant in Mercer County, Penn., and to this union were born two children, William P. and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Loveridge are members of the Park Avenue Congregational Church. He has been a member of the Council of Meadville; in politics is a Republican. WILLIAM McARTHUR, real estate dealer, Meadville, was born in this city, October 19, 1815, and is a son of William and Rebecca (McClean) Mc- Arthur. His father was born in Ireland, and came to America about the close of the Revolutionary war, taught school in York County, and studied survey- ing with the McCleans, and when Pennsylvania lands came into market he came in 1794 to Meadville, and laid out the town for Gen. Meade. He was appointed District Surveyor, and in 1800 was elected State Senator for the district composed of Crawford, Erie, Venango, Warren and Mercer Counties, his opponent being Gen. David Meade. He served two terms in the Legisla- ture (the capital was then Lancaster), and he rode back and forth spring and fall on horseback over the mountains during said terma While he was State Senator he was appointed by the Governor, Simon Snyder, Prothonotary of this county, and also Register and Recorder, which positions he filled until his decease in 1822. Our subject's mother, Rebecca McClean, was of Scotch- Irish descent, and a daughter of Col. Moses McClean, who served in the Rev- olutionary war, and who, with his brothers, helped survey the famous Mason and Dixon's line — in fact, had run the line from Cape Henlopen, or Cornelius, to the Chesapeake Bay, the north line, and the twelve-mile circle round the New Castle Court House before Mason and Dixon came to this country. These lines were run between 1760 and 1763. Mason and Dixon came in 1764, accepted the work already done, and with the former Surveyors ran the cele- brated Mason and Dixon's line westward. Our subject, who is the fifth of a family of six, received his education in the academy at Meadville. He then learned carpentering, and also worked at millwrighting. In 1840 he was appointed Justice of the Peace by Gov. David R. Porter, and in 1842 was elected Prothonotary and Clerk of the several courts for Crawford County, which offices he served until 1845. Mr. MoArthur was married in 1848 to Helen Hines, a niece of Col. James Corhan, of this county. She died in 1855, and in 1872 he married Mrs. Hersh, widow of Rev. Chares Hersh, of Baltimore, Md., whose maiden name was Mary McClean. He has four' children by his first wife. Mr. and Mrs. McArthur are members of the Park Avenue Congre- gational Church, under the charge of Rev. James G. Carnachan, D. D. 750 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: EMMETT W. McARTHUR, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Shenango Township, this county, June 10, 1853, and is a son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Elliott) McArthur, who were also natives of this county. His father and grandfather, who came to this county in 1795, were both farmers. Our sub- ject is the second of a ^mily of three, and received his education in the com- mon schools and Jamesrown Seminary, and also Edinboro Normal School. He studied law in Meadville in the office of J. B. Brawley, Esq., was admitted to the bar in 1884, and entered at once upon the practice of his profession. Since 1883 he has been connected with the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Crawford County, and is Secretary and Treasurer of the same. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN D. McCOY, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Mercer County, Penn., May 22, 1847, and is a son of Col. D. C. and Nancy Jane (Nelson) McCoy, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father is a prominent lawyer and, with exceptions of the time spent in the army, has lived in this county since 1854. John D., the eldest of a family of six, received his education ia the academy and at Allegheny College. He studied law with his father, was admitted to the Crawford County bar in 1873, to the United States Courts in 1881, and to the Supreme Courts in 1882. The firm is D. C. McCoy & Son. Our subject is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. ; is politically a Republican, but has never held any office. JAMES E. McFARLAND, banker, Meadville, is a grandson of James McFarland, who emigrated from Ireland about 1800 and located in Chambers- burg, Penn., engaging in mercantile trade at that place until his death. One son, John McFarland, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland in 1797. He remained with his father until nineteen years of age, when he began the publication of the Sentinel at Chambersburg, Penn., and, removing to Carlisle, same State, he published there the Volunteer, afterward the Commonwealth, at Harrisburg. His last enterprise was the establishment of the Allegheny Democrat, at Pittsburgh, Penn., about 1824. He was married March 1, 1816, at Hagerstown, Md. , to Catherine Eberly, a native of Chambersburg, Penn. He died August 12, 1827. The death of his widow occurred October 10, 1876, at her son's residence in Meadville, Penn., and her remains were interred in his family lot in Meadville cemetery. James E. McFarland, our subject, is the only surviving child of the above couple. He was born at Chambersburg, Penn., January 4, 1817. When fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to his father's trade, serving his full time at Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1835 be came to this county and established the Crawford Democrat, which paper strongly advocated the election of George Wolf for Governor. Afterward he became the purchaser of the Meadville Courier and continued to publish the united papers over a period of twenty-five years. In 1840 he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal for Crawford County; in 1845 he was elected Prothono- tary, to which office he declined re-election. In 1848 Mr. McFarland was the Democratic nominee for Congress; served as Postmaster at Meadville during the full terms of Pierce and Buchanan respectively. In 1862 he engaged in the general banking business; in 1865 he was one of the incorporators of the Merchants National Bank at Meadville, and accepted the Presidency of the same. Shortly afterward a reorganization of the bank officials took place and he was elected Cashier, which post of trust he has filled acceptably to all concerned for a period of eighteen years. He has served as Councilman and School Director. In 1838 Mr. McFarland was married to Mary Scott, of Pitts- burgh, Penn. , and to this union were born eight children : Sarah S., intermarried with Dr. T. J. Young of Titusville, Penn. (have two children, David and Kath- MEADVILLE. 751 •erine); John, who entered the Naval Academy in 1851 (John served wiih dis- "tinetion throughout the Rebellion, was rapidly promoted from Midshipman on the Iroquois to Lieutenant-Commander; was in several engagements and was among the first to enter New Orleans under Farragut. Se sailed through the West Indies and visited China, Japan and California. He died at his father's residence, in 1874, from disease contracted through exposure during his service in the navy); Thomas S., residing at Buffalo, N. Y., is a member and Secre- tary of the tJnion Oil Company of Buffalo, married to Miss Fanny Otterstater, •of Meadville (have three children, Frank, Adelaide and John); Katherine (deceased); James E., Jr., Assistant Cashier Merchants National Bank, also member of the firm of MoFarland & Co., of Meadville Bottling Works; Eliza- beth S., married to William S. McGunnegle, of Meadville (have two children, George K. and James); Mary, married to G. W. Delamater (have two children, Susan and James Scott); Anna (deceased). Time has dealt kindly with Mr. McFarland, and although past three score and a half years of age, and consid- ering the labor he has undergone and his active business life, his health and vigor and mental capabilities remain unimpaired. GEOEGE KENNEDY McGUNNEGLE (deceased) was born in Meadville, Pertn., June 10, 1800. In early life our subject acted as book-keeper for Will- iam Hill & Bro., Pittsburgh, Penn., and in 1821 he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was engaged as clerk for his ancle, Capt. James McGunnegle, of the United States Army, then Quartermaster of that military district. In 1829 a branch bank of the United States was established at St. Louis, and Mr. McGun- negle accepted the position of Chief Clerk. The parent bank at this time was in the zenith of its financial glory, but soon after succumbed to the war waged upon it by President Jackson. In 1833 our subject went into business as a member of the firm of Hill & McGunnegle, wholesale grocers and com- mission merchants (changed the following year to McGunnegle & Way), and •continued until 1842. In a career covering over half a century, Mr. McGun- negle was more or less identified with the great material interests of the city and State, filling many positions of honor and trust, amopg which we inight ' mention the Presidency of the Board of Underwriters; Presidency St. Louis Insurance Company; Presidency old Chamber of Commerce; Secretary Ohio •& Mississippi Railroad Company ; Presidency Ohio & Mississippi Telegraph ■Company, now leased to the Western Union. Mr. McGunnegle was elected to the House of Representatives in 1837, and to him probably as much, if not more than to any other man, is due the present complete system of railroads in the State. He drafted the memorial to that body, and had passed the bill to •charter a railroad, this being the first step taken in that direction. At this time he had chartered also the St. Louis Insurance Company, was elected its President and continued in office until within a few years of his death (which occurred at St. Louis, Mo. , December 12, 1878), when growing infirmities com- pelled him to relinquish active work. Mr. McGunnegle was married in 1828 to Elizabeth Easton Starr, a native of Rome, N. Y., born November 16, 1809, niece of Col. Ruf us Easton, and sister of the first wife of Senator Henry S. Geyer. To this union were born eight sons and two daughters. The eldest «on, Wilson, entered the naval service in 1845, and, after reaching the grade of Lieutenant- Commander, died in 1863 during the war; another son, William S., •entered the navy (see his biography below) ; one daughter married Gen. Ino W. Davidson, of the United States Army; the other married Benjamin E. Walker, of St. Louis; others surviving continue to live in St. Louis. Mrs. McGunnegle died at St. Louis, Mo., October 27, 1864. WILLIAM S. McGUNNEGLE, banker, Meadville, was born at St. Louis, 752 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mo. , November 7, 1846, son of George Kennedy and Elizabeth Easton (Starr) McGunnegle (see biography above). Our subject attended the public schools at St, Louis, Mo., and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., from which he graduated in 1867. His first cruise after receiving an appoint- ment in the navy was with the Mediterranean squadron under Admiral Farra- gut, and he served at different times in the Atlantic, Pacific, West Indian and Asiatic squadrons. Passing through the grades of Ensign and Master, he was promoted to a Lieutenancy in 1871; he resigned his commission in 1876, and then entered banking business at Meadville, Penn. Our subject was married at Meadville, October 29, 1874, to Lizzie Scott McFarland, born at Meadville, Penn., May 8, 1850, daughter of James E. and Mary (Scott) McFarland, for- mer born at Ohambersburg, Penn.,in 1817, latter born in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1818. Two children have been born to this union — George Kennedy and James. Mr. and Mrs. McGunnegle are members of the Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Bepublican. CHAKLES COUETNEY McLEAN, Veterinary Surgeon, Meadville, was born February 2, 1860, in Meadville, son of John T. and Jane (Courtney) McLean, former a native of New York, latter a daughter of Bailey Courtney, Esq., late of Meadville. They reside at 1009 Water Street, Meadville. John T. McLean is the possessor of two farms adjacent to Meadville, and at this writing (1884), devotes his attention to agriculture. Dr. C. C. McLean is the eldest of three children born to the above couple; his sister, Alice Eussell, is the second child; his brother, Frederick Hector, being the youngest. Our subject attended the common schools of the city; is a graduate of Mead- ville High School; also took a business course in the Meadville Commercial College, and, supplementary to his literary and business education, he spent some time in other preparations for the practice of his profession, before he attended the celebrated Ontario Veterinary College, located at Toronto, Ont. , at which institution he matriculated in October, 1881, and from which he graduated March, 1883. Upon his return home from college he entered on the practice of his profession, locating his office at 1010 Water Street, Mead- ville. Dr. McLean is enthusiastic in his profession, is thoroughly equipped, for its practice, and enjoys a liberal patronage. WILLIAM McMILLEN, loan office and wood yard, Meadville, was bom in Hayfield Township, this county, August 8, 1840, and is a son of John and Jane (Bradley) McMillen. His grandfather came to Pennsylvania in 1797, settled in Hayfield Township about 1800, taking up land from the Holland Land Company, and devoting himself to farming, as did also his son John. William McMillen followed farming until he was thirty-two years of age, when he came to Meadville, where for a time he was Market Master, and in 1879 commenced his present business. He was married in 1867 to Mary, daughter of John Mahoney, a native of this county, and of Irish descent. They have six children: Mary, Maggie, Adda, Ella, Annie and William, Jr. In politics Mr. McMillen is a Democrat. LEON C. MAGAW, cheese manufacturer, Meadville, was born July 16, 1827, son of Col. William and Adeline (Chappotin) Magaw. The latter was a native of Rhode Island, of French descent; Col. William Magaw ■sscas born in Pennsylvania, and is of Scotch descent; came to Meadville in 1809; clerked for some time under Samuel B. Magaw (one of the early merchants); afterward became a prominent merchant himself , and also entered largely into the manufacture of straw paper, of which he was the inventor. Our subject, the elder son, was educated in Meadville, and at a private school, at Buffalo, N. Y. When twenty-two years of age he embarked in the grocery trade, and MEADVILLB. 753 continued in the same for thirty years, fifteen years of which as a wholesale dealer. In the year 1880 he started a cheese factory, and at present has retired from the grocery trade, and owns and operates fourteen cheese factories. He is the raost extensive cheese manufacturer in Pennsylvania; he sells his products throughout the United States and Mexico. Mr. Magaw has been twice married, on first occasion, in 1851, to Sophie M. Selden, of Pittsburgh (of French descent), who bore him the following children: Elizabeth S., wife of A. M. Fuller, merchant here; G. Selden, a merchant in Chicago; Adelaide Louise, wife of John I. Shryock, merchant here. His wife dying in 1864, our subject remarried, in 1866, Mrs. Susan E. Thorp, of Brooklyn, N. Y., formerly Miss Gray, of Newburyport, Mass. By this union are two daughters, Leona and Ethel, and two sons, I. Thorp, and Louis, Deb. The entire family are members of the Episcopal Church. J. S. MATSON, train dispatcher, Meadville, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., November 6, 1853, and is a son of Charles and Helen (Can- field) Matson, natives of New York and of English descent. His father in early life was a farmer, latterly a railroad man, and is now a conductor on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Eailroad. Our subject, who is the eldest of a family of four children, was educated in the graded schools of Jamestown, N. Y. At the age of eleven he went into a telegraph ofiSce, applying himself with such diligence to the study of telegraphy that in six months he commenced as night operator in Cambridge, this county; he was then sent as operator to Corry, Penn., where he remained two years. In 1870 he was appointed assist- ant to train dispatcher at Meadville, and in 1872 was promoted to train dis- patcher, which business he has followed until present writing, except for one year, when he was passenger conductor on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Eailroad. He was mar«jed in 1875, to Rachel Brish, of Tiffin, Ohio, and'lihey have one child — William Paul. Mr. Matson is in politics a Republican; he is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Since eleven years of age he has made his own way in the world. ENOS MICHEL, of the firm of Farnicorn & Michel, meat market, Mead- ville, was born in Germany, June 11, 1846, and is the son of Jacob and Bar- bara (Futler) Michel, natives of Germany. He received his education and learned in his native land the trade of a butcher, at which he continued to work when he came to America in 1866, settling in this city. He worked six years for others, then went in business for himself until, in 1870, the present partnership was formed. Our subject was married in 1872, to Kate Dudenhoeffer, a native of Germany, and they have six children: Lena, Louis, Charles, Edward, Anna Theresa and Lucy. Mr. and Mrs. Michel are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. HON. CHARLES W. MILLER, merchant, Meadville, was born in Ashta- bula County, Ohio, in 1837, and is a son of Ezra B. and Sophronia M. (Baldwin) Miller, natives of Connecticut, and of English descent; the former a carpenter and joiner by trade. They had three children, of whom Charles W. is the second. Our subject received his education chiefly at the academy at Orwell, Ohio. Early in life he was a clerk in a dry goods store. In 1869 he opened a general store in Espyville, Penn., which he continued until 1870, when" he came to Meadville as Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, which position he held four years, when he embarked in the drug business, in which he has since continued. He was married, in Espyville in 1862, to Mary E., daughter of James Espy, from whom Espyville took its name. They have three children now living: Agnes, Nettie and Marion. Mr. Miller is a Republican, and in 1884 received the nomination of that party for Congress. He has been a member of the Mead- ville Town Council for three years, and for two years Mayor of Meadville. 754 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: W. S. MURRAY, engine dispatcher, Meadville, was born in New York State, October 20, 1833, and is a sou of H. N. and Sarah C. (Sackett) Murray, natives of New York, the father of Scotch and the mother of English descent. The father, who was by trade a tailor, raised a family of five children, of whom W.' S. is the third. As his father died before he had finished the course of the common schools, our subject was early set to learn carpentering, which he followed for seven years, since which he has been employed by railway companies. Commenced railroading in 1858, and in 1863 he came to Mead- ville, which has ever since been his home. From 1863 to 1873 'he ran an engine, and he was then appointed dispatching engineer, for which his long experience eminently qualifies him. He was married in Great Bend, Penn. , to Ruth A. Carpenter, and they have two children — William F. and Fred H. Mr. Murray has served three years on the School Board; politically he is a Republican. CAPT. ISAAC E. MYERS, Assistant Postmaster, Meadville, was born in Meadville, January 18, 1835, and is a son of Isaac and Lydia (Fox) Myers, of German descent, and who came to Meadville in 1825. His father, who was a watch-maker and jeweler, had a family of ten children, of whom Isaac E. is the sixth. He first learned the jewelry business under his father, and was in that industry in Meadville City from 1850 to 1862, when, being drafted, he was elected Captain of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth P. D. M., in which regiment he served until 1863. Then he volunteered in 1864, and raised Company F, of the One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was elected Captain of his company and served until the close of the war, being present at Lee's surrender. He then received an appointment as Mail Agent, and served six years; next he studied medicine, and for one year he clerked in a drug store. Then he was appointed Clerk in the Mead- ville Postoffice, and afterward to his present position of Assistant Postmaster, which he has held for several terms. He was married in 1858 to Maria, daughter of James Swager, of Mercer County, Penn., and their children are Sarah M., L. C. (a tinner), I. E., F. G. and C. H. Our subject and wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Capt. Myers has taken an active part in matters pertaining to the militia, and since he returned from the war has acted as Captain in the same, his company leading the militia of Penn- sylvania in Washington at the inauguration of the lamented President Garfield. EDWARD NORTHAM, of Meadville, was born in this county August 18, 1826, and is a son of George and Hannah (Jenkins) Northam, natives of New York and of English descent. His father was Ensign in the One Hundred and Fifty- fourth Regiment of New York Infantry, and with his wife came to this county in 1820, settling in Troy Township. Our subject, the fifth in a family of seven, was educated in this county, and since 1840 has been a resi- dent of Meadville. He learned wool-carding with Alanson Lindley, who started that business here in 1835, and was till his decease a wealthy and influ- ential citizen. Mr. Northam resided and worked with him for seven years, commencing in 1840, and in 1853 took charge of the business and has since been proprietor. He is also a carpenter, which trade he learned and has worked at. He was married in 1845 to Nancy Hamilton, and they have four children now living. The eldest son was aboard the "Gen. Lyon" when that vessel was burned off Cape Hatteras; he was a soldier, and had suffered three months imprisonment in Salisbury, N., C. , rebel prison. The other children are: Ellen C. (deceased), Ida (deceased); Henry M., who is with his father; Anna R., Minnie E. and John A. Mr. and Mrs. Northam are members of the First Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. MEADVILLE. 755 EDGAE C. PARSONS, M. D., Meadville, was born November 19, 1847, •at Alexandria, Ohio, son of Hiram G. and Dorotba (Page) Parsons, former a native of New York, latter of Vermont. Hiram G. Parsons was brought when quite young from New York to Alexandria, Ohio, by his mother, who was then a widow, and was reared in Alexandria, near which place he made agriculture his main occupation. He was twice married, on first occasion, in Alexandria, Ohio, to Dorotha Page, who bore him three children: Edgar C, Electa and Jerusha, the latter of whom was married to William H. Banner, a resident of ■Champaign County, 111. ; Electa was married to E. P. Robb, residing in Kan- sas. To the second marriage of Hiram G. Parsons were born five children — three boys and two girls. Our subject received his literary education at the public school and an academy at Johnstown, Ohio, and commenced the study of medicine under Dr. A. B. Wilder, of Knoxville, Iowa, about January, 1871. After leaving school in 1867, he taught school two terms in Ohio, beginning in the winter of the latter year, and in 1868 moved from Ohio to Knoxville, Iowa, taught school for several terms in Marion and Mahaska Counties, that State, and in 1870 accepted the charge of the intermediate department, and later of the grammar school at Knoxville, Iowa, which position he filled till June, 1873. In the fall of 1873 our subject attended medical lectures at the Hahnemann Medical Ccillege, Chicago, 111., and after taking one course he began the practice of his profession at Eantoul, 111., where he remained till the fall of 1876, and then went to the Hahnemann College at Philadelphia, from which he graduated March 8, 1877. In the spring of that year the Doc- tor established himself in Meadville, and has here continued since in successful and active practice: In the spring of 1883 the Doctor was appointed Health Officer of Meadville, and is now serving a second term in that capacity. Our subject was instrumental in effecting the organization of the Crawford County Homoeopathic Medical Society, of which he has since been Secretary. He is also a member of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Pennsylvania. Dr. Parsons was married at Irwin Station, Westmoreland County, Penn., October 14, 1874, to Amanda, daughter of James G. Boyd, Esq., merchant of that place. To this union have been born two children — Page W. and Evangeline. ROBERT PATTON (deceased) was born in County Down, Ireland, Octo- ber 31, 1831. His parents immigrated to this country while he was yet a small boy. He was a harness-maker, having learned the trade at Pittsburgh. On May 20, 1849, he married Miss Jane McMahon, who survives him. In 1850 he moved to Cochranton, now one of the most enterprising villages in Crawford County, and opened a haruess-shop, which was in operation until 1856, at which time he commenced mercantile business, and continued the same until his death, June 8, 1882. Mr. Patton was a successful merchant. From a small beginning, by his untiring application and superior skill, his business rapidly increased, and very few merchants in the county enjoyed as liberal a patronage. About eight years before his death he took as a partner his oldest flon, James C, the style of the firm being R. Patton & Son. In 1877 the Cochranton Savings Bank was organized. Mr. Patton was one of the orig- inal movers in the enterprise, and was its first President, which office he filled until his death, and under his administration, ably assisted by the other officers, the bank did a nourishing business and-proved itself an indispensable addition to the business interests of Cochranton. Mr. Patton was also the first President of the French Creek Valley Agricultural Association, which has become not only a matter of importance to Cochranton, but to the counties of Mercer, Venango -and Crawford. As a business man Mr. Patton was univer- sally respected by those with whom he had dealings. He was prompt in meet- 756 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ing all his obligations, and at the same time was a lenient creditor. He took a deep interest in the welfare of the village, and was among the first to sup- port any enterprise that promised to be beneficial. The public school was a matter of great importance, and its importance did not arise from the fact that he had children to educate, but was based on broader grounds— the general good. No one appreciated more fully the advantages of an education. Mr. Patton, though not a technical scholar, was practically a learned man. His course of reading was extended and thorough. He could give the date and the attending circumstances of the innsortant events in English, French and American history. Whatever he read ne remembered, and his recollection was clear and distinct. In political matters he was onei of the best informed men in the county. He mastered the details and understood the effects and ten- dencies of party action. Though a man of strong convictions, he was tolerant with those who differed from him. He was free from malice and wished every one well. Mr. Patton did much toward advancing the material interests of Cochranton, and his influence will long be felt. He was a warm friend, a con- genial companion, a kind neighbor, a generous man, a devoted father and an affectionate husband. Those who knew him best loved and respected him the most. ECAREY PEIRSON, butcher, Meadville, was born in London, England, October 8, 1837, and is a son of William Peirson, a tailor by trade, who had a family of nine children, Hugh being the youngest. Our subject received his schooling in London, and learned the trade of a butcher, which he has fol- lowed through life. In 1855 he came from London to Canada, but not liking that country, he stayed there but six months, then came to Cleveland, Ohio, remaining five years; thence he came to Meadville, where he keeps the largest meat market in the city. He was married in 1871, to Eliza J. Fields, and their children are Harry Austin and Bessie M. Mr. and Mrs. Peirson are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been a member of the City Council; is a member of the I. O. O. F., and K. of P. societies, and is President of the Meadville Sportsman's Club. WILLIAM PENTZ, Justice of the Peace, Meadville, was born April 2, 1820, in York, Penn., and is a son of Daniel and Rachel (Shaffer) Pentz, both natives of York, Penn., and of German descent; came to Meadville in 1845. His father was a tobacconist and came to this county in 1856; remaining three years. He raised a family of eleven sons and one daughter. Eight of the sons are now living; one was killed on the railroad in 1871 in Meadville, William received his schooling in his na'tive county and learned first the trade of his father, but afterward that of a plasterer, and also carried on butchering for eight years. In 1870 he was appointed Court Crier; in 1872 he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving till 1877. In 1878 and 1879 he was Superintend- ent of the Odd Fellows' Home in Mead Township. In 1882 he was again elected Justice of the Peace and still holds the ofiSce. He was a member of the Council of Meadville Borough 1850, .1851 and 1852. He was married in 1841 in Allegheny City, to Mary A. Campbell, a native of Kentucky and of Irish parentage. They have six children living: Mary E., wife of John M. Jones, of Arizona; Rosa, wife of A. B. Blystone; Margaret J., wife of Fred- erick Cole, of Greenbush, Mass.; W. H., a carpenter in Meadville, married to Thyphena Peese; Sarah, wife of L. K. Johnston, and Emma B., at home. The family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Pentz has been for many years a local preacher, and in 1866 and 1867 was on the Circuit. He has been a Deacon in the church for many years. HON. S. NEWTON PETTIS, Meadville, son of Solomon and Ruth (House) MEADVILLE. 757 Pettis, was born in Lenox, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, October 10, 1827. He received a good education and taught school near his home from 1842 to 1845. He began his law studies with Hon. Joshua E. Giddings, at Jefferson, Ohio, in 1846, and in 1848 came to Meadville and pursued them with Hon. H. L. Richmond until his admission to the bar in 1849. He then commenced prac- tice at Meadville, which he has continued ever since, except when interrupted by service on the bench and absence on a foreign mission. He soon formed a law partnership with Hon. James Thompson (since Chief Justice of Pennsyl- vania), which existed until his election to the Supreme bench in 1857. His practice was large and successful; his preparation of cases thorough. He made his client's cause his own. Some of his cases involved large interests. While counsel for the Crawford County Commissioners, he brought to a successful termination the noted suit on the bonds of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad Company, thereby saving to the county a large sum. In 1870 he was appointed General Council for the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company. Though several times while in public service compelled to suspend professional prac- tice, upon his return to the bar he has taken a new hold and keeps abreast of the decisions, maintaining his professional rank. A native of the Western Reserve, the pupil of Giddings, and attaining his majority the same year that the party was efficiently organized on the Buffalo platform, his instincts were sympathetic with Free Soil. Much was to be overcome in Crawford, where its Democracy, caressed at Washington and entrenched at Harrisburg under its skillful leader (a State official of wide political renown), had so long main- tained an unbroken front. Starting as a campaign speaker in 1848, he has through nine Presidential and twelve Gubernatorial campaigns been conspicu- ous in his own and frequently in neighboring counties and in Ohio. In 1876 he filled daily appointments of the Ohio State Republican Committee from September 10, to October 12. No one was more efficient in transforming a Democratic majority of 700 in Crawford County into a Republican of 2,000. He has frequently represented Crawford in State conventions. In 1860 he was influential and untiring in nominating Curtin for Governor. _ His unremitting efibrts in the nomination that year of Lincoln, in the Chicago Convention, and in giving him the vote of the Pennsylvania delegation, are well known. It involved patient labor, tact and skill, and was probably the best work of his life, for in none wereresults more clearly traceable to initiatory efforts. Few events in American history have been more far-reaching in their ultimate tendency than the nomination and election of Abrfiham Lincoln. As Mr. Pettis entered active life, political parties were taking a new departure. The adjustment of the questions growing out of the acquisition of Mexican territory, followed by those of the restriction of slavery extension, the fugitive slave bill, the admission of California, and other "compromise measures " of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and repeal of the Missouri Com- promise, the admission of Kansas with secession, rebellion and war, with its results, the reconstruction measure; currency, impeachment and resumption were all questions which aside from tariff and other domestic matters, were being considered. In the discussion of these he came before the people absorbed in his subject; armed with facts and figures, with intense earnestness and forgetfulness of self, he carried conviction to his audiences. Appointed by President Lincoln in March, 1861, to the United States Supreme bench of Colorado, he aided in the organization of that Territory. At the call to arms, he was active in raising volunteers and filling quotas and furnishing supplies to the army.. In this work it was his privilege to obtain from President Lin- coln permission to initiate and perfect a plan, by which 1,800 Confederate 758 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: prisoners at Kock Island were enlisted in the Union Arpay, and on payment to each of $100, credited to the quotas required from this congressional district, which sum was paid from a fund of about $200,000 placed by the people at the disposal of Judge Pettis. This put an end in this district to the broker- age in substitutes, under which glaring abuses had arisen. Being the intimate friend and participant in the nomination of both Lincoln and Curtin, he maintained his relations with each, even up to the week preceding the assassin- ation, when he sought to impress upon the President the necessity of greater care for his personal safety. Knowing him so well, it was his part, as a friend, at a meeting.of the Crawford County bar, after the death of the President, to pay a tribute to his memory, which for its delineation of the martyr's charac- ter, and appreciation of the Nation's loss, will be long remembered. In 1868, after persistent requests, he became a candidate for Congress in the Twentieth District, and carried Crawford County without opposition. After seven weeks of balloting another was nominated. ' During the same year, Hon. D. A. Fin- ney's death caused a vacancy in the Fortieth Congress. To this Judge Pettis was elected. Having taken his seat, he was assigned to the Committee on Elections and made a report on the contested election of the then Mexican delegate. Col. Chavis, which involved much research and was ratified by the House, in awarding him the seat. This investigation and report secured for Judge Pettis the recognition its patient examination and clearness of analysis merited. In 1872 he declined a numerously signed call for Congressional candidacy. In 1874 he again received the county's nomination for Congress, but after weeks of balloting, he advised the subsequent nomination of Mr. White, of Mercer. At the death of Judge Lowrie, in November, 1876, on the petition of many members of the bar and several thousand Crawford people, of the Senator and three or four Eepresentatives, and fifty-nine or sixty mem- bers of the Republican County Committee, he was appointed President Judge of the Crawford Judicial District, remaining on the bench until Janu- ary, 1878. When a re- appointment from the Governor was anticipated to be necessary, it was asked by every member of the Crawford bar. In 1877, at the written request of all the Republican Congressmen and United States Senators of Pennsylvania, and of many public men from other States, he was agreed upon by President Hayes and his cabinet for the Peruvian Mission, but subse- quently appointed Minister to Bolivia. Arriving at the Bolivian capital, he found Peru, Bolivia and Chili involved in a wasting and bloody war, in which much destruction of life and property had been incurred, with devastation of country and paralysis of commerce. Peace seemed hopeless except as follow- ing the subjugation of a belligerent. Well versed in the details and merits of the controversy, after conference with the Peruvian Minister and Bolivian Secretary of State, he proceeded first to Lima, where his proposals of a mode of settlement were gladly received; then to Chili, where his plan of arbitra- tion or of a compromise line of boundary was met with gratifying considera- tion. Believing that this well-intended proposition, so auspiciously begun, with the approval of the United States Government, would culminate in suc- cess, Judge Pettis' hopes were crushed by the officious interference of an out- sider, so that the initiatory steps under which the war would have been ended and bloodshed saved were rendered a nullity. As was well remarked by one of our prominent journals, " His effort had been nothing more than an unoffi- cial suggestion to the belligerents of a basis of negotiation, upon which they could without humiliation, dishonor or loss, agree to meet for settlement of questions of dispute between them. It was so stated, and appeared perfectly understood by all parties who knew or had interest in what, was proposed. MEADVILLE. 759 There was nothing to create a prejudice against the United States Government, nothing inconsistent with its attitude of neutrality. No harm was done by the attempt. Failure did not leave matters worse than before, but better. Done so unobstrusively and kindly, each of the belligerents regarded it as a friendly suggestion, not as an effort to interfere in their affairs. Had it succeeded it vpould be difficult to estimate the great results secured to our people and to the belligerents. Instead of the long, bloody, ruinous war which has since fol- lowed, it would have been a peaceful solution. To the United States it would have been almost equally fortunate. The good opinion and friendly feeling, which all three of . the belligerents entertained toward us, would have been confirmed. Our diplomatic relations with them, instead of being unpleasant and annoying, would have been most agreeable. Our commerce with them, instead of being destroyed, would have been promoted and enlarged, and the United States would have secured the commanding influence which her popu- lation, position, colonization and firmness as a nation, ought to give her among the Republics of America. " Returning from his mission he was nominated by President Hayes to a Western Judgeship, but: rejected by a Democratic Senate. He resumed law practice, which he stillcontinues. He was strongly urged for appointment as Governor of Dakota in January last, but never allowed any application to be made for it. The domestic life of our subject has been exceptionally happy. He was married in September. 1852, to Miss Emma L. Wightman, and to this union have been born three children, two now living — Gertrude Wylie, married to Capt. John W. Pullman, A. Q. M., U. S. Army, and Herbert Kay. Their son, Bush, died March 14, 1882, at the age of fourteen, while attending school at the Chamberlin Institute, Randolph, N. Y. He was a lad of much promise, whose early death was deeply deplored; his disposition and character were especially eulogized by his teachers and schoolmates, to whom he had become greatly endeared. Judge Pettis still resides at Meadville, where, yet in his meridian, he can contemplate the worth, thus far, of a long, busy and pre-eminently useful life. In the changes he has witnessed in business, in politics and in the progress of the country, he can feel that he has been neither indifferent nor idle. If sometimes his hopes have been misplaced, his friends untrue or his labors futile, he can yet feel that the world is better from his work and that he has not lived in vain. The bench, the bar and the forum have alike been the field of his efforts. His services have been rendered in times of peace and of war, as well at home as abroad, and in the distant West. To have done his part well in each and at all times was his aim, and to have benefitted man- kind his accomplished purpose. HON. ALEXANDER POWER, retired, Meadville, was born in 1806, in Crawford County, Penn., son of Samuel and Margret (Gather) Power, and a full cousin of Capt. William Power, a farmer who came to Crawford County in 1795. Our subject's father was in the war of 1812. He reared nine children, of whom Alexander, the eldest, and five others are still living. Our subject received a common school education, attending school in a log sohoolhouse in this county, and farmed the greater part of his life. In 1858 he came to Meadville, and embarked in mercantile trade, in which he con- tinued for about five years very successfully. He also operated with others in a mill in this county for three years. Mr. Power is a member of the Congre- gational Church; has been a member of the School Board for fourteen years, and Treasurer of the Board during that time. Is a Democrat in politics. In 1844 he was elected to the Legislature and served two terms; also served as Justice of the Peace ten years from 1840 to 1850. He has been twice married ; 760 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: on the first occasion, September 25, 1847, to Mary D. Swaney, who died in 1851, and he then married, ou January 23, 1855, Mary B. McClure, who died February 2, 1875. COL. J. W. H. EEISINGEE, Postmaster, Meadville, was born at Beaver, Penn., January 19, 1833, son of Charles and Providence (Eoberts) Eeisinger, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, the latter of Mary- land, of English lineage. Charles Eeisinger was a blacksmith; came to Craw- ford County in 1851 and died in Meadville in 1882. Our subject, the second child, was educated at Allegheny College, graduating with the degree A. B. in 1856, subsequently receiving the degree A. M. He chose teaching as his vocation, and for three years, from 1858 to 1860, inclusive, taught in the grammar schools of Evansville, Ind. He then came to Meadville. In 1862 he][joined the One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company H; served as Captain eighteen months, then became Major of the Twenty- fifth Eegiment United States Co/ored Troops; soon after was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, serving as such till the close of the war. He then went to Forest County, Penn., where he published the Bee for a year, and in 1869 moved to Franklin, same State, where he bought the Venango Citizen, which he published one year. In 1870 he again came to Meadville and bought the Meadville Republican, which he published from 1870 till January 1, 1884. Our subject was married in 1870 to Louisa E., daughter of Dr. Josiah Wi- nans, of Tionesta, Penn., and by this union were born two children: Paul and Louisa, both now living. Mrs. Eeisinger died September 29, 1875, and is buried in Greendale Cemetery. Col. Eeisinger was appointed Postmaster in April, 1882, which office he still holds. EOE EEISINGEE, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Fallstown, Beaver Co., Penn., October 28, 1842, and is a son of Charles and Providence (Eoberts) Eeisinger. The former, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., was of German descent, by occupation a blacksmith; the latter a native of Harford County, Md., of English and Welsh descent. They had a family of seven children, Eoe being the fifth child and fourth son. The parents moved to Crawford County in 1850. Our subject received his education in the common schools and Allegheny College. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was Color Bearer, was three times wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and served until 1865. He then received a commission as Second Lieutenant in Company D, One Hun- dred and Fourteenth United States Colored Eegiment, was promoted to First Lieutenant and served in Texas until 1867, when he returned to Meadville, studied law with A. B. Eiehmond, was admitted to the bar in 1870, and has continued in the practice of his profession ever since. In politics he is a Eepublicau. JOHN EEYNOLDS (deceased), was born at Colchester, England, June 18, 1782, and came to this county in 1795. His grandfather inherited a large en- tailed estate in Worcestershire, England. He married Sarah Fox, of Lond,on, by whom he had nine children, the eldest of whom, John, inherited the estate. William, the third son, married Lydia, daughter of John Thomas, a Baptist minister, by whom he had seven daughters and four sons, the eldest being John, the subject of this sketch. The Eeynolds family in England was com- posed of strict Church of England people, but William Eeynolds, father of John, when a young man, united with the Baptist denomination, and the immediate cause of the immigration of William to America was his sympathy with the French Eepublican movement of that period, having been a sufferer by the sacking of his house and destruction of his property during the prog- MEADVILLE. 761 ress of what was known as the Birmingham riots, he having before that time removed to that city. The celebrated Joseph Priestly was also a sufferer by those riots, which likewise caused his immigration to America. John Reynolds was educated in Birmingham and Leominster by private tutors. In 1797 he came with his father to Venango County, Penu., and settled on a tract' of land bought from the Holland Land Company, at Cherry Tree Run. In 1805 he removed to Meadville, and was engaged as assistant teacher in the academy here. In 1807 he was connected with Col. Marlin in surveying lands of the Holland Land Company and continued to be thus occupied for several years. Subsequently he began the study of law under the directions of Col. Marlin. In 1812 he was admitted to the bar, but devoted little time to the practice of his profession, applying himself almost exclusively to real estate business. In 1814 he married the widow of Dr. Kennedy, by whom he had two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Reynolds died November 27, 1845. Our subject's demise occurred July 23, 1871. John Van Liew, eldest child of John Reynolds, was born in Meadville, April 12, 1815; graduated at Jefferson College, Penn., in 1834; received from said college the degree of A. M. in 1838 and of D. D. in 1858. He studied theology at Princeton, from the fall of 1835 to that of 1838. He was licensed to preach the Gospel in April, 1838,, and was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church in the fall of 1839, and in the same fall was installed pastor of the First Pesbyterian Church in his native town. His whole time of service in said church was thirty years. In September, 1838, he was married to Evelina B. L. Gaston, of Somerville, N. J., who died in June, 1849. Our subject was married to his second wife, Catharine E. Bell, at Allegheny City, in Octbber, 1851. William, youngest child of John Reynolds, was born in May, 1820. He graduated from Allegheny College in 1837; married Julia Thorp, of New York City. Jane Maria, elder daughter of John Reynolds, was born in 1817, was married to A. Sergeant, M. D., a native of Somerville, N. J., in 1845. Lydia L., younger daughter of John Reynolds, was born in 1818, and was married in 1841, to the Rev. Richard Craighead, a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and for thirty-one years pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Meadville, Penn. H. W. REYNOLDS, of the Athens Mills Company, Meadville, was born in Meadville, August 26, 1852, grandson of John Reynolds, and son of William Reynolds, of Meadville. He is now a partner with his father in the Athens Mills Company, one of the most important manufacturing enterprises in this city, employiug about forty hands, and making a specialty of the manufacture of doors, sash and window blinds. The mill was first started in 1868, by William Reynolds and William Thorp. Since March 1, 1877, when Mr. Thorp sold out, he has been a partner with his father and general business manager. He was married in 1876 to Cora A. Mosier, a native of this county. HON. , HIRAM LAWTON RICHMOND, of Meadville, Penn. Richmond, as a personal cognomen, is an ancient English name. It is of Norman origin, and doubtless came over with William the Conqueror. The great battle of Hastings was fought on the 14th of October, 1066. Immediately after his victory, William vowed to build an abbey on the high grounds where Harold had posted his army, as commemorative of that great event. And soon the •magnificent structure arose, and its high altar stood on the very spot where Harold had planted his standard during the fight, and where the carnage was thickest. Hence it took its name of "Battle Abbey." And to perpetuate the memory of his commanders and companions in arm, who survived the battle, William caused a list of their several names to be made out and preserved among the archives of the abbey, known in history as " The Great Roll of 762 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Battle Abbey." In that list the name ^irhmond is found. The next year, 1067, the name first appears in English necrology, to wit: Alan Richmond, Earl of Brittany. Mr. Richmond's more immediate ancestors were of Wiltshire, England. In 1638 John Richmond, of Ashton-Keynes, Wiltshire, came over, and became one of the first purchasers of the town of Taunton, thirty-five miles south of Boston. It is believed that nearly all the Richmonds in this country, and they are not a few, are descendants of John, of Taunton. A son of his, Edward Richmond, moved into Rhode Island. From this Edward the subject of this sketch is lineally descended. His father, Dr. Lawton Richmond, was born in Provi- dence, R. I., August 7, 1784. When seven years old, in 1791, his parents moved to the State of New York, and settled in Herkimer County, on what was called the Royal Grant, where he grew up to manhood. The family was a large one, consisting of nine brothers and three sisters, all of whom are now dead; the last one. Freeman Richmond, died December 24, 1880, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, three months and twenty-six days. Having received a good academic education, he entered the office of Drs. Todd & Hanchet, as a student of medicine, and having completed his course of study, and passed a close and critical examination before the Board of Censors, he received his first permit or license to practice medicine, from the Chancellor of the State. May 23, 1809, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Town- send, a beautiful and iatelligent young lady of eighteen, of Scotch extraction. That spring, immediately after his marriage, he moved to western New York, stopping for a year or more in the town of Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, where the subject of this sketch was born May 10, 1810, but finally locating where Westfield now is, then known as the Cross-roads. The eoiintry was new and sparsely settled, yet he soon entered upon a lucrative practice of his profession. But the tide of immigration began to set heavily, still westward. Dr. Richmond wa^ a pioneer by inclination. Fond of the pleasures, the adventures and hazards of frontier life, he too caught the west- ern fever, and taking his little family and small accumulations, he migrated to southern Indiana, the then Eldorado, and settled in Allensville, Switzerland County, a frontier village of half a dozen log-houses, forty-eight miles below Cincinnati, and eight miles back from the river. The State had but recently been admitted into the Union, and its southern portion filled up rapidly with Eastern people. The Doctor and his wife were members of the Methodist Church, active and ardent; indeed had joined that church in its very morning, when they were yet single. He was a local preacher and was ordained an Elder at his own house, while living in Indiana. Well versed in sacred liter- ature, and blessed with an easy flow of language, his heart full of the work, he was a good and effective preacher. When the demands of his profession would permit, he had a series of Sabbath appointments, which he generally filled. But the arduous duties imposed upon him by the practice of medicine, in a new and rugged country, sparsely settled, wore upon his constitution, and his health so failed him that to regain it he deemed it advisable to seek a more northern clime; and in 1829, he, with his family, returned to his old and early home in the State of New York. He remained here until 1834, when he moved to Meadville, Penn,, mainly that he might give his two sons the advantages of attending Allegheny College, which had then just come under, the patronage of the Methodist Church. The educational opportunities of Hiram, the elder of the two sons and the subject of this sketch, had been very few previous to the return of the family North — such only as were furnished in the log schoolhouse of the frontier, and one winter's private instruction under the direction of a worthy young man of MEADVILLE. 763 the name of Pratt, who was studying medicine with the Doctor. He loved mathematics, and in one winter, without an instructor, he " ciphered " his way nearly through "Old Pike's Arithmetic." He thus spent, and in reading such books as fell in his way, his winter evenings and leisure day hours, when there was no school within his reach. On their return to New York, he then being nineteen years old, he entered a private academy, and by close application to study, not wasting an hour, he soon acquired a good English education. He now commenced the study of medicine with his father, and pursued it for two years. But his aspirations were for the legal profession, upon preparation for which he would have entered in the first instance, but for a popular prejudice indulged by his parents, that a man could not be both a lawyer and a Christian ; a strange notion indeed, and yet, even in this enlightened age, indulged in by many good people. On their moving to Meadville, as above stated, he entered Allegheny College, as a student, and remained two years. In the winter of 1836 he was registered by the Hon. David Derickson, as a student of law, and in February, 1838, was admitted to the bar. In December after his admission, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Power Shryock, daughter of Gen. Daniel Shryock, a worthy citizen and leading merchant of the place. She has proven a faithful, affectionate and devoted wife and mother. Popular in his address, he had a smile, a hand- shake and a how-do-you-do for every one worthy the recognition whom he met. His first two efforts as an advocate were of a character that gave him position as a young lawyer of much promise, and he soon entered upon a lucrative practice. As an advocate, he was soon ranked among the first in the State. As a stump and platform speaker he had but few superiors. In politics he was a "Whig. Crawford County was then largely Democratic, and continued so for some ten years. In 1847 she for the first time sent Whigs to the Legisla- ture, and in 1848 gave a large majority for Gen. Taylor for President, as against Gen. Cass. Mr. Eichmond, from his entry into public life, has always taken great interest in the political issues that sprang up from time to time, demanding consideration. He is no trimmer, is a man of positive ideas, is out- spoken in his convictions, and ready to defend them on all suitable occasions. Perhaps no man contributed more than he to change the political character of Crawford County. After the election of 1848 she continued Whig so long as that party had an existence, and subsequently became still more strongly Eepublican, and has continued so ever since. In 1872 Mr. Richmond was elected a member of the Forty-third Congress, from the Twenty-fifth District, by the largest majority the district ever gave. The district consisted of the counties of Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Clarion; is the most pop- ulous and wealthy in the State — rich in iron, coal and other minerals — and embracing within its limits the great oil-producing territory of the State. Upon taking his seat he was appointed on two important Committees — the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Public Expenditures. Tho Indian Committee consisted of twelve members, all of whom, except three, were experienced and able lawyers. He took great interest in Indian affairs, reported several bills on questions committed to him in Committee, each one of which passed the Committee, and both Houses of Congress, without objec- tion or amendment. When the question of appropriations in aid of the Indian came up he made an able speech, which attracted much attention among the friends of the red-man, and was published entire in the Cherokee Advocate, a paper published by the Indians, in the Indian Territory. His idea as to our duty to the Indian is thus expressed in the concluding paragraph of that speech: "Bring him (the Indian) within the embrace of our civilization, ele- 764 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: vate him to the proud position of American manhood and citizenship, confer upon him all the prerogatives of a man, equal in rights and privileges to every other man, then will we have made some atonement for the great wrongs we have done him through the ages that are past." Mr. Richmond is a life-long Methodist, as were his father and mother before him, and for many years a Leader and Steward in the church, and has done much to advance its spiritual and temporal interests. He was a delegate to and Temporary Chairman of the Methodist State Convention of Pennsyl- vania, which met in Philadelphia October, 1870. By appointment he pre- pared and presented to the convention an essay on "The Duty of the Chris- tian Citizen to the State as a Political Organization," which was well received and very highly commended. He is a friend to and promoter of education. For many years he has been a Trustee of Allegheny College. In the celeebrated Chamberlain will case, which passed through the courts of the State of New York, the property and domicile of the testator being in that State, Mr. Richmond was the only Pennsylvania lawyer who appearedin the ease, and has the merit of having raised the point upon which the case turned, and was ultimately decided in favor of the college by the Court of Appeals. His argument pre- pared in that case with great labor and research, is a masterpiece of logic and learning. He has one of the largest and best selected libraries in northwest- ern Pennsylvania, and here he may be found almost any day in the year, and almost any hour in the day. Mr. Richmond is now seventy-four years old, yet he retains his physical and mental vigor to a remarkable degree. He is still in the active practice of his profession. A leading daily of his city thus speaks of one of his recent forensic efforts: " When court convened yesterday morning the case of false pretenses against O. U. Bunting was called, and the Hon. H. L. Richmond, Sr., opened to the jury. Mr. Richmond made a very powerful address to the court. Although one of the oldest practitioners at the bar, and with the weight of years upon him, he conducted the case alone with the keenness and vigor of youth; and in summing up his line of defense, and forging his chain of evidence, with the perfection of every link, which would add laurels to the brow of any of the lawyers who sat around in the pride and prime of life, there was not one sign of weakness in constructive power in argument, not one lack of grace and force of rhetoric and language. The plea was, indeed, one of rare ability, and that in face of the fact that he had a very bad case (in legal parlance), and the effect upon the jury was apparent from the beginning, while the whole crowded court listened in absolute silence, charmed by the splendid scene, its central figure the majestic and snowy-haired orator himself." Mr. Richmond has an interesting family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, all living and of adult years. Hieam Lawton, his first-born, an alumnus of Allegheny College, has for many years been in the active and successful practice of the law in his native city, and also connected with the City Government — either as Member of the Council or Mayor of the city — was also for a time Chief of the Fire Department. In 1880 was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago. He married Virginia Vance, whose father, now deceased, was a leading lawyer of New Lisbon, Ohio. Mabia, married to Col. Charles H. Hawkins, largely engaged in the iron busi- ness in Chicago. Daniel Shkyoce, an active, energetic and successful business man, was Supervisor of the Census for the eleven northwestern counties of Pennsylvania, is now extensively engaged in the lumber and ice business, and is Superintendent of and a heavy stock-holder in the Conneaut Lake Ice Com- MEADVILLE. 765 pany. Almon George, an alumnus of Allegheny College, a promising young law- yer, recently elected, by a very large majority. District Attorney of his county, is an amateur artist and admirable caricaturist; married to Mary Grayson, second daughter of Thomas Grayson, Esq. , editor and proprietor of the Craw- ford Democrat. Elizabeth, married to T. Albert Delamater, engaged in rail- road and lumber business and second son of Hon. George B. Delamater, a banker. James Edward, grocer, is an active and energetic business man, and has a large business. Charles Fremont, a young man of much promise, is engaged in the lumber business; and Harriet, the youngest of the flock, a fine- looking, intelligent and interesting young lady. Note.— It is claimed by a branch of the Richmond family that John, of Taunton, came OTCr in the " May Flower," and was also known as John the Puritan. p. S. RICHMOND, manager of Conneaut Lake Ice Company (limited), Meadville, is the second son of Hon. H. L. Richmond, of Meadville. He received his education in Allegheny College. In 1874 he embarked in the lumber business under the firm name of Richmond & Delamater. In 1879 he was elected to his present position as manager of the Conneaut Lake Ice Company, a history of which appears in this volume. He has been City Aud- itor and member of the City Council ; is a member of the I. O. O. P. He is one of Meadville's most enterprising business men. In 1880 he was appointed Supervisor of Census of the Tenth District of Pennsylvania. In politics Mr. Richmond is a Republican. A. B. RICHMOND, attorney, Meadville, was born in Switzerland County, Ind. , April 26, 1825, son of Lawton and Sarah (Townsend) Richmond, natives of New England, of English descent, and is a direct descendant of John Richmond, the Puritan, who came over in the " Mayflower." His grandfather, William Richmond, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Lawton Rich- mond, subjeot's father, was a practicing physician and surgeon in the war of 1812. After the war he followed his profession in Indiana until 1834, when he removed to this county and practiced medicine until his death, which occurred in 1843. He was also a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and preached the first Methodist sermon in Chautauqua County, N. Y. He was parent of three daughters, who died young, and two sons, H. L., a prominent lawyer of Meadville, and A. B. Our subject attended Allegheny College, and then took a medical course and practiced for three years iu Mead- ville, during which time he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He has found his medical knowledge of much service in his law practice. Mr. Richmond is one of the most noted criminal lawyers in this State, having been employed in over 4,000 criminal cases, sixty-five being homicides. He is also an expert mechanic, and can make a clock or steam engine. In 1853 he was appointed Assistant Director of machinery at the Crystal Palace. Mr. Rich- mond has delivered many scientific lectures on philosophy, physiology and chemistry, making his own apparatus for illustrating his subjects. He has been a prominent temperance lecturer and author for many years; was State Commissioner for Pennsylvania at the "World's Pair, 1866. He is author of the great temperance work, ' ' Leaves From the Diary of an Old Lawyer, " which contains "Intemperance and Crime" and "Court and Prison; " also a tem- perance novel, "A Hawk in an Eagle's Nest," which have received the highest commendation from the press, and an extensive circulation. Our subject was married September 7, 1848, to Mary Jane, daughter of Levi Morris, of this county, and by this union were born three sons: Louis L., jeweler in Mead- ville, married to Miss Winnie Day, of Ohio (have two children, May W. and George D.); Hiram M., deceased, married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Daniel 766 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; Fowler, of Meadville (had one daughter, Marguerifcee F.); and Mai. Charles E., on the Governor's staff, now reading law with his father. JAMES D. EOBEETS, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Mercer County, Penn., August 9, 1850, son of Enoch and Mary (Calvin) Roberts, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the father of English, the mother of Irish descent. The father is a blacksmith, came to the county in 1856, and is still a resident of Fairfield Township. James D. is the eldest of a family of four children, one of whom is dead, and received his literary education at the New Lebanon Academy and the Edinboro State Normal, from which he graduated in 1873. He supported himself while in school, and after leaving school he taught for two years. He then commenced the study of law in the office of J. J. Henderson, of Meadville, being admitted to the district courts in 1876, and in 1878 to the Supreme Court of the State, and the United States District Circuit Courts. He was married, in 1880, to Flora A., daughter of Charles Forbes, a farmer and dairyman of this county. They have one child — Mary. Both are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he has recently been elected Elder, and has been for the past four years Superintend- ent of the Sabbath-school. WILLIAM RODDICK, Meadville, was born October 17, 1829, in Dum- friesshire, Scotland, where, after receiving a common school education, when sixteen years of age, he was employed upon public work, first in construction of sewerage, in Carlisle City, England. His parents were William and Mar- garet (Johnstone) Roddick, natives oE Scotland, the former a farmer. They had a family of niae children. In March, 1856, our subject came to this country, and three days after landing was employed as foreman of construc- tion on the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, and after the completion of the road he remained foreman until 1862, when he moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, and did the first work on the Jamestown & Ashtabala Railroad. In April, 1865, Mr. Roddick came to Meadville, where he has since remained. In the following spring he was appointed Street Commissioner, and at the end of the second year he was made Policeman and Street Commissioner, in which capacity he served two years, when the duties of High Constable, Fire Warden and Pound Keeper were added to his other duties, which positions he has held ever since. During his incumbency he has superintended a vast amount of work for the city. He was married, October 11, 1853, to Miss Mary McCall, of his native town, who followed him to America, six months after his immi- gration. Their children now living are: Anna, wife of James Elder, in Iowa; James, an engineer; Susan, at home; William, a boiler-maker, in Mead- ville, Penn. ; John, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Roddick are members of the Park Avenue Congregational Church, of which he has been Trustee since the organization. Mr. Roddick is a member of the I. O. O. F., being Past Noble Grand, Past Chief Patriarch, and a member of the Grand Lodge of the State; he is also a member of the K. of P. HENRY ROGERS, proprietor of the Colt House, Meadville, was born in Bradford County, Penn., in 1847, and is a son of Hiram and Abigail (Parks) Rogers, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English descent, his father being a wagon-maker by trade. They had a family of five children. Henry Rogers received a common school education in his native place, and first engaged in the oil business, in which, in all, he has spent seventeen years. In 1884 he started his present hotel business, which bids fair to be a success. He was married, in this city, in 1873, to Sabina, daughter of Sylvester Boyles, one of the first settlers in Meadville. In politics Mr. Rogers is an old-fashioned Jacksonian Democrat. MEADVILLE. 767 STJSAN F. KOSB, M. D., physician, Meadville, was born in the city of Philadelphia, September 21, 1845, and is a daughter of Peter and Eliza A. ■(Boyer) Kose. Her parents were also natives of Philadelphia, her father of Welsh and English, her mother of French descent. Peter Eose, who came with his family to this county about 1857, was a farmer and lumber dealer. He raised a family of eight children, Susan F. being the fourth. He died in 1882. Our subject received hei- education in the graded schools of her native ■city, and studied medicine under Dr. Smith in this county from 1872 to 1875. In 1873-74 she attended the Woman's Medical College at Philadelphia, and graduated at the Homceopathic Hospital and College at Cleveland, in the year 1875. She then commenced the practice of medicine at Townville, in this ■county, and two years later came to Meadville, where she has continued prac- tice. H. E. EOTH, Superintendent of Public Schools of Meadville, as an edu- ■cdtor is among the most prominent men of his age in the State of Pennsyl- vania. He was born in Pennsylvania, son of Eeuben S. and Anna M. Eupp, and is of German descent. He was reared on a farm and attended the district ■school until fourteen, when he went to Cumberland Valley Institute, where he pursued his studies with such diligence that at the age of eighteen he was able to enter the Dickinson College, taking a position in the junior class, and at twenty graduated with honors. In 1875 he was elected Professor of Mathe- matics in the Pennington Seminary, N. J., and in 1877 accepted a position at the head of the public schools of Sunbury, Penn., where he remained until 1881, since when he has occupied his present position. He is a thorough scholar and a good disciplinarian. He is a prominent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Eoth was married in 1878 to Amy C. , a daughter of W. E. F. Weimer, Sunbury, Penn. In 1883 Mrs. Eoth departed this life. AENOLD EUSSELL, engineer, Meadville, is an old and well-tried rail- road man, having served the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Eailroad for twen- ty. one years, and during all that time has never been called to the Superin- tendent's ofiSce for any misdemeanor or for any accident. He was born at Hohesdale, Wayne Co., Penn., October 23, 1845, and is a son of Gaylord and Esther (Walton) Eussell, of German and Irish descent. His father, who was a farmer, raised a family of six children, of whom Ai'uold is the fourth. Our subject received his education in his native county; in his eighteenth year he went on the railroad as fireman, and was running an engine before he reached his majority. For several years he ran a construction train on which he was both engineer and conductor. Since 1865 he has been first-class engineer on pas- senger trains. He is always prompt and ready for duty, and in twenty-one years has never missed a pay-day. He was married in 1866 to Miss Nancy, daughter of William Adams, a native of this county and of English descent. Their, children are: Lizzie, Mabel, William Henry and Eobert Stanley. Mrs. Eussell is a member of the Park Avenue Congregational Church. In politics he is Independent. During the war he enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment, but it was not called into active service. He is a prudent man and carries an insurance of $7,000 on his life. He is also owner of a farm of ninety acres in Hayfield Township, this county. He is a member of Knights of Pythias, the A. O. U. W., and of the American Legion of Honor. JOHN SCHEAFNOCKEE, Constable, Meadville, was born in Germany, October 10, 1831, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Minsenier) Scheaf- nooker, the former of whom, a weaver by trade, came to America in 1835, set- tling in Pittsburgh, Penn. John was first a newsboy in Pittsburgh, and what- ever education he has acquired was gathered outside the school-room. When 768 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he was old enough he was set to learn the painter's trade, and became a skilled carriage painter. In 1861 he came to Meadville and worked at his trade until his enlistment in the army as a member of Company A, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He is now a member of the G. A. R. For a time he had a shop here and car- ried on the painting business, but for the past seventeen years he has acted as Constable. HON. HENRY SHIPPEN (deceased) was born December 28, 1788, in Lancaster City, Penn. He graduated at Dickenson College, Carlisle, Penn., studied law in his native city and commenced practicing his profession there. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wallis Evans (a grand-daughter of John Lukens, the first Surveyor-General of the State), a native of Northum- berland, Penn., who bore him nine children, five of whom are now living: Mrs. Edgar Huidekoper, Meadville; Edward, in Louisville Ky. ; Evans W., in Mead- ville; Rev. R. R., in Washington, D. C. ; and Joseph, in Chicago, 111. Mr. Shippen was Captain of the Lancaster Horse, First Brigade, Fourth Division, in the war of 1812, James Buchanan, afterward President of the United States, serving as private under him. After the war he moved to Huntingdon, Penn. , from where he was sent as a member of the Legislature of the State, and followed his profession there till 1825, when he was appointed by the Governor President Judge of the Sixth Judicial District, comprising Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren Counties, serving until his death in 1839. The subject of this sketch possessed a judicial mind of the highest attainment, inherited from a long line of ancestry, each one of the four pre- ceding generations of the Shippen f ami ly having given to the State a Judge. His great- great-grandfather, Edward Shippen, a Quaker (a son of William Ship- pen, a member of Parliament from Presbury, Cheshire, England) was born in 1639 in England, immigrated to Boston in 1668, moved to Philadelphia in 1693, was Speaker of the Assembly in 1695, and from 1696 to 1700 was member of the Provincial Council. William Penn named him, in the charter October 25, 1701, as the first Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, and on the death of Penn's depiity, Hamilton, of New Jersey, May, 1 703, he became the head of the Govern- ment. At this time he was also a Provincial Judge. His great-grandfather, Joseph Shippen, born in Boston in 1678, was amongst the men of science of his day,\ and in 1727 joined Dr. Benjamin Franklin in founding the Junto in Philadelphia. His grandfather, Edward Shippen, was born in Boston in 1703, was Mayor of the city of Philadelphia in 1744, and was afterward Judge under both the Provincial and State Government. His father, Joseph Shippen (brother of Edward Shippen, Chief Justice in 1799), was born in Philadelphia in 1732, commissioned Colonel in the Provincial Army in 1758, and served in the expedition that captured Fort Du Quesne; commissioned Secretary of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania in 1762, and was appointed Judge of Lancaster Court in 1789. EVANS W. SHIPPEN, oil producer, Meadville, was born in Huntingdon, Penn., March 16, 1824, son of Hon. Henry and Elizabeth W. (Evans) Shippen. He came to Meadville with his parents in 1825, and acquired his education in the common schools and at Allegheny College. From 1844 to 1863 he was engaged in the iron business in Lancaster and Philadelphia Cities. He became interested in the production of petroleum while living in Philadelphia in 1860, soon after the first oil well was drilled, chartered a barque and shipped one of the first full cargoes of oil to England. In 1864 he returned to reside in Meadville. He was united in marriage in Philadelphia, in 1851, with Catherine Y. McElwee, a great-grand-daughter of Judge Jasper Yeates, MEADVILLE. 769 author and compiler of Yeates' Reports, and who was Chief Justice of Penn- sylvania from 1791 to 1817. Her grandfather, Charles Smith, was Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, and her father, Thomas B. MoElwee, was an attorney in Bedford, Penn. Mr. Shippen has in his possession many old let- ters, books and papers of provincial times. He is a representative business man fostering a number of enterprises in this and Venango Counties. JAMES J. SHRYOCK, retired merchant and railroad President, Meadville, was born in Conneautville, Crawford Co., Penn., March 12, 1821, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (MoNamara) Shryock. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania, of English descent. His father, born in Maryland, of German lineage, came to this county in 1818, and manufactured salt in Beaver Town- ship until 1822, when he came to Meadville and engaged in merchandising till 1842. He reared six children. Our subject, the eldest son, was educated at the Meadville Academy, graduating in 1837. He then clerked for his father till 1839, when he embarked in general merchandising. In 1855 he was appointed Director of the Pittsburgh & Erie Railroad Company by the com- missioners of this county. In 1857, in company with J. D. Gill, he bought the Cussewago Mills. In 1858 he became one of the incorporators of the Meadville Railroad Company, now merged into the Atlantic & Great Western, and was elected a Director. In 1859 he was one of the incorporators of the New York Division of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, and was chosen Director. In the same year he sent several samples of the newly discovered petroleum to London, England; in December, 1861, he purchased 3,000 barrels for that market. In 1864 he became one of the Board of Directors of the New Lisbon, Ohio, Railroad Company. In 1865 he was elected President of the Pennsyl- vania Division of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, the same year a Director in the Mercer Mining & Manufacturing Company and also of the Shenango & Allegheny Railroad Company. On the consolidation of the rail- roads of the Atlantic & Great Western Company, in 1866, he was elected Vice- President, and the same year was appointed a Director of the Pithole Railroad Company. > When the Atlantic & Great Western passed iMo the hands of a receiver in 1867, Mr. Shryock was made his assistant, and in 1868 became President of the Shenango & Allegheny Cornpany. He was elected President of the Meadville Water Company in 1874; in 1880 was elected President of the Meadville Railway Company. Mr. Shryock has been twice married, on first occasion, 1842, toPriscilla, daughter of Robert Gill, who bore him three chil- dren, viz.: John J., a carpet merchant; Frank R,, milling; and Emma, wife of Noble H. Merwin, of Cleveland, Ohio. This wife dying in 1869, he was remarried, 1871, to Mary, daughter of George A. Shryock, of Philadelphia, a manufacturer, who was the first tn make straw boards, extensively used at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Shryock are members of the Park Avenue Con- gregational Church, of which he is a Trustee. He is also one of the incorpora- tors and a Director of the Greendale Cemetery and for many years was a Trustee of Allegheny College. JOHN J. SHRYOCK, merchant, Meadville, was born in Meadville August 8, 1853, and is a son of James J. and P. L. (Gill) Shryock, the former a promi- nent citizen of Meadville. Our subject is the second of three children, and received his education in the common school of Meadville and at Allegheny College. In 1873 he obtained a position as clerk in a wholesale carpet store in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained two years. He then embarked in busi- ness with T. A. Delamater, and they continued with success until 1883, since which time Mr. Shryock has continued the business alone, being the most extensive dealer in this part of the State, selling to all neighboring towns and 770 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: not infrequently adjoining States. He married September 13, 1883, Adelaide Louise, daughter of L. C. Magaw, a prominent merchant of Meadville. Mr. and Mrs. Shr jock are members of the Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Democrat. A. W. SMITH, President of the Meadville Business College, was born in Vernon Township, Trumbull Co. , Ohio, September 18, 1883, and is a son of Conrad M. and Sarah (Hall) Smith, both natives of New Jersey, and of Ger- man and French descent. Our subject was reared on the farm until seventeen years old, and received his education at Vernon Academy. He then com- menced to learn carpentering, working at his trade in summer, and teaching district school in winter, for five years. He then entered upon his college course, and in two years graduated, being then twenty-four years of age. In 1860 he was engaged as Principal of the academy at Greenupburg, Ky. He also attended Hiram College while James A. Garfield was President of it. At one time Mr. Smith accepted the Superintendency of the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Cincinnati, and after a time was transferred to the Albany college. He was also engaged at times in New York, Brooklyn, Troy, and Cleveland. In 1865 he formed a copartnership with Bryant & Stratton, and opened the Meadville Business College. Under his management the college has had an attendance of 126 students per year, most of whom graduated and now hold prominent positions. In 1862 our subject was married to Mary J., daughter of Hiram Moe, a native of New York and of Scotch descent. Mr. Smith has served three years as Auditor of the county. EDWARD P. SPRAGUE, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Meadville, was born October 18, 1843, and is a son of Rev. Daniel G. and Caroline (Wood) Sprague. His father, who was a Presbyterian minister, had a family of foar children, of whom Edward P. is the youngest. Our subject received his education in Newark, N. J., and at "Williston Seminary, East- hampton, Mass., then afterward took a regular course at the University of New York City. He was the first in rank of scholarship, and valedictorian of the class in 1864. He then entered the Andover Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1867, and was ordained pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., in April, 1868. He was married the same year to Miss Sarah P., daughter of Dr. Henry S. Dering, of Long Island, N. Y. They have two children: Vesta D. and Dering J. He con- tinued as pastor at Salem until 1881, and during his pastorate he wrote a biography of his father, and a history of the church at Salem, which were pub- lished in pamphlet form and are now a part of the history of the county, being extensively read and published in other histories. In 1881 he resigned his pastorate to accept his present charge, where he was installed November 3, 1881. In his political views Mr. Sprague is a Republican. He is distin- guished for his fluency as a public speaker, and is beloved by all for his social qualities. H. STEELE, proprietor of steam bakery, Meadville, was born in Herki- i mer County, N. Y., December 16, 1820, and is a son of Adam and Dorothy (Daggett) Steele, natives of New York and of German descent, former a car- penter by trade. They had a family of seven children, of whom H. is the youngest. Our subject received his education in Jamestown, N. Y., and until twenty-six years of age worked in a sash and blind factory. He then came to Meadville, engaging for twenty-two years in the foundry business; he made the machinery used by Mr. Drake in boring for oil. He then went into the oil business for himself, having the good fortune to strike oil, and is still dealing in this article, owning oil lands. He was married in Meadville to Catharine MEADVILLE. 771 J. Frost, and their children are: Albert H. , a railroad President, residing in Chicago ; Bryan C, a manufacturer in Chicago ; Fletcher A., in Meadville ; William, a merchant in Ohio ; George, in railroad business; Homer, and Lucy M., a widow. In his political views Mr. Steele affiliates with the Kepublican party. FRANK A. STRIFFLER, proprietor of the "Budd House, " Meadville, was born September 17, 1853, in Warren County, Ohio, son of Sebastian and Barbara (Beck) Striffler, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1845, settling for a time in Pittsburgh, Penn. , but after a few years removing to Butler County, Penn., and from there to Warren County, Ohio. Sebastian Striffler was by trade a merchant tailor. They were parents of nine children, six now living, viz. : Christina, Mary, Peter, Frank A. , Matilda and Maggie. Our subject was educated in Meadville, Penn., and graduated from the com- mercial college. He was married March 28, 1875, to Lena, daughter of Jacob Michael, by whom he has three children: Frank, Maggie and Clara. Mr. Striffler took charge of the "Budd House" in April, 1881. This first-class hotel is located on Water Street, convenient to the railroad station, a bus being sent to meet all trains. The "Budd House," under Mr. Striffler 's manage- ment, offers best advantages to the traveling public at most reasonable rates. Our subject is a member of the C. B. A., of Meadville. WILLIAM THOMEIER, shoe-maker, Meadville, was born in Germany, July 25,1840; and is a son of Peter J., and Frances K. (Ottimen) Thomeier, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1855, and in 1856 settled in Meadville. Peter J. Thomeier was a stone-mason. • Our subject, who is third of a family of seven, since eighteen years of age has worked at shoe-making, and since 1862 in Meadville. He was married in 1865 to Miss C. C. Kopp, a native of Germany, and they have had seven children, six of whom are yet living. They are: Anna, Katie, Fannie, Emma, Charles and Edna. The fifth child, Franklin, is deceased. In politics Mr. Thomeier is a Democrat; he is a member of the City Council; is the owner of two houses and lots, and has made his own way in the world. TOTMAN & HEISERMAN, builders of fine light buggies, Park Avenue, Meadville, came from Ohio to this city in 1883, embarking in their present business, turning out only first-class work of the best material. Their busi- ness this year is double that of last year, and they now employ nine men. They have spent their time at their business since boyhood. The senior mem- ber of the firm, H. M. Totman, was born in Connecticut in 1853, and is a son 'of A. C. and Martha (Atkins) Totman, of English and Scotch ancestry, the father a jeweler by trade. He received his education and in 1868 graduated at East Bloomfield Academy, New York. As he has been engaged for sixteen years as a carriage trimmer, and during that time has worked in some of the largest carriage manufactories in America, his experience eminently qualifies him for his department of the work. He was married in 1876 to Miss Belle Thomp- son, in Ohio. They have four children: Georgia, Norma, Juanita and Win- nie. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Totman is a Republican. W. E. Heiserman is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born July 17, 1852, and is a son of Gideon and Rebecca (Smith) Heiserman, of German descent, parents of seven children, of whom our subject is second. He was educated in Paris, Ohio; has most of his life worked at wood finishing on carriages, and is a master workman. He was married in Ohio, in 1881, to Miss Belle Miller. They have one daughter — Araminta. They are members of the English Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. GEORGE D. TRAWIN, wholesale and retail dealer in dry goods, notions, 772 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: etc. , 904 and 906 Water Street, Meadville. As one of the most prominent industries and praiseworthy enterprises that have tended to develop the mer- cantile interests of Meadville, more than a passing reference is due to the mammoth establishment of George D. Trawin, who may safely be said to be the best representative of the rising trade of the city. Mr. Trawin is a native of New Jersey, and previous to coming to Meadville was engaged in the dry goods business in Cleveland, Ohio, Cincinnati and other points. He has been connected with the business interests of this place for the past six years, and deservedly enjoys the confidence of the purchasing public of the city and sur- rounding country, as his experience, dating back some twenty years, and extenlsive facilities in every respect, good business qualities, together with personal attention to every department of his establishment, and discretion in the purchasing of goods, eminently qualify him to transact his flourishing business with satisfaction to all classes of the community; and it is a well known fact that the establishment is not operated in the interests of any one special class to the exclusion of any other class, but all alike are courteously attended by a staff of twenty to twenty-five courteous assistants. The house was originally established by W. H. Andrews in the year 1858, but has been under the proprietorship of Mr. Trawin since 1881, and since that date the business has attained its highest usefulness and secured its greatest patronage. The building occupied is 46 feet in width by 130 feet in depth, and is in all respects a central and noticeably flourishing institution. COL. C. "W. TYLER, attorney at law, Meadville, was born in Montrose, Susquehanna Co., Penn., March 6, 1838. His grandfather, Simeon Tyler, was of good New England stock, a native of Massachusetts. His grandmother was a Brewster, also of Massachusetts, and a descendant of the Puritan Brew- sters. His father, Simeon Tyler, Jr., was born in Connecticut, but moved with his father into Susquehanna when that county was a wilderness. His family consisted of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest; only one other, a sister, is now living. Col. Tyler was raised on a farm, and, in his early days, shared the privations incident to a new and par- tially developed country. At the early age of ten years he was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade, dividing his time for several years between the print- ing ofSce and the local academy, with an occasional summer on the farm. In the summer of 1855 he worked at his trade in Syracuse, N. Y. In January, 1856, he attended New York Central College, at McGrawsville, Cortland Co. , N. Y. In July of that year he left this institution for Homer, N. Y., in the same county, where he remained for nearly two years, attending a seminary which ranked high as an educational institution. During this time he taught school one winter in Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y. From Homer he returned to Montrose, where, after working one season on a farm, he read law with Hon. F. B. Streeter, who was Solicitor of the Treasury under President Pierce. Col. Tyler was admitted to the bar in 1860. Being in poor health, early in 1861 he visited Minnesota, returning to Montrose in the spring of 1862, much bene- fitted by his Western trip. In August of that year he assisted in raising a company of volunteers, of which he was elected Captain, and joined the One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at Harris- burg. He was with his regiment in the Army of the Potomac, participating in all the great battles of that heroic army from Second Bull Run to just prior to the surrender at Appomattox. At Chancellorsville and in the wilderness he received slight wounds. At Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, he was severely wounded by a minie ball through the right leg. Returning to his regiment in the following December, he was promoted to be Major, vice Maj. Spalding, who MEADVILLE. 773 lost a leg at Gettysburg and who subsequently died. In June, 1864, he was promoted to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, vice Lieut.-Col. Watkins, killed on the 18th day of May, before Petersburg. About this time Madill, Colonel of the regiment, who for some time had been in command of a bri- gade, was promoted to be Brigadier-General, which entitled the subject of our sketch to a commission as a full Colonel, but owing to an unfortunate order of the Secretary of War, promotion was denied to officers whose regiments were below the minimum. In March, 1865, ill health compelled Col. Tyler to resign his commission, and he returned to Susquehanna County and engaged in the practice of law. At the request of Hon. W. H. Jessup, Assessor of Internal Revenue for that district, Col. Tyler was appointed one of the Assist- ant Assessors. Soon after Mr. Jessup was removed by President Johnson, and the position was tendered to Col. Tyler if he would become a supporter of the President in his conflict with his party. Col. Tyler declined to " Johnsonize," as it was called, and he was soon removed, to accommodate some one more pliant. In August, 1867, Col. Tyler removed to Meadville, entering into part- nership with R. Lyle White in the publication of the Meadville Republican. Two years later, disposing of his interest in the Republican, he purchased the Crawford Journal, which he conducted until 1872, when he retired from the printing business, and again embarked in the practice of law, in which pro- fession he is stilf engaged, being now associated with P. P. Hallock, Esq., under the firm name of Tyler & Halloek. In 1876 Col. Tyler was elected, as a Republican, to the Pennsylvania Legislature, serving during the years 1877 and 1878. He was again elected in 1880 for a new term of two years. He was one of the " Independents " during the Senatorial contest in the Legisla- ture, which attracted the attention of the whole country. He was nominated for re-election in 1882, but defeated at the general election, owing to dissen- sions in the Republican party, although he received within twenty votes of the highest on his ticket. In the spring of 1883 the citizens of the First Ward of Meadville, without distinction of party, unanimously elected him to the City Council, of which he is still a member. He is one of the Trustees of the Meadville Theological School; a Past Master of Crawford Lodge, No. 234, A, Y. M., and a Past Grand of Crawford Lodge, No. 734, of the I. O. O. F. , which Lodge he has at several times represented in the Grand Lodge of the State. Col. Tyler was married, March 14, 1864, to Lucy T. Warner, of Montrose, Penn. They have had four children, only two of whom are now living: Lizzie R., born in August, 1866, and Mabel, born in October, 1868. ANDREW J. WALP, stoves and tinware, Meadville, was born in this city, July 10, 1840, and is the son of David and Elizabeth (Geller) Walp, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and early settler of this county, the latter a native of Germany. They had a family of seven children, of whom Andrew J. is the eldest. The family grew up in Meadville, receiving their education in the common schools. Andrew J. chose the tinner's trade, which has been his occupation for twenty-seven years, an experience that places him at the head of his business. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary P., daughter of Henry McCoy, a native of Meadville, and of Scotch-Irish descent. They had six children, of whom five survive. Their names are Carrie E. ; George, in his father's store; Addie; A. J. Jr., deceased; Frank and Willie at school. Mr. Walp is a Republican in politics; is a member of the K. of P., and is a Knight Templar. PHILIP P. WENZ, Justice of the Peace, Meadville, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 15, 1845, and is a son of Philip G. and Sarah (Kahler) 774 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Weiiz, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1858 and raised a family of four children, of whom Philip P. is the youngest. He remained with his parents taking care of them in old age. His mother is still living at the advanced age of seventy-nine; his father passed away in 1884, in his eightieth year. They resided for many years in Meadville. Mr. Wenz was a candidate for Clerk of the Courts in 1881, and received a flattering vote, though defeated with the rest of the Democratic ticket, but the following spring was elected Jus- tice of the Peace by a large majority. He received his education partly in his native land and partly in Meadville Academy, and Bryant, Stratton & Smith's Commercial College, where he graduated with honor. Mr. Wenz followed the tailoring business in Meadville for many years, until he was elected Justice of the Peace. Peter Wenz, the eldest son of Philip G. and Sarah (Kahler) Wenz, and brother of the above named, was well known among the Christian people of Meadville about the years 1859 and 1860, as an educated young man, who resigned a lucrative position in the Bavarian Revenue Service, and came to Meadville in the former year and entered Allegheny College to prepare him- self for the missionary work. He died in 1860, before he was fully prepared to enter into that field of usefulness, loved and respected bv all. HENRY ERB WILSON, merchant and distiller. This gentleman takes high rank as one of the most successful business men of Meadville. He is a son of Samuel and Nancy (McDonald) Wilson, natives of Belfast, Ireland. In 1843 the father of our subject came over to America and located upon Gov- ernment land near Hamilton, Ontario, engaging at once in agriculture. At this date the present prosperous city of Hamilton contained a population not exceeding a dozen permanent citizens, and what are now center lots of the city could have been purchased at the rate of 14 per acre. Previous to his coming to America, Samuel Wilson had married and was the father of three children, and after three years of prosperity in the land of his adoption, he returned to the old country and brought over his family to the home he had prepared for them, and for more than forty years he has continued to reside and prosper upon the lands he originally took up. To the union of Samuel and Nancy Wilson were born six children: Mary Ann, married to Louis Mills, Esq., of Hamilton, Ontario; James, deceased; Lizzie C, residing with Henry E.; Mag- gie, married to John Anderson, Esq., of Hamilton, Ontario; Hugh, residing in Went worth County, Ontario, and Henry E., who was born on his father's farm, June 2, 1853. Until twelve years of age he lived the usual life of a well-to-do, industrious farmer's son. He then went to reside with his brother- in-law, Louis Mills, with whom he remained three years, the greater part of the time being spent in attendance at an excellent literary academy. At fif- teen he was influenced by reports of oil operations to go to Oil City, Penn., and was inspired with an ambitious hope to acquire a fortune. He remained there nine years, serving in the capacity of clerk for various parties. In 1872 and 1873 he visited the home of his parents. In the latter part of this year we find him employed as clerk in Meadville with Tracy Colt, in whose service he continued four years. Here, on a borrowed capital of $150, he assumed the lease of the property, corner of Chestnut and Water Streets, known as the St. Cloud. At this writing he continues to occupy these premises, conducting thereat a general restaurant business, and in addition a railroad ticket broker- age office, he being a well-known member of the Ticket Brokers' Association of the United States. In January, 1882, our subject purchased the Peiffer Dis- tillery, and is now engaged in the manufacture of that celebrated and popular brand of liquor made at that establishment. In May, 1882, he still added to MEADVILLE. 775 his business interests by opening a wholesale liquor store on Chestnut Street, and becoming a heavy importer of the best foreign stock. By dealing always in reliable goods and paying strict and unremitting attention to the advance- ment of his commercial interests, Mr. Wilson has succeeded in thoroughly establishing himself as one of the solid business men of the city of Mead- ville. Mr. Wilson is an A. F. & A. M., a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. of P. and Royal Arcanum. REV. FRANZ WINTER, pastor of St. Agatha's Church, Meadville, was born October 11, 1840, in Haste, near Osnabruck, kingdom of Hanover. He attended the parish school from seven to fourteen years of age, and the Gym- nasium Carolinum at Osnabruck. In 1872 Mr. Winter came to America. For four years he attended St. Vincent College, near Latrobe, Westmoreland Co., Penn. He was ordained priest August 24, 1876, and served for a short time at Meadville, Penn. On September 24, 1876, he took charge of the newly erected St. Elizabeth Church at Corry, Penn., which was dedicated for divine worship that day. Since the end of October, 1883, our subject has been trans- ferred from Corry to St. Agatha's Church, Meadville. WILLIAM M. WOODRUFF, insurance agent, Meadville, was born May 30, 1843, in Portage County, Ohio, and is a son of Chauncey and Paulina (Bray) Woodruff, natives of Connecticut, and of English and Scotch descent. His father died in 1851, and his mother lived to be eighty-six years of age. Our subject is the youngest of a family of eleven children, and at the age of eighteen he learned telegraphy, which he followed until 1872. Since then he has been in the employment of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, and is now district agent. He was married December 25, 1866, to Jessie Wood, and they have three children: William B. , Frank M. and Harry P. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,, of which for several years he has been Steward and Trustee, and for seven years Treasurer. C. M. YATES, M. D., Meadville, was born January 2, 1804, at German- town, a suburb of Philadelphia, son of John and Mary (Riter) Yates, former a native of London, England, and formerly a shipping merchant of Philadel- phia; latter a native of Trenton, N. J. Our subject was left an orphan at the- age of about eight years, and his father's estate permitting him to receive a thorough education he was placed under the charge of Rev. Francis A. Luther, a private instructor, with whom he remained several years, and from his tuition he entered Garrison Academy, near Baltimore, Md. , where he completed his^ literary education. When eighteen years of age he then studied under Prof. Samuel Baker, of that city, finishing his medical education at the University of Maryland in 1825. The Doctor then immediately commenced the practice of his profession, locating at Meadville, Penn. , where he continued in active and successful practice for forty years, and then retired. Our subject was united in marriage in 1826 with Maria A., sister of James B. Buchanan, and to this union were born five children, one now surviving— Mary Dunham. The Doctor was again married about 1850, on this occasion to Clara, daughter of Dr. Chamberlain, of this county. By this union were seven children, six now living, viz. : William M. , married to Margaret Spade, of Meadville, Penn. (have one child, Dora Clara; they live in Meadville); Anna, wife of D. P. McClintock, a native of Ireland (have four children: Clara, Marie, Charles and an infant daughter; they reside in New York City); Albert; Emma, wife of Arthur Greenes (have two children; they reside in Minnesota); Frank, mar- ried to Ella Ewing, a native of this county (have one child, Ray); and Jennie. Dr. Yates is the only surviving member of the original chartered lodge of 776 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ■ Meadville F. & A. M. , which may be regarded the parent lodge of that fra- ternity for all northwestern Pennsylvania. JOHN W. ZONE, liveryman, Meadville, was born in Woodcock Township, this county, February 15, 1829, and is a son of Peter and Catharine (Swartz) Zone, natives of Lehigh County, Penn., and of Pennsylvania- German origin. His father was a laborer, and came to Woodcock Township in 1827; owning there a farm, which he continued to work until his decease in 1883. He raised a family of two sons and two daughters, John W. being the eldest in the fam- ily. The mother was twice married, and was a widow when she married Mr. Zone. Our subject was reared on the farm until his twentieth year, when he worked by the month for a time, then came to Meadville, where he followed teaming and draying for fifteen years. He then went into the livery business, which he has carried on most of the time since. He was married in 1854 to Eliza, daughter of Daniel Shartle, and of German descent. They have four children, two now living: Frank H, in the livery business, married, and Emma May, at home. Mrs. Zone is a member of the German Reformed Church, Mr. Zone of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and K. of P. ; in politics a Republican. ATHENS TOWNSHIP. CHARLES F. ADAMS, deceased, was bom in Susquehanna County, Penn., April 2, 1816, son of Asa and Sibyl Adams. While teaching school in Hayfield Township, this county, our subject became acquainted with Miss Eveline Lefevre, whom he married June 6, 1844. She was born May 20, 1820, daughter of the pioneers, Adam and Mary Lefevre. To this union were born the following children: Adella L., deceased; Emma M., deceased at eighteen years of age; Charles J., deceased, and Edwin P., an express agent at Halstead, Kan. After living on a farm for a few years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Adams moved to Meadville, Penn., in 1848, where our subject was elected Sheriff of Crawford County, creditably discharg- ing the duties of same. At the expiration of his term of ofSce Mr. Adams car- ried on a general merchandising store for about sixteen years at Conneautville. In 1871 Mr. Adams was elected Jury Commissioner, and was then re-elected, which te^m expired in fall of 1872. They then lived for some years on a farm near Meadville, and in 1877 went to Sterling, Rice Co., Kan. There Mr. Adams, who was a useful and influential citizen, died July 8, 1881. His remains are buried at Conneautville, this county. His widow now resides in her native township, enjoying the comforts of a serene and peaceful old age. FRANKLIN ADAMS, farmer, P. O. Riceville, was born July 28, 1832, in Susquehanna County, Penn., son of Asa and Sibyl Adams, who came to this county about 1836, locating in Athens Township in 1837. The former died February 16, 1862, aged seventy-seven years; the latter died May 29, 1858. Here our subject grew up, enduring the hardships that fell to the lot of a pioneer's son. He married, January 2, 1854, Ruth A. Parker, born in Catta- raugus County, N. Y., February 23, 1832, daughter of Tbomas and Mary Parker. When eighteen years old she came to this county with her parents, from Chau- tauqua County, N. Y. Our subject and wife settled in this township after their marriage, chiefly devoting themselves to farming. They have acquired a ATHENS TOWNSHIP. 777 comfortable home, having purchased, in 1874, the old Clement's farm, where they now live. They have one son — Thomas Eugene— ^who married Viola Hall. They reside near Grand Valley, Warren Co., Penn., and have a family of four children: Jasper C, George "M., Mattie B. and William F. Mrs. Franklin Adams is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub- ject is an A. F. & A. M., and a member of the K. of H. He is a stanch Repub- lican; a man of much influence in the community. WILLIAM G. ASH, farmer, P. O. Riceville, was born March 31, 1852, in Cussewago Township, this county, son of Jonas and Sarah Ash. He was reared on his father's farm, acquiring his education in the district schools. He mar- ried, April 29, 1873, Rebecca E. Colter, born in Venango Township, August 7, 1852, daughter of John and Phebe (Scott) Colter, who were also natives of Venango Township. By this union were born two children: Mina M. and Ray M. After their marriage our subject and wife lived in Venango Town- ship three years, locating, in 1876, on their present farm, which consists of 100 acres of land. Mrs. Ash is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ash is an energetic and successful young farmer, and is winning the esteem of the whole community. In politics he supports the Republican party. JOHN G. ASH, farmer, P. O. Riceville, was born October 19, 1853, in Cussewago Township, this county, and is the son of Jongs and Sarah Ash, who were among the pioneers of that township. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the home dis- trict. He was united in marriage November 18, 1873, with Alvira Brace, daughter of Josiah and Mary Ann Brace, of Hayfield Township, this county. They came to Athens Township the next year and purchased the farm they now occupy, comprising 100 acres of well improved land. Their children are Florence May and Everett DeForest. Mr. Ash has always been a Republican. He is an industrious, enterprising young farmer respected by all. JAMES BIUWELL, proprietor of saw-mill, Little Cooley, was born in this township May 3, 1888; son of Cyrus and Elizabeth Bidwell, the former of whom, when a lad, came to this county with his father, Russell Bidwell, and July 4, 1837, married Elizabeth Smith, daughter of George Smith, of Blooming Valley, and settled in Athens Township. They were parents of the following children: James, Mrs. Mary Ann Higby, Lewis, Oscar, Loren, Benton, Albert, Emma (died May 1, 1872), Rebecca and Darwin C. Cyrus Bidwell departed this life December 12, 1882. Our subject, the oldest son of these early pioneers, spent his boyhood days engaged mainly in performing the duties that fell to the lot of a farmer's boy in those early times, and attended the district schools. In 1872 he purcjhased the saw-mill on Muddy Creek, formerly owned by Thomas Smith. He had previously bought a farm and engaged in farming on his own account. Mr. Bidwell is an upright, reliable business man. He still carries on the mill, engaging in farming through the summers. He has ever been a Democrat, inheriting his principles from past generations. HARRISON H. BOYLE, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., October 19, 1821; son of Jesse and Sarah (Kelley) Boyle, who, after a four years' residence in Allegany County, N. Y., came to this county in 1837, and here lived a few years in Meadville and Randolph townships before they settled permanently in Spring Township, about 1843, where they died. The children born to this couple are: Mrs S. M. Hamilton, Harrison H, Jonas, Lucy (now Mrs. A. Sperry), Charles S., George, LaFayette, Dwight, Mary (now Mrs. Page, of Dorset, Ohio), and Arvilla (now Mrs. Doty, of 42 778 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: McPherson County, Kan.). Our subject, after traveling some years, during- which time he visited most of {jhe States in the Union, married, February 25, 1847, Sarah M. Corell, born in Livingston Co., N. Y., March 21, 1830, daughter of James and Marilla Corell, of Athens. By this union are the fol- lowing children: Wellington, married to Ella Brand; Fayette, married to Eva Cory; Bruce E. and* Nellie. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle are members of the Congregational Church, and are ardent friends of the cause of education, giving their children both literary and musical advantages. They settled after their marriage on their present farm (now a part of Centreville Borough), to which they have added until it now comprises some 330 acres. Their house being burned in 1872, they replaced it by their present handsome residence. Mr. Boyle is a man of sterling character, and is a useful citizen. LEANDER AARON CONNER, farmer, P. O. Riceville, was born in 1834 in Chautauqua County, N. Y.; son of James and Nancy (Correll) Conner, natives of Ulster County, N. Y., and Lancaster County, Penn., respectively, and who, after living in Chautauqua County, N. Y., several years, came to this county, settling in Athens Township in 1842. They were parents of the fol- lowing children: Henry, in Chautauqua County, N. Y. ; William; James F. , Abel and Winfield in Michigan; Mrs. Roxana Yarrington, of Iowa; and L. Aaron, besides four deceased. Mrs. Conner departed this life March 17, 1881, Mr. Conner following her June 6, 1883. They were an upright, pioneer peo- ple of the strictest honor. Our subject grew to manhood, sharing the many disadvantages common to the sons of the early settlers, improving, to the best of his ability, the limited educational opportunities afforded him. He spent six years, while a young man, traveling over the various States in the North- west, and returned in 1858. In 1861 he married Julia B. Goldfinch, born at Elizabeth, N. J., in 1843, daughter of William and Christiana Goldfinch, of Folkestone, England. They uien settled dovsn on the old homestead, com- prising seventy-five acres of well- improved land, taking care of Mr. Conner's parents until their decease. They have one son — Leon A. Both are firm adherents of the Baptist faith and enthusiastic advocates af the temperance cause. Mr. Conner, a carpenter and joiner by trade, as was his father before him, is a skillful mechanic. ISAAC W. CUMMINGS, farmer, P. O. Lincolnville, a native of Massa- chusetts, was born June 28, 1811. His parents. Dr. Nathan and Phebe (Max- well) Cummings, started to come to this county in 1812, but owing to the war remained in New York State until 1815, when they came to and settled in Cambridgeboro, Penn. Dr. Cummings was the first physician in Cambridge Township, for many years bravely enduring alone all the hardships of a pio- neer practitioner, and ended a useful liie highly respected by all who knew him. He was the parent of twelve children. Our subject, the ninth in the family, was married August 23, 1833, to Louisa Swift, of Woodcock Township, this county. By this union were the following children: Linns Serrel, in Michi- gan; Mrs. Bede J. Skelton (deceased); Isaac D. (deceased); William D. (deceased); Dean, in Richmond Township, this county; Mrs. Eunice A. Faulk- enberg; Mrs. Mary S. Nodine (deceased); Curtis C, in Woodcock Township, this county; Isaac W.; Mrs. Phebe. L. Hume; and Mrs. Susan S. Pinney. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings, after spending several years each in Richmond, Wood- cock, Venango and Bloomfield Townships, finally settled in 1880 on their pres- ent farm in Athens Township. Mr. Cummings has followed lumbering quite extensively. About 1853 he was engaged in mercantile business for two years in Richmond Township in partnership with James Leffingwell; was also in same business about 1858-59 in Venango Township along with Erastus 0. ATHENS TOWNSHIP. 779 Beach Previously he operated a saw-mill for two years in Sparta Township. He is a Democrat politically; was twice elected Justice of the Peace, and has; filled various other township offices with credit to himself and to the satisfao- tion of the people. M. DOBBS, 8R., farmer, P. O. Lincolnville, was born in Canada, March 18, 1787, son of Michael Dobbs, a soldier in the Eevolutionary war who bore- many scara received in its hard-fought battles, and grandson of Michael Dobbs, a native of England. Our subject moved to the State of Vermont dur- ing the war of 1812, coming to this county about 1830. Here he married Mary Phelps, who was then but sixteen years of age. By this union were born six children — three boys and three girls — Michael Jr., Andrew Jackson, Samuel E., Elner, Mary and Betsy. Mr. and Mrs. Dobbs are still living and enjoy- ing the respect of the community. ALONZO DRAKE", farmer, P. O. Little Cooley, was born in Genesee- County, N. Y., March 4, 1819; son of James and Sallie Drake, who came to this township in 1831. Our subject came here with his parents, and was brought up on his father's farm, enjoying the limited educational advantages- of those early days. He married, November 5, 1846, Sophronia Wilford, borni in Genesee County, N. Y., June 26, 1825, and came to this county in 1843, with her parents, Jeremiah and Clara Wilford. Mr. and Mrs. Drake settled' on the old homestead in this township, comprising seventy-five acres of well'- improved land, where they still reside. The children born to this union are — Leroy W:, married to Caroline Smith, living on an adjoining farm; Stanley, married to Effie Rondebush, teaching in Titusville Commercial College; Clara M. ; and J. Clifton. Mr. Drake has ever been a Republican. He takes a deep interest in the public affairs of his township; has satisfactorily filled various; of its offices and has served fourteen years as School Director. He has always led a life of justice and morality; is independent in his religious views, and is one, of the most useful and influential citizens of Athens Township. LEVANT J. DRAKE, bridge-builder and Postmaster, Little Cooley, waa born in Allegany CoUnty, N. Y., March 23, 1823; son of James and Sallie^ (Marvin) Drake, natives respectively of Seneca and Otsego Counties, N. Y. , an 1825, in Bloomfield Township, this county; sou of Israel and Elizabeth (Bloomfield) Shreve, direct descendants of the pioneers, Richard Shreve and Thomas Bloomfield, whose characteristics are mentioned elsewhere. Our sub- 798 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: jeot united with the Baptist Church at the age of twenty-five years, and stud- ied theology. He was ordained at Bloomtield in 1853. January 1, 1856, he married Miss Plorella Nourse, a daughter of William and Ruth (Bobbins) Nourse. She was born October 22, 1822, in Londonderry, Windham Co., Vt., and removed with her parents in 1854 to Cataraugus County, N. Y. To this union were born four children, two of whom survive, viz. : Milton W. and Owen M Both were graduated from the Lewisburg University in the class of 1884. Elder Shreve has held various charges in this and Venango Counties with success always attending his labors. He is a member and one of the organizers of the Pennsylvania Baptist Ministers' Union, and is a theologian of broad and comprehensive views. In Rev. Cyrus Shreve we find a marked instance of a self-made man, talented, energetic and careful, educated by his own energies and perseverance; sociable and affable in his intercourse with all. The good that he has done will only be known in that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed. DARIUS SHREVE, farmer, P. O. Bloomfield, was born December 25, ]833, in this township; son of Israel and Elizabeth Shreve, who were among the earliest citizens of Bloomtield Township. Oar subject married, June 3, 1862, Almira M. Miller, who has borne him four children — Elvia L. , Emery A., Len- dell D. and Myrtle P. After their marriage they settled on the old homestead of the Shreve family, where they still reside and have a fine farm consisting of ninety acres of well-improved land. They are both members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Shreve is a supporter of Republican principles but always votes for the best man. He was prominent during the late Rebellion in raising recruits and supplies for the service. Mr. Shreve has held most of the offices of Bloomfield Township, always discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction of the people. JULIUS H. SHREVE, farmer and presser of hay, P. O. Lincolnville, was born September 13, 1845, in Bloomfield Township, this county; son of Valen- tine and Jane Sophia (Carroll) Shreve, the former of whom, a son of Will- iam Shreve, died here about 1868; his widow is still living on the old home- stead. Our subject was married in this county, October 6, 1868, to Isadore Warner, born in Girard, Erie Co., April 28, 1850, daughter of Henry and Sophia Warner. By this union were born two children— Ned V. and Edith Blanche. The occupation of Mr. Shreve has been chiefly farming; he now owns 150 acres of well-improved land at the head of Oil Creek Lake. Is a Republican in politics ; and an A. F. & A. M. He has for four years satisfactorily filled the office of Township Constable. JOSEPH SMITH, farmer, P. O. Lincolnville, was born in Mead Township, this county, November 19, 1824, son of Andrew Smith, a native of New Jersey, who came to Crawford County when a small boy, and in the course of time married Martha, daughter of Jacob Loper; settled in Bloomfield Township in 1838, and here died April 12, 1882. His widow survives him and lives on the homestead. They were parents of the following named children: Joseph, Israel, Mrs. Hannah Buchannon, David, Samuel, Mrs. Lucinda Fosburgh, Daniel, Hiram, and Angeline Kelly, the youngest daughter. The subject of this sketch was married December 14, 1848, to Emeline Loomis, born in Ver- mont, October 31, 1828, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Loomis, who were early settlers of this township. Mrs. Smith came here in 1836. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born Nathan, of Colorado; Jacob, of Spring Creek, Warren Co., Penn. ; Oscar; Mrs. Caroline Ongley; and Mrs. Sabroy Col- lins, of Erie County, Penn. Mr. Smith was a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and is now drawing a pen- BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 799 sion foi; the heart disease which he contracted while in the army. He is a Eepublican in politics. Has served as School Director three terms. The family are all members of the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Smith has been Trustee for five years. JAMES SMITH, farmer, P. O. Lincolnville, was born in "Woodcock Township, this county, March 18, 1825; son of James and Catherine Smith. Our subject has been twice married, on first occasion, March 11, 1850, to Hannah Wescoat, by whom he had three children, viz. : Mrs Beulah Smelzer, Sylvester Henry, and Mrs Florence Kingsley. His wife dying December 13, 1859, Mr. Smith married, April 12, 1860, Susannah HoUiday, bom in Beaver County, Penn., February 22, 1837, daughter of Harvey and Sarah Holliday, now residing in Athens Township, this county. The children born to this union are as follows: James, Sarah, George, Blanche, Pearl, Albert and Melissa. Mr. Smith served as a soldier, during the late war, in the One Hundred and Sixty- ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, from November, 1862, to July, 1863. He is an upright man with independent political views and by hard work and economy has acquired a comfortable home. ALEXANDER SMITH, farmer, P. O. Lincolnville, was born in Woodcock Township, this county, September 10, 1828. His father, James Smith, a sol- dier of the war of 1812, came to this county from New Jersey about 1800. He married Catherine, daughter of Jacob Loper, a pioneer, and had sixteen children, twelve of whom are now living. They were an upright pioneer peo- ple. James Smith departed this life in 1876, aged eighty- six; his wife pre- ceded him in 1848. They left an influential family to mourn their memory. Our subject was married January 26, 1862, to Eachel A. Bunce. During the late war he enlisted, October 18, 1862, in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; served at Yorktown,Va., and was honorably discharged July 26, 1863. Starting out in life entirely dependent on their own resources, Mr. and Mrs. Smith accumulated a fine property. Mrs. Smith died September 28, 1869, leaving five children: Willie A., Frank L., Carrie v., Charles A., and Valentine. Mr. Smith afterward married Mrs. Martella A., widow of Jeremiah Bunce. By this union were born Vessie M. Scott, Walter, and Ethel. Mr. Smith has filled various township offices. In politics he is a Eepublican. MILES W. SPENCEE. farmer, P. O. Chapinville, was born in Wayne Township, Erie Co., Penn., January 22, 1842, son of William O. and Lucretia (Drake) Spencer, natives of the same county, who settled in Eockdale Town- ship, this county, in 1852, where the former died May 5, 1859. His widow subsequently married Cyrus Avery, and still resides in that township. After the death of his father, the care of the family mainly devolved on our subject, the second child and oldest son, and he faithfully discharged his duty. He married, October 3, 1858, Adeline, daughter of Seth and Clarissa Sturgis, natives of Connecticut, and very early settlers of this township. By this union were born Hattie D., George W., Clara B., Walter M. and Nellie N. (deceased). Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have lived in this township with the exception of two years spent in Eockdale Township, one year at Corry, Erie County, and the winter of 1882, during which Mr. Spencer iept a general provision store at Mill Village, Erie County. Mr. Spencer, who is an energetic, enterprising biisiness man, has principally engaged in buying and shipping stock. He purchased the Sturgis homestead farm, on which he has built a handsome residence, and added many other valuable improvements. He is very much interested in the culture and improvement •of live stock, and has on his place some valuable fine blooded animals. 800 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: W. B. TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Lincolnville, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., October 6, 1830; son of Charles and Polly (Thornton) Taylor, who came to Erie County, Penn. , in 1845. They were parents of the following named children: Charles W., of Michigan, was a soldier in the Union Army during the late war; Washington D., who died in his country's service at City Point, Va., August 28, 1864; Mrs. Jane Young (deceased); Daniel A., of Galena, 111.; William B. ; John H., shot by guerrillas in Missouri, July 28, 1862; and Oliver J., who died in his country's service after the battle of Chancelloraville, January 2, 1863. Mrs. Taylor departed this life May 19, 1854. Mr. Taylor subsequentlj' married again and now lives in Oceana ' County, Mich. Our subject obtained his education mainly by private study while farming and lumbering, and early engaged in teaching. In 1847 he ran, on the Clarion River, the first engine used for manufacturing lumber in Pennsylvania. He was married July 8, 1853, to Exana G. Chapin, born in Smyrna, N. Y., September 16, 1834, daughter of John Chapin, of this town- ship, and has the following named children: Jared T., Mrs. Delana G. Sill, Clement C, Oliver H. and Alma J. Mr. Taylor, besides managing his large farm, has also extensively engaged in settling decedents' estates. He is a Republican in politics and has always held firm temperance principles. CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP HENRY ALLEN, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, a native of the County of Kent, England, was born September 2, 1806; son of James and Elizabeth (Puggle) Allen, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1824. They located on the farm on which Mr. William Masters now resides, and cleared most of it. They had thirteen children: Charles, "William, Mary, Eliza, Ann, Henry, Henry (second), Jane, Matilda and Thomas; three others died in infancy. Our subject was married August 30, 1833, to Mary, daugh- ter of John I. and Elizabeth (Huston) Humes, of Woodcock Township, this county. By this union there were ten children, viz.: James J., Matilda J.^ John O., Oscar E., Mary J. (deceased), Parnell E. (deceased), Henry C, Ade- laide L., Homer W. and Alma J. Of these, James J. married Martha J. Agee, in Dakota; Matilda J. married James Hawthorne, in Cambridge Township, this county; Henry C. married Maggie I. Klein, also in Cambridge Township; Adelaide L. married Amos Willey in Bloomfield Township; Homer W. lives in Montana; Alma J. married Francis Glover in Bloomfield Township; John O. and Oscar E. reside with their parents. Mr. Allen has lived fifty years on his farm, most of which he cleared himself. He has been Supervisor and School Director of his township. In politics he is a Democrat His wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church fifty-seven years. LYMAN H. ALLEN, farmer,P.O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Albany, N. Y., October 15, 1821; son of Charles and Phila (Webster) Allen, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1822. Charles Allen was a native of England; son of James and Elizabeth (Fuggle) Allen, the latter of whom located in this township, in 1824. Our subject was married, June 26, 1846 to Hannah, daughter of James and Sarah (Ashman) Kelly, of Rockdale, Township of this county. By',this union there are six children: Celestia L., wife of George Herriok, in Salamanca, N. Y. ; Sarah E., wife of Uriah Fink^ CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 801 in Cambridgeboro; Emma C, wife of George Webster of Rockdale Township, this county; Esther S., wife of Dr. Dwight Gray, in Cambridgeboro; Charles O., married to Rosa "Watson, and lives on the homestead with his father; Milo R. L., married to Ida Pox, in Salamanca, N. Y. In 1854 Mr. Allen settled on his present farm, which he cleared himself. He and his wife are adherents of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Cam- bridge Grange. In politics he is a Republican. FREDERICK J. ALLEN, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, July 16, 1824; son of Charles and Phila (Webster) Allen, who settled in Cambridge Township in 1824. The former was a native of England, the latter of Albany, N. Y. They were parents of live children: Eliza A. (deceased), Lyman H., Frederick J., Sally M. (deceased) and Rachel E. Our subject was united in marriage November 13, 1851, with Sophronia M., daughter of William and Annis Shattuck Arbuckle, and has had four children : Alarene C. (deceased), Berkley W. (deceased), Annis F. and Carrie S. Mr. Allen resides on the farm where he was born and where his father first settled and which he cleared. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. BRADFORD W. AMES, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, October 20, 1837, son of Willard and Emily (Marcy) Ames; the former a son of Amos and Roby (Andress) Ames, who came from Massachusetts and settled in this township in 1813. They were parents of seven children: Elizabeth, Isaac, Asaph, Laura, David, Will- ard and Anna. Willard and Emily Ames had ten children, viz. : Amos M., Emily C, Esther A., Esther A. (second), Jemima M., Joseph W., Laura A., Brad- ford W., Joseph C. and an infant not named. Our subject was married October 20, 1863, to Amanda, daughter of Seth and Abigail (Lester) Calkins. The issue of this union is three children: Ellis H. and Ella C. (twins) and Brad- ford W., Jr. Mr. Ames resides on the old homestead settled by his grand- father in 1813. He has held nearly every oflSce in the gift of 'his township; in politics is independent. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. TIMOTHY L. BARBER, attorney at law and auctioneer, Cambridgeboro, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., June 20, 1835; son of Chauncey and Keziah (Green) Barber. His father died when he was but four months old. In 1837 his mother moved to Girard, Erie Co., Penn., and resided there till 1847, when she settled in Rockdale Township, this county, where she resided till her death, which occurred in 1875. Our subject was educated at the com- mon school and located in Cambridgeboro in 1854, and learned the shoe- maker's trade, which was his principal business up to 1872, when he began to practice law, in which he is still engaged. Besides attending to hi^ profession ho is doing an extensive business as auctioneer, having been licensed in 1879, and is considered A, No. 1 in this line. He was married, June 20, 1859, to Mary, daughter of Samuel and Maria Peters, early settlers of Cussewago Township, this county. By this union there are two children: Eva and Clara D. Mr. Barber has held several offices in Cambridgeboro. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he is a Democrat. JACOB S. BAUGHER, farmer, P. O. Woodcock, was born in Chautau- qua County, N. Y., January 4, 1816; son of John and Esther (Stoupt) Baugher, who settled in this township in 1819; the latter was a daughter of Jacob Stoupt and of German descent. John Baugher, who was a son of Henry Baugher, a native of Germany and one of the first settlers in Cambridge Township, coming here in 1800, was parent of following children: Mary, 802 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Jacob S., David, Michael, Margaret, Emily J., Nancy, Isabella, Laura J. and Samuel. Our subject was married, March 10, 1842, to Lucy A., daughter of George and Christena (Null) Heile, of Lebanon County, Penn. By this union there were the following children: Charles L., married to Lucy Wood, in Rich- mond Township; Melissa, deceased ; David T., married to Sophia Humes, in Rock- dale Tovynship; George A., married to Parnell Humes, in Richmond Town- ship; John S., married to Eveline Lang, in Woodcock Township; Helen, deceased; James O., married Olive Winings, in Cambridge Township; L. War- ren, married to Effie Hemstreet, in Cambridge Township; and Martha A., wife of Wilber Shaffer, resides in Woodcock. 1&. Baugher lives on a part of the farm settled by his grandfather in 1800. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He has been Supervisor and School Director of his town- ship. In politics is a Democrat. CALVIN W. BEECH, contractor and builder, Cambridgeboro, was born in this township, July 29, 1843 ; son of Orestes and Ruth (Dodge) Beech, the former born in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, son of Anon Beech, who came from Windsor, Mass., and settled here in 1810. The father of Mrs. Beech was also an early settler of Cambridge Township. Orestes Beech was parent of ten children, eight now living, viz. : Orville, married to Maria Simmons, in Cambridge Township, this county; Edwin, married to Kate Roberts, in Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn. ; Huldah, wife of Avery Swan, of Nodaway County, Mo. ; Calvin W. ; Seribner, married to Tilly Bur- dich, in Nodaway County, Mo. ; Washington, married to Elda Snow, also ih Nodaway County, Mo. ; Albert and Amos. Our subject was married March 18, 1869, to Margaret M., daughter of Liberty and Catherine (Shaffer) Leonard, of this township, by whom he has had four children: Nellie, Ida, Clarence (deceased) and Freddie (deceased). Mr. Beech located in Cambridgeboro in 1869 and engaged in contracting and building, which occupation he still fol- lows. Mr. and Mrs. Beech are adherents of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the K. of H. In politics he is a Republican. DARIUS D. BIRCHARD (deceased), whose portrait appears in this work, was born September 21, 1804, in Berkshire County, Mass. ; son of James and Lucy (Gillet.t) Birchard, natives of Berkshire County, Mass. They were the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom grew up and came to Crawford County, viz. : James K., Virgil, Lucy, Hannorah S., Worthy, Lydia O., Darius D., Cyrus, Levi G. and Adeline F. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Birch- ard, came to what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1813, and here died, the father in 1852, the mother in 1847; they were worthy members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject attended the county schools and was brought up on a farm. He was married October 20, 1830, to Caroline Parker, born May 10, 1810, daughter of Joel and Abigail (Hart) Parker, natives of Connecticut, who settled in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where they died. They were parents of nine children, viz. : Lola, Moses A., Joel, Abigail, Caroline, Hannah, Levi, Harriet N., and one who died when an infant. Her parents were members of the Congregational Church. She was educated in the country schools and taught two terms. Soon after marriage our subject and wife set- tled on the farm now; owned by their son, Dwight D. , which they carried on until 1864, and then settled in Cambridgeboro, this county, where they erected a fine dwelling. Here Darius died in 1871. To our subject and wife were born nine children, viz. : Dwight D., Philena C, Sabia A., James, Henry C, Lola M., Francis P., Ledru R. and Edward L. C. Mr. Birchard was an adherent of the Presbyterian Church, with which- organization his widow, who survives him, is also connected. CAMBKIDGE TOWNSHIP. 803 ALONZO D. BIKCHA.ED, physician, Cambridgeboro, was born in Vernon Township, this county, February 28, 1836, son of Levi G. and Elizabeth {Gross) Birohard, and grandson of James Birchard, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1813. Our subject was reared oh a farm and received his early education at the common schools. He afterward attended select schools at Cambridgeboro and Meadville, Penn., and in 1860 was a student at Allegheny College, Meadville. In 1861 he began the study of medicine with Dr. William J. Gamble, of Mosiertown, Penn., where he remained three years. In 1864 he received his diploma from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, and began the practice of his profession with Dr. Gamble, of Mosiertown, the same year, remaining with him two years. In 1866 he located in Cambridgeboro, where he has since. been in active practice.. He was married December 15, 1864, to Hannah P., daughter of John W. and Lodeika (Rockwell) McFadden, early settlers of Cambridge Township, this county, and by this union there are five children: George G., Clarence C, Bessie B., Alonzo D., Jr. and Louisa A. Dr. Birchard and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the K. of H. and the A. O. U. W. EDWARD L. BIRCHARD, druggist and jeweler, Cambridgeboro, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, February 3, 1852, son of Darius D. and Caroline (Parker) Birchard. Darius D., son of James Birchard, was one of the ten children who came with their parents from Becket, Mass., and settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1813. Edward L. Birch- ard, our subject, learned the jeweler's trade at Warren, Ohio, going there in 1873. In 1875 he opened a jewelry store in Geneva, Ohio, where he remained till 1876, when he came to Cambridge and engaged in the same business here. In 1883 he bought the drug business of A. K. Fever, which he is carrying on in connection with his jewelry trade. He is a member of the Masonic order. Lodge 473, of Cambridge, and is Treasurer, Collector and a member of the Council. In politics he is a Republican. PETER CATLING, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in the County of Suffolk, England, February 20, 1826; son of John and Mary (Page) Catling, of that locality. He came to America in 1853, and located in Wayne Township, Erie County, where he resided eight years, and in 1861 settled in Rockdale Township, this county. Here he lived until 1869, when he moved to Cambridge Township, where he now resides. He was married Novem- ber 16, 1848, to Margaret, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Jones) Edwards, of North Wales. By this union there are three children: Mary, born in England, wife of Sylvester Mitchell (they reside in this township); Jane A., wife of Andrew Frisbie, in LeBoeufl", Erie Co., Penn.; Edward J., mar- xied to Virginia Anderson (they reside on the home farm with his father). Mr. and Mrs. Catling are members of the Christian Church at McLallen's Corners, Erie County. He is now serving his fourth term as Auditor of his Township. In politics he is a Democrat. CHARLES F. CHAMBERLAIN, late County Superintendent Schools, Cambridgeboro, was born in Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, March ,5, 1844; son of Uriah T. and Sarah (Sanborn) Chamberlain, who settled in Conneaut Township in 1853. Uriah T. was a son of Deacon Isaac and Amy (Benton) Chamberlain, the former an extensive farmer in central New York State; one of the leaders in the temperance reform, and at the time of its first agitation he kept a prominent hotel, which was the first, and for a long time the only temperance house known in that region. His wife, a relative of Hon. Thomas Benton, was of Puritanic origin, whose ancestors came over in the "May- 804 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: flower," and several relics -oi that historic voyage are still preserved in the family as heirlooms. Uriah T. graduated from Oberlin College in 1838; was ordained and installed as pastor of the Congregational Church of Pitchville, Ohio, the same year. His last pastorate was with the Congregational Church at Hartford, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he preached regularly one-half the time till the last Sabbath in October, 1878, at which time his health failing, he was obliged to discontinue his labors. He died at the residence of his son, in Cambridge, January 10, 1880, in his seventy-first year; his widow survives him at the age of seventy-five and resides with her son, Charles F. They had seven children: Mary F. (deceased), Isaac D., now in Nebraska, Ebenezer B., New York; Charles F. ; 8arah S., married to C. S. Carr, in Michigan; Uriah T. Jr. (deceased) and George A., (deceased). Our subject married, December 4, 1870, Flora, daughter of Deacon Seth and Irene (Smith) Waid, of Randolph Township, this county. They have one child, Anna L. Mr. Chamberlain has been a prominent resident of Cambridgeboro since 1875. He began teaching in the common schools at the age of seventeen. He was teacher in the public school at Riceville three years, beginning in 1864; in 1867-68 he was Principal of the graded school at Mosiertown, and in 1869 went to Hydetown, where he was Principal of the graded school six consecutive years. In 1875 our subject came to Cambridgeboro, and was Principal of the high school three years; in 1878 he was elected Superintendent of the com- mon schools of this county, and is now serving his second term. He is Chair- man of the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania State Teachers' Associa- tion; in 1876 was associated with D. P. Bobbins, M. D., in the publication of the Cambridge Index. Our subject and wife are members of the Congrega- tional Church. In polities he is a Republican. He has always been an active worker in the cause of temperance, and for two years was President of the Cambridgeboro Christian Temperance Union. Since the above was writ- ten our subject, on June 1, 1884, closed his second term of office as Superin- tendent of the schools of Crawford County, and in July following moved with his family to Humboldt, Richardson Co., Neb., having been previously elected to the position of Superintendent and Principal of the schools of that city, and since his arrival there he has been unanimously elected President of the Teachers' Association of Richardson County for the ensuing year. RICHARD D. CROSLBY, mason, Cambridgeboro, was born in Collins, Steuben Co., N. Y., November 5, 1825; son of Moses and Catherine (Ayers) Crosley, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1834. Only four of the eleven children born to them are now living: James in Cortland County, N. Y., Edwin, in Illinois, Moses, in Hayfield Township, this county, and Richard D., who resided in Hayfield Township, this county, till he was twenty -five years of age. He learned his trade at Conneautville, and in 1858 located in Cambridge, where he has lived ever since. Our subject has been twice married; on the first occasion, December 29, 1860, to Mary L., daughter of Samuel St. John, of Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn., by whom there were two children: Mary C., wife of Derastus Closson, of Cussewago Townshjp, this county, and Miles R. His second marriage, May 30. 1875, was with Martha Collins, a native of Delaware, of German descent, and a daughter of Samuel H. and Eliza R. (Cole) Collins, of South Carolina. Mr. Crosley has been a School Director of Hayfield, and has held other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican. JACKSON DOCTOR, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Cam- bridge Township, this county, October 25, 1840; son of James and Mary (Humes) Doctor, the former a son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Humes) Doctor, CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 805 who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1800. Leonard was a son of George Doctor, who was a native of Germany. Eliza- beth, the wife of Leonard, was a native of Lycoming County, Penn. , and of Irish parentage. Mary, the wife of James Doctor, was a daughter of Archi- bald Humes, who settled here in 1797.'*' Of the twelve children born to James Doctor, nine are now living, viz: John D., Margaret, Elizabeth, Eebeoca, Sarah J., James L., Jackson, Leonard J. and Joseph M. Our subject was married September 19, 1871, to Agnes, daughter of James and Ann (Hutchi- son) Richard, of Vernon Township., By this union are two children: Estella and Emma. Mr. ^Poctor has been Judge of Elections, School Director, and has held many other offices in his township. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM L. DOW, millwright, Drake's Mills, was born in Springfield, Mass., June 8, 1818; son of Asa and Anna (Little) Dow, all of whom located in Cambridge Township, this county, in 1838. Mr. Dow learned the trade of millwright after coming here and has followed that business ever since. He was married, .January 8, 1844, to Betsy, daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (Pressy) Eeynolds, early settlers of Erie County. By this union there are two daughters: Lydia, wife of Alton Thompson (have three children: Clyde, William and Earl), and Lina, wife of William Nason (have two children: Edgar G. and Maud). Both daughters reside in Cambridge Township, and Mr. Dow has lived in the vicinity of Drake's Mills ever since he settled in the county. IRAD C. DRAKE, merchant, Cambridgeboro, was born in Cranesville, Erie Co., Penn., November 27, 1849, son of Henry A. and Lucina (Sherwood) Drake. Henry A. was a son of Francis and Demis (Kelsey) Drake, of Stock- bridge, Mass., and Francis was a son of William Drake, a native of England, who came to Massachusetts in his youth and lived and died there. Lucina, the wife of Henry A. Drake, was a daughter of John Sherwood, who settled in Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn., in 1816. Irad C. Drake, our sub- ject, located in Cambridge in 1877 and engaged in the clothing and gents' furnishing goods business, which he has carried on successfully to the present time. He was married, May 8, 1883, to Emma L., daughter of Isaac B. and Maria (Mossinger) Gerow, of Cambridge Township, this county. Mr. Drake and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., E. *.. U., and A. O. U. W. EUGENE DRAKE, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Union City, Erie Co., Penn., August 12, 1852, son of Henry A. and Lucina M. (Sher- wood) Drake. He settled in Cambridge Township in 1867, and was married January 1, 1877, to Ida, daughter of Zadok and Elizabeth (Waterhouse) Rhodes, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township in 1835. By this union there are two children: Zadiee A. and Allen E. Mr. Drake has resided on his farm since 1877. JAMES R. DURHAM, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Rock- dale Township, Crawford Co., Penn., July 24, 1816, son of James and Moor (Fullerton) Durham, who settled in Crawford County in 1797, the former a native of Delaware, the latter a daughter of Thomas Fullerton, an early settler of this county. They were parents of nine children: Hannah, Sally, Polly, Betsey, James E., Mary Ann, Jane, Hazard P. and Angeline. James Dur- ham, Sr., was one of the first settlers on French Creek, Rockdale Township, this county, where he cleared a farm; he also cleared eleven acres on what is now known as Water Street, in the city of Meadville, Penn. He died in 1865, aged eighty-six. Our subject has always resided in Rockdale and Cambridge Townships, and has been principally engaged in farming. He was married 806 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: April 17, 1838, to Lavina, daughter of Pilgrim and Rebecca (Alford) Isher- wood, who were early settlers of Eockdale Township, this county. By this union were born Rebecca J. (deceased); Amy L., wife of Truman Hendryx, of Elkhart, Ind. ; Polly E. (deceased); Rose B., wife of Dr. Robbins, Erie, Penn.; FrancenieE. (deceased); LenaE., wife dfE Andrew McElheney, Franklin, Penn.; Fayette M. (deceased) ; Addie H. , wife of Henry Dowler, residing with her parents; Phebe B., wife of Sherod Chapin, Cambridge Township; Kate M., wife of Fredric Chapin, Clarendon. Penn.; Sylvia A., wife of Charles Quill- iam, Clarendon, Penn. ; Wilson S., Rockdale Township; Hattie A.; John C. Mr. Durham and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He has been Supervisor and Treasurer of his township for several terms. In politics is a Democrat. GLENN I. FOLSOM, merchant, Cambridgeboro, was born May 3, 1857; was the first white male child to see the light of day in Glencoe, McLeod Co., Minn., now a city of 8,000 inhabitants. He is a son of John and Mary J. (Smith) Folsom, former a native of New Hampshire, and a pioneer of Min- nesota, latter a native of Erie County, Penn. John Folsom was a son of John W. Folsom, of New Hampshire. Mrs. Folsom was a daughter of John W. and Parmelia M. (Fuller) Smith, who were natives of Essex County, N. Y. They were parents of three children: Watson A. (deceased), Glenn I., and Edith E. (deceased), wife of John McKee. Our subject was married Decem- ber 9, 1880, to Edna T., daughter of Frederick A. and Tryphosa (Snow) Nich- ols, by whom he has one child — Donald B. Mrs. Folsom's mother was a daughter of Ralph and Thankful (Snow) Snow, who came from Becket, Berk- shire Co., Mass., and settled in what is now Cambridge Township in 1816. Mr. Folsom has been in business in Cambridgeboro since the fall ofj 1882, and owns an interest in the Grange store. He is a F. & A. M., a member of the I. O. O. F., and E. A. U. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES W. FORD, merchant, Cambridgeboro, was born in Woodcock, this county, July 31, 1852, son of William and Mary A. (Stone) Ford, the former a son of James Ford, who was a son of Peter Ford, all early set- tlers of Woodcock Township, this county; the latter a daughter of Winette Stone, who, with her father, was also an early settler of that township. James W. Ford, our subject, was married April 2, 1877, to Anna Burns, of Genesee, N. T. They have three children: Hattie M., Howard W. and Blanche. Mr. Ford located in Cambridgeboro in the spring of 1883, and, in company with his brother, Henry O. , embarked in the grocery and boot and shoe trade, in which they are engaged at the present time. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W. OLIVER A. GAGE, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn., November 1, 1819, son of Richard and Clara (Alford) Gage, who came froin Addison County, Vt., and located in Brie County, Penn., in 1816, removing to what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1820. Here they located on the farm (which they cleared) now owned by Henry Klie. In 1838 they settled on the farm now owned by our subject, most of which they cleared. Richard Gage died in March, 1869, in his eighty-fourth year. His wife died April 7, 1865, aged seventy-four. They were parents of twelve children: Peter A., in Cambridge; Aurelia, wife of William Mitchell (both deceased); Cyrus '(deceased), Stephen (deceased); Car- oline, wife of Timothy Butler, Nebraska; Walter R. (deceased j; Oliver A. ; Harriet, wife of Daniel Smith fboth deceased); Rebecca (deceased); Nelson (deceased); Orange, residing in Kansas, and Julia Ann, wife of A. M. Edwards, residing in Titusville, Crawford Co., Penn. Oliver A. Gage has been twice CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 807 married; on first occasion, January 1, 1847, to Mary, daughter of Eliud and Polly (Williamson) Greaves, of "Vermont, by whom he had six children : Clara, wife of Laban A. Tucker, of Cambridge Township (have one child — -Walter); James, married Eliza Greaves, of Cambridge (have two children: Mary A. and George E.) ; George (deceased) ;Adelia (deceased) ; Stephen and Alvin (deceased). Our subject's second marriage, February 1,1883, was with Augusta, daughter of William and Minerva (Hamlin) Sharp, of Warren, Penn.,by whom hehad one child — Mary E., born August 10, 1884. Mr. Gage is a member of the Cam- bridge Grange. In politics he was formerly a Eepublican, but is now inde- pendent. . ISAAC B. GEEOW, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Oil Creek Township, this county, October 11, 1829, son of Gilbert A. and Jeannette- (Titus) Gerow. Gilbert A. Gerow, a hatter by trade, was a native of Orange County, N. Y., and settled in Oil Creek Township, this county, in 1814, where he passed the greater part of his life, though the last ten years were spent in Troy, N. Y. , where he died in 1844, aged sixty-four years. His wife, born in Lancaster, Penn., was a daughter of Daniel Titus, one of the first settlers in Oil Creek Township, where he located in 1796. Our subject was married April 15, 1849, to Maria, daughter of Andrew Mossinger, of Mead Township, this county. By this union were eight children: John, married to Catherine Peck (they live in Warren County, Penn.); Gilbert, deceased; Daniel, deceased;. Daniel T., married to Lillie Hyde; Marvin, now in Montana; Henry andObed,. deceased and Emma L., wife of I. C. Drake, of Cambridge. Daniel T. was a graduate of the normal school, Edinboro, Penn. ; studied law two years witk W. E. Bole, of Meadville, and was admitted to the bar. He is now the prin- cipal agent of the Standard Oil Company at Jacksonville, Fla. Isaac B. Gerow spent the first five years of his married life in Venango County, Penn. After- ward lived three years in Eiceville, this county, engaging in the lumber busi- ness. He then returned to Venango County and manufactured lumber for twenty-two years. In 1870 he purchased the farm in Cambridge Township where he has since resided. He has held the ofiSce of County Commissioner one term; Auditor of his township six years, and many other' minor offices. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics a Eepublican. Among the many adventures Mr. Gerow experienced in the early days, may be recorded the following: In the summer of 1854 a lynx or catamount inhab- ited the woods surrounding Mr. Gerow's residence in Venango Township, and became the terror of the neighborhood. On Christmas day of that year our subject and five others went in pursuit of the lynx, taking a fox hound with them which soon got on the scent and drove the brute to cover under some tree tops lying in a deep hollow. Mr. Gerow, managing to get a fair aim at his lynxship, fired and killed him. The animal measured five and a half feet from tip to tip. DANIEL GEEOW, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Oil Creek Township, this county, June 5, 1831, son oE Gilbert, and Jeannette (Titus) Gerow. (See sketch of I. B. Gerow.) Our subject, who was reared on a farm, when fourteen years old went to Venango County, Penn. , and there engaged in farming and lumbering until he was thirty-six years of age. During the late Eebellion he enlisted September 8, 1862, in Company D, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek, Hagerstown, Falling Water, and many other engagements. After serving three years he was honorably discharged June 12, 1865. In 1868 he settled on the farm where he now resides, in this township. Mr. Gerow was married November 13, 1856, to Emily L., daughter of Aspinwall and Frances Cornwall^ 808 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Allegheny Township, Venango Co., Penn. By this anion were born eight children, four now living, viz.: Herbert A., Cecil E., Charles C. and Lizzie D. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served several terms as School Director of his township and one term as Supervisor. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Gerow is a F. & A. M. and a member of the G. A. E. JAMES K. HAWTHOEN, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Venango Co., Penn., December 23, 1828, son of John D. and Sarah (Cousins) Hawthorn. John D. was a son of Delano Hawthorn, one of the first settlers of the State of Illinois; his wife was a daughter of William Cousins, a native of England and one of the first settlers of Venango County, Penn. Our subject settled in Cambridge Township, this county, in 1865. He was married January 1, 1862, to Matilda, daughter of Henry and Mary (Humes) Allen, of Cambridge Township, this county, the former of whom was a native of England, and s.ettled in Cambridge Township in 1824; the latter was a daughter of John Humes, an early settler of Woodcock Township, this County. By this union there were six children, viz. : Abner, William, Boone, Mary (deceased), James and Bertha. Mr. Hawthorn and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been Supervisor and School Director of his township. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Pro- hibitionist. ALONZO HEEEICK, farmer, P, O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Berk- shire County, Mass., June 2, 1818, son of Ezra and Nancy (Ward) Herrick, who in 1836 settled on the farm in Cambridge Township now owned by O. E. Kingsley, which they cleared and improved. They subsequently moved to Cranesville, Erie Co., Penn., and there died. They were parents of eight children, viz.: Almira (deceased), wife of James Sargent, of Massachusetts; William, residing in Erie County, Penn., was married twice, his first wife being Betsy Bobbins, his second Angeline Durham; Alonzo, our subject; Eunice, wife of Darius Rockwell, in Cambridge Township, this county; Nathan, married to Julia Goodenough, in Cranesville; Olive, wife of Harvey Hilliger, in Wisconsin; Nancy; Phineas, married to Martha Hotchkiss, in Michigan. Our subject was married April 23, 1845, to Eliza A., daughter of Ira and Amret (Cass) Nichols, formerly of Massachusetts, who located in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn., in 1831, and in 1835 removed to Eock- dale, now Cambridge Township, this county, settling on the farm now occupied by our subject, with whom Mrs. Nichols, now in her ninety-fourth year, is living. To Mr. and Mrs. Herrick were born eight children: Nancy A.; Sarah M., wife of John Anderson, of Topeka, Kan.; George C, married to Lizzie Culbertson, Edinboro, Penn.; Norton J., married to Flora Culbertson, Cam- bridgeboro; Alice E. ; Joseph M., married to Blanche Burchfield, in Edinboro, Penn. ; Myra; and Willie C. Mr. Herrick and wife are adherents of the Methodist Church. He is a member of the G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. JOHN P. HICKS, liveryman and farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was bom in Cambridge Township, this county; son of William and Mary (Fullerton) Hicks, natives of Pennsylvania (both deceased). They were the parents of four children, of whom John P. is the third. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of seventeen engaged to learn shoe-making, at which trade he worked sixteen years. By industrious habits and economy, he saved enough money to enable him to purchase a farm of ninety acres in Cam- bridge Township, this county. He owned a livery stable four years previous to 1876, when he moved to his present farm. Four years later he returned CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 809 to Cambridge, and again entered the livery business, and at present lias six horses. He deals more or less extensively in horses — buying and selling. Mr. Hicks was married in 1877 to Lorena Farlin, a native of this county. He has eerved the people of this township one year as Assessor. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE D. HUMES, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born March 13, 1828, son of Robert and Mary (Doctor) Humes; the former a son of Archibald Humes, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1797; the latter a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Huraes) Doctor, who settled in this township in 1803, together with a brother and sister, Frederick and Mary Doctor, who never married. Their mother, who came with them, died in 1805 at an advanced age. Archibg,ld Humes was the parent of three chil- dren: Mary, wife of James Doctor; Margaret, wife of George Doctor, and Robert, who married Mary Doctor and li ad two children — Elizabeth and George D. Our subject was married May 27, 1855, to Esther A., daughter of Will- ard and Emily (Marcy) Ames. By this union are two children: Elmer E. and Edwin G. Mr. Humes was so unfortunate as to lose his arm by being caught in a threshing-machine, December 23, 1848. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. Our subject is a member of Cambridge Lodge, 901, I. O. O. F. , and the E. A. Tk of Cambridge. He has been Justice of the Peace fifteen years and has held nearly every office in the gift of his township. Politically he is a Democrat. ALLEN D. HUTCHISON, proprietor of livery, Cambridgeboro, was born in Richmond Township, this county, July 19, 1843; son of Elder and Harriet (Allen) Hutchison; the former a son of one of the first settlers of Rich- mond Township, this county, the latter a daughter of William and Harriet Allen, and grand -daughter of James and Elizabeth (Fuggle) Allen, who set- tled in this township in 1824. All were natives of England. Elder Hutchi- son was parent of five children.: Elizabeth, Mary, Allen D., Brady andDwight. Our subject, Allen D., was married April 15, 1866, to Mary L., daughter of James and Eunice (Morse) Decker, of Rockdale Township. By this union were four children: Delroy and Frank, now living; Blanche and Harry, deceased. Mr. Hutchison lived in Richmond Township until after marriage, when he removed to Rockdale Township, where he resided three years. In 1874 he located in Cambridge, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Cambridge. Has been Constable of the borough four terms; in politics is a Democrat. AMOS KELLY, banker, Cambridgeboro, was born in Rockdale Township, this county, September 8, 1833, son of John and Mary (Langley) Kelly, the former of whom was the first white child born in Rockdale Township, this county, son of Isaac and Hannah (Carnahan) Kelly, who located in Bloomfield Township, this county, in 1799, but in 1800 removed to Rockdale Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father of our subject was twice married; on first occasion, December 20, 1821, to Mary, daughter of John and Mary Langley, the former a native of Ireland and who settled in Cambridge Township, this county in 1812; the latter a native of Washington County, Penn. By this union were six children: Nancy, deceased; James P. ; Polly A., wife of H. H. Howard; John L. ; George N., deceased; and Amos. The present wife of John Kelly was Mrs. Lydia (West) Hamilton, to whom he was married March 4, 1846, and to this union were born three children: Joseph- ine, wife of Jason McCray; Agnes, deceased; and an infant, deceased. Our subject was married May 14, 1857, to Adelaide, daughter of Virgil and Mary (Logue) Birchard, and grand -daughter of James Birchard, formerly of 810 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Massachusetts, who settled in Cambridge Township, this county, in 1813. Mr. nd Mrs. Kelly are parents of six children: Alton A., Milford B.; Bernie C, eceased; Prank R.; an infant, deceased; and Inez, deceased. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1872 he located in Cambridgeboro, and in company with his brother. John Langley Kelly, embarked in banking business, which has since been conducted suocesafully under firm name J. L. & A. Kelly. In politics Mr. Kelly is a stanch Repub- lican. HENRY C. KLIE, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Washing- ton Township, Erie Co., Penn., October 28, 1845; son of Henry and Aurelia (Arnaman) Klie, who located in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1855, and, after residing there eighteen years^ moved to Richmond Township, this county, where they now live. Our subject was married January 1. 1870, to- Amelia, daughter of Henry Bramer, and a native of Germany. By this union there are three children: Dona, Frank and Walla. Mr. Klie purchased his farm in Cambridge Township in 1874. He has acted as Supervisor, Inspect- or, Judge of Elections, and Auditor of his township. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Cambridge. AARON T. LONG, butcher, Cambridgeboro, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, July 13, 1834; son of Jacob and Ann (Wolf) Long, who came from Lebanon County, Penn., and settled in this township about 1828. Jacob Long had eight children, three of whom are living, viz. : Har- riet, wife of Frank Maxwell; Margaret M. , wife of John Terrill; and Aaron T. Our subject was married November 26, 1863, to Lucretia, widow of Henry C. Long, by whom she had three children, two now living: Edward D., now in "Wisconsin, and George C. , of East Saginaw, Mich. (George C. was married September 24, 1884, at Bast Saginaw,Mich., by Rev. W. Spencer, to Miss Leona Zeron, of Port Dover, Ontario. She is a daughter of Zera and Phebe (Carter) Rockwell, who settled in Cambridge Township in 1817.) By this union there are two children: Clara E. and Flora A. Mr. Long had always fol- lowed agricultural pursuits until 1877, when he sold his farm and located in Cambridgeboro, and has since been engaged in butchering. He has been Supervisor of his township, Judge and Inspector of Election. In politics h& is a Democrat. Mr. Long, wife and eldest daughter are members of the Pres- byterian Church. MATTHEW H. LTJSE, Justice of the Peace, Cambridgeboro, was born in Warren County, Penn., December 11, 1844; son of Israel and Elizabeth (Tuthill) Luse, of that county. Israel Luse, who was a son of Shubel Luse and a native of Vermont, was lost at sea in 1849, while on a voyage to Cali- fornia. Elizabeth, his wife, a native of Warren County, died in 1851. Our subject came to this county in 1859, locating at Meadville, where he learned the trade of carriage-painter. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, going out in Company I, Second Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was in the battles of Opequan, Va., Cedar Mountain, Seven Pines, Gettys- burg, Mine Run, the "Wilderness, second battle of Bull Run, and other engagements. He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Bull Run and paroled on the field. In 1864 he w&s again taken prisoner, at Petersburg, and after nine months' confinement in Libby, Andersonville, Savannah and Millen prisons, was exchanged, and he then rejoined his regiment at Peters- burg. He enlisted October 6, 1861, and was honorably discharged July 13, 1865. Our subject was married April, 20, 1874, to Sarah, daughter of Charles P. and Margaret (Baugher) Penoyer, of Cambridgeboro. By this union were born two children, Charles (deceased) and Ernest. Mr. Luse located in Cam- CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 811 bridgeboro in 1873. In 1881 he was appointed Justice of the Peace, to fill an unexpired term, and was elected in 1882 for a term of five years. In poli - tics he is a Republican. Mr. Luse and wife are members of the Congregational Church; he is a member of the 1. 0. O. F., A. O. U. W., K. of H. and G. A. E. L. HALSEY MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in what is now Cambridge Township, Crawford Co., Penn., December 14, 1832, son of Peter and Hannah (Weston) Mitchell, and grandson of Nathan Mitchell, who settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1801. Peter Mitchell was the parent of seven children: Polly, wife of Thomas Holden, Erie County, Penn.; Harriet, wife of Josiah Robbins, of Cambridge Township, this county; Eunice (deceased), wife of W. C. Isherwood; Susan, wife of James Culbertson of Erie County, Penn. ; James W. ; George W., and L. Halsey. Our subject was married February 14, 1856, to Adeline, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Isherwood) Culbertson, of Erie County, Penn., by whom he has two children: Ella, wife of Charles Siverling, residing in Erie County, Penn. (they have one son, named Albertis Leroy) and Florence E. Mr. Mitchell never sought ofBce, though he has held several minor positions in his township. He is a Republican in poli- tics. Is a member of the A. O. U. W. , and of the Cambridge Grange. SYLVESTER M. MITCHELL, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Cambridge- boro, was born in Cambridge Township, Crawford Co., Penn., May 23, 1850, son of William and Aurelia (Gage) Mitchell, and grandson of Nathan Mitchell, who settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1801. Our subject was married January 10, 1871, to Mary Catling, a native of England, and daughter of Peter and Margaret (Edwards) Catling, of Cambridge Township, this county. By this union were born four children, viz.: Peter, Mabel, Bertie and Anna. Mr. Mitchell has lived on his present farm for five years. In politics he is a Republican. AMASA F. MOSES, editor and proprietor of the Cambridge News, Cam- bridgeboro, was born October 6, 1855, in Potsdam, N. Y., sou of A. B. and Mary A.. (Foster) Moses, the former born in 1815, in Vermont, and the latter in 1829, in the State of New York. They were the parents of six children. Our subject was educated in an academy at Canton, N. Y., and has always been an extensive reader on general subjects. His education has not only been literary but musical, and in 1873 he learned telegraphing. In 1874 he began the printer's trade at Union City, Penn., and rapidly advanced to the foremanship and subsequently to the position of publisher and editor. He was married in 1877 at Cambridgeboro, Penn., to Anna B. Hanson, born in Venango, Penn., in 1857, daughter of S. W. and Mary (Siverling) Hanson, the former born in 1885, in Canada, the latter in 1840, in Venango, Penn. To this union have been born four children, of whom two are now living, viz.: Roy and Ernest. Our subject resided in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., until 1870, when he removed with his parents to Erie County, Penn., and came to Cambridgeboro in 1876. In 1878 he bought the Leader, a newspaper at Waterford, Erie Co. , Penn., and in 1883 he returned to his present home, where he gives his personal attention to the editing ai^d publishing of the Cambridge News. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; a Republican in politics. He is a member of the I O. O. F. and E. A. U. societies. BENJAMIN B. REYNOLDS, manufacturer, Cambridgeboro, was born in Waterford Township, Erie Co , Penn., September 17, 1837; son of George and Betsy (Lyman) Reynolds, both natives of this county and early settlers of Water- ford Township, ErieCoanty; the former of Scotch and Irish descent, son of William Reynolds; the latter was a daughter of William Lyman, and of German lineage. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Erie County. In 812 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1855 he located in Woodstock, McHenry Co. , 111. , and worked in a planing- mill until the breaking out of the Eebellion. He enlisted, August 6, 1861, in Company F, Ninety-lifch Illinois Volunteer Infantry; and was in the battle of Champion Hill, went through the siege of Vicksburgand Natchez; took part in other minor engagements, and was honorably discharged at Chicago, 111., June 17, 1863. Mr. Beynolds has been twice married, on first occa- sion, February 1, 1858, to Irene M., daughter of Matthew and Betsey (Gilbert) Reynolds, of Woodstock, HI., by whom he had one son, George M. Mrs. Reynolds dying April 14, 1874, our subject was married October 22, 1874, to Frances, daughter of Thomas and Fanny (Wyman) Bloomfield, and grand- daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Morris) Bloomfield, who were among the first settlers of Bloomfield Township, this county, which bears their name. The Bloomfields were of Scotch and the Wymans of Welsh and English descent; the ancestors of the latter being among the Pilgrims who came over in the "May Flower," and landed on Plymouth Rock. In 1866 Mr. Reynolds located in Cambridge and for three years worked in Johnson, St. John &Co.'8planing- mill. He went to Rockdale in 1869 and after ocouping the position of foreman in the planing-mill of Kelly, Howard & Co. for three years, purchased the mill and continued the business two years for himself. In 1875 he returned to Cambridge and embarked in same business which he conducted for four years, then began manufacturing shingles, in which he is still engaged. From 1878 to 1882, in company with T. T. Root, he did an extensive business in barrel headings; since 1879, has also been engaged in manufacturing cider. In 1880 he commenced making apple jelly, in which he is doing a large business, having all the latest improvements in machinery for manufacturing this article. Mr. Reynolds is one of the leading manufacturers and business men of Cam- bridge. Is a member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES G. RHODES, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Connecti- cut, June 5, 1808; son of Jonathan and Mary (Young) Rhodes, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1835, on the tract now owned by his sons, James G. and Jonathan S. and Zadock's widow. They were parents of nine children: James G., Zadock, deceased; Amy, wife of Samuel B., Thomas, in Missouri; Hiram B. (deceased); Jonathan S. ; Lydia, wife of John Waterhouse, in LeBoeuf Township, Erie Co., Penn. ; Catherine, wife of Hiram Isherwood, of Cambridge Township, this county; Caroline, wife of William Laugherty, of Rockdale Township, this county; Violetta, wife of Christopher Warren, in LeBceuf , Erie Co. , Penn. Our subject was married November 1 4, 1851, to Sally, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Anderson) Daniel, early set- tlers of Rockdale Tovrasbip, this county, the former a native of Bucks County, this State, the latter a native of Virginia. By this marriage there were eight children: Daniel (deceased); Hiram, married Viola Drake; George, married Alice Campbell (now deceased); Elizabeth, wife of Charles Campfield, of Rock- dale Township, this county; Anna (deceased); Mary; Rio and John. Mr. Rhodes has resided on his present place ever since he came to this county with his parents in 1835. He has been Constable, Supervisor and School Director of Rockdale Township, this county, and has held other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican. ZADOCK RHODES, deceased, was born in Sterling, Conn., August 25,1811, son of Jonathan and Mary (Young) Rhodes, who settled in Rockdale, now Cam- bridge Township, this county, in 1835. He was married January 21, 1841, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Rebecca (Isherwood) Waterhouse, of Le- Bceuf Township, Erie Co., Penn. By this union were six children: Amy CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 813 (deceased); Lewis (deceased); Almina F. ; Young J., married to Aurie Porter:; Ida M., wife of Eugene Drake, and Allen. Those now living reside in Cam- bridge Township, this county. Mr. Rhodes held the office of Road Commis- sioner and School Director of his township several terms. In politics he was a Democrat. He died July 12, 1870, in his fifty-ninth year. His widow resides on the old homestead. YOUNG J. RHODES, lumber manufacturer, Cambridgboro, was born ia Rockdale Township, this county, August 8, 1852; son of Zadock Y. and Eliz- abeth (Waterhouse) Rhodes, early settlers of that township. Our subject was raised on a farm and received his early education at the common schools. He attended the Mount Union College at Alliance, Ohio, two years, graduating from that institution in 1874. He located in Cambridge Township, this county, in 1875, and embarked in the manufacture of lumber, in which busi- ness he has been profitably engaged up to the present time. Mr. Rhodes was married May 31, 1875, to Aurie, daughter of Philander G. and Clarissa (Mitchell) Porter, of Cambridge Township, this county. By this union there are three children : Dolly, Horace and Robert. Mr. Rhodes is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. In polities he is a Democrat. JONATHAN S. RHODES, farmer, P. 0. Cambridgeboro, was born in Rhode Island, January 7, 1821; son of Jonathan and Mary (Young) Rhodes, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, in 1835. Our subject was married May 20, 1852, to Mary A., daughter of Jonathan and Louisa (Doolittle) Stoddard, who has borne him five children : Alida S., Ellen L., Emma C., Zadoo L. and Mary A. Of these Alida S. married Edgar Throop, of Rockdale Township, this county. They have three children : Den - nis, Lillie and Lynn (twins). Emma C. married J. N. Jarvis; have one child — Ethel — and reside in Tennessee. Mary A. married James McClafferty, of Washington Township, Erie County. Mr. Rhodes lives on a part of the tract his father took up and settled on in 1835. In politics he is a Democrat. JOSIAH ROBBINS, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Washing- ton Township, Erie Co., Penn., April 21, 1817, son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Steward) Robbins, who located in Erie County in 1815, and removed from thence to Rockdale Township, this county, in 1821. Josiah Robbins, Sr., who was a native of Connecticut, died in 1862, in his seventy-third year; his widow, a native of New York, departed this life February 22, 1882, aged eighty-nine. Of their fifteen children sis are now living: Josiah, George, Henry, Palace, Abigail and Mary. Our subject was married July 16, 1840, to Harriet, daughter of Peter and Hannah (Weston) Mitchell, and grand- daugh- ter of Nathan Mitchell, who came from Massachusetts and settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1801. By this union there were five children, viz. : Hannah, wife of Benjamin Akerly, residing in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn. (have four children: Victor, Leon, Clark and Nellie); Maryette, deceased; Halsey, deceased; Eunice, deceased, and George, married to Paulina Churchill, of LeBoeuf (have one child — DeForest L.). Mr. Robbins has lived on his present farm fifteen years. He was formerly a Whig in politics, but has been a Republican since the organization of the party. ADDISON O. ROCKWELL, retired, Cambridgeboro, was born in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, December 16, 1819, son of Bernard and Rebecca (Mercy) Rockwell, who settled in Rockdale (now Cambridge) in 1817. They were from Berkshire County, Mass., and had six children: Addi- son O., Sally A., Emily M. (deceased), Emeline M. (deceased), Eunice L. (deceased) and Esther F. Bernard Rockwell died October 9, 1864, at the age of seventy-two; his widow is still living, at the age of eighty-five. Our sub- 814 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: jecfc was married October 8, 1845, to Martha L., daughter of Sylvester and Mercy (Thomis) Rbot, who settled here in 1819. By this union were two chil- dren: Wilbur F. (deceased), and LaRue D., who married Fannie Lane, of Potter County, Penn., by whom he has had four children: Alfred L,, Flor- ence, Ethel and Paul, the latter two deceased. LaRue D. was in the late war, having enlisted February 23, 1864, when but fourteen years of age, in Company E, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Was wounded at Laurel Hill, battle of the Wilderness, May 8, 1864, and honorably dis- charged October 4, 1865. He is n»w a practicing physician at Union City. Addison O. Rockwell owns the farm on which his father first settled. He has held every office in the gift of his township, with the exception of Justice of the Peace and Constable. Is a member of and Steward in the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mrs. Rockwell is an adherent of the Baptist denomination. EPHRAIM S. ROCKWELL, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, July 13, 1824; son of Zera and Phebe (Carter) Rockwell, who came from Massachusetts and settled in this township in 1817. They were the parents of eight children, viz. : William S., Louisa M., Laura A., Abner O. , Horace N. , Ephraim S., Harriet P. and Phebe L. Zera Rockwell died in 1862 in his seventy-first year. Our subject has been twice married; on first occasion in September, 1847, to Mary E. Dodge, of this township, who bore him four children: William D. (deceased), Frank D., Hannah L. and Linn L. His second marriage occurred July 5, 1875, with Lettie, daughter of Phineas and Maria (Noble) Elderkin, of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has been School Director of his township several terms. In politics is a Republican. SUMNER F. ROOT, farmer, P. O. C;imbridgeboro, was born in Cambridge Township, Crawford Co., Penn., July 7, 1831, son of Daniel and Susannah (Church) Root, who came from Middlefield, Hampshire Co., Mass., to Cam- bridge (then Rockdale) Township, this county, in 1819, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. They started with an ox-team, but when they got as far as Albany the oxen gave out and were exchanged for a pair of horses. It took five weeks to make this journey. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Root had six children, viz. : Electa D., wife of E. S. S. Root, residing in Rockdale Township, this county; Meribah A., married to Rev. N. O. Thomas, in Rich- mond Township, this county; Daniel, also in Richmond Township; Eliakim W., deceased; Sumner P. and Ann. Daniel Root, Sr. , died September 3, 1881, in his eighty- ninth year; his wife died September 25, 1858, aged sixty- three. She was a daughter of Green H. Church, of Middlefield, Mass. The Root (originally spelled Rootes) family, of Cambridge, are descended from John Rootes, a native of Badbj-, Northamptonshire, England, who settled in Connecticut in 1635-36, and are known as the Parmington line. Our subject, Sumner P., and his sister Ann, reside on the old homestead. JUSTIN ROOT, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in what is now Cambridge Township, this county, December 29, 1833; son of Sylvester and Mercy (Thomas) Root, who settled in Cambridge Township in 1820. The father of our subject came from Middlefield, Mass., and was a son of Daniel a,nd Electa (Wardwell) Root. Daniel was a son of Thomas Root, whose father, Timothy Root, was a native of Westfield, Mass. The Roots are descendants of three brothers who came from England and settled in Salem, Mass., in 1635- 36. Sylvester Root had eight children: Martha L., Sally A., Harmony, Syl- vester B., Justin, Morton, Timothy T. and Lucy A. Justin Root, our sub- ject, was married January 10, 1861, to Nancy, daughter of Levi G. and Eliza- CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 815 beth (Gross) Birchard, by whom he has two children: Lizzie A. , born April 14, 1865 (the day President Lincoln was assassinated), and Andrew A., born August 28, 1866, died of typhoid fever September 27, 1884, aged eighteen years, one month. He was a grand and noble young man, and being the only Bon, his loss is a sad affliction to bis parents and sister. Mr. Root lives on a part of the farm settled by James Birchard ia 1813. He is a member of the Knights of Honor; is a Republican in politics. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. AMASA B. ROSS, retired, Cambridgeboro, was born in Peru, Berkshire Co., Mass., November 26, 1810; son of Increase B. and Lucy A. (Foote) Ross, who were parents of three sons: Amasa B., Charles and John. All were natives of Massachusetts and early settlers of Cambridge, this county. Increase B. Ross was a son of Amasa and Sarah (Bartlett) Ross. Amasa B. Ross, our subject, settled in Cambridge, this county, in 1838, and engaged in the mer- cantile business, which he followed until 1870, when he retired. He was mar- ried November 10, 1840, to Harriet R. , daughter of Samuel and Betsy (Cros- by) Beedy, who settled in Erie County about 1830; they were formerly of New Hampshire. To this union were born six children, viz. : Dixi H., married to Lucy Burcbard (have two children: Harry and Harriet, and reside at Victoria, Vancouver Island, B. C); Mowbray B., married to Mary E. Fullerton (have two daughters: Florence G. and Hattie M., and reside in Brooklyn, N. Y.); Bertha M. (deceased) ; Grace H. (deceased) married George Wade, left twin daughters named Grace R. and Georgie R. ; Winslow B., married to Adell LeiEngnell, (deceased) (have one child — Almond B. — and reside in Cambridge); Minnie F. (deceased). Mr. Ross was the leading merchant in Cambridge until his retire- ment in 1870. He served one term in the Pennsylvania State Legislature in 1854-55; was a School Director of his township sixteen years and filled many other important offices. He was formerly a Whig, but joined the Republican party at its organization and has been one of its active supporters ever since. Oar subject always takes a leading part in educational and church interests; has been a member of and one of the Deacons in the First Congregational Church of Cambridge since its organization in 1852. EMORY P. RUSSELL, proprietor and Principal of the Conservatory of Music, Cambridgeboro, was born in New York City, September 20, 1855, son of Joseph and Julia A. (Pool) Russell, now residents of Boston, Mass. He received his early education at the schools of Newton, Mass. , and graduated from the high school of that place. He began the study of music when twelve years of age; for ten years was a student of music in Boston under special instructors, and is now considered one of the most thoroughly trained musicians in the country. While studying to master his profession, he was employed in •one of the largest silk stores in Boston, and used his salary to pay for his musical education. He was a member of the Boylston Musical Club for sev- eral years, and sang in many of the leading churches and concert companies of Boston. He taught music in the public schools of Newton and Watertown, Mass., two years. Mr. Russell was married April 16, 1879, to Jennie M., daughter of John and Clarinda (Brackett) Little, of Cambridge, Mass. In 1881 he took charge of the musical department of the State Normal School at Edin- boro, Penn., where he remained two years. There were but fourteen students ■of music when he took charge. When he left, the class had increased to for- ty-nine. In the fall of 1883 he located in Cambridge, and opened the Cam- bridge Conservatory of Musi p, which has succeeded far beyond his expecta- tions, and the press has given him many complimentary notices in reference to the thoroughness of the instructions givea at this institution. Our subject has 816 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: recently purchased a lot 60x220, on which he has erected a fine hall which will accommodate 200 students. He has five assistants, and his wife is Principal of the piano department. Prof. Russell is a gentleman of culture and refine- ment, and thoroughly understands his profession. He is a member of the Northwestern Commandery of Knights Templar, the Ancient Order United Workmen, and Equitable Aid Union. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. JONATHAN W. SALEN, hotel keeper, Cambridgeboro, was born in Rich- mond Township, this county, September 12, 1845, son of William and Hettie (Moyer) Salen, who settled in that township in 1840, on the farm where they now reside. William Salen was a native of France, and his wife of Lehigh County, Penn. They had eleven children: Sally, deceased; Helena, Ange- line; Catherine, deceased; Peter, William, Jonathan W., Lewis; Esther, deceased; Mary; George, deceased. Our subject was raised on a farm. At the age of twenty-six he engaged in the drug business at Pierpont, Ohio, fol- lowing same occupation three years. In 1872 he moved to Concord, Erie Co., Penn., and embarked in the lumber trade, in which he still retains an interest there along with W. R. Wade. In 1877 Mr. Salen removed to Corry, Penn., and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, shingles, etc., which business he sold out in the fall of 1882, and in May, 1883, he came to Cambridge and purchased the American Hotel property, which he remodeled from cellar to garret. It now has the reputation of being second to no hotel in western Pennsylvania. Mr. Salen has been twice married; on first occasion, December 28, 1871, to Agnes P., daughter of John and Lydia (West) Kelly. John Kelly was the first white child born in Rockdale Township, this county, and was a " son of Isaac and Hannah (Carnahan) Kelly, who settled in what is now Bloom- field Township, this county, in 1799. To this union were born three children: John, Maud (deceased) and Walla. Our subject's second marriage was December 13, 1882, with Mrs. Helen Jude, daughter of John and Mary Ray- mer, of Spartansburg, Penn. Mr. Salen is a F. & A. M., a member of the L O. O. F., and the E. A. U. ADAM SHERRED, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born in Venango Town- ship, this county, November 22, 1810; son of Michael and Elizabeth (Zerns) Sherred, who came from Susquehanna County, Penn., and settled in Venango Township, this county, in 1797. Michael was a son of Jacob Sherred, an early settler of Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn. He was parent of twelve children: John, Adam, George, Henry, Polly, Peggy, Sally, Christena, Leah, Solomon, Jonathan and Maria. Our subject was married October 1, 1835, to Susan, daughter of John and Susan (Lytle) Shearer, who settled in what is now Cambridge Township in 1797. To this union were bofn seven children, viz.: Mary A., wife of James L. Doctor; Andrew J., married to Emily Hardman, of Ohio; John O., married to Tabitha Johnston; Michael M., married to Mary J. Bole; Lucian S., married to Clara Campbell; Josiab D., married to Julia Brookhouser; James S., married to Ella Peiffer. Mr. Sherred has lived on his farm since 1837. He has been Judge of Election. In politics is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. MICHAEL M. SHERRED, cheese- maker, P. O.Venango, was born in Cam- bridge Township, this county, November 25, 1842; son of Adam and Susan (Shearer) Sherred. He was married September 10, 1872, to Mary J., daughter of John and Margaret (Gilmore) Bole, of Venango Township, this county. By this union there is one child, Ray G. Mr. Sherred and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the K. of P. In politics is a Democrat. CAMBBIDGE TOWNSHIP. 817 ALANSON SHERWOOD, manufacturer, Cambridgeboro, was born in this township, July 22, 1833; son of Burnet M. and Eliza (Briggs) Sherwood, and grandson of John Sherwood, who settled in Washington Township in 1816. Alanson Sherwood was twice married; his first wife was Louisa, daughter of Hiram Johnson, of Edinboro, formerly of Maine, to whom he was married November, 1854. By this union there were three children: Ada, (deceased), William and Eliza B. His second wife was Emma Johnson, a half-sister of his first wife, to whom he was married September, 1873. The issue of this marriage was one child — Mabel. Mr. Sherwood began the manu- facture of shovel handles in Edinboro, in 1853, and carried on business there until 1873, when he located in Cambridgeboro, and engaged in the same business on a larger scale, and in connection with that, in company with his father, engaged also in flour-milling, planing-mill and lumber business, which partnership lasted until 1881, when the father sold his interest to three of his sons; they in turn sold to Thomas H. Agnew, the same year, and the business has been carried on successfully to th^ present time, under the firm name of Sherwood & Agnew. Mr. Sherwood is now Burgess of Cambridgeboro, serv- ing his second term. In politics he is a Republican. BENJAMIN F. SIVERLING, stock dealer, Cambridgeboro, was born in Venango Township, this county, May 1, 1844; son of Jacob and Barbara (Kleckner) Siverling, and grandson of Daniel Siverling, who was one of the first settlers in what is now Venango Township. Our subject was married Novem- ber, 1872, to Fannie, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Parker) Stillwell, of New York City, by whom he had one child — Sarah A. Mrs. Siverling died August 28, 1879, and in the same year he located in Cambridgeboro, this township. He is a member of the K. of H. and the E. A. U. In politics Mr. Siverling is a Republican. WATSON S. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn., June 25, 1856; son of John W. and Per- melia M. (Fuller) Smith, who settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1857. They had thirteen children, nine of whom are now living, viz. : Mary J. (Mrs. John Folsom), Susan C. (Mrs. John Dawson), Sabra (Mrs. Henry Lang- ley), Melvina (Mrs. S. C. T. Dodd), John A. (married RhodaBunce), Julia (Mrs. Chas. Ferry), Minnie, Victory C. (married Emma E. Deans), and. Watson S. Our subject was married January l8, 1880, to Arlette, daughter of Hardy and Almira P. (Pratt) Cushing, of Panama, N. Y., by whom he has one child- Kenneth C. John W. Smith died in 1877 at the age of sixty-eight; his wife died in 1873. Our subject had always resided in Rockdale Township until the spring of 1884, when he removed to Cambridge. In politics he is a Repub- lican. JEREMIAH M. STANFORD, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., October 26, 1821; son of Giles and Betsy (Bunce) Stanford, who settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1847. They had twelve children: Jeremiah M., Aurelia, Newell (deceased), Riza, Mary, Jean- nette, Cassandra, Andrew, Harriet, Charlotte (deceased), George and Oscar. Our subject was married July 8, 1852, to Sally, daughter of Sylvester and Mercy (Thomas) Root, who settled in Cambridge Township, this county, in 1820. By this union were ten children: Frank, Mercy H., Eliakim, Ada, Charlie, Egbert, Ella, Timothy, Ralph and Myra. Of these, Mercy H. mar- ried Frank Shrobb, of Meadville, Penn., and resides in Clinton County, Penn. (have four children: Nora, Almon and two infants). Mr. Stanford lived in Rockdale Township, this county, until 1883, when he purchased the Sylvester Root farm in Cambridge Township, where he now resides. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. 818 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: JACOB P. STEATER, A. M., M. D., Cambridgeboro, was born in Green- wood Township, this county, August 6, 1853, son of Jacob and Jemima (Dan- iels) Stray er, the former of whom came from York County, Penn., and settled in Greenwood Township in 1821. Jacob P., our subject, was raised on a farm, receiving his early education at the common schools and later at the graded school in Geneva. In the spring of 1873 he went to the normal school at Edinboro, where he remained one term. In the fall of the same year he entered Allegheny College at Meadville, where he graduated in 1878, and the same year began the study of medicine with Dr. E. H. Dewey, of Meadville. He is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, of the class of 1880. He began the practice of medicine the same year in Geneva, where he remained until 1882, when he located in Cambridge, this county, where he has been practicing to the present time. He was married September 30, 1877, to Lois A. Slaven, of Greenwood, this county, by whom he has one child — Blanche L. His wife died October 10, 1883. GEOEGE UPHAM, farmer, P. O. .Cambridgeboro, was born in Canton, Mass., October 25, 1815, son of Nathan and Susannah (Tilden) Upham, the former a native of England, the latter of Scotland, and who located in LeBceuf Township, Erie County, in 1817. They were parents of nine chil- dren: Naomi, Freelove, Sally, Susan, Clarissa, Nathan, Eliza, George and Roxa. Our subject, purchased his farm in Cambridge Township in 1841; it comprises seventy-one acres of land, fifty-five of which he has cleared himself, and which he settled on ip 1845. He was married September 18, 1845, to ■ Lydia, daughter of Eobert and Mercy (Atwell) Dodge, natives of Vermont. By this union were seven children, viz.: Mary, deceased; Eoxa C, wife of Sylvester Culbertson, Erie County; George C, married to Tempie Smith, reside in Nebraska; John N., married to Emma E. Eacop, Venango Town- ship, this county; Effie O., wife of A. B. Skelton, Nebraska; Amos T., also in Nebraska; and Hattie A., who lives at home with her parents. In politics Mr. Upham is a Democrat. GEOEGE L. WADE, formerly junior member of the firm of Moses & Wade, editors and proprietors of the Cambridge News, Cambridgeboro, was born April 25, 1857, in Chautauqua County, N. Y. His father, Lewis N. Wade, was born in 1831, and died in 1874. He was a, farmer and lumberman, and for many years was in business in Union City, Erie County. He was a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and A. O. U. W. His wife, Belief M. (Bates) Wade, was born in the State of New York in 1839. They were the parents of three children: J. E., F. E. and George L. She is now in Cambridgeboro, the wife of H. L. Bacon, whom she married in 1880. Our subject received ac ommon school education, and began the printing business with J. A. Pain, of the Corry Telegraph. He picked up the trade with rapidity, and in two years he held cases at Meadville, and subsequently at Greenlee, Penn., Warren, Cleve- land and Akron, Ohio, Grafton, W. Va., Erie, ^ Penn., and other places. In 1879 and 1881 Mr. Wade engaged in the job printing business in Brad- ford, Penn., under the firm name of Lerch & Wade, and in 1882 he bought a half interest in the Cambridge News, on which he has been instrumental in assisting Mr. Moses in making it a lively newspaper, such a journal as is demanded by the intelligent reading community through which it circulates. July 10, 1884, Mr. Wade sold his half interest in the News to his partner, Mr. Moses, but is still an attache in the office. Our subject was married Decem- ber 4, 1882, to Grace H., a daughter of A. B. Ross. She was born in 1851, and died December 24, 1883, leaving to her husband the care of two sweet lit- tle girl babies, named Grace Ross and Georgie Ross. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lu politics a Eepublican. CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 819 JOHN B. WILBER, hardware merchant, Cambridgeboro, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., May 30, 1830, son of William B. apd Bethana (Ben- nett) Wilber, the former a son of William Wilber, and of German lineage, the latter a daughter of Israel and Ruth Bennett, and of Scotch-Irish descent. John B. Wilber, our subject, came to this county in 1850, locating in Beaver Township, where he engaged in the lumber business. He was married in September, 1856, to Mary, daughter of John and Susan (Rockwell) Jobes, by whom he had three children: Frank (deceased), Mark and Harry. Mark was married October 17, 1883, to Kate Glenn, daughter of William Glenn, of Chautauqua County, N. Y. Mr. Wilber settled in Cambridge in 1866, and ■engaged in lumbering six years. In 1872 he embarked in the hardware trade, and, in 1873, to accommodate his increasing business, built a store 26x100 feet. In 1878 he enlarged his building 26x60, making his store ^2 feet wide by 100 feet long. Above this is one of the finest halls in the State, hav- ing a seating capacity of 400, opera folding chairs, stage 24x30, scenery and dressing rooms. This hall is let for theater and lecture purposes. Mr. Wilber is the leading merchant in his line of business in this portion of the county. In politics he is a Republican. CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. WILBUR ABELL, farmer and produce shipper, P. O. Linesville, was born in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., November 26, 1852, son of Alexander and Maria (Hurlburt) Abell, former a farmer, and a native of the Jieighborhood of Saratoga, N. Y., latter a native of Erie County, Penn. His paternal ancestors at one time were owners of the land where the city of Saratoga now stands. Alexander Abell and his wife were parents of six chil- dren, four now living. Their son Harlow B. was a member of the Four- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was wounded and taken prisoner, and died in a Rebel prison at Salisbury, N. 0. They are now living in Springfield Town- ship, Erie Co., Penn., members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub- ject, who is third in the family, received an academic education, was thor- oughly instructed in German, and taught school several terms in his younger days. Naturally he has a literary turn of mind, and has written several essays on farming, which were published in some of the leading magazines. He purchased his present farm of sixty acres in Conneaut Township, this county, in 1873, moved on it February 22, 1876, and has built a new residence. Mr. Abell put in the first wagon scales in his neighborhood, and laid the first mile of underground draining in his section. He makes a specialty of raising potatoes and onions, having at present seven acres of the former and three- quarters of an acre of the latter. He never sows timothy, but invariably seeds with clover. In the fall and winter of 1863 Mr. Abell handled over $18,000 worth of potatoes, besides much other produce, and same time fed and fattened twenty-one head of heavy cattle. Our subject married, Novem- ber 23, 1875, Edith B. Philips, a native of Girard Township, Erie Co., Penn., educated at the L. E. S., Painesville, Ohio. Two children were born to this union: J. Lawrence and Rebecca M. Mr. and Mrs. Abell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is independent; is a strong advo- cate of temperance, having never in his life drank a drop of liquor. 820 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: MOSES ALLEN, farmer and miller, P. O. Linesville, was born in South Shenango Township, this county, July 25, 1813, son of Steven and Jane (Gil- liland) Allen, former a native of Washington County, latter of Fayette County, Penn., parents of nine children, five now living. One son, Lifflet, was killed by the cars in Linesville, this county, in 1883. They were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Steven Allen came to Crawford County when a small boy, in 1795, with his father, who had been a soldier in the Rev- olutionary war. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; died in 3874, his widow in 1876. Our subject, who is eldest in the family, is a miller, an occupation he has worked at the better part of his life, in connection with farming. He was twice married, on first occasion to Mary, daughter of Samuel and Hannah Burwell. By this union were born nine children, eight now living: Mary J., wife of^David Patent: Steven; Sarah O., wife of George Allen; Hugh, Win- field L. ; Gaylord ; Webster S. ; Fred and Byron. Steven was a soldier during the war of the Eebellion, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, and was in many engagements; was wounded in the right hip and returned home at the close of the war. He was killed in a steam saw-mill in 1866. Mrs. Allen died in 1860, and our subject then married, in 1864, Mrs. Lucinda C. Kendall, widow of Charles Kendall, and daughter of Levi Gaylord, of Geneva, Ohio, of which place she is a native. She had three children by her first marriage, two now living: William V. and Levi G. Charles Kendall was a soldier in, the war of the Rebellion, and died from the effects of disease contracted in 1861. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born three children: Morton, Steve and Edgar. Our subject is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church; is owner of fifty acres of well-improved land, with a fine residence erected thereon in 1880, where he and his wife are now leading a retired life. WILLIS D. BARBER, farmer and breeder of shorthorn cattle, P. O. Penn Line, was born on the farm he now lives on, in Conneaut Township, this county, May 31, 1850, son of Elijah A. and Amanda (Drake) Barber, nativea of Connecticut, parents of four children — two sons and two daughters. They were married in 1833. Elijah A. Barber came to Crawford County in 1832. He was a prominent farmer, owning at one time 300 acres of land, most of which he and his sons cleared. He was a Captain in the State Militia; an active Whig in an early day, but a Republican since the formation of that party. He died in 1865. His widow, who is now over eighty years of age, came to Crawford County in 1833. She is living with our subject and her daughter Florence A. on the old homestead. Mrs. A. H. Bates is one of her daughters, and her son, Horatio E., is a prominent farmer in Conneaut Town- ship, this county. Our subject, who is the youngest child, received a good common school education and was brought up to farming life. He owns 125 acres, part of it his father's old homestead, and is now breeding and raising shorthorn cattle. He has some registered stock from the best families of shorthorns in Ohio and New York State. He is a member of the State Police; in politics a Republican. A. H. BATES, proprietor Penn Line cheese factory, Penn Line, was born in (jonneaut Township, this county, August 25, 1839; son of Patrick H. and Emma J. (Pish) Bates, and brother of Alanson S. Bates, whose sketch follows this. Our subject received a good common school education, and commenced life at the age of fourteen as a clerk in a dry goods store in Penn Line. In 1868 he opened a general store for his own account in same place, and this he carried on successfully till the fall of 1875, when, his health failing, he was compelled to close out the business. In 187,3 he purchased a one-half interest CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 821 in tlie Penn Line cheese factory. This industry utilizes the milk of about 800 cows, many of its patrons coming from Ohio. The gradual increase of the patronage of this factory since our subject took hold of it is a safe guarantee of its future as well as an evidence of its present and . past success. It is probably the largest cheese factory in Pennsylvania, and Mr. Bates is entitled to much credit for its progress. He was married in 1867 to Miss Augusta Barber, a native of Conneaut Township, this county, daughter of B. A. Bar- ber, an early settler of this Section, and who died September 8, 1865. Her mother is now living with her son, W. D. Barber. One child has blessed this union — Ned A. Our subject is a member of the A. O. U. W. and State Police; in politics he js a Republican. He is owner of twenty- two acres of improved land. ALANSON S. BATES, retired merchant, Penn Line, was born in Conne- aut Township, this county, September 22, 1843, son of Patrick H. and Emma J. (Pish) Bates, former a native of Clinton County, latter of Albany County, N. Y., and daughter of Joseph Fish, who settled inSummerhill Township, this county, in 1815. He was a farmer and cleared up 400 acres of land in that section; was father of a large family. Patrick H. Bates came in 1821, when a boy, to Crawford County, with his father, Zadok, who settled in Conneaut Township and was a prominent farmer. He had three sons in the war of 1812, two of whom were riflemen at the battle of Plattsburg. The first hus- band of grandmother Bates was killed by the Tories during the Revolutionary war. Our subject's grandfather Bates died in 1834, and the widow then returned to her home in Clinton County, N. Y., and there died. The parents of our subject had nine children; they lived together half a century and never in that time lost a member, of the family. The father died June 5, 1883, and his widow followed him August 7, same year. Alanson S., who is sixth in the family, received a common school education. He enlisted in 1862 in the One Hundred and Thirty- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Potomac. His corps was kept on the reserve force at the battle of Antie- tam. He was honorably discharged in January, 1863, and returned home. Following summer our subject served three months in the Fifty-sixth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, Army of West Virginia, and in the fall of 1863 was again honorably discharged and returned home. During the winter of 1864— 65, he received authority to recruit a company, of which he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and was attached to the One Hundred and Third Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, Tenth Corps, Army of the Cumberland. They did duty at Roanoke Island and Newberne. He was finally honorably discharged at the close of the war and returned home. His brother William served nine months with the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and his brother David nearly three years in all, part of the time with the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry. Our subject married, in 1866, Adelia Borden, a native of this county and daughter of James Borden. She died in December, 1868, and Mr. Bates then married, in 1873, Sarah Spencer. One child was born to this union — Willie S. Mrs. Bates is a member of the Pres- byterian Church. After the war Mr. Bates was for some time in mercantile business and officiated as Postmaster at Penn Line, but is now retired. He was President of the Linesville Savings Bank for two years; is a member of the G. A. R., A. O. TJ. W., and is a F. & A. M. ; in politics he is a Republican. Since above was written Mr. Bates has disposed of his business interests in Penn Line, and removed to Andover, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where he has organ- ized a bank, of which he has taken charge as Cashier. DAVID BOLLARD, manager of the Farmers' Store Company (limited), 822 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHESt Center Road station, this township, was born in England, December 23,1829; son of Thomas and Hupsabah Bollard. He came to America when twenty years of age, and worked at his trade, that of a shoemaker, at night, laboring on a farm by day, until his marriage, which occurred in 1854, with Hannah J. Groves, a native of New York, and daughter of David Groves, one of the early settlers of this section. To this union have been born seven children, six now living, viz.: Lydia M., Lewis G., Charles P., Mary J., Minnie and Frank D. Our subject settled in Conneaut Township, this county, in 1850, and being a hard worker has cleared a great deal of land. He has filled the office of Township Treasurer many years, and is recognized as a man of integrity and trust. In January, 1881, Mr. Bollard was appointed manager of the Farmers' Store Com- pany (limited), with place of business at Centre Eoad station, in the heart of Con- neaut Township. This enterprise is owned by a joint stock company, with a capital of $2,000, and is doing a satisfactory business under the management of our subject. Mr. Bollard is an A. F. & A. M., and member of the R. T. of T., and State Police; in politics he is a Republican. His son, Lewis J., married Miss Lillie A. Crocket, a native of Conneaut Township, who has borne him one child— William D. WILLIAM H. BRADT, farmer and breeder of short horn cattle and Cots- wold sheep, P. O. Linesville, was born at New Salem, N. Y., April 2, 1850; son of Henry D. and Abigail (Rushmore) Bradt, also natives of New Salem, where were born also the grandfather and great-grandfather of our subject. Henry D. Bradt and his wife came to this county in 1870. They are the parents of four chiJdren. She is a member of the German Reformed Church. He kept a store and hotel in his younger days, but most of his life has been spent in farming pursuits. Our subject, who is youngest in the family, received a good common school education. He was married in 1872 to Miss Rachie L. Irons, a native of Conneaut Township, this county, and daughter of James R. Irons, a brother of B. O. Irons. Two children — Grace and Velma — were born to this union. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and of the P. of H. ; He owns ninety- two acres of well- improved land; is making a specialty of breeding short horn cattle, and has some registered animals of this stock; has also registered Cotswold sheep, of which he has a fine flock. Mr. Bradt has held several township offices; in politics he is a Republican. CHANCY B. BROOKS, farmer and dealer in milk, P. O. Linesville, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in Conneaut Township, this county, April 16, 1835, son of Isaac and Aldula (Brown) Brooks, former a native of this township, latter of the neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. They were parents of nine children, five now living. Isaac Brooks was a Quaker and aided in establishing that society in Conneaut Township; his wife had broth- ers serving the United States Government in the war of 1812. She dying in 1871, Mr. Brooks remarried, and his second wife departed this life March 3, 1884. He is living on the old homestead with his son, Chancy B., and is now in his seventy- eighth year. Our subject, who is fifth in the family, received but a limited education, as he was kept hard at work. He was married Sep- tember 26, 1856, to Mary L. Waters, a native of Ohio, and sister of A. W. Waters, whose biography elsewhere appears in this volume. Six chiJdren were born to this union, five now living: George L., Alson C, Fred J., Myrtie C. and Zed I. Our subject and wife are members of the Liberal League Society of Linesville. Mr. Brooks owns 130 acres of well-improved land, his father's old homestead. He furnishes the village of Linesville with milk; is making a specialty of breeding short horn cattle, and graded Cotswold sheep. Our sub- ject is independent in politics and liberal in religious principles, not bound to any party or creed. CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 823 O. F. BUSH, farmer and carpenter and joiner, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., June 20, 1812, son of Derrick and Eachael M. (Mcintosh) Bush, natives of Massachusetts, and parents of iive children— three now living. They were members of the Baptist Church. Derrick Bush was a tanner and shoe-maker by trade, and in addition worked on a farm. He died at Linesville, Penn., October 25, 1867, aged seventy-nine years; his wife died November 20, 1820, aged thirty-two. Our subject, who is the third in the family, received a limited education. He learned the trade of carpenter and ^ joiner when young, and has worked at it for a considerable length of time. He was married December 16, 1833, to Solemy Beach, who bore him one son — Joseph C, now proprietor of a wholesale tobacco business in Erie, Penn. She died April 28, 1877, and our subject then married, December 25, 1879, Mrs. Margaret Kazebee, widow of John Kazebee. She was born on the farm where she now lives, October 18, 1829, and'is a daughter of William Johnston, who settled on this same farm in 1801. He came from Cumberland County, Penn. ; was a soldier in the war of 1812, going to the front twice, for which he received two land grants and a pension. Mrs. Bush had two children by her first husband: John W., and Ella M., wife of William R. Sprague. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which her parents were charter members, at Conneautville. Her mother died December 4, 1865, and her father October 5, 1873, aged eighty-three. Our subject has owned at different times three farms in Crawford County, and cleared a large area of land. He built several houses in Linesville, toward which village he has probably done more than any other individual. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Coroner and School Director, latter for twelve years. lu politics he is a Republican with strong temperance proclivities; has traveled extensively in the Western States and along the Pacific coast, having spent the winter of 1871 in Oregon. COL. P. B. CARPENTER, contractor and builder, Conneautville, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., January 12, 1827, son of Daniel and Tem- perance (Warfield) Carpenter, former a native of Massachusetts, latter of Mar- seilles, Prance. They were parents of thirteen children, six now living. Daniel Carpenter was a drummer boy in the war of 1812; and was a mechanic. Was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he took a special interest, and of which his father, who lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-four years, was a minister (the grandfather lived to the age of one hundred and four years); he died in January, 1882, his wife December 19, 1880. Our subject, who is the fifth in the family, received an academic educa- tion, and at the age of seventeen, his health being frail, commenced to learn the trade of brick mason and plasterer in Russia Township, Herkimer Co., N. Y. , remaining with his employer five years, two latter as a partner. His health being re-established, our subject attended school winters, and during the sum- mer months took contracts as a builder. He was married at the age of eighteen, to Miss Sarah Fenner, also a native of Herkimer County. To this union were born five children, four now living: Abbie, wife of Oren Penfield; Taber V.; Sarah, wife of D. P. Booth, and Fenner B., all now located on their father's original farm, within sight of his homestead. In 1861 Col. Carpenter recruited Company H, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volimteer Infantry, of which he was commissioned Captain August 16, 1861. He served in the field with the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. In 1863 he was appointed Assist- ant Provost Marshal of Crawford County, Penn. , which position he held till the close of the war, and was honorably discharged in August, 1865. He is now Colonel of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania National Guards, holding the oldest 824 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Colonel's commission in the State. With the exception of the time he was in service in the army, our subject has been a contractor and builder for thirty- nine years. He built the present court houses at Meadville, this county, Char- don, Coshocton and Ravenna, Ohio, the first Presbyterian and Christian E. P. Churches, besides many of the finest business blocks in Meadville and Ohio, and many other churches as well as banks, schools, etc. , in Ohio. He has been owner, from time to time, of over 250 acres of well-improved land. Col. Carpen- ter is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; has taken the thirty-second degree in Masonr. In politics he is a Republican. T. H. COREY, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Summerhill Town- ship, Cayuga Co., N. Y., January 8, 1832; son of Archibald and Luretta Corey, who came to Crawford County in 1837 and settled in Conneaut Township. They were parents of six boys and six girls, of whom nine are now living. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Archibald Corey was a carpenter and joiner and millwright. He died in 1837, soon after coming to Crawford County, and his widow followed him in 1866. Our subject, who is the tenth child in the family, received a common school education. He mar- ried, December 25, 1855, Miss Lottie T. Doling, a native of New York and daughter of L. W. Doling, now of Beaver Township, having come to Crawford County and settled in that township in 1851. Mr. Doling had a family of nine children, seven now living. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Louesa Johnson, in Beaver Township, this county. His wife, who was also a member of the same church, died in 1872. Our subject and wife were parents of four children, three now living: Thomas A., married September 18, 1884, to Miss Ida C. Rood; Ella L., wife of Leonard Holman, and Nettie M., wife of Arch B. Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. Corey are members of the R. T. of T. He enlisted September 7, 1864, in the Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, attached to Ninth Corps, Army of the Potomac; was in the battle of Weldon Railroad; was wounded in the finger and right side at Petersburg, which necessitated his being sent to the hospital, and he had to suffer thirteen days before having his wounds dressed. He was honorably discharged in May, 1865, for physical disability. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. ; in politics a Republican. Mr. Corey is owner of 130 acres of well-improved land. MAJOR C. DORCHESTER, farmer, P. O., Centre Road Station, was born June 27, 1810, in Parish, N. Y. ; son of Reaben and Sophia Dorchester, former of whom died when our subject was very young; the latter kept house in Mer- cer County, Penn., until she remarried. Our subject lived with his grand- father until 1828, in which year he purchased sixty-two acres of land partially cleared. October 2, 1834, he married Miss Nancy Tuttle, a native of North East, Erie Co., Penn. Two children wer« born to this union : Ruth S., wife of Edwin Egbert, and Reuben S. Mrs. Dorchester was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; she died in 1838. Mr. Dorchester then married, in 1840, Miss Elizabeth E. Sackett, a native of Edinbnrg, Portage Co., Ohio, born March 28, 1819, and daughter of Samuel S. Sackett, a farmer. By this union there are three children : Seth S., who was a soldier in the war of the Kebellion; EmelineE., wife of Jacob Van Slyke, and Caroline E., wife of Edwin Lawrence. Our subject and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over fifty years. He moved to Crawford County in April, 1853, and settled on the farm he now owns and lives on in Conneaut Township. In politics he is a Republican with strong temperance proclivities. SETH S. DORCHESTER, farmer, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 825 in Mercer County, Penn., January 9, 1844, son of M. C. Dorchester. In 1862 he enlisted in the three months' service with the Army of the Potomac, and on March 7, 1864, he again enlisted, on this occasion in Company I, Second l^ennsylvania Cavalry, also with the Army of the Potomac. He was in the battle of Todd's Tavern four days, and was there wounded. May 7, 1864, through the right thigh. He remained in hospital until he returned to his regiment about August 15, 1864; then participated in the battles of Ream's Station, Wyatt House (two days), Boydtown Plank Road, Stony Creek, through the entire siege of Petersburg, and finally at Lee's surrender, serving in all about twenty-one months. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865. On September 10, 1865, Mr. Dorchester married Miss Philena Shaw, a native of Conneaut Township, and daughter of Moses D. Shaw, Sr. , who came to Craw- ford County in 1842. He was a farmer, father of eleven children, and is now living in Summerhill Township. Three daughters and one son were born to this union: M. Lizzie, E. Jennie, Grace P. and Charles S. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is owner of seventy- five acres of land, which he moved on to at the close of the war; this he cleared and improved, and it is now a fine farm. In politics he is a Republican. EDMUND ELLSWORTH, farmer, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born at North Bast, Penn., March 20, 1824, son of John and Fannie (White) Ells- worth, natives of Cazenovia, N. Y., parents of eight children, five now living; members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Ellsworth was a leader for many years. They moved to this county and settled in Hayfield Township in 1840. John Ellsworth, who had been a farmer all his days, died in 1850, his wife in 1845. Our subject, who is second in the family, received a common school education, and learned the trade of molder, at which he worked for fifteen years. He married, December 25, 1850, Mary T. Cox, a native of Wayne Township, this county, daughter of Levi Cox, and grand- daughter of Samuel Gehr, an early settler in this county. To this union were born three children: Ruth A., who has taught school successfully for over fifteen years; Eva, a dress-maker; and Fred W., at present attending Alle- gheny College at Meadville, Penn. Mr. Ellsworth moved to his present fine farm of seventy acres in Conneaut Township in 1864, and since he abandoned his trade has applied himself exclusively to farming. "He is a member of the I. O. O. V. In politics a Republican. MRS. NANCY W. GILLILAND, P. O. Linesville, was born in Warren, Penn., September 15, 1821, daughter of Thomas T. and Margaret Page, who were born and brought up in Philadelphia, parents of ten children. They were good, Christian people, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Page, who had been a farmer all his days, died in 1849, his widow in 1853. Our subject, who is fifth in the family, was married in September, 1847, to Samuel Gilliland, a native of Conneaut Township, son of Samuel Gilliland, Sr. , one of the very early settlers and farmers of Conneaut Town- ship, the father of a large family. Samuel Gilliland, Jr., died in March, 1865, leaving his widow, our subject, over 140 acres of excellent land, most of which he and his sons cleared. He carried on a lumber business at one time in War- ren County, Penn., in which he earned the money that bought his farm. Mrs. Gilliland is the mother of three children: William P., married and has a fam- ily; Prank L. , also married and has a family; and Samuel D., who is single and lives with his mother, managing the old homestead which they still hold. Our subject managed to keep her children together after her husband's death, and raised them in a manner reflecting the highest credit on her. She and two eldest sons are members of the Disciple Church. 45 826 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: "W. C. GEAHAM, farmer, P. O. Penn Line, was born on the farm where he now lives in Conneaut Township, this county, June 25, 1840; son of Will- iam and Nancy Crocket Graham, former a native of Pine Township, latter of Conneaut Township, this county. They were parents of six children, four now living. T. B. Graham, of Spring Township, this county, is one of the sons. William Graham, who was a farmer and who cleared 125 acres of laud, died in March, 1870; his widow lives with our subject on the old home- stead, having attained the ripe age of eighty years. Her father, Thomas B. Crocket, was a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, received a common school education and was brought up on the farm. He was married October 6, 1859, to Miss Lucinda Jackett, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., daughter of Isaac Jackett, who came to Crawford County about 1843. Three children have been born to this union: Dellie N., wife of H. P. Turner; Jay I. and Burton. Mr. Graham is a member of the A. O. U*. W. and S. K. , and along with his wife of the Patrons of Husbandry. He has on his farm some fine specimens of short horn cattle, the breeding of which he is making a specialty of and into which it is his intention to enter very extensively, his farm being well adapted for stock-raising. The strain of his short horns are from the celebrated J. F. King farm in Trumbull County, Ohio. Mr. Graham is a Democrat in politics. HARLOW J. GEEENFIELD, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., October 7, 1823; son of Archibald and Catharine Green- field and half-brother of Dr. E. N. Greenfield, whose biography appears below. Our subject received a common school training and taught school to some extent. He was married in April, 1849, to Miss Caroline Phelps, a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., and daughter of Benjamin Phelps, who settled in Crawford County in 1847, and sister of J. B. Phelps. To this union have ' been born five children, two now living: Sarah C, wife of P. S. Pease, and Archibald B. Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Our subject came to Crawford County with his father in 1840. He had the misfortune to break his leg when in the saw-mill business, and in 1872 had three of his bams destroyed by lightning, entailing a loss of over $2,000. Mr. Greenfield has held several township ofiQces; in politics is a Eepublican. E. N. GEEENFIELD, physician and surgeon, Penn Line, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, December 3, 1840; son of Archibald and 1 Naoma Greenfield, former a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., latter of Mass- achiisetts. They came to Crawford County in September, 1840, settling in Conneaut Township, where they cleared a farm of 100 acres heavily timbered land. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Greenfield had belonged for forty years before his death, which occurred in 1870. With the exception of three years the widow resided with her son, Dr. John W. ? Greenfield, of Spring, Penn., until her deaths which took place August 27, 1884. Her connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church existed over sixty years. Mr. Greenfield had been a soldier in the war of 1812. They were parents of four children, of whom Dr. E. N. Greenfield is the eld- est. He received a common school educaton before the war of the Eebellion broke out, and in 1862 he enlisted for nine months in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry attached to the First Corps Army of the Potomac. He was in the battle of South Mountain, Piatt's Plan- tation, Chancellorsville and many other engagements, and was honorably dis- charged in June, 1863. During the winter of 1863-64 he attended the normal school and in April of the latter year he enlisted in the Second Pennsylvania CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 827 Heavy Artillery, serving in Burnside's Corps, Army of the Potomac. He par- ticipated in the battle of the Wilderness; was through the entire siege of Petersburg and finally at the capture of Lee's army. His company lost thitty- three men at Cold Harbor. Our subject was honorably discharged as Corporal in February, 1866, and in following spring commenced reading medicine with Drs. Dunn & Greene, Conneautville. In 1869 he graduated from the Univer- sity of Michigan, after which he began the practice of his profession at Penn Line, where he has continued ever since, enjoying an excellent business and the c6nfidence of the public. The Doctor was married in 1873 to Miss Jessie Maloney, a native of Crawford County, and daughter of James and Kate Maloney, natives of New York State and early settlers of Crawford County. To this union have been born two children, one now living — John C. Dr. Green- field is a member of the G. A. K, A. O. U. W. and is an A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican. JOHN G. HOLMAN, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Templeton, Mass., February 28, 1822; son of Jonathan and Susan T. (Greenleaf) Holman, also natives of Templeton, former of Scotch descent. They came to Crawford County, July 3, 1834, and settled on 176 acres of land in the woods in Conneaut Township, when but few roads were cut and deer, bears and wolves were plentiful. They were parents of twelve children, nine now living. Jonathan Holman was a mechanic, and to some extent made measures and boxes. He was, it is claimed, the original inventor of the screw propeller, but, like many other inventors, made no money out of it. He died in 1855, aged sixty-five years; his widow, who was a member of the Baptist Church, died March 21, 1888, aged eighty-six. Our subject, who is third in the family, is a natural mechanic and inventor, besides being an expert cheese-maker. He invented a sulky gang-plow, self-adjusting. As a practical manufacturer of cheese he has had thirty-one years of experience and has no superior. He received the first award of the State of Pennsylvania, and second award of the United States, as a practical factory cheese-maker, from the United States Commission at the Centennial, 1876. He operated a cheese factory on his own farm for about eight years. This was destroyed by fire November 21, 1881, entailing a loss of $2,000. Mr. Holman was married in 1847 to Miss Abigail Eobins, a native of Crawford County, and daughter of Josiah Robins, an old settler of this county. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, stationed at Black Rock. To this union were born nine children, six now living, viz, : Sylvana J., wife of L. M. Nickles, Leonard S., Fred W., Minnie A., Mabel L. and Jessie L. Our subject and wife are members of the Latter Day Saint's Church. He is owner of 103 acres well-improved land. WILLIAM G. JACKETT, farmer, P. O. Steamburgh, was born Novem- ber 19, 1838, in Cayuga County, N. Y. ; son of Isaac R. and Betsy E. Jackett, former a native of Chenango County, and latter of Cayuga County, ' N. Y. They came to Crawford County in 1848; were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church; parents of five children, all now living. Isaac R. Jackett was a merchant up to the time he came to this county, and then bought a farm in Conneaut Township. He was killed by a tree falling on him, first winter after coming. His widow here reared the children, although under great disadvantages, the family being very young and the country com- paratively new. She is now living with her youngest child, Isaac F. , in Con- neaut Township. Our subject, who is the eldest, had but a limited education, having had to work hard. He was married in May, 1861, to Miss Augusta L. Weaver, a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., and daughter of Sylvester and Amadella Weaver. Four children have been born to this union, three now 828 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: living: "Willie C, Charles and Ettie. Mr. and Mrs. Jaokett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He established a brick-yard in 1874, and has been making bricks extensively since; the machinery is worked by steam power. He has also a jelly factory in connection, and he finds a good patron- age. Our subject is a member of the A. O. U. W., State Police, and I. O. O. F. In politics is a Democrat. ANDEEW' JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Oon- neaut Township, this county, November 1, 1835 ; son of William and Margaret (Mellan) Johnson. He is the youngest in the family and was brought up on the farm. He enlisted in 1861, in Company I, Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving in the Army of the Potomac. He was in the second battle of Bull Bun, and the fngagement at Culpeper Court House, after which he was seized with typhoid fever, was sent to hospital and honorably discharged March 4, 1862, for physical disability. Mr. Johnson has never fully recov- ered from that illness. He was married March 13, 1869, to Miss Prances Spencer, a native of Chester, Ohio, and daughter of John B. Spencer, one of the early pioneers of this section. To this union were born four children: Eugenia May, John S. , James G. and Eoland A. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is owner of sixty-seven acres of well- improved land. He is a member of the K. T. of T., E. A. U. and Q. A. B. ; in politics is a Eepublican. ISAAC LADNEE, farmer and mechanic, P. O. Linesville, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, April 29, 1831, son of David and Betsy (Thorn) Ladner, natives of New Jersey, parents of nine children, eight now living. They were members of the Society of Friends or Quakers, which society they aided in establishing, in an early day, in Conneaut Township. David Ladner came with his father from New Jersey to this county in 1812, an ox team conveying them the whole distance. He was a chair-maker by trade, at which he worked to some extent. He took up fifty acres of wild land, which he cleared and improved. He held some of the township offices and took some interest in politics. He died August 14, 1869; his wife October 7, 1866. Our subject, who is the eighth of the family, received a common school education and learned the trade of plasterer in his younger days, which he has worked at considerably. He married, in 1852, Miss Eebecca Thorn, also a native of this township, and a daughter of David Thorn, who came to this county about 1812. Five children were born to this union: William T., Emma B., wife of Dexter Boon; Zilla M., Fred L. and DeWit C. Mr. and Mrs. Ladner and their son, William T. , are members of the B. T. of T. Our subject is owner of 153 acres chiefly improved land, part of which is his grandfather's old homestead, and when not working at his trade has always followed farming. He makes a specialty of breeding Holstein cattle, of which he has some registered stock; has some graded short horn cattle, also Cotswold sheep. Mr. Ladner^ is liberal in his religious views, with a leaning toward Spiritualism. In politics he is independent. HULBEET LANDON, farmer, P. O. Centre Eoad Station, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., April 19, 1818, son of Daniel and Nancy (Mitchell) Landon, who settled in Conneautville, this county, in 1836. They were members of the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Landon took special interest. Parents of fifteen children, seven now living. Daniel Landon was by trade a carpenter and joiner, as well as contractor and builder. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and at one time Colonel in the State Militia. He died in 1880; his wife in 1864. Our subject, who is eldest in the family, received a good common school education and taught school two terms at an early day in CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 829 Illinois. He married, on January 1, 1839, Miss Delania S. Homer, a native of Orleans County, N. Y., and daughter of Benjamin Homer, who came to Craw- ford- County in 1833, and was a prominent farmer of Conneaut Township. To this union were born four children, three now living, viz.: Benjamin D., Julia E., wife of Lewis Hill, and William H.. Mr. Landon enlisted fcJeptember 5, 1861, in Company H, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Fifth Corps Army of the Potomac. He was present at the second battle of Bull Bun, Antietam and Fredericksburg; after which last named battle he was taken ill, sent to the hospital and was honorably discharged for physical disability March 30, 1863, and returned home. His son, Benjamin D., enlisted the same day and in the same regiment as his father, and was through the seven days' fight on the Peninsula, and was wounded at Malvern Hill in the right hip by a piece of shell. Was also in the second battle of Bull Eun and the engagement at Antietam. He veteranized in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served all through the Wilderness, at the siege of Petersburg, and was present at Lee's surrender. After serving four years he was honora- bly discharged in 1865. Our subject and son are both members of the G. A. E. For about three years they, along with our subject's father, together acknowledged each quarter their vouchers for a pension at Conneautville. Mr. and Mrs. Landon are members of the E. T. of T. and the P. of H. He is owner of sixty-one acres of fine land, and is a member of the Evangelical Church. In politics he is a Eepublican. JAMES A. LAWEENCB, farmer, P. O. Centre Eoad .Station, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, January, 18, 1823 ; son of Luman and Mary (Crocket) Lawrence, former a native of. the vicinity of Albany, N. Y. , latter of Pennsylvania, parents of ten children, eight now living. Luman Law- rence, who was a farmer, came to Crawford County in 1815 and settled in Conneaut Township. He was a hard working pioneer and cleared a large area of land. He was an old line Whig in politics, son of a Eevolutionary soldier. He died in 1867, his wife in 1845. Our subject, who is third in the family, had no educational advantages. He was married. May 5, 1846, to Miss Clarissa Moses, a native of Connecticut, who bore him six children, three now living: Lucy, wife of Almon Davoll (had one son deceased); Celestia, wife of Martin Spoull (had three sons, one deceased), and Char- lotte, wife of John Hague (have two sons). Mrs Lawrence died in January, 1856; and in January, 28, 1858, our subject married Mrs. Mary Garwood, a native of Sadsbury Township, this county, widow of Aaron Garwood, and daugh- ter of Abel Freeman, a native of New Jersey, and one of the very early set- tlers of western Crawford County. She had two children by her first husband, one now living, Samuel Garwood (he had three children, two now living). By her present husband she has had three children: Mary E., widow of Jacob Dic- key (she has two sons and one daughter); Harriet C, wife of L. A. Couch (had two sons, one now living), and James M., married to Miss Minnie O'Neill, daughter of Dr. A. O'Neill, of Conneautville (they have one son, J. Glenn). The mother of Mrs. James A. Lawrence was also a native of Sadsbury Town- ship, this county, and her maternal grandfather, William Campbell, was one of the very first settlers of that section. Mr. Lawrence owns 100 acres of well improved land, most of which he cleared himself. He was the first to introduce short horn cattle in Conneaut Township and of which he has made a specialty. In politics he is a Democrat. ' ANSON LEONAED (deceased), second son of Asa and Esther (Brown) Leon- ard, was born in Worthington, Mass., January 28, 1800. He departed this life at his old home in Penn Line, Crawford County, August 28, 1872. 830 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: His father purchased property in Pierpont, Ohio, where he moved his family in 1812, and it was in schools of this township that the subject of the present sketch received most of his education, and taught many terms of school. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Emerson and Elizabeth (Porter) Baker, who was born in Newburyport, Mass. , in 1810. The children of this union are ten in number, viz.: Charlotte P., Mary L. (deceased), Esther E., Asa (deceased), Myra M., Byron S., M. D. (deceased), Hattie A., Emerson B., Lillian P., Bird A. Mr. Leonard had a decided liter- ary mind, and upon all general subjects was well informed. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He served as a member of the State Legislature in 1850, and was the first Abolitionist member ever elected from Crawford County. He was a strong supporter of and an earnest worker in the Abolition cause. REV. HENRY D. LOWING, minister of the Congregational Church, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born in Gainsville, N. Y., May 29, 1827; son of Stephen and Hannah (Cobb) Lowing, former born in Peru, N. Y., June 3, 1798, latter in Pawlet, Vt., June 13, 1794, parents of six children, three now living. They moved to the farm our subject now owns and lives on in Conneaut Town- ship, this county, in 1834. William, father of Stephen Lowing, was born April 11, 1758, in Kingston, Jamaica, and came to this country when seven years of age. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary war and was present at the battles of Bunker Hill, Lexington, Concord, and was but a short distance from Gen. Warren .when he fell; was at Valley Forge, battle of Monmouth, Trenton, and under Gen. LaFayette at the capture of the British batteries at the siege of Yorktown. About 1781 he was promoted to a Captaincy and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Our subject's father was a farmer all his days, and with the assistance of his sons cleared the farm on which he settled. He and his wife were members of the Congregational Church. He was a Justice of the Peace ten years. He died November 28, 1871, his widow March 31, 1872. Our subject, who is. fourth in the family, was married April 21, 1853, to Miss Nancy J. Pierce, a native of Conneaut, Ohio, and daughter of Lucius and Sarah A. (Vosburg) Pierce. To this union were born seven children, five of whom are now living, viz. : May C. , wife of Cassius M. Potter; Frank C, of the Linesville Herald; Henry S., Samuel W. and Sarah J. Rev. Mr. Lowing received a common school education and at the age of seventeen entered th^ Kingsville Academy, which he attended two years. He taught school upward of twelve years and entered the ministry in 1856, since which time he has been an active worker in the Christian cause. He was elected a member of the State Legislature in the fall of 1878, remain- ing two terms; was a member of the Committees on Agriculture, Vice and Immorality, and Librarian first term; was Chairman of the Committee' on Retrenchment and Reform, and a member of the Committee on Insurance and Banks, County and Township second term; was one of the members instru- mental in getting the bill passed the House amending the Constitution so as to prohibit the sale and manufacture of liquor, but which was lost in the Senate. In politics he is a Republican with strong temperance proclivities. He joined the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry as Chaplain September 23, 1862, serving till January 5, 1864, when he was honorably dis- charged for physical disability at Chattanooga, Tenn. His regiment was attached to the Eleventh Corps and he participated in the battles of Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg and Mission Ridge. SOLOMON LUKE, farmer, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in Conneaut Township, this county, February CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 831 24:, 1840; son of John and Charity (Eamore) Luke, natives of New Scotland, N. Y., and parents of twelve children. The father of John Luke was a soldier in the iSevolutionary war and our subject has the powder horn he car- ried during that struggle. John came to Crawford County in 1829, and was engaged in farming all his life. He died in 1864 His widow, now in her eighty-fifth year, is living with her son, Solomon, on the old homestead; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject, who is eighth in the family, received a common school education. He married, July, 1860, Miss Margaret C. McGuire, born in 1844, a native of Summerhill Township, this county, and daughter of Francis McGuire, one of the earliest settlers of •western Crawford. To this union have been born three girls: Mary Adella, wife of Perry Mickle, born in 1861 (have one child, Katie, born in 1883); Jennie M., born in 1863; and Maggie C, born in 1866. Mr. Luke is a member of the E. T. of T. and the State I'olice; in politics a Republican. He is owner of fifty-one acres of well-improved land, his father's old homestead, where he carries on a general line of farming, buying, selling and shipping stock extensively, and is probably the largest dealer in western Crawford. HIRAM A. MALONEY, farmer, P. O. Penn Line, was born in Mead Township, this county, July 4, 1833; son of James and Catharine (Flick) Maloney, former a native of Westmoreland County, latter of Susque- hanna County, Penn. They were parents 'of nine children, five now living. James Maloney came from Westmoreland County, Penn., to this county with his parents, in August, 1797, making the journey through the wilderness on a pair of oxen, at which time Meadville was in the midst of a forest and almost unknown. He was a farmer all his days and cleared up a large farm in Mead Township, this county; held several township offices. His wife died in 1860; he died in 1863. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Daniel Maloney, was a native of Ireland. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, he was taken prisoner by the- British while on board a merchant vessel, and after being exchanged he enlisted in the American Navy and served till the close of the war. He was present in several sharp naval engagements. Our subject, who is second in the family, received an academic education. He taught school in his younger days and learned the trade of carpenter, which, however, he worked at but little. In 1860 he went into the oil regions, where he operated with success until February, 1864, in which year he came toConneaut Township, this county, and purchased his present farm. He was married in ' 1873 to Miss Myra M., daughter of Anson Leonard, whose biography appears in this volume. Four children were born to this union: Florence E., Charles H. , Willie A, and Forest D. Mr. Maloney was a Justice of the Peace five years, and has held several township offices; has been an A. F. & A. M. since 1865; is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics is a Republican. GEORGE V. MANNING, farmer, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born in Jackson, Mich., March 14, 1839; son of Abraham and Hannah Manning, natives of New York. The former, who was a farmer, died in 1848, and his widow married William Miller, a native of New Jersey; he came to Crawford County in 1834; was a farmer all his life; held several township offices and was a man of much usefulness in his day, having assisted in constructing all the roads in his section. He has now attained the ripe old age of eighty-one years. His first wife died in 1858 and is interred in the family burying ground on the farm, where also lie the remains of the only brother of Mrs. Manning. Our subject was married in February, 1862, to Miss Anna M. Miller, daugh- ter of William Miller, above spoken of, born in Conneaut Township, this county, in 1836. Seven children have been born to this union, viz.: William 832 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETQHES: A., Stella E., George W., Charles B., Fred., Nellie H. and Annie M. Mr. Manning owns 160 acres of improved land and has always fcjflowed farming pursuits, excepting two years spent when a young man in a woolen factory. He is making a specialty of the breeding and raising of short horn cattle. He is a member of a Grange, the A. O. U. W. and State Police; has held several township offices; in politics is a Republican. The mother of our subject is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. JOHN MAXWELL, farmer, P. O. Steamburgh, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in Conneaut Township, this county, June 11, 1818; son of George and Elner (Martin) Maxwell, natives of Ireland. They settled on the same farm our subject now occupies, about 1815; were parents of seven children, three now living; were Protestants and good Christians, but had no opportunity in those early days of attending any church. Her father settled on a farm north of them in 1805. George Maxwell died in 1852, and his widow in 1859. Our subject received only a limited common school educa- tion. He learned the trade of carpenter when young, and worked at it for about seven years, since which he has been engaged in farming. He married in 1849 Miss Emeline Phelps, a native of New York State, and daughter of Chester Phelps, who is now living in South Penn Line. Six children were born to this union, four now living: Allen J., Chester, Sarah Jane (wife of Newman B. Thompson), and Emma. Mrs. Maxwell died in January, 1877. Mr. Maxwell, wife and two sons were charter members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Steamburgh, of which our subject has been Trustee and Stew- ard ever since its organization. He takes special interest in this church and in the Christian cause generally; he is owner of his father's old homestead, of 111 acres, well improved. His son, Allen J. is a graduate of Allegheny Col- lege and entered the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church in the fall of 1882. He is 'now preaching to an English congregation at Cawnpore, India. ALVAH D. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., July 30, 1830, son of Seymour and Jerusha Miller, also natives of Tioga County; former a soldier of the war of 1812, father of nineteen chil- dren — twelve by his first wife, seven by his second; his father was a Revolu- tionary soldier. Our subject, who is the eighth child by first wife, was married February 15, 1855, to Miss Dinah Garwood, who was born on the farm she now lives on in Conneaut Township, this county, October 2, 1815, daughter of Obed Garwood, who came from Cumberland County, Penn., in 1798. His family numbered twelve children, Mrs. Miller being the only surviving rep- resentative of the most prominent old pioneer family of this township. Mr. Garwood built the first grist-mill in this section, and was engaged in milling business nearly all his life; he was owner of 500 acres at one time, and cleared by hard labor a large area of land. He was a cripple from birth, an earnest Christian, a member of the Seceder Church. He died in 1851, his wife in 1846. Our subject and wife are of the Baptist persuasion. She has seventy acres of well-improved land, part of her father's old homestead. SAMUEL A. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in Conneaut Township, this county, August 18, 1846; son of John M. and Almira (Brown) Miller, the former a native of Elizabeth, N. J., the latter of Canada. They came to this county about 1824, and settled in Conneaut Township; were parents of ten children, five now living, and were members of the IJniversalist Church. John M. Miller was a hard working man; he hauled lumber and shingles from this section to Con-, neaut Harbor on Lake Erie, and cleared a large area of land. He died in CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 833 1850, and his widow is now living with our subject on the old homestead. Two of their sons fought for the Union cause in the war of the Rebellion. Edson B. was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the first battle of Fredericksburg. Our subject, who is ninth in the family, received a common school education. He enlisted, when seventeen years of age, in 1862; in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served under Gen. Hancock in the Second Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was in the battles of Antietam, Snickers' Gap and first Fredericksburg, where be was wounded through the right arm. He remained in a hospital at Fort Wood, N. Y. and returned to his regiment in July, 1863. He was afterward in the battles of Brandy Station, Mine Eun, through the Wilderness campaign, including Cold Harbor and Spottsylvania Court House, through the siege of Petersburg, the Capture of the Weldon Bailroad and finally at the capture of Lee's army, besides several minor engagements; serving in all two years and ten months. He was honorably discharged June 5, 1865, and returned home. Our subject was engaged in the sale of nursery stock, aad in the fire insurance business for several years. He was married, September 20, 1875, to Caroline L. Shaw, daughter of M. D. Shaw, whose biography appears in this work. He is a member, together with his wife, of the E. T. of T. and P. of H. Mr. Miller owns forty- five acres of land, part of his father's old homestead. He is a member of the G. A. R. In politics a Republican. EDGAE PAETCH, farmer, P. O. Penn Line, was born in Ferris- burg, Vt., January 24, 1837; son of Esbon and Clarissa (Stearns) Partch, also natives of Ferrisburg, the former being of English lineage. They came to Crawford County in 1841, settling on a farm in Conneaut Township. They were members of the Baptist Church, which merged into the United Brethren Church, the congregation subsequently uniting with the Wesleyan Methodist. Esbon Partch was a hatter by trade and a farmer by occupation, and being a hard-working man, cleared a large area of land. He died in 1866. His widow now lives with her son Edgar, having attained the advanced age of eighty years. Our subject, who is the youngest son, received but a meager education. He learned the trade of carpenter by himself, and followed it in connection with farming from the time he was eighteen years old. He was married in 1858 to Miss Achsa Tanner, a native of Fowler, Ohio, and daughter of Elisha Tanner, who came to Crawford County in 1855. Her parents are both deceased. She died in 1859, and Mr. Partch then married, in April, 1861, Miss Miaa Thompson, a native of Erie County, Penn., and daughter of William Thompson, now of Conneaut Township, Erie County. This union has resulted in three children: William E., Anna and Monnie. Our subject, wife and children are members of the P. of H. He is owner of 266 acres of land, nearly all cleared, part of which ip his father's old home- stead. He is now making a specialty of i breeding short horn cattle. He is one of the principal stock-holders in the Farmers' Sbore Company (limited), of Conneaut Township. He is a member of the A. O. U.W., Masonic fraternity and State Police. In politics he is a Eepubliean. JULIUS PENFIELD, farmer, P. O. Penn Line, was born in Madison County, N. Y., May 4, 1816; son of Seth and Naamah (Staples) Penfield, natives of Connecticut, who came to Crawford County in 1834, settling in Con- neaut Township. Seth Penfield was a. blacksmith by trade, at which he worked to some extent in connection with farming. They were parents of eight boys, five of whom are now living. He died in 1870, his wife in 1861. Our subject, who is the fourth son, received but a limited education and was 834 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: brought up to farming life. He married, June 8, 1841, Miss Eliza McCann, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and daughter of John and Betsy McCann. Four children have been born to this union: John S., Elijah S., Adelbert H. and Sarah J., wife of Henry Sanderson. The sons were all soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. John S. served in the Second Ohio Battery throughout the campaign, becoming a veteran; Adelbert H. served eighteen months in the Sec- ond Pennsylvania Cavalry and was in several engagements; Elijah S. i enlisted in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving three years, attached to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in several engagements, and was a prisoner in the Rebels' hands over six months; was confined in Libby, Belle Isle and Sal- isbury prisons, and when exchanged was barely alive and with difficulty sur- vived; he was honorably discharged in 1865 and returned home. He married, in October, 1865, Miss Sarah A. Potter, daughter of George Potter. Two chil- dren were born to this union: Hubert A. and Ruby L. Elijah S. is a member of the G. A. R., P. of H. and A. O. U. W. Our subject owns 125 acres of fine land, all of which he cleared. In politics he is a Republican, as are also his three sons. HENRY A. PENFIELD, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Con- neaut Township, this county, July 1, 1847, youngest son of Julius and Eliza Penfield. Our subject received a common school education. When sixteen years of age he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving three months with the Army of the Potomac. Having con- tracted disease while in the front he was discharged for physical disability, but in 1864, his health being re-established to some extent, and his patriotism running high, he enlisted in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and again served in the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in the battles of Todd's Tavern, Beaver Dam, Ashland's Station, front of Richmond, Hanover Perry, Old Church Tavern, Cold Harbor, Franklin Station, Prospect Hill, St. Mary's Church, Jerusalem Plank Road, and Malvern Hill, at which place he was sun- struck, which caused him to be sent to the hospital. On return to his regiment he was present at the battles of Ream's Station, Wyott House (two days) Boydtown Plank Road, Stony Creek, and finally at Lee's surrender; was hon- orably discharged in July, 1865, and returned home. In February, 1867, Mr. Penfield married Miss Freelove Fenner, a native of Conneaut Township and daughter of Morgan L. Fenner, an old settler of this section. To this union were born three children: Gussie, Lida, Byron. Our subject owns sixty-eight acres well-improved land with a handsome residence on same built in 1882. He is an A. F. & A. M., a R. T. of T., and member of the G. A. R. ; in politics a Republican. J. B. PHELPS, proprietor Phelps' Cheese Factory, and farmer, P. O. Con- neautville, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., December 12, 1836; son of Benjamin and Sarah (Greenfield) Phelps, former a native of Rensselaer, N. Y., latter of Herkimer County, N. Y. They came to Crawford County in 1847 and settled in Conneaut Township; were members of the Baptist Church; parents of nine children, eight now living. Benjamin Phelps was an exten- sive farmer; he died June 20, 1873, his wife, January 3, 1854. Our subject, who is the youngest in the family, received a good common school education. He enlisted in December, 1861, in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, Com- pany I, attached to the Army of the Potomac; participated in the second bat- tle of Bull Run and Gettysburg; was all- through the Wilderness campaign; in the battle of Weldon R. R. ; at Deep Bottom; throughout the siege of Petersburg, and finally at the surrender of Lee, besides being in sev- eral minor engagements. He was slightly wounded in the left groin at St. CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. ' 835 Mary's Church; became veteran in 1864, and was honorably discharged July 13, 1865, as Quartermaster Sergeant. Mr. Phelps was married February 22, 1866, to Miss Lucy Allen, a native of Conneaut Township, and daughter of * Daniel Allen. Two children have been born to this union: J. Guy and Sadie L. Our sabject's cheese factory is located on his farm in Conneaut Township. It consumes the milk from about 500 cows and has a patronage which places Mr. Phelps at the head in the confidence of the public. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Crawford County Agricultural Society; is an A. F. & A. M. ; member of the G. A. E. and P. of H. ; in politics a Eepubli- can. Mr. Phelps is owner of 150 acres of well-improved land. GEORGE POTTEE, farmer, P. O. Steamburgh, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, September 7, 1812; son of Samuel and Susannah Potter, natives of New Jersey, former of whom came to Crawford County in 1799, his family in 1801. They were parents of six children, all deceased except George, who is fifth in the family. The father of Samuel Potter was a Revolutionary soldier and died from wounds received at the siege of York- town. Samuel was a brick-maker by trade, but chiefly followed farming and stock dealing. He cleared about 150 out of 600 acres of land he owned. He died in 1866, his wife in 1864. Our subject received a limited education and was reared a farmer. He was married in 1834 to Louise Wilder, a native of Batavia, N. Y., sister of Hiram Wilder, of Spring Township, this county. Five children have been born to this union, four of whom are now living: Alonzo A., Franklin H., Mary J., who died in 1863 at the age of twenty-one years; Sarah A., wife of E. S. Penfield, and Caroline E., wife of George Huntley. Our subject and wife are charter members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church at Steamburgh. Mr. Potter is emphatically a self-made man. In politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH POTTEE, farmer and carpenter and joiner, P. O. Linesville, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, April 29, 1823; son of Clark and Nancy (Fry) Potter, former a native of New York, latter of Centre County, Penn. : parents of five children, four now living; members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Clark Potter is a descendant of one of four brothers who came here in a very early day, of English extraction. He came to this county in 1801, with his father, Samuel Potter, a soldier of the war of 1812, and whose father was killed in the Eevolutionary war. Samuel Potter was born Septem- ber 16, 1773, died September 18, 1865. Clark Potter was a farmer and cleared a farm in Conneaut Township. He died January 14, 1852; his wife, October 5, 1850. Our subject, who is the eldest in the family, settled on the farm where he now lives in Conneaut Township, in 1853. He worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner for forty years, in connection with farming; is owner of eighteen acres of improved land. He was married September 16, 1849, to Sarah Wiser, widow of Alva B. Wiser, and daughter of James and Phcebe (Meaker) Graham, former of whom was a brother of the father of Thomas Graham. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Potter were born four children, three now living: Cassius M., Sarah A., wife of H. W. Thompson, and Joseph A. One son, Gideon L., died at the age of twenty-three years. Our subject, wife and sons are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Potter is a man of literary attainments. In politics is a Eepubliean. Mrs. Potter had ■one son by her first husband, named Alva B., now residing in Hand County, Dakota. PHILIP EOBEETSON, farmer, P. O. Centre Eoad Station, was born in Dryden, N. Y., May 16, 1808, son of George and Mary (Smith) Robertson, former a native of Scotland, latter of Saratoga County, N. Y., and a member 836 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of the Baptist Church. They settled, about 1796, in Tompkins County, N. Y., where they died; were parents of thirteen children, seven now living. George Robertson was brought to America when an infant, learned the trade of car- penter, but, after settling in Tompkins County, followed farming. He was Captain of a militia company. Our subject, who is seventh in the family, had but a limited school trainings although his brothers were well educated. He was married February 14, 1833, to Sarah, daughter of Chapman and Esther Fulkerson, and a native of Dryden, N. Y. ; her parent's were natives of Long Island. Her paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Kevolutionary war. To this union were born three children: Mary E., deceased wife of A. M. Osborne; George C. and Daniel S., last two named married and living on farms adjoin- ing their father's. Mary E. undertodk to cross the plains with her husband with teams in about 1863, but died on the way. She left one son, Charles M., who was reared and educated by our subject and wife, and is now engaged in teaching in Colorado. Our subject came to Crawford County with his wife in 1835, and, although then "without a cent," in time purchased the farm he now resides on, which was partially cleared. He now owns eighty-six acres of fine, well-cleared land at Summit Station. Mr. Eobertson in politics is a Democrat. HENRY B. RUSHMORB, dealer in phosphates, and breeder of Berkshire hogs, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, April 13, 1839, son of John and Hannah (Moore) Rushmore, natives of New York, who came to this county in 1831. Our subject, who is second in the family, received a good common school education. He married, October 27, 1864, Miss Mary E. Irons, a native of Conneaut Township, born April 26, 1846, and daughter of James R. Irons, eldest brother of B. O. Irons. To this union were born two chil- dren: Alfred J. and Mabel A. Mrs. Rushmore is a member of the Baptist Church, and, along with her husband, of the order of P. of H. and R. T. of T. Mr. Rushmore owns 100 acres of well-improved land; is making a speci- alty of breeding Berkshire hogs, of which he has at present on hand some fine registered stock; is also raising a high grade of Cotswold sheep; is dealing to a considerable extent in the "Homestead Phosphates, " manufactured at Detroit, Mich. In politics our subject is Republican. W. E. SANDERSON, carriage maker, Steamburgh, was born in Bainbridgej Ohio, March 1, 1841, son of Edward "W. and Nancy J. (Treet) Sanderson, for- mer a native of New York, latter of Connecticut. They came to this county and settled in Conneaut Township in 1854; parents of five children. Edward W. Sanderson, a farmer, was an invalid during the last thirty years of his life. Ho died in 1876. The father of his widow was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. She is now living with her son, W. E., on the old homestead. She had the misfortune to break her arm when in her seventy-fifth year. Our subject, who is second in the family, had a common school education, and had to work hard when a boy. He enlisted, August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Army of the Potomac; participated in the battles of Blue Ridge Gap, South Mountain, second battle of Fredericksburg and Chancel lorsville. He served with the regiment ten months, and was honorably discharged. In February, 1864, our subject again enlisted, on this occasion in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, also attached to the Army of the Potomac, and engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, Beaver Dam Station, South Ann River, Meadow Bridge, Cold Harbor (where he was slightly wounded in the left foot), Trevilian Station, White House, and St. Mary's Church, where he was taken prisoner June 24, 1864. He was confined in Libby, Danville, Andersonville, Charleston, and CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 837 Florence prisons until paroled, March 6, 1865, when he returned to the Union lines in an almost famished condition. In addition to above named, Mr. San- derson was in several minor engagements. He was honorably discharged May 15, 1865. He is a member of the G. A. E. In politics he is a Eepublican. He learned his trade of carriage-maker after leaving the army, and has since chiefly worked at that when his health permitted. W. G. SCHERMERHOEN, farmer, E. O. Conneautville, was born in Deerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., May 4, 1821; son of Cornelius and Nancy Schermerhorn, natives of Oneida Co., N. Y. ; parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living. Cornelius was a tanner and shoe-maker during the earlier part of his life, but subsequently followed farming pursuits. He was a cousin of President Martin VanBuren. He was a member of the order of Freemasonry during the Morgan excitement, remaining true to the order. He died October 5, 1883. His widow is now living on the old homestead in New York State. The name "Schermerhorn" is of Holland origin and our sub- ject's ancestors came from a place by that name in Holland many years ago. Our subject, who is eldest in the family, learned the trade of carpenter when a young man, at which he has chiefly worked until within the past few years. He was married in 1851 to Miss Abigail Fenner, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., and to this union have been born two sons: Hayden A. and John C. Mr. and Mrs. Schermerhorn came to Crawford County in February 1854, set- • tling in Conneaut Township. He is owner of seventy-five acres of well- improved land and is making a specialty of breeding Holstein cattle. In politics he is a Eepublican. The father of Mrs. Schermerhorn was a soldier in the war of 1812; he was a miller and farmer, and died when she was but ten years old. DANIEL D. SPALDING, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in Oxford County, Conn., October 3, 1807; son of John and Martha (Denison) Spalding. John Spalding was an educated man and a school teacher, also a singing teacher in an early day in Connecticut. He was a brother of Solomon Spald- ing, who, it is asserted, wrote a religious tale corresponding with Joseph Smith's (the founder of Mormonism) "Book of Mormons," and entitled " The Manuscript Found." After Spalding's death, the manuscript fell into the hands of one Sidney Eigdon, an intimate acquaintance of Joseph Smith. Our subject's mother, while living in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., was attacked by Indians in her home, but she managed to escape into the woods with her four small children, leaving the Indians to pillage the house. Daniel D. Spalding came to this county in 1827, and settled in Conneaut Township when there were only three houses by the road, between his place and Con- neautville. He first took up seventy-five acres of land which he cleared, and at one time owned 175 acres, all of which he accumulated by hard work and industry. Mr. Spalding was married in 1833 to Miss Alathear Whaley, a native of Schuyler, Herkimer Co. , N. Y., and daughter of Thomas Whaley, who' came to Crawford County in 1817, settling in Conneaut Township. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, a shoe-maker and farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Spalding were born three children, two now living: Mrs. Eunice A. Barnum and Lemuel D. Our subject is member of no church, although brought up a Baptist. Was an old line Whig until the formation of the Eepublican party, since when he has nailed his flag to that mast. Mrs. Eunice A. Barnum's mother's father had a family of eight children — six daughters and two sons. Her father's father had a family of ten children — six daughters and four sons. WILLIAM C. SPEAGUE, farmer, P. O. Centre Eoad Station, was born in Fabius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., October 27, 1804; son of John and Ehoda 838 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: (Crittenden) Sprague, former a native of Massachusetts, latter of Vermont. They were parents of five children, two now living. John Sprague was a tan- ner and currier, which trade he worked at certain times in the year and was engaged in farming the balance. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife died about 1835. Our subject moved to Crawford County in 1837, with his wife, and settled in Summerhill Township. He married in April, 1828, Miss Amanda Lord, a native of New York State. She died in 1842 and our subject then married, in 1846, Miss Elizabeth Eansom, daughter of Eobert Ransom, of Erie Co. , Penn. One child was born to this union — William R. , a native of Summerhill Township. Mrs. Sprague died December 13, 1872. William R. married, October, 1877, Miss Ella Kazebee, a native of Conneaut Township, and daughter of John Kazebee. Her grandfather, William John- son, was among the very earliest settlers in this section. One daughter was the result of this union, named Floy; she died July 26, 1883. This couple are living with our subject and caring for him in his old age. The youngest brother of our subject, Franklin, shot himself by accident in November, 1844, while hunting in the woods, and his body was not discovered for three days afterward. Our subject owns sixty-two acres of well-improved land; he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry ; held the office of Justice of the Peace five years: in politics is a straight Democrat. ADAM STEFFEE, farmer and Bank Director, P. O. Linesville, was born in Venango County, Penn., December 17, 1833, son of Adam and Sarah (Stroup) Steffee, natives of Bellefonte, Penn., parents of nine children, five now living; members of the Chui'ch of God. The name Steffee is of German extraction. Adam Steffee, who had been engaged in farming all his days, was located in a rich oil region, and he finally sold his farm of 230 acres for oil purposes. He died in October, 1878; his widow, March 29, 1883. Our subject, who is the seventh in the family, received but a limited education, being kept close to work when a boy. He married, in June, 1853, Catharine Dougherty, a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., and daughter of Edward Dougherty, a native of Harrisburg, Penti., and a soldier of the war of 1812. The result of this union was six children, viz. : Joanna, wife of Alexander McDonald; Sarah M., Martha J., Adam E., John S. and Mary E. Our sub- ject, wife and daughter Mary E. are members of the Baptist Church; Joanna and Sarah M., of the Catholic Church. Mr. Steffee came to this county and settled on his present farm of 120 acres improved land in Conneaut Township in 1873, and built a fine residence thereon in 1881. He keeps a high grade of cattle and sheep. He is a Director and one of the principal stockholders of the Linesville Savings Bank; in politics a Republican; a strong advocate of temperance. The father of Mrs. Steffee owned a farm of 100 acres; he was noted for honesty and integrity; a miller by occupation, and father of a fam- ily of eight children, all now living. MRS. SARAH STEVENS, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born in Mercer County, Penn., March 5, 1833, daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Carrin- ger) Kazebee, former a native of New York, latter of Pittsburgh, Penn. Abra- ham Kazebee was a shoe-maker by trade, at which he worked until his mar- riage, when he commenced farming. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, parents of six children, of whom our subject is the youngest. She was married September 8, 1859, to George L. Stevens, a native of Conneaut Township, this county, and a son of Nathen Stevens, one of the old pioneers of this section. He sent four sons to the Union Army dur- ing the war of the Rebellion, two of whom returned home; the other two were killed. George L. Stevens enlisted in 1861 in Capt. Mason's Company, One CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 839 Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Sec- ond Corps under Gen. Hancock. He passed through all the hardships and^ battles of that glorious regiment, and was killed while on picket duty at Cold Harbor, June 4, 1864 He was a good soldier, and laid his life down that the Union might live. His brother, Thomas B., was a member of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed early in 1864. Mrs. Stevens had two sons: John R., married to Miss Ella Walton, May 26, 1880 (she is a native of Conneaut Township, and daughter of Levi Walton); and Manual G., born Sep- tember 25, 1861, and died November 8, 1861. John R. was educated mainly at the Soldiers' Orphan School at Titusville, and Mercer, Penn. Our subject is owner of twenty acres of well-improved land, with a handsome residence on same, built in 1882. She resides with her son on the old homestead her hus- band owned when he went 'in the army. Mrs. Stevens has seen some hard times, having had a great deal of sickness. She enjoys a pension. BENJAMIN STIMPSON, farmer, P. O. Steamburgh, was born in Con- neaut Township, this county, January 3, 1842, son of Thomas and Susan (Hayes) Stimpson, former a native of YorliBhire, England; latter of Canajo- harie, N. T. They came to this county in 1839, and were the parents of two sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Ira, enlisted in 1861 in the Second Ohio Calvary, serving in all nearly five years, chiefly in the Western Army; was in many engagements, passed through the hardships encountered by that glorious regiment, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war as First Sergeant. The mother of our subject died in January, 1881. The father is now living in his eighty-first year, a consistent member of the Meth- odist Church. Benjamin Stimpson, the youngest in the family, enlisted Sep- tember 3, 1861, in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving with the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Porter. He participated in the battles of Little Bethel and Hanover Court House, the seven days' fight before Richmond, on the Peninsula and the battle of Gaines' Mill, where he was wounded by a minie ball passing through both lungs. The bullet entered his right side, and came out on his left. He was also wounded in the left thigh at the same time. Mr. Stimpson was there taken prisoner, and had to remain nine days before having his wounds dressed, and when that was being done a silk thread was passed through his body in the track of the bullet, which brought out a piece of his blouse. Our subject was held prisoner thirty days, during which he suffered untold hardships. When he was again able to stand upright and was convalescent, he weighed only eighty-five pounds; he now weighs 216 pounds. In the ambulance that conveyed him off the field were three other wounded men who all died. Being exchanged he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability, and returned home in December, 1862. Mr. Stimpson then went West, where he remained until 1863; then came to the oil country of Pennsylvania and New York, where he was engaged in buy- ing and selling oil and contracting for wells as well as producing oil, meeting with much success for a time, but reverses came and he lost all. Recuperating, however, part of his fortune, he bought his present farm of fifty acres of improved land. Our subject was married October 2, 1883, to Miss Florence Nixon, a native of Avon Springs, N. Y. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and K. of P. MRS. ANGELINE THOMPSON, Linesville, was born in Dryden, N. Y., December 20, 1813, daughter of John and Catharine Weaver, natives of New York, who came to Conneaut Township, this county, in 1833, parents of fourteen children, three now living. John Weaver, who was lame, was a tailor by trade, at which he worked the greater part of his life. He took up a 840 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: farm of fifty acres woodland, which he cleared. His father was a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. Our subject, who is the twelfth in the family, taught school for several terms before her marriage, which occurred in 1837 with Marcus Thompson. He was a native of Vermont, son of Isaac Thompson, who came to Crawford County in an early day. This union resulted in eight chil- dren, five now living, viz. : Mary, wife of Daniel C. Clark; Catharine, wife of Daniel C. Landon; Ann; Clarissa, wife of George H. Peck, and Henry W. Their son, William, was a soldier in an Ohio regiment during the war of the Eebellion, and died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn.,of disease contracted while in the service. Mr. Thompson, husband of our subject, enlisted in the Eighty- third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Poto- mac. He was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 8, 1864. His widow enjoys a pension. Mrs. Thompson and her third daughter are liv- ing together. MES. BEIDGET WALSH, P. O. Linesville, was born in Ireland, Febru- ary 1, 1834, and came to America in 1854. She was married October 14, 1861, in St. John's Cathedral, Cleveland, Ohio, to Martin V. Walsh, born on the farm where our subject now lives, in Conneaut Township, this county. May 6, 1836, soa of Philip Walsh, who was born May 24, 1800, in Ireland. Philip came to America in 1820, settling for a time in Plainfield, N. J. , where he married a Miss Senith Shortle. They came to this county about 1825. Mrs. Walsh dying, Philip married for his second wife Miss Martha Davis, a native of North Shenango Township, this county, and daughter of Patrick Davis, an early settler of that section. His third son, Thomas Walsh, was thoroughly educated at Mt. St. Mary's Academy, Emmittsburg, Md., intended for the priesthood, but he died just before his ordination, in April, 1863. Philip Walsh was a farmer all his days. He cleared the greater part of 175 acres of land, which he at one time owned. He died October 29, 1880, a consistent member of the Catholic Church. Martin V. Walsh, who was his third child by his second marriage, was also a farmer all his life. There are also two other surviving sons of Philip jWalsh: Eicbard, living on part of his father's farm, and Patrick, living in the State of Iowa, both having large families. Mrs. Walsh is the mother of five children, four now living, viz. : Martha E., Thomas L., Teresa M. and Elacala A. Our subject and all the family are members of the Catholic Church. Martin V. Walsh died December 28, 1879, leaving his widow and children 125 acres of excellent land, part of his father's old homestead. SAMUEL P. WAEEINEE, farmer, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born in Gainsville, N. Y., September 30, 1823, son of Chester and Drusilla Warri- ner, natives of Vermont. The former, by trade a carpenter and joiner, but by occupation a farmer, was a soldier of the war of 1812; his father was a Eevo- lutionary soldier. The parents came to Crawford County in 1834, settling on 100 acres of land in Conneaut Township, which our subject assisted in clear- ing. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters. Formerly adher- ents of the Presbyterian body, they became members, latterly, of the Congre- gational Church, in which Chester was a Deacon. He died July 10, 1863, and his widow followed him February 5, 1869. Our subject, who is the youngest in the family, received an academic education, and taught school nine winters. He married, in 1847, Miss Keziah W. Kennedy, a native of Allegany County, N. Y., born October 4, 1823, and daughter of Gerden Kennedy. They came to Crawford County in 1832, and settled in Conneaut Township. Mr. Ken- nedy was a prominent farmer, and both he and his wife were charter members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject and wife are the parents of twochil- CUSSEWAQO TOWNSHIP. 841 dreB: Hattie, and Sakie L., wife of J. A. Potter. They are members of the Congregation al Church. Our subject served as Justice of the Peace five years; is owner of fifty acres of well-improved land, part of his father' s old homestead. In politics he is a Eepublican, and is a strong advocate of prohibition. MRS. ELIZABETH R. WEIGHT, P. O. Penn Line, was born in New Jersey, October 7, 1820, daughter of Isaac Wintermute, a soldier of the war of 1812, who came to Crawford County when a young man, immediately before that war, and took up 200 acres of land on Conneaut Creek, in this township, which he cleared and improved. He then returned to New J ersey, married, and brought his young wife to his new home. They were the parents of seven children, four now living; were members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a charter member, at Conneaut Centre. She died in 1829, and he f ol - lowed her August 3, 1833. Our subject, who is third in the family, was mar- ried July 24, 1841, to William Wright, a native of Louisville, N. Y., born March 4, 1816, and son of Aaron Wright, a soldier of the war of 1812. To this union were born fourteen children, eleven now living, viz. : Mary E. , wife of Hiram Branch; Oscar, a three months' soldier toward the close of the war of the Rebellion; Flora, wife of R. M. Dunham; Clara J., wife of John Silla- way; Charlotte, wife of D. Bean; Charles; Jennie and Jessie (twins), the lat- ter wife of C. Ryan; Isa, wife of L. W. Branch; Juliana, and Henry A,, the youngest. W. H. was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion, in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; he died in 1863 from disease contracted during service. Mr. Wright taught school many years after coming to Crawford County. He held the position of Justice of the Peace fifteen years, and has filled several other township offices. He all his life followed farming; a man of integrity and influence. He died May 31, 1878. Mrs. Wright resides on the old homestead of 106 acres improved land. CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. ELIAS BARNS, farmer and mechanic, P. O. Crossingville, was born March 19, 1820, in Victor, Ontario Co. , N. Y. His parents, Jonathan J. and Lovina (Bradley) Barns, settled in Girard Township, Erie County, in 1832, and helped develop the resources of that country. This family was established in the United States by Thomas Barns, who emigrated from England to Nor- folk, Conn., in the early history of the colonies. Silas Barns and Zolman Bradley, our subject's grandfathers on both sides, were Revolutionary soldiers. Our subject married Miss Parmelia Peet, October 28, 1841. She was born June 23, 1824, in Portage Township, Allegany Co. , N. Y. ; her parents, Lewis and Margaret (Gerhart) Peet, became pioneers in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1840. Their children are Mrs. Martha P. Carnahan, Mrs. Anna L- Speri-y; Mrs. Margaret Liephart, deceased; Arthur, deceased; Byron B., of Wood County, Ohio; Mrs. Elmina A. Daniels; Charles, in Michigan; Mrs. Ella V. Heard and David P. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barns settled on the farm which he had been engaged the previous summer in clearing up and improving. By industry and good management they have built up a property of eighty acres of well-improved land. Mr. Barns is a carpenter by trade; he erected many buildings in the surrounding townships, and built the house in 46 842 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which he now resides. Mr. Barns has been a Representative to the State Grange: is a Methodist; in politics originally a Whig, now a Republican. CHARLES A. BENNETT, deceased, was a native of Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., born October 5, 1794, son of Israel and Ruth (Brown) Bennett. He married Miss Laura Jewett, a native of Connecticut, born June 27, 1805, daughter of Ira and Elizabeth (Warren) Jewett. The result of this union was seven children: Mrs. Charity A. Liephart; Mrs. Lucy J. Sexton; Edwin L. ; Israel J., deceased; Alonzo H. W. ; Mrs. Cordelia F. Frontz, deceased, and Mrs. Laura B. Davis. Mr. Bennett had formerly been married to Miss Luana Hilt, of Stephentown, N. Y., who died leaving seven children, five now living, viz.: Mrs. Jeanette Brace, in Missouri; Mrs. Lavonia M. Hall, in Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Mrs. Luana J. Hills, in Grand Rapfds, Mich. ; Emily A., wife of A. B. Pullman, in Chicago; and William H., in Erie County, Penn. After living in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y. , some years, our subject and family came to this county, and settled in Cussewago Township, October 11, 1847. Here Mr. Bennett purchased land and began developing a farm. On this there was an old mill site, with an old saw and grist-mill. On these he made repairs, and when complete, operated them, converting the grist-mill into a saw- mill in about two years. He manufactured lumber for the' home market and for shipment abroad, chiefly to Pittsburgh, selling there at that time first class pine lumber for $7.50 per thousand, while at the mill it was 15.00. About 1860 he took two sons, Edward L. and Alonzo H. W., into partnership with him, and they then built a large steam mill near the old site in 1864. Mr. Bennett died July 30, 1871, since which time the business has been carried on by his sons. Mrs. Bennett is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In pol- itics our subject was a life-long Republican. EDWIN L. BENNETT, lumber manufacturer, Mosiertown, was born September 25, 1839, in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y. ; son of Charles A. Ben- nett. Our subject came to Cussewago Township, this county, with his father's family in 1847, and here received his education. He married Miss Ellen A. Taylor, daughter of David Taylor, of Beaver Centre, Penn., January I, 1868, and their children are Millicent Eugenie, Rush E., Emma G., and Nellie B. Our subject engaged at eighteen years of age as partner with his father in the saw-mill, having worked in the mill from early boyhood. At his father's death he and his brother, Alonzo, took entire charge of the establishment, and he now owns the saw-mill department entirely himself. He does an exten- sive business, extending to the surrounding townships, besides supplying the local trade; ships also to New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Mr. Ben- nett has also a fine farm of 120 acres well-improved land, known as the Job Potter farm. Our subject takes a deep interest in the cultivation and improvement of fine stock on his place, and makes a specialty of Durham and Jersey cattle. He has some very fine thoroughbred animals. His farm is very productive, having yielded 140 bushels of corn and 400 bushels of pota- toes per acre. Mr. Bennett is a first-class business man and a citizen of wide influence in the community; in politics he is a Republican. GILBERT K. BENNETT, retired farmer, Mosiertown, was born in 1801 . in Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. He married, October 21, 1830, Miss Mary E. King, born in 1807. They came to this county and settled in Cus- sewago Township in 1851. They lived on a farm on Cussewago Creek, and Mr. Bennett carried on extensive lumbering interests. Their children are George G., in Bradford, Penn.; John K., Superintendent of Pullman cars, Buffalo, N. Y.; Ann Mary; Lydia Gertrude and Clara Emma, besides four deceased. Mr. and Mis. Bennett owned and carried on the Cussewago CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 843 House for several years, during which time he held the appointment of Post- master of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are consistent members of the Baptist Church, having been faithful in the cause for over fifty years. Their golden wedding was celebrated October 21, 1880, by many friends. He is a hearty, well-preserved old pioneer, a man of upright integrity, enjoying the highest respect of the entire community; in politics he is a Democrat. HENRY P. BOGGS, lumberman, Mosiertown, was born August 15, 1833, in Woodcock Township, this county. His father, Benjamin E. Boggs, a native of New Jersey, born January 1, 1790, passed his boyhood in Philadel- phia. He married Miss Elizabeth Burkhaulter, of Lehigh County, Penn. She was a descendant of one of the " Mayflower " Pilgrims, born April 10, 1796. They settled in this county in about 1829, where Benjamin E. followed his trade as tanner and currier. He died in 1867; his widow in 1872. Our sub- ject learned the tanner and currier trade in Meadville, Penn. He married Miss Juliana Woodring, February 21, 1856. She was born September 10, 1835, in Oussewago Township, this county, and is a daughter of Samuel Woodring. After their marriage they settled in Mosiertown, where they still reside. Mr. Boggs has operated a tannery here, and carried on a boot and shoe establishment for twenty-seven years. He held the appointment of Post- master from 1865 to 1872, having filled the position of Deputy four years previously. From 1873 to 1880 he was prospecting in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and in 1881 he went to Morgan County, Tenn., where he car- ried on an extensive lumbering business. Mrs. Boggs is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Boggs is an A. F. & A. M. ; a life-long Repub- lican, having cast his first vote for Fremont, and has voted for Republican Pres- idents ever since. JOHN W. BRADISH, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born May 11, 1850, in Hayfield Township, this county. His father, John Bradish, son of the famous pioneer of Erie County, Penn., Walter Bradish, came to this county in 1842. He married Miss Mary Page, a native of Spring Township, this county, and in 1865 they moved from Hayfield Township and settled near Mosiertown, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Their children are Mrs. Dolly Heath, of Elk Creek Township, Erie Co. ; John W., and Mrs. Mary A. Hites, of Elk Creek Township, Erie County. Our subject received his edu- cation principally in the schools of Mosiertown. He married Miss Louisa, born in Oussewago Township, this county, daughter of Elihu Hotchkiss, August 29,1871. ShewaabornMay 1,1850. Theyhave one son— Willis. Mr. Brad- ish has a fine farm of 100 acres of well-improved land. He is a life-long Republican. Mr. Bradish is an energetic, enterprising young farmer; is highly respected by the entire community. EDWIN G. CUTLER, proprietor of Cutler House, Crossingville, was bom June 3, 1833, near Rutland, Vt. His father, Gilbert Cutler, married Sarah McConnell, by whom he had seven children, viz.: Joel Barnard, deceased; Henry S., of Edinboro, Penn.; Edwin G. ; Franklin D., deceased; Mra Sarah L. Brandt, of Montgomery City, Mo. ; Mrs. Lucy J. Tabor; Carrie E., deceased. Mr. Cutler started with his family in 1837, intending to go to Michigan. Leaving bis family at Girard, Penn., he went to Michigan, purchased 280 acres, eighty acres of which is the present site of Jackson. He finally gave up his possessions there and remained in Girard, where he kept a hotel for several years, spending an interval of a few years of that time on a farm near that place. In 1845 he moved to Crossingville, where he purchased the hotel and a farm adjoining. Here he lived until his death, January 14, 1871. His widow followed him October 3, 1876. Our subject remained with his parents, 844 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: not forming any matrimonial alliance. He now owns the hotel property known as the Cutler House, besides a farm of 100 acres adjoining the village, and one of fifty acres in Brie County. Mr. Cutler is a member of the Western Crawford Lodge, F. & A. M., of Conneautville; in politics he is a Republican. JAMES DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born December 19, 1812, in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, Eev. Isaac Davis, came to this township from New Jersey, in 1795, and here settled. He here mar- ried Miss Nancy Lewis, a native of Maryland. Their children are James, Mrs. Zeruah Boyde, and Mrs. Elizabeth Thayer, besides four deceased. Mr. Davis was one of the pioneer preachers of the Baptist Church. He died June 20, 1859; Mrs. Davis died June 10, 1838. Our subject married May 25, 1837, Miss Eliy;abeth Erwin, born February 9, 1818, in this township. Their chil- dren are Erwin; Hiram; Mrs. Julia A. Stevens, of Salida, Col.; Kiz; Zacha- riah T. ; Elizabeth; James Fred; Mrs. Eose Clark and Jessie Maud. They set- tled on their present farm in 1844. Here by industry and good management they acquired a farm of 225 acres of well-improved land, part of which they have donated to their children. Mr. Davis served his township in various positions, and held the office of School Director three terms; in politics he is a Republican. SETH DONAHUE, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born August 14, 1843, in Cussewago Township, this county, and is a son of James Donahue. He enlisted in August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Virginia campaigns in the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in the battles of Chancellors vi He, Antietam, Fredericksburg and several skirmishes. At the close of his service he re-enlisted in April, 1863, in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He was a faithful soldier and has an honorable record. Mr. Donahue married Mary M. Joslin, September 9, 1866, and their children are Wilson, Bertha, and Ora. Our subject owns a farm of eighty acres of land; he has held sev- eral township offices, always discharging his duties satisfactorily to the peo- ple; in politics a Republican. Mr. Donahue is a man of upright integrity and good standing in this community. LEONARD ERWIN, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born January 30, 1803, in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, Robert Erwin, came here from Northumberland County, Penn., in 1797, and married Elizabeth Strauss, of Virginia. Of their ten children, five are now living, viz. : Leonard; James, in McKean County, Penn.; Mrs. Lydia Townley; Mrs. Elizabeth Davis and Mrs. Julia A. Mills, in Iowa. Mrs. Erwin died October 11, 1856; Mr. Erwin in October 1858. Our subject married, March 6, 1828, Sarah, daughter of Arnold Freeman. She died November 28, 1835, leaving three children: Gilbert, Mrs. Elizabeth Mosier, and Albert. Mr. Erwin nest married Miss Keziah Allee, November 9, 1836. She was born within the limits of Hayfield Township, this county, January 5, 1817. Her father, John Allee, was an ear- ly settler in that township. Mr. Erwin settled where he now resides, in 1828. He has here a fine farm of 104 acres, and takes an interest in breeding Dur- ham cattle. He has served the people in most of the township offices. In early times he held the rank of Captain in the Volunteer Militia. In polities Mr. Erwin is a Republican. Mrs. Erwin is a member of the Baptist Church. AROLD FREEMAN, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born July 24, 1807, in Woodbridge, Middlesex Co., N. J. His father, Arold Freeman, born in 1770, married Miss Sarah Edgar. They located in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1816, and here settled and improved the large farm where Thomas CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 845 Best now resides. Mrs. Freeman died May 13, 1834; Mr. Freeman January 7, 1836. They were very upright, respected pioneer citizens, and left an hon- ored name to posterity. They had eleven children, viz. : Mrs. Dilla Thornell, Mrs. Mary Stelle, Mrs. Isabel Farland, Mrs. Eachel Thickstun, Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson, Mrs. Sarah Erwin,' Arold, Edgar, Thomas, Mrs. Jane Erwin and Martha, all deceased except Arold. Oar subject married Mary Davis, November 23, 1833. She died January 10, 1877, leaving seven children: Mrs. Dilla Patterson, of Kansas; Mrs. Julia Clark, of Michigan; Mrs. Elvira Fuller, of Michigan; William; Thomas; Jeffrey, and Arold A., who is Alder- man of the Fourth Ward, Erie, Penn. Mr. Freeman acquired a fine farm of 150 acres of well-improved land; in religion he is a Universalist; in politics a Bepublican. MANNING T. FREEMAN, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born August 9, 1825, in Cussewago Township. His father, Edgar E. Freeman, was born in 1794, in Middlesex County, N. J., and came to this county with his father, Arold Freeman, Sr., in 1816. Here his mother, Sarah, died in 1834, and his father in 1836. Arold, Jr. , now seventy-eight years of age, is their only son now living out of ten children. He married Miss Mary Davis, who died Janu- ary 10, 1877, leaving seven children. Edgar Freeman married Joanna, daugh- ter of George Heard. They raised eleven children. Two of their sons, Eph- raim and Asa, were soldiers in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and were killed July 2, 1862, at Malvern Hill. Two of their daugh- ters, Mrs. Mary Hotchkiss and Mrs. Sarah Meabon, live in Erie County, Penn. Edgar died May 12, 1848. Their son James E. went to Kansas at seventeen years of age and provided a home for his mother, where she lived until her death, February 18, 1872. He then married Miss Martha Graves, of Cuba, N. Y., November 9, 1873, and now resides on his farm of 240 acres in Riley County, Kan. Manning T., our subject, married Miss Juliann Stelle, September 3, 1846, who died January 14, 1868, leaving seven children: Benjamin, in Mich- igan; Mrs. Mary S. Maxon; Mrs. Josephine Williams; Mrs. Ella A. Kennedy; Mrs. Isadore Ehrett, of West Virginia; Manning and Asa at home. Mr. Free- man then married Miss Ann Maria Whitford, March 9, 1869. She was born August 1, 1839, in Jefferson County, N. Y. They have three sons: Edward W., Robert W. and Charles M. Mrs. Freeman is a Sabbatarian, Mr. Freeman a Universalist, and keeps the seventh day. He owns 180 acres of land; in pol- itics is a Republican. LOT D. FREEMAN, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born Juno 12, 1833, in this county, and is a sun of William and Lucinda (Spaulding) Freeman. He married Miss Lucy Thompson in 1855, by whom he had five children, of whom three are living: William, George and Savilla. George attended the State Nor- mal School atEdinboro, Erie County, and taught several terms. He now holds an office on the U. S. iron steamer S. Michigan, on Lake Erie. After the death of Mrs. Freeman Mr. Freeman married Miss Mary Thompson. They have three children: Charles, Byron and Kay. Mr. Freeman has here a fine farm of eighty acres, which he improved mostly hiinself. He takes especial inter- est in his dairy and in raising fine Chester hogs. He has served his township as School Director, and in various minor offices. Mr. Freeman takes an interest in the education of his children. In politics he is a Greenbacker. SAMUEL D. FULLERTON, merchant, Mosiertown, was born October 28, 1850, in Rockdale Township, this county, where his parents, David L. and Elizabeth Fulierton, still reside. Oar subject was brought up on his father's farm, and attended the schools of the home district. October 2, 1872, he mar- ried Miss Anna E. Ames, born November 27, 1850, daughter of Horatio B. 846 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and Caroline Ames, of Mill Village, Erie Co., Penn. Their children are Frank C. , Serana, Ernest C. , Pierce Leroy and Josephine. Mr. Fullerton came to Mosiertown in 1882, and established a general merchandise store, also carries on a hotel. In September, 1883, he took into partnership Newell E. White. They have a full stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., a complete line of goods for general merchandising. By their excellent business principles and courtesy to the public they are building up a large and flourishing trade. Mr. Fullerton is a life-long Democrat; a man of upright integrity. WILLIAM JENKS GAMBLE, physician and surgeon, Mosiertown, was born in Boston, Mass., December 23, 1824. His father, Eev. John Gamble, a native of Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch Presbyterian descent, born in 1777, married Miss Eliza Parr, born in 1785, in County Down, Ireland, and a des- cendant of the famous old Parr family of England. They immigrated to America in about 1807. Being educated for the ministry of the United Presbyterian Church, he adopted the profession of teaching and was engaged in Jamestown and Greenville Academies, making a specialty of classics and higher mathematics. After a long life of usefulness he died in 1844. His widow followed him in 1866. She was the mother of nine children. Our subject was educated in the Jamestown Seminary and Franklin Academy, and at the age of nineteen years he was teaching the English branches, mathematics, Latin and Greek languages. At the age of twenty-three he began the study of medicine under Dr. Gibson, of Jamestown. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854. He had established himself at Mosiertown in 1851, prior to his taking the degree of M. D., and has since remained there. He married, December 12, 1865, Miss Helen M. Beebe, of Pleasantville, Venango Co., Penn., and of their three children William M. and Robert B. survive. Mrs. Gamble died May 25, 1873. On December 18, 1876, the Doctor married Miss Esther J. Bingham, born in 1846, in eastern Penn-"" sylvania, a daughter of Rev. Bingham, a native of Mercer, Mercer Co., Peun., born in 1810, and died in Mosiertown in 1876; his widow survives. The present Mrs. Gamble has blessed her husband with three children: Eleanor, seven years old, John K.,four years old, and Martha Elizabeth,* six months old. The Doctor has been averse to office, yet his neighbors, recognizing his worth and honesty, thrust upon him the position of Township Treasurer for two terms, and School Director for many years, and he has been willing to serve his share of the small offices where pay is not considered. He was firmly attached to the cause of the union, and has been a life-long adherent of the Republican party, to which he clings tenaciously. Our subject became a mem- ber of the National Eclectic Association, June 14, 1877. He is a physician of first-class scientific attainments, and enjoys one of the most extensive prac- tices in western Pennsylvania. Personally he is of splendid physique, being six feet, three and a half inches in height and portly in proportion. Elsewhere in this volume will be found steel portraits of this worthy citizen and repre- sentative physician of Crawford County and his good lady. HARRISON HARNED, farmer, P. 0. Edinboro, Erie County, was born Jan. 16, 1836, in Cussewago Township, this county. He is a grandson of David Har- ned, and a son of John and Sarah (Freeman) Harned. He obtained such edu- cation as the schools of those early days or the home district afforded. When he was fourteen years of age he had the misfortune to lose his right eye by accident, which prevented his being accepted when he offered his services in defense of the Government in 1861. He married Miss Nancy E. Lewis, Sep- tember 28, 1859. They settled where they now live in 1864, where by indus- try and good management they have acquired a fine farm of seventy to eighty •Born August 22, 1884. CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 847 acres. Their children are Mrs. Clara A. Sipps, John L., Charles H., Guy M., Pearlie C. and Edith V. Mr. Harned takes an earnest interest in public affairs, and is at present serving his township as Supervisor. He discharges his duties faithfully and to the satisf action of the people. In politics he is a life-long Eepublican. JACOB HARNED, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, Erie County, was born Dec. 16, 1840, in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, John P. Harned, was born in this township in 1808, where his parents, David and Ann (Perkins) Harned, former of New York, latter of Virginia, settled in 1801. He married Sarah, daughter of Jedediah Freeman, August 20, 1831. Of their twelve children seven are now living: Smith, Harrison, Hiram, Mrs. Almira Pier, Mrs. Jane Skelton, Jacob and John D. L. Our subject enlisted, in August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Virginia campaigns and taking part in the skirmish of Cramp- ton's Pass, and battles of Antietam, Piatt's Plantation, Va., and Chancellors- ville, receiving an honorable discharge in May, 1863. Mr. Harned married Miss Lovina Lewis, November 4, 1869. Their children are Josiah Enestus, Lillie v., Mary B., James Hiram and Sophia. Our subject now owns fifty acres of excellent land. Mrs. Harned is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. In politics he is a Eepublican. JAMES H. HEARD, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born December 16, 1820, in Cussewago Township, this county. His grandparents, George and Alche Heard, natives of Elizabeth, N. J., came to this county in 1794, and, after living a short time on French Creek, near Meadville, settled in Cussewago Township, this county, and took up the central tract of land in the township. Of their eight children but two are now living, viz. : James, of Genesee County, Mich. , and Mrs. Lettie Hotchkiss. Their eldest son, Randolph, mar- ried Miss Mary Hamilton, born in Maryland, and was brought to Washington Township, Erie County, when two months old, and here she was raised. Mr. Heard died in 1862, aged sixty-seven years, seven months and three days; his widow in 1873, aged seventy-four years, nine months and twelve days. Of their ten children, four are now living: James H., George W., Ammi B., the latter living in Erie, Penn., and Mrs. Letitia Harned. Our subject married. May 1, 1851, Margaret A., daughter of George W. Syers, of this township. They have resided ever since on their home of 160 acres of well-improved land on Cussewago Creek. Their children are Adella D., C. Fred and Mary E. Mr. Heard has taken some interest in public affairs, and filled acceptably various township offices. He is a worthy, representative citizen of Cusse- wago. In politics he is a Republican. FREDERICK C. HELMBRECHT, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, ^as born May 22, 1846, in Venango Township, this county. His father, Henry Helm- brecht, a native of Hanover, Germany, married Miss Hannah M. C. Hampe. They immigrated to America in 1836 and immediately settled near Drake's Mills, Venango Township, this county. There they began clearing up and developing their farm. They sold out April, 1858, and located in Cussewago Township, this county, and here they died, Mr. Helmbrecht April 28, 1883, and his widow May 2, 1883. Their children were Frederick, who died in Germany; Mrs. Amelia Matthews, deceased; Henry C. ,a soldier of the Eighty- third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness, and Frederick C. Our subject, when a boy, bravely offered his services to the Government, but was restrained from service by his father. He married, September 11, 1866, Miss Amanda Hickernell, of Hayfield Town- ship, this county, who bore him the following named children: Charles H., 848 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Frank W., Freddie E., Carrie May, Adella E. and Israel (deceased). Mr. Helmbrecht has here a fine farm of 104 acres of well-improved land, it being the family homestead. He believes in the cause of popular education and is giving his children good advantages; in politics he is a Kepublican. NATHANIEL B. HILLS, millwright, Mosiertown, was born September 17, 1824, in Onondaga County, N. Y. ; son of Obed and Alsimana Hills, who were residents of Cnssewago Township, this county, from 1838 to 1862, when they removed to Erie County, Penn., and afterward to Genesee County, Mich., where they died, Mr. Hills in his ninetieth year. Our subject is the fourth in a family of fourteen children. He early began learning the carpenter's trade and gradually developed from that to the business of millwright. He' has put up a great many grist and saw-mills in the surrounding townships and counties; has also done a great deal of repair work, and has the reputation of being a skillful workman, having always met with marked success. Mr. Hills married, September 10, 1843, Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Ephraim and Peggy Ann (Harrington) Smith, born September 17, 1823, in Greene County, N. Y., and has lived in this county since 1827. To this union have been born three children : Warren Benson, of Bradford, Penn. ; Mrs. Amanda Gary, of Philadelphia, and'Effie. Mrs. Hills brother, G. W. L. Smith, was a soldier in the Thirteenth Regiment, Missouri Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. Mr. Hills is a consistent member of the Baptist Church; in politics he has been a Republican since the campaign of Fremont and Buchanan. SHELDON HOTCHKISS, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born March 31, 1820, in CuBsewago Township, this county. His father came to Cussewago Township, this county, from Connecticut in 1816, taking forty-two days with an ox-team. His son, Joel, married Mary Sperry. He followed the trade of carpenter and erected many of the buildings in this and adjoining townships. Our subject is the seventh of eleven children. In 1841 he married Clarissa, daughter of Thomas Haggerty, of this township. They settled and cleared a farm of fifty acres of wild land which they sold, then bought a part of the John Clawson homestead. Their children are Vincent A., of Erie County, Penn.; Mrs. Mahetable Freeman; Mrs. Welthy Jane Mosier; Mrs. Evaline McLeland; Mrs. Rosetta Crain; Mrs. Emma Steinhoof, and John W. Mrs. Hotchkiss died December 26, 1871. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Hotchkiss has held most of the township ofiBces, fulfilling his duties faithfully. In politics he is a Republican. ELIHU HOTCHKISS, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born in this town- ship, March 31, 1824, and is a son of Joel and Mary (Sperry) Hotchkiss, of Connecticut, who came to this county by wagon in 1817, settling in this town- ship, where they developed their farm and raised a family of ten children. Our subject was married April 22, 1845, to Julia, daughter of Jeremiah Colvin. She died August 4, 1863, leaving six children: Mark; Sophronia, died July 28, 1865; Louisa Bradish; Willis, died February 21, 1866; Rosetta Monck- enhoupt; and Cassius G., died March 29, 1865. On March 2, 1865, Mr. Hotchkiss married Miss Rachel Stelle, a native of New Jersey, and the chil- dren by this marriage are Zeruah, Darwin A. and Otis A. Mr. Hotchkiss has been industrious and successful in life, and has a fine farm of 225 acres of well-improved land, part of which was the old family homestead. He takes a great deal of interest in the improvement of fine stock on his place. He has been a life -long Republican. Cussewago Township contains no more useful and influential citizen than our subject, Elihu Hotchkiss. HIRAM HOTCHKISS, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born May 5, 1828, CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 849 in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, Luther Hotchkiss, son of Joel and Mary Hotchkiss, settled in this township in 1818. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Isaac Davis, one of the pioneer Baptist preachers, January 3, 1826. She was born April 23, 1805, and her parents came to this county, from New Jersey, in 1795, and here settled. Mr. and Mrs. Luther Hotchkiss developed a farm of 120 acres in western Cussewago Township. Their children are Hiram, Mrs. Nancy Erwin (deceased), Gilbert, James, Mrs. Martha Herrick, Mrs. Adeline Morgan, Mrs. Amelia Herrick and Mrs. Mary Hills (deceased). Mr. Hotchkiss died March 28, 1848; she still lives, aged eightyj^and her portrait appears in this volume under the name of Eliza- beth Hotchkiss, by her own request. In 1861 she married Lewis Thayer, of Conneaut, Ohio, who died in 1873. Our subject married Amrilla, daughter of Lewis Peet, September 3, 1848. She was born October 2, 1829, in Allegany County, N. Y. Their children were: Martin Luther, Norton J., Charley D. (deceased), Belvia E. and Lydia E. Mr. Hotchkiss owns 428 acres of land, including the old homestead, and is raising Durham cattle on his farm. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Eepub- lican. LEWIS H. HOTCHKISS, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born October 6, 1829, in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, Alvin Hotchkiss, son of Joel Hotchkiss, married Miss Lettie Heard, daughter of George Heard, and they now live near Edinboro, Erie Co., Penn. Our subject married Miss Hannah E. Huckleberry, of Venango Township, this county, March 15, 1855, and settled where they now reside. Their children were Mrs. Adora Donahue, Lewis E. , TJ. S.| Grant, Charles, Devirn, Pearl Grace, Alvin (deceased), Estella (deceased). Mr. Hotchkiss enlisted February 25, 1864, in Battery H, Third Pennsylvania Light Artillery, serving in the Maryland and Virginia campaigns, and received an honorable discharge July 25, 1865. He had six brothers (making seven with himself) in the war of the Rebellion, and they served for periods of from six months to four years. He has since devoted his energies to his farm, which now consists of lOO acres, having bought fifty of it when a boy, and fifty since the war, and has improved it. He pays considerable attention to the culture and improvement of fine stock. Mr. Hotchkiss has served the township as Supervisor and Treasurer of School Board. In politics he is a Republican. JOSIAH G. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born July 29, 1818, in Cussewago Township, this county. His grandfather, George Lewis, came from Maryland to this county in very early times and died in 1801. His son, Eber, married Elizabeth Gibson, and they had seven children: George, Josiah G., John D., Nathaniel, Augustus H., and two sisters deceased. Our subject married Miss Sophia St. John, August 3, 1842. They settled in the woods and cleared up and improved their present farm of eighty-six acres. Their children are — Eber S., of Venango County, Penn. ; Mrs. Mary Green- field; John D. ; Mrs. Lavina Harned, and Samuel T. Samuel T. having thoroughly prepared himself for the teacher's profession, has been for several years successfully engaged in teaching in Crawford and Erie Counties and Venango and Franklin Townships. He married Miss Katie Regan, who is also an experienced teacher. WATSON W. LITTLE, M. D., Mosiertown, was born February 18, 1849, in Townville, this county. His father, James R. Little, was born in Rut- land, Vt. Our subject received his education in the schools of Townville and Springfield, Erie Co., Penn., and began the study of medicine in 1872 under Dr. D. S. Freeman, of Tidioute, Penn. He graduated with the degree of 850 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: M. D., in the Medical Department of the University of the Western Eeserve, Cleveland, Ohio, March 5, 1881, and during this time he practiced his profes- sion under the supervision of his preceptor. Immediately upon his gradua tion the Doctor established himself in Mosiertown, associated with Dr. W. J. Gamble. He has made thorough preparations and already takes rank as a physician of first-class scientific attainments and is rapidly building up a large and profitable practice. Dr. Little is descended on his father's side from the well known sturdy and upright race of the Scotch-Irish, and on his mother's side from a long lino of practicing physicians. Personally he is a man of compact build and strong physique, evidently well adapted to endure the fatigue and exposure of a busy practitioner. November 5, 1874, the Doctor married Miss Helen M. Morse, of Girard, Erie Co., Penn., and to this union have been born one son and one daughter: Winifred M., and Harold H. (deceased). . Mrs. Little is a consistent member of the Christian Church. JOHN MILTON MANVILLE, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born Aug- ust 21, 1825, in Jefferson County, N. Y. ; son of Henry and Matilda (Wait) Manville. He came to Cussewago Township, this county, with his mother in 1838, and here he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and carried on a shop in Mosiertown for a period of seven years. He married, September 30, 1845, Miss Harriet E., daughter of Dan Stebbins, born August 17, 1825, this town- ship. Their children are Mrs. Mary M. Davis, Jean M. , and Mrs. Carrie A. Heard, besides three who died in childhood. Our subject purchased the old family homestead of Dan Stebbins in 1865, where they now reside. They have here a fine farm of fifty acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Manville are consistent adherents of the Presbyterian faith. He is a man of upright integrity and a useful and influential citizen in the community. NATHAN MOSIEK, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., June 6, 1819. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Hotten- stein) Mosier, settled in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1832. Five of their seven children are now living, viz. : Nathan, Mrs. Abigail Deichman, Mrs. Sarah Siverling, Mrs. Harriet Croop, Mrs. Mary Moyer. For his sec- ond wife Mr. Mosier married Sarah Hower, by whom he had one son — Abram (deceased.) Our subject married Eliza Love, and their children are: Archi- bald, William, Marcellus, Eobert, Mrs. Ellen Woodring and Bertha. Mr. Mosier has lived on his present farm over forty years. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, In politics is a Republican. JOHN MUCKINHOUPT, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, March 19, 1819, and is a son of George and Margaret (Himebaugh) Muckinhoupt. George and his father, Philip, a native of Ger- many, were among the early settlers of Cambridge Township, this county. Our subject married, September 20, 1843, Margaret, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Muckinhoupt) Peters, of Cussewago Township, this county. The next year they settled where they now reside and cleared from the wilderness a farm of 110 acres. Their children are George H., John A., Morgan D., Mrs. Emma Payne, Frank, Mrs. Maggie Peters and Mellie. Mr. and Mrs. Muckinhoupt are members of the First Lutheran Church of Venango. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. JAMES NASH, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born July 12, 1833, in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, Michael Nash, a native of County Clare, Ireland, came to America between 1820 and 1824. He married Miss Mary Callauan, of this county, in 1828. After living a short tfme in Meadville, Penn., they finally settled in Cussewago Township, this county. She died in 1851; he in 1856. Their children were — William, James, Mrs. CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 851 Catharine Mather, John (deceased), Mrs. Mary A. Wiokham, Thomas, Patrick (deceased), Mrs. Maggie Oronan, and Joanna, who died in infancy. Our sub- ject married Miss Joanna Sullivan, May 26, 1859. She was born June 10, 1838, and is a daughter of Daniel Sullivan. Their children are — Michael H. ; Daniel T., who has been Deputy County Treasurer for six years and is at present writing. Democratic candidate for Treasurer; Catharine A.; William M. : John V. (deceased); George E. ; Mary; Peter; Maggie M. and Frederick L. In 1863 Mr. Nash took the entire charge of the family homestead, which he still occupies. He now owns 100 acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are pious members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a consistent Democrat. i SELDBN E. PIER, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born May 21, 1833, in Chautauqua County, N. Y. His father, Amon B. Pier, of New York, married Miss Lois E. Bronson, of Chautauqua County, a native of Canada. They settled in this township in 1844. Here Mrs. Pier died December 31, 1859. Mr. Pier then married Mrs. Sarah Gibson, also deceased, and he now lives with his son. Our subject married in 1852 Almira C, daughter of John P. Harned. Settling where they reside, they have acquired a farm of ninety acres. Their children are Mrs. Martha J. Torrey, and Hiram A., who, having made thorough preparation for the profession of teaching, is now highly successfully engaged in that vocation in the city schools of Knoxville, Tenn. Mr. Pier spent three months in his country's service, in 1863, as a soldier in the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He has served his township as Supervisor two years, and is now in his third year as Auditor; in politics he is a Republican. PETER L. POTTER, lumber manufacturer, Mosiertown, was born July 19, 1830, in Allegany County, N. Y. His parents, Clark and Elizabeth Potter, located in this county in 1834, and settled in Cussewago Township the follow- ing year. Of their twelve children, our subject, Amos W., Daniel N. and Mrs. Catherine Sterrett now live in this county. Mrs. Potter died in June, 1865, Mr. Potter in 1881, aged eighty-one years. Eight of his sons served in the Rebellion, making an aggregate of twenty-one years of service, more, it is claimed, than any other family in the United States. Our subject unlisted in August, 1861, in the Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and re-enlisted as a veteran in 1864, serving until the close of the war. He served in the Army of the Potomac, in the Virginia campaigns, under Gen. Sheridan. He took part in many of the hard-fought battles and was severely wounded at Middleburg, Va., in June, 1863. He was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness and suffered in Andersonville prison eight months. He has a record as a brave and faithful soldier. He now owns a saw-mill on Cussewago Creek which he is operating very successfully. THOMAS EDWARD RICE, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born November 27, 1822, in Cussewago Township, this county; son of Harmon and Mary (Barnes) Rice, who came to this county in 1815, and settled on' a farm near Meadville, and the following year located in Cussewago on the farm which they cleared and improved, and where they lived and died. Harmon was a native of Connecticut, a son of Thomas Rice and of English descent. Mary, his wife, was a native of Orange County, N. Y. , daughter of Edward Barnes, who served through the Revolutionary war. They had ten children: Sally Ann (deceased), born May 13, 1809; Henry, January 9, 1811; William (deceased), March 15, 1813; Harmon, June 13, 1816; Hiram, September 26, 1818; Thomas E. ; Mary Ann (deceased), September 25, 1824; Elizabeth, June 10, 1830; Amaziah (deceased), August 10, 1833; Hezekiah (deceased), 852 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: December 14, 1836. Harmon Eice died in 1865, in his eighty-fourth year; his widow in 1876, in her eighty-fifth year. Our subject married, January 30, 1851, Lura Ann, daughter of Homer and Betsey (Williams) Beeman, of Mead Township. Lura A. was born August 17, 1831, in Ontario County, N. Y., and came with her parents to Mead Township, Crawford Co., Penn., in 1838. Thomas and Lura Eice had six children, viz.: Loretta E., born April 9, 1852; Frank E. (deceased), born March 9, 1855; J. Wilson, February 16, 1857; Addie A, September 9,1862; Clara M., July 4,1867; Thomas O. (deceased), born June 8, 1872. Mrs. Eice is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Eice in politics is a Eepublican. They sold their farm near Mosierlown in 1867, and located on the old homestead, where they now reside. Their daughter, Addie, was married to Jerome B. Greenlee, November 23, 1881. They have one child — Frank M. — born December 23, 1882. They are members of the Baptist Church. ELIAS EOGEES, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born December 25, 1823, in Chautauqua County, N. Y. His parents, Aretus and Elois Sogers, left that county, and after living some years near Albion, Erie Co., Penn., finally set- tled in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1837. They lived the lives of upright pioneers, and died here leaving four children: Mrs. Eliza Cole, Mrs. Jane Wing, Elias, and Mrs. Mahala Hotchkiss (deceased). Our subject mar- ried Miss Catherine Siverling March 23, 1844. She is a daughter of the pioneer John Siverling, a native of Venango Township. Since their marriage our subject and wife have lived in Cussewago Township, with the exception of two years spent in Cambridge Township, this county. Here they have a comfortable home of fifty acres. Their children are Mrs. Eosetta Blystone, Mrs. Eliza S. Mead, Mrs. Hannah Steele, Alfred, Mrs. Mary Terrill, Mrs. Kerny Dilley and Allie. Mrs. Eogers belongs to the United Brethren Church. Our subject was in politics formerly a Whig, but is now a Greenbacker. HON. SALVADOE SLOCUM, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born Novem- ber 15, 1844, in Mead Township, this county; son of Eleazer, of Massachu- setts, and Lois C. (Merriam) Slocum, a native of Connecticut, who settled ia Mead Township, this county, in 1835. Our subject received his education in the schools of the home district, and took a commercial course at the Iron City Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn. At about eighteen years of age he engaged in the oil developments in western Pennsylvania, and held inter- ests therein until 1880. In 1867 he went to Goodrich, Mich., and conducted a general merchandising store for two years. Having owned the William Penn House at Pittsburgh for several years, he opened a hotel there in 1868, which he carried on for about four years. August 13, 1867, Mr. Slocum mar- ried Miss Celestia E., daughter of Henry W. Manville, of Mosiertown, this county, and to this union were born seven children, two of whom are now liv- ing: Belle and Georgiana. In 1873 he established a general merchandising store at Mosiertown, which he continued until the spring of 1879. He soon afterward purchased his present residence and farm in the village. In 1882 Mr. Slocum was elected Eepresentative from Crawford County to the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, being the only Eepublican elected from the county at that election. He served with ability and faithfulness, and left a sterling record as an honorable and conscientious servant of the people. Mrs. Slocum is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Slocum is a F. & A. M. GEOEGE SPITLEE, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born May 26, 1840, in Haytield Township, this county. His father, Philip Spitler, a native, of Union County, Penn., was a descendant of a long line of that name, the first CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 853 of whom came to this State from Germany in 1702, and cast his lot with the rising fortunes of the young colonies. Philip Spitler maiTied Miss Mary Zim- merman, of Swiss descent, a native of Union County, Penn. They settled in this county about 1838. He was a weaver by trade, but employed himself occasionally at farming and other work. He was accidentally drowned in Bemis' Dam, French Creek, in October, 1842. His widow died April 1, 1877. Their children were Samuel; Henry, who pre-empted the land which is now the site of Topeka, Kan., where he died of cholera in 1855; Israel, died in his country's service in Kentucky during the war of the Rebellion; George, and Philip (deceased). Our subject enlisted, August 19, 1863, in the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was severely wounded at Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864, causing permanent disability. He received his discharge May 5, 1865, and left an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier. September 24, 1863, our subject married Miss Fanny Nisley, of Bayfield Town- ship, this county, born June 15, 1843, in Dauphin County, Penn., and daugh- ter of Jacob Nisley, born in Dauphin County, Penn., in 1806, and Barbara (Hoffman) Nisley, born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1812, both of German descent. They immigrated to this county in 1852, and settled in Cussewago Township, near Mosiertown, and were largely influential in establishing the church of the United Brethren in Christ. Mrs. Nisley died in 1872. Mr. Nisley is still enjoying life at a ripe old age, and is in fair health. To this union were born^ — Flora Viola, who died in February, 1868, aged twenty-two months; J. Arthur; May B. ; Albert L. A.; J. Lloyd; Kittie Qeorgie and Fran- ces Lucretia. After spending over three years in the oil regions, our subject and family settled in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1869, and here they have a comfortable home of fifty acres of well-improved land. Mrs. Spit- ler is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Spitler has held the o£S.ce of School Director fourteen years, and Secretary of the Board most of the time. He was himself a teacher several years in early life. In politics he is a Eepublican. ROBERT L. STEBBINS, farmer, manufacturer and stock-raiser, P. O. Mosiertown, was born July 3, 1839, in Cussewago Township, this county. His father, Lemuel Stebbins, a native of Wilbraham, Mass., born in 1798, was a descendant of the celebrated Stebbins family of Essex County, England. Rowland, the founder of the family in America, immigrated in 1634 to Spring- field, Mass. Lemuel came to this township in 1819, where he married, March 6,, 1823, Lucind a Greenlee, born January 2, 1803, daughter of the famous pioneer, Michael Greenlee, of Delaware, who came to this township from Fayette County, Penn., in 1797, remaining one year in Meadville, Penn. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins settled in Cussewago Township, this county, where they afterward resided. Here they cleared up and devel- oped a fine farm of upward of 300 acres of land. Mr. Stebbins kept store at Mosiertown for several years. He was a leading spirit in all improvements. He established the first cheese-factory in this part of the country; also built a steam grist and saw-mill. He was a thorough example of a self-made man, as he had but 25 cents when he came to the county. He died September 24, 1852. His widow survives him, and is now living at the family homestead, and, although at the advanced age of eighty-one years, is still in good posses- sion of her faculties. Their children are — Mrs. Amanda Whipple; Mrs. Lorene Clarke, of South Pueblo, Col.; Lot D.; Orson M. (deceased); Erastus B. (deceased); Mrs. Chloe R. Carr; Robert L. ; Matilda L., of Denver, Col. ; Ben- jamin F., drowned July 26, 1881, at Oil City, Penn. ; and Rufus E. (deceased). Benjamin P. was a soldier in the Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 854 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Cavalry. He was wounded in the right arm at Sheperdstown, W.Va. , and lost his left leg at Hatcher's Eun, Va. He was County Treasurer one term. At the time of his death he was a member of the Oil City Oil Exchange. Our subject is now living with and taking care of his aged mother. He owns a fine'place of 180 acres well-improved land; also owns and operates the only cane-mill for the manufacture of sugar and molasses from Northern cane or sorghum in Cussewago Township, which he established in 1880. This is per- haps the largest establishment of the kind in the State. Mr. Stebbins takes an active interest in public affairs; has held the office of Town Clerk and various township offices, fulfilling his duties with fidelity and to the satisfaction of the people. He takes a deep interest in the improvement of live stock, and is at present engaged in the raising of thoroughbred short horn cattle on his farm. In' polities our subject is a Republican. JOSHUA W. SWENEY, farmer and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Crossing- ville, was born March 29, 1833, in Cussewago Township, this county. His grandfather, Alexander Sweney, is a native of County Donegal, Ireland; came to America when a young man. He married Sarah Harkins, and settled ■ in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1788, having previously come oat here and taken up 1,600 acres of land for himself, brother and two brothers-in- law, being one of the first settlers in the northern part of the township. After raising a family of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity, he departed this life in March, 1845, aged seventy years. His widow died in 1870, aged seventy- six. Their second son, Edward H., married in 1832 Jane McLaughlin, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and settled on his part of the old homestead. Of their nine children seven are now living, Joshua W. and Mrs. Josephine O'Brien being residents of this locality. Mr. Sweney died April 23, 1863, aged fifty-six years. His widow died March 4, 1884, aged seventy- four. Their son Thomas G., a soldier of Company B, Eight- eenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, died in the service of his country Jan- uary 14, 1864, at Stevensburg, Va. Our subject married, July 31, 1854, Maria Smith, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and settled where he now resides, and where he has a fine farm of 110 acres of well-improved land. Their children are Thomas A., of Pattersonville, La.; Mrs. Mary Kearney; Kate, the present teacher at Crossingville school; Edward C, and William C. Squire Sweney, consistently with the principles of his forefathers, is a Dem- ocrat; a member of the Catholic Church. He has served his township in the various township offices, being at the present time Justice of the Peace. ERASTUS J. TERRILL, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born in Cam- bridge Township, this county, August 22, 1829. His father, Daniel Terrill, married Miss Harriet Payne, daughter of James Payne, and settled in Cam- bridge Township in 1825. The following of their eight children are now liv- ing, viz. : Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer, Erastus J., Miriam, Mrs. Huldah Clough, Mrs. Sophia Evans and Isaac. They settled in Cussewago Township in 1854, where Mr. Terrill died in 1865. His widow survives him at the age of seven- ty-nine. Our subject married Sarah, daughter of Aaron and Sarah Ellis, of Cambridge Township, this county, October 30, 1851. Their children are Mrs. Harriet Riddle, Mrs. Elizabeth Cole, Mrs. Tabitha Miles, Mrs. Marietta Rogers, Alma M. , Alfred J. , Albert G., Daniel L., Andrew O., and Clayton E. Mr. Terrill is a Republican in politics. CHARLES M. VEILEY, merchant and Postmaster, Mosiertown, was born March 26, 1855, in Munda, Livingston Co., N. Y. His parents, Alonzo and Mercy Veiley moved to Crawford County, Penn. , in 1865, and now live in Richmond Township. Our subject obtained his education in the schools of CUSSEWAGO TOWNSHIP. 855 the county. He married, October 27, 1880, Miss Cora Wilber, born September 30, 1861, daughter of W. J. Wilber, of Cussewago Township, this county, and to this union has been born one child — Georgie May. In the spring of 1882 Mr. Veiley established a general merchandise store in the Slocum Building, Mosiertown, and purchased the building in January, 1884. He has here a full stock of dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, etc., and by strict business and courtesy to his customers, he has built up a very large and flourishing trade. Our subject was appointed Postmaster April 10, 1883, which appointment he still holds. Mr. Veiley is a young business man of much energy and enterprise; in politics he is a Republican. CALVIN WALDO, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, Erie County, was born in 1810 in Bennington County, Vt. , and is the son of Gersham and Martha Waldo. He married, in 1885, Miss Polly Ann Calkins, of Genesee County, N. Y., born in Cayuga County, N. Y. , in 1814. They settled where they now live, in Cussewago Township, this county, in 1837, and cleared up and developed a fine farm. Their children were Gersham C, who died in Kansas, September 10, 1858; Daniel C. , in Crawford County, Penn. ; Thomas B., in Erie County, Penn. ; Mrs. Mary Lewis, in Erie County, Penn. Our subject, formerly a member of the Baptist Church, is now an adherent of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, to which he and his worthy wife have belonged ever since the organization of the Cussewago Church, about thirty-five years ago. Mr. Waldo is a Christian of deep piety, and firm convictions in his chosen faith. He is one of the old respected pioneer citizens, whose manly efforts and self-denial have aided to redeem this prosperous land from the wilderdess. DANIEL C. WALDO, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born March 23, ]843, in Cussewago Township, this county, and is a son of Calvin Waldo. He went in defense of his country in 1863, as a soldier of the Fifty-sixth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Militia. He married, September 23, 1865, Miss Clara O. Eandall, an adopted daughter of A. P. Harris. She died February 28, 1872, leaving four- children: Mary, Effie, Clara E., Calvin Gersham, and one infant (deceased). Mr. Waldo married, December 1, 1872, Lucinda, daughter of Smith and Auril- la (Bacon) Wiard, of Spring Township, this county, born April 29, 1845. They have five children: Smith (deceased), Mabel E., Alice A., Morgan D. and Lucia M. Mr. Waldo has a fine farm of 117 acres. He and his worthy wife ar& consistent members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. Our subject has served his township as School Director, Tax Collector, and Census Enumera- tor. In politics he is a Republican; a member of the Crawford County Repub- lican County Committee. HIRAM WEBSTER, deceased, was a native of the State of New York, born January 22, 1818, and came to this county when a young lad, with his father, Ephraim Webster, prior to 1830. His father moved to Iowa where, he died. Our subject married, March 31, 1843, Miss Zeruah Davis, born August 19, 1819, in Cussewago Township, this county, and daughter of Rev. Isaac and Nancy Davis. Her parents were among the very earliest settlers of this township. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Webster settled in this town- ship, where they developed a comfortable home. They had following children: Henry, James Albert, and Homer (deceased). Mr. Webster died May 28, 1886, leaving an honorable name to posterity for honest and upright integrity. Mrs. Webster afterward married Dr. Hiram Boyd, who died August 7, 1877. She is now living at the old family homestead, enjoying a peaceful old age, highly respected by the entire community. James Albert Webster, her son, was born April 14, 1855. After receiving his early education in the schools of the home district, he attended, three terms, the State Normal School, Edinboro, Erie- 856 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: County. He early engaged in teaching and has taught four terms in Hayfield Township, this county, and five in Cussewago Township, having the school at Mosiertown one term. He left a record as a faithful and successful teacher, and gave good satisfaction to his patrons. He married Miss Addie Mucken- haupt, November 11, 1880. She died December 16, 1882. Mr. Webster has held the offices of School Director, Township Clerk, and Treasurer, and now holds the position of Assessor. He is an energetic young business man and a citizen of wide influence; in politics a Republican. NEWELL E. WHITE, merchant, Mosiertown, was born May 19, 1838, in Eichmond Township, this county. His father, John White, of near Fre- donia, N. Y., and among the early settlers of Richmond Township, this county, married Miss Polly Gould, and of their seven children, David, of Little Cooley, Newell, and Diantha I. are now living. Our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862. He served in the Army of the Potomac and took part in the battles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, Petersburg and many more of the memo- rable conflicts of the Virginia campaigns. He was severely wounded in the battle of Gettysburg, resulting in permanent disabilities. He served his time out, and received his discharge in June, 1865, having an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier. October 12, 1865, Mr. White married Miss Josephine C. Fross, of Richmond Township, this county. Their children are: RoUoR. and Royal J. (deceased). Our subject carried on a general merchandising store at Lyona, this county, in 1876, 1877, and at Townville during 1879, . then established himself in business at Mosiertown in 1880. His present partner is S. D. Fullerton. They carry on a prosperous and growing trade which by their courtesy and strict attention to business they are rapidly building up. Mrs. White died November 1, 1883. She was a faithful wife and loving mother, beloved by all who knew her. She was a pious member of the Baptist Church, of which Mr. White is also a member. JOHN STOUT WIARD, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born in Cusse- wago Township, this county, July 14, 1826. His father, Leman Wiard, came from Connecticut to this township in 1819, and married Elizabeth, daughter of John Chamberlain. After living the life of an honest pioneer, he died in. 1847, at the age of forty-seven years. Of their eight children three are now living: John Stout, Mrs. Adaline Hites and Mrs. Lydia Joslin. Our subject married in January, 1855, Harriet, daughter of Jacob Flasher, now of Iowa. They now own a farm of 300 acres of well-improved land, including the home- stead which they have made by industry and good management. Their chil- dren are Winfield L., Leora A., Aaron, Henfry and Frank. Mr. Wiard was a soldier nine months, between 1862 and 1863, in the One Hundred and Sixty- ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He is devoted to the culture of live stock and has some very fine short horn and Devonshire cattle. Our subject is a Republican; has h,eld several township offices, always with credit to him- self. Mrs. Wiard and the two eldest children are members of the United Brethren Church. WILLIAM WILEY, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born October 25, 1825, in Fryeburg, Oxford Co., Me. His parents, Hamilton and Malvina Wiley, now live at that place, having spent but one year in this county, while on a visit to their son. Our subject while a young man came to Cambria County, Penn., where he was engaged several jears making staves for the West India market. While there he married Miss Harriet Langdon, October 14, 1854. In April of the following year he located at Crossingville, this county, and established a shook factory, which he carried on until 1858, when EAST FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 857 he sold out and spent three years in the State of Maine. He finally returned to this county, purchased a farm, and settled in Cussewago Township, in 1861, where he still resides. Here, by industry and good management, with the assistance of his worthy wife, he has acquired a fine farm of 150 acres of well-improved land. To Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have been born three children: Hamilton, married to Miss Eva L. McCamman; Mary M., and Hattie O. The son now carries on the farm, and the two daughters, having made thorough preparation for the profession of teaching, are now very successfully engaged in that vocation in the schools of this county. Mr. Wiley is independent in his political views, always aiming to support the best men and principles. He IS a citizen of upright integrity and enjoys the highest respect of the entire community. AMANDAS T. ZIMMER, hotel-keeper, Mosiertown, was born July 13, 1836, in Lehigh County, Penn. His parents, Daniel and Caroline Zimmer, now reside in Berks County. He married Miss Susanna Eeinard, of Berks County, Penn., June 8, 1862. Their children are: Daniel Tilmon, Wilson A. and Charles William. Our subject was reared in Berks County and learned the miller's trade, which he followed for twenty- eight years. He moved to this county in April, 1867, and followed his trade one year at Stitzerville, ten years at Saegertown and five years at Venango. He took charge of the hotel at Mosiertown April 2,. 1884, having purchased the property in 1881. Mr. Zim- mer carries on here a first-class house, which is justly celebrated as a place of entertainment for the weary traveler. He and Mrs. Zimmer are consistent members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church. Our subject takes a deep interest in education. In politics he is a Democrat. EAST FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. Lj ALEXANDER S. BEATTY, farmer, P. O. Shaw's Landing, was born April 5, 1831; son of Einlaw and Jane (Shaw) Beatty, the mother a native of East Fairfield Township, and the father of Perry County, Penn. Their family consisted of two sons: Samuel, who died about 1872 in Meadville, where his widow still lives, and our subject, who lives on the old home farm of sixty acres, which he owns and which is well improved. Finlaw Beatty was twice married, first to Miss Isabella Work, sister of ex-Judge Work, which union was blessed with six children, of whom four survive: W. W. Beatty and Mrs. A. E. Wentworth, living in Iowa; I. M. Beatty and Mrs. M. P. Harvey, at Shaw's Landing, Penn. Mrs. Beatty died June 30, 1825, and our subject's father was again married, and he and his second wife, Jane Shaw, died in March, 1852, there being but two days difference in the dates of their deaths. ■ Our subject was married December 24, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth B. Harvy, and they have four children: Finlaw A., Prank H., Matthew W. and Anna Blanche, all living. Mr. Beatty was mail agent on the Franklin branch of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad from Meadville to Oil City for three and a half years. He is now Postmaster at Shaw's Landing. He has been School Director for several terms. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. JOHN J. COCHRAN, Cochranton, is a son of Joseph and Susan E. (Hill) Cochran, natives of Pennsylvania, the father born May 10, 1809, the 47 858 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: mother February 11, 1810. They were married in Adams County, Penn.,. June 15, 1833, and came the same month to this county, locating where Coch- ranton now stands. Joseph Cochran taught the first school in the village, and, being a surveyor, assisted in arranging the town plat. He died Septem- ber 1, 1846. Mrs. Cochran still survives", enjoying perfect mental and reason- able physical health, making her home with her daughter, Margaret J. (now Mrs. M. H. McComb). Our subject was the elder of their two children, and was born May 14, 1837, in Cochranton, where he was reared and educated. He was married in Adamsville, this county, December 25, i860, to Miss Mary McKee, who has borne him seven children, viz.; Maggie B., Jennie E., Eose A., Joseph A., James H. M., William H and Charles H. The last named died' at the age of two years and four months. Mrs. Cochran and her daughter, Jennie E., are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. MoComb is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM DEAN, Jr. , farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born on the farm on which he now lives, October, 1842, and on which his grandfather, William Dean, located in 1794. His parents were. William and Nancy (Brawley) Dean. He was married May 22, 1872, to Miss Sarah E. Mook, of Mercer County, Penn., who has borne him three children: Henry E., David S. and Archie D. Mrs. Dean's father, David Mook, died in 1875; her mother, Mar- garet, is living with her. Of the thirteen brothers and sisters of our subject, eight are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the P. of H. ; Mr. Deati is also a member of the A. O. U. W. EEV. D. DONNAN, minister, Cochranton, is a native of Princetown, Schenectady County, N. Y. , and received his preparatory training in Schen- ectady Lyceum or Academy. He entered the freshman class of Union College, Schenectady, and graduated during the last years of the presidency of Dr. Eliphalet Nott, in 1845. He studied theology in the Theological Hall at Cannonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., now the United Presbyterian Theo- logical Seminary, at Xenia, Ohio. He was settled for some years as pas- tor of the United Presbyterian Congregation of Newark, N. J., and while there was married, in 1855, to Miss E. K., daughter of David and Catharine Williamson, of Xenia, Ohio. He left Newark and came to Cochranton Decem- ber, 1865, and was installed early in April, 1866, pastor of the congrega- tions of Cochranton and Power, under the care of Lake Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church of North America. MATTHIAS FLAUGH, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in this county, September 4, 1818, and is a son of George Plaugh, whose father, Matthias, came from Germany, and located near Saegertown, this county, at a very early day, and where he remained until his death. Our subject's father was a sol- dier in the war of 1812. Matthias Flaugh was married September, 1839, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Benjamin and Fanny (Brindle) Brown, who has borne him three children: William, born September, 1840, married Sarah E. Byham, December 21, 1865, has eight children, four surviving; Aaron, born May, 1842, married Amanda Young, in 1863; and Frances, born November, 1843, was married to George Smith, died November, 1862, aged nineteen years and eleven months. Mr. Flaugh has a home farm of sixteen acres well improved and forty acres in Mead Township. In politics the family is Demo- cratic. Mr. and Mrs. Plaugh are members of the Reformed Church. JAMES P. HASSLEE, M. D., physician, Cochranton, was born at Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland Co., Penn., February 13, 1835, son of John and Sarah (Shearer) Hassler, who were parents of twelve children, viz. : Samuel, a Methodist minister, died in 1852; Joseph, died in 1849; Lucinda, died in EAST FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 859 infancy; Eebecca, died of acute disease; Melinda; David S., in mercantile business at Mt. Union, Ohio; John Frederick, killed by lightning in 1854; Elmira, died of acute disease; Cyrus M., in mercantile business in Findlay, Ohio; James P.; Augustus E., editor of the Pawnee Republican, Pawnee City, Neb. ; and May Elizabeth, died in infancy. In 1835 John Hassler moved to a farm in Rostraver Township, same county, where the family were brought up. At fourteen years of age our subject was sent to school at Greensburg, and subsequently to Mt Pleasant, and when seventeen entered Allegheny College, where he graduated ia 1856. He spent several years in teaching, spending a year in Kentucky and two years in Michigan. Afterward he read medicine at Meadville, in the office of Dr. J. C. Cotton, and graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Michigan in 1864. The siimmer of the same year he spent in the United States General Hospital, at Point Lookout, and in the fall returned to Meadville and resumed the practice of medicine with Dr. Cotton. In the summer of 1865 he removed to Cochranton, a village ten miles from Meadville on the Franklin branch of the New York, Pennsylvania &OhioEailroad: here he has since resided, diligently and labori- ously engaged in the practice of his profession, and with satisfactory success. He was married August, 1860, to Miss Ella, daughter of the Hon. William Davis, of Meadville, a gentleman of great personal popularity in the county, as was shown by his election for three terms to the position of Associate Judge. Their family consists of three sons and three daughters. Their eldest son is destined to be "a newspaper man," and at present has a position in Pittsburgh. Dr. Hassler has given considerable time and attention to educational matters, hav- ing been on the Board of Education at Cochranton for fifteen years and for several years a member of the Board of Control of Allegheny College. He has written extensively for the press, local and professional, and occasionally takes a hand in the political discussions of the day. In church relations, a Methodist; in social organizations, a Knight Templar; belongs also to several benevolent societies in the town where he lives. In politics he is a quiet but somewhat determined adherent to the Democratic party, with charity for others who hold a different opinion. CHAELES HOLMES, hotel-keeper, Cochranton, was born in Mercer County, Penn., August 5, 1855, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Dick- son) Holmes. He was married September 25, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Holmes. Came to Cochranton, August 7, 1883, when he took possession of the hotel known as the Shafer House, now the Holmes House, situated on the corner of Adams and Walnut Streets. It is a three-story frame structure, well arranged, neatly furnished, and having excellent sample rooms and other hotel conveni- ences. In connection with the hotel he has the best livery in the place. His motto is " universal satisfaction," which is always given to his numerous cus- tomers. He is a genial and pleasant gentleman and has an amiable helpmeet. EOBERT McFATE, Sb., farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in Venango County, Penn., in 1816, where he was brought up. His parents were Eobert and Jane (Culbertson) McFate. In 1 844 he married Letitia McFate, born in Ireland; her parents being Eobert and Elizabeth (Black) McFate, and came to America with her sister Margaret, (now Mrs. David McFate) and her brother Eobert, being then about eighteen years of age. Our subject came to this county in 1867, locating on the farm where he now lives, and which is a well-improved farm of ninety-seven acres. He and his wife are members of the United Presby- terian Church, and are highly respected by all who know them. Politically Mr. McFate stands firm in the Democratic faith. DAVID McFATE, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born January 16, 860 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1836, in Venango County, Penn., where his parents resided for many years. They came to this county, locating in Cochranton, in 1866, on a farm where the father, Joseph, died in February, 1879, and where the mother, Margaret, still lives. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom six sur- vive. David, the second of the family, was reared and educated in Yenango County, where he married Miss Margaret McFate, March 9, 1865. To this union were born four children: Francis J., Lizzie B. and two deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. McFate and Francis J. are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Cochranton. Politically Mr. McFate is a Eepublican. He has a farm of sixty-five acres, on which he has a splendid residence and where he has made good improvements. Mrs. McFate is a native of Ireland; came to America when sixteen years of age, and to Venango County, Penn. , when twenty-two, having located temporarily in Philadelphia. Her father is still living in Wayne Township, this county; her mother died in Ireland. HUGH McGOURAN, Se. , proprietor cooperage and stave factory, Coch- ranton, was born November 12, 1825, in the reign of George III, in County Down, Ireland; son of John and Margret McGouran. In 1843 our subject went to England, where he remained for six years, during which time he crossed the Irish Sea twelve times. From England he went to Swansea, South Wales, there stayed about one year and then returned to Ireland. On January 31, 1851, he married Eliza Jane Pegan, also a native of County Down, Ireland, born September 12, 1826. On March 25, 1851, Mr. McGouran and his young wife embarked for America in a small vessel from Belfast, Ireland, via Liverpool, England, which port they left April 1 following, landing in Philadelphia, Penn., on 28th same month. Two days after they went to Pitts- burgh, Penn. , over the Allegheny Mountains, and from Pittsburgh came to this county, where they have since made their home. To our subject and wife were born the following named children: John, Maggie E., Sarah, Hugh W., Sadie J., Ella, Jennie C, Francis J. and Mary El Zaida, of whom five are dead. In 1868 Maggie, the eldest daughter, paid a visit to her parents' native place, taking passage in the steam-ship " City of London," and on May 15, 1869, her father sailed from New York to Liverpool, England and from that city to Ireland, returning to America in the steam-ship " City of Paris," August 12, 1869, accompanied by his daughter. On June 7, 1884, Mr. McGouran and another daughter, Ella, sailed from New York in the steam-ship "Alaska," for Europe, visiting the chief places in England, Ireland and Scotland, and returning to New York by the same vessel August 25, that year. Our subject purchased a farm in Wayne Township, this county, on which he lived nine years, and during that period he followed the business of shipping produce to Pittsburgh on the Allegheny River. From Wayne Township he moved to Cochranton, this county, and has since resided here with his family. Shortly after coming, Mr. McGouran embarked in the oil business in Venango County, Penn., sinking wells and shipping oil down the Allegheny, etc., in which he met with tolerably good success. Retiring from that enterprise March 17, 1865, the year of the high water at Oil Creek, he engaged in the cooperage and stave manufacturing business, employing some twenty men. When trade is brisk Mr. McGouran turns out from five to six thousand staves and headings, and about one hundred barrels complete, every day. He is still carrying on this industry, and with continued marked prosperity. HENRY P. MARLEY, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in East Fair- field Township, this county, March 25, 1832; son of James J. and Julia A. (Hart) Marley. His grandfather, Henry Marley, came from his native land, Ireland, to Meadville in 1793, and the same year built a cabin on the farm EAST FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 861 now owned by Dr. John Marley. There he lived till his death, which occurred in 1854, in his ninety-third year. He was the father of three children, two sons and one daughter; James J. is the only one living. James J. Marley, Sr., was the father of ten children, of whom six are still living: Henry P.; Ange- line, now Mrs. William McOauley, of Venango County; James J., Jr.; Julia A.; Mrs. Samuel Doubt; David A., and John W., a practicing physician in Chicago. Our subject's parents are still living in East Fairfield, have been married fifty-seven years, and have always resided on the same farm. Mrs. Marley was a daughter of Philip Hart, formerly of Little York, Penn., and who was a son of Conrad Hart, a native of Germany, who settled in this town- ship in 1804. They had born to them ten children, six of whom are now liv- ing. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native township and edu- cated in the common school, j He was married November 25, 1855, to Marilla H. , daughter of Amos and Lydia (Hall) Pierce, natives of New England, and who came to this township in 1854. The issue of this marriage is four chil- dren : Kingston S., William H., Prank W., and Homer P. Mr.. Marley was in the late war, enlisting March 4, 1864, in Company I, Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Reserves, and was in the campaign in the Wilderness and at the bat- tle of Spottsylvania, where he was wounded in the right fore-arm while making a bayonet charge; was taken prisoner and sent to Richmond, where he was con- fined in prison three months and two days, when he was exchanged and brought to Annapolis, Md. He was honorably discharged after one year's service. During his incarceration in the Eebel prison he suffered severely. He had there an attack of typhoid fever and chronic diarrhoea, from the effects of which he never recovered. So weak was he when he was discharged that he had to be assisted in walking. His wound was dressed in prison, and three and a half inches of bone extracted from his arm. Mr. Marley and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a member of the G. A. E. Post,Mead- ville, of the State Police of Erie and Crawford, and of the P. of H. He has held several of the minor offices of the county, and is now serving a term as Jus- tice of the Peace. In politics he is a stanch Republican. On April 8, 1884, he received the nomination of the Republican primaries for County Commis- sioner. REV. JOHN W. PONTIUS, clergyman, Cochranton, was born near Mil- lerstown, Butler Co., Penn., August 14, 1846; prepared himself for college at the Clarion Collegiate Institute, Rimersburg, Penn.; entered Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Penn., in the fall of 1869, and graduated in 1873; was licensed to preach the gospel June 11, 1875; was ordained to the holy minis- try July 18, 1875, and installed as pastor of the Mission Church at Lock Haven, Penn., on the same day. On account of ill health he was constrained to resign at the close of the year, but succeeded in placing the mission on a fair footing, and increasing its membership from twenty to forty-three. He received a call from Zion's charge in this county, April 4, 1877, and accepted the same and entered upon the duties of his present pastorate April 15, 1877. THOMAS SHAFEE, hotel keeper, Cochranton, was born in Mead Township, September 5, 1835, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Knierman) Shafer, natives of Germany, who settled in Mead Township, this county, in 1830, where Mr. Shafer worked three years on a farm and then removed to Greenwood Town- ship, purchasing a farm there which he cleared and improved and where he has resided ever since. He has six children living: Henry, Thomas, Philip, George, John and David. The subject of this sketch was raised on the farm and edu- cated in the schools of Greenwood Township. In 1856 he went to. California and engaged in mining. In 1859 he returned and located in Union Township, 862 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: thia county, engaging in farming, and there remained until 1871, when he came to Cochranton and has been chiefly engaged in hotel keeping ever since. He was • married November, 1863, to Fanny, daughter of James and Rebecca (Eobio.- son) Martin, of Cochranton, and by this union they have live children, of whom but one now survives. Mr. Shafer keeps the leading hotel of Cochran- ton, and is always ready and willing to cater to the wants of the traveling public and make them feel at home; in connection with his hotel runs a fine livery. He has been Burgess of Cochranton one term and has held other minor offices. In politics he is independent. REV. C. B. WAKEFIELD, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jeffer- son Township, Fayette Co., Penn., October 15, 1852. Here he was reared and educated, attending the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he was sent to fitting school preparatory to entering college. Having made the \ieces3ary preparation, he entered Waynesburg College, Pennsylvania, in the latter part of 1868, and graduated in the Classical Department in 1873. All of this time was not spent in college, as the subject of this sketch, like many another poor boy, had to step aside from the regular duties of college, and teach to earn money to prosecute his studies. From 1873 to 1876 he spent in the teaching profession, at the same time paying some little attention to law. About this time Mr. Wakefield connected with the Presbyterian Church, and deter- mined to study for the Gospel ministry. In the summer of 1876 he entered the National School of Elocution and Oratory at Philadelphia, taking the junior course; and in the fall of the same year matriculated at the Western Theological Seminary, where he spent three years, graduating in the spring of 1879. He was immediately invited to occupy the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church at Somerset, Penn. This invitation was accepted, and on June 7, 1879, at the regular meeting of Redstone Presbytery, he was ordained to preach the Gospel, and installed pastor for half-time of the Somerset Presbyterian Church. This work was partly under the supervision of the Board of Home Missions. While here Mr. Wakefield married Anna Benford, second daughter of G. W. Benford. He remained two years at Somerset, and then removed to Fairchance, Penn. , accepting a call there and only remaining six months. The next permanent settlement he made was in Cochranton, Crawford County, in 1881, where he now resides, having accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church of this place. AAEON WELLER, farmer, P. O. Shaw's Landing, was born in Massa- chusetts in 1813, coming in 1817 with his parents, Jonathan and LovinaWel- ler, to this county, where his father was killed by a falling tree in 1819, and his mother died in 1840. They had a family of nine children, of whom Aaron is the seventh. He was married in November, 1840, to Miss Olive Coburn, of Randolph Township, this county, who has borne him four children, all living: Almeron, William, Mary and Jeanette. Mary married Thomas Blanchard, and Jeanette married William Best, and both reside on farms contiguous to that of their father. The sons are members of the P. of H. The politics of the family is Democratic. Mr. Weller has a well-improved farm of 100 acres on which he has lived twenty-two years. EAST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP. 863 EAST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP. SAMUEL H. FINDLEY, farmer, P. O. Atlantic, was born in East Pal- lowfield Township, this county, February 4, 1821, son of Moses and Elizabeth (Hays) Findley, natives of Ireland of Scotch descent. They immigrated to America in 1808 and 1803 respectively, settling in ,this county, where they were married in 1811. They had a family of ten children, of whom only three are now living, viz. : Thomas W. , J. B. and Samuel H. The father died December 14, 1846, aged sixty-three years, and the mother died April 6, 1874, aged eighty-three years. Our subject has made his home on the old homestead, where he still remains and has given his chief attention to farm- ing; has also given some time to carpentering. He built a large cheese fac- tory which he operated several years in this township. Mr. Findley was mar- ried June 22, 1847, to Miss Louisa Custard, a native of Greenwood Town- ship, this county, born November 17, 1827, and daughter of Eiehard and Almera (Wetmore) Custard, former a native of Pennsylvania of German descent, latter a native of New York State, of English descent. They settled in this county in 1798, and were married here in 1826. They had two chil- -dren, one now living — the wife of our subject — with whom they now make their home, the father aged eighty-nine, the mother eighty-seven. To Mr. and Mrs. Findley were born seven sons and five daughters, viz.: Almera L., Will- iam H., Eiehard C, M. Elizabeth, Frank B., Thomas C, Emma E., E. Anna, Hattie C, James H., Samuel E. and Glennie M., all living. Our subject and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He has served the iownship in most of its ofiSces; was ten years a Justice of the Peace; in 1874 was elected Eepresentative from this county, serving until 1878. In politics Mr. Findley is a Eepublican. OBADIAH H. LACKEY, farmer, P. O. Atlantic, was born in Salem Town- ship, Mercer Co., Penn., February 7, 1818, son of William and Mary (Hazen) Lackey, natives of this State, of English and Irish descent respectively, and vrhose parents came to this country in 1798, settling in Mercer County, Penn. William Lackey came from Allegheny County, Penn., to this county, where he lived until he married; then moved to Salem Township, Mercer Co., Penn. He raised his family in Salem Township, which township adjoins East Fallowfield, this county. He died in May, 1871, aged seventy- five; his widow died April 14, 1873, aged seventy- three. 0,ur subject followed carpentering for about thirty years, and in 1842 purchased land in this township upon which he now resides. This he cleared and iniproved, and here he carries on general farming. Mr. Lackey was married March 13, 1845, to Miss Mary Minnis, a native of this township, born February 14, 1827, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Mattocks) Minnis. To this union were born one son and four daughters: Emily C, Sarah M., Mary, Annabella and William M., all now living except Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Lackey are members of the Baptist ■Church. Tn politics he is a Democrat. JOHN MINNIS, farmer, P. O. Atlantic, was born in East Fallowfield Township, this county, October 15, 1831; son of William and Sarah (Mat- tocks) 'Minnis, natives of this State, of Scotch -Irish .and English-German iJescent, respectively, and whose parents were among the first settlers of this 864 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: county. William Minnis died in 1876, aged eighty-three; his widow, now in her ninety-second year, resides with our subject. John Minnis became owner of his father's homestead in 1852, and still resides thereon. He has improved it in many ways. He was twice married; on first occasion, in 1853, to Miss Sarah Allen, of Mercer County, this State, whose parents were early settlers in that county. To this union were born four children, viz. : Nancy E., Caro- line, William W. and Joseph G. Mrs. Minnis dying July 26, 1869, our sub- ject married, December 1, 1870, Miss Eachel C. Boyd, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio. She is the mother of two children: George B. and Victor H. Our subject has served the township in most of its oflSces; in politics he is a Democrat. His first wife was a Methodist; his present one is a Presbyterian, r JAMES F. EANDOLPH, farmer, P..0. Adamsville, was born in Mead Township, this county. May 4, 1813; son of James F. and Charlotte (Ulery) Eandolph, natives of New Jersey and Ohio, and of English and German descent, respectively. Our subject's father came to this county in 1792 ; was married in 1799, and by this union were born thirteen children, of whom only three are now living: George F., James F. and Amanda L. The parents both died in this township. Our subject received a common school education and taught school thirteen winters in this county. In 1838 he purchased land in this township, on which he now resides, and' this he has cleared and otherwise much improved. Mr. Eandolph was married February 3, 1845, to Mrs. Mary (McQueen) McMichael, of East Fallowfield Township, and by this union were born twins: John O. and James O., former of whom died in infancy; latter resides on the home farm with his father, is married and has a family of three children: Mary A., James H, and Bessie M. Mrs. Eandolph had five children by her first husband, who died April 13, 1835. She died December 6, 1881, in her seventy-third year. She was a member of the United Presby- terian Church, of which denomination Mr. Eandolph is also a member. In politics he is a Eepublican. FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. THOMAS C. CALVIN, farmer, P. O. Calvin's Comers, was born in West Fallowfield Township, this county, April 1, 1835, and is a son of Eobert and Elizabeth (Kelly) Calvin. James Calvin, his grandfather, born near Wash- ington County, Penn. , came as a pioneer about 1800, purchasing and clearing a farm, and remaining on it till his death. T. C. Calvin's maternal grand- father, John Kelly, a native of Ireland, was also an early settler of East Fal- lowfield. His father, Eobert Calvin, was born in Mercer County, Penn., but spent most of his life on a farm in this county, and for the past few years a resident of Meadville. He had seven children: Catherine, Jeanette,f Sarah, James, John M., Thomas C. and David M., the first four of whom are deceased. Our subject was married, February 14, 1872, to Miss Mary, daughter of Sam- uel Baxter, of Mercer County, Penn., by whom he has one child living — Eobert C, Jr. Mr. Calvin came to this township in 1852, with his parents, and has ever since resided on his present farm. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church; has held several township ofiSces. In politics he is a Eepublican. JOSEPH H. DICKSON, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born August 10, FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 865 1832, in this township, and is a son of George and Rachel (McQaiston) Dick- son. The father was a native of Fairfield Township, this county, where he lived all his life, dying March 1, 1845; the mother, after the decease of Mr. Dickson, married John Crouch, with whom she now resides on the old home- stead. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson had a family of eleven children, of whom fiise are now living. Our subject was married, December 23, 1858, to Mary E., daughter of Johnson and Eliza A. (Larimer) Birch. They have one daughter — Nettie, who was married. May 30, 1883, to Andrew J. Baughman, and one son, George, deceased aged fourteen months. Mrs. Dickson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dickson is a Derriocrat, and has held the offices of Collector, Constable, and Judge of Elections. JOHN G. HANES, farmer, P. O. Custard's, was born in Munsingen, King- dom of Wurtemberg, Germany, November 24, 1810, and is a son of Philip and Catharine (Mann) Hanes. He came to America, landing in Philadelphia Aagust 1, 1832, and married on the fourth of the following month Anna M., daughter of Henry and Anna M. (Shoup) Mauch. After his marriage he set- tled in Columbia County, Penn., where he resided until 1842, when he settled on his present farm in this township, which he cleared and improved from a wilderness, contending with the trials attending early pioneer life. Mr. and Mrs. Hanes have had a family of six children, of whom there are now living Catharine, Andrew, and Hannah, now Mrs. A. M. Framnuth. Mr. and Mrs. Framnuth have two children: Mary E. and John A. He enlisted, in 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, served three years in the Quartermaster's department, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged. Mr. Hanes has a farm of seventy acres where he lives, on which, and on another farm of fifty-three acres close by, he has made such improvements as to cause him to be regarded as one of the repre- sentative farmers of his township. He and his family are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. SAMTDEL HILL, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in November, 1807, and is a son of Archibald and Mary (Fulton) Hill, natives of Ireland. His father came to America in 1797, located on a tract of 400 acres, of which Samuel still owns 150 acres, where he resides. His mother came to America in 1792, and with her husband located, immediately after marriage, on a farm in the woods, which they, as soon as possible, set to work to improve. Mr. Hill, in order to get the necessaries of life, worked in a saw-mill for a Dr. Kennedy. He died May 3, 1817, aged fifty-two years. Mrs. Hill died April 7, 1845, aged sixty- five years. They had a family of eight children, of whom three survive. Samuel, the fourth in the family, was married December 24, 1840, to Marga- ret, daughter of James and Sarah (Fulton) Montgomery, and by this union were born seven children: Archibald, who volunteered August, 1862, in Com- pany H, One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try, serving till his death September 5, 1863, after participating in the battle of Gettysburg; James, who enlisted in same corps, at same time, serving till the close of the war, and receiving a flesh wound at Gettysburg; Thomas, George, Milton and Eliza J. The family is Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the United Presbyterian Church. COL. R. C. JOHNSON, President of the Cochranton Farmer's Co-opera- tive Associated Bank, P. O. Shaw's Landing, was born in New York State, March 4, 1805, and is a son of Richard C. and Sabina (Blomers) Johnson, natives of New York, and of English and Holland descent. His father, who was a merchant, lost his life in the war of 1812. Our subject received a dis- trict school education, and came to this county in February, 1832, settling in 866 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Spring Township. He married Martha Cook, who died, leaving no children; then the Colonel married Mary A., daughter of Edward and Nancy (Burch- field) Herrington, natives of this State, who came to Crawford County in 1795 or 1796. Mrs. Johnson's father was a farmer, and was in the war of 1812; her grandfather, James Herrington, and two of his brothers were in the Eev- olutionary war, were present at Yorktown, and saw Cornwallis deliver up his sword to Gen. Washington. Her grandfather settled at the outlet of Conneaut Lake, where he built a mill soon after the Revolutionary war; he was also a surveyor. Mrs. Johnson is of English and Irish origin. Col. and Mrs. John- son have no children now living. The Colonel is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Lodge No. 234, of which he has been Worshipfiil Master for three terms; he has also been Presiding Officer of the Chapter, and was first High Priest. He was elected Master of Conneaut Grange in 1874; re-elected in 1875; appointed District Deputy for Crawford County by D. B. Mauger, Master of the State Grange of Pennsylvania; was elected Master of Crawford County, Pomona Grange, in 1877 ; appointed Dep- uty at Large for the State of Pennsylvania in March, 1877, by Col. Victor E. Piolett, who was then Master of State Grange. Politically, the Colonel is Democratic; has served as Deputy Sheriff under Charles F. Adams; has been for ten years Superintendent of the canal; has served as Mail Agent for the New York & Erie Railroad for two years. He had served in the Militia from an early day, and had risen to the rank of Colonel, and ou the outbreak of the late Rebellion he promptly took sides with his country, raised a company of cavalry, of which he was elected Captain, and was assigned to the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served until 1862, when he resigned. The Colonel has always taken an active interest in all that could promote the progress of Crawford County. ORVIS MANN, farmer, P. O. Custard's, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., July 28, 1807, and is a son of William and Ruhamah (Barnum) Mann, who removed to Delaware in his infancy, and there- he was reared. His maternal grandfather, Isbon Barnum, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, died in his native State, Connecticut, aged about seventy. Our subject was married in 1836, to Miss Mary, daughter of Edward Burhans, of Delaware County, N. Y. , by whom he had ^ix. children: Prances, Mrs. Newel Bly, Helen, Electa (now Mrs. "William A. Cook), Mary L. , Mrs. Jerome J. Hill, Josephine, and an infant deceased. In 1838 Mr. Mann settled in Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he resided until 1853, when he removed to this township, locating on the farm on which he still resides, and a part of which he cleared and improved. He has held several township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM H. MARSHALL, farmer, P. O. Custaxd's, was born in Fair- field Township, this county, March 31, 1840, and is a son of John and Isabel (Leonard) Marshall. The former was a native of Fairfield Township, this county, and spent his whole life on the farm where our subject was born; he died August 31, 1870, aged fifty-nine years; the latter, a native of Massachu- setts, came with her parents to Pennsylvania about 1820. They had a family of seven children, of whom five are now living, William H. being the eldest. He was married March 20, 1872, to Laura, daughter of Jolin Mallery, a resi- dent of this township. They have a home farm of ninety-eight acres, well improved. Politically Mr. Marshall is a Republican. > AARON W. MIJMFORD, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in September, 1808, on a farm adjoining his present home, where he was reared and educated; son of James and Catharine (Wright) Mumford, whose fathers were both in the Revolutionary war. Our subject began going to school in the first schoolhouse FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP. 867 in the township, which was situated within a hundred yards of his present residence, and he then played with his schoolmates in the shade of a white oak tree now in his door yard, and the tree has been preserved because of this fact. " Woodman, spare that tree, touch not a single bough; in youth it shel- tered me, and I'll protect it now.'' The schoolhouse was made of round logs. The windows were spaces of about eight inches wide, extending the full length of the building, over which was stretched greased paper, supported by sticks across the " window." The desks were slabs laid on pins driven in the wall below the window, and the seats were slabs with pins for legs. The room was heated by a fire-place the full size of the end of the house. Mr. Mumford was married January 14, 1834, to Miss Margaret Moore, of Mercer County, Penn., daughter of Hugh and Ann (Sheakley) Moore, and to this union were born six children: Sarah A., Mary C, James M. , Hugh A., Sue S. and Anna M. The first three are deceased. James M., the only married one of those three, left a wife and four children. Hugh A. is married to Sarah Dean and has two chil- dren. Sue S. was married to Joseph Thatcher, who died in January, 1874, leaving one child, born on the anniversary of his grandfather's birth, for whom he is named. Mr. Mumford has served two terms as Coanty Surveyor of Crawford County, and fifteen years as Justice of the Peace of his township. At the time of its construction he was one of the Directors of the Atlantic & Great Western (now the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad), also of the Franklin branch. At the same time he was general agent of the company, the buying of ties, lumber, and procuring the right of way resting chiefly upon him. He is one of Crawford's most highly respected citizens, and has ■excellent business ability. ALLEN NELSON, "farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born June 6, 1814, in Fairfield Township, this county, on the farm formerly occupied by his parents, David and Jane (Milligan) Nelson. His grandfather, John Milligan, was an «arly settler of Westmoreland County, Penn. His father, David Nelson, came i;o this county in company with Capt. Buchanan in the fall of 1796, took up the land on which our subject now resides, built a small cabin, cleared one acre, sowed wheat thereon, and shortly returned to Westmoreland County, and in 1797 married Jane, daughter of John Milligan, returned in the spring, and began as a pioneer in the woods. His death occurred in June, 1848, at the ripe age of seventy- two years. Their family consisted of the following chil- dren: Polly (Mrs. Myers), aged eighty-four; Betsy, wife of Rev. Thomas McDaniel; John, deceased; James, deceased; David, deceased; Jane (Mrs. McClintock), Allen, William and Daniel. Our subject was married in Decem- ber, 1835, to Hannah, daughter of Allen Dunn, of Sandy Lake, an old settler. She was the youngest of a family of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were bom — Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Line, in Kansas; David, deceased; Dunn, married to Martha Bell; Francis, married to Sarah A. Williams; Sam- uel, married to Mary Patton; Leslie; Margaret, now Mrs. Applegate, in Kan- sas; Emory; and James, deceased. Mr. Nelson is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. His father was a Colonel in the war of 1812, and served seven months at Fort Meigs. HENRY PETERMAN, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in this town- ship, May 16, 1820, and is a son of Henry and Julia Ann (Hart) Peterman, who settled in Fairfield Township in 1802, locating on and improving the farm now owned by Henry Hart, and where they continued to reside during the remainder of their lives. They had seven children: Betsy (deceased), Julia (deceased), Peter (deceased), Conrad, Sarah (deceased), Rachel (now Mrs. Joseph Kirkpatrick, in Canada), and Henry. Our subject married, April 6, 868 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1843, Jane, daughter of William and Eliza (Kirkpatrick) Gourley, natives of Ireland, who settled in this township about 1830. The issue of this union was seven children : William, Maggie (Mrs. Charles Strayer), May J. (Mrs. William Evans), Ina (Mrs. William Ewing), Margaret M. (Mrs. Benjamin McNamara), Sarah L. (Mrs. Bben Hamilton) and Joseph. Mr. Peterman has resided on his present farm since 1865, and he is one of Fairfield's represent- ative farmers. He and wife and six eldest children are members of the United Presbyterian Church, of Cochranton. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN H. PETERMAN, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born February 25, 1836, on his grandfather's farm in Fairfield Township, this county, and is a son of Conrad and Eliza (Gourley) Peterman. His father was a native of this county, and was married February 27, 1834, and reared a family of nine children, of whom seven survive, John H. being the eldest. His mother was a native of Ireland. Our subject was married December 16, 1858, to Miss Jane Chatley, who has borne him nine children, of whom eight survive. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1874 and in 1880 for terms of five years each. By trade Mr. Peterman is a carpenter, and has built many of the frame houses in the neighborhood. During the late war he was drafted October 16, 1862, and served nine months in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Kegiment. He is a member of Silas W. Smith Post, G. A. R., and of the P. of H. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. In polities he is a Democrat. His home farm comprises about 130 acres. WILLIAM PORTER (deceased) was born in York County, Penn., March 20, 1805, and was a son of John and Mary (May) Porter, who came to this county in 1808, settling on land near French Creek, in Fairfield Township, and had a family of seven children, of whom two, James and Thomas, are known to be now living. (Martha, if alive, is in Nevada.) Our subject was married November, 1827, to Sarah, daughter of Richard and Sarah (Curts) Custard, the tenth in a family of twelve children. He died April 24, 1869, leaving the following children: Nancy A. (deceased), Mary A., John, Benjamin F., James A., George C, Dr. Samuel S., William P., Sarah C. (deceased), Annie B., Frances L., Martha J. (deceased) Mary A. married Hiram Power, has three children; John married Celestia Tinker (deceased) and has two children; Benjamin F. married Helen Derrickson, and has on6 child; James A. mar- ried Miss Small, have two children; Dr. Samuel S. married Nellie Vanzant, of New York, resides in Meadville, engaged in the practice of medicine, has one son; William P. married Jane H. Hannah, have four children; Annie B. married Samuel BIy, have two children; Frances L. married John Shaffer, now of Idaho, have two children. Mrs. Porter is now a resident of Custard Village. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church; a lady of much public spirit. ANDREW READ, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., May 23, 1809, and is a son of William and Isabel (Todd) Read. His grandfather, William Read, was an early settler of Allegheny County, and his maternal grandfather, Henry Todd, was an early settler of eastern Pennsylvania. Our subject came to this county in 1854, locating on his present farm in Fairfield Township. His first wife was Jane, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Gaunee) Cooper, of Allegheny County, by whom he had five children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Stevenson), William (de- ceased), James, Isabel (Mrs. Hiram Blood), Catharine (Mrs. Reuben Painter). His present wife is Polly, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Scroggs) Heath, of Fairfield Township, this county. Her father was a native of Allegheny County, Penn. ; settled in Fairfield Township in 1798, where he cleared and GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 869 improved a farm, afterward removing to Wayne Townsliip, locating on the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Eobert Eeath, and where he lived and died. He built a powder-mill there, and was a manufacturer of powder for several years. Mrs. Read's maternal grandfather was Allen Scroggs, for- merly of Westmoreland County, and of Scotch descent. He settled on the farm now owned by our subject in 1796, which he cleared and improved, and where he lived till his death. Mr. and Mrs. Eead are members of the United Pres- byterian Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat CHAELBS STRAYEE, farmer, P. O. Cochranton, was born in Fairfield Township, this county, August 9, 1844, and is a son of Martin and Eaehel (Ealya) Strayer. His father, a native of Little York, Penn., is a son of Dan- iel Strayer, and settled in Fairfield Township in 1832, purchasing a farm which he cleared and improved, and where he lived until 1867, when he removed to Iowa, where he now resides. He^ad nine children : Miley, Anna, Levi, Charles, Perry, William, Mary A., Nancy J. and Eebecca C. Our sab- jeet has always resided in this township except when he enlisted, September, 1861, in the late war, re-enlisting in 1863, and serving until the close of the war. He was at the battles of Cedar Mountain, Eappahannock Station, Antie- tam, Chancelloreville, Gettysburg and many other engagements. He was mar- ried September 10, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Henry and Jane (Gourley) Peterman, by whom he has two children: Henry M. and William J. Mr. Strayer has resided on his present farm since 1866. He is a member of the G. A. E. ; in politics a Eepublican. GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM P. BILES, farmer, P. O. Custard's, was born on the banks of the Monongahela Eiver, in Washington County, Penn., March 18, 1814, and is the son of Charles and Jane (Miles) Biles, whose children were eight in number, as follows: Jehial, Eleanor, William P., Mary, John, Asbury, Enos and Andrew. Jehial, Eleanor and Mary all died, leaving families at Cincin- nati, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Penn., and Poland, Ohio, respectively; John and Enos are also dead; Asbury and family live in Missouri. Charles Biles and wife lived and died in Lawrence County, Penn. Our subject was married March, 1836, to Annie, daughter of James and Nancy (Mitchell) Murdock, by whom he has had four children: John, married Sally A. Williams (have one child — Edith); Caroline, married William Aramor (have two children: Ida and Carrie); James, married Bertha Power (they have lost one child — Wallace); William P., Jr., married Sarah Dilla (he studied medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is now practicing at Union City (has two children: William and Bertha). An- drew Biles, our subject's brother, was a soldier in the late war, and fought like a hero as he was through the seven battles participated in by the Potomac Army and survived them all, but when fever laid its hand upon him he fell. His father went to meet him at Philadelphia and brought him home, and, at his own request, he was buried by his mother. Our subject in religious belief is an Adventist. JONATHAN D. CHEIST, farmer, P. O. Geneva, was born April 19, 1881, in Austintown, TrumbtiU Co., Ohio, and is a son of Daniel F. and Mary (Grove) Christ, of the Buckeye State. He settled in this township in 1840, 870 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and married, first, Bmeliza, daughter of Robert and Cynthia (Brower) Will- iams, of this county, by whom he had nine children: Mary J., Mary Chas- tina, Isaiah L. , Eobert D., Frederick A., EttaL., James C, David C. and John E. His wife died March 30, 1873, and he afterward married Elizabeth, daughter of Eeuben and Lonly (Anderson) Sutton, of this township. Mr. Christ is a thorough business man, having at one time been Justice of the Peace, and filled other offices of the township and county. He at one time owned nearly all the land upon which the little village of Geneva now stands. He is an upright. Christian man, belonging to the IJnited Brethren Church, and its chief supporter in this vicinity. In politics he is a stanch Prohibi- tionist. JOSIAH J. COULTER, merchant miller, Geneva, was born February 18, 1836, in Venango Township, Crawford Co., Penn., and is a son of Wil- son and Elizabeth Coulter, of this county. He moved to this township in 1871, purchasing a grist-mill which was known as the McMichael & Brooks Mill; has improved the mill until now it is one of the best country mills, and now making a very fine brand of what is termed " hulled buckwheat " flour. This is conceded to be the best in the market, and is being shipped in all directions. He has lately put in a thirty-horse power engine from the Phoenix Iron Works, of Meadville, Penn. The engine-house is built entirely of brick and iron, thus making it perfectly fire-proof. By careful business management and upright dealing, Mr. Coulter has acquired an excellent reputation with all who know him. The mill is situated in the southern portion of the county, and is easy of access, with good roads leading to it from all directions. A. P. MARSHALL, farmer, P. O, Custard's, was born February 28, 1839, in Fairfield Township, this county, and is a son of John and Isabel (Leonard) Marshall, natives and life- long residents of this county, descendants of New^ England families who were among the earliest settlers of Crawford County. They were parents of seven children, of whom five are now living: Harrison, Clinton, Landsing (deceased), James, Alexander, John, Mary Ellen (deceased). Mrs. Marshall still occupies the old home farm, she having lost her husband in 1870. Our subject was married November, 1882, to Ella, daughter and sec- ond in the family of six children of Hiram Randolph, an old and highly respected family of early pioneers of this county. The issue of this marriage was one child — James G. The farm of Mr. Marshall is well watered and improved, and is situated in the northern part of the township near Custard's Postoifice. WILLIAM J. MELLON, lumber dealer and merchant miller, Geneva, was born April 14, 1832, and is the son of Alexander and Isabella (Porter) Mellon, who settled in this county about 1830, and purchased 200 acres of land upon which he built the second grist-mill in this section of the country. His maternal grandfather, Francis Porter, with his wife, Ruth, settled in this county about 1803, where they had seven children, all now living: Elizabeth, aged eighty-two; Isabella, aged eighty; William, aged seventy- eight; Rachel, aged seventy-six; Charles, aged seventy- four; James, aged seventy-three; Mary, aged sixty-eight. Our subject has never been married and has lived a rather secluded life, improving the property which was left in his charge; he is strictly upright in all his dealings with his fellow-men, and has the respect and admiration of all who know him. His father's family consists of seven children: William J., John, Francis, Rachel, Mary, Alexander and Sarah. Our subject is no politician. In religious views the family are Presbyterian. DAVID E. SMITH, hotel- keeper, Geneva, was born in Woodcock Town- HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 871 ship, this county, January 20, 1832, and is the son of Jeremiah and Catharine (Eitner) Smith. His grandfather, James Smith, settled in this county about 1796, and married Ruth Ann, daughter of Sergeant Picket (of Revolutionary fame) and they had eleven children : Robert, William, James, George, Jere- miah, Betsy, Sally, Polly, Edward, Andrew and Joseph. His maternal grand- father, David Ritner, brother of Gov. Joseph Ritner, settled in this county aboT:^^ 1815, married Anna Catharine Fiscus, of Pennsylvania, and had nine children: Susan, Henry, Maria, Fannie, Daniel, Peggy, Benjamin, Catharine and Jane. The parents of our subject had twelve children: Martin, Peter, David E., Ruth Ann, Sylvester, Mary, Angeline, Van Buren, George, Nathan, Clara and Fannie. Our subject was married three times; the first time to Mary Jane, daughter of Thomas and Martha Lillibridge, of this county. The date of this marriage was September 25, 1854, and the issue was two children: Josephine and Lavina; he was separated from this woman in April, 1858. Mr. Smith next married Susan, daughter of Peter and Susan (Hamilton) Mc- Keever, July 14, 1861. She died February 11, 1864, leaving one child, Flora Belle. His third wife is Amanda Maria, daughter of James and Emily (John- son) Hood, of this county, by whom he has four children: Os.ce A, Gertrude, Eugene and David W. Our subject has, by his own indomitable perseverance, placed himself in the front rank of business men. He has held several borough offices; in politics is a stanch Republican. HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. LEWIS P. ACKER, farmer, P. O. Coon's Corners, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., February 8, 1847, and is a son of Jonas and Mary (Frantz) Acker, who came to Crawford County, Penn., in 1852, and lived six months in Woodcock Township. In the fall of 1852 he settled on the farm now occu- pied by our subject, part of which he cleared and improved. Mr. Acker died in August, 1865, at the age of forty-seven years. Both he and his wif& were natives of Lehigh County, Penn., and were of German descent. They had ten children: Willoughby F. (deceased), Lewis P., Henry, Reuben, Alex- ander, John, James, Mary (Mrs. Frank Lilly), Christiana (deceased) and Lovina (deceased). Our subject resides on the old homestead with his mother, who has attained the age of sixty -five. He is a member of the State Police; has been Assessor of the township two terms; in politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ISAAC W. ALLEE, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, February 23, 1884, son of John and Nancy (Truitt) Allee. John was a native of Delaware, and a son of Isaac Allee, a native of Holland, his wife a native of England. Both settled in what is now Hayfield Township, this county, in 1796. Isaac W. located on the farm now owned by James Kilday, but remained there only a short time. John settled on the farmnowoccupiedbyour subject, when but fourteen years of age, taking up 400 acres of land in his father's name. His father soon after came on the farm, and he went to Saegertown, and worked in the grist-mill for Maj. Alden sev- eral years, when he returned to Hayfield and worked the farm now owned by Wilson Hunter and Ezra Brookhouser. Here he lived two or three years, when he purchased his father's farm, all of which he cleared and improved, and. 872 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: where he resided until his death, which occurred November 29, 1862, in his eightieth year. He was in the war of 1812, serving as Qnartermaster; was a Justice of the Peace of Hayfield Township for twenty- two years. Nancy, his wife, was a native of Armstrong County, Penn., and a daughter of Parker Truitt, of English and Irish descent. John had five children: Patience (Mrs. Isaac Miller), now of Bloomfield Township; Parker, deceased ; Keziah(Mrs. Leonard Erwin), of Cussewago Township; Ehoda, deceased; Isaac W. Our subject was married November 7, 1860, to Mary J. , daughter of Peter A. and Betsy (Dirham) Gage, early settlers of Cambridge Township, thi& county. By this union there were six children: Alice K., Ella L. (Mrs. George D. Manville, of Warren, Penn.), Bessie M., Mary D., Kate W. and John G. Mr. Allee resides on the old homestead where his father first settled. He has filled many of the offices in the gift of his township. In politics he is a Republican. LEWIS E. AMIDON, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, on the farm where he now resides, May 6, 1839, and is a son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Spaulding) Amidon, Who settled in Spring Town- ship, this county in 1834, and in 1835 removed to Hayfield Township, locat- ing on the farm now owned by our subject, which they cleared and improved and there they lived and died. They had nine children, viz.: Hiram; Mary I., deceased; Horace S., deceased; Miranda (Mrs. A. Keep); George E. ; Henry, deceased; William H. ; Lewis E. and Lucinda (twins), the latter deceased. The Amidons were of French descent, and the Spauldings of Puritan stock, whose ancestors came over in the " Mayflower." The subject of this sketch has been twice married. His first wife was Caroline, daughter of Samuel and Eosana (Bradish) Eussell, of Summerhill Township, this county, to whom he was married July 3, 1862, and by this union there were three children: Gertrude, Frank and Eussell. Our subject married his present wife December 27, 1874. She is Amanda, daughter of Parker and Catherine (Baker) Allee, and grand-daughter of John Allee, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1796. By this union there are four children: Louie, AlljertE., Clifton E., and Clarence, deceased. Mr. Ami don resides on the old homestead farm. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Baptist. He has held several offices in the town- ship; in politics he is a Eepublican. WILLIAM AEMSTEONG, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in York County, Penn., February 19, 1814, son of John and Mary (Hinkle) Armstrong, who settled in Hayfield Township in 1834, our subject coming at the same time. John was a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and his wife of York County, Penn. They settled on the property now occupied by the Saegertown Cemetery, which they cleared and improved. They had three children: Will- iam, Sarah (Mrs. David Gehr) and Eliza (Mrs. Balzer Henry). Our subject was married November 15, 1834, to Lucy A., daughter of Frederick and Mar- garet (Gehr) Hickernell, of Hayfield Township, by whom he had ten children, seven now living, viz.: Alfred B., married Abba Woodring (had fifteen chil- dren, three deceased); Sarah, married Tillman Frantz (had six children, one deceased); Margaret, married Eobert Kern (had five children); William L., married Jennie Wasson (have one child); Isaac S., married Katie Harteon (have six children); John W., married Amelia Eidle (had two children, one dead), and Kernie, married T. B. Peters (have one child). Mr. Armstrong has resided in Hayfield Township since 1834. He has held the office of Jus- tice of the Peace, and various other offices in the gift of his township. In politics he is a Eepublican. Both he and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 873 GEORGE W. BARNES, farmer, P. O.Hayfield, was born in Fairfield Town- ship, this county, August 12, 1841; son of Palmer and Elizabeth (Wien) Barnes, formerly of Berks County, who settled in Fairfield Township in 1836, cleared and improved -a farm there and afterward came to Hayfield Township, where the father is living with our subject at the present time. They had six children: Hannah (Mrs. Andrew J. Wygaut), Elizabeth, George W., Sarah (Mrs. Joseph Wolford), Molly (Mrs. I. Baker) and John. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and always followed farming as an occupation. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted March 12, 1864, in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was in the campaign of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and many other engagements ; was honorably discharged in July 1865. He was married July 14, 1861, to Elizabeth, daughter of Hen- ry and Susan Humel, of Clarion County, Penn., by whom he has had three chil- dren: John (deceased), William and Kate. Mr. Barnes settled in Hayfield Township in 1869, and has lived on his present farm since 1875. He has held the offices of Supervisor and School Director. In polities he is a Republican. PORTER J. BEEBB, manufacturer, Hayfield, was born in Batavia, N. Y., August 17, 1830; son of William and Gyrena (Maxon) Beebe, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1844 and there died. William was a black- smith by trade, a native of "Vermont and a son of Ebenezer Beebe. Cyrena, his wife, was a daughter of Joseph Maxon, of Allegany County, N. Y., and of Scotch descent. William had eight children: Porter, Kirtland, Lucy (Mrs. C. Fidler), Almiron (deceased), Lodema (Mrs. Ebenezer Bain) in Omaha, Mary (deceased), Alender and Charles. The subject of this sketch has resided in Hayfield Township since his father's settlement in 1844. He was married January 5, 1855, to Cynthia, daughter of Aretus and Hannah (Billings) Smith, formerly of Oneida County, N. Y., and among the first settlers of Hayfield Township. By this union there is one child — Jennie. In 1859 Mr. Beebe embarked in the manufacturing of lumber, in which he continued up to 1868. He is engaged in the manufacturing of handles, whiffletrees and neck yokes, in which he has done an extensive business since 1868, and has the largest manufactory of the kind in this county. In 1874 his mill, the largest in the county, burned down, but he re-built the same year. E. W. Shippen, of Mead- ville, has been interested with him since 1879. Mr. Beebe is one of^ the representative business men of the county; is a member of the R. T. of T., an I. O. O. F. ; in politics is a Republican. JAMES BGXD, farmer, P. O. Coon's Corners, was born in Butler County, Penn., April 6, 1831, and is a son of John and Sarah (Buggies) Boyd, who settled in Wayne Township, this county, in 1845. His paternal grandfather was George Boyd, who settled in Butler County in 1800. The children of John were six in number: George, William and John (twins), James, Martin and Emeline (Mrs. Roland Fairbanks). Our subject worked five years in Meadville at the carpenter's trade and the balance of his life has been spent in farming. He was married January 19, 1860, to Edna, daughter of Warren and Martha (Bowen) Fairbanks, of Wayne Township, this county, formerly of Chautauqua County, N. Y. The issue of this union is nine children: John, Alzora, Herman, Lavonia, Warren, Edith, Jessie, Martin and Chester. Mr. Boyd came to Hayfield Township in 1879 and located on the farm where he now resides. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. EZRA BROOKHOUSER, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, November 4, 1835, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Straw) 874 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Brookhouser. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Brookhouser, Sr., was a native of Philadelphia, and at an early age moved with his parents to Westmoreland County, Penn., where he lived until 1797, when he settled in what is now Hayfield Township, this county, on the farm now occupied by our subject, which he cleared and improved. Jacob, Sr., had seven children: Ehoda (Mrs. Michael Straw, deceased), Jacob, Polly (Mrs. John Saeger), Elias (deceased), Eebecca (Mrs. Joseph Fox), Nancy (Mrs. Philip Straw), Louisa (Mrs. David George). Jacob, Jr., was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Straw^ daughter of Jacob Straw, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1796. By this union there were nine children: Amanda (deceased), Aaron (deceased), Emily (Mrs. Martin Flick), Sarah (Mrs. A. Mook), Mary (Mrs. James Herrick), Ezra, Louisa (Mrs. George Rhodes), Lavina (Mrs. John Hun- ter) and Almera (Mrs. George P. Miller). His second wife was Naomi Baker, of Saegertown. Our subject was married May 15, 1863, to Martha, daughter of Ezra and Mary (Polk) "White, of Erie County, by whom he had three chil- dren: Victoria (deceased), Birdie and Freddie. Mr. Brookhouser has always lived in Hayfield Township, with the exception of eight years, when he resided in Michigan. His father died September 26, 1884, on the home- stead where he was born and raised; for many years he had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject in politics is a Democrat. WILLIAM S. CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born in Genesee County, K T., March 23, 1816; son of James and Olive (Bennett) Campbell, who settled in LeBcBuf Township, Erie County, in 1819, where our subject resided until 1864, when he located in Hayfield Township, on the farm where he DOW resides. He has been twice married; his first wife was Martha, daughter of Edward Bunting, of Erie County, Penn. , by whom he had eight children, five now living, viz.: Olive (Mrs. V. Ambrose), in Nebraska; Helen (Mrs. William Hooper), in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. ; John, in same place; Margaret (Mrs. A. Haybarger), in Nebraska, and George, also in Nebraska. His present wife is Rachel, daughter of John Webster, of Cambridge Town- ship, this county, by whom he has three children: Adella, Edward and Will- iam. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife is a Presbyterian. In politics our subject is a Republican. OSCAR D. CLEMENS, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born in Venango Town- ship, this county, November 13, 1841; son of William I. and Sarah ( Culbert- son) Clemens. William I. was a son of John Clemens, a native of Ireland, who was one of the first settlers of LeBceuf Township, Erie County, Penn. Sarah, his wife, was a daughter of John Culbertson, who settled in Washing- ton Township, Erie County, Penn., in 1800. William I. settled in Venango Township in 1840. In 1847 he located on the farm now owned by M. Tuttle, then known as the Braden tract, comprising 114 acres, which he cleared and improved. He had eight children: Aleious A., Susan (Mrs. J. L. Skelton), Margaret (Mrs. Joseph Gridley), John C. (deceased), Josephine (Mrs. J. J. Whipple), Oscar D., W. I. (deceased), and Sabra (Mrs. James Detweiler). Oscar D., our subject, was married in September, 1864, to Tabitha, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Humes) Sherred, of Cambridge Township. By this union there are three children: Sabra, Ettie and Earl A. Mr. Clemens removed from Venango Township to Cambridge Township in the spring of 1869. In the spring of 1870 he moved to Cornplanter Township, Venango County, Penn., where he engaged in the oil business, meeting with success. In the spring qf 1874 he came to Hayfield Township, where he now resides. Besides his farm of 112 acres in Hayfield Township, he owns a farm in Ven- ango. Township of sixty-eight acres and another in Steuben Township of 130 HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 875 acres. He is a breeder of Norman and Percheron horses, having a herd of twelve, part of which are registered in the Percheron stud book, No. 2917, and in the Norman stud book. No. 2544. Also has horses registered in Percher- on stud book, No. 2880, and in Norman stud book, No. 2506. Mr. Clfimens is one of the representative farmers of his township; is an A. P. & A. M., and a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P.; in politics he is a Democrat. ELIJAH D. OROSLET, farmer, P. O. Coon's Corners, was born in Cum- berland County, N. J., March 2, 1818, son of Moses and Catherine (Ayers)Cros- ley. Mosea was a native of New Jersey, and settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1836, locating on the farm now owned by Robert Devore, where he lived and died. He had eleven children, viz. : James, Moses (deceased), Aaron (deceased), Edmund, Moses.Elijah D. , Richard, Amasa (deceased), Nathan, (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Mary (deceased.) The subject of this sketch has been twice married; onfirstoccasion to Eunice, daughter of Miles Curtis, of Hay- field Township, this county, by whom he had three children: Edmund, Miles, and an infant daughter, deceased. His present wife was Mrs. Laura Lake, daughter of Amasa Colegrove, of Litchfield, Ohio, by whom he has one child — Abram. Mr. Crosley has resided in Hayfield Township since 1836. He pur- chased his present farm in 1845, which he cleared, and on which he has made all the improvements. He is one of the representative citizens of Hayfield Township ; is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. He has held vari- ous oflBces in the gift of his township; in politics is a stanch Republican. BENJAMIN GULP, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Northumber- land County, Penn., March 18, 1822, son of Henry and Salome (Coler) Culp. His parents died when he was but a small child. At the age of twenty he came to this county, and located in Saegertown. In 1844 he purchased a farm in Cussewago Township, which he cleared and improved, now owned by James Hickernell. In 1852 he settled in Hayfield Township, and has resided on his present farm since 1881. He has been twice married; on first occasion to Eve, daughter of John and Catherine Zimmerman, of Union County, Penn., by whom he had eight children: Henry, Isaac, Israel, Silas J., Anna L., (Mrs. Josiah Hickernell, deceased), Sarah M. (Mrs. John Williams), Mary J. (Mrs Joseph Brink), and B. Frank, born in Hayfield Township, this county, October 23, 1864. His present wife is Mary M., daughter of John and Polly (Hickernell) Flaugh, whose paternal grandfather was Matthias Flaugh, one of the first settlers of Woodcock Township, this county. Her maternal grand- father, Frederick Hickernell, was one of the first settlers of Hayfield Town- ship. By this union there is one child — Charles S. Mr. Culp has held sev- eral offices in the gift of his township; in politics he is independent. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1843 our subject was Orderly Sergeant of a militia company of Crawford County, and in 1862 was appointed by Gov. Curtin First Lieutenant of a volunteer com- pany of the Hayfield Guards. In 1850 he assisted in building the plank road between Erie and Meadville, in which enterprise he was one of the principal stock-holders. JEREMIAH CUTSHALL, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Summil; Township, this county, August 20, 1826, son of George and Jane (Sterling) Cutshall. George, with his brother Jacob, came from Cumberland County, Penn., to Randolph Township, this county, in 1814, and settled in the north- ern part of that township, both clearing large farms, which are now owned and occupied by their descendants. They made the journey through the woods with a six-horse team, crossing the streams that were too deep to ford by using their wagon box as a boat, in which to convey their goods, a few at a time. 876 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: On the way one of their horses died, and a bull which they drove was placed in harness in its stead, the rest of their journey. George had to go to Mead- ville to work out his taxes, as there were no roads in his vicinity. He resided in Randolph Township up to 1880, when he removed to Lorain County, Ohio, and died there in 1881, at the age of seventy -six years. He had the following children: Nancy A. (Mrs. John Seaman), in Dakota; Jeremiah; Eliza (Mrs. B. Tinker), in Ohio; Anna M. (Mrs. David Keep), deceased; Mary J. (Mrs. S. Seaman); Sarah E. (Mrs. V. Sterling), in Dakota; George W., Philip, Jacob, Joseph (deceased), Lydia (deceased), and Lysander (deceased). Our subject was married, December 7,1850, to Mary E., daughter of Marshall and Almina (Brown) Cain, formerly of Stockbridge, Mass., and who settled in Woodcock Township, this county, in 1833. By this union were eleven children: ■ Leroy (deceased), Kosa (Mrs. William Cole), Laroky.(Mrs. Samuel Humel), Zenobia (Mrs.. Thomas Shoup), Flora P. (Mrs. Bion Faunce), Elma (Mrs. Walter Dunn), Darwin, Bertie, Maud, Grace, and Leon (deceased). Mr. Cutsball was a resident of Randolph Township, this county, up to 1864, when he pur- chased his farm in Hayfield Township, where he now resides. He has been Supervisor and School Director of his township; in politics is independent. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. HENRY DeROSS, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, March 11, 1828, son of Alexander and Susan (Cole) DeRoss. His paternal grandfather was Henry DeRoss, a native of France, who came to America with Gen. LaFayette, fought through the war of the Revolution, and afterward settled in what is now Germantown, Penn., where he married Helen German, of the family from whom Germantown bears its name. His maternal grandfather, Conrad Cole, settled in. Hayfield Township, this county, in 1802, where he cleared up a farm and lived and died. Alexander DeRoss settled in Hay- field Township, this county, in 1822, on the farm now owned by our subject, which he cleared and improved and where he lived and died. He had nine chil- dren: Helen (Mrs. Judson Smith), Henry, George W., Alex. H., Conrad, Sylvester (deceased), Jonathan G. (who served in the late war, in Company H, Pennsylvania Bucktails, and was killed in the last day's fight at Hatcher's Run), Hiram 0. and David E. The subject of this sketch was raised in his native township and always resided there. He was married July 2, 1854, to Cather- ine, daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Mosier) Stire, of Hayfield Township, this county, by whom he has had four children, Susan M. (deceased"), Margaret I. (Mrs. James Hanna) Sherman and Catherine. Mr. DeRoss and wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. He has held several of the minor offices in his township; in politics is a Republican. JOHN HARTMAN, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Vernon Town- ship, October 26, 1822, and is a son of John J. and Barbara (Marsh) Hart- man, who settled in Vernon Township, this county, about 1810, clearing up a farm there, and afterward removed to Hayfield Township, locating on the farm now owned by David Seavy, which they cleared and improved, and where they lived and died. They were natives of Switzerland, and had the following children: Barbara (Mrs. Joshua Ware), Catherine (Mrs. S. Shoup), Jacob (deceased), John, Henry, Samuel (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Baker), Abraham, and Mary (Mrs. Roderick Frazier). Our subject came to Hayfield Township with his parents in 1830, and was married September 16, 1845, to Julia A., daughter of Conrad and Mary (Renner) Bachman, early settlers of Woodcock Township, this county. By this union there are eleven children: Mary (Mrs. A. Rice), Sadie, Samuel, Christiana (Mrs. Owen Powell) Emma, William, Tama (Mrs. E. Minnis), Minnie, Jennie, Alvin L. and Edgar (twins). HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 877 Mr. Hartman has resided on his farm since J840, which he has cleared and made all the improvements thereon. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. He has held nearly all the offices in the gift of his townv ship; in politics is a Democrat. ELI HICKERNELL, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, January 3, 1812, and is a son of Frederick and Mar- garet (Gehr) Hickernell, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1796, locating in three different places, and finally purchased a tract of the Holland Land Company, now owned by his descendants, which he cleared and improved, and where he lived and died. He was of French descent, a clothier by trade, and fulled and dressed cloth for many years. His wife was connected with the Gehr family, who were among the first settlers of Summit Township, this county. They had twelve children: Mary (deceased), Sally (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Delilah (deceased), Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Eaton, of Ohio), Grizzilla (deceased), Lucy A. (Mrs. William Armstrong), Alexander, David, Eli, Lewis, and Frederick (deceased). The subject of this sketch was married January 25, 1835, to Sarah, daughter of Captain John and Catherine (Ondrum) Gehr, of Sadsbury Township, this county,, by whom he has had six children: Harriet (Mrs. Oswald Hyroch), Sylvanie (Mrs. Henry Foust), Amanda (Mrs. Fred Hellenbrech), Vilimine (Mrs. Thomas Hickernell), Levi, mar- ried to Salena, daughter of Henry Simpson, and James, married to Kate, daughter of J. Cole. Mr. Hickernell resides on a part of the Hickernell homestead; has served as Overseer of the Poor two terms; in politics is a Democrat. Both he and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church for many years. JACOB L. HITES, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, April 29, 1831, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Lewis) Hites. Jacob settled in what is now Hayfield Township, this county, in 1812. He was a son of Jacob Hites, an early settler of Cussewago Township, this county. Mary, his wife, was a daughter of George Lewis, who came to Meadville in 1800, settled in Cussewago Township in 1801, and died there in 1802. Jacob and Mary Hites had nine children: Betsey, Hannah, Harrison (deceased), Lewis, Matilda, Samuel C, Ebenezer, Jacob L., and George (deceased). Our subject was married July 4, 1855, to Mary A., daughter of Charles and Angeline (Martin) McGill, and grand-daughter of Patrick McGill, who settled in Woodcock Township in 1795. By this union there is one child living — Corwin O. He and his brother Arthur were the first settlers in what is now Saegertown. They came to that locality when it was a dense forest and took up 800 acres of land. Mr. Hites has resided on his farm at Little's Corners since 1882. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. SAMUEL HOWER, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Union County, Penn., January 28, 1811; son of George and Catherine (Leibe) Hower. George and his wife were natives of Berks County, Penn., and settled in Vernon Town- ship, this county, in 1834, and in 1885 removed .to Woodcock Township, this county, where they lived and died. They had twelve children, three of whom are now living: John, in Union County, Samuel and Catherine (Mrs. Jacob Moyer). Our subject settled in Woodcock Township, this county, in the spring of 1835.' He afterward purchased a farm in Venango Township, where he lived two years, and -then returned to Woodcock Township, where he resided until 1861, when he purchased the farm on which he now resides in Hayfield Township. Here he erected all the buildings. He was married, July 30, 1844, to Catherine, daughter of George and Margaret Bevelhimer, of Woodcock 878 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Township, this county. By this union there were seven children: George (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Wikoff), Susie (deceased), John, Mary, Catherine (deceased), and Abby. Mr. Hower is one of the substantial farmers of Hayfield Township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Saeger- town. In politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH R. INGOLS, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born in S wanton, Franklin Co., Vt, November 24, 1809, and is a son of Parker and Mercy (Holmes) Ingols, who were the parents of four children: Joseph R., Rebecca (deceased), Mary (deceased) and Phebe (Mrs. James L. Stray), of Ludington, Mich. The subject of this sketch settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1836, and in 1844 purchased the farm where he now resides, most of which he cleared and improved. He was married October 20, 1833, to Mary, daugh- ter of John and Sarah (Foster) Curtis, of Wyoming County, N. Y. By this union there were nine children: Lucy M. (Mrs. Benjamin Hake), Adelia M. (Mrs. John G. Patterson), Parker (deceased), Darius C., Luther, Susan (Mrs. Ralph Rockwell), Nancy (Mrs. G. W. Hickernell), J. Eugene and Mary (Mrs. C. L. Morrison). Mr. Ingols is a member of Spring Corners Christian Church, with which he has been connected for many years. He has held several of the offices in the gift of his township. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat, and cast his first vote for President for Gen. Andrew Jackson. JAMES JOHNSON, wagon-maker, P. O. Hayfield, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, April 17, 1831, and is a son of David and Susan (Porter) Johnson, who settled in Meadville, this county, in 1833, and in 1835 located in Hayfield Township, where they lived and died. They had nine children, viz : James, Ann J., Porter, Margaret (Mrs. Andy Sloan), Susanna, Mary (deceased), Thomas, Eliza (Mrs. G. Floyd) and Robert. The subject of this sketch was in the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in August, 1864, in Company G, Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battle of Cold Harbor and other engagements and at Lee's surrender at Appo- mattox Court House. He was honorably discharged with the regiment in August, 1865. Mr. Johnson was married April 7, 1875, to Eveline, daughter of John F. and Jane Selby, of Franklin, Penn. Mr. Johnson has followed the business of wagon-making in Hayfield Township since 1854. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES M. JONES, farmer, P. O. Vallonia, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, on the farm where he now resides, February 7, 1824, son of John and Barbara (Barge) Jones. His paternal grandfather was Abram Jones, a Welshman, who came to this county about 1800. He was a surveyor, and did most of the surveying for the Holland Land Company. Ha had five chil- dren: William, John, Elizabeth, James and Peter, all now deceased. John had thirteen children, of whom nine grew to manhood and womanhood, viz. : Maria (deceased), Jonas (deceased), Eliza (deceased), Keziah (deceased), Caro- line (deceased), James M., Cookson, Frederick (deceased) and Abram (deceased). Mr. Jones located on the farm now owned by our subject, which he cleared and improved, and there lived and died. The subject of this sketch has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah A. , daughter of John and Hopestil (Jones) Morris, of Hayfield Township, this county. Five children were born to this union: Eliza (Mrs. Alex Forman), John, Frank, Maria J. (Mrs. Robert Lucas) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Morgan Jones). His present wife was Julia, daughter of George and Mary (Brookhouser) Rhodes, of Hayfield Township, this couuty. By this union there are three children: Albert, Keziah and Clara. Mr. Jones owns and resides on the old homestead, where his father first set- tled ia 1814. He is the proprietor of a saw-mill, which has been in existence HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 879 on his farm since his father first settled, and which was built by him. He is now the only representative of his father's family in Crawford County. In politics he is independent. EOBBET KELLEY, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born June 4, 1847, son of Stillman and Eliza (Stewart) Kelley, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1849, locating on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, and most of which they cleared and improved. They had seven children, viz. : Harriet (Mrs. L. Cotton), Robert, Maria (Mrs. Thomas Davis), Ada (Mrs. Fred. Eiddle), Walter, Ann (Mrs. Curtis Stein) and Frank. The subject of this sketch was married, March 26, 1873, to Hattie, daughter of Wash- ington and Anna Howard, of Mead Township, this county. By this union there are five children: Robert, Bertie, Anna, Harry and Clara. Mr. Kelley was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted, April, 1863, in Company I, Second Pennsylvania Cavalry; was in the seven days fight before Rich- mond, the campaign of the Wilderness, and many other engagements; was taken prisoner before Petersburg and sent to Libby prison, and from there to Andersonville; was a prisoner nine months, and was paroled toward the close •of the war, and was honorably discharged from the service at Annapolis, Md., in 1865. He resides on the old homestead where his father settled in 1849. In politics he is a Republican. ROBERT T. KERN, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., August 14, 1842, and is a son of Daniel and Lydia (App) Kern, who settled in Saegertown in 1850, and embarked in the hotel business, which has been kept in the Kern name up to the present time. The subject of this sketch was in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting, December 26, 1861, in Company I, One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; served two years and re-enlisted as veteran for three years longer or daring the war, in same company and regiment. He was in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg, Wahatchie, Lookout Mountain, Eesaca, Dal- las, and numerous skirmishes; was taken prisoner at Peach Tree Creek, near Atlanta, and was confined in Andersonville and other prisons for eight months. At the close of the war he received an honorable discharge from the Govern- ment. He was married in December, 1868, to Margaret, daughter of William and Lucy A. (Hickernell) Armstrong, of Hayfield Township, by whom he has five children: Agnes L., Sarah H., Julia F., Josiah A. and Alice D. Mr. Kern has resided in Hayfield Township twelve years, and since 1874 on his present farm, a part of which he has cleared and improved. Both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat. JAMES A. KILDAY, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, December 6, 1834, son of Daniel and Sarah (Zarley) Kilday. His paternal grandparents were Daniel, Sr., and Martha (Eury) Kilday, early settlers of Hayfield Township, this county. Daniel, Sr., was a native of Ireland, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, though the land had been previously taken up by his wife, who came from eastern Pennsylvania. She was a school teacher, and taught both English and Ger- man. Sarah, the wife of Daniel, Jr., was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Evans) Zarley, early settlers of Hayfield Township, this county. Daniel, Sr., had three children: Thomas, Robert and Daniel, Jr., all now dead. The chil- dren of Daniel, Jr., were James A., Mary, Martha, Eliza (Mrs. Freeman Ford), Jane (Mrs. Thomas Ralph), and Lavina (Mrs. Ebenezer Clark). Our subject has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah A., daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Mason) Dickson, to whoin he was married in March, 1858. By this 880 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: union there were three children: Eliza, Wanda (Mrs. Howard Dowdell) and James A. Our subject's present wife is Viola, daughter of Martin and Eliza- beth (Jones) Johnson, of Meadville, to whom he was married on March 29, 1874. The issue of this union is three children: Maud M., Oscar and Laura. Mr. Kilday served in the late war of the Eebellion. He enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, October, 1862; served nine months, when he was honorably discharged. He has filled various offices in his township. In polities is a Republican. HENEY LANKTON, farmer, P. O. Hayiield, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., May 12, 1832; son of Amasa and Lydia (Little) Lankton. Amasa was a native of Hartford, Conn., and settled in Hayiield Township, this county, in 1842; afterward moved to Illinois and died there. Lydia, his wife, was a daughter of Henry Little, an early settler of Hayfield Township, this county, and after whom Little's Corners derives its name. He was a soldier of the Revolution. The children of Amasa and Lydia Lankton were three in number : Lucy (Mrs. Farnsworth), Arba, died at Vicksburg during the war, and Henry. Our subject was married March 29, 1854, to Mary, daughter of Abram and Rebecca (Huber) LeFever, of Hayfield Township, this county, and by whom he has three children : Anna (Mrs. Philo Morse), Tinnie (Mrs. Andrew DeArment) and Cora. Mr. Lankton has lived on his present farm since 1871. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He has served four years as School Director of his township; in politics is a Republican. JAMES E. LEWIS, retired farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Fayette ■ County, Penn., July 5, 1796; son of George and Betsey (West) Lewis, who came to Meadville, this county, in 1800, and in 1801 settled in Cussewago Township, where George died in 1802, leaving a family of nine children, viz. : John, George, Nancy, Betsey, Nathaniel, Abel, James E., Patty and Polly, all now deceased but James E. Our subject, at the age of eighteen, settled in Hayfield Township, this county, and for three years rented a farm of David Mason, and then purchased twenty-five acres of land, year by year adding to it until he accumulated 209 acres, most of which he cleared and improved and a part of which he now resides on. He has done a great deal of hard work, in fact, few people of the present time realize he could have accomplished so much. He was married in February, 1817, to Rachel, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Evans) Zarley, who were early settlers of Hayfield Township. By this union there were five children, three now living: Jacob Z., Mary (Mrs. John Crawford), and Lavina (Mrs. Walter Sloan). Mr. Lewis has resided on his farm since 1814. He never attended school a day in his life, but possessing brains and a business tact has been a successful farmer. At the advanced age of eighty-eight years he is still hale and hearty, though a great sufferer from rheumatism, the result of hardship and trials of pioneer life. He has been a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church for many years. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but joined the Republican party at its organization and has been a stanch adherent of it ever since. HENRY P. LILLY, farmer, P. O. Mosiertown, was born in Saegertown, this county, February 7, 1840, and is a son of Samuel and Esther (Beize) Lil- ly. Samuel, in his youth, learned the trades of blacksmith, shoe-maker and carpenter, though during most of his life he followed farming. He came from Northumberland County, Penn., and settled in Saegertown in 1835, and there married; then afterward lived in Venango Township, this county, several years, on what is known as the Tarr farm. In 1871 he located in Cussewago Township, this county, and where he died in March, 1880, in his sixty- third HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 881 year, where his widow now resides. His children were Kate (Mrs, George Heist), Henry P., Mary (Mrs. Charles Bush), James, Andrew, Alice (Mrs. Edward Kern), John, Sarah (Mrs. John Dieterman), Julia (Mrs. S. Snyder) and Frank. Our subject was married September 10, 1868, to Mary A. , daughter of William Schultz, of Hayfield Township, this county, and by this union there are five children: Samuel G., William E., Charles E., Nancy D. and Ettie B. Mr. Lilly has resided permanently on his present farm since 1873. He is one of the representative farmers in the northern part of the township. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM H MoGILL (deceased) was born in Venango County, Penn. , January 21, 1844, and was a son of William H. and Elizabeth (Weikal) McGill. His paternal grandfather was Patrick McGill, a native of Ireland, who settled in Woodcock Township, this county, in 1795. Our subject was reared in Hayfield Township and was educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted August 15, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; he re- enlisted February 15, 1864; was promoted Second Lieutenant Company E, new organ- ization, December 28, 1864, commissioned First Lieutenant February 17, 1865, and was honorably discharged with the regiment March 17, 1865; he was in all the important engagements participated in by the regiment: the siege of Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Malvern Hill, Bull Run, Antietam, Fred- ericksburg, Gettysburg, etc. Mr. McGill was married December 27, 1866, to Eveline, daughter of David and Lucy (Lawton) Wheeler, of New York, by whom he has five children: Elizabeth, Alonzo, Joseph, Maud and Belle. He settled on the farm now occupied by his widow in 1881, though he had owned the property since 1874. Our subject was a man of executive ability, sterling qualities, and was a worthy citizen. He was a member of the K. of R. and the I. O. O. F. ; in politics he was a stanch Republican. He died March 21, 1882, in his thirty-ninth year. JAMES MoMILLEN, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, May 15, 1814, son of James and Mary (Thompson)- McMil- len, who settled in Hayfield Townstiip in 1794. They came from the north of Ireland, and settled on the farm now occupied by their son John in the north- ern part of the township, which they cleared and improved. Both were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church and lived and died on the home farm. They had six children: Thomas (deceased), James, Jane (deceased), Robert and John (twins), and David (deceased). The subject of this sketch was married November lO, 1839, to Martha, daughter of Eli Williams, formerly of New York, and who settled in Summerhill Township, this county, in 1831. By this union there are eight children: Adelia (Mrs. Harvey Rockwell), Clara (Mrs. Frank Weller), Minnie (Mrs. Thomas Cooper), Delilah M. (Mrs. Reuben Deeter), Emma (Mrs. Hiram McCray), Sarah, Alice (Mrs. Joseph Barns) and J. Wallace (married to Livona Foust). Mr. McMillen has resided since 1839 on his farm, all of which he has cleared and improved. Both he and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1838. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but joined the Republican party at its organization, and has been a stanch supporter of it ever since. JOHN McMILLEN, farmer, P. O. Rundell's, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, on the farm where he now resides, February 14, 1818, and is a son of James and Mary (Thompson) McMillen. James was a native of Ireland, of Scotch parents, and came to America when sixteen years of age with a brother, Robert. He settled in what is now Hayfield Township, this county, in 1799, locating on the farm where our subject resides, which he 882 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: cleared and improved, and where he lived and died. His wife was a daughter of James Thompson, a native of Ireland, and settled in Beaver Township, this county, in 1802; afterward removed to Spring Township, and there died. The subject of this sketch was married July 4, 1839, to Jane, daughter of William and Caroline (Rundel) Bradley, of Hayfield Township, this county, and by this union there are seven children, now living: William, Caroline (Mrs. Abner McDowell), Jane (Mrs. John Sloan), Ada, James, Mary and Mar- tha. Mr. McMillen has always lived in Hayfield Township on the farm where he was born and raised. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat. JOHN H. MOOEE, Meadville, was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, November 1 2, 1816, son of Edward and Mary A. (Irwin) Moore, who came to America in 1819. In 1824 they located in Toungstown, Ohio, and lived and died there. Edward was a brick-layer and stone-mason by trade. The subject of this sketch was raised in Youngstown and educated in the common schools, and afterward took a course of instruction at the Allegheny College of Meadville, Penn., which he left three weeks before he would have graduated. In 1839 he went to Clarion County, Penn., and embarked in the iron business with Bev. Ralph Clapp. Here he remained eighteen years, and then returned to Youngstown, where he engaged in farming; lived there until 1864, then removed to Hayti.eld Township and settled on the farm where he has since resided. He was married April 25, 1838, to Laura, daughter of Jonathan Weller, an early settler of Mead Township. By this union there were six children: Edward L., of Cleveland, Ohio; Clinton F., of Venango County, Penn. ; Mary A. (Mrs. Levi Birch), of Vernon Township, this county; Homer C, Emily S. and Martha W. Mr. Moore is one of the representative farmers of Hayfield Township; a stanch Republican. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, his wife of the Presbyterian. WILLIAM V. MORSE, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Burlington, N. Y., August 7, 1816, son of William C. and Triphena (Bradley) Morse. His paternal grandfather was Timothy Morse, a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, who settled in Otsego County, N. Y., before the Revolution. He was a soldier under Gen. Washington, serving three years. Two years of the time he was one of Washington's body guard. His maternal grandfather was Azariah Bradley, a native of New England, and an early settler of Otsego County, N. Y., where he lived and died. William C. Morse had six children, viz.: William V.; Sally M. (Mrs. Nelson Cornwell), in Lawrence, Mich.; Eras- tus W., in Brushville, Wis. ; Arminda, deceased; Milo, deceased; and Triphena (Mrs. Lorenza McKee), in Dakota. William C. lived in Hayfield Township for a time with our subject, and while on a journey was killed by the cars at Cambridge, Penn. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1837, and settled in Summerhill Township, where he lived five years; then went to Woodcock Township, where he remained one year, working at the trade of carding and cloth dressing. In 1844 he located at Little's Corners, working at his trade until 1853, in which year he settled on the farm where he now resides, and continued at his trade there for three years; then selling his machinery, in 1858, he bailt a saw-mill, and has since manufactured a great quantity of lumber and shingles, Mr. Morse has been twice married. His first wife was Margaret, daughter of William and Margaret (Brown) Mat- thews, to whom he was married May 17, 1838. By this union there were nine children: Margaret T. (Mrs. John McKelvey), Mary (Mrs. H. Coon), John, Sarah (Mrs. Sylvester McMillen), Martha (Mrs. David Jenkins), William, Harriet (Mrs. Amos McMillen), James and George. His present wife is Car- oline, daughter of William McKelvey, of Hayfield Township, this county, to HAYFIELD TO'WNSHIP. 883 "whom he was married June 16, 1854, and by whom he has one child — Emma M. Mr. Morse has a fine farm of ninety-five acres, on which he resides, all of which he has cleared and improved. He is one of the enterprising, pushing farmers of the township, and a worthy citizen. In politics he is independent. '^ IjEY I PE TERS, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in what is now Hayfield Township, this county, January 16, 1821; son of Jacob, Jr., and May (Siverling) Peters. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Peters, Sr., who settled in Venango Township, this county, in 1804; afterward located in Hay- field Township, where he died. His maternal grandfather was Christopher Siverling, who settled in Venango Township in 1796. Jacob, Jr., had ten ■children: Samuel, in Erie County; George (deceased); Lydia (deceased); Saloma (Mrs. Petei- Smith); Levi; John; David, in Oregon; Caroline (Mrs. George Kleckner); Jacob, and Edward (deceased). Our subject was married January 16, 1842, to Eliza, daughter of Jghnand Sarah (Graft) Liephart, of Hayfield Township, this— connty. Mr. Peters has seven children, seventeen grand- children and one great-grandchild, and there has never been a death among his descendants up to May, 1884. His children are Lydia A. (Mrs. Stephen Woodring), Sarah A. (Mrs. John Flick), Francis, Charles H., Augusta (Mrs. Jacob Fleischer), Tamzen (Mrs. Morgan Muckenhoupt), and Preston. Mr. Peters has been Supervisor and School Director of his township; in politics is a Democrat. ROBERT QUAY, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Venango Town- ship, this county, September 14, 1813; son of Samuel and Mary (Carpenter) Quay, who came from Susquehanna, Penn., and settled in Venango Township, this county, in the year 1797, locating on the farm now owned by the John Quay heirs, which they cleared and improved, and where they lived and died. They had eight children; two died in infancy, the others lived up to manhood and womanhood, viz. : Archibald (deceased), Sarah (deceased), John (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Samuel and Robert. Samuel, Sr., lived to be eighty- three years old, and his wife was sixty-eight when she died. Robert Quay, our subject, was raised in Venango Township, this county. He remained with his parents until he was twenty- two years old. He then engaged in lumbering in Warren County, Penn. , for several years, and in 1840 he settled in Hayfield Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides; has mostly cleared up the farm and put good substantial buildings thereon. He was married, December 24, 1843, to Elizabeth McGill; by this union there were six chil- dren: Samuel C. (deceased), James B. (deceased), Sarah A. (Mrs. Philip Spitler), Mary E. (Mrs. John Hower), Henry M., and John. After he was married he repaired an old stillhouse which stood on the land when he bought it, he moved into it and commenced clearing the timber from his land for tilling purposes. He raised several acres of potatoes each year for many years. He utilized his timber and built flat-boats and boated the potatoes to Pittsburgh, that being his only market. THOMAS C. REYNOLDS, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county,April 3,1830, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Dunn) Rey- nolds. Thomas was a native of Philadelphia; came to Crawford County, Penn., in 1801, and lived in Meadville eleven years, working during that time in the distil- lery for Judge Mead in the winters, and on his farm in summers. About 1815 he settled in Hayfield Township on the farm now owned by our subject, which he cleared and improved. Margaret, his wife, was a native of New Jersey, a daughter of Philip Dunn, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1803. Thomas Reynolds had twelve children, of whom seven are now living, ■viz.: George, Jane, Priscilla (Mrs. John Hunt), Thomas C, Philip D., Ruth, 884 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and Sally A. (Mrs. John Oollom). Our subject was in the late war of the EebellioD, having enlisted October, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He served one year, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. He resides on part of the old homestead farm. In politics he is a Kepublican. FRANCIS SEAVY, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Brownington, Vt., March 7, 1812; son of Ebenezer and Hannah (Eaton) Seavy, who settled in Mead Township, this county, in 1818, and in 1821 removed to what is now Hayfield Township, locating on the farm now known as the McQuiaton farm, where they resided until 1831, and then moved to the farm now owned by Ebenezer Seavy, Jr., heirs, where they lived and died. Our subject has been a resident of Hayfield Township since nine years of age. He was married January 28, 1833, to Lydia, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Mason) Lewis. Her paternal grandfather was George Lewis, and maternal grandfather, David Mason, both among the first settlers of Hayfield Township. The issue of this union was seven children: Hannah (Mrs. E. Schlosser), Elizabeth, Joanna (Mrs. David Hopkins), Sarah (Mrs. William H. Seavy), James (deceased), and two infants (deceased). Mr. Seavy has always followed farming as an occupa- tion. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace of Hayfield Town- ship, but declined to serve, and has held various township offices. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. SAMUEL SEAVY, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Vermont, Sep- tember 21,1816, son of Ebenezer and Hannah (Eaton) Seavy, who settled in Mead Township, this county, in 1818; removed to Hayfield Township in 1821, where they died. Ebenezer had twelve children: Mary (deceased), Francis, Charles (deceased), Samuel, Harriet (deceased), John (deceased), William (in Wisconsin), Ebenezer (deceased), Rebecca (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. J. Pilje, in Richmond Township, this county), David, James (deceased). The subject of this sketch was married December 3, 1840, to Harriet, daughter of James and Hannah (Pratt) Freeman, early settlers of Mead Township, this county. By this union there were three children: James, William E., and Hannah L. (deceased). Mr. Seavy has resided in Hayfield Township since his father's settlement, with the exception of eighteen years that he spent in Wisconsin. Both he and his wife Eire members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held the office of School Director; in politics is a Republican. WILLIAM E. SEAVY, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown. was born in Hayfield Township, this county, October 16, 1843, son of Samuel and Harriet (Freeman) Seavy. His paternal grandfather was Ebenezer Seavy, a native of Vermont, who settled in Mead Township, this county, in 1818, and in 1821 removed to Hayfield Township. For many years he operated a saw-mill on French Creek, near Saegertown, afterward removed to the farm now owned by the Ebenezer Seavy, Jr. , heirs, and there lived and died. Our subject's maternal grand- father, James Freeman, was among the first settlers of Hayfield Township; he settled on the farm now owned by Philetus Payne, which he cleared and improved, and though in those days land was cheap, he was tweiity-one years in paying for it. Our subject, in 1844, went with his parents to Wisconsin, where he resided eighteen years. He served in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in July, 1861, in Company E, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Gainesville, second battle Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and many other engagements, including Cold Harbor, before Petersburg and the taking of th& Weldon Railroad. In November, 1863, he was sent home as a Recruiting HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 885 Officer, and rejoined his regiment at Cold Harbor in June, 1864; he was-hon- orably discharged September 1, 1864. He located in Hayfield Township in 1864, and was married July 23, 1865, to Jane B., daughter of William and Maria (Rideout) Southwick, of Richmond Township. By this union there were three children: Elpha L. . an infant (deceased) and Silas F. Mr. Heavy returned to Wisconsin in 1867, where he lived until 1870, when he returned to Hayfield Township, where, with the exception of two and a half years, during which he was in Shamburg, Penn., engaged in butchering and the oil business, he has since resided. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church . In politics he is a stanch Republican. JOHN F. SEAVY, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was bom in Columbia County, Wis., September 5, 1856, and is a son of Ebenezer, Jr., and Mary A. (War- den) Seavy, and grandson of Ebenezer Seavy, Sr., who settled in Mead Town- ship, this county, in 1818, and afterward moved to Hayfield Township, where he lived and died. Ebenezer, Jr., had four children: John F., Edgar E., Theodore G. and LeRoy E. Ebenezer, Jr., was a resident of Wisconsin for several years, returning to Hayfield Township in 1860, and settled on the old homestead of his father, where he died in 1868, at the age of forty-two. Mary, his wife, was a daughter of James Warden, formerly of New York, and an early settler of Cussewago Township. Our subject was married December 23, 1875, to Maggie C, daughter of George and Mary (Moyer) Moyer, of Saeger- town, by whom he has one child — Alice D. Mr. Seavy resides on .the old homestead of his father and grandfather. He is a member of the Methodist Church; his wife of the Lutheran. In politics he is a Republican. EDWARD S. SKEEL, lumberman and Justice of the Peace, Hay- field, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, October 11, 1837; son of Eliab and Sally A. (Wheeler) Skeel. Eliab was a native of Greene County, N. Y. , and settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1829. He was a car- penter and millwright by trade, and put up a great many buildings in this county during his day. He was twice married; his first wife was Ruth Yale, of New York, by whom he had five children: Harriet (Mrs. Hastings Harronn, deceased); Abigail (Mrs. David Harronn), of Colorado; William, Gilbert and Ruth (Mrs. H. S. Amidon). His second wife was Sally A. Wheeler, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., daughter of Jenks and Amanda Wheeler, who were among the first settlers of Hayfield Township. By this union there were born: Nathan, Martha (deceased), Huldah (Mrs. William Krider), E. S., Stephen M. , Amanda. (Mrs. George Menely), Eliza (Mrs. A. L. Baker), Lewis W. (Lewis was killed December 13, 1862, at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va.), Linus W. and Wheeler. The subject of this sketch has always resided in Hayfield Township. He was in the late war, having enlisted in August, 1861, in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry; was in the second battle of Bull Run and other minor engagements, and at the defense of Washington during the battle of Antietam; he was honorably discharged on account of disability November 3, 1862. He again enlisted and became First Lieutenant of Com- pany D, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Militia, from June 29, 1861, to August 13, 1863. He was married March 4, 1860, to Louisa, daughter of John F. and Jane (Rogers) Selby, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, by whom he has five children now living: J. Barnard, Loa (Mrs. Frank Wasson), William, Edward S. and Frank. Mr. Skeel is a member of the I. O. O. F., the State Police, and G. A. R. He has held the office of Constable six years, and is now serving his sec- ond term as Justice of the Peace; in politics is a stanch Republican. JACOB SMITH, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, March 15, 1819; son of Peter and Elizabeth (Speise) Smith, who settled 886 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in Woodcock Township, this county, in 1832, and in 1833 removed to Hayfield, where they lived and died. They located on the farm adjoining that of our subject, a part of which they improved. They had four children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Peiffer), Peter (deceased), Simon and Jacob. The subject of this sketch was married March 29, 1846, to Sarah C, daughter of Philip and Leah (Gehr) Straw, and grand-daughter of Jacob Straw, who settled in Hay- field Township, this county, in 1796. The issue of this union is six children: Abigail, Emma, Henry, Wallace, Alice and Maggie. Mr. Smith has been a resident of Hayfield Township since his father's settlement in 1833; he has always followed farming as an occupation, and is a representative, enterpris- ing citizen. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church of Saeger- town. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES SMITH, farmer, P. O. Kundell's, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, April 7, 1821; son of NelsoQ and Polly (West) Smith, who came from Greene County, N. Y., and settled in what is now Hayfield Township, this county, in 1816;- both were natives of New York. Nelson was a son of Elijah Smith, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject in 1816, which, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared and improved. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, a homeopathic physician, a blacksmith and shoe-maker. In an early day he did all the blacksmithing and shoe-making in his vicinity. He was a man adapted to all kinds of work and when anything was needed to be done for himself or neighbors he gen- erally found a way to accomplish it. He died in 1868 at the age of seventy- seven and his widow in 1871 aged seventy-nine. They had eleven children: Emeline (wife of Rev. I. O. Fisher), John E., Nelson, Jesse, Ephraim, James, Betsey (Mrs. J. B. McDowell), Ensign H. (deceased), George W. S., Mary A. (deceased) and Irus H. (deceased). The subject of this sketch has been thrice married. His first wife was Adeline J., daughter of John McDowell, of Dick- sonburg, to whom he was married February 1, 1849, and by whom he had three children: Emelissa (deceased), M. Adell (Mrs. Edward Rogers), and Homer J. (deceased). His second wife was Sarah, daughter of Robert McCoy, of Spring Township, this county, to whom he was married June 9, 1864, and by this union there was one child — Sarah (deceased). His present wife is Lydia D., daughter of William Rundel, of Spring Township, this county, to whom he was married February 8, 1870. Mr. Smith resides on the old homestead, where he was born and raised. He is one of the representative farmers of this county, everything about his farm indicating thrift and enter- prise. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. FERNANDO C. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born in Chester, Mass., November 27, 1829, and is a son of Nelson and Sophia (Carrington) Smith, who settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1834, locating on the farm now owned by William Morehouse, which they cleared and improved. Nelson was a native of Massachusetts and a son of Joab Smith. His wife was a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Charles Carrington. His grand- father on his father's side was William Lonon, who was drafted into the Brit- ish Army during the Revolution. He refused to serve, deserted and joined the American Army and fought through the war, then settled near Boston. Nel- son Smith had nine children, seven of whom are now living: Lorenzo P., Fer- nando C, D'Lett (Mrs. Jefferson Line), Oscar B., D'Mira Z. (Mrs. Abram Reymore), Mardilla (Mrs. A. C. Swift), William L. Our subject, who has always resided in Hayfield Township, was married April 15, 1857, to Jane B., daughter of Daniel Carter, of Summerhill Township, this county, by whom he HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 887 has five children: Philander A., Elmore E,, Verner, Floyd and Dennis. Mr. Smith has resided since his marriage on his present farm, most of which he cleared and improved. He has held various township offices; in politics is a Republican. STEPHEN SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., December 27, 1822, and is a son of Solomon and Susanna (Schlosser) Snyder, who settled in the northern part of what is now Hayfield Township, this county, in 1829, where they cleared up a farm. Both lived and died in Hayfield Township. They had seven children: Solomon, Stephen, Susan (Mrs. William Reichel), Griffith (deceased), Amos, William and Edward. Oar subject was married April 27, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Shoe) Hinkle, of Cussewago Township, this county, and by this union is one child — Israel. Mr. Snyder has lived on his present farm since 1847, all of which he has cleared and improved. He and his wife are attend- ants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. ISRAEL SNYDER, farmer, P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, March 21, 1849, and is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Hinkle) Snyder.- His paternal grandfather, Solomon Snyder, settled in Hay- field Township in 1829, and his maternal grandfather, Andrew Hinkle, was an early settler of Cussewago Township. The subject of this sketch was the only child of his parents. He was married May 19, 1870, to Esther D., daugh- ter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Henry) Hickernell, early settlers of Hayfield Township, this county, and by this union there were three children: Clarence (deceased), Jay W. and S. Dow. Mr. Snyder is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a member. In politics he is a Repub- lican. , WILLIAM L. STOCKTON, farmer and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Saeg- erstown, was born in Mead Township, this county, December 25, 1843; son of John M. and Eliza (Logan) Stockton. His paternal grandfather was Robert Stockton, formerly of Washington County, and one of the first settlers of Ver- non Township, this county, where he lived and died. He served in the war of 1812 and was the Colonel of his regiment. His children were: Robert, Thomas (deceased), Maria, Joseph, John M. (deceased), Martha (deceased), Sarah, David B. and James. Our subject's father, John M., was born in Vernon Township, this county, and was a resident of Mead Township twenty years. In 1855 he removed to Hayfield Township, where he died at the age of sixty- seven years. His wife was a daughter of Moses Logan, an early settler of Greenwood Township, this county, and a prominent citizen. John M. had ten children: Robert (deceased), Harvey H. (a Baptist clergyman, deceased), Moses (deceased), Clarinda (deceased), William L., Letitia (Mrs. J. Tenney)^ Cyrus J., James L., Eveline (Mrs. J. Smith), and Charlotte (deceased). Our subject was married May 7, 1882, to S. Jennie, daughter of Solomon and Mary A. Himebaugh, of Hayfield Township. The issue of this union was one child — Marie Elda. Mr. Stockton has been a resident of Hayfield Township since 1855, and lived on his present farm since 1863. He is one of the representa- tive farmers of Crawford County; has held various township offices; and is now serving a second term as Justice of the Peace; in politics he is a Republican and a stanch advocate of temperance principles. He and his family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Charch of Saegertown, in which he is holding the office of Steward. AMASA J. STRAW, farmer, etc., P. O. Saegerstown, was born in Hayfield Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, November 4, 1835; son of Michael and Rhoda (Brookhouser) Straw. Michael was born on the 888 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: farm now owned by our subject, and was a son of Jacob Straw who settled on the same farm in 1796, which he cleared and improved. Jacob had five chil- dren: John, Michael, Philip, Betsy and Mary, all now deceased. Michael had eight children: Mary E. (Mrs. Chris. Siverling, deceased), Azariah, Hazro, Amasa, Delilah (Mrs. George Mason), Ellen, Sarah (deceased), and Simon (deceased). Ehoda, the wife of Michael, was a daughter of Jacob Brookhouser, one of the first settlers of Hayfield Township. Our subject was married December 14, 1869, to Louisa, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Smith) Peif- fer, and grand- daughter of John Peiffer, an early settler of Bloomfield Town- ship and later of Woodcock Township, this county. By this union there are two children: Simon and Elizabeth. Mr. Straw has always resided on the old homestead. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, Saeger- town. He is a member of the I. O. O. P. In politics he is a Democrat. DAVID A. TOREY, farmer, P. O. Venango, was born in Venango Tovra- ship, this county, September 1, 1833; son of Archibald and Margaret (Adams) Torry. His paternal grandparents were James and Margaret (Alexander) Torry, natives of Ireland, who were married in Virginia, and came from there to this county in 1802, locating in what is now Venango Township, on the farm now owned by George Cole, which, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared and improved. Margaret, the wife of Archibald, was a daughter of David and Barbara (Wilson) Adams, who were among the early settlers of what is now Cambridge Township, this county. James and Margaret Torry had ten children: Hamilton, Archibald, Martha, Mary, David, James, John, Susan, William and Jane. Archibald Torry had ten children: David A., James M., William M. (deceased), John E., Archibald A., Martha J. (Mrs. C. Byham), Eebecca L. (Mrs. Robert Quay), Elijah, Mary (Mrs. Mark Shields), and Margaret L. Mr. and Mrs. A. Torry are still living, and occupy a part of the farm where his parents first settled. The subject of this sketch was a resident of Venango Township up to 1866; from that time until 1868 he lived in Woodcock Township, and then located in Hayfield Township, where h^ now resides. He was married January 9, 1866, to Rebecca, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Smith) Peiffer, oE Hayfield Township, this county. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a P. & A. M., a member of the I. O. O. P. and A. O. U. W. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat. HAEEISON WASSON, farmer, P. O. Coon's Corners, was born in Fair- field Township, this county, December 25, 1821; son of William and Eliza- beth (Marshall) Wasson. His paternal grandfather was Daniel Wasson, a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1774, joined Gen. Washington's army and fought through the war of the Revolution. He was one of the first settlers of Scrubgrass Township, Venango Co., Penn. The children of William were ten in number: Harrison, Nathaniel M., Daniel, William, James, John (deceased), Joseph (deceased), Mary E. , Elizabeth and Sarah J. Mr. Wasson was a veteran of the war of 1812, and enlisted in the late war of the Rebellion, when seventy years of age. He died in the hospital at St. Louis, Mo., of small-pox, in 1863. The subject of this sketch was married February 26, 1846, to Sarah J., daughter of John and Jane (Gibb) Watt, of Butler County, Penn. The issue of this union was ten children: John (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. R. E. Morris), Mary J. (Mrs. Lewis Armstrong), Adeline(Mrs. C. F. Moore), L. Franklin, William O., Sarah C. (deceased), Maggie, Howard and Clinton. Mrs. Wasson's father was John Watt, a native of Scot- land, and an early settler of Butler County. Mr. Wasson located in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1865, where he has since resided. He is one of the HAYFIELD TOWNSHIP. 889 representative farmers of his township, and ^has held various township offices. In politics he is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. CONRAD WATSON, farmer, P. O. Norriaville, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, July 26, 1821; son of William and Magdalena (Cole) Wat- son. William was a native of County Derry, Ireland, a son of George Watson, and settled in Hayfield Township in 1818. His wife was a daughter of Con- rad Cole, who was said to be the first man to come over the Alleghenies with a team and wagon, aad who settled in Hayfield Township in 1802. He was a native of Lehigh County, Penn., a son of George Cole, whose parents came from Prussia. William Watson had eight children: Conrad, George W., Caroline (Mrs. David Hosier), Eliza A. (Mrs. Phil Shaffer), Matilda (deceased), William, Mary (Mrs. Ben Cole), and Robert. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried April 6, 1848, to Mary B., daughter of John and Sarah (Carroll) Sims, formerly of Maryland, and early settlers of Hayfield Township. To this union were born ten children: George A., William A., Sarah E. (Mrs. Milton Standford), Frank C, Minerva E. (Mrs. George Jenkins), Clara D. (Mrs. William Ludwig), Mary E., Alma R. (deceased), Wanda A., Ward T. Mr. Watson has cleared several farms in Hayfield Township, and has lived on his present one since 1850. He began without a dollar, and is now one of the substantial farmers of the township. He has held various township offices. In politics he is a stanch Republican. GEORGE W. WATSON, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, June 2, 1824, son of William and Magdalena (Cole) Watson. William was a native of Killymallaugh, County Derry, Ireland, and settled in Hayfield Township in 1818. He was a son of George Watson. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Conrad Cole, who settled in Hayfield Township in 1802. William Watson was a linen weaver by trade, and came to America with the determination to better his condition, and in 1825 he settled on the farm now occupied by our subject, which he cleared and improved with the assistance of his boys. He was a man of stern convictions; an upright citizen. He died in 1858 at the age of sixty-seven. The subject of this sketch was married July 4, 1850, to Mary, daughter of Israel and Catherine (Minium) Berlin, by whom he has four children: Adelia (Mrs. William A. Selby), John C, Alvira (Mrs. Edgar S. Harroun) and Charles A. Israel Ber- lin was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, Isaac Berlin, a soldier in the Revolution. He settled in Woodcock Township in 1807. Our subject resides on the old Watson homestead, where he has always lived with the exception of ten years. He is a member of the I. O. O. P., and the State Police; has held nearly all the offices in the gift of his township; was elected County Commissioner in 1872, serving one term; in politics he is a Repub- lican. ROBERT WATSON, farmer, P. O. Hayfield, was born in Hayfield Town- ship, this county, October 28, 1839, and is a son of William and Magdalene (Cole) Watson. William was a native of Ireland, son of George Watson, and settled in Hayfield Township, this county, in 1818. Magdalene, his wife, was a daughter of Conrad Cole, said to be the first man to accomplish the feat of coming over the Alleghenies with a team and wagon, and who settled in Hay- field Township in 1802. The subject of this sketch was raised in his native township; has been a resident of Woodcock Township one year, Summerhill Township two years, and Vernon Township nine years, and has lived in Hay- field Township the balance of his time. He was married August 22, 1861, to Henrietta, daughter of Henry and Susan (Peifier) Forham, early settlers of 890 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; Hayfield Township, this county, and by this union there are four children: Eva (Mrs. Augustus Hanks), George, Anna and William. Mr. Watson has resided on his present farm since 1882. He is a member of the State Police. In politics a Eepublican. READING WILSON, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Meadville, was born in Bucks County, Penn., October 6, 1823, son of John and Betsy (Himel- wright) Wilson, who settled in Meadville, this county, in 1826, and in 1827 removed to Woodcock Township, this county, and settled on the farm now occupied by the widow of Francis Wilson, which they cleared and improved, and where John Wilson died in 1848 at the age of sixty-nine. Our subject resided in Woodcock Township until eighteen years of age, and then went to Meadville to learn the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked three years there. He then located in McGuffintown, in Hayfield Township, and opened a blacksmith shop, where he has worked at his trade up to the. present time. In 1849 he purchased the farm, where he now resides, of his brother-in-law, John H. Culbertson, which he has since that time carried on in connection with his other business. Our subject was married March 22, 1849, to Catherine G. , daughter of Robert and Alice (Frazier) Dickson, former a native of Scot- land and a son of James Dickson, generally known as " Scotch Jimmie," who first came to Meadville in 1793, settled in Meadville in 1794, and then on the farm now owned by our subject in 1796. On reaching Meadville Robert Dickson was enrolled in the militia and performed military duty with the men when but nine years of age, serving with credit to himself and danger to the redskins. For this service he was afterward awarded a State pension. Then in 1811 he was commissioned by Gov. Simon Snyder for four years Lieu- tenant of the first company of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment of the militia of Pennsylvania in the First Brigade of the Sixteenth Division, composed of the militia of the counties of Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Venango and Warren. He took part in the war of 1812 and for patriotic services in that struggle was given a United States pension. After his father's death Mr. Dickson inherited a part of the old homestead, on which he lived for over three-quarters of a century. He was regarded as a man of strict integrity, highly esteemed and respected by his neighbors. He died in the ninetieth year of his age. Mrs. Wilson's maternal grandfather was Roderick Frazier, a native of Scotland, who served in the British Army under Cornwallis, and after the close of the war located in Carlisle, Penn. ; in 1806 settled in Hayfield Township, this county, where he died at the age of seventy-five. Our subject by his marriage has had five children: Alice E. (deceased), Kate B. (Mrs. J. C. Dickson), Wanda A. E. (deceased), J. R. Eugene (deceased) and William H. Mr. Wilson has served his township as School Director. In politics he is a Republican. MEAD TOWNSHIP. 891 MEAD TOWNSHIP. L. BENNINGHOFF, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born m Venango County, Penn., April 9, 1852, and is a son of George and JuJia Ann (Baney) Benninghoff, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. George Bgn- ninghoff, who was a farmer, raised a family of five children, of whom L. is ^\^q third. Our subject received his training in the common schools and finisjied his education at the Commercial College of Meadville. He embarked in the oil business early in life, continuing in the same for seven years, but jjq-^ resides on the farm of eighty acres, belonging to his father, who is now Ijvinff a retired life in Meadville. Our subject was married in 1877, to ^Toma daughter of George Cole. Their children are — Mabel, George V. , and Nor- man. Mrs. Benninghoff is a member of the Lutheran Church. In his poji. tics Mr. Benninghoff is a Republican. C. M. BRAWLEY, farmer, P. O. Bousson, was born September 12 1852 in Mead Township, this county, son of Francis and Eleanor (Stewart) Brg-^yigy natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent, the former born February 16 1806, in Crawford County, Penn., and the latter August 21, 1806, ju Erie County, Peon. James and Mary (Glenn) Brawley, the parents of Francis Brawley, came to this county about 1800, and nine of their children grew ut> four of them now living, viz. : Francis, James, Harriet and Sarah. Thg father was in the war of 1812. Francis Brawley, whose portrait appears jq this work, is now living two miles west of the old home farm. He was married in 1838 to Eleanor Stewart, who died in 1876, and to this union were born six children, four of whom are now living, viz. : Sabina E., married to John Pow- ell; Marion F., married to Adelia Kelley; Mary E. and Charles ]yi; jyjrg. Brawley was a member of the Methodist Church, to which denomination Mr. Brawley also belongs. He is owner of 110 acres of excellent lan,j_ q_ ]hj_ Brawley, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1876 to Miss Cena Chase a daughter of John Chase, the result of which union is one child — Roy. He and his wife are sincere Methodists and take an active interest in the Sabbath- school in their neighborhood, of which Mrs. Brawley is the Superintendent. The Brawley family are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. HUGH P. BRAWLEY, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in this town- ship, April 24, 1853, and is a son of John R. and Sarah (Haskins) Brawley the father a native of Pennsylvania, the mother of New York, and descend- ants of Dutch and Irish ancestry. John R. was a successful farmer.?" He died in 1877. He raised a family of six children, of whom Hugh P. is" the youngest. Our subject finished his education in the State Normal School at Edinboro, in Erie .County. He was manried in 1875 to Florence, a daughter of James Hamilton, and they have four sons: John, Lee, Harry and Milton. He is the owaer of 170 acres of land, 150 of which are in this township. Politically Mr. Brawley is a Democrat. WILLIAM BUCHANAN, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in this town- ship, September 8, 1827, and is a son of Alexander and Caroline (Compton) Buchanan, natives of Pennsylvania, the former a farmer of Scotch- Irish the lat- ter of Welsh descent, and both early settlers of this county. They had a family often children. The father died in 1867, the mother following in 1873. Will- 892 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: iam was their eldest child, and he and three brothers served their country in the late war. Robert was Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment. Edward and David were in Sherman's army, with Gen. Hooker's corps. William Buchanan was in the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry as Second Sergeant, and re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Since the war he has followed farming. In politics he is a Republican. C. BYAM, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Meadville, was born in this county, November 15, 1826, and is a son of John and Abigail (Oaks) Byam, natives of Massachusetts. The father, a pioneer of this county, in the early part of his career conducted a saw-mill and latterly farmed. Our subject, who is the sixth child of a family of seven boys and four girls, received a common school training and worked on the farm till his majority, since which he has mostly followed carpentering. He owns a farm of fifty-five acres. He was married in 1851 to Wilhelmina L. Scott, and this union has been blessed with eight chil- dren, of whom seven are now living — four sons and three daughters. Mr. Byam has served his district six years as School Director. In politics he is a Democrat. REV. EUGENE COGNEVILLE, Catholic priest, P. O. Frenchtown, was born in France, September 13, 1840, son of Nicholas and Margaret (Mangel) Cogneville, also natives of France, the former of whom had been a wine grower in his native land, and is now living with his son (our subject) at Frenchtown; his wife died in France in 1862. Our subject was educated chiefly in the schools of his native country, but completed his tuition in the schools of St. Vincent, Latrobe, Penn. , to which place he came in 1864. Two years later he was ordained at Erie, Penn., by Right Bev. Young, and entered upon his labors at St, Hippolytus Church, of Frenchtown, where he has a congregation of about 600. DAVID COMPTON, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Meadville, March 14, 1810, and is a son of David and Rebecca (Perrine) Compton, the former of New Jersey, the latter of Virginia. His father was the youngest son in his family and, in accordance with the family custom, the youngest son was named David, which custom has been continued through four generations. Our subject' a father, a carpenter and farmer, came to this county in 1794; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, but was only required to go as far as Erie City. He was twice married and raised sixteen children, our subject being the youngest son by the first wife. He received his schooling in the country and has made farming his life work. For many years he was Captain of a military com- pany, called Crawford County Volunteers. He was married in 1835 to Eliza N.-, daughter of John Brooks, who was at one time Assistant Judge of this county. Their children are — Col. John B., David P., Margaret (deceased), Nancy D., A. Blanche, and Marion C. Mr. and Mrs. Comptom are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been for many years an Elder. JAMES DANIELS, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, October, 3, 1846, and is a son of Samuel J. and Juliette Daniels, the father a farmer, a native of this county and now a resident of Randolph Township; the mother a native of Vermont They had a family of five children, of whom James is the second. Our subject was educated in the common school, and has chosen as his life work the calling of a farmer; he now owns fifty acres of land in a high state of cultivation. He was married in 1866; his wife died in 1879, leaving four children: Wilber L., Anna Adell, Hattie and Ella. He was again married in 1883. Mrs. Daniels is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Daniels is a Democrat; he holds the office of Constable. MEAD TOWNSHIP. 893 CAPT. JAMES H. DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Pettis, was born in Mead Town- ship, this county, September 29, 1815, son. of Patrick and Isabella (Li'nsley) Davis, natives, the former of Berks County, Penn., of Welsh descent, the lat- ter of Ireland, of Irish extraction. His father came to Meadville in 1796, in company with six brothers, all of whom bought property, but three of the number became discouraged and returned to their native county. Patrick operated a tannery for many years in Meadville. He was twice married. Our subject, who is the eldest child by his father's second marriage, received a com- mon school education and was brought up on a farm. He was married in 1839 to Sarah Stockton, a native of Pennsylvania and of English descent, which union has been without issue. They are members of the United Pres- byterian Church. He has been Justice of the Peace, School Director, Super- visor, Assessor and Auditor of Mead Township. He was Commissioned Captain of a militia company by Gov. David R. Porter, of Pennsylvania, August 3, 1842, and held the same until the law governing militia organizations was nullified. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-one, when he obtained a deed for the farm where he now resides, and which he has cleared, making it one of the best farms in the township. He has paid out $12, 550 for land during his life and he now possesses a large amount of property,'^ th& result of the efforts of himself and wife. He built and operated a saw-mill on his farm, and has an interest in the Warner Cheese Factory. He has always been active in the interests of his township, and, with William Warner, was a solicitor for aid to construct the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, from their own township and others. In politics he is a Democrat. His portrait appears elsewhere in this volume. His wife's father. Col. Robert Stockton, was the fourth child of Robert and Mary (McKenny) Stockton, who were the parents of eight children: Thomas, Margaret (married to Col. John Cotton, who was once an Elder in a church at Meadville), Prances (married to Charles Stewart), Col. Robert (once an Elder in a Meadville church), Jane (married to Rev. John Briee), John, Rev. Joseph, and Elizabeth (married to Rev. James Cun- ningham). Of these, Rev. Joseph was born February 25, 1779, in the neigh- borhood of Chambersburg, Penn., and in 1784 the family left that place for a settlement on a farm, in the vicinity of Washington, the county seat of Washington County, Penn. He was married May 8, 1800, to Esther Clark, a daughter of David Clark, and soon after became an inhabitant, with his bosom friend, of Meadville, this county, which was the first settlement formed in Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh and west of the Allegheny River and Cone- wango Creek, initiated by Gen. David Mead in 1787. On June 23, 1801, he was ordained and installed the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Mead- ville. During the nine years he resided here, he had charge of the Meadville Academy, together with the Presbyterian congregations of Meadville and Con- neaut Lake. Rev. Joseph Stockton is mentioned elsewhere in this work. HENRY J. DEWEY, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Mead Town- ship, this county. May 17, 1832, and is a son of Stillman and Susan (Scott) - Dewey, natives of Massachusetts and of English descent. His father came when young to this county; was a blacksmith by trade; he raised a family of six childrien, of whom Henry is the eldest. After receiving the usual district school education our subject devoted himself to agriculture, which he has made his life work; has also been in the oil business to some extent; he is at present condacting a dairy, selling milk in the city of Meadville. He was mar- ried in 1854 to Phcsba Phelps, who died in 1863, leaving one daughter, Sarah, now Mrs. Adolphus Hicks. He was again married in 1868, to Martha J., daughter of James and Sarah (Paltock) Plaw, who were English and early 894 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: settlers of Crawford County; they have an adopted son — Walter S. Mrs. Dewey is a member of the Baptist Church, and in 1882 was elected School Director, the first lady ever elected to that office in this township. Her long experience of thirty-seven terms as a teacher, twenty of them in this township, coupled with the fact that she was so successful a teacher that she never found any diflieulty in obtaining a school, but was always in demand by different sections, certainly warranted her election. In politics Mr. Dewey is inde- pendent. His farm inoludes eighty-eight acres. ISAAC S. DOANE, civil engineer and farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born April 30, 18l8, in Massachusetts, son of Reuben and Hannah (Slayton) Doane, natives of Massachusetts, and of Scotch descent. Reuben Doane was a sea Captain, and in one of his voyages was shipwrecked in the Atlantic, losing his entire wealth, after which his son, Isaac S., cared for his wants. Our subject received an academic education at a Baptist institution in Worcester, Mass. He made the study of mathematics a specialty, and chose civil engineering as a profession, which he has successfully continued through life, commencing when seventeen years • old on the Western, now Albany & Boston Railroad, under Maj. Whisler, of the United States Army, and there remained sixteen years. He next surveyed for eighteen months on the Rome & Watertown Railroad; next on the Sackett's Harbor & Ellisburg Railroad; then on the Potsdam & Watertown Railroad; next was chief engineer on the Oswego & Rome Railroad; following that he surveyed the route for the Oswego & New York Midland Railroad, and was appointed chief engineer of the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad; afterward surveyed the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel & Albany Rail- road, and many other works of a greater or less degree of magnitude, includ- ing a portion of the Atlantic & Great Western, the St. Louis & Mt. Vernon, and considerable work on some of the roads in Canada. When sixteen years of age Mr. Doane purchased a small farm for $1,000, making a payment of $10 on the amount, and his earnest will and busy hands were set to work to obtain means to pay the balance, which was accomplished in one year, he having real- ized $500 by grafting and budding trees, $300 from one acre of musk melons, by teaching school in winter and making boots and shoes. Mr. Doane has been defrauded out of many just accounts, but is, nevertheless, the possessor of a beautiful farm and other property, besides what he has deeded to his sons. Mr. Doane was twice married, on first occasion to Miss M. E. , daughter of Rev. Winthrop Morse, and has by her — E. A., civil engineer; Nellie A., a music teacher of fine ability, and Walter A., civil engineer, now on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mrs. Doane dying, Mr. Doane then became united in marriage with Sarah B., a sister of his first consort, and to this union were born — Leo L., a civil engineer, now in Baltimore studying to be a physician and surgeon, and May L., a music teacher, etc. The daughters have attained special admiration, the eldest for her skill in music, the youngest for her accomplish- ment in elocution and music. Our subject is at present city engineer for Meadville. In politics he is a Republican. He is of an inventive turn of mind, and has devised some articles now giving valuable services although others claim the patent. E. A. DOANE, civil engineer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Columbia County, N. Y., May, 1846, and is a son of Isaac S. and Elizabeth (Morse) Doane, natives of Massachusetts. The father, who is a civil engineer, and has resided in this county since 1854, raised a family of five children, of whom E. A. is the eldest, and who learned his profession at Oswego, N. Y. Our subject's first work was on the Oswego & Rome Railroad, where he remained three years; he was then employed one year for the Chicago & North Western Rail- MEAD TOWNSHIP. 895 road; then on the Sioux City Eailroad, in Iowa, where he remained until 1871. He next accepted a position as principal assistant engineer on the Lake Ontario Shore Eailroad, where he continued two years. His health failing, he pur- chased the farm in this township where he now resides. Mr. Doane was sev- eral years chief engineer of the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad, and Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad; also of the Meadville & Linesville Rail- road, and of several other lines, during their construction. He has now a fine farm of 120 acres. In his political views he is Republican. He was married, in 1873, to Flora, daughter of Hubbard Betts, a native of New York, and of English descent. They have one son — Alonzo Betts^and one daughter — Jes- sie. Mr. and Mrs. Doane are Episcopalians in their church relations. J. W. DOUGLAS, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Meadville, Sep- tember 20, 1818, and is a son of Joseph and Harriet (Williams) Douglas. Our subject's grandfather came to this county in 1797; was in the war of 1812, and had a brother a Major in the British Army. The grandfather taught the lirst school in this county, the schoolhouse being the old blockhouse in Mead- ville. J. W. is the eldest of a family of eight children, and early in life commenced merchandising, acting in that capacity thirty-seven years in Mead- ville. He was married February 22, 1844, to Eliza, daughter of John E. Smith, a pioneer hotel keeper of Meadville, and who lived to be ninety years of age. The results of this union have been six children, viz. : Mary, Sarah, Harriet, Jessie, Nellie and Carrie. Mr. Douglas is a Democrat in politics. In 1852 and 1853 he was County Treasurer. For thirteen years he was Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Regiment of Crawford County Volunteers, of . which his father, who had also been in the war of 1812, was Colonel. S. E. ELLIS, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Meadville, was born in Mead Township, this county, November 16, 1825, and is a son of John and Betsy (Sackett) Ellis, natives of Massachusetts, of English ancestry, who came to this county at an early day. The father, who was a farmer, raised a family of six children, S. E. being the third. Our subject received a common school training, and has chosen farming as his life vocation, taking dairying into oonnection, usually keeping thirty cows, and since he started for himself has been successful. He now owns a fine farm of 240 acres near the City of Meadville limits. He is Democratic in politics; has been seven years a School Director, but is no office seeker. He was married first to Prances A. Fry, a native of Massachusetts, by whom he had seven children, four now living, viz.: Albert F., Henry W., Nellie M. and Cora. His first wife dying in 1874, he again married, his second wife being Amelia, daughter of Dr. Palmer, of New York. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Episcopal Church. DAVID S. ELLIS, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in this township January 25, 1828, and is a son of John and Betsy (Sackett) Ellis, natives of Massachusetts, and of English and Welsh descent. Our subject's grand- fathers were both soldiers in the Revolutionary war. His maternal grandfather settled in Ohio; his grandfather Ellis came to Crawford County in 1817, pur- chased 400 acres of land, and gave 100 acres to his son John, who settled vrhere our subject now lives. John Ellis was born in 1796 and died in 1871 ; in 1812 he defended his country's cause. His wife was born in 1793 and died in 1868. David S. was married in 1859 to Lucy J. Brawl ey, who died in Feb- ruary, 1862, leaving one child — Hattie Louise — wife of W. A. Doane. Our subject was married again, in 1866 to Adda M. Lord, who died in 1875; she was a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Ellis is a Democrat, as were his father and grandfather before him. He has held some official posi- tions in his township. He is one of Mead Township's successful farmers. 896 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: CLARK ELLIS, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Mead Township, this county, June 27, 1838, and is a son of Abel and Sarah (Goodwell) Ellis, natives of Massachusetts and of English descent. Abel Ellis was born in 1813, and came in 1826 with his parents to this county, where he lived until his decease in 1877. He had two children: Henry, a carpenter in Meadville, and Clark, who early chose the vocation of his father, that of a farmer. Our subject received his education at the common schools of Meadville; is in the milk business in connection with general farming, and has met with success. He was married in 1856 to Mary Ann Harris, a native of New York State, daughter of Harvey Harris, a farmer of Mead Township. Their children are — • Edwin, Amy, Earnest, Willis. Mr. Ellis is owner of a farm of eighty-seven acres. Mrs. Ellis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub- ject, in politics, is a Eepublican. M. M. GERDON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Meadville, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 29, 1827, and is a son of Adam Gerdon, a farmer, who had a family of five children, of whom M. M. is the third. Our subject received his education in his native land, going as far as the high schools. _ He then learned the soap and candle business, at which he worked until he came to Meadville in 1852, where he landed an almost penniless stranger in a strange land, unable to speak a word of English. He worked at his trade for the following two years, and then, after renting and farming lands for six years, purchased a farm of 130 acres, on which he now resides. He was married in 1853 to Mary Tavernier, a native of Germany, and their daughters are Margaret, wife of Reuben Smith; Kate, wife of Joseph Theu- ret; Louise, wife of C. Sweet; Mary, Georgina, and Nancy; the sons are John W., Prank J., Albert, Lewis, Clinton and Earnest. Mr. Gerdon is in politics a Democrat. When he landed here he had but $5.00 in his pocket, but is now wealthy. A. C. GORTON, lumberman, and proprietor of steam saw-mill, P. O.Mead- ville, was born in Mead Township, this county, September 27, 1854, and is a son of A. N. and Mary D. (Williams) Gorton, the former a native of New York State, the latter of Pennsylvania. A. N. Gorton, who was a millwright and farmer, came to this county in 1844, and after a residence here of twenty- nine years, died in Missouri in 1880. Our subject, the youngest of five chil- dren, received a common school training, and has since been engaged in the lumber and saw-mill business. He erected his mill in 1881, in which he makes shingles, lath and all kinds of lumber. He was married in 1876 to Lucy, daughter of James H. Carr, of Warren County, Penn. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F lodge of Meadville. C. C. HATCH, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in this township June 2, 1826, and is a son of Ira and Electa (Wilder) Hatch, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. The father was a farmer. They had a family of nine children, of whom C. C. is the fourth. Our subject was educated at the district school, and has made farming his life vocation, now owning the well- improved farm on which he resides. Being in Wisconsin wh.en the war broke out, he enlisted in 1862, in Company K, Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; was at the siege of Vicksburg, and in ten important battles. He was discharged at the close of hostilities in 1865. Mr. Hatch was married in 1850 to Louise, daughter of John Robins, and their children are — Frank, Ira, George, Mary, Cora and Virgil. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch ai-e church members. He is a Republican in politics. A. J. HUNTER, retired farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born on the farm where he now resides in Mead Township, this county, November 11, 1815; son MEAD TOWNSHIP. 897 of James Hunter, whose parents, John and Isabella Hunter, were natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to Cumberland County, Fenn. , in 1773, and from there to Allegheny County, Penn., in 1775. James Hunter, our subject's father, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 10, 1775, and with his parents moved to Allegheny County, Penn. , in 1786. In Novem- ber, 1799, he settled on a tract of land belonging to the Holland Land Com- pany. On May 3, 1801, he married Sarah Cunningham, and May 10, same year, came on the farm now occupied by our subject. A. J. Hunter, who is one of a family of seven children, after receiving his education in the log school- house of the period, made farming his chosen occupation and since 1880 has also engaged in lumbering. He married, in 1843, Sarah Pardee, who bore him eleven children, viz.: Jesse, a farmer; Sarah, now Mrs. Frank Little; James, a farmer; Isabella, now Mrs. Orville Maloney; May, at home; John; William; Emma, now Mrs. Alfred Brown; Ella, now Mrs. John Drake; Perry and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have reason to congratulate them- selves that their family are all living and residing near them. JOSEPH JEUNET was born in Prance, November 1, 1814, son of Alex- ander Jeunet, who was for thirty years in an office under the French Govern- ment. Joseph early in life learned watch-making, and became very expert at his art, in 1858 inventing a valuable watch escapement. He was married in France in 1840 to Louise Courteou, and they had five children, all but the youngest being born in France. In 1853 they immigrated to America, and settled on the farm in Mead Township on which he still resides; his wife departed this life in 1873. Their children are Paul, Mary, Augustine, Ernest and Valerie. In 1881 Mr. Jeunet established a cheese factory here. The family belong to the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Eepublican. PERRY KIMMEY, carpenter and joiner,P.O.Meadville, who has been a resi- dent of this county for nearly half a century, was born April 5, 1834, and is a son of William and Sarah (McFadden) Kimmey; the former, a farmer, came to this county when a young man, the latter was born in Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. They both died in this county. They had a family of twelve chil- dren, of whom Perry is the fourth. Our subject was educated in the Mead- ville public schools, and in that city learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he has worked ever since with more than ordinary success. He now owns a farm near Meadville. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving two years. He was in seven well- contested engagements, and was wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill. Returning home he resumed his occupation. LEWIS KRAEEE, oil dealer and farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Washington County, Penn., December 10, 1845, and, being the son of a farmer, his early life was spent amid agricultural pursuits, but he soon embarked in the oil business, which he has continued with success to the present. He owns a farm in this township on which his family reside. He was married, August 30, 1866, to Hepsy Baker, also a native of Washington County, Penn., and their family consists of six children, as follows: Samuel, Edward, Carrie, Alda H, Olower and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Kraeer are members of the Pres- byterian Church, in which he was an Elder in Butler County. He came to this township in 1882, and purchased his present farm of 107 acres. During the late war he served in the Pennsylvania Cavalry, but was ultimately dis- charged for disability. O. G. LAKE, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 2, 1833, and is a son of Calvin and Elizabeth (Goodsell) Lake, natives of New York and of French, German and English descent. 898 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Calvin Lake was a farmer; came to this county in 1833, and raised a family of three sons and three daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest. He was early set to learn carpentering and has also worked in saw-mills. He is a natural mechanic and has traveled considerably, thereby improving his skill in that line. He settled on a farm in 1862, and the same year he was married to Catharine, daughter of John Cole, a farmer of Cussewago Township. Their children were — Mary Ellen (Mrs. John Flickinger), John (deceased), Mark Parker (at home on the farm), George L., Luke J., Mina E., Emma C. , Matthew H. and James K. During the late war our subject enlisted and served three months in the first three requisitions under John W. McLane, Colonel in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He owns the farm of fifty-three and a half acres on which he resides, and has made what he has by his own exertions. He went into the oil business when it was booming, and, to use his own expression, he came out "busted," but he was not the man to give up the battle of life. For several years he was a resident of Erie County, Penn., liv- ing on the farm which he exchanged for the one he now owns. In politics Mr. Lake has been a Greenbacker since 1876. CAPT. JAMES LESLIE, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Lawrence County, Penn., May 25, 1807, and is a son of James and Margaret (Gaston) Leslie, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Pennsylvania. Our sub- ject, after receiving the ordinary training of the district school, spent several years in the hotel business, conducting first the " Leslie House," at New Cas- tle, Penn., which hotel received its name from him; he then conducted the "McLure House" in Wheeling, W. Va. , for several years, which is still the largest house in the State. In 1865 he purchased his farm of 175 acres in this township, on which he still resides. For several years our subject was Captain of a rifle company, from which he derived his title. He was married in 1828 to Clarissa Houk, who bore him seven sons, viz.: A. H, J. W., M. L., E. C, J. P., William M. and W. S. Capt. Leslie and five of his sons were in the Union Army. Mrs. Leslie departed this life in 1854, and in 1856 Capt. Leslie married E. M. Hayden, of Pittsburgh, Penn., who bore him two chil- dren: Emma E. and B. B. GEOEGE W. LOED, retired farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in New York, November 4, 1804, and is a son of Solomon and Lila (Taffany) Lord, natives of Connecticut and of English descent. Our subject's grandfather was in the Eevolutionary war, and lived and died in New York. Solomon Lord was in the war of 1812; came to this county in 1808, and raised a fam- ily of eleven children, of whom George W. is the seventh. Our subject was reared on the farm, but has labored at carpentering for over fifty years; he was married in 1834 to Permelia, daughter of Samuel Axtell, a native of Penn- sylvania, and of English descent. She died in Mead Township in 1881. Her father was a physician, who practiced for many years in Mercer County, Penn. Mr. Lord is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his late wife. In politics he is a Eepublican. J. C. McCLINTOCK, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was bom in Venango County, Penn., February 11, 1851, and is a son of Hamilton and Mary (Jack) McClintock, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent His father, who was a farmer and oil producer, and a very successful business man, raised a family of eight children, of whom J. C. is the fourth. The father died in 1882 at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he had resided for several years. Our subject finished his education at Iron City Commercial College, where he graduated in 1871, and first engaged in the iron business in Pittsburgh, then for a time was in the oil business with his father. In 1880 he moved to Mead MEAD TOWNSHIP. 899 Township, settling on his present farm of 220 acres. He was married in 1873 to Laura Flinn, and they have one son — Albert. Mr. and Mrs. McClintock are members of the Presbyterian Church. JAMES McKINNEY, retired farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Warren County, Penn., September 28, 1811, and is a son of John andsRebecca (Arthurs) McKinney, the father a native of Ireland, the mother of Pennsylvania, and of Holland descent. John McKinney, who was a farmer and lumber dealer, died in Warren County, Penn., in 1841. James is the sixth in a family of nine children; was reared on the farm, and at the age of thirteen he carried the mail from Mayville, N. Y., to Meadville, Penn., by way of Titusville, serving in that capacity till 1827. In those days there were but few houses between Meadville and Titusville. He afterward engaged in the lumber bus- iness, continuing at the same until 1866. He then went to farming in West- moreland County, Penn., where he remained until 1870, when he sold out and bought the farm near Meadville on which he now resides. He was married in 1837 to Lydia Turner, and their children are — Harriet, now Mrs. Henry Clasen, in Meadville; J. L., a well-known business man of Titusville, and the choice of the Democratic party for Congress in 1884; J. C, an oil dealer in Titusville; H B., an oil dealer: H. R., an oil dealer in Bradford, and G. E. The second child, Mortimer, and sixth child, Jefferson, are deceased. Mr. McKinney has given all his family the benefit of a good education. By pru- dent industry he has been financially successful. In politics he is Democratic. EEV. L. G. MEREILL, pastor of the Meadville Circuit of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, Meadville, was born near Vienna, Trumbull Co., Ohio, July 15, 1825, and is a son of Ansel and Any (Combs) Merrill, the father a native of Connecticut, the mother of Ohio, and both of English descent. The father was a wealthy clock manufacturer. Our subject is the fourth in a family of eleven children. He attended the academy at Vienna, Ohie, and Kingsville and Allegheny Colleges. Having chosen the ministry as his pro- fession, his first charge was at South Oil City for one year as supply. He was then regularly appointed. He has preached at several places since, and as his labors have been blessed he has remained generally two years in a place. He was married in 1854 to Amanda A., daughter of F. A. Wilson; their surviving children are Lnella, wife of W. A. Seyler; Alice, wife of George F. Sheets; Florence, Hattie and Laura. Politically, Mr. Merrill regards the prohibition issue as paramount. He is the owner of twenty-five acres of well-improved land in Mead Township, this county. Having been all his life a close student and a hard worker, he is now taking a year's vacation to recuperate his health. WILLIAM MERRIMAN, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Somerset Co., Penn., October 17, 1830, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Oris) Merriman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. William is the eldest of a fam- ily of three children, and received his education in the common schools and Mead- ville Academy. He remained with his father, was in canal and railroad business until he was eighteen years of age, since which time he has farmed and part of the time been in the dairy business. He was married in 1851 to Henrietta Harrington, a native of this county, and of English descent. Their children are — George, Crawford, Herman and Joanne. Mrs. Merriman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Merriman is a Republican, politically. JESSE PARDEE, retired, P. O. Meadville, was born March 18, 1802, in Connecticut, son of Daniel and Flora (Bray) Pardee, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter a daughter of Asa Bray, a Colonel in the Revolution- ary war. They were the parents of eight children: Bray, Daniel, Lydia, Sal- lie, James, Fannie, Jesse and John. Our subject was educated in the common 900 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: schools, and in early life learned the occupation of a farmer; also worked in a rope-walk. He commenced life without any means, but by industry and fru- gality he accumulated some 210 acres of land, which he has partly divided among his children, with whom he now lives comfortably on the interest of his savings, having been retired from active life for the past thirteen years. Mr. Pardee has also had transactions to some extent in oil. He came to this county in 1820, walking all the way from Connecticut, with a knapsack on his back weighing thirty-six pounds, starting on his journey February 22, and arriving in Meadville March 13 following. He then began work on the Mead- ville and Franklin pike; after that he cleared ten acres of land for Christian Steinbrook, at the same time improving the occasion by courting his employ- er's daughter, Elizabeth, who subsequently became his wife February 7, 1822; her mother's name was Esther Troutman. To this union -yvere born ten 'chil- dren, viz. : Sallie, wife of Jackson Hunter; Susan, wife of Joseph Johnson; Christian J., deceased; Catharine, deceased; Mary, deceased; Esther, wife of John Southwick; John H. (see sketch below); Emeline, wife of D. Fowler, deceased; Florinda, deceased, and Elizabeth, wife of J. B. Girard. Mrs. Pardee died in 1845. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Par- dee has 118 lineal descendants now living — six children, fifty grandchildren, and sixty -two great-grandchildren. He has filled the offices of Supervisor, Assessor and Collector three terms, and Assistant Assessor three terms; was President of the first board of School Directors for Mead Township. In poli- tics he is a Republican. JOHlSr H. PARDEE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Meadville, was born in Mead Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, April 25, 1834, and is the second son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Steinbrook) Pardee (see sketch above). Our subject has devoted his entire life to farming and stock- raising, and now owns 150 acres of land, nearly all under a high state of cul- tivation. He was married May 22, 1872, to Julia A., daughter of Samuel Homan, a prominent farmer of this county, and to this union have been born four children: Flora, Fannie, Jesse and Maggie. Mrs. Pardee is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics our subject is a Republican. F. F. RUNDEL, farmer, P. O. Bousson, was born in Erie County, Penn., July 21, 1859, and is a son of Loren and Eliza (Ross) Rundel, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English origin. Loren Rundel was a farmer, and F. F. wisely chose his father's vocation; being the eldest son, he remained at home working with his father on their farm of seventy-six acres, on which they have resided since 1872. They vote the Democratic ticket. AUGUSTUS RUSHLANDER, farmer, P. O. Blooming Valley, was born in France, March 30, 1843, and is a son of John C. and Harriet (Besanson) Rushlander, who were also natives of France, came to America in 1853, set- tling in Mead Township, where they raised a family of two children, of whom Clevis, the eldest, went to Arkansas. Augustus Rushlander received a common school education, and has made farming his vocation, now owning . a fine farm of over 300 acres. He was married in 1867, to Virginia Verrain, and their children are — Leander, Eugenie, Augustus, Louise, Mary and Blanche. The family are members of the Catholic Church. WILLIAM SMITH, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Mead Township, February 14, 1827, and is a son of William and Betsey (Looper) Smith, the father a native of New Jersey, of English descent, the mother a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. They came to this county about 1810, and raised a family of six sons and five daughters, William being the tenth. The father, in the early part of his life, was a shoe-maker, in the. latter MEAD TOWNSHIP. 901 part a farmer; he was in the war of 1812; died in Mead Township, Penn., in 1848. His brother, George, uncle of our subject, was also in the war of 1812, and still lives in this township at the venerable age of ninety- four years. Two of our subject's brothers, Eobert and James, were engaged in the late war. Our subject received an ordinary district schooling, and has all his life followed agriculture, owning a farm of 100 acres. He was married in 1855 to Cornelia Moore, who died in 1881, leaving two children: Loomis H. and Mina E. In politics Mr. Smith is a Kejrablican. SETH B. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Connecticut, February 5, 1829, and is a son of Harmon and Julia (Pierpont) Smith, natives of Connecticut, and of English origin. In the pioneer days of this county Harmon Smith was a cooper, but in later life followed farming; he had a family of eight children. Seth B. was raised on a farm, but in 1853 he went to California, remaining three years: he has traveled over the greater portion of the United States. He has been twice married, first in 1857, to Mary Ann Devore, who died in 1872. This union was blessed with four children. For his second wife Mr. Smith married Catharine, daughter of David Johnson, and to this union was born one child. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Sm^ith in his political views is Democratic; betakes deep interest in education, having served his district three years as School Director. On the occasion of his return from California, our subject had a narrow escape from death at Panama; some Spaniards set upon and massacred forty Americans, but Mr. Smith's life was saved by the kind ofi&ces of a friendly native, who secreted him till danger was past. J. T. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Connecticut, September 28, 1830, and is a son of Herman and Julia (Blakeslee) Smith, also natives of Connecticut, and of English descent. They came to this county in 1840; the father, who followed coopering and farming, died in Mead Township in 1855. J. T., who is the second of eleven children, was reared on the farm,received a com- mon school education, and is now owner of ninety acres of well-improved land in Mead Township. He has been twice married; on first occasion, in 1853, to Anna Brown. His second wife is Mary Brown, who has borne him six children: Irvin, John, Edna, Ella, Anna, and an infant not named. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Keformed Church. Mr. Smith is a Democrat; has held most of the ofiices of the township. FREDEEICK STADTLER, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Ger- many, September 29, 1829, and is a son of John Stadtler, a native of Ger- many, who was a laborer; he raised a family of four children, of whom Fred- erick, is the second. After receiving his education in his native land, our sub- ject came to America in 1853, where he acquired the English language. He first worked as a day- laborer, and afterward rented a farm for five years, when he came to Meadville, and for thirteen yeai's followed the vocation of a teamster. Then in 1875 he purchased a farm of sixty-eight and a half acres in this township, which is in a high state of cultivation, and on which he still resides. He was married in 1855 to a native of Germany, and they have nine children, seven living, as follows: John, Fred, Henry, Frank, Charles, Louise and Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Stadtler are members of the Evangelical Protest- ant Church. CHARLES L. STITZER, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in this county. May 23, 1840, and is a son of John and Sarah (Mauer) Stitzer, nsltives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The father, a farmer, settled in Bast Fairfield Township, this county, in 1838, and raised a family of eight children, of whom Charles L. is the sixth. Our subject received a 902 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: common school education and commenced early in life to work at the saw-mill business, which he has continued with success to the present. In 1877 he lost his mill and a large quantity of lumber by fire. He now owns 110 acres of land in this township. He was married in 1865 to Sarah, daughter of David Baird, and a native of this county. Their children are C. M., Homer L., Emma V., and Elizabeth Annabel. Mr. and Mrs. Stitzer are members of the Keformed Church. Politically he is a Democrat. EGBERT L. WAID (deceased) was born May 1, 1826, in Riceville, Craw- ford Co., Penn., and was brother of F. C. Waid, whose sketch appears in this volume. He received a common school education, was brought up on a farm, and during life was engaged as a tiller of the soil. Mr. Waid was married October 16, 1852, to Almeda Wheeler, a daughter of Abram and Amanda (Tay- lor) Wheeler, who were the parents of ten children, viz. : Lorenda, Lorenzo, Elisha T., Roxana, Elvira, Phoebe M., Samantha, Elijah M., Almeda and William V. This union was blessed with three children: Orlanda, Nick P., and Ira (deceased). Our subject died June 17, 1880, deeply regretted by many friends and neighbors. His widow is now residing on the farm in Mead Township which was improved by him. He was a member of the K. of H. ; in politics a Repablican. In early life he was somewhat remarkable as a successful trainer of steers and oxen on the farm, and in after years in the breaking and training of horses. He was a model farmer, and neatness and perfect order in all things were prominent features upon all parts of his farm. It is through the generosity and family respect of his brother, Mr. F. C. Waid, that his portrait appears in this history. WILLIAM WARNER, retired farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born Septem- ber 19, 1815, in Massachusetts, son of Bela and Sarah (Kingman) Warner, natives, the former of Connecticut, the latter of Massachusetts and of English extraction. William was their only child and came with his parents to this county, in 1841 ; was educated in the county schools and brought up on the farm. He was united in marriage in 1838 with Amy P. Prentiss, who died in 1879, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1882 our subject was married to Mrs. Mary A. Elder, widow of James H. Elder (deceased in 1853), and daughter of Charles Clapp. She is an adherent of the Presbyterian denomination. Mr. Warner was appointed Commissioner to fill the unexpired term of Isaiah Lane, in January, 1862. In the fall of the same year he was elected to continue the same term, and in 1863 was re-elected' for a full term of three years. He has been a Justice of the Peace in Mead Town- ship and was Tax Collector for the same in 1859, 1861, 1880 and 1883, and has not been unwilling to serve in some of the minor ofiSces where it is all work and no pay. Our subject in politics is a Republican. In this volume will be found a portrait of this worthy, substantial and representative man. N. M. WASSON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Meadville, was born in Crawford County, Penn., November 23, 1823, and is a son of William and Betsy (Marshall) Wasson, natives of Pennsylvania, the mother born in this county. The father came here soon after the war of 1812, took up a farm, and raised a family of six sons and three daughters, of whom N. M. is the second child. He was brought up on the farm, and in early life ran a boat for haul- ing iron to Pittsburgh, but has been for many years a prosperous and success- ful farmer, owning 120 acres of good land well improved. He was married in 1845, and his children by his first marriage are — James, Elizabeth, William, Sarah J., and Catharine. Mrs. Wasson dying in 1855, in the following year he married Rachel (Barr), widow of John Porter, by whom she had two chil- dren: S. T. and Julia. The fruits of this last union are — David L., John MEAD TOWNSHIP. 903 M., Edwin D., Lucy E., and Charles H. Mr. and Mrs. Wasson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been Steward, Trustee and Treasurer. He is aEepublican in politics; has been Supervisor, Collector and was Census Taker in 1880; he is a member of the State Police, having served as Captain. J. C. WHITEHILL, farmer, P. O. Meadville, was born in Pennsylvania, May 20, 1845, and is a son of David and Esther (Packer) Whitehill, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. J. C. received the usual com- mon school training at the district school, early embraced the vocation of his father, that of lumberman, and was in the South for thirteen years in that business. He came to this township in 1883 and purchased a farm of 100 acres. He was married, in 1878, to Mary E., daughter of Benjamin McGehee, and they have two children : Lucy L. and Mabel. Mrs. Whitehill is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Whitehill has, through energy and enterprise, achieved success as a business man. LORENZO WILLIAMS, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Massachusetts, July 26, 1815, and is a son of E. and Hannah (Parrish) Williams, natives of Massachusetts and of English and Welsh descent. His father, who was by trade a tanner, in 1828 settled in the woods four miles east of Meadville and engaged in farming and lumbering until his death, which occurred in 1867, at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. Our subject's grandfathers were both in the Revolutionary war; his grandfather Williams was born December 29, 1741, and died January 26, 1816. Lorenzo Williams, third in a family of four children, was reared on a farm, but naturally gravi- tated toward the lumbering business. Although his scholastic education was limited to that afforded in a log schoolhouse, what he lacked in schooling he made up in industry in business, and early in life commenced the manufacture of felloes for wagons, continuing his farm work at the same time, which has increased from his first purchase of fifty acres to 250 acres in this township, and in all his different lines of business he has been financially successful. He commenced manufacturing in 1849, in which industry he remained ten years. He was married in 1844 to Margaret, daughter of William and Margaret ( Wentz) Hope, the former of Irish and the latter of German descent. William Hope was by occupation a wagon-maker, and his daughter, Margaret, was born in Meadville in 1818. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Williams are as follows: Alfred, a farmer and lumberman, married; Effie (Mrs. D. C. Cut- ler), of Randolph Township; John, farmer and partner with his father in saw- mill, married; Ella, wife of Dr. Sedler, of Salamanca, N. Y. ; Florence, died March 14, 1881, in her twenty-second year; Emma, an adopted daughter, at home. They have given their family a good business education, in order to inculcate habits of prudence and economy. JAMES WIRT, farmer and apiarist, Meadville P. O., a prominent early pioneer of Mead Township, was born December 9, 1814, in New Jersey, received his education in a Quaker school, and learned his father's trade, that of a cooper, which he followed for many years. He has always been a hard- working man, and is now owner of a seventy-acre farm; he always loved the bee and long cherished the idea of bee culture ; he now has sixty-five swarms, to which he devotes most of his time. He was married in Mead Township in 1839 to Anna Shanger, and they have had four children : Charles, the eldest, died in the army; Lewis, Sarah and Edward. Mr. Wirt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Greenbacker. JOHN D. WYMAN, P. O. Meadville. This gentleman besides being a farmer is engaged in the manufacture of tiles, also of lumber, owning a saw- 904 BIOGEAPEICAL SKETCHES: mill. In 1875 he started the first tile manufactory in this county, which he still continues successfully to operate. His farm consists of 100 acres in the vicinity of Meadville. He was born in Bandolph Township, this county, Feb- ruary 9, 1830, and is a son of James and Caroline (Gibbs) Wyman, the father a native of New Hampshire, the mother of Vermont. They came into the woods and cleared a farm in this county, raising a family of nine children, John D. being the seventh. The father died in this county in 1871. Our subject received a common school education, was reared on a farm, but has for years conducted a successful saw-mill business. He was married in 1858 to Prudence Taylor, and they have three children: William G., Hettie M. and Jessie C. Mrs. Wyman and two of the children are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. NORTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. JAMES ALLEN, mason, P. O. Espyville, was born in North Shenango Township, this county, June 6, 1825; son of Stephen and Jane (Gilliland) Allen. His father, who was a native of New Jersey, settled in South Shenango Township, this county, in 1802, where he lived with his father, Moses Whitta- ker Allen, until after his marriage; about 1814 he moved to Mead Township, this county, where he worked at farming until 1824, in which year he moved to North Shenango Township, where he built a saw and grist-mill and a card- ing and clothing mill. His wife was a daughter of Hugh Gilliland, who came from Fayette County, Penn. , and was an early settler of Summerhill Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Allen had ten children: Moses, Simpson (deceased), Hugh (deceased), William (deceased), Eliphalet (deceased) ; Sarah, now Mrs. Thomas Stockton; Nancy, now Mrs. Neal A. McKay; James, Elizabeth (deceased) and Eliza J., now Mrs, Aaron Chapmian. Stephen died in 1874 at the age of eighty-sis, and his widow in 1875, also at the age of eighty-six. The subject of this sketch was reared in North Shenango Town- ship; he is a wool-carder and cloth-dresser by trade. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary E. Johnson; his present wife is MaryE., daughter of Lyman and Olive (Gillett) Waring, of Conneaut Township, this county, to whom he was married October 7, 1869. By this union there were three children: Olive J., Sarah R. and Burke (latter deceased). Mr. Allen was a soldier in the war of the Eebellion, having enlisted September 14, 1861, in Company I, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; he was at the siege of Yorktown, Va., in the seven days' fight bpif ore Eichmond; was wounded at Malvern Hill; was in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Mine Bun, Chancellorsville, in the Wilderness campaign, was present at the siege of Petersburg, and in many other engagem ents ; he was honorably discharged September 20, 1864. He was engaged in farming in Conneaut Township, this county, from 1866 to 1875, when he returned to North Shenango, where he still resides. He is a member of .the United Presbyterian Church, his wife of the Methodist Church. He is a member of Capt. A. J. Mason Post, No. 322, G. A. R., Department of Penn- sylvania; in politics he is a Bepublican. JOSEPH B. ANDREWS, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in East Fal- lowfield Township, this county, September 3, 1816, son of John and Elizabeth (Bichardson) Andrews, who were among the first settlers of East Fallowfield NORTH 8HENANG0 TOWNSHIP. 905 Township. They located on the farm now owned by their son, Hezekiah Andrews. This they cleared and improved, and there lived and died. John Andrews was a native of Ireland, his wife a native of Maryland. They^had nine children: Nancy (deceased), Joseph R., John (deceased), Robert (deceased), David (deceased), William, Hezekiah, Elizabeth (deceased) and Charles. The subject of this sketch was reared in East Fallowfield Township, this county; was educated in the common schools and Allegheny College at Meadville. In 1840 he settled in North Shenango Township on the farm where he now lives, and which he has cleared and improved. He was thrice married, his first wife being Sarah, daughter of Sidney B. Herriott, who settled in North Shenango Township, this county, in 1799. By this union there were three children: Emily, Cyrus, and Francis (deceased). His second wife was Pasca (Weir) Conrad, who lived but one year after marriage. His present wife is Elizabeth, . daughter of Andrew Linn, who settled in North Shenango Township, this county, in 1800. By this union there were two children: Herbert and Ran- som, both deceased. The former was killed in the fall of 1883, in his seven- teenth year, by a stroke of lightning. Mr. Andrews owns three farms, compris- ing about 500 acres. In politics he is a Republican. GEORGE C. CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in South She- nango Township, this county, October 27, 1835, son of Charles and Sarah T. (De- forest) Campbell, who came from New Jersey, and were among the early set- tlers of North Shenango Township, this county. They first located on the farm now owned by A. M. Gaugh; from there went to Espyville, where Mr. Camp- bell worked at blacksmithing about two years. He then went to South She- nango Township and purchased the farm now owned by William Fonner; afterward purchased a farm near Campbell's Corners, where he lived many years. He was born May 4, 1797, and died ia 1880. His wife was born August 31, 1793. They had nine children: William (deceased), Isaac (deceased), Jemima (deceased), John W. (deceased), Melissa (now Mrs. N. W. Wolverton), Elizabeth (deceased), Charles, George C. and Hiram K. The lat- ter was in the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg, and kept a prisoner at Belle Isle 137 days, when he was paroled, re-joined his regiment at Annapolis, and died a few days after from the effects of starvation. The subject of this sketch was reared in South Shenango Township, this county, and educated in the common schools there. He resided there until 1859, when he located in North Shenango Township on the farm where he now resides. He was married February 17, 1859, to Man- dana, daughter of Samuel C. and Chloe (Duty) Hollister, of North Shenango Township, this county, by whom he has six children : Jessie (now Mrs. J. H. Free), Elton F., Fred, Nellie, Chloe D. and Albert B. Mr. Campbell and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was drafted in the late war, but sent an alien as a substitute. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; in pol- itics a Republican. ROBERT B. COLLINS, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in North Shenango Township, this county, March 1, 1825, son of Isaac W. and Mar- garet (Bennett) Collins. Isaac W. was a native of Mifflin County, Penn. , and with two brothers, Henry and Elijah, settled in North Shenango Township, this county, in 1801. The family first settled on the farm now owned by Hiram Collins, and Isaac W. soon after settled on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, which he cleared and improved, and where ha lived and died. His wife was a daughter of William Bennett and sis- ter of Robert, Anthony and Henry Bennett, who were among the first settlers 50 906 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of North and South Shenango Townships. William Bennett, the maternal grandfather of our subject, lived to be one hundred and four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac W. Collins had eleven children: Isaiah (deceased), Eachel (deceased), Henry B., Ann (deceased), Nancy (now Mrs. Dr. I. Clapp), Matthew Gr. (deceased), Elijah, John P., William (deceased), EobertB. and Margaret E. (latter deceased). The subject of this sketch was reared in North Shenango Township, received a limited education in the common schools, and has always resided on the old homestead. He was married, April 27, 1848, to Lucy A., daughter of Lester and Laura (Hillyer) Waters, of Andover, Ohio, by whom he has seven children: Homer, Edgar, Howard L., Albert W., Ernest H., Maud v. and Prank R. Mr. Collins and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held the office of School Director of the township three terms; in politics is a Democrat. EGBERT CUNNING-HAM, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in Lancas- ter County, Penn., October 13, 1800; son of Martin and Sarah Cunningham, who came to this county in 1801, making the journey on horseback, our sub- ject being carried in his mother's arms. They remained for a time in Con- neaut Township, and afterward settled in what is now Pine Township, where they lived for several years and finally removed to South Shenango, where they died. They had eleven children, of whom six are now living: Robert, AVilliam F., Eliza, Nancy, Samuel M. and Sarah. The subject of this sketch has been twice married; his first wife was Eachel Collins, by whom he had eleven children, eight now living: William A., James H., Margaret E., Nancy A., Sarah E., Isaac M., Robert A. and Vestine. His present wife was Mrs. Hannah (Ferris) Eeynolds, widow of Samuel Eeynolds. Mr. Cunning- ham has lived since 1824 on his present farm, all of which he has cleared and improved. He has been a noted hunter, having killed over 3,000 deer and many bears and catamounts. He never knew what fear was in hunting expe- ditions, although be has been in several tight places. For a man of his years our subject enjoys good health, though he is now nearly blind. In politics he has always been a Democrat. ALEXANDEE C. ESPY, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in North She- nango Township, this county, November 27, 1824; son of Patterson and Mercy (Freeman) Espy. His paternal grandfather, George Espy, came from Fayette County, Penn. , to this county in 1802, and took up a large tract of land where Espyville now stands, and which derived its name from him. He built the first grist-mill in what is now North Shenango Township, also the first saw- mill; was in the milling business for many years. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Alexander Freeman, a native of New Jersey, and among the first families who settled in Mead Township, this county. At the time of their settlement there were but nine white families in Meadville, and the mother of our subject often played with the Indian children, in her childhood, on the spot where the city of Meadville now stands. Patterson Espy prac- ticed law more or less in his day; he was also a surveyor and farmer, and cleared a part of the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. During the war of 1812 he was engaged in buying cattle for the use of the American Army. He died July 18, 1859, in his seventy-third year, and his widow Jan- uary 26, 1862, in her seventy-fifth year. They had ten children: Phebe S. (now Mrs. Joseph Patton), Maria (now Mrs. John Dickey), Thomas S., Eliza A. (deceased), Eebecca J. (deceased), Permelia P. (now Mrs. Frey, in Iowa), Eosina M. (deceased), Alexander C, Stephen B. (killed at the battle of Chat- tanooga, July 30, 1863), and George W. (deceased). The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native township, where he has always resided. NORTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 907 He was married December 24, 1856, to Sarat M., daughter of James and Nancy (Espy) Espy, of North Shenango Township, this county, by whom h© has had seven children: Eosina (now Mrs. C. J. Mordoff, in Minnesota),. Loema (now Mrs. Albert Collins), Dora' (deceased), Georgie, Clark, Ella and Roy. Mr. Espy and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,, and of the E. A. U. He has served his township as Justice of the Peace two terms and has held several other minor offices. In politics he was reared a Democrat, but is now independent. WILLIAM F. ESPY, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in North She- nango Township, this county, January 3, 1835; son of John and Margaret (Free) Espy. His paternal grandfather, George "W. Espy, came from Fg,yett© County, Penn., to this county, in 1802, locating in Shenango Township, and set- tling where the village of Espyville now stands, and which took its name from him. He took up a tract of 400 acres, part of which he cleared and improved, and here he lived and died. He had eleven children: Nancy, Patterson, Josiah, Thomas, Ann, Richard, Hugh Mc. , David; James, John and Steven- son, all now deceased. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Peter Free,, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., settled in North Shenango Township in 1806, and cleared up a farm, where he lived and died. The children of Johtt Espy were seven in number: Rebecca A. (now Mrs. Thomas Russell), Mary (deceased), Nancy (deceased), Sarah (deceased), William F., James K. and Margaret. The subject of this sketch was reared in North Shenango, and was educated in the common schools. He was married, June 20, 1861, to Helen M., daughter of Lyman and Olive (Gillett) Waring, of Conneaut Township, this, county. The issue of this union was seven children: Harley J. , Olive M.^ George S. , Frank G. , Nora E. , Anna R. (deceased), Winnie B. Mr. Espy resides on the farm where his father settled in 1836, and which was cleared and improved by him. His father died June 1, 1872, at the age of seventy-two years. The widow now resides with our subject. Mr. Espy and wife are- members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been con- nected for many years. In politics he is independent. LEWIS FREEMAN, P. O. Lines ville, was born in Warren County, N. Jl, April 8, 1824, son of Henry and Lydia (Kerr) Freeman. He was reared in his native county and there resided until 1845, when he came to South She- nango Township, this county, remaining one year and working on a farm by the month during summer, and attending school in winter. In 1848 h& returned to New Jersey and lived there until 1856, in which year he located in North Shenango Township, this county, and bought a farm of 215 acres, along- with his brother, J. H. Freeman, with whom he remained one and a half years, when they divided the farm, our subject taking ninety-five acres which, with the exception of forty acres, he still has in his possession. In 1858 our subject rented the farm he now occupies, and in 1860 purchased it. It then comprised 125 acres, but he has since bought land adjoining, and now has a fine farm of 224 acres, part of which he has cleared, and on which he has made all t^e improvements in buildings, etc. Mr. Freeman was twice mar- ried, his first wife being Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Sarah Campbell, by whom he had three children: Clara (deceased), Sarah L. and Dora. His present wife is Phebe A., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Collins) Linn, who settled in North Shenango Township, this county, in 1800. Mr. Freeman and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected President of the Linesville Savings Bank in the fall of 1883; has held several offices in the gift of his township. In politics is ■ a Republican. JOHN HAYS, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in County Donegal, Ire- 908 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: land, September 13, 1824, son of George and Mary (Moffat) Hays, of Scotch and Irish descent. He was reared and educated in his native country, as were his parents before him: he immigrated to America in 1848, remaining in Phila- delphia six months, and then settled in Venango County, Penn., where he cleared and improved a farm and resided until 1864, when he sold his farm, moved to Philadelphia and there lived one year. In 1865 he settled in North Shenango Township, this county, on the farm on which he now resides, of which, at that time, there were but eight acres out of 200 under the plow. Mr. Hays now has 100 acres under a high state of cultivation. He was mar- ried. May 18, 1852, to Nancy, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Starrett) Gregg, natives of Ireland; she immigrated to this country in 1842. By this union there are seven children: William G., George M., Eobert A., Margaret S. (now Mrs. William A. Gregg), Adam M., Henry L. M. and Anna M. Mr. Hays and family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He has served the township as Treasurer two terms. In politics has always been a Republican. WILLIAM HAYS, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, June 8, 1833, son of George and Mary (Moffat) Hays, who immigrated to America in 1850 and located in Venango, Penn., where they died. They were parents of six children: John, Grizzella, Mary (deceased), Mary, Eobert and William. Our subject settled in North Shenango Township in 1865, on the farm where he now resides and most of which he cleared and improved. The farm comprises 146 acres, ninety of which are under a high state of cul- tivation. Mr. Hays was married September 22, 1859, to Rebecca, daughter of Charles and Jane (Hays) Moore, natives of Ireland, and later residents of Armstrong County, Penn. By this union there are five children now living: Grizzella, Charles, Mary, Elizabeth S. and Margaret A. Mr. Hays, his wife and three eldest daughters are members of the TJnited Presbyterian Church. In politics our subject has always been a Republican. J. O. KENT, physician and surgeon, Espyville, was born in Lenox, Ashta- bula Co., Ohio, March 11, 1840, son of Silas and Mary (Brown) Kent His father was a native of Connecticut and settled in Kingsville, Ohio, in 1822. In 1836 he removed to Lenox, Ohio, where he cleared and improved a farm and there lived and died. Mary, his wife, was a daughter of Capt. Charles Brown, a native of England, an old lake Captain well known on the lakes in his day. The subject of this sketch was reared in Lenox, Ohio, and educated in select schools. At the age of twenty-three he read medicine with Dr. W. T. McMurtry, now of Geneva, Ohio; afterward took a course of lectures at the Medical University of Ann Arbor, Mich., and commenced the practice of medi- cine in Espyville in 1867, where, with the exception of three years while located in Rock Creek, Ohio, he has since been in active practice. He was married in 1871 to Mary, daughter of Richard and Nancy Ann (McKay) Free, of South Shenango Township, this county. By this union are three children: Leonore, Clare and Donald. Dr. Kent is now the only practicing physician in North Shenango Township; in politics he is a Republican. NATHAN S. LINN, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in this township, Janu- ary 8, 1819, son of Andrew and Theadate (Buell) Linn. His father was a native of New Jersey, and a son of Alexander Linn, who died in New Jersey, and whose widow, Hannah Linn (wee Armstrong), with a family of five chil- dren, settled in what is now North Shenango Township, this county, in 1800, locating on the farm now divided and owned by Joseph and Joseph A. Linn. The children -of Alexander and Hannah Linn were — John, Polly, Euphemie, Andrew, George and Joseph. Andrew married Theadate, daughter of Ezra NORTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 909 and Dorothy (Sanborn) Buell, of Kinsman Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, by whom he had nine children: Nathan S. ; Minerva, now Mrs. Jacob Martin; Ezra B. ; Sarah L., now Mrs. Jacob Frey; Hannah, now Mrs. John T. Hitch- cock; Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. E. Andrews; Joseph; Maryette, deceased, and Andrew S., deceased. The subject of this sketch was reared in North She- nango Township, where he has always resided, and was educated in the com- mon schools. He was married October 23, 1844, to Rachel, daughter of Aaron H. and Sisson (Fowler) Herriott, and grand- daughter of Sidney Herriott, who settled in North Shenango Township in 1799. By this union there were six children: Cyrus H., Aaron H. (deceased), George A. (deceased), Milton H. (deceased), Charles H. (deceased), and Julian K. Mr. Linn has lived since the spring of 1845 on the farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has served the township as Justice of the Peace two terms; in politics he is a Republican. EEV. KOSCIUSKO McARTHUB, farmer, surveyor and minister, P. O. Espyville, was born November 10, 1812, in South Shenango Township, this county, son of John and Abigail (Allen) McArthur; a native of Ireland, he came to South Shenango Township in November, 1804, and within a year or two afterward located on the farm now owned by his son, the Kev. John J. McArthur, Methodist. This farm he cleared and improved and lived on it until his death, November 10, 1843. He was a good scholar, a man of exten- sive information, and had a valuable collection of books. Abigail, his wife, bom August 21, 1785, was a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Moses and Sarah Allen, one of the first settlers of South Shenango Township; she died June 13, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. John McArthur had eleven children, viz.: Kosciusko; Eebecca (Mrs. James Free), born Januarv 21, 1814; Joseph, born May 16, 1815, died December 31, I860; John J., born January 21, 1817; Moses S., M. D., born April 10, 1819, died November 2, 1876; Jane, now Mrs. Elijah Colins, born February 16, 1821; William, born July 25, 1823, died December 5, 1880; Sarah, born October 5, 1825, died December 10, 1876; Margaret, born November 8, 1827, lived only six weeks; Andrew, born Janu- ary 21, 1829, and Jeremiah P., born January 21, 1831. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in South Shenango and in North Shenango Townships, studied Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French and surveying without the aid of a teacher, and was ordained at Girard, Erie Co., Penn., June 21, 1855. Began the practice of surveying in 1848. He was married September 2, 1834, to Miss Jennette, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gamble) Elliott, of South Shenango Township, and by this union were born four children: Mary, now Mrs. William J. Dickey; John E. ; Abigail, now IVIrs. Thomas McAdoo, and Caroline, now Mrs. William Dennington. K. McArthur has lived on the farm on which he now resides, in North Shenango, since his marriage. Jennette, his wife, was born February 8, 1811, died August 13, 1872. He has practiced surfeying since 1848, in connection with the farm and the ministry. In relig- ious belief he is a Universalist, with which denomination, as a minister, he has been connected since 1855. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Held the oflSce of County Auditor three years; was at different times School Director, and taught school in the winters from 1834 to 1869. In politics he is a Democrat and a strong advocate of temperance. EGBERT S. McKAY, farmer, P. 'O. Espyville, was born in Eandolph Township, this county, May 30, 1824, son of Joseph and Mary (Gilliland) McKay, who settled in Randolph Township, this county, about 1814, locating on the farm now owned and occupied by Neal McKay, and which they cleared 910 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and improved. Joseph, who was ii son of Neal McKay, a native of Scotland, an early settler of Randolph Township and later of Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., died in 1827; his wife was a daughter of Hugh Gilliland, formerly of Fayette County, and an early settler of Conneaut Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McKay had seven children: Hugh G. ; Neai ; Nancy, deceased; James, deceased; Eliza, deceased; Robert S. ; Angeline, deceased. Our sub- ject was reared in Randolph Township, this county, until thirteen years of age, when he was thrown on his own resources. For one year he worked in a tan-yard, and then in a carding-mill in Conneaut Township, this county, until twenty-six years of age. In 1848 he settled in North Sfaenango Township, on his present farm, part of which he cleared and fenced, and on which he made all the improvements in buildings, etc. He was married September 16, 1845, to Susan, daughter of John and Catherine (Brown) Garrison, of' Piae Town- ship, this county, by whom he had seven children: Helen J., now Mrs. H. Fonner; John S., Joseph O., Kate A.,Myrtie E., Boyd and Nell G. Mr. and Mrs. McKay are members of the United Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected since 1859, and in which he is an Elder. Our subject was appointed Mercantile Appraiser by the County Commissioners in 1862, serving in that capacity one year; he has held nearly all the offices in the gift of the township. In politics he is a stanch Republican; a strong advocate •of prohibition. JOSEPH McNUTT, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, October 17, 1826, son of David and Elizabeth (Burns) McNutt, who immigrated to America in 1832, and purchased a farm where the city of Buifalo now stands, and ■^vhere they resided two years. In 1834 they came to this county and lived on a rented farm in South Shenango Township one season, and then removed to what is now Summit Township, and purchased a farm of 100 acres, which they cleared and improved; there they lived and died. They iiad seven children: Hannah, now Mrs. Samuel Morrow; James, deceased; William; Jane, now Mrs. James Hays; Elizabeth, deceased; Joseph; and Mary A., deceased. The subject of this sketch resided in Summit Township from 1834 until his settlement, in 1866, on his present farm (part of which he has improved) in North Shenango Township. He was married December 5, 1851, to Anna J. , daughter of William and Mary (Thompson) Caldwell, of County Antrim, Ireland. The issue of this union was six children: John B. , Emma, William C. (deceased), Albert E., Mary (deceased) and Francis. Mr. and Mrs. McNutt are members of the United Presbyterian Church of North Shenango, in which he has been an Elder for several years. He has held nearly all the offices in the gift of his township. In politics he is a Democrat. E. P. MERRITT, farmer and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Espy ville, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., August 24, 1832, son of James and Anna (Miller) Merritt, natives of Chautauqua County, N. Y., who settled in Conneaut Town- ship, this county, in 1833, where they cleared and improved a farm and lived until the father died, June 5, 1855. The mother, who is now living with 'her children, was ninety years old April 24, 1884. They were parents of ten chil- dren; William, Ransom, Jane (now Mrs. William Runnells), Thaddeus, Perses ^now Mrs. Lukecook), Enos, Elsa A. (deceased), Eliphalet P., Melinda (deceased) and Margaret (late Mrs. Samuel Winings, deceased). Our sub- ject was reared in Conneaut Township, this county, and educated in the com- mon schools and the Kingsville and Austinburg Academies. He was married September 15, 1861, to Laura A., daughter of Charles and Cena (Delamater) Lester, of Richmond Township, this county, and graud-daughter of Benjamin Delamater, formerly of Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., at Hatch Hill, NORTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 911 about four miles from the village. By this union there were two children: •James and Edie, both deceased. Mr. Merritt resided in Conneaut Township until 1863; was a resident eight years of Richmond Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where he carried on a general store, and was Postmaster for two years. During three yeai's of his residence there he was Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Scoville. Mr. Merritt was a soldier of the war of the Rebellion, a private in Capt. Cromell's Company G, One Hundred and Fifth Regiment Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry; was taken prisoner of war and paroled. His parole ticket reads as follows : " Headquarters Army of Kentucky. Lexington, September 5, 1862. I, E. P.Merritt, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio, Company G., a pris- oner of war, captured by the Confederate forces under Maj.-Gen. S. Kirby Smith, having this day paroled, do solemnlj- swear that I will not take up arms against the Confederate States of America until duly exchanged, and that I will not communicate any military information to the enemies of the Confederate States, which I may obtain while in their lines. The penalty for the violation of this parole is death. (Official) N. T. Roberts, Captain and Pro- vost Marshal." He was honorably discharged from the service of the United States the 22d day of April, 1863, at Columbus, Ohio. April 1, 1871, he located in North Shenango Township, this county, where he has been princi- pally engaged in farming, buying hides, pelts, furs, etc. He was elected Justice of the Peace for the township in 1881; in politics he is a stanch Republican. WILLIAM PATTERSON, farmer, P. O. Hartstown, was born in Alle- gheny County, Penn., April 4, 1814, son of William and Sarah (Stewart) Patterson, who settled in North Shenango Township, this county, in 1832. They located on the farm now owned by Thomas Patterson, part of which they cleared and improved, and there lived and died. The paternal grand- father of our subject was James Patterson, and his maternal grandfather was John Stewart, an early settler of North Shenango Township, and who later removed to South Shenango Township, where he died. He was a soldier of the Revolution, enlisting when but seventeen years of age; was taken prisoner and kept in confinement till the close of the war, six months on board ship; ■during his incarceration, he averred, he was fed on ground glass, and he always after held everything British in utmost contempt. When released he was so weak from ill treatment that he could hardly stand. He was paid in -Continental money, which was good for nothing. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, Sr., had nine children: John, James (deceased), William, Thomas, Nancy (now Mrs. Joseph Henry), Mary K. (deceased), Joseph Stewart (deceased), Elijah Finney (deceased), and an infant (deceased). The subject of this sketch settled in 1845 on the farm where he now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved. He was married January 9, 1845, to Eleanor A., daughter of Hugh and Nancy (McWilliams) Blair, of North Shenango Township, this county, by whom he had three children: Nancy L., William O. and Hugh L., all deceased within two weeks, in 1853, of typhoid dysentery. Mr. Patterson and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Hartstown, in which he has been an Elder upward of thirty years. In the days of the militia he was Captain in Republican Green's Volunteer Company. In poli- tics he is a Democrat. JOHN W. SIMONS, farmer and stock- dealer, P. O. Espyville, was born in Bedford County, Penn., February 19, 1827, son of John and Rebecca (Williams) Simons, both natives of Bedford County, Penn., who removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1833 located in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and there lived and died. The subject of this sketch located in North 912 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Shenango Township, this county, in 1862 on the farm where he now resides, and which he purchased of his father-in-law, Joseph Robinson, who settled there in 1837, and cleared and improved it; he was formerly from Wethers- field, N. Y. ; his wife was Abigail Strong, of the same place. They had eight children: Palmyra (deceased), Warren, Charles, Nelson (deceased), George (deceased), James (deceased), Adelia and George. Our subject was married to Adelia Eobinson, June 22, 1854, by whom he has four children: Mary E., Charles M., Minnie A. and Joseph. Mr. Simons has been engaged in buying and selling stock for many years. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a P. & A. M. , a member of the A. O. U. W. and the E. A. U. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES STEWART, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in North She- nango Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, December 4, 1830, son of John and Sarah (Wilson) Stewart, who settled in North Shenango Township about 1828, locating on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, and part of which they cleared and improved. John was a son of John and Mary (Robertson) Stewart, former a native of Paxton Township, Dauphin Co. , Penn. At the breaking out of the war of the Revolution he enlisted in the Continental Army at the age of seventeen; was captured by the British seven days after, and kept a prisoner until the close of the war. He settled in North Shenango Township, this county, with his son John, where he resided until his death. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Hugh Wilson, who was among the early settlers of North Shenango Township. He was a son of Hugh Wilson, and both were nativos of Lancaster County, Penn. The children of John and Sarah (Wilson) Stewart numbered ten : James, Hannah (now Mrs. J. H. Freeman), Hugh E. , John, Mary (now Mrs. W. P. Bennett), Sarah, Allen W., William P., Andrew T. and Miranda E. (now Mrs. M. Trace). The subject of this sketch was reared in North Shenango Town- ship, this county; received a limited education in the common schools and has always resided on the old homestead. He was married February 27, 1861, to Elizabeth A., daughter of James and Sarah (Fletcher) Blair, of West Fallow- field Township, this county. By -this union there are two children: Clement E. and Fred. Mr. Stewart was Postmaster of Stewartsville for sixteen years. In politics he is a Democrat. NATHAN W. WOLVEETON, farmer, P. O. Espyville, was born in Warren County, N. J., February 3, 1824, and is a son of Peter and Anna (Quick) Wolverton, both natives of 'New Jersey and of Holland descent. When twelve years of age our subject moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, with his mother. In 1854 he settled in North Shenango Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides and on which he has made all the improvements. He was married April 6, 1854, to Melissa E., daughter of Charles and Sarah J. (Deforest) Campbell, of North Shenango Township, this county, by whom he has had five children : Calvin K., Hiram E., Charles C. (deceased), Sarah J., and Ralph T. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been Steward upward of twenty-five years. He is a representative farmer and worthy citizen; has held several offices in the gift of the township; in politics he is a Republican. OIL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 913 OIL CREEK TOWNSHIP. ELISHA AEOHEE, farmer, P. O. Hydetown, was born February 23, 1835, in Plum Township, Venango Co., Penn. His parents, John G. and Susanna (Wilson) Archer, settled in Troy Township, this county, in 1857, and there cleared up and improved a fine farm of 120 acres, where they resided until their deaths; former died in 1870, latter in 1869. They were upright, industrious people and won the highest respect of all who knew them. Mr. Archer was a helpless cripple from the effects of rheumatism during the last thirty years of his life. Their children were William; John (deceased); Alvin (deceased); Elisha; James, of Troy Township, this county; Samuel, of Venango County, Penn. ; Eobert, a soldier in the Fourteenth Eegiment United States Infantry, who died October 9, 1862, at Little York, Penn., and George. Our subject was very kind in his care and attention to his aged parents. He mar- ried Miss Eebecca Proper, of Venango County, September 22, 1859, and they then settled where they now live. Here by industry they have acquired and improved a good home of eighty-five acres adjoining Hydetown Borough. Their children were Ida, Lizzie, Elmer (deceased), Clarinda, Hattie (deceased), and Ernest. Mr. Archer has served his township in various positions; is at present Collector of Taxes. He and his worthy wife are Methodists. In poli- tics he is a Republican. GEOEGE C. BARTLETT, farmer, P. O. Hydetown, was bom October 4, 1825, in Oneida County, N. Y. His parents, Horace and Clarissa (Seward) Bartletfc, natives of New Haven County) Conn., passed their active life in Oneida County, N. Y. , where the latter died in 1851. Horace Bartlett died in 1881, while residing with his son here. He was respected and beloved by all who knew him for his many noble qualities. Our subject, in September, 1851, married Miss Mary A. Denison, of Essex, Conn. , born November 5, 1824, daughter of Eobert Fordyce and Fannie Maria (Griswold) Denison. To this union have been born four children: Helen M., wife of B. F. Edwards, of Titusville; Mary G., wife of William Edwards, of Titusville; George F. and Carrie D. After living on a farm in Oneida County ten years, they came to Titusville, this county, in 1861, and there Mr. Bartlett engaged in developing oil territory and refining oil, being proprietor of the Sunshine Oil Works. In 1876 he purchased his present farm of 300 acres, in the Borough of Hydetown, and located here in 1878, retiring permanently from the oil business. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett and their entire family are consistent members of the Presbyte- rian Church in Titusville. Mr. Bartlett was largely instrumental in the suc- cessful establishment of the church and the building of their present hand- some church edifice. They also take a deep interest in the cause of educa- tion, and have given their children good advantages. GAREETT A. CONOVEE, mason and carpenter, P. O. Titusville, was born December 2, 1828, in Essex County, N. J. His parents, David and Sallie (Everett) Conover, of New Jersey, came to Oil Creek Township, this county, in 1832, where the latter died in 1835, after which Mr. Conover returned to New Jersey, where he now lives. Our subject remained in this county with his uncle, William Kerr, and here he married, December 4, 1851, Miss Mary Ann McLaughlin, born January 14, 1835, at Kerr's Hill. Her grandfather. 914 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: James McLaughlin, a native [of Ireland, settled in Rome Township, this county, in 1800, and there died at the age of one hundred and four years. Her father, John McLaughlin, married Susan Kerr. They settled at Kerr's Hill, where they resided until their deaths. Our subject and wife then settled at Kerr's HilJ, where Mr. Conover has ever since followed his occupation as carpenter and joiner and stone mason. Their children are — Mrs. Susan E. Mars, Samuel M., Mrs. Ida Crawford, Howard, Hattie J., Willie and G-arrie B. Mr. Conover has served his township in almost all the offices, holding several from two to four terms each, and has always discharged his duties faithfully, and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He and his worthy wife are consistent mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has for many years been an Elder. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES W. CRAWFORD, miller, P. O. Titusville, was born November 20, 1829, in that part of Trumbull County, Ohio, now known as Mahoning County. His parents, William and Ann (Wilson) Crawford, both died there in 3881, aged ninety-two and eighty- six years respectively. Our subject married Miss Sylvina Dunlap, October 13, 1852, and to this union were born seven children: Thalia, Mrs. Celicia Alcom, Mrs. Lucy Ann Tefft, Gemella, James Albert, Ben- ton and Mabel. He followed the carpenter's trade most of his life; moved to Oil Creek Township, this county, in 1870. In 1884 he became a partner in the Roseburg Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics he is an earnest Prohibitionist. JOHN GILSON (deceased) was a native of Maryland, and was brought up in Bedford County, Penn. His father, William Gilson, a native of En- gland, was an American soldier in the Revolution. He married Alice Shirley, and they and their nine children settled in Oil Creek Township, this county, where Mr. Gilson, Sr. , died in 1807. His widow died in 1844 in her ninety- sixth year. Our subject started on foot from Bedford County, Penn., for the lake region in 1799. He reached Oil Creek in December, and was crippled while cutting down a tree to cross the swollen stream near Centreville. This laid him up through the winter, and determined his course in staying. Returning in the spring to Bedford County, he married Anna Bell, and they came here on foot, settling permanently in 1800. They took up six tracts of land and retained one of 400 acres for themselves. They lived the lives of upright pioneers, and left an honorable name to posterity. Of their thirteen children, six are now living, viz.: Charles B., Thomas, Richard B., Mrs. Elizabeth Early, Mrs. Ann Navy, and John B. THOMAS GILSON, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born July 4, 1811. He married Miss Elizabeth C. McLaughlin, September 21, 1848. They then settled on their farm and began clearing and improving it. Their children are Mrs. Lucy Ann Reynolds, Mrs. Hannah J. Reynolds, Mrs. Marietta Goodrich, and Mrs. Delilah Wheattall. Mr. Gilson is an earnest and life-long Democrat. CHARLES B. GILSON, farmer and mechanic, P. O. Titusville, was born March 29, 1807, in Oil Creek Township, this county. While a young man he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner under T. H. Hoskins, working in Forest, Crawford, Erie, Venango and other counties adjoining. He married Miss Marietta Moore, of Venango County, December 1, 1836. After living in Titusville some years (their property being where tie Oil Exchange now stands), they moved to their present place in the township, where they have ever since resided. Their children are Edward L., Mrs. Priscilla Shaw (deceased), Samuel, Mrs. Melissa Jane Stackpole, Leonard, and Dr. Willis O., of Spring Creek Station, Warren Co., Penn. Mr. Gilson has done a great deal OIL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 915 of work through this country as a millwright, being known as a first-class mechanic and always commanding the highest positions. He is a Greenbacker ; formerly a Democrat; voted first for Andrew Jackson. JOHN B. GILSON, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born September 6, 1825, on the farm where he now resides, in Oil Creek Township, this county; son oi John and Anna (Bell) Gilson (see sketch of John Gilson). He married, December 25, 1853, Miss Nancy Early, of Eome Township, this county, a native of Vermont, born December 20, 1837, daughter of James and Hannah (Bradford) Early, early settlers of Eome Township. To this union were born three children: Mrs. Ida Victoria Kerr, Willard J. and Cyrus J. They also brought up Charles James Early, son of Thomas Early (deceased). After their marriage our subject and wife took care of Mr. and Mrs. John Gilson (our subject's parents) until their deaths, and they now occupy the old homestead. By industry and good management they have added to it until they now own a farm of 175 acres of well-improved land, besides ninety acres they have recently bought. In politics Mr. Gilson is a Democrat. WILLIAM KELLY (deceased) was a native of County Derry, Ireland, and came to America in 1819, settling in Oil Creek Township, this county, in 1823. He married Miss Mary Mclntyre in 1822. She was born in this town- ship in December, 1802. Her parents, John and Hannah Mclntyre, were natives of Ireland, and came here from Mifflin County, Penn., in 1798. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kelly settled on the farm near Titusville, Penn. Their children are — John, in Erie, Penn. ; James, in Home Township, this •county; Hannah; Oliver; Mary; Mrs. Susan Newton, in Fredonia, N. Y. ; and Mrs. Isabel Gee. This family has contributed quite largely to the ranks of the profession of teaching, as all except Oliver have been engaged in that occu- pation. Mr. Kelly died February 4, 1861. His widow now resides on the family homestead with her daughters, Hannah and Mary, and son, Oliver. ANDREW KERR, retired farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born April 8,1807, in Oil Creek Township, this county. His father, James Kerr, a native of Ire- land, came to America at ten years of age. He married Miss Margery Alcorn, ■also a native of Ireland, They moved from Frankstown, Penn. , to Oil Creek Township about 1800. James Kerr died in 1842; his widow in 1866, aged eighty- six. They were noble pioneers and rendered valuable service in the settlement of this county. Our subject married Anna Shelmadine in 1836. She died in 1841, leaving four children: John Wesley; James Henry, a soldier of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va. ; William Jasper and Mrs. Anna Kitlinger. Mr. Kerr next married, in 1843, Anna Baldwin, a native of Oil Creek Township, this county, born in 1825, 'daughter of Daniel and Roxanna Baldwin. Their chil- dren were — Hannah fdeceased), Mrs. Juline Bates, Mrs. Perrilla Hummer, Dan- iel West, Mrs. Emma Carroll, Andrew T. (deceased), Mrs. Mary L. Sodiman Wid Cassius. Mr. Kerr has divided his land liberally among his sons, and has still 200 acres of fine land left. In his quiet old age be is deprived entirely of his eye-sight. He and his worthy wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican. ANDREW A. KERR, farmer, P. O. Gresham, was born in August, 1812, in Oil Creek Township, this county. His parents, Andrew and Nancy (Mars) Kerr, natives of Ireland, came from Lancaster County, Penn., in 180l. Here they endured the hardships incident to pioneer life, and cleared up and devel- oped a farm. Their children were — Jane, Mrs. Margaret McGinnett, Mary Ann, Samuel, Mrs. Nancy Root, William, Mrs. Sarah Ashton, Mrs. Susan McGlaughlin and Andrew A., all deceased except William and Andrew A. Our 916 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: subject married Miss Mary Mars, of Mercer County, Penn., January 14, 1840, and they then settled where they now live, and developed a comfortable home. Their children were — William, of Crawford County, Andrew, Jr., of Vinton, Benton Co., Iowa; Mrs. Nancy Mars; Mrs. Mary Jane Mack, of Indiana County, Penn. ; Isabel, (deceased); James A. (deceased); Susan and Samuel B. Mrs. Kerr died March 8, 1867. She was an earnest Christian, and her loss was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Kerr and his entire family are con- sistent members of the United Presbyterian Church, and he has been a mem- ber of its session since he united with that denomination in 1859. He is an enthusiastic Prohibitionist; one of the worthy and representative citizens of Oil Creek Township. SILAS KERR, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Titusville, was born April 9, 1824, in Oil Creek Township, this county. His father, David Kerr, whose parents emigrated from County Tyrone, Ireland, was born in Prankstown, Penn., and came to this county soon after with his parents. Here, having lived the life of a pioneer's son in the new county, he married Miss Esther Shelma- dine. He died in 1833, leaving five children: Silas, Mrs. Jane Tubbs, Mary (deceased), Robert R., and Mrs. Susan Tubbs (deceased). Mrs. Kerr died June 6, 1874. Our subject married Miss Mary Tubbs, July 1, 1847, and they have remained in Oil Creek Township, this county, ever since, with the exception of a few years spent lumbering in adjoining townships in Warren County. In about 1871 they located on their present farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have been born eight children: Mrs. Esther A. Whitford, Mrs. LinaEish (deceased), David T. , Mrs. Mary Perkins, Gary, and Ina, and two infants (deceased). Mr. Kerr now owns property to the amount of 900 acres besides extensive lumber mill interests. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES M. KERR,miller,P.O. Titusville, was born December 26, 1844, in Oil Creek Township, this county; son of David Kerr. He married Miss Fannie M. Homer, of Rome Township, this county, in May, 1871. She died August 22, 1878, leaving one daughter — Lena M. Mr. Kerr afterward married Miss Eva L. Brooks, January 1, 1880. She was born in Warren County, Penn., and is a daughter of Henry Brooks. They have two children: Edna M. and Lina. Our subject has been engaged in farming most of his life. In the spring of 1878 he and his two brothers, Lynn H. and La Fayette J., purchased the old Thompson mill site on Thompson Run in Oil Creek Township, this county, and built a large flour and general custom mill with three run of buhrs. In 1881 our subject purchased his brothers interest and has since been carrying on the business on his own account. He has succeeded in making an excellent repu- tation for the mill and is building up a large custom. Mr. Kerr has served his township as Supervisor and School Director, positions he is now holding. He is a man of first-class business principles. In politics is a Republican. ALBERT B. KERR, miller and millwright, P.O. Titusville, was born August 16, 1855, in Kerr's Hill, Oil Creek Township, this county. His father, William Kerr, one of the oldest pioneers of the township, and a son of Andrew Kerr, is also a native of this township. Here he married Miss Catherine Conover, and settled where he now lives. Their children are — Mrs. Sai-ah Ann St. Clair, of Iowa, Andrew M., George C, Garrett B., William H., John N., Mrs. Ophelia Alcorn, of Iowa, and Albert B. Mrs. Kerr died in 1877. Mr. Kerr survives her at the advanced age of eighty-two and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the township. Albert B. married Miss Maggie J. Mack, April 20, 1881. They have two sons: Arthur N. and Stanley A. In Febru- ary, 1884, a partnership was formed consisting of Albert B. Kerr, GaiTett B. Kerr, Hugh Jamison and James W. Crawford, for the purpose of carrying on a OIL CKEEK TOWNSHIP. , 917 mill near TituBville on the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Kailroad. They erected a new building and fitted it up with machinery. The mill was opened in May, and by strict attention to business principles they are building up a large and flourishing custom. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. He is an earnest supporter of the Prohibition party, and at the County Convention in April, 1884, was nominated as their candi- date for Prothonotary. Garrett B, Kerr was born July 4, 1844, and married Miss Emma Kerr, April 30, 1871. Their children are — LydiaL., Frederick C. and Kate. ROBEET LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born July 18, 1813, in Oil Creek Township, this county. His grandparents, John and Elizabeth Lewis, of Ireland, came to this county in about 1800, and after living here several years moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Their son, Robert, remained here and married Miss Jane Curry, daughter of one of the early pioneers of this township. He died in January, 1813, and his only son Robert (our subject) was born in July following. Mrs. Lewis afterward married William Wilson, of Venango County. Our subject married Miss Sallie Breed, March 14, 1839. They then settled where they now reside, and here by industry and good man- agement they have acquired a fine farm of 100 acres of well-improved land. Their children were — Mary, William W., Charles Hai-vey (deceased), John H., and Freelie M. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are consistent members of the Presby- terian Church. He is a man of upright integrity and a citizen of recognized influence in the community. In politics a life- long Democrat. BENJAMIN MARS, farmer, P. O. Gresham, was born June 5, 1822, in Lawrence County, Penn. His father, William Mars, a native of Ireland, immi- grated to America while a young man, and after living some time in Franks- town, Penn., finally settled in Lawrence County with his brothers and sisters, in about 1802, and there he married Miss Nancy Alexander. They developed a fine farm, now owned by their son John J. Mr. Mars was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject, who is the third of their four sons, came to this township in 1844 and followed his trade as carpenter and developed his farm. Here he married, March 10, 1846, Miss Isabel McGinnett, who died February 17, 1852, leaving two sons: William, deceased January 4, 1882, and John Alexander, deceased November 28, 1855. Mr. Mars afterward married, October 19, 1854, Miss Rebecca Breed, daughter of John Breed, a native of Connecticut, and settler of Venango County. Their children were — John Andrew, Mary Edith (deceased January 22, 1866), and Adelaide. Mr. and Mrs. Mars are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. By industry and good management he has acquired a comfortable and pleasant home. Mr. Mars is one of the leading and representative farmers of Oil Creek Township. In politics he is a life-long Republican. OAPT. ALANSON H. NELSON, Justice of the Peace, Hydetown, was born April 22, 1828, in Tompkins County, N. Y., and moved to Chautauqua County, same State, at four years of age. His father, William Nelson, enlisted in the Regular Army and was killed in the Seminole war. Our subject came to Oil Creek Township, this county, at seventeen years of age, and spent about nine years lumbering. He married Miss Electa Strong, of Chautauqua County, N. Y., November 8, 1849. In 1855 he sold out his interest in the lumbering mill and bought a farm near the eastern border of this township. Our subject enlisted August 1, 1861, in the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, leaving his wife and seven small children. He, with Capt. Chase, organized Company K, to the number of thirty men, by whom he was elected First Lieutenant. When they reached Harrisburg, Penn., he was 918 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: chosen to return and make up the remainder of the company, which he did, enlisting fifty-five more men. The company was assigned to the Army of th& Potomac. At the death of Capt. Chase our subject was promoted to the com- mand, June 17, 1862. He led his company through seventeen of the hard- fought and historic battles of the Virginia campaigns. In the absence of the field officers Capt. Nelson, beiiig the senior Captain, took command of the regiment for a period of eighteen months. He received his discharge in November, 1864, leaving an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier. Since returning home he has devoted himself as actively to the pursuits of civil life and the care of his family. Mr. Nelson was one of the organizers of the Eepublican party in this county, but in 1872 he joined the Liberals and voted for Horace Greeley, and in 1874 he joined and commenced the active work of organizing the Greenback party. He was elected Justice of the Peace in February, 1882, in Hydetown Borough, where he was located in April, 1881. He has served in the same office two terms in Oil Creek Township. Seven of Capt. Nelson's nine children are now Jiving, viz. : William, in Smith County. Kan. ; Mrs. Norah Keefer, Hornellsville, N. Y. ; Mrs. Lucy Jones-, John ; Dr. Charles E. ; Mary and Frank. JOHN PASTORIUS, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born November 9, 1828, in Centre County, Penn. His father, Abram Pastorius, married Martha Boal. He made a trip to this county as early as 1801, on a visit to his two elder brothers, who were early settlers here. He went back and brought a yoke of oxen for his brothers' use on the farm, and returned to Centre County on foot. His ancestors, referred to in Whittier's poems, were among the first settlers of Germantown, Penn. Abram Pastorius and his wife, Martha, settled in Oil Creek Township, this county, in 1838. Of their six children, four are now living: William, James, Mrs. Jane Robison and John. Mrs. Pastorius died in 1843, Mr. Pastorius in 1871, aged eighty-four years. Our subject, after obtaining a common school education, took a short course in Allegheny Col- lege. He married Catherine J. Peebles, June 21, 1855. She was born in Juniata County, Penn., in 1835, and was brought to this county in 1837 by her parents, James and Margaret Peebles. Their children are — Mrs. Martha J. Lewis, Margaret O. and James B. Our subject and wife have given their son a good farm as a start in life, and have still a fine farm of 160 acres left. Mr^ Pas- torius has served the township in most of its offices, always fulfilling his duties faithfully and to the satisfaction of the people. He is a man of strict integ- rity, and is highly respected by the entire community. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN SW ANSON, miller, Hydetown, is a native oE Jankoping, Sweden, born April 12, 1834, and with his wife came to America in 1871, locating in Titusville, this county. Here, while learning our language and customs, he worked at the carpenter's trade for two years. Having acquired the trade of miller in his native country, he rented Thompson's Mill in Oil Creek Town- ship, this county, which he operated for about five years. In 1880 he, in part- nership with P. A. Forsblom, of Titusville. purchased a mill site of Charles Hyde, and erected the Hydetown Mills. This they have fitted up with first- class machinery, costing them in all upward of $12,000. Mr. Swanson has personal charge of the mills. By his excellent work and polite treatment of his patrons he has built up a good reputation for the mills, and a large custom. January 18, 1858, he was married to Elizabeth Munson, by whom he has two children: William and Emily. The family belongs to the Swedish Lutheran Church, Titusville. Mr. Swanson is a business man of strict integrity, and as a citizen is respected by the entire community. PINE TOWNSHIP. 919 PINE TOWNSHIP. SILAS C. BISHOP, farmer, P. O. Linesville,^,waB born in Pine Township, this county, April 3, 1819, and is a son of Abram and Phebe (Maxwell) Bishop, who came from New Jersey, and located in this county about 1812; about 1816-17 tJiey settled on the farm now owned by Eufus Bishop, which they cleared and improved, and there lived and died. They reared a large family, ten of whom grew to maturity: William P. (deceased), Eliza A. (deceased), Stephen M., John M., Francis, Silas C. Daniel, Eufus, Ephraim and Maria. The subject of this sketch has always resided in Pine Township; was married December 22, 1838, to Rachel, daughter of William Meeker, of this township, by whom he has four children: Sylvester; Clarissa, Mrs. James Garwood; Caroline, Mrs. Alfred Red; and Evaline, Mrs. Dillon P. Bright. Mr. Bishop has resided on his present farm about thirty- eight years, and has made all the improvements. He has held various ofiQces in the township. In politics he has always been a Republican, and a strict advocate of temperance principles. EXJEUS BISHOP, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in what is now Pine Township, this county, February 8, 1824, and is a son of Abram and Phebe (Maxwell) Bishop, natives of New Jersey, and among the first settlers of Con- neaut Township, and later of Pine Township, this county, where they cleared and improved the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. Abram was a son of James and Susan'Bishop, of New Jersey, and early settlers in what is now Summit Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Abram Bishop had thir- teen children, of whom eight are now living. The subject of this sketch has always resided on the old homestead. He was married January 24, 1850, to Julia Ann, daughter of John and Anna (Hill) Garwood, of Sadsbury Township, this county. The issue of this union was five children: Sarah A. (Mrs. George- Souders), Martin (deceased), Calvin L., Melissa J. and Martha E. Mr. Bishop has held several township offices. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM C. BURT, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in Fowler, Trumbull Co., Ohio, April 8, 1831; son of Alva and Cornelia (Colts) Burt, natives of Genesee County, N. Y. , and who were among the pioneers of Trum- bull County. Our subject was reared in Ashtabula County, and received a limited education in the common schools of Andover, that county. At the age of sixteen years he went on the lakes, and followed sailing one year, and at the age of seventeen purchased a farm of sixty acres in Richmond Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, which he paid for in six years, working at month's wages. When twenty years of age he commenced lumbering in different sections of the country, which he followed up to 1866 for others, and then located in Pine Township, this county, purchased the farm where he now resides and embarked in the lumber business for himself, which he followed ten years. Since 1876 he has been principally engaged in farming. He cleared and improved his farm himself, lost a fine residence by fire in 1875 and rebuilt in 1876. His farm comprises 120 acres, about 100 of which are improved. Our subject was married in 1855, to Augusta, daughter of Alonzo and Priscilla (Prescott) Moulton, of Conneautville. His wife is a native of Maine. They have one child — Dorcas. Mr. Burt is an A. Y. M. He has held several offices. in the gift of the township. In politics he is independent. 920 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: "WILLIAM E. DENNIS, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born' in Pine Township, this county, December 31, 1844; son of Aaron and Betsy (Meeker) Dennis. His father came from the eastern part of the State and located in Pine Township about 1834. His mother was a daughter of William Meeker, who settled in Pine Township in 1819, and with three brothers — Moses, John and Joseph — located on the farm a part of which is now owned by John Gaff- ney, where they manufactured brick for several years. William Meeker later settled on the farm now occupied by the widow of his son, Smith Meeker, and lived there until his death. Aaron Dennis, the father of our subject, was twice married. His first wife was Betsy Meeker, by whom he had eleven children: William E., S. P. , Polly J. (Mrs. James Culver), Almira (Mrs. Andrew Jack- son), C. C, A. T., Emily (Mrs. George Adsit), Mary (Mrs. S. E. Clark), Harriet (Mrs. D. A. Herring), John and Carrie. His second wife was Mrs. Lucy (Flick) Wrightnour, by whom h© had four children: Nancy (Mrs. Charles D. Brown), Jonah, Charlie and Maggie. The subject of this sketch was reared in Pine Township and received a limited education in the common schools. He served in the late war of the Rebellion, being drafted for nine months, and went with Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry; was on guard duty most of the time, and was honor- ably discharged at the expiration of his term. He was married September 30, 1873, to Lucy, daughterjof John and Amanda (Smith) Bea, of Pine Township, this county. He located on the farm where he now resides in 1870, most of which he cleared and stumped himself and made all improvements in buildings, etc., and has now one of the best producing farms in the township. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the G. A. E. ; has always been a Republican in politics and a strong advocate of prohibition. JACOB FEEY. farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, September 18, 1806, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Baum- gartner) Frey, both natives of Lancaster County, and of German descent, who settled in this county in 1800, locating in Conneaut Township, where they cleared and improved a farm and there lived and died. They had sixteen children: Catherine, John, Betsey, Polly, Barbara, Nancy, Martha, David, Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, Henry, Enoch, George, Simeon and an infant, all deceased but Samuel, Jacob, George and Simeon. The subject of this sketch was reared in Conneaut Township, this county, and resided here up to 1867, when he purchased the farm in Pine Township where he now resides, a part of which he has improved. The farm comprises 200 acres, about sixty of which are under good cultivation. The subject of this sketch has been twice married. His first wife was Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Payton) Gilliland, of Conneaut Township, this county, by whom he had five children: Mary, Amos (deceased), Benjamin J., Louisa R. (now Mrs. Smith Line), and Alinda E. (now Mrs. William M. Shaw). His present wife is Sarah L., daughter of Andrew and Theodate (Buell) Linn, of North Shenango Township, this county, by whom he has had five children: Arista B. (deceased), Caroline T. (now Mrs. William L. Wildrick), Henry, Nervie, and Buell L. (deceased). Mr. Prey is one of the substantial farmers of Pine Township. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been connected for many years. He has held several offices in the gift of Conneaut and Pine Townships; in politics he is a Prohibitionist. MYRON HENDRICK, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in New Hamp- shire, February 12, 1841, and is a son of Otis M. and Lucy (Alden) Hen- drick, who settled in Pine Township, this county, in 1852, locating on the PINE TOWNSHIP. 921 farm now owned by E. Seel ye, Esq., which was one of the oldest settled in the township, though, at the time they located on it, it was all over-run with underbrush, which they had to clear off, and in the course of time had to make all necessary improvements, such as fencing, putting up new buildings, etc. They resided there until 1864, when they purchased another farm in the neighborhood. Otis M. Hendrick died in 1873 at the age of sixty-nine, on the farm now owned by C. E. Hendrick. He was a native of Wilbraham, Mass. His wife is a native of Connecticut, and still survives him. He had five children: Orlando B. (deceased), Myron, Otis N. (killed near Richmond in the late war of the Eebellion), Lucy (now Mrs. Frank H. Potter), and Carlos R. The subject of this sketch was married July 2, 1868, to Eliza, daughter of Obed and Margaret (Gilliland) Garwood, of Conneaut Township, this county, by whom he has three children: Harry H., Blanche and M. Park. Mr. Hendrick has lived on the farm where he now resides since 1868; is one of the thorough-going farmers of Pine Township; he has held nearly all the offices in the gift of his township, and is now serving his second term as Jus- tice of the Peace. The last time he was elected, he received every vote cast in the township, and had more votes than any other officer that was voted for. In politics he was a Democrat, but now is a Prohibitionist. B. O. IKONS, Postmaster at Linesville, was born in Conneaut Township, this county, February 24, 1824, son of George and Rachel L. (Lane) Irons, who settled in Conneaut Township, this county, in 1816, on the farm now owned by W. H. Bradt, which they cleared and improved and where they lived and died. George Irons was a native of New York City, a son of Capt. John Irons, a native of Holland and an old sea Captain, who was drowned in New York harbor. Rachel L. , the wife of George, was a native of New Jer- sey, and a daughter of James and Susan (Keats) Bishop, who settled in what is now Summit Township, this county, in 1816. George Irons had nine chil- dren, of whom three died in infancy, and six grew to maturity, viz. : Martha A., now Mrs. J. V. Ladner; Mary E., afterward Mrs, S. L. Curtis, deceased; James R. ; William B. ; Susan A., now Mrs. A. W. Bunnell, and Bradford O. Our subject was reared in Conneaut Township, this county, and educated in the common schools. He was married October 4, 1854, to Amanda, daughter of Lewis and Lorinda (Crooker) Ward, of Cussewago Township, this county, by whom he had one son, G. Warner, who died in his twenty-sixth year. After his marriage Mr. Irons was engaged in farming seven years in Conneaut Township, and then removed to Linesville, where he embarked in mercantile business, in which he was actively engaged for several years. In 1874 he was appointed Postmaster at Linesville, which position he still holds. His wife died December 11, 1883, aged fifty-two. Both she and her son were members of the Baptist Church of Linesville, as is also our subject, who has been a mem- ber since seventeen years of age. Mr. Irons is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is one of the representative and leading citizens of Linesville; he has served as Burgess of Linesville, and has held many other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican, and a strong advocate of temperance principles. Mr. Irons also owns the land situated within the northern limits of Linesville, known as the Northwestern Pennsylvania Poultry Farm, upon which he has recently erected several buildings adapted to the poultry business. Messrs. H. J. Eager and M. B. Naramore have rented the premises for a term of years, and are establishing the most extensive poultry business in this part of the State. REV. CHAMBERS T. JACK, minister of the Baptist Church, Linesville, was born in Kittanning, Penn., March 20, 1846, son of John and Alice (Bow- si 922 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ser) Jack, natives of Armstrong County, Penn., parents of five sons and five daughters. One son, James W., served in all about three years during the war of the Eebellion in the Seventy- eighth, also One Hundred and Fourth, Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry; was honorably discharged and returned home without a wound. The father, who was a consistent member of the Eegular Baptist Church, died June 15, 1883; the mother, a consistent member of the German Baptist Church, is now living in Clarion County, Penn., with three of her children. Our subject, who is third in the family, graduated from ReidsburghUniversity,ClarionCounty.Penn.,where he afterward taught mathe- matics and Latin for one year. In the fall of 1875 Mr. Jack commenced the ministry in the Regular Baptist Church at Enterprise, Penn., where he remained two years; from there he went to Townville, this county, in 1876, and in 1879 came to Linesville to fill the charge as Pastor of the Baptist Church, continuing as such until January 1, 1884, when he was obliged to resign in consequence of a stroke of paralysis. Our subject enlisted in 1865 in the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving with the Army of the Potomac, chiefly under the Provost Marshal, at Norfolk, Va. Was present at the siege of Petersburg, and after about six months' serv- ice was honorably discharged at the close of the war, in August, 1865, and returned home. He was twice married, on first occasion, in 1869, to Miss Tilla A. Bowser, a native of Armstrong County, Penn., and to this union were born two daughters: Almeda M. and Lula L. Mrs. Jack dying April 6, 1878, our subject married, August 20, 1881, Miss Rosa A. Heath, a native of Will- iamsfield, Ohio, daughter of Linus T. Heath, who moved to this county in 1867, locating in Linesville in March, 1882, and has been engaged in general mercantile business here ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Heath are consistent mem- bers of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Jack is their only child. To Rev. and Mrs. Jack has been born one son — Fred. Our subject is an earnest, energetic, patri- otic and Christian man. Since his return from the army his health has shown itaelf to have been much impaired during the service. NATHAN KNAPP farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y. , April 10, 1821; son of David and Sophia (Knapp) Knapp. He came to Crawford County, Penn., .in 1843, and in 1844 located in Pine Township. He was married December 31, 1845, to Ann a,, daughter of William and Barbara (Frey) Meeker, of Pine Township, this county, by whom he has three chil- dren: James D., Albert E. and William F. He settled on the farm, where he now resides, in 1848, that section being then an unbroken wilderness. In 1861 he built a saw and shingle-mill, and became engaged in the manufacture of laths and shingles, in which he continued about twenty years, and in the meantime cleared and improved between forty and fifty acres of his farm. His wife's father, William Meeker, settled in Pine Township, this county, in 1818. He was a native of Virginia and a resident of Meadville, Penn. Sev- eral years previous to his settlement in Pine Township, he settled on the farm, a part of which is now owned by John Goffrey; this he cleared and after- ward removed to the farm now occupied by the widow of his son, Smith Meeker, and resided there until his death. He had seven children: Sarah, now Mrs. Edwin Bishop; Betsey, now Mrs. Aaron Dennis; Rachel, now Mrs. S. C. Bishop; Patience, now Mrs. Milo Miller; Polly, now the widow Gardner, a resident of Linesville; Adeline and Anna (twins), former married to John D. Williams, both now deceased; latter now Mrs. Nathan Knapp. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. THOMAS LIMBER, proprietor of tannery, Linesville, was born in Mer- PINE TOWNSHIP. 923 cer County, Penn. , August 20, 1840; son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Armor )( Limber, former a native of Mercer County, latter of Crawford County, Penn. „ both now living in Mercer County. They are parents of seven children. Mrs. Limber is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Christopher Lim-- ber, who is a farmer, was a private, and his father an officer in the Revolution- ary war. Our subject and his brother, William W., enlisted October 1, 1861,, in the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving with the Army of the Potomac, and were present at the siege of Yorktown and the engagements; at "Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, at which latter, May 30, 1862, Thomas was wounded in his left shoulder by a minie rifle ball, and was consequently^ honorably discharged in October, 1862, and returned home. William W. remained in the service, and was in all the engagements his regiment partici- pated in. He received a severe wound in the left leg, and had a thumb injured. He veteranized, and at the close of the war was honorably dis- charged. Our subject enlisted, for the second time, for three months, when Gen. Lee made his raid into Pennsylvania, and was present at the battle of Parkers- burg. Mr. Limber learned the trade of tanner and currier before the war^ a business he has worked at most of his life. He moved to Linesville in the? spring of 1874, and purchased the tannery at that place in 1876, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He also owns a handsome resi- dence in Linesville, and fifteen acres of improved land just outside the corpora- tion limits. Our subject was twice married, on first occasion, in 1866, to Miss, Elizabeth Donaldson, a native of Mercer County, Penn., who bore him two chil- dren: Emma J. and William J. Mrs. Limber dying May 19, 1871, our sub- ject then married, August 4, 1873, Miss Sarah J. Rodgers, a native of Mercer- County, Penn., and to this union were born three children: Katie G., Charier C. and Thomas C. Mrs. Limber died November 28, 1883. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also the R. T. of T. , and is a Commissioner of the S. N. Warner Post, No. 352, G. A. R. FRANK C. LOWING, editor Linesville Herald, Linesville, was born itt Randolph, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., January 11, 1857, and is a son of H. D. and Nancy J. (Pierce) Lowing. He was educated in Oberlin College; at the age of fourteen served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, in Newton County, Mo. , and later in Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1881 he took charge of the editorial department of the Linesville Herald, of which he is one of the proprietors, and which he has successfully conducted to the present time. He was marriedf in October, 1879, to Christiana, daughter of L. W. and E. N. Jencks, of Con- neaut Township, this county, by whom he has two children: Eva and Lillian. In politics Mr. Lowing is a Republican. HON. ROBERT P. MILLER, attorney at law, Linesville, was born near New Castle, Penn., and is a son of Jesse and Rebecca (Steele) Miller. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and the academy at New Castle, and after leaving schoo]* studied law with A. M. Barnes, Esq., of New Castle. He settled in Linesville in 1846; was admitted to the bar of Crawford County in 1853, and was engaged in the practice of law up to 1858, when h& was elected to the Legislature and re-elected in 1859. He was the sole repre- sentative of the county, though the county previously had two members. In 1860 he embarked in mercantile business, in which he was engaged about sevem years, and since then has given his time to farming and the practice of his; profession. He was married in 1843 to Margaret, daughter of Alexander an& Elizabeth (Chambers) Erwin, of Lawrence County, Penn. They have no chil- dren, but have an adopted son — Walter. Mr. Miller is a member of thee Masonic fraternity and the P. of H. , and is known throughout the coun- 924 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ty by the P. of H. as an able speaker] and a faithful representative of their interests. He has served the Borough of Linesville as Burgess several terms, and is now serving a second term as Justice of the Peace. He is now the National Greenback candidate for Congress for his district. In politics he was formerly a Eepublican, but of late years has been Independent. ALVIN MILLEE (deceased) was a native of New York State, born in 1823; son of John and Anna (Brovra) Miller, who settled in Evansburg, this county, about 1830, and afterward for a time resided in Summit Township, and about 1840 located in Linesville, where they lived and died. They had seven children: Mahala, Nelson, Alvinia, Caroline, Alvin, Emily, Maryette (now Mrs. William Cunningham), all deceased except the last-named. The subject of this sketch was a resident of Linesville about forty years, during which time he carried on the blacksmith's trade. He was married May 13, 1847, to Ehoda, daughter of Samuel and Sophia (Meacham) Eastman, of Linesville, Penn., by whom he had five children: Harmon, Varnum, Alonzo, James (deceased) and Arvilla. The three sons are engineers in the employ of the Erie & Pittsburgh Eailroad. Mr. Miller was a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. A prominent F.f & A. M., member of the I. O. O. F. and the E. T. of T. He had held several offices in the Borough of Linesville, and was a stanch Eepublican. He died June 14, 1880, at the age of fifty- seven years. His widow, three sons and a daughter survive him. M. B. NAEAMOEE, dentist, Linesville, was born in East Fallowfield Tovmship, this county, April 15, 1842, son of Levi and Sarah A. (Barber) Naramore, natives of Steuben County, N. Y., and who came to this county in 1836, settling on a farm in East Fallowfield Township. They were parents of five children and were consistent members of the Baptist Church. Levi died in the fall of 1848; his widow, being left with the five children, was obliged to surrender our subject to the care of others, who gave him no advantages (other than what might be derived from hard work), and who returned him to his mother at the age of about nine years, poorly clad and in delicate health. Dur- ing our subject's stay with his grandfather, his mother married William Camp- bell, by whom she had one son. Mr. Campbell died before M. B. returned home; the widow died in 1867. Our subject attended school after leaving his grandfather, received a partial academic education, and in 1862 commenced the study of dentistry with his uncle, John Naramore, at Eochester, N. Y., then entered on the practice of his profession in 1868, in Linesville, Penn. where he has since continued with eminent success. The Doctor h as been a member of Lake Erie Dental Association, and Pennsylvania State Dental Society each for over twelve years. He has practiced his profession for past six years, each alternate two weeks at Linesville and Conneautville, Penn,, and at both places enjoys a first-class connection. Dr. Naramore was married, Octo- ber 12, 1869, to Miss Emma E. Deiter, a native of Livingston County, N. Y. Our subject owns a fine residence centrally located in Linesville. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and E. A. ; in politics is an anti-monopolist. RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 925 RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. DON E. ASHLEY, M. D., P. O. Guy's Mills, was born at Guy's Mills, Jan- uary 13, 1846, son of Carl D. Ashley, also a physician, who came to Guy's Mills at an early day. He studied medicine with Dr. Woodruff, of Meadville, and his first year's practice was at Centreville. He afterward located at Guy's Mills, and there followed the practice of his profession for thirty-five years. He moved from Guy's Mills to Meadville, Penn. , where he resided for some five or six years before moving to Cleveland, Ohio, where he still resides. His wife, Harriet (Sikes) Ashley, died in September, 1877. They were the par- ents of three children, now living: Carlton G., Nellie M. and Don E. Our subject attended the common schools of his native town, and finished his edu- cation in the common branches at the high school of Townville, this county. He studied medicine with his father, and received his diploma from the, med- ical college at Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated in 1871. He entered on the practice of his profession at Mill Village, Erie County, where he remained six months, and then went to Little Cooley, this county. He there continued practice about nineteen months, and then moved to Guy's Mills, where he took charge of his father's practice on the latter leaving that town. Here the Doc- tor has since remained, and to such an extent has he gained the confidence of the people by his thorough knowledge, skill and close attention to business, that his ride now extends over five townships. Our subject was married, Sep- tember 8, 1870, to Miss Mary A. Guy, born in 1850, by whom he has one child — Don Carlton — born January 19, 1873. Mrs. Ashley is a daughter of Augus- tus and Maria (Ames) Guy, former deceased. Dr. Ashley in politics is a Repub- lican. FEANK BANDLEY, stone mason and farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Mead Township, this county, November 22, 1839, son of Jacob and Susan (Mason) Bandley, natives of Switzerland. They immigrated to America and located in New Jersey, in 1828, but eventually moved to Mead Township, this- county. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Frank is fifth. Our subject received a limited education, and learned the trade of stone mason, which he has always worked at more or less. He bears the reputation of being a good workman, honest in all his business transactions. In 1873 he came to Randolph Township, this county, and bought a farm, which he sold nine years later, and then removed to his present place of residence. Mr. Bandley enlisted, September 10, 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, serving to the close of the war, and was in several engagements. In 1860 our subject married Miss Judy Dickson, born in Wood- cock Township, this county, in March, 1838. Four children have been born to this union: William E., Mary A., Ida M. and Julia. VIRGIL G. BIRCHARD, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Venango (now Cambridge) Township, this county, October 27, 1821, son of Virgil and Jemima (Maroy) Birchard, natives of Massachusetts and early set- tlers of Crawford County, parents of four children, of whom Virgil G. is the eldest. The early life of our subject was spent on the farm and in attending school in the neighboring schoolhouse. His first farm was situated in Rock- dale Township, this county, where he remained several years. In 1865 he 926 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: purchased the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 106 acres of choice land, located in the northeast part of the township. Ten years previous to removing here Mr. Birchard lived in the Brawley neighborhood, and while there was twice elected Justice of the Peace; has also served in other town- ship offices. Was formerly a member of the State Police. During the Rebellion he was drafted, but hired a substitute. On December 3, 1844, he was married to Miss Mary H. Hall, born in Randolph Township, this county, February 15, 1826, daughter of Ansel and Clarissa (Spring) Hall. To this union were born three children: Celestia, wifeof James Everett; Virgil A„ landlord of the Com- mercial Hotel at Gruy's Mills, and Mary, wife of Jerry M. Burroughs, also of the .Commercial Hotel. Our subject has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church of Guy's Mills for several years. In politics he is a stanch Republican. BIRCHARD & BURROUGHS, proprietors of Commercial Hotel, Guy's Mills. Virgil A. Birchard, senior member of this firm, was born in Randolph Township, this county, July 7, 1857, son of V. G. Birchard. His early life was employed in assisting his parents on the homestead farm and in attending the common and select schools of the county. In 1878, in company with his parents, he went to New Albion, N. Y., and purchased the hotel property known as the " New Albion House," and continued in business there three years, when he returned to Randolph Township. Our subject then engaged with A. M. Hall as teamster and assistant in his store. During the summer of 1883 he assisted on his father's farm, and in March, 1884, in partnership with his brother-in-law, J. M. Burroughs, opened the Commercial Hotel at Guy's Mills, in connection with which they have a livery stable and do gen- eral teaming for the merchants. Jerry M. Burroughs was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. , July 8, 1857, son of Aretus P. and Susan (Woodmanoy) Bur- roughs (both deceased), natives of Rhode Island, parents of six children, viz. : Xieroy A., Ira P., Joseph A., Avery D. (deceased), Patberia J. (wife of A. Mosier) and Jerry M. Our subject was raised on a farm and obtained his education in the common and high schools of his native county. His first Isusiness enterprise was in New Albion, N. Y., where he opened a grocery which he disposed of a year later and became junior member of the firm of Birchard & Burroughs. He was united in marriage August 8, 1880, with Miss Mary C. Birchard, born March 13, i860. Three children were the result of this union : Sadie Edna, Merle and Inez. Although young in years the firm of Birchard & Burroughs are experienced in business, energetic and enter- prising. DeWITT C. BLANCHARD, retired farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Steuben Township, this county, June 23, 1840, son of George W. and Eliza •J. (Coburn) Blanchard, natives of Vermont, and early settlers of Crawford County (both deceased). They were parents of eleven children, of whom DeWitt C. is the youngest. Our subject received a common school education, and early in life learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed till the war of the Rebellion broke out, when he enlisted in a three months regiment, but eventually entered the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Com- pany A. Mr. Blanchard was in all the engagements in which the regiment took part until he was wounded at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1862, which necessitated his discharge in October, same year. In September, 1864, he xe-enlisted, and served till the close of the war. In consequence of his wound he has worked but little at his trade, and about two years since was compelled to retire from active life and labor. For several years he was also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now lives on his farm. Our subject was married RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 927 August 28, 1864, to Miss Ellen Sikes, born in Randolph Township, this county, January 10, 1847. Two children were born to this union: Fred M. and Mildred. Mr. Blanchard has tilled several township offices, and is at present Assessor;, has for six years acted as Tax Collector. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Is a member of Gleason Post, G. A. E., and the K. of H. Politically he is a Eepublican. PETER BOGARDUS, Postmaster and farmer, P. O. Black Ash, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., December 16, 1838, son of Nicholas Bogardus, also a native of Allegany County, born April 17, 1815, and son of Peter and Elizabeth (Dempsey) Bogardus, natives of New York, and parents of seven children. Nicholas, who is the fifth in the family, came to this county and located on the farm where he now lives, and which at that time was in a state of nature. He was married to Fanny Taft, who died leaving to his care three sons : Peter, Timothy and Mark. His second wife, Isabel Hoffman, is a native of Warren County. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for about forty years. Our subject, who has always followed the occupation of a farmer, was appointed, in 1878, Postmaster at Black Ash, where he opened a small grocery business. He was married March 20, 1860, to Emily A. Dan- iels, a native of this county, born October 10, 1840; died September 18, 1863, leaving one son — James B. — born January 17,1861, married December 25, 1883, to Ida L. Boals, born in "Venango County, Penn., June 14, 1865. Abigail Adkinson, second wife of our subject, was born in South Shenango Township, December 4, 1836; died August 11, 1874, leaving three children: Emily J., Alfred E. and Peter L. Mr. Bogardus was married for the third time January 27, 1876, to Ellen Oaks, born in this county August 17, 1841. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; of the K of H at Guy's Mills; has filled several township offices. JOHN W. BRAWLEY, farmer, P. O. Frenchtown, was born in Mead Township, this county, January 16, 1842, son of John R. and Sarah (Hoskins) Brawley, who were among the first settlers of Crawford Counby, parents of eix children, of whom John W. is the fourth. Our subject was educated at the common schools of his neighborhood, and began his career in life as a farmer, which occupation he has always followed. He was married Septem- ber 10, 1869, to Miss Louisa Hamilton, by whom he has four children, viz. : William, George, Hattie and Lovina. ALLEN T. BRITTON (deceased) was born in Greene County, Va., Janu- ary 15, 1823, third child of William and Nancy (Baremore) Britton, natives of Greene County, Va., and of German descent; they reared a family of thirteen children. Our subject received a common school education and early in life began to work at the carpenter's and joiner's trade, at which he continued until he earned the money to make a payment on a farm, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and eventually became one of the substantial as well as practical farmers of Randolph Township and also became quite an 'extensive stock grower. He was but two years of age when his parents moved to this county and located in South Shenango Township, where his early life was employed in assisting on the home farm, and in attending the common schools of the neighborhood. Our subject was united in marriage September 30, 1847, with Miss Hannah Mullen, who was born in South Shenango Tovm- ship, this county, March 18, 1830, daughter of William and Matilda (Driggs) Mullen, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, and early settlers of South Shenango Township, this county. They were parents of twelve chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Britton is the fifth. To this union following children were born, viz. : William A. (deceased), married to Angeline Davison (they had two 928 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: children: William B. and Emma E.); Charles P., married to Emma E. Ban- ister (have four children: Alice F., Earnest D., Harry and Charles); Orlando H., married to Rilla Pierce (have two children: Myrtia B. and Nellie A.); John A., married to Helen Hall (have three children: James K., Allen H., and Lee M.); Luther E., married to ElathaOaks (have two children: Clinton W. and Lela E.); Nancy M., married to Jonathan Oaks (have one child, Lina E.); lanthia E., married to Duan« Terrell (have one child, Benton C); George W.; James E. ; Jane A. ; Earnest G. ; Estella P. ; Mary E. ; Fred E. and Henry W. Mr. Britton moved with his family to Randolph Township, this county, in 1859, and his farm soon became one of the best regulated in the country. He enlisted in Company A., Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and during service contracted a disease which eventually ended his career, March 19, 1875, and his loss fell heavily upon the neighborhood as well as his family. Since the death of her husband the farm has been successfully car- ried on by Mrs. Britton with the assistance of her children. In this volume will be found a portrait of A. T. Britton, deceased. OLIVEE L. BRUNSON, retired farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Charlotte, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., January 12, 1839, son of Mnnson and Electa (Chase) Brunson, natives of Massachusetts, and parents of seven chil- dren, four of whom died in infancy. Our subject received a common school education and commenced life as a farmer. He taught school one term in South Randolph. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York State Volunteers, serving three years. He participated in several noted engagements, such as Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, on which latter occasion, in the bayonet charge to capture the flag, he was wounded in the left shoulder and taken prisoner July 1, 1863. Mr. Brunson was confined in several prison dens; first, in Belle Isle, then Libby; thence sent to Scott's Prison, from there returned to Belle Isle, and finally conveyed to Andersonvilie, Savannah, Millen, Charleston and Florence, respectively, at which latter place he was paroled November 20, 1864. While prisoner he contracted scurvy and rheu- matism, which renders him a total cripple and almost helpless; as a partial compensation for which he receives a pension of $72 per month. The three brothers living were all in the service and all disabled — Enos S., wounded in the right hand, Alfred F., wounded in the left hand, and our subject wounded in the left shoulder. Mr. Brunson was married October 10, 1865, to Miss Rosa Shade, born May 22, 1844. To this union were born four children: Leon E., Mary L. and Florence and Flora (twins). Our subject is a member of the Congregational Church at Guy's Mills; in politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH STILLMAN BYHAM, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in New York State, while his parents were en route to this county, June 15, 1816, eldest child of John E. and Abigail (Oaks) Byham, natives of Massachusetts. Our subject received a common school education and commenced life as a farmer. He moved to his present property in 1838, and from a wilderness has transformed it into a flourishing farm. Mr. Byham was married November 15, 1838, to Mary M. Drake, daughter of Abraham and Prudence (March) Drake, born in Massachusetts, August 14, 1817. Six children were the result of this union, four now living: Joseph S. ; Diana E.. wife of Marcus Daniels; Edgar and Charles F., all married and living within sight of the old homestead. Charles F. was born October 6, 1856, and married July 17, 1881, to Elizabeth Rees, born in Wayne Township, this county, July 16, 1863, daughter of William and Susan (Brown) Rees, natives of Crawford County. Our subject has been School Director several years. RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 929 EDWIN BYHAM, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was bora in Eandolph Town- ship, this coanty, January 25, 1826; son of Jonas and Mary (Smith) Byham, natives of Massachusetts and early settlers of Randolph Township. They were parents of twelve children, of whom Edwin is fourth. Our subject received such school training as the times afforded. In 1876 he moved to his present farm, which is carried on in all branches. Mr. Byham was married in 1856 to Miss Ellen C. Cady, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 17, 1837. Four children were born to this union, viz. : Eber, Abram, Leverette and Sylvia. Our subject had the misfortune to receive an injury in the arm several years ago, which has within the past three years developed into rheu- matism, rendering him in a measure helpless and causing him intense suffer- ing, which he endures with great fortitude and without a murmur. He has been Township Assessor. Is a member of the Congregational Church at Guy's Mills. His son Eber, who is at home managing the farm, was born March 13, 1857, and was married September 12, 1878, to Miss Florence Fagundus, a native of Wayne Township, this county, born June 1, 1858. To this union were born four children: Cora May, Florence Mildred, Lulu Maud and Fran- cis Lynn. The two eldest were consumed to ashes and Lulu Maud badly burned in a house that was destroyed by fire. NEWELL BYHAM, f)roprietor of saw-mill, P. ,0. Guy's Mills, was born in Bandolph Township, this county, I'ebruary 27, 1850. Our subject was raised on a farm and received his education at the common schools. He com- menced life as a farm hand, which occupation he followed several years. He came to his present place of residence in 1881 and built a saw-mill with a capacity of 4,500 feet per day. Mr. Byham has deservedly gained the highest esteem of the people by his fair and honest dealings; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics is a Republican. ESIOK L. COBURN, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., November 19, 1803; son of Amariah and Rose Linda Cobum. Our subject received a limited common school education and served an appren- ticeship to the tanner's, currier's and shoe-maker's trades, which occupation he followed several years. He was twice married; on the first occasion Octo- ber 10, 1826, to Hannah R. Jewel, born May 22, 1803; she died about 1848, leaving seven children, viz.: Joseph H., Maria E., Susannah L., Humphrey J., Thomas B., Harvey M. and Laura P. Mr. Coburn next married, in 1844, Phcebe Smith, a native of Crawford County, by whom he had five children, four living: Ira C, Lida A., John and Frances E. Our subject has held sev- eral minor township offices. He has been Deacon in the Congregational Church several years. He has been an enterprising, hard-working man, and is highly respected in the community. CHARLES H. CORLISS, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Grafton County, N. H., January 23, 1855; son of Calvin and Carrie (Hartwell) Cor- liss, natives of New Hampshire, now making their home in Dakota; the former born in 1827, a machinist by trade, but of late years a farmer; the latter born December 29, 1834. They are parents of four children: Bell, Carrie, Harley and Charles H. Our subject received a common school education, and served an apprenticeship to the butcher's trade. In 1866 he opened a shop in Titus- ville, Penn., where he continued in business about eight years, when he came to Randolph Township, this county, where his father purchased a farm. For several years Mr. Corliss dealt extensively in stock, buying and selling, and during the last four or five years has employed most of his time in teaming. He was married. May 3, 1881, to Miss Hattie Sybrant, born in Mead Town- ship, this county, October 9, 1860, daughter of Oscar and Rasaella (Gilbert) 930 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Sybrant, the latter deceased. Our subject is a member of the K. of H. Lodge of Guy's Mills, and of the L O. O. F., of Townville. WILLIAM P. CROUCH, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Township, this county, March 28, 1849; son of Delos and Susannah (Byham) Crouch, former of whom was born March 4, 1816, and died June 5, 1875; the latter was born January 18, 1821, and died May 17, 1863. Delos Crouch came to Randolph Township, this county, in 1826, and followed farming all his days. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was Steward several years. They were parents of six^girls and four boys: Mary E. (wife of C. Loveless), Emma J. (wife of S. Fitch), Ella S., Adelia (deceased, wife of T. Wilder), Eudora, Inez, Lesley (died in the army), William P., Roscoe (deceased) and Horace E. The latter was bom July 27, 1858, and graduated at the Cambridge Couservatory of Music, June 25, 1884. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Jonathan Crouch, was born April 2, 1773, and died November 20, 1826. His wife, Elizabeth Perkins, was born May 17, 1791, and died August 21, 1873. The subject of ' this sketch was regularly brought ap to farming, and has followed that occupation all his life. He was married December 17, 1876, to Miss Amelia Smith, born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, September 22, 1856, daughter of Joel and Mary (Blanchard) Smith, of Randolph Township. * GEORGE W. CUTSHALL, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills. The grandfather of our subject, Philip Cutshall, was born in Pennsylvania in 1767 ; and his wife Elizabeth was born in 1760. In 1803 they came from Cumberland County to Venango County, settling about' six miles west of Franklin. They had three sons: John, Jacob and George, and one daughter — Nancy. The sons, on arriving at maturity, were among the early settlers of this township, locating in 1814, their parents coming subsequently. Their father died in 1829, their mother in 1836. ' Their youngest son, George, the father of our subject, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., April 29, 1799, and was four years old when brought to Venango County, where he grew to maturity, undergoing the privations of pioneer life. In 1823 he married Jane Sterling, and by this union had thirteen children: Jeremiah, Nancy, Eliza, Maria, Mary Jane, Gorge W., Warren, Sarah E., Philip M., Jacob A., Joseph R., La Fayette and Lydia A. Mr. Cutshall settled on the place where his son George now resides, and was the owner of 400 or 500 acres, which now constitute several farms. Here Mr. Cutshall remained the greater portion of his life and here he raised his family. A short time prior to his death, in company with his wife, he visited his daughter in Lorain County, Ohio, and eventually purchased prop- erty and removed there, where he died in March, 1876, his widow in April, 1883. The subject of our sketch was born on the homestead on which he now lives, December 30, 1832. Owing to lack of school privileges in his youth, his education is somewhat limited, but his mind has been broadened by the extended experiences of a life which, although mainly devoted to the farm, has also reached out to numerous business enterprises. Among other things, he assisted in building the first railroad that ran into Cleveland, Ohio. He has held nearly all the official honors it is in the power of the township to bestow. During the war he went out with the State militia, but did not see active service. He is a member of the State Police, also of the Grange at Guy's Mills. In 1853 he was married to Matilda I. Masiker, who was born Sep- tember 12, 1830. The result of this union has been three children: A. Frank, Sarah Eliza (wife of W. E. Russell, of Randolph Township), Lafayette (born April 19, 1860, died October 10, 1864). Mr. Cutshall is one of the most extensive breeders of short horn cattle in the county, having several head pur- RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 931 chased in Kentucky and Ohio, and about twenty head of registered stock of his own raising. LOREN DAVISON, retired farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Otis Mass., June 25, 1819; son of Nathaniel and Amy (Gile) Davison, natives of Massachusetts; former born November 12, 1793, and still living on the old home place. In 1821 our subject's parents removed to Randolph Township. When twenty-four years of age Loren left home and took up the farm he now resides on, then covered with wood, but now under thorough cultivation and rented by his sons, our subject having retired from active life. During the Rebellion Mr. Davison enlisted in Company G, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, being detailed from his company to do provost guard duty. For twenty-five years during the summer months he was a well- digger, earning at that occupation from $100 to 1125 per year. In 1848 Mr. Davison married Abigail Hodge, born in Vermont in 1826, and daughter of Sylvanus and Sally (Rose) Hodge, natives of Vermont and early settlers of Crawford County. To this union have been born seven children: Emma (wife of P. Phillips), Charles H. (mar- ried to Sarah Heth), Sylvanus (married to Evelina Phillips), William C. (deceased), David M. (married to Delia Hites), Warren (married to Sarah Culver), and Ella (wife of Bert Smith). Our subject for twenty-five years has been a coimistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In poli- tics he has always been a Republican. WILLIAM DAVISON, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Randolph Township, December 30, 1830, son of Nathaniel and Amy (Gile) Davison. Our subject received a fair common school education and chose farming as his life vocation. He commenced to work for his father as soon as he was old enough to wield an ax, trimming brush and burning log heaps. His farm is a standing testimony of what industry and perseverance can accomplish in a comparatively short period. Mr. Davison has converted it from a wild, sterile condition to a high state of cultivation. He has always been a hard working man, most of the means with which he bought his farm having been earned by clearing land at $10 per acre, and his house represents many days of labor performed at the nominal sum of 50 cents per day. He is owner of a fine stallion, of Percheron, Morgan and English stock. Our subject was married January 12, 1859, to Lovina Case, born in Michigan, in February, 1842, and to this union were born eight children: Nellie, wife of J. B. Humes, married June 12, 1881; George; Elliott; Ruby, wife of H. L. Shorts, married June 21, 1884; Olive; Florence; Minnie and an inEant not named. JOHN A. GRAHAM, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Sheffield, Ashtabula County, Ohio, February 3, 1837, son of David and Martha (Bentley) Graham (both deceased), former supposed to have been a native of Vermont, latter born in New York. They were the parents of five children: John; William D.; Susan, wife of Mead Johnson; Elizabeth (deceased), and Mary Jane, wife of A. W. Lewis, of Shamburg, Venango County, Penn. Our subject, when about six years of age, was brought by his, parents to Bvansburg, this county, and from there to Yates County, N. Y., where the family remained three or Sour years, and then returned to Crawford County, locating in Randolph Township. John A. received a common school education and learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked about ten years. He spent five years in Clarion County, Penn., engaged with a pipe company, and while there he operated more or less extensively in oil, in which he was quite successful. Of late years he has turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. The farm on which he now lives he purchased in 1880. Mr. Graham was married December 20, 1861, to Miss Amy Armstrong, born in 932 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Crawford County in 1843. To this union have been born six children, viz. : William, Karl, John, Clifford, Martha, wife of F. E. Humeston, and Lena. Mrs. Graham is a daughter of James and Martha (Barton) Armstrong, former a native of this county, now deceased, latter of New York State, now living. They were the parents of four children: Almeron, Amy, Mary and Elizabeth. Our subject is a self-made man, and has accumulated his prop- erty entirely by his own energy and enterprise. BENJAMIN GRIGGS (deceased) was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1816; was a farmer and quite extensively engaged in stock-dealing. In the fall of 1841 he settled in Randolph Township, this county, in the woods, and the next fall had twelve acres cleared and sowed to wheat. He accumulated a large property and gave to each of his five children a good farm, and left a good home for his widow, with ample means for all her wants. Although not a professor of religion, he was liberal in the support of religious institutions, and his loss was felt by the community as well as by his family. For two years he provided a room in his house for school purposes, and eventually gave the ground on which stands the schoolhouse, near his late residence. His widow, Catharine (Boomhauer), is still living at Guy's Mills, and is the mother of six children, viz. : Edwin, Adelbert (deceased), Judson, Albert N. , Louisa and Sarah. The youngest son, Albert N., is still living on the home farm; he inherits all his father's energetic nature; aside from growing the usual crops he is an extensive fruit grower. He has for a number of years been a con- sistent member of the Baptist Church. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. He was married December 25, 1870, to Miss Ellen Town- ley, who was bora in 1849, and by whom he has three children: Lydia, Catha- rine and Clarence. JUDSON A. GRIGGS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Township, this county, June 15, 1846; son of Benjamin and Catharine (Boomhauer) Griggs. Our subject obtained his education at the common schools of the county, and has always followed the occupation of farmer. In connection, he also extensively handles stock, both buying and selling. Mr. Griggs was married October 29, 1867, to Catharine S. Henry, a native of Ashtabula County, Ohio, born June 15, 1846. To this union have been born three children: Herbert, Adelbert and Gertrude. He is an active member of the Grange at Guy's Mills; is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. Mrs Griggs' mother, Eliza M. (Willard) Henry, was born in Connecticut in 1811, and moved to the State of Ohio in her fourth year with her widowed mother, her father, grandfather and grandmother hav- ing all died in one week, from that dread disease, cholera. Mrs. Griggs' father, William Henry, was born in the State of New York in 1813; he was a farmer by occupation; was married in his twenty-fourth year and died in the forty-sixth year of his age, deeply mourned by all of his friends. FRANKLIN GUY, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, March 22, 1833; son of Jacob and Susan (Wyman) Guy, former a member of one of the first four families to locate in this township. Jacob Guy erected the first saw-mill in this locality, from which Guy's Mills derives its name; hte also built and carried on a store for many years. At one time he owned about 700 acres of land in this township. He died in 1851, aged about seventy-five years; his wife preceded him in 1833. They were the parents of nine children: Mary Hetty, Emeline, Susan, Mary Juliette, Ward B., Augustus, Helen, Melancton Wheelar, and Franklin; all deceased except Mary Juliette and Franklin. Our subject received a common school education; operated a saw-mill, at Guy's Mills for about ten years. He pur- RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 938 chased the present farm in 1856. Mr. Guy was married in -1851 to Lovina S. Thompson, a native of Massachusetts, who bore him three children: Agenia, wife of John Bole; William T. and Fanny M. Mrs. Guy was a daughter of Jared and Axie (Hubbard) Thompson (both deceased), natives of Massachusetts and early settlers of Bandolph Township. She died December 27, 1881. Our subject has served the township as Clerk, several years, and is Overseer of the Grange at Guy's Mills. Politically he is a Bepublican. JAMES A. HALL, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born September 15, 1822, in Delaware County, N. Y., and came to this county in 1823 with his parents (see biography of A. M. Hall in this volume). Our subject was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. He was twice married; on the first occasion. May 12, 1853, to Esther L. Prentice, born in Hampshire County, Mass., and who died June 13, 1854. Mr. Hall then married, in 1855, Helen C. Noble, born in Washington County, N. Y., died November 27, 1857, leaving one child, Helen, born November 26, 1857, now wife of J. A. Britton (see biography of Allen T. Britton in this volume). They were married September 18, 1876, and have three children: J. E., born June 18, 1878; Allen H., born August 15, 1880; Leon M., born September 5, 1882. Mr. Hall has served his township as Auditor and School Director several terms. He is Clerk of the Congregational Church and has been a Deacon in the same for years. In politics, was originally a Whig, is now a Bepublican. IBA E. HALL, farmer and Postmaster at Bandolph, was born in this town- ship, June 3, 1825; son of Leonard and Sally (Jones) Hall. He received a good education and for ten years followed teaching as his profession, when he turned his attention to farming, in connection with which for several years he dealt largely in stone pumps. Since 1871 he has conducted a cheese factory every summer, and at one time controlled five factories, dealing quite exten- sively in cheese. With a view of retiring from active business he has dis- posed of several of his interests, and now utilizes the milk of but 250 cows. Oar subject has held several township offices and in 1882 was appointed Post- master at Bandolph. He is a member of the Grange at Bandolph, also of the E. A. V. of Meadville; for twenty years has been connected with the Christa- delphian organization. He was married in 1850 to Miss Eebecca Camp, born in Hayfield Township, this county, and who died in 1866. By her he had two sons: Eugene and Friend L. In 1867 Mr. Hall was again married, on this occasion to Margaret A. Smith, born in Cussewago Township, this county, and by her he has two daughters: Bebecca and Arminetta. Mr. Hall is very enterprising and has always been foremost in any undertaking for the develop- ment of the county and for the advancement of religious and educational priv- ileges. ADOLPHTJS M. HALL, merchant, Guy's Mills, was born May 5,1848. His grandfather, Ansel Hall, born in 1796, was a native of Massachusets, a farmer and cooper by occupation; in 1824 he settled on a quarter section in this town- ship, which he subsequently divided among his three sons; he died in 1873. His wife, Clarissa (Spring) was also a native of New York, born in 1803, died in 1882, mother of three sons and one daughter: James A., Merritt W., David T., and Hannah, wife of Virgil G. Birchard. David T., the father of our subject, was born in this township, April 8, 1824, is a farmer by occupa- tion and is still living. Sarah H., (Pike) his wife, born October 13, 1829, is also now living. Their family consisted of two sons and two daughters: Orvelina and Adella (both deceased). Homer D., of the firm of Zigler, Hall & Lippet, of Meadville, and Adolphus M. Our subject after receiving a common school education, and six weeks before he was sixteen years of age, enlisted in 9 34 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Company F, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served to the close of the war, being discharged at the general muster. His father enlisted in the same company at the same time, but in the battle of the Wilderness received a wound in the neck and right arm which disabled him in this his first engagement. After his return home, our subject engaged for one year in farming, and then entered the employment of Thorp & Reynolds as book-keeper, remaining with them one year. In July, 1866, he formed a partnership with his father, purchasing the property then known as the "Crawford House," at Guy's Mills, and opened a grocery store under the firm name of D. T. Hall & Son. The following spring they bought the general merchandise stock of Eadle Bros., and in 1872 the firm became Hall & Sons, Homer Hall being taken into the partnership. In 1873 they built the store now occupied by K. S. Smith, and two years later the father retired, and the firm became A. M. Hall & Bro., continuing thus until 1879, when the firm dissolved and our sub- ject erected the building he now occupies, branching into business for himself. His stock consists of general merchandise, with the addition of drugs and fur- niture, and he deals also extensively in lumber and shingles. From a poor man with but a few dollars, and only business ability to recommend him, he has gradually increased his stock in proportion to the demand, and as a result of his exertions he has the satisfaction of managing a large and prosperous business, which has steadily increased until his sales amount to about $40,000 annually. He was married October 6, 1874, to Miss Emma J. , daughter of Hiram and Jane (Wade) Hatch, born in this township, July 17, 1853. Hiram Hatch and wife are the parents of five children: Carrie, Erbie, Harry, Frank, and Emma J. CALVIN HATCH, Se., retired farmer, P. O.Eandolph, was born at White- hall, Washington Co., N. Y., July 7, 1803, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Reed) Hatch, natives of Connecticut. Our subject received a fair common school education and taught four terms. He followed the occupation of farmer through life, but is now retired from active life and labor. He came to Ran- dolph Township and settled on his present farm of seventy acres in 1821. Mr. Hatch was married May 10, 1826, to Cecelia B. Clark, born in Massachu- setts June 6, 1808, daughter of Isaiah and Charlotte (Moore) Clark, natives of Connecticut. Our subject has been a consistent member of and Deacon in the Baptist Church for over half a century. CALVIN HATCH, Jr., farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Mead Town- ship, this county, October 28, 1833, and when about three years of age was brought by his parents to Randolph Township. They settled two and a half miles north of Guy's Mills, where they cleared about 200 acres of land. The father of our subject, Samuel Hatch, is still living; the mother, Caroline (Weller), is deceased. They were the parents of eight children: Hiram, DeWight, Philip (deceased), Calvin, Jr., Moses W., Oscar, David O., and Car- oline, wife of William Ashley. Our subject was married December 8, 1856, to Miss Maria Danly, born in Genesee County, N. Y., October 9, 1832, daugh- ter of George and Abigail (Clough) Danly, natives of Chautauqua County, N. Y., both deceased. To this union were born five children: Leonard H. , Carrie M. , Emma A. , James W. , and John, an infant (deceased). Mr. Hatch is an active member of the K. of H. Lodge at Guy's Mills, of which order he is a charter member. In politics he is independent. JOHN K. HOVEY, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Chittenden County, Vt., March 3, 1821, son of John F. and Elizabeth (Hill)Hovey, natives of Vermont. Our subject obtained his education in the common schools of his native county, and when thirteen years of age went with his parents to Lorain RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 935 County, Ohio. His father was a book-binder, but eventually became a farmer. On March 18, 1843, our subject was married to Miss Mary E. Bunce, born in Chautauqua, N. Y., July 10, 1821. This union resulted in five children, three now living: Bev. E. H. Hovey, of Spartansburg, Penn., who was educated at Eeidsburgh, Clarion Co., Penn., and ordained in Wisconsin; Sarah E. ; Ella J., wife of Bnos A. Scott. Mr. Hovey is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. He is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of this county, and the appearance of his farm denotes him to be a practical one. VOLNEY JONES, retired farmer and minister, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Butland County, Vi, November 9, 1800, son of Joel and Ehoda (Sprague) Jones, natives of Massachusetts, and parents of nine children, of whom Volney is third. Our subject, when seventeen years old, came to Kan- dolph Township with his parents; his chief occupation was farming, with the exception of about ten years spent in the West as traveling missionary. He has been connected with the United Brethren Church the greater portion of his life, and has preached more or less until within the past few years. On November 29, 1829, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Esther Thurston, a native of Mead Township, this county, and who died in 1844. Seven chil- dren were born to this union, two only now living; William and Addison. Our subject owns a nice farm of forty-eight acres, under an excellent state of culti- vation. He is the oldest living land-mark left to tell the tale of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in Randolph. Township, and one of the pleasures of his declining years is the knowledge of having lived an upright and honorable life. In politics Mr. Jones was originally a Democrat, but since the nomination of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency he has been iden- tified with the Republican party. MRS. BELINDA (DAVISON) KEEP, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born April 29, 1817. She has been twice married — on first occasion April 28, 1836, to Edward Pratt, who died nine years afterward, leaving to her care four small children, viz.: William E., Mary L., Melissa and Oscar. Our subject then married in 1861 Archibald W. Keep, born September 20, 1799. He was a most energetic and hard-working man; besides clearing his own farm, he lent his assistance to his neighbors in the same hard task. He died February 12, 1881. He had accumulated a nice farm, which he left to his widow, who resides on the same, carrying on general farming with the assistance of her grandson, Fred M. , son of Oscar, her youngest son by her first husband. REUBEN LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born at Cool Spring, Penn., February 15, 1844, son of Reuben and Sadie (McCartney) Lewis, early settlers of Mercer County, Penn. Our subject received a common school edu- cation and commenced life as a farmer, which occupation he continued in. He came to his present place in Randolph Township in 1878. Mr. Lewis enlisted during the war of the Rebellion in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service three years; was in nearly all the battles in which his regiment took part and was wounded in the shoulder. He was married May 5, 1869, to Mary Drake, daughter of John and Sarah (Petit) Drake. Four children were born to this union: Will- iam E., Emma M., Velorus and John (the latter deceased). Our subject has been a consistent member of the United Brethren Church for several vears. SAMUEL H. McCartney, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Randolph, was born October 27, 1841, in Greenwood Township, this county; son of Robert and Diantha (Densmore) McCartney. He received a good common school education, and in 1866 bought his present farm in this township. In connection with farming, he makes a specialty of handling live stock, both 936 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: buying and selling. During the war of the Rebellion, our subject enlisted in Company I, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Capt. A. D. Moore, remaining in the service three years. On the consolidation of the Eighty- fourth and Fifty- seventh regiments, January 6, 1865, the company was changed from I to D. His company took part in twenty- nine engagements, among which were Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg Mine, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, etc. During his term of service Mr. McCartney was wounded seven times; he was discharged as Sergeant. Our subject was married, August 18, 1865, to Martha Miller, born in Greenwood Township, this county, in 1843. To this union have been born two children: Fred and Frank. JAMES ALEXANDEE McCAETNET, farmer, P. O. Eandolph, was born at Cochranton, this county, April 7, 1847; son of Eobert and Diantha (Dens- more) McCartney. His education was limited to such as could be obtained in the common schools of the county. He engaged in farming as an occupa- tion for life ; has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits, and he is justly recognized as a representative, progressive young man. Our subject was married, July 10, 1870, to Miss Hulda Lyon, born in Eichmond Town- ship, this county, DecemlDer 24, 1853, daughter of Alanson and Melissa (Looker) Lyon, former deceased. To this union have been born two children, Maud and Harry. In politics Mr. McCartney is a Eepublican. NEAL McKAY, retired farmer, P. O. Black Ash, was born near Conneaut- villo, Perm., October 3, 1816, and when eighteen months old his parents, Joseph and Mary (Gilland) McKay, removed to Eandolph Township, and located on a portion of the present farm of our subject. They came to Penn- sylvania in 1817, and were blessed with seven children: Nancy, James, Eliza, Angeline, Hugh, Eobert and Neal. The father died when Neal was ten years old and the latter suffered severely by his demise, being compelled to labor hard to maintain his mother and himself. He early engaged on the construc- tion of the canal from Meadviile to Franklin at $13 per month, and after two years of such toil his salary was advanced to $18 per month, which amount was given to his mother, and on that and what she made by weaving, the fam- ily was sustained. In 1838 our subject's mother was married to Jacob Trace, and soon after died. Neal had but little school advantages, and they were experienced with arduous trips three miles through the woods, where wild animals abounded, and in the log-cabin with its puncheon floors, slab seats and writing desks. At the age of twenty-one there was a debt of $700 hang- ing over the old homestead which was contracted after his father's death, and our subject assumed the responsibility of eradicating the same with the under- standing that the property should be his. This he paid out principally by labor at 50 cents per day. He was married. May 7, 1839, to Lydia Smith, daughter of Philip and Hettie Smith, who came to Pennsylvania in 1839, one year subsequent to her arrival with her brother, Benojah Smith. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McKay possessed property valued at about $100, and by their united efforts they have secured 175 acres of finely improved land, and possess an estate valued at over $10,000, of which they can truly claim to be the artificers. They have no children, save one by adop- tion — David T. — whom they have reared and educated, together with three other children of their relatives. Mr. and 'Mxs. McKay joined the Methodist Epis- copal Church over thirty years ago, under exhortation of Eev. E. Hull, at East Eandolph, and have been consistent members since, he having been Stew- ard, Class-leader and Trustee. He votes the Democratic ticket. The family are of Irish descent, the original Neal and Nancy (Montgomery) McKay hav- ing come to America at an early date, settling in Crawford County, Penn. RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 937 One, Joseph McKay, was in the war of 1812, and stationed at Erie at the time of Perry's great nava) victory. His father was a Revolutionary soldier. JAMES A. McLACHLIN, farmer, P. O. Randolph', was born December 11, 1828, in Randolph Township, this county; son of James and Mary (Stainbrook) McLachlin, former a carpenter and joiner as well as farmer; he was in the war of 1812, and at Erie at the time of Perry's victory. Our sub- ject was raised on a farm, and when twenty-one years of age started out for himself, going to Forest County, Penn., and engaging in lumbering for five years. While there he purchased fifty acres of the farm he now owns, and to which he has added ninety-seven acres more, besides all necessary improve- ments and substantial buildings. He has filled satisfactorily a number of township ofS.Ges, such as School Director, Supervisor, and the like. He is an active member of the Grange at Guy's Mills. He was married, March 7, 1867, to Miss Kate, daughter of James and Mary (Radcliffe) Mc Connell, and who was born April 2, 1844. A younger brother of our subject enlisted in Com- pany B, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served nearly three years. He was placed in a hospital at New Haven, with black measles. On his recovery and while en route to his company, he was seized with small pox and died. JOHN L. McLACHLIN, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, August 16, 1833; son of James and Mary (Stainbrook) Mc- Lachlin, former deceased, Scotch descent; latter, now living, of Irish and Dutch lineage. 'They were parents of four children living: John, James; Nancy, wife of T. Humes; and Phoebe, wife of William Coburn. Our sub- ject, in connection with his farm labors, has done threshing for several years, and was the first to introduce a separator into the township. On his farm there is a private saw-mill, which is operated by a traction engine, the first one owned in the county. Mr. McLachlin bought the farm where he now lives in 1875. He is part owner of the famed thorough-bred bull, registered as "David Mosier," weight 2,200 pounds. Our subject has filled several town- ship offices, and is at present Supervisor, an office he is filling the third term of two years each. WILLIAM M. MANING, farmer, P. O. Black Ash, was born in Beaver (now Lawrence) County, Penn., September 27, 1827; son of John and Sarah (Munnell) Maning, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and both deceased. Our subject received but a limited common school education, and in 1841 came to North Shenango Township with his parents. He has always followed farming, and has owned the farm on which he now resides for thirty-five years. From a state of nature he has placed it in a state of cultivation that bespeaks him to be a practical farmer. His fine brick residence, erected in 1883, is the only one of the kind in Randolph Township, and is a monument to his industry and enterprise. His farm is stocked with fine short-horn cattle. During the war he was drafted, but discharged soon after on account of physi- cal disability. He is a member of the K. of H. and the Grange, is also con- nected with the Spiritualist !Church. He was married January 1, 1856, to Mary A. Lamphear, who was born in Ohio, June 20, 1836. They have a fam- ily of six children: William O., Clayton E., May, Nora, Ollie and Effie. J. R. MORGAN, mill-owner and farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., July 14, 1850; son of Nicholas and Rose (McGrath) Morgan, natives of Ireland. Our subject came ^to this county in 1871, and for seven years made his home in Meadville, except a short time speat in .the oil regions. In 1878 he purchased a saw-mill having a capacity of 10,000 feet per day, built about eighteen years since by A. Gilbert. In connection with S2 938 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: this mill, Mr. Morgan also bought 300 acres of land, nearly all covered with timber, which he is rapidly clearing. He was married February 17, 1878, to Miss Eeuah Gilbert. Our subject is an energetic and enterprising business man and enjoys the confidence of every one for his honesty and fair dealings. He is an active member of the K. of P. , at Meadville. JOHN MUEDOCH, farmer, P. 0. Sugar Lake, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, April 5, 1839; son of John and Jane (Jack) Murdock, natives of Scotland, former of whom came from that country to America in 1841, settling in Meadville, this county, where he followed the occupation of a carpenter, and died August 28, 1858; his wife died in Scotland in 1854 They were the parents of two children: Agnes and John. Our subject received his education in the common schools of his native land, and in early life learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for several years, but eventually turned hi& attention to farming. At the age of eighteen he decided to try his fortune in the New World. The farm which he then purchased and now lives on was settled in an early day by the Oaks family. Mr. Murdoch eveotually cleared and placed under cultivation many acres of land and in addition to other improvements he has erected fine farm buildings necessary for comfort and con- venience. He is a prominent stock-grower. In 1860 our subject married Miss Mary, daughter of Jackson and Susan Brawley. She died in 1873, leav- ing five children, viz.: James, Jane, William, Guy and Susan. Mr. Mur- doch was again married, on this occasion, June 3, 1875, to Henriette, daughter of John and Mary Allen, born June 3, 1849. She is the mother of one child — Josephine. Mr. Murdoch is an active member of the K. of H. at Guy's Mills. ANDEEW J. OWEN, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, is a son of William and Sally ^Sterling) Owen, former a native of Massachusetts, latter of Pennsyl- vania, both deceased. They were parents of seven children, of whom Andrew is the youngest. Our subject received a common school education and taught school several terms. He learned the trade of cooper, at which he worked several years and then turned his attention to farming. He bought his farm when covered with forest and has cleared over 100 acres. Mr. Owen enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Ninety -ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving ten months, and was in four engagements. He was wounded in the the left leg and contracted a chronic disease which has disabled him in some respects from active labor. Our subject was married January 1, 1858, to Elizabeth Clark, a native of this county, born December 25, 1839. Seven children were born to this union: Estella (deceased), Matis, Don E., Velma, Eoy, Maud, and Lyle. Mr. Owen is an active member oE the K. of H,, at Guy's Mills. PAUL PHILLIPS, blacksmith and farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Venango County, Penn., February 15, 1848; son of Anthony and Libby(Cauvel) Phillips, natives of Centre County, Penn., and early settlers of Venango Coun- ty, former deceased. They were parents of eleven children, of whom Paul is sixth. Our subject received a common school education and learned black- smithing, a trade he worked at for twenty years. He is a good workman and has accumulated a fair portion of this world's goods. His farm in Eandolph township consists of ninety acres of choice land under good cultivation. On March 9, 1880, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage with Miss Lucy McMuUen, a native of Eandolph Township, this county. In politics our subject is inde- pendent ELIAS SHAFFEE, farmer, P. 0. Black Ash, was born in Woodcock Town- ship, this county, February 22, 1880; son of Daniel and Sarah (Wikofif) EANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 9§9 Shaffer, natives of this county (both deceased). They were parents of nine children, of whom Elias is fourth. Our subject received a common school edu- cation and entered on his career of life as a farmer, an occupation he has always followed. He came to Eandolph Township, in April, 1860, and here made most of the improvements on a large farm. Mr. Shaffer was married in 1853 to Miss Helena, daughter of William Salen, born May 22, 1833, and to this union were born nine children, viz. : Ellen, Charles, Edgar, Minnie, Will- iam, Ward, Sarah, Leslie, and Bertha. Our subject has served the people of the township in several minor oflSces and is an active member of the Grange at Guy's Mills. He is an energetic, enterprising man and socially ranks high in the estimation of the community. HORACE T. SIKES, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., February 13, 1822; son of Philander and Mary (Faunce) Sikes, former a native of Washington County, N. Y., a blacksmith and farmer; latter a native of New Hampshire. They were parents of six children, viz. : Horace T. Squair, Harriett, Selden, James and Mahaly. Our subject was raised on a farm and received a common school education. He has worked at blacksmith- ing and now owns and operates a saw-mill which he erected on his farm in 1848. He came to this county in 1836 with his parents, who located on a farm now owned by James Hall. Mr. Sikes, in company with his brothers, Selden and Squiar, enlisted in Company A, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, serving till the close of the war. He was mar- ried December 14, 1843, to Mary E. Keep, a native of Massachusetts, who bore him four children now living, viz. : Wolcott E. ; Ellen E., wife of D. C. Blanch- ard; Cherill A., wife of W. W. Sikes, of Venango County, and Flora E., wife of M. Lyman, of West Andover, Ohio. Wolcott E. was married September 25, 1878, to M. Estella Selby, of Ohio, and by her has one child— Lee. Mr. Sikes is an active member of Gleason Post G. A. K. ; has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for years. In politics is a Republican. EPHRAIM SPRING, merchant and Assistant Postmaster, Randolph, was born in Delaware County, N. Y. , February 11, 1809; son of Ephraim and Mary (Sumner) Spring, former a native of Washington County, N. Y., latter of Connecticut. They were parents of nine children, of whom Ephraim is fifth. Our subject obtained the chief part of his education in the common schools of his native county; came to this township in 1823 and engaged in farming. In 1874 he opened a grocery store in Randolph, where he now resides. Mr. Spring was twice married, on first occasion to Mary Radle, who died in 1872. She bore him nine children, of whom only two survive, viz. : Adeline and Mary. On August 25, 1874, our subject married Mrs. Mary (Hall) Haight, widow of William Haight, by whom she had one child — Pemrose — night railroad agent at Leavittsburg, Ohio. Mrs. Spring was born in Ran- dolph, April 21, 1831, and is a daughter of Leonard and Sally (Jones) Hall, former of whom was born in Vermont, May 4, 1795; came to Meadville, this county, in 1816, and to Randolph Township in 1826, at which time there was but one house between Randolph and Guy's Mills. He made the trip from Meadville on an ox-sled. He died September 29, 1878. His wife was bora October 19, 1797; died September 10, 1868. They were the parents of tea children. Our subject was Captain of a militia company at Meadville four- teen years, and during the Rebellion he raised a company of sixty-five men, of which he was twice elected Captain, but his age prohibited him from going to the front. Thirty of his men volunteered with Capt. Ira Ayre. Mr. Spring was elected as Justice of the Peace in 1845 and filled that office thirty years; was Postmaster at Randolph nine years; politically he is a Republican. 940 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: HENEY P. STEADMAN, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Eome Township, this county, December 18, 1863; son of Perry and Esther (Bald- win) Steadman, the former of whom was born in East Fallowfield Township, this county, May 31, 1829; the latter in New York State, March 2, 1831. They were married July 28, 1849, and had a family of ten children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Alvah D., Catharine M., Cyrus W., Mary E., Henry P. and Effie E. Our subject received a common school education. During the winter seasons for several years he worked in a saw-mill. In the spring of 1884 he rented a farm of fifty acres and began life for himself. Mr. Steadman was married October 4, 1880, to Miss Mary Grinnell, a native of Crawford County, Penn., born September 7, 1863, daughter of Morris B. and Maggie (Aimes) Grinnell, early settlers of Greenwood Township, this county, both now deceased. To this union were born two children: Jeptha and Maggie. Our subject is an industrious young man, and is destined to be a successful farmer. He is a member of the United Brethren Church. Politically, he is a Bepublican. JOHN E. STEWART, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born on the farm where he now lives in Eandolph Township, this county, August 3, 1843 ; son of John and Mary Stewart (both deceased); the former a native of this coun- ty, the latter of Erie County, Penn. They were parents of six children, of whom John E. is fourth. Our subject obtained his education in the common schools, and having been raised on a farm has always followed that occupa- tion. He was married September 4, 1872, to Miss Clarinda Daniels, born in Eandolph Township, this county, March 20, 1851, the result of which union is one child — Hattie Maude. Mr. Stewart is a member of the K. of H. at Guy's Mills; is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics is a Democrat. DAVID F. SWEET, blacksmith and farmer, P. O. Sugar Lake, was born in Eichmond Township; this county, June 25, 1828; son of A. B. and Anna (Blanchard) Sweet, natives of New York, and parents of twelve children, of whom David F. is the seventh. They moved from New York to this county in March, 1828. Our subject was brought up a farmer and is a blacksmith by trade, at which he has gained a wide reputation for his skill and for his hon- est, straightforward business transactions. He came to his present place in 1876 and built a shop on his farm. Mx. Sweet was married in 1851 to Eliz- abeth Shoemaker, of Wayne Township, this county, born in 1829. They have two children now living: Florence, wife of E. Ferry, and Samuel B. Mr. Sweet is highly esteemed in the community for his many good qualities. EALPH UTLEY (deceased) was born in Landgrove, Vt., June 12, 1817. He came to Eandolph Township, this county, in 1855, and bought the farm where his son Edward C. now lives. He was married at Whitehall, N. Y., March 6, 1839, to Miss Laura J. Noble, a native of Whitehall, N. Y., born November 22, 1819, and now living. To this union were born five children, viz. : George H. (deceased), Mary G., Eliza M., Helen A. (deceased), and Edward C. Mr. Utley was a very prominent man in his day and was recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the township. His son Edward C. was born January 15, 1859, and received a good common school education. He is an energetic young man, and bids fair to become a practical, successful farmer. He married, March 30, 1880, Miss Alice M. Hanks, a native of Crawford County, Penn., born August 12, 1859. JAMES C. VIETUE, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Upper Canada, now Ontario, July 19, 1844, son of Edward and Mary A. (Hall) Virtue, natives of Canada, former deceased, latter still living. His educational privi- RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP. 941 leges were limited to the common schools. At the age of ten years he was deprived of a father's care, and being the oldest of seven children, a large burden fell upon his young shoulders in assisting to care for the family. He has accumulated a large estate by his own efforts, and the property he now owns represents many hours of hard labor performed by his own hands. In 1865 he came to Pennsylvania and located in the oil regions, where he engaged in the wood business for three years, at the end of which time he came to Randolph Township, this county, and bought a farm. He is universally termed the first farmer of the township, and the appearance of his farm, upon which he has made nearly all the improvements, does not in any respect belie the assertion. His cattle are of thoroughbred Jersey and short-horn f ami lies, and his sheep full-blooded stock. He always buys the best and consequently has the best to sell. He helped build the Methodist Episcopal Church at Guy's Mills, of which he has been a leading member for years. ' Our subject married, March 4, 1869, Lucetta Frankenberger, who was born in Venango County, this State, in 1848, and by this union are three children, viz. : Clair W., Ernest E. and Mabel E. In politics Mr. Virtue is a Republican. SYLVESTER WILDER, M. D., retired, Guy's Mills. This aged and honored gentleman, so well and favorably known throughout this county, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1809,. son of Thomas and Rebecca (Yarns) Wilder, the father a native of Massachusetts, the mother, of New York State; Among the passengers on the "Mayflower," who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620, fleeing from religious persecutions in England, were two brothers, John and Daniel Wilder, and of these Thomas Wilder, our subject's father, was a lineal descendant. Thomas Wilder was born and reared near Boston, and at the age of nineteen years removed to Oneida County, N. Y., where he subse- quently married. In 1831 he removed to this township, of which he remained V a resident until his death in 1856. He served in the war of 1812 under Gen. Brown. His family consisted of three sons and one daughter, of whom two sons, Luther and Sylvester, survive, and are both residents of this township. Sylvester settled in this township one year later than his father, or in 1832. In 1884 he married Maria Sellew, of Wethersfield, Conn., who bore him one child, that died aged eleven days. Mrs. Wilder died March 25, 1864, aged fifty-four years. In 1868 Dr. Wilder married for his second wife Mrs. Mary R. Lippitt, of Cambridge. In early life he entered upon the study of medi- cine, and for twenty-eight years engaged in the practice of his profession, at the same time carrying on quite an extensive farming business. Financially, the Doctor's life has been very successful. Although he raised no children of his own, his fatherly care and attention have been given to several adopted children, giving them a good education, and at maturity furnishing each of them with abundant means to start wall in business life. The Doctor has been a member of the Congregational Church for many years, in which by his Christian character and influence, and his liberal giving of his means, he has been one of the main pillars. For more than half a century Dr. Wilder has been a resident of this community, and during this long period the many public acts of his life and the noble deeds of charity to the poor and indigent and to all worthy objects have been extended with such a beneficent hand as to endear him in the hearts of the people of this community and throughout his large and extended circle of acquaintances. THOMAS J. WILDER, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Township, this county, February 1, 1841; son of Luther and Sarah (Byham) t Wilder, former of whom was born in Oneida County, N. Y., January 25, 1805; latter bom in Worcester County, Mass., December 4, 1818. Luther Wilder 942 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: came to Randolph Township, this county, in 1834, settling on the farm where he now lives. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church about sixty-seven years, and class-leader thirty-six years. Has been twice married; on first occasion, March 2, 1829, to Lucy Ward, who died May 20, 1836, leaving one child, Sylvester W. His second marriage occurred March 28, 1837, with Sarah Byham, who bore him nine children, viz.: Martin L., Thomas J., Chancy G., Maria L. (deceased), Sarah J. (deceased), Blisha E., Mary E., Martha S. and Jonas B. (deceased). The paternal grandfather of our subject is supposed to have been of German descent; he was a farmer by occapation; a teamster in the war of 1812. Of his family of five children. Dr. Wilder and Lulher are the only ones now living. Our subject was raised on a farm, and has been a farmer all his life. During the war of the Eebellion, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and during the sixteen months he was in the service he took part in seventeen engagements and received one wound. He participated in the bat- tles of the Wilderness, Weldon Kailroad and Hatcher's Run. Mr. Wilder was married December 25, 1880, to Miss Adelia Crouch, who died a few months later. Our subject is a member of Gleason Post, G. A. E., at Townville, and of the K. of H. at Guy's Mills. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JACOB WILSON, M. D., physician and surgeon, Guy's Mills. Prior to the war of the Revolution, Moore Wilson, a native of England, immigrated to America, settling in Virginia, and soon after enlisted in the war, serving until its close. He became owner of a large plantation with quite a number of slaves, and there he resided during the remainder of his life. He died very suddenly, it is supposed of heart disease, while apparently in quite robust health, at the advanced age of one hundred years. Of his children, Jacob Wilson, the father of our subject, was born in West Virginia, served in the war of 1812, subsequently married Miss Maugerette Killpatrick, of Baltimore, Md. , and about 1820 removed to Ohio, and settled at or near Akron, Summit County. A few years later, at the time of the building of the Erie & Pitts- burgh Canal, he removed to Sherman's Corners, this county, and contracted for and superintended the construction of one section of that canal. After the completion of this work he settled on a farm in Richmond Township, where he resided till near the time of his death. He died like his father, very sud- denly, of heart disease, in August, 1864. He was the father of five sons and six daughters, of whom seven are now living: Nancy, James A., Harriet, Maugerette, Jacob, John K. and Thomas. Of these, Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1834, in this county, raised on his father's farm, and when seventeen years of age entered Allegheny College, where he continued nearly three years; then he studied medicine with Drs. Witherwax and Carter, at Davenport, Iowa, remaining with them about four years. He then attended a full course at the Medical Department at Ann Arbor College, Michigan. In 1858 he married Miss Jane E., daughter of George and Sarah Hotchkiss, settled in this county and entered upon the practice of his profession. He has now practiced twenty-six years, and is the oldest practicing physician in Randolph Township. His business has constantly increased and in now extended over a large extent of territory. In 1882 he graduated in the West- ern Reserve College, Cleveland, Ohio, and in the spring of the same year removed to Guy's Mills, where he has since carried on his profession. He is the father of two sons and two daughters: Hattie May (now Mrs. E. L. Hall), James L., Burt L. and Addie M. JACOB WOOD, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Columbiana Coun- ty, Ohio, April 16, 1806, son of John and Elizabeth (Mourey) Wood, natives RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 943 of southern Pennsylvania. John Wood was in the war of 1812, and while in the service fell sick and died in 1813. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Jacob is oixth. Our subject received but a limited education, and served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade at Salem, Ohio. In 1838 he oame to Crawford County, and was the same year married to Barbara Sherrod, who bore him eleven children, viz. : Lewis, John, William (deceased), Andrew, Martha, Eebecca, Erastus, Elizabeth, Lucy, Alice and Alford. Mr. Wood worked at his trade ten months in each of the following places; Edinboro, Erie County, and Venango Township, this county; then went to Stark County, Ohio, where he remained seven years; he then returned to Crawford County, and cleared a farm, which he sold, and again applied himself to his trade in Cambridgeboro, this county, fifteen years, and finally came to Randolph Town- ship and settled on his farm in 1880. He has held several minor township offices. Is a member of the Congregational Church. SAMUEL F. WOOD, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Otsego Coun- ty, N. Y., March 15, 1817, son of Isaiah and Hannah (Fisk) Wood, the former of whom was born in Rhode Island, a miller by trade, and an early settler of Steuben Township, this county. The latter was a native of Connecticut. They were the parents of seven children, viz. : Barnet, James, Samuel F., Wil- lard, Sarah, Catharine and Louisa. When about five years of age our subject was brought by his parents to Steuben Township, this county, where he received a common school education, and early in life commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he has worked more or less in connection with farming. In 1841 he went to Richmond Township, this county, and remained till 1881, and then came to Randolph Township, where he has a farm of fifty acres. Mr. Wood has been for many years a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. In politics he is a Republican. EZRA R. WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Guy's Mills, was born in Jefferson •County, N. Y., July 17, 1824, son of William and Lucy (Eastman) Wright, the former a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Vermont, early settlers of Venango County, Penn. Ezra R. Wright was raised on a farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He came to this township in 1864, and has demonstrated the fact that he is an excellent husbandman by placing his farm in a high state of cultivation. Be takes quite an interest in high grade stock and fowls, of which he has quite a number. At the death of his first wife, Mary Hasson, he was left with five children, viz.: Wilhelmina, wife of Charles Crook; Frederick N., who married Edith Faunce; Alvira, wife of Lawrence Moffat; Mary, wife of J. Hill, and John, who married Ella Boyles. Mr. Wright married for his second wife Naney Duffield, a native of Venango ■County, Penn., by whom he has two children, viz. : Harvey M. and Emma, both now living at home, assisting their parents upon the homestead farm. RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. EDWIN J. BAILEY, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Chautau- qua County, N. Y., January 13, 1829; son of Simon P. and Nancy (King) Bailey (both deceased), natives of Onondaga County, N. Y. ; parents of seven children, of whom Edwin J. is fourth. They came to this county when he was an infant. Our subject's education was limited to the common schools of the neighbor- 944 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: hood, and his early life was employed in assisting his parents on the farm. On reaching his majority, Mr. Bailey commenced life as a carpenter and joiner, an occupation he has followed for about twenty-five years in connection with his farm, which consists of 150 acres of choice land. He was married December 25, 1853, to Miss Martha E. Clark, born March 25, 1837, and by this union there are six children, viz. : Rodolph C, Eda E., Hattie L., Neva, Melva M. and Donn E. Recognizing the importance of good education, Mr. Bailey has spared no pains in that respect for his children. He is an energetic, enterprising man, taking an active part in all county undertakings, especially such as tend to the advancement of religion and education. EDWIN BAKER, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Steuben Town- ship, this county, born November, 1848; son of Freeland and Betsy (Alten- burg) Baker, natives of Pennsylvania, and now living in Steuben Township. They were parents of five children, viz. : Amy (deceased), Edwin, Frank (deceased), Louie Bell and Fred. Our subject received a common school edu- cation and entered on his career in life as a farmer. In 1868 he purchased the farm where he now lives, consisting of 104 acres of excellent land. Mr. Baker was married, March 5, 1868, to Juliette Myers, born in Woodcock Town- ship, this county, February 14, 1847, and the result of this union is two chil- dren: Frank, born May 4, 1871, and Don, born October 7, 1877. Our sub- ject is a member of the Baptist Church at Townville. Is at present serving the township as Supervisor; is an active member of the I. O. O. F. HENRY D. BERTRAM, farmer, P. O. Little Cooley, was born in Ger- many, December 11, 1836, son of George Henry and Hannah Bertram. He came to America in 1853, and located at Cambridgeboro, this county, where he followed blacksmithing until he moved to his farm, in Richmond Township, in 1869. Mr. Bertram was married, October 28, 1858, to Miss Mary Mathews, a native of New York State, and to this union were born seven children: Emma, George, Fred, Mary, Nelson, Charles and Henry. Oar subject is an ener- getic, enterprising man, and highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the A. O. XJ. W. In pol- itics he was formerly an adherent of the Republican party ; lately, however, he has become identified with the Prohibitionists. GEORGE L. BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Columbia County, Penn., August 1, 1810. He received but a limited educa- tion, and served as an apprentice to the cabinet-making, a business in which he opened out for himself, when twenty-three years of age, at Cambridge, this county, where he remained about fourteen years. He then went to Rockdale Township, this county, immediately turning his attention to farming, and here he remained twenty- three years. He next came to his present farm of 100 acres of excellent land, in Richmond Township, this county, well cultivated and stocked. Mr. Bowman was married March 15, 1840, to Caroline A. Webster, a native of Brockville, Ontario, and to this union were born six .children, viz.: Susan, wife of Sam Stewart; Emma, wife of Willis Morse; Lena, a teacher in Cleveland, Ohio; Albert and Albion (twins) and Alsaett, wife of Dr. Farley, of Townville. In addition to his farm labors, our subject devotes part of his time to repairing wagons, buggies, etc. , having on his place a combined wagon and blacksmith shop. Politically Mr. Bowman is a Democrat. ALBION BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Cam- bridge, this county, January 23, 1847; son of George and Caroline (Webster) Bowman, early settlers of this county, both now living. They are the paren s of six children, of whom Albion and Albert (twins) are the only boys. Our subject received his educational training at the common schools, and learned RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 945 at first the trade of a painter, which he followed five years, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1874 he moved to his present farm, which presents every evidence of prosperity, the result of careful cultivation. Mr. Bowman was married January 1, 1873, to Miss Estella Navy, born in Steuben Township, this county, November 7, 1854, and daughter of William and Jeanette (Hopkins) Navy; former, a native of this county, died August 2, 1861; latter, a native of New York, now living. They were parents of two children, of whom Mrs. Bowman is eldest. Two children are the result of this union, Don and Nettie. Our subject has the reputation of being energetic and enterprising, honest and upright in all business transactions, and is highly esteemed by all. PEENTIS N. BRESEE, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Trum- bull County, Ohio, October 28, 1837; son of Nathan and Huldah (Chipman) Bresee, natives of New York State; former a farmer and mechanic, died May 8, 1877, latter in 1857. They were parents of seven children, of whom Pren- tis N. is second. The early life of our subject was employed in attending the common schools and assisting on the farm. In 1843 he came to Richmond Township, this county, with his parents, and here he has followed the occupa- tion of farmer, without intermission, having met with good success as a return for hard work and perseverance. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, March, 1864. On August 19, following, he was captured by the Rebels, and held prisoner seven months in Libby, Belle Isle and Salisbury prisons. When liberated he returned home on furlough, at the expiration of which he went to camp at Annapolis, where he received his discharge. He then turned his attention to agriculture. Mr. Bresee was married June 11, 1861, to Miss Mary R. Marsh, born in Medina County, Ohio, by whom he had four children: E£Se, Wilbur, Chester and one deceased. Our subject held the office of Constable ten years, from 1869; assessed the township twice and collected taxes once; is a member of the Grange at New Richmond; politically a Republican. JAMES W. BURDICK, farmer, P. O. Townville, was bom in Sparta Town- ship, this county, July 24, 1842, son of Elias and Mary Ann (Willey) Burdick, former deceased. Our subject received but a limited education, attending only a few terms at the common schools, as his facilities were not of the best. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company B, Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Knight, serving his country faithfully two years. He was in several engagements, among which was the battle of the Wilderness, where he received eleven ballet holes in his clothes and four wounds, three in his left arm and one in his right hand; a Testament which he carried in his pocket stopped one bullet which would undoubtedly have killed him. In 1869 he purchased his farm in Richmond Township. Mr. Burdick was married March 31, 1879, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Stephen Hunt, and by her has two children : Mary and Addie. He was a member of a G. A. R. post which was disbanded. Is a member of the Christian Church. ISRAEL CANNON, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., March 12, 1812; son of Stodard and Polly (Heneager) Cannon. He was brought when a child by his parents to Chautauqua County, N. Y. , and his early life was passed in assisting his father on the farm. Our subject came to Richmond Township, this county, about 1884, and cleared the farm! where he now lives and expects to end his days. He has always been a hard- working man, and has accumulated his property by his own energy and indus- try, although he has had a great deal of trouble in the way of sickness and death in the family. Mr. Cannon is now living with his third wife, who was 946 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a Miss Helen Danforth, by whom he has four children living: Bert, Eva, Minnie and Eay Richmond. He has been a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church over sixty years. Politically he is a Republican. RILEY CARPENTER, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Vermont, born August 12, 1821, son of Abner and Nancy (Hanz) Carpenter, also natives of Vermont. They came to Crawford County at an early day, and settled on land now owned by Welcome Carpenter, and there died. Their six children are Welcome, Charles, Aaron, Riley, Parley, and Sophia, widow of Washing- ton Kelly. The grandfather served through the entire Revolutionary war. Our subject received his school training in the old log schoolhouse, immedi- ately commenced farming, and in 1851 purchased his present farm of 170 acres of improved land, where he makes a specialty of raising cattle. He was married in 1848 to Lovicy, daughter of John Pratt, who was killed by the falling limb of a tree, and by this union were born eight children, viz. : James E., Emma E., Eva N., Martin L., Lydia L., Lillie L., John R. and Hattie N. "Mr. Carpenter enlisted during the Rebellion in Company C, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving three years in the hospital department He has held several township offices; politically he is a Repub- lican. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Townville. EMERSON CHAMBERLAIN, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born at Williamstown, Mass., July 12, 1811, son of Anson and Rhoda Chamberlain. His education was obtained in the common schools of Chenango County, N. Y., where his parents removed when he was but two years of age. Mr. Cham- berlain was twice married, his first wife living only a few years. She was the mother of two children: Oscar and Mary, both now deceased. In 1838 our subject returned to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he remained three years. On February 23, 1840, he married Miss Elvira Aiken, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., August 23, 1816, and to this union were born eleven children, viz. : Adeline (deceased), Adelaide, Cornelia, Anson (deceased), Henry, Amelia, Viola, Laura, Emeline, Homer and Clara. Soon after his second marriage our subject came to Crawford County, and settled on and cleared the farm where he now lives, which is under a high state of cultivation and supplied with substantial buildings. Our subject has held several minor township offices. Has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly forty years. DONAL CHILDS, retired farmer, P. O. Lyona, is a native of Washington County, N. Y., born December 23, 1808. He received a common school training, and commenced life as a farmer, an occupation he has followed with- out intermission till date of his retirement from active labor. He settled in Athens Township, this county, in- 1830, and three years later moved to Rich- mond Township, where he now lives. His farm consists of fifty acres of choice land now managed by his son Joseph. Mr. Childs was married in 1827 to Miss Mary Hazleton, a native of Vermont, who died in 1875. To this union were born six boys: Reuben, Eli, Byron, Lucius, Warren and Joseph, all living and all farmers, excepting Lucius and Warren, former of whom is in mercantile business, latter a shoe-maker. Our subject was formerly a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he became identified with it. He cast his first vote for Jackson. SILAS CLARK, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born on a farm near where he now resides in Richmond Township, this county, August 6, 1825, son of Joseph and Sybil (Phillips) Clark, natives of Washington County, N. Y., KICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 947 and who settled in Eichmond Township in 1820. They were parents of five children, of whom Silas is the eldest. The first school our subject attended was on the subscription plan, and his education was limited to that and the common schools. He first directed his attention to farming, but eventually learned shoe-making, which trade he followed for about fifteen years, and finally devoted himself exclusively to the farm. He has at present some Dur- ham cattle, a grade he expects in the future to make a specialty of; also makes a business of fruit-tree grafting. Mr. Clark during the war of the Eebellion enlisted in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, ComjJany F, Capt. D. C. McCoy, under command of Col. John W. McLane. He was dis- abled and returned to his regiment on three different occasions; was in the service twenty-seven months, and soon after Lee's surrender received his dis- charge at Washington, D. C. He was married January 29, 1847, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Gamaliel Phillips, and a native of this county, born April 19, 1827. To this union were born twelve children, eight now living, viz. : David, Gamaliel, Delbert, Whiteley, Jennie, Gertie, Rose and Hale. The eldest son, George, was in the service during the Rebellion, and died in hospital at Pittsburgh, Penn. JEREMIAH CLARK, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born on the farm where he now lives, May 22, 1831, son of Joseph and Sybil (Phillips) Clark, natives of New York State and early settlers of Richmond Tovraship, this county, having bought the farm where their son Jeremiah now resides. Our subject received a common school education, and commenced life as a carpen- ter and joiner, which occupation he followed fifteen years. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Eesinger, attached to Army of the Potomac; was wounded in the hand at the battle of Gettysburg; was in hospital in conse- quence three months, and then rejoined his company. Soon afterward was again wounded in the same hand, this time so seriously that he had to be dis- charged. After his return home Mr. Clark turned his attention to farming, which occupation he still follows. Our subject was at one time a member of the I. O. O. F. LYMAN CLARK, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, is a native of Richmond Township, this county, bom August 25, 1834; son of Ira H. and Betsy (Day) Clark, natives of Washington County, N. Y., and early settlers of this town- ship (both deceased). They were parents of ten children, of whom Lyman is the fourth. Our subject received a common school education, and was apprenticed to the trade of shoe-maker, an occupation he followed several years at Rock Island, 111., Waterford, Titusville, McClintockville and New Richmond, Penn. Eventually he adopted farming and lumbering, the former of which he has engaged in to the present time, with the exception of a few years spent in the oil regions, where he still holds an interest. Mr. Clark was married, March 13, 1857, to Miss Rebecca A. Bailey, born in Richmond Township, this county, July 30, 1838, daughter of Simon and Nancy (King) Bailey, both deceased, natives of Onondaga County, N. Y., parents of seven children. To this union were bom five children, only one now living, Clellie R., wife of Frank Hubble, of Lincolnville, Penn. Our subject owns a well cultivated, compact, though not large farm, with good buildings and abundance of live- stock. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church several years; was at one time connected with the Grange. Is politically a Democrat. ABEL CROSS, retired farmer, P. Q. New Richmond, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., November ^7, 1812. He spent his early days on his father's farm and in attending school in the neighboring log schoolhouse. He commenced life 948 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: for himself as a farmer, and in 1838 came to this county, where he now resides on the third farm he has cleared, comprising 110 acres of well-improved land, sit- uated near New Richmond. Mr. Cross has been very successful, and is looked up to as a substantial, practical man, bearing a reputation for energy and enterprise and honest fair dealings in all business transactions. Our subject was married October 16, 1836, to Miss Rosella Lurgy, a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., born January 19, 1819. To this union were born five children: Joel, Cyrus, Eugene, Sally and Susan, all now living. Joel has been an army surgeon nearly fifteen years. Mr. Cross has retired from active labor, and his place is now under the management of his youngest son, Eugene. In pol- itics he has always been a stanch Republican. BURNEY DANFORTH, retired farmer, P. O. New Richmond, is a native of Bristol County, Mass., born May 28, 1807, son of Richmond and Catharine Danforth. He was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools of his native county. His first occupation was that of distiller, which he followed for three years. He then bought and ran a canal-boat for several years, but eventually turned his attention to farming, and bought the place where he now resides in 1829. At one time he owned between 300 and 400 acres, but since retiring from active life has disposed of the greater part of it. In 1839 Mr. Danforth married Sarah Gail, who died in 1850, leaving eight children; and in 1852 our subject married Sarah Belden, of Vermont, who died eight years later; she was the mother of four children. Mr. Danforth's third marriage occurred in 1862, with Martha Edmons, who has borne the following-named chil- dren: John, George, Mariette, Frank and Albert. JAMES E. DAVISON, farmer, P. O. Lyona, is a native of Randolph Township, this county, born September 12, 1837, son of John and Ruth (Kitelinger) Davison, former a native of Massachusetts, latter of Pennsylvania, early settlers of Randolph Township and still living in the same township. They are the parents of eight children, of whom James E. is eldest. Our subject had few facilities for attending school, consequently his education was limited, but he is a great reader, and takes more weekly and monthly papers than probably any other man in the township. His library is extensive, con- taining many valuable and popular works, and having traveled considerably, he is enabled to give interesting and graphic descriptions of all noted places he has visited. Mr. Davison enlisted during the war of the Rebellion, in Company I, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, Capt. Howe, under command of Col. Ira Ayre, and while on picket duty near Bull Run he received a wound in the hand which disabled him from further duty, so he was discharged. Our subject was married July 4, 1861, to Miss Alvira N. , daughter of Ebenezer Hunt, the first'settler of Richmond Township; she was born October 18, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Davison have two children by adoption: Charles, of West Point, Neb., and Flora, wife of W. H. Smith, of Randolph Township. Mr. Davison has served the township in every office from lowest to highest; is Past Master of the Grange at New Richmond; politically he is a Republican. FAYETTE DELAMATER, farmer, P. O. Blooming Valley, was born on the farm where he now resides, July 1, 1827, fourth child of Thomas and Martha (Day) Delamater, former a native of "Washington County, N. Y. , and an early settler of this county, died at the age of seventy years; latter a native of Vermont, died aged sixty-two years. They were parents of seven children. Our subject's education was limited to the common schools of his neighbor- hood. He commenced life as a farmer, and in additioii to the time therein employed taught school several winters. He has a large, well-cultivated farm in ship-shape condition, and for several years he has dealt in live stock in RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 949 addition to growing the usual crops. Mr. Delamater, in ]851, married Miss Sarah Peelman, a native of "Woodcock To-wnship, this county, born in 1832. To this union were born four children: Eva, wife of Judson Sayer; Ella, wife of D. W. Wright; Alice, wife of "Willis Bentley; and Albert L., at home. Our subject during the war of the Eebellion enlisted in a company of Home Guards, but did not enter into active service. He is an active member of the Grange at New Eichmond, also of the R. T. of T., Blooming Valley. He and his wife are connected with the Congregational Church at Guy's Mills. ALEXANDER rOSB"DEGH, farmer, P.O. Little Cooley,was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 2, 1822. His educational privileges were limited to the common schools, and his first business enterprise was building flat-boats on French Creek, of which he has constructed as many as fifty-three in one year. In connection with boat- building Mr. Fosburgh owned and operated a saw-mill for a number of years. In 1864 he purchased a farm of fifty acres of choice land, and entered on the life of an agriculturist. He has all farm buildings necessary for comfort and convenience, and everything in ship-shape order. Our subject was married, July 16, 1846, to Cynthia Fisk, who died November 19, 1871, and he then became united, March 22, 1872, with Eosanna Sloan, a native of this county, born April 26, 1827. The result of this union has been two children. BENJAMIN FEANKLIN, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born August 6, 1820, in Genesee County, N. Y., son of Eber and Martha (Kimble) Franklin, former a native of "Vermont, latter of New Jersey. They were parents of thirteen children, viz. : Sophia, Andrew, Ichabod, Benjamin, Lyman, Lovina, Mary, Eber, Joanna, Orillia, George, Harrison and an infant (deceased). Our subject attended school in a log-cabin, his early books being the reader and spelling-book. He commenced life as a day laborer, and by industry and economy earned enough to buy a farm. In 1851 he settled on his present prop- erty of 130 acres, and at one time owned 240 acres, half of which he gave his son. He has a dairy of twenty cows, and sends the milk to the Franklin Cheese Factory, which he built in 1871, and sold after operating it one season. Mr. Franklin married, in November, 1841, Mary Eideout, of New York State, who bore him four children: Melissa, wife of "William Hadlock; Esther, wife of H. M. Cutshall (she taught school several terms before marriage); Flora, wife of A. Winans, and Earl, married to Alice Shorts. 0^ subject has filled several minor township offices; is a member of the Grange at New Eichmond; in politics is independent. He is a believer in the doctrine of Spiritualism. THOMAS "W. GEEEN, farmer, P. O. New Eichmond, was born in Jeffer- ' son County, N. Y., May 1, 1822. His education was very limited, as he had to work most of the time when a boy, and had but little time to attend school. He entered upon his career in life as a farmer, an occupation he has since fol- lowed, and by energy and enterprise has prospered well. He left his home in New "York State for the "West in 1840, and settled in Eichmond Township, this county, where he has now a farm well cultivated, and a pleasant home. Mr. Green was married, July 7, 1845, to Miss Mary E. Baldwin, by whom he has seven children, viz. : Pembroke, Charles, Francis, Sarah, Ehoda, Ann and Bertha, all living. ZENAS M. GEISWOLD, farmer, P. O. New Eichmond, is a native of Eutland County, Vt., born September 23, 1816, son of Samuel and Irene (Bronson) Griswold, natives of "Vermont, both now deceased, parents of four children, of whom Zenas M. is the eldest. They moved to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., when our subject was four years of age, and from there to Chautauqua County, N. Y. In 1836 Samuel Griswold came to Eichmond Township and 950 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: purchased the "Ashley heir property," of which our subject still owns sixty- one acres. Mr. Griswold received a good common school education, and had to work hard, up to reaching his majority, at farming by the day or month. By industry and economy he saved enough from his earnings to make a payment on a farm for himself, which farm is well supplied with all necessary build- ings, etc. Mr. Griswold was married November 17, 1842, to Miss Charlotte Fisk, born in April, 1821, daughter of Elisha Fisk, a native of Otsego County, N. Y. Our subject has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty years. In politics is a Democrat. FRIEND L. HALL, M. D. , New Eichmond, was born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, June 11, 1855, son of Ira R. and Rebecca (Camp) Hall, natives of Pennsylvania, latter deceased. They were parents of two sons: Ira E. and Friend L. Up to the age of fifteen our subject's time was employed on the farm and in attending school. He then engaged to learn the trade of cheese-making, which he followed about five summers, teaching school in the winters — one term when he was seventeen years old. The business of cheese- making eventually took him to Oregon and California, where he remained two and a half years. The Doctor traveled over the West considerably, and attended one course of medical lectures at Willamette University, Portland, Oregon. He received his diploma at the Western Reserve College, of Cleveland, Ohio, March 15, 1881, and commenced the practice of his profession at Little Cooley, this county, coming one year later to New Richmond, and has met with more than ordinary success, his ride now extending over four townships; the result of a thorough knowledge of the science of medicine, and close attention to business. Our subject was married April 6, 1878, to Miss Hattie M. Wil- son, a native of Greenwood, this county, born November 9, 1859, and daughter of Dr. Jacob Wilson, of Guy's Mills, this county. One child has been born to this union, named Charles Mack Hall. L. G. HAMILTON, retired farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born at Wellington, Ohio, August 16, 1829, son of Asa and Lydia (Deland) Hamil- ton, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Massachusetts, both now de- ceased. They were parents of six children, of whom L. G. is the fourth. Our subject received a common school training, and at the age of fifteen com- menced working at the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he continued, in connection with farming, for about twenty-five years. In 1857 he came to this township, and purchased a farm which he cleared and placed under a high slate of cultivation. Mr. Hamilton was married December 10, 1854, to Cath- arine Baird, a native of Connecticut, born February 6, 1834. Three children were the result of this union: Elsie, Adelbert L. (deceased) and Ai G. Our subject is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the township, and has been very successful in all his undertakings. He has filled several of the minor township offices; has been an active F. & A. M. several years; is a mem- ber of the Grange of New Richmond. In politics a Republican. JARED L. HARTER, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, is a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., born June 21, 1818; son of Henry and Sophronia (Hyde) Harter, natives of New York, (both deceased). They were parents of seven children, of whom Jared L., is the eldest. Our subject received a com- mon school education; in May, 1854, he purchased a farm in Rockdale Town- ship, this county, and in 1862 moved to Richmond Township, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Harter was married June 1, 1843, to Miss Cynthia E. Paddock, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., born March 26, 1820, daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (Mattison) Paddock, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Vermont, (both deceased). They were the KICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 951 parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Harter is fourth. To our subject and wife were born seven children: Henry L., Darwin R. ; Vera A., wife of E. John- son; John P., Solomon E.. Gilbert J., and Lucy, wife of E. Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Harter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Rich- mond. Politically, he is not a partisan, but usually votes the Republican ticket. ELIAS N. HOLMES (deceased) was born in Otsego County, N. Y., July 22, 1808; son of Samuel and Parmelia (Andrews) Holmes, natives of Connecti- cut (both deceased). They were parents of four children, of whom Elias N. was the youngest. Our subject, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Richmond Township, this county, in 1839, and cleared a farm of 110 acres. He held several township offices. Mr. Holmes, was married February 4, 1831, to Susan A, only child of Daniel and Betsy (Stout) Luther, former a native of Rhode Island, latter of New Jersey (both deceased). Mrs. Holmes is a native of Tompkins County, N. Y. , and is the mother of nine children, viz. : Rennselaer D. , Walter C, Mary D. , Eugene O., Charles H. , Leander H. , Ellen E., Allison U., and Fanny — last two named now living at home assisting their mother in the management of the farm. Mr. Holmes died August 23, 1879, universally respected and much lamented. EBENEZER HUNT, retired farmer, P. O. Lyona, was born in "Washing- ton County, Vt., May 28, 1796; son of David and Sarah (Otis) Hunt, of En- glish descent and connected with the early history of Massachusetts. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Ebenezer is third. The educa- tional privileges of our subject were limited, and at the age of nineteen he decided to try his fortune in the far West. Coming to Erie County, Penn., he in same year moved to Meadville, and in 1817, in company with his brother, came to Richmond Township, of which he is recognized the real pioneer, being the oldest living land-mark to tell the tale of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in the wilds. Owing to new divisions of the town- ships, Mr. Hunt-has lived in three, yet has never moved. He has always been a hard-working man and has helped to clear over 200 acres of land. In spite of his patriarchal age, he is still hale and healthy. Our subject for over half a century has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He was mar- ried September 18, 1824, to Lovina Hatch, a native of Whitehall, N. Y., born in 1800. She was the mother of nine children. Her death occurred in July, 1865 ZEPHANIAH E. KINGSLEY, Postmaster and general merchant, New Richmond, was born in Townville, this county, October 30, 1854; son of Ed- gar and Polly (Altenburg) Kingsley, natives of New York, now living near Townville, and whose parents were among the early settlers of Steuben Town- ship, this county. Our subject, who is second in a family of six children, received his education at the common and select schools of the county, and the college at Meadville,finishing with a commercial course. In 1876 he commenced life as a merchant, at Townville, where he remained three years. Selling out his business interest there, Mr. Kingsley came to New Richmond, where he again i embarked in mercantile pursuits, and has an excellent store, stocked with a general line of groceries and all articles required by the farming com- munity generally. He has succeeded in gaining a large and lucrative trade; the result of energy, enterprise and close attention to business. On September 6, 1880, our subject was appointed Postmaster of New Richmond, an office he still holds; is also Township Treasurer. He was married September 21,1876, to Miss Mary E. Barlow, born in this county, July 25, 1855, and the result of this union are two children: Ivy and Joe. Mr. Kingsley is a member of the I. O. O. P., No. 929, at Townville. In politics is a Republican. 952 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: JOHN JilcFADDEN; farmer, P. O. Little Cooley, is a native of Kandolph Township, this county, born September 2, 1828; son of Thomas and Sarah (Cameron) McFadden, natives of this county. They were parents of nine children, of whom John is second. Our subject received but a limited educa- tion, as he had to work hard in his younger days, and at the age of sixteen could neither read nor write. He has been a farmer most of his life, and in connection, has worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner and also at team- ing in the oil regions. In 1854 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. Mr. McFad- den was married, in 1850, to Miss Harriet N. Howk, bom is Lorain County, Ohio, July 3, 1833, and daughter of Lyman and Laura (Heath) Howk, natives of Massachusetts (both now deceased). To this union were born eleven chil- dren, nine now living, viz.: Lyman A., John A., Thomas L., Jay W., Laura A., all living in York Township, Stafford Co., Kan. ; Abraham L., Elmer G., Hattie N., and Sadie A. Those deceased are Charles C, and Ardie S. Our subject is an energetic, enterprising man and has made all his property by industry and per- severance. He has been connected with the United Brethren in Christ Church for about twenty years, was six years a member of the Erie Annual Confer- ence, and eight years with the Zion Church; is also a member of the Annual Conference. JAMES MoFADEN, merchant, P. O. New Eichmond, was bom in Green- wood Township, this county, August 29, 1824; son of William and Sarah McFaden. Our subject's early life was spent on the' farm, and it may be said of his education, that, with the exception of two mouths spent in the common schools, it was obtained mainly from observation and contact with the world. When fifteen years of age he came with his parents to Richmond Township, this county, and, young as he was, assisted in cutting most of the roads run- ning each way from New Richmond. Mr. McFaden remained at home until he was twenty-seven years of age and then engaged in farming for his own account until Majr, 1877, when he abandoned that occupation and commenced merchandising in New Richmond. He has here a general store well stocked with groceries and all goods required by the farming community. Our sub ject has been twice married; on first occasion to Miss Jane Adams, who died in 1878, leaving four children all grownup. Mr. McFaden then married, September 17, 1879, Miss Metta Hamilton, a native of this county, born in 1847. He served as Postmaster of New Eichmond three years and has held several township offices; was an active member of the Grange eight years. DAVID LATHEN MACKEY, retired farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., October 8, 1812; son of Elias and Annie Mackey. He received a common school education, and in 1835 came to Craw- ford County, Penn. , as an apprentice to the mill-wright trade, an occupation he followed m'any years. In 1842 he settled on the farm where he now lives, cutting a home for himself and wife out of the forest. Mr. Maekey was mar- ried, January 1, 1840, to Miss Sarah Ann Polly, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born June 27, 1816. One child was born to this union, Libbie C, wife of Taylor E. Burt, a native of this county, now living with Mr. Mackey. The farm of our subject is under a high state of cultivation and well supplied with necessary buildings. Mr. Mackey has retired from active labor, but still pre- serves a lively interest in the cultivation of bees, in which industry he is the most prominent in the county, having ninety swarms, which during the honey season require his whole attention. He has served as Justice of the Peace four terms of five years each, and has at all times taken an interest in county improvements, especially those tending to the advancement of religious and educational privileges. RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 953 THOMAS H. MILES, farmer, P. O. New Eichmond, was born in New Haven, Conn., February 14, 1815; son of Gapfc. George and Polly (Storer) Miles, also natives of New Haven, parents of seven children. Capt. George Miles v?ho was an old salt-water sailor, came out here in 1817, became a fresh- water sailor, and was for many years a lake Captain, one of his vessels being the steamboat "Pioneer," the second steamboat to sail the lakes. During the war of 1812-1814, the vessel he was on board of, while on a trip between New York and New Haven, was captured by a British man-of-war. The ship and cargo were released on payment of $8,000 in cash, and the Captain, who was our subject's grandfather, was permitted to go to New Haven to procure the necessary funds while the passengers and crew were paroled. The following is a copy of the parole of honor of our subject's father: "Having captured George Miles, passenger on the sloop ' Susan,' of New Haven, with others, on the 10th inst., all of whom are of course prisoners of war, and being willing so far to miti- gate the rigors of war, with respects to him, as to exempt him from personal imprisonment on the express condition, he has this day solemnly subscribed to, whereby he has pledged bis most sacred word and honor, as an honest man and Christian, not to serve against Great Britain, her dependences or her allies, until regularly exchanged. Given under my hand on board of his Brittanic Majesty's ship, 'Pomona,' off Plum Island, October 17, 1814. 'Cartinet. ' " In the summer of 1836 Capt. George Miles raised two of the vessels that were captured by Commodore Perry in the fight on Lake Erie, and which were sunk at the time in Erie Bay, where they had lain ever since. They were the bark ''Detroit" and the brig "Queen Charlotte." Capt. Miles took command of the "Detroit" and in the following November conveyed her into the portof Chicago with the stars and stripes flying at her mast-head, having & cargo of 5,000 barrels of salt at 15.00 per barrel, and in this event the Captain used to say he had much satisfaction, as it was a good set-off to his own capture, years before, by the Britishers. He died in 1863. His wife died about 1840. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, for many years followed sailing both on the ocean and the lakes. At the time when there were but two full-rigged ships on the lakes, he sailed in one of them, the "Milwaukee." On May 14, 1834, he was in a boat with ten others on the Bay of Erie, conveying passen- gers to a steamer, when the boat capsized, drowning all but two, one of the saved being Mr. Miles. Since 1850 our subject has turned his attention to farming on the old homestead, assisted by his son George W. He was mar- ried, January 3, 1856, to Miss Henrietta M. Brown, also a native of New Haven, Cona. , -born March 26, 1829. Two children were the result of this union: William B. (deceased in infancy), and George W. MOREISON SAYRE, fanner, P. O. New Richmond, is a native of Craw- ford County, Penn., born May 25, 1857; son of James and Martha (McClaughry) Sayre, the former of whom was killed in the battle of the Wilderness; the lat- ter is now living in Rush County, Kan. They were parents of five children, viz.: Laverne, wife of A. Johnson; Nettie, wife of H. S. Phillips; Arvilla (deceased), Alice (deceased), and Morrison. The last named was married October 10, 1877, to Eliza, daughter of F. M. Hamilton, born March 31, 1858. By this union is one child — Victor, Mr. Sayre acted as Township Treasurer four years; in politics he is a Republican. He still owns 125 acres of the original homestead tract. James Sayre was a man who gained the good-will of all, and his loss was felt by the entire community as well as by his own family. PHILANDER MORSE, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born January 26, 1819, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and came to Richmond Township, this 954 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: county, in 1840, with his parents, and there he lived for some time within 200 rods of his present place of residence. He has witnessed the development of the township until the land became nearly all under cultivation, and he can scarcely recall when the metamorphosis from a wilderness to a fertile agricult- ural garden took place. His education was limited, and he early entered upon his career in life as a farmer, which occupation he has always followed. Mr. Morse was married, July 25, 1841, to Miss Jane Posburgh, born in New York, November 25, 1820. Three children were born to this union, one now living — Willis — assisting his father on the farm. Our subject takes a lively interest in all enterprises tending to the good of the county. He is not identified with any religious denomination, but attends meetings. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM MORSE, retired farmer, P. O. New Eichmond, was born in Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., October 24, 1820, son of Artemus and Amy (Benedick) Morse. The father was a native of Vermont, but removed to Rip- ley, N. Y., in 1814, and died when our subject was but nine years old. The mother was raised in Montgomery County, N. Y., and died in Eichmond Town- ship, this county, in her eighty-ninth year. She was a devoted Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church seventy years. Our subject :teceived a common school education at Ripley, and in 1837 he came to Craw- ford County, to learn the trade of tanner, in John Brown's tannery, where he remained six months, then returned to his home in New York. In 1839 our subject again took up his residence in this county, served three years at the tanning and currying trade, and earned the money with which he bought ten acres of land, partly in following that trade and partly in shoe-making and laboring on the farm. Mr. Morse was married, August 25, 1841, to Miss Lydia Lambertson, born in Tompkins County, N. Y., July 14, 1824. Nine children have been born to this union, four now living: Harriett P., Amy S., Frank W. and Ella. Our subject has owned his present place of residence since 1841, and now has in land 550 acres, of which 250 are under cultivation. From a certain point on his farm can be seen seven churches. He was one of the founders of the Keystone Creamery, built in 1868, the second factory in the county, and which for eight years did a very extensive business. Mr. Morse has retired from active labor, and his grounds and factory are operated by others. During the war of the Rebellion he filled the orders for substitutes and furnished thirty men. Our subject has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church forty-nine years, and Sunday-school Superintendent almost continually for forty years. JAMES MORSE, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., April 22, 1828, and when eleven years old came with his par- ents to Richmond Township, this county, wherfe his early life was spent in assisting on the farm. His education was very limited, almost his entire schooling being obtained during the winters when he was twenty and twenty- one years of age. Being the youngest in the family, and all the others having commenced life for themselves, the care of the father and mother devolved on him, and since their deaths he has remained on the old homestead, where he carries on farming in all its branches, dealing more or less extensively in stock. Mr. Morse was married, January 28, 1857, to Miss Hannah Landon, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 28, 1827. One child is the result of this union — Alice E. — wife of Fred Root, a young farmer of Richmond Town- ship, this county. Our subject's land interests are quite extensive, he having by energy and economy acquired some 700 acres. Mr. Morse has held sev- eral minor township offices. Has been an active member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at North Richmond for over thirty-three years. RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 955 DAMON BUEL PINNEY, retired farmer, P. O. Woodcock, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., February 11, 1807. In 1836 he came to Erie Coucty, Penn., and following year moved to the farm where he now lives. He received a common school education and entered at once into the occupation he has always followed. He is now retired from active labor, and the work of the farm is carried on, under his directions, by his two sons, Albert Grover and Samuel C. Mr. Pinney has been twice married, on first occasion in Colebrook, Conn., January 12, 1830, to Miss Sarah Pendleton, a native of Rhode Island, born January 5, 1810, died May 24, 1850, leaving six children, all now liv- ing: Michael S., Hobart B., Mary E., Adell, Orville F. and Albert G. In 1851 our subject married Miss Mary Griswold, who died in 1867. She bore him two children: Samuel C. and Hattie D., both living. Our subject has always been an industrious, enterprising man, and has accumulated a large property. He is still hale and hearty, and bids fair to enjoy for many years the fruits of his labor and of a well-spent life. SAMUEL POLLEY, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born at Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 23, 1818, son of Orin A. and Clarissa Polley, former of whom, a prominent man in his day, lived to be ninety-four years, eight months, fifteen days old: latter died aged seventy-five. Our subject received a limited education and commenced life as a carpenter, a trade he followed for nearly twenty years; when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. The first frame building he ever erected still stands on his farm. In April, 1834, he came with his parents to Richmond Township, this county. They cat their way to the farm from Mr. Swift's place, and their wagon was the first to travel from there to a point three miles beyond. At that early day shingles passed as money, and Mr. Polley has hauled many loads on his father's wagon to Erie for the neighbors, and made purchases for them. He remembers paying as high as $1.50 per bushel for corn, and receiving that amount for a bunch of 1,000 shingles. Our subject was married January 16, 1844, to Miss Mary Hofcchkiss, born at Hampton, N. Y., in October, 1823. Three children, now living, are the result of this union: William, Etta and Orin D. , latter residing at home. In politics Mr. Polley is a Republican. WILLIAM JEROME RICHARDSON, deceased, was a native of the State of New York, born April 14, 1835. He was by trade a carpenter and blacksmith, at which occupation he worked in connection with his farm. Our subject was married December 25, 1857, to Miss Sarah Rainey, born iu this county, December 25, 1837, and the result of this union is three children: Fred, Lee and Madge, the sons being both millers. Mr. Richardson was a valued member of the Grange at New Richmond, and an energetic, enterprising man, a loving husband and a kind father, highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died January 3, 1882. Mrs. Richardson still remains on the farm, which is under her management. She makes no specialties, but grows the usual crops. WILLIAM SALEN, retired farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born October 10, 1804. Owing to the loss of the records, there is some dispute as to the actual birthplace of Mr. Salen. He has been told that he was a native of Germany, but thinks he was born in Lehigh County, Penn. He came to the place where he now lives in 1840 and cleared his own farm. He was mar- ried in 1880 to Miss Hettie Moyer, a native of Lehigh County, Penn., and to' this union were born eleven children, viz.: Sally (deceased), Helena, Ange- line, Catherine (deceased), Peter, William, Jonathan W., Lewis, Esther (de- ceased), Mary, George (deceased). Mrs. Salen died in 1870. Our subject is a member of the Reformed Church. He is now retired from active labor and 956 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the management of the homestead farm has devolved on his son Lewis, who owns the farm adjoining. Lewis was born March 9, 1848, and married Feb- ruary 4, 1873, to Miss Sarah A. Perry, born in Richmond Township, this county, in April, 1856. The result of this union is five children: Delbert, Charles, Luella, Anna and William. JOHN E. SANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Lyona, is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born October 29, 1835; son of Nelson and Betsy Louisa Sander- son, the former a native of Vermont, now residing in Missouri; the latter a native of New York, deceased. They had a family of ten children, of whom John E. is third. Our subject came to "Woodcock Township, this county, with his parents in 1846, and there obtained a common school education. He worked as a day laborer until he was twenty-two years of age, then commenced to learn the trade of stone-mason, which occupation he followed twelve years; also worked at the cooper's trade about five years. In 1873 Mr. Sanderson purchased his farm of seventy-one acres, where he now lives, and here he car- ries on general farming, and deals in live stock — buying and selling. He enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Lieut. Dan Lewis, under command of Col. Pierce, serving about fifteen months. He par- ticipated in several engagements; was taken prisoner near Charleston, Va., and was confined in Andersonville and Florence prisons. Mr. Sanderson was married in October, 1859, to Ellen, daughter* of Nelson (deceased) and Mary (Perrington) Odell, and a native of Allegany County, N. Y. Four children were born to this union: William, Virgil, Matie and Ada, the last-named deceased. Our subject has been Collector and School Director in the town- ship; is a member of the Grange at New Richmond. In politics is Independ- ent with a leaning toward the Republican party. JOSEPH SAYRE, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, is a native of Essex Coun- ty, N. J., born September 1, 1819; son of John and Catharine (Thorp) Sayre, natives of New Jersey, and settlers in 1842 of North Shenango Township, this county. They came to this State in a one-horse wagon and in going over a portion of the Allegheny Mountains Mrs. Sayre pushed behind to assist the horse. They finally settled in Richmond Township, this county, in 1837, and here, February 22, 1876, John died, and February 8, 1883, his widow followed him. The last few years of her life were spent with her son Joseph, where she found kind hands ever ready to administer to her comfort. She joined the Baptist Church many years prior to her demise, and always lived a consist- ent, exemplary Christian life. Coming to this county when it was a perfect wilderness, it was no uncommon occurrence for her to carry a sack of corn several miles to be ground, and the father carried a bushel of corn thirty miles on his back for the family. They were parents of ten children, viz. : Joseph, Sallie, James, Susan, John, William, Isaac, Thompson, Prawl and Mary. One time our subject, after the family came to Richmond Township, was taken sick, and his father being absent at work, his mother took Joseph and his sister Sallie and started with them to a neighbor's house about three-quarters of a mile distant, with a foot of snow on the ground, but being dead tired out, she took off her skirt, wrapped Sallie in it, and having dug a hole in the snow placed her there, then carried our subject to the neighbor's and went back for ^his sister. The father of our subject was drafted in the war of 1812 and his father, Joseph, hired a substitute. The subject of this sketch was educated in the log-cabin of those primitive days, and brought up on a farm. He was married in 1842 to Sylvia, daughter of Levi and Amanda Beardsley, natives of New York; the former deceased. The latter was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1827 and came with her parents to this county in 1837, settling in RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 957 Athens Township; she now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Sayre. They were parents of eight children, viz. : Lurany, Philara, Lorena, Sylvia, Sallie, James, Helen and Ezra. Levi Beardsley was a merchant in New York State, and a miller and farmer in Pennsylvania. To our subject and wife were born three children, one now living — Levi — married to JMinerva Lyon; they have two children: Joseph L. and Leona. Mr. Sayre has been Township Assessor, Auditor, Supervisor, School Director and has filled other offices; in politics he is a Republicsan. He and his wife are members of the Bap- tist Church, in which he is a Deacon. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, and served till the close of the war. He is owner of 100 acres of well-improved land with good water and other essentials, of which little fortune he is the artificer, besides some $4,000 which he gave to his children. WILLIAM SAYRE (deceased) was born in this county, son of John and Catharine (Thorp) Sayre. (See biography of Joseph Sayre above.) Our sub- ject was a prominent farmer and stock-grower. His farm was always well cultivated, and is to-day a standing testimony to his enterprise and industry. He died in 1881. He was married to Miss Sarah Willey, now liv- ing, who bore him four children: Nicholas W. : Rosetta, wife of Robert Lingo, a farmer of Richmond Township; Catharine, wife of Bert Hawthorne, a farmer residing at Townville, this county, and James. Nicholas W. lives on the old homestead, and is considered an enterprising, industrious young man, destined to become one of the leading substantial farmers of this township. ISAAC SAYRE, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born December 27, 1829, in North Shenango Township, this county, son of John and Catherine (Thorp) Sayre. He received his school training in the old log-cabin so com- mon in those early days, and began life for himself as a farmer when twenty- one years old. His present farm was then u wilderness, but he cleared every rod of it, and all the timber now standing is second growth. Mr. Sayre mar- ried, in 1851, Betsy A. Willey, and by her had six children, four now living, viz.: Alice, Sylva, Jennie and Gertrude. The deceased are Prank and Anna. ]^Irs. Sayre died in March, 1869, and Mr. Sayre then married Dinah Hunt, who bore him six childrfen: J. W., Hattie M., Luna E., John, Monetta and Maggie. Our subject enlisted during the Rebellion in Company B, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving from September 13, 1863, to July 29, 1865. He was in several engagements, and at the battle of Gettysburg was shot through the right foot, wh|ch has made him a cripple for life. This occurred in the same charge in which Gen. Farusworth was killed. While in the service he contracted a throat affection which troubles him considerably. Mr. Sayre has been Township Assessor, Assistant Collector, and Return Judge of Elections. Has held offices in the order of the A. O. U. W. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since he was twenty-one years old. In politics is a stanch Republican. When fourteen years of age he walked barefooted four miles to hear Judge Pettis make a Republican speech. JUDSON E. SAYRE, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born on the farm where he now resides August 7, 1851, son of John and Lucy (Stewart) Sayre, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Richmond Township, this county, former deceased, latter now living with our subject. John Sayre was, in his day, one of the most prominent men in the county, a consistent Chris- tian, hard-working man, esteemed and respected by all who knew him, and his death universally mourned. In the few years he lived in Richmond Township he cleared for himself nearly 200 acres of land. He gave his life to save the Union, having been killed at the battle of the Wilderness during the war of 958 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the Eebellion. The subject of this sketch was educated at the common schools during winter, and in summer was employed on the homestead farm. Being the only child, and a mere boy when his father died, he remained at home, and eventually took charge of the home farm, part of which he inherited when he came of age. H^ deals extensively in stock, buying and selling, and is the only one in his neighborhood who has at the present time any thoroughbreds. His herd consists of one bull, registered as Winfield; one heifer, registered as Crawford Rose; one cow, registered as Perena; one full-blooded calf, not reg- istered; three cows and three calves, half -blooded, besides a flock of sheep with lambs equal to any in the county. Mr. Sayre married, July 2, 1870, Miss Eva, daughter of Fayette Delamater, of New Richmond, this county, born February 22, 1852. He is an active member of the .4.. O. U. W. JOSEPH N. SCOTT, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Venango Township, this county, June 28, 1838, son of William and Mary (Skelton) Scott, former a native of Whitehall, N. Y., born May 3, 1811, came to this county in 1824, a farmer by occupation and still living; latter a native of this county born April 7, 1819, died June 21, 1880. They were parents of eight children, of whom Joseph N. is second. Our subject received a limited edu- cation, and commenced life for himself as a day laborer in a saw-mill, where he soon became head sawyer. In connection with his farm he followed lum- bering and milling until about two years ago. He moved to his farm in Rich- mond Township, this county, in 1859. On January 1, 1867, he was married to Catherine Gray, born February 9, 1843, and by this union there are two children: Burt I), and Alton M. Mr. Scott has held several of the minor township offices, and is at present a Justice of the Peace elected in 1882. Is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. at New Richmond. Politically he has always been recognized as a Democrat, but contends that he is no party man, voting only for men and principles. ROBERT SMITH (deceased) was born in Crawford County, Penn., Janu- ary 20, 1813, and always lived here, son of George and Charlotte Smith. Early in life he learned the trade of millwright, which occupation he followed for several years, but his health failing, he eventually turned his attention to farming, at which he continued up to the time of his death. Our subject was a very energetic and enterprising man, fully alive to the interests of his native county, and he always took an active part in any undertaking tending to its development. He died July 20, 1882, deeply mourned by his widow, son and daughter and all who knew him, having been during his entire lifetime highly esteemed and revered. He married, September 17, 1847, Barbara Rust, also a native of this county, born July 28, 1814, who bore him two children: Char- lotta, wife of Amos Johnson, and George H., born May 12, 1850, a farmer, living on the old homestead. The appearance of the farm denotes George H. to be a diligent, wide-awake man, destined to become a successful husband- man. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married January 1, 1874, to Miss Carrie Hamilton, born in this county July 10, 1856, and daughter of Francis and Mary (Howk) Hamilton, natives of Lorain County, Ohio, and early set- tlers of Crawford County, Penn. WILLIAM SMITH, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Clarion County, Penn., March 10, 1829, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ishawood) Smith, former a native of Ireland, latter of English descent. Our subject received a common school education and commenced life on the farm, in which occupa- tion he has met with more than ordinary success, and by energy and industry has accumulated a line farm property, well-improved and stocked, furnished with a large and commodious residence, besides substantial barns and out- RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 959 buildings. Mr. Smith was married in 1854 to Miss Jane Boreland, also a native of Clarion County, Penn., who bore him six children, viz. : Clifton C. , Burwell, McClellan, Frank, James and Wade, all living. OBEIN SWIFT, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, was born in Woodcock Township, this county, November 17, 1825; son of Dean and Beedie (Waters) Swift, former a native of Vermont, latter of Connecticut. His educatic^nal privileges were limited to the common schools of the neighborhood, where he spent his boyhood days. He learned no trade or profession, but chose the occupation of a farmer. Mr. Swift moved on his present farm in Richmond Township in 1858, and he has met with success in all his undertakings. He was married July 4, 1859, to Maria Webster, born in this county, by whom he has two children: William Isaac, and Beedie Jane, wife of John Cole, a farmer of Richmond Township, this county. GEORGE W. TOWNLEY, retired farmer, P. O. Woodcock, was born in Erie County, Penn., May 12, 1810; son of Robert and Mary (Brown) Townley, former a native of Ireland, born April 14, 1777, came to America in 1797, settling in Erie County, Penn. He was a mechanic and school teacher. His death occurred October 22, 1861. His wife was born in Lycoming County, Penn., in May, 1778, and died in 1862. In May, 1821, our subject came to Crawford County with six brothers, four of whom settled and cleared farms in Richmond Township. Owing to our subject having to go five miles to school, his education was limited. He was a farmer and raised stock exten- sively; has 400 acres of land, nearly all under cultivation, but is now retired, the homestead farm being under the management of his son Leon. Mr. Townley was married February 25, 1838, to Miss Lydia Erwin, born in this county February 25, 1815. To this union were born three sons and five daughters, all now living, viz.: Emeline, Martha, Mary Ann, Ellen, Kate, Leonard, Leon and Lynn. Our subject has always taken a lively interest in all county improvements, and has taken an active part in bringing it to its present state of development. CYRUS TOWNLEY, farmer, P. O. Woodcock, was born on the farm where he now lives in Richmond Township, this county, July 16, 1837, son of Harvey and Betsy (Lytle) Townley; former a farmer and early settler of Richmond Township, died November 5, 1875, latter a native of Erie County, Penn., died July 5, 1879. They were parents of seven children. Our sub- ject, who is third in the family, was educated in the common schools, has fol- lowed farming as a life occupation, and in connection deals largely in live- stock, buying and selling. He is part owner o£ the imported Percheron stallion Alencon, and is justly recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the county, and highly esteemed. Mr. Townley was married in August, 1863, to Miss Adelaide Turner, born in this township. Three children were the result of this union: Maud A., Clyde E. and Mary A. Our subject is a Director in the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Is a member of Coven- ant Lodge, 473, A. Y. M. , at Cambridge, and a member of the A. O. XT. W. at New Richmond. ALEXANDER M. TOWNLEY, farmer, P. O. Woodcock, was born in Rich- mond Township, this county, April 28, 1848; son of JohnB. and Priscilla Town- ley, the father a native of Erie County, Penn. , one of the early settlers of Craw- ford County, born in 1807, died in Florida, February 8, 1883; the mother, also a native of Erie County, Penn., died in 1850. They were parents of eight chil- dren, five now living, of whom Alexander M. is the youngest. The early life of our subject was spent in attending the common schools and in rendering what assistance he could on the homestead farm where he has always lived 960 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and where he now carries on genera) farming in all its branches. He deals extensively in stock and is owner of the celebrated Durham bull, Bell Duke. Mr. Townley was married October 18, 1877, to Miss Nattie Wilson, born in Woodcock Township, this county, in 1858, and to this union was born, Janu- ary 13, 1884, one child, William Bell. Our subject justly bears the reputa- tion of being an industrious and enterprising man, highly esteemed by all who know him. ABRAHAM WARD, farmer, P. O. New Richmond, is a native of Cusse- wago Township, this county, born May 22, 1818, and son of William and Betsey (Lanphir) Ward. His school training was obtained in the old log schoolhouse of the early days, and he commenced life as a farmer, an occupa- tion he has followed without intermission, working, in connection, at his trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1855 he came to Richmond Township, where he cleared a farm of eighty-eight acres of choice land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Ward was married in 1856 to Miss Maria Bradford, who died in 1863, leaving three children, only one of whom is now living — William W. Our subject then married, in 1864, Miss Mary Miller, a native of Ireland, and who was brought to America when about six years of age. Mr. Ward is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, New Rich- mond, and the Grange at same place. WILLIAM WILLIS, farmer, P. O. Woodcock, was born in this county, November 27, 1808, and came to his present place of residence in 1836, where he has cleared a farm of forty acres. His parents were Isaac and Rachal (Wilson) Willis, former a native of Chester County, Penn., born in 1763; latter a native of Maryland, born in 1776. When our subject was twenty- one years old his father died, leaving him with a family of six to support. At that early day he had to carry his grist to mill on his back. In 1833 Mr. Willis was married to Miss Jane Hutchison, who died February 4, 1864. She was the mother of seven children. Mr. Willis, for his second wife, mar- ried, July 3, 1866, Mrs. Mary Ewer, a native of Lehigh County, Penn. , born November 25, 1825. Our subject has retired from active labor, although the farm is still managed under his personal direction. He operat(5s a small dairy and grows the ordinary farm crops. JESSE WINANS (deceased) was born in Portage County, Ohio, son of Jacob and Catharine Winans, natives of eastern Pennsylvania. They moved to Portage County, Ohio, at an early date, and from there came to this county, where they died at advanced ages, he being ninety-three years old. Our sub- ject came to Richmond Township in 1839, and bought the farm where his death occurred January 13, 1883. His farm was left to the management of his sons, while he worked at his trade, that of carpenter and foiner. He was a man highly esteemed and universally mourned by all who knew him. Sev- eral years prior to his death he became a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he took much interest and was a strong Republican. During the Rebellion he sent six sons to fight for the Union,, of whom only three returned home. Our subject was married to Miss Rachel Gray, a native of Pennsyl- vania, now living on the old homestead, and to this union were born thirteen children, viz. : Samuel, John, Eliza, James, David, Jason, Eehadwick, William, Eleanor, Lydia, Boyd, Olive and Emma. James, David and Jason died in the army during the Rebellion. Boyd is at home, a school teacher by prof es - sion, born July 19, 1854, married November 2, 1883. William was born November 15, 1848; resides on the homestead, is an energetic and enterprising young farmer; was married September 22, 1883, to Anna Frost, a native of Richmond Township, this county, born in 1859. RICHMONli TOWNSHIP. 961 ALBERT V. WINANS, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Richmond Township, this county, April 5, 1853. son of A. R. Winans, who was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, September 19, 1824, only child of James and Polly (Frankfather) Winans, natives of Germany, and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio. After the death of his first wife, James was again married, on this occasion to Caroline Hall by whom he had six children, viz. : Alonzo, Jane, Julian, Hannah, Esther and Foretta. A. R. Winans was educated at the Farmington Academy, Ohio, for a Methodist preacher, and for a time exhorted, but he is now a believer in the doctrine of Spiritualism. He was raised on a farm, and in 1847 bought one for himself in Meigs County, Ohio; then, in 1851, removed to his present property of 100 acres in Richmond Township, this county. He was married in 1846 to Jane, daughter of John and Catharine (Cline) Johns- ton, and by her had nine children, viz.: Mary, wife of Sylvester Osborn; Viola, wife of John Titus; Rebecca, wife of James Carpenter; Albert, Sydney, Elliott, Ellsworth, Sylvester, and James (deceased). He was drafted during the Rebellion, but was discharged on account of sickness. Albert V., our sub- ject, received a common school education and began life as a farmer. In 1881 he purchased a farm, in connection with which he buys and sells produce, his market being Titusville. He was married September 10, 1876, to Miss Flora Franklin, born February 21, 1857, and by this union are three children : Ethel, Mabel and Maud. CHARLES WINSTON, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born July 14, 1835, in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y. , son of Horatio and Minerva (Carpenter) Winston, natives of New York, who came to Pennsylvania in 1835, settling in . Richmond Township, this county, where Horatio purchased fifty acres of land, at 18 shillings per acre. It is thought he bought this tract before mov- ing his family to same, and came to look up a locality, on foot, in company with his brother Abram, who bought seventy-four acres adjoining in 1834, bringing his family in sleds. The father of Horatio and Abram had settled in this county previous to this. The subject of this sketch is the eldest in a family of seven children, viz. . Charles, Charlotte, Clarissa, Priscilla, Cor- nelia, Chloe and Alice. The father is deceased, and the mother resides on the old homestead, both members of the Baptist Church. Charles Winston had ■ few educational advantages, and at the age of twenty-one began work for himself. In 1856 he bought a farm of 100 acres from John Reynolds, which he has improved and added to, and after selling part from time to time, has now 140 acres, with excellent buildings, including a barn 50x60 feet, and where he is making a specialty of breeding thoroughbred cattle. Our subject was married, April 21, 1861, to Jeannette, daughter of Daniel and Margaret Hopkins, and the result of this union is three children: Edith, Maud and Clyde. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; has served in some of the minor township offices where remuneration is not considered. JOSIAH WILLEY, farmer, P. O. Lyona, was born August 13, 1830; son of James and Sally (Custer) Willey. James was born October 1, 1797, in Mas- sachusetts; became an early settler in Rockdale Township, this county, and came to Richmond Township about 1840, where he is now living with his son on the old homestead. His education was very limited. He was fourteen years old before he ever wore shoes and he experienced all the hardships inci- dent to pioneer life. He was twice married; first occasion, in 1820, to Sally Custer, who died in 1841, leaving eight children, all growing to manhood and womanhood. For his second wife Mr. Willey married Minerva Miller, now living. He has been a member of the Baptist Church nearly half a century. Josiah, the subject of this sketch, received a common school education, has 962 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: always followed farming, and is now residing on the homestead, which he assisted his father in placing in its present high state of cultivation, and in 1878 he erected a fine dwelling. During the war of the Eebellion he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with Capt. Little, remaining in the service twenty-three months; was in several engage- ments, the most noted being the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Mr. Willey was married January 4, 1856, to Miss Mary E. Glen, born February 25, 1840, and daughter of Simon and Barbara (Rickard) Glen, of German descent and early settlers of Hayfield Township (both now deceased). To this union were born two daughters and two sons: Laura J., Anna, Elmer, and George A. Our sub- ject is a member of Gleeson Post, G. A. R. at Townville. D. W. WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born at Ashville, N. Y., December 4, 1845; son of Williaoa aad Elizabeth (Kelso) Wright, natives of New York; former, a stone-mason by trade, is now living in Richmond Town- ship, this county; latter died in 1848. They were parents of nine children, of whom D. W. is the seventh. Our subject had no opportunity of attending school after he was fifteen years old. He came to Richmond Township with his parents about 1859, and twenty years later purchased his farm and embarked in agricultural pursuits, his chief specialty being trading in sheep and cattle, which he ships to New York and Philadelphia. Mr. Wright married, November 7, 1867, Lorania Sayre, who died February 9, 1879, and he then became united in marriage, April 24, 1881, with Ella (Delamater) Akin, born July 21, 1854, and daughter of Fayette and Sarah (Peelman) Delamater. Mr. Wright collected the taxes for 1880 in Richmond Township. Has been a mem- ber of the Baptist Church for fifteen years. In polities is a Republican. ROCKDALE TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM O. BABCOCK, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, Erie County, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y. June 16, 1831; son of Asa G. and Rosena (Trask) Babcock, who settled in Rockdale Tovniship, this county, in 1851, on the farm now owned by our subject. They were parents of seven children, viz.: Han- nah, wife of Jehiel Devereaux; William O. ; Phebe, wife of Samuel A. Way; Nancy, wife of Daniel Carroll; Ellen, wife of Hamilton Armour; Huldah, wife of Charles Henry; and Isaiah. Our subject has been twice married; on first occasion to Sarah, daughter of William Scott, of Richmond Township, this county, by whom he had two children: Charles (deceased) and Willie. His second union. May 16, 1866, was with Martha, daughter of Bradish and Eliza Brown, early settlers of this township. By this imion there is one child- Ellen. Mr. Babcock is one of the representative farmers of Rockdale Town- ship; everything about his farm, on which he has resided since 1851, shows thrift and enterprise. In politics he is a stanch Republican. ASA C. BEEDY, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn., September 23, 1827; son of Samuel and Betsy (Crosby) Beedy, who settled in Erie County, Penn., in 1817, coming in the spring of 1836 to this (Rockdale) Township, where they lived and died. They located on a farm now owned by George Anderson. Samuel was a son of Jonathan Beedy, of Strafford County, N. H., and was a native of that State. The Beedys were of German descent. Betsy, the wife of Samuel ROCKDALE TOWNSHIP. 963 Beedy, was a daughter of Asa Crosby, of Hanover, N. H., and of English lineage. The children of Samuel Beedy and wife were Matilda, Harriet (Mrs. A. B. Koss), Eliza A. (deceased), Susan (Mrs. Dr. Morgan), Grace (deceased), Rebecca (Mrs. William Johnson), Asa, Winslow (deceased), Josiah (deceased), and Mary. Our subject was married March 26, 1865, to Sarah, daughter of Rev. Willard and Clarissa (Cummings) Stiekney, by whom he has had three children : Samuel; Winslow who was accidentally shot by a play- mate at school when but six years of age; Grace C, and Winslow R. Our subject' has lived on his present farm since 1864; was never a seeker after office; in politics is a Republican. MILFORD R. BIRCHARD, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, March 24, 1832 ; son of Virgil and Mary (Logue) Birchard and grandson of James Birchard, who settled in that town- ship in 1813. Virgil was twice married, his first wife being Jemima Marcy, by whom he had four children: Gillett, residing in Randolph Township, this county; ZelotusA., of Warren County, Penn. ; Eveline,wifeof Lorenzo Johnson, of Woodcock. Penn.; and J. Ozro, of Rockdale Township, this county. He had five children by his second wife, Mary Logue, viz. : Milf ord R. ; Ade- laide, wife of Amos Kelly; Ellen (deceased), Emily (deceased), and Alzada, wife of Andrew LeFever. Our subject was married June 15, 1865, to Kate, daughter of John and Mary (Brookhauser) Saeger, of this township, who has borne him four children: Cora E., Mamie -S., Charlie J., and Florence (deceased). Mr. Birchard has served his township as Justice of the Peace two terms of five years each, and has filled other minor offices; in politics is a Republican. BURLIN BUNCE, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in Oneida County, N. Y. , August 23, 1827 ; son of Jacob and Mary A. (Fields) Bunce, who settled in this township in 1843 on the farm now owned by Benjamin Wheeler, and of which they cleared a part, and in 1848 removed to the farm now owned by Charles F. Bunce, making all the improvements on that place. Jacob Bunce was twice married; his first wife, Mary A., daughter of Philip and Phebe (Furman) Fields, of Oneida County, N. Y., was mother of eight children: Burlin, Laura (wife of David Kelly), Oliver, George H. (deceased), Alonzo, Jeremiah (deceased), Louisa (wife of Samuel McCrillis), Rachel A. (deceased). By his second wife, Mrs. Susan (Hammond) Butler, he had six children, viy;. : Catherine (wife of C. Wing), Clarissa (wife of Ed. Frost), Sarah H. (deceased), Charles F., Valentine, and Libbie (wife of John Wykoff). Jacob Bunce is still living, in his eightieth year, and resides on the home- stead with his son Charles F. Our subject was married November 21, 1848, tf) Sarah, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Hammond, of Vernon Township, this county, and to this union were born eight children:- John S. (deceased), Maggie A. (wife of James Wilson), Augusta (deceased), Samuel J., Laua P. wife of Eugene Canfield), Lucy S. (wife of David Lisk), Lovina S., James B., and Lizzie R. Mr. Bunce lost his wife by death, February 8, 1882. He has lived on his present farm since, 1855. Has held various offices in his township. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Church, as was his wife for sixteen years before her death. WILLIAM CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, Erie County, was born in Rockdale Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, March 24, 1822, son of James and Sarah (Lytle) Campbell, who settled in Rockdale Town- ship, this county, in 1818. James was a son of Jane Campbell, who with six' children settled in Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn., in 1798, braving all the hardships and trials of pioneer life. He was twice married; on first 964 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: occasion to Jane Hamilton, of Venango County, Penn., who bore him one child — James H. — now deceased. His second marriage was with Sarah, daugh- ter of John Lytle, an early settler of Waterford Township, and later of LeBceuf Township, Brie County, who was the first member of the Pennsylvania Legislature from Erie County. To this union were born ten children: John (deceased), Jane (deceased), William, Hannah (deceased), Nancy (living in Waterford), Matthew (in Waterford), George (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Susan (deceased), andElias, in Kockdale Township, this county. Our subject has also been twice married; on first occasion, July 8, 1845, to Julia, daughter of 'Cleve- land Holmes, of Michigan, who bore him four children: Sarah (deceased), George C. (married to Tillie Youngs), Charles (deceased), and James. His present wife is Helen, daughter of Alexander Hamilton, of Edinboro, Penn., to whom he was married,, May 19, 1881. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as were also her father and mother, the former of whom died January 14, 1846, aged sixty-eight, and the latter February 10, 1874, at the age of seventy-nine. Mr. Campbell has held various township offices. In politics he is a Republi- can. JONATHAN CANFIELD, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Mill Village, Erie County, was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., N.Y., December 25, 1822, son of Dennis and Phebe (Griffin) Canfield, who lived and died there. Our subject purchased the property where he now resides in 1853 ; settled on it in 1856, and has cleared it and made all the improvements. He was married, December 31, 1849, to Helen P., daughter of Daniel and Susan P. (Ames) Hall, of Brant, Erie Co., N. Y., by whom he has had two children: William P. (drowned while bathing when twenty years of age), and Helen P. Mr. Canfield is a self made man in every sense of the word. When he bought his farm in 1853 he was the pos- sessor of but $80; he is now one of the leading and representative farmers of Crawford County; has always been interested in improvements, and keeps up with the times. Besides attending to his farming interests he operates a cheese factory, at Mill Village, Erie County, which he has carried on successfully since 1879. He is also President, and one of the heaviest stock-holders, of the Farm- ers Co-operative Bank of Union City, Erie County; has filled all the township offices with the exception of Justice of the Peace and Constable, and is now a candidate for the office of County Commissioner. In politics is a stanch Re- publican. Mr. Canfield is a member of Union City Grange, and he and his family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mill Village. HIRAM CANFIELD, farmer and auctioneer, P. O. Mill Village, Erie Coun- ty, was born in Erie County, N. Y., October 15, 1826, son of Dennis and Phebe (Griffin) Canfield. The former, asoldier of the war of 1812, formerly of Vermont, was a son of Dennis Canfield, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Phebe, his wife, was a daughter of Jonathan Griffin, of East Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y. Our subject settled in Rockdale Township, in 1854, locating on the farm where he now resides, which he cleared and improved, and on which he has lived ever since, with the exception of six years. He was married, December 18, 1850, to Mary J., daughter of Harvey and Margaret (Miller) Hull, of Chau- tauqua County, N. Y., and by her has five children: Horace W., married to Catherine Strayer; Mary R., wife of Joseph McLatchey; Vernon P., married to Marion Finney; Ida A., wife of John Flaugh, and Dennis H. Mr. Canfield is now serving as Justice of the Peace; has held various other township offices; in politics is a Democrat. Besides attending to his farming interests he is a licensed auctioneer, and is widely and favorably known as such, not only serv- ing the citizens of his own section, who require his services, but attends to calls in that line in the States of New York, Ohio and Kansas. ROCKDALE TOWNSHIP. 965 JOHN D. DOCTEE, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, June 9, 1823, son of James and Mary (Humes) Doc- ter, the former a son of Leonard Docter, who settled in Cambridge Township in 1801, the latter a daughter of James Humes, one of the first settlers of Woodcock Township, this county. Our subject was raised in his native town- ship, where he remained until 1874, when he came to Rockdale Township, this county, and located on the farm where he now resides. He was married June 27, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of Norman and Sally (Colter) Thomas. The father was a native of Massachusetts and an early settler of Cambridge Town- ship; the mother was born in Venango Township, this county, daughter of Thomas Colter, who settled there in 1796. Mr. and Mrs. Docter have five children: Phiannah, wife of John Borland; Asher T, married to Caroline Steinhoff; Mary, wife of Joseph Hutson; James E. and John. All are resi- dents of Rockdale Township. Mr. Docter held various township offices during his residence in Cambridge. In politics he is a Democrat. HANNIBAL H. FINNEY, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in ' Rutland County, Vt., November 8, 1816, son of Levi and Qrpha P. (Clark) - Finney, of that place. Mr. Finney came to this county in 1851 and located in Meadville, where he resided one year, and in the fall of 1852 settled in- Rockdale Township, on the farm where he now resides, which comprises 500 acres; about 200 improved, mostly by himself. He was married January 9, 1845, to Mary L., daughter of Abel and Mary (Low) Willoughby, of Shrews- bury, Vt. By this union were ten children: John W.;' Frank C, Charles (deceased), Darwin A., Fred M., Hannibal H., Jr., "Willoughby W., Marion E. (wife of Vernon P. Canfield), George L. and Cassius L. Mr. Finney has been Justice of the Peace of Rockdale Township for two terms. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now an advocate of the Greenback doc- trine. Besides his farming interests he owns a saw-mill and manufactures lum- ber, lath and shingles. DAVID L. FULLERTON, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in what is now Cambridgeboro, this county, April 2, 1820, son of Bailey and Mary (Humes) Fullerton, and grandson of Thomas Fullerton, who settled in that township in 1797. The father of our subject was married in 1803, and the same year located where Cambridgeboro now stands, and here he resided until his death. He died February 25, 1854, at the age of seventy-four. He was parent of ten children: James, deceased; Bailey K. ; Lettie, deceased; John H., deceased; Andrew J.; Polly, deceased; David L. ; Joshua, deceased; Samuel, deceased, and Elizabeth. Our subject was married March 18, 1847, to Elizabeth Stokes, of Venango Township, this county. By this union were twelve children: Sarepta, wife of George France; Oscar, now in Iowa; Sam- uel; Harriet, wife of Alfred Shelhamer; Peirce, in Iowa; Mary, wife of John Peters; Wheeler, deceased; Edie, deceased; Loren K., in Iowa; Jennie, wife of Aimer Parker; Kerney and Kate. Mrs. D. L. Fullerton was a daughter of John and Margaret (Peters) Stokes, who settled in Venango Township, this county, in 1804, coming from Union County, Penn. John Stokes, a son of George Stokes, had twelve children: George; Jacob, deceased; John; Polly, deceased; Katherine, deceased; Margaret, Samuel, Susan, William, Catherine E., David H. and Augustus W. (deceased). Mr. Stokes died June 10, 1861, aged eighty-one years; his widow died January 27, 1876, in her ninety-sixth year. Our subject has resided in this township since his marriage, with the exception of one year that he lived in Cambridge. He has held various offices in his township. In politics is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are Daem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. 966 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ARTHUR JERVIS, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Armstrong County, Penn., September 27, 1829, son of Thomas R. and Jane (Haughay) Jervis, vrho settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1839, on the farm now owned by our subject, where they lived and died. They were parents of three children: John, Arthur, and Isabel, wife of Jacob Decker, both now deceased. Our subject was married January 9, 1859, to Mary M., daughter of George and Sarah (Spencer) Wilcox, of Rockdale Township, this county, by whom he has had live children: Donna N., wife of Ernest Birchard; Comma, Emmett, Frank, Jimmy, Jennie and Kate. Jimmy and Jennie are deceased. Mr. Jervis occupies a part of the homestead where his father first settled. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. In politics is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. DANIEL KEIjLY, retired farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in Rockdale Township, this county, November 3, 1812, son of Isaac and Hannah (Carnahau) Kelly, who located in Bloomfield Township in 1799, and in 1800 removed to this township, where they spent the remainder of their days. Isaac Kelly was a native of New Jersey, and was married in Northumberland County, Penn., in 1797. He was parent of eight children: James (deceased), John, Sarah (deceased), Polly (deceased), Rachel (deceased), Hannah (deceased) Isaac and Daniel. Our subject was married October 12, 1854, to Martha M., daughter of Hezekiah and Margaret (Spring) Howard, early settlers of Ran- dolph Township, and later of Rockdale Township, this county. By this union there are four children, viz. : DeOmer, DeElmer, Lovina D. and Dorinda V. DeOmer married Hetty, daughter of Isaac and Betsy (Jarvis) Willis, of Rock- dale Township, this county. Mrs. Kelly, who was for thirty-three years a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died March 13, 1875, in her fifty-fifth year. Mr. Kelly has always resided in this township; for the past twenty- six years has been living on his present farm. He has held various'^ township offices. In politics is a Democrat. JAMES P. KELLY, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in Rockdale Township, this county, July 27, 1824, son of John and Mary (Langley) Kelly, and grandson of Isaac and Hannah (Carnahan) Kelly, who located in Bloomfield Township, this county, in 1799, and in 1800 settled in this township, where they died. John Kelly, the father of our subject, was the first white child born in Rockdale Township, the date of his birth being September 22, 1800. At the date of this writing, March 1884, he is still living and resides in Cambridge- boro. Our subject was married January 27, 1852, to Mary, daughter of James and Sarah (Willis) Kelley, by whom he has three children: Alveretta, wife of Charles D. Edson (have two children: Zella L. and Bessie); Addie M., and Morris S. , who married Carrie Veley. Mr. Kelly is now serving his township as Justice of the Peace, and has' held various other offices. In politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH B. McFADDEN, farmer, P O. Miller's Station, was bom in Cam- bridge, this county, January 23, 1835, son of John W. and Lodiska S. (Rock- well) McFadden, who settled in Cambridge, this county about 1820. They were parents of nine children: Rebecca (deceased), Catherine (deceased), George, E. W. (deceased), Rebecca N. (wife of John N. Shannce), Joseph B., Hannah F. (wife of A. D. Birchard), John W. and Catherine (wife of Charles Buck). The father, a hatter by trade, during his residence in Cambridge engaged in farming, lumbering, blacksmithing and mercantile pursuits. Our subject lived in Cambridge until 1857, when he came to this township, where he has since resided. He has been twice married; on first occasion. May 10, 1857, to Mary, daughter of John Saeger, one of the first settlers of Saeger- ROCKDALE TOWNSHIP. 967 town, this county. By this union there were four children : Haida (deceased), Charles A., Catherine (wife of Roland Ford), and Minaie. Our subject's presenb wife, to whom he was married August, 1869, is Emily Siverling, daughter of Christopher Siverling, of Saegertown. They have six children: Mary, Mattie, Emma, Joseph, George and Fred. Mr. MoFadden is a Republican in politics; a member of the Cambridge Grange and with his wife an ardent adherent of Zion Church, JOHN D. MoLATCHEY, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, Erie County, was born in Venango County, Penn, , April 19, 1839, son of William and Susan (Dale) McLatchey, the former a native of Westmoreland County, Penn. , and the latter of Centre County, Penn. His paternal grandfather, Charles McLatchey, of Scotch descent, was a native of Cumberland, and a pioneer of Westmoreland County, Penn. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Dale, of English lineage, was a pioneer of Centre County. William and Susan McLatchey were parents of eleven children, six now living: John D., Elizabeth C, wife of James W. Mitchell; Samuel W. ; Emma, wife of William Hull; Joseph F. and William M. Our subject was reared in Venango County, Penn., attending the common schools, and is a graduate of the Iron City Commercial College. He enlisted during the late Rebellion, August, 1861, in Company G, Eighty-third Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the siege of Yorktown, seven days' fight before Richmond, battles of Hanover Court House, Middleburg, Fredericksburg, Mine Run, Chaucellorsville, Spottsylvania, Gettysburg and the campaign of the Wilderness, in which he was wounded in the right shoul- der. After serving for three years and one month, he received an honorable discharge. In 1866 he came to Rockdale Township with his parents; was married January 21, 1868, to Martha R., daughter of Benjamin and Tryphena (Curtis) Throop, of this township. By this union are two children: Ella and Benjamin D. Mr. McLatcheyhas resided on his present farm since 1872.' He has held several township offices, serving one term as School Director. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters. He was Enumerator of the census in 1880. In politics is a Republican. DANIEL MoQUEEN, farmer, P. O. Chapinville, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, September 20, 1829, son of Donald and Grace (Davidson) McQueen, who settled in Rockdale Township, this county, in 1839, locating on the farm now owned by our subject, which they cleared and improved, and where they died. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, but after Mr. McQueen's death in 1858, at the age of sixty years, his widow joined the Bap- tist denomination. She survived until 1879, dying at the age of eighty-three. They were parents of five children: Daniel; Ann (deceased), wife of Jeremiah Mackey; Margaret, wife of Charles Hewell; Alexander, and Jane, wife of Capt. George Harkness. Our subject was married November 18, 1855, to Mary, daughter of Anthony and Lucy (Morton) Mickel, early settlers of this town- ship. By this union there are five children: Byron A., Grace (wife of Lee Black), Mary J., Donald A. and Josephine. Mr. McQueen resides on the old homestead, comprising 100 acres, having purchased the interest of the other heirs. He also owns another farm of 140 acres. He has held various town- ship offices. In politics is a Republican. HENRY MITCHELL, retired farmer, P. O. Mill Village, Erie County, was bom in Le Bceuf Township,Erie Co., Penn., near the Crawford County line, Aug- ust 30, 1803, son of Nathan and Mary (Cooper) Mitchell, who settled there in 1802. Nathan Mitchell was twice married, his first wife being Mary Cooper, by whom he had a family of six, viz. : Peter, Lysander, William, Henry, Eliza and Cooper. Our subject is the only member of this family now living. For 968 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his second spouse Nathan married Mrs. Marj E. Lyman, by whom he had eight children: Maria, Mary, Jane, Perry, Elizabeth C, Lewis H., George W. and Olive,, all deceased but Jane, wife of Christian Straw, of Venango Town- ship, this county. Nathan Mitchell's widow, now (1884) Mrs. Tont Watson, resides on the homestead with our subject. She had five children by her for- mer husband: llobert F., James H., Nathan S., John A. and Mary J. Our subject settled on the farm where he now resides in 1839, it being a part of a tract of land located by his father in 1802. He was married March 8, 1836, to Mary P. , daughter of James Hodges, of Cambridge Township, this county, formerly of Vermont. By this union were four children: Nathan, deceased; Abigail, deceased; Sarah, deceased; and Mary, wife of Samuel McLatchey. Mr. Mitchell lost his wife by death October 31, 1882, in her eightieth year. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Mill Village, Erie County, and his wife became a member sixty-five years previous to her death. ELISHA SMITH, farmer, P. O. Brown Hill, was born in Crown Point, Essex Co., N. Y., November 25, 1815, son of Benjamin and Susan (Wilson) Smith, who subsequently lived in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn. Our subject settled at Brown Hill, Rockdale Township, this county, on the farm where he now resides, in 1838, and was married April 13, 1839, to Jane, daughter of James and Polly (Thompson) Barber, by whom he has had three children: Anvilla, deceased; Mandilla, deceased, and Anne. Mandilla married James C. Leslie, of this township, and had four children: Clyde, Claude, Cassius and Max. Mr. Smith, one of the representatiee farmers of his township, has held several township offices; in politics be is a Republican. GEORGE L. WEBSTER, farmer, P. O. Cambridgeboro, was born in Cambridge Township, this county, June 13, 1839, son of Lyman and Jane (Willey) Webster, who settled in that township about 1821, together with John Webster, the father of Lyman. They came from Massachusetts. Lyman Webster, who located on the farm now owned by the heirs of Joseph L. Webster, had nine children: James L. , deceased; Mary M., wife of Jonathan Russell; Eliza A., wife of George Hart; Clarissa M., wife of Phil Stevens; Abigail P., wife of Dwight Burrows; George L. ; Francis G., deceased; Grove F., deceased; and Amos J., deceased. Our subject was married April 29, 1869, to Emma C, daughter of Lyman H. and Hannah (Kelly) Allen, early settlers of Cambridge Township, this county. By this union there are two children: Mertie C. and Rosa M. Mr. Webster always lived in his native township until coming to Rockdale Township in the spring of 1882, when he located on his present farm. Both he and bis wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the K. of H. ; in politics is a Republican. GEORGE WILCOX, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born in Gran- ville, Mass., March 13, 1810; son of Eleazer C, and Cynthia (Noble) Wilcox; the former a son of Eleazer C. and Jemima (Munson) Wilcox, natives of Con- necticut; the latter a daughter of Eager and Mary (Phelps) Noble. Eleazer C. was born May 20, 1780; was a farmer in Granville, Mass., until 1818, when he removed to Floyd, Oneida Co., N. Y., where he died of dropsy, Janu- ary 31, 1827. Of the children of this family, all, with their partners in life, are, or have been, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, except the first wife of Noble Wilcox, who was a Baptist. Of the seventy-four grand- children of this family, forty-four were living in 1876. During the Civil war three died in the service of their country. Our subject settled in Rockdale Township, in the spring of 1854, on the farm where he yet resides, which comprises about 540 acres located in Rockdale and Richmond Townships. He was married July 24, 1836, to Sarah, daughter of Elijah and Catharine (Boss) ROCKDALE TOWNSHIP. 969 Spencer, of Oneida County, N. Y., by whom lie has had eleven children, seven now living, viz. : Mary, wife of Arthur Jervis; Julius M., married to Mary Hotchkiss; Louisa C, wife of George F. McCray; Henry W., married to Lucy Glover; George M., married Adelle Hotchkiss; Sarah E., wife of Walter Bly- stone; Spencer N., married to Ida Hoag. Mrs. Wilcox is one of eighteen children, five of whom died young. Those now living are Betsy, Philander, Polly, Charles, Sarah, Heman, Joseph, James, Louisa, Matilda, Cynthia, Merrit and Buel. One of the deceased, Matson, was drowned at the age of nine years. Her parents were Methodists, the mother before she was fifteen years old. George Wilcox has been a devoted Christian for over forty-six years, an element in the Methodist Episcopal creed, to which organization his estimable wife has been attached for over fifty years, and the financial inter- ests of the church of their choice have been benefitted by their relationship. As an appreciation of his worth, his neighbors have intrusted Mr. Wilcox with the ofifices of Township Auditor, School Director, Inspector of Elections, etc. Our subject owns and operates, through his sons, a fine cheese factory, located on his farm. In politics Mr. Wilcox is a Democrat. D. O. WING, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Miller's Station, was born October 3, 1816, in Albany, N. Y. ; son of David and Mariam (Cronkite) Wing, natives, the former of Vermont, the latter of Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. They were parents of the following-named children: Submit, Anna, Ora, Mariam, Henrietta, Maria, and D. O. The father, who was a drover, died in 1817. He belonged, at hia demise, to the Baptist Church, as did also his widow, who died in 1878 (then wife of William Parwell, by whom she had two cliildren, Betsy and Levi L.). Our subject; being left fatherless when one year old, was subject to the protection of his grandmother, Anna Cronkite, until he was four years old, at which period, his mother having been married to William Farwell, he was taken to their home. His educational advantages were much limited, being such as the log-cabin, with its slab seats and writing desks, and puncheon floor and ancient fire-place afforded. He labored on the farm until twenty years old, when he engaged at Comstock & Bostwick's sawmill, at Mil ford, Otsego Co., N. Y., (at the time when it was disputed that a mill could be run by steam), and was appointed assistant sawyer, under George Newton, of Corning, N. Y. Here he continued one year, when he withdrew to Greene County and engaged in the tan bark business, following the same two years, and then worked on a farm one year. In 1836 he came by Canal to Buffalo, by lake to Erie City, and by stage to Venango Township, this county, and there took employment in the Kleckner saw-mill, at which he was engaged for four years. While there he built the first house in the vil- lage of Venango, soon after having helped to lay out the place.' In 1840 Mr. Wing was married to Mary J., daughter of Aretus and Lois (Nubre) Eogers, natives of Vermont and the parents of four children, viz. : Eliza, Mary J., Elias and Mahala. The parents came to this county in 1886, where they died. They were members of the Christian organization. The father was called out in the war of 1812. To this union were born nine children, of whom are now living: Jerome, married to Mary Foster (have two children: William and Jennie; he is a carpenter in Salamanca, N. Y. ); Cornelius, married to Kate Bunee (have four children: Adelbert, Sherman, Alta and Delia; he was one of the Lincoln Guards stationed at Washington, D. C, for about three years); Levi L., married to Rebecca Hays (have four children: Alma, George, Morris and Dimmis); Loron, married to Emma McCray (have one child, Susan J.; he works on the farm); Charles, married to Mary Smith (have no children; he farms and works in the mill with his father); Melissa, married to Calvin Crow 970 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: (have two children, Ina and Orson; he is a farmer). In 1841 Mr. Wing removed to Rockdale Township, this county, where he rented the "Randolph saw-mills," and operated the same with good success. He built many flat- boats and floated his lumber down French Creek to the Allegheny River, thence to Pittsburgh, Penn. At the expiration of seven years he bought a farm of 164 acres and managed the same until 1866, when he gave his entire attention to the old Randolph saw-mills, which he bought in 1864. About the same time he purchased a 500-acre tract of land, heavily timbered, known as the "Donation Lot," presented to Gen. Wayne for his services in the war of 1812. He worked the timber from this land into lumber, and has since added 200 acres more of good timber land. He is preparing the timber for building material, including lumber, laths and shingles, all of which he makes a specialty. Mr. Wing was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, since when he has been an out-spoken advocate of Repub- licanism, and has shown a degree worthy of prominent offices in the gift of his party, but being adverse to office, he has not made any record in that way. He and his estimable wife are worthy members of the Congregational Church of Cambridgeboro. As a thorough representative business man of Crawford County, Mr. Wing has been solicited and consents to have his portrait appear in this history. JAMBS WOODSIDE, farmer, P. O. Miller's Station, was born December 1 3, 1829, in Erie County, Penn. , son of John and Polly (Snell) Woodside, natives of the same State, and parents of twelve children, nine of whom are now living, viz. : James, William, Jane, Charlotte, Robert, Chester, Loretta, Marian and Ellen. Our subject was educated in the county schools, and at the age of seventeen he left home and engaged in a saw-mill known as Marvin's Mill, located in Cambridge Township, this county. At the end of five years he was employed at the " Johnstown mill," and at the expiration of three years he bought the "Purse mill," which he operated for thirteen years with suc- cess. Selling his mill he went to Forest County, Penn., and engaged in lum- bering and erecting mills for about six years; afterward bought the Isaac Kelley mill in this county, which he operates at the present time. Our sub- ject married, in 1854, Maria Anderson, who bore him two children, both now deceased, as well as their mother. Mr. Woodside married for his second wife, Sarah J. Jervis, but has no issue. He possesses along with his wife about 1300 acres of good land, and is dealing to some extent in cattle. His pres- ent residence he erected in 1872. Our subject has served his township in many of the minor offices; has been brought out as a representative for County Commissioner by his political (Greenbacker) party. Is a member of the Cambridge Lodge of A. F. & A. M. ROME TOWNSHIP. DANIEL BEMENT (deceased) was born in Southington, Conn., March 10, 1789. He married, October 4, 1812, Miss Nancy Kimball, who was bom Sep- tember 6, 1792, and in 1818 they immigrated to Centreville, Crawford Co., Penn. , making the entire journey with an ox-team. Here Mr. Bement carried on his business, that of tanner and currier, for many years, and in later life retired to a farm. Our subject died March 21, 1878, aged eighty-four years; ROME TOWNSHIP. 971 Mrs. Bement died December 14, 1862, aged seveaty years. They were upright pioneer people, and left an honored name to posterity. Their descendants include many of the leading and influential families of Crawford County. Their children are Henry, Mrs. Julia Clark, Silas, Mrs. Nancy Post, George, Joel, Mrs. Miranda Eodier and Frank. WILLIAM E. BENNETT, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, w&,s born Sep- tember 27, 1830, in Ellery, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; son of Daniel and Dolly (Annis) Bennett. The father, a soldier in the war of 1812, was also a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., and in 1840 moved to Kome Township, this county, where he cleared and developed his farm. The mother, a native of Vermont, died in 1843, leaving thirteen children; six are now living, viz.: Charles and Ezra in Warren County, Penn. ; Milton, in Chautauqua County, N. Y. ; Will- iam E. ; Martha J., widow of P. S. Magee; Mary Ann, wife of Robert Kerr. Four of his sons gave their lives for their country's cause, viz. : Jason, who died from a wound received in the battle of Bull Eun; George, reported mis- sing; Wesley, who died from the effects of wounds received in the mine explo- sion before Petersburg; and John, who died in Andersonville prison. Daniel Bennett subsequently married Mrs. Lydia Rew; he died at Mageetown, Feb- ruary 11, 1883, in his eighty-ninth year. He and all his sons, excepting Ezra, were stanch Democrats. Our subject acquired his education in the limited schools of the home district, and when but thirteen years of age commenced life for himself, and as soon as he had sufficient means accumulated, bought a farm. He was married September 7, 1857, to Emeline Chase, born in this township, January 12, 1837, daughter of John Chase. To this union were born Mary Lucretia, now Mrs. Rowley; John M. C, Lena J., William Henry and two deceased in early childhood. After marriage they settled on the farm on which they have since resided, comprising 140 acres of fertile land. Mr. Bennett is a successful farmer, selling produce from his farm, which brings from $800 to $1, 200 annually. He also takes active interest in the improvement of fine stock, having now fifty-seven head of short-horn cattle, and some horses of a superior breed. He prefers to lead a retired life, though he is now filling the office of School Director; he has been a life- long Dem- ocrat. STEPHEN CARROLL, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born July 24, 182&, in Sandy Lake (now Worth) Township, Mercer Co., Penn. His father. Rev. William Carroll, a Presiding Elder in the Erie Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a native of Washington County, Penn. , but moved to Mercer County, same State, in an early day; he there married Rachel Sutton, a native of Maryland. They spent one year (1849) in this county, but returned to Mercer County, where they ended their days. They were parents of eleven children. Our subject, the next to the youngest in this family, came to Oil Creek Township, Crawford Co., Penn., in 1847, and erected a saw-mill. In 1850 he located in Rome Township and devoted himself to farming. He was. married, November 28, 1849, to Esther, daughter of James Kerr, by whom h& had three children: Angle, wife of Mr. Hummer, and two deceased in childhood. During the late war Mr. Carroll enlisted, September 8, 1862, in Company D, Eighteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, serving in the Army of the Potomac and participated in the engagements at Hanover Court House, Get- tysbiu-g. South Mountain and many other of the memorable battles fought in Vir- ginia and Maryland. He was a brave soldier and received an honorable discharge June 6, 1865. He acted as Company Clerk at Cumberland, Md., at the mus- tering out and is reliable authority for the statement that nearly every survivor of the company was present at the last muster. Since his return he has taken 972 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; an active part in political affairs; was elected School Director, Supervisor, Jus- tice of the Peace; appointed May 5, 1879, by Gov. Hoyt, Sealer of Weights and Measures for Crawford County; re-appointed June 12, 1882, and is discharg- ing the duties of this position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the community. Squire Carroll has a fine farm of 100 acres well-improved land, and is 'devoting his attention to the breeding of live stock, having some very fine pure-blooded cattle of the short-horn variety, and was one of the first to introduce this improved grade of cattle in his township. HENRY CAEEOLL, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born Januaiy 1, 1837, in Union Township, Erie Co., Penn.; son of M. Carroll, now a resident of Sumner, Iowa. During the late Rebellion, our subject enlisted, August 11, 1862, in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor and Fort Hill, where he was wounded by a minie ball which resulted in his losing his right arm, and after a long course of treatment in hospital he received an honorable discharge, December, 10, .1864. During his service Mr. Carroll came home on a furlough and was married, October 13, 1863, to Adelia Rice, born in Rome Township, this county, June 16, 1843, daughterof William Rice, by whom he has the following children: Ionia M., Grant S., and Ida A. After the war, Mr. Carroll spent two years, 1868 and 1870, in Iowa and Wisconsin, but finally settled on the old homestead of William Rice, near the edge of Centreville Borough. Mr. Carroll has ever been a ilepublican, and has taken an active interest in the public affairs of this township, holding most of the ofiSces of this borough. He is a member of the G. A. R. GILBERT L. CLARK, M. D., physician and surgeon, Centreville, was bornjin this borough, February 15, 1848; son of the well-known pioneer, James Clark. He received his literary education at the home schools and Allegheny College, Meadville. At twenty-two years of age he began to study medicine with Dr. A. P. Waid, of Centreville; took a preliminary and regular course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia (1872 and 1873); then engaged in practice with his former preceptor, Dr. Waid; subsequently attend- ed Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, receiving the degree of M. D. in 1875; then resumed his practice here. In 1880 he attended an additional course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. The Doctor there married, January 12, 1880, Caroline L. Banning (daughter of E. P. Ban- ning, M. D., of that city), by whom he has the following children: Gilbert Ralph, Inez Emily and Grace Elaine. Ho and wife are members of the Con- gregational Church. Since marriage the Doctor has continuously practiced his profession in his native place, He is an energetic business man, thoroughly trained in his chosen profession, and by his upright life and scientific attain- ments has built up for himself a large and prosperous practice. GARRET BONUM CONOVER, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born Septem- ber 26, 1818, in Hunterdon County, N. J. ; son of Garret A. and Sarah Conover, who came to Rome Township, this county, November 8, 1832. This place was then a wilderness, and they began at once to clear and develop their farm. After living iiseful lives they passed to their final reward, honored by all who knew them. They were parents of twelve children; one son, Ralph, was a sol- dier in the Eighteenth Pennsylvania "Volunteer Cavalry, and was killed on the Potomac at Brandy Station. Our subject, the sixth in the family, married, June 5, 1845, Eliza Ann Thompson, born January, 1826, in Oil Creek Town- ship, this county, daughter of John Thompson. By this union were born Mary E., wife of Mr. Phue; John G. ; George B., Justice of the Peace, this township; Emma J., wife of Mr. Jones, of Coshocton, Ohio; Fannie; Melvina, ROME TOWNSHIP. 973 a successful teacher at Grand Valley, Warren Co., Penn. ; Katie and Libbie. They also raised Elliott E., son of Ralph Conover. After their marriage they settled where they now live. Mr. Conover has acquired a fine farm of 150 acres of well-improved land besides giving a good start in life to his children, who are all useful and intelligent members of society. He was formerly a Democrat in politics, but is now an advocate of prohibition. Our subject and his wife are believers in the Universalist doctrine, but most of their chil- dren belong to the United Presbyterian Church. JOHN G. CONOVER, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born in Rome Town- ship, this county, July 1, 1849; son of Garret B. and Eliza Ann (Thompson) Conover. He was educated at the schools of the home district and attended one term at the State Normal School, Edinboro, Penn. In the spring of 1876 he went to the oil regions of Clarion and McKean Counties, Penn., where he remained until 1882. He was united in marriage, June 8, 1881, with Eliza- beth, daughter of Charles and Mary J. Stewart. Our subject and wife have a fine farm of 100 acres of well-improved land with good buildings. They are consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Conover, though comparatively a young farmer, has displayed much energy and enterprise, and is highly respected. GEORGE B. CONOVER, farmer and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Titus- ville, was born in Rome Township, this county, March 7, 1851; son of Garret B. and Eliza Ann (Thompson) Conover. He acquired his education partly in the schools of the home district, finishing with a term at the State Normal School, Edinboro, Penn. He was married February 17, 1877, to Buena Fuller, born May 8, 1849, in Sparta Township, this county, daughter of Absalom Ful- ler, one of the first settlers there. They have three children: Coral Isle, John Carlyle, and George Courtney. Mr. Conover was elected Justice of the Peace February, 1882; School Director of Rome Township, February, 1883, and was chosen Secretary of that Board. He is at present candidate for County Commissioner. He supports the Prohibition party and takes great interest in the cause of education and in all efforts conducive to the moral and mental improvement of the community. JAMES D. COYLE, principal of public school and farmer, Centreville, was born January 19, 1834, in Rome Township, this county. His father, Patrick Coylo, a native of Westmoreland County, Penn. , came here with his parents, Roger and Margery Coyle, in 1800, and here married Mary Griffin, a native of Venango County, Penn. , and settled in Rome Township, where they spent their lives. They were an upright pioneer people, respected by all who knew them. They were the parents of ten children, six now living: Patrick, Lawrence, Margery (now Mrs. Kerr, of Titusville), Sarah (now Mrs. Beatty, of Ashtabula County, Ohio), Jane (now Mrs. McGee), and James D. Our sub- ject spent the early part of his manhood in the lumber regions on Clarion River, Elk County, Penn. When about thirty years of age he adopted the profession of teacher, for which he had made thorough preparations, attending the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn. Mr. Coyle taught in all thirty- four terms; in St. Joseph's School, Oil City, Penn., three years; Titusville, one year; Hydetown, one year, and thirteen terms in Centreville, occupying the position as Principal of the public schools here and enjoying an'envi- abl« reputation as a faithful, efficient and successful educator. Our subject has been twice married, on the first occasion August 10, 1867, to Lucy Taft, of this township, who died February 27, 1869, leaving a son — Louis — who died September 10, 1870. Mr. Coyle was remarried, October 20, 1873, to Alduma Pierce, and by this union had six children, three living; Lena, Milton, 974 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and Frances. Mr. Coyle has acquired a comfortable home located in the southwest corner of Sparta Township. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. GEORGE DUNLAP, farmer, P. O. Titusville. was born February 19, 1825, in County Londonderry, Ireland. He oameT to America in 1848, and after spending a few months in New York City and a couple of years at Water- ford, Erie County, Penn., finally located at Neilltown, Venango (now Forest) County, Penn., and there married Miss Anna McCandless, March 11, 1853. After living on a farm there for twenty-five years they came to Rome Township, this county, April 1, 1877, settling on the Edmonds farm. They now own a farm of 200 acres of well- improved land. Their children are Mary (wife of Simon Fogle, in Forest County), Andrew M., John J., James R., Ella A., and Robert R. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is an hoiiest, upright man, respected by all who know him. T. S. EICHBAUM, lumberman and manufacturer, P. O. Centreville, was bom June 22, 1843, in Allegheny City, Penn., son of William P. and Mary (Sample) Eichbaum. When he was nine years of age he moved to Nashville, Teun. , with his father's family, and when fourteen returned with them to Pittsburgh, Penn., his father being a native of that place, and carrying on an establishment for manufacturing steam engines there. He died in this town- ship in December, 1881, at the residence of his son. His widow and son, William W., now reside at Newcastle, Penn., and another son, George R., resides in Sanborn, Dak. At the breaking-out of the war of the Rebellion, our subject was engaged in the machine shop with his father at Memphis, Tenn. He returned to Pittsburgh, and enlisted in the Fifth Regiment, West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, and served in the Virginia campaign. Was early promoted to the position of Quartermaster Sergeant, serving as such till the close of his services, in February, 1865, proving himself a brave soldier and an efficient officer. After his return he engaged in the oil business in Vir- ginia and Kentucky. In 1866 he came to the oil regions of Pennsylvania. The following year engaged in lumbering in the eastern part of Rome Town- ship, transferring his establishment in 1879 to Oil Creek, near Centreville, where he has a saw-mill, and manufactures lumber for shipment abroad. Mr. Eichbaum was married May 25, 1869, to Harriet Palmer, of Newcastle, Penn. To this union were born Mary, Carrie, Emily, Jeanette and Hermann. Our subject has tirst-class business principles, and enjoys the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends. In politics he is a Republican. RICHARD FARRINGTON, farmer, P. O. Spartansbnrg, was born Janu- ary 16, 1836, in Patterson, N. J., son of Richard and Ellen Farrington, the former of whom died in Patterson, and his widow, who subsequently married E. T. Rigby,'now resides in Rome Township, this county. Our subject came here in 1850. During the late war he enlisted in 1861 in Company K, Fifty- seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Potomac. Was taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg, and was incar- cerated at Staunton, Va., Belle Isle, Andersonville, Savannah and Millen, Ga., being confined in all sixteen months and eighteen days. He was a brave and faithful soldier, and received an honorable discharge January 26, 1865. He was married February 28, 1865, to Elizabeth Bittles, of Waterford, Penn., by whom he had two children: John and Nellie. In 1868 they settled where they now reside. They are both consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Farrington has been industrious and successful in life, having accumulated a farm of 160 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings. ROME TOWNSHIP. 975 He has been a life-long Republican; takes an active interest in public affairs. Has been elected to the office of Supervisor, and is now serving his second term as School Director of Rome Township. IRA W. FISH, farmer, P. O. ' Spartansburg, was born January 27, 1835, in Washington County, N. Y., son of Oatman and Saraph (Burton) Fish, who settled in Sparta Township, this county, in 1840, and there cleared and devel- oped their farm and reared their family. Of their eight children, all except- ing two, who are in Erie County, Penn., reside in this county. Mrs. Fish died in 1850, Mr. Pish following her in 1864. They were an honest pio- neer people, respected and esteemed by all who knew them. Our subject acquired his education in the limited schools of those early times. He was married September 10, 1857, to Diantha Coyle. They then settled in the woods of this township and began forming their home. To this union were born Saraph (now Mrs. Morris), Leslie, Otto, Ausro, Loren, Fred, Grant and John. Mrs. Fish departed this life November 15, 1881, and Mr. Fish then married, August 16, 1883, Sarah, widow of Hiram Corey (by whom she had two sons: William B. and Lynn Willis), and daughter of John Morgan. She was bom in Beaver County, Penn., in 1854, but has been a resident of Craw- ford County since sixteen years of age. Mr. Fish is an ambitious and success- ful farmer, having acquired by his own efforts a fine farm of 174 acres of well-improved land. He is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church. WATERMAN GUY GOODRICH, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Titusville, was born in Rome Township, this- county, June 10, 1828 ; son of Chauncey and Sarah (Shepard) Goodrich, both natives of Connecticut, and who settled in this township in 18l9. She departed this life in 1839, and he in 1865. They were an upright pioneer couple, highly respected by all who knew them. Our subject's grandfather and two brothers — Russell and Seymour — were also resi- dents of this township for some years. Waterman G. Goodrich was the youngest of the family, and received his education in the limited schools of those early times. He settled on his present farm in 1850, and became estab- lished in the saw-mill on Little Oil Creek with his father. On coming of age he bought out this property. He was married. May 21, 1850, to Elizabeth S. Eldred, who was born in Addison County, yt., August 26, 1826, and came to Rome Township, this county, in 1841. To this union was born one son — William E. — married to Nettie Gilson, June 28, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich adopted Jennie Morris, she being then about eight years of age, and she is still living with them. Mr. Goodrich has added to his property till he now owns 225 acres of land in this and Oil Creek Townships. He is an industrious, enterprising citizen. In his religious views he is a Universalist, extending his good will to all. OSCAR N. GOODWILL, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born March 12, 1842, in Woodcock Township, Crawford County, Penn. ; son of the Rev. Aaron and Minerva (Tinker) Goodwill, both natives of Wellington, Mass., and who came to this county in 1828; the former, a Wesleyan minister, was a son of Nathaniel Goodwill, who settled in Woodcock Tovmship, near Blooming Valley. Rev. Aaron Goodwill died in February, 1876, in Warren County, Penn. His widow is now seventy- eight years old. Thej; are parents of ten children, five living, viz.: Omri, in Warren County, Penn; Oscar N., in Crawford County; James, in Warren County, Penn. ; Amanda (now Mrs. Robshaw), in Warren County, and Charles. Our subject was married. May 19, 1861, to Jane Stur- gis, a native of Bloomfield, this county. To this union were born four chil- dren: Herbert, Emma, Frank and Lona. Herbert was injured by a kick from 976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: a horse, April 1, 1884, and died May 5, 1884, aged twenty-two years and two days. He was a member of the Baptist Church in Centreville. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwill settled in Rome Township in 1873,_ and have, by industry and good management, acquired a fine farm of 160 acres of well- improved land. They and their children are consistent members of the Baptist Church. DAVID L. HENDERSON, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born January 15, 1857, in Oil Creek Township, this county; son of Robert and Margery (Coyle) Henderson, the former of whom was a volunteer in Company D, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and died in Andersonville prison. He was a brave soldier, and left as an honorable inheritance to posterity the remem- brance of his faithful devotion to his country. His widow subsequently mar- ried James B. Kerr, and now resides at Titusville. Our subject acquired his education in the School for Soldiers' Orphans, Titusville, and was married June 15, 1881, to Lizzie, daughter of Charles S. Coates. To this union is born one son — Robert A. Mr. Henderson purchased here a fine farm compris- ing ninety-seven acres of well-improved land with good buildings. He is an enterprising young farmer, enjoying the respect and esteem of the community. ALPHEUS W. HOLBROOK (deceased) was born in Rutland County, Vt., January 3, 1804, son of Abel Holbrook. He came to Rome Township, this county, in 1828, and after two years purchased a large tract of land which he immediately began to clear and develop. He was united in marriage, December 28, 1835, with Sophia E. Little, born in Rutland County, Vt., daugh- ter of Rufus Little, a pioneer of Richmond Township, Crawford Co., Penn. To this union were born three children, viz. : Vivalda (deceased), Eunice Ann and Sarah Lavonia. Mr. Holbrook was a stanch Republican in polities; an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and after leading a long and useful life, died November 21, 1879, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His loss was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. His widow still survives, and is being tenderly cared for by her daughters, who manage with commendable business skill the large estate of 204 acres of finely improved land left by their father. They have each a separate tract also. The Hol- brooks are a representative family of Rome Township, and well deserve the respect and esteem with which they are regarded. WILLIAM JOSEPH KERR, farmer and Commissioner of Crawford County, P. O. Titusville, was born February 22, 1840, in Rome Township, this county. He is a son of Andrew Kerr, now living in Oil Creek Township, Penn. Our subject enlisted in November, 1861, in the Fifty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; served in the Army of the Potomac, and engaged in the battle of Peach Orchard, Va. He received an honorable dis- charge on account of disability in June, 1862. He was married to Carrie Grant, December 6, 1862. By this union there is one son — Worth. Mr. Kerr purchased the farm on which he was reared, formerly owned by his father, and has an estate of 150 acres of well-improved land. He has ever been a Repub- lican. In 1878 he was elected Commissioner of ■ Crawford County, and re-elected in 1881, by a handsome majority. He fills the duties of this posi- tion with honest integrity and to the entire satisfaction of the people. DANIEL W. KERR, P. 0. Titusville, was born June 23, 1851, in Rome Township, this county, son of Andrew Kerr, and was brought up in Oil Creek Township adjoining the line. He received bis education in the schools of the home district, and one term in the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn. He married, April 9, 1876, Miss Esther Viola, daughter of Amos White, and born January 4, 1856, in Warren County, Penn, but reared mostly in Chautauqua County, N. Y., moving into this township about 1874. To our subject and ROME TOWNSHIP. 977 wife were born two sons: Andrew DeAlt and Ernest Wilbur. Mr. Kerr has a comfortable home in this township and sixty nine acres of well-improved land. He is a successful farmer, highly respected by the entire community. In pol- itics a Republican. JAMES M. LEWIS, hardware merchant and tinsmith, Centreville, was born in Broome County, N. Y., February 9, 1840; son of Salmon and Elvira (Page) Lewis. When he was twelve years of age his mother died, and in 1854 his father moved with his family to Allegany County, N. Y. ; lived a few years there and in this county, but finally went West and is now a resident of Lit- tle Traverse, Mich. Our subject completed his education at Friendship Acad- emy, Allegany County, N. Y. , and there learned his trade. He was one of the first to respond to the President's call for men to protect the Union, enlisting May ], 1861, in the Twenty-third Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac and participating in many of the memora- ble battles of the Virginia campaign. He made a brilliant record as a brave and faithful soldier and received an honorable discharge as non-commissioned officer, May 22, 1863. The following June he came to Centreville and for a few years manufactured barrels. In 1867 he established his present shop, *adding in 1869 a general line of hardware. He is a skillful mechanic and has built up a prosperous trade with the surrounding townships. He was mar- ried December 22, 1863, to Sarah R., daughter of Theophilus and Caroline Schuck, of Williamsport, Penn. To this union were born two children; Elvira C. and George M. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Congregational Church. He has ever been a Republican; has held several township and borough offices; is a man of integrity and a useful citizen. WILLIAM S. and DANIEL M. MAGEE, farmers, P. O. Centreville, are sons of Patrick and Sarah (Dougherty) Magee, who were early settlers of this township. William S. Magee was born January 15, 1828, in Rome Township, this county, and remained with his aged parents till their deaths. The mother died June 27, 1875, aged seventy years; the father died August 14, 1882, aged seventy-five years. He now owns and occupies the old homestead which has always been held by one or other of the Magee family, and another tract, mak- ing in all eighty-five acres. Daniel M. Magee was born November 7, 1833, also in Rome Township, this county, and was united in marriage April 25, 1871, with Elizabeth McLaughlin. To this union have been born the following children: Joseph, Mary Cecelia, Francis P., and William R. He owns a farm, in two tracts, comprising eighty acres of well-improved land. These gentle- men are upright pioneer citizens enjoying the respect of all. They have both been life- long members of the Roman Catholic Church. JOHN B. MAGEE, farmer and Justice of the Peace, Centreville, was born in Rome Township, this county, June 6, 1829; son of John and Hannah (Griffin) Magee. He remained with his parents, acquiring his education at the district school. After the death of his father he took charge of his aged mother during her thirty years of widowhood. He now owns the family home- stead, on which he has passed most of his life. In connection with farming he early engaged in developing the oil fields on Oil Creek. Squire Magee is an earnest Democrat in politics, but aims to support the best men regardless of party. He has been actively interested in public affairs nearly all his life; at twenty-two he was elected Constable of Rome Township, and has occupied some local or township office almost continuously ever since; was elected Justice of the Peace in May, 1881, and has faithfully discharged the duties of this office with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people; in 1884 was elected County Auditor for three years. The Squire is physically of a full, robust figure, 978 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: bidding fair to live a long life of usefulness. Being an advocate of perfect free- dom he has never formed any matrimonial alliance. He is one of the leading citizens of his native township. ANDEEW LEWIS MAGEE, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born May 22, 1843, in Eome Township; son of John and Hannah Magee. He was mar- ried in 1867 to Nancy Ellen Morris, who died in 1873, leaving a daughter, Mary Winifield, who gives promise of brilliant genius. Mr. Magee has lived in this township all his life, is a man of upright integrity and a citizen of much usefulness and influence in this community. JOHN R. MAGEE, farmer and mechanic, P. O. Centreville, was born October 7, 1836, in Eome Township, this county, and is a grandson of John Magee, who came as far as Northumberland County, Penn., and there died about 1804. His widow settled in the vicinity of Mageetown about 1806, and there departed this life in 1814. Her daughters were Mrs. Mary Bran- non, Mrs. Nancy Gilson and Mrs. Catherine Coyle. Of her sons, Eoger took up several tracts of land in this township; Henry returned to Northumberland County, Penn.; John, who also returned to that county, in about a year moved to New York, and there married Catherine Eafferty, of New York City, returned to this township November, 1835, and here developed a farm and" died in 1873. He was an honored pioneer. He and all his family were con- sistent members of the Eoman Catholic Church. His widow resides on the old homestead. They were the parents of Henry, Mrs^ Catherine South- worth, Eosanna and John E. Our subject was married November 11, 1862, to Loretta Magee, by whom he has the following children; Ambrose M., Albert H., Belle (wife of Joseph Eobinson), Ira F., Mary, Thomas S., Anna, John J. and Martha. Mr. Magee is a skillful carpenter, wagon-maker and blacksmith, and bears the reputation of turning out first-class workmanship. He erected many of the houses and barns in this vicinity, and can make a wagon complete, including the iron work and painting. He has a comfortable home of forty-five acres of well-iniproved land. In politics he has ever been a Democrat. FEANK L. MAEKHAM, M. D., physician and surgeon, Centreville, was born in Panama, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., October 13, 1852, son of George and Charlotte Markham. At an early age he removed with his parents to Eice- ville, Crawford Co., Penn. , and there was reared and received the foundation of his literary education in the schools of that borough. In 1872 he attended the high school at Jamestown, N. Y. ; then became a student in the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn., taking a private course of studies under President Cooper. He early began teaching school, engaging in the profession in all five terms at Eiceville, Tryonville, Taylor's Stand and at Chautauqua Lake. In 1874 he began the study of medicine under Dr. Charles Payne, of Eiceville. In 1877 he entered the Medical Department of the Wooster University, Cleveland, Ohio, and after attending two courses of lectures graduated with the degree of M. D. on February 27, 1879. He then located at Centreville, and by his energy, professional skill and genial manners has built up a large and lucra- tive practice in this community, and has rapidly attained a high mark in the profession. JOHN S. MATTESON, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was bom April 17, 1814, in Kent County, R. I. "When ten years of age he moved to Herkimer County, N. Y., with his parents, Asa and Elizabeth '(Eichmond) Matteson, and when sixteen years old came to Otsego County, same State, where he was married February 23, 1837, to Emeline Bailey, who bore him the following children: Joel, Albert, Harriet (wife of Mr. Eldred) and George. In April, 1852, our ROME TOWNSHIP. 979 ■subject and family came, via the Erie Canal, to this county, arriving in May. They settled in this township, Mr. Matteson buying 300 acres of land, which he at once began to clear and improve, and by his industry has not only ■acquired a comfortable home, but provided liberally for his children. He pre- fers to lead a quiet life on his farm; is a man of strict integrity, and exerts a good influence in the community. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM NASH, manufacturer, Centreville, was born Decembers, 1831, in the old Betts House, still standing on Water Street, Meadville, Penn., son of Michael and Mary (Callahan) Nash, both natives of Ireland, the latter a slaughter of John Callahan, who passed the latter part of his life in Cusse- wago Township, this county. When a year and a half old our subject came with, hia father's family to Oussewago Township, and there his father died in 1856, his mother having died in 1851. They were an upright pioneer couple, largely instrumental in developing the resources of this county. They left a family of eight children: William, James, Catherine (now Mrs. Mather), Mary Ann (now Mrs. Wickham), Thomas and Margaret Ellen (now Mrs. Crow- nin). John and Patrick are now deceased. Our subject received his educa- tion in the district schools. Being the eldest, on his father's death the care of the family devolved on him. He carried on the farm, paying considerable attention to stock-raising. In 1863, in partnership with his brothers, Thomas and*Patrick, he established a shook factory at Centreville, in which he still retains an interest. In 1671 he established a cheese factory at Crossingville, and was quite active in developing the dairy interest in the northern part of the county. Mr. Nash has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his borough; in 1878 was elected Treasurer of Crawford County, taking his posi- sition in January, 1879, and fulfilling the duties of this office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was married February 8, 1866, to Margaret Ann, daughter of John and Ann Magee. They are both devout members of the Eoman Catholic Church. Mr. Nash is of a generous,' sociable disposition, and is esteemed and respected by a wide circle of friends. THOMAS NASH, manufacturer, Centreville, was born in Cussewago Town- ship, this county, December 10, 1843 ; son of Michael Nash. In his youth he spent a year and a half in the oil regions of Crawford and Venango Counties. He then began making shooks in Conneautville, in March, 1862, and in Feb- ruary, 1863, in company with his brothers, William and Patrick, established their well-known shook factory at Centreville. They ship large quantities to New York City for exportation to Cuba, for manufacturing sugar hogsheads. Our subject was married, February 8, 1871, to Mary Helen, daughter of Samuel Fuller, of Kome Township, this county. To this union were born the following children: Victoria Ann, Clara Jane, Martin Irenus, and Thomas. Mr. Nash and his wife are devout members of the Eoman Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN ODELL, retired farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born in Eensselaer ■County, N. Y., March 14, 1800. He came to Springfield, Erie Co., Penn., in 1824, and to this county in 1835, settling in Eome Township, and here mar- ried Almira Peck, who died at the expiration of about a year and a half, leav- ing one- son, Burton. Our subject was then married to Lydia, daughter of Dr. Silas Taylor, and who died in 1850, leaving six children, viz. : H. Ban- ning, Silas, William, N. W., Amanda (deceased wife of Mr. Strong), and Phebe, now Mrs. Keyes. Our subject subsequently married Marinda, daugh- ter of William and Sibyl Pierce and widow of Levi W. Bosworth, by whom she bad one daughter, Sibyl, now married to Banning Odell. Mr. Odell is one of the oldest pioneers of Eome Township, and although eighty- four years 980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of ace is hale and hearty, with almost unimpaired faculties. He and his estimable wife are living on their pleasant homestead, enjoying a peaceful old age. NELSON WHITFIELD ODELL, farmer, P. O. Centre vi lie, was born February 18„1844, in Cochranton, this county; son of John and Lydia (Tay- lor) Odell, early settlers here. During the late Rebellion our subject enlisted, August, 1864, in the Mississippi Squadron, United States Navy. He was a brave soldier and received an honorable discharge August, 1865. He was united in marriage, September 18, 1867, with Sylvia Langworthy, born Feb- ruary 23, 1846, in Athens Township, this county, daughter of Joseph and Eliza Ann (Barber) Langworthy. To this union have been born Iva May and Glenn Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Odell, after living a few years in Centreville, settled on their present place, comprising eighty-live acres of well improved land, and by industry and good management have acquired a comfortable and pleasant home. Mr. Odell is a progressive farmer, devoting considerable attention to the improvement of the live stock on his farm. He is a member of the Congregational Church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. In politics he is a stanch Republican. JAMES P. PHILP and WILLIS F. PERRY, lumbermen, P. O. Tryon- ville. James P. Philp was born in Washington Township, Erie Co. , Penn. , July 29, 1855, son of Richard Philp, who still resides in that township. He'was married March 25, 1880, to Emma A. Perry, by wJiom he has two children: Rinnie and Robert R. Willis F. Perry was also born in Washington Town- ship, Erie County, August 2, 1857, son of Gilbert O. Perry, a resident of that township. In April, 1882, these gentlemen purchased the steam saw-mill on Little Oil Creek and 200 acres of timberland in this township. They are prac- tical lumbermen and are doing a successful business, manufacturing from 8,000 to 10,000 feet of lumber per day, which is shipped to Buffalo, N. Y. , Franklin, Penn., and other points. They also do considerable custom work. They have au extensive trade, nearly one-third of their whole business being the shipment of hemlock bark to Buffalo for tanning purposes. Messrs. Philp & Perry are thorough-going business men, and have won the respect and esteem of the best people in Crawford County. SAMUEL POST, merchant, Centreville, was born May 18, 1821, in Wash- ington County, N. Y., son of Samuel and Mary (Sprague) Post, who came to Crawford County in 1830, and after living about a year and a half each in Sparta Township and Centreville Borough, settled in Athens Township, where they died. Of their nine children, five are now living: Joshua, Leonard, Samuel, Harvey and Mrs. Pruda Yarrington. Our subject took care of his aged parents till their death. He was married July 16, 1843, to Nancy A. Bement, and lived on a farm till 1860, when he established a store in Centre- ville, having previously been engaged in business a couple of years with J. A. Rodier. Mr. Post has had as partners Henry Fields and Thomas May- nard for one year, then Thomas Maynard for seven years, and since 1872, his son Byron, the firm being now known as S. Post & Son. They carry a suita- ble stock for a general merchandise store and have built up a large trade with the surrounding tpwnships. To Mr. and Mrs. Post were born eight children, five now living: Mrs. Harriet L. Maynard, George D., Charles Byron, Mrs. Ada Fedora Chapman and Mrs. May M. Post. Our subject is an enterprising, successful business man, a worthy representative of oae of the leading pioneer families, and a citizen of much influence and usefulness in this community. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. RANSOM PUTNAM, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born December 18, ROME TOWNSHIP. 981 1826, in Ellery, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., son of Leonard Putnam, who was born in Vermont, and when four years of age went with his parents, who settled in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1807. There he married Sally Kelly, bom January 25, 1808, in Genesee County, same State. They came to Rome Towiy ship, this county, in 1840, settling in the woods, where they cleared their farm. They reared four children: Alfred, Eansom, John Sidney, and Mrs. Harriet Proudfit, who died July 30, 1856. Mr. Putnam departed this life November 1, 1850. His widow still resides on the old homestead. Our sub- ject was twice married, on first occasion November 5, 1848, to Fidelia J. How- ard, who died January 30, 1860, leaving two children: Sidney E. and Mrs. Alvicia D. Gilbert. Mr. Putnam married for his second wife Nancy Phillips, daughter of Godfrey and Sarah Phillips, of Venango County, Penn. By this union there are four children: Minnie L., born July 22, 1867; Mertie, born February 8, 1869; Alta May, born June 13, 1873, and Clara F., born January 30,J877. They have also adopted into their family Martin, son of David Baugher. Mr. Putnam is a man of strict integrity and a worthy representa- tive of one of the leading pioneer families of this township. He is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. EEV. DANIEL EEID (deceased) came to Eome Township, this county, from Logan County, Ohio, about 1861, being then about twenty-eight years of age. He had received his education at Geneva College, Logan County, Ohio, and was a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He took charge of the Oil Creek congregation, this township, and here was united in marriage, January 22, 1863, with Nancy Wright, by whom he had the follow- ing children: E. H. McFarland, a graduate of Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Penn. ; M. Letitia E. , Martha Eebecca Ada and James Eenwick Welsh. Our sub- ject, after leading an active, usefull life died March 31, 1875, honored and beloved by all. His widow, an estimable lady respected by the whole commu- nity, now occupies the homestead comprising 120 acres of well- improved land. JULIUS A. EODIEE, merchant, Centreville, was born June 18, 1832, at Georgetown, D. C, son of Col. Philiburt Louis Eodier, a], topographical engin- eer under the First Napoleon, and who came from France to America in 1818. Here he married Mary Adelaide Jones, of Georgetown, D. C, where he died and his family still reside. He was an influential man, taking an active part in the improvements of his adopted country. He was topographical engineer of the Chesapeak & Ohio Canal, and on its opening threw the first shovel of earth after the Master of Ceremonies, John Hancock. The success of this enterprise was mainly due to his energy and scientific skill. Our subject when eighteen years of age commenced life for himself, clerking in Baltimore till 1853, then took a trip across the mountains, roughing it for two years in a lumbering camp in Warren County, Penn.; then for one year carried on' a tail- oring establishment for S. A. Bennett, and clerked one year at Spartansburg, this county. Next clerked for the firm of Orange Noble & George B. Dela- mater, Townville, this county, until March 12, 1857, when he married Miranda, daughter of the pioneer Daniel Bement, by whom he has six children: Will P. L., married to Mary Edith Sessions; Mary A., Julius Henry D., Charles A., Millie Louisa and Jennie Gertrude. After his marriage Mr. Eodier engaged in a general merchandise store at Centreville with Samuel Post for two years. Then established himself alone in business. In 1864 admitted his brother-in- law, George Bement, which connection lasted until about 1873, since when he has been conducting the business alone. His stock consists of general mer- chandise and furniture in a separate establishment. During the war he took an active interest in recruiting men for the service, enlisting himself, August, 982 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: , 1862, in the One Himdred and Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After six months' active service he was honorably discharged on account of disabilities. Mr. Eodier arid wife are members of the Congrega- tional Church. * CHAELES WASHINGTON SHERMAN, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born April 27, 1821, in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. His mother dying when he was four years of age, he was brought up by his grandfather, Oliver Sherman. They moved to Chautauqua County, N. Y. , in very early times, and there our subject spent his boyhood days. When twenty-two years of age he began working for himself, soon accumulating enough to buy a tract of land in Rome Township, this county, which he immediately began to improve. He was married in December, 1849, to Sarah Ann Sherman, and in 1850 settled on the farm in this township, where by industry and good management he acquired a fine estate of 220 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Sherman's wife died October 31, 1879, and he then married Sarah Geer (or Ghers), of Oil Creek Township, this county. To this union was born one daughter — Maud Ann. In politics Mr. Sherman has ever been a supporter of the Republican party. He is an honest man, of generous impulses, highly esteemed by all. JACOB SNAPP, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Centreville, was born in Yates County, N. Y. , January 13, 1881, son of George and Elizabeth (Schuler) Snapp, natives of Lebanon County, Penn., and who settled in Sparta, this county, about 1838. Seven of their children are living: Mary, now Mrs. Bushman; Abram, Mrs. Phebe A., Eldred, Henry, Jacob, George and Archi- bald. When seventeen years of age our subject began to learn the trade of blacksmith in Monroe County, N. Y. He was united in marriage June 25, 1851, with Diantha Day, a sister in-law of the noted John Brown. They set- tled in Centreville, where Mr. Snapp carried on a blacksmith shop for three years. He then purchased the farm on which he now lives, and immediately began clearing and improving it. He has ninety-seven acres of well-improved land, and in connection with farming has followed his trade a large share of the time. Mrs. Snapp died in November, 1864, leaving five children: Orrin D. ; Anna E., now Mrs. Crosby; Lois, now Mrs. Parrish, Lewis and Charles. Mr. Snapp then married, January 31, 1866, Mrs. Mary Blowers, daughter of John and Maria Cullins, of Wyoming County, N. Y., and widow of Jerome Blowers, by whom (Mr. Blowers) she had one son — Norman. To this union were born Mary S., Effie J., Estella O., Floyd J. and Buena Vista. Mr. Snapp is an honest, worthy citizen of his township. His wife is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church. ■■ MARCUS STEWART, farmer, P. O. Titusville, was born in 1823, in County Londonderry, Ireland; came to this county and settled in Rome Town- ship in 1840, where he immediately began clearing his farm, which was then all woodland. He was united in marriage February 27, 1860, with Iitartha, daughter of Richard Wright, who has borne him the following children: Rich- ard Cameron, McFarland, Mary Ada (deceased), Martha Rebecca, Nannie Belle, Marcus Reed, James Alexander and David. Mr. Stewart has been a very hard worker, and is deservedly successful, having acquired a fine farm of 220 acres; his wife also owns fifty acres. They are pious members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; are earnest friends and supporters of the edu- cational cause, giving their own children good advantages; and are upright, honest people, highly respected and esteemed by the community. MRS. MARGARET L. THOMPSON, P. O. Centreville, was born in Rome Township, this county, September 27, 1830, daughter of Patrick and Sarah Magee, early settlers of this township. She was united in marriage April 27, ROME TOWNSHIP. 983 1856, with Oliver N., son of John and Ann Thompson, and who was reared in Oil Creek Township, this county. By this union there was one daughter — Perintha Ann, born May 18, 1857, and married to Jacob S. Gilborn; have two children: Oliver W. and Elizabeth. After Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's marriage they lived in Oil Creek Township, this county, for ten years, but in 1866 finally settled on the present family home, where Mr. Thompson died April 23, 1869. He was a kind husband and father, a worthy citizen, highly respected by all who knew him. Our subject owns the family homestead, comprising 115 acres of well-improved land, and her former home of nineteen acres in Oil Creek Township, this county. She is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, and is an estimable lady, highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends. JAMBS WEIDNBR, farmer, P. O. Glyndon, was born August 13, 1824, in Venango County, Penn., son of John and Catherine Weidner, who were natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and very early settlers of Venango County. Our subject was united in marriage in September, 1839, with Mary Long, of the same county, who bore him the following children: Rebecca (now Mrs. Harrison), Phebe (now Mrs. Euell), Anna (now Mrs. Gilson), William, Abigail (now Mrs. Buell), Carson, James, Elmer, Daniel and Ina. Mr. and Mrs. Weidner located in Rome Township, this county, in 1864, and by industry and good management have accumulated a fine property; having a pleasant home and 223 acres of well improved land. Mr. Weidiaer is an enterprising and successful farmer. In politics has been a life- long Democrat. SQUIRE WELD, farmer, P. O. Tryonville, was born November 23, 1825» in Bath, N. Y., son of Robert and Clarissa (Howe) Weld, who subsequently moved to Warren County, Penn., where the former died about 1868. His widow is a descendant of the famous Jemima Howe, who was captured by the Indians and rescued during the French and Indian war, and there is in the possession of the family a gun captured during that conflict. She is residing^ on the old homestead, aged eighty-eight. Our subject was married, June 29, 1853, to Martha V., daughter of Aaron Goodwill, and by this union has the fol- lowing children: William, Mary A. (now Mrs. Putnam), Charles, Franklin, Frances, Squire, Minerva, Mabel and Aaron. During the late war Mr. W.eld enlisted, in July, 1864, in the Two Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry. He was a brave and faithful soldier, and received an honorable discharge June 28, 1865. After living four years in Lorain County, Ohio, he came to Tryonville, this county, where he followed the occu- pation of lumberman at Gray's Mills. In 1872 he purchased his pleasant resi- dence, together with 130 acres of well improved land. Mrs. Weld died May 23, 1881. She was a devoted wife and kind mother, and her loss was mourned by the community. Mr. Weld is a Republican in politics, and a strong advo- cate of temperance. FRANKLIN WETHERBEE, one of the pioneers of Rome Township, this county, is a native of Washington County, N. Y., and there married Misa •Melissa Boeworth, by whom he had the following children: David B., Martin N., a soldier in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, who died April 17, 1870, from the effects of a wound received at the battle of Gettys- burg; Levi O., a member of the same regiment, and killed in the battle before Petersburg, Va. ; Paulina (deceased), wife of Mr. Chapman; Annettie R. (now Mrs. Cook); Delphina (now Mrs. Hardeson, of Newhall, Cal.); and Silvia A. (now Mrs. Post). Mr. Wetherbee came to this township in 1839, engaging actively in lumbering, and in partnership with his brother, Horace, now of Oregon, establishing a saw-mill on the east branch of Oil Creek. Mrs. Weth- 984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: erbee departed this life May 8, 1882. He is now living with his son David, enjoying a peaceful old age. Mr. Wetherbee has for many years been a Deacon in the Baptist Church. DAVID B. "WETHERBEE, carpenter, P. O. Centreville, was born February 1, 1834, in Washington County, N. Y., son of Franklin and Melissa (Bosworth) Wetherbee. Our subject was educated principally in the schools of Rome Town- ship, and from the practical experiences of life. He was married, September 10, 1856, to Penila Hall, a native of Great Bend Village, Susquehanna Co., Penn. To this union were born the following named children: Alphonzo (deceased), Lizzie, Elmer L., Effie (now Mrs. Thomas, of Corry, Penn.), and Artie. The family are members of the Baptist Church. During the Rebellion Mr. Weth- erbee enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, and after nine months received an honorable discharge February 10, 1863, on account of disabilities. He was a brave and faithful soldier. After his return from the war he engaged for a few years in oil refining, but has since devoted his energies to his trade. He is now principally engaged in rig-building in the oil regions. Mr. Wetherbee is a citizen of much influence and usefulness in this community. LAWRENCE WINTON, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born February 20, 1817, in that part of Rome Township, this county, now known as Centreville Borough, son of Samuel Winton. His opportunities for acquiring an educa- tion were confined to the schools of Centreville. He early entered the lumber- ing business and farming. He was married, April 5, 1840, to Zillah, daughter of Nathan Cook, and a native of Delaware County, N. Y., where she was reared, coming to this county at eighteen years of age. By this union were born: Decator, Samuel S., Lloyd, Sarah (now Mrs. Hef right), Mary E. (now Mrs. McCleoud), Ida (now Mrs. Mclntyre). In 1841 Mr. and Mrs. Winton settled in Centreville Borough, where they now reside, having a comfortable home. Our subject is an old time Republican, and a friend of the cause of education. WASH WINTON, farmer, attorney at law and Justice of the Peace, Cen- treville, was born January 12, 1834, in Rome Township, this county, son of Samuel Winton, who settled here in 1806 with his father, the pioneer Nathan Winton, of Scotch descent, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Samuel Winton married Margaret Coil, who came here from Pittsburgh, Penn., with her parents in 1801. After rearing twelve children they both died at advanced ages. Our subject in early manhood taught school for several winters, lum- bering during the summers. He was married, August 3, 1862, to Martha J. Britain, by whom he has three children: Ella A., Judson M. and Kittie M. During the late Rebellion he enlisted, October, 1862, in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served till August, 1863. On his return from the war he engaged in shipping oil down the river to Pittsburgh till 1865, when he settled on his farm in Centreville Borough. The same year he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has been re- elected at the expiration of each succeeding term. He has also served as Burgess, School Director fifteen years, Councilman five years, and in other oiHc'es of trust, serving in all these various offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. Squire Winton devotes himself chiefly to law, having an extensive local practice, and doing considerable business in settling up decedents' estates, and as real estate agent. He has supported the Republican party since Fremont's time. He and his family are members of the Congre- gational Church. SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. 985 SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. JAMES ADSIT, jelly manufacturer, P. 0. Evansburg, was born March 7, 1853, son of John and Margaret (Mellon) Adait, natives of this county, both deceased. Our subject, who was reared on a farm, engaged in lumbering for many years. He has a large jelly manufacturing establishment in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and bears the reputation of making the best article of the kind in the market. He was married. April 2, 1874, to Vira Stockton, by whom he has one daughter, Daisy B., born in 1878. Mr. Adsit is a member of the A. O. U. W. , and, with his wife, an adherent of the Presbyterian Church. JOHN ANDREWS, retired farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in Vernon Township, this county, April 6, 1816, son of Robert and Sarah (Chidester) Andrews, who had eight children, five now living. Robert Andrews was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland; came to America in 1784, locating at Har- risburg, Penn. , from thence moving to Allegheny County in 1792, and finally to what is now Crawford County. Here he made a clearing on French Creek, Vernon Township, and erected a building. In the fall of 1792 he and a num- ber of others started for Harrisburg, Penn., but got lost, their pack-horse died of starvation, and they were obliged to subsist on a couple of snakes which they found and a deer-skin that was roasted after the hair had been burned off. After innumerable privations they reached their destination. On their return home they employed an Indian guide to conduct them to Franklin, but in him the party placed little confidence, being in constant dread lest he should betray them. When within a day's journey of Franklin they came to a camp fire, a little beyond which they discovered a horse. After resting a day in Franklin they met there a man named Vansickle, who informed them the horse they had seen was his; that he and two comrades, named Power and Wallace, were surprised at the camp fire by Indians firing on them from an ambuscade. Power and Wallace were killed, but Vansickle showed the sav- ages his heels, and although chased by one of them armed with a tomahawk for a considerable distance he succeeded in outrunning the Indian, who then gave up the pursuit. Robert Andrews returned to his clearing in Vernon Township the following spring (1793) in order to hold his title, as the law was that " a settler must have smoke on his premises every day for five years." This farm is still owned by his descendants, and on it John Andrews was born and reared. Our subject learned milling as an occupation. He was married, June 2, 1847, to Mary D. Abbott. By this union were born six children, three now living: Eva B. , Sadie and Ella. The sons are all deceased, Mr. Andrews is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he is also an Elder. His nephew, James M. Abbott, with whom he spends many leisure hours, does a hardware business at Evansburg. CHARLES W. AUGUST, carpenter, P. O. Evfosburg, was born in Venango County, Penn., April 13, 1840, son of Benjamin and Susan (Barton) August, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of New York State. They were the parents of nine children. Oar subject, the second in this family, was born and reared on a farm. He states that during his residence in Warren County, and when but six years of age, he and a brother, two years his senior, started about half past 4 o'clock to go for the cows, but stopped on 55 986 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: their way to play on some saw logs, a number of which commenced to roll down the hill, going over his brother and killing him instantly; the logs also caught our subject, holding him prisoner until 6 o'clock the next morning, when he managed to attract the attention of some neighbors by pushing his hat under a log, and was then released frotn his dangerous as well as uncomfortable position. Mr. August for some time followed lumbering, then learned the carpenter's trade, in which he is still engaged. During the late war he served eighteen months in Company B, Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was married, November 7, 1878, to Clara Weary, of Oil City, Penn., by whom he has two children: William Edward, born October 20, 1881, and Fred H., born May 10, 1884. Our subject and wife are members of the E. A. U., of which he is Secretary. He is also V. Gr. in the I. O. O. F. ; in politics a Eepublican. Mrs. August is a member of the Daughters of Eebekah. DAVID W. FOUST, farmer, P. O. Tamarac, was born in 1842, south of Evansburg, this county, son of Israel and Mary (Moyer) Poust, who reside on the old homestead with our subject. At the time this sketch was written, (the summer of 1884) Israel Foust, now in his eighty-fourth year, was engaged in extracting stumps from the fields of the home farm, which comprises eighty- three acres of well improved land. Our subject was united in marriage, August 30, 1868, with Ida Hall. To this union have been born two sons, Alvie M. and William. Mr. Foust and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. CHARLES E, FOUST, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in 1855, in Sadsbury Township, this county, son of Jeremiah and Louisa (Keen) Foust; the former of whom died in 1876; the latter now lives on the JEarm north of Conneaut Lake; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Evansburg. The subject of this sketch was married, August 28, 1880, to Clara J. Warmple, by whom he has one child — Lena M. Mr. Foust is just commencing for him- self as a farmer, aud by his gentlemanly bearing and fair dealing he is win- ning the esteem of all, and bids fair to be one of the representative men of Sadsbury Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and his wife of the Daughters of Eebekah; they both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Cburch. SAMUEL GEHR, farmer, P. O. Linesville,was born in Summit Township, this county, in 1813; son of Balthazar and Elizabeth(Fleming) Gehr, the form- er of whom, born in 1782, is still enjoying good health. Our subject was mar- ried, August 22, 1837, to Hannah Garwood. To this union have been born Eunice, wife of Eobert McClinton (have seven children: William, Elma, James, Margaret, Emma, Hugh and Bessie); Sylvester A., married to Frances Ames; Harvy C, married to Lavinia Dudley (have five children: William, Henry, Laverie, Murry and Nellie); Emeline, wife of Henry Hall; Nelson D., former- ly married to Addie Hall, by whom he had four children: Nettie, Glenroy, Alonzo and Cora; Isaac, married to Lovilla Jackson (have two children: Aggie and Ray); Nimrod, married to Ellen Dikman (had two children: Maud and Jennie). Three of the sons served during the late war. Samuel Gehr' s second wife was Amelia Hanpe, whom he married March 8, 1877. Our subject states that he was an expert in finding bee trees, the richest of which yielded him fourteen gallons of strained honey; that he was quite a hunter, killing his first deer when fourteen years old, with a flint-lock gun, and also that the last bear (a large black one) heard of in the neighborhood, and for which a party had been hunting two days, was at last captured by himself when the others had given up the chase. He also followed trapping and procured an abundance of furs. Mr. and Mrs. Gehr are members of the Evangelical Church. TOBIAS GEHR, farmer, P. O. Tamarac, was born in Crawford County, SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. 987 Penn., February 13, 1818, son of Joseph and Sarah (Wright) Gehr; the former was a soldier in the war of 181*2, serving under Com. Perry on Laise Erie. Our subject was married, in 1850 to Sarah Letwiler. By this union are the follow- ing-named children: Filmore, Eli T., Frederick and Freemont. Eli T. mar- ried Mary Alexander and has one child. JAMES GIBSON, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born September 12, 1840, in Vernon Township, this county, son of Hugh and Eliva Gibson. He was united in marriage, November 25, 1879, with Sarah Barber, by whom he has two children: Sarah L. and Thomas E. Our subject and brother, Robert Gib- son, are substantial farmers and stock -raisers of this township; they possess an equal interest in the farm, which was first cleared by David Allen, thence descended to James Allen and finally to them. Their sister, Caroline, makes her home with them. Both brothers are members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics they are Prohibitionists. MRS. MARY HARPER, P. O. Evansburg, was born in 1813, in Sadsbury Township, this county, daughter of George and Dorcas (Sharp) Shell i to, the former of whom was bora in 1778, in Ireland, and came to America in 1796. The subject of this sketch was married, October 12, 1837, to John Harper, who died February, 1874, leaving her with three children, the eldest of whom, William, was born August 3, 1838; serving during the late war in Company F, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try, and now lives at home. Fernando C, born August 3, 1844, married Mary A. Richards (have two children: Nancy S. , nine years old, and Mary A., seven years of age); he enlisted in 1861, in Company E, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in 1862; Rachel B., bom March 24, 1847, married, and has one daughter — Kittle May, Mrs. Harper owns ninety acres of land just north of Conneaut Lake. Oakland Beach forms a part of this estate. WILLIAM W. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Tamarae, was born in 1819, in East Fallowfield Township, this county, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Gelvin) Jackson; the former a native of Susquehanna County, Penn., died in 1853; the latter a native of Maryland, died in 1876. Our subject remained on the farm till May 16, 1834, when he went to Meadville, and there learned blacksmithing, which he followed for sortie time. In July, 1840, he opened a shop at Shermanville for custom work, and sharpened tools used in digging the canal then in process of construction. In 1852 he moved to Summit Township, this county, where he carried on farming and blacksmithing till October 13, 1864, when he moved on his present farm. He does his own blacksmithing. April 22, 1841, he married Miss Jane Stewart, and to this union were born ten children, viz. : Lovilla, married in 1866 to Isaac B. Gehr, who was a soldier in Company B, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in 1882, leaving two children: Aggie, and Ray; David S., married to Eugenia Boon, September 8, 1867 (have two chil- dren: Flavel S., and Orvie); Walker, married to Esther Gehr, in 1871 (have the following children: Ida M., J. Park, and Stewart W.); Cyrus A. ; Albert C, married to Lucy Burch, in 1877; Emma L., married to William M. Hull, in 1872; Homer E., Alta M., Ella M. and Martin W. Mr. Jackson was elected in 1881, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace; is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics he is Greenbacker. H. JOHNSTON, M. D., is the leading physician and surgeon of.' Evans- burg, Penn. JOHN S. KEAN, dairyman and farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in Sadsbury Township, this county, November 12, 1834, eldest son of Conrad 988 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: aad Susannah (Broadt) Kean; the latter a daughter of Henry Broadt, an early- pioneer of Crawford County, who settled on a large tract of land where Har- monsburg now stands. There he built a cabin, which was burned and its con- tents carried away by the Indians (who were still quite numerous) while he was on atrip for supplies. He then returned to Bedford County, Penn. .where his family lived, but after a short time came back to his settlement, bringiog with him some of his old neighbors, and succeeded in making a permanent set- tlement which was left undisturbed by the red man. Conrad Kean (or Keen as he spelled it) was bom in Brie City, September 15, 1806. His father, Henry Kean, was a native of Gottingen, Prussia, and there learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. About the time he finished his apprenticeship he was engaged doing some work for a Mr. Antra, a man of wealth and distinction; became acquainted with Mr. Antra's beautiful and accomplished daughter, Henrietta Catharine, who had a short time before graduated from the University of Gottingen. This acquaintance ripened into a deep and confiding love for each other. As soon as the father found out the state of affairs, he quickly banished the young man from his premises. The young folks met, however, and planned an elopement, which 'they soon carried out. Disguised as peasants, they secured passage on an English ship about to sail for America, and when three days out of port were married by the ship's chaplain. They settled in Erie, where their two children were born: Frederick and Conrad. About the year 1809 Henry Kean died, leaving his wife and children in poverty and in a strange land. The widow subsequently married John Gehr, a Captain in the war of 1812-14 (she being at the time of this event but twenty-two and he forty -two years of age; they both lived to be over eighty years old. The fruits of this union were six children — five girls and one boy — only two now living: Israel, residing in Johnson County, Neb., and Sally Hickernell, who lives near Saegertown, this county. Conrad Kean was parent of seven children, viz. : Harriet, born May 5, 1831; Sarah, born August 22, 1832; John S. (our sub- ject), Mariah, born December 22, 1836; Nancy Ann, born December 22, 1838, died about 1862; Delilah, born May 11, 1841, and Daniel, born August 1, 1843. John S. Kean was married to Mira C. Congdon, August 19, 1857, by whom he has had three children: Ida May, bom April 27, 1858, married John L. Shipman, April 26, 1875 (have one daughter — Mabel); Inez Viella, bom October 9, 1859, resides at home with her parents; and Harlan W., bom November 16, 1861, died August 5, 1865. Mr. Kean when but a year and a half old, was brought to his present farm by his parents; it was then covered with woods and a board shanty was their only shelter. His father died when he was thirteen years old, and though he had but limited opportunities for obtaining an education, learning only to read and spell at school, he has by close application and self-culture stored up a large amount of useful informa- tion. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1856. In politics is a strong Republican. Our subject has been elected to all the township offices; served two terms as Justice of the Peace, one by election and one by appointment by Gov. H. M. Hoyt; served one term at Pittsburgh and one at Erie as juror in the United State Courts for the Western District of Pennsylvania; is a member of the Executive Committee of Crawford County Agricultural Society. During the late war he was drafted, October 16, 1862, for nine months, served his time in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was discharged July 26, 1863, re-enlisted on August 30, same year, in Company A, Two Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged, June 6, 1865. He became a member of Linesville SADSBURY TOWNSHIP. 989 Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 395, remaining a member until September 12, 1881, when he withdrew for the purpose of assisting in the formation of a lodge at Evansburg, instituted November 23, 1881. He was elected N. G. of the new lodge and was its first Representative at the annual session of the Grand Lodge held in Harrisburg, Penn. , May, 1882. He was one of the charter members of the Alpharetta Lodge of the Daughters of Eebekah, at Evansburg. He was a charter member of A. O. U. W., No. 99, Linesville, Penn., instituted June 30, 1876, representing it at the semi-annual session of Grand Lodge, at Philadelphia, in July of that year, and at the annual session, January, 1877, at Pittsburgh. He remained a member of that lodge until March 28, 1881, when he withdrew by card and united with Oonneaut Lake Lodge, No. 105, where he still retains his membership. He became a member by initiation, of • Meadville Council, No. 78, Royal Arcanum, December 26, 1878, and is still a member of the same. He also became a member of the Equitable Aid Union, No. 852, March 17, 1882. Mr Kean was for years a leading member of P. of H., but on account of being so far from place of meeting has discontinued his membership. He is owner of a farm of 150 acres and is now devoting his time to its cultivation and improvement. Our subject reads six English and two German papers. FREDERICK KNIERMAN, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Evansburg, was born March 8, 1827, in Bavaria, Germany, son of Frederick and Eliza- beth (Burkhardt) Knierman, natives of Bavaria, Germany, the former born in 1799, the latter in 1804. They were parents of two sons and five daughters, of whom Frederick is the eldest. Our subject served as a soldier one year, and came to America in 1849, where he remained one year, and then returned to his native country. In 1851 he again came to America, this time with his parents, who settled in Meadville, Penn., where they still reside. Soon after coming here, our subject, along with 101 others, went to the Isthmus of Pan- ama to work on the railroad being constructed there. Here they were seized with that terrible disease, yellow fever, and all perished but our subject and another man. Mr. Knierman was married, in 1852, to Josephine Kipart, born in 1832, in Union Township, Crawford Co., Penn. By this union were eleven children, eight now living: Benjamin F., Catharine, Frederick W., Lizzie, George, John, Henry and Mary A. The deceased are Frank, Frederick, and Josephine (who died when a child). All live at home except Benjamin F., who married Elinor A. Hollenback, who bore him two children: Franklin R. and Blanche A. Our subject came to America a poor man, but by industry and economy has amassed considerable property. In 1859 he went to Mercer County, Penn., where he followed farming and dealt in real estate, buying, improving and selling farms, until, as some one remarked, " by looking over the records of Mercer County, one would suppose Frederick Knierman had owned one-half of that county." In 1874 he returned to this county, and in 1879 came to Sadsbury Township, locating on a well-improved farm of 300 acres on the State road, about one mile from Evansburg. He has shelter for all his stock, and all the conveniences necessary for a well conducted farm. Mr. Knierman is the Treasurer and oldest member of the I. 0. O. F., Evansburg; is a Republican in politics. His wife belongs to the Rebekah Lodge, and both are members of the Presbyterian Church. JAMES LINDSEY, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born April 7, 1832, in Sadsbury Township, this county, son of Jacob and Sarah (Stevens) Lindsey, who were parents of four children, viz. : Mary, Laura, Cyrus and James (our subject). They are all single and live on the home farm, one mile west of Evansburg. The brothers are both Democrats in politics. 990 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: HUGH Q. McKAY, boot and shoe-maker, Evansburg, is a son of Joseph and Mary (Gilleland) McKay, who were the parents of seven children, three now living, viz.: Neal, Eobert S. and Hugh G. Our subject has been twice married; on second occasion, July 4, 1839, to Elizabeth Walker. To this union have been born Joseph, married to Maggie Poust; Jennie; Uriah, married to Rosannah Wiser (he served during the late war in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry); Frederick, married to Hattie Brush; JosiahN. ; Hugh O., married Eva Brown; Petter H., married to Mary McMichael ; David M. C. and Henry L. Mr. McKay is a tanner by trade, an occupation he followed tor several years. Since 1829, with the exception of eight years, he has resided in Evansburg. He is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace, being first elected in 1878. He is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A member of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics a Republican. CHARLES MAGILL, farmer, P. O, Tamarac, was born in Philadelphia, Peun., in 1822, son of James and Mary (Caska) Magill, natives of Ireland. The subject of this sketch moved to Erie City, Penn. , in 1824, and there received his early education. For about twenty-two years he was an engineer on lake steamers plying between Buffalo and Chicago; he came to Crawford County in 1860, and for some time continued engineering here. He now resides on a beautiful place, about two and a half miles west of Evansburg, this township, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Our subject was married November 1, 1845, to Margaret Kennedy. By this union were four children, viz.: Jennie, bom Februaiy 14, 1847; Charles, Jr. , born January 27, 1854; Hattie K., born May 27, 1857; and Georgina, born July 31, 1859, died April 9, 1884. Mr. Magill is a charter member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Evansburg. His wife is an adherent of the United Presbyterian Church. ALEXANDER MELLON, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in 1819, son of Andrew, Sr., and Martha (Adams) Mellon, natives of Ireland, and who came to this country about 1802. Our subject spent his early life engaged in lumbering; afterward learned the miller's trade, which he followed for four years; he is now a farmer. He was married November 4, 1844, to Elizabeth Ralston. By this iinion were four children: Robert, who died in infancy; Henry A., born March 23, 1848, died August 3], 1878; Martha J., born August 20, 1850, married to James T. Reed, December 31, 1868; and Frederick S.j born April 7, 1853, married to Bertie Gehr, September 4, 1879, and died August 17, 1882, leaving one child — Fred H. Mr. Mellon and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the former is Elder; is also Sunday-school Superintendent at Evansburg. In politics he is a Republican. ANDREW MELLON, Je., farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in 1825 on the farm where he now resides, in this township; son of Andrew, Sr., and Martha (Adams) Mellon, natives of Sadsbury Township, and parents of twelve chil- dren, live now living. The subject of this sketch was married in 1855 to Anna Buzzard. To this union were born the following named children: Frank, a member of the I. O. O. F., Evansburg; William; Robert; Lafayette, married to Lizzie Buck; Andrew and George. Mr. Mellon deals in stock, and is one of the successful farmers of Sadsbury Township. JOHN W. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in Sadsbury Town- ship, Crawford County, December 12, 1835, son of Jacob T. and Sally (McDowell) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject in early life followed blacksmithing at Victoria, Knox Co., 111. He came to this county in 1866, and now lives on a farm which he is improving and fitting up for a permanent home. It is located about two miles west of Evansburg. He was married SADSBURy TOWNSHIP. 991 January 30, 1859, to Sarah B, Jones. To this union have been born six chil- dren: Sally A., Charles C, I'riend E., James C, Walter B. and Joseph, all living on the home farm with their parents, except Sally A., who married John L. Spencer, and now resides in North Shenango Township, this county. Mr. Miller in politics is a Eepublicau. JAMES RALYA, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in 1853, in Sadsbury Township, this county; son of Henry and Harriet (Newton) Ealya, the latter of whom is a daughter of Russel and Phebe (Sutton) Newton, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. Henry and Harriet Ralya were married January 12, 1839, and were parents of seven children: Charles W., George W., Rachel H., James M., William C, Howard N. and Emma. Our subject lives on a farm of fifty acres with his mother. She is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. He and his brother William C. own the farm, through which runs the Meadville & Lineville Railroad. William C. Ralya was born January 7, 1857, and was married March 13, 1880, to Isadora Smead, whose parents reside in Michigan. By this union there is one child, Alvie, born November 6, 1881. Mr. Ralya is in the employ of the Meadville & Linesville Railroad. In politics both our subject and his brother are Democrats. STAFFORD RAYDURE, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born March 22, 1809, in Randolph, Orange Co., Vt. ; son of Samuel and Lucy (Chase) Ray- dure, who were parents of the following children : Sophronia, Ellen, Samuel, Jr., Ziba, Abner, and Stafford, all now deceased but Abner and Stafford. Our subject was married April 1, 1832, to Desolate Quigley, born in Vernon Township, this county, April 1, 1805. To this union were born nine chil- dren, one deceased. Those now living are Rosanah, wife of Henry Werts, (have ten children); Lucy, wife of Eugene Sterns (have five children living and one deceased) ; Caroline, wife of Samuel Scott (have four children and reside in Nebraska); Dudley C, married to Caroline Scouden (have six chil- dren); Cordelia, wife of Alonzo Shepherd (have one daughter and reside in Nebraska); Mary, wife of Charles Shellito (have three children); Winfield Scott, married to S. Brown (have two children); Zachary Taylor, married to Etta Williams (have one daughter). Mr. Raydure first studied for the medical profession. Coming to this county in 1832, he engaged in lumbering and farming. He has been very successful and owns a large tract of land. At one time he was candidate for the Legislature from this county, coming within eleven votes of election, and would, no doubt, have been successful but over 400 votes were cast with his name mispelled Laydure, instead of Raydure. His wife, though seventy-nine years old, is active in mind and body and is able to do a large washing. Mr. Raydure and wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. ; in poli- tics he is a Greenbacker. JOHN N. SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born July 25, 1856, in Sadsbury Township, this county; son of John and Susannah Scott, former of whom was born May 26, 1805, died March 2, 1866; latter born December 26, 1825, and is now residing with our subject. John Scott was twice married; on first occasion, March 10, 1836, to Sarah Mellon, who died November 18, 1849, and by this union were born four children, viz. . Mary, born February 28, 1837, wife of Jeremiah Steadman (they have three children: Sarah M., Willie C. and George W.; they live in Geneva, this county); George W., born September 20, 1839, married to Augusta Chapman, of Akron, Ohio (they have no children; they reside in Cleveland, Ohio); Louisa, born May 1, 1842, died October 9, 1849; Margaret, born October 12, 1849, married to Wilson Hood 992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: (have two children, Farley P. and Lucretia B.). Our subject's father next married, August 13, 1^50, Susannah Ralya, who bore him two children: Ran- som C, born April 4, 1852, married to Nettie Godwin, of Anderson, Ind., where they now reside, and John N. Our subject resides on the old home- stead, looks after the farm and pays especial attention to stock-raising. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE SHELLITO, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was born in 1817, son of George and Dorcos Shellito. He was united in marriage in 1851, with Nancy Shellito, by whom he had four children: Lizzie E., wife of John McCannont; Theresa M., wife of M. S. Henry; Eva D. and Mary R. Mr. Shellito lost his wife by death, July 14, 1882. He has a nice, well-improved farm of 150 acres. Is a Democrat in politics. JOHN A. SHELLITO, dairyman and farmer, P. O. Evansburg, was bom March 30, 1847; son of William and Mary (Shellito) Shellito, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and is now living on the home place with his son; the latter, a native of Ireland, died February 21, 1884 Our subject was married September 30, 1874, to Martha L. Ralston, who was born October 18, 1853. By this union were three children: Mary D., born February 20, 1877; Esther D., born September 26, 1879, and Dallas L., born July 26, 1880, Mr. Shellito owns a farm of 156 acres of land, three-quarters of a mile west of Evansburg. He is a Democrat in politics. PERRY SHONTZ, farmer, P. O. Evansburg, Penn., was born in the year 1848 on the farm where he now resides, and which is a part of the original tract bordering on the eastern shore of Conneaut Lake, and patented by his grandfather, Jacob Shontz, who came here from Lancaster County, Penn., in the year 1800, and made the first settlement on the eastern shore of Conneaut Lake. Our subject is a son of Samuel and Maria (Meyler) Shontz, latter of whom was a native of New York, and came to Crawford County about 1812. He was united in marriage January 1, 1877, with Lavilla A. Frame, of East Fallowfield Township, this county. By this union are three children, two now living, viz. : Frame and Vinnie; the third, a son unnamed, died at the age of three months. Mr. Shontz acquired his early education in the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn., employing his time in attending school and teaching in the public schools throughout the southwestern part of Crawford County for eight years. He has filled various offices of trust in his native township (Sadsbury), and in 1880 was elected Justice of the Peace, which position he now holds. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Evansburg. HEMAN A. SIDLER, hotel proprietor, P. O. Evansburg, was born inMead- ville, Penn. , in 1855 ; son of George Sidler, a carpenter and builder, now residing at Meadville, Penn. Our subject worked under his father at the carpentering business for fourteen years. He was married in 1874 to Olive Bayles, and by this union there are three children: Mabel, Laura and Blanche. Mr. Sidler is proprietor of the Konneyant Hotel, situated near the South Beach of Con- neaut Lake and the Meadville & Linesville Railroad Depot. This house will accommodate about fifty guests, and does a thriving business, especially during the summer seasons, when large parties of excursionists visit the place, and enjoy the boating. Mr. Sidler is a member of the I. 0. O. F. and K. of H. He is independent in politics. ROYAL A. STRATTON, lumberman, P. O. Evansburg, was born March 9, 1834, in Evansburg, this county, son of Henry and Emeline (Bradley) Stratton, wlio were parents of three children, two now living. Our subject in early life learned the tanner's trade; then embarked in mercantile business, whicn he SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 993 followed some years. He is at present engaged in lumbering and in breeding and training fast horses, possessing some of the best blooded horses on the turf. He was married in 1856 to Samantha Clark. By this union were born seven children, viz. : Ella C, died in 1882; a son deceased in infancy; Blanche, Grace, Henry C. and Alta (twins), and Arthur J. Mr. Stratton is a member of the I. O. O. F., E. A. U. and A. O U. W. JOHN H. WALKER, farmer, P. O. Stony Point, was born in 1845 in East Pallowfield Township, Crawford County, son of James and Mary (McGrana- than) Walker, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather bui^lt the first brick house in the town of Greenville, Penu., but later removed to Minnesota, where he and his wife both died on the same day, of old age. He was ninety-two years old. Our subject was reared on a farm. During the late Rebellion he enlisted September, 1864, in the One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was united in marriage on November 9, 1876, with Hattie Weaver, by whom he has two chil- dren: Ruby Dell, born in September, 1881, and Mary Angeline, born Decem- ber, 1883. Mr. Walker in politics is a Republican. HENRY W. YOUNG, Jb., carpenter, P. O. Evansburg, was bom in 1848 in Millbrook, Mercer Co., Penn., son of Henry and Polly (Alcorn) Young. He was united in marriage in 1869, with Eliza Milner, born 1849, in Coolspring Township, Mercer County, daughter of Charles and Jane (Alexander) Milner. By this union were three children: Charles M., born September 16, 1870, died February 3, 1883; Jennie M., bom June 12, 1872, and Holmes, born March 19, 1874. Mr. Young is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Evansburg. Is a Republican in politics. SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. RICHARD G. CRAVEN, farmer, P. O. Hartstown, was born in North Shenango Township, this county, September 9, 1828, and is a son of Shepard and Sarah (Griffey) Craven, the grandmother a native of Holland. His pater- nal grandfather came from New Jersey to Philadelphia, and thence to this county in 1800. His eldest son, Shepard, was born April 16, 1800, was mar- ried in 1826, and had six children, four of whom are now living: R. G., Cath- arine, Mary, and Prudence. Of these Mary is now the wife of J. P. Marshall, and has six children; Prudence is now the wife of M. Ticknor, has one child. Our subject was married January 3, 1861, to Mary E. Ellsworth, and they have had seven children, of whom five survive: Adda E., Dora S., Minnie M., James M. (deceased), Eddie G. (deceased), Emma M., and Grace E. Our sub- ject's father died September 18, 1839, his mother February 11, 1884. Mrs. Craven's mother is living. They had a family of ten children, of whom she was the eldest. Mr. Craven has held several township offices and is one of the prominent farmers of the county. He worked thirty years as a carpenter before entering upon farming. Severe injuries caused by a fall from the loft of his barn prevents him from doing more than to direct the management. He is a lover of good books and provides his family with all that is necessary to make them good members of society, and by means of music, of which his daughters are accomplished players, the home is made still more pleasant and refined. JOHN D. GAMBLE, farmer, P. O. Hartstown, was born March 15, 1813, 994 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in Ireland, and is a son of John and Eliza (Dixon) Gamble, who had a family of six children, of whom our subject was the youngest, his mother dying soon after his birth. His father was married twice, and had eight children by his last wife, a Miss Parr. Our subject was married May 2, 1837, to Mary, daugh- ter of Thomas Baird, who had nine children, live now living, Mrs. Gamble being the third child in the family. Mr. and Mrs. Gamble have had twelve children, of whom six survive: Eliza J., now Mrs. Atkinson, of Fulton-County, 111.; Martha C, unmarried, living in Geneva, Ohio; Sarah A., died in 1870; James D., died leaving one daughter, Emma; Thomas R. died leaving one daughter, Mary L. ; John, married Elizabeth Brown, of Adamsville (have five children: Nancy, Alda, Mary, Martha and Thomas C); Susan, now Mrs. Brown, residing in Kingman County, Kan. (has three children: Bessie, Annie, Wal- lace); Mary E., now Mrs. Willis, in Fii^lton County, 111. (has three children: Ralph, J. D., and Bruce); William A., died unmarried; Nancy H., died in 1875; Harriet, now Mrs. J. B. Davis, at home with her parents; Robert Y., died unmarried. Our subject has been long a leading man in his township, and has held most of the township offices, has also been School Director. As he had the advantage of educated parents he was well qualified for official life. By trade Mr. Gamble was a tanner, and worked at that business fourteen years. His education was received at home under his father, who was a prom- inent educator of his day. In his political views he is a Democrat. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. His beautiful and well-improved farm lies in the northern part of the township. HUGH M. GAMBLE, farmer, P. O. Jamestown, Mercer Co., Penn., was born in this township, August 14, 1829, and is a son of Rev. John and Eliza- beth (Parr) Gamble. His father was a native of the north of Ireland, and was twice married, his first wife dying in Ireland, leaving three children, one of whom, John D., a farmer, still lives. His father came to America in 1821, as a missionary for the Presbyterian Church of Ireland, and being a classical scholar he turned his attention to the profession of leaching f A" a part of his time. He first landed in Newfoundland, where he remained for a time; next he came to Boston, Mass., and then to this county, where he was the real founder of the Jamestown Seminary, and the original source for Bible instruc- tion, for which the community is so much indebted. He was found to be the right man in the right place. To him did many of the most eminent men of his day look up for instruction. His second wife, Elizabeth (Parr) Gamble, was also a native of Ireland, and by her he had eight children, seven living: Mary A., wife of James M. Snodgrass; Martha; Caroline; William J., married first Helen Beebe, who left two children, next he married Esther Bingham, who has three children; Andrew T., who is in California; Hugh M., our sub- ject; and David, who is married to Samantha Mossman, and has three chil- dren. Our subject was educated in the Franklin Academy, where his father was Principal. He was brought up to hard labor, and when embarking out on life's career for himself he had no money — nothing but stout hands and a will- ing heart, and by frugality and unabating effiarts he has secured a beautiful farm near the village of Jamestown. Here he lives and enjoys the confidence and respect of his many neighbors. Mr. Gamble was married in 1862, to Ellen, daughter of William MoKee, who died in 1865, leaving one child — Wilson P. Mr. Gamble was next married to Ellen, daughter of the late William Dickey, and by this union there are four children: William D., Mary E., Mag- gie M, and Samuel C. In this volume appears a portrait of our subject as a representative of the Gamble family who did so much for the village of James- town, in the way of educational interests, etc. It was preferable on the part SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 995 of Mr. Gamble to have his father's portrait in the work, but as no likeness of the larter exists, he consents to appear himself. Mr. Gamble is a member and Ruling Elder of the United Presbyterian Church; is a sociable, affable gentle- man, one who attends strictly to his own business and relies on his own judg- ment. WILLIAM P. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Turnersville, was born May 17, 1818, in New Jersey, and is a son of Joseph and Christina (Howe) Johnson, the former of New Jersey, the latter of Ohio. Joseph Johnson was married in New Jersey to Miss Howe in 1814; they removed to New York and there spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of nine chil- dren: Sally A. (deceased), William P., Jacob W., Catharine, Andrew J. (deceased), Harriet, Matthew, Christiania, and one who died in infancy. Jacob W. married Nancy June, resides in Iowa; Catharine, now Mrs. Jesse Trapp; Sally A. deceased, was Mrs. George Lewis; Matthew married Helen McClane, resides in Illinois; Harriet married George Lewis; Christiania married Harri- son Lewis; William P., our subject, first married Miss M. Hyle, by whom he had five children: Louisa, George W., Thomas H., Mary 0., and Willie, who died young, Louisa is now Mrs. Anger, a widow with one surviving child — Jessie; George W. married Miss P. J. Nivens, and they have three children: William, Clark and Lee; Thomas H. married Miss Corinda Davis, and they have three children: Charles, Gertie and Dana; Mary C. married J. McClurg, and they have three children: May A., Ferdinand and Howard. Our subject lost his wife by death in 1850, and in 1857 he married Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Jacob Ward, the eldest of six children. Mr. Ward lives in North Shenango. The result of this union was twelve children: Olive C, Emma, William P., James H., Grant M. (died young), Minnie E., Alta M., Arthur, Wood J., Maud, Prank E. and Howard. Our subject received his early ■education in New York State. When twenty years of age he bought his time of his father, giving his note for $150, which he afterward paid up, just as be would any other note. He then rented a farm of his wife's step-father, being married young. He remained there two years, when he removed to this county, settling near the old church in South Shenango, and bought his first farm of Huidekoper, and afterward bought a farm of John Eastlick, on which he now lives. His lands where he lives comprise 540 acres, and 140 acres east, and what is more remarkable, considering how he started in life, he is out of debt. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; has been in various official positions in the church, and is now Steward. In politics he is a Republican, and is a leading man in his township. SAMUEL J. LOGAN, farmer, P. O. Hartstown, was born September 17, 1838, on the farm on which he now resides, and is the son of David, Jr., and Amelia (Barackman) Logan. His grandfather, David Logan, Sr., came from Tyrone, Ireland, to this county in 1798, taking up 200 acres of land belonging to the Holland Company, in what is now South Shenango, and there died in 1839, his widow following in 1855. They had six children, of whom but one survives, Mary, now Mrs. Barackman. David Logan, Jr., was married in 1827 to Amelia, daughter of Samuel Barackman, and they had five children, all living: Henrietta, Albert, Sarah C, David and Samuel J. Henrietta is now Mrs. R. W. Clark; Albert married Adaline Greenlee; Sarah C. married Scott A. Marshall; David married Martha Montgomery. Our subject was married September 7, 1869, to Angeline, daughter of Peter Pree. Mrs. Logan is the younger of two children by her father's first wife, he having been mar- ried twice. Mr. Logan has held all the township ofiSces including Justice of the Peace, and at the expiration of his second year he was elected to the Leg- 996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: islature, and resigned the office of Justice of the Peace. He was elected to the Legislature in 1874, and was a member of that body during the years of 1875 and 1876. He is a member, Trustee and Elder of the United Presbyte- rian Church at Hartstown. He is a descendant of the heroes of 1812 and 1813, his forefathers having fought for their country in that great struggle. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and he received in addition an academical training, but is practically a self-made man. He has had thrilling adventures with Indians in crossing the plains, before there were railroads west of the Missouri Eiver, in the far West, in the gold fields of Montana. JOSEPH McGEANAHAN, farmer, P. O. Jamestown, Mercer Co., Penn., was born in Bast Fallowtield Township, Crawford County, November 14, 1823, and is a son of George and Jane (Blair) McGranahan, natives of this county. His grandfather, John McGranahan, in 1798 came from the north of Ireland to this county, settling in East Pallowfield. George McGranahan was the eighth of a family of ten children, and is now the only one of the family living. His family consisted of twelve children, of whom nine survive: Henry, John, William, James, Benoni, Joseph (our subject), Elizabeth (Mrs. Myers), Jane (Mrs. Wilcox), Caroline (Mrs. Henry). Our subject was married September 6, 1849, to Margaret, daughter of Matthew McMichael, who was the second of a family of five children. The result of this union has been eight children: George B., T. Harvey, Hugh, Martin (married to Maud Collins, of Espyville, Penn.), Anderson, Ada, Grace, May. George married Hattie James, in Colo- rado. Harvey and George are in the mercantile business in Colorado. Mr. McGranahan's parents are both living in Ohio. Our subject has a gas well which supplies light and fuel; the well was originally bored for oil. In his religious associations he adheres to the United Presbyterian Church. REV. DANIEL McLEAN was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1771. His father and two brothers came from Scotland and settled originally in east- ern Pennsylvania. When the subject of this sketch was young, the family left Lancaster County and moved to Washington County, which was then the frontier settlement in this section of the State. The place they occupied was a farm about four miles from Cannonsburg, a village then unknown, since renowned as the seat of Jefferson College, prior to which was the academy of Kev. John McMillen. At this academy Rev. Daniel McLean was educated, among the very first who ever attended there. In 1793 he placed himself under the care and instruction of Rev. J ohn Anderson, to complete his academ- ical course and to study theology. This divinity and collegiate school was located at Service, Beaver Co., Penn., and was the first divinity hall established in this country. His was the first class under Dr. Anderson's care, and con- sisted of William Willson, James Duncan, Ebenezer Henderson and himself. Mr. McLean was licensed to preach in 1799, andwas the third one who gradu- ated from that school. He was first sent to New York City by the Presbytery of the Associate Presbyterian Church, where he preached acceptably to those to whom he was sent; from there he went into eastern New York, notably Washington County, and ministered there for some time, returning to Ligonier, Penn., where he preached for a time in accordance with instructions from hia Presbytery, to which he reported on his return. He was then sent to this sec- tion of the State, where for two years previous many Presbyterian families of Scotch and Scotch-Irish descent had come from the lower or eastern coun- ties of the State, and which was then known as the " big vacancy," for as yet no Associate Presbyterian minister had visited this section. After remaining in Crawford, Erie and Mercer Counties for some time, and laboring to organ- SOUTH SHENANGO TOWNSHIP. 997 ize congregations at different places, but especially at South Shenango, Sandy, and Salem (now Greenville), he returned to his home in Washington County, where he received calls for his pastoral services from Ligonier, and from She- nango and Sandy. Regarding these latter as the most prolitable field for use- fulness, although the country was almost an unbroken wilderness, he accepted the call from Shenango and Sandy, to which was afterward added Salem (now Greenville). This occurred January 1, 1802, the salary fixed at £135. This arrangement continued until 1805, when his whole services were divided between Shenango and Greenville, until the fall of 1840, when he resigned the charge at Greenville, to take effect May 1, 1841, at which time his son, Eev. D. H. A. McLean, D. D., became the pastor of the Greenville Church in Mercer County, and Rev. Daniel McLean continued pastor for all his time at the Shenango Church in this county. His pastoral labors extended up to April, 1855, when he was at his own request released from further pastoral duties, and June 5 of the same year he passed from death to Life, being in the eighty- fourth year of his age, and the fifty-sixth of his ministry, fifty-four years of which had been spent in the pastorate of the Shenango Church. Mr. McLean was twice married. His first wife was Catharine, daughter of John Reed, of Washington County, Penn., sister of Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Imbrie, whose husbands were both Associate Presbyterian ministers with Mr. McLean in the same Presbytery. In 1804 he was married to Mary Glover, daughter of James Glover, of Pittsburgh. By his first wife he had one daughter, who married Joseph Reed, of Washington County, Penn. By the second wife he had four sons and two daughters who grew to manhood and womanhood, and three children that died early in life. Of these children four are still living: Mrs. Nancy White, the eldest, widow of Dr. James White (deceased) — she was born in 1805, and lives near Harlstown, Penn.; William McLean, born in 1813, and lives near Richmond, Va. ; Rev. D. A. McLean, D. D., was born in 1816, and lives near Beaver, Penn.; Mrs. Margaretta Glover King, born in 1821, widow of Wilson King (deceased), lives at Erie, Penn. In person Mr. McLean was compactly built, and had a strong, vigorous constitution that met the demands made upon it in his pioneer life readily and without injury to him. In manners his life was the reflection of perfect grace and courtesy of the old school. In sincerity no man excelled him; love of the truth for its own sake inspired his whole life; love for man, for the eternal welfare of human souls, was the strong force that was the secret of the fervor and influ- ence he wielded wherever known. His conception of Christian life and duty were very exalted. His personal life was in strict accordance with his concep- tions. SCOTT A. MARSHALL, farmer, P. O. Hartstown, was born in this tovm- ship,August 18, 1830, and is a son of David and Mary (Waid) Marshall, who are now deceased. His paternal grandparents were Michael and Mary (Thomp- son) Marshall, who came from Perry County to this county in 1798. They settled in this township, and there spent the remainder of their days, both dying at a good old age. Michael Marshall commenced pioneer life when all of a man's labors were with his own hands, without the aid of machinery, and when a well-filled powder horn and a blanket could purchase 100 acres of land. He and his children and his children's children are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and although he lived in a small cabin, their splendid brick edifices now adorn the face of the county. His family were eight in number, two of whom survive: Joseph, and Sallie, now Mrs. Christy. David Marshall, our subject's father, by his first wife had two children: Margaret, now Mrs. Shonts, and one who died in infancy. By his second wife, Mary 998 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Waid, he had four sons and one daughter: Scott A., John W., James P., William and Agnes. Our subject was married, October 14, 1852, to Sarah,, daughter of David Logan, she being the third child in her family of five chil- dren. They have five children: Ada, David, John A., William H. and Lena M. Ada is now Mrs. J. Jamison, and David married Georgia Logan. Our subject has been School Director for many years. In 1862 he was elected County Commissioner, and served three years, and so popular was he that in 1881 he was again elected to the same office, and now in his last year he is nominated again for a third term. Mr. Marshall is noted for his strict busi- ness habits. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. In his political views he is a Eepublicau. JOHN W. EALSTON, farmer, P. O. Jamestown, Mercer Co., Penn., was born in this township, February 15, 1833, and is a son of John and Hannah (Dowling) Ralston, natives 'of this State, former from east of the mountains. His grandfather came with his parents in 1800, at the age of eleven, from Scotland, and they settled in this State, and in 1821 or 1822 they removed to this county, settling in South Shenango. Mr. and Mrs. John Ralston had a family of ten children, of whom eight are now living: Jeremiah (married twice, had a large family by his first wife of whom six are living; his sec- ond wife is Mary McGranahan); Mary N. (now Mrs. West, had one child) j Sara A. (now Mrs. Campbell, has two children); Margaret J. (now Mrs. Chris- tie, has seven children); Elizabeth (now Mrs. Steele, has nine children); J. D. N. (married Miss Vasbinder; he died leaving one child); Hannah (deceased; she was Mrs. Robb; left one child); Martha; John W.; W. H. (who married his brother's widow, formerly Miss Vasbinder), and Martha (now Mrs. Dowl- ing, has two children). John W. Ralston, who was the ninth in his family, was married, April 5, 1861, to Elizabeth J., daughter of Wallace Crawford, who had three sons and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Ralston was the eldest. His father came into this county in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston have six children, all living: Maggie L., Hugh W., Emory, John E., James C. and Ralph H. Mr. Ralston is now on the home farm, within two miles of James- town. His father was an adherent of the Secession Church; himself of the United Presbyterian Church. J. W. WEST, farmer, P. O. Jamestown, Mercer Co., Penn., was born in this township, October 9, 1855, and is a son of Asa and Mary (Ralston) West, natives of New York State. His grandparents on his father's side were Robert and Mary (Warner) West, who settled in Mercer County in 1833, and there lived until 1845, when they finally settled in Ashtabula County, where he died in 1860, his wife following in 1868. They had ten children: Rosina, Ervin, Asa, Hannah, Susan, Marian, Sarah A., Annetta, Angenett, and one who died in infancy. Asa West, the father of our subject, was married, December 5, 1839, to Mary, daughter of John and Hannah Ralston, by whom he had two children: Laurinda M., who died in infancy, and J. W. Our subjectwas mar- ried, October 15, 1878, to Amanda, daughter of J. C. and Mary J. McAdoo. They have one child — Viola R. Mr. West occupies the old home farm, and looks after the interests of his aged parents, which are, of course, identical with his own. He is a bright, intelligent young man. SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 999 SPARTA TOWNSHIP. HORACE A. ALSDORF, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in this township, October 1, 1832, son of Seamen and Margaret (Birch) Alsdorf, natives of Southeast, N. Y., and who came to this township in an early day and were married here. They were parents of nine children, all of whom are now living and all married, but one. Mr. Alsdorf, now in his seventy- eighth year, has a farm of sixty acres, mostly cleared and improved by him- self, Sparta Township being a wilderness when he settled here, without roads, fences, and with but few houses or people, deer and wild beasts roaming over the county. His wife died in 1877. Our subject was reared in this township, having, like other pioneers' children, but few opportunities for acquiring an education. He was married in 1853, to Anna E. Coleman, a native of Ger- many, and whose father died in Germany; her mother, also a native of Ger- many, died in this country. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Alsdorf settled in Bloomfield Township, this county, and after living on a farm there for nine years, they moved back finally to this township. To them were born five chil- dren, four now living: Margaret, Dawson S., Dalton W. and Myrna E. , the last three being of one age, (triplets) eight years old November 8, 1884. Mrs. Alsdorf departed this life August 5, 1882, Our subject, who is one of the prosperous farmers of this township, is residing on his well-improved farm of 170 acres, which is supplied with suitable buildings. He possesses some of the finest thoroughbred horses in the county, and intends soon to invest in Ayrshire stock. JEREMIAH BAKER, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Canisteo, Steuben County, N. Y., November 12, 1809, son of William and Polly (Stevens) Baker, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of New York State. William Baker was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father of the Revolutionary struggle, both being unharmed. He and his wife left Steuben County when our subject was a child, locating until about 1845 in Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., when they came to Sparta Township, but after living about two years with their son, they purchased a farm in Union Township, Erie County, Penn.,^where they passed the balance of their lives. William Baker was twice married, his first wife dying in 1818, leaving six children, our sub- ject being the only survivor. His second wife, who died in 1879, also left six children, three now living. Jeremiah Baker received a common school edu- cation, and in 1830 came from Erie County, N. Y., to this county, and pur- chased thirty acres of land in Sparta Township, to w'hich he has added, until he has now a fine improved farm of 105 acres with suitable buildings thereon. He has been twice married, on first occasion, January 24, 1883, to Harriet Akin, a native of New York State, and whose parents settled in Concord, Erie Co., Penn., in an early day. She died August 26, 1834. Had one child who died in infancy. Mr. Baker then married, February 1, 1837, Esther Stowell, born in Vermont, March 12, 1815. Her parents were early settlers of Erie County, Penn. By this union were six children, four now living: Emily S., wife of L. E. Pearoe, in mercantile business at Morris, Minn. ; Polly, wife of M, G. Godfrey, Worcester, Mass. ; Louis L., married and residing in this town- ship, and Edwin A., married and living on the old homestead. One daughter, 1000 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Hattie May, married Frank Segar; she died September 22, 1881, and he fol- lowed her in 1882, leaving one child. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are adherents of the Universalist Church, and are much respected in the community. Our sub- ject is an A. P. & A. M. ; was a member of the I. O. O. F. and P. of H. He has filled most of the township ofSces; was one of the County Commissioners when the court house was built, and is a stockholder and Director of the People's Savings Bank, in MeadviJle. In politics he is a Eepublican. JAMES BAKEE, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Sparta Town- ship, this county, November 4, 1836, eldest son of Lewis and Sarah Ann (Webb) Baker, the former of whom, a native of New York, came to this county when twenty- two years old, and taught school for several terms; the latter was born in Massachusetts, and came here when a child with her par- ents. They were married in Sparta Township, and lived near where Jeremiah Baker now resides, but afterward settled in Spring Creek Township, Warren Co., Penn., where Mr. Baker died in the fall of 1882. His widow still resides there on the old homestead. They were for many years consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; had a family of eleven children, seven now living. Our subject, after acquiring a common school education, worked on the farm. He was married, January 10, 1858, to Laura A. Alden, a native of Essex County, N. Y. , and daughter of Daniel and Harriet Alden, natives of New England. By this union are four children: Emma H. (wife of George Kerr), Will J., Josie M. and Eollin T. In 1861 Mr. Baker enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Antietam, Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, Einggold, Mission Eidge, White Pigeon, Eesaca, Dallas, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta, and was honorably discharged July, 1865, and returned home without a wound. For four years after the war our subject engaged in carpentering, but has since been farming. He owns some fine Percheron and Norman horses and Durham cattle. Mr. Baker and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the E. A. U. and G. A. E. He is now serving as School Director of this township. Politically he is a Eepublican. AAEON BATES, farmer, Spartansburg, was born in Spring Creek Town- ship, Warren Co., Penn., April 16, 1836, son of Nicholas and Nancy Bates, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. Nicholas Bates engaged in lumbering most of his life, took up the farm in Sparta Township, this county, now owned by our subject. He died in Spring Creek Township, Warren Co., Penn., March 23, 1867, aged sixty years. His widow, who was a member of the Presbyterian Church, died April 18, 1883, aged sixty-eight. They had eight children, five now living. Aaron, the eldest son, was educated in the common schools, then followed lumbering until he was twenty-six years of age, when he bought his present farm in Sparta Township, on which he has since resided. He owns 131 acres of land with good buildings and improvements. He was married, December 25, 1861, to Susan, daughter of Chaimcy and Eosanna Lopus; the former a native of New York, the latter of Ireland. They are parents of eight children, all now living. Mr. and Mrs. Bates have three children: Lewellyn E., Irvin W. and Ella May. Mr. Bates and family are much respected in this community. He has held some of the township offices, is a F. & A. M. , and in politics a Democrat. NICHOLAS BATES, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Spring Creek Township, Warren Co., Penn., December 18, 1887, son of Sanford and Parney (Bills) Bates, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 1001 Ohio. They were early settlers of this county, residing where their son Will- iam now lives. Mr. Bates departed this life October 3, 1874, and his widow followed him in 1876. She was an excellent Christian lady, a member of the Baptist Church, and much respected by all. They were parents of six children, three of whom are now living. Oar subject was married to Mary L. Dexter, a native of Warren County, Penn., and daughter of John and Minerva (Bur- roughs) Dexter, natives of New England, who had a family of eight children, seven now living. Mr. Dexter was accidentally killed in 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. Bates has been born one child — John G. Mr. Bates has been a resident of Sparta Township over forty years. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM D. BLAKESLEE, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Spartans- burg, was born at Sparta, this township, November 30, 1825, son of Eeuben and Prudence (Voroe) Blakeslee, natives of Washington County, N. Y. After their marriage they came to this county, and were among the first settlers of Sparta Township, having cut their way through sixteen miles of woodlands in coming from Meadville, Penn. All of their nine children grew up and were mar- ried, three now living. Reuben Blakeslee's father was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. He settled on 250 acres of State land, of which he cleared and improved about fifty acres. He was an influential citizen, holding most, of the township offices. He died about 1848, his widow following him two years later. Our subject, the ninth in the family, was obliged to assist his parents on the farm, and therefore had but limited educational advantages, attending school only a few months. He was married at Sparta, December 22, 1844, to Chloe Rasey, a native of Washington County, N. Y. , daughter of James and Adelia (Hatch) Rasey, who were born, reared and married in Washington County, N. 1?. , coming here after their marriage. This union has been blessed with eleven children: Marion (wife of Henry Jackson), Mary L. (wife of William Murray), Charles, James N., Salome A. (wife of Isaac T. King), William A,, Walter E., Elmer, Curtis W., Clarence (deceased), and Evvie, living at home. Mr. Blakeslee has been a hard worker, accumulating all he has by his industry, integrity and honesty. He bought his present farm, which he has improved and cultivated, of Timothy Smith. It comprises 120 acres of land. He has always engaged in farming until within a year ago, when he turned his attention to lumbering. His mill, located on the farm near his house, has the capacity of turning out 5,000,000 shingles annually, which are shipped to New York, Buffalo and other markets. Mr. Blakeslee has served as Pathmaster several years, refusing all other township offices. He is a Democrat in politics, but looks more to principles than to party. GEORGE W. BLAKESLEE, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Sparta Town- ship, this county, April 12, 1830, oldest son of Jesse A. and Betsey Blakeslee; the former, when seventeen years old, came to this county with his father, David Blakeslee, brothers and sister, his mother having died in New York State. They remained two years in Meadville, Penn. , before coming to Sparta Town- ship, and from there they came through the woods over what' is now known as the State road and settled on the farm now owned by their son Hiram. Jesse Blakeslee was twice married, on the first occasion, in 1829, to Betsey McCray, by whom he had seven children, five now living. His wife dying in 1850 he married in 1851, Mrs. Fannie Pierce, who bore him three children, two now living. He died in 1872. His widow is now living with her son Hiram, on the old homestead. Our subject received a common school education and then engaged in agricultural pursuits, purchasing 125 acres of land of A. Huide- koper, which he has cleared and improved and added to until he now has a fine farm of 150 acres. On April 29, 1859, he was married to Francenia, daughter 56 1002 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: . of N. Pierce, an early settler of this county. To this union have been born five children: Ernest, Adell, Arthur, Mark and Victor. Mr. Blakeslee has always been a stanch Democrat. He has tilled several of tlie township offices. HERBERT E. BLAKESLEE, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Spartansburg, July 10, 1851, son of Abraham and Harriet Blakes- lee, natives of New York and pioneer settlers of Sparta Township, this county, the former of whom came here in 1818 with his parents, who settled on the farm now owned by their son Cyrus, and kept the first hotel in this part of the county. He was a brother of William D. Blakeslee, whose biography appears above, and was a prominent farmer, at one time the largest land and stock- owner in this county, was continually elected to some public office of trust. He departed this life in 1874, honored and beloved by all. His widow now resides with her son Herbert. They had nine children, viz. : Selden H. , died at his residence in Spartansburg, October 14, 1884; Anna A., wife of Charles Binney, in Spartansburg; Moses H. , living in Erie County; Prudence M., wife of William S. Hall, at Vinton, Iowa; Oliver P., Cyrus A., Frank M.; Delia A., wife of P. Mahoney in Corry, and Herbert E. Mrs. Blakeslee's father, Moses Higgins, built the first grist-mill in Sparta Township, this coilnty. Our subject resides on the old homestead, comprising 160 acres of well improved land. Prom an elevation on this farm can be seen twelve different townships in Crawford, Erie and Warren Counties. Herbert Blakeslee was married, September, 1879, to Louisa, daughter of W. H. and Adelaide Casey, natives of Vermont, now living in Hudson, N. Y. Our subject is one of the energetic and prosperous farmers of the county. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. JOSEPH F. BRADFORD, farmer, P. O. Glyndon, was bom 'in Ludlow, Windsor Co., Vt., July 15, 1826, the youngest and only surviving child of David and Esther (Burton) Bradford, natives of the same State, which they left in 1841 to settle in Rome Township, this county. David Bradford was a soldier in the war of 1812. After remaining in Rome Township some fifteen years he removed to this township. In 1865 he located in Erie County, Penn., and there died in 1873, aged eighty- five, his wife having preceded him in 1862. They were members of the Baptist Church and parents of eight children. Our subject, after receiving a common school education, entered upon the active duties of farming. In 1861 he enlisted in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After serving in three regiments and participating in most of the principal battles, he was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and returned home. He was married, July 4, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of Ebenezer Hunt, an early settler of Richmond Township, this county, and who is still living. To this union have been born eight children, six now living: Lovina, wife of Arthur KJnapp, residing in this township; Vietta, wife of John Harmon, in Rome Township, this county; Elmer, Alonzo, Arthur and Louis, living at home. Mr. Bradford was ordained a minister in June, 1856, and began his pastorate in the Baptist Church in Rome Township, this county. He was, instrumental in building the church of this denomination in Centreville, of which he was pastor for many years. He was in Oregon two years and did much valuable work in the churches of that State. On account of ill health he was obliged to give up the ministry. He has a pleasant home and a well- improved farm of fifty-one acres, which he has cleared himself and erected his own buildings. Politically he is a Republican. JOHN G. BURLINGHAM, retired merchant, Spartansburg, was born in Hume, Allegany Co.. N. Y., February 9, 1826, son of Jonathan and Freelove (Well) Burlingham, natives of Otsego County, N. Y., where they were bom SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 1003 in 1797, there being only ten days' difference in their ages. They were mar- ried in 1819, and settled in Allegany County, N. Y., in 1823, where the for- mer died in 1868 and the latter in 1872. They had a family of four children, all of whom are now living. Our subject remained at home until he was twenty-four years old. He attended the common schools. He was married October 30, 1849, to Zenana Potter, a native of Sinclairville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., by whom he had four children: Gertrude, who died at the age of eighteen years; Blanche, wife of C. A. McSparren, in Erie, Penh.; Berthie, wife of R. A. Neily, in Spartansburg, and Wells P., living at home. Mr. Burlingham engaged in general merchandise and drug business at Titusvillo, Penn. , for four years; then came to Spartansburg and was actively engaged in general mercantile business for twenty- four years. On March 7, 1878, he lost three store buildings and many thousand dollars by fire. He subsequently rebuilt and carried on the same business for about a year, when he retired on account of ill health. He was one of the pioneer business men of this place, and is largely identified with its growth and prosperity. Mr. Burlingham was Postmaster at Titusville, and since coming here has held various local offices; was Justice of the Peace for many years, and also the first station agent. In politics he is a Democrat; in religion, a Universalist. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for over thirty years, and has taken nineteen degrees. He states that forty years ago he made a vow which he has sacredly kept, never to use intoxicating liquors, tobacco, gamble nor bet. He and his family are much respected in the community. JAMES BURROWS, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., October 6, 1824, son of Amasa and Phiana (Nowland) Bur- rows, natives of that State, the former of Columbia and the latter of Dutchess County. They were parents of eight children, seven now living. Amasa Burrows was a soldier in the war of 1812; pursued farming all his life in Chenango County, N. Y., and died October 28, 1876. His widow is now liv- ing, aged eighty-nine. Our subject, the third child, received a common school education and afterward attended the Oxford Academy, Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y. From there he came, in 1853, to Warren County, Penn., where he engaged in mercantile trade for nine years, and then settled on his present farm in Sparta Township, which comprises 222 acres of land with good improvements. He was married, March 2, 1862, to Melissa R. Phillips, daugh- ter of Alexander and Rebecca (Kelsey) Phillips, natives of New York, who set- tled on the farm now owned by Mr. Burrows, over sixty years ago. This union has been blessed with four children: Maud (wife of James B. Whitman, resid- ing in SpringCreek, Penn.), James L., Curtis C. and Georgia A. Mr. Bur- rows is a prosperous farmer; has held most of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat. EVAN CHELTON, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Radnorshire, South Wales, January 20, 1818, son of John and Mury (Evans) Chelton, natives of England, where the latter died iu 1835. Our subject and his brother, Thomas, came to America June, 1838, settling in Erie County, Penn. , and in 1843 their father and five children came to this country. John Chelton passed the greater part of the remainder of his life with his son in Erie County, Penn., but died in Bloomtield Township, Crawford County, in 1859. He was parent of ten children, seven of whom came to this country, four of them now living. Our subject received but a limited education, and worked on a farm. He was married to Hannah Babcock, a native of Eden, Erie Co. , N. Y. , who died October 20, 1877, leaving two children: John L., residing in Oil City, and Mary L., wife of S. Darling, in Silverton, Col. On September 12, 1878, Mr. 1004 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Chelton was married to Electa Willett, a native of the town of Dumfries, Canada, born in 1818, and who came to Monroe County, N. Y., when twelve years old, and there lived till she came to Pennsylvania. Her parents were Canadians, who settled in New York State many years ago and there died. Isaac Willett was born in Pluckemin, N. J., in 1776, died in 1844: he raised a family of nine children. In 1869 Mr. Chelton purchased his present farm of forty-three acres of good land adjoining Spartansburg. He is a Demo- crat in politics. Mrs. Chelton is a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. A. L. COWLES, physician, Spartansburg, was born in Harmony, Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., August 7, 1850, only son of George W. and Phebe A. (Gush- ing) Cowles, natives of Massachusetts, who settled in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in an early day. Mr. Cowles is residing in that county at the present time; his wife died in 1868. Our subject after attending the common schools and Jamestown Academy, in 1874 entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in New York City, where he remained two years. He then attended a course of lectures at Columbus, Ohio, graduating with honors in 1877, and began to practice his profession in Eandolph, N. Y. The Doctor was married January, 1873, to Miss Virda Van Deusen, a native of Westfield, N. Y. In 1883 he located in Spartansburg, where he has by application and successful prac- tice won the confidence of the community, and is recognized as one of the rising physicians of Crawford County. Dr. | Cowles is a Eepublican in poli- tics; is a F. & A. M. and a member of the I. O. O. F. FEANKLIN DAY, farmer, P. O. Eiceville, was bom in Granville, Wash- ington Co., N. Y. , January 10, 1826, son of Joseph and Sarah (Burch) Day, the former a native of Windham County, Conn., the latter of Greenwich, Wash- ington Co., N. Y. They were married in the latter county and lived there about twenty-five years; thence moved to Sparta and located on the farm com- prising 260 acres, now owned in part by our subject. Joseph Day was a car- penter by trade, and followed this occupation in connection with farming. He died in 1869, his wife having preceded him in 1850. They were parents of seven children, one dying when fourteen, and another in infancy. Our subject acquired a common school education and attended Allegheny College, Mead- ville, for two years. He taught school twelve terms; is one of the best educated men in this vicinity, always taking great interest in educational mat- ters, serving as School Director for fifteen years. In 1860 he was married to Martha J. Bassett, a native of Hawley, Mass. To them have been born six children: Flora, Emma, Alice, Mary, Edwin and Avis. Mr. Day in 1862 enlisted in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served till the close of the war in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of the Wilder- ness, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, etc., being with Grant in most of his engagements. He was honorably discharged June 15, 1865, and returned home. In politics he is a Eepublican. He and his family are highly respected in the community where they have lived so long. JOSIAH FEALICE, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Montgom- ery County, N. Y., December 4, 1822, son of Abraham and Margret (Deven- dorf) Fralick, of German descent, who were born, reared and married in Mont- gomery County, N. Y. ; where they resided forty-seven years, and where their seven children were born. * Mr. Fralick lost his wife in 1829, remarried and subsequently came to Erie County and resided in Concord Township till his death, which occurred in 1879. Our subject acquired a common school education, and learned the mason's trade, which he followed during his younger days. In 1852 he located in Sparta Township, this county, on his present SPARTA TOWNSHIP. 1005 farm comprising 100 acres of good land, most of which hag been cleared and improved by his industry, and has erected suitable buildings thereon. May 8, 1859, he was married to Gerusha M., daughter of Philip and Amanda (Coats) Pierce, who settled in this township over fifty years ago, and are still living here honored and respected by all. This union has been blessed with one child — Alice Mae — born March 7, 1863. It can truly be said of Mr. and Mrs. Pralick that industry and success have characterized their lives. In pol- itics he is a Democrat. THOMAS FULLER, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born December 20, 1806, in Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., son of Abiezer and Sarah (Lyons) Puller, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Washington County, and who moved in 1817 to Elk Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn.. where they resided about nine years, and then settled in Sparta Township, this county. They were parents of twelve children, five now living. Mrs. Puller's father was crippled by a wound received on Lake Champlain during the Revolution- ary war. Our subject, the second in the family, was reared on a farm, help- ing his father, who was a poor man, and enjoyed but limited educational advantages. In 1831 he married Huldah, daughter of Silas and Sally (Hare) Bates, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively, and who settled in Erie County, Penn. , in 1823, whence after a short residence they came to this county and located in Sparta Township. Of their family of ten children, four are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Puller have been born four children: Jasper L., who, with his wife, was killed at the Angola disaster in 1867; Mary A., wife of Irwin Kindly; Jane A., wife of Joel Rogers; and Flora May, who died in September, 1878. Our subject and wife are the oldest couple living in this township, having settled after their 'marriage on their present farm, comprising 150 acres of the best land in Sparta Township, all of which Mr. Puller has cleared excepting fifteen acres. He has given 100 acres to his daughters, who reside near him. He has satisfactorily served as Supervisor, Constable, Road Commissioner, and in other township offices. In politics is a Democrat. Mr. Fuller has always been a hard worker, but though he has passed the allotted period of life, he is as spry and active as most men of fifty. HIRAM P. PULLER, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Elk Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn., April 21, 1824, son of Abiezer and Sarah (Lyons) Fuller, the latter a sister of Jasper Lyons, an early settler of Rich- mond Township, this county. They were natives of New York State, and set- tled in Sparta Township, where our subject now resides, in 1828, and began making a home in the wilderness, enduring many privations and hardships. Though game was abundant, breadstuff was scarce, and their only way of obtaining money was by making and selling black salt. Mr. Purller was a hard- working man, and did his share in clearing up this township. He died in October, 1837; his widow February 12, 1861, aged seventy- four years. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew up and were married. Our subject, September 29, 1847, married Sophronia E., daughter of Salmon and Eliza (Eggleston) Sturdevant, natives of Litchfield County, Conn., and early settlers of Bloomfield Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were born John W. (deceased), Mariette (deceased), Aaron, Hiram H. , Sarah E. (wife of Eugene Ceder, of Chautauqua County, N. Y.), Emma J. (deceased), Will- iam N., Clara, and Herbert E., living at home. Mr. Fuller learned and fol- lowed shoe-making for thirteen years. He has a farm of 144 acres, most of which is cleared and improved, with good substantial buildings thereon. Politically he is a Republican, but not a partisan in his views. He is among the reliable and substantial citizens of Sparta Township. He and his wife are members of the P. of H. 1006 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: MRS. CHRISTIANA. GROOM, P. O. Spartansburg, was bom August 28, 1818, in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., daughter of Silas and Mary E. (Snyder) Purdy, who were natives of the same county. They were the parents of twelve children — three sons and nine daughters — six of whom are living. Mr. Purdy was a farmer and stone-mason by occupation. He left Rensselaer County in 1834, and settled in Harmony, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. , where he spent the remainder of his life. There he took up 1,140 acres of wild land, giving fifty acres to each of his children, which most of them have improved and still retain, though a few sold and moved to other localities. He died in August, 1858, his widow, who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, following him in April, 1861. Our subject, the ninth in the family, was married January 1, 1839, to Elijah Groom, a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., and a farmer by occupation. After marriage they resided at Watts Flats, Chautauqua County, till April, 1848, when they came to Spartansburg, where Mr. Groom engaged in the mercantile business for eight years. He then purchased the farm of 200 acres now owned by his widow, and noted for being the place where Hugh Fitzpatriok, in 1817, was murdered by Van Hol- land, who was the first to suffer the penalty of hanging in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Groom were born four children, three now living: Emily A., wife of Luther VV. Day, of Spartansburg; Lucretia, died when five years old; Christiana L., wife of Vernon Cove!, in Olean, N. Y., and William E., resid- ing with his mother on the old homestead. Mr. Groom was an active business man and one much respected by the community. He served as Justice of the Peace several years; was the first Postmaster of Spartansburg; an A. F. & A. M. ; a strong temperance man. In politics he was a Republican. He died February 13, 1870. His widow, our subject, is a fine old lady, a great lover of books. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly esteemed by all. J. R. HARRINGTON, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Shore ham, Addison Co., Vt. , October 12, 1840, only son of Ormel and Fanny Har- rington, natives of the same State. Ormel Harrington's father was a Captain in the war of 1812. Ormel departed this life aged thirty seven years, and his widow subsequently married N. Newell and moved to Sparta Township, this county, when our subject was twelve years old. She is still living in Oberlin, Ohio. On May 18, 1862, our subject was married to Jennie Force, born May 29, 1841, daughter of Reuben Foice, an early settler of this county, and still residing in Sparta Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have been born three children: Melvin, who died in 1866, aged three and a half years; Ida Belle, born November 3, 1871; Charles Ormel, born December 23, 1876. Mr. Harrington settled on his present farm of sixty-five acres of good land in 1870, and began farming. He has erected one of the finest houses in this township, and has numerous other buildings, etc. He is a successful farmer, and also does a dairying business. He is frequently called upon to fill public ofiices of trust. In politics he is a Democrat. L. R. HEATH, physician, Spartansburg, was born in Berkshire County, Ma.s8., November 22, 1857; son of Alvirus and Elizabeth (Bently) Heath, natives of same county, and who settled in this county in 1863, where they still reside. Of their family of eight children, six survive. Our subject, after acquiring a common school education, entered the Cleveland Medical College, graduated with honors in 1882, and began to practice his profession the same year, locating at Spartansburg. He was united in marriage Septem- ber 27, 1881, with Mina, daughter of Joseph Phillips, of Steuben Township, this county. Dr. Heath has won the respect and confidence of all, by his SFARTA TOWNSHIP. 1007 energy and attentiveness to business. He is well educated, a competent prac- titioner, and though a young physician, has met with excellent success. He is a member of the I. O. O. P., and G. K. In politics he is a Eepublioan. JONES MAJOR, farmer. P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Downingtown, ■Chester Co., Penn., July 28, ISS'S; son of William J. and Jane (Marshall) Major, natives of Chester County, Penn. The father of the latter was a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. The former, a farmer and house-painter, lived for many years in Chester County, but died in Lebanon County, Penn., September 5, 1863, his widow, December 29, 1871, both aged seventy-three years. They were members of the Presbyterian Church; reared a family of thirteen chil- dren, five still living. Our subject, who is next to the youngest, acquired a common school education and learned the trade of machinist, which he fol- lowed until 1868, when he located and remained five years on a farm in Chester County, Penn., coming from thence to Sparta Township, whore he purchased ninety-one acres of land, most of which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Major was married in 1857, to Sarah E., daughter of John and Sophia (Stover) Chen worth, natives of Maryland. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Maryland in 1855, the latter in Lancas- ter, Penn., in 1874. This union has been blessed with six children: Anna V., wife of A. W. Jude, residing in Spartansburg; Wilmer F., Elmer E., Samuel E., Harry A. and James H. Mr. and Mrs. Major are adherents of the Con- gregational Church in Spartansburg. Mr. Major is a member of the K. of P. CHARLES J. MILLER, Principal of Spartansburg public schools, was born in Harmony, Chautauqua, Co., N. Y. , December 27, 1857; son of John and Maria (Purdy) Miller, early settlers of that county, the former of whom, a native of Chenango County, N. Y., died in the West several years ago; the latter, born in Rensselaer County, N. Y. , is now residing at Watts Plats, N. Y. They were parents of two children. Our subject, the eldest, attended the public schools during the winter and assisted on the farm in summer. In 1873 he commenced teachifag and attending the Jamestown Institute, where he received most of his education. He was united in marriage, November 8, 1881, with Miss May L., daughter of P. P. Parkhurst, an early settler of Chautauqua County, N. Y. , where he is still residing. Mr. Miller taught for three years at Watts Plats, N. Y., and was instrumental in having a fine graded school building erected there. After leaving Watts Plats he taught one year at Grant and then came to Spartansburg, taking charge of the graded school here. Under his able management the school has rapidly improved, the attendance has increased, and it now ranks among the best in Crawford County. PREDERICK OBERT, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., July 22, 1825; son of Henry and Sarah Obert. The former, a native of New Jersey, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and departed this life about. 1856. The latter, whose maiden name was Sarah Shaw, was a native of New York; died in 1858 in Sparta Township. They were members of the Baptist Church, and reared a family of ten children, six now living. Our subject after acquiring a common school education learned the carpen- ter's trade, at which he worked about eighteen years. He was married Feb- ruary 24, 1846, to Lucinda, daughter of Hugh and Catharine Coyle, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Rome Township, this county. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812; died about 1857, the latter in 1860. To Mr. and Mrs. Obert have been born six children, five living: Eli, Lorenzo, Prank, Ralph, Delia (wife of Robert Burch) and Cora. Mr. Obert has been a resident of Sparta Township for forty years. He has been a bard- 1008 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: working citizen, and has tielped to bring about the present improved state of the township. He has a fine farm of 135 acres; in politics he is a Republican. Himself and family are respected by the community. EEUBEK R. OGDEN, miller and lumber dealer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born January 17, 1830, in Greene County, N. Y. ; son of Reuben 0. and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Ogden, the latter a native of Elizabethtown, N. J. The former was born in Newark, N. J., and was a soldier of the war of 1812. (His father was in the Revolutionary war). He was a. shoe-maker by trade but principally engaged in farming. He departed this life at Staten Island, in 1866. His widow survived him till 1881, when she died aged eighty -four. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They reared a family of nine children, six still living. Our subject, the fourth child, received a good education in> the common schools and at the academy, Brocton, N. Y. After leaving school he engaged in lumbering at that place for several years. In 1862 he enlisted in the OneHundred and Fifty-fourth New York Regiment, and participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Chancellorsville, Buz- zard Roost, Reseca, Peach Tree Creek, Bentonville and many minor engage- ments, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. After receiving an honorable discharge, June, 1865, he returned home. He was married. May, 1874, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Amey (Perkins) Wynkoop, both deceased, who were natives of Greene County, N. Y., and parents of seven children, four still living. In 1873 Mr. Ogden located in this township and erected the mill which he is still operating, shipping his products to various markets, and also doing custom work. In politics he is a Republican. J. EDMUND PECK, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Bloomfield Town- ship, Crawford Co., Penn., July 27, 1848; son of Joseph and Martha (Hawkins) Peck, natives, the former of Pelham, Madison Co., N. Y. , the latter of Rhode Island. They were married in New York, and resided there twenty years before coming to this county, where they located on fifty acres of land in Bloomfield Township, the birthplace of our subject. After living there about seven years they moved to Sparta Township, where Mr. Peck died February 4, 1888, aged eighty years, and his wife March 10, 1864, aged fifty-nine. They were mem- bers of the Baptist Church. Of their ten children six are now liviag. Our subject was married, October 17, 1869, to Sarah E., daughter of John and Sarah (Blakeslee) Davis, who were natives of Pennsylvania. After their mar- riage they located in Sparta Township on a farm of fifty acres of improved land, where they have since resided. They have an adopted daughter — Mabel Cole. Mr. Peck is one of the prosperous young farmers of Sparta Township, taking great interest in all educational affairs. In politics he is a stanch Republican. FRANK B. STRANAHAN, farmer, P. O., Spartansburg was born in Her- kimer County, N. Y., August 29, 1823; son of Gibson J. and Dolly (Devan- dorf) Stranahan, the former of whom, a soldier in the war of 1812, was a na- tive of Canaan, Columbia Co., N. Y. , the latter of Herkimer County, N. Y. They were married and lived in the latter county until 1836, when, they came to Erie County, Penn. , settling on the line between Concord and Sparta Townships. Here Mr. Stranahan died in 1869, his wife having preceded him in 1861. They were parents of six children, five now living. Mr. Stranahan was an A. F. & A. M. ; was owner of a farm of 300 acres of good land. Our sub- ject, after receiving a common school education, engaged in farming, which occupation he has followed ever since. He has a fine farm of 110 acres, most of which is improved. He was married, in 1849, to Eveline Fuller, a native of Ohio, by whom he had five children: Chapman A., married to Jane "Webb (they live in Sparta Township); Mary (deceased); Belle, wife of Jeremiah Barker SPARTA TOWNSHIP. ' 1009 (they live in Union Township, Erie County); Lucy, wife of Eugene Webb (they live on the old homestead); Miles, married to Mary Johnson (they reside in Union City, Erie County). Mrs. Stranahan dying January 4, 1867, our sub- ject married Ellen Severance, in 1868. In politics he is a Democrat. In re- ligion a Spiritualist. LEWIS B. WEBB, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in Egremont, Berkshire Co., Mass., March 23, 1817; son of Josiah and Agnes (Hare) Webb, natives of same county, which they left about 1830 to jcome to this State, settling in Concord, Erie County, where they resided for ten years and then came to Sparta Township, living with their son Lewis B. until their deaths. Mr. Webb departed this life in 1863 and his widow followed him in 1866. They reared a family of twelve children, seven of whom are still liv- ing. Mr and Mrs. Webb were consistent members of the Baptist Church. The father of the former was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our subject, who was the eleventh in the family, had but limited educational advantages. The Webb family, for several generations back, have followed coopering and he too engaged in this occupation for several years. He was married, Jan- uary, 1836, to Emily, daughter of Benjamin (a soldier in the war of 1812) and Apama (Blakeslee) Rohrbach, natives of the State of New York and who set- tled in Crawford County, Penn., in 1824. Of the family of five children born to this union, only one is now living— Malcolm, who is married and resides in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Webb are members of the P. of H. He has -held various township offices; in politics is a Greenbacker, but not par- tisan in his views. He has a fine farm of 140 acres with suitable and con- venient buildings, and has resided in this place nearly fifty years. He and his wife enjoy the confidence and respect of the community. Our subject states that he is probably the most unpopular man in his religious views in the township, having been an avowed Spiritualist for over thirty years. BENJAMIN F. WEBB, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Spartansburg, was born in this township, August 31, 1834; son of Francis and Nancy (Alsdorf) Webb, the former a native of Berkshire County, Mass., the latter of Chenango County, N. Y. (she was twice married, first to Nathaniel Blakeslee, who died about 1830, leaving two children, and in 1832 to Francis Webb, by whom she had five children, three still living). Mr. and Mrs. Webb were pioneer set- tlers of this county, the former serving as Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. They are now living with our subject, aged respectively eighty-two and seventy- five. They are Spiritualists in their belief. Benjamin F. Webb was reared on the farm, receiving the limited educational advantages then afforded by the public schools. He was married, in June, 1883, to his present wife (having previously buried three) Mrs. Emma Packard, a native of Spring Tovmship, this county. Her parents are residents of Beaver Township, this county. By his first wife, Martha L. Hayes, Mr. Webb has one daughter — Alice G. — wife of C. H. Gabriel, a druggist in Spartansburg. He has also a daughter — Mattie M. — by his second wif e.Matilda C. Pratt. Mr. Webb is engaged in stock-raising to some extent and is making a specialty of breeding Per- oheron horses; he has also some fine Norman stock. He has a good farm of 189 acres well adapted for stock grazing. He has filled the office of Assessor and is now serving his ninth year as Town Auditor. Our subject and wife are members of the P. of H. They are Spiritualists in their belief. WARREN W. WHITE, proprietor of planing-mill, Spartansburg, was born in Sparta Township, this county, February 10, 1837; son of Abner W. and Julia A. (Patchen) White, natives of Locke, Cayuga Co., N. Y., ' where the former was born in 1813. When twelve years old Abner W. came 1010 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to Meadville, Penn., and subsequently became prominent in this part of the county. Acting as land agent for T. B. Kennedy, who owned thousands of acres of land through this section, he was probably the best posted person in regard to the early settlements and improvements of Sparta Township. He died April 20, 1884, honored and respected by all. His widow, now residing in Spartansburg, is descended from one of the pioneer families of this town- ship. To them were born three children, two now living: Warren W. and Horace, also residing here. Our subject worked at carpentering three years, taught school seven terms, and on September 10, 1862, enlisted in the Six- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving until January 30, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge and returned home. While in the service he received a wound, which resulted in blood poisoning, and consequently his left foot was amputated. Our subject was married September 10, 1863, to Adeline D. Kingsley, a native of Evans, Erie Co., N. Y., and daughter of Charles and Flora Kingsley, early settlers of Sparta Township, this county, but now residents of Wantonia, Wis. To this union were born five children, one dying in infancy. Those now living are Maud F., Lula A., Charles W. and Frank A. In 1871 Mr. White erected his planing-mill (in connection with which he carried on a machine-shop until two years ago), working up annually large amounts of timber into siding, flooring, wainscoating, etc., that are sold all over the country; he also manufactures handles. Mr. White is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He has held various offices of trust; was Burgess, a member of Council, for eight consecu- tive years School Director, acting as President of the Board of Education of Spartansburg. He is a member of the Eoyal Ai'canum. SPRING TOWNSHIP- I. S. BAIL, farmer and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Springboro, was born in Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 30, 1825; son of Frederick and Elizabeth Bail, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Vermont. They came to this county ip 1836; were parents of seven children, five now living. Frederick Bail was a blacksmith, which trade he followed until his marriage. After coming to Crawford County he pursued, for the most part, farming. He was a soldier of the war of 1812; died in 1872. His father was a Hessian soldier, from which body he left while they were in America, during the Rev- olutionary war. Our subject's mother died in 1839. I. S. Bail, who was the youngest in the family, received a common school education, then taught school two terms, preceding which be attended high school atTwinsburg, Ohio, and following which, at Albion, Penn. He was married, in 1850, to Jane Sloan, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., born July 5, 1827, and sister of G. H. and Archibald Sloan (see their biography). To this union were born Dora E., wife of W. E. Potter; Harry L. and Archie F. H. Mrs. Bail is a member of the Baptist Church of Springboro. Mr. Bail is owner of eighty- five acres of land. Both our subject and wife are members of the Grange. He is a member of the State Police; has been Justice of the Peace since 1876; in politics is independent. ALONZO S. BAKEE, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., March 13, 1856, son of Horace and Lucretia Baker, also SPRING TOWNSHIP. - 1011 natives of Cayuga County, parents of nine children, four now living. The mother died when our subject was three years old. Horace Baker again mar- ried and is now living in Summerhill Township, this county, having attained the age of eighty-two. Our subject came to this county in 1853, and settled in Summerhill Township. He was married December 4, 1855, to Amanda Sterling, a native of that to^vnship, and daughter, by his second wife, of ^Washington Sterling, an early settler and farmer of this county, and a soldier of the war of 1812. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. To this union were born four children: Alvin and Ervin (twins), Lucy, wife of Burt Maxwell, and Forest H. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He enlisted February 29, 1864, in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served under Gen. Sheridan with the Army of the Potomac; he participated in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Win- chester, Blackwater, Ream's Station, South Side Eailroad, Weldon Eailroad, and finally the capture of Lee's army, besides several minor engagements; was honorably discharged July 26, 1865. He is a member of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. Is Supervisor of Spring Township; in politics a Republican. ISAAC S. BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Springboro. was born in Whiting, Vt, June 28, 1816, son of Miles and Betsy Baldwin, former a native of Rut- land, Vt., latter of Grantham, N. H. They came to this county in 1829 with three children, and took up a farm of fifty acres in the center of Spring Town- ship. Two of the three children are now living. Miles Baldwin was a farmer. He held several township offices. His wife died in May, 1844. He died Feb- ruary, 1854, in his native township. Our subject, the youngest in the family, commenced farming when nineteen years of age, working for two years at $13 per month. After a two years' illness he, in 1839, worked on the Erie Exten- sion Canal as stone-mason for one year, and became contractor on the canal for five years. He then purchased a farm, on which he remained one year; following year he again worked on the canal, returning again to the farm with his family. Mr. Baldwin then went to Ohio and contracted with his brother to grade forty-six miles of the Ashtabula & Lisbon E. R., on completion of which contract he returned home, and has since been engaged in farming. He was married, October 9, 1839, to Betsy C. Parrish, a native of Orleans County, Vt., born March 9, 1821. By this union were born nine children, six now living, viz.: Elizabeth, widow of Henry Green; Elmer D.; John P. ; Ellen S., wife of James Corbett; Mary B., wife of Bart Brennan, and Leonore, wife of Peter Rackner. Our subject and wife have been members of the Christian Church over thirty years. He has been Justice of the Peace ten years; has held several township offices; in politics is a Republican. He, along with others, built the first steam saw-mill in this section in 1848. MRS. EMMA M. BANNISTER, P. O. Springboro, is a native of this township, daughter of Hawley and Mary Dauchy, former a native of Connec- ticut, latter of Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, Jacob LaFevre, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, came to Crawford County in 1805. Hawley Dauchy, a farmer and owner of a saw-mill, located on his farm, died January 10, 1865. His widow followed him May 30, 1873. They were members of the Baptist Church. Our subject was married, September 11, 1861, to Edmond M. Bannister, a native of New York State, born September 30, 1839, and who came to this county in September, 1860. On August 3, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighty- third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac. He participated in the siege of Yorktown, and was, through the entire peninsular campaign with Gen. McClellan. Being attacked with typhoid fever at Harrison's Landing he was sent to hospital at Point 1012 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Lookout, where he died Jaly 27, 1862. Our subject is a member of the Bap- tist Church at Springboro. DAVID BLIGH, retired farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., September 3, 1816, son of Julius and Amy (Avery) Bligh, former a native of Oneida County, N. Y., latter of Hartford, Conn. They moved, in 1831, to Chautauqua County, N. Y. , and in 1838 to North East, Brie Co., Perin. They reared a family of thirteen children, seven now living. The mother died in 1827, the father in 1865. He was by trade, in his younger days, a clothier, but afterward engaged in farming. Grandfather Avery was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our subject, the second in the family, received a common school education, and at the age of seventeen worked in a sash factory in Freeport, Penn., at |9 per month. After remaining there two and a half years he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked at the same trade for two years. In 1838 he came to Harmonsburg, this county, and tended bar in in Cook's Hotel for two years. This house he then rented and kept for two years. In August, 1840, he married Betsy Bowerman, a native of Genesee County, N. Y. , who bore him one daughter — Ann L. , wife of C. E. Shader (they have three children: David E., Calvin A. and Anna A.). Mrs. Bligh died in 1877. Our subject retired from the hotel in 1842, and being elected Constable served as such seven years. In the winter of 1849-50 be taught school at Harmonsburg, and in 1850 he was employed as foreman on the Erie Extension Canal. This post he filled six years, and then he pur- chased a farm. In 1859 he was again employed as foreman on the canal till 1871, when it, was closed. This canal went into operation in 1844 (Polk's year), and closed isut 1871, having passed into the hands of the Pennsylvania Eailroad Company. Since the death of his wife, Mr. Bligh has made his home with his daughter, living in retirement. He is a Director of the Ohio River & Lake Erie Railroad. In politics he is a Republican. J. BOLARD, proprietor of tannery, Conneautville, was born in Spring Township, this county. June 5, 1837; son of David and Elizabeth Bolard, natives of Crawford County, and grandson of Frederick Bolard, a blacksmith by trade, who came here about 1812 and reared a large family. David Bolard, the father of our subject, served when but twelve years of age as teamster in the war of 1812; commenced farming in the woods just outside of Conneautville; was parent of ten children, seven now living. He'and his wife were adherents of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, being among the organizers of that church at Conneautville. He died in 1880, his wife having preceded him in 1850. J. Bolard, the fourth child in this pioneer's family, enlisted in 1862 in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry and served in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the battles of second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was once taken prisoner, but paroled a few hours afterward, by Oapt. McNeel's guarantee. He was honorably discharged and returned home. In the fall of 1863 he was appointed Hospital Steward in the Regular Army, and was stationed at Seminary Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. After remaining there about ten months he was commissioned Captain of Company B, One Hundre'd and Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Potomac till the close of the war, when he was mustered out. He then spent about two years in the oil country. In 1868 he started his present tannery, at Conneautville, and has probably the most extensive establishment in this line in this county, and employs from fifteen to twenty men. He principally manufactures harness, saddle, bi-idle and line leather. Mr. Bolard married in 1868 Mary E., daughter of E. Montagvie, and a native of this county. By SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1013 this union are two children, Mary E. and Florence M. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and A. O. U. W., and is Commander of Post 374, G. A. R. He is one of the principal business men of this section, was Burgess of Conneautville three years; President of Crawford County Agricultural Society six years, and has filled other township offices. In politics he is a Republican. CHARLES S. BOOTH, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Steuben" County, N. Y., June 6, 1821; sou of Prosper A. and Lois (Fisher) Booth, who came to this county in 1835, with nine children, settling on 160 acres of woodland in this township. Of this they cleared, first year, thirty acres, and, following year raised 600 bushels of wheat on the thirty acres. Prosper A. Booth's wife died in 1836; he then married Mary G. Dow, who bore him four children. She died in 1843, and Mr. Booth married Mrs. Penelope Chidister, widow of E. Chidister. By her there was no issue. He died in April, 1865. When nineteen years of age he joined the Presbyterian Church and was a consistent member to the day of his death. Our subject, who is second in the family, was married, October 5, 1843, to Jane Foster, a native of Ohio and who has lived in Spring Township until the present time, and daughter of Robert Foster, an early settler of this section and a noted hunter. By this union were born six children, three now living: Alice I., wife of D. M. Bole, Jr.; Stanley F. and Dayton F. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Chnrch, in which he has been an Elder twenty years. He is owner of seventy acres of land, amassed by honesty, hard work and economy, not by speculation. After his marriage he learned -the carpentering and blacksmithing trades without an instructor, and has worked at these trades in connection with farming ever since. He has also been in the lumber and stave business. Mr. Booth has held several township offices. In politics he is a Republican, forrperly a Whig. E. K. BOWMAN, farmer and breeder of short-horn cattle, P. O. Spring- boro, Penn., was born in this township, Januarj' 13, 1824; son of Elisha and Sallie Bowman, former a native of Connecticut, latter of New York State. They came to this county in 1816-17 and purchased 400 acres of land. They were parents of two children. Elisha Bowman, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, died February 27, 1859; his wife died August 10, 1856. Our sub- ject, the only survivor of the family, married, in 1846, Mary, daughter of Robert and Nancy (Meyler) Foster, and a native of Crawford County, Penn. Her father, who was a farmer, came from' Westmoreland County, Penn., with his parents, about 1805 or 1806, when he was about ten years old; his father bought 400 acres of Government land in Beaver Township. His mother, Nancy Meyler, was born in Oneida County, N. Y. , and came to Crawford in 1814 or 1815. Mr. and Mrs Foster were married jn 1820, and they had ten children, eight of whom are still living: one daughter lives in California, two sons and two daughters in Kansas, one son in^Colorado, and Mrs. E. K. Bow- man and another daughter in Crawford County. Our subject and wife had seven children, four now living, viz.: Frank F., Ralph H., Elisha L. and Perry F. Mrs. Bowman is a member of the Christian Church at Springboro, of which society our subject's mother was an original member. Mr. Bowman is owner of about ninety acres of excellent land and is making the breeding of short-horn cattle a specialty. In politics he is a Republican. ; *- MRS. POLLY BROWN, P. O. Lundy' s Lane, Erie County, was born in Cam- bridge, N. Y., April 10, 1806; daughter of David D, and Content (Shaw) Hazzard, natives of Rhode Island; former died in Amboy Centre, Oswego Co., N. Y., latter came to this county and lived with our subject for about four years, when 1014 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: she died. Mrs. Brown was married, November 30, 1823, to Joseph Brown, born May 1, 1801, in Connecticut, To this union have been born six children, four now living: Betsy J. S., wife of C. P. Eddy; Joseph C, David J., and Clarissa, wife of Zeno White. The eldest son, who was killed in his father's mill, was born in New York State, June 25, 1827, died in 1858. David J. served three years as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion; his brother-in-law, C. P. 'Eddy, was a soldier in the Heavy Artillery during the same struggle, serving most of his term at Fortress Monroe. Our subject and husband came to this county in 1833, and here reared the majority of their family. Mr. Brown was an extensive farmer; he was a man firm in his convictions, and very conscien- tious, evincing a strong Christian character. He died November 28, 1880. Mrs. Brown lives on the old homestead of 100 acres. JOSEPH BROWN, retired farmer, and President of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of Woodcock, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Summit Township, this county, April 15, 1824; son of John and Hannah (Gehr) Brown natives of Berks County, Penn., the former of whom, a tanner by trade, came to Crawford County in 1803, settled on a farm of 100 acres and built the tan- nery which he conducted forty-five years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and participated in Perry's expedition at Erie. His wife's father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. They were members of the Presbyteri&n Church; reared a family of eight boys, six still living. John Brown departed this life in March, 1867, and his wife in 1859. Our subject, the seventh in this family, received a common school education, and, until recently, followed agricult- ural pursuits. In 1854 he married Alvira Galbraith, a native of this county, her parents coming here about 1806. By this union was born one child — Cal- vin V. — who is married and lives on the old homestead. Mrs. Brown was a Christian lady, a member of the Presbyterian Church at Harmonsbm-g; she died June, 1879. In May, 1882, our subject married Hannah, daughter of Theron Beard, widow of John Craven, who was an Elder for forty-eight years in the Presbyterian Church, of which she is also a member. Mr. Brown owns 170 acres of improved land, part of which was his father's old homestead, and a fine residence in Conneautville, where he moved in 1882, and is now leading a more retired life. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Royal Grang- ers. Is President of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of Woodcock, with headquarters at Meadville. He served as Mercantile Appraiser two terms. Now elected President of the Farmers' Co-operative Bank, located in the city of Meadville, Crawford County. Is independent in politics. JAMES H. BROWN, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Springboro, was born in this township, March 4, 1844; son of James M. and Eliza Brown, former a native of Vermont, latter of New York State. They reared a family of three children, two now living. James M. Brown immigrated to this county in 1836 and was married two years afterward. Himself and wife were members of the Baptist Church. She died in October, 1876, and he followed her in October, 1880. In November, 1867, our subject was married to Mary, daughter of Ste- phen Hills, of this township. She was born in New York State, March 26, 1844. The result of this anion is two children : Minnie L. and Justin B. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Baptist Church in Springboro. Mr. Brown has 165 acres of well-improved land in this township, with good substantial buildings. He has held several township ofiBces. In politics he is a Republican. JOHN BURGER, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, February 28, 1838; son of Martin and Mary Burger, the former of whom came to America with our subject in 1854, settling in Pittsburgh, Penn. The other sons and one daughter had come out previously. The mother died SPRING TQWNSHIP. 1015 in Germany in 1844, the father in 1878. He was a tailor by trade and carried on that business in Pittsburgh. Our subject was married in July, 1859, to Mrs. Lucinda Avery, widow of John Avery, and sister of Alouzo Morley, and a native of New York State. She had two children by her first husband: Myrtie L. and Alice A. Our subject and wife have one child— Flora B. Mrs. Bur- ger is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Burger has been a resident of Spring Township for over thirty years, and has cleared a farm of sixty-two acres. In politics he is a Republican. LEWIS K. CHAPMAN, Notary Public, Springboro, was born at Saratoga Springs, October 31, 1814; son of Peter and Mercy (Keeler) Chapman, natives of New York. Our subject, the third child of the family, came to this county in May, 1836, and in May, 1837, married Robey Thomson, of "Warsaw, N. Y., daughter of Alexander Thomson, who moved to this county in the fall of 1835. To this union were born eleven children, viz.: Orson A., Fannie B., Millie J. (who is practicing medicine in Pittsburgh, Penn), Helen M. (wife of Lewis Offensens), James H, Lewis K. (killed while coupling cars, October 14, 1873, at Rome, Ohio), Sarah A. (at home), Peter M., Frank E., Robey L. and John E. (both at one time school teachers). Millie J. taught school for twenty-seven terms; she graduated from the Normal School at Edinboro, Erie Co,, Penn., in 1871; read medicine in Titusville, this county, and received a diploma from the Homoeopathic Medical Institute, at Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are members of the Universalist Society of Conneautville, Penn. When they were married there were present sixty-five guests, besides members of their own family, and of these guests only three are now living. They commenced housekeeping on a farm in Beaver Township, this county, and in 1850 moved to Spring Township, where Mr. Chapman engaged in grist and saw-mill busi- ness for several years. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1856, serving continuously for five terms of five years each. He was the first to establish the common school system in Beaver Township, and held the office of School Director for over twenty -six years. For past five years he has been acting as Notary Public; in politics he is a Republican. In 1851, his resi- dence, with nearly all its contents, was destroyed by fire. HORACE CLARK, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born, December 23, 1817, in Erie County, N. Y. ; son of Brastus and Rhoda Clark, natives oE Rhode Island, parents of seven children, five now living. Erastus Clark, who was a farmer, died April 21, 1855, his widow in 1860. His father had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our subject, the eldest in the family, was twice married; on first occasion in 1839, to Caroline D. Fuller, a native of Erie County, N. Y. By this union were five children, four now living: Rhoda M. (wife of E. Brown), John B., Flora A. (wife of Z. B. Owen), and Albert B. Mrs. Clark dying in 1868, our subject married in 1869, Mrs. Harriet Sheldon, widow of Arad Sheldon, a native of Steuben County, N. Y. , brother of Wright Sheldon (see biography of latter). Mrs. Harriet Clark is a native of Cavendish, Vt., born July 19, 1826. She had two children by her first husband, viz. : Mary B. (wife of Isaac D. North) and Charles A. Our subject and wife are members of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Clark had three brothers in the late war: Lyman N., who died while in the service at Murfreesboro; Jasper (see his biography), and Asaph, Captain in a Vermont regiment. Our subject came to this county in 1854, settling first in Beaver Centre; in 1867 he moved to Conneaut Township and from there to Spring Township. J. A. CODY, jeweler, optician, news-dealer, bookseller and stationer, Springboro, was born in Ellington, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., September 22, 1016 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1846; son of John C. and Alvira E. D. (Gates) Cody, former a native of Ver- mont, latter of New York. They moved into Springboro in 1869, where John 0. Cody engaged in the same business and in the same room as our subject is now in. He was a prominent business man in Springboro for over fourteen years, and for twenty-five years was a licensed preacher and worker in the Baptist Church. He was parent of four children, of whom three were boys. He died January 5, 1883. His widow is still living and makes her home with J. A. Our subject was married in 1874, to Elizabeth B. Cather, a native of Law- rence County, Penn., born May 6, 1851. By this union were four children, three now living; Ethel D., Eoy E. and Edith A. Claude J. died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Cody are adherents of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., E. A. U. and G. K., in which latter he is Deputy Supreme Com- mander. Our subject's grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812. GEOEGE R. COOK, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born on the site of the present fair ground at Conneautville, this county, July 30, 1809; son of Henry and Mary Cook, the former a native of Pittsburgh, the latter of Cum- berland County, Penn. Henry Cook, a farmer and shoe-maker, came with his father to this county in 1800, and was a soldier in the war of 1812; he died May 29, 1856. His father, who was a German by birth, left America for bis native land in 1805, since when he has never been heard of. Our subject's mother was the widow of Robert McCoy and came with him to this county in 1798. She was an original member of the Methodist Episcopal Church where Dicksonburg now stands. She died April 8, 1845. Our subject, the second child and only survivor of a family of four, had but limited educational advantages, his boyhood days having been spent on the farm; since he worked for himself he has cleared 110 acres. He was married, October 8, 1880, to Maria Soper, a native of Vermont, who bore him nine children, seven now liv- ing, viz.: Naomi S., wife of J. B. Bradley; F. H. Cook; William R.; Aris M., wife of William Swaney; Porter S.; Mary E., wife of A. C. Fisher, and George W. Mrs. Cook died July 4, 1877. She was an original member of the present Methodist Church at Springboro. Mr. and Mrs. Cook joined the church in 1831, and our subject is the only original member now living. He has been Class-leader and Steward in it over fifty years. WILLIAM H. DARBY, manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer of furniture, etc., Conneautville, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., July 13, 1820; son of Erastus and Rhoda (Ward) Darby. He learned cabinet-making and came to this county in 1844, engaging in his trade for about a year at Meadville; came to Conneautville in 1845 and after working fourteen months with Mr. Tyler entered into partnership with him under the firm name of Tyler & Darby. This connection lasted five years. He then bought Mr. Tyler's interest and received Bishop Huston as partner. At the expiration of a year this was dissolved and he carried on the business alone. The work had been done by hand previous to 1865, when he bought extensive machinery, which he has since used. About 1877 Mr. Hard was taken in as a partner, the firm style being Hurd & Co. for a year when C. E. Turner was admitted and continued a member until 1882 when Mr. Darby bought the entire interest and has since conducted the business alone. He handles all kinds oE furniture, and manu- factures everything in his line but chairs. His trade extends into the oil regions, Pittsburgh and Ohio. His son, Wilbur J., is general superinten- dent of the factory, and with his father takes charge of the undertaking department. Mr. Darby was married in 1847 to Esther M. Sandborn, of Erie County, by whom he has had six children, three living: Imogene, wife of William M. Darby, Wilbur J. and Daisy. Mrs. Darby is a member of the SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1017 Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the "A. O. U. W. ; in politics is a stanch Republican. GEORGE DAVENPORT, farmer and molder, Conneautville, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., March 15, 1827; son of Cornelius and Catherine (Snyder) Davenport, natives of New York State, who '"came to this county in 1837. They were parents of seven children, four now living. Cornelius Dav- enport was an extensive farmer, owning at the time of his death nearly 200 acres of land, mostly cleared by himself and sons. He died in 1862, his wife August 1, 1854, both consistent members of the Methodist Epis6opaI Church. Our subject, the third in the family, married, April 7, 1853, Hannah Rhoades, born February 3, 1832, in Mercer County, Penn., daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Fetterman) Rhoades. Her grandfather, James Fetterman, was one of the first settlers in this section of the county. Three children were the result of this union, two now living: Charles B. and Lewis C. Mr. Daven- port has always followed agricultural pursuits, excepting seven years when he worked at his trade. He owns a well-improved farm of fifty acres which was a part of his father's old homestead; is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; has strong temperance principles; a Republican in politics. His wife is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the E. A. U. Both are charter members of the R. T. of T. at Conneautville. C. G. DEMPSEY, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Springboro, was born in Deerfield, Portage Co. , Ohio, April 13, 1839, son of Thomas and Mary A. Dempsey," former born October 13, 1806, at Dempseytown, Venango Co., Penn., son of Lawrence Dempsey, who settled there in 1793, and who was a native of the north of Ireland. The mother of our subject was born April 26, 1807, died in June, 1866. She was a daughter of John Arthurs, of English extrac tion, whose wife was a daughter of Maj. Rolls, who came to America with Gen. LaFayette. Our subject had not many school advantages, most of his earlier years being occupied in clearing the farm and helping support the fam- ily, and such education as he received was by the aid of his mother, who was a lady of sterling qualities, and a literary turn of mind. At the age of fifteen he purchased what is known as the " Dempsey farm, " in Venango County, which he paid for by hard work and good management. Kane City is located on this farm. Twenty-four oil-producing wells are found here, all of which he now owns as well as several other farms in Venango County, Penn. , and Mr. Dempsey, with the aid of a gentleman in Philadelphia, organized a stock company known as the Eagle Spring Oil & Refining Company, in which Mr. Dempsey cleared about |200,000, part of which he lost in sinking other wells that failed to produce oil. Besides the Dempsey farm he owns 1,000 acres in Forest County, Penn. , nearly 9,000 acres in Tennessee and the Spring Valley stud farm in this county, where he has from thirty-five to fifty thoroughbred and trotting horses; also breeder of short-horn cattle. For several years Mr. Dempsey has spent several months during the summer and fall, attending the noted trotting races, where he is familiarly known by all horse men as the "Great American Pool Seller." From 1860 to 1872 he owned and operated several stores in different tovms in this State, doing an immense business. In June, 1866, he was married to a daughter of Harrison Cloven. She is a niece of Gen. Seth Cloven, belonging to one of the prominent families of this State. They have two boys: Harry and Benton. L. H. DIMICK, retired merchant and farmer, Conneautville, was born in Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., November 25, ]819; son of Ephraim and Cynthia Dimick, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively, the former of whom served in the war of 1812. They were parents of five children. Ephraim 1018 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: died in 1832; his widow in 1836 immigrated to Crawford County with her children, married in 1838 Andrew Allen, and settled on a farm in Conueaut Township. She died in 1879 at Conneaut, Ohio. Our subject, the fourth of ,the family, was kept at school till twelve years of age, when he ran away from home, driving horses on the Erie Canal one summer, then returned home, and attended school three years at the Grand River Institute, Austinburg, Ohio; then for four years taught school, one year in Ashtabula, Ohio. In 1841 he went to Memphis, Tenn., but after six months came back to this county, and clerked for several years. After keeping books for E. & J. Powell for four years, he bought 155 acres of land in Conneaut Township, this county, and engaged in farming and dairying seventeen years. About 1863 he came to Conneautville, and after conducting the warehouse of William Power four years, purchased a portion of Newton Truesdale's stock, and engaged in the grocery and provision business. After a year he sold out and clerked for several years. He was married October, 1852, to Mary M., daughter of John D. Patton, widow of Abram Fulwiler, by whom she had six children. Her youngest son, George W., was a soldier in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. Mr. Dimick has been living a retired life the last few years; by industry and economy he has accumulated a reasonable amount of this world's goods. He has dlled several township oflSces; was Auditor nine successive years; in polities is a Democrat. During the late war he was Captain in the State Militia. STEPHEN EIGHMEY, farmer, P.O. Springboro, was born May 20, 1800, in Saratoga County, N. Y.. son of Elias and Betsy Eighmey, natives of Dutch- ess County, N. T., the latter of whom died in 1819. Elias Eighmey came to this county a few years after our subject's arrival here, with whom, and a brother, Mr. Eighmey spent the remainder of his days. He died in Novem- ber, 1838. Our subject, by trade a mason, came to this county in 1830 with his first wife and her sister. He first settled one mile east of Spring Corners, where he cleared up a farm. In 1857 he sold this farm and moved to another one mile and a half further east; here he bought seventy-five acres. He had two children (both deceased) by his first wife. She dying in 1 835, Mr. Eighmey married, April 3, 1836, Eliza Dunn, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., who bore him five children, four now living: Clark L. : Dacy H. , wife of S. Wilder; Chloe A., wife of Joseph Johnson; Lucinda A., wife of Charles Swauson, killed while raising a house, October 7, 1878, leaving a daughter — Mary E. Clark L. served one year in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the war of the Eebellion, and was honorably discharged for physical disability. Our subject was Captain of a rifle company in the mili- tia in an early day. He assisted in constructing the canal running through this section; also built the foundation for the Soldiers' Monument in the cem- etery at Springboro. In politics he is a Republican. MRS. J. W. ELLIS, Conneautville, was born in Conneautville, March 8, 1851, daughter of Osmond B. and Mary A. (Poster) Slayton, natives of Otsego County, N. Y., and Conneautville, respectively. Osmond B. Slayton came to this county April 1, 1840, locating in Conneautville where he learned the trade of harness-making of his brother, Thomas Slayton (George W. Slayton, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work, is another brother). He was a prominent farmer, carrying on also the harness-making industry in Conneaut- ville until his death, and by industry acquired a fine property. He was ever identified with the best business enterprises of this place, and actively inter- ested himself in temperance movements, and all projects conducive to the moral growth of the people. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. He served SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1019 as Burgess of Conneautville. His wife was a member of the Universalist Church. Her mother, Margaret Foster, was a daughter of Alexander Power, the first settler of Conneautyille, and she was the first white child born in the county. Mr. Slayton died January 29, 1881, his wife having preceded him December 27, 1878. Of the five children born to this couple, only two sur- vive: Lynn O. and J. W. Our subject was united in marriage February 28, 1884, with John W. Ellis, a native of Meadville, and son of John Ellis, also one of the early settlers of this county. Mrs. Ellis and her brother reside on the old homestead taken up by her grandfather. WILLIAM ENGLEHAUPT, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born Jan- uary 24, 1829, in Summit Township, this county, son of Solomon and Mary (Brown) Englehaupt, former a native of Berks County, and latter of Crawford County, Penn. During the Eevolutionary war the King of England hired soldiers from the Duke of Hesse, pledging himself to pay a certain amount for each one not returned at the close of the war. It was represented to these sol- diers that the Americans were a sort of barbarians, and if they should fall into their hands they would be eaten by cannibals. Some, however, were taken prisoners, and, contrary to their expectations, were kindly treated, and when they went back and told their comrades, almost all of the Hessian troops deserted and joined the American Army. Of this number was one John Engle- haupt, who was given a position in Washington's Body Guard. He always spoke of Washington as "my General." After the war was over he settled in Berks County, Penn., where he married Barbara Stump. Some time afterward he removed to Crawford County and settled in what was then Sadsbury, now Sum- mit Township, on the farm where he spent the remainder of his days, living to an advanced age. He died on Christmas evening, 1833, and was laid to rest in the cemetery near the ruins of the old Dutch Church on the banks of our beautiful Conneaut Lake. His widow survived him some years, dying in 1842. They were members of the Lutheran Church. To this worthy couple were born seven children, six daughters and one son, Solomon, who married Mary Brown, of Summit Township, this county. To them were born thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy. Hannah married George Sutley; John, who mar- ried Eoxanna Beatty, is dead; Catharine, who married James Sloan, died June 22, 1878; Benjamin, deceased (these slumber in a dreamless sleep with their parents in the little graveyard at Chestnut Corners); Leah, who mirried Cor- nelius Sloan, now lies under the sod of Illinois; Samuel married Amanda Mar- shal, now resides in Nebraska; William, the subject of this sketch; Eliza, who married Henry Jones, is now buried in Illinois; Rebecca married Frank McGuire, live near Conneaut Lake; Lucinda, married Charles Smith, now living in Iowa; David lost his life in the Rebellion. Solomon Englehaupt, who came to this county in an early day with his father, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in 1853, his wife having preceded him in 1848. Our subject married, in 1851, Mary A. McGuire, a native of Summit Town- ship, this county, and daughter of William McGuire, who settled in this county in 1799, His sister, Barbara, was the first white female child born in Beaver Township. Mr. McGuire reared a family of eight children; is now nearly ninety years old, and has resided in the county eighty-five years. He has always worked hard, and has cleared a large farm His wife died April 24, 1877. To Mr. and Mrs. Englehaupt were born a family of eight children, six now living, viz. : Martha, Sara, Maggie A., John M., Edward S. and Mary Eliza. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Our subject has taken great pains in the education of his children. Sara and Martha have both been school teachers. He is a Democrat in politics. 1020 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: EBENEZER FIELD, farmor, P. O. Rundell's, was born at Bernardston, Mass., son of Loran and Mary (Hubbard) Field, natives of Massachusetts and parents of seven children. The former died about 1833, the latter in April, 1846. Our subject came to this county in the fall of 1836, bringing his mother, two sisters and two brothers, and settled on the farm of 126 acres he now owns and lives on. This land was in a wild state when he first undertook to clear it; it is now one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. Field was married in 1841 to Beda Eundell, a native of Crawford County, Penn., born November 11, 1822, and daughter of Luther and Betsy (Newcomb) Rundell, the former a native of Genesee, N. Y. , the latter of New York State, and who came to this county at a very early day, settling at what is now Bundell's, in the southeast corner of Spring Township. They were the parents of twelve children, five now living. Mr. Rundell was a farmer of high repute and held some of the tovmship offices. Our subject and wife are the parents of seven children, five now living: William E., Edwin H. (married in 1878 to Adrian Swain, of Lawrence, Ohio), Charlie C. (married in 1878 to Ruth Lytle, of Mercer County, Penn.), Lydia J. (married in 1871 to Jerome Rundell, of Pen- field, N. Y.), and Delia (married in 1883 to Vernan H. Welch, of Polk, Ohio). William R. was a soldier iu the war of the Rebellion, serving one year in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry with the Army of the Potomac; was honorably discharged and returned home. He then enlisted with the minute men when Gen. Lee made his raid into Penn- sylvania. Mr. Field cultivated hops on his present farm for several years, but abandoned the business in 1870. JOSEPH FIELD, manufacturer of furniture and undertaker, Conneaut- ville, was born April 16, 1829, in Palmyra, N. Y., son of Solomon and Bridget Field, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of New York. Our subject, their eldest child, at the age of fourteen ran away from home and started in life for himself. He drove horses on the Buffalo Canal one season, then for about a year lived with an aunt near Medina; from there went to Lockport, N. Y. , where he served a four years' apprenticeship as carpenter and joiner with Mr. Amiden, and in 1854 came to Conneautville. He was married iu 1848 to Mary Brow, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., who bore him two chil- dren: Adelbert and Melvin. In 1878 he obtained a divorce from this wife, and in 1879 married Jessie Morse, born in this county. Two children — Mina and Aza J. — were born to this union. Joseph Field enlisted in July, 1864, in the United States Navy, and served till the close of the war, principally at Chatta- nooga, as foreman in the ship-yard. Mr. Field was a contractor and builder for many years, putting up some of the best structures in this section, and several in Ohio. In 1878 he purchased a custom carding-mill, which he car- ried on for about five years, when he was burned out, sustaining a loss of over $8,000. He then erected his extensive furniture shop, where he manufactures furniture and house-furnishing goods. He has built up a large trade, being the only manufacturer of the latter line of goods in Conneautville. He is a self-made man, and has been identified with the best interests of this town for many years. Has held several township offices. Is independent in politics. MRS. MARGARET FOSTER, Conneautville, probably the first white child that saw the light of day west of French Creek, this county, was born at the head of Lake Conneaut, December 19, 1801, daughter of Alexander and Mary (Mcl^amara) Power, and sister of James Power, whose biography appears in this work. Her father, being a well-educated man, principally instructed his children himself, though she attended the log schoolhouse for a short time, and had commenced attending a subscription school at Meadville, when SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1021 her mother's death compelled her to give up school and return home, where she remainwd for many years her father's housekeeper. She was married in 1820 to George G. Foster, a farmer by occupation, born March 23, 17&9, in Westmoreland County, Penn. His parents were natives of Ireland, and very early settlers of Beaver Township, this county. By this union were nine chil- dren, six now living: Alvina, widow of Charles Hammon; Minerva, widow of Lafayette Klumph; Sarah, wife of Frank Manton;' Harriet, wife of Henry Holeman; Alexander P. and G. W. Mr. and Mrs. Foster joined the Presby- terian Church in a very early day, and when the services were held in William Power's barn. Mr. Foster was an Elder in same for many years, and on his death, which occurred December 3, 1859, his son Alexander took this posi- tion, and has held it ever since. Our subject is descende'd from the first pio- neer of this township, and though nearly eighty-four years of age, she has a clear, strong mind, and well remembers many incidents of her childhood, and of seeing the Indians that were here then. She is living a retired life. Her grandson, William Foster, is residing with her and looking after her interests. J. B. FEASIER, physician and surgeon, Couneautville, was born June ly 1826, at Farmersville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., son of John and Maria Frasier, natives of Washington County, N. Y. , who were parents of ten children, four now living. John Frasier, who was a farmer, died in 1859, his widow in 1879. The Frasiers are of Scotch descent, and among their ancestors was Lord Lnvat, our subject's grandfather's grandfather, who was beheaded in England for political double-dealing, and his estate confiscated. The grandfather of our subject was a bandsman for a time in the British Army during the Revolu- tionary war, and came to this country with Cornwallis, during that war, and soon after his arrival, upon his own responsibility, traded his /British uniform for a Federal suit. J. B. Frasier is the second born in this familv. He taught school to procure the means to prosecute his professional studies, and began to read medicine at Cuba, N. Y. He was employed in the water-cure estab- lishment at Castile for two years, then attended a course of medical lectures in New York, and graduated in March, 1859, at the Western Homoeopathic Col- lege, Cleveland, Ohio. He came to Conneautville in 1861, whore he has since practiced. Dr. Frasier married, November 1, 1852, Rachel Bond, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., and a daughter of Henry Bond, Esq., of Genesee County, N. Y., and who, at the age of eleven years, became a step-daughter of Dr. Hiram Bond, of Farmersville, N. Y. To this union have been born two children, one now living — Permelia A., wife of John Winger. Both the Doc- tor and his wife are adherents of the Universalist Church. He owns a tine residence. Is an A. F. & A. M. , a member of the R. T. of T. , and A. O. U. W. In politics a strong Prohibitionist. The Doctor is the oldest physician in this village, and has a first-class practice. . THOMAS B. GRAHAM, farmer and breeder of short- horn cattle, P. O. Springboro, is a native of Conneaut Township, this county, born November 16, 1829, son of William and Nancy (Crocket) Graham, natives of this county. The father of William Graham was a native of Ireland, and came to this county in a very early day. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; a miller by trade, which he worked at in Meadville, Penn., although he lived at Linesville. He had a large family, and many of his descendants reside in this county. Will- iam Graham, second son of that old soldier, had a family of eleven children. He had a farm of 100 acres in Conneaut Township; he died in 1870. His widow, a daughter of Thomas (Jrocket, is now living with her youngest son on the old homestead. Our subject, the third son in the family, was married, in 1022 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: April, 1854, to Harriet Eushmore, a native of this county, and daughter of John and Hannah Rushmore, natives of New York State, and who came here in 1835; former died in September, 1876; latter resides on the old homestead in Conneaut Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are parents of five children: William J., Zella M. (wife of J. Hotchkiss), Henry M., Merton B. and Grace L. Our subject moved to his present farm of 150 acres in the spring of 1855. He makes a specialty of breeding short-horn cattle, a fine herd of which he now possesses, obtained from the stock of J. F. King, Trum- bull County, Ohio. Mr. Graham's stock is registered, and he has strong competition in this line, as his premiums will attest. He will hereafter han- dle the full-blooded only, and his honorable manner in all actions will ensure him success. In politics Mr. Graham is a Republican. L. C. GRAVES, manufacturer of carriages and wagons, Springboro, was born in Madison, Ind., May 6, 1850, son of James B. and Elizabeth Graves, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county with two children, in 1855. James B. Graves was a Methodist minister for nearly twenty years. He died September 26, 1882; his widow is now a resident of Springboro. Our subject, the eldest in a family of six children, was married to Laura, daughter of Nel- son and Elizabeth Ross, and a native of this county. Two children were born to this union: Homer B. and Clarence M. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and R. T. of T. ; in politics is Republican, with strong temperance proclivities. Our subject commenced the manufacture of carriages, wagons, etc., on a small scale, in 1882, and by close attention to business, honest dealing and polite manner toward customers, has built up a mammoth establishment. He employs constantly from five to ten men, and keeps a large stock of all classes of vehi- cles in his store room. R. B. GREENLEE, P. O. Mosiertown, is a native of this county, born January 1, 1827; son of John and Mary (Chamberlain) Greenlee, the former a farmer and a native of Crawford County, Penn., died in 1865; the latter a native of New Jersey, died in 1867. They were members of the Baptist Church. Our subject, the fourth child in the family, has all" his life been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married, May 3, 1854, to Jane A. Bacon, a native of New York State, and daughter of John S. and Sallie Bacon, who came to this county in 1836. They are parents of four children, and are members of the Baptist Church, both now living with our subject. Mr. Green- lee and wife have had born to them four children: Mary J., Jerome B., Cas- sius M. and Marshall, some of whom are members of the Baptist Church at Mosiertown. Our subject is owner of 116 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican. RUSH GRISWOLD, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Hanover, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., February 6, 1840; son of William B. and Sally Griswold, the former a native of New York State, and at present living -in Missouri. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, serving in the Twelfth Corps. He was engaged in the battles of Winc|iester, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Bull Run, Antietam, South Mountain, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, then was transferred to the Western Army under Hooker, then belonged to the Twentieth Corps, and was engaged at Wauhatchie, Buzzards' Roost, Riuggold, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and others. He was captured at Peach Tree Creek, in front of Atlanta, where Gen. McPhersnn was killed. He remained a prisoner about five months at Andersonville, Charleston and Florence. When he was discharged, in July, 1864, he held the commission of First Lieutenant. On January 1, 1868, he SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1023 was married to Miss Henrietta E. "Wells, a native of this county, daughter of Henry Wells and sister of Willis B. Wells. This union has been blessed with three children: Clay C, Harry R. and Homer E. Mr. Griswold is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the G. A. R. He owns 150 acres of well-improved farming land. In politics he is a Republican. ALBERT T. HADSELL, farmer and carpenter, P. 0. Hickernell, was born on the farm he now owns in this township, August 6, 1827; son of Harry and Nancy A. Hadsell, the former a native of Bristol, the latter of Wolcott, Conn. They moved to this county in March, 1825, settling in the woods, where they reared a family of four children, all now living in this township. Mrs. Hadsell died I^ebruary 23, 1880. Mr. Hadsell died January 7, 1884 Our subject, the oldest son, was married, February 8, 1852, to Mary A. Taylor, born December 14, 1836, in Warren County, Penn., daughter of Nathan and Nancy E. Taylor, the former a native of the State of New York, the latter of Warren County, Penn. Mrs. Taylor was born May 8, 1810. Nathan Taylor was a soldier in the Mexican war, and died at Vera Cruz. To our subject and wife have been born twelve children, eight now living: William J., Inez (wife of Albert H. Rice), Mark T., Ernest D., Frank S., Bertie, Albert T. and Arthur G. Mr. Hadsell is owner of 100 acres of land. He has for many years made a specialty in matching and breeding working oxen. In politics he is a Republican. DENNIS R. HADSELL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Hickernell, was born in Spring Township, this county, August 30, 1833, son of Harry and Nancy* Hadsell, natives of Connecticut, who left that State and settled in this county about 1825. They had a family of four children. Harry Hadsell was a cooper by trade, but pursued farming most of the time. His wife was a weaver, and worked at that avocation a long time. She died February 22, 1880; he died January 7, 1884, at the age of eighty-seven years. The subject of this sketch was married in April, 1854, to Amanda M. Cook, a native of Erie County, Penn. This union has been blessed with eight children, five still living, viz.: Elvey R.,wifeof Murray Hills', Nancy E., wife of Maxon Ran- dalls; Dora N., wife of Harvey Allen; Ida M. and Jay D. Mr. Hadsell owns 225 acres of improved land, and makes a specialty of raising and breaking-in working cattle, and has obtained many premiums awarded by the county fairs for his fine yoke of oxen. In politics he is a Republican. MRS. BEULAH HALE, P. O. Springboro, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, September 8, 1820, daughter of Abram and Annie Markes, natives of New York State; the former died in Ohio in 1825; the latter in November, 1879. Our subject came to this county with her step-father and step-mother. She was married January 6, 1840, to Gilbert Hale, anative of Warsaw, N.Y., born Novem- ber 17, 1822. He was a farmer, and came to Crawford County in 1838. To this union were born nine children, six now living, viz. : Charles C, served three months toward the close of the late war; Elizabeth M., wife of John Balding; Weltha A., wife of Abram Luis; Eva A., wife of Samuel O. Gulliford; Will- iam G. and Albert A. Loren G., our subject's step-father, enlisted in the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the war of the Rebellion, serving eighteen months. Subsequently in 1864 enlisted in the Second Penn- sylvania Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and returned home. While in the army he contracted a disease, of which he died April 23, 1869. The htisband of our subject died' April 27, 1879. Mrs. Hale is owner nf thirty-two acres of improved land. MRS. LOVISE HALL, P. O. Springboro, was born May 31, 1821, on the farm she now occupies, immediately south of Springboro, daughter of Samuel 1024 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Wetmore, and sister of W. D. Wetmore (see his biography). She was married April 12, 1838, to Lyman Hall, a native of Connecticut and son of Benjamin Hall, a Captain in the war of 1812, who came to this county in 1820 with ox- teams, settling the tract of land where the southeast corner of Springboro now stands. After a few years he returned to Connecticut, his family remaining here. Our subject's husband was for many years Constable. Was a foreman on the canal running through this section, having charge of the locks. He was a member of the F. & A. M., and I. O. O. F. He died August 17, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Hall were parents of five children, two now living: Julia J., wife of O. A. Chapman (have three children: Hattie L., Bessie E. and Lewis W.), andKatsD., wife of J. S. McCurdy (have two children: Willie D. and Jessie B.). Mrs. Hall has eleven acres of land with a fine residence, part of the old homestead. The only son of our subject, Scott W., enlisted in the United States Navy during the war of the Eebellion, and served on the gun- boat " Cohassee,'' on the James River; was taken prisoner and remained in Libby prison for about six weeks, when he was exchanged. He was wounded in the foot during an engagement on the James River. After one year's serv- ice he was discharged for physical disability. He was a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. He was married August 20, 1862, to Ann J. Johnson, and had one child — Lyman J., and died in the fall of 1866. MRS. MILLIE A. HALL, Springboro, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., November 27, 1825, daughter of Gurdin and Eliza A. Bowman, natives of New York State. Our subject, their eldest child, was married November 18, 1850, to Barnibus Hall, a native of Skaneateles, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and son of Barnibus Hall, who came with a brother to this county about 1817, and purchased several hundred acres of land where Springboro now stands. He and his sons cleared up this land. To this union were born six children, all now living, viz.: Henry, Edgar, Orin G., Amelia L. , Lynn L. and Mary. Mr. Hall died in January, 1882. He was a member of the Christian Church. His widow, who is also a member of that society, owns the home farm of over 200 acres of well-improved land adjoining the village of Springboro. WILLIAM A. HAMMON, Postmaster, Conneautville, was born in this bor- ough, March 20, 1836; son of Hiram and Maria (Power) Hammon, the latter a daughter of Alexander Power, and a native of Crawford County. Hiram Ham- mon was born near Ithaca, N. Y., and came to this county in 1830. He was a Captain in a military company, and one of the firm of Hammon & King, contrac- tors on the Erie Extension Canal. He died in 1840 from exposure, leaving two sons: Charles and William A. Our subject acquired his literary educa- tion at Conneautville, and also received a good commercial training. From 1856 to 1858 he was connected with a wholesale house in New York City. He was married in 1861 to Fidelia Wood, a native of this borough and daughter of Dr. Robert B; Wood, the first physician to locate in this county. Her mother, a daughter of Jacob Lefevre, one of the first settlers here, was edu- cated in Philadelphia and was a society belle in her younger days. This union has been blessed with three children, only one now living — Mary, wife of W. G. Power. Mr. Hammon belongs to the Presbyterian Church; his wife to the Baptist denomination. From 1860 to 1876 Mr. Hammon was engaged in mercantile business, retiring in the latter year on account of failing health. HUGH M. HAWKINS, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born ^n Ireland, July 12, 1834; son of Michael Ilawkins, who came to America in 1848, and settled in Ontario County, N. Y. They had a family of four sons and six daughters, some of whom live in the State of New York, some in Pennsylva- nia, and one in Wisconsin. Their names are Timothy, Margaret, Michael, SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1025 Thomas, Mary, Anne, Bridget, Nora, Ellen and Hugh M. After living in Ontario County, N. Y. , for a period of twelve years, the family removed to Wayne County and remained there for three years. Michael Hawkins died in 1862, and his widow followed him in December, 1870. In 1853 the subject of this sketch was married to Mary, daughter of Thomas Shannon, living in this township. Their children are — Michael, William, Thomas, Hugh, Mary E., John, Caroline and Peter. In 1864 Mr. Hawkins enlisted in the Construction Department of the Union Army; was subsequently honorably discharged and returned home. He owns twenty acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the I. O. O. ¥., Q. A. E. and A. O. U. W. His two sons, Thomas and Hugh, are conductors on the Wabash & Western Railroad. HOLDER T. HEAD, farmer, P. O. Hickernell, was bom in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 13, 1823; son of Gamaliel and Betsy Head; the former a ♦ native of Rhode Island, of English extraction. Gamaliel came to this county in February, 1837, with his second wife and four children and settled on a farm of 112 acres, 100 of which our subject now owns and lives on. His first wife, the mother of our subject, died when the latter was but four years old. Gamaliel Head was the parent of twelve children, five of whom are now living. He was a member of and Deacon in the Baptist Church, and was one of the founders of the Baptist Church which stands on the east side of Spring Town- ship; was Justice of the Peace for fifteen years in succession. He died in November, 1868. Our subject, the eldest in the family, was married Septem- ber 28, 1845, to Lydia Turnure, born in Allegany County, N. Y., December 27, 1824. By this union were born five sons: William G., Jasper E., C. Fred, Mark E. and Oscar D. Mr. Head has held several township offices; in politics he is a Republican. WARREN F. HEAD, retired farmer and carpenter, Springboro, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., October 23, 1828, son of Gamaliel and Alvira (Pitts) Head. The father of Gamaliel Head, a native of Rhode Island, was at one time a wealthy man, but lost his property by endorsing. His son, Gamaliel, resided until twenty-one years ' of age in Massachusetts, , where he was bound out to a man by the name of Holder Tucker. He then went on foot to Cayuga County, N. Y., where he married the lady who became the mother of H. T. Head. This wife dying, Mr. Gamaliel Head married Alvira Pitts, who bore him five, children, our subject, the oldest, being the only survivor. The family moved to this county in 1836, settling in Spring Township. Here Mrs. Head died in 1838, aged thirty-one years. Mr. Head followed her in 1868, in his seventy-third year. He was one of the founders of the Spring and Cussewago Baptist Church, located east of Hickernell, in which he was a Deacon for many years. Our subject married in 1851, Lavina Greenlee, a native of this county, born December 14, 1830, daughter of Robert and Anna Greenlee. To this union were born four children: Rosila, wife of Z. Sperry; Alvira A., wife of E. Clawson; Clara, wife of William Hickernell, and Emily. The family are all members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Head owns eighty acres of land, and a nice residence iu Springboro. He has held several township offices; is Justice of the Peace; a Deacon in the church. In politics he is a Republican. BENJAMIN HICKERNELL, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 10, 1827, son of Abram Hickernell. Our subject, the eldest in the family, married, in May, 1851, Harriet Gehr, a native of Summit Township, this county. To this union were born six children, five now living, viz. : Susanna F., wife of S. R. Josling; William L. ; Lucy L., wife of W. W. Benedict; Cora B., wife of A. B. Carr, and Fred G. Mr. 1026 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Hickernell enlisted, December 31, 1861, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Twelfth Corps, Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battle of Charleston, W. Va., soon after which he was taken sick and confined to hospital for several months. Prom this illness he has never quite recovered. He was honorably discharged for physical disability and retuimed home; is now receiving a pension. Mr. Hickernell owns a farm of eighty acres. He is a member of the United Brethren Church; has held positions on the School Board for over three years. In politics he is a Democrat. J. P. HICKERNELL, farmer and merchant, P. O. Hickernell, was born in Spring Township, November 28, 1853, son of John Hickernell, a native of Pennsylvania and half-brother to A. W. Hickernell. Mr. Hickernell and brother, Royal C, own 230 acres of well-improved land on which is located, at Hickernell's Corners, a large saw-mill with a capacity of 10,000 feet per day. In connection with this is a shingle, lath and planing-mill. They saw a large amount of logs of their own, besides accommodating the surrounding farmers. Mr. Hickernell is proprietor of a general store at the "Corners," and is Postmaster at the same place, which ofSce was established in May, 1883, and named after him. On July 12, 1871, he was married to Frances A., daughter of William Slater. This union has been blessed with two children: Ralph J. and Emma G. SAMUEL HIGENELL, farmer, P. O. Springboro, is a native of this township, born May 18, 1835, son of Abram and Susan (Uttley) Higenell, who came to this county about 1830. Their family numbered ten children, seven now living. Abram Higenell, who was of German descent, at one time owned 900 acres of land, which he and his sons converted from a wilderness into a fine farm. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and one of the founders of the Higernell Church, which was named after him. His father was a rope-maker by trade, and during the war of 1812 made halters for the United States Cavalry, etc. He came with his son to this county, and ended his days with him; he died in 1872. Our subject, the third son in the family, was married January 13, 1859, to Lucy A. Gehr, a native of this county, and daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Gehr, also natives of Crawford County. They lived in Summit Township. Mrs. Higenell's grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812. Our subject and wife are parents of five children, four now living: Ella L., wife of William J. Graham; Elmer B. ; Anna M., and Lizzie A. Mr. Higenell is owner of 150 acres of improved land, part of which was the old homestead. In politics he is a Democrat. ABRAM W. HIGERNELL, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Spring Township, this county, April 7, 1841; son of Abram and Sarah Higernell, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in this county at a very early day. They were parents of nine children, six now living. Abram Higernell, Sr., was born March 39, 1800. He was a farmer, and owned and operated a saw-mill, and engaged in lumbering to some extent. He was one of the organizers, and a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, known as the Higernell Church. His wife died April 19, 1871, and he followed her October 13, 1874. On October 26, 1861, the subject of our sketch enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was in the fol- lowing general engagements: Cedar Mountain, at which place he was wounded in the thigh; Chancellorsville, where he was wounded in the left arm; Wauhatchie, Resaca,Dallas, Peach Tree Creek, Sherman's march to the sea, and several minor engagements; was honorably discharged as Sergeant, July 19, 1865, and returned home. While home on furlough, after becoming a veteran, he married Sylvania, SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1027 daughter of Benjamin G-ehr, an early settler of this county. This union has been blessed with six children: Walter B., Gracie A., Alberta L., Clara B. , Carlie A., and Carrie M., who died at the age of five years, Mr. Higernell owns 115 acres of fine land. Ho has been Township Treasurer and Auditor; in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the G. A. R. MARTIN HILL, farmer, P. O. Hickernell, was born in Maysvillej Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., June 17, 1819; son of John and Rowena Hill; former, a native of Vermont, died in this county, April 1863; latter, a native of New York State, died in Erie County in 1842. Our subject; who is the second child, married, September 29, 1844, Harriet N. Patterson, who was born in this township, January 1, 1823, daughter of James and Nancy Patterson, natives of Pennsylvania, and who settled in this county in 1800. They had eleven children, six now living. Mr. Patterson was a prominent man in the town- ship, and one of the members of the old Carmel Baptist Church in Mosier- town. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; he departed this life in 1850; his widow died in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have three children living: Delos G., Lodoiska E., wife of Ira Z. Patterson, and Omar C. Delos G. enlisted in 1861, in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try, Company B, and served till June, 1865. Mrs. Hill has a farm of sixty- five acres of land. Mr. Hill is an active man in polities and religion; has been Supervisor of Spring Township for six years. RUSSELL T. HILLS, farmer and house painter, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Eagle Village, Wyoming Co., N. Y., July 13, 1818; son of Nathan- iel and Clarinda Hills, natives of Connecticut, who were parents of ten children, two now living. They came to this county in 1840. Grandfather Hills was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Nathaniel Hills was a farmer and a minister of the Free Baptist Church for forty years. He died in 1857 at the age of eighty-four. His widow, who was a devoted Christian, died in I860. Our subject, eighth in the family, left New York State in 1854, went to Freeport, 111., where he remained four years, thence to Chicago for four years, and in 1862 to Titusville, this county. He married, in September, 1844, Chloe E. Hills, born in Wilmington, Vt., November 20, 1820, daughter of Elijah and Fanny Hills, former a native of Massachusetts, latter of New York State. To this union were born three children: Ella J., wife of T. M. Moi; Henry R., and Charles T. The daughter and youngest son are now residents of Oakland, Cal. Mr. Hills was engaged in the oil refining business at Titus- ville, Penn., for about eighteen months, and in 1864 engaged in agricultural pursuits and house painting. From 1841 to 1860, he was engaged in grocery and crockery businese, and in 1873 he moved to his present farm of forty-six acres. Our subject and wife are members of the E. A. U. ; she is an adherent of the Presbyterian Church. In his younger days Mr. Hills was a Whig, but is now a Republican; he has held several township ofiices. ASA HOLCOMB, retired farmer, P. O. Rundell's, is a native of Connecti- cut, born July 20, 1804; son of Asa and Lucinda (Miller) Holcomb, also natives of Connecticut, and parents of ten children. They came to this county in 1836. Asa Holcomb, Sr., was a farmer. Our subject, the third in the family, was married February 26, 1833, to Fanny Orcutt, a native of Wendell, Franklin Co., Mass., and daughter of John and Polly Orcutt. To this union were born eleven children, six now living: Almeda C. , wife of J. Wood; Hiram J., married to Isabella Southwick; Almira, wife of William Matthews; Sophronia, wife of Z. B. Farr; Viola, wife of George H. Brown, and Lura, wife of George Gates. Our subject has always followed farming pursuits and has accumulated 150 acres of land by hard work and economy on the part of both himself and wife. In politics he is a strong Republican. 1028 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: LUTHER R. HOTCHKISS, farmer and proprietor saw-mill, P. O. Hick- ernell, was born in Cussewago Township, this county, March 29, 1847; son of Alvin and Lettie Hotohkiss, former a native of Connecticut, latter of this county, daughter of George Hurd, an early settler in this township. Alvin Hotchkiss and wife came here in 1818, and are at present residing in Wash- ington Township, Erie Co., Penn. ; they were parents of eight children, five DOW living. Joel Hotchkiss, Alvin's father, came to this county also in 1818, and was at one time in the State Militia. Our subject, the youngest in the family, enjisted in August, 1882, in the One Hundred and Thirty -seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the First Corps, Army of the Poto- mac. He participated in the battles of Talmouth and Chancellorsville; served nine months and was honorably discharged. In December, 1863, he re- en- listed and served in the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Gens. Aver- ill and Custer in the Shenandoah Valley. He was in the battles of Winches- ter, Fisher's Hill, Piedmont, Staunton, Lynchburg, Liberty and Salem, besides many other engagements. He was wounded at Salem in the right arm. After a service of two years and six months under his second enlistment (mak- ing a total service of three years and three months), he was honorably dis- charged, the war being closed. He had six brothers also engaged in that struggle, two of whom, Martin and Dewit, were wounded, the former taken prisoner. Mr. Hotchkiss was married in August, 1872, to Emily Hotchkiss, a native of this township, born March 11, 1845. By this union wore four chil- dren, two now living: Clarence W., and E. Luanna. Our subject and wife are owners of 100 acres of land which was her father's homestead. He is a F. &. A. M., a member of the G. A. R. ; in politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Hotchkiss is a daughter of Willis and Nancy (Patterson) Hotohkiss, former a native of Connecticut, latter a daughter oE Samuel Patterson, one of the pio- neer settlers and surveyors of Crawford County when it was an almost unbroken wilderness. They were parents of five children, Mrs. Hotchkiss being the youngest and only survivor of her family. Her eldest brother, Marcus, early entered Allegheny College, there pursued with great industry a thorough course of studies and in 1858 graduated with the highest honors of his class. Having completed his collegiate course he entered the office of H. L. Rich- mond, in Meadville, as a student of law. In the prosecution of his legal studies he was still a close and thorough student, and in August, 1860, was- admitted to the bar. The whole country was at that time involved in the great, political struggle which elevated Lincoln to the Presidency. Marcus was a Republican from conviction, and soon became one of the most popular can- vassers of the campaign, but consumption was creeping upon him and com- pelled him to sever from ties and turn his face toward the setting sun. Ha was stricken down at Ft. Kearney, Neb. Ty, and died of hemorrhage of the lunga, June 25, 1861, at the earlv age of twenty-four years. ORSON HOUGH, M. D., was born August 7, 1826, in Cayuga County, N. Y. ; came to Pennsylvania with his parents in 1837, and has since been a resident of this State. He is a graduate of the Cleveland Medical College, and received the appointment of U. S. Examining Surgeon for pensions in 1870; commissioned Surgeon of the Fifteenth Regiment, N. G. P., in 1875; mustered out, August 5, 1884, by expiration of appointment. He has prac- ticed medicine in Conneautville since 1861. MRS. ROSANNA HYNES was born August 30, 1812, at Wellsburg, Erie Co., Penn. , daughter of Walter and Mary Bradish, the former of whom was an early settler of Erie County, and a soldier in the war of 1812. His father served and was wounded in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Walter SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1029 Bradish reared a family of six children, five now living. He died in 1876, his widow following him in 1878. Our subject, the second in this family, married, September 14, 1837, Samuel EusselJ, a native of Lancaster County, Penn. , by whom she had five children, three now living: Mary E., wife of Frank Connell, Maria S., wife of Dr. L. Joslin, and John L., married to Jessie Eice, of "Waterford, Penn., September 20, 1876. The youngest daugh- ter, Caroline, was married to L. E. Amidon, July 3, 1862; she died May 8, 1876. Mr. Eussell was a cabinet-maker by trade, and worked at this occupa- tion most of the time. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. He departed this life January 7, 1871, His widow married, June 29, 1876, Alvin S. Hynes, M. D., a native of New York State, a promi- nent physician having a large practice, also at one time the proprietor of a drug store. He was a member of the Disciple Church. He died June 6, 1883. Mrs. Hynes, who for many years has been identified with some of the best families of Conneautville, owns a residence here and is a consistent mem- ber of the Disciple Church. Her grand-daughter. Miss Gertrude Amidon, an experienced preceptor, is living with her, most of the time engaged in teach- ing school. JOSEPH IKELEE, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Columbia County, Penn., February 15, 1832; son of Andrew and Sarah Ikeler, who moved to Crawford County in 1833, settling in Hayfield Township. They- were parents of seven children, four now living; were among the first mem- bers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Hayfield. Andrew Ikeler was of German extraction. He held several township offices. He died in 1856, his wife in 1855. Our subject, fourth child in the family, was married June 5, 1856, to Mary A. Graham, a native of this county, born December 31, 1836, daughter of Eobert and Catherine Graham, former a native of Ireland, latter of York County, Penn. They settled here in a very early day and were parents of nine children. He died in February, 1845. Mrs. Graham was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; she died in March, 1867. To our subject and wife were born five children, two now living: Grant H., and Lottie A. Mrs. Ikeler taught school several terms in her younger days. She is a grand-daughter of Henry Frey, who came to Crawford County in 1800 and reared a family of sixteen children. Mr. Ikeler owns 100 acres of improved land, and raises and keeps a good class of graded stock. In politics he is a Eepublican. JACOB JOSLIN, retired farmer, P. O. Springboro, was bom in Centre County, Penn., January 10, 1846; son of Ira and Sarah Joslin, former a native of New York State, latter of Pennsylvania. They moved to this county in June, 1849. Their family numbered twelve children, four now liv- ing. Five sous fought in the Union Army during the late war: Eeuben was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg; Joseph was taken prisoner at Coffee Hill, Va., died in Andersonville prison; William was wounded in the arm at Gettysburg, and in the head at Eesaca; Peter was in the One Hundred and Forty -fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was wounded through the body at Spottsylvania and died from the effects in November, 1877. Our subject enlisted August 16, 1862, in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Lifantry, Second Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was in the battles of Antietam. South Mountain, Fredericksburg (where he was wounded in the left ankle), also several minor engagements. He was honorably dis- charged June 29, 1865, and returned home. He now resides with Eodney Langdan, whose wife is our subject's eldest sister. They have one child — Cora J. Mr. Joslin is incapacitated for labor, owing to his wounds. He is a member of the G. A. E. 1030 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: G. W. KENDALL, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Windsor, Vt., July 7, 1832, son of Steven M. and Susan (Osgood) Kendall, natives of Ver- mont, who came to this county in 1846, parents of nine children, four now living. Steven Kendall was a blacksmith, which trade he worked at for about eighteen years in Springboro. He died in 1880, and his widow, who was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1882. Our subject, who is seventh in the family, taught school three terms in his younger days, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He makes a specialty of keeping and breed- ing Alderney cattle. On June 1, 1857, he married Caroline L. Sturtevant, a native of this county, and sister of Asa Sturtevant (see his biography). She died May 17, 1878, and June 22, 1879, Mr. Kendall married Abbie R. Skin • ner, a native of Brookfield, Vt. , born May 25, 1823, and whose parents reside in Chelsea, Vt. She is a member of the Congregational Church at Chelsea, Vt. our subject of the Christian Church. Mrs. Kendall is a graduate of Oberlin College, Ohio. In politics Mr. Kendall is a Republican. MANUEL LANDON, carpenter and joiner, Conneautville, was born at York, Genesee Co., N. Y., March 5, 1823, son of Thomas and Luamy Landon, natives of Luzerne County, Penn., and Connecticut, respectively, who came with four children to Crawford County in 1825. Thomas Landon was a sol- dier of the war of 1812; was a farmer by occupation, and located in what is now Conneautville, and here partly cleared 100 acres of land. He held sev- eral township offices, and died in 1873, his wife having preceded him in 1846. They were parents of seven children, four now living, and were devoted Chris- tians, original members of the Methodist Episcopal Church here. Our subject, the fourth in the family, received a common school education, and taught school two winters. He learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade before he was twenty-two years of age. Mr. Landon married, in 1852, Mary D. Fetterman, born in Summerhill Township, this county, daughter of James Fetterman. Her parents were natives of this county, and she is a descendant of James Fetterman, one of the first settlers of the county; she commenced teaching school when she was but fifteen, and continued doing so until her marriage at the age of twenty-two. By this union were born two children: Mary A., wife of W. E. McDowell, editor of the Independent, and John M. Mr. Lan- don and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been an honest, hard-working man, the greater part of his life following the occu- pation of builder, erecting many structures in this place. He owns three lots here, with a house on each; has served as Burgess, and filled every office in the borough of Conneautville. He is a Republican in politics, with strong temperance proclivities, being a member of every temperance organization started in this village. HUGH LAVERY, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born in County Down, Ireland, March 22, 1816, and was married, April 17, 1842, to Ann McCarris- ter, a native of same county, Ireland. They came to this country in 1843, and settled, September 22, same year, on the farm where they now reside, in the northeastern part of Spring Township. They raised a family of eight chil- dren: Martha E., wife of A. H. Rogers; Sarah A., wife of Thomas Purtill; Mary, wife of James Bennett; Eliza J., wife of James McCummings; Theresa, wife of W. F. Swaney; John H., Christine and Thomas V., who married Miss Katie Hesch. Christine and Thomas V. are living at home. This entire fam- ily are members of the Catholic Church at Crossingville. Our subject owns 100 acres of fine farming land, which he and his wife have made by hard work. Mr. Lavory is largely intereeted in educational matters; is an extensive reader and well informed man; is a Democrat politically. SPEING TOWNSHIP. 1031 ELI LAWRENCE, farmer, P. O. CoDneautville, was born in Addison County, Vt., August 17, 1810, son of Samuel and Dorcas Lawrence, natives of Vermont, and parents of five children, three now living. They came to this county in 1835, the year after our subject came. Samuel Lawrence was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was present at the battle of Plattsburg; by occupation was a farmer. He died August 21, 1856, in his eighty-eighth year. His widow died January 13, 1860. Our subject, third in the family, was married October 28, 1832, "to Elizabeth Barney, born June 22, J 813, in Ontario County, N. Y. , and daughter of Joseph Barney, who came to this county the same year as our subject and wife. To this union were born six children, four now living: Clarissa, wife of W. D. Hall; Dorcas, wife of M. Teasdale; Perry G. and Henry B. Our subject and wife are members of the Universalist Church. He owns, with his son, 103 acres, most of which he cleared and improved himself. In politics he is a Democrat. MRS. LUCINDA LAWRENCE, Springboro, Penn., was born in Beaver Township, Crawford Co. , Penn. , March 9, 1832, and is a daughter of Henry West, Sr., and sister of Henry West, Jr. (see their biographies). Our subject was twice married — first in 1852, to Samuel Best, a native of Northampton County, Penn., whose parents were early settlers in Cussewago Township, Crawford County. To this union were born Ella M. , wife of John M. Beals, of Crossingville, Penn., and Frank E., married to Sallie L. Keep, of Keep- ville, Erie Co., Penn. Mrs. L. was again married in 1869 to John Lawrence, a native of Albany County, N. Y., and a grandson of Oliver Lawrence, a Rev- olutionary soldier, and an early settler in this section. Oliver Lawrence was a great-grandson of John Lawrence, born at St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England, and, with his brother William, immigrated to America, landing at Plymouth, Mass., in 1635. This branch of the Lawrence family tr?,ces directly to Sir Robert Lawrence, who accompanied King Richard (Cceur-de-Lion) to Palestine in 1191. John Lawrence died September 18, 1881, highly respected by all who knew him. He and our subject were members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. He left a farm of fifty-three acres of improved land, besides giv- ing $1,000 to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Springboro, etc. Mrs. Law- rence is now living in Springboro. E. L. LITCHFIELD, manufacturer. Burgess, and express agent, Conneaut- ville, was born in Springfield, Vt., August 21, 1817, son of Luther and Anna (Lincoln) Litchfield, the former of whom, a direct descendant of Lawrence Litchfield, of the " Mayflower," was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served in the Massachusetts militia. His father served all through the Revolution- ary war, drawing no pay and supporting himself. Luther Litchfield was acci- dentally killed in Michigan in the fall of 1852. His wife died in 1850. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom our subject was the third. He came to Conneautville in the fall of 1852. Was married in Mardh, 1855, to Mary R. Tickcom, of Mayville, N. Y., and has one daughter — Annie. Mrs. Litchfield is a member of the Universalist Church. After coming to Con- neautville Mr. Litchfield first clerked in a dry goods store; then formed a partnership in 1857 with O. O. Ticknor, lumber and grist-mill business. They are also proprietors of a feed store, and carry a good stock of groceries, crock- ery, etc. He has been agent for the Union Express Company for twenty-four years, and is one of the Directors of the First National Bank. Was School Director, member of Town Council, and was elected Burgess of Conneautville in 1884 on the straight Republican ticket. Mr. Litchfield has been identified with the best business enterprises of the city ever since locating here, and is respected for his integrity and business ability. He is a Knight Templar. 1032 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: J. LOPEE, P.O. Conneautville, was born in Wayne County, N. Y. , August 27, 1817, son of Gabril and Arisina Loper, natives of Long Island, and who came to this county in 1832 with their family, settling in Oonneaut Township. They were parents of thirteen children, five now living: were members of the Presbyterian Church. Gabril Loper was a drummer boy in the war of 1812; by occupation a farmer. After remaining in Crawford County for about four years, he became dissatisfied, and his wife having poor health, he returned with his family to New York State, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1861. His widow died in 1864. Our subject, the seventh in the family, for the second time came to this county in 1836, settling on the old home- stead in Conneaut Township, and same year married Jane Foster, a native of this township and daughter of Thomas Foster. By this union were born seven children, four now living: William, George, Arisina, wife of A. London, and Lucinda, wife of Joel Eathbun. Mrs. Loper died in August, 1876, and our subject then married Mrs. Fannie Pierce, widow of Stilman Pierce. She had a family of three children: Agnes, wife of Lewis Mairyfield; Lillie, wife of Frank Beace, and William. Mr. Loper owns ninety acres of improved land located next to Conneautville Station. MES. ELIZA B. LOWEY, Springboro, was born in this township, August 10, 1832, daughter of Thomas and Lyta (Wells) Bowman, former a farmer and a native of Connecticut, latter a native of Beau Manor Park, Leicester- shire Co., England, where she can trace her lineage back to 1629. They were parents of four children. Mrs. Bowman's mother was a Herrick, originally Eric, and the lineage of this family is claimed to trace back to the Erics, a race of Danish kings, some of whom invaded England in the ninth and eleventh centuries. Her direct ancestors on American soil came in 1629. Thomas Bowman and Eev. Alden were' the first Sabbath-school Superintend- ents in this county. His father was one of Gen. Washington's life guards in the Eevolutionary war. Mrs. Lowry was married to Alexander Lowry, Janu- ary 7, 1851. He was a brother of Hon. M. B. Lowry, formerly of Erie. This union resulted in two children : Emma, wife of T. B. Parks and Frank T. Mr. Lowry served in the Union Army, enlisting in Company C, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, February 10, 1862. At the battle of Bull Eun he was struck in the side by a piece of a shell, mortally wounding him. Mrs. Lowry owns a residence and store combined in Springboro, where she carries a stock of fine millinery and fancy goods. MES. ALICE C. McCABE, P. O. Springboro, was born July 16, 1822, in County Clare, Ireland, and came to America with her parents in 1840, settling in this county same year. Her mother died about 1822, her father in 1854. Our subject married, in 1845, Daniel McCabe, a native of County Monaghan, Ire- land. To this union were born eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz.: Martin; Margaret, wife of John Crowe; Michael; Kate; Sarah E.; Daniel and John L. Mr. and Mrs. MeCabe first bought a farm in Beaver Township, this county, the greater part of which he cleared, and in March, 1866, sold it and moved to Spring Township, where he bought the highly improved farm of 106 acres on which our subject and family now reside. He died November 11, 1872. Mrs. McCabe and family are all members of the Eoman Catholic Church. WILLIAM E. McCOY, retired farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born August 31, 1803, on the spot where the Fair Grounds is now located, in Con- neautville, Penn. ; son of Eobert and Mary McCoy, natives of Perry County, Penn., who came to this county, settling first in Meadville, in about 1790. Eobert McCoy's father was a native of Ireland, and died while a soldier during SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1033 the old English and French wars. Eobert McCoy was a farmer and first set- tled on 400 acres of land; he died in 1805. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were parents of four children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. Mrs. McCoy, on the death of her husband, married Henry Cook, by whom were born five children, of whom George R. Cook is one (see his biography). William McCoy is probably the oldest living white child born in Spring Township. He has always worked hard and has all his life been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in October, 1825, to Amy Sturtevant, sister of Blon Sturtevant (see his biography). To this union were born eight children, five now living: Eobert, Asa S., James B., Eleanor and Julia C. Mt. McCoy has held several township ofiioes; in politics he is a Eepublican. He has strong temperance proclivities, and although he has used tobacco incessantly for the past sixty years, he enjoys good health. A. S. McCOY, retired farmer and dealer in nursery stock, Springboro, was born August 14, 1828, in this township, second son of William E. and Amy B. McCoy; former born in Spring Township, this county, August 81, 1808, now living in Springboro; latter a native of Vermont, born April 11, 1805, but reared in New York State. She is a sister of Elon Sturtevant (see his biography). Our subject was educated in the common schools until he came of age, when he attended the higher schools. He taught successfully for nine years. He married, May 20, 1851, Cynthia J. Gates, born in Dansville, N. Y., December 29, 1880, daughter of James and Cynthia Gates, who moved to this county in 1838. To this union were born five children, three of whom are now living: Lois D. (wife of Albert H. Wells), James G. and Olive B. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church. On the breaking out of the war of the Eebellion, ,Mr. McCoy was the first man to enroll in Beaver Township in 1861, and in 1862 was drafted, but on account of physical disa- bility was not accepted. He was a minute man all through the war, and went to the front when Gen. Lee made his raid into Pennsylvania. Being of a literary turn of mind, he has spent much time in writing for various publica- tions. He is a very strong advocate of temperance. In 1861 he commenced traveling as salesman of nursery stock, but was interrupted by teaching and the war to isome extent. SAMUEL S. MoDOWELL, retired farmer, Conneautville, was born in Summerhill Township, this county, March 14, 1826, son of Alexander and Julia A. McDowell, the former a native of Bald Eagle, and the latter of Ven- ango County, Penn. They came to Crawford County in 1796, settling at Summerhill, Grandfather McDowell taking up 800 acres of land, of which Alexander McDowell had 200 acres; and while making the journey from the eastern part of the State on horseback they came to a log-cabin, on a point of land near the head of Watson Run, in which they found a white woman who had been scalped, and a child with its brains dashed out, probably the work of Indians, who were numerous here at that time. Alexander McDowell's father was a native of Scotland. Alexander was a Lieutenant in the war of 1812, serving under Gen. Harrison and later under Com. Perry, at Erie. He and his wife are consistent members of and among the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Summerhill. They had twelve children, eight now living. He died May 18, 1872, aged over eighty-six years. His widow, Julia Ann McDowell, died June 2, 1884, aged nearly eighty-three years, at the residence of our subject. Samuel S., when twenty-two years of age purchased a canal - boat, and for about four years was engaged in boating on the Erie Canal; he then built boats one season, making one which he sailed two years on Lake 1034 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Erie and then sold to M. B. Lowry of Erie. He afterward returned home, settled down, and November 17, 1853, married Frances C. Winger, of this county. By this union were five children: William E., editor, Conneautville; Nina F. (wife of 0. D. Rushmore), Ernest L., jeweler, Arkansas City, Kan.; Frank F., druggist, located here; Clyde S., died at the age of nine years. For three years after marriage Mr. McDowell engaged in agricultural pursuits, then was foreman on canal, Conneautville to junction of canal, till 1859, when his health failed, and he went on a fishing expedition to Cape Ann and Gulf of St. Lawrence. He returned the following fall and followed farming and lumber- ing till 1866, when he moved to Conneautville, where he has remained since. He has filled many of the township offices, serving at one time as Justice of the Peace, Summerhill; three years as Jury Commissioner of the county; two terms as President of the Crawford County Agricultural Society, and is now a member of the State police, and has captured more horse-thieves and burglars than any man in Crawford County, and has received many warnings to be on his guard, or they would put a stop to him as detective. He owns 160 acres of improved land, part of which was his father's old homestead. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he joined in 1837. In politics he is a stanch Republican, with strong temperance proclivities. GEORGE McMULLEN, retired lumber merchant, Conneautville, was born in 1816, in County Down, Ireland; was married in 1835 to Annie J. Karr, also a native of Ireland. By this union were eight children: John, Andrew R., William, Hugh, Annie J. and George, now living; Mary I. E., died March 18, 1868, at the age of sixteen; Robert J., died January 3, 1862, aged four years and nine months. In 1848 our subject, wife and five children immi- grated to America, locating the same year at Meadville, Penn., but after working there a short time at his trade (carriage-making) moved to Summer- hill Township, this county, and engaged in manufacturing oars, some of which were exported to France. In 1853 he bought a farm and ran a saw-mill, and did an extensive lumber trade, besides carrying on farming and manufacturing oars. He purchased another farm of fifty acres the same year. In 1872 he and his son William established a lumber business, at Wood Lake Station, thirty miles north of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. McMullen sold his interest in this business in 1882 to his son Andrew K., and they do a large and suc- cessful trade. Hugh carries on his father's farms in this county. Mr. McMullen ceased manufacturing oars in 1881, when he met with the heavy loss of $5,000, his house and contents being destroyed by fire. He then moved to Conneautville, having purchased a nice residence, and is now leading a more retired life He is a self-made man, and has accumulated a good store of this world's goods, though, in addition to the sums already mentioned, he lost 16,000 prospecting for oil, $2,000 by the burning of his mill, and $4,500 by endorsing for others. He has long been known as one of the most ener- getic and honest business men of this section. He is an uncle of the Hon. William S. McMullen, of Oil City. Both he and his wife are consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. GEORGE M. MEYLER, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born January 23, 1818, on the farm he now lives on, in Conneautville, this county, son of Morris and Mary Meyler, natives of Wales, who came to America in 1800, settling on the farm now owned by subject, in 1816. They reared a family of nine children, two now living: Mrs. Sarah Wait and George M. Morris Meyler, a teamster in the war of 1812, was a prominent farmer, cleared up much land, and had several contracts for turnpiking. His wife, who was among the early members of the Presbyterian Church, died June 29, 1835. SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1035 He departed this life in May, 1853. Our subject, the eighth born to this pioneer couple, received a common school education; married, February 12, 1846, Amanda M. McLaughlin, born in Martinsburg, N. Y., January 5, 1826. Six children were born to this union, only one now living — Mary I., wife of Dr. J. G. Leffingwell (have two sons: L. George and Harry A.). Mrs. Meyler is a member of the Episcopal Church. They both belong to the E. A. U. Mr. Meyler and son-in-law own his father's old homestead, comprising 153 acres. He has held several of the township offices. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. ALONZO W. MORLEY, farmer, P. O. Albion, Erie County, was born in Van Buren, N. Y., June 7, 1819, son of Chester and Mercy B. Morley, who came to this county in 1833. They had a family of ten children, eight now living. Chester Morley, who had been a soldier in tlie war of 1812, died May 4, 1882. His widow died November 19, same year. The subject of our sketch has been twice married, first to Polly Hopkins, a native of Van Buren, N. Y. This union was blessed with ten children, only three now living: Joseph E., Myra L., wife of Eli Sheldon, and Sophia B., wife of A. D. Lore. Mrs. Morley died March 19, 1859, and in January, 1861, Mr. Morley was married to Try- phena E. Hopkins, a sister of his first wife. He owns 257 acres of improved land, and is a hard-working farmer. Politically he is a Republican. His son Joseph was a soldier in the late war, served fifteen months and was honorably discharged. D. B. MOSES, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born on the farm he now occupies in this township, December 7, 1841, son of Elnathan and Clarissa Moses, natives of New York State, who came to Crawford County, Penn., with four children in 1835, settling on and clearing fifty acres of land. They were parents of ten children, eight now living. Elnathan Moses died January 9, 1854. Our subject, who is the eighth in the family, was married in August, 1866, to Orissa H. Hewitt, a native of this county, and daughter of Orrin and Hannah Hewitt, early settlers of this county, former of whom was a soldier in the late war, and was killed on the 19th of September, 1864; his widow is now living on the old homestead. To this union were born four children, three now living: Orrie M., Jesse F. and Edna M. Mr. Moses owns 100 acres of well-improved land. In politics he is a Democrat. F. MOULTHROP, proprietor of Conneautville Iron Works, was born October 12, 1819, in what is now Lake County, Ohio, son of Timothy and Polly Moulthrop, natives of Burlington, Vermont. The former, a clothier by trade, carried on that business in Ohio until his death, which occurred about 1824. His widow, who was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, survived him till 1874. They were parents of five children, three now living. Our subject, the fourth in this family, learned the trade of a molder when quite young; migrated to Conneautville in 1840, the same year marrying Amy A. Bliss, born in Cayuga County, N. Y., and a second cousin of Dr. Bliss, of Washington, D. C. By this union were born seven children: Harrison B., George F., Clara A., wife of R. M. Lints, Henry C, Mary E., Alma C. and Flora E. Mr. Moulthrop, wife and daughter, Clara A., are members of the Universalist Church. After coming here Mr. Moulthrop formed a partner- ship with S. W. Knox, and carried on a foundry thirteen years; in 1855 he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving five years ; in 1863 he and C. A. Ham- mon purchased the foundry and machine shops now owned by himself and sons (Harrison B. and George F. , senior members of the firm, buying an inter- est in 1867). The firm style is Moulthrop & Sons. They do a large business, manufacturing engines and making a specialty of circular-saw-mills, and do 1036 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: all kinds of repairing, giving employment to from eight to twelve men. Our subject is a self-made man; starting for himself at sixteen, by honesty and industry he has accumiilated a fair amount of this world's goods, and estab- lished a substantia] business. He has filled several township offices, and has served as Burgess of Conneautville; is a member of the E. T. of T. He and his sons have strong temperance principles, and support the Eepublican party. HON. ISAAC NELSON, farmer and member of the State Legislature, P. O. Hickernell, is a native of Spring Township, this county, born September 30, 1831; son of George and Mary Nelson, natives of this county. George Nelson was a son of Robert Nelson, who was among the first settlers of the coanty, and whose wife -was a daughter of Isaac Kelley, one of the early pio- neers of Rockdale, this county. The father of our subject was a prominent farmer and blacksmith, which trade he carried on at his farm; he was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died December 23, 1866, his widow following him January 10, 1868. Our subject, the second son in the family, received a common school training, and was married April 13, 1856, to Lydia Bates, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., born March 30,1831. To this union were born seven children: Mary E., wife of C. Burdette Hol- comb; R. Seymour; Martha D.,wife of Elwin D. He wit; John H., Annette D., Jessie and George. Mr. Nelson is the owner of 230 acres of land, part of which was the old homestead. He served eleven years as one of the Board of Supervisors, and four successive terms as Assessor. He was elected a member of the State Legislature in the fall of 1882, and served on the Committees of Agriculture, Statistics, Pensions and Reform, and he gave $300 salary to the Supervisors of the townshfp, to be used for any improvements that they thought best. In politics he is a Democrat. He enlisted for three months in the State Militia, in Capt. S. W. Roberts' company, at the time Gen. Lee made his raid into Pennsylvania, and with others volunteered to leave the State and go to New Creek, W. Va. GEORGE W. NEWTON, farmer and dealer in phosphates, Springboro, was born September 7, 1830, at Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. , and is a son of George and Martha Newton, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of the State of New York. They were citizens of Erie County, Penn., for many years. They had a family of four children, two of whom are now living. George Newton, Sr., was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1850. His widow is still living. The subject of our sketch came to this county in 1854, settling on the farm he now lives on. In November, 1852, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Greenlee, a native of this township and daughter of Robert Greenlee, an early settler of this county. This union has resulted in five children: Eva A., wife of Charles P. Rose; Martha E., James H. ; Mary E., wife of George M. Stoddard; and Robert G., who died at the age of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Newton and their first and second daughters are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. P. and R. T. of T. His wife is a member of the E. A. U. He has held some of the township offices; is a Republican in politics. He dealt very extensively in L. L. Crocker's Buffalo Phosphates for stimulating the soil. He handles agri- cultural implements, making a specialty of mowers and reapers. Mr. Newton is owner of 115 acres of land, and is a breeder of short horn cattle and stand- ard-bred horses. FORREST R. NICHOLS, son of Stephen A. and Thankful T. Nichols, was born in Cambridgeboro, Crawford Co., Penn., March 28, 1845. When ten years of age his parents moved to Conneautville, Penn. , where he received a good common school education. In 1861, his father being commissioned Post- SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1037 master of Conneautville, he went into the office as clerk, which position he filled efficiently until the expiration of his father's commission. Afterward he received and accepted a situation as clerk in the Meadville, Penn. , postoffice, under Clinton Galium, where he stayed until 1867; returned to Cambridgeboro and entered into co-partnership with J. L. Kelly and N. L. Snow in general merchandise trade. In 1873 he returned to Conneautville to accept a situation as book-keeper and teller of First National Bank, and at the death of the Pres- ident of the bank, John Wormald, he was appointed Cashier, which position he now fills. In 1882 he was elected as one of the Delegates to the Republican State Convention at Harrisburg, Penn. , for the purpose of nominating a Gov- ernor. In the spring of 1884 he was nominated, and elected November 4 of the same year, as one of the Republican Assemblymen for General Assembly, State of Pennsylvania, his vote being 7, 348, showing a plurality for Forrest It. Nichols (Republican) over J. J. McOruin (Democrat) of 1,293. SENECA NICOLLS, farmer, blacksmith and dealer in pressed hay, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Locke, Cayuga Co., N. Y., November 18,1817; son of Simon and Polly (Gleason) NicoUs, natives of New York State and parents of five children; the former, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, | died in 1844; the latter, who was a Presbyterian, died in 1823. Simon Nicolls was a soldier in the war of 1812; his father in the Revolutionary war. Our subject's eldest brother, Sylvester, was a soldier in the Mexican war and for a further five years after the termination of that war served in the United States Army. The subject of this sketch, who is second in the family, served seven years and two months apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade. He came to this county in 1838. He was married in the following year in Ithaca, N. Y., to Anna J. North, a native of Susquehanna County, Penn., and daughter of Chauncy North, formerly of Conneaut Township, thip county. To this union were born ten children, two only surviving: Simon C. and Adis E. Mrs. Nicolls died January 17, 1884. Our subject settled first in Conneautville, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages; for some time he had also a livery business. He moved to his present farm, consisting now of 400 acres, in 1856. Besides farming, he carries on a wagon and blacksmith shop located on the farm. Mr. Nicolls has also made a specialty, for the past fifteen years, of growing, press-packing and shipping hay. He has held sev eral township offices; is a member of the E. A. IJ. ; in politics is a Republican. WILLIAM C. OAKES, proprietor the " Power House," Conneautville, was born October 12, 1841, in Randolph Township, this county ; son of Levijand Sarah (McFadden) Oakes; the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of this county. They were parents of five children. The father of Mrs. Sarah Oakes was an early settler of this county and a soldier in the war of 1812. Levi Oakes was a carpenter by trade, but chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to this county with his father, John Oakes, about 1821, settling in Randolph Township, where he took up 100 acres of woodland which he cleared and improved. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died May 20, 1863. His widow resides with her son Hiram. Our subject, the second child of that old pioneer couple, received a common school education and remained on the farm until July, 1862, when he married Miss Ruth Depew, a native of Summarhill Township, this county, and daugh- ter of Nicholas Depew, who came to Crawford County with his father when a boy. Six children were the result of this union, three now living; Addie M., Dora R. and Hattie A. Mrs. Oakes is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After marriage Mr. Oakes moved to the oil country, remaining there eight years. In 1876 he came to Conneautville and engaged in the livery 1038 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: business until December 1, 1883, when he became proprietor of the "Power House," of which he has proved himself a very popular landlord. He has been Constable four years; is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of H. In politics he is a Republican. ANSON PARSONS, physician and surgeon, Springboro, was born Juoe 19, 1830, in Sunderland, Bennington Co., Vt. ; son of Truman Parsons, a native of the same place and who died there aged eighty-four years. His fnther was also a native of Sunderland, Vt. , and departed this life there. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary w.ir. The father of our subject raised a family of ten children, all now living, Anson being the fifth child. Our subject studied medicine and graduated at the old Medical University of Bal- timore on the same day that Lincoln was inaugurated the second time. He was connected with the Union Army for four years, acting as Hospital Steward and serving most of the time in the United States National Hospital, Camden Street, Baltimore. On December 5, 1851, he was united in marriage with Delora M. Brainard, sister of Hon. S. M. Brainard, M. C. , of Erie Cotmty, Penn., and daughter of a soldier of the war of 1812. This union has resulted in five children: Emma J., wife of Rev. Alvin Madole; Herbert H. ; Frances P., wife of William Jamison ;' Willard T., and Ada, wife of Mark Fortune. Mrs. Parsons departed this life August 18, 1863, and Dr. Parsons was again married September 6, 1865, on this occasion to Katherine L., daughter of Hon. William Darlington, M. D. and LL. D., West Chester, Penn., and grand- daughter of Gen. Lacey, of Revolutionary war fame. Dr. Parsons is a F. & A. M., a member of the E. A. U., A. O U. W., G. A. R. and the American Institute of Homoeopathy, and State of Pennsylvania Homoeopathic Medical Society. He has a fine farm of 100 acres in Erie County, Penn. He has prac- ticed his profession since the war in Erie and Crawford Counties, and for the past twelve years at Springboro. REV. RICHARD PEARSE, pastor Baptist Church, Springboro, was born in Cornwall, England, February 14, 1848. He was educated in Bodmin, Cornwall, and began preaching at the age of nineteen. After four years hard work and study, he was compelled to relinquish his charge on account of ill health. Having, previous to entering the ministry, learned house-building and car- pentering, he now commenced in that line for a living. In April, 1872, he married Anna M. Hawke, a native of England and who came to this country the same year. To Mr. and Mrs. Pearse have been born five children: Charles J., Ethel, Leo G., Arthur J. and Burnard R. In 1875 our subject again renewed the ministry, preaching in the Baptist Church at Mosiertown, this county, where he remained until April 1, 1879; then removed to Springboro, where he has since been pastor of the Baptist Church. During his ministry in Spring- boro the church has flourished well. There is a membership of ninety-eight and the Sunday-school numbers seventy-five scholars. Rev. Mr. Pearse is a member of the R. T. of T., and is an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. JAMES POWER, retired farmer, Conneautville, was born in this borough, June 13, 1812; son of Alexander and Mary Power, natives of Perry County, Penn., the former of whom was educated in Philadelphia when it was only a small town. In 1790 Alexander Power came to Crawford County, sent by the Commonwealth as Surveyor, and having sixteen engineers under him. He did much surveying for the Holland Land Company, taking land in payment for his services. He owned at one time over 800 acres, on part of which now stands Conneautville, originally named in his honor and known for thirty years as Powerstown. He laid out the first village lots, and about 1797 brought his wife and two children here. He built two grist-mills and a saw- SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1039 mill; served as Justice of the Peace for many years and was appointed the first Postmaster, holding his commission for many years. At that time a mar- riage license was required in Ohio and many came to him from that State; at one ar^d the same time he married several couples. He and his wife were mem- bers of the Presbyterian organization and he was the principal mover in estab- lishing a church at this place. They reared a family of five children, James and two sisters now living. Mrs. Power died in 1814, and he survived her till May 13, 1850. Our subject received a common school education and learned the miller's trade at which he has worked about thirty years. He was married in 1837 to Julia A., daughter of Jonathan Hubbard, a very early settler of this section. By this union were seven children: Edward H., James A., Wil- lie C, died in Salem, Mo., September 1, 1875; Charles M. ; Margaret F., wife of S. H. Sherlock; Maria M., wife of 0. C. McNamara, and Sarah B., wife of S. W. Marshall. Mrs. Power, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, died in 1864. She was a lovely, amiable Christian mother, devoted to her home and family, and she died lamented and mourned by all who knew her; the poor lost their best friend, and her memory is cherished fondly and dearly by each child — indeed, she is held in sacred and loving remembrance by all. Mr. Power has always been a temperate man, and has never used tobacco. He has followed agricultural pursuits most of his life, clearing large tracts of land; now owns about thirty aeres and is leading a retired life. He was formerly a Whig in politics, but has supported the Republican party since its organization. WILLIAM E. POWER, farmer and dealer in stock, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Bloomfield, Penn., February 20, 1832; son of Charles B. and Permelia (Ellis) Power, the former a native of Bloomfield, Penn., the latter of Massachusetts. The father of Charles B. Power, William, brother of Alex- ander Power, at one time a State Surveyor, and who surveyed a considerable portion of this section, had a family of six, of whom the father of our subject was the third son. He was one of the first graduates of Allegheny College, after which he read law with Mr. Alden and was admitted to the bar when twenty-seven years of age. He practiced his profession in Meadville, Penn., for about twenty years and finally settled on the farm on which our subject now lives, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits for the balance of his i life. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. They were parents of three children. He died in 1869, his widow in May, 1881. Our subject, who is the eldest in the family, received an academic education and taught school seven terms in all. He married, in 1858, Prances Billings, a native of this county and daughter of D. S. Billings, of East Springfield, this county. To this union have been born nine children, seven now living: Sarah F., wife of Paul Morril; Jessie M., Frank W., Charles B., Effie L., Horace H. and Robert E. Mrs. Power is a member of the Episcopal Church. Our sub- ject was a clerk in the Postoffice Department at Washington for about three years before he was married. He has been identified with the grist and saw- mill business for several years at Conneautville, and deals extensively in stock in connection with his farm. A. L. POWER, insurance agent and retired merchant, Conneautville, was born October 13, 1838, in this borough; son of William and Sarah (Lefevre) Power, the latter a native of Pennsylvania, born February 13, 1804. William Power was born in what is now Summit Township, this county, February 22, 1804, son of Alexander Power, who was born in Perry County, Penn., in 1761, a surveyor (educated in Philadelphia), and one of the pioneer settlers, coming to this section with a party of engineers in 1794; married, in 1798, Mary Mc- 1040 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Namara, whom he brought here on horse back, on their wedding tour. He was the founder of Conneautville (which for many years bore hie name); built the first grist-mill and saw-mill, and established the first Presbyterian Charch here. The village was named for him — Powerstown. He had five children: William and James (deceased), Margaret, Eliza (deceased), and Maria. Alex- ander's father was William Power, a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1754, and settled on what is now known as the Power farm, in Perry Coun- ty, Penn. , where he died in 1803. He was a son of Samuel Power, a native of Scotland, who moved, with twenty Presbyterian families, to Ireland in an early day. William Power, the father of our subject, kept hotel at Conneaut- ville after his marriage till 1834, when he embarked in mercantile business, which he successfully conducted till the spring of 1860; also had a warehouse on the canal and did a general forwarding and commission business; was Post- master of this borough for twenty years, receiving his commission when only twenty years of age. He and his wife were prominent members of the Pres- byterian Church; were parents of three children: Fidelia M., William W., and A. L. He died in 1879, his wife having preceded him in 1847. The sub- ject of this sketch was married in 1862, to Atelia Hammon, who bore him one son — Harry; both mother and son died in 1867. In 1868 Mr. Power again married, on this occasion, Louise Spangler, by whom he has a son — Frank A. This wife died March 9, 1883. Mr. Power from 1860 to 1883 was engaged in mercantile business with his brother, William. LAFAYETTE PRUSIA, farmer and tax collector, P. O. Springboro, was born January 20, 1842, in this township, and is the eldest son of David and Sibyl Prusia, and brother of Hiram and George W. Prusia, whose sketches follow this. Our subject enlisted in November, 1861, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of Virginia. He was in several skirmishes, and was taken ill of typhoid fever at Cedar Creek and sent to a hospital. In January, 1863, he was honorably discharged and returned home. Being afterward drafted, he paid $800 for a substitute, and in August, 1864, enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the engi- neer's department, on the gun-boat "R.- R. Cuyler," in the South Atlantic Squadron. He was present at the bombardment of Fort Fisher. After that engagement his vessel visited Penaacola Harbor, thence New Orleans, Galves- ton, and finally Brooklyn Navy Yard, where our subject was discharged, July 1, 1865. On October 7, 1866, Mr. Prusia was married to Emma R. Dedrick, a native of New York State, and daughter of Jerry Dedrick, of Erie County, Penn. To this union were born six children, viz. : Nellie A., Isabel, Fred- erick A., Agnes, Glenn A. and Ruby. Our subject has held several township offices: is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the G. A. R. ; is Tbwnship Tax Collector. He is owner of ninety acres of land, half of which is cleared and improved. In politics he is a Republican. HIRAM PRUSIA, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in this township October 6, 1848, and is a son of David and Sibyl Prusia, who were parents of eight children, seven now living. David Prusia has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. He has always been a farmer except for about six years, during which time he was engaged in mercan- tile business. He is at present residing with his children in this county. The subject of this sketch enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, December, 1862, and served in Army of Virginia, Sixth Corps. At the battle of Cedar Mountain he was wounded just below the left knee and taken prisoner by the Fifth Louisiana " Tigers," and undoubtedly would have been killed, but for the Captain, who prevented his men from SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1041 harming him. This Captain gave him a drink of whisky and gunpowder. He suffered much through loss of blood, and his wounds were not dressed until his return to the Union lines, seven days after he reoeived his wound. He was sent to Culpeper, and from there to Alexandria, where he remained until honorably discharged on account of his wounds, when he returned to his home. On November 8, 1866, he was married to Maria Morley, sister of A. W. Morley. They had seven children, four now living. Mr. Prusia owns fifty -three acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the G. A. E. ; a member of the Baptist Church; in politics a Eepubliean. GEORGE W. PRUSIA, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Springboro, was born in this township April 3, 1848, and is a son of David and Sibyl Prusia, the former a native of New -York State, the latter of Vermont. They were parents of eight children. David Prusia, who was a farmer, came to this county about 1834. He has held several township offices, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife died in 1858. Our subject, who is the sixth in the family, was married November 11, 1869, to Emma V., daugh- ter of John Rushmore, and a native of Conneaut Township, this county. To this union were born Edith S. and Byron J. Mr. Prusia enlisted, in 1864, in the Fifty-second New York Volunteers, serving in the Third Brigade, First Division of the Second Corps, under Gen. Hancock, Army of the Potomac; was in the engagement at Weldon Railroad; participated in the siege of Peters- burg, and was honorably discharged June 20, 1865. He is owner of 210 acres of land, of which serenty are unimproved. He has held some township offices. In politics he is a Republican. J. R. RICE, farmer, P. O. Rundell's, was born in this county, April 6, 1843, son of Horman and Susanna (Bradish) Rice, former a native of Massa- chusetts, latter of Erie County, Penn. They were parents of six children, five now living; were members of the United Brethren Church. Horman Rice came to this county with his father in a very early day; latter was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject, the oldest in the family, was married, July 5, 1866, to Eliza, daughter of Adam and Catherine Hammaker, and a native of Mercer County, Penn. Her maternal grandfather, Foke, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and her great-grandfather, Hammaker, came to America with William Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Rice are parents of three children: Charles B., Emma L. and Horton J. Mrs. Rice is a member of the United Brethren Church at Hickernell. Our subject is owner of a farm of ninety-five acres, with a neat residence thereon, built in 1881; in politics he is a Republican. NELSON W. ROSS, farmer, P. O. Rundell's, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on near the southeast corner of this township, August 17, 1824, son of Justice and Amelia (Morris) Ross, former a native of Rhode Island, latter of Greene County, N. Y., and a daughter of John Morris, who came to Crawford County about 1814. Justice Ross came to this township in 1822, settling on the farm our subject bought of William C. Ross. He died July 26, 1876, his widow following him March 18, 1879. Our subject, the oldest child and only son in a family of five, was married, in 1852, to Eliza- beth Rice, a native of this county, and a daughter of Hormon and Mary (Barnes) Rice, early settlers in the county, coming in 1814. To this union were born six children, four now living: Laura J., wife of L. C. Graves; Lil- lie A., wife of Reuben Kendal; Steven V. and William H. Mr. Ross, in addi- tion to farming, pays considerable attention to the making of ax-handles, for which he has held a high reputation ever since he was a boy. He owns a farm of fifty acres, with an excellent residence thereon, built in 1883. He has held several township offices; in politics is a Republican. Our subject's grand- 1042 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: father, Boss, moved from Rhode Island to Peniield, N. Y., and was the third settler of that place. He had been a privateersman in the Revolutionary war. MORGAN L. ROGERS, farmer and manufacturer, P. O. Rundell'a, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y. , November 18, 1819, son of Piatt and Harriet Rogers, also natives of New York State, who came to this county in 1821. They were parents of four children, three now living. Piatt Rogers was a millwright and carpenter, following his trade mainly in this county. He erected two grist-mills in Conneautville, and many others. He died in Sep- tember, 1877; his widow, who is in her eighty- seventh year, is now residing with her son Gilbert. Our subject, the eldest in the family, married, February 7, 1843, Caroline Seelye, born November 3, 1823, in Warren County, N. Y., and daughter of William and Irene Seelye, former a native of New York State, latter of Connecticut. They came to this county in 1837; were parents of seven children, five now living. Mr. Seelye, a blacksmith by trade as well as a farmer, was twice married. His first wife died March 15, 1872, and July 13, 1878, he married Mrs. Sophia Norris, widow of Henry Norris. He is a member of the Universalist, his wife of the United Brethren Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born four children: Elmira E., wife of Josiah Morris; Phebe A., Edwin G. and William M. Our subject, with his wife and sons, owns 190 acres of land. He and his sons are also proprietors of a mill, situated on their farm, where they manufacture broom handles, shingles, lumber, etc. ; have also a run of buhr-stones for grinding corn. In politics Mr. Rogers is a Republican. REV. JOHN I. RUDDY, Rector of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Conneautville, Penn., was born November 24, 1853, in Hawley, Wayne Co., Penn. His parents, who are natives of Ireland, moved from Hawley to Scran- ton, Penn., in the year 1866, and from this time until the year 1870 the sub- ject of this biographical sketch attended the Scranton High School. In Sep- tember, 1870, young Ruddy entered St. Bonaventure's College, Allegany, Cattaraugus Co. , N. Y. , where he pursued and finished his collegiate course. He then went to the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal, Canada, and there for three years devoted himself to the studies of mental philosophy and theology. On January 21, 1877, he was elevated to the priesthood by Rt. Rev. Bishop Mullen, of Erie, Penn., and, with the exception of one year spent in Emlenton, Penn., Father Ruddy has ever since ministered to the spiritual wants of the Catholics of Conneautville and vicinity. Of a strong and vigorous constitu- tion, he is the very picture of good health, and promises to labor many years in " God's vineyard." In Conneautville, as well as wherever known, he enjoys to a great degree the regard and esteem of all classes of people, irre- spective of religious creed. AUSTIN RUNDEIj, P. O. Rundel's, Is a native of New York State, born February 5, 1800, son of David and Sabrah Rundel, former a native of New York State, latter of Connecticut. They came to this county in 1818, bringing a family of six children. David Rundel was a farmer of considerable promi- nence; he took up 200 acres of land which he and his sons cleared. The post- office, Rundel's, was named after him. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife died March 23, 1859; he followed her June 19, 1859. Our subject, who is second in the family, married July 15, 1824, Susanna Curtis, a native of Greene County, N. Y., who bore him seven chil- dren, five now living: Harriet (wife of William H. Smith), Ira, Edgar, Elisha and Almira. Mrs. Rundel died July 15, 1864. Ira Rundel married Novem- ber 17, 1874, Florence Dauchy, a native of Springboro, born July 17, 1848, daughter of A. R. Dauchy, an extensive land-owner and proprietor of real SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1043 estate in Springboro in his day. He died August 13, 1879. His widow has resided in Springboro ever since his death. To this union were born Fred A., Jennie L., Myra A., Florence Edna, E. F., and Emma B., who died Sep- tember 15, 1884. Our subject owns seventy-eight acres of improved land. Fifty- seven acres have been on record for his son Ira for several years, and the bal- lance of the seventy-eight acres is deeded to Ira, his wife and heirs, to be delivered up to them after Austin Eundel's death. EDGAR RUNDEL, wagon-maker and farmer, P. O. Rundel's, was born in this township August 14, 1834, son of Austin and Susanna (Curtis) Run- del, natives of New York State. (See their biography.) Our subject has worked at his trade (wagon-maker) since he was twenty-one years of age. He is both a wood- worker and a blacksmith; he also carries 'on a farm. He mar- ried, August 26, 1855, Frances Holcomb, a native of New York State, and daughter of Luman Holcomb, who came to this county in an early day, and is still living here. To this union has been born one son — Orlin E. — who mar- ried, May 13, 1880, Anna Pinkerton, a native of Lawrence County, Penn. Orlin is working in his father's shop, which stands on the farm, and he and his wife reside with our subject. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Edgar Rundel and his son are in politics Repablicans. ALFRED SERGEANT, retired farmer, P. O. Springboro,wasbornin Cin- flinnatus, N. Y., March 13, 1804, son of Phineas and Polly Sergeant, natives of Worcester, Mass., and who came to this county in March, 1818. Phineas Sergeant was a farmer, and Captain in the State militia; he died in 1854, aged eighty-four. Mrs. Sergeant died in 1850, aged eighty-five. Our subject, the fifth and only surviving member of the family, was married in 1831, to Hannah M. Phelps, a native of the State of New York. Her father died wben she was a child; her mother was among the early settlers of this township. To this union were born seven children, three now living: Martin P., has a residence in Ashtabula, Ohio; is married and has two sons, one of whom is married; Electa S., wife of A. O. Paul (had two children, one now living — Frank H.); and Addie M., married to R. D. Cheeseman (have two children, boy and girl). Mr. and Mrs. Cheeseman have a good residence in Miles Grove, Erie Co., Penn. A. O. Paul is a son of Samuel and Lucy Paul; he built a hand- some residence in Springboro in 1883 ; has been engaged in the sale of nursery stock many years, and owns seventy-five acres of land; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W.; in politics is a Democrat. Our subject was a Lieutenant, Captain and Major in the Volunteer militia, and has held several township ofiices; was formerly a Whig, but now supports the Republican party. His wife dying in April, 1875, Mr. Sergeant sold his land, and is now living in retirement. WRIGHT SHELDON, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Addison County, Vt., January 15, 1806, son of Arad and Jerusha Sheldon, natives of Connecticut, who came to this township in January, 1832. Their family num- bered ten children, five now living. They were members of the Baptist denom- ination, of which church at Springboro, Mrs. Sheldon was an original member. He died in 1868 and his widow followed him in 1870. Our subject who is third in the family, came to this county with his wife and one child in March, 1832. He was married July 1, 1824, and reared eight children, seven of whom are now living. Their son Arad was a soldier for three years during the late war, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He contracted a disease, through hardships undergone, which caused his death in the fall of 1868. The names of those living are Patience, Samuel W., Levi, Eli M. (was in the army nine months), Theodore, Phoebe (wife of R. C. 1044 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Sloan), and Judson. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon, two sons and one daughter are members of the Baptist Church at Springboro. Oar subject is owner of 150 acres of well improved land. He was almost blind for nearly two years, owing to cataracts in both eyes, but by proper treatment has greatly recovered his eyesight. In politics he is a Democrat. HIRAM SHELDON, retired farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Shore- ham, Vt., September 27, 1812, son of Arad and Jerusha Sheldon, former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Vermont. Our subject first came to this county in 1832, and in 1836 moved to Dansville, N. Y., where he married Almeda Gates, a native of Hartford, N. Y. He returned to this county with his bride and settled on eighty acres of timbered land. This he cleared and subsequently bought an addition to it. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon were born four children: Melinda, wife of Abram Brown; Ruth, wife of E. E. Eighmy; Oscar F. and Amanda, wife of Lewis H. Quinby. Mrs. Sheldon dying in 1854. our subject married in 1855, Mrs. Maria Hall, widow of Orin Hall. By this union was born one son — Wallace B. Mr. Sheldon losing his second wife in 1867, he married November 12, 1868, Mrs. Lucy Andrus, widow of Allen Andrus. Our subject is a member of the Baptist and bis wife of the Presby- terian Church. Mr. Sheldon and his son Oscar were at one time proprietors of the tannery at Springboro. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life and has amassed a considerable amount of property by industry and econ- omy. He has held all the township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. MRS. HARRIET D. SHELDON, Springboro, was born in Dansville, N. Y., January 12, 1822, daughter of Jacob and Betsy Prusia, ;natives of Penn- sylvania, who came to this county in 1834. They were parents of twelve chil- dren. Jacob Prusia, who was a blacksmith and farmer, died in 1860, his. wife in March, 1858. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject married, January 24, 1839, Andrew Sheldon, who was born July 22, 1819, at Dansville, N. Y. He came to this county with his parents in 1830. His father, Arad Sheldon, was an influential farmer. He reared a family of twelve children. To this union were born eight children, viz.: Cordelia R., 'sdfeof S. B. Sturtevant; Edgar A., James H. , Caroline E., wife of A. V. Wetmore;. Emma H., wife of J. B. Fields; Matilda J., wife of S. F. Nelson; Esther L., and Sarah F., wife of T. W. Beals. The husband of our subject was a farmer and did much toward improving this section of the county. He was a Justice of the Peace and had held all the township offices; was an original mem- ber of the Baptist Church at Springboro, having joined when about fifteen years of age. He died June 23, 1881. Mrs. Sheldon is a member of thft Baptist Church. She resides on the homestead owned by her late husband, consisting of fifty acres of improved land. EDGAR A. SHELDON, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in Spring Township, this county, February 20, 1844, son of Andrew and Harriet Shel- don; former a native of Vermont, latter of the State of New York. They were parents of eight children, all now living. Andrew Sheldon came to this county at a very early day • He was one of the founders and a consistent mem- ber of the Baptist Church at Springboro. He departed this life in June, 1881, at the age of sixty- two years. His widow is now living on the old homestead. The subject of this sketch is the oldest son of this pioneer family. In Octo- ber, 1861, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry, and served under Gen. Rosecrans in Virginia. At the battle of Cedar Mountain he was captured, and placed in Belle Island and Libby pris- ons, where he remained five weeks. While prisoner he received an injury to one of his eyes that has troubled him ever since. He was honorably discharged SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1045 in March, 1863. Mr. Sheldon was married in March, 1871, to Clara, daughter of Philip Schafer. She was born in Spring Township, this county, November 11, 1848. They have had two children: Clyde E. and Seth J. Our subject owns fifty acres of improved land, which was a part of his father's old home- stead. In politics be is a Republican. JAMBS H. SHELDON, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in this town- ship, June 11, 1846, son of Andrew and Harriet Sheldon, natives of New York State and parents of eight children. Andrew Sheldon, an extensive farmer in his life-time, came to this county with his father, Arad Sheldon, driving a yoke of oxen the entire distance. He died June 23, 1881. Our subject, who is the third in the family, married, December 9, 1868, Eosetta Fuller, born in New York State, May 12, 1848, and daughter of Rev. J. J. and Van- essa Puller, also natives of New York State, and parents of seven children; former died May 18, 1877, latter October 10, 1871. Rev. J. J. Fuller was a Baptist minister, an earnest, devoted Christian. He first came to Crawford County in 1850, and preached at Springboro, where he did much for the advancement of his church. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have one son — Ray Henry. They are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the Grange. In politics he is a Republican. GEORGE W. SLAYTON, retired farmer, Conneautville, was born at Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 7, 1804, son of Washington and Dorcas (Waite) Slayton, natives of Massachusetts and parents of eleven children, only three now living. Our subject, the third in the family, lost his mother when he was quite young ; married, December 17, 1826, Marcia Holmes, born July 27, 1805, in Oneida County, N. Y., by whom he has two children: Azel H., now located in Topeka, Kan., owning a farm three miles out; and Murray Z., living in town. Mr. Slayton came to this county with his wife and children in 1833; here built a saw-mill on Conneaut Creek, getting it in working order by Janu- ary 8, 1834 (it was destroyed by floods several years after). The next yeaj he bought a property of fifty-eight acres on the west side of the creek, which he improved and made into a nice farm. Then bought a house and lot in Albion, Erie County, and farm just outside. He then bought fifty-four acres and gave to Azel; then bought sixty-five acres in Beaver Township, and seventy acres in Spring; after this gave Murray the sixty-five in Beaver. After selling the old farm in Spring Township,'he bought 380 acres in Bedford County, Iowa, sold that and bought 106 acres at Conneaut Center, Crawford County. He helped build the schoolhouses in Spring, Beaver and Conneaut Townships, and Con- neautville. He and his brother bought a farm of 100 acres at Summit Station, fifty of timber, and another farm of fifty acres, all in Conneaut Township. His father came to Crawford County about 1835, making his home with him until his death, which occurred about 1862. Mr. Slayton moved into Conneaut- ville in August, 1852, where he has since lived, selling his farm in 1855. He and his wife are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Slayton bought a farm of fifty- four acres, partly improved, and gave it to his son Azel; also for many years owned 106 acres in Conneaut Township, which he finally sold. He has held several township offices; was Burgess of Conneautville one term. In politics is Republican. G. H. SLOAN, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born April 26, 1830, in Steuben County, N. Y., son of Robert H. and Bedora Sloan, the former a farmer, a native of New York State, the latter of Vermont. They came with an ox-team from New York State to this county in 1834, settling in Spring Township. They were the parents of four children, all now living, and were members of the Baptist Church. She died in 1838, he in 1872. He held 1046 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: most of the township offices, and was a prominent man. The subject of this sketch, who was the third child in the family, was married July 3, 1864, to Hannah A., daughter of Jonathan Sloan, and a native of Erie County, N. Y. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Springboro. Mr. Sloan ia owner of seventy acres of well-improved farm land, with a dairy in connection. In politics he is an Independent. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and his grandfather of the Eevolutionary war. ARCHIBALD SLOAN, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in this township, November 2, 1834, son of Robert H. and Bedora Sloan, natives of New York State, and who came to this county about 1834. They w6re the parents of four children, all now living. They were members of the Baptist Church. Robert H. Sloan was a soldier in the war of 1812. He had held most of the township offices. His wife died in March, 1833, and he followed her May 2, 1869. They were members of the Baptist Church; he a soldier in the war of 1812. He took up fifty acres of land, which he and his sons cleared and improved. Our subject, the young- est child in the family, received such education as the district school afforded. He was married September 10, 1857, to Catharine Fry, born in Conneaut Town- ship, this county, July 3, 1833, daughter of George Fry, also a native of this county, where he now lives. His father moved to Crawford County about 1800, and took up a large tract of land in Conneaut Township, which his sons, inherited. Our subject owns the fifty acres on which his father first settled. He has held some of the township offices; in politics is a Democrat. ISAAC SPERRY, retired farmer, P. O. Hickernell, was born in Wood- bridge, New Haven Co., Conn., May 24, 1803, son of Isaac and Mary Sperry, the former a native of the same place, the latter of Catskill, N. Y. Her father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. There were born to this union twelve children. Isaac is the eleventh child and the only one now liv- ing. Two brothers and two sisters moved here in 1817 and began in the woods. Our subject came here on a visit in 1824, and being suited with this county purchased 150 acres of land for $500, returned to his native home and staid one year. He then moved in here with team and wagon, a distance of 600 miles, built him a log- hut, and lived alone one year. He was married in 1826 to Rebekkah Donahaw, a native of Cussewago Township, this county, daughter of John Donahaw, one of the early settlers of this county and a soldier of the war of 1812. Thirteen children were born to this union, six now living, viz. : John, Amos, Sheldon, Zimri, Mary, wife of Jason Davis, of Cussewago, and Rebekkah, wife of Gideon Best, of same place. Mr. and Mrs. Sperry were members of the Baptist Church for many years. Mrs. Sperry died March 17, 1861, aged fifty-six years, and in June of the same year our subject mar- ried Mrs. Lydia Cutting, widow of Alonso Cutting, also the widow of Mr. Gaylard, by whom she had two children: Charles A. and Lucy A. (wife of Thomas Scott, of Conneautville). Our subject has by industry, hard work and economy amassed a large amount of property. At one time, for many years, he paid more taxes than any other man in Spring Township. He gave away to his children over 600 acres of land. Mr. Sperry has supported the Repub- lican party for many years, though his first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson. He has all his life been known as a man temperate in all things. Tobacco he never used to any extent. AMOS K. SPICER, farmer, P. O. Hickernell, is a native of this township, born February 1, 1821, son of Girden W. and Sarah (Keep) Spicer, the former a native of New York State, died December 5, 1872, aged seventy-nine, the latter a native of Massachusetts, died in February, 1859. They came to SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1047 Spring Township in 1819. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living. Our subject, who is the eldest, had but indifferent sohool advantages. He was married December 7, 1856, to Paulina Greenlee, sister of I. C. Greenlee (see his biography), born in Crawford County, Penn. , January 14, 1833, and daughter of Eobert and Anna (Chamberlin) Greenlee, also natives of this county. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and her grandfather Chamberlin, who was an early settler of Crawford County, served in the Revolutionary war. To this union have been born three chil- dren: Delphina, William L. and Anna M. Mrs. Spicer is a member of the Baptist Church at Springboro. Our subject is owner of 129 acres of land. In politics is independent. MATTHEW STILWELL, retired stone-mason, Conneautville, was born February 20, 1820, at Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y.; son of Alexander M. and Judith (Boomer) Stilwell, the latter a native of Ehode Island. Alexander M., born July 12, l795, near Gagetown, New Brunswick, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Both he and his wife, who died July 25, 1874, were consistent members of the Baptist Church. Our subject, the second in the family, enlisted July 28, 1838, and served ten years in the United States Army. He was assigned to Company E., Sixth Eegiment United States Infantry, and during the Mexican war participated in the battle of Churubusoo (where he was severely wounded in the head) and the storming of Chapultepec, and his division was the first to enter the City of Mexico. He served under Gen. Tay- lor three years, and was honorably discharged June 17, 1848, at Pueblo, Mex- ico. He receives a pension of $24 per month, for meritorious services. After the war he came to Conneautville and learned the mason's trade with his broth- er; this has been his principal occupation since, although he also engaged in the grocery business for thirteen years. Mr. Stilwell married, March 11, 1849, Sarah A. Nelson, born in Summit Township, this county, September 12, 1831, daughter of James Nelson and grand -daughter of George Nelson, one of the first settlers, who came here about 1796, and settled on 300 acres of land east of Conneautville. Her grandmother, Jane Sloan, was a mid-wife in early times and rode all over this section of the country on horseback. Three chil- dren blessed this union: Livera E., now Mrs. McCallen; James S. and Will- iam I. Mr. Stillwell owns a residence in this borough; served as Burgess, but is now leading a retired life. In politics he is Eepublican. Himself, wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. ELON STUETEVANT, farmer, P. .0. Springboro, was born in Amherst, Mass., May 19, 1800, son of Timothy and Sarah Sturtevant, who came to this county with seven children in the spring of 1818. They were members of the Christian Church; Timothy Sturtevant was a brick-layer and stone-mason. He died in 1842. Our subject, who is the oldest in the family, was married in 1832 to Almira Bowman, a native of Bridgewater, N. Y. To this union were bom three children, one only surviving — Servetus, living with his parents. Mr. Sturtevant was a poor man vrhen he came to Crawford County, but by industry and economy has accumulated a nice property of about 300 acres, one-half of which he cleared himself. He has commenced making a specialty of breeding short horn cattle. In politics our subject is independent; his son is a Eepublican. When sixteen years of age Mr. Sturtevant made up his mind he woijld never become a drunkard, and to have a living by his own means to help support the family, till he was twenty-two years old. He hired to Thomas Foster one year for $100, $5 of which was to be paid in cash, the rest in produce. The cash he did not get. Twice our subject chopped an acre of heavy timber for two and a half yards of home-made woolen cloth. Cotton 1048 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: goods were scarce and dear; common sheeting was 50 cents a yard, and it took a journey of twenty miles to get it, at that. His mother plied the spinning- wheel, and his sisters spim the tow, which when woven made good, serviceable stuff. Girls got from 50 to 75 cents a week for labor. The post office was twenty miles distant, and the postage on a letter 25 cents. Our subject never uses tobacco; has not drank a glass of cider in forty years, and never tastes liquor unless in case of sickness. EITNER H. STUETEVANT, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in this township September 26, 1832; son of Daniel W. and Susan Sturtevant, the former a native of Vermont (brother of Elon Sturtevant, whose sketch appears above), the latter a native of Norwich, Conn. They came with their family in 1818 to this county, where they bought and cleared the farm in Spring Township now owned by P. F. Dewitt. They were parents of five children, all now living. The father died August 20, 1865; his widow resides in Spring- boro. Our subject, the eldest in the family, received a good common school education, and taught school in his younger days for eight terms. He was twice married, on the first occasion to Adeline A. Kendall, a native of Ver- mont, who bore him one child — Ida E., now wife of John O. Green. Mrs. Sturtevant dying November 11, 1861, our subject married, October 12, 1862, Lestina Joslin, a native of Erie County, Penn. , and daughter of Levi B. and Margaret Joslin. Two children were born to this union: John P., on the New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, and Floy'E. Mrs. Sturtevant is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. ; in politics is a Republican. He was a member of the State Legislat- ure two terms and previously held almost every office in the township, inchid- ing that of Justice of the Peace for over five years; was Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Twentieth District of Pennsylvania, during 1869 and 1870. JOHN C. STUETEVANT, President First National Bank, Conneautville, was born in SpriJig Township, this county, February 20, 1835; son of Daniel and Susan Sturtevant, natives of Vermont and Connecticut respectively. Daniel Sturtevant, when twelve years old, came from Herkimer County, N. Y., to this county, with his parents, who drove a team of horses and sleigh. His father, Timothy Sturtevant, was a stone-mason and worked at his trade after coming here. Daniel Sturtevant was an extensive farmer, clearing a large estate and owning at one time over 300 acres. He reared five children; held several township offices; at one time was a member of the Christian Church; died in August, 1865. His widow, noW nearly seventy-one years old, resides with her son, John C, who is the second child in the family. After acquiring a good common school education our subject taught school for eight winters, then followed agricultural pursuits until he was thirty-three years of age. During the session of 1861-62 he was Assistant Sergeant- at- Arms; in 1864, Chief Messenger, and in 1865-66, Representative of Crawford County to the Legislature. In July, 1867, he moved to Conneautville, purchased S. G. Krick's interest in the hardware store, entered into partnership with his son, I. S. Krick, and carried on the business until January 1, 1873. In Janu- ary, 1874, he was appointed Cashier of the First National Bank, and in 1878 President, which position he still holds. He owns a half interest in a grist- mill, doing business under the firm name of Butt & Co., and has now a third interest in the chemical works at this point, engaged in extracting acid from wood. Our subject married, October, 1871, Sarah A. Gleason, a native of this county, and daughter of W. B. Gleason, a merchant at Conneautville. By this union are three children: Parke W., Paul J. and Watkin P. Mrs. SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1049 Sturtevant is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the A. 0. U. W.; has been a member of the Masonic fraternity; has served as Burgess, and held several township and municipal offices. ASA R. STUETEVANT, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Springboro, was born June 20, 1850, on the farm he now owns and lives on, in Spring Town- ship, this county; son of Asa and Lavantia Sturtevant, former a native of New York State, latter of this county. They were parents of three children: Caroline L., Mary, and Asa B., the only survivor. Asa Sturtevant came to Crawford County with his parents at an early day. He was a prominent farmer and extensive dealer in live-stock. An earnest temperance man, he did much for that cause in his lifetime and was one of the founders of the Christian Church at Springboro. He died in 1855, his widow following him in 1881. Our subject was married, December 9, 1871, to Cynthia BI. Bradley, a native of this township and a grand-daughter of Hiram Bradley, one of the old settlers in this section, still living. To this union were born four chil- dren: Jennie E., Prank A., Carroll A. and Forest B. Mr. and Mrs. Sturte- vant are members of the Christian Church. Our subject is owner of 250 acres of land, part of which is the old homestead of his grandfather. He deals extensively in imported stock of Holstein cattle and Leicestershire sheep, for wliich he enjoys a ,wide reputation. Mr. Sturtevant also takes special interest in all agricultural enterprises. In politics he is a Republican. ALEXANDER SWANEY, farmer, P. O. Crossingville, was born in Spring Township, this county, January 9, 1839; son of James and Hannah Swaney, former a native of this township, latter of Ireland. James Swaney's father was a native of Ireland and came to this county in 1800; he settled on 400 acres of land in what is now Spring Township. He had a large family, of whom the father of our subject was the eighth child. James Swaney had a family of eight children, all members of the Catholic Church at Crossingville, of which he was one of the founders. He died March 6, 1859, and since then his widow has lived with our subject, who is the oldest son. Alexander Swaney married, in 1868, Mary Laney, a native of this county and daughter of Daniel and Mary Laney, who settled in Crawford County about 1839. Our subject owns 130 acres of land, part of the old homestead. In politics he is a Democrat. G. W. SWAP, cabinet-maker and undertaker, Springboro, was born in Coeymans, Albany Co., N. Y., November 8, 1840; son of William and Amanda Swap, natives of New York State. Former was born in Westerlo, Albany County, August 20, 1807, and came to Springboro with his family in 1847. Here he carried on a cabinet and undertaking business until his death, which occurred in 1882. His wife died in August, same year. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were Wesley, born Au- gust 12, 1839; George W., onr subject; Theron P., born January 22, 1842; Jacob E., born August 12, 1846, and Charles B., born July 11, 1849. Theron P. and Jacob E. were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion; the former was killed at the battle of Gettysburg; the latter, who was in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was twice wounded at the battle of Spott- sylvania; was held prisoner about four months, and after serving nearly four years was honorably discharged at close of the war. Mr. Swap has carried on his present business in Springboro ever since the death of his father. His establishment is the only one of its kind in the village and is complete in all its requirements. FAYETTE A. TEMPLE, banker, Edinboro, Erie Co., Penn., is a native of Spring Township, this county, born December 10, 1824, son oiE Robert and 1050 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Eliza (Allen) Temple, who settled in Meadville, Penn., in 1818, and removed to Spring Township, this county, in 1820, settling on the farm where they now reside, formerly owned by James Parker, the original settler. Alexander Temple father of Robert, was a native of Scotland, and came to America about 1765, settling in Connecticut. He was a drummer in Gen. Greene's army dur- ing the Revolutionary war, and after the war closed married and settled in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., where his son Robert was born. Robert mar- ried Eliza, daughter of Hezekiah Allen, of Seneca County, N. Y. They were natives of Massachusetts. To this union were born six children, four now liv- ing: Reuben S. B., in Rundeltown; Fayette A. ; Julia A. ; wife of A. N. Dun- ham, tanner, also in Rundeltown; and Lydia E., wife of L. Long, Plainwell, Mich. The father is still living at the age of eighty-nine, and the mother at the age of eighty-five. Robert Temple was drummer under Gen. Hugh W. Dobbins, Ripley's Division, in the war of 1812, and was injured by a cannon ball at Fort Erie, for which he has for many years received a pension. The subject of this sketch was married June 13, 1847, to Maria G., daughter of Daniel and Amelia Dunham, of Union City. The issue of this union is one son — Robert B. Mr. Temple began life as a farmer, and was afterward salesman for a New York boot and shoe firm for nineteen years. Since 1877 he has been Cashier of the Edinboro Savings Bank. He is strictly temperate, never having drank a glass of liquor nor used tobacco in any form in his life. He was a resident of Conneautville, this county, thirty-three years, but since June 1883, has resided at Edinboro, Erie Co. , Penn. MRS. CATHARINE C. THOMAS, Springboro, wats born in Milford, Pike Co., Penn., November 25, 1810, daughter of Col. John Broadhead, also a native of Pennsylvania. At the age of sixteen she was united in marriage with Elijah Thomas, a native of Vermont and son of Jacob Thomas, who set- tled in Brie County at an early day. Mrs. Thomas is the mother of ten chil- dren, two now living: Frank V., and Laura E., wife of Luther Saulsbury. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Thomas was Gen. Broadhead, who served in the Revolutionary war. He became the possessor of several thousand acres of land in this section after the war. Mr. Thomas owned between 200 and 300 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1873. Our subject is an earnest Christian and much respected in this locality. MRS. HARRIET N. THOMAS, of Conneautville, was born in Spring Township, this county, August 17, 1829. .Her parents were Isaac and Eliza (Darling) Hurd. They were among the first settlers of this section. Mr. Hurd, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years. Our subject was married May 24, 1855, at Topeka, Kan., to Samuel J. Thomas (this was the first recorded marriage celebrated in Topeka). Mr. Thomas was the eldest son of Elijah and Catherine 0. Thomas, and was born April 4, 1831, in Beaver Township, Crawford Coun- ty. His early years were spent on the farm. He attended school at Kings- ville, Ohio, and afterward Hillsdale College, Michigan, from which college he graduated, and subsequently received the honorary degree of ' ' Master of Arts." He then turned his attention to the study of law, in which profession he became an honored and able practitioner. He was a prom- inent Mason, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as are his widow and children. He died February 10, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had two children: Mark A. and Minnie Emeline. Mark A. was born at Topeka, Kan. , July 4, 1856, and moved to Crawford County, Penn. , with his parents in 1857. Having completed the course prescribed at the Union School, Conneautville, he entered the Classical Department at Elder's Ridge Academy, SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1051 Indiana County, Penn., from which institution he graduated with the highest honors of his class, being chosen its Valedictorian. At the age of twenty-three years he was elected Justice of the Peace in the borough of Conneautville, which position he retains at this writing. Minnie Emeline was born in Conneautville, January 4, 1863. At a very early age she displayed a most remarkable talent for music. After having received a graduate's diploma from the schools of her native place, she turned her whole attention to the study of the "divine art," and after two years of ceaseless and unremitting labor she graduated with honors from the celebrated New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Mass. Miss Minnie is at present a very popular teacher of the art she loves so well, and in which her untiring energy has gained for her such remarkable proficiency and enviable skill. O. O. TICKNOR, farmer and merchant, Conneautville, was born in Broome County, N. Y., May 15, 1824, son of Joshua and Anna Ticknor, natives of New Hampshire. He came to Crawford County in 1857, engaging in the lum- ber business, with which he is still identified. Is one of the firm of Ticknor & Co., and while the canal was in operation did a heavy lumber trade. In 1858 this firm bought the Forest grist-mill (the first built at Conneautville, now driven by steam and water, having three run of buhrs), which has always done a good business. The firm also carry on a feed and flour store in Conneaut- ville. Our subject married, September, 1852, Ruth B. Litchfield, a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., who bore him two children, viz.: Fred L., run- ning a sheep ranch in Texas, and Charles S., station agent for the G. C. & L. F. R. R. at same place. Mrs. Ticknor departed this life in 1880. Mr. Tick- nor is President of the O. R. & L. E. R. R. Company. He has always taken deep interest in the public and private enterprises of the village; was Director and one of the prominent movers in establishing the National Bank here; was Postmaster for several years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and E. A. U. In politics he is Republican. NEWTON TRUESDALE, Justice of the Peace and insurance agent, Con- neautville, was born near Sharon, Mercer Co., Penn., December 1, 1825, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hall) Truesdale, natives of Schoharia County, N. Y., and Trumbull County, Ohio, respectively. Henry Truesdale was a son of a soldier in the Revolutionary war; he was a prominent farmer and for one term Sheriff of Mercer County, Penn.; had nine children; he died in 1858. His widow, a sincere Christian and consistent member of the Disciple Church, followed him in 1865. Our subject, the third in the family, received a good common school education and taught school one term; then served three years at the carpenter's and joiner's trade, after which he spent two years in Missis- sippi and Louisiana, coming to Conneautville in 1849. After carpentering two years he engaged in the drug business until 1868; then for one year trav- eled in the same line of business. On March 24, 1855, Mr. Truesdale was married to Sarah M. Robinson, a native of Girard, Erie Co. , Penn. , who bore him one son, George H., now residing at Grand Rapids, Mich. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in 1863. Mr. Truesdale again married, in 1864, Frances J. Murry, of Narrowsburg, N. Y. Her parents were both natives of same State. By this union were born two children, only one now living — Comodore M. For many years Mr. Truesdale has been identi- fied with the best interests of his borough, in which he owns a residence with office attached. He sustained a loss of 115,000 in 1868 by the burning of two stores with their contents. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Knight Templar and a member of the I. O. O. F. ; has served as Bur- gess, and in 1860 was elected Justice of the Peace, creditably filling this office 1052 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ever since. He is representing some of the prominent Battle, Fire and Life In- surance Companies, among which is the oldest fire insurance company in the world — the Sun, of London. In politics he is Bepublican. MRS. REGINA G. TUBES, Springboro, was born in this township, July 7, 1839, daughter of Robert and Anna (Chamberlin) Greenlee, and sister of J. C. Greenlee (see his biography). Her parents were early settlers in this county. Our subject married, October 5, 1859, "W. O. Tubbs, a native of Har- rison Township, Potter Co., Penn., born April 1, 1831. To this union were born four children, three now living: Forrest A., Clarence E. and Cora. Mr. Tubbs was an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church; a member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., and R. T. of T. ; in politics a Republican. He was a carpenter and pattern maker by trade, a well-skilled workman. For several years he worked as pattern-maker in Meadville, Penn. He died in that city March 11, 1881, and since his death our subject has resided in Spring- boro, near her former home, among her relatives, and where she can carefully educate her children. She is a member of the Baptist Church. HENRY SAULSBURY WEST, farmer, P. O. Rundell's, born at Towanda, Bradford Co., Penn., August 25, 1805, was the youngest son of Elijah and Polly (Saulsbury) West. His parents were raised on the Green River in western Massachusetts. His mother' s father, Capt. John Saulsbury, served in the Revolutionary war. Hia father, Elijah, died in 1809, and his mother married Amos Cook. He lived near Towanda till 1822, and spent his time in working on a farm and rafting logs down the Susquehanna River. When eighteen he came to this county, where his elder sisters, Polly (wife of Dr. Nelson Smith, of Hayfield), and Betsey (wife of Daniel Bagley), had preceded him. He remained here a year and then returned to Bradford County, and in the next year returned with the rest of his family, except his elder brother Matthew (afterwards a State Senator in Wisconsin), who was then living in New York. In 1829 Mr. West married Sally Lord, daughter of Timothy and Rhoda (Taylor) Lord, who came from Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y., to Cusse- wago Township, about 1820. Mr. West and his wife have lived on their farm for nearly fifty years. They have had nine children, six now living: Timothy B. and George B., on the old homestead; Henry, Jr., and Mrs. Lncinda Law- rence, in Springboro; Chester, in Summerhill, and Ella M., in Ashtabula County, Ohio. In politics he has been a Republican since the formation of the party; he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. HENRY WEST, Jr., carpenter, millwright and farmer, P. O. Springboro, is a native of this township, born January 5, 1836; son of Henry and Sally West, natives of New York, who came to Crawford County in 1822, and are at present residing in the central part of this township, into which they came fifty-five years ago. They were parents of nine children, six now living. Our subject, who is the fourth in the family, was married in September, 1858, to Julia A. Baldwin, a native of Erie County, Penn. To this union were born five children, three now living: Ed B., Austin M. and Orrin R. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Christian Church, in which he is a Deacon and Superintendent of Sabbath-school. In addition to his trades, our subject owns and works a farm of eighty acres. He is a Past Grand in the I. 0. O. F. ; in politics is a Republican. WILLIS B. WELLS, hotel-keeper and liveryman, Springboro, was born in this township, July 21, 1845; son of Henry and Henrietta Wells, former a native of New York State, latter of Connecticut. They had a family of eight children, six now living. Henry Wells came to this county about 1818. He was a prominent farmer and held several of the township ofiBces. He died in SPRING TOWNSHIP. 1053 ]856. His widow is now living with her son at the old homestead in Spring Township. Mr. Wells has an excellent farm of seventy -five acres in this township. He has been proprietor of the King House in Springboro since 1881. In con- nection with this hotel is the only livery stable in the village. In June, 1868, he married Lydia, daughter of Stephen Whitford, an early settler in Beaver Township, this county. This union has been blessed with three children: Lena E. , Perla B. and Bessie L. Mr. Wells is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics he is a Republican. W. D. WETMORE, farmer and stock- dealer, P. O. Springboro, was born on the farm he now resides on, in this township, July 21, 1827; son of Samuel and Jerushea Wetmore; the former a native of Oneida County, and the latter of Essex County, N. Y. Samuel Wetmore came to this county ,in 1818, at the age of twenty-one years, and purchased 150 acres of land, now owned by our subject. He raised a family of two children, both now living. He was a prominent farmer, and dealt quite extensively in stock. Himself and wife were among the founders and prominent members of the Christian Church at Springboro, in which he* was a Deacon for many years. Mr. Wetmore died November 1, 1874. His widow followed him January 12, 1881, being eighty- seven years old. Her mother, Olive Donagh, lived with the subject of our sketch, and died at the ripe old age of one hundred and five years and five months. On February 2, 1848, W. D. Wetmore was married to Harriett E., a daughter of Caleb and Nancy Ward, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Rhode Island. They settled in Beaver Township, this county, in 1834. Our subject and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. He owns a well- improved farm of 162 acres, and is an extensive breeder of Clydesdale horses, Devon cqttle and Southdown sheep, and to some extent, graded stock. WILLIAM WHITMORE, farmer and cooper, P. O. Hickernell, was born in Seneca County, N. Y., May 14, 1817, and is a son of Beriah and Sarah (Decker) Whitmore, the former of whom was a native of Vermont, and died in the spring of 1857, the latter in 1820. Our subject, the eldest in the family, obtained but a meager common school education. His father being a cooper, taught him that trade, which he has followed, in addition to agricultural pursuits, ever since he obtained his majority. He was married when twenty- seven years old, in the spring of 1844, to Polly Hill, a native of New York and sister of Martin Hill (see his biography). She was born April 14, 1823. By this union were four children, three now living: Adelbert, Josephine U. (wife of Nelson Hills) and Rogene R. (wife of Seymour Crane). Our subject and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He is owner of twenty-five acres of land, and has held several township offices. In politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Whitmore had two brothers serving during the war for the Union, viz. : Beriah Hill, a member of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was in many engagements and served during the whole war; and James Hill, wounded July 2, 1862, at the battle of Gettysburg, from the effects of which he died July 7 following. HIRAM WILDER, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born October 22, 1811, and a son of Reuben and Polly (Herring) Wilder, natives of Vermont and parents of eleven children, eight now living. The family were reared in Kingsville, Ohio. The mother died in 1854; the father, who was a farmer and a soldier of the war of 1812, died in 1857. His father was a Revolutionary soldier. They were members of the Christian Church. Our subject, who was third in the family, was married, in 1837, to Jane Doty, a native of Westfield, N. Y., who bore him four children, three now 1054 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: living: Emma, (wife of Hiram Vetes), Mary L. (wife of O. H. Bro^vn), and Ordeli H. , who served three years during the war of the Rebellion in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the right hand. Mrs. Wilder dying June 10, 1881, our subject married, February 8, 1882, Mrs. Harriet Orr, widow of Miles C. Orr, by whom she had two children: Irvine and Chester. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is owner of thirty-six acres of improve(^ land. He came to this county from Ashtabula County, Ohio, with his wife and two chil- dren in 1842, settling first in Conneaut Township, where he purchased a farm of 116 acres that was settled in 1800. FREDERICK WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Springboro, was born in War- ren, Litchfield Co. , Conn. , February 10, 1806 ; son of Thorp and Clarissa P. Williams. Our subject came to this county with his wife and three children in 1836, settling first in Beaver Township, where he bought several hundred acres of woodland. In 1838 he moved to Springboro and embarked in the mercantile business. He sold the store out in 1840 and bought the farm he now lives on near Spring Station. He raised a family of four children, two boys now living: James, residing in Beaver Township, married, and Ira, in Hardin County, Ohio, where he owns a large farm; he is also married; he was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. Cyrus, a brother of our subject, was at one time Engineer-in-Chief on the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. Our subject's wife died April 1, 1882, deeply lamented. Her chief aim in life was to do good to her fellow creatures, with a mind untrammeled by creeds or superstitions. Mr. Williams is very liberal in his religious belief, and is an extensive reader. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is owner of 180 acres of valuable land. MRS. MARGARET. J. WORMALD, Conneautville, was horn in Venango County, Penn., February 12, 1829, daughter of John and Mary Conner, the former a native of Scotland, the latter of Pennsylvania. She was married, February 20, 1849, to John Wormald, born in England, May 6, 1821. When he was nine years old he came to America with his father, W. E. Wormald. Both followed same trade (carding and cloth dressing). He came to Conneaut- ville about 1846 and started a grocery store, but his health failed and he returned to Venango County, Penn. After his marriage, however, he came back here and, together with his father, brother, and William Crider, purchased the woolen mills, put in expensive machinery and did an extensive business until 1878. At the time of his death, which occurred in the latter year, he was President and Director of and principal stockholder in the First National Bank, and a large stockholder in the chemical works here, and stockholder in the Keystone Tanning Company of Springboro, Penn. Mr. Wormald was a Chris- tian man, an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his widow is a consistent member. He donated the ground on which the church is built and gave liberally to its support. Mr. and Mrs. Worhiald adopted the daughter of his only sister and reared and educated her as their own child. She is now residing with our subject in her beautiful residence on the old homestead. HORATIO N. YOUNG, retired cabinet-maker, Conneautville, was born August 27, 1808, in Saratoga County, N. Y. ; son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Ostrander) Young, both natives of that county. Nicholas Young, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, commenced life for himself as carpenter and joiner, but afterward followed agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife, who died in 1848, were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were par- ents of twelve children, two now living. Our subject, the seventh born in this family, is a self-made man. Acquiring his education without an instructor. SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 1055 he taught school for seventeen years. He then learned cabinet-making. He ,<:ame to Crawford County in the fall of 1838, settling in Conneautville in 1841, and successfully engaged in the cabinet-making business till June 1, 1874, when his shop, tools and entire stock were consumed by fire. Mr. Young was married in 1833 to Calisty Hard, who died in 1835. He then married, in 1841, Mary M. Hawks, born April 22, 1816, in Lincolnshire, England. By this union were eight children, five now living: William H. ; Mary C, wife of I. Leet; Alice A., wife of F. H. Walker; Helen, and C. Frank, a machinist and draughtsman in the employ of the Dayton Screw Company. He is a promising young mechanical genius. One son, George W., enlisted in 1861, in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving in the Army of the Potomac. He was twice taken prisoner, and finally starved to death at Anderson ville. Mrs, Young, who has been an invalid for about two years, is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a well-informed man of a literary turn of mind, and has given good educational advantages to his chil- dren. In politics he was formerly a Jeffersonian Democrat, but now votes with the Republican party. He has strong temperance principles. SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. MINOR T. CARR (deceased) was born June 17, 1802, in Tompkins County, N. Y., son of Job and Mehitabel (Cash) Carr, parents of five boys and two girls. Their sons John and Daniel were soldiers in the war of 1812. Our subject married, October 20, 1830, Miss Sarah Houtz, a native of Lansing, N. Y. , born October 9, 1806. They moved to Crawford County in 1836, settling first in Conneaut Township, but afterward in Summerhill Town- ship, where Mr. Carr purchased the farm their daughters are now living on. They were parents of six children, four now living, viz. : Anthony H. ; Emma; Adelia, wife of Dr. A. T. Clark, of Greenville, Penn. ; Sarah A., widow of Andres C. Sterling, whose grandfather was a brother of Washington Sterling. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling were parents of two children: Wayne C. and Anna A. Mr. Sterling was a member of Company H, Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died of disease contracted while in the service, February 25, 1873. His widow lives with her sister Emma, on the old homestead of our subject. Minor T. Carr was a carpenter and joiner by trade, which he worked at in the early part of his life, but after moving to Summerhill Township, he engaged in farming. He died, July 21, 1880, his wife having preceded him June 22, 1870. They were both Christian people and consistent members of the Baptist Church. Their daughter Miss Emma is a graduate of Edinboro (Erie County, Penn.) Normal School, and a teacher of considerable experience. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Conneautville, this county. H. H. DAVENPORT, farmer, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., March 18, 1821, son of Solomon and Nancy (Van Ord^r) Dav- enport and brother of J. A. Davenport, whose sketch appears below. Our sub- j ect, who is fourth in the family, received a partial academic education, and taught school about five terms in his younger days; afterward engaged in boat building and repairing, along the line of the Erie Extension Canal, which business he followed for about twenty years; also worked at the carpenter's and joiner's trade." He was married in 1847, to Betsy McDowell, a native of Sum- 1056 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: merhill Township, this county, born in 1828, and daughter of George McDowell, whose father, John, was a brother of the father of Samuel S. McDowell. Three children were the result of this union: George F.,an attorney at law in Meadville and ex-District Attorney; James L., an extensive farmer in Summit Township, and Miss Lida A. Our subject and wife are members of the E. T. of T. He is owner of 150 acres of well-improved land, part of which is his father's old homestead. In politics he is Repub- lican, i, JOHN A. DAYENPOET, farmer, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born in Tomp- kins County, N. Y., December 8, 1827; son of Solomon and Nancy (Van Corder) Davenport, former a native of Tompkins County, N. Y. , latter of New Jersey. They were parents of twelve children; members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Solomon Davenport, who was a farmer, settled in SummerhilL Town- ship, this county, October 22, 1833, on 200 acres of land, very little of which was then cleared, but by hard work he soon subdued it to cultivation. He held a life membership in the Foreign Missionary Society. He died November 2, 1870, aged seventy-five years, and his widow followed him August 28, 1883, aged ninety. Our subject, who was seventh in the family, received a common school education and was brought up a farmer. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mary P. McDowell, a native of this township, born October 20, 1830, daughter of Alexander and Julia A. McDowell, whose biography appears else- where, and to this union were born four children, three of whom are now living: William A. , Etta A. (wife of George Parkison) and Lina C. (wife of Joseph Cole). Mr. and Mrs. Davenport are members of the E. T. of T. He is owner of 150 acres of well- improved land, part of which is his father's old home- stead. He has held several township oflSees; in politics he is a Republican. Of our subject's brothers and sisters, Leonard M. was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion in the Second Ohio Cavalry, and died October 1862. in camp at Fort Scott, Kan., of disease contracted in the service; James V. died in Solano County, Cal., June 25, 1869; following died in LaSalle County, 111.: Lucy J. (wife of W. L, F. Jones), February 16, 1858, Julia A. (wife of Edwin Jones), April 13, 1863, and Alfred W., December 12, 1854; Alice A., the eldest daughter (wife of Eobert G. Henry), died March 24, 1877. JOHN DEAEBOEN, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born on the farm he now ovms and lives on in Summerhill Township, this county, March 23, 1803; son of John and Hannah (Surena) Dearborn, former a native of New Hamp- shire, latter of Westmoreland County, Penn. They came to Crawford County in 1801, and are parents of ten children, of whom three only are now living. Were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he took a special interest. John Dearborn, Sr., was a shoe-inaker by trade, at which he worked in his younger days; was owner, at one time, of 400 acres of land. He gave his children as good an education as the country afforded. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, married, in 1831, Miss Catharine Cease, a native of Haytield Township, this county, and daughter of Rudolph Cease, one of the very early settlers of western Crawford, having come in 1809. This union has been blessed with four children, three now living: Harriet M. (wife of A. Wood), Margaret E. (wife of B. Sunderlin), Nancy N. (wife of C. J. Nisley). Our subject, wife and all the daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Dearborn have lived together on the same farm for over fifty-three years. He is owner of fifty acres of land, part of which is his father's old homestea,d. Has held several township offices; in politics has been a Republican since the formation of the party; formerly a Democrat. CALEB R. PETTERMAN, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born on the SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 1057 farm he now owns and lives on in Summerhill Township, this county, Novem- ber 3, 1828; son of James and Savina (Rhodes) Fetterman, former a native of Juniata County, latter of Mercer County, Penn. James Fetterman came to Crawford County in 1788, at the age of eighteen years. He was a surveyor by occupation; was owner, at one time, of 1,200 acres of land, and he and his sons cleared up the greater part of the farm our subject now lives on. He was a man of prominence and good education. He built and operated a dis- tillery on the farm now owned by our subject, and was engaged in that busi- ness when the, " Whiskey Rebellion" broke out in Pennsylvania. He died March 14, 1836, and his widow followed him in 1871. They were parents of four children, all now living, of whom our subject is second. He had a com- mon school education and when only eight years old was thrown on his own resources. He was twice married; on iirst occasion in 1852, to Miss Mary C. Falkenburg, a native of this county, and daughter of John Falkenburg, an old settler of this county. Two children were born to this union: Morgan L., married April 6, 1884, to Minnie A. , daughter of John Holman, of Conneaut Township; and Lenora A., wife 'of Ira Allen. Mrs. Fetterman died in 1856, and our subject then married her cousin, Miss Angeline Falkenburg, also a native of Crawford County. The result of this union has been six chil- dren, five now living: Mary, Henry S., Estelle, Harry, and Allie. Our sub- ject owns ninety acres of well-improved land, his father's old homestead. He has held several township offices; in politics is a Republican. ALBERT FISH, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Rensselaerville, N. Y., April 12, 1810; son of Joseph and Deborah (Dean) Fish, the former a native of Rhode Island, the latter of New York. They came to Crawford County February 22, 18l6, with our subject's father, who had visited this sec- tion some time previous on horseback. He was a Quaker. His father was a native of England and an old sea captain, who visited our subject at his house when over ninety years old. Joseph Fish was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but after coming to this county he followed farming, having taken up 700 acres of land, most of which he and his sons cleared. The family numbered ten chil- dren, six now living. After being in this county several years the parents joined the Methodist Church, although they were instrumental in organizing a Quaker society in Conneaut Township on first arrival. Joseph died in 1859; his widow followed him in 1868. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, received his education by the fireside at home, at night, having to work hard in the daytime. He learned the trades of carpenter and joiner and millwright, at which he worked till 1853, when he commenced farming. In 1833 Mr. Fish married Miss Margaret Bagley, a native of Greene County, N. Y., daugh- ter of Daniel and Elizabeth Bagley, who came to Crawford County in 1817. Six children were born to this union, all now living and have families. Their names are Prudence (wife of. Alpheus Cobum), Olive J. (wife of F. W. Els- worth), Adelia and Fidelia (twins, the former the wife of L. R. Klumph, the latter the wife of C. H. Cobum); Emeline E. (wife of Thomas Roddy), and Ed B. Mrs. Pish was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died October 13, 1883, having lived with her husband over half a century. Our subject is owner of 102 acres of improved land, on which he has resided over fifty-one years. He has held all the township offices; was Justice of the Peace one term. In politics he is a Republican with strong temperance pro- clivities, having been a member of many temperance societies, of which he assisted in organizing not a few. THOMAS T. HALL, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Chester County, Penn., September 3, 1813, son of Thomas and Phoebe (Mode) Hall, 1058 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: also natives of Chester County, parents of five children, three now living. They were members of the Society of Friends or Quakers. Thomas Hall, Sr., was a farmer all his days. He died in 1859; his widow in 1875. Our sub- ject, who is third in the family, received a good common school education. He came to Crawford County in 1848 and purchased 360 acres of woodland in the southern part of Summerhill Township, and of this tract, of land he was instru- mental in clearing one- third. He married, September 12, 1854, Miss Eosan- nah B. Smith, a native of Summit Township, this county, and daughter of Daniel Smith, a son of John Smith, who was one of the very earliest settlers of Crawford County west of French Creek Four children were bom to this union, three now living: Flora D., L. Mabel and Sarah A. Mrs. Hall is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject now owns fifty acres of well- improved land, part of what he first settled on. He built a steam saw-mill in this county, and this he operated about ten years, when it biurned down, entailing a loss to Mr. Hall of |1,000. He read medicine two years, and attended one course of lectures at Philadelphia. He has a decided liter- ary turn of mind, and has been a great reader on scientific subjects. In politics he was in his younger days an old line Whig, but since the war of the Rebellion has been an adherent of the Anti -Monopoly party, and is a strong advocate of temperance. M. T. JENKINS, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born in Centre County, Penn., October 23, 1816, son of John and Mary (McDonald) Jenkins; former a native of Chester County, latter of Huntingdon County, Penn. They came to Crawford County about 1826, and were parents of two children, of whom M. T. is the eldest and the only survivor of the family. John Jenkins, who was a farmer all his days, died June 15, 1879. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was present at the battle of Brandywine. Mrs. Jenkins, who was a member of the Presbyterian Church, died in 1863. Our subject was married, January 11, 1838, to Miss Clarinda S. Randall, a native of Oswego County, N. T., born May 29, 1821. Her father came to Crawford County in 1836. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was in the engage- ment at Sackett' s Harbor. He and his wife were members of the Free- Will Bap- tist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Jenkins have been born seven children, five now living, viz.: John P., David S., Mary J., wife of Thomas Morrow; Eliza C, wife of James Foust, and George M. Our subject is owner of 100 acres of excellent land, which he cleared and converted into a fine farm from a mere wilderness. He has held several township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES J. JOLLY, farmer, and general canal agent, P. O. Conneaut- ville, was born in Ireland, December 24, 1832, son of James and Magdalen Jolly, former of whom had been a soldier in the British Army twenty-six years, fifteen of which he served as Lieutenant, the highest rank that could be reached in those days by merit, anything higher being obtainable by purchase. He fought at the battle of Alexandria, Egypt, March 21, 1801, and at Water- loo, June 18, 1815. Our subject has a watch which this gallant old soldier captured in the first-named battle. James and Magdalen Jolly were parents of six children. He died in 1877, aged ninety-two years, and his widow, February 11, 1884, aged eighty- three. Our subject, who is eldest in the family, received a good common school education; he immigrated to America in 1852, and commenced work as a laborer on a farm and in a saw-mill. He married in 1857, Miss Eliza J. McDowell, a native of Summerhill Township, this county, born April 30, 1839. To this union were born four children: Elsie A., wife of John Ellis; Lizzie, wife of C. W. Belknap; J. Irvin and SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 1059 Tina G. Mr. Jolly came from his mother country penniless, and has now, by hard work and industry, accumulated a considerable amount of this world's goods, owning fifty acres of well-improved land and much other property. He has held the office of canal agent since 1872; has been County Sealer four years; Supervisor two terms, and has held all the township offices. He is Orand Knight of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics he is a strong Republican. DOER KLUMPH, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., May 20, 1847, son of Lester R. and Laura A. (Slayton) Klumph, natives of Springfield, N. Y., parents of three children. They came to Craw- ford County in 1851. Lester E. Klumph was a blacksmith, a trade he worked at in his younger days. He carried on a shop in Conneautville for six years. He was a Colonel in the State militia; a Justice of the Peace at one time, and has held several township offices; a member of the Universalist Church. He died January 2, 1883. His widow, also a member of the Universalist Church, is now living with our subject on the old homestead; she is a sister of Gr. W. Slayton. Our subject, who is second in the family, was educated at Conneaut- ville. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Lilian Pettis, a native of Lyons, N. Y. One daughter was born to this union — Mary A. Mr. Klumph lives on the old homestead of ninety-five acres, located east of Conneautville corpora- tion, one of the first settled farms in Crawford County, and on which Mr. Klumph erected a fine residence in 1862, making it, with other improvements, ■one of the finest farms in western Crawford. In polities he is a Democrat. Our subject's father was President of Crawford County Agricultural Society for several terms. He was a F. & A. M., and a member of the I. O. O. F. HOMER J. LANE, farmer, and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Conneaut- ville, was born in Braceville Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, February 25, 1825, son of Erastus and Mabel (Hines) Lane, natives of Hartford, Conn., parents of eleven children, eight now living. Erastus Lane was an extensive farmer. He died in 1869 and his widow followed him in 1880. Our subject, who is the sixth child, received a common school education, and early in life engaged in mercantile pursuits. He came to Crawford County in 1851 and commenced clerking in Conneautville for G. C. Boynton. He married in 1854, Miss Henrietta Van Liew, a native of New York and daughter of Cor- nelius Van Liew, one of the early landlords of the Power House. One daugh- ter was born to this union — Emma B., wife of John Filer. Mrs. Lane died in 1856, and oiu" subject then married, in 1858, Miss Sarah J. Van Liew, a sister of his first wife. To this union were born four children, viz. : Cora D., Etta M. , Lottie B. and Ada M. Mr. Lane is owner of 100 acres of improved land; was a Sergeant during the war of the Rebellion in the Fifty-sixth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, stationed at New Creek, and served with the Army of the Potomac. He served in all three months, and was honorably dis- charged. He is a member of the G. A. E. ; was five years a Justice of the Peace at Conneautville, and is now a Justice of the Peace of Summerhill Township. In politics he is a Republican. FREEDOM LORD, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., March 2, 1816, son of Freedom and Eunice (Prichard) Lord, natives of Connecticut, who came to Crawford County in 1830. They were parents of eight children, two only now living. Freedom Lord, Sr., was an invalid, and during the war of 1812 enlisted in an invalid company, perform- ing home duty. He was a blacksmith by trade, and had a shop on his farm. He took up 100 acres of land which he and his sons cleared and improved. He held some township offices; was Master of a Masonic Lodge many years. He died in October, 1862. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 1060 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mrs. Lord died in March, 1864. Our subject, who is the youngest in the fam- ily, received a good common school education, all through his own efforts, and taught school four terms. He married, in 1842, Miss Elizabeth Beatty, a native of Perry County, Penn., and daughter of James Beatty, who came to Crawford County in the fall of 1826. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; represented his county in the Legislature one term, and was a very prominent man. To this union were born seven children, five now living: Eleanor L., wife of Miron Ransom; George B. , who taught school eleven years; Francis L., a clerk in Conneautville; S. Grace, wife of J. D. Howard; and Ida M. Mr. Lord is a member of the Universalist Church, his wife of the Presbyterian. Our subject is owner of fifty-five acres improved land, his father's old homestead. Has held several township offices. In politics is a Democrat. J. B. McDowell, mlller, merchant, farmer and Postmaster, Dick- sonburg, was born in Summerhill Township, this county, January 31, 1821, son of Alexander McDowell. He is the eldest child in the family, and received only a limited education. In 1846 he married Miss Betsey E. Smith, a native of Hayfield Township, and daughter of Eev. Nelson Smith, a very early settler in his section, and a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Three children have blessed this union: Ensign P., Mary A., wife of Edwin Thack- eray; and Corrie M., wife of E. J. McCracken. Our subject, wife and family, are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he and his wife are members of the R. T. of T. In 1861 Mr. McDowell purchased the water- power grist-mill and other property at Dioksonburg, and has since engaged in the milling business. The mill has two run of four-feet buhrs; does both cus- tom and merchant's work, and is kept continually running. He was appointed Postmaster at Dicksonburg in January, 1873, where he has had a store, well stocked with general merchandise, since 1878, and has been doing an excellent business. He also deals in phosphates. He is owner of thirty-five acres of improved land. Held the office of Supervisor during the war for six consecu- tive years; has filled several township offices; in politics is a Republican. BRADFORD B. McDOWELL, farmer, and dealer in agricultural imple- ments, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in Summerhill Township, this county, December 13, 1845, son of John and Eliza (Stanley) McDowell, former a native of this township, latter of Granville, N. Y. They were parents of four children, and are both now living. John McDowell was a farmer during the greater part of his life; he has held sev- eral township offices; in politics is a Republican. The grandfather of our subject went to New Orleans from Pittsburgh, Penn., when a young man, on a raft. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; was a witness against Aaron Burr when he was indicted for treason at Philadelphia. He and his brother George were hired by Burr to take rafts down the Ohio. George died near New Orleans. Our subject, who is second in the family, taught school during his younger days. He married, in 1871, Miss Thirza H. Spencer, a native of Ohio, and daughter of John Spencer. To this union were born three chil- dren: Ethel A., Spencer J. and Lynn B. Mrs. McDowell is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is owner of 129 acres of well-improved land, and he makes a specialty in connection with his farm of breeding South- down sheep, of which he has a fine flock. He and his father have been engaged in the sale of agricultural implements very extensively for some years, and have met with much success, the "Champion Reaper and Mower" being one of his specialties. In politics Mr. McDowell is a Republican. CHARLES B. McDOWELL, farmer and surveyor, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on in Summerhill Township, this county, June 2, 1849; son of George and Anna (Bagley) McDowell, who wer& SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 1061 parents of five children. George McDowell was a native of Summerhill Township, son of John McDowell, a soldier in the war of 1812, and a brother of the father of Samuel S. McDowell. George settled on the farm of eighty acres on which our subject now lives, and this he cleared. He died August 24, 1869. His widow is now living on the old homestead with her son, Charles B., having attained the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. She is a sister of Albert Fish's wife. Our subject, who is the youngest child in the family, received a partial academic education, and taught school two terms in an early day. He was married April 10, 1873, to Miss Frances D. Eockwell, a native of Spring Township, this county, and daughter of Orin Eockwell, an early settler of Spring Township. Four children were born to this union, viz.: George E.., Ada S., Charles O. and Bessie L. Mrs. McDowell is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her parents reared a family of five children: Henry A., Emeline P., Sarah D., John B. and Frances D., all now deceased except Sarah D. and Frances D. Henry A. and John B. iDoth died from effects of disease contracted in the army. Emeline P. and Sarah D. were experienced school teachers in this section. George M. McDowell, now living, our subject's brother, was a soldier in Company K, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry ; served three years and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. His company acted as body-guard to President Lincoln. Mr. McDowell has always engaged in farming, and for the last three years has acted as land surveyor through his section. He also takes special interest m the culture of bees. "WILLIAM McKAY, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on, in Summerhill Township, this county, February 11, 1825; son of Robert and Mary (Gardner) McKay, natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., parents of eight children, six now living. They were consis- tent members of the old Seceder Church, in which Mr. McKay took special interest. Eobert McKay, who had been a Captain in the war of 1812, sta- tioned at Erie, took up 200 acres of land where our subject now lives, and this he and his sons cleared and improved. He was a farmer all his days; held several township offices. He died in 1857, aged over eighty-one years. His father was a Eevolutionary soldier and they came together to Crawford County in 1797. Mrs. Eobert McKay died in 1863 at the age of eighty years. Our subject, who is the seventh in the family, plied his trade of carpenter and joiner a considerable portion of his life in addition to working on the farm. He owns over ninety acres of well- improved land, part of his father's old homestead. He married, in 1848, Miss Eliza Montgomery, a native of Alle- gheny County, Penn., who bore him six children, four now living: Eugene, Ida J., Harley E! and Malcolm W., all of whom have received a good education. Two of the sons taught school to some extent. Mr. and Mrs. McKay are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church. He has held several township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. H. M. PEOCTOE, farmer, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on, in Summerhill Township, this county, October 3, 1843, son of Thomas and Anna (DePue) Proctor, also natives of Summerhill Township, parents of six children; members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and true, Christian people. Thomas Proctor, whose father was among the very first settlers of western Crawford, was a Jtistice of the Peace many years, and held all the township offices. He was the first Postmaster in Sum- merhill Township, and had the postoffice on the farm our subject now owns. He kept store for several years in Dicksonburg, in addition to working his farm, and he cleared a great deal of land. He died in 1865, his widow in 1062 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1867. Our subject is third in the family now living. He married, in January, 1871, Miss Emma McCray, a native of Harmonsburg, this county, and daugh- ter of John McCray, whose father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and one of the earliest settlers in the neighborhood of Harmonsburg. John McCray taught school in this section in an early day. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died in 1883, and Mr. McCray is now living with his son, Hiram, at Spring, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Proctor have been born three children: Eoy M., Guy H., and Paul. Mrs. Proctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is owner of 107 acres of well-improved land, his father's old homestead. He has held some of the township offices. In politics is a Democrat. EICHAED H. P. PROCTOR, farmer, proprietor of livery stable and hack line, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on, in Summerhill Township, this county, November 3, 1847, son of Richard D. and Elizabeth (DePue) Proctor, natives also of this township; parents of five chil- dren, three now living; members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; both now living. Richard D. Proctor is a brother of the father, and Mrs. Proctor a sister of the mother of H. M. Proctor, whose biography appears above. He is a blacksmith, a trade he worked at in Dicksonburg for over forty years, and in his younger days on the Erie Canal. Our subject, who is fourth in the family, has always engaged in farming. He married, August 3, 1875, Miss Ray C. Brown, a native of Caufield, Ohio, and daughter of Rev. G. H. Brown. The result of this union has been one son — George B. Mrs. Proctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject owns a half-interest in eighty acres of excellent land, his father's old homestead. He also owns and runs the daily hack line between Conneautville and Meadville, and is about embarking in a first-class livery business at Conneautville, Penn. In politics Mr. Proctor is a Democrat. DAVID SBBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born in Summerhill Township, this county, September 22, 1821, son of George and Sarah (Win- gard) Sebaugh, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., who came to Crawford County in 1820, parents of five children, two now living. George Sebaugh, who had been a farmer all his life, died in August, 1873, his wife in August, 1862. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject, who is third in the family, received a common school education. He married, December, 1843, Miss Betsy Vredenburg, a native of New York State, and a sister of Edmund Vredenburg (see his biography). Seven children were bom to this union, five now living: Mary D., wife of D. Inglis; Emma A., wife of C. Merrit; John W., married to a daughter of A. A. Wood (have one son, Bruce W.); Lorenzo D., a farmer in Summerhill Township, married to Julia McMillan, and Edmund B. Mr. Sebaugh enlisted February 8, 1864, in Com- pany I, Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served in the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Sheridan, until the close of the war. He participated in the bat- tles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House, in front of Richmond, Weldon Railroad, was all through the siege of Petersburg, besides being in many other minor engagements, and finally at Lee's surrender. He was injured by a rifle ball, in front of Richmond, from which he has never recovered; was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned home, where he has since followed|,farming. Our subject and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. M. D. SHAW, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Centre Road Station, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., May 6, 1811; son of Moses and Lucy A. (Cross) Shaw, also natives of Dutchess County. They were members of the Baptist SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 1063 Church; parents of eleven children, five of whom are now living. Moses Shaw, who was a farmer, died in 1856, and his widow in 1864. Our subject, who is the fifth child in the family, was married in 1832, to Julia A. Miller, a native of Orange County, N. Y. He came to Crawford County same year and settled on sixty-eight acres of woodland in Summerhill Township in 1836, which he cleared up as well as several other farms in the vicinity. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw were born eleven children, ten now living, 'viz. : Lucy J., wife of Levi Walton; Moses M. ; Mary C, wife of Chester "Walton; William M.; Harriet M., wife of Andrew Walton; Filena, wife of Seth S. Dorchester; Louisa, wife of Simon Nichols; Eachel A., wife of George Stevens; Carrie M., wife of S. Mil- ler, and John C. The families all reside within a few miles of their parents. Their son, Thomas Johnson, was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion, in the One Hundred and Torty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and died of disease contracted in the service, April 4, 1862. Our subject, wife and chil- dren are members of the Evangelical Church, which is situated on one corner of his land. Mr. Shaw donated the ground and was mainly instrumental in building the church. He is the owner of 160 acres of well-improved land, and is making a specialty of raising a pure breed of Holstein cattle; he has given much land to his children. Our subject has held several township offices; in politics is a Eepublican. This worthy old pioneer has about forty grandchil- dren and five great-grandchildren. WILLIAM M. SHAW, farmer and breeder of Durham cattle, P. O. Dick- sonburg, was born in Summerhill Towsnhip, this county, March 7, 1842; son of M. D. Shaw, whose biography appears above. He received a good common school education. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted, on first occa- sion, in the three months' service and was stationed during that period at New Creek, Va., and then returned home. In the spring of 1864 our subject again enlisted, this time in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, attached to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the campaign of the Wilderness, and was in several minor engagements. During the service he contracted diseases from which he has never thoroughly recovered; was honorably discharged after the close of the war, June 12, 1865. He married, in the spring of 1866, Miss Alinda E. Frey, a native of Conneaut Township, this county, and daughter of Jacob Frey, one of the very early settlers of Crawford County. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have no children of their own, but have adopted an orphan boy who is named Frank Ross Shaw. He was born in Long Island. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the R. T. of T. He is owner of 110 acres of well-improved land, and is making a specialty of breed- ing and raising Durham cattle. In politics Mr. Shaw is a Republican. OILMAN STANLEY, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Granville, N. Y., February 26, 1826; son of Abner and Betsy (Jones) Stan- ley, who came to Crawford County in March, 1838. They were parents of six children, three now living; were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Abner Stanley, who was a farmer, died in 1840, his widow in 1848. Our sub- ject, who is the fifth in the family, learned when young the trade of carpenter and joiner. He married, November 28, 1850, Miss Matilda McDowell, a native of Summerhill Township, this county, and a daughter of James McDowell, a Captain in the war of 1812, and brother of the father of Samuel S. McDowell. Her. mother, Mrs. Jane (Johnson) McDowell, was a native of Ireland and sister of the father of A. Johnson. Five children were the result of this union, viz. : Laura J., wife of J. W. Fish; James C. ; Harry E. ; Herman G. and Frank C. Mr. Stanley is owner of forty acres of well-improved land, and, although a sound practical farmer, has worked the better part of his life at his trade. He 1064 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: has held several township offices. In politics he was formerly Eepublican, is now independent. W [LLIAM C. STEELING, farmer, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born on the farm he now owns and lives on, in Summerhill Township, this county, March 16, 1840; son of Washington and Solama (Englehaupt} Sterling, both born near Philadelphia, Penn., parents of eight children, six now living; members of the Presbyterian Church. Washington Sterling, was of Scotch-Irish descent, a soldier in the war of 1812. He came to Crawford County in 1796, and took up 400 acres of land, most of which he cleared. He was very liberal in church matters, and a man of sound integrity. He died in 1861; his widow November 19, 1881. Th^ir son Hiram was a soldier during the Rebellion, in the One Hundred and Thirty- Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and died from disease in hospital, February 7, 1863. Our subject, who is the sixth 'in the family, received a good, common school education, and taught school one term. He married, June 9, 1863, Miss Sylvia Holman, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., and daughter of Benjamin F. Holman, a brother of John G. Holmaa's father. Mr. Sterling is owner of 101 acres of land, part of his father's old homestead; he has held several of the township offices, and was the Census Enumerator in 1880; is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Royal Arcanum; in politics he is a Republican. The first schoolhouse built in Sum- merhill Township was located on the farm our subject now owns. The mother of Mr. Sterling was of German descent. Her father was one of the Hessian soldiers sent over by the British to America during the Revolutionary war, but he deserted and joined the American forces, with whom he served five years, three of which as one of Gen. Washington's body guard. EDMUND VREDENBUEG, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born in Scho- harie County, N. Y., October ] 2, 1823 ; son of John and Phoebe (Morehouse) Vre- denburg, natives of New York State, who came to Crawford County in 1831, settling in Hayfield Township; were parents of four children, both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John Vrendenburg purchased 100 acres of land in Hayfield Township, and this he cleared and improved; was a farmer all his life; his father was a native of Holland, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John died in 1889, aged forty-two years, from the effects of an accident (a tree having fallen on him), and his widow in October, 1867. Our subject, -who is second in the family, received a common school education. He was married January 11, 1844, to Miss Lucinda Hulburd, a native of Ham- burg, N. Y., and daughter of William Hulburd, who came to Crawford County in 1836, took up and cleared a farm of fifty acres in Hayfield Township. He has been a Justice of the Peace, and has held several other prominent offices. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. She died August 15, 1879, and he followed her May 7, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Vreden- burg have been parents of six children, four now living, viz.: Delilah, wife of G. L. Line; Mary J., wife of E. O. Satterlee; Rachel, wife of O. A. Wood; and John W., who has taught school several terms. Our subject, wife and all the children are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Vredenburg settled on his present farm of fifty acres in Summerhill Township in 1847, and all he owns has been acquired by hard work and industry. He has held several township offices; in politics he is a Republican. ALANSON W. WATERS, farmer, P. O. Conneautville, was born in Sum- merhill Township, this county, February 22, 1829;' son of David and Chloe (Hitchcock) Waters, former a native of Massachusetts, latter of New York. They came to Crawford County in November, 1825; were parents of ninechil dren, eight now living. David Waters settled in this township on a farm SUMMERHILL TOWNSHIP. 1065 which he cleared and sold; then moved to near Erie, Penn., where he bought another farm which he partly cleared; then went to Michigan for a time and finally returned to Crawford County, where he remained several years; again sold his farm and went to Tennessee, where he died in May, 1871. His widow is now living in Conneaut Township, this county, with her daughter, Mrs. Maria P. Swift; she is a member of the Universalist Church. Our sub- ject, who is second in the family, learned the trade of cabinet-maker, at which he chiefly worked until 1879. In 1864 he enlisted in the Third Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery, serving under Gen. Batler at Dutch Gap, with the Army of the James in Fort Harrison. He was honorably discharged at Portress Monroe in June, 1865, and returned home. Mr. Waters married, October 31, 1852, Miss Dorcas S. Ball, a native of Barnard, Vt., and daughter of Samuel and Susan Ball, former of whom came to this county in 1851, and died April 1, 1869, aged ninety years. He was a man possessed of a strong mind, a great reader. Mrs. Ball died January 9, 1856, aged fifty-four years. Three children have been born to this union, one now living — Mary M. — wife of Henry L. Mang. Mrs. Waters is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Waters moved to his present farm of thirty-five acres, in Summerhill Township, in 1879. He is a member of the E. A. U. and of the G. A. K. ; in politics a Eepublican. P. A. WEBB, farmer, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born in Turnersville, this county, September 20, 1844, son of William and Lavina (Carpenter) Webb, former a native of New York, latter of Eutland, Vt. They came to Crawford County in 1840, and were parents of five children. William Webb kept a hotel in Turnersville for about twenty years, besides working a farm of 150 acres. He died February, 1860. His widow, who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died March 23, 1879. Our subject, who is the eldest in the family of five, received a good common school education and was brought up a farmer. He married, July 3, 1866, Miss Mary Clark, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and daughter of Lefflet Clark, an extensive cattle dealer, who, together with his entire family, Mrs. Webb excepted, died of typhoid fever in 1854. To our subject and wife were born three sons and three daughters: Curtis L., J. Merton, Harry H. , Flora B., Clara L. and Blanche. Mr. Webb purchased 122 acres of improved land in Summerhill Township, to which he moved in 1881. He has been Justice of the Peace, and has filled nearly all the township offices. En politics he is a Democrat. ANDREW A. WOOD, farmer, P. O. Norriaville, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., in 1823, son of Elias and Amanda (Cary) Wood, natives of Vermont, who came to Crawford County in June, 1848, latter deceased in April, 1871, former now living with his son, Horatio, having attained the patriarchal age of over ninety-one. They were parents of thirteen children, five now living. During the war of the Rebellion five of their sons joined the Union Army: Elias A., was killed at Cedar Mountain ; Sylvester, lived only six days after returning home, succumbing to disease contracted while in the service; Horatio I., enlisted three times, serving through nearly all the war; Alonzo M., served three months (he is since deceased), and Andrew A., was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try. He served nine months with the Army of the Potomac; was in several skirmishes and raids, "but escaped unscathed, and was honorably discharged. Elias Wood was a millwright by trade, at which he worked in his younger days, but after coming to Crawford County he confined himself to farming. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Amanda Wood's father, Oliver Cary, was also a soldier in that war, and was " out " seven 60 1066 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: years; was in many engagements and was wounded in the left wrist. He and ten other soldiers were taken prisoners by the Indians, and all were massacred excepting him, as he managed to escape by flight after enduring untold hard- ships. Oar subject was married in 1852 to Miss Harriet M., daughter of John Dearborn. She is a native of Summerhill Township, born October 15, 1831. To this union were born five children, four now living: Catharine A., wife of John Sebaugh; Orlando A.; Ida C, wife of Samuel Sproul, aad Mary L. Jerome E. died when nearly eleven years of age. Mrs. Wood is a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Wood is owner of sixty-five acres of well-improved land, mostly cleared by himself. He is a carpenter and joiner, a trade he followed "for twenty-five years. In politics he is a Republican. STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. BENJAMIN AUGUST, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Venango County, Penn., born October 26, 1814; son of John C. B. and Mary (Miller) August, natives of St. Petersburg, Eussia. The father settled in this county in an early day, built a log-cabin and lived the life of a lone bachelor for sev- eral years. His son, our subject, has done much toward making the county what it is today. He has cleared up and improved many of its broad acres and has given his life to agricultural pursuits. Mr. August was married November 16, 1837, to Miss Susan Barton, of this county, a native of Cortland County, N. Y. , born June 19, 1820, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Ostrander) Barton, who were natives of New York State, of English and German descent, respectively, and who settled in this county in 1836, where they lived and died. Our subject is the father of nine children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Charles, Caroline, Delfina and Richard M. Mr. August served a short time in the late war in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Our subject and wife have beea members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church for the past thirty years. In politics he is a Green- backer. FREELOVE BAKER, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Steuben Township, this county, February 14, 1825, son of John and Mary (Gay) Baker. He received a common school educatioQ and was reared a farmer. He purchased land in Steuben Township at the age of twenty years, upon which he still resides. This he has since improved in various ways and is now com- fortably situated. Mr. Baker was married in February, 1844, to Miss Betsy E. Altenburg, who was born January 9, 182B, daughter of George and Mary (Corn) Altenburg. To this union were born three sons and three daughters, viz. : Mary E. (deceased), Edwin, Harriet E. (deceased), Lillie Bell, Frank F. (deceased) and Fred. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He has served his township in many of its offices. Is a Democrat in politics. CASPER C. BAKER, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born May 3, 1840, in Steuben Township, this county, son of John and Mary (Gay) Baker, natives of New York State, and who settled in Athens Township, this county, in 1820, and thence went, three years later, to the land Mr. Baker now occupies. They reared a family of nine children. They died in this township, the mother February 14, 1869, aged sixty-nine, and the father September 1, 1870, aged STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1067 seventy- five. They are buried in the Baptist Church Cemetery, at Townville, of which church they were both faithful members. John Baker was born April 23, 1795, in Washington County, N. Y. In the year 1813 he filled his elder brother's place in the army. In March, 1820, he came to Athens Township, this county, and made a commencement on a tract of land he had bought in October of same year, and January 30, 1821, he returned to his former home. He was united in marriage with Mary Gay, a native of the same county, born April 6, 1800. Mr. Baker was married November 6, 1863, to Miss Arminta Gregg, who was a native of Warren County, this State, born October 29, 1 844, and daughter of John and Ann (Pilling) Gregg, natives of England and early settlers in Warren County, Penn. To this union were born two children. : Brwin A., born April 5,. 1868, and Winifred E., born August 27, 1873. Mrs. Baker was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; she died January 19, 1880, and is now resting in the Baptist Cemetery. Mr. Baker is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. OSCAR P. BARTON, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Crawford County, Penn., March, 1837, son of William H. and Olive (Ostrander) Bar- ton, who moved from New York State to this county in 1837, and settled in Troy Township, where Mr. Barton died in 1879, and where his widow still resides. Our subject left his father's home at the age of eighteen years, and worked in different parts of this county for a few years. He was married, December 5, 1860, to Miss Iiucy A. Drake, a native of this county, born Feb- ruary 22, 1842, a daughter of Francis and Jane (Navy) Drake, who were early settlers in this county, of English and German descent, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Barton were born seven sons, viz. : Francis E. , Leroy W., James E., Fred F., Lester M., Lewis H. and Leon C. Mrs. Barton is a member of the Baptist Church. Their son Leroy W. is a natural artist and penman. Our subject has some splendid Durham cattle on his farm. In politics he is a Repub- lican. SIDNEY W. BOOTH, farmer, P. O. Tryonville, is a native of Essex County, N.Y., born March 21, 1835, son of Enosand Mary (Way) Booth, who were natives of Lempster, N. H., of English and Welsh "descent, respectively. They reared their family in New York State, and died in St. Lawrence Coanty, that State. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and began the carpenter trade at twenty-one years of age, which he followed a few years, then gave some attention to the molding business for two or three years; was in the army two and one-half years in a business capacity (sutler's clerk), and in 1865 moved to this county, where he engaged in prospecting for oil fourteen years, and then, in 1878, he purchased land in Steuben Township which he has improved in many ways, so that it is now valued at |50 per acre. Mr. Booth has served in some of the township offices. He was married, March 21, 1859, to Miss Maria Clark, of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., born Septem- ber 17, 1836, daughter of Ransford and Sarah (Wells) Clark, natives of Ver- mont and New York, and of Irish and English descent, respectively, who died in St Lawrence County, N. Y. To our subject and wife have been born one daughter and one son, viz. : Ida M. , born December 28, 1860 (now deceased), and Earnest C, born August 15, 1872. Mr. Booth is a Republican in politics. HENRY BUCKLEY, Jr., farmer, P.O. Townville, was born in Washington County, N. Y., January 30, 1850, son of Henry and Harriet S. (Barber) Buck- ley, natives of New York and Vermont States, respectively. They were mar- ried in 1847, and emigrated from New York State to this county in 1860, where he now resides. They reared a family of one son and two daughters, viz. : Mary J., Henry and Laura S., all now living. Our subject has had the bene- 1068 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: fit of common and select schools, also spent three terms in the Normal School of Edinboro, Penn., and followed school teaching several years in this county. He purchased land in Steuben Township, this county, in 1877 ; has since added to the same at different times until he now owns eighty-seven and a half acres of well-improved land. Mr. Buckley has served his township in many of its offices, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace. He was married May 29, 1879, to Miss Alice A. Hickman, a native of Oil City, Penn., born October 20, 1856, daughter of Simeon and Catharine (Rossman) Hickman, who were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent, respectively. They were married in Venango County, Penn.; where they reared a family of three sons and three daughters, and where they died several years since. Mrs. Henry Buckley, Jr., is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a Democrat in politics. JOHN W. BUEL, farmer, P. O. Oentreville, was born in Rome Township, this county, April 5, 1827, son of Roswell S. and Sarah (Capron) Buel, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively, and of English descent. They came to this county in 1819, and reared a family of eight children, beginning in the woods without any money. They had to go to Pittsburgh, Penn., for supplies. Mr. Buel cleared up many acres of land. He served in some of the county offices. They died in this county at the ages of eighty-nine and sixty- nine years, respectively. Our subject received a common school education, and in 1849 purchased land in Rome Township, this county, which he cleared and sold, and then purchased a farm in Steuben Township, where he now resides. He has built a good residence and made other improvements, his land being now worth $50 per acre. Mr. Buel has served his township in some of its offices. He was married April 8, 1855, to Miss Harriet E. Ludden, of this county, born in Livingston County, N. Y., September, 18, 1834, and daughter of Joseph and Electa (Benjamin) Ludden, natives of New York State and of English descent. They lived in Livingston County, N. Y. ; came to this county in 1855, and in 1866 moved to Erie County, this State, where they now reside, aged seventy-six and seventy-four, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Buel were born two sons and one daughter, viz.: Lewellyn (deceased), Herbert A. and Ella R. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Oentreville. In politics he is a Republican. DANIEL T. CASSELMAN, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Chau- tauqua County, N. Y., born October 18, 1829, son of Jonas and Sarah (Horn) Casselman, natives of Genesee County, N. Y. They lived in Chautauqua County, N. Y., for several years, then removed to this county, where they remained about five years; returned to their native State, and there died at the age of seventy-nine and eighty-nine, respectively. Our subject received a common school education, and in 1846 went to Wisconsin and purchased land. Here he remained five years, then returned to New York State, and in 1854 moved to Pennsylvania, settling in this county. He purchased land in Troy Township, which he cleared up and sold, and in 1856 moved to Steuben Township, where he now has 108 acres of good land, and gives his entire attention to general agriculture. Mr. Casselman served a short time in the late war, in 1864. He was married January 1, 1854, to Miss Harriet A. Dur- fee, a native of this county, born May 18, 1836, daughter of Otis L. and Louisa (Stearns) Durfee, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and of Irish and English descent, respectively. They married in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and moved to Pennsylvania in 1830, first to Venango County, and in 1834 to this county, and were among the first settlers in Steuben Township. Mr. Dur- fee was a Baptist minister of the Gospel, and organized the first Baptist sooi- STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1069 ety in the township. They had a family of four sons and two daughters. Mr. Durfee died aged seventy-one, and Mrs. Darfee, aged sixty-four. To Mr. and Mrs. Gasselman were born five sons and five daughters: Theodore F., Willie E., Percy E., Alice C, Otis L., Henry H., Bessie M., Jessie G., Mary R. and Edna L., all now living except Otis and Mary. Mr. Gasselman is a Prohibitionist in politics. DON E. GA.STLE, farmer and gardener, P. O. Tryonville, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., August 28, 1818, son of William and Caroline (Poote) Castle, natives of Connecticut, of English-French and Welsh descent, and who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1851, settling in what is now Steuben Township, this county, where Mr. Castle died in 1880, at the age of eighty years, and where Mrs. Castle now resides in her eighty-third year. Their eld- est son, our subject, came to this county in 1839, and settled in this township, where he followed carpentering for twelve to fifteen years, and then purchased land in 1847, upon which he now resides. This he has cleared and made many improvements tbereon, having built a good residence, etc., and has now 106 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Besides general agriculture Mr. Castle has given some attention to lumbering and boating on Oil Creek and Allegheny Biver. He has served his township in many of its offices; is a member of the E. A. U. Our subject was married May 27, 1845, to Miss Ann T. Barber, a native of this county, born February 19, 1822, daughter of Charles and Sylvi (Capron) Barber, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire, and of French and English descent, respectively. They settled in this county about 1817, and reared a family of six children, and here they died several years ago. To our subject and wife have been born three sons and two daughters: Ellen, Charles E., Joseph B., Don E. and Flora, two of whom are now living: Charles E. and Don E. Mrs. Castle is a member of the Congregational Church. In pol- itics our subject is a Democrat. BITNER CLARK, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Warren County, Penn., April 2, 1836, and moved with his parents in an early day tq Erie County, Penn., where they remained about twelve years, and in 1856 came to this county. Our subject owns a farm of fifty acres upon which he resides.. He was married in January, 1857, to Miss C. Jackson, a native of New York State, daughter of John and Hannah Jackson, who were early settlers in this county. Our subject is the father of five sons and four daughters: Lavern, Carey, Willie, Elmer, Elnora, Ettie, James, Clarence and Ida. Mr. Clark served about one year in the war of the Rebellion in Company C, One Hun- dred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He is a Republican in politics. HENRY A. DRAKE, of the firm of Hanial Clark & Co., saw and stave - mill, P. O. Townville, was born in Erie County, Penn., December 13, 1841, son of Henry A. and Lusina (Sherwood) Drake, who were natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of English descent Our subject enlisted at the age of twenty years, in the Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving three years and seven months; he participated in- the battles of Bull Run, Winchester, Antietam, South Mountain and several others. He returned to his home in Erie County, Penn., August, 1865, and engaged in the manufacture of shovel handles, which he continued in for several years, and in 1877 moved to Crawford County, Penn., where he engaged in the saw- mill and manufacturing of staves, handles, etc. Mr. Drake was married April 8, 1864, to Miss Arminta T. Graff, also a native of Erie County, Penn., who bore him two daughters, viz. : Jessie M. and Hattie, both now living. Mr. Drake is a member of William Gleason Post, No. 96, G. A. R., Townville, Penn. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, same place. 1070 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ABNEE B. EDSON, merchant, Townville, was born June 17, 1834, in Bloomfield Township, this county, son of Chelous and Julia Ann Edson. Our subject was reared on a farm, had an academic education, and followed teach- ing about four years. In 1866 Mr. Edson purchased land in this township, and followed farming for some years. In 1867 he embarked in mercantile trade, and he is now in the clothing, boot and shoe and furnishing goods business, in Townville, Penn. During the war of the Eebellion, our subject served from April 18, 1861, to March 1, 1865; first in Company H, Erie Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, then in Company I, Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and later promoted to a First Lieutenancy. Being wounded September 30, 1864, near the People's Farm battle-ground, Va., by a gunshot in the right side, he was honorably discharged. Mr. Edson was married, November 14, 1864, to Miss Helen Beardsley, a native of Steuben Township, this county, daughter of Levi S. and Amanda (Marvin) Beardsley, who settled in this county about 1840. To this union were born four children: Aseneth L., Anna, Amanda and Emma, all now living. Mr. and Mrs. Edson and their eldest daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject has- served his township as Justice of the Peace for nine years past, and has now the nomi- nation of the Eepublioan party of Crawford County for the office of Prothono- tary of the Courts. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Q. A. E. in the village in which he resides. ELLIS M. PAEEELLT, physician, Townville, is a native of Meadville, Penn., born January 13, 1848, son of John "W. and Louisa (Ellis) Farrelly, who married in this county, and had born to them a large family, of whom our subject alone survives. He was educated in Meadville, Penn., read medicine with Edward Ellis, M. D. . of same place, attended lectures in Ann Arbor, Mich. ; entered the army as a medical cadet August 18, 1862, served two years, and the remainder as Acting Assistant Surgeon, until March, 1865, when he resigned. While stationed at Louisville, Ky., in 1864, he graduated in the Kentucky School of Medicine. The Doctor began the practice of med- icine in Franklin, Penn., in 1865, and the following year went to the Western States, where he followed his profession about fourteen years. In 1878 he settled in Townville, Penn., where he continues the practice of medicine. Our subject was married, September 11, 1880, to Mrs. Ettie Sayre, of this county, widow of Frank W. Sayre, and daughter of George and Caroline Bow- man, who were early settlers in this county. The Doctor is a member of Gleason Post, No. 96, G. A. E., Townville, Penn. Is a Democrat in politics. ABU AH E. FEOSS, harness-maker, P. O. Townville, is a native of Erie County, Penn., born November 20, 1840, son of John and Sarah M. (George) Fross, natives of Washington County, N. Y., of English and French descent respectively. They were married in Erie County, Penn. , and moved to this county in 1856, settling first in Eichmond Township. Here John Fross pur- chased land and followed farming, traded in stock and shaved notes. In 1 865, he moved to Townville, Penn., and engaged with hie son (our subject) in harness and grocery trade (in which they continued a few years), selling out to the son, then returned to Eichmond Township, where he died May 5, 1873. His widow now resides with our subject, who is giving his attention to the harness trade and other matters. Our subject served three years in the late war in Company C, One Hundred and Fiftieth Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and passed through many fiery engagements; was captured in May, 1864, at the bat- tle of the Wilderness, Virginia, and taken to Andersonville, thence to Florence Prison, where he was kept seven months, and being paroled, returned home. STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1071 recruited his health, and retiarning to his regiment served to the close of the ■war. He was honorably discharged May, 1865, and returned home, since which time he has followed his trade. Mr. Pross was married, September 12, 1865, to Miss Hattie D. Bradford, of Eichmond Township, this county, native of Kome Township, this county, born December 18, 1844, daughter of Alonzo L. and Cornelia (Stewart) Bradford, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respect- ively, and early settlers in this county. Mr. Bradford died in Andersonville Prison, July 24, 1864; his widow still resides in this county. To our subject and wife were born one daughter and one son — Maud L. and John B. Mr. Fross has served in some of the offices of the borough in which he lives. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and R. T. of T., in Townville, Penn. ; is a Republican in politics. ISAAC D. GILLET, farmer, P. O. Townville, was bom in Onondaga County, N. ¥., August 24, 1834, son of Samuel B. and Chloe ("Winston) Gillet, natives of New York, and early settlers of Steuben Township, both deceased. They were the pareuts of ten children, of whom Isaac D. was the third. He received only a limited education, and served as an apprentice to the trade of wagon -making. He also followed coopering about fifteen years. In 1866 he turned his attention to farming, and has been very successful. He has been twice married; his first wife {nee Elizabeth Terrill), died May 18, 1871, leav- ing to his care seven children, viz.: Leroy T., Elmer, Aden L., Mandana, Charles, Henrietta and Albert. Our subject was again married June 4, 1874, on this occasion to Rhoda Toms, who has borne him two children: Josephine and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Gillet are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the State police. In politics he is a Greenbacker. RICHARD HANNA, retired farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Orange County, N. Y., born December 26, 1797; son of William and Jane (Newell) Hanna, natives of Ireland. They were married in County Antrim, Ireland, and immigrated to America about 1795, settling in Orange County, N. Y., where they purchased land and followed general agriculture. They reared a family of five sons and two daughters: James, William, Robert, Richard, Alexandra, Margaret and Eleanor, all now deceased except Richard and Eleanor. The father died in Cortland County, N. Y., aged sixty-five years, the mother in Cayuga County, N. Y., aged ninety. Our subject had a common school education, and began to work on his own responsibility at the age of twen- ty-one years, and soon became owner of land in Cortland County, N. Y. He followed farming there a short time, and then moved to Cayuga Coun- ty, N. Y., where he continued in agricultural pursuits about one year; then sold out and moved to Livingston County, N. Y., where he engaged in the car- penter's and joiner's trade, in which he continued until 1838. He next moved to Pennsylvania, and purchased land in this county. He has cleared up and improved many acres of land in this county. Mr. Hanna was married, in 1818, to Miss Sallie Barton, of Cortland County, N. Y., born in Orange County, N. Y., daughter of Isaac and Pattie (Raymond) Barton, also natives of New York State, and now deceased. To this union were born three sons and one daugh- ter: Henry, Isaac, William and Sallie, only two now living: Isaac and Sallie. Mrs. Hanna died in her native county. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject then married Polly Collar, a native of Livingston Coun- ty, N. Y., and daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Clark) Collar, natives of Penn- sylvania, and who died in Livingston County, N. Y. By this second marriage were born five sons and two daughters, viz. : Mary J., Joshua D., Abraham Mc, William, Lueena, Joseph and James, all now living except Abraham, who died in the late war. The mother of this family died in this township. She 1072 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hanna is a Jeffer- sonian Democrat. BLONCO D. LAMB, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Townville, was born September 27, 1819, in Cortland County, N. Y., son of Edward and Betsy (Gillett) Lamb, natives of Connecticut and of English descent. They married in Cortland County, N. Y., where Mr. Lamb died. Our subject came with his mother to this county in 1836, where he engaged in the saw-mill and lumber- ing trade, which he followed exclusively for seven or eight years, still giving some attention to it. He purchased land in 1839, to which he has since added, and which he has much improved. Mr. Lamb has served his township and county in some of its offices, such as Collector, etc. He was identified with the Good Templars Lodge while it existed in his village. Our subject was married, November 26, 1843, to Miss Lucy A. Hotchkiss, born in Randolph Township, this county, December 31, 1821, and daughter of xCornelius and Lucy (Webster) Hotchkiss, who were natives of Connecticut and New York States, and of English and French descent respectively. They married in Washington County, N. Y., and moved to Pennsylvania in 1821, settling in this county. They died in Erie County. To our subject and wife have been born two sons and three daughters, viz. : Alice A. , Josephine D. (deceased), Albert B., Flora J. (deceased) and Arthur E. Mr. Lamb is a stanch Repub- lican. LEVI L. LAMB, retired, Townville, is a native of Steuben Township, this county, born January 12, 1840, son of Awburn and Rebecca (Sturdevant) Lamb, early settlers of this county. Our subject at first followed the carpen- ter and joiner's trade for several years, then after the war carried on merchan- dising for six years, engaged in hotel business for a short time, and operated a cheese factory, etc., etc. Heenlisted August 19, 1861, in Company F, Eighty- third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. McCoy, of Meadville.Penn., and passed through numerous engagements, battles, etc. , viz. : Siege of York- town, Hanover Court House, the seven days' fighting under MoClellan on the Peninsula (where he was slightly wounded), Rappahannock Station, the Wil- derness, etc. He was wounded at the battle of Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1864, by a gunshot through the right shoulder and a dislocation of the left shoulder, causing the loss of both arms, and was seven months in McVey Hospital, Alex- andria, Va. He was discharged December 14, 1864. Mr. Lamb was married August 12, 1860, to Miss Hannah J. Brant, a native of Richmond Township, this county, and daughter of Simeon and Hannah (Leach) Brant, early settlers of this county, and to this union were born two sons — Harvey L. and Awburn. Mrs. Lamb is a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject has served his county as Mercantile Appraiser, also Treasurer; "is a member of the I. O. 0. F. and G. A. R. , of Townville, Penn; in politics is a Republican. ALBERT B. LAMB, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Steuben Town- ship, this county, April 27, 1851, son of Elonco D. and Lucy A. (Hotchkiss) Lamb. Our subject was married June 19, 1872, to Miss Nancy B. Rounds, of Steuben Township, this county, a native of this county, born October 10, 1850, and daughter oE Horace C. and Nancy J. (Bennett) Rounds. The result of this union is one son and two daughters, viz. : Lillie, Josephine and Fred B. Mr. Lamb is a member of the I. O. O. F., and State police in Townville; in politics he is a Republican. DANIEL H. MoCRILLIS, farmer, P. O. Tryonville, was born in Orange County, Vt., February 9, 1826, son of Brigham and Rebecca (Sanderson) McCrillis, natives of Vermont, and of Scotch and English descent respect- ively. They reared their family chiefly in Huron County, Ohio, where the STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1073 father and mother died. Our subject went to Wisconsin, and followed general agricultural pursuits for seven years, and in 1852 moved to Pennsylvania and settled in this county, first in Richmond Township, and afterward in Steuben Township, where he now resides. He purchased several hundred acres of land, part of which he improved. Here he followed farming, gave considerable attention to coopering and lumbering for about sixteen years; built sawmills, two of which were destroyed by fire. Mr. McCrillis was married in Novem- ber, 1847, to Miss Laura J. Bunce, of Washington County, Wis., a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., born in 1830, reared in Ohio, daughter of William . and Sarah (Hamilton) Bunce, who moved to this county in an early day, both now deceased. To this union were born three sons and three daughters, viz. : Emma J., Annetta, William D., Franklin D., Adaliza and Charles B. They have also an adopted daughter — Maudie M. Pratt. In politics Mr. McCrillis is a Democrat. JOHN P. NAVY, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Steuben Township, this county, June 1, 1852, son of Christopher and Ann (Gilson) Navy, who were natives of Lancaster and Crawford Counties, Penn., respectively; they were married in this county July 13, 1848, and had a family of four children, viz.: John P., Lurania V., Henrietta E. and Martha E. The father died April J.4, 1884, and is buried in Townville Cemetery. His widow still works the old home farm. Our subject was married May 14, 1872, to Miss Emma Braymer, who was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, May 7, 1854, daughter of Henry and Sarah A. (Myers) Braymer, who were early settlers in this county, and now residents of Townville. Two daughters were born to this union: Louie A., born October 24, 1874, and Donna P., born July 10, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Navy are members of the First Baptist Church of Townville. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. ; a Republican in polities. JULIUS M. PARKER, farmer, ^. O. Townville, was born in Broome County, N. Y., February 4, 1830, son of Asa and Mary (Wilson) Parker, who settled early in life in New York State, where Mrs. Parker died. Mr. Parker spent the remainder of his days in this county with his son, Julius M. Our subject settled in Crawford County, in 1851, and purchased land in Richmond Township, thence went to Athens Township, and in 1876 moved to Steuben Township, where he now resides, and follows general agriculture. He was inarried April 25, 1858, to Miss Clara H. Winston, a native of this county. Her father and mother emigrated from New York State to this county in an early day. To our subject and wife have been born five children, viz. : Heber E., Elmer E., Willie S., Charles H. and Ida M., all now living except Heber E. Mr. Parker affiliates with the Republican party. IRA B. PEAVY, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born in Belfast, Allegany County, N. Y. , June 20, 1859, son of Oliver Lee and Louisa D. (Hauks) Peavy. The father was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty- Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and. was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville. In 1864 our subject came to this county and lived at Guy's Mills until 1880, then moved upon a farm in Steuben Town- ship. He was married, March l6, 1880, to Miss Laura Buckley, of this town- ship, born February 3, 1858. One daughter has blessed this union — Alice E., born January 31, 1881. Mrs. Peavy is a member of the Evangelical Advent Church. Mr. Peavy in politics is a Republican. LUTHER B. PRESTON, proprietor of saw-mill, Tryonville, is a native of Warren County, Penn., born August 12, 1836, son of John and Ann (Chase) Preston, natives of Canada and Pennsylvania respectively. They married in Warren County, Penn., where they remained till 1843, then moved to this 1074 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: county and settled in Sparta Township, cleared a large farm and reared a family of three children, viz. : Silas M., Eunice M. and Lather B., all now living. The father and mother still reside in Athens Township, this county. Our subject] purchased land in that township at the age of twenty-one, and this he cleared and improved, and there lived until 1871, when he sold, and purchased land in Steuben Township. He had given most of his time to the blacksmithing trade, in which he continued until of late years, and then began farming more extensively and improving his land. He has over 200 acres, on which^ he'built, in 1880, a saw and shingle-mill, which he is operating very successfully. He also gave some attention to coopering for several years. In his earlier history Mr. Preston served in most of the township offices. He was married, September 23, 1857, to Miss Esther Hall, a native of Athens Town- ship, this county, born September 19, 1838, daughter of Harmon and Pru- dence (Williams) Hall, natives of Great Bend, N. ¥., and who settled in this county in 1829, and lived in Athens Township until their deaths. They reared a family of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Preston have been born four children, viiz. : Welthy, Carlisle, Jestina and John H. Our subject is a Ee- publican in politics. WILLIAM EEYNOLDS, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Center County, this State, born in October, 1802, son of John and Maria (Brown) Reynolds, who were natives of and early settlers in Center County, Penn., and who about 1808 or 1810 moved with their family to this county, where they spent the remainder of their days. Our subject at the age of twenty-one years purchased land, began at once to elear up a farm, and has since given his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. He was married in May, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Navy, of this county, and a native of Lancaster, Penn., born March 5, 1809, daughter of Philip and Mary (Heckard) Navy, who set- tled in this county in 1819. To the union of William and Elizabeth Rey- nolds have been born one son and six daughters, viz. : Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia, Jerusha, Addie, Adelia and Edward. Mr. Reynolds is an old solid Democrat. EDWARD G. ROSE, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, born in Philadelphia January 3, 1856, son of Peter and Eliza (Boyer) Rose, also natives of Philadelphia, where they lived until June, 1857, then moved to this county, where they purchased land in Steuben Township, and here followed agricultural pursuits and lumbering. They reared a family of two sons and six daughters, of whom our subject is the youngest. The father died in Townville in 1882, aged seventy-three years. His widow still resides in the village. Our subject received a common school education, and has fol- lowed farming principally. He spent three years in the grocery trade with L. C. Magaw, of Meadville, Penn. , and is now operating the home farm. Mr. Rose is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In politics is a Repub- lican. WILLIAM M.-ROSS, farmer, P. O. Centreville, is a native of Cattarau- gus County, N. Y., born September 7, 1828, son of William and Harriet (Wheeler) Ross, natives of New Hampshire, of English descent, and who moved in 1840 to Venango County, Penn., where they lived until 1875, and in 1878 settled in Rome Township, this county, where they remained until the death of Mr. Ross in September, 1875. He died aged seventy-four years. His widow still resides on the old homestead in this county, now in her eighty- first year. Our subject was educated in the common school, and worked at home until twenty years of age, then with his earnings purchased, in 1850, land in Venango County, to which he added a few years later. He worked by the day and month until his land was paid for, and since thirty-one years of STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1075 age has followed farming for himself. He also gave some attention to the oil trade during the excitement in this country. Mr. Ross sold out in 1865, and moved to Steuben Township, this county, where he now has 230 acres of land, which he is improving in various ways, and upon which he now resides. Our subject was married, August 16, 1859, to Miss Ellen Perry, of Warren County, Penn., born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., September 1, 1837, daughter of Yates and Gertrude (Miller) Perry, natives of New York, and of English and Dutch descent. They were married in Columbia County, N Y., then moved to Chautauqua County, that State, and thence to Rome Township, this county, where they died, the former November 27, 1872, and the latter May 15, 1884, aged seventy-four and seventy-nine years respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Ross were born four sons and one daughter, viz. : Herbert C, Elmer E., Franklin P., Edgar M. and Birdena E. The mother died August 14, 1869, and Mr. Ross then married, February 6, 1870, Miss Hannah V. Perry, a younger sister of his first wife, born in Rome Township, this county, April 2, 1844, by whom he has two sons and one daughter: Alfred H., Willis Y. and Mary E. The iirst wife of our subject was a member of the Baptist Church. His present wife is a Congregationalist. In politics Mr. Ross is a Republican. HORACE C. ROUNDS, retired, Townville, is a native of Cayuga County, N. Y. , son of Jonathan and Hannah (Morey) Rounds, natives of Rhode Island, who formerly lived in New York State, then moved to this county. They were parents of five sons and four daughters, of whom four are now living, viz. : Horace C, Reuben, Mehetabel and Sarah A. Our subject came with his parents in 1835 to this county and followed farming a few years, giving some attention at the same time to the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he finally adopted as a permanent business in connection with coopering. Mr. Rounds was married June 21, 1842, to Nancy J. Bennett, a native of North Shenango Township, this county, and daughter of Anthony and Nancy (Espy) Bennett, of this county, former of whom settled here in 1792 as a farmer. He was a Colonel in the war of 1812; died at the age of eighty-one years. Four chil- dren were born to this union: Margaret A., Hannah R., Nancy B. and Will- iam S., all now living. Mrs. Rounds is a mem))er of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is now retired, has a good home and is out of debt. He has served his township in many of its offices, and is now filling a second term as Justice of the Peace; is a member of the I. O. O. F. and S. of T. In politics he is a stanch Republican. BYRON SMITH, physician, Townville, was born in Hamburg Township, Erie Co., N. Y., July 4, 1830, son of Zenas and Mary (Oaks) Smith, who were natives of Vermont and New York State, and of English and German descent, respectively. Our subject came to this county in 1852, settling first at Guy's Mills and thence went to Spartansbarg, thence to Townville, where he has since followed his profession. He was educated at the Homoeopathic Hospital Medical College, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Smith was married in February, 1854, to Miss Catharine Russell, of this township, a native of New York State and daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (Sueeden) Russell, who were also natives of New York State, Our subject served three years in the late war in Company F, Eighty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged in September, 1864. He is a Republican in politics. WILLIAM P. SQTJIER, farmer, P. O. Townville, was born May 2, 1812, in Monson, Mass., son of John and Chloe (Lincoln) Squier, who were natives of Massachusetts, where Mr. Squier died in 1841; his widow died in Ohio in 1873. Our subject moved to this State in 1837, and settled in Bloomfield Township, this county, where he with his uncle, Seth Lincoln, purchased land 1076 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and erected a saw-mill which he operated for a few years and then went to farming, continuing same in Bloomfield and Kockdale Townships, until 1863, when he sold out and purchased in Steuben Township, where he now resides. He has cleared up a good farm. Mr. Squier has been identified with the inter- ests of the township in which he lives, and has served in many of the township offices. He was married March 8, 1838, to Jane P. Sturdevant, of this county, a native of New York State, born March 2, 1819, daughter of Levi and Rebecca (Norton) Sturdevant, who were natives of Connecticut and of English descent and who moved to this State and county in 1886, where they died in 1856 and 1860, respectively. Our subject is the father of eleven children: Mary A., William A., John C, Harvey L., William L., Harvey A., Chloe B., AlonzoL.^ Kebecca E., OtisO. and Jennie G. E. Mr. Squier is a very stanch old Repub- lican and a strong advocate of temperance. NUTEN E. STEVENS, merchant, Townville, is a native of Townville, Penn., born December 6, 1843; son of Edwin and Philura (Beardsley) Stevens, who were natives of Connecticut and New York State respectively. They were married in this county and reared a family of four sons: James F., Nuten E., Lucius M. and Sherman M., all now living. Their father died April, 1852; their mother now resides in Lowellville, Ohio, the wife of J. B. Vessele. Our subject was reared in this county and has been in mercantile trade in Erie, Tidioute and Townville, all in this county. Mr. Stevens sold out in the latter place in 1883, and is now temporarily out of trade. He was married October 7, 1868, to Miss Annie Walker, of Erie, Penn., and a native of Derbyshire, En- gland, daughter of John and Jane (Price) Walker, who both departed this lif» in Nottinghamshire, England. They were the parents of a large family. To our subject and wife were born two daughters: Minnie Ettie, born November 17, 1870, and Jennie May, born May 21, 1876. Mr. Stevens is a member of the L O. O. F. and R. T. of T., of Townville, Penn. In politics he is a Repub- lican. FRANKLIN K. STURGIS, farmer, P. O. Centreville, was born in Rock- dale Township, this county. May 13, 1845; son of John C. and Lydia (Henry) Sturgis, of this county. Our subject received a common school education and followed teaming for several years. In 1866 he purchased land in Steuben Township, this county, which he sold later and purchased again, in 1877, in same township, and has now seventy- three acres of good land upon which he built a fine residence and substantial out-buildings. He has cleared up and improved his farm so thoroughly that it is now worth $50 per acre. Mr. Sturgis was married May 14, 1865, to Miss Henrietta A. Goodwill, a native of Crawford County, Penn., born in Mead Township, January 1, 1849, daughter of Cyrus and Phebe M. (Waid) Goodwill, who were among the first settlers in this county. The result of this union is one son— Ira A. — born August 24, 1867. Mr. Sturgis is a Republican in polities. HENRY STURGIS, farmer, P. O. Centreville, is a native of Bloomfield Township, this county, born May 23, 1850; son of John C. and Lydia (Henry) Sturgis, who were early settlers in this county. Henry Sturgis, our subject, purchased land in 1872 in Rome Township, this county, which he sold in 1875, then purchased a farm in Steuben Township, where he now resides and on which he has made some valuable improvements. Mr. Sturgis has devoted the greater part of his time to carpentering, but now follows general agriculture. He was married August 30, 1877, to Miss Hattie Henry, of this township, a native of this county, born February 23, 1856, daughter of Harmon and Polly A. (De Mills) Henry, early settlers in this county. To our subject and wife were born three children, viz. : Alice, Clinton, and Idia B., all now living. STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1077 Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Centreville. In politics he is a Republican. WAEEEN STUYVESANT, farmer, P. O. Hydetown, is a native of Oswego County, N. Y., born July 9, 1840, son of Christian and Rachel (Calkins) Stuyvesant, who were natives of New York and Vermont, and of German and English descent respectively. They moved to Erie County, Penn., by over- land route, with one horse and wagon, in 1848, and in 1866 moved to Van Buren County, Mich., where Christian died, at the age of eighty-three. His widow died in Erie County, March 15, 1875, aged seventy-five. Our sub- ject remained in Erie County (where he followed general agriculture) until 1881. He then moved to this county, and purchased land in Steuben Town- ship, where he now resides. Mr. Stuyvesant was married October 13, 1863, to Miss Lydia Perry, a native of Erie County, Penn., born January 29, 1843, daughter of Abram and Adaline (White) Perry, natives of Maine and Vermont respectively, and of English descent. They were both reared in Erie County, Penn., where they married, lived and died. He died April 9, 1879, aged eighty-one years, and his widow March 23, 1884, aged sixty-seven years. Our subject and his wife were the parents of three sons and one daughter, viz.: Lee W., Earl M., Eveie G. and Scott K. Mr. Stuyvesant served eighteen months in the late war, in Company D, Eighty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and passed through several fierce engagements, viz. : The seven days' fight at Richmond, Malvern Hill, Va., Savage's Station, etc., etc.; was wounded in June, 1862, by a bullet in the right hand. In politics our subject is a Democrat. NORMAN THOMAS, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of this county, born October 1, 1819, son of Norman and Sallie (Morey) Thomas, who emi- grated from Massachusetts to this county in 1812. Our subject, who is the only one now living of his brothers and sisters, has spent most of his life in this county, and was educated in the common schools. He began preaching the Gospel at the age of twenty-five years in the Regular Baptist denomination, and has followed this calling mainly all through life. Mr. Thomas was married September 3, 1846, to Miss Meribah A. Root, of this county, a daughter of Daniel and Susan (Church) Root, who were early settlers in this county. One son, Olcott R., was born to this union. Our subject served over one year in the United States Navy. He purchased land in 1882 in Steuben Township, this county, upon which he now lives. In politics he is a Republican. GEORGE W. TRYON, farmer, P. O. Tryonville, was born in Rome Town- ship, February 3, 1832, son of David and Artemesia (Stedman) Tryon, natives of Litchfield County, Conn. They married in this county in 1828, and had a family of four sons and seven daughters, viz. : Mary J., Desdemonia, George W., Cornelia M., McCure S., Rachel, David, Debora A., D. Washington, Ara- bella and Ella B. Their mother died here in 1871. David Tryon was one of the first settlers in the county, having come in 1820 to what is now Steuben Township, and in partnership with his brother James, who came at the same time, purchased large tracts of land, built several mills, and followed card- ing for several years. In 1828 they entered into the saw-mill and lumber business, which they carried on very extensively for many years, operating three saw-mills most of the time until 1864. They also carried a general stock of merchandise. David and James and their wives were pioneer Methodists in this community. The first preaching and also first schools were held in their houses for many years. Our subject had a common school education, and worked with his father in the lumbering industry until twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in business for himself, which he continued in until 1078 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1862, giving also some attention to mercantile trade. In 1862 Mr. Tryon was commissioned by the Governor to enlist volunteers for the late war, and, in connection with recruits enlisted by John W. Ziegler and M. F. Rose, of Titusville, he assisted in forming Company I, One Hundred and Fiftieth Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, of which our subject was elected and commissioned Second Lieutenant, afterward promoted to First Lieutenant. He passed through many engagements, but being taken sick he was discharged October 22, 1864, and returned home. He then resumed his former line of business, which he continued in for a few years. He then commenced clear- ing up his land, soon had a good farm, and has since engaged in agriculture, horticulture, stock-raising, etc. Our subject was married October 22, 1872, to Miss Emma A. Cooke, of this township, a native of West Winsted, Conn., born October 3, 1853, daughter of Sherman T. and Cornelia (Jaqua) Cooke, alsa natives of Connecticut, of English'and French descent. They reared a family of four children. Mrs. Cooke died in 1856; Mr. Cooke resides in West Winsted, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Tryon have one son, Schuyler Q., born August 26, 1873. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In politics he is a Republican. • JOHN WAID, proprietor of saw-mill and farmer, P. O. Tryonville, is a native of this county, born in Randolph Township, November 15, 1820, son of Williams and Abi (Skinner) Waid. Our subject had common school advan- tages, and at twenty one years of age began work for Clapp, Matthews & Sykes, who were then building a saw-mill on March Run, in this township, with which firm he remained for a few years. He then purchased a partial interest in the saw-mill, and still later a greater interest in the same, at which time the firm name was changed to Matthews & Waid. This continued until 1856, when Mr. Waid became sole owner, and he has since carried on an exten- sive lumbering business very successfully. Before the Oil Creek Railroad was built all the lumber had to be rafted to Pittsburgh, Penn., and other points along the Allegheny River, but now it is conveyed by wagons to the railroad, a distance of one mile and a quarter. Mr. Waid has become owner of about 1,200 acres of land in Steuben aod Athens Townships, this county, ranging in valuation from $10 to |100 per acre. He has expended considerably on the improvement of his land, on which he has built a residence at a cost of 15,000. He also, in 1872, erected a large hotel near his mill, which was burned to the ground in 1880. Through the burning besides of two large barns and other good buildings, our subject has suffered losses amounting to not less than $5,000. Mr. Waid has been connected with general merchandising in a store located on his land near his mills, which place is now known as Clappville. He carries on farming very extensively, employing a large force of hands, some fifty men or more, and he has cleared and improved many broad acres of wild and rough land. This year (1884) nearly 1,000 cords of hemlock bark have been obtained from two timber tracts. Mr. Waid was married February 17, 1843, to Miss Vesta A. Bloodgood, of Steuben Township, born in Oneida County, N. T. , October 1, 1820, daughter of James and Mary (Weal) Blood- good, natives of New Jersey and Connecticut respectively, and of English descent. They were the parents of a large family which they reared in New York State, where Mr. Bloodgood followed the profession of music teacher, etc. Mrs. Waid came to this county at the age of sixteen, and here lived with her uncle and aunt, John and Harriet Matthews, until her marriage. To our subject and wife have been born four sons and three daughters, viz. : Amelia M., Dewit C, Ralph C, William P., John M., Harriet M. and Ann, the two latter deceased in infancy. Mr. Waid has served in some of the township offices. In politics he is a straight Democrat. STEUBEN TOWNSHIP. 1079 OZIAL WAID, farmer, P. O. Tryonville, is a native of this county, born in Kandolph Township, April 3, 1823, son of Williams and Abi (Skinner) Waid, who were natives of New York State and Vermont, and of English and Scotch descent respectively. They came to this county in an early day and were here married in 1818. They raised a large family; followed farming and cleared up land. They died at the ages of seventy-nine and eighty-three respectively. Our subject received a common school education, and remained on the home farm with his parents until twenty- one years of age. In 1843 he purchased land in Steuben Township, this county, which he cleared up; then farmed for a few years and worked on the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers for some time, also followed lumbering for several years. Mr. Waid served his town- ship in nearly all of its offices for some years. He was married, February 3, 1860, to Miss Sallie Bush, of this township, a native of New York State, born September 7, 1841, daughter of Horatio and Louy (Ercanbreek) Bush, natives of New York State and early settlers in this county. To this union were born two sons and two daughters, viz.: William D., Horatio S., Emma E. and Ber- tha M. In politics Mr. Waid is a Democrat. DAVID S. WAID, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of this county, born in Randolph Township, January 8, 1821; son of Warner and Hannah (Skin- ner) Waid, natives of Vermont and Maine respectively, and of English descent. They were married in this county in 1817, and here Mrs. Waid died in September, 1823, aged twenty-three. Mr. Waid died in 1874, aged seventy- nine. Our subject followed the carpenter's trade and boat-building for several years, and having become the owner of land, began farming in 1864, and has continued the same in this township to the present. He has served as Justice of the Peace in this township for fifteen years; also Auditor for a term of years. Mr. Waid married. May 2, 1844, Miss Mary Kellogg, of this county, a native of Jamestown, N. Y. , born August 26, 1828, daughter of Josiah and Paulina (Thompson) Kellogg, who were natives of Vermont and Canada respectively, and of English descent. They settled in this county in 1827, reared a family of eight children, and here both died several years since. To Mr. and Mrs. Waid were born two sons and three daughters, viz. : Sarah E., Martha H., Edwin A., David A. and Ettie M., all now living. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Townville. ISAAC WHEELOCK, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of this county, born in Richmond Township, November 22, 1843, son of Jesse and •Mary (Cummins) Wheelock, early settlers in this county, where Mrs. Wheelock died many years ago. Mr. Wheelock now resides in Richmond Township, and is said to have cast one of the first two votes in that township. Our subject was reared a farmer, an occupation he still follows, and gave some attention in 1869 and 1870 to the oil business. In 1871 he moved upon his land in Steu- ben Township, where he now resides; he has eighty -two and a half acres of land, half of which has been improved by his own individual efforts. He built a good residence in 1883; he has some good Durham cattle. Mr. Wheelock was a short time in the war of the Rebellion. He was married, February 26, 1873, to Miss Pruda A. Drake, a native of this township, born April 9, 1852, daughter of Francis and Jane (Navy) Drake, who were natives of Massachu- setts and Pennsylvania respectively, and early settlers in this county. To this union were born four sons, viz. : Irvin A. , Shismy J. , Homer F. and William W. Mrs. Wheelock is a member of the Baptist Church. In politicH Mr. Wheelock is a Democrat. JOHN WINANS, carriage blacksmith, Townville, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, September 10, 1826, son of James and Rachel Winans, natives 1080 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Ohio. They were married in Trumbull County, Ohio, and there reared a family of seven sons, of whom only two are now living: Simeon and John. Our subject resided in Trumbull County, Ohio, till 1860, in which year he moved to this county and engaged in prospecting for oil, and finally settled in Townville, where he has since devoted his attention to his trade. Mr. Winans was thrice married. He was united to his present wife (nee Miss Cordelia Baugher), June 28, 1868. She is a native of this county, and daughter of Daniel and Mary (Gibson) Baugher, who were among the first settlers of this county. Three children were born to this union: Lena L. , Fred and Floyd. Our subject is a.prominent citizen of Townville, and is one of its Councilors. In politics he is a Democrat. SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. O. W. BEAN, M. D., physician and surgeon, and Postmaster,jHarmonsburg, was bom in Mercer County, Penn., September 25, 1852, and is a son of James M. and Caroline (Woods) Bean and grandson of James Bean, an early settler of Mercer County, who purchased 1,200 acres of land, and there remained among the pioneers of his day until his death. James M. Bean, our subject's father, had five sons: Irwin A,, residing in Poweshiek County, Iowa; Abner L., on the old homestead in Mercer County; Oliver W., subject of sketch; Norman J., in Greenville. Penn.; and Jay M., at home. Oliver W. Bean was educated at Greenville, Mercer County, and began the study of med- icine with Dr. W. C. E. Martin, a worthy physician of Greenville, and one of the Eclectic school. He attended medical lectures at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated January 28, 1877. He then began the practice of medicine in Susquehanna County, Penn., but subse- quently removed to Harmonsburg, where he has permanently located since 1878, although he was in Ohio for some time before finally settling down in Harmonsburg. In January, 1880, he married Flora H., daughter of James McClure. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and R. A.; is one of the most promising young physicians in the county. JOHN BEATTY, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Vernon Town- ■ ship, this county, March 2, 1809, and is a son of Joseph and Susan (Litner) Beatty, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled near Harmonsburg in 1806, and brought up a family of nine children: Alexander, died at the age of one year;, Eliza, now Mrs. Cotton; Margaret, now Mrs. Denne; Sarah, now Mrs. Pow- ell; Wilhelmina; Susan, now Mrs. Gibson; John, our subject; James, deceased, and William, deceased. Our subject married, September 5, 1837, Mary, daugh- ter of William and Margaret Hope, by whom he had four children: William H., who married Eva Taylor, and occupies the beautiful farm of his father's near Harmonsburg, and is a first-class farmer; Wilhelmina L., married March 1, 1877, to Jesse E. Sitler, now living in Marshall County, Kan. ; Ellen, (deceased), was married to Mr. Brown, and an infant, deceased. John Beatty has been one of the leading citizens of the township, having held the office of School Director, Collector, Assessor, etc. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Beatty died March 24, 1867. WILLIS T. BENEDICT, farmer and dealer in phosphate, P. O. Centre Koad Station, was born in Evansburg, this county, October 17, 1842; son of SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 1081 ■Robert and Sarah (Power) Benedict, former a native of New Haven, Conn., the latter of Pennsylvania, a member of the Presbyterian Church. She is a daughter of William Power, nephew of Alexander Power. Eobert Benedict was for many years a merchant at Evansburg and a prominent business man. He died in 1852. His widow is now living with our subject. They were parents of three children, two now living: Willis T., and a sister, Anna B. Johnston, New Wilmington, Penn. Our subject, who is second in the family, received an academic education, which he obtained through his own efforts. He enlisted July, 1861, in the Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, and was in the following engagements: Siege of Yorktown and with Gen. McClellan through the seven days' fight on the Peninsula; at Gaines' Mill, where he was wounded in the left eye. At Malvern Hill he was taken prisoner, and after remaining three and a half months in the Eebel hands, being confined in Libby and Belle Isle prisons, he was paroled and honorably discharged December 16, 1863, and returned home. He married, in 1869, Miss Martha T. Manning, a native of Ithaca, N. Y. Her father, Abram Manning, died there; her mother married William Miller, of Conneaut Centre, and moved to Crawford County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Benedict are parents of four children: Mary E., Robert A., Will- iam Power and George M. Our subject and wife are members of the P. of H. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is a F. & A. M.;^in politics a Repub- lican. Mr. B^oedict is owner of a good farm. • ELI BROWN, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born May 6, 1816, in what was then Sadsbury, but now Summit Township, and is a son of John Brown, whose father, also named John, came to this county at an early day from Berks County, Penn., and as a pioneer took up land. Our subject's father, one of the eldest of the family, was in the war of 1812. He raised a family of eight children: Samuel (who married Susan Luper), Eli, Jacob (married Angeline Hall, and on her death married Miss Swift), David (mar- ried three times, first Mary Hall, next Mary Dudley, and lastly Eliza Trouax, who is now a widow), Philip (married Miss Garner), William (married Mary McGuire), Joseph (married Alvira Galbraith, then Hannah Craven, who was then a widow), W. B. (married Eliza Shotwell ; he is now deceased). Eli Brown was married in 1837 to Rhoda Pool, by whom he had four children: William H. H. (married Miss Van Tassell), Hannah (married Daniel B. Rob- inson), Winfield S. (married Sally Reeme), Walter C. (married Eva Sterling). Mr. Brown is a leading farmer; has been Assessor two terms. Collector of Taxes, Roadmaster, and has served on the Board of Elections. PHILIP BROWN, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Summerhill Township, this county, April 16, 1820, and is a son of John and Hannah (Gehr) Brown, who came with their parents some time in 1802 from the East, over the mountains. Our subject's grandfather was John Brown, who had nine children, of whom three are now living: Betsy (now Mrs. Michael Foust), Annie (now Mrs. John Trace), and Lydia (now Mrs. Philip Foust). John Brown, the father of our subject, a soldier in the war of 1812, had eight chil- dren, six now living: Samuel, Eli, Jacob, Philip, William and Joseph. Philip Brown was married to Elizabeth Garner, who bore him three children: Henry, Catharine, and Hattie, now Mrs, Joseph McGuire. On the death of his first wife, our subject married Rachel Cooledge, and by her had no family. Mr. Brown has been School Director, and has taken a deep and intelligent interest in this work, so that the school under his care has prospered to an extraordi- nary degree. He has been brought up in the Reformed Church; in his polit- ical views is a Republican. His family, whose history is fully portrayed in 1082 BIOGRAPHICAB SKETCHES: that of Vernon Township, is one of the most numerous and prosperous in this vicinity. CALVIN. V. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in this township, June 28, 1855, and is son of Joseph and Alvira (Galbraith) Brown, who were descendants of the earliest pioneers of this county. The Browns early piirchased large tracts of land and have since added considerably to their possessions; so that by this means, and by intermarriage with other fam- ilies, they now occupy the most of Vernon and Summit Townships. They have been a prosperous people, no doubt in consequence of their honest and peaceable dispositions, so that there has been no need in the eighty years of their occupancy for a Constable or a Justice of the Peace before whom to bring an action. Our subject's father, Joseph, removed to Conneautville in 1871, and December 2, 1876, Calvin V. Brown married Fannie, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wilson) Gehr, the second of five children. They have two children: Lennie A., and Hannah I. They occupy the old home farm, Mr. Brown being the only child in his father's family. DANIEL CLOSE, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Berks County, Penn., July 23, 1809, and is son of Jonathan and Magdalena (Cancle ) Close. His father came to this county in 1822, purchased 440 acres from the Power estate, then returned to Union County, and in 1823 removed with his family and began life as a pioneer in the woods. His family was in all thirteen children, eight of whom are still living: Samuel, Jeremiah, Daniel, Jonathan, Esther, Bachel, Joe) and Susan. Esther is now the widow of Mr. McOuire, a soldier of the war of 1812; Rachel is unmarried, and Susan is Mrs Young, in California. The Close family were among the first pioneers of the county, and our subject, although he commenced life poor, having been a thorough business man and possessed of tact, has acquired quite a competency to enjoy while yet living and leave to his children. He is of an inventive turn and has devised several useful implements. He was married December 7, 1831, to Grace, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Bull) Beaty. The family consisted of six children, three living: James B., married Elizabeth McClure; William, married Elizabeth Mcintosh, and they have one daughter — Georgie A. (they are both well-to-do farmers); Martha, now the widow of J. McClure, who was killed in 1881 by being thrown from a mowing machine. Martha has three children: John B., Mary B. and William V. Our subject has been an extensive stock dealer, and is one of the prominent citizens of ^he county. He got his first start in life by freezing apples, distilling the cider and trading the apple jack for an ax, with which he cleared his first land, on which he grew his first crop. He built a saw-milJ and run it twenty years; improved three farms and put buildings on them. ARNOLD FORD, hotel-keeper, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Summit Township, this county, May 20, 1820; son of Thomas and Catharine (Brown) Ford. His father was married four times. By his first wife, Catharine Brown, he had eight children: John (deceased), Christopher, Eliza, Julia, Thomas (deceased), Atkinson (deceased), Andrew and Lorinda. His second wife was Lydia Rick, by whom he had five children: William, David, Silas, James, and Daniel a soldier in the late war, in Company I of a Michigan regiment; was killed at the battle of Petersburg. His third wife was Isabella Marshall, by whom he had four children: Maggie, Sarah, Alexander, and one deceased. Alexander was also a soldier in the late war, in the Eighth Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry; was wounded at Laurel Hill. Mr. Thomas Ford's fourth wife was Elizabeth Dikeman, by whom he had no children. Arnold Ford was married in December, 1844, to Susan A.-, daughter of Benja- SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 1083 min Boggs, by whom he had six children: Sarah L., Mary E., Thomas J., Annie E., B. F. (deceased) and Florence R. Mr. Ford had for years kept hotel at Harmonsburg, and in 1862 enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (Erie Regiment), serving three years and four months. He was discharged at the close of the war in 1865, returned home, but had to go to the hospital at Cleveland, where his wife nursed him and was the means of saving his life. PHILIP FOUST, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Berks County, Peun., October 7, 1800, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Brown) Foust, who came to this county in 1804, settling in Sadsbury Township, there pur- chasing. 800 acres of land and afterward 400 more. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom Daniel and our subject are the only surviving members. Philip Foust was married in June, 1822, to Lydia, daughter of John Brown, by whom he had eleven children: Perrina (deceased), Cornelius, Lucinda, Samuel, Fannie, Harriet (deceased), Sarah A., Maria, Catharine, Liveria, William (deceased). Lucinda married Dennis Lets; Fannie married Isaac Onspaugh; Sarah married Joseph Moss; Maria married M. Crane; Catharine married E. Soper; Liveria was twice married. Her present hus- band is J. Salome. Our subject, now in his old age, occupies a farm near the lake. He has been a leading farmer in his community. He has held the posi- tion of School Director, Road Master, Assistant Assessor and Judge of Elec- tions; he has acquired a fine competency, whereby he can maintain himself in comfort for the remainder of his days. GEORGE W. FOUST, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Sads- bury Township, this county, in 1818, and is the son of Peter and Polly (Beem) Foust, natives of Berks County, Penn. ,-who came to this county some time about 1807, when the county was an entire wilderness, and like other early pioneers they fought the battles of life with earnestness. They were the par- ents of six children: John (deceased), Maria (Mrs. Patrick Leonard), George W., Delilah (Mrs. L. Southwick), Joseph and Alexander. Our subject mar- ried, in 1873, Sarah J., daughter of Robert Kelly, by whom he has one daugh- ter, a bright, active and interesting child, named Sakie Jane. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the E. A. U. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. JOHN FULLER, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born August 25, 1830, in the town of Hume, Allegany County, N. Y. , and is a son of Hiram and Clarissa (Putnam) Fuller. His father was born in the town of Hastings, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1797, son of Hubbard and Elizabeth (Hamlin) Ful- ler. He was married in 1816 to Clarissa Putnam; came to this county in 1886, settling in Summit Township. He is a leading- man of the township, and has held most of the township offices. His family consisted of eight children, as follows: Angeline, Emeline, Sylvia, Laura, Hubbard, Putnam, John and Rebecca. Angeline is now Mrs. Alonzo Whiting; Emeline is Mrs. A. Elliott; Sylvia is Mrs. C. A. Fisk; Laura is Mrs. T. B. Parker; Hubbard married Jane McConnell; Putnam married Laura Tower, and John. Our sub- ject, married, February 26, 1858, Esther A., daughter of James M. Dickson, who was the fourth child and only daughter in her father's family. The result of this union is six children, viz.: Mary Adell, John Q., James Roscoe, Esther Nora, Hiram Gratz and Clarissa Luna. Our subject was a soldier in the late war in Capt. Myers' company, which was Company G, in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He is a member of the G. A. R. and R. A. In politics is a Republican. Mr. Fuller has held all the principal offices of his township; was elected member of the State Legislature, November 4, 1884. 1084 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: I BAEBETT GEHE, farmer, P. O. Gehrton, was born in Summit Township, this county, August 11, 1847; son of Benjamin and Juda (Littwilder) Gehr. His father came from Berks County, Penn. , in 1798, and settled in the south- west portion of this township, there remaining until his death. His widow still survives, occupying the old home farm. By his first wife, a daughter of Capt. John Gehr, he had five children: Sophia, Lucy A., Sylvania, Kebecca and one who died young. By his second wife, Juda Littwilder, he had three children: Sylvester, married Hersie Burge; Barrett, our subject, and Adeline, who married J. G. Hampe. Barrett Gehr married, October 22, 1874, Hannah, daughter of Rev. Henry Hampe, she being the eldest of eleven children in her father's family. Mr. and Mrs. Gehr are blessed with a family of two children: Donna Gertrude and Dale Darwin. He resides on the farm where his father lived, and in the house which his grandfather built. The Gehrs came originally from Switzerland and Germany, and were among the earliest settlers in, Berks County, Penn., where one of the name is now living at the patriarchal age of one hundred and two years. This centenarian has been a resident of Summit Township ever since he was a young man. POETBR JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was bora at Mead- ville, August 24, 1838, son of David and Susannah (Porter) Johnson, whose parents came from Ireland at an early day and settled in this county, where they died. They had ten children in their family, eight of whom are now living: James, Jane, Porter, Margaret, Susan, Eliza, Thomas and Robert. Eliza married a Mr. Floyd in Colorado; James married Eva Selby; Margaret married A. Sloan. Porter Johnson was a soldier in the late war, having enlisted in 1862, and served three years and nine months, under Col. Price, in the Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at the close of the war was discharged without a scar. He came home and was married July 4, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Ford, the youngest of fourteen children, her father having been married four times. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have three chil- dren: Effie, Emmett and Ninus. Mr. Porter is a member of the G. A. E., and has experienced to the full the hardships of a warrior's life, having been through the whole war, and in such battles as Wolfton, Cedar Mountain, second Bull Eun, Chantilly, Thoroughfare Gap, Warrenton, Biddleburg, Berrysville, Snickersville, Occoquan, Aldie, Middleburg, Gettysburg, South Mountain, Ashby's Gap, Bealton Station, Eappahannock Station, Mine Eun, Luray Valley, Todd's Tavern, Old Church Tavern, Malvern Hill, Lee's Mills, White Oak Swamp, Deep Bottom, Charles City Cross Eoads, Beam's Station, Wyatt House No. 1, Wyatt House No. 2, Boydton Plank Boad, Stony Creek, Beaver Dam, Ashland Station, Front of Bichmond, Hanover Ferry, Cold Har- bor, Franklin Station, Prospect Hill, St. Mary's, Jerusalem Plank Eoad, and all the way up to the surrender in 1865. He has a fine farm of 225 acres. Mr. Johnson is a valuable citizen of the township. JOHN D. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Linesville, was born in South She- nango Township, this county, in 1838 or 1839, and is son of Samuel and Margaret (Courson) Johnson, natives of New Jersey, who settled in this county, near Espyville, in South Shenango, on the right bank of the river, some time in 1820 or in 1821, raising a family of eleven children, of whom ten are still living: Hampton, Aaron, Bobert, Gersham, Elizabeth, Eliza Elsa, Emily, Samuel, Jemima and John D. Our subject was married in October, 1875, to Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Campbell, who bore him three children: Lauda, Wilber and Carl. Mr. Johnson resides about two miles from Harmonsburg, having purchased the Terrell farm in 1879, which he has since greatly improved. Mrs. Johnson was the fourth in her father's family of five children. SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 1085 JOHN H. McOLURE, lumberman, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in this township in September, 1856, and is a son of John and Caroline (MoClure) McClure. His grandfather, James McOlure, came to this county some time in 1797 or 1798, settling near Lake Conneaut, in Summit Township, where the Indians were very numerous. He has seen the Aborigines cook ' muskrats whole, and, taking them from the kettle, eat them whole. Once while he and his wife {nee Elizabeth Chidister), were crossing the lake in a skiff, they came in contact with a huge bear that had become tired of swimming and wanted to get into the boat, but Mr. -McCIure knocked the animal down, and pressing it under the water, drowned it and then dragged it to shore. Such was the life of a pioneer. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Silas Chidister, came into this county some time between 1800 and 1802, and took up a large tract of land near the lake, where he remained during the rest of his life. James McClure had six children, three now living: James, John, and Jane B., now wife of Dr. Greer, of Adamsville. John H., our subject, lives with his father, and has built himself a very neat dwelling-house. He is the youngest of the surviving children, and is a member of the K. of P. His brother Frank mar- ried Fannie Brown; Elizabeth married J. B. Close; Delia married Frank Brown. Our subject entered in 1879 into the lumber business, and operates a saw-mill near Harmonsburg, adjoining the Greer flouring-mills, where he does work promptly and satisfactorily, the prices being on an equitable basis. THOMAS McGTJIRE, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Beaver Township, this county, December 24, 1806, and is a son of Philip and Cath- arine (Logan) McGuire. His father came to this county from Ireland at an early day, settling in Beaver Township, and after the war of 1812 removed to Summit Township, where he purchased 300 acres of land, and remained there the rest of his days. His family consisted of six sons and one daughter, all deceased but three sons — William, Philip and Thomas — now aged men, who have seen the progress of this county from its early days, and have succeeded in life. They helped to establish a neat little church of their own faith, the Catholic, in this neighborhood. Thomas McGuire was married June 30, 1838, to Margaret Tinney, who has borne him four sons and one daughter, all living: Bernard (married Eliza Hay), Sylvester (married Samantha, daughter of Almon Whiting), Edward J. (single), Joseph (married Hattie Brown), Amelia (married W. H. Ealph, now in the oil regions). Mr. McGuire has acted as an earnest and efficient School Director. JAMES C. McGUIBE, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Summit Township, this county, March 30, 1846, and is a son of James and Esther (Close) McGuire, the latter a native of Pennsylvania. James McGuire, our subject's father, came from Ireland at an early day and settled in Crawford County. He was a great hunter in his time and an excellent axman, helping to clear much of the land in his county. He was gifted with great muscular strength. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a man of much importance in his day. His death occurred July 5, 1884, at the age of ninety- five years. His family numbered ten children, of whom are now living: John, William, Catharine (now Mrs. McDowell), Theresa, David and James C. Our subject's mother is a daughter f)f Jonathan and Magdalena (Cuncle) Close, who were parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living: Samuel, Jeremiah, Daniel, Jonathan, Esther, Rachel, Joel and Susan (see biogra- phy of Daniel Close). Our subject was married, in 1876, to Effie Palmanteer, who bore him two daughters: Phy Aurelia and Florence Theresa. He is an active farmer and occupies the old home farm of his father in Summit Town- ship. 1086 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: N. W. BEAD, druggist, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Wattsburg, Erie Co., Penn., January 20, 1837, and is a son of Timothy and Elizabeth (Carson) Read, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Lancaster County, Penn. His father came to Erie County in 1820, and settled near Wattsburg. He was born in 1796. His family consisted of seven children, of whom six survive. They were: Titus (deceased), Eachel, George, Philander, Timothy, N. W. and Edwin. N. W. Read received his early education in Erie County, and entered upon the study of the profession of a druggist in Venango County, in 1877, and in 1880 came to Harmonsburg, and has ever since been one of the leading druggists. He was married in 1867, to Eliza E., daughter of Homer and Sarah A. Knapp, by whom he has three children: Thaddeus, Martha and Georgiana. He enlisted during the late war in November, 1861, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the battle of Antietam, where he lost his left leg and he was then discharged, and returned home with a very vivid recollection of the trials of a warrior's life. He was elected Justice of the Peace of the village, and is a member of the G. A. R., E. A., and R. T. of T. GEORGE SITLER, (deceased) was born in Berks County, Penn., Feb- ruary 20, 1798, and was a son of Jacob and Catharine (Foust) Sitler, who came to Crawford County, in 1803, settled first near Conneaut Lake, and then in Mead Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. They raised a family of thirteen children, only one of whom is now living — Mrs. Lydia Custard. George Sitler was married October 16, 1828, to Sarah A. Robins, and they were blessed with four sons and four daughters: Phoebe (deceased^ ; Joseph, now in Iowa, married Miss C. S. Spaulding, of Michigan, by whom he had two children — Henry and Annie L. : Annie E., married Orvis Coates, and is now deceased; Henry L., in Kansas City, married Emma Harper; Jesse, married Mina Beatty; George F., in Kansas, married Maggie Milligan, and has five sons: Jesse G. , Fred, Guy, Artie, and an infant; Salome (deceased); Florence Ida, married Rev. J. B. Wright, who died in 1880, has two children : Harry and Florence A. Rev. Mr. Wright had been in charge of the churches of Cooperstown, Springboro, New Lebanon, Mercer County, New Wilmington, Lawrence Co., Penn., and Petersburg, Mahoning Co., Ohio, where he died. His work did not end with his life — '• for his works do follow him." He was earnest and faithful unto the last, and leaves an earnest, dutiful wife to care for the treasures he left behind him in his two children. Our subject died May 8, 1883, at his residence near Harmonsburg, on the farm where he had lived for thirty-five years. All his early married life was spent in Mead- ville, and until he purchased a farm he followed the occupation of a carpen- ter. Mr. Sitler was of a retiring disposition, mild in character, a lover of peace and of a quiet, sympathetic nature. Those who knew him most loved him best. A. J. SLOAN, farmer and horse-trainer, P. O. Dicksonburg, was born October 29, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Van Home) Sloan, and a grandson of Cornelius Van Home, one of the first white men who ever came into this county, and whose singular history will be found elsewhere. Samuel Sloan was a native of this State and came from Chester County, where he was born, to Crawford C9unty, in the year 1811. He was in the war of 1812. He was twice married and had fourteen children. By Mary Thompson, his first wife, he had two sons: John Thompson, and William. ' By his second wife, Elizabeth Van Home, he had twelve children: Joseph, O. H. Perry, George W. , Margaret, James D., Mary G., Cornelius V. H., Jane V., Harriet V. H., Nancy A., Andrew J., Sarah E. Joseph was killed by lightning, near Meadville, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 1087 when sixteen years old. Our subject was married, September 7, 1856, to Margaret, daughter of David and Susannah Johnson. They have nine chil- dren: James H., veterinary surgeon; Lewis D., horse-trainer; Hattie I.; Jen- nie E. ; Maggie E.; Minnie Em; Sarah E.; Thomas A. and Cornelius V. E. DAVID W. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in what is now Summit Township, September 9, 1822, and is the son of John and Annie (Depew) Smith, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Washington County, Penn. His father came to this county in 1797, took up 200 acres of Government land, and had 200 acres given him. He held possession for a year and then returned and soon married and came back to the county, com- mencing the life of a pioneer. He came to the county on horseback. At that time Pittsburgh was the nearest market town, and there was then a block- house at Meadville. He raised a family of nine children, of whom five are now living: William H., John H., Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel Slocum, in Nebraska), David W., and D. P. Our subject was married May 3, 1849, to Martha C. Luper, by whom he has ten children: Alvarado W., Frank J., Corry, Elmer L., William T., Hugh R., Catharine C, Richard G., T. B. and Susan Eliza. Alvarado W. married Sarah McMillen; Corry married Miss W. Upham; Frank married Emma Williams, of Mercer County, Penn. Our sub- ject has been away from home for about seven years, sinking wells in the oil regions. Mrs. Smith is the eldest of nine children in her father's family, of whom six survive. Our subject has been School Director for nine years; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the R. T. of T. Polit- ically he is a Republican. ALONZO WHITING, farmer, P. O. Norrisville, was born June 20, 1813, in Pike, Allegany Co., N. Y., and is a son of John and Betsy (Jones) Whiting, the former a native of New Hampshire, the latter of Massachusetts, and who came to this county in the spring of 1837, settled near Harmonsburg, and there passed the remainder of their days. John Whiting was twice married ; by his first wife he had six children, viz.: Alonzo, Almon, Sarah, Xenophon (deceased), Alfreda L. and Elizabeth. Our subject was married April 24, 1836, to Angeline, daughter of Hiram Fuller, an old settler of the county. They have Jbeen blessed with nine children: Ellen C, Edgar S. (deceased), Marian L., Hiram P., Betsy S. (deceased), Clara B., Cora A. (deceased), John X. and Edgar P. (the second Edgar in the family). Ellen is now Mrs. A. Johnston; Marian is Mrs. E. C. Bradley. Our subject has one of the finest cultivated farms in the township, having the best improvements. He has been a School Director and Road Commissioner for years. In politics he is a Republican. ALMON WHITING, farmer, P. O. Harmonsburg, was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., February 21, 1815, and is son of John and Betsy (Jones) Whiting, the former of New Hampshire, the latter of Massachusetts. They came to this county in the spring of 1837, settling near Harmonsburg, by the inlet of the lake, and there remained until their deaths. John Whiting had six children by his first wife. Their names are — Alonzo, Almon, Sarah, Xeno- phon (who died in 1841), Alfreda L. and Elizabeth. By his second wife he had one daughter — Betsy R. Sarah married William Cook, and resides in Missouri; Alfreda L. married J. E. Rice; Elizabeth married Levi Putnam. Betsy R. married J. J. Beatty. Almon, our subject, married, in February, 1838, Cymanthia Nourse, by whom he has two children: Sara E. (now Mrs. Freeland), and Emily A. (now Mrs. C. Adams). The mother of these children died in 1844, and in 1846 our subject married Caroline W. Doud, the second in her father's family of six children. Her family was from Vermont origi- 1088 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: nally, but she was born in Allegany County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting are the parents of four children: Cymanthia A. (now Mrs. MoGaire), Flora L. (now Mrs. Parker), Eva L. (now Mrs. De Arment), and Delia M. Our subject was Postmaster of Harmonsburg for about thirteen years. He has also been Secretary of the Board of School Directors; Assessor, Collector, and Township Clerk, and is now Secretary of the Evergreen Cemetery Association. He is one of the leading citizens of the township. TITUSVILLE. HON. GEOEGE K. ANDERSON, was born at East Waterford, Juniata Co., Penn., September 14, 1834. His father, Enoch Lucius Anderson, who died in 1871, in his seventy-sixth year, was a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and a son of Col. Enoch Anderson, one of five brothers noted for their valor and efficient services while serving in Washington's army throughout the entire Revolutionary war. These brothers settling in Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, became subsequently prominent and influential men and public officers. Twenty-five members of the family have been elected to the House of Representatives at Washington, and six to the United States Senate. His great-uncle was a member of the United States Senate for a period of eighteen years; his son was also a membpr of the House of Representatives and United States Senator for Tennessee from 1800 to 1868. His father, E. L. Anderson, resided at East Waterford, Penn., where he reared a family of ten children. He followed the tanning business, and engaged also in agricultural pursuits. In August, 1868, he removed to Titus- ville, Penn., with his son, and there resided until his death. George K. Anderson remained with his parents in East Waterford, Penn., until July, 1850, when, having thoroughly learned the trade of tanning under his father, he entered upon a course of studies at the Tuscarora Academy, Shade Gap Academy and other schools, pursuing a student's life until 1854. From Sep- tember, 1854, until September, 1855, he was employed as a clerk in a store at Hollidaysburg, Penn. , at which time he entered Duff's Commercial College of Pittsburgh, Penn. Upon the completion of the usual course of studies in that institute he graduated in commercial, banking and railroad book-keeping. As soon as through college he accepted a position as book-keeper and Private Secretary to Kirk & Rhodes, car builders at Rochester, Penn., with whom he remained until the fall of 1858, when he embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery business at Greenville, Penn., under the firm name of Power & Ander- son. In the same place he also entered the dry goods business, under the firm name of Anderson & Packard. In this locality and in these undertakings he was actively engaged until September, 1862, when he sold out his interests in order to accept a position as assistant to Gen. W. W. Irwin, Commissary- Gen- eral of Pennsylvania. He remained in that office until October, 1864, and during most of the time he was Secretary of the Board of Military Claims. Resigning at the latter date, he visited the oil regions, settling at Petroleum Centre October 4, 1864. July 11, 1868, he purchased property at Titusville, and since then has resided there. Upon four different occasions he has been chosen Senatorial Delegate to State Conventions,- and was a delegate to the National Convention at Philadelphia which nominated Grant for a second TITUSVILLE. 1089 term. In 1873 he was elected to the Senate from this county, having in Titusville a majority of over 800 ballots on a vote of leas than 1,000 in the city. He has been engaged in the producing of oil from the commencement of the oil business until the present time. He was one of the original stock- holders of the Northern Pacific Railroad, also the Texas Pacific Railroad. He was married July 5, 1859, to Miss Emma J. Hawkins, only daughter of the late Rev. D. R. Hawkins, of Pittsburgh, Penn., who died August 21, 1864. He was married, the second time, February 18, 1880, to Miss Mary Pauline, youngest daughter of Hiram Hazzard, of Titusville, Penn. WILLIAM BARNSDALE, oil producer, Titusville, was born February 6, 1810, in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England, where he received a select school education, and learned the trade of shoe-maker, which business he fol- lowed in England till 1831, when he immigrated to America, landing at New York, where he remained a few months. From New York he came to Carlisle, Penn., and there worked at his trade several months. In 1832 he visited his parents (who had immigrated to America in the fall of 1829), then residing on a farm in the vicinity of Titusville. In 1833 he came to Titusville and commenced his trade, he being the first shoe-maker iu the place. This he fol- lowed in connection with farming until 1859, in which year the oil excitement broke out. Mr. Barnsdale .drilled in the fall and winter of 1859-60- the second oil well (known as the Barnsdale Well) in the country. He was one of a company who, in 1860, erected the first oil refinery in this section. Our subject also drilled, in 1869, three wells in the Bradford District, one of which was a fourteen-barrel-per-day well, the first paying well in that section. Mr. Barnsdale was twice married, on first occasion September 1, 1835, to Eliza Curry, a niece of Jonathan Titus, who died of hydrophobia March 19, 1843, and after whom Titusville was named. Six children were born to this union, two now living: Olivia, wife of P. T. Withrop, and Lucy A., wife of O. H. P. Cleland. Losing this wife, Mr. Barnsdale married, in November, 1846, Fidelia A., daughter of Chauncy Goodrich, of Rome Town- ship, this county. To this union were born Fanny (deceased). Hattie (deceased), Rosa C. (wife of Charles Snakard), N. B., T. N. and W. W. Our subject was elected Mayor of Titusville in 1878, serving two years, then as City Treasurer two years, and has filled various other official positions. GEORGE W. BARR, M. D., Titusville, was born December 16, 1832, in Sherburne, Chenango Co., N. Y., and is the only child of Charles W. and Almira (Blineberry) Barr, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Holland-Dutch extraction, born in Dutchess County, N. Y., residents at one time of Gowanda, N. Y. Our subject received a common school training, and completed his education at the Springfield Academy. He taught school for several years, and then began reading medicine with Dr. George Sweatland, of Evans, Erie Co., N. Y. , and Dr. Charles H. Wilcox, Surgeon of the Marine Hospital, of Buffalo, N. Y., and James P.White, in charge of St. Mary's Lying- in Hospital, where he was the first interne or resident physician, and graduated at the Buffalo Medical College in February, 1856. He attended lectures in Bellevue Medical College, N. Y., and commenced the practice of medicine in 1856, at Gowanda, N. Y., where he remained until 1861, when he was assigned the duty of Examining Surgeon in Gen. R. B. Valkenburg's staff at Elmira, ' Mustering District, September 15, 1861, and was commissioned Surgeon of the Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers November 13, 1861. From Gowanda, N. Y., he came to Titusville in February, 1865, where he has practiced his pro- fession ever since with marked success, holding a membership in the county and State Medical Society and member of the American Medical Association. 1090 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Dr. Barr was twice married, on the first occasion in August, 1858, to Lavinia, daughter of Col. Ira Ayer, of Evans, Erie Co., N. Y.' To this union were born three children, only one surviving- — Iris — born in Gowanda, N. Y. , October 6, 1859, now a graduate of Allegheny College. On the decease of his first wife our subject married Lovinia Hanford, widow of Walden Cooper, by whom she had one son — Walden Harte. By her second marriage she had one child — Eva — bom January 31, 1877. The Doctor has filled several offices, and has been member of the School Board and Board of Health. He is Presid^t of the Western Pennsylvania Relief Association, and the Corresponding Secretary of Crawford County Medical Society, having been President of the Society in 1876. HENRY SNOW BATES, architect, Titusville, was born November 27, 1827, in Plymouth County, Mass. The family was founded by Clement Bates, who came from England to this country and settled in Braintree, Mass., in 1736. One of his descendants, Phineas Bates, married a Miss Mary Beal, and passed most of his business life in Cohasset, Mass. Our subject is the seventh son of their family of eleven. He attended the Academy of Leicester, and taught winter terms, preparing for entrance into Middlebury College, of which his uncle, Joshua Bates, D. D., was President. Mr. Bates changed his pur- pose and became one of the immigrants to California in 1849, making a tedious voyage round Cape Horn. Returning in 1851, he took up the study of archi- tecture, and in the following year superintended the building of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, and after that was employed in the construc- tion of fortifications in Boston Harbor for a period of seven years. During the political campaign of 1860 Mr. Bates took an active part in the interest of the Republican cause. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Forty- third Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and was chosen First Lieutenant of the company. On the arrival of his regiment at Newberne, N. C, he was detailed as Quartermaster of the regiment, the duties of which office he dis- charged during the remainder of the service. Our subject rejoined, as Cap- tain, the Third Regiment Massachusetts Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and was soon appointed Assistant Quartermaster, stationed at Alexandria, Va., and was made manager of a Quartermaster's post at Augusta, Me. , where he remained till the close of the war. In 1865 Mr. Bates came to Pennsylvania and engaged in the oil business in Tidioute two years. After being engaged in the erection of public buildings in Warren, Clarion and other places he finally settled permanently in Titusville. Mr. Bates was married, in 1852, to Miss Bethia Ewell, who died in 1865, leaving two sons: Harry S., of Meadville, Penn., and Charles S., of Massachusetts. In 1868 he married Miss Margaret H. May, of Tionesta, Penn, daughter of H. H. May. Four children are the result of this union, viz. : Nannie Brown, Archie Kelly, Pransue May and Mary Beal. Our subject received the Republican nomination for Legislature in 1884, and was elected in the following November by a large majority. He has been actively engaged in the public affairs of Titusville and by his public and private enterprise has contributed to the improvement of its public works. JAM.ES H. CALDWELL, the eldest son of seven brothers, was born in Limestone Township, Montour Co., Penn., March 27, 1839, of parents whose occupation was that of farming, passing his early days on the farm and attending the district schools during the winter months. In the years 1858 and 1859 he attended the Milton, Penn., Academy, ending his school days in 1860. His first wages were earned at the age of twenty-one on his father's farm at $9 per month. The following winter be taught a district school. When twenty-two years of age he took charge of his father's farm, doing all TITUSVILLE. 1091 the work for one-fourth of the crops — stock and implements furnished him. The following year he managed one of his father's farms for one-half of the harvest — furnishing hia own stock and implements. He came to the oil regions in the year 186f), and soon became actively engaged in drilling wells for crude petroleum. Two years passed, when he became interested in the eighth well before a paying well was obtained. In 1867 he was married to Miss Mary A. Wagner, of Montour County, Penn., and he settled at Pioneer, an oil town in Venango County, and while there he was a member of the firm of Emery Bros. & Co. He moved to Titusville in the year 1869 and built the fine residence now owned by B. E. Moreland, and also carried the half interest in building the Emery & Caldwell Block, which he still owns. In 1873, feeling depressed by the panic, he sold his house, liquidated his obliga- tions, moved to Butler County, and by close attention to producing, soon repaired his losses. In 1876 he went to Virginia and purchased the planta- tion known as Varina, on the James River, containing 1,312 acres, which he now visits several times a year, to instruct his manager as to the fields he wishes farmed and the mode of farming. In 1877 he moved back to Titus- ville, and in the spring of 1881 purchased the estate of Jonathan Watson, on which he is now living. His occupation has always been that of farming and oil producing, avoiding speculation in the oil exchanges. His political faith is that the legislation of the country should be for the people, and not for a few classes. He was nominated for the Assembly in the year 1878, and has twice since received the district nomination for Congress. He vreis elected Mayor of Titueville for years 1882 and 1883. Although he has frequently been a candidate, his candidacy was obtained unsought and by request of his political friends. JOSEPH TITUS CHASE, Notary Public, Titusville, was born in this city, June 17, 1829; eldest son of the late Joseph L. and Susan J. Chase, and grandson of Jonathan Titus, founder of the city of Titusville. Our subject received preliminary instruction in the common school and was a student at Allegheny College in 1845 and 1846. When not at school, he was engaged in assisting his father in the store and in manufacturing and marketing lumber. In the month of December, 1847, he went to Meadville, Penn., in the employ of Thorp & Gibson and John and James R. Dick, general merchants. In 1854 he was engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery trade with the firm of Fin- ney, Chase & Co. In the fall of 1860 he was elected Prothonotary of Craw- ford County, serving as such three years. Previous to 1860 he was a member of the Council of the then borough of Meadville, also Deputy Recorder, Deputy Treasurer and Deputy Register of Crawford County. In November, 1^64, he removed to Titusville from Meadville and since his return to Titusville has been engaged in mercantile, lumber and oil producing businesses. In 1878 he was appointed Notary Public for a term of three years and was reappointed in 1881 for another term. In 1853 he married Elizabeth, daughter of the late Robert Adrain, of Meadville. In 1867 he was a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania. In April, ;1861, he assisted in getting up a company of vol- unteers for the war, which company was known as Company F, Ninth Penn- sylvania Reserves. In June, July, and August, 1863, he served as an emer- gency man and was Quartermaster of Fifty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was present at the capture of John Morgan and his command in Ohio, July 25, 1863. REV. JOHN D. COADY, pastor of St. Titus Church, Titusville, was born in Kildare, near Dublin, Ireland, in October, 1825, and was educated at St. Patrick's College, a branch of the London University. In 1847 he immigrated 1092 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to America and came to Pittsburgh, Penn., direct. He then completed his education at St. Mary's College, Baltimore, Md. , where he graduated in 1852 and was ordained Deacon by Archbishop Kenuck, assisted by Eev. Mi- chael O'Connor, first Bishop of Pittsburgh. Our subject commenced the labors of the ministry in Potter and McKean Counties, Penn. In November, 1856, he attended the mission in Clearfield County, Penn., and in July, 1863, was crea- ted Rector of Erie City by Rt. Eev. Bishop Young. In 1866, Rev. Mr. Coady was appointed Administrator of the Diocese until the accession of Bishop Mullen, Second Bishop of Erie City, Penn. In 1866 our subject went to Oil City, Penn., where he had the charge of St. Joseph's Church until October, 1871, since which time he has been pastor of St. Titus Church, Titusville. By his personal exertions, a heavy load of debt which this church had been laboring under, was wiped off and many additions and improvements were consumma- ted. He also materially assisted toward the building and fitting up of the con- vent at Titusville. NORRIS CROSSMAN, grocer, Titusville, was born May 12, 1833, in White Lake, N. Y. At the age of eight years he was put on the canal as mule or horse-driver, which capacity he filled eight years, and then moved with hia parents to the neighborhood of Greenfield, Ulster Co., N. Y., and commenced clearing land. At the age of twenty-one ho returned to the canal, on which he worked during the summer, following lumbering during winter. This he con- tinued until August, 1861, in which year he enlisted in the Fifty-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted from rank to rank till finally, in August, 1862, he reached a captaincy. He served under Gen. McClellan first, and then under Gen. Q. A. Gillmore in the department of the South, partici- pating in all the battles around Charleston, S. C, including the siege of Port Sumter. At the close of the war he was sent to Greenville, S. C, to maintain peace between whites and blacks. On December 20, 1865, our subject was mustered out of service at Hart's Island, N. Y., came to Titusville January 1, 1866, and, until November of same yeat, ran an engine among the oil wells. He next embarked in the grocery business in Titusville and has met with encouraging success. Mr. Grossman was married June 12, 1867, to Carrie Bentley, born in this county in 1848. Six children were born to this union: Elnora, Addie, Ettie, Mabel, Grace and Ethel. Our subject has served two terms in the Common Council; also as Poor Master. In politics he was a Republican till the election of Garfield, when he became a Prohibitionist. JOHN EASON, miller, Titusville, was born in Somersetshire, England, October 21, 1834. He was there educated at the national and high schools, where he learned, among other things, book-keeping. He also acquired a knowledge of milling from his father, who was a miller by occupation. Our subject married in England when he was eighteen years old, Ann Sly, born in England in 1831. Five children were the result of this union: Robert, a res- ident of Champaign County, a grain and wood dealer; William, with his father; Joseph, with his father; Lizzie and Martha. In the year of his mar- riage Mr. Eason came with his young wife to America, direct to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he remained one year; then in Butler County, Penn., eight years, then near Franklin, Venango Co., Penn., seven years, and finally,' in 1869, came to this county, where he has been occupied in milling and. farming ever since. Our subject is a thorough business man, always to be found at his post. In politics he is a Democrat. ROBERT G. EDDY, grocer, 311 W. Spring Street, Titusville, was bom m Venango County, Penn., in April, 1852; son of Luke and Sarah (Green) Eddy, who came to Venango County, Penn., from New York State, in an early TITUSVIIiLE. 1093 day. They were parents of eight children, seven now living. Luke Eddy, who was a farmer and carpenter, is deceased. Our subject attended the pub- lic schools for a time, also the Main Street High School at Titusville, Penn. He was married in 1872, in Meadville, Penn. , to M. Delsenah Proper, born in August, 1853, in Venango Township, this county, daughter of D. D. and Elizabeth (Grove) Proper, of German lineage; former a farmer and oil pro- ducer. They were parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Eddy is the eldest. She was educated in the seminary at Glarksville, Penn. Mr. Eddy has car- ried on a grocery business in Titusville since 1874, and has met with well- merited success. E. O. EMERSON, oil and gas business, Titusville, was born in York, Me., June 6, 1834; son of Charles O. Emerson, a prominent lawyer in New York, and third cousin of Ralph "Waldo Emerson. Our subject graduated from Phillip's Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1850, and in 1855 went to Portage, Wis., where he was engaged in banking several years. At the breaking out of the war in 1861, he joined the service as Lieutenant, acting as Adjutant dur- ing the last year. He served till after Lee's surrender, and then came to Titusville, where he has since been extensively and successfully engaged in the oil business. For the past two years our subject has carried on the enter- prise of conveying natural gas to Pittsburgh, Penn. The company is known as the Pennsylvania Fuel Company, of which Mr. Emerson is President. He is also interested in stock-raising in Cheyenne County, Ean., in the ice business in Maine, and many other interests. Mr. Emerson was married at Portage, Wis., in 1860, to LucyH., daughter of John A. Johnson, formerly of Fremont, Ohio, and later a prominent attorney in Portage, Wis. She was born in Fremont, Ohio, September 13, 1842. To this union were born six children, four now living: Charles F., born November 27, 1864; John L., born July 18, 1868; Constance Lucy, born December 31, 1873, and E. O., Jr., born July 21, 1876. Two died in infancy. Mr. Emerson has been an Elder of the Presby- terian Church since 1866. Was President of the Select Council, also President of the Oil Exchange. He owns one of the finest residences in the county. The family have in their possession a book that traces the Emerson genealogy back 600 years. HON. DAVID EMERY, Titusville, was bom September 7, 1837, in Chau- tauqua County, N. Y. In 1842 his parents emigrated to Michigan, making the journey from New York State by wagon, there being no railroad^ in that direction in those days. Our subject's early life was that of any pioneer boy — an existence between school and work. After studying at Hillsdale College, Michigan, he read law under Judge Pratt, of that State, but believing that a trade would be more profitable than a profession, he determined to enter a more active business and embarked in milling. In 1866 he came to the oil region of Pennsylvania, commenced operating for oil at Pioneer, removing to Titusville in 1870, where he has since resided. In 1876 he served in the Com- mon Council; was elected Mayor in 1877, and in 1879 was sent to the State Legislature. In politics there is not a stancher or more enterprising Repub- lican in the county, in the interests of which he is an active worker. He is President of the Octave Oil Company, Titusville. Mr. Emery is a self-made man, and by his energy, integrity and generous nature has gained the respect and confidence of business men, and by his public-spirited policy, the esteem of the people of the oil regions. J. D. HOTTEL, grocer, 25 South Franklin Street, Titusville, was born near Woodstock, Va., August 17, 1822, fourth child and third son in a family of five boys and four girls, three boys and two girls now living. At the age 1094 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of six, our subject came with his parents to Bristolville, Ohio, where he was educated at the common schools and brought up on a farm, at the same time learning the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed for thirty-two years in Titusville, having come here in 1841. He resided eighteen months in Venango County, Penn., where he was eagaged in the manufacture of farming implements. Our subject embarked in the grocery business in Titusville some time in 1872, and has carried it on successfully ever since. Mr. Hottel mar- ried, in 1846, in Cherry Tree, Venango Co., Penn., Olivia Pulton, a native of the same locality as her husband, born August 11, 1824. Four children were born to this union: Emeline, deceased; Euth Elizabeth, deceased; Eva Ann, deceased, and Ella. In politics Mr. Hottel is a Republican. W. C. HYDE, Cashier Hyde National Bank, Titusville, was born in Octo- ber, 1813, near Norwich, Conn., son of E. and Diadama (Comstock) Hyde, and at the age of two years moved with his parents to what is now Wyoming County, N. Y., and again in 1838 to Oil Creek Township, this county, where the father and his three sons, E. B.,W. C. and Charles, erected mills and com- menced general operations in merchandise and lumbering. Here they founded the place known as Hydetown and maintained the partnership for ten years, when they dissolved, our subject and his father remaining together till 1863, in which year the latter died, aged seventy-two. Our subject since that date has continued the " new mill " business, his brother Charles the old business. The other brother, E. B., is engaged in lumbering in Spring Creek, Penn. Mr. Hyde commenced banking in 1868 as Vice-President of the Second National Bank. In 1880 the Hyde National Bank was organized, and he was appointed Cashier, a position he now holds, as well as the Vice-Presidency of the Second National Bank. Charles Hyde is one of the principal stockholders in the Second National Bank, which was organized in 1865, with Charles Hyde President, W. C. Hyde Vice-President, and G. C. Hyde Cashier and " cousin," and is also the principal stockholder in the Hyde National Bank with Charles Hyde President, G. C. Hyde Vice-President, and W. C. Hyde Cashier. The subject of this sketch was twice married, on first occasion to Laura Mur- ray, a native of Allegany County, N. Y., who bore him two daughters: Lena, wife of B. M. Price, now in Pittsburgh, Penn. , and Cora, wife of C. M. Hulin, of the firm of Hulin Bros., lumberers, etc., Franklin, Penn. Mr. Hyde's second marriage, on the death of his first wife, was in 1862, with Mrs. M. P. Thornburg, widow of J. D. Thornburg (formerly hjcal editor of the Pittsburgh Post), and daughter of J. Doty, of Lake County, Ohio. She had one son by her first marriage. I. S. JONES, grocer, grain, coal and wood dealer, Titusville, was born on a farm on the shore of Lake Erie, between Westtield and Fredonia, State of New York, February 15, 1834, eldest son of John J. and Charlotte (Culver) Jones, natives of Massachusetts, and both deceased. Our subject received a common school education, and remained on the farm till twenty years of age. He then engaged in the lumbering business on the Allegheny and Ohio Elvers till 1860. In 1863 he came to Titusville and embarked in the grocery busi- ness; was also engaged in carriage-making and livery. In 1880 ^e associated the retail coal and wood trade with the grocery. Mr. Jones was twice married, on first occasion January 5, 1860, in Franklin, Penn. , to Margaret, daughter of David Warner, of Venango, Penn. One son was born to this union, Orville W., now foreman in his father's grocery. On the decease of this wife our subject married, in 1866, Rosa, daughter of Scofield Bassett, of Coldwater, Mich., born in 1846. To this union were born Mabel, Irving and Ernest. Mrs. Jones is a graduate of Coldwater College, Michigan. She has kept the TITCSVILLE. 1095 books tor her husband's store eight years. Our subject is the owner of some twenty pieces oE property in Titusville and 500 acres of land in another part of the State. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE F. KUNTZ, proprietor of "Erie Hotel" (established 1874), North Franklin Street, Titusville, was born March 19, 1836, in Konigreich, Wurtemberg, Germany, son of Gottlieb Kuntz. After receiving a common school education he served six years in the German Army. Coming to Amer- ica in the spring of 1865, pur subject landed in New York, and there learned the baker's trade, which he followed till 1874. He came to Titusville in 1868, and was the first manufacturer of pretzels in the city. He made them in the same hotel he now occupies from 1868 to 1870, and then built the Vienna Bakery at 111 East Walnut Street, which he operated till 1874, and which he still owns. In 1873 Mr. Kuntz bought the " Erie House " from John Kickert for 16,000, and took possession in 1874. This hotel he rebuilt completely in 1880, at an outlay of 15,000. Our subject has carried on the " Erie House" successfully, having proved himself a most courteous, attentive and popular landlord. On October 2, 1883, he bought the Titusville Tannery, head of Washington Street, which is in full running power and doing a prosperous business. Mr. Kuntz was married in Titusville, May 9, 1869, to Mathilde Krehl, who bore him five children, viz. : George, Henry, William, Frederick and David. W. P. LOWE, hotel-keeper, Titusville, was born in Baldwinsville, Onon- daga Co., N. Y., April 25, 1832. He was reared partly in his native county and partly in Oswego County, N. Y. He attended the common schools in winter and in summer was engaged in lumbering, boating and farming. For two years he carried on a grocery business at Phoenix, N. Y., and for six years a hotel in Shamburg, Venango County, Penn. ; two years. Was also a pro- ducer some six months, meeting with considerable success. In 1872 he came to Titusville, where he embarked in the refining business one year, and where he became a member of the firm composed of Theo Barnsdall,, W. P. Lowe and B. G. Hinkley, who erected a refinery, known as the Barnsdall Refinery. Mr. Lowe has been interested as a producer. He also carried on a retail liquor business from 1878 to 1882, since which year he has been proprietor of the "Mansion House," Titusville, which, under his good management, has a wide- spread reputation as a first-class hotel. Our subject was married in 1856 tq Rebecca J., daughter of Sir A. Tracy, of Hinmansville, N. Y. To this union were born Alfred C, May Louise, and an infant, the latter deceased. Mr. Lowe has been a member of the School Board; is now a City Councilor. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and is a F. & A. M. Z. MARTIN, hotel-keeper, Titusville, was born in Charlotte, Vt., August 31, 1823, the third child living of a family of six, of Scotch and English parentage. He moved to Chautauqua County, N. Y., with his parents when he was six years of age, there remaining until fourteen years old. He was brought up to the trade of tanner and currier, which he learned at Bufi"alo, with Ramsay & Howard, now Bus & Howard, a business he spent twenty years at, and in 1860 came to Titusville, engaging as Superintendent for Barnsdall, Mead & Rouse in the oil business, one year, then with the Boston Rock Oil Company, near Oil City, some eighteen months. In 1843 Mr. Martin went into the hotel business, which he followed in various places, He kept the "Kent House," Lakeview, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; was at the "Centennial" five months; had the "Mansion House," Titusville, from 1868 to 1882, and since then the "Hotel Brunswick." Titusville. Our subject was married in 1850, at Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., to Ellen A., daughter of 1096 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Lewis and Anna Hazzard. Three children were born to this union: Lena May, wife of S. D. Eobison, of Pittsburgh, Penn.; L. L., manager of his father's hotel, and Anna Belle (deceased) wife of W. J. Jackson, of Florida. EEV. FATHEE MIGNAULT, Titusville, was born September 17, 1826, in the Parish of St. Denis, on the banks of the Eiver Eichelieu, Canada East (now Province of Quebec), son of Joseph E. and Libere (Menard) Mignault. He received at his baptism the names Joseph Edouard Napoleon. His clas- sical studies commenced at the College of St. Hyacinthe, Canada East, but after three years his health failed and he had to' return home. He then devoted himself to the study of law for eighteen months under Lord Des- chambeault. An accident, however, brought him to the brink of the grave, and in thanking God for his unexpected recovery, he promised and vowed bis services to the church. In the fall of 1843 he resumed his studies in Chambly College, Canada East. On the closing of this institution at the end of twelve months. Father Mignault went to the little seminary of St. Theresa There he finished his philosophy, took the livery of the Lord, and was tonsured in 1847 by Bishop J. J. Prince, Coadjutor of Montreal. Monseigneur Gingues, having been appointed Bishop of Ottawa, Canada West, and working actively for the foundation of St. Joseph's College, this young ecclesiastic was sent from the Sulpician Seminary at Montreal to Ottawa, for the purpose of exer- cising the important function of Eector and Econome. He then joined the Order of Fathers Oblates, and was raised to the dignity of the priesthood, October 14, 1849. His health failing him in the course of that year, he was sent as Pastor to L'Original on the Ottawa Eiver, Canada East, and again recalled to preside over St. Joseph's College. Our subject's healtb once more failed, however, and he had to be conveyed to the hospital. After three months' assiduous care on the part of the Sisters of Charity, he was able to move to Boston, Mass., where he was restored to health. Here he labored in the ministry for six years with untiring energy. He then came to Wisconsin, accepting some missions in the Diocese of Milwaukee, which he ministered in until the Civil war broke out, when he acted as Chaplain to the Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry for three years. Serious illness again attacked this inde- fatigable servant of the Cross, and he had to be conveyed home to Canada in a dying condition, but strange to say, he again recovered. His next field was in the Diocese of Erie, Penn., as Pastor of Titusville, and here he even sur- passed himself in good works. He built a church, a schoolhouse, a pastorate, enlarged the church, put in a chime of bells, erected a convent and St. Joseph's Hall, and in 1871 bought for the church the grandest organ in western Penn- sylvania. When all this had been accomplished, owing to his growing infirm- ities, the Bishop considered it advisable to remove him to another field of usefulness, but Father Mignault resigned and returned to his native country to rest. After a time he crossed the ocean and visited Eome, Ireland, England, France, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. He spent three months in the Eternal City and had the honor of two audiences of the Holy Father. Our sub- ject was distingxiished throughout for his great zeal, energy and simplicity, and is uniformly respected by all classes and creeds. He now resides in Titusville, presiding over the collegiate institute of which he is the founder. EEV. HENEY PUEDON, pastor of the Episcopal Church, Titusville, is a native of Dublin, Ireland, born August 15, 1835. He came to the United States in 1854. His early educational training was acquired in his mother country, and soon after his arrival in New York he entered the junior class of Union College, from which he graduated in 1857. In the same year he entered the Theological Seminary of Virginia, graduating in 1859, and in July of that TITUSVILLE. 1097 year was ordained to the Deaconate of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He then went to China, but returned in 1860, and settled for a time near Phila- delphia. On April 6, 1863, he was ordained to the priesthood and received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the faculty of the theological seminary of the Diocese of Ohio, June 29, 1876. Coming to the oil regions, he held his jSrst service in the church in Titusville June 8, 1862, and has since held the rectorship of St. James' Memorial Church in the city. Eev. H. Purdon was married in October, 1869, to a daughter of the late Rev. Eeuben Tinker, of Westfield, N. Y. By this union two daughters have been born: Marina Lou- isa and Alice Rodney. Their oldest child, Harry Sidney, born September 14, 1870, entered into rest June 8, 1 872. DR. WALTER BROOKS ROBERTS was born in Moreau, Saratoga Co., N. Y., May 15, 1823. His ancestors have been distinguished in both military and diplomatic circles in both hemispheres. The earlier education of our sub- ject was acquired at the district schools of his native place, while he was engaged assisting on his father's farm. In his seventeenth year he became a clerk in a banking office in Albany, N. Y. , but owing to feeble health was obliged to abandon the situation, and returned to his home. In 1841, for the purpose of preparing himself for a teacher, he entered the Academy at Evans' Mills, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and subsequently took charge of a district school at Northumberland, Saratoga County. He was thus employed during the fol- lowing four years, pursuing during the summer months a course of mathe- matics at the Glen Falls Academy, and beginning a course of medicine with Dr. Sheldon, of the same place. Afterward he devoted himself to the practice of dentistry, traveling through New Hampshire in the summer of 1845, return- ing to Poughkeepsie, N. Y, where he established himself permanently. In 1850 he passed a few weeks on the island of Cuba. On his return he sold his interest in the dental establishment and practiced his profession in the princi- pal towns of Dutchess County. In 1853 he visited Nicaragua, Central Amer- ica, and became engaged in the purchase and shipping of hides, but soon returned to New York and organized a commercial and trading company, under the name of Churchill, Roberts, Mills & Co. , in which he was largely success- ful. Later he associated himself with his brother, Dr. E. A. L. Roberts, and opened a handsome dental office in New York City, finally purchased the entire establishment and located on Bond Street, where he continued in active practice until 1868. While thus occupied he was editor of the New York Dental Journal, and was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the New York Dental College, of which institution he is still a Trustee. In 1863'^ he was appointed by Rev. Dr. Bellows, to visit Gen. Hunter's division, then at Beaufort, S. C, and examine into its sanitary condition. After this was accomplished, in company with his brother, he became interested in the man- ufacture of blasting torpedoes, and in 1865 the Roberts Petroleum Torpedo Company was organized; in 1866 he was elected Secretary, and in 1867 its President, which position he still holds. In the summer of 1867 he made a tour of Europe, and in the following year removed to Titusville, Crawford Co., Penn., where he has since resided. Dr. Roberts did much to destroy the huge monopoly, the Southern Improvement Company. When the Buffalo & Titus- ville Railroad was inaugurated he subscribed $50,000 to its capital stock, and became President of the company. In 1866 he was a member of the Common Council of the city of New York. In 1872 he was elected Mayor of Titusville. In December of the same year, in company with John Porter and L. B. Silli- man, he organized the banking company of Roberts & Co. , one of the flourish- ing moneyed institutions of western Pennsylvania. In 1877 he was elected 1098 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: member of the Pennsylvania House of Eepresentatives, and in the following- year was sent by his constituency to a seat in the Senate. Dr. Roberts ha& been identified with many important movements in Titusville for the improve- ment and beautifying of the city, which bears many evidences of his enter- prise and liberality. He was married, in 1858, to Emily W. Titus, daughter of Erastus Titus, of New York. DK. NELSON SMITH (deceased) was born in Durham, Greene Co., N.Y., June 13, 1791, was a son of Elijah Smith, a native of New York State, and of English parentage. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and in 1811 he married, in Durham, N. Y., Polly West, a native of Trumbull, N. Y., born February 18, 1792, a daughter of Elijah West, also a native of New York State, and on March 3, 1816, they moved from Durham to Crawford County, Penn. (taking over two months to accomplish the journey), settling on a farm in Hayfield Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. That portion of the county was then an almost unbroken wilderness, and for miles around devoid of schools, churches, mills, stores, in fact, remote from business- places of any kind, so the early settlers found it indispensable to adapt themselves to several trades and professions. Dr. Smith took up the shoe- making, carpentering and blacksmithing, and for many years did the doctor- ing in his own family and for what few neighbors there were in that part of the county. As the settlers began to increase in numbers a school was opened, and a society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. There were but few preachers or exhorters in the county, so preaching was held only at long intervals. Dr. Smith being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Conference gave him a license as a local preacher, and for more than forty years he preached in all parts of Crawford and adjacent counties. When the homoeopathic practice was introduced into his section the Doctor became a convert to that system of medicine, and procuring the necessary books, stud- ied under Dr. Owen and others. He became a good, practical, common-sense physician, and enjoyed a large practice as long as he was able to ride. Mrs. Smith prepared and spun the woolen and linen yarns ready for the loom, and when woven she dyed the cloth, cut and made all the clothes for her large fam- ily. She was the kindest and best of wives and mothers. No one who knew her ever spoke an unkind word of her. Dr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of ten children — two daughters and eight sons — all now living but two: Emeline, the eldest, first married David Bixby (her second husband was Eev. I. O. Fisher, who is also dead, and Mrs. Fisher is now living with her son near Pontiac, Mich.); John E. was married to Jane Beatty (she is now dead, and he is living with one of his sons in Toledo, Ohio); Nelson J. is liv- ing with his second wife on a farm near the old homestead; Jesse married Elizabeth J. Smith, and they now live in the city of Titusville, Penn. (he has been a member of the Legislature and Treasurer of the county, and is now engaged with his son E. N. in the oil business); Dr. Ephraim is now living in Boise City, Idaho, practicing medicine; James is living on the old home- stead with his third wife (wee Miss Lydia Kundal); it is a tine home now; Betsey, married John B. McDowel (they are living at Dicksonburg, Penn.); Ensign H. married, for his first wife, Mrs. Maria Conkey, and she dying he married Miss Bell Gilmon (he died in the prime of life, beloved by all); Rev. George W. S. is living with his second wife on a farm at Blue Island, near Chicago; Irus H. died soon after graduating from Allegheny College (he had a bright prospect of a useful life, but was cut off by the hand of death before he had fairly entered manhood; he was a noble boy). Dr. Smith and his wife lived to see all their large family, with the exception of the two mentioned, TITUSVILLE. 1099 settled in life. They lived to see the county settled up, and took great com- fort in visiting among the first settlers, recounting their troubles and joys. Dr. Smith died November 16, 1868, in his seventy-ninth year. Polly Smith, his wife, died November 17, 1871, in her eightieth year. This world was better for this noble couple having lived in it. They went to their reward in peace. T. J. STEWAET (deceased) was born in Randolph, this county, in 1808, and came to Titusville about 1832. His parents were of Scotch-Irish extraction and Presbyterians.* He was married in 1837 to Mary Burns (now widow of John Watson, deceased), born May 11, 1814, near Greensburg, West- moreland Co., Penn., and daughter-of Nathan and Susanna (Lofland) Burns. To this union were born three sons and one daughter, viz. : Archibald, engaged in constructing oil wells, J. B., T. J., and Susan, who owns a valuable central property on Franklin Street, Titusville, where she and her mother reside. T. J. Stewart dying, his widow married, October 20, 1853, John Watson, a farmer, born in 1804, died in 1882. Our subject filled in his life time several township offices. JAMES P. THOMAS, elected Mayor of Titusville, on the Republican ticket, February 19, 1884, was born in the town of Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 27, 1840. His early life was passed upon a farm, with winter schooling, until he was fifteen years old, when he entered a dry goods store at Batavia, N. Y., where he remained as clerk until the fall of 1860, when he began the study of law in the office of the Hon. George Bo wen, Batavia. In August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Fifth Regiment, New York Volunteers, at Lb Roy. This regiment was decimated to such an extent that in the fall of 1863 it was consolidated at Belle Plain with the Ninety-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers, taking the name of the latter. Mr. Thomas was promoted for meritorious serv- ices to Second Lieutenant in November, 1868, and to First Lieutenant in August, 1864. He took part in the many engagements in which this battle-scarred regiment participated and was wounded both at Antietam and at Gettysburg. He was taken prisoner August 19, 1864, at the Weldon Railroad,' near Petersburg, Va. , and experienced the horrors of life in Libby prison, at Salisbury, N. C. , and at Danville, Va. . He was paroled February 22, 1865, and after being exchanged, returned to active service, where he remained until mustered out at the close of the war. In 1865 he came to Titusville and engaged in the business of producing oil, which he has followed ' more or less since that time; was also connected for fifteen years with the Roberts Torpedo Company. Mr. Thomas has now retired from business, and having consented to accept the nomination for Mayor of this city, was elected by an overwhelming vote, an unmistakable evidence of his popularity at his home, FRANK W. TRUESDELL, printer, Titusville, was born June 16, 1857, at Warren, Ohio, where he learned the trade of printing. In 1880 he moved to Titusville, and purchased the Sunday World printing establishment in March, 1882. Mr. Truesdell is at present publishing the- Sunday World. WILLIAM VARIAN, physician and surgeon, Titusville, was born in Sidney, Ohio, October 11, 1832; son of an Episcopal clergyman; his mother was a mem- ber of the Atlee family, of Lancaster, Penn. Our subject was educated at St. Paul's College, Long Island, and studied medicine at the Pennsylvania Medi- cal College, Philadelphia, from which he graduated in March, 1854. He com- menced practice in Pittsburgh, Penn. , but after a year he removed to Chicago, where he remained until 1861, in which year he entered the army. During 1100 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the war of the Rebellion he held the position of Medical Director north Mis- souri, of the First Division, Pope's army, and central Kentucky (1861-62). In 1862 he was Medical Director of the Army of Kentucky; Assistant Medical Director Department of the Cumberland; Superintendent of Hospitals, District of the Cumberland; Chief of the Medical Transportation Department of tlie Camberland (1863-64); Sargeon-in-Ghief of the Dennison V. S. Army General Hospital (1864); and Surgeon-in-Chief of Evanston Hospital (1865). In September, 1865, our subject established himself in Titusville in general practice, giving special attention, however, to surgery, in which branch of his profession he has performed many of the major operations and acquired a special reputation as an ovariotomist. The Doctor was the first to suggest hypodermic use of ergot with morphia in cases of cholera and choleraic diarrhoea. In 1867 the Doctor was elected a member of Crawford County Medical Society, of which he was President in 1871; is a member of the State Medical Society, of which he was President in 1883, and the American Medical Society. Dr. Varian was married in 1857 to Ann E., daughter of Dr. Litchfield, of Connecticut, and niece of Hon. Chauncey F. Cleveland, ex-Gov- ernor of Connecticut. Six children were born to this union: Eliza Atlee, Helen Louise (deceased), Mary Litchfield, William Cleveland (deceased), Cleveland (deceased), and Helen Cleveland. Our subject is an active member of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Eepublican. T. J. YOUNG, M. D., Titusville, is a native of Germany, born at Neustadt A. D. Haardt in the Palatinate, Bavaria, December 13, 1834, eldest son of Col. David Young, at that time Eoyal Engineer and Architect under King Ludwig, of Bavaria. The father and son participated in the rebellion of 1848^9, and the family fied to France, where they remained until May, 1850; then emi- grated to the United States and settled in Baltimore. Shortly afterward Col. Young was appointed to the United States Coast Survey, and Theodore J. removed to Philadelphia to pursue his studies. In 1854 he settled in Mead- ville, Penn., and devoted himself to the study of medicine. He attended the Cleve- land Medical College, 1860-61, and was then appointed by the State of Pennsyl- vania Assistant Surgeon for three years or until the close of the war. He was assigned to the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and then to the Seventh Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. During the service he was on the staffs of Col. Minty and Gen. Hatch, and acted as Surgeon in Charge of hospitals in Huntsville and Euf aula, Ala. From among the many letters on tile in the State Department, and from the " spe- cial orders" — all testifying to Dr. Young's efficiency in the disch'arge of duty, and skill in his profession, space here will only admit of following extracts: ' ' Headquarters First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, Department Cumber- land, near Atlanta — Assistant Surgeon Theodore J. Young, Seventh Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, now in charge of the hospital of this brigade, has been on duty either in the field with his regiment or in charge of the hospital of this com- mand for something more than a year past. * * * I have found him attentive to business, efficient in the discharge of duty and skillful in his pro- fession. G. W. Fiflh, Surgeon First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, Department Cumberland, 1864." * * * " In camp and on the march he never tires in his attention to the sick, and on the battle-field performs his duties regardless of personal safety. He operates well and displays the test of judgment in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. S. E. Mumford, Med- ical Director Second Cavalry Division, near Atlanta, 1864, Army Cumberland." * * * "Assistant Surgeon Theodore J. Young, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, has been in my command nearly a year. He stands deservedly TROY TOWNSHIP. 1101 high in his branch of the service. H. Garrard, Brigadier-General Command- ing Division." Dr. Young was hononibly mustered out of service at the close of the war, October, 1865, and immediately located in Titusville, Penn., and entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1867 he removed to Phila- delphia, where he matriculated at the IJniversity of Pennsylvania, and grad- uated in 1868, after which he returned to Titusville, where he has since resided in continuous practice. The Doctor has been surgeon for the railroads centering in', Titusville for many years, and has held the appointment of County Physician several years. As a member of the Crawford County Med- ical Society he has served as its President, and live years as Secretary and Treasurer, and is a permanent member of the State JVLedical Society and the American National Medical Society. Dr. Young was married in 1858 to Miss Sarah S. McFarland, eldest daughter of Col. James E. McFarland, of Meadville, Penn. TROY TOWNSHIP. GEORGE W. ALTENBURG, farmer, P. O. Troy Centre, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 21, 1838, son of George H. and Mary (Cam) Altenburg, early settlers in this county. Our subject purchased land in this township in 1861, upon which he now resides and which he has greatly improved by clearing, high cultivation, erection of buildings, etc. Mr. Alten- burg was married, October 1, 1862, to Miss Mary Hopkins, a native of Steuben Township, this county, and daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Kingsley) Hop- kins, who were early settlers in this county. To this union were born three sons and six daughters, viz.: Nora A., Emma B., Lillie M., Carrie M., Floyd G., Bertie L., Arthur E., Alta and Pearl. Our subject served nine months during the war of the Rebellion in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty - ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He has filled some of the township offices. In politics he is independent. JOHN W. ALTENBURG, farmer, P. O. Townville, is a native of Troy Township, this county, born March 7, 1841; son of George H. and Mary (Cam) Altenburg, natives of New York State, and who settled in Troy Town- ship in 1840. They were parents of eight children. Mr. Altenburg died in 1876, his wife in 1864. Our subject purcljiased land in this township in 1861, on which he now resides, and has added to same till he now owns 235 acres, well improved with good buildings, etc. Mr. Altenburg married, December 22, 1867, Miss Sophrona Higbeo, of this township, born in Allegany County, N. Y., June 15, 1842, daughter of David B. and Clarissa F. (Titchenor) Hig- bee, also natives of New York State, where Mrs. Higbee died in 1849. Mr, Higbee moved to this county in 1853 and is now residing here. To our sub- ject and wife have been bom three children: Ernest W., born August 25, 1869; Gracie M., born May 3, 1879; and Lucy, born June 30, 1883. Mr. Altenburg served nine months in the war of the Rebellion, in Company C, One Hundred and Fi ftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In pol- itics he is a stanch Republican. ' ' JOHN ARMSTRONG, farmer, P. O. Plum, Venango County, is a native of Troy Township, this county, born February 7, 1809; son of Joseph and Anna (Daniels) Armstrong, of Irish and English descent, and natives of Westmoreland 1102 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: County, Penn. , where they were married. In 1799 they came to this county, cleared up a farm and reared a family of eleven children, of whom but two are now living: Polly and John. Mrs. Armstrong died here August 12, 1825, aged fifty-eight years. Mr. Armstrong died August 5, 1850, aged ninety-three. On the death of his father our subject became owner of land in this township," which he has cleared and in many ways improved. He has followed farming all his life. Mr. Armstrong was married three times, on first occasion in 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Battin, of Venango County, Penn., who bore him one daugh- ter — Mary J. On the death of this wife, in 1836, our subject took for his second, in 1840, Miss Mary J. Wilson, of this county, and to this union were born five children, three now living: Penina, Martha and Hannah. Their mother died in 1851, and in 1858 Mr. Armstrong became united in marriage with Jane Gillaspy, of this county, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Sal- mon) Gillaspy. Our subject is a member of the Methodist persuasion. In politics a Democrat. JONATHAN BENN, farmer, P. O. Troy Centre, was born in Mead Town- ship, this county, April 5, 1810; son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Wilkins) Benn, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively, both of Irish descent. They were married in Westmoreland County, Penn., and in 1805 moved to this county, settling first in Mead Township, then in 1811 moving to Troy Township, where they purchased several hundred acres of timber land, a considerable portion of which they cleared. They were parents of a large family, four only now living: Benjamin T., Elizabeth W., Isabella and Jona- than. The father died in 1855, the mother in 1844. Our subject became owner, in 1832, of land in this township, on which he now resides and carries on general farming; has also done some business at blacksmithing and shoe- making. He was twice married, on first occasion August 23, 1833, to Miss Elizabeth Wintom, a native of Rome Township, Crawford County, and daugh- ter of Samuel and Margaret (Coil) Wintom, early settlers of this county, both deceased. To this union were born thirteen children, nine of whom survive. Mrs. Benn dying April 10, 1869, our subject became united in marriage in 1871 with Mrs. Eliza (Luce) Williams, a native of this township, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Parr) Luce, who were the first settlers in this township. Mrs. Benn was first married to William Williams, who died in 1858, and by whom she had a large family. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Benn is a Wesleyan Methodist. In politics a Prohibitionist. He i.s said to be the oldest temperance man in this county, and was a member of the first tem- ance society organized in the county. GODFREY E. GHERING, farmer, P. O. Troy Centre, was born in Venango County, Penn., September 23, 1846; son oE Christian and Christiana (Link) Ghering, natives of Germany, who immigrated to America in 1832 and settled in Venango County, Penn., where they reared their family and where Mr. Ghering died, August 2, 1877. His widow still resides there. Our sub- ject, who has followed agriculture all through life, purchased 106 acres of land in Troy Township, this couuty, in 1875, which he has cleared and other- wise improved and on which he now lives. He married, December 22, 1874, Miss Maggie E. Hamilton, also a native of Venango County, Penn., born March 3, 1845, daughter of James and Margaret (Hamilton) Hamilton, also natives of Venango County, and of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. Hamilton died in the same county, on November 22, 1853. His widow is now living there. To Mr. and Mrs. Ghering were born three sons: Ralph L, Clifford H. and James C. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. TROY TOWNSHIP. 1103 JAMES C. HIGLEY, farmer, P. O. Townville, wa^ born in Athens Town- ship, this county, August 10, 1840; son of Sylvester and Eliza (Vanderhoff) Higley, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and of Dutch and Irish descent, respectively. They were married in this county, reared a family of five children, and here Mr. Higley died in September, 1858. His widow still resides in the county. Our subject began business by purchasing land in Athens Township, this county, in 1858, which he cleared and farmed, and in 1865 he bought land in Troy Township, where he now lives and on which he has completed many valuable improvements. Mr. Higley served two years during the war of the Eebellion in Company B, Eighteenth Regiment, Penn- sylvania Cavalry, and passed safely through several fiery engagements. He was married February 19, 1859, to Miss Julia A. Lillybridge, of Mead Town- ship, this county, a native of New York State, born in 1844, daughter -of Edward and Paulina Lillybridge, early settlers in this county, former of whom is deceased, latter now residing in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hig- ley have been born one son and one daughter: Alvin E. and Eva J. Mrs. Higley is a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject is a member of the 4 ■-TO ; 4?a {£i ',> ^ '.': i € f,/!j ■-s» eti^«» •O' 'O.' "''