^^ V l$> " O N O 4 o i^ ,■> o « o I ■^ ■ n. • . o ••* o ^ •^ ^ • • • > "^'i. * > -, » • o . II 1 s TO i; V OP^ ^1 OLUMIUA COrNTV, PENNSYLVANIA. m02^ XJXE E-A^ni-IEST Xli^ES. COrXSKLLOIt A I I.WV EMVELL * BITTKNIIENDER. PrDusniBS. IJi.o«tMsnrno. Pa. 2=I^EI^JLCE. IF the time ami labor wliich have been required to prepare this vohime for the press had been fully fo'eseen, it would not have been uudertaken. Those who are the most competent judges of what has been done, will be the fiist to excuse and overlook what may have been left undone. If it had been attempted many years ago, while the actors in our early history were still alive much valuable information might have been recovered which is now forever lost. We have at this day only glimpses of the ear- ly tinv-'s a. id til'' actors iji thu:ii. Diligent inquiry has in some oasu.-4 been rewarded, but in most cases no information has been vouch- safed. For suhstantial reasons the publication could not be longer delayed. :ii.d what has been gathered is here pre- sented. An examination of I lie table of contents will give full knowl- edge of the subject n^ fitter ; jii.d the extended and exhaustive in- dex will enable the reader to turn readily to any subject he may wish to look over. The bitdy of i!ie book >» ill sufficiently show the authorities ad persons to whom I have been indebted for as- sistance and information in t' e conij)ilation of the work ; ard it is only necessary here totend.r them my niost sincere thanks. The publ'shers have be ju at considerable expense in illustrating the work, thus reudeiin^;^ it more valuable and entertaining. T-£^BIjE (DIP COlSTTEnSTTS- y 8DB.Ii:(.'T*. PAGE. I Early llistory , 1 The Kiv.rs 9 The Fort. 13 Iu(,lian Purchases 35 Organization of the Count)' 39 Streams ;iii>1 Mountains 46 I iii;>rovement8 and Productions 52 ^•.yi;s'iiis and Borough'^ 55 ^'^^'••=^''"' '■ .r-^Yttr •• ^9 liemoval . f. 65 Ele (ion Returns 74 Bl- .mshui tr 85 I'xrwrjck.. 96 (':itawiss:i 101 .lirseytowii 198 > nailer Towns 113 The Courts 1 22 IVio^raphies of President Judges 130 Normal School 151 ( "oiiiinon Schools 167 Au'iii^'ultural Soeiety . 181 Pop; iroiises. . . 184 Bibliuuiaphy 187 Madame Montour 195 Post OHices ...;.. 206 Legislative 1\< j'l ■ Shawanese, who had a village (mi the flats below Blooms- burg near the mouth of Fishiiigcreek, another at ("atawissa, lusar the site (tf the present village, and also another near the mouth of r.riann-ek below Berwick. The Delawares were also settled within the valley, and with some others, were under the control of the Six Nations, and were «n-dered by them from ])oinl to point, :it will. The Sliawanese came from the (-arolinas, and kept moving north, until by agreement they wore allowed to settle upon the Susipiehanna, about IG97. They were a brave and warlike tribe, and gave the Proprietary Government a good deal of trouble. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3 •encry f^r liner than any one would believe them to be from any Aeseription, if they have not seen them." It is not generally admitted which valley bears ofiF the palm of eaiity. The denizens of each are strenuous in the praise of their \vn locality, and point with exultation to many an historical spot. 'he counties properly included within The Forks of the Sus(pie- anna should perhaps lie south of a line, to he drawn from the ■est line f)f (Minton county at the river, to the point where the lorth Branch strikes the Pennsylvania line : and would include linton, Lyconiini;. Bradford. Sullivan, Wyoming, Luzerne, C'o- imbia, Montour and Northumberland. No region of Pennsylvania has been written over with so Tuuch ire and vim and zest. The historian, the poet and the roman- ist have labored to illustrate its valleys, aiwi to heighten, if ))Os- ble, the cliarins of its scenery. Comprising many rich and po)>- loiLS countu's. to which, years ago. the hardy settlers flocked foi' heap lands, the pleasures of the chase and the fishing-rod, its )cal history is peculiarly rich. A fierce warfare raged l)etween nr own people for the possession of its rich alluvials, and at ist the Legislatures of the several States were obliged to interfere ) stop the feud. Within its borders occurred some of the most loody battles in which the white and red man contended for life nd sulisistence. Fierce and protracted were the struggles ; and .e find marks of them not only on their very sites, but so tena- ious was the hold of the Lidian. that he has indelibly stamped lis nomenclature upon almost every one of the streams, the moun- ains. the passes, and the valleys. Here no cockney has built his Londons, Liverpools, or Man- ;hesters : no matter-of-fact emigrant from "Der Faderland'' has ;>e-Khined or be-Hhoned our most beautifid river; nor have the Teeks and valleys to [)lay second fiddle to some European local- ity. Their nuisical, aboriginal names still cling to them, and will ding to them forever. Flark to the nuisic of a few of them : We have Wyalusing, Tunkhannock, Lackawannji. Wyoming, Nanticoke, Catawissa, Mahoning, Shamokin, ('hillis(pia(jue. IMuncy. Loyal Sock, Lycom- ing. Towanda, Kittaning. Sheshecpiin. anentiuni-.l that this valley is cc4el>i-ited Its historical associations and recollections are fully w.rthv of its high character in other respects. Within that ter- ritorv'lic's the beautiful Valley of Wyoming, the plain tale of the massacre <.f whose citizens hrinos tears to the eyes of the ,nost careless reader, and whose charms and horrors have been tainted but not heightened, by the magic pen of Campbell. IIcM-e too. the celebrate.l Van C'ampen followed the trad oi ,lu> Indians, or suffered as a j-risoner in their cruel handsr ., i.irrative of whose advent.ires, some of them occurring almost i„ si.dit of where 1 write, would be more exciting than a ro- ,,y,Zv In this c-hanned region, Captain Samuel Brady perform- c.d ncu.v of his famous exploits, and made his hairbreadth escapes. And no greater name than his brightens the rull of Indian \lie celebrated Montour family, of which Madame Montour, the ir.terpretess, seems to have lu-en the hea.l, and whose name is m- .k.liblv stamped upon one of our most beautiful ranges of hills, liv.Hl 'ac-te.l. died, and some of them are buried in the forks of the Susquehanna. Catharine Montour, whose heii.1 quarters were at Catharine's town, at the head of Seneca lake, and whose sons are •dle-ed to have been at the massacre of Wyoming, and also at Ihe butchery at Fort Freeland, and a woman called Queen Esther, sometimes confounded with them, and who is alleged to have been the executioner at the bloody rock of W^yoming, all have helped to give to the Forks of the Susciuehanna a romantic history. Here dwelt the Lenni Leiiape, -the original people ; and the council-fires of Tamanend, their most illustrious chieftain were kindled in its forests. For many years annually on the first of Mav throughout Pennsylvania, his festival was celebrate on the hills to Fishingcreek, which eni|itii's into the North Hiancli at Blooinsburg, twenty miles above the junction, crossed the creek, passe!iiitic'S ; sifter \vhi<'li our coiiiit rvnieii will :i\v;ikeii to its roiiiiiiice, uiid conseiil lo :i»liiiire its valleys and love its liills. From tlie lake in wliieli it rises, to the bay into which it rkH the weHt side of the West Branch was niiicli l»ett(i- known than tlie west si!. rxiiiiA CorXTY the (irigiiial Iinlian iiiimt' of I*''isliiiif>;fn't'k or :iny of its iiffliiciits ;i|)|)<'ar. 'IMu'it must !»«• such a (t('siij;iiati()ii aiid any authentic iii- foniiatioii u|»()ii the stil>ji'ct will interest all <>ui- eili/eiis. It is perhaps proper to add here that the llislorieal iMaj» of tlu' Pennsylvania llistorieal Society oives llie Indian nanu' of Fisllinjj;ere<'k thereon, from some old anthority, as heing Names- cesepony. Nescopeck was the only southern Imlian route i'oi' travel be- tween WyominL!; and Shamokin. (.'omiiii;- down tlu' Susipiehanna (Ml tiieir way to Kaston, Chester, Lancaster, Coneslo^a, I'hiladel- pliiil, or other |tlaces for holdiny' councils, tlu'y left tlu' river at Wyoiiiinjx or at Nt'scopeck, and only pi-edatory raids foi- nuirder or plunder camt' down the rivei' on tlu' west side. Consequently we have less krutwli'diije of that than ol" other portions of (he Valley. Tlu' name oi" the Shawaiu-si' villa^'c located near where liloomshurt; n(»w stands has nevei' tiiiiu'd up ainon^;st all my researches. Catawissa is "yt- most ancient" village of which we have any kn(»wdedi4;e. and was known by that nanu' to whites and Inilians in I72M, and doubtless much earlier. .lames Le 'Port writes under date of "Cat aw asse, May ye 12, 1728," concernin<;- a ditliculty near lliat place ''We always thought that the Covernor knew itolhing of the Hight between tin' Shawaynos and the white [»eo- ple." And the famous chieftain Lapackpitton, w ho left his name temporarily upon the place, was therein IT.')!. The West liranch, as it is now calU'(l, was known to tlu' In- dians by the name of Otsinachson ; and I ref(M- to some of the localities upon that rivi-r because all the t»'i-ri(orN' above I'uint Township to the Lycoming county line was once a part of Coliun- bia county. In 17')") Mr. Weiser writes to the (ilovernor that a <-ompany of Indians had informed him that they intended to build a town on the river Otsinachson. at a place called Otstuagy, oi- as givi'n •! sew here, (>tstuacky. and desiring him to send some men to fence a »'ornliele<-kon, ohl Nutinms was from h..me, but th.- rest ..f th.- In-lians receive.l th.- message very kin.lly, an.l sai.l they w..ul.l lay it b.-fore Nutimus and the rest of their In.lians after th.-y shouhl .-..m.- home. At Woyanux-k it waH just th.- same, raxan..sy, th.- .l.i.-f n.an th.-re, was frorr. hcune als.., th.- m.-ssage with an..th.-r string of wampum was tak.-n w.-ll by th.)se that w.-re at hom.-. Its.-.-nLs alt..g.-th.-r lik.-ly that th.- points m.-ntione.j an- Cata- 12 //is/oh'Y or coiJM liiA coiwrv. \viss;i, Ni"sc tli:it ()sk«ili:u\ \\:is ;i I>»'l:i\\ MIC iiMUir of CmImw iss:i, :iii(l lliiil (lie otlicr two iiaiiu's .•ir«' tlu' same (lialiTt. So I \\:i\v soiiu'liiucs hct'ii (lispdst'd to tliiiik (hat "(Miciiastrv, an Indian town on tlic Susniu'lianna, spoken of in ("ohmial luconls III, pilge L*!>.'>, tom'llur with the Indian Man aiikyliiikon. ihid l*!>.">, MO 1, .SI ."> and Pennsylvania Ai«lii\t's I, iM I, 21"). 2hi, «Miniiiaii'd w itii the h'ltci' oi' James \,v 'Vor[ Irom *'("ata WilSKe," all reli'ired lo the same |»laee and the same dilVuultv, and that 1>\ ••C'henasli-\ " Catawissa mav 1>»' intended. Tliece was an Indian town ahoiit hall ua\ between the month of Catawissa ereek and the month ol lioarinn* reek whieli liv some anthoi-ities is ni\en as the town of llu> eliiel" I.apaekpitttxi, and mav have been the plaet' ealK'd Oskohaiy. No two m«'n spell llu' san\e Indian name alike, and the same mail seariH'ly ever spells it twice the same way. The dill'erent tribes called (he same place l>v ditTcient names, as Catawissa and ( >skohary, as Wyotnoc-k and Seahaut«>wano and Mau«j;hwauwame For \Vy(>minu' ; distanei's are yivi'ii by mt>re i^ui'ss, and seem to depend on the strength ot tln' rower or the swiftness of the hors»> making- the journey Fifty yi'ars as^o much was known which is now lost ; but rtiuonn'st ol;s may yet be nHH>vered and madi' to eontributi' t(» the personal interest and lo oftl and ehrouohigieal i't»rn'ctness of (his attempt. insi'OliY OF CO HI M HI A (BOUNTY. ( IIAITKIl III. THE I^OI^T3. ri"^IfK territory origiritilly cornjiOHing Columbia «^y)nnty was of J_ iorisi(k'rab]e extent. It (j^nnprised all that portion of North- urnhcrlaiKl county which lay we«tofthe North Branch, exc<*pt the s\\\y^\t lowtisfiip of Point. Within itH first dewcribed limits were three towiiHhips now in S<;huylkill «'-ounty, the whole of Montour, and the townwhipH of Chillisquaque, Turbot, LewiH and Delaware, now in Northumb<'rlariranch about seventeen miles from Sunbury. Lieut. Col. Weltncr, under date of North- umberland, April 9, 1780, says : "I have manned three material outposts, viz : Fort Jenkins, Fort Montgomery, and Bosley's Mills." On the 14th of October, 1782. the Indians killed and scalped an old couple of the name of Martin, living on the Chillis- (piacpie about one mile and a half from Col. James Murray's, and IIISTOIIY OF COLUMBIA (JOUN^TY. l.^i took three young women prisonerH, being all the family that wsis in the house. "This old couple. Col. Hunter ^ays, being man and wife, I saw laying killed and scalped, and was one that helped to bury tlicrii." He complains bitterly of the pei-fidious enemy, and of the f-al.sehood of British assurances that no more parties of sav- ages should be permitted to be sent against the frontiers. He feais also that these murders will prevent settlers from returning, and adds that the Martin family had been back only a few days. After the summer of 17H0 we hear nothing more of Bosley's Mills, but it would seem that the post was maintained throughout the Indian hostilities. Of Cajit. Kemplin, who appears to have been a good and active officer the Hon. John B. Linn in his "Annals of Buffalo Valley." gives the following paragraph, [page 108]. "'In a letter to (ieneral I'otter, Colonel Hunter states that Captain Tliomas Kempling, as he writes it, and his eldest son were killed by the Indians at the mouth of Muncy Creek, in March 1781. In the pe- tition of his widow, who writes her name Mary Campleton, pre- sented to the Assembly, September 23, 1784, she says : My hus- band aud soji, with others, went on a tour of duty up the West Branch, early in the spring of 1781, and lying one night at the mouth of Muncy Creek, in the morning the savages carne on them, when my unfortunate husband and son with one William Camp- bell, fell a sacrifice to all the cruelties and barbarities that savages could irifiict, leaving your petitioner and six children. We were driven from house and home, and so reduced that I am unable to return to the place we had improved upon." Fort MoNT«;o.MKRr wa.s twelve miles below Fort Muncy, and about two miles from Bosley's Mill, and in November, 1779. there were forty men stationed there. The place is mentioned in a letter from CJol. Weltner to the Board of War, Dec. 13, 1779, as being well situated for the defense of the trtmtier, and that the detach- ment sent there had erected barracks and other necessary defenc^^. On the 0th of April, 1780, he writes again to the Board of War, and speaks of Montgomery's as a material out-post, which with Fort Jenkins and Bosley's Mills he had manned. After the latter date I do not tind the place again mentioned. FuRr Mknin<;kr, the place at which Capt. Kemplen was sta- tioned in November, 1779, is reported to have been at the mouth 16 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of Warrior's Run on the West Branch, about seventeen miles from Sunbury. At this time the Captain had but fourteen men. It is re- ported to have been a military post previously, and to have been abandoned in June 1779, when McDonald made his raid into the county. Nothing further seems to be known of its history. Fort Schwartz was located about one mile above Milton. The first mention of the place occurs in a letter from Colonel Hunter to President Reed, dated "Sunbury, 1 7th April 1780," in which be says . "Last Saturday a party of twenty Indians struck at Peter Swartz's plantation about twelve miles from here on the West Branch. They killed one man and wounded three which are now in this town under Dr. Alison's care." He adds that a party in pursuit came within sight of the enemy, who di'opt their packs and turned up the mountain, and so escaped. Between the above date and September 18, 1780, the place must have been fortified ; for under that date Gen. Potter writes from Sunbury, that on receiv- ing mformation of the attack on Fort Rice, he assembled some forces, and the next morning marched with 170 men to Fort Swarts. On the 21st of the same month Col. Hunter writes to President Reed and says : "When the German Regiment marched off from here I gave orders to the Frontier Companys to embody and keep one fourth of the men constantly reconnoitering, after garrisoning P^ort Jenkins, Fort Rice, and Fort Swartz with twenty men in each of them." Fort Rice is stated by Col. Sam Hunter to have been erected by Col. Weltner's troops on the head waters of C-hillisquake about thirteen miles from Sunbury. It is first mentioned by Col. Hart- ley in a letter to the Council of War, August 10, 1778, where speaking of maintaining posts at Muncy and Fort Jenkins, he adds that he "was resolved to hold posts at both these extremes, and have an intermediate one on the head waters of Chelesquaque." It seems not to have been molested for a considerable period of time, but it was attacked about the 6th of September, 1780. by 300 In- dians, who were repulsed by the 20 men by whom the fort was manned. In this attack on Fort Rice the enemy had killed but one man and taken one prisoner. It was at this time and by a por- tion of this force that P^ort Jenkins at Hill's place was burned, hav- ing been evacuated by Col. Hunter upon information of the con- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 17 toinplated attack on Fort Rice. Col. Hunter says "the enemy at- tacked the Fort, (Rice) about sundown and fired very smartly, the garrison returned the fire with spirit, which made them withdraw a little off, and in the night they begun to set fire to a number of houses and stacks of grain, which were consumed. In the mean- time our militia had collected to the number of one hundred men under the command of Col. John Kelly, who marched to the re- lief of the garrison, and arrived the next day. The people in the garrison acquainted Col. Kelly there must be two hundred and fifty or three hundred of the enemy, which he did not think prudent to engage without being reinforced." Expresses were sent out and Col. Purdy on the Juneate, turned his forces toward Sunbury, to engage in the pursuit of the enemy. Volunteers and militia to the number of several hundred poured into Sunbury. Gen. Potter coming to Sunbury at this time took command of the militia, hav- ing dismissed the vohmteers, and pursued the enemy. He marched on to Muncy hills, but did not find the route taken by the enemy till the 13th, and then followed on across the country, up P^ishing- creek, and to nearly opposite Wyoming, where the General writes, the enemy were found to be so far ahead as to make it useless to follow them. At the same time, he writes that another band "crossed the Moncey hill near one Eveses and went up the Moncey creek." Nothing further worthy of mention seems to have occurred at this post, until October 24, 1782, when it is related in a letter from Capt. Thomas Robison to the Executive Council, that Sergeant Ed- ward Lee and Robert Carrethers were sent out from Fort Rice as spies ; and when about two miles from the fort fell into an ambus- cade of about eleven Indians, were fired on, and Lee was killed and scalped- —Carrethers was missing and snpi)Osed to be taken prisoner. Subsequent mentions of Fort Rice are merely incidental. Boone's Fort was located about two miles above Milton on Muddy Run, and was about seven miles from Fort Freeland. The fort at Muncy having been evacuated, the Indians made an incur- sion in July 1770, and on the 3rd killed three men and took two prisoners at Lycoming — on the 8th burned the widow Smith's mill — on the 17th burned Starret's mill and all the principal houses in Muncy township — and on the 20th killed three men at Freeland's IS HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Fort and took two prisoners. Col. Hunter writes "that unless succour arrives, the forts at Freehand's and Boone's cannot stand long, but that he has never seen the people behave more spiritedly." At that time every thing above Muncy Hill was al)andoned, and the scouting and scalping parties of the Indians having driven in all the inhabitants, gathered themselves together and on the 23th. of July a large party of British and Indians attacked Fort Free- land. The firing was heard at Boone's, and Capt. Boone and Capt. Kemplen marched off with thirty-four men to reinforce the fort at Freeland's. Before they arrived it had surrendered, and a detachment of the enemy met the company under Capt. Boone at a little distance from the fort and cut them to pieces. It is re- lated that the enemy were within the fort, the women and chil- dren being outside and unguarded, and Capt. Boone thus fell into the ambuscade, thinking nothing wrong. The women made signs to him to retire, but it was too late. Though surprised, the thirty- four men fought desperately, and Col. McDonald, the British commander, long after, spoke of Capt. Boone and his heroic bravery. . The following are the names of the killed belonging to Capt. Boone's party : Capt. Boone, Capt. S. Dougherty, J. M. Mc- Glaghlen, Natt Smith, John Jones, Ezra Green, Samuel Neel, M. W. McClintock, Hugh McGill, Andrew Woods and Edward Cost- ikan. These are all the names of killed which are given, but another account says that thirteen scalps of Capt. Boone's party, were i,rought into the fort in a handkerchief, Capt. Boone's among them; and Col. Hunter writes under date of "August ye 4th., 1779,' that there were of the relieving force, fifteen killed and two wounded. William Maclay writes on the 5th. of August, that none of Boone's men were made prisoners. The list above given is furnished by Matt'w Smith, who says: "This acct. I Believe is the Fact as the party out yesterday have Bury'd the Dead, gave me the List." Nothing further appears relative to this out-post, though it was doubtless maintained as such so long as danger from roaming bands of Indians made such points of refuge necessary. Fort Fbkei.and was situated about four miles up Warriors HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 19 run, which eini)ties into the Susquehanna about five miles above Milton. It is said by Col. Hunter to be "a little fort near Muncy hill, called Fort Freeland." It was six and a half miles north of Milton, and half a mile from Warrior's Run Presbytei'ian church. It is first spoken of as a fort in 1770. There was a gristmill built near there by Jacob Freeland in 1773 or 1774. The Free- land two story log dwelling house, which constituted the fort, seems to have l)een picketed in the fall of 1778. It contained within the i)ickets half an acre of gi-ound. Tlie timbers were set close and were about twelve feet high. The PVeeland party were from Essex county, New Jersey. On the 20111. of Ajtril 1779, a scouting party of Indians killed or captured seven of the militia men stationed there, but it was iu)t until the 28th. of July following that the real attack on the Fort was made. There were at the time forty or fifty women and children in the fort, and by some accounts thirty-two men, and by others only twenty-one. At daybreak on the 28th. of July 1779, a party of about three hundred, consisting of British and Indians, com- manded by Cajjt. McDonald, surrounded the fort. There was but little ammunition, and Mary Kirk and Phebe Vincent inmie- diately commenced to run their spoons and plates into bullets. The distress of the women and children and the want of ammu- nition made successful resistance hopeless, and about nine o'clock a fiag of truce was raised. John Little and John Vincent con- (bicted the negotiations, and after consultation agreed u})on the following articles: AuricLKs OK C.vprm.ATioN, Four Frkki.and 1779. — Articles of capitulation ent'd into Between Capt'n. John McDaniel on his Majesties ])art and John Little on that of the Congress. Aurici.K 1st. Tlie men in (Tarrison to March out and Ground their .Vrms in the green, in front of the fort, which is to be taken in Possession of immediately by his ^Majesty's Troops. Agreed too. 2dly. All .Men Bearing .Vrnis are to Surrender themselves Pris- oners of war and to be sent to Niagara. Agr'd too. 3d. The Women and Children not to be Strip'd of their cloath- ing nor Molested by the Indians and to be at Liberty to Move down the country where they Please. Agr'd too. JoHX MoDoXAI.I), Capt. of Rangers. John Litti.k. 20 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Col. Samuel Hunter, under date of " Suuhury August ye 4th. 1779," gives the following graphic account : "There Avas in the garrison at the time twenty-six men and fifty women and children, who is all come in safe ; the fireing at Freeland's was heard at Boon's Mill, about seven miles distance, where a number of the inhabitants had collected. Captains Boon and Kemplen march- ed off witli thirty-four men to reinforce the Fort at Freeland's, but was met a little way on this side by a number of the savages who surrounded them immediately ; our men behaved with great bravery for some little time, but being overpowered by numbers was almost cut to pieces ; our loss there was fifteen killed and two wounded. Among the dead is Capt. Boon and Capt. Saml. Dougherty, two very good men." It was after the surrender of the fort that Capt. Boone's party came uj), so many of whom were uselessly slaughtered by the en- emy. In the fort but five men were killed, viz : James Watts, John McClintock, William McClung, James Miles and Henry Gilfillen. Thirteen scalps of Capt. Boone's party were brought into the fort in a pocket handkerchief. Among them was Capt. Boone's. The whole garrison left the fort by twelve o'clock, and the wo- men and children reached Northumberland, about eighteen miles distant, that night, not having eaten a bite during the whole day. Col. Smith writes to President Reed from Sunbury, August 3rd, 1770, that he is there "with sixty Paxtang boys and intends to follow the savages. He reports that fifty two women and children and four old men came safely from Fort Freeland. He says the distress of the people is great — the town now composes Noithumberland county — houses, barns, wheat, stacks of hay, all is consumed. Such devastation he has not yet seen. The surrender of Fort Freeland and the defeat and death of Capt. Boone left every thing exposed." Col. Hunter writes under date of July 29th, "The town of Northumberland was the frontier last night, and I am afraid Sunbury will be to night," And he begs for assistance, as well he might, seeing the helpless women and children flying down the river, many of the husbands and fathers slain, and those yet alive going off into hopeless cap- tivity. It would be interesting now to know who were taken prisoners, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 21 and wlio returned from the captivity. We have only the names of Beujaiuiu Vincent, Michael Freeland, Bethuel Vincent, Daniel Vincent and Capt. John Little. Daniel Vincent had been married a short time before he was taken prisoner,to Miss Angelica Heuff of New Jersey. Upon the capture of lier husband she returned to the home of her parents, and for a period of something like four years, heard nothing from him. One evening she was out with a sleighing party, and hav- ing stopped at a tavern, a roughly dressed stranger happening there, inquired if a Mrs. Vincent lived in that vicinity. She was pointed out to him, whereupon he introduced himself to her notice, and soon convinced her that he was her long lost husband. The hilarity of the party was doubtless much increased by this unex- pected but joyful reunion; which as I aju informed by a de.'icend- ant, took place at the tavern, and not, as reported, after the party had broken up and on the return home. Capt. Little returned to find his wife, deceived by false infor- mation of his deatii in captivity, inavric(l to another man. Ex- planations ensued. Letters detailing liis death were })roved to have been received, their falsehood was evident — the false hus- band Med the country, and the })air so long and cruelly separated were re-united. To tins sketch of Freeland's Fort I add a most interesting and graphic narrative of Benjamin Patterson, the hunter, published in Judge Mc Master's History of Steuben county. He says : At the Mkirmish of Freeling's Fort in 1779, he and his younger brother Robert fought in the party of Capt. Hawkins Boone, and narrow- ly escai)ed with their lives. Freeling's Fort on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, had been taken by a i)arty of Tories and Lidians, the former under the connnand of McDonald, a noted loyalist of Tryon county in New York, and the latter led by Hiakatoo, the husband of Mary Jennison, the white woman. Capt- Boone's party of thirty two, volunteered to scout in the neighbor- hood of the ca}>tured Fort, and to attack the enemy if it could be I advantageously done. They advanced cautiously and succeeded in concealing themselves in a cluster of bushes overlooking the <;ami» of the enemy. Both Tories and Indians were engaged in cooking or eating, while a single sentinel, a Hne tall savage, with I a blanket drawn over his head, walkeil slowlv to and fro. Boone's 22 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. men commenced firing by platoons of six. The sentry sprang in- to the air with a whoop and fell dead. The enemy yelling fright- fully ran to arms and opened a furious but random fire at their unseen foes. Their Ijullets rattled through the bushes where Boone's men lay hid, but did no mischief. The slaughter of In- dians and tories was dreadful. The thirty two rangers firing rapidly and coolly by sixes, with the unerring aim of frontiers- men, shot down one hundred and fifty (so the story runs) before the enemy broke and fled. Boone's men with strange indiscretion, rushed from their covert in pursuit, and immediately exposed their weakness of numbers. Hiakutoo with his Indians made a circuit and attacked them in the rear, while McDonald turned ujion their front. They were surrounded. "Save yourselves, men, as you can," cried Capt. Boone. The enemy closed with tomahawks and spears. This part of the fight occurred in the midst of the woods. The rangers broke through their foes and fled with such success that many escaped, but their Captain and more than half his men were killed. Patterson further relates the particulars of his own escape, with others of the rangers, and their pursuit by a party of the enemy, while on the return trip to Niagara. The discrepancies in these several narratives are in a great measure reconciled by the fact that each writer told what he saw and knew, without observing what was the condition of affairs at other [)oints; and having no persons with whom to compare and correct their respective remembrances. But the killing of one hundred and fifty Indians and Tories at Fort Freeland on that occasion seems to need confirmation, and is certainly not sustained by any authority which I have consulted. "The hunter" seems to liave been drawing upon his imagination. McClure's Fort vv.ms located on the North Branch of the Sus- quehanna, "on the farm of Mrs. McClure, about one mile above the mouth of Fishiugoeek." It was built by Lieut. Moses Van Campen in 1781, and occupied tlie exact site of the present dwell- ing house on th^ farm of Douglas Hughes, below Blooiusburg. Sev- eral families had settled along th(i rivtr andon theFishingcreek and this was a central point for the dai ing Indian fighter. Hei e he gathi r ed his stores, and from this point proceeded on his excm-sions through HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 23 the wooils. It was while he held his headquarters at McClure's Fort, which was no doubt a pleasant rendezvous to him, as he married a daughter of Mr. James McClure subsequently, that news was brought him of the assembling of a body of three hundred Indians at Sinnemahonitig, with the intention of making a de- scent on the frontier. They were to divide into small parties and fall upon all the settlements on the same day. Lieut. Van Cam- pen communicated the intelligence to Col. Hunter, who selected a party of five to go out in disguise, reconnoitre and ascertain their movements. The company consisted of Capt. Campbell, Peter Grovf. Michael Grove, Lieut. Cranmer and Lieut. Van Canipen. It was call'-d the Grove party and was under th^- command of Van Campeii. Thi-< statement made in the life of Van Camf»en is corroborated i'l a 1 -tter from C ipt. Robirison, t> whose company Van Campen belonged, in a letter to President Reed, dated Sep- ternber 8th., 1781. The expedition was highly successful, and soon after the return from the Sinnemahoning, the Lieutenant returned to his headquarters at McClure's fort, and entered again upon the service of conducting scouts around the line of the settlements. No further mention is made of the fort. Van Cam- pen was made prisoner in the spring of 1782, about the Bald Eagle creek on the West Branch, and was not paroled until near January 1783, and upon his exchange he was ordered to Wilkes- Barre, where and above which post, he remained until November 1783, when the Treaty of Peacn was ratified and the army dis- banded. Mr. James McClure was dead, and the family was then living near Northumberland. Major Van Campen followed, and McClure's was again his headquarters. He remained with the McClure family and tarm for several years, and then removed to Briarcreek where he remained for five yea's, whence in 1795 he removed to the state of Nfw York. He died in Livingstni county between 1845 ajtd 1850, aired nearly ninety years. I find no ace 'unt of any adventures or any hair breadth escapes related about th's fort, and if there is a tradition of any I should be glad to ha-e it put m writing. WiiKr-'.i.Ku's Fort. In the spring of 1778 Lieut. Van Campen was in connnand under Col. Hunter, of a comj)any of six months men, raised for the protection of the frontiers, and with these h 24 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. was ordered to proceed up the North Branch of the Susquehanna to the mouth of Fishingcreek, and following up this three miles to a compact settlement located in that region, build a fort for the protection of the inhabitants. He selected for a site the farm of a Mr. Wheeler, whence it was called Wheeler's Fort. It was built with stockades, and was sufficiently large to accommodate all the families in the neighborhood. Before the fort was entirely- completed, a runner brought word of an approaching band of In- dians. The inhabitants lied to the fort, and their houses and barns and grain and furniture were delivered up by the savages to the devouring flames. Then the fort was attacked, but it held out against them. By evening the ammunition being nearly ex- pended, Van Canipen sent two men to Fort Jenkins, about eight miles off, on the river at Hill's place for a supply. They return- ed before morning amply provided, and the remainder of the night was spent in running bullets and preparing for a renewal of the fight on the approaching day. The attack was not resumed. This was in May, 1778. "What loss they sustained we could not ascertain, as they carried off all the dead and wounded, though, from the marks of blood on the ground, it must have been consid- erable. The inhabitants who took shelter in the fort had built a yard for their cattle at the head of a small flat at a short distance from the fort, and one evening in the month of June, just as they were milking them, my sentinel called my attention to some movement in the brush, which I soon discovered to be Indians making their way to the cattle yard. There w^as no time to be lost — I immediately selected ten of my sharp-shooters, and under cover of a rise of land got between them and the milkers. On as- cending the ridge we found ourselves wuthin pistol shot of them — I fired first, and killed the leader, but a volley from my men did no further execution, the Indians running off at once. In the mean time the milk pails flew in eveiy direction, and the best runner got to the fort first. The poor cattle equally frightened, leaped the fence and ran off in every direction into the woods, with their tails in the air and bellowing at a most terrible rate. It was, continues Van Canqjen, a scene of confusion as wild, and to us Avho knew there was no danger, as laughable as can well be imagined. But though it w^as an amusing scene to us ; to the timid women and girls it was a serious fright, for when we return- IIISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 25 ed, we found them trembling with agitation, and their faces [tale from fear. Yet they soon recovered their accustomed feelings, and as soon as they learned that there was no danger, were ready to laugh with us at the display which they had made of their bravery." Wm. Maclay writes to President Reed from Sunbury, April 2, 1780. "I will not trouble you with the distress of this county. They will no doubt be painted to the council in lively colors, and indeed the picture cannot be ovei'charged, nor should I at this time write to you, but foi- a strong belief and persuasion that a body of Indians are lodged about the head of Fishing and INIuncy creeks. They were with us to the very beginning of the deep snow last ja'ar, they are with us now before that snow is quite gone. This country might be examined. This is what we wish. Many of our hmiters who went late last fall into that country (which is a fine one for hunting) were so alarmed with constant reports of guns, which they could not believe to be white men's that they returned suddenly back. We are not strong enough to spare men to examine this country and dislodge them." Mr. Maclay's conclusion seems to have been correct. But the inhal)i- tants in and about Fort Wheeler do not appear to have had any apprehensions of danger, and early in the spring began to return to their farms. The only narrative we have of that raid upon our settlements is the one given by Lieut. Van Campen, which is here added : "My father's house having been burned in the Indian de- predations of 1778, he requested me to go with him and a younger brother to our farm, about four miles distant, to make prepara- tions for building another, and raising some grain. But little a]»- prehension was entertained of molestations from the Indians this season, they had been so completely routed the year before. We left the fort about the last of March, accompanied by my uncle and his son, al)out twelve years old, and one Peter Pence. We had been on our farm about four or five days, when on the morn- ing of the 30th. of March, we were surprised by a party of ten Indians. My father was lunged through with a war-spear, his throat was cut and he was scali)ed, while my brother was toma- hawked, scalped and thrown into the fire before my eyes. While I was struggling with a warrior, the fellow who had killed my father drew his spear from his body and made a violent thrust at 26 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. me. I shrunk from the s]>ear, and the savage who had hold of me turned it with his hand, so that it only penetrated my vest and shirt. They were then satisfied with taking me prisoner, as they had the same morning taken ray uncle's little son and Pence, though they killed my uncle. The same party, before they reach- ed us, had touched on the lower settlements of Wyoming, and killed a Mr. Upson, and took a boy prisoner by the name of Ro- gers. We were now marched off up Fishingcreek, and in the af- ternoon we came to Huntington, where the Indians found four white men at a sugar camp, Avho fortunately discovered the In- dians and lied to a house. Having encamped and made their fire, we, the prisoners, were tied and well secured, five Indians lying on one side of us and five on the other ; in the morning they pur- sued their course, and leaving the waters of Fishingcreek, touched the head waters of Hunlock's Creek, where they foiind one Abraham Pike, his wife and child. Pike was made prisoner, but his wife and child they painted and told Joggo Squaw, "go home." They continued their course that day and encamped the same night in the same manner as the day previous. It came into my inind that soinetimes individuals performed wonderful actions and surmounted the greatest dangers. I then decided that these fellows must die, and thought of the plan to dispatch them. The next day I had an opi)Ortunity of communicating my plan to my fellow-prisoners. They treated it as a visionary scheme for three men to attempt to dispatch ten Indians. I spread before them advantages that three men would have over ten when asleep ; and that we would be the first prisoners that would be taken into their towns and villages after our army had destroyed their corn, that we should be tied to the stakes and suffer a cruel death. We had now an inch of ground to fight on, and if we failed it would only be death, and we might as well die one way as another. That day passed away, and having encamped for the night we lay as before. In the morning we came to the river and saw their canoes up Little Tunkhannock Creek, so called ; they crossed the river and set their canoes adrift. I renewed my suggestions to dispatch them that night and urged that they must decide the question. Disarm them and each take a tomahawk and come to close work at once. There are three of us ; plant our blows with judgment, and three times three will make nine, and the tenth II ni;STORY OF COLVMBIA COUNTY. 21 one we can kill at our leisure. They agreed to disarm them, and after that take possession of the guns and fire at the one side of the four, and the other two take tomahawks on the other side and kill them. I observed that \Aould be a very uncertain way, the first shot fired would give the alarm, they would discover it to be the prisoners, and might defeat us. I had to yield to their plan. Peter Pence was chosen to fire the guns, Pike and myself to tom- ahawk ; we cut and carried plenty of wood to give them a good fire. The prisoners were tied and laid in their places. After I was laid down one of the Indians had occasion to use his knife ; he dropped it at my feet, and I turned my foot over it and concealed it ; they all lay down and fell asleep. About midnight I got u}> and found them in sound sleej). T slij)ped to Pence, who rose j cut him loose and handed him the knife ; he did the same for me ami I in turn took the knife and cut Pike loose, and in a minute's time we disarmed them. Pence took his station at the guns. Pike and myself with our tomahawks took our stations ; I was to tomahawk three on the right wing and Pike two on the left. That moment Pike's two awoke and were getting up. Here Pike proved a coward, and laid down. It was a critical moment, and I saw there was no time to be lost ; their heads turned up fair ; I dispatched them in a moment, and turned to my lot as per agree- ment, and as I was about to kill the last on my side. Pence shot and did good execution. There was only one at the off wing that his ball did not reach ; his name was Mohaw^ke, a stout, bold, daring fellow. In the alarm he jumped off about three rods from the fire ; he saw it was the prisoners that made the attack, giving the war-whoo}>. He darted to take possession of the guns ; I was quick to i)revent him — the contest was then between him and myself. As I raised my tomaliawk he turiu'd quick to junq) from me ; I followed him, struck at him, but missing his head my tom- ahawk stuck in his shoulder, or rather the back of his neck ; he pitched forward and fell — at the same time my foot sliiijied. and I fell full length by his side ; we clinched, his arm was naked ; he caught me around my neck, at the same time I caught him with my left arm around the body, and gave him a close hug, at the same time feeling for his knife, but could not reach it. In our scuflle my tomahawk dropped out. My head was under the wounded shoulder, and almost suffocated me with his blood. 28 III^TOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. I made a violent spring, and Vn'oke from his hold ; we both rose at the same time, and he ran ; it took me some time to clear the blood from my eyes ; my tomahawk was covered up, and I could not find it in time to overtake him ; he was the only one of the party that esca[)ed. Pike was })owerless. I always have had a deference for christian devotion. Pike was trying to pray, and Pence swearing at him, charging him Avith cowardice, and say- ing it was no time to pray — he ought to fight ; we were niasters of the ground, and in possession of all their guns, blankets, match coats, &c. I then turned my attention to scalping them, and recovt settleni'Mi'. Our raft gave way, when we made for land, and we lost C'lnsiderable jjioperty, though we saved our guns and amnuuiition, and took to land; we reached Wyalusing late in the aft-Tiu^on. C uii ' to the narrows, di:er Chil- lisquaque, which was repulsed ; but the Indians burned and de- stroytd ever} tiling in their power along the whole frontier, and Lieut. Hunter hearing of the advance on P^oit Rice, ordered the evacuation of Fort Jenkins, which, with all the buildings about it, was burned by tlie detachment of the enemy which moved up the North liranch. It seems never to have been rebuilt. Mr. Jacob Hill furnishes the following information in relation to P^ort Jenkins: — '"Its location was about twenty rods from the river, and about half the distance from the North Branch canal. It stood upon the very spot upon which my house now stands, "^rhere are no remains left above ground, but I think there might be some piects of the logs buiicd in the ground. There is a very low spot between my house and barn which is said to have been the well inside the fort. There is also another such a spot near my house, and about four rods from the former, which is said to be the cel- lar of a house built by Jenkins, and in digging the cellar for my house my hands found a quantity of stone which I took to be the foundation of some building, among which were some brick of rather singulai dimensions about four or five feet under ground. 32 HI.STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. I well recollect when the poets of the fort stuck out of the ground, bat they can no more be seen. The posts were oak. The fields in the vicinity are scattered with arrows such as Indians use. This is all I can tell you about it. There has been so much build- ing upon and around this spot that all marks of the fort are almost invisible." This is all the information concerning the forts in Columbia county which I am able to present here, but this is enough to stimulate inquiry and produce additional history of them, if any exists, not already in print. In his "Annals of Luzerne county," the Hon. Stewart Pearce mentions a "Fort Freedly, on the North Branch, below Uloomsburg," and in another place speaks of it as "Fort Freedley, near Bloomsburg, where Capt. Boone and others were slain." It is most evident that Mr. Pearce is mistaken. There was no Fort Freedley neai" Bloomsburg, and the fort where Boone was killed was Fort Freeland, on Warrior s liun. Mr. Pearce also says that Capt. Walker erected Fort Jenkins, and charges that Van Campen claims that honor. Certainly no such claim is made in the ''Life of Van Campen," and I cannot account for the inadvertence. Mr. Pearce asserts that Fort Muncy was built by Capt. Walker. It was so built in 1778, under Col. Hart- ley, but it was also as certainly abandoned and substantially de- stroyed, and remained so, in December, 1779. Maj. Van Campen says tliat in March, 1782, at the head of Capt. Robinson's com- pany he was ordered "to march to a place called Muncy, and there rebuild a fort which had been destroyed by the Indians in the year 1779." I see no reason to question Major Van. Campen's veracity in this matter. He was certainly with Capt. Robinson in June 1781, and in September 1781, and in April 1782 Col. Hunter writes to Vice President Potter that Captain Robinson is then at Muncy and is rei)airing the Fort. Besides, Van Campen's Nar- rative was written and published at a time when, if false, it could and would have been contradicted by many a living witness. I am furnished with the following letter by a gentleman who shows himself competent to speak on the sul)ject: "You are no doubt aware that certain sapient historians have endeavored to make Abraham Pike the Hero of the killing of the Indian captors in- stead of the hated and despised Pennamite, Van Campen. Abra- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 33 ham Pike was a rather worthless fellow, doing but little good for himself and still less to others, wandering around from house to house retailing his Munchausen tales, thereby securing his whisky, bread, and a warm corner by the lire, on the strength of his won- derful exploits as related by himself. I have heard an incident re- lated of him for which at this distant ury, Deceml>er IStli, 1779. He says: "On my being ordered down from Wyoming the first considera- ti(jn which engaged my attention with regard to posting the troops under my command was to find what position Col. Hartley and the other gentlemen who had preceded me in this command 34 lll.sroin' OF CO TAT MB I A COUNTY. Ii;i(l lakoii. I found Fort Mimcy on the West and Fort Joiikiiis on (lie Fast Hrancli witli tlu' mao^a/.inc at Sunbury to havo been tlu' only slandinu; posts tliat wcri' occiiiiiod. This position (wliicli I havo nrvcr sinco heard censured) I endeavored to revive. Col. Hunter whom I eonstdtod was of (he same opinion; Ihe only dif- iieulty was to fix on some place (Mpially well adapted to cover the frontier as Fort Muney was; Fort Muney having been evacuated ;iii(l destroyed — MeClnng's wsis agreed on, and a, det;ichnient of the troo])S accordingly took ])ost there tlie r)th of hist niontli. The troops, l\owever, found this ])lacc so void of s]ielt(>r annces erected at this place bi'ing totally false and groundless. ''I'his detaclunent accordingly moved to a, ])lace called Montgomei'y's, nearer to Bosley's Mill and eipially well situated for the defentn' of the frontier as McClung's. At this jtlace. the troojts having erected barracks and other neces- sary d(>fences, and their vicinity to liosley's Mill being not more than about two miles distant, makes another ])ost thert' (ptite un- lU'cessary at ]»resent." niSTOILY OF (JO LC Aim A CO (J NT) cHAi'Ti:!; i\ ri HIKltK wen- vurioiiH aU<'ii))»tH, rrioro or lens HiicceHsful and I riion- or Iohh honoHt, to iietarieH, at Fort, Staiiwix, on the; site of the jiresent town of Koiik;, on the KriiirchaHe of lands within the; charter hounds was made l;y and in th(; name of the (-omiiion wealth, at Fort M<;Intosh, now l>(;aver, in <^)etohc'r, 17H1. Theated and )»ersistery made hy tin- Indinii-. nnd -omf- of ihcMi were a)»i)areiitly well founded. A 'general diseussion relating \.i> all tlie niattt^r.s in di,s]jnte was had at the council at F^aston in July and Aii«^ist, IToO, ..when and where the Governor, Hon. VVilliam Denny, and four memhers of liis council and ahoiit forty citi/-eiia))i and VV'anaini, two Delaware tribes, and of tli^- .Monseys and MohickoiiH. At an ad- journed council at the same |)lace in November, 1750, the same Hubj(!Ct was l»rought u)», and when the Governor askcid tin; chief- tain to Htate his grievances, the I^eiawarc said : "This ground tliat is under me, (stamping with his foot,) is mine and ha,s been taken from me by fraud and forgery," and he )»roc(;eded to ex- plain and insist upon his view and construe'tion of the treaties and deeds of (conveyance. At a subsequ<;nt council at Easton in July, 17o7, between the same ])rincij»al parties, the same chargeH were made and pressed home. Again at Fvaston,in October, I7oS, a deed was executed r(;leasing to the Indians a large amount of the territory (;mbraced in that of July, 1754 ; but the whole diffi- culty wfiM not settled, and it W!is U)> again in 1701. .\t tlif council in July. 1757. at P^aston, Teedyiiscung discus- 36 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. sing the question of unsold lands, said, among other things ; "As we intend to settle at Wyonien, we want to have certain bounda- ries tixed between you and us, and a certain tract of land fixed, which it shall not be lawful for us or our children ever to sell, nor for you or any of your children ever to buy. We would have the boundaries fixed all around agreeable to the draught we give you, (here he drew a draught with chalk on the table,) that we may not be pressed on any side, but have a certain country fixed for our own use, and the use of our children forever." To this the Governor replied : "As to the lands between tSha- mokin and Wyomen, the proprietaries have never bought them of the Indians, and therefore never claimed them under any Indian purchase; that he was pleased with the choice they had made of that place, and would use all the means in his i)Ower to have these lands settled upon \\\w\ agreeable to his request," &c. The draft made by the Delaware chief, as nearly as it can be traced from the copy before me, begins on the west bank of the Susquehanna opposite the mouth of Shamokin creek below Sun- bury, thence to the mouth of Lycoming creek, thence along the east bank of it, by what were known as Burnett's hills, south of Towanda creek, and in an easterly circular direction to near Honesdale, and from that point in a southwesterly direction to the beginning. The territory thus demanded and agreed to be set off to him for the tribes he represented, comprised about 2,000,000 of acres, and included, in whole or in part, the counties of Union, Lycoming, Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming, Wayne, Lu- zerne, Columbia, Montour and Northumberland. Houses were built for them at Wyoming, and missionaries sent to them. But the great chieftain did not long enjoy his rest. He was burned to death in his own house at Wyoming in 1763, but not without suspicion of arson and nnu'der ; and within five years thereafter, was held the treaty at Fort Stanwix, already mentioned, whereby not only the aforesaid Wyoming Reserva- tion, but also a large body of other lands were purchased. This treaty included the territory, in whole or in part, of the counties of Northumberland, Columbia, Luzerne, Wayne, Sus- (^uehanna, Bradford, Lycoming, Clearfield, Indiana, Armstrong, Cambria, Somerset, Fayette, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Wash- ington, Greene, Clinton, Montour, Sullivan and Wyoming. JII.STOIiY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 37 Even before this date, 1768, the country between Hliamokia and Wyoming nmst have been pre'tty well knowji. It is not my purpose to enter upon any examination or narration of tlie Pennsylvania and the Connecticut claims to the lands within the charter limits of oiii- State. If Connecticut had succeeded in her claim, most of the present county of Columbia would have been included within her boundaries ; the line passing west would have crossed at the mouth of Fishingcreek, which is as near as possible on the 41st parallel of latitude, which was claimed to be the southern boundary of Connecticut. But it is referred to here mairdy because it introduces to us for the first time the name of a prominent settler in the county. In January, 1769, Charles Stewart, John Jennings and Amos Ogden took possession of the lands claimed by Connecticut, in the name and on behalf of Pennsylvania, and on the 8th of February, 1769, a body of Connecticut men appeared on the ground. Dis- putes and l)loodshed succeeded, eacli party being I'eiiiforced from time to time; and among the most determined opponents of the Pennsylvania government were some Lancaster county men, who probably had some personal grievance. Be that as it may. Captain C^harles Stewart continued to hold possession, and in pm-suance of his duties travelled fretiuently from Shamokin to Wyoming. On ■•Friday, May 12th, 1769," he wiites to "The Honorable John Penn, Escpiire,'' a letter from which I make the following extract : "Sir: This afternoon about three o'clock, one hundred and forty-six New England men, and others, chiefly on horse-back, passed by our houses and are now encamped on the east side of the river. Among them is Benjamin Shoemaker and John Mc- Dowell, with several of their neighbors. I si)oke to McDowell, who informed me that at least as many more are on their way, and will be here to-morrow. And I have other intelligence that tliey will in a few days be five hundred strong. If this be true we can only act defensively until reinforced. At present we are but twenty-four men. "On my way up the river from Shamokin, on Wediies(hiy eve- ning last, I was hailed by a man at the mouth of Fishing creek, named Jaines McCIure, who told me he and foui' others, then at a tire hard by, was an advance i»arty of one hundred going to johi the New England men, and that they would chiefly be from 3H HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. L.aucaster coiinty; that he wduhl he at Wyoming as soon as us, hut lie is not yet come." It does not appear whether Mr. James MeChire and the one liundred men marched on to Wyoming or not. In the progress of this history we shall tind him next at the same mouth of Fishingcreek as a settler, taking up a tract of land under the Pennsylvania authorities and holding his title from the proi)rio- taries. ^1 p UIISTORY Oh COLUMBIA COUNTY. 30 CHAPTER V. THE county of Nortliiiiii])ei'laii(l, from tlie territory of which C'olmiihiii county was taken, originally extended northward to the borders of New York. It was organized March 27, 1772, and took in all the valley of the West Branch, and with small exception the whole northeastern portion of the state. It con- tained 28,922 square miles, a territory almost as large as Con- necticut, Delaware, Massachusetts and New Jersey combined. At the first ('ourt held in that County, April 9, 1772, I find the following mimite of the formal opening: "At a court of private sessions of the peace held at Fort Augusta for the county of Northumberland on the ninth day of April in tlie twelfth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and in the year of our Lord (jod one thousand seven hundred and seventy-two, before Williani Plunkett, Esq.," reseiit homestead upon that fann. (Columbia county was taken from Northumberland and Kej>ar- ately organized by act of Assembly of March 22nd, 1813, with the following boundaries, to wit; "Beginning at the nine mile tree on the bank of the nortlieast branch of the Susquehanna, and from thence l>y the line of Point township to the line of Cliillis- quaque township, then by the line of Chillisquaque and Point townsliips to the west branch of the river Susquehanna, thence up the same to the line of Lycoming county, thence by the line of Lycoming county to the line of Luzerne county, thence Vjy the sanie to the line of Schuylkill county, thence along the same to the south-west corner of Catawissa township, thence by the line of Catawissa and Shamokin townsliijis to the river 8usquehann;i, and thence down said river to the jdace of beginning." V. L. ]8]'-5. ].. 1 -jO. There can be no doul)t tliat tlie townshi])S of Chillisquaque and TurV)Ot were originally incoi-j^orated into Columbia county in order to secure the location of the county buildings at Danville; for the commissioners ai)pointed by the Governor to select a site 42 HI8T0RY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. for tlie county town were rt'quirc'd to lix it "uh near the center as the situation thereof will admit," and Danville having been named in the report of the said connnissioners, and the object being thus achieved, an act was passed, and approved the 21st day of February, A. D. 1815, by which it was provided "That from and after the first day of May next, the townships of Turbot and Chillisquaque, in tlie county of Columbia, be, and the same are hereby annexed to and made i>art of Northumberland county."" P. L. 1815 p. 38. On the same day an act "To run and mark a line dividing the counties of Columbia and Luzerne"' became a law. P. L. 1815 p. 43. The seeming trick by which the county seat of the new county had been fixed at Danville, and the prompt re-annexation of the two townships of Chillisquaque and Turbot to that from which they were taken, provoked a spirit of indignation and opposition in the ujjper part of the county. An agitation for the removal of the seat of justice from Danville to Bloomsburg, as a more central location and moi*e in accordance with the letter and spirit of the act erecting Columbia county, innnediately conunenced, and con- tinued until success crowned the endeavor, by an act apju-ovedthe 24th day of February, 1845, just thirty 3^ears after, authorizing a vote upon the question of removal. The detailed result will be found under that chapter in this volume. Ill the meantime, however, so active and determined was tlie new movement liec CuKEK, which is in fact, properly, tlu> East Ihaiich of the Chillisquaque, rises in Madison and joins the Chill isipiacjue at \yashingtonville in IMontour county, and passing through the townshij) of Liberty empties into the West lirancli of the Susfpie- hanna, in Chillis(|ua(|ue townsliip, near the foot of INLontour Ridge. Limestone Run rises in the township of that name in Montour county, and runs westwardly through Turbut township, into the West Branch at jNIilton. 1>KVKU RiN rises in Limestone and runs eastwardly into Chill- isquaque. Touv Run rises in Malioning township and falls into the Sus- quehanna at the Gas Works of the State Lunatic Asylum, above Danville. Beaver Run rises in Liberty township aiul runs into Noi thumber- Innd County and emi)ties itself into the Chillisquaque. The C.vr.vwissA mountains give character to all that })artof the county lying east of the river. Between Bloomsburg and Cata- Avissa, the river, which lias been running a south-west course, sud- denly turns south and breaks through the mountain range instead of passing down the valley. Some terrible convulsiou must have caused the chasm through which the winding Sus(juehanna j)Ours its tloods, and the scenery along "The Rocks" is beautiful and picturesque. The hill gradually breaks down as it stretelies into Montour county, and is finally lost in the gentle dei)ression. But on the east side of the river, casting off a sj)ur here and there, it breaks the whole face of the county into great irregidarities. Be- tween Catawissa and Centralia two distinct ranges of mountains bar the way, and upon the farther side of the second we strike the coal measures of tlie Schuylkill region, and enter upon a coun- try differing materially from all other parts of the county. LTpon the opposite or west side of the county the vast ranges HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 51 (jf tlie Muiicy hills strike in, iiiid Kceni to enclose us witliin their ])rotectiTig convolutions ; and passing on to the north end we en- counter anotlier hrancli of the great Alleglieny range eiiv<'lo)iiiig us on that side. NoK mountain rises abruptly in the to\vns)iij» of Orange, and extends iiortli-eastwardly into Lu/erne county, where it also ase rushes Huntingdon creek, wliich rises in Long Pond in Sullivan county, and, ]»assing through a part of Luzerne, ein|)ties into Fishingcreek just at the edge of the township of that name, whence together they continue to, and pass round its western eiul, leave its wooded sides and seek the green valleys tliat lie on tlu; Susquehanna. Xescoi'eck mountain extends from Black creek in Luzerne (coun- ty westward into Columbia county, and breaks down at Mainville. It is beautiful and regular in its fomiation, and is now being pros-* pected for coal. Scotch Valley lies south of it, and beyond the narrow slip rises McCalla mountain, in wliich there is a large de> ]»osit of coal. It Vireaks down at about Mifflin Cross-Roads. Be- yond McCalla mountain comes Beaver Valley, and beyond that Buck mountain, which slides down into the valley some distance above Shuman's. A map of the county, giving plainly the names of streams, hills and mountains is gi'catly needed. Montour's riVli:\lKNTS AND l'U( »I)IGTI()NS. rril IK piihlic i-(>:i(ls of the county are iiuinerous, and new ones J^ are constantly being opened, making actress to all parts of the county ]»ossil)le by the sliortest routes. Tliey are generally in good condition, well supplied with index boards, and the bridges over the various streams safe and ])lentiful. The North Branch Canal i)asses through the county. Since the sale of the canals, that ]»ortion of them running from North- umberland to Wilkes-Barre, 64 miles in length, has come into the ownership of the "Pennsylvania Canal Company." The capital stock of the company is five millions of dollars, aud the whole length of canal owned by it is ;538 miles. The officers are all Philadelphians, except Thomas T. Wierman, the chief engineer, who resides in Harrisburg. In this county Hugh D. Quick, of llupert, and Hudson Owen, of Berwi(^k, are the ac- tive, vigilant and competent local superintendents. The Catawissa Railroad runs from Tamanend to Williamsijort, 94jniles; having de})Ots in Columbia county as follows : Rupert, Catawissa, Mainville, Beaver Valley, (4irard Manor, and others. It is now under lease to the I'hiladelphia & Reading Railroad Company. Tlie Danville, Hazleton &, Wilkes-Barre Railroad, now under lease to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and known since its sale and re-organization, as the 8uid)ury, Hazleton cfc Wilkes- Barre Railway, runs from Sunbury to Tomhickon ; and in Col- umbia county on the east side of the river, having a depot at Cat- awissa, Mainville, Miftiin X Roads and Glen City. It is 40 miles in length, and is a new and im})ortant outlet for coal and produce lieretofore mostly inaccessible. The Lackaw^anna & Bloomsburg Railroad, from Scranton to Northumberland, on the west side of the river, is 80 nailes in HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ',?, lt'iiL;tli, uikI lias depots in Coliaiibia county at Berwick, Willow S|)riiiL!,s, Lime IJidge, Ks])y, Hloomsbur^', llupcrt and Catawissa IJriduc. It is now owned by the Delaware, Lackawanna it West- ern Railroad Coni|)any. The North and We-;t I)i-anch IJaili-oad, a most important one in this region, was anthori/.ed by act of Assembly approved JVIay l.S, 1H71, I'mjiowering the company "to construct a railroad from the Itoroiigh of Wilkes-Barrc in tlie county of Luzerne, along the soutli side of the North Hi-anch of the Sus(juehanna rivei-, to a ]»oint opposite the town of Jiloomsburg, in the comity of Colum- bia, and thence by a bridge over said river and by the valley of Little Fishingcreek to the city of Williamsport, by the name, style and ti:le of the Nouni and Wi:sr IJrancii K Aii.r.oAD Com- PANV, with ])Ower to construct a branch from near the town of IJloomsburg u]) the valley of Big Fisiiingcreek to connect with any existing or projectol railroad in Sullivan county, witli the right to connect with or cross at grade any railroad now made or heieafter to l)e made within the counties of Luzerne, Columbia, Montour, Sullivan or Lycoming, and with tlie riglit to build branches not exceeding ten miles each in length." The road has l)een constructed from Wilkes-Barre to a point on the river, op- j)Osite Bloomsburg, and thence down tlie river to Catawissa, con- necting with the Sunbury, Hazleton and Wilkes-Baire at that ])lace. The route from Bloomsburg to Williamsi»ort has been surveyed and some further work done, and it is in contemi)lation to begin the construction of tlie road at an early day. Ilunlock's Creek is another ])i-ojected road, "from near the mouth of Ilunlock's creek in the county of Luzerne, through the towiishij) of Huntingdon to the borougli of Muncy in Lycoming county, by the name, style and title of the Ilunlock's Creek and Muncy Railroad Company, witli the right to connect with the Philadelphia & Erie, the Lackawanna &, Bloomsburg, or any other railroad now made or hereafter to be made within the coun- ties of Luzerne and Lycoming, with the right to build branches not exceeding ten miles in length." Several routes have been examined and surveyed, all of which go for a shorter or longer distance through the county of Colum- bia. It seems to us impossible to build the road witliout passing througli Benton or Sugar'.o.if or both. Our ])eoi)le are theiefore 54 HISTORY OF COLVMBI A COUNTY. greatly interested in the construction of the road, which with the North and West Hrancli road will give to us a positive and per- manent advantage in the coal, iron and lumber trade of this re- gion of country. It is hardly necessary to add that nearly all the business places in Bloomsburg are connected by telephone, and many of them also to the residence of the respective business houses. The line has been extended to Danville, Catawissa, Ku])ert, Millville and Orangeville, from the central office at Bloomsburg. The Tide Water Pipe Line Company are constructing an oil line through the county, and are accompanying it by a telegraph line, which connects Buckhorn, Jerseytown and other places, di- rectly with Bloomsburg. The limestone trade of the county is very large. The railroads have transported annually one hundred thousand tons, and a very large tonnage has been shipped on the canal, but the separate items of freight are not made up, so that the number of tons cannot be ascertained. The amount used in the manufacture of iron is given in the statistics of that trade ; and there are no data for estimat- ing the immense number of bushels of lime annually burned and delivered to farmers at the kilns. It is imjiosible to tell what amount of coal may exist in Colum- bia county. Even in the region of Conyngham and Beaver it is only partially developed; and there are claimed to be abundant and satisfactory evidences of the existence of coal in the northern townships of the county ; in Nob mountain and in the mountains of Sugarloaf. In this latter township it is claimed that there are large and rich dejjosits of iron ore, and if coal is also de- veloped, with the lumber thereabouts, there must shortly be a large access of wealth and population, increased and stimulated by the buildiug of the railroads through there which have been mention- ed under the proper heads. But the production of coal is so un- certain that it is hardly worth the while to make any statement about it. It is sufficient to say that as much as 400,000 tons has been mined in one year within the county. And the same may be said of the manufacture of pig iron ; but which in any thing like a fair commercial year averages about 20,000 tons. For each ton of iron manufactured there is recpiired 2.05 tons of coal, 3.25 tons of ore, and 1.59 tons of limestone. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CIIAPTEll VIII. TO'^Tw^^SrSIEII^'S cSc BOI^OXJOHS. WHEN in 1813 the county of Columbia was separately organ- ized, it consisted of the twelve townships following, to-wit : Bloom, Briarcreek, Chillis(]uaque, Catawissa, Derry, Fishingcreek, Greenwood. Hemlock, Mahoning, MitHin, Sugarloaf and Tnrbiit. Turbut township was declared at April sessions, 1772, by the Court, one of the townships into which Northumberland county was divided. Mahoning township was erected at February sessions 1775, out of part of Turbut. Catawissa township was erected at August sessions 1785 out of Augusta. Chillis(piarinciple of the free vote as ad- vocated by Senator Buckalew was ai)i)lie(l. Tlie working of it was practically tested at our first election on the twelfth day of April, A. D. 1870 ; which was also the first time that the system had been ai>i)lied in the United States, and at that election Mr. liuckalew cast the first vote in illustration of his system. 58 III.STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. KKOAriTULATION. Turbut, original, May 8ession 1772 Mahoning, original, February session 177.5 Catawissa, original, August session 1785 Chillisquaque, original, May session 178G Derry, original. May session 1736 Fishingcreek, original, August session 1789 Briarcreek, original, August session 1797 Bloom, original, August session 1798 Greenwood, original, August session 1799 Hemlock, original, no date of erection Mifflin, original, no date of erection Sugarloaf, original, no date of erection Liberty, by Act of Assembly 1810 Limestone, by Act of Assembly 1816 Madison 1817 Mount Pleasant 1818 Berwick Borough 1818 Koaringcreek 1832 Montour 1837 Jackson 1 838 Orange 1839 Franklin 1843 Main 1844 Centre 1844 l>eaver 1 845 Benton 1850 Pine 1853 Locust, theretofore "Scott" 1 853 Scott, out of Bloom 1853 Conyngham 1856 Centralia Borough 1 866 The Town of Bloomsburs 1870 nit^TORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 59 CHAPTER IX P'O^^TJXj^S^TIOISr IN 1820 the population as then existing was 17,621, an ))- ul'tition can as well b^' made by the readier as by the coni])iler. Iri 1S30 the taxables in thp couni}, including Mo;, tour, were 2486. They will be found brlow for 1882, for Columbia county alone, as well as seme estimate of acreage and values; of course the ter is constantly fluctuating and is consequently only a basis for future comparisons. T OWNSIIirS. Taxa- bles Acies of unseated lands. Acres of •^ea'd lands Value of unseated Value of seated Beaver 257 8513 12965 $9453 $102829 Benton 292 118 11699 570 141856 Berwick 660 448 132272 Bloomsburg. . 986 2091 629142 Briaicreek. .. . 284 4383 11134 5930 248390 Catawissa. . . . 646 1692 5691 2884 253963 Centralia 385 226 120915 Centre 296 287 1 1 643 nil 282994 Conyngham . . 512 6309 5733 76874 418755 Fishingcieek.. 366 2940 15622 5172 181764 Franklin 117 162 7243 1011 99665 Greenwood. . . 431 438 16621 1910 203295 Hemlock 227 642 9150 2215 186785 Jackson 157 1237 9399 2410 47699 Locust 456 2008 22343 3350 243372 Main 153 3347 6320 4360 114881 Madison 271 762 18585 2845 173018 MiiHm 272 1553 9975 2750 172150 Montour 154 225 6155 2846 160449 Mt. Pleasant.. 171 94 9584 635 126761 Orange 253 532 7543 1820 146463 Pine 218 1071 13503 1665 65425 Koaringcreek . 129 3584 9518 5052 75580 Scott 412 '2 4032 80 23i»236 Sugarloaf .... 215 2381 12185 4506 59388 Total 8,326 139,449 239,408 $139,449 4,607,047 HItSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Gl The census figures for the year 1850 are a little confused in both counties, because of the division that year, and some uncer- t.'iiiity about the lines. But for 1860, 1H70 and 1880 they are substantially, perhaps exactly, correct. CENSUS. — 1820 1830 1840 1850 18ti0 1870 1880 TOWNSHIPS. Beaver Benton Berwick Bloomsburg Biiarcreek Catawissa , Centralia , Centre Conyiighani , Derry Fishingcreek , Franklin Greenwood Hemlock Jackson Liberty Liniesione Locust Mahoning Main Madison Mifflin ]\[ontour Mount Pleasant. . Orange Pine Roaringcreek Scott Valley Sugarloaf Total 162f) 1719 2520 1662 502 1078 1464 1146 426 1478 1330 1492 673 505 2081 1706 3130 1088 568 1110 1681 1111 540 179 1554 179 71 678 452 1774 1451 2060 1753 902 1217 957 265 1329 646 1927 1700 2143 809 609 843 672 486 3122 1091 1143 1019 901 893 * 2668 1734 1176 1260 1087 374 1842 630 934 581 714 1024 409 708 1077 519 1316 1300 1320 1110 1200 I 533 1470 1037 539 1897 529 1140 1021 485 776 930 555 509 1502 752 17621 20149 24243 17700 25065 28766 32439 969 1050 923 3340 1080 1627 1340 1320 1900 1370 550 1585 1170 565 1550 601 1090 1043 624 750 910 760 485 1465 701 1221 1062 2095 3702 1172 2003 1509 1256 2183 1447 543 1710 1080 675 2014 626 1077 1038 662 760 901 911 533 1347 869 'With Briarcreek. 62 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. MONTOrR COUNTY. Though not separately organized until 1850, we give the census of Montour county, before and since its erection, complete. In the chapter on "Townships and l^oroughs" there will be found some other interesting matter. Townships. 1820 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 Derry Liberty Lunestone Mahoning Valley Roaringcv'k 1662 1146 426 1478 1688 1111 540 1796 1753 1329 646 1927 633 853 1232 763 867 760 2000 1255 3302 956 1000 193 312 933 1173 850 744 901 888 1234 711 1033 1062 950 1166 733 1198 890 Madison Danville 6385 965 8129 960 7899 Anthony Franklin 953 W. Hemlock 433 396 273 398 414 215 379 Cooper Mayberry 380 229 Total 4,712 5,135 6,288 13,493 13,053 15,044 14,777 Note. — In straightening out the division lines in 1853, Roar- ingcreek and Franklin were brought back into Columbia county, exce})t part of Franklin which became Mayberry in Montour county. Madison was brought back, except a small corner added to West Hemlock. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 63 I'OrULATION OF TENNSYJA ANIA IIY (OVXTIES, AND CITIZENS OVER TWENTY-ONE. 1882 PorUT.A.TION Counties. 5 IS Adams 32455 31984 Alleghenv 3558G9 347968 Annstrong 47641 47363 Beaver 39605 39163 Bedford 34929 34346 Berks 122597 122146 lilair 52740 52257 Bradford 58541 58003 Bucks 68656 67107 liutler 52536 52408 Cambria 46811 46602 Cameron 5159 5151 Carbon 31923 31882 Centre 37922 37574 Chester 83481 76402 Clarion 40328 40228 Clearfield 43408 43287 Clinton 26278 25992 Columbia 32439 32264 Crawford 68607 681 1 2 Cumberland 45977 43867 Dauphin 76148 72364 Delaware 56101 51487 Elk 12800 12779 Erie 74688 74345 Fayette 58842 56952 Forest 4385 4373 Franklin 49855 47304 Fulton 10149 10020 Greene 28273 27770 Huntingdon 33954 33674 Indiana 40527 40299 Jeffei-son 27935 27898 Juniata 18227 17966 Males of 21 AND N. OVER. 'o 471 7315 5b 'I o 312 u o o O 125 7901 46418 41051 2510 278 9328 1382 68 442 7834 1903 112 583 7447 445 133 451 27364 2721 121 483 10625 1938 150 538 13877 1964 146 1549 16360 2009 429 128 10126 2310 37 209 7581 3457 67 8 1145 329 4 41 4805 2767 16 348 8297 603 98 7079 17467 2956 1789 100 8091 1234 26 121 8348 2864 36 286 5453 1130 685 145 6968 829 40 499 14891 3^030 137 2170 10375 385 515 3784 15624 2196 1068 4614 9343 4003 1288 21 2094 1582 7 343 13523 6147 109 1890 12198 2133 477 12 950 228 2 2551 10677 500 599 129 2144 108 31 503 6590 96 114 280 7251 616 83 228 8668 614 59 37 5550 727 14 261 6904 133 62 64 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Population. Males of 21 and OVER. Counties. o Lackawanna 89269 Lancaster 139447 Lawrence 33312 Lebanon 38476 Lehigh 65969 Luzerne 133065 Lycoming 56486 McKean 42565 Mercer 56161 Mifflin 19577 Monroe 20175 Montgomery 96494 Montour 15468 Northampton 70312 Northumb'd 53123 Perry 27522 Philadelphia 847170 Pike 9663 Potter 13797 Schuylkill 12974 Snyder 1 7797 Somerset 33110 Sullivan 8073 Susquehanna 40354 Tioga 45814 Union 16905 Venango 43670 Warren 27981 Washington 55418 Wayne 33513 Westmoreland... 78036 Wyoming 15598 York S7841 88971 136596 33076 38391 65851 132310 56508 42211 55735 19362 20020 94731 15361 69987 52929 27358 815362 9579 13770 129616 17778 32994 8070 40135 45699 16772 43120 27784 52774 33482 77349 15577 86481 O 298 2851 236 85 118 755 978 S54 426 215 155 1763 107 325 194 164 31808 84 27 358 19 116 3 219 115 133 550 197 2644 31 687 21 1360 > -u 1| 9946 30411 6776 9005 13913 16468 4838 11801 10799 4298 4579 20632 3060 14732 10636 6150 133470 1755 3442 18118 4155 6908 1663 9224 10177 4036 8480 5759 11998 6081 15661 3843 19087 o 11862 3762 1532 687 2719 16170 2397 3057 3000 270 449 484 874 3172 2266 237 88987 688 494 12162 44 844 479 1776 2387 105 1882 2215 1625 2599 3333 312 1581 o 'o O 102 772 62 28 37 216 274 143 113 61 43 551 21 98 63 43 8967 27 8 93 6 76 3 70 41 32 146 56 651 10 180 6 359 recapitulation. Population. White 4,197,016 Colored 85,875 Total 4,282,891 Males over 21. Native white Foreign Colored , 797,532 272,860 23,892 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 65 CHAPTER X. I^Eliv£0 ^^^=^IL. IM:\rK7>IATELY after the location of the seat of justice at Danville, the agitation for a removal thereof to Bloomsburg commenced, and it was carried on without intermission and with more or less intrigue, excitement, diversion and asj^erity, for a period of thirty years. It is hardly wor^i while to write up the history of that long and bitter contest. Its track is strewed with the wrecks of unfortunate local politicians who had mistaken the temper of the people, or were themselves the mere tools of more designing intriguers. Thus the astute politicians of Dan- ville played off the Borough of Berwick against Bloomsburg ; at one time by proposing a new county to be composed of parts of Columbia and Luzerne, with the Capitol at Berwick, at another by threatening to go solid for removal, but making it to be to I^erwick instead of to Bloomsburg. Party politics were lost sight of in the election of county officers, and year after year re- moval ami anti-removal candidates tested the strength of the re- spective localities. But the steady friends of removal had no cause for filibuster- ing. Their object was plain and pronounced, and led by such men as Daniel Snyder, William McKelvy, Charles H. Doebler and Thomas A. Funston, their partisans stood up to the work, and every year showed an increasing vote for the re-location of tl\e seat of Justice. The legislative lobby prevented the necessary action, and the weary years dragged on and on. As a somewhat curious document, I copy a statement by citizens of the county in favor of the measure, which very fully sets out the course of the struggle, and furnishes some matter for thought. 66 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. "rkmoval of the skat of justice of COIXMBIA COL'NTY. To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commomoealth of Pennsylvania. Tlie undersigned, agents in behalf of the petitioners for re- moval of the seat of justice in Columbia county, beg leave to lay before you the following statement of the principle facts in the case, and the grounds on which they rely, to procure the equita- ble interference of your honourable bodies. By an Act of Assembly approved the 22d day of March 1813, the county of Columbia was erected out of a part of Old North- umberland. Its bounds by that act, were extended to the West branch of the Susquehanna, and included two large townships, (Chillisquaque and Turbut,) which were, soon after the county town was fixed at Danville, by an act of Assembly, struck off from Columbia, and re-annexed to Northumberland county. By the 9th sectiorf of the Act first above mentioned, it is pro- vided' "That the Governor shall appoint three discreet and disin- terested persons, not resident in the counties of Northumberland^ Union, or Columbia, whose duty it shall be, after being sworn or affirmed before some Judge or Justice of the Peace, to fix upon a proper and convenient site for a Court house, prison, and county offices, within the aforesaid county of Columbia, as near tJte cen- tre as the situation thereof vnll admit, and the said persons or a majority of them, having viewed the relative advantages of the several situations contemplated by the people, shall on or before the first day of July next, by a written report," &c. See act of Assembly session 1812-13, page 146. But two of the Commissioners appointed by the Governor at- tended ; and they did not comply with the requisitions of the act of Assembly, to place the seat of Justice "as near the centre as the situation thereof would admit," although the two townships above Trtentioned were at that time, a part of the county. It was known to some, and believed by all, that improper and unfair means had been used to procure the location at Danville — the most ob- vious of which was, the taking in the said townships, against the will of nine-tenths of the inhabitants, and retaining them until after the location was made. A large majority of the people im- mediately expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision of the Commissioners, and commenced operations to procure a proper HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 67 location of their seat of justice, as will be seen by the following appeals to the Legislature. January 11, 1814, Mr RrrKRT presented nineteen petitions of similar tenor, from inhabitants of Columbia county, praying, for rejisons therein expressed, for the removal of the seat of justice of said county from the town of Danville to the town of Bloomsburg; and said petitions were read and referred to Messrs. Ru})ert, Milli- ken, Bollinger, Forster and Dingman — See Journal H. R. session 1813-14, page 126. February 2, 1814, Mr. Rupert from the committee to whom were referred on the 11th ult. sundry petitions praying ifec, Re- port, That they have attended to the same, and on examination find that 1046 of the citizens of Columbia county have signed pe- titions i)raying the Legislature to pass a law removing the seat of justice from the town of Danville to the town of Bloomsburg. The petitioners state that the people of the county of Columbia have not l)een relieved from the numerous grievances Avhich they labored under, inasmuch as the seat of justice fixed by the com- missioners, at Danville, is on the very verge of the county, and only twelve miles from the old county town, [Sunbury] and that the town of Bloomsburg on Big Fishing Creek, a pure and navi- gable stream of water, and only one mile from the river Susce- hanna, Avill be more convenient and much more central. From a view of the map and the knowledge some of your committee have of Columbia county, they are of opinion that the seat of justice being fixed at Danville, does not comport with the meaning and spirit of the law, which declares in the ninth section, that the seat of justice shall be fixed as near the centre as the situation thereof will admit. Believing as they do, that the tOAvn of Bloomsburg is more central, and considering that it is in a fertile country and convenient to permanent streams of water suitable for water works, [so beneficial to country towns] they are of opinion that the j)rayer of the petitioners ought to be granted. They rejiorted the following resolution. Resolced, That a coimnittee be appointed to bring in a bill agreeable to the prayer of the petitioners. La,id on the table. See Journal H. R. session 1813-14, pages 270, 271. December 14, 1814. On motion of Messrs. Owen and Shaffer, ordered that an item of unfinished business, i-elative to the re- 68 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. moval of the seat of justice of the county of Columbia from Dan- ville to Bloomsburg, be referred to the members from the counties of Northumberland, Union and Columbia. See Journal H. R. session 1814-15, page 54. March 1, 1815. Mr. Owen presented twenty petitions of simi- lar tenor from sundry inhabitants of Columbia county, praying the removal of the seat of justice of said county from Danville and said petitions were read and recommended to the early atten- tion of the next Legislature. See Journal H. R. page 498. While the foregoing proceedings were pending, the Citizens of Chillisquaque and Turbut townships were not inactive — with but one voice they had applied to be reannexed to Northumberland county ; and the Legislature by an act approved the day of detached them from the county of Colum- bia, and annexed them to Northumberland, thereby rendering Danville still more out of the centre, both of territory and popu- lation. The people under this new aspect of affairs, recoimnenced their api)lication to the Legislature for redress, and the following pro- ceedings were had. December 8, 1815, January 4, 1816, January 16, 1816. Peti- tions presented for removal &c. and referred to a committee, re- port unfavorable. See Journal of H. R. session 1815-16, pages 15, 105, 210, 206. [On Thursday the 15th of February 1816 a meeting of delegates from a number of townships in the county, elected pursuant to a call of the standing committee, was held in Bloomsburg"for the pur- pose of devising measures to obtain a removal of the seat of justice for said county from Danville to a more central situation." The meeting was organized by appointing Col. Leonard Rupeit, Presi- dent, and Samuel Webb Jr. Secretary. The townships were rep- resented as follows: Bloom — Levi Aikman, Samuel Webb Jr. Briarcreek — John Stewart, George Kelchner. Catawissa — Major Joseph Paxton, William Brewer. Derry — Jacob Swisher, Marshal Girton. Fishingcreek — Daniel Bealer, William Robbins. Greenwood — Abner Mendenhall, Henry Miller. Sugarloaf — Philip Fritz, William Wilson. HISTOEY OF (JOLUMBIA COUNTY. 69 The meeting unanimously resolved to petition the legislature to pass a law granting the citizens a right to vote "for the seat of Justice in said county," and Paxton, Mendenhall, and Webb Jr. were appointed a committee for thejjurpose of procuring the nec- essary legislation.] February '11, 1816. Mr. M'Clure presented a petition praying that a law may be passed to suspend the erection of public build- ings for the county of Columbia for one year, and that the citi- zens of said county may be authorized at a special or at the next general election, by their votes to fix on a place for the seat of justice for said county. Read and referred. See Journal H. R, session 1815-16, page 439. Report that they have had the same under consideration and are of opinion that Danville is not a suitable place for the seat of justice, being in a remol:o corner of the county of Cohimbia, and that there is another site quite as eligible, much nearer the centre and i)robably much more acceptable to the citizens generally. The connnittee are aware that the choice of a county town by the mode })ro))osed, is somew hat novel, but at the same time the choice of the majority is tlu' jn-inciple on which nil our laws are made and our government depends; a })rinciple which may be always lodged with safety in the hands of the people, who are the best judges of their interests. The committee therefore submit the following resolution, Resolved, That a committee be a})point- ed to bring in a bill agreeable to the prayer of the petitioners. See Journal if IT. R. session 1815-16, page 504. The above reasonable proposition was rejected by the House. See Journal of H. R. session 1815-16, pages 528, 529. February 1, 1821. On motion of Messrs. Kinny and Reese, ordered that the [)etitions presented on the 3()th ult. relative to the removal of the seat of justice of Columbia county, be refer- red to Messrs. Kinney, M'Clure, Baird, W. Smyth ' and Musser. See Journal of H. R. session 1*^20-21, page 482. March 6, 1821 : Mr. Kinney from the committee to whom were referred sundry petitions on the subject, on leave given, reported a bill No. 311, entitled An act to authorize the removal of the seat of justice in the county of Columbia and for other purposes. See Journal of H. R. session 1820-21, l)age 784. December 7, 1821 : On motion of Messrs. Clark and Scudder, 70 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ordered tliat aii item of uiifinislied business relative to the removal &c. be referred to the members from the counties of Cohimbia, Luzerne, Northumberland and Northampton. See Journal H. R. session 1821-22, page 51. The members from the counties of Berks, Schuylkill and Lycoming, were added to the connnittee. See Journal ]>. 71. Kei)ort unfavorable. See Journal of the House of Representa- tives, session 1821-22, page 80. From that time until the fall of 1833, there appears to have been no application to the Legislature ; but it was nevertheless a subject of constant anxiety within the county, and has always had a controlling influence in the election of members of Assem- bly and county otticers. No man can be elected to any oftice in the county, who is not avowedly in favour of the removal. As the public buildings had in part been erected the excitement would perhajts have been contined within the bounds of the county for some time longer, had not the Grand Jury at Novem- ber session 1833, reported to the Court, that the public records were in great danger of being destroyed by fire, for want of suit- aV)le buildings for their acconnuodation, and reconnnending the immediate erection of Are proof oftices. This re})ort aroused the peoj»le, who had long liefore determined that no further expendi- ture of their money should be made in buildings at Danville — pe- titions for removal were immediately circulated and signed with an alacrity, seldom before witnessed, by full two thirds of the taxables of the county. These petitions were ])resented in both branches of the Legislature and bills reported providing for the removal of the seat of justice. The bill in the Senate was only reached in order and acted on, and lost by a vote of eleven to fif- teen. Last year another appeal was made for relief, and bills again reported, but too late in the session to have any further action on them. It recpiires but a cursory view of the county map to discover, that Danville is very far from the centre of territory ; and that it is equally distant from the centre of population, is manifest from what follows. The townships most convenient to Danville are the following HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 71 ;iiul coiituiii the nuiuber of t:ixal)le8, paying tax as follow Taxables. Derry towiislii]* contains 850 Mahoning (including Danville) 351 Limestone 121 Liberty 268 Hemlock contains 327 taxables, one thinl of whom are nearer to Danville than to Bloomslmrg, hut none of them more than six miles from the latter j)lace 109 s. Tax. $7«6.42 1213.G2 532.94 498.78 273.62 Accommodated at Danville 1199 pay ing $3,300.38 The townships most convenient to lilooms burg are Taxables paying tax. Mount Pleasant 147 % 311.21 Bloom (including Bloomsburg) 152 1139.73 Briar Creek 340 1033.23 Catawissa 345 1075.32 Greenwood 256 502.94 Fishing Creek 129 218.78 Madison • 302 514.45 Mifflin 370 690.58 Roaring Creek 322 608.99 Sugar Loaf 154 228.78 Hemlock two thirds 218 547.24 Accommodated at Bloomsburg 3035 $6,871.25 There is another view in which the relative position of Danville and l^loomsburg may be seen ; and it shows conclusively as we think, the propriety of removing the seat of Justice. P]ighteen hundred and forty-eight taxables residing in Bloom, Briarcreek, Mount Pleasant, (xreenwood. Fishing creek. Sugar loaf, and Mif- flin townships, all ))ass thnjugh Bloomsburg on tluiir way to Dan- ville. Few of them have less than fourteen miles, and many of them from twenty to thirty-five miles, travel to Danville. A lai'ge majority of 657 taxables residing in Catawissa and Roaring creek townshijjs, (say five sixths) are at least four miles nearer to BloomsV)urg than to Danville, and the remainder are not more than two miles further from Bloonisburg than from Danville — 72 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. even one third of the 350 taxables in Derry, which we have set down to the credit of Danville are nearer to Bloomsburg than to Danville, and the remainder are not more than two miles fnrtlier from Bloomsburg than from Danville — the average of the other two thirds of Derry are not more than four miles fur- ther from Bloomsburg than from Danville. From Mahoning town- ship in which Danville is situated, containing 351 taxables the average travel to Bloomsburg will not be ten miles. Liberty and Limestone townships form the western bounds of the county and lie north and south of each other. Limestone contains 121 tax- ables — Liberty contains 268 taxables — these 389 will none of them have to travel more than eight miles further to reach Blooms- burg, than to reach Danville, and many of them not so far. We would further remai'k, that Danville is as far from the cen- tre of business as from the centre of pojjulation in the county. It draws a large portion of its business and supplies from a neigh- bouring county, by which it is almost surrounded and thus acts as a continual drain on the circulating medium of the county. Scarcely a single dollar of the money expended by suitors and others attending court, can ever find its way back into the inter- ior of the county — there is no trade between them, and no recip- rocity of interest between the interior of the county and its me- ti"Opolis. On the other hand, Bloomsburg is not only very near the centre of territory and population, but it is also the centre of business. It is the natural outlet and commands the trade of Hemlock, Madison, a portion of Derry, Greenwood, Sugar Loaf, Fishing Creek, Mount Pleasant, Bloom, and a portion of Briar Creek townships. It is also in the line of communication for a large portion of the county, with the markets of Pottsville, Mauch Chunk, and places below those points. With a knowledge of all these facts and circumstances, it is with the deepest sense of injuries sustained, and the unnecessary inconvenience they have laboured under for many years past that a large majority of the Citizens of Columbia county, once more make their ai)peal to the Legislature for relief — they ask no boon ; but as freemen they appeal to that natural sense of justice, inher- ent in the breast of every honest and unprejudiced man, and de- mand a restoration of valuable rights and privileges, unjustly ta- ken, and unjustly withheld from them." HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. r3 At last however, on tlie 24th day of February 1845, the legislature })assed an act authorizing a vote on the question of the location of the seat of Justice, and un- > o 5 05 Beaver 194 21 190 12 Benton 186 58 185 54 Berwick 68 131 68 133 Bloom E. 329 317 309 291 Bloom W. Briarcreek 167 70 154 64 Catawissa 138 219 135 195 Centralia Bor. 138 96 132 89 Centre 194 100 184 81 Conyngham N. Conyngham S. 249 59 172 13 Fishingcreek 269 61 245 53 Franklin 49 63 54 54 Greenwood 181 165 166 165 Hemlock 168 63 154 54 Jackson 113 7 115 8 Locust 260 141 232 102 Madison 208 55 109 10 Main 122 10 186 49 Mifflin 195 43 196 40 Montour 79 58 74 48 Mt. Pleasant 110 63 93 51 Orange 149 68 137 47 Pine^ 112 39 95 37 Roaringcreek 55 40 54 34 Scott 146 178 143 147 Sugarloaf 143 18 132 11 4022 2143 3714 1845 18 70 C0N(3 RESS. r w o o d 153 14 164 49 45 147 175 151 104 159 140 44 183 160 127 88 147 67 129 3 74 1 226 44 46 42 173 154 164 56 106 10 206 95 159 34 103 9 180 46 80 40 84 43 110 46 88 33 51 34 125 131 122 10 3464 1710 nitSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 77 1872 Townships. Beaver Benton Berwick Bloom E Bloom W Biiarcreek Catawissa Centre Centralia Conyngham N. Conyi^gham S. , Fishingcreek . . . Franklin Gri'enwood .... Hemlock Jackson Locust Main Madison Mifflin Montour Mount Pleasant. Orange Pine Roaringcreek . . . Scott Sugarloaf Governor. President. c o 5S p Greeley. i 182 10 131 11 194 49 158 56 81 242 72 246 222 161 148 167 127 163 101 211 152 66 125 65 120 263 95 163 163 76 134 69 118 73 77 87 145 11 110 9 64 36 55 29 269 46 211 49 50 54 36 44 185 157 161 140 140 66 120 64 104 12 7 12 236 119 154 111 108 18 95 11 166 54 137 45 198 46 175 48 94 43 70 50 97 58 75 56 146 61 126 86 106 23 85 20 50 36 36 34 159 6 114 131 150 18 124 13 3826 2110 3001 2009 78 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. THE LOCAL OPTION VOTE. Tlie following are the official vote s 01 the ( litierent tov rnships and boroughs on the questions of License or no License, March 21, 1873. Maj orities. DISTRICTS. For Against For Against Beaver, 116 4 112 Benton, 113 81 32 Berwick, 65 212 147 Bloom East, 206 106 100 Bloom West 119 126 7 Briarcreek, 83 68 15 Catawissa, 159 122 37 Centre, 74 83 9 Centralia, 74 35 39 Conyngham N., 50 — 50 Conyngham S., 109 — 109 Fishingcreek, 127 76 51 Franklin, 52 31 21 Greenwood, 130 155 25 Hemlock, 51 107 56 Jackson, 81 16 65 Locust, 206 42 164 Madison, 97 65 32 Main, 95 8 87 Mifflin, 150 44 106 Montour, 72 22 50 Mt. Pleasant, 59 43 16 Orange, 86 79 7 Pine, 46 54 8 Roaringcreek, 56 10 i6 Scott, 55 169 114 Sugarloaf, 93 27 66 1205 366 366 Majority for License. 839 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 79 1876. President. DISTRICTS. S^ ^ ® fC Beaver 264 29 Berwick 118 213 Benton 221 41 Bloom E 244 195 Bloom W 140 191 Briarcreek 155 52 Catawissa 194 229 Centralia 122 67 Centre 191 65 Conyngham N 128 8 Conyngham S 139 6 Fishingcreek 294 61 Franklin 59 57 Greenwood 203 166 Hemlock 169 52 Jackson 122 11 Locust 272 125 Madison 181 57 Main 133 14 MitHin 200 40 Montour 99 53 Mt. Pleasant 102 61 Orange 136 69 Pine 131 80 Roaringcreek 63 42 Scott 151 122 Sugarloaf 171 13 Total 4394 2069 80 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. PRESIDENT 1 880 a O :^ DISTRICTS. O * ^ Beaver 229 29 Benton 211 54 5 Berwick Boro 190 284 8 Bloom E , 295 202 4 Bloom W 150 173 9 Briarcreek . . 157 57 15 Catawissa 230 256 Centralia Boro 159 94 8 Centre 207 56 10 Conyngham, N 163 28 6 Couyngham, S 101 27 31 Fishingcreek 288 71 5 Franklin 56 53 Greenwood .... 194 157 15 Hemlock 160 62 2 Jackson 129 13 Locust 289 129 Madison 199 47 1 Main 131 7 1 Mifflin 207 49 Montour 80 47 9 Mount Pleasant 105 52 Orange 112 Pine 131 Roaringcreek 82 Scott East 98 Scott West 67 Sugarloaf 178 4598 2236 Prohibition ticket 28. 70 41 35 6 31 3 88 10 53 1 12 2 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 81 P5 W > O Eh 1^ O Q O H O I— « o Pierce P. . Tomllnson G. McMichael 1. . H fChase P § Cake G.. I ElUott D . I Broslus R L Junkln I w J Si H Clark « Oh I Rawle R « L cc" rcrossman P.... Dewoody G Merrick I . . . Africa D o Greer R . m I o O ^' Duff I .... O I Black D .. • <3> :ao«osiM> -SI • ••-( ;o»m \eneii •rH.-iioei -on .»OU5C^OS'^f-'ffI00T-< C< . «0 CO CO ^ « 1-" • ©« CO ■ oo :ic ;-H '''SSS'*?2iS"'"'''"'S'"'-o^^'*>*i— i cr coto— 'eJifte»o>too-«i-c- •* ■3' ff» .-I -an- i-H • (S Tiico 3 O'-f-oeot-io IT-!.-! •50 T-rl r-T-IM : .-. <>» ii-ii-l CO ^:) -rH . T* 01 . o©» "-I— ' . ;>ai-ii-o>cot-i.'5 . • to t-< r- Cfl • COrH I'"' \ • -co I'* ;s" 00 Olr— :(M - •oi'N N ; : ;G^ ::o :Oi \^r-\^ : i -^ S I Davles R I ^"tjti'K^^wi^^J^oJSmt-'.'-.iioso^'^iS^cooS'^-^t »— b-— ■OCOg-i ^ ^ ^ Rice R ; Oi ^ I- to '^ — to c •3^Cqsl f- T-l rH I C •* -^ (M O fMcGarele G ! miOOOiCOi-itNOOO •05r-i «^ K ' Mourey T) H CO KosfPDbauder R. t'"lOO;eOtOOmTt«t-«OtOOi— 0a<0C0*n«©»ftOO«0'*O''t^OWtD aiO^-itOOOOQOT#OOOt-»C"^« -dltMw^tOT-iOOt-OOOOSOSOOtO T-l Ol C5 l<«Ci^-c<:r-OT^^T^l.-lO^- T ; - lo -^ — - - -- - — ■• ^- IM T-1.-1 I-l O -* ICIO ■* QO 00 10 T-l ■* IC lO ^ TX T-l a. « ■*TlC^>* TH^t Supplee R 00C0^crrHeac0Ot-«^^in-JD-H oj Ttr-iCTwiOi— CCUi'#ir^tliT-i05'* ■^Cr?-*»CC^T--3«iCT-- o /-Webster G.. >O9J00'*r-l>100.-l .-* -COCN ,T-I ■ .T-l Om«r-HM.-l|m c3 J 0) I Hart D ISjoeiSSSKmSooosBKlc'SioSTiiuJOTcss I OS o e^ to to M eft CO f .- .- ^ -, ^ . __ . . _ .- — ■ T-i"COlOOOCOeat— ^OrJ^^COt-THCTb-'^TjfCfttNt- .-"0-rt-:;aO»Oi-'MW^OO-^f-HCsc ^'TjICOlONT-lTt'b-t-H PRESIDENT JUDGE, Wm Elwell i-HCqT*T*0-^OtM'3«CJOb-0»OG^»a T COCOOO*^^— t— '-'CO* -I3?t— ^C^fNOOOO-tlCOCO-^Oi-^tCiOT-'C'll— OiOOOCC ■^ (M < W_ Adams 2606 Allegheny 18298 Armstrong 3468 Beaver 2650 Bedford 3021 Berks 8142 Blair . 4487 Bradford 5199 Bucks 6504 Butler 3941 Cambria 3279 Cameron 481 Carbon 2423 Centre Pattison Chester 7713 Clarion 1969 Clearfield 2297 Clinton 1730 Columbia 1736 Crawford 3711 Cumberland 3645 Dauphin 6941 Delaware 4586 Elk 399 Erie 5218 Fayette 3908 Forest Pattison Franklin 3653 Fulton 611 Greene 1635 Huntingdon 2420 C/2 O o 318i 16191 3351 2950 3406 15922 3970 4217 7770 3464 4247 484 3061 148 4841 185 720 203 259 266 1262 603 512 188 86 177 s plurality, 879 6290 1125 3473 4063 2661 4139 5071 4618 5671 3828 1289 5727 5108 112 127 218 102 1520 373 726 931 150 575 96 's plurality,, 90 4456 1213 1036 86 3546 29 2562 750 2348 15679 2893 2949 3163 4650 3275 4387 6240 3517 3117 519 2152 2344 5636 1739 1814 1819 1247 4507 2922 5793 3221 620 4656 3458 371 4090 768 1530 2629 2871 9860 2»66 2654 3370 9920 2435 2969 6996 3327 3565 479 2719 3491 4298 2734 2994 2525 2878 3718 4023 3800 2372 1212 4130 3752 255 4011 1133 2976 2034 37 5948 317 340 120 139 297 1510 556 771 144 14 103 185 941 132 55 273 127 590 150 951 1574 20 292 88 3 147 8 7 396 84 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. K O « W 03 ■< COINTIES. >; S t; •^ \. '"^ *< < u W PLi d2 Indiana 3896 1^93 liu" Jefferson 2598 2581 125 Jnniata 1372 1638 53 Lackawanna .... 5476 6655 752 Lancaster 13989 9866 2525 Lawrence 2417 1755 584 Lebanon 4303 2778 215 Lehitih 5847 7948 98 Luzerne 7317 1 1830 1642 Lycoming 3386 5114 280 McKean 1791 2137 529 Mercer 4268 4521 385 Mifflin 1375 1776 182 Monroe 635 2934 66 Montgom y . . . 9287 10588 622 Montour 1037 1664 75 Northaniptom . . . 4068 8741 645 Kortluimberland 3876 5054 582 Perry 2634 2674 90 Philadelphia 70940 67287 8085 Pike 256 1088 88 Potter.... 834 838 418 Schuylkill 7362 10550 1077 Snyder 1873 1446 184 Somerset 3350 2271 699 Sullivan 445 874 30 Susquehanna 2864 3198 689 Tioga 2270 2257 221 1 Union 1303 1394 682 Venango 2386 2697 401 Warren 1891 1835 439 Washington 5192 5238 220 Wayne 1462 2943 781 Westuioreland . . 5644 7242 242 Wyoming 1421 1905 165 York 6148 10439 261 Totals 310460 350155 48602 < pq P4 n o 1^ 1 o 3109 1163 161 2203 2212 86 1446 1707 29 4220 3116 945 9899 5770 1405 2062 1221 932 3191 1622 65 4468 5756 67 5870 7695 1447 2751 3629 447 2477 2192 897 3971 3607 535 1469 1689 197 649 2338 34 8707 8949 944 891 1340 136 2714 5198 411 2948 4410 2084 2420 2435 107 55866 42357 14722 296 863 8 1236 594 48 4963 8089 2141 1367 1278 860 3528 2053 103 417 677 48 3421 2542 127 2737 1297 695 638 1134 1720 2302 2058 653 1927 1360 281 5362 4703 112 1720 2254 748 4398 5222 211 1559 1779 30 4307 7068 222 265295 258471 49984 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 85 CHAPTER XI. BLOO^vdlSBTJ IRO. IX 1776, Wyoming township extended from the mouth of P"'ish- ingcreek to the state line on the north, and Mr. James Mc- CUure, who in 1772 had settled on the flats above the mouth of the creek, was one of the committee of safety for the township. Gradually the name Wyoming was more definitely fixed to the upper end of the valley, as the state line was pushed northward and the Connecticut claimants either relinquished or sold, or were confirmed in their claims tlii'ough submission to the Pennsyl- vania authorities. But the great beauties of the Susquehainia valley are not the exclusive property of what is now called Wyo- ming, but are distributed along the river ; and to day there is no landscape anywhere superior to several views of the valley from the mouth of Fishingcreek to Berwick, which can be obtained in the vicinity of Bloonisburg. From the roof of the Bloon.sburg State Normal School build- ing you have conuuand of scenery unsurpassed by any in the state. Your eye, for twelve miles along the winding Susquehanna, rests upon the fertile valleys north of the river, and on the south it is relieved by the river hill and the majestic Catawissa moun- tain. Off to the north the Nob mountain looms up in its pictur- esqueness, and the valley of the Fishingcreek seems shut up among the mountains ; while immediately at your feet spread out the fifteen hundred acres of land upon which the tov^n of Blooms- burg is built, bounded on the north and west by the Fishingcreek and south by the ever beautiful Susquehanna, making in the sparkling sunlight, a band of silver encircling the green valley ujHin which your eye is resting with unmeasured delight. Through the midst of the valley with shriek and whoop rush the 86 HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. trans of cars over tlie Lackawanna & Bloomsburg railroad, cross- ino- the creek near its moutli and sweeping down the bank of the winding river, awakening the echoes of the rock of the "Lover's Leap." Scarcely has your eye lost the passing train, before along the mountain side across the river, and in full view, like a demon roaring for his prey, scattering smoke and fire over the watei-s, leaps the echoing train over the North & West Branch railway, and escapes in a cloud of smoke round the point of the mountain opposite the jnouth of Fishingcreek. While at the same moment, off to your right, the shrill whistle of the train upon the Catawissa road, calls your ear, and cross- ing the Lackawanna & Blooms- burg at right angles, moves majestically over the Susque- hanna river bridge, and over the North & West Branch railway at the east end, and wakes the echoes of the Catawissa hills. From "The Grove" north of the Normal school much of the same view can be obtained, modified in some respects, but with added features, which in the eyes of some persons enchance its beauties. On "The Rocks" north of the town, the same general features are conmianded; and in addition thereto a long stretch of the Fishingcreek, rolling its pur-' waters and beating vainly against the base of the cliff, with the L'ondale Furnaces in the distance, throwing up their lurid lights, impress other sight seers as being altogether the most delightful and romantic. So, the brow of the hill on the Lightstreet road, half a mile north east of the town affords a view hardly, if at all, surpassed by any of the others. It loses some points of great beauty, but it adds to the others a view of the valley of Scott, Centre and Briar- j. J. Huowi-:ii s Iu:lLDI^o. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 87 creek townships, whose fertile fields and green hills give delight to the eye and to the heart. But it is not only in the matter of local scenery that Blooms- burg is worthy of the observation of the tourist. It has one fea- ture which is absolutely unique. Its drives are perfectly charm- ing, and no matter by whicii of some six or eight road^ yai de- part, you can at the end of a delightful drive of from three to ten miles or more, re-enter it by another. You need not for many times go over any portion of a road once travelled, and you will find each and all of them safe and good and picturesque. Thus your drives are almost ever new, and you can make different com- binations daily. Indeed it could not well be otherwise with the Susquehanna river on one side, the big Fishingcreek, the little Fishingcreek and the Hemlock creek all in the immediate neigh- borhood, diversifying the face of the country, and hiding in their turnings and connexions many beautiful nooks and shady dells and barren rocks. The vicinity was settled at an early day by several families, and Major Moses Van Campen says that in 1778 he, with a com- pany of about twenty men, built a fort on Fishingcreek about three miles from its mouth. He also says that "in the spring of 1781, we built a fort on the widow McClui-e's plantation, called McClure's fort, where our provisions were stored." The town of Bloomsburg was laid out in 1802 by LudwigEyer. The name was pronounced as if spelled Oyer, and the place was known as Oyersburg. Many of the descendants of the Proprie- tor Btill reside here and are of our most thrifty and respected cit- izens. Mr. Eyer rested in the Lutheran burying ground which he gave to the congregation, for many years, but his remains were recently removed to Catawissa. He was a generous hearted and liberal minded man, of a stock of whom Pennsylvania is proud. Bloom township was one of the original twelve with which the county was organized in 1813. From it have been taken a part of Mount Pleasant, a i)art of Orange, a part of Centre, and the whole of Scott. What was left of the township of Bloom was or- ganized by an Act of Assembly of March 4, 1 870 as "The Town of BlooTusburg." No town in the state has a more healthy loca- tion. It is built on a high bluff on the Fishingcreek, about one 88 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and a half miles from the river in a straight line north, and about two miles fi'om the mouth of the creek going southwest. The ground descends towards the river and the mouth of the creek so as to afford the most complete system of drainage for all parts of the town. A chapter might be written concerning the improvements and changes of the last thirty years. In 1850 the bridge over the brook below the old Forks Hotel on Second street was less than twenty feet wide, and there were no sidewalks at the point of crossing the brook. At the southwest corner of Second and Iron streets it required a flight of five or six steps to get into the door, now level with the pavement. The road from the foot of Second street wound round the bank of the creek instead of going straight to the bridge as at the present. Market street below Third instead of being a splendid thoroughfare a hundi-ed feet wide, was a narrow, crooked, illkept road. The road to Espy crossed the canal twice l)y liigh and dangerous bridges within a distance of three iiundred yards, instead of nan- ning along the berme bank, a safe, level and delightful way. To speak of the private dwellings which have taken the place of old tumble-down structures, would be to make reference to most of the houses in the town, as Bloomsburg has been substantially rebuilt within twenty- five years. No such thing will, therefore, be attempted. To the public buildings and business places some attention is pro])er. The Normal School building is mentioned under the proper title in this volume, together with other educational matter The Court House, built in 1846, is perhaps hardly up to the present requirements of the business for which it was intended, the bulk of the records, and the legal business having very con- siderably increased since the County seat was removed to Blooms- burg. The old jail has been altogether abandoned, and a new MOVKR BROS. BUILDING. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 89 prison has lately been erected, in Avhich as much comfort can be had, as is consistent with the place and the occasion of the visit. COr-U-MBIA COUNTY PRISOX. The Lackawant.a & Bloorasburg railroad passes through the town, with a depot on Market & Sixth. The North Branch Canal lies three hundred yards south of the Railroad. The North Branch of the Susquehanna is half a mile south of the Canal, and on tlu" opposite bank of the river runs the North and West Branch railway. At Rupert, by the Philadelphia & Reading railroad, you take the omnibus to Bloomsburg. Oi tlie newspapers mention will be made under the proper title; but it may be here said that there are at present, published weekly, The Columbian, democratic; The Bepublican, republican; The Sentinel, democratic; and the Journal, prohibitionist. The streets are numbered from the Fishing creek towards the river and trend east and west, nearly; and the cross streets run- ning neariy north and south are ?ianiecl They vary in width from thirty three feet to one hundred. Most of them are over forty feet wide, and are well paved and well lighted. The Hotels, the Court House, the Normal School, and the main business of the town are upon Second street, a wide, paved and cindered thoroughfare. 90 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. In addition to the many handsome residences, the buildings which give a substantial and imposing character to the town are the Exchange Hotel, opened in 1874 — the Central Hotel — the Columbian block — the block of buildings occupied by D. Lowen- berg and J. Cadman — the one by Holmes & Schuyler — the corner by A. J. Evans — the building of D. A. Creasy — the corner of Clark &, Son — Miss Feterman's building — McKinney's building Rawling's building — Barton's building — Moyer Bros' building — and the old McKelvy corner, refitted by Knorr & Wintersteen: On the north side we have Robbins, Gilmore, Sharpless, Moyer Bros' drug store, Brower's building, Hartnian's, Sterner's, Furman's, and Kleim's ; all of which, with what is known as the Exchange block, are three or four story buildings, and of consid- erable dimensions. The Opera House on Centre street below Second, capable of seating about one thousand ])ersons, has been fitted up to attract and accommodate a variety of excellent entertainments. It is con- venient and accessible, and well suited for lectures and public meetings. Of the industries carried on in the town we can only make cursory mention, to wit: The extensive Car Shops of (t. M. & J. K. Lockard — the Iron Foundry and Machine Shops of Harman & Hassert — the Foundry of B. F. Sharpless — the Iron fence man- ufactory of Michael Hess — the Carriage shops of M. C. Sloan & Brother — the planing mill of Charles Krug — the new, large and substantial Woolen Mills of S. A. & E. C. Caswell ; and lastly the Anthracite furnaces of the Bloomsburg Iron Company, and of William Neal & Sons. Nor, in the enumeration of the advantages and attractions, ed- ucational, business and social, should we omit to mention the Sanitarium, an institution established about three years ago, for the special treatment of nervous affections. It is a large and handsome structure, fitted with all the modern improvements of heat, light, water and ventilation. It is convenient of access by rail, has pleasant and extensive grounds, and is in hands fully competent to the treatment of the diseases for which it was specially intended, as well as for general hygienic purposes. The churches are as follows : St. Paul's Episcopal, corner of Second and Iron street — Presbyterian, on Market street below IILSTOliY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 91 TO P 3 ^ »j •* c^ <» X '5 iJ re — •-• .« r^ 92 JIISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY Seoond — Lutherai), Market street above Second — Reformed, corner of Third and Iron streets — Baptist, Third street, above Iron — Roman Catholic, Third street below Iron— Methodist, Third street below Market — Evangelical, Fourth street above Iron — Welsh Baptist, First street, east of Iron — Welsh Wesleyan, Iron street, north of First street — African Methodist, First street, below Market. There are two money institutions: The First National Bank, and the Bloomsburg Banking Com]iany. The capital stock of each is fifty thousand dollars. The Bloomsburg Iron Com])auy was incorporated as the Bloomsburg Railroad Iron com})any, by Act of Assembly of June 22, 1839, P. L., 384. The furnaces were erected in 1844, and may be said to have been and remain in continuous 0[)eration, and mainly in the ownership of the original proprietors or their descendants. The furnaces of Neal & Sons were erected by Messrs. McKelvy, Neal& Co. in 1853 and were put in blast, April 14, 1854. They have never stopped except for improvements or repairs, and are in successful operation. The Rosemont Cemetery Company was incorporated by Act of Assembly of A])ril 2, 1853, P. L., 285. Several acres of land were purcliased by the managers at various times, the area now comprising nearly ten acres ; and the grounds have been tastefully laid out. Most of the lots have been sold, and many beautiful and some elegant and costly momunents are being erected therein. III.'STOJiY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 93 By the late o])eniiig of Centre street, the grading of First street and the Cemetery grounds bordering on it, has been rendered necessary and is progressing. This with other contempLated im- })roveinents will shortly i)ut the grounds in excellent condition. The Bloonisburg Gas company was incorporated May 28, 1874, by the couit, with a capital of thirty thousand dollars. Gas was suj>plied to private takers and business places, October 28, 1874 . and the streets were light^'d for the first time. May 1, 1875. The Park ! aye, the Park. Of that something ought to be said, if it be only to call attention to the fact, that although the grounds have been purchased, the Town Council has never thought it worth while to lay out the grounds, or })lant a tree, or even make the fence. If proper and i)ronipt attention had been given to it it would now be a beautiful and attractive spot, provided with sparkling fountains, lighted by gas, sweet Avith the perfume of flowers, shaded by thrifty forest trees, underneath which chil- dren, and nurse carriages, free from dust, dirt and danger could spend the long summer days in unmitigated delight. This should be done, and at least two other plots of ground adjoining the town north and east, upon which native forest trees are now growing should be purchased by the Town and fitted for the public prom- enade. It should be done now while they are cheap and not left until they are either not procurable, or if in market, at a price three times what it would be at {)resent. Let us have plenty of these public jjlaces. The Bloomsburg Water Company was organized August 14, 1877, with a cai)ital of !§30,00L). The water is filtered into a well from the Fishingcreek, and is forced, by two independent direct- acting i)uniping engines into the reservoir, wh.iee it is distributed by gravitation to the town. In case of an accident or other neces- sity, there is direct connection with the pumps. The works Avere conij)k'te(l about September 1880. The site of tlie Town of Bloomsburg was owned by John Adam Oyer, and the town was laid out in 1802 by Ludwig Oyer, his agent, ant the first store and was tlie first i)OSt- master. Mr. Mills kept the tirst hotel where Moyer Bros' drug store is now located, and the second one was where Mr. 1. W. Hartniau now lives. Dr. Park Avas the lirst physician, and Dr. Bacon the second. Mr. McKelvy came about 1820. The original Ex- change Hotel was a log and frame struct ure,and was l)uilt by Caspar Chrismanin 1810. What is now the Central H o t e I was built by Phil- ip Mehrling in 1818. He Avas ac- cidentally killed during the erection. The old Forks Hotel was erected about 1825, and it was removereciation. The library rei)ort shows a monthly circulation of oOO volumes. Tlie association shows sj)ec- ial attention to young i)eople, either resident or visiting tlie i)lace^ and to the boys of the town, who are gathered every Monday evening. Tiiis important enterprise is greatly indebted to the 100 HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. generosity of the Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company, and to the energy of Mr. A. G. Kiniberly, the librarian. Clarence G. Jackson, son of Mordecai W. Jackson, was born March 5, 1842 and died in Berwick May 3, 1880. He graduated at Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport. He entered the army Au- gust 2, 1862, company H. 84th Regiment, for three years. Ob- tained the 1st lieutenancy January 18, 1863, and Captaincy on July 1st 1863; was wounded and captured at Chancel- lorsville, Va., May 3, 1863, and upon his release, was transferred to Co. H. 57th Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- teers, January 13, 1865, and was discharged by general or- der March 10, 1865. His military record was an excellent one. He was a man of much general information, a forcible and fluent speaker, of tine business qualifications, and great energy of char- acter. Capt. Ciiart.es B. Brockway was born at Berwick, Penna., April 1, 1840. Read law in the office of E. H. Little Esq. and was ad- mitted to the Bar September 5, 1865. He entered the army April 17, 1861, and was commissioned First Lieut, in Battery F. First Penna. Light Artillery, October 17, 1861, and served for over tln-ee years. The fighting record of the Battery is one with his, aiid his military record is first rate. He was mustered out November 1864. He represented Columbia county in the Legislature in 1871, 1872 and 1873, and was the Democratic candidate for Congress in 1870, and came within 124 votes of an election, in a district usu- ally republican by about 1000 majority. Capt. Brockway resides in Bloomsburg. ^ g, ,|-— ^ —-»^=I=^-,-| r— i^ ^ g ^ HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA (JOUNTY. 101 CHAPTER XIII. CATAAVISSA is a large and Hourisluiig village on the left bank of the Susquehanna, at the mouth of Catawissa creek, about four miles south of Bloonisburg. It is situated in the midst of j)ieturesque scenery, and is surrounded by a rich and fertile country. The town contains over two thousand inhabitants. The earliest reference to tlie place by the name of Catawissa is tlie date and place of a letter written by James Le Tort, an Indian trader, to the Governor of the province. It is given thus, "Cata- wasse. May ye 12, 1728." Yo\- many reasons I think the name is a dialect of the Dela- wares; but whetlier of the Mousey or Wolf tribe, the Unalachit- goes or Turkey tribe, or the Wanamese or Turtle tribe, I do not know, but by the terminal syllable I should judge the last. Redmond Conyngham, Esq., who has devoted much research to the aboriginal history of the State, says, "The Piscatawese or Gangawese, or Conoys, (Kenehawas) had a wigwam on the Cata- wese, at Catawese, now Catawissa." Hon. Stewart Pearce says that 'the Shav>-anese, a tribe of the Eries, driven from the great lakes south about 1608, to Georgia and Florida, becoming involved tliere with the Spaniards and southern Indians, returned noith about 1090.' It is certain that tliey came into the Province in or about 1697. They settled along tlie Delaware and the Susquehanna, among the Delawares, and under the control of the Six Nations. Mr. Pearce goes on to say however, "The Shawanese liad a village at Fishingcreek near Bloonisburg, and at Catawissa, and a small settlement near Briar- creek." Neither the Gangawese nor the Shawanese belonged to the Delawares, yet it is not impossible they may have been settled as above stated, and "Catawese" may belong to one of them, seeing 102 HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. they have the sunie terniiiial as the Wanamese of the Dehiwares; and the word in any one of the above dialects may mean, as claim- ed, "Pure Avater." It may be curious to note here, that at a council held at Phila- delphia in July and August, 1739, between Thomas Penu and the Shawanese Indians, upon '"being asked if they are at war with any Indians to the southward, they said that they were at war with the Catawbas and Catawas Indians, in Carolina." In 1742-3 some troubles occui'ring between us and the Shawan- ese, Conrad Weiser was sent to Shamokin to have an interview with them and others. On the 4th of February they met at the house of Shikellimo, and he found among the assembly "Oluma- pies and Lapapeton of the Delawares." In 17.54 Mr. Weiser finds the same Delaware chief, spelling his name, however, Lapackpit- ton, at Oskohary, doubtless from the context meaning Catawissa or it may be, an Indian town not far from the mouth of Roaring- creek, which is also spoken of by some early writers; and as I find in Post's Journal of 1758 the name spelled Lappopetung, I am the more inclined to locate Oskohary at the mouth of Koar- ing creek which was in Indian, Popemetung. He was a man of some note, and for a time fastened his name upon the town of "Catawese," and in those ancient deeds the name is spelled Lau' paugh-petin. Well ! peace to his ashes, however it be. Certainly as early as 1728 there were white people in and about Catawissa ; but the first account we have of a settlement made under law and purchase was the granting by patent, of two hun- dred and eighty-two acres, [on which part of the town now stands], by the Honorable the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania to Edward Shippen Jr., and Joseph Shippen Jr., the 14th of February, 1770, who by their indenture on the first of May, 1773, granted the same unto Ellis Hughes in fee, who, with Hannnh, his wife, by their indenture of the 27th day of June, 1778, granted ninety-two acres and one quarter of an acre, [jiart of the above mentioned tract], unto William Hughes, who laid out the town in the year 1787. Although an attempt was made to fasten the name of the founder upon it, the good sense of the people settled on the al- ready well known and sweet sounding original, and whether HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 103 Wananiese, or ShawaiiC'se, or Gangawese, it will rem liii "Oita- wese" forever. Williajii Hughes was a Quaker from Berks county. Isaiah Plughes kej)t the first store. Among the earlier })ioueers were William Collins, James Watson, John Lloyd, Fenton, Benjamin Sharpless, and others of the Society of Friends. Of those mentioned there seem to be no records, except'of the Sharp- less family, of whom there remain the following interesting facts: The ancestor ])urchast'd from William Penn, in England, by in- denture dated A])ril oth, 1682, one thousand acres of land in the Province of Pennsylvania, for twenty })Ounds sterling, and an an- nual quit rent of one shilling for every hundred acres, on the first day of March, forever. Tlie land was located in Chester county, about two miles north from Chester, and in Providence township and Middleton township, now in Delaware county. John Sharp- less, the ])urchaser, died in 1685, aged about 61 years, and Jane, his wife, in 1722, aged about 84 years. Of their children, Thomas died on shipboard, Phebe and Jane in 1685, and Caleb in 1688 leaving three sons, John, James and Joseph, from whom the entire Sharpless family are descended. John Sharpless, the elder brother, married Hannah Pennel, daughter of Robert Pennel, in 1692, and resided on the tract purchased off Ridley creek, near Ches- ter. They had nine children, Caleb, Jane, Hannah, John, Phebe, Rebecca, Margaret, Ann and Daniel. He died in 1747, at the age of 81 years, his wife having died in 1721. James Sharjiless, the second brother, married Mary Lewis, daughter of Ralph and Mary Lewis, from Glamorganshire, in Wales, and settled on the second tract above mentioned, in Prov- idence township. They had eight children, Lydia, Mary, James, Rachel, Sarah, Thomas, David and Esther. Joseph Sharpless, the younger brother, married Lydia Lewis, sister ;o his brother James' wife, and in pursu;nice of a family arrangement settled on the third tract, in Middleton township. They had ten children, Susanna, Joseph, Benjamin, Samuel, Lydia, Na'han, Jane, Abraham, Jacob and William. He died in 1757, and his wife in 1765. Of these children, Benjainin settled in Catawissa. His descendants are lunong the leading men of the town at present. John Mears, a famous Quaker preacher and physician, a man 104 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of great energy of character, afterwards became the Proprietor of the town by buying up the qnit rents. Of him I am able to give the following additional ])articulars. He was born in Georgia about 17i?7 and came to Philadelphia with his mother, then the wife of John Lyndall, about 1754. He followed the bus- iness of ship-joining and cabinet-making. In 1760 he married Susanna Townsend. Sometime afterwards he settled in Reading. In the war of the revolution lie was a caj)tain in the 4th Penn. Regt. and was wounded at Brandywine. A siiigle relic of Cap- tain Mears' military career remains in the j^ossession of his grand- son, John Mears, in Wallace street, Philadelphia. It is a large, single-bladed knife, a])parently designed for the commissariat rather than the battle-field. It is well and ingeniously construct- ed, and on the white broad handle is the following inscription: St. Luke La Corxe, To Captain John Mears, 4rii Penxsyla'ania Regiment. After his recovery, we hear no more of him in a military capac- ity. He returned to Reading, but subsequently liis roving dis- position led him into newer districts of the State. He was the virtual founder and the patriarch of the town of Catawissa. Here he held the office of magistrate, and infused his energy into the inhabitants. Through the difficult country now traversed by the famous Catawissa Railroad, he laid out and built the first carriage road, connecting the valleys of the Susquehanna and the Schuyl- kill, a great and laudable achievement in those times. Besides holding the offices of magistrate and roadmaker, he was Quaker preacher and physician'; and though his methods were vigorous and rude, his manly presence, his patriotic services and sufferings, his integrity and enterprise Avon him universal respect, and em- balmed his memory in the connuunity. He died in the year 1819, at the good old age of 82. Of his five children, William, the oldest, was born in Philadelphia, March 9th, 1761; his wdfe was Elizabeth Haller, the daughter of a colonel in the Revolutionary army. Thus both branches of the family contributed patriotic blood aiui loyal impulses to the de- scendants. William himself held a colonel's commission in the war of 1812, but saw no active service. He succeeded his father as magistrate and like liim, Avas the object of deep and universal IILSTOIiY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 105 respect. He died suddenly in Catawissa, June 11th, 1825, in his sixty-fifth year. In 1706 James Watson hiid out an addition to the town. Among the Germans, George Knaj)j)enl)erger came about 1790 and took or established a ferry across the Susquehanna. Chris- tian Hn)l)st. whose descendants, active and extensive business men, are still tliere, came about 1793. John Hauc^ was one of the first, if not the first, to build a furnace in the region, on a tril>utary of Catawissa creek, in Catawissa township, in 1810. lie made tlie rough old ten j)late stove, maiiy of which with his im- ])rint were scattered through the country. The early settlement of Catawissa and the fine and unfailing water ])Ower of the creek, made the ])lace at once a i)oint of im- ]»ortance. As early as 1789 Jonathan Shoemaker built a grist mil! on the noith side of the creek, just above the ])resent site of that known as the McKelvy mill. And in 1799 Christian ]ii-ol)st built one. a quarter of a mile above Shoemaker's. l^enJMinin Sliarjtless having started to Ohio to settle, visited his brother Jonathan on the way and found hitu getting rich, running a j)ape!' mill. ]Ie induced Benjamin to return to Cata- wissa and having done so, he sold his farm, lately the Zarr farm, now l)eitig laid out in lots by Judge Shuinan, and together with John Clark they bought tlie Slioemaktr mill and water ])Ower and put uj» a paper mill in 1811. Sharpless cfe Clark ran it till about 1H34. when Clark died, and in the division of the property the Glark heirs took the grist mill and farm, and Sharpless the paper mill. The projj'Mty subsequently came into the ownership of William McKelvy and Joseph Paxton, and afterwards into that of Williiun iVIcKelvy. Since his death it has been sold to McCieady Bros, of Philadelphia, and is now under the management of E. B. Guie, a practical and compett-nt man, and is running very suc- cessfully. The shad fishery of the Catawissa was one of the most famous on the Susn of Conrad Kreamer. ITr(;ii WArsoNsettled east of. Jerseytown about the year 1780. His land ran u|j to tiie town, and tlie street on the right hand side frcnn Kreamers store is laid and built on lots sold off of his land. He raised seven sons and one daughter. The daughter, Sarah, married .James Laird. PiiiNKAs IJakbku came into the township about the year 1788. lie settled on tlie Chil]is(iua«iue about one mile and a half south west of .lerseytown. His family eventually comprised seven sons, and six daughters. Tlie Itev. Daniel M. Barber was one of the sons. The family came originally from New Jersey, and have now all left the place. .Tolin A. Funston noAV owns the old farm. Wu.i.iAM Pkcmj came from Sussex county, New Jersey, about tlie year 178.). He was settled on the opposite side of Chillisquaque creek, adjoining lands afterwards taken by Phineas Barber, on the west. He raised two sons and two daughters, one of whom, Sarah, married Jacob Swisher, Esq. William Pegg the second, lived on the old farm and raised a large family, five sons and five or six daughters. The farm is about two miles south west of Jerseytown. I find the name of the family sometimes spelled Pague. ^Mkmaki, Bim.iiimk came from Sussex county. New Jersey in 1776, and settled on Muddy Run, put up a log hut, cleared off six acres of ground, jiut it in with wheat in the fall of 1777, and just at the time the wheat was fit to cut the Wy Diourrr came from New Jersey in the year 178G and settled east of Jerseytown, joining lands of Daniel Welliver and lying east of him. His son Richard now occupies the homestead. lie raised a large family of six sons and six daughters, among the most respectable people in the county. Mr. Jacob Demott, one of the sons now an old man, relates that he remembers very well, seeing, when a boy, the ruins of se\eral Indian wigwams, which had been built upon a high hill south of Valentine Welliver's,. called Huckleberry hill. It was so elevated that the Indians could distinguish the smoke rising from nearly every chimney in the valley. Ai>A>i Wkij.ivkk, John Welliver and Christopher Welliver, cous- ins of the above named Daniel, also from Sussex county, New Jersey, settled in the township about 1780. A large part of Jer- seytown is built upon Adam's purchase, which stretched off to the north west. Adam left two sons and two daughters. John's farm lay to the southwest of Jerseytown. There was a family by the name of Whitmoyer living on it at the time of the Wyoming massacre in 1778. When other settlers left they concluded to stay, and in the next spring, at the season of making maple sugar two of the daughters went to the camp and while they were thus absent, the Indians came and killed all the rest of the family and scalped them. It is disi)uted whether there were three or five thus butchered. They were buried on the old I'oad from Jersey- town to Washingtonville on the left hand side of the road, about half a mile from town, near where Capt. William Allen now lives. John ha2. lie came from Northam[)ton county witli a family of eleven sons, and a nuinher of comely daughters. He improved a farm in the warrantee name of Jane Boyd, and which is now occupied by Andrew Laubach. E/.ekiel Cole, son- in-law to William Hess, came at tlie same time and settled on the south end of the same tract. Mr. Cole built the first grist mill on Fishiugci'eek that did any business worth mentioning. Fishing- creek at that time included the whole north end of the county, and as far south as to the Nob Mountain. John Kh.e, senior, another son-in-law of William Hess, came from Bucks county, between the years 179;> and 1799, and settled on the same Jane Boyd tract of land, on what is now occu})ied by Joseph (). Hess. William Hess and his sons and his family con- nections in 1799 occupied all the land on both sides of the Fish- ingcreek, from the North ^lountaiu to the south line of what is now Sugarloaf townshij*. I'liii.ip F'ritz, senior, a nei)hew of William Hess, senior, came into the neighborhood about the year 1797, and settled on the hill northeast of his uncle. He was the first school master and Justice of the Peace in the north east corner of Columbia county. Christian LAruAcii, senior, also a relative of William Hess, senior, came into the county in the year 1790 and settled on the hill south east of him. The last four famiily names are still among the most extensive and respected in that region of the county in which tliey originally settled ; and it is matter of regi-et that not more full and specific family history has been recovered. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. W.) Jonathan Coi.ley settled at a-i early day on the east side of Fishiiigcreek, south of P^zekiel Cole. His son Alexander came in the year 1799. lie represented the county in the legislature in 1822 and 1823. What is now Sugarloaf township, contained in 1799, only about six families. KSI'Yr ed in a vein of very broad but amusing caricature by Dickens in his novel "Nicholas Nickleby," under the name of "Dotheboys hall," and Mr. Swaby was perhaps, the last survivor of that institu- tion. He came to this country in company with his fathei"-in- law, Capt. John Haigh of the British army, in 1821, and settled at the village of Espy, Columbia county. Fa., where he resided until 1846, surrounded by many warm friends, for whom he, to the last, cherished the kindest recollection and regard. In that year he removed to Seneca Falls, where he resided with his sons. His father, Joseph Swaby, died in Jamaica in the year 1811 ; he was born in 1727; the lives of the father and son con- sequently extended through a period of 148 years During the nearly thirty years' residence of Mr. Swaby in Seneca Falls, he was little in public life, being rather retiring in disjiosition, but in the home circle and among those whose acquaintance with him became intimate, he was highly prized. He possessed the keenest sense of honor, which was alwavs manifest in his inter- 120 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. course with the world, and the probity of his character was ever conspicuous. He was a communicant of the church of England, and always maintained the highest standard of a devout Christian. His genial and cheerful tem})erament rendered him peculiarly a favorite among the young. It was while jaarticipating with them in their innocent anuisements, that he received injuries from a fall, which liastened his death. His memory will remain as a precious legacy to those to whom he was a loved companion for years. THE HALF WAV HOUSE. The Half Way Hofse, in Centre township, now no longer a hotel, was years ago in the days of stages, a well known place. Stonytown, at the ferry, is now the stopping place for travel- lers, and the glory of the old stage office has departed, which Sanmel Harman made famous. Col. Samuel Knorr was born in Centre township, December 24, 1836. He read law with Wm. G. Hurley, Esq. and was ad- mitted to the Bar in 1863. He entered the army with the Iron Guards April 22, 1861, at Bloomsburg. The Company became Co. A. 6th Penna. Reserves and he served as Sergeant until Oct. 23, 1861, when he was pro- moted to 2d. Lieut, and was honorably discharged Oct. 2o, 1862, on account of physical disability. July 4, 1863, he was commis- sioned Major of the 35th Regt. Penna. Militia, and mustered into the service of the United States, and discharged from ser- vice August 7, 1863. Was commissioned captain of the 19th Regt. U. S. colored troops, Nov, 30, 1863, as Major, Sept. 29, 1864, Lieut. Colonel Feby. 27, 1865, and on January 6, 1866 hon- orably discharged, on resignation. His successive and rapid pro- motions prove his merit and standing as an officer. He was Pres- idential Elector in 1868, and collector of Internal Revenue for the 13th District of Penna. from April 5, 1869 to May 30, 1873. MIFFLINVILLE. MiFFLiKviLLE is a Staid and ancient village nine miles east of Bloomsburg, on the east bank of the Susquehanna, contains about thirty dwellings, a couple of stores, a tavern, shops, churches and school houses, and a couple of grist mills. The North & West Branch railroad runs through the village. BISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 121 MAINA'ILLE. ]\rAiNvii,i,K is ill Main to-wnshi)), about six miles soutli-east from Bloomsburg', has fifteen to twenty liouses, tavern, stores, grist mill, forge, tfcc, and is situated on Catawissa creek, and on the l^ead- ing, and Sunhury, Hazleton &: Wilkesharre Railway. HKAVKK VALLEY. Bkavku Valley, twelve miles south-east of Bloomsburg, has a tavern, a store, half a do/en dwellings, and a depot for the Read- ing railroad. CENTRALIA HOROUGH. Ckxtkallv Bouougu, situate in Conyngham townshi}), south-east from Bloomsbuig about twenty miles, in the midst of a coal min- ing district, and has within and about it several hundred dwelling houses, a luunber of stores, and hotels and drinking houses innu- merable. It has a beautiful and tasteful place of worship, "Holy Trinity Cluireh," belonging to the Episcopalians, also one belong- ing to the Romanists, one to the Presbyterians and one to the Methodists. NLMIDIA AND SLAP.TOAVN. Kr.MiDLv and Slabtown, lying in Locust toAvnship, respectively thirteen and eleven miles south-east from Bloomsburg, have each ten to fifteen dwellings, store, tavern, sho])S, t%c. The village of Slabtown, whose post-office name is Roaringcreek, is on the stream of that name, which drives a grist mill tliere located. 4> 122 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER XYI. C01.UMI5IA COUNTY COURT HOUSE. By the Act of Assembly erecting Columbia county, it was pro- vided; "That from and after the lirst Monday of March, one thous- and eight hundred and fourteen, the several courts in and for the said county of Columbia, shall be opened and held at such house as is hereinafter provided for in the said county of Columbia, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 123 until a Court House shall be erected in and for said county as hereinafter directed, and shall be then held at said Court House." The sheriflF, coroner and other officers of the county of North- umberland were to continue to exercise the duties of their respec- tive offices within the county of Columbia until similar officers were appointed within said county. The county was annexed to the middle district of the Supreme Court, and to the eighth judicial district of the Courts of Common Pleas, comprising the counties of NorthumVjerland, Union and Lycoming ; and the Courts were to be holden in and for the county of Columbia on the first Mondays in January, April, August and November. In districting the state under the amended constitution we were put into the 11th district with Lu- zerne and Wyoming, and subsequently into the 26th with Sullivan and Wyoming, and under the constitution of 1872 Sullivan and Wyoming were erected into a separate district and Montour annexed to Columbia, in which connection we are now, 1882. To this chapter is apjtended a list of the officers and personnel of the Court since the establishment of the county. This is not the place, or we might add much matter to this division, of personal history and anecdote, of gentlemen who upon the Bench or at the Bar, have given to our county a solid and honorable reputation at home and abroad. Of Robert Cooper Grier, who began the prac- tice of the law in Bloomsburg, and rose to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court — of William G. Hurley, for more than forty years identified honorably with the Bar of this county — of John G. Montgomery, a man of great power and elo- quence, elected to the legislature and subsequently to Congress, and who jterished in the National Hotel disaster — of John Cooper, himself an eccentric and brilliant man, the son of Judge Thomas Cooper, renowned in the old world as well as hei"e — of George ^V. Frick, second to none as a man, and as a lawyer of extensive and solid attainments — of Robert F. Clark and Morrison E. Jackson, who among the younger members of the Bar, achieved and main- tained a position at the head of the profession in the county. Nor would it be difficult to select from among the living, names whose sounds will long linger in the memories ef the young men of the Bar, and whose courtesy, learning and chaste professional honor it would be safe to follow, and ennobling to emulate. 124 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. rRESIDENT JUPGES. Names. Appointed from. Date of Commls^sion. Seth Chapman, Bucks, Julyll, ISll Resigned October, 10-1833. Ellis Lewis, Lyeoniiiig:, October, It, 1833. Died in Philadelphia^ March 19-1871. Charles G. Donnel, NovthumberiaiKi, .laniiary, 14. 1843.- Died March, 18-1884. Joseph B. Aiitliony, Lycnuing, March, 1844. Died January 10th, 1851. James Pollock, Northumberland, January IG, 1851. John N. Conyiigham. Luzerne, November 5, 1851. Died April 23, 1871. Warren J. Wo )d\vard, Luzerne, May 19, 185G. Died September 23, 1879. Aaron K. Peckhani, Wyoming, December 10, 18(11. Died March 22, 1865. William Elwcll, Bradford, November 3, 1862. William Kluell, Columbia Novejnber 6, 1872. William Elwell, " January, 1883. ASSOCIATE jriXiES. Juhn Murray, appointed William Montgomery, " Leonard Rupert, " William Donaldson, " George Mack, " Samuel Oakes, " Stephen Baldy, " George H Willits, John Covanhovan, " Leonard B. Rupert, elected George H. Willits, Peter Kline, " Jacob Evans, " Siepht n Baldy, appointed October 11, 1813 August 5, 1815. June 27, 1816 March 26, 1840 March 27, 1840. March 6, 1845 March 11, 1845 March V>, 1850 March 12, 1850 Nov. 10, 1851 Nov. 10, 1851 Nov. 12, 1856 Nov. 12, 1856 Jan. 12, 1861 III. STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 125 John McReynolds, elected Nor. 23, 1861. Su*i)hen Biildy, " Nov. 23, 1861. Peter K. Herbein, " Nov. 8, 1866. Died in office April 1, 1869. Iram Derr, elected Nov. 8, 1866. James Kester, appointed April 2S, 1869. Charles V. Mann, elected Nov. 26, 1869. Died in office, Jantiary 24, 1870. Isaac S. jNIonroe, appointed Yah. 1, 1870. Isaac 8. Monroe, elected Nov. 9, 1870. Iram Derr, " Nov. 17, 1871. George Scott, " Dec. 3, 1 875 Died in office, April 10, 1876. Mayberry G. Hughes, appointed April 26, 1876. elected Dec. 8, 1876. " Dec. 8, J 876. " Dec. 8, 1881. " Dec. 8, 1881. Franklin L. Shuman, Isaac K. ivrickl>aum, Franklin L. .Sliuman, James Lake, PROTHONOTARY AND CLERK. George A. P^rick, Dr. David Petrikin, John Knssel, Jacob Eyerly, Janus Donaldson, Valentine Best, Jacob Eyerly, (( u appointed elected Jesse Coleman. 1813 March 15, 1821 January 14, 1824 January 19, 1830 January 8, 1,836 May 1, 1838 January 10, 1839. January 18, 1 839. December 1, 1839. 1842. 1845. 1848. 1851. 1854. 1857. 1 860. December 1, 1863. 126 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. \\v]\\n\x.Um IT. Ent, elected Dooomhor 1, 1S60. (uMioial Knt, tlit(l Nov. '), 1871. K. II. lviii>j;kM-, appointed 1871. B. F. Z:irr, elected DocomlxM- 1, 1872. '' " Decoiuber 1, 1875. William Krickbauni, '' 1878 " '' " 1881. SI COtiDH IKRIFFS. January 13, TToiiry Alwanl, issioned 1814. Joi-H'ph PnU/.iH:ui, y :v large circle of friends to whom he was endeared by liis bi-illi:iiit and genial qualities. Judge Lewis was by birtli-right a Quaker, but his residence cutting him off from intercourse with the Society of P^'riends, he attached himself to the Episcopal church. He died in an express- ed liope and trust in the love and mercy of his Saviour. CHARLES G. DONNEL. JuixiK DoNNKi. was the sou of Henry and Margaret Donnel, and was born Marcli the 14th, 181)1. On the 14th of January 1843 he was commissioned by Gov. David K. Porter, President Judge of the Eighth Judicial District, then composed of the counties of Northumberland, Union, Lycom- ing and Columbia. He was sworn into ottice on the 16th of Jan- uary and entered npon its duties. His first term in his own county began Ai)ril 3, 1843. He presided with great dignity ami urban- ity, and would undoubtedly have become emineut as a jurist, had he been spared to develop his powers. He died on the 18th of March 1844, aged forty-three years and four days, having held the office of President Judge fourteen months and four days. Judge Donnel peculiarly illustrated the saying, that the life of the successful lawyer is an uneventful one. Immersed in, and de- voted to his profession, neither politics nor general business at- tracted him. The excitements of foreiusic battles were enough for him, the delights of unravelling tangled threads of evidence oc- cupied his (piieter hours, while his leisure was given to exercise, to literature and to fiction. Hard facts are the business of a lawyer, works of the imagination his recreation. Judge Donnel was a member of the Episci)i)al church. JOSEPH BILES xVNTHONY. Josi'U'H Bilks Anthony was born in the city of Philadelphia, on tlie 19th of June, 1795. He fitted himself for the profession of liw, and was admitted to practice at Williamsport in i818, and in 1821 he married Miss Catharine Grafius, who survived him. HISTOUY OF COLVMBIA COUNTY. 133 rji^iiig rMj»i(lly in liis profession, and becoming Kotnt'wli.at active in j>olitics, the democrats of his senatorial district elected him to the State Senate in 1H30. He served his term iso much to the sat- isfaction of his constituents, that at the end of it, in 1834, he was elected to Congress, and re-elected iji 1836, by an unpncedented majority. In 1843 Governor Porter aj)|jointed him judge of the court for the adjustment of the Nicholson claims, in wliich position he dis- played sound legal learning and discrimination. In March 1844, Governor Porter aj)pointed him President Judge of the Eighth Ju- dicial District, composed of the counties of Lycoming, Northum- berland and Columbia He presided in the courts with great ac- ceptability, disposing of many cases of consideiable importance and turning on nice legal questions. He died at Williamsport, of heart disease, on the lOlh of Jan- uary 18.51, at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years. He left to survive him, a widow, and one son and six daughters. In politics Judge Anthony was a democrat of the old school; as a citizen he was social and benevolent; as a lawyer honorable and talented; as a leprcsentative attentive and faithful, and as a judge penetrating, prudent and conscientious. All had confidence in his integrity, and his death was a source of unusual sorrow. The following lines were written by Hon. Joseph B. Anthony, during the trial, before him, of an indictment, at the Jan- uary sessions of the court in Danville, 1846, against a man for shooting a valuable setter dog, called Ij<>(jan, the property of a Mr. Mercer, of that place. While the trial was in }>rogre88, the lines were thrown down on the counsel table, by the Judge, for the amusement of the bar. One of the members of the bar has had the lines in his possession ever since, and now offers them to the public. Poor Logan's dead, no more he'll howl, And rend the air with deafening cries, No more he'll set for man the fowl, In death's cold lap he lowly lies. How fondly would he hunt the game. How closely would he seent the air, A setter known full well to fame, The huntsman's friend ! his master's care. 134 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. From day to day, from year to year. lie roamed the wood, he scour'd tlie iield ; From every vicious practice clear, In faithfiihiess, to none he'd yield. A watchful, trusty, peaceful friend, From quarrel, strife and bickering free ; He never failed his aid to lend, But true to huntsman's call was he. In canine veins no drop of blood, Of "Logan" courses — all his race Is now extinct, — in wicked mood, Man sent him to his restiitg place. JAMES POLLOCK. Jamks Poixock, was born in the Borough of ]\Iilton, North- umberland county. Pa., on September 11th, 1810. His father William Pollock, was an American by birth, as also his mother Sarah Pollock. She was the daughter of Fleming Wilson, and was boi'n in Chester county, Penna., in October 1771. His paternal and maternal ancestors emigrated from the north of Ireland to America at least as early as 1760. They settled m Chester county Penna., and were the open and avowed friends of American inde- pendence during the war of the Revolution. One branch of the family settled in North Carolina, and some of its members were intimately connected with, if not prime movers in, the first declar- ation of Independence at Mechlenberg, North Carolina. They were known in that state by the name of Pol'k, an abbreviation of "Pollock," the original family name. His father, William Pollock, died in May 1817, leaving to sur- vive him a widow and seven children,-four sons,-of which James was the youngest,-and three daughters. The widow and mother, with an energy and determination that characterized her life, as- sumed at once the responsible duties of educating her children, and training them up in the "way they should go." She was a woman of strong intellect, of great moral courage, and marked religious character; qualities that aided in forming and moulding the character of those she loved, and for whose temi»oral and llItiTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 135 eternal welfare she lal)oreril 1834 he opened an otlice in Milton, Pa. and was successful in the prac- tice of his profession. In 1835 he was appointed District Attor- ney for Northumberland county, which office he held for three years. He was married on the 19th day of December 1837 to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of Samuel Hepburn, Esq. He held a number of important civil offices. He was a whig in politics, but notwithstanding this, he was, in 1844 elected a mem- ber of Congress from the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania then strongly Democratic; and subsequently twice re-elected from the same District, holding the office foj- three terms, or six years. He was thus a member of the 28th, 29th and 30th Congresses. As a niember of some of the most important committees he con- tributed largely to the general work of legislation. In the 28th Congress he was a member of the Committee on "claims," and his numerous reports attest the extent and quality of his labors. In the 29th Congress he was on the Committee on Territories, of which the late Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was chairman. To 1 ;U1 J/ IS Ton Y OF COL IMRIA ( H) UNTY. this Comuuttoo was roforrod all bills rolatino- t\> tlio ortiauization o( now Torritorios, aiul tho qm'stic>ii ol" oxohuliiiti' slaviM-y t'voin llu' Ti'Vi ili>ri(,'s ol' \hv Vuhvd States was o\'\vi\ jMTst'iiti'd. warmly iK'l)att,HU ami gt'iuMally ilotiM-inined in faxor ivf I'xrlusion. It was ovidoiit from thr toiu" and ti'mju'v of tlir disi-iissions in Committoo and in (.\>ni>Toss, t liat a ci-isis was approaoluno'. The ri'iiovts iVoin this (.'ommitttH' ^avc direction and Wnw t(> luiMic srntimont. Tlu' tlisiMissions ini'vcasod in warmth and hittrrnrss, and linallv onlminatod in atttanpti'd sooossioii, rovolution and war. tl>i' so- qnol \o all w hii-h was the trinniph o\' \hv riuht and (lio abolition o( slavery. Purin*;- the ;>()th (.'on^ress he was an aetive member o[' the (.\>mmittee of "Ways and Means, ol' w lueh tho lion. Sam- uel F. N'inton, of Ohio, was ehairman. 'P]\e eonntry was tlit'ii en- ii'aued in the Moxiean Avar, and in eousecinenee, the business of the l\nmuittee was greatly increased. The duties of the ]»laee w iMe oneuuis and responsible, but Avere fully and faithfully dis- ehargeil On the '2od of Juno 1818, (oDth Oouoress) ho oiYorod a resolu- tion for tlu> a]>|>(uutmeut of a speeial eommittoo to iiu|uire into the neeessity and praetieabilitv of eonstrut'tin>^- a railroad to the Taeitie. As ehairman of that eonunittoo ho made a re|H>rt to the House in favor of tho eonstruetion of suoh a road. The report Avill be found in the ,'hI volume o\' the.lournal of tho House of Keprosontativos for tho 1st session of tho o()th (.\ingross, Ko. 738. This Avas {hi\/irst/arorahle official act on this subject, on tho part of tho Congress of the United States. The report discusses the question in its international and do- mestic aspects, its feasibility and ])robable results, but only the opening sentences can be quoted here: "The proposition at first view is a startling one. Tlio magni- tude of the work itself, and the still greater and more magnitieont results promised by its aeeonqtlishmont — that of revolutionizing morally and eonnnorcially, if not politically, a greater ]>art of the habitable globe, and making the \ ast commerce of the world trib- utary to us — almost overAvholm tho mind. But your eonunittoo, on examination, tind it a subject as simple as it is vast and mag- nificent, and see no insurmountable ditlicultios in the w ay of its successful accomj>lishment." A bill accompanied tho report, and was referred to the conuuil- JTT STORY OF COLUMBJA COUNTY. 137 tee of tlie Whole, \mt no further action was taken on it at that tiirie, mid Mr. Polloek soon after left Congress. In the fall of IHiH, however, he delivered a lecture on the Pacific Railroad, by invitation, to a ci'owded house, at Lewisljurg, Union county, Pa., closing with the following remark : "At the risk of being considered insane, I will vcnluie the j)re- diction, that in less than twenty-five years from this evening, a railroatl will be completed and in operation between Xew York and San Francisco, California; that a line of steamships will be estab- lished between San F'ranciseo, Japan and China; and there are now in my audience, ladies who will, befoi'e the expiratiojj of the period named, drink tea brought fi-om China and Jajtan, by this route, U) their own doors !"' This pro])hetic announcement was received by the audience with a smile of good-natured inci<'(lulity ; but some of those very ladies, during the year 1869, were able to sip their favorite bev- erage in exact accordance with the terms of the speaker's predic- tion ! On the 10th of May, 1869, the last rail was laid, the last sjjike driven, and the great Pacific Kailway, so long in embryo, became an accomj»lished fact. The subjects of special interest during his Congressional terra of service, were the aimexation of Texas, the Mexican war, the acquisition of California, tlie repeal of the Tariff Act of 1842, and the "Wilmot Proviso" in its application to the newly acquir- ed Territories of the United States. In all tlie discussions on these exciting topics he took an active part. His speeches and votes clearly disclosed his views on all those subjects. In 1850 he was appointed President Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Northumber- landjMontour, Columbia, Lycoming and Sullivan. He held the office until the amendment of the Constitution, requiring the election of Judges by the peojtle, came into operation. He declined a nom- ination for the j»osition, left the 13ench, and resumed the prac- tice of the law. On his retiring from the Bench, the members of the Bar of the respective counties, unanimously passed resolutions highly complimentary to him as a man and Judge. In 1854 he was nominated and elected l^y a large majority, Governor of Pennsylvania, and Avas inaugurated in January 1855. 138 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. He held the office for one term, huviiig refused to })ermit his name to be used as a candidate for re-nomination. At the expiration of liis official term, he resumed the duties of his profession. The principal measures of his administration were tlie adoption of means by which the reduction of the public debt Avas commenced, and nearly two million dollars of it paid; the sale of the mainline of the Public works to the Pennsylvania Central K. R. Co. for $7,500,000, which sum was made applicable to the payment and reduction of the debt of the Commonwealth, and which, added to the sum actually paid, reduced the debt prac- tically nearly $10,000,000: — a series of acts by Avhicii increased vigor and efficiency were given to the system of common schools; retrenchment and reform in the various Departments, and econ- omy in the general administration of the GovernmenJ;. In the Fall of 1857, occurred a financial crisis which led to the suspension of specie payments by the Banks of the State, and threatened every branch of industry with serious derangement and injury. To avert impending evils, an extra session of the Legislature was called, which convened in October of that year. On his recommendation, the suspension of specie payments was legalized for a definite period, the forfeiture of the charters of the respective Banks prevented, and other measures adopted which allayed the public apprehension, saved the credit of the State, and removed the dangers to which the general prosperity had been exposed. He was appointed in 1860, by Governor Curtin, a delegate to the Peace Conference (or Congress) which was held in Washington, D. C. in February and March 1861. The object of this assemblage was to consider, and if practicable to adjust the differences and dissensions existing between the North and the South on the mucli vexed question of slavery. He took an active })art in the deliberations of that body. Tlie couferuuce failed to secure a favorable result. In May 1861 he was appoint- ed by President Lincoln, Director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, and held the office until October 1st 1866, when he resigned, unwilling to sustain the -'Policy" of Andrew John- son, by even a seeming acquiescence, in holding office under him. By his efforts, seconded by the approval of Hon. S. P. Chase, then Secretary of the Treasury, the motto "In God we trust." HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 139 was placed upon our National coins, a motto of deep significance, and alike honorable to the people and Government of the United States. lie was re-appointed, in 1869, by President Grant, Direc- tor of the U. S. Mint, which office he held until 1879, when he was appointed Naval officer, which position he still holds, 1882. During the War for the Union his sympathies, efforts and la- bors were all for his Country, for Union and Liberty. Rebellion found no advocate in him — treason no friend. True to the Union he was ever ready to aid in its defence; true to liberty and hu- manity, he was always their advocate; true to his country, he re- joiced in the overthrow of her enemies, and in the triumph of those great and essential principles of liberty and free govern- ment that nuxke the United States the first and best of Earth's Empires. JOHN NESBIT CONYNGHAM. John Nkshit Conyn(;ham was born in the city of Philadeli)hia December 17, 1798, and graduated with high honor at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, in 1816. He studied law in the office of the Hon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, and upon being admitted to the bar, resolved to settle in Wyoming valley, and came to Wilkes- barre in 1820. Shortly afterwards he married Miss Butler, a gi-and daughter of Col. Butler, of revolutionary fame. His at- tention to the jiractice of his ])rofession was unremitting. In the year 1833 liis seveie forensic efforts produced a bronchial affection which coni})elled him to retire from active practice. In 1839, his friends irrespective of party, urged upon him the acceptance of the connnission of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of his District. For thirty years he presided on the bench, with the dignity and urbanity of a gentleman of the old school. He came upon the Bench of Columbia county under a commis- sion dated 5th of November, 1851, and remained there until the formation of the twenty-sixth district, composed of the counties of Columbia, Sullivan and Wyoming, for which district Warren J. Woodward was commissioned on the 19th of May, 1856. Judge Conyngham resigned from the Bench in 1870, upon which occasion he was honored with a banquet, attended by the 1 40 HIS TOR Y O F COL UMBIA CO VNTY. AvlioU' l^:u- of Luzerne county, to testify their appreciaiiou of his les4al learning and unswerving purity and integrity of cliaracter. But eminent as he was upon the IJench and in his })rofession, it was not his only, and by no means his highest claim to public cou- tidence and respect He was the grandson of Redmond Conyng- ham, and the son of David H. Conyngham of the old and honored firm of "Conyngham & Nesbitt," eminent in revolutionary finan- cial history. In politics he was a firm and consistent Democrat, and his voice and influence were always ou the side of his coun- try. Under the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Claxton, Judge Conyng- ham received the rite of contirmation in St. Stephen's Church in Wilkes Barre, at the hands of Bishop Tl. LT. Onderdouk, iii the year 1841, and during a long life he adorned himself with all the christian virtues. He was a vestrynuxn in Saint Steplien's fi-oni Easter 1821, until his death, a ])eriod of almost fifty years. He was elected to the Diocesan Convention for the first time in 1826 and in 1850 he was elected a Deputy to the Genei-al Convention of the Church, and re-elected to every subsequent one, except one. In 18G2 he was a member of the connnittee on Canons, with Judge Chambers of Maryland, Murray Hoffman of New York, and Rob- ert C. Winthrop of Massachusetts. In October 1868 he was elect- ed President of the American Church Missionary Society. His judgment was sound and eminently conservative. He was not a radical, either in laAV, politics or theology. He was a pol- ished gentleman, a thorough lawyer, an upright Judge, an humble christian. The circumstances of the death of Judge Conyngham were })e- culiarly distressing. Accompanied by Mr. W. L. Congnyham, he was on a visit to another son, living in Mississippi. They arrived at Magnolia, in that State, about nine o'clock in the evening of Thursday, April 23, 1871, where the train stopped for the passen- gers to take supper. While they were thus engaged tlieir train was taken away from the })lace they left it and another came u}), and when they returned they went into one of the cars, to find, however, that it did not belong to their train, and very naturally they turned to leave it. The train was slowly starting, and they did so with some haste, Mr. W. L. Conyngham and Mr. Hender- son alighting without trouble, except a harmless fall on the i)art HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 141 of the latter. The Judge was not so fortunate, as in stepping off the car steps to the platform of the depot, which was rather low, he stund)led and fell, w illi his legs between the platform and the cai-s of the train, and when they had passed it was found that his legs, below the knees, were crushed in a terrible manner, the whole of the hind trucks having passed over both of them. He was taken to the hotel and medical aid immediately summoned, and everything possible was done for his comfort. He did not realize the extent of his injury at first, no })ain attended it, and he even made an attempt to gtt up, before he was removed from the ])latform, saying, "No matter, I am not hurt ; I will get up in a few moments." lie lived two hours, and toward the last, when reaction seemed to be taking place, and he began to feel some pain, and was told how serious his injury was, he desired am))uta- tion to l)e ])erformed. Injections of mor})hia were made to allay the pain, while prei)arations were making for the am))Utation, but uiidci- the effects of the morphia he seemed to decline, and not a great while after, dissolution took place. His last words were, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." His remains reached Wilkes- IJarre on the tii'st of March, and were interred on the third, attend- ed to their last resting place by an iinmense concourse of friends and admirers. He left a widow, and four sons and two daugh- ters. o WARREN J. WOODWARD. Upon the formation of the 2Gth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Columbia, Sullivan and Wyoming, this estimable gentleman was appointed President Judge by Governor Pollock, upon the reconmiendation of the membeis of the Bar of the sever- al counties comjiosing the district, his service commencing in June of that year, and continuing under the executive appoint- ment until the first Monday of December following. In the mean- time, at the general election in October of that year, he was elect- ed without opposition as the President Judge, for the constitu- tional term of ten years. He connnenced with the expiration of liis term under his prior appointment, and served until the first Monday of December, A. D. 18G1. In the latter year upon the retiremf'ut of the Hon. J. Prin)tained them without j)ersonal solicitations or effort. Uiton the bench l»e exhiV)ited great ability and impartiality, united with a faithful devotion to the duties of liis office. All business before him was promptly dis|tos('d of and the intrusion of ))olitical feel- ings or other sinister infiuence into his courts was sternly pre- vented. He brought to the bench a mind which had received its training and discipline under Judge Conyngliam of Luzerne county, before whom his professional life at the bar had l>een passed. His qualities, constituting high qualifications for a juro]>erly to estimate. 'Vo thoroui^h n\astery of the general principles of law, intimate ac(|uaintanco with practice and prcci'tU'Uts in all their details, he added a sound judgment, intlexible integrity and untiring industry, lie always stood by the ancient landmarks, and it was with him a matter of conscience not to make but to administer the laws as settled by adjudged cases. We nuvy be }»ermitted as our especial testinu>ny, tt>mentit)n his unvarying gentleness, courtesy, amiability and for- bearance, which endeared him to his colleagues and inadi' thi'm all his personal frientls. In the whole period of their association with him no instance of unpleasant collision can be recalled. His t'anxe as a judge will rest upon opinions exhibiting inde- pendent research, expressed in a char and forcible style, without pretensions to eloqnejice, models of judicial composition. His memory will long ))e cherished by all who knew him. and all w ho know how to ai)preciate the character and services <.^^ a faithful ami learned judge. -o A. K. rKCKIIAIVI. HY .lAJlKS W. I'lAlT, ESQ. Aauox Kingsi.ev Pih'kiia:\i was the second child o'i Kiugsley Peckhani and Hannah Ketta Kounds and was born at Bristol, Bristol county, Rhode Island. October 15th, l81o. His father was a farmer and while residimr in Rhode Island made a bare lIltiTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 145 comp(;t<'iu;(' for himscH' ;iii(l fiiiiiily. Learning of the (;ho;ij)nesH and facility with wiiich land could be acquired in l^ennHylvania he left Rhode Island in the Hpring of 1829, and after a long and tedious journey fraught witli the dangers, difHcidtio.s and discour- agements incident to the season and mode of travel, arrived and settled early in the spring, in Columbia, Bradford connty, Penn- Bylvania. The expenses of the trip left his fatlier little to begin with, but he went earnestly to work in the heavily timbered for- est, soon made a clearing and erected habita})le buildings. At tliis tiuie the subject of our sketch was fourttnui years old, just the age when he should have been placed at school and had o|)- portunities for fitting himself better for his after work. lie re- mained with his father until about the age of nineteen assisting in clearing, working the land and making improvements in spring, summer and fall, and attending the common schools of the neigh- borhood in the winter. He then procured a tract of land in Ar- menia townsliip, Bradford county and went to work for himself. Not a tree had been cut ujion this tract when he went upon it. He cut and cleared a number of fallows, set up a good sugar bush and made sugar several seasons. The land has now become a fine farm and is in the possession of Benjamin Knight. He re- mained there until the spring of 1838 when he rented a pail fac- tcn-y of Samuel Myers and C. M. Manville near Towanda, Pa. It was shortly after he began manufacturing pails that he deter- mined to study law. He entered his name as a student with Johti C. Adams of the Towanda bar. He meanwhile carried on his business and in addition taught school winters. In 1842 he was aer of the Bradford county bar. It was at this time that Wyoming county was separated from J^uzerne county and he went to Tunkhannock to engage in practice. He opened an office on Tioga street in a frame Ijuild- ing which was subsequently destroyed by fire and stood near Lo- beck's lilock. For about three years he practiced alone. Col. Elhanan Smith, now of the Towanda bar, went to Tunkhannock in 1845, when a law partnership was foraied under the name of Peckham & Smith. This partnership contirmed about three years and was the only one formed by him during his whole legal practice. He immediately obtained a fair share of the business in the county and by his industry, application and perseverance 146 ins TO li Y OF COL U3fBIA CO UlSTTY. worked his way into a d:oo(1 practice. In 1860 tlie late Warren J. Woodward, tlie tlien Presiding Judge of tlie then 26th jndieial district, eoin])rising among- others Wv«nning connty, was elected President Judge of tlie 2.'{d judic- ial tlistrict and surrendered his connnission as Presiding .Judge of the 26th. Governor Andrew i\. C^urtin coniinissioned \. Iv. Peck- ham to fill the vacancy in the fall of 1861. In the fall of 1S62, Judge Wm. Elwell, then a member of the Bradford county bar and now Presiding Judge of the 26th district, was nominated by the Democrats and concurred in by tlie Rei>ublicans. Judge Peckham declined to be a candidate. Upon December 1st 1862, his commission expired and he resumed his practice at Tunkhan- nock, continuing there until the time of his death, March 22d, 1865. He married Jane A. T'. INIanville at Towanda, February 21st, 1845. She died at Tunkhannock the 5th day of July, 1855. By her he left one daughtei", Mrs. N. P. Hicks, who now resides at Towanda, Pa. He married Jane E. Ivnowles at Chittenango, N. Y., November 24th, 1858. By lier he left one daughter, Mary, Avho now resides with her mother at Chittenango, N. Y. He was regarded as an enterprising citizen, a kind neighbor, a considerate husband and parent. I know of nothing mort? apt to say of him than that which is rnscribed upon the monument 'J over his grave at Tunkhannock. "In life au upright citizen, devoted companion, affectionate parent and faithful friend. Always firm and eHicient i)i defence of justice, and hostile to all oppression and Avrong. He being dead yet speaketh." WILLIAM ELWELL. WirxiAM Elwkll was born in Athens, Bradford county, Penn., October 9th, 1808. lie received a good English education at the Athens academy. At the age of nineteen he was an assistant under Chief Engineer Randall in running exploring lines on both sides of the Susquehanna river for the location of a canal from the New York state line southward. After leaving the engineer corjts he taught school for three years and then com- menced the study of the law in the office of Horace Willis- HON. wii.i.iAAr K\.\vy.i.i.. 148 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. toil, Esq. and was admitted to the Bar in February, 1833 For sixteen years he ])ractise(i his profession as partner of his pre- ceptor, in the nortlun-n counties of the state, and until the ap- pointment of Mr. Williston as President Judge of the 13th Dis- trict lie was a member of tlie Legishiture in 1842 and 1843, and at his tirst session at Harrisburg, was chairman of the Judiciary conxmittee, among the members of which committee were men who afterwards attained great distinction, notably Judge Shars- woed. Judge Gamble, Judge Barrett, liendrick B. Wright and Thaddeus Stevens, and of whom ho was in every respect the equal. In 1843 lie was chairman of the committee of ways a'.d means. As chairman of the Judiciary Comjnittee he prepared and report- ed Ihe bill to abolish imprisonment iov debt, which witli a single cliauge, stands now as originally reported. In 1844 lie declined being a cjuididate for Congress, preferring the practice of his profession to a })olitical life; but in 18GG he re- luctantly yielded to the demands of his i)arty (the Deiuociatic), and accepted the nomination in the 13th Congressional District- He ran far ahead of his party vote, but did not overcome the lie- publican majority. The Supreme Court Re])orts show the extent of his i)raetice, containing as they do, over one hundred cases argued by him. In 1862 he was elected President Judge of the 26th Judicial District composed of the counties of Columbia, Sullivan and Wy- oming, no candidale being named against him; and upon the ex- piration of his term, in 1872, he was re-elected withont a dissent- ing vote. In May 1874, Wyoming and Sullivan were created the 44tli Judicial District, and Montour county was added to Colum- bia, the District still remaining the 26th. ITpon his election in 1862, he removed to Bloomsburg, where he lins ever since resided. In April 1871, Judge Elwell Avas chosen umpire to settle the dithculties between the operators and the miners in the Anthracite coal regions, and his im|»artial judgment was accepted by all parties as a just and eijuitable solution of the troubles. He has been frequently urged to become a candidate for the Supreme Bench, and he has been voted foi- in convention for that place ; but he has uniformly declined to authorize a canvas in his favor, forthe office, not deeming it consonant withjudicial propriety. And HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 149 for the same reason he has refused to allow his name to be can- vassed for the office of Governor of the Commonwealth, for which lie has been frecjuently and warmly nrged. On the exj)iration of his second term as President Judge of the 2nth District, the JJar of the District unanimously, and without distinction of i)aity re^juested him to accept a third term, to which he consented ; and the political convention of the Democratic and Republican party respectively, followin«»' the lead of the J5ar, nominated him to the office for the election of 1882. He was then iiLiaiii unanimously elected. Judge Elwell is a member of the EjtiseopaJ Church, having been conlirmed a few years since by Bishop Howe. He was a]»- jiointed on the Bi-Centennial committee by Gov. Hoyt in 188], but his official duties jtrevented him from taking any active part. In 18(j8 he was elected a Trustee of the Bloomsburg State Nonnal School, and since 1873 he has been President of the Board of Trustees, and in the dark days of the school he did much in guid- ing it through to its j)resent successful condition. It is believed that Judge Elwell has held more special Courts than any Judge now ujion the Bench. And in order to have the advantage of his legal learning and ability mariy important cases have been certified to Columbia county from other districts and tried before him. Among the many notable cases which he has tried are the Williamsport l^ondcase — Fisher against the City of Philadelphia — Tryon and Dull against Munson, and the celebrated Cameron AV^ill case from Union county, each involving the rights of parties to the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in all of which his opinions were affirmed by the Supreme Court. On the ai)peal in the wiii case, after elaborate argument by eminent coun- sel for the apjjellant, the decision was affirmed, the Supreme Court adopting the o)»inion of the Court below as the opinion of that Court. The Mollie Maguire case growing out of the murder of Alex- ander W. Kea, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court, of itself forms a large volume, and establishes many important ques- tions on the law of homicide, was tried before him. Numerous cases in Equity in thi> and other counties liave been 150 HISTORY OF C0LU3IBIA COUNTY. he:ivd and decideil by him, and ex('('i)t in a single instance these decisions liave been sustained on aj»j)eal. His opinions which ai)[)ear in the State Reports, in the Weekly Notes of Cases, and other legal j)ublications, are considered as valuable additions t ) the legal literature of the time. It is wor- thy of mention that of all the ca^es in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, (Quarter Sessions and Orphans' Court, not a single case from his district has been revei'sed during the twenty years he has been upon the bench. -^S 1^ HI^STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 151 CHAPTER XVIII. While facts and circumstances are still fresh in the knowledge of citizens, it is well to put upon record what ought to be renienibered, of the early historyof "Tlie Bloonisburg Literary Institute and State Normal School." In the year 1856 the following named gentlemen, to-wit; A. J. Sloan, M. Coffman, E. Mendenhall, A. J. Evans, Wm. McKelvy, J. J. Brower, B. F. Hartman, S. II. Miller, J. M. Chaniberlin, Philip Unangst, Jesse G. Clark, A. Witnian, Michael Henderson, John G. Freeze, Levi L. Tate, Peter Billmeyer, M. C. Sloan, Jonathan Mosteller, Alexander J. Frick, E. B. Bidleman, Robei't F. Clark, A. M. Kui)ert, K. B. Menagh, W. J. Bidleman, Robert Cathcart, A. C. Mensch, and H. C. Ilower, associated themselves together "for the promotion of education both in the ordinary and higher branches of English literature and science, and in the ancient and modern languages," and therefore jiresented a petition to the Court, and at the September term, A. D. 1856, became and were a corporation under the name, style and title of "The Blooms- burg Literary Institute." Under the articles of incoriioration constituting the Charter, William Robison, Leonard B. Rupert, William Snyder, Elisha C. Barton, William Goodrich, D. J. Waller, Joseph Sharpless, John K. Grotz, and I. W. Hartman were made Trustees, to serve until the annual election provided for in the Charter. The min- utes of that Board of Trustees have never come into the hands of the writer, and neither the organization nor any of the proceed- ings are known. But a school of a high grade was promptly opened, and for some time kept in successful operation. It was held in a building located on the lot now owned and occupied by the Roman Catholic Church. The causes that eventually re- sulted in suspending operation need not be here detailed ; but a 152 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ('(Hisidorable tiinc elapsed hetwcon the closing of the school in the huildiiij:; iiientioiied. and its re-opening in what was known as tlie Old Acaublic schools had improved considerably, and a more general feeling for a higher educational training was develo})ed. A number of young men were to be fitted for college, and though the standard i-ate of public school teachers was raised by the State, yet all the educa- tional interests of tlie county were in a most backward condition. None of the schools, either private or public, came near tilling the ])ublic requirements, and it was the duty as Avell as the oppoituni- ty of Bloomsburg to lead in a new, and lasting and magnificent educational enterprise. In this conjuncture of alfairs Mr. Henry Carver appeared in town and o|)ened a classical school in the Old Academy on Third street. He was successful in his then undertaking and acquired in a large degree the conlidence of our people. The tirst and best result of that feeling of contideuce was the re-organization of the ''BUu)msburg Jjiterary Institute." Pursuant to a notice given, the Trustees of the liloomsburg Literary Institute met at the study of D. J. Waller on the evening of May 2nd, ISOti; present D. J. Waller, William Snyder, J. K. Grotz, L. B. l{uj)ert and I. W. Ilartman. On motion of J. KGrotz, D. J. Wallei- was elected }>resident and I. \V. liartman secretary. The places of E. C. Barton, Wm. llobison and Wm. Goodrich Avere declared vacant, and John G. Freeze, liobert F. Clark and William Neal were elected to till the vacancies. At the next meeting. May 4th, the resignation of Joseph Sharp- less was accepted and Conrad Bittenbender was chosen to till the vacancy. A committee of six was named to open books and take subscription to the stock of the corporation. A committee on location of the building was also chosen, and Wm. Neal was elected to be treasurer. At the next meeting, May 25th, Profes- sor Carver was elected principal of the contemplated school. A number of subscriptions to the stock having been obtained, the stock-holders met in the Grand Jtny room, June 16, 1866, to lo- cate the school building. x4fter some discussion the question was postponed, and the meeting adjourned to June 22nd. On assem- bling, i)ursuant to adjournment, propositions were received from William Snyder, Wm. B. Koons, M. S. Appelman, C. Barton & 154 IIISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Vo. and D. J. Waller. On a vote being taken it resulted as fol- lows : P'or Snyder's location 489 votes. For Koons' 3 votes. On the same day the Board of Trustees at a meeting resolved to accept William Snyder's j)ropositioii and adoj)ted the location voted for by the stock-holders. On the 29th of June the Board ordered that jjlans and speciti- cations be at once procured and a building be contracted for and })ut up at a cost not to exceed $15,000.00. The resignations of Wm. Neal and J K. (4rotz were tendered and accepted, and thereupon M. S. Appeliuan and Peter Billmeyer were elected to till the vacancies. On the 12th of July Mr. Hart- man resigned, and F. C. Eyer was elected, in his place. M. S. Api)ehnan who was electeort in favor of locating the school buildings on the north side of the extension of Main street, but Mr. Snyder declined to sell that and upon the acceptance of the present location, Mr. Waller re- signed from the committee, and on the 21f-t of July, from the Presidency of the Board and fi-om the Board of Trustees ; and subsequently Freas BroAAm was elected in his stead. Hon. Leonard B. Rupert was elected President of the Board of Trustees in the place of Rev. Mr. Waller, resigned, and was an- nually re-elected until May 9, 1873, when Hon William Elwell was elected and is still, 1882, the President. During all this time tlie matter of subscriptions and building were pushed forward with considerable vigor. On the question of location, some difficult v was experienced. It was designed to locate the building north of the projection of Second street, but Mr, Snyder did not consent to the change. We all see now how great the advantage would have been. A committee waited upon him about the matter and after consultation wiih him, at a meet- ing on the 4th of August, 1866, it was "Resolved, that in accepting the location offered by Mr. Snyder, the Board act in view of the assurance given to the public in con- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 155 iiectioii witli that oflFer, that the owners of the Porks Hotel will, at no distant day, remove that hotel, and open Main street directly to the front of the Institute grounds." On such terms and conditions the grounds were accepted and the building erected. On Thursday, April 4, 1867, The Bloomsburg Literary Insti- tute was opened and df(licated to the purposes of education. The day was warm and beautiful, and at one o'clock in the afternoon the Bloomsburg Brass Band lieaded the procession, marching from the Old Academy Building on Third street to the Institute. The Band was followed by tlie Board of Trustees, then by the Clergy, next the parents of the pupils, then the pupils, and lastly the Faculty. The piocession passed up Third to Market, up Mark- et to Second and uj) Second to the Institute. On arriving at the door Judge Rujjert, President of the Board, unlocked it, the Band fell back and escorted the Faculty and pupils, who entered lirst, followed by the parents and Trustees. The Hall of the In- stitute was filled by the citizens and friends of the School in at- tendance at the inauguration. After nuisic by the band, prayer was offered by the Rev. I). J. Waller, a song, "Welcome Chorus," given by the glee club, after which Hon. L. B. Rupert, President of the Board of Trustees made a report of the inception and progress of the work. The y Masters Waller, Little, W. H. Clark, Snyder, Buckalew, Billmeyer, Funk, Hender- shott, G. E. Elwell, J. M. Clark, Bittenbender, Neal, Schuyler, Woods, and I'nangst. At I he close of the afternoon exei-cises, Mr. E. R. Ikeler, on be- half of the teachers of Columbia county, with an apprr)priate speech, presented Prof. Carver with an album, containing i)or- traits of the donors, as a testimonial of their respect It was re- ceived by the Prof, who returned his acknowledgements in a few well chosen sentences, and after a song by a class of the pupils, the audience was dismissed. 156 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. In the evening- the hirge hall of the Institute M\as filled with a gratified and appreciative audience, and the exercises began with a prayer by Rev. J. R. Dimm. A song was then given by the glee club. At the request of the Board of Trustees, Judge Ehvell then delivered an admirable address, in brief reciting the history of the Institute, and urging the friends of education to push on the work, and complete the building, beautify the grounds, pro- vide a library and necessary apparatus , and assuring them that thus they were affording to their children means for an ample ed- ucation, and bestowing u})on them a legacy which would be for- ever a blessing. The evening exercises were engaged in by the following : Misses L. E. Jolm, Appleman, M. John, Ehvell, Lutz, Sharpless, Bittenbeiider, Clark, Edgar, Caslow, Irving, McKinney, M. E. Sharpless, Armstrong, Pursel, Brower, Rupert, Agerand Robbins; and Masters J M. Clark, Bomboy, Hartman, Neal, G. A. Clark, Pursel, Billmeyer, Pardee, Turnbach, Smith, B. Pardee, G. P. Waller, Irving, Swisher, Rupert, Schuyler, L. Rutter, Sloan, Mor- ris, Lutz, McKelvy, Buckalew, Mendenhall, Bittenbender, L. Wal- ler, H. Rutter, Dillon, P^unk, Thomas, Evans, Edgar, Appleman, Girton, E. Rutter, Woods, G. McKelvy, Van Buskirk, Hender- shott, J. K. Morris, jr., Melick, 1). J Waller, jr.. Little, L^nangst, T. F. Connor and G. E. Ehvell. Looking back now upon that occasion, important as it seemed at the time ; it is doubtful if any one realized all that it has accom- ])lished for the Town, and will yet accomplish. All its influences have been for good, and must continue so to be. It has brought many strangers to our town — it has been a means of education to many here who could not have gone elsewhere — all its surround- ing influences and teachings are of the pleasantest kind. On the 4th of May 1867, the stockholders of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute met and elected the following Board of Trus- tees : For one year, Robert F. Clark, Peter Billmyer, F. C. Eyer. For two years, J. G. Freeze, L. B. Rupert, Wm. Snyder. For three years, John Wolf. C. Bittenbender, J. P. Connor. On the 2oth of October, 1867, Mi. E. Mendenhall was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Wm. Snyder. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 157 During the year 1867, a tine bell weighing 2171 pounds was placed in the cui)ola of the school, at a cost of about $1,200. The money was raised by subscription through the efforts of D. J. VValler Jr., Geo. E. Elwell and Charles Unangst, wdio were then pupils in the school. And here we may pause for a moment in the history of this great educational enterj)rise. Contrary to the expectations even of friends, in spite of the sneers and opposition of the indifferent and close-fisted and narrow-minded, the building and school were a proud success. As it stood there in its solitary grandeur upon the hill, the Board of Trustees could look \\\)Q\\ the work with satisfaction and gratification. Undeniedly it increased the value of all the i»roperty in Bloomsburg; it increased the attractions of the town as a place of residence; it cheapened the cost of the nec- essary preparation of boys and girls for the active duties of life; it raised the true re})Utation of Bloomsburg among the surround- ing counties, and even beyond the State lines the rumors of us ex- tended, and pupils came thence among us. The liberal and large hearted man rejoiced in the good he had accomplished, and knew it was a monument to his labor and perseverance more last- ing than brass. One after another the faint-hearted became foot- sore, and weary ; but as they fell out of the ranks their places were tilled by others, and when at the end of the first year a Board came to be elected, it ajipeared that but four of those whose names appeared among the first roll call, had struggled on. togeth- er to the end. It had been a struggle, such as they only who had gone through it, could api)reciate. Amid so many discourage- ments they were surj)rised at their own success, but having suc- ceeded it is but right to say that a very large majority of the citi- zens of Bloomsburg gave substantial support to the enterprise. In the meantime the year 1867 was passing away, the school was attracting attention, the building was large and conspicuous, and our citizens began to awaken to its importance. Mr. Wicker- sham, the State Superintendent of Public Schools, had heard of us, and seeing wliat we had already accomplished, suggested the erection of additional buildings and the organization of a State Normal School, to be run in connection with the Literary Insti- tute. Discussion on the subject was general and warm, and on the 9th of March 1868, the Board "Resolved that the Trustees of 158 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the Bloomsbiirg Literary Institute agree to establish in connection with the same, a State Normal School under the Act of Assembly of the 2nd of May, 1857, and to ])rocure the grounds and put up the necessary buildings as soon as the sum of seventy thousand dollars is subscribed by responsible persons, agreeably to the fore- going propositions." In })ursuance thereof, at that and subsequent meetings, commit- tees on plans, specifications and subscriptions, were appointed and proceeded to the discharge of their duties. On the 18th of April, 1868, a public meeting was held in the Recorder's office to consider "the S!ibject of a Normal School to be located at Bloomsburg." The Rev. Mr. Waller was called to the chair, and Capt. Brockway was chosen Secretary. Mr. Neal stated the object of the meeting. After a very fiee and spirited discussion, the following resolutions were moved and carried : "That the Trustees of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute be earnestly requested to pjirchase the necessary grounds and proceed to make an agi^eement to carry forward the enterprise of erecting the building required. That the plans submitted by Prof. Carver be reconmiended to the ti'ustees for adoption. That it be reconmiended to let the building to Prof. Carver at his estimate of $36,000." Tlie ])roceedings and i-ecommendations of the piiblic meeting having been certiiied to the Board of Trustees, then in session, the Board on the same day appointed a building committee, consisting of L. B. Rupert, P. Billmeyer, and F. C. Eyer, and authorized it "to contract for the erection of the building with Prof. Carver at his bid of thirty-six thousand dollars, in accordance with the rec- ominendation of the citizens," and it was accordingly so done, and the building was put in process of construction. On the 2d of May, 1869, the stockholders elected the following: For three years, Robert F. Clark, William Elwell, William Neal; For one year, Elias Mendenhall. It being thought best to have the building committee members of the Board, Judge Rupert, Judge Elwell, and William Neal, were elected. On the 23d of June, the Board met to consider the subject of the Normal School Building. It was "Resolved, that the following HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 159 specific articles be put in the corner-stone of the new buihling, to-wit : A copy of the Bible, a certified copy of the charter, names of the Board of Trustees as follows : L. B. Rupert, Presi- dent ; John G. Freeze, Secretary ; Elias Mendenhall, Treasuier ; Robert F. Clark^ Conrad Bittenbender, John Wolf, Joseph P. Conner, William Elwell, and William Neal ; Catalogue of Fac- ulty and Students, State School Board as follows : Maj. Gen. Geary, Governor of the Conmionwealth ; Hon. J. P. Wickersham, Superintendent of Common Schools ; C. R. Coburn, Deputy Su- perintendent; last message of Gov. Geary ; cpy of School laws ; history of the Institute and school buildings ; one copy of The Columhia7i, The Republican and The Democrat ; proprietor of the grounds, and first treasurer, Wni. Snyder deceased : building connnittee, Leonard B. Rupert, William Elwel! and William Neal; architect and builder, Heniy Carver ; ad-.dsory architect, Samuel Sloan ; one specimen of each of the following curre icy : 1 three cent j)ostal currency, 1 five cent postal currency, 1 ten cent postal currency, 1 three cent silver piece, late issue, 1 five cent silver piece, old issue ; and programme of the anniversary exercises. The laying of the corner stone of the Bloomsburg State Nor- mal School was performed upon the 2oth day of June, 1868. At 1:30 p. m., the Hon. C. L. Ward, delivered an oration in the hall of the Institute. At its close a procession was formed, head- ed by the Board of Trustees, and proceeded to the corner where the stone was to be placed. Arrived there and opening to the right and left. Gov. Geary, Mr. Wickersham, and other distin- guished gentlemen, came forward. Rev. Mr. Waller offered prayer. Gov. (4eary then laid the corner stone, after having de- posited within it, the articles mentioned. After the stone had been placed, with a]»i)r()priate ceremonies, the Governor made an address. Judge Elwell then, on behalf of the Board of Trustees made an address. Judge Rupert, read a history of the Institute as deposited in the corner stone. Governor Geary then handed the ])lans of the new building to Prof. Carver, with a short address ; Prof. Carver accepted them, promising to urge the completion of the building as ra))idly as possible. In the evening Mr. Wicker- sham met and addressed a large audience, in the hall of the Insti- tute, on the subject of education generally, and of Normal Schools, particularly. 160 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Thus this new and important enterprise was fairly under way, and a reasonable prospect of sufficient interest in it to insure its completion. There was still a small element of croakers, clogs on all progress, who sneered at the whole matter and predicted it would never succeed. As it is intended that their names shall be forgotten, they do not appear in this sketch. What do they think now, however, when they see following that enterprise, tlie erection of the best hotel within the forks of the Susquehanna — the building upon Second street of more than a dozen first-class three story brick buildings — of extensive im- provements and repairs in all parts of the town — the erection of an Opera House — the introduction of gas and water — the removal of unsightly obstructions from the streets — the opening, grading and extension of thoroughfares —the large influx of permanent and desirable citizens. It is but fair to say that little, if any, of all this would have happened had not those buildings first been erected. They are an advertisement of the town of which it has not yet shown itself to be, collectively, entirely appreciative. It was the first deter- mined effort at improvement and progress, and it Mas an effort whose far-reaching good can never be measured. And it brings money, and reputation, and population to the town, as well as providing healthful educational influences to thousands of our coming men and women. On the 19th of February, 1869, the Legislative committee, com- posed of Messrs. Hon. Wilmer Worthington, Hon. James C. Brown, Hon. George 1). Jackson, and Hon. Henry M. Hoyt, met at Bloomsburg for tlie purpose of inspecting the buildings, grounds &c., pre{)aratory to reconunending it to recognition us a Normal School. The report was unanimously favorable, and the an- nouncement was heard with lively satisfaction. Si)eeches were made by Judge Rupert, Hon. Thomas Chalfant, Gen. Ent, and others. On the 22d February, 1809, the proclamation of the Depart- ment, recognizing it as a State Normal School, was published, and our legal existence dates from that famous d ay, the birthday of Washington. The following is the full report of the State Superintendent of HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 101 coiiiTnon schools on tlie official recognition of the State Normal School of the sixth district : "A connuunicution, was received at this department, dated February 8th, 1869, and signed by L. B. Rupert, President, and John G. Freeze, Secretary, of the Board of Trustees, of the Bloonisburg Literary Institute, stating that said board had ob- tained grounds, erected buildings, and opened a school, which they desired to have inspected by a committee appointed according to the provisions of the act of Assembly approved May 20th, 1857, with the design of having the institution recognized as the State Normal School of the Sixth District. Accordingly, with the consent of the Governor, the following named gentlemen were appointed the committee : Hon. Wilmer Worthington, Hon. Jas. C. Brown, Hon. Geo. D. Jackson, and Hon. Henry jNI. Hoyt; the several County Superintendents in the counties composing the district were notified, and Friday, the 19th day of February, was agreed upon as the day for the examination. All the members of the committee were present on the day api»oiiited, and they, in connection with the State Superintendent of Connnon Schools, and the County Superintendents of the coun- ties of Columbia, Montour and Union, proceeded, at 9 o'clock A. M., to discharge the duties of their appointment. They first at- tended the opening exercises of the school in the Chapel of the institution, and then spent some time in visiting the several class- rooms and listening to recitations in the various branches. After this, they were conducted by members of the Board of Trustees and delegations of citizens over the grounds and through the buildings. All the official papers appertaining to the institution were duly examined, its deeds, charter, by-laws, rules and regula- tions. Full explanations were elicited in reference to the organ- ization of the school, the constitution of its faculty, its plan of study, tfcc, &c. The connnittee retiring for consultation, then organized by electing Wilmer Worthington, President, and J. P. Wickersham Secretary, and, after due deliberation, adopted the following pre- amble and resolutions, and thereto appended their proper signa- tures : 162 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Feb. 19, 1869. Whereas, The "Bloomsburg Literary Institute," having made formal api)lication to the Department of Common Schools for the ap})ointment of a committee to examine its claims to be recogniz- ed as the State Normal School of the Sixth District, according to the provisions of "An Act to provide for the due training of teach- ers for the Common Schools of the State," approved the 20th day of May, 1857; and Whereas, The undersigned, being duly appointed and author- ized under said act, and having personally, and at the same time, on Friday, the 19th day of February, 1869, visited and carefully inspected said Institute, and made a careful examination thereof of its by-laws, rules and regulations, and its general arrangements and facilities for instructing, and having found ihem to be sub- stantially such as the law requires ; Resolved. That the "Bloomsburg Literary Institute" is, in our opinion, entitled to recognition as a State Normal School, with all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by other institutions of like character in this Commonwealth. WiLMER WoRTHiNGTON, Chairman. George D. Jackson, ^ James C. Bromt^, >- Committee. J. P. WicKERSHAM, Sec'y. Henry M. Hoyt, ) C. G. Barkley, County Stipt. Columbia Co, C. V. Gundy, County Sti^^t. Union County. Wm. Henry, County Supt. 3fontour County. This report was announced to a large audience, which had as- sembled in the Chapel of the institution to hear it, and was receiv- ed with the most lively satisfaction. Prof. Henry Carver, the Principal of the school, presided at this meeting, and a'l dresses were delivered by different members of the committee, Judge Rupert, President of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Thomas Chal- fant. General Ent, and others. In the evening a "Sociable" was held at the school, and this was followed by a banquet at one of the hotels. The following is the proclamation of the Department recogniz- ing the Bloomsburg Literary Institute as a State Normal School: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, "^ Department of Common Schools, V Harrisburg, February 22d, 1869. \ Whereas, In pursuance of the api)lication to this Department of the Trustees of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute for the ap- pointment of a committee to examine its claims to recognition as HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 163 the State Normal School of the Sixth District, according to the provisions of "An Act to provide for the due training of teachers for the Couiraon Schools of the State," approved the 20th day of May, 1857, the following gentlemen were appointed, viz: Hon. Wilmer Worthington, of the County of Chester ; Hon. James C. Brown, of the County of Mercer ; Hon. George D. Jackson, of the county of Sullivan, and Hon Henry M. Hoyt of the County of Luzerne ; and, Whekkas, The committee so appointed, in conjunction with the State Sui)erinten(lent of Common Schools, C. G. Barkley, Esq., County Superintendent of the County of Columbia, C. V. Gundy, Esq., County Suj^erintendent of Union, and William Henry, Esq., County Superintendent of the County of Montour, the County Superintendents of the other counties in the district — Northum- berland, Snyder, Dauphin, Perry, Juniata, and Mifflin — being unable to be present, after having, on the 19th day of Februaiy, 1869, visited anllars annually, have been provided for by them, on their pi'rsoiial responsibility. They liave given days and nights to the business of tlie school, tliey have borue for tlie public and general good, burdens which no num in the town has struggled under in his own business. When State aid came slowly or not at all, when subscriptions failed, when the daily pressure of debts was almost unbearable, when Prof. Carver left us so unceremoniously without a Principal, the Trustees shouldered the work and accept- ed the responsibility. Sometimes it seemed doubtful on Friday evening whether there would be a teacher or a student on the hill on the coming Monday morning; but Professors Brown and Ferree were true as steel to their duty, and with the other mem- bers of the faculty kej)t off the daily threatened catastrophe. This is only a nuM-e outline of the daily and nightly toil and anxiety, and no man needs to wish a closer acquaintance with the busi- ness. But the school was without a head, the Sheriff" had sold the lease of Prof. Carver for his debts, and all parties were hang- ing by the eyelids. The Jioard called upon Mr.Wickershamfor ad- vice and assistance, and he met them on the 19th of December 1871, at the othce of Col. Freeze. After a long and contidential talk upon the subject, Wickersham suggested Charles G. Barkley, Superintendent of Cohnnbia County Common Schools, as a proper person for Principal ; and on motion of K. F. Clark, Esq. he was unanimously elected. He accepted the position upon condition that he should be relieved as soon as the Trustees could supply his place. The Board of Trustees met at the Hall the next moriung, December 20th, accompanied by Mr. Barkley and Mr. Wickersham. Col. Freeze announced to the Faculty and School the action of the Board in the election of a Principal, and Mr. Wickersham ad- dressed theni, warmly endorsing the selection. Some changes were made in the management and a visible in[)rovement oc- curred. Mr. Barkley continued in charge of the school until March 27, 1872, when at his own request he was relieved, and the Rev. John Hewitt was elected, and on Thursday March 28, the Board, accompanied by Mr. Hewitt, proceeded to the building. Mr. Barkley called the school to order, Mr. Freeze announced the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 165 election of the Priiici])al, and Mr. Hewitt made an address, and took i'onual charge of the School. He continued to conduct it until the end of that school year, June :^6, 1873, and the improve- ment begun under Mr. Barkley continued, closing the year in a condition much ahead of the opening in every respect. But, although all felt that the crisis in the affairs of the school was past, yet there was a large deficiency, and the Board was again obliged to sit day after day and night after night as a committee of ways and means. It would be most mon- tonous to repeat here what has before been said as to pressing pecuniary difficulties. Again the Trustees were obliged to step into the breech and pledge their own names and means to satisfy creditors, and save the pro])erty and credit of the Institution. I am i)Uisuaded that the time and labor have not been fully appreciated by the com- nninity who are reaping the benefit of the expenditure. But let .that pass! Dr. Griswold assumed the duties of Principal at the Commencement in June, 1873, and it isiiot proposed here and now to speak of the management and success of the school under his administration; but it is only justice to state that he made it pay expenses — a thing it never did before. In May, 1874, at a meeting of the Stockholders, Hon. Wm. Elwell, Elias Mendenhall, Conrad Bittenbender, Leonard B. Rupert, Jacob Schuyler, John A. Funston, William Neal, John Wolf, and John G. Freeze, were elected Trustees; and on May 3, 1875, the same jiersons were re- elected, together with J. J. Brower, Hon. C. B. Brockway, and Joseph Sharpless, the Legislature having increased the Board to twelve. At the same time the Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion appointed on the part of the State the following named gen- tlemen, viz: Hon. C. R. Buckalew, Charles G. Barkley, D. A. Beckley, Col. Samuel Knorr, Hon. M. K. Jackson, and C. W. Mil- ler, Esq. On Wednesday, August 25, 1875, the school opened with the largest list of students ever entered upon its books, and we were one and all looking forward to an increasingly successful school year. But in a moment, as it were, all our hopes were dashed to the ground. On Saturday afternoon, September 4th, the Boarding Hall was observed to be on tire, and in two hours the magnificent building was a nuiss of ruins. It was a total loss, the $30,000 of insur- 166 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. aiu'c IxMiijjj less t]\:iii liivlf the value of tlu' building, not including furniture and lixtur(>s. But tlii' Hoard of Trustees, with the elU- cient aid of the eitizens of Hloonisburtf, gra})pled with the emer- gency, and took innui'diatt' measures to begin the (>reetion of a new, eidarged, and inipioved building. Their late exiterienee now stood tiiem in good stead, and tlu'y [)ushed tlie work with great energy. The Corner Stone of the new Nt)rmal lioarding Hall was laid on Saturday October, 80th, IHTT), and although the day was very inelement, there was in attendance a large concourse of people. The ensuing winter was an unusually mild and open one, and with the exception of a very few days the work of re-erection and construction went rapidly forward. So nuich so, that on Wednes- day, April 2()th 187(), the building was formally dedicated to use, and opened for the admission of students, and the beginning of the spring term. After some time Dr. Griswold was superseded, and the Rev. David J. Waller Jr. was elected Principal. His ad- ministration of the school has been siiccessful and satisfactory, and it is to be hoped that a brilliant career is now open to the Bloomsbnrg State Normal School. ///A' TO R Y O F COL UMBIA CO UNTY. 1 07 CHAPTER XIX. The common scliool Hystem had been in cxiHtfnce in the Btate since 1835, with more or less succeHH, wh(;n in 1H54 an Act crea- ting tlic office of County Superintendent and defining his powers and duticH j)aHsed the legislature. Although conHideraV>le opposi- tion was manifested, yet upon the whole the eflFect has been favor- able to the advancem<'titof thc^ schools. Better teachers hav(! been employed and better discipline has been maintained. During all these years howerer, owing doubtless to the continued inefficiency of the public schools, private schools as distinguished from the com- mon, have been supported at differ'-nt places in the county. Up to within a very short time, at Blootnsburg, at Berwick, atCatawissa, at Miilvillc, and at Orang(;ville, there have Vjeen schools, and at some places there are yet, in which the classics and higher mathe- matics have been taught. Sometimes they have flourished with great vigor, and at others have languished or died out under the blighting inefficieticy of the principal. Nevertheless, in all the schools, both public and private, there has been great improvement. It has been manifested not only in the character and acquirements of the teachers, and in the grade of studies, and the higher stan- dard proposed, but also, and notably, in the better character of the school houses, and their appointments. Thus, not only in this coun- ty but elsewhere, the common sch(Kjls have superseded the pri- vate, and have thus also improved their tone and character. Year by year the school department issues very elaborate reports on the educational system, with statistics and tables, and as these are con- stantly changing, and are as regularly coming into the hands of my readers, it has been thought not to V>e expedient or necessary to trouble any one with columns of figures, which while the book is passing through the press are heconiing incorrect and mislead- ing. 108 niSTOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. The early liistory of schools, school houses, and education is more iiiteiesting than any presentation of the present condition and future prospects of the subject ; and 1 therefore gladly avail, myself of the lepoit of William II. Snyder, late County Superin- tendent, concerning tlie early schools in Cohunhia county, and which he has \i ry kindly allowi d me to coj)y. i\lr. Snyder says : '"■These schools, with but one excei)tion, weie snj)porttd by sub- scription, and the houses were generally built in the same manner up to 1834, when the public schools vv(3re established. The branches usually taught in them were spelling, reading, writing, and written arithmetic. A pu[)irs ouifit was a very modest affair- A Webster's spelling-book, an English reader, or a Testament, a Daboll's arithmetic, a slate, a goose-quill, and a few sheets of pa- per, covered the entire range of known material for winter after winter, as long as he might go to school. After i)ublic schools were established, Malte Brun's geogra{)hy and Smith's grammar, on tlie inductive system, were soon adiii)t- ed. Seeing the numerous algebras, geometries, histories, rhetorics, philosophies, physiologies, copy books, drawing-books, language- books, etc, in the schools at the present day, one can scarcely real- ize the vast improvement. How much higher and broader the schools shall be elevated, is only a question of time. IJK.WKK. The first school in Beaver, was taught in Mr. Kostenbauder's grist-mill, by Isaac Davis, in 1821. Four years later, Mr. Davis opened another, in his private dwelling, which stood where Davis church now stands. In speaking of j(?r/ya^6 dwellings, or residence we shall omit the word "private," hereafter. In 1825, Henry Schell taught in a dwelling which stood near wheie the church Jiow stands, by the road leading from Beaver to Mainville, and Adam Holocher, in a similar building, which was located on the land now owned by Charlen Michael. After teaching several terms, which were usually held during winter, Mr. Schell permanently closed his school, when another was opened in a dwelling which was situated on tlie land owned by Joseph Lehr. The instruction in these schools was principally in German. TTTSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 169 BENTON. During the year 1799, there were but two families living in the vicinity where llie village cf Benton now stands. Here Isaac Young opened the first school, in a private dwelling. After it permanently closed, another was opened in a similar building, which stood where Eli Mendenhall's barn now stands, above the village. As the pine forest fell before the sturdy axeman, a small log school-house was built on West creek, above, and another be low Benton, where Stephen Jjazarus now lives. Honorable Alexander Colley, who died Monday, June Gth, 1S81, at the age of nearly 95 years, having been born August 17th, 1786, was for many years the only surviving member of the first public school board. He was a man of sound judgment, a surveyor, a school teacher, and had been a number of the lower house of the Legislature. BERWICK. A mist enshrouds the early school history of Berwick. Before 1800, lierwick h;id its schools, but under what teachers, and of what character nothing is known. From 1800 to 1837, it was customary to hold school for a few months in each year. Prominent among the teachers of this pe- riod were Mr. Holloway, David E Owen, son of the founder of the town ; Doctoi- Duilon, David Jones, Doctor Roe and James Dilvan. These men taught between the years 1800 and 181S, and were, without exception, men of education. The prominent teach- ers from 1800 to 1837, were Messrs. Comstock, Hoyt, Richards, Reverend Crosby and Simon Haiks. The innrket-house and Quaker church were the only school- buildings during this time. In 1837, on the site ot the market- house, the academy was erected. This was a prominent step for Berwick. Among the distin- guished teachers who taught in it were Rev. J. H. Ritterdiouse, George Waller, Joel E. Bradley, and Mr. Runk. The school flour- ished for several years, but finally, the building was sold for public school ])urposes, and has since been torn down. In 1872. a splendid brick structure was erected, which cost in- cluding all necessary equijtments, $15,000. ^s "tj^ 'Wv C 1 70 HISTOR Y OF COL UMBIA CO UNTY. BLOOM. Bloorasburg had her early schools, but as to their whereabouts, and by whom taught, nothing is definitely known. The first school of which there is any recollection, was taught about the year 1802, by George Vance, in a small log-building, which was located where the Episcopal church now stands. Finally, this house was torn down, and a frame one erected in its place, in which William Love taught for some time. The hii^hest branches taught in this school, were reading, writing, and arithmetic. The advanced read- ing class read in the Bible, and the second class in the New Testa- ment. The ncYt school was established in the lower end of town, in a building which was located near where Joseph E. Barkley's cabinet- shop now stands ; Robert Fields was its first teacher. Messrs. Love and Fields were succeeded by William Fergeson, Murray Manville, and Joseph Warden. About the year 1830, Hiram W. Thornton opened one in a chair or wagon-shop, which was located where Mr. William Neal's resi- dence now stands. The old academy, which was erected on the site of Dr. Evans' present residence, and opened for school purposes in the spring of 1839, was a monument of zeal in the cause of education, at a time anterior to the introduction of the public school system. The standard of instruction was elevated, if judged by the advertise- ment of the first teacher, to give instruction in the Hebrew lan- guage, which was not extensively pursued at that early day in Bloomsburg. But the teacher's literary reputation dwindled when, on perusing a copy of Shakspeare, he inquired whether this was the celebrated author of that name, and what were his principal works ; and evinced his astonishment in the question, " 'What ! these dialogues f " This building contained four school- rooms, and Avas occuj)ied for public school purposes until 1875. Between 1850 and 1860, Professor Joel E. Bradley taught a high school in the room now occupied by the Democratic Sentinel and Mrs. Anna K. Drake a primary one in the adjoining room. About the same time Miss Mattie Wells, was also teaching a select school in a small building which was located where William Gil- more's establishment now stands ; and Miss Susan Painter another in the back part of her father's justice office, on Market street. Hli^TORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. IIX [The interesting sketch by Mr. Snyder, was only intended to rescue from oV)livion a few facts relating to early schools. The improvements since made were not in the task imposed upon him. Nor is it intended to give full statistics of the schools, with wliich official publications every year fully acquaint our people, and I shall therefore only mark special cases. In other portions of this work, different schools are spoken of, and need not be here repeat, ed. In 1870, the school directors erected on Fifth street, in the eastern jtart of the t«jwn, a large two-story brick building with two wings, containing four main rooms and five recitation or class rooms, one of the class rooms being intended and mainly used for a library. The princi])al building is about 50 feet by 70, and the wings about 18 by 20 feet. The building will accommodate from 800 to 1000 children. It is heated by steam, with the latest and most ap])roved school furniture, including maps and appara- tus of all kinds. The whole expenditure was not less than fifteen thousand dollars. In 1873 a second building was erected, on the brow of the hill, at the west end of the town, on Third street. It is a trifie larger than the Fifth street school, but in all material respects, upon the same plan, and heated and furnished in the same complete man- ner. The two buildings were so arranged as to accommodate all the children in the town, and no other common school building now exists. These, with the Normal School place Bloomsburg in the front rank in point of educational advantages.] BRIAU CREEK. In the year 1800, the first school was opened in the stone church, still standing near Samuel Kelchner's residence. Ten years later a school house was built at Foundryville, when the former school closed and all the pupils in the vicinity attended the Foundryville school. The next house was erected below Ber- wick, on the land now owned by Daniel Romback. The third school was taught in a dwelling which stood on the land now owned by William Stout The names of the teachers who taught these schools were Cordelia A. Preston, Daniel Goodwin, Morris Hower, and John Arney. OATAWISSA. The lirst st'liool in this U)\vnshi|) was ostablisliod in Conrad (Ji'i- jvor's (Iwt'HinL:', whirh was h>i'aletl on what is calU'd (he Mrlntyro pl.'U'o, now owiumI 'oy K. M. Towksbni-y. and tan^lit l>y Martin Stiu'k. Abont tlio year 18l)-l, Mrs. Mjivy Paxton oiumumI a school in hor rosidonoi', which was UH'atod noar the Friends' nieetiny,' house, at C\itawissa, and in atUlition to thi' usual branches, taught sewing- and knitting. Those who eould not remain at school were pcr- niittetl to retire alter riH'itatitMi. Al'li-r this school was kept in successful operation for son\(.' time, a small franu' house was built near where Frederick Ffahler's lesidencc now stands, in which Elijah Harger, of Chester county, taught, followed by Ellis Hughes. Finally, Joseph Paxton, (son o\' the former teacher,) built an addition to the house for his daugliter liuth Ann. In 1815, .1 Mr. Kent, of New Vork, (whose son is a popular dry-goods mer- chant in Philadelj)hia,) ojtened a liigh school in the resident' now occupied by Mrs. Kelh'r. IK' w as succeeded by a ^Ir l^ly, .also of New York. The next school was opened in ISIS, by Thomas Barger, uj) stairs in a spring-house, which stood on the land now owneil by •lohn Keifer. 3[r. liarger was succeeded by ,1ohn Stokes, .li^sej)!! (■JittUn>4. :ind Thomas Ellis. The seluH>l w as principally support- ed by pu[»ils of Main townshi}). Ezra S. llayhurst, to whom l^itawissa is nuu-h indebted for his school lab(,)rs, not only assisted in establishing schools, but also taught successfully for some time. Next catue Joel E. Hradley, from the "land of steady habits," and opened a scliool in the acad- emy, which was founded in IS.'^S. He continued until lS4l.\ when Jeiemiah J. lirower took his place in the same building until 1S48. [Since the preparation of this sketcli by Mr. Snytler, there has been erected in Catawissa, a Public school building, second to none in the county. It occupies a beautiful location upon rising ground, on tlie one side overlooking the river, and on the otlier the valley of Catawissa creek. It is fully up to all the modern improvements, in heating, lighting and apparatus. In size it is a little greater than the Bloomsburg Third Street School House; and is intended to sujH'rsede all the public school buildings in Catawissa, and by concentration of lieat :uid teaching force and JILSTORY OF (COLUMBIA COUNTY. 173 oversight, give all pupils increased advantages. It is claimed that in some respects the Catawissa house is an improvement upon any thing else, and such may be the fact.] (JKNTKALIA. Tliis l)or()ugh was taken from Conyngham township in 1867. The Hrst school-building within its present limits was erected i)i 18.')8, in which school was continued until 1868, when it was en- gulfed by the breaking down of tlie mines. In the following year, a frame building, with two rooms in it, was erected to till its place. Here Mr. Bowers was emi)loyed to teach a term of eight months, at a salary of iifty dollars per month. The number of pu})ils increased so rapidly, that it was necessary, in 1S72. to erect another l)iiilding. This is a first-class building, well furnished and properly ventilated. There are now (1877) four good schools in the borough, uiidei- the able supervision of Mr. W. J. l>iirke, lule priiicijial of the Ash- land high school. CENTRE. The earliest schools in this township were tauglit in dwellings, which were located as follows: One neai' the ferry, taught by Solomon Friedeci ; another near Lime Kidge, where Joseph Gei- ger now lives, and the third on the land now owned by Hiram Schwe)j]»eidieiser, which was taught by John Dietterich. The first house for school purposes was located at Centreville in 1810. Being destroyed by fire after a few years' service, an- other was erected at the lower end of the village, where the pub- lic school-buildings now stan, the Patrons of Husbandry in this townshij) erected a beautiful hall, furnished the room on the first floor with improved school furniture, and employed Professor Lockard to take charge of the school, which is still in a prosperous condition. CONVNflHAM. Tills township was formed from the southern part of Locust in 18.j('). It ami the borough of Centralia had no schools before the jiublic school law was in force. Its school history only dates 174 JIISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. back to 1857, when, through tlie exertion of Mr. A. W. Rea, a school buiUling was erected at Gerniantown. The ricli mineral product of this region, which was developed in 1860, attracted a large population. Consocpiently, we tind, in 1865, four new school buihlings, which were all su[)plied with school apparatus, and in character far sujterior to the earlier. FISHING CREEK. The first school in this township was taught by Christopher Pealer, in a weave-shop, which stood where John Zaner's resi- dence now stands. About the year 1794, Henry lleiss came from Philadelpliia to Stillwater, to oversee a tract of lau'l, which belonged to his father. Being a young man of more than ordinary ability, he was persua- ded to open a school there in a dwelling house. The first school house was built at Pealertown, in which Jona- tlian Colley taught. The next was erected near where Zion church now stands. The Pealer town school finally closed, and the i)upils attended this school. FRANKMN. After the school closed at Mclntyre, in Catawissa township, a liouse was built, just above the foundry, on tlie land now owned by Williaiu Stocker, to accomiuodate the settlers at the mouth of Catawissa creek. Mr. Stuck, wlio liad taught at Mclntyre, was succeeded in this school by Daniel Krist and Daniel Kigles. Sev- eral married men availed themselves of the opportunity to receive instruction at this school. Near where Joseph T. Reeder now lives, Joseph Ilorlocher opened a school, which was called "Clay- ton's school," the same name the one goes by in this district now. The one established below Esther furnace was taught by Samuel Bitler and James Stokes. Anterior to public schools there was also one kept at the river, about where the public school ))uilding now stands. GREENWOOD. About the year 1785, a school was kept in a dwelling, at Mill- ville. In 1800 a house was built near where Richard Ileacock now lives, and occupied until 1836. In 1805, another was built on the laud now owned by Jacob HLSTOR Y OF COL UMBTA CO UNTY. 1 75 Gerard. '^I'his Iiouhc not being suitably located, was abandoned after a few years' service, and a more convenient one erected, where Catharine McCarty now lives, west of Kohrsburg. In 1838, when public schools were adopted, there were six houses erected. Prominent among the early teachers were Jesse Haines, Jacob Wintersteen, John Shively, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Ferguson, Ben- jamin Kester, Jonathan Colley, Robert Lockard, and liis daugh- ters, Jane and Nancy Lockard. HEMLOCK. About the year 1801, Mr. Donaldson established the first school in a dwelling which was located on the land now owned Ijy Isaac Pursel. Eight years later, Thomas Vanderslice opened one in the same kind of building, which was erected on the land now owned by M. S. Appelman and John Boonemother, at tlie forks of Hemlock and Fishing creek, near James Barton's. Henry Ohl succeeded Mr. Vanderslice as teacher. The next was opened in 1810, by Jacob Wintersteen, in a building which was located on the estate now owned by Dennis Pursel. The house located at the forks of the road, where the brick school-house now stands, is given in Montour township sketches. The Doll school, which was kept near where ex-Sheriff Smith now resides, in IHKJ, was principally composed of pupils from Madison townshi]), now West Hemlock, in Montour county. JACKSON. John Denmark taught the first school in the township, in 1820- 21, in a dwelling, which was located near where the Union church now stands. In 1822, a school-house was built close by, in which John Keeler taught four, and William Yocum three terms. The house was then torn down. In 182.5 a house was built at the lower Jackson church, and Mr. Yocum, who had taught in the former building, opened the first school. He was succeeded by Cor- nelius McEwen, Miss Helen Calvin, Joseph Orwig, and Peter Girton. In 1832, a house was re-locuted at the Union church, and those who taught in it before puVjlic schools were established were William Riche, John Fullmer, and Isaac K. Krickbaum , lately associate judge. 176 HI8T0EY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. LOCUST. The first school in this townsliip cannot be accurately 2,iven, as there were several scliools in session about the same time. Joseph Stokes taught one in his residence, which was located on the land now owned by D. Mears. Joseph Hughes taught another at Kerntown ; Alexander Mears one at Slabtown ; and James Miller one near where the old Quaker church now stands. There was also one at Esther furnace, but by whom taught is un- known. When the vote was taken on tlie public school question there was considerable excitement in the township. Had it not been for Mr. John Kline, who induced his tenant not to vote, (but vot- ed himself,) the election would have been a tie ; consequently, there was one majority in favor of establishing public schools. MADISON. The first school in the township was taught, in 1799, by a Mr. Wilson, in a dwelling Avhich was located at Jerseytown. In 1810, Thomas Lane opened one in a similar building, which stood on the land now owned by Leonard Kisner. The third and fourth were also in dwellings, one of which was erected near where the Reformed church now stands, close by the road leading from Jerseytown to Bnckhorn, and the other in the eastern part of the township, near Millville. Jacob Demott is the only surviving member of the first public school board. MAIN. This townsliij) formerly belonged to CataMassa. Before any school was established witliin its present limits the pupils were obliged to attend the school which was held up stairs in the s[)ring-house spoken of in Catawissa township, which was consid- ered a very important school. About the year 1820 a school was established in a dwelling which was located near where the old fulling-mill stands, above Mainville, and was taught by Jacob Gensel. In 1824, John Walts opened another in the same kind of build- ing, which stood near Avhere Fisher's church now stands. When this church was completed, the old church which stood close by HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 177 was fitted uj) and occupied for school purposes until public schools were established. Daniel Krist was a prominent teacher of this school. MIFFLIN, In the year 1794, David Jones opened the first school in this township, in a hut which stood among the scrub pine and oak below Mifflinville, on the land now owned by Christian Wolf. There being no primary books in market, the teacher printed the alphabet on shingles for the abecedarians. This hut was occupied but a short time, then abandoned, and a school was opened in a building located where the Lutheran church now stands at Miftlinville. Another school-house was finally built in the eastern part of the township. MONTOUR. The following is a synopsis of John G. Quick's report, secre- tary of Montour : The first school, to my recollection, was established in the year 1831, by ^liss Harriet Rupert, daughter of the late Judge Rupert. She opened this school in a shanty, which had been built and oc- cupied by contractors, while making the North Branch canal, and building the aqueduct across the mouth of Fishing creek. In this shanty Miss Rupert commenced instructing the children in the vicinity of Rupert, charging one dollar for each pupil per term. After teaching here a short time, she had a room comfort- ably fitted up, in a log house near her father's dwelling, in which she taught successfully for some time. She, being a Christian lady and model teacher, always opened school with reading the Scriptures and prayer. After this school closed, we Avere obliged to travel fully two miles to a school, M^hich was taught by James L. Nevius, in an old log-building, located at the forks of the road leailing from Bloomsburg to Buckhorn. At this time Montour belonged to Hemlock township. The law, in those days, provid- ing for the schooling of indigent children at the expense of the county, was scarcely realized. Parents would rather have their children grow up in total ignorance, than permit them to be edu- cated under this act. Then came the passage of the common school law, which crea- 178 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Xx'i\ :i gTo;it sons.'ition. The idea of iissossintij a tax U]>on the jieo- ple for X\\o schooling of all children, was a serious thought with some, and, consequently, a division of Hemlock township was brought about, by a caucus being held by some of the citizens in the southern ])art of the township, who thought, by dividing the township, they could get rid of the school law. Thus, in 1838, Montour was taken from Hemlock. Much might be said, in com- paring the past with the jtreseut ; but, in conclusion, I sluxll only say, that I have been a director for six years, and have just entered upon the duties for three nu)re, to look after the future blessings of the rising generation. Yet, I loathe to say, there are some who are o[)posed to public schools, and ever ready to criticise a director for faithfully and conscientiously discharging the du- ties of his office. Why not make our school-houses and grounds pleasant and at- tractive, as well as our homes ? One of the greatest privileges I enjoy is to visit our scliools, and compare their contrast with those of forty years ago. JIT. riJiASANT. The first school in Mt. Pleasant was founded by Peter Oman. He employed an instructor, at his own expense, to come to his dwelling to instruct his and his neighbors' children. Finally three houses were built, one upon the laud now owned by Joseph Gilbert, one upon the land now owned by Aaron Kester, and an- other upon the land now owned by Andrew Crouse. These houses were of the same description as early school-houses gener- ally, built of logs, filled between with sticks, daubed over with imui mixed with cut straw, and furnished with slab seats. Care- ful provisions were made for a large fire hearth, and spacious door, so that logs could be rolled in for fuel. This afforded amusement for the boys at recess. OKANGE. The first school in this township was taught in a building which was located on the north eastern part of Honorable H. R. Kline's farm, by Daniel Rake, Philij) Doder, and Jonathan Colley, father of Alexander Colley, of Benton. In 1820, George Vance, Avho taught at Bloomsburg, opened a school in a small log-building, which stood on the land now owned by William Delong, below Orange- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 179 ville. Mr. Vance was succeeded by Clemuel G. Ricketts, William Kantz, and John Kline. The house was then torn down, and a more suhstantial one erected at Orangeville, on the very spot where Mr. Kline's residence now stands. This house was accepted after- ward for ])ublic school purposes. Among the earliest teachers were Abraham Kline, Ira Daniels, and Charles Fortner. In regard to adopting public schools, the same feeling arose here as elsewhere in the county. The most enlightened, by whom nearly all the taxes were paid, advocated their adoption. PINK. This township was not as early and rapidly settled as some of the townships in the county. In 1830, there was but one school in it, which was taught by John Masters, in a house located at Sereno. In 1836, when public schools were accepted, education took a new impetus, and at present the schools in this, as well as the schools in other sparsely settled townships, compare favora- bly with those in towns and villages. ROARING CREEK. The first school within the present limits of this townshij), was taught in 1816, by Joseph Stokes, in a small dwelling which be- longed to Mahlon Hil)bs, and stood on the land now owned by William Rhoads. This school continued only one term. The following year Thomas C'herington, a surveyor and experienced teacher, opened a school in his son's dwelling, which stood on the land now owned by Samuel Hauck. After teaching several terms, making his entire work in the field as a teacher, forty winters, he abandoned the profession, and assigned the school to his son Samuel, who taught it successively n)» to the introduction of pul)lic schools. In 1821, C'harles Breech re-opened another school in the same house in which xMahlon Hibbs liad taught, and about the same time, David Chase also opened one in an old log-dwelling, near where the Methodist Episcopal church now stands. The first house for school purposes was built on the site where "No. 2" school house now stands, fourteen years after the organization of the first school. SCOTT. The first school-house.^ were built in Scott, about the year 1805. 180 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COXTNTY. One at Espy, on lot No. 56, and the other below Light street, on lot now owned by J- W. Sankey. This lot belonged to the tract of land pnrchased from Tlionias Penn and John Penn, Esqnires, ])roprietaries and governors-in-chief of the Province of Penn- sylvania, in 1773. The school at Espy was established by Messrs. Webb, Kenne- dy, and Waters. In 1814, the third school was opened in a building which was located on lot now owned by B. Amnierman, at the n}>per end of Light street. The names of the teachers who had charge of these schools wei*e George Vance, Joseph Solomon, William Love, and John Kennedy. SUGARLOAF. The pioneers, following uj) Fishingcreek, settled along its head- waters. Among them was a scholarly gentleman, by the name of Philip Fritz, from Philadel()hia. He taught the tirst school of the township, in a log hut, which stood where Saint Gabriel's church now stands. This hut was occupied for school purposes for some time. Finally, a school-house was erected on the land now owned by Andrew Hess. Joseph Massey, a professional teacher, taught in it many terms. N.VMKS OK COrXTY SITEKINTKN DENTS, AVIIEN, AND HOAV SELECTED. Joel E. Bradley, elected June 5, 1854. Reuben W. AVeaver, appointed January 1, 1855. William Burgess, elected May 4, 1857. Lewis Apj)leman, elected May 7, 1860. William Burgess, ai)pointed October 23, 1861. John B. Patton, appointed Marcli 31. 1863. C. G. Barkley, elected May 4, 1863. C. G. Barkley, re-elected May 1, 1866. C. G. Barkley, re-elected May 4, 1869. William H. Snyder, elected M.ay 7, 1872. William H. Snyder, re-elected May 4, 1875. William H. Snyder, re-elected May 7, 1878. J. S. Grimes, elected May 3, 1881. HI. STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 181 CHAPTER XX. The "Columbia County Agricultural Society" was incor])orated by the Court on the 15th day of December, 1868 : Deed Book "V", Page 97. It has been in existence as an Association however, since about 185.5, the last having been the 27th Aimuul Fair. The charter provided and set out that Benjamin F. Ilartman, James Masters, William II. Shoemaker, Caleb liarton, IMathias Hartman, Joseph P. Conner, Thomas Creveling, Jacob Harris, Johnson H. Ikeler, Andrew J. Sloan, Charles G. Barkley, Palemon John, Joshua Fetterman and Elijah I{.. Ikeler had associated themselves together, "for the promotion of science, to foster and improve agriculture, horticulture, mechanics and the domestic and household arts.'' It can well be said of it, that as a Society it has been a success from the beginning. In the amount, variety and quality of displays, the County Fair has been second to none in the State, considering its area, and in nmltiiudinous attendance it stands unrivalled. Doubtless if the scientific }»art of the charter, as applied to agriculture and horticulture received more attention, and the kind and quality of our soils were investigated so that the best meth- ods of culture and manuring should be taught in an annual scien- tific lecture or report to go out with the official proceedings, much more might be, than has yet been accomjdished. On this depart- ment some money might be judiciously and advantageously ex- pended. This part of their charter promises they have not per- formed. Ill the more than a quarter of a century in which the Society has been in existence, much effective work in the direc- tion of scientific agriculture ought to have been done. The county ought to have been divided into sev^tions, and subjecte 1 to Scientific examination as to soils, and other characteristics for the 182 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. hig^iest prodnotiveiiess. It is to be hoped that now this duty to ihe county .'uid its material interests will be taken in hand. If farming is a science, why should it not be scientifically done? And if it should, whose duty is it to see that it be done, if not that of the Society, which, by its charter has assumed that duty? It has long been seen, and the fact has heen the subject of well- grounded comj)laint, that more attention is paid to the S};ecd of horses, and lo the accommodation of sharpers and showmen than to the more legitimate business of tlic annual e\'hiV)iti()n. For the connnou duty of life, the })air of hoi'ses that will walk the most miles in a day, is worth more than the pair that will trot or run the most miles \n a minute or an hour or a day. The liorse trained to walk rapidly, is tlie horse that makes time, of which fact, the fabled race between the hare and the tortoise is an illus- t ration. The soils in Columbia county are very various. We Inive clay, limestone, red shale, white and black slate, and river bottom loam. All these are differently constituted, fitted to produce dif- ferent kinds of grain and root cro|)S, needing for their improve- ment ditfeient kinds of mamire, and a - ; and uiuh'r it the eorporalion pur- chased a traet of huul in the lownslii[), eoniiJiising about 100 aeres, and liave sinee then assembled tl)e [toor in nuuh more eom- fortabh' quarters tliaii thosi' in wliieh thi'v iisiiallv tind thi'mselves. In a pui'ely agrieidtiu'al ecunniunity, eompK'ti' destitution is so rare, that a small expenditure will make all who nei'd assistauee lia[»})y and contented. The assistanei' tliat the uidortunates can usually give to a kiiul hearted steward, w ill run the wlu)le esiab- lislnnent without outside lielj), and thus mental and physical health is secured to the inmates. Thus provided for, tlie old age of a man hard-worked in his youth, m.iy be and shotdd be free from repining on the one hand, and from public contplaint on the other. Where such institutions are needed their erection and supjiort redound to the credit anil honor of the community. HISTORY OF C0LU3IBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER XXIT. TWV. Br.ooMSHUur, Rkgister, a newspaper 10^ by 17 inches, pub- lisliocl by James Delevni', was beariin about the first of October, 1826, as a|)pears by the oldest co[»y I have seen, being in thepopses- sioi: of Hon. Leonard B. Kin)ert and bearing date May 10. 1827, and being Vol. 1. No. 32. So far as my researches have extended, I am unable to find any older, and conclude th^' Sloomshurg Regis- ter to be the first paper published in this town. In April, 1828, Thomas Painter purchased the pajier from the owners and changed the name to the Columbia County Register as appears by a coi)y of it. No. 47, Vol. 2, dated February 9, 1830; so that he also began a new vohune and mimber when he took charge of the paper. He continued the publication until 1 844, in April, when, I am told, it was discontinued. The Register was devoted to the party opposed to the democracy, and was vigor- ously edited by Mr. Painter, who was a man of more than average ability and force of character. He was born in the town of Nor- thumberland, l^ennsylvaiiia, Jur:e 8, 178.1 He served one term as Sheriff of his nativi- county, and w*. a member of the General Assembly, for several terms ; fiist while the ca|)itol of the State was at Lancaster, and afterwards when it had been removed to Harrisburg. He died in Muncy, Pennsylvania, on the 12th day of February, A. D. 1863, in the 78th year of his age. The Columbia Democrat was established, and the first number issued April 29, 1837, by John S. Ingrmi. Then, or shortly after, he was joined by Fianklin S. Mills. Th^y conducted the paper for one year, and in 1838, sold it io Capt. Her ry Webb. He gave it permanence, and in 1847, in March, s»ld it to Col. Levi L. Tate, who continued it until 1866, and in February, of that year sold it to Elijah K. Ikelcr. He consolidated it with the Star of The 188 IIISTOJIY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. JSForth, and called the coiubiiiation the Democrat ct Star, and subsequently changed the name to the Bloomshurg Democrat. It was continued under that name until Jatniaiy, 1869, when it was bought by Capt. Charles Ji. Brockway, and merged into The Columhian. The paper was, undt-r all its name^ and varying fortunes, con- sistently democratic in its politics, and was always deservedly in- fluential. Of its editor-*, Ingram went from here to Pottsville, Mills to New Jersey, Tate to VVilliamsport. Capt. Henry Webb was born in Windham in the state of Con- necticut, July 23, 1796, and died iti Bloomshurg, September 22, ^848. The Star ot Thk Nouth was established by Reuben W. Wea- ver and Benjamin S. Gilmore, February 1, 1849. Gilmore retired August 1, 1850, and the paper was continued by Mr. Weaver until his death, December 2, 1857. It was subsequently sold by his administrator and bought by AVilliamson H. Jacoby, in January, 1858. He published it until October 16, 1862, when he went into the army, and the paper was suspended until August, 1863, when he returned and resumed the publication. It was cai'ried on under the old name nntil February, 1866, when it was consolidated with the Columbia Democrat, then owned by Elijah R. Ikeler, as the Democrat and Star. At the end of about seven months, Mr. Ikeler sold his interest in the establishment to Josiah P. Shuman, and Jacoby & Shuraan ran the paper nntil January, 1867, when Mr. Shuman retired, and Jacoby continued the paper as the Bloomshurg Democrat, until January, 1869, when he sold it to Capt. Charles B. Brockway who merged it into The Columbian. The paper was always democratic in its political faith. The Coi.ujriUA County REruuLiCAN Avas established March 1st -1857, by Dr. Palemon John. In 1869 he sold the })aper to a stock company, and Dr. William H. Bradley was employed as editor. Dr. Bradley and Lewis Gordon subsequently purchased the paper, and in 1871, sold it to Daniel A. Beckley and John S. Phillips, who became the publisher, the editorial department being manag- ed by Mr. Beckley. In 1873, E. M. Wardin bought the interest of John S. Phillips and not long after, that of Daniel A. Beckley, J1I8T0RY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 189 and became tlie sole propi-ietoi-. On tlie 1st of August 1875, James C. Brown purcluise"! th»' paper IVom E. M. Wardin, and has con- tinued it to the i)resent time witli Daniel A. I-5ecl:ley as associate editor. As its name imports, it has been and is the organ of the Republican party in the county. THE COI.r.AiniAN HIII.DINC, KKKCTEn 1881. Tmk Coi.L-.MiUAN was established May 5th, 1 SG6, as the organ of the Johnson Republicans, under the managtnient of George H. I'JO UltiTOllY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Moore, who published tliirty five numbers. The good will, sub- scription list and material was then i)urchased by a number of Democrats of the county, and placed under the charge of John G. Freeze, January 4th, 1867, as a Democratic newspai)er, beginning Vol. 1. No. 1. He continued until P'ebruary 15th, 1867, when Capt. Charles B. Brockway became associated with him, and eventually bought up the stock and took entire charge and owner- shij) of the paper. It was enlarged July 12th, 1867, and began to be printed on a steam power press. On tho first of January, 1869, by the purchase of the Bloomshurg Democrat., from Mr. Jacoby, The Golumhian became the sole Democratic paj>er in the county. On the 1st of January 1871, Henry L. Dieffenbach bought the paper and published it one year, when Capt. Brock- way resumed the control. In July 1873, Mr. Dieffenbach again took the paj)er and continued until October 1st 187o, when Charles B. Brockway and George E. Elwell ])urchased it. They continued it to October 1st 1870, when Capt. Brockway retired, and on that (hiy Mr. John K. Bittenbender, a practical ])rinter, i)urchased an interest in the i)aper, and the publishing firm became Elwell & Bittenbender. Since January 1867, the Columbian has been democratic in l)olitics, and devoted to the general policy of that party. In Oc- tober 1881 the otlice was moved into a three story brick building erected specially for it, on Main street, and now occupies the first floor and basement of the building. The presses are run by water power, and in all its appointments the oflice is one of the finest newspaper establishments in the state. The Christian Messenger was started by Edward PI Orvis, at Benton, in January, 1870. It was a montldy of 24 pages. In 1872 the title was changed to the Messenger & Laborer, and D. Oliphaiit of London, Canada, was admitted as co-editor, with E. E. Orvis as the publisher, and the publication was enlarged to 32 pages. In January 1875, the Messenger & Laborer was changed from a 32 page monthly to a four page 24 column weekly. The publication office was moved to Orangeville, October 1, 1875. Oli- phant retired from it in December, 1875, and it was suspended December 26lh of that year, for want of support. HISTOR Y OF COL UMB I A CO UNTY. 1 91 The Inokpendent Weekly was started by William H. Smith and Edward E. Orvis, in Benton, April J, 1874, as a democratic newspaper. It was continued by them until October 1, 1875, when it removed to Orangeville with the Messenger & Laborer^ when and where Smith cfe Orvis dissolved, the Independent be- ing continued by Smith. On the first of Aj^ril, 1876, The Inde- pendent Weekly returned to Benton, where it was published until September, 1877, when it was removed and established in Milton, .Northumberland county, by the name of The Argus, and where, with varying fortunes, it is still published. TiiK Democratic Sentinel was established in Bloomsburg, in 1871, by Mr. Charles M. Yanderslice, and has continued under his management as editor and publisher. It is democratic in poli- tics, and has, as it deserves, a fair share of patronage. The Bloomshur« Journal was begun in 1876, by G. A. Potter, as a temperance and family newspaper. It was a five column four )>age i)aper. In October 1881 the form was changed to a quarto of twelve pages, and then of 16 pages. In September 1882, Dr. Jacob Schuyler purchased a half interest in the paper, and the new firm changed the form to the old folio style. The paper is Jiepublican in politics so far as it allows politics to have a ])l;u'C' in its colunms. The Sin, a :rExi>ENT was issued by Charles B. Snyder on the lirst of June 1871, the outfit and material entirely new. Frank L. Snyder was assistant editor and Col. John M. Snyder had charge of the local department. The Messrs. Snyder coiulucted thr pa- per with success for about nine years, when they sold out to Rob- ert H. Bowman who changed the title to The Berwick Lidrpend- ent. The paper, though neutral in politics, is in the hands of a gentleman who is in politics a Republican. On his retirement from The Independent Mr. Charles \^. Snyder succeeded Mr. J. S. Sanders in the proprietorship and editorial management of the Hazleton daily and weekly Sentinel, in Luzerne county. The Berwick Gazette, being the second of that name, was be- gun March 2o, 1882, by Mr. J. H. Dieterick. It is neutral in politics but of democratic proclivities, and full of local and neigh- borhood news. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 105 CHAPTER XXIII. 3ivii:^A^IDu?L.3N/£E JMIOlNrTCTJI^. A SKETCH (jf I Ills celebrated womaii uiid Ik r family will be properly introduced by a short description of the magnificent mountain ridge whidi bears her name. Montour's Uidge rises somewhat al)ruptly (m the West Branch of the SusquHhatiM.i, near the mouth of Chillisquaque creek in North- utid)erlaiid county, PennsylvaniH, and stJirtirii; out in a noitheast course become-* the boundary between tfie townships of Point and Chilli-quaque in Northumberland counts, and between Point and the townships of Liberty and Mahoning in Montour county, near Danville, wheie Mahoning creek bieakn through to the North Branch of ihe .Suscpiehai/iia — thence beconing the boundary be- tween Valley and Mahoning, and West Hemlock and Cooper in Montour county, and between Hemlock wwA Montour lownshijjs in Columbia county ; breaking down again where Hemlock creek flows through into Fishingcreek, and again at short distance, where Fishingcreek rolls between its i>recii)itous sides north of Blooms- burg, off south-west wardly into the North Branch; then rising again and throwing towards the surface its rich iron deposits north and east of Bloomsburg, and sinking forever, after devel- oping millions of tons of limestone, north and east of the lown of Espy. A geological axis of elevation passes nearly along the middle of the ridge, composed of hard gray and reddish sandstone, which are covered along both sides, sometimes nearly and some- times quite to the top, by slates and shales of overlying series, the low^er part of which consists of yellowish or greenish slates, containing thin strata of limestone, in which are impressions of shells and other fossils ; and near these is a very valuable layer of brow^nish red iron ore, from six inches to over two feet in thickness, also containing fossil impressions. This ore is found 196 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. on both sides of the ridge us far east as the vicinity of Blooms- burg, where the strata converge over its top as it sinks away on the east, and finally disappears under the overlying red shale in the neighborhood of Espytown. In the slates above the iron ore are some thin layers of dark colored limestone, succeeded by a thick bed of red shale, which forms the upper j)ortion of the series. Overlying this red shale is a limestone formation, which encircles the ridge outside of the red shale, and which may be seen not far from the river above Northtiniborland, and along the railroad from ])anville to Bloomsburg ; dipping under the Fish- ingcreek half a mile above its mouth, and passing under Blooms- burg, it rises again near Espytown, and extends nearly to Ber- wick, where it sinks away beneath the overlying slate. A fine deposit of mantle and roofing slate of the very best quality? develops itself on Little Fisliingcreek, about a mile above Blooms- burg. It has been wrought and apjn-oved of by competent judges and workmen, and needs only capital and enterprise to become a recognized industry of the county. Thus it will be seen that Montour's ridge is useful as well as ornamental, rich as well as rugged ; yielding right at our doors iron ore, limestone, slate and building stone in almost unlimited quantities. There are three celebrated Indian women who have played im. portant parts in the history of Pennsylvania, and especially in that of the Forks of the Susquehanna ; but their names, their exploits and their persons have become so interwoven with each other, that it has become a difiicult, if not an impossible, task to distinguish them. From the mass of obscui-e and contradictory matter relating to them, I shall however, endeavor to assign her proper position and actions to each one, dissipating some of the romance and correcting some of the statements which have here- tofore been received as veritable history; or at any rate, as history applicable to certain persons. Those three women are Madame Montour, Catharine Montour and Queen Esther. In his "Historical Collections of Pennsylvania" Mr. Sherman Day speaks of "the celebrated Catharine Montour, sometimes call- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 197 ed Queen Esther, whose more perinaiient residence was at Cath. ariiu'stown, at tlie head of Seneca hike, as being a half-breed who had been well educated in Canada. Her reputed father was one of tlie French Governors of that i)rovince, and she herself was a lady of conijiaiative retinenient. She was much caressed in Phil- adelphia, and mingled in the best society. She exercised a con- trolling influence among the Indians, and resided in this quarter, [Tioga point, Bradford county] while they were making their in- cursions upon the Wyoming settlements. It has been even sus- pected that she presided at the bloody sacrifice of the Wyoming prisoners after the battle ; but Col. Stone who is good authority upon the history of the Six Nations, utterly discredits the story.'' Here we have the three women utterly confounded. Let us see if we can separate them and assign to each one her own history and individuality. Who was Madame Montour? Lord Cornbury in a letter under date of August 20, 1708, published in Vol. V. page 65 of the Col- onial History of New York, speaks of a French gentleman by the name of Montour, settled in Canada previous to 1668, who married an Indian woman by whom he had three children, one son and two daughters ; and that subsequently to the birth of the children they got among the Miami Indians in the neigh- borhood of Detroit. Some sort of intercourse was kept up with the east, and a woman calling herself Madame Montour is reported lo have been with the Senecas at Albany, as an interpre- tess, in 1711. In 1744 Madame Montour was at Lancaster, Pa. at a treaty there held with the Six Nations, and in a conversation with Mr. Marsh, Secretary of the Maryland Conmiissioners, she told him that she was born in Canada, whereof her father, who was a French gentleman, had been Governor, under whose admin- istration the Five Nations of Indians had made war against the French and the Hurons in that Govi-rnment, and that in the war she was taken by some of the Five Nations' warriors, being then about ten years of age, and by them was carried away into their country, where she was habited and brought up in the same man- ner as their children : That when she grew up to years of matu- rity she was married to a famous war captain of those nations, * * by whom she had several children, but about l".f- 198 i/rsTO/n' or coLiwiui ('()r^^TV. tiHMi voiirs fts^o l»o w:v^ killiHl in a )):itll<' with tho (.''atawbiis, sinoo whicli she had not boon inarrii'd : That slu> liad lit(U> or no ro- inoinbraiice of tho pbioo of hfr hirtli, nor iixh'ed of lior pariMits, it bi-iiiLT noar tiftv voars sinoo sho was ravisliod from thom by tlio lailiais. Mr. Marsli also says, tliat ''in h^M* cabin wore two of hor dauijhtors by thi> war i-aptain. wlio woro bi>th niarrioil, ami that »uio of thorn had a boautifiil boy about livo yoars ohl. At this tinio, 17 t I, thoroforo. IMailanu' Montour must l\avo boon ;'.\)out sixty voars old. ,)anios l.o Tort, an Indian tradi'r upon tlu' Sus- quohanna, in a oommunioation to tho (Ti>vornor in 172S, says, "That intondim; last fall to tako a jinirnoy as far as tho Miami Indians, or Twooht woys, to tradi' with thi'ni, ho had oonsullod Mrs. Montour, a Fronoh woman, wifo to C'arondawana, about his journov thithor, who haviuL:; livod amonj^st and havino a sistor marriod to ono of that nation," ito., sooms thus to oomph'to tho identity of Madanu> Montour and tho littlo Fronoh L^ivl. It sooms agrood on all l>ands that hor first husband was Holand Montt>ur, a bravo of tho Sonooas. Ami hor soooiul husband waa Oarondawana, a oliiof of the Onoidas. I>y hor iirst husband sho had four sons Andrew, llenry, Robert and Lewis, and two diaiijh tors. Ono of tluMu, named Margaret was already, in ITo;?, n>ar- rioil to an Indian named Katarionioohn, and was livini«- in the neighborho h1 of Shamokin. The name of tho other daughter has not been ascertained. Madame Montour makes her first appearance in onr history at a council held at Philadelphia, on the ;b-d of July, 1727, between the Hon. Patrick Gordon, Lieutenant Governor, and his coimoil on one side, and divers chiefs of the Five Nations, the Conestogoes, Gangawese, and Susquehanna Indians, on tho other. The coun- cil being mot and seated : "The Governor told thom by M. Mon- tour, a Fronoh wojuan wdio had lived long among those people, and is now interpretess, that ho was glad to see thom all well af- ter so long a jonrney, and was now ready with his council to re- ceive what they have to say." The meetings continnotl several days, Mailamo Montour making tho interpretations between the parties. Again in 1728, in some ijist ructions given by (^ovornor Gordon to llonrv Snii:'i and John I'ottv, then about to visit tho UTS TO II Y () F (!() L II M li I A CO (IN T Y. 1 f >f> SiiHqneli;iiiii;i IiHlijiiis, I fi" ( Jfivcnior sayK: "(4ivo my kind love jiIko f<» ( ';iriiii(lov\':iii;i ;uii| liis wife, ainl Kpeak to tliein to tlie Kitiiic |nir|)i»sc. Let liiiii know I cxjxjct of liirn, that hh he Ih a great captain, lie will take care that all th(; peoph; about liini shall whow themselves good mviri and true heart(!d, a^ he is himself, and that I hope to see him at the Treaty." And agiin, in the same year, there is the following memorandum: "It was afterwards considered by the lioanJ what present might be proper to be made to Mistress Montour and her husband, Carandawana and likewise to Shikellima, of the Five Nations, appointed to resiy th(; ge-itlemen of that city," and that "tlie la- dies of that city always invited her to tlnir Imjus'js, entertained her well any the fact that at least three of her sons re<-eived large grants of "donation lands" from the government. Henry's lay on tlie Chillisquaque, near its mouth, Andrew's on the Loyal Sock, near Montoursville, and Lewis' at Shade Gap, in ILmlingdon county. Li Sejitember 1742, Shikellimy, the great Cayuga cdiief was living at Shamokin and was there tlien visited by Conrad Weiser, Count Zin/endorf, Martin Mack and his wife, and several other |»ersons. After s]»ending some time at Shamo- kin, "the Count and pail of his comjtaiiy forded the Sus'pjehanna, and went to Ostonwachin on the West liranch. This place was then inliabited, not only by Lidians of different tribes, but V>y 200 JII.STOUY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. E\iro))eans, wIki Imd adopted tlic Indian manner of litV. Aniono- till' lattoi- was a I*''renc'h woman, JMadame Montonr, wlio had mar- ried an Indian warrior (Carondawanna alias llol)ei-( Iliiiitt'i;, but lost him in a war against the C'atawbas. She kindly entertained the C\Mint for two days. The Count soon af((.'r wi'iit to Wyoming. In his "History (^i Eiglit (\)unties," ]Mr. \\\\y\i has the following remark: "When Count Zin/.endorf visit- ed Ostonwaehin (or Frenehtown) he was met (July 30, 1742) by an Indian who understood I'^reneli and Knglish." Conraing along the banks of tlu' river, arrived \\\ Otstonwakin in the evening.'' The distances are not to be de- pei\ded upon, for they were determined by the pace of the walker, or the arm of the n)wer; nor is the spelling of the Indian names of places any more certain, each man spelling it as it struck Ins ear. But it seems certain that a town at the nu)uth of Loyal Sock creek now called Montoursville, was, over one hundred years ago, known indifferently as Frenehtown, Ostouwackin, Otstonwakin, Otstuagy, ;ind Otstuacky ;xnd was, in 1742,tlie residence of Mad:ime Montom-. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA C0UN2Y. 201 There is no evidence that slie ever lived any farther up the West Branch, and she never was uj) the North Branc?i. In 1744 she was with the Indians at tlie Treaty at Lancaster, and in 1745 SpangenVjerg visited her at Shamokin, which was then her |)lace of residence. On the general question of lier age, in addition to her statement, we find James Logan as early as 1733 writing of her as "ancient," and in 1734 she is spoken of by a chief and messenger from the Six Nations, as "an old woman." But still further, her son Andrew, in 1756, on an examination as to distances, testified tViat he thought it sixty miles from Logstown to Weningo, that he had travelled the road three times, once when his mother was blind, and on horse back, anle as the rocks tliat underlie the beautiful ridge which perpetuates her name, and that her memory should be as green and grateful as the pines that clothe its sides, and waive over its summit. » Wlio was French Margaret ? It already appears that Madame Montour had two daughters, one of them named Margaret, and married, and the authorities show that French Margaret was the same person. She and Madame lived at Montoiirsville in 1742? 202 HISTDHY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. anil the dausxlittM- roiuaiiicd tliciv ('(.'rtaiiily as lato as 17(i(). Slu' had si'vt'ral fliildrcii, (linn' of wliom wcit dau^httTS, to wit Kstlior, Catliariiu' and IMary. CoiiccniinL^- tliesi' tlircH' wmiuMi, (u'li. JdIui S. Clark of Auburn, N. 'N'. writes as follows: "Kstlior was the wife of Ei'liooluind, king of the Mousey chin of the Sus(|uehanna Delawari's. In the s])riii<; of IToo nearly all the Indians of the lower Suscjuelianna abandoned that i)ai't of the country and settled at Tiooa Point and above on the Chen>un<; river. The Monsi'y or Wolf elan settled at Aehsinnissink, near the site of i>resent Big Flats, on present Sing Sing creek, about nini' miles by way of the river al)o\e Klniira. Here they I'eniain- ed until tlie destruction of all tlu' towns on the OluMnung, in 1764 l)y iiarlies st'ut out by Sir William Johnson, one of which was conuuanded by Andrew Montour. This chm then retired to the protection of tlio Senecas, and remained tliere until the peace, when they returned down the river and founded the town of She- shequin.on the west side of the Sustpiehanna, some six miles below Tioga roinl. They remained iicre until 177l\ when the christian ]iarty migrated west of the AUeghenies, undi'r the leadership of Kotli, and the pagan parly removed up tlie Uiver about six miles, and founded the new titwn, afterwards gencrallv known as (Jueen Esther's Plantation. In the meantime, Kchgohund having died, his wife Esther became generally known as (^''i'*^'" Esther, a rank to which she was fully entitled, as the widow i>f the Mousey King. His town was destroyed by C/olonel Hartley in 1778, when they probably retired to (.^henuing, which was also destroyed by the ai'iny under (Jeneral Sullivan in the succeeiling year, when all retired \o Niagara. After tlie close of the revolution she hov- I'red around lu-r former home for a few years, but finally settled at Long Point in Cayuga county. New York, about a mile .~outh of ITnion Springs, where she was living with the noted Cayuga Chief, Steel Traj*, and where she died and was buried on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, at an advanced age, well known as Queen Esther, the fiend of Wyoming. Koswell Franklin, the first settler of that locality, who was well accpiainted witli her when liv- ing on the Susquehanna, also kiu'W hvv wi'll when living near him at his liome, at present Aurora. Catharine Montour marrii'd and removed up the Susquehanna HISTORY OF (COLUMBIA COUNTY. 203 ;iim1 foiiiiilc(| tlic town of Klihiiicrnct, loctutc*] nearly opposite prew- cnt W('llsl)nig, Hotn(! nix miles below F^lniiru. when; she livtHl for seveiiil yeurs witli her inotlier, and during the same time tliat Esther, her sister, was living at Aehsinnissink, n(!ar liig Flats. This town was also destroyed in 1704, when they retinn! temjjo- rarily up the ('hemung, and after. th(! jteace niturned arul founded the new town on Sheocjuaga creek, ahont three miles from the heaalace particularly. Sometime after this, while an route to the West as a prisoner, Mrs. VVhittaker stopped for a week at Catharine's town, and while there she again saw the same woman and recognized her as the same one that she had previous- ly seen in conipany with Queen Esther, and who had introduced her as her sister." The history of the sister Mary is not as easily traced. In 17o3 204 JII^TORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. FriMio'h ]\r:irg:irot told Mack, th;vt, hor son and son-in-law hail boon killod tho provious wintor whilo on a niarand against tlio Crooks." (IMacks Journal, Moniorials of tlu- MtM-avian oluiioh, \V,\0, noto.) Tt is i>iH>l>ablo, in tho light o{ what wo know about tho othor girls, that tho son-in-law was tho husband of JMary. Slio is known as ^lolly, and Mrs. Whittakor know hor woll. Ilor oxistonoo and rolatiitnship to Catharino, and oonsoquontly to Quoon Ksthor, are sottlod by tho following roferenco to hor in Pennsylvania Colonial Kooords Vol. Vlll, page 499. "Soptond)or IVlli, 17(10 ; tho following letter, received from jNIr. Holland, the Indian Agent at Shaniokin, waa ordered to be entered : Shamokin, 9 Mo., 17th, 1700. Permit me to acquaint tho Governor: That John Hatson arrived here on the loth, in 8 days, from JMargaret Town, and deliver'd me the inclosed string of Wampum, and the following speech, which he said was sent to the Governor by Catharine, the l^aughter of French Margaret. That she desired, by this String of Wampum, to acquaint the Governor of the receipt of his by Papunohoal, and that she was sorry tho Indisposition of hor Family had so long prevented her from conq)lying with the tTOvernor's request to bringdown tho prisoners, but that she would bo down this Fall with the two that belonged to her, and desired that she may Jiot be blamed for her sisters carrying the woman she has to the Allegany, as it was not in hor power to prevail with her to take hor to Philadelphia; in continuation of which she sent tho (.Tovornor tho inclosed String of Wanq)um. John informed me that Molley was to set off for the Allegany with the white woman after he left the towMi, and that he expect- ed Cate here in ten days, and that he should go with her to Phil- adelphia and ilolivor them to the Governor. from thy friend, Natiianiki, HoM.Axn." It is entirely possible that l\Iary never returned from tho west, but may have remained among the members of the Montour fam- ily in Ohio. The history of the Montours has yet to be written. HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 205 This chapter has been only an attempt to disentangle the person ality of the five women who have given to them a name and place in history. Of the sons of Madame Montour, mentioned in the course of this article, Andrew was the most prominent, and held a Captain's commission, and was for a considerable time engaged as interpre- ter between the Government and the different tribes. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that the family generally were natural linguists. One Mary, whom I take to be our "Molly," is spoken of as a regular polyglot, speaking English, French, and nearly all the western Indian dialects. It is greatly to be regretted that so little attention was paid to the personal history of those Indians who showed themselves to be men and women of character and ability. Where there was one Marsh or Logan who inquired and wrote down what was learned, a hundred persons with equal or greater opportunities, made no inquiry, or no memorandum. I see that Dr. Egle, of Harrisburg, is about to issue at that place, a quarterly periodical, of "Notes and Queries, Historical and Ge- nealogical, relating to Interior Pennsylvania," and in that we may look for something elucidating still further the history of the Montours. ^f^ 206 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER XXIV. IPOST OI^IE^ICES. TT is very often a matter of great convenience to know at what point of a county or township a post office may happen to be located. You may know nearly the residence of your correspond- ent, but his nearest post office is required in order to reach him promptly. I have therefore, in a general way indicated the local- ity of each one in the township, and in cases where they are on Or near the line of adjoining townships also stated that fact ; as in the case of lola, Sereno, Derr s, cfec. Bear Gap is on the line be- tween Columbia and Northumberland counties ; and as is known. New Columbus, Cambra, Fairmount Springs and Red Rock, are in the county of Luzerne, but lying so near the line of Columbia, as to accommodate people on the east side of Fishingcreek, Benton and Sugarloaf townships. And just as Berwick in Columbia county, on the very edge of Luzerne, is the nearest office to many persons of the lower end of that county. NAMK OF OFFICE. TOWNSHIP. LOCATION. Bear Gap Beaver Valley Benton Bloomsburg Buckhoru Locust Beaver Benton Bloomsburg Hemlock West side Centre West side South east Canby Catawissa Central Centralia Colescreek Mt. Pleasant Catawissa Sugarloaf Con) ngham Sugarloaf Centre West side North South centre South Berr's Greenwood East-edge of Jackson HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 207 NAME OK OFFICE TOWNSHIP. LOCATION. Espy Scott South Evansville Briarcreek West side Eyers Grove Greenwood West side Fishingcreek Fishingcreek South east Forks Fishingcreek South Glen city Beaver North east Greenwood Greenwood Centre Guava Sugarloaf Above Colescreek lola Greenwood West — edge of Pine Jerseytown Madison Centre Light street Scott North Lime Ividge Centre South west Maiiiville Main Centre MitWiii X Roads Beaver North west MitHinville IMifflin North side Millgrove Roaringcreek South west Millville • Greenwood West jMordansville Mt. Pleasant North west Nuraidia Locust Centre Oraiigeville Orange Centi-e Pensyl Franklin South west Pine Summit Pine South west Polkville Jackson Centre Ravencreek Benton East Roaringcreek Locust North east Rohrsburg Greenwood East Rupert Montour North east 20S HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. NAME OF tH'KlCK. Soreno Still Water TOWN SUIT. LOCATION. Greenwood West — edge of IMiio Fisliiiiiivreok North west \':iii Camp FishiuLCcreek North Waller Wellivers Whitinire Willow Springs .1 acksou Mount Pleasant Centre Centre Centre North east North east Southeast / 1 L»' ■ • P^* HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 209 CHAPTER XXV. UNITEI> STATES SENATE. Although not the first in order, yet as the first in dignity, it is proper to begin this chapter with the representation which Col- umbia county has furnished, in the Senate of the United States, in the person of a distinguished citizen, a native of this county . Charles R. Buckalew was born in Fishingcreek township, Col- umbia county, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1821. After receiv- ing an academic education, he studied law with M. E. Jackson, Esquire, of Berwick, Pa , and was admitted to the Bar of the same county at August term 1843. He was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Columbia county in April 1845, and resigned in 1847. In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate for the District com- posed of the counties of Luzerne, Columbia and Montour, and re- elected in 1853. In 1854 he was appointed special commissioner to exchange the ratifications of a treaty with Para- guay, and made a journey to South America by way of Eng- land. In 1850 he was chosen a Senatorial Presidential Elector for Pennsylvania. In 1857 he was chairman of the Democratic State Coimnittee, and in the same year was re-elected to the State Sen- ate for the district composed of the counties of Columbia, Mon- tour, Northumberlajid and Snyder. In the following winter he was nominated by the Governor, and confirmed by the Senate to be one of the commissioners to revise the criminal code of the State. This post, and the office of Senator he resigned in the summer of 1858, and was appointed Minister Resident of the United States at Quito, in the Republic of Ecuador, where he re- mained three years. On the 14th of January 1863, he was elected a Senator of the United States for six years from the 4th of March following. In 210 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1869 he was re-elected a State Senator for the district composed of the counties of Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Sulli- van. In 1872 he was the nominee of the Democratic party for the office of Governor of the state, but was not elected. At the same election. Col. Freeze was chosen a member of the convention to reform the Constitution of the State, and upon the defeat of Mr. Buckalew for Governor, promptly tendered to him the seat to which he had been chosen, in the Convention. Ac- cordingly, on the third day of the sitting of the Convention, Col. Freeze offered his resignation to that body, and on the next day November the 15th, Mr. Buckalew was selected to fill the vacancy and served during the sittings. In the same fall of 1872, Mr. Buckalew published a work on "Proportional Representation," which was edited by Col. Freeze, and issued by John Campbell & Son, Philadelphia. In March 1876, at the Democratic Convention, at Lancaster, Mr. Buckalew was, by acclamation, nominated to head the Dem- ocratic Electoral Ticket of the State at the ensuing Presidential election. Duj-ing his term in the Senate of the United States, Mr. Buck- alew, in addition to his ordinary legislative duties, on the 1st of March 1864, submitted to the Senate a "Minority Report on the Repeal of the Fugitive Slave Acts," Mr. Sumner submitting the report of the majority. On the 20th of February 1865, he sub- niitted an elaborate report on the subject of lighting, heating and ventilating the Halls of Congress. On the 21st of February 1866 he delivered his celebrated speech on "Representation in Congress." On the 15th of January 1867, he addressed the Senate "On the Executive power to make removals from office" — on July 11th "On Reconstruction" — and on the same day on "Cumulative Vot- ing" — on January 29, 1868, on the subject of "Reconstruction" — on the 26th of March, on "The McArdle Case — Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court" — on the 3d of March 1869, he submitted a "Re- port on Re})resentative Reform" — and on the close of the proceed- ings, an "opinion on the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson." Since the adjournment of the constitutional convention, Mr. Buckalew has been practising law in Bloomsburg and engaged at leisure limes in the preparation of a work on the Constitution of Pennsylvania. C. r.. HICKALICW .i5TAT r.0. 212 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. STATE LEGISLATURE. By the eighth section of the l^ill erecting- Cohnnbia county, it was provided — "Tliat tlie inliabitants of the county of Northum- berhmd, Union and Colunibm sliall jointly elect four representa- tives. 1813 Sannu'l Bound, Leonard Rupert, Thonuis Murray Jr. and George Kreanier were elect I'd. ^Vll Democrats. 1814 David E. Owen had 2218 votes in district. Robert Willit had 20;M votes in district. Capt. Joseph nutcliison had 1990 votes in district. Henry Shaifer had 14")!) votes in district. John Maclay had 1 1 96 votes in district. James Strawbridgc had 1188 votes in district. Andrew McGlenachan had 1080 votes in district. James Hammond had 1040 votes in district. John MontgOTiiery had 239 votes in district. Abraham JNIcKinney had 892 votes in district. In 1815 Columbia county was made a separate representative district with one nuMuber. 1815 James McClure had 892 votes. David E. Owens had 579 votes. 181 () Sanuiel Bond had 807 votes. James McC^lure had 731 votes. 1817 Samuel Bond was elected. 1818 Sanniel Bond had 757 votes. Samuel Webb had 487 votes. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 213 1819 James McClure was elected. 1820 Col. John Snyder had 768 votes. Col. James McClure had 754 vote-i. Dr. Russel Park had 352 votes. William Uobison had 92 votes. 1H21 John Clark was elected. In 1822 Columbia county was made a separate district with two members. 1822 William McBride had 1313 votes. Alexander Colley had 1282 votes, and they were elected. 1823 William McBride and Alexander Colley were elected. 1824 John McReynolds, Democrat, had 836 votes. Eli Thornton, Democrat, had 1121 votes. Christian Brobst, Democrat, had 601 votes. 1825 John McReynolds, Democrat, had 1991 votes. Christian Brobst, Democrat, had 1071 votes. 1826 John McReynolds and William McBride were elected. 1827 John McReynolds and Christian Brobst were elected. 1828 John McReynolds and John liobison were elected. In 1829 Columbia county was made a separate district with one member. 1829 John Robison was elected. 214 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. IS.SO Uzal Hopkins was elected. 1 S8 1 Uzal Hopkins Avas elected. ih:32 Isaac Kline was elected. 1 888 Isaac Kline was elected. 1 884 John F. Den- was electetl. 1885 Jolni V. Deir was elected. In 1836 Colninbia county was a separate district with one mem- ber. 1880 Evan O. Jackson was elected. 1837 Jolui Bowman, Whig, was elected. 1888 William Colt, l^emocrat, liad 2807 votes and was elected. 183<) William Colt had 1602 votes. Geo. H. Willets had 794 votes. 1840 Daniel Snyder had 2787 votes. John C. Lessig had 914 votes. 1841 Daniel Snyder was elected. 1842 Daniel Snyder was elected. In 1843 Columbia county was a se})arate district with one mem- ber. 1848 Daniel Snyder had 1^87 votes niul was elected. HIS TOR Y OF COL U3IBIA CO UN TY. 2 1 5 1844 Thomas A. Fiinston had 2075 votes. E. G. llickotts liad 1443 votes. Jos. Brobst had 1196 votes. Thomas A. Fiinstoii was elected. 1 84') Thomas A. Fmiston had 2a76 votes and Avas elected. David Clark had 2029 votes. 1846 Stewart l*earce, Democrat, had 1667 votes. Isaac Low, Whig, had 1443 votes. Stewart Pearce was elected. 1847 Stewai t Pearce, Democrat, had 2829 votes. George W. Lott, Whig, liad 1502 votes. Stewart Pearce was elected. 1848 Stewart Pearce, Democrat, had 2900 votes. Jonas Flayman, Whig, had 2106 votes. Stewart Pearce was elected. 1849 Benjamin 1'. Fortner, Whig, had 2113 votes. John jVIc Reynolds, Democrat, had 1732 votes. Benjamin P. Fortner was elected. In is.")i» Columbia :ind Montour were a representative district with one member. 1850 McReynolds, Democrat. C. B. Bowman, Whig. Columbia 2036 419 Montour 402 1823 McKeynold's majority 196. 1851 M. E. Jackson, Democrat. Jonas Hayman, Whig. Colundiia 1490 1337 Montour 1354 856 Jackson's majority 651. 21() HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1852 Geo. Scott, Doinocrat. M. E. Jnckson, Doniocrat. (.\>lumbi:i 2400 548 ^lontoiir 401 1703 Geo. Scott's majority 55G. 1853 Geo. Scott. Joseph R. Pattou. Columbia 2346 713 Montour 735 oDO (.100. Scott's majority KiGD. 1 854 Jas. (i. INIaxwcll, W. G. Hurley, John Bilhneyer. Columbia 22!)9 25 4 Montour 1014 1 855 John G. Monlgoniery, Democrat. John Stalcy, Whig. Columbia 1005 1032 Montour 894 483 2491) 1515 Montgomery's majority 984. 1856 Peter Ent, Democrat. John Sharpless, Whig. Columbia 2405 1412 Montour 1141 715 3546 2127 Peter Ent's majority 1419. In 1857 the representative district was Columbia, Montour, Sul- livan and W^yoming, with two members. 1857 Peter Ent, John V. Smith, D. II. B. Brower, Henry Metcalf. Columbia 2364 2355 1070 1091 Montour 1069 1070 572 574 Sullivan 524 354 126 368 Wyoming 1174 1179 832 828 HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA C0UN2Y. 217 G. D. j!u;kKon, ColumV>ia Montour Sullivan Wyoming ] :>{){) 611 989 G. D. Jackson, Columbia Montour Sullivan Wyoming 2040 1215 1009 GOo II. R. Kline Columbia Montour Sullivan Wyoming Columbia Montour Sullivan Wyoming 2040 1 1 r>2 12o5 Tate 2571 1174 545 1017 G. D. Jack Hon Columbia 2913 Montour 1248 Sullivan 035 Wyoming 1364 G. D. Jackson, Columbia 3344 Montour 1458 Sullivan 720 Wyoming 1441 J. C 1858 OakeH, 1965 724 517 982 1 859 Oakes, 1746 1101 950 516 1800 Osterbout 2590 1151 535 1254 1861 Tutton 2600 1187 546 1087 1862 . C. Ellis 2914 1244 624 13G3 1863 Ellis, 3344 1459 713 1441 Iline, 1 363 811 13 Masters, 1162 658 651 347 Strawbridge 1786 1027 376 1049 Lazarus 1904 937 396 1398 Blaker. 1286 6 55 Mo user. 760 314 585 195 Harding. 1757 1018 379 1225 Jennings. 1892 933 398 1492 Sam'l Hays Jacob Kennedy. 1375 1375 778 762 267 267 1140 1130 M Whitmoyer, S. Bondman. 1770 1771 1092 1090 344 341 1343 1343 In 1864 Columbia and Montour were made a representative district witb one member. 218 HISTOKY OJ^ COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1 8(M W. II. .laooby, L. S. StiucMUiUi, l>;iii'l. Snyder. l\)luinl)ia 2921 287 128 Montour 1 •l'^^ 42 1 865 ^^ "illianison 11. ,1 U'oby Charles W. Kcknian (\>hinibi:i 2999 l-)83 MontiMir IbKi 841 18()6 'V lonias C'lnili'ant rlacob Moser Vohuwh'vx 3592 INlontour lo44 1110 1 8()7 T los. ChaM'ant J. n. Vanderslice Coliiiubi:i ;>4 48 1(>94 INlontour lo8(> 999 1 868 Goo. Si-ott, Capt. 0. G. Jackson. Colnnibia 4()o0 20(59 Montour 1 ()88 1 1 93 Geo. Sc ott's majority 2471. 1869 Scott, Zellers. Cohiinbia 30(52 1827 Montour 1573 1044 1870 lvu})ert. Chalfaut, Abbott. Cohunbia 1 94.-) 24o0 622 Montour 123 1580 627 Tn 1S71 Golunibia county was made a separate district, with one member. 1871 lirockway liad 3332 votes. Kobisou had 1467 voles. 1872 Brockway liad 3781 votes. Creveliiii;- had 2096 votes. TTT STORY OF COLUMBTA COUNTY. 210 1H73 Brock way had 2652 votes. Buckalew John M. had 1021 votes. 1874 Under the Constitution of 1S73, and by the act of 10th May, 187 4, Coliitnbia county was authorized to elect two members. The vote was : E. J. McHenry, 3014 votes. S. P. Ryan, 2!)40 votes. John McAnall, 1133 votes. Hon S. P. Ryan, died April 12, 1876. 1876 E. J. McHenry had 43.55 votes. Brown had 4131 votes. Smitli had 1085 votes. Jcjliii Eggert liad 2014 votes. 1878 • T. J. Vanderslice had 3258 votes. Jos. B. Knittle had 3081 votes. A. Phillips had 1467 votes. W. H. Abbott had 1472 votes. 1880 J. 1j. Knittle, JJemocrat, had 4402 votes. T. J. Vanderslice, Democrat had 3823 votes. G. A. Jiiickingham, Republican, had 2248 votes. Eli Barton, Itepublican Greenbacker, had 1152 votes. C. M. Blaker, Greenbacker, had 133 votes. 1882 William Bryson, Democrat, had 4052 votes. Thos. J. Vanderslice, Democrat, had 3004 votes. Mahlon Hamlin, Independent Democrat, had 1526 votes. E. M. Tewksbury, Democratic Prohibitionist, had 227 votes. G. W. Supplee, Republican, had 1748 votes. E. B. (luie, Republican, had 1482 votes. Eli l^arton, (ireenbackcr, hao votes in district. Cornelius Courtright had 1341 votes in district. John Baldy had 78 votes in district. 1818 Simon Snyder was elected. 1819 Special election to fill vacancy occasioned by death of Simon Snyder. Robert Willett had 1732 votes in district. Samuel Hepburn liad 944 votes in district. 1820 Redmond Conynghani had 5152 votes in district, and was elec ted. In 1822 our Senatorial District was made the tenth, Luzerne and Columbia, with one Senator. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 221 1824 R. Moore, N. Beach. Robert Moore was elected. 1827 Robert Moore was elected. In 1829 the same Senatorial District was continued. 1830 Jacob Drumheller wa.s elected. 1833 Uzal Hopkins was elected. In 1 836 we were made the Ninth Senatorial District, Columbia and Schuylkill with one Senator. 1S37 Charles Frailcy was elected. 1840 Headley, Joseph Brobst. Samuel F. Headley was elected. In 1 843 we were made the Thirteenth Senatorial District, Col- umbia and Luzerne with one Senator. 1844 Ross, Beaumont, Davis. Columbia 2243 1748 634 Luzerne 2467 2796 787 William S. Ross' majority 166. 1847 V. Best, W. G. Hurley, Gideon Frothingham. Columbia 2763 1639 Luzerne 3126 1952 29 In 18o0 wo comjiosed the Sixteenth Senatorial District, Colum- bia, l-,uzerne and Montour with one Senator. 222 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1850 Buckalew V. Best Columbia 2201 272 Luzerne 3642 2379 Montour 405 1813 C. R. Buckalew's majority 1784 1853 C. K. Buckalew E. L. Dana Scattering Columbia 2403 670 Luzerne 3851 2579 83 Montour 433 1147 Buckalew's majority, 2208. 1856 Geo. P. Steele Columbia 2585 Luzerne • 5276 Montour 1180 Steele's majority, 2220. Washington Lee 1242 4791 688 In 1857 we were the Thirteenth Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Sny- der, with one Senator. 1857 Buckalew Columbia 2405 IMontour 1009 North'land 2807 Snyder 970 C. R. Buckalew's majority 4643 Mr. Buckalew resigned after servinp- one session. Keller Columbia 1902 Montour 738 North'land 2360 Snyder 1170 1858 Bound 1037 538 11 1022 Gctulius 1438 770 1626 1200 Reuben Keller's majority 1185 HItiTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 223 1860 Keller Bound Colunibia 2487 1910 Montour 1080 1075 Nortli'hind 2556 2633 Snyder 1133 1694 1863 Montgomery Willetts Columbia 3339 1784 ]\[ontour 1459 1096 North'! and 3383 2585 Snyder 1328 1755 D. B. Montgomery's majority 2289. In 1864 we were made the Fifteenth District, comprising the counties of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Sullivan, with one Senator. 1866 Jackson Frick Columbia 3594 1939 M out our North'land 3830 3350 Sullivan 414 778 Geo. D. Jackson was elected. 1869 v> uckalew Whitmoyer Chalfant Columbia 3445 1805 254 Montour 247 937 1432 Noi-tiriaml 3740 3357 395 SiiHi\ an 758 394 12 Charles K. Buckalew over Whitmoyer 1697. " over Chalfant 6097. In 1871 we were made tlie Fifteenth Senatorial District com- prising the counties of Columbia. Montour, Lycoming and Sulli- van with OTie Senator 1872 Chalfant Ransom Columbia 3878 2003 Montour 1701 1305 Lvcoming 4964 4588 Sullivan 767 394 Chalfant's majority 3020. 224 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Tlie change in tlie Constitution required a change in districting the State for Senators, and in 1874 we were made the Twenty Fourth District but Avith the same counties, and one Senator. 1875 Allen Lyon C*>himbia 38G4 1534 Lycoming r)283 2919 Montour 1422 898 Sullivan 746 Allen's majority 1876 Allen, 5599. Steck. 365 Columbia 4412 2058 Montour 1729 1184 Lycoming 5557 4667 Sullivan 908 502 8411 12606 jority 8411 Allen's ma 4,195 1878 Jackson, Beaver, Herdic, Smith. Columbia 3240 1271 1153 95 Lycoming 4855 3238 2024 37 Montour 1241 885 490 Sullivan 718 336 333 10054 5730 4000 132 Jackson's majority over Beaver, 4,323 and 322 over Beaver and Herdic combined. 1880 A vacancy having occurred by the death of Senator George D. Jackson on November 23, 1879, an election was held with the fol- lowing result. McTTenry, Andrews. Columbia 4637 2139 Montour 1832 1250 Lycoming 6386 5013 Sullivan 1052 685 13907 McHenry's majority 4870. 9037 Hll^TORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 225 Columbia Montour Lycoming Sullivan 1882 W. W. Hart. 3958 1723 4510 779 10,970 226 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. The district by the bill erecting the county was as follows : — "That the said county of Columbia shall form part of the district composed of the counties of Northumberland, Union, Lycoming, Luzerne, Bradford, Potter, Susquehanna and Tioga for the elec- tion of members of Congress. It was the Tenth, with two mem- bers. 1814 William Wilson \ and ^Elected Oct. 11th, 1814. Jared Irwin \ Mr. Irwin died March 1, 1818. 1816 Wm. Wilson had 6106 votes in disti-ict. David Scott had 5920 votes in district. 1817 Special election to fill vacancy occasioned by David Scott's ac- ceptance of office of President Judge of 12th Judicial District. John Murray was elected. 1818 John Murray had 7423 votes in district. Geo. Dennison had 7229 votes in district. 1820 Geo. Dennison had 9545 votes in district. Wm. Cox Ellis had 6528 votes in district. Mr. Dennison died in Wilkes Barre in 1831. Mr. Wm. Cox Ellis died in Muncy Nov. 13, 1871 aged 85 years. 1821 Special election to fill vacancy occasioned by resignation of Wm. Cox Ellis. Thomas Murray, jr. was elected. HISTOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 227 By the apportionment of 1822 we were put into a disti'ict num- bered the Ninth, as follows : The counties of Columbia, Union, Northumberland, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Bradford, Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and McKean, and elected three members. 1822 Wm. Cox Ellis, Samuel McKean and Geoi'ge Kreamer were elected. 1824 Samuel McKean, George Kreamer and Espy Vanhorn, were elec- ted. VOTK Ol' COLUMBIA COUNTY. George Kreamer, 1307 Samuel McKean 1358 Wm. Cox Ellis 1030 Espy Van Horn 400 1826 Es})y Vanhorn, Samuel McKean and George Ki-eamer were elected. Mr. Kreamer died in L^nion county September 11, 1854. Mr. Van Horn died at Williamsport July 25, 1829. Mr. McKean died in McKean county June 23, 1840. 1828 Philander Stephens had 12,003 votes in district. James Ford had 11,163 votes in district. Alem Marr had 10,855 votes in district. John Murray had 2944 votes in district. Geo. M. Hollenback had 1632 votes in district. Chauncey Alford had 2583 votes in district. 1830 Lewis Dewart, Pliilander Stephens and James Ford were elec- ted. Mr. Ford died at Lawrenceville in August 1859. Mr. Stephens died at Si)ringtield July 8, 1 842. In 1832 our congressional district was made the Fifteenth, Col iimbia and Luzerne, with one member. 1832 Andrew Beaumont was elected. 228 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1834. Andrew Beaumont was elected. He died at Wilkes-Barre, October 30, 1853. 1836 David Petriken was elected. 1838 David Petriken, William G. Hurley. Columbia 2146 1480 Luzerne 3010 2463 Dr. Petriken died at Catawissa, January 3, 1849. 1840 B. A. Bidlack, E. W. Sturdevant. Cohimbia 2433 1295 Luzerne In 1843 our congressional district was made the Eleventh, Columbia, Luzerne and Wyoming, with one member. 1843 Benjamin A. Bidlack had 2200 votes in district. George F. Willits had 1108 votes in district. Mr. Bidlack died Charge d' Affaires at Bogota, in New Gran- ada, February 29, 1849. 1844 Owen D. Leib , Chester Butler, George Mack Columbia 1773 1579 1302 Luzerne 2952 2702 465 Wyoming 771 ^778 1846 10 Owen D. Leib, Chester Butler, Gideon Frothingham Columbia 1641 1562 Luzerne 1191 2045 32 Wyoming 616 727 Dr. Leib died at Catawissa June 17, 1848. HISTOMY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 229 1848 Hendi-ick B. Wright, C. Butler, Samuel P. Collings. Columbia 2556 2005 504 Luzerne 2343 2929 1434 Wyoming 717 778 280 2168 H. M. Fuller. 932 2948 619 5616 1850 5712 H. B. Wright, Columbia 1589 Luzerne 3247 Wyoming 848 Wright's majority 1 1 85. 1851 To fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. Chester Butler, who died in Philadelphia, October 5, 1850. J. Brisbin, E. L. Dana. Columbia 832 586 Luzerne 1427 1838 Montour 724 408 Wyoming 642 Brisbin's majority 342. 451 In 1852 the district was mimbered the twelfth, and was com- posed of the counties of Columbia, Luzerne, Montour and Wyo- ming. Our representatives under that arrangement were as fol- lows: 1852 Fuller 1219 4102 1224 805 Hendrick B. Wright's majority 173 Wright Columbia 1776 Luzerne 3858 Montour 850 Wyoming 1039 230 HISTORY OF C0Lr3[BIA COUNTY. 1854 Columbia Lnzenie Montom- Wyoming Wrioht, 2034 3549 794 710 Fullor 1483 5475 888 1269 Columbia 2640 Luzerne 5509 Montour 1035 Wvoming 1258 Henry M. Fuller's majority 2028 Henry M. Fuller died, December 26th. I860, in Philadelphiju 1856 Montyomery Smith 1234 4676 856 891 John G. INIontg-omery's majority 2785 John G. Montgomery died in Danville on tlie 24th day of April 1857, of the disease contracted at the National Hotel. He had not yet taken his seat in Congress. Paul Leidy was elected to till the vacancy. 1857 Smitli B. Thompson 1108 3678 644 864 Paul Leidy 's majority 3532 1858 McReynolds Scranton 1442 1907 3662 6193 584 990 898 933 Geo. W. Scranton's majority 3837 Leidy Columbia 2400 Luzerne 5170 Montour 1056 Wyoming 1200 Columbia Luzerne Montour Wyoming 1860 Randall Scranton Columbia 2476 1953 Luzerne 6119 7458 Montour 1134 1052 Wyoming 1295 1256 Geo. W. Scranton's majority 695 George W. Scranton died March 24, 1861. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 231 1861 In June 1861 a special election was held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Mr. Scranton. The candidates were both Demo- crats. IT. B. Wright D. K. Randall Colunil)ia 1949 1373 Luzerne 6059 2211 Montour 933 393 Wyoming 1047 763 H. B. Wright's majority 5248. In 1861 a bill was passed putting us in the twelfth district corn- composed of the counties of Bradford, Montour, Columbia, Sulli- van, Wyoming and all of Northumberland except Lower Mahanoy township. But the party in power becoming frightened lest the Democrats should carry the district, in 1862 re-arranged the apportionment, making the district, the counties of Bradford, Wyoming, Sullivan, Montour, and Columbia; under which the following was our representation. 1862 Tracy Clark Columbia 2820 1467 Bradford 3575 4035 Moutour 1183 807 Sullivan 609 281 Wyoming 1333 1113 Henry W. Tracy's majority 1817. 1864 Piollett Mercur Columbia 2905 1449 Bradford 2618 5798 Montour 1308 912 Sullivan 622 319 Wyoming 1270 1162 U. Mercur's majority 1001. 1866 Elwell Mercur Bradford 3185 7078 Columbia 3644 1907 Montour 1550 1114 Sullivan 762 435 Wyoming 1512 1406 Ulysses Mercur's majority 1287 232 MISTOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 1868 Piollett Mercur Bradford 4019 7480 Columbia 4066 12070 Montour ]684 1190 Sullivan 828 476 Wyoming 1815 1507 Mercur' s majority 311. 1870 Brockway Mercur Bradford 3775 6824 Columbia 3464 1710 Montour 1381 910 Sullivan 781 354 Wyoming 1592 1319 Mercur's majority 124. 1872 Rhodes' Strawbridge Bradford 4355 7534 Columbia 3786 2111 Montour 1592 1435 Sullivan . 765 418 Wyoming 1745 1581 Strawbridge's majority 836. Hon. Ulysses Mercur having been elected to the Supreme Bench his seat in Congress became vacant on the first Monday of Decem- ber 1872; and a special election was ordered to fill the vacancy from the first Monday of December 1872, to the fourth of March 1873. The election occurred 24th December 1872. Piollet Bradford 2260 Columbia 1225 Montour 406 Sullivan 270 Wyoming 840 Bunnell 3441 831 394 185 1148 Bunnell's majority 999. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 233 In 1878 a bill was passed putting us in the eleventh district composed of the counties of Montour, Columbia, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and the townships of Nescopeck, Black Creek, Sugarloaf, Butler, Hazel, Foster, Bear creek, Bucks, Roaringbrook, Salem, Hollenback, Huntingdon, Fairmount, Springbi-ook, and that part of the city of Scranton south of Roaringbrook creek, and east of Lackawanna river, and the boroughs of Dunmore, New Columbus, Goldsboro, White Haven, Jeddo, and Hazleton. 1874 Collins Butler Columbia 2964 1121 Carbon 2288 2158 Montour 1464 925 Monroe 2009 431 Pike 1160 84 Luzerne 3052 1127 Collins' majority "i •091. 1876 Collins Waller Columbia 1151 2271 Montour 1697 1202 Luzerne 4807 3039 Cswbon 3100 2842 Monroe 3192 719 Pike 1601 18548 99 10172 < Jollins' majo] •ity 8376. 1878 Klotz, Albright, Orvis, Brockway Columbia 1083 1523 1250 1950 Montour 910 784 477 433 Carbon 2051 2319 700 128 Monroe 2230 655 353 237 Pike 596 463 180 586 Luzerne 1293 1924 1267 618 Lackawanna 18 448 739 689 Totals 8211 8116 5066 4641 234 HIS TOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1880 Klotz, Scott, Montour 1867 1228 Columbia 4500 2120 Luzerne, par t of 4011 3114 Lackawanna part of 1238 707 Carbon 3523 2819 Monroe 3326 940 Pike 1347 537 19812 11465 Klotz's majority 8347. 1882 Storm, Montour 1690 Columbia 4166 Luzerne part of 3615 Lackawanna part of 1276 Carbon 3093 Monroe 2842 Pike- 1128 17810 John B. Storm's majority 8005 Robison. 98 384 37 7 52 1 579 Smith. 1178 1806 ■ 2698 501 2674 614 329 9805 HIISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 235 I^A.TILjTT.^TI'^Z- IRECOI^nD. INTRODUCTORY. The military record upon which Ave are about to enter has given me more trouble than any other portion of this work. The desire to have it full and correct, to get the names of all the per- sons in the service, to attach them properly with their official rank, has required unusual care. And yet I cannot be certain that omissions and erroi's have not occurred. In the dire confusion of the period an error or omission in the weekly newspaper was either not observed, or not thought necessary to be corrected. Many of our people, seduced by larger bounties, entered the service to the credit of other counties, and for that reason all trace of them was lost, or owing in many cases to similarity of names, un- certainly recovered. In all such cases I have done my best to separate and claim those belonging to our county. And so pa- tiently and laboriously the lists of names have been made up. In two or three instances my attention has been called to inaccura- cies, which have been adjusted. All the works I have examined disagree more or less, and in most cases the facts were beyond my ascertainment, and I followed what seemed at the time to be the most trustworthy authority. Bates' History, of course, was the great store house of inforniation. From contemporary publi- cations I have given the lists of drafted men of our county, both State and Federal, and I feel that in many respects, this chapter is unusually full and correct, though it may not be })erfect. My design is to put in a cheap, accessible and permanent form all the information attainable on the subject, together with all the names of our soldiers, so that in every house a record of pati'iotic action and gallant service may be had and preserved. 236 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER XXVI. MILITARY RECORD. Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated as President of the United States March 4, 186L Fort Sumpter in Charleston Harbour was tired on April 12th, and on the loth, the President issued a call for 75,000 men. Calls and orders were subsequently issued under date of May 3d, July 22nd, and July 25th, for the aggregate of 500,000 men. On the 2d of July, 1862, there was a call for 500,- 000 and on the 4th of August one for 300,000, supposed to be the number needed to fill the last preceding call. On the 5th of September, 1 862, the Rebels invaded Maryland, and a levy en masse in Pennsylvania was called. On the 15th of September a large number of "emergency men" left Bloomsburg. On the 17th, the battle of Antietara was 'fought. On the 18th, the^rebel army evacuated Sharpsburg and recrossed the Potomac. On the 22nd, more "emergency men" left Bloomsburg. On the 1 5th of June, 1 863, a proclamation was made for the militia. On the 15th of October there was a call for 300,000 men; and on the 1st of February 1864, the President ordered a draft for 500,000 to be made on the 10th of March. On the 14th of March there was a call for 200,000 men ; on the 18th of July one for 500,000, and on the 19th of December for 300,000. Besides these, there was a lot of "Ninety Days Militia," and other irregular musters, all of which will be found under the prop- er head or section, in this chapter. These various calls were filled by enlistments, volunteering and drafts. We have made diligent and careful examination amongst HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 237 all sources of information accessible, and have given, we believe the name of eveiy man mustered into the service from Columbia county, and so credited ; together with the Company, Regiment and battles in which they were engaged. The same fullness of detail in relation to the troops furnished by Montour county will be also found in this volume. There were four drafts made in Columbia county — one by the State authorities for tlie militia ; one on September 17th, 1863, to fill previous calls ; one on the 3rd of June, 1864, and one on the 14th of April, KSGo. Gen. Lee having surrendered April 9th, these last were releas- ed. The last battle of the war was fought May 12, 1865, and the surrender of Kirby Smith, the last army organization, was on the 26th of May. During the war there were for Pennsylvania two grand emer- gencies. The first in September, 1862, which Avas relieved by McClellan's victory at Antietam. At that time Sept. 11th, Gov- ernor Curtin called for 50,000 men, and Columbia county re. sponded by sending four companies, and Montour by two com- panies. The second emergency was in June 1863, on the 15th of which month the President called for 100,000 men. Of the num- ber required, Columbia county sent five companies and Montour two. Many citizens of Columbia count)', owing to larger local boun- ties, entered into organizations outside the county. Some of them I have been able to follow; doubtless however there are a number whose names and fate I have not discovered. Among the com- panies mustered originally in our county, there were quite possibly, infilling up the depletions of battle and sickness, some new recruits from other counties, though in nearly all cnses officers detailed for the pin-i)ose came back here to fill the ranks with the neighbors and frienuckalew in- troduced the following as the 13th Section: "That where any revised etn-ollnient in any Congressional or draft district, has been obtained or made prior to any actual draw- ing of names from the enrollment lists, the quota of such district may be adjusted and apportioned to such revised enrollment, in- stead of being applied to or based up(n> the enrollment as it may have stood before revision." But notwithstanding the correcticm of the enrolbnent, and in 8j»ite of the Act of Congress, the War Department refused to do us justice, and drafted from the district one third more men than they were entitled to call. 'I'he following letter from lion. Mr Tracy will explain the action : Wasuinijton, D. C, March 15, 1865. John G. Fukezk, Esq — Dear Sir: The Provost Marshal Gen- eral of tlie U. S., after sending up an agent to investigate the en- rollment in our district, and receiving his report, has removed Capt. Manville, the Provost Marshal, and has ordered the draft to proceed upon the basis of an enrollment of (5,000 ; which is a re- duction of nearly one halt' from the enrt)llment before any adjust- ment, and must materially reduce our (piota. I am yours trulv, H. W. Traoy In the draft lists which we propose to print, many errors, dup- licates, ami names of men then dead will be found. But for all these we were required to furnish our quota; for the young and the old the maimed and the dead, Columbia county was held to answer. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 239 ENROIJ-MENT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. We give two lists of enrollmentH. They give us the military strength of the county at the date they were taken. But they are V)oth subject to the corrections mentioned above. They are both in 1862 — one including minors and the other not. They constituted the basis of all our quotas and drafts : our quota in September, 1862, was 1447, of which we had in service 595. IN SKRVKJE. 87 31 12 7 21 25 93 45 21 18 30 21 5 42 9 2 13 15 2 34 10 11 62 11 Total 4587 626 TowNsuirs. KNnOIJ.KO Bloom 451 liorough Berwick 117 Briarcreek 221 Beaver 161 Benton 166 Centre 254 Catawissa 257 Conyngham 361 Frankliji 111 Fishingcreek 258 Greenwood 262 Hemlock 184 Jackson 80 Locust 275 Madison 175 Montour 87 Main 107 Mount Pleasant 123 MitHin 168 Orange 161 Pine 115 Roaringcreek 67 Scott 285 Sugarloaf 141 240 IllSTOliY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. > »! S S ^ w; f^ TOWNSHIPS. S G O / ^ S? ^ 5 £ ^ HO a 3 o S !^ • '^ ^ w 2 5 « G Klooiu 366 l.SS 91 47 Uorwick 101 30 24 13 Hriaivroek 174 0() 12 "54 Hoavor 150 06 7 H) Hoiiton 148 24 21 33 Conyughmu 318 120 30 30 Coutro 214 SI 25 56 Catawissa 208 7!) 66 13 Franklin 78 30 22 S Fishingorook 215 81 17 64 Groonwood 210 83 31 52 llomlook 145 54 20 31 Jaokson 60 21 5 16 Loc-ust 226 87 44 43 ]\h>ntour 77 28 4 24 Mt. rioasnnt 108 41 15 26 Main 87 33 13 20 MilHin 147 54 1 53 Madison 164 ^^2 10 52 Oranoo 124 46 34 12 Pine^ 95 36 17 19 Roaringcreek 52 20 15 5 Soott 244 92 71 31 Sugarloaf 129 48 10 38 4844 1447 595 852 IIIsrOIiY <>I^ COLUM/ifA (JOUNTY. 241 CONSCIKNTIOIIH HCIUIl'I.E KXK.MI'T.S. Tlic naincH of tlioHo pcrHonH who wore exempt from the perfor- mance of military on^Khore, K. S. Tinjj^lcy, Hiram K(!Hter, \'>. V. Kci^liard, B. !•'. Kest(!r, .John Milh-r, -^ Jacoh Kcstcr, Philip Oeasy, J. VV. Kcstcr, T>afayc1t(' ("reaHy, FranciH P^ves, .John W. Hai^fMihueh, Kzra EveH, H. L. (it^arhart, Moi-ris Masters, Isaat; lleacock, Shadraeit Eves, Jesse Ileaeocjk, Wm. ileese, George Eves STAI KMKN r 0|- NIMIIKK OI VOM NTKKKS CAI.I.KI* lUOM KACII STATE. ''i''hc Secretary of War, in (;ompIianee witli a resolution of the House of liepresentatives, has furnisyied a statement of the num- ber . K. Vastine, John W. "^J'liatcher, Cieorge Irwin, Saniiicj Earp, Jolm Weikheiser, Sam- uel Ilarmari ; Musician, John II. Hunt. I'KIVATKS. W. W. Hayes Peter Baldy jr. Wtii. II. Jenkins Wm. 11. Crcarliart, John Adams Ilezekiah Ilolbert Andrew II. Best Hervey J. Kase, Daniel H. B. l^rower, Charles II. GibVw, WilV)ur (t. Brower, Frank Gibbs. Sam'l L. But terworth, Samuel M. GriHiii, William Bryant, Isaac X. Grier, Nelson Carr, Herbert (Jaskins, Robert M. Cathcart, Michel Ilaiipt, James M. Criswell, Lamar Ilahn, Charles W. Childs, Henry Walton, Willianv H. (\>ol, William Wand, William Cummings, Samuel Ware, Stephen Cuthbert, Samuel VVelliver, Wm. Dean, Wm. Dent, Wesley Deshay, Jos A. Doran, Christian Ernst, Edward Evans, Peter Werklieiser, Charles S. Baker Bichai'd Jenkins Peter F. Bourgenot Wm. McLain, Moses Netter, "^riieodorc! Palmer, West Perry, Isaac Pursel lieuV»en S. Reild, Aaron I). Uockafeller, A. M. Russel, Warren liidgeway, John C. Shaver, Joseph Sechler jr. Henry C. Snyder, (^yrus F. Styers, Duncan C. Ilartman, Lewis Tittle, Charles Kaufman, Samuel Y. Thompson, Alfred Kneas, Ste})hen C. Vansant, Fred Kreps, Jolm L. Vastine, Henry Koclier, Thomas J. Vastine, 244 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Josiah Frantz, Sara'l B. Flick, Evan Fisher jr. Alex. M. Gearhart, Edmund Gearhart, Samuel J. Pardee, Charles Liraberger, Samuel Lyon, Wm. C. Lyon, John V. Martin, Franklin Miller, Geo. B. O'Conner, William E. Walton, Reuben Werkheiser, Samuel Werkheiser, B. C. Welsh, chaplain, Josiah Wolf, Robert Wilson, -From Montour county. Company B. — Captain, William S. Potts ; 1st Lieutenant, Nicholas D. Harmau ; 2d Lieutenant, Mahlon Hamlin ; Sergeants, Geo. S. Gilbert, Lewis Hayhurst, Albert Schmick, Samuel B. Dieraer; Corporals, Nelson P. John, George Davis, Clinton W. Harder, Theodore Schmick ; Musician, Norman W. Walter. PRIVATES. John W. P\iller, Valentine Metz, John Guinn, Clemon Osman, Mayberry G. Hughes,George Reifsnyder, Thomas Kartman, Stephen B. Rahn, Nelson C. Hartman, Jeremiah Fahringer, Marvin T. Hartman, George Roup, George R. ILi.y hurst, Charles Strausser, Edward Hart, George W. Soult, Lewis Kietfer, Joseph Walter, Daniel Kostenbader, Alfred Yetter, William G. Yetter, William Berlinger, George W. Clark, C. A. Crosthwaite, Elijah C. Cleaver, John Care, William Eyer, Brittain A. Fortnei", August Frantz, Jer. S. Fahringer, Amos Fahringer, Peter Fenstermacher,William Knittle, Lloyd Zarr. — From Columbia county. Company D. — Captain, Robert F. Clark ; 1st Lieutenant, David Lowenberg ; 2d Lieutenant, Charles S. Fowler; Sergeants, Hiram W. Thornton, Thomas Winner, Peter Billmeyer, James A. Jami- son, Levi L. Tate ; Corporals, Leonard B. Rupert, Thomas J. Bar- ton, Elisha B. Beidleman, George W. Edgar, Henry C Barton, Fi eas Brown, Thomas W. Edgar, Henry B. Wells ; Musician, William H. Abbott. PRIVATES. Cyrus A. Eilenberger,Henry W. Mellick, John L. Evans, John McCormac, Robert East, Franklin McBride, And. J. Evans, Wm. P. McBride, Philip Angle, Eli Barton, D. A. Beckley, William Bahme, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 245 Benj. F. Bi'ooks, Robert Fowler, James B. Case, C. S. Fisher, Watson Case, George Fleckinger, John Cadniau, Henry Kesty, Alfred M. Cad\valader,Peter Kinney, James Carr, Richard B. Menagh, Ebenezer S. Case, Philip S. Mover, Geo. Carey, Cyi-iis Miller, E. Rodman Drinker, George Moyer, Clinton Mellick, James Plill, Henry J. Hess, Peter Jacoby, W. H. Jacoby, Uriah Johnson, Wm. Kramer, Hiram Reese, Leonard V>. Shipman, Wesley Wirt, Henry Shiptou, Daniel A. Walter, Albert Hendershott, Joseph L. Shannon, Amos Wanich, W illiam Hagenbuch, Bernard Stohner, Wilson Wanich, John G. Wooley. — From Colnmbia county. Fred'k. C. Ever, John Fry, Geo. Frederick, John F. Fox, Miles Fry, Henry C. Grotz, Geo. W, Garrison, Geo. Green, George Hughes, John Hummel, Kester McMichael, Foster McCoy, Chas. H. Noll, John Penman, Peter S. Rishel, James Rodgers, Eli Roup, Lewis A. Rank, John Risewick, George Ruckle. Henry I. Slater, John Shaffer, W. H. Shuman, Matthias Shaffer, Joseph Townsend, David P. Thomas, B. H. Vannata, Company K. — Captain, William Young; 1st Lieutenant, Al fred Melon : 2d Lieutenant, Alfred Patton ; Sergeants, Morrison B. Munson, A. Jerome Harder, Geo. W. Ramsey, Alex Hofner ; Corporals, Alfred Yarricks, Hugh P. Liphart, Lewis Byerly, Wm. Miller; Musician, Beverly W. Mussleman (promoted to Com- Sergt), John Geist. PRIVATES. John W. Krebs, Samuel Kelly, James Best, Victor Lotier, C. W. Bodine, David W. Moore, Murtin Cornelison, Wm. P. Pursel, Oaklej- V. Amerman, David James, George Lunger, W. H. Beyerly, Samuel Moore, John Bedow Franklin Myers, John Dean, Samuel Amerman, John C. Alexander, W. H. Leighow, Sylvester Blockridge, C. D. Millard, Jos. H. Cauipbell, James Martz, Leonard Dinunick, 246 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. John T. Patton, Wm. D. Everhart, Francis Rockafeller, J. S. Hall, William Treas, Joseph E. Dougherty, Lewis Rodinhefer, Wm. Riffle, C. C. Herr, John Hale, David M. Springer, Geo. L. Sanders, W. W. PTorner, Duncan W. Heller, Geo. W. Watts, James M. Aramerman. — From Montour county. On the same time and occasion the additional men from Colum- bia county were organized, and attached to the twenty-first regi- ment and became Company G. — Captain, Hiram R. Kline ; 1st Lieutenant, Jacob D. Mellick ; 2d Lieutenant, Charles W. Forrester ; Sergeants, Wm- M. Ent, Wni. G. Thomas, Jacob N. Harman, Abraham M. White, Wm. H. Stackhouse ; Corporals, Elisha C. Ager, James M. War- din, Thomas Williams, Wesley W. Sutliff, Charles F. Suit, BiL lington Ruckle, Wm. C. Barnes, Samuel H. Smith ; Musicians, John M. Snyder, John F. Harman. PRIVATKS. Samuel Achenbach, Richard M. Johnson, John Roup, Cyrus B. Apjjleman, Samuel M. Keeler, Clemuel Ruckle John S. Bachmau, Jeremiah B. Kisner, James R. Ruch, Benj. F. Kline, John Sarley, Sanderson Lazarus, Joseph Sanborn, John Leonard, Benj. F. Lunger, Wm. R. Mather, Hiram S. Marr, Samuel L. Bettle, Darius Buscoder, (Benscoter) Daniel Boise, John Bredbender, Bergen A. Browe, Henry C. Conner, Lewis Crawford, John Edgar, Wm. J. Eves, Nathan B. Santee, Adam A. Schuyler, Jeremiah S. Seesholtz, Chas. Stackhouse, Samuel Montgomery,John M. Stackhouse, Jeremiah H. Mears, Samuel Shoemaker, Fred Muffley, Benj. F. Pursel, Wm. Fenstermacher, Llewellyn Prosser, Wm. Fisher, M. B. Hughes, Benj. F. Jacoby, Mason C. Johnson, Wesley Zaner. — From Columbia county Jeremiah B. Rice, Wm. Remley, Albert Searles, Milton M. Traugh, Wm. Warrick (Wanick) Silas E. Walton, Geo. W. Rittenhouse,Charles R. Woodin, Hartley N. Ror, Samuel K. White, HISTORY 01 COLUMBIA COUNTY. 247 COLUMBIA COUNTY KESERVES. This company of "Emergency Men," left Bloomsburg on the 22d of Seittember 1862. I have not been able to find that they were ever mustered into the service, or placed in any regiment. Dr. P. John, Capt. Achd Patterson, T. McD Price, I. McKamey, 1 Lieut. Samuel Musgrave, S. J. Pealer, 2 Lieut. C. O'Brien, M. C. Vance, 1 Sergt.D. J. Patterson, M. C. McCollum,2 Ser.C. L Krickbaum, Jesse B. Hayman, 3 SWm. H. Krickbaum, H. N. Ammerman, R. S. Rich, 4 Sergt. C. Bittenbender, Ira Hess, E. M. Wardin, 1 Corp.Ira Doty, F. P. Masters, 2 Corp.E. P. McCollum, D. W. Bangs, 3 Corp.J. B. Lutz, Alfred Creveling, Sylvester Pursel, Thos. Hughes, A. P. Ale, H. W. Gilbert, W. J. Robbins, E. B. Brower, J. L. Parker, J. C. Redline, W. W. Clayton, Josiah Heacock, A. A. Harvey, Henry Kicli, Solomon Lewis, P. F. Ashleman, John l\eeee, David Doty, Patrick Dillon, John Bellas, Wm. Green ley, R. R. Pealer, Jesse Shoemaker, Elisha C. Barton, John C. Patterson, N. B. Reece, Elias Hicks, Alfred Johnson, J. J. Brower, J. E. Sands, T. J. Thornton, L. T. Sharpless, W. T. Andrews, o Benj. W. Hess, Michael Wenner, A. Crawford, Thomas Hill, John Hoffer, E. P. Bender, W. W. Eveland, J. Depue, Wm. Henry, Samuel Achenbach, Silas Conner, Andrew Parks, Samuel Farver, Wesley Eveland, J. Fleckenstine, Benj. F. Hicks, EMERGENCY MEN 1863. The emergency of 1862 ended with the defeat of the rebels by McClellan at Antietam in September, 1862. But in December 1862 our troops were beaten at Fredericksburg under Burnsides ; and in May, 1863, still more disastrously under Hooker, at Chan- cellorsville ; and in the month of June, 1863 the rebels prepared to rei)eat their invasion of Pennsylvania. On the loth of June a rebel brigade entered Cliambersburg, and other forces followed. On the 12th of June Gov. Curtin had issued his proclamation, and 248 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. by tlu' ITtli a largo force of men was encaiiiped in and around irarrisburg. From that date to tlie last of the month, there was a nuistering of forces and a gathering of troops and material on both sides, and on the first days of July, 1863, the tendency of the rebel army was towards Gettysburg. And there on the 1st, 2d and .'?d days of July, tlie fierce and contested and much discussed battle of Gettysburg was fought. The rebels were beaten, and before the middle of the month of Jnly, had recrossed tlu> Poto- nxac, and the "emergency" was over, In this call for men the following persons went from Ci»lund)ia and Montour. They were mustered into service in June and dis- charged in August. rWKNrY-FIKST UKGIMENT Mustered in June ll)-24, 18G3— Discharged July 27-28, 1863. Field and Staff — Colonel. James Chamberlin ; Lieut Col. John Mci^leery ; Major, Wm. II. Jessup; Adjt., Jacob Mellick ; Quar- termaster, Thompson G. Evans ; Surgeon, Geo. Lotz ; Asst. Sur- geon, Henry C. Roberts; Sergt. Major, Albert E. Barnes; Quar- termaster Sergt. Sanniel H. Orwig ; Conuuissary Sergt. Thonnis J. Slei)py; Hospital Steward, Wm. S. Moyer. Company C — Captain, Robert F. Clark; 1st Lieutenant, Kd C\ Green; 2d Lieutenant, Thos. W^enner; Sergeants, Andrew Madison, Isaac McKamey, VV. II. Abbott, Isaiah W. Masteller, Isaiah Hagenbuch; Corporals, Emanuel Garrison, Eli Barton, (too. K. Green, ITarman M. Johnson, Peter S. llishel, Geo. W. Hoffman, Wm. W. McCoUum, John Penman, Musician, Willits C. Gearhart. riiivvTics. Sanniel Harp, David Hartman, Ira Hess, Alvin A. Harvey, Josiah Heacock, Francis Albertson, Geo. W. Andrews, Daniel Baker, Jos. K. Bogart, Sanmel Bogart, Isaac S. Brittain, Franklin Brocliius, Oscar Buckalew, Oscar B. Case, Iviclnirdson Parker, John Peiifer, Jolin J. Uisewick, IxMij. F. Sterner, Wm. Shoemaker, Albert F HendershottPeter F. Shoeman, Tobias Henry, Benj. F. Hicks, Samuel Howard, Michael Chemberlin, Isaiah I. Jamison, Sylvester Crawford, Eleazar Jones, Moses Stiff, Ilezekiah B. Thomas, Josiah Townsend, James Turby, Charles Trump, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA C0UN7Y. 249 Clark Crt'veliiig, KiclllU'll ,I(;hllS011, SainiK'l Dodge, Eli as I licks, Ira Doty, David H. Ivliiie, Francis P. Drinker, Eli Kuiikle, Wni. P^ilwards, John W. Evans, John W. P2yer, Thos. Fil/-<;('i-ald, Ashiir K. Follmcr, Elias K Fiiiniaii, Chas. li. (ireeii, Geo. li. (Jroul, Cyrus Criiber, Thomas Vamiutta, John B. Vaiihoni, C. Van Ilernboldt, John J. VVa(4onseller, Philip C. Whiteiiight, Benj. F. Whitenight, C. K. Woodin, Jacob Wei'kliciscr, Hervey B. Walter, Nathan Walj), Alnion Woodworth, Alonzo Lockhart, Theodore May, James A. Merrill, James K. Mills, Isaac iNIordan, Wm. P. Mc Bride, Nels(jn McCaity, Matthew McColluni, John Watkins, John L. Parker, Jacob Waiiipole, — From Columbia county Conqyany IL — Captain, Uzal H. Eiit ; 1st Lieutenant, Jos. D. Hampton : 2d Lieutenant, Jesse Tate ; Sei-geants, James C. Hink- son, John H. Bates, C. H. Smith, Mason B. Hughes, John L Hait- inan, Reed R. Vargason ; Corjjorals, Jos. S. Hayraan, Marvin J. Kline, Jos. \^. Aiman, Charles MufHey; Musicians, Chas. H. Alla- bach, John Fortner. rUlVATKS. Furguson Eveland, James P^oster, Theodore Fedder, Henry Floyd, James J. Fowler, Jesse Griswold, Geo. \V. Anderson W. F. Bodine, Geo. K. Bidleman, Thos J. Brinton, B. H. Ji.ooks, Tavlor L. Jiowman Jeremiah Comsti^ck, Geo. W. Hayman, Wesley Crawford, Hersey Hower, Enoch Cadman, Lewis C. Crofford, Caleb C. Coburn, Wm. H. Connor, Benj. G. Hess, Frederick Hicks, Noel B. Lee, Thonnis Meredith, Redmonia county. o Isaiah N. Mears, Isaac MufHey, Joseph Nice, Geo. O'Malia, Benj. Payden, H'^man A. Prentiss, Simon D. Pealer, Francis A. Pealer, Charles N. Shaffer, Absalom Tonkin, Chas. M. Vanderslice, Owen D. Webster, Sidney C. Williams, IN THK THIUTIKTII RF.UI.MKNT WERE Company E. — Captain, Josiah W. Williams ; 1st Lieutenant, David Hollingshead; 2d Lieutenant, Wm. J. Brady; Sergeants 250 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Charles C. Ixill, Zachiiriah Beach, Samuel IJiieher, John J>reiseh, John Davis, Wash Dyer, Lloyd J. W. B. Fistler, Alvin K. Cleaver, Scott Hite, James B. Kostenbader, John Ludwig ; Corporals, Joseph Walter, Geo. W. Rett, Allen B. Fortner, Wni. B. Whiteside, JNI. M. llendershott, Alex B. Quiini, Henry M. Yocuui, Samuel Beaver. rUIVATKS. Albert Kisher, Theodore Miner, William Gearhart, Gideon B. Mutchler, Thonuis E. Plarder, Frederiek Miller, (promoted to Sergt.Clemnu)n Osmun, Henry Bredbenner, Major June 27, '63) Geo. W. Reifsnyder, Wm. Brobst, Isaac Hagerty, Ira Rodarmel, Martin V. Briggs, David Hagerty, Marshal S. Rhawn, Lorenzo N. Briggs, Alex Ilite, Charles Rhodes, Jesse Cleaver, Lionel Hopkins, Jose])h Schlee, Wesley (^ooley, Simon Huntsberger, Daniel Shoemaker, Jacob Cofenhaver, Jacob Johnson, Josiah VV. Smith, Jj. D. Kase, David Stewart, Jacob Kitchen, Edward E. Watkins, Charles Dougherty, Theodore L. Kramer, James Wartman, Lloyd Fahringer, Harvey Laniberton, Daniel Wary, Jeremiah Fahringer, Archibald Lewis, M. W Wintersteen, Amos Fahringer, George Morgan, John D. Whiteside, Abel T. Fincher, Thomas jMalay, Tobias Weaver, — From Columbia county. o XHIRTY-FIl'TH RKGIjMKNT. Mustered in July 2, 1863 — Discharged August 7, 1863. Fidd and Staff.— Qo\o\\v\, Ileiuy H. INlcKean: Lieutenant Col- onel, Edward C. Scheitfelin : Major, Sanniel Knorr; Adjutant, Henry H. Roe ; Quartermaster, Hugh Young ; Surgeon, Renssa- laer Ottman : Assistant Surgeon, W. W. Webb; Chaplain, Wm. H. Dill ; Sergeant, ]Major, Wni. H. Humphries; Quarter JNIaster Sergeant, John G. Keeler ; Conmiissary Sergeant, Clark E. Davis; Hospital Stewards, Lemuel A. Rdigway, John C Lacy, jr. Company H was raised by the personal exertion of our towns- man David Lowenberg, Esq., and after they were sworn into the service, by a vote of the company they unanimously adopted the name of the '*Lowenberg Guards," and were as follows : Company H. — Captain, J. Boyd Robison ; 1st Lieutenai,'. John ULSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 251 B. GuiklH; 2d Lieutciiiint, George L. Low; Sergeants, Reuben L. Rich, Henry W. ReerH, John F. Decker, Tolnus Hinaid, Parvin Eves ; Corporals, Henry J. Robbins, Thomas 13. Miller, John M. Sanks, Samuel Musgrave, Francis Knorr, John Edgar, Charles Nesbitt, Francis M. Girton. I'UIVATK.S. Wm. Baker, James H. Ilildebrand, Samuel Rimby, Wash IJittenhender, J)avid Ileiser, John C. Richart, Henry C-roiii), Alexander Hazlett, Henry Rich, John I. Case, Henry J. Johnson, Michael Shoemaker, Joseph Davis, Eli M. Knorr, John F. Smith, Jasper Deinott, John W. Kennedy, Richard Shannon, Francis M. Drum, Al>salom J^ewis, William Shoemaker, David Edwai'ds, Jacob K. Latshaw, Thos. E. Sands, Michiiel (Jruher, Jonathan Lemon, Daniel Shannon, Ad:im Gensil, Jolm Lemon, Edward Stewart, Ethen Hampton, Heniy Long, Jacob Stern, Allen Harvey, James R. Mills, Josiah Stiles, George Heacock, Jeremiah Millard, John Staley, John W. Hunter, h'lederick MufHey, ILirmon Smith, Enninuel Hill, Abraham W. Monroe, Wm. J. Terode, Davi ; Sergeants, John F. Eck, Orion B. Mcllick, Oscai- B. Millard, John Betz, Tilghman Faux ; Corporals, Clark Price, John S. liachmari. Napoleon B. Reece, Kimlter C. Ent, Samuel H. Trumj), Robert McTowler ; Musicians, Chai-les F. Doan, (Jeoi-ge W. Monroe. I'KIVATES. Philip Angle, Joseph lierdcott, Wm H. Dill, Comfort E. Butler, James ii. Case, Prom(jted to Chaplain Priscus K. Boml)<)y, (ieorge \V^. Creveling, July 9, 1H63. Alfred (i. Burlingame.Isaac ('reveling, Geen Johns, W. H. Kiiouse, Win. Lake, J ohn S. Lenhart, Daniel Mowrey, Cyrus B. Miller, Charles W. Zaner, Samuel McKainey, Oscar D. Price, (leo. S. Patterson, John Pugh, Piiilip J. Piles, Henry Trembly, Thos. B Trowbridge, Henry Waiiich, Silas E. Walton, -From Columbia county. F( ) \IV\- V\ RST KK( i IM KXT. F'u'hl and Staf. — Colonel, Edward li. Mayer ; Lieutenant Col- onel, Alexander J. Frick ; Major, John H. Oliver; Adjutant, Stejthen D. Soiile; Quarterniaster, Abtam B. Longaker ; Surgeon, Pobert S. Simiiigton ; Assistant Surgeon, Theodore C. V eager; Chaphiin, John Thomas ; Sergeant Major, Frank W. Watson; (Quartermaster Sergeant, Gould P. Parisli ; Commissary Ser- geant, Ivussel A. Thayer, Hospital Steward, Frank Barnes. Company E. — Captain, Alexander J. Frick ({>roinoted to Lieu- tenant Colonel July 5, 1863), George W. Ileay ; 1st Lieutenant, John W. W. Klase ; 2d i.ieutenant, Erastus Hill; Sergeants, Shel- don T. Gibbs, Jacob F. Kedtield, John Keim, Samuel G. Quick, Will. Henrie ; Cori)orals, E. Dallas Smith, Ogden H. Ostrander, Charles Small, John A. Elliott, George Wallace, John J. Roder- ick, Alexander M. Russel, William M. Watts; Musicians, Augustus Woods, Benjamin J. C^ook. PRIVATES. Samuel Amermaii, Wm. G. Brower, Win. Evan, James M. Amermaii, Elisha W. Conkling, Wm. D. Evans, Latimore Amerman, Hawthorne Clare, Wm. P. Edmonds, George Auten, Isaac Crewitt, Wm. Beckham, jr. Edward Ciithbert, John Dodson, Joseph A. Doran, Wm. Davis, Hiram S. Eggert, Evan S. Edward, Charles S. Baker. George Berdaniel, John W. Bailey, Tlios. Brown, Joliii Bunker, Moses R. Furman, Alvin Fowler, Ziba Gerringer, Geo. W. Gray, Samuel Hays, Chas. S. Hinkley, Win. H. Hardin, HISTORY OF (JOTAJMBIA COUNTY. 253 Wm. Hullihcn, Wm. R. Hahn, Wm. Iloff, Win. F. Horner, Wellington Howe, Evan Jordan, Lewis li. Jones, H. Wm. Johnson, Frank Johnson, Samuel Kester, Wm. D. Wilson, Uriah G. Kust, John H. lounger, jr. Wm. Leighow, John Levers, Wm. A. Marr, Dewitt C. Millard, Mathias Muiray, Ednujnd Milner, Samuel N. Miller, Benj. F. Mayers, Wm. Milner, jr. Wm. Moyer, Daniel Paugh, StaiKlish I^hillips, Wm. D. Rogers, JacoV) H. Ruch, John Ivichard, Wm. Randall, Wm. M. Smith, David Litehenthaler, Robert M. Slack, Thos. Loudon, John B. Snyder, Henry H. Leisenring,Wm. H. Snyder, — From Montour county. o David M. Springer, Wm. Shawda, Samuel Y. Thom])son, Sam'l. M. Trumbower, Robert Teple, John Thomas, (Promoted to Chap- lain July 12, 1863) Geo. W. Van Gilder, Samuel Van kirk, Wm. Vought, Wm. Williams, 1st, Wm. Williams, 2d. Robt. G. Williams, Burton G. Waples, Charles Williams, William A. Young, FIFTY Tlimi) REGIMENT. Company Z>. — Captain, Thomas Chalfant; 1st. Lieutenant, Mahlon K. Manley; 2d Lieutenant, John S. Ware; Sergeants, Benneville K. Vastine, Samuel Antrim, James H. Burns, Simon Vought, John C. ICUis ; Corporals, Geo. D. Butler, James Mc- Williams, Wm. Dean, Peter Zeigler, Alexander Share, Samuel M. Wuite, Benj. F. Hagenbuch, Daniel Linn. PRIVATES. Jesse C. Araerman, Patrick Brazil, Matthew Gafny, (Promoted to Sergeant James C. Baylor, El wood Garrett, Major July 8, 1863) Joseph VL. Campbell, W. H. Gearhart, John Amerman, John Carlan, John Gilroy, James Ash worth, Martin H. Cuthbert, Matthew Handy, Hiram H. Amerman, Stephen Cuthbert, Samuel Herr, John Boudman, Jacob Byerly, Lewis Byerly, Jos. Brigham, Nicholas Baker, Josei)h Coopersmith, John Harvey, Michael Callan, Alex. Huntingdon, Michael Dalton, Henry Heist, Jackson Diehl, Henry Hockey, Daniel Fry, David James, 254 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. P]j>hraiin C Kostor, Charles lA'ighow, Win. Linn, Jos. Ta'vots. John L.'twson, Engonc Li'nh;ut, Conviid Ijoctlniler, Michael INIurphy Jacob T\riit«'hler, J. Jones Snyder, John McCadey, Walter Scott, Sylvester McNully, Geo. D. Scott, Denis O'Neil, David Parks, H.irkley Perry, Max Pi'rcy, John Peifer, Peter M. Messenger, Charles Peiffer, John Mowrer, Morgan Price, Philip Miller, Charles Pedtield, Jos. ]\[o\vrer, John Keedi'r, — From Montmir connty. o John Sechler, Levi Sechler, Caleb Snyder, Jacob Straub, Matthias IT. Sniitli, George Tillson, Win. TT. Winter, James D. Ware, James Younu'. THK nUAKlKD MIl.rriA OK COT.UMIUA COUNTY. The following is a list of the drafted Militia of each townshiji in CVilumbia connty. The townships of Catawissa, Pine and Bor- ough of Berwick having fnniishcd their cpiota by vohinteering, were exein]>t from draft. A. M. Ixnpert, James Hen wood, Henry S. Arthur, M. CAbbott, Philip Shoemaker, Henry W. Heller, John Girton, Denison Brink, Eli Roup, Eli Barton, Thos. W. Gunton, Henry Bodine, Jesse Shoemaker, G. W. Correll, John Foster, W^m. Girton, Eckard Smith, Wm. Evans, Samuel Stead, Wm. Edgar, Benjamin Bomboy, Josc])!) Witts, lu.ooM rowN'suir Jacob (Jii'st, David Evans, Isaiah Nuss, Samuel Gross, Joseph L. Shannon, Samuel Yetter, Solomon Smith, Philip S. Moyer, Abraham TT. Thomas, Wm. Coleman, I'rederick C. P^yer, Samuel McNinch, W^n. F. Hagenbuch, Henry Fans, John Giest, Wm. IT. Jacoby, Jacob Sechler, Thos. J. Barton, Andrew MeCabe, Ethan A. Scott, Ilobert Edgar. Oliver C. Ivahler, Wm. E. Sterner, HUIARCKKKK TOAATSISHIP David Kline, Wm. (Mewell, Conrad Markle, Samuel H. Searles, Wellington Reiswick, Augustus B. Raub. Eli as Yost, Emanuel Smith, Stephen Michael, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 255 Isaiah Mel lick, John H. Martz, (ico. Fowler, Silas E. Moyer, Ellas Kop]iis, Will. Iliitplesteol, Ne'li. Kitteiihouse, (too. Bovver, Jacob WeiKe, Morris Hittcnhoiise, Samuel K(lRAFTEI) 15. John Clarke, Noah Mouser, Reuben Rouch, Edward .Stosser» E. L. Spencer, 262 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY FISHINGCRKEK TOMTISHir 1 2r). Micluiol Wonner, Daniel Wenner, Wesley Evans, Wm. Edgar, Mathias Kvanior, Silas McHenry. Emanuel Edgar, George Lazarus, John Depo, Daniel Golder, Hiram Karns, H. N. Ammerman, Elias M. Laubach, Henry Sitler, Wm. M. Stoker, Samuel Thomas, AVm. Santee. Klisha Emory, Elias S. Stoker, Jackson McHenry, John Bender, Fred Hartman, Peter J. Weaver, Isaac Lauderbach, John J. Fuller, Elisha Trimmer. NO. nRAFTEI) 38. Wilson McMichael, Harnian H. I^abor, Alexander Yajtle; Ezra Chapin, Wm. B. Kester, Charles Eyer, Daniel Pealer, Elias Wenner, Uriah INIcHenry, Wm. Eyer, Elisha K. Robbins, John Trexler, GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP 1 1 2. Edwin John, John E. Heacock, Wm. McEwen, Daniel Patterson, Alfred Kline, Hugh Fairman, Wm. Patterson, T. M. Potts, E. H. Parker, Geo. B. Thomas, Jackson Robbins, Jesse Hayman, Paxton Kline, Abraham E. Kline, John Cromley, B. F. Battin," C. R. Watts, Wm. R. Mather, John S. Mather, Abm. Seybert, Peter H. Girton, Hiram Albertson, NO. DRAFTED 34. John C. Richart, Allen Harvey, Abm. Driblepiece, James Y. Gillespie, Thomas Mather, Avery G. Smith, John Robbins, Wm. F McEwen, Alfred Heacock, J. G. Girton, Perry D. Black, Henry Humphries. riNE TOWNSHIP 47. NO. DRAFTED 14. Thomas Young, Ira J. Richart, Philip Hartman, Shadrack Eves, Elias Watts, Robert Potter, John Fans, Thos. Y. Stackhouse, John Johnson, v. Wintersteen, Emanuel Bogart. BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP 83. Levi Sitler, Peter Bachman, Wm. Ringrose, Charles Miller, W. Yanderhoven, Wm, Linden. Silas E. Lynn, Josiah H. Martz, Peter Eckroth, Ira Eaveland, Montgomery Cox, Elijah Shoemaker, Elias Coruelison, NO. DRAFTED 2o. Emanuel Smith, J. 11. Haldebrand, Joseph Lamon, Gideon Fehnel, John Betz, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 263 Daniel Kelchner, Silas E ]Moyev, David Shatter, Ili'iiry Laiuon. John Peifer, Martin Hutchison, Albert Millard, Samuel Snihh, Jeremiah Kelkner, Reuben House, Isaiah Frederici, John Wolf, MADISON Jacob Stouffer, R. C. Johnson, Morris E. Masters, Alfi-ed Pegg, Thos. Ball, Daniel Welliver, John Shetler, David N. Welliver, David Haines, BENTON Hiram F. Everett, Miner K. Smith, Dennison Cole, Joel Keitter, Russel Karnes, Samuel Hartman, John W. Kline, CENTRE John W. Clarke, Peter M. Boone, Josiah H. Nagle, Levi Remly, Samuel Neyhard, Thos. W. Fry, Freeman Sitler, Nelsoh Stackhouse, Xathan Sitler, Henry Melon, David Knouse, Wm. A. Lynn, Levi Shatter, rowNsmi' — 81 Isaac Lutz, Charles Kux, Albert Brown, Suuiuel Michael, John H. Davis, Harvey Hess, Uriah Spade, John Michael, TowNsiur — 89. NO. DRAFTED 24. John F. Creasy, R. Zimmerman, Henry Fulk, Adam Smith, Wm. Rote, John Bond, Silas Mensinger, Stephen Kirkendall. DRAFTED 27. Nicholas ¥. Barber, Jacob Zeisloft, Joseph R. Kisner, James Richards, Ezra Eves, Thos. Jingles, John Kramer, Russel W. Stout, John D. Ellis, Geo. W. Whitenight, Charles Johnson, Cyrus Day, Wm. Allen, Theo. H. Runyan, Wm. S. Lomison, Andrew S. Allen, Frederick Kramer, Jas. W. Eves, (single) TOWNSIIII' 68. NO. DRAFTED 2L John F. Conner, Josiah H. Kline, Elias Mc Henry, Abijah Hess, Phineas Sitler, John Keiffer, Peter Ashleman, James Conner, TOWNSHIP — 89. Isaac Grover, Samuel P. Krickbaum, Thomas S. Smith, Caleb O'Bryan, Silas Karnes, Joel E. Roberts, George Poust, NO. DRAFTED 27. Wesley Hess, Charles Kelchner, Hugh Wenner, A. C. Hagenbuch, Emanuel Sitler, Morris B. Freas, Wm. Deitrich, Thos. W. Hagenbuch, J esse Hoffman, Daniel Baker, Wm. Hidlay, jr. Thos. Cain, Mordecai Millard, 20 1 JIISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. llonry Sidle, Lyman Croup, .Tolin Noyhani, John A. Hill, ,Iohn Do Long, ,l:u'ob W. Lohinan. soorr TOWNSHIP — 152. no. DRAtn-En 45. Jackson A. Tobias, Klias Mills, Cico. S. Patlorson, Goo. W. .Tohnson, Goorgo Hrino, Kobt Ent, Daniel A. Creasy, Joseph L. Evans, .lolin W. Shannon, Win. G. Girton, Wni. L. C^weling, Thos. JMorodith, Philip Anglo, .Tohn Kline; Robert Hatlerst>n, Kobert S. Howell, Abn\. M. White, John Turner, Harvey Jones, Wesley Crawford, John W. lleiser, Patrick Daly, H. G. Creveling, Butler Edgar, U/.al II. Enl. KiinberC. Ent, Jolin Miller, Jos. H. Vansickle, Geo. F. Unangst, Valentine Kressier, Eli Hartnian, Joseph Bucook, Heuben Sitler, C^lark Masteller, Nelson S. Tingley, Mason C. Johnson, John Hartnian, Kobt. M. C. Fowler, Charles S. Fisher, John Wliitenight, John Brown, John A. White, James Lees, Lloyd Kressler, Norman S. Pursel, l.OOL'ST TOWNSUie 11(5. NO. OKVl'TKO 3o. Abraham Koop, Wm. Thomas, Wni. George, Wni. (loarhart, Jolin Eveland. Henry K. Bare, Keuben Kahringer, John H. Howell, Peter IL lA>ng, Jacob Mellick. Francis Kern, Jacob Helwig, Go. rge Boyer, Wm. Tyson, Bonneville Wary, John Billeg, Jacob L. Artly, Wm. M. K. Wilson, Natlian Kostenbader, Wobb Thomas, George Leiby, John Oliver, John B. Boup, Samuel Price. Amos Yeager, Wm. Helwig, Chas. H. Gable, James Brofee, Jonathan Kisliel, Geo. W. Kreisher, Alfred Marks, John Holdren, David Helwig, Henry H. Koads, Daniel K. Lockard, UKRWICK lJOROU(;il — 85. NO. ORAITEO 19. Tl\omas Stackhouse, John McINrichaol, Emanuel Frantz, Ira A. Coleman, Wm. J. Knorr, Abia Phillips. Walter Hinkly. Wm. Kogers, Wm. Kunkle, Edward B. Hull. George Thompson, Daniel Keedy, Elisha Kisner, Hoin-y L. Freas, Henry Hockman, Jeremiah S. Sanders, James A. Pollinger, LowoUyn Prosser, Geo. W. Meixell, niHTORY OF COLUMBIA COUN'JY. JG5 SUOAKI.OAK TOWNSHIP 47. Klijali IIcriiH, MathiuH Fritz, Samuel IIckh, Eli Frit/., Frunk MastclUer, JortiaFi K. I^'ritz, Wrri. MaHtdler, Philip IlesH, Lowri(! Cole, Joliii Diltz. NO. I>HAF'rKI> 14. Wm. Kit(;li»;n, Elias S. Fritz, Jefise Herririgton, Shadrach HeHH, .MOLNT I'I.EASANT TOWN.SrilP — 53. Jacob li. Dildino, Martin KlirK;, Franklin Mill<;r, Jacob Fox, NO. OKAITKO 10. Micliaf;] Ilock, VVosley 1 little, B. F. Kester, iKaac K. Appleman, Wm. Owrnan, Win. JoliiiHon, Geo. W. Hock, John H. White, John C. Morden, Tho8. S. Lorow, Andrew J. M(;Carty. KOAKINOCKEKK TOWN.SHIl' 24. H. p. Cherin^ton, John M. Sanks, Charles Mensch, John Mowry. Isaac I^. Yocuin. KRANKMN TOWNSHir 47. NO Peter M. Beaver, (Jlinton Sterling, Samuel Shuler, Noah Critz, Marshal Hendershott,Wm. Teeple, Peter S. Ford, Jackson (Jl(;aver, Samuel Hoagland, Aaron Loreman. .MAIN TOWNHIHI' 34. N(J. 1>KAKTII> 1 ') W. W. Kline, NO. I>KA1TKI> 7. George Kreisher, David Gearhart, 1)UA)T1,0 14. Wm. Iluber, David Reader, Wellington Clark, Benj. Zimmerman, David S. Brown, Daniel Miller, Wm. Kline, Daniol Kline, Erastus Shuman, Nathan Knajij), Charles Shiiman. <;oNYNf;nAM TowNSiiir. — 210. David Camp, Lendlin Hart, James Madden, Philip Nixon, Alexander W. Ilea, Jacob ChamV^ers, James (Jleary, Augustus liider, William James, Michael Sherlock, Martin Laughlin, John I'oe, Daniel Mos«'r, Patrick Horrity, Philip McBhyne, Wm. Hoagland, David Crisher, Richard Phillips, .John lintlcr (miner) Robert Lawless, Wm. Fisher, (ieorge riauster, Uriah Berninger, UUAITKO 05. Tobias Leisar, Charles Sharp, Wm. Nelly, Ference Cave, Mahlon Myers, Frederick Goble, George Clark, Uriah Til ley, Joseph Crider, Augustus Glessner, 266 inSTOET OF C0Lir3[BIA COUNTY. Michael How, Sivuiuel B. Long, Moses Snyder, John Meinsinger, David Evans, Henry Eckerling. Cliristian Soner, John Snyder, Patrick Fhmnegan, Andrew Mull, Wni. l->rennin, John Murphy. Stephen ]N[ainhew, l*atrick Quinn, Hugh Hart, I'eter Hrenin, Thonias Riley, Henry Williams, Mich C\MnuM\ laborerPatrick Keeling, Michael McMulty, Frank Warisicker, James Scott, John Fry, BEAVER TOWNSHir 100. NO. DRAFTED 33. Henry Hoffman, William Berry, John Deats, Aaron Dreisbach, Nathiin Erwine, Wasliington Fry, Daniel Longenberger,John HaAvk [single] Philip JMumy, Henry Fitz, Wm. Teffer, Janu's l>reninill, Thonuis Brennon, Wm. Summers, Geo. H. Moshier, Thos. Cununings, Christian Snow, John AUvar, Peter Hower, Absolom Womer. Wm. McFee, Joseph Singley, Henry Swank, John Henninger, John Hostler, Wm. McFee, Frank L. Shuman, Edward Scliell, Franklin Shell, Tlnunas Miller, James Prescott, George Dreisbach, David Erwine, Aaron Johnson, Levi Fraster, Daniel Singley, Thomas Dande, Charles Hotz, Henry Hinterliter, Josiah Johnson, Michael Mumy, Thos. Hoft'man, Reuben Henninger, Daniel Swank. CATAWISSA TCWNSIlll'— 97. NO. DRAFTED 29. David Strouse, Wm. Strouse, B. S. Reifsnyder, Geo. HoUenback, Lewis Hayhurst, Ephriam Kramer, Geo. Briesch, John Martz, Jacob Miller, Pinkerton DrumhellerPeter Fenstermacher,John Fit/gerald, Easick Kerns, Geo. R. Hayhurst, David Snyder, Wm. T. Shuman, Alexander Hide, Stephen B. Rahn, Walter Scott, Clinton W. Harder, Wm. Claywell, Edward G. Hart, Charles Gaumer, Daniel Cleywell, Thomas Barry, JACKSON TOWNSHIP — 37. NO. DRAFTED IL Chas. C. Mausteller, Daniel S. Young, Geo. W. Farver, George Getty, Thos. H. Robbins, Geo. Remely, Fleming Jacoby, Tobias D. Barninger, Wm. Richards, John H. Butz. HIISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 267 p](l\v!vrfl Roberts, Ben j.- Savage, Franklin Hamlin, John Blacker, IIIO.MLOCK TOWNSHIP 1 29. Jului S. Xeyhart, George Ivy, Washington Knouse, David Shaffer, Henry C. Grotz, Ilirani Girton, Lafyette Faust, Wni. Apitlcnian, Michael Wliitenight, Knock P. Evans, Joseph Walters, Hiram Reese, John Appleman, Jacob Workheiser, Geo. W. Faust, OKANGE Jasper Kline, James B. Hannan, NO. DRAFTED 35. Hugh F. McBride, Emanuel Somers, Lewis Hartman, Sam. Workheiser, Daniel Yocum, Ralph Ivy, Win. Pursel, Amos B. Hartman. Boyd Girton, Sidney S. Shoemaker,George Hooper, Wm. Harris, Jackson Leidy, Mathew Tubby, Vivian Stephens, Isaac N. Leidy, Henry W. Wagner, Jacob Andes, Joseph K. McMichaelSanford Shoemaker, John C. Folk, TOWNSHIP 60. NO. DRAFTED 18. David E. Hayman, Thos. F. Schuyler, John Beagle, Joseph C. Hughes, Monross S. Hayhurst,Samuel A. Sharpless, A. C. Bidleman, Alfred H. Kisner, Orville A. McGargle, Robt. G. Paden, Franklin Keifer, Joseph A. Henrie, Charles AUabach, Thomas Ruckle, David R. Ap})leman, Sidney C Williams, DRAFT JUNE 3d, 1864. The following is a list of the men drafted at Troy, Penn'a., the above date. OH BLOOM TOWNSHIP — NO. E. R. Drinker, Oliver C. Kahler, John T. Williams, Albert F. Yost, Andrew M. Rupert, Samuel H. Surles, James Hen wood, Henry Rosenstock, Henry S. Arthur, DRAFTED 27. Thomas McGill, David Beers, Thomas McCormick, George Hassert, Lloyd T. Sharpless, Peter S. Harman, Ransom Hazle, Jacob Diehl, Ohas. H. HendershottJohn McCormick, Douglas Hughes, Oliver Palmer, Thomas Downes, Samuel Gehringer, Nelson Bruner, Enos Jacoby, Michael McCormick, John Coleman. 268 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP — NO. DRAFTED 18. Wm. M. Klinetob, Neimah Ritteiihouse, William Thomas, Josiah Blank, Jacob Biedner, William Tillman, Clark Bower, Enes McAffee, Evan D. Adams, Eckard Smith, Jacob Fenstermacher,Ephraim Trowbridge, Samuel Rinard. BENTON TOWNSHIP — NO. DRAFTED 33. Thomas Seigfritz, John W. W^eaver, Conrad Miberham, Charles Keefer, Joel Albertson, Robert L. F. Cully, John Appleman, Henry Shultz, Jacob Knouse, John Hartman, A. Davis, George Alten, Harmon L. Stine, David P. Crossley, Edward McHenry, John Swartout, Daniel Kitchen, Charles Dodson, Peter Laubach, Benjamin Brink, Reuben J. Davis, Parvin Masters, Chester S. Dodson, Livingston Rhone, Thomas Appleman, Elisha Shultz, Isaac K. Krickbaura, Abraham Harman, Thomas Hartinan, Elias McHenry, Clark Brink, William S. Kase, Rohr McHenry. BEAVER TOWNSHIP NO. DRAFTED, 48. Levi Michael, Wm. Milton, Robert Watson, James Gallagher, Jacob Hoffman, Peter Eckrote, Samuel Mungster, Conrad Harman, Elias Erwine, William Michael, David Bidleman, Patrick Lynch, Aaron Johnson, David Fry, Elijah Miller, Wm. Naus, Peter Schilcher, John Wilson, Henry Baker, Jacob Lindermuth, Peter Shellhammer, Samuel Sherman, Josiah Johnson, John Hunsinger, Levi Feoster, J. Painter, Jacob Eggert, John Lonenberger, Peter Hawk, Reuben Shumaii, Gideon Hutisigner, Thomas Prescott, Daniel Hinderliter, Nathan Bredbenner, Wm. Wertz, Wm. Shuraan, Morgan Davis, Solomon Hunsigner, Joseph Berry, Andrew Knittle, Amos Yeager, Enos Ritten house, John Hinterliter, Moses Schlicher, A. J. Bretts, Stephen Lehr No Stephen Lehr. 2, Paul Yry, HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP — NO. DRAFTED 18. Seth Shoemaker, Geo. L. Shoemaker, John P. Guild, Thomas A. Lewis, John C. Fox, Geo. W. Whitenight, Passeville Folk, John Havtman, Jefferson Reese, Hl;STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 269 John H. Miller, Michael Grover, James T. Estop, Joel Folk, Martin Kinney, Isaac Kitchen, Abraham Stauffer, Samuel W. Girton, John Robbins. JACKSON TOWNSHIP NO. DRAtTED 21. Abra. Hidler, Ellis Young, David Bishline, Wm. Kester, Gotlieb Wagner, Daniel Young, Frederick Hees, Peter Miner, John Morgan, Isaac J. Fisher, Gera Hower. Joseph Thomas, Alex. Ernest, Bernard Ten f el, Calvin Achenbach, David Adams, Joseph Rhoads, Jacob Herner, Nicholas Englehart, John Yost, Jacob Carl, Lloyd F. Farringer, Jonathan Beaver, Wm. Ausnean, Sol. Strauser, Louis Reinbold. MADISON TOWNSmi' NO. DRAFTED 38. A. J. Kline, Hugh Shultz, Henry Wagner, Joseph Yorks, Michael Kesler, Calvin Derr, Ezekiel Cole, LOCUST TOWNSHIP — NO. Peter Kline, Geo. W. Yeager jr. C. P. Mears, Geo. Morgan, Chas. C. Eck, James J. Campbell, Peter Fettenuan, Benj. Fetterman, Reuben Leiby, George Eisenbach, Daniel Wary, Henry Klein, Sara Miller, Geo. Resdy, Wesley Pony, John A. Bitner, L. W. B. Fisher, Daniel Bilnean, Wm. Shoemaker, Geo. W. Manning, Theo. W. Smith, Joseph Derr, Elijah Yocum, Levi Keeler, W. W. Roberts. DRAFTED 55. Wm. Carl, Geo. H. Patterson, Michael Stein, James Berd, W. H. Reinbold, Wm. E. Walter, John H. Stokes, Nathan Kostenbader, John Morris, Wm. Yeager, Christian Small, Asa Deily, Adam Dimmick, Adam M. Johnson, John Watkins, Stephen Yohe, Jacob Stein jr. Jos. Sanders. Henry Thomas, Geo. W. Parmer, Isaac Wipple, John Haines, Robert F. Start, Wm. Mosteller, Joseph Moist, Edward Stuart, Joseph C. Smith, John Strong, Wm. Graham, Jackson Biddle, Philip Eves, George Ohl, Wesly Demott, Cyrus Demott, Thomas Boker, Wm. Townsend, Cyrus Richard, Jacob Straufer, David Ross, 270 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Daniel Merkle, Peter Sniitli, Geo. Deinott, Jacob Slioemaker, Stephen Ellis, Felix Hitter, Wni. W. Carahani, Wni. Wintersteen, Henry Wagner, Amos Cox, Cyrus Welliver, Phenias Wilken, Josiah Moist, Jacob Kramer, Samuel P. Demott, Andrew S. Allen, Abm. Swisher, CATAWISSA TOWNSHIl' NO. DRAFTED 32. Theodore Kreigh, Geo. W. John, Jacob Hoffman, Harvey Miller, Nathan Creasy, David Metz, James S. McNinch, Wellington Clayton. Wm. Miller, Solomon D. Rinard, Thomas Howlin, John Getkin, Thomas Hartman, Mark B Hughes, Ambrose Sharpless, Burton W. Fortner, Wm. ]\[cNeal, Jacob Haines, NO. DRAFTED 13. Edward B. Reed, Jacob Martz, Wm. H. Hartman, Jesse K. Sliarpless, Amos Gensil, Jacob Breech, James Stanley, Harvey Geiger, John Scott, Jacob H. Creasy, CENTRE TOWNSlUr Chas. Zinmierman, Wm. Durling, Shadrack McBride, John Horn, George K. Hess, Joseph Conner, David K. Sloan, Henry Shaffer, Jesse Freas, CONYNGHAIM TOWNSlllF NO. DRAFTED 91. Henry (Tuinn, Wm. J. Broombach, John A. Shuman, Peter S. Boiber, John L. Freas, Daniel Rinard, Henry Masteller, Isaac Arnwine, Henry Hechst, John Heapenny, Bernaixl Kelly, Henry INIaidenfort, Martin Costello, Michael Gloglau, Thomas Nixon, David Black, William Shuman, Josej>h B. Knittle, Henry Cyrong, Joseph Edwins, Geo. W. Mitchell Patrick Kinney, J. S. Beadle, Jinkins Bowem, John Gristol, Richard Keley, Elias Stobich, Anthony Cosgrove, Michael Zimvet, Daniel Lunger, Henry Heckman. Michael Brinnin, John Stall, George Womer, Thomas Baers, John Dolney, Thomas Farrel, Joseph Brian, Anthony Gallagher, Patrick Devine, (tco. W. Davis, Jacob Fisher, Frank Smelser, Michael Conner, Henry Foy, Uriah Tilley, Frederick Snyder, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA G0UN2Y. 271 Lewis Bloss, Piilrick Joice, Patrick Burke, James Scott, Abin. Williams, Peter Maley, John G. Han ley, James Monj^le, J. M. Finch, Thomas Burke, Lafayette Fetterman, John Stetsler, Peter Snow, Wm. Lills, Elias Barringer, Daniel F'etterman, Thomas Kilcoll, William Branchide, John Mull, jr. Stei)hen Thomas, Moses Morrison, James McDonald, Tobias Lisar, Peter Jiastin, Thomas (ik-nner, Thomas Collier, Michael McCole, John Koe, James Darrach, Jacob Harmaii, Daniel Kietter, Wm. Snyder, George Mastiii, Barney McGuire, John Fleming, Peter Huneloaf, Reuben Tilley, David Brown, John Langan, John I lor, Peter Huttensteine, John Butler, Michael Glessner, Patrick Demott, Moses Long, Frank D. Long, Peter Brenin, Wm. Hoagland, John Stuben, Anthony Kiley, John McDonald, Robert Humphrey, MOl'NT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP NO. DUAFTKO 36. Sanniel Jacoby, James Bittenbender, Joshua Hartzel, Isaac K. Appleman, Russel Appleman, Daniel Bonawitz, James J. Thomas, Sylvester Crawford, Alexander Rambo, Jackson M. Hower, Aaron Kister, Aaron Fox, Mathias Kindt, Samuel Marr, Emanuel Sitler, John B. Crawford, Thomas C. Kester, John Osman, Samuel Harp, G. Hartzel, Joseph Hildebaum, Robert Howell, S. R. Bittenbender, Alexander Zigler, David Stroup, Clemuel Shoemaker, Josejth Crawford, MAIN TOWNSHIP NO. DRAFTKO 18. Henry W. Mellick, Joseph Gilbert, Gabriel Everett, Henry Kitchen, Alfred Miller, Melchia Ruck^l, John Hippensteel, Robert S. Oman, Geo. L. Oman. William Ritter, William Angel, John Wesley, N. H. Brown, Jacob Bauman, Martin Nuss, Thomas Quinn, Tx)uis Filker, David B. Gitting, John G. Pifer, Solomon Deaiier, Francis Flemming, Jonas N. John. Samuel Schell, Franklin Shuraan, Reuben Shuman, Lewis W. Culp, Conrad Bredbender, 272 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. MONTOUR TOWNSHIP NO. 1»RAFTK1> 6. Andrew P. Roth, Eiuanuel Summers, James F. Foster, Jackson Leiby, Franklin Miller, Isaac B. Schull. MIFFUN TOWNSHir NO. DRAFTKO 3. Philip Hess, David Eckrothe, Stephen H. Schwank. ORAKGE TOWNSHIP — NO. DRAFTED 39. James R. Handiwork, Nelson Crouse, Emanuel Appleman, Samuel Trump, Adam A. Schuyler, Abm. A. Kline, Jeremiah B. Kisner, John Fislier, Righter W. Bowman, (ieo. G. Lott, Isaac K Dildine, Charles Brewer, S. M. D. Montgomery,Benjamiu Paden, John Trumbore. Miles A. Williams, Samuel Johnson, Charles Jones, Peter Bogart, Henry Bowman, Alexander Herring. Aaron R. Patterson, Joseph C. Hughes, Archibald Patterson, Geo. W. Rittenhouse,Elwood W. Coleman, John M. White, Emanuel Snyder, Marion B. Hughes, Taylor Bowman, Charles Allabaoh, Clemuel R. Henrie. PINE TOWNSHIP NO. DRAFTED 20. Clark Whitmoyer, Wm. Hinney, Richard W. Lyons, Wesley Keller, W^m. Thompson, Isaac Sweeny, Jacob Gordner, Alvin Fowler, Montgomery Cox, Jeremiah Hess, Daniel Shultz, Henry Stiner, Jonathan Poust, McClure Drake, Robert B. Rickets, Samuel Achenbach, John Wintersteon, Wm. P. Fans, Geo. Crossley, Jacob Christian, Clemuel McHenry, ROARINGCREKK TOWNSHIP John Lore, Joseph Driblebis, Lafayette LTnger, Lafayette Applegate, John E. German, Pemberton Piatt. NO. DRAtTED 14. Phenis Thomas, Benneville Rhodes, Henry Y. Gable, John B. W^itner, Abraham Beaver, Robert S. Hampton, Owen Hoagland, Joseph Buck, Martin Wintersteen, Joseph Witner, John M. Trump, Benj. Levan, Wm. H. Eck, Sam'l L. Cherrington. FISHINGCREKK TOWNSHIP MO. DRAFTED 34. Geo. M. Howell, Joseph Kline, James Campbell, Enos Pealer, Peter Bogart, John W. Harrison, John Hile, Evan E. Bittenbeuder,Frauk Wolf, Jacob Kline, Reuben Savage, Wm. Hagenbuch, Emandus Bender, Hiram McHenry, Jacob O. Wilson, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 273 John McHenry, Jiinu'S F Stoker, Samuel Pealer, Jjicob Slioeniaker, Abniliam TJiiangst, John F. Hutchison, Isaac McIIt'ury, Thomas M. Sutton, Wni. lloycr, Auf^ustus W. Weaver, Alexander Yaple, Charles Ash, I)aviRAKrEI> 12. Joel Zarr, Jonathan Loreman, Hiram T. llower. Miner Ililes, John Loreman, Isaac Richards, Silas B. Hartman, John It. Urobst, Daniel Dunn, iiichai'd II. Biddle, William Sway/e, Israel Ashton, GREKNWOOI) TOVVNSIIII' NO. DK.\I.TKI» 18. Valentine (nirnet, Benj. Stackhouse, Francis M. Roe, John 1*. SmitI), VV'm. McK. Musgrave,Peter Ilayman, Sajnuel All)i'rtson, Reese Mc Henry, Geo. Gieenly, Jacob Watts, George Ikler, John Lemon, Joshua Davis, Jacob Shultz, Geo. F. Kindt, Richard J. Fves, A. i*. Heller, Erastus Hendershott, scorr TowNsiur — no. okai ri;i) 32. Patrick Daly, N F. C-ain, Geo. I. Transue, Abner H. Hiown, Robert Farst, Prisciis F. Bomboy, . George Gilbert, Jesse .Merrell, Flisha B. Pursel, David J. Quick, Geo. B. Kitchen, Daniel Johnson, William Masteller, Chaucey C. Trench, John Wolf, Theodore McDowell, Isaac J. Kester, Henry Gman, Charles Schug, Emanuel Ruckel, Daniel Mauron, Wm. A. Case, Esl)and S. Fowler, James Greenage, Cliarh's S. Fowler, John W. Hunter, Charles Merrel, John Turiu'r, (ieo. W. Edgar, John B. Vanhorn, I'riah >L Edgar, Phili}) Dieterick, sU(;aum)ak township — no. drafted 15. Jacob H. Fritz, Zeppamiah L. Kline, George Ellison, Alexander Hess, Jesse Fritz, Wm. Peterraan, Montgomery Cole, Mordecai Goodwin, Nathariiel H. Steward, Samuel H. Hess, John T. Brink, John Montgomery, Cornelius Girton, Stephen Larish, James Petennan, 274 HI STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. (n'ors^o IK'uth, .I:unes E. Jones, George Fullmer, Thomas Ya])le, \\. F. E.lgur, Will. Shugars, Daniel l^laiik, Aivhibakl llichart. A supplemental^ draft was made in Dec. 1864 to lill some va- cancies in townships under tlie jn-eA^ious calls. It was as follows : KISIIINGCKKEK TOWNSlIir — NO. DIIAKTKU 29 — NO. UlXjlJIUEl) 15. Hiram lless, Wesley Kline, Edward ITnangst, Evan Bittenbender, Jacob Slioeniaker, James Campbell, Abraham Golder, J. Deemer McHenry, Samuel Savage, James Paden, Michael Beishline, Daniel Winner, Wm. lloyer, John M. Buckalew, Elisha Evans, John Moomey, Christian J. Ash, <.\)rneiius Bellas, John Dreschei', E'rank ITuinmel, Richard B. Bright, riNK TOWNSIlir NO. DRAFTKl) 8 REQUIRED 4. John Johnson, Isaac Sweeney, IJobert Lvoih, Ira C. Pursel, Abel Ilartinan, Elisha Taylor, ■<). P. Swisher, Tliomas jNIcl^ride, ouan<;e TOAVNsiiir — no. drafted 24 — required 15. Charles Kelcliner, Stephen H. Ilill, E. W. Coleman, Ai-chibald Patterson, Jacob Remley, Daniel G. Ent, Thomas D. Kline, Augustus Everhart, Charles W. Low, Emery Day, Calvin Herring, John Delong, John Graham, J. Sanderson Woods,! )avid M Ilayman, Jacob Roub, I. E. Patterson, Joseph C. Hughes, Abraham I\I. White, Simon P. Johnson, Wm. Fritz, Justice Ikeler, Clemuel \i. Ilenrie, Samuel K. White, JIADISON TOWNSIlir NO. DRAl'TED 20 —REQUIRED 10. Felix Ritter. Phineas Welliver, James Welliver, Abraham Young, Joseph Moist, Wilson Masters, M. A. Moore, IJENTON TOWNSHIV NO. DRAFTED 18 REQUIRED 9. Ephr'm P. McCollum,Russcl Shultz, Mathias Appleraan, Furnian Smith, John J. Karns, Jesse B. Shultz, Alinas Kline, Lawson Hughes, Jacob Zeisloft, 8imon Cotner, S. S. Runyaii, i^harles Gibbons, Ashcr Ileitsman, Richard F. Stout, Watkius Prosser, John P. Runyan, Wm. Graham, Ezra Vandine, Issachar Titnian, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 275 Oscar ('oiiiicr, Klias Asli, .lessee II. Fenningtoji, Jolui .[. IJiirik, LiviiigstuMo lilioiie, Thoiniis A))])]eMian, Moses IMc Henry, Charles N. Dodsoii, Jared Coll", Preserve Conner, Wni. S. Case, .Tolin Lemons. .lAtMvSON TOWNSIIIl- NO. UUAFTKl) 10 NO. UKt^H'IUlCn .5. John Edgar, Samuel Keller, \Vm. Brink, Henry (ietty, Joslnia Iless, Cliaiincy Strong, .Toll 11 L IIe>s, Isaac liCwis, (^eoi-ge Kemley, Aslier ^'orks, si (iAUI.OAK I'OWNMIII' N(t. DKAirKI) S HEt,>ri ItKD 4. Valentine Stout. Kli;is "N'oung, Andrew La ;l.acii, ]M;irtin Miller, Clinton W. Lewis, Wm. Peterman, Clinton Hess, Ezekiel Frit/, o On Tuesday .January 1.5, 1865, the following di-afts for deficien- cies in the townships named, wire made at Troy. MA]»ISON. Jacob M. Beishline, Peter H. Shultz, Jacob Flick, Wilson W. Smith, .Jeremiah Stiles, Ashly Laylan, John Shoemaker, Joseph Wagner, Daniel Shultz, Silas .Johnson. Jos. I{. Pennington, .John Zeisloft, Calendar Clark, Wesley Dildine, George Gibbons, John Gei-ei", ORANGK. .lames S. I^azarus, Ba/.aleel Hayliurst, I). H. Megargel, lllram B'lwman, Emanuel Ij. .lohnson, .Jonathan Poust, Henry Stiner, Geo. U. M. Abbott, Thomas McHenry, Wm.TIeidhiy, FISIIINfJCKEEK Martin Albertson, Monroe Markle, (ieo. McBride, •Jolm Dietterick, .TACKSON. Theodore W. Smith, Thomas McHenry, Noah Bogart, Jacob I'^arver, StIGARI.O.VK Elinas Coll', Samuel Park, riNi:. John E. German, David Shoemakei-, •276 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA Cons' lY. On Friday the 14fch day of April, 180'), a draft wa> made at Troy to till the quota of Columbia county on tlie last call of the President. Bi.oor. Hiram Ileacock, J. J. R!)))bius, Washington Ruckle, E. li. Yordy, Samuel J. Kelchner, Hutchison Vaniiatta, Bernard H. Stohner, Jacob Stiner, David Lowenberg, Isaac S. Kuhn, Robert C. Fruit, Wm. Shoemaker, Michael Whitmoyer, David Winner. Jacob F. Vox, Clark M. Brown, Joseph Morris, Phineas Welsh, William Morgan, Allen Cadwallader, Robert Roan, H. Clay Hartman, Jacob Geist, John Rinker, Jacob Diehl, R. E. Wil-^on. Mills Chemberlin, Wm. Gilmore, Julius Greenbaum, T. J. Thornton, John Beagham, Samuel Garringer, John Rinard, Lucas N. Moyer, John AV. Shannon, James F. McBride, James B. McKelvy, Wm. Edgar, Henry Wanicli, Wm. Howell, Daniel Ingold, Henry Seager, W. H. Hannan, John W^esley, Andrew Madison, Solomon Heist, B. H. Vannatta, Oliver A. Jacoby, Clinton W. Xcal, David W. Fisher, Watson Furman, John Morris, Palemoii John, Samuel Hughes, Henry Garrison, Jonah Townsend, Peter Downs, John Cadman, Samuel M. Prentiss,. Henry Ariwine, Andrew B. Cathcart, Cliarles P. Sloan, IIKAVKU. David Hinterliter, John Hoflfman, Peter Kneclit. Peter Shellliouse, Jo'm Naus (Xaas) John Fry, Peter Fisher, Geo. Shuman, Henry Sherman, Andrew Sliuman, John Harrine, Joseph Keister, John Holtz, Andrew Huntsinger, Joel Swaiik, J no. Dalevson, Jno. Hawk, Samuel Hinterliter, Thomas Miller, Ste})hen Lehr, Isaac Harringer, Conrad Brcdbeuder, Daniel Mensinger,. Tilriian Rlttenhouse, Edmond Schell, John Dreisbach, Uriah McAffee, Henry Ilarninger, Peter Slicker, Aai-on Johnson, John Floats, jr. Fred Sherman, Enos Ritteidiouse, Wash Herring, N. Longenberger, Morton Johnson, Henry Miller, Jacob Baumbergery John Singlev, JIISTOIIY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 277 Juliu lliuitzinger, s. Steele, Jos. Snyder, Pat Lenchan, Frank D. Long, Jno. Skilling, Martin Nenss, AVm. Kiitc, John Met/inger, PCI i as Barringer, Ellis Valentine, Martin Briiinan, Jacob Stots, James McCollum, Danii'l Cnimm, George Reedy, Cnas Angle, Philij) Cain, Sanu el lx)i)ne, Geo. P. Stiner, T. W. Fry, Geo. Hidlay, Elias Brown, Chas. Zimmerman, Alfred l^ower, Jacob Miller, Shultz Knittle, Wm. i>:uninger, Washington Parr, Samuel Yetter, Jacob Bolder, David Huber, Samuel Leiby, Peter Strausser, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 279 Elias Rarig, Geo. P>l8i TTISTORY OF COLUMBTA COUXTY. Hezekiah Kelolnu'r, Win. (iitliiig, Geo. Robeuliolt, Philip llcss. Win. KoIc-Iuut, Daniel House, Samuel E. Smith, Wash Z. Michael, Stei)hen Hetter, Wm. Kilebaugh, Jos. K. Miller, E. Sch\ve|)[)enheiser, Jaeob Snyder, John ,1. ITartzel, John Kint, Wm. Fleas, Jer. Zimmmnan, Alfred Hess, Abr.im M. Arasteller, Thos. W. Hutchison, Ste|)hen Dietterick. Whitney Hess, VictDr Ronald. Lewis Creasy, FISniNCU'UKKK. Sanuiel Shives, Hiram McHenry, R^^nj- Oolder, Jacobs. Hishline, Leyi Winner, Monterville McHenry, Geo. M. Howell, Abrani W. P.itterson, Dennis Kline, I'hili]) Bellas, Thos. M. Station, Cyrus B. Fox, Keuben Hess, D. C. Sutliff, James McMichael, Geo. Gilbert, Alex. Jackson, Jacob Kline, ,]as. J Campbell, Stot McHenry, Wm. Eyens, Elisha K. Kobbins, Perry Buckalew, Reuben Appleman. SrGAKIA).\F. Hiram Lunger, Hiram Lunger, Jer. Vansickle, Elijah Peterman. Jos. L. Harp, Amos Fritz, Geo. Case, Clinton Cole, Michael Beishline, Elijah Hess, Benjamin Peterman, Cyrus Larish, Peter Masteller, Richard Hess, Reuben Betterly, Sanniel Roberts, Abijah Hess, Elias Golden, John W Kline, JVotc. — The other townships had tilled their quotas by yolun- teering ; or for special reasons the draft was postponed. Li the foregoing lists nniny names are manifestly wrong, many dupli- cates, some of persons deceased, or long absent. The errors that are thus ai)parent must not be charged to the printer or the copy- ist. They are correctly copied from the furnished or printed lists, and giyen as per copy. To those who know the persons the cor- rection is easy, and it was thought best to permit that to be done by the reader, and to give the names as we found them. The careless incorrectness ^vas the cause of much trouble to our citi- zens, and these lists are a lasting monument of incompetency or worse. HLSTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 283 CHAPTER XXVII. dkaftp:d militia— nine months' service. 178th KKCilMKNT. J. W. Cheniberlin, Major, promoted from private, Company A, Both Ivcgimeiit, P. V. November 21, 18G2, mustered out witli Regiment 27th July, 1863. Isaac Pursel, Quartermaster, promoted from 1st Lieutenant, Com- pany P", December 3, 1862, mustered out with Regiment, 27 July, 1803. Williamson H. Jacoby, Quarter Master Sergeant — mustered November 24, 1862, promoted from ('ompany F, December 8, lH(t2, nuistered out with Regiment 27 July, 1863. William Fisher, Commissary Sergeant, mustered October 3, 1862, promoted from Sergeant, Company A, Dtcember 8, 1862, mus- tered out with Regiment 27 July, 1863. William F. (Jruver, Hospital Steward, mustered X'ovember 2, 1862, promoted from Corporal, Com[)any F. Uecembei- 3, 1862, mus- tered out with Regiment, 27 July 1863. The Regiment was recruited in Columbia, Montour, Lancaster and Lii/erne: companies A, II, and I were from Columbia county, and F and G mostly from Montour. The regiment was mustered iiito the service between October 30th and Novem- ber 4th, 1862, and was mustered out at Harrisburg July 27, 1863. The men not otlierwise designated, were mustered out with the Company. The Regiment moved to Washington December 6, and reached Yorktown on the 29th. In April it had a skirmish near Williamsburg, and was on the advance picket line until the 23d of June. When the rebels moved into Pennsylvania, a dem- onstration towards Richmond was made by our troops, and the 178th under Gen. Keys moved towards Bottoms Bridge on the Chickahominy. It had a brisk skirmish on the 2d July. It held 284 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the picket line until the 6th, wjis then returned to Williamsburg and hurried to Washington to reinforce the army of the Potomac. Hut the defeat at Gettysburg relieved it, and it was sent to Ilar- risburg and mustered out. CO:\IPANY A. John M. Buckalew, Ca})tain, nuistered out with company, 27 July, 1863. Martin V. B. Kline, 1st Lieutenant, discharged on surgeon's certificate, January 22, 1863. ,I()hn J. Karns. 1st Lieutenant, jjroinotcd from 2d Lieutenant May lo, 1863. Janu's S. Muchler, 2d Lieutenant, promoted from Sergeant, May 15, 1863. Sanuiel Montgomery, 1st Sergeant. Sanuiel F. Peal- r, 1st Sergeant, discharged March 19, 1863. (t W. Shortz, Sergeant. Alfred L Creveling, Sergeant, promoted from Corporal, July 1, 1863. Zebulon S. Stephens, Sergeant, promoted from Cor{)oral, July 1, 1863. John 11. Keeler, Sergeant, promoted from private July 1, 1863. William Fisher, Sergeant, promoted to Commissary Sergeant, December 8, 1 862. Samuel Park, C-orporal. A. A. P. Unangst, Corporal, absent at hospital at nuister out. Henry Wagner, Corporal. Abraham B. Browe, Corporal. William Comstock, Corj)oral. Kli Ivobbins, Corporal, absent in hos]iital at nuister out. John W. Beishline, Musician. William J. Pobbins, Musician. Allegar, John Y., Private, absent in hospital at nuister out. Beishline Levi, Private. Beishline Michael, Private. Beiuler P^lias I'., '• Bangs Ilendrick W., -' Boston Reuben, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. IlIISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 285 Bitterly Redman, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 18(52. Bellas Geo. W., Private, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1SG2. Buss Joshua, T*rivate, died at Harrisburg, December 6, 1862. Cole Benjamin I), nnistered out with company July 27, 1863. Cole William, Private. Cole John, " Connor Oscar, " Dietrich Jolm, Dodson Chester rs., " Eveland Wesley E., " Eveland Fred K., Evans, John W., " Fans Henry, " Fuller, Joseph D., " Fritz Andrew J., Private, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. Fuller John J., Private, discharged on surgeon's certificate, No- vember 22, 1862. Getz Jolm, mustered out with company July 27, 1863. Getz Martin, . " Hess Benjamin W., " TIarp Joseph, " Hartman Jesse " Hartman Geo. W., " Hartman Minor, " Howard Charles, " Hoche Geo. W., Harrington Newton, l*rivate, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. Heath George, Private, dischaiged on surgeon's certificate No- vember 22, 1862. Kline Ira D., Privat-, mustered out with Company July 27, 1863. Killinger (ieo. W., Private. KufT Jarcd " Kindig Charles F., " Keeler, SannicI ^I., " i>s(; ///s7'()/n' or I'o/.r.y/u.i corx/v. Ki-iv'kl)auiu rhili|t. Prixato. disohai-oi'.l on sur^'oii s rortitioati^ NoviMubiM- '2-J. 1S(!l'. Kr'u'kl)ai:;n William. Prix ah', disi'harm'd on suriionn's i-crtilioato Novombor :?l\ ISii:?. Klino ,Ioso|»h S. rrivato, ilisi'hary;oil on sii'^oon's I'ortiiioalo No- MMiilu-r •-'■_*. 1S(;l>. l.auUaoh l>anii>l, nmstoivd out witli i'OiH|iauy -7 July, IS(k"!. l.audorbarh William, riivato, (iisi'li.aiiiotl on surjiootrs (.'ortitioaU' NoviMulu'v I'L*. IS(c'. Musslcm.an Jacob, l*ii\ato. absont.siok at mustrr out. MonliionuM-y 1\oIhm-1. l'ri\ali>. nuistoi-od out with comjiauy I'T July 1 S(>;>. Moori> (.''hristian 1... rrivati'. Marklo Monro. MastoMor Im'O. W.. Privatr. .U'sorlOil Novombor lo. 1 St>'.'. MoP.oury Kli. Privato. ilosortod DooiMubor ;U), lS(il*. (>smon(l Ji>hn. Privnit'. nrastonnl oul with company 1*7 July, 18lio. Park (ha-in. Private. Palmer Severn 1>., Patterson Paniel S.. I'enninixtoii James M.. " KvMuley Pavid K , Kemle\ CJeoru'e, KobiM-ts \\in W.. Klione NVm. P , Punyon Joseph C".. Private. clisclKU;^e(l on surgeons eerlitieate November "Ji*. IS(>2. Stoneeker Henry. Pri\ ale. mustered out with con'^pany ^7 July isi>;v Shult/. FJias. Private. Shult/.. Wheeler, Shidt/. Kussol. Shult/. Peter P., " Stevens K/.ra. Santee William, Prl\ ate, discharged on siirL^eons certiticilo November •_>!>. 1S(?l\ Shult/ Cornelius, Private, discharged on surgeon's eertitieate No- ven\bor 'J'J, \W2. I/Is'ronv OF (JOLirMIlfA aOTTNTY. 287 SiitlidV- Wesley \\'., I'iiv;i1,<', er 22, IH(;2. YoiMiLT Williairi, Private, riiuslered out witli cotiiitany July 27,1803. Yaple Djiiiiel, Private, Yount,' I^llis, Private, desi-rted .Xovendx-r 21, 1802. "Vajil"' 'riioiiias, J*rivato, descrte A., Private. Smith Harvey, " Shearer Charles, discharged on Surgeon's certificate January 15, 1 868. Snyder John S., deserted Novend)er 18, 1862. Sheetz Jolm, deserted November 19, 1862. Swisher Clement, deserted November 12, 1862. Thom})son Wm., Private. Thomas Joel, deserted November 18, 1862. Wintersteen H. Jr., Private. Walter Jackson, " Wise Elias 0., transferred to Company I, 163 Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, November 23, 1862. Wintersteen John, deserted November 19, 1862. West Lewis D., deserted November 8, 1862. Yarich David P., discharged on Surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. o CH).-\irANY (5. This company was from Montour county, except a few names, and was mustered into service mainly November 4, 1862, and mustered out July 27, 1863, and unless otherwise accounted for, the men were mustered out with the company. William Y. Adams, Captain, mustered out July 27, 1863. Thomas Butler, 1st. Lieutenant. Stephen C. Vansant, 2d. Lieutenant. Charles D. Levan, 1st. Sergeant. IIItiTOR Y OF COL UMBIA CO UNTY. 29 1 Joliii II. Leidy, Sergeant. John S. Mahaii, " Phineas llaldren, " James S. Headings, '• James W. Lowry. C()r})oral. Thomas P. Perry, " Henry D. Geiger, " George Haldron, '• Thomas M. Vansant, '" Daniel M. Adams, " Jacob J. Bardole, " Allien Peter V., Private. Ande Thomas H. " Albeck Jacob, deserted November 20, 1862. liutler John 8 , l*rivate Burch Peter, jr. " Bomboy Daniel, " Beers David, Biddle James I{, discharged on surgeon's certificate November ^'l^ 1862. Bechtel Jacob, discharged on surgeon's certificate, November 14, ] 862. Bechtel Daniel S, discharged on surgeon's certilicate, November 14, 1862. Barber Silas W, discharged, date unknown. Barber Nicholas, deserted November 21, 1862. Cooper Abraham, Private. Confer William, " Cox William J, " Confer PliiHi>, dii-d at Yorktown, \'irginia, Februa'T 7, 1863. Carr Ale.xaiider, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 14, 1862. Cox Amos, discharged November lo, 1862. Carr Andrew, jr., deserted November 4, 1862 Cotner Daniel, absent without leave at muster out. Conway Jesse, deserted Noveml)er 1.), 1862. Dry Adam, Private. Derr Thomas, " Derr Iliram, " 292 rrrsiTORr or ooLrr^nir.l coiryi y. Di'greoti Augustus Private. Dyor .Taoobr " i Kyov Johi\, '' I Evans David, deserted, date unkuo\vn. (xiuder Jacob, Private. Gordon Ernst, Grim John II. deserted November 18, lSfii>. Huttenstine J. I'rivate. Herner John, " Harries John '' Heiner William, discharged on surgeon's certiticate November 22, 1S62. rrikert Samuel, deserted November '2'2. 18n2. Hartman Lewis, deserted November 21, 1862. Irvin \Vm.. Private. Kelly Jo!m Kester Jeremiah " Kersteller Leonard, "• Kline Isaac, " Kitchen John II. discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 18(52. Kirkner Leonard, deserted November 21, 1862. La-hell Wm. S., Private. MathU'n James, " M;igonigal Thomas, " Murray Joseph K., " ^lurtz John, " More George, '' Mi'ler Wnj. H, Planning AVm. L., Myers James I)., discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 18(i2. Morris Edward M., deserted November 13. 1862. Mcv'racken James, Private. Mc^Iahan James, jr., discliarged on surgeon's certificate Novem- b.M- 22. 1862. Richard Hiram, Private. Ruse Corneliu-i, " Roads Mahlon, '' HIHTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 293 (^fOi Stineman Frederich, Private. Starr John I)., " Smith Alexander, " 8weitzer John, " Shiras liownian 1)., " 8weitzer Wni. \V., " Strouse Win., " Shock KniaiiiK'l, discharnod November 21, 1802. Shires \Vm., dischirged November 17, 18G2. Stecker Moses L., discharged November 17, 1862. Shultz Itobt-rt M., deserted November 9, 18G2. Swisher IJiiri^es, deserted Novembei- 20, 1862. Smitli David, dcsei-tcd Xovembir 6, 1862. Thomas liunj. F , Private. Tayhjr C^yrus, Thomas Jolin, '' Tinchdl Andrew, discliai-ged on surgeon's ceititicate May 2, 1863. Tanner Ileni'y, jr., deserted November lo, 1862. Vaiisickle Jolin A., Piivate. Weisnar Wm., " Wykoff Wm. v., AVellever Andrew J., " Wanicli Amos, " Warner Christian, tlied at Newport News, ^'irginia, December 16, 1862. Weisner Augustus, discharged on surgeon's certificate, November 22, 1862. Wertman Ileniy L., discharged on surgeon's certificate November 13, 1863. Young George W., deserted November 2.j, 1862. OOMrANV II. Tiie comjtany was nnistered into service mainly on the 28th of October 1862 ; and was mustered out at llarrisburg July 27, lS6;i. If not otherwise stated ihe men were mustered out with the Company. Theodore McD. Price, Captain. Wm. II. Evans, 1st Lieutenant, discharged May 6, 1863. i>;n ffrsT07?y or coLrjnuA corxrv. Frank A. Howard. 1st l.iop.UMiniU. [ironu>(o*l 1'roiii iM l.ii'iiti'iiant M.iy 1"), is(;;>. Miihloii 1>. llicks. proiuotiMl to 1st Scvgo:mt ,I;iiui;u-y i;>. I Sd;?, to 2(1 I/u'iitiMiMut. Juiu' 6, 18()3. Win. II. Stalil. 1st Sorui'iiiit. promotod from Corporal Jiilv 1, iS(>;v August B. ClowrlK ISi'rg'i'anl. iiromotod from Corporal .laiiuarv 1. 1 86;i. Ilonry IT. Mart/., Sorgoaut Win. Girton, Sergeant. Jacob Weiss, Sergeant. i)ronioted from private July 1. 18GM. Wm. Remley, Sergeant, discharged on surgeons certiticate Feb- ruary 27, ISGo. Isaac Lutz. Sergeant, deserted Xovember 24, 1862. Richard Ivupert, Cori)oral. James D. Evans George P. Stiner AVm. A. Lynn. Corporal, deserted November 10, 1S()2. Enos L. Bower, Musician. Elijah Bower. ^lusician. Andrews Sanuiel. Frivate. discliargcd on surgeon's certiticate November S, 1862. Andrews Isaac, discliarged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1S62. Boon Benjamin Private. Bomboy Armanis '' Boon George H. " Blank Josiah Bi'ck Wasliington Brobst William " Brown David jr.. discharged on surgeon's certificate November 12, 1862. Bower Wm. F.. deserted November 2o, 1862. Clewell Wm. H. Private Deitriek Hervey J. '* Durliii Wm., dischaiged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. Deitriek Harrison II.. deserted November 8, 1862. Krwiae Wilson, Private. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 295 Fiilk !^:iins(»ii, Private. Fre. (ietling InMijamin, Private, (irover Stephen, " (iirtou W'm (r , discharged on surgeon's certiticate ]Srovend)er 22, 1 802. Ciensell Joseph, transferred to Ulman's lndej)endent ]>attery, 2 December, 1862. TTowell Theodore, Private. Iluttenstine D. M., " Hagenbuch W. K., llunuuel John J., " Harmon Benjamin, " Hart/ell Jacob, '" Harmony Daiuel, " Hill dames. Hock Michael, dones Hervey, discharged on surgeon's certiticate November 22, 1 862. Kindt Mathias, Private. Kline Abraham " Knouse Philip, " Kreischer Jerre Kline George C, absent, sick at muster out. Kneclit Daniel \V., Private. Kline Martin, deserted November 2o, 1862. I HI.STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 200 Lou- Willi.'im, Priviite. Loiigenberger J. B., deserted November 22, 1862. Longeiiberger John, deserted November 22, 1862. Meiich Christian, Private. Miller Fnuiklin, " Mosteller Wm., « Miller Charles, discharged on surgeon's certificate, November 22, 1 s(;l> Menere John, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. Mack Sedgwick R , transferred to Ulman's Inde|)endent Battery, December 2, 1862. Milk r Henry L., deserted November 21, 1862. McMichael Josej)h K., discharged on surgeon's certificate Novem- ber 22. 1862. Nuss Benjamin, deserted November 26, 1862. Nuss Gi(ieon, deserted November 26, 1862. Potter John, Private. Price Jonas, " Patrick James, '' Potter Lemuel, " Russell Thomas, Rider Daniel, " Reinbold Lewis, '* Reinliart John, deserted November 4, 1862. Stine Michael, absent, sick at muster out. Shannon Jared Y., Private. Seigfried Iliram, " Schug Charles, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 22, 1862. Steely Philip, deserted November 26, 1862. Seigfreid Jacob, deserted November 20, 1862. Turner Jolin, deserted December 5, 1862, returned April 1, 1863, nnistered out with company. Wardin James M., absent, sick at muster out. Woomer Joshua, Private. Whare(VVharey) Israel " Williams Charles, discharired on surany August 8, 1863. Thomas J. Barton, C\nn})any A, Sergeant, November 1, 1862, mustered out with company August 8, 1863. Leonard K. Bomboy, eomjiany A, musician, November 2, 1862^ nnistered out with company August 8, 1863. Henry S. Bodine, eomi)any A, private, November 2, 1862, mus- tered out with company August 8, 1863. C A Eik'nberger, cH)mpany A, private, November 2, 1862, mus- tered out witli comj)any August 8, 1863. Uriah Gohler. company A, private, November 2, 1862, mustered out with eomjiany August 8, 1863. Kichard Hess, com{)any B, private, November 2, 1862, nnistered out with company August 7, 1863. Lewis Hess, com})any B, ])rivate, November 2, 1862, mustered out with company August 7, 1863. Samuel Y. Hess, company B. private, November 2, 1862, nnistered out with company August 7, 1863. George W. Hittle, company B, private, November 2, 1862, mus- tered out with cotin)any August 7, 1863. Jolm Heighmiller, comitany B, i)rivate, November 2, 1862, mus- tered out with comany, August 7, 1863. Knoch Ikeler, company B, private, N«)vember 2, 1862, mustered out with comjiany August 7, 1863. Cyrus Demott, company G, private, December 6, 1862, mustered out with comjiany, August 8, 1863. HIiSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 301 The regiment left Camp Curtin on November 27, and proceed- ed by Wusliington Jind Norfolk to Suifolk, Virginia. December 28, it jiroceeded to Newbern, North Carolina, and went into win- ter quarters. In March they re}»ulsed Gen Hill who had appear- ed before Newbern. Hill mnved towards Washington and erected breastworks at Hill s point. The 171st was detailed to storm them, but were witlihen, Patton AltVed B., Exeejiting marehiug and drill the 14th did not see nmeh service. Although several marches were made for the purpose, they never succeeded in encountering the enemy. They Avere with Gen. Pat- terson on the Potomac. Upon being nmstered out, a large number of the men took service in other regiments recruiting for the war. Ill STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 305 16th RKGIMENT. COMPANY C. Ill April 1861, the following citizens mainly of Berwick, went to JI;irri8V>urg to enter the service. They were mustered in April 20, 1861, for three months ; but at once agreed to re-enlist at the ex|fl■, Thomas Stackhouse, Harrison Swank, A. 1). Seely, James Smith, A. Lockart, Robert Webster, William CampV>ell, Lafayette Myers, J. F. Chemberlin, A. S. Kensey, Fernando Lake, W. C. Thompson, E. C. Bahl, W. H. Crandall, A. C. Thompson, J. W. Gilroy, J. A. Yount, J. V. Hertz, Lyman H. Fowler, Cyrus RoVjbins, Wesley R. Price. 100 DAYS SEBVICE. 193d. REdlMKNT. COMPANY B. The Company was from Montour county, was mustered into the service July 17, 1864, and mustered out Novembers, 1864. On the day of the organization of the regiment it moved for Baltimore, and went into camp there at Mankinds woods. About 806 JUS TORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. September 1st. it moved to Camp Carroll, a mile southwest of tlie city on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Detaohments of the regiment were used for provost duty, escorts, and other similar service ; but were not in any battle or skirmish. Fnless otherwise marked, all the men were regularly nmstered out with the company. John A. Winner, Captain. James Foster, 1st. Lieutenant. Isaac D. Crewitt, 2d. Lieutenant. David K. Shutt, 1st. Sergeant. John Keim, Sergeant. Jacob Ixiokmiller, Sergeant. James M. Elliott, Sergeant. Henry Kneibler, Sergeant. Hiram Echert, Corporal. William Hordner, Corporal. David Aten, Corporal. Charles S. Baker, Corporal. Melville 11. Ditt. Corporal. David Lochenthaler, Corporal. Janies Bullauiore, Corporal. James R. Wilds, Cori)oral. Augustus Woods, Musician. Sanuiel Morgan. Musician. Ashtoti Alexander, Private. Alexander Park, Brent William, Bright Edward R., Bookmiller John. Bredbender W. M., Buckalew W., deserted July 20, 1864. Cook Benjamin, Crossley John M., Cummings Russell, •Carroll Patrick, Consor Asa A., Doran Joseph A., Di'nmick Emanuel, Davis John- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 307 Davis James \V., Evelaiid Hiram, Evans John M., Evans George D., , Pluck Lewis A., Fitzgerald Tliomas, Gearhart Alexander M., Guntiier Cyrus S., Gib])s Slieldun T., promoted to Commissary Sergeant July 2 1, lS(i4. Hale John, Hale Joseph, Hinckley Charles R., Hilkert John, Hoiiier William L., Housel .Jacob P., Harding Terrence Heddings William M., Jones CalcVi, Johnson Henry W., Jones Stephen A., Jones, Francis W., Jones. Henry C, deserted July 2 >, 1864. Klase Jesse, Larafer William, Lloyd William M., Learny William, Learny Dennis, deserted October 12, 18G4. Martin John, McGrath James, Newberry Josiah, Faugh Robert, Purcell (Jharles P., Rake John, Reninger William, Rhoads George, Robins Abram V., Runyan Jesse, Robenbach Joseph H , 308 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA OOUNIY. Snyder Henry, Snyder Jacob J., Stadler Aaron W., Scott Robert, Sterick David L.. Sarapsol John G., Suit Alonzo J., Strawhecker D. H., Taylor John H., Taylor William E., Thomas James, Woodside Charles, Walker Harvey V., Weaver Benjamin, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 309 NINE MONTHS' SERVICE. 132d KEGIMENT. COMPANY A. This company was from Montour county and was mustered into the service August 15, 1802. The Regiment was at South Moun- tain, Antietara, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Its war record is first rate. When not otherwise accounted for the men were nuistered out with tlie Company, May 24, 1863 Clinton W. Neal, of Bloorasburg, was Quartermaster of the Regiment. Joseph E. Slireve, Captain, promoted to major September 18^ 1862. Charles E. Norris, Captain, G. W. Vangilder, 1st Lieutenant, discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate October 26, 1862. Tliomas Maxwell, 1st Lieutenant. Charles A. Meylert, 2d Lieutenant, missing since February 22, 1863. Edward W. Roderick, 2d Lieutenant. David Shutt, 1st Sergeant. J. M. llassenplug, 1st Sergeant, killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. Jolin S. Ware, Sergeant. Isaac D. Crewett, Sergeant. Michael Kessler, Sergeant, wounded at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. George Lovett, Sergeant. Jacob II. Miller, Sergeant, discharged Jauuaiy 30, 1863, for wounds received at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862- Joseph H. Nevins, Sergeant, discharged on surgeon's certificate March 6, 1863. Daniel Vanronk, Sergeant, killed at Antietam September 17, 1862, Jacob lit'dfield. Corporal, wounded at^Chaucellorsville, Virginia, May 3, 1863. 310 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COlfNTY. Jjinies VVilliiuns, CA)ri>()r;il. Conrad S. Atcii, Corjjoval. George Snyder, Corj)c)ral, absent, siek at muster out. Alexander Huntingdon, Corporal. Samuel Stall, Corporal. Henry Vincent, Corporal. flohn tlarig. Corporal. Charles Flick, Cor|)oral, discharged December (i, iy(t2, for wounds received at Antietam, September 17, 1862. Nathan F. Lightner, Corjioral, discharged on surgeon's certificate 8 December, 18()l>. William C. McCormick, Corporal, discharged March 1, 1863, for wounds received at FredericksV>urg, December 13, 1862. Henry L. Schick, nuisician. Ai)pleman, Amos, Private. Arnwine, Sylvester W. wounded at Antietam. Adams Henry, died September 22 of wounds received at Antietam September 17, 1862. Beaver Arthur W. Bookmiller Jacob, wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863. Blee Franklin G. Black Jeremiah. Carroll William, wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863. Cooper Sanniel E. deserted October 22, 1862. Devine Franklin. Davis William. Dye Sanuiel \'. discharged on surgeon's certificate April 8, 1863. Earp William jr., wounded at Chancellorsville. Easton James S. Eggert Hiram. Feidel Joseph. Flickinger Samuel. Foin John B. A. Foster James. Fitzsiiumons C. W. Fields John L. J^Vancis George, discharged on surgeon's certificate November 15, 1862. Goodall Thomas. IflSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 311 Gulicks Samuel. Gibson John, killed at Antietani. Hale .Josei»li. Hunt George E. PIornl)er2. Oliver I'alnier, Bloomsburg. Josiah Keedy, " wounded at Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13, 18G2. ,I(>ii!i Ivoadarmel, Bloomsburg. Isaac Roadarmel, " C'harles W. Snyder. Frederick M. Staley, •' George W. Sterner, " Edward C. (Treene, '• corporal, 10 November 1802. Amasa W'liiteniglit, " wounded at Antietam, Mary- land, September 17, 1802. Samuel Wood, Orangeville, corporal 25tli February, 1803. David Kuckel, George W. Howell, " Charles W. :MutHey. " Daniel Markle, " Wm. Lazarus, killed at Antietam, Maryland, September 17, 1802. .losepli S. Ilayman, deserted August 30, 1802. Samuel R. Johnson, Orangeville. Hiram F. Kline, " Jesse M. llowell, " died near Falmouth, Vir- ginia, July 8, 1803. Elwood W. Coleman, Orangeville. Levi H. Priest, Benton. Josiah Stiles, " absent, sick at muster out. Thomas O. Kline, Orangeville. Sanmel Krickbaum, "■ Francis M. Lutz, " F. J. II. Ti'eller, Lewisburg. Lenmel Mood, Lightstreet. Lafayette Applegate, Sereno. W. H. Hunter, Sereno. Joseph Lawton, Pine. John Lawton, " Lsaac M. Lyons, " HIiSTORY OF COTAJMnTA COUNTY. 31;5 Joseph W. Lyons, Pine. Leonard Bciii^Ie, Mordansvillc. Henry M. Sands, " Hiram M. Hroat, Jerseytown. Clark Price, Lime Rid!:;e. James F. Trump, l^^!^]>y- Jacob W. Homboy. '' Isaiah S. Hartman, " died October 1(5, of wounds received at Antietam, Maryland, September 17, 1862. Jeremiah Keece, prisoner from May Hd to May 22, l.^ifiS. Samuel M. Vanhorn, Greenwood, dieromoted to 1st Lieutenant 27 January 1863, mustered out with company May 29, 1863. John C. Karns, August 25, 1862, promoted to Corporal March J, 1863, mustered out with company May 29, 1863. George Nicholas, promoted to Corporal March 1, 1863, mustered out with company May 29, 1863. Boone Samuel W., nnistered out with company May 29, 1863. Bowman Joseph P., nnistered out with conii)aiiy May 29, 1863. Eves John P., died December 18 of wounds received at Freder- icksburg, Virginia, December 13, 1862. 320 II IS TOUT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Fhn-k Williiuu A., imistored out with company May 29, 1SG3. Fox Isaiah, wounded and captured at Fredericksburg, Va , Dec. 1802, died at Kichnjoud, Virginiii, January 10, IStuV Hirlenian David G , mustered out with company May 29, 1863. Kitchen Joseph H., mustered out with company May 29, 1863. Mott Samuel M., discharged on surgeon's certificate March 10, 1 803. Puff Jacob, mustered out with company May 29, 1863, and never heard of since Kemley Daniel II , died in hospital Jiear Belle Plain Lauvling of fever. Khone Livingston, mustered out with com}>any ^lay 29, 1863. Vansickle J. 11 , mustered out with company May 29, 1803. Vanilerslice T. J , musteied out with company May 29, 1863. Van>ickle Aaron M., nuistrred out with company May 2\^, 1863. Wright Thomas, nnistered out with company May 29, 1803. On the 26th of August the Kegiment was one of the cordon of defenses of Washington. Thence to Sharpsburg, Warrenton, Brooks Station, ^Vhile Oak Church and Falmouth. In the battle of hVederioksburg the Regiment lost 140 in killed, wounded and missing. It wa-* out on the Mud March. In the l)attle of Chancel- lorsville it lost several men, and saw hard lighting. Mustered out at Harrisburg, the 29th of May 1863. i^\h 1 y JI J STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 321 ONE YEARS SERVICE. 74Tn RKOIMENT. COMPANY A. Recruited in Columbia county. Those marked with a * in Wyoming county. Samuel J. Poalor, Marcli \?>, I8O0, discharged May 8, 1865. John W. lieisliline, " promoted from iHt. Lieuten- ant to Captain July 1, I8G0, mustered out witii company Au- gust 29, 1865. *Joiin F. Miller, March 13, 1865, promoted from 2d. to Ist. Lieu- tenant, July 1, 1865. *John Beikler, September 6, 1861, promoted from Sergeant Com- pany K. to 2d. Lieutenant, July 2, 1865. William Saunders. March 4, 1865. •Charles B. Fisher, " Isaiah Hagenbuch, February 21, 1865. Hiram W Brown, " RoV>ert C. Parks, " Fred M. Staley, February 17, 1865. Albf^rt Series, " ♦Walter Moulton, " John Lemon, " Francis W. Jones, February 25, 1865. ♦Severn B. Palmer, March 1, 1865. ♦Nelson Williams, February 7, 1865. ♦William Peck, Samuel B.Anderson, March 4, 1865. ♦Charles W. Wood, " ♦Abbott William, discharged by general order May 12, 1865. Beers David, March 4, 1865, 322 IIi;ST01iY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Blakely Alex R. March 10, I8G0. ♦Butters Comfort E., " Booue Samuel W., " *Burlingauie A. G., " Buckalew A. G., Bower Jonas M., " Brittain Frank, " Brines Charles, March 4, I860. Betz William S., " Baker (Charles, Bean Benjamin F., Fehruary 16, 1865. Brown James M., March 10, 1865, died at Beverly, West Vir- ginia, May 14, 1865. Cain Pliilip, February 9, 1865. Cain Michael, February 10, 1865. Case James B.. March 4, 1865. Creveling Clark, March 10, 1865. L'aden John, " Campbell William D., " Clu'onias Nathan, " Eveland Peter, " Emory Hervey, " Fox Lloyd, February 2, 1865. Finley Martin, March 4, 1865. Fowler Miles B., March 4, 1865. Fox George. March 10, 1865. Howey William, February 16, 1865. Herson James, February 16, 1865. Hufnagle George F., February 9, 1865. Hartman David, March 10, 1865. Hill Abram, March 10, 1865. Henrie Francis S., March 10, 1865. Herring Alex B., « Hicks Mahlon B., Holligan Patrick, March 10, 1865, discharged by general order May 29, 1 865. James John C, March 4, 1865. Kelchner E. A., March 4, 1865. Kishbauch William, March 10, 1865. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 323 Kline John C, Miirch IJ, 186.5. Lantz John, March 4, 186.5. May Joseph, February 21, I860. Miimmey Israel, March 10, 1865. Miller Cyrus U., March 4, 186.5. Miller Joseph B , " Markle Joseph, " *Mellon Jacob F., February 16, I860, discharged by general order May 24, I860. *Miller Nathan E., February 16, 186.5. *McNeal Ilervey, March 4, 1865. Oliver Aithur, " Oman Henry F., " Price Wesley R , March 1 0, 1 865. Pohe Stephen, " *Rasty Peter, March 4, 1865. *liuckey Emanuel, Ma.ch 4, 186.3. Robins Abram V., February 9, i860 Rol)ins William W, February 27, 1865. Shipnian William A., February 21, 1865. Shultz J.'iraes. February 21, 1865. Stiller George P. March 10, 1865. Stahl John W., Shaffer Winfield S., Suit Alonzo .)., Febru iry 9, 1365 Swank Wilson, February 9, 1865. *Thompsou James M., March 4, 1865. *Titus George W., March 4, 1865. Trons'.ie George, March 10, 1865. Truni;) Charles W., Marcli 4, 1865. Williams .Joliii, February 10, 1865. Wertmaii Willoughby, March 4, 1865. Williams Montgomery, Match 10, 1865, discharged by general or- der May 24, 1865. Zinnnerman George, March 10. 1865. This company was assigned to the seventy-fourth in March 1865. It was at th.at time on guard and garrison duty on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, with headquarters at Green Spring. T.ie regiiU-M: procejdv-vl thence by rail to Webster, from which 324 TTTSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY place it marched to Beverly. It remained at the last named place on picket and guard duty fi'om April 8, to May 12, when ordered to ClarkslDiirg. Subsequently the headquarters were at Parkers- V)'irg. wlience it did guard duty along the Parkersburg branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It Avas mustered out of ser- vice at Clarksburg, August 29, 1865, Avhence it returned to Pitts- burgh, where it disbanded. All the men not otherwise accounted for, Avere mustered out with the company. 103d RKGIMENT. COMPANY B. llecruited in Bloorasburg. George H. Jones, Captain. E. B. Yordy 1st Lt. Win. E. Sterner, 2d Lt. John G. Gilroy, 1st Sgt. Frank B. Gibson, Sgt. H. C Hartman, Sgt. Alvah Wolcott, Sgt. Jos. L. Shannon, Sgt. Elias Hoffman, Corp. Thomas B. "Williams, Corp. Jacob W. Fisher, Corp. Wm. Thomas, Corp. John Cox, Corp. Jacob F. Fox, Corp. Chester C Marr, Corp. A. M. Cad wall ader, Corp. Albertson David, Auman Ananias, Bodine Henry F. Braut George, Brian David, Bennett Abraham, Brink Dennisoii, Boice Daniel, Bradshaw Chas. deserted. Jones Richard, Krumm Amos, Klett Andrew T. Kline Harmon, Kunkle Charles, Kitchen Isaac H. Long John, Morris Robert, Mittever William, Moyer Philip S. Millard Samuel J. May William, Mears John B. Nuss Isaac, Owens John, Powell John D. . Powell Abiathan, Penman John, Richart John C Rooney Patrick, Reiswick Well H. Rehm John, Reichelderfer Michael, died at Roanoke Island N. C. April 18, 1865. I IIISTOliY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 32.> ril 20th. Thence to City Point, thence to Alexan- dria, where it went into camp, and on May 31, 1865, was muster- ed out. 330 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER XXVIII. THREE YEARS' SERVICE. 3oTIl REGIMENT. SIXTH RESERVES. COMPANY A. "the iron (iUAKDS." William \V. liicketts, April 22, '61, promoted to Colonel July 27, 1861. Wellington H. Ent, April '■I'l, '61, promoted to Major Septem- ber 21, 1862. Samuel Waters, April "2.'!^ '61, promoted to 2d. Lieutenant July , 27. 1861, to Captain March 1, 1863, to brevet Major March 13, 1865, wounded at Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864, absent at muster out. Isaac H Seesholtz, April I'l, '61, resigned October 16, 1861. Albion B. Jamison, April 22, '61, })romoted from 1st Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant April 24, 1863, to brevet captain, March 13, 1865. Samuel Knorr, April 22, '61, resigned October 25, 1862. Harrison J. Conner, April 22, 1861, promoted from sergeant to 1st Lieutenant March 1, 1868, to brevet 1st Lieutenant March 13, 1865. James Stanley, April 22, '61, })romoted to 1st. Sergeant Api'il 15, 1863. W. S. Margerum, April 22, '61. George W. Mears, July 8, '61, wounded at New Hope Church November 27, 1863, absent in hospital at muster out. George R. Gensel, April 22, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certifi- cate December 6, 1862. R. W. Bowman, April 22, '61, discharged March 9, 1863, for wounds received in action. ni;sTonY of Columbia county. 331 Amos Gensel, A})!'!! 2i', 'Gl, transferred to 191st. regiment, P. v., May 31, 1SG4. Veteran. Uriah \\. Burkert, July 8, '61, transferred to 191st. regiment, P- v., May 31, 1864. Veteran. B. R. ITayhurst, April 22, '61, promoted to Sergeant Major June 22, 1861. Charles H. Brockway, April 22, '61, transferred to Battery F' 43(1. regiment P. V., date unknown. W illiam k. Snyder, July 13. '61. Joseph R. Hess, April 22, '61. Randolph llayman, July 13, '61, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps — date unknown. Marks B. Hughes, April 22, '61. Benjamin F. Sharpless, July 13, '61. William ]\IcNeal, ^Vpril 22, '61. discharged on surc'eon's certifi- cate September 6, 1861. John C. Clark, April 'I'l., '61, transferred to 191st. regiment, P. V, May 31, 1864. Veteran. George Whitesides. July 8, '61, transferred to 191st. regiment, P. v., May 31, 1864 Veteran. Chester S. Furman, July 13, '61, transferred to U. S. Signal Corps October 28, 1863. Daniel M. Patterson, April 22, '61, died March 31, 1862. George M. Demorest. April 22. '61, died September 23, 1862, of wounds received at South Mountain, September 14, 1862. Harman A. Shuman. Ai»ril 22, '61, . Nolton Meury, April 22, '61. transforrod to 191st rogiiuont P. V, :^[ly ;>K 18()4. Voteran. Palmer William II., April 22, *(il, discharged on surgeon's eer- tirtcate June 4, 1804. Price William H., April 22. "01. discharged June 17. 1863, for wounds received in action. Quimby Frank ,]., April 22. '61, discharged oh surgeon's certiti cate February o, 1S63. Raup William. April 22, \\\. Ross David S., April 22, '61, transferred to 191st regunent P. A^, May 31, 1864. Veteran. Ramsay James li., July 23, '61, transferred to U. S. Signal Corps I)cccnd)er 18, 1863. ]\clir Franklin, August 11, '62, died of wounds Marcli 13, 1863 Sterling Bait is, July 13, '61. Shortz Abraham, April 22, '61. Stineman Leonard S., April 22. '61, discharged March 30, 1863, for wounds received at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Strausser Franklin, April 22, "(il, discharged April lo, 1863. for wounds received at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Seitzinger Ludwdg, April 'I'l, '61, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate February 13, 1863. Staler Henry P., April 31, '61, deserted Saptetuber 21, 1862. Schwaderer 0. F., April 25, '61, deserted August 21, 1862— Schuylkill county. Smith Ashabel W., April 22, '61. not on muster roll. Waher Reuben II., April 12, '(>!, discharged for wounds receiv- ed Felu-uary 5, 1863. Tremble Georg.' W., April 22, '61. discharged on Surgeon's cer- tilicaie Noveuiber20. '6:i. Waters George, .\pril '>>, '61. WhitenighL P. 0, April 22, '6J, discharged o.i Surgeon's certi- ficate October 18, 1862. Walter Sanmel C, Ajjril 22, '61, killed at l)raines\ ille Decem- ber 2.), 1861. Wit. nan Jamc> F., July 13, '61, died Septeaiber 1, 1801. Ills TO n Y () F COL UMB I A CO UNT Y. :^S "> \<)n\\\f Jerciniuli S., 7\|>ril 22, 'OJ, traiisf8 August 21, 18G1. Zeigler iVlexander, April 32, '01, innslcicd out with coinpuiiy June 11, 1864. OUIfilNAI. MKMr.KICS — NOT IN liATKs' IIl.STOUY. Gelkiu Frank, uiiaccountcMl U)V. Getkii) Jerciiiiah, unaccounted for. C'roKsley .John A, Hee I 12th. 2<1. Artillery. J3attery F Willanl AiiLCUHtuti, returne(l with conijjiiny .June 14, 1864. Lunj^er ISenjaniin F., unu<;counte(l loi'. Smith I^eter !>., unaccounted for. Jiowman Joseph P.. unaccounted for. Vox Aaron, unaccounted for. Jirown John, unaccounted for. lietz J<»hn, unaccounted ii>r. On Thursday, June 14, 1804, ''The Iron Guards'" returned to J-Jloornsburg and had an e thusiastic reception. The following are the names: Col. Wellington II. Ent, Adjutant George S. Cole- man, First Lieutenant A. J). Jameson, Second Lii^utenant H J. Conner, commanding company. Sergeants James Stanley, W. S. Margerum, Corj)orals W. II. Snyder, Benjamin F. Shar|)less, Jo- seph K. Hes.s, Marks B. Hughes, Privates Charles Achenbach, H. C. Bowman, Alfred Eck, Thomas Griftiths, Henry Gotschall, Wil- liam Ilollingshead, Sylvester Hower, Theodore Mendenhall, A. W. iMann, Baltis Sterling, George Waters, Nelson Bruner, Joseph S. Eck, Charles S. Fornwald, Samuel G. Gottschall, P. S. Hamlin, J. II. Hughes, J(jhn Kern, Augustus Willard, William Ilaup, Ab- raham Shorl/, Alexander Zigler, Emanuel Kurtz. Col. IJicketts died at Oningeville, August 10, 1862, having been discharged on surgeon's certificate F'ebruary 27, 1862. Wel- lington II. Ent was promote, Pa., and on the 22d was ordered by the way of Harrisburg and Baltimore to Washington. It was nmstered into the service of the United States July 27, 1861. It was assigned to the Third lirigade of McCall's Division. On December 20th the battle of Drainesville was fought, in which the Reserves won their tirst victory. It is imjjossible to follow the lieserves in all their movements and marches. It would be almost a history of the war. On the 13th of .lune, 1862. it em- barked for White House, ^' a. On the 2hth it was abandoned and the stores burned, and the army fell back, McOlellan having been beaten in the Seven Days' tight. The regiment reached Harrison's Landing on the 1st of July. The last days of July came the three days' mameuvreing tight at AVarrenton. After the Second liull Hun the Regiment moved towards South Mountain and took position on the extreme right. They performed a gallant service in capturing the rebel position on the mountain top, and the next two days were in the victory gained by McClellan at Antietam. And so it continiu'd in march counter marcli and drill and in due course moved on toward Fredericksburg, in which battle it took a very prominent part. It made the celebrated "Mud March," and on the 25th June moved from Fairfax Station to join in the Gettysburg campaign. Thence to Falling Waters, l\appahannock, Bristoe Station, New Hope Church, through the campaign of the Wilderness, and on to the battle at Bethesda Church, fought after its term <>f enlistment had expired, and gain- ing a signal victory, it started for Harrisburg 1 June, 1864, where it was mustered out on the 11th of the same month, with a mili- tary reputation unsurpassed by any in the service. -*»^ HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 337 COMPANY K. SIXTH RKSEUVKS. Recruited in Montour county. Mahlon K. Manley, May 14, 'fil, discharged on Surgeon's certifi- cate March 22, 18G3. Charles Richart, May 14, 'Gl, ])roraoted from Ist Lieutenant to Captain Au^nist 27, 1863, brevet Major, March 13, I860. John Iloni, May 14, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certificate Sei>tember 27, 1862. Joniah Mull, May 14, '61, promoted from Sergeant October 11, 1861, to 2d Lieutenant April 13, 18G3. George W. Deen, May 14, '61, promoted to 1st Sergeant May 15, 1863, Commissioned 2d Lieutenant March 21, 1863,not nms- tered, mustered out with Company June 11, 1864. Joel Metz, May 27, '61, Sergeant. Thomas Levers, June 26, '61, promoted to Corporal July 15, 1861, to Sergeant April 6, 1862. William \. Moyer, May 14, '61, Corporal April 6, 1862, Sergeant May 15, 1863. Nicholas Frieze, May 14, '61, missing in action at Fredericks- burg, Virginia, December 13, 1862. AVilliam Kriner, May 14, '61, discharged May 26, 1862, for wounds received accidentally. William E. Ackey, May 14, '61, transferred to 191st Regiment P. v.. May 31, 1864, Veteran. Abraham Wand, May 14, '61, wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, absent at General Hospital, Washington, D. C. at muster out. William Lezerve, May 14, '61. William E Gillespie, June 20, '61, transferred to IQlst Regi- ment P. V. May 31, 1864, Veteran. H. Kustenbather, July ,11 '61, transferred to 191st Regiment P. V. May 31, 1864, Veteran. 888 IllSTOlir or ('OLUMIUA COl^NTY. Jolui LoHUt, .Inly 11, '(il. tr:iiisf«"rr('.l to 1!»lst. Kcoitnciil P. V. M;iy JU, ISO I, Vctonm. 'riiiiddcus S. Smith, .Iiiiic 2"), '(il, f rniisicncd to lOlst IJc^imciil, 1*. v., May ;U, 1S()1, VctiMMn. Aaron II. (Jil)soii, May 14, '(;i, killed at Hrllicsda (Mnircli, Vir- liiiiia, May 'M), ISdl, N'ctcraii. Edwin Lockliart, May 11, T.l. Eli .1. Kicliart, April 1, '(>2, traiisrcncd to l!)lst KN'^inicnt 1*. V. May :n, iMdI. Adrrlioldl Kaiiu'st, .hdy 27, '()1, Moniidcd, witli loss of U'i>j, at Hristoo Station, Yiroinia, Octolx'v 11, 1 S()3, al)seiit, in liospital, at nnistcr ont. Buttles William, May 25, '(11, traiisfciTcd to llUst KN^inuMit 1*. V. May 81, 1.S04, Vctovan. Brown James 11., May 2'), '(11, discliarnt'd on Siirj^-eon's ceil ificate, Eebruary 12, 1S()2. Bailey Olney, May 21, '(>!, diseliaro-ed on Suro«M)n's certilieate, July 28, '()!. Bowman (leoioc, May 11, '(il, disc'liavi^ed on Sui'^con's certiru'ate Mareli 12, 1H()8. Bin<;inan (ieoi-^-e. May 14, Y)l, deserted September 1 H, '(12. (\)wdt'n SanuH'l, June (>, '(51, transferred to IDlst lu'giment 1*. V. May ;U, 18(il, Veteran. C^innin<:;liam Robert, M:iy II, '(il. I'lironistcr .lolm \V., ,lune 1, "(il, disehar:ed on Surneon's ecrtiticate, November 20, lH(il. Elinn James, May 20, '(12, wounded in action — date unknown — diseharged on Surtjoon's certitioate, December 19, 18(>2. ■Grill Josiah, June 20, '(il, transferred to IDlst Iveoinient P. V. May 31, 18(54, Veteran. ■Garner Autjustus, July 20, '(Jl, deserted February 11, 1S(!2. Hare Joseph, :\lay 14, '61. Jlilgert Jacob, May 16, '61. nisTonv OF coiAjMiiiA bounty. WW.) H:it(:iii ( !li;iil<'S, M:iy 21, til , ;iI)H(ii1 ;il riiiistci- out, of ( "<)iii|);iiiy. Ilfisiicr Il(!iiry, May 14, 'ctol)er 2. 1 804, grave 11, Hi;}. Veteran. Karigiier, (iottleib, May 14, '01, discharged March 18, 18(52, for wonnds recived in action. Kie/er John, July 20, '01, discharged on surgeon's (;(;rtiiicate, Feh- rnaiy 17, 1802. Krclner CJeorge, May .'iO, '01, discharged March 28, 18(j.'}, lor wounds receiv(!d in a(;tion. K1, tlischiirt^cd l»y sid'ciiil onlcr, Aiijfust 1(>, 18(52. Ott Al|)li(Mis I)., .Inly 10, '()1, tlitul at Brisloi' Slatioii, Virll I'orry, .luly ">, '(il, dist^liarocd by sjiocial order, August 11, IS()2. I'l-'uu' Abraliam, August 2(i, '(>!, killcil :it South iMouiilaiii, Sep- tember 14, IH02. Richard John ()., May 11, (il, absent in hospital at iiiustt'r out. lvou|» Jonas, May 2r), '(il, absi'nt, in hospital at nnistfi- out. Ivantz Isaac, .Inly 20, '(>1, inissinii; in action at liethesda (^hnrch. May ;{(), IStil. Keinhardt Kdniund. June 2."), '(il, transl'crrcd to l!Hst- regiineni ]». v., May .*n, lH(i4. Veteran. Kose .Toseph, May 14, .'(il, discharged on surij^eon's certilicati>, December 12, 1H()2. Shedon .John, May 11, '(il, wounded at Helliesda Church, May 12. lH(il, absent, in hosjiital, at muster out. Staub 1-onrad, May 11, '(U. Shult/, .John, May 14, '(il. Springer C\)nr:ul, M:iy 14, '(il, discharoed on suri^con's certilicale, June 8, 18G2. Sintijhiser Theodore, .luue (i, "(il, d on surgeon's certili- cate, February 13, 18(i;?. ISevarts (lotleib, .June (i, '(il, discharged April 20, ISd.S, for \voun1, 'Ik'I iit VVasliiiigtoii, J). C, August 7, '(Jl. Welliv«'i- 'riiDiii.is, May 2'), '(il. Wagner Otto, .Inno 1, '(il. Wi'sl Christ inn, August 27, (il, iliscliargcd on surgeon's certificate J)e(H-nil)er 1, I SOI. Wagner ('luist ian, May 11, '01, discharged on surgeon's cH-rtilicate April 20, IH(i:i. WillianiH (iecu-ge, August 27, '(il, tlischarged on surgeon's (H-rtili- cate .January H, 1802. Woods C'hi'istoplier, May 14, "(il, disch irged i»y sjucial order, August II, 1H02. Walter , Joseph, July 12, '(il, died at (ieorgetinvu, JJ. C, Septeni- her 7, iSOl. Weaver Joseph, June 1, "01. killed at South Mountain Septemlxr 14, 1802. Walls John, July 21, '01, deserted August M, 1802. Vordy Williani '1'., May 14, "01. Zeihe Wilkins Iv., June 'j, '01, deserted June 4, 18GI1 l''roni J)r:iines\ ille to JH'thesda ( hurch, hy the way of Soutlj JNlountain, Frederickshurg, (iettyshurg, and .Sj»ottsylvania Court House ; gatliering daily greener lauiels, is glory enough for Cloni- pany E., of the Si.xtli Reserves. 'I'lii- company was mustered out of service June 11, 1804, witli an unstained military rec(;rd ; and all tlie men not otherwise accounteil for weie thus discharged. 342 HISTOIiY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY I'OUTV-TIURI) UKCIMKXT. FIRST ARTlLV.KnY. BATTKRY K. COLIMT.IA ANO MONTOUR. R. Bruce Ricketts, mnstored in July 8, 'Gl, promoted to Hrat Lieu- tenant August 5, 18(il, to Captain May 8, 1863, to Major, De- cember 1, 180-4. breveted Colonel. John F. Campbell, nuistered in July 8, '61, promoted to second Lieutenant, May 20, 1864, to first Lieutenant December 1, 1864, to Captain April 17. I860, mustered out with Battery June 9, 1S65. Veteran. Charles B. Brockway, mustered in July 8, '61, jtromoted to second Lieutenant February 28,1862, to first Lieutenant March 16,1863, commissioned Captain November 30, 1864, not mustered, brevet Captain March 13,1865, discharged October 22,1864. Veteran. Henry Wireman, imistered in July 8, '61. promoted to first Lieu- tenant December 6, 1864, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Veteran. William H. Thurston, mustered in July 8, '61, promoted to first Lieutenant, A}»ril 22, 1865, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Francis H. Snyder, mustered in July 8, '61, promoted to second Lieutenant January 31, 1864, Avounded at Mine Run, Virginia, discharged October 8, 1864. George W". Mowrer, mustered in July 8th, 1861, promoted to second Lieutenant, April 22, 1865, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Frank P. Brockway, mustered in January 1, '62, promoted to seco.id Lieutenant December 21, 1864, mustered out with bat- tery June 9, 1 865. Veteran. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 343 WiHiiiiu II. Truiup, mustered in July 8, '61, first Sergeant, mus- tered out^with battery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Stephen K. Hidgeway, mustered in December 30, '61, Quarter- master Sergeant, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Vet- eran. William B. Melick, mustered in July 6, '61, discharged on Sur- geon's certiticate July 18, 1862. Albert Ilerbein, mustered in August 5, '61, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Franklin Ilouser, mustered in January 27, '62, mustered out with battery June 9. 1865. Veteran. John il. Christian, mustered in July 8, '61, w^ounded at Gettys- burg July 2, 1863, mustered out August 8, 1864. Jacob S. Yurdy, mustered in July 8, '61, mustered out with bat- tery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Jacob M. I larman, mustered in March 9, '64, mustered out with battei'y June 9, 1865. Appleman Cyrus B., March 15, '64, wounded at Tolopotomy May 31, 1864, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Fause Thomas E., mustered in July 8, '61, mustered out with bat- tery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Fox Jacob, mustered in July 8, '61, died October 16, 1862, at Washington, D. (1 Gotschall William, mustered in February 1, 64, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Garringer Charles, mustered in February 21, '64, died at Wash- ington, D. C, September 11, 1864. Haag JacoV), mustered in July 8, '61, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Veteran. Hughes Mason B., mustered in February 27, '64, mustered out with battery June 9, 1865. Hart Johu A., mustered in July 8, 1864, mustered out at expira- tion of term. Harder I'riestly S., mustered in December 31, '61, mustered out January 23, 1865. Veteran. Need FraiK-is, mustered in July 8, '61, discharged May 31, 1864 — exjtiratioii of term. Powell Williuin, nuistered in July 8, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certitii;ate February 10, 1863. 344 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Rake John G., mustered in Jiiniiary 1, '64, mustered out with bat- tery June 9. 1 865. Veteran. Roberts Josiah K., mustered in February 10, 64, miistered out witli battery June 9, 1865. Rake Isaac, nnistered in July 1, '61, transferred to Battery G. March 26, 1864, mustered out with the battery June 29, 1865. Remline Francis, mustered in July 5, "61, not on muster roll. Slii}»inan Charles, mustered in July 8, '61, mustered out with bat- tery June 9, 18()5. Veteran. Shoemaker .John, mustered in January 22, '62, dischargeil on Sur" geon's certilicate. Savage Charles N., mustered in January 1, '62, deserted October 16, 1862. Thompson Edward, nmstered in December 26, '61, killed at An- tietam September 17, 1862. Weaver John F'., mustered in July 8, '61, on detached service as Regimental Hospital Steward. The above are all certainly ascertained to belong to Columbia or Montour. Battery F participated with distinguished gallantry and efficiency in the following engagements, viz : Winchester Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, VVildernessj Spottsylvaiua, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Deep Bottom, a roll of battles of which they may well be proud, as well as of the additional fact that they remained in the service till the war was over, always doing their work thoroughly and taking it as it came, tlie march, the battle or the prison, with all of which Capt. Brockwuy has had close acquaintance. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA C0UN2Y. 345 FIFTY- Sl'XOND REGIMENT. COMPANY G. RECRUITER IN COLUJIBIA COUNTY. William Silver, Captain, September 16, '61, resigned July 17, '62- Nathan W. Pierson, August 15, '61, promoted from Adjutant to Captain May 19, '63, mustered out January 27, '65 — expira- tion of term. Augustus W. Kush, 1st Sergeant, September 16, '61, resigned July 2% '62. Timotliy Mahony, November 4, '61, promoted from 1st Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant, August 1, '62, mustered out November 5, '64, expiration of term. John S. Marcy, November 4, '01, dismissed September 21, '64. James W. Evans, November 4, '61, promoted from Sergeant to Ist Sergeant, Ai)ril 9, '65, to 2d Lieutenant June 3, '65, mus- tered out with company July 12, '65. Veteran. Richard Shepherd, November 4, '61, promoted from Sergeant to 1st Sergeant January 1, '64, mustered out November 5, '64, expiration of term. "W. ^V'. Snyder, November 4, '61, piomoted to Corporal April 9, '64 to Sergeant November 6, '64, Commissioned 1st Lieutenant March 26, '65. Veteran. William H. Johnson, November 4, '61, promoted to Corporal No- vember 6, '64, to Sergeant April 3, '65, Veteran. John J. Dasher, September 24, '63, drafted, promoted to Ser- geant November 6, '64. George Besli, November 4, '61, promoted to Corporal January 1^ '64, to Sergeant November 6, '64. Wesley Cooper, November 4, '61, promoted to Sergeant January 1, '64. 346 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. William Shultz, November 4, '61, promoted from Corporal to Ser- geant January 1, '64. Thomas Slaughbaugh, November 4, '61, discharged November 18, '62, for wounds received at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31, '62. William S. Stark, March 11, '64. promoted to Corporal June 18,'64. Henry C. Mott, November 4, '61, promoted to Corporal June 18,'64, Urias Trate, October 26, 63, drafted, pi-omoted to Corporal May 1, '65. William Adams, November 4, '61, promoted to Corporal Novem- ber 7, '64. Jacob Ebliug, September 24, '63, drafted, promoted to Corporal November 6. '64. David Eberts, September 29, '63, drafted, promoted to Corporal November 6, '64. H. Rummerfield, November 4, '61, promoted to Corporal Novem- ber 6, '64. Lewis H. Breeze, March 17, '64, promoted to Corporal May 8, '65, Caleb Creasy, November 4, '61, promoted to Corporal, January 1, '64. William H. Robbins, November 4, '64, promoted to Corporal Jan- uary 1, '64. W. Weathervvalks, November 4, '61, discharged on surgeon's certificate April 9, '62. Charles E. Bohl, November 4, '61. Veteran. Adam« Noah, November 4, '61. Veteran. Anderson William, September 23, '63, drafted. Ace George, October 19, '64, drafted. Bush Jacob, October 8, '62 Boyer John, October 24, '63, drafted. Bowers John, October "22, '63, drafted Bunn Samuel, October 17, '63, drafted. Burgher Abram, February 25, '65. Bouch Frederick, July 24, '63, drafted. Blon Nicholas, July 24, '63, drafted. Bumbaugh Andrew, March 20, 1864. Bloom John, March 12, '64 Bumbaugh Andrew^ November, 4 '61, mustered out November 5, '64, expiration of term. HIJSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 347 Baily Weston. November 4, '61, discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate November 30, '62. Brown Amos, November 4, '61, killed accidentally at Charleston, South Carolina, February 18, '65. Veteran. Carroll William, Se|)tember 24, '63, drafted. Chatman William, November 4, '61. Veteran. Carey Chesterfield, October 31, '63, drafted. Culver Solomon, Novembers, '61, mustered out November 5, '64, expiration of term. Covey Vincent M., November 4, '61, deserted March 14, 1862. Davis Edward H„ November 12, '63, drafted. Delamp Alamaza, October 24, '62. Dalton Thomas, March 2, '65. Dougherty James, November 4, '61, discharged on surgeon's certificate December 9, '62. Etchells Alfred, July 24. '63, drafted. Engle Stephen, October 15, '63, drafted. Ersenhower M. W., October 28, '63. drafted. Edwards Joseph D., February 27, "65. Early James, March 23, '64. Evans James, November 4, '61, discharged on surgeon's certificate October 19, '62. Fitzgerald Patrick, September 24, "63, drafted. Fritz Charles, September 25, '63. Hew George. November 4 '61. Veteran. Foust Edward, September 24, '63, drafted. Fix James, October 29, '63, drafted. Fitzgerald Walter, March 3, '65. Frederick John, December 1, '61, deserted April 5, '64. Galligan John 2d, November 4, '61. Veteran. Grass Charles, September 23, '63, drafted. Gilligan J^hn 1st, November 4, '61, mustered out November 5, '64, expiration of terra. Gemian Thonias, November 4, '64, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate April, '63. Gilligan Peter, January 1, '62, mustered out January 22, '65, ex- piration of term. Haines Le;?, drafted. Riiidy John, September 24, '63. drafted. Rush Henry, November 4, 'Gl. Rozelle P^dward E., November 4, '61. Redcay Charles, November 4, 'Gl, mustered out November 4, 'G3, expiration of term. Redeay George, November 4, 'Gl, mustered out November 5, '64, ex})iration of term. Ritcli Jolm, November 4, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certificate October 29, '62. Scott Wesley, November 4, '61, Veteran. Sanders George M., November 4, '61, Veteran. Shu|)p Charles, October la, '63, drafted, absent, sick, at muster out. Steinhower Jacob, October 4, '63. drafted. Seibert Franklin, September 24, '63, drafted. Schrick John, Novembea 4, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certificate August 44, '62. Smithers John, Fovember 4, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certifi- cate November 30, '62. Stout Joseph, November 4, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certificate Marcli 8, '62. Shiner Joseph, November 4, '61, mustered out November 5, '64, expiration of term. Stout William H., November 4, '61, discharged on Surgeon's cer- tificate July 6, '63. Smith Martin, November 4, '61, died at Washington, D. C, Feb- ruary 1, '62. Smith John P., November 4, '61, died at Washipgton, D. C, Feb- ruary 8, '62. Shunian Milton, November 4, '01, deserted September 1, '63. Swartz John, November 4, '61, deserted September 1, '63. Thoui])son A. TI., November 4, '61, nuistered out November 5, '64, expiration of term. Thomas Charles, September 1, '64, discharged by general order June 24, '65. Taylor Dilton N., November 4, '61, discharged on Surgeon's cer- tificate September 16, '62. Vanduser James, March 28, '64. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 351 AVilliaiii Curtis, November 4, '61, mustered out November 4, '64, ex|»ir;itioii of term. Welsh .John, October 16, '63, drafted, deserted November 1, '64. Many of these Columbia county men were among the lirst in the field and the last out, and in every place did credit to them- selves and the county. The Regiment was at first under General Henry M. Naglee, and was in the following engagements, viz : Lee's Mills, Bottom's Bridge, and a four days' fight on the advance to Kichmond, Fair Oaks, Mechanicsville, and the line of the Chickahoniiny. In December, 1862, it was sent to North Caro- lina, in January, '63, to Port Royal in South Carolina, and went through an arduous campaign. They made the assault on Fort Johnson, in July 18G4, led by Colonel, late Governor Hoyt, and if su])i)orted would have catured the place. A detachment of the 52<1, on the 18th February, '65, planted her flag on Fort Sumter. When Sherman marched through South Carolina, the Fifty-Second joined him. Their march terminated in April, with Johnson's surrender near Raleigh. Thence to Salisbury, N. C, and thence to Harrisburg, and -a tnuster out July 12, '65. 352 JilSTOliY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. KKiHTV-KOrUTH REGIMENT. COMl'ANY l>. HUUl.EY (iUARl>S. AlcxaiuU'V J. Frick, cuptaiu, mustered in Si'[)tember IS, "01, re- siyiu'd ()(.iol>er 2, '62. George Ziim, eaptaiii, October 1, '61, promoted from 2d lieuleu- ant eomi>:uiy B October 2, '62, to lieutenant colonel December 2o, "63. Alexander O. Thornton, captain, December 2-1, '61, wounded at Fort Tublic June, 9, '62, promoted from 1st seargent to 1st lieu- tenant October 2, '62, to captain December 28, '62, discharged July 8, "64. John W. liissel, captain, december 9, '(il, i)romoted from sergeant major to 2d lieutenant December 23. 1862, to 1st lieutenant November 16, '63, to captain July 26, '64, discharged Decem- ber 14, 1S64. F/al n. Ent, 1st Lieutenant October 1, '61, resigned October 2,'62. James W. Hunter, August 1, '62, promoted to 2d lieutenant Sep- tember 22, '62, to 1st lieutenant December 23, '62, discharged 8e})tember 15, '63. David Larish, December 24, 1861, promoted to 1st Lieutenant October 17, '(54, transferred to company G 57th regiment P. V., January 13, '65. Veteran. Calvin MacDowell, August 30, '61, resigned June 25, '62. Lewis ]M. Clark, October 2, '61, captured at Chancellorsville, Vir- ginia, May 3, '63, transferred Xo company G, 57th regiment P. v., January 13, '65. William A. Tobias, December 24, '61, not accounted for. James G. Moore, December 24, '61, captured at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863, exchanged, not accounted for. Veteran. Josepli D. Hampson, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Henry Funk, December 24, '61, wounded at Winchester, March HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 353 23, 1862, killed at Mine Run, V'irginia, Noveiiibcr 3(J, 1863. Josiah IleiiiiiiiLfer, ■, not accounted for. James W. Price, December 24, "61, wounded at Winchester, Vir- ginia, Marcn 23, 1863. Chark'H Manning, December 24, '61, wounded at Winchester, Virginia, March 24, 1862. Fred C Hess, December 24. "Gl, transferred to coiniiuny G. ';7th ReLriment P. V. January 13, '6o, promoted to Coi])oral, Veteian. Stephen Johnson, Decemljer 24, '61, captured at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 23, '63, died at City Point, June 19, '64, buried in National Cemetery, section E, division 1, grave 154. Veteran- Pierce Russel, December 24, '61, promoted to Corporal February 18, '62, wounded at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 3, '63, trans- ferred to Company G, 57th Regiment P. V., January 13, '65, ])romoted to 1st Sergeant January 1, '65. Veteran. Chai'les Sill, DecemV)er 24, '61, not accounted for. Theobald M. Dawson, December 24, '61, captured at Chancellors- ville, Virginia, May 3, '63, exchanged, not accounted for — found in Company G, 57th Regiment P. V. January 1, '64, transferred to Company II June 10, '65, Veteran. William l*rosser, December 24, "61, caj^tured at Chancellorsville Virginia, May 3, '63, transferred to Comi)any (t, 57th Regiment P. V. January 13, '65, promoted to Sergeant July 1, 64. Veter- an. John F. Crawford, December 24, '01, prisoner from August 16, '64, to March 2, HSi>, discharged April 13, to date March 7, '65. Theodore W. Overpeck, December 21, '61, not accounted for. Roman Dunn, December 24, '61, transferred to Company G 57th. Itegiment P. V. January 13, '65. Apsker (teorge, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Arble James B., December 24, '61, killed at Port Republic,, Vir- ginia, June 9, ''(^2. Albert John, Decend)er 24, '61, died at Washington, D. C, Jidy, '62. Albaugh Henry A., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Bunker Isaiah W., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Barrett Frederick, December 24, '61, promoted to hospital steward. Bowers Cornelius D., December 24, '61, wounded at Winchester, Virginia, March 23, '62, not accounted for. 354 II1.ST0RY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Bailey Fr:nu'is J., Deceiubei- 24, '01, wounded at Chanccllorsville, Yii-giiiia, May 3, '03, transferred to Company G 57th Ilegiment P. V. January 13, ''Q'^. A'^eteran. Boger Christian, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Benton Anderson, captured at Chancellorsville, May 3, '03. Baish Ephraim, October 7, '^2., wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, '63, transferred to Company G 57th Regiment P. Y. January 13, '65. Biiigaman John, September 26, '62, wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, '63, transferred to Company G 57th Regiment P. V. January 13, '65, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 21, '65. Clayton James E., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Crofut Alonzo D., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Campbell John T., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Clark John A., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Connelly Patrick, captured at Chancellorsville, May 3, '63. Connell John, transferred to Company G 57th Regiment P. V. January 13, '65, mustered out at expiration of term. Dawson Daniel W., December 24, '61, wounded at Chancellors- ville, May 3, '63, not accounted for. Dweany Pliilip, captured at Cliancellorsville, Virginia, May 3, '63. Doney Peter, captured at Chancellorsville May 3, '63, died at Philadelj)hia, Pennsylvania, February 5, '65. Eby Jacob, wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, '63, died Novem- ber 3, '04, buried in National Cemetery, Arlington. Fowler Thomas C, December 24, '61, wounded at Winchester, March 23, '02, not accounted for. Fowler William R., December 24, '01, killed at Winchester, Virginia, March 23, '62, buried in National Cemetery, lot 10. Fest Henry, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Frank Penrose, December 24, '01, not accounted for. Foster John, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Farley Charles, June 28, 'ti2, transferred to company G, 57th regiment P. V., January 13, '05, discharged by general order June 1, '65. Fitzharris Michael, December 23, '61 captured at Chancellorsville May 3, "63, transferred to company A, transferred to company IIIISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 355 G. 57th regiiiieiit P. V., })roiuottHl to sergeant June 10, '65, Veteran. Foust Cornelius, October 7, "G2, transferred to company G, 57th regiment P. V. 13 January '()5, promoted to corporal June 10, '65. Gessner William, September 26,'G2, transferred to company G, 57th regiment P. \ . January 13, '05, discharged by geneial order June 6, '65. Hess Asa Y., December 24, 'Gl, not accounted for. Hess Wilbur F., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Hildebrandt Joseph, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Hilburn Z. W., December 24, "61, died at Yorktown, Virginia, May 30, '64, buried in National Cemetery, section A, grave 343. Veteran. Harding John, December 24, '61, wounded at Winchester, March 23, '62, killed at Port Republic, Virginia. June 9, '62. Holcomb Guy, Deceiuber 24, '61, wounded at Winchester, March 23, '62, transferred to c >mpany G. 57th regiment P. V. Jarmary 13, '65. Veteran. Hakes Reuben, December 24, '61, wounded at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 3, '63, not accounted for. Hagar Charles W., August 12, '62, wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, '63, transferred to Company G, 57th Regiment P. V. January 13, '65, discharged by general order June 1, '65. Hall Hosea L., April 12, '64, died June 28, '64, buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Hojikins Kelroy, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Jacoby George, Decendier 24, '61, wounded at Chancellorsville May 3, '63, and at Petersburg June 19, '64, transferred to Company G 57th Regiment P. V. January 13, "65. discharged Sej)tember 9, '65. Veteran. Jones Joseph, December 24, '61, wounded at AVinchester March 23, '62 discharged 23 December, '64, expiration of term. Kline Abner W., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Kline Jacob, December 24, '61, not accounted foi-. Kline Abraham E., Decend^er 24, '61, not accounted for. Knapp Harvey W., December 24, '61, transferred to Company G, 57th Regiment P. V. January 13, '65. Veteran. King James,' December 24, '61, not accounted for. 356 FTISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Lun. Iiarish Frank M., October 16, '62, transferred to Company G, o7th Regiment P. V. 13 January '65, discharged by general order June 8, '65 Millard Lockard F., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Merrell Charles C, December 24, '61, missing at Port Republic June 9, '62, transferred to Conn)any G, 57th Regiment P. V. Veteran. Milheim Augustus, December 14, '61, not accounted for. Miller Miles, December 24, '61. not accounted for Murray Ferdinand, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Morrison John, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Moore Benjamin W., August 11, '62, transferred to Com|)any G, 57th Regiment P. V. Prosser John, December 24, '61, died JMarch 31 of wounds receiv- ed at Winchester, March 23, ,62. Resei- Heub^Mi H., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Riddle John, December 24, '61, not accounted for. Kutter Anthony E, December 24, '61, died July 16, '64, buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery, Long Island. Simonton Thomas E., December 24, '()1, not accounted for. Seeshultz William E., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Smith Peter B., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Sanders George W., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Steele Samuel A. L., December 24, '61, captured at Chancellors- ville. Shellenbergei-, J. G., December 24, '61, not accounted for. Steele Calvin, December 24, '61, captured May 29, '02. Squires Smith B., December 2-4, '61, not accounted for. iriSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 3r.7 Schooley Jacob, December 24, 'Gl, died at St. Loiuh, Missouri, December 19, '63. Sanders Jolin II., December 24, 'fJI, not accounted for. Sage "William, December 24, 'Gl. transferred to Company G, 57th Kegiment P. V. Sheadle Milton, Scpteinber 2(J, '()2. ti aiisf erred to Company G 57th Kegiment P. V. Teter James C, December 24, 'Gl, discharged June G for wounds received at Winchester, Virginia, March 23, '62. Wheeler Jesse L., December 15, *G1, wounded at Winchester, and not accounted for. Wingate J. Kussel, December 24, 'Gl, jtroiuoted Company G, 1st Jiieutenant August 15, 'G3, died 18 June, ()4, of wounds receiv- ed at Petersburg. Wigherman Poster, December 24, 'Gl, piomoted to principal musician Not accounted for. Wi'.lard H. H., not accounted for. Wc'llcr Henry, Oct. 7, '(52, transferred to Company G, 57th Regi- ment P. V. Weller David, transfei-red to Company G, 57th Ilegiment P. V. Williams S. Charles, not accounted for. This Comi)any, known as the '"Hurley Guards" was recruited in Columbia and Montour, and a few men 8ubse^ Hocmitcd ill Montour ooimty. .losoph V. Iviiinsuy, rcsii^iu'd, October I'l, 18()2. Charles W. KckuiMii, Scptciiiln'v 25, 18()1, wouikU'iI ;U Wilderness May 5, and at Cedar Creek, Viroinia, Oetober 19, iSlil, promo- ted from 2d to 1st Tiient'iiant July 25, to Cai)taiii, October 21, 1S()2, to MenteiiMiit Colonel Novcnibei' 27, 1S()1, to Colonel January 2.'5, iMOri. .[o-seph II. .fohnson, October 21, "(11, proinott'd from (\)rporal to Seru^eaiit October 1, 1S()2. to 1st Sergeant January 1, ISC^, to 2d Lieutenant May 1, iMtll'^, to 1st Lieutenant, Aiisxnst 1, 1 H(i4, to ('a|)tain November 2S, 1S(>4. Lefferd \L Kase, Octobi'r 21, "111, resioiied July 20, 1S(52. Max K. Goodrich, October 21, '(51, promoted from 1st Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant, July 25, to 1st Lieutenant October 21,18(52, died June 14, of wounds received at Wilderness, N'irginia, INLiy 5, 18(5;i Oscar Shar|)less, October 21, '(SI, promoted from Corporal to Ser- geant, January 1. 18(5;?, to 1st Lieutenant, November 30, 1864, to brevet CJaptain April 2, 18(55, wounded at Spottsylvaiiia Court House, Virginia, May 12, 18(51 Seth V. Fretv.e, ])roinotcd from Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant, No- vember 1, 18(52, resigned March 12, 18(53. Jared llunyan, promoted to Cori)oral March 18, 18(5;?, to Sergeant July 1, 1864, to 1st Sergeant November 3')th, 18(54, to 2d Lieu- tenant January 1, 18(55, wounded at Petersburg, \^irgiuia, April 2, 18(55, discharged on surgeon's certilicate May 15, 18(55. Ve .M-an. Fre lerick Laubich, October 21, '(51, })romoted from Cor2>oral to // fs TO 11 Y () F COL UM li I A CO (IN TY. 3o9 Sergeuiit, January 1, 18()8, to 1st ScrLiCiuit .laiiii.uy I, 1805, co:ninissi<)iuMl 2(1 Lieutoinmt May l.'S, iHOo, not mustered, pris- oner May :^il to Oetolter .SI, ISd.'i. V^eteran. Clark (Juiiiii, proniotcfl to ('orpoi-al .Inly 1, '()4, to Sergeant Sc))- teinlxM- '.>, 1S()4, wounded at Wilderness, May o, 1804 and at Petersburg, Virginia, Mareli 2.3, I8(j.">, absent at muster out. Veteran. W illiani Miller, October 21, '(51, promoted to C'orporal (October 1, lH(i I, to Sergeant D^'ceinber 1, 1804, wounded at Wilderness, May .'>, 18(!4, and at Fetersl)urg March 2.5, 18(5.'), absent at nuis- ter out. Veteran. Charles \s . Slioles, Octoln/r 21, '(51, promoted to Corporal Novem- ber, 80, 1804, to Sergeant .lanuaiy 1 18(51, wounded at Wilder- ness, Virginia, May T), 1801 absent on furloiigb at niustei- out. Veteran. John T. Howe. October 8, (51, 4, t(j Sergeant April 8, 18Go. Alfred H. Pa'ton, October 3, 1801, discharged on surgeon's certif- icate August 14, 1802. William Young, October 8, "(51, wounded at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May .'51, 1802, discharged on surgijon's cerLilicate September 22, 1802. David it. Kckman, wounded at Wilderneas, Virginia, May 0, 1804, jiromoted to Corporal October 1, 1802, to Sergeant January 1, 18(5;5, to Qiiartei'iuaster Sergeant January 1, l8(5o, absent on furlough at muster out. J. A. Penstermacher, October 8, '(51, j)romoted to Sergeant Octo- ber 8, 1801, promoted to Sergeant October 1, 1802, wounded at Wilderness May 1, 1804, killed at Opeipia, N'irginia, September 19, 1804. Veteran. Hiram Layland, October ;>, '(51, prom<^ted to Corjior.d November 30, "(54, to sergeant January 1, '05, W(junded at W^ilderness May 5, '04, killed at Petersburg, April 2, '6.>, buried in Poplar Grove Natii)nal (Jeinetery, division E., Section E., grave 90. Veteran. George \. (iarrow, October 12, Gl, piomoted to corporal Ncnem- ber 80, '(51. Veteran Wesley (J. .Miller, March 17, "(51, wounded at Wilderness, May 5, 'Gl, pro. noted to corporal Novenjber 80, '04. Veteran. 8(i0 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Gideon Mellon, February 25, '61, wounded at Wilderness, May 5, 1864, promoted to Corporal November .SO, 1M04. Amos Crass, October 21, 'GI, promoted to C/orporal .January 1, IMfij), w^ounded at Potersbursj^, V^irginia, Mareh 2.5, iHGo, absent in hospital at muster out. Vetei-an. John V. liiouilt, ()c,tobc;r 21, '01, promoted to Corporal January 1, 186.") Veteran. Charles Kneibler, October 21, '61, i)roinoted to Cor[)oral Aj)ril 3, 1.S6'), wounded at Fair Oaks, M.ay 81, 1862 and at Petersburg, Virginia, Mareh 2.5, 1H6.5, absent at muster out. Sanuiel (Juinn, October 21, '01, promoted to Corporal March 1, ISOf). V(U,eran. John (i. IJowei', October 21, '61, promo'ed to Corporal .January 1, 1!, dischargt d December 17, 18()4, to date expiration of term. licwis M. Yoder, October 21, '61, wounded at Wilderness, Vir- ginia, May .5, 18(54, discharged on Surgeon's certificate October 27, 1864. Silas Iv. llai'lnian, Octol)i'r .'5, '61, killed at Cedar Creek, Virginia October 15), 1864. Veteran. Martin V. Murray, October 3, '01, promoted to Corporal January 1, 186.5, wouiuled .at Charlestown, Virginia, August 21, 1864, killed at Petersburg, April 2, 1865. Veteran. John Henedict, February 2!), 1804, transferred from Com])any G October 28, 1864. L. 1). Maugliawout, October 3, '01, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate June 11, 1862. Joseph L. Hale, October 3, '01, discharged on surgeon's certificate January 11, 1803. Acor Jose{»li S., October 8, 1804, drafted. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNIY. 301 Auld . Fumes, October 3, "Gl . discharged on surgooirs certificate December 24, 1802. Ammerman Jolui, Octol)er 21, '01, discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate June 28, 186?. Albright James, August 2(>, '()3, drafted, discharged on surgeon's certificate June 14, 18f).') Brocius Luther S , Octobei- 24, '01, piisoner May 3, to October 27, 1803 Veteran. Bhie Thomas II., February 25, '04. Br.int Henry, November 26, '64, substitute, wounded at Peters- burg, Virginia, March 25, 1865. Brobst John R., Fel)ruary 10, '04. Veteran. Brodlieid Daniel W., October 13, '64. drafted, wounded at Peters- burg, Virginia, April 2, 1805 Behnoy Eiihraim, February 27, '03. Blatcliley Samuel, February 27, '05. Berger George, December 25, '01, discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate July 24, 1862. Beal C^onrad, September 20, '64, drafted, wounded at Petersburg, A'irginia, Marcli 25, '05, discharged by general order June 7, 1865. Buckley William, September 20, '04, drafted, wounded at Peters- burg. Virginia, March '1^, 1865, discharged by general order June 20, 1 865. Bariiliart Henry C, October 21, '01, died at Danville, I'a., March 5, 1864. Veteran. Bear Joseph, Octol)er 27, '61, missing in action at Fair Oaks, Vir- ginia, May 31, 1802. Brunner Jacob L., August 20, 1803, discharged by general or- der June 13, 1805. Brugler Edward S., Feliruary 17, '64, not on muster out roll. Culp .lolm, February 21), '04. Cam))bell John W., November 14, '64, drafted. Canada James D., October 3, '01. Caldeiwood Kiios, November 10, '04, drafted. Cornelison Jacob, February 24, 1805. Cleaver Alem B., November 12, '61, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate September 23, 1802. sr)2 If [.STORY OF COJATMHIA COUNTY. C/omish Georjjfc, J;itiu;iry 2S. '(!4, disitliarn'cd on siir^'coirs cc^rtifi- ciitc iHli.'). (.'nip Williiim, Fchniary 24, 'Ol, kilU'd at, Wildenu'ss May (i. I.SIU. Cliiu- CharK's I)., Scpti'iiibcr S, '(il.dicd at Washiiin-tDii, D. C, Dcc-i'iiibor 2(), iHdt Diivcr Au^-ustiis, Novembi'i' 1(1, (il, drafted, discharged l)y gen- eral order May 30, 18()5. Daiigherty , lames, November 2(S, '(J-l. Deiti'iiek Charles F., Novendx'i' 2(). '()l, substitute, died at, C^ity Point, N'irginia, Mai-ch 2(1, of wounds ri'ceived at IN'tei'sbiirg, Virginia, March '1^^, ISC'). Dauby James, November 8,(54, substitute, deserted I^'ebruary (i,'()4, Kekenrodt! Joseph, November 29, '04. substitute, wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, March 25, 18(55. lOverett l*iiilip, October .'5, '(il, mustercil out October 27, lcS()4, ex- piration of term. I^^crliart Nathaniel !>., Oct()l)er .'5, '(il, dischargetl on surgeon's certilicate, October 2;5, I8(j2. Eciimau Piiilip II., October 3, '(51, killed at Fair Oaks, N'irginia, May 31, 18(52. b'ree/A' Henry F., October 2!), '(51, discharged on surgeon's certi- licate Septend)er 15, 18(52. i'\)ley 'I'heophilus ,1.. October 3, '(11, dischargml on surgeon's certit icate 18{;2. Flanigan Wilson, October 3, '(11, dischai-ged on sui'get)n's certili- cate June It, 18(12. l^'oley Charles E., November 2, '(51, dischaiged November 5, 18(52. Fortner Harris B., November 21, '01, died at Washington, D. C, January 3, 1862. Frame Robert II.. February 25, '(54, killed at Petersburg, Vir- ginia, March 25, 1805 Fryinire William, October 21, (11, deserted January, 1802. Fitzpatrick James, November 3, '01, substitute, deserted Febru- ary 5, 1805. Gulic Charles V., October 24, '01. Veteran. Gibbs Sheldon T., October 3, '01, discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate October 15, 1802. Garrow John, died at City Point, Virginia, March 2(5, of wounds received at Peter-burg, M;uvh 25, 1805. JIT STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ?^V^ CJ;in:i .I.inics, DccciiiImt I, '(!i, substitute, deserted Felniiury Hower Uriali, October 27, '64. Iliiun.'i James, November IS, '04, drafted. Ilannoii William, November 16, '64, drafted. Hummel Ileury, February 13, '65. wounded at Petersburg. Vir- ginia, April 2, 1H6.5. Ileury Williain, OctoV)er 3, '61, discbarged on surgeon's (X'rtiticate April 28, 1862. Hower .John J., Octolx-r 3, '(il, |)r()m()t('(l to (yommissary Sergeant July 1, 1864. Hoovci- .lac(tl) B., September 6, '64, deserted November 12, 18(54. Harvey Franeis J., November 21, 186 I, substitute, deserted Feb- ruary 3, 1865, Jones William L., Marcli 14, '64. Jones Robert E., November 21, '64, drafted. Jolinsoii James H., October 3, '61, discharged on surgeouV ('crtili- cate, September 22, 1862. Jenkins Hicbard, 0(;tober 21, '61, mustered out October 27, '64, expiration of term. .lohiisoii Toliias S., Septeud)er 27, '64. draftcMl, wounded at Peters- burg, Virginia, March 2.'), '65, discharged by general order June 25, '65. Johnson Jackson B., October 21, "61, wounded at wilderness May 6th, '64, and at Fisher's Hill, Virginia, September 22, '64, died October 13, '64, Ijuried in National (Jemetery, Winchester, Vir- ginia, lot 18. Kreigh (ireorge I)., October 21, '61, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate September 5, '62. Kline John, October 3, '61, discharged on sui'geou's certificate September 22, '62. Kline Daniel, October 21, '61, mustered out October 27, '64, ex- piration of term. Kurtz Samuel H., October 13, '61, killed at Fair Oaks May 31, '62, buried in National (Cemetery, Seven Pines, Section IJ, lot 126. Knerr William, Octol)er 3, *61, captured at C'hancellorsville, Vir- ginia, May 3. '()3, died at Danville, Pa., August 23, "63. Kirst Sanmel, October 3, "61, deserted Jnly 2, '63. Lebo I'ranklin, October 12, '61 Veteran. 864 III.STORY OF COLCMBIA COUNTY. Lynn ITonvy, Fobrn:iry " i^l. '<»■!, woundod ;it Si)o(lsylv:ini;i C\)urt llouso, Virn'mia, M:iy 12, '64. Lohniaii F>s|>y A., Novonilu'r iMi, '(it, substitute. Li'isonriiig H, II , Ootobor .'?, '(il, wounded at F.iiv Oaks, Viiginiii, May 81, '(iL*, discliargod on surgeon's eertitieate C)etol)er 81, '(12. Leiby Harnian, February 2(i. "()2. diseliaroed on suroet>irs eertiti- eate September 22, '(52. Lawrence John, Oetober 8, '()!, diseliarged on surgeon's eertiti- eate November 21, "(>2. Lehman Henry C\, September 21, '(M, drafted, disebarged on general order. lune 20, '(i.). Levers Jolm, Oetober 8, '(>!, diseliarged o\\ surgeon's eertitieate February 17, '()8. Lawrence Harnxan K., Oetol)er 21, not on nuister out roll. Menseh Tliomas ^1., Oetober 8, (U Miller Pereival, February 1. '64, wounded at Fair Oaks, May 81, '()2 and at Opequa, ^'irginia, September 19, '64. Moore James H., November 21, '61, diseliarged on surgeon's eer- titieate November 6, '(VA. ]\Iiller Franklin, September 8, '64, discharged by general order June 20, '6o. JNliller Henry. August 18, '62, wtninded at Wilderness, Virginia, May 0, '64, diseliarged by general order June 20, '6o. Muteheler Joseph K., Oetober 8, '61, died June 28, of wounds re- ceived at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 81, "62. Miller Joseph 1)., Oetober 3, '61, died May 26, of wounds re. eeived at Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 18 '64, buried at Alexandria, grave 1!I88. Veteran. Mowrer John Jt., October 1, '61, killed at Ope^ua, Virginia, Sep- tember 19, '()4. Morrill Thomas, Oetober 8, '61, died June 14, of wounds received at Sjtottsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 12, '64. Veteran. Miller John, October 8, (il, not on muster out roll. McAllister Andrew G., November 18, '64, drafted. McFatridge Michael, November 18, '64, drafted, wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, '65. McClure Philip H., October 21, '61, died at Fortress Monroe, Vir- ginia, September 22, '62. // LS TO RY OF COL UMBIA OO TINT Y. 365 Osmuii TN'ttT v., OctoV)cr li, '01, inissiii<^' in action at Fair Oaks, Viririiiia, May 31, '02. Perrin Richaifl, October 3, 01, discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate April 1 1, '02. Patt'ii John W., Stptcniber 20, '04, drafted, discharged on gen- eral oi'der June 21), '05. Persing Josej)!! B., September 0, '04, discharged by general order June 20, '05. Pennsyl Kli, October 3, '01, wounded at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31. 02, died at Baltimore, Maryland, July 5th '02. Phillips Jolm VV , October 3, 01, missing in action at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31, '02. Ramsey lteuV)en, December 20, '01, wounded at Chancellorsville V^irginia, May 3, '03. Veteran. liilchie Jacob G., June 4, '64, draft' d. Khady Josei)h, November 20, '64, substitute. Ranch \V. H., October 3, '61, wounded at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31, '62, dischan^ed on surgeon's certificate September 28, "02. Rishcl Ohai-les Ji., (Jctober 3, '01, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate February 16, 62. Reynolds Alfred, October 21, '01, killed at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31, '02 Slay William, October 3, 01. Veteran. Steward John, (^)ctober 24, '01. Veteran Stephens William, Octol)er 24, '01, wounded at Fair Oaks, Vir- ginia, May 31, '62. Veteian. Slay Peter, February 25. '64. Veteran. Swank Isaac, February 25, '64, wounded at Wilderness, Virginia, ]\Iay 5, '05, and at Petersburg, April 2, '05. Shissler James, February 25, '04, wounded at Wilderness, Vir- gini^i. May 5, '64, and at Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, '65. Shaffer John I,., February IG, '64. Sylvccster Cliarle-s, November 12, '64, substitute, discharged by general order June 14, '(35. Stertz Peter, June 7, '04, drafted, discharged by general order August 2, '(J5. Sholes Charles L., October 25, '01, discharged on surgeon's cer- tiiiciitc July 7, 'G'2. 366 HISTORY OF COL UMBIA COUNTY Stephens Charles, October 21, '61, discharged on surgeon's cer- titicate September 13, '62. Sperring Jacob H., October 2i), '61, discharged on surgeon's cer- tificate July 26, '62. Smith William, October 24, '61, wounded at Fisher's Hill, Vir- ginia, September 22, '64, discharged on surgeon's certificate June 14, '6o. Veteran. Sechler William W., wounded at Fisher's Hill, Virginia, Novem- ber 3, '64, discharged on surgeon's certificate June 14, '65, Veteran. Snyder Lambert P., September 6, '64, discharged by general order June 20, '65. Snyder Henry F., October 3, '61, died June 19, '62, at White House, Virginia. Snyder William M., October 3, '61, killed at Williamsburg, Vir- ginia, May 5, '62. Shissler Edward, October 3, '61, died May 10, of wounds received at Wilderness, Virginia, May 5, '64. Veteran. Snyder John C, October 3, '61, died October 14, '64, at Danville Pa. Veteran. Shannon John M., Octoler 3, '61, discharged by general order May 11, '65, to date October 3, '64, expiration of terra. Taylor Jonathan W., September 26, '64, drafted, discharged by general order .June 20, '65. Turner William, October 21, '61, wounded at Fair Oaks. Virginia, May 31, '62, drowned October 5, '62, at Point Lookout, Mary- land. Tittle Oscar, October 3, '61, killed at Opequa, Virginia, September 19, '64. Veteran. Varus Valentine, November 18, '64, drafted. Williams John W., December 1, '64, substitute, wounded at Peters- burg, Virginia, March 'lb, \Sk^. Wiley John, November 26, '64, substitute. Waltmire ,Tacob, November 18, '64, drafted. Woods Charles, October 3, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certificate January 3, '62. Warntz Alem, October 3, '61, discharged on Surgeon's certificate April 11, '62. HI8T0RY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 367 Wagner Charles, November 9, '61, died July 14, ■()4, at City Point, Virginia. Wilson Tliomas, November 30, '64, substitute, deserted Febrtiary 3, '6.5. Winner IJobert, December 6, '64, substitute, deserted March 29, '6.'). Wirtz Israel, October 3, '61, captured at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 3, '63, exchanged, deserted, date unknown. Young Hiram B., substitute. The Ninety-Third saw much and arduous service. The num- bers killed and wounded and missing in Company H prove that the men were always in the front. The official list of en- gagements is as follows, viz: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Marey's Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Coal Harbor, Petersburg, Oj)e(iMa, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. Those not otherwise accounted for were mustered out with the company June 27, 186.'). 368 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ONE IIUNDItKI) EIGTV-Ki>URTll KEGIMENT. COMPANY B. A. Stauk'v Gearliart, Captain, discharged on Surgeon's oertiHcate August v5, '64. Abner II Brown, Captain, promoted from 1st Lieutenant January 7, '65. Adam Hand, 1st Lieutenant, discharged June 9, '6o. S. Hamilton Norman, 2d Lieuteuant. promoted from private Com- pany K, iBJth Regiment P. V, April 29. '64, died June 24, of wounds received at Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 3, '64 Thomas vS. Anderson, commissioned 1st Lieutenant June 'I'o^ '65, Veteran. Dani' 1 II llarkels, Sergeant, commissioned 2d Lieutenant June 26, '65. Veteran. William H. Jenkins, Sergeant. Cyrus S. Apph bee, Sergeant. James C. Henry, sergeant. George W. Crnm, Sergeant, prisoner from June 'I'l, '64 to I\Iarch 1, 1865, discharged by general order June 12, 1865. Stephen T. Stasa, Sergeant, discharged on surgeon's certiiicate May 1, 1865. David C. Sutton, Corporal. John Riley, Corporal. David R. Bailey, Corporal. Mic.iaci Riley, Corporal. Ja> ob Kline, Corporal. Andrew J. Stewart, Corporal. William J. Kline, Corporal. P^iyette Winn, Corporal. Charles MacGregor, musician, absent in hospital at muster out. Acre Franklin, private. Boughner William B., discharged by general order July 14, 1865. Veteran. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 369 Bailey William C, wounded at Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 3, '65, absent in hospital at muster out, Bastian Mathias D., discharged on surgeon's certificate March 23, 1865. Barger John, discharged by general order June 20, '64, Brown Elias, discharged by general order June 3, '65. Brown Perry, discharged by general order June 3, '65. Blyer Samuel, discharged by general order June 3, '65 Berry Simon J., discharged by general order June '65. Browerson George, discharged by general order June 8, '65. Bruner Henry M., killed at Deep Bottom, Virginia, August 14, '64_ Bilger Jesse R., killed at Boydtown Plank Road, Virginia, Octo- ber 27, '64. Bursline Edwin, killed at Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 3, '64, bur- ied in National Cemetery section D, as E. T. Burslem. Bastian Joseph D., died July 14, of wounds received at Petersburg Virginia, June 22, '64, buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Bessee Robert S., missing in action at Ream's Station, V^irgiuia, August 25, '64. Burd Franklin G., died May 24, '65, buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Burd Harvey R., deserted November 13, '64. Carpenter Dennis, mustered out with company. Castle Adolphus, transferred to Company E., 7th Regiment, Vet- eran Reserve Corps, August 17, '64, discharged by general or- der July 26, '65. Crawford Lott, captured, died at Andersonville, Georgia, October 24, '64, grave 11,436. Chrisman Charles, died August '64. Burke Isaac, mustered out with company. Deckert Jesse, discharged by general order July 13, '65. Dreese William, discharged by general order July 13, '65. Devore Lewis, killed at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, '64. Durke John H., missing in action at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, '64. Gearhart William, discharged by general order June 3, '65. Galespie Anthony, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sep- tember 30, '64. 870 JIl.S TOR y OF COL UMBIA CO UNTY. •Greene Aduiii, killed :it Cold TI;irl)()r, Virginia, June 3, '04, buried in National Cemetery, Section B. Healoy John S., mustered out with company. Veteran. Harris Thomas, discharged on surgeon's certificate June 7, '65. Hedglin John, died at Phihideli)hia, Pa., July 1, of wounds re- ceived at Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 3, '64. Haskel lleuben, missing in action at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, '64. Hand Isaac, died at Philadelphia, Pa., July 21, '64. Jenkins John, mustered out with company. Katterman Benjamin, nuistered out with company. Keistard Godfrey, mustered out with company. Kinney Irwin, discharged by general order June 3, '65. Kinney Isaac, discharged by general order June 3, '65. Kulp David, missing in action at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, '64. Krominger Jacob, ca]>tured, • Lott John T, deserted May 18, '64. ' Mart/ Isaac, absent, sick at muster out. Morgan Archibald, discharged Atigust 23, '64. Miller David, died at City Point, July 1, of wounds received at •Petersburg, Virginia, June '22, '64. Morgan Dennis, died March 25, '65. Miles John, died at City Point, July 1, of wounds received at Pe- tersburg, June 22, '62. Meed Harley, captured, died at Andersonville, Georgia. Septem- ber 21, '64, grave 9583. Mansfield Jose])h, died May 15. '64. Morgan Matthias R," died July 21, '64. McClune Johiij mustered out with company. McCurdy Samuel O., discharged by special Order October 13. '64. Nickerson Bernard, deserted October 10, '64. Nolen James, discharged by general order May 15, '65. Osborne Daniel D^, discharged on surgeon's certificate May'15,'65 PolT Josejdi, absent, sick at muster out. Veteran. ITTSTOJIY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 371 Pifer Daniel S., transferred to Veteran Reserv6 Corps September 30, '64. , Persing Stei)hen K., transferred to company II, Veteran Reserv-^ Corpi», February 24, '64. Reese Conoway, mustered out witli company. Rhodes Morris K., discharged on surgeon's certificate March 10, '6o. Reed Emanuel, discharged by general order June 20, '05. Robbins Asher W., discharged by general'order June 20,. 'Oo. Reescr David ^f , killed at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, '04. Ray James R., captured, died at Aiidersonville, Georgia, August 1, '(54, grave 4476. SteplieiiP Asa A., mustered out with comjmny. Shop William, discharged by s]>ecia] order October '64. Stasa John (1.. killed near Petersburg, Virginia, June IS, '()4, buried at Meade's station. Slay man Josc|di. killed near Petei'sburg, Virginia, June 18, ■()4, ])uried in Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Simmons Harrison, missing in a(;tion at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, '04. Sleek William, transferred to 33d company 2d battery, Veteran Reserve Corps, October 20, '64, discharged by general order Se])tember 4, '56 Trempore Jolm, discliarged by general order June 3, '65. Tomlinson William P , killed near Petersburg, Virginia, October 20, '64. Vauglian Edward, mustered out with coni])any. Wagoner Augustus, killed at Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 4, "64. WelHey Nathan, killed at Boydtown Plank Road, Virginia, Oc- tober 27, 04. Waide Andrew J., killed at (Jold llaibor, \'irginia, June 3, "6-1, Williams Smith, missing in action at Petersburg, Virginia, June 22, 64. Warner C'yrus C, captured, died at Audersonville, Georgia, Se])- tember 21, '64, grave 9464. Wilson John. «le.serted May 18, '()4. Williams Charles, deserted April 3, '(55. \' Curtin. It reached the army in the field during the battle at Cold Harboi-. In all the heavy fighting before Petersburg it had a full share, and was highly complimented. It had the head of the procession at President Lincoln's funeral obsequies, from Baltimore to Inde})endence Hall. It was mustered out at Ilarrisburg August 2, '65. Joseph F. Ramsay, Lieutenant Colonel, discharged September 29, '64^ the Company being in command of Captain Young. All the men not otherwise accounted for were nmstered out with the Regiment. William Young, Captain. Orville D. Harder, 1st Lieutenant. George G. Lovett, 2d Lieutenant, promoted to Captain Company K, discharged March 9, '65. James R. Johnson, 2d Lieutenant. Alfred JJ. Patton, 1st Sergeant. John S. Ware, Sergeant. Sette K. Sharpless, Sergeant. William H. Cool, Sergeant. Frank Rockafeller, Sergeant. James B. Moore, killed at Petersburg, Virginia, June 18, '64. John C. Irvin, Corporal. Hugh P. Liblcirt, Corporal. :\7\ nrSTOEY OF COLUMBIA COJJNTY. Amos (Jurmaii, (^n'porul. John II. Harder, Cor[)oral. William II Molir, Corj)oral. Daniel Marsiiall, deserted .January 19, Mo. James B. Forest, Musieian. Charles P. Harder, Musician. Alward Arthur, private. Brown Benton B, private. Brown George W., private. Beatty John li., private. Berdaniel George W., [)rivate. Bryant William, private. Beaver Charles S., ])rivate. Brace Henry E., private. Birtch Isaac, private, deserted October 10, '(54. C'utair Charles, private. Case Nelson 1>. Caslin Michael. Cani[)bt'll Andrew. C-raig William, died at Williamsport Pa., April 12, 'tj4. Devine John C. Echart Sanmel. Elliot William. Easten James 8. Eyerly Charles W. Funston Charles K. Foreman Osman. Frame .loseph L. Fox John. Fribley William II. Flanigan lleese, died at Dand's Island N. Y., August 23, '04, buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. I. ( Jaudihlue Joseph, (iibbons James H. Gibbs James M. Gibbs (^harles II., discharged on general order May 30, '6o. Geiger William, transferred to lo7th Regiment P. V. IIei;ry .lolin. IlefHer Jacob W. IIISTOKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 375 lliillilu'ii \N'illi;iiii F., discharged on general order July o, (35. Hale Epliraini K , diseliarged on general order Jidy o, 'O.j. Hawrer John, deserted February 21, '64. Ickus John. Ickus Henry. Jackson (ieorge W. Jackson Caleb. Jones William 1*., deserted March 1, 'Go. Kercher (iottleib. Kutchnian Theodore, transferred to Veteran lieserve Corps. Levers Joseph. Lewis William. Maney Patrick. Miller John. Morgan Thonias V. Morgan Watkins. Milner William, discharged on Surgeon's certificate July 4, '6o. Mellin Oscar G., discharged on general order July 5, '65. Nasli William, wounded with loss of leg at Petersburg, ^'irginia, June 18, '64, dischai'ged October 81, '65. O'Brian John. Oplinger Samuel, deserted May 11, '64. Powley Henry. Patton Irwin T. PoUan John, deserted March 1, '65. Rank David H. Reed Peter M. Rishel (ieorge. llishel Charles. Uoberts John. Kantz Isaac. Kidgway Warren M. Roderick John J. Spoonebager Peter. Smith Fdwanl D. Slack Jacob. Sechler Jolm. Stahl Samuel. Sni'U Isaac. 376 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Sl:ick .Toliii AV., (lisc'liiirgod Ai»ril 17, '65, for wounds received in action. Sponeberger James, deserted March 31, Or). Sicwurd William, deserted JMarcli l?l, T)"). Thornton CJrier M., dishonorably discharged. Vangilder George W. Vogle William. Wray Lewis V., wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, June 18, '05, and nuistered out with Company. Wertman John. Werkheiser ^V. 1>. Ware James D. Watts William M. Wallace John IT. Williams William. Warren Henry. Warren (Tcorge, absent, sick, at nmster out. Wirt William, absent, sick, at nmster out. Waldren John, discharged January 5, '65, for wounds with loss of arm, received at Petersburg, Virginia, June 28, '61. Wray .lames, deserted I^'ebruary 2, '(M. . cm, -*H- «=T- <»- fy S ^' ■ ♦►5 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNIY. ?>11 ONK lIUNI>KKO ANI> TWEI.ITH RE<;iMENT. SECOND ARTII.I.EUY. IJATTKUY V. COLUMI5IA ANI> MONTOUR. liolirsljiMg, I'ii., December 3rd, 1878. CV)r- Jno. G. Freeze, iJear Col : In complying with your requcHt that I furnisli u list of names of men in Battery F, 2d Pa. Art., from this county, I have endeavored to be as accurate as the dates in my possession would {)ermit. I have included the names already published, m order to make the record more com- plete — have furnished a few names of parties who never returned to this county, and a few names of parties that entered from Montour county but upon their return located here, in this county. As it may not l)e ^^entTally know n why some officers were com- missioned and not nnistercd, I will state that it was the result of conflict of authority. In the Spring of 1864 our regiment had become very strong, numerically, numbering about 2500 men, its numbers rendering it unwieldy. Then it was proposed that a regiment be formed from the surphis men of the old to be known as the ISilth regiment, I*. \. Governor C.'urtin commissioned a full set of otlicers from the old organization, taking such as had been identified with its early liistory. To this arrangement Col. Gib- son, then connnanding, objected, and having the ear of the War Secretary (they being West Pointers) the Governors authority was set asi, Jaiiuiirv -1, '(12, commissioned Colonel 189th regiment Peniisylv;iiii:i Volunteers, April 30, '64, not nuistered, promoted to Colonel, October 80, '64. S. D. Struwbridge, Janiniry 8, '62, promoted to Captain of Bat- tery I, December 13, '62, conunissioned Major of 18l)th regi- ment, P. v., April 30, '64, not mustered, breveted Colonel March 18, '(io conunissioned Colonel Ajiril 18, '60, discharged January 11, '()'), term expireiration of term. Lloyd T. Brewer, July "1^^, '62, promoted to Corporal July 4, '63, to Sergeant , to 2d Lieutenant July 1, '65, mustered out with battery January 29, '66. Josiah Mensch, January 28, '62, promoted to Corporal October 1, '64, to Sergeant December 1, '64, mustered out with battery Jaiuiary 29, 1866. Veteran. John McMullen, November 25, '(Jl, promoted to Corporal Octo- ber 1, '64, to Sergeant February 1, '65, mustered out with bat- tery Jaiuiary 29, '66. Veteran. John Marshall, January 1, '62, promoted to Corporal November 10, '64, to Sergeant July 1, '(55, nmstered out with battery Jan- uary 29, ''^'6. Veteran. John Hart/.ell, January 2, ''^'1^ promoted to Corporal December 1, 64, to Sergeant December 22, '65, inustered out witli battery January 29, '66. Veteran. Franklin P. Kline, promoted to Corporal February 1, '64, to Sergeant INIay 6, '65, discharged October •l'^, '65, expiration of term. Jonathan P. Bare, Novend)er 29, '61, promoted froju Corporal JITS TORY OF COLUMBTA COUNTY. 379 J.uiiiiny 1 "),'(»;-$, disoharged Novfinbcr 24, '01, cxpinili'in of • term. ' Ileeso J. Millard, January 2, '02, Captain in battery T, 2d Pro. Pa. A., from April 20, to August 26, '64, jiaroled prisoner; dis- cliargcd l»y special order Marcli lf>. '65. C'liarles Mowrer, December 4, '64, promoted from Corporal De- cember ID, '(;;{, 1st Lieutenant in l»attery I 2d Pro. l*a. A., from April 20 to August 26, '61, discliarged l)y special order November 10, '64. Veteran. Norman C. Kline, Janiniry 26, '(i2, promoted to Corporal Januai-y 7, '65, mustered out with battery J:inuary 29, '66. Veteran. Charles Mattis, December 3, '61, pi-omoted to Corporal October 29, '05, mustered out with balteiy January 29, '66. Veteran. Thomas H. Beimet, November 29, '61, promoted to Cor[)oral February 1, "64, discharged November 28, '64, expiration of term. John Lanciscus, Deceml)er 11, '61, [tromoted to Corporal Decem- ber 10, '63, discharge*! December 10, 64, expiration of term. Henry J. Pr)tter, November 29, '61, promoted to Corporal Feb- ruary 1, '64, discharged November 2S, '64, expiration of term. Calver Zimmerman, January 15, '62, jiromoted to Corporal Novem- ber 13, '63, died at Washington D. C., March IS, "64, buried in Harmony Burial Grounds. Adams Albert J., December 4, '61, mustered out with l)attery January 29, '66. Veteran. Antrim Samuel li., July 13, '63, mustered out with battery Jan- uary 2!>, '{'A'). Buchecker Edward E., December IS, '61, discharged December 17, '()3, expiration of term. Craw ford Franklin, November 2(), '61. mustered out with battery January 29, '()6. Veteran. Crawford Isaac, February 24, '64, mustered out witli battery Jan- uary 29, '66. (yoopcr Peter, Nov(2, diseliarged by general order June 24, '65. Farver (George, December 25, '(U, mustered out with battery Jan- uary 20, 'tU). Veteran. Fogle Michael, January 1, '(52, discharged on Surgeon's certificate May 29, 62. Farral John, December 1, 'Gl, discharged on Surgeon's certificate, May 10, "02. FaiiMuaii William, dischargi'd Ot-tobcr 2S, '()5, expiration of term. Fowler Joshua K., discharged October 28, '65, expiration o1" term. Farver Theodore, mustered out with Battery January 2^^, "(Hi. Farver Samuel, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January 29, '04. Graulz Adam J., September 10. '02, discharged by general order June 24, '05. Ilendrickson .lacob. Dcci'inbiM" 11. "01, discharged Dci-ember J^, '04, expiration o( term. ITeacock Win. F., absent at nnister out. ITeacoclv Geo. T^. imislcred out with liattery Janiiary 29, '05. llollman (icorge W., discharged by general order June 27, 05. Johnson William R., December 19, '(51, discharged December 18, "(54, expiration of term. Ktdp Elias, December 19, '61, discharged December 18, '04, ex- piration of term. Kesty John, August 22, '62, killed at Petersburg, Virginia, Au- gust 29, '04, buried in l*oi)lar Grove National Cemetery, Divi- sion B. Section 15. grave 53. Keller George, discharged by general order June 24, '05. Lee George S., November 20, '01, commissioned 1st Lieutenant Battery F, 189th Regiment P. V. Ajiril 30, '04, not nmstered, mustered out with l->attery January 29, '(50. Veteran. Lee Stephen B., December 18, "01, discharged December 17, "04, e\|)iration of term. Long Charles S., December 27, "(51, di., 'GO. Veteran. KeniU'v William, February ID, "(U, mustered out w itli battery January 'I'd, '(>() lIuokLe David, February 24, '(»4. prisoner from July oO, tit to April 17, 65, nuistereil out with battery January 2iK "(Hi. Vet- eran. Kuekel IJillingtou, uuistere«l out with battery January 2!\ '(Hi. Uoe Hartley, kilted at Petersburii", N'irgiuia, June 2(5, '01, buried in National I'enietery, City I'oint, seelion D, division 4, grave 74. IJiili Israel 1.., diseharget] Oetoher 28, "Oo, exi>iration ol" term. Koe Asa F., transferred to \'eteran Reserve Corj)s, diseharged by general order, November 14, 'Oo. Keese John, killed near Fort Ibirnham, \ ir^inia, buried in National Cemetery, Hamilton. Ragan ^laariee, killed at Petersburg, buried in National Cenie- ter3% Hamilton, Virginia. Reiehelderfer Thomas, Deeember 2, '(U, nuistered (Uit with Battery January 29, '00, Veteran. Shoemaker William, Deeember 2."), 'til, tliseharged on surgeon's eertilieate May 29, '02. SliatVer Aaron, Deeember 2."), "01, nnistered out with battery Jan- uary 29, '()(). N'eteran. Shult/ Josepli R., Deeend)(.'r 4, "01, diseharged Deeember o, '04, expiration of term. Steiuer John, Deeember 2o, (il. nuisti'red o\\{ with battt-ry, Jan- uary 29, '00. \'eteran. Smith Steplieu J., December 11, (il. diseharged Deeendier 10, '04, expiration of,,t.erm. Smith Daniel H., December 11, '01,.diseliarged Deeentber 10, '04, expiration of term. , Spjide Daniel. January 1."). "02, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corjis January 28, '(i4. Sands John, February 23, "04, mustered out with battery January 29, '60. Veteran. * Tliateher Kdward, November 13, '01, nnistered out with Battery January 29, '00, Veteran. JTT STORY OF (JOLTJMJilA COUNTY. 383 Triflfpiece Henry, January 25, '01, discharged Januury 24, '04, expiration of term. Utt William H., December 20. '01, discharged December 29, '04, expiration of terin. Utt Pjlias, October 27, '02, discharged October 20, 'Oo, exjiiration of term. Utt Jacob, October 29, '02, discharged October 28, '05, expiration of term. Weidel Josejjh, December 1, '01, mustered out with battery Janu- ary 29, '00. Veteran. Wilcox Alvin, December 29, '01, deserted Se].tember 30, "03. This legimeut garrisoned Washington until some time in '04, when it was divided, and jjart of it was in the Ijattle of the Wil- derness and KFn vM>s\\rv riKsr un;niiNi -six vniNrii i ^v vi i:\. ]\iissol K. roiiKM-, mustoviHl (V-tobcr '2, '(>!*, into (.\>iup;uiy K, [>ro- motod from Sorgoant Major to iM Lioutt'iiant. niHHMulH'r ll', 'tU, to 1st Lioutonaiit May 8, "t?."^, wiMUnloil at llatvluM's Kun, Virginia, l-'obruarv (>, "(>.'>. mustorod ou\ with (.\>uii>aiiY Au^'iist 11, "1)5. Daniol C\ Swank, nmsteroil CV'lobi'r L\ '&2, into (.'ouipany K. pro- luotod troiu Qiiartormastor 8ori>o:iut to iM Lioutoiiant N'ovom- bor IS. ■(,>•_'. to 1st Lioulonaiit Soplombor l>()lh, '(M. to Captain May .'>. '(>.">. woiMuioil at Trovilian Station. \ ir^inia, ,linn> TJ, '(>{, transforrotl to C\nnjiany I. .Inly ill. "(i.'>. inustorod (Mit with Company August 11, 'iJo. IVtor S. Ashloman, mustoroil (\'tobor i\ \\'2, into (.\Mnpany K, transtVrrod Company 1. disi-har^ini on Snrgoon's oortitiratf l"\>b- ruary '2~, "l>o. John Notoslino, nnistiMVil Oi'tobrr "JT ,'(>_. (."omjiany 1"\ proinotoil to Corporal Juno 17, "l>o. JisohargiHl by oonoral orJor .Inly "Jl. "(io. ^-i iu;nrY-Fiusr uiciMKNr. Daniol Harris. Ov'tobor lo. 'lH. kiUoJ at CIkuIos City Cri>ss KoaJs Virginia, Jinio oO. '&2. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 387 CHAPTER XXIX. ONE YEAR'S SERVICE. TWO IILM)Ki:i> AM> TKNTJI UKGIMKNT. J. Milton Shumaii, August 30, '64, Company p], promoted from private to Ist Lieutenant, September 19, "64, discharged by- special order F'ebruary 14, '6.5. William II. Evans, Seplcinber 13, '64, into Company B, promoted to Ist Lieutenant January 28, '65, wounded at Hatcher's Run Virginia. February 6, '05, absent without leave at muster out. John P. Guild, September 7, '64, 1st Lieutenant, Company D, mustered out with Company May 30, '65. ONK iu;ni>kko am> sixth kk<;imknt — company o. William S. Town.send, mustered in April 8. '62, wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, died at Philadelphia at the Chestnut Hill Hospital, May 29, '64. ONK IILNDKEU AND Fll "rY-SECOND REGIMENT TIIIKD ARTILLERY- liATTERY D. Amos Townsend, mustered in December 13, '62, died on James River November 6, '64. FIFTH REGIMENT BATTERY M. Charles A. Knorr. 388 HTSTORY OF COLUMBTA COUNTY EIGHTIETH REGIMENT. SEVENTH CAV.Vl.UY. Tn 1861 William B. Sipes of Pliiladolphia, was authorized by Soorotary of War Cameron to recruit a regiment of eavalry. On the 19th day of December of the same year it broke camp near Harrisburg, Pa., for liouisville. Ivy., and ui)on arrival tliere report- ed to Gen. Buell. It remained in arduous and active service un- til the close of the war, and was discharged August 23, 1865. A part of Co. D. and a })art of Co. H. were recruited in Montour county, and I have euileavored to select from them the names of the Montour county men. If they are omitted I will be glad to have the names supplied to me, to be added. COMPANY i>. Samuel Robinalt, deserted December 8, '64, Michael Breckbill, mustered out with Regiment. Samuel Sprout, nmstered otit with Company. Newton L. Sayers, deserted December 2o, '64. John Dugan, discharged on surgeon's certiti<'ate July 22, '(53. William C. McCay, deserted Januarj' 12, '(Si*. Joseph lletHer, died at Madison, Indiana, January 12, '6o. W. Forest. John T. Newcomer, mustered out Octi^ber ol, '64, expiration of term. T. J. Trumbower, died at Louisville, Kentucky, Feb- ruary 13, 1862 — National Cemetery, section A, range 13, grave 6. Martin Kieffer. Charles K. Wagner, nmstered out with Company. Hiram Wertman. William H. Kietfer, mustered out witti Company. Charles A. Balliet, died at Limestoneville, Pa., May 7, 1864. Daniel W. Rank, mustered out December 16, 1864, expiration of term. Capt. James Bryson, died at Louisville, Ky., April 1, -(S2. W. Caldwell. Jacob F. Balliet, discharged on surgeon's certificate, Februaiy 1863. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 889 Joseph D. Fulton, mustered out with Company. Carnathan. Alfred Roberts, mustered out with Company. Thomas H. Sanders, not on muster out roll. Wm. A. Fetter, mustered out October 3, '64, expiration of time. Thomas Keisteller. Daniel G. Dildine, died at Bardstown, Ky., February 22, '62. Daniel F. Wagner, discharged on surgeon's certificate, November 16, 'Q2, COMPANY H. Capt. Samuel Hibler, resigned February 16, '62. Thomas J. Wenck, mustered out with Company. Thomas Davis, prisoner from August 20, '64, to April 28, Go, dis- charged June 17, to date May 18, '65. "THE COLUMBIA GUARDS. This Military Company, belonging specially to Danville, but famous all over Columbia county, in honor of which it took its name, by its connection with the Mexican war, was organized in 1817. On the breaking out of the war with Mexico, the Company was under the connnand of Capt. John S. Wilson, and their offer of service being accepted they were mustered into the service of the United States on the 28th day of December, 1846. They were escorted as far as Pittsburgh, on their way to the seat of war, by a number of citizens and cheered on their way with every demonstration of popular approval. They were placed in the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteei's, commanded by Col. Wyn- koop, and afterwards by Col. Geary, afterwards Governor of Penn- sylvania. Capt. Wilson died at Vera Cruz on the 10th day of April, 1847 and the command devolved on Dr. C. W. Frick, who gallantly led the Guards during the campaign. Their first engagement was at the storming of Vera Cruz, and the second at Cerro Gordo, where they lost one man, John Smith. At the battle of Chepultepec 390 HISTORY OF COLUMBTA COUNTY. tl\('y li)st. two men, Willijun Diotiich and Jolin Snyder. On a})- proiu-hino- |lu> city of Mexico, the defense of San Angelos, with all the military stores, was coTuniitted to the Guards ; and on the 13th of Se{)teinber 1H17, tliey were among the first in triiunjthant entry into the city. They returned to Danville on the 28tli day of July 1H4!). The whole county turned out to welcome them, and such a demonstra- tion as was then made had never been seen in Danville before or The (ruards kept up their organization until tlie llebellion, and, entered the Union service under Capt. Oscar Ei)hlin. On the ex- pir.ition of their term of service they were honorably discharged and the (Company disbanded. The following is the muster roll of the Columbia Guards, as t,hey went into the United States service for the war with Mexico: Captain — John S. Wilson. Lieutenants— 1st,, ('larence II. Friek ; 2d, Edward P]. LaClere ; 3d, William lirindle. S,>rgeants— Isl, (Jeorge S. Kline; 2d, Jas. D. Slater; 3d, Robert Clark ; 4tli, Charles Evans. Cort)orals — 1st, John Adams; 2d, James Oliver; 3d, John Smith; 4th, Arthur Gearhart. Music — Drummer, Thomas Clark; Fifer, Jesse G. Clark. I'KIVATKS. Charles W. Adams, Alvin M. Allen, Jacob Apj), Geo. W. Armstrong, Frederick Brandt, Samuel Burns, Elam B. Bonhani, Wm. Banghart, John Birkenbine, Sanmel D. Baker, Francis Bower, Francis B. Best, William Brunner, Wm. H. Birchfield, Randolph Ball, Jasper Musselman, Edward McGonnel, George Miller, William Moser, Archibald Mooney, Mahlon K. Manly, John G. Mellon, Alex M'Donald, Daniel Martial, Richard ?I. M'Kean, Charles Moynthan, Robert M'Almont, Hugh MFadden, James M'Clelland, Nortnan B. Mack, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 391 Peter Brobst, Abraiii B. Ciirley, Michael Corrigau, Win. Dieterech, William Erie, Daniel S. Fullmer, Chas. W. Fortiier, Robert 11. Forster, Sewell Gibbs, Edward Grove, Geori^e Gamer, Thomas Graham, Shepherd W. Girton, Samuel Ilmitiiigdon, Adam Ileisler, Henry Ilerncastle, Oliver Ilelme, William 8. Kertz, William King, Jerome Konkle, Charles Lytle, Ira Lownsberry, Robert Lyon, John A. Lowery, I^enjamin Laform, Benj. J. Martin, William McDonabl, Casper Oaten welder, Daniel Poorman, Peter S. Reed, Philip Rake, James A. Stewart, Peter M. Space, Jona R. Sanders, Oliver C. Stephens, Daniel Snyder, Edward Seler, Peter Seigl'ried, John C. Snyder, John N. Scofield, William Swartz, Joseph Stratton, Wm. II. Sawaney, John A. Sarvey, Benj. Tumbleton, Adam Wray, Wm. White, George Wagner, Jacob Willet, Jerome Walker, George Wingar, Peter W. Yarnell, n«)2 //ISTOh'Y OF COLUMlirA COUNTY mTKOOlU'TOKY. Tn the year 1860, a narrativo of tho military ooiMipation of Col- umbia county, tho arrest of many of our citizens, iheir incarcer- ation in military prisons ami their subsequent trial before a mil- itary commission, appeared it\ the colunms of The (\)Iu»ibian newspaper. It was accompanied with a cojumentaty on the facts and cvi»lence adduced upon the trials; and to these were adtU^l rejtorts of additional cast's and personal experiences tif harsh, cruel and unlawful treatment sutTcred by innocent persons in our county. What was then and there publislu'd stands uncontra- dicti'd. and as a portion o\' the history of the county is heri' in- serted. A few paragraphs by way of connnent and remark have been i>mitted. The tirst detacliment of troops arrived in Bloomsburg on Sat. tn-dav evenino-, August 1.'^, IStvl, and additit>ns cttutintied to be m.uh' for several days, until the number amounted to about one thousand men. The arrests ^vere made August 81, ISfil, and the trials connnenced at Uarrisburg, t)ctol)er 17, ISlM. Of the seven men ctmvicted, one, William Applenian, paid his tine: one, Sanuicl ICline was par(U>ned by President Lincoln ; and the, John Kant/., .lohn Lemons, Joseph VanSyekle, Rev. A. K. Hutan, Henjainin CoUey and ^'alentine Fell were par(h>netl by President Johnsim. To the narrative o\' these occurriMU'cs is added, among other interesting matter, the .argument of Hon. Jeremiah S. Uhu-k bcfcM-e the Supreme Court of the United States on the Milligan case, with the opinion of the Court, delivered by Mr. Justice Davis. This oj)inion fully viiulicates the legal position taken by our jn'ople, ami is a just and authoritativi' condcnmation of the actions of t]u> military detai'lnnent, and of the trials and senten- ces bv the militarv connnission. iriHTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 393 CHAPTP:!! XXX. MILITARY OCCUPATFOX OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Ill orsseHsion, we propose to cast intehaviour and revolutionary in its jiurpoHcs with regard to goverrmient. No man was allowed to f-peak freely agairjst or criticise or condemn the course the dom- inant party were pursuing. All over th(; loyal North military spies, irresponsible I*rovost Marshals and armed forces were dis- lribut«-d fos(; (A overawing the peoj^le and of jjrevent- ing at tlic elections a fair and free expression of ojtinion. And the nearer the I'residential election of 1HC4 approached, the more overbearing becatne these government officials and employees, un- til a reign of terrf»r was inaugurated in the country. The State of Pennsylvania was particularly the scene of atrocious outrage. Where it was thought the elections required to be manipulated there soldiers were located, citizens were arrested, property was destroyed, the State itself degraded, and the constitution and laws set at defiance. The counties of Berks, Columbia, Clearfield, I'ike, Schuylkill and many others were subjected to military raids the memory of which will abide with the victims and their poster- ity for generations. About the first of August 1804, a squad of men led by a young 394 III STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. niiiii iiiiiiu'd Robinson, ;i citizen of Lu/.ci-ni' coiinly, ;itteinptc'(i to Btoj) by clnillcngint;' upon ;i |iubiic luLjIiwiiy of tliis county, in the iiiolit time, scvi'ral ol' our citizens — citizens not oni' of whom, so fjir iis hiis ever been ascertained, w lis amenable to military law. Neither [jarty kiiowiuiji; the otlier in (he darkiu'ss, tJie challensjjed party tired and wounded Kobinson sevei'cly and one ol" his (H)m- panions slightly. Th(( ail'aii" passed, no infoi'mation was made, no warrant was taken out, in short no attempt was made by the civil ant horitii'S to search for or arrest any of the pai'ties. SnbstMpient- ly a man named Smith was taken up, but he was never tried for the olTV'iise. Ilobinson and his com|)any liad no authority or pretense of authority to make arrests, or to act in any way on be- half of the governnuMit. FoUowinij^ inmiediately u[)on tiiis shoot- ing ad'ra-y it is believed that some person or persons (whose name or names have never yet transpired) went to Ilarrisburg and j»er- haps to VVashino'ton. Representations seem to liave been made as a foundation for a military raid, that the drafted men in C'ol- uiid>ia I'ounty had nevei- reported. Whatmoiv was alleged has not been leai-ned. The residt was, that on Saturday evening, August 18th 18()4, the iirst detachment of soldiers arrived in Bloonisburg; and in a. few days, by constant accretions, the armed force num- bered one thousand men. It was given out by those in ttie secret, or who desired to be thought so, "that they were to scour the county.'' They encamped upon the Agricultural l"'air (Jrounds, below Bloonisburg, and on Tuesday the Kith of August, Major General Couch commanding the Department of the Sus(piehaniia arrived, and he made our town for a time his Head Quarters. At that time the force consisted of Capt. Lambert's Independent Company of mounted men ; one section of the Keystone Battery of IMiiladeiphia, under command of Lieut. Roberts, and a batallion of Infanlry under Lit'ut. Col. Stewart. Subsequently, they were reinforced by a batallion of the Veteran Reserve Corps, complet- ing the Army of {)ccuj>ati«)n. The leading Republicans had long and earnt'st interviews with Gen. Couch. Finally Senator Buckalew was sent for. Subse- quently several gentlemen waited upon Col. Freeze with a {>rop- osition to bear a message from the General commanding the Department to the non-reporting drafted men. lie at first de- clined to go, but finally yielded to earnest solicitation and ac- HTSTORY OF (JOLUMBTA COUNTY. 395 ceptcfl tlic mission. 'I'lic fi)llo\viiig corrcspoiHloncc will fully ex|)l;iin the oV)j(!ct iiiiartment. Several days afterward, in order to put upon reeonl every cir- cumstance relating to Col. Freeze's expedition up the creek, he addressed the following note to a gentleman cognizant of all the fads and circumstances : liloomsburg, Pa., August 22, 1864. CiiAKi.Ks K. 1'axton, Esy., ]Jear Sir : As you were fully ac- (pi.iiiitcd with every step, preliminary to my taking a message up the creek, fronj Maj. (ien. Coueli, Commanding Departnient of the Susquelianna, I beg that you will, as fully as your leisure will permit, in reply to this, state the facts in connection there- with. I am, witli great respect, your friend, J. G. FREEZE. To whieli, on the next day, Mr. Paxton replied as follows : Bloomsburg, Pa., August 23, 1864. John G. Fukkzk, Es<^., Dear Sir : Yours of yesterday is received, and I will, with pleasure, comply with your request. It was thought by Gen. Couch to ])e advisable to notify the deserters in 806 HIiSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the northern part of this county, that the penalties to which they were subject jis deserters, would be remitted, provided they would innnediately report to tlie Provost Marshal. At the Gen- eral's retpiest, or with his approbation, I saw Mr. Buckalew who a{>proved of the plan, and suggested that you would be a tit per- son to conununicate with the deserters, and said he would see you, and try to induce you to do so. After he had seen you, I called on you and you refused to go. Subsequently, for reasons unknown to me, you consented to go provided Gen. Couch would give you in writing the coninumication it was thought expedient to send to the deserters, the substance of which is above stated. I then introduced you to the General and left you with him. Respectfully and truly yours, C. K. PAXTON. During the interview spoken of above Col. Freeze offered to take Gen. Couch in a carriage u}) the creek to all points and have him personally meet the people aud hunt the fort alleged to have bi'cu erected ; or if the General preferred, each one should choose a friend and the four proceed together in a carriage on the ex- pedition. The Colonel })ledged himself for the entire safety of the party, and agreed to drive to any and every place where any one said the fort was located, or entrenchments or defensive or oll'ensive preparations had been made. The General declined, while admitting he thought there would be no danger. Gen. Couch returned to Harrisburg, Wednesday August 17th. On that same evening Col. Freeze had an interview with Col. Stewai't, in connnand of the forces, and gave him a statement of all the facts iu his knowledge in relation to the Kobison alfair, also a full report of his mission up the creek, from which he had just then returned, assuring him there would be no resistance by any citizens to the arrest of alleged deserters, that ten men could arrest them as safely as ten hundred ; and concluded by making the same olfer to him, that had already been made to Gen. Couch. Col. Stewart also declineil. This peraistent refusal on the })art of the military authorities to become acquainted with our })eople, and make themselves familiar with localities and facts, argues very strongly that the object of the raid upon our County had an entirely different object than the one so ostentatiously set forth, to-wit, the arrest and mustering HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 397 into service of non-reporting drafted men. They listened only to the false, malicious and exaggerated reports and stories of the enemies of the people, and were thus prepared to "Scour the County." And to prove beyond controversy that such was the case, the fact exists that during the time the troops were encamped on the F'air Grounds, a cavalry officer told Col. Freeze in the presence of Col. Iliram K. Kline, Messrs. Levi Cox, Martin Ammerman and Cyrus Rohl>inH, that he had V>eeii told by a prominent Republican that to his, the Republican's "certain knowledge, there were five hundred non-reporting drafted men up the creek." Another Re- publican who had a corn field adjoining the grounds or near them, requested the soldiers not to take any roasting ears from his patch, and pointed out to them one belonging to a "copper- head," which was a proper object for destruction and spoliation. Again, when Gen. Couch first arriveection, their cases being passed upon by a scound- rel officer in the ]>ulpit upon whispered consultations with prom- inent KadicMls of the neigliborhood. — We say "a scoundrel officer" with good reason ; for he was subseipiently tried by a military court and convicted as a viUain, and we have besides the proof at hand (which will be hereafter given) that he extorted a bribe from one of our citizens under circumstances of peculiar infamy. There was no open examination of the cases of the arrested men nor any o]>portunity afforded them for explanation or dnfense. Whispeied consultations between theirmalicious political enemies who were on the ]»ulpit platform or near it, and the military sa- trap whose will and word stood in place of all law and justice, constituted the grounds of judgment by which they should be dis- charged or ordered into exile from their homes to be incarcerated in distant ])risons. Finally a part of them were discharged with- out any reason assigned for their arrest or explanation of their discharge ; but forty-five were ordered under guard to Blooms- burg, thence to be conveyed by rail by way of ITarrisburg and Phihidel})hia to Fort MifHin on the Delaware. The prisoners were neaily all driven on foot like cattle, the long 18 miles from Benton to Bloomsburg, without breakfast, and had no meals furnished to them on their way to Philadelphia. They reached Fort MilHin on the first day of September. One of the number was released on the second day after the arrest. The names of the persons arrested and detained, with their ages and occupations, and length of incarceration, are as follows : NAMES. Daniel McHenry, Elias J. McHenry, *Joseph Coleman, Mathias Kline, Abraham Kline, Samuel Coleman, 45. " 53 Josiah Coleman, Chailes Coleman, John Lemons, *Wa8 a soldier in the war of 1812. AGK. OCCUPATION DETAINED. 37. farmer — P. Laws, 541.) This is a very ]>hun hvw and a very good one, ii\tended to st^ cure tlie independence of ehn^tions, and it was in full force in IStil at the time of tliese «>ccurrences. l>iit it was liehl in con tempt by the military power and was rudely broken. Tlu' following performances took place in the county : At the ehn'tion eleven soldiers with arms stood at the election polls in (.\'ntre townshi}> all da\ . In Heaver townshiyt a can»[> of about sixty soldiers was located within a few rods i>f the polling {)lace : and from ten to iifteen of them stotxl at the polls all day, the scpiads relieving one another. In JNlount Pleasant townshij) from ten to iifteen soldiers came upon the ground in the morning before the polls o|)i'ned, antl at- tended the voting the whole day, armed. In b^ishingcreek township ten to twelve soldii'rs armed were stationed at the polls and otlier squads within call at three differ- ent points on the road leading to the place of holding the election. Two men wen' arrested on tlie election day. In Hemlock township eleven soldiers stood armed, all day at the polls, and sonu> part of the time twelve were present. In Benton township, ;it the State election, about fifteen soldiers prowled around the eh'ction ground all day ; and at the Presiden- tial election about f\>i-ty of them were in the township, some of them attending the polls. In Jackstm township there were eight or ten in squads of two, who n\arched around the place of liolding the election all day, ami at the close of tlu' election they all canii' into the house and demanded the returns. Of course they were refused. In Sugarloaf tt>wnship at the State election two armed soldiers were loi'aled within h;ilf ;i mile of elect iiui house in oiu' direction — two more within a quarter of a mile in aiu>ther — two or nuu'c at E/.ekiel Cole's and West Creek, within a mih' : and four march- ed past the polls repeatedly during the day. And at the Presi- dential election six or eight armed soldiers and an orderly stood in the yard of tlie house where the election was being held, and others near by. In the evening they c-aww and diMuanded the re- turns, sword in hand. IIISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 40.5 111 Diiiircreek township lour soldiers urined, arrived tlie jiight before the November election, and they staid about the grounds all day until the closing of the polls. They arrested one man din- ing the day. In Orange township and within the village and within easy dis- tance of the j)olls, there were a number of soldiers at the October election. Between that and the November election an additional number arrived, took jiossession of the public school house, then occujiied by a school of about seventy pupils, and held it till so late in the winter, that the people of the township were deprived of the bencHi of a jtubiic school foi- the year. This seizure and appropriation of ))rop('rty ami violation of private right was most \\anloii and iiii])rovoked, and was instituted and applauded by civilians who Irid passions to gratify and interests to subserve. KI.KCTION AHUKSTS. Iiiinicdiatcly before and on the day of the State Election, (1864,) a number of arrests were made at various points in the County to prevent citizens from voting, and in one instance to wreak revenge upon a county officer foi- j)reventing, in a particular case, the con- summation of such a rascally jiurpose. A part of these arrests were made under military orders by soldiers of the Army of Occu- pation, and j)art under authority of the Deputy Provost Marshal for the county, by soldiers who constituted his guard, having been assigned to him for service. Some of those cases (selected by ■way of example) we will hereafter describe. For the present we projiose to open up a little the character of the officer who com- manded the troops and whose word, for a time, was law absolute in this county. As the main instrument of despotism in making arrests, and clearly responsible for most of them, he merits partic- ular notice and shall receive it. I.lKl T. Cise Coleman, Prothonotary of said county Alexan- der Hess the said I)e])onent to me personally known, and l»eing duly sworn acc'>rding to law snith, that the facts set forth in the forgoing statement subscribed by him are true to the best of his knowledge and belief. Sworn and subscribed ^ before me 25th Febr'y. [-Alex. Hess. A. I). IS67. ) Jesse Coi.eman, Frothy. 1U)NI). Know ail men by these presents that we Alexander Hess of Sugarloaf township in the County of Columbia and State of Pennsylvania, and H'-nry C. Hess and Joshua B. H^ss. all of the same township are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America in the sum of two thousand doUa'S lawful money of the United States to be ]>aid to the said United States or the au- thorities properly constituted to receive the same ; to which pay- ment well and truly to be made and done we do bind ourselves and each of us by himself for and in the whole, our heirs, execu- tors and administrators and each of us firmly by these presents; sealed with our seals and dated the seventeenth day of January A. D. 186.-). Whereas, the said Alexander Hess has been drafted into the military service of the United States; now the condition of this obligation is such that if the said Alexander Hess shall, whenever called upon by the Deputy Provost Marshal of said Columbia county or by any other of the properly constituted authorities of the United States aforesaid to report as a drafted man as afore- said, — if \\v shall so report when so called upon then this obliga- 408 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. tion to bo null .-ind void, or else to bo and roiuain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed and delivered^ Alex Hess, [L. S.] in })resence of J. S Woods and ^- H. C. Hess, [L. S.] W. Wirt. ) J. B. Hess, [L. S.] NOTICE. Deputy Provost Marshal's Office, Hloonisburg Jan. 24th 18(i5. Alexander Hess, Sir : You will report at these Head Quar- ters Wednesday Jan. 25, 1865, without delay to meet the Board of Examiners at ten o'clock. By Order of WILLIAM SILVER, Deputy Provost Marshal loth District Pa. Per W. H. Abbott, Agent. CERTFICATE. I, William Silver, late De])Uty Provost Marshall of the 13th District of Pennsylvania do hereby certify on honor, that Mr. Alexander Hess, within nanunl, in pursuance of the annexed no- tice, did report at Blooinsburg, to the Board of Examiners, on the 25th day of January A. D. 18(55, and that upon examination he was discharged by the Board on account of })hysical disability — Rupture. Witness my hand this 25th day of February A. D. 1867. WILLIAM SILVER, Late Deputy Provost Marshal. Case of Rev. A. R. Rutan: — On the 31st day of August 1864, this gentleman was arrested by three soldiers at his residence in the lower end of Luzerne county and brought across the county line, about ten o'clock at night, to the camp near Benton. The day following he was taken by Lt. Col. Stewart before Gen. Cad- wall ader who, perceiving no reason for holding him, discharged him upon parole to appear when called for, and he returntdhome. Ho was not wanted or called ior until the night before the October election, when six drunken soldiers arrested him again at his resi- dence and hurried him across the county line to the camp near Coleman's. This was late in the night and the arrest was made in a rude and tliroatonino; manner to the great disturbance and HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA C0UN2Y. 409 alarm of a quiet family. A uiaii iiaiiuMl Steele was compelled to drive Mr. Kutan's team to the camj). Mr. Rutan was kept at the camp two days and nights, slee})ing on the ground, and was then sent to IIarrisl>urg by way of Bloomsburg, under guard. Thu^ an additional voter was silenced at the October election. The 44 electors of this county, first arri'sted, were meantime securely held in custody at Fort Mifflin (save one who died a prisoner,) and a number of citizens (some of whose cases will be mentioned here- after) were also arrested on the day of election, or just before, and withheld from the polls. Mr. Kutan confessedly had broken no law, nor had he interpos- ed any act of resistmce to the prosecution of the war. He was a man well advanced in years and not liable to military duty or to mili- tary jurisdiction and he was a peaceful and inoflFensive citizen. But tlicsi- circumstances counted as nothing in his favor when the grasp of military power instigated by political hostility was upon him and he was comi^'lied to pass the ordeal of an unlawful military com- mission. They were "as dust in the balance" against the fact that lie was a Democrat, that he had been active or at least em- phatic in his condemnation of the party in jtowei*, and that his ar- rest and conviction for some j)retended offense might intimiilate tlic peoj)le of his section and weaken the friends of honest govern- ment and Constitutional rule. He was arrested three times and at Iauig, and that he likewise was inquisitive as to the cause of his son's arrest. He had brought him up "to the best of liis kiuiwl- edge and belief" in a proper manner, and was astonished and grieved to find not only that he was the inmate of a public jail but that he had concealed his iniquity (whatever it might be) from parental inspection and reproof. Mr. Eyerly and Mr. Fry Sr., prosecuted their researches for some time without result. The arrest continued a profound mys- 416 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. tery to client, counsel, parent and public. But at length Capt. Silver opened a little the road of investigation, for he was found competent not only to execute the law but to exjjound it also. His exposition was to the following purport : — 'True it was,' he said, 'that Daniel II. Fry had not been in fact drafted into the military service or notified to appear, but he ought to have been ; that Daniel Fry, the father, had been drawn in the draft, had been notified to appear and had duly re])orted himself to the Board of Enrolment, but this was all a mistake; the proceeding ought to have been upon Daniel H. Fry, tJiereforc the latter had been seized as a deserter f He might have added, like another Dogberry, that though this was not ^croioner quest law' it was good Provost Marshal law, which had become to all intents and purposes, "the law of the land." His ex])lanation not being satisfactory, affidavits of the facts were at once })repared and sworn to, and ap})lication made to the Dep. Prov. Marshal to discharge Mr. Fry, parole him, to take bail for his ai)j)earance, etc., but all to no purpose. He was held in confinement bey(nid election-day, when upon orders from the military authorities at Harrisburg, he was discharged u])()n the ground that his arrest was illegal, unauthorized, and imj)ro[)er. We will add, that it was clearly outrageous and criminal also, and that the sole motive for making it was to deprive Mr. Fry of his vote and to affect the result of the election. Considering the time when the arrest was made and the circumstances which at- tended aihl followed it, this conclusion is inevitable. And the pretext put forward for his arrest is too absurd and )»reposterous to merit the slightest attention. It merits only contempt. Cases of I I alter and Heller: — On Saturday October 8, 18G4, (three days before the State election,) Daniel liolter a citizen of Hemlock tow^nship was arrested by soldiers under the orders of the Deputy Provost Marshal, and Avas brought by them to Blooms- burg and lodged in the county jail. On Monday following Wm. H. Heller, another citizen of Hemlock township was arrested by the same authority and was also lodged in the jail. He was promised hearing or examination of his case on Monday and again on Tuesday morning, but none was given him. In fact both the prisoners were connuitted to prison without any warrant or other HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. All written authority, or cause shown, and no hearing or examination of their cases was permitted up to 'the afternoon of election day when the events to be presently mentioned took place. That they were unlawfully arrested and for the express purpose of depriving them of their votes at the election, is most unquestionable. Ilolter and Heller secured their votes in the manner we shall describe, but were hurried off to Harrisburo- on election nitihtand held there in coutinement for two days. But when their cases were examined by the military authorities there, they were promptly and honorably discharged and returned to their homes. There being no cause or even a reasonable pretense for their ar- rest, they could not be held in custody nor their persecution con- tinued. The high-handed, outrageous and shameless proceedings against them canle to an inglorious conclusion. Case of Sheriff Furman and Robert C. Fruit : — Holter and Heller (of whom we have just spoken) being in the custody of the Sheriff on election day, it was believed that their votes were silenced or pi*evented and that a certain radical gain was secured. The fact was the subject of conversation in the town and of evi- dent exultation with the radical leaders. It was so good a thing to have power on their side ; to have an accommodating Deputy Provost Marshal with a guard of soldiers under his hand, acting in concert with the troops in the county, to pick up voters and keep them away from the polls ! After a time the rights of Hol- ter and Heller as voters came into consideration among their po- litical friends, and the Sheriff consulted Senator Buckalew on the subject. The latter promptly advised him that Holter and Heller had been unlawfully and improperly arrested; that they were not liable at all to be arrested by the military authorities of the United States, never having been mustered into the Federal service nor drafted undei- United States laws ; that there was no law. State or Federal, which required or authorized him (the Sheriff) to re- ceive drafted nien or deserters, or those claimed to be such, into the county prison, or to hold them there in custody for one mo- ment ; and that what he (the Sheriff) had already done and might thereafter do in the matter of receiving and holding such men in charge, was and would be entirely voluntary and upon his own responsibility without any obligation of law. These views were 41« III STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. aftorwardH fully sufltainod by the military autlioritics at Harris- hiirpr and by (tov. (Purlin and his Sotrolary and Attorney (icnoral. The ShcrilT was furtlu'r advised that his relations to the Deputy Provost Marshal in the matter, (putting the legal question :i8ide,) were 8im])ly tl\ose of comity ; that liaving received the men to acconunodate the Deputy I'rovost Marshal and holding them for that reason alone, good faith could only require that he should not permit their esca]>e, but should deliver tliem \\\) to tlie Deputy Provost Marshal when called for. In the meantime he could ])er- mit them to vote in their proper election district without any vio- lation of faith or of duty. Further, that it was evident tlyit Hol- ier and Heller liad been arrested and put in his charge not only ■sritlumt lawful cause, but for the express purpose of depriving them of their rights as electors, aiul that to this frauduU'ut and unlawful enter{)rise he (the Sheriff) would becouie a party by Ivceping thrm away from the polls. This, as nearly as we can :is- certain, was the advice received by Sheriff Furman and he acted upon it promptly. A carriage was procured, Mr. Ivobert C. Fruit ((^lerk to the Oouiity Oonnnissioners) volunteered as an ;iid to the SheriiV, and the men were driv<'n from the jail by way of Iron Htreet and the mouth of Little Fishing Creek to the Hemlock elec. tion ]>olls, four miU>s distant, wluM-e they gave their votes. Thus Ihe shanu^ful fraud intendeti by their arrest was defeated. All honor to Jofiiah H. Furman and to the men concerned with liim in executing this act of evident justice! They preserved the law fix>n\ violation, securing to two of their fellow-citizens their un- doubted rights and defied the rage and vengeance of power I Their ac(ioi\ was legal, laudable, bold and timely, met the neces- sities of the case in exactly the proper manner, and deserves to be held in lasting remembrance. Hut the Sheriff and his assistant did not escape punishment for their upright cotidtu't . When, in the course of the afternoon, the fact transpired that they had taken Holter and Heller to Buck Horn to enable them to vote, radical excitement and indignation bticame intense. To have the fruits of rascality snatched from their montlis in tbe very hour of sweet enjoyment Avas intolerable Hud a desiiv for full vengeance filled every breast. Tlie dignity ftJ«o of Mr. Deptity Provost Marshal Silver had been touched at a tender ])oint and required signal vindication. Therefore, a squad HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 419 of soldiers of Capt. Silver's guard was sent in pursuit of the Sher- iff and his conii»anion8 with orders to arrest them and bring them to the Captain's Head Quarters in the Exchange Hloek or liiggs' Buildings. This order was executed with as nujcli of Hpeeatience and by upright con. duct they proved beyond all dispute that the charge of insurrec- tion by them, or of an insurrectionary spirit among them, was a base and utter falsehood, fit only for denunciation or contempt. Sheriff Furman an.as in the maintenance and due administration within his judicial district, of ihose general laws of the State which guarantee and protect the libei-ty of the citizen. But no opportunity was sought or pennitted of bringing the arrested men before him for examina- tion ; in fact they were hurried off to Harrisburg to avoid due in- quiry and judicial action by him, which it was well known must condemn the arrests and restore the arrested men to liberty. Nor was any greater respect paid to the District Court of the United States having jurisdiction in this county (to which any offender against the ^laws of the United States might have been sent in due course of law) than Avas paid to our State Court. Military power, when it assumes despotic functions, avoids and hates the Civil Courts as much as the Devil is said to avoid and detest holy water, and never willingly submits to their jurisdiction and cen- sure; lawless itself, it hates all regular justice and the tribunals by which that justice is administered. But we will i^roceed to trace the progress of those events at Harrisburg which affected Sheriff Furman and his fellow victims. And in doing so we shall avail ourselves of papers and memor- anda which were made at the time Avhen the events occurred (and now furnished us) as well as of personal information concerning -unwritten facts which we have been able to procure from reliable soiarces. Fortunately, at the time in question and at other times subsequently, a member of our bar was in attendance at Harris- HISTOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 421 Lurg as OIK' of the counsel for tlie Cohmibia county prisoners first arrested, and was in a situation to obtain full and accurate infor- mation of all that took place there. To him and to the other counsel (members of the Harrisburg bar) who were engaged in the defense of our people before the Military Commission, we are largely indebted for documents and for details of fact upon the subject of the military inroad and oc'eut»ation. Passing over intervening time we will come to the occurrences of Thursday October 13th 1864. Early in that day Mr. Bucka- lew (who had arrived at Harrisburg) visited the secretary of the Connnonwealth (Mr. Slifcr) and opened up to him the matter of the arrests. Subsequently by appointment he had an interview in the Executive Building with Gov. Curtin, Secretary Slifer and' Mr. Meredith, the Attorney General. The whole subject was con- sidered and a common opinion entertained and expressed that the arrests were improper and unlawful. Gov. Curtin, however, upon being ai)pealed to as the Chief Magistrate of the State (and as Buch bound to see that the laws were faithfully executed, and that his subordinate state officials received due protection) declared thut he could do nothing with Capt. Dodge (the little military satrap who held connnand at Harrisburg at the time;) that Dodge had treated his Secretary in an insulting manner upon a recent' occasion when a proper interposition on behalf of a citizen was attempted ; but that he would telegraph a statement of the case to xUr. Stanton, Secretary of War,and ask for him an ol'der of dis-' ciiarge. This plan of proceeding involving delay and an uncer- tain issue, Mr. Buckalew said he would himself confront the terri- ble Dodge and endeavor to obtain from him what was desired. Pursuing this design he went to the court house and found Dodge, cap in hand, about to leave his office and apparently not at all inclined to a jn-otracted interview or to any [latient atten- tion to business. We have had the scene which ensued described to us, l)ut can hardly hope to succeed in representing it by writ- ten language. Dodge wanted to be olf; the Senator insisted on being heanl, and there was a hearing and conversation jtretty much after the following fashion : J>odge : "That was a pretty bold proceeding by the Sheriff, to carry off our ]>risoners." 422 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Senator : "No law was broken and it was just. Besides, there was no escape." Dodge: "They were in custody and it was the duty of the Sheriif to keep them in prison until called tor. You say you ad- vised this ?" Senator: "Certainly I did ; the men had a right to vote. The Sheriff was not bound to take them or keep them in charge at all. His act in receiving them was voluntary and you have no jurisdic- tion over him." Dodge: "His conduct was not i*espectful to us. They were our prisoners." Senator: "It is not your business to manage elections or take offense when men give lawful votes. Why should these men be disfranchised? You could complain of the Sheriff only in case he refused to return your prisoners when you wanted them. Now Major — I believe you are a Major? — " Dodge (becoming interested): "Well, I'm not sure ; I was nom- inated but I believe not confirmed at the last session." Senator: "Yes, I think I remember the case. No doubt it will come up again next winter." About this time the Major (in prospect) underwent a complete transformation in demeanor and speech. He had been standing, half impatient, ready to leave. But the sudden reflection that the man before him would have a vote in the Senate upon his confir- mation to a higher rank in the army, worked like a charm. He passed back across the room, put down his military cap, placed himself at his writing-table, })olitely invited his visitor to take a chair, and resumed the conversation : Dodge {very kindly): "Well, what do you want done ?" Senator: "An order to discharge the Sheriff and his assistant." No sooner said than done — the order Was written and handed over. Dodge then rose from his chair all benignity, radiant with satisfaction at a good action performed. In fact, at that moment, Dodge felt at peace with the whole world — felt a benevolent in- terest in the welfare of all his fellow-creatures — felt or imagined he felt, already, the gentle i)ressure of a Major's straps upon his shoulders ! He was a happy man and quite open to any appeal of benevolence or of duty. The occasion was improved in the in- terests of justice. Dodge was reminded that he had the Hemlock HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 423 voters (Ilolter and Heller) also under his hand ; that they were unlawfully held and should also be discharged. He promptly took back his order and underwrote upon it what was desired. That document in its final form was as follows: dodge's order. "Capt. Opdyke will release the Sheriff of Columbia county and his assistant, confined on charges preferred by Cap. Silvers. These men will hold themselves subject to any order which may in future be received from the recorder of the Military Commis. sion in session here. Richard J. Dodge, Capt. Dept. Com'dg. Mr. Buckalew" states that the two men arrested as deserters are delinquent drafted men from the draft of 1862. If so, they are not liable to arrest as deserters. R. J. D." The above paper being produced to Capt. Opdyke, who was, we believe, a Deputy Provost Marshal and was playing i)ri8on- keeper. Sheriff Furman, Mr. R. C. Fruit, Daniel Holter and Wm. H. Heller were all promptly brought uj* and discharged. They left in the night train and an-ived at Bloomsburg, Friday morn- ing, October 14. Here they were met at the depot by a con. course of citizens and welcomed home with cheers and rejoicing. THE COUCH CORRESPONDENCE. Senator Buckalexn to General Couch. Bloomsburg, Sei't. 26, 1864. Major General D. N. Couch, Chambersburg, I*a. Dear Sir : — I have refrained from writing you on the subject of the arrests of citizens of this county, in the confident expecta- tion that they, or the greater part of them, would be discharged and permitted to return to their homes. Most of these persons are men of fair character and respectable position ; some of them are aged men accustomea to active employments, upon whom im- })risonment is peculiarly severe, and as to all of them, their fami- lies and business suffer by their absence. And surely the offences with which they are charged can be neither grave nor dangerous, when they are not announced or recognized in the community from which they are taken. Only conjecture or suspicion can be exercised upon their cases even by those least friendly to them. 424 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. I do not doubt that tlie charges upon wliich tlie arrests were or- dered arose in some degree from a disordered state or condition of luind in their accusers, who Avere carried away by an impression of combination and armed resistance to the laws in the Fishing Creek to\vnshi]is. Upon inquiry made by me since my return from Washington in July, and particularly since our interview in August, I have oV)tained information which enables me to speak confidently upon this subject. And I have to say, that there has not been a time during the present year when a Sheriff, Marshal, or other executive officer, could not have executed peaceably any warrant or writ whatever in this county; that there have been no fortifications or military positions prepared or occupied by in- surgents, nor any intention of establishing them ; that there has been no large number of men assembled in arms to resist the conscription, as was reported ; that no cannon or other arms were obtained for a position on the North Mountain ; that neither de- serters from abroad nor refugees from Canada came to the assis- tance of the so-called "insurgents," and, in short, that the reports sent abroad of insurrection in this county, (and probably also the statements sent to Washington as to the foregoing particulars,) were quite groundless and false. Gen. Cadwallader's researches upon the upper Avaters of Fishingcreek and on the North Moun- tain I believe were thorough, and should be held as satisfactory by the ])ublic authorities. To the President Judge of this dis- trict and to me, he characterized the alleged erection of Avorks of resistance and the assembling of men in arms to resist the Govern- ment, as a "farce." But the arrests in question Avere ordered and actually made before the North Mountain Avas scaled and be- fore the imposture Avhich had misled men abroad, Avas fully explo- ded. Had the truth been knoAvn in the outset, I conclude I would have been spared the composition of this letter and you the trouble of perusing it. But Avhilethe imposture of "the Fishingcreek rebellion" remain- ed undetected — before the advance of Gen. CadAvallader upon the forests of Sullivan — forty-four of our citizens Avere taken into cus- tody and transported to Fort MifHin, Avhere forty-three yet remain. With a single possible exception, none of them were deserters or drafted men. They were farmers and business men, having no connection Avith the military service of the United States and HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 425 many of them above the age of forty-five years. Neither they nor their friends were distinctly informed of the charges against them, nor has the privilege of giving bail for their appearance to answer, been permitted tliem. And their accusers are still un- known as well as the authority by which they were arrested. I hear it said recently, that their arrest was under an order from the Provost Marshal General at Washington, in which case you are not responsible for the order, but only for its execution. These men, thus arrested, have been confined in prison nearly one month, in an imperfectly ventilated bomb-proof of a Govern- ment Fort, subjected to vermin and other hardships, and even if it can be shown that they have been guilty, to some extent, of im- prudent or criminal speech or action, they have undergone enough to satisfy the demands not only of justice but of vengeance. Be- sides, two of them are officers of the county (the one a Commis- sioner and the othei* Treasurer) whose attention at home to public business is necessary. I therefore now make application for their- discharge without further proceedings or delay, as a measure of justice and humanity, warranted by the facts and demanded by public opinion in this section. I shall not, General, submit to you any observation upon the illegality of these aiTcsts, nor upon the propriety of turning these men over for trial (if they are to be tried at all) to the proper court of the United States which holds regular terms in an ad- joining county (at AVilliamsport.) It is sufficient for my present purpose to say, that the arrests were unnecessary ; that no such formidable combination of men to resist the laws as was alleged had any existence ; and that these men have undergone already severe and prolonged imprisonment. I suppose no advocate of military arrests of citizens in States untouched by actual war, will pretend thej^ should be made except in cases of utmost urgency, nor that j)unishment in such cases should degenerate into persecu- tion. I must add some remarks upon the subject of keeping troops here. This county has a population of 30,000 and no more peace- ful, law-abiding district is to be found in the United States. For many years the quarterly terms of our County Courts have not had an average duration of four days. The introduction of a large armed foi-oe here was not therefore ])rovoked by the general 426 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. character of oui* people, but must have been occasioned by the particular falsehoods already mentioned and which have been fully exposed. With their exposure the reason for an armed force of occupation wholly failed and a part of that force has been with- drawn. I shall hope you will find employment elsewhere for the remainder, and if not, that you will give the officers in command stringent orders against interfering with our elections, and par- ticularly against placing troops at the places of election in con- tempt of an ancient statute of this Commonwealth. It remains only to notice in this communication, the two facts which remain after freeing the case of "the Fishingcreek insur- rection" from falsehood. They are: 1st. That here, as elsewhere, some drafted men had failed to report for duty ; and 2nd, That there had been a small night aifray in which a young man named Robinson was wounded. I have to observe upon these points (to which the case as originally stated has dwindled,) that for the ar- rest of the offender in the affray, a single officer, or at most a Constabulary force, was adequate ; and that as to the drafted men though they were probably impertinent and boastful, they were not numerous nor formidable. I believe that in all military move- ments there should be an employment of force clearly sufficient to accomplish the purpose in view, but in the case of these men who had failed to report, the advance of a single company of troops would have had the same effect as the advance of an army, to-wit, their dispersion or submission. The men whose folly or malignity was exercised in creating the spectre of the insurrection, and who have caused an unnecessary and large outlay by the Government, (perhaps in all a quarter of a million of dollars,) are those upon whom the indignation of au- thority should fall, rather than the men now in custody. In a proper place and in due time, I shall probably conceive it to be my duty to insist upon an investigation of this whole transaction, to the end that the truth shall become known and just responsibil- ity be placed where it belongs. I am, General, respectfully, Your obedient servant, C. R. BUCKALEW. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 427 Reply of General Couch. Head Qtarters, Dep't. of the Susquehanna •,\ Chambersbuig, Pa., September 29, 1864. j Hon. C. R. Buckalew, United States Senator, Bloomsburg, Pa.: Dear Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt this day of your note of the 26th. inst., in reference to the Citizen Prisoners arrested in Columbia county, &c., &c. The commission for their trial has been ordered and I had hop- ed it would have been ready to take up their cases before this, but there have been delays beyond my control, still everything is being done that can be to expedite matters. I went to the Fort on Saturday last for the purpose of seeing myself how the prisoners fared, inspect their quarters and if nec- essary order them to be removed to a more comfortable place of confinement — there seemed to be no cause for complaint and hence no change was made. I fully agree with you that no fortifications were erected by the "insurgents," but General Cadwallader who made a close ex- amination of the country is satisfied that they had one, and prob- ably two j>ieces of artillery, that there was an organization to re- sist the draft, the members of which were armed, and I have other information to the same effect. The men arrested are charged in general terms with resisting the Draft, which covers the case of those who advised resistance, procured arms, knowing they were for that purpose, or sold arms for the same object. The arrests were not to my knowledge, made by direction of the Provost Marshal General, nor are the prisoners held to satisfy vengeance, but to determine whether they are guilty of the great crime of which they are charged, or not. As regards the troops interfering with the elections, you and your friends may rest assured that there will be no just cause for complaint. When assigned to the command of this Department, I was in- structed by the Secretary of War, not to interfere with politics, which being in accordance with my natural inclinations, has been scrupulously carried out. 428 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. I cannot for one moment think tliat you believe troops are re- tained in Columbia county to control the elections. I was very glad to receive your letter, recollecting with pleas- ure our interview in August last, and the assistance you extended me at that time. The subject has received my careful consideration and I hope to be able to so conduct matters, that none but the guilty shall suffer, and so soon as I can satisfy myself that any of the sus - pected parties are only slightly involved in this treasonable move- ment, it will be consistent with my duty to the Government to order their conditional release. I am Sir, very Respectfully, Your obd't. Servant, D. N. COITCH. Major General Com'dg. Dep't- A second letter to Gen. Conch. Bloomsburg, October 11, 1864. Tuesday Evening. Gen. D. N. Couch, Dear Sir : — I received in due course of mail your letter of 29th September, and am duly sensible of your politeness in giving so prompt an answer to my communication. I notice with satisfac- tion youi- statement that you visited "!• ort Mifflin" and gave at- tention to the treatment of our citizens confined there, as the fact proves your possession of those feelings of humanity which do honor to our common nature. I read also with satisfaction and approval your observations upon non-interference Avith our elec- tions by troops under your command or control, and particularly your assurance to me and my friends (as you expressed yourself) that we shoidd have no cause foi- complaint in that particular. These were good words and I have no disposition to tliink tliem or to re})resent them as insincere. But, unfortunately, the pro- ceedings of your subordinates have not been consistent with them. Col. Albi-ight, who came u}) to this county to collect evidence, preparatory to the trial of our citizens at Harrisburg, did not con- fine himself to that business. He went upon the stump in Blooms- burg with the republican candidate for Congress, and made the first political speech of the campaign. As represented to me it was a HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 429 very inflammatory speech, and gave a most exaggerated and unfair representation of the difficulties in this county. He professed to speak from tlie official documents in his possession, and used his position to inflame public passion against the men who were to be tried and to render their prosecution useful for party purposes. But 1 proceed to mention events more recent which deserve, as I think, your particular attention. Some days since soldiers were sent south of the river. I do not know what they have done there, but a i)risoner was forwarded here yesterday from Main township and is still kept here. His case is as follows : His name is the same as his father's except a middle initial letter. His father's name was drawn in the draft; the father was notified, ap- peared before the board of enrolment, and was exempted for legal cause. It is now said, or pretended, that the son was really meant and he, without any notice whatever, is seized and taken away from his district, tfie day before the election and held here in spite of full explanation ! No one can doubt the motive, and the effect is precisely what was desired — the deduction of one vote from the poll of Main township. In Fishingcreek township, soldiers were stationed for the day on the main road near the polls, obviously to watch the election. In Benton township one of the election officers was arrested this morning just before the polls were open, and carried off, the others had been previously disposed of and the people found no officers to act for them. Last night several men were ^arrested in the neighborhood and kept away from their places of voting. I believe no one arrested was a drafted man. They were citizens, and had been openly at their homes before. Seven mounted nien were met going toward the Sugarloaf polls early in the day and they, or another squad, were reported later in the day watching the road of approach beyond. When the returns come in it will doubtless be found true that light elections have been held in several districts, because many citizens have been intimidated and deterred from attending the polls, in addition to those who were taken away by actual arrest. No cause for the arrests is known and no man can feel safe in at- tending the election. Of course the intended effect is as certain as the means of securing it are unscrupulous and disgraceful. At the election here in Bloomsburg a man Avas arrested in go 430 fflSTOBY OF COLUMBIA OOVNTY iiig to vote ; soldiers ftp})earing at the polls in violation of the State law to which I reforrod you in my fornior letter, lie was kept in hand during the dA\, perm Iff di/tner but not to the polls. His ease was one of doubtful dereliction under a former enlistment which has expired. He has since been enrolled and drafted under the U. S. laws, and I saw to day his certiiicate of having paid commutation money. He has been living here openly a year or more without question until now. Two other men living openly in the neighborhood for two years past and voters in the adjoining townshi[) of Hemlock were ar" rested and put in jail here — one on last Saturday night and the other yesterday. They were not liable to arrest and have not been drawn under either one of the V. S. drafts. One of them was pi-oniised a hearing yesterday and again this morning, but it was not given. Of course none was intended until the election should close. I said to the Slieriff who had them in custody, this afternoon, that be would be perfectly jvistitied in conveying them to their election district to vote, taking care to prevent their es- cape and holding them ready for any requisition upon him. He took an assistant, conveyed them to their district, and had return- ed with them almost home when he and his assistant were arrest- ed by order of the Assistant Provost Mai-shal. He had been ab- sent less than two houi-s, but in that tinuMncalculable mischief had been done. Two of the four men who were to be disfranchiseed were made by the use of soldiers subject to your command, and their occurrence justifies my aj)p('al made to you in a former letter for the withdrawal of troojjs from our county, or, in case they were not withdrawn, that stringent orders should be issued against their interfering with our elections and particularly against their presence at our places of election in violation of express law. In conclusion, I must express my opinion that some signal con- demnation of the wrongs and outrages already committed in this county is due to our people from the j>ublic authorities, and that some effectual provisions should be made against the repetition of such occarrences in the future. I am, General, very truly Your obd't serv't., C. R. BUCKALEW. 482 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. OBSERVATIONS UPON THE COUCH CORRESPONDENCE. The Couch correspondence demands some notice before we pro- ceed to other matters ; but we shall be brief in our remarks upon it because more important topics lie before us and invite us for ward. As to the latter we will, just hei'e, take our readers into our confidence and imform them what they may expect (in part) from our researches. Be it known, then, that we have obtained by unexpected good fortune though not without difficulty, full records of the evidence in the three leading cases of Columbia county priso- ners, tried before the Military Commission at Harrisburg, and shall publish them entire, or their full substance. The cases to which we refer are those of John Rantz, Stott E. CoUey and Daniel McHenry, men upon whom the prosecution — the Military Judge Advocate, the spies, informers, pimps and radical politicians, in short all the persecutors and their instruments — expended the whole force of their industrj% ingenuity and malice (backed by public power) in order to secure their conviction. In the main, thank God ! those efforts were expended in vain. For the truth and the right did triumph in the end; their webs of lies were broken ; their wicked- ness came to nothing, and the prisoners, the objects of their hos- tility and persecution, went forth from unlawful bondage vindicat- ed and free ! Those prisoners went not forth however without scars of conflict upon them ; not without grievous expense and great suffering first incurred, nor without bitter and enduring memories of wrong and outrage inflicted by lawless poAver. But, to return to the Couch correspondence, the matter immedi- ately in hand : 1. It will be seen that Couch was notified before the end of September, by reliable and responsible authority, that the pretexts for the invasion were false, and was called upon to discharge the prisoners and remove his troops from the County. Mr. Bucka- lew's letter to him dated September 26th, was answered by him on the 29th. He received it therefore in due course of mail and was fully acquainted with its contents. Why did he not accept the information thus given him and take proper action upon it ? Assumnig (with gratuitious charity) that he had been misled in the outset, why did he persist in the wrong ? HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 433 2. Gen. Couch in his letter of 29th of September states that lie had visited the jirisoners in Fort Mifflin, but he does not state tluit lie told them that their arrest "was the worst act of his life.'? It may appear incredible that he could make this declaration and yet keep them in custody and allow the persecution again5>t them to continue, but the fact is too well attested to admit of doubt and can be fully proved if called in question. He was conscious that wrong had been done, and when he stood face to face with his victims the truth was extorted from him by feelings of contri- tion or of sympathy which he could not restrain. But those feel- ings did not long continue, or at all events had but slight influ- ence upon his after conduct. He knew too well what his masters recpiired of him ; how exacting were the demands of Radicalism and that his commission would be forfeited by any open exhibi- tion of independence, justice and humanity, and he followed the suggestions of self interest instead of the promptings of his better nature. 3. Gen. Couch's letter enables us to grapple with the points of accusation against the prisoners as they were finally arranged (and subsecpiently appeared in formal charges before the Military Commission) and is for that reason a valuable contribution to the history of the occui)ation. By it, to a certain extent, our field of in- vestigation is narrowed and has assigned to it definite boundaries. In the first place there is no imputation that any of the arrested men were concerned in the night affray in which Lieut. Robinson was wounded. Further, the General agrees fully that no fortifica- tions had been erected for purposes of resistance to the military power. But he says that "Gen. Cadwallader who made a close examination of the country is satisfied that they" (the alleged 'in- surgents') "had one and probably two pieces of artillery, that there was an organization to resist the Draft, the members of which were armed," and that he had other information to the same effect. He says further, that "the men arrested are charged in ireiieral terms with resisting the Draft, which covers the case of those who advised resistance, procured arms knowing they were for that purpose, or sold arms for the same object." This is the whole case against the prisoners as stated by Gen. C >uch one month after their arrest and after the Albright affidavits had been obtained or extorted in the Fishingcreek country. 434 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUJ^TT. It will be our business in the further progress of this narrative and by record evidence, to ansv»^er and explode these charges so far as they came under examination in the military trials at Har- risburg, and we pledge ourselves in advance to perform this work in the most effectual manner. But we choose to brand at once the statement about "one and probably two pieces of artillery," for which General Cadwallader is given as authority, as an utter falsehood. No evidence to sustain it was ever produced upon any of the military trials, thoTigh if such a fact had existed it could have been easily proved and would have been gladly seized upon by the prosecution. Besides, the common statement of all persons who had means or opportunity for information on this subject, has been, that there was no piece or pieces of artillery known of in the whole region of the alleged "insurrection." CONTINUED IMPRISONMENT. Within a few days after the general arrests were made (Aug. 31, 1864,) some of the prisoners' friends in Bloomsbui-g sent Col. Ent down to Fort MitHinto confer with them and ascertain, if possible, the charges against them, the line of their defence and the names of their witnesses. He performed his mission with diligence, but not one of the prisoners could tell why he had been arrested. One of them had been in the military service, many of tliem had just subscribed money to af^sist in raising volunteers in the pending draft, and others had sons and other relatives in the army. They were not conscious of having conniiitted any offence or of having done any act Avhich should render them obnoxious to the military power, and they knew that the general vague reports of "insur- rection'' in their neighborhood would be put down upon even slight investigation fairly conducted. They could not therefore prepare for defence against unknown charges nor anticipate that they would be long detained in prison. The character of Gen. Cadwallader also, as a gentleman and honorable officer, gave as- surance that there would be fidelity and promptness of investiga- tion in their cases and that the day of relief and of vindication for them would soon arrive. They did not understand that politi- cal malignity in the radical breast was utterly relentless, and that, united to self-interest, it would disregard all law and all justice — the most sacred obligations of duty and the most imperative de- mands of humanity itself ! Nor did they understand that officers HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 435 of tlie army (in high coruiuand even) were under duress to politi- cal leaders and constrained to perfomi the behests of party as the indispensable condition of their continuance in command and of their promotion in the public service ; that command, rank, pay and constant favor were for the subservient officer, and embarrass- ment and reprimands, if not dismissal and disgrace, to the inde- pendent and just one. Nearly all the prisoners were continued in continLMMcnt throughout the whole of September and beyond the election in October without a hearing of any description and with- out notice of charges against them. Meantime as Gen. Cad wall a- der could report nothing sufficient or definite against thcni and as Lt. Col. Stewart was equally unsuccessful. Col. Charles x\lbright was sent up to do what they had failed to accomplish — make up a case. How his work was performed we nuiy choose to describe hereafter; whnt we are now concerned with is the result of his labors — a bundle of affidavits and statements whicli by an aid-de- camp of Gen. Couch were well described as "trash,'' which the General himself spoke of subsequently with contempt, and m hich when subjected to deliberate examination and answer before a Military Commission were found to be in their essential features whylly false or worthless. These papers however furnished a pretext for the continued imprisonment of our citizens. Though they had been taken in secret and by most disreputable means, though they were afterwards withheld from public inspection and their contents unknown to the prisoners in their Bastile upon the Delaware, they were proclaimed to be most danmatory upon the accused, a complete revelation of iniquity in Columbia county and a full vindication of the occupation and all its works. This was the speech of the Radical Press at Philadelphia, at Harrisburg and at Bloomsl)urg, along the West Branch and in Luzerne, wherever interest could be felt in the affairs of this county or political capi- tal be made by the calunuiiation,of our people. But time passed on; the State election was held on the 11th of October and one of the main objects of the occupation became an accomplislied fact. More than forty citizens had been kept from the election by direct imprisonment, while others had been intimi- dated or restrained in their free action as electors, and the reports of conspiracy and resistance to law in this county had been ex- tensively used abroad for the purposes of party in the election 436 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. canvass. Under these circumstances of consummated iniquity, of accomplished purpose — it was not unreasonable to think that an appeal on behalf of the prisoners for long delayed compassion and justice would be regarded with favor, or at all events would be heard with civility, by the military power. Such an appeal was accordingly made in the proper quarter, and we will proceed to state its character, progress and results. THE EXPEUITION TO CH.VMBERSBURG. On Friday, the 14th of October, (after the discharge of Sheriff Furman and his companions,) Mr. Buckalew and Col. Freeze went over from Harrisburg to Chambersburg to see Gen. Couch and induce him to discharge the Fort MifHin prisoners. The General had his headquarters at Chambersburg, and the applica- tion to him was recommended by Gov. Curtin as more convenient and hopeful than would be one addressed to the War Department at Washington. An interview with Gen. Couch was promptly had and the arrests were fully discussed, together with the circum- stances of hardship attendant and consequent upon them. The unquestioned fact that there had never been any actual resistance to any officer of the Government in this county, was called to the General's attention ; as were the further facts, that the pris oners had never been drafted and were not subject to military jurisdiction, and that they had been in confinement a month and a halfvnthout trial or notice of charges against them. He was reminded also, that he had already ascertained that the sev- eral reports concerning the alleged 'insurrection' (upon which the occupation of this county by troops had been ordered and the arrests made) wei'e either wholly groundless or greatly exaggera- ted, and that no public necessity could require further proceedings for the purpose of either precaution or punishment. Gen. Couch's reply was scattered and evasive, though made at sufficient length. Perhaps the word "shuffling" would describe it more neai-ly than any other word in the language. It was not belligerent or uncivil nor was it specific and responsive to the application made to him. It indicated incertitude of mind and a deficient will, a temper not unamiable nor yet pronounced and confident, but above all an ap- prehension, or a fear of responsibility to be incurred. The fate of M'Clellan (under whom he had held command) was before his eyes — a commander who for failing to do political work and con- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 437 duct a war of spoliation hail been degraded — and he hesitated between the demands of humanity and justice on the one hand and the promptings of fear and selfish interest on the other. He recited his journey to Columbia county at the inception of the oc- cupation, touched upon his visit to Fort MitHin, expressed his sym- ]);ilhy with the prisoners and particularly the old men among them, nuide sundry excuses for delay in the examination of their cases, thought many of them might turn out to be innocent or very little to blame, could not say just when they could be tried but would expedite proceedings as much as possible. He said he liad ordered the release of two or three of the men who were reported to be sick: — At this point of the discourse Col. Freeze s'giiiricantly and severc-ly remarked, "General, one of those men, (Mr. Koberts,) has been discharged by a higher authority than yours — he is dead!" There followed an awkward pause, but con- versation was presently resumed. The General's attention was called to the act of Congress which expressly required that where persons charged with resisting a draft were arrested by the mili- tary \).)\\(iY they should be forthwith delivered to the cioil author- ities for trial, and it was urged upon him that he could end all difficulty and embarrassment, so far as he was concerned, by com- plying with the law, while he would extend to the prisoners a le- • ••al right to which they were clearly entitled. To this he made no direct answer, but said he would write to Washington for in- struct. ons. He was then requested to allow the prisoners (or such of them as he would not discharge) to give bail for their appear- ance before a Military Connnission for trial, whenever the Judge .\(lvocate should be prepared to proceed against them, so that in the meantime they might return home, escape the hardships and danger to health inseparable from confinement, and.be enabled to prepare their defense ; in other words, to allow to them one of the ordinary privileges extended by law to persons accused of criminal offences before the courts of justice ; and he was told that a.jy amount of bail which he miglit require would be promptly furnished. The General thought he could not take bail, and turn- ing to Mr. Buckalew said : "I ask you as a lawyer whether a bail bond for the appearance of the prisoners would be good for any- thing and could be enforced?" To this direct question Mr. Buck- alew answered, that i/' the proceeding of arrest and trial of our 438 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. citizens by Military Commission was lawful, such bail-bond would be good, for it would be taken to enforce a legal obligation; ^y'the military power had jurisdiction of the cases, a contract of bail in aid of that jurisdiction would bind the parties and could be en- forced, but if the proposed trials were unlawful a bond for the appearance of the accused would be worthless. Gen. Couch said he thought so too — a bond would be good for nothing — and he must hold on to his prisoners in order to secure their appearance for trial. What an acknowledgment was this of usurpation and outrage ! That brute force, naked power, acting in contempt of all law, could alone hold these men in prison or drag them before strange tribunals ! It was an unblushing announcement of the rule of the strong hand and of despotic will, as a substitute for all those fundamental and statute laws which can aloue bind the rightful obedience of the citizen. At the instance of Col. Freeze, however, the cases of two of the prisoners were acted upon favorably by Gen. Couch. They were shown by certificates to be sick and suffering from confine- ment and an order was made for their discharge upon parole to appear and answer when called for. The interview closed with an appointment for another at a later hour of the same day. That second interview was had, but without any definite result. During the latter part of it Col. Alex. K. McClure was present and interposed some remarks in favor of the prisoners or of their discharge. Though a republican leader he was sagacious enough to see that arbitrary arrests and political persecution could not, in the long run, be advantageous to his party, and he scorned the short-sighted, petty and vindictive policy which inspired and dic- tated the outrage upon our people. The following morning, October 15th, a final interview was had with General Couch and the application for discharge of prisoners again urged. He was still fidgety, and chatty, but undetermined, and it become necessary at last to bring matters to a point and conclude the negotiation. Mr. Buckalew therefore said to him, "General, we came to you to get relief for our neighbors, supjjos- ing you had full power over them and would be disposed to act kindly. Even their enemies might now agree to their discharge as the election is over. If you can act, say so ; if you cannot, we will go at once to Gen. Cameron and apply through him to the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA CO UN 7 Y. 439 Secretary of War and the President for relief, I believe he will aid us and we cannot go home until this question is settled." The true ground was at last reached. Couch knew that Gen. Cameron was hostile to him and had denounced him, and he had a whole- some terror of Stanton. He therefore came to a quick conclusion and answered with energy, "Don't go to anybody ; I will do whatever I can for your men ; I'm sorry there has been so much delay, and I will send an officer at once to inquire into their cases. As soon as he can report to me I will discharge all of them but a few to be held for trial." He proceeded to say that he would immediately call in the officer to be detailed for the investigation and give him his directions. And thereupon '"the General Com- manding the Department of the Susquehanna'' rang his bell, or- dered to his presence one of his officers, (we believe a Col Mere- dith) and informed him that beside the written order which would be furnished him he would explain to him the object of his ap- pointment. He was to })roceed forthwith to Harrisburg and in connection with Captain Wessels (the Judge Advocate) examine the papers in the Columbia county cases and report to him (Couch) the names of the principal ofFendeis to be held for trial, in order that the rest might be discharged. The report was to be made as quickly as possible To a question put to the General as to the number to be held for trial, he replied, "tive, seven, nine, half a dozen — about that." The officer retired to prepare for his mission and soon afterwards, farewell civilities having been exchanged between the General and his visitors, the latter turned their faces towards home. DISCHARGES MADE. The result of the expedition to "Head Quarters" already de- scribed, is shown by the following letter from Gen. Couch which we copy from the Columbia Democrat of April 1st, 1865: General Couch to Senator Buckalevo. Head Quarters, Dep't. of the Susquehanna;) Chambersburg, Pa., October 18, 1864. j Mr. Senator Buckalew, Bloomsburg, Pa.: Dear Sir: I beg to inform you that the Board of officers which were ordered, as you were notified, to examine and see how many of the Columbia county prisoners could be safely released, 440 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. have recommended (21) twenty-one to be set at liberty under certain conditions. The nature of the evidence is such that no more can be safely released at present. I am, Sir, very Respectfully, D. N. COUCH, Maj. General. The number 21, above mentioned, included five persons previ- ously discharged on account of sickness, to- wit : John Yorks, William E. Roberts (who died before his discharge reached him), Joseph Coleman, Rohr M'Henry, and Elias M'Henry. The num- ber of new cases of discharge was therefore just sixteen. De- ducting twetity-one, the total number of discharges from forty- four, the original number of prisoners, would leave more than half still in confinement ; so that Gen. Couch's "five, seven, nine, half a dozen — about that," to be held for trial, had risen in num- ber to twenty-three. This computation does not include Mr. Rutan who was arrested after the olhers. The general declared that "the nature of the evidence," rendered it unsafe to release more. Of course Capt. Francis Wessels, Judge Advocate and manager of the prosecutions, was opposed to discharges. He showed very pertinacious and sometimes unscrupulous hostility to the prisoners upon the trials subsequently had, and he was actu- ated by strong motives to oppose their release and to press for their conviction. His service as Judge Advocate was much more safe and more lucrative than service in the field, and he had rea- son to expect promotion in rank and increased pay as the result of a successful campaign against the citizen voters of Columbia county. By activity and zeal followed by success he expected to win re])utation, and he knew that by exhibiting those qualities against the accused he would recommend himself to a political party that had power to reward him, and would not be critical upon any course of conduct which he might pursue in their service. He reported therefore to General Couch that it would be unsafe to discharge so many prisonei's as proposed, and his superior gave way before his objection. The smaller man controlled the greater one, and nearly twenty victims suffered in consequence. Wessels had then left in his hands twenty-four prisoners for persecution at pleasure. A Military Commission, '-organized to convict," was to be furnished him as an instrument for his work, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 441 he was authorized to employ agents and runners to prepare evidence, a stenogra}»her to relieve him of labor and trouble, and had subject to his call any military assistance he might require. Nor were "the sinews of war" wanting for his campaign. Any amount of money for his purpose could be drawn from army apj)ropi-iatious, and that too without responsibility to public o])inion for the extent or the character of the outlay incurred. The draina of the trials Avas about to open, and all due prepara- tion had been made. Power, confident and insolent, smiled upon tiie suffering and terror of the weak and defenceless who were to be oitenly smitten and crushed. The performance was to open ; Judge Advocate, informer and loyal witness were all ready for their j)arts; the ])ublic expectant ; nothing remained but to organ- ize the Mock Court and begin ! 442 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. THE TRIALS. TiiK Military CojiMissiON ; — On the 17th of October, 1864, a Mock Court (called 'a Military Coinniission') was organized at Harrisburg for the trial of the prisoners. It was com})osed of three Army officers, to-wit: Colonel CMiarles N. Provost, Colonel J. M. Frink and Captain Lee, with Captain Francis Wessels as Judge Advocate. It convened under orders of 'the General Com- manding the Department of the Sns(piehanna,' that is without any authority at all excej)t one wholly usurped and lawless. The members went through the form of taking an oath, and business began. The first case called for trial was that of John Rantz (which was supposed to be the best or strongest one for the prosecution) and the charges and sjtecifications against him were })roduced. They were, in substance, that he had confederated with others to resist the draft (what draft was not mentioned) and had formed or united with a secret society conuuonly known and called the "Knights of the Golden Circle," the object of which was to resist the execution of the draft, and that he had publicly expressed disloyal sentiments and opinions with the object of defeating and weakening the power of the Government in its efforts to suppress the rebellion. In brief, he was charged to be a conspiratoi-, an organizer or member of an unlawful secret association, and a man of disloyal speech. For the defendant, John G. Freeze, Hamilton Alricks and A. J. Herr, Esqs., appeared as counsel, the two latter being members of the Harrisburg Bar, and Mr. Herr District Attorney for Dau- phin county. Plk.v OF John Rantz TO the Jurisuiction : — Mi-. Alricks on tlie part of the defence promptly tiled an elaborate written plea to the jurisdiction of the Commission. It set forth that by most clear and imi>erative provisions of the Constitution of the United States and of the Constitution of Pennsylvania the defendant was entitled to a trial by jury, inasmuch as he was a citizen and not HI^STOJRY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 443 I'lniiloycd hi the military or nuval service ; recited the provisions of several acts of Congress, and particularly the habeas corpus and enrollment acts of 3rd March, 1863, as conclusive that the civil courts alone had jurisdiction in the case, and referred to sundry legal authorities as confirmatory of the position taken. The plea concluded as follows: "The defendant resi)ectfully sub- mits that he is not triable by this Commission, not being within the jurisdiction thereof, or of any other military tribunal whatever." This was ver}' good law — sound, settled, evident and un- answer,al)le ; but it was thrown away upon a tribunal which knew little about law (or justice either) and cared still less. The plea was overruled and the defendant required to plead to the charges directly ; whereupon to each charge and sj)ecification he plead "not guiliy," and the trial proceeded. That plea to the jurisdiction however, which was repeated (though in brief form) in the subsequent cases, stands ui)on record as an enduring i)ro- test against des[>otic power, and proves that there was no volun- tary acquiesence by our people in the jurisdiction assumed over them. A similar plea to the jurisdiction of a Military Commis- sion, made in the Milligan case in Indiana, was subsequently sus- tained by the Supreme Court of the Ignited States in a judgment which will remain one of the beacons of liberty in future times. The Kantz plea was unanimously and promptly overruled by the Military Commission at Hanisburg: precisely the same )>lea, in another case, was unanimously and deliberately sustained by the Supreme Court of the United States at Washington. Such is the differeiu^e between a mock court and a real one ; the latter en- forces the laws and is competent to its work, will almost always be found learned, patient, impartial and just, while the former will violate laws and exhibit ignorance, impatience, passion and injustice throughout its proceedings and in its judgments. Conviction ok R.*ntz. — The trial of John Rantz proceeded for several days and was concluded on the 24th of October. He was found guilt ij osed by the prosecution) his case was fully heard and an honorable judgment of acquittal was pronounced. But pending the consideration of his case, the case of Stott E. CoUey was called for trial (Nov. 21, 1864,) and a large part of his witnesses were examined in Mr. Colley's defense, thus narrowing the field of investigation when his own case was proceeded with on the 14th of December. The evidence taken in the two cases must therefore be con-t and exploded all the general t'harges upon which the prior convictions had ta- ken place. Absolutely ni)thing was left of all the nuitters of gen- eral accusation against the prisoiu'rs, aiul the occupation stood ut- tei-ly condemned before its own extraordinary and partial tribunal — the Military Commission — and in the presence of all the peo})le. By the unanimous acquital of Mr. Oolley and Mr. INT'IIenry slan- diM- was silenced and the ]»olitical raid upon Columbia count}'^ placed forever beyond justiiication or excuse. It is true that particular charges of disloyal discourse were made against the prisoners, or some of them, in addition to the general matters of accusation. So far as these related to Mr. Col- ley and Mr. M'llenry their futility and injustice will appear when we come to recite the evidence in their cases. But we will here remark concerning these charges against lie prisoners generally, that they were cpiite secondary or subordi- nate to the main ones before mentioned, that they were supported by very doubtful or tainted testimony in nu)st cases, aneech and eonduet. He was arrested on tlie 19th of September 1HG4 in a state of intoxication and placed in the jail at liloomsburg. There he was visited by two of the leading radicals of tlie town. lie was taken on to Harrisburg and held in confinement there until the 22d of October, when he was re- leased upon condition that he would become a government wit- ness. The negotiation with him was finally concludcid by Col. Albright, and he was suddenly transformed from a culprit to a patriot, was put on governmetit pay, and became the main sup- port and instrument of the jjrosecution, in all the trials which subsecpiently took j)lace. Upon his testimony, mainly, all tlie earlier convictions were had, and therefore an examination of that testimony, of the contradictions to which it was subjected and of his general character and credibility, become important in our investigation. In till' Daniel M'llenry trial, on the 1 4th of December, he testi- fied as follows .• JMii-ard M' Jlenri/ turorn: — "I am a carpenter and reside in IJenton township, Columbia county ; know Daniel M'Henry ; I was at Rantz's barn about the 14th of August last. The meeting was to resist the soldiers at liloomsburg from taking the drafted men. The meeting was gathered when I got there at 11 o'clock ; I sup- pcjse 100 to 125 there. There were some speeches made, Samuel Kline made the first one: He advised them to form into squads or companies to I'esist the soldiers ; nothing else said. Daniel M'- llenry was the next speaker, I understood him to say ; 'these were critical times ; he thought they were unanimous in resisting the draft, the people were unanimous in resisting the draft and the soldiers.' That is all I recollect of his saying that day; I gave them a little speech ; I spoke in favor of resisting the soldiers ; I told them as the old men were encouraging it, and as we were drafted and had not reported, we could do no better than resist ; I said more but don't recollect. I did not hear any other spi'ech. Daniel M'Henry 8|)oke a couple or three minutes ; the spc, iking was about 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon. A j)or- 448 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. tion of the meeting was armed ; I suppose about one lialf Avere. The meeting formed into squads — ahnost all. There were five squads, Samuel Kline was Captain of one squad, Jacob Shultz of another, a young man from near Orangeville of another, Elias Kline another. I was the other. The squads elected their Captains. These squads did not afterwards resist the soldiers that I know of ; from what I understood the soldiers were too strong. Part of the squads went to the mountain to keep out of the way. I heard the story that the soldiers were coming to burn and destroy property. Some believed it and some did not. We resisted the soldiers to prevent the drafted men from being taken. I attended so-called 'secret meetings'; I was a member, I joined in the spring of 1863 in Jackson township, near the Union church. We were required to take an oath, which was, 'to suppoit the Constitution of the United States and resist the conscription act.' William E. Roberts administeied the oath to me. It was not a secret meeting at Ezekiel Cole's ; I think Col. Tate and Daniel MTIenry made speeches there ; I heard him (D. M'Henry) say, that they ought not to furnish a man or a dollar towards the war; I don't know whether he was on the stand or not ; I do not re- collect that he said anything about the draft in his speech. Do not recollect of seeing Daniel M' Henry at any of these secret meetings ; I live several miles from him ; I never attended any secret meetings in his neighborhood. Cross-examined: Can't say I was arrested for same offence as that charged on defendant. I was a drafted man and did not re- port; I can't say who arrested me or where I was arrested. The first I knew I was in the county jail, and I was drunk ; I was in confinement from the 19th of September till the 22d of October ; I got my liberty. I do not know that any drafted men but myself were set at liberty. Col. Albright told me if I would make a clean breast of the difficulties up Fishingcreek, as far as I knew, I could have ray liberty. I was not drunk at Rantz's. I don't remember of having said at Rantz's that we would trim apple trees and would turn the ditches. I did not understand that the meeting at Rantz's was occasioned by fear of the Harvey ville boys. Absalom M'Henry was at Rantz's, I heard Daniel M'Henry's speech dis- tinctly, I was examined in these Columbia county piisoner cases. A question submitted here by counsel for Defendant, but object- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 449 ed to] I do not recollect that T threatened that I would convict Daniel ^M'Henry ; I do not recollect that I said in the cars coining to Ilarrishurg I knew what to say and would say. it. Daniel M'- Ilenry had no more to do with the meeting at Rantz's than Iliad, f A question by Mr. Herr for defence, objected to and overruled.] I told men we were drafted, had not reported and the best thing we could do Avas to resist. The next day Valentine Fell asked nie to go up with him to Sugarloaf to get people to turn out and I went with him. Re-examined by Prosecution : — The secret meetings were call- ed "Kniglits of the Golden Circle," I do not know when I joined: I do not know any name used when I was initiated. lie-cross Examined; — Sometimes the meetings were called "Knights of the Golden Circle'' by way of reproach and sometimes not. The foregoing testimony of Ed. McIIenry, which is exact and complete as given by him, may be taken as his revised and final statement of fact. But was he a credible witness? Let the fol- lowing statement made by an honorable gentleman, in the Daniel McIIenry trial, answer: Jesse Jlartman sinorn: — '•! reside in Sugarloaf township, and am a farmer. I know Edward McHenry. I had a conversation with him in Benton and also in Harrisburg. He told me in Ben- ton : "if the conscripts would stick to him till he got them to- gether, he would soon drive the hell-hounds (the soldiers) out of the county." I met him in H;xrrisburg at Park House, the time of Colley's suit; I said, 'Ed. McIIenry you have altered your opinion since I sfioke to you at Benton.' He said '■'■the;/ had caught him, and handcuffed him,, and he coxdd do no better than swaar as he did, and that the innocent at such times must sK.ff'er irith the f/ifllti/.'' But Ave go furtlur : we will cite the strong testimony upon his cliaractcr which was given on the Colley trial. Jacob Welliver, farmer of Benton, testified that lie had known Ed. McHenry twenty years, and that his reputation for truth and veracity was bad. He would not believe him upon oath where \w was particularly interested. 450 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Williayn Ash, n farmer of same neigliborhood, testified tliat he knew Ed. McHenry and that his reputation for truth was not very good. William Brink, of Jackson township, testifiied : "I know Ed. McHenry, his reputation is pretty bad. I would not believe him on oath." Hiram Ash, testified : "McHenry's reputation for truth is not good, I do not think that I would believe him on oath. I would not. Cross Examined: "I think it pretty hard for him to tell the truth. He is a man not of his word. I do not know of his hav- ing given evid^^nce : I have known him otherwise to speak false." John Savage, a farmer of Jackson township, another witness, said he knew Ed. McHenry and his reputation for truth was not good. Martin A. Amm,erman, of Fishingcreek said he lived a dis- tance from Ed. McHenry who was considered a rowdy. It was a hard question to say whether he would believe him on oath. Moses Yocum, farmer, of Benton, testified : "I know Ed. Mc- Henry, his reputation for truth is poor. I think 1 would not believe him." Cross Examined: "Would not believe him in anything he had an interest in ; he would not tell the truth. He has been drinking and cutting up since a boy. I have heard him swear he would do so and so, and then do the reverse." Hon. Iram Derr : ''Ed. Mc Henry's character is not good ; so the people say." Samuel Jihone, JEsq., of Benton, said : Ed. McHenry 's reputa- tion is not very good.'' John O. Dildine, of Benton, said : McHenry's reputation is not good ; not well enough acquainted to say whether I would believe him on oath," These citations of testimony will answer, we suppose, on the question of character, especially in view of the fact that not one witness was called on behalf of the prosecution to sustain Ed. McHenry against this strong impeachment. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 451 The Witness Richard Stiles: — This person, who may be rank- ed in position if not in importance next after Ed. M'Henry, was a swift and willing witness for the prosecution, and though his rev- elations of fact were not very important nor at all reliable in their details, they were well intended to secure the party objects of the prosecution. Upon the Rantz trial, in October, Stiles testified that he heard of the Rantz meeting on the 14th of August, but was not there ; that he attended a meeting at the Ash's School House about the last of March 1864, at which twenty to twenty-five men were present ; he believed the school directors called the meeting to know whether the people would be willing to be taxed to raise a bounty for volunteers. Some were in favor of the proposition and some were not. "Rantz was opposed ; advised the people to keep their money to buy arms to fight at home. John R. Davis said, 'John, we can't do it, we are too weak.' Rantz said he thought not ; he had been to Bloomsburg that day ; just came from Bloomsburg. He said lawyer freeze had told him, Illinois was about seceding and the State of New York was about to go out of the Union. Rantz said. Abolition leaders had seven pock- ets and never were satisfied till they got them all full of money. Meeting adjourned to meet again without doing anything." The witness jiroceeded to state a conversation he had with Elias M'Henry on 14th of August, and another which he had with Rantz in 1862, in which the latter said his son Jonas was not of age to be enrolled, and made declarations similar to that above mentioned about fighting at home. He (the witness) "went on and left him talking." Stiles then detailr-d a conversation he had with William Apple- man in the spring of 1863, in regard to secret meetings, as fol- lows: — "I saitl to him 'I heard you had a secret meeting at Ash's School House.' I told him I understood they were sworn to re- sist the draft ; I understood liim to say they were not sworn at all ; he said they did take upon themselves an obligation to sup- port the constitution of the United States and of the State of Pennsylvania. I told him I had been straightly informed the ob- ject was to resist the draft, and if so, they would all be arrested and put into prison ; and he replied, 'there would not be prisons enough to hold us.' My sister, Mj-s. Peter Appleman, informed 452 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. nie of the object of the meeting ; also Daniel Karns, M'ho said he had been in, but not till it was finished, unless he Avould be one of them."' In answer to questiots by the Commission witness to!d some particulars he had heard about the Rantz meeting of the I4th of August, and said he had seen men armed going to and returning from it. '■'■ Gross-examined: The meeting I speak of [concerning boun- ties] at Ash's School House was the first meeting. They adjourn- ed to meet again without coming to a conclusion ; I think Sam- uel Rhone was chairman ; I think there was a vote taken ; I think the majority tliat night was in favor of raising the money. Rantz did not vote at all ; voting was by raising the right hand ; I kept a sharp look out ; there was but one more meeting ; then a committee avus appointed to canvass the sub-districts ; John J. Stiles, Thomas Davis, William Appleman, John R. Keeler and others ; I do not remember if Lemon's hauling was on that day or not ; Rantz did not oppose my nomination for Sheriff ; I consider Rantz a man that talks considerable." Examintd hy the Commission: "I can't state who voted in the minority at the meeting to raise bounties. There was a neg- ative vote taken. I think Rantz voted against it, and spoke right out against it." Reaiauivs — 1. Stiles said, on direct examination, "the meeting [to rais'^ bounties] adjourned without domg aiiythin^^ Then, 1 cross-examination, "they adjourned to meet again without coming to a conclusion." But pressed by farther questions he finally gave to himself a flat contradiction by saying : "I think there was a vote taken ; I think the majority that night was in favor of raising the money.'' 2. Speaking of the same meeting he said, on cross-examination "iJant'^ did not vote at all ; voting was by raising the right hand; 1 kept a sharp look out.' But again he flatly contradicted him- self in saying, in answer to a question by the Commission, "I think Rantz voted against it and spoke right out against it." '\ Stiles' narrative of what was said by Rantz at the meeting mn^t be greatly exaggerated, if not a gross fabrication. Samuel IIISTOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 4o3 IMione, P^sq., wlio \v:is l*iesident of the meeting, testiiiod subse queiitly, that he "did not hear Rantz make any remarks ; made uo public speecli ; litard no remarks from Ka-itz ;" and no Avitness was called to corroboraie Sules. JJesiiles, Esq. Rhone testified fwrt^ier, that within a week after the meeting Rautz told him 'we must help the boys, the tax will be high but we must try and pay it ;" and William Appleman testified, "1 took subscription for bounties, John Rantz subscribed $103.03 for himself, and S2o.00 for another man. These were voluntary subscriptions in addition to the tax." 4. Stiles says that in his conversation with William A])ple- maii concerning the secret (or Club) meetings, he understood him to deny that the members were sworn at all. But immediately afterwards he admitsthat Applemau told him they took an obliga- tion to support the constitution of the United States and the con- stitution of Pennsylvania, which was in fact the very oath of ini- tiation as shown by abundant testimony upon the several trials. On the 22nd of November 18()4, Stiles was examined as a witness against Stott E. Colley and testified to declarations made by the latter a year before, and also to an attempt of intimidation directed against himself by some person w holly unknown. We give his testimony as it wa '. delivered. '■'Richard iStiles, sicorn : — I reside in Benton township : a far- mer. I know Stott E. Colley, for fifteen years or more. I was an enrolling officer for the first nine month's drafted men ; also revised third enrollment after second enrollment. I received a letter about the 1st of last May, [^Evidence of the contents of the letter objected to by the Defense but admitted by the Commission.'] Found a letter nailed in a coffin and the lid turned down. Letter was left as a solemn warning — charged me with dragging my friends and neighbors to a field of slaughter in defence of an inferior race of beings — gave me solemn warning. [Letter jn-oduced.] At one time at in Benton township had a conversation with the accused. It was about one year ago, after the election of 1863. He contended if tliere had been a fair election Woodward would have been Governor. It was through 454 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. fraud Curt in was elected. Tlio Douiocrats would try the ballot- box once more ; if they had not fair play there would be blood spilt. Cross-examined: — Prisoner never threatened or intimidated me; I do not know who wrote the letter ])roduced. I think tlie con- versation with him was in November 1868, about one month after election." TiiK WiTNKss Nathan J. IIkss — Of all the witnesses examined for the prosecution whose testimony was relevant and important this one perhaps is least liable to criticism or censure. It is true that we can detect a few inaccurate statements made by him, and we are at liberty to suppose that his intelligence was not of a high order, but he does not seem to have been actuated by any mali- cious or br^se motive or to have been misled by unworthy passions. He was examined as a witness in all the trials of which we have records before us — those of Rantz, Colley, and M'llenry — and mainly in regard to the Rantz meeting of August 14th 18()4. When we come to treat of that meeting as a distinct subject of iiwfcstigation, the testimony of Hess will become most valuable, and will be freely used. It will exhibit (indirectly at least) the cause of that meeting as alleged in defence upon the trials, and also the circumstances under which it assembled. Unfortunately the witness was not present at the meeting in the afternoon. He says, he went to it "about 10 o'clock and staid until 12. The meeting had adjourned to go to dinner when I left; I did not return after dinner." We have not therefore, the advantage of his testimony as a check upon other statements of what took place and was said in the afternoon, but as far as it goes it has its value and will be made available for our purpose of ascertain- ing and exposing the whole truth in regard to the Rantz meeting. In the Colley trial, Hess testified to a remark by the defendant about a future fair election and spilling of blood if it should not be had, almost identical in terms with that testified to by Richard Stiles upon which we have already commented. In the Rantz trial Hess was examined as to his knowledge of a secret meeting at the house of Peter Case, but nothing important was elicited. He was not, therefore, examined upon that point in the subsequent cases. We only refer to his testimony concern- * HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 4o5 ing tliat meeting for the purpose of saying that the witness was in error regarding its date. He fixed it, "about a year ago,'' which would be in October 1803, whereas it was in fact held many months before that date, as was fully shown by other testimony. Heas says there were no speeches made at the Case meeting ; that he was not initiated as a member of the club or association, and that he did not know its object. He had heard the meetings called "Knights of the Golden Circle,'' (but does not say when, or by vihofn ; "don't know if that was the name or not." Hess had served in the war but returned home 5th of August 1864. Afterwards and at the time of the trials he was, as he says, in no regular employment. His invited presence at the meetings above mentioned is, in itself, some evidence that they were innocent in character. It is believed he was induced lo be- come a government witness in order to save his father from a threatened arrest. Every effort and influence possible were used in the days of the occupation to make up evidence against our citizens. It was sought with avidity and used without scruple. It was invited from all quarters and sometimes extorted or sub- sidized. Fear, interest, family affection and party passion were each appealed to for the false, perverted or irrevelant testimony which should consign innocent men to dungeons and gloss over and conceal the iniquity of their arrest and punishment That Nathan J. Hess did not swear more strongly and unfairly under the pressure of power, was due to his own scruples of honor or of conscience and not at all to any sense of justice or of moral obli- gation in those who employed him. The Witness Sii-as Karns : — Another government witness aji- pears upon the scene under circumstances of a very peculiar character and full of instruction. He came into view in the Mc- Henry case for the first time, and fresh from the manipulation of the military authorities to whose jurisdiction he was amenable. For he was a non-reporting drafted man who had made terms with power and was transformed from a criminal to a witness, from being an object of vengeance to occupy a position of toler- ance and favor. The witness was Silas Karns (who was suppos- ed to have been concerned in the shooting affray in which Lieut. Robison was wounded) and he was produced under instructions 456 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and c'oiKlitioiis well calculated to si)ur his zeal in behalf of the prosecution. A world of nieaniug is contained in the following language obtained from his cross-examination in the Mcllenry trial : "7"a>M drafted in first three years draft — in fall of Vi'o2>. Capt. /Silver said, if I came here and testified I shotdd be re leased — and tell all I kneto about this case, and liutaiis case, and the shooting of Hobison." Of course Capt. Silver acted under instructions and was not pri- marily responsible for this arrangement and for the manipulation of the witness, who, being within tlie grasp of power, was com- pelled to make tlie best terms he could. The military authori- ties at Harrisburg and the i"adical politicians who instigated tliem, are the parties to be held responsible for all that was done in and about tho trials including the i)reparation of testimony. And what did they do in the case before us ? Discharged Karns from all responsibility and took him into favor upon the express comiition that he would tell them about the shooting alfair and swear against Daniel Mcllenry and ]\Ii-. Uutau. Tlu' latter ob- jects were of course the main ones. Tlie Itobison honiicide was quite a secondary matter — it involved only the question of a life lost by violence — but the ct)nviction of JMcIIenry and IJutau was an im{>ortant and darling object and to be accomplished by the use of all possible means. It was "a political necessity" that they should be convicted and }tunished, for they had been contu- macious to power and their ac(piittal would openly condemn their persecutors before the people. C)bserve the tenq)tation held out to the witness — exemption from army service; e.\em})tion from all punishment for desertion (or not reporting for a whole year ;) innnunity, for all possible participation in the homicide affray, and finally, enqiloyment and compens.ition as a witness. The road in one direction was made smooth and inviting, while an opposite course pointed to prison and bonds— to poverty, disgrace and i)unishment. Tt nmst ai)i>ear very remarkable to good unsophisticated peo- ple Avho supposed the military occupation had legitimate objects, that deserters were not pursued with vigor, and those concerned in shooting Kobison sought out and punished. Although the IIISTOMY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 457 county was occupiLMl by :iii jirmy for luoiillis, at an expense of hundreds of thousands of dollars, very little was done by it to accomplish the first of these objects, and (so far as the public knew) nothing to accomplish the last. It is true that deserters (non-reporting men) were not numerous here, and that a few of them left the county ; but of those accessible scarcely any were arrested by the troops. Those reclaimed or secured to the public service were almost exclusively reclaimed or secured through the regular agency of the Deputy Pro- vost Marshal, either by voluntary reporting to him or (in a few cases) by arrest under his authority. The airny ex- pended its attention upon innocent citizens and watched the elections, but mostly lounged away its time in inglorious but ex- pensive idleness. We have seen too that when so called desert- ers wtre arrested the main object was to make them witnesses against the citizen ]»ris()ners instead of securing them to the pub- lic service or punishing them for their dereliction of duty. Karns was examined as a witness on the loth of December 1864. As his testimony related entirely to the Rantz meeting we shall reserve it until we enter upon the subject of that meeting. In fact we shall rely upon ])arts of it in our exposition of the Kantz meeting as a valuable contribution to the cause of truth and justice. TiiK Witness Aija.m Li tz: — This witness was examined against Kantz and Colley but not in the Daniel M'Henry case. He resided in the village of Benton, was a pumjj-maker and farmer and about the time of the trials an inn-keeper. In the liantz case, Lutz testified that he had heard of the Kantz meeting but did not know its object, and that upon one occasion (the time of which lie could not state) he had heard Kantz say that they (the people) should save their money to buy powder and lead to shoot the abolitionists. This remark was made after a failure to raise bounty money to clear the township. He further testified to a conversation with Kohr M' Henry, to which allusion has been already made, and which was manifestly intruded into the case without reason or justification. We omit it because it was wholly irrelevant to the case on trial and its introduction })lainly unjust to an absent party. 458 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. In the Stott E. Colley case, (November 23d, 1864), the testimony of Lutz was as follows : Adam Lutz, sworn: — ''Reside in Benton ; know prisoner. Last harvest, about July, got into conversation with him about the draft and about election. He claimed Woodward was elected ; Curtin put in by intrigue. He stated we could never whip the South ; we had been whipped in every engagement, lost every battle. He said our armies were all cut up while the south was in good lighting order. He said we could not fill up our armies ; volunteering was played out, and there was no use in drafting. I asked him why they couldn't fill the armies by drafting; he said they did not intend any more men should be sent south to be slaughtered. I told him if a draft was made it would be enforced. He said, if the Government undertook that there would be war at home, and the bloodiest times 1 ever heard tell of. He said I would be sorry that I had ever left the party. Cross-examined: — We came nearly to having blows. We talked some before that day. He said we had never given the South any chance to come back in the Union. He spoke in the way I stated." Upon the face of the above testimony it a})pears that the parties to the conversation had a warm dispute about politics — that they had "talked some before that day" — and that there must have been more of the discourse between them than that reported. There is here great opportunity for mistake not only as to the actual language used but also as to the connection in which it was utter- ed. But the declarations of Colley, (assuming the fact that they are reported with substantial correctness,) fall short of criminality. However improper and censurable they may be thought to be, their utterance violated no law and could justify no conviction. And it is to be remembered that they were spoken in excitement and not deliberately, and that they were very probably provoked. The Witness Robekt La Fayeite Colley : — This peison will make but a single appearance in our narrative, as we have the re- cord of his testimony in one case only; but while he remains be- fore us for inspection we shall endeavor to do him justice. Here HI8T0RY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 459 is what ho said on the 23d November 1864, on his brother's trial, wlien the question was whether the latter, who had already un- dergone nearly three months of dungeon life, should be further persecuted and punished : 7?. L. F. Colley, sicom : I live in Benton , a shoemaker by trade, I know Stott E. Colley ; he is my brother. On Monday evening after they m(t at Rantz's, I heard Stott E. Colley say, in Benton town, "if the soldiers came on that side of the bridge they would butcher every devil, or d — d one of them." He had a gun ; I saw two others with guns that evening — Mathias Kline and Valentine Fell. Through the day saw squads of near twenty armed ni'. ri ; some had arms, some few had none. I heard Philip Knouse say, their intention was to give ihe soldiers tight on their way from Bloomsburg to Benton. If they found them too strong they would lay in the brush. If the soldiers come up and behaved themselves they would not disturb them. If they disturbed, or endeavored to arrest the drafted men, they intended to fight them. He said he knew the drafted men had no Y>eace for a long time and tliey would not stand it any more. P. Knouse left that night; not heard ot him since the arrest. Cross-examined : There was a good deal of excitement in town. I was no nearer to my brother than across the street. I suppose he was excited. There was great excitement in the neighborhood. My brother was not present when P. Knouse spoke what I have detailed. I think I saw him that day ; I saw him at Appleman's. It was a common talk that the soldiers would burn the houses of the drafted nieti." We have already examined the evidence and general status of six of the witnesses called by the prosecution in the Ilarris- burg trials. Those which remain may be disposed of more briefly with two notable exceptions. We are anxious on the one band to present all the testimony against the prisoners or its full sub- stance, and explain who the persons were by whom it was given, and on the other to avoid prolixity and undue minuteness of de- tails. Our narrative to be fair, exhaustive, satisfactory and con- clusive, imist be reasonably full in exhibiting the evidence upon both sides ; but we will consult the convenience of our readers 460 UTSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. by being ;m immumsc ;is pti-sibic in our fiivtlier (.-itations aiul stiili'- luents. Against Daniel IM'TTiMiry woiv exaniint'd six witnesses in addi tion to those before mentioned. Five of tliese we sliall now dis- pose of, reserving o\w for futnre treatment. Gu.HKur C M'VVaixk, Esi^., of Sbiekshinny, ft)rnK'rly of Hunt- ington townsliip, testified, to remarks made by Daniel M'llenry at a meeting in Benton, in June. 18G3. The witness says that he attended the meeting to obtain volunteers, (we suppose to till the quota of Huntington township,) that h" showed his authoi'itv and gave public invitation. M'llenry thereupon said that "it was his opinioM tlie quickest way to put down the rebellion was \,oX to furnish a man or a dollai-."' l"|)(m his eross-exainination, how- ever, the witness testified fur; her, that JNF Henry "argued the cause of tlie war; said the troubles were brought about by tlie aboliti'inists and the war might have been settled on the basis of the Crittenden emnpromise, 1 thiid< he did say if we would pass the Crittenden conq)romise to the Constitution we need not fur- nish men or money. He made a remark that they should wait patiently and ai)i)eal to the ballot-box; I do not think he said anything disloyal. He opposed tlie carrying on of the war to liberate tlie negroes: he favored carrying on the war for the Con- stitution and the Union." Taken together, this testimony exhibits ;i politic:il ;ugument, which, whether correct or not, wa'< innocent and wjxs one of com- mon and open use during the war. It may have been prompted in part at that time by the attempt of the witness to obtain men to be credited on the «piota of a district in another county, thus stripping M'llenry "s m ighborhood of available means for tilling their own. At all events what w;is saiil was simply an expres- sion of o})inion ;is to wliat should be done to restore the Union, and it was not an expression of hostility to the enforcement of law. CuAS GnuiONS of Benton townshi]>, a farmer, testified that he attended the Rantz meeting (Aug. 14, 64) in the forenoon but left about one o'clock. He further stated that he had "attended three or four of the so-called secret meetings; never saw JM'Henry at one, nor ever heard of his .attending any." His testimony con- HISTORY OF (JOLL'MJilA COUNTY. 401 ceniiiii^ the Kaiitz incotnig, we will reserve until that subject shall be reaeliefl. Jonas Dotv of Fishirigoreek townshi]), fiirmcr, \v;is eullcd to jjrove de(!lfirations made by M'lleiirv tlire.e years before in a conversation with him. They were improbable in character and evidently colored and perverted if »iot manufactured outright, l^pon objection mase- (piently he says, "I atteiided no secret meetings after that time. I did not walk far down [to the meetings ;] I went boating .'' The fact was, the witness was afraid and confused before the Conmiission ; ho had the terror of military [tower before liis eyes, and hence his scattered answ< rs and discb'moi-s. Although in- itiated niid sworn he says he was only partly a member ; he did 462 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY not get through. ; he did not walk far to the meeting, and he went bouling as quickly as possible ! As to the oath taken by him and the object of the meeting, Evans proceeded to say — "the oath, near as I can recollect it, was to support the constitution of the United States and the Union. The Constitution of the United States was to be the Constitution of the society. * * I cannot recollect whether we were to support all laws of the land. * * I got there by being told there was to be a meeting at the school house. It was public; the house was all open. It was not considered a meeting to resist tlie draft. It was purely political ; not for purpose of resisting the draft.' He also said: "tliere were twenty to twenty-five persons present ; would not say the number; Daniel M'Henry made a speech there. Can't recollect what he said. It was a political speech. John Savage, Charles Kramer, William J. Kramer, Alexander Kramer and one of the M'Uenry's were there; also Levi Lunger." This concludes the testimony of a government witness about a secret meeting which was open ! about a disloyal assemblage which was sworn to support the Constitution of the Union. Thk WiTNKSs Charlks M. Dodson: — James M'Henry, Esq, of Canibra, Luzerne county, was arrested at daylight on the morning of August 31st 1864, and hurried across, four miles, to Benton church in this county, where the other prisoners were assembled. Without examination he was then taken with the others to Fort Mifflin and was kept inconfinement until December, or for a period of more than three months. At the end of that time he was in- formed that the military authorities had fiothing against him and was discharged and permitted to return home. And who was James M'Henry ? A merchant of Cambra, of intelligence and character, who had committed no offence nor given the slightest provocation for his arrest to the military authorities. His stand- ing in the conmmnity was attested, subsequent to his imprison- ment, by his election and re-election to the Legislature as a Rep- resentative from Luzerne county. Wlien arrested he had his name upon a note in Bank, along with Edward Hughes, for the amount of $2,000 to raise bounties for volunteers to till the quota of Huntington township. Mr. M'Henry 's arrest was upon the information, it is believed, HOST DRY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 463 of Charles M. Dodson a young man of Benton township who had been in the army, but was at home on leave. Engaging in the business of government informer, runner and witness, he had his leave extended and thus escaped active service and danger for many months. He took witnesses to the military camp in Benton against D. L. Chapin, Esq., and perhaps others, gave information himself, and was at Harrisburg several times as runner and wit- ness. Dodson 's story against James M'Henry was that he had heard the latter make a s[»eech in opposition to the draft, a speech of an inllannnatory and disloyal character, in the fall of 1H63, in the up- per end of Benton township. Upon this statement of hi«», which was a complete falsehood, the arrest and long imprisonment of Mr. M'llenry were based. The facts were, that at the meeting in question (which was held pending the election for Governor in 18f)3) political speeches of an ordinary character were made by a Mr. Wagner (who had been a soldier and a republican) and by others. James M'Henry being present and called upon, made some remarks in favor of Judge Woodward, the Democratic can- didate for Governor, stating his i)ersonal knowledge of him and of his high fitness and character as a candidate. Confining him- self to that subject his remarks were brief and had no reference whatever to the draft or any other general question of discourse or debate. Ascertaining by good fortune what testimony Dodson proposed to give against him before the Military Commission, Mr M'Henry prepared himself for trial in the most effectual manner and urged that his case should be heard. For a month or more, however the prosecution delayed the hearing while efforts were made to se- cure additional evidence against him. Mr. Wellington Hughes of Cambra, an honorable gentleman and a republican, was asked to become a witness against his neighbor; in fact we believe he was sent for or brought from one of the western states to testify. But he declared h*^ knew nothing against Mr. M'Henry. Addi- tional witnesses failing the prosecution, and a large number of reputaV)le men standing ready to contradict Dodson, the further persecution of Mr. M'Henry had to be abandoned. Dodson, utterly discredited and impotent for further mischief, could only make the wretched and miserable excuse, that he had beefi mistaken — 464 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. that it iras not J'amen 31' Henry who had made the disloyal speech, but another 7iian. Dodson's father hud resided for years about two miles from Cambra and tlie family were accustomed to trade at that i)hi.ce. jNIr. ^['Henry's store and Mr. M'Henry himself were as well knowji to them all, as was any place or man in the whole country. !t was therefore just impossible that young Dodson could have mis- taken any other person for James M'Henry at the Benton meet- ing of 1863. TiiK WrrxKss Natitaxiki: L. CAiMrnKu, : — This witness appeared late upon the serene at Harrisburg to testify against Daniel ^f- Henry. but he succeeded in making up for himself a soniewliat remarkable record. Testifj'ing to an interview and conversation between himself and M'Henry at Stillwater in February, 1S64, he w;is confronted and contradicted by four or five credible wit- nesses upon every material point of his evidence. In sliort, his story was completely overthrown, and his appearance instead of aiding the prosecution contributed to secure an honorable ac- quittal for the defendant. We will now proceed to give his tes- timony literally and in full, following it with a recital of the over- wlu'lming testimony in reply. Nathaniel L. Camphell, sirorn : — "I reside in Centre township, Columbia county ; a farmer, T know Daniel M'Henry. I attempted to till the cpiota of our township in February last, I attempted to fill cpiota by liiring volunteers, paying a local bounty of §200, in addition to Government bounty. I had a conversation with Daniel M'Henry ; it was in Febru- ary 1864. I stopj)ed at Daniel jNI'Henry's and got my horse fed and dinner, as I was returning home. T live above Bloomsburg; I stopped. He commenced talking about the war. He remarked war was waged against the South by the black abo- litionists of the North to free the negroes. I told him 1 thought he Avas mistaken. He said men going down there to fight now were not going to fight for their country: thej' were going to fight for their money, you know. He said they were really mur- derers and ought to be shot before they went there or ought to be shot when they got theie or wheii they came home. He remark- ed, the volunteers were reatly murderers and ought to be shot be- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 46.', foro they went there, or after they got there, or (I think he put to it) as soon as they came home. I told him I thought it was bet- ter hiring men tlian to be drafted. He remarked, he would not give a pence of money to hire volunteers and he would not go himself. I remarked if he was liable to draft he would have to go as well as me. T remarked. Government would not draft and leave him at home and take me. He either said he was armed and prepared or he would arm himself; if he had to die he would die at home and have a decent burial. I said I thought he was foolish. He might shoot down an officer and he would either be shot down or hung. He said we have 500 men ready to defend him or any other drafted men — was the way he expressed himself — or any other drafted man in the neighborhood I undertsood him; I remarked I liad heard a report of that kind in the neigh- borhood before but I did not believe it; but, I said, suppose that to be the case I think I remarked it was merely a matter of moon- shine to attempt to resist the government, the government would send enough men up there to take the whole of them. He said that was not all ; there was half a million of men in the United States armed and ready at a moment's warning, all they wanted was a man that had nerve and courage to strike the first blow. 1 rejnarked, if that was really true the country was in a worse situation than I sup])Osed it was. but if there was not a man in half a million that had nerve enough to strike the first blow it was not very dangerous. He insisted that a majority of the peo- ]»le in the North were opposed to carrying on the war any fur- ther and the South would eventually whip us and there would be a rising up of the peoi)le in the North against the prosecution of the war. He talked on for a considerable time and insisted the war was unjust and a war to free the negroes and I insisted tlie war was just. He talked on for near one hour. I had no other conversation with M'Henvy but that time. 1 never conversed with him before that time. He said if drafted he was armed or would arm himself and fight at home. (1)'0SH Examined. I went into Benton township to raise men to fill our quota, I do not know that Daniel M'Henry was filling < plot a of his township. Did not come to high words in attempt- ing to get men out of his township. I did think he was excited ; 466 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. we parted good friends. I told him I was a Jackson Democrat. He thought it strange. We were not both greatly excited. The words were not spoken in presence of any one about to volunteer. There were four men in the bar-room ; they were strangers to me. I had accomplished my business and was about to return home. The words had no influence on me. I do not know that they had on any other person. I had got the men I needed. He said the majority of the people of the North were opposed to carrying the war further ; that the South would eventually whip us and there would be an uprising in the North. His opinion was that the war was carried on to free the negroes. That opinion was carried through all his conversation. I d(j not recollect that he mention- ed slaves. I understood the half million of men were to defend men that were drafted, I could not tell who were present ; there wei'e four persons present. I did not know them. They stood behind the stove and M'Henry at the bar. It was previous to the 27th of February last.'" Contradictions of the Witness N. L. Campbell : — These were no less than twelve in number, and covered all the material points in his testimony as given heretofore. It will be remembered by our readers that Campbell stated in his testimony that "there were four persons present" when ht had his conversation Avith Daniel M'Henry at Stillwater in February 1H64. Those persons seem to have been James Edgar, W. B. Kline, Moses M'Henry and Wm. Raber, of whom the three first named were called as witnesses for the defense. By them Campbell was flatly contra- dicted in the following statements made by him: — 1st. That D. M'Henry '■^commenced talking about the war" and the South ; 2d, "that he talked on for near one hour;" 3d, that "he insisted the war was unjust;" 4th, that he said the men going down South to fight "were really murderers and ought to be shot ;" 5th, that he said "he was armed or would arm himself" to resist if drafted; 6th, that he said "he would not give a pence of money to hire ■volunteers or go himself;'' 7th, that he said there were "five hun- dred men ready to defend him or any other drafted man" (of the neighborhood as the witness understood;) 8th, that he said "there was half a million of meti in the United States armed and ready at a moment's warning" to resist the draft; and 9th, that he said HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 467 "the Soutli would eventually whip us and there would be a rising up of the people in the North against the prosecution of the war." So far we have a denial by three witnesses against one that cer- tain words were spoken at the interview in question. But the contradictions did not stop there. Campbell having denied on cross-examination that he knew "that Daniel M Henry was filling the quota of his (M'llenry's) township,'' and asserted also that he and M'Henry "did not come to high words" by his (Campbell's) attempt to get volunteers out of M'Henry's township, the three witnesses above mentioned proceeded to narrate the conversation which actually took place, which consisted mainly of a dispute betwt en Campbell and M'Henry, about the attempt of the former to get volunteers from P^ishingcreek to fill the quota of Centre, and recited the ''high words" which really passed between them on that subject, thus showing the complete unfairness and false- hood of Camjjbeirs story. Again, Canqtbell having stated (in order to show that no dis- jtute about obtaining volunteers from Fishingcreek had taken place) that he ((Campbell) "had gone into Benton township to raise men to fill the quota" of Centre, and that he "had accom- plished his business and was about to return home" when the con- versation with M'Henry occurred — that "lie liad got the men he nei'ded. ' — Andrew Freas, Esq., of Centre, was called to contradict him upon that statement. The testimony of Mr. Freas was as follows : Andrew Freas, Esq., stoorn: — "I reside in Centre township, Columbia county, I'm a farmer. Samuel Henderson, Tilghman Noblet, Andrew Freas, Dr. Elisha Low, and Nathaniel Camj>l)(,'ll, [were ajjpointed to act for Centre township in raising men to fill her quota] and he, Nathaniel L. Campbell, went up Fishingcreek. Mr. Canq)bell, told me on the 27th of February (when the citizens came together) that he did not get any men above M'Henry's ; he got them two miles above Bloomsburg. One young man's name was Chester Dodson. He had none when he got to Daniel M'- Henry's. He got two men on the 27lli of Febiuary, near us or Bloom. They were going to Philadelphia, Campbell said." Campbell liaving testified that he had "no other conversation with Mllenry, but that one tiuR," and that that "was previous to 468 irrSTORl' OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the 'iTtli of Fobrn:»ry," the ooiitradiotion of him by Aiuirow Froas was complete. In point of fart ho l\aii not obtained "the men he needed" and ''accomplished his business," before his interview with MTlenry. at Stillwater. It follows, that the testimony of Edixar, Kline, and M' Henry, about the dispute eoneerniuL;; volun- teers fr.MU Fishin>::;ereek to till the quota of (.\Mitre. was reasona- ble and probable, .and tliat Campbell's denial of such ilispnte was not aeeordinii' tn the fart. The testimony of the witnesses for the defence, to whii-h we have referred in the foreu'oine; exhibit, was as foHows : f/(^r//^■,^• tJilgar, strorn: — "I know Nathaniel K. Campbell, that is about all. I was present at a conversation between Daniel M'Heury a-id Campbell, and hoard the whole till they went to dinner. Tl\ey were pretty much excited towards the last "f their conversation, but no violent languag:e passed between them. The conversation started from getting volunteers. Campbell was out from his township to hire volunteers in MTtenry's township. Dan- iel Mllenry did not s.ay anything about having live hundred men to resist the draft, nor about dying at home, nor that men who went south should be killed, nor about half a million of men. nor about a rebellion in the North. Cami>bell said he wanted to hire men. M'llenry said they could not be got in his township; Camp- bell said he h \d a right to hire where he pleased. M'llenry told him he had, but it woidd not be a very gentlemaidy act : he would not do so in his (CimpbeU's) township. Campbell said it was no more than lie expected from a disloyal or secession townsliip. Tiien MTtenry got pretty well excited and the bell rang for din- ner. That is about all I know. Cro.-i.^h\-anihud: — I heard all the conversation in tlie bar-room where I was. I do not know that I could recollect every word tliat was said — not word for word. They talked tifteen, twenty, or twenty-tive minutes, might be logger, though I think not. That was all was said as I recollect. It might have been longer. I do not think I heard Campbell tell M" Henry if he was drafted he would be obliged to go. M"IIenrv did not ?ay anything about men being siiot if they volunteered for the war. He did not say so in the bar-room. They were talking about the war and about trying to till their quotas. They talked about their quotas : what JIIST(jKy OF (JOLUMJilA (JOTJNTY. W.) tliey said ahout the war I cannot say further. I do not recollect that M'Henry Haid it was a netjro war. I do not recollect about the South. Aftei- (Jarnphell nairl it was a disloyal townsliip they liotli got a little mad — what I meant by a sj>at. M'llenry said he would test his loyalty with Campbell, or the loyalty of their township witli Campb(firs townshiji ; that he had done as much to get volunt(;erh as (,'ampbell, and liis township had done as mN<;li as tin- other township." \V. li. Kline, Hwor7i : — "I reside in Fishingcreek township; a tanner. I know N. L. Campbell. I was present at the con- versation Itetwccn Daniel M'Henry and Camjibell, and heard tlie whole ol' the conversation. Nothing was said about five hui:- dred men to resist the flralt, nor about half a million of men, nor did M'llenry say that those who went to tight the South ought to be killed, nor did he say anything about lesisling the prosecu- tion of the war av that the South would whij; us etc , nor about a ni.ui of nerve nor any such sentiments. Daniel M'PIenry has lielpfly tiiat he eould wol exj»eet anvthing better o{ M'llei\ry when he ealled him a liar. As tar as I remember that is the substant.'e. Campbell retnrneil tlie lie to the delendant. In eonneetion witi\ what I said I wish to jitld — Campbell replied *yon are a liar and 1 did not expeet any- thin;:; better ot" vou,' and then thi' bell rang l\>r diniu i-. Mr. M'llenrv J^aid he had snbseribed to raise substitutes or volunteers. 1 th) not renuMuber (l>a( he said (he war ough( (o stop. 1 do \\o\. know anything said abou( the draft ov abinit his going. lu (xanihud by dcftuct : — C.impbell, Oaniel ^Tllenry, JMoses ^rilenrv. ,)an>es M'llenry, ^^'illianl Kal>er, James Kdgar and my- self were (U'esent. William IJaber is an old man — about tiO or up wards. lUf Coniniinsio/i : — "M'llenr) did mit say that he was armed; 110 mention was imule of five hundred men or h;df a million." JfoK(f< J/' //iiit'i/. finu^ni: — ••! am a meri'h;int :md reside in Fishingereek townshi|>, 1 w:(s present at eonvers:ition between defend;int and C;impbell. Heard the whole of the eonversation, Daniel M'llenry did no( say anything about five hundred men (o resis( the draft, nor speak of being armed, nor about h.alf a mil- lion of men in the North to go to w:vr, nor of dying at home if dr:vfted. C^impbell e ime to defeiuhint ;ind said he would like to got some id" our men to till tpiota of eoming draft. l)efend:int said he did not think we wouKl have any men to spare as we were making preparations to till our own township. He said we would have to work liquet men enough to do it. C:»mpbell said l\e would like to h;ivo some or nmst get some. Defend:int ;isked him why he did \\o\ get them nearer home, out of his own town- ship ; if we did not interfere with their men he did not think it rinht iov him (CampbelT) to eome (o onr township and interfere with ours. C;impbell said he had a right to get men wherever he eould get them. Oefendant s;ud he knew he had but he did in>t think a gi'utleman would aet in th;it style when he knew wo were trvino- io elear our own township. Daniel M'Henry told him he should not have a man if he eould help it till wo HISTORY OF COLUMBIA GOUNIY. 471 could see vvhat'we could do uilli owv own men, and the bell rung- for dinner. I liave lived over ten years with Daniel JVI'IIcnry. There was nothing said at dinner concerning tlie draft. They ap- jjeared a good deal excited and could not agree, and stopped it. There was a man named Wolf drafted into the army and while there his wife was confined Defendant gave me orders to give- her anything she wanted. Wolf owed him at the same time. He died after his return and defeiuhint forgave her the debt. I am a nephew to defendant. A young man named Mllenry had l)een in the army and came home wounded. Defendant got up an extra dinner, went with a hors(i and carriage and brought them to a free dinner and told liini if he wantetl to ride out he could have his horse and carriage. Wolf was no relation. Last Feb- ruary Zinnnerinan came home on furlough, ttc. I met Carn]>bell fiisl in I lie Ijar-ioom. I went in witli him to dinner and dined with them. Cross cxaini/ied: — I am a nephew of the accused ; was his clerk four or five years and then became his j^artner. We dissolved last spring a year. The conversation was a quarter of an hour. It laslfd a little bit Towards the last they were a good bit ex« cited; there was some pretty rougli language. 1 think the lie was exchanged between them — used some oatlis. I think Camp- bell gave the lie iirst. Daniel was talking about secession; Camp- bell said it was a lie. Defendant said our towns^hi]) had done more than theirs; Campbell said it was a lie. Campbell said some thing about secession; Defendant said it was a lie. He said he considered himself as loyal a man as Campbell ; he had done as much for the war and would test loyalty with him in any way he had a mind to. Defen(hiiit said if Campbell called him 'secesh' he was a liar. Campbell said he had come there for volunteers ;ind he had a right to get them he thonglit. Nothing was said about drafted men that I heard of. 1 do not know that he said at that time that he would go if drafted ; I have heard liim say at other times lie would go or get a substitute. Campbell did not say he had got all the men he wanted ; I do not know that he said he had got any. Defendant did not say there would be trouble in the North if continued to draft men. I could remember the whole conversation ; there was some general con vei'sation which T caniu)t remember unless my attention is dii-ected to it. I have 472 //isTom' or COLT. y HI. I (\)rxTy. o^ivoii ;ill the oonvoi\-;;Uiou about the volimtoors; tl\oy oouvorsod but !i sliort tiino. thov (.'onvorsoil nbout bounty anil volnntoi'vs. V>erh:ii>s not over ton niinntos. I havo stated all that was said. THE KAN rz MEKTINC^. Hut a single reserved point t^on wliieli evidenee for the prosecution was given) remains tor further exposition, in or- der that the whole strength of the case against our eiti/.ens shall be eoniplotely presented. We refer to the meeting held at the house o\' John Kantz in Henton township on the 1-Uh day of August. ISiU, in eonseqnenee of the arrival of troops in the eounty, and of the eireulation of reports that property was to be burnt and destroyed by them, and by persons from the lower end of Luzerne county. AVe havo at hand in the records of the tri.als the means of judging what wore the objects of that mooting, wliat was said and done by those who attended it. and what character is to be assigned to it in our history. Hut in ti'eating the subject of that meeting we shall not contine our- selves to the testhuouy given by the government witnesses, nor even strictly to the military records before us. We shall use the testimony given on both sides at the trials, and resort, as occasion niay in\ite. to other and independent sources of information. Tiu: TniF. Wuf.x rr was Uki.o: — The date of the Rautz moot- ing deserves particular notice. It was the 1-kth of August, IStU, the daiz/olloirhiff the arrival of troops at JBIoomsburg, and most of those who attended it came to it in the afternoon. It was called suddenly and it assembled because the troops came, and because exciting and alarming reports were abroad. That meeting- did not cause the military inroad ; on the contrary, the armed occupation caused and produced it. Troops did not c»>me to the county because of the Kantz meeting. They were ordered here, and a part of them were in fact here, before the meeting was hold. On August 13th, eighty mounted men and forty infantry with two pieces of artillery, arrived in Bh omsburg. Tliey were followed by other troops, no doubt under orders issued prior to the I4th. t'*!! the n^orniui:: of the UUh. two hundred and tiftv • HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 473 more Jirrivcd, uiid within u few days, by additions, the army of occupation was made to number one thousand men. It is i»erfectly phiin then and undeniable that the Rantz meeting cannot be plead as an excuse or justification for sending troops into our county. Those troops were ordered here without any possible reference to a meeting which had not then been held or projected and which never would have been held or thought of, if the troops had not been sent. Who Co.Mrosp:i) It: — The meeting was made up of several classes of persons who are to be carefully distinguished from each other, and it is to be observed also that some attended earlier and some later in the day, that apart left before the meeting ended, and that liantz himself was absent a part of the time. Taken al- together, the persons who attended may be described as follows: — P^irst, Non rejjorting drafted men, of whom (so far as we now remember) not one was ever seized and punished by the military authorities ; Second, citizens who attended from curiosity and without any foimed or definite object, (these constituted the lar- gest class ;) Third, several persons who attended to prevent, by their advice and infiuence, any imprudent or improper action by the meeting. We rej^eat, these several classes of persons are not to be confounded with each other and the same judgment applied to each, for the same motives and conduct Avere not common to all. It is not our purpose to acquit all who attended, from cen- sure for imprudence, or to justify those men who had been draft- ed in their failure to respond to the call of the Government, but it is our j)urpose to show from the testimony which we shall pro- duce that the meeting together of the citizens was not criminal, that it was produced by reports of danger to ]>erson and jiroperty in the neighborhood, and that a just discrimination must be made between the motives and conduct of the different classes of jjer- sons who attended. Having done this we shall next show that the military authorities, (obviously from political reasons and in- stigated by men in this county who had their ear,) proceeded to seize and imprison men whose conduct at the Rantz meeting was innocent and in fact laudable, while they passed by, uncensured and unpunished, those who were to blame. In fact, it will appear, that the man most ])n)minent at that meeting in counselling vio- 474 niiS'rORY OF COIATMBTA COUNTY. lence and who was properly liable to puiiisliment under the law as a non-reporting drafted man, was the very man taken into their confidence and favor and used by them as their ])rincipal witness to se(uire tlie conviction of innocent and upright citizens. Its C'Ausk: — Nathan J. //csk, (a government witness, now dead,) tc>stified on the trial of J). M'llenry, that "on the morning of tile 14tli of August, about 7 or H o'clock, Rantz notified him of the meeting; that he went to Kantz's through curiosity to see what was going on ; that he went there about ten o'clock in the forenoon and left about noon, and that he heard at the meeting that the soldiers at liloomsburg and the Harvey ville men were coming up to burn tiie projierty in and around Benton." Upon tiic tiial of fb)lin l\antz, the same witness, i)eing more fully exaniiiu'd, testitied with still gri'ater completeness on this point. He said, "it was reported around by dilfirent |»ersons that soldii'rs w iTc coming u[> to help some citizens who had been try- ing \o taki' drafted men, and that they would burn the buiMings of those that were drafted and of them that resisted. 'I'lu re was no op|)ositi(>n made or rt'sistance olVercd to the soldiers when tiu'y canu' up" * * * "I lu'ard the rei»orl, as to the object of soldiers a day, or three or foui', before this meeting, I heard afterwards that the object was because they heard thesoldieis W('re going to burn and destroy — was to protect iheir property from soldiers and citi- zens from other ])laces ; from Kairmount who had been trying to arrest draft ei I nu'u, and that brought on the shooting." * * * It was reported among the nuMi who met at the barn that citizens were coming from Kairnioinit :nid llarveyville to burn and assist in burning pro|)erty. ***•'! heard that repoi't four or live days before the meeting." Confirmatory of this evidence was tlu' testimony of a number of other witnessi's examini'd u})on the trials for the prosecution and I'oi' thi' defense. But we shall conline ourselves to the testi- mony of governnu'ut witnesses. Iv. L. F. CoUey testilied on his brother's trial, "there was great excitement in the neighborhood. It was a connnon talk that the soldiers would burn the houses of the drafti'd nuui.'' iSilas A'arns, testitied, in the IM'lTcnry trial, "that he heard the storv that the soldiers were coming there to burn and destroy HLSTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 475 |)ro|>(ity; lie lieard it that day at the meeting." Chas. Gibhens also, testified, "that he heard it said at the meeting that the sol- diers wore corning to burn houses and kill children." It thus appcjars with sufficient clearness from the evidence for the prosecution (without resorting to other sources for information) that exciting and alarming reports were rife in the neighborhood when the meeting was held, and before, and that they constituted one of the leading causes of the meeting if they did not alone jjroduce it. A great part of those who attended went to it like Nathan J. Hess, from motives of curiosity, but it was a curiosity stimulated by alarm and without any formed intention regarding the action which shou]«l take place. As to all such persons, (and they constituted the great mass of the meeting,) there can l>e no imputation of any criminal design or unlawful pur])Ose. It may be said that the rejiorts to which we have referred and tlie feais founded upon them were alike groundless ; that there was in fact no datiger to the persons or property of citizens and IK) necessity for consultation in regard to the impending invasion. 11' all this should be conceded, the explanation we have given of the Ixantz meeting would still remain ; it might still be regarded as the result of excitement and of a real apprehension of danger among the people. But we ore not at all certain that there were no good grounds for excitement and alarm. Threats had been freely uttered at Harveyville and in this county against the so- called "Fishingcreek insurgents," and troops in large numbers, beyond any public requirement for the arrest of drafted men, w^ei-e being introduced into the country. The idea of visiting the Fish- inircreek country with fire and sword was certainly entertained and such visitation was openly threatened, and troops were pre- pared or collected apparently for that very work. Therefore, an expi-ctation or fear among the people that violence would be used and injury inflicted upon thetn, was not unreasonable or prepos- terous. Irs ru<»(Ki',i)iN<;s: — There was no organization of the meeting l)y the choice of officers, nor any record kept of what was done. No resolutions were adojtted or proposed, nor was any question whate/er submitted to a vote. It was therefore quite Informal and had no official or regidar character as an organized body. Be- 476 irrSTOKY OF rOLrMIiFA cor^TY. sides, us already mentioned, tlie siinie })ersons did not eonipose it throughout. Some attended in the forenoon and tlien U>ft; otliers eame in tlie afternoon. Kantz himself nujst have been absent a good part of tlie time, for upon his trial, E. J. M'llenry testified as follows : "I saw Kant/, at my house on Sunday. August Hth, about 12 o'eloek. I live three miles from him. lie has a farm about live miles from where he lives, whieh he nmst pass my house to s2;o and see." Now it is obvious that to a meeting- of this irregular kind, without organization and shifting in its membership, we eannot apply the same rules or reasoning whieh would apply to one of a regular eharaeter and uniform eomj>osition. An individual mem- ber of the meeting ean only be held responsible for what oecurretl while he was aetually present and to whieli he direetly eontribu- ted by speeeh or eonduet. Presumptive or implied responsibility upon him as a member of the meeting for the aetsof his assoeiates, is out of the iiuesti(.)n and eannot be assumed. Henee it beeomes important, in order to form a jtroper judgment of the Kantz tueet- ing, to distinguish and diseriniinate between the diflerent elasses of persons who were there, and to explore the motives and traoe the eonduet of eaeh. Some men, it is said, eame armed to the meeting ; squads were at one time formed in the highway; three persons made brief speeehes or rt marks in the barn, and there was much of conversation during the day among those present. These are the salient facts presented by the testimony for our ex- amination ; but in examining tluiu the remarks we have already made nmst be kept steadily in view, so that an intelligent, dis- criminating, complete, and satisfactory judgment shall be reached npon our general question, and at the same time fair treatment and full justice be extended to all individual citizens concerned. Dk.vfted Mkn Pkksknt: — These, as distinguished from other citizens, were in a position of contempt to the conscription laws, for they liad not responded to the draft. Their number was not large nor was there any formed association to resist their arrest as was falsely pretended: but some of them were no doubt dis- posed toward violent counsels, or at all events to continued eva- sion of tlieir dutv under the law. Thev constituted, therefore, JIT STORY OF COLUMBTA COUNTY. All tlie objectionable ingredient of the meeting and to all of them the adviee given by Daniel M'llenry upon another occasion was most ai)i»ro|)riate, to-wit: that instead of "skedaddling around" they should r(q)ort for duty. But it is to be remembered that not one of the drafted men present at the Rantz meeting (so far as we can. learn) was ever tried or punished by the military authorities, ulthougli sonje of them w(;re subsequently in their power. On the contrary two of them were produced as notable witnesses for t he government upon the trials at Harrisburg and were treated rather as objects of favor and commendation than of Cf-nsure or punishment. We allude to Edward MTIenry and Silas Karns, whose testimony, though given under some degree of coercion and imperfect in cpiality, was used with fatal effect against inno- cent and U|)right men. TiiK Fou.MiNc <»i- vSt^iADs: — Karns (who was the fairer witness of the two) stated in his testimony, that at the meeting "they foi'med into companies and sen to (^ensure, as we have already remarked, were not held responsible for their conduct. They escaped, or nearly all of them escaped, the stroke of ])Ower. But with innocent men or those 478 irZS'rOJiY OF C0LU3IBIA COUNTY little llablo to blame, the ease was different, and will now be our business to point out particular instances of arrest and punish- ment, for alleged pai'ticipation in the Rantz meeting, wliieli were, beyond all «piestion, unjust and outrageous. John Hantz: — We have already called attention to the fact tliat iNFr. Rantz was absent from home about noon, two or three miles distant. The evidence of E. J. iM' Henry on this j)oint as given heretofore, was distinct and conn)lete. Besides, upon the Rant/, trial, John O. Dildine, a rejuitable gentleman, also testified as follows : — "1 saw Rantz coming home about 4 j». m., on Sunday August 14th. He has a farm about live miles from where he lives, in the direction whence he was conning. I live three fourths of a mile from him. He has a son in the army who is a minor." As Karns and others testify that there was nothing done in the forenoon, and as Rantz appears to have been absent from noon until about the time the meeting adjourned, he can hardly be held responsible for any proceedings which took place. Inde- pendent of the fact that this meeting was held on his pretnises, there was very little evidence against IMr. Rantz on his trial, ex- cept that he had made excited or extravagant remarks on several occasions, which were pretty well accounted for by Richard Stiles, (a witness examined against him,) who said : — '"I consider Rantz a man who talks considerable.'' His loose talk however (suj)pos- ing it to be correctly reported) was accompanied by very distinct acts which gave it an innocent complexion. He t'urnislied a minor son to the army, he subscribed $100.00 to raise a bounty fuiui for his district, he declared the ''bovs," (or volunteers) must be assist- ed, and he waited u})on the soldiers and informed them that "they could hunt up all the drafted men and arrest them, and they would not be disturbed." Rantz was however arrested and severely punished. He was convicted (as we have heretof'oie shown) after an imperfect and unfair trial before the Military Connnission at Harrisburg, ami underwent more than eight months of dungeon life. But his piison doors were at last opened by ^Andrew John- son shortly after he succeeded to the duties of the Presidential ottice. We are informed that the cases of Mr. Rantz and of several of the other prisoners wert' i)eiiding before President Lincoln, for consideration, at the time of his death, and that they were taken HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 479 u]), acted u})on and disposed of by his successor without any new apjilicatioii, request or solicitation. Very promptly all the prison- ers remaining in custody were pardoned and discharged. Samuel A})plemari : — This gentleman is recorded as having undergone an imprisonment for 53 days. It appears in the evi- dence that he resides in the immediate neighborhood of Kantz ; that he went to the meeting in the afternoon, but was there only about 15 minutes and then returned home. He does not seem to have taken any part in the meeting, or to have given any other pretext for his arrest. Joseph Coleman, another victim, aged 68, a surviving soldier of the war of 1SI2, was at Mr. Appleman's house on the 14th of August, when Daniel M' Henry arrived tliere, accompanied by his wife, child, and a niece, on his way to visit a relative. Mr. Cole- man spoke to M'lTenry and referring to the Rantz meeting asked him to go up to it and induce the people "to go home to tht-ir business." In this request he was joined by Mr. Absalom M' Henry who was there at the time. Upon D. M' Henry's re- marking that they themselves should go up, they replied that he had better go ; that he was more competent than they were and could accomplish more. Thereupon D. M'Henry went up to the met'ting accompanied by Absalom M'Henry. He left his people at Appleman's, and abandoned the visit he had intended to make. These facts are fully set forth in the testimony of Absalom M'Henry and of Samuel Appleman given before the Military Commission on tlie Hith day of December, 1864. It will, then, be seen that Mr. Coleman was instrumental in sending a gentlemm to the meeting to discourage and disperse it. We next hear of him as an arrested man. He was seized and taken to Fort MilHiii without any regard for his years or his in- nocence, and was kept there for a period of 49 days, when he was discharged without trial, under an order issued by Gen. Couch. Meantime, his farm was occupied for a military encampment and extensive depredations were committed upon his property. For these no compensation has ever been made. Daniel M' I/eiiry's arrest is the only additional one we will iri«Mi(ion, in this particular connection, although many others, outr.i"-eous in <-har:icter. might be named. The testimony of Ab- 4S0 JIl.SJ'OKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. sjilom ]\r'ITonry. to wliu'li roiVroiu'o lias already boon mado, ox- plains oloarly tho oironnistaiioos undor whioh D. IM'lIoniy wont to tho Kant/, mooting, and also what was said and dono by liini wliilo thoro. Wo shall thorol'oro givo it in full, adiling tho tosti- inony of John Hakor giv«Mi at tho sauio tiino. Absalom M //t /in/, sirorn : — "1 livo in .laokson township, Col- umbia oounty ; am a farmor. 1 kn(>w Kdward I\rilonrv : hi> is n\y son: 1 know Daniol M'llonry ; saw liim on tho Mti\ of August. \\v oanio to Samuol Apploman's whovo 1 Avas. 1 was thoro a little boforo hinj. .losoph C\Woman was j>iisont. 1 askod l^aniol M'- llonry if ho was going up to tlio mooting: ho s;iid ho had not in- tondod to g<\ ho was g«>ing anothor oourso. llo thou got out of his wagon :ind lurnod it. I told him 1 w'uld liko him to go up and soo what thoy woro d»>ing thoro :is ihoy might go into moas- uros that I did not oonsidor right and I wouhl liko him to gt^ up and spoak and disoourago thorn, lli' wont into tho houso and ho s:iid no word about going up. 1 ;igain ;vskod him and wo wont. Wo t:dkoil :is wo wont along th;it wo should adviso thorn to dis- porso and not do anything contrarx to hiw, and ho advisod mo to s[>oak to thom as T was older. NN'o w:ilkod up to tho Ivautz barn, llo mado a spoooh : his spoooh w:is sliort. llo t;ilkod vory muoh as wo h;ul spokon. llo told thom thoy had hotter go home and if the st>ldiors did oomo ;vnd burn their houses they had tho law to f:ill b;u'k o\\, and tho neighbors would not leave thom sutler. 1 think 1 ho;ird tho whole of his spoooh distinotly and that w:is the loading point. 1 w:is pretty oh>se ti> hini. lie did not lulviso tho n\on to stand together. If ho h:vd s;iid it 1 would luvve remember- ed it. There was some oonversatiim between us and ho w;inted drafted men to pay or report. Kdw:»rd M" Henry saiil the drafted men should st;uid together and ho wimld bo with ihoni. CroS{i-K.vaniin(d : — l);iniol MlliMuy did not say ho believed tho peoi»le woro un:inimous in what they had undort.nkou. The objoot of tho mooting at Kant/'s — thoy met to eonsnlt what they should (h^ if tho soldiers should oomo up : whether thoy should stand luit :ind del\Mul themselves if thoy should injuro them. Thoro was a gooil ntany dr:»ftod men thoro. Ed. M'llonry was at the further I'ud o\' tho barn and 1 eould not hoar all ho s;ud and 1 would h:no r:nhor ho would not have spoken, llo :ul\ isod the HIHTORY OF (JOLUMBIA (JOIJNTY. 4 Ml *lr;ift(!f] rrifri to Htick tog<;t her if tlic KoUliciH carrio to carry out tlieir plan. I difl not underHtand that they intended to rebel aj^airiHt th(^ lawH unless it was in self-defence. The drafted men intended to resist if the soldiers came to arrest tliern ; so I thought. Re- JlJj-arninc.d : — I)ani<;l M'Hcnry advised \\u: peojilc to dis- perse and go home." Jolin Baker, Hworn: — "I n;side in Benton townsliip; a w'agefore I got to the barn. Daniel M'Henry was not there long. I did not see him long. T saw him come to the barn. I do not remember of seeing him after lie made his speedi." "^fo the same purpose with the foregoing was the testimony of James Evans, who was also present at the Rantz meeting and was examined as a witness for tlie defence. The government witness, Silas Karns, stated M'Henry 's ren)arkfi somewhat diffeiently, though substantially to the same effect. He admitted that "Daniel M'Henry did not advise them to resist the soldiers," and that "he advised them not to go on l>iit to liold on and see what was done in the matter." Such tlien are the facts in relation to Daniel M'Henry 's connec- tion with the Kant/, meeting. He went to the meeting upon re- quest to oppose all violent and imprudent counsels, and to induce those who were there to disperse quietly and go home, and he carried out his intention faithfully and fully. 482 HIS TO RY OF COL UMBIA CO UNTY. The Spekcues : — Rem arks were made in the barn, as the wit- nesses infonn ns, by SaTimel Kline, Daniel IMTTenry and Edward M'FT in y. They were brief l)nt were not all to the same pnrpose or made with the same ol>jeet After some observations by Kline, I). M'Henry spoke in tlie manner ahead }'■ described and very prop- erly and wisely. Then Ed. M'lTenry made some excited remarks. He said (amon<>- other tliinizs) as 'e])orfed by the witness Karns, that '■he vai liO'. (is tl>.pos(.'(l and spurni'(l! THE CLUr. MHKTiX(;s OF 1863. One of the principal clnrges made against our citizens in the trials at Ilarrishiirg. was that they had oi'_'ani/,ed a secret organi- zation or society to resist tlie draft. This cliarge (which was en- tirely false) ap|»eared in all the cases tried and was contained in the printed form of accusation used by tlie Judge Advocate. Names and dates were tilled in the printed form, in each case, but the sub^tunce of the accusation was the same in all the cases, and convictions upon it were had. The form of the accusation as it appeared in the charges and specifications against Stott E. CoUey, one of the p'-isoTiers, was literally as follows : — Specification : — "In tliis. that he the said Stott E CoUey, a cit- izen of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, did unite, confederate and combine with John Rantz, Rohr Mllenry ind many other disloyal persons whose names are unknown, and form or unite with a society or organization commonly known and called by the name of the '-Knights of the (xolden Circle," the object of which society or organization was and is to resist the execution of the draft, and pri-vent persons who have been drafted under the pro- visions of the said act of Congress, approved March 3d, I860, ami the several supplements thereto, from entering the military ser- vice of the United States. This done at or near Benton town- ship, Columl)ia county, Pennsylvania, on or about August 14, 1804, and at divers times and places before and after said men- tioned day." Theie are three averments in denial of this charge which were established beyond dispute by the evidence and which we shall now state and sustain. 1, That the (so-called) "secret meetings," referred to in this charge, were held in the s|iring of 18G3 and none l:;terthan about 484 /rrs TO R Y O F CO L UM /i TA CO UN T Y. the month of INIay of that year : consoqiuMitly that they wore h<'ld nearh/ one year and a half boforo tl\i> arrests were mnde at the end of August 1864. 2 That they were politieal ehibs simply, and had no unhvwful or improper objeet ; and particuhvrly tliat they were not intended, nor organized and eondueted, to oppose tlie eonseription laws of the Tnited States. ,'V That they were not e.alled or known, during their existence by tlie name of "Knights of the Golden Circle,"' nor was any such name ever assigned to them in any (piarter until tlu> time of the trials or shortly before. (.)n the Uantz trial, on this point we have the following evi- dence : David Savage, ti>ri>rfi : — 1 am a member of those secret Asso- ciations. The only secret about them was the pass word. We were sworn to support the constitution of the Ignited States and of Pennsylvania, and the laws. There was no organization to re- sist *he draft. .Vlmost all the persons belonging to this Associa- tion subscribed money to pay bounties, itc. The Associations were ])urely |>olitical. Kantz said to me he had been in to see the soldiers, and told them they could hunt up all the drafted men rtn«l arrest them, and they winild not be disturbed. Nirhola,< Kindt, sirorn: —I was a member of these Associa- ti>ns. They ceased last May a year 1 think. The password was the *)nly secret in it. The obliiration was to support the c-mistitu- tion of the United States and of Pennsylvania and the laws ac- cording thcr to. There was no organizaticm to resist the draft. Martin .liniitt rnian. siror/r. — 1 was .a member of tliese Associa- tions. They ceased last spring a year. The oath was as stated by the last witness. There was ni) organization to resist the draft. The tmlv S' cret was the sign of recognition. Never heard these organizations called Knights of the Golden Circle, till lately, and tliat by outsiders. ()n the trial of Stott K. Collcy, the following very conclusive testimony was given for the defence: ,T(ieoh lYelii>'er. .■^iror?i : — "T reside in Renton : am a farnu'r. T HlSTOUy Oh (JOLUMJilA (JOUNTY. 48.'> knew of iiieotiiifrs in .lackson IovviikIuj). I wiis tliert; twice. Knew of nothiiiGT Hecret about them but their signs. I was initiated; whether there or not cannot say positively. The strangers were only excluded when signs were given. They were callerl "JJetno- cratic Lodges'' as far as I heard. Those that could speak, spoke. We were lo support the Constitution and laws of llie United States; nothing was said about the conscript act; nothing said that I ever licard of about i-esistiiig the conscription act. (JroHH Ej-jnstiluti' and 'Democratic Club.' Cross-e.ratNhud: — We did not take an oath to suppoit each other: never such an oath did I take. No such obligation taken by the members, at any such meeting I was ;it.'" tlo/ni Saraf/e, sirorii: — "I live in Jackson township; am a farnu-r. I was ;it one so-called secret meeting in ,l;ickson town- ship in 1S63. We took an obligation to support the Constitution and haws of the ITnited States. I c:dled it same society it was over the township. I do not know that Ed. McHenry beloiiged to it. Nothing said in o;vth about resisting conscription act or draft. The secret was signs. Cross-exai/il/ied: — The signs were to know each other, and whenever got into trouble to let one another know. Took na oath to support each other. The sign was merely to know each other when we met. It runs in my mind tliere w as nothing about helping e:u'h other: that we would know each other by the signs if we were to meet one another ; some couUl helj> e:uh other out." Jfartin A. Am»n'r»iaf>, sironi: — 'd live in Fishingcreek town ship. I was initi:ited into the so-called secret meetings in Fish- ingcreek. « * * The oath was to support the Constitution of Pennsylvania :ind of the United States, nothing in the oath :ibout the conscription act, nor anything about resisting the draft. The last meeting was in March or Ajiril. 1808, that I attended. T/ie mcmbr/'ti of the Society raised money to pay rohinteei-s.'* HIHTORY OF COLUMBIA C0UN1Y. 487 Wc'liiivfli ii'tolon; given tilt! testimony (>r A;in>n Sinitli ;in meetings of 1HG3, against a single witness upon the other side. JlJcery witness ex- (ttniaed in relation to those Club meethtys whether for the gov- ernment, or for the defense, saoe Ed. M^ Henry, pronounced their vindication from all censure or enil imputation. SPECIAL CASES. THE CASE OF WILLIAM KESSI-ER. The case of William Kesslerof Jackson township in this county, occurring about the time under di(;cussion, is both instructive and interesting. Kessler was improperly enrolled and his name was drawn in a draft. When the officer or person employed for the ]»urpose gave notices to the men drafted at- that time, he was in- formed thai Kessler was non compos mentis, tliat he had recently escaped from tlie IIarris\)urg liUnaiic Asylum, was utterly and notoriously unfit for military service and that notice to him would V)e idle and absurd. No notice was therefore served in the case, but some time afterwards Kessler was arrested as a deserter and hurri" d away from home for trial and punishment. Nothing can more fidlv show the unfitness of military tribunals for the ad- ministration of justice to the citizen, than the proceedings in his case. In the Congressional debates of 1807, we find the follow- ing remarks made by Mr. Huckalew, in the Senate, in reft rence to this case : 488 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. "T know one oaso of jv luan fresh from the Poniisylvania State Lunatic Asylinu who was reported upon one of these lists [of non- report in*;- (h-af ted men ;] no notiee was served u})on him or on any one else: he was carried olV and tried before a military tribu- nal at lIarris\>uro; and put in prison, and under the sentence pass- ed upon him lu' was loaded down with a ball and chain — an in- sane man. The case was heard ra})idly, summarily ; nobody ap- peared for him ; the court did not knctw that he was insane ; they asked him some questions, he gave absurd replies, and they sup- posed he was an incorrigible offender. It was necessary to ap- peal to the President in that case and have the man pardoned in order to discharge him from liis prison and from bonds." Cong. Globe \st Sess. -iOth Con. l\ GG2. The following letter was written, pending the application to the President for Kessler's pardon and discharge from Fort Mittiin. '•W.\siiiN(; roN, July 24, 1865. |_ INIonday afternoon. \ Dkau Siu. — 1 had an interview with the President, on Saturday and brought the case of Kessler to his notice. The record of the conviction not being among the jtapeis 1 went to-day to the otlice of the.Iudge Advocate General (but Holt is absent) and found it. A report from that oilrtce will be realy at 10 o'clock to-morrow when I will go again to the President and have the case determin- ed. The record says the Defendant confessed the facts and said he never intended to report, whereupon the sapient commission gave him tic) i/cars with ball and chain ! Yours very truly, C. R. BUCKALEW." COI.. J. G. FUKKZE. We next give the order of discharge which was issued from the War Department: War DlsrART^lKNT, ^ Adjvtant Gknkkak's Ori-ici: [- Washington, July 2oth, I860. ) Special Oroers, I, ^^^.^^.^^^ » Tlie unexpired portion of the sentence of the Gener:vl Court Martial in the case of Private Willi:vni Kessler, an un;issigned [TTSTORY OF (JOLUMBTA COUNTY. 4S() draft(!fl man, from I^emisylvaiiia, Ih remitted. He will be released from confinement at Fort MifHiri, PentiHylvania (where he is now supposed to be,) discharged the service of the United States, and returned in charge of a guard to his home in Jackson township, Columbia county, Pennsylvania. The (Quartermaster's Department will riunish llie necessary transport atifui. liy order of the rrcsident of the United States. {/Signed.) E. D. TOWNSEND. Assistant Adjutant (General. Official, li. Williams, Ass't. Adj't. (Jeiieral. It will be observeon its face ; but slight and frivolous as it was, it was found to be unjust and false. Jiesides, it was either concocted some time after his ariest or made to lake the place of more material matters of accusation whicli could not be sustained. It was first heard of, or produced in a formal manner, when Col. Albright came upon his expedition as an evidence hunter toward the end of Septend>er, but othtr matters of accusation, or a ditfer- t'ut form o'( tlie same accusation, wH)uld seem to have been bruited about before. \Ve have heard that a bill or voucher o{ Mr. Chapin's for "-2 lbs of lead," was read or rej>orted as "2 bl)ls, of lead;' tlu' ch'ar inference being th.Mt he was engaged in pro- curing or furnishing sni>iilies for the so called "insurrection." .Vnother wonderful statement made concerning liim is ventilated in the eoi'ri'spoiulenei' which we subjoin. W'e submit it without remai'ks as it fidly explains itsi'lf. iiisTonr or columbta covnty. ■v.)\ (■(>Kl{i;SI'(iNI»KN( K. Nkw CoHMIU'S, 1*.\. } jNInrcli, 2d, 1870. j" MkSSRS. 1'. ( ". \\',\l>.-\\ (ll. I 11, AM> .I.ACdl'. FlT/.(;H{.\l l>, — Jjidr •Sirs: — Will you do iin' tlic l;i\or to ihmIiico to wriliiig ;i st:il('iiK'Mt niJidc ill your | rt'soni c by (iwyriii 'I'yrcuiiui conccniiiiLC :i rcjiort tliat lie li:id juit iu circuhiliou :il)OUt seeing uiy icaui liiiuliiig a (•;iMiioii llii<.iUij;li '1\)\\ II Hill, the hitUT j art of tht Miiniiicr ol I.S04 and ol)lim' Yours very lesjiuctrullv I). I.. Cumin. Town Hii.i., 1'a. \ Miircii 3i\, 1870./ Hon. D. L. CiiAi'i-N. — JJear Sir: — Your favor of the second in- stant in before us, and contents nottd. In coni][»liance with your retiueist we aiine.v the following Htatenient. About the time the military forces of tlie United States were marched up Fishingcreek, in the latter part of the summer of 18(il, it was reported that (Jwyiiii Tyrenian liad occasion to be up hite one bright moonlight night, and had seen your team pass through Town Hill between midnight and daylight with a cannoD which your learn was hauling to Henloii or Fishingcreek in Col- umbia county for the coiiscrij)t8, who it was rei)orted were congre- gating there in a large force to resist the draft. Subsequently we were in A. J. Hess' store in Town Hill, and heard him ask Gwynn Tyrenian about seeing your team hauling a cannon to the con- scripts ill lieiiton and Fishingcreek, in answer to which Gwynn Tvieman replied, that he had never seen your team hauling a cannon or anylhiiig of the kind ami that he had started the report just to create an excitement. ivespeclfully Yours, P. C Wadswortii, Jacob FrrzcjiKUALU. In the following letter received from Mr. Chapiii, that gentle- man refers to certain jjajters and gives some interesting details of his case. Nkw CoiXMius, March 7th, 1870. ('. r>. IJu()( KWAV, Es*,)., — Dear Sir. — Enclosed iind a letter to, and I'loiii Messrs. ^Va.lsv^()rth and I'^il/gerald. 1 hardly know 492 HIISTOKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. what more to soiul you. I will, however, annex a brief sketch of my career for about 17 years previous to my arrest by tlie mili- tary. I moved to New C\)hiinbus, A])ril 1st. 1847, and engaged in the mercantile business. In ISo^ I was elected a justice of the peace, in Huntingdon townslii|), and was re-elected again in 1858 in the same townshij), which was strongly republican, with- out opposition. In 1850, I was elected a member of the Legisla- ture from Luzerne county. In 18(U, I was elected a justice of the peace again. Arrested August 31st, 1864, by the military, and transported with a rush to Fort MitHin where I remained until the 19th of December. 1864, (hiring which time I sulfered severely with tlie ague and rheumatism, which disabled me to such an extent that I was obliged to use crutches for some time. On the 18th of December, 1864, an order came to Fort Mifflin for my removal to Ilarrisburg for trial, where I arrived on the evening of the 19th. and was marched up to Canterbury Guard House near the State Cai)itol Hotel, where I was kept with Dan- iel iM'Henry and others. Daniel jM'IIenry's trial closed and mine was to come next. I was called for on Tuesday, December 27th, but the Commission was not ready. December 28th, was called for again ; this time the Military Commission was ready. I was arraigned before the Star Chamber and one w^itness, F. M. Ikeler, examined against me, and N. J. Hess was asked one question and my trial was over. It lasted about one hour. I did not call a witness. On Saturday an order came for my discharge and it appeared strange enough to be permitted to walk the streets of Harrisburg without a guard by my side, or in the rear. I ai rived at home on the 2d of January, 1864. About the 12th of Decem- ber, 1864, Colonel Eastman, the comuiaudaut of Fort MitHin, sent for me to come to his quarters, where, of course, I made my ap- pearance; when he inquirer<)ugh Bonds j^ayable in one, two, and three years to raise money to i)ay $300,00 bounty to each volunteer. The volunteers were i-Uiiag 'd and promised '^A2o local bounty each, h aving $5)0 to be raised among 15 or 20 men liable to the draft and some not able to ]»iy anything. Hei'e my efforts to fill our quota with voluntt-ers were about to fail. I th'Mi proposed to those liable to the d.-al't t.) get the men ready to start to Scranton on Tuesday morniu!i the 3)th of August an) ild ad- vance the rest. The day ai-rived and to make up the deiiciency I paid six hundred and twenty-eight dollars. John llogert and R. S. ]>ingham went to Scranton with the V' lunt'-ers on the 30th day of August 1S64 and returned with the Provost Marshal's re- ceii)t the same evening before I left my office. The next morning August 31, 1864, I was arrested and sent to Fort MifHin where I am now confined a citizen prisoner, without knowing what great crimes I am accused of." A CASE OF HANGING. COMMHIA COUNTY, SS. Leonard R. Cole, of Jackson township, in said county, being duly sworn according to law, saith : That he is a son of Ezekiel J. Cole of said township of Jack- son, and is sixteen years of age. That on Saturday afternoon November 5th, three soldiers came to his father's house and searched it. They then went to the barn and deponent started to the orchard near it to drive out the sheep to another field. One of the soldiers stopped him and took him to the stable in the barn. Two of them were there. They said they would make ■i!)(i //is7'()/n' or ror.DtniA corxrw WW toll \> horo mv t'alhor \v;i>*. 1 toM \\\c\\\ 1 dul not know : thai ho had ^ono on Monday wook \o tlie mountain, np Wost oifek ga|), to hunt, and U>ld hln\ tl>i> way (lu'vo. Onriny; tlio examina- tion thoy put a roju' around uiy nook, aiul throw it ovor a mow l>olo and drew on it. Chio i>t' thom liold the i\>po and tho otliur had a book to sot licnvn what 1 said. Tho ono with tlio hook dl- rootod till" othor to pull hardor. Ho said my tathor had boon thoro two hoiM-s botoro. thoro was no nso lionyinu" it. I donioil ho had boon thoro. Tho ropo was puUoil until my hools woro drawn otV tho tK>or, .-md I wasblimlod and unabh> to spoak. ^ly mothor and KU/.aboth Ki>bbins approaohin>;' thoy took ofT tlio ropo, and I stHiiijoroil out of tlio stablo. (^no of thom hat! a ropo with him and tl\ov oluainod anothor piooo in tho stabU> and tiod tho two to- gothor to draw mo up. 1 had answorod tho tpiostions thoy Inul askod mo. and had not ixivon thom any unoivil languagv. 1 do not ki\ow tho namos of tho soldiors in tho stablo, but would know thom upon sooinu' thom. Tho third ono was Ephraim Klim\ oi Honton township. llo was at tho oorn orib botwoon tho liouso and barn. l.Ft>N \un K. C'oi.K. Sworn and subsoribovl bot'oro mo Novombor 7th, lS(i4. .IeSSK C\>l.K>l.\N, Prothouotary. 1^ TllK KlSlllNi; (.MJK.KK CONH^^EDKKACY. Tho stalo slandors about this subjoot havo boon so ofton and so th<>rouiihly rofutod that wo soUKmu pay muoli attention to thom. Wo oi^py. howovor, an artiolo on tho subjoot by tlio oditor of tho Shtnandoah Ihrahl, 1ST-, an Indopoudont journal, whioh how- ovor supports a portion of tho Kojniblioan tiokot. Tho writer was a member of tho ".Vrmy of Invasion," and knows whereof ho speaks : So it is with tho ohariro of fathorino- the "Fishing Crook Con- fodoraev" whioh is oast upon tho statesn\an like shoulders of in OK Vl.KW. Yet wo know this oharge is false, for wo wore on tho spot and took part in the oolebratoil eampaiL::n to orush it. "Well do we re- in STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 41)7 iiioinbor the }jcroic cliarge we made on the supposed battlements of tlie confederates after a fortnight's preparation, reconnoitering, scouting and picketing, and quite vivid is the picture still in our minds «jf the disgusted countenances of the one thousand braves as they reached the summit of the mount where we were taught to Vjelieve the Fisliing Creek army was massed and which for one long monlli we had regarded with awe and expectancy, and found not a man, nor the meanest evidence that a man had ever Ijeen there. Such was our extreme disappointment that our sojourn in ("oiuml^ia county was shortened none too soon and but a few days ehijised before not a soldier was to be seen where for six weeks all had Vjeen bustle, anws : "No freeman shall be taken or imi)risoned, or disseized or out- lawed, or banished, or in any way destroyed ; nor will we pass upon him unless by the lawful juilgment of his peers, or by the law of the land.'' "The judgment of his peers," here alluded to, says Story, "is the trial by jury, who are called the peers of the party accused, being of like condition and equal." He also expressly says ; "When our more immediate ancestors removed to America they brought this great privilege with them, as their birth right and inheritance, as a part of that admirable common law which had fenced round and interposed barriers on every side against the approaclies of arbitrary power." P. 1779. ]->ut this denial of any other form of trial, and especially that by military commissions, was asserted in the "Petition of Rights" passed in the third year of Charles the First. It is therein en- acted and established. "That no man of what state or condition should be put out of his laiuls or tenements, n(n- taken, nor im- HISTOIiY OF COLUMBIA 00UN2Y. -)03 jiri.soiR'd, nor disinherited, nor ]»ut to deatli witlioiit due i)rocess of law." And in speaking of the commissions, aforesaid, the act nseth the following terms: "Which commisssions, and all others of like nature, are wholly and directly contrary to the said law and statutes of the realm." Similar language was employed in the Bill of Rights passed at the time of the Revolution of 1688. And it may be safely stated that since that time no jn-oceed- ings of this nature luive taken place in England against any person not a member of the army or navy or in the militia in actual ser- vice. Indeed, a distinguished English Judge has said : "Mar- tial law as of old docs not exist in England at all," and is con- trary to the Constitution, and has been for a century totally ex- j.lodiMl." (Irant vs. Gould 2 Hume Bl. 69 I Hale P. C. 246 Kale com. law C 2, 36 ; This, it has been remarked by a learned judge, "is correct, as to the connnunity generally, both in war and peace." By an act approved July 31, 1864, Vol. 12, statutes at large, l»age 2184, conspiracies are defined, and the mode of punishment provided, namely : By trial in the Circuit or Disti'ict Court of the United States of the proper circuit or district. Can these parties be tried before any other tribunal '. We hold not. By the President's i»roclaraation of Sept. 24th, 1862, suspending the writ of habeas corpus, it was ordered, "That during the existing insurrection and as a necessary measure for suppressing the same, all rebels and insurgents, their aidei's and abettors, within the rnited States, etc., shall be subject to martial law and liable to trial and punishment by court niai'tial oi- mili- taiy cotnniission." Without stopping to in(iuire whether the liroclaniation was authorized, and if so. whether it embraced per- sons charged with committing a substantial offense within a State not in insunectioii, and when the couits ;ire in full exercise of their powers, the defendant claims that it has been sujterceded by the act of Congress of the 3rd of Marcii, 1863, (Vol. 12, stat- utes at large 77')) relating to the writ of hahi'un corpus and the I'resident's proclamation, based thereon of the loth of September, 1862. 504 BISTOIiY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. The first section of the act of 1863, authorizes the President to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. The second requires the Secretary of State and of War to re- port to the Judges of the United States Circuit and District Courts the names of persons held in military custody by order of the President in their respective districts, and if the grand juries of the proper districts fail to find bilL<, it is the duty of the judges to have all such persons discharged on taking the oath of allegi- ance and giving bond if required. The third section provides that all persons so held and not re- ported, shall be entitled to a discharge in the same manner as is provided in the second section, after a failure on the part of the proper Grand Jury to indict him. Here are all the sections of this act which bear on the question and it will be seen that while they contemplate and sanction mil- itary arrests, they do not countenance or authorize military trials. On the contrary ihey fairly discountenance them. The President's proclamation based on this act, limits the sus- pension of the habeas corpus to persons amenable to military law, or to the rules and articles of war, &c. No order is contain- ed in this proclamation in regard to trials, and the infei'ence is ir- resistible that the proper courts are left to act under the rules of law upon that subject, and these are too well defined to require comment. Civil courts try offences against the law committed by citizens. Military courts and commissions try such as are sub- ject to the rules and articles of war, and the defendant claims that he does not fall within that class. 5. The recent act giving military courts jurisdiction of of- fences against the civil laws, when committed Ly soldiers, excludes citizens by its silence from any such jurisdiction, and leaves them to be tried by the civil courts for all such offences. See Rev. reg. 1863, p. 541. But all doubt, if there could be any on this question, is put to rest by the act of 3rd of March, 1863, entitled or known as the Enrollment Act, where it is expri ssly provided, That where per- sons are charged with resistina: the draft, they shall be forthwith delivered to the civil authorities.^'' and upon conviction be pun- ished. Statutes at large, vol. 12, p. 735, pi. 25. The President's proclamation of 15th of September, 1863, pro- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 505 fesses to conform to tlie statute, indeed makes the statute the rule of action under the proclamation, and does not impair the right of trial by jury. We have, however, in the enrollment act of the 24th of July, 1864, the Executive and legislative construction of the then existing law, for the hearing of the party in such like cases is exclusively assigned to a Couit of competent jurisdiction and the Circuit Court of the United States, in the district in which the offence was committed, is specified as the only proper tribunal. Statutes at large, vol. 13, p. 8, j)l. 12. The defendant further desires the commission to consider this question in determining that of the jurisdiction, viz: Can the sentence of this court be j)leaded in bar to a prosecution upon in- dictment for the offence charged in the civil courts ? It would seem not, in view of the recent legislation of Congress, already cited. The legislation clearly gives jurisdiction of this case to the civil courts, and upon their failure to try and convict him en- titles him to be discharged, either upon terms or absolutely. In view of these considerations, the defendant resjjectfully sub- mits that he is not triable by this commission, not being within the jurisdiction thereof, or any other military tribunal whatever. All of which is respectfully submitted. JOHN RANTZ. Jt^^t 50(3 HISTOllY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. MILITARY TRIALS AT HARRISBURG. Some note ought to be made of the military trials ihiir look place in this city, during the late civil war, and I may i'lcniise that, living on the spot at the time, I believed then and lidieve now, that they were arbitrary and unconstitutional, were w liolly unnecessary and without justification, jjalliation, or excuh<'. It must be recollected,that we in Pennsylvania were living, or thought we were, in a State which was not engaged in the rebellion :igainst the government; but it turned out that we were mistaken, <>i' the War Department was; for notwithstanding the legislation <>n the subject, by our State legislature and by Congress, the W:ir De- partment arrested the citizens of this State, and tried them by military commission, as if the State was in open rebellion. :Mid as if all the courts in the State had been closed; and this, too, alter the State had sent two hundred thousand men to suppress (he rebellion. The Constitution of the United States has provided in the third article that "the trial of all critnes, exctpt in cases <>f im- peachment, shall be by jury, and such trial shall be held in the Str^te where such crime shall have been committed ;" and tin n in the amendments to the Constitution, article 5, that "no |>eison shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a. presentment or indictment of a grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces or, in the militia wImmi in actual service, in time of war or public danger," "nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.'' And in article sixth, "in all criminal prosecutions the accused si i all enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the State and district wherein the crime shall have been com- mitted, which district shall have been previously ascertain"/ hy lamr Our State legislature in order to prevent any person from Liiv iitg aid or assistance to the rebellion, passed an act on the \'^\\\ of April, 1861, by which, in one lengthy section, they provide for HItiTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 507 every possible case, in which any person could give aid or comfort to the "enemies of this State or tlie United States of America," and also where any one should persuade any person or persons from entering the service of this State or the United States "or induce any person to abandon such service'' and enacting that '•every person so offending, and being legally convicted thereof, shall be guilty of a high misdemeanor and shall be sentenced to undergo solitary imprisonmeiit in the penitentiary at hard labor not exceeding ten years, or be fined in a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars, or both, at the discretion of the court." Congress, by an act passed 3d March, 1863, directed that where [)ersons are charged with resisting the draft they "shall be forth- with delivered to the civil authorities." And by the act approved on the 31st of July, 1864, further provided for the trial and punishment of conspiiacies against the government, and directed and required these trials to be had before "the Circuit or District Court of the United States for the proper circuit or dis^trict." As many perhaps as twenty or thirty private citizens, all living east or north of the Susquehanna river, principally in Luzerne or Columbia counties, were arrested at their homes and tried by military tribunals in this city in the year 1864 or 1865. Some of the trials were held in the lower room of the north corner of Market street and River alley, others in the most easterly upper room of the court house over the court room. The mode of trial was by three military men sitting as a military court, with a per- son acting as judge advocate, who took no oath to perform his duty honestly, but whose decision on every point was taken as conclusive. A guard stood at the door, and no person was admit- ted but the one witness called and the counsel of the prisoner. Every cpiestion was retpiired to be suV)mitted in writing. It was with great difficulty that the prisoner's counsel could gain admit- tance to the prisoner's room to see the prisoner. He was required on every visit to produce an order from the provost marshal. The charges against these persons were generally the same; either for combining to resist the draft, or uttering disloyal sentiments and threatening to resist the othcers of the government. The writer was never ac(piainted with any one of these ))risoners. These offences were such as the State courts were authorized r)08 I/I>STOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. by the act above cited to try, and on conviction to punish. And they were the very kind of cases for which Congress had specially provided by legislation and had directed and required to be tried before the United States Circuit or District Courts of the proper district. The prisoners in every instance pleaded to the jurisdiction of the military court ; that is, denied that the court had jurisdiction in the case, and asked that tliey be tried by the State Court, as provided by the Act of Assembly, or by the United States Court as directed by Act of Congress. Hut these })leas were disregard- ed by the War Department. That Department had the military in its hands and would treat every other branch of the govern- ment with contempt. The Act of our State Legislature and the State courts, the Act of Congress arisoner was informed that the War Department liad been heard fi-oju and the trial inimt proceed. A'd it did pro- ceed. Those who gave the orders in the War Department no doubt hoped that notwithstanding this scandalous violation of the rights of the citizens and of the Cotistitution of the United States, some effort would be made by an U'iscruptdous partisan Congress, which lost no opportunity to show its contempt for the Constitution and whifh treated the Suj^reme Court of the United States with un- 510 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUN'TY mitigated hatred, to screen them afterwards from tlio consequen- ces of their acts. But it must be recollected that Congress can pass no law that contravenes the Constitution of the ITnited States. Congress was created by the Constitution and is inferior to it. Til is conduct of the War Department, exhibiting the most strin- gi ut exercise of a military despotism, was not attempted to be justified; but our courts were overawed and would not have dared to grant a writ of habeas corpus in any case, and I am confident that if any man had declared publicly that these trials were in the face of the Constitution, he would have been j)icked up on the same day, by the military at the point of the bayonet, and would have been subjected to a trial before this very military court whose power and jurisdiction he utterly denied. When one prisoner was \ip for trial a piece of paper was pinned over his head having written on it the words, "Death to Traitors." However trifling the offenses for which these men were tried, yet the punishment authorized by our State law of imprisonment for ten years in the penitentiary, made the crime an infamous one, and therfore clearly within the Constitution which requires a presentment or indictment. The people of this whole land ought to understand that the Constitution of the United States is tlie foundation of our gov- ernment, and the Supreme Court of the United States is the ju- dicial expounder of the Constitution. If the Supreme Court of the United States can be so manipulated by Congress, as to become a political partisan institution, instead of a judicial one, and the constitution can be construed in such a way as to con- travene the whole genius of our government in establishing a military despotism over the whole land, because of a partial re- bellion, that there is an end to all appeal to civil government. The people must either submit to this military despotism in the hands of the War Department, or offer open resistance, and stand upon their rights guaranteed to them by our form of government. It would I'O useless to talk of amending the Constitution or making a new one. for if a Constitution framed bj' Washington and the men of tlie vcvolulion can be treated with contempt and disregarded, no reasonable man would suppose that a Constitu- made by the men of the present day, or by the men of any future iicneration would be reoarded. HIti TOR Y OF C O L UMB 1. 1 CO UNT Y. 511 I -"Ifiunly bel I've that it u.i-; m-ver i itcinlfd Ity tlit; fiameis oi till Constitution to coiifiT Lpoii llu- militai'y the powers that ha\'' Ix-eii claiiiie(jected to a military .ies- jtotiMH in the hands of the War Department, until the rebellion is suppiessed? This is the great question that lies at the founda- tion of these military trials. Doe.-, it not furnish further evidence of a military despotism, that alter men have been draj^ged away from the civil courts, tricfl by a tribunal unknown to the laws, and acquitted {-.Vi was the case with most of these men,) that after h)eing turned loose they >iiould be denied in every case all knowledge of the name of the person at whose instance they had been arrested. Take another illustration of the workings of this military law: A drunken officer galloped one day furiously up and down our streels. and rode across the pavement in the centre of the town into a large hotel on horseback, then turned and rode out again. When remonstrated with by the police, he arrested the police, took them into the house and put them under guard, whilst his aids Hourished their naked pistols in tiie faces of the citizens who came in to look on. No magistrate nor court would have dared to issue a warrant for the arrest of these military rowdies, and no warrant could have been executed. But the conduct of these mil- itary men was of course all right and necessary as a "war meas- ure"' hccause a rebellion existed in the ^Southern /States. Do the leaders of the present party in Congress reflect that if they -hill by their repeated assaults oil the judiciary, and their ef- fort < lu make it ])artisan, destroy its independence, its stability and lidelity, that in a short time their party may pass into a min- oril V, .ind their si/ccessors in office may iniitate their bad example and show themselves as reckless and ortal arm. As might be < xpecteil from the nature of the subject, it has been a good deal anied with the excuse which [has been repeated so often in late days, namely, that rebellion had made it necessary: but it ex- cited intense j)oj)ular anger and every colony from New Ham{)shire to Georgia, made common cause with the two whose rights had been especially invaded. SuVjsequently the Continental Congress thundered it into the ear of the world, as an unendurable outrage, sufficient to justify universal insurrection against the authority of the Government which had allowed it to be done. If the men who fought out our revolutionary contest, when they came to frame a government for themselves and their posterity, had failed to insert a provision making the trial by jury perpetual and universal, they would have covered themselves all over with infamy as with a garment; for they would have proved themselves basely lecreant to the principles of that very liberty of which they professed to be the special champions. But they were guilty of 524 Hli^TORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. iiosiu'h treachery. They not only took care of ttie trial by jury, but they reguhited every step to be taken in a criminal trial. They knew very well that no people could be free under a government which had the power to punish without restraint. Hanulton ex- pressed in the Federalist, the universal sentiment of his time, when he said, that tlie arbitrary power of conviction and j)Unish- ment for pretended offenses, had been the great engine of despot- ism in all ages and all countries. The existence of such a power is utterly incompatible with freedom. The difference between a master and his slave, consists only in this : that the master holds the lash in his hands and he may use it without legal restraint, wJiile the naked back of the slave is bound to take whatever is laid on it. But our fathers were not absurd enough to put unlimited power in the hands of the ruler and take away the protection of law from the riglits of individuals. It was not thus that they meant "to se- cure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity." They determined that not one drop of the blood which had been shed on the otiier side of the Atlantic, during seven centuries of contest with arbitrary })Ower. should sink into the ground ; but the fruits of every popular victory should be garnered up in this new government. Of all the great rights already won tliey threw not an atom away. They went over JIagna Charta, the J^etition of Eights, the JBill of Rights, and the rules of the common law, and whatever was found there to favor individual liberty they carefully inserted in their own system, improved by clearer ex- pression, strengthened by heavier sanctions, and extended by a more universal api)lication. They put all those provisions into the organic law, so that neither tyranny in the executive, nor party rage in the Legislature could change them without destroy- ing the Government itself. Look for a moment at the i)articulars and see how carefully everything connected with the administration of punitive justice is guarded. 1. No ex post facto law shall be passed. No man shall be answerable criminally for any act which was not defined and made punishable as a crime by some law in force at the time when the act was done. 2. For an act which is criminal he cannot be arrested without a HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. .525 judicial warrant fouiuled on proof of j)roV)able cause. He shall not be kidnapped and shut up on the mere report of some base spy who gathers the materials of a false accusation by crawling into his house and listening at the key-hole of his chamber door. 3. He shall not be compelled to testify against himself. He may be examined before he is committed, and tell his own story if he pleases; but the rack shall be put out of sight, and even his conscience shall not lie tortured ; nor shall his unpublished {>apers be used against him, as was done most wrongfully in the case of Algernon Sydney. 4. He shall be entitled to a sjteedy trial ; not kept in prison for an indefinite time without the opportunity of vindicating his innocence. 5. He shall be informed of the accusation, its nature, and grounds. The public accuser must put the charge into the form of a legal indictment, so that the party can meet it full in the face. 6. Even to the indictment he need not answer unless a grand jury, after hearing the evidence, shall say upon their oaths that they believe it to be true. 7. Then comes the trial, aYid it must be before a regular court, of competent jurisdiction, ordained and established for the State and district in which the crime Avas committed; and this shall not be evaded by a legislative change in the district after the crime is alleged to be done. 8. His guilt or innocenc:" shall be determined by an impartial jury. These English words are to be understood in their English sense, and they mean that the jurors shall be fairly selected by a sworn officer from among the peers of the party, residing within the local jurisdiction of the court. When they are called into the l)o\- he can purge the panel of all dishonesty, prejudice, i)er- sonal enmity, and ignorance by a certain number of peremptory challenges, atid as many more challenges as he can suf'tain by showing reasonable cause. 9. The trial shall be public and 0))en, that no underhand ad- vantage may be taken. The party shall be confronted with the witnesses against hira, have compulsory jirocess for his own wit- nesses, and be entitled to the assistance of counsel in his defense. 10. After the evidence is heard and discussed, unless the jury 526 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA GO UNI Y shall, upon their oaths, xmanimously agree to surrender him up into the hands of the court as a guilty man, not a hair of his head can be touched in way of punishment. 11. After a verdict of guilty he is still protected. No cruel or unusual punishment shall l)e inflicted, nor any punishment at all, except what is annexed by tlie law to his offense. It cannot be doubted for a moment that if a person convicted of an offense not capital were to be hung on the oi'der of a judge, such judge would be guilty of murder as plainly as if he should comedown from the bench, tuck up the sleeves of his gown, and let out the prisoner's blood with his own hand. 12. After all is over, the law continues to spread its guardian- ship around him. Whether he is acquitted or condemned he shall never again be molested for that offense. No man shall be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb for the same cause. These rules apply to all criminal prosecutions. But, in addition to these, certain special regulations were required for treason — the one great political charge under which more innocent men have fallen than any other. A tyrannical government calls every- body a traitor who shows the least unwillingness to be a slave. The party in power never fails, when it can, to stretch the law on that subject by construction, so as to cover its honest and consci- entious oj)ponents. In the absence of a constitutional provision it was justly feared that st'Uutes might be passed which would put the lives of the most ])atriotic citizens at the mercy of the basest minions that skulk about under the pay of the Executive. Therefore a detinitiou of treason was given in the fundamental law, and the legislative authority could not enlarge it to serve the purpose of jiartisaii malice. The nature nnd amount of evidence required to prove the crime was also prescribed, so that prejudice and enmity might have no share in the conviction. And lastly, the punishment was so limited that the propei'ty of the party could not be confiscated and uut it was not easily done: the courts were op}»osed t'» it, for it limited their power — a kind of power that everybody covets — the power to punish with- out regard to law. He was obliged to hang forty-four judges in one year for refusing to give his subjects a trial by jury. When the historian says that he hung them, it is not meant that he put them to death without a trial. He had them impeached before the grand council of the nation, the Wittenagemote, the parlia- 528 HISTOBY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. merit of that time. During the subsequent period of Saxon domination no man on English soil was powerful enough to refuse a legal trial to the meanest peasant. If any minister or any king, in war or in peace, had dared to punish a freeman by a tribunal of his own appointment, he would have roused the wrath of the whole population ; all orders of society would have resisted it ; lord and vassal, knight and squire, pi'iest and penitent, bocman and socman, master and thrall, copyholder and villein, would have risen in one mass and burnt the offender to death in his castle, or followed him in his flight and torn him to atoms. It was again trampled down by the Norman conquerors ; but the evils resulting from the want of it united all classes in the effort which compelled King John to restore it by the Great Chartei*. Everybody is familiar with the struggles which the English people, during many generations, made for their rights with the Plantaganets, the Tudors, and the Stuarts, and which ended final- ly in the revolution of 1688, when the liberties of England were placed upon an impregnable basis by the Bill of Rights. Many times the attempt was made to stretch the royal author- ity far enough to justify military trials ; but it never had more than temporary success. Five hundred years ago Edward II closed up a great rebellion by taking the life of its leader, the Earl of Lancaster, after trying him before a military court. Eight years later that same king, together with his lords and commons in Parliament assembled, acknowledged with shame and sorrow that the execution of Lancaster was a mere murder, because the courts were open and he might have had a legal trial. Queen Elizabeth, for sundry reasons affecting the safety of the State, ordered that certain offenders not of her army should be tried according to the law martial. But she heard the storm of popular vengeance rising, and, haughty, imperious, self-willed as she was, she yielded the point; for she knew that upon that sub- ject the English people would never consent to be trifled with. Strafford, as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, tried the Viscount Stormont before a military commission, and cut off his head. When impeached for it, he pleaded in vain that Ireland was in a state of insurrection, that Stormont was a traitor, and the army would be undone if it could not defend itself without appealing to the civil courts. The Parliament was deaf ; the King himself HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 529 could not save liini; he was condemned to suffer death as a traitor aud a murderer. Charles I. issued commissions to divers officers for the trial of his.enemies according to the course of mil- itary law. If rebellion ever was an excuse for such an act, he could surely have pleaded it ; for there was scarcely a spot in his kingdom, from sea to sea, where the royal authority was not dis- puted by somebody. Yet the Parliament demanded in their pe- tition of right, and the King was obliged to concede, that all hia commissions were illegal. James II claimed the right to suspend the operation of the penal laws — a power which the courts denied — but the experience of his predecessors taught him that he could not suspend any man's right to a trial. He could easily have con- victed the seven bishops of any offence he saw fit to charge them with if he could have selected their judges from among the mer- cenary creatures to whom he had given commands in his army. But this he dared not do. He was obliged to send the bishops to a jury and endure the mortification of seeing them acquitted. He, too, might have had rebellion for an excuse, if rebellion be an excuse. The conspiracy was already ripe which a few months afterwards made him an exile and an outcast ; he had reason to believe that the Prince of Orange was making his preparations on the other side of the channel to invade the kingdom, where thous- ands burned to join him; nay, he pronounced the bishops guilty of rebellion by the very act for which he arrested them. He had raised an army to meet the rebellion, and he was on Ilounslow Heath reviewing the troops organized for that purpose, when he heard the great shout of joy that went up from Westminster Plall, was echoed back from Temple Bar, spread down the city and over the Thames, and rose from every vessel on the river — the simul- taneous shout of two hundred thousand men for the triumph of justice and law. If it were worth the time, I might detain you by showing how this subject was treated by the F'rench Court of Cassation in Geoff roy's case, under the constitution of 1830, when a military judgment was unhesitatingly pronounced to be void, though ordered by the King, after a j)roclamation declaring Paris in a state of siege. Fas est ah hoste doceri : we may lawfully learji something from our enemies — at all events we should blush at the thought of not being equal on such a subject to the courts of 530 HIS TOR T OF COL UMBIA CO UNTT. Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas, whose decisions my colleague, General Garfield, has read and commented on. The truth is, that no authority exists anywhere in the world for the doctrine of the Attorney General. No judge or jurist, no statesman or parliamentary orator, on this or the other side of the water, sustains him. Every elementary writer from Coke to Wharton is against him. All military authors who profess to know the duties of their profession admit themselves to be under, not above, the laws. No book can be found in any library to justify the assertion that military tribunals may try a citizen at a place where the courts are open. When I say no book, I mean, of course, no book of acknowledged authority. I do not deny that hireling clergymen have often been found to disgrace the pulpit by trying to prove the divine right of kings and other rulers to govern as they please. It is true, also, that court syc- ophants and party hacks have many times written pamphlets, and perhaps large volumes, to show that those whom they serve should be allowed to work out their bloody will upon the people. No abuse of poAver is too flagrant to find its defenders among such servile creatures. Those butchers' dogs that feed upon garbage and fatten upon the offal of the shambles are always ready to bark at whatever interferes with the trade of their mas- ter. But this case does not depend on authority. It is rather a question of fact than of law. I prove my right to a trial by jury just as I would prove my title to an estate if I held in my hand a solemn deed conveying it to me, coupled with undeniable evidence of long and undis- turbed possession under and according to the deed. There is the charter by which we claim to hold it. It is called the Constitu- tion of the United States. It is signed by the sacred name of George Washington, and by thirty-nine other names, only less illustrious than his. They represented every independent State then upon this continent, and each State afterwards ratified their work by a separate convention of its own people. Every State that subsequently came in acknowledged that this was the great standard by which their rights were to be measured. Every man that has ever held office in the country, from that time to this, has taken an oath that he would support and sustain it through HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 531 good rei)ort am! through evil. The Attorney General himself became a party to the instrument when he laid his hand upon the gospel of God and solemnly swore that he would give to me and every other citizen tlie full btMietit of all it contains. What does it contain ? This, among other things : "The trial of all crimes except in cases of impeachment shall be by jury." Again : "No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except incases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject for the same oflFense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor be com- pelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law ; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation." This is not all ; another article declares that "in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by jhi impartial jury of the State and district where- in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law ; and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him ; to have compulsory process for the wit- nesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense." Is there any ambiguity thei-ef If that does not signify that a jury trial shall be the exclusive and only means of ascertaining guilt in criminal cases, then I demand to know what words or what collocation of words in the English language would have that effect? Does this mean that a fair, open, speedy, public trial by an impartial jury shall be given only to those persons against whom no special grudge is felt by the Attorney General, or the judge advocate, or the head of a department? Shall this inestimable privilege be extended only to men whom the admin- istration does not care to convict? Is it conBned to vulgar crim- inals, who commit ordinary crim^■s against society, and shall it be denied to men who are accused of such offenses as th'se for which Sydney and Russell wcro belieaded, and Alice Lisle was 032 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY- hung, and Elizabeth Gaunt was burnt alive, and John Bunyan was imprisoned fourteen years, and Baxter was whipped at the cart's tail, and Prynn had his ears cut off t No ; the words of the Con- stitution are all-erabracing — "As broad and general as the casing air." The trial of ALL crimes shall be by jury. ALL persons ac- cused shall enjoy that privilege — and NO person shall be held to answer in any other way. That should be sufficient without more. But there is another consideration which gi\es it ten fold power. It is a universal rule of construction, that general words in any instrument, though they may be weakened by enumeration, are always strengthened by exceptions. Here is no attempt to enumerate the particular cases in which men charged with criminal offenses shall be enti- tled to a jury trial. It is simply declared that all shall have it. But that is coupled with a statement of two specitic exceptions : cases of impeachment; and cases arising in the land or naval forces. These exceptions strengthen the application of the general rule to all other cases. Where the law-giver himself has declared when and in what circumstances you may depart from the general rule, you shall not presume to leave that onward path for other reasons, and make different exceptions. To exce[)tions, the maxim is always applicable, that expressio tijiius exelusio est alterms. But Ave are answered that the judgment under consideration, was pronounced in time of war, and it is therefore at least, mor- ally excusable. There may or there may not be something in that. I admit that the merits or demerits of any particular act, whether it involve a violation of the Constitution or not, depend upon the motives that prompted it, the time, the occasion and all the at- tending circumstances. When the people of this country come to decide upon the acts of their rulers, they will take all these things into consideration. But that presents the political aspect of the case with which, I trust, we have nothing to do here. I decline to discuss it. I would only say, in order to prevent misap- prehension, that I think it is precisely in a time of war and civil commotion, that we should double the guai'ds upon the Constitu- tion. If the sanitary regulations which defend the health of a HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 533 city are ever to be reluxcd, it oiiglit certainly not to be done when pestilence is abroad. When the Mississippi shrinks within its natural channel, and creeps lazily along the bottom, the inhabi- tants of the adjoining shore have no need of a dyke to save them from inundation. But w hen the boon.ing Hood conies down from above, and swells into a volume which rises high above the plain on either side, tlien a crevasse in the levee, becomes a most serious thing. So in peaceabb- and quiet times, our legal rights are in little danger of being overborne ; l)ut when the wav e of ar- bitrary power laslies itself into violence and rage, and goes surg- ing up against the barriers which were made to confine it, then we need tlie whole strength of an unbroken Constitution to save us from destruction. IJut this is a question which properly I e- longs to the jurisdiction of the stump and the newspaper. There is another quasi political argument — necessity. If the law was voilated because it could not be obeyed, that might be an excuse. ]}ut no absolute compidsion is pretended here. These commissioners acted, at most, under what they regarded as a moial necessity. The choice was left them to obey the law or disobey it The disoliedience was only necessary as means to an tiid which they thought desirable ; and now tliey assert that though these means are unlawful and wrong, they are made right, because without them the object could not be accomplished; in other words, the enil justifies tlic means. There you have a rule of conduct denounced by all law, human and divine, as being per- nicious in policy and false in morals. See how it applies to this case! Here were three men whom it was desirable to remove out of this world, but there was no proof on which any court would take their lives ; therefore it was necessary, and being necessary it was right and proper, to create an illegal tribunal which would put them to death without proof, liy the same mode of reason- ing you can prove it equally right to poison them in their food, or stab them in their sleep. Nothing that the worst men ever propounded has produced so much oppression, misgovernment. and sulferiiig as this pretence of Stale necessity. A great authority calls it "the tyrant's devil- ish plea;" and the connnon honesty of all mankind has branded it with everlasting infamy. Of course, it is mere absurdity to say that these rel.itors were 534 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. necessarily deprive*! of their right lo a fair and legal trial, for the record shows that a court of competent jurisdiction was sit- ting at the very time and in the same town, where justice would have been done without sale, denial, or delay. But concede for the argument's sake that a trial by jury was wholly impossible ; admit that there was an absolute, overwhelming, imperious neces- sity operating so as literally to compel every act which the com- missioners did, would that give their sentence of death the validity and force of a legal judgment pronounced by an ordaitied and established court? The question answers itself. This trial was a violation of law, and no necessity could be more than a mere excuse for those who committed it. If the commissioners were on trial for murder or conspiracy to murder, they might plead neces- sity if the fact were true, just as they would plead insanity or anything else to show that their guilt was not willful. But we are riow considering the legal eifect of their decision, and that de- pends on their legal authority to make it. They had no such au- thority ; they usurped a jurisdiciion which the law not only did not give them, but expressly forbade them to exercise, and it fol- lows that their act is void, whatever may have been the real or supposed excuse for it. If these commissioners, instead of aiming at the life and liberty of the relators, had attempted to deprive them of their property by a sentence of confiscation, would any court in Christendom de- clare that such a sentence divested the title? Or M'ould a person claiming under the sentence make his right any better by show- ing that the illegal assumption of jurisdiction was accompanied by some excuse which might save the commissioners from a crim- inal prosecution? Let me illustrate still further. Suppose you, the judges of this Court, to be surrounded in the hall where you are sitting by a body of armed insurgents, and compelled by main force to pro- nounce sentence of death upon the President of the United States for some act of his upon which you have no legal authority to ad- judicate. There would be a valid sentence if necessity alone could create jurisdiction. But could the President be legally ex- ecuted under it? No; the compulsion under which you acted would be a good defense for you against an impeachment or an indictment for murder, but it would add nothing to the validity IIISIORY OF COLUMBIA CO UN IT. o35 of 11 jiuigmc'iit wliich the law forbade you to givt. That a necessity for violating the law is nothing more than a mere excuse to the perjjetrator, and does not in any legal sense change the quality of the act itself in its operation upon other parties, is a proposition too plain on original principles to need the aid of authority. I do not see how any man of common sense is to stand up and dispute it. But there is decisive authority upon the point. In I8I0 at New Orleans, General Jackson took upon himself the conunand of every })erson in the city, suspended the functions i»f all the civil authorities, and made his own will for a time the only rule of conduct. It was believed to be abso- lutely necessary. Judges, othcers of the city corporation, and members of the State Legislature insisted on it as the only way to save the ''booty and beauty" of the place from the unspeaka- ble outrages committed at Badajoz and St. Sebastian by the very same troops then marching to the attack. Jackson used the power thus taken by him moderately, sparingly, benignly, and only for tlie jturpose of preventing mutiny in his camp. A sin- gle mutineer was restrained by a short continement, and another was sent four miles up the river. But after he had saved the city, and the danger was all over, he stood before the court to be tried by the law ; his conduct was decided to be illegal by the same judge who had declared it to be necessary, and he paid the penalty without a murnnir. The sujjreme court of Louisiana, in Johnson vs. Duncan, decided that everything done during the siege in pursuance of martial rule, but in contlict with the law of the land was void and of none effect, without reference to the circumstances which made it necessary. Long afterwards the fine imposed upon Jackson was refunded because his friends, while they admitted him to have violated the law, insisted that the neces- sity which drove him to it ought to have saved him from the pun- ishment due only to a willful offender. The learned counsel on the other side will not assert that there was war at Indianapolis in 1864, for they liave read Coke's Insti- tute, and Judge Grier's opinion iu iheprize cases, and of course they know it to be a settled rule that war cannot be said to exist where the civil courts are open. They will not set up the absurd plea of necessity, for they are well aware that it would nut be true in point of fact. They will hardly take the ground that any o3G III8T0R Y O F COL UMBIA CO UNTY. kind of necessity could give legal validity to that which tlu- law forbids. This, therefore, must bo their position. That although there was no war at the place where this commission sat, and no actual necessity for it, yet, if there was a war anywhere else, to which the Ignited States were a party, the technical effect of such war was to take the jurisdiction away from the civil courts and transfer it to army officers. GEN. BUTLEK. We do not take that position. Mr. BLACK. Then they can take no ground at all, for noth- ing else is left. I do not wonder to see them recoil from their own doctrine when its nakedness is held up to their eyes. But they 7nust stand upon that or give up the cause. They may not state their proposition precisely as I state it ; that is too plain a way of putting it. But, in substance, it is their doctrine — has been the doctrine of the Attorney General's office ever since the advent of the present incumbent — and is the doctrine of their brief, printed and filed in this case. What else can they say ? They will admit that the Constitution is not altogether without a meaning; that at a time of universal peace it imposes some kind of obligation upon those who swear to support it. If no war existed they would not deny the exclusive jurisdiction of the civil courts in criminal cases. How then did the military get jurisdiction in Indiana? All men who hold the Attorney General's ojnnion to be true, answer the question I have put by saying that military jurisdic- tion conies from the mere existence of war : and it comes in Indiana onlj- as the legal result of a war which is going on in Missisippi, Tennessee, or South Carolina. The Constitution is repealed, or its operation suspended in one State because there is war in another. The courts are open, the organization of society is intact, the judges are on the bench, and their process is not impeded ; but their jurisdiction is gone. Why ? Because, say our opponents, war exists, and the silent, legal, technical operation of that fact is to deprive all American citizens of their right to a fair trial. That class of jurists and statesmen who hold that the trial by jury is lost to the citizen during the existence of war, carry out their doctrine theoretically and practically to its ultimate conse- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. .537 (jueiiCL's. TIk' light of trial by jury V)fiiig gone, all other rights are gone with it ; therefore a man may be arrested without an accusation anil kept in prison during the jtleasure of his captors ; his papers may be searched without a warrant; his property may be confiscated behind his back, and he has no earthly means of redress. Nay, an attempt to get a just remedy is construed as a new crime. He dare not even complain, for the right of free speech is gone with the rest of his riglits. If you sanction that doctrine, what is to be the consequence ? I do not speak of what is past and gone ; but in case of a future war what results will follow from your decision endorsing the Attorney General's views ? They are very obvious. At the instant when the war begins, our whole system of legal government will tumble into ruin, and if we are not all robbed, and kidnapped, and hanged, and drawn, and quartered, we will owe our inununity, not to the Constitution and laws, but to the mere mercy or policy of those persons wlio may tlion happen to control the organized j>hysical force of the country. This certainly puts us in a most precarious condition ; we must liave war about half the time, do what we may to avoid it. The Pi-esi(lent or Congress can wantonly provoke a war whenever it suits the purpose of either to do so ; and they can keep it going as long as they please, even after the actual conflict of arms is over. When peace woos them they can ignore her existence ; and thus tliey can make the war a chronic condition of the coun- try, and tlie slavery of the people perpetual. Nay, we are at the mercy of any foreign potentate who may envy us the possession of those liberties which we boast of so much ; he can shatter our Constitution without striking a single blow or bringing a gun to bear upon us. A simple declaration of hostilities is more terrible to us than an army witli banners. To me, this seems the wildest delusion that ever took possession of a human brain. If there be one principle of political ethics more universally acknowledged than another, it is that war, and especially civil war, can be justified only when it is undertaken to vindicate and uphold the legal and constitutional rights of the people; not to trample them down. He who carries on a system of wholesale slaughter for any other jnirpose, must stand without excuse before God or man. In a lime of war, more than at 538 TIISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. any other time, imblic liberty is in tlie hands of the public officers. And she is there in double irust ; iirst, as tliey are cili/ens and therefore bound to defend her, by the common obligation of all citizens ; and next, as they are her special guardians — "Who should ai^aitist her murderers shut the door Not bear the knife themselves." The opposing argument, when turned into plain English, means this, and this only: that when the Constitution is attacked upon one side, its otHcial guardians may assail it u])on the other: when rebellion strikes it in the face, they may take advantage of the blineir fnini among his own creatures and dependents. You can well imagine liow thai great heart would have sw elled with indignation at the bare thought of such an insulting outrage upon the liberty and law of his country. In the war of 1812, the man emphatically called the Father of the Constitution was the su[»remc K.vecutive Magistrate. Talk of perilous times ! there was the severest trial this Union ever saw. That was no half-organized rebellion on the one side of the cuntlict, to be crushed by the hostile millions and unbounded re- sources of the other. The existence of the nation was threatened by the most formidable military and naval power then ui)on the face of the earth. Every town ujion the northern frontier, upon the Atlantic seaboard, and upon the Gulf coast was in daily and hourly danger. The enemy had jienetrated the heart of Ohio. New York, renn8}ivania, and Virginia were all of them threaten- ed fi(im the west as well as from the east. This Capitol was taken, and burned, and pillaged, and every member of the Federal Administration was a fugitive before the invading army. Mean- while, party spirit was breaking out into actual treason all over New England. Four of those slates refused to furnish a man or a dollar even for their own defence. Their public authorities were plotting the dismemberment of the Union, and individuals among them were burning blue lights upon the coast as a signal to the enemy's ships. But in all this storm of disaster, with foreign war in his front, and domestic treason on his Hank, Madison gave out no sign that he would aid old England and New England to break uj) this government of laws. On the contrary he and all his sup- porters, though compassed round with darkness and with danger, stood faithfully between the Constitution and its enemies ••To shield it, and save it, or perish there too." The framers of the Consiitulion and all their cotemporaries died and were buried ; their children succeeded them and con- tinued (Ml the stage of public; aiVairs until they, too, 540 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. "Lived out tlu'ir lease of life, and paid their breath To time and mortal custom ;" and a third generation was already far on its way to the grave be- fore this monstrous doctrine was conceived or thought of, that public officers all over the country might disregard tlieir oaths whenever a war or a rebellion was conmienced. Our friends on the other side are quite conscious that when they deny the binding obligation of the Constitution they must put some other system of law in its place. Their brief gives us notice that, while the Constitution, and the acts of Congress, and Magna Charta, and the common law, and all the rules of natural justice shall remain under foot, they will try American citizens according to the late of nations ! But the law of nations takes no notice of the subject. If that system did contain a special pro- vision that a government might hang one of its own citizens without judge or jury, it would still be competent for the Ameri- can people to say, as they have said, that no such thing should ever be done here. That is my answer to the law of the nations. But then they tell us that the laics of tear must be treated as paramount. Here they become mysterious. Do they mean that code of public law which defines the duties of two belligerent parties to one another, and regulates the intercourse of neutrals with both ? If yes, then it is simply a recurrence to the law of nations, which has nothing on earth to do with the subject. Do they mean that portion of our municipal code which defines our duties to the Government iu war as well as in peace ? Then they are speaking of the Constitution and laws, which declare in ])lain words that the Government owes every citizen a fair legal trial, as nuich as the citizen owes obedience to the Government. They are in search of an argument under difficulties. When they appeal to international law, it is silent ; and when they in- terrogate the law of the land, the answer is an unequivocal con- tradiction of their whole theory. The Attorney General tells us that all ])ersons whom he and his associates choose to denounce for giving aid to the rebellion, are to be treated as being themselves a part of the rebellion — they are public enemies, and therefore they may be punished Avithout being found guilty by a competent court or a jury. This convenient rule woidd outlaw every citizen the moment he is HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 541 charged with a political offense. But political offenders are pre- cisely the class of persons who most need the protection of a court and jury, for the prosecutions against them are most likely to be unfounded both in fact and in law. Whether innocent or guilty, to accuse is to convict them before the ignorant and bigoted men who generally sit in military courts. But this court decided in the prize cases that all who live in the enemy's terri- tory are jiublic enemies, without regard to their personal senti- ments or conduct ; and the converse of the proposition is equally true — that all who reside inside of our own territory are to be tri ated as under the protection of the law. If they help the enemy they are criminals, but they cannot be punished without legal conviction. You have heard much (and you will hear more very soon; con- cerning the natural and inherent right of the Government to de- fend itself without regard to law. Tliis is wholly fallacious. In a despotism the autocrat is unrestricted in the means he may use for the defense of his authority against the opposition of his own subjects or others ; and that is precisely what makes him a despot. But in a limited monarchy the prince must confine himself to a legal defense of his government. If he goes beyond that, and commits aggressions on the rights of the people, he breaks the social compact, releases his subjects from all their obligations to liini, renders himself liable to be hurled from his throne, and dragged to the block or driven into exile. This principle was sternly enforced in the cases of Charles I. and James II, and we have it announced on the highest official authority here that the Queen of England cannot ring a little bell on her table and cause a man by her arbitrary order to be arrested under any pre- tense whatever. If that be true, how much more true must it be here, where we have no personal sovereign and where our only government is the Constitution and laws! A violation of law on pretense of saving such a Government as ours is not self-preser- vation, but suicide. ,Salus pojytdi suprema lex— ohaervc \i is not salus regis ; the safety of the 7^co/>;g, iiot the safety of the r^^er, is the, supreme law. When those who hold the authority of the Government in their hands behave in such manner as to put the liberties and rights of the people in jeopardy, the people ma) rise against them 542 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA GO UNI Y and overthrow them without regard to that law which requires obedience to them. The maxim is revolutionary and expresses simply the right to resist tyranny without regaid to prescribed forms. It can never be used to stretch the powers of gov>'rnment againM the people. If this Government of ours has no power to defend itself with- out violating its own laws, it carries the seeds of destruction in its own bosom ; it is a poor, weak, blind, staggering thing, and the sooner it tumbles over the better. But it has a most efficient legal mode of protecting itself against all possible danger. It is clothed from head to foot in a complete panoply of defensive ar- mor. What are the perils which may threaten its existence ? I am not able at this moment to think of more than these which I am about to mention ; foreign invasion, domestic insurrection, mutiny in the army and navy, corruption in the civil administra- tion, and last but not least, criminal violations ot its laws com- mitted by individuals among the body of the people. Have we not a legal mode of defense against all these "? Yes, military force repels invasion and suppresses insurrection ; you preserve discipline in the army and navy by means of courts-martial ; you preserve the purity of the civil administration by impeaching dis- honest magistrates ; and crimes are prevented and punished by the regular judicial authorities. You are not merely compelled to use these weapons against your enemies, because they and they only are justified by the law ; you ought to use them because they are more efficient than any other, and less liable to be abused. There is another view of the subject which settles all contro- versy about it. No human being in this country can exercise any kind of public autViority which is not confen-ed by liw ; and un- der the United States it must be given by the express words of a writtt-n statute. Whatever is not so given is withheld, and the exercise of it is positively prohibited. Courts-martial in the army and navy are authorized ; they are legal institutions ; their jur- isdiction is limited, and their whole code of procedure is regulated by act of Congress. Upon the civil courts all the jurisdiction they have or can have is bestowed by law, and if one of them goes beyond what is written, its action is ultra vires and void. I?ut a military commission is not a court-martial, and it is not a civil court. It is not governed by the law which is made for HI8T0R T OF COL UMB I A GO UNTY. .543 either, and it has no law of its own. Within the last five years we have seen, for the first time, self -constituted tribunals not only assuming power which the law did not give them, but thrusting aside the regular courts to which the power was exclusively given. What is the consequence? This terrible authority is wholly "undefined, and its exercise is without any legal control. Undele- gated j»ower is alvva}'? unlimited. The field that lies outside of the Constitution and laws has no boundary. Thierry, the French historian of England, says that when the crown and sceptre were offered to Cromwell, he hesitated for several days and answered, "Do not make me a king ; for then my hands will be tied up by the laws which define the duties of that oftice ; but make me pro tector of the commonwealth and I can do what I please ; no stat- ute restraining arid limiting the royal prerogative will apply to rae." So these commissions have no legal origin and no legal name by which they are known among the children of men ; no law ap- plies to them; and they exercise all power for the paradoxical reason that none belongs to them rightfully Ask the Attt>rney Gemral what rules apjjly to military commis- sions in the exercise of their assumed authority over civilians. Come, Mr. Attorney, "gird up thy loins now like a man ; I will demand of thee, and thou shalt declare unto me if thou hast un- derstanding.'' How is a military commission organized? What shall be the number and rank of its members ? What offenses come within its jurisdiction'? What is its code of procedure ? How shall witnesses be compelled to attend it? Is it perjury for a wit- uess to swear falsely? What is the function of the judge advo- cate? Does he tell the members how they must find, or does he only persuade them to convict? Is he the agent of the Goviern- ment, to command them what evidence they shall admit and what sentence they shall pronounce ; or does he always carry his point, right or wrong, by the mere force of eloquence and ingenuity? What is the nature of their punishments? May they confiscate properly and levy fines as well as imprison and kill? In addition to strangling their victim, may they also deny him the last conso- lations of religion, and refuse his family the melancholy privilege of giving him a decent grave? To none of these questions can tl e Attorney General make a 544 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. reply, for there is no law on the subject. He will not attempt to "darken counsel by words without knowledge" and, therefore, like Job, he can only lay his hand upon his mouth and keep si- lence. The power exercised through these military commissions is not only unregulated by law but it is incapable of being so regulated. What is it that you claim, Mr. Attorney "? I will give you a de- finition, the correctness of which you will not attempt to gainsay. You assert the right of the executive government, without the intervention of the judiciary, to capture, imprison, and kill any person to whom that government or its paid dependents may choose to impute an offense. This, in its very essence, is despotic and lawless. It is never claimed or tolerated except by those governments which deny the restraints of all law. It has been exercised by the great and small oppressors of mankind ever since the days of Nirarod. It operates in different ways ; the tools it uses are not always the same ; it hides its hideous features under many disguises ; it assumes every variety of form ; "It can change shapes with Proteus for advantages, And set the murderous Machiavel to school." But in all its mutations of outward appearance it is still identical in principle, object, and origin. It is always the same great engine of despotism which Hamilton described it to be. Under the old French monarchy the favorite fashion of it was a lettre de cachet, signed by the king, and this would consign the party to a loathsome dungeon until he died, forgotten by all the world. An imperial uJcase will answer the same purpose in Rus- sia. The most faithful subject of that amiable autocracy may lie down in the evening to dream of his future prosperity, and before daybreak he will find himself between two dragoons on his way to the mines of Siberia. In Tui'key the verbal order of the Sul- tan or any of his powerful favorites will cause a man to be tied up in a sack and cast into the Bosphorus. Nero accused Peter and Paul of spreading a "pestilent superstition," which they called the gospel. He heard their defense in person, and sent them to the cross. Afterwards he tried the whole Christian chia*ch in one body on a charge of setting fire to the city, and he convicted them though he knew not only that they were innocent, but that he himself had committed the crime. The judgment was follow- H18T0JRY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 545 ed by mstant execution ; he let loose the Praetorian guards upon men, women, and children to drown, butcher, and burn theniv Herod saw fit, for good political reasons, closely affecting the permanence of his reign in Judea, to punish certain joosstWc trait- ors in Bethlehem by anticipation. This required the death of all the children in that city under two years of age. He issued his "general order;" and his provost marshal carried it out with so much alacrity and zeal that in one day the whole land was till- ed with mourning and lamentation. Macbeth understood the whole philosophy of the subject. He was an unlimited monarch. His power to punish for any offence or for no offence at all was as broad as that which the Attorney- General claims for himself and his brother officers under the United States. But he was more cautious how he used it. He had a dangerous rival, from whom he apprehended the most seri- ous peril to the "life of his government." The necessity to get rid of him was plain enough, but he could not afford to shock the moral sense of the world by pleading political necessity for a murder. He must "Mask the business from the common eye." Accordingly he sent for two enterprising gentlemen whom he took into his service upon liberal pay — "made love to their assis- tance ;" and got them to deal with the accused party. He acted as his own judge advocate. He made a most elegant and stirring speech to persuade his agents that Banquo was their oppressor, and had "held them so under fortune" that he ought to die for that alone. When they agreed that he was their enemy, then said the king — "So is he mine, and though I could Witli barefaced power sweep him from my siglit And bid my will avouch it ; yet I vimt not, For certain friends, who are both his and mine. Whose loves I may not drop." For these, and "many weighty reasons" besides, he thought it best to commit the execution of his design to a subordinate agency. The commission thus organized in Banquo's case sat upon him that very night at a convenient place beside the road where it was known he would be traveling ; and they did pre- cisely what the Attorney General says the military officers may do in this country — they took ayd killed him. because their em- rA6 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ployer at the head of the government wanted it done, and paid them for doing it out of the public treasury. But of all the persons that ever wielded this kind of power, the one who went most directly to the purpose and object of it was Lola Montez. She reduced it to the elementary principle. In 1848. when she was minister and mistress to the Kin 2 of Bavaria she dictated all the measures of the government. The times were troublesome. . All over Germany the spirit of reberion was rising; everywhere the people wanted to see a first-class revolution, like that which had just exploded in France. Many persons in Bava- ria disliked to be governed so absolutely by a lady of the char- acter which Lola Montez bore, and some of them were rash enou(j-h to say so. Of course that was treason, and she went about to punish it in the simplest of all possible ways. She bouij-ht herself a pack of English bull dogs, trained to tear the flesh, and mangle the limbs, and lap the life-blood ; and with thf'se dogs at her heels, she marched up and down the streets of Munich with a most majestic tread, and with a sense of power which any judge advocate in America might envy. When she saw any person whom she chose to denounce for "thwarting the government" or ''using disloyal language,'' her obedient followers needed but a sign to make them spring at the throat of their vic- tim. It gives me unspeakable pleasure to tell you the sequel. The people rose in their strength, smashed down the whole ma- chinery of oppression, and drove out into uttermost shame king, strumpet, dogs, and all. From that time to this neither man, woman, nor beast, has dai'ed to worry or kill the people of Ba- varia. All these are but so many different ways of using the arbiti*ary power to punish. The variety is merely in the means which a tyrannical government takes to destroy those whom it is bound to pi-otect. Everywhere it is but another construction, on the same principle, of that remorseless machine by which despotism wreaks its vengeance on those who offv'nd it. In a civilized country it nearly always uses the military force, because that is the sharp- est, and surest, as well as the best looking instrument that can be found for such a purpose. But in none of its forms can it be in- troduced into this country; we have no room for it; the ground here is all preoccupied by legal and free institutions. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 547 Between the officers who have a power like this and the people wlio are liable to become its victims, there can be no relation ex- cept that of master and slave. The master may be kind and the slave may be contented in his bondage ; but the man who can take your life, or restrain your liberty, or despoil you of your property at his discretion, either with his own hands or by means of a hired overseer, owns you and he can force you to serv<' him. All you are, and all you have, including your wives and children, are his property. If my learned and very good friend, the Attorney General, had this right <)f domination over me, I should not be very much frightened, for 1 should expect him to use it as moderately as any man in all the world; but still I should feel the necessity of being very discreet. He n)ighi change in a short time. The thirst for blood is an appetite which grows by what it feeds upon. We can- not know him by present appearances. Robespierre resigned a country judgeship in early life, because he was too tender-hearted to pronounce sentence of death upon a convicted criminal. Calig- ula pas-ed for a most amiable young gentleman before he was clotht'd with the imperial purjde, and for about eight months after- wards It was Trajan, I think, who said that absolute power would convert any nian into a wild beast, whatever was the origi- nal benevolence of his nature. If you decide that the Attorney General holds in his own hands or shares with others the power of life and death over us all, I mean to be very cautious in ray intercouise with him; audi warn you, the judges whom I am now addressing, to do likewise. Trust not to the gentleness and kindness which has always marked his behavior heretofore. Keep voiir distance; be careful how you approach him; for you know not at what moment (u- by what a trifle you may rouse the sleep- ing tiger. Ivemember the injunction of Scripttire: "Go not near to the man who hath ))()wer to kill; and if thou come unto him, see that thou make r.o fault, lest he take away thy life presently ; for thou gocst amoiiLT snares ami walkest ui)on the battlenients of the city." The right of the executive govermuent to kill and imprison citi- zens for political oflfi-nses ha>^ not been i)ractically claimed in this country, except in cases where commissioned officers of the army were tlie instruments used. Why should ii be conlined to them? 548 IIISTOR Y OF OOL UMBIA CO UN T 1 . Why shoultl not naval otticei-s be permitted to share \\\ it '? What is the reason that connuon soldiers and seamen are exchid- ed from all participation in the business ? No law lias bestowed the rigl^t upon army otticers more than upon other persons. If men are to be hunor up without that legal trial Avhich the Consti- tution guarantees to them, why not employ co.innissions of clergy- men, merchants, manufacturers, horse-dealers, butchers, or drovers, to do it '? It will not be pretended that military men are better qualified to decide questions of fact or law than other classes of people ; for it is known on the contrary that they are, as a gener- al rule, least of all fitted to perform the duties that belong to a judge. The Attorney General think-* that a proceeding which takes avvay the lives of citizens without a constitutional trial is a most merciful dispensation. His idea of humanity as well as law is em- bodied in the bureau of military ju:?.tice, with all its dark and bloody machinery. For that strange opinion he gives this curious reason : that the duty of the commander-in-chief is to kill, and unless he has this bureau and these connnissions he nuist "butcher" indiscriminately without mercy or ju>tice. I admit that if the oommander-in chief or any other otHcer of the Government has the power of an Asiatic king, to butcher the people at pleasure, he ought to have som"body to aid him in selecting his victims, as well as to do the rough work of strangling ami shootinof. But if my learned friend will only condescend to cast an eye upon the Constitution, he will see at once that all the executive and milita- ry officers are completely relieved by the provision that the life of a citizen shall not be taken at all until after legal conviction by a court and jury. You cannot help but see that military commissions, if suffered to go on, will be useti for most pernicious purposes. I have criti- cized none of their past proceedings, nor made any allusion to their history in the last five years. But what can be the meaning of this elfort. to maintain them among us ? Certainly not to pun- ish actual guilt. All the ends of true justice are attained by the prompt, speedy, impartial trial which the courts are bound to give. Is there any danger that crime will be winked upon by the judges? Does anybody pi-etend that ci>uris and juries have less ability to decide upon facts and law than the men who sit in military trib- HISTOJiY OF VOLUMBJA COUNTY .549 uiiuls ? The counsel in tliis ciiuse will not insult ycMi l)y even liiiit- in<>: such an opinion. What righteous or just j)uri)Ose, then, em tliey serve'? None, whatever. But while they a'e utterly powerless to do even a shadow of good, they will l)e omnipotent to trample upon innocence, to gai; the truth, to silence patriotism, and crush the liberties (»f the country. They will always be organized to convict, ami the con- viction will follow the accusation as surely as night folhnvs the day. The (iovernmeiit of course, will accuse none bofon- sucli a commission except those whom it predetermines to ruin and de- stroy. Tlie accuser can choose the judges, and will certainly se- lect those wh(j are known to be the most ignorant, the most un piincijded. and the most ready to do whatever may please the power which gives them ))ay, promotion and plunder. The will- ing witness can be found as easily as the superserviceable judge. The treacherous spy, and the base informer — those loathsome wretches who do their lying i)y the job — will stock such a market with abundant perjuiy, for the authorities that employ tliem will be b(Mind to protect as well as reward them. A corrupt and tyrannical government, with such an engine at its command, will shock the world with the enormity of its crimes. Plied as it may be by the arts of a malignant priest- liood, and urged on by the madness of a raving crowd, it will be worse than the popish plot, or the French revolution — it will be a combiTiation of both, with Fouquier Tinville on the bench, and Titus Gates in the witness's box. You can save us from this honible fate. You alone can "deliver us from the body of this death." To that fearful extent is the destiny of this nation in }Our hands. — From the Reporter. ^^-•^fgF^ 550 HISTORY OF (WTAJMBIA COUNTY. OPINION OF THE COURT. No. 350. — Deckmbeu 'Ikkm, 1865. Ex parte : In matter of Lambilin P. Milligan, petitioner. On a certifi- cate of division of opinion between the Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Indiana. Mr. Justice Davis delivered the opinion of tlie Court: On tlie 10th day of May. 1865, Lanibdin P. Miiligan presented a petition to the Circuit of the Uniied States for the district of Indiana, to be dis- charged from an alleged unlawful inipris'uiuient. The case made by the petition is this : jVIilligan is a citizen of the United States ; has lived for twenty years in Indiana ; and, at the time of the grievances complained of, was not, and never had been in tiie mililary or naval service of the United States. On the 5th day of October, 1864, while at home, he was arrested by order of Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, commanding the military dis- trict of Indiana : and has ever since been kept in close conflnenient. On the 21st day of October, 1864, he was brought before a military commission, convened at Indianapolis by order of Gen. Hovey, tried on certain charges and specifications; found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged ; and the sentence ordered to be executed on Friday, the 19th day of May, 1865. On the 3d day of January. 1865, after the proceedings of the military commission were at an end, the Circuit Court of the United States for Indiana met at Indianapolis and empanneled a grand jury, who were charged to inquire whether the laws of the United States had been violat- ed : and, if so, to make presentments. The court adjourned on the 27th day of January, having, prior thereto, discharged from further service the grand jury, who did not find any bill of indictment or make an}' pre- sentment against Miiligan for any offence whatever, and, in fact, since his imprisonment, no bill of indictment has b(?en found or presentment made against him by any grand jury of the United States. I^Iilligan insists that said military conunission had no jurisdiction to try him upon the charges preferred, or upon any charges whatever, because he was a citizen of the United States and of the State of Indiana, and had not been, since the commencement of the late rebellion, a resident of any of the States whose citizens were arrayed against the Government, and that the right of trial by jur}' was guaranteed to him by the Constitution of the United States. The prayer of the petition was. that under the act of Congress, approv- ed March J, 1863, entitled "An act relating to habeas corpm and regulating HIIS'lORY OF COLUMBIA COUN'JY. r.rA judicial proceedings in certain cases," lie may be brought before the court, and either turned over to the proper civil tribunal to be proceeded against according to the law of the land or discharged from custody altogether. With the petition were filed the order for the commission, the charges and specifications, tlie findings of the court, with the order of the War Department reciting that the sentence was approved by the President of the United States, and dinctiug tiiat it be carried into execution without delay. The petition was presented and filed in open court by tlie counsel for ]Milligan; at the same time tiie Disfict Attorney of tlie United States for Indiana appeared, and, by tiie agreement of counsel, the application was submitted to the court. Tlie opinions of the Judges of the Circuit Court were opposed on tliree questions wliich are certified to the Supreme Court— 1st. '"On the facts stated in said petition and exhibits ought the writ of habe/iH roipus to be issued ?" 2d. "On the facts stated in said jK-tition and exhibits, ought the said Lambdin P. Milligan to be discliarged from custody as in said petition prayed ?" iJd. "VVhetlier, upon tlie facts stated in said petition and exhibits the military commission mentioned therein had jurisdiction legally to try and sentence said Milligan in manner and form as in said petition and exhibits is stated ?" The importance of the main question presented by this reconl cannot be overstated ; for it involves the very framework of the Government and the fundamental principles of American liberty. During the late wicked rebellion, the temper of the times did not allow that calmness in deliberation and discussion so necessary to a conecl conclusion of a purely judicitil question. IVien, considerations of safety were mingled with the exercise of power; and feelings and interests prevailed which are happily terminated. Now that the public safety is assured, this question, as well as all others, can be discussed and decided without passion or the adruixture of any element not required to form a legal judgment. We approach the investigation of this cast, fully sensi- ble of the magnitude of the inquiry and the necessity of full and cautious deliberation. But we are met with a preliminary objection. It is insist- ed that the Circuit Court of Indiana had no authority to certify these questions; and that we are without jurisdiction to hear and determine them. The sixth section of the "Act to amend the judicial system of the United States," approved April 29,1802. declares "that whenever any question shall occur before a circuit court upon which the opinions of the judges shall be opposed, the point, upon which the disagreement shall happen, shall, during the same term, upon the request of either party or their counsel, be stated under the direction of tiie judges and certified under the seal of the court to the Supreme Court at tiieir next session to be held thereafter ; and shall by the said court be finally decided : And ri52 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the decision of the Supreme Court and their order in the premises shall be remitted to the circuit court and be there entered of record, and siiall Lave effect according to the natare of the said judgment and order : Piovided, That nothing herein contained shall prevent the cause from pro- ceeding, if, in the opinion of the court, further proceedings can be had without prejudice to the merits-" ******* It i« under this provision of law that a circuit court has authority to certify any question to the Supreme Court for adjudication. The inquiry, therefore, is, whether the case of Milligan is brought within its terras. It was admitted at the bar that the circuit court had jurisdiction to enter- tain the application for the writ of habeas corpus and to hear and determine it ; and it could not be denied, for the power is expressly given in the t4th section of the judiciary act of 1789, as well as in the later act of 1863. Chief Justice Marshall, iu Bollman's case, (4 Cranch,) construed this t ranch of the judiciary act to authorize the courts as well as the judges to issue the writ for the purpose of inquiring into the cause of the commitment ; and this construction has never been departed from. But it is maintained with earnestness and ability that a certificate of di- vision of opinion can occur onlj^ in a cause. • and that the proceeding by a party moving for a writ of habeas corpus does not become a cause unid after the writ has been, issued and a return made. Independently of the provisions of the act of Congress of March 3, 1863, relating to habeas corpus, on which the petitioner bases his claim for relief, and which we will presently consider, can this position be sus- tained ? It is true, that it is usual for a court on application for a wi'it of habeas corpus, to issue the writ and on the return to dispose of the case ; but the court can elect to waive the issuing of the writ and consider whether, upon the facts presented in the petition, the prisoner, if brought before it, could be discharged. One ot the very points on which the case of Tobias Watkins, reported in 3 Peters, turned, was whether, if the writ was issued, the petitioner would be remanded upon the case whicii he had made. The Chief Justice, in delivering the opinion of the court, said: ''The cause of imprisonment is shown as fully by the petitioner as it could ap- pear on the return of the writ ; consequently the writ ought not to be awarded if the court is satisfied that the prisoner would be remanded to prison." The judges of the Circuit Court of Indiana, were, therefore, warranted by an express decision of this court in refusing the writ, if satisfied that the prisoner, on his own showing, was rightfully detained ; but it is con- tended if tliey differed about the lawfulness of the imprisonment, and could render no judgment, the prisoner is remediless, and cannot have the disputed question certified under the act of 1803. His remedy is complete by writ of error or appeal, if the court renders a final judgment refusing to discharge him ; but if he should be so unfortunate as to be HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. .553 placed in tlic predicament of having tlie court divided on the question whether lie should live or die, he is hopeless and without remedy. He wishes the vital question settled, not by a single judge at his chambers, but by the highest tribunal known to the Constitution ; and yet the privilege is denied him, because the circuit court consists of two judges instead of one. Such a result was not in the contemplation of the Legis- lature of 1802 : and the language used by it cannot be construed to mean any sucii thing. The clause under consideration was introduced to fur- ther the ends of justice, by obtaining a speedy settlement of important questions where the judges might be opposed in opinion. The act of 1802 so changed the judicial system that the circuit court, instead of three, was composed of two judges ; and, without this provi- sion or a kindred one, if the judges diflfered, tlie difference would remain, the question be unsettled, and justice denied. The decisions of this court upon the provisions of this section have been numerous. In United States vs. Daniel, (O Wheaton,) the court, in holding that a division of the judges on a motion for a new trial could not be certified, say: "That the question must be one which arises in a cause depending before the court relative 1o a proceeding belonging to the cause." Testing jVIilligan's case by this rule of law, is it not apparent that it is rightfully here; and that we are compelled to answer t)ie questions on which the judges below werr- opposed in opinion? If, in the sense of the law, the proceed- ing for the writ of habeas cmpim was the "cauxe" of the party appl3'ing for it, then it is evident thvtt the "cause" was pending before the court, and that the questions certified arose out of it, belonged to it, and were mat- ters of right and not of discretion. But it is argued that the proceeding does not ripen into a cause until there are two parties to it. This we deny. It was the cmtfte of ]\Iilligan when the petition was presented to the circuit court. It would have been the cav>-e of both parties if the court liad issued the writ and brought those who held Milligan in custody before it. Webster defines the word "cause" thus : "A suit or action in court, any legal process which a party institutes to obtain his demand, or by which he seeks his right, or supposed right"— and he says, "this is a legal, scriptural and popular use of the word, coinciding nearly with case, from cado, and action, from ago, to urge and drive " In any legal sense action, suit and cause are convertible terms. Milli- gan supposed he had a right to test the validity of his trial and sentence ; and the proceeding which he set in operation for that purpose was his "cause" or "suit." It was the only one by which he could recover his liberty. Ik- was powerless to do more; he could neither instruct the judges nor control their action, and should not suffer because, without fault of liis, they were unable to render a judgment. Bui the true mean- ing to the term "suit" has been given by this court. One of the ques- tions in Weston vs. City Council of Charleston (2 Peters) was, whether a writ of prohibition wjis a suit ; and Chief Justice Marshall says : "The 554 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. term is certainly a comprehensive one, and is understood to iipply to any proceeding in tlie court of justice by which an individual pursues that remedy which the law aflFords him." Certainly Milligan pursued tlie only remedy which the law afforded him. Again, in Cohens vs. Virginia (6 Wheaton) he says : "In law language a suit is the prosecution of some demand in a court of justice." Also, "To commence a suit is to demand something by the institution of pro- cess in a court of justice: and to prosecute the suit is to continue that demand." When Milligan demanded his release by the proceeding relat- ing to hahedx cKrpus he commenced a suit ; and he has since prosecuted it in all the ways knowu to the law. One of the questions in Holmes vs. Jennison (14 Peters) was, whether under the 25th section of the judiciary act a proceeding for a writ of hnbeiii< is his appropriate legal remedy. It is his suit in court to recover his liberty." There was much diversity of opinion on another ground of jurisdiction, but on this, that in the sense of the 25th section of the judi- ciary act, the proceeding bj- hibeas corpus was a suit, was not controverted bj' any except Baldwin, Justice, and he thought that "suit" and "cause" as used in the section mean the same thing. The court do not say that a return must be made and the parties appear and begin to try the case before it is a suit. When the petition is tiled and the writ prayed fur it is a suit — the suit of the party making the ap- plication. If it is a suit under the 25th section of the judiciary act when the proceedings are begun, it is by all the analogies of the law, equally a suit under the 6th section of the act of 1802. iJut it is urged tliat there must be Iwo parties to the suit, because the point is to be stated upon the request of "either party or their counsel." Such a literal and technical construction would defeat the very purpose the Legislature had in view, which was to enable any party to bring the case here, when the point in controversy was a matter of right and not of discretion , and the words "either part}'," in order to prevent a failure of justice, must be construed as words of enlargenent and not of rentriction. Although this case is here ex ;)are in passing it are proper to be considered. Tliis law was passed in a time of great national peril, when our heritage of free government was in danger An armed rebellion against the national authority, of greater proportions than his- tory affords an example, was raging; and the public safely required that the privilege of the writ of habens corpus should be suspended. The President iiad practically suspended it, and detained suspected persons in custodj' without trial ; but liis authority to do this was questioned. It was claimed that Congress alone could e.vercise this power; and that the Legislature, and not the President, should judge of the political consid- erations on which the right to suspend it rested. The privilege of this great writ had never before been withlield from the citizen ; and, as the exigence of the times demanded immediate action, it was of the higiiest importance that the lawfulness of the suspension should be fully estab- lisiied. It was under these circumstances, which were such as to arrest the attention of the country, that this law was passed. The President was authorized by it to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus whenever, in his judgment, the public safety required ; and he did, by proclamation, bearing date the 15tli of September, 1863, reciting among other things the authority of this statute, suspend it. The suspension of the writ does not authorize the arrest of any one, but simply denies to one arrested the privilege of the writ in order to obtain his liberty. It is proper, therefore, to inquire under what circumstances the courts could rightfully refuse to grant this writ, and when the citizen was at lib- erty to invoke its aid. The second and third seclions of tlie law are explicit on these points. The language used is plain and direct, and, the meaning of the Congress cannot be mistaken. Tlie public safety demanded, if the President thought proper to arrest a suspected person, that he should not be required to give the cause of his detention on return to a writ of habeas corpus. But it was not contemplated that such person should be detained in custody beyond a certain fixed period ; unless certain judicial proceedings known to the common law, were commenced against him. The Secretaries of State and War were directed to furnish to the judges of the courts of the United States a list of names of all parties, not prisoners of war, resident 556 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. iu their respective juris'lictions, 'vho tlien were or afterwards sliould be held in custody by the authority of the President, and who were citizens of States in which the administration of the laws in the Federal tribunals was unimpaired. After the list was furnished, if a grand jury of tlie dis- trict convened and adjourned and did not indict or present one of the per- sons thus named, he was entitled to his discharge ; and it was the d.ity of the judge of the court to order him brought before him to be discharg- ed, if he desired it. The refusal or omission to furnish tl)e list could not operate to the injury of any one who was not indicted or presented by the grand jury; for, if twenty days had elapsed from the time of his arrest and the termination of the session of the grand jury, he was equally en- titled to his discharge as if the list wore furnished ; and any credible person, on petition verified by affidavit, could obtain the judge's order for that purpose. Milligan, in his application to be released from imprisonment, averred the existence of every fact necessary under the terms of this law to give the Circuit Court of Indiana jurisdiction. If he was detained in custody by the order of the President, otherwise than as a prisoner of war, if he was a citizen of Indiana and !iad never been in the military or naval ser- vice, and the grand jury of the district had met, after he had been arrest- ed, for a period of twenty days, and adjourned without taking any pro- ceedings against him. then the court had the right to entertain his petition and determine the lawfulness of his imprisonment. Because the word "court" is not found in the body of the second section, it was argued at the bar, that the application siiould have been made to the judge of the court, and not to the court itself ; but this U vol .«o, for power is expressly conferred in the last proviso of the section on the court equally with a judge of it to discharge from imprisonment. It was the manifest design of Congress to secure a certain remedy by which any one, deprived of liberty, could obtain it, if there was a judicial failure to find cause of of- fense against him. Courts are not always in session, and can adjourn on the discharge of the grand jury ; and before those who are in confinement could take proper steps to procure their liberation. To provide for this contingency, authority was given to the judges out of court to grant re- lief to any party, who could show, that, under tlie law, he should be no longer restrained of his liberty. It was insisted that Milligan's case was defective, because it did not state that the list was furnished to the judges; and, therefore, it was impossible to say under which section of the act it was presented. It is not easy to see how this omission could effect the question of juris- diction. Milligan could not know that the list was furnisiied unless the judges volunteered to tell him ; for the law did not require that any record should be made of it or anybody but the judges informed of it. Why aver the fact, when the truth of the matter was apparent to the court without an averment? How can Milligan be harmed by the absence of the averment, when he states that he was under arrest for more than HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 557 sixty days before the court and grand jury, whicli should have considered his case, met at Indianapolis ? It is apparent, therefore, that under tiie h'lhenx cnrpux act of 1863 the Circuit Court of Indiana had complete juris- diction to adjudicate upon this case, and, if the judges could not agree on questions vital to the progress of the cause, they had the authority, (as we have shown in a previous part of this opinion,) and it was their duty to certify those questions of disagreement to tliis court for final decision. It was argued that a final decision on the questions presented ought not to be made, because the parties who were directly concerned in the ar- rest and detention of Milligan, were not before the court; and their rights might be prejudiced by the answer which should be given to those (pu'stions. But this court cannot know what return will be made to the writ of lutbean corpKs when issued ; and it is very clear thai no one is con- cluded upon any question that may be raised to that return. In the sense of the law of 1802, which authoriz.cd a certificate of division, a final decision means final ui)ou the points certified : final upon the court below, so that it is estopped from any adverse ruling in all the subsequent pro- ceedings of the cause. But it is said that this case is ended, as the pre- sumption is that Milligan was hanged in pursuance of the order of the President. Although we have no judicial information on the subject, yet the inference is that he is alive ; for otherwise learned counsel would not appear for him and urge this court to decide the case. It can never be in this country of written Constitution and laws, with a judicial department to interpret them, that any chief magistrate w^ould be so far forgetful of his duty as to order the execution of a man who de- nied the jurisdiction that tried and convicted him, of/er his case was before Federal judges with power to decide it, wlio, being unable to agree on the grave questions involved, had, according to known law, sent it to the Supreme Court of the United States for decision. But even the sug- gestion is injurious to the Executive, and we dismiss it from further consid- eration. There is, therefore, notiiing to iiinder this court trom an inves- tigation of the merits of this controversy. The controlling question in the case is this : Upon the />ic/.s stated in Milligan's petition, and the exhibits filed, had the military commission mentioned in \l junniiirt inn legally to try and sentence him ? Milligan, not a resident of one of the rebellious States, or a prisoner of war, but a citizen of Indiana for twenty years past, and never in tiie military or naval service, is, while at his home, arrested by the military power of the United States, imprisoned, and, on certain criminal charges preferred against him, tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hanged by a military ' ommission, organized under the direction of the military commander of the military district of Indiana. Had this tribunal the legal power and authority to try and punisli tiiis man ? No gr iver question was ever con- sidered by this court, nor one which more nearly concerns the rights of the wiiole people ; for it is tiie birlh rigiit of every American citizen when chartred with crime, to be tried and punished according to law. 558 ins TORY OF COLUMBIA CO UN 'I Y The power of punishment is, alone through tlie means which the 1k.ws have provided for that purpose, and if they are ineffectual there is an immunity from punishment, no matter how great an offender tlie individ- ual may be, or how mucli his crimes may have shocked the sense of justice of the country, or endangered its safety. By the protection ot the law human rights are secured; withdraw that protection, and they are at the mercy of wicked rulers, or the clamor of an excited people. If tiiere was law to justify this military trial, it is not our province to interfere ; if there was not, it is our duty to declare the nullity of the whole proceedings. The decision of this question does not depend on argument or judicial precedents, numerous and highly illustrative as tiiey are. These prece- dents inform us of the extent of the struorgle to preserve liberty and to relieve those in civil life from military trials. The founders of our govern- ment were familiar with the history of that struggle ; and secured in a written Constitution every right which the people had wrested from power during a contest of ages. By that Constitution and the laws authorized by it, this question must be determined. The provisions of that instru- ment on the administration of criminal justice a»e too plain and direct to leave room for misconstruction or doubt of their true meaning. Tiiose ap- plicable to this case are found in that clause of the original Constitution which sa3's, "That the trial of all crimes, except in case of impeachment, shall be by jury ;" and in the fourth, fifth, and sixth articles of the amend- ments. The fourth proclaims the right to be secure in person ami effects against unreasonable search and seizure ; and directs that a judicial war- rant shall not issue "without proof of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation." The tifth declares "that no person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless on presentment by a grand jury, except in cases arising in th'- land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in the time of war or public danger, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." And the sixth -iuarantees the right of trial by jury in sucli manner and with such regulations that with upright judges, impartial juries, and an able bar, the innocent will be saved and the guilty punished, it is in these words: "In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of tlie State and district wherein the crime sliall have been committed, which district sliall have been previously ascertained by law. and to be informed of the na- ture and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. " These securities for personal liberty thus embodied, were such as wisdom and experience had demonstrated to be necessary for the protection of those accused of crime. And so strong was the sense of the country of their importance, and so jealous were the people that these rights, highly prized, might be denied them b}' implication ; that wiien the original constitution was proposed for adoption, it encountered severe opposition ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. r.oO and but for the belief that U would be so Jimetided as to embrace tliem, it would n(!ver have been ratified. Time has proven the discernment of our ancestors ; for even these pro- visions, expressed in such plain English words that it would seem the ingenuity of men could not evade them, are mm, after the lapse of more than seventy years, sought to be avoided. These great and go(ws and usages of war." It can serve no useful purpose to inquire what those laws and usages are, whence tiiey originated, where found, and on whom they operate ; they can never be applied to citizens in States which have upheld the authority of the Government, and where the courts arc open and their process unoitstructed. This court has judicial knowledge that in huiiana the Federal authority was always unopposed, and its courts always open to hear criminal accusations and redress grie r- ances; and no usages of war could sanction a military trial there for any offence whatever of a citizen in civil life, in nowise connected with the military service. Congress could grant no such j ower : and, to the lienor of our national legislature be it said, it Ins never been provoked by 660 fnS7'()KY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the state of the country even to tittonipt its exercise. One of the plainest constitutional piwisions was. therefore, infringed when Milligan was tried by a court not ordained and established by Congress, and not com- posed of judges appointed during good beliavior. ^Yhy was he not delivered to the Circuit Court of Imiiana to be proceeded against accord- ing to law ? Xo reason of necessity could W urged against it, because Congress had declared penalties airaiust the otTences charged, provided for their pun- isluuent. and directcil that court to liear and determine them. And soon after this military tribunal was ended, the circuit court met, p.>acefully transacted its business and adjourned. It needed no bayonets to protect it, and ivquircd no military aid to execute its judgments. It was held iu a State eminently distinguished for patriotism, by judges commissioned during the rebellion, who were provided with juries, upright, intelligent, and selected by a niarshal appointed by the rresident. The tiovernment had no right to conchule tliat Milligan. if guilty, would not receive iu that court merited punisluncnt ; for its records disclose that it was constantly engaged in the trial of sin\ilar otYences, and was never inter- rupted in its administration of criminal justice. If it was dangerous in the distracted condition of atYaii-s to leave Milligan unrestrained of his liberty, because lie "conspired against the Government, atforded aid and comfort to rebels, and incited the people to insurrection," the /.iic said ar- rest him, contine him closely, render him powerless to do further mis- chief; and then present his case to the grand jury (^f the district, with proofs of his guilt, and, if indicted, try him according to the course of the common law. If this had been done the Constitution would have been vindicated, the law of 18(>3 enforced, ami the securities for personal liberty preserved and defended. Another guarantee of freedom was broken when Milligan was denied a trial by jury. The great minds of tlie country have differed on the cor- rect interpretation to be given to various provisions of the Federal Con- stitution; and judicial decision has been often invoked to settle their true meaning; but until recently no one ever doubted that the right of trial by jury was fortified in the organic law against the power of attack. It is n>nv assailed ; but, if ideas can be expressed in words, and language has any njeaning, thi^ t'ujht — one of the most valuable in a five covuitry — is preserved to every one accused of crime who is not attached to the army, or navy, or militia in actual service. The sixth amendment af- firms that "in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the nglit to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury," language broad enough to embrace all persons and cases ; but tJie fifth, recognizing the necessity of an indictment, or presentment, before any one can be held to answer for high crimes, excepts cases arisuig in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, wlien in actual service, in time of war or public danger;" and the framei-s of the Constitution, doubtless, meant to limit the right of trijvl by jury, iu tlie sixth ameudment. to those persons who Til STORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. .061 were subject to indictment or presontmorit in tlic fifth. Tiie discipline, necessary to the efficiency of tlie army and navy, rcquir- eil other and awifler modes of trial than are furnislied by the common law courts; and, in pursuance of tiie power conferred by the Constitution, Conj^ress has declared the kinds of trial, and the manner in which they hhall 1)(! conducted, for offenses committed while the party is in the military or naval service. livery one, connected with tliese fjranclies of the public srrvice, is amenable to the jurisdiction which Congress has created for their government, and while thus serving, surrenders his right to be tried by the civil courts. Al\ other perHom, citizens of States where the courts are <»j)en, if charged with crime, an; guaranteed the inestimable privilege of irial by jury. This privilege is a vital principle, underlying the whole ad- ministration of criminal justice; it is not held by sufferance, and cannot be frittered away on any plea of State or political necessity. When peace prevails, and lli(! authority of the Government is undisputed, there is no difficulty of preserving the safeguards of liberty ; for the ordinary modes of trial are never neglected, and no one wishes it otherwise : but if so- ciety is disturbed by civil commotion — if the passions of men are aroused and tlie restraints of law weakened, if not disregarded — these safeguards need, and should receive, the watchful care of those entrusted with the guardianship of the Constitution and laws. In no other way can we trans- mit to posterity unimpaired, the blessings of liberty, consecrated by the sacrifices of the revolution. It is claimed that martial law covers with its broad mantle the proceed- ings of the military commission. The proposition is this : That in a time of war the commander of an armed force (if in his opinion the exigencies of the country demand it. and of which he is to judge,) has the power, within the lines of his military district, to suspend all civil rights and their remedies, and subject citizens as well as soldiers to the rule of fiix wilt, and in the exercise of his lawful authority cannot be restrained, ex- cept by his superior officer or the President of the United States. If this position is sound, to the extent claimed, then when war exists, foreign or domestic, and the country is subdivided into military departments for mere convenience ; the commander of one of them can, if he chooses, within his limits, on the plea of necessity, with the approval of the execu- tive, substitute military force for and to the exclusion of the laws, and punish all persons, as he thinks right and proper, without fixed or certain rules. Tlie statement of this proposition shows its importance ; for, if true, ri-publican government is a failure, and there is an end of liberty regulat- ed by law. Martial law, established on such a basis, destroys every guar- antee of the Constitution, and effectually renders the "military independ- ent of and superior to the civil power" — the attempt to do which Ijy the King of Great Britain was d(;emed by our fathers such an offence, that they assigned it to tiie world as one of the causes which impelled them to declare their in72 GENERAL INDEX. steamboat Coclorus 97 Sixteenth Regiment 305 " Susquehanna 97 Seventy -fourth Regiment 321 Schuyler, Lewis 112 Sixth Reserves 3.30 Swisher Jacob no Seventh Cavalry 388 Sireno 115 Shenandoah Herald 496 Stillwater 117 Silvei-s, Capt. M'm. statement 497 Swaby, Frederick B. 119 Sheriffs 126 Teedyescung ;te School Normal 151 Turbut 40 Common 167 Ten Mile Run 48 Snyder, William H. Report 168 Toby Run 50 Schools, early 168 Telephone 54 " " Beaver 168 Tide Water Pipe Line 54 Benton 169 Townships, Formation of 55-56-57-58 Berwick 169 Taxables 60 Bloom 170 Thomas, Evan 108 Brlarcreek 171 Three months' service 302 Catawlssa 172 173 Two hundred and ninth Regiment. 325 Centralla Thirty Firth Regiment 330 Centre 173 Two hundred and Tenth Regiment 387 Conj-ngham 173 Flshlngcreek 174 Union township 4:} FrankUn 174 - Unseated lands 60 Greenwood 174 United States draft 261-267 Hemlock 175 United States Court 514^550 Jackson 175 Van Campen 9-23-32 Locust 176 Vincent, Daniel 21 Madlsou 176 Voters of the State 63 Main 176 Volunteei-s from each state 241 Mifflin 177 Montour 177 Welser, Conrad, letters 10 Mt Pleasant 178 Wheeler's Fort 23 Orange 178 Weltner, Col 31-33 Pine 179 Wyoming township 40 Eoarlngcreek 179 Welliver, Adam 111 Scott 179 John 111 Sugarloaf 180 Christopher 111 Superintendents Common Schools 180 Daniel 110 Senate, Tulted States 209 Watson Hugh 109 State 220 Woodward, Hon. Wan-en J. 141 ^ c^. <► THE END. '^. '" A' Vv « * * . .S'^A ^.* ^^^ %^ •-:' /.. '^■. "' .V .V" O * ^^-^4^. ,<^' <^ '^ 1^ ♦"'' '^ X ^o. ■^0 '0=^:;i2/^,* ^r o '> <-'■ ,!:'■* ,S ^ .0 <^. '<».>' ,0 ^^ "'<-' ^t. <'^ ^,^<^ll ^. '-^ V O^ 'o , 1 - 'oK 0' ♦ ■« ^^0^ ^°\':^^' '"-^ V "<>...^- '^•^ 3^ ^c ^^0^ ^°<. "-. o V "./X^^^v^'"^ l'^ 6 o " «» ♦ *<*> x'^V- DOBtS BROS. LIBHAIIT aiNOINa NOV ''< ST. AUGUSTINE J^t FLA. 32084 V^ O.K. V '^.,<^* ".>. iilil 1 'rfl.f '.. ;k5o?itir I