iy.i'wtanHBaMIlBHBKMnai IIII 1 1 IIII 3 9002 06471 8399 IT J ; ~ "I gwtkife Sooks? IL Yf or pie founding cf .a. Cclligt in Ms .Caiony" Bought with the income ofthe Matthew C. D. Borden Fund HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON, LEHIGH, MONROE, CARBON, AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTIES: CONTAINING A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS, TOPOGRAPHY OF TOWNSHIPS, NOTICES OF LEADING EVENTS, INCIDENTS, AND INTERESTING FACTS IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF THESE COUNTIES: WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING MATTERS OF DEEP INTEREST. EMBELLISHED BY SEVERAL ENGRAVINGS. Compiled from various authentic sources BY I. DANIEL RUPP, Amhor of " Der Maertyrer Geschichte," "He Pasa Ekklesia," &c. &c. &c. Sec, Published and sold BY G. HILLS, PROPRIETOR, LANCASTER, PA. HARRISBURG : HICKOK AND CANTINE, PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 1845. Entered in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in 1844, BY G. HILLS, PROPRIETOR, in conformity with An Act of Congress, entitled " An Act to amend the several Acts respecting Copy Rights." PREFACE. When local events and incidents are merged in the general history of a country or nation, it would be a fruitless attempt to give causes, and notice effects, and at the same time preserve a consecutive chronological arrangement of facts. This may be done in regular history; but it cannot, in a local history, without much amplification, and the introduction of that which is apparently irrelevant. All that the writer has aimed at in this compilation, was to embody in a convenient form, the prominent events, leading inci dents in the early and continued history of these counties, without regard to strict chronological order ; topographical description of townships, towns, vil lages, &c. How far this has been accomplished, is left to the candid reader to say. Nothing has been left undone on the part ofthe compiler, to collect ma terials of a historical and topographical character, and arrange them according to the best of his judgment. Touching the matter itself contained in this book, the writer hesitates not to confess, that his claims to IV PREFACE. originality are none of the strongest. Circumstanced as he was when preparing this work for press, he had to avail himself of the labors of others. His time was too restricted, and his means very much limited, to make extensive personal observations, and collect materials while making a tour of the counties. Those who could have done more within the time, and with the same means, should make the trial, to satisfy themselves what can be done in this way, in the brief space "of ten days in a county." If honesty of purpose and industry could atone for the want of time, then the writer would offer these in ex tenuation. Only a few months ago, he commenced his compi lation ; and as he was, in the short space of two months, to have copy ready for press for a book of 432 pages, therefore, anxious not to fail in his con tract with the publisher, to have it ready by the 1st of November, 1844, he prosecuted his task with all possible assiduity and despatch; nevertheless, he aimed to trace facts to their sources ; and these, it is con fidently believed, are authentic. Passing over some defects, the reader will readily grant that the writer may, at least, lay claim to the merit of being a faithful and laborious compiler. He would here frankly make an avowal of the sources to which he chiefly repaired for compilation, viz : The MSS. Provincial Records, Reports, Letters PREFACE. V in the Office of the Secretary of State at Harrisburg, the votes of Assembly, Loskiel's History of the Mo ravians, Heckewelder's Narrative, Crantz's Brueder Geschichte, Spangenberg's Leben, Hazard's Register, Gordon's Gazette of Pennsylvania, Day's Historical Collection, Dunlap's and Claypool's Daily Advertiser, Hall and Seller's Pennsylvania Gazette — besides many others noticed in the body of the work. Numerous are the works drawn from, and the au thorities referred to. And now to those who may feel disposed to suggest that the compiler has made a book from the labors of others — " for we find all this in a number of volumes" — he would beg leave to re mark, if they shall be pleased to think that they have found the substance of many books in this com pilation, he shall consider it the highest encomium that can be passed upon it. Those who may think it an easy task to compile a work like this, are referred to experience of this kind, as expressed by another. Major William Stahle, who has written a pamphlet of nearly two hundred pages, entitled " The Description of the Borough of Reading" says : " That the execution of his design was not free from difficulty, may be in ferred from the fact, that it was undertaken many months ago, and has been prosecuted with unremitted diligence to the present moment. It was the gather ing of the material that gave me the most trouble." n VI PREFACE. i Well might the writer be allowed to complain. To collect materials, and prepare a book, of between five and six hundred pages, for press, in a few months, gave h'im much trouble. In view of these difficulties attending his compilation, he would claim the indul gence of the reader — and with these facts before him, the good nattfred critic, it is believed, will have some compassion upon the compiler, and remember that, "In manchem sind Unvollkommenheiten." Lancaster, January, 1845. OMISSION. The following should have been noticed in speak ing of Easton. There was also an Indian treaty held at Easton, January 30, 31 — February 4, 6, 1777, be tween Commissioners in behalf of the United States, and a number of Indian Chiefs, in behalf of the Six Nations, and their confederates, held in the German church. Present, the Hon. George Walton, and George Taylor, Esq., Members of Congress ; Col. Lowry and Col. Cunningham, from the Assembly ofthe State of Pemisylvania ; Col. Bull and Col. Dean, Members of the Council of Safety of the State of Pennsylvania. Secretary of the Commission, Thomas Paine. The following were the Indian Chiefs : Katugas — Taasquah, or King Charles. Senecas — Tawanah, or the big tree. Munsies — Mytakawha, walking on foot. Kaknah, standing by a tree. Nantikokes — Amatincka, raising any thing up. Kanois — Wilaknko, or king last night. Interpreter, Thomas Green, a Mohawk- CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Introduction; Swedes settle; William Penn born; Penn obtained a charter ; first settlers sail for America ; Penn follows; accession of settlers from London, Holland, Germany, &c. ; Penn holds conferences with the Indians ; purchases their lands ; Penn returns to England ; Penn again in Pennsylvania ; returns again to England ; Penn's death ; number of Indians in Pennsylvania on Penn's arri val ; Lenapi, Delaware and other Indians ; Germans, Welsh and Irish arrive. — p. 1 — 5. CHAPTER II. The Germans ; German Quakers settle at German- town ; Frankfort land company ; German immigrants from 1709 to 1720 ; Dickinson's remarks on the Germans ; Ger mans from the Palatinate, and from 1720 to 1725 ; from 1725 to 1740 ; their character according to Dickinson ; from 1740 to 1752 ; Neulaendar ; Redemptioners ; from 1753 to 1756 ; Germans used as Make- Weights ; Wharton's MSS concerning the Germans ; Germans numerous in North ampton, Schuylkill, &c. — p. 6 — 12. CHAPTER III. The Welsh ; their character; influential at an early day; Thomas Lloyd ; the Welsh had early purchased of Wil liam Penn ; their number increased; their customs ; Welsh pioneers; many Welsh arrive in 1698; few Welsh settled X CONTENTS. in Northampton ; many Welsh in the coal regions ; Lord** prayer in Welsh. — p. 13 — 15. CHAPTER IV. The Irish ; time of their immigration to Pennsylvania ; principally from the north of Ireland ; Parliament attempts to prevent their emigration from Ireland ; tax imposed on them by the Assembly ; character of the Scotch Irish ; Irish settle in Northampton county ; Craig's settlement ; names of first settlers ; lately many immigrated into Schuylkill county ; Lord's prayer in Irish. — p. 16—18. CHAPTER V. Erection of Northampton County ; Penn organized several counties in 1683; Northampton erected; extracts from records of court ; petitions for tavern license ; names of theflrst Grand Inquest; Supervisors; Constables ; town ships organized prior to 1763 ; mills before the county erectedi— p. 17—23. CHAPTER VI. Present Limits, &c. of the County ; limits &c. ; number of acres; physical appearance ofthe county ; Little Gap ; Wind Gap ; Delaware Water Gap ; Delaware river. p. 24—30. CHAPTER VII. Easton, Eak£Y History of, &c. ; Easton ; councils held at Easton ; one in July, 1756 ; another in July, 1757 ; another in 1758 ; another in October, 1759 ; another in 1761 ; Easton incorporated ; taverns, stores, manufactories ; churches ; newspapers ; high water and loss of property ; freshet of 1840.— p. 30—58. CHAPTER VIII. Topography of Townships ; Upper Mount Bethel ; Centreville; Williamsburg; Dills Ferry; Lower Mount CONTENTS. XI Bethel ; Richmond ; Flatfield ; Allen township ; Kreiders- ville ; Hauertown; Weaversburg; Nelighsville ; Plain- field township; Bellville ; Wardsburg; Jacksonville; Lehigh township ; Berlinville ; Cherryville ; Moore town ship ; Kernsville ; Klecknersville ; Saucon township ; Hel- lerstown ; Hanover township ; Williams township ; South Easton; the Lehigh works; South Easton furnace; Glendon iron works ; Williamsport ; Bushkille township ; Jacobsburg ; Forks township ; Stockersville ; Lower Naza reth township; Heckiown; Newburg; Upper Nazareth township; Nazareth; The Rose; Bethlehem township; Freemansburg ; Bethlehem ; Frieden-Huetten ; number of interesting letters, &c. — p. 58 — 109. CHAPTER IX. Lehigh County; Lehigh county erected in 1812; Le high, or Leckhaw ; Lehigh Water Gap ; number of town ships ; extract from court records ; first Grand Jurors ; Fries' opposition to tax collectors ; Fries' trial. — p. 109 — 125. CHAPTER X. Topography of Townships; Hanover township ; Biery's Port; Rittersville ; Heidelberg township; Segersville ; Germansville ; North Whitehall township ; Siegersville ; SnydersvUle ; Kernsville; Slate Dam; South Whitehall township; Linn township ; Linnville ; New Tripoli ; Jack sonville; Low Hill township; Clausville ; Upper Macunjy ; Foglesville; Trexlerstown ; Lower Macunjy ; Millerstown ; Breinigsville ; Upper Milford ; Scheimersville; Dillingers; Weisenburg township; tMount Pleasant; Upper Saucon township; Freystown; Salisbury township; Emaus; Northampton township ; Allentown ; freshets at Allentown ; Lehigh Port.— p. 125—144. CHAPTER XI. Monroe County Organized, &c. ; Monroe county erected; Stroud township, Stroudsburg; Fort Hamilton; disastrous flood ; Smithfield, or Lower Smitfield township ; Xll CONTENTS. Diitotsburg; Craig's Meadow; Branchville; Upper, or Middle Smithfield township ; Indian massacres ; Coolbaugh township; Nagleville ; Spruce Grove; Saxville ; Toby- hanna township ; Great Swamp ; Pokono township ; Bar- tonsville; Tannersville; Chestnuthill township; Ross township ; Wind Gap ; Kunklesvilie ; Hamilton town ship ; Snydersville ; Kellersvill ; Fennersville ; Saylorsville. p. 145—180. CHAPTER XII. Carbon County Erected, &c. ; Act for erection of county ; extracts from records of court; first Grand Jurors ; Attorneys at the first court; physical appearance of the county ; boundaries ; principal streams ; Lehigh river, its scenery, &e. ; number of townships. — p. 181 — 186. CHAPTER XIII. Topography of Townships; Mauch Chunk township ; Mauch Chunk; Mauch Chunk Hotel; Public buildings; Mauch Chunk mountain ; discovery of coal ; Lehigh coal and navigation company ; railroads ; Lausanne ; Nesqui- lioning; Lausanne township; Lawrytown ; Lockport ; Clifton ; Penn Haven ; Beaver Meadow ; Hazellon ; Banks. township ; Penn Forest township ; Upper Towamensing township; Parrysville ; Weissport; Fort Allen, or New Gnaden Huetten ; Tippey's flood, or flood of '86 ; num ber of interesting letters relating to Fort Allen ; Lower Towamensing township ; the Gap ; East Penn township ; Mahoning township ; Burlington ; Lehighton ; South Le- highton ; Gilbert and family abducted. — p. 186 — 238. CHAPTER I. Schuylkill County Erected ; Tulpehocken lands ; petition to erect Berks; Readingtown; Act of March llth, 1752; Schuylkill county erected out of Berks and North ampton, March 1st, 1811 ; extracts of court records; At torneys admitted at the first court ; townships; constables; Grand Jurors. — p. 241 — 248. CONTENTS. Xlll CHAPTER II. Topography, &c, of Townships; East Brunswick township ; Port Clinton ; Manheim township ; Schuylkill Haven ; Branch township ; Minersville ; Llewellyn; Lower Mahantango township ; Barry township; Pine Grove town ship ; Pine Grove ; Swataraville ; Rush township ; Home ; Patterson; Tuscarora ; Tamaqua ; Schuylkill township; Louisburg; Schuylkill valley; Union township; Upper Mahantango township ; Zimmermanstown ; Wayne town ship; Friedensburg ; West Brunswick township ; Orwigs- burg ; McKeansburg ; Landisville ; West Penn township ; Norwegian township ; Pottsville and vicinity ; John Pott's father, Wilhelm Pott; names of first settlers about Pott's ; early history of Pottsville ; Pottsville in 1842 ; in 1829 ; in 1830; in 1831 ; present state of Pottsville, public buildings, &c. ; freshets at Pottsville in 1831 and 1841 ; Port Carbon ; Irishtown, Rhoadstown, Lawtontown, Acretown and Young's Addition ; Coaquennac ; St. Clair ; Coal Castle ; Mackeysville.— p. 248—297. CHAPTER III. History of Coal, &c. ; Early history of coal ; first engaged in the coal enterprize ; William Morris ; Colonel Shoemaker; small openings made in 1813; improvements in mode of mining, 1823; Mill creek railroad commenced in 1829 ; Schuylkill railroad ; Norwegian and Mount Car bon railroad ; Mine Hill and Schuylkill Haven railroad ; Little Schuylkill railroad ; total of railroads prior to 1833 ; amount of anthracite coal ; amount sent from the several dis tricts, from 1820 to 1844 ; number of steam engines em ployed ; Battin's coal breaker ; improvements in machinery ; freight on coals, &c— p. 297—330. CHAPTER IV. Coal Region and Mining Operation in Schuylkill in 1844; Origin and formation of coal; Schuylkill coal field ; coal mining ; Schuylkill valley district ; the Tusca rora collieries ; Belmont collieries ; Kinsley's collieries ; Freeman's collieries; Uren's collieries; Thompson & XIV CONTENTS. Pennman's collieries ; Patrick's collieries ; the Mine Hill collieries ; Lick run collieries ; Kinsley's colliery ; Wil liams' and Davis' colliery ; Silver creek collieries ; the Union collieries ; Belmont collieries ; David Richard's col liery ; Fitzimmon's colliery ; Hendersons colliery ; James Berry's colliery ; the Belfast colliery; Heebner's colliery ; the Junction collieries ; Bolton & Co's collieries ; Port Carbon district ; the Salem collieries ; Mill creek district ; Ronaldson's colliery ; Rainbow collieries ; Sillyman & Evan's colliery ; Pinkerton's colliery ; Mammoth colliery. p. 330—380. CHAPTER V. Education ; Common schools; Prediger und Schulmeis- ter in one person ; scheme of instructing Germans, &c, in 1751 ; first members of this society ; school established un der this scheme at New Hanover, New Providence, Reading, Lancaster, York, Easton, &c. ; Easton free school in 1755 ; contributors towards the free school; Layfayette College; course of instruction ; lectures ; terms of admission to the college classes ; examination ; expenses ; the model school ; seminaries of Nazareth and Bethlehem ; common school system. — p. 380 — 403. APPENDIX. A Journal of James Young, Commmissary Gen'l, from June 19, to June 26, 1856 ; A Journal of Capt. John Van Etten, at Fort Hyndshaw and Fort Hamilton, &c, from December 1, 1756, to July 21, 1757 ; Col. James Burd's Journal, who visited a number of Forts in 1758. — p. 405 459. ADDENDA. Fragment of a Journal, detaling the " doings" in and about Fort North Kill; Teedyuscung; Religious notice. p. 461. HISTORY Or COUNTIES. INTRODUCTION. CHAPTEE I. Scarcely two centuries have passed by since the white man held any possessions among the red men of the woods, within the limits of Pennsylvania. A little more than two hundred years ago, the Indians held a sovereign right to the soil of Pennsylvania ; and there was none beside his own forest brethren, in all the wilds, glens, vales and mountains, to molest or disturb him in his peaceful abodes of the extended "Sylvania." In the progress of time, however, the Swedes came and settled within the limits of Pennsylvania, about the year 1638 — they purchased lands at a cheap rate, from the Indians in and about Tinicum Isle, which afterwards became the seat of government ofthe New Sweden colo ny; for as early as 1642, John Printz erected there a spacious mansion, well known in history as Printz' Hall. Here the Swedes held possessions till 1655, when the Dutch subdued them, and brought them under the juris diction of Peter Stuyvesant, Governor of New Nether lands, who, however, in his turn, was soon afterwards conquered by Charles II. of England; and New Nether lands, named New York. Thus, the settlements made by the Swedes, and held a short time by the Dutch, fell into the possession of the English in 1664. In Europe, a spirit of religious persecution caused ma ny an aching heart to yearn after a place of peace and repose ; where, in obedience to the dictates of conscience, the Almighty might be worshipped without an impious interposition by man between the homage of man and A 2 introduction. his Creator. At this time the founder of Pennsylvania, on account of his religious sentiments, suffered much in this way ; and in order to escape persecution', and to es tablish a colony for the oppressed of all denominations, turned his eye upon the western world. William Penn, was born in London, October 16, 1644, grandson of Giles Penn, and son of Sir William Penn, Admiral of the English Navy, availed himself of the claims he had upon the British Government, on account of the eminent services, his father had rendered that coun try, petitioned King Charles IL, that, in lieu of a large sum of money, sixteen thousand pounds, due the Admi ral, at his death, to grant him letters patent for a tract of land in America, " lying north of Maryland ; on the east bounded by Delaware river; on the west, limited as Ma ryland ; and northward, to extend as far as plantable." Penn obtained a charter from Charles II., dated at Westminster, March 4, 1681. Having now been sole proprietary of Pennsylvania, he made sales of lands to adventurers, called first settlers, who embarked, some at London, others at Bristol, in 1681, for America, and ar- arrived at Upland, now Chester, on December 11. Penn, with many of his friends, chiefly from Sussex, England, sailed for America, and landed at New Castle on the 27th October, 1682, where he was received with demonstra tions of joy. Penn went to Upland, where he convened an assembly, Dec. 4th ; and in a brief session of three days, enacted several important laws, one of which was an act to naturalize the Dutch, Swedes, and other foreigners. The same year that Penn arrived!, there was quite an accession. The two next succeeding years, settlers from London, Bristol, Wales, Holland, Germany, &c, arrived, to the number of 50 sail ; among these were German Qua kers from Cresheim, near Worms, in the Palatinate. The banks of the Delaware were one bustling scene. — some lodged in the woods in hollow trees, sonie in caves, which were easily dug on the high banks ofthe Wissahickon and the Delaware, and/ others in haste erected huts. * * Proud II, 220. introduction. 3 To do justice, secure the smiles of the Indians, and to meet the approbation of Heaven, Penn -held treaties of peace and friendship with the tawny sons of the forest, and contracted with them for their lands — this done, he proceeded to lay out a city, by the assistance of his sur veyor, Gen. Thomas Holme. Eighty houses were erect ed, the first year, in Philadelphia. Next was a survey of lands for the first settlers. This having been complet ed, the proprietary, in 1682, divided the country into six eounties— three in the territory of Delaware ; namely, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex ; three in the province of Pennsylvania ; namely, Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester ; the first and last, embracing all, and much more, of the land within the present limits of Berks and Lebanon. Penn remained but a short time on his first arrival ; he sailed for Europe, August 16, 1684, leaving the province under the' government of five commissioners, chosen from the Provincial council ; however, previous to his depar ture, he made a league of amity with nineteen Indian nations, between them and all the English America. ' In 1699, Penn again visited the colony, and remained only till November 1st, 1701, when he returned to Eng land, where he died, July 30th, 1718, at Rushcomb, near Twyford, in Buckinghamshire, aged about seventy-four years. In 1712, he had been seized with some fits ofthe apoplectic kind, which for the last six years of his life. had rendered him incapable of doing public business. When the Swedes first arrived, and settled on the shores of the Delaware, and when the English landed in 1681, they found a numerous race of Indians, who met the white strangers in a friendly manner ; and when the following year, William Penn, with his train of pacific friends arrived, he was also hailed with affection, and treated as their Miquon or elder brother. At the time of Penn's arrival, there were not less than ten native tribes in Pennsylvania, comprising about six thousand in number ; these, however, formed only a por tion of the Indians inhabiting the country between Vir- * Oldmixon. INTRODUCTION. ginia and Canada ; those who were principally seated on the Delaware, were the Lenni Lenape, and were consi dered the grandfathers of near forty tribes. The others were the Mengwe, or usually called Iroquois, who in habited the more northern portion, of the United States. The Iroquois were also divided into numerous tribes. According to popular tradition, the numerous tribes of the Delaware and Iroquois, trace their origin to twa sources. The traditions, as handed down by their an cestors, run thus : The Lenni Lenape, or, for brevity's sake, " Lenape," meaning The original people, were an unmixed and unchanged race, residing, many centuries ago, towards the setting of the sun — somewhere in the west of this continent. For some reasons, not explained, they determined to migrate towards the rising ofthe sun. After their journeying they arrived at the Fish River, the Namasi Sipu, (Missisisppi ;) here they fell in with a nation, also in quest of a new home eastward — these were the Mengwe, or Iroquois, as they have since been called. They here united their forces, anticipating op position from a people of gigantic form, and a populous race, the Alligewi, on the east of the Mississippi. Not many days after their union, before they advanced, ma- riyand mighty battles were fought — the Alligewi to es cape total extermination, abandoned the country to the people of " The Neiu Union" fled far southward, and never returned. The victors now divided the spoil; the country was shared out among themselves — the Iro quois made choice of the north — lands in the vicinity of the great lakes, and on their tributary streams ; the Le nape took possession of more southern parts, where they lived in peace for many years, till the Europeans came. The Lenape ; or, as they were called by the Europe ans, Delawares, were divided into three tribes — the Una- mis, or Turtle ; the Wunalachtikos, or Turkey ; and the Minsi, or Wolf. " The Minsi, or Mqnceys, the most warlike of the three tribes, inhabited a country that ex tends from the Minisink on the Delaware, to the Hudson on ihe east, to the Susquehannah on the southwest, to the head waters ofthe Delaware and Susquehanna ri- INTRODUCTION. rers on the north, and to that range of hills now known in New Jersey by the name of Muskenecum, and by those of Lehigh and Coghnewago, in Pennsylvania." The Monceys embraced a number of subordinate tribes, who were known by names derived from their residence, or some accidental circumstance. Such were the Sus- quehannas, Neshamines, Conistogas, and other tribes in the province of Pennsylvania. Shortly after the arrival of William Penn, a number of Germans, Welsh, Irish and others, immigrated to the provinces ; many of whose descendants are to be found within the counties of which it is intended to give a his tory. Of these, something will be said, before entering upon the historical part of this work. CHAPTER II. THE GERMANS. The Germans, who first emigrated into the Province of Pennsylvania, came chiefly for conscience' sake ; those who arrived at a later period, came to improve their tem poral, as well as their spiritual condition. Not many names of the first German emigrants, except a few of the German Quakers who came in with Penn, are preserved. Among the very first, whose name has been handed down, is that of Henry Fry, who arrived two years be fore William Penn. His widow was still living in 1 754.* One Platenbach came a few years later, t In 1682, a considerable number came from Cresheim — these were principally Quakers. They settled at Germantown. About the year 1684 or '85, a company was formed in Germany, called the "Frankfort Land Company," con sisting at first of ten gentlemen, living in Frankfort, on the Mayne ; their articles were executed in that city on the 24th of November, 1686. They seem to have been men of note by the use of each ofhis separate seal. Their names were G. Van Mastrick, Thomas V. Wylick, John Le Bran, F. Dan. Pastorious, John J. Schuetz, Daniel Behagel, Jacobus Van Dewaller, John W. Peterson, Jo hannes Kimber, Balthasur Jowest. They bought 25,000 acres of land from Penn. The Germantown patent for 5350, and the Manatauney patenLfor 22,377 acres. T. D. Pastorious was appointed the Iporney for the compa ny, and after his resignation, Dan. Faulkner was, in 1708, made attorney. In 1708, 1709, 1710, to 1720, thousands of them emi grated who were known as Palatines, because they had come from the Palatinate, whither some had been forced to flee from their homes in other parts of Europe. Many * Hal. Nach. f Ibid. HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 7 of these had gone first to England on the invitation of Queen Anne, at whose bounty, not a few were trans ported to America. Hundreds of them were gratuitously furnished with religious and useful books, before their departure, by the Read Anton Wilhelm Boehm, Court- chaplain, of St. James. The principal book was Arndt's Wahres Christenthum. Among these German emigrants were Mennonites, Dunkards, German Reformed, and Lutherans. Their number was so great, as to draw the remarks from James Logan, secretary of the province of Pennsylvania, in 1717 — "We have," said he, "of late, a. great number of Palatines poured, in upon us without any recommendation or notice, which gives the country some uneasiness, for foreigners do not so well among us as our own English people." In 1719, Jonathan Dickinson remarks, "We are daily expecting ships from London which bring over Palatines, in number about sk or geven thousand. We had a par cel who came out about five years ago, who purchased land about sixty miles west ,of Philadelphia, and prove quiet and industrious. Some few came from Ireland lately, and more are expected thence.* This is besides eur common supply from Wales and England. Our friends do increase mightily, and a great people there is in the wilderness, which is fast becoming a fruitful field." From 1720 to 1725, the number of Germans from the Palatinate, Wurtenberg, Darmstadt, &c, increased ; these settled prineipally in what is Montgomery, Berks, and Lancaster county. Those who came in between 1720 and 1725, were accompanied by ministers ofthe gospel, and some schoolmasters — among the German Reformed was Rev. Bochm, who had come in prior to 1720, and Rev. George Michael Weiss, who came subsequent to 1720. Among the Lutheran ministers were the Rev. Falckner, Hihckel, and Stoever. Their schoolmasters, for the want of a supply of ministers, read sermons and prayers. Among the Dunkards were the Rev. Peter Becker, and Alexander Mack, as ministers. * These were the Mennonites in Pequea yalley. 8 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Iii the period between 1720 and 1725, a number of Germans emigrated from the State of New York, and settled at Tulpehocken. Of these, a detailed account will be .given when speaking of Tulpehocken township. From 1725 to 1740, there was another great influx of Germans of various religious opinions, German Reform ed, Lutherans, Catholics, Moravians, and Swenckfelders, arrived ; of the latter, a particular account will be given when speaking of Hereford township. It appears, from a letter written by James Logan, in 1725, that many of the Germans were not over scrupulous in their compli ance with the regulations of the Land Office. He says, and perhaps with much truth, "they come in, in crowds, and. as bold, indigent strangers from Germany, where many of them have been soldiers. All these go in the best vacant tracts, and seize upon them as places of common spoil. He says they rarely approach him on their arrival to propose to purchase ; and when they are sought out and challenged for their right of occupancy, they allege it was published in Europe that we wanted and solicited for colonists, and had a superabundance of land, and, therefore, they had come without the means to pay. The Germans in after time embroiled with the Indians at Tulpehocken, threatening a serious affair. In general, those who sat down without titles acquired enough in a few years, to buy them, and so generally they were left unmolested. The character then known to him, he states, are many of them a surly people — divers of them Papists — the men well armed, and, as a body, a warlike, morose race. In 1727, he states that 6000 Germans more are expected, (and also many from Ireland,) and these emigrations, he hopes, may be prevented in future by act of parliament, else he fears those colonies will, in time, be lost to the crown ! — a future act. " In 1729, he speaks of being glad to observe the influx of strangers, as likely to attract the interference of parlia ment ; for truly, says he, they have danger to -apprehend for a country where not even a militia exists for govern ment support. To arrest, in some degree, their arrival, HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 9 the Assembly passed a tax of twenty shillings a head on new arrived servants. " In another letter, he says, the numbers from Germa ny at this rate will soon produce a German colony here, and perhaps such an one as Britain received from Saxo ny in the 5th century. He even states, as among the appre hended schemes of Sir William Keith, the former gover nor, that he, Harland and Gould, have had sinister pro jects of forming an independent province in the west, to the westward of the Germans, towards the Ohio — proba bly west of the mountains, and to be supplied by his friends among the Palatines and Irish, among whom was his chief popularity at that time. " From 1740 to 1752, emigrants came in by hundreds. During this period a number of Moravians and Swenck felders arrived, and settled, principally, within the pre sent limits of Northampton county and Lehigh. Of these a detailed account will be given when speaking of those counties. "In the autumn of 1749, not less than twenty vessels, with German passengers to the number of twelve thou sand, arrived at Philadelphia. In 1750, 1751, and 1752, the number was not much legs. Among those who emi grated in the years from 1740 to 1752, there were many who bitterly lamented that they had forsaken their homes for the Province of Pennsylvania. At that time there was a class of Germans who had resided some time in Pennsylvania, well known by the name of Neulaender, who made it their business to go to Germany and pre vail on their countrymen to sacrifice their property, and embark for America. In many instances, persons in easy circumstances at home, with a view to better their con dition, came to America, but to their sorrow found that their condition was rendered none the better, but in nu merous instances worse, if not wretched. Others again, who had not the means of paying their passage across the Atlantic, were, on their arrival at Philadelphia, ex posed at public auction to serve for a series of years to pay their passage. Those, thus disposed of, were term ed, Redemptioners. The Palatine Redemptioners were 10 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. usually sold at ten pounds, for from three to five years servitude. Many of them, after serving out their time faithfully, became, by frugality and industry, some ofthe most wealthy and influential citizens of the State. The years that were peculiarly remarkable for the importation of Palatine Redemptioners were, 1728, '29, '37, '41, '50, and '51. Of this class many had become men of wealth and influence in their day, and whose descendants are among the first in society, as to intelligence, wealth and respectability. "In later times, say about the year 1753 to 1756, the Germans having become numerous, and therefore power ful as make-weights in the political balance, were much noticed in the publications of the day. They were at that period of time, in general, very hearty co-operators with the Quakers or Friends, then in considerable rule in the Assembly. A MSS. pamphlet in the Franklin Library at Philadelphia, supposed to have been written by Samuel Wharton, in 1755, shows his ideas of the passing events, saying, that the party on the side of the Friends derived much of their influence over the Ger mans, through the aid of C. Sauers, who published a Ger man paper in Germantown, from the time of 1729, and which, being much read by that people, influenced them to the side ofthe Friends, and hostile to the Governor and council. Through this means, says he, they have persuaded them that there was a design to enslave them ; to enforce their young men, by a contemplated militia law, to become soldiers, and to load them down with taxes, &c. From such causes, he adds, have they come down in shoals to vote, (of course, many from North ampton,) and carrying all before them. To this I may, says Watson, add, that I have heard from the Norris family, that their ancestors in the Assembly were warm ly patronized by the Germans in union with Friends. His alarms at this German influence at the polls, and his proposed remedies for the then dreaded evils, as they show the prevalent feelings of his associates in politics, may serve to amuse the present generation. He says the best effects of these successes of the Germans will HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 11 probably be felt through many generations ! Instead of a peaceable, industrious people, as before, they are now insolent, sullen, and turbulent ; in some counties threat ening even the lives of all those who opposed their views, because they are taught to regard government and sla very as one and the same thing. All who are not. of their party, they call " Governor's men," and them selves, they, deem strong enough to make the countiy their own ! Indeed, they come in, in such force, say up wards of 5000 in the last year, I see not but they may soon be able to give us law and language too, or else, by joining the French, eject all the English. That this may be the case, is too much to be feared, for almost to a man they refused to bear arms in the time of the late war, and they say, it is all one to them which king gets the country, as their estates will be equally secure. In deed it is clear that the French have turned their hopes upon this great body of Germans. They hope to allure them by grants of Ohio lands. To this end, they send their Jesuitical emissaries among them to persuade them over to the Popish religion. In concert with this, the French for so many years have encroached on our pro vince, and are now so near their scheme as to be within two days' march of some of our back settlements " — al luding, of course, to the state of the western wilds, over run by French and Indians, just before the arrival of Braddock's forces in Virginia, in 1755. " The writer (Wharton) imputes their wrong bias in general to their " stubborn genius and ignorance," which he proposes to soften by education — a scheme still sug gested as necessary to . give the general mass of the in land country Germans right views of public individual interests. To this end, he proposes that faithful Protes tant ministers and schoolmasters should be supported among them. That their children should be taught the English tongue ; the government in the mean time should suspend their right of voting for members of Assembly ; and to incline them the sooner to become English in edu cation and feeling, we should compel them to make all . bonds and other legal writings in English, and no news- 12 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. paper or almanac be circulated among them unless also accompanied by the English thereof." "Finally," the writer concludes, that "without some such measure, I see nothing to prevent this province from falling into the hands of the French." Before and from the Revolution of '76, Germans emi grated from Europe, and settled in those parts of Penn sylvania — nine-tenths of the early settlers in Northamp ton and Schuylkill counties, which embraced, at their first organization, all those counties of which it is proposed to give a history. Since 1823, many Germans, principally miners, have settled in the coal regions of these counties. CHAPTER III. THE WELSH. In the very incipient stage of theflrst settlements made in the Province, many Welshmen arrived in Pennsylva nia. They were of sterling worth and of a most excel lent character. " They were," says a certain writer, of the last century, " A hardy, active, hospitable and kind- hearted people — only a little hasty and quarrelsome." Among the most influential, at early day, was Thomas Lloyd, one of Penn's Deputy Governors. He died in 1 6 94, aged fifty -four years. His father, says Proud, was a person of fortune, rank and esteem ; of an ancient fa mily and estate, called Dolobran, in the 'North of Wales. Thomas, Lloyd, the late Deputy Governor, was educated in the best schools ; from which he was removed to the University at Oxford ; where, it is said, he attained con siderable proficiency ; and being endowed with good na tural parts, and an amiable disposition of mind, he at tracted the regard and esteem of persons of rank and figure, and was afterwards in the way of considerable preferment in the world ; but being of a sober and reli gious way of thinking, he joined with the Quakers, and renounced all worldly considerations, for that peace of mind, and real mortal felicity $ which he believed to be the effect of true religion ; and become a highly esteemed preacher in that Society. In consequence ofwhich, hav ing suffered much unmerited reproach, persecution and loss of property, in his native country, he afterwards re moved to Pennsylvania, among the first or early settlers, and was one of William Penn's most intimate friends. He was mostly. one of the principal persons in the government, from his first arrival, and of very great service in the public affairs. The Welsh had early purchased of William Penn, in England, forty thousand acres of land, and settled on the 14 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. west side of the Schuylkill river. Only a few years elapsed when their number was considerably increased ; it was sufficiently augmented, that they had settled, be fore the year 1692, not less than six townships in Ches ter county. The custom of the Welsh, and that of the Swiss and Palatines, in settling parts of Pennsylvania, was similar. They would either purchase extensive tracts in England, to settle many of their friends in one body, as did the Menonites in Pequea valley, in 1709 and 1710 ; or like the Frankford company in 1686, or as they did, as just alluded to above ; or they did in some instances, send persons across the Atlantic, to take up land for them, and make some preparation for the reception of their friends and families. Among the Welsh, who thus acted as pioneers, was the well laiown. Rowland Ellis, who sent over Thomas Owen and family to commence a ffettlement. No sooner had Owen made improvement, in which he spent a few years, when Ellis and one hundred other Welsh passen gers left Wales, and embarked for America in 1686. In 169S many other Welsh families arrived, among whom were William Jones, Thomas Evans, Robert Evans, Owen Evans, Cadwallader Evans, Hugh Griffith, Edward Foulke, John Humphrey, Robert Jones, and others, who purchased ten thousand acres of land from Robert Turner, in Guinedd township, Chester county. There were only few Welsh settled at an early period in these counties ; however, within the last ten or fifteen years, many of them are to be found in the coal regions, where they number several thousand. They have, at present, among their ministers of the gospel, who preach to them in the Welsh tongue. The Welsh is pretty generally spoken by the adults and the young. Here a specimen of the Lord's prayer is given in their language, as we find it in a London edition ofthe Welsh Bible, printed 1718 : Ein Tad yr.hwn yn y nefoedd, Sancteiddier dy Enw. Deled dy deyrnas. Gwncler dy ewyllys, megis yn y nef, felly ar y ddaear hefyd. Dyro i ni heddyw ein bara HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 15 beunyddiol. A madden i ni ein dyledion, fel y maddeuwn nimau i'n dyledwyr. Ac nacarwain ni i brofedigaeth, eithr gwared ni rhagdrwg. Canys eiddot ti y w 'r deyrnas, a'r nearth, a'r gogoniant, yn oes oesoedd. Amen. CHAPTER IV. THE IRISH. The Irish emigrants, says Watson, did not begin to come to Pennsylvania till about the year 1719. Those which did come were generally from the north of Ireland. Such as come out first, generally settled at, and near the disputed Maryland line. James Logan, writing of them to the Proprietaries, in 1 724, says, they have generally taken up the southern lands, (meaning in Lancaster, to wards the Maryland line,) and as they rarely approach ed him to propose to purchase, he calls them bold and indigent strangers, saying as their excuse, when challeng ed for titles, that we had solicited for colonists, and they had come accordingly. They were, however, understood to be a tolerated class, exempt from rents by an ordinance of 1720, in consideration of their being a frontier people, forming a kind of cordon of defence, if needful. They were soon called bad neighbors by the Indians, treating them disdainfully, and finally were the same race who committed the outrages called Paxtang Massacre. The general ideas are found in the Logan MSS. collection. Some of the data are as follows : "In 1735, James Logan states, that there are so many as one hundred thousand acres of land, possessed by per sons, (including Germans,) who resolutely set down and improved it without any right to it, and Wf? ffmuch at a loss to determine how to dispossess them. "In 1729, he expresses himself glad to find that the Parliament is about to take measures to prevent the too free emigration to this country. In the meantime the Assembly had laid a restraining tax of twenty shillings a head for every servant arriving ; but even this was evaded in the case of the arrival of a ship from Dublin, with one hundred catholics and convicts, by landing them at Burlington. It looks, says he, as if Ireland is to send HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 17 all her inhabitants hither, for last week, not less than six ships arrived, and every day two or three arrive also. The common fear is, that if they continue to come, they will make themselves proprietors of the province. It is strange, says he, that they thus crowd where they are not wanted. But besides these, convicts are imported hither. The Indians themselves are alarmed at the swarms of strangers, and we are afraid of a breach be tween them — for the Irish are very rough to them." "In 1730, he writes and complains of the Scotch Irish, in an audacious and disorderly manner, possessing them selves of the whole of Conestoga manor, of fifteen thou sand acres, being the best land in the country. In doing this by force, they alleged that it was against the laws of God and nature, that so much land should be idle, while so many Christians wanted it to labor on, and to raise their brpad,, &c. The Paxtang boys were great sticklers for religion and scripture quotations against " the heathen." They were, however, dispossessed by the Sheriff and his posse, and their cabins, to the number of thirty, were burnt. This necessary violence was, per haps, remembered with indignation ; for only twenty-five years afterwards, the Paxtang massacre began by killing the Christian unoffending Indians found hi Conestoga. The Irish were generally settled at Donegal." But few Scotch Irish settled within the limits of these counties at an 'early period, except some twenty or more families, in Northampton county, Allen township, a place known as Craig's Settlement. " This settlement was made, says the Rev. Webster, of Mauch Ch nek, from the north of Ireland, about the year 1728-30. That was the period at which the tide of Presbyterian emigration began to take place. " Wil liam Craig, Esq., and Thomas Craig, appear to have been the principal settlers ; their residence was not far from where the Presbyterian church in Allen township now stands. Others — men of property, influence and religious character — were John Ralston, Robert Walker, John Walker, John McNair, John Hays, James King, Gabriel King, his only son, eminent for his piety; Arthur Latti- 18 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. more, Hugh Wilson, William Young, George Gibson, Robert Gibson, Andrew Mann, James Riddle, John Boyd, Widow Mary Dobbin, Nigel Gray, and Thomas Arm strong." There are still some ofthe descendants of these people, occupying the very farms first settled by them. Of late years, many Irish have emigrated into Schuylkill and Carbon comities, and are principally found in the coal regions. The greater proportion of them are Catholics, and have priests officiating in the Irish language, which is spoken by many ofthe laboring classes. To give the reader a specimen of the printed language of these sons of Erin, the Lord's prayer has been copied from Gr. Darnels' edition of an Irish Bible, printed 1602. Air nathir ataigh air nin. Nabz fat hanimti. Tigiuh da riathiate. Deantux da hoilamhuoil Air nirnli agis air thalambi. Air naran laidthuil tabhair dhuin a niomb. Agis math duin dairf, hiaeha ammnil Agis mathum vid dar feuthunuim. Agis na trilaic astoch sin anau sen. Ac sar sino ole. Amen. English, German, Welsh, and Irish, were the original settlers of this region, with an occasional Frenchman and Dutchman. Of the two latter, some families, Van Etlan, and Depui, and others, settled at the Minisinks, on the borders of Monroe and Pike counties. Here settlements, it is probable, had been made prior to 1 682. For an ac count of the Minisink settlement, the reader is referred to the history of Monroe county. CHAPTER V. EREGTION OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, shortly after his arrival in 1682, caused several counties, in the province of Pennsylvania, to be established, namely, Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester and Bucks. When this county was erected, and for eighty years afterwards, it comprised all, and even more than is within the pre sent bounds of Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, Pike and Carbon counties, It was sufficient, as to extent of terri tory, to form a "Helvitic Republic." After repeated efforts to erect a new county out of the north part of Bucks, the inhabitants of that part of the county succeeded. None was more active in effect ing this than Mr. William Craig. It is set forth in the records of the County Commissioners, in 1753, "that William Craig sent a letter to the Commissioners, setting forth that he had been at considerable expense in pro curing Northampton county to be divided from Bucks county; and requested that they would be pleased to reimburse him the said expenses : whereupon they took the same into consideration, and agreed to allow him .£30, and ordered the Clerk to draw an order on the Treasurer for that sum. An order was drawn." By virtue of the following act of Assembly, passed March llth, 1752, the county of Northampton was erected : " Whereas, a great number of the inhabitants of the upper parts of the county of Bucks, by their petition, have hereby represented to the Governor and the Assem bly of this province, the great hardships they lay under, by being so remote from the present seat of judicature, and the public offices ; that the necessary means to be used for obtaining justice is attended with so much diffi culty and expense, that many forego their right, rather 20 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. than attempt the recovery of it under such circumstances ; while others, sensible of these difficulties, commit great villainies with impunity. For remedying whereof, and for the relief of the inhabitants, Be it enacted by the Hon. James Hamilton, Lieut. Governor, under the Hon. Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, true and solvent proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania, and of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Dela ware, by and with the advice and consent of the repre sentatives of the freemen of the said province, in general assembly met, and by the authority of the same, that all and singular the lands, lying within the province of Pennsylvania aforesaid, be erected into a county ; and the same is hereby erected into a county, named, and hereinafter to be called, Northampton ; to be divided from the county of Bucks, by the upper or north-western line of Durham tract, to the upper corner thereof; thence by a straight line to be run south-westwardly, to the line dividing the township of Upper and Lower Milford; thence along the said line to the line dividing Philadel phia and Bucks counties ; and thence by a line to the extremities of the said province. The same act provided that Thomas Craig, Hugh Wil son, John Jones, Thomas Armstrong, and James Mar tin, or any three of them, were to purchase and take as surance to them and their heirs of a piece of land, situate in some convenient place, at Easton, on Lehietan, in the Forks of the river Delaware, in trust, and for the use of the inhabitants of the said county, and thereon to erect and build a court house and prison, sufficient to accom modate the public service ofthe said county, and for the ease and conveniency of the inhabitants. For that pur pose, a sum of money, not exceeding three hundred pounds, was to be raised by tax. A few years after the county had been erected, a court house and jail were built — the latter in 1753, and the former in 1754. The courts were held at the house of Mr. Jacob Bachman, as appears from the following : "February 19, 1745— the commissioners had an order drawn in favor of Jacob Bachman for £6, for one year's HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 21 rent of his house in Easton, for holding the courts and elections." The first court was held the 16th of June, 1752. Some extracts of the proceedings are given : "At a court of our Lord the King, held at Easton for the county of Northampton, the 1 6th day of June, in the 26th year of our Sovereign Lord, George II, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, Ireland, &c, A. D. 1752, before Thomas Craig, Timothy Horse- field, Hugh Wilson, James Martin, and William Craig, Justices of our Lord the King, the peace in the said coun ty to keep, as also divers felonies, trespasses and other offences, in said county committed, to .hear and deter mine, assigned by commission, dated the 9th day of June 1752. "June 16, 1752, Lewis Gordon having presented him self to the court that he was admitted an attorney to practice law in Philadelphia and Bucks, was, upon his prayer, admitted an attorney to practice in the courts of Northampton. " A draught, and return of Heidelberg township, under the hand of David Schultz, was allowed and ordered to be minuted. " The petition of a number of the inhabitants settled on the back .parts of Maconjie, praying that they might be formed into a township, was allowed, and Mr. Scull, surveyor of the county, to run out the same. " The several petitions of Adam Teets, Christian Hay maker, William Craig, William Anderson, Paul Miller, Paul Pollyard, (Balliot) Elias Painter, George Zewitz, Henry Hillman, George Cleim, David Geery, David Owen, Christopher Warner, John Lighton, George Good, and John Lefever, for recommendations to his Honor, the Governor, for license to keep public houses, were al lowed ; and those of Nathanial Vernon, and John Atkin son, were rejected. " Upon the petition of divers inhabitants of Lower Smithfield township, Joseph Seely was appointed con stable of the said township — the former constable being dead. 22 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. " The following constables made default in their ap pearance, viz : the constables of Upper Saucon, Mac- onjie, Heidelberg, Durham, Bethlehem, Upper Smith- field, adjacent to Heidelberg, Upper Milford, Allemen- gell, Lynford at Piketon, Forks of Delaware ; adjacents of Allentown; adjacent to Upper Smithfield, Lower Smithfield. Note — the constable of Durham is in Bucks county." "At a Court of Record of our Lord the King, held at Easton, for the county of Northampton, the 3d day of October, in the 26th year of our Sovereign Lord, George II, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, Ireland, &c, A. D. 1752, before Thomas Craig, Daniel Broadhead, Hugh Wilson, James Martin, Aaron Depui, and John Venetta, Esqrs., of our Lord the King, the peace in said county to keep, &c, by commission, dated June 9, 1752. " The Court being opened, the Sheriff, one Joseph Hart, Esq., returned the precept to him directed, and the following persons were qualified to serve on the Grand Inquest : " Samuel Depui, Foreman, James Rawlston, William Casselberry, Robert Gregg, Robert Lile, Lawrence Mar- kell, Alexander Miller, Michael Moore, ' Garrett Brink, Charles Broadhead, James Horner, John Atkinson, John McFarring, David Owen, Nathaniel Vernon. "Note — Isaac Vancampen, Benjamin Shoemaker, John Walker, John Cowken, summoned to serve on the Grand Inquest, made default in their appearance* " The following persons were made Supervisors, viz: " Isaac Telb and Christian Crail, for Upper Milford ; James Cooker and Philip Schlauge, for Lower Saucon ; Conrad Hess and Philip Podewaider, for Williamton. " The following, constables, viz : " Thomas Clarke, for the Forks of Delaware ; Christian Newcomer, for Upper Saucon ; Joseph Oibert, for Ma- cunjie ; Michael Hoffman, for Egypta ; Conrad Blose, for Heidelberg ; Adam Schuler, for Upper Milford ; David Bellman, for Allemengell ; Samuel Bougher, for Lower Saucon; Michael Shoemaker, for Williamton; James HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 23 Perry, for Bethlehem ; James Craig, for Allentown ; Philip Trom, adjacent to Allentown ; Adam Plank, for Salisbury; Johannes Venetta, for Upper Smithfield. Joseph Seely was appointed in June term, constable for Lower Smithfield. " The Sheriff stated that Robert Gregg, Peter Traxler, and Benjamin Shoemaker were chosen commissioners ; that Frederick Scull, George Custard, John Holder, James Rawlston, John Walker and Joseph Everhart were elect ed assessors. " The petition of divers persons, inhabitants of a tract of land eight miles long by three miles broad, bounded on one side by the West Branch of Delaware, and on the other side by the respective townships of Upper Sau con, Upper Milford, Macunjie and Whitehall, praying that the same may be laid out in a township to be called Salisburg, was allowed." At the time Northampton was erected, it embraced all that is now comprised with the counties of Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, Carbon, Le high, and a portion of Schuylkill ; but it was gradually reduced, as will appear in the sequel, by erecting other counties out. of it. The following townships were organ ized in Northampton county, prior to 1763, viz : Whitehall, Lynn, Heidelberg, Weissenberg, Lower Saucon, Mount Bethel, Forks, Williamstown, Salisbury, Upper Milford, Low Hill, Macunjie, Allen, Plainfield, Easton, Lehigh, Upper Saucon, Lower Smithfield, Up per Smithfield, Towaminsing, Moore, Bethlehem, Chest- nuthill, Hamilton, Northampton, Delaware, Perm. The following mills had been built before the county was erected — Schultz' mill, Bropi's, Samuel Depui's, Wilson's, Trucker's, Mayer's, Friedenthal's, George Sewitz', Frederick Isen's, John Jones'. CHAPTER yr. PRESENT LIMITS, &c. OF THE COUNTY. The limits of Northampton county were gradually reduced. By an act passed March 21, 1772, Northum berland county was erected out of parts of the counties of Lancaster, Cumberland, Bedford, Berks, and North ampton ; and by erecting Wayne county, according to act of Assembly, March 21st, 1798, Northampton had more than half of its territory " lopped off." The act of 1798 required that, " all that part of Northampton county, lying to the northward of a line to be drawn, and begin ning at the west end of George Michael's farm on the river Delaware, in Middle Smithfield township, and from thence a straight line to the mouth of Front creek on the Lehigh, adjoining Luzern county." In erecting Schuylkill county, according to an act passed March 1st, 1811, William Penn and Rush town ships, of Northampton county, were separated from this comity, and included within the bounds of Schuylkill Like the farm of a Roman patriot, Northampton had to surrender territory for an entire county — Lehigh, whicli was separated from Northampton by an act of Assembly passed March 6th, 1812. In 1S36, according to an act passed in April of that year, another portion was taken from it to form Monroe comity. And still another considerable portion was separated in 1843 — "all that portion of Northampton which lies north ofthe Blue mountain," was taken to form part of Carbon county. Its present area is about three hundred and seventy square miles — containing rising of 230,000 acres of land. The county, as at present reduced, is bounded on the north by Carbon and Monroe ; east by the river Dela ware, separating it from New Jersey ; south by Bucks, and west by Lehigh county. Its population exceeds 35,000. The county is divided into the following town- HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 25 ships : Allen, Bethlehem, Bushkill, Forks, Hanover, Le high, Lower Mount Bethel, Lower Nazareth, Moore, Plain-field, Saucon, Upper Mount Bethel, Upper Naza reth, Williams, two boroughs, Easton and South Easton. The county, as now limited, is entirely within the range south of the Blue mountain, some times called Kittatin- ny — originally called by the Indians Kau-ta-tin-chunk, i. e. the Main, or principal Mountain, which forms at present the northern boundary of the county. It is a very regular ridge, nearly uniform in height ; averaging about twelve hundred feet. There are Several gaps or passes through the Blue mountain, within the county. These are the Delaware iva ter gap, where the Delaware river passes through it; the Wind gap, fifteen miles above the Delaware ; the Little gap, and the Lehigh icater gap. The mountain is generally steep, rocky, unfit for cultivation, and not well timbered. A description of these several gaps, is attempted below. The county is unsurpassed by any in East Pennsyl vania for fertility of soil, improvements of various kinds. The general appearance of the country every where, in dicates prosperity and plenty. Wherever the traveller turns his eye, he sees substantial, neat store-houses — huge barns — fine churches— -beautiful orchards, burdened down with fruit. German industry every where richly crowned. The few Irish descendants remaining, differ here from that class of people elsewhere in the State. These are nearly all successful farmers. Mills of every description are abundant and convenient.* To return to the Gaps in the Kittatinny mountain : The Little Gap, or " Dei Kleine Kaft," or Smith's Gap, is between the Lehigh Water Gap and the Wind Gap. Die Wind Kaft, or the Wind Gap, is a depression, notch, or opening in the Blue mountain, which is very abrupt, and extends from the top nearly to the bottom of the mountain. No stream passes through. Various * For a description ofthe soil, &c, see the description of the several townships. 26 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. have been the conjectures touching the cause of this notch. The conjecture most prevalent as to the origin of the Kaft, is, that it was caused by the Delaware river, where, as is supposed, it formed a lake behind the moun tain, and may have opened a passage at the notch or gap. Those maintaining this view, theorize thus : "That at some time, anterior to the Delaware river having burst its way, where it now runs, there may have been some slight depression at the Wind Gap, and subsequently to the Delaware passing its barrier, vast masses of ice may have choaked up the passage below, where the river again formed a lake, many feet higher than it was in days of yore, and this water may have been discharged, till the ice yielded, and suffered the river once more, and ever smee, to pass." This is, however, mere theory. The Wind Gap is fifteen miles above the Delaware Water Gap. The mountain is here depressed nearly as low as the country on each side, for a gap of peculiar convenience for the passage of travellers and - teams, and towards which the leading roads converge and pass through in one great thoroughfare. The % turnpike road passes through here. In the year 1774, Simon Heller, Casper Dull, Jonas Hartzall, Adam Hubler, Abraham Labor, and Adam Joke, were appointed to lay out a public road, or King's highway, from the north side of the Blue mountain, be ginning at the Wind Gap, in the most direct and conve nient course to Wyoming, so that the communication be tween said places may be rendered safe and easy. Gen. Sullivan, with an army, marched from Easton to Wyo ming on this road during the Revolution, in June 1779. The Delaware Water Gap is thirty miles above Easton, and is worth a voyage across the Atlantic to see it. Va rious are the theoretical conjectures as to the cause of this rent in the rocks — disarrangement of the rupic moun tain mass. It is a stupendous work, and the " rent " is chasmaticissimus. The estimated height of the mountains, on either side, is from 1500 to 1600 feet ; the width ofthe space between HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 27 the two mountains at the base, one thousand feet ; and at the summit, two thousand feet ; the whole distance through the mountain is about two miles. In making an estimate of the amount of matter thrown out by the passing of the Delaware, if only one mile in length is taken into the account, would then give the enormous amount of cubic feet to be 12,672,000,000, a sufficiency of matter to cover a township of five miles square, or twenty-five square miles, fifteen feet in depth ! Well might it be said, "Here has been a convulsion that must have shaken the earth to the very center, and the elements to give signs that all was lost." " But He who governs the world and has all things at His command — He who holds the globe by the might of his power, can remove the mountains from their foundations and bury them in the deep, and the great machinery of the universe continue to move, and lose none of its func tions." Various are the conjectures as to the formative cause of these Gaps in the mountain. " It would seem," says a certain writer, in speaking of this Gap, "from the quan tity of alluvial lands above the mountain, that, at some remote period, a dam of great height here obstructed the progress of the Delaware. If it had been as high, or half as high as the mountain, it would have raised the water that it might have run into the North River. It probably had an elevation of 150 or 200 feet, forming a lake of more than fifty miles in length, covering the Meenesink settlements. This height must have formed cataracts similar, the quantity of water excepted, to that of Ni agara. «**• It has been conjectured, that this dam was engulfed by some great convulsion ofthe earth : and the following reasons have been assigned for this opinion : The dis tance through the mountain is about two miles, within which the river has an average width of half a mile, and the water is, as still as a mill-pond, so that a raft will be driven by the impulse of the wind up or down; and the hoatmen report that a hundred and ten years ago, no bottom could be found with their longest line. 28 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. " Had the mountain been worn by abrasion, such a gulf would not have existed, and the bottom ofthe river here would have consisted of the same material which forms the side of the pass ; but the bottom is of alluvial mud, and the nucleus ofthe mountain is of a hard granite, peculiar to the place. It is also well known that alluvial particles, which float in the swift current subsides in the pools ; and it has been noted by an accurate observer, that the river is always much more muddy, or rily, as the phrase is, above than below the Gap. Henee a latf^ proportion of the alluvion carried down the stream musT have been deposited hi this gulf. Supposing the dam to have sunk one thousand years ago, and two feet of earth per annum to have been thus deposited, 2000 feet must thus have been heaped upon the original dam, supposed to have been one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet high." All are agreed that it was owing to some great, cause, a mighty disturbance of elements, which wrought a change in the current, as well as the strata of rock. Pro fessor Rogers mantains, while some hold some vast lake had burst its barriers, that by some mighty convulsion, which produced transverse dislocation in the Appalachian change, may have caused this rent, or chasm. Speaking of this great convulsion, he says: "The numerous gaps and breaks in the line of the Blue moun tain, or Kittatinny, exhibits, very generally, a correspond ing law. " This is shown by the measurements at the wide Gap of the Susquehanna above Harrisburg, and is mani fest to the eye in the bold notch called the Water Gap qf the Delaware, where the Strata that rise into the sum mit of the mountain on the New Jersey side pf the river, are thrown several hundred feet to the north of those in a corresponding position. In Pennsylvania, I conceive these transverse locations to pervade all the great ridges and valleys of our Appalachian region, and to be a prima ry cause of most, if not all those deep notches, which are known by the name of Water Gaps, and which cleave HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 29 so many of our high mountain ridges to their very bases."* Both theories, and the theory of a gradual abrasion, may be supported by some plausible facts. However, may it not be that " those stupendous steeps were erected for the sole purpose of man's observation ; that he might be impressed with a proper train of reflections upon the power and dignity of his Maker — of the inferiority of man, and the instability of human things ? But, what caused the opening of the mountains, whether by one mighty explosion, or by gradually wearing down to the present bed of the river, is a subject too capacious for the limited genius of man to dwell upon." t May not Job be right? "He putteth forth his hand upon the rock, he overturneth the mountains by the roots. , He cutteth out rivers among the rocks, and his eye seeth every precious thing. Job 28 ; 9, 10. On the south side ofthe county are " the Lehigh hills," locally known as the South Mountain ; though scarcely deserving that name. " In some places, however, they are quite steep, and when viewed from the level country below them, appear very formidable. This county is well watered, and the streams afford abundant water power. The rivers of the county are the Lehigh and Delaware, with numerous tributaries. DELAWARE RIVER. The Delaware river, which forms the eastern bounda ry of this county, is so called from some French, who, it is said, commenced settlements near the head of the Bay. It was called by them "La reviere de la ware," or "De- la-ware," which words at length formed Delaware. This river was known among the Indians by various names, as Pontaxas, Marisqueion, Makeriskitton, Makerisk- kiskon, Lenawihittuck, (Stream of the Lenape.) By the * Second Annual Report on the Geological Exploration ofthe State of Pennsylvania, pa. 79. f Editor of New York Sun. 30 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Dutch it was called Zuydt, or south river, Nassau river; and by the Swedes, New Sivedeland Stream. The Delaware rises by two principal streams in the State of New York. It is rather crooked in its course, until it passes the Gap. Its principal tributaries from the west, in Monroe county, are Marshall's creek, Cher ry creek, Smithfield creek ; Broadhead 's, Pocono and M'Michael's, branches of Smithfield creek. From North ampton county are the Cobuss, Oquirton, Martin's creek, and Bushkill ; and at Easton it receives the Lehigh with its numerous tributaries, and flows onward. * * A full description of the river is deemed unnecessary. The character of this work precludes lengthy descriptions. CHAPTER VII. EASTON, EARLY HISTORY OF, &c. Easton, the seat of justice, it sppears, was laid out by Hugh Wilson, of Allen township, and Col. Martin, of Mount Bethel, commissioners, and William Parsons, sur veyor, about the year 1737 or '38. The Moravians had a Brother house here at an early period — a large edifice of stone; — it is now one of the oldest buildings in the place, forming a part of Mr. John Bachman's hotel The town did not improve; rapidly till after 1752, when it became the seat of justice of the new county. It was a favorite place between the years 1755 and* 1762, for holding treaties with the Indians. These trea ties we're usually attended with much pomp and cere mony. The limits of this work preclude giving all the treaties at length. One, which it is believed will be read with interest, is inserted at length. Council held at Easton, Saturday the 24th July, 175B. Present — The Hon. R. H. Morris, Lieut. Gov. of Pa.; William Logan, Benj. Chew, Richard Peters, John Mif flin, Esqrs. Three members of the council were sent with a string of wampum to the Delaware King, to acquaint him that the governor was come, and, by them, bid him and his , company welcome among the inhabitants, and assure him that, as the Indians were come on the mvitation of the governor, their persons should not be hurt ; he would afford them protection, and charge his people to treat them with kindness. That to-morrow being Sun day, no business could be done, but on Monday morning the governor would hold a council, send for them, and begin the conference. The string was given to New- 32 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. castle first, as one of the Six Nations, to be given to the King. The members, being returned from Teedyuscung, in formed the governor, that when they attempted to use John Pumpshire as interpreter, the King said he had an interpreter of his own, and presented a young Indian called. Benjamin, an impudent, forward youth, who had enlisted in the Jersey companies, and afterwards desert ed, and went over to the enemy Indians at Diahoga ; John Pourshire said he could not be concerned in inter preting, if Benjamin was allowed to speak, but he would attend to what should be said by the King, and in case of forgetfulness or misapprehension > in Benjamin, he would endeavor to set iiim right; and as Benjamin un derstood English, he might be allowed. The members further acquainted the governor, that the King thanked him for his kind message, and the as surances of protection to him and his company ; that it gave him great satisfaction, and lie would let the Six Nations know this, and every thing else that should be done. He said the Indians knew nothing of Sunday, but the governor did well to rest himself after his journey, and when he had rested, the Indians would return him an answer to his message. He was told that the Chris-' tians employed Sunday in the service of God, the ohe great Creator and Governor of the world. {£J° On the twenty-fifth, Teedyuscung waited on the governor, thanked him for his message, and gave a string to open his eyes and clear his throat ! Easton, Monday, 26 July, 1756 — present, the same persons as before. After reading the several papers relative to the propos ed treaty, the governor desired the council would draw up a speech to the Indians. And then the Indians were sent for into council, and the governor made them the usual addresses of clearing their throat, ears and eyes, and healing the hurt of their legs. The King gave a string, to assure the governor that HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 33 sincerity should attend every thing he spoke on the pre sent occasion, and the governor made the same profes sions- Then the Governor told him Mr. Weiser, who was one of the Six Nations, and Provincial interpreter, not being yet come, he was obliged to put off the con ference till his arrival; of which the King approved, and the Governor invited him to dine with him. Easton, Wednesday, 28th July, 1756. Same persons present as before, adding Conrad Weiser and Pourshire. Mr. Weiser coming to Easton yesterday, " he was sent for into council and conferred with. The matters that had passed since the Governor's arrival at Easton were related to him, the governor's second mes sage, and Sir William Johnson's letter to Gen. Aber crombie were read. It was Mr. Weiser's opinion, that, as no answers were returned to the governor's second message, it was the business of Teedyuscung to give the answers first, before the Governor said any thing ; and accordingly Pourshire was sent for, and this was mentioned to him, who thought the conference should begin by Teedyuseung's delivering the answers of the Diahoga Indians. He went to Tee dyuscung and acquainted him with it, and returned to the Governor and informed him, that this proposal was agreeable to the King. At a conference held at Easton, Wednesday, the 28th July, 1756. Present — The Hon. R. H. Morris, Esq., Lieut. Gov.; William Logan, Richard Peters, Benjamin Chew, and John Mifflin, Esqrs., of the council. John Fox, Jonn Hughes, and William Edmunds, Commissioners. Teedyuscung, the Delaware chief, and fourteen other chiefs. Conrad Weiser, Esq., Interpreter for the Six Nations. John Pumpshire, Joseph Peepy, Ben., Interpreters for the Delawares. A large company, consisting of officers of the Royal c 34 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. American Regiment, and of the Provincial forces, magis trates and free-holders of this and the neighboring pror vince, and about thirty citizens of Philadelphia. The governor acquainted the Indians that he wag going to speak, and desired them to be attentive. Brother — By a belt, which I sent by Newcastle, and the other Indian messengers to Diahoga, I informed the Indians there, that I had kindled a council fire. By another string, I invited them to it ; and by a string of wampum, I cleared the road that they might come in safety to us. I assured you of a hearty welcome as soon as, I came here, and of my protection, and I new, in the name of this government, again bid you welcome. As Capt. Newcastle brought me no answers to some part of the messages 1 sent last by him, I expect to receive those by you. I hope you come prepared to speak to ns sin cerely and openly, and desire you may do so. Jl string. To which Teedyuscung immediately answered : Last spring, you sent me a string, and as soon as I heard the good word from you, I was glad, and as you told us, we believe it came from your hearts, so we felt it in our hearts, and received what you said with joy. Brother — The first messages you sent me came, ti the spring; they touched my heart; they gave me abun dance' of joy. ' I returned an answer to them, and waited for your second messages, which came after some time, and were likewise very agreeable. By the last, you, ac quainted me that you had kindled a council fire, and in vited me and my people to it. We accepted the invita tion and I came accordingly, and have staid several days smoking my pipe with patience, expecting to meet you here ; we are ready to hear what you have to say, and not only we, but five other Nations, in all ten Nations, are now turning their eyes this way, and wait what shall be said and done at this meeting. Brother — I solemnly and with the utmost sincerity declare, that, though you may think I am alone here, ye't it will not be long before you will be convinced that I am here by the appointment of ten nations, among which are my uncles, the Six Nations, authorized me to treat HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 35 with you, and what I do they will all confirm — the truth of this, you will soon have made evident to you. Brother — Hearken to what I am going to say ; I de clare in the most solemn manner, that what I now relate is the truth. Abundance of confusion, disorder and dis traction, has arisen among the Indians, from people tak ing upon them to be kings and persons in authority. In every tribe of Indians, there have been such pretenders, who have held treaties, sometimes public and sometimes in the bushes ; sometimes what those people did, came to be known, but frequently it remained in darkness, or at least no more was imparted or published than they were pleased to publish ; to some they held up their belts, but others never saw them. This bred among the Indians great heart-burnings and quarrels, and I can assure you that the present clouds do in a great measure owe their rise to this wild and irregular way of doing business. The Indians, sensible of this mistake of our ancestors, are now determined to put ah end to this multitude of kings and to this dark way of proceedings ; they have agreed to put the management of their affairs into the hands of a very few, and these shall no, longer have it in their power to huddle up and give partial representations of what is done. I assure you that there are only two kings appointed to transact public ¦ business,-of which I am one ; for the future, matters will go better on both sides ,*-you, as well as we, will know with whom we have to deal. We must beseech the most High to scatter the clouds which have arisen between us, that we settle peace as heretofore. A string. Brother — 'The English,, and particularly the Gover nor of Pennsylvania, you know, have invited me here ; I came, therefore, and my uncles, the Six Nations, will confirm what I say. In your messages to the Indians at Diahoga, you signified to us that you heard we were in want and distress, which, to be sure, we were; and pitied us and our poor wives and children ; we took it kindly and as a word that came from your heart ; now is the time for you to look about and act the part of a chari table and wise man ; be therefore strong. Be assured that 36 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. although I am poor, I will do my share ; whatever kind-; ness you do to me or my people, shall be published at; the Ten Nations ; we wont hide any presents you shall give us ; every body shall know that we have heard your good words,; we will not do as others, and some of our uncles, the Six Nations, have done, sneak away and hide your words and presents in the bushes ; but shall publish , far and near that all may join with us. Exert yourselvesi now in the best manner you can, and you will obtain, your end. Brother — The conclusion of my words is no more than, this : the matter in hand is of too great moment for one man. I am but a messenger' from the united Nations; though I act as a chief man among the Delawares, I must now hear what , you have to say to my people, at this council fire. If it be good, I shall lay hold of it and carry it to the united Nations, who will smile and be pleased to hear good news ; if what you say be disagreeable, I will notwithstanding keep Jt close (there he closed his fist) and deliver it faithfully to the united Nations, and, let them, as they are my superiors, do as they see cause. Being asked if he had done speaking, he said he had, for the present. The main thing, he added, is yet in my' breast, laying his hand to his heart ; but this will depend, on what words the Uovernor will speak to us. Then he re peated the Delaware word Whishshiksy, the same in Mo hawk language as Jago, with great earnestness, and in a very pathetic tone. Mr. Weiser, who knew the word to have a very extensive and forcible sense, desired the In terpreter to ask him what he meant by Whishshiksy on this particular occasion, and explained himself in the fol lowing manner : " Suppose you want to move a large log of wood that requires many hands, you must take pains to get as many together as will do the business ; if you fall short of one, though ever so weak a one, all the rest are to no purpose ; though this being in itself nothing, yet if you camiot move the log without it, you must spare no pains to get it — Whishshicksy , be strong, look around you, enable us to get every Indian nation we can to put -the means into our hands ; be sure, perform every pro- HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 37 mise you have made to us ; in particular, do not pinch matters neither with us nor other Indians; we help you ; but we are poor and you are rich ; make us strong, and we will use our strength for you ; and besides this, what you do, do quickly ; the times are dangerous — they will not admit of delay, Whishshiksy ; do it effectually, and do it with all possible despatch. The Governor then spoke : Brother — I haye heard with attention all you have said, I thank you for the openness with which you have declared your sentiments ; the matters mentioned are of importance ; I have laid them to heart ; I will consider them with my council ; when I am prepared to speak, I will let you know ; I will use despatch, the time being, as you justly observe, dangerous. Easton, on Thursday, 29th July, 1756. (The same persons present as day before.) Brother — I am going to speak to you on the affair we are met about; my speech will contain matters of great moment. By this string of wampum, therefore, I open your ears that you may give a proper attention. JL string. Brother — The inhabitants of this province have ever been a peaceable people, and remarkable for their love and constant friendship to the Six Nations, and other In dians in alliance with them. When our back inhabitants were attacked last fall, we at first were at a loss from whence the blow came, and were much surprised when we were informed that it was given- by our old friends and neighbors, the cousins of our brethren, the Six Na tions. We wondered at it, and the more so as we had not, to our knowledge, given them any just cause of offence. As soon as we knew this, we sent to the Six Nations, and informed them of it, and desired to know, whether this blow had been struck by their direction, or with their privity or consent; and on receiving assu rances from them that it was not done by their consent, and that they greatly disapproved such conduct, we 38 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. made ready to revenge the injury we had received, and we wanted neither men, arms, ammunition or strength to do it, and to take vengeance for the injury done us ; yet when we had the hatchet in our hands, and were pre pared, not only to defend ourselves, but to carry the war into the country of those who had struck us, we sent again to the Six Nations, agreeably to the treaties subsisting between us, to acquaint them of our inten tions. They let us know they had held a great council at, Fort Johnson, on this matter, and that deputies from thence were sent to summon a meeting of the Dela wares and Shawanese, at Ostanigo, who were returned with an account that their nephews had, at their inter position, laid down the hatchet, and would strike the English no more. The Six Nations having received these assurances from the Delawares and Shawanese, requested us not to execute our hostile purposes, but to suspend hostilities, declaring that they would fully ac commodate this breach, and bring about a peace. At this request of the Six Nations, we kept our warriors at home for guarding and protecting our frontiers. I then sent Captain Newcastle and other Indian messengers, to you, to notify the advices of the Six Nations, with re spect to what had been determined at Ostanigo, instruct ing him, in case he found you sincerely disposed' to peace, and inclined to return to your alliance with us, to assure you, on the behalf this government, that we were willing to it, on just and honorable terms. New castle and the other messengers returned with your answers, in which you acknowledge you had been under the influence of an evil spirt, but were well dis posed to return to your old amity and friendship ; at the same time letting us know that you was sorry for what had passed — that you was in distress, and desired we would pity your distresses. To show our readiness to enter into a treaty, and our sincerity in what was said by Newcastle, I sent him back again to you, to let you know on behalf of this government, that I had kindled a council fire, invited all of your people to it, cleared the road, washed off tlie blood, and prornised, if your HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 39 people would come to council and renew former leagues, and do what is further necessary on this occasion, I would bring something with me to relieve your dis tresses. I thought it right to go through this account in this particular manner, that you might know from myself what was the subject of the messages sent by Newcastle, and what was the substance of the answers received by him ; and now I suppose (as I do not see the body of your Indians here) your people in general did not believe Newcastle, hut sent you to know if he had my authority for the Several matters delivered to you, and to hear them from my own mouth. I do not blame you for this caution. It bespeaks your care. The mat ters he was charged with, being of the last concern for the satisfaction of all your people, whithersoever dis persed, I do in this public assembly, in the name of the government and people of this province, assure you, that Captain Newcastle acted by my authority, and in confirmation of what I have said, and that what he de livered was by authority from me, I give you this belt. Ji belt. Brother — Being now convinced out of my mouth of the sincerity of my professions made to you by Cap tain Newcastle, and of the dispositions of the people of this province to renew the ancient friendship that sub sisted between William Penn and the Indians, I desire you will report this to the Indians at Diahoga and to the Six Nations, and all the Indians far and near, as my words spoken to them in the name, and on the behalf of the government of Pennsylvania. I invite them all to this council fire — the greatest number that shall come, the more acceptable it will be to me. I invite and desire you will bring with you your whole people ; but then you must bring here with you also all pris oners you have taken during these disturbances. I must insist on this as an evidence of your sincerity, to make a lasting peace ; for without it, though peace may be made from the teeth outwards, yet while you retain our flesh and blood in slavery, it cannot be expected we" can be friends with you, or that a peace can come from 40 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. our hearts. I repeat this article of the prisoners as a ne cessary condition of peace, and desire you will consider it as such ; if in this you deal with us smcerely, we shall esteem you sincere in every respect, and proceed to re new our former leagues and covenants, and become again one flesh as before ; and must remind you (as we are acting in concert with the Six Nations,) 'to bring some of your uncles along with you, that they may see all that passes, and be witness of the good effects of their and our message to you. A belt. Brother — In testimony of the satisfaction you have given all our people by commg to this council fire, they have put into my hands a small present for you and your men, which will be given you at any time you shall think proper. I have likewise given orders to the captains of the forts on the frontiers, to furnish you with as much provision as you can carry, for the use of the people you have left behind you. Brother — Only a few of you are come down; this present of goods, there/ore, is but small. When the body of your nation comes here, which I expect they will, and the prisoners are delivered up, and a firm peace made, large presents will be given, and your dis tresses relieved in a more ample manner. Brother — Great works require strong hands and many — this is a good and great one — the works of peace — it requires strong heads and stought hearts — we desire many such may be joined together. I therefore desire your assistance for Pennsylvania in this matter. Having great influence with many who live far distant from us, you are esteemed, and will be heard ; we there fore choose you as agent and counsellor for this prov ince. Engage in it heartily — you ought to do it — you owe it to the country in which you was born — you owe it to your brethren, the English. You owe it to your own people over which you preside. We desire yo-u will heartily undertake it, and use your utmost endeavors to bring about this great and good work we have now 'begun. A large belt. Teedyuscung answered that he had received the HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 41 Governor's words kindly, and would in a few words answer him. Then taking a large belt in his hand, he proceeded : Brother — At the very time Newcastle came with your last messages, I was in treaty with the Six Nations, and received this authority from them, (lifting up the belt.) This belt denotes that the Six Nations, by their chiefs, have lately renewed < their covenant chains with us. For merly we were accounted women, and employed only in women's business ; but now they have made men of us, and as such we are now come to this treaty. Having this authority as a man to make peace, I have it in my hands, but have not opened it, but will soon declare it to the other nations. This belt holds together nations — we are in the middle,between the French and the English. Look at it. There are but two chiefs of the Ten Nations. They are now looking oh, and their attention is fixed to see — are disposed really for peace. This belt further denotes that whoever will not comply with the terms of peace, the Ten Nations wiU join against him, and strike him. See the dangerous circumstances I am in — strong men on both sides— hatchets on both sides ; whoever does in cline to peace, will I join. Brother — This is a good day ; whoever will make peace, let them lay hold of this belt, and the nations round shall see and know it. I desire to conduct myself according to your words, which I will perform to the utmost of my power. I wish the same good that pos sessed the good old man, William Penn, who was a friend to . the Indians, may inspire the people of this province at this time. Then delivered the belt. The governor received it. I take hold of this belt, and am pleased with what has been said. It is all very good. Teedyuscung then explained the belt, saying it was sent by the Six Nations, and he accepted it ; you see, says he, a square in the middle, meaning the lands of the Indians, and at one end the figure of a man, indicating tlie English, and at the other end another, meaning the French. Our uncles told us that both these coveted our 42 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. lands ; but let us join together to defend our lands against both ; you should be partakers with us of our lands. Teedyuscung and his son came and dined with the Governor ; and after dinner some more of the Indians coming in, the Governor acquainted Teedyuscung that he had something of importance to communicate to him. The Governor then informed him, that as he was going to council this morning, he received a letter from the northern frontiers with very bad news, that gave him a great deal of concern. By this letter he received ad vice, that some Indians had killed four of our white peo ple at the Minnisinks. This occasioned our forces to be upon their guard, arid a party of them fell in with three Indians, and judging them to be enemy Indians, one of them was killed in endeavoring' to make his escape — and then the Governor went into particulars, relating to Van Etten's letter. The Governor said he did not know what Indians had done this mischief ; if the Indian who was killed, was our friend, he was sorry for it; but if our enemy, he was glad of it. Teedyuscung said, that when he came here to council, all the Indians thereabouts knew of it, and therefore he believed it must be the French Indians that killed our people ; but that if his people were so foolish as to come in our borders at this time, and were killed anyhow, they must take the reward of their folly — none of these private deaths ought to effect a public measure, nor would this make any alterations in his councils. 1 Easton, Friday, 30th July, 1756. , (Same persons present as before.) The goods were brought and placed on the council table, and were delivered to the Indians — the Governor speaking as follows: Brother — I acquainted you yesterday, that the people of Pennsylvania had put into my hands a small present to relieve you, and your wives and children, from their present distresses. I think it further necessary to inform you that a part of this present was given by the people HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 43 called Quakers, (who are descendants of those who first came over to this country with your old friend William Penn,) as a particular testimony of their regard and af fection for the Indians, and their earnest desire to pro mote the good work of peace in which we are engaged. Brother— This is not only, their sentiments, but my own, and those of the people of this province, who will all rejoice to see this good work of peace perfected ; and therefore, as you have now received from us, this is a substantial proof of our dispositions to relieve your dis tresses ; you will be better enabled to encourage others to return to their friendship with us. I say,:brother, by this we give you a clear testimony of our readiness and good dispositions for peace ; show you the same, readiness and comply with the terms I have proposed to you. A string. Teedyuscung returned thanks, and repeated his assu rances of doing all in his power to perfect a general peace with the Indians. From the council the Gover nor proceeded to an entertainment that was provided for the Indians ; the officers and all the company then in town, accompanied him; Teedyuscung, whilst at dinner, was so well pleased with his reception and generous entertainment, that he declared, in the warmest manner, no endeavors of his should be wanting to bring over to peace all the In dians far and near, that he could speak or send to, and repeatedly desired the Gbvernor would publish what was done, thro.ugh his and neighboring provinces, and he would do the same at home'. The Philadelphia Quakers, after dinner, came to take their leave of him— he parted with them in a very af fectionate manner ; but the other part of the company staying, he entered into a free conversation with the Governor, wherein he related many entertaining particu lars respecting his journey to Niagoras, and afterwards made a council speech, with a string of wampum, say ing- Brother — You are so good, and received us so kindly, I will also give you of some of that good tobacco that 44 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. the Six Nations put into my pipe ; you shall smoke of it yourselves — you will know it is good, and I will give of the same tobacco wherever I go, (meaning the mes sage from the Six Nations to them, to be at peace with the. English) — the same thing that I have offered you, I will offer to all the Indians, and tell them that you have smoked of this tobacco ; but to do this, requires me to be rich, and yet I am poor. It will take up a long time, as there are many nations to send the pipe to. But in two months I hope to- go my rounds, and be here again with. a large number of different nations. I say it may be in two months ; but it may be longer, as the people live at great distances from one another. I assure you, I will execute every thing you have desired of me, and let the Six Nations know all that has passed between us ; and that I am your agent and counsellor in the Delaware Nation. A string. Brother— I will not have you mistake me, as if I meant that I could prevail on the Ohio Indians ; I can not tell that they will leave off doing mischief. I hope you will strengthen yourselves against them — prayj; make yourselves as strong as possible on that side. I must warn you likewise of another thing; perhaps on the east side of the Susquehanna, there may be mischief done by Indians in my absence ; but be assured it will not be by any of my people ; it will be by the French Indians from the Ohio, who can easily pass over the Susquehanna and do what mischief they please — against these you be sure to aim yourselves in the best manner you can. Remember I give you this warning. A string. At a council held at Easton, Friday, the 30th day of July, 1756. P.M. Present — The Hon. the Governor, William Logan, Benjamin Chew, Richard Peters, John Mifflin and Con rad Weiser, Esqrs. Mr. Weiser was asked whether it was intended that the Governor should keep the belt Teedyuscung gave, or return it. Mr. Weiser answered, that having some HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 45 doubts about it, he put the same question to Newcastle, who said the belt was sent by the Six Nations to the Delawares, and as it was given by them to the Gover nor, it ought to be preserved among the council wam pum, being a belt of great consequence, and it would be well to return another a fathom long, and at the de livery of it, which must be in council to-morrow, to make a proper address to Teedyuscung, that he would be dilli- gent and carry it to all the nations within his influence. Newcastle said further, that Teedyuscung would want abundance of wampum, and if he had it not, the cause would suffer exceedingly — he hoped the council bag was full, and desired it might be emptied into the lap of Teedyuscung. Mr. Weiser concurring in opinion, and saying that the French gave great quantities of wampum to their Indians, and on matters of consequence these belts were several fathoms long, and very wide. The Secretary was ordered to bring all the wampum he had into coun cil, viz : Fifteen strings and seven belts ; a parcel of new black wampum, amounting to seven thousand ; and hav ing no new white wampum, nor any proper belt to give in return for Teedyuseung's peace belt. A messenger was sent to Bethlehem, and he returned with five thousand ; upon which the Indian women were employed to make a belt a fathom long and six teen beads wide ; in the centre of which was to be the figure of a man, meaning the Governor of Pennsylvania, and on each other side, five other figures, meaning the Ten Nations, mentioned by Teedyuscung. The King who was very irregular in his visits, as well as his discourses, bolted all of a sudden into the room, and with a high-toned voice spoke as follows, viz : Brother — I desire all that I have said, and you have said to one another, may be aright ; some speak in the dark ; do not let us do so ; let all be clear and known. What is the reason the Governor holds councils so close in his hands, and by candle light ? The Five Nations used to let him sit out of doors, like women; if the 'Five Nations still make him a woman, they must. But what 46 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. is the reason the Governor makes him a woman, (mean ing why he confers with Indians, without sending for him to be present, and hear what passes.) The Gover nor answered, that he held councils on a hill — has no secrets — never sits in swamps, but speaks his mind openly to the world — what happens here, he has a right to hear — the women were sent for to make a belt, not to council — the Six Nations may be wrong, they are not under his direction, and therefore, he is not answerable for their conduct, if they have not treated the Delawares as men. The Chief thanked the Governor — seemed • well pleased, and said, to-morrow he would speak more; what he had to say was from the Six Nations. He that wont make peace, must die. A string. It was agreed in the morning, that the Governor should deliver the new belt, then in making, to Teedy uscung, with a proper speeeh ; that by two belts tied to gether, Newcastle and Teedyuscung should be made joint agents for this government, and they be desired to consult together, to love one another, and act for the best — that the new black wampum and all the belts-and strings should be given to Teedyuscung, and a private present made to him and his interpreter, Ben. Easton, Satuday, 31st day of July, 1756. (Same persons present as before.) The names of the Indians present, at the-treaty, were taken down by Mr. Edwards, and orderded to be en tered. Mr. Weiser having enquired of Newcastle what mes sages had been received by the Delawares at Diahoga, from the Six Nations, received the following informa tion, which he took down in words that are the literal interpretation of what Newcastle said, viz : The large belt given by Teedyuscung, was sent to the Delawares by the council of the united Six Nations, with a message to the following import : — Cousins, the Dela ware' Indians — you will remember that you are our women, our forefathers made you so, and put a petty- HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 47 coat on you, and charged you to be true to us, and lie with no other men ; but of late you have suffered the string that tied your petty-coat, to be cut loose by the French, and you lay with them, and so become a com mon bawd, in which you did very wrong, and deserved chastisement ; but notwithstanding this, we will still es teem you; and as you have thrown off the cover of your modesty, and become stark naked, which is a shame for a woman, we now desire you, that you may be a com plete man — we advise you not to act as a man yet, but be first instructed by us, and do as we bid you, and you will become a noted man. Cousins — The English and French fight for our lands. Let us be strong and lay our hands to it, and defend it. In the mean time we lend our eyes and ears to us, and the English, our brethren, and you will live as well as we do. Then the Governor sent' to Newcastle and Teedyus cung. The new belt not being finished, he explained the .proposed figures to them, and desired the women might finish it on rainy days, or resting in their journey, which was promised. Then the Governor spoke ; Brothers Newcastle and, Teedyuscung — Set an high value upon this belt — it is the peace belt which Teedyus cung delivered in council. I very cheerfully lay hold of it. I will lay it up with the council belt, and declare it to you, I am most heartily disposed to effect the meaning of this belt — a speed}'- and honorable peace, and a return ot the offices of love and friendship between the Indians and their brethren, the English. In return, I give you the belt now making, which you will consider as finished, and when done, show it every where, and. make our dispositions, and the treatment you have met with, known to your own people, the Six Nations, and all your allies. , Here the Governor gave the new belt, as far as it was made, and all the wampum proposed for it, desiring, if it was not enough to complete it, that they would add more. 48 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Then taking two belts, joined together in his hands, and addressing Newcastle and Teedyuscung, he declared them agents for the province, and gave them authority'; to do the public business together. He recommended to them a mutual confidence, esteem and intimacy, and wished them success in their negOciations. To which they answered, that they would be mutual good friends, and lay their hands together, and do every thing in their power to promote the weighty matters entrusted to them. Teedyuscung added. If this meeting should not serve him in every thing committed to his charge, or strings should be crooked, he would return to us and make them straight. What he says comes from his heart, and not from his lips. His heart and ours should be one, and be ture to one another; for if different liquors are put into a cask and shaken, they will mix and come one- The Governor said he had written down what Tee dyuscung had said on the belt delivered by him, and will keep it in his heart. It is very agreeable to him and the people of Pennsylvania. He will lay up the belt in the council chamber as a mark of his friendship, as he is appointed agent for Pennsylvania, with Captain Newcastle He puts into his hands all the belt and wampum he has here, to be made use of by him in the course of his negotiations, as he may judge most proper, and most for the interest of the people of this province. Teedyuscung answered, that he might meet with dif ficulties in transacting the important business committed to his charge ; but as he is now one of the council of the province of Pennsylvania, he assures his brethren that he will exert himself faithfully, and to the utmost of his power, in the service ; and if he meets, with crooked paths, he will endeavor to make them straight. The Governor then thanked Teedyuscung and New- ' castle for their undertaking to be agents for Pennsylva nia, on this occasion ; desired that they might co-operate^ one with another, and consult together on the proper! measures to be entered into by them, and delivered twos HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 49 belts tied together, as a sign or symbol of that harmony and unanimity that ought to subsist between them. Teedyuscung said, that he was pleased with being joined with Newcastle in public business ; that he hoped matters would be brought to a happy issue ; that he wished there might be a firm friendship and lasting union between the Six Nations and the people of Penn sylvania; and that they might be as one man. He fur ther said, that he had a large family, and having a great way to go, he had no means of carrying any more pro visions than would serve him on the road — he therefore desired that he might be furnished with a horse, that he might be enabled to carry provisions to his family. Whereupon the Governor promised to let him have a horse, and he promised to return him again, the next time he came down. The Governor then taking into his hands the belts, strings and bundles of new black wampum, gave them to Teedyuscung, and desired he would use them to the best advantage. The private presents were then given, and the Gover nor and the council, took their leaves. The council re turning to Philadelphia, and the Governor going to New York, on an express received from Gov. Shirley. A list of Indians present at a treaty at Easton,- 26th July, 1756 : - Capt. Newcastle, one of the Six Nations ; Teedyus cung, King of the Delawares ; Tapascawen, counsellor ; Amos, Kesmitas, John Jacob, Teedyuseung's three sons ; Macmnetawchchink, his son-in-law ; John Swalling, his grand son ; Christian, William, Josiah ; Baronet Bow man, an Onandgo Indian; Weenochwee, Mongust, Hatchchaan; Benjamin, that speaks English; John Pumpshire, Joseph Mitchty, Thomas Storer, Joseph Pupy, Nicodemus, Zacharius, Christian ; Macharvehei- ly, that lived some months at Easton. I have carefully perused the foregoing minutes, and do find them to give a true account of what passed be- D 50 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. tween the Governor and the Indians, in my presence at Easton. Conrad Weiser. , [Pro. Ree, p. 196—309.] November 8th, 1756, the Six Nations and the Dela ware, Shawanees and Mohicans, represented by their jmncipal chiefs, met Governor Denny with his council, commissioners and secretary, and a great number of citizens of Philadelphia, chiefly Quakers. "At three o'clock," says the record, the " Governor marched from his lodgings to the place of conference, guarded by a party of Royal Americans in front and on the flanks, and a detachment of Colonel Weiser's. pro vincials, with colors flying, drums beating and music playing — which order was always observed in going to the place of conference. Teedyuscung, who repre sented four tribes, was the chief speaker on the part of the Indians. This conference lasted nine days, and at the close a treaty of peace was concluded between the Shawanees and Delawares and the English." Another eouncil was held in July, 1757. Anpther.in the autumn of 1758, when about five hundred Indians attended. Another was held in October, 1759. The following is an extract of the records touching the trans actions at this council. Council at Easton, October 11, 1759. The Indian Chiefs and Governor Bernard and Gover nor Denny in council. Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagoes, Cayugas, Senecas, ¦ Tuscaroras, Nanticokes, Conoys, Tuteloes, Chugantsp Delawares, Unamines, Munseys, Mohicans and Waj* pingers. Teedyuseung. I called — the Indians have come. Speak and they will hear. Sit and talk. I will sit, hear and see. Tokaaio, chief of the Cayugas. I speak for the Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Tuteloes, Nanticokes and Conoys. A road has been opened for us to this council fire. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 51 Blood has been spilt upon this road. By this belt I wipe away that blood. I take the tomahawk from off your heads. Nichas then spoke. Teedyuscung has said he is our chief. We know kim not If he be our king, who made him so ? Have you done it ? Say yes or no. Tagashata. We know not who made him our king. " Assardndonguas. No such thing was ever said in our wigwam, that Teedyuscung was our king. Henry King. I speak for the Oneidas, Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Nanticokes and Conoys. We say boldly he is not our king. Governor Denny. You say that Teedyuscung said he was your king. He met us in the council fire at this place last year. We considered him your representa tive, not your king. He said he was not your king. He called the Six Nations his uncles. Governor Bernard. I do not know {hat Teedyus cung is a greater man than any of your chiefs. Teedyuscung. now spoke. You placed us at Shamo- kin and Wyoming. You have sold that land. I sit like a bird upon a bough. I look around and know not where I may take'-my rest. Let me come down and make that land my own, that I may have a home for ever. Governor Denny. We will settle matters. Nichas spoke. Settle matters — those things are in the dark. Place them in the light. The proprietaries have our deeds — show them to us and we will know our marks. Governor Bernard then said he had something to say. Tagashata said. One Governor at a time. We will not hear both speak. A deed being produced, Nichas again spoke. This deed we remember. We sold the land. The land was our own. All things are right. A member of the Pennsylvania council then observed: Teedyuscung asks us to make you owners of the lands at'Wiomink and Shamoking. We haTe no power to 52 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. sell those lands. Your request shall be laid before-the proprietary. Teedyuscung replied. Onas will grant our request. We trust in him. We know him. He loves justice. We are satisfied. "There was also another council held in 1761, con cerning the Delaware settlement at Wyoming, in which Teedyuscung took an active and eloquent part." EASTON. Easton is situated at the confluence of the rivers Del aware and Lehigh, and extends from the mouth of the latter, along the former, nearly half a mile, to the Bush- kill creek ; so that the town is bounded on three sides by water. For the advantages of position, as well as for its beauty of scenery, it is unsurpassed by any inland town in Pennsylvania. The society of the place, as to morals and intelligence, is certainly not surpassed by any town in the country. Industry and economy are the characteristics of all classes; both professional and mechanical gentlemen, are an ornament to the place. The dwellings are generally well built — their churches spacious, and a few of them costly. Easton was incoporated in 1789. The streets run east and west, north and south, and are well paved, with side walks. In the centre of the town is a fine square surrounding the Court House, which makes quite an imposing appearance, since it has received " a brushing up," and other additions. The number of dwellings is between seven and eight hundred. There are twelve taverns in the borough ; about twenty stores, several appothecaries, four founderies, viz : Iron and Brass foundery, p wned by Aaron Miller, now carried on by the firm of Fisher & Knight, manufacturing principally grates and fenders ; the Eagle foundery, carried on by Richard & Templin ; Geoi'ge W. Barnet's foundery, and Lewis' A. Buckley's foundery. There are seven coach manu- HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 53 factories, carried on respectively by Messrs. Stilwell, Seip, Steckel, Wolf, Dudly, Ludwig and Godown. The borough contains, in addition to the usual county buildings, a German Reformed, two Lutheran, Presby terian, Episcopal, Catholic and Methodist churches ; also a Jews' Synagogue.' The Baptists are abont erecting one. Common schools and Sabbath schools are well attended. By an act of Assembly, March 9th, 1826, a college was established, under the title of La Fayette College. This will be noticed in the chapter "on Education." A library was formed in 1811, containing about three thousand volumes, with which is connected an extensive cabinet of minerals. There are several news papers pub lished here, viz : The Easton Sentinel, by James A. Dunlap; Unabhaengiger Democrat, by the same gen tleman ; The Democrat & Argus, by W. A. Hutter ; Easton Standard, by Mr. Sanders; The Whig & Journal, by Mr. Hetrick ; and a German paper, by Mr. H. Sen- seman. The town is abundantly supplied with water, convyed in iron pipes from a spring about a mile from the borough. There are two bridges across the Bushkill, one across the Delaware, and/ one across the Lehigh. Formerly there was a chain bridge aeross the Lehigh, suspended on four chains, hanging in two loops and two half loops, having two pass ways for teams, and a foot walk between, which Was guarded by hand railings. This one was swept away by the freshet of 1841. The town and vicinity sustained considerable injury from freshets in November, 1840, and January, 1841, as ap pears from the following extracts : High Water — Loss op Property. — The rain which fell in torrents On Thursday last, caused our streams to rise very much. The Lehigh, which usually rises very rapidly, came thundering down with her torrents from tributaries among the mountains. There was considera ble damage done at the mouth, where the new dam is constructing. The abutment of the dam, which is but partly finished, was overflowed, the water washing away the bank alongside. 54 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. The large fire-proof four story brick house, immedi ately below the dam, was entirely demolished, being un dermined by the water. It fell with a heavy crash into the river. The water by this time had got sufficient head to endanger the whole bank, which it was fast undermining. So greatjwas the apprehension, that the families along the river removed all their goods, expect ing that their dwellings would be swept away. The excavation along the bank extended to within a few feet of some of the dwellings, taking away the whole street for about twenty yards. There was, how ever, no damage done to any other property but the store house. The scene on Friday evening was truly wild — the roaring and gushing of the waters, the fires that were kindled to light the workmen, the groups of persons collected together at different points, altogether presented a grand and majestic spectacle. There is but little damage done to the dam. The principal loss sustained, is the destruction of the store house, and washing away of the street, which will re quire a vast amount of filling in and slope wall, at a heavy expense, to place it in proper order. — Whig and Journal, Nov. 4, 1840. Freshet. — Great destruction of property, &c. on the Lehigh and Delaware rivers, and inundation of the borough of Easton. As chroniclers of passing events, it becomes Our pain ful duty to record a scene of destruction and devastation, such as never was before witnessed in this section of country. The late excessive rains, carrying with it the snow, which had covered the ground, caused our streams to rise beyond all precedent. They came careering down with awful rapidity, on the morning of the 8th instant, producing Waste and ruin on every side, bearing on their angry waters every kind of property — -houses, barns, store-houses, fences, stacks of grain, and furniture of all descriptions. ' The Lehigh river, one of the most unruly and turbu lent of streams, has caused the greatest amount of dam- HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 55 age. As far as heard from, not a bridge is left spanned across it.. The bridges at Stoddartsville, Lehighton, Siegfried's, Biery's, Allentown, Bethlehem, Freeman's, Easton — all of them swept clean away. The beautiful bridge at our borough, went about four o'clock in the morning of the 8th. It breasted the flood most gallantly, for hours, but at last was obliged to yield, and gracefully parting, floated off upon the angry waters that destroyed. The fiats, below South Easton, between the river and the. canal, containing the Collector's office of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, and a small vil lage, were so completely inundated as to hide the build ings — all but the store-house were carried off. The lower part of Williamsport is almost destroyed — the canal basin apparently demolished — the Collector's office c>f the Delaware division moved off its foundation — the way-lock stript of its covering, and both sides of the river here, present but one scene of ruin. . ^ The dwellings, in the section of our borough, adjacent to the Lehigh, as far up as Lehigh street, were inun dated in their lower stories, destroying their furniture, &c, the occupants having only sufficient time to save themselves. Some of the dwellings were considerably injured by the drift wood, the end of one being torn out and otherwise damaged, and leaving all in a nearly untenantable condition. We have seen a saw-log, on a porch, about fifty yards from the river. The houses, all along Water street, were overflowed, leaving them in a most forbidding condition. The Delaware, usually so remarkable for its mildness, as to be called the "silvery Delaware," also assumed a new character, though not so destructive above the Lehigh, as that river, did,notwithstanding,much damage. It is estimated that it was thirty-five feet above low water mark, six feet higher than has ever beenheard of before. The destruction of the bridge across it was looked for during the whole of the 8th, but it withstood the flood, though much injured and torn. Report has it, that below this, every other bridge on the Delaware is gone. Coming, as this flood has done, in the mosj; 56 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. inclement part of the season, the distress prodtlced will be great. It has fallen upon many Avho are in no way able to bear it. The dwellings, overflowed, were mostly occupied by the poorest of our citizens, who have lost their all. We are happy to say, that the usual kind and charitable feeling of our townsmen are in exercise, and all that can possibly be done, is done to alleviate the distresses of the sufferers. As yet, we know of no loss of life. Mr. Lowry and son, from Coleman's dam, were both swept away. The father jumped upon a log, and while passing just above- here, before day, was seen, when one of our citizens, John Beam, at the risk of his own life, pushed out in his boat and brought him safe to shore. This act of intrepidity, to save a fellow being, deserves, and has secured to Mr. Beam, unqualified praise. The son, if is said, was taken up about twelve miles below, still alnje. The damage done to individuals, it is impossible to correctly estimate. The coal and wood yards, next the river, have suffered considerably. The Lehigh Trans portation Company have lost six or seven of their large deck boats. The loss of the Mauch Chunk Company must be very considerable. We understand that one hundred and fifty of their scows were counted as they passed down the river. In addition to the bridges along the Lehigh, the destruction of property was very great. The large store house, at the north abutment of Coleman's dam, was undermined, and fell in. The lock attender's house, at the same place, met a similar fate. The locks and sluices on the south side of the dam, are all carried away— the Lehigh having forced a channel around the dam. At Bethlehem, the loss of private property is very great, in addition to the destruction of the venerable old bridge, which had stood the surges of the Lehigh for nearly a century, and whose charter bears an earlier date than any other bridge company in the state. The loss on the low lands, below the bridge, is very exten- HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 57 sive; but the hotel and other substantial buildings, were miraculously preserved.' At Allentown, the sweep of the flood over the low lands is represented as having been awful. Of that substantial bridge, erected but a few' years ago, not eyen the piers and abutments remain. This company has been peculiarly unfortunate ; but a few years ago, they lost a bridge by fire, and soon after another, in part, by a freshet. The splendid stone bridge, over the Jordan, erected a few- years ago, at a cost of eight or ten thousand dollars, we are pleased to learn, sustained but little damage. The company's dam, at this place, is not, as was reported, carried away ; but the canal and locks, imme diately below, are all destroyed. The destruction of private property, consisting of store houses, coal and wood yards, basins, boats, &c. at this place, is complete. At Biery's bridge, one span, with the abutments and pier, are uninjured, and the company hope to have it repaired and open to the public in ten or fifteen days. Much private property was also carried away at this point. The havoc at the Lehigh Water Gap, as will be sup posed, from its peculiar location, was very great. The county bridge, which was finished but a few months ago, was raised from its foundation, and carried down the stream, striking the hotel of our friend Craig, but without doing much damage, passed on and crushed tlie building in which he kept an extensive store, and rush ing on, there was nothing left of the valuable improve ments, coal, lumber, plaster and other property, immedi ately below. The hotel was in great danger, and tlie fatally and other inmates were taken out with a boat, in the night, and were obliged to remain in the mountain until the next morning. The loss at the Clarissa iron works, above this point, is very heavy — the greater part of the valuable improve ments of Joseph J. Albright, are in ruins. At Parryville, Weissport, Mauch Chunk, and up the 58 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Lehigh, the same devastation prevailed — many houses and other valuable property came down the river. The state works along the Delaware and the Lehigh Company's improvements, on the Lehigh, are damaged to a great extent. At many places no traces of the canal are left, the current having swept them away to low water mark, for a great distance; and all along the line they are more or less injured. January 8, 1841. CHAPTER VIII. TOPOGRAPHY OF TOWNSHIPS. Upper Mount Bethel township is bounded on the north, by Monroe county ; east, by the Delaware river ; on the south and west, by Lower Mount Bethel town ship. The surface is hilly and rolling ; soil, principally limestone ; well cultivated and very productive. * It is watered by Cobuss' creek, a small stream that rises within the township, and flowing seven miles eastward, falls into the Delaware river, about three miles below the Water Gap. There are six §.rist and six saw mills in it. Extensive slate quarries have been opened in this township, near the Delaware, where roofing slate, of a superior quality, is ob tained j in large quantities, and a mannfactory of school slates, under the auspices of the Hon. James M. Porter, the proprietor, has been estab lished, in which, by the aid of ingenious machinery, slates, of a peculiar neatness and excellence, are produced, at a very moderate price. There are several villages in this township. Slate Port, near the Delaware Water Gap, consisting of some six or eight dwellings, occupied by persons at work, at Mr. Porter's slate quarries and .manufactory. Centreville is a post village, sixteen miles from Easton; it contains twenty dwellings, one store, one tavern and a foundry. Near the village is a splendid edifice, being a German Reformed church. The village is pleasantly situated. Williamsburg is a post village, on the main road from Easton to the Delaware Water Gap, about twenty miles from Easton, and five from the Gap. This place was laid out by William Lander, some twenty-five or thirty years ago. It contains about forty-five dwellings, one store, one tavern, two churches, an English Presbyterian 60 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. church, erected of brick, in 1836; and a Methodist church, a frame building, erected in 1835; and a fine brick academy, built in 1831, but now occupied by a common school— population about two hundred and seventy-five. The earliest settler here was a Mr. Forsman— among the other early settlers were Frutchy, Brodt, Oyer, Krotzer and Stein. Dill's Ferry is between Slate Port and Williamsburg, opposite Columbia, in New Jersey. There is a tavern here in which a post office is kept. The population of this township in 1820, was 2,182 ; in 1830, 2,241 ; 1840, 2,643. The county rates and levies for. 1844, on professions, was $83,693 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $751,525 ; state tax, $1,859 47. The number of taxables, 630. Lower Mount Bethel township is bounded on the north by Monroe county, east by Upper Mount Bethel, south by Forks township and the Delaware river, and west by Plainfield township. Tlie surface is partly hilly, and some portions of it level. A small proportion is limestone soil, but the greater part is gravel. It is pretty well watered by Richmond creek, or Oquirton, Martin's and Muddy creeks. The Oquirton affords some mill power. Martin's creek rises at the foot of the Blue mountain, and riming a south-western course, empties into the Delaware some fifteen or twenty miles above Easton. It affords several excellent mill seats. There are nine grist and eight saw mills in this town ship. There is a post office at Martin's creek in this township, and near it, two splendid churches, the one an English Presbyterian, the other a German Reformed and Lutheran ; both within a mile of the Delaware river. There are several small villages in the township. Richmond, a post village, is the principal one ; it is near the head of Oquirton, or Richmond's creek. It is on the main road from Easton to the Delaware Water Gap, fourteen miles from the former, and eleven from the latter — also eleven miles from the Wind Gap. lt HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 61 contains between thirty and forty dwellings, two stores^ two taverns, a grist mill, a distillery and an excellent tan nery. It was laid out many years ago. The popula tion is between two and three hundred. Flatfield, on Martin's creek, is the name given to an irregularly built village, laid out by William McCall, about twenty years ago. Here are eight or ten dwell ings, two mills and an extensive tannery. A bridge across Martin's creek here. The population of the township in 1820, was 2,472 ; ' 1S30, 2,666; 1840,2,957; taxables in 1844, 659. County rates a levies, 1S44, on professions, $95,327 ; real estate, horses and cattle, $865,780. Amount of state tax, $2,081 11. Allen township is bounded on the north by Lehigh and Monroe townships, on the east by Upper and Lower Nazareth townships, on the south by Hanover and Bethlehem townships, and on the west by the Lehigh river, which separates it from Lehigh county. The sur face is generally level — soil, lime stone, and well im proved. It is well watered. Besides the Lehigh, which is its western boundary, the Hockendoque, or Hockyon- doque and Caladaque creeks are considerable streams. The Hockendoque rises at the base of the Kittatinny mountain, near Smith's Gap, running a south-western course, passing Kernsville, or Petersville, and Kriders- ville, empties into the Lehigh river, ten or eleven miles below the Lehigh Water Gap. It has a number of flour ing and grist mills on it. Caladaque creek, is a small stream, with three or four mills on it. It springs in this township, and falls into the Lehigh near Biery'sville, about two miles below the mouth of the Hockendoque. This township was originally settled by immigrants from the north of Ireland, between the years 1728 and 1733. It appears that William Craig and Thomas Craig were the principal settlers. Their residence, according to the Rev. Webster's statement, in his notes on the early history of Allen township, was about four miles from Bath, not far from where the Presbyterian church, 62 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. in this township, now stands. " Others — men of proper ty, influence and religious character, were John Rawls- ton, Robert Walker, John McNair, John Hays, James King, Gabriel King, his only son, eminet for piety ; Ar thur Lattimore, Hugh Wilson, William Young, George Gibson, Robert Gibson, Andrew Mann, James Riddle, John Boyd, Widow Mary Dobbin, Nagle Gray and Thomas Armstrong, who afterwards removed to Fogg's Manor." This was, and is still known, as the Irish Settlement. It extends from the Dry Lands up to Biery's bridge. During the French and Indian war, in 1755 and 1756, several massacres were committed in this settlement, and nearly all fled to Bethlehem. Dr. Franklin, in a letter to Governor Morris, dated at Bethlehem, January 14, 1756, writes : " As we drew near this place, we met a num ber of wagons, and many people moving off with their effects and families from the Irish Settlement and Lehigh township, being terrified by the defeat of Hay's company, and the burnings and murders committed in the townships on New Years day. We found this place filled with refugees ; the workmen's shops, even the cel lars, being crowded with women and children, and we learned that Lehigh township was almost entirely aban doned by the inhabitants. Soon after my arrival here, the principal people of the Irish Settlement, as Wilson, Elder Craig, and others, came to me, and demanded an additon of thirty men to Craig's company, or threatened they would immediately, one and all, leave their country to the enemy."* A few days afterwards, the 16th January, 1756, Franklin stopped at the house of Mr. Hays. " We left Bethlehem," says Franklin,t "the 16th inst. with Foulk's company, forty-six men, the detachment of Mr. Laughlin's twenty, and seven wagons laden with stores and provisions. We got that night to Hays' quarters, where Wayne's company joined us from Nazareth. 'Provincial Records for 1756. •(-Letter to Gov. Morris, dated Fort Allen, at Greaden Hutton. January 36, 1756. Hi ii HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 63 The next day we marched cautiously through the Gap of the mountain, a very dangerous pass, and got to Up- hnger's, but twenty-one miles from Bethlehem." A number of families were murdered in and near the Irish Settlement, [See White Hall township, Lehigh county.] The wife of Hugh Horner, Jane Horner, was murdered by the Indians, under circumstances of great cruelty, the 8th of October, 1763. At the same time " the house of John Stinton, about eight miles from Bethlehem, was. assailed by the Indians, at which was Captain Wetherolt, with a party belonging to Fort Allen. The Captain designed early in the morning to proceed for the Fort, ordered a servant out to get his horse ready, Who was immediately shot down by the enemy ; upon which the Captain, going to the door, was also mortally wounded, and a sergeant, who attempted to draw the . Captain in, was also dangerously hurt. The lieutenant then advanced, when an Indian jumping onthe bodies of the two others, presented a loaded pistol to his breast, which he putting aside, it went off over his shoulder, whereby he got the Indian out of the house and shut the door. The Indian then went round to a window, and as Stinton was getting out of bed, shot him ; but rushingfrom the house, he was able to run a mile before he dropped dead. His wife and two children ran into the cellar. They were fired upon three times, but escaped uninjured. Captain Wetherolt, notwith standing his wound, crawled to a window, where he killed one of the Indians, who were setting fire to the house. The others then ran off, bearing with them their dead companion. Captain Wetherolt died soon after."* There are several churches in this township, Lutheran and German Reformed, and English Presbyterian. There are also several villages in it. Bath, named after Bath in England, by the Irish settlers here, who laid it out some years before the Revo lution of '76. It is a post village, on the Monockacey * Gordon's Hia. of Pa. Appendix, p. 623, 624. 64 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. creek, eleven miles from Easton, ten from Allentown, five from Nazareth and.eight from Bethlehem— is very handsomely situated — contains between fifty and sixty dwellings, many of them of brick — two taverns, three stores, one church, erected in 1834, held in common by the Lutherans and German Reformed — two schools, one for males and one for females. There are two mills contiguous to it — population about two hundred and fifty. Years ago the Land Office had been at Bath. George Palmer was Surveyor General many years— he lies buried in Allentownship grave yard.* Prior to 1790, the English Presbyterians had erected a large stone academy on Monockacey creek, a mile from Bath, and Rev. Thomas Picton was the principal. The house is now used by the congregation for divine wor ship. Kreidersville, a post village, was laid out by Conrad Kreider, between thirty and forty years ago ; it is on the main road from Bethlehem to Berwick ; it contains fifteen or sixteen dwellings, one store, onetavern, a very splendid house, erected by George Weaver, in 1840. One mile from the village is " Zion's Kirche," belonging to the German Reformed and Lutherans. There is also a grist mill here, turned by the Hockendoque creek, and a slate quarry, near this village, where roofing slate has been formerly procured. On the farm of Joseph Hagen- bach there is also a good quality of roofing slate. Hauertown, or Howertown, laid out by Mr. Hauer, is on the road from Bethlehem to Mauch Chunk — con- tarns eight dwellings, one tavern and a school house. Near it is a German Reformed and Lutheran church. Weaversburg, a post village, on the road from Allen town to Bath, contains twelve dwellings, one store, one tannery, one mill on the Collasauqiie,or Colesoque creek. Centreville or Nelighsville, consists of five dwellings, an English Presbyterian church and a grist mill. The population of this township, in 1820, was 1,847 ; in 1830, 2,106 ; 1840, 2,547. Taxables in 1844, 612. County * Rev'd Webster. HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. *65 rates and levies, on professions, $98,173. On real estate, horses and cattle, $1,050,380. Amount of state tax, $2,440 56. Plainfield township is bounded on the north, by Monroe county ; on the east, by Lower Mount Bethel ; on the south, by Forks township ; on the west, by Bush- kill. The surface generally level, except along the Blue mountain; soil principally gravel, but well improved. The turnpike road, from Easton to Berwick, passes through this township, by way of the Wind Gap. During the French and Indian war, the inhabitants of this town ship, in common with others, had fled from their homes, and taken refuge at, and in the vicinity of Nazareth. In 1779, General Sullivan, with his army, marched from Easton, through this township, on to Wyoming. The army consisted of a number of regiments, as appears from Sullivan's Journal. "Easton, June 13, 1779, three soldiers, belonging to the Pennsylvania regiment, com manded by Col. Hubley, were executed for murdering an inhabitant of that place. The whole of the troops on the ground were present at this melancholy occasion." June 14— Was fired a feu de joie, at evening, on account of a victory obtained over the enemy in South Carolina. * * * * June 18 — The whole of the aforementioned troops warmed, by firing of a can non; marched together, with the pack-horses and bag gage wagons, at four o'clock in the morning, on their way to Wyoming. The road, for this day's march, was good ; encamped at Helliard's ( Heller's) tavern, distant eleven miles from Easton. June 1 9 — Marched to Lar- ney's ( Larner's) tavern, on Pokanose ( Pocano) point.* This township is watered by the Bushkill creek, which rises near the Wind Gap, at the foot of the mountain, and running a south-east course, falls into the Delaware, about one hundred rods above the mouth of the Lehigh. It is an excellent mill stream. There are three grist mills and four saw mills in this township. There are several small villages in it. * Sullivan's Journal ef Marches. E 66 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Belleville, consisting of five dwellings and one tavern, Wardsburg, on the road from Easton to the Wind Gap, eight miles from the former, and four from the lat ter, consists of eight dwellings, one store and several mechanics' shops. Near it is a Lutheran German Re formed church, on the left bank of the Bushkill creek. Johnsonville, contiguous to Wardsburg, on the same road, consists of fourteen dwellings and one tavern. The population of the township, in 1820, was 1,127; in 1830, 1,285 ; in 1840, 1,508. Taxables, in 1844, 371. County rates and levies, $23,353 ; real estate, horses and cattle, $313,445; amount of state tax, $707,90. Lehigh township is bounded on the north, by Carbon county; on the east, by Moore township; on the south, by Allen township ; on the west, by the Lehigh river, which seperates it from Lehigh county. The surface is partly hilly and partly level ; soil, limestone and a great proportion gravel, but considerably improved. As the. Blue mountain forms the northern boundry, and the Lehigh entering it on the west of that part, as well as towards the eastern line, by the Little Gap, through which a road leads to Berlinville, is considerably broken. This township is pretty well watered by the Lehigh river and the Indian creek, a^tributary to the Hocken doque. There are six grist mills and three saw mills in it. This township was wholly abandoned by the inhabi tants of it, some time in 1755 and 1756; many of them fled to Bethlehem and Naaareth, to seek refuge and protection against the cruel and barbarous incursions and depredations of the Indian savages. Benjamin Franklin, on his way from Bethlehem to Griaden Hul- ters, passed through this township in January, 1756; he was accompanied by several companies, under the com mand of Foulk, M'Laughlin and Wayne. The southern part of this township embraces a portion of country formerly known as " Indian Land." Theri^ are one or two small villages in it. * Berlinville, or Lehighville, is on the road from Easton HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 67 to Mauch Chunk, twenty-two miles from the former, and fourteen from the latter. It consists of a cluster of sixteen dwellings, one store and one tavern. It is cen trally situated in the township, and two miles from the Water Gap. Cherryville, so called, from Cherry Row Lane, con sisting of one hundred trees, is twenty miles from Easton, and five from the Water Gap ; contains six dwellings, one commodious and large public house. About a mile west of it is the well known " Indian Kirch," or St. Paulus Kirch, gegruendet 1772, Neuerbanet 1833; a spacious rough-cast building. It belongs to the German Reformed and Lutherans. The population of this township, in 1820, was 1,550 ; in 1830, 1,659; in 1840, 2,049. Taxables, in 1844, 496. County rates and levies on professions, $66,678 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $317,775. Amount of state tax, $777 37. Moore township is bounded on the north, by Carbon and Monroe counties ; east, by Bushkill township ; south, by Allen and Upper Nazareth; and west, by Lehigh township. The surface is hilly and rolling; gravel soil, but pretty well improved and tolerably fertile. It is well watered by the sources of Manockacey and Hock- endocque creeks. The former of these streams rises in this township, and running southward, falls into the Lehigh river at Bethlehem. This is a delightful stream, and in its course, affords superior mill-seats — a number of fine mills are on it. There are five grist mills, five saw mills and two fulling mills in this township. There are two small villages in it. Kernsville, or Petersville, situated between the forks of the Hockendocque, in the south-west angle of the township, consisting of seven dwellings, two stores and a grist mill. Klecknersinlle, a post village, four miles north of Bath, Consisting of several dwellings, one store and one tavern. The country around is gravel soil, but well improved. The population, in 1820, was 1,645; 1S30, 1,853; 68 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 1840,2,389. Taxables, in 1844, 606. County rates and levies on professions, $65,793; on real estate, horses and cattle, $406,210. Amount of state tax, $932 81. Saucon township is bounded on the north, by the Lehigh river; east, by Williams township; south-east, by Bucks county ; south-west, by Saucon township, in Lehigh county; and west, by Salisbury, in Lehigh county. The surface ofthe country is hilly; the soil is limestone and gravel, and generally well improved. It is well watered by the Lehigh river, Saucon creek and its tributaries. The Saucon creek rises in Upper Mil ford township, Lehigh county; running in a north-eastefn direction, it empties into the Lehigh river, about /our miles below Bethlehem. It is a fine mill stream ; there are several mills on it. Hellerstown is quite a brisk post village, situated on the south side of Saucon creek, about four miles south east of Bethlehem. It contains twenty-two dwellings, three taverns, three stores and one grist mill. There is also a large church near it, belonging to the Lutheran and German Reformed. From its peculiar situation the inhabitants were measurably secure against the incur sions from the Indians, during the French and Indian war. The population of this township, in 1820, was 2,208; in 1830, 2,308 ; in 1840, 2,710. The number of taxables, in 1844, 602. County rates and levies on professions, $95,526; on real estate, horses and cattle, $1,101,725. State tax, $6,672 67. Hanover township is a very small township. Its greatest length is only two miles and a half, and greatest width two miles. It is bounded on the north by Allen township, on the east and south by Lehigh county, and on the south-west by Bethlehem township. Surface quite level, the soil limestone and well improved. The Monockacey creek, which runs along the southern boun^ dary of it, drains the township. Its population in 1820, was 358; in 1830, 348 ; in 1840, 382 ; and its taxables HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 69 only 65. The early history of this township, and the sufferings of its inhabitants were identified with those of Bethlehem township, and the adjoining townships — to which the reader is referred. The taxbles of 1844, were 90. County rates and levies on professions, $16,- 21 3 ; real estate, horses and cattle, $278,640. Amount of state tax, $615 75. Williams township is bounded on the north by the Lehigh river, east by the Delaware river, south by Bucks ahd Lehigh counties, and on the west by Saucon township. Nearly the whole surface is covered by the Lehigh hills, or South mountain, which abound in iron ore of various kinds. Magnetic iron ore is found in several places on the hills, associated with the primary rocks. On the banks of the Lehigh, a few hundred yards below South Easton, a mine of ore has been late ly opened. The ore found in this township is of the best quality, a large quantity of which is used at the Glendon Iron Works, where sixty tons of pig iron are weekly manufactured. The soil of this township is limestone and gravel. It is rich, well cultivated, and very productive of wheat, corn and grass. The township is drained by Fray's Run, which, by its tributaries, receives the waters from the north and the south. There are three grist mills and one saw mill in the township, besides those in South Easton. South Easton, a borough, is on the right bank of the Lehigh river, about half a mile above the borough of Easton. It was laid out and established by the Le high Navigation Company, and bids fair of becoming a great manufacturing place. Many of the houses are brick, and it presents a neat and brisk appearance. The present population is about eight hundred. There are in it, three regular stores, besides several shops, a Metho dist church, and Union church, in which all orthodox , divines are allowed to preach. At present it is occupied as a school house. The inhabitants are a "strictly church-going people." Business, as it should be, of all 70 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. kinds is suspend on the Christian Sabbath. Canal boats ¦ being reckoned public, pass on, up and down, seven days in the week ! ! There are two grist mills, two saw mills, and several factories in operation. Here is an extensive cotton factory, originally started in 1836, by Messrs. Swift & Breck, at an expense of $70,000. About a year ago Edward Quinn, the present proprietor, commenced to carry on the factory ; having expended within the past year $7,000 in putting it into perfect trim. Mr. Quinn gives employment to about ninety hands — has in operation 5,000 spindles, in spin ning cotton yarn — producing monthly 20,000 pounds of spun yarn. He expects to produce shortly 1,000 pounds daily. All this yarn is assigned to Messrs. Woodward & Brinckel, of Philadelphia. An extensive machine shop is connected with the factory. The Lehigh Works, or rolling mill, of considerable magnitude, owned by Messrs. Rodenbough, Stewart & Co., is also in successful operation, giving employment, to fifty hands, day and night. Wire of different threads or filaments, and nails of every kind, are produced in great quantities. The principal part of the metal used, is brought from Juniata county. South Easton Furnace or Foundery, owned by Frederick Gooddell, of Massachusetts, and managed by George Freeborn, is also in successful! operation. The original cost of it was $20,000 — put in operation in May, 1844. Here employment is given to fifty hands, engaged in various kinds of castings,' such as grates, fenders, flat-irons. The gross, estimated value for 1844, will be about $75,000. Shortly there will be an article manufactured here (at present imported) to supply the American demand, to at least $75,000 during next year. This small item will be in favor of balance of trade, to be put down on " our- side oj accounts."'* A few years ago, Messrs. James M. Porter & Broad- meadow, established a still manufactory. It was un- *Mr. Freeborn named the article to the compiler, but with the re quest that it should not be made public now. It is therefore not specified. " Something hangs by, and turns on it." HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 71 successfully in operation — it failed. It is contemplated shortly to start a blast furnace here. There is also an extensive building here, in which the manufacturing of rifles is carried on. Immediately above the borough of South Easton, are the Glendon Iron Works, owned by Charles Jackson, Jr., of Boston, managed by Mr. Firmston and his clerk, Mr. E. Rockwell. One furnace has been in successful operation for some time -; using for smelting, anthracite coal exclusively. The iron ore used here, is red, brown and black oxide of iron, obtained in Williams township. The furnace now in operation produces ten tons of pig iron daily. There is another stack or furnace, building, which, when completed, it is believed, will produce daily fifteen tons of pig metal. The greatest success has attended the trial made, on the most extensive scale, in reducing iron ore with anthracite coal. It is now well settled, that this kind of coal will answer exceeding ly well, in smelting ore. Here is also a small hamlet, consisting of eight dwell ings. Williamspart is a small village, on the right bank of the Delaware, immediately below the mouth of the Le high river, hard by the base of a high limestone bluff, the rocks of which nearly overhang the town. It con sists of some fifteen or more ordinary buildings, princi pally one story high. It contains two taverns. It was completely inundated by the January freshet of 1841. The population of the township in 1820, was 1,590 ; in ,1830, 2,707; in 1840, exclusive of South Easton, 1,937. Taxables in 1844, 437. County rates and levies on professions, $72,360 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $493,005. Amount of state tax, $1,172 39. The taxa bles in South Easton, in 1844, were 191. County rates and levies on professions, $31,513 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $175,535 ; state tax, $442 39. Bushkili toionship is bounded on the north by Mon roe county, east by Plainfield township, south by Upper Nazareth township, and west by Moore township. The 72 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. surface ofthe country is rather thin; the soil principally of a white gravel with some red shale, pale and olive slate. Some parts of it have been rendered very pro ductive. By a proper course of culture, it may still be much improved. The Bushkill, or as it was first known, " The Lehieton," which rises near the Wind Gap, at the foot of the Blue mountain, traverses this township in a south western direction, and in its course through the township, receives several small streams. There are four grist mills, and four saw mills in it. The inhabitants of this township, with others near the Gap, were greatly exposed to the depredations of the Indians, from 1754 to 1763. Many of them fled to Nazareth, took protection there under the Brethren, which place had been for some time in 1755, and 1756, under the protection of forces commanded by Captain Anthony Wayne, Captain Trump, and Captain Aston, as appears from a letter dated, Bethlehem, January 14, 1756, written by Benjamin Franklin, to Governor Mor ris : " Wayne's company we found posted at Nazareth, agreeably to yonr Honor's orders. The day after my arrival here, (Bethledem,) I sent off two wagons loaded with bread, and same axes, for Trump and Aston, to Nazareth, escorted by Lieutenant Davis, and twenty men of M'Laughlin's, that came with me. I ordered him to remain at Nazareth to guard that place, while Captain Wayne, whose men were fresh, proceeded with the convoy to Guadenhuetten."* There are two small villages in this township, Ed munds and Jacobsburg. The former is a post village on the road to Smith's Gap, between nine and ten miles from Easton. It contains six or seven dwellings, and a store. Jacobsburg, a post village, on the main road from Nazareth to the Wind Gap, eleven miles from Easton. It contains one store, one tavern, eight dwellings, a grist mill, a furnace, formerly owned by Matthew S. Henry, now belonging to Mr. Sidney Claywell, and is in sue- ^m.f, •Provincial Records. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 73 cessful operation. There is also a rifle factory in opera tion in this township. The population of this township in 1820, was 1,262 ; in 1830, 1,402 ; in 1840, 1,716. Taxables in 1844, 375. County rates and levies on professions, $51,653 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $214,340. Amount of state tax, $500 55. Forks township, so named from its locality, being in the " Forks of the Delaware," is bounded on the north by Plainfield and Lower Mount Bethel townships, on the east by the Delaware river, and the borough of Easton, on the south by the borough and the Lehigh river, on the west by Upper and Lower Nazareth, and Bethlehem townships. The surface is generally level ; the soil limestone, well cultivated, and very productive, though parts of it had been not more than thirty years ago, considered a "Barrens." Passing, it may here be stated that " The Forks of the Delaware," is the name by which, a century ago, not only the present site ot Easton, but all that portion of country included between the Delaware river and the Lehigh river, and bounded on the north west by the Blue mountain, was known. This beautiful portion of Northampton county was occupied by a part of the Delaware natives, who held it till about 1737, when Monockyhichan, Lappawinzoe, Teshakomen and Noo- timas, Indian Sachems, relinguished all final claims to Richard and Thomas Penn, sons of William Penn, tho founder of Pennsylvania. This township is drained by the Bushkill creek, and several of its tributaries, and is traversed by a number of roads radiating from Easton to the several Gaps, towns and villages. Occasionally the traveller will meet with finger boards — " To Vint Cap"-—" To Win Cap" — " To Bint Crofe." There are seven flouring mills and three grist mills in this township. Stockersville, a post village, is on the right bank of the Little Bushkill, seven miles from Easton, consisting of nine dwellings, one tavern, two stores, two lumber 74 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. yards ; a mill contiguous to it on the left bank of the Little Bushkill, which is crossed here by a permanent stone bridge. The village is in a very fertile plain. The population of this township in 1820, was 1,659; in 1830, 1,989; in 1840, 2,166. Taxables in 1844,535; County rates and levies on professions, $134,300; on real estate, horses and cattle, $1,223,610. Amount of state tax, $2,822 50. Loioer Nazareth township, so named after Naza reth, where the Rev. George Whitfield purchased a parcel of ground in 1740, and commenced to erect a large stone house, with the intention of establishing a free school for negro children.* It is bounded on the north by Upper Nazareth township, on the east by Forks township, on the south by Bethlehem, and on the west by Allen township. The surface of this township is level ; the soil lime stone, and well improved by a judicious course of crops, and careful culture, and very productive. It is drained by the Monockicey creek, which affords some fine mill seats. There are five grist mills, and five saw mills in this township. There are several small towns' in it. Heckiown, a post village, is handsomely located on the road from Bethlehem to the Wind Gap, seven miles from Easton, and nine ' from Bethlehem. It contains fifteen dwellings, one tavern, one store, a Lutheran and German Reformed Church, called the " Dry Land Church." The country around the village is well im proved. Neivberg, four miles from Bath, and seven from Easton, is in a highly improved limestone country. •Heckewelder's Narrative, p. 18. N. B. In a journal written by William Seward, Whitfield's companion in travelling, the following is noticed : "April 22, 1740— Agreed with Mr. Allen for five thousand acres o-f the land on the Forks of the Delaware, at £2,200 sterling; the conveyance to be made to Mr. Whitfield, and after that assigned to me, as security for my advancing the money. Mr. Whitfield proposes to give orders for building the Negro school on the purchased lanrf, before he leaves the province."— Memoirs of Whitfield, p. 50. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 75 Contains ten or eleven dwellings, one store and a tavern. The population of this township in 1820, was 1,084 ; in 1830, 1,204 ; in 1840, 1,201. Taxables in 1844, 305. County rates and levies on professions, $38,860 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $627,280. Amount of state tax, $2,081 11. Upper Nazareth township is bounded on the north by Moore township, on the east by Forks township, on the.south by Lower Nazareth, and on the west by Allen township. The surface is, in many places level, but generally, rolling. The soil slate and gravel, and ren dered very productive. It is watered by two branches of the Monockicey creek. " There is a small slate quarry which has been occa sionally worked, lying about one mile and a half west of the town of Nazareth. In the neighborhood of Na zareth, which is on the line dividing the slate from the limestone formation, a material is produced, which an swers well the ordinary purposes of black paint. This appears to be simply a more than usually carbonaceous black and soft variety of the slate, occurring near the base of the formation, a little above its contact with the limestone. It occurs also further east on the Bushkill." There are several prominent Moravian settlements in this township, which will be noticed below. The pop ulation of the township in 1820, was 663; in 1830, 942; in 1840, 1,118. Taxables in 1844, 236. County rates and levies on professions, $31,360; on real estate, horses and cattle, $372,485. Amount of state tax, $934 74. The Moravian settlements are Nazareth, Schoeneck, Christian, Brunn, and Gnaderethal, all within the vicin ity of the first named. Nazareth, on the head of a small branch of the Bush kill creek, is the next to the principal Moravian settle ment in this county. Its early history is identified with the history of the county. George Whitfield, a cele brated divine, and founder of the Calvinistic Methodists, sailed for Georgia in 1737, where he remained two years, returned to England, and soon afterwards again to 76 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. America, and made a tour through several of the prov inces ; and in 1740 purchased a tract of land, within this township, with the intention of establishing a free' school for negro children, where he laid the foundation for a large stone house, which he expected the Moravian Brethren, for some had been induced on his invitation to settle here, to finish the building which he had com menced, though attended with great danger on account ofthe Indians, who had refused to quit the country, and threatened to murder the Brethren. Whitfield had laid the foundation of the house, and called the place Naza reth, from which, afterwards, the whole manor received its name. The Brethren having erected the walls one story high, they were nevertheless obliged to leave the place in 1740. Whitfield had in the mean time gone to Georgia. The Brethren had another offer made them by a respectable merchant, of a piece of land, where Bethlehem now is. Some time afterwards, Whitfield offered them the manor of Nazareth in 1743, together with the unfinished building, whieh they accepted. The difficulties with the Indians were settled partly by com promise, and by treaty with the Five Nations. The house was finished, and Nazareth became by degrees a yery pleasant settlement.* On the eastern border of the village, the original house commenced by Whitfield, is still standing. It is a large antique edifice, built of limestone, with a high roof, and has a brick band in the wall, to mark how high the walls had been erected as the property or house of Whitfield. It marks distinctly the height or limits of Whitfield's labor. When the Brethren had finished the house, it was appropriated as a place of worship, in 1744. It is at present occupied by four families, two widows, and two other families. This house, or spot, is locally called, " Ephrata." Nazareth was, during 1754, '55, '56, a place of refuge for the inhabitants of neighboring townships, who had fled to escape being murdered by the Indians. In 1756, •Crantz' Brueder Historie, p. 349. Loskiel I. p. 16; and Hecke- welder's.Narative, p. 18, 19. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 77 Captain Wayne, Captain Trump and Captain Aston, were stationed here with companies each. These were days of suffermg — many of the soldiers "were without shoes, stockings, blankets or arms."* Not only was Nazareth a place of refuge for the whites, but on several occasions for the friendly Indians. The christianized Indians at Wequetank, having been threatened to be murdered in October, 1763, were re moved to Nazareth. Wequetank was about thirty miles from Bethlehem. In the vicinity, north-east from Nazareth, was a place called the Rose, where many refugees took shelter. Loskiel, speaking in relation to these refugees, says: " As long as there was room, these poor fugitives were protected and fed. Nazareth, Friedensthal, Christian Brunn and the Rose, were at this time, 1755, considered as asylums for all who fled from the murder and rapine of hostile Indians ; and the empty school houses and mills were allotted to them for a temporary residence."! At present Na?areth is a post village, inhabited by Moravians. It is a very pretty, neat village, ten miles north of Bethlehem, and seven north-west of Easton, on the turnpike road to Wilksbarre, principally built on two streets, forming a right angle to the south and ivest. The ground on which the town is built, descends to the south, and the houses are generally of stone ; many of them only one story high. They are built close, and the streets are paved — on each side a footway. The public buildings are a church and seminary for boys. The church is a spacious stone building, rough cast. It cost seven thousand dollars. Some splendid paintings from the pencil of the Rev. T. V. Haidt, are preserved in one ofthe rooms. The school is at present underthe care of the Rev. Jacobson, numbering about fifty scholars. Every thing that renders a school attractive, is to be found here. The scenery of the place can vie with any in the state. The Boys' Retreat, or the Shady 'Benjamin Franklin's letter to Gov. Morris, January 14, 1756. fLoskiel's History, Part I. p. 175, 176. 78 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Grove, is very inviting. There is also a sister's house here ; several stores and a tavern. The poulation is about 500. As a place of resort, Nazareth presents many induce ments to the visiter. About a mile from the village, in a deep shady glen, a medicinal spring gushes out from a slate rock. A delightful summer retreat. Shoeneck was commenced 1760. It is about one-half mile north of Nazareth; consisting of nine or ten dwell ings, and a Moravian church. Guadenthal was commenced about the year 1749. The site of the county Poor House is here. It is about one mile from Nazareth. Christian Brunn, two miles south-west of Nazareth, was commenced about the same time with Guadenthal ; it consists of several farm houses. These are all Mora vian communities. Bethlehem township is bounded on the northward by Nazareth township, eastward by Moore township, south ward by the river Lehigh, and westward by Hanover township and the Monockicey creek. It receives its name from the village of Bethlehem, founded in 1741, by the Moravian Brethren. The surface of the country is rolling; limestone soil, and highly improved, and very productive. It is watered by the Lehigh river, and Monockicey creek, which afford considerable water power. There are eight or ten mills in this township. Besides Bethlehem, the chief village, there are several others, of which an account will be given below. The population of this township in 1820, was 1,S60; in 1830, 2,430 ; in 1840, 2,983. Taxables in 1844, 688. County rates and levies on professions, $104,333 ; on real estate, horses and cattle, $1,047,220. Amount of state tax, $3,194 62. Freemansburg, two miles below Bethlehem, on the left bank of the Lehigh river, is a very neat village, commenced some ten or twelve years ago, consisting of fifteen dwellings, principally of brick, one tavern, an academy or school house of brick, a storing house and HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 79 -* several shops ; a mill and store contiguous to it. There is a bridge across the river at this place. , This place suffered considerably by the great freshet in January, 1841. Among those who lost considerable, is John Warg, having lost a large quantity of stone coal, lum ber and a canal boat. Bethlehem is situated on the north side of the Lehigh river, a branch of the Delaware, twelve miles above Easton, and fifty-one north of Philadelphia, and is one of the earliest principal settlements of the Moravians or United Brethren, in the United States. As early as 1 735, the Moravians directed their attention to the New World, forming at that time a colony in Georgia. Adverse cir cumstances induced them to leave that and accept an offer made them from the Rev. George Whitfield, to aid him in improving a tract of land he had purchased in Pennsylvania, called Nazareth, by him ; but a difference of opinion terminated the engagement. At this juncture, 1740, a respectable merchant offered to sell them apiece of land, at the present site of Bethlehem, and David Nitschman, arriving in 174Q, with a company of brethren and sisters from Europe, they resolved unanimously to purchase the tract of land offered them, and make a permanent settlement here. It was wild and a forest, at a distance of fifty miles from the nearest town, and only two houses occupied by white people, about two miles up the Lehigh, in all this region. No other dwell ings were to be seen in the whole country, except the scattered huts or wigwams of Indians. Here they com menced a settlement, and built the village, which, by accessions from Europe, increased gradually.* Bethlehem is handsomly situated, on a rising hill — it is particularly romantic. The scenery is unsurpassed by any in Pennsylvania. The Lehigh river and Mo nockicey creek, afford extensive water power for milling and other manufacturing purposes. The Lehigh canal, passing through the lower part ofthe town, affords great "Loskiel's History, part I. p. 16. See also David Crantz' Neue Brueder Historie V. Abschnitt, the Rev. Mr. Spangenberg: Nazareth, December 11, 1755. An hour ago came Mr. Glotz, and told us that the 10th instant, in the night, Hoeth's family were killed by the Indians ; except his son and the smith, who made their' escape, and the houses burnt down. Just now came old HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 91 Mr. Hartman with his family, who also escaped, and they say that all the neighborhood of the above men tioned Hoeths, viz: Broadhead's, Culver's, McMichael, and all houses and families thereabouts, attacked by the Indians at day-light, and burned down by them. Mr. Culver's and Hartman's family are come to us with our wagons, &c. Lodged partly here in Nazareth, and partly in the tavern. Our wagons which were to fetch some corn, were met by Culver's, three miles this side his house, and when they heard these shocking news, they resolved to return, and to carry these poor people to Nazareth. They say also that the number of Indians is above two hundred. We want to hear your good advice what to do in this present situation and circumstances, and desire if possible your assistance. GRAFF. Letter from Horsefield to the Governor : Bethlehem, Dec. 12, 1755. May it please your Honor : Sir — Ihave despatched an express this morning to your Honor, in Philadelphia, to inform you of the cir-^ cumstances we are in ; but since hearing that you were in New York, I thought it my duty to despatch another messenger with this, thinking it might yet find your Honor there. ¦ In the night an express arrived from Nazareth ac quainting me that there is certainly people now in Na zareth, who fled for their hves, and informs us that one Hoeth and his family are cut off, only two escaping, and the houses &c, of Hoeth, Broadhead and others, are actually laid in ashes, and people from all quarters fly ing for their lives, and the common report is that the ?Indians are two hundred strong. Your Honor can easily guess at the trouble and con sternation we must be in on this occasion, in these parts. As to Bethlehem, we haA^e taken all the precaution in our power, for our defence. We have taken our little 92 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. infants from Nazareth to Bethlehem, for the greate* security ; and these, with the rest of our children, are near three hundred in number. Altho' our gracious King and Parliament have been pleased to exempt those among us of tender conscience from bearing arms, yet there are many amongst us Who make no scruple of defending themselves against such cruel savages. But, alas ! what can we do, haying very few arms, and little or no ammu nition ; and we are now as it were, become the frontier; and as we are circumstanced, our family being so large, it is impossible for us to retire to any other place for security. I doubt not, your Honor's goodness will lead you to consider the distress we are in, and speedily to afford us what relief 'shall be thought necessary against these merciless savages. I am, with due respect, Your Honor's most obedient servant. TIMO. HORSEFIELD.* P. S. Hoeth's, Broadhead's, &c, are situate a few miles over the Blue mountains, about 25 or 30 miles from here. Benjamin Franklin, on his way to erect Fort Allen, on the left bank of the ' Lehigh river, where Weisspoft is, stopped at this place, as may be seen from the follow ing letter, addressed to Governor Morris, viz : Bethlehem, Jan. 14, 1756. Governor Morris: Sir — As we drew near this place, we met a number of wagons, and many people moving off with their effects and families, from the Irish settlement and Lehigh township, being terrified by the defeat of Hay's com pany, and the' burnings and murders committed in the townships on new year's day. We found this place filled with refugees, the workmen's shops, and even the cellars, being crowded with women and children ; and we learned' that Lehigh township is almost entirely *Prov. Eec, N. 331-32. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 93 abandoned by the inhabitants. Soon after my arrival here, the principal people of the Irish settlement, as Wilson, elder Craig, &c. came to me, and demanded an addition of thirty men to Craig's company, or threatened they would immediately, one and all, leave their country ' to the enemy. Hay's company was reduced to eighteen men, (and those without shoes, stockings, blankets, or arms)partly by the loss of Guaden Huetten, and partly by desertion. Trump and Aston had made but slow pro gress in building the first fori, complaining for want of tools, which it was thought the people in those parts might have supplied them with. Wayne's company we found posted at Nazareth, agreeable to your Honor's orders. I immediately di rected Hays to, complete his company, and he went down to Bucks county with Mr. Beatty, who promised to assist him in recruiting. His lieutenant lies here lame, with frozen feet, and unfit for action ; but the ensign, with eighteen men, is posted among the present frontier inhabitants, to give some satisfaction to the settlement people, as I refused to increase Craig's company. In my turn, I have threatened to disband or remove the companies already posted, for the security of particular townships, if the people would not stay on their places, behave like men, do something for themselves, and assist the province soldiers. The day after my arrival here, I sent off two wagons loaded with bread, and some axes, for Trump and Aston, to Nazareth, escorted by Lieutenant Davis, and twenty men of M'Laughlin's, that came with me. I ordered him to remain at Nazareth to guard that place, while Capt. Wayne, whose men were fresh, proceeded with the convoy. To secure Lyn and Heidelberg town ships, whose inhabitants were just on the wing, I took Trexler's company into pay, (he had been before com missioned by Mr. Hamilton) and I commissioned Wet- terholt, who commanded a watch of fourty-four men, before in the pay of the province, ordering him to com plete his company. I have also allowed thirty men to secure the township of Upper Smithfield, and commis- 94 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. sioned Van Etten and Hinshan, as Captain and Lieuten ant. And in order to execute more speedily the first design of erecting a fort near Guaden Huetten, to com plete the line and the rangers into motion, I have raised another company under Captain Charles Foult, to join with Wayne in that service ; and as Hays, I hear, is not likely soon to recruit his company, I have ordered Orndt to come up from Rockland, in Bucks county, to strengthen this part of the province, convey provisions &c, to the companies who are and will be at work over the mountains, and quiet the inhabitants, who seem ter rified out of their senses. The arms and blankets wrote for to New York, are not yet arrived; but I hear that 100 guns and 150 blankets are on the road, sent me by Mr. Coldon ; those of Mr. Walton's being sold before. I have consulted Mr. Parsons, and if the wagons come to-day, it is pro posed that I proceed to-morrow, with Wayne's company, which is returned, Foulk's and the twenty men of Mc Laughlin's, to Guaden Huetten, to lay out the intended fort, and endeavor to get it despatched. Capt. Wayne tells me that Trump expects the first fort will be finished next week. I hope to get ¦ this done as soon, having more tools ; though at this season it seems to be fighting against nature. But I imagine 'tis absolutely necessary to get the ranging line of forts completed, that the peo ple may be secured as soon as possible in their habita tions, and the internal guards and companies dismissed^ otherwise the expense and loss to the province will be intolerable. I want much to hear the event of the proposed treaty,; and the determination your Honor and the commis sioners may have come to, for the encouragement of volunteer scalping parties. I am, with dutiful respect, Sir, your Honor's most Obedient humble servant, B. FRANKLIN. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 95 The Brethren here, as well as at other Moravian set tlements in this part of Pennsylvania, were peculiarly situated. Notwithstanding that they afforded protection to refugees from a cruel death expected to be inflicted by the savage Indians, " the Irish of the Kittatinny valley viewed, the Brethren with jealousy, and openly threaten ed to exterminate the Indian converts, and it was dangerous for the friendly Indians even to hunt in the woods," or even when sent on public business. The following letter from the Rev. Spangenberg to Governor Morris, goes to sustain the truth of this in the main: Bethlehem, May 2d, 1756. May it please your Honor .*. I arrived at Bethlehem the 28th, 1st month, and com municated with our Indians, at your Honor's desire, that one or other of them might go with the messengers who were sent by your Honor's orders, to the Indians at the Susquehanna, and would soon be with us at Beth lehem, in their way. thither. Augustus, a Delaware, alias George, upon serious consideration upon going and not being ignorant of many dangers he might happen to meet with, he called his wife, mother-in-law arid two sons together, and declared to them his last will, in case he should be either killed or hindered some how from coming back again, viz : That they should continue with our Saviour, with whom he was determined to abide as long as he had flesh and skin upon his back, and that they should not leave the Brethren. 0 ¦ Tegrea and company came from Bethlehem the same day, and when I presented to them the said Augustus, they were very much pleased with him, he being a man of good judgment, of an honest countenance, and well acquainted with the woods up that way to Woyming •; and so they are gone together, yesterday, to Fort Allen, and to-morrow they will proceed from thence on their journey to the Susquehanna. / thought them all in greater danger of being hurt in the Irish settlement, than any where else in all the province, and therefore I did desire James Ennis and Thomas Apty, not t© leave them till they were at: Fort Allen* and so they t fc fcrffe 96 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. went along. Mr. Edmunds, David Zeitzberger, George Klein and Stephen Blum, all of them went also with them to Fort Allen— the sheriff of this county not be-' ing at home at the time of setting off. We have used them well at Bethlehem, and shewed them sd much kindnes as they were able to accept of, and I think they went away well pleased. Their last declaration, as well at Bethlehem as at Fort Allen, which he also wanted me to write to your Honor, was as fol' lows, viz .* " We do remember very well the words the Governor hath put in our mouths, and will deliver them faithfully. ; ; May be this affair will take up some time, twenty, if not thirty, or thirty-five days. If we do not return in that time, be sure that we are either killed, or that the danger is such that we cannot get through. But if we can, we will go directly to Thomas Magee's, and so on to the Governor, for so he hath ordered us to do; and so we will do if we can. But if either the white people or the bad Indians are in the way, we cant go down the- Susquehanna by water, then we will come by Fort Allen and.Bethlehemi back again. " If we happen to lose our flag or passport (for the man who carries it may be shot, and others may be forced to fly for their lives,) then we will come to the forts, or any of them, and our token shall be a club'd musket and green boughs in our hats. " If we meet with bad Indians in the woods, and some of us be killed, you may expect any one that escapes, in ten days ; if we do not return in such a time, " then you may think that we are luckily arrived. " If we dont come in twenty days, then let the cap tains of each fort look out for us in fifteen days, which '.'« in all makes thirty-five days, and we will not come in ;; the night to any ofthe forts." Now this is humbly to request your Honor, that if they come down to Harris' Ferry to meet your Honor, then Augustus may have your passport, and be safely con ducted by proper and careful officers to Bethlehem again, HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 97 for so much I have promised him, and he expects it from your Honor. I am your Honor's Humble servant, SPANGENBERp.* The Indians at Bethlehem were repeatedly instrumen tal in preventing the destruction of the settlers ; when they heard of a plot against the whites by the warriors, well disposed Indians would travel all night to warn the brethren and others, and thus defeat the schemes of the cruel enemy. An istance is related in the following letter : Bethlehem, June 21, 1756. May it please your Honor : This morning early, about five o'clock, there arrived here two Delaware Indians, from Diahoga, who, declar ing themselves friends to the English, and peaceably disposed, were by us received as such. Their names are Nichodemus, and Christian, his son, and formerly lived in Guaden Huetten. As soon as I heard of their being here, though sick in bed, I sent for Captain New castle, and acquainted him with it, and what I bad heard of the circumstances, namely, that they left Dia hoga with a company of their friends, nine women and children, to the number of fifteen ; that a day's journey beyond Guaden Huetten, they had left the rest of their company, and determined to venture their lives and come through, and see how they could get the rest after them. When the Captain heard this, he directly re solved, in virtue of his commission from your Honor, to go this day with his company and Nichodemus' son Christian, attended by Mr. Edmonds, to Guaden Huet ten, and immediately proceed to bring them to the fort, and from thence hither in safety, till further orders from your Honor. I thought this highly necessary to acquaint •Prov. Bee, Book O., p. 108, 109. G 98 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. you with by express, that we may speedily know your Honor's pleasure herein. I am, with all due respect, Your Honor's most humble and obedient servant, TIMO. HORSEFIELD. P. S. The under-written particulars I got to the knowledge of, from our Indians who had conversed with them, but as I* had promised Captain Newcastle he should know the contents of my letter to your Honor, I would not insert them in it, doubting whether it might be prudent he should know so much. 1. When the Indians came away, and it Avas known, they found there were a great many of the same mind with them, and wished themselves under the protection , of the English, and they think many will follow them, ¦ particularly if they hear these have succeeded. 2. That several of the chiefs who had lived in Dia hoga! when Captain Newcastle was last there, were now moved higher up, and generally thought, (though not certainly known) to have gone to the French. As things are circumstanced, I humbly conceive it will be highly necessary to use all the despatch imagina ble to send away the Captain — he himself being very urgent for the messenger's return, that he may forthwith proceed to Diahoga. TIMO. HORSEFIELD. Governer Morris' answer to Horsefield, to the above: Philadelphia, June 23, 1756. Sir — I am favored with your's of the 21st by express, and in answer, think it proper that Captain Newcastle should set off directly for Diahoga, and take with him two or three of the Indians just arrived, that they may testify along with him our good reception of them... I do hereby empower the Brethren, and request them to receive into their houses at Bethlehem, all such friendly Indians as shall come to them, and desire to be taken in, and to support and maintain them, till they HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 99 have my further orders, always taking care to advise me from time to time, of the arrival of any Indians, mentioning their places of abode, their tribe and such other circumstances as shall be necessary to give me a just and proper account of them; and any expenses at tending this service, will be paid by the government. I herewith enclose an additional message to New castle, which I beg you to send to him, wherever he is, with all possible despatch ; as every article is very necessary ; and if he should be gone, as you see from the first part of my letter that I intend some of the In dians from Diahoga should accompany him, I desire you, or some of the Brethren, will speak in my name, to such of the Diahoga Indians as you shall think most trusty, and send forward directly my additional message to Newcastle. I am Sir, Your humble servant, ROBT. H. MORRIS.* In answer to the Governor's instructions and queries, the Rev. Spangenberg wrote the following answer : Bethlehem, June 26, 1756. May it please your Honor : Having been from home when Newcastle came to Bethlehem, and your Honor's letter to me, my Brethren have taken care to see your orders obeyed, as far as lay f in their power. What hath been spoken and done with Newcastle before he set off from Bethlehem, your Honor will see ' out of the enclosed account, dated June 1 5. Since that time he came back, and brought with him p Jo. Pepy and Nicodemus and their families, the list | whereof your Honor will see laid by in the close of this » letter. fe Yesterday he (Newcastle) desired to know your \ Honor's further order, which was delivered unto him *Pov. Ree, O. 160-2. 100 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. accordingly, out of your Honor's letter, as will appear by record, dated 35th and 26th June. Now to tell your Honor the truth, I don't believe that either Jo. Pepy or Nicodemus and their families can stay at Bethlehem. We have been obliged to put people out of the house, to make room for them. But this is not all ; there is such a rage in the neighborhood against the said poor creatures, that I fear they will mob us and them together. For Jo. Pepy having lived among the Pres byterians, and treacherously bemg gone from them, hath exasperated them in the highest degree. We have put two men with them to be their safe guard, but your Honor knows very well that this won't hinder the stream, when it is coming upon them and us at the same time. I proposed to them to-day, whether they or any of them should choose to go with Newcastle, but they did not care for it. They are afraid, I believe, be cause they have deserted from the Indians, as before from the English. They have told me the families which are inclined to come, and will eome, if they can, with New castle. The most of them are known here, to be good for nothing, and quite faithless creatures. I therefore humbly beg of your Honor to remove the said Jo. Pepy and Nicodemus and their families, the sooner the better, to Philadelphia, for there they are in the heart of the country, and mischief may be prevented, which could breed evil consequences. As for the rest, I hear that Jo. Pepy, as well as Nico demus, have been all along employed in councils and treaties, and messengers, since the. time the war begarff so that if they are friends indeed, they may give your Honor a light into many things, relating to the Indian affairs. I am, your Honor's Most humble servant, SPANGENBERG. The names of the two Delaware families, now at Bethlehem, that came there from Diahoga, June 24, 1756: HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 101 Joseph Pepy, Wewnlalinlent ; Sarah, Natehetechque, (his wife.) Their children — James Petesch, Isaac, Sa rah, Jesaias Gonassenook, Mettshish. Nicodemus, Weshichagechive ; Justina, Saagochque. Their children — Zacharias, Petachtshowechive ; Chris tian Pulloky, Nathan Wonpris, Thomas Potshalagees, Gashatis, Dorathea. Substance of what was said to the Indians at Bethle hem, June 15, 1756 : The Indians, viz : Newcastle, Jagrea, John Pomshire, Thomas Stores and Joseph Mitchy, being together, and some of the Brethren at Bethlehem present, William Edmonds asked the Captain about the interpreter, and John Pomshire was appointed thereto. Then William Edmonds informed them from the Governor's letter, that by a letter from Mr. Charles Reed, of the Jerseys, he had intelligence that some white people were gone from Paulin's Hill, in the Jerseys, to scout after and scalp the Indians, and therefore he desired out of love and care for the safety of these Indian messengers, we would keep them here so long, till we fcould send} me- sengers thither to enquire into the certainty thereof, and whither they were returned, and if they had killed and done any Indians mischief; and that two messengers were sent from here accordingly, with letters to Mr. Parsons and Justice Anderson, desiring them to assist them all they could on their journey. Further, that since the said messengers were gone, the Governor hath been pleased to let us know by an express, that he hath been informed by Col. Clapham, that Ogaghradarisha, a chief of the Six Nations, was come to Shamokin, expressing their high satisfaction at our building a fort at Shamo kin, and that another Indian of Cayuga had accom panied him as far as Diahoga, and had been afraid of going on, though he might have come safe with Ogagh radarisha. It was on this account the Governor's desire that Newcastle and his company might proceed on their journey for Diahoga, as soon as possible. On this New castle replied, that he would consult with his com- 102 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. panions, and let us know his mind to-morrow morning. The next morning he said, that as it was so dangerous now to go up, by reason of the Jersey parties who were gone out against the Indians, and his cousins were ready to go with him step by step on this important affair, he should be short'in duty, and always to blame, if he should proce'ed without first acquainting the Governor that said young men were gone, according to report we had by the messengers sent to Jersey, especially if they should meet' with his cousins, and do them mischief. At the same time, he desired that his companions might have what they wanted for their journey1; and was told, thereupon, that the Governor had given orders for it, and that we would not fail to let them have every thing that could be got here. WM. EDMONDS. Substance of what was delivered to Capt. Newcastle at Bethlehem, June 26, 1756: At a solemn meeting with Capt. Newcastle and his company, and Jo. Pepy, &c. First — A string of wampum was presented to Jo. Pepy, that he and company were welcome among us. They then were told, that his Honor the Governor, had given orders to provide them the necessary refreshments &c, and that he wants to know what persons and fami lies are come, and what families are still at Diahoga, that perhaps might come among us. The taking of a copy of the Governor's proclamation for suspending all actions of hostilities, &c, with them, was recommended, and we found they had one. The Governor's pass was read, explained, and then delivered to them. They were spoken to about the flag, it being the king's, which by no means should be violated, and great care thereof was recommended to them. The additional message sent by the Governor, was read and interpreted to Newcastle, and two strings be longing to it delivered to him, and the writing itself also, that he may peruse it whenever occasion requires. , HISTORY or NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 103 The building of a fort at Shamokin, and the great necessity for it, was strongly represented to Newcastle, viz : That the Five Nations had pressed it very much, and Scarroyady urged also very much the finishing of it when he was at Philadelphia, and this matter must be represented in its real light to the Indians at Diahoga. It is for the safety of our friendly Indians along the Sus quehanna. They were told further, that Ogaghradarisha was at Shamokin, and very glad of the fort which they are building there. That he was called by the Governor to Philadelphia, and would not be detained longer than needful. Newcastle was desired to relate this to the Indians at Diahoga. Newcastle was also informed that it would be agreea ble to the Governor's mind, if one or two of those In dians, who lately came from Diahoga, should go along with him. Newcastle's journey was urged that it might not be delayed ; and he promised to go as soon as his health would permit; he being as yet a little indis posed by reason of some boils. A string of wampum was sent to John Shickcalamy, signifying that the Governor invites him to come to him, and if possible, in company with Capt. Newcastle. At last a string of wampum was delivered to New castle, which is sent by the Governor to the friendly In dians, signifying that as Sir William Johnson hath invited the Six Nations, and all the western Indians to Oswego, it was left entirely to their own choice, either to go to the treaty at Oswego, or come to the Governor at Phila delphia — Sir William and the Governor being of one "and the same interest, both friends to the Indians, and servants to the same king. After we were just going to break up, Jo. Pepy de clared openly in the Delaware language, which was interpreted by Pompshire, that he was very sorry that he had taken such a mis-step, as to leave his English Brethren, when he should have come nearer to them. He said further, that he since then had been excessive ly troubled in mind about it, and not being able to live 104 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON CO0WTT. * any longer under such oppression and uneasiness of mind, he at last resolved and ventured his life, and so returned with all his family to the English again. Now he begs very much to be forgiven, and surrenders him self entirely to the mercy of the government, to do with him as they pleased. He further said, that he knew ten or twelve families, which would be glad to come down again to the English, but he did not think proper to acquaint them of his resolution, when he went himself, and so left them behind. Then he was told what his Honor the Governor had written Concerning them, viz : That they were wel come among us, and that he expected to hear who they were, and their names, and then he would appoint for them accordingly, a place of safety. In the mean time they were to stay among us, and for their security we will give them two of our white brethren to be their guard,.that none shall hurt them ; and in case any white man should come and offer to speak with them, he shall be refused, except he have an order from a magistrate; and in this situation they are to remain till further orders from his Honor, the Governor. WM. EDMONDS.* i Letter from T. Horsefield, to Governor Morris. ¦' : Bethlehem, July 6, 1756. May it please your Honor : I received your Honor's favor of the 4th inst., by re turn of the express, and agreeable to your directions have bespoke three of the Indians two shirts and a blanket for each, which shall be delivered to them in your Honor's name. The inclosed papers will inform 1 your Honor the occasion of this express. The Indians desire to be despatched as soon as possible. The reason of it, your Honor will please to observe their families are in much want of provision. They will, however, wait ?Prov. Ree, O. 166-7. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 105 two days for your Honor's answer, by which time I hope this express will return. We labor under much difficulty on account of these Indians wanting their guns repaired, and to have some powder and lead, which we cannot by any measure do, unless we have your Honor's express command for it. If it be your pleasure it shall be done or not, please to signify it, as your Honor's command shall be strictly obeyed. I beg leave to observe Kolapecka, Paxinosa's son, seems very desirous to carry, according to the Indian way of speaking, some words from your Honor to his father. I am, with all due respect, Your Honor's most obedient Humble servant, TIMO. HORSEFIELD.* {£J-°A paper enclosed in the foregoing letter. Bethlehem, July 6, 1756. Last night, in the. dark of the evening, arrived at Bethlehem, four Indians from Diahoga, with a convoy from fort Allen, and a letter from Newcastle, which is enclosed. As Newcastle desired that kindness might be shown them, they were cheerfully received and en tertained. ' This morning they were visited, and told at the same time that a messenger should be sent to the Governor, and therefore they should let us know what they had to say to the Governor. Kolapecha, Packsinosa's son, a Shawanese, answered to this effect : — He did not come from Diahoga with an intent to go to Bethlehem, but was out a hunting, his family being scarce of provisions. That Shekashano, Mekikachpe and Wenimah, all Shawanese, now of Diahoga, and formerly of Wyomink, in his company — that not being sent by the chiefs, he had no message to the Governor, nor could he tell us any news. So much, however, he knew — that nine nations •Prov. Ree, 0. 178. 106 HISTORY .OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. were in the EngRsh , interest, viz : The Shawanese, TaSaning, Nanticokes, Tuscaroras; Tuttelars, Ononda- goes, Cayugas, Sankikman and- Ganossetage. And he said I am sure they are all friends to the English. Be ing asked about the Delawares, his answer was : About them I can say nothing. About his father he told us, that he was gone with another chief, of the Mennisink nation, whose name is Onandamokin, to meet Sir Wm. Johnson at the council with the Indians at Onandago. Then he was asked about the Alleghany Indians, with an intent to join, them and to fall upon the English, whether he had heard any thing of it. He said he knew that some were gone there from Diahoga, but for what end I do not know. I could not find out. Paxinosa's son told the Brethren that if they had any message to his father, he would bring their words unto him. Hereupon he was told that the Brethren were private persons, and that it would be better he staid for the Governor's words. He said I can't stay long, for my family is in want. I will however stay a couple of days, and should be glad to take up some words to my father. He was told that as he wanted to bring down his family, he should be helped with some provisions.* " The situation of the people at Bethlehem, became still more alarming. At this critical juncture, Mr. Horse- field addressed Governor Morris in the following lan guage : Bethlehem, July 7, 1756.,, May it please your Honor : I think it my duty to acquaint your Honor with the great danger wherein we apprehend not only the Brethren at Bethlehem and their families, but all the country round about us, are in at present. Your Honor has invited the friendly Indians, by Capt. Newcastle, to come into this province, with a promise that they should be kindly received and entertained. Your Honor has given out a proclamation at the same *Pov. Ree, O. 179. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 107 time,that the Indians coming into Pennsylvania should be received as friends, and not treated as enemies till the third of July, a. c. Now Capt. Newcastle sends Indians to Bethlehem, of whom we are not sure whether they are friends or enemies ; and we may expect more are coming. And who knows how many may come with them under the pretence , of being friends ; therefore give it your Honor's wise consideration. 1st. Whether wicked people that are bitter against the Indians, cannot and may not fall upon them and de stroy them, the proclamation being expired. 2nd. Whether the Indians who come under pretence of being friends, as they have not engaged a cessation of arms, and as they actually do keep their arms, may not fall, not only upon us in Bethlehem, but also upon all the country, and do a great deal of mischief. Your Honor will, please consider that either ofthe be fore mentioned things can prove fatal and destructive to the province, and his Majesty's most dutiful subjects. It is therefore that two Brethren from Bethlehem, viz : Nathan Seidel and Christian Thos. Benzier, are appoint ed to go in the name of all the inhabitants of Bethlehem, to represent this affair in its proper light, to your Honor ; and they do hope that your Honor will not expose them like sheep to the mouths of the wolves ; but send such orders to the commanding officers at Fort Allen, &c, &c, that they may either keep the Indians arriving at any of the forts, or conduct them under proper convoy to Philadelphia, or where your Honor thinks most proper ; and let us know your pleasure, whether these Indians that came lately to Bethlehem, viz : Repe Nicodemus, &c, should not come to Philadelphia or any other place, , Bethlehem being already so full and so crowded, that in. most of our rooms we have been forced to lodge twenty or twenty-five persons, and seventy of our Indians to have lived all the winter in a small house, where they had but two rooms. I am your Honor's most Obedient and humble servant, TIMO. HORSEFIELD.* *Prov.Rec, O. 181. 108 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Letter from Governor Morris to W. Parsons. Philadelphia, July 11, 1756. Sir — Having ordered the Indians at Bethlehem, and such other friendly Indians as shall come thither, to be removed to Easton, you will immediately make the ne cessary preparations of houses and provisions for thet^r reception, and at a certain time to be agreed upon Tor their removal, you will order an escort of the town "of Bethlehem, to protect them on the road. While they remain at Easton, you will take care that the soldiers and oflicers keep strictly to their duty, that the guards and sentries are regularly relieved, and the arms kept in good order, and either discharged or drawn every other day ; and you will post them in such man ner as will most effectually protect them from the insults of the people, and prevent any evil designs, in case they should not be so friendly as they pretend. The charges attending this service, you draw bills upon the commissioners for, sending them the necessary accounts ; and you will inform me from time to time, what is done in consequence of these orders. I am, your very Humble servant, ROBT. H. MORRIS.* Notwithstanding the Governor's orders to make pre parations to remove the Indians from Bethlehem to Easton, there were still a considerable number at the former place, among the Brethren, as will appear from the following statement : The Governor mentioned to the' council, December .6, 1756, that at his instance, Mr. Spangenberg had made , out a list of the Moravian Brethren belonging to the Bethlehem Economy, and a state of their society in other parts of Ameri, cawhich was read ; and it appeared by Mr. Spangenberg's account, that at this time (December 1756) there are at Bethlehem five hundred and ten •Prov. Ree, 0. 182. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 109 persons, besides ninety-six children, some orphans and others, belonging to some Brethren,and friends, who are not of the Bethlehem Economy. That Bethlehem makes out a certain Religious Society, intended for the furtherance of the Gospel, as well among the heathens as christians. Forty-eight of the above mentioned Brethren and Sisters are actually em ployed for that end among the heathens, not only on the continent of America, as Pennsylvania, New England, Barbice, Surinam, &c. ; but also in several Islands, as St. Thomas, Croix, Jamaica, &c. Besides those mentioned just now, there are fifty-four of them employed in Pennsylvania, New York, New England, Jersey and Carolina governments, in preaching the Gospel, keeping schools and the like. Sixty-two of them are merely employed in the education of our chil dren at Bethlehem and Nazareth, as attendants and tu tors. Forty-five single men, and eight couples of mar ried people are gone to Carolina, to make a new settle ment there, and fifty more who are come for that end from Europe, will go there soon. There are seventy-two of the above mentioned Breth ren iri holy orders, viz : Four Bishops, twelve Ordina- . ries, (Priests) and the rest Deacons, and as many Acolu- thi, who are preparing for the ministry in the congrega tion, and now and then made use of like Deacons. . About ninety of the children at Bethlehem and Naza reth, have their parents abroad, mostly on the Gospel's account. Four hundred and twenty -five of those in the foregoing list are under age. Not all who are named ' in this catalogue, live in Bethlehem township, but some in Sacona, some in Licky, and some in another town- r ship, adjoining Bethlehem township. There are eighty-two Indians besides those young In dian women, who live with our young women, and besides the savages, who are going and coming, and staying longer or shorter with us.* •Provincial Record*, P. pa. 109. CHAPTEE IX. LEHIGH COUNTY. Lehigh County was separated from Northampton county by an act of Assembly passed the 6th March, 1812. The act defines the boundaries as follows : .„ " That all that part of Northampton county, lying -and being within the limits of the following townships,, to wit: The townships of Lynn, Heidleburg, Lowhill-, Weissenburg, Macungie, Upper Milford, South White hall, Northampton, Salisbury, Upper Saucon, and that part of Hanover township within the following bounds, fo wit : Beginning at Bethlehem line where it joins the Lehigh river ; thence along the said line until it intersects the road leading from Bethlehem to the Lehigh Water Gap ; thence along said road to Allen township line ; thence along the line of Allen township, westwardly, to the Lehigh, shall be, and the same are hereby, according to their present lines, declared to be erected into a county, henceforth to be called Lehigh." This county is bounded on the nort-west by the Kitta tinny, or Blue mountains, separating it from Schuylkill and Carbon counties, north-east by Northampton, south east by Bucks,, and south-west, by Montgomery and Berks counties. The physical appearance of the country is diversified. The surface is generally level, in some places rolling, in others rugged and somewhat broken. The lofty Kittatinny on the north, gives that portion its peculiar features. The Lecha Hill, or South mountain crosses the south-east portion of the county, which gives the country a rugged surface. This mountain range is of primary formation, abounding with iron ore. Be tween the South and Blue mountains, is the fertile Kit tatinny valley, perhaps unsurpassed in agricultural ^wealth, being highly cultivated by an industrious class »' \'it*\V 4)1' All*MI-tl*Wll HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. Ill of our worthy fellow citizens, Germans by descent, whose habits of industry and frugality they retain. Perhaps few counties in the state, are more pictur esque and varied than Lehigh. The valley portion of the county is nearly equally divided between the lime stone and clay slate formation. " The most important productions are those of agri culture. In a fertile region like this, an industrious popu lation naturally looks to the tillage of the soil, as their surest dependence for support and profit. Considerable progress has, however, been made in many branches of manufacturing industry, and the developement of the mineral resources ofthe country has not been neglected. The iron ore of this region supplies material for the operation of several furnaces, viz : The Crane Iron Works, Stephen Balliet's Furnace, Hunter's & Miller's Furnace, and Ibach's Forge. The Crane Works, of a very lage size, are constructed expressly to smelt iron with anthracite coal, by means of the hot blast. The county is well watered by the Lehigh river and its numerous tributaries, viz : Ante^auny, or Maiden Creek, Caply, or Balliet's, Trout, Jordan, Cedar, Calada que, Perkiomen, and Little Lehigh creeks ; Crowner's, Linn, Willow and Sinking runs. The Lehigh river, ealled Leckhaw, by the Indians, signifying West Branch, is a branch of the Delaware. It rises in Wayne, Pike and Luzerne counties, but its various tributaries unite uear Stoddartsville,on the north western border of Monroe county, and as the stream flows onward, it augments by receiving the waters of many mountain creeks; and in its course of twenty-five miles, it makes, at the mouth of Wright's Mill creek, a turn nearly south ; and after stealing a serpentine course of twenty miles, it reaches, by way of Mauch Chunk, , Lehighton. Here it deflects to the south-east, and pur sues that direction tw enty-five miles, to Allentown, when it turns at an angle of one hundred and twenty or more degrees to the Lehigh Hills, flows hard by Bethlehem, and twenty-five miles below, reaches the Delaware river. In its course it receives, within Carbon county, from the 112 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. west side, Quacake creek, Nesquehoning, Mauch Chunk, Mahoning and Lizard creeks; from the east, Bear creek, Big creek, formed of Hoed's creek, Poko-po-poko, Aquanshicola ;* from Lehigh county, Trout creek, Jordan creek, Little Lehigh, Hockyondaque, Mill creek, or Caladaque, Monokacey ; in Northampton county, from the south, Saucon creek, besides some small runs.t The Lehigh may, with much propriety, by called, " A Mountain Torrent." It rushes headlong when swollen, and sweeps every impeding obstacle. ' The fall of the river is, from Stoddardsville, to the mouth of the Nes quehoning creek, about two miles above Lausanne, and three above Mauch Chunk, S45 feet ; from Nesqueho- ningto the Lehigh Water Gap, 260 feet ; from the Gap to Easton, 205 feet. Thus in a comparative course, of less than seventy miles, it has a fall of thirteen hundred and ten feet. From Easton to tide water, in the Dela ware river at Trenton, the stream falls about one hun dred feet. The Lehigh at Stoddartsville, is therefore elevated 1410 feet above the level ofthe ocean. The navigation of the river has been much improved. In its natural state, the Lehigh was navigable for boats carrying fifteen tons, as far as Lausanae, at the foot of the Broad mountain, when a rocky rapid just above the Turnhole, called Hatchetooth Falls, improved the as cending navigation. When the river was low — in August and September — boats with loading could not ascend further than Allentown. The navigation of the Lehigh was improved princi pally by the exertions of Messrs. Josiah White and Erskine Hazard, who obtained, March 20, 1818, from , the Legislature an act to authorize them to commence their operations." The improvements made by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, are of great ad vantage, to this county, by affording a cheap and ready means of trans- •In the Provincial Records, in the Secretary's office at Harrisburg, the name of this stream is written Aquanshehals. Record of Char ters and Indian Deeds, p. 128. |For an account of small streams, see description of townships- HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 113 porting produce and merchandize, as well as consid erable home market. By this navigation a surplus of provisions, flour, hay, &c, is carried to Mauch Chunk, and to the timber region higher up. And that des tined for Philadelphia is sent by way of Easton, and thence by canal to Bristol and Philadelphia. Mer chandize is brought back in return. In this connection, is presented an attempt to de' scribe a stupendous work of nature, namely : Die Lecha Wasser-Kaft, i. e. the Lehigh Water Gap, in the Kittatinny, or Blue mountain, the divid ing line between Carbon county and that of Lehigh and Northampton, is so named from the river Lehigh, which steals its way through the Gap, prominently walled on both sides, forms a sublime object of admi ration, and presents to the observant spectator, one of the most picturesque prospects in east Pennsylva nia. At almost every season ofthe year; the diversi fied defile is exceedingly attractive. The writer visited this place in September, 1844. In ascending the eastern bank some hundred feet, the scene height ens iri grandeur, and the stream— the beautiful, yet curling, rippled waters of the Lehigh river, add much, nay every thing, to make it impressive beyond, obliv ion. Though it is seemingly a ruggedstream here, yet as you folio wit in its course, through a fertile region of country, receiving tributaries of different seizes, until itself is a considerable river, before it reaches its silvery recipient, the Delaware. It is in all its ways, as well as at the Gap, where it rolls majestically over a rupic bed, and reflecting a sombre, shade of the im pending mountains, a grand stream. To return to the Gap. The eastern bank is bordered for the distance of, about a mile by craggy cliffs, towering to an amazing height, and of forms the most bizarre. Between which wall of rocks and the river the road winds along. Hastening to leave these black. abodes, which seem to afford shelter to none but the ravenous beasts of the forest, the Lehigh ap pears eagerly moving on towards the fertile low H 114 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. lands, which sucpeed in view, on the eastern bank. Ascending the eastern height, the traveller is am ply rewarded for the exertion of climbing from rock to rock, in scaling the pine covered side of the mountain, by the rich and extensive prospect which the eye then commands. At his feet roll the waters of the majestic stream — on the opposite side is a towering ridge, near the summit of which appears, right oppo site, emerging from the surrounding woods, a lonely pile of rocks, whimsically called, "Die' Teufel's Kan- zel," i. e. " The Devil's Pulpit," which indignantly suffers but a few blasted pines to shade its sullen brow. At a distance an extensive country, variegated with , woods and farms, watered by the meandering Lehigh, and ridge retiring behind ridge, till lost in the faint tints of the horizon, all bursts upon the sight, and fill the mind with sublime ideas of the greatness of the Creator. The shattered rocks, thrown together in wild confusion, and the strata of rounded stones, which are to be met with in passing through the Gap, have given rise to the supposition that the Lehigh, being obstructed in its course by the Blue mountain, was formerly dammed up into a lake, which at length bursting the barrier, formed the chasm now called the Lehigh Gap. The learned have not agreed, as yet. in the decision of this mooted point. A learned writer says : "It is common to speak of such passes as being formed by the rivers, which are often supposed to have burst their barriers, and thus to have shaped their own channels. This may have happened in some peculiar cases, and there are doubtles many instances where the lakes, of which many must have been left at the retiring both of the primeval and of the diluvial ocean, have worn or burst away their barriers, especially when composed, as they must often have been, of loose materials. But with respect to most rocky passes of rivers through mountains, there appears no reason what ever to believe that the waters have torn assunder the solid strata. A more resistless energy must HISTORY OF LEHIC1H COUNTY. 115 have been requisite for such an effect ; and we must therefore conclude that the rivers have, in most in stances, merely flowed on through the lowest and least obstructed passages. Their channels they have doubtless deepened and modified, often to an aston ishing dergree but they have rarely formed them through solid rocks."— Silliman. _, The county is conveniently intersected by good roads— the streams are readily crossed by substantial bridges. The county is well supplied with mills. There are about seventy grist mills, fifty saw mills, seven oil mills, six woolen factories, and .several full ing mills, three powder mills and one paper mill in the county, besides thirty tanneries. The county is divided into: the following townships, which are fully described in the sequel, viz : Hanover, Heidelberg, Low Hill, Linn, Lowen, Macunjy, North ampton, North Whitehall, Salisbury, South White hall, Upper. Milford, Upper Macunjy, Upper Saucon and Weissenberg. The population of this county was, in 1820, 17,175 ; in 1830, 22,266 ;. in 1840, 25,787. The first court held *n the county met in the pub lic house, now kept by Mr. Craig, then kept by Mr. George Savitz. The court house was erected in 1814. .The jail had been previously built. The fol lowing is an extract, from the public records: At a Court of General Quarter- Sessions of the Peace? began and held at the borough of Northamp ton, for the county of Lehigh, on the 21st day of December, before the Hon.< Robert, President, and the. Hon. Peter Rhoads and Jonas Hartzell, Esq., Associate Judges of the said Court. At the Novem ber term, 1813. ., November 30. Court met at the house of George Savitz, and adjourned from thence to meet in the upper story of the county prison, prepared by the commissioners foT holding the courts of the county of Lehigh, until the court house be erected. 116 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. Grand Jurors. Jacob Newhard, Sr., foreman ; Zacharias Long, Casper Moyer, George Brush, Philip Kleckner, Andrew Eisenheart, Jonathan Knauss, George Yfeahle, John Cromer, John Bergenstock, John Jerret, George Wenner, Adam Singmaster, Daniel Trexall, Frederick Hyneman, George Essing, Abra ham Diehl. Lehigh having been part of Northampton county, its early history is merged with that ofthe county from which it has been formed. In 1798-'99, scenes oc curred of no ordinary degree, a principal part of which transpired in this county. Shortly after the election of John Adams, several acts were passed by Congress, which were obnoxious to a portion ot the people of East Pennsylvania, in consequence of which, Berks;, Bucks and Northamp ton, presented scenes of excitement. In Northampton, a party headed by one Fries, resisted attempts by the federal government to collect a direct tax — well known by the name of " the house tax." John Fries, a desperado, and his associates, not only resis ted the assessors, but in hot pursuit chased them from township to township. It is said there were parties of them — fifty and sixty in number — most of them well armed. Fries himself was armed with a large horse pistol, and, accompanied by one Kuyder, who assisted him in command. They seized several as sessors. In some parts of the- counties named, in demonstra tion of their opposition to government, they erected liberty poles. To quell the insurrection, troops, in obedience to Adams' instruction, were raised in Lan caster county. Several companies marched from Lancaster, April 1, 1799 ; wending their front toward the arena of dispute, by way of Reading, when Cap tain Montgomery's troop of light horse arrived on the evening of the 1st of April. Their first act, to display their prowess and gallantry, was to go clan destinely to the house of Jacob Gosin, who, in the spirit of the times, had erected a liberty pole on his HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 117 own premises, which they cut, without meeting any resistance. To give undoubted proof of their daring bravery, they brandished their damascene weapons — drew pistols, to show that' they were armed, in the house of the inoffensive father, whose minor children were scared "half to death," at the marshal manoeuvers of the Lancaster troops. i To let no time slip, and while they were undaunt ed, they proceeded from Gosiri's to the house of John Strohecker, whither their eagle eyes were drawn by a recently erected pole, tipped with a rag, " flap ping in the breeze." This pole, to show the inde pendence of some sturdy urchins, had been erected by some children, in which Strohecker's were ring leaders. To deter these young heroes, the solders took down the pble, stripped it of its insignia — entered the house where they found the little wights — and as they did at Gosin's, so ' did they here — brandished weapons of war — presented pistols and swords to the youthful company, to no small alarm of both parents and children ! ! To consummate their martial plans and designs, they molested the house of Jacob Epler — maltreated him unprovokedly. Like bravos ever merit — these merited the contempt of all reflecting persons — render ing themselves obnoxious to the orderly and well disposed among all classes. Satisfied of having rendered their country some service, the troop next morning started for Northamp ton, to fully execute the specific purpose of their mis sion. This done, they again returned by way of Reading, where they entered the office of the "Adler," a paper edited and printed by Jacob Schneider, whom they rudely denuded, by violently tearing his clothes from his body, in a somewhat in clement season, and by force of arms, dragged him before the commanding captain, who peremptorily ordered the editor, for writing and printing some of fensive articles, to be whipped ; " Twenty-five lashes," 118 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. said he, "shall be well laid on his denuded back, in the market house" — which order was, however, not ex ecuted, because of the timely arid manly interposition of some gentlemen of Captain Leiper's company, of Philadelphia. A few lashes, however, had been in flicted before these men had time to fully interpose — , these were laid on by one accustomed to beat, when little resistance is to be dreaded — he was a drummer ! Colonel Epler, who it appears, had by this time erected, by the assistance of his neighbors, a liberty pole in place of the pole erected by his children— thither the soldiery resorted, where they attempted to compel a comnion laborer to cut down the " offen sive wood," notwithstanding that he protested against doing so, at the same time, on most solemn assevera tions, declaring he was also a federalist — Ich binauch ein Federalihr liebe Leut ; das bin. Ja ich aueh ein Federal ! They succeeded in divesting the pole, and with it appended as a trophy, they rode, vociferating as they went through the streets of ^Reading, to their place of quarters. In a few days they left ; but on the 24th' of April, an army, under the command of Brigadier General McPherson, arrived at Reading, apprehend;- ing some of the insurrectionists, who were afterwards tried before Judge Peters — some found guilty— some were fined and imprisoned — some were condemned to be capitally punished, but none attoned with their lives — they were pardoned through executive clem ency ! The following extracts are taken from the report of the trial of John Fries, and others, for treason : A grand Jury was empanelled, consisting of the following gentlemen, namely : J. Ross, Joseph Parker, Robert Ralston, John Perat, Daniel Smith, Edward Pennington, Benjamin W. Morris, John Craig, Davkl H. Conyngham, Gideon Hill Wells, Wm. Mont gomery, Philip Nicklin, Thos. M. Willing, Samuel Coates, T. C. Fisher, William Buckley. A true bill found. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 119 May 1 5, 1 79 9. Mr. Setgreaves, of Easton, opened the trial on the part of the United States. The fol lowing are extracts from his speech: " It will appear, gentlemen, from the testimony which will be presented to you, that during the latter months of the year 1798, discords prevailed to an enormous extent throughout a large portion of the counties of Bucks, Northampton, and Montgomery; and that considerable difficulties attended the asses sors for the direct tax, in the execution of their duties — that in several townships associations of the people were actually formed in order to prevent the persons charged with the execution of these laws of the United States, from performing their duty, and more particularly to prevent, the assessors from measuring their houses. This opposition was made at many public township meetings, called for the pur pose. In many instances resolutions in writing were entered into, solemnly forewarning the officers,, and many times accompanied with threats. Not only so, but discontents prevailed to such a height, that even the friends of the government in that part were com pletely suppressed by menaces against ariy who should assist those officers in their duty ; repeated declarations were made, both at public as well as at private meetings, that if any person should be arrested by the civil authority, such arrest would be followed by the rising of the people, in opposition to that, au thority, for the purpose of rescuing such prisoners ; indefatigable pains were taken, by those charged with the execution of the laws, to calm the fears and remove the misapprehensions of the infatuated peo ple ; for this purpose they read and explained the law to them, and informed them that they were mis led into, the idea that the law was not actually in force, for that it actually was ; at the same time warning them ofthe consequences which would flow from opposition ; and this was accompanied with promises that even their most capricious wishes would be gratified on their obedience. The favor was in 120 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. many instances granted, that where any opposition was made to any certain person executmg the office of assessor, another should be substituted. In some townships proposals were made for people to choose for themselves ; but, notwithstanding this accommo dating offer, the opposition continued. The conse quences were, actual opposition and resistance ; in some parts violence was actually used, and the asses sors were taken and imprisoned by armed parties, and in other parts mobs assembled to compel them either to deliver up their papers or to resign their commissions ; that in some instances they were threatened with bodily harm, so that in those parts the obnoxious, law remained unexecuted in conse quence. The state of insurrection and rebellion had arisen to such a height, it became necessary to com pel the execution of the laws, and warrants were in consequence issued against certain persons and served npon them; in some instances, during the execution of that duty, the marshal met with insult and almost with violence ; havirig, however, got nearly the whole of the warrants served, he appointed head-quarters for these prisoners, to rendezvous at Bethlehem, where some of them were to enter bail for their ap pearance in the city, and others were to come to the city in custody for trial. " On the day thus appointed for the prisoners to meet, and when a number of them had actually as sembled, agreeably to appointment, a number of par ties in arms, both horse and foot, more than a hun dred men, accoutered with all their military apparatus, commanded in some instances by their proper officers, marched to Bethlehem, collected before the house in which were the marshal and prisoners, whom they demanded to be delivered up to them, and in conse quence of refusal, they proceeded to act very little short of actual hostility ; so that the marshal deemed it prudent to accede to their demands, and the prisoners were liberated. " This, gentlemen, is the general history of the in- HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 121 surrection. I shall now state to you the part which the unfortunate prisoner at the bar took in those hos tile transactions. The prisoner is an inhabitant of Lower Milford, Bucks county. Some time in Feb ruary last, a public meeting was held at the house of one John Kline, in that township, to consider this house tax ; at that meeting certain resolutions were entered into and a paper signed ; (we have endeavored to trace this paper so as to produce it to the court and jury, but have failed.) This paper was signed by fifty -two persons, and committed to the hands of one of their number. John. Fries was present at this meeting, and assisted in drawing up the paper, at which time his expressions against this law were ex tremely violent, and he threatened to shoot one ofthe assessors, Mr. Foulke, through the legs, if he proceed ed to assess the houses ; again the prisoner at a ven due threatened another of the assessors, Mr. S. Clarke, that if he attempted to go on with the assessment, he should be committed to an old stable and there fed on rotten corn. The assessor in Lower Milford was intimidated so as to decline making the assessments, and the principal assessors, together with three other assessors, were obliged to go into that township to execute the law. At the house of Mr. Jacob Fries, on the 5th March, Mr. Chapman, the assessor, met with the prisoner, who declared his determination not to submit, but to oppose the law, and that by next morning he could raise seven hundred men in opposition to it." [Fries and his partisans continued to follow and persecute several of the assessors, chasing them from township to township, in parties of fifty or sixty, most of whom were in arms, with drum and fife. Fries was armed with a large horse pistol, and accompanied by one Kuyder, who assisted him in command. Thus equipped they went to Quakertown, seized two as sessors, and attempted to fire at another who ran away, but the fire-arm did not go off. They ex amined the papers of the assessors, and exacted a 122 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. promise that they should not proceed in the valuation of the houses in Lower Milford. They abused a traveller who had the independence to stand up for the government. At Quakertown, learning that the marshal had taken a number of prisoners, they re solved to effect their rescue, and the people of Milford were invited to assist in this business, and a paper setting forth their design, was drawn up by Fries, at his own house, and signed by the party.] " On the morning of the next day, twenty or more of them met at the house of Conrad Marks, in arms. John Fries was armed with a sword, and had a feather in his hat. On the road as they went for ward they were met by young Marks, who told them they might as well turn about, for that the Northamp ton people were strong enough to do the business without those from Bucks county. Some were so inclined to do, but at the instance of Fries and some others, they did go forward, and actually proceeded to Bethlehem. Before the arrival of these troops, a party going on the same business had stopped at the bridge near Bethlehem, where they were met by a deputation from the marshal, to advise them to return home ; they agreed to hault there, and send three of their number to declare to the marshal their demand. During this period Fries and his party came up, but it appears when the-y came, Fries took the party actually over the bridge, and he arranged the toll, and ordered them to proceed. With respect to the proof of the proceedings at Bethlehem, it cannot be mis taken ; he was then the leading man, and he appeared to enjoy the command. With the consent of his peo ple he demanded the prisoners of the marshal, and when that officer told him that he could not surrender them, except they were taken from him by force, and produced his warrant for taking them, the prisoner then harrangued his party of the house, and explained to them the necessity of using force ; and that you should not mistake his design, we will prove to. you that* he declared ' that was the third day which he had been HISTORI* OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 123 out on this expedition, that he had had a skirmish the day before, and if the prisoners were not released he should have another that day.' ' Now you observe,' resumed he, ' that force is necessary, but you must obey my orders. We will not go without taking the prisoners. But take my orders — you must not fire first; you must be first fired upon, and when I am gone you must do as well as you can, as I expect to be the first man that falls.' He further declared to the marshal that they would fire till a cloud of smoke prevented them from seeing each other, and exe cuting the office of command of the troops, which at that time overawed the marshal and his attendants. He harangued the troops to obey his orders, which they did. The marshal was really intimidated to liberate the prisoners ; and then the object was ac complished* and the party dispersed amid the huzzas of the insurgents. After this affair at Bethlehem, the prisoner frequently avowed his opposition to the law, and justified that outrage ; and when a meeting was afterwards held at Lower Milford to choose assessors, the prisoner refused his assent, and appeared as- violent as ever." ¦ Most of the above statements were proved, includ ing a variety of other details. Fries, after two trials, in both of which he was found guilty of treason, was sentenced to be Jiung, but was subsequently pardoned by John Adams. Several others from the same vicinity were tried, and generally found guilty of the subordinate crimes of sedition, insurrection, and riot; they were imprisoned for a' time, and heavily fined, and held to bail for good behavior. George Gittman and Fred erick Hainey were also condemned for high treason. Amorig the disaffected who had been taken prisoners by the marshal, and who were rescued by the insur gents, was ohe Jacob Eyerman, a German minister, recently arrived from Germany. He seems tp have exerted nearly as much influence as Fries, in stirring up the people in Chestnut Hill and Hamilton-town-. 124 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. ships, to opposition. History does not state to what sect he belonged, but the testimony would seem to show that he strongly favored the "church militant." One of the assessors testified that while on his round of duty in Chestnut Hill township, "the prisoner (Eyerman) came in and began to rip out in a violent manner against this taxation, saying that Congress had made laws which were unjust, and the people need not take up with them ; if they did, all kinds1 of laws would follow ; but if they would not put up with this, they need not with those that would come after, because it was a free country ; but in case the people admitted of those laws, they would certainly be put under great burdens. He said he knew perfectly what laws were made, and thab the President nor Congress had no right to make them. That Congress and the government only made such laws to rob the people, and that they were nothing but a parcel of damned rogues or ' spitz bube? [highwaymen or thieves.] " Were the people of the township much opposed to the law?" " Yes, they were so violent that I knew but one man on the same side as myself." " Would this have been so if it had not been for the parson ?" " I am fully convinced it would not." "Did Eyerman appear to be a simple sort of man, easily to be led astray or deluded ?" " No, he was not thought so ; he was always a very good preacher." Prisoner. — " Did I not pray for the Government, President and Vice President?" " Yes, you did when in the pulpit ; but when you were out, you prayed the other way." John Sneider deposed, that he lived in Hamilton township, and knew the prisoner — as much as he understood, the prisoner meant to take arms against it. He said if we let that go forward, it would go on as in the old country, but that he [Eyerman] would rather lay his black coat on a nail, and fight the the whole week, and preach for them Sundays, than that should be so. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 125 " How long' has this man been at Hamilton ?" " About 18 months," " The township was always peaceable, I suppose, before he came among you ?" " Yes, and believe if he had not come, nothing would have happened of the kind." Another witness said that the prisoner came to his house, where conversation began about the house tax, whereupon he said he did not care whether they put up with it or hot, for he had no house to tax. A person present answered : But you have a great quantity of books to tax. The prisoner answered that "if anybody would offer to tax his books, he would take a French, a Latin, an Hebrew, and a Greek book down to them, and if they could riot read them, he would slap them about their ears till they would fall to pieces." The prisoner continued preacher to that congregation until he was taken up. After the rescue, he fled to New York state, but was apprehended and brought back, arid found guilty of conspiracy, &c, &c, was sentenced to be, imprisoned one year, pay fifty dollars fine, and give security for his good behavior one year. About thirty others were convicted, and fined and imprisoned according to the degree of crime. — Day's Historical Collection. CHAPTER X. TOPOGRAPHY OF TOWNSHIPS, &c. Hanover township is the only township in this county, east of the Lehigh river. It is bounded on the north, by Allen township ; east, by Hanover and Bethlehem, and south, by Lehigh township — all of Northampton county; and south-west by the Lehigh river. The form of this township is very irregular. The surface is level ; limestone soil, of an excellent quality, well cultivated, and very productive, repay ing the labor of the farmer richly. The Caladaque creek, which rises in Allen township, Northampton county, and running south-westwardly, running along the south-western, boundary, through the north-east angle of this to wnship,and following into the Lehigh river, about two miles below Hockendoque, affords some water-power, having several mills upon it. The Lehigh river affords an abundance of mill seats ; there are several grist and saw-mills, two woolen factories, and a paper-mill, in this township. The Allentown bridge, across Lehigh river, con nects this township with the borough of Allentown. Formerly, there was an elegant chain bridge over the Lehigh, consisting of two loops and two half loops, and suspended by four chains. That bridge was two hundred and thirty feet long and thirty wide. The population, in 1820, was 866 ; in 1830, 1,102 ; in 1840, 1,343, The county tax, levied in 1844, amounted to $708 83 ; the state tax, $967 28. Biery's Port, a post village, consisting of several dwellings, two taverns, one store, a grist mill, a Pres byterian church, and the Crane iron works, are in this township. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 127 The iron works are owned by Messrs. White, Haz- zard, Mitchel, Erb, M'Callister & Co.; are of a large size, and constructed expressly to smelt iron, with anthracite coal, by means of the hot blast The water power is supplied from the Lehigh canal of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, and the furnaces, with the blowing and air-heating apparatus, are con structed in a superior manner., The works, have been in successful operation since 1840, producing, at present, weekly, from one hundred and ninety to two hundred tons of castings of various kinds. The works are about three miles north of Allentown, and five from Bethlehem. , , '~ . Rittersville is a post village, ' consisting of five dwellings, one tavern, one store — a church, near it, is located in a poor part of the township. Heidelberg township is bounded on the north-east by Carbon county; south-east, by North Whitehall township ; south, by Low Hill township, and west, by Linn township. The figure of it is very irregular. The surface is very hilly, being partly crossed by the Blue mountain ; the soil is white gravel, producing, if well cultivated, an abundant crop of rye. In the north-west corner ofthe township isa singular knob, called " Bake Oven Knob." The township contains nine grist mills, seven saw mills, one furnace, owned by Stephen .Balliet; one fulling mill, two woolen factories, one gun and rifle manufactory, several tan neries, and ten or fifteen distilleries in operation. The township is drained by Trout creek, which rises at the foot of the Blue mountain, and running eastwardly, falls with the Lehigh river, about two miles below, the Water Gap, turning several mills, but not sufficiently large to be navigable. It is also drained by Jordan, rising at the foot of the Blue mountain, in this, township, and running a very crooked course, towards the south-east, falling, into the Little Lehigh creek, not more than one hundred perches from its mouth. The Jordan, and its various 128 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. branches, turn a great number of mills, but is not navigable. The waters of the Jordan are much affected by wet and dry seasons. Crowner's run is also one of the small streams that drains the town ship; it rises about the centre of it, and flowing southwardly, unites with the Jordan creek, on the line between Low Hill and Whitehall townships. The population, in 1820, was 1,900; in 1830, 2,208; in 1840, 2,354. Amount of county tax levied in 1844, was $770 56; state tax, $1,067 59. Inl843, $20 52 was paid for the education of the poor.. Segersville, a post village, about seventeen miles north-west from Allentown, near the line of the township, contains about twenty dwellings, one store and one tavern. The only church in the township is about two miles from the village. The country around the village is rough and, broken. Agriculture needs some considerable attention: being paid to it, before the farmer can count on ample and certain returns for his labor. Germansville, a small place, one store, owned by Nathan German. ¦ During the French and Indian war, in 1755 and 1756, the greater part of the in habitants of this township had fled to Bethlehem and other places, for refuge, and to escape being inhu manly butchered by the savage hordes who were marauding this region of country in search of human victims to glut their vengeance. In October, 1763, the inhabitants were again alarmed by the Indians committing cruel murders in an adjoining township. (See North Whitehall township.) North Whitehall toivnship is bounded on the north-east, by the, Lehigh river, which seperates it from Northampton county ; on the south, by South Whitehall township ; on the west, by Low Hill town ship, and north-west, by Heidelberg township. The surface is level; limestone soil, rich,, and generally pretty well cultivated. This township is singularly HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 129 intersected by numerous roads, which centre in the main road, leading to Allentown. The Jordan creek and Coply creek, or Balliet's creek, are the principal streams draining the township. Coply creek rises' in this township — running south-easterly, falls into the Lehigh river, about five miles above Allentown. In its course, it turns several mills. In dry seasons it fails much. This township contains seven grist mills, four saw mills, and a number of tanneries. There are two German Reformed and Lutheran churches in this township ; one near the north-western boun dary, and the other, on the south, near Coply creek. The population of 1820, was 1,807 ; in 1830, 2,008 ; ¦in 1840, 2,324. The county tax, assessed for 1844, was $899 25 ; state tax, $1,340 S3. In 1843, $119 78 were paid for the education of the poor. Siegersville is a small post village, consisting of five or six dwellings, one store, and one tavern. It as situated in a fertile and highly improved country* Snydersville, owned by George Snyder, who is proverbially known as the " Keeper of the Drovers' Inn." The place consists of a small cluster of houses and several shops. Its situation, it is said, is peculiar — it is in and between, like "George," the village being both in North Whitehall and Upper Macunjy, having the boundary line passing through it. Kern's Mills. Here is a post office, a grist mill, one store, and several dwelling houses. Slate Dam. Here is a store and dwellings, owned by Reuben Sager. Before this township was separated, or divided into - North and South Whitehall, the Indians committed depredations within its borders ; even at a time when it had been supposed all hostilities had ceased, a party of savages appeared on a sudden, in this township, and did some bloody work. "On the eighth of Octo ber, 1763, a party of fifteen or twenty Indians, attack ed the house of Nicholas Marks, of Whitehall town ship. Marks, his wife, and an apprentice boy, made I 130 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. their escape, though twice fired upon by the Indians, and proceeded to the house of one Adam Fashlert, where there were twenty men under arms. These immediately went in pursuit of the enemy. In their progress, they visited the farms of Jacob Meekly, where they found a boy and a giri lying dead, the girl scalped; of Hans Schneider, where they discover ed the owner; his. wife, and three children dead in the field, and three girls, one dead, the other wounded, and oneof them scalped. On their return to Ashler's, they found the wife of Jacob Aliening, with a child, dead in the road, and scalped. The houses of Marks and Schneider, were both burnt"'* South Whitehall township isboundedon thenorth by North Whitehall township ; east, by the Lehigh ldver, which separates it from Hanover township, and by Northampton township ; south, by Upper Macun jy township. The surface is level; limestone soil, very well cultivated, and abundantly productive, amply repaying the husbandman for the eare bestow ed upon it in a judicious course of culture. This township is watered by Jordan creek, and Cedar creek. The latter rises from a large spring in Upper Macunjy township, and turns a large flour. mill, about six perches below the fountain, and after a course of three miles, falls into the Little Lehigh. The volume of this singular stream appears invarir able in wet. or dry weather. The long continued drought this summer, (1844) though affecting all other- streams, did not any the least diminish this stream. It never freezes, and the grass, which grows to the water's edge, appears green all seasons, and is always uncovered, the water' dissolving the snow as it falls, Sinking Run is another remarkable stream ; it rises. in Macunjy township, and flows easterly, through inis township; it sinks into the ground about fivft miles from Allentown. It is supposed to have a. *Proud's History of Pa. Appendix, p. 634. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 131 subterraneous course of more than a mile southward, and to rise at the: fountain of Cedar creek, in Upper Macnnjy. Cavern Spring rises near the mouth of a limestone cavern, within two miles ofthe borough of Allentown; on the north-west is a large fountain, and pours its waters into the Jordan creek. : This cavern has an entrance of ten or eleven feet high, and has been penetrated about one hundred feet, into the hill, to a stream of water. This township contains five grist mills, two saw mills, several tanneries, and a German Reformed and Lu theran chureh, about four miles from Allen township. Ibach's forge is in this township. The population of this township, in 1820, was 1,623; in 1830,. 1,952 ; in 1840, 2,290. The amount of county tax, assessed in 1844, was $1,230 70; state tax, $1,757 19. In 1843, $244 42 were paid for the education of the poor. It appears that this township, and others, were overrun by the Indians, in 1763; for we find "that October 15th, 1763, Governor Hamilton called the attention of the Assembly to the sad condition of the settlers of Linn, Heidelberg, Whitehall, Macunjy, Salisbury and Upper Milford townships, of the county of Northampton, (now Lehigh.) Their houses were destroyed, their farms laid waste, barns, grain, fences, &c. burnt to ashes — eighteen persons murdered." The persons who had been massacred, were unof fending German immigrants, who had never molested an Indian. This excited tlie suspicion of the inhabi tants, generally. The Indians were traced, by scout, to wigwams of the christian Indians, at Conestoga, and to those in Northampton county, which eventuated in the total extermination of the Indians^ in Lancas ter county, in December 1763. Linn township is bourided on the north, by Carbon county; east, by Heidelberg township; stsuth, by- Weissenberg ; south-west, by Berks county, and on 132 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. the north-west; by Schuylkill county. The Blue mountain crossing the northern part of the township, the surface along it is hilly or greatly rolling ; a por tion of the surface of this township is pretty level; the soil is gravelly. — agriculture may still be much improved, though many of the farms yield well. The free use of lime, as a stimulating manure, would greatly aid in improving the soil, and well repay a large per centage. This township is drained by the Antelauny, or Maiden, creek, which rises here and flows into the Schuylkill: river, through Berks county. Linn run, which rises in this township, near the south-west boundary, is a tributary of the Jordan creek. The sources of the Antelauny and Linn run, almost inter mingle. These streams afford an abundance of mill seats ; there are, in this township, ten grist mills, five saw mills, one woolen factory, one powder mill, and three German Reformed and' Lutheran churches; also several small villages. This township, and Alba ny, in Berks county, formed a portion of Allemaen- gel, in days past. Linnville is a small post village, about seventeen miles north-west of Allentown, consisting of a few dwellings, one store and one tavern. New Tripoli, a post village, about fifteen miles from Allentown, consists of several houses. Jacksonville is a post village, in the northern pait of the township, about eighteen miles from Allen town. The population of this township, in 1820, was 1,664; in 1830, 1,747; in 1840, 1,895. The county tax, assessed in 1844, was $741 03; the state tax, $1,012 85. In 1843, $49 02, were paid for the edu cation of the poor. This region of country, of which this township con stitutes a part, was settled at a comparatively early period, settlements having been made about the year 1735. In February, 1756, the Indians committed a number of cruel murders upon the German settlers. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 133 Onthe 14th of February, 1756, the Indians surprized the inmates of the house of Frederick Reichelsderfer, shot two of his children, set his house and barn on fire, and burnt up all his grain and cattle. Thence, they proceeded to the house of Jacob Gerhart, where they killed one man, two women, and six children. Two of the children had slipped under the bed, one of which was burned; the other escaped, and ran a mile, to get to the people. On the 24th of March, following, ten wagons went to Allemaengel, to bring a family, with their effects, away ; and as they were returning, about three miles below one George ZeislofPs, they were fired upon by a number of Indians from both sides of the road, upon which the wagoners left their wagons and ran into the woods, and the horses, frightened at the firing and terrible yelling Of the In 'ians, ran down a hill, and broke one of the wagons to pieces. The enemy killed George Zeisloff and his wife, a young man of twenty, a boy of twelve, also a girl of fourteen years old, four of whom they scalped.* Low Hill township is bounded on the north, by Heidelberg township ; on the east, by North White hall ; on the south, by Macunjy, and on the west, by Weissenberg township. The surface is hilly, and in some peaces rolling; the soil is principally white gravel ; the state of agriculture is improving ; many of the farms are rendered productive by a judicious course of crops, and strict attention to manuring. Lime, if judiciously applied, would greatly improve this kind of soil. This township is watered by Jordan creek, and several of its tributaries — such as Linn run, Crowner's run, which rises in Heidelberg township, near its "centre, and flows southwardly, through this township, and Willow run — all these streams afford mill seats. * Letter from Valentine Probst, to Jacob Levan, Esq., Feb. 15, 1756. See history of Ber|« county* p. 58, 123, 124. 134 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. The township contains ten grist mills, five saw mills, several oil mills, and two clover mills. Clanseville is quite a neat little post village, con sisting of a few dwellings and a store. It is the only village in the township. The population of the township, in 1820, was 703; in 1830, 808; in 1840, 854. The county tax, for 1844, amounted to $238 35; state tax, $354 71. In 1843, $49 02 were paid for educating the poor. Upper Macunjy. This township and Lower Ma- cungy, have, within the last ten or twelve years, been divided. They were formerly known as Macunjy township. This township is bounded on the north-east, by South Whitehall ; on the south, by Lower Macunjy; and on the north-west, by Weissenberg. The sur face is generally very level ; the soil limestone, care fully cultivated and abundantly productive. Both Upper and Lower Macungy are densely populated. This township alone, had, in 1840, a population of nearly 1800, and it may now exceed two thousand. It is drained by the Little Lehigh creek and its nu merous tributaries. Shantz's Spring, the head of Cedar creek, is in this township. Cedar Spring is remarkable for its strength and uniformity, as to quantity of water. Only a few rods below its foun tain, it turns a large flouring mill. In its course, which is only three miles, it propels three mills, viz : Butt's, Knaus' and Martz's — these fall into Mr. Edleman's mill dam, on the Little Lehigh. North-west from Schantz's Spring, is a stream, which, after a course of three miles, sinks into the earth. It is conjectured by many, that this stream forms the Cedar creek • fountain. The volume of water of Shantz's Spring is invariable in wet and dry, and it never freezes' over. There are two grist mills and two saw mills in this township ; also several tanneries. The population, in 1840, was 1,769. The amount HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 135 ofcounty tax,in 1844, $1,032 48; state tax, $1,616 32. In 1843, $68 35 were paid towards educating the poor. Foglesville, a post village, at the junction of the Allentown and Millerstown road, nme miles from Allentown, consists of sixteen dwellings, -one store, one tavern, a school house, a German Reformed and Lutheran church, situated in a rich and fertile country. Trexlerstown, a neat post village, eight miles from Allentown, onthe road to Kutztown, Berks county. It contains sixteen -or eighteen dwellings, two taverns, one store, a Lutheran and German Reformed church. The country around it is well improved. Lower Macunjy. This, and Upper Macunjy town ships, were, until the last ten or twelve years, known as Macunjy toionship. It is bounded on the north, by Upper Macungy; north-east, by Salisbury, (Sals- berg; ) on the south-east, by Upper Milford township ; south-west, by Berks county. The surface of the township is level, and ¦ of the best limestone soil ; well improved, and very productive ; yields a rich recom pense to the industrious farmer, for labor bestowed in tilling the soil. This part of Lehigh county is densely settled. Small as the territory of this county is, the population, in 1840, exceeded two thousand, and may now reach twenty-five hundred. The township is drained by the Little Lehigh creek. It has six grist mills, three saw mills, one oil mill, and five or six •stores. The population, in 1840, was 2,156. The county tax, for 1844, amounted to $1,257 47; state tax, $1,761 89. In 1843, there were $194 66 paid towards educating the children of poor persons, besides a quota of $24 9 9,. jointly paid by this and Upper Mil ford township. Millerstown, or Millersville, is a post village, at the foot of the Lehigh Hills, or South mountain, on a small branch of the Lehigh, nine miles from Allen- . 136, HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. town. The village consists of about forty dwellings,, three taverns, four stores, a Lutheran and German Reformed church ; also a " Free Hall," for all reli gious denominations. This village is remarkable as one of the places dis tinguished for opposition to collecting a direct tax, by the federal government, in 1798, '99 — "In den Schreckens Zeiten." Here Mr. Daniel Schwartz, and others, made resistance.* Breinigsville, is a post village, on the road from Allentown to Reading, consisting of some half dozen of houses, one store, one tavern. Near it is an exten sive iron ore mine. The ore is so highly charged with sulphuret of iron, as to be advantageously used for the manufacture of copperas. Considerable quan tities of it are transported to Philadelphia, by canal, for this purpose. Upper Milford is bounded on the north-east by Salisbury township and Upper Saucon, south-east by Bucks county, on the west by Montgomery and Berks counties, and north-west by Lower Macunjy township. It forms almost a square. The surface of this township is considerably diversified, hut general ly hilly, and in some places very rugged or broken,. being crossed by the South Mountain, sending forth spurs, especially towards the south. Iron ore abounds on the mountain. The soil is principally gravel and red shale, and upon the whole, pretty well cultivated, and more than ordinarily productive; it is watered by a branch of the Perkiomen and Upper Saucon creeks. The north branch of the Perkiomen rising in this township, flows by a southren course, (uniting with the east branch in Perkiomen township, Montgomery county) for about thirty miles, through Montgomery county, and falls into the river Schuyl kill, above Pawling's Ford, six miles above Norris- town. Upper Saucon creek, rising in this township, * See Verhoer von John Fries, &c. p. 283. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 137 and running north-eastwardly, falls into the Lehigh river on the south side, about two miles below Free mansburg, in Northampton county. These streams afford many good mill seats. This township contains seven grist mills, six saw mills, one fulling mill, one oil mill, two powder mills, several tanneries, and a few distilleries, and one furnace, owned by Messrs. Hunter and Miller. There are two churches in this township, and several villages. Scheimersville, is a post village, consisting of five dwellings, one tavern and a store. Dillinger's. Here is a pos^office, a few dwellings, a store and a tavern. The population of this township was, in 1820,. 2,416 ; in 1830, 2,829 ; in 1840, 3,071. The amount of county tax levied in 1844, was $1,548 44; state tax, $2,293 91. In 1843, $195 97,* were paid for edu cating children of poor persons. Weiss'enburg township is bounded on the north east by Low Hill township, on the south-east by Macunjy, and on the south-west by Maxatany township in Berks connty, and north-west by Linn township. The surface is hilly, and in some places broken; soil gravelly, but pretty well improved. The assessed value of land ranges from $20 to $25 per acre. This township is drained by Jordan creek and its tributaries, Willow run, and Linn run, which afford considerable water power. There are here six grist mills and three saw mills. There are two churches fn this township ; one is located in the Forks of Willow run. Mount Pleasant, the only village in the township, is six miles from Foglesville, consisting of several dwellings, one store and a tavern. The population of this township in 1820, was •Besides a quota of $24 99, paid by Lower Macunjy and, Up per Milford. 138 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 1,175; in 1830, 1,285,; 1840, 1,427. The amount of county tax levied in 1844, was $425 54 ; state tax, $586 10. In 1843, $92 94, were paid towards edu cating the poor. The inhabitants of this township, with those of Berks county, in this region, were repeatedly alarmed by the incursions of the hostile Indians during the French and Indian war, from 1755 to 1763. Their hopes and fears were alternately excited; for the Indians committed several murders through this and adjacent townships, immediately north. In 1798 and 1739, when the inhabitants of North ampton county opposed the collecting of a direct tax by the general government, the fears of the people of this township were again greatly excited. Upper Saucon township is bounded on the north east by Lower Saucon, Northampton county, east by Bucks county, south-west hy Upper Milford town ship, and north-west by Salisbury .township. The surface is diversified ; the Lehigh hills or South' mountain occupies the northern part/and its spurs extend to the southern, boundary. The valleys are limestone, and the whole under cultivation. The farms are highly improved, and the houses and. barns, as viewed from the " Mammoth* Rock," in Salisbury township, make an imposing appearance. Iron ore abounds in the hills and mountains. It isdrainedby the Saucon creek, which runs through it in an eastern direction, towards the Lehigh river. This stream af fords several mill seats. This township contains six grist mill's, eight saw mills, three oil mills, one clover mill, and several tanneries. The Spring House and Bethlehem turnpike road passes north and south through it. There are several churches in this township. Lately a cave has been discovered called " Erdman's Cave." It has been but partially explored., It is said there is a fine stream of water in it. Freystown, or Freysburg, consisting of a few HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 139 dwellings and a store, on the turnpike, near the south-east boundary, is the only village in this town ship. The population in 1820, was 1,642 ; in 1830; 1,905 ; hi 1 840, 2;072. The amount of courity taX levied for 1844, was $667 68 ; state tax, $986' 83. In 1843, $162 14, were paid towards educating paupers. Salisbury township, (some times written Saltzberg, *or Salsberg,) is bounded on the north by Northamp ton township and fhe Lehigh river, on tjie east by Lower Saucon, Northampton county, south-east by Upper Saucon, south-west by Upper Milford and Lower Macunjy, and north-west by ' Whitehall township. The surface of, the country is rolling; the greater part limestone soil of the first rate quality, and very well cultivated. The South mountain, in which iron ore abounds, runs along its south-eastern boundary, at the foot of which is a small village, called Smithsville, about two miles south-east from Allentown. This township is drained by the Little Lehigh creek, and one of its tributaries, which propel, in the township, three grist mills and two saw mills. Numerous and interesting as the natural curiosities in this country are, there is none that so amply repays the adventurer as the Big, or Mammoth Rock, on the Lehigh hills, or South mountain, in this town ship. It is about three miles south-east, from Allen town, and a jaunt to the hills forms a pleasant hour's walk. The Rock is easily ascended, though elevated a thousand or twelve hundred feet above the sur- ' rounding country. The spectator, while standing on this rupic eminence, has a commanding view of one of the most variegated sceneries imaginable. As far as the eye can reach, except on the north, where the vision is bounded by the Blue mountain, are spread before the eye, well cultivated farms, dotted with buildings ; and the scene is greatly enlivened by the limpid stream of the Lehigh, as it winds its way 140 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. down the Kittatinny valley. On the south,' east and west, lie before you as a lawn, Saucon, with its rich limestone , farms. Language fails to deliniate the scenery with any degree of graphic accuracy. The population of this township, in 1820, was 1,165 ; in 1830, 1,342 ; in 1840, 1,438. The amount of county tax levied for 1844, was $844 80; state tax, $1,316 03. Emaus is a post village at the foot of the South mountain, built on one street, and is about five miles south-west . from Allentown. The town contains about twenty-five dwellings, a store and church. The following, touching this place, is from the pen of the Twelve Views of the churches, schools, &c, &c., of the United Brethren in America : " This settlement (Emaus,) where a congregation of the United Brethren was regularly organized in 1747, is situated near the Lehigh mountains, eight miles from Bethlehem. " The first place of worship was built in 1742, the second in 1766, both of wood, and the third, which is the present church, in 1833. The present number of souls belonging to this congregation is one hun dred and thirty, (in 1836) of whom eighty are com municants." Northampton township. This is a small town ship which surrounds the' borough of Allentowm Portions of the surface is generally undulating,but the greater part is level, the soil is limestone, and very highly improved. When speaking of Allentown,* the springs &c, are noticed. In 1830, the population was 213, and 1840, 293. In 1844, the amount of county tax levied, was $179 69, and state tax, $248 89. Allentown.* This town was laid out prior to 1752, by William Allen, Esq., Chief Justice of the * See Allentown. "The substance of this article is frpm the pen of Robert Wright, Esq. It appeared originally in Hazard's Pa. Reg., Vol. XIII, p. 396. 6 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 141 Province of Pennsylvania. Mr. Allen, it appears, was a great friend to the Penn family, from whom he derived his grants of land. Governor John Penn married his daughter. James Allen, son of the pro prietor of Allentown, residing in Philadelphia, be came heir to the site of this town. He died about 1782, leaving the property to two sons, James and William, and three daughters, viz : Mrs. Greenleaf, Mrs. Tilghman and Mrs. Livingston. Several of the heirs still reside here. This place bore the name of Allentown, till 1811, when it was called the Borough of Northampton, but since changed. It is situated at the junction of the Jordan and Little Lehigh creeks, about half a mile from the Lehigh river. It is six miles south-west from Bethlehem, eighteen miles south-west from Easton, and fifty-five miles north-west from Phila-, delphia. It is one of the oldest settlements on the Lehigh river, and in the different wars of America, was the scene of many a brave and bloody deed. It was here that Colonel James Bird displayed such heroism in the early wars with the Indians. It was here, during the Revolution, that the bells which " chime so merrily" oh Christ Church in Philadelphia, were concealed by the Americans, and it was here, at a later period of our national existence, that the insur rection in which the notorious John Fries bore so conspicuous a part, was fomented, and happily for us all, smothered in its birth. Inhabited by a few wealthy and unenterprising Germans, and cut off for many years from the dif ferent post routes, by the influence of the neighboring towns, it remained inactive a long time. Its great elevation too, rendering it difficult to procure the "ne cessary supply of water, had the effect of retarding its progress in the march of improvement, and it re mained, as at first, " unnoticed and unknown," until the year 1811, when, by the division of Northampton county, it became the seat of justice of Lehigh 142 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. county, was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, passed March 18, 1811, and called Northampton Borough. By a smilar act in 1838, the name Allen town was again restored. Since it has become the county seat, the town has improved rapidly, and bids fair to eclipse its neighbors in trade and wealth, as it has already in point of beauty. The form of the town is square. Its streets are at right angles, and .the public square in the centre adds much to its appearance. It contains a large court house and public houses of hewn limestone, a spacious prison of the same material ; five churches, German Reformed, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist Epis copal, Evangelical Association, and one for all de nominations, called " the Free Hall" in which tern- perance lectures are occasionally delivered ; an Acade my incorporated March 18,, 1814, to which the state gave two thousand dollars ; a boarding school.a splen did and spacious building, formerly occupied as the Homoeopathic college. Passing, it might be remark ed, this institution never went into full operation, as it was designed it should, under two eminent profes sors residing in Philadelphia. There is one foundry in the borough, owned by Mr. Freeburn ; Messrs. Krause & Probst's is contiguous to the borough; several machine shops, two appothecaries, twenty-six stores, eleven taverns, and six coach manufactories. A bank, called The Northampton Bank was es tablished here, in 1814, with a capital of $123,365. It became completely bankrupt in 1843. The town is well supplied with good, fresh water, from Wor- man's sping, at the foot of the hill on which it is built. A pump, Avorked by a water wheel turned by the stream, raises the water into a resorvoir in the highest part ofthe town, from which it is- distributed by pipes laid through the streets. The water is- forced up to the height of one hundred and sixty feet. The water company was formed in 1828. There are several Newspapers published in this borough *: Der Frieden's. Bote und Lecha, North- HISTORY OF LEHIGH '^UN^TY5. 143 ampton, Bucks und Montgomery" V punt ies Ar^- zeiger, by Blumer & Bush, is neutraMrr pohtics. ft has readied its thirty-second volume.5 '¦Dey Lecha Patriot und Northampton Democrat, byj Reuben Guth, a whig paper. It has been in existence seven teen years. Der Unabhaengische Republikaner, by James Wilson, Democratic. It is the^'oldest paper here. The Lehigh Bulletin, by John Royer, Demo cratic. The present population may exceed 3900 ; iri 1S30, it was 1,544; in 1840j 2,493. It is worthy of notice, to show the salubrity of the air of this place, that during the prevalence of the yellow fever of 1793 and '99, and the cholera i'n 1832 and '33, there was not a- single case of either, in this place, that in any way resembled those diseases. On the main road to Bethlehem, in view of the town, is a bridge across the Lehigh river, erected in 1841. The previous one, a chain bridge, was swept away by the great freshet of January, 1841. There is also a stone bridge across the Jordan creek, con sisting of eighteen arches; It is about eight hundred feet long. It was completed in 1837, -at a cost of $10,000. ¦ ;'! :> The numerous springs, namely : Wofman's, Mar tin's, Smith's and Helfrich's, are alf worthy of being visited by the traveller. The Big or ''Mammoth Rock, spoken of when describing Salisbury township, should by all means be visited. It is only three miles from the borough, and will amply repay the adventurer for his walk. Lehigh Port, contiguous to Allentown, contains between fifty and sixty dwellings, one tavern, one store and six storing houses. Below, is Greenleaf's. Island, owned; by Mr. Butz of Philadelphia. This island, under the care- of a New Jerseyman, supplies the good people of the borough with melons, sweet potatoes, &c. In 1841, this place sustained considerable injury 144 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. from the January freshet. The following is from the Lehigh Bulletin, viz : After the intense cold weather we had the begin ning of last week — on Wednesday and Thursday we had rain, with a warm southern wind, that brought on a sudden thaw. The rivers and streams, in those parts, rose rapidly — rose to an unprecedented height. The Jordan and Little Lehigh appear not to have been as high as at the great freshet in 1839. Owing to the immense height of the Big Lehigh, the back water was several feet higher than two years ago. The Little Lehigh was about three feet higher, over Mr. Martz's tan yard, than before. The Jordan ran on the large stone bridge over it. The freshet, in the Big Lehigh, was tremendous. The water was about twenty feet above low-water mark below the dam; and was about three feet above the highest point on the Big Island. Such a flood is not recollected by our oldest inhabitants. Our excellent bridge over the Big Lehigh, and toll house, are gone ; three frame houses of Mr. D. Kleck- ner, between his tavern and the bridge, are gone. The gate-keeper's family have got away, but saved nothing out of the house. The other families saved more or less, but sustained heavy losses. The store, houses have been considerably injured at the basin, and several of our merchants, in not having their goods removed, have met with heavy losses. A large quantity of lumber, and a number of boats and scows were lost. About two thousand tons of coal are lost. The navigation dam has but little, if any, injury done to it. The canal has sustained some injury. CHAPTEE XL MONROE COUNTY ORGANIZED, &c. This county was erected out pf Northampton and Pike counties, by an act of the Legislature, passed April 1, 1836. It was enacted, "that the township of Ross, Chestnuthill, Tobyhanna, Pokono, Hamilton, Stroud and Smithfield, north of the Blue mountain, in Northampton county, together with the townships of Middle Smithfield, Price and Coolbaugh, in Pike county, shall be, and the same are hereby declared to be erected into a separate county, to be called Mon roe."* By the same act, Moses W. Coolbaugh, Benjamin V. Bush, William Van Buskirk, Michael Shoemaker and Joseph Track, were appointed trustees, whose duty it (shall be) was to receive written offers of donations, in real estate and money, towards defray ing the expenses of the lands and public buildings for the use of the county. i The trustees had several offers made them of sites for the county seat ; among dthers, was Kellerstown, in Hamilton township, on the north and south turn pike. Stroudsburg, however, was considered, by the trustees, the most favorable location for the comity seat. Monroe county, as at present limited, is about twenty-five miles in length and the same in breadth, making an area of about six hundred square miles, * In 1843, Carbon county was erected", when Penn Forest town ship, i!n Moaroe county, was includetPin Carbon. 146 HISTORY, OF MONROE COUNTY. embracing four hundred thousand acres of land, the greater proportion of which is forest, and much of it unseated land. Thousands of acres were lately sold " to pay the arrears of taxes due thereon and the costs of such sales." In the majority of townships, lands of this kind were offered for sale by the county com missioners, in 1844. Monroe is generally very mountainous ; much of it is occupied by the desolate ranges of the Pokono mountain, and prominent ridges of a coarse fossilifer- ous sandstone. The geological features of the county are varied and rugged. Beginning on the south side, there is the lofty Kittatinny mountain, which is rent by the well known Delaware Water Gap, with its depressions at the Wind Gap and Smith's Gap. Im mediately along the north side of the Blue mountain is a narrow belt of red and variegated shale, suc ceeded on the north by a limestone belt of no great thickness ; then follows the coarse fossiliferous sand stone, forming a sharp, rocky ridge, nearly parallel with the mountain, forming a line of irregular, sharp, rugged hills, which range south-westward from Stroudsburg. On the north side of this is found an olive slate formation, the lower beds of which are in some places so calcareous as to form a rough, slaty limestone, containing masses of chert, or black flint, and also shells and other fossil remains. Approaching towards the foot of the Pokono mountain, we meet the red sandstones and shales, next in position, above the olive slate ; these form the southern front of the mountain, and extend through the country immedi ately south-east of it. Passing over Pokono, we meet, in the rocky elevated region beyond its summit, the hard coarse sandstone.* In the north-western part of the county, on the head branches of the Lehigh river, lies an immense body of wettish land, covered with a dark, dense lorest of lofty pine. This region is called the " Shades * C. B. Trego, Esq. HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 147 of Death," or "Great Swamp," by the forlorn fugi tives from Wyoming, in 1778. This part of fhe county is still comparatively a wilderness, and most of its lands are classed as "unseated." The opening of the Lehigh navigation, however, is attracting many lumber-men to this region, and ere long will become a brisk and lively place. This portion is very sparsely inhabited ; the great bulk of the population is to be found along the valley of the Delaware and Broad- head's creek, and between the Blue mountain and a belt of some five miles wide, lying betAveen the Poko no and Kittatinny mountains. Settlements had been made here a century ago. The Minisink settlements, partly within this county, may have been commenced two hundred, years ago. This settlement is along the flats of the Delaware river, extending into this county, and were undoubtedly made by the Dutch from Eso- pus, on the Hudson river, in the state of New York.* The population of this county, as to origin or an cestry, is mixed. In the southern and western paarts, the people are German, and still speak that language. About Stroudsburg, the first settlers were friendsrand of English descent; in the east, Dutch, French, and one or two Spanish families. Among these are Van Etten, Depui, and Gunsaules ; but the Dutch, French and Spanish are not now spoken by any of their de- scendents. This county is pretty well supplied with water power for mills, and other manufacturing purposes. The Delaware river washes a portion of the south eastern boundary, and drains that part of the county by its tributaries: shch as Marshall creek, Broadhead creek; or Analomink, Mill creek, Bushkill, M'Mi- chael's creek, Cherry creek, and other small ones. On the west it is drained by the Lehigh, with its tributaries, such as Tobyhanna, which rises in a small lake called Long Pond, and running a south-westerly * See Smithfield township 148 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. course, receives the waters of Big and Little Tunk- hanna creek, and falls into the Lehigh, about two miles below Stoddartsville; the Big creek, formed by the junction of the Pohopoko and Hoeth's oi* Head's creek, at the foot of the Pohopoko mountain, from which rafts descend to its mouth. It flows south westerly, through a cultivated valley, to which it gives name, and falls into the Lehigh at ParrysvUle, four miles, above the Lehigh Water Gap; and the Aquan shicola, which rises about a mile east of the Wind Gap, in Ross tOAvnship, and running along its base, falls into the Lehigh, at its entrance into the Water Gap. This county contained, in 1840, according to the statistics of that year, -6,519 head of neat cattle, 9,422 sheep, 10,642 swine; and produced 10,961 bushels of wheat, 84,293 of rye, 56,391 of Indian corn, 50,563 of buckwheat, 57,513 of oats, 99,237 of potatoes. It had nineteen stores, one flouring mill, twenty-five grist mills, one hundred and seven saw mills, nineteen , tanneries, two printing offices, two weekly newspa pers, two academies, thirty-one schools, seven hundred and ninety-four scholars, and a population of nine thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine. There is but one furnace in the county — the one owned by Mr. Jordan. The following extracts are taken from the records of the court of Quarter Sessions, viz : At a court of Quarter Sessions of the peace, held at Stroudsburg, in and for the county of Monroe, on the nineteenth day of December, A. D. 1836, before the Hon. David Scott, President, Jacob Brown and John T. Bell, Esquires, associates of the same court. Joseph S. Teel, Esq., High Sheriff of the said coun ty, came into court and made return of the several ¦ writs and precepts, to him directed, and made return- ' ed here the same day ; and also produced a certain venire facias, juratores, with a pannel thereto an nexed, which being called over, the following persons appeared, to wit : HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 149 1. Sroud J. Hollenshead, foreman. 2. John Boys, Philip S. Brown, Frederick Knecht, Joseph Felker, Samuel Rees, James Van Buskirk, Andrew Learn, George Rouse, John Yetter, Jacob Shaffer, George Buskirk, Joseph Vanaken, Samuel Myer, James Morgan, Philip Krasge, George Flyde, Peter Lander and Madison Decker, who were seve rally sworn or affirmed, well and truly to enquire for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in and for the body of the county of Monroe. {0*°ln 1837, there were thirty-two licensed public houses. CHAPTER XII. TOPOGRAPHY OP TOWNSHIPS, &c. Stroud township, so called after one of its first settlers, Jacob Stroud, is bounded on the north by Middle Smithfield township ; on the east by Smith- field; on the south by Northampton county ; on the south-west by Hamilton tOAvnship ; and on the north west by Pokono township. The surface of this town ship is partly hilly and partly level ; a portion of the township is limestone soil ; much of it gravel. Con siderable attention is paid to agriculture ; many of the farms are well improved and abundantly productive. The township is well watered by Smithfield creek and its tributaries, Sambo, Broadhead, Sullivan, and by M'Michael's creeks, and Cherry creek. Smith- field creek is formed by Pokono, Broadhead's and M'Michael's creeks, near Stroudsburg. It is naviga ble a short distance above the river DelaAvare, into which it enters. Sambo creek rises in Pike county, and flowing south-westerly through the north-west course of Smithfield township, falls into Broadhead's creek, in this township. Sullivan's creek rises in Tobyhanna township, and floAving an eastern and southern course, falls into Smithfield creek, near Stroudsburg. M'Michael's creek rises in Pokono township, and after a devious course of twelve or thir-- teen miles, falls into Smithfield creek, at Stroudsburg. It is a rapid stream, serpentine in its course, and af fords several excellent mill seats. Several mills are turned by it. Cherry creek rises at the foot of the Blue mountain, near the Wind Gap, and running along the* HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 151 foot of the mountain, falls into the Delaware river, at its enterance into the Water Gap. It is a very rapid stream, and has several mill seats upon it. There are two neAvspapers published here, viz : The Jeffersonian Republican, printed and published by Messrs. Scboch & Spearing ; and The Monroe Democrat, by Rafferty Hannum. This paper was commenced in 1836. Near Stroudsburg is an extensive forge for the manufactory of bar iron, where a number of fires, hammers, and some thirty hands are at work. The forge is owned by John Jordan, Esq., of Philadelphia, successfully managed by Mr. Morris Evans. The population of Stroud township was, in 1820, 1,143; in 1830, 1,631; in 1840, 1,206, exclusive of the borough, which numbered 407. The tax valua tion of real and personal property, in 1844, was $248,- 816 00; trades and occupations, $50,420 00; money at interest, $26,485 00; pleasure carriages valued at $2,485. Stroudsburg, the county seat, is situated in a very fine country, on the left bank of the M'Michael's creek, some distance below where the Pokono empties into it, and immediately above the junction of the Analomink, or Broadhead creek, Avith M'Michael's creek. The town is pleasantly situated ; the streets are wide ; many of the houses are handsome, and generally stand back from the streets, with neat small yards before them, adding much in heightening the fine appearance of the place. The yards are adorned with shrubbery of various kinds. The houses are principally frame, and, it appears, as it were by general consent, are painted white, with windows and doors of green and yellow, as fancy may have directed. Description fails in presenting the beauty of the place, the romantic scenery of the surrounding vicinity. The town is three miles north-west from the Dela Avare Water Gap ; thirty from Easton. It was in- 152 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. corporated as a borough, by an act of Assembly, passed February 6, 1815. It contains two academies ; the one was incorporated, March 28, 1814 ; the other was erected in 183S. There are within its precincts five churches ; one for the English Presbyterians, one for the Orthodox Friends, and the other for the Friends, or Quakers ; one for the Methodist Episco pal, and a free church. Besides these denominations, Baptists and German Reformed preach occasionally in the stone academy. There are four taverns and eight stores in the town ; also a grist and saw mill, an extensive tannery. Population about 700. The town and tOAvnship may be called " a Quaker settlement." The inhabitants are enterprising, frank, temperate, moral, always ready to extend the hand of friendship to strangers and visitors. Stroudsburg was first settled by Colonel Jacob Stroud, of the Revolutionary army, who had com mand here, of Fort Penn, and owned about four thousand acres of land in the vicinity. Five houses had been erected before his death, 1806. Daniel Stroud, after the death of his father, widened the main street, sold lots as occasion offered. In 1835 the town was selected as the county seat. It is said by Daniel Stroud, an aged and venerable citizen of the place, that Fort Hamilton, one of the forts that formed a line of frontier £osts, extending from the Delaware, along the Kittatinny mountain, to the Po tomac river, erected during the old French and In dian war of 1755-60, stood at the west end of the town. It is said that two soldiers of the garrison, walking among the scrub oaks on the broAV of the hill, where the academy now stands, were killed by a party of Indians in ambuscade. James Young, Commissary General, states in his journal of June 24, 1756 : " At four, A. M., set out from Bosart's ; at six came to, fort Hamilton, about seven miles from Bosart's — a good wagon road, and the land better than any I had seen on the north side of the mountain. HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 153 " Fort Hamilton stands in a corn field, by a farm house, in a plain and clear country ; it is a square with four half bastions, all veiy ill contrived and finished ; the stoccades are six inches open in many places, and not firm in the ground, and may be easily pulled down. Before the gate are some stoccades driven in the ground to cover it, which I think might be a great, shelter to an enemy. I therefore ordered them to pull them down. I also ordered to fill up the other stoccades where they were open. "Provincial stores. — One wall piece, 14 good muskets, 4 want repairing; 16 cartouch boxes filled with powder and lead, 28 pounds of powder, 13 pounds of lead, 10 axes, one broad axe, 26 toma hawks, 28 blankets, 3 drawing knives, 3 splitting knives, 2 adzes, 2 saws, and one brass kettle." Colonel James Burd states in his journal of March 2, 1758 : " Thursday 2d, I marched from here, (Fort Hyndshaw) at nine, A. M., for Samuel Depue's; went by way of Fort Hamilton, to vieAV that place. Ar rived at Fort Hamilton at two P. M.— -viewed it, and found it a very poor stoccade, with one large house in the middle of it, and some families living in it." In December, 1755, the Indians made an attack upon the inhabitants in the neighborhood of this place, as appears from the following depositions — one taken at Philipsburg, the other at Easton : Colonel Joseph Stout received one express this morning, by a young man from that place Avhere John Carmeckle and Broadhead live, back of Samuel Depue's,. where they were attacked yesterday about eleven o'clock, Avhere the barn and barracks were on fire, and heard the guns afiring, for Broadhead had barricaded his house, and there were several people killed, and I fled to John Anderson for help, and as near as I could estimate, there were one hundred of the enemy that appeared, to me, and were in white people's clothing, only a few match coats. Sworn before me, this 12th Dec, 1755. HENRY COLE. 154 HISTORY OF MONROE QOUNTY. Col. Stout, I desire you would come up direetly with your regiment, till you and I see if Ave cannot save our country. Your compliance will oblige your real friend. JOHN ANDERSON. Philipsburgh. The 12th day of December, 1755, personally ap peared before me, William Parsons, one of his ma jesty's justices of the peace, for the county of North ampton, John M'Michael, Henry Dysert, James Tidd and Job Bakehorn, jr., who being duly SAVorn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did de pose and declare that yesterday about three of the clock, in the forenoon, tAvo Indian men came from towards Broadhead's house, who fired at these depo nents and Several others, who returned the fire and made the Indians turn off ; and the said deponents, James Tidd and Job Bakehorn, further say that as they were going round the stack yard of the said M'Michael, where they all were, they saAv, as they verily believe, at least four Indians on their knees, about tAventy pnrches from the stack yard, who fired at these deponents. And these deponents further say, that they were engaged in manner aforesaid Avith the Indians at least three quarters of an hour ; and these deponents, John M'Michael and Henry Dysert, fur ther 'say, that they saw the barn of the said Broad head on fire about nine of the clock in the morning, which continued burning till they left the house, be ing about four in the afternoon, and that they heard shooting and crying at Broadhead's house almost the whole day, and that Avhen they left M'Michael's house, the dwelling house ofthe said Broadhead was yet unburnt, being, as they suposed, defended by the people within. And these deponents, James Tidd and Job Bakehorn, further say, that they did not come to M'Michael's house till about three in the afternoon, when they could see the barn and barracks of the said Broadhead on fire ; and these deponents further HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 155 say, that they did not see any one killed on either side, but James Garland, one of their company, was shot through the hand and arm ; and further deponents say not. JOHN M'MICHAEL, HENRY DEYSERT, JOB BAKEHORN. Sworn at Easton, December 12, 1755, before me, WILLIAM PARSONS. The Indians committed many cruel murders in this region of country, as Avill appear in the sequel. "February 10, 1764, Indians, to the number of fifty, attacked the farm of James Russel, Northampton county, (now Monroe,) near Fort Penn ; burnt his barn, killing one of his sons, and carrying off another. Officers at that post pursued, but did not overtake the Indians. " February 26, John Russell, brother of the above lads, before mentioned, Avas attacked by three Indians. He took a tree, and received three fires from each, returned as many, and drove them off. One shot passed through his hat, another tlirough the sleeve of his coat, and the third Avounded him slightly in the calf of the leg."* Stroudsburg Avas the first settlement reached- by the forlorn fugitives from Wyoming, after the battle of July, 1 778. Colonel Spalding was here, at Fort Penn, at the time, with a detachment, and immediately left to endeavor to succor the people of Wyoming ; but he was too late, and passed on to the West Branch, and afterwards went up to Sheshequin.t Stroudsburg and vicinity suffered much from the flood in January, 1841. Disastrous flood. — Within the last few days we have experienced the most disastrous flood ever known in thissection of the country. On Wednesday •Gordon's His. Pa., Appendix, p. 624. fDay's Collections, p. 478. 156 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. morning last the rain commenced falling, and con tinued without cessation, until late on Thursday night or Friday morning, which of course softened the snow and started it running into the brooks and small streams around the vicinity. On Thursday afternoon the ice commenced running out of the Pokono and M'Michael's, and Broadhead's creeks, which surround the borough, and before even ing they, as Avell as all other streams, were swollen to a height never before known by the oldest inhabi tants. In its course the destructive element swept away bridges, lumber, one or two small houses and barns, and indeed every species of property along the creeks, was more or less injured. On Broadhead's creek, th& saw mills of William Staples, Jasper Cotant, and several others have been materially injured, and nearly all kinds of mifls have been rendered useless for a considerable time. The Analomink Iron Works, of Evans, Scranton & Co., about a mile beloAv the borough, are said to have been seriously damaged, though we cannot at present make any estimate of the loss sustained. On Thursday night, families were compelled to quit their houses and flee to those of their neighbor's for safety. The loss sustained by the county, in bridges, &c.,is immense, as scarcely one-tenth of all the county bridges have escaped the general destruction. The clover mill, saAv mill, barn and bridge belonging to James Bell & Brothers, in Smithfield, have, we under stand, been entirely swept aAvay, together with a part of their grist mill. The extensive tannery of R. T. Dowing & Co., in Pokono, is said to have been much injured — also that of Jeremy Mackey, at BartOnsville. Depue S. Miller, . Esq., we presume, sustained considerable loss at his tannery, at this place. The brick house built by Henry Jordan & Co., on the south side of M'Michael's creek, has been considerably endangered by the caving in of the bank, and fears were entertained on Friday HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 157 that it would also become a prey to the destructive element. But fortunately, we believe, it still stands. f^T** Since the above was in type, we understand that the blacksmith and wheelwright shops, belong ing to John Dietrich, inn-keeper, on the north and south turnpike road, was entirely swept off — and most painful of all, a young man from New Jersey, who was endeavoring to save the above property, Avas drowned, and the body afterwards found some eighty yards below — his name we have riot learned. The dam belonging to Peter Keller's mill, in Cherry valley, was taken off, and all the danis and bridges on Cherry creek. We also learn that the saw mill of Michael Rausbury, on Broadhead's creek, was entirely carried off. We learn that the roads, bridges, &c, in almost every directiori, are more or less injured, and many of them rendered impassable. There is scarcely a mill of any description along the streams in this county, but has been more or less injured — dams in some instances en trance into the Water Gap, three miles south-east from Stroudsburg, is a small village, consisting of ten or twelve dwellings, one store and a tavern. This place was laid out some years ago by M. Antoine Dutot, a Frenchman. Mr. Dutot died in 1842. This village was once a merry place, especially in the spring, when the lumbermen along the DelaAvare had occasion to stay " a night, or week" — regaling trim ; but since the lumber trade has decreased, arid HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 159 the main business transacted at Stroudsburg, the Frenchman's toAvn has declined — the glbry of Dutots- burg has vanished. Craig's Meadow, is a small post village, containing four dwellings, one tavern, one store, and a Baptist meeting house, Avhich is also occupied as a school house. Branchville, was laid out rising twenty years ago, by Mr. George Zimmerman. It consists of several dwellings, a store, a grist mill and clover mill. There are in this township three grist mills, and six or more saw mills. The population in 1830, was 1,080 ; in 1840, 1,144. Real and personal property for taxation, in 1844, $174,329 00.; trcdes and occu pations, $28,150 00; money on interest, $4,650 00. It appears from the following extract, from a letter written by Samuel Preston, Wayne county, (taken from Haz. Reg., Vol. I. p. 439,) that this portion of country was settled at an early date : In 1787, the writer went on his first surveying tour into Northampton county. He was deputy un der John Lukins, Surveyor General, and received from him, by way Of instructions, the following nara tive, respecting the settlement of Meenesink, on the Delaware, above the Kittatinny, or Blue mountains : That the settlement was formed a long time before it was known to the government in Philadelphia. That when government was informed of the settlement, they passed a laAV, in 1729, that any such purchases of the Indians should be void, and the purchasers in dicted for forcible entry and detainer, according to the laws of England. That in 1730 they appointed an agent to go and investigate the facts ; that the agent so appointed was the famous surveyor,TVicolas Scull ; that he, J. Lukens, Avas then N. Scull's ap prentice, to carry chain and learn surveying ; that he accompanied N. Scull. As they both understood and could talk Indian, they hired Indian guides, and had ' a fatiguing journey, there being then no white inhabi tants in the upper part of Bucks or Northampton 1*60 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. counties. That they had very great difficulty to lead their horses through the Water Gap to Meenesink flats, which were all settled with Hollanders ; with several they could only be understood in Indian. At the venerable Samuel Depuis', they found great hos pitality, and plenty of the necessaries of life. J. Lukens said the first thing that struck his admiration was a grove of apple trees, of size far beyond any near Philadelphia. That as N. Scull and himself ex amined the banks, they Avere fully of opinion that all those flats had at some very former age, been a deep lake, before the river broke through the mountain ; and that the best interpretation they could make of Meenesink was, " the water is gone." [Doubt- ful.] That S. Depuis told them that when the rivers were frozen he had a good road to Esopus from the Mine Holes, on the Mine Road, some hundred miles : that he took his wheat and cider there, for salt and neces saries; and did not appear to have any knowledge or idea where the river ran — Philadelphia market — or , being in the government of PennsylYania. They were of opinion that the first settlements of Holland ers, in Meenesink, were many years older than Wil liam Penn's charter ; and as S. Depuis had treated them so well, they concluded to make a survey of his claim, in order to befriend him, if necessary. When they began to survey, the Indians gathered round : an old Indian laid his hand on N. Scull's shoulder, and said, " Put up iron string — go home !" That they quit, and returned. I had it in charge from John Lukens to learn more particulars respecting the Mine Road to Esopus, &c. I found Nicholas Depuis, Esq., (son of Samuel) living, in a spacious stone house, in great plenty and afflu ence. The old Mine Holes were a few miles above, on the Jersey side of the river, by the lower point ef Paaquarry flat ; that the Meenesink settlement ex tended forty miles or more, on both sides of the river. That he had well known the Mine Road to Esopus, HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 161 ¦and used, before he opened the boat-channel, through Foul Rifts, to drive on it several times every winter, with loads of wheat and cider, as also did has neigh bors, to purchase their salt and necessaries in Esopus, having then no other market, or knowledge where the river ran to. That after a navigable channel was opened through Foul Rifts, they generally took to boating: most of the settlement turned their trade down stream, and the Mine Road became less and less travelled. This interview, with the amiable Nicholas Depuis, Esq., Avas in the month of June, 1787. He then appeared to be perhaps about sixty years of age. I interrogated him as to the particulars of what he kneAV ; as to when and by whom the Mine Road was made ; Avhat was the ore they dug and hauled on it; what Was fhe date, and from whence or how came the first settlers of Meenesink, in such great numbers as to take up all the flats, on both sides of the river, for forty miles. He could only give traditional accounts of what he had heard from older people, without- date, in substance as follows : " That in some former, age 'there came a company of miners from Hollands-supposed, from the great labor that had been expended in making that road, about one hundred miles Icing, that they Avere very rich, or great people in working the tAvo mines; one on the Delaware, where the mountain nearly ap proaches the lower point of Paaquarry flat; the other at the north foot of the same mountain, near half way between Delaware and Esopus. That he ever under- - stood abundance of ore had been hauled on that road, but never eould learn Avhether it was lead or silver. That the first settlers came from Holland, to seek a place of quiet, being persecuted for their religion. I believe they were Arminians. They followed the Mine Road to the large flats on the Delaware. That smooth cleared land, and such an abundance of large apple trees, suited their views ; that they bona fide bought the improvements of the native Indians, most of whom then removed to Susquehanna. That with H 162 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. such as remained, there was peace and friendship,. until the year 1755." I then went to view the Paaquarry Mine Holes. There appeared to have been a great abundance of labor done there, at some former time ; but the mouths of these holes Avere caved full, and overgrown with bushes. I concluded to myself, if there ever had been a rich mine under that mountain, it must be there yet, in close confinement. The other old men that I conversed with, gave their traditions similar to, Nicholas. Depuis ; and- they all appeared to be the grandsons of the firs6 settlers, and generally, very illiterate as to dates, or any thing relating to chrono logy. In the summer of 1789, I began to build on this place. There came tAvo venerable gentlemen on a surveying expedition. They were the late General James Clinton, the father of the late De Witt Clinton, and Christopher Tappan, Esq., the clerkand recorder of Ulster county. For maay years before, they had both been surveyors under General Clinton's father,, when he was Surveyor General In order to learn some history, from gentlemen of their general know ledge, I accompanied them in the Avoods. They both well knew the Mme Holes, Mine Roads, &c. and as. there were no kind of documents or records thereof, united in opinion, that it was a work transacted while the state of New York belonged to the government of New Holland ; that it fell, to the English in the year 1664; and that the change of government stopped the mining business ; that the road must have been made many years, before so much digging could be done ; that it must undoubtedly have been the first good road, of that extent, ever made in the United States. From the best evidence that I have been able to obtaipy I am clearly of opinion, that the Meenesink was the oldest European settlement, of equal extent,, ever made in the territory,, afterwards named Penn sylvania.. HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 163 Upper or Middle Smithfield township, is bounded on the north by Pike county ; on the east by the De laware river, Avhich separates this township from the state of New Jersey ; on the south by Lower Smith- field, Stroud and Pokono township ; on the west by Coolbaugh. The surface of this township is generally hilly, and some of it broken ; the soil is. principally a gravelly loam, pretty heavily timbered with pine, hemlock, beech, maple and oak ; much of it is classed among "unseated lands." In 1844, rising ten thou* sand acres of unseated lands were offered for sale by the treasurer of the county, to pay the arrears of taxes- due on the lands, and the cost of sale. Except the south and eastern part of it, is sparsely inhabited and not well cultivated. Although a large township, it contained, in 1830, only 1,000; of a population; and, in 1840, 1,144, tAvo grist mills, and four or five saw mills. The real and personal property assessed, in 1844, amounted to $163,159 00. It is, however, im proving, within the last few years, and will, undoubt edly, before many years, be generally settled. It was in this township, and adjoining region, the Indians committed many depredations during 1755 to- 1764. It is noted in the Provincial Record, as will be seen from the following extracts, that in 1755, the Indians overran this part of the county. "Dec. 25th, 1755. — Accounts from Easton, of the- whole country up the river, (Dela Avare-,) being desert ed from Brodhead's, who, with his sons, and others,/ defended himself stoutly, till the Indians retired." The following communication from Mt. Hamilton to Governor Morris, exhibits the state of the country at the time alluded to above. Hamilton had been at Easton, on a message from the Governor of the pro vince Of Pennsylvania. Easton, Monday evening, Dee. 25,. 1755. Dear Sir : The commissioners came to this town on Saturday- evening, where we found the county under the great- 164 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. est consternation, and every thing that has been said of the distress of the inhabitants, more than verified upon our own view. The country, along the river, is absolutely deserted from this place to Broadhead's ; nor can there be the least communication between us and them but by large parties of armed men, every body being afraid to venture Avithout that security, so that we have had no accounts from thence for several days. Broadhead was stoutly defended by his sons, and others, till the Indians thought fit to retire, without being able to take it or set it on fire, though they fre quently attempted it. It is thought several of them were killed in the attacks ; but that is not known with certainty. We have here, upwards of one hundred men, be ing the companies of Capt. Aston, Capt. Trump and Capt. M'Glaughlin, and are impatiently expecting more from below, for the people here are not very numerous, and are, besides, very backward in enter ing into service. Though the encouragement is great, and one Avould think they would gladly embrace the opportunity of revenging themselves on the authors of their ruin; but the terror that has seized them is so great, or their spirits so small, that unless men come from other parts of the province, I despair of getting such a number here as will be sufficient to garrison the block-house we propose to build over the Hills, "whither we intended to have gone to-morrow, but that our provision wagons are not come up, and that we have not men enough for the above mentioned pur poses. I understand that Aaron Dupui is still at home, and that it is very unlikely that he will be able to leave his house in this time of distress to carry your message to Wyoming, so that I believe the expecta tions of the treaty will fall to the ground ; nor does any body, either here or there, believe we have a single Indian that may be called a friend ; nor do I see a possibility of getting that message conveyed to HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 165 them from hence, even supposing they were friends ; every body is afraid of stirring a step, Avithout a strong guard. I heartily Avish you were at liberty to declare war against them and offer large reAvard for scalps, which appears the only way to clear our frontiers of those saA*ages, and will, I am persuaded, be infinitely cheap est in the end. For I clearly foresee the expense pf defending ourselves in the way we are in, will ruin the province , and be far from effectual at last, princi pally for want of a good militia law, by which the men might be subjected to discipline ; for at present they enter themselves and then leave their Captains at their own humor, without a person in the officers to punish them for that or any other misbehavior. I have commissioned several captains here, who engage to raise men, but principally two, who have undertaken to range the country between the two branches of this river ; for the security of the two Irish settlements, in hopes that those who have de serted by the whole of those on the main branch may be induced to return to their plantations, which after all I very much question, so very great are their ap prehensions of the Indians. I cannot say for eertain when we shall leave this place, that depending on the coming of the provi sions, and our getting a sufficient number of men. Many of those already here, not being able to march for Avant of shoes, which has obliged lis to send down for a supply to Philadelphia. I have but a moment to write, the express being ready to depart. I shall from time to time keep you informed of any thing that may be worth your notice, but at present nothing of that kind offers. I am with great respect, Sir, your obedient servant, JAMES HAMILTON. 166 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. In 1757, the Indians again attempted incursions into this part of the country, as will appear from the following : It appears the Indians were doing mischief in Northampton county, as appears from the following letters, from Maj. Parsons to Governor Denny, AprU 24, 1757 : Deposition of Michael Roup. "The 24th day of April, 1757, appeared before me, William Parsons, Esq., &c, Michael Roup, of Lower Smithfield, Northampton county, aged fifty two years, a person to me Avell known, and worthy of credit, and being duly sworn, did depose and declare: That his neighbor, Philip Bozart, being at Fort Norris last Saturday week, heard a letter read there which was despatched by Major Parsons, to acquaint the garri son that he had received information that some ene my Indians intended shortly to come and attack the inhabitants at and about Minisinks, and to desire them to be upon their guard, which was soon made known to all the neighboring inhabitants. And this deponent further saith, that on Friday morning last, John Le Fever, passing by the houses of Philip Bozart and others, deponent informed them that the Indians had murdered Casper Gundryman last Monday even ing ; whereupon this deponent went immediately to the house of Philip Bozart, to consult what was best to be done ; their houses being about half a mile apart. That they concluded at last for the neighbors to collect themselves together, as many as they could, in some one house. And this deponent further saith, that he immediately returned home and loaded his wagon as fast as he could, with his most valuable ef fects, Avhich he carried to Bozart's house ; that as soon as he had unloaded his wagon, he drove to his son-in-laAv's, Peter Soan's house, about two miles, and loaded as much of his effects as the time and hurry would admit, and took them also to Bozart's, where nine families Avere retired ; that a great num- HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 167 ber of the inhabitants were also retired to the houses of Conrad Bittenbender and John M'Dowel ; that Bozart's house is seven miles from Fort Hamilton, and twelve from Fort Norris. And this deponent further saith, that yesterday morning, about nine ¦o'clock, the said Peter Soan and Christian Klein, with his daughter, about thirteen years of age, Avent from Bozart's house, to the house of the said Klein, and thence to Soan's house, to look after the cattle, and to bring off more effects. And this deponent further saith, that about half an hour after the above three persons were gone from Bezart's house, a certain George Hartlieb, who also fled with his family to Bozart's, and who had been at his own house, about a mile from Soan's, 'to look alter his creatures, and bring away what he could, returned to Bozart and reported that he had heard three guns fired very quick one after another, towards Soan's place, which ¦made them all conclude the above three persons Avere all killed by the Indians. And this deponent further saith, that their little company were afraid to venture to go and see what had happened that day, as they had many women and -children to care for, who, if they had been left, might have fallen an easy prey to the enemy. And this deponent further saith, that this morning nine men of their (neighborhood armed themselves as well as they could, and went towards Peter Soan's place in order to discover what was be come of the above three persons ; that when they came within about three hundred yards of the house, ¦they found the bodies ofthe said Soan and Klein, lying about tAventy feet from each other, killed and scalped ; but did not find Klein's daughter. Soan was killed by a bullet which entered the upper part of his back, and came out at his breast. Klein was killed with their tomahawks. ' The nine men now immediately returned to Bozart's and reported as above. That this, deponent was not one of the nine, but that he remained at Bozart's with the women and children ; that the rest of the people 168 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. desired this deponent to come to Easton, and acquaint the justice with what had happened ; that the nine fhen did not think it safe to stay to bury the dead, &c. MICHAEL ROUP. Sworn at Easton, before William Parsons. [Prov. Ree, p. 219.] Letter from Major Parsons to Governor Denny,. June 22, 1757, Avith deposition of George Ebert: The deposition of George Ebert, taken before Wil liam Parsons, Esq. On the 20th of June, 1757, personally appeared before me, William Parsons, justice of the peace for Northampton county, George Ebert, (son of John Ebert,) late of Plainfield township, in said county, yeoman, but now of Easton, in the same county,. aged sixteen years, and being duly sworn, &c, &c, deposeth and declareth, that on or about the second day of May last, he, this deponent, with about eighteen armed men, went with two wagons. from Plainfield township, to assist the inhabitants of Lower Smithfield, who had a few days be fore been attacked by the enemy Indians, and some of the neighborhood murdered by the savages, to. bring off some of their best effects ; that about noon of the same day, they came to the house of Conrad Bittenbender, to which divers of the neighbors had fled — here one of the wagons, with about ten men,. with this deponent, halted to load their wagon with the poor people's effects.; and the rest of the compa ny, with the other wagon, went forward about a mile to the house of Philip Bozart, to which place others. of the neighbors had also fled, with such of their effects as they could, in their confusion, carry then ; that this deponent and Conrad Bittenbender, Peter Shaeffer, John Nolf, Jacob Roth, Michael Kiersfer, a certain Keins, and one man more, whose name this deponent has forgotten, went about tAvo HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 169 miles into the woods, to seek the neighbors' horses, whereof they found six, and were returning Avith them to within half a mile of Bittenbender's house, Avhen they were attacked by fifteen French Indians, who fired upon them, and killel Bittenbender, Jacob Roth and John Nolf, as he believes, for that he saw them fall, one dead, and took Peter Shaeffer, who received two flesh shots, one in his arm and the other in the shoulder, and this deponent, prisoner ; this deponent received a shot. And this deponent further saith, that the Indians frequently talked French together ; that they set off immediately with their prisoners ; that on the evening of the next day, they fell in Avith another company of about twenty-four Indians, who had Abraham Miller, with his mother, and Adam Snell's daughter, prison ers. The Indians, Avith their prisoners, marched in parties as far as Diahoga ; that at this place the In dians separated, and about eight, the foremost, took this deponent and Abraham Miller, with them, and they never saAv any of the other prisoners after wards ; that on their way on this side of Diahoga, they saw Klein's daughter, who had been taken pris oner about a week before this deponent was taken ; that a day's journey beyond DiahOga, they come to some Freneh Indian cabins, where they saw another prisoner, a girl about eighteen or nineteen years old,, who told this deponent that her name was Katharine Yeager ; that her father was a locksmith, and lived at Alleraengle, and that she had been prisoner ever since Christmas ; that at this; place the Indians loosed the prisoners, this deponent and Abraham Miller, Avhom they had bound every night before ; that find ing themselves at liberty, they, this deponent and Abraham Miller, made their escape in the night, and the next day afternoon they came to French Marga- rett's, at Diahoga, having been prisoners nine days ; that they stayed about four Aveeks with her, during all which time she concealed them and supported them ; that some French Indians came in search of 17© HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. the prisoners, whereupon Margaret told them it was net -safe for them to stay any longer, and advised them to make the best of their way homewards ; that all the Indians at, and on this side of Diahoga, were very kind to them, and helped and directed them on their way. John Cook was particularly helpful to them; that while they were at Diahoga, they were informed that the Indians had killed Abraham Miller's mother, who was not able to travel further, and Snell's daughter, who had received a wound in her leg by a fall, Avhen they first took her prisoner ; but they heard nothing of Peter Sheaffer ; that in three days they arrived at Wyoming by water, as Margaret had advised them ; that at Wyoming the Indians directed them the way to Fort Allen, but they missed their way, and came the road to Fort Hamilton, where they arrived last Saturday a week. And this deponent further saith, that the friendly Indians told them that the enemy had killed Mar shall's wife, at the First mountain. And further this deponent saith not. GEORGE EBERT. Sworn at Easton, before W. Parsons* This deponent saith, that they understood by the French Indians, that they had three days farther to go, from the place whence they escaped. Letter with the above deposition Avas also read from Major Parsons, on the 26th June, 1757, giving an account that a large body of Indians had attacked and burned Broadhead's house, which is about a mile from, and in sight of, Fort Hamilton, and that they had killed and scalped one Tidd, besides killing a great number of creatures. — Prov. Ree, p. 329-31. HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 171 Letter from Conrad Weiser to William Parsons. Reading, April 27th, 1757. Gentlemen: I am from good authority informed, that the ene my Indians have attacked the frontiers in Northamp ton county, and that intelligence has been given to an officer of credit by a friend Indian, that a considerable body of French and their Indians design again to invade the province, and a number are on their way to fall afresh on the Minnisinks, or posts adjacent. The particular view of the Ohio Indians at this time, as it is reasonably supposed, is to obstruct the Susquehamia Indians in their treaty with the English, and to prevent thereby a well established peace be tween them. How the forces within the battalion I have the honor to command, may be disposed of upon the expected incursion of the savages and the French, who prompt them with a cruelty equal to that of the barbarians, I cannot say, but you may depend upon it, that I shall endeavor to serve the country by do ing all in my power to succor every distressed part, as soon as possible. But, gentlemen, you must know that the number of forts which are on the east side of the Susquehanna. will require a very large part of the first battalion to garrison them, and to allow of scouting parties, to watch the motion of the barbarians. It will therefore be necessary, that the inhabitants should do all in their power to defend themselves and neighbors against an enemy, whom we know by experience to strike terror wherever they commit their ravages. I recommend it to you, to persuade your neighbors to associate themselves immediately into, companies under discreet officers of their own choice, that we may be able to preserve our own, and the lives of our tender wives and children. Great must be the advantage we shall give the enemy, if we are unpre pared upon their sudden invasion. It needs not 172 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. much reflection, upon what happened about sixteen months ago, to bring to our minds the amazement and confusion with which the spirits of our people were affected upon a sudden incursion of Indians, of whose number we Avere never well informed. It would ap pear as if I had an ill opinion of the dispositions of my countrymen, to susggest any special motives upon this occasion. I only pray that divine providence may direct you to propose measures, and then you cannot fail of suc cess in an endeavor to serve your country — in which service you may depend on my promise, that you will be ever joined. Gentlemen, Your most humble servant, CONRAD WEISER. Lieut. Colonel. Price township is one of the north-eastern town ships of Monroe county, and is bounded on the north ' and east by Pike county; on the south by Middle Smithfield township; on the west by Coolbaugh. The greater part of this township is hilly and broken, and a dense forest, with a sparse population, not ex ceeding four hundred. It is emphatically a lumber township; there are ten or fifteen saw mills, and one grist mill in it. Agriculture has received but little attention ; though parts of it, if properly cultivated, would yield a sufficiency to repay the husbandman for his labor. Much of" the land is classed among unseated lands. Eighteen thousand acres of this kind of land, in this township, were offered for sale by the county treasurer, in 1844, to pay the arrears of taxes due thereon, and the costs of such sale. The real and personal estate, exclusive of unseated lands, assessed in 1844, amounted to $25,523 25; trades and occupations, $11,700 00. Coolbaugh township, a northern township, is bounded on the north-west by Luzerne county; on HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 173 the north by Wayne and Pike counties ; on the east by Price and Middle Smithfield townships; and on the south by Tobyhanna township. The surface of this township is hilly, and much of it rocky. Through this region there are several lakes or ponds; the Tobyhanna creek and several of its branches, rise here in the midst of a wilderness; it runs westAvard, and falls into the Lehigh, be low Stoddartsville. The streams, through here, are generally rapid, and do afford an incalculable amount of water power for useful purposes, some of which is employed by saw mills and grist mills. By far the greater part of this township is thinly inhabit ed. In 1840, there Avere only one hundred and fifty- nine inhabitants in the township. Much, or the greater portion, is unseated land. In 1844, about twenty - three thousand acres of land, in this township, was offered for sale by the treasurer of the county, to pay the arrears of taxes due thereon, and to defray the expenses of sales. This township, and region of country, generally, present attractions to the sportsman ; deer and bears are common, and all the streams abound Avith trout ; the finny race is abundant. Nagleville is a post village, laid out about twenty years ago, by George Nagle ; it is on the Drinker turnpike road, consisting of six or seven dwellings, one store, a tavern, and two saw mills. Spruce Grove, a post vjllage, laid out by Jasper Vliet, some fifteen or twenty years ago, contains eight dwellings, a tavern, and a blacksmith shop. Saxville, a post village, laid out at least thirty years ago, by George Sax, consisting- of ten dAvellings and one tavern. This place is Avell knoAvn as the Shades of Death. Tobyhanna township, a north-western township, is bounded on the north-Avest by Luzerne county ; and on the north-east by Coolbaugh township ; ou 174 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. the south by Pokono ; and on the west by Carbon county. The surface of this tOAvnship is hilly ; the soil gravel, and rather barren. It is Avatered by the Tobyhanna creek, and several smaller streams. The country, here, is a comparative desert, and very thinly inhabited. Much of the land is unseated. In 1844, more than thirty thousand acres were offered for sale by the treasurer of the county, to pay the arrears of taxes thereon. This township, it is said, contains nearly thirty saw mills. It is a great township for timber. Here are the Shades of Death, or the Great Swamp, covered with dense forests of pine, and, until lately, little in habited ; but since the improvement from Mauch Chunk to Stoddartsville has been completed, settle ments have been made, and saw mills erected. It is. well timbered ; besides the pine, there is an abun dance of hemlock, double spruce,oak, chestnut and wild cherry. The turnpike, from Philadelphia te- Wilkesbarre, passes through here. The population of 183fy was 279; in 1840, 595:;, at present, 1845, it may exceed 900. The assessments of real and personal property, exclusive of unseated lands, amounted to $13,650 ; trades and occupations,, $950 00. In the year 1779, General Sullivan, with an army of two thousand five hundred men, on his way to drive the British and, Indians from Wyoming, passed through here. In August, the 20th, he encamped alt night at what Avas then known as Chouder Camp.. On his return fiom Wyomirig to Easton, he again encamped here. In his journal, it is recorded, that on the 10th of October, 1'779, the army began their march fsom Wyoming to Easton, but on account of the badness of the road, they Avere obliged to encamp four miles from Wyoming. October l Ith— Continued our march to, the edge of the Great Swamp, and encamped. October lath^Continued the march through the Great Swamp, the road being bad. The pack horses; HI-STORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 17S took a wrong road, and the troops were obliged ta lie without their tents, or covering, during a very stormy night. Encamped at Chouder Camp. October 13th; — Marched to Brinker's mill, where the Pack horses came up.* Pokono- township is bounded on the north-west and north-east by Tobyhanna township and Middle- Smithfield ; south-east and south by Stroud, Hamil ton and Chestnuthill township*, ori the west by Carbon, county. The surface of this township is mountainous-;. the soil, gravel, and naturally barren. It has its name from the Pokono mountain, which extends across it. The Pokono is the second range of mountains run ning parallel Avith the Kittatining, and is distant from it from seven to ten miles. It is very much broken, and irregular, hiore so than the Blue mountain or Kittatining, This mountain bears several local names. In this township it is called Pokono; near the Lehigh river, Pohopoko or Pocko-Pockto; Avest ofthe Lehigh, for several miles, Mahoning and Pokono township is drained by the west branch of Brodhead's creek, and by Sullivan's, Pokono and M'Michael's Creeks. Sullivan's creek, which rises in Tobyhanna township, and flowing an eastern arid southern course, falls into* SmithfieU creek, was named after General Sullivan, who. marched through this region of country, with an army of 2,500 men, to Wyoming, in 1774. Much of the land, in this township, is classed among unseated lands. In 1844, the treasurer of the county offered to sell about twelve thousand acres, to,pay the, arrears of taxes due thereon. The population, of this. township was, in 1830, 564; in 1840, 973; there were in it, two grist mills and twelve saw mills. The- valuation of real and personal property, in 1844, was $70,196. Bartonsville, a post village, was laid out by Joseph, * Haz. Reg. xiv.. 3*6. 176 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. Barton, twelve or fifteen years ago ; it consists of eight or nine dwellings, one store, a tavern, a grist mill, an extensive tannery, a blacksmith shop, and a cooper shop. Tannersville, a post village, laid out by Joseph Edinger, eighteen or twenty years ago. It consists of about tAventy houses, two stores, one tavern, a blacksmith shop, a tannery, a school house, a Luthe ran and German Reformed church. This place is remarkable for the murder bf the Larners, by the In dians, about the year 1780.* The facts touching this murder, are, in a few wordsy as follows : Some time in the month of June, 1780(?) the Lar ners Avere surprised by several Indians, who shot the father and mother of the family ; the sons made their escape — one of them Avas hotly pursued by an In dian ; he, hoAvever, succeeded to get into a standing rye-field, concealed himself behind a large stump, watching the movements of the savage, Avhom he soon discovered, and, as he thought, unknown to young Larner, also concealed himself, some forty or fifty yards off, behind a stump, watingtill his marked victim should move, Avhen he would speed a bullet through him. Young Larner took off his hat, placed it on a loose root, with Avhich he lifted the hat a few inches to one side of the stump, the Indian perceiv ing the hat, thought that he was about looking from behind the stump to see Avhere his pursuer was — at this instant the Indian fired ; no sooner had he dis charged his rifle, than Larner rose up and shot the Indian dead on the spot. General Sullivan, on his way from Easton to Wyo ming, in 1779, encamped here on the 19th of June. Onthe 18th he had encamped at Helliard's' tavern, eleven miles from Easton. June 19, marched to Larney's (Lanier's) tavern, or Pokanose (Pocono) * Those who communicated the facts of this murder to the writer, were unable to state the precise time when it occurred; tut said that it was about the time of the Revolution. HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. 177 point — 20th, to Chouder camp.— Sullivan's Jour nal — Haz. Reg. xiv. p. 72. Chestnuthill township is bounded on the north by Pocono township ; on the north-east by Pocono and Hamilton; on the seujh by Ross ; on the west by Carbon county. The surface of this township is partly hilly and partly level ; the soil gravel, it is in some places being improved, and amply repays the labor of the farmers ; though some considerable por tion of the land is classed among unseated lands — about one sixth ofthe township. There are two promi nent hills ; a lofty spur, called Chestnut hill, giving natoe to the township, and Prospect hill, in the north west part ofthe township. The township is watered by Hoeth's, or Head's creek, which rises in this town ship, and by a south-western course, flows into " Big creek," in ToAvamensing township, Carbon county. . It was on this creek that the Indians committed several murders, in December, 1755, as appears from the following deposition : The 12th day of December, 1755, personally ap peared before me, William Parsons, one of his majes ty's justices of the peace, for the county of North ampton, Michael Hute, aged twenty-one years, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and declare, that last Wednesday, about six o'clock, afternoon, a company of Indians, about five in number, attacked the house of Frederick Hoeth about twelve miles eastward from Guaden Hutten,on Pocho Pochtocreek; that the fami ly bemg at supper, the Indians shot into the house ahd wounded a woman; at the next shot they killed • Frederick Hoeth himself/and shot several times more, Avhereupon all ran out of the house that could. The Indians immediately set fire to the house, mill and stables. Hoeth's Avife ran info the bake house, which was also set -on fire. The poor woman ran out through the flames, and being very much burned, she ran into the water, and there died ! The Indians L 178 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. eut the belly open, and used her otherwise inhuman ly. They killed and scalped a daughter ; and he thinks' that three other children, who were ofthe family, were burnt. Three of Hoeth's daughters are missing, with another woman, who are supposed to- be carried off. In the action, one Indian was killed and another wounded. And further saith not.* JOHN MICHAEL HUTE. Sworn at Easton, the day and year above said, be fore me. WM. PARSONS. This township contains five- grist mills, nineteen saw mills, a Luthern and German Reformed church. The population in 1830-, was 940 ; in 1840,1318. The assessment of real and personal estate in 1844, was- $129,730 00; trades and occupations, $34,780 00. About four thousand acres of unseated land was of fered for sale by the county treasurer, to pay the ar rears of taxes, due thereon. Ross township is bounded on the north by Chest nuthill township ; on the east by Hamilton ; on the south by Northampton county ;. on the Avest by Car bon county. The surface of this township in the south, is mountainous ; on the north pretty level ; soil gravel and some limestone. Much of the land is pretty well improved and yields abundantly. It is- drained by the head waters of the Aquanshicola creek, which rises about a mile east of the Wind Gap,, and running through this township a south-westerly course along the Blue mountain, falls into the Lehigh river at its entrance into the Water Gap. It is a rapid stream, and drives several mills. The Wind Gap is a singular opening through the' mountain, through which no stream passes ; but the, almost level crest line of the mountain is here de- f ressed nearly as low as the country on each side *, foif *N, Prov* Ree. p. 338.. HISTORF OF MONROE COUNTY. 179 a notch in the mountain, of peculiar convenience for the passage of travellers and teams, and towards which the leading roads on both sides converge, and pass through it in one great thoroughfare. The northern turnpike from JEaston to Berwick, passes through this township. A considerable por tion of the land is classed among unseated lands; several thousand acres were offered for sale by the county treasurer in 1844, to pay the arrears of taxes due thereon. It contains eight grist mills and nineteen saw mills. The population m 1840, was 987 ; at present rising 1,100. Assessment of real estate in 1844, was $113,599 00. Kunklesville, bearing the name of its proprietor, was started about fifteen years ago, consisting of seven or eight dwellings, one tavern, one store, a school house, a German Reformed church and a grist mill. Hamilton township is bounded on the north by Pocono township ; on the south by Northampton county ; west by Ross ; and north-west by Chestnut hill township. The surface of this township is diver sified, mountainous, hilly and level ; soil gravel ; the east end of it is pretty well improved. It is drained by M'Michael's creek, Pocono and Cherry creeks. The heads of Aquinschicola and Cherry creeks spring not very far from each other. These might be con nected, and following them by a canal, would open a new outlet for coal from the Lehigh to the Delaware. The population of 1830, was 1,428; in 1840, 1,508. The assessed valuation of real and personal property in 1844, Avas 8129,730 00; trades and occupations, $34,780 00. Snydersville, a post village, laid out by able Pat- terge, some thirty years ago, consists of eight dwell ings, one store, one tavern, and a school house. Kellersville, a post village, laid out by George 180 HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY. Keller, more than thirty years ago, consists of ten dwellings, one store, one tavern, a school house, a grist mill, a clover mill, and a German Reformed and Lutheran church near it. When the county seat for Monroe was selected, there were strong hopes Kel- lersville would become the7 site. Mighty efforts were made to effect this — all failed — Stroudsburg was chosen. Fennersville, a post village, laid out by Henry Fenner, about the time Kellersville was commenced, consists of twelve or thirteen dwellings, one store, one tavern, two grist mills, a carding machine, and the usual number of handicrafts in villages thus situated. Saylorsville, a post village, laid out by Charles Saylor, about twenty years ago, consists of ten or twelve dAvellings, one tavern, one store, a wagon maker shop and cooper shop. The inhabitants of this township, as well as the early settlers on the Delaware and Broadhead creek, were much exposed to the incursions of the savages, who committed many murders, under circumstances of great cruelty. In a letter dated December IS, 1755, it is stated, "that a party of Indians had gathered behind the Blue mountains, to the number of two hundred, and had burned the greater part of the buildings, and killed upwards of a hundred of the inhabitants." Another letter dated the 20th December, says : " The barbarous and bloody scene which is now open in the upper parts of Northampton county, is the most la mentable that perhaps ever appeared. There may be seen horror and desolation ; populous settlements deserted ; villages laid in ashes ; men, women and children massacred, some found in the Avoods "very nauseous, for want of interment, some just reeking from the hands of their savage slaughterers, and some hacked and covered all over with wounds !" To this letter was annexed a list of seventy-eight persons killed, and more than forty settlements burned. CHAPTER XIII. CARBON COUNTY ERECTED, &c. Carbon County was erected out of Northampton and Monroe counties, agreeably to the following act of Assembly : Be it enacted by the Senate and, House of Repre sentatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That all those parts of the counties of Northampton and Monroe, lying within the following bounds, viz : Beginning at the north west corner of Northampton county ; thence, south wardly along the said line, till it intersects the north ern line of Lehigh county ; thence, eastwardly along the top of the Blue mountain, to the south-west cor ner of Monroe county ; thence, northwardly along the Monroe county line, and continue the same point of compass in a direct line through Tobyhanna town ship, in Monroe county, to such point as may strike the Luzerne county line ; thence, westwardly along the Luzerne county line, to the place of beginning, shall be, and the same is, according to the foregoing lines, declared to be erected into a separate county, to be called Carbon : Provided, That territory from Mori- roe county, shall only embrace the township of Penn Forest, and that the said township shall constitute the Avhole of the territory taken from Monroe county, by the provisions of this act. John D. Bowman, Thomas Weiss, John Fatzinger, Abram Shortz and Samuel Wolf, were appointed ¦trustees, to receive written offers of donations in real 182 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. estate and money, towards defraying the expenses of the lands and public buildings, for the use of the county of Carb'on. Passed and approved March 13, 1843.— Laws of Pa., for 1843,j». 85. Carboji county. — Extracts from records of court. First — December term, 1843. Hon. N. B. Eldred, President, Asa Packer and Jacob Dinkey, Associates. The grand jurors were Charles J. Balliet, Abraham Beer, William Baker, Jonas Bauman, AndreAV Cooper, John Dengler, Henry Ebert, Jacob Fitzinger, Abner Huston, Joseph Hahn, Peter Haberman, Abraham Harris, Daniel Kister, George Kissner, John Lomison, Barnard M'- Clane, James M. Marsh, Abraham Mayer, N. R. Penrose, William Reng, Reuben Peters, John Frainer, Daniel Wentz, W. H. Wilson; Attorneys at the first court — W. H. Butler, James R. Struthers, 0. W. Wheeler, Pros. At., F. J. Osborn, W. Davis, John D. Morris, Silas E. Buzzard, John W. Hornbeck, G. W. Tates, J. Glancy Jones, John Shouse, Christopher Loeser. Others have since been admitted. Carbon county is bounded on the north-west by Luzerne county; east by Monroe; south by North ampton and Lehigh ; and south-Avest by Schuylkill county. The county is about twenty miles long and nineteen broad ; comprising an area of about three hundred and ninety square miles. The county is generally mountainous, and there is not much arable land in the northern portion of it ; Mahoning valley, in the south-west, is well adapted to agriculture, and if carefully cultivated, is abundantly productive. The south-eastern portion contains some land tolerably well adapted to cultivation. Though, in an agricultural point of view, it is not, and never will be, a farming country ; still it is rich in mineral wealth, and valuable for its forests of pine. The Blue mountain forms the southern boundary. HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 183 North of this is a succession of small ridges, called by various names, such as Fire-Line-hill, Maho ning ridge, Mauch Chunk mountain, on the west of the Lehigh river. Beyond this is the Broad mountain, extending to the eastward of the river, and still further east, is the Pohokopo, or Pokono. North of the Broad mountain, are Spring moun tain and Bald ridge. These mountains rise, from six hundred to a thousand feet above the Lehigh river. This county is well supplied with Avater. Besides the Lehigh, there are many other streams, yielding a vast amount of water power ; but little ofwhich, how ever, has been applied in that way, except to saw mills. The principal streams are the Lehigh river Aquanshi cola creek, Big creek, Lizard creek, Mahoning creek, Nesquihoning creek, Quakake creek, Hay's creek; Hickory creek, or Griffith's run, Muddy run, and several others — all of which Avill be noticed in the sequel. The Lehigh river is a branch of the DelaAvare, and receives it name from the aborigines of this country, who called it Lecha, or Lechaw, which, it is said, to signify West Branch. It rises in the Great Swamp, or Shades of Death, arid in, its course, divides the county into two equal parts. The folloAving graphic description, from the pen of a gentleman Avho visited this county in, September, 1844, is here introduced as as a description of a part of the county and the river. and the riveu RAILROAD FROM WILKESBARRE TO WHITEHAVEN. Bending my course southward, I left Wilkesbarre; in the morning for Mauch Chunk : — This route passes over the railroad from the former village, to White haven, OAvned by the Lehigh Navigation Company, and intended to connect their improvement Avith the valley of the Susquehannah. , The work is heavy, and although not complete, 184 HISTORY 0;F CARBON COUNTY. rriust havebeen already enormously expensive. A number of inclined planes are finished, and a tunnel of one thousand eight hundred feet in length is in progress. We traversed the line by horse power; ascending the planes at a snail pace, and descending ing them by the force of gravity, with fearful rapidity. After dashing through excavations and over embank ments, in the descent of a heavy gTade, for several- miles, we reached Whitehaven at noon. DESCENT OF THE LEHIGH.- s Whitehaven is situated at the head of ,the Lehigh Navigation, and some eight or ten miles above the commencement of, the coal, formation. Its trade is therefore confined to trie running of lumber; and this, judging from the number of saAv mills in the .place, and its vicinity, and the immense quantity of board, piles that' for several miles above it, literally line the banks of the river, must be ex tensive. - . - . We here took passage m'a .packet for Mauch. Chunk. You will excuse a someAvhat detailed ac-* count of my passage down this fair stream. The de-. scent of the Lehigh is interesting, both on account of the almost gigantic construction of the. canal and the magnificent Avildness ofthe natural scenery. The fall' in the river,' between Whitehaven, and Mauch Chunk, a distance of but twenty-five miles, is 642 feet, and is overcome by twenty-nine locks, varying froHififteen to upwards of thirty feet in depth. These locks, even be fore the destructive freshet of 1.841-yAvere substantially constructed, but those that were then destroyed, have beCn since rebuilt on a larger and still more massive scale. They havebeen widened so as to admit two boats at once, and from the inspection of an unprac tised eye, I judged their Avalls'to be five feet in thick ness and; their abutments of solid mason work to their- wickers, are filled and emptied as expeditiously- as the eight feet locks ou our state canals. Between HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 185 Whitehaven and Mauch Chunk, the navigation is almost entirely by slackAvater. The scenery, immediately upon leaving Whiteha ven, is striking, but improves gradually, as you de scend the Lehigh, until, some miles above Mauch Chunk, it becomes wild and picturesque in the high est degreej The dark Avaters of the river, dyed almost to a black, by the sap of the hemlock soaking in it, every where enclosed by mountains of from 300 to 700 feet in height, and confined to a channel, scarcely 300 feet wide, trace a circuitous course through, per haps, the wildest and most rugged mountain region ofthe State. Determined to enjoy it to the utmost, I furnished myself with a prime principe, and taking my seat upon the deck, fairly drank in the varied magnificerice of the ever changing scene. Beneath me, the Lehigh either reposed in a black, glittering sheet, or bounded over its rocky channel in wreaths of1 snow-white foam; about me, on every side, for hundreds of feet, rose the pine-capped mountains, here, dark, jagged and precipitous, interspersed only with occasional forest trees, growing in the ravines, or amongst the clefts and crevices of the rocks ; now, covered with rolling stones nearly to their summits, bald and desolate ; and again, sloping to the river's bank, evenly clad Avith bright green foliage, and af fording the eye a grateful relief from the almost pain ful grandeur of the ruder scenes ; above me, was the deep blue sky of a summer's eve, enhancing the effect of every view, by the contrast of its serene expanse with the Avild confusion of the mountain scenery around. Every where the mountain sides were spot ted with tall, gaunt, leafless trunks of withered pines, blasted by lightning, or scorched by the hand of man, and requiring but slight aid from the excited imagi nation, to seem the gigantic guards of these Satanic fortresses. Along the course of the river, not a single rod of arable land is to be perceived ; the mountains sink sheer to the water's edge. In wild magnificence of scenery, I have seen nothing on the Hudson, th® 186 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. Susquehanna, or the Juniata, to compare with the banks of the Lehigh. Whilst seated, as described above, I felt a romantic ardour gradually creep along my nerves, and being, from reason and experience, most horribly prejudiced against the sentimental, I sought refuge from my feel ings by diving to that most common-place of all places, the cabin of the canal boat ; but I was not destined to escape so easily. Instead of the relief I anticipated, my ears were greeted with an amorous passage between the cabin boy and our pretty-cook maid — Bah ! I . stretched myself upon a settee, and amid pleasing reflections upon the omnipotence of love, that is able to convert the steerage of a canal boat into a paradise, composed myself to sleep, and awoke at Mauch Chunk.— Lancaster Examiner and Herald Sept. 18, 1844. There are, besides Mauch Chunk, the comity town, and a number of small villages, which will be noticed beloAv. There are several grist mills, and a number of saw mills in this county; also several furnaces, forges and foundries. The county is divided into the following townships, viz: East Penn, Mauch Chunk, Lausanne, Upper Towamensing, Lower Towamensing, Penn Forest, Mahoning and Banks, having an aggregate popula tion of about eight thousand. The early history of Carbon county is merged with that of Northampton. The first settlement was made in Mahoning tOAvnship, on the north side of Mahoning creek, about half a mile above its junction with the Lehigh river. CHAPTEE XIY. TOPOGRAPHY OF TOWNSHIPS, &c. Mauch Chunk township is named from Mauch Chunk mountain, in this township. The name of the mountain is of Indian origin, and in the language of the Lenni Lenapi, or Delaware Indians, is said to signify Bear mountain. This township is bounded on the north-west by Lausanne; north-east by Upper Towamensing; south by Mahoning ; and north-west by Schuylkill county. The surface of this township is mountainous, includ ing parts of Mauch Chunk, Nesquihoning and Broad mountains, on the west side of the Lehigh river; and parts of the Broad mountain, Big Creek mountain, and Kettle mountain on the east side of the Lehigh river. The soil is gravel, and naturally, not very produc tive, yet portions of this township are arable and have been made productive, by proper attention be ing paid to the cultivation of the land. The tOAvnship is drained by Beaver creek, Mauch Chunk creek, Room Run, Nesquihoning creek, and Kettle creek. The principal of these are Mauch Chunk, and Nes quihoning creeks. Mauch Chunk creek receives its name from the mountain, at the foot of which it takes its rise, and tracing along the mountain, in a very direct line, falls into the Lehigh, on the west side, about a mile and a half below the Nesquihoning. It is very rapid, and has several mills erected on it. Nesquihoning creek rises at the foot of the Broad 188 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. mountain, on the south side, and running easterly, betAveen Broad mountain and Mauch Chunk moun tain, which rise like a rampart on each side, it falls into the Lehigh, at Lausanne. It is very rapid for about two miles from its mouth, where it becomes more gentle, passing through natural meadows. Seve ral mills are erected on it. A large portion of this township belongs to the Le high Navigation and Coal Company. They own rising of thirteen thousand acres. Several thousand acres, in this township, are classed among unseated lands, the greater portion of which was offered, in 1844, by the county treasurer for sale, to pay the ar rears of taxes due thereon. The population, in 1830, was 1,348; in 1840, 2,193. The county tax, for 1844, was $1,521 56; for state purposes, $1,056 29. Mauch Chunk is the principal town in this town ship, and in the county, and is, at present, the seat of justice for the county. It is on the west bank of the Lehigh river, twelve miles above the Water Gap, forty-six miles by the navigation from Easton, and nearly thirty from Allentown. The situation is ro mantic and picturesque, the town, in the glen, being encircled by steep mountain acclivities, which rise, in some places, precipitously from the river, to a height of eight hundred or a thousand feet. The place Avas first started about twenty-seven years ago, in connection with the operations of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, which was formed, in its incipiency, fifty years ago, and fully in corporated in 1816. The town was originally their property, and its prosperity is wholly owing to the enterprize of the company. The place is much resorted to in the summer sea son, on account of the marty stupendous attractions, and' general objects of interest. The inhabitants are moral, intelligent and hospitable. Its improvement, in every respect, has been considerable, within the HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 189 last ten years. Numerous are the descriptions given of this place by gentlemen who have visited here. A writer in the Village Record, says : " It was in July 1825, when I last visited Mauch Chunk — a few steps from the landing on the Lehigh, brought me to Mauch Chunk Hotel, a large and elegant building, well finished and furnished, and crowded with well dressed, fashionable people, evidently strangers, on a visit to the mines. A glance around the tea-table, told me there was both beauty and grace among the female visitants. An examination of the book, where1 each person's name is recorded, , informed me that some of the first characters and talent of the state were guests at the mansion." Another writer, in fhe Bucks County Intelligent cer of 1831, says: "About two miles south of Mauch Chunk, we came upon the lower boundary of the Company's lands, where the hills on each side of the river, acquire a great elevation, and have a very bold appearance. The river is confined in a narrow bed. and the road on one side, and the canal and tow-path on the other, are cut along the base of thev hill, as far from the river as the nature of the ground would ad mit. "The irregular course of the river, and the hills mounting up several hundred feet, rendered the view, up arid down the river, rather wild and dreary, until we approached near enough to see the neat white buildings of Mauch Chunk, which presented a beau tiful contrast to the hills, covered with deep verdure above, and the swift flowing and dashing current of water below. Upon entering the village, the first objects Avhich presented to the eye, Avere the exten sive buildings occupied by Mr. Kimball, as a hotel, and which is kept in good style, not inferior to many of the fashionable hotels of our Atlantic cities. High er up the bank of the river, are several extensive saw mills, and a large grist mill, the store house, boat house, railroad shoot, &c, with here and there a dwelling. About the centre of these improvements, 190 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. there is a break in the hill, and a considerable ravine, down which flows a stream, sufficient for turning va rious kinds of machinery. Along this stream, where- ever the ground will admit of it, most of the dwelling houses and workshops are erected." There is perhaps not another place in Pennsylva nia that surpasses Mauch Chunk, where so much of the truly sublime and picturesque is so magnificently displayed, as here. This place is well Avorthy a visit, and a journey of hundreds of miles, to make it. To describe all that is attractive, Avould transcend the limits prescribed us. " The coal mines, the inclined planes, and all the machinery and appliances necessa ry for mining, transporting and shipping coal, may be seen here on a large and improved scale ; while the pure mountain air, gushing fountains of fhe coldest and purest water, with beautiful vieAvs of wild and sublime mountain scenery, give additional charms to the place." The public buildings are the court house and jail. The court house Avas presented to the county by the Lehigh Navigation and Coal Company. The citizens had it repaired, and fitted up for forensic pur poses, and erected the jail, at an expense of about four thousand dollars. There are three churches here : Presbyterian, Methodist and Evangelical Association. The Odd Fellows erected a commodious hall in 1844. There are three taverns and six stores here ; a foun dery, owned by John Fatzinger, Esq., and a furnace below the town, owned by Mr. Richards. There is a weekly paper published here, called The Carbon County Gazette, edited by A. L. Fos ter, Esq. Some tAvelve years ago, Mr. Foster com menced the Mauch Chunk Courier in this place. The population, which is an exceedingly industrious one, is between eleven and twelve hundred. One of the first public school houses that is to be met Avith in the state, out of Philadelphia, is to be found at Mauch Chunk. The schools here are well conducted. HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 191 This place suffered much from the great freshet in January, 1841. At Mauch Chunk, the town was inundated, and considerable damage sustained. The Courier Extra, says : "It is impossible to estimate any thing near the truth of the amount of damage our citizens have sustained — every one has lost more or less, and some eighteen or twenty families within three miles of our village are left , dependant upon the mercies of the more fortunate, witliout house, bed or provisions; and three children of Mr. Adam Beer, (the mother barely escapeing with an infant in her arms,) and the mother and three children of another, have perished in the flood, as their houses were borne down by its dreadful course. The bodies of two, of Mr. Beer's children Avere recovered from the water, and should the other be found, the friends of humanity will re ceive the thanks of the afflicted parents, by commu nicating the information to them." As it may be interesting to the general reader, place is given here to the folio wmg article. As this township forms a very distinguished portion of the- coal formation of the the state : MAUCH CHUNK MOUNTAIN. " Under this title, it is proposed to give an account ¦ of the famous coal mountain, and the magnificent im provements of which it has been the cause. The name of this mountain is of Indian origin,and in the language of the Lenni Lenappi, (Delawares,) is said to signify Bear mountain. It forms a very distin guished portion of the coal formation of the state, and we are told that we owe our knoAvledge of its min eral treasures to sheer accident ; that a hunter dis covered the coal bed, while in search of game, beneath the roots of an uptorn pine- The folloAving account of this important event is given by the venerable Dr. Thomas C, James, of Philadelphia, who, in the year 1804, in company with Anthony Morris, Esq., during 192 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. an excursion to some lands on the Lehigh, their joint property, visited the mountain. "In the course of our pilgrimage, we reached the summit of the Mauch Chunk mountain, the present site of the mine, or rather quarry, of anthracite coal. At that time there Avere only to be seen three or four small pits, which had much the appearance of the commencement of rude wells; into one of which, our guide (Philip Ginter,) descended with great ease, and threw up some pieces of coal for our examina tion. After which, Avhilst Ave lingered on the spot, contemplating the wildness ofthe scene, honest Philip amused us with the following narative of the original discovery of this most valuable of minerals, now pro mising, from its general diffusion, so much of wealth and comfort to a great portion of Pennsylvania. " He said, when he first took up his residence in that district of country, he built for himself a rough cabin in the forest, and supported his family by the proceeds of his rifle ; being literally a hunter of the backwoods. The game he shot, including bear and deer, he carried to the nearest store, and exchanged for other necessaries of life. But at the particular time to which he then alluded, he was without a sup ply of food for his family ; and after being out all day with his gun in quest of it, he was returning, towards evening, over the Mauch Chunk mountain, entirely unsuccessful and dispirited ; a drizzling rain beginning to fall, and night approaching, he bent his course homeward, considering himself one of the most forsaken of huriian beings. As he trod slowly over the ground, his foot stumbled against something which, by the stroke, was driven before him ; observ ing it to be black, to distinguish which there was just light enough remaining, he took it up, and as he had often listened to the traditions of the country of the existence of coal in the vicinity, it occurred to him, that this might be a portion of that " stone coal," of which he had heard. He accordingly carefully took it with him to his cabin, and the next day carried it HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 193 to Col. Jacob Weiss, residing at what Avas then known by the name of Fort Allen. The colonel, who was alive to the subject, brought the specimen with him to Philadelphia, and submitted it to the inspection of John Nicholson and Michael Hillegas, Esqrs., and of Charles Cist, an intelligent printer, who ascertained its nature and qualities, and authorized the colonel to satisfy Ginter for his discovery, upon his pointing out the precise spot, where he found the coal. This was done by acceding to Ginter's proposal, of getting through the forms of the patent office, the title of a small tract of land, which he supposed had never been taken up, comprising the mill seat, on which he afterwards built the mill which afforded us the lodg ing of the preceding night, and which he afterwards was unhappily deprived of by the claim of a prior survey. " Hillegas, Cist, Weiss, and others, immediately after, (about the, beginning ofthe year 1792,) formed the " Lehigh Coal Mine Company," but Avithout a charter of incorporation, and took up 8 or 10,000 acres of unloeated land, including the Mauch Chunk mountain." " The mine noAV wrought was opened by this com pany ; but the difficulties of transporting the coal to market were then insurmountable, and their enter prise Avas abandoned. The mine remained in a ne glected state, used only by the smiths and others of the immediate vicinity, until the year 1806, when Wm. Turnbull, Esq., caused an ark to be constructed at Lausanne, which brought to the city two or three hundred bushels. A portion was sold to the mana ger of the water works, for the use of the Centre Square steam engine. Upon trial here it was deemed rather an extinguisher than an aliment of fire, was rejected as worthless, and was broken up and spread on the walks of the surrounding garden, in the place of gravel. " The legislature, early aware of the importance of the navigation of the Lehigh, passed an act for its in> M 194 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. provement in 1771, and others in 1791, 1794, 1798, 1810, 1814 and 1816. Under one of these a compa ny associated, and after expending more than 20,000 dollars in clearing out channels, relinquished their de sign of perfecting the navigation of the river. " In the meanwhile the coal mine company, de sirous to render their property available, granted leases to several individuals successively ; the last, for a term of ten yeaTS, with the privilege of cutting timber from their lands, for floating the coal to market, was made to Messrs. Cist, Miner & Robinson, upon the condition that they should send to Philadelphia 10,000 bushels of coal per annum, for the benefit of the lessees. These gentlemen loaded several arks with coal, only three of which reached the city, and they abandoned the business at the close of the Avar in 1815. " During the war, Virginia coal became very scarce, and Messrs. White & Erskine Hazard, then engaged in the manufacture of iron wire, at the falls of the Schuylkill, having learned that Mr. J. Malin had suc ceeded in the use of the Lehigh coal at his rolling mill, procured a cart load of it, which cost them a dollar per bushel. This quantity was entirely wasted, without getting up the requisite heat. Another cart load was, however, obtained, and a whole night was spent in endeavoring to make a fire in the furnace, when the hands shut the furnace door, and departed from the mill in despair. Fortunately, one of them, who had left his jacket in the mill, returning for it in about half an hour, observed the door of the furnace to be red hot, and upon opening it, was surprised to find the interior at a glowing white heat. The other hands were summoned, and four separate parcels of iron were heated by the same fire, and rolled before renewal. The furnace was then replenished, and as letting the fire alone had succeeded so well, that method was tried again with a like result. "Thenceforth Messrs. White and Hazard continued the use of anthracite cpal, which they procured from t HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 195 Schuylkill county, in wagons, and occasionally in flats by freshets, and also from Lehigh, in one of Messrs. Miner & Co's arks. Thus instructed in the invalua ble properties of anthracite, Messrs. White and Ha zard having disposed of their works on the Schuyl-- kill to the city of Philadelphia, turned their attention to the mines of the Lehigh, with a resolution of creating adequate means for transporting their wealth- to market. " In January, 1818, they jointly, with Mr. Hants, obtained the control ofthe lands of the Lehigh coal mine company. In the succeeding March, the legis lature granted to these gentlemen ample pdAver for improving the navigation of the river Lehigh, and vested in them, their heirs and assigns, the absolute and exclusive use of the Avaters of the river, not in compatible Avith the navigation, and the right to levy tolls upon boats, rafts, &c, descending the river, and also upon ascending it, in case a slack water naviga tion should be made, upon condition : 1st. That they made a descending navigation within six years, from the mouth ofthe Nesquihoning Creek to the Delaware, and from the Great falls to the Nesquihoning, within twenty years. 2. That in case the legislature deemed such navigation sufficient, the grantees should convert the same into a complete slack water navigation, ¦erecting one lock or other devices, overcoming at least Six feet fall, yearly, until the Avhole should be com pleted. 3. That in case of abuse of the privileges granted, or neglect to complete the slack water navi gation, Avithin twenty years after requisition made, that the state might resume the grant. 4. That the state might, after the expiration of thirty-six years from the date of the grant, purchase the rights of the grantees to the navigation. And 5th. That upon such purchase, or resumption, in case of forfeiture, that the state should fulfil all the obligations enjoined by this act, upon the grantees. " For the purpose of obtaining fiittds to carry this «ct into effect, and conduct the nutting operations ad» 196 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. « vantageously, Messrs. White, Hants and Hazard, formed, with others, tAvo associations in July, 1818; the one, denominated " The Lehigh Navigation Com pany," for whose use, they granted to trustees, by deed dated 1,0th August, 1818, all the right vested in them by the above mentioned act, to the benefits of the river Lehigh, reserving to themselves certain resi duary profits and exclusive privileges in the manage ment of the company ; the other, denominated " The Lehigh Coal Company," for whose use they also con veyed td trustees, certain estates in sundry tracts of coal lands, reserving also to themselves certain resi duary profits, and exclusive privileges in the manage ment of such eompany. " The navigation company commenced the inir provement ofthe Lehigh in August, I8I18. In 1820, coal was sent to Philadelphia, by an artificial navi gation, and sold at $8 50 per ton, delivered at the door of the purchasers. " The following plan was adopted, to render the passage of theriyer more facile. The obstacles in the bed of the river Avere removed, and. thirteen dams,' with sluices of A-arious heights, were constructed of pine logs, at an average expense of three thousand dollars each. The gates of the sluices, of a peculiar construction, were invented by Me. White, (to whom the company are indebted, for many ingenious im provements,) and merit particular notice. The gates in the sluice or lock were attaehed to the flooring by hinges, and rose by the force of Avater admitted from a floom, constructed parallel, Avith the lock, and when suspended,, forming a section of the dam. When the floom was elosed, the water beneath the gatesr passed off, and they fell. by their own weight, and the pres sure of; the fluid from the dams. The dam served a double- purpose, forming pools of navigable water, and reservoirs. At fixed periods the arks wese passed with great rapidity through the sluices ; and the sud den efflux of water gave additional depth and velocity to the strearnbelow. These sluices, admirably. adapW HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 197 ed to the original plan, have proved inefficient for canal navigation, and have been, in a great measure, and perhaps altogether, abandoned. From Easton, the arks pursued the natural channel of the river to Trenton, whence a steamboat towed them to the city in gangs of eighteen or twenty together. The arks, emptied of their freight, were broken up and sold, at a considerable loss to the company. These arks Avere rectangular barges, sixteen feet Avide by twenty feet in length, connected by iron hinges, so that they ac commodated themselves to the motion of the waves. " During this amelioration of the navigation, the coal company erected mills for grinding grain and sawing lumber, and the buildings necessary for shel tering their Avork people. A large quantity of coal was uncovered at the mine, by removing from its surface a gravelly loam, from a few inches to four feet in depth, and disintegrated slate from two to four feet. This process has been continued, until the ex cavation has a superficial area of ten acres, and a depth varying from thirty to seventy feet. A road xvas made to the summit of the mountain, distant from the river nine miles, Avhich Avas soon after paved with stone, or turnpiked in the best manner, upon which seven tons of coal were conveyed Avith ease, on tAvo wagons drawn by four horses. "In 1820, the two companies were amalgamated under the title of " The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company ;" and Messrs. White & Hazard, having in the interim acquired the interest of Mr. Hants, they obtained for themselves in the union, the privi leges which had been reserved in the original organi zation of the separate companies. "By an act of assembly passed 13th February, 1832, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company was incorporated, and the property of the prior associa- ations, and the privileges created by the act of 1818, were invested in them. Their capital stock was limi ted to $1,000,000, divided into shares of $50 each; and of this capital, their former property formed part. 198 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. They were empowered to commence a slack water navigation upon the Lehigh, within a year from the date of the act. To this company Messrs. W. & H. became parties, as simple stockholders merely. " To facilitate the ascent of the river, the company resolved on a lock navigation, on which steam boats might be employed- Accordingly a lock was built in 183-, at Mauch Chunk, measuring one hun~. dred and thirty-five feet in length, and thirty in width, and the canal, of more than a mile in length, annexed to it, wasexcavated five feet deep, and its banks lined with stone. But as this mode was very expensive, and the state had commenced the Delaware canal from Easton to Bristol, a change in the plan became, expedient; and in 1827, the company havmg in-. creased their funds by the sale of ten thousand shares, the balance of their capital, determined on making, a canal navigation, which should correspond with the Delaware canal. This great work, extending from Easton to Mauch Chunk, a distance of forty-six miles and three quarters, consisting of ten miles of pools, and thirty-six miles and three quartes of canals, was commenced in the summer of 1827, and was in condi tion to authorize the company to exact toll thereon in July, 1829. The canal is five feet deep, forty-five feet wide at the bottom, and sixty feet at top ; the banks are firm, and lined chiefly Avith stone ; the locks are twenty-two feet wide, and one hundred feet long, and are adapted to pass boats, suited to the Delaware canal, in pairs. The ascent of three hun dred and sixty-four feet, is overcome by fifty-foui* locks and nine dams. The whole of the river im provement, from its commencement, as a descending navigation, to its final completion, as above, including the amoimt paid to White & Hazard for their pro-* perty, rights and privileges, and the extinguishment of Hants' claims, cost about $1,558,000. The toll houses erected along the canal, are of the most sub stantial and comfortable kin*! ; and in the completion of this noble work, in t.hg. language, of tho, acting HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 199 manager, 'there has been no money expended for ornament, though no money has been spared to render it sound and permanent.' " having thus noticed the operations of this enter prising company, in improving the Lehigh from Easton to Mauch Chunk, we proceed to consider their labors more immediately connected with the raising and shipment of the coal. " Mauch Chunk mountain rises precipitately from the Lehigh river, where it is also the head ofthe Nes quihoning mountain, which, at a short distance from the river, diverges from Mauch Chunk proper, towards the N. W. The Mauch Chunk extends S. W. about thirteen miles, to the Little Schuylkill river, which divides it from fhe Tuscarora mountains. Panther creek separates it on the north from the radiating hill of Nesquihoning, and the Mauch Chunk creek divides it from the Mahoning on the south. The vallies through which these creeks run, are deep and narrow. Exploratons have been made in various parts of this mountain, and coal has been discovered through its whole extent. " The geological structure of this coal formation is extremely simple. The upper rock is commonly a sand stone, or a fragmentary aggregate, of which the parts are more or less coarse or fine in different situa tions. In this region there is much pudding stone, or conglomerate, and much that Avould be called gray- wacke, by most geologists. In these aggregates the parts are of every size, from large pebbles to sand. The pebbles are chiefly quartz; and even in the firmest rocks are round, and appear to have been worn by attrition. The cement is silicious, and the masses frequently possess great firmness, resembling the mill stone grit, and sand stones of the English coal measures. Beneath this rock there is usually some variety of argillaceous slate, which commonly, though not universally, forms the roof of the coal ; sometimes the sand stone is directly in contact with 200 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. the coals, the slate being omitted. The slate also forms the floor. , " The great mine, as has already been observed, is at the summit of the mountain. The coal is un covered, and fairly laid open to view, and lies in stu pendous masses, Avhich are worked in the open air, as in a stone quarry. The excavation is in an angu lar area, and entered at different points by roads cut through the coal, in some places quite doAvn to the lowest level. The greatest ascertained thickness of the coal is fifty-four feet ; in one place, it is supposed to be one hundred ; but is commonly from twelve to thirty-five feet. Several banks of these dimensions are exposed, interrupted only by thin seams of slate, running parallel with the strata. The latter are in clined generally at angles, from five to fifteen degrees, and follow with great regularity the external form of the mountain. In some places they are saddle shaped; in some positions they and the attendant strata are wonderfully contorted and broken ; and in one place, both are vertical, yet at a short distance return to the general arrangement. It is impossible to avoid the impression that some great force has dis turbed the original formation, by elevatmg or depres sing the strata." " The entrances to the mine are numbered. At No. 3, is a perpendicular section through all the strata, down to the flooring of slate ; and the graywacke, the slate and the coal, are all raised on edge.. The strata are in some places vertical, in others, curved or wav ing, and they are broken in two at the upper part, and bent in opposite directions." " Professor Silliman asks, " Has subterranean fire produced these extraordinary locations? It would seem," he adds, " to favor this view, that the gray wacke has, in some places, contiguous to the coal, the appearance of having been baked ; it appears indu rated, is harsh and dry, and is inflated with vesicles, as if gas, produced and rarified by heat, was strug^ gling to escape." This is a tempting opportunity to HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 201 indulge in speculation on the origin of coal measures generally. But the limits of our volume impel us to forbearance. Yet we will avail ourselves of the oc casion to say, that we adopt the general opinion, that coal is a vegetable deposit, composed of masses of timber, collected by poAverful currents of water ; and, that we now behold neAv coal-beds forming in many of the western waters, where miles of rafts are form ed, sunken to unknown depths, and covered Avith strata of earth, variously composed. How far these immense aggregates of vegetation may, in the course of time, become causes of subterranean fires, we will not attempt to conjecture. But, that extraneous vol canic force may give new forms to the regions in which they lie, Ave deem probable, and that at some future— perhaps very remote period, these beds of timber, converted into coal, and their intermediate and incumbent strata of earth turned into rock, may be upraised and broken into the various forms which distinguish the anthracite country of Pennsylvania. Such a process we conceive would be but a repetition of that, which contributed to the formation of the Mauch Chunk mountain. " There are railroads leading through the mine, for the purpose of conveying the coal to the main road; and others on which the refuse coal, rocks, and rub bish, are made to descend in cars, by gravity, to dif ferent points, at Avhich such materials are discharged doAvn the side of the mountain. These rail ways are continued over the valleys, and the rubbish thrown from them has already formed about a dozen artificial hills, shaped like a steep roof, and terminating almost abruptly in a descent of hundreds of feet. The cars are guided, each by one man, who at a proper place, knocks open one end, and discharges the load. In some instances cars have run off from the end of the rail way, and the guides have been thrown down the mountain ; but, falling among loose rubbish, such ac cidents have not proved fatal. " Besides the incombustible refuse, there is small 202 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. and inferior coal enough here, to supply the fuel for a large city for years. It is not now sufficiently valu able for transportation. Small coal is used sucessfuUy at Mauch Chunk and elsewhere, in burning lime, and at some future day may be advantageously employed in other manufactures. " Two mines have been recently opened within a mile of the large one ; they are portions of the same great mass, and present an inexhaustible supply of fuel. "Notwithstanding this great abnndanceofcoal up on the summit, hopes of procuring it from a part of the mountain nearer to navigation, have induced the << company" to excavate a tunnel two hundred feet below the precipitous ridge, and within tAvo and a half-miles of Mauch Chunk. This great enterprise was commenced on the 1st March, 1824, before the construction of the rail way to the " great mine," un der the impression that the coal strata here dipped to the south. This supposition proved erroneous, and the eompany, for that and other reasons, suspended their labors. The tunnel is 16 feet wide, 8 feet high, and penetrates the mountain through hard pudding stone, 79Q feet. Three thousand seven hundred and forty-five 5-27 cubic yards of stone have been remov ed, at an expense of $26,812, or $7 16 per cubic yard, or $33 94 the lineal foot. The following state ment of the particulars of cost, may prove useful to persons disposed to a similar undertaking. The work Avas suspended on the 9th June, 1827. 23,129 3-4 days labor, including tAvo, and sometimes four smiths, making and dressing tools, - - - $18,667 19' Tools and materials for them, - - 3,785 86 521 kegs of powder, - 1,831 00 Candles and oil for light, - - - 81271 Lumber (for air-pipes and other fix tures,) hauling tools and materials, and supplies for hands, - , - - 508 54 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNT r. 203 2 6S days, one horse blowing wind, - 160 80 Superintendance, - 680 oa $26,812 00 " Shafts were sunk eighty feet in the table land, at the base of the narrow rocky ridge ; and good coal was found after penetrating seven feet of earth and slate. Coal has been struck in the horizontal tunnel, and though it is not deemed expedient to work it, the expenditure has not been in vain. The tunnel Avill serve to drain, and give access to the great coal bed above it. "When the company became satisfied of the pre sent inexpediency of making further progress with the tunnel, they resolved to. lay a rail way- from Mauch Chunk to the great mine, Avhich they com menced under the direction of the indefatigable Mr. White, their manager, on the Sth of January, 1827, and finished, so as to pass the first load of coal doAvn the whole line, in three months and twenty-six days. " The railroad commences at the Lehigh river, and ascends at the rate of 1 foot in 3 1-2 ofthe slant; the Avhole ascent to the top of the promontory is 215 feet, and the slant 700. The loaded wagons descend this. inclined plane to the river. At the top of the hill is a building, containing the machinery, by which their descent is governed ; the most important part of which is a large cylinder, revolving horizontally, and serving to. Avind the rope attached to the cars. The latter are rolled by hand on a circular platform, which, revolving horizontally upon a perpendicular axis, brings the wagon upon a line with the inclined plane upon which they are launched. The rapidity of their progress is in a measure cheeked, by the weight of an ascending empty Avagon, which being fastened at the other end of the rope, and moving on a parallel rail way on the same plane, necessarily mounts as rapidly as the empty one descends; and Avhen it arrives at the top, it is transferred to the upper rail way by- means of the circular platform. But this partial 204 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. counterpoise is insufficient to moderate properly the speed in a week or ten days, weather fa-i voring, those Iavo forts may be finished, and the line of forts completed and garrisoned, the rangers in mo tion, and the internal guards and watches disbanded, as well as some other companies, unless they are per mitted and encouraged to go after the enemy to Sus quehanna. At present, the expense in this country is prodi gious. We have on foot, and in pay, the following companies; Trump, 50 men ; Aston, 50 ; Wayne, 55. Foulk, 46 ; Trexler, 48 ; Wettherhold, 44—tvithout the Forks. Orndt, 50. Craig, 30; Martin, 30 — in the Irish settlements. Van Etten, 30 — at Minnisinks ; Hays, 45. Detachment of M'Laughlin, 20 ; Parson, 24— in all, 522. Yours, BENJ. FRANKLIN. HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 223 James Young, Commissary General, visited Fort Allen in 1756. In his journal of June 21st, 1756, he says, "at 8, A. M. Ave set out (from the fort above Allemenengel) for fort Allen, at Guaden Huetten; it is about fifteen miles from Allemengel. The first seven miles of this road is very hilly, barren and swampy — no plantations. The other part of the road, is, for the most part, through a rich valley, chiefly meadoAv ground — several settlements; but all the houses burnt and deserted. At noon, we came to the foot. For the last half hour before we came there, we had a very severe gust of thunder, lightning, and a prodi gious heavy rain. " This fort stands on the river Leah, (Lehigh) in the pass, through very high hills, is, in*my opinion, a very important place, and may be of great service, if the officer does his duty. It Avasvery Avell stoccaded with four good bastions. On one of them is a swivel gun. The woods are clear all around it for a con siderable way, and is very defensible. Within, are three good barracks and a guard-room. I found here fifteen men without any officer, or commander. They told me that lieutenant Jacob Miles, and two men from the fort, were gone this morning with tAvo gen tlemen from Bethlehem, and four Indians, fifteen miles up the country, to bring down some friendly Indians ; and that the sergeant, with three men, were gone to Captain Foulk's, late commander here, to receive the pay that was due them ; and one was gone to Beth lehem, with the sergeant's Avatch to mend, which Avas the reason I could not muster those present, nor have any account of the provisions, but saw a large quan tity of beef very badly cured. I was informed that a captain, with, a new compa ny, was expected there in a day or two, to take post at this fort. Being very uncertain when the lieu tenant would return, or the new company come, I re solved to proceed to Lehigh Gap, where a detachment of a company is posted. 224 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. " Provincial stores.— -27 muskets, 50 cartouch box es, 10 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of lead, 20 rounds filled for 25 men, 19 axes, 4 broad-axes, 26 hatchets, 43 tomahawks, 3 iron wedges, and one swivel. The following letters are from the commanding officer at Fort Allen, to Major Parsons, at Easton : Fort Allen, Feb. 18, 1757. Honored Sir: — This morning arrived, an Indian here from Diahoga, and seven women and three chil dren are to come in to-morrow or next day. His name is Zacharias. He informs me that king Teedyuscung has sent him with the following orders, that the same might be shown to his honor the Governor. , King Teedyuscung intended to come in with a great num ber of Indians, the next month, to Easton, to hold a treaty there, and desires that the Governor may b ready, at that time, to meet him at Easton. The In dian informs me, that the three messengers, Joseph Poppy, Lewis Montour, and Nathaniel, arrived well at Diahoga, and went from thence to the Mohawk country, Avifh several others ; and as soon as they shall come back to Diahoga, king Teedyuscung will be ready to march from thence to come down. Honored Sir, I am your very humble servant, JACOB ORNDT. Fort Allen, March 31, 1757. Honored Sir: — The bearer hereof, an Indian, named Samuel Evans, desires to have an order from your worship, to get a new stock made for his gun, in Bethlehem, and that the same might be charged to the province. Since my last letter, which I have written to you, arrived here, king Teedyuseung's two sons, Captain Harrison, and several other Indians, in number fifty HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 225 men, squaws and children. They behave very civil here — tliey have made cabins about sixty perches from the fort, where they live, and intend to tarry - here till the king comes. I am, Your very humble servant, JACOB ORNDT. [Prov. Ree, p. 203-4.J Fort Allen, April 5, 1757. Honored Sir : This is to acquaint your worship, that the day before yesterday, arrived here, four Indians from Susque hanna, above Diahoga, and have brought one white prisoner, whose name is Nicholas Ramston. He was taken at the same time that Christian Pember was killed. The same Indians inform me, that king Tee dyuscung can hardly come down here till the latter end of this month, for the Mohawk Indians were not quite ready to march. Those four Indians will come with the bearer here of, one of my soldiers, Avhom I have sent to escort them to Easton, and I have also ordered the white prisoner with them. I desire your worship would be pleased to send an order to Mr. Warner, who is or dered to entertain the Indians, that he shall not give them too much rum, as he has done to those who were at Easton last week ; for some of them were so drunk that they staid all night in the woods, and the remainder went to Bethlehem, and by so doing there might easily happen any misbehavior. * * * * * * * * I am, Sir, Your very humble servant, JACOB ORNDT. [Prov. Ree. p. 204.] Colonel James Burd visited this place in 1758. In his journal of February 27, 1758, he says, « I march- O 226 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. ed from thence (Mr. Everitt's) to Fort Allen, at IE o'clock P. M.; got at the top of the Blue mountain, at 2 P. M. ; from hence saw Allemengel ; it is a fine- country ; but tlie country on the north side of the mountain is an entire barren Avilderness, not capable of improvement. I arrived at Fort Allen at half after two P. M., a prodigious hilly place, and poor land, fifteen miles from Mr. Everitt's. I ordered a review of this garrison to-morrow, at A. M. Tuesday, 28th. — At A. M. I revieAved this garri son. Doing duty, Captain Orndt, lieutenant Hays and' Laugherry,. and ensign Meixill and seventy-five men. This is a very good garrison. In the stores, two> months provisions, two hundred and five pounds of powder, three hundred pounds of lead, five hundred flints, two swivels, twenty-six provincial arms, (bad ones) no drum, no kettle, no blankets, one spade, one shovel, one grubbing hoe, and fourteen bad axes. This is a very poor stoccade, surrounded with hills,. situated on a barren plain, through which the river Lechy, (Lehigh) runs, at a distance of seventy yards from the fort. There is scarce room here for forty men. I ordered1 Captain Orndt to regulate his rang ing by his intelligence, from time to time, as he in formed me that five Indians, from Bethlehem, have- promised faithfully to Captain Orndt, to come here and reconnoitre the woods constantly around, and to. furnish him with intelligence. I also directed that a target, six inches thick, should be put up, to teach the soldiers to shoots, Lower Towamensing township is bonnded on the north by Upper Towamensing ; on the east by Mon roe county; on the south by Northampton county, and the west by the Lehigh river, which separates it from Penn townshipi The surface of this township is diversified, mountainous, hilly, and partly level,, containing a considerable portion of arable land, and ¦well improved. Its principal stream, besides the Le- - HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 227 high river, is the Aquanshicola * creek, whieh rises in Ross township, Monroe county, about a mile east of the Wind Gap; running along the base of the Blue mountain, it falls into the Lehigh river, at its entrance into the Water Gap. It is a very rapid stream, and drives several mills. The Clarissa iron works, consist ing of a forge, furnace, and several dwellings, are on this stream. " The Gap" at the Lehigh Water Gap § is a small village, on the left bank of the Lehigh, and at the mouth of the Aquanchicola creek, which is crossed by a substantial and neatly built bridge. The village consists of some six or eight houses, a store and a ta vern. A hundred and fifty yards below the bridge the Aquanchicola is crossed by the canal in an aque duct. This place sustained considerable injury from the flood in 1841. At an early date-, a Mr. Uplinger, or Oplinger, lived near, or at the Gap. In a letter from Benj. Franklin to Governor Morris, dated Fort Allen, January 26, 1756, he says, "We inarched cautiously through the Gap of the mountain, a very dangerous pass, and got to Uplinger's, but twenty miles from Bethlehem, t Alluding to their march on that day, Franklin says, "that on leaving Bethlehem, we had not marched many miles, before it began to rain, and it continued raining all day. There- were no habitations on the road to- shelter us, until we arrived near at the house of a German, where, and in his barn, we were all huddled together as well as water could make us. It was well we were not attacked in our march, for our arms were of the most ordinary sort, and our men could not keep the locks of their guns dry. The next day being fair, we continued our march, and arrived at the desolate- Gnaden Huetten (Weissport)." * Aq>uanshicola — various are the orthographies-, of this stream- Aquanschicola, Aquanchicola. In the record of Indian deeds it is written Aquanshehals. — Records, &c. p. 138. § For a description of the Water Gap, see Lehigh county.. t Provincial Records., vol. 0..p.. TI. 228 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. East Penn township is bounded on the north by Mahoning township ; east by LoAver Towamensing ; south by Lehigh county ; and south-west by Schuyl kill county. This township has the Blue mountain on the south, and the Mahoning mountain on the north of it. The surface is diversified, mountainous, hilly, and level; the soil, shale, or variegated red shale, gravel and limestone. It is watered by Lizard creek, which rises at the foot of the Blue mountain, and following along its base, easterly, falls into the Lehigh, about a mile above the Water Gap. It is a very rapid creek, and has several mills on it. The creek gives name to a cultivated valley, through which it flows. Stephen Balliet's furnace and forge are in this township. An excellent road passes through this valley, from the Lehigh to M'Keansburg and Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill county. One of the forts, in the chain of forts betAveen the Delaware and Potomack rivers, Avas located in this- township. See Appendix, Young's, Van Etten's, and Burd's Journal. ¦ Mahoning township is bounded on the north by Mauch Chunk ; east by the Lehigh river, Avhich sepa rates it from Upper and lower ToAvamensing ; on the south by East Penn ; and on the south-west by Schuyl kill co. A considerable portion of land is very good, and remarkable for abundant crops of rye and corn ; wheat does very well, too. It is Avatered principally by Mahoning ereek, which rises at the foot of Maho ning mountain, and running eastwardly through a cultivated and beautiful valley, to which it gives name, falls into the Lehigh river, a short distance be low Lehighton, and nearly opposite old Fort Allen, or Weissport. Rafts descend this creek about four miles, above which distance are several mills. Owl creek is in the Avestern part of the tOAvnship, flows between the Mahoning and Mauch Chunk mountains, into the Tamaqua, or Little Schuylkill HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 229 liver. There are several small villages in this tOAvn- ship. Taxables in 1844, 253; state tax, $403 93; county tax, $657 03. Burlington, tAvo miles north of Lehighton, on the Toad to Mauch Chunk, contains five dwellings and a store. This place suffered soriie by the freshet of 1841. Lehighton, a post village, laid out some forty years ago, by Colonel Jacob Weiss -and William Henry. The ground plot of the toAvn is laid out upon an ele vated piece of table land ; the lots are large, afford ing an extensive garden and yard to each dAvelling. The view from the toAvn, though not extensive, is beautiful. It commands a prospect of the river and canal, the valley in Avhich Weissport is located, the Blue mountain, in the distance, and a nearer view of the Mahoning mountain and Lehigh hills. Within half a mile 'of the village, there has been discovered a mineral spring, the waters of Avhich have proved beneficial in many cases of disease and debility. The toAvn contains thirty dwellings, three taverns and two stores.. This village would prove an eligible situa tion for the Shiretown of Carbon county. May it not yet become the seat of justice ? South Lehighton, contiguous to^Lehighton and the old Mahoning church, consists of seven or eight ancient looking buildings. A place that has attained its zenith. Near this is the Moravian grave yard of old. In Mahoning tOAvnship the Moravians had a mis sionary establishment, or station, nearly one hundred years ago. They commenced settlements here in 1746. The station is thus described by Loskiel : " Gnaden Huetten noAV (1746) became a very regular and pleasant town. The church stood in the valley, on one side the Indian houses forming a crescent, upon a rising ground ; and on the other, stood the house of the missionary and the burying ground. The mis sionaries tilled their own grounds, and every Indian 230 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. family their plantation, and on the 18th of August; they had the satisfaction to partake of the first fruits nf the land, at a love feast." " The land on the Mahoning being impoverished, and other circumstances requiring a change, the in habitants of Gnaden Huetten removed to the north side of the Lehigh. The dwellings were removed, and a new chapel was built, in June, 1754. The place was called New Gnaden Huetten. [It stood where Weissport now is.] The dAvellings were so placed that the Mohicans lived on one, and the Dela wares on the other side [of the street.] The brethren at Bethlehem took the culture of the old land on the Mahoning upon themselves, made a plantation of it for the use of" the Indian congregation, and converted the old chapel into a dwelling, both for the use of those brethren and sisters who had the care of the plantations, and for missionaries passing on their visits to the heathen. " The Indians in the' French interest were much incensed that any of the Moravian Indians chose to remain at Gnaden Huetten, and determined to cut off the settlement. After Braddock's defeat, in 1755, the whole frontier was open to the inroads of the savage foe. Every day disclosed new scenes of barbarity committed by theiflndians. The Avhole country was in terror ; the neighbors of the brethren in Gnaden Huetten forsook their dwellings and fled; but the brethren made a covenant together to remain undaunt ed in the place alloted them by Providence. How ever, no caution was omitted ; and because the white people considered every Indian as an enemy, the In dian brethren in Guaden Huetten were advised, as much as possible, to keep out of their way — to buy no powder nor shot, but strive to maintain themselves without hunting, which they willingly complied Avith. ****** ButGodhadotherAvise ordained. On a sudden the mission house on the Mahoning was, late in the evening of the 24th Nov., HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 231 attacked by the French Indians, burnt, and eleven of the inhabitants murdered. " The family, being at supper, heard an uncommon barking of dogs, upon which brother Senseman went out at the back door to see what was the matter. On the report of a gun, several ran together to open the house door. Here the Indians stood with their pieces pointed towards the door, and firing imme diately upon its being opened, Martin Nitchman was instantly killed. His wife and some others were wounded, buttled with the rest upstairs into the gar ret, and barricaded the door with bedsteads. Brother Partsch escaped by jumping out of a back window. Brother Worbas, who was ill in bed in a house ad joining, jumped likewise out of a back window and escaped, though the enemies had placed a guard be fore his door. Meanwhile the savages pursued those who had taken refuge in the garret, and strove hard to burst the door open ; but finding it too well secured, they set fire to the house, which was soon in flames. A boy called Sturgeous, standing upon the flaming roof, ventured to leap off, and escaped ; though at first, upon opening the back door, a ball had grazed his cheek, and one side of his head Avas much burnt. Sister Partsch seeing this, took courage, and leaped likewise from the burning i*oof. She came down un hurt, and unobserved by the enemies ; and thus the fervent prayer of her husband was fulfilled, who, in jumping out of the back window, cried aloud to God to save his wife. Brother Fabricius then leaped also off the ro@f, but before he could escape was perceived by the Indians, and instantly wounded by two balls. He was the only one whom they, seized upon alive, and having dispatched him with their hatchets, took his scalp, and left him dead on the ground. The rest Avere all burnt alive, and Brother Senseman, who first •went out at the back door, had the inexpressible grief to see his Avife consumed hy the flames. Sister Partsch could not run far for fear and trembling, but Md .herself behind a tree, upon a hill near the house. 232 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. From hence she saw sister Senseman, already sur rounded by the flames, standing Avith folded hands, and heard her calling out : " 'Tis all well, dear Sa viour — I expected nothing else !" The house being consumed^ the murderers set fire to the barns and stables, by which all the corn, hay, and cattle were destroyed. Then they divided the spoil, soaked some bread in milk, made a hearty meal, and departed — sister Partsch looking on unperceived. " This melancholy event proved the deliverer of the Indian congregation at Gnaden Huetten ; for up on hearing the report of the guhs, seeing the flames, and soon learning the dreadful cause from those who had escaped, the Indian brethren immediately went to the missionary, and offered to attack the enemy with out delay. But being advised to . the contrary, they all fled into the woods, and Gnaden Huetten was cleared in a few moments ; some who already Avere in bed,having scarce time to dress themselves. Brother Zeisberger, who had just arrived in Gnaden Huetten from Bethlehem, hastened back to give notice of this event to a body of English militia, who had marched within five miles of the spot; but they did not venture to pursue the enemy in the dark.* After the enemy had retired, the remains of those killed at Mahoning, Avere collected from the ashes and ruins, and interred. A marble slab, in the grave yard, about one-half mile south of Lehighton, marks. the place. The compiler visited this place, Sept. IS, J 844, when he copied the following inscription : To the memory of Gottlieb and Christina Anders, with their children, Johanna, Martin and Susanna Nitshman; Ann Catharina Senseman, Leonhard Gattermyer, Christian Fabricius, cler k} ?Loskiel, II, 165. HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 233 George Schweigert, John Frederick Lesly, and Martin Presser ; Who lived at Gnaden Huetten, , unto the Lord, and lost their lives in a surprize from Indian Avarriors, November the 24th, 1755. Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints. — Psalms cxvi. 15. [A. Bower, Phila., 1788.] This chapter is closed by a narrative of the captivity of Gilbert and others. The compiler is indebted to Mr. Day for it. The narrative is given in detail in Loudon's Narrative, Vol. II : " Benjamin Gilbert, a Quaker from Byberry, near Philadelphia, in 1775, removed with his family to a farm on Mahoning creek, five or six miles from Fort Allen. His second Avife was a widow Peart. He was soon comfortably situated with a good log dwelling house, barn, and saw and grist mill. For five years this peaceable family Avent on industrious ly and prosperously ; but onthe 25th April, 1780, the very year after Sullivan's expedition, they Avere sur prised about sunrise, by a party of eleven Indians, who took them all prisoners. " At the Gilbert farm they made captives of Ben jamin Gilbert, senior, aged 69 years; Elizabeth his Avife, 55 ; Joseph Gilbert, his son, 41 ; Jesse Gilbert, another son, 19; Sarah Gilbert, Avife to Jesse, 19; Rebecca Gilbert, a daughter, 16; Abner Gilbert, a son, 14; Elizabeth Gilbert, a daughter, 12; Thomas Peart, son to Benjamin Gilbert's wife, 23 ; Benjamin Gilbert, a son of John Gilbert of Philadelphia, 11 ; Andrew Harrigar, of German descent, 2 6 ; a hireling of Benjamin Gilbert's; and Abigail Dodson, who lived on a farm, about one mile from Gilbert's mill. The whole number taken at Gilbert's, Avas 12. The 234 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. Indians then -proceeded about half a mile to Benja min Pearf's dwelling, and there captured himself, aged 27, Elizabeth his wife, 20, and their child, nine ¦months old. " The last look the poor captives had of their once comfortable home, was to see the flames and falling in of the roofs, from Summer hill. The Indians led their captives on a toilsome road over Mauch Chunk and Broad mountains, into the Nescopeck path, and then across Qaakake creek, and the Moravian Pine Swamp to Mahoning mountain, where they lodged the first night. On the way they had prepared moc casins for some of the children. Indians generally secure their, prisoners by cutting down a sapling as large as a man's thigh, and therein cut notches, in which they fix their legs, and over this they place a pole, crossing it with stakes drove in the ground, and on the crotches of the stakes they place other poles, or riders, effectually confining the prisoners on their backs; and besides all this they put a strap round their necks, which they fasten to a tree. In this manner the night passed with the Gilbert family. Their beds "were Hemlock branches strewed on the ground, and blankets for a covering. Andrew Montour was the leader of the Indian party. " The forlorn band were dragged on over the wild and rugged region between the Lehigh and the Che mung branch of the Susquehanna. They Avere often ready to faint by the way, but the cruel threat of im mediate death, urged them again to the march. The old man, Benjamin Gilbert, indeed had begun to fail, and had been painted black — a fatal omen among the Indians-; but when his cruel captors had put a rope -around his neck, and appeared about to kill him, the intercessions Of his wife, -softened their hearts, and he was saved. Subsequently, in Canada, the old man, conversing with the chief observed, that he might say Avhat none of the other Indians could, " that he had brought in the oldest man and the youngest ¦child." The chief's reply Avas impreesive : < It was HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 235 not I, but the Great God, who brought you through ; for we were determined to kill you, but were pre? vented.' " On the 54th day of their captivity, the Gilbert familly had to encounter the fearful ordeal of the gauntlet. 'The prisoners,' says the auther of the narrative, ' Avere released from the heavy loads they had heretofore been compelled to carry, and were it not for the the treatment they expected on their ap proaching the Indian towns, and the hardshsp of separation, their situation would have been tolerable^ but the horror of their minds, arising from the dread ful yells of the Indians as they approached the ham lets, is easier conceived than described — for they were no strangers to the customary cruelty exereised upon the captives on entering their towns. The Indians- men, women and children — collect together,* bring ing clubs and stones in order to beat them, which they usually do with great severity, by way of re venge for their relations who have been slain. This is performed immediately on their entering the village where the warriors reside, and cannot be avoided. The bloAVs, however cruel, must be borne without complaint. The prisoners are sorely beaten until their enemies are weary with the cruel sport. Their suf ferings were in this case very great ; they received several Avounds, and two of the women, avIjo were on horseback, were much bruised by falling from their horses, which were frightened by the Indians. Eliza beth, the mother, took shelter by the side of one of them, (a Avarrior,) but upon his observing that she met with some favor upon his account, he sent her away; she then received several violent blows, so that she was almost disabled. The blood trickled from their heads in a stream, their hair being cropt close, and the clothes they had on in rags, made their situation truly piteous. Whilst the Indians were in- * The warriors but seldom took part, except by lookingon and ¦encouraging the demoniac spoit. 236 ' HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. flictingthis revenge upon the captives, the chief came and put a stop to any further cruelty, by telling them ' it was sufficient,' Avhich they immediately attended to." " Soon after this a severe trial awaited them. They were separated from each other. Some were given over to Indians to be adopted, others were hired out by their Indian owners to service, in white families, and others were sent down the lake to Montreal. Among the latter was the old patriarch, Benjamin Gilbert. But the old man, accustomed to the com forts of civilized life, broken in body and mind, from such unexpected calamities, sunk under the complica tion of wo and hardship. His remains repose at the foot of an oak, near the old fort of Coeur du Lac, on the St. Lawrence, below Ogdensburg. Some of the family met with kind treatment from the hands of the British officers at Montreal, Avho were interested in their story, and exerted themselves to release them from captivity. " Sarah Gilbert, the wife of Jesse, becoming a mo ther, Elizabeth left the service she was engaged in — Jesse having taken a house, that she might give her daughter every necessary attendance. In order to make their situation as comfortable as possible, they took a child to nurse, which added a little to then in come. After this, Elizabeth Gilbert hired herself to iron a day for Adam Scott. While she was at her work, a little girl, belonging to the house, acquainted her that there were some who wanted to see her, and upon entering the room, she found six of her chil dren. The joy and surprise she felt on this occasion, were beyond what we shall attempt to describe. A messenger was sent to inform Jesse and his Avife, that Joseph Gilbert, Benjamin Peart, Elizabeth, his wife, and their young child, and Abner and Elizabeth Gil bert, the younger, were with their mother." " Among the customs, or mdeed common laws of the Indian tribes, one of the most remarkable and in teresting was adoption of prisoners. This right be- HITSORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 237 longed more particularly to the females than to the Avarriors, and Avell Avas it for the prisoners that the election depended rather upon the voice of the mother than on that of the father, as innumerable lives were thus spared whom the warriors would have immo lated. When once adopted, if the captives assumed a cheerful aspect, entered into their modes of life, learned their language, and, in brief, acted as if they actually felt themselves adopted, all hardship was re moved not incident to Indian modes of life. But, if this change of relation operated as amelioration of condition in the life of the prisoner, it rendered ran som extremely difficult in all cases, and in some in stances precluded it altogether. These difficulties were exemplified in a striking manner in the person of Elizabeth Gilbert, the younger. This girl, only 12 years of age, Avhen captured, was adopted by an In dian family, but afterAvards permitted to reside in a white family of the name of Secord, by whom she was treated as a child indeed, and to whom she be came so much attached as to call Mrs. Secord by the endearing title of mamma. Her residence, hoAvever, in a Avhite family, Avas a favor granted to the Secords by the Indian parents of Elizabeth, who regarded and claimed her as their child. Mr. Secord having, business at Niagara, took Betsey, as she Avas called, with him ; and there, after long separation, she had the happiness to meet Avith six of her relations,, most of whom had been already released and were prepar ing to set out for Montreal, lingering and yearning for those they seemed destined to leave behind, per haps forever. The sight of their beloved little sister roused every energy to effect her release, Avhich de sire was generously seconded by John Secord and Colonel Butler, who, soon after her visit to Niagra, sent for the Indian Avho claimed Elizabeth, and made overtures for her ransom. At first he declared that he "would not sell his own flesh and blood;" but attacked through his interest, or in other Avords, his necessities, the negotiation succeeded, and, as we have 238 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. already seen, her youngest child was among the trea sures first restored to the mother at Montreal." "Eventually they were all redeemed and collected at Montreal, on the 22d August, 1782, when they took leave of their kind friends there, and returned to* Byberry, after a captivity of two> years and five months. " The premises, where stood the dwelling and im provements of the Gilbert family, were, in 1833, oc cupied by Mr. Septimus Hough, on the north side of Mahoning creek, on an elevated bank about forty perches from the main road, leading from Lehighton and Weissport toTamaqua, and aboHt four miles from, ihe former. Benjamin Peart lived about half a mile further up the creek, and about one-fourth of a mile- from the same, on the south side. Mr. Robei* M'Daniel lived on, the place in 1833." HISTORY, &*.. OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. CHAPTER I. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ERECTED. Before describing the present boundary, &c. of this county, it is deemed to be of sufficient interest to the reader, to present him a brief history of the erec tion of Berks county, from Avhich the greater propor tion of Schuylkill has been taken. The lands on the Tulpehocken were still owned by the Indians till 1732-'33, when Thomas Penn pur chased them, which more effectually opened the door to emigrants into that part of the province within the limits of Berks and Lebanon; and soon afterwards many went beyond the mountains, within the present limits of SchuyjML Germans and others, especially the former, Avho nad already seated, sent for their rela tives and kindred ; and they in turn, on their arrival here, %iticed others — till several thousand settled hi various parts on the Schuylkill, Tulpehocken, and other places — till every glen, vale, hill, and mountain, Avas more or less settled — and under such circum stances, the inhabitants felt the want of a neAv county, and were led to petition the Assembly for privileges which Penn and his successors had awarded. For William Penn, shortly after his arrival, in 1682, es tablished several counties, namely: Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester. Philadelphia county then ex tended indefinitely towards the north-west, bounded on the east by Bucks, and on the west by the sSchuyl- kill, which separated it from Chester county, whijgh included, at that time, Delaware county, and all the P 2,4,2 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. territory, except a small portion now within the limits of Philadelphia county, south-west of the Schuylkill, and extended to the extreme limits of the province, north, west, and south. In 1729, Chester was reduced, by erecting Lancaster county out of it. In 1749, York county was erected, and in 1750, Cumberland was established. Berks Avas erected, March llth, 1752. At the time of erecting Berks county, its popula tion was from six to eight thousand. As it may be interesting to the reader, a copy of the petition to the Assembly, and other papers, have been copied, and are inserted. A petition from a considerable number of the in habitants of Readingtown, upon Schuylkill, was presented to the house, February 4th, 1752, and read, setting forth, that they had settled in the said town, expecting that it would be a great place of trade and business, and had put themselves to vast expense in building and removing thither Avith their families, several of whom left tolerable good plantations; that though the said toAvn had not above one house in it about two years ago, (1750) yet # now consists of one hundred and thirty dwelling houses, besides forty- one stables, and other out-houses, and that there are one hundred and sixty families, consisting of three hundred and seventy-eight persons settled therein; that they have good reason to believe that in another summer they will be much increased, as the chief part of the province that can be settled is already taken up, and the settling of the town Avill be of great benefit to tradesmen and others, who are not able to purchase tracts of land to live on; that they humbly conceived it to be their interest, to the honorable pro prietaries, as well as themselves, and that unless this house will be pleased to erect part of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and Lancaster, into a separate county, they shall be entirely disappointed of their expectations, notwithstanding all the cost and trouble HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 243 they have been at ; that therefore, they pray this house would take their case into consideration, and grant them relief, by erecting such parts of said coun ties, as they shall think most proper, into a new county, Avith the same privileges that the other coun ties of this province enjoy ; and that the seat of judi cature be fixed Avithin the said town of Reading.* Another petition was presented, February 5, 1752, from Avhich the following extract is presented : "They find the causes of their complaint still growing, they humbly beg leave further to represent, that they are settled at a very great distance froiri the place of judi cature, many of them not less than one hundred miles, which is a real hardship upon those Avho are so un happy as to be sued for debts, their charges in long journeys, and sometimes in severe Aveather, with the officers*' fees, amounting to near as much, if not more, than the debts ; that the hardships on jurymen, con stables, and in being obliged to attend when required, -is also very great; that now there is a new town laid out by the proprietaries' order, within fifteen perches of the division line between Philadelphia and Lancas ter counties, and ' above one hundred and thirty houses, and near as many families living therein, it is very easy for rogues and others to escape justice, by crossing Schuylkill, which has -already been their practice for some years ; that though their grievances were laid before the Assembly some years past,t were not redressed, because of other weighty affairs being at that tiriie under consideration ; yet the prayer of their petition was thought reasonable, and the number of petitioners being since doubled by the in crease of the back inhabitants, they therefore pray, that this house would grant relief in the premises by erecting them into a separate county, bounded, as to the wisdom of this house shall seem best."i * Votes of Assembly, vol. ir., p. 204. -j- 1739-40. Feb. 4, a petition signed by Conrad Weiser, John Davis, James Lewis, and others, was presented. + Votes of Assembly, vol. 4, p. 205. 244 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. The prayer of the petitioners was granted by the passing of act, March llth, 1752,* directing the erec tion of a county out of parts of Philadelphia,*! Ches ter,-): and Lancaster counties. § " Whereas, a great number of the back inhabitants of the county of Philadelphia, and the adjacent parts of Chester and Lancaster, by their petition, have humbly represented to the Governor and Assembly of this province, their remote situation from their re spective county towns, where the courts of justice are held, and public offices kept, Avhereby they are fre quently put to extraordinary expense of money, and loss of time, in their long journeys thither, as parties in cases, Avitnesses, jurymen, &c. For remedying Avhich inconveniences, and relief of the inhabitants in those remote parts in the premises, be it enacted by the Hon. James Hamilton, Esq., Lieutenant Gover nor, under the Hon. Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, true and absolute proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, and of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon the Delaware, by and Avith the advice and eonsent of the representatives of the freemen of the said province, in general assembly met, and by the authority of the same : That all and singular the lands lying within the province of Penn sylvania aforesaid, Avithin the limits and bounds as hereinafter described, be erected into a county, and the same are hereby erected into a county, named and henceforth to be called Berks; bounded as follows: By a line, at the distance of ten superficial miles south west from the Avestern bank of the river Schuylkill, opposite to the mouth of a creek called Monocasy,\\ * A, vol. iii., p. 227 of the rolls at Harrisburg. -(-Alsace, Exeter, Amity, AUimengle, or Albany, Oley; Cole- brookdale, and Hereford townships, then organized, were parts of Philadelphia county. iCoventry and part of Nantmill, now Union, part of Chester county. ^Caernarvon, Robeson, Heidelberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and Bern, then organized part of Lancaster county. JFeb. 18, 1769, an act was passed to settle this line. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 245 to the run north north-Avest to the extremity of the province, and south-east, until it shall intersect the line of Chester county; then on one straight line of McCall's manor ; then along the said line to the extremity thereof, and continuing the same course, to the line dividing Philadelphia and Bucks counties ; then along the said line north-west, to the extent of the county aforesaid. That it shall and may be lawful to, and for, Antho ny Lee, Francis Parvin, William Mangridge, William Bird and Joseph Millard, or any three of them, to purchase and take assurance to them and their heirs, of a piece of land, situate in some convenient place in the town of Reading, in trust, and for the use of the inhabitants of said county, and thereon to erect and build a court house and prison, sufficient to accommo date the public service of the said county, and for the ease and conveniency of the inhabitants. For which purpose three hundred pounds were authorized to be assessed and levied, for purchasing land, and finishing the court house and prison. By the same act, Edward Scull of Philadelphia county, Benjamin Lightfoot of Chester county, and Thomas Cooksbn of Lancaster county, were appoint ed to run, mark out and distinguish the boundary line betAveen the said counties of Philadelphia, Ches ter, Lancaster and of Berks. An act Avas passed, February 18, 1769, appointing William McClay, William Scull and John Biddle, jr., to settle and fix the boundary line dividing the coun ties of Lancaster, Berks and Cumberland. The for mer commissioners, Edward Scull, Benjamin Light- foot, and Thomas Cookson, not having continued said line further than the settlement at that time (1752) made. And Avhereas, many were then (1769) settled, and new settlements then making beyond the said lines of 1752, and disputes having then already risen, and others Avere likely to arise, concerning the limits. and bounds of the said counties of Lancaster, Cum- 246 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. berland, Berks, and Northampton ; by reason of the boundary lines of 1752, not being completed, the act of February 18, 1769, authorized and required Messrs. McClay, Scull, and "Biddle, and enjoined it that they should, within the space of nine months from the passage of the act, " to assemble themselves together, and to extend, run, and mark out, by actual survey, the boundary lines between the said counties Of Lancaster, Cumberland, and Berks, and between the county of Berks and that of Northampton, by continuing the said due north-west course, from the south-east ends of the lines already run between the said counties respectively, as far as the lands lately purchased by the honorable, the proprietaries of this province from the Indians, do extend ; and that the costs, charges, and expenses- of running, ' surveying, and marking out the said line, so far as the same shall run between the said counties of Berks and Lancaster — and that the costs, charges, and expenses of running the said line, so far as the same shall ex tend between the said counties of Cumberland and Berks, shall be paid equally betAveen the said coun ties of Berks and Cumberland." Berks, since its organization or erection in 1752, has been reduced by annexation of a part to the ¦ county of Northumberland, March 21, 1772, which was erected out of parts of Lancaster, Cumberland^ Berks, Bedford, and Northampton ; and by the erec tion of Schuylkill. As above stated, Berks county was formed out of Philadelphia, Chester, and Lancaster counties. All on the east side of the Schuylkill was, at the erection of Berks, part of Philadelphia, and was divided into the following townships: Alsace, Exeter, Amity, Allimengle, or Albany, Oley, and Colebrookdale. The southern portion of Berks was part of Chester, and divided into tAvo townships, Coventry and Nant- mill ; parts of each of these townships are now in cluded in Union tOAvnship, organized since the er.ec- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 247 tion of the county. The west and north-west portion was part of Lancaster, and divided into the following townships, namely: Caernarvon, Robeson, Tulpe hocken, Heidleberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and Bern. Schuylkill county was erected out of parts of Berks county and Northampton county, by an act of assembly, passed March 1st, 1811. In that act it is set forth that : " Whereas, the inhabitants of the northern parts of Berks and Northampton counties, have, by their petitions, set forth to the general as sembly of this state, the great hardship they labor under, from being so remote from the present seat of justice, and the public offices: Be it enacted, fyc. That all that part of Berks county, lying and being within the limits of the following townships, to wit : The townships of Brunswick, Schuylkill, Manheim, Nonvegian, Upper Mahantango, Lower Mahantango, and Pine Grove, in Berks county ; and the townships of West Penn and Rush, in Northampton county, shall be, and the same are hereby, according to their present lines, declared to be erected into a county, henceforth to be called Schuylkill. By the same act, courts were authorized to be held at the house then occupied by Abraham Reiffsnyder, in the township of Brunswick, until a court house should be built.* The following is an extract from the records of the court of quarter sessions : At a court of qarter sessions held at Orwigsburg, on the third Monday in December, 1811, before the Hon. Robert Porter, Esq., President Judge, the fol lowing Attornies were admitted : George Wolf, Charles Evans, Frederick Smith, Wm. Witman, James B. Hubley, John Spayd, John W. Collins, M. J. Biddle, Samuel Baird, John Ewing. •Smith's Laws of Pa. V. p. 202. 248 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Townships. Constables. Brunswick, Christian Kaup. Manheim, Jacob Emrich. Norwegian, Isaac Reed. Gine Prove, Christopher Barnhard Upper Mahantango, Peter Kahrl. Lower Mahantango, Joseph Keffer. Schuylkill, George Olinger. West Penn, None appeared. Rush, do do William Green, sheriff of Schuylkill county, hav ing returned the precept to him directed, in all things duly executed, whereupon the following persons were sworn and affirmed as a grand inquest, viz : Bernard Kepner, George Body, Jacob Houser, Adam Yost, Philip Fegelly, Tobias Wagoner, Isaac Yarnefl, Peter Kaup, Conrad Rader, Daniel Fenster- macher, Daniel Bensinger, Peter Albright, Joseph Heck, Joseph Old, Abraham Hoffee, John Klock, Daniel Graeff, George Hillowgas, Andrew Gilbert, Philip Seidle, Conrad Yeager. CHAPTEE II. TOPOGRAPHY, &c, OF TOWNSHIPS. East Brunsivick township is in the southern part of the county, and is bounded north-east by West Penn tOAvnship ; south-east by Lehigh and Berks counties; south-west and west by West Brunswick; north by Schuylkill township. The surface of this tOAvnship is diversified ; some portions mountainous,' some hilly, and undulating. The Blue mountain runs along the southern and Second mountain along its northern boundary ; the intervening space diversi fied. The soil is naturally not productive. Some portion of the land is classed among unseated lands. The population, in 1840, was 1,230. Taxes, assessed in 1844, for county purposes, $1,066 51 ; state tax, $485 31 ; on unseated lands, for county purposes, $25 54; state tax, $ 10 21. Port Clinton, a post toAvn, laid out in 1829, in Brunswick township, at the confluence of the Ta- maqua, or Little Schuylkill river with the main stream above the Water Gap, in the Blue mountain. It is quite a thriving place, having become such by the shipment of the products of the coal mines around Tamaqua. The Little Schuylkill railroad extends from this place, about twenty-three miles, into the coal fields about Tamaqua^ — the coal fields of the Tuscarora and Mauch Chunk mountain ; and the Schuylkill canal runs through the toAvn, which adds greatly to the prosperity of the place. The country around Port Clinton is very mountainous and sterile. 250 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. During the French and Indian war, the few scat tering inhabitants, contiguous to the mountain, and the present boundary of Berks, were occasionally alarmed on account of the murders committed by the savages that were marauding through the southern portion of Schuylkill county, (then Berks.) The fol lowing account of massacres, committed by the Indi ans, is here inserted, to show the situation of the pioneer settlers along the Blue mountain : In the early part of February, 1756, the Indians committed several cruel and barbarous murders in this township. Onthe 14th of February, .1756, the Indians came to the house of Frederick Reichelsdenfer, shot two of his children, set his house and barn on fire, and burnt up all his grain and cattle. Thence they proceeded to the house of Jacob Gerhart, where they killed one man, tAvo women, and six children. Two children slipped under the bed, one of which was burned ; the other escaped, and ran a mile, to get to the people. When the intelligence of this murder had reached Maxatany, many of the inhabitants of that township repaired to Albany, to see what damage had been done ; while on their Avay, they received accounts of other murders : " When," says Jacob Levan, in a letter to Mr. Seely, February 15, 1756, " I had got ready to go with my neighbors from Maxatany, to see what damage Avas done in Albany, three men, that had seen the shocking affair, came and told me that eleven Avere killed, eight of them burnt, and the other three found dead out of the fire. An old man was scalped, the two others, little girls, Avere not scalped."* On the 24th of March following, says the Pennsyl vania Gazette, April 1, 1756, ten wagons went up to Allemaengle, (Albany) to bring down a family with their effects ; and as they were returning, about three miles below George ZeislofPs, were fired upon by a * History of Berks and Lebanon, p. 58. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 251 number of Indians from both sides of the road ; upon which the wagoners left their wagons and ran into the woods, and the horses, frightened at the firing and terrible yelling of the Indians, ran down a hill and broke one of the wagons to pieces. That the enemy killed George Zeisloff and his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy of tAvelve, also a girl of fourteen years old, four of whom they scalped. That another girl was shot in the neck, and through the mouth, and scalped, notwithstanding all which she got off. That a boy was stabbed in three places, but the wounds were not thought to be mortal. That they killed two of the horses, and five are missing, with which it is thought the Indians carried off the most valuable goods that were in the Avagon. Sometime in November, 1756, the Indians appeared again in this tOAvnship, and carried off the wife of and three children of Adam Burns — the youngest child was only four weeks old. In the month of June, 1737, the Indians murdered one Adam Trump — they took Trump's wife and his son, a lad nineteen years old, prisoners; but the Avoman escaped, though upon her flying, she was so closely pursued by one of the Indians, (of Avhich there Avere seven,) that he threw his tomahawk at her, and cut her badly in the neck. The instances of murder Avere both numerous and barbarous in this tOAvnship. Manheim township is bounded on the north by Norwegian tOAvnship ; east by West Brunswick ; south by Berks county ; and west by Wayne town ship. The surface of the township is diversified ; on the northern boundary is the Sharp mountain ; the Blue mountain is along the south, and the Second mountain crosses the interval. The soil is principally good — naturally not very productive, though we meet occasionally some tolerably well improved farms. The township is pretty well watered. The Schuylkill river winds through the north-eastern portion of it, and 252 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. receives in its course the west branch of the Indian run, which rises in this township, and flows north east along the south side of the Sharp mountain. Panther creek rises also in this township, floAving an eastern direction, and empties into the Schuylkill river, six miles west of Orwigsburg ; Beaver creek, Long run, Bear creek, and some smaller streams. In 1840, this tOAvnship contained thirteen stores, four grist mills, sixteen saw mills, one furnace, one forge, one powder mill, two tanneries. Population in 1820,2,104; in 1830, 2,160; in 1840, 3,441. Taxes assessed in 1844, for county purposes, $2,208 75 ; state tax, $923 03. Schuylkill Haven, a post village and borough, in corporated in 1841, is situated on the left bank ofthe Schuylkill river, four miles beloAv Pottsville, immedi ately below the junction of the West Branch, and about three miles west of OrAvigsburg. It Avas laid out in 1S29, by Mr. D. I. Rhodes, and others. The West Branch railroad here communicates Avith the Schuylkill Navigation, and the transhipment of the coal has created considerable business in this place, and contributed much to the groAvth of the place. The toAvn consists now of about eighty good, and many small dwellings, five stores, five taverns, two churches — an Episcopal and a Methodist church. There is also a German Reformed church near it. The population numbers about 1,000. Here is a weigh lock for canal boats, a grist mill and a saw mill ; two bridges across the river. The railroad company has j ust finished an exten sive building, in the form of a cupola, 126 feet in di ameter, and about 100 feet high. It is intended for a " car depot." It adds much to the appearance of the toAvn, Avhich for fineness of scenery can vie Avith toAvns of greater magnitude. " Fertile farms and very picturesque scenery surround the town, and the pright river here meanders among the broad meadows HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 253 as if delighted with being unrestrained by the rocky precipices of the coal region. "The West Branch railroad brings in the products of many rich mines. It has been constructed in a sub stantial manner, and of such dimensions that the heavy cars of the Reading railroad, with which it here intersects, may run upon it." Branch township is bounded on the north-Avest by Barry township ; north-east by Nonvegian ; south east by Wayne, and south-Avest by Lower Mahan tango. The surface of this township is diversified ; the soil a red shale and gravel, is somewhat fruitful, if carefully cultivated ; and sufficiently so, as to am ply repay the labor bestowed upon it. The abun dance of anthracite coal adds infinitely to the value of this township. A considerable portion is classed among unseated lands. The several ridges of the Mahonoy, and spurs of the Broad mountains, cover its surface. The West Branch of the Schuylkill flows through this township. In 1840, it contained two grist mills, fourteen saw mills, eight stores. In the same year, there were mined in this township, 300,000 tons of anthracite coal. In 1844, there Avere mined a much larger quantity. The tax for county purposes in 1844, Avas $2,256 59; state tax, §914 19; on unseated lands, for county purposes, $377 36 ; state tax, $158 09. Population in 1840, 1,442. Minersville, a post town, incorporated into a borough, April 1, 1841, in Nonvegian township, is beautifully situated, four miles north-west of Potts-1 ville, in a delightful valley, through which the West Branch of the Schuylkill river meanders purlingly. It is a place of considerable importance. The editor of the Miners' Journal says, when speaking of this place, in December, 1830 : "A little more than twelve months ago, the present site of the toAvn dwelt in all the loneliness of uncultivated nature, since which its aspect has undergone a wonderful change in improve- 254 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ments and population. Along the margin of the town, the West Branch rail road extends, and termi nates at Schuylkill Haven, distance seven miles and a half from Minersville, affording an easy and expe ditious mode of transportation. The principal street bears the name of Sunbury, on which are situated all the stores and public buildings. It was formerly the old Sunbury road, communicating with the rich val leys in the direction of the Susquehanna. The northern portion of the village is firm dry soil, grad ually rising and affording a southern exposure of favorable character for private' dAvellings, Seven large houses have already been erected during the present season on this spot, by Messrs. Bennet & Gil- more, together with a number of small buildings in the same quarter. Last spring there were but six dwellings in all, since Avhich there has been an in crease of forty-nine substantial houses."* At present the town consists of rising one hundred dwellings, many of which are commodious; six taverns, nine stores, five churches ; one Welsh Cal- vinistic, Welsh Baptist, Welsh New School Presby terian, Methodist, and German Reformed and Lu theran; a flouring mill, steam saw mill, foundery, car manufactory, and a number of Avarehouses. The toAvn is surrounded by mines and coal hills, abounding in anthracite coal of good quality. The first machine for breaking coal in this county, was erected on Wolf creek, near this toAvn, by Mr. Bast. We saw this machine at work, and it seems to answer a good purpose, for it saves a vast amount of labor. Llewellyn, which it obtained from a Welsh miner, David Llewellyn, is a brisk village, on the West Branch of the Schuylkill, consisting of some fifty or sixty dwellings, three taverns and several stores. There is considearable business done here. Two miles and a half north-west from the village •Hazard's Reg. Pa., Vol. vii. p. 16. HITSORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 255 is the immense tunnel of the New York company. It is driven into the Broad mountain, and wide enough for a double track of railroad. Lower Mahantango township* is bounded on the north by Upper Mahantango tOAvnship ; on the north east by Barry and Branch toAvnships ; south by Pine Grove ; and south-west by Dauphin county. The Mahantango mountain extends along its northern boundary, dividing this township from Upper Ma hantango. The Broad mountain crosses it from south-west to north-east, and the Sharp mountain runs on and near the southern line. The surface is diversified, mountainous, hilly and undulating ; and portions of it very rugged and broken ; a considera ble proportion is classed among "unseated land." Many of its valleys, for they are numerous, and hill sides are productive, having a soil of red shale — am ply repaying the labor expended on its improvement. It is watered and drained by Long Pine creek, Avhich crosses the township from east to west ; Deep creek and the Swatara from the southern part of the town ship. In Deep creek valley, anthracite coal abounds. In 1840 it contained four stores, five grist mills, thir teen saw mills, two tanneries. Population in 1820, 937; in 1830, 1,234; in 1840, 1,465. Taxes assessed in 1844, for county purposes, $1,384 36 ; state tax, $588 24, Taxes on unseated lands — county tax, $52S 34; state tax, $211 47. Barry township is bounded on the north by Up per Mahantango township ; north-east by Norwegian ; south-east by Branch; and south-Avest by LoAver Mahantango'. The surface is hilly and mountainous. *Since 1840, Porter township has been erected, and is bounded on the east by Lower Mahantango ; south by Pine Grove town ship ; west by Dauphin county. Thie township has much "un seated land," the tax upon which was, in 1844, $419 09. The county tax on real and personal estate, besides on unseated land, in 1844, was $187 96; state tax, $87 50. 256 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. The several ridges of the Mahahony and spurs of the Broad mountain cover its surface, but the intervening valleys have, a soil of red shale and are tolerably productive. Much, however, of the land is classed among " unseated lands." In one of these valleys, fo the south-east, flows Deep creek into Long Pine creek, which also rises in this township. The Great Mahonoy and Little Ma- honoy creeks, both considerable streams, flow through this township ; the former rises in Bush township, and flows west, south-west, along the south side of the Mahonoy ridge, about fifty miles, and falls into the Susquehanna river, eleven miles below Sunbury. About one-half its course towards its mouth is in Northumberland county. In 1840, it contained two stores, one forge, three grist mills, twenty-three saw mills. Population in 1830, 443 ; in 1840, 639. Taxes levied in 1844, for county purposes, $795 13; state tax, $235 30. Taxes on unseated lands, for county purposes, $377 36; state tax, $158 09. Pine Grove township is one of the south western tOAvnships, and is bounded on the north by Potts tOAvnship, erected since 1840 ; east by Wayne ; south by Berks county ; and west by Lebanon and Dauphin counties. The surface of this township is generally very mountainous, though Ave meet with here and there an inviting and fertile spot, rendered productive by the persevering hand of industry. A considerable proportion is classed among " unseated lands." " This township is drained by the Swatara creek, Avhose branches traverse it in every direction. Along the main stream of the SAvatara, which flows on the north side of the Blue mountain, runs the navigable feeder of the Union canal, including the Great Dam, or Artificial Lake, made by the Union Canal Com pany, in a narrow part of the gorge of the mountain through which the creek passes. This great work extends across the pass, abutted by solid rocks, four HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 257 hundred and thirty feet, and the water Avhich is ar rested, covers between seven and eight hundred acres. A towing path is constructed along the margin to the head of the pond, a distance of six miles, from which place the canal has been continued four miles to the village of Pine Grove, where basins have been made to facilitate the coal trade." A gentleman, William Rank, Esq.,* in a commun nication to the writer, speaking of the Great Dam, says : " The Union Canal Company erected a dam in the Swatara Gap, of immense altitude, for a dam; forty-five feet, is the height of it ! This dam inun dates about eight hundred acres of land; and the pond forms a Complete artificial lake, and proves, oc casionally, a death place for some , deer, which, to elude the chase of dogs, take to the deep and are there taken. There are still some deer in the moun tains, not distant from the dam. The way hunters manage to take deer is, to set their dogs in pursuit of them, and during the 'Chase, some of the party of the hunters do take stations near and along the pond or lake ; Avhen the deer are hotly pursued by the dogs, they make for the water, arid thus are taken, in some cases alive, by the hunters. " The dani was constructed to serve as a reservoir, to feed the canal— it needs feedirig, for it consumes much to keep aU its functions moving— arid also to answer as a slack Avater navigation, for the distance of six miles, towards Pirie Prove, and the coal region. What changes!" In 1846, it contained Six stores, two furnaces, one forge, three grist mills, twelve saw mills. Population in 1820, 1,868, (including part of Wayne;) in 1830, 1,609 ; in 1840, 1,605, besides those Of " Pine Grove borough." Taxes assessed in 1844, for county pur- . poses, $1,426 53; state tax, $642 47. (For, the borough, $364 92; $151 57.) Taxes on unseated •History of Berks and Lebanon, p. 350. Q 258 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. lands, for county purposes, $632 39; state tax-on- same, $256 71. Pine Grove, post town and borough of Pine Grove township, is a beautiful and busy place, situate at the base of the Blue mountain, on the Swatara creek, . about fifteen miles west of the river Schuylkill, and eighteen from Pottsville. It may be emphatically termed a business, place, for every one in it appears - to be employedf— " loafers and idlers are scarce," " It is the principal shipping depot of the western section of the great anthracite coal basin, possessing. facilities for transportation through the medium of the Union canal, a branch of whieh extends to this place,. and terminates in basins made for boats, from which a railroad leads to the coal region, and several* branches of it to different coal mines:, on Larberry creek, four or, five miles from the town, hy means of which coals are conveyed to .' the shipping depot. Here the busy hum of active employment, joined to. the rumbling of the car wheels, and the rattling of the article as it is unloaded into the boats, breaks-, pleasantly upon the ear, through tha quiet which en-. velopes the dAvelling portion of the. borough."* The town has several streets and about one hun dred dwellings ; several large, commodious hotels, six. or seven stores, a large German Reformed and Lutheran church, an academy-, several mills. There is^ also a forge contiguous, established since 1828. Be fore the commencement of the coal trade, this region was sparsely; inhabited by a few scattered German farmers, and some lumbermen ; for there Avas a time,. not more than, thirty years ago, when lumber and building materials were brought, in great quantities- down the Swatara, and landed at Jonestown, in Lebanon county, from which those, of Tulpehocken, Muleback, and others, Avere supplied ; but, sirice the tables have turned, lumber of various kinds is, brought up the canal from Portsmouth, on the Sus-,- * Anthracite, Gazette, 1844. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 259- quehanna, to Pine Grove and intermediate places.. These changes have proved reverses to many. The future prosperity of this place will depend much upon the facilities afforded in transporting coal to market. Pine Grove was incorporated, March 7, 1843. Since the commencement of the- coal business, a considerable quantity of coal has been shipped from- Pine Grove; in 1837,17,000 tons; in 1838, 13,000; m 1839,20,639; in 184.0, 23,860; in 1S4L, 17,653; in 1842, 32,381; in 1843,22,905; in 1S44, 34,916; making an aggregate, in eight years, of 182,354 tons. If the Union canal were widened sot as to admit large boats, the quantity shipped here would be ma terially increased. Swataraville, near Pine Grove, is a small village,. consisting of a feAv old looking dwellings. Rush township is bounded on the north-Avest by Union tOAvnship ; north-east by Carbon county ; south by West Penn township ; and south-Avest by Schuyl kill tOAvnship. This, like other- townships in this re gion, is covered to> some considerable extent with mountains and high hills, not yet thoroughly explored, except the southern section, which abounds Avith coal mines. It is said that there is a salt spring in this tOAvnship, near the mouth of Panther creek, a small tributary of the Little Schuylkill river. In 1820, this township contained only 253 inhabitants; in 1830, 359 ; in 1840, 37& It contains several villages or towns. Home, laid out some ten or fifteen years ago, by tlie Messrs. Duncan of Philadelphia!, is situated in Locust valley, at the intersection of the Catawissa and Berwick roads. " It is said to possess advantages not common in this part of the country ; to be surround ed by good farm land, havmg abundance of limestone in the neighborhood." It consists of feAv houses. Patterson, named after Bind Patterson-* Esq., is on tihe Schuylkill valley railroad, about seven miles- from. 260 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Port Carbon, at the confluence of the Big creek with the Schuylkill river. It was laid out by Burd Patter son, Swift and Porter, in 1830, and contains twenty dwellings, two taverns. In the sunny days of this once bustling village, Messrs. Halsey & Runnioh erected a brewery, which has, however, been aban doned for some years. Minehill, abounding with ex cellent anthracite coal, approaches the town, and no doubt will furnish the means of the future prosperity of the place. The first settlement made in the vicinity of this village, was by John Bushey, between 1785 and 1790. Bushey afterwards sold it to Mr. John Seltzer. Tuscarora, a post village, in Rush township, on the north side of Tuscarora mountain, atthe headwaters of the Schuylkill river, and on the Shuylkill valley railroad, was laid out in 1830, by Joseph Lyon. It is one of the Alladin lamp creations of the coal trade, and consists of twenty dwellings, much scattered, two taverns and one store. The principal part of the town, with a large tract of land, is held by Stevenson, and Schuylkill company. Formerly it was chiefly inhabited by miners, who depended on the coal trade. Near the village is an extensive coal mine, which has been worked for nine years, by James Palmer, but at present it is not in operation. The village is loca ted in a wild and barren country, and its future pros perity depends upon the success of coal business here. The railroad terminates here, connecting with Port Carbon. Some ten years ago, Bell & Son, erected a large commodious frame building, which was occu pied several years as a hotel; but owing to a change of times, it has not been occupied as such for the last six years. The first settlers in and about Tuscarora, were George Raber, Jacob Ladig, Peter Ladig and Henry Schejl. Mr. Raber resided for many years, one mile west of Tuscarora, where he had purchased an improvement made by George Frehero, sixty years HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 261 ago. Rheinhard, Kersher, and Fries,, were early set tlers east of Tuscarora. . Tamaqua, a post toAvn and village, laid out by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, in 1829, is sit uated in a dell, between the Sharp and Loeust moun tains, Avhere scarcely ground enough Avas found for sites for houses and gardens by scraping away the rocks that incumbered it. It is on the Tamaqua, or Little Schuylkill riVer, seven miles from Avhere it rises, and seventeen above its junction with the main stream, and fifteen from Pottsville. At present it is quite a brisk place, Like many -of the coal towns, the houses are not built hard by each other — rather in straggling clusters, numbering in all one hundred and thirty dwellings ; some of which are substantially built. It contains six taverns, four stores ; formerly also a brewery, one Catholic church, one Episcopal, one German Reformed and Lutheran; a car and coach manufactory. Population 500. The inhabitants mainly depend on the coal trade ; for anthracite coal is abundant here, found in large veins, and of excellent quality. The coal lands in the vicinity, are principally owned by the Lehigh Coal Company. The coal mines worked here are above water level. The veins of eoal are alphabetically enumerated ; several of them have been successfully mined. Vein D, on fhe east side of the Little Schuyl kill, or Tamaqua river, has a driftinto it, of 3,300 feet in length, from which one hundred tons of coal are daily taken. From the same vein, on the west side of the river, fifty or sixty tons are daily taken out. Both worked by the Little Schuylkill Company. Vein E, on east side of Tamaqua, has a drift of 2,200 feet, out of which one hundred and forty tons are daily taken. Vein E, has not been Avorked on the west side. Vein F, has a drift of 2,300 feet, worked on the east and Avest Vein E and F are worked by Mr. Carter. Veins A, B, and C, higher up Tamaqua, have not yet been opened. Veins 0, P, Q, and % 562 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. are south ofthe village. . Q is the only one worked. There is a railroad from Port Clinton to Tamaqua. It is said to be the best in these regions, and so nearly level, that the horses which drag the car, go up it at the rate of ten miles an hour. From the Avinding course of the river, it Avas found necessary, in the con struction of this railroad, to cross the Tamaqua river several times, which is done on covered bridges. Those who delight in mountain scenery, will be fully gratified in a ride on this railroad, which runs its whole distance by the side, or in the neighborhood of hills, lifting their tree-crowned summits high into the clouds. A continuation of this railroad from Tamaqua, to -connect with the Quakahe and Cattawissa railroad, has been projected, but never made. A stage road ¦connects Tamaqua Avith Mauch Chunk railroad, five miles east at the Summit Mines, and with the Schuyl kill valley railroad, four miles west, at Tuscaroa. Schuylkill township is one of the central toAvn- ships of this county, and is bounded on the north west by Union township ; north-east by Rush and West Pehn; south by East BrunsAvick and West Brunswick ; south-west by Manheim and Nonve gian townships. It comprehends a rich section of the eoal region, having Avithin it the Sharp mountain, Mine hill, or Locust mountain, the Broad mountain and the Mahonoy mfcuntain, in all of which anthra cite coalabounds ; it embraces the greater portion of the Schuylkill . Valley Railroad, along which a vast number of mines have been opened. (See description below, of Schuylkill valley.) The Cattawissa creek crosses the northern section of the tOAvnship, where it is navigable for canoes ; and the Great and Little Ma honoy creeks cross it south-westwardly ; and south of the Sharp mountain, Tumbling creek Aoavs in the same direction towards the Schuylkill, below Mount Carbon. It contains the villages of Middleport, Green- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 263 field, Louisburg, Patterson, Bell Forest, Five Point Mines, Cumbulla, New Philadelphia, &c. The roads from M'Keansburg to Cattawissa and Sunbury, pass through the township. The surface of the country is mountainous;, the soil chiefly of white gravel, alternating with red shale, and gener ally sterile; a considerable portion of it is classed among " unseated lands." Louisburg, a small village, on the road from M'Keansburg to Cattawissa, about eight miles north west of Orwigsburg. It consists of five or six dwell ings, one tavern and a store. This township had, in 1840, two grist mills, nine saw mills and four stores. Population in 1820, 546 ; in 1S30, 1,200; in 1840, 1,334; at present, (1845,) rising 1,500. The Taxes assessed for 1844, amounted to, for county purposes, 81,877 O0; state purposes, $743 83. Taxes on unseated lands — county tax, $184 45; state tax, S73 76. Here is inserted a description of Schuylkill valley, &c, Avritten twelve years ago, since which time, im portant changes have been made. It is principally from Hazard's Register .- " This valley is narrow, and lies between the Sharp ^mountain and Mine hill, and commencing near Potts ville, runs eastwardly about thirteen miles. Both sides of the Valley abound AA-ith excellent anthracite coal. The river Schuylkill, which is here but a creek, has its course from its primal fountain, through this valley ; and the valuable mines are approached by the railroad that follows the banks, which are nearly parallel with the direction of the coal strata. Deep* ravines extend from the rroad northward, to Mme hill, •through which commonly, a small stream of water runs, cutting the veins "transversely, so that they can be advantageously werked above the water level. Thus about two miles above Port Carbon, at the mouth of Zachariah's run, are the "Five Point Klines" which- are very extensive, and produce first 264 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. rate coal. Along the run a lateral railroad may be made communicating with many valuable coal beds. One mile above Bolton Curry's mine, is the " Bopp Tract," OAvned by Messrs. Hubley. Indian run di vides this tract, along which a lateral road may be- also made to mines of approved quality. The. next, upon the river, is the " Barloio and Evans Tract" near the mouth of Silver creek, four miles above Port Carbon. This stream, passes through Mine hill, and gives access tothe large and valuable tracts of Messrs. Burd Patterson, Geissenheimer and others. On the Glenworth and Valley Furaace tracts, is another lateral road, a njile above which is another stream, running through the Valley Furnace property, up which a lateral road has also been made to some five mines. Above this, lies Middleport, a new post town, at the confluence of the Kaskawilliam creek with the Schuylkill riyer. Up this stream, laterals- have been made to the Mine hill, by the proprietors of the land known as the " Jacob Stahl," " Olioger," and " Bushey Tracts," on each of Avhich, open ings have been, made into beds of coal of good quality. The next lateral road is up Laurel creek, to the De- long collieries,, OAvned by Mr. Lauton, and Blight, Wallace, & Co. One mjle above this, is the town of Patterson, owned by Messrs. Burd Patterson, Swift & Porter. Big creek, which penetrates the Mine hill, and divides the coal strata advantageously, passes through this place. The river road and Mine hill, are much nearer to, each other, than below, having, gradually converged from a mile above Port Carbon- As the road follows the course of the river, at many of the bends it intersects the veins transversely, for they range invariably seventeen degrees north of east. This circumstance is worthy of notice, as it shows that the coal is by no nieans confined to the north side of the river ; and there are on the south side several flne tracts, as at Middleport, the valuable property of Messrs. Robb and David Winebrenner, pf Philadelphia, known as the <*¦ Jacob. Ladig," arid HITSORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 265 part of that owned by Messrs. Porter, Enierick, and Kom, called the " Hiesler Tract." Next above Pat terson, lies the " Peter Ladig Tract" of Mr. Biddle, and the " Raber Tract," OAvned by the same gentle man, and Mr. Edwin Swift. These are rich in coal, and advantageously situated. Pebble run divides the strata finely for mining operations, about a mile and a half above Big creek. It passes over "Raber Tract," and divides Mine hill, here called " Locust mountain." Next to the " Rabev- Tract" is the " Tuscarora Tract" of Mr. William Lawton, Blight, Wallace & Co. — a large tftract. The next tract above this, is also a large one, belonging to, Joseph Lyons and Jacob Alter. The river rises from the springs of this tract, Avhich divide the ground advantageously for mining. The veins Avhich we have just noticed, are said to have four hundred) breast above the water level." Union township \s< in the north-eastern part of the county, and is bounded as follows : On the north by Luzerne county; south-east and south by Rush and Schuylkill townships ; west and north-west by Colum bia county. This township is. mostly covered with mountains, and high rugged hills ; and until late had been but little explored, except the southern portions of it. A considerable proportion of it is classed among unseated lands. It is but sparsely populated. In 1840, it contained 906 inhabitants. The county tax assessed in 1844s, on real estate and personal property, amounted to $640 79 ;. for state purposes, $308 85. Upper Mahantango township, a north-western township, is bounded on, the north and, north-west by Northumberland county ; east by Nonvegian town- Ship ; South by Barry and Lower Mahantango town ships ; on. the west by Dauphin county. The surface is hilly — it is a " congregation of hills ;" having the Mahonoy mountain on the north,, and Mahantango, an the south. It is watered principally by two-. 266 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL 'COUNTY. ¦branches of' the Mahantango creek, flowing west wardly through it; after uniting, they flow onward for eighteen or twenty miles, into the Susquehanna river, about twenty-five -miles above Harrisburg. The soil is red shale and white gravel ; the former is sus ceptible of improvement ; but the latterrequires more labor to be bestowed upon to make it yield, than will repay the husbandman. A portion of it is classed among " unseated lands?' The population in 1820, was 863; in 1830, 1,15©:; in 1840, 1,291. The taxes assessed for 1844, were, for county purposes, $1,194 22 ; state tax, $520 41 ; on unseated lands; — county tax, $21 "S5; state tax, $8 75. In 1840, it contained eight grist mills, eight saw mills, five stores, and 6ne distillery. Zimmermanstoivn, is a small cluster of houses -m the northern par,t of the township. It containsa store and tavern. Wayne township is bounded on the north by Branch township; east by Manheim tOAvnship; south -by Berks county; and on the west by Pine Grove township. A great proportion of this township is mountainous and hilly; soil gravel, though considera bly improved, it is Avatered by several small streams, tributaries of the SAvatara ereek and the Schuylkill river, affording mill seats for a number of grist mills and some tAventy-five sawmills. Population iri 1S40, 1,621. Taxes for 1844 — county tax, gl,513 35 ; state tax, $665 47. Taxes on " unseated lands" — county -tax, $61 89 ; state tax, $24 82. Friedensburg, a post village, nine miles from Pine 'Grove, and five from Schuylkill Haven, consisting of some fifteen or eighteen dAvellings, two taverns and one store. The surrounding 'country is pretty weH improved. Agriculture receives considerable atten tion. Lime, as a manure, is beginning to be used. Its ¦application rewards the farmer ampiy. The &av scattering inhabitants ef this region •©! HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 267 country in 1755 to 1763, were greatly alarmed on account of the numerous murders committd by the savage Indians. The greater part, or all, had fled from their plantations into the more southern parts of Berks county. In October, 1755, the Indians were traversing this region of country, and committed several murders under circumstances of much cruelty. Mr. W. Parsons addressed a letter to the Rev. Kintz, dated October, 1755, as follows: " This morning, very early, between four and five o'clock, Adam Rees, an inhabitant over the first mountain, about six miles from Lawrance Hant's house, who lives on this side of the mountain, came to my house, and declared that yesterday, between eleven and twelve o'clock, he heard three guns fired toward the plantation of his neighbor, Henry Hart man, which made him suspect that something more than ordinary had happened there. Whereupon he took his gun and went over to Hartman's house, be ing about a quarter of a mile off, and found him lying dead upon his face ; his head was scalped ; but saAv no body else. He riiade, thereupon, the best of his way through the woods, to the inhabitants on this side of the mountain, to inform them of Avhat had happend."* In another letter to Adam Reed, Mr. Parsons says: Sir : — I wrote you yesterday, that I intended to be -with you at the unhappy place, where Henry Hart man was murdered, but when I got to the top of the mountain, I met some men, who said they had seen two men lying dead and scalped, in the Shamokin road, about two or three miles from the place Avhere Ave were; wherefore, Ave altered our course, bemg twenty-six in number, and Avent to the place, and found the two men lying dead, about three hundred yards from each other, and all the skin scalped off .their heads. -* Provincial JJecords, N. p. 258. 268 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. We got a grubbing hoe and spade, and dug a grave as well as we could, the ground being very stony, and buried them both in one grave, without taking off their clothes or examining at all their wounds ; only we saw that a bullet had gone through the leg of one of them. I thought it best to bury them, to prevent their bodies from bemg torn to pieces by wild beasts.. One of the men had a daughter with him that is yet missing; and the other man had a wife, and three or four children, that are also miss ing. I shall be obliged to return home in a day or two, but hope to. see you sometime about Christmas, and to find my unhappy countrymen someAvhat relieved from this distressed condition. I can't help thinking that it would be well for a good number of the in habitants to go, next Monday, and help to- bring the poor people's grain and corn to this side ofthe moun- t tain — it will help to maintain them, which we must do, if they can't maintain themselves ; and 'tis very likely those barbarous Indians will set fire to, and burn all, if it be not soon secured.* I am, Sir, your very humble servant, WM. PARSONS. West Brunswick township is bounded on the north by Schuylkill township ; east by East Brunswick ; south by Berks county ; and west by Manheim town ship. The surface is diversified ; mountainous, hilly, and a small portion of it is level. It has the Blue mountain on the south, and the Second mountain on the north ; and the intermediate portion is diversified by many hills, of which the- Little mountain is a part, The soil is red shale and Avhite gravel. All along the riorth sido of the Blue mountain, is a belt of red shale, succeeded by a thin limestone formation. A con siderable portion of which occurs near Orwigsburg. This tOAvnship is pretty well Avatered. Pine ereek is ?Provincial Records, N. p. 288. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 269 the principal stream flowing through this township, in a south-western direction' — it falls into the Schuyl kill river six miles below Schuylkill Haven. There are several mills on it. There are still some lands in this township classed among "unseated lands." The taxes assessed in 1844, for county purposes, amounted to, exclusive of Orwigsburg, $1,434 33 ; for state pur poses, $626 28. Population in 1840, 1,701. Be sides Orwigsburg, there are several small villages in the township. Orwigsrurg, post toAvn, borotlgh and seat of jus tice of Schuylkill county, stands on a rising ground, near a small stream,* which flows into the Schuyl kill river. ^It Avas laid out by Peter Orwig, in 1796, but was not much settled till after 1811, when Schuylkill county was separated from Berks, when it was made the county seat, and incorporated, March 12th, 1813. The valley in which this town lies, is surrounded by lofty and beautiful hills, AVhich admit of cultiva tion to their very summits. The lands, though much broken, are well cultivated, and very productive. The town consists of about two hundred dwellings, many of which are three story, and of brick, con venient and handsome. The court house and public offices are of brick ; the former, a large substantial building, surmounted by a cupola, and the academy is a spacious building, also with a cupola. This insti tution Avas incorporated in 1813, and received a dona tion of $2,000 from the state ; four public schools. There are seA*eral fine churches here, viz : The Lutheran, which is a spacious building ; the German Reformed, the corner stone of Avhich Avas laid, August 2Sth, 1831, and the one held by the " Church of •Tradition has it, that at the junction ofthe little creek which runs around Orwigsburg with the Schuylkill, was once a con siderable Indian town, on or near Scollop Hill. The tunnel ofthe canal passes through this hill. 270 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. God," and one by the Evangelical Association ; five- stores, and four taverns, one printing office, issuing a weekly paper called Die Stimmedes Volks. The population of the town was, in 1820, 600 ; in L830,. 773 ; in 1840, 779 ; at present (1844,) rising 800. The turnpike leading from Reading to. Pottsville, on to Sunbury, passes through here. The toAvn is twenty-six miles from, Reading, and eight south-east of Pottsville. McKeansburg is a, brisk post village, four miles north-east of Orwigsburg, contains about thirty dwell ings, tAvo stores and, several taverns. Landisville, on the Reading railroad, two miles from Orwigsburg, contains some thirty dweEings,. two stores and tAvo taverns, and public school houses. *> West Penn township is in the north-eastern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Rush township ; north-east by Carbon county ; south-east by Lehigh county ; south and south-west by East Brunswick township. The surface is hilly, the soil gravelly, and naturally not very productive — rather sterile. A considerable proportion of the land is classed among " unseated , lands." The Tamaqua,. or Little Schuylkill river, drains it on the north-west,. which rises in Rush township, and near the boundary of Northampton county, and at the foot of the Spring mountain, and by a devious, but southward course, joins the main stream or Schuylkill at Port Clinton, on the north, side of the Kittatinny or Blue mountain, receiving many small tributaries. Along the valley of this stream is a railroad from Port Clinton to Ta maqua, a post village in Rush township. Lizard creek and; Mahoning creeks rise in this township,, running eastwardly and emptying into the Lehigh river. These streams afford considerable water power. The coal hills of Mauch Chunk and Tuscarora moun tains give it a high value. It abounds with anthracite- coal. It contains several mills — a German Reform- and Lutheran Church.. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 271? The inhabitants of this township, on the southern border, were, in 1755-'56, and later, much exposed to Indian degradations. [See East Brunswick town-. ship.] The population of 1830, was- 1,379 ; in 1840, 1,230. Taxes- assessed in 1844, for county purposes, $1,074 63; state tax, $4*56 6,3; on unseated lands,. county tax, $204- 41 ; state tax, $81 73. Norwegian township is one of thenorthern town-- ships, and is bounded on the north by Broad moun tain; north-east by Schuylkill township; south by Manheim; south-west by Branch and Barry, and.: west by Upper Mahantango. towriship. This town ship, though covered with mountains and hills, and containing little arable land of good quality, is one of the most important ones, in Schuylkill county, if noV in the state, and has been the principal scene of won drous improvements, of which Pottsville is the centre. The Sharp mountain, the southern , boundary of the anthracite coal formation of Pennsylvania, forms . its southern line, and the north is marked by Broad mountain. The main branch of the Schuylkill river enters it from the north-east, and receives Mill creek and two branches of the Norwegian creek. The West Branch, and the west-Avest branch of the Schuylkill, enter it from the north and west, all of which give ready access to ,the veins of coal, by the • facilities whieh their valleys afford for the construction ., of railroads and penetration of the hills. The main; river has two dams, with canals, in the township;* the first forms the basin at Mount Carbon and Potts ville, and the other the basin at. Port Carbon. A railroad follows the main stream from the latter place to its source— another, on Mill creek, which extends . about four miles, arid a third on the two branches of the Norwegian. The latter is known as the Mount*- ©arbon railspoad. On the West, and West-West, 'Hazard's Keg. of Pa. for, 1831. 272 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY* Branch, a fourth railroad penetrates the Broad mountain. There are several towns and villages in this town ship, noticed below. Pottsville and Vicinity. Before 1790, there were, comparatively speaking, few settlers north of the Blue, or Kittatinny mountain, within the limits of Schuylkill county, except in the valley south of the Second mountain. About the year 1795, or '96, two individuals, Lewis Reese and Isaac Thomas, settled on the north of the well known "Schneid Berg," i. e. Sharp mountain, in the Schuylkill Gap. Having purchased a tract of land, and erected a small furnace, •carrying it on for some time, they sold it in 1806, to John Pott, of District township, Berks county.* Mr. Pott tore down the furnace, and erected in its stead, Greenwood forge, the remains of which are still visible. In 1807, he built Greenwood furnace, which was successfully in operation till 1827, the time of •John Pott's death ; then it passed into the hands of Benjamin Pott, son of the deceased, and since through several hands. That furnace is, however, no more. The Greenwood Basin occupies the site Of the old furance. When Reese and Thomas erected the fur- *John Pott's father, Wilhelm PoU, came to America, in 1734. We find his name, among others, noticed in the following re cords : Ai the court house of Philadelphia, September 12th, 1734, present, the Honorable the Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor of the city, and others of the Magistracy — eighly^nine Palatines, who, with their families, making in all two hundred and sixty-one persons, were imported here in the ship Saint Andrew, John Stedman, Master, from Rotterdam, but last from Plymouth, as by clearance from thence, this day took and subscribed the effect of the government oaths, and also the declaration prescribed by the order of council of the 21st of September, 1727. On his arrival, Wilhelm Pott settled first at Germantown, then in Berks county, where John Pott was born. John married a Miss Lesher, of Oley, with whom he had several sons, viz : John, Benjamin, James, Abraham, William and Jacob ; three of whom •are still living: John, Benjamin and Abraham. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL, COUNTY. 27S nace, they, as is common erected a number of small houses for " the hands at work," and were occupied by some eight or more families ; the heads of these were John Else, Henry Bolton, Darnel Focht, the elerk; Thomas Swayer; Anthony Schott, George Frievie and George Reimer ; these all lived at the furnace before Mr. Pott moved his family here ; he had erected all these tenant houses, before 1809. Besides Mr. Pott, the following were among the first, or pioneer settlers — Henry McClattery; and one Newsch wander settled a short distance west of Pott's, at the place known as Mount Carbon. Michael Boechtel had settled on the farm now owned by Cary, Lee & Hart, of Philadelphia. About one-half mile further west, lived Jacob Yoe. At the present site of Minersville, lived Thomas Reed and Isaac Reed. Three miles north of Pott's, John Boyerhad settled, at the well known place called ?.' Flowing Field ;" some four miles north of this lived the well known Nicho Allen, at the Big Spring on the summit of the Broad mountain. His residence Avas known as the " Black Cabin." Two miles north-east of Pott's, lived Peter NeAvsclrwander, John Hughs, Philip Dil- ¦eomp, Solomon Reep, Jacob Reep, Peter Reep, Geo. Reep, Conrad Keim and John Keim. At the present Port Carbon, several families had settled ; these Avere Mr. Stitzel, knoAvn in his day as " Der Zimmerman," i. e., the carpenter; Shadrack Lord, father of Mr. Lord at Bayhill. Shadrack had settled on Eagle hill. These families, with Mr. Pott, Avere the pioneer set tlers of this portion of the anthracite region. Other than the natural increase of the population was slow — little or no accession prior to 1810 or 1811. It was some eight or ten years after the discovery of coal, before this place attracted much attention. The first coal discovered here, was, according to the state ment of Abraham Pott, son of John, in 1807,* when * On examining a copy of Scull's Map of the Prorince of Pennsylvania, published in 1770, I see " coal Mark" north of the R 274 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. the foundation for Greenwood furnace Avas dug, in digging which, a vein of coal Avas found ; and in dig ging the foundation of Pott's grist mill, in 1810, a vein of nine feet thick was struck, and now success fully worked by Mr. Joseph Beddle ; but its use and value Avas not then known and fully appreciated. After the indefatigable efforts of Doctor McFarland, a scientific gentleman, to bring the coal here into notice, who had opened a vein On the " York Farm," in 1814, ten miles Avest of Greenwood furnace, and the laying out of Pottsville, by John Pott, in 1816, this place increased rapidly, and soon a considerable town greAv up in the forest. The ground or town plot was surveyed and laid off for the proprietor, by Henry Donnell, who Avas also among the first to erect a house. William Casley, Joseph Leckey and Geo. Dengler also, each of them,.put up dwellings here, shortly after Pottsville was laid out. About this time, or shortly afterwards, in 1818, Mr. Jacob Reed opened a vein of coals at Miners- ville. From this time omvard speculators, and a consequent tide of immigration, tended to this region of country. Pottsville formed the nucleus of a dense settlement— " an oppidan settlement," for it is sur rounded by towns, hamlets and villages. John Pott, son of John Pott, deceased, erected a distillery about- the year 1819. Lewis Ebert built a house the same year. From 1820 to 1824, a num ber of persons settled here ; among others of enter prize, was Col. George Shoemaker, Avho had, as early as 1813, opened the Spohn vein of coal, began to build in Pottsville. From 1824, the growth of the town Avas rapid, and the improvements in the vicinity correspondent with the town — both unprecedented in the history of the country; for, in 1822, the house, Tuscarora mountain, or north-east of Reed's, not many mites from the Schuylkill Gap, within the then limits or bounds of Berks county. See also the First Annual Report of ihe Coal Mining Association of Schuylkill County, in subsequent page. Chap."!!!. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 275 since known as the White Horse tavern, was kept by Mr. John Pott, the proprietor, and who owned land in the vicinity, as a sort of watering place for the stages on the Sunbury road. In 1824, we hear of five scattered dwellings in the vicinity. The causes which led to the influx of miners and speculators about the year 1825, have been stated above — the town was soon laid out— or rather several towns were started — for each prominent adventurer had his favorite location, and as each successive arrival of greedy adventurers tended to fan the flame of specu lation, town lots and coal tracts (some with coal, and many Avhose coal Avas but imaginary,) doubled, tribled and quadrupled in value, and passed from hand to hand like currency. Houses were rapidly constructed to accommodate the immense crowds that came to search for lots and lands, and in 1828, Ave hear. of several excellent stone houses and stores, others of brick and frame, a weekly newspaper — The Miners' Journal — a reading room, hotels,&c. Messrs. John and Benjamin Pott had, as said above, erected Greemvood furnace and forge, and were making iron from ore obtained below the Blue mountain. The next year, Clinton Row, or Mahantango street, and another toav of houses, were erected ; and such was the activity in building, that it became necessary to send to Philadelphia for lumber, to use in a region that hitherto had exported little else than lumber and coal. A daily stage to Philadelphia was also established in that year, and a trip of fourteen hours was cracked up as something remarkable. A dozen little towns had already risen around Pottsville. Railroads also began to be introduced, imparting a new impetus to the coal trade. The Schuylkill valley, the Mill creek, and the Mount Carbon railroads were started in that year. The following extracts from the Miners' Journal for 1829, will afford an idea of the rapid rise of coal lands : " Five years ago the Peacock trade of coal 276 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. land, belonging to the NeAv York and Schuylkill Coal Company, was purchased by them for the sum of $9,000. Last week it was sold, and bought in by the original seller, for the sum of $42,000. The present owner, we understand, would not dispose of it for $70,000:" The following shows the condition of Pottsville, in 1830: " We are," says the editor of the Miners' Journal, " sadly in want of mechanics here. A half a dozen good master blacksmiths, with three or more journey men each, would find plenty of business. The horse shoeing custom is immense. A regiment of carpen ters, bricklayers, aijd stone masons, with a strong de tachment, of sober laborers, would find employment. House painters, who understand mixing paints and using them without daubing the floors, are very rare among us. Our town supports two paper hangers handsomely; thirty-one cents a piece for hanging paper is too much — a little competition will Tegulate this branch. A wheelwright, a cabinet-maker, and a pump-borer, might croAvd in amongst us to advantage. A good barber shop, we have not got. Our barbers are all stationed in the bar rooms of the taverns, for want of room elsewhere ; the accommodations are consequently very inferior. Our borough would sup port a tobacco spinner, and a good cigar maker. We see no reason why a pottery would not succeed ; the raw material is abundant in the neighborhood. A few tanners in the suburbs would find plenty of hides, which, for want of sale, are hung up under our noses, this hot weather, spreading pestilence around, and de stroying the comfort of all the families within reach of their effluvia. We are glad to hear that a fine was inflicted lately on a person for the filthy practice allu ded to. A few more clean butchers, who would slaughter out of town, and deliver their meat to the citizens with a pleasant countenance, would be more popular. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 277 "We really want a good clean bakery of bread and crackers, and half a dozen of huckster's shops. We have no ice houses, and no milkman yet ; both are very much wanted- About a thimble full of milk for a cent may be had some times, after a real hunt through the lanes and alleys — nor can it always be called water poof. And if we may judge from the quantity of rum consumed, Ave may venture to hold ouf flattering hopes to a distiller. He can lay up a good store" of grain in winter, for much of which he might barter his liquors;' he Cannot fatten too many swine on the malt for this market. A rope walk ought to succeed. An eating house on the plan of the New York Fulton Market shops, would be exactly adapted to this place Our hotels charge thirty-seven and a half tp fifty cents a meal, and sleep often on the floor — a genteel oyster house would hit it exactly. A large hat store, Avith a manufactory of the article attached, is much wanted ; you cannot buy a hat now without going to a grocery or liquor store for it. A tasty fruit, confectionery and mineral Ava- water establishment, would be well patronized. More dry good and grocery stores are wanted. It is high time that the union Of all kinds of goods and wares, wet, dry; soft, hard, and grocery, in one room, was abolished. A snug grocery and liquor store has lately been opened here, which is doing an elegant business. A dry good store is found to answer very well. Tavo hard Avare stores are doing very well. A new apothecary store, and one established last fall, (1829) are flourishing. Goods of all kinds sell enor mously high, for want of competition. Owing to the scarcity of houses, the business is in the hands of a favored feAV. We see no reason why a snug fancy store would not do business. But we are certain there would be no mistake in a good millinery, man- tua-making and Sewing establishment. A lady can get nothing in the line of the former two, under a long notice, and the young men don't know where to get their linnen made up. A good saddlery would do. 278 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. A bath house, well kept, with apartments for both sexes, would not fail to receive extensive patronage in our alternately dusty and muddy borough. About twenty women, who would hire out to wash clothes, scrub houses, &c, might earn their fifty cents a day, and find ample employment. A hundred good ser vant girls, who know how to stay at a good place when procured, would make their dollar a week. We need hardly say that more boarding houses are wanted, especially for the middling classes of persons. There are at present three large buildings in progress for the accommodation of the first class, which, when finished, will help to thin the floors of our hotels, which are frequently covered at night with per sons who cannot find' beds. Competition in tavern- keeping would be as salutary as it would be novel in this town. "Having given a hasty hit of our wants, it just occurs to us, that were these persons to come here en masse, they Avould be in a great predicament for houses, wherein to put their families, and pursue their different avocations. Those who are here can hardly live for want bf room. For our part, being in the building lihe, we are daily, indeed almost hourly, beset with applications for houses to rent. No capi talists could hit upon a better investment, than in building blocks of snug substantial houses for trades men and mechanics. They would not pay less than twelve per cent, per annum — the present scarcity has raised rents fifteen to twenty per cent. " It Avould," continues the editor, "be a great bles sing if about fifty industrious farmers from the lower counties, (who at the end of a hardy year's labor cannot lay by six pence,) Avould come up here and .purchase some of the uncultivated land along the Mahonoy river, ten or fifteen miles from Pottsville, Avhere the bottom land is rich loam, and the ridge strong red shale, and susceptible of the highest state of cultivation. The brightest success would smile HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 279 upon their enterprize. Many a fortune is waiting to be ploughed up by some favored farmer in the few fertile valleys within marketing distance from this town. "We do not think that we overstep the bounds of truth, when we assert that Pottsville is the best market in the State. By way of exercising your own judgment, take a glance at our prices current. Hay, twenty-five dollars a ton, scarce, and quality too often inferior ; straw, twenty cents a bundle^ scarce, •and bundles about half the weight usual in other places ; flour, fiVe dollars seventy -five cents a barrel, scarce, and as we have no inspector, the quality is often very inferior ; oats, forty cents a bushel ; rye, sixty cents; potatoes, seventy -five, cents a bushel; fresh butter, sixteen cents a pound, always very scarce; any kind of grease, resembling butter, commands twelve and a-half cents ; eggs, twelve and a-half cents ; fowls, forty cents a pair, scarce; apples, as big as a hazlenut, eagerly carried off at a cent a piece ; garden stuffs bring any price your conscience permits you to ask ; cattle of all kinds, from the ox to the sheep, com mand at least as high a price as in Philadelphia; milk, a thimble full for a cent, scarce; cream, so rarely seen that no price can be affixed. "All other things in the farmer's line will be found proportionate. Manure can be had in abundance for a trifle-; almost for the hauling away. Let any enter- prizing farmer take a trip this way, and satisfy himself of the correctness of these representations ; and when he finds that land, susceptible of good cultivation, can be bought for ten dollars an acre, on a good stream ten or fifteen miles from such a market, he will not hesitate a moment to make such a determination as will add to our comfort, and ensure to himself an accession of wealth, and the real independence which an industrious farmer ought to enjoy." In 1831, the number of buildings had increased to five hundred and thirty-five, of which there were 280 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. sixty-two of brick, and sixty-eight of stone ; together with an Episcopal church, a meeting house, and a beautiful structure for the Miners' Bank, of which the front is of cast iron; and the commodious hotels of Mr. Seitzinger and Colonel Shoemaker. There were also seventy stores, richly stocked, among which were those of two booksellers and stationers, and of tailors, milliners, and dress-makers. And they boast ed too, of a circulating library, and Exchange Read ing Rooms ; two newspapers, and a seminary. For any one from Cape Cod to New Orleans, to say that he had not heard of the renoAvned toAvn of Pottsville, would sound as marvellous as if an Arabian were to declare that he had never heard of Mahomet, or Mecca, of Kanba, or of the Holy Well. There is scarcely a valley, however remote or cut off from the rest, of the world, from Eastport to the Sabine, or from Cape Hatteras to Little Rock, that has not heard of the fame of Pottsville. Here, half a dozen sum mers since, there was not more than one shabby log hut standing, and the wild scenery of the spot where are now to be seen so much enterprize, activity and bustle, lay undisturbed in all its primitive grandeur and loveliness. The road to Sunb ury, over the Broad mountain, ran through it, and the Aveekly stage, in all, its course from Philadelphia to the place of its destination, did not witness a wilder or more desolate scene. Here and there smoke might indeed, be seen curling from some German's cottage, and Avaving in graceful folds above the trees, showing that man had dared to invade the forest ; but these instances were feAv and far betAveen ; and the bear, the deer, and the fox, divided the empire of the woods among them. But now what a contrast ! The genius of man has seldom raised such a monument to his OAvn powers. The town of PottsviBe — for under that name we shall include Mount Carbon and Port Carbon, for they are three in One — containing upwards of four thousand people, besides the- hordes of Tartar look- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 281 ing population hovering on its skirts. Many of the latter cohabit together in shantees or tents made of hemlock, and covered Avith branches. They are all- engaged in the laudable business of " penetrating the bowels of the earth." But mark, gentle reader, and inwardly digest, when you hear that from this port, which is more than a hundred miles above tide water, there is a fleet of upwards of four hundred vessels — a fleet more formidable than that which bore the Greeks to the Trojan war, and composed, of vessels, the smallest of which is almost as large as that in Avhich Columbus ventured to cross an Unknown ocean. In the first week of October last, seventy-eight ves sels cleared from Pottsville, carrying to the sea-board the rich mineral treasures of this district, and during the same period, tAventy-two arrived from Philadel phia, laden with the luxuries of every clime. The situation of the toAvn is remarkable, being em bosomed in lofty hills. Sharp mountain in front (south) of it, presents a surly and almost savage aspect, heightened by the almost black, dismal cav erns excavated from its side, and looking like entrances to the abode of Pluto ; and the Norwegian, covered Avith coal dust and sluggishly moving on, is no bad type of Styx. The feeling produced on visiting Potts ville, is, that it is no place for trifling, for every one wears a look of importance, and is plainly intent on playing his cards, so as not to lose a trick. A strong inclination is felt by the spectator to join in and take a hand. The interest of the game has overcome the scruples of many devout people ; for you may see the grave Quaker, the ejaculating Methodist, and the sober Presbyterian, sitting at the same table, and using all their ingenuity to get the odd trick ; but what is most surprising, is that they, all appear to get good cards, and are perfectly satisfied Avifh the result of the game. It is curious to observe the motly mixture of peo ple of all climes and complexion, that have come to 282 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. worship here. Then you may see the pale citizen, who has been engaged all his life in measuring goods behind the counter, and who has never before been out of the sight of the smoke of his own chimney, until he was tempted to go in quest of the golden fleece in the form of coal, in consultation deep with a hardy, florid countenance, and you may, perceive from their eager looks and animated gestures, that a spec of some magnitude is afloat. Then again may be seen the German, whose ancestors came to kindly Pennsylvania nearly two centuries ago, a period, as historians tellus, more than sufficient to blerid tAvo hostile races ; and here he is, the same in dress, language, manners and hoary prejudice, as when the first of his name left Rotter dam. There he stands, with the title deed of his farm in his hand, and surrounded by a half a dozen of sharp looking fellows, Avho are trying by words and signs to close a bargain with him — but he is keeping them at bay, as a good stout bull-dog would a parcel of curs, though he seems at the same time to be afraid of being bit. No toAvn of its size is so well supplied with every essential of luxury and convenience. Of attorneys, there are plenty, of the first repute, and with enough of activity to prevent the people from stagnating for want of excitement. And there are agents, Avho will gladly execute any commission, from one to ten thou sand dollars. Fancy stores, well supplied with rib bands and artificial flowers. A perfumer advertises all sorts of cosmetics, and a Yankee school master for scholars. Doctors are there too, fresh from college, and shining with the reflected science of Physic arid Chopman. There is a ball-room, a church, and sev eral excellent hotels and boarding houses, and the newspaper is one of the best conducted journals in the country. Two daily lines of stages run from Philadelphia — Reeside against Coleman — and they merit a eulogium for the vigor with Avhich they crack HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 283 their Ayhips, the matchless fury of their driving, and for their exquisite skill in upsetting. Pottsville has every requisite for becoming a great city — an unin terrupted navigation by the canal to Philadelphia, coal enough to supply the world for thousands of years ; and if the resources of the country should be developed with the same untiring activity by the next, as it has been by the present generation, Pottsville, bold as the assertion may seem, Avill rival the large cities of the sea-board in population and wealth. A writer in the Pottsville Advocate, early in 1831, thus speaks of the place : " The town of Pottsville, by the late census, con tains upwards of 2,500 inhabitants! The fluctuating population having Avithdrawn, there may be a trifling decrease ; for, at the time when the census was taken, we were thronged with strangers, drawn to the place by the ill-advised and premature uproar so foolishly raised about it. That, however, fortunately, did no essentia] harm, and is an earnest that, for the future, it is not even in the power of our friends to injure us. We have now seventy stores, of various kinds, richly stocked, many of them rivalling those of Philadelphia in appearance. " Since last spring, about fifty new brick buildings havebeen erected in the town, more than half of which are large three story houses. Among these are the uniform stores erected by James Appleton, at the upper part of Centre street. Jacob Alter has also erected three handsome stores, in the neighborhood of the Arcade. "Nor are our private houses less creditable to us than oUr public improvements. Among those Avhich have lately been completed, we would mention Fran cis B. Nichols' and Abraham Pott's, on Market street; J. Sanderson's, Burd Patterson's, on Mahantango street; J. C. Offerman's, on Centre street; and many others less remarkable ; but imparting an air of neat ness and comfort not often seen in towns of such rapid 284 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. growth. In the lower part of the town, we have Thomas Ridgeway's, and several others, comprising part of what is usually called Morrisville, which, with Mount Carbon, forms a striking entrance to the town from the south. " We must not omit to mention M. B. Buckley's beautiful addition to Pottsville, distinguished by the name of Greenwood, occupying a point remarkable for its beauty, and the varied scenery which it commands. Among the improvements, we remark a large stone hotel, and a toav of handsome stone houses. In the rear, on the river road to Port Carbon, there is a large brewery, in full operation, established'by A. Y. Moore, enabling us to boast of beer fully equal to that of Philadelphia. "Adjoining Morrisville, as we remarked above, stands Mount Carbon, Avhich, under the fostering care of John White, now fully equals any part of the town in appearance. During the past season, many valuable additions have been completed ; particularly a hotel, which would do credit to a city, and a toav of stores. The Norwegian railroad terminates here. "Mount Carbon comprises the southern extremity of Pottsville. It stands on the Schuylkill, at the foot of the Sharp mountain, lying in the valley between that and Second mountain. Its situation is romantic ; the abrupt hills, rising almost perpendicularly around, are strikingly grand ; while the , Schuylkill, winding through the gorges of the mountain, completes a scene of picturesque beauty unsurpassed by the points in Avhose praise our northern tourists are so fluent. Sharp mountain itself is a remarkable natural, curi osity, resembling a rampart-boundary to the coal region on the south. "The original town of Mount Carbon received considerable additions during the last year. Since the closing of navigation, the lock at the mouth of the canal has been renewed, under the superintendence of Mr. Mills, the agent for the canal company. In HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 285 the pool above, are the docks of Messrs. Elmaker, Audenreid, and White & Coombe, who have tAvo docks at the rear of their store houses, each twenty- eight feet wide, and in length one is one hundred, and the other one hundred and fifty feet. Beyond are Mr. Eldridge's landings, adjoining the range now con structing for Messrs. Thouron and Macgregor. On the opposite side, lie the boat yards of -Mr, Shelly, and the extensive landings of the North American Compa ny. Again on the left are Mr. S. J. Pott's wharves ; those of Messrs. Morris ; and Mr. C. Storer's boat yard, on which we perceive he is erecting a screw dock. The latter lie at the foot of Morrisville. " The pool beloAv the bridge affords wharves to the store houses of Messrs. Moore & Graham, Nathans, Thurston, and others. Several new landings are here constructing, the margin of the river presenting every facility for works of this nature. The principal build ings lately erected are a range of stone stores and dAvelling houses, the hotel on Centre street; on Market street, six stone and twelve frame buildings. The hotel is a beautiful edifice of stone, forty-five feet Avide by eighty-two, exclusive of the piazza, which presents a promenade to each story, embracing a view of the mountainous scenery around. These improvements are owing to the enterprising spirit of Messrs, White and Coombe. "The Mount Carbon railroad, projected as an out let for the rich coal formations of the Norwegian creek valleys, was commenced in Oct. 1829, under the superintendence of William R. Hopkins, chief- engineer, and John White, president. At the termi nation the road is elevated upon 31 piers of masonry, erected upon the landings ; thence it passes through the gap of Sharp mountain, across the landings be fore mentioned, following the valley of the Schuyl kill to Morrisville. At this point we have, on the left, Messrs. Morris' mines, and on the apposite side of the river, on the Lippincott and Richards tract, 286 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. the mines now worked by Mr. Baraclough. The road here leaves the Schuylkill, at its junction with the Norwegian creek, stretching up the valley of the latter, parallel with the Greenwood improvements, directly through Pottsville, to the forks : a distance of 6,208 feet from the piers. Below this are the mines now working by Mr. M'Kechney, and several openings on land belonging to D. J. Rhoads, Esq. "On the last branch, which is 14,200 feet in length, the first lateral above the forks belongs to the North American Co., and leads to their Centreville collieries, where they have twelve openings, upon the celebra ted Lewis and Spohn veins. This coal is in high estimation, and has greatly aided in establishing the reputation of Schuylkill county coal, in the eastern markets. Beyond this, the road passes through Ben jamin Pott's lands, and again strikes the Spohn vein at the east mines of the North American Co. The Hillsborough tract comes next, on the right, on which are several openings. Here Ave diverge to the left, through the celebrated Peach mountain tract, belong ing to J. White, and pass five openings made by him. Next the Rose hill tract, owned by L. Ellmaker : on these lands are several mines, leased by the Messrs. Warner, Wade, and others, near the town of Wades- ville : a thriving little place, laid out by Mr. Ell maker. Above the town, the lateral road from Capt. Wade's mine comes down. The east branch termi nates upon the Flowery field tract, belonging to Messrs. Bonsall, Wetherill, and Cummings. This land has been extensively worked by various indi viduals. " The West Branch commences at Marysville, on the Oak hill tract, and is 16,400 feet in length. On this estate are the mines leased by Messrs. Smith, Hart, Maxwell, Wade, HaU, Dennis, Gallagher, and Martin. Among those are the celebrated Diamond and Oak hill veins. We must hot omit the hotel kept here, by Mr. B. Gallagher, at a convenient dis- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 287 tance from Pottsville for an excursion. Below Oak hill are the Green park and Clmton tracts ; the former belonging to John White, and the latter to Mrs. Spohn* At Green park there is one opening under the superintendence of Mr. James DiU. Adjoining this is the Belmont estate — also John White's. Next the Thouron tract, a portion of which has been pur chased by Benj. Pott; the Spohn vein passing through it. Contiguous are the Spohn, Lewis, and Duncan estates. The railroad here passes B. Pott's saw-miU, and extends in a perfectly straight line, a mile in length, nearly to the junction with the main road." Smee the above extract was published, now fifteen years, many important changes have taken place. Old mines have been exhausted or abandoned, and new ones opened ; a great number of new railroads have been constructed ; several mines have been explored, and pofitably worked, below the water level. The geology of the region has been fuUy explored ; Potts ville, Reading, and Philadelphia railroad has been opened, in 1842, affording daily communication in seven hours to Philadelphia, and promising to effect a complete revolution in the transportation of coal ; the speculations of 1836, have expanded and exploded. Pottsville has increased its population from 2,424, in 1830, and 3,117 in 1835, to 4,345, in 1840; and is now a compact, bustling place. Its trade, no longer driven back and forth by the tide of speculation, has settled, or is settling, into a steady channel, weU un derstood, and AveU managed by capitalists, merchants and miners. The town now contains a handsome Epis copal church, and a splendid new Catholic cathedral, both in the Gothic style ; a German Catholic church, and neat edifices for the Presbyterian, German Re formed and Lutheran, Episcopal Methodist, Welsh Methodist, Universalists, Welsh Baptist, Welsh Pres byterians, Welsh Calvinists, Quakers, and an African ; in all, 14 churches; two academies, a number of public schools, a spacious town hall ; a splendid hotel, caUed 288 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Pennsylvania Hall, and several other spacious hotels; a furnace, at which iron has been successfully made with anthracite coal ; a forge and rolling mill; several large foundries, steam engine factories and machine shops, &c. The Greenwood furnace lately repaired, and under the superintendence of Dr. Palmer, & Co., is noAV in successful operation. Messrs. Haywood & Snyder's foundry, machine shop, &c, Avas erected in 1834 — is avery extensive establishment. The Pottsville Iron foundry and machine shop, owned and carried on by E. W. McGinnis, employs constantly from fifty to sixty hands. Farrell's foundery, was started a few years ago — gives employment to some six or eight hands. These several foundries manufacture annually articles to the amount of $ 140,000. Clemen's steam mill has been in operation since 1836. There is an extensive board yard here, several breweries, and scores of stores, groceries, shops, &c, &c. There are four weekly newspapers published, and ably conducted, viz : " The Miners' Journal," edited by Benjamin Bannan, Esq. ; "The PottsviUe Empo rium," by E. 0. Jackson, Esq.; "The Anthracite Gazette," by Messrs. Wynkbop & Kershner, Esqrs. ; and one, a German paper, " Die Freiheist Presse." The Danville and Pottsville railroad, designed to connect the Schuylkill Navigation, at Pottsville, with the Susquehanna at Danville and Sunbury, was pro jected in 1826, and was completed in 1834 as far as Girardville, a small hamlet of three or four houses, ten miles north of Pottsville. Sixteen miles are also completed on the Sunbury end. The death of its chief patrons, the late Stephen Girard, and Gen. Daniel Montgomery, of Danville, with whom the pro ject originated, has retarded the progress of the work. On the ten miles near Pottsville, a tunnel of 700 feet long, and four inclined planes, have been constructed at an enormous expense; but the tunnel 2,500 feet HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 289 long, into the Girard coal mines, on Mahonoy, is but partially completed. Until this is done, this part of the road cannot be profitably used, and the super structure is now rotting in the sun. As the mines in favorable situations, above water level, become exhausted, it is necessary either to seek new ones at a greater distance, and an inereased cost of transportation, or to dive deeper info the bowels of the earth. The latter course has been adopted in several valuable mines, about Pottsville, by Mr. Charles Lawton, Messrs. Pott and Bannan, Mr. Charles Ellet, the DelaAvare Coal Company, Milne and Haywood, and Mr. George H. Pott, and others, Mr. Lawton is undermining the very town of Potts ville itself. These veins are inclined at an inclination of about forty degrees. A wide shaft, or descending passage, is first sunk, at the inclination of the vein, wide enough for a double track railroad, upon which the loaded cars f- are hauled to the top of the mine. The Miners' Journal says, in 1842 : " The colliery of Pott and Bannan is of the most interesting of the kind in the region, and will well repay the trouble, and we might add the fatigues, of a visit. The colliery is better known as the Guinea hill, or Black mine, and is one of the deepest in our eoal basin. The depth of the slope is 400 feet,,Avhich, at the inclination of forty degrees, Avould give a per pendicular depth of 252 feet into the very bowels ofthe earth. The pitch of the vein, as soon as it loses the influence ofthe hill, is very regular, and the coal be comes of a purer and better quality, and is found in greater masses betAveen the slates. The colliery is worked with two steam engines — one of fifty horse power, and the other of twenty. The former is used in pumping the water which accumulates in the mines, and the latter in hoisting the coal in cars to the mouth of the slope. The pump used in the colliery is of cast iron, twelve inches in diameter, and extends the entire depth of the slope — 400 feet. The column S 290 HISTORY OF SCHUFLKILL COUNTY. of water brought up by the engine, at each Uft of the pump, is equal in weight to about eight tons and a half., , , " At the depth of 200 feet of this slope, a tunnel has been driven ninety yards south to the Tunnel vein, and 70 yards north to the Lawton vein — both through solid rock ; Avhich enables the proprietors to work three veins, Avith the present engines and fixtures. As the visitor leaves the slope, and finds himself, lantern in hand, groping his way through the gangway into the heart of the mine, he is half bewildered and startled, as the almost indistinct masses of coal, slate, dirt, &c, fashion themselves into something bordering upon a dark, dusky, and even forbidding outline. It seems as if you had fallen upon a subterranean city, buried by some great convulsion of nature ; and the illusion is still further heightened by observing workmen busily engaged, apparently in excavating the ruins. Qr, if you are highly imaginative, and have read the Odyssey, you might readily fancy the feelings of Ulysses, that "god-like and much-enduring man," Avhen he paid a visit tp the infernal shades, for the purpose of ascertaining the shortest and most direct cut to his beloved Ithaca. Homer, however, does Hot inform us whether or not the shades carried lamps in their caps, without which the pick would be of lit tle use to our miners." On several occasions Pottsville sustained injury from freshets — in October, 1831, and January, 1841. The following from the Miner's Journal gives an ac count of these freshets : "Since the recollection of our oldest inhabitants, this portion of the country has not been visited by so con siderable a freshet as was witnessed in the early part of the Aveek. It is not less remarkable that the loss of property, sustained by this accumulation of waters, has proved, so far as is ascertained, entirely dispro portioned to the general apprehension — another proof HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 291 of the pervading strength and solidity of the results of enterprize. The rain has fallen copiously during, several nights preceding Tuesday, on which day it subsided, exhibiting in its effects in the accumulated i torrents which rolled down the declivities of our mountains. Many of the low grounds were involved in inundation. " The Schuylkill rose to an unusual height. A por tion of the main high way, near Maj. Kepner's, was overflown ; travelling in carriages was checked, and the mail from that point, was carried to our borough on horse-back. The Schuylkill navigation dam, in this vicinity, received some damage, which was speedily repaired. Several coal wharves at Port Carbon were somewhat injured, by the removal of a part of the structure supporting, them. Several boats were swept away. Mr. Crawley, the owner, with difficulty preserved his dwelling house, by erecting in front a strong stone barrier four feet in height, from the devouring flood. His barn, however, was carried away. " The destruction of property has (January, 1841,) , been considerable, by filling up the cellars, &c, in this borough, which in some instances was so sudden that the merchants had no time to remove their goods. Our friends in Coal street had their communication . Avith the rest of the town, completely cut off, by the water in the Norwegian, which completely inundated all the houses bordering on the stream. Part of the embankment of the Greenwood canal has been swept away, below the aqueduct — and the houses on the Island Avere all completely surrounded with water. The families from some were carried out when the water was middle deep. The water completely sur rounded Clemen's & Parvin's steam mill, and the wharves below the mill were washed into the basin. " About fifty yards of the embankment ofthe Navi gation Company's canal,has been swept away, oppo site Tumbling run dam, and abont one hundred feet 292 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. of the embankment opposite C. Lawton's wharf, car rying away his schutes and the old boat house, and the old bridge connecting the new turnpike with Mount Carbon, was also carried off. The towpath bridge opposite Lewisport is carried away — and a breach has been made in the canal at Adam's locks. Dribelbi's dam is also injured. " The Schuylkill bridge below this borough, is so much injured, that it is considered dangerous to pass otyer it. " At the first dam above Audenreid's mill, the water broke out and completely surrounded the lock-house, carrying away the stable, undermining the founda tion of the house, and the lock also, the walls of both of which will probably fall doAvn. About one hun dred yards bf the embankment of the canal has also been carried away. A sick person in the' look-house was rescued with great difficulty. " The railroads in this region are all more or less in jured by the destruction of bridges, undermining, &c. The town of Port Carbon was completely inundated — the water reached up almost as far as the bank; but two bridges are left standing. Mr. Kinsley has lost considerably, and Mr. Pott has lost his garden — an acre lot. " At Schuylkill Haven, the damage has also been very great. Several of the coal wharves have been washed away, and the balance filled up. Mr. Lewis Daugherty, we learn, lost several railroad wagons. The coal has also disappeared from the wharves. " The Tumbling run dam narrowly escaped from being carried away. The water had made a passage inside the wing wall of the water-way— fortunately, it was discovered in time, otherwise the dam would have been swept away, and Mount Carbon would have suffered severely." HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 293 Port Carbon, a post town, Avas first laid out in 1826, by Mr. Abraham Pott; he first laid off one hundred lots, of one acre each, from the mouth of Mill creek to the Salem landing. In 1828, he sold the lots and thirty-four acres of. his farm, to Messrs. Seitzinger and Wetherill, for forty-five dollars per acre, who laid off the whole into suitable toAvn lots ; and as the place Avas created by the coal trade, it was called Port Carbon. The first house built in Port Carbon, was erected by A. Pott, in 1826, when, to use his OAvn language, " We had a real log-eabin-raising." In 1829, Mr. Pott sold sixty-four acres to Daniel J. Rhoads, for four thousand dollars, who afterAvards laid out Rhoads- town. In 1829, Mr. Pott laid out Irishtown, and sold one-half of it to Burd Patterson, Esq., and Mr. Joseph Swift ; still owning the half himself. In 1829, WiUiam Lawton laid out LawtontoAvn. The same year, A. Pott and John B. Gardener, laid out Acre- town. Young's addition was made in 1828. From these five original "startings," viz: Port Car bon, Irishtown, Rhoadstoubn, Lawtontoxon, Acre- town, and Young's Addition, now merged into one, arose a town, that numbered, at the time of taking the census in 1830, about one hundred dAveUing houses, and nine hundred and twelve inhabitants. The place is now knoAvn as Port Carbon. The place met with some reverses in 1831 and '32. "In the syncope," says a writer of 1832, "which followed the extreme excitement in the coal region, many of the houses are at present (1832) Avithout tenants; some of them unfinished, and faUing to decay." " But the site," continues the same writer, " has many advan tages for a toAvn, and as the shipping port for a large and rich coal region, must have considerable busi ness. It Ues at the confluence of Mill creek with the Schuylkill river, and upon the head of the navi gation of the latter. The pool here gives great facili ties for lading places, which are connected with the 294 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. coal mines on both sides of the river, by railways, — the chief of which is the Mill creek road, and the Schuylkill valley road. The former extends up Mill creek. It has connected with several lateral roads." The Schuylkill railroad connects with Port Carbon and Tuscarora. Port Carbon is a place of considerable importance. It stands unrivalled as a place for shipping coal. A number of railroads center or terminate here, from numerous coal mines. The Schuylkill valley rail road, the Mill creek railroad, the Port Carbon and Mount Carbon roads, (the latter connecting with the Reading railroad,) all centre here. More coal is shipped here than at Pottsville. Port Carbon consists of rising one hundred dwell ings ; many of them make a fine appearance ; six taverns, thirteen dry goods, grocery and feed stores ; a steam-mill, owned by L. F. Whitney, Esq. ; iron foundry and machine shop, by T. H. Winterstein ; a shovel factory, by A. G. Brook; several warehouses; two churches, English Presbyterian, and German Reformed and Lutheran ; also, a public school house. There are several coal mines contiguous to it ; one owned by Michael McDormut, worked by Charles Ellett, with a slope six hundred feet deep, and two stationary engines ; one immediately above Port Car-' bon, on the North American company lands, worked by Mr. Chillas. This mine was set on fire some twelve years ago, and burned for some time ; bu'. has been again re-opened, and now successfully worked under the superintendence of Mr. Hodgkiss. It has a drift of three hundred and fifty yards in length. " We do not know," says the editor of the Anthra cite Gazette* " a more busy or industrious popula tion, than that contained in our sister borough of * Pottsville, May 11, 1844. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 295 Port Carbon. Being a depot of considerable impor tance in the coal region, throughout the business sea son, it exhibits one unvaried scene of enterprize and active labor. Laden cars of coal from the various mines, extended along eight miles of the SchuylkiU valley railroad, are continually pouring their useful freight into the boats at that place. The continual clatter of unloading, shoveling and screening coal, resounds from morning till night. The chink of the blacksmith's hammer — the hum of machinery, and . deep-mouthed breathing ofthe poAverful steam engine, are all wonted accompaniments to the labors of the day. Every thing denotes energy and activity, and lazy men are scarce commodities in that neighbor hood. The favorable change which will be brought in the increase of population, business, and facility, after the completion of the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon railroads, Avill add greatly to the already fine prospeets of the district. Port Carbon presents a fine site for a large town, and we confidently anticipate, that the day is not far distant, when all the fine building lots, with which the valley abounds, will be covered by good and substantial edifices. It will yet beeome (and this prediction may be recorded against us) one of the greatest and most important points in the Schuylkill county coal region. "The business noAV done in the borough, apart from the coal trade, is considerable. There are already large stores engaged in selling merchandize, all doing a good business, deriving their custom, not only from the immediate neighborhood, but principally from the numerous mining villages, located at differ ent points along the routes of the above mentioned railroads. " In speaking of Port Carbon, Ave have taken in the several additions knoAvn as LawtontoAvn, Irish- town, &c, as they are all comprised within a short limit, and are, in fact, always considered as the place itself." 296 HISTORY 0F SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Coaquennac, in Norwegian township, two miles above Port Carbon, on Mill creek — is a regularly laid out toAvn, of two hundred and twenty lots, on a tract of land owned by the North American coal company. Little Wolf creek passes through it. It contains one tavern. St. Clair is one mile above Coaquennac ; consists of several dwellings, one tavern and a store. A poAvder mill, owned by Messrs. Frack and Seltzer. New Castle is a post-town, in Norwegian town ship, on the Sunbury turnpike, situated about four miles north-west bf Pottsville, in a narrow valley of Mine hill. It was laid out by Lewis Ellmaker and others, in 1830. It is a coal creation ; it contains be tween fifty and sixty dwellings, some of which are substantially built; one tavern, three stores, and a public school house. The population exceeds four hundred. Coal Castle, in Norwegian tOAvnship, on the West Branch of the Schuylkill river, and on the railroad, at the foot of the Broad mountain, is a cluster of seventy small houses, or a miners' hamlet, about three miles above Minersville.. " A little west of this place, at the "jugular vein," in Broad mountain, a coal mine on fire in the win ters of 1838 '39, and has since defied all attempts to extinguish it. It has even roasted the rocky strata of the mountain above it, destroying every trace of * vegetation along the line of the breast, and c-j ising vast yawning chasms, av here the earth has fallen in, from which issue hot and sulphurous fumes, as from a volcano. The mine was ignited by a car. !ess mi ner, who, to moderate the temperature, placed a hanging grate at the mouth of the drift. The fire communicated to the props, and then to tha railroad, and such a heat was caused, that it must have cracked off lumps of coal to feed the flames. Tt seems scarce possible that the compact vein itself can be on fire4 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 297 although such may be the case. Tavo unfortunate miners perished in the mines. The lessee, Lewis C. Dougherty, after trying various experiments to ex tinguish it, abandoned it, with a heavy loss." * Mackeysville, two miles west of Coal Castle, is a miners' hamlet, consisting of some thirty smaU dwel lings. The mines are worked by Col. G. C. Wyn- koop. * Day's His. Col., p. 613. CHAPTER III. HISTORY OF COAL, &c. Having given a brief topographical sketch of the several townships and towns ih this county, this part of the work may be appropriately closed by giving a history of the discovery of coal, and coal operations in this region. To do this, place is given to the first and latest annual report of the Coal Mining Associa tion of Schuylkill county ; the former made by the board in 1833, and the latter in 1845: The Board of Trade deem it proper, at this, the an nual meeting of the " Coal Mining Association of Schuylkill County," to take a review of the state of the coal trade, from its commencement in this county, to the present time ; and give their vieAvs of the future prospects of the miner, together with such comparisons and inferences as may be thought rela- vent to the subject. So early as 1790, coal was known to abound in this county ; but, it being of a different quaUty from that kno avii to our smiths as bituminous coal, and be ing hard of ignition, it was deemed useless, until about the year 1795, when a blacksmith, named Whet stone, brought it into notice, by using it in Ids smith- ery. His success induced several to dig for coal, and when found, to attempt the burning of it ; but the difficulty was so great, that it did not succeed. About the year 1800, a Mr. William Morriss, who owned a large tract of land in the neighborhood HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 299 of Port Carbon, procured a quantity of coal, and took it to Philadelphia, but he was unable, with all his ex- - ertions, to bring it into notice ; and abandoned all his plans, returned, and sold his lands to Mr. Pott, the late proprietor. From that time, to about the year 1806, no farther efforts to use it were made. About that time, in cutting the tale race for the Valley Forge on the Schuylkill, they struck on a seam of coal, which induced David. Berlin, a blacksmith in the neighborhood, to make trial of it ; his success was complete, and from that period, it has been partially used. In the year 1812, our fellow citizen, Col. George Shoemaker, procured a quantity of coal, from a shaft sunk on a tract he had recently purchased on the Norwegian, and now owned by the North American Coal Company, and known as the Centreville Mines. With this he loaded nine wagons, and proceeded to Philadelphia ; much time was spent by him in en deavoring to introduce it to notice, but all his efforts proved unavailing. Those who deigned to try it, de clared Col. Shoemaker to be an impostor, for attempt ing to impose stone on them for coal, and were clamorous against him. Not discouraged by the sneers and sarcasms cast upon him, he persisted in the undertaking, and at last succeeded in disposing of two loads, for the cost of transportation — and the remaining seven he gave to persons who promised to try to use it, and lost all the coal and charges. , Messrs. Mellon and Bishop, at the earnest solicita tions of Col. Shoemaker, were induced to make trial of it in their rollmg mill in Delaware county, and finding it to answer fully the character given it by Colonel Shoemaker, noticed its usefulness in the Philadelphia papers ; and from that period, we may date the triumph of reason, aided by perseverance over prejudice. At this period, the mountains were but partially ex- 300 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. plored, and the scant, but hardy population of the county, depended in a great measure on hunting, for their immediate wants, and on lumber, for supplying those articles of foreign product, that were required for their comforts or necessities. The lumber, procured during the winter, Avas formed into rafts, and sent down when spring freshets rendered the river navigable. By this uncertain, and at all times precarious mode of conveyance, the pro- , duct of this county was conveyed to market, until the canal was completed, in the year 1825. In the year 1814, a feAv ofthe most enterprising of the citizens projected a canal from Philadelphia to this place, under an impression that the lumber of Schuylkill county, and the grain of the counties bor dering on the Susquehanna, would find a vent, and ultimately afford a dividend to the stockholders. At that period there were a few who looked for ward to a time, Avhen the coal from this county would be the principal article of export, and would become an article of general use ; but the number was small, ' and a vast majority looked on the formation of a canal through this wild and mountainous region, as a chi merical scheme, more fitted for speculators in a stock market, than from any benefit that might result to the stockholders, or .the public. But, with all the discouragement attendant on a measure so opposite to public opinion, the stock was taken by the enterprising capitalists of our metropolis, and the work pushed Avith vigor to a completion, which was so far accomplished in the summer of 1825, as to enable boats to pass from Pottsville to Philadel phia. As was to be expected, from a work of sueh mag nitude, being undertaken and finished under such dis couraging prospects, the canal was in many places defective ; and owing to the embankment being neW, breaches occurred so frequently, for some years after, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 301 that it was at all times an uncertain conveyance, un til, by the unremitting exertions, and laudable and praiseworthy perseverance of the Directors of the Navigation Company, the work was, last year, brought to that state of perfection, that warrants the assurance that the navigation may now be depended on. It has been urged as a complaint against the Navi gation Company, that the tolls required are higher than they should be, and to enable us to sell coal as low |as the citizens of our Atlantic Cities require of us, that a reduction should be made — but when we take into vieAv the heavy amount that has been expended by the company ; and that for many years no divi dend had been made ; and that from the commence ment of the work, up to the present time, the dividend on the stock will not average more than one-half per cent, per annum ; in addition to Avhich, the projected improvemeRts, for the coming and succeeding years, are of such magnitude, as will absorb the greater part of the revenue ; it cannot, in reason, be asked of them to reduce the rate of tolls ; and your board can not withhold from the directors qf the company, the expression of their approbation and praise, for the liberal and enlightened course they have pursued, in bringing' the work to so perfect a state ; and they feel gratified in anticipating the profitable return that -will, ere long, be made them for their capital, so long un- profitably employed in a work that requires such un tiring zeal and perseverance, as has been seldom dis played in this or any other country. In making the foregoing remarks, your board have been led some years in advance of their subject ; but feel it due to the Navigation Company, to give a view of -their operations, to correct mis-statements made of them, and to place the subject in its true light before the association. They will now proceed to give a brief outline of 302 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. the coal business, from the best information in their possession. In the year 1S13, several small openings were made in different parts of the county, by sinking shafts; and the coal taken out, was vended to the smiths and others in the neighborhood, at tAventy-five cents per bushel, or three dollars and fifty cents per ton, at the pit's mouth. These shafts were sunk but a few feet, in the crop of the vein, and the coal raised by means of the common windless and buckets, and so soon as they attained a depth where the water became trouble some, (which seldom exceeded thirty feet,) the shaft was abandoned, and another sunk, and the same pro cess undergone. In the year 1823, an improvement was made in the mode of Avorking, by substituting horse power and the gin, for the windless heretofore used; by which they were enabled to clear the Avater from the shafts with great facility, and to sink farther on the veins. But with this, (as it was then conceived great im provement) they were only enabled to rnn doAvn the vein for a short distance; and the coal, in point of comparison, was inferior; as experience has since taught, that the crop is not equal to the coal that is taken out lower ; and when the roof and floor have attained the regularity and hardness, so necessary to ensure good coal. At the period alluded to, railroads were unknown amongst us, and the mode of transporting was by common wagons, over roads at all times bad, and through a country, where, from its mountainous character, the horse was able to do but little, in com parison to what can be done on a plain and level country. Yet, with all these difficulties, the work was con tinued ; and the price attained, (owing to the heavy expense of working) afforded but a scanty pittance to the men employed, without, in any manner, reim bursing the owner of the land for the loss of the HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 303 timber, exclusive of the impoverishing of his coal beds. Asiar back as 1814, drifts had been rim on the heads of veins, in several places, and the coal brought from them in wheelbarroAvs ; but it was not till 1827, that the railroad Avas introduced into drifts, and from that period to the present, drifts have been the univer sal mode. Improvements have been making from that to the present time, and it is believed they have attained that degree of perfection, which has so long been desired, and such as to enable the miner to work on the best and cheapest plan. The introduction of railroads into this county forms an important era in the history of this district, and de serves the attention, of all who are engaged, or in any manner interested in mining ; as by their intro duction, those distant beds of coal, that, a few years since, were believed to be too remote to admit of be ing worked, but were held as a reserve, for a future generation ; and were supposed to be unavailing, un til all those beds lying on the canal were exhausted, and which are now brought into active use, and the whole region, forming a district, averaging eighteen miles in length, from east to west ; and in breadth, from north to south, four miles, is traversed or inter sected by railroads, and is rendered capable of being worked. Previous to the erection of any of the public rail roads, our enterprizing felloAV citizen, Abraham Pott, constructed a railroad from his mines, east of Port Carbon, to that place, making half a mile. This served as a model, and may be termed the beginning, from which all originated. The Mill Creek railroad was begun in 1829, and finished in the same year ; it is a single track, 40 inches, and extends from Port Carbon to the Broad mountain. It 304 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. is now intended to lay a new road to intersect the Danville road at the Broad mountain, which can be done at a small expense. This road runs through the coal region, from east to west, and cost, origi nally $5,000 The laterals leading into it, cost 4,000 $ 9,000 The Schuylkill Valley railroad was commenced in 1829, and fin ished in 1830. It extends from Port Carbon to Tuscarora, is ten miles long, with a double track of 40 inches, and cost 63,000 Add to which, laterals, that in tersect it in every direction 20,000 83,000 The Norwegian and Mount Car bon railroad, Avhich is designed to form a part of the PottsvUle and Danville railroad, was commenced in 1829, and finished in 1831. About one mile above Pottsville, it branches and runs up the east and west branches of the Norwe gian. For three miles it is a double track, fifty-six inches and a half, built in the most substantial man ner, and cost 97,000 Its laterals cost about 3,000 100,000 The next in order is the Mine Hill and Schuylkill Haven rail road, which extends from Schuyl kill Haven, (5 miles below Potts ville,) to the Broad mountain, a distance of 1 1 miles, and with the West West Branch connecting HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 305 -with it, forms a line of 15 miles, at a cost of 182,000 To this road there are several miles of lateral, costing 20,000 202,066 The Little Schuylkill railroad, extending from Port Clinton to Tamaqua, a distance of 22 miles, touches but for a small distance on the coal region, until it ap proaches the valley of Tamaqua. The road is at present laid down with a single track, fifty-six inches and a half; but as it is not yet completed, but is designed for a double track, calculated for a loco motive engine, it will cost, when finished 260,000 To Avhich may be added the roads and laterals connected with mines, immediately on the line bf the canal ; which> at a moderate estimate, cost 2,000 262,006 Making a total of -railroads, of $656,006 The amount invested in lands and build ings in this county, is estimated at 6,000,000 The amount expended in opening veins, -fixtures, cars, -&c, &c, connected with 'mining . ,, 200,006 To which may be added -500 boats, averaging $500 each 250,000 Making a total of money invested, amounting to $7,106,000 Although mining was carried on here from 1813, it was not until the canal was completed, that any 'correct account of the coal sent, could be obtained. T 306 HISTORY OF SCHUIXKILL COUNTY. Under that period, arks and river boats were used ; and the quantity sent down Avas small, and the diffi culty in selling was great at any price. Until the year 1820, wood was the only fuel used in Philadelphia; but, from the immense quantity required to supply the city, the forests in the neigh bourhood were fast disappearing, and a means of a future supply had for some time occupied the atten tion ofthe economist and philanthropist. The discovery of coal, in the counties of Lehigh and Schuylkill, appeared to offer the long desired mode of furnishing a supply, when the; forests weye exhausted ; and as wood had attained even at that date, a high price, (being frequently, from ten to fifteen dollars per cord, during the winter, when the navigation was closed,) and every year increasing, the introduction of coal,, as a substitute for -wood, was attempted ; but it beiiig of a quality unknown to most; of the citizens, great difficulties were to be overcome,, before it coukihe introduced to any extent. To accomplish this object, it was necessary to com- . bat and remove old and long established habits and . prejudices; and to satisfy the public, that. a saving would be made. In addition to the habits of the • people being fixed, all the preparations for consu- - ming fuel Avere made for Avood, and before coal could be used, grates .must be substituted for the open fire • places, at a heavy expense., which was thought too . great to be hazarded for an uncertainty. It Avas a long time before grates were brought to , that degree of perfection, sufficient to satisfy the pub lic that Anthracite coal could be used; as the early friends of the measure, in .their zeal to introduce it* into general use, held out to the public the idea, that so smaU a, quantity was sufficient to answer for heat-- ing rooms,-,that many, acting on their isuggestion, had their grate-*. constructed on so small a^cafe, that they, "wcere found totaUy inadequate for the, purpose, andj HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 307 were thrown aside by many in despair, and wood was again resorted to. The experiment, after repeated trials, succeeded ; and, in 1825, they Avere brought to such a state as to satisfy the public that coal, as an article of fuel, could be used with safety and economy. In addition to other causes that operated against the general use of Anthracite as a fuel, its general hardness and want of bitumen, prevented its easy ignition, and required some practice to enable the citizens to make their fires ; and it was considered quite a recommendation for a servant, if they were able to make coal fires. The year 1825 may be considered as the era from which we may date the fair introduction of Anthra cite coal; as grates were then brought to perfection ; and from then to the present- date, the consumption has graduaUy increased. To bring- before the Asso- oiation at one view, the increase of the trade, we, annex a statement Of coal shipped from, this section, , from the year 1825 to the present date, with the price - paid at this place. 1825, 6,500 tons at $3 08 per ton 1826, 16,767 do 2 80 tt tt 1S27, 31,360 do 2. 80 tt ft 1828, 47,284 do 2 52 tt it 1829, 79,973 do 2 52 a a £830, 89,984 do 2 52 a tt 1831, 87,854 do 1 50 a a 1832, 209,271 do 2. 37 u u From the foregoing statement; it- appears that from; is825Athe increase has been gradual,. and. at. an aver age price of $2,51 per ton. From documents in possession ofthe Board, it- appears there were sent to tide water during the last- season, from aU sources, 373,871 tons, and from the best informations we are able to collect, the. supply am 308 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. hand in all our cities, when the navigation opens* • will not exceed 20,000 tons, which Avill leave for the last year's consumption, 353,S71 tons. As it is fair to infer that the increased consumption will keep pace with that of former years, we may put down the demand for 1833, at 480,000 tons, of. which 20,000 are already in market, leaving 460,000 tons to be supplied from all sources. Of this quantity it is possible the LackaAvana works may be able to fur nish 90,000, and the Lehigh 100,000 — leaving to be .supplied from this county, 270,000 tons. Agreeably to the circular of the Lehigh Company, they will be able to furnish, the coming season, 150,- . 000 tons : but, as they have for some years been in the habit of estimating their capabilities at 100,000, which they have never realized, and as their means of transportation Avill be no greater next season than they were last, it is believed 100,000, tons will be the maximum of their product. The Lackawana, from •the opinion of experienced engineers; is able to fur nish on their present road, no more than 90,000 ; at which amount we haVe rated them. Assuming 270,000 tons as the quantity that will be required from this region, the next enquiry is, are we capable of furnishing that amount ? and for what price can it be delivered in the boats? It is the opinion of the Board, that the quantity required can be furnished, if the drifts, now in order, and about being put in order, are worked vigorously; but, should purchasers be backward in giving their orders, that quantity cannot be had,, as it required strong exertions to yield the quantity sent last season, although more than 30,000 tons of that quantity Avas of old stock that had been mined the year previous ; but, owing to the depressed state of the trade, and the ¦cbnsequent low price in 1831, had lain at the mines, until a price could be obtained that would save the owners from loss. HISTORY OF StCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 309' It is believed from the- panic that pervaded the dealers in Boston, New York and Philadelphia, that the orders in the spring will be limited, and that but a small business will be done in the early part of the season. Should this be the case, the quantity mined Avill fall far short of that required — as from the na ture and situation of many of our openings, there is not room to stock up a large quantity— and, in con sequence, the works must be suspended, or Avorked weak handed. In either case the operators will be forced to seek other employment, and become scat tered over the country, and when wanted cannot be had. It appears by the statement heretofore given, that tlie price of coal delivered on board the boats, prior to 1831, Avas $2,70 per ton; and that the average from the commencement of the business was $2,51'. To those at a distance that sum may appear large. A Slight acquaintance Avith the business will satisfy every unprejudiced mind, that it is not more than sufficient to reimburse the collier for his capital em ployed. To the unexperienced it bears the appear ance of a safe and lucrative business — and, were fire-side calculations to be relied on, this assumption would hold good. / But to those who have had experience in mining, and have known the actual charges, the sum hereto fore charged is known to be no more than a fair profit on the capital invested. Could all the veins opened be relied on, and Avere there no faults to be encountered, coal would afford a fair profit at $2,00 ; but as these are cases that none have realized — but,, on the contrary, all veins are not only liable to, but actually are troubled with them, it cannot be consid ered as a compensation. It is well known to all of th is association, that faults have occurred at times when least, expected, and when every preparation was made for doing a large business; and that it is no. uncommon occur- 310. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. fence to meet them when every appearanee indica ted a fair and prosperous issue. Weeks, and some times months, are required to cut through 'these faults, before a ton of coal can be again taken from the vein ; and breasts are again to be opened, shafts sunk for ventilation, and a long time spent in preparing. Be sides all this, the constant wear and tear -of wagons, fixtures, &c, form a series of items, together with numerous etceteras that cannot be taken into calcu lation, unfil actual experience has pointed them out. To afford the collier a fair profit on his investment, and enable him to keep his works and fixtures in order, the Board feel confident that nothing less than $2,50 per ton at Pottsville or Port Carbon, and $2,75 ' at Schuylkill Haven, will be sufficient. The differ ence of 25 cents between Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven is a fair allowance, as the increased distance they are required to haul on the West branch rail road will require all that sum ; and as the difference in freight and toll between the places is 25 cents in favour of Schuylkill Haven, the places, by this differ ence, are brought to a perfect equality. The board have seen, with astonishment, the charge of monopoly brought against the colliers of this region, and the high price of coal, in our Atlantic cities, attri buted to the grasping spirit of colliers here. They would pass this unmerited charge by as unworthy of notice, but that the accusation having been so long made, and undenied, has induced a belief in many that there is foundation for it ; and, under a belief of the truth of the accusation, petitions are about being presented to Congress, praying them to *reduce or abolish the duty on foreign coal. They have seen, with equal astonishment, that the Board of Aldermen of the city of NeAv York, (under an impression, as they presume, that the charges against us are found ed in fact,) have also, as a body, petitioned for a re peal of duties. A charge of so grave a nature, coming from so HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 311 respectable a source, requires from us a firm denial ; as well as proof of the unjustness of the charge. We have already shoAvn that, with the exception of the year 1831, coal was never sold lower than it was the last year ; and it is well known to all engaged in the trade, that the price of 1831 was far below what the article cost. The price of that year Avas not suffi cient to pay for the labor of taking the coal from the mine, and delivering it on the landing, and the owner received nothing for his coal. It is a Avell knoAvn fact, that a perch of building stone, or 24? cubic feet, costs in Philadelphia from $1 to $1,25. It is quarried from the mines, two miles from the city, and is known to be much easier obtained than coal ; it does not require oneTfourth the labour, and is of no intrinsic value : whereas a ton of coal, or 28 cubic feet, is hauled on an average 10 miles, and Avas delivered in 1831, for $1,50, making a dif ference in the cost, of not quite one-third of a cent per cubic foot more for coal, than for building stone. This fact needs no comment, and must, at first blush, satisfy all. The true cause of coal costing more last season at tide water, than of right it should do, was not owing to the price at Avhich it Avas sold here, as Ave believe Ave have fully shown it Avas quite as Ioav as it could be afforded, but was OAving to the extravagant freights that were paid for carrying it on the canal. The depressed state of the trade in 1831 discour aged the building of boats, and when the canal opened in 1832, it was found there were not suffi cient to carry to market the quantity required. In consequence, freight opened at $1,50, which Avas deemed, by the dealers here, a fair rate ; and as it paid a good profit to the boatmen, it was believed it would have a beneficial effect, as aU our boat-build ers Avere put in requisition, and there was a fair pros pect that there would, in a short time, be a suffi ciency, and that we could safely depend on freights 312 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. going no higher. This might have been the case^ had not the cholera appeared in Philadelphia ; but,. so soon as that scourge was known to have made its, appearance, the boatmen became alarmed, and many of them drew off their boats, and the few who con tinued, were only induced to remain by the increased wages they received. From $1,50, freight Aventup, as high as $3,75 ; in the meantime, boats were being built at every yard; and it was confidently anticipa ted by those who are engagedin mining, and whose interest it is to deliver coal afc the cheapest possible rate, that, as soon as the alarm should subside, busi ness would resume its usual course, and that freight would come down to a fair standard. But the par tial stop put to shippings and the consequent small shipments, caused purchasers, to instruct- their agents, (many of whom have- no interest farther- than the commission they receive,) to .forward, as fast as pos sible — in consequence, a competition took place be tween the agents, of who should do the most. The boatmen took advantage of the contention, and all hopes of reducing freight to a fair standard, were dis sipated. In consequence of this, an average of $2 was paid for freight, more than should have, been done, and that sum was added to the cost of coal at tide water. It is believed by, your Board, that there will be a sufficient number of boats on the line, at tha commencement of the coming season, to carry all the , coal that may be required, and that freight may be had, the, season through, at $1,50, provided that agents of houses in qui; cities be instructed not to, raise on each other. As, a great portion of the evil may be traced to the unlimited orders given to agents, we would suggest the propriety of each member advising their custom ers, to select from amongst our citizens, a committee,. who shaU serve as advisers for agents in all cases; and it is believed an arrangement may be made, that "Slfill insure a fair price . to the boatman, and, at the HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 313 same time, save the distant purchasers from ex tortion. From information derived from sources that may be relied on, we feel warranted in saying there will be 600 boats on the canal, at the opening of the sea son, and as the average burthen, last year was near 35 tons, and embraced a large number of " Union Boats," and as all the new boats are of 45 tons and over, it will be safe to average the boats for next sea son at 38 tons, making a tonnage amounting to 22,800. Allowing 16 trips for thcyear, they will be able to transport 364,800 ; but, as a portion of the boats. Avill be used for transporting other articles than coal, it will be safe to estimate at 270,000 tons for coal, which is the amount that will be required, and as we may conclude $1,50 as the highest freight, the cost of a ton of coal, delivered, at tide, water will be : Delivered in the boats at Port Carbon, $2 50 Toll on the canal, 1 00 Freight to Philadelphia,. 1 50 $5 00 At which price it will be the cheapest fuel that can be used, and1 below- which it will be impossi ble to deliver it, with any, prospect of profit to the collier. It has been urged, on. the public that if the present dufy is taken off, coals may be imported from Eng land, and sold at prices below what they are now selling for. To those engaged in mining anthracite coal, it is of little consequence whether there is any duty on the article or not, as it is confidently believed by your board, that the superiority of our article for domestic purposes, as well as for generating steam, is . so great over bituminous; that it can never be brought . to compete with it, even if sold at a lower price; as it, must be evident to all, that those who have once -sjsed anthracite, will never wiUingly_ abandon iVfor,. 314 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. bituminous. But as there are large beds of bitumin ous coal in this state, as well as in Virginia, that might be affected by a, reduction of duties, it may be well to examineinto the 'truth ofthe assertion. It is well known to all mercantile men, that the ^principal part, if not all the coals brought from Eng land, are brought as ballast; and if the -shipowner can realize cost for the article, he is satisfied to lose the freight and charges, as, from the nature of the articles brought from England, he is compelled to take coal or salt as ballast, or purchase stone or earth, which is utterly useless when brought to this country. But admit for a moment that the whole country is to be supplied from England, it must be evident that a -large number of vessels will be employed, and if a fair freight is paid, so far from, reducing the article, it will enhance the price, exclusive of rendering it at ail times a fluctuating article. In the year 1830, a committee was appointed from both branches of the British Parliament, to examine •into the state of the coal trade, and report. The com mittee was appointed on the petition of the citizens of a district, Avho eonsidered themselves agneved by a tax or charge on coal, to the extent of less than one cent per bushel ; but with that prudent foresight that has always characterized that island of merchants, they examined, with minute care, into every branch of that important trade, and after an investigation of near four months, the committee of each branch pre sented a report, which, comprises 390 quarto pages, and were of opinion no alteration should be made, which opinion was adopted. We find, by referring to that report, that the price of coal at New-Castle-upon-Tyne, in 1829, was$3,10 per chaldron, transporting from NeAv Castle to Lon don, $2,40, and delivering from the vessels to the purchasers, $3,05 — and, that with all charges added, ;it cost the consumer in London, in the year -1829, for HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 315 'one chaldron deUvered in his cellar, $11,25, equal to $10,32,1 per ton. To transport the supply of London from New Castle, it required 7021 vessels. From the foregoing, which from its high official character may be relied on, it is evident, that no reduc tion in price can be expected from a reduction of duties, or a free trade. The British government has, for many . years, looked to the coal trade, as a fruitful source for sea men, and it has with truth, been called the nursery of their navy ; that efficient arm of the nation. We may, from the gradual, but sure increase of coasting vessels employed in transporting our product to the eastern states, look with equal certainty to this branch of trade, for a sure supply of our hardy seamen, when their country may require their aid. Your board could, by going into detail, adduce proof sufficient to satisfy the most inveterate advocate ¦of free trade, that it is contrary to the interest of the nation, or of the individuals composing it, to reduce the duty on coal, but they deem the foregoing sufficient to satisfy all, who are not, from interested motives, wedded to the principle of free trade, and should not have deemed it necessary to have said any thing on the subject, but from the respectable character of the association, who now stand most prominent as appli- 'cants for a repeal. ' With a district of country embracing all the variety of anthracite eoal — with a class of individuals of the most persevering industry — we may fairly challenge a competition with the Avorld. Here, the city dealer may be. supplied with any article to suit the taste or' ¦opinions of his customers. He may have it of all degrees of hardness, and from the pure white, to the bright red ash, and of a purity, surpassed by none in the universe. Within the last two years, the business has settled •down to a fair and regular trade, and the care be- 316 ' HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. stowed in clearing the coal from slate and other hm- purities has increased, and Schuylkill coal is deserv edly esteemed above all other, and will, at all times, command $1,00 per ton more than any other in the eastern market. : To- preserve the high character we have obtained, the board earnestly enjoin it oni the- association not to relax in their endeavors, but to continue their exer tions, to add still(farther to the character of our staple,: and by close attention to, the interests of those who- confide in them, to merit and retain a character that will warrant the foreign dealer in placing confidence in, them. As the executive of the association, the board hold themselves prepared, at all times, to render all the aid and assistance in their power, and it will afford them, pleasure, if the experience they have had in mining,, can be' rendered serviceable to any member of tjie> association, or any person, in any manner interested, in. the trade. History of schuYlkilL County. 317 REPORT OF 1845. The period has now arrived when it becomes the duty of the Board *of Trade to submit to the Coal Mining Association, their annual Report; In the performance of this duty, they will bring into review the coal operations of the past year, the improvements immediately connected with the busi ness, as weU as those in progress and in expectation ; and also the routes of transportation to tide water. The amount of anthracite coal sent from the mining -districts, during the year ending on the first inst., wUl be seen by the folloAving table : From Schuylkill. By canal 398,443 « Phila. and Reading R. R. 441,491 From Lehigh 839,934 377,821 " Lackawana 251,005 " Wilkesbarfe 114,906 " Pine Grove 34,916 " Shamokin 13,087 1,631,669 Adding remaining on hand first of April last 50,000 1,681,669 ¦Deduct amount sent by railroad from Jan. 1, to April 1, 52,240 1,629,429 318 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. In making up the above table in the usual manner;. including in the first place, all the coal sent down from January to January, and adding the amount on hand on the 1st of April, it then becomes necessary to deduct the quantity sent by railroad from January 1st to April 1st, in order to show the correct amount in the market. The following table exhibits the quantity of coal sent from all the anthracite coal basins of Pennsyl vania, since the commencement of the trade ; together- with the annual increased supply, consumption, and: quantity remaining unsold, and also that disposed of an the line of our canal and railroad.. HISTORY" OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 319- A TABLE, Exhibiting the quantity of Coal sent from all the Anthracite Coal Basins of Pennsylvania since the commencement ofthe trade, fyc. fyc. SCHUYLKILL. LEHIGH. YEARS. CANAL. R. . ROAD. TOTAL. TOTAL. 1820 365 1821 1,073 1822 2,240 1823 5,823 1824 9,541 1825 6,500 6,500 28,393. 1826 16,767 16,767 31,280 1827 31,360 31,300 32,074, 1828 47,-284 47,284 30,232 1829 79,973 79,973 25,110 1830 89,984 89,984 41,750 1831 81,854 81,854 40,966 , 1832 209,271 209,271 70,000 1833 252,971 252,971 123, §00 1834 226,692 226,692 106,244< 1835 339,508 339,508 131,250 1836* 432,045 432,045 146,522- 183T 523,152 523,152 225,937V 1838 433,875 433,8,75 214,211 1839" 442,608 442*608 221,850 1840 452,291 452,291 225,288^ 1841 584,692 584,692 142,821 1842- 491,602 49,290 540,892 272,129, 1843 447,058 230,237 677,295 267,734s 1844 398,443 441,491 839,934 377,821 5,587,930[ 721,018 6,308,948 2,773,654i no HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. TABLE CONTINUED. OTHER REGIONS. . FINE SHAMO- WILKES- AGGRE- YEARS. LACKAWANA. i .. GROVE. KIN. BARRE. GATE. 1820 365 1821 1,073 1822 2,240 1823 5,823 1824 9,541 1825 34,893 1826 ' 48,047 1827 63,434 1828 77,516 1829 7,000 112,083 1830 43,000 174,734 1831 54,000 176,820 1832 84,600 363,871 ]£33 ll34 111,777 487,748 43,700 376,636 1835 90,000 560,758 1836 103,861 ' 682,428 1837 115,387 17,000 881,476 1838 78,207 13,000 739,293 1839 122,300 30,639 11,930' 819,327 1840 148,470 23,860 15,505 865,414 1841 192,270 17,653 21,463 958,899 1842 205,253 32,381 10,000 47,346 1,108,001 » 1843 227,605 22,905 10,000 58,000|1,263,539 ' 1844 251,005 34,916 13,087 114,906 1,631,669 - 1,878,435 182,354 81,985 220,252 11445628 EISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 321 TABLE CONCLUDED. INCREASE, CONSUMPTION, &o ANNUAL CONSUMP- UNSOLD SOLD ON YEARS. INCREASE. ' TION. APRIL 1. CANAL AND ¦ RAIL ROAD. 1820 1821 708 1822 1,167 1823 3,583 1824 3,718 1825 25,352 1826 13,154 3,154 1827 15,837 3,372 1828 14,082 3,332 1829 34,567 5,321 1830 62,651 6,150 1831 2,086 177,000 10,048 1832 187,051 298,871 none. 13$429 1833 123,877 434,986 65,000 19,429 1834 DECREASE. 415,186 117,762 18,571 1835 184,122 635,935 79,212 17,863 1836 121,670 632,428 4,035 21,749 1837 199,048 680,441 54,t)35 28,775 1838 DECREASE. 788,968 255,070 30,390 1839 80,034 867,000 205,395 28,924 1840 46,087 973,136 157,622 41,223 1841 93,485 958,899 100,000 40,384 1842 149,102 1,158,001 100,000 34,619| 1843 155,538 1,263,539 50,000 £0,000 1844 368,130 50,000 90,000 u 322 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. There appears to be 90,000 tons of coal distributed along the line of our canal and railroad ; and from Wilkesbarre, Pinegrove and Shamokin, there appears to have been about 70,000 tons disposed of on the lines of canal through which the coal passes. And from the most reliable accounts that Ave can get possession of, we believe the quantity sold on the lines of transit from the Lehigh and Lackawana mines, may be set down at 90,000 tons, which will make a gross amount of 250,000 tons sold on the lines of transportation ; leaving 1,381,669 tons of anthraeite coal, that was sent the past year to the terminations of the canals and railroad over which it was transported, there to- be consumed or shipped to other points. , The amount of coal sent from this region the past year in boats, through the Schuylkill, and Delaware and Raritan canals, direct to the city of New York and its vicinity, appears to be 111,521 tons, which is 8,451 tons less than in the year 1843, and is owing to the large amount carried by railroad to Richmond? thence through the Delaware and Raritan canal to New York. The number of steam engines and amount of machinery at the collieries, is steadily and rapidly in creasing, and we now have tAventy-two collieries un der water level, at which there are erected twenty- eight engines for raising the coal and. draining the mines, the aggregate power of them being equal to 1,100 horses. And there has been erected within the past year thirteen smaller engines, equal to -1 78 horse power, for breaking coal ; making the whole number of engines in the region, employed in pumping, and in raising and breaking coal, forty-one, with an ag gregate power of 1,278. horses. In addition to the forty-one engines employed ?ibout the mines, there are fifteen others, rated 186 horse power, employed in other business in the county, making a tptal of fifty-sis steam engjnes, with, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 323 an aggregate power of 1,464 horses, employed in the county ; all of which, excepting four, have been built by our own machinists, and these machinists have now fifteen engines in the course of ^construction for our region. The introduction into this county within the past year of machinery for breaking coal, may justly be considered as an acquisition of vast importance to the already extensive means and appliances for econo mising manual labor. The machine in general use was invented by Messrs. J. & S. Battin, of Philadelphia, and was first put up in their coal yard in that city about a year ago. The first in this county was erected by Mr. Gideon Bast, on Wolf creek, near Minersville, and since that time they have been put up in various places, and are found to answer the fondest hopes of the inventor, and meet most fully the wishes of the coal operators, in performing the work at a Very reduced cost and less Avaste of the coal. This machinery, Avith the circular screens attached, and driven by a twelve horSe engine, is capable of breaking and screening 200 tons of coal per day, which is fully equal to the work of from forty to fifty men. ' Port Carbon is noAV connected with the railroad to Philadelphia, through the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon raUroad, which was opened on the 1st of December last, by the unyielding perseverance of the engineers who were actively engaged in urging the work to its completion within the time required by the charter. The Schuylkill VaUey Navigation and Railroad Company, have a large force employed under A. W. * Craven, engineer, in straightening ahd grading the route for laying down a new road from, the terminous 324 HISTORY OF, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. of the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon railroad at Port Carbon, to Tuscarora, a distance of nine miles. This road is to be laid with heavy iron rails, and of the same width as the principal, roads in the United States, which is four feet eight inches and a half be tween the rails, and it is expected to be equal to any road in the country. Judging from the forward state of the work, and the determined energy of the men Avho are interested in it, there can be little or no doubt of its being ready for the transportation of coal by the 1st of May next; and a part of it -will probably be in use before that time. The work for grading, and relaying the Mill Creek and Mine Hill railroad, with a wide track, and iron rail, and connecting it with the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon road, has also been commenced, with the intention of having it ready early in the coming season.. A bridge is in progress of construction at Port Clinton, that Avill connect the Little Schuylkill railroad with the Philadelphia and Pottsville railroad, and in less than six months from this time, Ave shall see all - the railroads of the coal region, that discharge their immense freight through the valley of the Schuylkill, connected Avith the main artery, that leads to the tide waters of the Delaware River at Richmond. The railroad to Philadelphia has been in steady and successful operation during the past year ; and in October last, the laying down of the second track was completed, presenting now two tracks of iron rails throughtont the Avhole distance of ninety-four miles, which is not to be seen on any other road in this country. The late improvement in the construction of loco motive engines, by which they are enabled to draw two or three times as much as formerly, is calculated HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTV. 325 to cheapen the cost of transportation on railroads to an extent that few, if any, of us had ever imagined. The improvements by Baldwin & Whitney, in con necting six wheels, and using them all as drivers, with the Aveight of the engine bearing equally on them, has increased the power of the engine im mensely, as was clearly shown by a trial in October last, When 750 tons of coal was drawii by one of these engines, and since that time, they have been making regular trips with from 4 to 500 tons. Those engaged in mining and transporting coal, have preferred the railroad to the canal, at the rates charged upon each ; and the advantages by railroad were Considered so far superior to those by canal, that the cars on the road were in constant demand, while the boats were lying at our wharves waiting for cargoes; and were principally loaded at Port Carbon, from Avhence the coal could not be sent in any other Avay than by canal. But the quiet of the boats has been surpassed by the inertness of the canal company for some time past, by which they are likely to lose a large part of the coal trade for a time ; at least until they improve the canal, and put it in a condition to admit of trans portation on it being done as cheaply as on the rail road. We believe the canal company have come to the same conclusion ; and learn that they have decided on making the canal sufficiently large to pass boats carrying from 150 to 2Q0 tons ; and further, that some individuals are so thoroughly convinced ofthe advan tages of steam power oh canals, that they have de termined upon trying it the coming season. We are fuUy satisfied that the enlargement of the eanal and the application of steam, is the true and undoubted plan for cheapening the transportation on this line of improvement, and in perusing the report 326 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. of the president of that company, we have been much gratified with the clear business style of the document, and the abUity with which these advanta ges are set forth. When such a navigation is completed, that boats or vessels carrying from 150 to 200 tons, can load at our wharves, and proceed directly to New York and other distant ports without transhipment of the coal, and be propelled by steam, we think the cost of trans porting must be reduced to one-half, or perhaps, one- third of the cost in the present boats drawn by horses. When this enlargement of the canal is completed, we shall have a line of canal and a railroad, extend ing from this -place to tide, water, not surpassed by any in the country; but it must necessarily require some time to place the canal in this position ; and in the meantime the- tonnage of the valley of the Schuyl kill, which in the past year exceeded 1,000,000 of tons, will be steadily increasing, apd in a very few years will number 2,000,000 tons of coal and mer chandize. Thus it does appear that the large amount of capi tal expended on the canal and boats, raUroad and ' cars, is intended to meet the requirements of a busi ness already very large, and which will, in all hu man probability, be sufficient in a few years, to give active and profitable employment to the millions of dollars expended for its accommodation. Five years since, the manufacturing of good iron with anthracite coal, was believed and asserted by ^ome to be practicable, doubted by many, and posi tively denied by a majority of the iron masters of this State. And now there are 1 3 blast furnaces in operation, using this fuel, and producing the best quality of foundry metal. The furnaces are of dif ferent dimensions, producing from 30 to 100 tons each, of metal per week, and making in the aggre gate about 700 tons per week. These 13 furnaces HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 327 cannot consume less than 70,000 tons of coal per annum; and the additional number that is expected will be put into operation Avithin a year, will increase the consumption of coal to at least 100,000 tons per annum for this purpose only. Another means of consuming a large quantity of our coal is, in its application on boats and vessels, traversing canals and rivers and also the ocean. There are now thirty-five steam boats and vessels plying from the city of Philadelphia, to different points on the Delaware and its tributaries, and to New York ; which consume annually about 45,000 tons of anthra cite coal. Prom the best information we can get, the steam boats and vessels running from the city of New York in various directions, consume annually considerably more than 100,000 tons of anthracite coal, making the whole amount at these two points not less than from 150 to 160,000 tons consumed annually, for generating steam for the propulsion of vessels. From the decided economy and advantages accord mg to the present experience, arising from the use of steam in vessels running through our large canals and along the coast, we are led to the conclusion that in a feAv years a very large portion of the coasting trade, as well as that to the more contiguous foreign ports, will be done by steam vessels, and will neces sarily use a large amount of coal. The rate of toll on the canal for the past year was reduced to thirty-six cents per ton, on coal, with an alloAvance of five per cent, for Waste, and we are not aware that any change in the charge is contemplated for the coming season. The average freight for the whole boating season, was 77 cents to PhUadelphia, and $2,16 per ton to New York. The whole charge per ton of coal by the railroad, 328 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. was $1,10 in the winter, and $1,25 from the Ist of July, until the Ist of December last. The canal was open and ready for the shipment of coal on the 23d of March, and notwithstanding the uhprecedented dry weather, there was no interruption in business, until it was closed by ice on the 19th of December. The amount of coal imported into the United States for the year ending the 30th of June, 1844, is as follows : Tons. In American vessels, 49,909 In Foregn do 37,164 Total, 87,073 If Ave add to the products of 1844, the increase in that year of anthracite coal oyer 1843 as a guide for the probable amount required to be produced the com ing season, we shall find it to amount to nearly 2,000,- 000 of tons ; and some of our operators are making calculations that about this amount must be sent into market to meet the demand ; but we think this esti mate may be somewhat too high, and trust that those engaged in mining will carefully watch the state of the market, in order to, guard against either great ex cess or deficiency in the supply, and thereby prevent heavy losses to the producer, or great increased cost to the consumer, both of which will be avoided by steering between the two extremes, and steady prices preserved; which is always desirable to the coUier. In the report ofthe experiments made by Profes sor W. R. Johnson, under the authority of Congress at the Navy Yard in Washington, on mjfny specimens of anthracite and bituminous coal, we find in the table exhibiting the quantity of steam produced by one pound of fuel, that the coal sent from this region stands before all the other anthracites experimented upon; and second only to two specimens of bitu- r-.S^S HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 329 minous coal sent from the west branch of the Susque hanna. We deem it necessary to call your attention to the movements again made in our legislature to impose a tax on coal, as an expedient for increasing the pub lic revenue ; and in this last movement they seem to have forgotten, or purposely avoided bituminous coal, by haveing specified anthracite. One of the arguments used in favor of this measure is, that a large part of the debt of the state was incur red for the purpose of constructing canals for the accommodation of this trade ; and if this is the case, and the public works do accommodate the coal trade, we cannot see the necessity of imposing a direct tax, separate and distinct from the tolls ; because if the toUs are increased, there wiU be an equal probabUity of an increased revenue, which can be more readily col lected than a separate and direct tax, and done too without any additional officers. If our legislature think that an increased charge per ton on coal and all other merchandize, passing over the public works, is calculated to increase trie- annual revenue floAving into the public coffers, we are perfectly satisfied that such a course should be pur sued, because it would operate equaUy and impar tially. But we cannot see the justice of laying a direct tax on anthracite coal, without at the same time im posing it upon all the other products of the state, in proportion to its value. The heaviest portion of this tax would fall upon the coal sent from this region, for whieh the common wealth has never expended one dollar to construct a canal or railroad by which it could be carried to market. The coal lands here are valued at high rates and: heavily taxed ; and but few counties in the state pay more tax than the county of Schuylkill. 330 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. If, however, it is necessary to raise more revenue, the landholders and colliers of this county are always ready to bear their proportion of any tax that is laid with a due regard to even-handed justice ; but we must be watchful and constant in protesting against this system of unequal taxation, than which there is nothing more certainly calculated to break down and destroy this branch of industry, which has been fostered into its present gigantic size, by much indi vidual enterprize and very heavy pecuniary losses. AU of which is respectfully submitted. CHAPTER IY. COAL REGION, AND MINING OPERATIONS IN 1844. (From the Anthracite Gazette.) THE ORIGIN AND FORMATION OF COAL. Previous to entering upon a particular ' local de scription or history of the developments of this * region, we shall give a rapid and condensed vieAV of the various theories by which scientific men account for the existence of the valuable mineral which makes our wealth. The subject is a curious one, and will possess much interest for those engaged in mining operations, while, in connection with the future arti cles of this series, it will be serviceable as a chapter of reference. For the many scientific and practical facts embraced in the following, Ave are indebted to several rare and late English works, but more par ticularly to our fellow townsman, Samuel Lewis, Esq., who, from among his valuable store of informa tion and experience, has kindly permitted us the use of many notes. There are perhaps but feAv subjects Avhich have given rise to more conjecture or opened a Avider field for the most extravagant hypothesis, than that Avhich involves the origin of coal, and among the many questions which call into operation the ingenious workings of human reason, there are none more 332 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. difficult of complete elucidation than this. The only rational course that we can pursue whilst cognizant of this difficulty, is to lay before our readers the various theories as they have arisen, and after giving the proofs advanced in favor of each, leave them to de cide upon that which appears the most reasonable. From among the many opinions which have been propounded with respect to the origin of this sub stance, we enumerate the following five : First — That it is an earth, a stone chiefly of the argillaceous genus, penetrated and impregnated with bitumen. Second-As the opinion of Mr. Kirwan, who con sidered coal and bitumen to have been derived from what he designated, "the primordial chaotic fluid." Third — That it is entirely of marine formation, and has originated from the fat and, unctuous matter of the numerous tribes of animals that once inhabited the ocean. Fourth — That it is a marine fossil, formed in a manner similar to the reefs' of coral in the present ocean. Fifth— That it is of vegetable origin ; that the ve getable bodies have, subsequently to their being bu ried under vast strata of earth, been mineralized by some unknown process, of which sulphuric acid has probably been the principal agent, and that by. means of this acid the oils of the different species of wood have been converted into bitumen, and a coaly sub stance has been formed. The first opinion as quoted above, has been fully demonstrated to be inefficient from the fact that a number of coals are formed, which are entirely devoid of bitumen, and also that the quantity of earthy or stony matter in the most bituminous coal bears no proportion to them. The other three opinions must be looked upon as HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 333 altogether speculative, and imaginary, although sev eral scientific and chemical arguments may be ad duced in their support. We are thus thrown upon the most prevalent as well as the most reasonable opinion, viz : " That it is of vegetable origin,, derived as before stated, from vegetables." In this inquiry Ave shall use the argu ments pertaining to Mr. LeAvis' notion of the matter. " All are now agreed upon, what is indeed an un deniable fact, that mineral coal is principally com posed of carbon ; and if is a legitimate conclusion drawn from the present state of geological and chemi- cal,knowledge, that carbon existed, either simply or in some state of combination, previous to the deposi tion of the coal strata. For so far from this period being the time of the creation of matter, it was pecu liarly the age of breaking up its old forms and re arranging them anew; the whole amount of the dif ference then between two opinions, is. reduced to the simple point, Avhether the carbon m the coal strata was simply precipitated from some chemical solution or combination into its present form of coal, or whe ther it first passed through the form of organized vegetable matter, and was subsequently reduced by some unknown process to its presenf form. " Let us adopt which of these opinions Ave may, we shall find upon close examination, that the subject is by no means unincumbered with difficulties, and that it is by no means easy to arrive at conclusions that will bear strict scrutiny, and on which we can confi dently rely. It is therefore strictly in accordance with' the spirit of inductive philosophy, to adopt that theory which serves to explain the greatest number of facts, and patiently to wait until a sufficient num ber of observations and experiments shall have been made to draw satisfactory conclusions on the subject. If I mistake not, the theory of the vegetable origin of coal best answers to those conditions. It better accords with deductions drawn from the most accu- 834 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. rate and extensive observations — presents fewer dif ficulties, and requires fewer suppositions than any other. It is true that we are ignorant, and probably always shall be, of the, place from whence such vast accumulations of vegetables were obtained, how they were disposed in such regular strata, and afterwards converted into coal. But the same may be said of each of the secondary and transition strata, that in a great measure compose the crust of our globe. For instance, who can tell from whence was derived the great variety of pebbles that go to make up the con glomerate or pudding stone of the Sharp mountain — how they were broken into small pieces and tritura ted and rounded into their present shapes, and then collected together and deposited in layers as Ave noAV find them. But because we cannot tell all this, does any one, who has fully examined the subject, believe that it has not happened. " Geologists have divided the' strata composing the crust of the earth into five series, as foUows, viz : Primary or primitive, Transition, Secondary, Ter tiary and Diluvial. "The primary class are principally composed of chrystaline matter, without the admixture of .frag ments of other rocks, and do not possess a distinct and regular stratification or disposition in layers. They are wholly destitute of organic remains, that is, no trace or impression' of animals or vegetables is found among them, and hence they afford no evi dence that such existed at the time of their formation. " It is further remarkable that no carbonaceous mat ter of any value for fuel, nor any considerable quan tity of any kind has ever been found among these rocks. '? "The next in order is the transition series; these rocks generally lie in continuous beds or strata more o* less inclined. The lower beds have a semi-chrys- taline appearance, and often contain the fragments of HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 335 other rocks. The upper beds are frequently com posed in whole or in part of pebbles and fragments partially rounded and cemented together. In these rocks we find the first evidences of the existence of animal and vegetable organization, thus indicating a transition or change from a pure chrystaline and in organic state to that of fragmentary composition, and of organic life, and hence the name — transition. The lower part of this series contams only the remains of marine animals of the loAvest order, Avhile the upper contains the remains of land or rather of marsh vege tables, plainly indicating a transition from water to dry land previous to the deposition of the coal beds. , The upper.part ofthe series contains our anthracite coal beds, which are considered as dividing it from the secondary. It also contains immense quantities of the casts and impressions of plants, which fully prove that they existed at the time in great numbers, whether our coal beds are made up of them or not. " The rocks of the secondary series are less chrys taline in their appearance than the transition,- and seem to be composed of the fragments of other rocks ground up and comminuted, and then deposited from some suspending medium. They appear to owe their formation more to mechanical than to chemical means. The bituminous coal measures form the loAvest beds of this series, and the chalk the highest. They con tain immense quantities of the remains of vegetables, and of marine and land animals of the higher orders. and the most gigantic sizes^plainly indicating the increase of dry land. " The tertiary series are principally made up of the preceding, and only contains the imperfect or brown coal. " The dUuvial is merely the effect of currents pass ing over the surface of the earth and sweeping away the debris of rocks and other formations. Peat or turf belongs to this formation, if it can properly be* said to belong t© any. 336, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. " The rocks formed in the first geological age are conceived to owe their present state to the combined effects of immense heat and pressure, and thus to be, chemically united. In the next, or transition age, they appear to have been deposited from some sus pending medium, and to owe their present state part ly to the action of chemical and partly to mechanical laws ; while in the secondary series they are wholly mechanical, except so far as they are held, together by the attraction of cohesion, • " Carbon is most probably an original ingredient in the composition of our rocks, and was not origi nally formed by any process of vegetation. ' It is found in the primary limestones and other primary rocks,, and1 in many. transition rocks that were formed previous to fhe existence of plants. In limestones it forms about one-eight of their Aveight. Could the carbon be separated from the limestone in the calca reous ranges of the Jura and the Alps in Europe, it would form a bed of pure carbon of nearly one thou sand feet in thickness, throughout the vast extent of those mountains. The, whole formation of the^ tran sition and primary limestones of Pennsylvania may cover an area of ten thousand miles, and Avill perhaps average four thousand feet ih thickness. The carbon of this would form a bed of more than five hundred feet thick Over the whole' extent- All these rocks were formed prior to the existence of plants. Carbon , exists in these rocks in the state of carbonic acid com bined with lime or other bases, and it is somewhat remarkable, that with the'exception of the coal beds, it is nowhere found in an unconibined state. " Neither do we know of any remains of beds of its combinations, from whence it could have been liberated by any of the agents that have been instru mental in forming the rocks that envelope the coal beds, so far as our knoAvledge of these agents ex tends. Heat AviU expel the carbonic acid from its combinations with lime or other earths, metals, &c. ; SistorY of schuylkill county. 33t ^3ut it requires some other process, Some other agency to separate the carbon from this combination with oxygen. We know of nothing that will effect this but the process of vegetation ; it having been proved by direct experiment, that plants, during their growth, absorb carbonic acid, and give out oxygen, thus re taining the carbon which manifestly forms a great portion of their bulk. " Admitting therefore, as we cheerfully do", the prior existence of carbon, it does net assist us in the inquiry how the immense masses of carbon, that constitute the coal strata Avere collected together, Unless We re sort to tlie agency of vegetables. How they are formed from these, we are in a great measure ignc- rant, and perhaps always will be, but we may at least be permitted to offer a conjecture. " Carbon may have existed in the interior of the earth, and have been expelled from thence by the great internal heat now* generally admitted to have existed in the earlier stages of its formation, in the form of carbonic acid gas, (the common choke damp or black damp of our mines and wells) this may have so filled the atmosphere as to render it unfit to support animal life, while it furnished the most suitable food for plants. It is also very probable that much less mould or earth may have covered the rocky strata in those early ages than at present, and that plants must have lived more by absorbing carbon from the air through their leaves, than from the earth through their roots. That such was the ^primitive condition of the atmosphere, and that it was gradually purified by the growth of plants, seems not to be improbable from the circumstance,that*previoUs to their existence, the animated races Avere confined to the water, and were of the lowest orders to whom a breathing ap^- paratus is not necessary ; to these succeeded reptiles and cold-blooded animals, which can enjoy and en dure an atmosphere that would be fatal to warm blooded animals and to man. These reptiles did not V 33.8 ¦ history of schuylkill county. appear until after the deposition of the coal strata, and it is further probable that it required many gen^ erations of plants to render the air respirable for birds. and beasts, as. it is not until long after that any ves tiges of these races are found. These were the im mediate precursors ofthe human race, the sovereigns. of a world which they underprize, and of which they Uttle knpw the wonderful structure, or, the surpasing beauty. "At the epoch of the coal formation,,the vegetation, that covered the earth was of the most luxuriant growth and gigantic size, as. is evidenced by their re mains found in the adjoining strata. Plants, such as, ferns and equisiti, which are at present classed, with; the grasses, then attained to the stature and size of trees. It consisted; in the temperate and colder. countries of Europe and- America,, of genera and species of plants now only found- in the tropical coun-- tries. We can at this day scarcely form an idea of the amount of vegetation annually produced by the com bined influence of heat, moisture and carbonic acid. gas. " In the upper or diluvial formation, we find peat,, which is unquestionably of vegetable origin, as it is now forming, from vegetables ip various parts of the world ; and: yet fully formed peat has. as little the ap-. pearance of vegetables.,as most kinds of coal. It is-, also remarkable that the further peat is removed from aU traces of vegetable- organization,..(within certain; limits) the better it answers for fuel. In peat we have an instance of theformationiOf fuel from vege-- tables^ but which has no trace of a vegetable left, by a mineralizing proeessthat is just-as little understood,, and is just as inexplicable, as the-: process by which vegetables, have been converted into mineral coal. Would it then.be reasonable— would it be philosophi-. cal to deny 'the vegetable origin of coal, merely he- cause we are unable to explain the process bly which} i$ has beeife reduced to its present state.? HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 339) « Owing to the great opacity of coal, all attempts to. examine its structure by the aid of the microscope proved abortive, until Mr. Witham, an English ex perimentalist, lately suggested and practised with singular success, the method of cutting from fossil stems, transversely and longitudinally, thin slices, and having them cemented to glass, polished them so as to render their internal structare strikingly conspicu ous under the microscope. SUces of coal treated in this manner, exhibited in some parts distinct traces of Avoody texture, in others where the texture of the original plant could not be distinguished!, cells filled: with a light yellow colored matter, apparently of a bituminous nature and very volatile^ were percepti ble. The number and appearance of those cells vary with each variety of coal; in the finest portions* where the chrystaline structure, as indicated by th& rhomboidal form of its fragments, is most developed,, the cells are completely obliterated ; the texture be ing uniform and compact, and the whole arrangement indicating a more perfect union of the constituents,, and a more entire destruction of the original texture ©f the plant. These cells are conjectured) to be de rived from the reticular texture of the parent vegeta ble, rounded and confused by enormous pressure. " The extreme rarity of the impressions of plants; in coal when properly considered is no* proof that it is not of vegetable origin, but rather*- one of the strongest arguments in favor of such an hypothesis,, when taken in connection with, the profuse vegetation of that period. Vegetables a* the time of the coal formation were principally of the vascular*;, crypto* gamic class ; that is, allied to reeds, flags, ferns, &c.,. with but few of a woody structure. If is stated that out of 260 species discovered in. the coal measures,, only forty were of the latter class* All traces-, of ve getable texture would be likely to> be destroyed! in the. conversion of at mass of such vegetable* into' coal.. Fbr if coal has. been formed from- vegetables, it was; 340 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. by some mineralizing process, that has, in conjunction with enormous pressure, destroyed -the vegetable tex ture, particularly of the soft and vascular plants, hence it is only from some peculiar concurrence of cir cumstances that impressions of vegetables have been retained. Whereas, if it owes its formation, like the rocks that surround it, to the mere precipitation and consolidation of its component parts, and Uke them been derived from similar materials in another form, we ought reasonably to expect to find the same im pressions of plants as in the surrounding shales. All were once equally soft alike, and ought therefore to retain similar impressions. " Thus we have the fullest proof that the subject is capable of, in the present state of our knowledge, that in all the different varieties of fossil fuel from peat to anthracite, vegetables did exist at the time of their formation and in immediate contiguity with the beds, "The materials composing the strata above and below the coal, are composed of fragments of rocks that previously existed, or of the same materials with those rocks. " Specimens ofthe same kinds still exist — some of them in the greatest profusion ; but we have no re mains of beds of carbon in the older rocks, from whence our coal beds might have been derived. Nei ther do we know of any process in nature, except vegetation, by which carbon can be liberated from most of its combinations. Vegetables are in a great measure composed of carbon, and so is coal ; some kinds of coal show evident traces of woody texture ; and as before observed, we have the most abundant proof that plants flourished and fell in immense quan tities at the time of the coal formation ; the simplest and plainest, and therefore the most philosophic in ference is, that it is derived from this source." AU these arguments, while they evince much re- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 341 search and labor, bear the impress of sound philoso phical reasoning, and address themselves to the con sideration of scientific and practical men, as being free of hypothesis and possessing less of a theoretical tone than the many other suppositions, which at dif ferent periods have been forced upon the observation. To continue the arguments in support of the vege table origin of coal : " There can be no question that the Bovey or Brown coal, found in Great Britain, is composed principally of the trunks and branches of trees, as in some spe cimens the vegetable fibre or grain of the wood is dis- cernable at one end, while the other is reduced to coal. Almost all the varieties of this coal contain, besides carbon and bitumen, a portion of resin and other un altered vegetahle products. This brown coal, if pow dered, and put into an iron tube, covered with Stour bridge clay, and then submitted to a red heat, wUl be converted into a substance having all the external character and ehemical properties oi mineral coal, and the clay will be converted into coal shale. This experiment has been tried with specimens of the coal having at one end of the piece the complete remains ofthe wood. "Every coal district has its peculiar series of strata unconnected with any other — while there is a great resemblance in the nature of the different beds in each. A district Avith its peculiar series is called a field. Coal fields are generally of but limited extent,, and the strata frequently dip to a common centre, being often arranged in basin shaped concavities, which appear in many cases to have been originally detached lakes that were gradually filled up by re peated depositions of carbonaceous and mineral mat ter. In some of the larger coal fields the original form of the lake cannot be so distinctly traced ; their present form seems rather to be owing to the up-rising of the strata on which the coal measures rest, and by which they are, as it were, enveloped. Thus in om? 342 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ¦own region, if we admit the strata to have been ori- ginaUy deposited in a horizontal position or nearly so, (and we can hardly conceive how they could have been deposited in any other position) their present inclined situation must be owing to the subsequent up-rising of the rocky strata that compose the Broad and Sharp mountains. But in many of the smaller ones the basin shape is distinctly preserved. " The coal strata were doubtless deposited in the vicinity of extensive tracts of dry land containing rivers, marshes, fresh water lakes and mountains. — The marine beds, which are the foundation of the series of coal State and also surround them, must therefore have been raised from the bottom of the ancient deep before the vast accumulations of vegeta ble matter constituting the coal beds could have been formed. „ " The remains of vegetables found in the coal strata belong to families of plants that abound at present chiefly in tropical countries, such as gigantic ferns and equisitums (or horsetail) with jointed stems like reeds, and hence called calamities ; and lycopodia, or plants allied to the tree. In some instances, the coal is decidedly formed of such plants, and from their sometimes being found erect, we may infer that they grew near the place their remains are now found. "Another inference from these facts is, that the earth must have possessed a much higher temperature at the time of the formation of the coal than at the present, and hence vegetables may have groAvn in the most profuse abundance and of the most gigantic size. More may have been produced at one crop then, than in ten at the present day. And through the influence of the greater chemical energy that un doubtedly existed at -that time, may have been' pre served from the rapid decay which takes place atthe present time, and hence great masses — the product of many successive crops, may have been accumulat- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 348 ed, ready to undergo the unknown process by which they were converted into beds of coal, when the ap*- pointed time came for this to take place." Having thus given our readers by way of introduc tion of the more local articles which will follow, many Valuable facts in respect to the origin and formation of coal, which have never yet been published, we shall proceed in our next to describe the peculiarities and developments ofthe coal fields, as far as the care fully collated experience of others, added to our own observation, Will enable us. SCHUYLKILL COAL FIELD. Under the head of " The Coal Region," we gave a long and carefully written essay upon the origin and formation of coal, the point of which went to prove that this valuable staple was originally a vege table substance. We might continue the reasoning by the addition of a great number of interesting proofs and experiments, but as this course would be tiresome to many of our readers, and as we think the conclu sion Avas fully proven, Ave forbear any father allusion to that matter. The point we arrive at, and the peculiarities men tioned as accompanying the coal formation, will apply -directly to all the anthracite coal beds ia the state ; but as these articles were Avritten for the "purpose of more familiarly introducing a particular description of our own region, usually denominated the " Schuyl kill Coal Field," we shall follow out the intention per haps abruptly. It may in the first place be well to remark, that all our anthracite coal fields, are, in the opinion of many scientific gentlemen, who have spent much time in investigating the matter, but part of an origmal great formation, which, at some period, has been separated tjy the disturbance of the underlaying strata. 344 HISTORY. OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY-. That part called the Schuylkill Coal Field, of whicfa we noAV intend to speak, is about sixty-five miles in length, and about four miles and a half in its greatest breadth, which is in the vicinity of Pottsville. This basin resembles in shape a long eliptical or oval trough, narrowing off towards the ends with the ex ception of the western portion which is divided into two narrow prongs. This basin is bounded by the Broad mountain on the north, and by the Sharp mountain on the south, which boundaries are cut through, or penetrated at different points by various streams which pass through them into the coal forma-. tion. Beginning at the eastern portion, it is penetra ted first by- the Little Schuylkill at Tamaqua — the Mill, creek at Port Carbon — the river Schuylkill at Pottsville — the West Branch of the Schuylkill at Minersville— the Swatara creek at Pinegrove— and the Wisconisco and Stony creeks at the extreme western portion of the elipsis. These creeks and1 streams af-. ford admirable natural outlets for the eoal, and favo rable sites for the location of railroads, which are already laid down, and iu operation through nearly all these passes. Of these, however, Aye shall speak hereafter* This coal field is everywhere surrounded and rests on a, thick stratum, of rock composed of coarse and rounded pebbles, cemented together, commonly called pudding stone or conglomerate, which forms, as it were, an, outer bed, or trough, inside of which are the various seams, or as. they are more commonly called veins of coal. These veins or beds of coal lie at about every angle, from horizontal to perpendicu lar, but most generally, in the central part of the field, dip at an angle varying from twenty-five to forty de grees with the horizon. They are separated from each other by different stratas of sandstone and slate^ which are of various thicknesses. From examinations made across the centre of the field, aided by the number already worked, it isascer^ HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 34S tained that we have in this basin about ninety-five veins or strata of coal, and it is probable that we have not yet arrived at sufficient information, by which to determine the exact number. These veins /un in the direction of the length of the region, and vary in thickness from two feet to forty or fifty feet — nearly aU of them extend for many miles in length, and some of them, unquestionably, extend under the whole coal field. Lying inclined, as they generally do, one edge reaches the surface of the ground, where it is called the " out-cropping" of the coal, and the other extends to an unknown depth in the earth. These beds, or veins of coal, form as much a part of the rock forma tion of the coal field, as strata of slate or limestone do the rock formation of other parts of the countiy, and are as little likely to be exhausted. Both may be worked to a depth that will cease to remunerate the operator, but the part taken away will scarcely be a fragment of that which would be left. If we suppose the whole number of veins to be equal to fifty veins of six feet thickness, fifty miles in length, and extending to an unknown depth in the earth, some idea may be formed of the supplies our coal field can furnish, and the little probability there is of exhausting them in our day. Our coal field is situated on the head Avaters of the Schuylkill and the Swatara, and the surface may be described as broken into high hills and deep ravines. Many of these cross the country in a direction nearly at right angles with the course of the veins of coal, hence rendering access to them very easy. COAL MINING. To procure coal from one of these veins, a point is fixed upon where it crosses a ravine, and an opening is made in the vein at such a height that the water coming out of it may freely pass off uito the adjoining stream, This opening may be, 346 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. about six or seven feet square — is well secured by timber and is continued horizontally through the ¦earth and soft coal, which is usually found near the out-crop of the vein. In this opening or " drift?' as •it is technically called, a xailroad is laid and continued after the workmen, as they proceed, and when they •have penetrated so far into the vein that the coal is found hard enough to be transported to market, the mining commences. The methods of mining- vary according to circumstances — we will describe one. The reader will imagine a bed of solid coal, say six feet thick in cross sections, lying inclined in the earth, at an angle of thirty degrees, resting -on a greyslatey rock, called, " bottom slate" and covered by a bed of black slate, called " top slate" — this latter to con sist of one immense continuous mass, with but few fissures in it. These strata of coal and slate, preserve their thickness or parallelism, or nearly so. Into the bed of coal an opening, or " drift," has been made, as above described, say at the depth of 200 feet below the " out-cropping" oi the coal on the top ofthe hiU, at a point on the side of this drift towards the rise of the coal. An opening is cut into the coal six feet wide, and extending from slate to slate. This open ing may be continued up fifteen feet — it is then widen ed out to forty feet, and a trough or schute of plank, say four feet wide, is laid in it. The lower end of this trough is placed high enough for a small or drift car (usually containing about one ton of coal) to pass under it. The coal is then loosened by cutting away a portion of it next to the bottom slate Avith small picks, or as it often happens, there is a thin stratum of soft carbonaceous slate near the bottom of the bed which is cut away, instead of the coal. This opera tion is called undermining, and is extended five or six feet under the body of the coal (Avhich is temporarily supported by small props) or as far is thought safe by the Avorkmen. The portion of coal thus undermined, is then brought down by means of wedges and levers, and frequently by blasting with .powder-. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 347 When it is broken sufficiently small, to be handled with facUity, it is placed in the plank schute, down which it descends by its own gravity — is readily ¦passed into the car, and drawn out to the mouth of the drift by horses or mules. The " top slate'' or roof of the mine is kept from scaling off or injuring the men by placing wooden props at suitable inter- *vals, and the space from which the coal is taken as much as possible filled up with refuse matter. The portion of the vein, above described, which we called forty feet wide, is denominated a working or " breast," and is generally operated in, by three or four men, and the coal is usually taken out as far up the breast, as it is merchantable. As soon as the coal has been mined from it for a feAv yards in the up- *ward direction, another breast may be opened at the distance of forty feet, and the work conducted in pre- •cisely the same manner. If the drift before mention ed, or "gangway?' as it is some times called, has been carried sufficiently in advance, the breasts may be opened one after another, so that the gangs of men ¦working in them may appear like a large company ¦of mowers, extending from the drift or gangway into the extreme upper part. This kind of mining is tech nically termed "working above the water-level." The water-level, meaning in miner's language, the lowest point in a bed of coal, from Avhich the water wiU run into the adjacent streams, and must of course vary exceedingly with the different localities. It must be evident that by an arrangement of this kind, a great number of hands can be employed in a mine Avhen- ever the demand for coal will warrant it, and also that it can be worked by a very few. As was before observed, there are several other plans of mining suited to the circumstances of the different veins of coal. In mining below the water-level, after deciding up- ¦on some suitable point for the works, an inclined «haft, or " slope" as it iscominonly called, is worked S48 HISTOHY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. down the bed of coal to any depth thought desirable-,, (which we may state at 275 feet,) and wide enough for a double track railroad, ahd pump barrell, say eighteen feet. At the top of this slope a steam engine must be erected of sufficient power to draw up the coal and pump up the water. Near the bottom of this slope, drifts or gangways, are worked into the coal, to the right and left, in which railroads are laid ; and the whole process of mining, &c, is conducted in precisely the same manner as above water-level, ex cept that the coal is hauled by horses to the bottom of the slope only, and is afterwards drawn up into day-light by the steam engine at the top. Having now given our readers, as preliminary,. sufficient information to induct therii into the peculi arities of our operations, we shall proceed, in connec tion with the topography of our region, to give a particular description of the different mines. SCHUYLKILL VALLEY DISTRICT. The coal lies in veins between the red shale of the Broad mountain, and that of the Sharp mountain. The width of the basin decreases materially as it pro gresses east, thus carrying out completely the form of an elipsis, Avhich circles about at Mauch Chunk, where- the coal is found at the narrowest point, in one com plete mass. In undertaking a description of this coal field, we have taken in only that portion,, for our present arti cles, which rests between the line ofthe Little Schuyl kill Company's land at Tuscarora, and the Swatara. We shall then commence at Tuscarora and follow the range of veins in a westerly direction until we have completed our task. The Schuylkill Valley district is penetrated in a direction almost parallel with the veins for a distance of ten mues by the river SchuylkUl. The canal ceases* History of scHuylkiLl county. 34S Bt Port Carbon, and the only way of reaching the boats with the coal, is by means of the Schuylkill Valley raUroad, which extends along the course of the stream the whole length of the district. This com pany was first chartered in 1828 as a Navigation Company, to be styled, " The Schuylkill Valley Na vigation Company." The act authorizing thein to lay a railroad was not passed, however, until Janu ary, 1829, and the road Avas not commenced until some time during that year. It has always been sup posed, and no man who understands the topography of the district, can doubt it, that this road will in a short time become the most important and valuable in the whole district, and the reason for this opinion is easily explained. The railroad folloAvs the direc tion of the stream for ten miles as before stated — this road crosses from tAvelve to fifteen natural ravines which penetrate the whole basin at right angles Avith the veins. Each ravine will thus develope nearly as much coal field as either of the other railroads in the county, and all that is required for the purpose of in ducing this consequence is the construction of a good and permanent railway in the stead of the present. Up these ravines are laid several railroads, of which We shall speak in their order — but to proceed with our intention. The first colliery at the eastern end of the district, is at the head of the Schuylkill Valley railroad — is worked in at the foot of the LoCust mountain above Tuscarora, and is called THE TUSCARORA COLLIERIES. The property upon which these collieries are loca ted belongs to the SchuylkUl Bank— it contains about 406 acres, and extends in width from the Sharp to the Locust mountain, and reaches in length about 1| utiles on the range of the veins. The distance from the mouth of the drift to the shipping point at Port 350 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Carbon, is ten miles. The openings, as we before stated, are made in the Locust mountain, and the veins are supposed to be the sameasthose foundin the Broad mountain, at New Castle. These veins (the Jugular and Daniels) folloAV the course of the Broad mountain eastwardly to Patterson, where it intersects •with the Locust mountain. The Broad mountain at that point leaves the ^direction and takes a north-east erly course, and the Locust mountain, being the regu lar prolongation, carries the same veins on to Tama qua. The opening upon the veins is made by a tun- nell, which is L75 yards in length, and crosses three veins — the Greer Vein, another White Ash Vein, and. the Tuscarora Vein, averaging in thickness 9 feet each-. The latter of these veins, is the principal one now worked — it has-been operated in for 12 years,. by Wallace & Co., who. have driven the gangway for 900- yards and have taken out from it an immense quantity of excellent coal. These mines are now leased by Mr. James-: Palmer, who.in 1842:and 1843 mined' from it about 6000 tons yearly. Mr. Palmer informs us that if the vein is in good order, and the state of the railroad such as to. permit it, he couldi mine and send to. market 10,000 tons of coal annual ly from the Tuscarora vein. These veins all pitch, south about 65 degrees, and command about 120 feet of breasting above the water-level. BELMONT COLLIERIES. These- collieries are located upon the Valley rail road, about one mile west from Tuscarora, and nine miles from Port Carbon, near the point where the railroad crosses the Schuylkill The tract, which be longs to Samuel Bell, Esq., of Reading, contains be tween 400 and 500 acres. The veins have a north. pitch of about 80 degrees, are from 4 to 7 feet in thickness, and command about 60 feett breasting. Theset mines are operated in by Aquilla Bolton, Esq.,, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 351' and'are in first rate working order. There are al ready opened upon this tract tAvo veins, in addition to which five more have been proven,, which can be opened at: any time when it may be deemed advisa ble. The openings have been made a distance of 350. yards on each vein, in addition to which is about 40, yards of tunnel cutting, across two veins. The dis tance between the veins is about 19 yards. The range of veins extends through this tract for about Is miles, and judging from the number already proven, along with their extent, the supply of coal which might be derived froim this land is almost incalcula- ble. There can be mined from each vein at present, 30 tons per day, and with the proper encouragement,. and; a good, railroad, this amount might be increased to a much greater ratio. Mr. Bolton is one of our most enterprizing operators, has been for many years- engaged in the business, and is. the proprietor of sev eral valuable coUieries in this district-, of which we shall speak, in their turn. KINSLEY'S COLLIERIES. The next mines in order, isa new- working, com menced by Mr. Hugh Kinsley, of Port Carbon, upon, the Robb &.. Winebrenner tract, about 65 miles from, Port Carbon, in a spur ofthe Sharp mountain, called the Bear Ridge. The attempt was made a number, of years ago. to work this mine by B. Patterson, Esq., but as the vein appeared to be very small, the work ing was, deserted. The vein, as Mr. Kinsley has now opened it, is . about 4 feet thick, and of a south pitch. He has made about 76 yards of drift into the vein, and has. about 120 feet: breasting. The coal isa red ash, and is supposed to - be the Spohn Vein. The reason for this belief, in addition to the quality and appearance ofthe coal, which is identical, is the existence.- in this tract, of a singular feature which, only accompanies, 352 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. that vein. This is a small vein of coal, not more than 9 inches thick, which always overlays the main vein, and frequently serves to dishearten operators, with the belief that they have found the principal vein. It was this vein, or " the Leader of the Spohn," as it is called, which occasioned the desertion of this tract, many years ago ; the miners mistook the leader for the principal vein, and abandoned it on. account of its unprofitableness. Mr. Kinsley has about 120 yards of lateral road to connect his mines with the main road, in addition to which he has already laid 200 feet of plank road, and 104 yards of timber road. The length of range upon the vein is li miles. FREEMAN'S COLLIERIES. Proceeding down the railroad, the next operation is a small working made into the hill, on the north of the road, about \ mile above Middleport, and 6 j miles from Port Carbon. This operation is carried on b*y Mr. Patrick Freeman. The vein is called the Spohn Vein — varies in thickness from 4 to 7 feet, and is of a south pitch. This work was first commenced about twelve years ago, but abandoned; it was re-com menced in 1843, by Mr. Freeman, who has now pen etrated the hill to the extent of 200 yards, and has taken from the vein a considerable quantity of good merchantable coal. Between Freeman's mines and Middleport, there are no intervening collieries. At Middleport there occurs a long ravine, at right angles with the veins through which runs the Casea-William creek. Messrs. Olwine & Davis laid a raUroad along this creek, about five years and a half ago, which is now in tolerable good order, and serves as a medium for the transport •tation of aU the coal mined in its course. HISTORY 6F SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 3^3 UREN'S COLLIERIES. The first colliery we^ arrive at ih passing up this Toad is that worked by Mr. Henry Uren, who has opened two dritts upon the Spohn & Lewis veins, at a distance of -about half" a mile from the valley tailroad. These workings were commenced in the fall of 1842, and have been continued successfuUy and profitably ever since. The Spohn vain, at this point, averages in thickness from four to eleven feet, and the Lewis vein, from four to four and a half feet. Both workings are in excellent order, and the quality of the coal is unexceptionable. The height of breast ing upon the Spohn vein is ninety yards^upon the Lewis fifty yards. The gangway has been driven on 'the Spohn, to a distance of 300 yards, and on the Lewis about 200 yards — both veins are of a north pitch. Mr. Uren tells us that if the demand would warrant it, and the railroad to Port Carbon was such as to permit it, he could mine and send down from each vein, at least sixty tons per day. This property belongs to the Valley Furnace Tract, and is leased by Mr. Uren. THOMPSON & PENNMAN'S COLLIERIES. The next colliery in regular order as we pass up the Casca- William road, is Thompson & Pennman's^ who are operating on the Adam Stahl tract, in the Veins which were opened by J. C. Circovius, about four years ago. These veins are supposed to be the Peach mountain veins— the coal is red ash, of supe rior quality, and has a high reputation abroad. The pitch of the vein is irregular. Messrs. Thompson & Pennman are now working the drifts, designated as No. 1, and No. 2. They have penetrated about 300 yards into each, and are taking out beautiful coal. W 354 HISTORY QF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. PATRICK'S COLLIERIES. These are carried on by Mr. John Patrick, whp connects with the, Casca-William's roa.d, by about half a mile of lateral railway,, and is .about one mile from Middleport. The vein, which is in good order, and producing excellent coal, is about 4| feet thick, commands, 50 yards of breasting, and is worked in, by gangway, to the distance of about 200 yards. The property upon which these mines are located^ belongs to Messrs. Tams & McCanles, and is estimat ed as valuable. As we proceed up the Casca-William's, road, the; next and last, colliery Ave arrive at, is THE MUSIC HALL COLLIERIES. These mines are worked by Messrs. Spayd & Lur, ther, at the extreme end or head of the Casea-WU- liam's road, about 2 miles .frpm , Middleport. The4 term " Music Hall," originated thus-none of the houses built.upon the land was occupied by a num ber of Germans, who papered. one of the rooms, (an unusual thing in that district) and amused themselves in that room with various musical instruments — hence the name. Messrs. Spayd & Luther are work ing but one vein— -rit is first, quality white ash, and-? is known as the Raven vein. This vein ia- twenty feet thick, pitches nearly perpendicular, and is work ed differently from any other vein in the region. They have already, penetrated into the vein a distance of about half. a. mUe, and taken out from it an im mense quantity of exceUent coal. Messrs. S. & L. have erected a platform at their mines for breaking coal, which is done upon a large iron.plate, about 6 , HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 355 feet by 2p feet, having octagonal holes the size ofthe coal they wish to prepare. There are schutes ar ranged above the platform for the,' purpose of distri buting the coal fairly over it, and the whole arrange ment Avorks admirably. We are assured that 20,000 tons of coal annually can be mined • from the Raven vein, if the demand should1 warrant it. Connected Avith this colliery are 1.8 houses for miners' dwellings, alpng with other necessary buildings, The tract con tains about 244 acres, and is owned by the operators, Messrs. Spayd &. Luther. There are several other veins upOn it, of both red and white ash, which have never yet been opened. The Casca-Wiiliam:'s railroad is, in whole length, about two miles, and is kept in good order by the operatives who use it. Passing down the Schuylkill Valley railroad from . Middleport, which was the last point mentioned, we meetwith.no collieries until we come to Lick run, a distance of 4£ miles from Port Carbon, and 1^ miles from Middleport. A lateral road is laid up this run. for a space of 550 yards in length, atthe extreme end. of whioh we come to LICK RUN COLLIERIES. These -veins belong to the Valley furnace tract, and : are leased to John Curry, Esq.-, who -leases to Whe- lan & Co., who are now working thera. The veins, Avhich are two, are called Peacock and Peach moun tain. The distance between them is about* 20 yards, . widening' apart as' the veins, enter-- the mountain. Messrs. W. & Co. are- now working- the Peacock vein,, by means- of a level' about 50 feet" above the first opening.. The first drift was driven into the Peacock . vein, when, after having entered the hill a short dis tance, a tunnel was cut across obliquely ina southern direction, which struck the. Peach mountain. Both • 356 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. veins are of a south pitch. The thickness of the Peacock vein is from Ik to 9 feet, and. the Peach mountain from 6 to 7 feet. The height of breast from the lower to the upper level in, the Peacock vein is about 150 feet, and about the same height from the upper level to the out-cropping. This would give 100 yards of breasting to the Peach mountain vein, which is about the height. These veins were first opened in February, 1844 — the operators have just got fairly under way, and their prospects now look quite flattering. The lateral road, which is in good order, was laid by Mr. Curry, who has a lease upon the veins for 10 years. The lease authorizes a range Upon the veins of one mile in length. Returning again to the VaUey road, Ave find no col* lieries between Lick run and the Silver creek" rail road, which comprises an intervening distance of half a mile. This latter road is laid along Silver creek for a distance of If miles, in nearly a northerly di rection. Passing up Silver creek from the Valley road, the first working we arrive at, is KINSLEY'S COLLIERY. This colliery is located about 300 yards from the Valley railroad, and is worked in the hill in an east erly direction. The vein is called the Palmer vein, from the fact that it was first Avorked by that estima ble and enterprizing pioneer of the trade, Dr. G. G. Palmer. The vein was first opened by Spencer & Lawler, about five years ago. It was then leased by Dougherty & Colahan, who operated in till last March, when Mr. Kinsley commenced working it. The gangway has been driven east a distance of 130 yards, and commands about 150 feet of breasting the whole of that distance. The coal is an excellent red ash, and at present is 3 s feet thick in the breasting. The property is owned by the Valley furnace com- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 35" pany, and extends in a range Avith the vein to Lick run, a distance of about 800 yards. The next colliery Ave arrive at Avhilst passing up Silver creek, is WILLIAMS & DAVIS' COLLIERY. This is located at the Valley furnace, about 200 yards above Kinsley's, and immediately where the stage road to Middleport crosses Silver creek. This vien Avas opened many years ago, and was abandon ed. It Avas leased by the present firm, about two years ago, and they have been operating in it since that period. They have but one opening — the coal is red ash, of good quality — three feet in thickness, seventy feet breasting, and pitches south. The vein has ben worked to. a distance of 280 yards eastward ly, and commands an additional range of about 600 yards before reaching Lick run, which is the boun dary. Williams, & Davis lease this vein from the VaUey Furnace tract. Between this colliery and the head of the SUver creek railroad, there are several new openings which have been lately made by Mr. Gideon Bast, of Schuylkill Haven. The veins are red and Avhite ash, are in excellent order, and promise to become valua ble and profitable collieries. Mr. Bast is busUy en gaged in perfecting the operations, and making all the necessary improvements for the purpose of getting them fairly under Avay ; and we shall therefore defer a more lengthy notice until such time as the arrange ments shall be concluded. The property upon which these veins are located, is owned by Messrs. Anspach, of Philadelphia. The next veins we come to aire those located at the head of Silver creek raUroad, and known as 358 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. SILVER CREEK COLLIERIES. These collieries are carried on by. Messrs. Myerg -'& Allen, of Port Carbon, and are valuable and exten- sive workings. The distance from the mines to the Valley Rail Road, is f mUes, making the whole dis tance from the point of shipment (Port Carbon) 5j miles. Messrs. Myers & Allen are working three veins, called the Skidmore, the Raven, and the Silly- man veins. They all pitch south about 80 degrees, and are worked in the same manner as flatter veins ¦ are, viz : in breasts, by means of propping, &c. The height of the breasting on the Raven and Sillyman is about 100 yards — on the Skidmore about 83 yards. The length of range upon the veins, according to the lease, is about If miles. The Skidmore vein is the farthest north on this tract, and the Sillyman the farthest south. The Skidmore is Avorked in a west ern direction from the ravine, and the other tAvo are worked in an eastern direction. The Skidmore is 9 feet thick — the Raven 17 feet, and the Sillyman 22 feet — all in excellent order, and producing some of the best white ash coal sent to market. The Skid more has been worked to a distance of five hundred yards, the Raven five hundred yards, and the Silly man, six hundred yards. The produce of the two latter veins is all brought out through one open ing. They having been reached by tunneling. The distance between the Sillyman and Raven being but 11 yards, it required but one length of tunnel from the opening made in the former to reach the latter. Messrs. Myers & Allen have 14 miners' houses, work shops, powder magazines, stabling, &c, &c, attached to the operations, which appear to be carried on in<- •'dustriously and methodically. We are assured that iif the demand would warrant it, these gentlemen HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 359 could mine 30,000 tons of coal annually from their present openings with ease. This property is also attached to the Valley Furnace Tract, and is leased of that company by the present operators. We now return to the junction of the Silver creek railroad with the Valley railroad, Avhich is four miles from Port Carbon, and pass down the Valley road for one mile,' to the "tract known as the Barlow & Evans tract. The veins at this point, have nearly all been worked out above water-level, and -with the ex ception of two openings, which are -worked for Mr. A. B. White, the place is abandoned. Whole moun tains, of coal dirt and refuse coal surround the old drifts, and choke up the ravine, but it is all a momento of former greatness. Very little can be done on this tract without the aid of stationary engines, and we suppose the day is not far distant when the steady puff of the steam engine will be heard at this point. West of A. B. White's collieries we find no mines for the distance of half a mile, Avhen we meet with THE UNION COLLIERIES. These collieries are now worked by Messrs. Wil liams & Sillyman, who leased the tract about the mid dle of February, 1844, from the Messrs. Kinsley. The veins are the Spohn and Lewis vein, and are worked below the Avater-level, by means-of a station ary engine, Avhich is located about half way between the two openings. This engine was first put up by Allen & Lawton, for the purpose of working the Lewis vein, down which a slope of 70,-yards has beeh worked. Some time afterwards a perpendicular shaft was sunken on the Spohn vein, (which lies about 80 yards north of the Lewis,) and the engine was re- geared, for the purpose of working both veins at the same time. This shaft was put down under the di rection of Thos. J. Ridgway, Jr., an experienced engi- 360 HISTORY OF,. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. neer of this county, and is found, to work admirably./ It is about 120 feet perpendicular, and the coal is< raised to the top of the shaft, which is about 40 feet above the railroad, by means of chains and puUeys, working from a drum in the engine house. The chain is 345 feet in length, ahd is made strong, and capable of bearing a heavy weight. The lessees tell us that the chain broke some time since, when the car laden with coal was about — from the bottom of the shaft, and the crash was tremendous, the car be ing broken into a thousand splinters. No person,, however, was injured, and We are assured by the op erators that they have not had the slightest accident to occur about their mines, from the period when they first took charge of them. This we thought rather singular, as the first impression was, that the working of a perpendicular shaft would be much more danger- . ous than any other. Both veins will average more than four feet in thickness. They pitch south of the Spohn 25 degrees, and the Lewis 33 degrees. The LeAvis yein is now idle and nearly filled with water. The oparatives may choose to work it again at some . future day, but do not design doing so at present; both veins have been worked about 530 yards in length, and the whole length of range permits a, working of 900 yards The coal from the Spohn vein when brought to the top of- the shaft, is unloaded into a schute and by means of screans, brakers, &c, is prepared for shipment by the time it reaches the bottom. The engine used for hoisting and pumping,, is of 30 horse power, was made by Haywood & Sny der, and is said to be one of the very best pieces of machinery in the country. The surrounding houses upon the tract, make quite a town in appearadce, and the place is better knoAvn iii this county by the Welsh name of " Cumbola,'" than any other. On the same tract, about 200 yards north of Wil-. liams,& Sillyman's works, we find another qolliery; HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 361 Avorked also by a stationary engine of about 40 horse power. It is on the Clarkson vein, and the slope was put down in 1838 or 1839. The slope was sunken and the engine erected by the owners, who leased the property to W. Wallace & Co. These gentlemen worked the vein for three years, when it Avas leased by Aquilla Bolton, who is now preparing the mines for more extensive operation. The vein is a most excellent red-ash coal, from 4 to 6 feet in width, and is a south pitch of 35 degrees. The tract comprises an extent of about 300 acres. Mr. Bolton is also working the Spohn vein, above the water-level upon the same tract. The next tract of coal land Avest of Cumbola is knoAvn as the Belmont tract. It is owned by James Bell, Esq., of Reading, and contains about 650 acres. This tract comprises within its limits a number of very valuable veins among which are the Salem,, Rabbit Hole, Faust, Tunnell, Black Mine, North and South Gate, Lewis, Spohn, Palmer, Chas. Poft, and Clark son veins. The completion of the Port Carbon and Tuscarora railway will add greatly to the present value of the tract. BELMONT COLLIERIES. - This colliery is worked by our fellow-townsman,, James C. Oliver, Esq., who leases the veins from Samuel Bell, Esq., the owner. The vein which Mr. Oliver now works, is the Lewis vein, and is about 5 feet thick. It is in first rate order, andpifches south. The coal is a prime red ash, and cannot be surpassed - by any vein in the district, for quality. This "vein is Worked by means, of a slope and a stationary engine. The slope was put down and the engine erected some time in January, 1S44. The length of the slope is about 115 yards. The engine, which is about fifty hprse power, wasmade by Maginnis-rif is an excel 362 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. lent piece of machinery, and the engineer tells us there is no better in the country — it hoists the coal and works the pumps at the same time. The gang way has been driven in all about 440 feet, that is about 220 feet each side of the slope. This vein has been entirely worked out above the water-level, by Messrs.- Bell and Bolton, who have operated there for a number of years. The Spohn vein, which is also included in Mr. Oliver's lease, lies about 100 yards north of 'the Lewis. It is from 4f to 5 feet thick, and is in good order. This vein has also been worked out above the water-level, by Bell & Bolton, many years ago. Mr. Oliver intends working it by means of a tunnel, which he Avill drive from his pre sent gangway into it, and will thus be enabled to work both mines, and draw up the produce through the same slope, and by the same engine. The length of range upon these veins is about 1200 yards. Mr. Oliver is about erecting one of Battin's break ing machines at his colliery, which is one ofthe most complete we have ever seen. The engine which drives the rollers is of -20 horse power, made by Ma- ginnis. There are two setts of rollers — the teeth of the upper set being much wider apart than the teeth of the lower. Mr. Oliver has improved "upon the usual method of screening, byhaving a double screen instead of one long screen, as is most generally adopt ed. These screens are fed, eachof them, with a hop per, leading from the breaking machine, and there can be no doubt but that it will work admirably. The coal, which is thus prepared, is of all sizes, from pea to broken. This breaking machine is built on the side of the railroad, and is immediately over the slope, which pitches south in a direction under it. As it is the coal from this slope which Mr. Oliver in tends to break, he has through necessity, hit upon a curious method of remedying the matter. The wa gons are drawn up to the top of the slope, where they •rest upon a moveable ^platform which -rises towards HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 363 the breaking machine so as to elevate the car upon a level with the railroad leading to it. The car is then drawn towards the machine by a chain attached to a drum, ahd worked by the same engine which drives the rollers. Mr.Oliver's mines are superintended by Mr. Dun can Weir, who is an excellent practical man, and has derived a very valuable experience in the business from having been engaged in mining on the Mine Hill, and Schuylkill Haven railroad. The distance from the Belmont collieries to Port Carbon is 11 miles. We now came to a long deep ravine, Avhich extends from the valley railroad, in a northerly direction, for a distance of about 2 miles. This railroad crosses the veins at right angles, and developes a great quan tity of coal land in its course. It forms a junction with the Valley railroad, a short distance below the Belmont collieries, at If miles from Port Carbon. The first working now in operation on this road, as we leave the main road, and go north, is by Mr. Aquilla Bolton, on the Spohn vein. He is working out the upper level, and is at present engaged in re moving pUlars of coal, &c. The Spohn vein at this point is from 4i to 5 feet thick — pitches south, and is in good order. Mr. Bolton is also working another vein, a short distance above this vein, Avhich is about the same thickness and pitch, and is -a first rate red ash coal. The next working in regular order as we pass up the Eagle Hill railroad, is DAVID RICHARD'S COLLIERY. This colliery is located on Eagle Hill railroad, about f of a mile frem4he main track of the Valley rail road. Mr. Richards commenced these works about 4 years ago, and has taken out during that period a ¦very considerable quantity of good coal. He has two 364 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. drifts upon the same vein, each commanding about 50 yards of breasting. He has driven the upper level to the distance of 300 yards, and the lower as far as 400 yards. The vein, Avhich is an excellent red ash,. pitches south, and is 4| feet thick. This vein was worked many years ago, but Avas abandoned, until Mr. Richards took it. It is attached to the Eagle HUl tract, and the leases are given by John G. Hewes, Esq., of Port Carbon, who is one of the owners, and also agent for the tract. FITZSIMMON'S COLLIERY. This colliery is situated a short distance above the last mentioned place, and about one mile from the Valley railroad. It is worked by Mr. James Fitz simmons, an enterprizing and practical business man of this district. Mr. Fitzsimmons is working a vein which is similar in appearance to the Peach moun tain vein. It is from 8 to 9 feet thick — pitches south, and commands about 80 yards of breasting. The coal is a good red ash, and the vein is in good work ing order. The vein is worked in to the distance of 600 yards, and the length of range upon the vein is about 1000 yards. This vein is also attached to the Eagle Hill tract. The next colliery on the Eagle HiU raUroad, is about 200 yards above the last mentioned; (Fitzsim- mon's) colliery, and is called HENDERSON'S COLLIERY. This vein is leased by E. Q. & A. Henderson, who have been working it for about two years. The vein is an excellent red ash, is from 4| to 5i feet thick, pitches south, and is considered to be the real Peach mountain vein. There are two drifts upon this vein, upon different levels, each, drift commanding about History of schuyl&ill county. 365 45 yards of breast. They have worked the gangway on the lower level to the distance of about 400 yards, and on the upper level 250 yards. The length of range upon this vein is about 1100 yards. This colliery is about one mile from the Valley railroad, and about 2f miles from the canal at Port Carbon. The facilities for transportation are there fore very favorable, and upon the completion of the new railroad, collieries in this neighborhood Avill pos sess an advantageous location. The Messrs. Hen derson's colliery is under the superintendence of Mr. Charles Henderson, brother of the owners, and from the manner in which the coal is prepared for market, we would predict a continual and steady sale. In connection with .these notes we would state that a vein of argillaceous iron ore, about one foot in thick ness, is found overlaying the top slate of the Peach mountain vein, and it is supposed to follow it the whole distance ofthe working. From Henderson's colliery to the extreme end of the Eagle Hill railroad, there are several collieries opened under the direction of J. G. Hewes, and super intended by EdAvard Perry, Joseph Green and Lle wellyn Morgan. As these veins have been but late ly opened, and as we have failed in our effort to pro cure the correct distances, &c, Ave are compelled to give them, this passing notice. Returning to the point Avhere the Eagle Hill rail road branches off from the VaUey railroad, we then pursue our regular direction doAvn the latter Avithout meeting any collieries until we come to another la teral road, Avhich branches off from the main road at right angles, and continues in an easterly direction through a piece of low marshy ground, for about a quarter of a mile, when it reaches the Avestern spur of a hill known as the " Bear Ridge." This ridge continues from this point hi an easterly direction un broken as far as Middleport. It contains a number 366 HISTORY 0$* SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. of veins, in the working of which a- great deal Of cap ital has been expended. At the spur of this ridge the railroad terminates at a Avorking known as- JAMES. BERRY'S COLLIERY. Mr. Berry is working a low level of the Tunnel vein. It is 4 feet thick, pitches south, and commands about 60 yards of breasting. The first opening was made many years ago by T. Sillyman, Esq. The railroad was laid by Mr. Andrew B. White, who owns the property-. Mr. Berry has worked the gang- Avay to a distance of about 1400 yards, and has about 800 yards yet to go before coming to the line*— he has been working this vein about one year; Returning to the junction of^this lateral road with the Schuylkill Valley road, the first collieries we come to, are THE BELFAST COLLIERIES: These collieries are situated immediately on the VaUey railroad, about one mile from Port Carbon, and are worked by A. Bolton &. Co, These gentler men have made openings here into three veins — the Black Mine, Rabbit Hole, and North Salem. These vary in thickness from 2| to 7 feet, and have a south pitch of about 35 degrees — fheyhaveall been opened this spring, are in good order, and with the proper facilities could be made to yield from 10,000 to 15,000 tons per annum. They are- all opened upon the tract belonging to Samuel Belly Esq., but continue on, by right of a lease, through the " Junction Tract." The whole length of range is about 1000 yards. . The coal is a first quality red ash, and the veins are so celebrated and well known throughout, the trade,that all comment from us would be needless. The Messrsi Bolton, have made, the usual arragements, by. means , HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 367 of breaking plates, &c, to prepare their coal in first rate order, for the market. Between these workings, and the, Eagle Hill rail road, there are other old openings, which have not been in operation for several years.. That they have been extensively Avorked at some past day, is evi denced by the immense heaps of coal dirt, and refuse matter, which remains piled up- about their entrances, and when our readers bear in mind these veins have only been operated in above water-level, they, will understand how great a mass of coal still remains un- 1 worked even in that space. About 200 yards below the Belfast collieries, we eome to another railroad, which makes an acute an gle, at its junction with the Valley railroad, and tra verses in an easterly direction, the valley lying be tween the " Bear Ridge" and the Sharp mountain. This railroad is about one mile in length, and was leased by Patterson & Sillyman, about the year 1836. The first colliery upon this road, which is called the lower Bear Ridge railroad, is HEEBNER'S COLLIERY-. This worjsing is upon two tracts — the drift is com menced and driven iii on land belonging to Mr. A. B. White, but extends into a tract OAvned by Mr. Moses Palmer, from* which the coal is now mined. The vein is the Tunnel vein, about 4 feet thick, pitches south, and commands about* 3Q*yards of breasting. The coal is a celebrated red ash, of first, quality. This vein was first opened in 1836, or lSaTy and was re commenced by Mr.. Heebner, in the spring of 1843. The length of range upon this vein is 1200 yards, and the mine is at present in exceUent order. This col liery is under the superintendence of Mr. James Ber ry, who is ,a. good practical man, and an excellent >, miner.. 368 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Passing up the Bear Ridge road, we find but one other colliery now in operation, which is situated at the head ofthe road, and was commenced on Wednes day last, by Hertzog & Guiterman. This vein was opened many years ago by Thomas Sillyman, and remained idle for some time before the present lessees took it. At this point, as Avell as at Heebner's collieries, are built a number of miners' dwellings, which from their number and regularity makes each colliery appear like a small village — both places must contain nearly 50 houses. Mr. J. G. Hewes is also working a vein in the Sharp mountain, about a quarter of a mile from Port Car bon, on the land belonging to Lippincott & Randolph. The coal is brought out of the vein through a tunnel, which was driven by Mr- Randolph's direction, many years ago. This mine has no lateral road connecting Avith the main road, and consequently the operator is compelled to haul the coal in wagons and carts to the landing. It is a first quality red ash and the vein is in good order. The next collieries as we approach towards Port Carbon, are THE JUNCTION 'COLLIERIES. These collieries are located about 100 yards in a northerly direction from the Valley railroad, and about 300 yards from the landings, at Port Carbon. They are located on the Junction tract, formerly a part of the property owned by the North American Coal Company, and noAV held by the assignees. These collieries are now worked by David Chillas, Esq., who is noAV Avorking the Tunnel vein, under the direction of J. Hodgkiss, mining engineer, who is the contractor for the getting of the coal, and Avhich was first opened many years ago, and abandoned;, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. St?*} This vein is a notable red ash— four feet in thickness, and is an excellent, pure coal. The vein pitches south at an angle of about 35 degrees. Mr. Chillas has already opened ten breasts in it, which are all yielding good coal— the height of these breasts is be tween 60 and 70 yards. The" length of range upon this vein at the Avater-level is 1775 yards, about 350 yards of which have already been driven by gang way. On the present level at which' the mines are worked, they Avill have a distance of 300 yards yet to drive, but at the water-level the length will be in creased as above. This vein, if properly worked, could be made to yield about 6000 tons, from now until the close ofthe season. The mines are in first rate condition, and everything promises a favorable and profitable return. The next vein we come to is upon the same tract, about 70 yards north of the latter vein, and are BOLTON & CO'S COLLIERIES. This vein is called the " Black Mine." It is now worked by Messrs. Bolton & Co., above the water- level. It is above 5 feet, thick — a first quality red ash —and is in good order. This vein has been driven in by gangway, about 250 yards, and is yielding well. The height of breasts is about 60 yards, and the vein pitches south about 35 degrees. Messrs. Bolton will have about 600 yards length of range at the water- level. -Independent of those veins already described, there are other veins on this tract, which will no doubt at some future day be worked to great advantage. We have now finished our pilgrimage down the Schuylkill Valley District, and in our progress have given our readers full descriptions of more, than twen- 'ty active collieries. In Avriting out this account, *we X 370 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. have been guided hy observation and facts, arrived at through our own senses, and have avoided afl those minutia of measurement and statistics, which would only serve to confuse and bewilder the uninitiated rea der. In our notes Ave hive passed over, or treated ¦with but a cursory notice, the various openings which, have been abandoned; or remain inoperative. There are now in the space of ground which intervenes- be tween Port Carbon. and the head of the railroad at Tuscarora, many favorable and valuable locations for coal operations, which have never been developed. The reason for this, hitherto, has been a want of pro per, facilities for, transportation. The present railroad is badly/located — has for many years been in misera ble condition, and is entirely too narrow between the rails to enable cars of sufficient size to traverse it These objections have no doubt aided greatly in de terring capitalists from, venturing upon the route, but now when the survey, of a new route is in progress, and all the arrangements made for putting down a new and serviceable road the whole distance, to con nect with the great Pottsville and Philadelphia road; we do not know in our whole district a more favor able spot for. investments. In our next number, we shall commence at Port Carbon, and describe, all the collieries upon the Mill Creek railroad Avhich occur betAveen that point and the terniinus of the road at the Broad mountain. PORT CARBON DISTRICT. The next valley of any importance, is-, the Mill Greek Valley, whichextends from the landings on the canal at Port Carbon, to the southern foot of the Broad mountain. The whole extent of this ravine is traversed by a raUroad called the Mill creek railroad. This road was first commenced in 1829, by Francis ^.Nichols and Henry Morris, Esqrs., and Avas taken j HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 37L by the present company, some time in the fall of that year ; it is four miles in length, and was completed so that coal Avas brought over it in 1830. At the foot of this railroad, and Avithin the limits of the town of Port Carbon, we meet with the first collieries upon- it. They are called THE SALEM COLLIERIES. These collieries are located at the northern base of the Salem hill, a narrow ridge which extends parallel with- the river Schuylkill from Pottsville to Port Car bon. Both the collieries and the hill take their name from the Salem vein, which is every where celebrated: for its purity and excellence as a red ash coal. The workings are carried on by Mr. Charles Ellet, who leases from the estate of the late Robert McDermot. The tract, Avhich is very valuable, contains about 230> acres, and furnishes a range upon the veins of 1,800 yards, lt Avas first opened by Mr. Ellet in 1834, above the Avater-level, on the south side of the Salem hill, and the old working may still be perceived on the road between this place and Port Carbon. This drift was worked for about four years, when it was abandoned, and Mr. E. had a slope sunken on the north side for the purpose of Avorking the vein below the water-level. The length of the first slope which was put down was 300 feet. An engine Avas erected for the purpose of hoisting and pumping, which is, still in operation. It is from the workshop of Hay wood & Snyder, and is pronounced an excellent piece of machinery. The vein was worked by means of this engine for three years, and in that space of time, the coal was mined out for 1,200 yards west of the slope. At this time, in consequence of the increased and extended operations of the collieries, it was found necessary to put down a 60 horse engine, to-be used for pumping alone. The slope was then sunken to- Jhe depth of 60a, feet, and both engines are now in- 372 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. active operation. In the lower level the coal has been Avorked out but 400 yards, which leaves the operator now about 700 yards bf 600 feet breasting, and 800 yards of 300 feet breasting. This ensures a heavy and extensive business for many years to come — a business which is perfectly safe and secure, in consequence of the vein having been thoroughly proven through the upper gangAvay. The- Salem vein at this point is four feet thick, and pitches to the south at an angle of about 33 degrees. At the time Mr. Ellet commenced driving down his slope on the north side of Salem hill, he also made a tunnel through the hill, in order to connect the col liery with the canal by a shorter route than that he would otherwise have been compelled to take. This tunnel is 600 feet in length, and decreases the distance to the canal about 600 yards, while at the same time the construction was advisable, as the tun nel and other landings could all be effected upon property belonging to the tract, There are four landings with schutes, offices, and railroads all buUt at the southern mouth of the tunnel, and are now used for the continuel shipping of coal. A connec tion Avas made between the railroad leading through the tunnel, and the Mill creek railroad, which enables operators On the latter to bring their coal by a shorter route to the canal, than were they to ship it from the old landings. The construction of these landings and tunnel was accomplished at an expense of from 8 to 10,000 dollars. Mr. Ellet has made an arrangement at his collieries for the breaking of coal, upon perfora ted iron plates, which seems to work very well, but is inferior we think, in cheapness to the newly invented breaker of Battin's. At the time we visited the mines (on Thursday last) every thing Was in active operation, and we saAv there the minutia of a w^U regulated and extensive colliery — the steady puff of the two mighty engines — the rattling of the coal on the schutes — the clanking of the hammers, and the HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 373 rumble of car wheels, all tended to impress us with the great importance of the trade to which these out lays are necessary. The neAv route of the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon railway passes Mr. EUet's tunnel, on the op posite side of the Schuylkill; at a distance of about 100 yards from the mouth. The connection will be made by a bridge across the river and canal, when, in all probability, the Avhole railroad trade from the Mill Creek district, will pass through fhe tunnel, and in this manner, reach the main route of railway from Potts ville to Philadelphia. , In closing our notice of this colliery we would ' re mark that the slope is the deepest in the county, and as the Salem vein is the most southern one, and as it- eonsequentiy must be lower on the surface than the rest, our readers will therefore be able to understand the almost inexhaustible extent of coal which must necessarily lie beneath the surface, at points in a more- northerly direction, where the distance above the AVater-level, must naturally be much higher. We mention this fact to show the immense re sources Avhich our district possesses, and also to prove how impossible it is that we should live to see it ex hausted. When our readers understand that every vein of coal extends beneath the surface to a distance never yet peneated, and maybe worked out as far down as pOAver can be brought to bear upon it, they will perceive the great and immense supply we can create. In fact the coal trade of this district, although heavier than any in the country, is yet4n its insipient state, and we will venture to predict, that but a few years in the lapse of time Avill roll over our heads, before the Schuylkill County Coal Field, in mining and manufacturing, will rival the- most important district of Great Britain. In the following articles upon the Coal Region, we- Shall furnish a description, minute and particular, of aU the collieries situated, on the Mill creek raUroad,. somrnencing at Port Carbon* 374 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. MILL CREEK DISTRICT. RONALDSON COLLIERY. This vein was first worked many years ago by Messrs. J. & R. Young. It was also afterwards worked by Mr. Wm. Bosbyshell, on the Mill creek, and by Mr. Thos. C. Williams, on the Norwegian, so that the workings met. The vein has been com pletely worked out above the Avater-level, for the dis tance of 1,200 yards. The gangways having met in the centre, there is now a complete and continuous railroad passage through the hill which intervenes between Pottsville and, Port Carbon, through Avhich trains may pass from the Mill creek to the Mount Carbon raUroad. The present proprietor of these mines, Mr. A. Ron- aldson, has had them in possession but a short time. ' He has sunken a slope upon the LeAvis vein, the depth •of which is about 330 feet beloAv the lowest gang- "way — thirty feet of this is used by the tank at the bottom, which leaves him a breasting of 100 yards. The vein is worked by a poAverful stationary engine, which perfoms the pumping and hoisting. This en gine was put down in 1843, and the slope was first sunken in March, 1844. The thickness of the Lewis vein at this point varies from seven feet to twelve ; it is found in some places to the thickness of fourteen feet. The length of range upon the present level will -be about 1,400 yards. Mr. Ronaldsen has also attached to his Avorks, which are carried on in a complete and methodical manner, a breaking machine upon the plan adopted HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 373 by Messrs. Haywood & Co. The rollers are driven by an engine of eight horse power, which also turns the screens. Mr. Ronaldson has the double advantage of ship ping his coal either from Port Carbon or Pottsville. Should he want to send a train of loaded cars down by the Reading railroad, he can use the old drift which opens.on a level Avith the Mill creek road, but a few yards from the schutes, and can transport his coal through the heart of the mountain, a distance of :1,200 yards, when it Avill enter the Mount Carbon road at the old Avorkings of Mr. Charles Lawton, at Pottsville. It is a tedious method, however, and is but seldom used. The next opening upon the Mill creek railroad, which Ave arrive at after leaving the above mentioned colliery, is also Avorked by Mr. Ronaldson. It is on the eastern side of the railroad, about 200 yards north of Haywood & Co's. operations, on the Lewis vein. Mr. Ronaldson at this point is working three veins by means of tunneling. The first tunnel is into the Yard veiu — a tunnel from this point, 33 yards in length, reaches the " Spohn" — about 40 yards further north, it cuts the " Palmer" vein — about 30 yards in the same direction, it will intersect the " Cha*s Pott" vein, and by another tunnel of 40 yards, will open into the " Clarkson" vein. Thus the reader -will perceive that the product of five veins of coal, can all be brought out of the same opening. The veins are celebrated for their purity and quality, and average, at this point, about four feet each in thickness. In a very short time Ave expect to see on this spot one of the largest and most extensive collieries in the district. RAINBOW COLLIERIES. These collieries are situated on Little Wolf creek, -about three miles north of Port Carbon, and are 376 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. , reached by. a branch or lateral road one mile ahd a half in length, which forms a junction with the Mill creek railroad, at about one mile and a half from the landings at Port Carbon. These collieries are worked by Mr. Samuel Sillyman, one of the first and most enterprizing operators in the district, and under his direction and management, have proved celebrated and profitable. The vein, Avhich is a white ash coal, well known in all the different markets, is twenty-one feet in thickness, and is approached by three openings or tunnels. It is in good order and promises to yield well for the future. Mr. Sillyman is now driving a tunnel into a vein about 250 feet north ofthe present working, which is ascertained to be ten feet in thick ness, and judging from the samples of coal taken from said vein, avq have no doubt that it will sustain the high reputation Avhich the Sillyman coal has justly received for the last nine years. The length of range upon these veins. is about 2,500 yards. Attached to, these mines are twenty-one comforta ble miners' houses, the inmates of which appear to be happy and contented. The stranger, in passing up the road, is struck with the appearance qf a small village, possessing all, the outward marks of industry and happiness, and when he remembers that but a few years since, this spot was the scene of a complete and silent Avilderness, he will see and understand the great stride Avhich improvement has made in our re gion, since the first discovery of that valuable mineral which constitutes the wealth of our district. SILLYMAN & EVAN'S COLLIERY. These collieries are located on the eastern side of the Mill creek, near the village of St. Clair. It is on the same vein as the above described Avorking — is 21 feet in thickness, and although one mile west of the other, possesses all the qualities and peculiarities which attach to h\ The vein is entered by three drifts or gangways,.' 3IST0RY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 3W PINKERTON'S COLLIERY. This colliery is situated on the west side of the Mill creek, in the ravine which leads from St. Clair to New Castle, and extends westwardly from a mile to a mile and a half. The outside fixtures at this colliery for breakirig and cleaning coal are close upon- the Mill creek rail road, with which they are connected by a short late ral road of iron rails. The veins are cut by a tunnel driven at half course across the ends of them. The first is a vein of four feet in thickness — the next nine feet, and the balance twenty feet — -each of these seperated from the other by a stratum of strong slate of 12 feet in thickness (measuring at right angles Avith the course.) The coal in all is Avhite ash, pure and hard, commanding a ready sale at the best market price. Another vein, 17 feet in thickness, lies north of these veins about 45 yards — and is now being tun nelled to from the 20 feet vein above mentioned. Half of the distance is already driven,, and it is ex pected to be finished as soon as the first of May next ; this also is a white ash coal of superior quality. Communications are made at distances of from 150 to 2Q0 yards between the three first mentioned veins by cutting through the intermediate stratum of slate, (at half course) thereby saving turnouts, and avoiding the necessity of driving up to the surface for air, except in one vein only. The road in the 9 feet or middle vein is kept for the passing out of loaded cars, and is an iron road so substantial and even.in its grade that one horse can readily bring out a train of six or seven drift car^... 378 HISTORY OF SCHUYL2ILL COUNTY. The drift "cars used here are differently constructed from any in the region — are very strong, easily re paired, and many of them have been in use seven or eight years. In consequence of wanting sufficient space to stow away the dirt and rubbish necessarily occuring from a business of the extent contemplated at this colliery, and also for the purpose of procuring 'the required elevation for breaking and preparing fhe coal for market, an inclined plane has been construct ed which is 110 feet in length, at an angle of 29 de grees, making a height of 44 feet. This work has been put up entirely on trestles in the most substan tial manner, and is highly creditable to the -carpenter, (Mr. J. G. Swift of our borough.) The coal will be hoisted up this plane by a gin with one horse, which -is calculated to lift and empty a car in three minutes. Another gin is being constructed for turning three screens Avith one horsed It is not intended to use any of the present machinery for breaking coal, for the 'reason, as we understand, that the proprietor will sell a much greater bulk of what is called " lump" coal, than of any other kind. That Avhich is broken, will be prepared by hand on cast iron perforated plates. In addition to those before mentioned, another vein, also of white ash coal, about 350 yards north of the former, is now about being opened — the thickness of this vein has not been ascertained, but by trial with shafts sunk to the depth of about 70 feet, at 100 yards apart, we are told that its appearance on the bottom slate marked it as a vein 21 feet in thick ness. It is intended to take the coal from this vein, or at least from the two upper levels in it, by a railroad ¦laid along the side of the hill, to the outside fixtures •on the other veins. The breasting on the 17 feet vein before mentioned, will have a height of 930 feet from •the gangway, and on the other vein (supposed to be -24 feet in thickness) there will be a breasting of 1,-14© •feet from the third or lowest level. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 379 This colliery promises to become, in a short time, ¦one ofthe most extensive in the district, and we have heard it remarked by those who know the capacity ofthe works, that it might be made more important ;than any Other concern in the region. MAMMOTH COLLIERY. This colliery is situated four miles north from Port Carbon, on the Avest side of Mill creek. It is leased and worked by Joseph G. Lawton. These mines are very interesting to those Adsitors who desire to examine the mode of working those •resources of Aveatth, and to witness where advantages •may be obtained in the coal trade by a judicious ap plication of labor. The vein worked is the celebrated Mammoth or Daniels vein, long worked by George & Wm. Payne, about four miles Avest of this colliery, ;and is known to yield coal better adapted to the -manufacturing of iron than any other in the region; the coal being of the best white ash, pure and hard. The vein at this place Varies from 16 to 22 feet in 'thickness, and pitches at an angle of from 23 to 90. "The coal is raised from the gangways by an engine ¦of twelve horse powef, manufactured by our enter- , prizing townsman, L. W. M'Gennis, and does credit ^o his well known skill. This engine, which by the way is the first engine erected in the region in a white ash vein, for hoisting coal, raises the coal forty- two feet above the level of the Mill creek railroad, thereby giving ample height for the schutes which are ;put up on such a plan, that scarcely a shovel need be used in all the process of unloading, and loading the coal. The engine is supplied with pure water from a large reservoir, made in the valley between the Broa^ imountain and Mine hill, from 3 to 400 yards~distant, 'from which the water is conduoted through pipes, 380 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. which discharge about 1,500 gallons a day. What is, not used after first supplying a trough at the door ofthe stable, made in one of the exhausted breastings for the accommodation of the horses used in the mine, which do not leave, their dark abode except on Sun day, is allowed to run doAvn the -side ofthe hill again to join those waters from which it had been separated some hundred yards baek. , The mines, are drained by means of a tunnel about one hundred and fifty yards long, Avhich was com menced in 1841, and driven at great expense mostly through a close grained conglomerate rock, which scarcely appeared to yield to the efforts of the hard working miners, and Avas finished in 1844. The internal arrangement ofthe mine is admirably calculated to facilitate business. The roads are all laid with heavy railroad iron — it being of the same size as that used on the mill creek, railroad. Holes are made from the gangways to the surface, down which the timber for the use of the mines is thrown, instead of loading it int > the cars atthe head ofthe slope,, and thus causing detention. The proprietor of this colliery is now erecting a water power sufficient to drive a saw mill, and break • and screen his coal. The latter Avill be done on the Battin principle, by two rollers, which he thinks will be sufficient, as it is not his intention to break more than can possibly be helped. He, like other dealers in white ash coal, has more demand for large or "'f lump," than broken coal: CHAPTER V. EDUCATION. Common Schools Av?re of cours*-; encouraged as soon as the first settlers had cleared a field or two, erected a feAv houses, and made such other improve ments as their emergencies demanded. The School Master was abroad. In some instances, especially among the Germans, as it was an early custom among them, a person was employed who discharged both the duties of the Prediger und Schulmeister. SiiCh persons they brought with them when they first emigrated to this country. Nevertheless, schools among the Germans Avere in a most deplorable con dition for many years. On the arrival of the Rev. Muhlenberg, in 1742, and the Rev. Michael Schlatter, ' in 1746 ; the former a Lutheran, the latter a German Reformed minister, unceasing efforts were made by those fathers of the German churches in Pennsylva nia, to establish schools in connection Avith all the German churches. In 1751 an effort was made Avhich promised to be crowned with more than ordinary success, to estab lish a school in Pennsylvania. About that time, or shortly before, the Rev. Schlatter, had returned* to Holland, and on his representation of the destitute condition of the Germans here, to the churches in Holland, a scheme was started by some noblemen of Europe, for the instruction of Germans and their de scendants in Pennsylvania. These foreign gentle men were truly concerned to find that any of theii 382 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. fellow subjects, in part of the British dominions, were not fully provided with the means of knowledge and salvation. They considered it a matter of the greatest importance to the cause of Christianity in general, and the protestant interest in particular, not to neglect such a vast body of useful people, situated' in such a dark, barren region, with almost none to protect them, or their helpless children, who are com ing forth in multitudes, and- exposed an easy prey to the total ignorance of their savage neighbors on the- one hand, and' the corruption of their Jesuitical ene mies, on whom they bordered, on the other hand; and of whom there were always, perhaps, too many mixed among them. Moved by these interesting: considerations, these noblemen and others, did accord ingly take ihe good design into their immediate pro tection, and formed themselves into a society for the- effectual management: of carrying out the scheme of; instructing the Germans. BeloAv there is a detailed account given of Schlat ter's success : "A brief history of the rise and progress of the- eharitable society, carrying on by a society of noble men and gentlemen in London, for the relief and in struction of poor Germans and their descendants, settled in Pennsylvania, &c, published for the infor mation of those whom it may concern, by James Hamilton, William Allen, Richard Peters, Benjamim Franklin, and Conrad Weiser, Esquires, and the Rev.. William Smith, Trustees General, appointed for the- management of the said charitable scheme. "For several years past, the small number of Re formed Protestant ministers, settled among the Ger man emigrants in Pennsylvania, and finding the harvest great,, but the laborers few, have been deeply affected with. a. true christian concern, for the welfare of their distressed countrymen, and the salvation of Sheir precious souls. In consequence of this, they have HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 38S : from time to time, in the most solemn and moving manner, entreated the churches of Holland, to oommisserate their unhappy fellow christians, who . mourn under the d epest affliction, being settled in a remote corner ofthe world, where the light of the gospel has but lately reached, and where they are very much destitute of the meansvof knowledge /and, salvation. "The churches of Holland, being accordingly moved Avith friendly compassion, did from time to, time, contribute to the support of religion in these re-. mote parts. But in. the year 1751, a very moving representation, of their state having been made by a person, Avhose unwearied labors for the benefit of his dear countrymen have -been for some years conspicu ous, the states of Holland and West Frisland, granted 2,000 gilders per annum, ior five years from that time, to be appliedtowards-the instruction ofthe said Ger mans and their children, in Pennsylvania. A consid erable sum .was also collected in the city of Amster dam, and elsewhere, and upon a motion made by the same zealous person, the Rev. Mr. Thomson* was commissioned by the Synod of Holland, and Classis , of Amsterdam, to -solicit the friendly assistance of the churches of England and Scotland. " When Mr. Thomson arrived in Great Britain, he found the readiest encouragement among persons of the first rank, both in church , and state. In this pe culiar glory ofthe British government, equally to con sult the happiness of all who Uve under it, however remote, wherever born, or of Avhatsoever denomina tion, wicked and inhuman tyrants, whose ambition is to rule over slaves, find it their interest to keep the people ignorant. But, in a virtuous and free govern- . Bjianagement of the design upon themselves. "This proposal was readily, agreed to by those noble * Mr. T. is a minister of one of the English churches in Am« sterdam, and a member of ;said Py nod and Classis. 384 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. ment, like that of Great Britaip, the case is far other- Avise. By its very nature and spirit, it desires every member of the community enlightened with useful knowledge, and especially the knowledge of the blessed gospel, which contains the best and most powerful motives for making good subjects, as well as good men. Considered in this light, Mr. Thom son's design could not fail to be encouraged in our mother country, since it was evidently calculated to save a multitude of most industrious people from the gloom Of ignorance, and qualify them for the enjoy ment of all those privileges, to which it is now their good fortune to be admitted, in common with the happy subjects of a free Protestant government. "Mr. Thomson having thus made his business known in England, and prepared the way for en couragement there, he, in the meantime, went down to Scotland ; and, himself being known in that coun try, he represented the case to the General Assembly of the church, then sitting at Edinburg, upon Avhich a national collection was made, amounting to up wards of £1,200 sterling. Such an instance of gene rosity is one out of many, to show how ready that church has always been to contribute towards the ad vancement bf Truth, Virtue and Freedom. " Mr. Thomson, upon his return from Scotland, found that his pastoral 'duty "called him back to Hol land. He saw likewise that it Avould be absolutely necessary to have some person in London, not only to manage the moneys already collected, but also to solicit and receive the contributions of the rich and the benevolent in England, where nothing had yet been collected, and where much might be hope"d for. With this view, he beggeda certain number of noble men* and gentlemen, of the first rank, to take the * The first members of this society were as follows, though we believe several are added this winter, (1775,) whose names •have not yet been transmitted to us : The Right Hon. Earl of Shaftesbury, Earl of Morton, Earl ot HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 385 and worthy persons. , They were truly concerned to find that there Avere any of their fellow subjects, in any part of the British dominions, not fully provided with the means of knowledge and salvation. They considered it a matter of the greatest importance to the cause of Christianity, in general, and the protestant interest in particular, not to neglect such a vast body of useful people, situated in a dark and barren region, with almost none to, instruct them, or their helpless children, who are coming forward in the world in multitudes, and exposed an easy prey to the total ignorance of their savage neighbors on the one hand, and the corruption of our Jesuitical enemies; on whom they border, on the other hand ; and of whom there are always, perhaps, too many mixed among them. Moved by these interesting considerations, the said noblemen and gentlemen, with a consideration pecu liar to great, and generous souls, did accordingly take the .good design into their, immediate protection, and formed themselves into, a society for the effectual management of it. ' "The first thing said society did, was to agree to a liberal subscription among themselves ; and, upon laying the case before the' King, His Majesty, like a, true father of his people, granted £1,000 towards it. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Dowager of Wales, granted £100 ; and the honorable proprietors of this province, willing to concur in, every design for the ease and welfare of their people, generously engaged to give a considerable suni yearly for promoting the most essential part of the undertaking. From such a fair beginning, and from some hopes they reasonably Finlater, and Lord Willoughhy, of Parham. Sir Luke Schavib, and Sir Joshua Van Neck, Baronets. Mr. Commission Vernon, Mr. Chilly, and Mr. Fluddyer, Aldermen of London. John Bance, Robert Furguson, and Nathaniel Paice, Esqrs., of Lon don. Rev. Benjamin Avory, L. L. D., Rev. Thomas Birch, J). D„ Eev. Mr. Casper Wetstein, Rev. Mr. David Thomson, and Rev, Samuel Chandler, Secretary. Y 386 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. entertain of a more public nature,the honorable society doubt not of their being able to complete such a fund asteay effectually answer their pious, design, in time coming. In the meantime they have eome to the fol io wing general resolutions, with regard to the manage ment o.i the whale : " I.. To. assist the people in the encouragement of pious and industrious protestant ministers that are, or shall, be regularly ordained and settled among the said, ' Germans, or their, descendants, in America ; beginning first in Pennsylvania, where the want of ministers is greatest, and proceeding to the neighbor ing British colonies, as they shall be enabled, by an increase of their funds. "II. To establish some charitable schools for the pious education of German- youths of all denomina tions, as well as those English youths- who may re side among them. Now, as a religious education of youth, while the tender mind is yet open to every impression, is the most effectual means of making a people wise, virtuous and happy, the honorable soT ciety haVe declared that they, have this part of their design, in a particular manner, at heart; it being chiefly from the care that shall be taken of the rising generation, that they expect the success of theirwhole undertaking. , . " III. The said honorable society, considering that they reside at too great a distance!, either to know what ministers deserve their encouragement, or what places are most convenient to fix the schools in* — and as they wduld, neither bestow their, bounty on any wh© do not deserve it ; therefore they have devolved the general execution, of the whoje upon us, under the name of Trustees General,, for the management of their: charity among the German emigrants in America. And as our residence is in this province, where the chief body is settled, and where we may acquaint them with the circumstances of the people, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNT?". 387 the generous society hope that we cannot be imposed upon, or deceived, in the direction or application of their excellent charity. " IV. And lastly, considering that our engagements in other matters, would not permit us personally to consult with the people in tbe country, nor to visit the schools as often as it might be necessary for their success, the honorable society have, out of their true fatherly care, appointed the Rev. Mr. Schlatter, to act under our direction, as Visitor or Supervisor of the the schools, knowing that he has already taken in credible pains in this whole affair, and being acquaint ed with the people in all parts of the country, can converse with them on the spot, and bring us the best advices from time to time, concerning the measures fit to be taken. " This is a brief history of the rise and progress of i this noble charity, tUl it was committed to our man agement, under which we hope it shall be so conduct ed, as fully to answer the expectation of the Avorthy society, and give all reasonable satisfaction to the parties for whose benefit it is intended. We shall spare no pains to inform ourselves of the wants and circumstances of the people ; as will appear by the fol lowing plan which we have concerted for the general examination of our trust, leaving roam to alter or amend it, as circumstances shaU require, and time discover defects in it. " With regard to that part of the society's design which proposes the encouragement of pious protest ant ministers, we shall impartially proportion the monies set apart for this purpose accordmg to the in struction of the said society ; as soon as such ministers shall put it in our power so to do, by making their labors and circumstances known to us, either by their own personal application, or by means of Mr. Schlat ter, or any other creditable person. "As to the important article of establishing schools, 388 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. the following general plan is proposed; which may be from time to time improved or perfected. " 1st. It is intended that every school to be opened upon this charity, shall be equally to the benefit of protestant youth of all denominations ; and therefore the education will be in such things as are generally useful to advance industry and true godliness. The youth will be instructed in both the English and jGer- man languages ; likewise in writing, keeping of com mon accounts, singing of Psalms, and the true prin ciples of the holy protestant religion, in the same man ner as the fathers of those Germans were instructed, at the Schools in those countries from which they came. " 2dly. As it may be of great service to religion and industry, to have some schools for girls, also, we shall use our endeavors with the honorable society, to have some few school mistresses encouraged, to teach reading, and the use ofthe needle. ¦ And though this was no part of the original design, yet as the so ciety have nothing but the general go'od of all at heart, we doubt not they will extend their benefaction for this charitable purpose also. " 3dly. That all may be induced, in their early youth, to seek the knowledge and love ef God, in that manner which is most agreeable to their own con sciences, the children of all protestant denominations, English and Dutch, (German) shall be instructed in catechism of sound doctrine, which is approved of and used by their own parents and ministers. All un reasonable sort of compulsion and partiality is direct ly opposite to the design and spirit of this charity, which is generously undertaken to promote useful knowledge, true religion, public peace, and Christian love, among all ranks and denominations. « 4thly. For the use of schools, the several cate chisms that are now taught among the Calvinists, Lutherans, and other protestant denominations, will HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 389 be printed in English and Dutch, (German) and dis tributed among the poor, together with some other good books, at the expense ofthe society. " 5thly. In order that all parents may be certain of having justice done to their children, the immediate care and inspection of every school will be committed to a certain number- of sober and respectable persons, living near the place where every such school shaU be fixed. These persons will be denominated As sistant or Deputy Ttrustees ; .and it Avill be then- business, monthly or quarterly, to visit that partciular school for which they are appointed, and see that both master and scholars do their duty. It will also be their business to send an account of the state and progress of the schools, at every such visitation, to us as Trustees General. These accounts we shall trans mit from Philadelphia to the society in London ; and the society will from time to time, be enabled, by these means, to lay the state of the whole schools before the public; and thus charitable and well disposed people, both in Great Britain and Holland, seeing the good use that has been made of their former contributions, wUl be inclined to give still more and more for so glorious and benevolent an undertaking. • "This method cannot fail to be of great advantage to the schools, since the Deputy Trustees, being part of the very people for whom the work is undertaken, and having their own children at the same schools, they must have an interest in the reputation of them, and do all in their power to advance good education 'in them. Besides this, being always near at hand, they can advise and encourage the master, and help him over any difficulties he may meet with. "But, 6thly. As the keeping up a spirit of emula tion among the youth is the life of all schools, there fore, that we may leave as little room as possible for that remissness, which sometimes hurts charities of this nature, we shaU, as far as our situation will per- 390 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. mit, have a personal regard to the execution of the whole. As the Assistant Trustees may often want our advice in removing difficulties and making new regulations, we shall so contrive it, that Mr. Schlat ter shall be present with them at their quarterly meet ings, to consult with them, and concert the proper measures to be taken. Besides this, we shall have one general visitation ofthe whole schools every year, at Avhich one or more of us shall endeavor to be pre sent. On these occasions, such regulations shall be made, as may be wanted ; and careful inquiry will be made whether any parents think themselves injured by any unjust exclusion of their children from an equal benefit ofthe common charity, or by the partiality of the masters or otherwise. At such visitations^ books will be*given as rewards and encouragement, to the diligent and deserving scholars. The masters will likewise have proper marks of esteem shown them in proportion to their, fidelity and industry in the dis charge of. their office. " 7thly. With regard to the number of schools to be opened, that wUl depend partly on the encourage ment given by the people themselves, and partly on the increase of the society's funds. A considerable number of places are proposed to fix schbols in ; but none are yet absolutely determined upon, but New Hanover, NeAv Providence, and Reading* These places were first fixed upon because the people of all persuasions, Lutherans, Calvinists, andother Protest ants, moved with a pious and fatherly concern for the illiterate state of their helpless' children, did, with true Christian harmony, present their petitions, praying •Since the original publication, petitions have heen sent to the Trustees General, from Upper Solfort, from Vincent township, in Chester county.from the borough of Lancaster, from Tulpehock en, and several other places, all ofwhich will be considered as soon as possible. Feb. 25, 1755. — Penna. Gazette. Note. — Schools were also established in 1756, besides the places mentioned, at Lancaster, York, Easton, and several other -places. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 391 that their numeroiJs children of all denominations in these parts, might be made the common object of the intended charity. And for this benevolent purpose, they did further agree to offer school houses in which their chUdren might be instructed together, as dear fellow Christians, redeemed by the same common Lord and Saviour, and travelling to the same heaven ly country, through this valley of tears, notwithstand ing they may sometimestake roads a Uttle different in points of smaUer moment. " This striking example of unanimity and good agreement among all denominations, we hope, will be imitated by those who shall afterwards apply to us for fixing schools among them ; since it is only upon the aforesaid generous plan for the common benefit of all, that we find ourselves empowered to institute such schools. But while the petitions are agreeable to this, our plan, as now explained, they wiU not be overlooked, as long as the funds continue. And if the petitioners shall recommend school masters, as was the case at New Hanover, New Providence, and Reading, such school masters wiU have the preference, provided they are men of sufficient probity and knowl edge, agreeable to all parties, and acquainted with both the English and Dutch (German) languages, or willing to learn either of these languages which they may not then be perfectly acquainted with. " These are essential qualifications ; and unless the generous society had made provision for teaching Eng lish as well as Dutch, (German) it would not have answered their benevolent design, which is to quali fy the Germans for all the advantages of native Eng lish subjects. But this could not have been done, without giving them an opportunity of learning Eng lish, by speaking of which they may expect to rise to places of profit and honor in the -country. They will likewise be thereby enabled to buy or sell to the greater advantage in our markets, to understand their own causes in courts of justice, where pleadings are 392 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. in English, to know what is doing in the country around them, and, in a word, to judge and act entire ly for themselves without being obliged to take things upon the word of others, whose interest it may be to deceive and mislead them. " We have only further to add, that having thus published, in our names, a true and faithful account of the rise and progress of this excellent charity, down to the present time, we hope it will candidly be re ceived as such, and prevent many Avrong conjectures and insinuations, that might otherwise have been made, if we had not given this genuine and necessary information concerning it. From the foregoing plan it plainly appears, that as the chief management is in the people themselves, it must be entirely their own faults, if these schools do not become the greatest1 blessing to many generations, that ever was proposed in this country. Such, and so benevolent are the de signs of this new society ! " And surely, now, we may be permitted in their name, to address you, countrymen and fellow Chris tians, for whose benefit the great work is undertaken ! We cannot but entreat you to consider, of what im portance such a scheme must be to you, and your children after you. We are unwilling to believe that there are any persons, who do not heartily wish suc cess to a design so pious and benevolent. But, if, unhappily for themselves,, there should be any such among us, we are bound in charity to suppose they have never yetrefleeted that, Avhilst they indulge such wishes, they are in fact acting a part, plainly repug nant to the interests of liberty, true religion, and even of human nature. " Mankind in general are, perhaps, scarcely raised more, by their nature, above the brutes, than a man well instructed above the man of no knowledge or education ; and whoever strives to keep a people in ignorance, must certainly harbor notions or designs HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 393 that are unfavorable, either to their civil or religious. liberty. For whilst a people are incapable of know ing their own interests, or judging for themselves, they cannot be governed by free principles, or by their own choice ; and though they should not be im mediate slaves of the government under which they live, yet they must be slaves or dupes to those whose councils they are obliged to have recourse to, and fol low blindly on all occasions, which is the most dis honorable species of slavery. " But on the other hand, a design for instructing a people, and adorning the minds of their children with useful knowledge, can carry nothing in it but Avhat is friendly to liberty, and auspicious to all the most sa cred interests of mankind. " Were it otherwise, why are so many ofthe greatest and best men, both ofthe British and German nations, engaged in the undertaking ? Why have they, as it were, stooped from their high spheres, and even conde scended to beg fromhouseto house, in order to promote it ! Is not all this done with the glorious intention of relieving from distressful ignorance that was like to faU upon you ? Is it not done with a vieAV to call you up to all the advantages of free and enlightened subjects, capable of thinking and acting for yourselves? And shall they call you in vain ? God forbid ! If by any infatuation, you should neglect the means of knowledge and eternal happiness, now offered you, think seriously what must be the consequence. You will be accountable in the sight of Almighty God, not only for your OAvn sad negligence, but for all that mis-r ery and slavery, Avhich you may thereby entail upon your hapless offspring to the latest generations. Your very names will be held in abhorrence by your own children, if, for the want of instruction, their privi leges should either be abridged. here, or they should fall a prey to the error and slavery of our restless ene mies. "But on the contrary, if proper instructions are begun 394 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. now, and constantly carried on among you, no design can ever be hatched against your religion or liberties, but what you shall quickly be able to discover and defeat. All the arts of your enemies will be of no avail to sever you from your true interests, as men and as protestants. You shall know how to make the true use of all your noble privileges, and instead of moving in a dry and barren land, where no water is, you and your posterity shall flourish from age to age, in all that is valuable in human life. A barren region shall be turned into a fruitful country, and a thirsty land into pools of water. The wUderness and solitary place shall be glad through you, and the de sert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. Isa. 35." A school under this scheme was established at Easton, in 1755, as will appear from the following, copied from a paper published at Easton, by Mr. Hetrick : EASTON FREE SCHOOL IN 1755. The folloAving is a true copy of the original sub- ascription list for the erection of a school house, found among a bundle of antiquated papers by a friend, who has handed it to usfor publication, (1843.) This document goes to prove that 88 (89) years ago, a proper spirit pervaded the settlers, as respects educa tion, and that they were quite as liberal as their posr terity, and perhaps more so, especially if the restricted means of the donors and the simplicity of the man ners of the people of that age, are taken into con sideration. We have made some enquiry in relation to the building and the contributors for its erection. Our oldest inhabitants can give but little account of the free school of 1755, although the descendants of several whose names are subscribed, are yet among us. It was a large one-story log building with a cellar under HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 395 it, containing three rooms, one of them large, which was used as a church and school room. Its site was a few feet east of the German Re formed church, and was removed soon after that building was put up, about the time of the Revolution. The vane which swung over the first school house in Easton, is the only relick preserved. WUliam Parsons was a shoemaker, who after wards became Surveyor General of Pennsylvania. He surveyed and laid out the town of Easton, and was the first prothonotary of the county, which was created by the crown, hi the year 1752. Mr. Parsons died about that time, and is buried in the German Reformed burial ground, where his tomb-stone can yet be seen. Of the forty-two contributors, a large number must have been buried out of town. The villiage at that time did not contain half that number ¦of heads of families. SUBSCRIPTIONS TOWARD BUILDING A FREE SCHOOL HOUSE IN EASTON. We the subscribers, being truly sensible of the great advantages our posterity may reap from the excellent charitable scheme lately formed in England, for the education of Protestant youth in Pennsylvania, and being extremely desirous to encourage and promote the same, as far as in our power lies, have engaged and agreed, and hereby do engage and agree to, and with William Parsons, James Martin, Peter Traxler, Esq., John Lefever, Lewis Gordon and Peter Kich- line, Deputy Trustees, mentioned and appointed by the Trustees General of the said charitable scheme, that each of us will pay the sum of money, and do and perform the work, labor and service in building and erecting a school Rouse, which may occasionally be made use of as a church for any Protestant min ister, to our names hereunder respectfully set down 396 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. and affixed. Dated Easton, Ps u, the 31st day of July, A. D., 1755: William Smith, in behalf of the proprietor and trustees, William Parsons, 30£ 5 00s. OOd. Lewis Gordon, 3 Nicholas Scull, 3 Nathaniel Vernon, 3 Peter Kichline, 2 Christian Rinker, 1 Jacob Bachman, I Jacob Minor, 1 Adam Yohe, 1 Lewis Knauss, 10 Lewis Klotz, 10 Henry Becker, George Michael Shortz, 7 15 6 John Sevitz, 15 Anthony Esor, Charles Reichart, 15 15 John Wagle 1 George Ernest Becker, 1 John Rinker, 10 N. N., 7 6 Daniel Geese, 5 Jeremiah Candy Russel, Paul Miller, 11 5 John Fricker, 1 6 Pennsylvania currency,- £61 ls OOd. Myer Hart, 20 pounds nails. Paul Reesor, 1,000 shingles. Jacob Miner, 12 day's work. Stephen Horn, 1 week's work. Henry AUshouse, 5 day's work. John Horn, 5 day's work. John Finley, 6 day's work. John Nicholas Reeder, 1 week's work. Bartholomew Hoffman, 5 day's mason work. Robert Miller, 4 day's mason work. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 397 John George Bush, 5 day's carpenter work. Jacob Krotz, 5 day's carpenter work. James Fuller, 5 day's stone digging. John Chapman, 3 day's carting stone. Henry Rinker, 30 bushels lime. Henry Bush and John Wideman, 30 wagons stone and digging. Thomas Harris, 50 sash lights. There is perhaps no county in the state that can vie with Northampton for good schools, academies, seminaries, and a college of reputable standing. Lafayette College had its origin, says Day, in the public-spirited exertions of Hon. James Porter, and a number of other intelligent citizens of Easton. A charter had been granted in 1826, and a board of trustees organized ; but attempts to procure funds were for several years unsuccessful. It was originally designed for a military school, after the model of Capt. Patridge's academy ; but this plan not meeting with general approbation, it was changed in 1832, for that of a collegiate institution, on the manual-labor system. The Rev. Dr. Junkin was appointed president, as sisted by several professors. The legislature having failed to make an appropriation in aid of the coUege, an appeal was made to the public spirit ofthe citizens of Easton and Philadelphia, for funds to erect the present edifice, temporary accommodations having been rented for the first year. This appeal was suc cessful; and on the 4th July, 1 S3 3, the corner stone was laid by Hon. J. M. Porter, president of the board of trustees, with appropriate ceremonies. The edifice is 112 feet by 44, containing in all sixty rooms, and has received the name of Brainerd Hall, in memory of the pious labors of that devoted mis sionary in this region. The first term Avas opened in the new building in May, 1834, Avhen Rev. Dr, Jun kin and three other professors were duly inaugurated. 398 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. The institution has continued to flourish. In 1840, or '41, the Rev. Dr. Junkin resigned and took charge of an institution in Ohio ; when he was succeededby the Rev. Yeomans, a graduate of WUhams College, Mass. The Rev. Yeomans has since resigned, and Dr. Junkin is again president of Ihe institution. The faculty is composed of men of talent and pro fessed erudition, and the institution commands an honorable rank among the literary institutions of this country. The course of instruction is thorough and liberal, as will appear from the subjoined extract, from the catalogue of 1844: COURSE OF INSTRUCTION, FRESHMEN CLASS. First Term. Livy. Grssca Minora completed. Grseca Majora commenced. Classical Literature, (Esch- enburg's Manual.) Algebra. Plane Geometry, (Davies' Legendre.) Second Term. Odes of Horace. Graeca Majora. Classical Literature. Algebra completed. Solid and Spherical Ge ometry. SOPHOMORE CLASS. First Term. Horace, Satires & Epistles. iEschines de Corona. , Classical Literature. Algebra revised. Plane Trigonometry. Application of Algebra to Plane Geometry. Geometrical Constructions. Spherical Trigonometry. Second Term. Cicero de OflicUs. Demosthenes de Co> rona. Classical Literature. Blair's Rhetoric. Analytical Geometry. Surveying. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 399 JUNIOR CLASS. First Term. Tacitus. ffidipus Tyrannus, (Sopho cles.) Differential and Integral Cal culi, (Young's.) Navigation & Nautical As tronomy. Optics, (Brewster's.) Mechanics began, (Young's.! Chemistry. Second Term.. Cicero de Oratore. Euripides' Medea. Mechanics completed. Descriptive Geomery. Linear Perspective.. Civil Engineering. Astronomy. SENIOR CLASS. First Term. Juvenal.Longinus.Intellectual PhUosophy. Whateley's Logic. Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric. Natural Philosophy. Chemistrv. Second Term. Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric. Moral Philosophy. Butler's Analogy. Political Economy. Constitution of the United* States. RevieAV of Studies. , Anatomy and Physiology. Exercises in public speaking are' required from all the classes weekly throughout' the year. The Freshmen and Sophomore classes have exer cises in translation and English composition at the discretion of the Faculty. Instruction iu French and German is provided for such as desire. The students of all the departments are required to attend public worship on the Sabbath, in that church which the parent or guardian may designate, or Avhich the student, when the choice is left to him, may prefer to attend. 400 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. A record is kept of the punctuality, diligence/schol arship, and general behaviour of each student ; a re port of which is sent to the parent or guardian at his request, or at the discretion ofthe Faculty. LECTURES. I Lectures on Chemistry are given during the first session ; on Natural Philosophy, the last session of Junior and the first of Senior ; on Mineralogy and Geology, the second ¦ session ; on' Political Economy and Jurisprudence, the second session ; on Anatomy and Physiology, during both sessions ; Rhetoric and Belles Lettreg, both the first and second sessions. The means of instruction in Chemistry have been , enlarged. The apparatus is now extensive and in good order, and proVis"ion is made for a full course of lectures and experiments in that department. TERMS OF ADMISSION TO THE COLLEGE CLASSES. For admission into the Freshmen Class, the appli cant is examined ill Arithmetic, English Grammar, and Geography ; Latin Grammar, (Gould's Adams',) Historia Grasca or Jacob's Latin Reader, Cassar's Commentaries, Cicero's Select Orations, Ovid's Met amorphoses (expurgated,) Sallust, Virgil, and the first part of Mair's Introduction to Latin Syntax; Greek Grammar, Greek' Testament, Grseca Minora (in, part ;) Algebra through Simple Equations. For admission to advanced standing, the applicant must sustain examination in the studies completed by the class he proposes to enter. Testimonials of good character are in all cases re quired. The earliest age at which it is advisable for a stu> dent to enter the Freshmen Class, is fourteen years. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 401 Commencement is on the third Wednesday of Sep tember. The vacation after commencement is six weeks. The first session commences at the close of that va cation, and continues twenty weeks. The spring va cation is si#: weeks. The second session is twenty weeks, and closes on the third Wednesday of Sep tember. The two Literary Societies of the College hold a public exhibition at the close of the first session. The annual exhibition of the Junior Class is on the even ing preceding commencement. The Literary Societies have two halls in the fourth story of the main College building, which are spacious and elegantly furnished. Each Society has also an extensive and valuable library. The Brainerd Evangelical Society has a spacious hall appropriated to its papers and library. This So ciety holds its anniversary, and has a public address, at the close of the winter session. EXAMINATIONS. All the classes are examined in the middle and at the close of the first session, in all the studies of the session. The final examination of the Senior Class begins on the fifth Monday before commencement. The other classes are examined in the middle and at the close of the second session, as in the first. The examinations are public, and are conducted before a committee of the Board of Trustees. 402 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. EXPENSES The -price of boarding in the Co..ege refectory is gl '87£ per week, which for forty weeks is #75 XK) Tuition, room-rent, use of library and appa ratus, 40 00 Fuel, stoves, and tending fires for winter session, 7 00 For incidental expenses, 50 cents each ses sion, 1 00 $123 00 Pupils ofthe Model School, who occupy rooms in the College, pay #15 per session for tuition and room rent ; those who do not room in the College, pay $10 for tuition.- Each pupil, not boarding in the College, pays $L,50,in the Winter session for fuel for the school room. The bills for each session are payable half at the beginning and half at the middle of each session ; ex cept the fuel bill for the winter session, which is all to be paid in advance. When payment is promptly made according to this rule, a deduction of 12j cents per week is made from the price of boarding. Washing is done in the Steward's department at 37s cents per dozen pieces. Students provide their OAvn beds and furniture. Students under the patronage of the General As sembly's Board of Education, and others who are preparing for the gospel ministry, and whose charac ter and circumstances, in the judgment of the Trus tees, entitle them to the benefit, have boarding in the College refectory at $1 per Aveek. The Trustees sup ply the balance out of funds provided for that pur pose. Students who wish to spend their hours of daily ¦exercise in manual labor, for their own pecuniary HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 403 "benefit, can work on the grounds adjacent to the Col lege, and receive a just compensation for their labor, THE MODEL SCHOOL Is under the immediate instruction and government ofthe Principal, subject to the general direction ofthe College Faculty. The pupils of this school who board in the CoUege, have rooms in the College buildings, and take their meals in the refectory. They are required to attend public prayers daUy in the chapel, and public worship in church and the lecture in the CoUege on the Sab bath. A select course of English study is pursued in this school, by such as wish to become teachers of com mon schools. The course of instruction preparatory to admission into the College, is also given to such as desire to pur sue their preparatory studies under the direction of the Faculty. The Seminaries of Nazareth and Bethlehem, so well and deservedly favorably known, have already been noticed. Besides these institutions, there are several academies in these counties of advanced stand ing, exerting a happy influence upon the community. The public common school system has been adopt ed in every district in Northampton county ; in every district in Monroe, except in Penn Forest and Price townships ; in Lehigh, the townships of Heidelberg, LowhUl, Lynn, Lower Macungie, Upper Saucon and Weisenberg ; in Schuylkill county, the townships of Barry, East Brunswig, Lower Mahantango, Upper Mahantango, Manheim, Pine Grove, Rush, Union, Wayne, West Penn and West Brunswig, have not accepted the system. Carbon, a newly organized county, has also adopted the system partially. There is much room for improvement in the common ¦schools. APPENDIX: CONTAINING THE JOURNALS OF JAMES YOUNG, COMMISSARY GENERAL, Who visited Fort Allen, &c. in 1756; CAPTAIN JOHN VAN ETTEN, At Fort Hyndshaw, Fort Hamilton, &c &c., and COLONEL JAMES BURD, Who visited a nnmber of Forts in 1758— -embracing a number of FACTS OF DEEP INTEREST EAELY HISTORY of NORTHAMPTON and ADJACENT COUNTIES. YOUNG'S JOURNAL. A JOURNAL OF JAMES YOUNG, COMMISSARY GENERAL, Of the Musters-'-from Jnne 19 to June 26, 1756. 1756, June 19th. At 11 o'clock in the morning I came to Reading. I sent an express to Colonel Weiser to acquaint him with my intended journey to the northern frontier ; that I inclined to muster the company posted here, and that I should want some men to escort me to the next fort. Ammunition at Reading, viz : 25 good muskets ; 20 want repairing, 11 broken ones; 9 cartouch boxes, 240 pounds of powder, and 600 pounds of lead. At 6 P. M., Col. Weiser came here. I mustered his company that is posted here as a guard to this place. The company consists of 30 men, viz : 2 ser* geants and 28 private soldiers ; 2 of them were ab sent at Col. Weiser's house. 20. At 2 P. M., I set out from Reading, escorted by five men of the town on horse back, for the fort at 410 APPENDIX. North Kill. It is about 19 miles from Reading. The road is very bad and hilly — thick of wood. The fort is about nine miles to the westward of Schuylkill, and stands in a very thick wood, on a small rising ground half a mile from the Middle North Kill creek. It is intended for a square of about 32 feet each way — at each corner is a half bastion of very little service to flank the curtains — the stockades are badly fixed in the ground, and open in many places. Within is a very bad log house for the people ; it has no chim ney, and can afford but little shelter in bad weather. When I came here, the Sergeant, who is commander, was absent and gone to, the next plantation half a mile off, but soon came when he had inteUigence I was there. He told me he had fourteen men posted with him, all detached from Captain Morgan's com pany at Fort Lebanon, five of them were absent by his leave, viz : Two he had let go to Reading for three days ; one he had let go to his own house ten miles off, and two men this afternoon a few rmles from the fort on their own business. There were but eight men and the Sergeant on duty. I am of opin ion there ought to be a commissioned officer here, as the Sergeant does not do his duty, nor are the men under proper command for the want of a superior officer. The woods are not cleared for the space of forty yards from the fort. I gave orders tocut all the trees down for two hundred yards. I inquired why there was so little powder and ball here. The Sergeant- told me, he had repeatedly requested more of Captain Morgan, but to no purpose. The provisions here are flour and rum for four weeks- Mr. Seely, of APPENDIX. 41 T Reading, sends the officers money to purchase meat as they want it. Provincial arms, &c. Here are eight good mus kets, four rounds of powder and led per man, fifteen blankets and three axes. 21. At eight o'clock Captain Busse, from fort Henry, came here with eight men on horse back. He expected to meet Col. Weiser here, but Col. Weiser wrote him that other business prevented him, and desired Captain Busse to proceed with me, and return him an account how he found the forts, with the quantity of ammunition and stores in each, of which I was very glad, as the escort on horse back would expedite our journey very much, and be much safer. Accordingly we set out for fort Lebanon. All the way from North Kill to Lebanon is an exceed ingly bad road, very stony and mountainous. About six miles from North KU1, we crossed the North mountain, where we met Captain Morgan's Lieu tenant with ten men, ranging the woods between the mountain and Fort Lebanon. We passed by two plantations. The rest of the country is chiefly bar ren hills. At noon we came to Fort Lebanon, which is situated on a plane ; on one side is a plantation, on the other a barren, pretty clear of woods aU round, only a few trees about fifty yards from the fort, Avhich I desired might be cut down. The fort is a square of about one hundred feet, weU stockaded with good bastions, on one side of which is a good waU piece. Within is a good guard house for the people, and two other large houses built by the country people, who have taken a refuge here— in all six families. The fort is a little too much 412 APPENDIX. crowded ; on that account I acquainted Captain Mor gan that the Sergeant at North Kill did not do his duty, and I believe it would be for the good of the service, to have a commanding officer there. On which he ordered his Lieutenant, with two men, to go and take post there, and sent with him four pounds of powder and ten pounds of lead. By Captain Morgan's Journal, it appears he sends a party of ten men to range the woods four or five times a week, and guard the inhabitants at their labor. At 1 P. M., I mustered the people, and ex amined the certificates of enlistment, which appear in the muster roll. After which I ordered the men to fire at a mark ; fifteen or eighteen hit within two feet of the centre at the distance of eighty yards. Provisions here are flour and rum for a month, The commissary sent them money to purchase meat as they want it. Provincial arms and ammunition: Twenty-eight good muskets, ten want repairing, nine rounds of powder and lead, four pounds of powder, twenty- four pounds of lead, thirty cartouch boxes, forty blankets, one axe and one wall piece. At half-past three P. M., we set out with the former escort, and two of Captain Morgan's company, for the fort above Allemengel, commanded by Lieutenant Ingle — at half-past seven we got there ; it is about nineteen miles N. E.. from fort Lebanon; the road is a narrow path, very hilly and swampy — about halfway we came through a very thick and dangerous pine swamp. Very few plantations on this road ; most of them deserted, and the houses burnt down. One-- half a mile westward of this fort is a good plantation j APPENDIX. 413 the people return to the fort every night. This fort stands about one mile from the North mountains ; only two plantations near it. This fort is a square about 40 feet — very badly stockaded, with two log houses at opposite corners for locations — all very unfit for defence. The stock ades are very open in many places. It stands on the bank of a creek; the woods clear for 120 yards. The Lieutentant ranges towards Fort Lebanon and Fort Allen, about four times a week. Much thunder, lightning and rain all night. Provincial stores : 28 good muskets, 8 want re pairing, 1 6 cartouch boxes, 8 pounds of powder, 24 pounds of lead, and 12 rounds for 36 men, 36 blankets, 1 axe, 1 adz, 2 planes, 1 hammer, 2 shovels, 9 small tin kettles. At S A. M., we set out for Fort Allen, at Gnaden Hutten. It is about fifteen miles from AUemengel, The first seven miles of this road is very hUly, barren and swampy — no plantations — the other part of the road is for the most part through a rich valley, chiefly meadow ground — several settlements, but all the houses burnt and deserted. At noon we came to the fort. For the last half hour before we came there, we had a very severe gust of thunder, Ughtning, and a prodigiously heavy rain. This stands on the river Leahy (Lehigh,) in this pass through very high hiUs, is, in my opinion, a very important place, and may be of great service, if the officer does his duty. It is very well stockaded with four good bastions. On one is a swivel gun. The works are clear all round it for a considerable way, and is very defensible. Within are three good 414 APPENDIX. barracks and a guard room. I found here 15 mea without any officer or commander. They told me Lieutenant Jacob Mies and two men from the fort were gone, this morning, with two gentlemen from Bethlehem, and four Indians, 15 miles up the country to bring down some friendly Indians ; and that the Sergeant with three men were gone to Capt. Foulk's, late commander here, to receive the pay that is due them ; and one was gone to Bethlehem with the Sergeant's watch to mend, which was the reason I could not muster those present, nor have any account ofthe provisions, but saw a large quantity of beef very badly cured. I was informed that a captain with a new compa ny was expected there in a day or two to take post at this fort. Being very uncertain when the Lieu tenant would return, or the new company come, I resolved to proceed to Lehigh Gap, where a detach ment of a company was posted. Provincial stores : 27 muskets, 50 cartouch boxes, 10 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of lead, 20 rounds filled for 25 men, 19 axes, 4 broad axes, 26 hatchets, 43 tomahawks, 3 iron wedges and 1 swivel gun. At 4 P. M. set out — at 6 came to Lehigh Gap, where I found a Sergeant and eight men stationed at a farm house, with a small stockade around it. From Fort Allen here, the road is very hilly and swampy. There is only one plantation about a mile from the gap. I found the people here, were a detachment from Captain Weatherolt's company — he is stationed on the other side the gap, 3 miles from this with 12 men. The rest of his company is at Depue's, and another gap 15 miles from this. I despatched a APPENDIX. 415 messenger to Capt. Weatherolt, desiring him to come here in the morning with the men under his command, to be mustered. The people stationed here, and on the other side of the gap, I think, may be of great service, as it is a good road through the mountain, and very steep and high on each side, so may, in a great measure, prevent any Indians to pass through undiscovered, if they keep a good guard. Here the river Lehigh passes through the mountain, and is a very rapid stream. At 7 in the morning, I mustered the men here. The Sergeant informed me that Captain Weatherolt was gone 12 miles from this, and he believed on his way to Philadelphia for their pay, which was the reason the people did not come here, and I finding this company so much dispersed at different stations, in small parties, I could not, regularly muster them ; therefore at 9 A. M. I set out for Fort Norris. The road for the first six miles is a good wagon road, along the foot of the North mountain ; the other seven miles very hilly and stony. Passed three plan tations on this road — all deserted and the houses burnt down. At 1 1 A. M. I came to Fort Norris ; found here a Sergeant commanding with 21 men. The Sergeant told me that the ensign with 12 men was gone out to range the woods towards Fort Allen — the captain was at Philadelphia since the 16th, for the people's pay ; and the other Sergeant was absent at Easton, on furlough since the 20th. This fort stands in a valley midway between the North mountain and the Tuscarora, 6 miles from each, on the high road towards the Minnesinks ; it is 416 APPENDIX. a square, about 80 feet each way, with four half bastions, all very completely stockaded, finished and defensible. The woods are clear 400 yards round it. On the bastions are two swivel guns mounted. With in is a good barrack, guard room, kitchen — also a good well. Provincial stores : 1 3 good muskets, 3 bursted ones, 16 very bad, 32 cartouch boxes, 100 pounds of pow der, 300 pounds of lead, 112 blankets, 39 axes, 3 broad axes, 80 tomahawks, six shovels, 2 grubbing hoes, 5 spades, 5 drawing knives, 9 chisels, 3 adzes, 3 hand-saws, 2 augers and two splitting knives. At 1 P. M. the ensign with 12 men returned from ranging; they had seen nothing of any Indians. I mustered the whole, 34 'in number, stout, able bodied men. The ensign has no certificate of enlistment. The arms loaded and clean; the cartouch boxes filled with 12 rounds per man. Provisions. A large quantity of beef very ill cured, standing tubs ; a quantity of biscuit and flour, and about 50 gallons of rum. At. 2 P. M. Captain Weatherolt came here to us ; he had been on his way to Philadelphia ; but the mes senger I sent last night overtook him 8 miles from his station. He brought me his muster roll of his whole company, and certificates of enlistments, and proposed to go with me to Samuel Depue's where his lieuten ant and 26 men are stationed, to see them mustered. I accepted of his company. At 3 P. M. we set forth from Fort Norris on our way to Fort Hamilton. At 6 P. M. we came to PhUip Bosart's farm, 12 miles from Fort Norris ; here we staid all night. In our way to this house we APPENDIX. 417 found the road very hilly, the country barren— passed by three plantations ; all deserted and the houses burnt down. In Bosart's house are six families from other plantations. 24th. At 4 A. M. set out from Bosart's ; at 6 came to Fort Hamilton ; about 7 miles from Bosart's — a good wagon road, and the land better than any I had seen on the north side of the mountain. Fort Hamilton stands in a corn field, by a farm house, in a plain and clear country ; it is a square with four half bastions, all very ill contrived and furnish ed ; the stockades are six inches open in many places and not firm in the ground, and may be easily pulled down. Before 'the gate are some stockades driven into the ground to cover it, which I think might be a great shelter to an enemy. I therefore order to pull them down. I also order to fill up the other stock ades where they were open. I found here a lieutenant and eight men, seven were gone to Easton with a prisoner, a deserter from General Shirley's regiment. Provincial stores — one wall piece, 14 good muskets, 4 want repairing, 16 cartouch boxes filled with pow der and lead, 28 pounds of powder, 13 pounds of lead, 10 axes, one broad axe, 26 tomahawks, 28 blankets, 3 drawing knives, 3 splitting knives, 2 adzes, 2 saws and one brass kettle. At 8 A. M. set out from Fort Hamilton for Samuel Depue's, where Captain Weatherolt's lieutenant and 26 men are stationed. When I came there his mus ter roll was not ready. I therefore proceeded to the next fort, ten miles higher up the river (Delaware) — at 1 P. M. I came there. It is a good plainroad from A2 418 APPENDIX. Dupue's — there are many plantations this way; but aU deserted and the houses chiefly burnt. Found at this fort (Hyndshaw) lieutenant Hynd- shaw with 25 men. He told me that the captain with five men had gone up the river yesterday, and did not expect him back these two days. They had been informed from the Jerseys that six Indians had been seen and fired at the night before, 18 miles up the river. This fort is a square about 70 feet each way, very lightly stockaded. I gave some directions to alter the bastions, which at present are of very little use. It is clear all round for 300 yards — the fort stands on the banks of a large-creek, and about one-fourth of a mile from the river Delaware. I think it is a very important place for the defence of this frontier. At 3 P. M. I mustered the people, and find them agreeable to the lieutenant's roll regularly enlisted. Finding here such a small quantity of powder and lead, and this fort the most distant frontier, I wrote a letter to Capt. Orndt, at Fort Norris, where there is a large quantity, desiring he would deliver to this fort thirty pounds of powder, and ninety pounds of lead; and I promised that he should have proper orders from his superior officers for so doing, in the mean time my letter should be his security ; in which I hope I have not done amiss, as I thought it very necessary for the good of the service. Provincial stores — 11 good muskets, 14 rounds of powder and lead for 30 men, 4 pounds of powder and 30 blankets. At 7 P.M. came to Samuel Depue's ; mustered that part of Captain Weatherolt's company stationed APPENDIX. 419 here a Lieutenant a twenty-six men, all regularly en listed for six months, as are the rest of his company. Around Depue's house is a large but very slight and ill-contrived stockade, with a swivel gun mounted on each corner. Mr. Depue was not at home. His son, with a son of Broadhead's, keeping house. They expressed themselves as if they thought the Province was obliged to them, for allowing this party to be in their house, also made use of very arrogant expressions of the commissioners, and the people of Philadelphia in general. They seem to make a mere merchandize of the people stationed here, selling rum at eight pence per gill. Provincial stores — 13 good muskets, 3 cartouch boxes, 13 pounds of powder, and 22 pounds of lead. 25. At 5 A. M. set out from Depue's for the Wind Gap, where part of Weatherolt's company is stationed. Stopped at Bosart's plantation to find our horses. I was informed this morning, that two miles from the house in the woods, they found the body of Peter Hess, who had been murdered and scalped about the month of February. At 1 1 A. M. came to the Wind Gap, when I found Captain Weatherolt's ensign, who is stationed here with seven men, at a farm house — four only were present ; one was gone to Bethlehem with a letter from the Jerseys, on Indian affairs ; one was on a farm house on duty ; and one absent on furlough from the 1.5th to 22d, but had not yet returned. I told the officer he ought to esteem him a deserter. I found here six Province muskets, all good, and six rounds of powder and lead for each man. I told 420 APPENDIX. Captain Weatherolt to send a supply as soon as pos sible. At 3 P. M. set out from Wind Gap, for Easton. About half post by Nazareth mill, around which is a large but slight stockade, about 400 feet one way, and 250 feet the other, with log houses at the corners for bastions. At 6, 1 came to Easton — found here ensign Enslee, of Captain Enslee's company, with 24 men. He told me the Captain was gone to Philadelphia for the company's pay, and one man absent, sick at Bethle hem. 26. _ At 9 A. M. I mustered the company stationed here ; found them stout able bodied men ; their arms in good order. They fired at a mark — 16 out of 21 hit within 9 inches of the centre, at 80 yards distance. The ensign had no certificate of enlistments, but told me that Col. Clapham had carried them with him. Provincial stores — 25 good muskets, 25 cartouch boxes, with 1 1 rounds in each, and 25 blankets. In Major Parson's charge for the use of the inhabi tants ; 37 bad muskets, a parcel of broken muskets, 24 cartouch boxes, 12 pair of shoes, 56 pounds of powder, 100 pounds of lead, 14 blankets, 10 axes, 1 broadaxe, and 6 hatchets. 27. At Bethlehem. JAMES YOUNG. Com. Gen. ofthe Muster. , Philadelphia, July 2, 1756. VAN ETTEN'S JOURNAL A JOURNAL OF CAPTAIN JOHN VAN ETTEN, At Fort Hyndshaw and Fort Hamilton, in the Pennsylvania Forces, from December 1, 1756, to July 21, 1757. 1756, December 1. I went out to patrol my oldest Sergeant in the company, to find out if there were any Indians on the coast, but none were discovered. We returned safe to the fort. 2. After the guard was relieved, we employed ourselves in hauling firewood, and key the garrison. 4 and 5. ' Paid some of the men — also for some pro visions. 6. Kept the men at their posts about the garrison. 7. I went on scout with two men, and made no discovery — returned safe at night, finding all in good order. 8 and 9. The men divided — one part standing sen try, while the other part hauled firewood to the fort. 10. I went on scout with one of my men — made no discovery ; returned to the fort. 11. My Lieutenant went on his journey to Phila- 424 APPENDIX. delphia, in order to get pay for my men, for three months. About eleven o'clock, I went on scout with six men ; in going four miles made no discovery ; re turned to the fort atdark. 12. It being Sabbath and' rainy, we all staid in garrison. 1 3. After the guard was relieved, I went on scout with six men and one neighbor, and tra veiled about eight miles from the- fort, made no discovery ; re turned to the garrison. 14. After the guard was relieved', I went with four men on scout, and sent two men with Jacob Swartwood, to guard him, to take some of his grain where it might be threshed. 15. I went with five men on scout, and the said Swartwood went again t© his place, which is about four miles from the fort, and at night when I returned home told me, that before the men with him came ta ttle field, they saw one smaU stack of rye, set out in a large shock of thirty sheaves on a side, and places left in the middle to shoot out at, and a bee-hive set on the top. 1 6. After the guard was relieved, I, with six men,. went to the place, and ordered twomen with wagons to come after some time, when I had surrounded the field, then to come anti take their loads, which was done ; but no discovery was made. I, and two men went through the woods, and the rest guarded the wagons. So all returned safe to the fort. 17. It snowed. I made a pair of moccasons for myself. 18. After the guard was relieved, I went out on scout with six men, and travelled about six miles APPENDIX. 425 from the fort, and found snow in may places half-leg deep ; but I discovered no enemy ; all returned safe to the fort. 19. It being the Sabbath, one of the corporals went out with four men, on scout ; but made no dis covery ; returned to' the fort, 20. It snowed ; we staid in the^ garrison. 2 1 . The corporal, with men assisting, hauled fire wood to the fort, and I went on scout with three men; found the snow about knee deep; but went four miles ; made no discovery ;* returned to the fort after dark. 22. After the guard was relieved, we shoveled away the snow aroimd the fort, in order to go to work to build a block house. 23. We all kept the fort. 24. The snow, rendering, to the end of the month,. unfit for scouting, we cleared the parading place, and kept the men to their exercises twice a day, in which time I paid off the men. January 1, 1757. Kept the fort and exercised the men. 2. Sabbath day ; kept the fort. 3. Stormy weather. 4 and 5. Kept the fort. 6. Hauled firewood for the fort. 7. Exercised the men twice. 8. Took the advantage of the snow and hauled firewood. 9. Sabbath day ; kept the fort. 10. I went on scout with six men, and night Goming on us we lodged at Daniel Shoemaker's. 11. Returned home to the fort.. 426 APPENDIX.' 13, 14 and 15. In the fort. After the guard was re lieved, hauled firewood. 16. In the fort. 17. I sent out a scout with five men, but dis covered nothing. 18. Relieved the guard ; exercised the men. 19. I went on scout with the Lieutenant and six men ; travelled three miles ; returned to the fort, dis covering nothing. 20. I went on scout with two men ; made no dis covery ; returned to the fort. 21. Relieved the guard, and kept the fort. 22. I went on scout with one man, about seven miles from the fort ; returned, discovered nothing. 23. Received orders from the Hon. Colonel,* dated the 16th instant, that as soon as the season woiUd ad mit, to discipline the men in the English exercise, and to teach them the Indian method of war, Avhich was immediately obeyed. 30. Received orders from the Hon. Colonel, to enlist men to fill up my company, to consist of fifty men, including two sergeants, two corporals, and a drummer. February 4. I went to Major William Parsons, informing him of the necessity we were in for the want of ammunition. 6. Received an answer, and ninety-two pounds of lead. 7. Kept the men to their exercise as usual. 9. Exercise ; bad weather. ll. After the guard was relieved, hauled wood. •Col. Conrad Weiser. APPENDIX. 427 12. Snow ; unfit for exercise. 14. Kept the men to their exercise. 16. Hauled firewood for the fort. 17. The men exercised twice, 20. Sunday ; kept the fort. 21. Went on scout with four men ; but finding it so bad travelling, and making no discovery, we turned back to the fort. 24. After the guard was relieved, we hauled fire wood. 25. ReUeved the guard ; exercised the men. March 1. Called the men to, exercise at eight o'clock, and relieved the guard. 4. After the guard was releived, I ordered the old guard to haul firewood. 6. Relieved the guard at eight in the morning. 7. After the guard was relieved, I went on scout with ten men ; went about six miles ; made no dis covery ; returned to the fort. 9. Exercised the men twice. 10. Relieved the guard, and exercised the men twice as usual. 11. After the guard had been relieved, and the exercise had been over, I ordered the old guard to haul firewood. 12. After the guard had been relieved, I went on scout with six men, travelled about six miles ; made no discovery ; returned safe to the fort. 1 3. Sunday ; relieved the guard and kept the gar rison. 14. After the guard had been relieved, I went on scout with eight men ; discovered nothing ; returned to the fort. 428 APPENDIX. 16. After the guard had been relieved, I ordered the old guard to procure firewood. 17. Relieved the guard and disciplined the men. IS. After the guard had been relieved, I went with five men on scout, but discovered nothing ; re turned to the fort. 19. After the guard had been relieved, the men were employed in hauling wood. 20. Sabbath day; relieved the guard at eight o'clock in the morning; kept the garrison. 21. I went on my journey to Easton, in order to attend court, leaving the charge of the company with the Lieutentant. Being obliged to tarry, by reason of the weather, I attended the whole term* 28. I returned home safe to the fort, finding my men in health, and all things in good order. 29. Relieved the guard and disciplined the men. 30. Relieved the guard ; hauled firewood. April 1. After the guard had been relieved, I went on scout with four men; went about four miles ; made no discovery ; returned to the fort. 2. Relieved the guard and disciplined the men. 3. Sabbath; relieved the guard, and kept the fort. 4. Disciplined the men. 5. Relieved the guard and hauled firewood. 6. Disciplined the men. 7. Received an order, dated 28th of March, from Hon. Colonel Weiser, commanding me immediately to send a detachment of sixteen men, with an officer, to relieve the company stationed at fort Hamilton. 'Van Etten was one of the Justices of the Peace of North ampton county, and formed one ofthe Court. APPENDIX. 429 8. I took possession of said fort according to orders, and the company marched off, leaving the fort in my care. 9. Received a copy of a letter from Maj. Parsons, sent to the commander at fort HamUton. I being there, and no other, I opened the same, and found it to be a copy from the original sent by Jacob Snyder, ensign, being the then commander at fort Norris, with which I would not content myself, but went off immediately to Easton, to see the Major. 10. Then spoke with the Major at his own house, who ordered, that my Lieutenant with twenty-five men of my company, should immediately march to Reading to the Colonel,* there to receive further orders. 11. Returned to fort Hyndshaw, received the original by the way, and acquainted the Lieutenant ofthe affair. 12. Got the men ready for to march. 13. Conveyed the said Lieutenant, with said com pany, as far as fort Hamilton. 14. The Lieutenant marched with said company about eight .o'clock, from fort HamUton, and I re turned to fort Hynshaw. 15. Disciplined the men twice. 16. I went to see the Major. 20. Returned home and found all things in good order at both forts. The same night an express came from fort Hamilton to fort Hyndshaw, of a murder committed about sunset, by the Indians. 21. I went to fort Hamilton with seven men, and •Colonel C. Weiser, who resided at Reading at the tim«. 430 APPENDIX. found it to be one Cuntraman, a lad of about seven teen years of age, killed and scalped by the Indians ; whom I took up and hurried, and returned to fort V Hyndshaw with my men all safe. 22. Disciplined the men twice. 23. I employed the men in hauling firewood to the fort. 24. Sabbath; disciplined the men and kept the fort. 25. Sergeant Leonard Den, with two men, went off for subsistance to Samuel Depue's. Within about two miles of said Depue's, Sergeant Den was shot ; the two men returned, and informed me of it ; where upon the drummer beat an alarm, and the neighbors all gathered into the fort. Myself with seven men went immediately off and found him scalped, and en tirely strippped, and shamefully cut, so much so that his bowels were spread on the ground. I sent off three men to Depue's for a wagon, while I with the three kept guard. They having come, we carried him to Depue's, where we kept guard that night. 26. We buried him in a christian manner, and re- turned to fort Hyndshaw. 27. Disciplined the men ; increased our sentinels as far as our weak circumstances would allow. 28. Disciplined the men ; giving them such cau tions as I thought necessary. 29 and 30. Guarded the neighbors in their neces sary business, with all that could possibly leave the fort. May 1. Kept the fort. 2. After the men had been disciplined at eight APPENDIX. 431 o'clock in the morning, firewood was hauled to the fort. 3. Disciplined the men at eight o'clock ; then I went on scout with five men ; went about five miles ; discovered nothing ; returned safe. •4. After having disciplined the men at eight o'clock, I went on scout with five men about six miles; discovered nothing; all returned safe to the fort. 5. About eight o'clock in the morning, news came to me that an Indian had been seen about three- fourths of a mile from the fort. I went out immedi ately in pursuit of him, with eight men and one neighbor ; found it true by discovering his tracks, but we could not come up with him— the men from the fort saw the Indian running from us at a considerable distance ; and they could, at the same time, see some of my company, as the few I left to keep the fort af firmed to me, at my return ; but I ¦ seeing nothing of him, returned with the men to the fort. The same day one man came from a field where they guarded a neighbor in his business, saw three Indians coming down a mountain near said field. I immediately went out with said man, and two others, in pursuit of them ; but not thinking it proper to go far from the fort, it being, very weak-handed, stood on guard on said mountain, while one went to alarm the guard that was in the field, and then returned home to the fort ; discovered nothing. 6. At eight o'clock disciplined the men, after which some of my men who had observed the night before, as they were on sentry, that the dogs kept an unusual barking and running to a particular place, 432 APPENDIX. went to see what the occasion should be, and found that an Indian had stood behind a tree about twenty- five yards from the fort. I went to see, and found it true; his tracks being visible enough to be seen. In the afternoon I went on scout with four men and a neighbor, but made no discovery — returned safe.to the fort. 7. The men were called to their exercise at the usual hour ; after which, I went with four men to a smithshop, where we made an instrument to take a bullet out of my horse, who was shot when Sergeant Den was kUled ; all returned safe to the fort. 8. Sunday ; assisted some of the neighbors with their goods and families to the fort. 9. Disciplined the men ; after which we guarded two of the neighbors in their necessary business with what men could be spared ; and continued the same to the 15. Sunday ; we all kept the fort. 16. Though weak-handed, I went on scout with four men, and travelled about four miles ; made no discoveries; returned safe to the fort. 17. Disciplined the men at eight o'clock in the morning ; then guarded the neighbors with all I could spare from the fort. 18. Exercised the men twice, and all kept the fort. 19. After exercising the men, guarded the neigh bors with all that could be spared from the fort. 20. The corporal with three men, went out on scout, by my order, travelled about three miles ; made no discovery, and returned to the fort. 21. At four o'clock, afternoon, received a letter APPENDIX. 433 from Captain Busse, to send a corporal with five men to meet him at least on the 22d day, to guard him to fort Allen. The men I despatched in half an hour. 22. Sunday ; we few who remained, all kept the fort. 23. About ten o'clock in the morning, I, received a letter from Major Parsons, in which he desired me to come to Easton, to receive my pay, with the pay of my men. I having then but nineteen men left me to keep the fort, I took the case, together with my men, into consideration, who all begged of me, not to leave the fort ; whereupon I wrote to the Major, arid begged him to consider our circumstances, and to excuse me until the men returned. 24. Disciplined the men at eight in the morning ; all kept the fort, being weak-handed. 25. I Went on scout with three men; traveUed about three miles in the mountains, and discovered . nothing ; returned to the fort. 26. Disciplined the men ; all stayed about the fort. 27. Disciplined the ihen twice. 28. At two o'clock in the afternoon, the men who with Commissary Young from Easton, came to fort Allen, returned all in health. 29. Exercised the men, and all kept the fort. 30. I went on scout with three men, and travel led about four miles ; discovered nothing ; returned t> the fort. 31. Disciplined the men at eight o'clock in the morning ; in the afternoon I went on scout with four men ; went about three miles from the fort ; discover* ed nothing 5 returned to the fort. B2 434 APPENDIX. June 1. The corporal with three men went on scout, and gave account of no discovery on their, re turn. 2. I sent five men to Samuel Depue's for subsist- ance in the afternoon. The fort was alarmed by hearing several guns fired. I immediately with three men, went to find out the reason, and found it to be some who unwittingly shot at fowls. in the river. Our men all returned safe about sunset. 3. I set off on my journey for Philadelphia about four o'clock in the afternoon with six men as a guard, and came all safe to fort Hamilton, where I found every thing in good order. 4. At eight o'clock in the morning I disciplined the men, and gave strict orders to the Sergeant to keep the men exact to their duty ; and about four o'clock in the afternoon,.! pursued my journey. 5. I. lay sick by the way within five miles, of Easton. 6. I came to Easton and paid my respects to Ma jor Parsons. 7. Notwithstanding my illness, I pursued my journey. 8. About four in the afternoon, I came to Phila delphia, and delivered the express sent to Major Par sons, just as it was sent to him, to his Honor the Gov ernor, who desired me to wait on him at twelve o'clock the next day. 9. I waited on his Honor as requested. Mr. Peters said that my business should be done the next day at nine o'clock in the morning. 10, 11 and 12. I waited, but my business was not done according to expectation. APPENDIX. 435 13. About three o'clock in the afternoon I left the town. 14. About two in the afternoon I came to Easton. I immediately paid my respects to Major Parsons,. who told me that I should take a supply of ammuni tion ; whereupon I provided sacks and took one hun dred pounds of powder, and one hundred pounds of lead, and a hundred flints. I received also a copy from his Honor the Governor's orders, to remove to fort Hamilton. I left Easton at about six o'clock ; went about five miles. 15. I came safe to fort Hamilton with the ammu nition, about six o'clock in the afternoon, and found all things in good order. 16. At eight o'clock in the morning, I disciplined the men, and ordered them all to shoot at a mark, at arms ends ; some of them did exceedingly well ; then taking an eseort of men with me, I went to fort Hyndshaw, where we all arrived safe. I immediate ly called the men to arms, and ordered every one to get his clothes, and whatever he had, together as quick as possible, and be ready to march to fort Hamilton. 17 and 18. After discipling the men as usual, we made every thing ready for our march. 19. About nine o'clock in the morning we all marched from fort Hyndshaw with all the baggage, and all arrived safe at fort Hamilton, and met with no opposition ; found all things in good order there. 20. At eight in the morning called the men under arms, and after exercising them, ordered out six men at Samuel Depue's request, to guard him in taking his wife to the Doctor at Bethlehem, who tarried all 436 APPENDIX. night at said Depue's. The same day I went on scout with four men and one neighbor, to become acquainted in the woods, as also to see if any dis covery could be made of the enemy ; but I made no discovery ; returned to the fort. 21. At eight o'clock exercised the men. At about twelve o'clock the guard that accompanied Samuel Depue and his wife, returned to the fort; then I ordered a guard of ten men, who went off under the care of a corporal, with Samuel Depue, with orders that after they had guarded said Depue as far as need ful, to carry a message from me to the Major at Easton, and to return as soon as a despatch could be made. 22. Exercised the men that remained at the fort as usual. Nothing extraordinary happened ; so all kept the fort. 23. In the morning, near eleven o'clock, the fort was alarmed by some of the neighbors who had made their escape from the enemy ; five of them in company, near Broadhead's house, seeking their horses, in order to go to mill, were fired upon by the enemy ; and said that one of them, John Tidd by name, was killed. Whereupon I immediately drafted nine men, myself making the tenth, in as private a manner as possible, and as privately went back into the mountains, in order to make a discovery ; giving strict orders to those left, to fire the wall-piece to alarm us if any attack should be attempted on the fort, in ray absence. There were but six ment left at the fort ; and coming in sight of said house, on the back side, I perceived some smoke arise near the house ; then travelling about a quarter of a mile, in order to APPENDIX. 437 surround them, we heard four guns, the first of which being much founder than the rest, I expected the fort was attacked ; whereupon we retreated about a quarter of a mile, and hearing no more guns, my counsel was to go to the house ; but my pilot, who was well acquainted with the woods, thought it best to place ourselves in ambush, for they would come that way, he said ; and as we ascended the mountain in order to place ourselves, we saw the house in a blaze, and the pilot thought best to retire a little nearer be tween the house and the fort, where we might have. a better view ; and in the retreat we heard fourteen guns fired as quick in succession as one could count. Then we placed ourselves in two companies, the bet ter to way-lay them; the party that was nearest be tween the house and the fort, and saw twenty-seven endeavoring to get between them and the fort. I with the other party saw five more coming on the other side; we found that we were discovered, and likely to be surrounded by a vast number, wherefore we all retreated, and got between them and the fort, then halting, they came in view ; I then chaUenged them to come, and fired at them ; and although at a considerable distance, it was generally thought one of them was killed, by their squatting and making off. Then we all returned to the fort. Immediately upon our return, a scout of thirteen men from the Jerseys, who were in search of Edward Marshall's wife, who was killed sometime ago, came to the fort, being led there by seeing the smoke and hearing the guns fired, who all seemed forward to after the Indians, when I with nine men went out with them ; but having got some distance out, they would go to the house to see 438 APPENDIX. whether the said man was killed. Being come, we found him killed and scalped ; his body and face were cut inhumanly. There were also some cattle lying dead on the ground ; whereupon they all went off, and left me with my small number to take care of the dead man, whereupon we took him up and returned to the fort, in which time my men that had gone to Easton returned to the fort. 24. At about nine in the morning, having made ready, I went with eighteen men and buried the man, •then went from the grave in search and found fifteen cattle, horses and hogs dead, beside two that were shot, one with five bullets, the other with one, and yet there are many missing out of which the enemy took, as we judge, the value of two beeves and almost one swine. In the evening sent an express by two men to Major Parsons. 25. Disciplined the men; nothing extraordinary happened ; all kept the fort ; at eight two men that had gone with the express to Easton, returned in safety to the fort. 26. Early in. the morning, I received the Major's letter, in which he shewed himself very uneasy that the men at fort Norris had not joined me, and desired me to send to fort Norris, to know the reason, and thinking it might be occasioned for want of carriages to bring their stores, he desired me to endeavor to send a wagon thither. Accordingly as I was en deavoring all I could, in compliance with the Major's desire, about three o'clock in the afternoon, Lieut. Hyndshaw came to the fort with ten men from Cap tain Weatherold, and six from fort Norris, showing his'order from Colonel Weiser for him to command APPENDIX. 439 fort Hamilton, and for me to abide with a small num ber of men at fort Hyndshaw. 27. At eight in the morning, I called my men un der arms as usual, and drafted eleven, sent them un der the care of a corporal, with three neighbors in search of some cattle, which, they feared, had been taken or killed by the enemy, at which time the Lieu tenant undertook to talk with me, and proposed to me that if I would let him have six out of the men he had from Captain Weatherold, he would go to fort Hyndshaw, and stay there until further orders, and leave the six men who he brought from fort Norris with me, which I could not comply with, as not being in my power. Having moved to fort Hamilton by his Honor the Governor's order, there to be rein forced by a detachment from fort Norris, and there to stay till further orders, at which the Lieutenant went off with a sergeant and a waiter he brought with him from fort Augusta, and left the sixteen men he had brought under no ones care. The scout that had gone out, all returned safe to the fort, finding what they went in search of, all well. 2S. After exercising my men as usual, I sent out a scout of twelve men, under the care of the Sergeant, who travelled about six miles out ; all returned safe to the fort, having made no discovery. I not being fully satisfied on account of the men left with me, whom I could do no less than feed and give them their proper allowance of rum, wherefore I wrote to Major Parsons, laying the circumstances of the mat ter as near as possible before him, desiring his advice what to do in the case, the which I sent off in the evening by the Sergeant and one of the men. 440 APPENDIX. 29. After exercising the men, I sent off six men under the care of the coporal, with six of those men that the Lieutenant left, who voluntarily went to assist and to guard one Peter Snyder in taking off some cat tle, which he had left back sometime ago in fleeing from being killed by the enemy in the night. The Sergeant and his men returned safe from Easton with a letter from the Major, in which he advised me to put the said men on duty, who were left with me ; and whereas he expected Colonel Weiser to be here in a few days, to keep the fort until he came. He also desired me to endeavor to hasten Lieutenant Engle's marbh to fort HamUton. 30. I put the men left with me on duty. In the afternoon the men that guarded Peter Snyder, all returned safe to the fort. July 1. In the morning called my men under arms ; drafted ten men, whom I sent under the care of the Sergeant, with nine of those men the Lieuten ant had left at the fort, whom I ordered whither and how far they should travel and scout, the which they performed, and returned at about one o'clock in the afternoon; the Lieutenant came past the fort, stopping at John McMichael's, who soon after came to the fort and showed an order from Colonel Weiser that I should resign the command at fort Hamilton to him, upon which I called my men under arms, and as I was sending for the Lieutenant to give up the com mand to him, the sentinel hearing music acquainted me with it ; I expected it was the Colonel coming, I delayed until the Colonel came, who weighing the circumstances of things, still continued me in posses sion of said fort. APPENDIX. 441 2. At eight in the morning, the men were caUed to arms, at which time the Colonel took a view of tlie men and their arms, and finding all in good order ; and after giving orders for the regulation ofthe com pany at about twelve o'clock, the Colonel with his attendants marched off; after which we all kept the fort. 3. AU kept the fort, it being Sunday. 4. After discipling the men, a party of twelve men,. under the command of a Sergeant, sent to Samuel Depue's with a team for necessary subsistance, all returned safe to the fort in the evening, according to orders. 5. Very rainy weather ; unfit for scouting or ex ercise ; all kept the fort. 6. At eight in the morning I called the men to exercise and gave them the necessary counsel how to behave according to the orders given to me by the Colonel ; at which time complaints were made to me by some of the men, that some neighbors that resided in the fort were lousy, by which means the whole garrison would soon be in the same condition. I then ordered the corporal with three men to assist him t© make a search, and he found that one Henry Cuntra- man and his family, and one John Hillman and his family, were lousy. I ordered them out of the fort to their own houses, it being but eight or nine rods from the fort. I then employed the men to clean the fort within doors and without, which was accordingly done. I also sent out a scout of four men, with three neighbors, who voluntarily went, in hopes to find some cattle they had missed, and to return the sam& 442 APPENDIX. day, which they did in the evening ; making no dis covery of any enemy. 7. At eight in the morning I called the men to their exercises, then divided the men into two guards, each guard to stand their day ; those that were not on guard to be employed in scouting, guarding the neighbors, and in things necesssary to be done about the fort, and gave strict orders to those that were on guard, that they should not leave their post, nor go from fort to fort ; and that every sentinel should be have weU on his post. About one o'clock in the afternoon, having occasion to go to John McMichael's, I saw John Jough coming out of the woods with hoop-poles on his shoulder, who was one of the guard ; immediately the corporal came to said house. I then went home, and finding the glass run out, I examined the matter, and found that the sentinel had stood his proper time out, and ought to be relieved, I therefore called the next man on the list, and saw to his relief myself. The men that were not on guard, I employed in banking the earth against the stockades, to prevent the waters settling in and running into the well, what I found to be the occasion that the water was so bad in the well. 8. At eight in the morning I relieved the guard ; after which 1 employed the old guard in cleaning out the well. 9. After the guard had been relieved, a scout of ten men with the Sergeant went with some of the neighbors to Mr. Broadhead's place, who went on necessary business ; met with no opposition ; all re turned safe to the fort. 10. Sunday. A scout of six men went to Samuel APPENDIX. 443 Depue's on necessary business ; on their return, they heard, they said, a person whistling, whom they sup posed to be an Indian ; but seeing nothing, all re turned safe to the fort. 11. After the guard had been relieved, the Ser geant with the old guard, ten men, were sent out on scout to the south-east, and as far as they could return by night, which was performed. Meeting no oppo sition, not discovering any signs of the enemy, all re turned safe to the fort. 12. At eight in the morning I called the men to their exercises, and relieved the guard; after which,on John McMichael's importunity, I ordered ten men as a guard, where he was cutting his harvest, some dis tance from the fort, with whom I went myself, and placed them to the best advantage I could, ordering none to fire his gun, except at an enemy; and that three guns should be an alarm. They meeting no opposition, all returned safe to the fort. 13. After the men had exercised, and the guard had been relieved, it was my intention to guard John McMichael as the day before, but his son-in-law coming from a long journey or voyage, detained him from labor ; wherefore I then took the old guard, consisting of ten men and three neighbors, with whom I went on a scout, directing my course south about five miles from the fort, from thence west two miles, thence, by judgment, northerly, so as to come to the fort, in which way we came by the Separatist's meet ing house, where we found the enemy had lodged not long since ; they leaving a bed of fern even in tho pulpit ; but meeting no opposition, all returned safe to the fort. 444 APPENDIX. 14. At seven in the morning I called the men te their exercises, and the guard being relieved, I then went with John McMichael and ten of my men, as a guard, to protect him and the men he employed at his harvest ; posting five men a small distance from the field, which I thought best to discover the enemy if any should attempt to fall upon the people at work, the other five I posted in the field. At about three o'clock in the afternoon, I went with the corporal around the out sentinels as privately as we could, and found them all on their guard. 15. It being very rainy, and unfit to be out with arms, we all kept the fort. 16. The rain continuing till near twelve o'clock ; I then went to John McMichael's, and asked him whether he was ready to go to his harvest; but I saw no preparation or inclination for it, wherefore I went to the fort, intending to go on scout with a part of the men after dinner, but before we were ready, four men came to the fort, with an order from Colonel Weiser, dated June 14, 1757, the contents were as foUows : That he had sent orders to Lieutenant Hyndshaw, to attend the treaty with the ten men of Captain Weath- erold's company, and ordered me therefore, without fail to send ten men from fort Hamilton to replace those ordered away ; whereupon I immediately draft ed nine men, the corporal making the tenth, whom I sent off to the Lieutenant the same day, as soon as they could get ready, which was about half an hour after receiving the Colonel's orders, to the Lieutenant, to station them as he thought fit ; the which he posted at S. Depue's. 17. Sunday; seven of my smaU party, and four APPENDIX. 445 neighbors went on scout under the command of the Sergeant, who travelled southwesterly about six miles, then taking a compass northerly, all returned safe, making no discovery 'of an enemy. 18. At eight in the morning, I went with five men and guarded John McMichael at his harvesting place placed them sentinels a small distance from the field, and two in the field, with the men at work ; meeting no opposition, all returned to the fort. 1 9. Early in the morning, one Garret Broadhead applied to me for a guard, to whom I said, I would do for him what lay in my power with the few men I had. I then ordered five men under the care of the Sergeant, and went myself with one man to accom pany me to the fort, and placed the sentinels in the best manner I could for safety ; leaving orders with the Sergeant, that firing three guns should be an alarm ; and then returned to the fort, and attended guard until the second double sentry. 20. Guarded Broadhead's as the day before ; all returned safe to the fort. 21. In compliance with the Colonel's orders, early in fhe morning, I sent to Samuel Depue's for the mare he had in keeping, in order to send my message to the Colonel at Easton, who returned with said mare, safe in the evening. Also four men guarded John Drake at his harvest, with orders to give an account of what happened ; which was all well ; but as to their behavior after their coming to the fort, I shall acquaint the Colonel of the matter. BURD'S JOURNAL. A JOURNAL OF COLONEL JAMES BURD, From February 16th, 1758, to March 10th, 1758. February 16,1758. Thursday. This morning I set out from Lancaster to visit the troops from Sus quehanna to Delaware ; took Captain Hambright along with me. This evening got to Barny Hughes' where I staid all night — severe weather and bad toads. i Friday, 1 1th. This morning Captain Hambright was taken very bad, which obliged me to stay here all this day. Sent an express to Lancaster for Doc tor Thomson — the Doctor arrived here in the after noon. Saturday, 18th. I was obliged to leave Captain Hambright here. I set off this morning at 9, A. M., for Hunter's Fort; at 2, P. M., arrived at Harris'; found Lieut. Broadhead and Patterson, and Commis* sary Galbraith here, and twenty men. After 8, P. M., I set off for Hunter's Fort; arrived there at dark; C2 450 APPENDIX. found Captains Patterson and Davis here with eighty men. The Captains informed me that they had not above three loads of ammunition a man — I ordered Mr. Barney Hughes to send up here a barrel of pow der and lead answerable ; in the meantime, borrowed of Thomas Gallagher four pounds of powder and one hundred pounds of lead. I' ordered a review of the garrison to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. Sunday, 19th. Had a review this morning of Captain Patterson's company, and found them com plete, fifty-three men, forty-four province arms, and forty-four cartouch boxes — no powder, nor lead. I divided one-half pint of powder, and' lead in propor tion, a man. I found in this fort four month's pro visions for the garrison. Captain Davis with his party of fifty-five men was out of ammunition. I divided one-half pint of pow der and lead in proportion to them. Captain Davis has got twelve hundred weight of flour for the ba teaux. Sundry of the bateaux are lacking that they swim, and must be left behind. Captain Patterson cannot scout at present for want of officers; I ordered him to apply to the country to assist him to stockade the fort agreeable to their pre mise to his honor, the Governor. There are three men sick here. This day, at 11, A. M., I marched for Fort Swett1- arrow (Swatara ;) got to Crawford's, fourteen miles from Hunter's ; here I staid all nights — it rained hard! Had a number of applications from the country for protection; otherwise they would be immediately obliged to fly from their settlement. I appointed to meet them to hear their complaints, and proposals, on APPENDIX. 451 Tuesday, at 10, A. M., at Fort Swettarrow. The country is thickly settled. This march was along the Blue mountains — here arevery fine plantations. Monday, 20th. I marched this morning at 11, A. M.; met a sergeant and twelve men, who marched with me back to Swettarrow Fort, at 4, P. M. The roads extremely bad — the soldiers marched with great difficulty. Found Captain Allen and thirty men here. This is eleven miles from Crawford's. Tuesday, 21st. Reviewed the garrison this morn ing at 10, A. M., and found thirty-eight men, viz: twenty-one belonging to Capt. Allen, and seventeen of a detachment from Captain Weiser's company ; of Captain Allen's, thirteen were for three years. No province arms fit for use ; no kettles, no blankets, twelve pounds of powder, and twenty-five pounds of lead ; no powder horns, no pouches, nor cartouch box es; no tomahawks, nor provincial tools of any kind — two month's provision. Some soldiers absent, and others hired in their place, which has been a custom here. The soldiers are under no discipline. I ordered a sergeant and twelve men to be always out upon the scout from hence to Crawford's, keeping along the Blue moun tain, altering their routes, and a target to be erected six inches thick in order to practice the soldiers in shooting. This day 12 M.,the country pleople came here ; I promised them to station an officer and twenty-five men at Robertson's mill. This mill is situated in the centre between the forts Swettarrow and Hunter. This gave the people content. I marched at 1 P. M., for fort Henry; at 3,P. M., 452 APPENDIX. got to Souder's, seven miles ; left Lieutenant Broad head to march the party four miles, to Snevely's, there to halt all night, and to march to fort Henry in the morning, six miles. The roads being very bad ; marched myself with Adjutant Kern and eight men on horse back; arrived at fort Henry at 5 P. M. Found here Captain Weiser, Adjutant Kern, and the ensigns Biddle and Craighead, doing duty with nine ty men. Ordered a review of the garrison to morrow at 9 A. M. Wednesday 22nd. Had a review this morning at 9 A. M. ; found ninety soldiers under good command, and fine fellows. I examined the stores, and found about two months' provision in store, and am in formed by the commanding officer, there is two months' more provision, about six miles from here, at Jacob Myer's mill. No powder, two hundred and twenty-four pounds of lead, no flints, about eighty provincial arms belonging to these two companies, but all good for nothing. I ordered ensign Craighead with eighteen men of this garrison, to march to-morrow morning to fort Swettarrow, and there to apply to Captain Allen, to receive from him seven men, and with his party of twenty-five men, to march from thence to Robert son's mill, there to take post, to order from thence a sergeant, corporal and eight men to the house of Adam Read, Esq., and to employ his whole party in continual ranging to cover these frontiers. This I found myself under a necessity of doing, otherwise several townships here, would be evacuated in afew days. I ordered ensign Haller to march back my escort APPENDIX. 453 to Hunter's fort to-morrow morning, and Captain Weiser to continue to range from this to fort North Kill and Swettarrow, to employ all his judgment to way-lay the enemy, and protect the inhabitants. This is a very good stockade fort, and every thing is in good order, and duty done pretty well. I marched to-day at 11 A. M., and arrived at Conrad Weiser's at 3 P. M., fourteen miles, where I found four quarter casks of powder belonging to the province, three of which I ordered to fort Henry, and one to fort Swettarrow ; no lead here ; very bad roads; cold weather; staid all night. Thursday 23rd. I marched this morning and ar rived at Reading at 3 P. M. ; found Captain Morgan here. This is fourteen miles from Mr. Weiser's. I examined the stores here, and found seventy-seven blankets, eight pounds of powder, three hundred pounds of lead, and half a cask of flmts. I ordered fifty-six blankets to be sent to Captain Patterson's company, and eleven to Captain AUen's, two hundred pounds of lead to fort Henry, and one hundred pounds to Swettarrow. I gave the eight pounds of powder to Captain Morgan, and four hundred flints to each company. Before I came to Reading, Adjutant Kern had sent by Lieutenant Engel, blankets for four companies, viz : Captains Orndit's Weatherholt's, Davis' and Garraway's, two hundred and twenty-four, and one quarter cask of powder, three hundred bars of lead, and sixteen hundred flints. Friday 24th. This morning I set out for fort WUliam. Arrived at Peter Rodarmil's at 2 P. M., 454 APPENDIX. fifteen miles from Reading. ' It stormed and blowed so prodigiously, so I staid here all night. Saturday 25th. The snow deep ; I marched this morning for fort William ; arrived at fort William at 12 M. Here were Lieutenant Humphreys, and En sign Horry. I ordered a review of the garrison at 2 P. M. At 2 P. M. reviewed the garrison, and found fifty-three good men, but diffident in discipline. The stores consist of three quarter casks of powder, one hundred and fifty pounds of lead, four hundred flints and fifty-six blankets ; no arms fit for use, no kettles nor tools, nor drum ; two months provision. Here I found a target erected ; I ordered the com pany to shoot at the same ; set them the example myself by wheeling round and firing by the word of command. I shot a bullet into the centre of their mark, the size of a dollar — distance, one hundred yards. Some of them shot tolerably bad. Most of their arms are very bad. I ordered Captain Morgan to continue to- patrol to North Kill and Allemengel. Sunday 26th. I marched from here at 10 A. M. ; went over the mountains to Mr. Everitt's, where Captain Weatherold is stationed. The snow exceed ingly deep ; I could make little way. At 3 P. M. ar rived at Valentine Philteprot's, twenty miles. Here I staid all night. Monday 21th. I marched this morning at 8 A. M. for Mr. Everitt's ; arrived at 9 A. M., four miles. I ordered a review of that part of the company that is here. I found Captain Weatherholt, Lieutenat Gei- ger, and twenty-four men, three being sick and absent; three months' provision ; five; pounds of powder ; no APPENDIX. 455 lead ; each man has a pound of powder in his car- touch box, and lead in proportion ; no kettles, no blankets, twenty provincial arms. I ordered Captain Weatherholt fifty-six blankets, twenty-five pounds of powder, fifty bars of lead, and four hundred bars of lead ; also that Captain Weath- erold to scout to the westward ten miles, and to the eastward ten miles; and Lieutenant Geiger from hence to his post in Colonel Armstrong's battalion. I marched from thence to fort Allen at 11 A. M.; got to the top of the Blue mountain at 2 P. M. ; from hence saw AUemengle ; it is a fine country ; but the country on the north side of the mountain is an entire barren wilderness, not capable of improvement. I arrived at fort Allen at half after 2 P. M. A prodig ious hilly place and poor land, fifteen miles from Mr. Everitt's. I ordered a review of this garrison to mor row at 8 A. M. Tuesday 28th. At 9 A. M. I reviewed this gar rison. Doing duty, Captain Orndit, Lieutenants Hays and Laugherry, and Ensign Meixill, and seventy-five men. This is a very good garrison. In the stores, two months' provision, two hundred and twenty-five pounds of powder, three hundered pounds of lead, five hundred flints, two swivel guns, twenty-six pro vincial arms, bad ones, no drum, no kettles, no blankets, one spade, one shovel, one grubbing hoe and fourteen bad axes. This is a very poor stockade; surrounded with hills, situated on a barren plain, through which the river Lechy (Lehigh) runs, at a distance of seventy yards from the fort. There is scarce room here for forty men. I ordered Captain Orndit to regulate his rang- 456 APPENDIX. ing by his intelligence, from time to time, as he in formed me that five Indians from Bethlehem have promised faithfully to Captain Orndit, to come here, and reconnoitre the woods constantly around, and to furnish him with intelligence. I also directed that a target six inches thick, should be put up to teach the soldiers to shoot. I set off from here at 10 A. M. for Lieutenant In gle's, or Ing el's, post ; arrived at Ingle's post at 4 P. M. ; ordered a review immediately, and found here Lieutenant Ingel and thirty good men, in a very bad stockade, which he is just finishing, fifteen miles from fort Allen. The stores are ten pounds of powder, ten pounds of lead, twelve provincial arms, bad ; no blankets, four spades, three shovels, two grubbing hoes and four axes. I left for, arrived at Lieutenant Snyder's station at 7 P. M., eight miles. I ordered a review to-morrow morning here ; staid all night. Wednesday, March 1st. I reviewed this morning, and found here Lieutenant Snyder and twenty men undisciplined, fifteen pounds of powder, thirty pounds of lead, no blankets, eight provincial arms, bad. Lieutenant Humphreys relieved Lieutenant Sny der this morning. I ordered Lieutenant Snyder to his post over the Susquehanna. I have been informed by the officers here, Lieutenants Engel and Snyder, that Wilson, Esq., a magistrate in this (North ampton) county, has acquainted the farmers that they should not assist the troops, unless the officers imme diately pay, and that said Wilson has likewise informed the soldiers, they should not take their regimentals, as it only puts money in their officers' pockets. I found a Sergeant confined here on account of mutiny, and APPENDIX. 457 have ordered a regimental court martial this morn ing. At this station there are two baracks; no stockade. I marched from here to Lieutenant Hyndshaw's station at 10 A. M. ; arrived at Nazareth at 1 P. M., eight miles; dined here ; set off again at 2 P. M. ; arrived at Tead's at 3 P. M., six miles. Here I found Ensign Kennedy, with sixteen men, who in formed me that Lieutenant Hyndshaw, and Ensign Hughes would be here one hour hence. At half after 5 P. M., Messrs. Hyndshaw and Hughes arrived with fourteen men. I ordered a review, and found thirty good men. Stores— fifty pounds of powder, one hundred pounds of lead, no flints, one wall piece, one shovel, thirteen axes good for nothing, and twen ty tomahawks, fifty-six blankets, forty-six guns and forty-six cartouch boxes ; little provision here, and no conveniency to lay up a store. This is very bad quar ters ; the house is built in a swamp ; bad water. Thursday 2nd. I marched from here at 9 A. M. for Samuel Depue's, went by way of fort Hamilton, to view that place. Arrived at fort Hamilton at 2 P. M. ; reviewed it, and found it a very poor stockade, with one large house in the middle of it, and some families living in it ; this is fifteen miles from Tead's. I arrived at Mr. Depue's at 4 P. M., six miles-, snowed much, and prodigiously cold ; ordered a re view to-morrow at © A. M. This is a fine plantation, situate on the river Dela ware, twenty-one miles from Tead's, and one hundred miles from Philadelphia ; they go in boats from here to Philadelphia, by the river Delaware, which carry about twenty-two tons. This place is thirty-five- <58 APPENDIX. miles from Easton, and thirty-eight from Bethlehem. There is a pretty good stockade here ; four swivels mounted ; good accommodations for soldiers. "•Friday 3rd. I reviewed this garrison and found here twenty-two good men, fifty pounds of powder, one hundred and twenty-five pounds of lead, no flints, a great quantity of beef, I suppose eight months' pro vision for a company, but no flour ; plenty of flour at the mill, about three hundred yards from the fort. My horse being very tired, I am obliged to halt here to-day. Extremely cold. The country apply for a company to be stationed here. I ordered Ensign Hughes, at Swettarrow, to this post. Saturday Ath. I set off this morning for Easton; extremely cold ; arrived at Tead's, twenty-one miles, at 1 P. M. ; dined here. At 2 P. M. I set off; arrived at Easton at 7 P. M., twelve miles ; staid all night. No provincial stores in this town ; only ten pounds of powder in eare of John Drinker, Sheriff. Sunday 5th. At 1 P. M. I set out from here for Bethlehem; arrived at 4 P. M., twelve miles; no provincial stores here. Tedyuscung, Samuel Evens, and a great many Indians came to see me ; they sup ped with me, and desired their -compliments to his Honor the Governor, Commissioners and Assembly, and desired to assure them, that they remain firm friends. This evening, sent for William Edmonds and Thomas Pean, the principal men here, and acquainted them that as the government had taken the Indian trade into their own hands, it was expected that they, nor no other person, or persons in this province, would attempt to deal with the- Indians, and they assured APPENDIX. 459 me they would not for the future. Here I staid all night. Monday 6th. This morning setoff for Philadel phia ; arrived at 6 P. M., at George Good's tavern, thirty-two miles; roads bad, but good weather ; staid here all night. Tuesday 1th. This morning set out again for Philadelphia ; arrived at 8 P. M., twenty-two miles. JAMES BURD. Philadelpnia, March 10, 1758. a A.DDENDA." FRAGMENT OF A JOURNAL, Containing an account of doings at Fcrt North Kill, for a period of two months and a half, viz : from June 13 to August 31. (Jj* Though the name of the writer is not given, nor the year, yet it may be safely set down that the doings mentioned in the journal did take place either in 1755 or 17561 — Comi-ilek. June 13. Received orders from Lieutenant Colonel Weiser to march from Reading with all the company remaining there, the rest being commanded tc- fort Augusta. Accordingly I set out from Reading by break of day, on the 14. Arrived' at Lieutenant Colonel Weiser's, where I received orders to march with the company or de tachment to fort Henry, and from there take a detach ment of 20: men and continue till to fort on North Kill. Accordingly, on the 15. In the morning took the said 20 men from fort Henry, of the new levies, and marched straightway to the said fort, accompanied with Captain Brisse and Captain Smith. As soon as I arrived I gave ensign Harry (then commander of the said fort) notice of my orders, and sent off two men immediately to the 464 APPENDIX. Colonel's, with a report of the condition I found the fort in, and sent him a list of the new levies who were detached from Captain Brisse's fort, with me fo this fort. 16. Captains Brisse and Smith set off about 10 o'clock, with a scout of 10 men, which Captain Brisse had ordered from his company on the 15th, and en sign Harry marched out of the fort about, 12 o'clock, after delivering it to me, with his men, to fort Le banon, according to orders. Provision, I found in the fort, as follows, viz : 5 pounds of powder, 198 pounds of flour, 10 small bars of lead, 15 pounds of beef and pork, and 3 1-2 pounds of candles. 17. I, with a Corporal and 20 men, according to or ders, from Lieut. Colonel Weiser, went a scouting and ranging the woods till to fort Lebanon, where we arrived about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We staid there all night, being not able to scout any farther, or return home, because of a heavy rain. 18. Set off from fort Lebanon in the morning, be ing rainy weather, and ranged the woods coming back, as before, with the same number of men, and arrived at fort on North Kill, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. 19. Gave orders to Serjeant Peter Smith to scout to fort Lebanon, and to bring me report, the next day, of his proceedings. Accordingly, he arrived on the 20th, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and made re port that he had done according to his orders, and that he had made no discoveries. Received a letter, by him, from Captain Morgan, informing me that he had no news, &c. 21. Sent off Corporal Shefer to scout as before. APPENDIX. 465 22. Minister Shumaker came and preached a ser* mon to the company. The scout arrived from fort Lebanon. The Corporal reported that nothing strange had come to his knowledge. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived about 11 o'clock, and returned about 4, towards their fort; but upon the Indian alarms they immediately returned back to fort North KiU, and gave me notice. In the midst of the rain I sent, on the first notice, Serjeant Smith, with 18 men, and ordered them to divide themselves in two parties. 23. Serg. Smith returned, and made report : that he arrived at Dietz's house about 10 o'clock in the night, where they heard a gun go off at Jacob Smith's, about a mile from there. They immediately sat off again from said Smith's, towards the place where the gun went off, and surrounded the house, according to my orders. They searched all the house but found no marks of Indians. From there they marched to Falk's house, in the Gap, and surrounded it, but found no Indians. Prom there they went to the mountain, and arrived there at 2 o'clock hi the morn ing, where Serjeant Smith, according to orders, way laid the road in two parties, and as soon as it was day went back and buried the man that was killed, to wit : Peter Geisinger, who was shot and killed the day before. At burying him, they heard 5 guns go off about two miles from said place, whereupon Ser jeant Smith immediately repaired to the place, and divided themselves in two parties, (I had sent off Corporal Sheffer with eight men, on the 22d, to their assistance.) Serjeant Smith also makes report, that this morning, at 7 o'clock, a girl of about 15 years, D2 466 APPENDIX. daughter of Baiser Schmidt, was taken prisoner, by two Indians, whose tracks they saw and followed, but to no purpose. A party of Captain Brisse's company went along from this and remained with my men all the time. Fifteen or sixteen of the in habitants came to me and applied for assistance. I ordered out several detachments to assist them. 24. I set off with 20 men from this to Captain Brisse's fort, along the mountain, and called at the place where the murder was committed. Went up as far as tha Gap of the mountain, but as I found no tracks there, I thought the Indians would be on this side the mountains, therefore I went up along the mountains without opposition, till to Captain Brisse's fort ; and as it rained very hard all day, and we went far about, we arrived there towards the evening. 25. Sat off in the morning with the same number of men, and scoured the woods back, near the same way back again, and arrived, towards evening, in the fort, being rainy weather. 26. Received in the morning a letter for my posi tive orders not to neglect my scouting towards for* Lebanon, accordingly I immediately called in my de tachments. This afternoon, a woman, living about one and a half miles from here, came to the fort, and said she had seen an Indian just now in her field, al most naked, and had a gun, but said she did not stay to look long. I immediately sent off Serjeant Smith with two parties, consisting of about twenty men. They searched the place, and found nothing, but saw- two barefeet tracks. They divided into small parties, and scoured the woods till evening and then returned to the fort; and as I had to-day but men sufficient to APPENDIX. 467 guard the fort, I sent out no scout. This evening, intelligence came to me from the Colonel's, informing me that he had notice from Captain Orndt, of fifteen Indians going to fall on the settlement, or hereabouts. He ordered me therefore, immediately to send notice thereof to Captain Brisse's fort, in order that it might be from there conveyed to fort Swatara, accordingly I did so. 27. Gave orders to Sergeant Smith to go scouting the woods between this and fort Lebanon, and if Captain Morgan thought that it was serviceable, to range some Way up Schuylkill, as that gap is their common rendezvous. 28. A scout of Captain Brisse arrived in the fore noon, and set off again this afternoon. 29. In the evening there came two men to the fort, and reported that the Indians had invaded about six miles from there, about nine o'clock this morning. I was somewhat concerned that I had no sooner in telligence of it, however, I immediately sent off twelve men under two corporals. 30. About noon the two corporals returned and made the following report : That yesterday they could not reach the place, as they all were tired, but staid at a house till nigh break of day, and then set off again. They did not immediately go to the place where the man &c. were killed, but went somewhat farther down towards the Schuylkill, thinking that the Indians had invaded lower down, but as it was not so, they took another route towards SchuylkUl, thinking that perhaps the Indians had invaded lower down, but as it was not so, they took another route towards the place where the murder was committed, 468 APPENDIX. and as they came there, they found the man's wife (Frederick Myer's) who had been at a plough, and shot through both her breasts, and was scalped. After that they went to look for the man, whom they found dead and scalped, some way in the woods. They took a ladder and carried him to his wife, where the neighbors came and helped to bury them ; after which they went towards the mountain, and scouted along the same, and arrived here about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. It is reported by the farmer who saw the deceased a short while before, that he was mowing in his meadow, and that his children were about him, which makes them believe that the man after he heard the shot (which killed his wife) he went to run off with only his jyoungest child in his arms, as the man was shot through the body, and the child is one year and a half of age and is scalped, but yet alive, and is put to a Doctor's. The other three who were with their father, are taken prisoners ; one of them is a boy about ten years old, the other a girl of eight years, and the other a boy of six years. There was a baby whom they found in a ditch, that the water was just to its mouth. It was laying on its back, crying— -it was taken up, and is like to do well. A boy of one Reichard, of eight years, was taken prisoner at the same time. This was all done within, half an hour, as some neighbors had been there in that space of time. July 1. Sergeant Peter Smith returned with the scout, and reported that when he came to fort Leba non, Captain Morgan sent a detachment under En sign Horry to the Gap of SchuylkUl ; and that on the APPENDIX. 469 28th last past, they ascended the mountain, and when they came on the other side, they found an encamp ing place of the Indians, which after Ensign Horry had surrounded with his party, he sent off Sergeant Smith with another party, to lay in ambush on the Indian path all night, but as nothing was to be heard of the Indians, they met again the next day — the Indians as he supposes having left that place the day before. However, they found two match coats, one spear, one scalping knife, some vermilion, and eight hundred black wampum ; also great variety of salves. The 29th they yet lay in ambush in several parties, but all to no purpose. The Indians having, without doubt, discovered them, in case there was any there abouts. The 30th they sat off from the hills, and arrived within a few miles of this fort : and the 1st July they arrived accordingly in the fort. 2. Being rainy weather I sent no scout, but put the men to work to repair the stockades. ' 3. Early in the morning my men were all gath ered, and I ordered a Corporal to scout with a party to fort Lebanon, and return part of the way and en camp in the woods upon a rising ground, that he might the easier discover a fire. 4. In the morning, a scout of Captain Brisse's ar rived; and returned again in the afternoon. The scout from fort Lebanon returned, and the Corporal made report that he had ranged as directed, but had made no discoveries. 5. Being a very rainy day, could send no scout. 6. Sent Sergeant Smith on a scout, td range on that side the mountain toward Schuylkill. 7. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived, and set off 470 APPENDIX. again directly. In the afternoon my scout returned, but had no news. It raining hard, they lay in a house about twelve miles from here. 8. Being appointed by his Honor, the Governor, a day of Fast, I sent no scout, but had a sermon read in the fort, where numbers of the neighbors had as sembled. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived, and returned directly. 9. Sent off Corporal Shefer with a scout to fort Lebanon, who returned on the 10. But brought no intelligence. I received or ders to repair to Reading, where I arrived this afternoon. 11. Returned again into the fort, where Sergeant Smith informed me a scout of Captain Brisse's had arrived at the fort, and returned. That he had ranged the Gap about two miles from this, and had been over the mountains, but had discovered nothing. 12. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived and re turned immediately. Sent a Corporal and a scout to range to fort Lebanon. 13. My scout from fort Lebanon returned. The Corporal reported he had ranged as ordered, but had no discoveries. 14. Captain Brisse arrived this morning with a party of Captain Smith's and his own, to the number of about twenty-eight. I gave him fifteen of my men, in order to escort the treaty at Easton. 15. It being a rainy day I sent no scout. 16. Continuing rainy weather, I sent no scout. In the evening repaired some stockades, the rain having held up. 17. The water being high, and the bushes wet, I APPENDIX. 471 sent no scout to-day. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived, there being no water between his and this fort. 18. Sent a scout along the mountains. They ar rived in the evening, and had no intelligence. 19. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived and re turned directly. Sent Sergeant Smith with a scout to fort Lebanon. 20. Sergeant Smith returned and reported that he had been at fort Lebanon, and returned some part of the way and laid in the woods, but had made no fire. They made no discovery. A scout of Captain Bris se's arrived and returned instantly. 21. Having laid out part of my men to protect the farmers, and the rest being fatigued with yester day's scout, I could, send none to-day. 22. Sent a scout along the mountains, who re turned without discovering any thing. 23. I went scouting with a party bver the moun tains, and as it was very warm, I ordered the men about noon to rest themselves a couple of hours when we were over the mountains. I then ordered them to march, and as we came to Schuylkill, I saw it was too high for the men to wade through ; I then got horses, and towards evening we got over Schuylkill. We arrived at fort Lebanon towards night, and was obliged to stay there that night. 24. Returned, and as soon as we came over on this side of the mountains, (it being yet early in the day,) I took quite another route through the woods, but made no discovery ; so we" arrived at the fort in the evening. I had not been there one-half an hour, before three farmers came and informed me that this morning 472* APPENDIX. the Indians had taken a boy of about fourteen years prisoner, but had done no other damage. I immedi ately sent off a party,but as it happened, the boy being taken prisoner in the morning, night came on before my men could get there. 25. In the morning I heard the boy had escaped, and that he made report that there were four white men and four Indians with him, and that at night he escaped ; they had tied him, and he was obliged to lay between them, but as they all got drunk, and fast asleep, he untied himself and ran off- He further says that when he was taken prisoner he made a noise, and that they struck him, and told him to be silent. I imagine they saw me with my men go over the day before yesterday. The Indians were this night about the fort, but as it was very dark, I did not sally out. 26. This morning sent out Sergeant Smith with five men to search about the fort for tracks, but he only found one, which was in) a muddy place. But it being nothing but stones, he could not follow the tracks. It rained all day very hard, therefore I could send no scout. 27. Sent a scout down on this side of the moun tain. The scout returned in the evening, having no intelligence. 28. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived, and re turned about noon ; nothing extraordinary happened. 29. Sent Sergeant Smith with a scout along the mountains. He returned, having nothing particular. 30. A scout of Lieutenant Philip Weiser, from Captain Brisse arrived. Having laid out several de- APPENDIX. 47$ tachments to assist the farmers, I could send no scout to-day. 31. Lieutenant Weiser returned from his scout ; I called in the detachments this day, and sent out a scout, which returned this evening. August 1. The men being tired, and their feet in blisters, I let them rest this day. 2. Sent a scout along the mountains with orders to range to Schuylkill. 3. The Corporal returned from scout and reported he had ranged as ordered. 4. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived and returned the same day. The inhabitant&desiring assistance to bring in their harvest, I gave them some men, and went altho' a scouting, but as I left few men in the fort, I returned this evening. 5. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived and went off after they had rested awhile. Sent Sergeant Smith with a scout, and ordered him to range the woods on this side of the mountains. He returned and had nothing particular. -* 6. Sent off a scout ; they went along the foot of the mountain, and returned in the evening without any intelligence. 7. Being Sunday, I took a party and went to church with a party, as the church lies near the mountain, and the minister could not come without a guard. 8. The centry fired at an Indian. The Indian stood behind a brush about three hundred yards off, and was viewing the fort. I went off with eighteen men and parted them in six parties and went after the 474 APPENDIX. Indians, but could not come up with them ; went to clearing about the fort, it being thick of bushes. 9. Continued clearing and burning brush, so that on the south side of the fort it is cleared a full musket shot. A party of Captain Brisse's arrived. 10. Sent off a scouting party, who returned and brought no intelligence. This night the centry, about an hour after dark, perceived that a fire which had been kindled to burn brush, but was, before night, gone out, began to burn afresh, upon which he called the Sergeant of the Guard, who perceiving the same ordered the guard to fire, on which the Indians ran off. The dogs pursued them, and kept barking after them about half a mile. I had the men all under arms, but every thing being now quiet, dismissed them ordering them to be in continual readiness with. their accoutrements on. In about an hour the In dian returned, and took a firebrand out off the fire, and ran off. They were immediately fired on, but in vain. 11. Ensign Biddle arrived at the fort with the detachment of our company, that were in Easton. 12. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived and re turned directly. 1 3. This day I left the fort in order to go to the Colonel's agreeable to his orders. I left Ensign Biddle in the fort. Sent a Corporal to range towards Schuylkill, who returned the same evening, and the Corporal reported he had ranged as directed, and had made no dis coveries. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived, and returned the same evening. APPENDIX. 475 14. Being Sunday, Minister Shumaker* came here, and the soldiers being fatigued with continual scouting, there was no scout to-day. 15. Ensign Biddle sent a Corporal with a scout to range eastward towards Schuylkill, and return un der the mountains. The scout returned towards evening, and the Corporal made report, he had ranged as directed, and had no intelligence. 16. Sent a Sergeant with fifteen men, to range eastward along the mountain. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived and returned immediately. In the afternoon the scout returned. The Sergeant made report he had ranged as directed, but had no news. 17. Early this morning Ensign Biddle sent Ser geant Smith with ten men, to escort Lieutenant Colonel Weiser, who was expected here this day. This day Colonel Weiser arrived, accompanied with Captain Brisse and myself, together with the said escort. The Colonel returned the same day home wards, after we had chosen a place where to build a new fort. Ensign Biddle went along with Captain Brisse. 18. Sent offa scout to fort Lebanon, and ordered them to range the woods between here and that fort till night. 19. The scout returned about 4 o'clock, and in formed that he had done according to his orders. Captain Morgan came with the scout, and returned the same evening. 20. Sent a scout of fifteen men to range the woods towards SchuylkUl, into Windsor township, *Rev. Shumaker was pastor of the Lutheran Congregation at Reading, from 1754 to '57.— Compiler. 476 APPENDIX. and with orders to call in some detachments lying in the said township, according to Lieutenant Colonel's orders. 21. The scout returned with the detachment. The Corporal reported he had done according to his orders, but had no news. The same day Captain Brisse and Ensign Biddle arrived from fort Henry;. Captain Brisse returned the same evening. 22. Received an express from Lieutenant Colonel Weiser, with orders to come to his house. In pursu ance of which I set off immediately, leaving Ensign Biddle in the fort. 23. A scout of Captain Brisse's arrived. The centries heard the Indians distinctly whistle this night in the woods. 24. Ensign Biddle, according to orders, with a scout of twenty men, went over the mountains to Captain Morgan's fort. 25. Lieutenant PhUip Weiser came here from fort Henry with a scout. 26. Ensign Biddle returned from his scout, having been at Captain Morgan's fort, and from thence scouted over the mountains, into Allemangle, and from thence along the foot of the mountain till here. This day Ialss arrived in the fort from Lieutenant Colonel Weiser's. 27. Having orders from Lieutenant Colonel Wei ser to look out for a proper place to build a new fort, this being so bad, I began to lay out one on a spot which had been before pitched upon, by the Colonel and Captain Brisse, but night coming we could not finish. 28. Laid out the remaining part of the foxt. APPENDIX. 477 219. Had some brush cut round the new intended fort, tUl evening. 30. Sent off a scout towards Schuylkill. They returned in the evening, but made no discovery ; re turned with the remaining party of the men. I con tinued clearing and burning of brush. 31. Sent off Sergeant Smith, with a scouting party, towards Schuylkill. He returned but made no discovery. TEDYUSCUNG. Tadeuskund, or Teedyuscung, frequently noticed in the proceeding part of this work, was so conspicu ous a character in the early history of these counties, that it is deemed proper to give the following sketch of this remarkable son of the forest, by Mr. Hecke welder, a place here : Tadeuskund, or Teedyuscung, was the last Dela ware chief in these parts, east of the Allegheny mountains. His name makes a conspicuous figure in the history of Pennsylvania, previous to the revolu tion, and particularly towards the commencement of the war of 1756. Before he was raised to the station of a chief, he had signaUzed himself as an able coun sellor in his nation. In the year 1749, he joined the Christian Indian congregation, and the following year, at his earnest desire, was christened by the name of of Gideon. He had been known before under that of Honest John. It was not until the year 1754, 478 APPENDIX. that his nation called upon him to assume a mUitary command. The French were then stirring up the Indians, particularly the Delawares, to aid thein in fighting the English, telling them that if they suffered them to go on as they before had done, they would yery soon not have a foot of land to live on. The Susquehanna and Fork Indians, (Delawares) were then in want of a leading character to advise and govern them, their great, good, beloved and peacea ble chief Tademe, (commonly called Tattemi) having some time before been murdered in the Forks settle ment by a foolish young white man. They, there fore, called upon Tadeuskund to take upon himself the station of a chief, which, having accepted, he re paired to Wyoming, whither many of the Forks In dians followed him. Whatever might have been Tadeuskund's disposi tion towards the English at that time, it is certain that it was a difficult task for him, and would have been such for any other chief, to govern an exasperated people, entirely devoted to the opposite interest. This may account for his not having always succeed ed in gratifing our government to the extent of their wishes. Yet he did much towards lessening the cru elties of the enemy, by keeping up an intercourse with the governor of Pennsylvania, and occasionally drawing many from the theatre of war and murder, to meet the colonial authorities at Easton or Philadel phia, for the negotiation of treaties, by which means fewer cruelties were committed than would other wise have been. His frequent visits to the governor, and to the peo ple called Quakers (to whom he was much attached, APPENDIX. 479 because they were known to be friendly to the In dians) excited much jealousy among some ofhis nation, especially the Monseys, who believed that he was carrying on some underhand work at Philadelphia, detrimental to the nation at large ; on which account, and as they wished the continuation of the war, they became his enemies. From the precarious situation Tadeuskund was placed in, it was easy to foresee that he would come to an untimely end. Perhaps no Indian chief before him ever found himself so delicately situated ; mis trusted and blamed by our government and the En glish people generally, because he did not use his whole endeavours to keep his nation at peace, or compel them to lay down the hatchet ; and accusei "by his own people of having taken a bribe frbm the English, or entered into some secret agreement with them that would be of benefit to himself alone, as he would not suffer them to inflict just punishment on that nation, for the wrongs they had done them, but was constantly calling upon them to make peace. The Five Nations, on the other hand, (the enemies of the Delawares, and in alliance with Eng land,) blamed him for doing too much for the cause which they themselve supported, for making himself too busy, and assuming an authority, which did not belong to him, the leader of a band of women, but to them, the Five Nations alone. To do justice to this injured chief, the true secret of his apparently contradictory conduct must be here disclosed. It is said by those Indians who knew him best, and who at that time had the welfare of their own nation much at heart, that his great and sole ob- 480 APPENDIX. ject was to recover for the Lenni Lenape that dignity which the Iroquois had treacherously wrested from them ; thence flowed the bitterness of the latter against him, though he seemed to be promoting the same in terest which they themselves supported. He had long hoped that by shewing friendship and attach ment to the English, he would be able to convince them of the justice of his nation's cause, who were yet powerful enough to make their alliance an object to the British government, but here he was greatly mistaken No one would examine into the grounds of the controversy between the Delawares and the Five Nations ; the latter, on the contrary, were sup ported in their unjust pretentions as theretofore, and even called upon to aid in compelling the Lenape to make peace. This unjust, and at the same time im politic conduct, of which I have before taken suffi cient notice, irritated to the utmost, the spirited nation of the Delawares, they felt themselves insulted and de graded, and were less disposed than ever from com plying w,ith the wishes of a government which sport ed in this manner, with their national feelings, and called in question even their right to exist as an inde pendent people. Surrounded as he was, with enemies, Tadeuskund could not escape the fate that had long been intended for him. In the spring of 1763, when the European nations had made peace, but the Indians were still at war, he was burnt up, together with his house, as he~ was lying in his bed asleep. It was supposed and believed by many who were present, that this dread ful event was not accidental, but had been maturely resolved on by his enemies, whoever they were, and APPENDIX. 481 that the liquor which was brought to Wyoming at the time, was intended by them for the purpose of en ticing him to drink, that they might the more easUy effect their purpose. A number of Indians were wit nesses to the fact that the house was set on fire from the outside. Suspicion fell principally upon the Mingoes, who were known to be jealous of him, and fearful of his resentment, if he should succeed in in sinuating himself into the favor of the English, and making good terms with them for his nation. It is said that those Indians were concerned in bringing the fatal liquor which is believed to have been instrumen tal to the execution of the design. While Tadeuskund was at the head of his nation, he was frequently distinguished by the title of " Kmg of the Delawares." While passing and repassing to and from the enemy with messages, many people called him the " War Trumpet." In his person he was a portly well-looking man, endowed with good natural sense, quick of comprehension, and very ready in answering the questions put to him. He was rather ambitious, thought much of his rank and abili ties, liked to be considered as the king of his country, and was fond of having a retinue with him when he went to Philadelphia on business with the govern ment. His greatest weakness was a fondness for strong drinks, the temptation of which he could not easily resist, and would sometimes drink to excess. This unfortunate propensity is supposed to have been the cause of his cruel and untimely death. E2 482 APPENDIX. RELIGIOUS NOTICE. There is but a small space left us to notice the re ligious history of these counties. If difference of opinion on this interesting subject, is a sure index to a deep toned piety and christian benefaction— charity in the true sense of the gospel, then may the people of these counties lay no small claim to a share of re ligion ; and none who has spent any time among so kind and hospitable a people, would doubt such a claim. There are not less than eight or ten distinct denominations to be found in the various parts of these counties. Perhaps in no part of the state of Pennsylvania, do we meet with larger churches than in this region. And if we are aUowed to judge Irom the exterior of these stately temples, as to the devo tion and charity of those who worship in them, we must believe, if there is correspondence here, that the cause of Christ is cherished, and the spirit of benevo lence abroad among the several denominations. It is to be hoped that a zeal for so good a cause wiU soon become commensurate with its importance and claim upon all classes of men. It is more than probable that the Rev. Eleazer Wales, a Presbyterian clergyman, was the first who preached within the limits of Northampton county. He resigned his pastoral charge of the Allentown congregation in 1734. Rev. Mr. Webster of Mauch Chunk, says : " By the records of the Philadelphia Presbytery, it appears that the Rev. E. Wales resigned the pastoral charge of Allentown, in 1734." The con- APPENDIX. 483 gregation probably remained vacant till the visit of Brainerd, 1744, who often preached at the settlement where the church now stands. Rev. David Brainerd was born in April, 1718, at Haddam, Connecticut. In 1739, he became a mem ber of Yale CoUege, where he was distinguished for application, and general correctness of conduct. In the spring of 1742, he began the study of divinity; and at the end of July, he was licensed to preach, for which a thorough examination had shown him quali fied. He had for some time entertained a strong de sire of preaching the gospel among the heathen, which was gratified by an appointment as missionary to the Indians. At Kaunemeck, an Indian ViUage of Mas sachusetts, he commenced his labors in his twenty- fifth year of his age. He remained there about twelve months, at first residing in a wigwam among the In dians, but afterwards in a cabin, which he constructed for himself, that he might be alone, when not engaged in his duties of preachmg and instruction. In 1744, he was ordained by the Presbytery of Newark, N. J., and took up his habitation near the forks of the Dela ware, Bucks, now Northampton, county, where he resided for a year, during the course of which he made two visits to the Indians on the Susquehanna. His exertions were not successfully crowned, until he went to the Indians at Crosweeksung, near Freehold, in New Jersey. Before the end of the year, a com plete reformation took place in the lives of the sav ages, seventy-eight of whom he baptized within that time. He died October 9, 1747. Brainerd left a journal of his labors, but has noted few facts, and recorded scarce any names of persons, 484 APPENDIX. that would aid in ellucidating any portion of history. In his visit to the forks of the Delaware, he says : " On Saturday, May 12, 1744, he came to a settlement of Irish and Dutch (German) people, and proceeding about twelve miles further, arrived at Takhauwotung, an Indian settlement within the forks of the Dela ware. " Lord's day, May 1 3. Rose early ; felt very poorly after my long journey, and after being wet and fa tigued. Was very melancholy ; have scarcely ever seen such a gloomy morning in my life ; there ap peared to be no Sabbath ; the children were at play ; I, a stranger in the wilderness, and know not where to go ; and all circumstances seemed to conspire to render my affairs dark and discouraging. Was dis appointed respecting an interpreter, and heard that the Indians were much scattered. 0, 1 mourned after the presence of God, and seemed like a creature ban ished from his sight ! yet he was pleased to support my sinking soul amidst all my sorrows ; so that I never entertained any thought of quitting my business among the poor Indians ; but was comforted to think that death would ere long set me free from these dis tresses. Rode about three or four miles to the Irish people, where I found some that appeared sober and concerned about religion. My heart then began to be a little encouraged ; went and preached, first to the Irish and then to the Indians, and in the evening was a little comforted," &c. Four years before Brainerd commenced his mis sionary labors amongst the Indians, in the Forks of the Delaware, Bishop David Nitschman, with a com pany of Moravians, arrived from Europe and settled APPENDIX. 485 at Bethlehem. In 1741, Count Zinzendorff, that re markable man, came to Pennsylvania as am ordinary of the United Brethren, with a view of not seeing the Moravian establishments in general, but especiaUy the fruits of their labors among the heathen. Since the days of Zinzendorff, the Moravians have contin ued to prosper in this portion of Pennsylvania. They have been laboring indefatigably in the cause of reli gion, and of their Divine Master. They have several flourishing congregations. The Lutheran and German Reformed ministers, the Reverends Muhlenberg and Schlatter, preached within these limits between 1744 and 17^4, and at a later period. Congregations of these denominations, as well as Presbyterians and others, are found in va rious parts of these counties. The present religious denominations in these coun ties are, besides those already mentioned, Episcopals, Methodists, Baptists, United Brethren, Dunkards, Evangelical Association, Quakers, Catholics, Church of God, Jews, Schwenkfelders, Universalists. These all have churches, as already noticed in the body of this work. Notwithstanding this array of names of reh gious parties, there is much missionary ground that might be profitably occupied by ministers who can speak English and German. INDEX. (£/¦ N stands for Northampton county, L for Lehigh, M for Monroe, C for Carbon, and S for Schuylkjll— t for township. Allen township, N 61 Aquanshicola, or Aquanshehals, 112, 227 Allentown, borough, 140 Allen, fort, in C 21 9 Adoption of prisoners by the Indians, 236 Abduction of Gilbert's family, * 233 Acretown, 293 Anders and family kiUed, 232 Addenda, 461 B. Bath, in N 63 Belleville, in N 66 BerlinviUe, in N 66 Bushkill township, N 71 Bethlehem township, 78 Bethlehem, town, 79 Brainerd Rev., 86 Biery's Port, 126 Breineigsville, in L 136 BranchvUle, 159 Bartonsville, 175 Beaver Meadow, 213 Banks township, 214 Burlington, in C 229 488 INDEX. Burd, James visited fort Allen, 225 Bethel, Mount Upper, 59 Berks co., erection of, 241 Branch t, 253 Barry t, 255 BeUemont collieries, 350, 361 Berry's colliery, 366 Belfast colliery, 366 Bolton & Co's collieries, 369 Brunswick t, West, 268 Burd's Journal, 447 Burn's wife and chUd abducted, 251 Busse Captain, C. Court records, extracts from, N 463, '4 22 Council held at Easton, 31 Centreville, in N 59 Centreville, or Nelighsville, 64 Cherryville, in N 67 Christian Brunn, 78 Clanseville, in L 134 Craig's Meadow, 159 Coolbaugh township, 172 Chestnuthill township, 177 Carbon county erected, , 181 Clifton, in C 213 Coaqueunac, 296 Coal Castle, 296 Coal &c, history of 298 Coal region and mining operations, 331, 345 Coal origin and formation, 331 Coal, quantity transported, 319 Common school, 403 D. Delaware Water Gap, 26 Dill's ferry, in N 60 INDEX. 489 Devil's pulpit, 114 Dillinger's, 127 Dutotsburg, 158 Davis' colliery, 357 Den Sergeant killed, 430 Depue Samuel, E. Easton, early history of, 417, 418 31 Easton, as at present, 52 Epitaphs at Bethleheni, 82 Emaus, in L 140 East Penn township, 228 Epitaphs at Mahoning, 232 East Brunswick township, 249 Evan's colliery, 376 Education, 380 Easton, free school at, 1755, 394 Enslee Captain, 420 Everitt's station F. Freshet at Easton in 1840, 454 53 " « 1841, 54 Flatfield, in N 51 Forks township, N 73 Freemansburg, in N 79 Frieden Huetten, 86 Franklin Benjamin's letters, 92, 221 Fries' trial, 118, 125 Fogelsville, in L 135 Freystown, or Freysburg, 138 Flood at Allentown, 144 Fort Hamilton, 152, 417 Flood at Stroudsburg, 155 FennersviUe, 180 Fort Allen, or Weisport, 217 Flood of '86 at Fort Allen, 218 490 INDEX. French and Indian Wars, 250 Friedensburg, 266 Freshets in 1831-41, 290 Freeman's collieries, 352 Fitzimmon's coUiery, 364 Free school at Easton, 1755, 394 Fort Norris, 415 Fort North Kill, 410 Fort Hyndshaw, 418 Fabricius killed and scalped, < 231 Fort Henry, 463 Fort Lebanon, 464 Fragment of a journal. G. Germans, history of, 463 7 Glenden Iron works, 71 Gnadenthal, in N 78 Germansville, in L 128 Great Swamp, 215 Gnaden Huetten, 218 Gap the, in C 227 Gilbert's family abducted, 233 Great dam, or artificial lake, 257 Gartermeyer murdered, 232 Geiger Lieutenant, H. Hauertown, in N 453 64 Hellerstown, N 68 Hanover township, N 68 Hecktown, in N 74 Horsefield Timothy, 88, 90, 92 Hatcheltooth Falls, 112 Hanover township, L 126 Heidelburg township, 127 Hamilton township, 179 Hazelton, 214 INDEX. 491 Hoeth's creek, in C 215 Home, 259 History of coal, 298 Henderson's coUiery, 264 Heebner's coUiery, 267 Hewes' colliery, 368 Hoeth and family murdered, 216 Hartman murder, 267 Harriger abducted, I. Irish, history of 233 16 Irishtown, 293 Instruction, course of, at Lafayette College, 398 J. JohnsonviUe, in N 66 Jacobsburg, in N 72 Jacksonville, in L 132 Junction Collieries, 268 Journal of Van Etten, 421 Journal of Young, 409 Journal of Burd, 447 Journal, fragment of 463 K. KreidersvUle, in N 64 KernsvUle or Petersville, 67 KlecknersvUle, in N 67 Kern's Mills, m L 129 Kunklesville, 179 Killersville, 179 Kinsley's collieries, 351, 356 Kurtz Rev. receives a letter, 267 Little Gap, of N 25 92 INDEX. Lower Mount Bethel t, N 60 Lehigh t, N 66 Lehighville or BerlinvUle 66 Lehigh Rolling mill, 70 Lower Nazareth township, 74 Letters, important ones, 75—109 Lehigh county organized, 110 Leckhaw, or Lehigh river, 111 Lehigh Water Gap, 113 Linn township, L 131 Linnville, in L 132 Low Hill township, 133 Lower Macunjy township, 135 Lehigh Port, 143 Lower Smithfield t, 157 Lehigh coal mine company formed, 193 Lausanne, in C 212 Lausanne township, C 213 Lawrytown, in C 213 Lehigh river improved, 196 Lower Towamensing township, 226 Lehighton, in C 229 LleweUyn, 254 Louisburg, 263 Landisville 270 Lawtontown, 293 Lick Run collieries, 355 Lower Mahantango t, 255 Lafayette CoUege, 397 Lesley killed by Indians, M. Moore township, N 232 67 Millerstown or MUlerville, 1*35 Mount Pleasant, in L 137 Mammoth Rock, 139 Monroe county organized, 145 Meenesinks, 159 Middle Smithfield t, 163 INDEX. 493 Mauch Chunk township, 187 Mauch Chunk, 188 Mauch Chunk mountain, 191, 199 Mahoning township, C 228 Moravian Miss. Estab. destroyed, 229 Mount Bethel, Upper, 59 Macunjy, Upper, 134 Milford, Upper, 136 Manheim township, 251 Minersville, 253 Mahantango t, Lower, 255 M'Keansburg, 270 Mackeysville, 297 Mining operations in L co., 331 Music Hall collieries, 354 Mammoth colliery, 379 Mahantango t., Upper, 265 Members of education scheme, 3S4 Mill creek rail road, 370 Model school at Easton, 403 Marshall's wife killed, 437 N. Northampton co., erection of, 19 Northampton, present limits of, 24 Nelighsville, in N 64 Newburg, in N 74 Nazareth, in N 75 North Whitehall township, L 128 New Tripoli, in L 132 Northampton township, L. 140 Nagleville, 173 Nesquihoning, in C 212 Nazareth, Lower township 74 Norwegian township, 271 New Castle, 296 North Kill, Fort at, 410 Norris's Fort, 415 Nitschman kiUed, &c, 231 14 INDEX. 0. Orndt Jacob's letters, 224, 225 Oplinger's, or Uplinger's, 227 Owl creek, in C 228 Orwigsburg, 269 Origin of coal, p 331 X • Property, loss of at Easton, 53 Plainfield t, N 65 Petersvilles, or Kernsville, 67 Price township, 172 Pokono township, 173 Penn Haven, in C 213 Penn Forest township, 215 ParrysvUle, in C 216 Peart and others abducted, 233 Petitions, 242 Port Clinton, 249 Porter, t, 255 Pine Grove t, 25S Pine Grove, 258 Pattersonville, 259 Pottsville and vicinity, 272 Port Wilhelm, 272 Port Carbon, 293 Pennman's collieries, 353 Patrick's collieries, 354 Pinkerton's colliery, 377 Penn t, West, 270 Parsons William, 395 Prisser Martin, kUled, 232 Pemper Christian, murdered, 225 Parsons' letter to Rev. Kurtz, 267 Q. Quinn's cotton factory, 70 Quantity of coal transported, 319 INDEX. 495 R. Richmond, in N 60 Rose, n. e., of Nazareth, 77 Rittersville, in L 127 Ross township, 178 Rockport, in C 213 Rush t, 259 Rhoadstown, 293 Richard's colliery, 363 Ronaldson colliery, 374 Rainbow colliery, 375 Rank Esqr's letter, 259 Reichelderfers murdered, 250 S. Slate Port, in N 59 Saucon township, N 68 South Easton, borough, 69 South Easton, foundry, 70 Steel manufactory, 70 Stockersville, in N 73 Shoeneck, in N 78 Spangenberg's letters, 95, 99 Segersville, in L 128 Siegersville, 129 Snydersville, 129 Slate Dam, in L 129 South Whitehall township, 130 Scheimersville, 135 Salisburg township, 139 Stroud township, 150 Stroudsburg, 151 Smithfield township, M 157 Spruce Grove, 173 Saxville, 173 SnydersviUe, in M 179 Saylorsville, ISO Shades of death, 215 496 INDEX,. South Lehighton, 229 Schuylkill county, 239 Smithfield Lower township, 157 Saucon, Upper, 1 38 Smithfield, Upper, 163 Schuylkill county erected, 241 Schuylkill Haven, 252 Swataraville, 259 Schuylkill township, 262 Schuylkill valley, 263 St. Clair, 296 Schneidberg, 272 Schuylkill coal fields, 343 Schuylkill Valley District, 348 Silver creek collieries, 358 Salem collieries, 371 Sillyman's colliery, 376 Schlatters scheme of education, 382 Subscription towards school house &c, 395 Seminaries at Nazareth and Bethlehem, 403 Sensemans killed, 232 Schwiegert murder, 233 Swatara fort, 451 T. Topography of townships, N 59 Trexlerstown, in L 135 Tobyhanna township, 173 Tannersville, 176 Tippey 's flood, in C 218 Towamensing, Lower, 226 Tuscarora, 260 Tamaqua, 261 Tuscarora collieries, 349 Thompson's collieries, 353 Trustees of the education scheme of 1751, 382 Tidd John, killed, 436 Trump Adam, murdered, 251 Tedyuscung, sketch of 477 INDEX, u. Upper Mount Bethel township; N 59 Upper Nazareth township, 75 Upper Macunjy, in L 134 Upper Milford towsnhip, 136 Upper Saucon township, 138 Upper Smithfield township, 163 Upper Towamensing township, 215 Union township, 265 Upper Mahantango township, 265 Uren's collieries, 353 Union collieries, 359 Van Etten's journal, 421 Van Etten, justice of the peace, 428 W. Welsh, history of, 13 Wind Gap, N 26 WUliamsburg, in N 59 Weaversburg, in N 64 Wardsburg, in N 66 Williams township, N 69 Williamsport, in N 71 Whitfield's purchase, in N 75 Weisenburg township, 137 Weissport, in C 216 Weiss Jacob, Colonel, 217 Wayne township, 260 West Brunswick township, 268 West Penn township, 270 William's colliery, 357 Weatherold Captain, 414, 419 F2 496 INDEX. Y. Young James, commissary in 1756, 223 Young's addition, 293 Young's commissary journal,, 409 Zimmermanstown, 266 Zeisloff George, killed, 251 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Residence — Pottsville. Rev David Hassinger Rev Hugh Lane Charles Loeser Isaac Beck Daul Larer Michael Mortimer Nicholas Fox Edwd Owen Parry Esq F W Hughes Esq Geo L Gensler Andrew B White A Lippe M D James L Yoder Jno H Clement Jacob Reed Esq Daniel Hill Edward T Taylor Thos D Beatty F Hewson Jno Franklin Esq E Chichester M D Geo W Snyder Horace Smith Esq Howell Fisher Dr G G Palmer Charles M Lewis Place of Nativity. Berks co* Ireland Montgomery co Berks county Philadelphia county Schuylkill co Berks co Portsmouth N H Montgomery co Germany Delaware PrussiaBerks co Gloucester N J Berks co Do Gloucester N J New York City PhiladelphiaLuzerne co Fairfield co Conn Philadelphia Berks co Gloucester co N J. Delaware co Chester co * AU counties where the name of the State is omitted, are of Penn 'a, 500 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — Pottsville. John Hodgkiss F M Wynkoop Editor Wm Newell jr Richd J Owen Cecil Berryman M D Wm Fox Jacob Epting John S C Martin James S Braley G W Farquhar Esq James H Campbell Esq George H Brandter M D William Morgan Samuel Thompson Samuel Russell Hiram Rigg John McCormick John Ruch Nathan Evans Franklin P Myers Lafayette J Bannan Frederick C Epting Jos Morgan Hiram Parker Geo W Slater Michael Cochran P M Jos M Freeh John G Brown E O Jackson Editor G L Vliet J P Bertram Editor Oliver Dobson Amos Enterline Rev Wm G Mennig Geo Heisler Esq Daniel Krebs B W Cumming Esq R M Palmer Esq J Smith McMicken Esq S Sillyman Wm Wolff Place of Nativity. England Bucks co Philadelphia Wales England Maiden Creek Berks co Lexington Ky Lancaster co Northumberland co Williamsport Lycomingc co GermanyWales Juniata co Northumberland co Lancaster co Berks co Sunbury, Northumberland co Lancaster co Columbia co Berks co PhiladelphiaSussex co N J Worcester co Mass Union co Ireland Dauphin co Germany Columbia eo Northampton co Berks co Schuylkill co Dauphin co Lebanon co Berks co Schuylkill co Philadelphia Mt Holly N J Williamsport Lycoming cc Hamburg Berks co Do do SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 501 Residence — Pottsville. Samuel Huntzinger J H Ziegenfus Joseph Bowen John J Jones Benjamin Cook Rev E B Evans W L Heisler Wm Major Thorrtasj Fender Samue]jj"Hartz Dan 8m. GedJf Potts Alfred Lawton Patrick Daly Charles Berdsley Thomas Foster Jno Clayton W H Marshall A Meisse Wm C Leib Johann K Voelleaguel F D Fernsler Max Dorflinger Frank Pott James G Coehran D E Nice Esq E W McGinnes Thos S Ridgway jr Joseph George John Treagea George Mortimer M Strouse Chas W Clemens Chas Bushar C A Fox , W B Morgan Geo F Mars Charles Angee Peter S Martz Charles Leib Geo Halberstadt M D Placo of Nativity. Berks co Schuylkill co Do Llandilo Carinarth«rshire *S S Wales [Wales Do Berks co Chester co Scotland Dauphin co Montgomery co New Jersey New York city Ireland Troy N Y Rockingham co N H Columbia co Philadelphia Berks co Dauphin (now Lebanon) ca Germany Lebanon co Schuylkill co Ireland Berks co Montgomery co Philadelphia city Do Cornwall co Eng Schuylkill co Germany Germantown Phila co Schuylkill co Berks co S Wales Lancaster eo Bucks co Milton North'd co Schuylkill co Philadelphia city 502 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES, Residence — Pottsville, Wm Cortelyou Wm Mortimer jr Jas G Shoemaker Francis J Parvirt E E Bland Daniel Schollenberger Wm Lewis Benj Haywood James F Harris Daniel Richard Lewis Rees M B Lutz Joseph Heslop D G Yuengling H Slrauch John McMullen S S Stevens (Ship-pensburg)Carlisle Reese Williams S Wales Place of Nativity. Morris co N J Schuylkill co Do Maiden creek tp Berks eo Berks co Berks co S Wales England S Wales Do Do ReadingEnglandGermanyPottsville Philadelphia Hugh Hughs John Hopkins Evan Peter Edw W Mason Thomas Williams David Jenkins, Nathan Cleaves John Maginnis James Focht B F Pomroy Wm H Johns Thomas Lloyd Thomas Evans James McAlearney Geo Lauer Edw N Thomas John Griffith Stephen Jones Thomas Thorn P McGovern Thomas Petherick Henry Davis A H Wilson N Wales S Wales N Wales Philadelphia S Wales Do Columbia co Monogan co Ireland Brunswick forge Schuylkill co Philadelphia Pembrokeshire S Wales S Wales Chester co Ireland Germany Dowlois S Wales Carnarvonshire N Wales Northampton co New Jersey Cavan co Ireland Cornwall Eng Glamorganshire S Wales Columbia co SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 50S Residence — Pottsville. J E Kecham William Lerch Charles Shelley George Reichard Peter F Mudey Wm Yochan George Heaton Wm Reese Francis Malpass Watkin Prichards George Rich Wm Blackman Enos Blackman George S Hookey Wm McCoy Wm Zellner T A Simpson Thomas Montgomery William McCabe Nathaniel Bowen Tobias Totnbleson James Downey Charles Vliet John Spohn John E Wynkoop Jeremiah flower Joseph Shippin Isaac Severn William Carter Stephen Rogers Joshua Dodson Wm H H Russel James Bantum P E Dougherty N W Neunam Joseph Derr Stephen Hauser Edward Rehr Wm McDonnell Henry Jenkins David K Klock Place of Nativity. Tioga co N Y Northampton co Pottsville EastonPhiladelphia city Schuylkill co Yorkshire, Eng Glamorganshire S Wales Shropshire Eng Brecknockshire S Wales Risca Monmouthshire S Waks Wiltshire Eng Do •Philadelphia Luzerne co Northampton co Bristol Bucks co • Union co Monohon co Ireland ¦Gloucestershire Eng Schuylkill co Fermanagh Ireland Warren co N J Berks co Newton Bucks co Lebanon co Philadelphia DoDo Berks co Fort Allen Lehigh co Chester co Newark N J America Kent co Md Berks co W Penn Schuylkill co Reading Ireland ¦Oneida co N Y Berks co 004 STO5CRIBEKS NAMES. Kesidence — Pottsville. Geo W Ent Anthony Heston Capt Isaac P Lykens William Millnes Isaac Barcla Daniel Rose Robert Brown Samuel W Arms Andw N Stamna George W Good Cfe*rie« Lord Joseph Rikard Wm Taylor L Womelsdorff J H Leib John Lanciscjit W C Harlan Andw Oliphant Levi B Fair Martin Murphy William, Kind Wm H; Mann Daniel Sholenbwger John T Werner Editor Jacob Heiser Edward Yardley Eli Shively John Derr Nicholas Raher Jesse R Clark James E Mulligan. Henry Lilley E N Esterline Samuel Stodd Thomas Wren Charles Strimshaw Jacob Neyhart John Richard Charles McAvoy Peter Neyhart James Trout Place of Nativity. Columbia co Ireland Lancaster co England Cornwall Eng Reading Scotland Chester co Columbia co Lebanon co Schuylkill co Union co Dauphin co Berneville Berks ttfi Lancaster co Berks co Chester co Northumberland oe> Berks co Connecticut * Northampton eo Massachusetts Berks co Lebanon co Schuylkill ce Bucks co Pottsgrove Montgomery co Hamburg Beiks co Do do Wilmington Del Cincinnati Ohio Berks co Easton Staffordshire Eng Glasgow Clyde iron works Nottingham Eng [Scotland Union co Berks co Baltimore Md Union co Berks ca subscribers' names. 505 Residence — Pottsville. Adam Eiler Capt John Gillman Philip Hoffa Edward M Davis Aaron Shuck Aaron Potts William Nunemacker Michael Messner John Mclntire Daniel B Henry Daniel Christian John Kenedy Richard Winlack Isaac Rich Joseph Armstrong Abraham Camp Charles Dimmig Robert B Neligh James W Kesne Tobias Hauser Peter Douty George Hay John Roberson Reuben Godshall George Urch Edw Morison Stephen Rees Enos Zentmyer John Vau gh ton Oliver Snyder John Thomas John Jones Benjamin Thomas Shadrach Philips David Griffith Cornelius Ceary David Lamont George Dillon Prothrow Prothrow Joel Moore John Hughes Place of Nativity. Schuylkill co Dublin Ireland Womelsdorf Berks co Monmouthshire S Wales Union co Burlington co N J PottsvilleGratztown Dauphin co Caven co Ireland Schuylkill co Berks co Donegal co Ireland Derry co do Gloucestershire Eng White Haven Cumb co Eng Northumberland co Do Northampton co Luzerne co W Penn tp Schuylkill co Milton Noith'd co Dumbartonshire Scotland Clackmananshire do Rush tp Schuylkill co Somersetshire England Leicestershire do Glamorganshire S Wales Lewisburg Union co Longfc-rd co Ireland Northampton co Caermarthenshire S Wales- Do do Brecknockshire do Monmouthshire do Caermarthenshire do Cork co Ireland Landrickshire Scotland Berks co Caermarthenshire S Wales Lehigh co Monmouthshire S Wales 506 subscribers' names. Residence— Pottsville. William Howell Charles Worman Nathan Fisher William Prichard E McDonald Daniel Fenstermacher Edward Skeen Joseph Waggoner Nathan Moyer Isaac Tipton John Edwards Robert Case well Wm Ashman John Jones John Templin Anthony Maddison William Waters Evan Morris George Barton( pr engi Samuel R Engelman Salem Brown William B Lewis William Raber D S Spare M D Isaac A Higley Benjamin Christian Jacob Christian George H Stichter Robert Roberts Isaac Williams Thomas Moss Andrew Jewitt John Irving Wm Jones Legshow David Evans Joseph Carley John S Lott John Pinkerton Jeremiah Lord Daniel Edmund J Sheafe Place of Nativity. Monmouthshire S Wales Berks co Yorkshire Eng Monmouthshire S Wales Delaware co Schuylkill co Lancaster co Berks co Do Shropshire Eng Pembrookeshire S Wales Glamorganshire S Wales Somersetshire Eng Glamorganshire S Wales Northumberland co Durham co Eng Cornwall co Eng Carmarthanshire S Wales neer)Yorkshire Eng Lehigh co Luzerne co Berks co Do Montgomery co Northampton co Mass Reading Schuylkill co Reading Glamorganshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Durham co Eng Do do Cumberland co Eng Glamorganshire S Wales Do do Durham co Eng Danville Columbia eo York co Eng Schuylkill co Brecknockshire S Wales Rockingham co N H SUBSCRIBERS names. 507 "Residence— Pottsville. John Fox James Davis Alexander Hawkins barber Orlando Dufur Samuel B Fisher William Lewis John Williams John James Richard Kirkham Hugh Murry I) B Hass Robert Wright Michael Geiger George McElice George C Handy Elias Seiler Hiram Focht George Pifer Allen Harmor Wm Berninger A M Macdonald John H James Joseph Allison Minersville. Lemuel D Jones C Straub Esq John Styers Evan Price D T Jones (Chief Burgess) John Humphreys George Sepencer Rev A A Anderson C W Taylor Esq Joseph Christ James B Falls George Brumm Michael Weaver P M Richard Berry man Jos F Taylor Blair McClenachan Esq Place of Nativity. Berks co Worcester co Eng Albany N Y Herkimer co N Y Gloucester co N J Brecknockshire S Wales Do do Glamorganshire do Lincolnshire Eng Rotherglen Scotland Shamokin North'd co Westmoreland co Eng Berks co Armah co Ireland Cornwall co Eng Berks co Schuylkill co Northumberland co Chester co Roaring creek Columbia co Colombia N Y Montgomery co Westmoreland Eng S Wales Northumberland co Warren co N J S Wales Pembrokeshire S Wales Denbigshire N Wales Yorkshire Eng Delaware Union co Schuylkill co Columbia co Aus Twey-Bruecken Pfaltz Baiem Sunbury North'd co Cornwall co Eng New Jersey Montgomery co 508 SUBSCKIBERS* NAMES. Residence — MinersviTle. James Fox Franklin Rhoads John T G Kumsius Alexander Jaffrey James Robertson Jacob Wernart Thomas Green Stephen Squire Philip Jones Evan Evans Thomas Cheshire David Griffiths Thomas Davis Wm DeHaven Robert Williams Hugh Davis Walter Philips Samuel Woola John E Powell M G Heilner Samuel Gumpert Abraham Trout M S Gebler John P Powell John Rogers John Davis Noah Griffiths Jas Levan Jacob Weist Rev J P Harris George J Lawrence John Tanner Augustus Witman David George W Matthews Franklin Seitzinger Esau McKim Casper Yost Thomas Williams Moses Weiser David Griffith Place of Nativity. Dauphin co Hamburg Berks co Hague Holland Ayreshire Scotland Lanarkshire do Bouseweiler France Monmouthshire S Wales Germany Potypool S Wales Glamorganshire S Wales Shropshire Eng Merthyrtidvil S Waks Brecknockshire do Berks co Carnarvonshire N Wales Brecknockshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Montgomeryshire N Waks Monmouthshire S Wales Berks co Philadelphia Northumberland co Philadelphia Merthyetidvil S Wales Monmouthshire do Myrthetidvil do Monmouthshire do Berks co GermanyPembrokeshire S Wales Northumberland co South Wales Reading Glamorganshire S Wales Brecknockshire do PottsvilleLancaster co Germany Blanarvon Monmouthshire S W Berks co Aberhavest Mont.shireNWales subscribers' names. 509 Residence — Minersville. John Piatt David Llewelyn Lewis M Jones Joseph H Richards Amos H Lewis Andrew Patten Wm Patton John Weightman David L Willhms Edward Plait Thomas Piatt Reese Davies Wm Beadow John E Price David E Davies John E Davies David Price Thomas A Williams Philip Whalen John Horton James Williams George H Beach Oharles Beekman Wm J Smith M D Daniel Weaver John S Davis Wm R Thomas Wm Kantner Oscar M Robins Edward Halstein Samuel Heiliier Wm Williams Wm Hendson Luke Mochan Evan Gowen Thomas Williams Abraham Morgan Elias Burkert John. Morrison Place of Nativity. Caven Mauer Ruabon Dera- bighshire N Wales Glamorganshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Corphilly Glamorg. do Berks co Northumberland co Eng Do do Do do Argoed Monniouthsh S Wales Caven, Mauer Dembigshire N Wales Do do do Brecknockshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Monmouthshire do Glamorganshire do Do do Do do Brecknockshire do Ireland Llaufyrnach S Wales Brecknockshire do Staffordshire Eng Hanover Germany England Northumberland co Carmarthenshire S Wales- Monmouthshire do Schuylkill co Sunbury Union co Sulzdorf Germany Monmouthshire S Wales Durham co Eng Fermanagh co Ireland Carmarthenshire S Walea Glamorganshire do Pontypool Monmouthshire do Berks co Ireland 510 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence — Minersville. George E Pewtner James Rogers Samuel Kauffman Amos Harshberger Thomas J Morgan Thomas D Lewis Aaron Burr David Davis Richard Francis Samuel Felix Levi Dietrich Lewis Roberts Henry Jones John D Jones (tailor) Edward Kear Lewis W Prevost William Sharp Ebenezer Jones James Spencer Andrew Kline ¦ Charles Jodon William K Kline Herbert Thomas sr Herbert Thomas jr Henry Jones David Jeffries Philip VVernest Abraham E DeHaven David R Davis Thomas T Jones Charles Vaughan William L Jones Thomas Jones Daniel R Bright Jacob T Thumm J L Roberts Alexander Manning Frederick Zernhalt Levi E Thomas William Lloyd Place of Nativity. Portsmouth Eng Letrim co Ireland Schuylkill co Lebanon co Monmouthshire S Wales Eglwgselian do Mifflin co Glamorganshire S Wales Cornwall co Eng Schuylkill co Northumberland co Glamorganshire S Wales N Castle Emlyn Carmarthen shire S Wales Llanllwyng Parish S Wales Dean Forest Gloucester Eng Chester co Northumberland co Nan ty glow Monmouthshire Yorkshire Eng Columbia co Milton North'd co Berks co Monmouthshire S Wales Do do Do do Glamorganshire do Bauxweiler France Union tp Berks co Monmouthshire S Wales Dowlais Glam'g sh do •Brecknockshire do Glamorganshire do ' Liverpool Eng Milton North'd co Wirtemberg Europe Glamorganshire S Waks Lancaster co Schuylkill co Columbia co Glamorganshire S Waks SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 511 Residence — Mineravilla. William Prichard John Trayer Owen Hughes Benjamin D Evans James Eustice John Robins t Thomas C Mannel Peter Delcamp John Thomas Rees John Thomas Wm Ambrose DR Bennett George Hebe Henry Bruner Lewis P Garner Tamaqua. Wm Taggert Charles W Dannenhauer John Edwards Benjamin Heilner Gideon Whetstone Xaffer Miller A H Duel Robert Harris George Sherry Emanuel Dormitzer Jacob Glace Ralph Nattref John Tippen Wm Eastwood Hugh Tamany Evan Jones Isaac Nattrass Peter Dodson A L Boughner Thomas Meyer John Fearer Nicholas Hursh Stephen Harding Seligman Morganreth Aaron Richardson Place of Nativity. Brecknockshire S Wales Reading Berks co Anglesea N Wales. Glamorganshire S Wales Cornwall Eng Somersetshire Eng Cornwall do Norwegian tp Schuylkill co- Glamorganshire S Wales South Wales Do Philadelphia Wirtemburg Germany Germantown Philada co- Schuylkill co Lycoming co Schoondorff Wirtemburg South Wales Manelsdorffby Coburg Schuylkill co SwitzarlandDutchess co N Y England Sussex co N J Germany Lancaster co. England Do Do Ireland S,Wales England Luzerne co Hunterdon co N J Lehigh co Germany Do Hartford Susquehanna eo Memelsdorff by Coburg Middleton Durham co Eng 512 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — Tamaqua. Thomas Vanhom Richard Johnson John Fulton John Walker Robert Colgnhoun John Love Caleb Fisher Jacob Bell Rev Augustus Georgii James Cocklin William Barton Daniel Draper Richard Jenkins William Higgins Thomas Taggart Robert Ratcliff Charles Vaughan Thomas Johnson sen Richard Carter Thomas Morgan Richard Hoblat Isaac Hinkley Samuel M'Caffe William Donaldson John K Smith Baltzer Keilman David Meyer John Crell Rev Thomas Foster Thomas Carrigan David Hunter M D David W Nixon William Clark RevD L Patterson WiUiam Richardson William Tamany Thomas Booth Thomas Williams Jesse Dodson Abraham Ahner Charles Walker Place of Nativity. Nescopeck Luzerne co England Northampton co "England Scotland Do Columbia co Berks co Germany Ireland Berks co England South Wales Ireland Carbon co England Do Do Cornwall Eng South Wales Do Franklin co Mass Columbia co EnglandSalem N J Germany Lehigh co Germany England Ireland Northumberland co Philadelphia England Lancaster co EnglandIreland England Do Luzenrne co Northampton co England STTBSCRIBERS NAMES. 513 Residence — Tamaqua. John Bnner Thomas Walker Thomas Johnson jr Edward Lowther William Taylor Thomas Booth jr Patrick McNelus Daniel McConielgue John MeGrail James Smiihan George Welsh Lazarus Rice Philip Acker William Gwilyn Daniel Daniels John Sewalt Gideon Fruce Peter Marks John Eltingham Jacob Albertson Nicholas Beltz Andrew Kester Benjamin Davis Roger Delay Lawrence Ruch David M; hs David Love Robert Love Archibald McDougal James Blair Wm J Davis Jonathan Kershner James Moore Abraham Boughner Nathaniel Edgar Robert Carter peter Tippin James Templin Rowland Junes John Hendricks Isaac M Jones G2 Place of Nativity. Germany EnglandDurham co England Cumberland co do Wiltshire do Heanon do Ireland DoDo Cornwall Eng Northampton co Germany Montgomery co South Wales Do Furbach France Berks co Furbach France England New Jersey Germany Do South Wales IrelandLehigh co Schuylkill co Scotland DoDo Down co Ireland Merthviidvil S Wales Schuylkill co Nescopeck Luzerne go Schuylkill co Columbia co Cornwall co Eng South Wales Do Montgomery co Philadelphia co South Wales 514 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence — Tamaqua. Henry S Kepner John Van Valkinburg Frederick Kepner Port Carbon. Abraham Pott L F Whitney G W Biown M D Charles tlebner Hugh Kinsley John C Lewis Esq Nicholas Dormilzer Lewis Heilner Esq GW Wimersteen Levi Ma.t^on H Guitennan James Kearny Abraham Van Dyke Jonathan Sclirailer John Crosson Jesse Turner T H White steen Jacob Wentz James Smith John Eftill Francis Richardson John Davies (tailor) Michael Epliling Howell Jenkins Ross Bull James Causley Patrick D Barnett James Long Alexander Govern James Mohr Joseph Hummel Edward Colahan Esq Charles Culling Matthew Richardson P D Luther Wm Berger Wpa. C Shissler Place of Nativity. Schuylkill co Gneanto Otsego co N 5f Schuylkill co Berks co Philadelphia Sunbury Nort'd co Schuylkill co Wexford co Ireland Berks co Germany Saxony Columbia co Delaware co Memelsdorff Germany Louth co Ireland Albany N Y Moyerstown Lebanon co Miliersburg Dauphin co Newcastle co Del Columbia co Dauphin co Ireland Luzerne co Cumberland co Eng South Wales Columbia co Monmouthshire S Wales Berks co Schuylkill co Ireland Renfrewshire Scotland Ayrshire do Berks co Schuylkill co Galway co Ireland London Eng Do do Lancaster co, Schuylkill co Sunbury North'd co SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 515 Residence— Port Carbon. Joseph Fox Chaiks Holden James Batchler A Bolton Frederick Mertz Thomas Mullen Matthew Smith Samuel Seitzinger Charles Raber Wm B Hull John Curry Wm B Jennings Miss Hannah Robinson Michael Connor Jacob S Gordon Stephen Halley , Charles Lee Rev John A Reiley David Jones Jesse Jones Charles Bogart John Lynn John Adams Isaac Grav E Allen Philip Steinbach jr Silas Shepherd Rungan Andrew Jackson Rungan George Goodman James Niles Daniel Lookingbill Wm Gildroy (Engineer) Thomas Britton John Barger Philip H Dougherty William Stephenson Hiram Lexon David Lewis Henry Lumsden Thomas Graham Henry Hays Place of Nattvity. Dauphin co Berks co Columbia co New Jersey New Berlin Union co Ireland Do Berks co New Rochelle N Y Balleycastle Ireland Do do England Chester co Kings co Ireland. Berks co Philadelphia Columbia co Berks co Glamorganshire S Waks Glamorganshire S Waks Northumberland co Leicestershire England Worcestershire do Norfolkshire do Chester co Berks co Columbia co Do Holland Lancaster co Schuylkill co New-Castle upon Tyne Eng, Nathanpool Scotland Norwegian tp Schuylkill co Philadelphia co Yorkshire England Lancastershire do Port Carbon Schuylkill co. Fifeshire Scotland Meath co Ireland Cumberland co ) 516 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — Port Carbon. Thomas Farley James Wheeler Levi Hilbert Richard Richards Orwigsburg. Jeremiah Reed (Sheriff) Charles Fraily (Prothon) J H Downing (Reg& Ree) Col John Bannan C Loeser Esq John P Hobart Esq J W Rosebery Esq James H Graeff Esq Andrew J Baum M D Fred'k Millet (Shoemaker) Joseph W Bird do G B Zulick N Wetzel (Tobacconist) Jacob Allebach Henry Krebs Henry Cronemiller Charles W itman Esq James M Riland Hon Edward B Hubley Jacob Deibert George Douglass John A Schwalm Mark Deibert Christian Berger Esq Philip Weiser Esq Bernard Yeager Isaac DeFrehn John C Rahn George D Boyer Jacob Matthews Henry Hesser Samuel Lefrkr George Leffler John T Schlickenmoyer Gen John M Brickel Place of Nativity. Meath co Ireland Carven co do Schuylkill co Broseley Eng Pottsville Schuylkill co Reading Chester co Do Montgomery co Pottstown do Orwigsburg Schuylkill co Do do Reading Orwigsburg Schuylkill co Baltimore Md Berks co Do Schuylkill co Union co Reading Montgomery co ReadingSchuylkill co Philadelphia Schuylkill co Do Do Berks co Schuylkill co- Do DoDo DoDo Lancaster co Do GermanyReading SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 517 Residence — Union Township . Place of Nativity. Thomas Bitkr Esq Berks co Samuel Snyder Schuylkill co Samuel G Miller Do Israel D Frehen Do John Rupert Do Andrew Stauffer Do Daniel L Stauffer Do Isaac Dewald Lycoming co Waters S Chjllson Essex N J John Breisch Berks co Jacob Zimmerman Esq Do Mark Bitkr Do James Bitkr Do Music Hall. Richard Mannel Cornwall co England James Fredennick Do do Mark Thomas Do do Thomas Blackney Do do Elisha Mannel Do do Tuscarora. James Palmer England Samuel Mitchel Philadelphia co Geo R Drey Lehigh co Edward Dreher Schuylkill co Jonathan Drey Berks co Charles Horn Hunterdon co N J Jonas Richard Berks co Henry Bezzenberger Germany Jacob H Lutz P M Schuylkill co Patterson. P McMahon Ireland Thomas Gibson Chester co Robert Jacobs England John Colborn Lycoming co Patrick Freeman Ireland James McLaren Glasgow Scotland Matthew O Connel Kilkenny Ireland John Fogerty Sligo co do Christopher Govert Ireland 518 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence— Petterson. Dudley Grant David C Mills M D Daniel Maderfort New Philadelphia. Charles Smith Nathan Barlow Geo P Lander Conrad Bob Geo Robison Edward Hulme R G Bland Patrick Owens Millport. Isaac Marts John Williams Thomas Meredith James McLellan Joseph Balliet Ludwig Bensinger Jacob Kemmel Reuben Dreher William Shuman John Martz Asa Balliet James Toben Daniel Edwards- John Bartlett William Raper Charles Cleveland Edward Birmingham Lick Run. John Kelly Henry Davies Jonathan Willingham William McKean John Uren Silver Creek and Valley Furnace. Thomas Hacket England Wm Richards (Blacksmith) Carnarvonshire N Wale* Patrick Whalen Kilkenny co Ireland Place of Nativity* Ireland Philadelphia crty Schuylkill co Ireland Montgomery co Northampton co Montgomery co Lanarkshire Scotland Humeville Bucks co Mt Airy Berks co Ruscommon Ireland New Berlin Union co Monmouthshire S Wales Brecknockshire do Scotland Lehigh co Schuylkill co Lancaster co Schuylkill co Columbia co Union co Lehigh co Kilkenny Ireland Glamorganshire S Wales Mauch Chunk Shropshire Eng Massachusetts Caven co Ireland Kilkenny co Ireland Brecknockshire S Wales Yorkshire Eng- Donegal co Ireland Cornwall co Eng SUBSCRIBERS'1 NAMES. 519 Residence — S.Creek&V. Edward O'Brien George Fritz John Hutchison John James Mark Downey Robert Petrick Michael Quinn Rees Jones Alexander Lieut John McNair Hubley ville. Charles Bennett Benjamin Titus Samuel Keller John Lowry Hugh Carlin James Gillaspa Thomas Harratt John Roe Joseph Beachim Evan Williams Bellmont David Oliver' Charles Long Wm Clark James Weir Wm Williams (Bl'ksmith) Robert Sterling Brown Richard Mison Henry King Thomas Colahan John R Jones James Lard Patrick Gamry Wm Henderson Wm West wood Rush Township. James Blew A Boughner Esq Samuel King Furnace.Flace of Nativity. Kelkrnny co Ireland France Lanarkshire Scotland Brecknockshire S Wales Kerry co Ireland Ranfordshire Scotland Amagh co Ireland Brecknockshire S Wales Ranfrewshire Scotland Ramsey Isle of Man Near Belkfonte Centre co Easton Berks co Kilkenny co Ireland Donegal co Ireland Philadelphia co Lancastershire England Montgomeryshire N Wales Somerset co Eng Monmouthshire S Waks Morris co N J Lehigh co England Renfrewshire Scotland Carmarthenshire S Waks Ayrshire Scotland Cardiganshire S Wales Sugar Loaf Luzerne co Galway co Ireland Brecknockshire S Wales Schuylkill co Roscommon co Ireland Fifeshire Scotland Lanarkshire do Srmerset co N J Hunterdon co N J Nescopeck Luzerne co 520 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — Rush Township. John Kaup Henry Dresh Jacob Faust West Penn. Jacob Longacre Esq Jacob Morer Henry Beacham Mount Carbon. L Rothermel Wm W Bright John Patton George Grim Young's Landing., George Wilde James Hower John Braddburg Eagle Hill. Daniel Richards Morgan Thomas Jos Crean Aaron Persun David Lewis Daniel Williams Patrick Reddington Thomas Humble Frederick Butler Benjamin Whetstone David Richards Thomas Machal Windy Harbor. Wm Gass Samuel Johnson Enoch Evans Belfast. Edward Seddor* Wm Hilton Isaac P Dunlap. Bear Ridge. Wm Hacker Place of Nativity. Schuylkill co Do Do Montgomery co Northampton co Somersetshire Eng Northumberland co Berks co Scotland Montgomery co Yorkshire Eng Lancastershire England Do do Monmouthshire S Waks Glamorganshire do Staffordshire Eng Salem Luzerne co Glamorganshire S Waks Merthyrtidvil do Roscommon Ireland Northumberland co England Yorkshire do W Penn tp Schuylkill co Brecknockshire S Wales Do do Yorkshire Eng Philadelphia Staffordshire Eng Lancastershire Eng Do do Bucks co Wilkshire Eng SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 521 Residence — Bear Ridge. Wm Evans John Morgan Lafayette Graham Thomas Meredith Griffiths Edwards Simpson Womer Wm Zimmerman Henry Lloyd David L Richards John Davis Wm Hartzog John Thomas Thomas John Patrick McGovern Samuel W Graham James Bury John Boyer David Powell St. Clear. Bartin Evans Daniel R Slobig Geo W Stokes Joshua Williams Humphrey Lewis John J Thomas John B Crozier Michael Jyoa John Mitchell John Heatherington Jonathan Heatherington Joseph Foster Jacob Metz Benj French Daniel Fack David Price David Jones W H Lawrence John Mason Daniel Hartman David Metz James Spittle Place of Nativity. Bristol England Monmouthshire S Wales Montgomery co Glamorganshire S Wales Brecknockshire do Berks oo Lancaster co Schuylkill co Glamorganshire S Waks Monmouthshire do Schuylkill co Carmarthenshire S Wale* Brecknockshire do Carlow co Ireland Montgomery co Cheshire England Schuylkill co Brecknockshire S Wales Bucks co Schuylkill co Columbia co S Wales N Wales S Wales Philadelphia city Ireland Lancaster co EnglandDurham co Eng Cheshire do Columbia co Lycoming co Northampton co Carmarthenshire S Wales Do do Columbia co South Wales Columbia co Do Worcestershire Eng -582 subscribers' names. Residence — St. Clear. Wm Chaundy John Hodgson David Rickett Ellis Rickett Henry Gwin Wm Naylor Philip Lewis Thomas Reese Robert Hughes Daniel Sheatfer Michael Long Jeremiah Wilde Aaron Hower Joel Metz Joseph E Davis Mill Creek. Samuel Capewell Thomas Manghen Robert Wall C Gormly Philip Preen John Moore Joseph Atkinson John Santeejr Richard Hill Geo W Waggoner Henry Hoffman Hugh McAllister New Castle. Ephraim Philips John McBanon Peter K Seitzinger Henry Rhoads Abraham Camp Wm Littlehales Geo Reifsnyder Esq Levi Reber Thomas Young George Allen Wm Dickenson Place of Nativity. Oxford England North England N Wales Do Columbia co England Do Glamorganshire S Wales Caermarthenshire do Berks co Bairen Germany Yorkshire Eng Columbia co Do Carmarthenshire S Waks Staffordshire England Northumberland co Kilkenny co Ireland Londonderry do Weckford do Durham co Eng Do do Union tp Luzerne co Staffordshire Eng Montgomery co Kilkenny co Ireland Juniata co Northumberland co Fermanagh co Ireland Berks co Columbia co Northumberland co Shropshire Eng Montgomery co Schuylkill co New Castle upon Tyne Eng Nottinghamshire do Do do subscribers' names. 223 Residence — New Castle. John Roscoe Peter Dickenson Adams' Colliery. James Adams B Morris Henry Lloyd John Rupp Centreville. Thomas C Conner Robert White Wadesville. John Morgan jr Rees David Daniel Dillman Jas Fitzsimmons Esq Jefferson Umbehawber] John B McCord Rees Rees Thomas Jones Thomas Owens Wm Dabenpart John Byrne Henry Olsey David Davis Joseph Denning George Altin Dennis Fielding Wm Crisswell Flowery field. Samuel Cliff John Daniel Thomas Young East Delaware Mines. Thomas Ferry- John C Leibig Edward Morrison John Rees Peter McDonald Wm Lyons Edmund Pounder Place of Nativity. Nottinghamshire England Do do Antrim co Ireland Tyrone co do Llonhilleth S Wales Germany London Eng Beth Fife co Scotland Potypool S Wales Glamorganshire do Schuylkill co Selinsgrove Union co Lebanon co Schuylkill co Glamorganshire S Wales Cardiganshire do Brecknockshire do Staffordshire Eng Wicklow co Ireland Sussex co N J Caermarthenshire S Wales Somersetshire Eng Derbyshire do Lancastershire do Staffordshire do Cheshire England Cornwall co Eng Yorkshire Eng Durham co Eng Berks co Lancastershire Eng Glamorganshire S Waks Monachan co Ireland Schuylkill co Yorkshire Eng 524 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — E. Delaware Mines. Place of Nativity. John Peasdak Daniel Rothermel John Andrey Kirkky Jacob John Philip Manharat Scott Steel James Gennan James McLaughlin Anthony Durkin Christian Zeiher Patrick Sweny Thomas Ferry jr Joseph Collier Henry James jr Thomas Morgan Wm Symmons Benjamin Smith John Hosking North American Mines. Daniel Evans Thomas Jones Daniel Rees Thomas Jones jr Wm Howell Miss Margaret Lewis Renna Jones John Martin William March Lemuel Osborn Lafy John Mann Haywood's Colliery; Nicholas Welsh George McNeille John Hadley William Harris Ralph Shaw George Milnes Michael Mangen Thomas G May Yorkshire England Northumberland co New Castle Upon Tyne Eng Columbia co France Glasgow Scotland Kilkenny co Ireland Galway co do Mayo co do Trear co Prussia Mayo co Ireland Durham co Eng Kilkenny co Ireland Cornwall co Eng Monmouthshire S Wales Cornwall co Eng Monmouthshire S Wales Gludgen Cornwall co Eng Carmarthenshire S Waks Do do Do do Do do Monmouthshire do Do do Union co S Carolina Glamorganshire S Wales Fermanagh co Ireland Columbia co Manchester Eng' Longford co Ireland Scotland England South Wales England Do IrelandCornwall Eng subscribers' names. 525 Residence — Landingville. F Landerbran (Whampoa) Patrick McAtee James Brady John Sheridan John Gaynor James Gaynor Charles Mosser John Haldeman Esq Alfred Kolb Franklin J Seigfried Paul Dray Samuel Mertz (Merchant) Henry Maurer Schuylkill Haven. Rev George C Drake J G Koehler M D A W Leyburn Esq Michael Beard George Kaufman Esq John Marlin Esq Robert Jones J Theophilus Rigg Samuel H Shannon M D Nathan Palsgrove W J Haas George Heisler William J Dobbins James B Levan Daniel Dreher William Weaver William C Guldin William Kramer John Jones Lewis G Wunder Henry S Spot well John H Guertler Philip Boyer Charles Cantner Henry Kauffman Daniel Lavenberg Jacob FuUerton Place of Nativity. Philadelphia city Longford co Ireland Cavan co do Do do Do do Do do Schuylkill co Do DoDo Berks co Do Do Wilkesbarre Philadelphia CarlisleBerks co Do Lancaster co Monmouthshire S Waks Berks co Montgomery co Berks co Sunbury Schuylkill co Lehigh co Kutztown Berks co Schuylkill co Berks co Do Schuylkill co Do Germantown Philada co Philadelphia Basle Switzarland Schuylkill co Do Do Do Chester co 526 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence— Schuylkill Haven. Place of Nativity, James E Murray Chester co D H Stager Schuylkill co Edward H Wheeler Philadelphia Flavel Roan Nor humberland co William Reber Schuylkill co Jonathan Heisler Do George Dillman Do F W Snyder Do Nathan S Hardenstine Montgomery co Robert Bass Ramsey England Charles ChrisJ Reading D D Lewis (Waterloo locks)Bucks co Llewellyn. Thomas Williams Pembrokeshire S Wales James Rovve Do do Edmund Holt Lancastershire Eng Henry Bresler Pinegrove tp Schuylkill co Amos Riegel Lykens tp Dauphin co Frederick Longaback Coventry tp Chester co Wm Hoch Wayne tp Schuylkill co Jacob Hime jr Do do Samuel Reed Pinegrove tp do Joseph Cockill Philadelphia county John Koch Manheim tp Schuylkill co Robert John Pembrokeshire S Wales Thomas B Abbot Esq Berks co Watkin Reynon Glamorganshire S Waks James Andrews Monmouthshire do Jon Thomas Carmarthenshire do David Thomas Do do John Rodgers Monmouthshire do Thomas Davis Do do James Walker Kilkenny Ireland Damon Schrop Wayne tp Schuylkill co Francis Spencer Yorkshire Eng Jacob Scherman Berks now Schuylkill co Costerville. James Love Glasgow Scotland Abraham Bitten Monmouthshire S Wales John Evans Do do Alired Ford Gloucestershire Eng SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 527 Residence — Costerville. Mrs Emma Britten Abraham Ayres John Lazarus Solomon George Lewis Lewis Mrs Elizabeth Britten Joseph Swanson Griffith Williams David Jones William Meling Mordecai Powell Forrestville and Branch Salathiel Harris Gavin McCully David Glover David Conway Wm R Thomas Goodman Dolban John Davis Edward Prossar Thomas Brown Thomas Evans Robert Purslow John Jones Wm Thomas Francis Sankey Hugh McCloskey Samuel Green John Dallon West-West. Rev Daniel Rees Morgan Williams Wm Davis Howel Jappeys John Price David Webber Joseph Evans Robert Hufman John Mason Joseph Watts Charles Hofman Place of Nativity. Gloucestershire England Devonshire Eng Do do Northampton co Monmouthshire S Waks Peyca do Cumberland co Eng Brecknockshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Ireland Monmouthshire S Waks Township. Cornwall co Eng Ayreshire Scotland Do do Do do Monmouthshire S Wales Dembighshire N Wales Glamorganshire S Waks Brecknockshire do Shropshire England Do do Do do Glamorganshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Shropshire Eng Tyrone co Ireland Staffordshire Eng West Meath co Ireland Glamorganshire S Wales Do do Monmouthshire do Glamorganshire do Do do Do do Bedfordshire Eng Berks co Gloucestershire Eng Durham co do Berks co 528 subscribers' names. Residence — West- West. John Gable Thomas George William Whitehead Peter Franck John Davis George Stall John Tonkin Lawrence Chadwick John May Thomas Kenny Hugh Murry Peter Murry Evan Evans Wm Jones Thomas Davis James Bryant Timothy Conlon Samuel Bush Benjamin Lee Othniel Geiger Wm Huffman Solomon Hass Jacob Britton Solomon McKinney West Wood. John Spencer Thomas Jones Wm Price Samuel Gillingham Wm Thomas Mrs Catharine Pugh John Oagers Mrs Sarah Wilde Miss Sarah Hardy Wilke Joseph Wilde Richard Heath Wm Carlyon Nicholas Thomas James Parr Charles Surrick Jonathan Wasley Place of Nativity. Schuylkilf co Monmouthshire S Waks Lancastershire Eng Lehigh co Staffordshire Eng GermanyCornwall Eng Lancaster co Eng Cornwall Eng Galway co Ireland Rothergon Scotland Antrim co Ireland Glamorganshire S Wales Carmarthenshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Gloucestershire Eng Mayo co Ireland Gloucestershire Eng Lancaster co do Berks co Do Shamokin North'd co Schuylkill co Berks co Yorkshire Eng Glamorganshire S Wales Brecknockshire do Philadelphia co Carmarthenshire S Waks Shropshire Eng Cornwall do Yorkshire do Delaware co Yorkshire Eng Gloucester co Eng Cornwall co Eng Do do Lancastershire do Berks co Cornwall Eng subscribers' names. 529 5tesidence — West- Wood. Samuel G Dobbin Samuel Simms George Heafield John Cerbey John Parry Llewelyn Evans Richard Dennis John Philips Philip Detrich McKeansburg. Jacob F Freichler M D Lewis Dreher Dewald H Poff Joshua Boyer Benneville Medler Norwegian Township. Elias Reed (Engineer) Samuel Foulds Abraham Horn David Brown William Beadle Jacob G Krieger Michael Gaghan John L Beadle Edmund Richardson Edward Pugh John Dixon William Hoolef George Sidgwick iEvan F Lloyd Patrick F McAndrews Samuel Zimmerman John Reed Stephen Barnes Thomas Lewis (Engineer) Chas Reed Thomas Rees Daniel Morgan (Engineer) Mark Hadley John Woodhouse H2 Place of Nativity. Burlington co N J Denbighshire Eng Do do Schuylkill co Brecknockshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Cornwall co Eng Do do Schuylkill co' Bucks co Schuylkill co Berks co Schuylkill co Do Schuylkill co Dembighshire Eng Berks co Northumberland co Eng Durham co Eng Northumberland co Kings co Ireland Durham co Eng Philadelphia co Gloucestershire -Eng Lancastershire do Do do Durham co do Pembrokeshire S Wales Mayo co Ireland Lancaster co Schuylkill co PhiladelphiaMonmouthshire S Wales Schuylkill co Pembrokeshire S Wales Monmouthshire d© Bristol Eng -Staffordshire Eng 530 subscribers' names. Residence — Norwegian Tp. Place of Nativity. David Powell (Engineer) Wm Taylor Stephen O'Hara Wm Davis Isaac Williams Edward Hopkins Edward Llewellyn Thomas Jenkins Emanuel Kerbert William Watkins Samuel Tiley Joseph Bateman Rollins' Colliery. Thomas Wigam Thomas Young George Geiger West Branch Valley. A A Clarkson Alfred DeForest jr Charles W Hill Henry. Roehrig George Dengler Rev George Jennings Benj Kantner Charles B DeFowest Geo Payne Benj M Lewis George Markle Wm S Hill City of Philadelphia. Z Prall M D A Steinberger M D Samuel Laird Esq W W Causkr Wm A Barnes Thomas Marris Esq Charles Miller Esq Walter Patterson Edw J Clause S L Hughes N Lazarus T N Buck Esq Brecknockshire S Wales Somersetshire Eng Ireland Glamorganshire S Wales Do do Do do Monmouthshire do Do do Do do Radnorshire do Somersetco England Do do England Do Columbia eo PhiladelphiaNew York Do France Schuylkill co> Philadelphia Berks co New York Ireland Berks co Schuylkill co New York City- New Jersey Lehigh co Glasgow Scotland! Philadelphia city Tyrone Ireland Bucks co Philadelphia co Do Philadelphia Bucks co Philadelphia Bridgeton N SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES; 531 Residence — W. Brunswick Tp. Place of Nativity. Gabriel Bertho Berks co Abraham Moyer Do Samuel Blackburn Donegal Ireland Charles Kramer Schuylkill co Bernard Bannon Caven co Ireland Samuel B Medler Schuylkill co James Price Esq Philadelphia Daniel Dreher Schuylkill co East Brunswick Township Jonathan Yost Montgomery co Charles Dreher Schuylkill co Wm B Kershner Do John Seltzer Berks co Simon Morberger Schuylkill co John Raush Do Charles Focht Do S B Merkel Berks co Christian Koch jr Schuylkill co Israel Stamer Do Bernard Koch Do Jonas Bach Do Charles Koch Do Peter Sterner Berks co Jacob G Stewart Concord N H Peter Jones Berks co Wm H Hill Do William Back Do Geo Focht Schuylkill co Port Clinton. Jacob Casper Germany George Wiggan England Gabriel Metz Schuylkill co John Philipson Durham co Eng Reuben R Binder Montgomery co Hiram Royer Berks co Wm Moyer Do George Bond Warwickshire Ei John K Siegfried Berks co Martin Hummel Schuylkill co Geo Heebnir Chester co Jonas K Siegfried Schuylkill co 532 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence — Port Clinton. Reuben Sands Wm Provins James Elliott Geo W Reifsnyder Peter Matteson Wm Acker Thomas Acker J McCordy (Reading) Milton Nice (Hamburg) J Weidman (Shoem'rsville) Schuylkill Forge. John Sehall Esq Peter Boner Michael Hartman John Gibson David Major Lewietown. Stephen Ringer Esq Lehigh co Frederick Dreher (House)Schnylkill co J Seitzinger (Broad Mount Do J Fetter (Sugarloaf Luz co)Berks co John Fliek (Mauch Chunk)Northampton eo Manheim Township. John Bernheisel Levi Arnold John Maurer Daniel Bartolet John Strauch George Kushner Wm Minnich L Beyel (Waterloo locks) Place of Nativity. Northampton co Tyrone co Ireland Donegal co do Schuylkill co Berks co Do Lehigh co Berks county Lehigh co Berks co Oley tp Berks co Do Do Maryland Chester co Schuylkill co Luzerne co Berks co Do Do Schuylkill co Pottsville do Elsez France Chas Dengkr ( do Hotel) Montgomery co Benjamin Helbert John Deatrich Samuel Smith Wm Heffner (Lewisport) John Duncan (Lancaster) Wm Stephenson (Barry tp) Durham co Eng A H Wilson ( do ) Columbia co G Lewis (Shickshinny Pa) Tempkton Pemb'k shire S W Rockland tp Berks eo Reading Berks co Coventry Chester co Schuylkill co Lancaster Ohio SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 533 Residence— Manheim Tp. D Schellhammer (Luz co) James Kestei- ( do ) Pine Grove. William Spangler Vincent L Conrad John Strimpfler Esq David Lomison Wrilliam H Reinochl Jacob March James Greager Geo W Hain David Greenawalt John Kitzmiller P M Jacob Huber Peter Filbert Samuel Guss Esq Henry Wde John A Bechde Esq WiUiam P Kendall William Bower John Snyder William Forrey Levi Miller Daniel G Kutz John F Derby George Lauigan George Schartel K Robinson M D Jacob Christ M D Benjamin Sadder V D M John E Fertig Lewis Lahr John Werntz Henry Werntz Lewis Reeser William Gorgas Frederick Krecker V D M Henry Shantz Raymond Ongst Joseph H Weaver Reuben H Stees Place of Nativity. Columbia co Luzenrne co Reading Berks co Pinegrove Schuylkill co Langansalza Germany- Columbia co Lebanon co Chester co Berks co Do Lebanon co Franklin co Lebanon co Berks co Do Do Do DoDo Schuylkill co Womelsdorf Berks co Lancaster co Wayne tp Schuylkill co Albany co X Y Philadelphia city Pinegrove tp Schuylkill co Lancaster co ReadingBaltimore Md Wayne tp Schuylkill co Do do Lancaster co Do Berks co Lancaster co Philadelphia Lebanon Lebanon co Pinegrove Schuylkill co Lebanon co Middleburg Union co 534 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — Pine Grove. John Hoch Joseph Horn George Trostel John Guyder Mount Pero Furnace. James Betz Wm Russel Isaac Trion Wm Posey Wm Maybury Swatara Furnace. George Betz Solomon A Philips- Philip Umberger George Herman J B Brower Wm B Walton Jacob Focht John Kline Daniel Nogle Tremont. John Bonwitz Mahlon McLaughland Samuel Hippie Wm Foust Donaldson. Henry Lomison James M Clark Joseph Bodenstine Lorberry Mines. Boric Meek Samuel Foust Wm Netherwood Morgan Lewis Wm Wigham Timothy Murphy Joseph Powell Samuel Warren Edward Neal Michael Duffy Place of Nativity. Lebanon co Berks co Lebanon co Chester co Berks co Chester co Newmanstown Lebanon co New Jersey Montgomery co Newmanstown Berks co Lancaster co Dauphin co Luzerne co Berks co Do Do Spickern Erance York co Womelsdorf Berks co Danville Columbia co Landisburg Perry co Montgomery co Columbia co Ontario co N Y Halifax Dauphin co Chester co Montgomery ,co Mirfield England Monmouthshire S Wales Northumberland co Eng Cork co Ireland Radnorshire S Waks Northampton co Eng Lancaster co New York city SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 535 Residence — Lorberry Mines. Jacob Wemtz Henry James Jacob Bickelman Griffin Slack Wayne Township. John Hummel J L Riland Thomas Acka Jacob N Fertig Henry Daniels Jacob F Faust Jacob Mennig Esq George P Shall Daniel Fritz Joseph Berger Nathan Levy Isaac Dengler Daniel F Berger Wm F Berger Wm Wagner (W Brunsw' Heckshnville. Saml Keech Timothy Hollahan John O' Bryen John Dalrymple Andrew Foulds Patrick Brennan Hugh Doolay Thomas Wright John Abling Jacob Kohler Thomas Morgan John Scott Duncan Weir Martin Boyle Weaverstown. Elias Hughs David Evans Griffith George John Griffith Place of Nativity. Lancaster co Cornwall co England Saarbrack co Prussia Derbyshire England Schuylkill co Near Norristown Montgom co Manheim tp Schuylkill co Wayne tp do Berks co Branch tp Schuylkill co Lancaster co Schuylkill co Pinegrove tp Schuylkill co Manheim do Northwhitehall Lehigh co N Hanover tp Montgom co Manheim tp Schuylkill co Do do k)Berks co Lancaster co Cork co Ireland Queens co do Campsie co Scotland Renfrewshire do Kilkenny co Ireland Queens co do Kilkenny co do Oley tp Berks co Do do Monmouthshire S Wales Northumberland co Eng Muirkirk Ayrshire Scotland Newport R I Monmouthire S Wales Glamorganshire S Waks Carmarthenshire do Monmouthshire do 536 subscribers' names. Residence — Weaverstown. Place of Nativity. James Atkinson Durham co England John Conway Ayrshire Scotland James Lightfoot (Otto tract)Staffordshire Potteries Eng Lewellen. Wm Pugh Wm Partridge Wm Robson Edw Robson Joshua Simpkins Lelah S Brock Wm Robins West Wood. John Ferrill John Nicholas Richard Trezise John Beacham Stephen Carrall Mackeysburg. Thomas Cowan Charles Wesner Coal Castle. Michael Sandojr Michael Sando sr ¦ Pottsville. John H Rohrer F B Nichols Miss Hannah Maria Kelly Isaac T Hedden Jabez Sparks John Smith Isaac C Hopper John Johnson Joseph Allison jr Joseph T Davis Daniel Hollen Pottsville Library Brickonshire England Shropshire do Sheffield do Yorkshire do New Jersey Orange co N Y Northumberland ca Cornwall co England Do do Do do Somersetshire do Galway co Ireland Sterlingshire Scotland New Jersey Devonshire Eng Cornwall co do Mobile Alabama Pottstown Montgomery co Womelsdorf Berks co Essex co N J Glamorganshire South Wales Barmly Lancastershire Eng Hemlock tp Columbia co Fifeshire Scotland Durham co Eng Carmarthenshire S Wales Hamburg Berks co Founded about 12 years since subscribers' names. 537 CARBON COUNTY. Residence— Mauch Chunk. Place of Nativity. John Flick Silas Soloman Stephen L Connor Thomas R Crillin Jesse Blair Robert H Layre Major J H Bishop E A Douglass Engineer A Lockhart John Walton Geo W Dodson Teacher J T Dodson Esq Rev W Bishop O H Wheeler Esq L D Knowles Wm H Butler Esq J H Leiwers Teacher John Mears Wm H Fisher Samuel B Hutchison Jonathan Fincher George Weiss A L Foster Cornelius Conner John Fatzinger Esq Hon Asa Packer Conrad Miller Geo W Masser M D Asa R Vannerman Justus Gould Jno D Thompson M D Robert Batler Esq Simon Bitting William Williams Hiram Wolf Nothampton co Hacketstown N Y Duches co N Y Liverpool Eno- Wilksbarre Columbia co Easton Rensalaer co N Y Luzerne co Carbon co Luzerne co Carbon co Worcester co Md Galway N Y Columbia co Montgomery co Md St Johns W Indies PhiladelphiaColumbia co Northampton co Columbia co Luzerne co Hampshire co Mass Catskill N Y Allentown Northampton co N Loudon co Ct Northampton co Sunbury Northumberland cr> Mt Bethel Northampton co Luzerne co Meadham Morris co N J Columbia co Montgomery co Columbia co Carbon co 538 -subscribers names. Residence — Mauch Chunk. Place of Nativity. John P Offerman Alexander Steadman James McGill Lewis Stiernagle Moses Farray Mark Heath Richard Blay WW Smith John Beihge Wm Muio Jacob S Wallace Esq William Butler Anemon Klotz Joseph Butler Nicholas Balliet Thomas Sheeker Benjamin Hamilton Peter Conner N M Groover James McKeen jr Esq Capt Abraham Harris Jacob Strauss Israel Beahm Maj Robert Klotz Wm De Frehn Hiram Wolfinger Wm H Jones Joseph Collins James Lyon Joseph Porter Wm Moore James Moore Samuel Hyndman Michael Kelly Elias Cremer Lewis Beer Ira Cortright Thomas M Drake M D Philip Mauk Abraham Andres George Kriner Philadelphia city Do do Berks co Hesse Darmstadt Germany Donegal co Ireland Hunterdon co N J Thames Oxfordshire Eng Hunterdon co N J Northampton co Chester co Easton Columbia co Carbon co Columbia co Carbon co Do Frankford Philada co Catskill N Y Rutland co Vt Atlantic Ocean Chestnut Hill Philada co Do do Northampton co Carbon co Orwigsburg Schuylkill co Monroe co New Castle co Del Gloucester co N J Londonderry co Ireland Do do Do do Do do Do do Cavan co do Trenton N J Northampton co Luzerne co Wyoming Valley Luz co Northampton co Berks co Schuylkill co subscribers' names. 539 Residence — Mauch Chunk. Place of Nativity. Amos Stroh Stephen Tuttk John Varner John Messinger Samuel Bogert jr Hugh Maser Charles Roth Jacob Saudel John Painter Charles Snyder Sheriff Josiah Horn Lewis D West G W Simpson George Kisner Daniel Olewine Abiel Dodson Capt Ezra Dodson Benjamin Mitchell James Line Samuel Alden Patrick Keely Wm Oakey Andrew Brown Frederick Shobart James Savage Levi Miner John Branden N D Cortright Abraham Focht Jeremiah Andreas Stephen Balliett John W Pryer John Pryer Robert Wallace Nehemiah Enbody George Shadel Col John Lentz Thomas Boyl Michael Farrell Timothy Sulivan M E Ebert Ezeikel Scott Columbia co Susquehanna co Carbon co Luzerne co Northampton co Do Salisbury Lehigh co Do do Sunbury Northumberland eo Carbon co Do Chester co Philadelphia Columbia co Carbon co Luzerne co Do Philadelphia co Luzerne co Do Do Wyoming co Pittston Luz co Luzerne co Bloomsburg Berks co Luzerne co Do Schuylkill co Carbon co Do Beaver co Bucks co Easton Berwick Columbia co Luzerne co Lehigh co Donegal co Ireland Meath co do Cork do Fort Minden Prussia Londonderry Ireland 540 subscribers' names. Residence— Mauch Chunk. Place of Nativity. George Dink Bairen Germany George Knickerbocker Dutchess co N Y Josiah White Erskine Haz- "l zaru ireorge rann (the first white man 1 """¦ ^-Mauch Chunk som | in Mauch Chunk) J Beaver Meadow. Hopkin Thomas Glamorganshire S Wales William Thomas Do do Capt A H Vancleve Hunterdon co N J W B Wilson Luzerne co John Vogle Do Abraham Cool P M Do Abraham T Hunlock Do George H Dougherty jr Northumberland co Samuel M Wilson Nontgomery co R M Stanbury M D New York city N R Penrose Bucks co Jacob Horn Northampton co Samuel S Stadan Columbia co Henry Hoover Montgomery co Jonas Beltz (Engineer) Carbon co J R Freining Bucks co John Smith sr Paris France John Johnson Denmark John Martin Roscommon co Ireland John Eynon Pembrokeshire S Wales Thomas B Daniels Glamorganshire do Evan Phillips do do Jonah Rees Swansey do Jenkins Reynolds Do do Rees Leyson Brecknockshire do Wm Thomas Do do Thomas Bond Near Loutham Warwicks Eng Stephen Smith S Shields North'd co Eng Terrance Brady Cavan co Ireland Michael Brady Do do John Beaylis Monmouthshire S Wales Patrick M Hugh Cavan co Ireland John Llewellyn Monmouthshire S Wales Wm Watkins Do do subscribers' names. Residence — Beaver Meadow. Place of Nativity. 541 T H McCurley Esq A Hamburger Esq A McCracken Geo Brader John J Kinsey Ghristian Hess Stephen Sybert Jonas Battenbender Daniel Smith Thomas Cawley Charles Hains Jas Triesbauch (Engineer) Wm Reiley Michael Boyle John Sherdon Patrick McCarty Edward Mulharend James Evans James Fitzgerald Samuel Evans John Reed John Kearney Thomas Haley Wm Cumiskey John McCarner John Reynolds Thomas Reynolds Richard Williams Wm Edwards John Watkins David Watkins Wm Muir Robert Preston Charles Brittain jr Wm Price Simon Lutz John Lomison Patrick Birmingham Matthew Donaho Thomas Karan James Brady Milton North'd co Bavaria Germany L Mt Bethel Northampton co Bethelahem tp do Easton do Moore tp do Salem tp Luzerne co Nescopeck tp do Sugarloaf tp do Do do Sinking Springs Berks co Easton Cavan co Ireland Do do Do do Kildeayr do Donegal co do Monahon co do Queens co do Monahan co do Antrim co do Mayo co do Meath co do Longford co do Monahan co do Glamorganshire S Wales Do do Do do Carmarthenshire do Monmouthshire do Do do Kilmarnock Ayrshire Scotland Yorkshire Eng Sussex co N J Plainfield tp Northampton co Columbia co Easton Killdare co Ireland Cavan co do Do do Do do 542 subscribers names. Residence — Beaver Meadow. Wm McCulloch Alexander Moaa Abraham Skelton Wm Skelton Capt Wm R McKean John Totten James Long James Vaughan Hazleton. Patrick Reily Patrick Higgins Michael Garrit W A Stubbs P M Thomas Wandle Lanning Blackwell John Shreck John Charles John W West Thomas Vogle Abraham Jones T Evans (Machinist) James James (Engineer) Levi Jones Jabez Phillips Lewis Lewis John Roberts Thomas Jones Owen Gorman (Machinist) James Patterson Samuel Gordon James Hunter Robert Boston Robert Wray A Ketcham Wm Frace Adam Winters Henry Finney Adam Stare (Engineer) Peter K Snyder George Brown John W Baylor Place of Nativity. Limerickshire Scotland Douglas Renfrews'r do Staffordshire England Do do Philadelphia Quaker Valley Carbon co Mauch Chunk Monmouthshire S Wales West Maid co Ireland Londonderry co do Mayo co do Huntingdon tp Luzerne co Plymouth tp do Wilkesbarre do Dauphin co Northampton co Hunterdon co N J Monmouthshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Do do Do do Do do Monmouthshire do Do do Do do Carmarthenshire do Monahan co Ireland Dumbartonshire Scotland Down co Ireland Ayrshire Scotland Glasgow do Newton Cunning'm eo Ireland Wyoming Valley EastonCarbon co Whitemarsh Montgomery co Luzerne co Montgomery co Northampton co Boston Mass subscribers: names. 54£ Residence — Hazleton. Adam Scherer Samuel Shingler E P Beers (Teacher) Wrm Henry Lewis Blackwell Benediah Pratt A B Cook Peter Stare jr (Engineer) Stephen Oxrider Paul Horn Conrad Horn Esq Summit Hill. N Patterson Geo H Davis Esq James McLean jr D P Knowles Solomon Brvfogk D B Broadhead David Ginter F Weiss (Gen'l Surveyor) Col Thos Broderick John Stuart George Adams (Teaeher) Thomas Wilson John Yates Paul James Moon Hugh Boyle Jas Broderick Charles Hazlett John Delay John Ryan James Denton John P Jones John Roberts Daniel Jones Edward Roberts David Morgan Wm Morgan Elijah Williams Col Chas Cadogan B Rush McConnel M D Place- of Nativity. Bloomsburg Warren co N J Sussex co N J Warren co do Nescopeck tp Luz co Luzerne co Columbia co Luzerne co Do Do Carbon co Do Wyoming Valley Luz co Churehtown Lancaster co Carbon co Columbia co Carbon co Pike co W Penn tp Schuylkill co Carbon co Londonderry Ireland Antrim co do Kilkenny co do Londonderry do> Do do Do do Donegal do Londonderry co do Do do Kilkenny co do Do do New York city Flintshire N Wales Carnarvonshire N Wales Do do Dombieshire d o Brecknockshire S Waks Glamorganshire do Wayne co N Y Blakely Gloucester Eng Philadelphia 544 subscribers names. Residence — Summit Hill. John Wintersteen Rev A G Harned Charles O Smith Wm Fleming Michael Leonard Hugh Tolan Henry McGinley Matthew Dougherty Wm Ryan Patrick Ryan James Hamilton Wm McHugh Edward Brislin Timothy McGinty Edward Kelly James Steel Robert Dunlap Martin Adams Wm Fargey Benjamin Mnrphy Patrick Ripp Lesley Delyon Joseph Walker John Gage John Spence Robert McCook John Clark Thomas Allen Michael Brady Levi Smith Nesquehoning, Henry Meyers (Teacher) Wm J Harlan D L Obitz Samuel Kcenig Francis Swartz Wm Briggs Michael Wilhelm Holden Chester George Zeigenfus Elias Henry Place of Nativityi. Sussex co N J Philadelphia New York Queens county Ireland Cavan co do Donegal co do Do do Londonderry co do Kilkenny co do Do do Donegal co do Do do Do do Do do Do do Antrim co do Do do Do do Tyrone co do Dumbo co do Mayo co do Londonderry co do Do do Do do Do do Do do Do do Do do Do do Lehigh co Broome co N Y Susquehanna co Northampton co Carbon co Bucks co Columbia co Northampton co Cumberland co Bucks co Schuylkill co subscribers' names. -54.1 Residence — Nesquehoning. Place of Nativity. Jacob Yeager John Lewis Dennis McElear Thomas Karr Andey McCabe Edward McDonald Patrick Cassady Andrew Hand Francis Sweeny James McCabe Daniel Fisher Thomas McKinnes George Ratcliff George Sherry Archer Harris Rees Price James Codington Wm Bradwell Thomas Miller Zarrobabel Thomas Samuel Marsden John Warwick Geo Parlmley - James Lewis John Harris David Mathews James Llewellyn Thomas Prothro Herbert Lewis Leyshon Thomas Thomas Philip Thomas Palmer Owen Garraghan Michael McDonald Philip Dolan Luke Farley Patrick Fitzpatrick Hugh Reily Robert B ranker Terence Dolan Patrick McLaughlin 12 Lehigh co Primrose Hill Sehuylkill co Londonderry Ireland Louth co do Cavan co do Do do Do do Do do Donegal co do Monaghan co do Donegal co do Sterlingshire Scotland Nottinghamshire Eng Sussex co N J Warren co do Monmouthshire S Wales Do Eng Durham co England Sheffield, Yorkshire do Monmouthshire do Derbyshire do Westmoreland co do Derham co do Brecknockshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Glamorganshire do . Carmarthenshire do Monmouthshire do Do do (Welsh Bard) Monmouthshire S Wales Somersetshire Eng Cavan co Ireland Do do Do do Do do Do do Do do Do do Do dc Longford co «k 546 SUBSCEIBEKS' KAMES. Residence — Nesquehoning. Place of Nativity. James McGee Cornelius Meighen Michael O'Hagen Francis Dermot John Homes James Clark John Robb John Malone Robert McCallister Mrs Elizabeth Abbot Robert Eddie Samuel Southall Wm Horn John McDermitt Richard M Hacket Charles May Bernard Tarleton Richard Pearcel James J Heatherby John Thomas John Rees Chas Williams Moses Sweazley Lehighton. Peter Bowman P M Jonas Bowman Thomas Kemerer Nathan Evert Charles Patterson Charles Keyser M D Nathan Clause Jonathan Haintz Stephen Kistler H Morganroth Michael Petit Geo Rothstein Philip But Wm H Welsh Charles G Bower Jacob E H«r»t Donegal co Ireland Do do Londonderry co do Monaghan co do Donegal co do Louth co do Donegal eo do Tyrone co do Antrim co do Derbyshire England Ranfrewshire Scotland Staffordshire Eng New York city Orange co N Y Coventry city Eng Monaghan co Ireland Kings co do Maid co do Glasgow Scotland Glamorganshire S Wales Do do Monmouthshire England Hunterdon co N J Carbon co Do Do Do Easton Newed on the Rhine Lehigh co Do Do Meramelsdorf Germany Burlington co N J Freedheim Germany Stroudsburg Monroe co Northampton co 'Jnion tp Berks r-n SUBSCRIBERS names. 547 Hesidence — Mahoning Valley*. Place of Nativity. Alex H C Boyer (Teacher) State of Delaware John Derr Lehigh co Daniel Hontz Do Jno Horn Esq Do Joshua Haupt Do Wm Kemmerer Carbon co Lewis Hanly Do Geo Kemmerer Do A Klotz Do Daniel J Yost Schuylkill co Septgrnus Hough Bucks co East Penn Township, Pennsville. Jacob Dinkey 'Esq Northampton' co Rev E August Bauer Waybach Germany Chas Dinkey P M Carbon co Oliver Musselman Do S Balliet Lehigh co Isaac Denglar Berks co , Jacob Heister (West Petrrf ) Reading B Walton (Union Farm) Carbon co C Hoffman ( do ) Bucks co A Balliet (E Penn tp) Carbon co Parryville. John Jarrard Warren co N J James Anthony P M Northampton co Wm Anthony Do Lower Towamensing Township. John Bowman Carbon co Henry Bowman jr Do Dennis Bowman Do David Bowman Esq Do Thomas Stroup Do Theo Kemmerer Do Isaac Lower Allentown Weissport. Alex Lentz N W Hall Lehigh co €has C German M D Berks co Josiah W Rueh Carbon co Daniel Herberling Esq Allen tp Northampton co Benj F Klepingar Do do 548 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence — Maria Iron Works. Place of Nativity. Saml B Finch Esq Godfrey Laury Danl Kemmerer M Seyfert John Boyer James Wilson Rockport. Adam Shoemaker Andrew Bernhard Nathan Vanhorn Thomas Jenkins M Gangeware Jacob McFane Jesse Gangeware J E Vanhorn Obed McMartrie Authur Smith Michael Carrol Conrad Heinser Clifton. Wm Evans Philip Walters Joshua D Evans John Thomas George King Jonathan Smith Jas Lomison jr Geo W Stackhouse Joshua Heil Wm Guin Hugh Coningham Dennis Carroll Timothy Duekeran Daniel Shafer Solomon Washborne- Samuel Heins Edward Herbert David Philips , Jonathan Jones James Jenkins Cumberland co Lehigh co Monroe co Berks co Northampton co Tyrone co Ireland Monroe co Northumberland co Union tp Luzerne co Do do Schuylkill co Columbia co Allentown Luzerne co Warren co N J Monaghan co Ireland Queens co do Germany Monmouthshire S Wales- Pembrokeshire do Brecknockshire do Glamorganshire do Glasgow Scotland S Shields North'd co Eng Luzerne co Columbia co Carbon co Limerick co Ireland Loft co do Monaghan co do Queens co do Northampton co Luzerne co Do Glamorganshire S Wales? Pembrokeshire do Denbighshire N Wales Gloucestershire Ens SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 54 f» Residence — Penn Haven. Jesse D Cortright Amos McNeal Andrew McNeal Joseph Anderson Peter McMaster AVeatherly. Amos Dodson Esq Peter Wildonner Stephen Koons George Stahr Peter Rerick jr Solomon Nangesser Lafayette Shorlock Rice Thomas T Williams (Machinist) Sugar Loaf Mines, Luzerne County Place of Nativity. Luzerne co Do Do Down co Ireland Lanarkshire N Britain Luzerne co Do Do Do Lehigh co Easton Mt Bethel Northampton eo Glamorganshire S Wales Do do Robort Hutchison Thomas Weir Robert Johnson Robert Campbell George Campbell Isaac Smith John English Philip Morgan James Connel Asahel Shipman Peter R Dickerson Charles Neyer Allen Vanhorn Renfrewshire Scotland Do do Dumfrieshire do Kilmarnock Ayrshire Scotland Do do do Wicklow co Ireland Pictore Nova Scotia Monmouthshire S Wales Sidney Cape Breton Morris co N J Do do Oenabruck Germany Columbia co J Gombar (E Sugar Loaf) Lehigh co Huntingdon Township, Luzerne County. John Shevely H M Schwenk Geo Bowman Vieivious Dodson Nathan Stiles E J Earls Silas Dodson Esq Wm Tyerman Union co Montgomery co Columbia co Schuylkill co Luzerne co Do DoDe 350 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Residence — Huntingdon, L. co. Place of Nativity. Ezra Chapin Luzerne co Col James Tubbs Do B D Koons Do John Dodson 2d Do Abraham Vanhorn Do Nathan Dodson Do Jesse Rogers Wilkesbarre Daniel Stiles • Do Win Betterly Columbia co John Yaple Do Rev Elias Dodson Northampton co John Dodspn Esq Do Joseph Rhoads Do Peter Brink New Jersey J Westover Massachusetts J Larsh (Fountain Spring) Northampton co D Christ (Reading) Reading J C Hughes (BigMount'n) Columbia co D Williams (Roaring creek)NewjYork David Evans do Glamorganshire S Wales John D Razor (Cattawissa) Northumberland co D S Teets (Monture) Columbia co A Love (Bloomsburg) Manor co Ireland J M Haycock (Rohrsburg) Columbia co C W Fartner do Sussex N J J McClure do Luzerne co J H Heslet (Adison) Columbia co Wm Johnson do Do Reuben Mavis (Wash'ton) Northampton co J Heberling (Cridersvilk) Do J Fetter (Sugar Loaf) Schuylkill co •¦