HISTOEY 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. Oompiled from various authentic sources BY I. DANIEL -lUi-P;; .. ' '. 1 ~. . Author of " Der Maertyrer Geschichte," " He l*aed. Ekklesia," &c. &c, kc. ice. Published and sold \ ' ' BY G. HILLS, PROPRIETOR, J.AWCASTER, PA. HARRISBURG : HICKOK AND CANTINE, PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 1845. 1? 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 et 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 of the 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. ■ 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 : TheMSS. Provincial Records, Reports, Letters, in the office of the Secretary of Slate, 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 Adverti- ser, Hall and Seller's Pennsylvania Gazette — besides many others noticed in the body of the work. Numerous are the works drav/n 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 enconiura 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 PREFACE, 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 unremit- ted diligence to the present moment. It was the gath- ering of the material that gave me the most trouble." Well might the writer be allowed to complain. To collect materials, and prepare a book of between five and six hundred pages for press, gave him much trouble. In view of these difficulties attending his compilation, he would claim the indulgence of the reader — and with these facts before him, the good natured critic, it is believed, will have some compas- sion upon the compiler, and remember that, " Jn m,anchem sind Unvolkommenheilen.'^ 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. Lowryand Col. Cunningham, from the Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania ; 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 : Kayugas — Taasquah, or King Charles. Senegas — Tawanah, or the big tree. MuNsiEs — Mytakaioha, 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 seUle 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 eoncerning the Germans ; Germans numerous in North- ampton, Schuylkill, &c. — p. 6 — 12. CHAPTER HI. 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 Webh arrive in 1698 ; few Welsh settled X CeNTKNTS. in Northampton ; many Welsh in the coal regions ; Lord's 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 the first Grand Inquest; Supervisors; Constables; town- ships organized prior to 1763 ; mills before the county erected. — p. 17 — 23. CHAPTER VI. Present Limits, &c. of the County ; limits iic. ; number of acres; physical appearance of the county ; Little Gap ; Wind Gap ; Delaware Water Gap ; Delaware river, p. 34 — 30. CHAPTER Vn. Easton, Early History of, &c. ; Easton ; councils held at Easton ; one in July, 1756 ; another in July, 1757 ; anotlier 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 Vni. Topography of Townships ; Upper Mount Bethel ; Centreville ; Williamsburg ; Dills Ferry ; Lower Mount CONTENTS. XI Bethel ; Richmond ; Flatfield ; Allen township ; Kreiders- ville ; Hauertown; Weaversbiirg ; 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; Hecktown ; Newburg; Upper Nazareth township; Nazareth; The Rose; Bethlehem township; Freemansburg ; Betlilehem ; Frieden-Huetten ; number of interesting letters, Sic. — p. 58 — 109. CHAPTER LX. 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 ; Snydersville ; 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; Mount Pleasant; Upper Saucon township; Freystown; Salisbury township; Emaus ; Northampton township ; Allentown ; freshets at Allentown ; Lehigh Port. — p. 125 — 144. CHAPTER XL Monroe County Organized, &c. ; Monroe county erected ; Stroud township , Stroudsburg ; Fort Hamilton ; disastrous flood ; Smithfield, or Lower Smitfield township ; XU CONTENTS. Dutotsburg; Craig's Meadow; Branchville ; Upper, or Middle Srnitlifield township ; Indian massacres; Coolbaiigh township ; Nagleville ; Spruce Grove; Saxville ; Toby- hanna township ; Great Swamp; Pokono township ; Bar- tonsville; 'i'annersville ; Chestniiihill township; Ross township; Wind Gap; Kunklesvilie ; Hamilton town- ship; Snydersville ; Keliersvill; Fennersville ; Saylorsville. p. 115—180. CHAPTER XII. Carbon County Erected, &c. ; Act for erection of county ; extracts from records of court; first Giand Jurors ; Attorneys at the first court; physical appearance of the county ; boundaries ; principal streams ; Lehigh river, its scenery, &c. ; number of townships. — p. 181 — 186. CHAPTER Xni. 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- honing; Lausanne township; Lawrytown ; Lockport ; (Jlifton ; Peiiii Haven ; Beaver Meadow ; Hazelton ; Banks township; Penn Forest township; Upper Towamensing township; Parrysville ; Weissport; Fort Allen, or New (inaden Iluelteu ; 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- Uightou ;. Gilbert and family abducted. — p. 186 — 238. CHAPTER L Schuylkill County Erected ; Tulpehocken lands ; petition to erect Berks ; Readingtown; Act of March lllh, 1752; Schuylkill county erected out of Berks and North- ampton, Marcli 1st, 1811 ; extracts of court records; At- torneys admitted at the lirst court ; townships ; constables j Grand Jurors. — p. 241 — 'a48» CONTENTS. XUl CHAPTER II. Topography, &c., of Townships; East Brunswick township; Port Clinton; Manheim township; Sehnylkill Haven ; Branch township; Minersville ; I/lewellyn; liOwer Mahanlango township ; Barry township; Pine Grove town- ship ; Pine Grove ; Swataraville ; Hush lownsliip ; Home ; Patterson; Tiiscarora ; Taniaqua; Schnylkill township; Louisburg ; Schuylkill valley ; Union township ; Upper Mahantango township; Zimmermanstown ; Wayne town- ship ; Frietlensburg; 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 1'829 ; in 1830; in 1831; present state of Pottsville, public buildings, &c. ; freshets at Pottsville in 1831 and 1841 ; Port Carbon ; Irishtown, Rhoadstown, liawtontovvn, Acretown and Young's Addition; Coaquennac ; St. Clair ; Coal Castle ; Mackeysville.— p. 248—297. CHAPTER III. History of Coal, &c. ; Early history of coal ; fust 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 tield; coal mining, Schuylkill valley district ; the Tusca- rora collieries ; Belmont collieries ; Kinsley's collieries ; Freeman's collieries ; Uren's collieries ; Thompson &; XIV CONTEKTTS. 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 & Go's collieries ; Port Carbon district; the Salem collieries ; Mill creek district; Ronaldson's colliery ; Rainbow collieries ; Sillyman >xtracts of the proceedings are given : '•At a court of our Lord the King, held at Easton for the county of Northampton, the 16th day of June, in the 'i'lth 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. '■• Jane 16, 1752, Lewis Gordon having presented liira- 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, V/'as allowed and ordered to be minuted. '• The petition of a number of the inhabitants settled on the back parts of Macoiijie, 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 INIiller, Paul Pollyard, (Balliot) Elias Painter, George Zewitz, Henry Hillman, George Cleim, David Geery, David Owen, Christopher Walbor, 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 OP 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. iVo/e — 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 2Gth year of our Sovereign Lord, George n, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, Ireland, &c., A. D. 1752, before Thomas Craig, Daniel Broadhead, Hugh Wilson, James JMartin, Aaron Depui, and John Venetta, Esqrs., of our Lord the King, the peace in said county to keep, &c., by conmiission, dated June 9, 1752. '' The Court being opened, the Sherilf, 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 Yenion. " A^o/e — Isaac Vancampcn, Benjamin Shoemaker, John Walker, John Cowken, summoned to serve on the Grand Inquest, made default in their appearan.ce. " The following persons were made Supervisors, viz : " Isaac Telb and Christian Crall, for Upper Milford ; James Cooker and Philip Sclilauge, for Lower Saucon ; Conrad Hess and PJiilip Podcwalder, for Williamton. "The following, constables, viz: " Thomas Clarke, for tlie Forks of Delaware ; Christian Newcomer, for Upper Saucon ; Joseph Olbert, for Ma- cunjie ; Michael HoJTman, for Egyi>ta ; Conrad Blose, for Heidelberg ; Adam Schuler, for Upper Milford ; David Bellman, for AUemengell ; Sanmel Bougher, for Lower Saucon; Michael Shoemaker, for WiiUamton; Jamos HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 23 Perry, for Bethlehem ; James Craig, for Allentowii ; Philip Trom, adjacent to Allentowii ; 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." i 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 Schuylkid ; but it was gradually reduced, as will appearin 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 ]3ethel, Forks, Williamstown, Salisbury, Upper Milford, Low Hill, INIacunjie, Allen, Plainfield, Easton, Lehigh, Upper Saucon, Lower Smithfield, Up- per Smithfield, Towaminsing, jNIoore, Bethlehem, Chest- nuthill, Hamilton, Northampton, Delaware, Pemi. The following mills had been built before the county was erected — Schujt^' mill, ',Bropi's, Samuel Depui's, Wilson's, Trucker's, Mayer'^s," Friedenthal's, George Sewitz', Frederick Isen's, John Jones'. CHAPTER YI. PRESENT LIMITS, &c. OF THE COUNTY. The limits of Northampton comity 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, 179S, Northampton had more than half of its territory " lopped off J' The act of 179S 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 tlie Lehigh, adjoining Luzern county." Li erecting Schitylkill county, according to an act passed March 1st, 1811, William Penn and Rush town- ships, of Northampton county, were separated from this county, and included within the bounds of Schuylkill. Like the farm of a lloman patriot, Northampton had to surrender territory for an entire county — Lehigh^ which was separated from Northampton by an act of Assembly passed March 6th, 1812. In 1836, according to an act passed in April of that year, another portion was taken from it to form Monroe county. And still another considerable portion was separated in 1S43 — "all that portion of Northampton which lies north of the ]31ue mountain," was taken to form part of Cay^hoji cowwXj. Its present area is about three hundred and seven if/ 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>jOOO. The county is divided into the following town^ HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 25 ships : Allen, Bethlehem, Bushkill, Forks, Hanover, Le- high, Lower Mount Bethel, Lower Nazareth, Moore, Plainfield, Saucon, Upper JVIonnt 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 Indmns Kau-ta-ti7i -chunk, I. e. the Main, or principal Motintain, 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 ivater gap, where the Delaware river passes through it ; the Wind gap, fifteen miles above tiie Delaware ; the Little gap, and the Lehigh ivater gap. The mountain is generally steep, rocky, unfit for cultivation, and not well timbered. A description of tliese 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. AVherever 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 ci'owned. The fev/ L'ish descendants remaining, differ here from that class of people elsewhere in the Statt . These are nearly all successful farmers. Mills of every description are abundant and convenient.* To return to the Gaps in the Kittatinny mountain : Tlie Little Gap, or '• Dei Kleine Kcift,'' or Smith's Gap, is between the Lehigh Water Gap and the Wind Gap. Die Wind Kaft, or the TVind 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 of the soil, &c., sec the description of the several towuships. 26 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. liavQ been the conjectures touching the cause of this notch, Tlie conjecture most prevalent as to tlie origin of tire Kdft, is, that it was caused by the Delaware river, where, as is supposed, it formed a lake behind the moun- tain, and may Imve opened a passage at the notcJi or gap. Those mahitahiing 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 somt! 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 ieet higher than it was in da}T? af yore, and this water may have been discharged, till the ice 3?'ielded, and suffered the river once more, and ever since, 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 tlioroughfare. The turnpike road passes tin'ough here. In the year 1774, Simon Tfeller, Casper Dull, Jonas llartzali, Adam Hublcr, Abraham Labor, and Adam Joke, were appointed to lay out a public road, or King's Jiighway, 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 daring 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 conjecturesas to the cause of this rent in the rocks — disarrangement of the rupic moun- tain mass. It is a stupendous work, and the " 7'ent " is cluism aticissini us. The estimated height of the mountains, on either side, is from 1500 to 1600 feet ; the width of the space between HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 2/ 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 tlic 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 o-f 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, aiul the elements to give signs that all was lost.'' " But He who governs the world and has all things at Hif command — He who liolds the globe by the might of his ]:)Ower, can remove the mountains from their foimdation? 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 tte progress of the Delaware. If it had been as high, or halt" as high as the mountain, it would have raised the water tliat 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 niust 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 of the 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 Avater 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 boatmen report that a hundred and ten years ago, no bottom could be found with their lon2;est line. 28 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON' COUNTY. " Had the mountain been worn by abrasion, siicli a gulf would not have existed, and the bottom of the 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 of the 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, uhovt than below the Gap. Hence a large proportion of the alluvion carried down the stream must have been deposited in 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 tJius 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 hi the current, as well as the strata of rock. Pro- fessor Rogers mantains, while some hold some vast lake Jiad burst its barriers, that by some mighty convulsion, which produced transverse dislocation in the Appalachian cdiange, 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 sliown 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 of the Delaware, where the strata that rise into the sum- mit of the mountain on the New Jersey side of the river, ai'e thrown several hundred feet to the north of those in a corresponding position. In Pennsylvania, I conceive these transverse locations to pervade all tlie 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 kiiftu'-n by the name of TFater Gaps, and which cleave HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 2<9 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 dignit}^ of his Maker — of the inferiority of jnan, and the instability of human things? But, what caused the opening of the mountains, whether by one jnighty explosion, or by gradually wearhig dov/n 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 7'ivers among the rocks, and his eye sceth every precious thing. Job 28 ; 9, 10. On the south side of the county are " the Lehigh hills,'" locally known as the South Mountain ; though scarcely desendng that name. " In some places, however, they ;u'e quite steep, and when viewed from the level countiy l)elow them, appear very formidable. This county is well watered, and the streams afibrd abundant water power. The rivers of the county are the Lehigh and J)elaware, 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 ivare," or "De- la-ware," which words at length formed Delaware. This river was known among the Indians by various names, as Pontaxas, Marisqueton, MakerisMtton, Makerisk- kiskon, Lenawihittuck, (Stream of the Lenape.) By the * Second Annual Report on the Geological Exploration of the State of Pennsylvania, pa. 79. f Editor of New York 8un. 30 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Dutch it was called Zuydt, or south river, Nassau river ; and by the Swedes, New Sicedeland 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 Gaji. Its principal tributaries from tiie 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 ouAvard. * * A full description of the river is deemed unnecessary. The character of this work precludes lengthy descriptions. CHAPTEE YII. 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 improx^e 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 were 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, 175G. 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 strmg 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 assur*; him that, as the Indians were come on the invitation of the governor, their persons should not be hurt ; ho would aflbrd them protection, and charge his people Xo 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 strinar was siven to New- 32 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. castle first, as one of the Six Nations, to be given to the King. The members, being returned from Teedynscung, 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 him right ; and as Benjamin un- dei'stood 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 he 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 one great Creator and G overnor of the world. 10^ 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 XORTHAMPTON 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 otf the con- ference tiU his arrival; of which the King approved, and the Governor invited him to dine with him. Easton, Wednesday, 2Sth 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- €rombie were read. It was Mr. Weiser's opinion, that, as no answers were returned to the governor's second message, it Avas the business of Teedyuscung to give the answers first, before the G overnor said any thing ; and accordingly Pourshire was sent for, and this was mentioned to him, who thought the conference should begin by Teedyuscung'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 2Sth 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, John 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 pro- vhice, and about thirty citizens of Philadelphia. The governor acquainted the Indians that he was going to speak, and desired them to be attentive. Brother — By a belt, which I sent by Newcastle, and the other Indian messengers to Dialioga, I informed the Indians there, that I had kindled a council fire. By another string, I inviteci them to^ it : and by a string ot 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 recei\^e those by you. I liope you come prepared to speak to us sin- cerely and openly, and desire you may do so. A sti'ing. To which Teedyuscung immediately answered : Las-t 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. Brotlier — Tlie first messages you sent me came in tlic 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 3'ou 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 ; wc arc ready to hear what 3'^ou 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 th^e utmost sincerity declare, that, though you may think I am alone liere, yet It will not be long before you will be convhiced 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 trntii of this, y^oii 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, v\/ho have held treaties, sometimes public and sometimes in the bushes ; sometimes what those people did, came to be known, but Irequently 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, bui others never saw them. This bred among the Indians great heart-burnings and quarrels, and I can assure yoi. that the present clouds do in a great measure owe thei*: rise to this wild and irregular way of doing business. The Indians, sensible of this mistake of our ancestors, art, now determined to put an end to this multitude of kingt: and to this dark way of proceedings ; they have agreec!. to put the management of their ati'airs into the hands of . ii very few, and these shall no longer have it in thei;- power to huddle up and give partial representations o'" what is done. I assure you that there are only tw< kings appointed to transact public business, of which I iim one ; for the future, matters will go better on botl. sides ; you, as well as we, will know with whom we have to deal. We must beseech the most Higli to scatter the clouds which have arisen between us, that we settle peace as heretofore. ^2 string. Brother — 'The English, and particularly the Gover- nor of Pennsylvania, you know, have invited me here 5 I came, therefore, and my uncles, the Six Nations, wiL confirm what I say. In your messages to the Indians ;it 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- lable and wise man ; be therefore strong. Be assured thai 36 HISTOHY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTT. 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 yon 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 yourselvel now in the best manner yo\i can, and you will obtaiu your end. Brother — The conclusion of my words is no more than this : the matter in hand is of too great moment for ono man. I am but a messenger from the united Nations ; though I act as a chief man among the Delawares, 1 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 it close (there he closed his fist) and deliver it laithfully to the united Nations, and let them, as ti»ey 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 theUovernor will speak to us. Then he re-> peated the Delaware word IVhishsfdksy, the same in Mo- hawk language as Jogo, 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 IVhishshik.^iy on this particular occasion, and explained himself in the fol- lowing manner : " Sup]:)ose 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 cannot move the log without it, you nmst spare no pains to get it — PF/i ish.shick.s?/ ,he 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 OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 37 inise you liave made to us ; in particular, do not pinch matters neitlier with us nor other Indians; we help you ; but we are poor and ^/"ou are rich ; make us strong, and we v\nll use our strength for you ; and besides this, what you do, do quickh''; the times are dangerous — they wiH not admit of delay, fVhishshiksy ; do it effectually, and do it with all possible despatch. The Governor then spoke : Brother — I have heard with attention ail you have said, 1 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 aftair 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. A 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 groatly disapproved such conduct, wq 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 Jolmson, 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 wovild 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 detenuined 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 Avhat 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 the blood, and promised, if your nrsTOUY OF Northampton countt. 39 people would come to council and renew former leagues, and do what is further necessary on this occasion, 1 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 froni myself v/hat 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, but sent you to know if he had my authority for the several matters delivered to you, and to hear them from my own mouth. 1 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. .i belt. Brother — Being now convinced out of my mouth of the smcerity 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 (iau be friends with you, or that a peace can come from 40 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTV. our hearts. I repeat this article of the prisoners as a ne- cessary condition of peace, and desire yon will consider it as such ; if in this you deal with us sincerely, we shall esteem you sincere in every respect, and proceed to re- new our former leagues and covenants, and hecome 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. %^ belt. Brother — In testimony of the satisfaction you have given all our people by coming 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 witli as much provision as you can carry, for the use of tlio people you have left behind you. Brother — Only a few of you are come down ; this present of goods, therefore, is but small. When the body of your nation comes here, which I expect they will, and the prisoners are delivered up, and a iirnj 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 3^our 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- ijice. Engage in it heartily — you ought to do it — ^\''ou owe it to the country in which you was born — you owe it to your brethren, the English. Yon owe it to your own people over which you preside. We desire you 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 OF 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, liave 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 on, and their attention is fixed to see — are disposed really for peace. This belt further denotes that wlioever will not comply with the terms of peace, the Ten Nations will joui against him, and strike him. See the dangerous circumstances I am in — strong men on both sides — hatchets on both sides ; whoever does in- cUne 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- .scssed 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 lias been said. It is all very good. Teedyuscung then explained tlie 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 the 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 liie northern frontiers with very bad news, that gav^e 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, and 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 beheved 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 etiect a public measure, nor would this make any alterations in his councils. Easton, Friday, 30th July, 175G. (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 3^ou 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 Avork 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 tor peace ; show you the same, readiness and comply with the tei-ms I have proposed to you. ^7 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 tiie Indians; the officers and all the company then in town, accompanied hini. 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 Governor would publish what was done, through 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 41 HISTOKY OF KOKTHAMPTON COrXTY. the Six Nations put into my pipe : you shall smoke of it yourselves — you will knovi'' 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 tlie 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 bo 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 liere again with a large number of different nations. I say it may be in two nionths; but it may be longer, as the people liA^e at great distances from one another. I assure you, I will execute every thing you have desired of me, and let tlie Six Nationji know all that has passed between us : and that I am your agent and counsellor in the Delaware Nation. Ji siring. 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 — pray, 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 mischiei' 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 arm yourselves in the best manner you can. Remember I give you this warning, .-i? .sfj'ing. 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 VVeiser, 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 ([uestion to Newcastle, Avho said tlie belt was sent by the Six Nations to the TJelawares, 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. 5s'ewcastle said further, that Teedyuscung would want abundance of wampum, and if he had it not, the cause Avould sutler 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 neAV black wampum, amounting to seven thousand ; and hav- ing no new white wam])um, nor any proper belt to give in return for Teedyuscung'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 'I'cn Nations, mentioned by Teedyuscung. The King who was very irregular in his visits, as well us 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 lias 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 tlieir 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 speech; 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, 175C. (Same persons present as before.) Tlie 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 nies- 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 OF NORTHAMPTON COUNT T. 4; coat on you, and charged you to be true to us, and lie with no other men ; but of late you have sutfered the strmg that tied your petty-coat, to be cut loose by the Frencli, 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 ofl' 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. Tiien 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 restuig in their journey, which was pro^uised. Then the Governor spoke : Brothers Newcastle and Teedyuscung — Set an high value iipon this belt — it is the peace belt which Teedyus- cung dehvered 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 speedy and honorable peace, and a return 01 the oflices 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 ah 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 OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Then taking two belts, joined together in his hands, ;ind addressing Newcastle and Teedyuscung, he declared them agents for the province, and gave them anthority 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 cotnes from his heart, and not from his hps. His heart and ours should be one, and be ture to one another; for if different iiquors 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 negociations, 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 vhc province of Pennsylvania, he assures liis 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 two HISTORY OP 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 lirought to a happy issue ; that he wished tiiere might be a firm Iriendship and lasting union between the Six Nations and the people of Peun" sylvania; and that they might be as one man. He fur- ther said, that he had a large family, and liaving a greai 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, tbat ]w suight 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, Teedyuscung's three sons ; Machmetawchchink, 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 Pumpshirc, Joseph Mitchty, Thomas Storer, Josepli Pupy, Nicodemus, Zacharius, Christian ; Macharvehel-. 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 COUNTr. tween the Governor and the Indians, in my presence at Easton. CONR.VD WkISER. [Pro. Bee, p. 196 — 1*09.] November 8th, 1756, the Six Nations and the Dela- ware, Shawanees and Mohicans, represented by their principal chiefs, met Governor Denny with his comicil, commissioners and secretary, and a great numbei of citizens of Philadelphia, chietiy Quakers. " At three o'clock," says the record, the '' Governor jnarched from his lodgings to the place of conference, guarded by a party of Royal Americans in front and on tlie flanks, and a detachment of Colonel Weiser's pro- vincials, with colors flying, drums beating and music jiiaying — 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 nhie days, and at the close a treaty of peace was concluded between the Shawanees and Delawares and the English."' Another coimcil was held in July, 1757. Another iu' the autumn of 1758, when about five hinidred 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 Easto7u Octoher 11, 1759. The Indian Chiefs and Governor I3ernard and Gover- nor Denny in council. Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagoes, Cayugas, Senecas, Tuscaroras, Nanticokes, Conoys, Tuteloes, Chugants, Delawares, Unamines, Munseya, Mohicans and Wap- pingers. Teedyufiainq. I called — the Indians liave come. Speak and they will hear. Sit and talk. I will sit, licar and see. Tokaaio, chief of the Cayugas. I speak for the Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Tuteloes, Nanticokes and Conoy.s. A road has been opened for us to this council fire. \ HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 51 Blood has been spilt upon this road. By this belt I wipe away that blood. I take the tomahawk from ofl" yonr heads. Nichas then spoke. Teedyiiscung 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. T'agashata. We know not who made him our king. ^'Issarandonguas. 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 that Teedyus- cung is a greater man than any of your chiefs. Teedyuscung nov/ spoke. You placed us at Shamo- kin and Wyoming. You have sold that land. I sii 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 liome 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. Crovemor 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 coimcil then observed: Teedyuscung asks us to make you owners of the lands at Wiomiuk and Shamoking. We have no power to 52 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. sell those kinds. 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 Wyonung, 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 sidefc^ by Avater, For the advantages of position, as well as for its beauty of scenery, it is unsurpassed by any inland town in Pennsylvania. The societ}^ 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 ornnment 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 brushins;- 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, owned by Aaron Miller, now carried on by the firm of Fisher & Knight, manufacturing principally gratev and fenders ; the Eagle foundery, carried on by Richard & Templin ; George W, Barnet's foundery, and Lewis A. Buckley's foundery. There are seven coach tnamj- HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 53 factories, carried on respectively by Messrs. Stihvell, Seip, Steckel, Well", Dudiy, Ludvvig and Godown. The borougli contains, in addition to the usual county buildings, a German Reformed, two Lutheran, Presby- terian, Episcopal, Catholic and JNlethodist churches ; also a Jews' Synagogue. The Baptists are about 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 Educafiony A library was formed in 1811. containing about three tliousand volumes, witji 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- tlentau ; 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- scman. The town is abundantly supplied with water, oonvyed 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 across 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 of 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 KORTHAMPTOItf COUNTV. 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 midermining. So great was 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 ;t {ew 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 tiie 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 destrnction of the store house, and washing away of the street, which Avill 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, 1S40. 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 excessix'^e rains, carrymg with it the snow, which had covered the ground, caused our streams to rise beyon i all precedent. They came careering down whh awful rapidity, on the morning of the 8th instant, producing Avaste 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 alJ descriptions. The Lehigh river, one of the most unruly and turbu- lent of streams, i-as caused the greatest amount of darn- HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 55 nge. As far as heard from, not a bridge is left spanned across it. The bridges at Stoddartsville, Lehighton, Siegfried's, iiiery'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 Sth. It breasted the flood most gallantly, for hoiirs, but at last was obliged to yield, and gracefully parting, floated off upon the angry waters that destroyed. The flats, below South Easton, between the river and the canal, containing the Collector's office of the 'I^shigh Coal and Navigation Company, and a small vil- lage, were so completely inimdated as to hide the build- ings — all but the store-house were carried ofl'. The lower part of WHliamsjiort is almost destroyed — the o.anal basin apparently demolished — the Collector's office of 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 inim- dated in their lower stories, destroying their furniture, &c., the occupants having only sufficient time to save themselves. Some af 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 been heard 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 \^, that below this, every other bridge on the Delaware is gone. Coming, as this flood has done, in the most 56 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. inclement part of the season, the distress produced will be great. It has fallen upon many who 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 suft'erers. 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 ova' 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, it is said, was taken up about twelve miles below, still alive. 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 tlie Mauch Chunk Company must be very considerable. We understand that one lumdrcd 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, Avas undermined, and fell in. The lock ai fender's house, at the same place, met a similar fate. The locks and sluices on tlie 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 gi*eat, 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 lauds, below the bridge, is very exten,- HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTV. Oi sive ; but the hotel and other substantial buildings, were miraculously preserved. At AUentown, 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 even 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 eiglit 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 anc( wood yards, basins, boats, &c. at this place, is complete. At Biery's bridge, one span, with the abutments and pier, are miinjured, 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 Lehi2;h 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 the 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 the family and other inmates were taken out with a boat, iu 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 llio 58 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. Lehigh, the same devastation prevailed — many houses ynd Other vahiable 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 Shey are more or less injured. January 8, 1811. CHAPTEJl 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 tow'n- 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, abont three miles below \h6 Water Gap. There are six Lrist 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 obtained, in large quantities, and a manufactory 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 Fort, near the Delaware Water Gap, consisting of sonic 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. Williamshurg 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, on.e store, one tavern, two churches, an English Presbyterian 60 HISTORV or NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. cliurcli, erected of brick, in 1836 ; and a Methodist church, a frame building, erected in 1835; and a fine brick academy, built in 1S31, but now occupied by i\ common school — population about two hundred and seventy-five. The earliest settler here was a Mr. Forsman — among tlie other early settlers were Frutchy, lirodt, Oyer, Krotzer and Stein. DUfs Ferry is between Slate Port and Williamsburar, <">pposite Columbia, in New Jersey. There is a tavern here in Vvdiich a post oflice 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 toivnship is bounded on the north b)' Monroe county, east by Upper Mount Bethel, south by Forks township and the Delaware river, and west by Plainfield township. The surface is partly liilly, and some portions of it level. A small proportion is limestone soil, but the greater part is gravel. It is ])retty well watered by Richmond creek, or Oquirton, JMartin's and Muddy creeks. The Oquirton affords some mill power. Martin's creek rises at the foot of the Blue mountain, and runing 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 l^^nglish 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 tlie latter — also eleven miles from the Wind Gap. It HISTORY OF 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 ont many years ago. The popula- tion is between two and three hundred. Flatjield, 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, Q59. County rates a levies, 1844, on professions, $95,327 ; real estate, horses and cattle, ^5865,780. Amount of state tax, $2 mi 11. allien 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, l^esides 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 1 733. It appears that WilUam 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 Mien township, was about four miles from Bath, not tar from where tiie Presbyterian church. 62 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. in this township, now stands. " Others — men of proper- ty, influence and rehgioiis character, were John Rawls- ton, Robert Walker, John McNair, John Plays, James King, Gabriel King, his only son, emin^t for piety ; Ar- thtir Lattimore, Hugh Wilson, William Young, George Gibson, Robert Gibson, Andrew Mann, James Riddle, John Boyd, Widow Mary Dobbin, Nagle Gray and Thomas Armstrong, wlio afterwards removed to Fogg's Manor." This was, and is still known, as the Irish Settlemeni. It extends from tlie i)ry Lands up to Biery's bridge. During the French and Indian war, in 1755 and 1756, several massacres were committed in this settlement, and iiearly 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- l-er of wagons, and many people moving ofl' with their effects and families from the Irish Seti/cmcnf 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 towmship was almost entirely aban- doned by the inhabitants. Soon after my arrival here, the principal people of the Irish Settlement, as Wilson, Cider Craig, and others, came to me, and demanded an additon of thirty men to Craig's company, or threatened ihey 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 ISethlehem," says Franklin,t "the 16th inst. with Foulk's company, forty-six men, the detachment of Mr. LaughUn's twenty, and seven wagons laden with stores and provisions. We got tliat night to Hays' quarters, where Wayne's company johied us from Nazareth. •Provincial Records for 1756. f Letter to Gov. Monis, dulcd Fort Allen, at Grea 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 Giiadenhiiettcn.'"'^ There arc 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 dwellijigs, a grisi mill, a furnace, formerly owned l)y Matthew S. Henry, now belonging to Mr. Sidney Clay well, and is in sue- ♦Provincial Records. HISTORY or NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 73 cessful operation. There is also a rifle factory in opera- tion in this township. The population of this township in 1S20, 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 Delaivare,^^ is bounded on the north by Plainiield 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 Bethleliem townships. The surface is generally level ; the soil limestone, well cultivated, and very productive, tliough parts of it had been not more tlian thirty years ago, considered a " Barrens.-' Passing, it may here be stated that '• The Forks of the De/invare,'' is the name by which, a century ago, not only the present site ol 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 coimty was occupied by a pai't of the Delaware natives, who held it till about 1737, when INIonockyhichan, Lappawinzoe, Teshakomen and Noo- timas, Indian Sachems, relinguishcd all final claims to Richard and Thomas Penn, sons of William Penn, the founder of Penns5dvania. 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 Tint Cap^' — " To IVin 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 tho Little Bushkill, seven miles from Easton, consisting of nine dwellinsrs, 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. Lower 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 atlbrds some fine mill seats. There are five grist mills, and five saw mills in tliis township. There are several small towns in it. Hecktown, 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 Refornied Church, called the " Dry Land Church." The country around the village is well im- proved. Newberg, four miles from Bath, and seven from Easton, is in a highly improved limestone country. *Heck€welders 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 of 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 land, before be leaves the province." — Memoirs of Whitfield, p. 50. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. t5 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 town.ship. 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 tiie 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 tlie 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- hices ; 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 of the Indians, who had refused to quit the country, and threatened to nmrder the ]3rethren. 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, which they accepted. The difficulties with the Indians were settled partly by com- promise, and by treaty with the Five Nations. The liouse was finished, and Nazareth became by degrees a very 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 Wliitfield'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, " Ephratd.''^ 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 Historic, p. 349. Loskiel I. p. 16; and Hecke- welder's Narative, p. 18, 19. HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 77 Captain Wayne, Captain Trump and Captain Aston, were stationed here with companies each. These were days of suffering — many of the soldiers "were without shoes, stockings, blanliets 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 Avas 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 Nazareth 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 tlie turnpike road to Wilksbarre, principally built on two streets, forming a right angle to the south and tvest. 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 l!ie 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 of the rooms. The school is at present under the 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. tLoskiel's History, Parti, 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. Shoe7ieck was commenced 1760. It is about one-half mile north of Nazareth; consisting of nine or ten dwell- mgs, 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, ])y the Moravian Brethren. The surface of the country IS rolling; limestone soil, and highly improved, and very ])roductive. 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 1,860; in 1830, 2,430; in 1840, 2,983. Taxablesin 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 COUNTT. 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 ofter made them from the Rev. George Whitfield, to aid liim in improving a tract of land he had purchased in Pennsylvania, called iVaz<2reM, 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 Damid JS'iischman, arriving in 174G, 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 of the town, affords great •Loskiel's History, part I. p. 16. See also David Crantz' Neue Brueder Historic V. Abschnilt, ij 98, p. 348, 80 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. facilities for business. The number of private buildings may amount to one hundred and twenty. The pubUc buildings consist of a very large and commodious church, capable of containing two thousand persons. The build- ing cost thirty thousand dollars. It is perhaps one of the largest in the state. From the steeple a very beau- tiful, picturesque and extended view is had. In one direction the scene extends upwards of twenty miles along the course of the Lehigh, and the Water Gap, at the Blue mountain, terminates the wandering explora- tions of the eye. The church* is very plain on the out- side. The interior is simple, unornamented, and those who designed and executed the work, seem to have adopted the motto of nature's greatest poet. The organ is one of the best in the country, and the vocal and in- strumental music of the " Bethlehem Choir ^^ is but rarely exceeded any where in this countrj^ In a room of the church, are a number of portraits of distinguished missionaries and ministers, viz : Of Christian Seidel, Martin Mack, Frederick JSIartain, P. C. Bader, C. Pyr- laeus, Johann Arboe, David Zeisberger, A. P. Thrane, George Neisser, Gottlieb Bezold, C. Zhizendorf, son of Count Zinzendorf ; Petrus Bochler, Augustus Spangen- berg, Paul Muerster, A. Lawatsch, F. Dettmers, Michael Graf". They are all from the master pencil of T. V. Haidt. Here is also an extensive boarding school for j^oung ladies, established since 1788, and is very favorably known. The Rev. Henry Schuhz is Principal of the Female Seminary. There is also a school for boys. Be- sides these public buildings, there are also several others worthy of notice. There are two peculiar establish- ments here, in one of which a number of widows find an asylum in their old age ; and in another unmarried •The first church was a wooden building; afterwards it was rough-cast. It was contiguous to the present one. It contained appartments for the ministers' dwellings. When a larger house be- came necessary, one of stone was erected, accommodating from three to four hundred persons. This proving too small, the present large building was erected. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. SI women, chiefly likewise of advanced age, board together, under proper regulations, and the guardianship of the society. Here is also a Brothers' house, where those who choose to continue the state of single blessedness, can do so, and still gain an independent support. The Corpse House, wliere, on the decease of a mem- ber of the sociery, the corpse is deposited for three days, is worthy of a notice. When a death occurs, a part of the choir ascend the church cupola or steeple, when a requi- em or funeral hymn is played for the departed^ and the melancholy notes as they fall on the ear in a cahn morn- ing, are peculiarly solemn and impressive. The body, on the third day, is removed from the corpse house, the mourners place themselves around it, and after several strains of solumn music, the procession forms a line of march to the grave, preceded l3y the band, still playing, which is continued some time after the coffin is de- posited. The grave yard, though studiously avoided by many, is worthy the attention of the visiter, as well as other parts of the village. It is kept with perfect neatness. The graves are in rows. On each grave is placed a marble slab, or other stone, of about fifteen inches square, on which is engraved the name of the deceased ; the date of his birth and death. The visiter looks in vain for -sculptm^ed monuments reared over the cold clay of the departed, with labored panegyrics upon the distinguished characters of the departed. Instead of these, the blocks of " cold pale marble," or hewn sand stone, with a simple inscription mark the place of the remains of the departed. The poetical effusions oi Mrs. E. C. Embury, touch- ing the Moravian burial ground at Bethelehem, may atford the reader some idea of impressions created on visiting this place : When in the shadow of the tomb This heart shall rest. Oh ! lay me where spring flowrets bloom On earth's bright breast. F 82 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Oh ! ne'er in vaulted chambers lay My lifeless form ; Seek not such mean, worthless prey To cheat the worm. In this sweet city of the dead I fain would sleep, Where flowers may deck my narrow bed, And night-dews weep. But raise not the sepulchral stone To mark the spot ; Enough, if by thy heart alone 'Tis ne'er forgot. On a visit to this place in October, 1844, tlie writec copied, among others, the following epitaphs • ISAAC OLAPAWANAMEN. of Shecomeco. Bap. a. 1742. Dep. Aug. 2nd, 1746. SALOME OF ShecomecOy wife of JOSHUA. Departed Sept. 21th„. 1746. THOMAS FECHTOWAPPH). a Mohican OF Shecomeco. Dep., Aug. 27th, 1746 HISTORY or NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 8S In memory of Tschoop, a Mohican Indian, who in holy baptism, April 16th, 1742, received the name of JOHN; One of the first fruits of the mission at Shecomeco, and a remarkable instance of the power of divine grace, whereby he became a distinguished teacher among his nation. He departed this life in full assurance of faith, at Bethlehem, August 27th, 174G. " There shall be one fold and one Shepherd." — John x, 16 These were all Indians. Tschoop was a distmguished teacher among the sons of the forest. Among many others of men of distinction, may be found that of the pious and learned Rev. John Hecke- welder, who was born A. D. 1743, and died m 1823. He was many years a missionary among the Delaware and Mohegan Indian?. He is author of a Narative of the Mission of the United Brethren among the Dela- ware and Mohegan Indians, from its comencement, in the year 1740, to the close of the year 1810. Here is also a Museum of the Young Men's Mission- ary Society, containing a well selected cabinet of minerals, and a pretty extensive collection of natural and artificial curiosities, collected and sent in by the missionary brethren, from all parts of the world. The town is adequately supplied with good water from a copious spring, situated' at the foot of a hill, car- ried up one hundred and fourteen feet, perpendicularly, to a reservoir on its summit, by forcing pumps, in iron pipes, worked by the Manokecey creek, and thence dis- tributed into every street. Tli€ same creek afford.s adequate water power to several mills. 84 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. There are three hotels in the place ; two of them very spacious. Mr. T. Riipp keeps one of these. His house is very large, three stories high, and commands a fine view of the country. It belongs to the society. There are five stores m the place, a" paper mill, grist mill, woolen and cotton factory, an iron foundry and a market house ; the population about twelve hundred, whereof one thousand are Moravians. There is a bridge over the Lehigh here. Most of the usual mechanical trades are carried on. In the vicinity of the place are several vineyards. The house where General La Fayette lay, during his recovery from the Avound he had received at the battle of Brandywine, September 11th, 1777, is still standing; and the woman, who acted as nurse to the old General, is still living m the Sister houses — she was, at least, some few years ago. This place suffered some damage from the freshet, January 8th, and 9th, 1841. Along Water street, South Bethlehem, the water forced its way into the second . story of some dwellings, the inmates in one of which, were rescued from a wtitery grave, by means of fiats and canoes. Timothy Weiss & Co. sustained a con- siderable lossj the greater part of the lumber yard was swept away. The Dridge company, besides the loss of the bridge, lost a large quantity of dry boards. Mr. Doster's saw mill, fulling mill, dye-house, weaver shop, machinery, &c, were greatly injured ; his loss was con- siderable. Mr. Beckcl's foundry was much damaged. A small brick house, and a large quantity of stone coal, the property of Henry Goundie, were swept away. Mr. Owen Rice's cooper-shop was injured, and its contents, consisting of two hundred flour barrels, were carried ofi'. The Anchor hotel of Mr. Heisser, was in great danger of being swept away. The Bethlehem Pleasure Gar- den, for girls'" play ground, was laid waste. The damage done to property of all kinds, along the Lehigh and Monokissy, was great. •. Bethlehem, and its vicinity, from its earliest settle- ment, and for many years afterwards, was the arena of HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTF. 85 many an interesting incident, and the place of refuge for many oppressed and marked victims of cruelty. It is so full of interesting occurrences, implicated with the general history of the country, and early efforts of missionary enterprizes, that to relate a i'ew^ in this place, is not deemed inappropriate. As early as 1742, Bethlehem was visited by that dis- tinguished minister of the gospel, Count Zinzendorf; while here, in company with his daughter, Benigna, he visited the Indian villages in the neighborhood. His first visit was to Patemi, a distinguished Indian, who lived near Nazareth. He found Patemi remarkably quiet and modest, who had regulated his economical atiairs much in the European style. The Count also visited Clistowacka, an Indian town, inhabited chiefly by Delawares. He called on an old Indian, whom the people called a priest, and whose grandson was sick onto death. The Count prayed for the child, recom- mending him to his great Creator and Redeemer. He next extended his tour beyond the Blue mountains. On this tour, a Mr. Remberger, a European trader, kindly accompanied the Count. The places he visited, beyond the mountains, were Pochapuchkung and Meniolago- mekah, not far above Guaden Huetten, or Fort Allen, in Mahony valley. He also extended his tour to Tul- pehocken, the residence of that eminent and useful man, Conrad Weiser, near the present site of Womelsdorf, Berks county. At Bethlehem, many of the believing Indians were baptized. It became a central and controlling station, from which missionaries, and the brethren, generally, received instructions from the elders, on their departure to their difierent out-posts. In 1746, it was the refuge of the persecuted Indians, from Shekomeko, an Indian village, bordering on Connecticutt, near the Stissik moun- tain, among whom the pious christian, Henry Ranch, had labore I with much success. The poor Indians, to flee from those who had meditated their extinction, accepted of an invitation tendered them by the brethren at Bethlehem, and took refuge here. Ten families of 86 HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. them, in all forty persons, left Shekonieko in ApiriJ., 1746, with sorrow and tears, and were received at Beth- lehem with tenderness and compassion. Several of thens immediately built cottages near the settlement. Their morning and evening meetings were regulated, and the service performed in the Mahikan language. This, says Loskeil, comforted them, in some measure, for the loss of the regular service at Shckomeko, which was most pre- cious to them. Soon after, two Indian girls were bap- tized in Bethlehem chapel, in presence of the whole congregation, and a great number of friends," This small colony of Indians, settled in the immediate vicinity of Bethlehem, was called Tents of Peace, or Frieden-Huetten ; subsequently, these Indians Avere removed on a piece of land, on the junction of the Ma- hony creek and Lehigh river, beyond the Blue moun- tain, about thirty miles from Bethlehem, now Carbon county, and near Lehighton. The place was called Giiaden-Huetten, i. e. Tents of Grace.\ The Rev'd David Brainerd, the celebrated mission- ary, who labored among the Indians, in the forks of the Delaware, visited this place in September, 1743, and remained several days, having been confined to his room by reason of indisposition. "Had thoughts," says he, in his journal for September 20th, 1743, "of going for- ward on my journey to my Indians; but towards night, was taken with a hard pain in my teeth and shivering cold, and could not, possibly, recover a comfortable degree of warmth the whole night following. I con- tinued very full of pain all night, and in the morning had a very hard fever, and pains almost over my whole body."t Bethlehem was a place of general refuge, during the French and Indian war, from 1755, to 1760, When the Mission-house, of which a full account is given in speaking of Guaden Kuetten, in Carbon county, on * Loskeil, part ii. p. 83. ■j- Fort Allen, Carbon county. X Brainerd's Public Journal, p. 108, as published by S. Converse, New Haven, 1822, HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTT. 87 Mahony creek, was destroyed November 24th, 1755, the Indian congregation, at Guaden Huetten, fled for security to Bethlehem, when the following interesting correspondence took place between them and the Gov- ernor of Pennsylvania, viz : To the Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, &c. The hum- ble address of the Indians late residing at Guaden Huetten, at their instance taken from their own mouth : Fij'st — We present our love, respect and duty to the Hon. Governor of Pennsylvania, because we are not able to express ourselves, as it should be, we beg there- fore that the best construction be put upon what we have to lay before him. We have been heretofore poor heathens, who knew nothing of God, but lived in blindness and abominable sins. The Brethren have told us words from Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, who became a man for us, and pur- chased salvation for us with his blood. We have heard their words, taken them to heart, received them in faith, and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The Brethren since that time have faithfully cared for ^js, and not only further instructed us in God's word, but have also permitted us to live upon their land, and plant our corn, at the same time instructing our children. It is now a great many years that we have lived in quiet and peace, under the protection of the government of this province, so that we have not been burdensome to none, (any,) nor has any body molested us. But now it is come to pass, that wicked people, who serve the devil, have committed horrible murders, and inhumanly butchered even our own Brethren. We well knew that we had nothing better to expect at their hands, as long as we continued with the Breth- ren under this government ; for which cause we sought to save our lives by flight, leaving every thing behind which we had in Guaden Huetten, that is, not only our habitations, but also our clothing and provision, fleeing m the dark night, naked and empty away with our wives and children. Now we are here in Bethlehem with our brethren. 88 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY". willing rather to suffer and live with them as heretofore. We cannot but declare to our Honorable Governor : First, That we are thankful from the bottom of our hearts for the protection and peace that we have hitherto enjoyed in this province. Secondly, That none of us have any hand in the abominable mui'ders lately com- mitted by the Indians ; but we abhor and detest them. Thirdly, It is our desire, seeing we are persuaded that our lives will be principally saught after, to put our- selves as children under the protectio-n, we cannot say otherwise, but that we are entirely devoted to the English Government, and wish success and prosperity to their arms, against their and our enemies. We hope that our Plonorable Governor will give us a gracious answer to this om* humble petition, and pro- vide for our future welfare and security. (Signed by the following, in the presence o-f Bernard Adam Grabe, John Jacob Schmick and J. Okely :) Joshua, the Mohickan ; Augustus, Delaware ; Jacob, Mohickan ; Anton, Delaware ; John Peter, Wamponas ; Joshua, Delaware ; Andreas, Wamponas ; Michael, Meni- sink ; Jonathan, Delaware; Philippus, Wamponas; John» Mohickan ; John, Delaware ; David, Mohickan ; Mark» Mohickan. Subscribed before TIMOTHY HORSEFIELD, Justice f&r Narthampton ccmniy, Nov. 30, 1755.. To the foregoing. Gov. Morris wrote the following in answer : To the Indians lately residing at Guadeu Huetten, and now at Bethlehem — Greeting : Brethren — You may always depend on the most favorable construction being put an whatever you lay before me. It gives me a true pleasure to find you are under the force of religious impressions, and speak in so affectionate a manner of the great Author of the Chris- tian salvation, our Lord Jesus Christ. As you have made it your own choice to become HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 89 members of our civil society, and subjects of the same government, and to determine to share the same fate with us, I shall make it my care to extend the same pro- tection to you, as to the other subjects of his Majesty, and as a testimony of the regard paid by the government to the distressed state of that part of the province where you have suffered so much, I have determined to build a fort at Guaden Huetten, from which you will receive equal security with the white people under my care. I have not the least suspicion of your having been concerned in the late mischiefs. Your precaution and flight are an evidence of your innocence, and take in good part your professions of truth, and fidelity to your brethren, and thank you for them. I heartily commiserate your losses, and think you entitled to relief; and as I intend to send for all our friendly Indians to come and confer with me in this lime of danger, I shall let you know the time when I shall meet them, and desire you to be present, that 1 may speak to you at the same time. In the mean time, I desire you will be of good be- haviour, and remain where you are. ROB. H. MORRIS.* Philadelphia Dec. 4, 1755. These were trying times to the people of this region of country, as may be learned from the subjoined origi- nal letters : Letters by express from Northampton county, inform- ing the government that the Indians had begun hos- tilities. A letter from Timothy Horsefield, to the Governor : Bethlehem, Dec. 12, 1755. May it please your Honor : Sir — The enclosed are a faithful translation of two original German letters to the Rev. Mr. Spangenberg. *Prov. Rec, N. 324-326. 90 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. which are just now come to hand, and which will in- form your Honor of the particulars which I have to lay before you. Your Honor will thereby see what 'Circumstances we are in, in these parts. I would also just mention to your Honor, that the bearer brings with him some pieces of arms which fail in the using, and which make the people afraid to take them in hand. I pray that your Honor will take it in your further consideration, and give us all the assistance that lays in your power. I am, with all due respect. Your Honor's most obliged and humble servant, TIMOTHY HORSEFIELD. P. S. I have sent to alarm the country with all the t^xpedition possible, but when we have the people, we have no proper persons to lead them, and what can we expect ? A letter from W. Nathanael, to the Rev. Mr. Span- genberg. Nazareth, Dec. 11, 1755. Mr. Bizraan, who just now came from the Blue moun- tain, and is the bearer of this letter, will tell you that there !S a number of two hundred Indians about Broad head's ])lantation. They have destroyed most all the planta- tions thereabouts, and killed several families as Hoeth's. You will be so kind and acquaint Mr. Horsefield direct- ly of it, that he may send a messenger to Philadelphia, and let all our neighbors know what we have to expect, and that they may come to our assistance. NATHANAEL. A letter from Mr. Graff to 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 t^scape, 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 — I have 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- i|uainting me that there is certainly people now in Na- zareth, who fled for their lives, and informs us that one Hoetli 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 have taken all the precaution in our power, for our defence. We have taken our little 93 EISTORV OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. infants from Nazareth to Bethlehem, for the greater 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, liaving 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 foj' security. I doubt not, your Honor's goodness will lead you to consider the distress we are in, and speedily to afibrd 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 Weissporl 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 \vQ learned that Lehigh township is almost entirely »Prov'. Rec, N. 331-32. HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTF. 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 rhey would immediately, one and all, leave then 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 compa]Ty, and he went down to Bucks county with Mr. Beatty, who promised 10 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 nventy 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 'ivith 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 iburty-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 oi Upper Smilhfield, 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 &:e., 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 M'- 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 li3e 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. J 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 and 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. 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 to leave them till they were at Fort Allen, and so they 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 so 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 hi 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 doAvn the Susquehanna by. water, then we will come by Fort Allen and Bethlehem 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 m all makes thirty-five days, and we will not come in the night to any of the 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 bo safely con- ducted by proper and careful oflicers to Bethlehem again, HISTORY OP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 97 for SO much I have promised him, and he expects it from your Honor. I am your Honor's Humble servant, SPANGENBERG.* The Indians at Bethlehem were repeatedly instrumen- tal in preventing the destructionof 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. Mai/ 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 yre 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 had 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. Rec, Book O., p. 108, 109. G 98 HISTOKY 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 Imowledge of, from our Indians who had conversed with diem, but as I had promised Captain Newcastle he should know the contents of my letter to your Honor, f would not insert them in it, doubting whether it might be prudent he should, know so much, 1. Wlien the Indians came away, and it was 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 liave gone to the French. As things are circumstanced, I humbly conceive it will be liighly necessary to use all the despatch imagina- ])le 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 tvAO or three of the Indians just arrived, that they may testify along with him our good reception of them. 1 do hereby empower the Brethren, and request them Jo 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 ©P 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 follov/ing answer : Bethlehem, June 26, VI 6ii. 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 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 15, Since that time he came back, and brought with him Jo. Pepy and Nicodemos and their families; the list whereof your Honor will see laid by in the close of this letter. Yesterday he (Newcastle) dCvSired to know your Honor's further order, which was delivered unto him •Pov. Rec, O. 160-:;. 100 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY- accordingly, out of your Honor's letter, as will appeai by record, dated 25th 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 being 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 u? 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 come, 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 tiie 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 began : so that if they are iriends indeed, they may give your Honor a light into many things, relating to the Indian affairs. I am, your Honor's Most humble servant, spangenbp:rg. The names of the two Delaware families, now at Bethlehem, that came there from Diahoga, June i.4, 1756 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 101 Joseph Pepy? Wewnlalinlent ; Sarah, Natehetechque, (his wife.) Their children — James Petesch, Isaac, Sa- rah, Jesaias Gonassenook, Mettshish. Nicodemiis, 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, Jmie 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 mterpreter, 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 ^could send' me- iscngers 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, tiiat 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 aflair, he should be short'in duty, and always to blame, if he should proceed 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 journey ; and vas 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 solenm 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 tjiem. 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, X\vsX he may peruse it whenever occasion requires. HISTORV OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 103 The building of a fort at Sliamokin, 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 nuich the finishing of it when he was at Philadelphia, and this matter must bf' represented in its real light to the Indians at Diahoga. It is for the safety of our friendly Indians along the Sus- «iuehanna. 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 vu'ged that it might not be delayed ; and he promised to go as soon as fiis 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 interpr. ted 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 COUNTY. 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.* 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 yom* Honor's name. The inclosed papers will inform vour 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. Rec, 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.* (U°A. paper enclosed in the foregoing letter. Bethlehejn, 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. Rec, 0. 178, 106 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. were in the English 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. Paxhiosa's sen 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 »)f 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 Ibllowing lan- guage : BeihlehcDi, July 7, 1756. May if 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 •Poii'. Rec, 0. 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 of the 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 aflair 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 sucli 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, 0. 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 their reception, and at a certain time to be agreed upon for 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 officers 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 jive hundred and ten 'Prov. Rec, 0. 183. 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, Hitended 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 in holy orders, viz : Four Bishops, twelve Ordina- ries, (Priests) and the rest Deacons, and as many Jicolu- thi, who are preparing lor 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 m this catalogue, live in Bethlehem township, but some m Sacona, some in Licky, and some in another town- ship, adjoining Bethlehem township. 'Fhere 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 Records, 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, Lowhili, Weissenburg, Macungie, Upper Milford, South White- hall, Northampton, Salisbury, Upper Saucon, and that part of Hanover township within the following bounds, lo 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- tiniiy, 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 tiie country a rugged surface. This mountain range is of primmy 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 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 innny branches of manufacturing industry, and the developement of the mineral resources of the 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 P\unace, and Ibach's Forge. The Crane Works, of a very lage size, are constructed expressly to smelt ii'on with anthracite coal, by means of the hot blast. The county is well watered by the Lehigh river and its numerous tributaries, viz: Antelauny, or Maideii creek, Caply, or Balliet's, Trout, Jordan, Cedar, Calada- que, Pcrkiomen, and Little Lehigh creeks ; Crowner's^ Linn, Willow and Sinking runs. The Lehigh river, called Leckhaw, by the Indians, signifying JVest 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 Hows 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 Mavich Chunk,, Lehighton. Here it dellects to the south-east, and pur- sues that direction twenty-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 1 12 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTr. west side, Quacake creek, Nesquehoning, Mauch Chunk, Mahoning and Lizard creeks; from the east. Bear creek, Big creek, formed of Heed'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, " Ji Mountain Torrent T 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, 845 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 of the 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 Lausanue, 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 advantage to this county, by affording a cheap and ready means of trans- *In the Provincial Records, in the Secretary's office atHarrisburg, Che name of ihis stream is written Aquanshehals. Kecord of Char- ters and Indian Deeds, p. 128. f 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 IVasser-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 of the 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 in 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 rugged stream here, yet Tis you follow it 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 difl's, towering to an amazing height, and of forms the most bizarre. Between which wall of rocks and the river the road winds along. Hastenhig 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 ! 14 HISTORY 0F LEHIGH OOUWTY. lands, which succeed 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 iiis 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 TcnfeVs Kan- zel'' i. e. " The D^'viPs Pulpit,'' which indignantly suffers but a few blasted pines to shade its sullen brow. \t 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 biu'sts upon the sight, and fill the mind witli sublime ideas of the greatness of the Creator. Tiie shattered rocks, thrown together in wild confusion, and the strata of rounded stones, which ire 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 'brmerly dammed up into a lake, wiiich at length bursting the barrier, ibrmed the cliasnj now called the Lehigh Gap. Tlie learned have not agreed, as yet, ai the decision of this mooted point. A learned writer says : ^' \l is common to speak of such passes as being formed by the rivers, which ire often supposed to have burst llieir barriers, and ihus to have shaped their own channels. This may have happened in some peculiar cases, and there are loubtles many instances where the lakes, of which aiany nuist 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, .13 they must often have been, of loose materials. But with respect to most rocky passes of rivers mrough momitans, there appears no reason what- ever to believe that the waters have torn assunder the solid strat i. A more resistless energy must HISTORY OF LEHIdH GOCNTY, 115 have been requisite for such an effect ; and we musi 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, Lovven, 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 1830,22,260; in 1840, 25,787. ^ Tlie first court held in 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 for 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 Knaiiss. George Yeahle, John Cromer, John Bergenstock, John Jerret, George Wenner, Adam Singmaster, Daniel Trexall, Frederick Hyneman, George Essing, Abra- ham Diehl. Lehigh iiaving been part of Northampton coimty. its early history is merged with that of the county from which it has been formed. In 17 98-' 9 9, scenes oc- curred of no ordinary degree, a principal part of which transpired in this county. Shortly after the election of John Adams, several arts were passed by Congress, which were obnoxious to a portion ol 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 taxP John Fries, a desperado, and his associates, not only resis- ted the assessors, but in hot pursuit chased them frorn 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 yrowi toward the arena of dispute, by way of Heading, when Cap- tain Montgomery's troop of light horse arrived or: 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 tht spirit of the times, had erected a liberty pole oo his HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY. 117 own premises, which they cut, without meeting any resistance. To give undoubted proof of tlieir 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 mancEUvers of the Lancaster troops. To let no time slip, and while they were undaunt- ed, they proceeded from Gosin'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 pole, 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 "•/^f/Zer," 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," il8 HisToar of lehioIs couNTr. 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 and 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 Hberti/ pole in place of the pole erected by his children — thither the soldiery resorted, where they attempted to compel a common 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 Lent ; das bin. Ja ich auch ein Federal ! They succeeded in divesting the pole, and with it appended as a trophy, thej'- rode, vociferating as they Avent 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 repon 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, Davifi H. Conyngham, Gideon Hill Wells, Wm. Mont- gomery, Philip Nicklin, Thos. M. Willing, Samuel Coates, T. C. Fisher, William Buckley. A true bili found. HISTORY OF X-EHIGH COUNTY. 119 May 15, 1799. 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, Crom the testimony which will be presented to you, t'lat 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 actu tlly formed in order to prevent the persons charged with the execuiion 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, solenuily 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 any 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 of the 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 ?20 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. many instances granted, that where any opposition was made to any certain person executing 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 it\ some instances they were threatened with bodily harm, so that in those parts the obnoxious law remained unexecuted in conse- (luence. 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 upon them; in some instances, during the execution of that duty, the marshal met with insult and almost with violence; having, 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 mihtary apparatus^ commanded in some instances by their proper otficers, marched to Bethlehem, collected before the house in which were the marshal and prisoners, whom they demanded to be delivered up to theni, 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 OP LEHIGH COUNTY. 121 surrectioii. 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 ol one John Kline, in that township, to consider this liouse 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 iifty-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 of the 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 iii 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, mosi 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 anotlier 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 vahiation of the houses in Lower Miiford. 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 efiect their rescue, and the people of Miiford 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 ot' 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 tlie road as they went for- ward they were met by young Marks, who told them they miglit 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 parly 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 th.-,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 l^ethlehem, it cannot be mis- taken ; he was tlien the leading man, and he appeared to enjoy theconmiand. 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,th': prisoner then harraijgucd his party of the house, and explained to them the necessity o( 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 HISTOEF 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 yon 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 vi^as 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, alter two trials,, in both of which he was found guilty of treason, was sentenced to be hung, 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.' Among the disaff'ected who had been taken prisoners by the marshal, and who were rescued by the insur- gents, was one Jacob Eyerman, a German minister, recently arrived from Germany. He seems to have exerted nearly as much influence as Fries, in stirring up the people in Chestnut Hill and Hamilton town- 124 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNT V. ships, to opposition. History does not state to what sect he belonged, but the testimony would seem to show that he strongly flivored 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 kinds 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 that 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 oppqj|ed 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 Harailton?" *' 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 not, 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 not 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, and 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. — JDai/'s Historical Collection, CHAPTEE X. TOPOGRAPHY OF TOWNSHIPS, &c. Hanover totvnship 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 township, 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 tliis township. The Allentown bridge, across Lehigh river, con- nects this township witii 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 1S20, was 866 ; in 1830, 1,102 ; in 1840, 1,.'j43. The county tax, levied in 1844, amounted to g70S S3 ; the state tax, S967 28. Biery^s Port, a post village, consisting of several dwellings, two taverns, one store, a grist mill, a Pres- byterian church, and the ('rane iron works, are in this township. HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY. 127 The iron works are owned by Messrs. White, Haz- zard, Mitchel, Erb, M'Caliister & Co.; are of a large size, and constructed expressly to smelt iron, witli 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 hi 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 of the township is a singular knob, called " Bake Oven Knob.^^ The township contains nine grist mills, seven saw mills, one furnace, owned by Stephen Balliet; one lulling 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 loot 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 OP 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 inl844,wasS770 5G ; state tax, ^1,067 59. In 1843, ^20 52 was paid for the education of the poor. Segersville, a post village, about seventeen miles north-west from AUentown, near the line of the township, contains about twenty dwellings, one store and one tavern. The only churcb 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 mtersected by numerous roads, which centre in the main road, leading to Allentown. The Jordan creek and Coply creek, or BalUet'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, g 1,340 83. 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 is situated in a fertile and highly improved country. S?ii/de7'sville, 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 millj '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 130 HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. their escape, though twice fired upon by the Indians^, and proceeded to the house of one Adam Fashler. Avhere there were twenty men mider arms. These immediately went in pursuit of the enemy. In their progress, they visited the farms of Jacob JNIeekiy, wiiere tliey found a boy and a girl lying dead, the girl scalped ; of Hans Schneider, where tliey discover- ed the owner, his wife, and three children dead in the field, and three girls, one dead, the other wo'dnded. and one of 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 Mark^ and Schneider, were both burnt."" South IVhitehall toivjiship is bounded on the north by North Whitehall township; east, by the Lehigh river, 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 care 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 afiecting 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 this township; it sinks into the ground about five miles from Allentown. It is supposed to have a *Proud's History of Pa. Appendix, p, 624. HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 131 subterraneous course of more than a mile southward, and to rise at the fountain of Cedar creek, in Upper Macunjy. Cavern Spring rises near the mouth of a Kmestone cavern, within two miles of the 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 church, 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 il, 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 the 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 bounded on the north, by Carbon county; east, by Heidelberg township; seuth, by Weissenberg ; south-west, by Berks county, and on 132 HISTORY 0P 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 ^dllemaen- 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 severt^l houses. Jacksonville is a post village, in the northern part of tlie township, about eiLhteen miles from Allen- town. The population of this township, in 1S20, 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 OP LEHIGH COUNTY. 133 On the 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 Eiiile, to get to the people. On the 24th of March, following, ten wagons went to Aliemaengel, to bring a family, with their eflects, away ; and as they were returning, about three miles below one George Zeislotf 's, 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 lu'hans, ran down a hill, and broke one of the wagons to pieces. The enemy killed George Zeislotf 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 places 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 Berks county, p. 58, 123, 124. 134 HISTORY OF LEHIG^ COUNTY. The township contains ten grist mills, five saw mills, several oil mills^ and two clover mills. Clanseville is q^ite 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 Macunjj/ 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, $1,6 16 32. In 1843, $68 35 were paid towards educating the poor. Foglesville, a post village, at the junction of the Allentown and Millerstown road, nine 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. Trexlerstoicn, a neat post village, eight miles from Allentowii, on the road to Kutztown, Berks county. It con-tains sixteen or eighteen dwellings, two taverns, one store, a Lutheran and German Reformed <}hurch. The country around it is Avell improved. Lower Macunjy. This, and Upper Macunjy town- ships, were, until the last ten or twelve years, known as Macunjy toivnship. 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 th^ best limestone soil ; well improved, and very productive ; yiekls a rich recom- pense to the industrious tarmer, 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 Ge paid towards educating the children of poor persons, besides a quota of $24 99, jointly paid by this and Upper Mil- ford township. Millerstown, or MilhrsviUe, 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 LEEIGH 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 dtn Schreckens Zeiten.'" Here Mr. Daniel Schwartz, and others, made resistance.* Breinigsville, is a post village, on the road from Allentown to Reading, consisting of same 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 Piiiladelphia, by canal, for this purpose. Upper Mllford 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, but general- ly hilly, and in some places very rugged or broken, being crossed by the South Mo-untain, 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 vou John Fries, &c. p. 2S3^ 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 post-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. Weissenbu7'g toivnship 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 county, 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 afibrd considerable water power. There are here six grist mills and three saw mills. There are two churches in 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 OP LEHIGH COUNTY. 1,175; in 1830, 1,285; 1840, 1,427. The amoimt olf county tax levied in 1844, was S425 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 1799, 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 by Upper Milford town- ship, and north-west by Salisbury township. The surlace 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 is drained by 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 mills, 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 tliis 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. Freyslown, or Frei/sburg, 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 ; in 1840, 2,072. The amount of county tax levied for 1844, was 8667 68 ; state tax, ^986' 83. In 1843, $162 14, were paid towards educating paupers. Saiisbuty township, (some times written Saltzberg, or Salsberg,) is bounded on the north by Northamp- ton township and the Lehigh river, on the east by Lower Saucon, Nortliampton county, south-east by Upper Saucon, south-west by Upper JNIilford 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, whicli 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 Mamynoih 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 OP 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 SO ; state lax, $1,316 03. E7naus is a post village at the foot of the South mountain, built on one street, and is about five miles south-west from AUentown. The town contains about twenty-five dwellings, a store and church. The following, touching this place, is from the pen of the Twelve Vieivs 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, botii 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 AUentown. Portions of the surface is generally undulating, but the greater part is level, the soil is limestone, and very highly improved. When speaking of AUentown,* 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 from the pen of Robert Wright, Esq. It appeared originally in Hazard's Pa. Keg., Vol. XIII, p. 396. HISTORY OP 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 AUentown, 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 Mlentown, till ISll, when it was called the Borough of Northamjiton, 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 hrax^e 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 tnerrily^^ on 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 eflect 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 COUNTr. 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 ^^llen- 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 tem- 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 manufactaries. A bank, called The Northainpto complete it in the very short time em- ployed about it. The hsight surmounted by the rail- road, above the inclined, plain, is 767 feet in eight and- a quarter miles, equal to about one degree of acclivity in the mile. There are two places for turning out;,, made as usual, by a curved railroad, lying against th& main one, and forming an irregular segment of a circle, resting upon its cord. If carriages meet on ths 206 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTT. road, the lighter must return to the place of turning out, or be removed from the railway track. This sometimes happens with the pleasure cars. Upon this road the coal is conveyed from the mine to Mauch Chunk village, in cars set on four cast iron wheels, about two and a-half feet in diameter, each containing one ton and a half of coal. Fourteen of these are connected together by iron bars, admitting a slight degree of motion between two contiguous cars, and are conducted by a single man on one of them, who regulates their movements by a very simple contrivance. A perpendicular lever causes a piece of wood to press against the circumference of each wheel on the same side of the car, acting both ways from the central point between them, so that by increasing the pressure, the friction retaixJs or stops the motion, and as all the levers are connected by a rope, they are made to act in concert. The observer is much interested in beholding the successive groups of wagons moving rapidly in procession, without ap- parent cause. They are heard at a considerable dis- tance as they come thundering along with their dark burdens, and give an impression of irresistable ener- gy. At a suitable distance follows another train, and thus from 300 to 340 tons a day are discharged into the boats. At first, the cars descended at the rate of fifteen or twenty miles an hour; but the speed v/as reduced, as it injured the machines, and by agitating and wearing the coal, involved the driver in a cloud of black dust. The empty cars are drawn back by mules, eight to a gang of fourteen wagons. Twenty- eight mules draw up forty-two coal, and seven mule wagons ; and the arrangement is so made, that the ascending parties shall arrive in due season, at the proper places for turning out. This is the case with the pleasure cars, and the line of stages which pass by this route through Tamaque, and by the Schuyl- kill valley railroad to Pottsville. "The mules ride down the railway. They are fur- aiished with provender, placed in proper mangers, HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. 207 four of them being enclosed in one pen, mounted on wheels; and seven of these cars are connected into one group, so that twenty-eight mules constitute the party which, with their heads directed down the mountain, and apparently surveying its fine land- scapes, move rapidly along the inclined plane, with a ludicrous gravity, which when seen for the first time, proves too much for the severest muscles. "The mules readily perform their duty of drawing up the empty cars, but having experienced the com- fort of riding down, they seem to regard it as a right, and very reluctantly descend any other way. The speed first adopted in travelling the rail way, injured the health of the mules and horses employed on it, but the moderate rate of six or seven miles the hour, at present used, does not aff"ect them. "The pleasure of the traveller on returning in the pleasure car, is mingled with a sense of danger. The eight miles, from the summit, are frequently run in thirty minutes, and some parts of the road are passed over at a still greater speed, nor is the danger appa- rent only. The axles of the coal cars have been broken, and like accidents may occur to those of the pleasure carriages. In one instance, at least, a carri- age has been thrown from the road, and the passen- gers hurt, but fortunately, not very severely. Due «are, however, is taken by the proprietors to keep the pleasure cars in good repair, and to entrust them to careful guides, who cheerfully conform to the wishes of the passengers, relative to the rate of progress. "With the exhaustless mines of the Mauch Chunk, and the admirable means of transporting their pro- duct, the company might have reposed in full confi- dence of an ultimate and speedy and profitable return tor their great expenditure. But their vigilant pre- voyant and energetic acting manager, has found means to take a bond of fate, and to hasten this result by the discovery and * development of new mines upon the adjacent Nesquihoning mountain, four miles siearer to the landing of Mauch Chunk, and extremely 208 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. facile of operation. In a defile of the mountain, through which passes a sparkling and bounding rivu- let, called '-^Room run,^' a name soon to be as famous as " Maunch Chunk," some twenty veins of coal have been explored, varying in thickness from five t9 fifty feet, making an aggregate of more than three hundred feet, nearly five times the thickness of the great mine. This coal field is supposed to be a con- tinuation of that of Mauch Chunk, from which it is distant between four and five miles. Some of these veins have been traced three and a half miles along the mountain. All of them are accessible above the water level ; some of them have great facilities for drainage, and are provided with most desirable roofs and floors of slate, which render them susceptible of cheap excavation. This is especially the case of a twenty-eight feet vein, into which three openings at different elevations have been made, whence coal of the first quality and highest lustre has been taken. Other veins approach so near the surface of the moun- tain, particularly the vein of fifty feet, that it may be best wrought by uncovering, after the manner of the great mine. And this labor has accordingly been commenced. It has been observed that the most solid, homogeneous and perfect masses of coal have been found under the thick strata of slate, with a sharp dip, and that soft and pliable coal is to be ex- pected beneath an earthly and porous covering. The cause of this difference would seem to be, that in the first case the atmospheric water is excluded from the coal, and is carried away by the upper surface of the slate strata, whilst in the second, it percolates, and softens the coal, dividing it into small particles, which adhere feebly to each other. Professor Silliman describes a peculiar formation of the great bed of fifty feet, and its contiguous strata. They rise in form of a half ellipse, placed on end with the curve uppermost ; the form of the mountain of which they are part. There is here, he observes, the most strildng apperance, that these strata have i HISTORY OF CARBON COUNIT. 209 %een raised by force from beneath ; and it is difficult to avoid the conviction that they were also broken at the top ; for at the upper end of the stratum of coal, fhere is a huge rock, twenty feet in two of its dimen- sions, and five or six in the other, which has been broken off from the roof rock, a gray wacke of which it is part, and fallen in ; and the coal seems then to have closed all around and shEt it in on all sides, ex- cept, that in one place on the right hand a little below the top, the rupture is continis.ed to the surface, and that place was then fiRed and concealed by the loose rubbish and soil, as was also the rock above. These •circumstances, he conceives, confirm strongly the ti'uth of the supposition, that an upheaving force, ex- erted with great energy, has bent, dislocated and broken the strata. "This vein is broken by the ravine, and worn down by the stream which passes through it, but re- appears on the cpposite side, where it assumes a form more curious and extraordinary. The strata, as in the corresponding part, radiate from the surface, and the interior upper angle, so far as it has been un- covered, is filled with sand stone, arranged in reversed concentric arches, laid so regularly as to have the appearance of having been placed by art. The writer saw three of these arches, and the abutting parts of a fourth ; the remainder of the last was covered by earth. The stones of the respective arches increase their dimensions with the size of the arch. The form of these arches would seem to mili- tate against the hypothesis of an eccentric force, un- less we presume, what is probably true, that the gravitation of the strata in opposite angles of about forty-five degrees, produce this result. " To avail themselves in the best manner, of these new treasures, the company have made a railway of five miles. " This road follows the curve of the mountain along the Lehigh, for about two miles, and then still wind- ing with the mountain, turns easterly and rmis paral- N 210 HISTORY. OF CARBON COUNTY. lei with the Nesqiiihonhig ereek, to the ravine of the mountain, made by Room run, which it ascends. It would be difFicult perhaps to conceive a method of making a road more SYjbstantially than has been adopted, on this. The rails are about twenty feel long, seven inches deep and five in width. They are supported on. massive bloeks of stone, placed in line four feet apart, and imbeded firmly in smaller stone, and are secared to these blocks by iron clamps on each side of the rail, about six inches wide, but at right angles, and nailed to the rail and to the block by means of four holes drilled in each stone, and plugged with wood. The iron bars are two inches and one-half wide, and five-eighths thick. The whole of the road from the coal mines to the landing is de- scending. On the self-acting plane, the descending wagon will bring up an empty one. The interme- diate road is graduated from ten to twelve inches de- scent, in one hundred feet ; this being considered the lowest grade on which a loaded wagon will descend by gravity, and therefore the most favorable one, that can be devised, when the freight, as in this ease, is all one way. " Doubts have been, exprsssed as to- tho continu- ance of the supply of coal from this region. On thia subject we will let. Mr. White speak, observing that the sceptical may at any timc^ by personal inspection, have a full confirmation of his statements. In his official report to the company of 1st Janu^^ary, 1830. he says : ' In. addition to the extensive examinations, which took place previous to my last report, explo- rations have been made which prove we can ujicover and quarry our coal in acontiniious opening, about, two miles in extent east and west, having our present- quarries about the centre. We have uncoversd coal at the summit of the mountain, three hundred and twenty, feet north and south, across the strata o( coal, which is of a quality similar to that in the great quar- ry ; so that we have, beyond all doubts, enough coaL t^9.t can be quarried without mining, to last mor&: HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. 211 ihm\ one generdlion, even supposing that our ship- ments exceeded one million of tons a year, and that without extending our quarries more than one mile from the summit. And when our successors have done quarrying, they may follow the veins undeu ground eastward to the river, about seven miles more^, and five miles in a western direction.' "In his report of the 31st December, 1830, Mr. White adds : my conviction is, that our great coal mine, or quarry, will prove to be a vein of coal about sixty feet thick between the top and bottom slate, and that its extent will bear out my last annual report. Since that report, I have examined our coal field in, and about. Room run, where that stream breaks across the coal formation, and have had the good fortune to lay open a series of veins of unparalleled extent, of the following dimensions, viz : 28, 5, 5, 10, 19, 39, 5, 12, 15, 15, 50, 20, 11 and 6 feet, making the whole number of veins opened 14, and the whole thickness, measured at right angles v/ith the veins, 240 feet. Other veins have since been explored. The width of the coal basin at this place, north and south, exceeds half a mile ; and the bearing of the strata lengthwise, is south eighty-eight degrees west. If we allow sixty cubic feet of these veins to make a ton of coal in the market, after leaving enough for piers, waste, &c., they will give foiu" tons of coal to each su- perficial square foot, (counting the whole as one vein,) or 10,560 tons for each foot lengthwise of the coal basin, and consequently 55,756,800 tons for each mile ; and allowing our demand to be one million of tons each year from these mines, one mile would last more than fifty-five years. Tlie part of the coal basin belonging to the company, extends ten or twelve miles. " We must not omit to notice here a very important and ingenious invention of Mr. White, for the purpose of raising burdens, in which, more than one of our ©perative classes will take a deep interest. We- 212 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTT. allude to the propellers, for which he has taken a patent. " That this machine is very effective, is made ap- parent by the following minute of one day's work, done by it at the Maiich Chunk mines. In ten hours and three quarters, three horses drove the machinery, and raised two hundred and four wagons, loaded one ton and a half each, up a plane of thirty-five feet rise, and two hundred and ten feet iu length. As the pro- pellers require no more attention in passing a wagon, than a piece of conmion railroad, and there being no gudgeons or machinery to grease, except the driving part, the expense of going up hills is reduced to a mere trifle ; being confined pretty much to that of the driving power. " As farther exemplifying the facility of labor pos- sessed by the company, we incorporate the following note of one day's work at Mauch Chunk : ' Three hundred and forty tons of coal quarried at the mines, loaded and brought on the raih-oad nine miles, un- loaded from the wagons, down the schute, and loaded into boats. The boats for this coal all built the same day. Forty hundred feet of lumber sawed in one day and night.' " Since the above was written, great changes have taken place, several new mines have been opened. There is now, (1S44,) a "back track," constructed, by which the empty cars at Mauch Chunk, are sent back to the smmit mines. [See the article ^eo/0^3/ oj Schuylkill, Carbon, S^-c, counties.'] Since the foregoing has been written, the mines iu this region have been much enlarged, and great addi- tions and improvements made. Lausanne, a post village on the right bank of the Lehigh river, two miles above Mauch Chunk, at the mouth of the Nesquihoning creek, consisting of eight or ten houses, a store and a tavern. Nesquihoning, at the mines of that name, four miles above Lausanne, situated at the foot of the HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 213 Xesquihoning mountain, upon the Nesquihoning creek. This village was laid out in 1831, by the Le- hj^h Navigation Company ; it contains between twen- ty-five and thirty houses, a store and tavern. Lausanne township is bounded on the north by Luzerne county ; on the east by Penn Forest ; on the south by Mauch Chunk ; on the west by Banks. The surface of this township is very mountairious, and the soil gravelly and sterile. A great proportion of this township is claimed among unseated lands ; rising seven thousand acres, were offered at public sale by the county treasurer, to pay the arrears of taxes due thereon, in 1844. The population of this township in 1830, was 508; in 1840, 1,590. The county tax for 1844, $276 03; for state purposes, ^165 82. Laivrytown is an ancient looking lumbering vil- lage, consisting of some thirty cabins, above the mouth of Laurel run, planted in the forest years ago by the Lehigh Coal Company. Rockport, near the mouth of Laurel run, was laid out a few years ago, and bids to be quite a brisk and thriving village, and may soon vie with its neigh- boring villages. Clifton is a small village of recent origin, three miles north-west of Rockport. Penn Haven, on the mouth of Quakake, at the foot of the Broad mountain, upon the Avest side, is a village of moderate growth. Beaver Meadow is a post village on the Mauch Chunk and Berwick turnpike, twelve miles from Mauch Chunk, consisting of some twenty-five or more framed white houses, several stores, and taverns, two churches. Where the village stands, some years ago, it was a vast mountain morass, however partly reelaimed to agriculture, which doubtless re- ceives its name from the inhabitants who once occu- pied it. It has risen into distinction by the quantity and quality of anthracite coal in this place. 214 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTT. In the immediate vicinity of Beaver Meadow, ore several hamlets occupied by miners, and others labor- ing at the mines, or coal quarries. The miners he^e are principally Welsh. The Beaver Meadow coal mines, which were opened in 1813, by Mr. Beach, of Salem, are about a mile and a half west of the village. The Stafibrct Coal Company have a mine nearer the village. " This mine, says Professor Silliman, was opened in 1813. The coal is miiversally regarded as being ol the best quality. All persons whom we heard speak of it agreed in that opinion. The appearance of the coal corresponds with that impression, and its burn- ing too, as far as we could judge by limited opportu- nities of observation. The mine is in the side of liill ; there is no roof, or only a very thin one. It is worked open to the day, like a quarry It is already fairly disclosed, and there is no apparent impediment to obtaining any quantity of coal that may be desired. The situation of the mine is not, however, much ele- vated above the general surface of the country in its vicinity ; but there is descent enough, to carry off the water. '^ Hazelton is a thrifty hamlet, or village, four miles^ north-west of Beaver Meadow, " which has grown up in connection with Hazelton Co's mine, about half a mile west of the village. A railroad takes the produce of these mines, and that of Suger Loaf Hill mines, also near the village, to the lieaver Meadow railroad." Baiiks township, organized since the erection of the county, is the north-western township in the county, is bounded on the north by Luzerne county ; east by Lausanne township : south by Mauch Chunk; on the west by Schuylkill county. The surface of this town- ship is mountainous and hilly; the soil gravelly ; much of it not arable ^ a considerable proportion is classed among unseated lands. Its population does not ex- ceed 500. The taxes assessed for county purposes in HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 215 1844, amounted to ^376 91 ; for state purposes, ^217 06. Penn Forest township is bounded north-west by Luzerne county ; north-east by Monroe county ; east by Upper Towamensing township ; west by Lau- sanne. It is a mass of mountains. The Great Sioamp, or Shades of Death commences here. Tiie soil of the township, especially the mountainous parts, is gravel, and in many places very well timbered. The greater proportion ef the township is classed among unseated lands ; folly thousand acres of which was oflered by the county treasurer, at public sale, to pay the arrears of taxes due thereon. There are several saw mills in this township. The township is thinly inhabited ; its population does not exceed 800. The taxes assessed for county purposes, in 1S44, amounted to ^316 30; for state purposes, $187 6Q. Upper Towamenshig township is bounded on the north by Penn Forest township ; north-east by Chest- nuthill township, in Monroe county ; on the south by Lower Towamensing ; on the west by Lehigh river, which separates it from Mahoning township. Much of this township is mountainous and hilly ; the soil is gravelly, though arable, and when cultivated tolera- bly productive. A small proportion of it is still class- ed among unseated lands. This township is watered by Hoeth's, or Head's creek, and the Pohopoko creek, and the Big creek, which is formed by the junction of Pohopoko and and Head's creeks, 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 fails into the Lehigh river, about four miles above the Water Gap. It is navi- gat)le for ten miles. There 'me several mills, a fiur- fiace and a forge on this stream. This township was settled at an early date, during 216 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. the Indian and French war ; and also during the Re- vohition of '76, the Indians committed depredations and murders in Pohopoko valley. In the month of December, 1755, "a company of Indians, about five in number, attacked the house of Frederick Hoeth^ about twelve miles eastward from Guaden Huetten (Weissport,) or Pocho Pochto creek. The family was at supper— the Inians shot into the liouse, wound- ed a woman, shot at and killed Hoeth himself, and then shot sevei'al times more, whereupon all ran out of the house that could. The Indians, immediately set fire to the house, mill and stables. Hoeth's wife ran into the bake house, whieh was also set on fire. The poor woman ran out through the flames, and be- ing very much burned, she ran into the v/ater, and there died ! The Indians cut the belly open, and otherwise inhumanly used her. They killed and scalped a daughter^ — three of the children were burnt ; these children belonged to the family. Several of Hoeth's daughters were carried O'ff. In the action one Indian was killed, and another wounded."* In the spring of 1780, during the Revolutionary war, the Indians were marauding through here, and, on the west side of the Lehigh river, took several of the inhabitants prisoners at the house of Benjamin Gilbert, not far from Fort Allen, (Weigsport,) and abducted them.t Parry sville, two miles below Weissport, six below Mauch Chunk, on the left bank of the Lehigh river, at the junction of the Big creek with the Lehigh, is a small village, consisting of tea dwellings, one taverUj. two stores, a school house, a grist mill, two saw mills and a lath mill. Opposite this village, on the west side of the Lehigh, was a basin and the intended depot of the Beaver Meadow railroad, which was. swept away by the great fneshet in January, 184L Weissport, situated on the left bank, of the Lphigli; •Prov.Rec. Vol. N..p. 332. fSee Mahoning township.. HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. 217 river, above Tar run, (which now empties in the lower basin of the canal,) occupies a broad flat ; once tlie site of New Guaden Huetten and Fort Allen,, was laid out by Colonel Jacob Weiss, in 1828. Col. Weiss purchased this tract from the Moravians^ shortly after the Revolutionary war. The village is laid out regularly, and is a place of considerable business. It contains a storing house, a tavern, two stores, some ten or fifteen dwellings ; two churches, the one belongs to the German Reformed and Lutheran, the other to the Evangelical Associa- tion. The building of the former is quite an ornament to the village, and occupies the spot, once the site of an Indian village, destroyed in 175$. The proprietor. Colonel Jacob Weiss, was a native of Philadelphia, and during the whole of the Revolur- tion, in the service of his country. Sometime in 1784, he purchased seven hundred acres of land from the Moraviaiis ; in 1785, he removed his family to this- place. Col. Weiss was an active and enterprising citizen. His name is intimately associated with all the early eftbrts to improve this region of country. Mr. Weiss died in 1839, and his remains rest in the grave yard contiguous to the village on the east side of the canal, where a stone marks the spot, with the following inscription : " Sacred to the memory of Jacob Weiss, Sen., who- was born in Philadelphia, September 1st, 1750, and departed this life, January 9th, 1833, aged 88 years, 4 months and 8 days." His consort, Elizabeth Weiss, a daughter of Mr . Robinson, is still (September 1844) living, aged ninety years — nevertheless, of remarkable memory, especi- ally when it is considered that she has been confined to her room, through infirmity, caused by palsy, for the last eight years. Weissport, or Fort Allen, the early history of which is given belo.w, has been several times inun- dated.. 218 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. Trppey's Flood ox Flood of '86."* On the night of the Cth October, 1786, Mr. Weiss' family was roused from sleep, between ten and twelve of the clock, by the cry of some one, " we are all surrounded!'' At this cry, the first thought that struck them, was, the Indians had surprised them ; but soon found they were surrounded by water, for the Lehigh had swol- len so suddenly, and so high, that the whole flat of Fort Allen was inundated. To save themselves, they had to leave the house. They drove the sheep into the kitchen, and pent them up in the loft; the cattle were on the hills. Old Mrs. Robinson, the mother of Mrs. Weiss, and the children, were carried in a wa- gon to the higher ground ; and Mrs. Weiss, hetween two and three in the morning, mounted behind her husband to go on horseback, but was obliged to dis- mount, for the horse could not possibly carry both, on account of the ground being so completely soaked that he sunk to the flanks ; Mrs. Weiss, however, was carried in an axm chair, by some men, to the hill east of the canal. At the same time, a house near the river, M'-here the Lehigh bridge is, was swept away, with its in- mates, Tippey, his wife, and two children. As the house was floating, each of the parents had a child by the hand — the house struck a tree, the parents caught by the limbs, were saved, but both children perished. In this predicament, Mr. Mullen, a sailor, at the instance of Mr. Weiss, took a canoe, and res- cued Tippey and his wife, from the angry waves which had borne oft" their tender children. In January, 1841, there was another flood, by which Weissport was inundated, and the bridge, over the Lehigh, was partly swept away. The flood of 1841, was two feet higher than Tippey's flood. fVeissport. The locality of this place is well known in the early history of this country as Neiv Guadeii Huet- • In a conversation with Mrs. Weiss, and her son Francis, -Sqot. 18, 1844, this was communicated to the writer. i HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 219 ten, and Fort Mien. It was once a flourishing Mo- ravian missionary station. Tlie Moravians had com- menced a settlement and missionary station, in 1746, west of the Lehigh river, in Mahoning valley, (of which an account is given when speaking of township) but subsequently, left that place and located east of the Lehigh river, in 1754. Loskiel, in speak- ing of that removal, says, "in the removal of the buildings, the chapel only excepted, the Indians were kindly assisted by the congregations at Bethlehem, Nazareth, Christianbrunn, and Guadenthal, who fur- nished not only workmen and materials, but even contributions in money. Unanimity and diligence contributed so much, towards the progress of this work, that the first twenty houses were inhabited by the 4th, and the foundation stone of the new chapel laid on the 11th of June, Bishop Spangenberg offered up a most fervent prayer, and delivered a powerful discourse on this solemn occasion. The houses wer« soon after completed, and a regulation made in all the families, for the children, of each sex, to be properly taken care of. The dwellings were placed in such order, that the Makikans lived on one and the Dela- wares on the other side. The brethren at Bethlehem took the culture of the old land on the Mahony, 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. A synod was held in New Guaden Huetten, from the 6th to the 11th August, (1754,) and the chapel con- secrated. Many Indian assistants were invited to this synod, the chief intention being maturely to consider the situation of the Indian mission."* Military forces had been stationed here during 1756, and afterwards. "And," says Loskiel, "as iboth the Indian missionaries had left their eflects and * Loskeil, ii, 152, '3. 220 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. harvest at Giiaden Auetten, the Governor of the pro- vince kindly ordered a party of soldiers to march into> those parts, to defend the property of the christian Indians, and the country in general. But on New Year's day, 1756, the savages attacked these troops,, set fire to Guaden Huetten and the mill, and destroyed the plantations, by wiiich the Indian congregation and its missionaries were reduced to the greatest pover- ty." In 175&, Dr. Benjamin Franklin erected a fort here, called Fort Allen. While here, he addressed the fol- lowing to Governor Morris: Fort Mlen^at Guaden Hy^etteny January 25, 1756. To the Hon. B. H. Morris : Dear Sir^^Ye got to Hay's the same evening we left you, and reviewed Craig's company by the way. Much of the next day was spent in exchanging the bad arms for the good, Wayne's company having joined us. We reached, however, that night to Up- linger's, where we got into good quarters. Saturday morning we began to march towards Guaden Huet- ten, and proceeded near two miles; but it seeming to set in for a rainy day, the men, unprovided with great coats, and many unable to secure, effectually, their arms from the wet, we thought it advisable to face about and return to our former quarters, where the inen might dry themselves and lie warm — whereas, Iiad they proceeded, they would have come in wet to. Guaden Huetten, where shelter, and opportunity of drying themselves, that night, was uncertain. In fact, it rained all day, and we were all pleased that we. !iad not proceeded. The next day being Sunday, we marched hither,^ where we arrived about two in the afternoon, and before fi.ve had inclosed our camp with a strong breast work, musket proof, and with the boards brought here before by my order, from Dunker's mill^ HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTT. 221 got ourselves under shelter from the weather. Mon- day was so dark, with a thick fog all day, that we could neither look out for a place to build, nor see where materials were to be had. Tuesday morninsf we looked round us, pitched on a place, marked out our fort on the ground, and by ten o'clock began to cut timber for stockades, and to dig the ground ; by three in the afternoon the logs were all cut, and many of them hauled to the spot, the ditch dug to set them in, three feet deep, and many were pointed and set up. The next day we were hindered by rain most of the day. Thursday we resumed our work, and before night were perfectly well enclosed ; and on Friday morning the stockade was finished, and part of the platform, within, erected, which was completed next morning, when we dismissed Foulk's and Wel- ierholt's companies, and sent Hay's down for a con- voy of provisions. This day we hoisted the flag- made a general discharge of our pieces, which had been long loaded, and of our two swivels, and named the place Fort Allen, in honor of our old friend. It is one hundred and twenty-five feet long, and fifty wide; the stockades, most of them a foot thick; they are lliree feet in the ground, and twelve feet out, pointed at the top. This is an account of our week's work, which I thought might give you some satisfaction. Foulk is gone to build another fort, between this and Schuyl- kill fort, which I hope will be finished (as Trexler is to join him) in a week or ten days. As soon as Hays returns, I shall detach another party to erect another at Surfas's, which I hope may be finished in the same time, and then, I purpose to end my campaign, God willing, and do myself the pleasure of seeing you on my return. I can now add no more than that I am, with great esteem and aifec- lion, Dear friend, yours, affectionately, B. FRANKLIN. 222 HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. Fort %tllhn, at Guaden Huetten, January 26, 17,56. To the Hon. Robert H. Morris : Sir— We left Bethlehem 16th mst. with Foiilk'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 Hay's quarters, where Wayne's company joined us from Nazareth. The next day we marched cautiously through the gap of the mountain, a very dangerous pass, and got to Uplinger's, but twenty-one miles from Bethlehem, the roads being bad, a,nd the wagons moving slowly. At present, we are erecting a third house in the Fort (Allen) to accommodate the garrison. As soon as Mr. Hays returns with the convoys of stores and provisions, which I hope may be to-mor- row, I purpose to send Orndt and Hays to Hoeds, to join Captain Trump in erecting the middle fort there, purposing to remain here between them and Foulk, ready to assist and supply both, as occasion may re- quire, and hope, in a week or ten days, Aveather fa- voring, those two 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 tliis eovmtry 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, A^— without the Forks. Orndt, 50. Craig, 30; Martin, 30 — in the Irish settlements. Van Etten, 30 — at Minnisinks ; Hays, 4-5. 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, 175<6, he says, "at 8, A. M. we set out (from the fort above AUemenengel) for fort Allen, at Guaden Huetteu;. 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 meadow 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 oflicer does his duty. It was very well 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 J'acob Miles, and two men from the fort, were gone this morning with two. gen- tlemen from Bethleliem, 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 watch to mend, which was 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.— 21 muskets, 50 cartouch boX' es, 10 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of lead, 20 rounds filled for 25 men, 19 axes, 4 broad-axes, 2Q 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 Ectston, to hold a treaty there, and desires that the Governor may be ready, at that time, to meet him at Easton, The In- xiian informs me, that the three messengers, Joseph Poppy, Lewis Montour, and Nathaniel, arrived well at Diahoga, and went from thence to the IMohawk country, with 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 Teedyuscung'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. Bee. p. 203-4.] Fort JlUen, Jijiril 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, whom 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. Pec. p. 204.] Colonel James Burd visited this place in 1758. In his journal of February 27, 1758, he says, " I march- 226 HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. ed from thence (Mr. Everitt's) to Fort Allen, at 11 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 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 two P. M., a prodigious hilly place, and poor land, fifteen miles from Mr. Everitt's. I ordered a review of this garrison tormorrow, at A. M. Tuesday, 2Sth.— At A. M. I reviewed 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 pomids of lead, five hundred flints, two swivels, twenty-sis 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 stoccads, 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 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 oome here and reconnoitre the woods constantly around, and ta furnish him with intelligence. I also directed that a target, six inches thick, should be put up, to teach the soldiers to shoot. Lower Tow amensing: township is bounded 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 township. 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 OP CARBON COUNTY. 227 high river, is the Aquanshicola * creek, which 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 marched 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 om* march, for our arms were of the most ordinary sort, and our men Gould not keep the locks of their guns dry. The next day being fair, we continued our march,, and arrived at the desolate Gnaden Huetten (Weisspoiit).^' • Aquanshicola — various are the orthographiesof this stream.. Aquanschicola, Aquanchicola. In the record of Indian deeds it. is written Aquanshehals. — Records, &c. p. 128. § For a description of the Water Gap, see. Lehigh county. t Provincial Records, vol. 0. p. 77. 228 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. East Penn township is bounded on the north hj Mahoning township; east by Lower 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 between the Delaware and Potoraack rivers, was 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, which sepa- rates it from Upper and lower Towamensing ; 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 watered principally by Mahoning creek, 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 fom' miles, above which distance are several mills. Owl creek is in the western part of the township, flows between the Mahoning and Mauch Chunk mountains, into the Tamaqua, or Little Schuylkill HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. 229 river. There are several small villages in this town- ship. Taxables in 1844, 253 ; state tax, $403 93 ; county tax, $657 03. BiirUn,^ton, two miles north of Lehighton, on the road to Mauch Chunk, contains five dwellings and a store. This place suffered some by the freshet of 1S41. Lehighton, a post village, laid out some forty years ago, by Colonel Jacob Weiss and William Henry. The ground plot of the town is laid out upon an ele- vated piece of table laud ; the lots are large, aftbrd- ing an extensive garden and yard to each dwelling. The view from the town, though not extensive, is beautiful. It commands a prospect of tlie river and canal, the valley in which Weissport is located, the Blue mountain in the distance, and a nearer view of the iNIahoning mountain and Lehigh hills. Within half a mile of the village, there has been discovered a mineral spring, the waters of which have proved beneficial in many cases of disease and debility. The town contains thirty dv/ellings, 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 INIahoning township the Moravians had a mis- sionary establishment, or station, nearly one hundred years ago. They commenced settlements here in 174G. The station is thus described by Loskiel : " Gnaden Huetten now (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 1 8th of August, they had the satisfaction to partake of the first fruits of 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 dwellings 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 chajjel into a dweUing, 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 ofi' 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 the Indians. The whole 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 becavise 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 with. ****** But God had otherwise ordained. On a sudden the mission house on the .Mahoning was, late in the evening of the 24th Nov., i HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 231 attacked by the French Indians, burnt, and eleven of the mhabitants 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, but fled with the rest up stairs 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 Sturgeons, standing upon the flaming roof, ventured to leap ofi', and escaped ; though at 'first, upon opening the back door, a ball had grazed his cheek, and one side of his head was much burnt. Sister Partsch seeing this, took courage, and leaped likewise from the burning rocf 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 roof, 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 were all burnt aMve, ajid Brother Senseman, who first Went out at the back door, had the inexpressible grief to see his wife consumed by the flames. Sister Partsch could not run far for fear and trembling, but •hid herself behind .a tree, upon a hill near the house. 232 HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTT. From hence she saw sister Senseman, already sur- rounded by the flames, standmg with 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 spoU, 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 guns, 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 were in bed, having scarce thne to dress themselves. I3rother 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, were 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. 1&, 1844, 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, c/erj^j *Loskiel,II. 165. HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. 233 George Schweigert, John Frederick Lesly, and Martin Presser ; Who lived at Gnaden Huetten, imto the Lord, and lost their lives in a surprize fi-oni Indian warriors, November the 24th, 1755. Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints. — Psalms cxvi. 15. [.^. Bower, Phila., 1788.J 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 wife 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 went on industrious- ly and prosperously ; but on the 25th April, 1780, the very year after Sullivan's expedition, they were 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 wife, 55 ; Joseph Gilbert, his son, 41 ; Jesse Gilbert, another son, 19; Sarah Gilbert, wife 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, 26 ; a hirehng 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, was 12. The £34 HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTIT. Indians then proceeded about half a mile to Benja- min Peart's dwelling, and there captured himself, aged 27, EUzabeth his wife, 20, and their child, nine months old. " The last look the poor captives had of their onc-e comfortable home, was to see the tlames and falling in of the roofs, from Summer hill. The Indians led iheir captives on a toilsome road over Mauch Chunk and Broad mountains, into the Nescopeck path, and then across Quakake 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 v/ith 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 v/ild and rugged region between the Lehigh and the Che- mung branch of the Susquehanna. They were 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 vdien his cruel captors had put a rope around liis neck, and appeared about to kill him, the intercessions of his wife, softened their hearts, and he was saved. Sif.bsequently, in Canada, the old man, conversing with the chief observed, that he might say what none of the other Indians could, " that he had brought in the oldest man and the youngest ^hild." The chief's reply was 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, ' were 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 herror 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 exercised 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 blows, 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 wounds, and two of the women, who 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 warrior,) 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 crept olose, 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 looking on and «encouraging the demoniac sport. 236 HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. flictingthis revenge upon the captives, the chief came aiid put a stop to any further cruelty, by telUng 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 Coeiir clu Lac, on the St. Lawrence, below Ogdensburg. Some of the family met witli kind treatment from the hands of the British officers at Montreal, who 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 their 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 sm-prise she felt on this occasion, were beyond what we shall attempt to describe. A messenger was sent to inform Jesse and his wife, 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 indeed 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 warriors, and well was it for the prisoners that the election depended rather upon the voice of the mother than on that of the father, as inrmmerable 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, when captured, was adopted by an In- dian family, but afterwards 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 tlie endearing title of mamma. Her residence, however, in a white family, was 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 was called, with hira ; and there, after long separation, she hacl the happiness to m.eet with six of her relations, most of whom had been already released and were prepar- ing to set out for Montreal, lingering and yearning k>v those they seemed destined to leave behind, per- haps forever. The sight of their beloved little sister roused every energy to eflect her release, which de- sire was generously seconded by John Secord and Colonel Butler, who, soon after her visit to Niagra, sent for the Indian who claimed Elizabeth, and made overtures for her ransom. At first he declared that he "ivoidd not sell his oivn flesh and blood ;^^ but attacked through his interest, or in other words, his necessities, the negotiation succeeded, and, as we have 238 HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. zdready seen, her youngest child was among the trea- sures first restored to the mother at Montreal." " Eventually they were all redeemed and coDected 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 to Tamaqua, and about four miles from tlie 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. Robert M'Daniel lived on the place in 1833." HISTORY, &e. 05 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. CHAPTER I. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ERECTED, Before describing the present boundary, &c. of ihis 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 which 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 hmits of Schuylkill. Germans and others, especially the former, who had already seated, sent for their rela- tives and kindred ; and they in turn, on their arrival here, enticed others — till several thousand settled in various parts on the Schuylkill, Tulpehocken, and other places — till every glen, vale, hill, and mountain, was more or less settled — and under such circum- stances, the inhabitants felt the want of a new 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 Schuyl- kill, which separated it from Chester county, which inckided, at that time. Delaware county, and all the P 242 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 was erected, March 11th, 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 Readingtovvn, upon Schuylkill, was presented to the house, February 4th, 1752, and read, setting forth, that they had settled in the said town, expecting tliat it would be a great place of trade and business, and had put themselves to vast expense in building and removing thither with their families, several of whom left tolerable good plantations; that though the said town had not above one house in it about two years ago, (1750) yet it now consists of one hundred and thirty dwelling houses, besides fortv- one stables, and other out-houses, and that there arc 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 will 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 o; Philadelphia, Chester, and Lancaster, into a separate county, they siiall be entirely disappointed of their expectations, notwithstanding all the cost and troubU HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 243 ?:hey have been at ; that tlierefore, they pray this liouse would take then- case into consideration, and grant them reUef, by erecting such parts of said coun- ties, as they sliall think most proper, into a new -county, with tlie same privileges that the other coun- ties of this province enjoy ; and that the seat of judi- cature be fixed within the said town of Reading.* Another petition was presented, February 5, 1752, from which the following extract is presented : "They lind the causes of their complaint still growing, they humbly beg leave further to represent, that they are settled at a very great distance from the place of judi- cature, many of them not less than one hundred miles, which is a real hardship upon those who are so un- happy as to be sued for debts, their charges in long journej'-s, and sometimes in severe weather, 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 cro?sing Schuylkill, which has already been their practice lor 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 time 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 seembest."t * Votes of Assembly, vol. iv., p. 204. \ 1739-40. Feb. 4, a petitioa signed by Conrad Weiser, John Davis, James Lewis, and others, was presented. t Votes of Assembly, vol. 4, p. SO.I-. 244 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. The prayer of the petitioners was granted by the passing of act, March 11th, 1752,* directing the erec- tion of a county out of parts of ]Philadelphia,t 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, whereby they are fre- quently put to extraordinary expense of money, and loss of time, in their long journeys thither, as parties in cases, witnesses, jurymen, &c. For remedying which 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 with the advice and consent of the representatives of the freemen of the said province, in general assembly met, and by the authority of the same : That all and suigular the lands lying within the province of Penn- sylvania aforesaid, within the limits and bounds as Jiereinafter 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 western bank of the river Schuylkill^ opposite to the mouth of a creek called Monocasy .\[ * A, vol. iii., p. 227 of the rolls at Harrisburg. fAlsace, Exefer, Ainit}', Allimengle, or Albany, Oley, Cole- brook-dale, and Herel'ord townships, then organized, were pans ot" Philadelphia county. ^Coventry and part of Nantmill, now Union, part of Chester rounty- §C:j;rnarvon, Robeson, Heidelberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, €utnru, and Bern, then organized part of Lancaster county. iFeb. 18, 1769, an act was passed to settle thialine. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 245 to the run north north-west 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 Cookson of Lancaster county, were appoint- ed to run, mark out and distinguish the boundary line between the said counties of Philadelphia, Ches- ter, Lancaster and of Berks. An act was 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 whereas, many were then (1769) settled, and new settlements then making beyond the said lines of 1752, and disputes having then already risen, and others were likely to arise, concerning the limits .'.lifd 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 betAveen 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 between 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. Alt 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 two townships, Coventry and Nant- mill ; parts of each of these townsbips are now ill- eluded in Union township, organized since the eree- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 247 Mon of the county. The west and north-west portion was part of Lancaster, and divided into the following Townships, namely : Caernarvon, Robeson, Tiilpe- hocken, Heidleberg, Eetliel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and Bern. SchuylkiU covniy 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- ijembly 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, »5r. 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, Norwegian, 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, cm 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. Brunswick, Manheim, Norwegian, Gine Prove, Upper Mahantango, Lower Mahantango, Schuylkill, West Penn, Rush, Constables. Christian Kaup. Jacob Emrich. Isaac Reed. Christopher Barnhard Peter Kahrl. Joseph Keffer. George Olinger. None appeared, 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 Yarnell, Peter Kaup, Conrad Rader, Daniel Fenster- macher, Daniel Bensinger, Peter Albright, Josepli Heck, Joseph Old, Abraham HotTee, John Klock, Daniel Graeff, George Hillowgas, Andrew Gilbert, Philip Seidle, Conrad Yeager. i 4 i CHAPTEE II. TOPOGRAPHY, &c., OF TOWNSHIPS. East Brunswick township is in the southern part of the county, and is bounded north-east by West Penn township ; south-east by Lehigh and Berks counties ; south-west and west by West Brunswick ; north by Schuylkill township. The surface of this township is diversified; some portions mountainouSj 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, S25 54; state tax, g 10 21. Port Clinton, a post town, 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 town, which adds greatly to the prosperity of the place. The country around Port Clinton is very mountainous and sterile. s 250 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. During the Frencli 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 count)^, (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 Bhie mountain : In the early part of February, 1756, the Indians committed several cruel and barbarous murders in this township. On the 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 G-erhart, where they killed one man, two 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 way, 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 was done in Albany, three men, that had seen the shocking affair, came and told me that eleven were 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, were 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 returnhig, about three miles below George Zeislofi^'s, 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 Avagons 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 Zeisloif and his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy of twelve, 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 oft\ 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 wagon. Sometime in November, 1756, the Indians appeared again in this township, 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 Trinnp — they took Trump's wife and his son, a lad nineteen years old, prisoners; but the woman escaped, though upon her flying, she was so closely pursued by one of the Indians, (of which there were seven,) that he threw his tomahawk at her, and cut her badly in the neck. The instances of murder were both numerous and barbarous in this township. Manhdrn township is bounded on the north by Norwegian township ; 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, flowing 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 township 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 of the Schuylkill river, four miles below Pottsville, immedi- ately below the junction of the West Branch, and about three miles west of Orwigsburg. It was laid out in 1829, by Mr. D. I. Rhodes, and others. The West Branch railroad here communicates with the Schuylkill Navigation, and the transhipment of the coal has created considerable busmess in this place, and contributed much to the growth of the place. The town consists now of about eighty good, and many small dwellings, five stores, five taverns, two churches — an Episcopal and a JVIethodist churclL 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 jtist 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 town, which for fineness of scenery can vie with towns of greater magnitude. " Fertile farms and very picturesque scenery surround the town, and the brio-ht river here meanders anions: 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 raih'oad 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 toiunship is bounded on the north-west by Barry township ; north-east by Norwegian ; south- east by Wayne, and south-west 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 were mined a much larger quantity. The tax for county purposes in 1844, was $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 Norwegian township, is beautifully situated, four miles north-Avest of Potts- 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 town dAvelt in all the loneliness of uncultivated nature, since which its aspect has undergone a wonderful change in improve- 254 HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. merits 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 iiorthern portion of the village is firm dry soil, grad- ually rising and affording a southern exposure of favorable character for private dwellings, 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 which 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 niiil, steam saw mill, foundery, car manufactory, and a number of warehouses. The town 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 town, by Mr. Bast. We saw tliis machine at work, and it seems to answer a good purpose, for it saves a vast amount of labor. LhwcUijn, 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, llu'ce 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. HITSORT OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 255 is the immense tminel 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 township ; on the north- east by Barry and Branch townships ; south by Pine Grove ; and south-west by Dauphin county. The Mahantango mountain extends along its northern boundary, dividing this township from Upper Ma- liantango. 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, which 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, $i5S8 24. Taxes on unseated lands — county tax, g528 34; state tax, .$211 47. Barry township is bounded on the north by Up- per jNIahantango township ; north-east by Norwegian ; soutii-east by Branch ; and south-west by Lower Maliantango. The surface is hilly and mountainous. 'Since 1840, Porfer township has been erected, and is bounded en the east hy Lower Mahantango; south by Pine Grove town- ship ; west by Dauphin county. Thie township has much " un- sciited land," the tax upon which was, in 1844, §419 09. The county tax on real and personal estate, besides on unseated land, u\ 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, to the south-east, flows Deep creek into Long Pine creek, which also rises in this township. The Great Mahonoy and Little Ma- li onoy 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 U7iseatedlands, {or county purposes, $377 36; state tax, $158 09. Fine Grove toiunsMj) is one of the south western townships, and is bounded on the north by Potts township, 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 we 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, whose branches traverse it in every direction. Along the main stream of the Swatara, 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 tin-ough which the creek passes. This great work extends across the pass, abutted by solid rocks, four HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 257 liundred and thirty feet, and the water which is ar- rested, covers between seven and eight hundred acres. A towing path is constructed along tlie 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 commu- 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 ])ond forms a complete artificial lake, and proves, O!"- casionally, a death place for some deer, which, to elude the chase of dogs, take to the deep and are there taken, Thsre 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 ; when the deer are hotly pursued by the dogs, they make for the water, and thus are taken, in some cases alive, by the hunters. " The dam was constructed to serve as a reservoir, to feed the canal — it needs feeding, for it consumes much to keep all its functions moving — and also to answer as a slack water navigation, for the distance of six miles, towards Pine Prove, and the coal region. What changes!" In 1840, 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 HI=-:'ORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. lands, for county purposes, $632 39 ; state tax ob! 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 employed — " 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 which 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, by 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 the quiet which en- velopes the dwelling 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 was 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, were supplied ; but, since the tables have turned, lumber of various kinds is brought up the canal from Portsmouth, on the Sus- *Anthracite Gazette, 1844. i HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 259 quehanila, 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 1, 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; in 1839,20,639; in 1840, 23,860; in 1841, 17,653; in 1842, 32,381; in 1843,22,905; in 1844, 34,916- making an aggregate, in eight years, of 182,354 tons. If the Union canal were widened so 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 few old looking dwellings. Rush township is bounded on the north-west by Union township ; north-east by Carbon county ; south by West Penn township ; and south-west by Schuyl- kill township. 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 with coal mines. It is said that there is a salt spring in this township, 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, 370. It contains several villages or towns. Home, laid out some ten or fifteen years ago, by the 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 coimtry ; to be surround- ed by good farm land, having abundance of limestone in the neighborhood." It consists of few houses. Patterson, named after Burd Patterson, Esq., is on ihe Schuylkill valley railroad, about seven miles from 260 HISTORY OF SCHUFLKILL 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 & Runnion 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, at the head waters 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 \vith Port Carbon. Some ten years ago, Bell & Son, erected a large conmiodious 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 Schell. Mr. Raber resided for many years, one mile west of Tuscarora, where he had purcliased an improvement made by George Frehero, sixty years HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 361 sgo. Rlieinhard, Kersher, and Fries, were early set- tlers east of Tiiscarora. Tcwiaqiia, a post town and village, laid out by the Little Schuylkill Railroad Coal and Navigation Com- pany, in 1830, is situated in the valley between Sharp and Locust mountains, on the Tamaqua, or Little. Schuylkill river, ten miles from where it rises, and twenty above its junction with the main stream, and sixteen from Pottsville. At present it is quite a brisk, place. Like many of the.coa/ towns, the houses are not built hard by each other — rather in steaggling clusters, numbering in all one hundred and fifty dwel- lings, some of which are substantially built. It con- tains six taverns, seven stores, one Catholic church, one Methodist Episcopal, one German Reformed and Lutheran, and are about erecting a church to be call- ed the Primative Methodist j a car and coach manu- factory. Population 1000. 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 Little Schuyl- kill Company. The coal mines worked here are above water level. The veins of coal are alphabeti- cally enumerated ; several of them have been success- fully mined. Vein D, on the east side of the Little Schuylkill, or Tamaqua river, has a drift into it 4000 feet in length, from which one hundred and fifty tons of coal are taken daily. From the same vein, on the west side of the river, sixty or seventy tons are daily taken out — one of which is worked by the Little Schuylkill Company, and the other by Messrs. Rat- cliff & Johnson. Vein E, on the east side of Tama- qua, has a drift of 2500 feet, out of which one hun- dred and fifty tons are daily taken. Vein F has a drift of 2500 feet, worked on the east ; veins E and F are worked by Messrs. J. & F. Carter. Vein F has a drift of 2500 feet, worked on the west side by J. Taggart. Vein E is at present worked on the west by the company. Veins A, B, and C, higher up the Tamaqua, have not been very extensively worked. Veins 0, P, Q and R, are south of the village ; Q is the only one worked south of the village — by Messrs. 262 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Anderson & Denniston on the east side of the river, on lands belonging to the Lehigh company — a three feet vein of red ash coal of excellent quality, on the east side of the river, on lands belonging to Mr. S. Laird & Co., by W. W. Cansled & Co. There is a railroad from Tamaqua to Port Clinton, over which the coal is transported, a distance of twenty miles. Seven coaches arrive at and depart from Tamaqua daily, making it quite a thoroughfare. The Schuylkill Company's works here are man- aged by enterprising gentlemen — Messrs. J. K. Smith and Wm. Donaldson. Mr. Smith is the patentee of the self-acting brake and door fastening, and various other improvements in the mining operations. 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 Quakake and Cattawissa railroad, has been projected, but never made. A stage road, connects Tamaqua with Mauch Chunk, Hazleton, and Pottsville, on each of which two lines run daily. Schuylkill township is one of the central town- ships of this county, and is bounded on the north- west by Union township ; north-east by Rush and West Penn; south by East Brunswick and West Brunswick; south-west by Manheim and Norwe- gian townships. It comprehends a rich section of the coal region, having within it the Sharp mountain, Mine hill, or Locust mountain, the Broad mountain, and the Mahonoy mountain, in all of which anthra- cite coal abounds ; 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 township, 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 flows 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 1830, 1,200; in 1S40, 1,334; at present, (1845,) rising 1,500. The Taxes assessed for 1844, amounted to, for county purposes, $1,877 00; state purposes, 1^743 83. Taxes on unseated lands — county tax, i5l84 45 ; state tax, $73 76. Here is inserted a description of Schuylkill valley , &c., written twelve years ago, since which tirae, 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 with 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 road northward, to Mine hill, through which commonly, a small stream of water runs, cutting the veins transversely, so that they can be advantageously worked above the water level. Thus about two miles above Port Carbon, at the mouth of Zaehariah's run, are the " Five Point Mines/' which are very extensive, and produce first 264 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. rate coal. Along the run a lateral railroad may be made communicating Avith many valuable coal beds. One mile above Bolton Curry's mine, is the " Bopp Tract^^ owned 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 " J?fj'r/o?y and Evans Tract,^' near the mouth of Silver creek, four miles above Port Carbon. This stream passes through Mine hill, and gives access to the large and valuable tracts of Messrs, Burd Patterson, Geissenheimer and others. On the Glenworth and Valley Furnace tracts, is another lateral road, a mile 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 river. Up this stream, laterals have been made to the Mine hill, by the proprietors of the land known as the ^^ Jacob Slahl," " Olioger/' and " Bushey Tracts,^' on each of which, 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, owned by Mr. Lauton, and Blight, Wallace, & Co. One mile 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 hilly 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 Avorthy of notice, as it shows that the coal is by no means confined to the north side of the river ; and there are on the south side several fine tracts, as at Middleport, the valuable property of Messrs. Robb and David Winebrenner, of Philadelphia, known as the " Jacob Ladigj" and HITSORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 265 part of that owned by Messrs. Porter, Enierick, and Kom, called the " Hiester Tracts Next above Pat- terson, lies the " Peter Ladig TracV of Mr. Biddle, and the " Raber Tract,'''' owned 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 "i?«6er Tract'^ and divides Mine hill, here called " Locust nioiintain.^^ Next to the " Raber TracV is the " Tuscarora Tracf^ of Mr. William Lawton, Blight, Wallace & Co. — a large tract. 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, which divide the ground advantageously for mining. The veins which we have just noticed, are said to have four hundred breast above the water level." Union township is 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 1844, on real estate and personal property, amounted to $640 79 j 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 Norwegian 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 on the south. It is watered principally by two 266 HISTORY OP 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 latter requires 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, 1,150; 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, S21 85; state tax, $8 75. In 1840, it contained eight grist mills, eight saw mills, five stores, and one distillery. Zimmermanstoivn, is a small cluster of houses in the northern part of the township. It contains a store and tavern. Wayne township is bounded on the north by Branch townsliip; east by Manheim township; 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 watered by several small streams, tributaries of the Swatara creek and the Schuylkill river, affording mill seats for a number of grist mills and some twenty-five sawmills. Population in 1840, 1,621. Taxes for 1844— county tax, $1,513 25 ; state tax, %%^S 47. Taxes on " unseated lands" — county tax, ^61 89; state tax, 824 82. Fricdenshurg, a post village, nine miles from Pine Grove, and five from Schuylkill Haven, consisting of some fifteen or eighteen dwellings, two taverns and one store. The surrounding country is pretty well improved. Agriculture receives considerable atten- tion. Lime, as a manure, is beginning to be used. Its application rewards the farmer amply. The few scattering inhabitants of this region of HISTORY OP 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 ^uns 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 Ilartman's house, be- ing about a quarter of a mile ofl*, and found bim lying dead upon his face ; his head was scalped ; but saw no body else. He made, thereupon, the best of his way through the woods, to the inhabitants on this side of the mountain, to inform them of what 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 Inen, who said they had seen two men lying dead and scalped, in the Shamokin road, about two or three miles from the place where we were; wherefore, we altered our course, being twenty-six in number, and went 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 Records, N. p. 258. 26S 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 ofl" 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 being 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 somewhat 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 of the moun- tain — it will help to maintain them, wliich we must do, if they can't maintain themselves ; and 'tis very likely those barbarous Indians will set fire to, and burn aU, if it be not soon secured.* I am, Sir^ your very humble servant, WM. PARSONS. JVest 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 white gravel. All along the north side 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 township is pretty well watered. Pine creek is *Provincial Records, N. p. 258. HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 26^ 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, 8626 28. Population in 1840, 1,701. Be- sides Orwigsburg, there are several small villages in the township. Orwigsburg, post town, borough and seat of jus- tice of Schuylkill county, stands on ti rising ground, near a small stream,* which flows into the Schuyl- kill river. It was laid out by Peter Orwig, in 1796, but was not much settled till after 1811, when Schuylkill county was separated irom Berlts, 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, which 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 oflices 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 was incorporated in 1813, and received a dona- tion of $2,000 from the state ; four public schools. There are several fine churches here, viz : The Lutheran, which is a spacious building ; the German Reformed, the corner stone of which was laid, August 2Sth, 1831, and the one held by the ''Church of ♦Tradition has if, that at the junction of the little creek which runs around Orwigsburg with the Schuj-Jkill, was once a con- siderable Indian town, on or near Scollop Hill. The tuoael of the 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 Stimviedes Volks. The population of the town was, in 1820, 600 ; in 1830, 773 ; in 1840, 779 ; at present (1844,) rising 800. The turnpike leading from Reading to Pottsville, on to Sunbury, passes through here. The town is twenty-six miles from Reading, and eight south-east of Pottsville. McKeansburg is a brisk post village, four miles north-east of Or wigsburg, contains about thirty dwell- ings, two stores and several taverns. Landisville^ on the Reading railroad, two miles from Orwigsburg, contains some thirty dwellings, two stores and two 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 depradations. [See East Brunswick town- ship.] The population of 1830, was 1,379 ; in 1840, 1,230. Taxes assessed in 1844, for county purposes, 5^1,074 63; state tax, ^456 63; on unseated lands, county tax, $204 41 ; state tax, $81 73. Norwegian toivnship is one of the norihern 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 township. 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 not 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-west 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 which 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 Momit 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, and a third on the two branches of the Norwegian. The latter is known as the Mount Carbon railroad. On the West, and West- West ♦Hazard's Reg. of Pa. for 1831. 272 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Branch, a fourth railroad penetrates the Broad mountain. Tliere are several towns and villages in this town- ship, noticed below. PoTTSviLLE AND ViciNiTY. Before 1790, there were, comparatively speaking, lew 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 lS07,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, W'dhelm Potf, came to America, in 1734. We find his name, among others, noticed in the following re- cords : Ai the court honse of Philadelphia, September 12th, 1734, present, the Honorable the Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor of the city, and others of the Magistracy — eighty-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 effectof the government oaths, and also the declaration prescribed by the order of council of the 21&t of September, 1727. On his arrival, Wilhelm Pott settled first at Germantown, then in Berks county, where John Polt 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. 273 '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, Daniel Focht, the clerk; 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 JMcClattery, and one Newschwander 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 Gary, Lee & Hart, of Philadelphia. About one-ha.f 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 Boyer had settled, at the well known place called '^' Fioivhig 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 was known as the " Black Cabin.'' Two miles north-east of Pott's, lived Peter Newschwander, John Hughs, Phihp Dil- comp, Solomon Reep, Jacob Reep, Peter Reep, Geo. Reep, Conrad Keim and John Keim. At the present Port Carbon, several families had settled; these were Mr. Stitzel, known in his day as '• £)er Zim'mernian^'' i. e., the carpenter ; Shadrack Lord, father of Mr. Lord at Bayhill. Shadrack had settled on Eagle hill. These families, with Mr. Pott, were the pioneer set- tlei-s of this portion of the anthracite region. Other than the natural increase of the population was slow — little or no accession prior to ISlOorlSlI. 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 1 807,* when * On examining a copy of Scull's Map of the Province of Pennsylvania, published in 1770, I sec " cW /nar/v-" north of the R 274 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. the foundation for Greenwood furnace Avas dug, in digging which, a vein of coal was 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 was 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 west of Greenwood furnace, and the laying out of Pottsville, by John Pott, in 1816, this place increased rapidly, and soon a considerable town grew up in the forest. The ground or town plot was surveyed and laid off for the proprietor, by Henry Donnell, who was 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 onward 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, who had, as early as 1813, opened the Spohu vein of coal, began to ])uild in Pottsville. From 1824, the growth of the town was rapid, and the improvements in the vicinity correspondent with the town — ^JDotli unprecedented in the history of the country; for, in 1822, the house ,. Tuscarora mountain, or north-east of Reed's, not many miles from the Schuylkill Gap, within the then limits or bounds of Berks county. See also the First Annual Report of the Coal Mininir Assodatio7i of Schuylkill County, in subsequent page, Cliap.^III. HISTORV OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 275 Since known as the IVfiite 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 whose coal was 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, we 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 Greenwood furnace and forge, and were making iron from ore obtained below the Blue mountain. The next year, Clinton Row, ox Mahantango street, and another row 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 New 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 bi\siness. The horse shoeing custom is immense. A regiment of carpen- ters, bricklayers, and 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 regulate this branch. A wheelwright, a cabinet-maker, and a pump-borer, might crowd 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 vmder 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 tlu citizens with a pleasant countenance, would be more popular. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 2/7 •' 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, we may venture to hold out 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 tliis place Our hotels charge thirty-seven and a half to fifty cents a meal, and sleep often on the floor — a genteel oyster house would hit it exactly. A large hat store, with 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 wa- 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. Two hardware stores are doing very well. A new apothecary store, and one established last fall, (1829) are flourishing. Goods of aU kinds sell enor- mously high, for want of competition. Owing to the scarcity of houses, the business is in the hands of a favored few. 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 SCHUTLKILL 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 witli 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 inasse, they would 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 of room. For our part, being in the building line, 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 would," 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,) would come up here and purchase some of the uncultivated land along the Mahonoy river, ten or fifteen miles from Pottsville, where 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 lapon their enterprize. Many a fortune is waiting to be ploiiglied 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 ^80 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- mg Rooms ; two. newspapers, and a seminary. For any one from Cape Cod ta New Orleans, to say that he had not heard of the renowned town 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 oif 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 sinc-e, 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 Sunbury, over the Broad mountain, ran through it, and the weekly 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 waving in graceful folds above the trees, showing that man had dared to invade the forest ; but these instances were few and far between ; 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 own. powers. The town of Pottsville — for imder that name we shall include Mount Carbon and Port Carbon, for they are three in one — eontaining upwards of foui tliousand people> besides the hordes qI Tartar look- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 281 iiig population hovering on its skirts. Many of the latter cohabit together in shantees or tents made of hemlock, and covered with 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 which Columbus ventured to cross an unknown ocean. In the first week of October last, seventy-eiglit ves- sels cleared from Pottsville, carrying to the sea-board the rich mineral treasures of this district, and during the same period, twenty-two arrived from Philadel- phia, laden with the luxuries of every clime. The siti^ation of the town is remarkable, being em- bosomed in lofty hills. vSharp 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 with 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 or^, 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 ejaculatnig Methodist, and the sober Presbyterian, sitthig 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 with the result of tlie game. It is curious to observe the motly mixture of peo- ple of all climes and complexion, that have came to 282 HISTORY OP 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 tell us, more than sufficient to blend two 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, who are trying by words and signs to close a bargain with bini — 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 town of its size is so well supplied with every essential of luxury and convenience. Of attorneys, there are plentj?-, of the first repute, and with enough of activity to prevent the people from stagnating for ■want of excitement. And there are agents, who 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 and 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 which they crack HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 283 their whips, 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, will 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 withdrawn, 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 essential 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 have been 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 which 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. Otferman'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 row 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, which, 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 row 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 whose 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, vmder the superintendence of Mr. Mills, the agent for the canal company. In HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 285 the pool above, are the docks of Messrs. Elmaker, Audenreid, and White & Coombe, who have two 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 JVIessrs. 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 Ave perceive he is erecting a scrcAv dock. The latter lie at the foot of Morrisville. " The pool below the bridge alTords 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 dwelling 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 wide 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 enterprizing 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. 266 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTF. 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 we 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. EUmaker : 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 extensivel}'- 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, Hall, Dennis, Gallagher, and Martin. Among those are the celebrated Diamond and Oak hill veins. We must not omit the hotel kept here, by Mr. B. Gallagher, at a convenient dis- HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 2S7 tance from Pottsville for an excursion. Below Oak hill are the Green park and Clinton 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 Dill. 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-mill, and extends in a perfectly straight line, a mile in length, nearly to the junction with the main road." Since 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 fully 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, haa settled, or is settling, into a steady channel, well un- derstood, and well managed by capitalists, merchant? 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, W^elsh 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, called "2S8 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 now in successful operation. Messrs. Haywood & Snyder's foundry, machine shop, &c., was 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 Pottsville Empo- rium," by E. 0. Jackson, Esq. ; " The Anthracite Gazette," by Messrs. Wynkoop & 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 Potlsville. 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 3,500 feet HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 289 k)ng, into the Girard coal mines, on Mahonoy, is but partially completed. Until this is done, this part of tlie 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 increased cost of transportation, or to dive deeper into the bowels of the earth. The latter course has been adopted in several valuable mines, about Potts ville, by Mr. Charles Lawton, Messrs. Pott and Bannan, Mr. Charles EUet, the Delaware 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 tlie loaded cars are hauled to the top of the mine. The Miners' Journal says, in 1842 : " The colUery 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 coal basin. The depth of the slope is 400 feet, which, at the inclination of forty degrees, would give a per- pendicular depth of 252 feet into the very bowels of the earth. The pitch of the vein, as soon as it loses the influence of the hill, is very regular, and the coal be- comes of a purer and better quality, and is found in grc^.ater masses between 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 latier 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 tlie entire depth of the slope — 400 feet. The column S ■190 HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. of water brought up by the engine, at each Hft 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; which enables the proprietors to work three veins, with 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. Or, 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," when he paid a visit to tlie infernal shades, for the purpose of ascertaining the shortest and most direct cut to his beloved Ithaca. Homer, liowever, does not 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 lias not been visited by so con- siderable a freshet as was witnessed in the early part of the week. 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 resiiUs of enterprize. The rain has fallen copiously during several nights preceding Tuesday, on which day it subsided, exliibiting in its effects in the accumulated 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 someAvhat 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 dweUing 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 with the rest of the town, completely cut oft', 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 were 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 of the Navi- gation Company's canal,hasbeen swept away, oppo- site Tumblino; run dam, and about one hundred feet 292 HISTORT OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. of the embankment opposite G. 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 over 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 down. About one hun- dred yards of 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 \''ery 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, was first laid out in 1826, by Mr. Abraliam Pott; he first laid oif 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 ofi' the whole into suitable town lots ; and as the place was created by the coal trade, it w^as called Port Carbon. The first house built in Port Carbon, was erected by A. Pott, in 1826, when, to use his own language, « We had a real log-cabin-raising." In 1 82 9, Mr. Pott sold sixty-four acres to Daniel J. Rhoads, for four tliousand dollars, who afterwards 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, William Lawton laid out Lawtontown. The same year, A. Pott and John B. Gardener, laid out Acre- town. Young's addition was made in 1828. From these five original "starlings," viz : Port Car- bon, Irishtown, Rhoadstoivn, Lawtontoivn, Jlcre- town, and Young's Jiddition, now merged into one, arose a town, that numbered, at "the time of taking the census in 1830, about one hundred dwelling houses, and nine hundred and twelve inhabitants. The place is now known 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) without tenants; some of them unfinished, and falling to decay." " But the site," continues the same writer, " has many advan- tages for a town, and as the shipping port for a large and rich coal region, must have considerable busi- ness. It lies 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. 11. 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 ; but 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, thronghont 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 Schuylkill 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 of the powerful 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, will add greatly to the already fine prospects 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 become (and this prediction may be recorded against us) one of the greatest and most important points in the Schuylkill county coal region. " The business now 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, we have taken in the several additions known as Lawtontown, Irish- town, &c., as they are all comprised within a short limit, and are, in fact, always considered as the place itself." 296 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. Coaqiiennac, in Norwegian township, two miles above Port Carbon, on Mill creek — is a regularly laid out town, 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 powder mill, owned by Messrs. Frack and Seltzer. Neiv Castle is a post-town, in Norwegian town- ship, on the Sunbury turnpike, situated about four miles north-west of Pottsville, in a narrow valley of Mine hill. It was laid out by Lewis EUmaker 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 township, 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 causing vast yawning chasms, where the earth has fallen in, from which issue hot and sulphurous fumes, as from a volcano. The mine was ignited by a careless 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 the railroad, and such a heat was caused, that it must have cracked off lumps of coal to feed the flames. It seems scarce possible that the compact vein itself can be on fire. HISTORY OF SCBUTLKILL COUNTY. 297 although such may be the case. Two 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 small dwel- lings. The mines are worked by Col. G. C. Wyn~ koop. * Day's His. Col., p. 613. / / / / , CHAPTER IIL HISTORY OF COAL, &c. Having given a brief topographical sketch of the several townships and towns in this comity, this pari 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 views 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 quality from that known to our smiths as bituminous coal, and be- ing hard of ignition, it w^as deemed useless, until about the year 1795, when a blacksmith, named Whet- stone, brought it into notice, by using it in his 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, tliat it did not succeed. About the year 1800, a Mr. William Morriss, who owned a large tract of land in the rieighborhood ( 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 eflbrts 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 rolling 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 COUNTT. 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, was 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 few of the 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, when 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 tlirough 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 with 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 such 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 OP 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 view 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 which, the projected improvements, 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 of 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 OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. the coal business, from the best mformation in their possession. In the year 1813, several small openings were made in different parts of the comity, by sinking shafts; and the coal taken out, was vended to the smiths and others in the neighborhood, at twenty-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 c7'op 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 working, by substituting horse power and the gin, for the windless heretofore used 5 by which they were enabled to clear the water 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 run down 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 tlie mode of transporting was by connnon wagons, over roads at all times bad, and through a country, where, from^ its mountainous cliaracter, 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. 30* limber, exclusive of the impoverishing of his coal beds. As far back as 1814, drifts had been run on the heads of veins, in several places, and the coal brought from them in wheelbarrows ; but it was not till 1827^ that the railroad was 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, averaghig 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 fellow 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 S04 HISTORy OP 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 S5,000 The laterals leading into it, cost 4,000 {59,000 The Schuylkill Valley railroad was commenced in 1S29, 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, which is designed to form a part of the Pottsville 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 mSTORT OF SCHliYLKILL COUNTY. 305 Nwith it, forms a line of 1 5 miles, at a cost of 18^2,000 To this road there are several miles of lateral, costing 20,000 202,000 The Little Schuylkill railroad> extending from Port Clinton to Tamaqua, a distance of 22 miles, touches but for a small distance •an 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- m.otive engine, it will cost, when finished 260,000 To which may be added the roads and laterals connected with mines, immediately on the line of the canal ; which, at a moderate estimate, cost 2,000 262,006 Making a tota;l of railroads, of Sl6 56,000 The amount invested in lands and bnild- iKgs in this county, is estimated at 6,000,000 The amount expended in opening veins, fixtures, cars, &:c., &c., connected with mining 200,000 To which may be added 500 b(>ats, 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 SCHUFLKILL COUNTY. Under that period, arks and river boats were used ; and the quantity sent down was 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 of the 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 were 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 being of a quality unknown to most of the citizens, great difficulties were to be overcome, before it could be iPftroduced to any extent. To accomplish this object, it was necessary to com- . b0,t and remove old and lang 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 were made for v/ood, and before coal could be used, grates must be substituted for the open fire places, at a heavy expense, which was thought toe great to be hazarded for an uncertainty. It was a long time before grates were brought to that degree of perfection, sufficient to satisfy the pub- . lie that Anthracite coal could be used ; as the early friends. of the measure, in their zeal to introduce it iilto general use, held out to the public the idea, that so small a quantity was sufficient to answer for heat- ing rooms, that ma% , acting on their suggestion, had t^eir grates .eonstraeted on so small a scaje, that they ^ere found totally inadequs^te for the purpose, and ^ HISTORY OP 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 were brought to such a state as to satisfy the pnbhc 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 raaj'- 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 gradually increased. To bring, before the Asso- ciation 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, G,500 tons at $3 08 per ton. 1826, 16,767 do 2 80 (( (( 1827, 31,360 do 2-80 u a 1828, 47,284 do 2 52 (I (( 1829, 79,973 do 2 52 (( a 1830, 89,984 do 2 52 a a 1831, 87,854 do 1 50 11 a 1832, 209,271 do 2 37: a a From the foregoing statement, it appears that from IS25, the increase has been gradual, and .at an aver- age price of $2j51 per ton. From documents in possession of the ■ Board, it appears there were sent to tide water during the las£' season, from all sources, 373,871 tons, and from the liest information we are able to collect, the supply on^ 308 HISTORY 0F SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. hand in all our cities, when the navigation opens, will not exceed 20,000 tons, which will leave for the last year's consumption, 353,871 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 Lackawana works may be able to fur- nish 90,000, and the Lehigh 100,000 — leaving to be supplied froni this county, 270,000 tons. Agreeably to the circular of the Lehigh Companyy 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 will 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 was of old stock that had been mined the year previous ; but, owing to the depressed state of the trade, and the consequent low price in 1831, had lain at the mines, until a price could be obtained that would save the owners from loss. HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. S09 It is believed from the panic that pervaded the «3ealers 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 will 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 worked weak handed. In either case the operators wiU 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 the price of coal delivered on board the boats, prior to 1831, was $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 with 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 were 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 this association, that faults have occurred at times when least expected,, and when every preparation was made for doing a krge business; and that it is no uncommon occur- 310 HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. renee to meet them when every appearance indica- ted a fair and prosperous issue. Weeks, and some- times months, are required to cut through tliese 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, until 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 ail 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 unwortliy 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 New 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 shown 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 was 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 well known fact, th^t a perch of building stone, or 24i cubic feet, costs in Philadelphia from 81 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 one-fourth 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 was delivered in 1831, for 81,50, 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 which it was sold here, as we believe we have fully shown it was quite as low as it could be afibrded, but was owing tc 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 was 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 all our boat-build- ers were 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 31-2 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTS. 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 $l,50j freight went up as high as $3,75 ; in the meantime, boats were being built at every yard, and it Vv^as confidently anticipa- ted by those who are engaged in mining, and whose interest it is to deliver co-al at the cheapest possible rate, that, as soon as the alarm should subside, busir ness worJdy resume its usual course, and that freight would come, down to a fair standard. But the par- tial stop put to shipping, and the consequent- small shipments, caused purchasers, to instruct their agents, (many of whom have no interest farther than ths 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. Tl;te boatmen took advantage of the contention, and all hopes of reducing freight to a fair standard, were dis,- sipated. In co-nsequence of this, an average of $2 was paid for frieight, more than should have been done, and that sura was added to the cost of coal at tide water. It is believed by your Board, that there will be a sufhcLent number of boats, on the line, at th$ commencement of the coming season, to carry all tlie coal that may be required, and, that freight may be had, the seasorj through, at $1,50, provided that agents of houses in our cities bq 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 shall serve as advisers for agents in all cases ; and it is believed an arrangement may be made, thai will insure a fair price to the boatmen, and^ at tlie HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. SIS 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 tomiage amounting to 22,800. Allowing 16 triips for the year, they will be able to transport 364,800 ; but, as a portion of the boats will 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 5&, 85 00 At which price it will be the cheapest fuel that can be used, and 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 duty is taken ofl', 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, thafe 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 Hsed anthracite, will never willingly abandon it fc«.- 3r4 HISTOItY 6P -SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. bituminous. But as there are large beds of bitumin- ous coal in this state, as well as in Virginia, that might be atfected by a reduction of duties, it may be well to examine into the truth of the 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 appohited on the petition of the citizens of a district, who considered 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 New 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 OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 315 one chaldron delivered in his cellar, $11,25, equal to ^10,321 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, audit 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 CGal,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 coal — with a class of individuals of the most persevering industry — 'we may fairly challenge a competition with the world. 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 iii 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 im-- 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 liave obtained-, the board earnestly enjoin it on 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 aflbrd them pleasure, if the experience they have had in mining, can be rendered serviceable to any member of the association, or any person, in any manner interested, in the trade. HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 3l1^ REPORT OF 1845. The period has now arrived when it becomes the duty of the Board of Trade to submit to the Goal 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 well 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., will be seen by the following table : From Schuylkill. By canal 398,443 " Phila. and Reading R. R. 441,491 From Lehigh 839,934 377,821 " Lackawana 251,005 " Wilkesbarre 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- •yania, 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 OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY'. 319 A TABLE Ethihiting the quantity of Coal sent from all the Anthracite Coal Basins of Pennsylvaiiia since the com?ne7ice7nent of the trade, 4c. <§'C. 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 1527 31,360 31,360 32,074 1828 47,284 47,234 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 252,971 252,971 123,000 1834 226,692 226,692 106,244 1835 . 339,508 339,508 131,250 1836 432,045 432,045 146,522 1837 523,152 523,152 225,937 1838 433,875 433,S75 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 447,058 230,237 677,295 267,734 1844 398,443 441,491 839,934 377,821 5,587,930 721,018 6,308,948 2,773,654 3^.0 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. TABLE CONTINUED OTHER REGIONS. YEARS. LACKAWANA. PINE GROVE. SHAMO- KIN. WILKES- BARRE. AGGRE- 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 1833 111,777 487,748 1834 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 20,639 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 1844 227,605 251,005 22,905 34,916 10,000 13,087 58,00011,263,539 114,906 1,631,660 1,878,435 182,354 81,985 220,252 11445628 HISTORY OF SCHUYLK?/lL COUNTY. 321 TABLE CONCLUDED. INCREASE, CONSUMPTION, &c. " ANNUAL CONSUMP- UNSOLD SOLD ON YEARS. INCREASE. TION, APRIL 1. CANAL AND RAIL ROAD. 1820 1821 708 1822 1,167 1823 §,583 1824 3,718 1825 25,352 1826 13,154 3,154 1827 15,837 3,372 ■(828 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. 1.3,429 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 54,035 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 1 149,102 1,158,001 100,000 .34,619 1843 1.55,538 1,263,539 50,000 <50,000 1844 368,130 50,000 90,000 u 322 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. There appears to be 90,000 tons of coal distibuted along the line of our canal and railroad ; and from Wilkesbarre, Pinegrove and Sharaokin, 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 we 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 tc»ns of anthracite 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 cO'Uieries, is steadily and rapidly in- creasing, and we now have twenty-two collieries un- der water level, at which there are erected twenty- eight engines for raismg the coal and draining the mines, the aggregate power of them beuig 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. Ill addition to the forty-one engines employed about the mines, there are fifteen others, rated 186 horse power,, employed in other business in the county, making a total of fifty-six steam engines, with HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 323 an aggregate powerof 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 au 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 waste of the coal. This machinery, with 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 now connected with the railroad to Philadelphia, through the Mount Carbon and Port Carbon railroad, 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 Valley Navigation and Railroad Company, have a large force employed under A. W. Craven, engineer, in straightening and grading the route for laying down a new road from the termmous 324 HISTORY OP 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 who 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, Avith 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 will connect the Little Schuylkill railroad with the Philadelphia and Pottsville railroad, and in less than six months from this time, we shall see all the railroads of the coal region, that discharge their immense freight through the valley of the Schuylkill, connected with 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 throughtout the whole 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 SCHUYLKILJL COUNTY. 325* to cheapen the cost of transportation on railroads to an extent that few, if any, of us had ever imagined. Tiie improvements by Baldwin & Whitney, in con- necting six wheels, and using them all as drivers, with the weight 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 drawn 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 whence the coal could not be sent in any other way 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 coniipany 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 200 tons ; and further, that some individuals are so thoroughly convinced of the advan- tages of steam power on canals, that they have de- termined upon trying it the coming season. We are fully satisfied that the enlargement of the canal and the application of steam, is the true and midoubted plan for cheapening the transportation on ikis 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 ability 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, and 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, railroad and cars, is intended to meet the requirements of a busi- ness already very large, and which will, in all hu- man probability, be sufhcient 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 some to be practicable, doubted by many, and posi- tively denied by a majority of the iron masters of this State. And now there are 13 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 OP 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 within a year, will increase the consumption of coal to at least 100,000 tons per amium 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. From 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- ing 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 few 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 allowance 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, xvas 77 cents to Philadelphia, and 82,16 per ton to New York. The whole charge per ton of coal by the railroad. 328 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COL'NTYj was |il,10 in the winter, and $1,25 from the 1st of^ July, until the 1st of December last. The canal was open and ready for the shipment of coal on the 23d of March, and notwithstanding the unprecedented dry weather, there was no interruption in business, luitil it was closed by iee on the 1 9tli 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 we add to the products of 1844, the increase in that year of anthracite coal over 184 3 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 top 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 v^hich will be avoided by steering between the two extremes, and steady prices preserved; which is ; always desirable to the collier. In the report of the experiments made by Profes- sor W. R. Johnson, under the authority of Congress at the Navy Yard in Washington, on many 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 ^pon; and second only to two specimens of bitu . 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 i*^ipose 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, inieasure- 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 tolls are increased, there will be an eq^al probability 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 legislatm'e think that an increased charge per ton on coal and all other merchandize, passing over the public works, is calculated to increase the- annual revenue flowing into the public colfers, we are perfectly satisfied that such a course should be pur sued, because it would operate equally and impar- tially. But we cannot see the justice of laying a direct tax on anthracite coal, without at the same time im- jjosing it upon all the other products of the state, in, proportion to its value. The heaviest portion of this tax would fall upon the. Goal sent from this region, for which 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 gipre tax than the county of Schuylkill. 330 HISTORY OP 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. All of which is respectfully submitted. CHAPTER lY. COAL REGION, AND MINING OPERATIONS IN 1844. {From the Anthracite Gazette.) THE ORIGIN AND FORMATION OF COAL, jji j Previous to entering upon a particular local de- scription or history of the developments of this region, we shall give a rapid and condensed view 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, we are indebted to several rare and late English worlds, but more par- ticularly to our fellow townsmtvii, 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 few subjects which have given rise to more conjecture or opened a wider field for the most extravagant hypothesis, than that which 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 RISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. difficult of complete elucidation than this. The onlf rational course that we can pursue whilst cognizant oif this difficulty, is to lay before our readers the various theories as they have arisen, and after giving tire 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 ta the origin of this sub- stance, we enumerate the following five : First — That it is an earth, a stone chiefly of t>ie argillaceous genus, penetrated and impregnated with bitumen. Second — Is 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 oi animals that once iniiabited the ocean. Fourth — That it is q. marine fossil, formed in a manner similar to. tlie 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 sulpiauric acid Iras probably been the principal agent, and thai; 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, whichiare 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. filSTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 335 Jiltogether 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 we shall use the argu- ments pertaining to Mr. Lewis' 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 it 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- ierence then between two opinions, is reduced to the simple point, whether the carbon in 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 present form. " Let us adopt which of these opinions we 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^ her 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- 334 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 we now 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 follows, 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 or 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 ehrystaline and in- organic state to that of fragmentary composition, and of organic life, and hence the name — transition. The lower part of this series contains only the remains of marine animals of the lowest order, while 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 of the series contains our antliracite 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 ehrys- taline in their appearance than the transition, and seem to be composed of the fragments of other roclvs 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 lowest 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 diluvial 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 to 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. Ii is found in the primary limestones and other primary rocks, and in many transition rocks that were formed previous to the existence of plants. In limestones it forms about one-eight of their weight. 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 thicknsss, throughout the vast extent of those mountains. The whole formation of the tran- sition and primary limestones of Pennsyh'ania may cover an area of ten thousand miles, and will perhaps average four thousand feet in tbickness. 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 v/ith lime or other bases, and it is somewhat remarkable, that with the exception of the coal beds, 'It is nowhere found in an uncombined state. " Neither do we know of any remains of beds of its combinations, from whence it could have been hberated by any of the agents that have been instru- mental in forming tbe rocks that envelope the coal beds, so far as our knowledge of these agents ex- "tends. Heat will expel the carbonic acid from its combinations with lime or other earths, metals, &c. '-, HISTORY •6p SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 337 kiiit 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 not assist us in the inquiry how the immense masses of carbon that constitute the coal strata were collected together, unless we re- sort to the agency of vegetables. How they are formed from these, we are in a great measure igno- 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 were 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 noi V 338 HISTORY OP 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, of the human race, the sovereigns of a world which they underprize, and of which they little know the wonderful structure, or the surpasing beauty. " At the epoch of the coal formation, the vegetatica that covered the earth was of the most luxuriant growth and gigantic size, as is evidenced by their rer 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, maisture and carbonic acid gas. " In the upper or diluvialformation, we find peai^ which is unquestionably of vegetable origin, as it is now forming from vegetables in various parts of the world ; and yet fully formed peat has as little the ap* pearanceof vegetables as most kinds of coal. It is also remarkable that the further peat is removed from all traces of vegetable organization^ (within certain limits) the better it answers . for,, fuel. In peat we have an instance of the formation of fuel from vege- tables, but which has jio trace of a vegetable left, by a mineralizing process that is jiJst as little understood, and IS just as; inexplicg.ble. 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 be- cause we are unable to explain the process by which it. has been reduced to its present state ? HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 339 « Owing to the great opacity of coal, all attempts to Qxamine 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 structure strikingly conspicu- ous under the microscope. Slices of coal treated in this manner, exhibited in some parts distinct traces of woody 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 the rhomboidal form of its fragmenls, 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 of 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 at 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. , It 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 a mass of such vegetables into coal P>or if coal has been formed from > vegetables, it wa^ - 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 like 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 atithracite, 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 of the 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." All 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 vegetable 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, will be converted into a substance having all the external character and chemical properties of 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 of the 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 with its peculiar series is called a field. Coal fields are generally of but limited extent, and the strata frequently dip ta a common centre, being often arranged in basin shaped concavities, which appear in many cases to have been originally detached lakes that were gradually illed 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 our 342 HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. own region, if we admit tlie strata to have been ori- ginally 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 rooky 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 strate 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 fcrmation of the coal than at the present, and hence vegetables may have grown 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 atth« present time, and hence great masses — the product efmany successive crops, may have been accumulate HISTORY 0F SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 343 ed, ready to undergo the unknown process by which they were converted into beds of coal, when the ap- l^ointed time came for this to take place." Having thus given our readers by way of introduc- tion of the more local articleswhichwill follow, many valuable facts in respect to the origin and formation of coal, which hai^e never, yet been published, we shall proceed in our next to describe the peculiarities and developments of the 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 ccal, 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 was fully proven, we 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 in the state ; but as these articles were written for the purpose of more familiarly introducing a particular description of our own region, usually denominated the " Schuyl- kill Coal Field," weshaU fallow out the intention per- haps abruptly. It may in the first place be well to remark, that all ©ur anthracite coal fields, are, in the opinion of many scientific gentlemen, who have spent much time in investigating the matter, but part of an original great tbrmation, which, at some period, has been separated by the disturbance of the underlaying strata. 344 HISTORX 0F SCHUYLKTLI„ COUNTY. That part called the Schuylkill Coal Field, of whicfci we now intend tq, 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 bomided 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-, lion. Beginning at the eastern portion, it is penetra- ted first by the Little Schuylkill at Tamaqua — the Mill creek at Port Carbon — rthe river Schuylkill at Pottsville — the West Branch of the: Schuylkill at Minersville--the Siyatara creek at Pinegrove— and tlie Wisconisco and Stony creeks at the extreme western portion of the elipsis. These creeks and streams af- ford admirable natural outlets for the coal, and favo- rable sites fo^ the location of railroads, which are already laid down, and in operation through nearly all these passes. Of these, however, we shall speak hereafter. This coal field is everywhere surroimded 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 ox 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 tv/enty-five to forty de-. grees with the horizon. They are separated from each other by ditlerent stratas of sandstone and slate, which are of various thicknesses. From examinations made across the centre of the :^eld, aided by the number, already worked, it is ascer-.. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 345, tained that we have in this basin about ninety-five veins or strata of coal, and it is probable that we have n0:t 5'"et arrived at sufficient information, by which to determine the exact number. These veins run 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 gronnd, 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 country, and are as little Ijkely to be exhausted. Both may be worked to a depth that will cease to remunerate tlie operator, but the part taken away will scarcely be a fragment of that which woi>ld be left. If we suppose the whole number of veins to be equal to $fty 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 waters 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 proQure coal from one of these \'eins^.a point- is fixed upon where it crosses a ravine, and an opening is made in the vein at such a height tliat the \Yater coming out of it may freely pass off' into, the adjoining streai^. This opening may be. ?46 HISTORY or SCHUYLKILL COUNTT. about six or seven feet square — is well secured by timber and is continued horizontally through tlie earth and soft coal, which is usually found near the out-erop of the vein. In this opening or " drift,^^ as it is technically called, a railroad 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, ^^.y six feet thick in cross sections, lying inclined in the earth, at an angle of thirty degrees, resting on a greysiatey 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 beloAV the " out-croppii^g" of the coal on the top of the hill, at a point on the side of this drift to^vards 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 with 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 (which is temporarily supported by-small props) or as far is thought safe by the workmen. The portion of coal thus imdermined, is then brought down by means of wedges and •kivers, and freqviently by blasting Avith powdefo HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 347 Wherx it is broken sufficiently small, to be handled with facility, it is placed in the plank schiite, 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. Tl^e portion of the vein, above described, which we called forty feet ^yide, 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 few yards in the up- ward direction, another breast may be opened at tl>e 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 v/hich the water will 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 when- 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 siiaft, or "slope" asit is commonly called, is worked 348 HISTORY- OP 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 raih'oad, and pwnp barrell, say dghteen 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 oi gangways, are worked into the coal, to the right and left, in which rsiilroads 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 st'cam engine at the^ top. Having now given our readers, as preliminary 5. sufficient information to induct them into the peculi- arities of our operations, we shall proceed, in comiec- 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 g,n elipsis, which 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 of the Little Schuyl-- kill Company's land at Tuscarora, and the Swatara. We shall then commence at Tuscarora and follow the liange of veins in a westerly direction until we have- completed our task. The Schuylkill Valley district is penetrated in a (iirection almost parallel with the veins for a distance- of ten miles by the river Schuylkill The canal ceases, HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 349 'at Port Carbon, and the only way of reaching th6 boats with the coal, is by means of the Schuylkill Valley railroad, which extends along the course of the stream the whole length of the district. This com- pany Was first chartered in 1S2S as a Navigation Company, to be styled, " The Schuylkill Valley Na- vigation Company." The act authorizing them to lay a railroad was not passed, however, until Janu- ary, 1829, and the road was 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 follows the direc- tion of the stream for ten miles as before stated — this road crosses from twelve to fifteen natural ravines which penetrate the whole basin at right angles with 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 presenti 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 Schuylkill Bank — it contains about 106 acres, and extends in width from the Sharp to the Locust mountain, and reaches in length about 1^ miles on the range of the veins. The distance from the mouth of the drift to the shipping J)oint at Port S60 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY'. Carbon, is. ten miles. The openin-gSj as we before stated, are made in the Locust mountain, and the veins are supposed to be the same as those found in the Broad mountain, at New Castle. These veins (the Jugular and Daniels) follow 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 tmi- nell, which is 175 yards in length, and cresses 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 aii^d 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 could 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 tliicknoss, and command about, CO feet breasting- ThesG .mines are operated in. by Aquilla Bolton, Esq., . HISTORY OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 351 and are in first rate working order. There are al- ready opened upon this tract two 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 1? miles, and judging from the number already proven, along with their extent, the supply of coal which might be derived from 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 mighc 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 sevi- eral valuable collieries in this district, of which we shall speak in their turn. KINSLEY'S COLLIERIES. The next mines in order is a 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 of the 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-r ing was deserted. The vein, as Mr. Kinsley has now opened it, is aboiU 4 feet thick, and of a south pitch. He has made about .76 yards of drift into the vein, and hag about 120 feet breastuig. The- coal iaa red ash, and is supposed to be the Spohn Vein.- The reason for this belief, in addition to the quality and appearance of the coal, which is identical, is the existence in this Jr,act, of a singular feature, which only accompanies 352 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. that vein. This is a small vein of coal, not more thaik 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 1| 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 i mile above Middleport, and 6| miles from Port Carbon. This operation is carried on by 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 1S43, by Mr. Freeman, Avho 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 Casca-William creek. Messrs. Olwine & Davis laid a railroad along this creek, about five years and a half ago, whirih is now in tolerable good order, and serves as a medium for the transpor- tatic^n of all the coal mined in its course. HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 35v UREN'S COLLIERIES. The first colliery we arrive at in passing up this road 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 railroad. These workings were commenced in the fall of 1842, and have been continued successfully and profitably ever since. The Spohn vain, at this point, averages in thickness from four to eleven feet, and the Lewis vein, from foilr 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 ?3y Mr. Uren. THOMPSON & PENNMAN'S COLLIERIES. The next colliery in regular order as we pass up Ihe Casca- William road, is Thompson & Pemiman'sj who are operating on the Jidam 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 OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. PATRICK'S COLLIERIES. These are carried on by Mr. John Patrick, who connects with the Casca-WilUam's road, 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 we arrive at, is THE MUSIC HALL COLLIERIES. These mines are worked by Messrs. Spayd & Lur- ther, at the extreme end or head of the Casca- Wil- liam's road, about 3 miles from Middleport. The term "Music Hall," originated thus — one 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 — ^it is first quality white ash, and is known as the Raven vein. This vein is 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 mile, and taken out from it an im- mense quantity of excellent coal. Messrs. S. & L. have erected a platform at their mines for breaking coal, which is done upon a laoige iron plate, about 6 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 355 feet by 20 feet, having octagonal holes the size of the 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 works admirably. We are assured that 20,000 tons of coal annually can be mined from the Raven vein, if the demand should warrant it. Connected with this colliery are 18 houses for miners' dwellings, along 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- William'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 meet with no collieries until we come to Lick run, a distance of 4^ miles from Port Carbon, and U miles from Middleport. A lateral road is laid up this run for a space of 550 yards in length, atthe extreme end of which 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 them. The veins, which 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 in a southern direction, which struck the Peach mountain. Botk 356 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. veins are of a south pitch. The thickness of the Peacock vein is from 7i t© 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 Valley road, we 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 1| 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 worked 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 ]\Iarch, 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 3k feet thick in the breasting. Tlie property is owned by the Valley furnace com- HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. 357 paiiy, and extends in a range with the vein to Lick run, a distance of about 800 yards. The next colliery we arriv^e at whilst 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 JNIiddleport crosses Silver creek. This vien was opened many years ago, and was abandon- ed. It was leased by the present firm, about two years ago, and they have been operating in it since that period. Thej?' 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 2S0 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 VaJley Furnace tract. Between this colliery and the head of the Silver creek railroad, there are several new openings which have been lately made by Mr. Gideon Bast, of Schuylkill Haven. The veins are red and white ash, are in excellent order, and promise to become valua- ble and profitable ccllieries. Mr. Bast is busily en- gaged in perfecting the operations, and making all the necessary improvements for the purpose of getting them fairly under way ; and we shall therefore defer a more lengthy notice until such time as the arrange- ments shall be concluded. The property upon which tliese veins are located, is owned by Messrs. Anspach, of Philadelphia. The next veins we come to are those located at the head of Silver creek railroad, and known as 358 HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. SILVER CREEK COLLIERIES. These collieries are carried on by Messrs. Myers & Allen, of Port Carbon, and are valuable and exten- sive workings. The distance from the mines to the Valley Rail Road, is I miles, making the whole dis- tance from the point of shipment (Port Carbon) 5i 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 S3 yards. The length of range upon the veins, according to the lease, is about 1| miles. The Skidmore vein is the farthest north on this tract, and the Sillyman the farthest south. The Skidmore is worked in a west- ern direction from the ravine, and the other two 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 1 1 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 if the demand would warrant it, these gentlemen HISTORY OP 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, which 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 putf 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, when we meet with THE UNION COLLIEKIES. 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 water-level, by means of a station- ary engine, which is located about half way between tlie 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 been worked. Some time afterwards a perpendicular shaft was sunken on the Spohn vein, (which lies about SO 3rards 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 pulleys, working from a drmii in the engine house. The chain is 345 feet in length, and 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 tjie 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 mare 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 Lewis vein 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 ^i-ards 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 known in this county by the Welsh name of " Cumbola,'^ than any other. On the same t^-act, about 200 yards north of Wil- liams &. Sillyman^s works, we fi.nd anat- 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 TeTm. Livy. GraBca Minora completed. Graeca Majora commenced.. Classical Literature, (Esch- enburg's Manual) Algebra. Plane Geometry, (Davies' Legendre.) Second T^rm. Odes of Horace. Grseca Majora. Classical Literature. Algebra completed. Solid and Spherical Ge- ometry. SOPHOMORE CLASS. First Term. Horace, Satires & Epistles, ^schines de Corona. Classical Literature. Algebra revised. Plane Trigonometry. Application of Algebra to Plane Geometry. Geometrical Constructions. Spherical Trigpnometry. Second Term. Cicero de Officiis. Demosthenes de Co- rona. Classical Literature. Blair's Rhetoric. Analytical Geometry. . Surveying. HISTORIF OP SCHUYLKILL COUNiTT. 39^' JUNIOR CLASS. First Term. Tacitus. (Edipus Tyrannus, (Sopho- cles.) Differential and Integral Cal- culi, (Young's.) Navigation & Nautical As- tronomy. Optics, (Brewster's.) Mechanics began, ( Young 'Sv) Chemistry. Second Term. Cicero de Oratore. Euripides' Medea. Mechanics completed. Descriptive Geomery. Linear Perspective. Civil Engineering, Astronomy. SENIOR CLASS. First Term. Juvenal. Longinus. Intellectual Philosophy. 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. Review 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 in 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 which the student, when tha.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 of the Faculty. LECTURES. 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 Lettres, 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 provision 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 in Arithmetic, English Grammar, and Geography ; Latin Grammar, (Gould's Adams',) Historia Grseca or Jacob's Latin Reader, Csesar'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 six 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 OP SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. EXPENSES The price of boarding in the Co.ege refectory is ^1 871 per week, which for forty weeks is ^75 00 Tuition, room-rent, use of hbrary 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 gl23 00 Pupils of the 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 $1,50 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 \2h cents per week is made from the price of boarding. Washing is done in the Steward's department at 375 cents per dozen pieces. Students provide their own 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 week. 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 OP 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 of the Principal, subject to the general direction of the College Faculty. The pupils of this school who board in the College, have rooms in the College buildings, and take their meals in the refectory. They are requn-ed to attend public prayers daily in the chapel, and public worship in church and the lecture in the College 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 undef the direction of the Faculty. The Seminaries of Nazareth and Bethlehem, so Avell 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, Lowhill, 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, itc. in 1756 ; CAPTAIN JOHN VAN ETTEN, At Fort Hyndshaw, Fort Hamilton, &c. &c., and COLONEL JAMES BURD, "VTho visited a number of Forts in 1758 — embracing a number of FACTS OF BEEP INTEREST 2N THE EARLY HISTORY of NORTHAMPTON and ADJACENT COUNTIES. YOUNG'S JOURNAL A JOURNAL OF JAMES YOUNG, COMMISSARY GENERAL, Of the Musters — from June 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 intelligence 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 miles from the fort on their own business. There were but eight men and the Sergeant on duty. I am of ophi- 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 vards from the fort. I gave orders to cut 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. 411 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 Kill, 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 all round, only a few trees about fifty yards from the fort, which I desired might be cut down. The fort is a square of about one hundred feet, well stockaded with good bastions, on one side of which is a good wall 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 Avant 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 ; 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, 16 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 8 A. M., we set out for Fort Allen, at Gnaden Hutten. 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 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, lightning, and a prodigiously heavy rain. This stands on the river Leahy (Lehigh,) in this 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 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 men 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 of the 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, 2G 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 Lehigli 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, ?nd 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 11 A. M. I came to Fort Norris ; found here a Sergeant commanding with 2 1 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. 1 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 e^uantity 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 Philip 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, 1 3 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 plain road from A2 418 APPENDIX. Dupue's — there are many plantations this way ; but all 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 liere 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 15th to 22d, but had not yet returned. I told the officer he ought to esteem him a deserter. I fomrd 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 certiificate of enlistments, but told me that Col. Clapham had carried them with him. Provincial stores — 25 good muskets, 25 cartouch boxes, with 11 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 po-unds of powder, 100 pounds of lead, 14 blankets, 10 axes, 1 broadaxe, and 6 hatchets. 27. At Bethlehem. JAMES YOUNG. Coyn. Gen. of the Muster. Philadelph ia,JuIy 2, 1756. VAN ETTEN'S JOURNAL. A JOURNAL OF CAPTAIN JOHN VAN ETTEN, At Fort Hyadshaw and Tort 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 at dark. 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 travelled 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 to 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 to the field, they saw one small 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 two men with wagons to come after some time, when I had surrounded the field, then to come and 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. 30. It snowed ; we staid in the garrison. 21. 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 around 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 coming 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- Ueved, hauled firewood. 16. In the fort. 17. I sent out a scout with five men, but dis- covered nothing. 1 8. 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 1 6th instant, that as soon as the season would ad- mit, to discipline the men in the English exercise, and to teach them the Indian method of war, which 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, tv/o 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. 11. 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, v/e hauled fire- wood. 25. Relieved 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 ; Avent 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 soout with six men, travelled about six miles ; made no discovery ; returned safe to the fort. 13. 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 j returned to the fort. 438 APPENDIX. 16. After the guard had been relieved, I ordered the old guard to procure firewood. 17. Reliei^ed the guard and disciplmed 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 teriyi* 28. I returned home safe to the fort, finding my men in health, and all thhigs 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 of the 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 Hamilton. I being there, and no other, I opened the same, and fomid 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 otf 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 of the aifair. 12. Got the men ready for to march. 1 3. 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 Hamilton, 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 expi^ess 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 time. 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 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 5 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 grovmd. I sent off three men to Depue's for a wagon, Avhile I with the three kept guard. They having come, Ave 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 killed ; all returned safe to the fort. S. 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 lea«t 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 ef 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, and 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 menj travelled 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 men 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 tj 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 ; 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, I 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 1 3. 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 escort 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. 1 7 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 olf under the care of a corporal, with Samuel Depue, Avith 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 my 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 lounder than the rest, I expected the fort was attacked ; \vliereupon 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 challenged 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 oft', 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. 21. 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 vmdertook 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 eoporal, Avith 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. Th« 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 march to fort Hamilton. 30. I put the men left with me on duty. In the afternoon the men that guarded Peter Snyder, all i^eturned 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 oixler 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 called to arms, at which time the Colonel took a view of i\\e men and their arms, and finding all in good order ; and after giving orders for the regulation of the com- pany at about twelve o'clock, the Colonel with his attendants marched off ; after which we all kept the fort. 3. All 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 same 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 ta 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 same- 442 APPE"NDTX. 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 well 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 hi-s 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. S. 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. 44S Depue's on necessary business ; on their return, they heard, they said, a person whisthng, 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- mg house, where we found the enemy had lodged not long since ; they leaving a bed of fern even in tha pulpit ; but meeting no opposition, all returned safe to the fort. 444 APPENDIX. 14. At seven in the morning I called the men t Kind Wm B Mann Daniel Sholenberger lohn 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 Slrimshaw Jacob Neyhart John Richard Charles McAvoy Peter Neyhart James Trout Tlacc of Nativity. Columbia co Ireland Lancaster ca England Cornwall Eng Reading Scotland Chester co Columbia co Lebanon co Schuylkill co Union CO Dauphin co Berneville Berks c& Lancaster co Be^ks CO Chester co Northumberland cO' Berks co Connecticut Northampton co Massachusetts Berks CO Lebanon co Schuylkill co Bucks CO Pottsgrove Montgomery co Hamburg Beiks co Do do Wilmington Del Cincinnati Ohio Berks co Easton Staffordshire Eng Glasgow Clyde iron works Nottmgham Eng [Scotland Union CO Berks co Baltimore Md Union co Berks co 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 Morisou Stephen Rees Enos Zentmyer John Van gh ton Oliver Snyder John Thomas John Jones Benjamin Thomas Shadrach Philips David Griffith Cornelius Ceary David Lamont George Dillon Prothrow Pro throw Joel Moore John Hughes Place of Nativity. Schuylkill co Dublin Ireland Womelsdorf Berks co Monmouthshire S Wales Union co Burlington co N J Pottsville Gratzlown Dauphin co Caven co Ireland Schuylkill co Berks co Donegal co Ireland Derry co do Gloucestershire Eng While Haven Cumb co Eng Northumberland co Do Northampton co Jjuzerne co W Penn tp Schuylkill co Milton North'd co Dumbartonshire Scotland Clackmananshire do Rush tp Schuylkill co Somersetshire England Leicestershire do Glamorganshire S Wale^ Levvisburg Union co Longford co Ireland Northampton co Caermarthenshire S Wales Do do Brecknockshire do Monmouthshire do Casrmarthenshire do Cork CO Ireland Landrickshire Scotland Berks CO Caermarthenshire S Wales- Lehigh CO Monmouthshire S Wales 506 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence — Pottsville. William Howell Charles Worm an Nathan Fisher William Prichard E McDonald Daniel Fenstermacher Edward Skeen Joseph Waggoner Nathan Moyer Isaac Tipton John Edwards Robert Casewell Wm Ashman John Jones John Templin Anthony Maddison William Waters Evan Morris George Barton( pr engineer 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 )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 co York co Eng Schuylkill co Brecknockshire S Wales Rockingham co N H SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 507 Sesxdence — Potts\iUe. John Fox James Davis Alexander Hawkins Orlando Diifur Samuel B Fisher William Lewis John Williams John James Richard Kirkham Hugh Murry D 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 Berryman Jos F Taylor Blair McClenachan Esq Place of Nativity. Berks co Worcester co Eng barber 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 Columbia N Y Montgomery co Westmoreland Eng S Wales Northumberknd 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 Pfaitz Baiem Sunbury North'd co Cornwall co Eng New Jersey Montgomery co 508 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Residence — Minersvillc. 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 De Haven Robert Williams Hugh Davis Walter Philips Samuel Woola John E Powell M G Heilner Samuel Gumpert Abraham Trout M S Gebler .lohn P Powell John Rogers John Davis Noah Griffiths Jas Levan Jacob Weist Rev J P Harris George J Lawrence John Tanner Augustus Witraau David George W Matthews Franklin Seitzingcr 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 Wales Brecknockshire do Berks co Carnarvonshire N Wales Brecknockshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Montgomeryshire N Wales Monmouthshire S Wales Berks co Philadelphia Northumberland co Philadelphia Merthyetidvil S Wales Monmouthshire do Myrthetidvil do Monmouthshire do Berks co Germany Pembrokeshire S Wales Northumberland co South Wales Reading Glamorganshire S Wales Brecknockshire do Pottsville Lancaster co Germany Blanarvon Monmouthshire S W Berks co Aberhavest Mont.shireNWales SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 50® Residence — Minersrville. John Piatt David Llewelyn Lewis M Jones Joseph H Richards Amos H Lewis Andrew Patten Wm Patton John Weightman David L Williams Edward Plait Thomas Piatt Reese Davies Wm Beadovv John E Price David E Davies John E Davies David Price Thomas A Williams Philip Whalen John Horton James Williams George H Beach Charles Betkman Wm J Smith M D Daniel Weaver John S Davis W^m R Thomas Wm Kantner Oscar M Robins Edward Halstein Samuel Heilner Wm Williams Wm Hendson Luke Mochan Evan Gowen Thomas Williams Abraham Morgan Elias Burkert John Morrison Place of Nativity. Caven Mauer Ruabon Dem^ bighshire N Wales Glamorganshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Corphilly Glamorg. do Berks co Northumberland co Eng Do do Do do Argoed Monmouthsh S Wale^ Caven Mauer Dembigshire IS Wales Do do do Brecknockshire S W^ales 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 Siinbury Z7nion co Sulzdorf Germany Monmouthshire S Wales Durham co Eng Fermanagh co Ireland Carmarthenshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Pontypool Monmouthshire do Berks co Ireland ;io 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 Wernest Abraham E DeHaveit 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 Eglvvgselian 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 Nantyglow Monmouthshire Yorkshire Eng Columbia co Milton North'd co Berks co Monmouthshire S^W ales- 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 Wales Lancaster co Schuylkill co Columbia co Glamorganshire S Wake subscribers' names. 511 Reeidenc* — Minersville. William Prichard John Trayer Owen Hughes Benjamin D Evans James Eustice John Robins Thomas C Mannei Peter Delcamp John Thomas Rees John Thomas Wm Ambrose D R Bennett George Hebe Henry B rimer 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 Morganroth 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 Switzarland Dutchess 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 Middletoa Durham co Eng^ 512 SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES, Residence — Tamaqaa. Thomas Vanhorn Richard Johnson John Fulion John Walker Robert Colgnhoun John Love Caleb Fisher Jacob Bell Rev Augustus Georgii James Cucklin William Barton Daniel Draper Richard Jenkins William Higgins Thomas Taggart Robert RatcJiff 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 Cnrriffan David Hunter M D David W Nixon William Clark Rev D L Patterson William Rinhardsou William Tamany Thomas Booth Thomas Williams Jesse Dndson Abraham Ahner Charles Walker Place of Natirity. 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 England Salem N J Germany Lehigh CO Germany England Ireland Northumberland co Philadelphia England Lancaster co England Ireland England Do Luzenrne co Northampton co England SUBSeRIBERS NAMfeS. 513 Residence — Tamaqua. John Bitner Thomas Walker Thomas Johnson jr Edward Lowther William Taylor Thomas Booth jr Patrick McNelus Daniel McConielgue John McGrail James Smiihan George Welsh Lazarus Rice Philip Acker William Gwilyn Daniel Daniels John Sewalt Gideon Fruce Peter Marks John EltinghaiE Jacob Albertson ^ Nicholas Beltz Andrew Kester Benjamin Davis Roger Delay Lawrence Ruck David Mahs David Love Robert Love Archibald McDougal James Blair Wm J Davis Jonathan Kershner James Moore Abraham Boughner Nathaniel Edgar Robert Carter 5'eter Tip pin James Templin Rowland Jones John Hendricks Ssaac M Jones G3 Place of Nativity. Germany England Durham co England Cumberland co do Wiltshire do Keanon do feeland Do Do Cornwall Eng Northampton co Germany Montgomery co South Wales Do Eurbach France Berks co Furbach France England New Jersey Germany Do JSouth Wales Ireland Lehigh co Schuylkill c© ^Scotland Do Do Down CO Ireland Merthytidvil S Wales Schuylkill co Nescopeck Luzerne co Schuylkill co Columbia co Cornwall co Eng tSouth Wales Do Montgomery co Philadelphia co South Wales 514 SUBSCBIBERS NAMES. Residence — Tamaquau Henry S Kepner John Van Valkinburg Frederick Kepner Port Gaibon. Abraham Pott h F VVhiiiiey a W Blown M D Charles llehner Hugh Kinsley John C Lewis Esq Nicholas Dormiizer Lewis Heiliier Esq G W Wmiersteen IfOvi Maltson H Guiteriaan James Kearny A.braham Van Dyka Jonalhan Sciiraiier John Croseou Jesse Turner •IT H VViiitJisteen Jacob Wentz James Siiiiih John Estill Francis Richardson John Davies (tailor) Michael Epiiling Howell Jenkins Ross Bull James Causley Patrick D Burnett James Loiiff Alexander Govern Jamet^ Molir Joeeph Hiimmol Edward Col ah an Esq Charles Cullinir Mailhew Richardson F D Liiiher Wm Berijer Wm C Siiissler, Place of Nativity, Schuylkill co Gneanlo Oisego co N ¥ 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. Millersburg Dauphin co Newcastle co Del Columbia co Dauphin co Ireland Luzerne co Cumberland co Eng Soulh VV'ales Columbia co Monmouthshire S Wales. Berks co Schuylkill co Ireland ReniVewshire Scotland Ayrshire do Berks CO Schuylkill co Gal way co Ireland London Eng Do do Lancaster co Schuylkill co Sunbury Norlh'd co subscribers' names. 515 "ftisadence — Port Carbon. Joseph Fox Chailes 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 Hailey Charles Lee Rev John A Reiley David Jones Jesse Jones Charles Bogart John Lynn John Adams Isaac Grav E Allen Philip Steinbach jt Silas Shepherd Rungan Andrew Jackson Rungan George Goodman James Niles Daniel Lookingbill Wm Gildroy (Engineer) Thomas Brittoa John Barger Philip H Dougherty William Stephenson Hiram Lexon David Lewis Henry Lomsden Thomas Graham Heary Hays Place of Nativity. Dauphin co Berks co Columbia co New Jersey New Berlin Union co Ireland Do Berks co New Rochelle N Y Balleycasile Ireland Do do England Chester co Kings CO Ireland Berks co Philadelphia Columbia co Berks co Glamorganshire S Wales Glamorganshire S Wales 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 JRichards Ohvigsburg. Jeremiah Reed (Sheriff) Charles Fraily (Prothon) J H Downing (Reg& Rec) Col John Bannan C Loeser Esq John P Hobart Esq J W Rosebery Esq James H GraelFEsq Andrew J Baam M D Fred'k Millet (Shoemaker) Joseph W Bird do G B Zulick N Wetzel (Tobacconist) Jacob AUebach Henry Krebs Henry Cronemiller Charles VVitman Esq James M Riland Hon Edward B Hablej Jacob Deibert George Douglass John A Schwalm Mark Deibert Christian Berger Esq Philip VVeiser Esq Bernard Yeager Isaac DeFrehn John C Rahn George D Boyer Jacob Matthews Henry Hesser Samuel Leffler George LeiHer John T Schlickenmoyer Gen John M Brickel Place of Nativity. Meath co Ireland Carven co do Schuylkill co Broseley Eng Pottsville SchuylkrH o Do Do Lancaster co Do Germany Reading SUBSCRIBERS NAJftES. S17 Residence — Union Totvnship. Place of NatiVi^. Thomas Bitler Esq Berks co Samuel Snyder Schuylkill co Samuel G Miller Do Israel D Freheu Do John Rupert Do Andrew Stauffer Do > Daniel L Stauffer Do Isaac Dewald Lycoming co Waters S Chillson Essex N J John Breisch Berks co Jacob Zimmerman Esq Do Mark Bitler Do James Bitler Do Music HalU 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 Connei 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 Shumars John Martz Asa Balliet James Toben Daniel Edwards John Bartlett William Raper Charles Cleveland Edward Birminghanv Lick Run. John Kelly Henry Davies Jonathan Willingham William McKean John Uren Place of Nativity- Ireland Philadelphia city Schuylkill co Ireland Montgomery co Northampton co Montgomery co Lanarkshire Scotland Humeville Bucks co Mt Airy Berks co Riiscommon Ireland New Berlin Union co Monmouthshire S Wale* 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 Silver Creek and Vailej' Furnace. Thomas Racket England Wm Richards (Blacksmith) Carnarvonshire N Wales Patrick Whalen Kilkenny co Ireland SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 51§ Residence — S.Creek&V.Furnace.Place of Nativity. Edward O'Brien George Fritz John Hutchison John James Mark Downey Robert Pelrick Michael Qoinn Rees Jones Alexander Lieut John McNair Hubleyville. Charles Bennett Benjamin Titus Samuel Keller John Lovvry Hugh Carlin James Gillaspa Thomas Harratt John Roe Joseph Beachim Evan Williams Bellmont. David Oliver Charles Long Wm Clark James Weir Kelkrnny co Ireland Fr mce Lanarkshire Scoilnnd Brecknockshire S Wales Kerry co Ireland Ranfordshire Scotland Amagh co Ireland Brecknockshire S Walee Rant'rewshire Scotland Ramsey Isle of Man Near Bellefonte Centre co Easton Berks co Kilkenny co Ireland Donegal co Ireland Philadelphia co Lancastershire England Montgomeryshire N Wales Somerset co Eng Monmouthshire S Wales Morris co N J Lehiijh CO England Renfrewshire Scotland Wm Williams (Bl'ksmith) Carmarthenshire S Wales Robert Sterling Brown Richard Mison Henry King Thomas Colahan John R Jones James L-^rd Patrick Gamly Wm Henderson Wm Westwood Rush Township. James Blew A Boughner Esq Samuel King Ayrshire Scotland Cardiganshire S Wales Sugar LoafLiizerne co Galway co Ireland Brecknockshire 8 Wales Schuylkill co Roscommon co Ireland Fifeshire Scotland Lanarkshire do Somerset co N J Hunterdon co N J Neecopeck 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 Rothernnel 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 Ljewis Daniel Williams Patrick Reddington Thomas Humble Frederick Butler Benjamin Whetstone David Richards Thomas Machal Windy Harbor. Wm Gass Samuel Johnson Enoch Evans Belfast. Edward Seddoii Wm Hilton Isaac P Dunlap Bear Ridg&. Wm Hacker Place of Nativity, Schuylkill co Do Do Montgomery co Northampton co Somersetshire Eng Northumberland co. Berks go Scotland Montgomery co Yorkshire Eng Lancastershire England Do do Monmouthshire S Wales Glamorganshire do Stafibrdshire Eng Salem Luzerne co Glamorganshire S Wales 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. \Vm Evans John Morgan Lafayette Graham Thomas Meredith Griffiths Edwards Simpson Womer Wm Zimmerman, Henry Lloyd David L Richards John Davis AVm 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 FreniCh Daniel Fack David Price David Jones W H Lawrence John Mason Daniel Hartman David Metz James Spjittle Place of Nativity. Bristol England Monmouthshire S Wales Montgomery co Glamorganshire S Wales Brecknockshire - do Berks co Lancaster ca Schuylkill co Glamorganshire S Wales Monmouthshire do Schuylkill co Carmarthenshire S Wales 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 England Durham 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. Rastdetice — St Clear. Wm Cliaiindy John Hodgson David Rickett Ellis Rickett Henry Gwiii Wm Naylor Philip Lewis Thomas Reese Robert Hughes Daniel Sheaffer 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 WiiggoTter Henry HofTman Hugh McAllister New Castle. Ephraim Philips John McBnnon Peter K Seiizinger Henry Rlinads 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 Walee Caerraarlhenshire do Berks CO Bairen Germany Yorkshire Eng Columbia co Do Caermarlhenshire S Walee Staffordshire England Northumberland co Kilkenny (ro Ireland Londniuierry do Week ford 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 Nortliumberland co Shropshire Eng Montgomery co Schuylkill co New Castle upon Tyne Eng Nottinghamshire do Do d© subscribers' names. 22S Kesidence — 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 UmbehawberJ 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 Polypool S Wales Glamorganshire do Sclinylkill co Selinsgrove Union co Lebanon co Schuylkill CO Glamorganshire S Wales Cardiganshire do Brecknockshire do Staffordshire Eng Wicklow CO Ireland Sussex CO N J Caermartlienshire 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 Wales Monachan co Ireland Schuylkill co Yorkshire Eng 5^4 StJASCRIBERS NAM5ES. Residence — E. Delav John Randolph Wm B Howell Sylvester Stout John Abel jr Wm I) Houser J M D Riley M S Henry P F B Schmid H E Wolf L F Stem Andrew Trittenbach Levi Reppert J J Horn Wm J Rothrock John Odenwelder James Berger D Hulick H S Caney Chas Coburn jr Charles Osterstock John Rodenbach ARK Wagner Jacob Mosure John Bachman H A Hineline T R Sitgreaves F Emick H W Smith Hugh Tolane J B Bowman Geo Widener Wm Hamman John Kessler Joseph Hutt A Stout M D Reuben Mann John Johnson Robt Beidelman Wm Rush Charles Nicholas Augustus GnorhoU Danl Wagenor Wm M Burke Francis Ludwig Henry Brotzman Peter Beskirk Jno Cottingham Aaron Schooley Francis Shock Reuben Lamb John Mason A H Senseman S L Rodenbough Thaddeus Schoch A R Kram G P Hilbeit Jacob Grube M E Weaver N H Miller Ross Ihrie Saml Slaboch Peter Donerle J Bornmann R P Seals John Harter 553 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. Henry Werkheiser Peter liiintz Peter Searfoss Nathan Swartz Alexantler Vogel Conrad Hummel Reuben L Lerch Saml S Bogart John J Kolb Rev J H A Bomberger Henry Harrison Edw W Rothtrock Wm C Thorn Jacob Odenwelder Adolph Grotzinger Eli Mettler Jacob Dochroat John Y Edelmau G W VVoodring Peter Slyden Thomas Bishop John Maclackioii Owen W Hess John Luckenbach George Bach man David Trozell George Vogle Solomon Derr F Sanderson Joseph Keller Hiram Hulsizer Henry Rowth Geo Daly Aaron Davis Wm McLeowen C R Andre (Columbia co) John H Patrick Thos Dempsey Joseph Mclntyre John Down D J Carey David Kclt>oc Joseph Carpenter Imniauucl Thumc Richard Stillwell Saml H Hay Robert P Lerhs James Sieger Jacob Young Adam Hartzell Wm Prind Jesse Moser John Kindt ^- " Isaac Moser Gershom Goble Abm Bellesfield Philip Pupp Jacob Bunstein Simon Lattig Henry Fenical Wm Fitz Randolph Washington Stout A F Randolph Washington Henry Uriah W Carroll Edwin Sitgreaves Jacob Noll Geo Thornton Joseph Metzger Wm H Troxell John P Heckman Samuel Grotz Rev Geo Diehl John S P Foust John J Marbacher Godfrey Fishier John Quinn Henry Garman Nelson Hoyt Jas Dinky Joseph A Weaver Richard Taylor Philip Platz James McKeen Wasliington S Seagreaves Moses Wilhelm Daniel Laubach Isaac Zanc Sl^BSCRIBKHS NAMES. 65$ David Shorti Charles L Richard Geo Fiuley Robert S Lodo Wm S Brown Solon Stout Charles Weidknecht Albert Black Joseph Miller Henry McCullough S Bogart Rodrock Wolfler Zenos S Ward Benjamin Botte J M Wilson Wm Abel C H Williams D Zinn Peter McCartv Peter T Roe " Henry Kline Georg-e Mitchell Wra L Roberts Wm Rex John Laubach Andrew Lamprett Val Brotzraan John Beam AaroJi Palmer Henry W Cypher* Benj Hidel Charles Otto Henry Hawk R C Robbins Philip Boce Adam C Horn Peter SmuU Altimus Rahl or Rake Wm Shick John S Able Robt Ferguson Geo G Zane G Thompson J2 Evan Slough Henry Duffin W' m Deiler Jacob Wilhelm Fredk Schelling Thomas Harkiu Joseph Waltman P Odenwelder jr Richard M Zink Peter R Lovell Saml Stewart Geo W Leders Amos Rogers Wm E Davis John Pike Joseph Coiigue Saml Deiley David Joseph Jonas Heller Robt Petit George Getz jr Elias Hope Quintus Lerch James Petit Francis Sigmau Charles Zink S W Nolton Ambrose Bitchen Jo hn Kelly Abraham Troxell James Hilton •W Firmstone E Pockwell Peter Snyder George Maddock Jos W Moore Jacob Mourer • Samuel Brown Wm Raub Peter Harry Arthur Simon Joseph Snyder Jacob Moscr jr 554 SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. ♦ Wm Buck David More Reuben Clewell Elijah P Knox Chas Leors Peter S Bray Jacob Stansbury Elias Drumborle Aaron Yost Wm Daily Peter Walter Adam Trumbore Joseph RusseS E S Bott Boyd Young John Leida Win Lippincolt Joseph Widerfeh Peter Garble C Frye Marris Adler Stephen Skelton Isaac W Bishop Michael Butz Isaac Stiles Charles Ji Stout John Lantz J J Bower Wm Moser David Moser Robert Vincent Matthew Morrison Wm Mulvany Alexander Troxell Patrick Collins Jacob Keiter Patrick Smith Josiah Hahnz Thomas Lewis Wm Eichman Edmond Keller Charles Barron Peter Brown Jeremiah Phillips John Slatterv Andrew Hester JohnNolf A R Savitz Henry Say lor Amos B Rohr Philip Garis John W Larrow Frederick Seller Joseph Herster Joseph Morris John Oliver Danl W Buiz David Apple Bethlehem. Rev Samuel Reinke Adam Walter T Rapp Charles D Bishop Rev H A Shultz Jacob Lukenbach Augustus Wolle L J Krause Jacob Wolle Henry Smith L Tombler Wm Ritter Matthew Ghrist Levin Hunsicker D H Bishop James Schwitzer Julius W Hele Henry S Sellers J F Borhek Anthony Cole Christian Long Philip W Bealer Caleb Yohe Isaac S Wolle Henry P Asborna M B Van Buren W A JacobsOH Valentine Kent SUBSCRIBKRS 5IAMES. htb John C Weber John Sigley Henry Knecht J E Knauss Henry Bonrquiii Charles Doll Bethlehem John Dainey H Myers Esq White Cabin Isaac Sailer M D Wm Meyer Michael Engler Andrew Reinheimer George Oberly "W Hope F Frankeniield Aaron Lambert Wm H Clouse John Miller Jacob Hess Saml C Shinier Herman Ruetle Owen Ritter Leonard Walter Philip Brotzman Jacob Keller jr David Dimmig Levi K Stem Joseph W^eaver Wm H Robbing Peter Uhler John Riiglc David Transue Maria Ledes Jacob B Fox O Donly Jacob Brotzman John Bower Orson McConnell Pliilip Russel Jacob Rodenhach I-snac. Stover Philip H Goepp Wm Wentzel Joseph Moll Chas F Beckel Charles Schneller James Jacoby Township. Charles Hess B F Ritter Philip Ohl Isaac Ritter Charles Anthony Stephen Young Barnet Odenwelder Isaac L Miller Joseph Burk A Trensue Abraham B Shimer George Jones Edward Queer Jos Unangst George Levers Williams Township. Franklin Shimer Wm Eckert Reuben R Richards Wm Stem Wm J Stocker Peter Rockafellor Dennis Reileys Wm II Henderson Daniel Woodring S Stover Saml P Unangst Philip Sherrer David Bachmau Samuel Arndt Wm Deemer Luther Calvin John Kict'er Thcudore F llixson Israel Horn 556 SUBSCRIBERS* WAMBS. Isaac Stout Esq Jacob Weiant Isaac L Shimer Joseph S Hartman Capt Thomas W hy Thomas T Jaeger Geo How Peter Kohler A D Cortright Jacob Geisinger Joseph Long John B VVarch William Gwinner Philip Ocks George Shiraer John Knecht Daniel Kramer Benjamin Knecht Reuben Miller H M Mutchler Jacob Odenwelder John Richard Michael Hahn Philip Brotzman Wm Bacum Charles Warch George Mitchler Jacob Seip jr Benj F Stecher Ebenezer Werkheiser Joseph Kinsey Jacob Lear Rinal Damoser Aaron P Major Charles Tidd Enoch G Norton Stephen Dorhammer Edw Lerch John Osterstock Thomas Yeager Isaac Begley Isaac Transus John Koplin Freemansburg. nu Abraham Deitz Aaron Coleman Henry Schweitser Sarah Schweitzer Daniel Schlabach Joseph Lesher B Kemmerer Esq David Eckar Charles Schick Shimersville. Cornelius Brunner Wm H Bachman Herod Miller John Osterstock Butstown John A Gross Forks Township. John Hilyard Philip Hile Samuel Leip Philip Miller Wm Bower Peter Correll AiTondus Paul Joseph Mover Henry Bleybe John H Butz Jacob H inkle John McCauly John Eckert Charles Bellerfield J P WiUauer Reuben Deemer John Rinker Thomas Lerch Jeremiah J Weber John M Lerch David Weinerg subscribers' names. 557 Peter Messenger John Fraunfelder Henry J- Messenger Martin A Seiple Jeremiah Werkheiser Wm Kotz Philip H Schoch Upper and Lower Nazareth Townships. Jacob & E Abel J Weaver John Wilson Plainfield J B Illick Jaines Searle Esq Thomas Uhler Geo Schlabach Chas B Hober P M Rev L TReichel Daniel Reigel John C Warner Adam Daniel Owen Dash C Senseman Ciias Vandermark Christian Bruner Jacob T Beck Christian D Basse Owen Hillman David F Michael Christian Musselman Henr)' J Vanvleck Charles L Whilese' Sidney VV Bureaw F W knaviss Samuel Smith Rev G A Wenzel G A SchoU M D Arthur Ritter Jacob Booiem Geo Heleck Jacob Sheffler Thomas Desh John Wind Amandns Heinly Jacob B Shimer Richard Clewell John Wood ring Henry Clewell Saucon and Lower Saucon Townships. AVm Riegel Herman M Fetter Henry Desh Aaron F Housekeeper Joseph F Landes Wm Wagoner Robert Stiller Jno AV Mast Christian H Bellig Sidney S Schneller Daniel Queer Samuel Hess Nelson Shaffer David Warner C B Heller Chas Detwiler Reuben Lynn Tobias Bentzheimer Jacob Keller Peter Heft Jacob Hartman David Riegel John Tice Franklin Pearson David Lerch Levi Beahm Joseph Fuehrer Thos D Luckenbacli jr George Riegel John Applegate Abraham Shimer Henry Unangst J R Cawley Jesse Laubach 55$ SUBSCRIBKUS NAMES. Geo Shively Peter Lercli John Ruch Joseph Lerch Christian Ruch Peter Weaver Wm Smith Jacob Kichline Thomas Kichline Joseph H Boyer \Vm Eddinger Allen, and East A Fiichs J O Tiichtenwahier Augustus H Gilbert David Santee Samuel Laubach Samuel Hoffman Joim Nagel Thomas II Becker Solomon Steckel Charles L Keck John Snyder Israel Steckel John Swaitz Stephen Kleppinger Stephen Anewolt Ambrose Wesner John Lerch jr John C Meixsell Edward Eckert Reuben J Cole J C Becker D D George Ilawer Jacob J Boyer Geo Audennich Oliver F Rodrock T H Howell Geo Sherer Jacob Baer I) Miller Conrad I/nrch John Milh-r R H Laubach L H Laubach Chas W Criedler • Isaac Scheimer John Rise John Deihl Chas W Bachman Charles Christman Solomon Baudere Jesse Getler John Trehr and West Allen Townships. Wm Keiper Samuel Hess Thomas J Rothrock George Engler Elizabeth Schwaitz John Engler Jesse Brown Jonas Lichtenvvalner Charles Gross John H Humphrey Matthias Snyder Charles Person F W Nagel Thomas Hemphill James How John Heintz Charles Nolf Isaac Miller Isaac H Baker Thomas Clendenen Stephen Hauser James Hubler .Joseph Schmick Wm Brown Joha Whitesell Benjamin Whitesell Wm Deck .Tames Kennedy .lesse Fritchman ,Tohn Odenwelder John Weavrr jr SUBSCRIBERS Ni.MES. SS9 Aaron Shivel Samuel Meninger David llerstley John A C Kromer Leslie Miller Daniel Siegfried Charles Kromer David Fretz Joseph I