V ,\lf lliiivfi sit', I itii ,in F^-iir ,UU)l).'l)l)4llM[iJ7i) jm* ¦ .,.,f '¦:*?, ^.' i ' ¦? *¦**¦',>•*•» *t ¦M' ¦:?<''¦¥.¦ vM i I , • .4 r, . [f r»'.f»' ¦' ;•¦ '.J f e' ¦ YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY y/~cct^ fi^-i.^.. THE OLD PIKE. A HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL ROAD, INCIDENTS, ACCIDENTS, AND ANECDOTES THEREON. ILLUSTRATED. BY THOMAS B. SEARIGHT. UNIONTOWN, PA.; PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 1894. CoPYKIGHT, 1894, BY T. B. Searight. Ck3 PRESSES OF OULLATON & CO. RICHMOND, IND. LETTER FROM JAMES G. BLAINE. Stanwood, Bar Harbor, Maine, ] Hon. T. B. SeariPxHT, 8cpten\ber Sth, 1892. j Lniontown, Pa. My Dear Friend: — I haye receiyed tho sketches of the ''Old Pike" regularly and haye as regularly read them, som.e of them more than once, especially where you come near the Monongahela on either side of it. and thus .strike the land of my birth and boyhood. I could trace you all the way to Washington, at Maiden, at Centreyille, at Billy Greenfield's in Beallsville, at Hillsborq (Billy Robinson was a farniliar name), at Dutch Charley Millers, at Ward's, at Pancake, and so on — familiar names, foreyer endeared to my memory. I cherish the desire of riding oyer the "Old Pike" with you, but I ani afraid we shall contemplate it as a scheme neyor to be realized. Verj^_sincerely, YourTriend, JAMES G. BLAINE. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Inception of the Koad — Author's Motive in Writing its History — No History of the Appian Way — A Popular Error Corrected — Henry Clay, Andrew Stewart, T. M. T. McKennan^ General Beeson, Lewis Steenrod and Daniel Sturgeon — Their Services in Behalf of the Road, etc., etc. 13-19 CHAPTER II. Origin of the Fund for Making the Road — Acts for the Admission of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, etc., etc 20-24 CHAPTER III. The Act of Congress Authorizing the Laying Out and Making of the Road 25-27 CHAPTER IV. Special Message of President Jefferson — Communicating to Congress the First Beport of the Commissioners — Uniontown left out, etc. 28-35 CHAPTER V. Pennsylvania grants Permission to make the Road through her Terri tory --Uniontown Restored, Gist left Out, and Washington, Penn sylvania, made a Point — Heights of Mountains and Hills — On to , Brownsville and Wheeling, etc., etc 36-40 CHAPTER VI. Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury, called upon for Informa tion Respecting the Fund Applicable to the Roads mentioned in the Ohio Admission Act— His Responses 41-43 CHAPTER VII. The Life of the "Bead Threatened by the Spectre of a Constitutional Cavil — President Monroe Vetoes a Bill for its Preservation and Repair— General Jackson has Misgivings— Hon. Andrew Stewart Comes to the Rescue •- 44-51 6 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. PAGES^ State Authority Prevails— The Road Surrendered by Congress -^ The Erection of Toll Gates Authorized — Commissioners Appointed by the States to Receive the Road, etc., etc 5i-5b CHAPTER IX. Plan of Repairs — The Macadam System Adopted — j^Ir. Stockton offers his services — Captain Delafield made Superintendent, etc., etc.. . 57-63 CHAPTER X. Lieut. Mansfield superseded by Capt. Delafield — The Turning of Wills Mountain, etc., etc 64-76 CHAPTER XL On with the Work — Wooden Bridges Proposed for the New Location up Wills Creek and Braddock's Run — The AVar Department holds that Wooden Superstructures would be a Substantial Compliance with the Maryland Law — Cumberland to Frostburg, etc _ 77-86 CHAPTER XII. Gen. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, Transmits a Report — I\[ore about the AVooden Bridges for the New Location near Cumberland, etc. 87-94 CHAPTER XIII. The Iron Bridge over Dunlap's Creek at Brownsville 95-99 CHAPTER XIV. Appropriations by Congress at Various Times for Making, Repairing, and Continuing the Road 100-106 CHAPTER XV. Speech of Hon. T. JM. T. McKennan 107-108 CHAPTER XVI. Life ou the Road — Origin of the Phrase Pike Boys — Slaves Driven like Horses — Race Distinction at tlie Old Taverns — Old Watjou- ers — Regulars and Sharpshooters — Line Teams " . . . 109-115 CHAPTER XVII. Old AVagoners continued — Broad and Narrow Wheels — A Peculiar Wagon — An Experiment and a Failure— AV agon Beds — Bell Teams 116-119 CONTENTS. 7 CHAPTER XVIII. PAGES Old Wagoners continued '. 120-126 CHAPTER XIX. Old AVagoners continued— The Elarness they Used, etc 127-133 CHAPTER XX. Old AA'agoners continued — An Exciting Incident of the Political Cam paign of 1840— All about a Petticoat — A Trip to Tennessee — Origin of the Toby Cigar — The Rubber — The AV^indup and Last Lay of the Old AVagoners 134-145 CHAPTER XXI. Stage Drivers, Stage Lines and Stage Coaches — The Postillion, etc. . . 146-155 CHAPTER XXII. Stages and Stage Drivers continued — Character of Drivers Defended — Styles of Driving — Classification of Drivers, etc 156-163 CHAPTER XXIII. The First Mail Coaches — The Stage Yard at Uniontown — Names of Coaches — Henrj' Clay and the Drivers — Jenny Lind and Phineas T. Barnum on the Road, etc., etc 164-174 CHAPTER XXIV. Stages and Stage Drivers continued — Gen. Taylor Approaching Cum berland — Early Coaches, etc 175-183 CHAPTER XXV. Distinguished Stage Proprietors — Lucius W. Stockton, James Reeside, \ Dr. Howard Kennedy, AVilliam H. Stelle — Old Stage Agents — The Pony Express 184-191 CHAPTER XXVI. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers from Baltimore to Boonsboro — Pen Picture of an Old Tavern by James G. Blaine 192-196 CHAPTER XXVII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Boonsboro to Cumber land. 197-203 CHAPTER XXVIII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Cumberland to the Little Crossings— The City of Cumberland 204-208 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXIX. PAGES Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued— Little Crossings to Winding Ridge — Grants ville 209-213 CHAPTER XXX. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued— Winding Ridge to the Big Crossings — The State Line— How it is Noted ¦¦ • • 214r-219 CHAPTER XXXI. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Big Crossings to Mt. Washington 220-226 CHAPTER XXXII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Mt. Washington to Uniontown 227-233 CHAPTER XXXIII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Uniontown — The Town as it Appeared to Gen. Douglass in 1784 — Its Subsequent Growth and Improvement, etc., etc 234-243 CHAPTER XXXIV. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Uniontown to Searights, 244-249 CHAPTER XXXV. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Searights to Browns ville 250-259 CHAPTER XXXA^I. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Brownsville to Bealls ville 260-265 CHAPTER XXXVII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Beallsville to AA'ashing- ton 266-272 CHAPTER XXXVIII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — AVashington, Penn. — AVashington and Jefferson College — The Female Seminary 273-282 CHAPTER XXXIX. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — AVashington to AVest Alexander 283-289 CONTENTS. 9 CHAPTER XL. PAGES Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — AVest Alexander to Wheeling 290-297 CHAPTER XLI. AA'est of AA'heeling— Old Stage Lines Beyond the Ohio River — Through Indiana — The Road Disappears Among the Prairies of Illinois.. . 298-310 CHAPTER XLII. Superintendents under National and State Control — Old Mile Posts, etc 311-318 CHAPTER XLIII. Old Contractors — Cost of the Road — Contractors for Repairs, etc 319-322 CHAPTER XLIV. Thomas Endsley, William Sheets, AV. M. F. Magraw, etc 323-328 CHAPTER XLV. Dumb Ike — .Reminiscences of Uniontown — Crazy Billy, etc 329-338 CHAPTER XLA'I. The Trial of Dr. John F. Braddee for Bobbing the U. S. Mails 339-352 CHAPTEB XLA^II. Visit of John Quincy Adams to Uniontown in 1837 — Received by Dr. Hugh Campbell — The National Road a Monument of the Past — A Comparison with the Appian Way 353-356 APPENDIX. Digest of the Laws of Pennsylvania Relating to the Cumberland Road — Unexpended Balances in Indiana — Accounts of Two Old Com missioners — Rates of Toll — Letters of Albert Gallatin, Ebenezer Finley and Thomas A. Wiley — Curiosities of the Old Postal Ser vice.: 357-384 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE T. B. Searight Frontispiece Old Mile Post 5 Stage House and Stables at 3It. AVashington 13 Gen. Henry AV. Beeson 15 Hon. Daniel Sturgeon 16 Hon. Andrew Stewart 47 Old Toll House 53 Iron Bridge over Dunlap's Creek. 95 Hon. T. M. T. :McKennan 107 Road AVagon 109 John Thompson Ill Daniel Barcus 112 Henry Clay Bush 114 Harrison AViggins 1 16 John Marker 118 Ellis B. AVoodward 119 John Deets 121 John Snider 122 AVilliam Hall 124 John Wallace .- 126 Alfred Bailes 129 German D. Hair 130 Ashael WUhson 135 Jacob Newcomer 1.37 John Ferren 138 Morris Mauler 140 James Smith, of Henry 144 Stage Coach 146 AVilliam AVhaley 151 Bedding Bunting 152 John Bunting 156 Samuel Luman 158 Joseph AVhisson 162 Maj. AA''illiam A. Donaldson 165 AVilliam G. Beck 168 Henry Farwell 171 The Narrows 176 Hanson Willison 178 Matt. Davis 180 JohnMcIlree 182 L. W. Stockton 185 James Beeside 186 AViUiam H. Stelle 189 John Kelso .- 204 David :Mahaney 210 John Risler 215 The Temple of Juno 217 PAGE The Endsley House 218 The Big Crossings 220 Daniel Collier 222 Sebastian Rush 225 Ruins of John Rush House 226 Hon. Samuel Shipley 229 Stone House, Darlington's 230 James Snyder 232 Gen. Ephraim Douglass 235 Aaron AVyatt 239 The Brownfleld House 240 Col. Samuel Elder 242 The Searight House 245 Joseph Gray 247 AVilliam Shaw 248 Abel Colley 250 Hon. William Hatfield 252 The Johnson-Hatfield House .... 254 The Workman House 256 Bridge over the Monongahela . . . 259 Old Tavern at Maiden 261 AVilliam Greenfield 263 Charles Guttery 265 Billy Robinson 267 Daniel Ward 268 John AV. McDolvell 270 S. B. Hayes 279 George T. Hammond 281 The Rankin House 283 The Miller House 284 The "S" Bridge 286 David Bell 288 Joseph F. Mayes 291 Mrs. Sarah Beck 292 Col. Moses Shepherd 294 Mrs. Lydia Shepherd 295 John McCortney 296 Bridge over AVhitewater River . . 308 Gen. George AV, Cass 311 William Searight 313 AVilliam Hopkins 315 Daniel Steenrod 320 W. M. F. Magraw 327 "Crazy Billy" 333 German D. Hair House 353 Dr. Hugh Campbell 354 The Big AA'ater-Trough on Laurel Hill..., 356 THE OLD PIKE. CHAPTER I. Iiicepfiuit of tlie Road — Authoi-'s Motive in Writing its History — No History of the Appian Way — A Popular Error Corrected — Henry Clay, Andrew Stewart, T. M. T. McKennan, Gen. Beeson, Lewis Steenrod and Daniel Sturgeon — Their Senrices in Behalf of the Road — Braddock's Road — Business and Grandeur of tlie Road — Old and Odd Names — Taverns — No Beer on the Road — De finition of Turnpike — An Old Legal Battle. The road which forms the subject of this volume, is the only high way of its kind ever wholly constructed by the goyernment of the United States. When Congress first met after the achievement of Independence and the adoption of the Federal Constitution, the lack of good roads was much commented upon by our statesmen and citi zens generally, and yarious schemes suggested to meet the manifest want. But, it was not until the year 1806, when Jefferson was Pres ident, that the proposition for a National Road took practical shape. The first step, as will hereinafter be seen, was the appointment of commissioners to lay out the road, with an appropriation of money to meet the consequent expense. The author of this work was born and reared on the line of the road, and has spent his whole life amid scenes connected with it. He saw it in the zenith of its glory, and with emotions of sadness witnessed its decline. It was a highway at once so gi-and and imposing, an arteiy so largely instrumental in promoting the early growth and deyelopment of our country's wonderful re sources, so influential in strengthening the bonds of the American Union, and at the same time so replete with important events and in teresting incidents, that the writer of these pages has long cherished a hope that some capable hand would' write its history and collect and preserve its legends, and no one having come forward to jDerform the task, he has ventured upon it himself, with unaffected difldence and a full knowledge of his inability to do justice to the subject. It is not a little singular that no connected history of the re nowned Appian Way can be found in our libraries. Glimpses of its existence and importance are seen in the New Testament and in some 2 (13) ¦ - 14 THE OLD PIKE. old volumes of classic lore, but an accurate and complete history of its inception, purpose, construction and development, with the inci dents, accidents and anecdotes, which of necessity were connected with it, seems never to have been written. This should not be said of the great National Eoad of the United States ot America. The Appian Way has been called the Queen of Eoads. We claim for our - National highway that it was the King of Eoads. Tradition, cheerfully acquiesced in by papular thought, attributes to Henry Clay the conception of the National Eoad, but this seems to be error. The Hon. Andrew Stewart, in a speech delivered in Con gress, January 27th, 1829, asserted that "Mr. Gallatin was the very .first man that ever suggested the plan for making the Cumberland Eoad." As this assertion was allowed to go unchallenged, it must be accepted as true, however strongly and strangely it conflicts with the popular belief before stated. The reader will bear in mind that the NationalEoad and the Cumberland Eoad are one and the same. The road as constructed by authority of Congress, begins at the city of Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, and this is the origin of the name Cumberland Eoad. All the acts of Congress and of the legis latures of the States through which the road passes, and they are^ numerous, refer to it as the Cumberland Eoad. The connecting link between Cumberland and the city of Baltimore is a road much older than the Cumberland Eoad, constructed and owned by associations of individuals, and the two together constitute the National Eoad. While it appears from the authority quoted that Henry Clay was not the planner of the National Eoad, he was undoubtedly its ablest and most conspicuous champion. In Mallory's Life of Clay it is stated that "he advocated the policy of carrying forward the construc tion of the Cumberland Eoad as rapidly as possible," and with what earnestness, continues his biographer, "we may learn from his own language, declaring that he had to beg, entreat and supplicate Congress, session after session, to grant the necessary appropriations to com plete the road." Mr. Clay said, "I have myself toiled until my powers have been exhausted and prostrated to prevail on you to make the grant." No wonder Mr, Clay was a popular favorite along the whole line of the road. At a public dinner tendered him by the me chanics of Wheeling, he spoke of "the great interest the road had awakened in his breast, and expressed an ardent desire that it might be prosecuted to a speedy completion." Among other things he said that "a few years since he and his family had employed the whole or greater part of a day in traveling the distance of about nine miles from Uniontown to Freeman's,=i= on' Laurel Hill, which now, since the construction of the road over the mountains, could be accomplished, together with seventy more in the same time," and that "the road nr^ „r%°''ff '" Freeman kept a tavern on the oldBraddock Eoad, a short distance south of Mt. Washington. Locating his house ou Laurel Hill, was an error of Mr. Clay, but of little con- ' sequence, and readily made under the circumstances. A monument was erected, and is still standing, on the roadside near Wheeling, commemorative of the services of Mr. Clay In behalf 01 tne roacii GEN. HENRY W. BEESON. THE OLD PIKE, 15 was so important to tho nuuntcuanco of our Union that he would not consent to give it up to the keeping of the several States through which it passetl." Hon. Andrew Stewart, of Uniontown, who served many years in Congress, beginning with 1820, was, next to Mr. Clay, the "most wulely known and influential congressional friend ofthe road, and in earnestness and persistency in this behalf, not excelled even by Mi'. Claj-. Hon. T. M. T. McKennan, an old congressman of AVashington, Pennsylvania.was likewise a staunch friend of the road, carefully guard ing its interests and pressing its claims upon the favorable consideration of Congress. Gen. Henry AV. Beeson, of Uniontown, who represented the Fayette and tireeiic district of Pennsylvania in Congress in the forties, was an indomitable frieiid ofthe road. He stoutly opposed the extension of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad Avest of Cumberland, through Pennsylvania, and was thoroughly sustained by his constit uents. In one of his characteristic speeches on the subject, he fur nished a careful estimate of the number of horse-shoes made by tho blacksmiths along the road, the number of nails required to fasten them to the horses' feet, the number of bushels of grain and tons of hay furnished liy the farmers to the tavern keepers, the vast quantity of chickens, turkej's, eggs and Initter that found a ready market on the line, and other like statistical information going to show that the National Eoad would better subserve the public weal than a steam railroad. This view at the time, and in the locality afl'ected, was re garded as correct, which serves as an illustration of the change that takes place in public sentiment, as the wheels of time revolve anil the ingenuity of man expands. Lewis Steenrod, of the Wheeling district, was likewise an able and influential congressional friend ot the road. He was the son of Daniel Steenrod, an old tavernkeeper on the road, near Wheeling; and the Cumberland, Maryland, dis trict always sent men to Congress who favored the preservation and maintenance of the road. Hon. Daniel Sturgeon, who served as a senator of the United States for the State of Pennsylvania from 1840 to 1852, was also an undeviating and influential friend of the road. He gave unremitting attention and untiring sujDport to every measure brought before the Senate during his long and honorable service in that body, designed to make for the road's prosperity, and j)reserve and maintain it as the nation's great highway. His homo was in Uniontown, on the line of the road, and he was thoroughly identified with it alike in sentiment and interest. He was not a showy states man, but the possessor of incorruptible integrity and wielded an in flaence not beneath that of any of his compeers, among whom were that renowned trio of Senators, Clay, Webster and Calhoun. Frequent references will be made in these pages to the Old Brad- dock Eoad, but it is not the purpose of the writer to go into the his tory ofthat ancient high^vay. This volume is devoted exclusively to the National Eoad. We think it pertinent, however, to remark that Braddock's Eoad would have been more appropriately named Wash- 16 THE OLD PIKE. ington's Eoad. Washington passed over it in command of a detach ment of Virginia troops more than a year before Braddock' ever saw , it. Mr. 'Veech, the eminent local historian, says that Braddock's Eoad and Nemicolon's Indian trail are identical, so that Nemicolon, the Indian, woidd seem to have a higher claim to the honor of giving name to this old road than General Braddock. However, time, usage and common consent unite in calling it Braddock's Eoad,' and, as a rule, we hold it to be very unwise, not to say downright foolishness, to undertake to change old and familiar names. It is difiicult to do, and ought not to be done. From the. time it wa's thrown open to the public, in the year 1818, until the coming of railroads west ofthe Allegheny mountains, in 1852, the National Eoad was the one great highway, over Avhich passed the bulk of trade and travel, and the mails between the East and the West. Its numerous and stately stone bridges with hand somely turned arches, its iron mile posts and its old iron gates, attest the skill of the workmen engaged on its construction, and to this day remain enduring monuments of its grandeur and solidity, all save the imposing iron gates, which have disappeared by process of conversion prompted by some utilitarian idea, savoring in no little measure of sacrilege. Many of the most illustiious statesmen and heroes of the early period of our national existence passed over the National Eoad from their homes to the capital and back, at the opening and closing of the sessions of Congress. Jack,son, Harrison, Clay, Sam Houston, ' Polk, Taylor, Crittenden, Shelby, Allen, Scott, Butler, the eccentric Davy Crockett, and many of their contemporaries in public service, were familiar figures in the eyes of tho chvellers by the roadside. The writer of these pages frequently saw these distinguished men on then- passage over the road, and remembers with no little pride the incident of shaking hands Avith General Jackson, as he sal in his carriage ou the wagon-yard of an old tavern. A coach, iu which Mr. Clay was proceeding to AVashington, was upset on a pile of limestone, in the main street of Uniontown, a few moments after supper at the McClel land house. Sam Sibley was the driver of that coach, and had his • nose broken by the accident. Mr. Clay was unhurt, and ujwn being extricated from the grounded coach, facetiously remarked that: "This is mixing the Clay of Kentucky with the limestone of Pennsylvania.'" As many as twenty -four-horse coaches have been counted in line at one time on the road, and large, broad-wheeled wagons, covered with white canvass stretched over bows, laden with merchandise and drawn by six (!onestoga hcu'ses, were visible all the day long at every l)oint, and many times until late in the evening, besides innumorabic caravans of horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheeit. It looked more like the loading avenue of a gi'oat city than a road through rural districts. The road had a peculiar nomenclature, familiar to the tens of thousands who traveled over it in its palmy days. The names, for e.xample, applied lo particular localities on the lino, are of strikiii"- HON. DANIEL STURGEON. THE OLD PIKE. 17 import, and blend harmoniously with the unique history of the road With these names omitted, the road would be robbed of much that adds interest to its histm-y. .Vmong the host I'omembered of these are. The Shades of Death, The Narrows, Pinev Grove, Big Crossings Negro Mountain. Koysor's Eidgo, AVoodcock" Hill, Chalk Hill Bi"' Savage. Little Savage. Snake Hill, Laurel Hill, The Turkey's Nest^ H.irg Nog Hill, Coon Island and A\"heeling Hill. Eich memories clus ter around^ every one of these names, and old wagoners and stage drivers delight to linger over the scenes they bring to mind. The road was justly renowned for the great number and excel lence of its inns or taverns. On the mountain division, every mile had its tavern. Here one could be seen perched on some elevated site, near the roadside, and there another, sheltered behind a clump of trees, many of them with inviting seats for idlers, and all with cheerful fronts toward the weary traveler. The sign-boards were elevated upon high and heavy posts, and their golden letters Avink- ing in the sun, ogled the wayfarer from the hot road-bed and gave promise of good cheer, while the big trough, overflowing with clear, fresh water, and the ground below it sprinkled with clroppings of fragrant peppermint, lent a charm to the scene that was well nigh en chanting. The great majority of the taverns were called wagon stands, be cause their patrons were largely made up of wagoners, and each pro vided Avith grounds called the wagon-yard, Avhereon teams Avere driven fo feed, and rest over night. 'The very best of entertainment AA^as furnished at these Avagon stands. The taverns whereat stage horses Avere kept and exchanged, and stage pas.sengers took meals, Avere called -stage houses." located at inteiwals of about twelve miles, as nearly as practicable. The beer of the present day Avas unknown, or if knoAvn, unused on the National Eoad during the era of its prosperity. Ale Avas used in limited quantities, but Avas not a faA'orite drink. Whisky Avas the leading bev&rage, and it AA-as jjlentiful and cheap. The price of a drink of Avhisky Avas three cents, except at the stage houses, where by reason of an assumption of aristocracy the price was five cents. The Avhisky of that day is said to have been ])iire, and many persons of unquestioned respectability aflirm Avith much earnestness that it never produced delirium tremens. The current coin of the road Avas the big copper cent of United States coinage, the "fippenny bit," Spanish, of the value of six and one-fourth cents, called for brevity a "fip," the "levy," Spanish, of the value of tAvelve and a half cents, the quarter, the half dollar, and the dollar. The Mexican and Spanish milled dollar were oftener seen than the United States dollar. The silver five-cent piece and the dime of the United States coinage Avere seen occasionally, but not so much u.sed as the "fip" and the "IcA-y." In times of stringency, the stage companies issued scrip in denomina tions ranging from five cents to a dollar, Avhich passed readily as money. The scrip Avas similar to the postal currency of the war 18 THE OLD PIKE, period, lacking only in the artistic skill displayed in the engraving of the latter. A hungry traveler could obtain a substantial meal at an old wagon stand tavern for a "levy," and two drinks of whisky for a "fippenny bit." The morning bill ot a Avagoner with a^ six-horse team did not exceed one dollar and seventy-five cents, which included grain and hay for the horses, meals for the driver, and all the drinks he saAv proper to take. The National Eoad is not in a literal sense a turnpike. A turn pike, in the original meaning of the Avord, is a road upon which pikes. Avere placed to turn travelers thereon through gates, to prevent them from evading the payment of toll. Pikes were not used, or needed nn the National Eoad. It Avas ahvays kept in good condition, and travelers thereon, as a rule, paid the required toll Avithout complain ing. At distances of fifteen miles, on the average, houses Avere erected for toll collectors to dAvell in, and strong iron gates, hung to massive iron posts, were established to enforce the payment of toll in cases of necessity. These toll houses Avere of uniform size, angular and round, Avest of the niuujiLtctns-con.structed of brick, and through the mountains, of stone, except the one six miles west of Cumberland, Avhich is of brick. They are all standing on their old sites at this date (1893), except the one that stood near Mt. Washington, and the one that stood near the eastern base of Big Savage Mountain. At the last mentioned point, the old iron gate posts are still standing, firmly rooted in their original foundations, and plastered all over Avith advertisements of Frostburg's business houses, but the old house and the old gates have gone out of sight forever. It is curious to nole hoAv the Avord turnpike has been perverted from its literal meaning by jiopular usage! TETe common idea is that a turnpike is a road made of stone, and that the use of stone is that alone Avhich makes it a turnpike. The common phrase, "piking a road," conveys the idea of putting stones on it, whereas in fact, there is no connection betAveen a stone and a ]5ike, and a road might be a turnpike without a single stone upon it. It is the contriA'ance to turn traA^elers through gates, before mentioned, that makes a turnpike. We recall but one instance of a refusal to pay toll for passing oA'cr the National Eoad, and that Avas a remarkable one. It grcAV out of a misconception of the scope of the act of Congress, providing for the exemption from toll of carriages convej'ing the United States mails. The National Eoad Stage (Company, commonly called the "Old Line," of which Lucius W. Stockton Avas the controlling spirit, AA'as a contractor for carrying the mails, and conceived the'idea that by placing a mail pouch in every one of its passenger coaches it could evade the payment of toll. Stage companies did not pay toll to the collectors at the gates, like oi-dinary travelers, but at stilted periods to tho Eoad Commissioner. At tho time referred to, William Sea right, father of the Avritor, Avas the commissioner in charge of the entire line of the road through the state of Pennsylvania, and it Avas fifty years ago. Upon presenting his account to 'Mr. Stockton, Avho TIIE OLD PIKE. 19 lived at UniontoAvn, for accumulated tolls, that gentleman refused payment on the ground that all his coaches carried the mail, and Avere therefore exempt from toll. The commissioner was of opinion that the act of Congress could not be justly construed to cover so broad a claim, and notified Mr. Stockton that if the toll was not paid the gates would be closed against his coaches. Mr. Stockton Avas a resolute as well as an enterprising man, and persisted in his position, Avhereupon an order was given to close the gates against the passage of his coaches until the legal toll was paid. The writer Avas present, though a boy, at an execution of this order at tho gate five miles Avest of Uniontown. It Avas in the morning. The coaches came along at the usual time and the gates were securely closed against them. The commissioner superintended the act in per,son, and a large number of people from the neighborhood attended to witness the scene, anticipating tumult and violence, as to Avhich they Avere happily disappointed. The drivers accepted the situation Avith good nature, but the passengers, impatient to proceed, after learning the cause of the halt, paid the toll, whereupon the gates were thrown open, and the coaches sped on. For a considerable time after this occurrence an agent was placed on the coaches to pay the toll at the gates. Mr. Stockton instituted prosecutions against the commissioner for obstructing the passage of the United States mails, which were not pressed to trial, but the main contention was carried to the Supreme Court of the United States for adjudication on a case stated, and Mr. Stockton's broad claim was denied, the court of last resort holding that "the exemption from tolls did not apply to any other property (than the mails) conveyed in the same vehicle, nor to any persons traveling in it, unless he was in the service of the United States and passing along the road in pursuance of orders from the proper authority; and further, that the exemption could not be claimed for more carriages than were necessary for the safe, speedy and convenient conveyance of the mail." This case is reported in full in 3d Howard U. S. Eeports, page 151 et seq., including the full text of Chief Justice Taney's opinion, and elaborate dissenting opinions by Justices McClean and Daniel. The attorneys for the road in this controversy were Hon. Eobert P. Flenniken and Hon. James Veech of Uniontown, and Hon. Eobert J. Walker of Mississippi, who was Secretary of the Treasury in the cabinet of President Polk. After this decision, and by reason of it, the Legislature of Pennsylvania enacted the law of April 14th, 1845, still in force, authorizing the collection of tolls from passengers traveling in coaches which at the same time carried the mail. CHAPTER IL Origin of the Fund for Making the Road.—Aci^ for tlie Admission of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri— Report of a Committee of Congress a» ta the Manner of Applying tlie Ohio Fund — Distances from Important Eastern Cities to the Ohio River— The Richmond Route Postponed— The Spirit and Perseverance of Pennsylvania — Maryland, " My Maryland," not behind Pennsylvania — Wheeling the Objective Point — Srovmsville a Prominent Point — Rivers tend to Union, Mountains to Disunion. Act of April 30, 1802, for the admission of Ohio, provides that one-twentieth part of the net proceeds of the lands lying within the said State sold by Congress, from and after the 30th of June next, . after deducting all expenses incident to the same, shall be applied to laying out and making public roads leading from navigable Avaters emptying into the Atlantic to the Ohio, to the said State and through the same, such roads to be laid out under the authority of Congress. with the consent of the several States through which the road shall Act of April 19, 1816, for the admission of Indiana, provides that five per cent, of the net proceeds of lands lying within the said ter- ¦ritory, and which shall be sold by Congress from and after the first clay of December next, after deducting all expenses incident to the same, shall be reserved for making public roads and canals, of which three-fifths shall be applied to those objects within the safd State under the direction of the Legislature thereof, and two-fifths to the making of a road or roads leading to the said State under the dii-ec- tion of Congress. Act of April 18, 1818, for the admission of Illinois, provides that five per cent, of the net proceeds of the lands lying within the said State, and Avhich shall be sold by Congress from and after the first day of January, 1819, after deducting all expenses incident to the same, shall be reserved for the purposes folloAving, viz : TAVo-fifths to be disbursed under the direction of Congress in making roads leading to the State, the- residue to be appropriated by the Legislature of the State for the encouragement of learning, of Avhich one-sixth part s^all be exclusively bestowed on a college or university. Act of March 6, 1820, admitting Missouri, provides that five per cent, of the net proceeds of the sale of lands lying Avithin the said Territory or State, and which shall be sold by Congress from and after the first day of January next, after deducting all expenses inci dent to the same, shall be reserved for making public roads and canals, of which three-fifths shall be applied to those objects within (20) The old pike. 21 Iwo fiX^'lntr^-'^""''"^ "V^^^^SiBlature thereof, and the other two-fifths in defraying, under the direction of Congress, the expenses No. 195. NLN-TH CONGEESS — FIEST SESSION. CUMBERLAND ROAD. Communicated to the Senate December 19, 1805. Mr. Tracy, from the committee to whom was referred the exam ination of the act entitled, "An act to enable the people of the east ern division of the territory northwest of the river Ohio to form a Constitution and State GoA'fernment, and for the admission of such State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and tor other purposes;" and to report the manner in which, in their .opinion, the money appropriated by said act ought to be applied, made the following report : That, upon examination of the act aforesaid, they find "the one- tAventieth part, or five per cent,, of the net proceeds of the lands lying within the State of Ohio, and sold by Congress from and after the 30th day of June, 1802, is appropriated for the laying out and mak ing public roads leading from the navigable Avaters emptying into the Atlantic to the river Ohio, to said State, and through the same; such roads to be laid out under the authority of Congress, with the consent of the several States through which the road shall pass." They find that by a subsequent laAv, passed on the 3d day of March, 1803, Congress appropriated three per cent, of the said five per cent to laying out and making roads within the State of Ohio, leaving two per cent, of the appropriation contained in the first men tioned law unexpended, Avhich now remains for "the laying out and making roads from the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic to the river Ohio, to said State." They find that the net proceeds of sales of land in the State of Ohio, From 1st July, 1802, to June 30, 1803, both inclusive, were $124,400 92 Fxpm 1st July, 1803, to June 30, 1804 176,203 35 From 1st July, 1804, to June 30, 1805 266,000 00 From 1st July, 1805, to Sept. 30, 1805 66,000 00 ^Amounting, in the whole, to ": . . .$632,604 27 Two per cent, on which sum amounts to $12,652. Tweh^e thou sand six hundred and fifty -two dollars were, therefore, on the 1st day of October last, subject to the uses- directed by law, as mentioned in this report ; and it will be discerned that the fund is constantly accu mulating, and will, probably, by the time regular preparations can be made for its expenditure, amount to eighteen or twenty thousand dol lars. The committee have examined, as far as their limited time and 2a 22 THE OLD PIKE. the scanty sources of facts within their reach would permit, the vari ous routes Avhich have been contemplated for 'laying out roads pursu ant to the provisions of the act first mentioned in this report. They find that the distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburg is 314 miles by the usual route, and on a straight line about 270. From Philadelphia to the nearest point on the river Ohio, con tiguous to the State of Ohio, which is probably between Steubenville and the mouth of Grave creek, the distance by the usual route is 360 miles, and on a straight line about 308. From Baltimore to the river Ohio, between the same points, and by the usual route, is 275 miles, and on a straight line 224. From this city (Washington) to the same points on the river Ohio, the distance is nearly the same as from Baltimore ; probably the difference is not a plurality of miles. From Eichmond, in Virginia, to the nearest point on the river Ohio, the distance by the usual route is 377 miles ; but new roads are opening which will shorten the distance fifty or sixty miles ; 247 miles of the contemplated road, from Eichmond northwesterly, will be as good as the roads usually are in that country, but the remain ing seventy or eighty miles are bad, for the present, and probably will remain so for a length of time, as there seems to be no existing inducement for the State of Virginia to incur the expense of making that part of the road passable. From Baltimore to the Monongahela riA^er, Avhere the route from Baltimore to the Ohio river will intersect it, the distance as usually traveled is 218 miles, and on a straight line about' 184. From this point, which is at or near Brownsville, boats can pass down, with great facility, to the State of Ohio, during a number of months in every year. The above distances are not all stated from actual mensuration. but it is believed they are sufficientlj- correct for the present purpose. The committee have not examined any routes northward of that leading from Philadelphia to the iwer Ohio, noi- southward of that leading from Eichmond, because they suppose the roads to be laid out must strike the riA^er Ohio on some " point contiguous to the State of Ohio, in order to satisfy the Avords of the laAv making the appropria tion ; the words are: "Leading from the navigable Avaters emptying into the Atlantic, to the river Ohio, to the said State, and through the same." The mercantile intercourse of the citizens of Ohio Avith those of the Atlantic States is chieflj- in Philadelphia and Baltimore ; not very oxtousive in the toAvns on the Potomac, Avithin the District of Col umbia, and still less with Eichmond, in Virginia. At present, the greatest portion of their trade is with Philadelphia; but it is belicA^ed their trade is rapidly increasing with Baltimore, OAving to the differ ence of distance in favor of Baltimore, and to tho advantage of boat ing down the Monongahela river, from the point Avhere the road strikes it, about 70 miles by Avater, and 50 by land, above Pittsburg. THE OLD PIKE. 23 The sum appropriated for laying out and making roads is so small that the committee have thought it most expedient to direct an expenditure to one route only. They have therefore endeavored to fix on that which, for the present, will be most accommodating to the citizens of the State of Ohio ; leaving to the future benevolence aud policy of congress, an extension of their operations on this or other routes,_ and au increase of the requisite fund, as the discover ies of experience may point out their expediency and necessity. The committee being fully convinced that a wise government can never lose sight of an object so important as that of connecting a numerous and rapidly increasing population, spread upon a fertile and extensive territory, with the Atlantic States, noAV separated from them by mountains, which, by industry and an expense moderate in com parison with the advantages, can be rendered passable. The route from Eichmond must necessarily approach the State of Ohio in a part thinly inhabited, and Avhich, from the nature of the soil and other circumstances, -must remain so, at least for a considera ble time ; and, from the hilly and rough condition of the country, no roads are or can be conveniently made, leading to the principal pop ulation of the State of Ohio. These considerations have induced the committee to postpone, for the present, any further consideration of that route. The spirit and perseverance of Pennsylvania are such, in the matter of road making, that no doubt can remain but they will, in a little time, complete a road from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, as good as the nature of the ground will permit. They are so particularly in terested to facilitate the intercourse betAveen their trading capital, Philadelphia, not only to Pittsburg, but also to the extensive country' within that State, on the Avestern waters, that they Avill, of course, surmount the difficulties presented by the Allegheny mountain, Ches nut Eidge and Laurel Hill, the three great and almost exclusive im pediments which noAv exist on that route. The State of Maryland, Avith no less spirit and perseverance, are engaged in making roads from Baltimore and from the western boun dary of the District of Columbia, through Fredericktown, to Wil- liamsport. Were the Government of the United States to direct the expenditure of the fund in contemplation upon either of these routes, for the present, in Pennsylvania or Maryland, it would, probably, so far interfere Avith the operations of the respective States, as to pro duce mischief instead of benefit; especially as the sum to be laid out by the United States is too inconsiderable, alone, to effect objects of such magnitude. But as the State of Maryland have no particular interest to extend their road across tho mountains (and if they had it AA^ould be impracticable, because the State does not extend so far), the committee have thought it expedient to i-ocommend the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, on the northerly bank of the Poto mac, and Avithin the State of Maryland, to the river Ohio, at the most convenient place betAveen a point on the easterly bank of said river. 24 THE OLD PIKE. opposite to Stetibenville, and the mouth of Grave creek, which emp ties into said river Ohio a little below Wheeling, in Virginia. This route will meet and accommodate the roads leading from Baltimore and the District of Columbia; it Mall cross the Monongahela river, at or near Brownsville, sometimes called Eedstone, where the advantage of boating can be taken ; and from the point where it will probably inter.sect the river Ohio, there are now roads, or they can easily be made over feasible and proper ground, to and through the principal population of the State of Ohio. Cumberland is situated at the eastern foot of the Allegheny mountains, about eighty miles from Williamsport, by the usual route, Avhich is circuitous, owing to a large bend in the river Potomac, on the bank of Avhich the road now runs, the distance on a straight line is not more than fifty or fifty-five miles, and over tolerable ground for a road, Avhich will probably be opened by the State of Maryland, should the route be established over the mountains, as contemplated by this report. I From Cumberland to the western extremity of Lam-el Hill, by the route now travelled, the distance is sixty-six miles, and on a straight line about fifty-five ; on this part of the route, the committee suppose the first and A^ery considerable exjienditures are specially necessary. From Laurel Hill to the Ohio river, by the usual route, is about seventy miles, and on a straight line fifty-foiu- or fiA'o ; the road is tolerable, though capable of amelioration. To carry into effect the principles arising from the foregoing facts, the committee present hercAvith a bill for the consideration of the Senate. They sujipose that to take the proper measures for carrj'- ing into effect tho section of the laAv respecting a road or roads to the State of Ohio, is a duty imposed upon Congress by the laAv itself, and that a sense of duty will ahvays be sufficient to insure the passage of the bill noAV offered to the Senate. To enlarge upon the highly im portant considerations of cementing the union of our citizens located on the Western Avaters Avith those of the Atlantic States, Avould be an indelicacy offered to the understandings of the body to Avhom this re port is addressed, as it might seem to distrust them. But from the interesting nature of the subject, the committee are induced to ask the indulgence of a single observation : Politicians haA^e generally agreed that rivers unite the interests and promote the friendship of those who inhabit their banks ; Avhile mountains, on the contraiy, tend to the disunion and estrangement of those who are separated by their intervention. In the present case, to make the crooked Avays straight, and the rough Avays smooth Avill, in eftoct, remove the inter vening mountains, and by facilitating tho inlercoui-sc of our Western brethren Avith those on tho Atlantic, substantially unite them in in terest, Avhich, the committee believe, is tho most effectual cement of union applicable to the human race. All which is most respectfully submitted . CHAPTER III. The Act of Congress Authorizing the Laying Out and Making of the Road. An Act to Regulate the Laying Out and Making a Road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Mepresentatives ¦ of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to appoint, by and Avith the advice and consent of the Senate, three discreet and disin terested citizens of the United States, to lay out a road from Cumber land, or a point on the northern bank of the river Potomac, in the State of Maryland, between Cumberland and the place where the main road leading from Gwynn's to Winchester, in Virginia, crosses the river, to the State of Ohio ; Avhose duty it shall be, as soon as may 1)0, after their appointment, to repair to Cumberland aforesaid, and vicAV the ground, from the points on the river Potomac hereinbefore designated, to the river Ohio ; and to lay out in such direction as they shall judge, under all circumstances the most proper, a road from thence to the river Ohio, to strike the same at the most convenient place, between a point on its eastern bank, opposite the northern Ijoundary of Steubenville, in said State of Ohio, and tho mouth of GraAreergek, Avhich empties into the said river a little beloAv Wheeling, nrginia. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the aforesaid road shall ijo laid out four rods in width, and designated on each side by a plain and distinguishable mark on a tree, or by the erection of a stake or monument sufficiently conspicuous, in every quartei;_of,ajniile of the distance at least, where the road pursues a Straight course so far or farther, and on each side, at ey^iyjjfljnt Ayhere-an-anglfi.occurs in its_ course. ' '~ "^--_Sec. 3. And be it further enacted. That the commissioners shall, as soon as may be, after they have laid out said road, as aforesaid, present to the President an accurate plan of the same, with its several courses and distances, accompanied by a written report of their pro ceedings, describing the marks and monuments by which the road is designated, and the face of the country over Avhich it passes, and pointing out the particular parts which they shall judge require the most and immediate attention and amelioration, and the probable ex pense of making the same passable in the most difiicult parts, and through the whole distance ; designating the State or States through ^ (25) ¦ 2(j THE OLD PIKE. Avhich said road has been laid out, and the length of the several parts Avhich are laid out on new ground, as well as the length of those parts laid out on the road now traveled. Which report the President is hereby authorized to accept or reject, in the whole or in part. If he accepts, he is hereby further authorized and requested to pursue such measures, as in his opinion shall be proper, to obtain consent for making the road, of the State or States through Avhich the same has been laid out. Which' consent being obtained, he is further author ized to take prompt and effectual measures to cause said road to be made through the whole distance, or in any part or parts ofthe same as he shall judge most conducive to the public good, having reference to the sum appropriated for the purpose. Sec. 4 And be it further enacted, That all parts of the road which the President shall direct to be made, in case the trees are stand ing, shall be cleared the whole width of four rods ; and the road shall be raised in the middle of the carriageway with stone, earth, or gravel and sand, or a combination of some or all of them, leaving or mak ing, as the case may be, a ditch or water course on each side and contiguous to said carriageway, and in no instance shall there be an elevation in said road, when finished, greater than an angle of five degrees with the horizon. But the manner of making said road, in every other particular, is left to the direction of the President. Sec. 5. And he it further enacted, That said Commissioners shall each receive four dollars per day, while employed as afoi-esaid, in full for their compensation, including all expenses. And they are hereby authorized to employ one surveyor, two chainmen and one marker, for whose faithfulness and accuracy they, the said Commis sioners, shall be responsible, to attend them in laying out said road, Avho shall receive in full satisfaction for their wages, including all expenses, the surveyor three dollars per day, and each chainman and the marker offe dollar per day, Avhile the}' shall be employed in said business, of Avhich fact a certificate signed by said commis.sioners shall be deemed sufficient evidence. Sec. 6. And he it further enacted, That the sum of thiny thous and dollars be, and the same is hereby appropriated, to defray the expense of laying out and making said road. And the President is hereby authorized to draw, from time to time, on the treasury for such parts, or at any one time, for the Avhole of said sum. as he shall judge the service requires. Which sum of thirty thousand dollars shall be paid, first, out of the fund of two per cent, reserved for lay ing out and making roads to the State of Ohio, by virtue of the' seventh section of an act passed on the thirtieth day of April, .one thousand eight hundred and tAvo, entitled, "An act' to enable tho people of the eastern division of the territory northAvest of the river Ohio to form a constitution and State government, and for the ad mission of such State into the Union on an equal footing Avith the original States, and for other purposes." Three per cent, of the ap propriation contained in said seventh section being directed by a sub- THE OLD PIKE. 27 sequent law to the laying out, opening and making roads within the said State of Ohio; and secondly, out of any money in the treasury not othei-Avise app-opriated, chargeable upon, and reimbursable at the treasury by said fund of tAvo per cent, as the same shall accrue. Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That the President be, and he is hereby requested, to cause to be laid before Congress, as soon as convenience will permit, after the commencement of each session, a statement ofthe proceedings under this act, that Congress may be enabled to adopt such further measures as may from time to time be proper under existing circumstances. Approved, March 29, 1806. TH. JEFFBESON. United States of America, Department of State. To all to ichom these presents shall come, Greeting : I certify that hereto annexed is a true copy of an Act of Con gress, approved March 29, 1806, the original of which is on file in this Department, entitled : "An Act to regulate the laying out and making a- road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio." In testimony whereof, I, James G. Blaine, Secretary of State of the United States, have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of the Department of State to be afBxed. Done at the City of Washington, this seventh day of March, A. D. 1891, and of the Independence of the United States the one hun dred and fifteenth. JAMES G. BLAINE. CHAPTER IT. Special Message of President Jeferson — Communicating to Congress the First Report of the Commissioners — They View the Whole Ground — Solicitude of the Inhabi tants — Points Considered — Cumberland the First Point Located — Uniontovm Left Out — Improvement of the Yovghiogheny — Distances — CwineUsviHe a Prom ising Town — "A Well Formed, Stone Capped Road — Estimated Cost, $6,000 per Mile, exclusive of Bridges. No. 220. NINTH CONGRESS — SECOND SESSION. January 31, 1807. To the Senate and Souse of Representatives of the United States : In execution of the act of the last session of Congress, entitled, "An act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumber land, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio," I appointed Thomas Moore, of Maryland, Joseph Kerr, of Ohio, and Eli Williams, of Maryland, commissioners to lay out the said road, and to perform the other duties assigned to them by the act. The progress which they made in the execution of the work, during the last season, will appear in their report uoav communicated to Congress; on the receipt of it, I took measures to obtain consent for making the road of the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, through which the commissioners propose to lay it out. I have received acts of the Leg islatures of Maryland and "V^irginia, giving the consent desired; that of Pennsylvania has the subject still under consideration, as is sup posed. Until I receive full consent to a free choice of route through the whole distance, I have thought it safest neither to accept nor re ject, finally, the partial report of the commissioners. Some matters suggested in the report belong exclusively to the legislature. TH. JEFFEESON. The commissioners, acting by appointment under the hiAV of Con gress, entitled "An act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio, beg leave to report to the President of the United States, and to premise that the duties imposed by the laAV became a work of greater magni tude, and a task much more arduous, than was conceived before en- (28) TIIE OLD PIKE. 29 taring upon it; from which circumstance the commissioners did not allow themselves sufficient time for the performance of it before the severity of the Aveather obliged them to retire from itj which was the case in the fir.st week of the present month (December). That, not having fully accomplished their Avork, they are unable fully to report a discharge of all the duties onioinod bj^ the law; but as the most material and principal part has been performed, and as a communica tion of the progress already made may be useful and proper, during the present session of Congress, and of the Legislatures of those States through which the route passes, the commissioners respectfully state that at a very earlj^ period it Avas conceived that the maps of tho country were not sufficiently accurate to afford a minute knoAvledge ofthe true courses between the extreme points on the rivers, by which the researches of the commissioners Avere to be governed; a survey for that purpose became indispensable, and considerations of public economy suggested the propriety of making- this survey precede the personal attendance of the commissioners. Josias Thompson, a surveyor of professional merit, Avas taken into service and authorized to employ Iavo chain carriers and a marker, as well as one vaneman, and a packhorse man and horse, on public account; the latter being indispensable and really beneficial in oxcel- erating the work. The suiwej-ors' instructions are contained in doc ument No. 1, accompanjing this report. Calculating on a reasonable time for the performance of the in structions to the surA'eyor, the commissioners, by correspondence, fixed on the first day of September last, for their meeting at Cumber land to proceed in the Avork; neither of them, hoAvever, reached that place until the third of that month, on which day they all met. The surveyor having, under his instructions, laid doAvn a plat of his work, showing the meanders of the Potomac and Ohio rivers, Avithin the limits prescribed for the commissioners, as also the road betAveen those rivers, Avhich is commonly traA'eled from Cumberland to Charleston, in part called Braddock's road; and the same being produced to the commissioners, Avhereby straight lines and their true courses were shoAA-n between the extreme points on each river, and the boundaries which limit the powers of the commissioners being thereby ascertained, serving as a basis whereon to proceed in the ex amination ofthe grounds and face ofthe country; the commissioners thus prepared commenced the business of exploring; and in this it Avas considered that a faithful discharge of the discretionary poAvers vested by the law made it necessary to vicAV the whole to be able to judge of a preference due to any part of the grounds, which imposed a task of examining a space comprehending upAvards of two thousand square miles ; a task rendered still more incumbent by the solicitude and importunities of the inhabitants of every part of the district, Avho severally conceived their grounds entitled to a preference. It becoming necessary, in the interim, to run various lines of experi ment for ascertaining the geographical position of several points 30 THE OLD PIKE. entitled to attention, and the service suffering great delay for want of another surveyor, it was thought consistent with the public interest - to employ, in that capacity, Arthur Eider, fhe vaneman, who had been chosen Avith qualification to meet such an emergency ; and whose service as vaneman could then be dispensed with. He commenced, as surveyor, on the 22d day of September, and continued so at field work until the first day of December, when he was retained as a necessary assistant to the principal surveyor, in copying field notes and hastening the draught of the work to be reported. The proceedings of the commissioners are specially detailed in their general journal, compiled from the daily journal of each com missioner, to which they beg leave to refer, under mark No. 2. After a careful and critical examination of all the grounds with in the limits prescribed, as well as the grounds and Avays out from the Ohio westwardly, at several points, and examining the shoal parts of the Ohio river as detailed in the table of soundings, stated in their jour nal, and after gaining all the information, geographical, general and special, possible and necessary, toward a judicial discharge of the du ties assigned them, the commissioners repaired to Cumberland to ex amine and compare their notes and journals, and determine upon the direction and location of their route. In this consultation the governing objects were : 1st. Shortness of distance betAveen navigable points on the eastern and western waters. 2d. A point on the Monongahela best calculated to equalize the advantages of this portage in the country within reach of it. 3d. A point on the Ohio river most capable of combining cer tainty of naA'igation with road accommodation; embracing, in this estimate, remote points westwardly, as well as present and probable population on the north and south. 4th. Best mode of diffusing benefits with least distance of road. In contemplating these objects, due attention was paid as well to the comparative merits of towns, establishments, and settlements al ready made, as to the capacity of the country with the present and probable population. In the course of arrangement, and in its order, the first point located for the route was determined and fixed at Cumberland, a de cision founded on propriety, and in some measure on necessity, from the circumstance of a high and difficult mountain, called Nobley, lay ing and confining the east margin of the Potomac so as to render it impossible of access on that side without immense expense, at any point between Cumberland and Avhere the road from Winchester to Gwynn's crosses, and even there the Nobley mountain is crossed with much difficulty and hazard. And this upper point was taxed with another formidable objection ; it was found that a high range of moun tains, called Dan's, stretching across from Gwynn's to the Potomac, above this point, precluded the opportunity of extending a route from this point in a proper direction, and left no alternative but passing by THE OLD PIKE. 31 Gwynn's; the distance from Cumberiand to Gwynn's being upAvard of a mile less than from the upper point, Avhich lies ten miles by Avater above Cumberland, the commissioners were not permitted to hesitate in preferring a point Avhich shortens tho portage, as Avell as the Poto mac navigation. The point ou the Potomac being viewed as a great repository of produce, Avhich a good road Avill bring from the Avest of Laurel JEill, aud the advantages Avhich Cumberland, as a tOAvn, has in that respect over an unimproved place, are additional considerations operating forcibly in favor of the place preferred. In extending tho route from Cumberland, a triple range of moun tains, strotching across from Jenings' run in measure Avith Gwynn's, left only the alternatiA'o of laying "the road up Will's creek for three miles, nearly at right angles Avith the true course, and then by Avay of .leiiings" run, or extending it over a break in the smallest mountain, on a better course by Gwynn's, to the top of Savage mountain; the latter was adopted, being the shortest, and will be less expensive in hill-side digging over a sloped route than tho former, requiring one bridge over Will's creek and several over Jenings' run, both very Avide and considerable streams in high Avater ; and a more Aveighty reason for preferring the route by GAvynn's is the great accommodation it Avill afford travelers from Winchester by the upper point, who could not reach the route by Jenings' run short of the top of Savage, which Avould withhold from them the benefit of an easy way up the mountain. It is, hoAvever, sujiposed that those Avho travel from Winchester by Avay of the upper point to GAvynn's, are in that respect more the dupes of common prejudice than judges of their own ease, as it is be lieved the way will be as short, and on much better ground, to cross the Potomac beloAv the confluence of the north and south branches (thereby crossing these tAvo, as Avell as Patterson's creek, in one stream, equally fordable in the same season), than to pass through Cumber land to Gwynn's. Of the.se grounds, however, the commissioners do not speak from actual A-iew, but consider it a subject well worthy of future investigation. Having gained the top of Allegany mountain, or rather the top of that part called Savage, by way of Gwynn's, the general route, as it respects the most important points, Avas determined as follows, A'iz. : From a stone at the corner of lot No. 1, in Cumberland, near the confluence of Will's creek and the north branch of the Potomac river ; thence extending along the street AvestAvardly, to cross the hill lying between Cumberland and Gwynn's, at the gap Avhere Braddock's road passes it; thence near GAA-ynn's and Jesse Tomlinson's, to cross the bigToughiogheny near the mouthofEoger's run, between the cross ing of Braddock's road and the confluence of the streams which form the Turkey foot; thence to cro.ss Laurel Hill near the forks of Dun bar's run, to the Avest foot of that hill, at a point near Avhere Brad- doelcs old road reached it, near Gist's old place, noAv Colonel Isaac Meason's, thence through Brown.sville and Bridgeport, to cross the 32 THE OLD PIKE. Monongahela river beloAv Josias CraAvford's ferry; and thence on as .straight a course as the country Avill admit to the Ohio, at a point be- ¦ tAveen the mouth of Wheeling creek and the lower point of Wheeling island. In this direction of the route it will lay about tAventy-four and a half miles in Maryland, seventy -five miles and a half in Pennsyh'ania, and twelve mLlIestimrginia ; distances Avhich Avill be in a small de gree increased by meanders, which the bed of the road must neces sarily make between the points mentioned in the location ; and this - route, it is believed, comprehends more important advantages than could be aff'orded in any other, inasmuch as it has a capacity at least equal to any other in extending advantages of a highAvay, and at the same time establishes the shortest portage between the points already navigated, and on the way accommodates other and nearer points to Avhich na.Aagation may be extended, and still shorten the portage. It intersects Big Youghiogheny at the nearest point from Cumber land, then lies nearly parallel with that riA-er for the distance of tAventy miles, and at the Avest foot of Laurel Hill lies Avithin five miles of ConnelLsville, from which the Youghiogheny is navigated; and in the same direction the route . intersects at BrownsAille the nearest , ]ioint on the Monongahela riA'er within the district. The improvement of the Youghiogheny naA'igation is a subject of too much importance to remain long neglected ; and the capacitj" of that river, as high up as the falls (tAvelve miles above ConnellsA'ille), is said to be equal, at a small expense, Avith the parts already navi gated below. The obstructions at the falls, and a rocky rapid near Turkey Foot, constitute the principal imjiediments in that river to the intersection of the route, and as much higher as tho stream has a capacity for navigation; and these difficulties Avill doubtless be re moved when the intercourse shall AA-arrant the measure. Under these circumstances the portage may be thus stated : From Cumberland to Monongahela, 66^ miles. From Cumber land to a point in measure with Connellsvillo, on fhe Youghiogheny river, 51J miles. From Cumberland to a point in measure AA-ith the lower end of the falls of Youghiogheny, which Avill lie Iavo miles north of the public road, 43 miles. From Cumberland to the intersection of the route Avith the Youghiogheny river, 34 miles. Nothing is here said of the Little Youghioghony. Avhich lies nearer Cumberland ; the stream being unusually crooked, its navigation can only become tbc Avork of a redundant po])ulation. The point Avhich this route locates, at the Avest foot of Laurel Hill, haying cleared the whole of the Allegheny mountain, is so situ ated as to extend the advantages of an easy A\'ay through the great barrier, with more equal justice to the best' parts of tho country be tween Laurel Hill and the Ohio. Lines from this point to Pittsburg and Morgantown, diverging nearly at the same angle, open upon equal terms to all parts of the Western country that can make use of this portage ; and Avhioh may include tho settlements from Pittsburg, THE OLD PIKE. 33 up Big Beaver to the Connecticut reserve, on Lake Erie, as well as those ou tho southern borders of the Ohio and all the intermediate country. Brownsville is nearly equi-distant from Big BeaA'er and Fishing creek, and oqually convoiiiont to all the crossing places on the Ohio, betAveen these extremes. As a port, it is at least equal to any on the ^Monongahela Avithin the liinits, and holds su]3erior adA^antages in fur nishing supplies to emigrants, traders, and other traA^elers by land or water. Not unmindful of the claims of toAvns and their capacity of re- eipi'ocating advantages on public roads, the commissioners were not insensible of the disadA'antage Avhich UniontoAvn must feel from the Avant of that accommodation Avhich a more southAvardly direction of the route Avould have afforded ; but as that could not take place Avith out a relinquishment of the shortest passage, considerations of public benefit could not yield to feelings of minor import. Uniontown being the seat of justice for FaA'otte county, Pennsylvania, is not without a share of public benefits, and may partake of the advantages of this portage upon equal terms Avith Connells ville, a growing town, Avith the advantage of respectable Avater-works adjoining, in the manufactory of flour and iron. After reaching the nearest navigation on the western Avaters, at a point best calculated to diffuse the benefits of a great highway iu the greatest possible latitude east of -the Ohio, it Avas considered that, to fulfill the objects of the law, it remained for the commissioners to give such a direction to the road as would best secure a certainty of navigation on the Ohio at all sea.sons, combining, as far as possible, the inland accommodation of remote points AvestAvardly. It Avas found that the obstructions in the Ohio, Avithin the limits betAvoou Steubenville and Grave creek, lay principally above the town and mouth of Wheeling; a circumstance ascertained by the commissioners in their examination of the channel, as Avell as by common usage, Avhich has long given a decided preference to Wheeling as a place of embarcation and port of departure in dry seasons. It Avas also seen that Wheeling lay in a line from Brownsville to the centre of the State of Ohio and Post Vincennes. These circumstances favoring and corresponding with the chief objects in view in this last direction of the route, and the ground from "VVheeling AvestAvardly being knoA\'n of equal fitness Avith any other Avay out from the river, it was thought most proper, under these several considerations, to locate the point mentioned beloAV the mouth of Wheeling. In taking this ]3oint in preference to one higher up and in the tOAvn of Wheeling, the public benefit and convenience Avere consulted, inasmuch as the present crossing place over the Ohio from the town is so contrived and con fined as to subject passengers to extraordinary ferriage and delay, by entering and clearing a ferry-boat on each side of Wheeling island, which lies before the town and' precludes the opportunity of fording when the river is crossed in that way, above and below the island. 34 THE OLD PIKE. From the point located, a safe crossing is afforded at the lower point of the island by a ferry in high, and a good ford at low water. The face of the country within the limits prescribed is generally very uneven, and in many places broken by a succession of high mountains and deep hollows, too formidable to be reduced within five - degrees of the horizon, but by crossing them obliquely, a mode Avhich, although it imposes a heavy task of hill-side digging, obviates gen erally the necessity of reducing hills and filling holloAvs, Avhich, on these grounds, Avould be an attempt truly Quixotic. This inequality ofthe surface is not confined to the Allegheny mountain; the country betAveen the Monongahela and Ohio rivers, although less elevated, is not better adapted for the bed of a road, being filled Avith impedi ments of hills and hollows, which present considerable difficulties, and Avants that super-abundance and convenience of stone Avhich is found in the mountain. The indirect course of the road now traveled, and the frequent elevations and depressions which occur, that exceed the limits of the laAV, preclude the possibility of occupying it in any extent Avithout great sacrifice of distance, and forbid the use of it, in any one part, for more than half a mile, or more than tAVO or three miles in the Avhole. The expense of rendering the road uoav in contemplation pass able, may, therefore, amount to a larger sum than may haA'o been supposed necessary, under an idea of embracing iu it a considerable part of the old road ; but it is belicA^ed that the contrary Avill be found most correct, and that a sum sufficient to open the ncAv could not be expended on the same distance of the old road Avith equal benefit. The sum required for the road in contemplation Avill depend on the style and manner of making it ; as a common road cannot remove the difficulties Avhich ahvays exist on deep grounds, and jjarticularly in Avet seasons, and as nothing short of a firm, substantial, well-formed, stone-capped road can remove the causes Avhich led to the measure of improvement, or render the institution as commodious as a great and growing intercourse appears to require, the expense of such a road next becomes the subject of inquiry. In this inquiry the commissioners can only form* an estimate by recurring to the experience of Pennsylvania and Maryland in tho bus iness of artificial roads. Upon this data, and a comparison of the grounds and proximity of the materials for covering, thoro are reasons for belief that, on the route reported, a comploto road may be made at an expense not exceeding six thousand dollars per mile, exclusive of bridges over the principal st roams on the way, Tho avorago ex- ])ense of the Lancaster, as Avell as Baltimore and" Frederick turnpike, is considerably higher; but it is believed that tho convenient supply of stone Avhich the mountain affords Avill, on those grounds, reduce the expense to the rate hero slated. As to the policy of incurring this oxpeuso, it is not the province of tho commissioners to declare; but they cannot, however, Avithhold THE OLD PIKE. 35 iissurances of a firm belief that the purse of the nation cannot be more seasonably opened, or more happily applied, than in promoting the speedy and effectual establishment of a great and easy road on tho Ava}' contemplated. In the discharge of all these duties, the commissioners haA^e been actuated by an ardent desire to render the institution as useful and commodious as possible; and, impressed Avith a strong sense of the necessity which urges the speedy establishment of the road, they have to regret the circumstance Avhich delays the completion of the part assigned them. They, hoAvever, in some measure, content themselves Avith the reflection that it Avill not retard the progress of the AVork, as the opening of the road cannot commence before spring, and maj' then begin with marking the Avay. The extra expense incident to the service from the necessity (and propriety, as it relates to public economy,) of employing men not pro- A'ided for by laAV, Avill, it is hoped, be recognized, and provision made for the payment of that and similar expenses, when in future it may be indispensably incurred. The commissioners having engaged in a service in Avhich their zeal did not permit them to calculate the difference between their pay and the expense to Avhich the service subjected them, cannot suppose it the wish or intention of the Government to accept of their services for a mere indemnification of their expense of subsistence, Avhich Avill be very much the case under the present alloAvance ; they, therefore, allow themselves to hope and expect that measures will be taken to provide such further compensation as may, under all circumstances, be thought neither profuse nor parsimonious. The painful anxiety manifested by the inhabitants of the district explored, and their general desire to know the route determined on, suggested the measure of promulgation, which, after some deliberation. was agreed on by way of circular letter, which has been forAvarded to those persons to whom precaution was useful, and afterward sent to one of the presses in that quarter for publication, in the form of the document No. 3, which accompanies this report. All which is, with due deference, submitted. ELI WILLIAMS, THOMAS MOOEE, December 30, 1806. JOSEPH KEEE. CHAPTER V. Pennsylvania Grants Permission to Make the Road Through Her Territory— Union town Restored, Gist Left OiU, and Washington, Pennsylvania, Made a Point — Simm Snyder, Speaker of the House —Pressly Carr Lane, a Fayette County Man, Speaker of the Senate, and Thomas McKean, Governor — A Second Special. Mes sage From President Jefferson, and a Second Report of the Commissioners — Heights of Mountaim and Hills — On to BrownsviUe and Wheeling — An Im perious Call Made on Cummissioner Kerr. An Act authorizing the President of the United States to open a road through that part of this State lying between Cumberland, in the State of Mary land, and the Ohio river. Whereas, by an Act of the Congress ofthe United States, passed on the tAventy-ninth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and six, entitled "An act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio," the President of the United States is empowered to lay out a road from the Potomac river to the river Ohio, and to take measures for making the same, so soon as the consent of the legislatures of the several States through which the said road shall pass, could be obtained : And whereas, application hath been made to this legislature, by the President of the United States, for its consent to the measures afore said: Therefore, Section 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Mepresenta tives of the Commomvealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to cause so much of the said road as will be within this State, to be opened so far as it may be necessary the same should pass through this State, and to cause the said road to be made, regulated and completed, Avithiu the limits, and according to the intent and meaning of the before recited Act of Congress in relation thereto; Provided, nevertheless, That the route laid down and reported by tho commissioners to the President of the United States, be so altered as to pass through Uniontown, in the county of Fayotte, and Washington, in the county of Washington, if such alteration can, in the opinion of tho President, be made, con sistently Avith the provisions of an act of Congress passed March 29th, 1806, but if not, then over any ground Avithi'ii the limit of this State, which he may deem most advantageous. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That such person or persons as are or shall be appointed for the pur- (36) tgE OLD PIKE. S7 pose of laj'ing out and completing tho said road, undei- tho authority of the United States, shall have full power and authority to ontor upon the lands through Avhich tho same may pass, and upon any land near or adjacent thereto, and therefrom to lake, dig, cut and carry aAvay such materials of earth, stone, gravel, timber and sand as may be necessary for Ijie purpose of comjileting, and for ever keeping in repair, said road ; Provided, That such materials shall be valued and appraised, in the same manner as materials taken for similar purjiosos, under tho authority of this CommoiiAvoalth are by the laAvs thereof, directed to be valued and appraised, and a certificate of the amount thoroof shall, by the person or persons appointed, or hereafter to lie appointed under tho authority of the United States for the purpose aforesaid, be delivered to each party entitled thereto, for any materials to be taken by virtue of this act, to entitle him, her or them lo re- ceiA'c payment therefor from the United States. SIMON SNYDEE, Speaker of the House of Representatives. P. C. LANE, Speaker of the Senate. Ajiproved. the ninth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and ¦^^^*"^''*- THOMAS M'KEAN. TENTH CONGRESS — FIRST SESSION. Communicated to Congress February 19, 1808. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: The States of Pennsyh-ania, Maryland and Virginia having, by their soA'oral acts consented that the' I'oad from Cumberland to the State of Ohio, authorized by the act of Congress of March 29, 1806, should pass through those States, and the report of the commissioners communicated to Congress Avith my message of January 31, 1807, having been duly corisidered, I haA'o ap])roA'ed of the route therein proposed for the said road as far as BroAvnsville, with a single devia tion since located, Avhich carries it through UniontoAvn. From thence the course to the Ohio, and the point within the legal limits at Avhich it shall strike that river, is still to be decided. In forming this decision, I shall pay material regard to the inter ests and Avishes of the populous parts of the State of Ohio, and to a future and convenient connection with the road which is to lead from the Indian boundary near Cincinnati, by Vincennes, to the Mississippi, at St. Louis, under authority of the act of April 21, 1806. In this Avay Ave may accomplish a continuous and advantageous line of com munication from the seat of the General Government to St. Louis, passing through several very interesting points, to theWestern country. I have thought it advisable, also, to secure from obliteration the trace of the road so fiir as it has been approved, which has been exe cuted at such considerable expense, by opening one-half of its breadth through its Avhole length. 38 THE OLD PIKE. The report of the commissioners herewith transmitted Avill give particular information of their proceedings under the act of Marcih 29, 1806, since the date of my message of January 31, 1807, and will enable Congress to adopt such further measures, relative thereto, as they may deem proper under existing circumstances. TH. JEFFEESON. February 19, 1808. The undersigned, commissioners ajjpointed under the laAV of the United States, entiled " An act to regulate tho laying out and making. a road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio," in addition to the communications heretofore made, beg leave further to report to the President of the United States that, by the delay- of the answer of the Legislature of Pennsylvania to the appli cation for permission to pass the road through that State, the commis sioners could not proceed to the business of the road in the spring before vegetation had so far advanced as to render the Avork of explor ing and surveying difficult and tedious, from Avhich circumstance it Avas postponed till the last autumn, when the business was again resumed. That, in obedience to the special instructions given theni, the route heretofore reported has been so changed as to pass through UniontOAvn, and that they have completed the location, gradation and marking of the route from Cumberland to Brownsville, Bridge port, and the Monongahela river, agreeably to a plat of the courses. distances and grades in Avhich is described the marks and monumeuts by Avhich the route is designated, and Avhich is herewith exhibited; that by this plat and measurement it will appear (AA'hen compared Avith the road noA^' traveled) there is a saving of four miles of distance between Cumberland and BroAvnsville on the uoav route. In the gradation of the surface of the route (which became necessai-y) is ascertained the comparatiA'e elevation and depression of " different points on the route, and taking a point ten feet above the surface of low Avater in tho Potomac river at Cumberland, as the horizon, the most prominent points are found to be elevated as fol lows, Adz. : Feet. lOtbs. Summit of Wills mountain 581 . 3 ' AVestern foot of same 304 . 4 Summit of Savage mountain 2022 . 24 Savage river 1741 . 6 Summit Little Savage mountain 1900 . 4 Branch Pine Run, first "\^'estern water 1699 . 9 Summit of Red Hill (after called Sliades of Death) 1914 . 3 Summit Little Meadow mountain 2026 . 16 Little Youghiogheny river " 1822 . 6 East Fork of Shade llun 1558 . 92 Summit of Negro mouiitaiu, higliest point 2328 . 12 Middle branch of W'hite's creek, at the west foot of Neyro mountain ". . . 1,360 . 5 White's creek 1195 . 5 Big Youghiogheny river 645 . 5 ~ THE OLD PIKE, 39 Feet. lOlUs. Summit of a ridge betwoi-n Youghiogheny river and Beavor waters ". ..." 1514 . 5 Beaver Run lli'o ,s Summit of Laurel Hill 1550 . 16 Court House in I'niontovvn 274 (i5 A point ten feet above the surface of low water in tho ilonon- gahela river, ;it the mouth of Dunlap's creek 119 . 26 The hiAv requiring tho commissioners to report those parts ofthe route as arc laid on the old road, as avcII as those on now grounds, and to state those parts AA'hich require the most immediate altontion and amelioration, tho probable expense of making the same passable in the most difficult parts, and through tho whole distance, they have to state that, from the crooked aud hilly course of tho road now traveled, the ncAv route could not be made to occupy any part of it (except an intersection on Wills mountain, another at Jesse Tomlin son's. and a third near Big Youghiogheny, embracing not a mile of dis tance in the Avhole) Avithout unnece,ssar\' sacrifices of distances and expense. That, therefore, an estimate must bo made on the route as passing AA'holly through ncAv grounds. In doing this the commissioners feel great difficulty, as they cannot. Avith any degree of precision, estimate the expense of making it merely passable; nor can they alloAV them selves to suppose that a less lu-eadth than that mentioned in the law Avas to be taken into the calculation. Tho rugged deformity of the grounds rendered it impossible to lay a route Avithin the grade limited by laAV otherwi.se than by ascending and descending the hills obliquelj^, by Avhich circumstanco a great proportion of the route occupies the sides ofthe hills, which cannot be safely passed on a road of common breadth, and Avhere it Avill, in the opinion of the commissioners, be necessary, by digging, to give the proper form to thirty feet, at least in the breadth of the road, to afford suitable secui-ity in passing on a Avay to be frequently crowded Avith Avagons moving in opposite direc tions, Avith transports of emigrant families, and droA'CS of cattle, hogs, etc., on the AA-ay to market. Considering, therefore, that a road on those grounds must have sufficient breadth to afford ways and Avater courses, and satisfied that nothing- short of Avell constructed and com pletely^ finished conduits can insure it against injuries, which must otherAvise render it imj)assable at eA-ory change of the seasons, by heavy falls of rain or melting of the beds of suoaa^, Avith Avhich the country is frequently coA^ered ; the commissioners beg leave to say, that, in a former report, thej' estimated the expense of a road on these .grounds, Avhen properly shaped, made and finished in the style of a stone-covered turnpike, at $6,000 per mile, cxclusiA'e of bridges over the principal streams on the Avay ; and that Avith all the information they have since been able to collect, they haA-e no reason to make any alteration in that estimate. The contracts authorized by, and Avhich have been taken under the superintendence of the commissioner, Thomas Moore (duplicates pf which accompany this report), will show what has been undertaken 40 THE OLD PIKE. relative to clearing the timber and brush from part of the breadth of the road. The performance of these contracts was in such forward ness on the 1st instant as leaves no doubt of their being completely fulfilled by the first of March. The commissioners further state, that, to aid them in the exten sion of their route, they ran and marked a straight line from the crossing place on the Monongahela, to Wheeling, and had progressed twenty miles, Avith their usual and necessary lines of experiment, in ascertaining the .shortest and best connection of practical grounds, Avhen the approach of winter and the shortness of the days afforded. no expectation that they could complete the location without a need- loss expense in the most inclement season of the .year. And, presum ing that the postponement of the remaining part till the ensuing spring Avould produce no delay in the business of making the road, they Avere induced to retire from it for the present. The great length of time alre&dy emploA'cd in this business, makes it proper for the commissioners to obseiwe that, in order to connect the best grounds with that circum,spection Avhich the importance of the duties confided to them demanded, it became indispensablj' neces sary to run lines of experiment and reference in A'arious directions, Avhich exceed an 'aA'erage of four times the distance located for the route, and that, through a country so irregulai-ly broken, aud croAvded Avith A'cry thick underwood in many places, the work has been found so incalculably tedious that, Avithout an adequate idea of the difficulty. it is not easy to reconcile the delay. It is proper to mention that an imperious call from tho priA'afe concerns of Commissioner Joseph Kerr, compelled him to return home on the 29th of November, Avhich Avill account for the want of his sig nature to this report. All of Avhich is, Avitli due deferonco, submitted, this 15th day of January, 1808. ELI WILLIAMS. THOMAS MOOEE. Note. — It Avill be observed that Koysor's Eidge, Avhich is unques tionably tho highest point on the road, is not mentioned by the com missioners. This is, no doubt, because, at tho date of their report, tho locality did not bear the name Koysor's Eidgo. and Avas knoAvu as a peak of Negro mountain. Soon after the location of the road, one Koyser acquired the property at tho ridge, and it took its name from him. It Avill also be observed that the mea.suremont of heights by the commissionoi-s Avas made from --ajioint ten foot above fhe surface of low Avator in the Potomac at Cumberland." A table of heights given in a subso(iuent chapter, the aatbority for Avhich is not ascor- tainablo, differs from that in tho commissioners' report, but their report must be acccpto 78 - THE OLD. PIKE. roofed with shingles, will cost not to exceed $7,000. There are two other bridges on the same new route to be constructed, the ratio of expense of which will not materially vary, * * * Eespectfn]l.A% your obedient servant, EICH'D DELAFIELD, Brig. Gon. Charles Gratiot, Captain of Engineers. Chief Engineer. CujiBERLAND, July 24, 1834. Sir: I have just finished comparing the numerous offers for work to be done on the 16 miles of road immediately west of this place. There is great competition among very excellent and responsible men of the country, as well as from the railroad and canal below us. The offers for the bridge render its construction Avith stone next to impracticable, under the law, to finish the road with $300,000. They are as follows : $22,000, $21,930, $23,323, 822,680, $24,000. To construct the abutments I haA'e offers at $3.80 cents per-perch ; that would, Avith the superstructure of Avood, make the whole cost not to exceed $6,500 to $7,000. We cannot Avith propriety expend so large a sum for a stone bridge, with such limited means. I .strong! \- recommend a AVOoden superstructure if compatible with existing laA\'s under Avhich avo act, and beg to be adA-ised as requested in my letter of yesterday. Eespectfully, your obedient servant, EICH'D DELAFIELD, Brig. Gen, Charles Gratiot, Captain of Engineers. Chief Bngiiioor. Engineer Department. Washington. July 29, 1834. Sir: It has, just been determined by the War Department that the substitution of Wood for stone, in the superstructures of the bridges on the noAv piece of road around Wills hill Avould be deemed by the State of Maryland a substantial compliance Avith the require ments of her laAV giving assent to the change from tho old to the present location of that part of the road. You Avill, therefore, build the abutments of those bridges in a good and durable manner, of the best stone to be had in your immediate neighborhood, and make the superstructure of Avood. These last, Avhen coniplotod, must be Avell covered, and painted in the bost manner. This is communicated in answer to your two letters of the 23d and 24th instant, on the sub ject, Avhich are at hand. I am, &c., C. GEATIOT. Capt. E. Delafield, Corps, of Engineers, Cumberland, Md, THE OLD PIKE, 7H COPY OF INSTRUCTIONS SENT BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CUMBERLAND ROAD, EAST OF THE OHIO, TO EACH OF HIS ASSISTANTS ON THE LINE OF THE ROAD. Wheeling,, May 29, 1834. Sir: In conducting the operations for repairing the section of tho road under your supervision, during the present season, two very important alterations Avill be made in the system of last year. The first is to retain, in all cases, the old bed or pavement, break ing down Avith sledges the prominent or projecting pieces into the ruts and holes, and smoothing the grade with quarry chips, or stone brokenon the face of tho road with sledge-hammers, slightly coA'ering the bed so prepared with the earth from the ditches, observing to put no more earth than is barely sufficient to prevent the metal coining. in contact with the large .stone of the bed. Where there is no stone in the old bed, restore the grade Avith the best and hardest material to be found in the vicinity, making it a point to haA'o stone to fill the large holes. This formation of the bed for the metal on top of the old bed Avill enable large and sufficient ditches to be formed for carrying off the Avatcr. The most particular atterition must be given to these ditches, as upon them depends tho preservation of the road. All the earth taken from the ditches, side roads, and slopes, not required to make good the grade and side roads, must be thrown down the hill side, and on no account whatCA'cr npon the slope of a side hill cutting, from whence it soon Avashes back into the ditches. The minimum size of the ditches should not be less than three feet wide on top, one foot deep, and one foot wide in the botto,m ; the Avhole depth to be below the bed of the road. Eock and peculiar side slopes can alone prevent this being practiced. The side slopes must be cut to a slope of 45, with berms, as a minimum ; and as low as -60 wherever it is practicable." Wherever earth is required for a filling to make good the side roads, require that it be taken from some near side slope or other point that will improve such part of the road. The minimum side ^road is to be five feet ; wherever the natural ground will permit, cause it to be increased to admit of summer roads, placing the ditches out side of such increased side road. The second alteration is, to have the whole work done by con tract, instead of job work and day labor, as was practiced last year. To effect this, the greatest precaution is necessary to specify what work has to be done on each chain of four rods of the road, the particular grade for such portion, the depth and size of the ditches, the side roads and slopes, and from whence the required earth is to be taken to restore the grade, and where the surplus earth is to be taken from the, ditches, drains, side slopes, &c._ In the delivery of stone for the metal, the contract must provide 80 THE OLD PIKE. that the stone be delivered and broken on the side roads in rectangu lar piles or strings of such dimensions as you require on the several parts of the road, and the measurement made of the cubic contents of the- stone thus prepared ; from which measurement you will ascer tain the number of perches, by previously ha-ving a mass, containing five perches of stone, as it comes from the quarry, as compactly piled as can be Avithout the use of a hammer,, taking large and small indis criminately. HaA'e this mass broken to the size of four ounces ; - ascertain the cubic contents of the bulk it shall produce, the fifth part of which you will take as a perch, and the unit of measurement for paying for the number of perches to be delivered. The metal is to be thrown on the road at such favorable periods as you shall designate, after it has been measured, and not until the contractor has prepared the required quantity for half a mile at a time. You will require the contractor to commence the grade at one end of the piece he is to repair, and continue regularly through, not permitting him to seek the parts requiring least work to execute first ; and Avhen delivering stone, to commence the delivery at a point giving a mean distance for hauling from the quarry ; a mean rate of payment is then equitable, otherAvise it would not be. The Avork .on your section may be di\'ided into two distinct classes ; the one, Avhere nothing has as yet been done ; and the other, the part graded and stone prepared for the metal during the past season. On the first class, you will make contracts to grade, deliver, and put on three perches of limestone Avhere the old bed remains firm, and four perches Avhere the old bed has disappeared, requiring-the grade to be finished by the 15th of October ; and if the metal is all prepared by that dat'e, to be put on by the Ist of November, the contractor continuing to rake the road, change the travel, and preserve the whole work in order, until the succeeding 1st of April. Should the contractor, however, not be able to prepare the metal to put it on the road by the 1st of November, then he is to preserve the grade of the road in order until the first faA'orable state of the weather after the 15th of March ensuing, Avhen he is to put on the metal, raking and smoothing the surface for tAventy days after the Avhole metal shall have been put on the road. You will observe that the contract is to call for preserving the road in either case during the Avinter ; in one case, by adding metal, raking, &c., and in the other, by breaking Avith a sledge stone to fill the ruts, covering such stone in the spring lightly before putting on the metal. The second class of work is the unfinished part of last year's ' operations, upon which there Avill be time to put three and a half additional perches per rod on such parts as Avere covered last J'^ear, and four perches per rod on such as had none, requiring that it be put on by the 1st of November, and be preserved, raked, &c., until THE OLD PIKE. 81 the succeeding 1st of April, during the winter filling ruts made by travel Avith additional metal, to be prepared and readj^ at convenient points on the road. For the culverts you Avill make a contract with one person for all that may be necessary on half your section, and with a second person for the other half, the Avork to be paid by the perch of twenty-five cubic feet, measured bj' the plan and dimensions you shall designate for each locality, and according to which plan the work must be constructed. For this work you will require the stone to be of good proportions, Avith parallel beds and faces, and not smaller than tAvo cubic feet in each piece, in no case ever permitting a stone to be placed •' ou edge," a very common practice, destructive of good masonry. The covering stone to be of such additional dimensions as you shall judge necessary for each locality. The bot toms of the cuh'erts to be paA^ed or fiagged Avith stone, and such an apron constructed at each end as to guard against the ends being undermined by the passage of the Avater. The repairs of the masonry of the bridges and Avails on Wheeling Hill it is very desirable to effect by contract, if practicable. On Wheeling Hill the object may be effected by requiring the masonry to conform with that already executed, particularly in regard to the size and quality of the stone, paying for it by the perch measured in the wall when finished, reserving the one-fifth of the A'alue from monthly payments as security for the faithful execution of the Avhole AA'ork. The repairs of the bridge may be executed in like manner, specifying the masonry of the bridge uoav building over Wheeling Creek as the standard, excepting stones placed on edge. It is desirable to postpone the repair of all masonry to tho latest date, excepting only such parts as are necessary to perfect the grade ; you will make your contracts accordingly. The masonry of the cul verts and some of the bridges must be finished in time, including the filling to "make good the roadway, to permit the contractor for grad ing to comply with his agreement. The usual one-fifth of the value of work done being retained until the exjiiration of the time for com pleting the whole work, when this sum is to be applied either to carry into effect the remaining provisions ofthe agreement, as stipulated to be executed, or paid to the contractor, if the work has been faithfully executed according to the tenor of the agreement. You will make all your payments by checks drawn on the bank through AA'hich I shall make your remittances, taking duplicate re ceipts for moneys thus paid, attached to a bill giving the quantity ratOj cost, and date ofthe receipt of the article clearly and distinctly expressed. Your check book must be added up, and the balance in bank as certained every Saturday evening, which balance must be reported in the weekly reports to be forAvarded to me, as required last season. The balance of your account, as appears by your ledger account with me, must also form an item in the weekly report. The assistant 82 , THE OLD PIKE. engineer will make an inspection of these books, and report to me, whenever he comes on your section of the road. The receipted vouchers you will forward to the office at Browns ville, of all payments made during the week at the end of such week, reserving the duplicate until called for by myself or the assistant engineer. So soon as you are apprised by me of funds being available you will immediately advertise by hand bills, and through the public prints, that contracts vvill be made for repairing the section of road under your supervision, and that proposals for executing the Avork will be received for twenty days from the date of your advertisement, for repairing each mile of the road according to stipulations and particular information, to be had on enquiring of you on or after such date as you are enabled to collect it. Let the advertisements express that the repairs consist principally in grading the road over the old bed, cleaning out the ditches and drains, restoring the side roads to their width of five feet and coA'ering the road thus prepared Avith limestone broken to four ounce pieces, in such quantities as shall be specified for each rod, A^arying from two to four perches per rod, and keeping the whol'e in order until the first of April next, by which date the contracts are to be completed. To ascertain the work to be done on the different mile sections, and on the particular parts of each mile, you Avill, the instant funds _ are available, make a measurement of the road, noting the Avork to be done on each chain (as specified in the jjrcA'ious parts of this communication) in the most minute detail. This stateinent, reduced as much as practicible to a tabular form, you will cause to be printed, as the information to be given to persons upon which to make their proposals, and it will be embodied in or at tached to the articles of agreement as a specification ofthe Avork to be done. As you Avill find it convenient to haA'e the prepared metal piled in uniform masses, admitting of the application of a gauge to ascer tain whether or not the required -quantity is- in the pile, you Avill cause such gauges to be made with slopes of 45 degrees and in no in- .stance permit a measurement of stone tobe made Avithout having previously verified the dimensions of the gauge. Tho necessity for this you will perceive by reflecting that the end of the gauge may be cut off and the angles altered to make a material difference in the quantity, without being perceptible to the eye. • The following are some of the frauds heretofore practiced, and now enumerated that you may look cautiously to their not being- practiced upon your section of the road : 1st, Diminishing the size and altering the angle of tho gauge. 2d'. Loosening the pile of metal just before tho measurement, to increase its bulk. 3d. Concealing or covering up in the piles of metal large masses of stone or other matter. THE OLD PIKE. 83 4th. Breaking stone of a softer or otherAvise inferior quality than the sample agreed upon. Sth. Breaking the metal to a larger size than that agreed upon. 6th. Eemoving the prepared metal from one point to another after it has been measured. 7th. Taking metal from the face of the road, of the first ()r second stratum, to make it appear the desired quantity has boen broken to fill the gauge. Sth. On parts of the road where limestone has already been de livered, AVagoners, Avith a partial load, passing from the quarries to the point of delivery, have been detected in stealing a piece from several piles, thus making a full load from Avhat has already been paid for. Very many other frauds have been detected upon receiving and paying for stone perches before breaking. No corrective offers for the many that may be practiced under this system. It is, therefore, in no case, to be adopted. Always measuring the stone after it is broken, and reserving one-fifth of its value until the whole agreement has been fully and faithfully complied with, are the best securities against fraudulent practices. Immediately after concluding the contracts on your section- for the season, you_Avill forward me a statement of the funds required to ' carry them into effect, and, the times such funds Avill probably be re quired. Eespectfulh', your obedient seiwant, EICH'D DELAFIELD, Captain of Engineers. Philadelphia, December 28, 1834. Sir: The enclosed letter of the -29th May was prepared as the instructions f6r Lieutenant Vance, conducting the operations on the seventh division of the road, and a copy thereof was forwarded to the officer of each division, with directions to conform thereto on their respeetiA^e sections, suiting the phraseology to their divisions. On the 27th June, on being made acquainted with the particulars of the act of Congress making the appropriation for the year's ser vice, the following instructions Avere communicated to the officers of the several divisions, slightly changed to suit each particular division : ">S»'.- Funds having- been made aA'ailable for continuing the re pairs of the Cumberland Eoad, east of the Ohio, you will cause the jireparatory measures to be taken immediately, and notice given as required by my letter of the 29 th of May, a copy of Avhich has been forwarded to you from BroAvnsville. " The act of Congress grants a specific sum for finishing the re- paii's of the road ; you will, therefore, in your arrangements, provide for the stone bridges on the new road, and three and a half perches of stone to the rod on the surface of the road as metal ; the latter to be furnished by the 3l8t of December, and kept raked and additional nietal put on until the 15th day of February ensuing ; the masonry 84 THE OLD PIKE. of the bridges to be finished by the 15th of October, with proposals of tho terms for finishing the same work by the 30th day of June, 1835. " The form of a contract has also been forwarded to you from Brownsville, which, with the letter of instructions accompanying it, connected with the tenor of this communication, you Avill make your guide in , the management of the section of road confided to your siipervision. " You Avill observe the form of the contract provides for Avork that may not occur in your division. You Avill, in preparing the form to be printed, be cautious to suit the same to your particular division, as to distance, &c., &c. Mile sections are desirable for sub- diA'iding the road, and as the portion to be given under contract to an individual : on your division other subdivisions will be found more coiiA^enient, and your attention must, in consequence, be giA'cn to make the phraseology of the instrument conform with the facts of the case. ' "Hereafter, you will commence and continue your weekly re ports to me. Apprise me of the date you limit the reception of pro posals, that I may be with you at the time. "EICH'D DELAFIELD, Captain of Engineers.' The instructions to the officer of the third division required him to provide for the work to be done on his division not exceeding three and a half perches of stone to a rod on the surface of the road as metal, reducing the quantity to two or one perch, as might be requisite to keep the whole in repair until finally completed. For a copy of the form of contract forwarded to the officers ofthe several divisions, see the contracts on file in your office, for the fourth division of the road. I enclose the statement called for by the letter of your depart ment of the 9th instant. Eespectfully, your obedient servant, Tj . p nv. 1 n ^- + ' EICH'D DELAFIELD, Brig, Gen. Charles Gratiot, r^ j. ¦ j: t? • ^,. „T, .' Captain of Engineers. Chief Engineer. ^ ^ REPORT AND ESTIMATE FOR THE CUJIBERLAND ROAD EAST OF THE OHIO, UNDER A RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, CALLING FOR THE CONDITION OF THE MA SONRY, THE THICKNESS OF METAL ON VARIOUS PARTS, &c., &c., DECEMBER, 1834. The plan of repair adopted and continued for this road to Jul}', 1834, was that of Macadam, with nine inches of metal in three strata. The provisions of the act of Congress of the last session made a change in the plan of operation necessary. The sum of $300,000 Avas appropriated to finish tho repairs of the road from Cumberland to 'Wheeling, a distance of one hundred and thirty-two miles, of Avhich fifty-four miles had not been commenced. THE OLD PIKE, 85 To contbrm Avith the provisions of the law, it became necessary to confine the expenditure of this sum to the most indispensable parts of tho system, and adopt a less expensiA-o and less permanent repair; abandoning tho plan of finishing the mountain division with limestone throughout, and to a Avidth of twenty feet; confining the metal on the more expensive parts of these diA'isions to a Avidth of from tAvelve to fifteen foot, instead of twenty; abandoning further repairs to the masonry of the parapets of the bridges ; depositing the stone that had been prepared for this purpose on the side roads, and leaving the side Avails on Wheeling Hill in their unfinished state ; limiting the stratum of metal to be put. on this season to three perches and a half, on an average, per rod, on the Avhole line of the road ; transporting the stone that had previously been collected for an additional thickness of metal to parts that had not been supplied Avith any ; substituting Avooden bridges for stone over Wills creek and Braddock's run, and abandoning altogether the construction of any bridge OA'er Dunlap's creek. The repairs thus modified are fast drawing to a close, when tho road will present parts covered Avith thicknesses of metal A-arying from three to nine inches, as foUoAvs : First division, in Marj-land, sixteen miles, one hundred and sixty rods, including ucaa^ location, is covered with three inches of metal. Second division, in Maryland, sixteen miles, one hundred and ninety-four rods, is covered Avith six inches of metal. Third diA'ision, in Pennsylvania, two hundi-ed rods, is coA'ored with four inches and a half of metal. Third division, in Pennsylvania, tAveut.A'-five miles, one hundred rods, to a'Vidth of from twelve to fifteen feet, is coArerod Avith nine inches of metal. Fourth division, in Pennsylvania, one mile, seven rods, is cov ered with three inches of metal. Fourth division, in Pennsylvania, fourteen miles, one hundred and twenty-three rods, to a Avidth of from tAveh'e to fifteen feet, is coAcred av ith .six inches of metal. Fifth division, in Pennsylvania, eighteen miles, nine rods, is covered with three inches of metal. Sixth division, in Pennsylvania, tAventy-one miles, tAvo hundred and seventy-three rods, is covered with three inches of metal. Seventh diA'ision, in Virginia, five miles, is covered Avith three inches of metal. Seventh division, in Virginia, nine miles, two hundred and six teen rods, is covered with six inches of nietal. The number of inches of metal put on that part Avhich has been located. ancAV, the first six miles of the first division, being three inches, and the number of inches of metal put upon that part of the road which lies betAveeii the Monongahela and the Ohio, the fifth, sixth, and seventh divisions, being three inches of metal on forty-four miles and two hundred and eighty -two rods, and six inches of metal on nine miles and two hundred and sixteen rods. 6 86 THE OLD PIKE,, To make this a permanent and substantial road, such that the heavy transportation. wagons shall not force their wheels through the metal into the bed, not less than the original contemplated thickness of three strata of three inches each, or the same number of strata of three perches and a half of stone- each, appears sufficient. That three inches of metal will not suffice to bear up the travel passing over this road, is proved by the experience of the last two years. Nor Avill six inches answer the purpose on all parts of the road, during a long or continued wet spell of weather, when, from absorption alone, the solidity and contiguity ofthe metal has become weakened and lessened. On the crests of the hills it will be solid, with a thickness of six inches, when, in the valley and grades under one degree, the eA'idence of its insufficiency are apparent. Nothing less than the three strata of three inches each has been found sufficient ; the last stratum being unequally applied according to the firmness and dryness, and the slope or grade of the bed. Such was judged necessary for a Macadam road from Cumberland to Wheeling, and the results tend to confirm the necessity of a thickness of nine inches on an average, to secure the object contemplated by the instructions of the Chief Engineer. The condition of the masonry on the whole line of the road is in an unfinished state, so far as regards many ofthe parts upon Avhich repairs have been commenced; and where nothing had been done toward repairing the bridges, many of their side-walls or parapets are in a dilapidated state, or torn down to the level of the roadway. In repairing the road under the last act of Congress, no more masonry was undertaken than the construction of culverts to drain the road, and repairing such parts as were necessary to perfect the roadway twenty feet in width ; all other parts Avere left in the unfinished and decayed state in which they were when the appropriation of the year caused an abandonment of further repairs to this part of the Avork. To carry into effect the repairs originally contemplated, and to secure the uniform strength throughout the Avhole line of the road equivalent to nine inches of metal, the following sums Avill be neces sary, after apjilying the means now on hand, and which are pledged for the work commenced and contracted for in July last. By reference to the annexed statement, it will be perceived the price per perch for delivered stone prepared as metal on the road varies from ninety-three cents to $2,50, and is stated for each section throughout the whole line of the road. Three quarries supply up ward of twenty miles of the road, there being none nearer or accessi ble. Quarries of the best limestone are numerous and not remote from the road between Wheeling and the eastern base of Laurel hill ; from thence to Frostburg they are few in number, situated in deep ravines, and remote from the road; from Frostburg to Cumberland they are comparatively numerous and of easy access. It will be seen that the price agrees Avith the difficulty of procuring the stone, and in the ratio above stated, from ninety-three cents to $2,50 per perch. CHAPTER XII. Gen. Lewis Cuss, Secretary of War, transmits a Report — More about the ]]'vode)t Bridges for the New Location near Cumberland — The War Department thinks they iriU do — John Hoi/e sU>utly Olijeett: — The Goi\-ruur of Marylaiul takes ii hand against Wooden Bridges — John Hoye to tlie Front Again — The Penn sylvania Commixxioncrx make another deuiand that the Road be jjiU in Repair. War Department, January 3, 1835. Sir: Herewith I haA'e the honor to transmit a report from the Chief Engineer, Avhich furnishes the information called for by the resolution of the House of Eepresentatives of the 12th ultimo, respect ing the Cumberland Eoad east of the Ohio. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, LEW. CASS. Hon. John Bell, Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives. Engineer Department, Washington, January 3, 1835. Sir: I have the honor lo baud you the information called for by the House of Eepresentatives on the 12th ultimo,relating to the Cum berland Eoad east of the Ohio, And remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. GEATIOT, The Hon. LcAvis Cass, Chief Engineer. Secretary of War, Engineer Department, Washington, July 28, 1834. Sir : In making the repairs of the Cumberland Eoad east of the Ohio river, it Avas deemed expedient, in the fall of 1832, to change that part of the old location Avhich is immediately Avest of Cumber land, in the State of Maryland, for the purpose of turning Wills hill. By this an abruj^t rise of several hundred feet would be avoided. A survey, preparatory to this change, was made, and the result sub mitted to Congress, in the session of 1832-'33 ; the proposed chaifge (87) 88 the old pike. was authorized, and the location, as exhibited on the drawing of the survey, adopted. This change of location involved the construction of a bridge over the mill-race in the town of Cumberland, and another over "Wills creek, as well as other bridges of minor importance, with several culverts. The Legislature of the State of Maryland passed an act giving assent to the change in question, Avith the jiroviso, however, " that the part of the road embraced in this change should be made of the best material, upon the Macadam plan, and that a good, substantial stone bridge should be made over the mill-race, in the town of Cumberland, and over Wills creek at the place of cross ing, and that substantial stone bridges and culverts should be made wherever the same may respectively be necessary along the line of said road," In the estimates Avhich Avere prepared, and submitted at the com mencement of the last session of Congress for its action, the sum pro posed for the completion of the repairs of the entire road from Cum berland to the Ohio river, contemplated the erection of the bridges on the new location, in conformity to the requirements ofthe law of Mary land just referred to. But, as is knoAvn to you, more than one-half of this sum was stricken from the bill, which embodied the Avhole amount of the estimate. The act appropriating the remainder requires that the Avhole of the repairs shall be completed for this diminished sum. Under these circumstances, it becomes necessary to change the plan upon which it Avas proposed to execute the Avork, and the object of this communication is to ascertain the extent to Avhich the depart ment may be allowed to carry this change on the ucav part of the road embraced bythe laAv of Maryland. If the bridges alluded to be built of stone, the expense will be much greater than the sum allotted to that section would bear : whereas, if the abutments bo built of* stone, and the superstructure of wood, the same ends Avould be attained as would result from bridges built entirely of stone, but the letter of the Maryland law would be departed from. Good wooden superstructures, Avell coA^ered and painted, Avould last, Avith a little care, at least forty years, and perhaps longer. To abandon this new location, and return to the old road, would be to sacrifice a large amount of money already expended on the former, Avhich is uoav in a state of forwardness, and Avould soon be finished. Besides, a bridge must, in any event, be constructed over Wills creek, and every consideration of convenient and easy traveling conspires to render its location on the new line of the road desirable. The officer charged Avith the rejiairs of the road is now engaged in giving out the work to contract, and making other arrange ments necessary to a speedy application of the funds. It is, therefore, very desirable that an early decision may be had of this question, and it is accordingly respectfully requested. I have the honor to be, &c., C. GEATIOT, Brig, Gen. Hon. Secretary of War. ' THE OLD PIKE, 89 I approve of tho course recommended by General Gratiot with regard to the bridges — the abutments to be of stone, and the super structure of wood — belicA'ing that such a course Avould be deemed bj^ Maryland a substantial compliance Avith the law, under the circum stances ofthe case. .lOHN FOESYTH, July 28. 1834. Act. Sec'y of War, Cumberland, August 5, 1834. Sir: I Avas this day informed that the bridge across Wills creek, on the noAv location ofthe Cumberland road up Braddock's run, is to be built of wood. By the act of the Legislature of Maryland, author izing the President to change the location of the road, it is enacted that the road may be located up Wills creek through the narrows, pro- A'ided the bridges were all built of stone. I am decidedly of the opin ion that, by the provisions of that law, the President had no right to change the location of the road unless he strictly complied Avith CA'ery provision and requisition of said laAv. You will, on examination of the act of Maryland, passed at December session, 1832, chapter 55, see that the bridges are to be all built of stone. I sincerely hope you Avill, on examining the laAv, and reflecting on the subject, direct the bridges to be built in strict compliance Avith the law authorizing the change in location; it would, in all probability, saA'e money and time. I am sure the State will not receive the road without the stone bridges. I shall be gratified to hear from you on this subject by return mail. Your most obedient. General C. Gratiot. JOHN HOYE. Engineer Departaient, Washington, August 14, 1834. Sir: Your communication in behalf of the citizens of Cumber land, remonstrating against the erection of bridges of wooden super structures over Wills creek, &c., addressed to me under date of 6th instant, is received. The measure to whicli the citizens of Cumber land objeet, grows, of necessity, out of existing circumstances; and the bridges will have to be built in the manner and of the piaterials named in the instruction of the department to the superintendent of the road, or the new location to turn Wills hill must be abandoned. The people of Cumberland are doubtless aware that estimates were submitted to Congress last fall for funds sufficient to put up the structures in conformity with the law of Maryland, tb which you refer; and it is hoped that they are also aware that these funds were reduced more than one-half in amount, and that the act appropriating ' the residue imposes the" task of completing all the repairs on the whole road east of the Ohio, with the sum rendered available by it. 90 the old pike. You will perceive, sir, that there was no other course left to the de partment than to change the plan and system of repairs. The bridges AA'hich it is proposed to construct will, Avith care, last at least forty 3'ears. Voi-y respectfully, &c., C. GEATIOT, Brig. Gen. and Chief Engineer. B. S. Pigman, Esq., Cumberland, Md. , Executive Department, Annapolis, Sejitember 10, 1834. Sir: By an act of the General Assembly, passed at December session, 1832,'(of Avhich, at your request, an authenticated copy was transmitted to you on the 29th day of March, 1833), the consent of this State was given to a change of the location of a part of the Cum berland or National Eoad Avithin our limits, upon certain conditions ; among AA^hich, "that a good and substantial stone bridge shall be made over the mill-race in the toAvn of Cumberland, and oA'^er Wills creek at the place of crossing, and that substantial stone bridges or culverts shall be made wherever the same may respectively be neces sary along the line of said road." By the same act, John Hoye and Meshach Frost, Esqrs., and the .superintendent for the time being of the said road, appointed by the President of the United States, Avere appointed commissioners "to report the said National Eoad, Avhen finished and repaired Avithin the limits of this State, to the GoA^ernor and Council." A communication has been received from John Hoye, Esq., in Avhich he states that " the War Department has uoav directed and contracted to have all the bridges on said uoav location built of Avood."' I beg leave to call your attention to this subject, in tho fullest confidence that there has been some mistake or misapprehension on the 2)art of some of tho agents or persons employed upon tho AVork in question, and that you Avill cause the terms and conditions ujion Avhich the consent of the State Avas given to the proposed improA'o- mcnts to be respected and carried into effect. With great respect, I haA^e the honor to bo. Your obedient ser-A'ant, Hon. Lewis Cass, JAMES THOMAS. Secretary of War. War Department, Washington, September 12, 1834. Sir: I have had the honor to receive .your letter of the 10th instant, respecting the construction of the bridge on the National Eoad near Cumberland, and for your information I beg leaA'e to the old pike, 91 enclose the accompanying report from the Engineer Department, which explains the course Avhich has been taken, and the necessity of it. I trust that you Avill find that the act of the State of Maryland has been substantially complied Avith, and certainly so far as the means Avithin this department permitted. Very respectfully, &c. His Excellency James Thomas, LEW. CASS. Governor of Maryland, Annapolis. Engineer Department, Washington, September 12, 1834. Sir: In ansAver to your inquiries of this morning respecting certain bridges on the Cumberland Eoad, in the State of Maryland, I haA'c the honor to submit the following statement : In applying the money appropriated by Congress at the session of -1831 and '32, for the repairs of the Cumberland Eoad east of the Ohio riA'er, it was deemed highly important to change the location of that part of the road immediately west of Cumberland to turn Wills mountain, as, by that means, a rise of several hundred, feet, within a few miles, Avould be avoided. A survey was accordingly made, and submitted to Congress, and the change was approved. The State of Maryland assented, provided the part of the road embraced in the change should be "made of the best materials, upon the Macadam plan, and that a good and substantial stone bridge should be made on the mill-race, in the tOAvn of Cumberland, and over Wills creek at the place of crossing, and that substantial stone bridges and culverts should be made wherever the same may respectively be necessary along the line of said road." Estimates were prepared last fall for the entire completion of the repairs of the road from Cumberland to the Ohio. These estimates, Avhich contemplated the construction and erection of bridges, in strict conformity with the law of Maryland giving her consent to the change of location, Avere submitted to Congress at the commencement of its recent session, and amounted to six hundred and fifty-two thousand one hundred dollars. Full and ample explanations accompanied these estimates, so there could have been no misunderstanding respecting them. A bill of appropriation was introduced, embracing their entire amount. This amount, after much discussion, was reduced to less than one-half, to-wit : ^ $300,000, and the bill-became a law, containing a section which requires that as soon as the sum of $300,000, or as much thereof as is necessary, shall be expended on the road agree ably to the provisions of this act, the same shall be surrendered to the States, respectively, through which the road passes; "and the United States shall not thereafter be subject to any expense for re pairing said road." Under these circumstances, it was plain that the system of repairs upon which the estimates were predicated could 92 THE OLD PIKE. not be executed, and a change became necessary. The stone bridges referred to in the law of Maryland constituted-a heavy item in the estimates, and it Avas entirely out of the question to build them with out absorbing more of the appropriation than the absolute require ments of other sections of the road A\'ould admit. There being uf) obligation to finish the new location further than that imposed by tho A'cry great advantage resulting- from its adoption, the question arose Avhether it would be best to abandon it, and return to the old road or not. After adoj)ting every expedient, consistent with a faithful exe cution of the laAV, to dimini.sh the expenses on other portions of the road, it Avas found that a sufficient sum would be left to construct this UOAV portion of the best material, on the Macadam plan, and to build the abutments and piers of all the bridges on it of good stone, and in the best manner, provided the superstructures were made of Avood. This Avas the best that could be done ; and when it was con sidered that these superstructures, being made of the best materials, Avould, when covered and well painted, last, Avith a little care, from thirty to forty years, it was recommended to the acting Secretary* of War, during your absence, to adopt them in preference to surrender ing all the benefits that will result from the new road. The acting- Secretary, considering that the approval ofthe measure would, under this state of things, be a substantial compliance with the law ot Maryland, directed instructions to that effect to be issued to tho superintendent of the road, Avhich was accordingly done. With great respect, &c.. By order : WM. H. C. BAETLETT, Lieut, and Assist, to Chief Engineer. The Hon. Secretary of War. Cuaiberland, December 12, 1834. Sir: As one of the commissioners appointed by the Legislature of Maryland to report to the GoA'ernor and Council of said State AA'hen that part of the National Eoad within the limits of this State shall have been repaired agreeably to the provisions of the hiAv of the State agreeing to receive that part of the road lying Avithin the limits of this State ; and a further act of the Legislature of Maryland, authorizing the President of the United States to change the location of a part of said road within the limits of Maryland, the change of location was authorized to be made on certain and positive conditions that the bridges over Wills creek and Braddock's run should all bo permanent stone bridges; and the road to be constructed Avith the best materials, on the Macadam plan (see the law of Maryland, passed December session, 1832, chapter 55 ). The plan of the bridges has been changed by the superintendent to Avooden bridges, in direct violation of the engagements Avith this State, The President hlid no right to change the location of the road, unless the laAv of this State authorizing the change Avas fully complied with. THE OLD PIKE. 93 The'metal on the new location is not more than three and a half inches, and every Avagon that passes over it, Avhon the road is wet, cuts entirely through the stone, and turns up the clay. I am advised that there is a part of the road, fourteen miles west of Cumberland, Avhich has had but three and a half inches of metal put on it over the original pavement. I am gratified to have it in my power to state that, from observation, and the best information I have been able to collect, the last appropriation for the road has been most judiciously expended. I believe that it is the first that has been well laid out. I must say that avo cannot report in favor of this State receiving the road until the permanent stone bridges are erected, and the road in that state of repair contemplated by the law. I beg leave to refer you to my letter to General C. Gratiot, dated in August last, which, with my communication to his excellency James Thomas, Governor of Maryland, a copy of which, I presume, he communicated to your department during the last summer, you Avill please to consider a part of this communication. I should have addressed you at an earlier period, but was prevented by severe in disposition. I remain, with respect, your most obedient, JOHN HOYE. Hon. LcAvis Cass, Secretary of "War, Washington City. November 17, 1834. Sir : The undersigned commissioners, appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania to erect gates and superintend the collection of tolls on the Cumberland Eoad "after it shall be put in a good state of repair by the United States," respectfully represent: That, from a full and careful examination of the subject, they are satisfied that they are not authorized, by the terms of the law under which they are appointed, to accept the road from the United States, or erect gates for the collection of tolls, until provision is made by Congress for completing the repairs on the plan already adopted by the agents of the United States, and sanctioned by several appropria tions to carry it into effect. Without this it is evident that a consid erable portion of the road, which has received but a single stratum of stone, will be left in a condition so weak and imperfect as soon to become again totally impassable for a considerable portion of the year. The law of Pennsylvania expressly requires that, before the road is accepted by the Commissioners, it must be put in good and complete repair by the United States. To this act and all its provisions, Con gress, on the 3d of July, 1832, gave its assent; an appropriation was made, and a plan of repair was accordingly adopted by the agents of the government, and two subsequent appropriations made by Congress to carry this plan and compact into effect. The complete repair of the road is made by the compact a condition precedent to be performed 94 THE OLD PIKE. by the United States. It is not performed, as appears by the report of the agents of the United States, and, until it is, the Commissioners appointed by the State cannot be justified in accepting the road or exacting tolls. Besides, it is evident that the tolls established, even if raised to the maximum, will be totally inadequate to the preserva tion and repair of the road, unless first put in a state of complete and substantial repair. This, a statement of a single fact Avill fully demon strate. It appears by'a report lately received from the superintendent of that part of the road which lies between Hagerstown and Cumber land, that the tolls there collected amount to $312 per mile per an num ; of this $45 is required to pay gate keepers and superintendents, leaving $267 for repairs. The tolls on that part of the road are more than three times as high as those proposed on this, so that the amount of tolls applicable to the repair of this road will not exceed $89 per mile per annum, a sum barely sufficient to preserve the road after it is put in the best possible state of repair. The undersigned do not presume to prescribe a plan of repair ; they are satisfied Avith that adopted and partly executed by the agents of the United States ; and they now distinctly declare and pledge themselves, that so soon as Congress shall appropriate the sum required by the Secretary of War to complete the repair of the road on the plan adopted in his report at the last session, we will, with all possible despatch, proceed to erect the gates, and relieve the United States from all further charge or expense on account of said road, after the appropriation so made shall be expended. Very respectfully, your most obedient servants, THOMAS ENDSLEY. DANIEL DOWNEE. WILLIAM P. COPLAN. STEPHEN HILL. Hon. Lewis Cass, BENJAMIN ANDEESON, Secretary of War. Note. — The bridges near Wills creek were in the end built of stone. ^ ".0 CHAPTER XIII. The Iron Bridge over Dunlap's Creek at Brownsville — Interesting facts relating to its projection and construction — The first step — Several respectable Gentlemen of Brownsville call the attention ofthe Government's Agent to the subject. National Eoad, 85-| Miles from Cumberland, August 15, 1832. Sir: Yesterdaj', as I passed through Brownsville, I Avas waited on by several of the most respectable gentlemen of that place, who Avere anxious to have me examine the bridge over Dunlap's creek, be^ tween BroAvnsville and Bridgeport, to see its condition, and to give my opinion as to its renewal. Accordingly, I observed that I thought the bridge would not stand a twelve-month, and that I did not feel myself authorized to renew it, as the bridge had never been made by the government, but recommended that they write to the department for a decision ; and, agreeably to their request, observed that I Avould likewise report the actual condition of the bridge. Consequently, I enclose to the department a leaf from my note book, giving a rough sketch of the bridge, and pointing out its defects. The reason why this bridge Avas not originally constructed by the government, as well as a bridge over the Monongahela riA'er, are better known to the department than I am able to conjecture. I haA'e to observe that a company, is uoav constructing a substan tial bridge over the Monongahela river, across from Bridgeport, thereby making the bridge over Dunlap's creek an important link in the road ; and that a bridge, to ensure the purpose of a common highway, would not be suitable for the only connecting point between tAVO important and increasing toAvns. I haA'e the honor to be, sir. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. K. F. MANSFIELD, Gen. C. Gratiot, Lieutenant Corps of Engineers. Chief Engineer. THE SUBJECT TO BE EXAMINED. Engineer Department, Washington, August 20, 1832. Sir: Your letter of the 15th inst., informing the department that you had, at the request of the citizens of BroAvnsville, made an ex amination of the bridge over Dunlap's creek, Avith a vicAV to an (95) 96 THE OLD PIKE. opinion on the question of its removal, and transmitting a rough sketch of the bridge as it at present exists, is received. In consequence of the views presented in your letter, it will be necessary to make a thorough examination of this bridge to ascertain whether it is sufficiently substantial to answer all the purposes of the road, by putting proper repairs upon it, or whether it will be neces sary to remove it entirely, and to build a new one. You will accordingly make this examination, and with your re port on the subject you will transmit such drawings and explanatory notes as may be necessary to present a full and clear view of the re pairs, or new bridge, as the case may be, accompanied by the proper estimates for their execution. You wiir also ascertain, by the best oral testimony that can be obtained in the vicinity of the bridge, whether it is on the line of the road as originally located, and make known the fact in your report. The Secretary of War has been written to on the subject, and, as soon as his decision is known at the department, you will be instructed accordingly. I am, &c., &c., C. GEATIOT. Lieut. J. K. F. Mansfield, Corps of Engineers, Uniontown, Pa. AN examination MADE, AND AN ADVERSE DECISION RENDERED. Uniontoavn, Pa., August 24, 1832. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of the department on the subject of the bridge over Dunlap's creek, at- Brownsville, and to state that I have completed the examination of the road to the Virginia line, and have already given out notices for contracts, two of which are enclosed for the perusal of' the de partment. I am, &c., J. K. F. MANSFIELD, Gen. Charles Gratiot, Lieutenant Corps Of Engineers. Chief Engineer. Engineer Department, Washington, October 11, 1832, Sir: You Avcre informed by letter from the department, under dale of 20th August last, that the Secretary of War had been Avritton to on the subject of building a ucav bridge OA'cr Dunlap's crook in the place of that Avhich is at present in tho line of the Cumberland Eoad, between Brownsville and Bridgeport, and Avhich Avas referred to in your com munication to the Chief Engineer of tho 15th of August last. I uoav have to inform you that the Secretary of War has decided that tho bridge in question cannot bo built at the expense of tho government, the old pike. 97 under the law making appropriation for the repairs of the Cumber land Eoad east of the Ohio river. Very respectfully, &c.. By order : WM. H, C. BAETLETT, Lieut, of Engineers, and Assistant to Chief Engineer, Lieut. J, K. F. Mansfield, Corps of Engineers, UniontoAvn, Pa., or Capt. Delafield. TBffi DECISION reversed, AND THE BRIDGE TO BE BUILT. Engineer Department, Washington, May 13, 1833. Sir: The Secretary of War has determined that a new bridge shall be built across the mouth of Dunlap's creek, in the line of the Cum berland Eoad ; you will, therefore, be pleased to submit a plan, and estimate, with as little delay as practicable, with the view to the erection of this bridge during the present year. I am, sir, &c., Capt. E. Delafield, C. GEATIOT, Corps of Engineers, Uniontown, Pa. Brig. General. A serious question as to location arises — A request that barriers be USED ON THE ROAD. Extract from a letter dated Brownsville, May 14, 1834. Sir: To establish the location of Dunlap's creek bridge, I desire the field notes of the commissioners, if on file in your office, and Mr. Shriver's notes of location From these, I am inclined to belicA^c it will appear that the most favorable route for the bridge waa pointed out by the commissioners, and the route over the bridge now used, no part of the National Eoad, but a county bridge, that we have no right to interfere with. May I request such information as is within your reach on this subject? The road may be called a very excellent turnpike between this and Frostburg, at the present time ; so smooth that already the stage proprietors have commenced the use of a" rough lock," that materi ally injures the surface. Some defects are clearly observable, grow ing out of the constant travel and wear of the center of the road from the prohibition to use barriers to change the travel. Without being permitted to use barriers of logs, stumps an4 stones, it is out of our power ever to make a perfect Macadamized road, and far from being as good as the expenditure should produce. Such a system has been resorted to on every road I have seen made, and every officer associated with me concurs in the opinion that we cannot succeed without using them. Permit me to ask a reconsidera tion of the order prohibiting their use. Eespectfully, your obedient servant. Brig. Gen. Charies Gratiot, EICH'D DELALFIELD, Chief Engineer, Captain of Engineers. 98 the old pike. the UpE OF BARRIERS PERMITTED -A ROAD BEGINNING AT UNIONTOWN, AND ending at WASHINGTON. Engineer Department, Washington, May 20, 1834. Sir: Your communication, dated the 14th instant, Avas duly received. In conformity with your request, a detail of two officers, as your assistants on the Cumberland Eoad, has been applied for. Herewith is transmitted a book containing, as stated, "the notes of a location of the United States western road, beginning at Uniontown, and ending at the turnpike near Washington," which is the only document among the papers transferred from the Treasury Depart ment to this office, relating to the Cumberland Eoad, embraced in the notes, required to be forwarded to you. (On the subject of regulating the travel so as to preseiwe the surface of the road from injury mentioned in your letter, you will again resort to the use of barriers, wood only, to be used for the jiur- pose, and placed only on one side of the road at the same time, pro- Added the object can thus be accomplished, and so elevated as to be A'ery conspicuous, that the travel by night may not be endangered by the barriers). I am, &c., C. GEATIOT, Capt. E. Delafield, Brig. General. Corps of Engineers, Brownsville, Pa. A BIG appropriation, BUT THE BRIDGE ABANDONED. Engineer Department, Washington, June 25, 1834. Sir: Three hundred thousand dollars have just been appropri ated for the reijairs of the Cumberland Eoad east of the Ohio. "Ton Avill perceive by the law, a printed copy of AA'hich is hercAvith en closed, that the intention is that this sum shall complete the repairs. You will, therefore, take your measures accordingly, and put tho road in as good condition as this sum will admit of The ucav section to turn "Wills hill will be completed on the plan already commenced, but the plan of operations on the other sections must be modified to suit the requirements of the law. The iron bridge over Dunlap's creek will be abandoned. Your project, when matured, Avill be trans mitted for the approval of the department. Very resiiectfuUy, &c., By order: WM. H. C. BAETLETT, Lieut, and Assistant to Chief Engineer. Capt. E. Delafield, Corps of Engineers, Ncav Castle, Del. THE OLD PIKE. 99 ANOTHER AND FINAL CHANGE— THE BRIDGE TO BE BUILT ON THE SITE OF THE OLD ONE. Engineer Department, Washington, August, 14, 1834. Sir: I have to acknoAvledge the receipt of your communication, dated 31st ultimo, in reference fo the bridge over Dunlap's creek, on the Cumberland Eoad, east of the Ohio. The subject of rebuilding this bridge was brought to the notice of the Secretary of War dur ing the summer of 1832, when he refused to take any action in the matter, on the ground that it was a county bridge, which should be repaired or rebuilt by the^ounty authorities, as the United States, in adopting a system of repairs, had undertaken to repair only that Avhich they had originally constructed. It was thought on the other side, that notwithstanding the United States had not built this bridge, yet, as they had enjoyed the free benefit of it, and as it lay on the tacitly acknowledged line of the road, they were bound, under the act of Congress authorizing the repairs of the road to work on every part of it without reference to original constructors or proprietors. In this state of the case, it was submitted to Mr. Taney, then Attor ney General, who decided verbally in favor of the latter view, and instructions in conformity thereto were issued to the superintendent of the road, requiring him to cause the bridge to be either repaired or rebuilt. This question having been settled, the next is, whether Dunlap's creek can be crossed at any other point than where the county bridge now stands. It is the opinion of the department that it cannot. It would seem there is no evidence on record that any location Avas ever finally fixed upon by the commissioners, and reported by them to the President, for the part of the road in the immediate vicinity of this creek; but the fact that the road was actually made in its present location, and used ever since its original construction, without any opposition, is strong proof that this route Avas adopted by the Government ; at all events, in the absence of all other evidence, the department feels constrained to act upon this. Now, the appropriations having been made for the repairs of the road, and not for constructing any part of it, except the uoav section to turn Wills hill, it is not perceived how any jiart of the funds can. be applied to the new location proposed by you. These views having been submitted to the acting Secretary of "War, he concurs in them. Your operations will, therefore, be confined to the old road on which the bridge must be located. Very, &c., C. GEATIOT, Capt. Eichard Delafield, Corps of Engineers, Brownsville, Pa. CHAPTER XIV. Appropriations by Congress at various times for Making, Repairing, and Continuing the Road — Aggregate of Appropriations, $6,824,919.33. 1. Act of March 29, 1806, authorizes the President to appoint a commission of three citizens to lay out a road four rods in width " from Cumberland or a point on the northern bank of the river Potomac in the State of Maryland, between Cum berland and the place where the main road lead ing from Gwinn's to Winchester, in Virginia, crosses the river, * * * to strike the river Ohio at the most convenient place between a point on its eastern bank, opposite to the northern boun dary of Steubenville and the mouth of Grave creek, Avhich empties into the said river a little below Wheeling, in Virginia." Provides for obtaining the consent of the States through which the road passes, and appropriates for the expenses, to be jiaid from the reserve fund under the act of April 30, 1802 $ 30,000 00 2. Act of February 14, 1810, appropriates to be ex pended under the direction of the President, in making the road between Cumberland and Browns ville, to be paid from fund act of April 30, 1802 60,000 00 3. Act of March 3, 1811, appropriates to be expended under the direction of the President, in making the road between Cumberland and BrownsA'-ille, and authorizes the President to permit devia tions from a line established by the Commissioners under the original act as may be expedient ; Pro vided, that no deviation shall bo made from the jniucipal points established on said road betAvoen Cumberland and Brownsville, to bo paid from fund act of April 30, 1802 50,000 00 4. Act of February 2(5, 1812, aii|.)ro]n-iatos balance of a former a])propriation not used, but carried lo surplus fund 3,786 60 Curried, foru-iird $ 143,786 60 (100) THE OLD PIKE, 101 Brought forward $ 1 43,786 60 .">. .V(-t of May 6, LSI 2, appropriates to bo expended under diroi-tion of the President, for making the road from Cumberland to BroAviisvillo, to bo jiaid from fund act of .Vpril :!(), 1802 :!(),()00 00 6. Act of March 3, IS 13 (General Appropriation Bill), appropriates for making the road from Cum berland to the State of Ohio, to bo paid from fund act of Ainil 30, 1802 140,000 fH) 7. -Act of February 14, 1815, appropriates to be ex pended under the direction of the President, for making the road betAvoon Cumliorland and BroAvns ville, to be paid from fund act of April 30, 1802 . , 100,000 00 s. Act of April 16, 1816 (General Appropriation Bill), appropriates for making the ro^d from Cumber land to the State of Ohio, to be paid from tho fund act, April 30, 1802 300,000 00 0. Act of April 14, 1818, appropriatos to meet claims due and unpaid 52,984 60 Demands under existing contracts 260,000 00 from money in the ti-easui-j' not othcrAA'iso appro priated. 10. Act of March 3, 1819, appropriatos for existing claims and contracts 250,000 00 Completing road 285,000 00 To be paid from reserved funds, acts admitting Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 11. Act of May 15, 1820, appropriates for laying out the road between Wheeling, Va., and a point on the left bank of the Mississippi river, between St. Louis and the mouth of the Illinois river, road to be eighty feet Avide and on a straight line, and authorizes the President to appoint Commission ers. To be paid out of any monej' in the treas ury not otherAvise appropriated 10,000 00 12. Act of April 11, 1820, appropriates for completing contract for road from 'Washington, Pa., to Wheel ing, out of any money in "the treasury not other wise appropriated 141,000 00 13. Act of February 28, 1823, appropriates for repairs between Cumberland and "Wheeling, and author izes the President to appoint a superintendent at a compensation of $3.00 per day. To be paid out of money not otherwise approjiriated 25,000 00 Carried forward $1,737,771 20 102 THE OLD PIKE. Brought forward $1,737,771 20 14. Act of March 3, 1825, appropriates for oijening and making a road from the town of Canton, in the State of Ohio, opposite Wheeling, to Zanes- ville, and for the completion of the suiwej^s of the road, directed to be made by the act of May 15, 1820, and orders its extension to the permanent seat of government of Missouri, and to pass by the seats of government of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, said road to commence at Zanesville, Ohio ; also authorizes the appointment of a superintendent by the President, at a salary of $1,500 per annum, Avho shall make all contracts, receive and disburse all moneys, &c. ; also authorizes the appointment of one commissioner, Avho shall have poAver ac cording to provisions of the act of May 15, 1820 ; $10,000 of the jnonoy appropriated by this act is to be expended in completing the suiwey mentioned. The whole sum appropriated to be advanced from moneys not otherAvise appropriated, and replaced from reserve fund, acts admitting Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri 150,000 00 15. Act of March 14, 1826 (General Ajiprojiriation Bill), appropriates for balance due superintendent, $3,000 ; assistant superintendent, $158.90 ; con tractor, $252.13 3,411 03 from moneys not otherAvise appropriated. 16. Act of March 25, 1826 (Military Service), appro- propriates for continuation of the Cumberland Eoad during the year 1825 110.749 00 17. Act of March 2, 1827 (Military Service), appropri ates for construction of road from Canton to Zanes ville, and continuing and completing the suiwey from Zanesville to the seat of goA'^ernment of Mis- .souri, to be paid from resei-A'e fund, acts admitting Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri 170,000 00 For balance, due superintendent, from monej's not otherAvise appropriated 510 00 18. Act of March 2, 1827, appropriates for repairs be tween Cumberland and "Wheeling, and authorizes the appointment of a superintendent of rejjairs, at a compensation to be fixed by the President. To be paid from moneys not otherwise appropriated. The language of this act is, "For repairing the public road from Cumberland to Wheeling " 30,000 00 Carried fortcard $2,-202,441 23 THE OLD PIKE, 103 Brought forward $2,202,441 23 19, Act of May 19, 1828, appropriates for the comple tion of the road to Zanesville, Ohio, to be paid from fund, ads admitting Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri .' 175,000 00 20. Act of March 2, 1829, appropriates for opening road Avestwardly, from Zanesville, Ohio, to be paid from fund, acts admitting- Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Mi.ssouri .' 100,000 00 21. Act of ]March 2, 1829, appropriates for opening road eighty feet Avide in Indiana, east and Avest from Indianapolis, and to appoint tAvo superin tendents, at $800 each per annum, to be paid from fund, acts admitting Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri 51,600 00 22. Act of March 3, 1829, appropriates for repairing bridges- &c., on road east of Wheeling 100,000 00 23. Act of May 31, 1830 (Internal Improvements), ap propriates for ofiening and grading road Avest of Zanesville, Ohio, $100,000 ; for opening and grad ing road in Indiana, $60,000, commencing at In dianapolis, and progressing Avith the Avork to the eastern and western boundaries of said State ; for opening, grading, &c., in Illinois, $40,000, to bo paid from reserve fund, acts admitting Ohio, Indi ana, Illinois, and Missouri ; for claims due and re maining unpaid on account of road east of Wheel ing, $15,000; to bo paid from moneys in tho treas ury not OtherAvise appropriated ' 215,000 00 To this act is appended the following note : " I approve this bill, and ask a reference to my com munication to Congress of this date in relation thereto. " ANDREW JACKSON."* • Carried fornrird $2,844,041 23 *Tho following is the communication referred to by President .Jackson : SPECIAL MESSAGE. May 30, 1830. To the Senate of the United States : Gentlemen . I have approved and signed the bill entitled "An act making appropriations for examinations and survej's, and also for certain works of internal improvement," but as the phraseology of the section, which appro priates the sum of eight thousand dollars for the road from Detroit to Chicago, may be construed to authorize the application of the appropriation for the continuance of the road beyond the limits of the territory of Michigan, I desire to be understood as having approved this bill with the understanding that the road, authorized by this section, is not to be extended beyond the limits of the said territory. ANDREW JACKSON. 104 THE OLD PIKE. Brought forward ., $2,844,041 23 24. Act of March 2, 1831, appropriates $100,000 for opening, grading, &c., Avest of Zanesville, Ohio; $950 for repairs during the year 1830 ; $2,700 for Avork heretofore done east of Zanesville ; $265.85 for arrearages for the survey from ZanesA'ille to tho capital of Missouri ; and $75,000 for opening, grading, &c., in the State of Indiana, including bridge over White river, near Indianapolis, and progressing to eastern and Avestern boundaries; $66,000 for opening, grading, and bridging in Illi nois; to be paid from the fund, acts admitting Ohio. Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri 244.915 85 25. Act of July 3, 1832, appropriates $150,000 for re pairs east of the Ohio river; $100,000 for contin uing tho road west of Zanesville; $100,000 for continuing the road in Indiana, including bridge OAaAr oast and west branch of White river : $70,000 for continuing road in Illinois ; to be paid from the fund acts admitting Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, . . . 420,000 00 20. Act of March 2, 1833, appropriates to carry on certain improA^ements east of the Ohio river, $125,- 000; in Ohio, west of ZanesAdlle, $130,000; in Indiana, $100,000; in Illinois, $70,000 ; in Vir ginia, $34,440 459,440 00 27. Act of June 24, 1834, appropriates $200,000 for continuing the road in Ohio ; $150,000 for continu ing the road in Indiana; $100,000 for continuing the road in Illinois, and $300,000 for the entire completion of repairs east of Ohio, to meet provi sions ofthe Acts of Pennsylvania (April 4, 1831), Maryland (Jan. 23, 1832), ajid Virginia (Feb. 7, 1832), accepting the road surrendered to tho States, the United States not thereafter to be sub ject for any expense for repairs. Places engineer officer of army in control of road through Indi ana and Illinois, and in charge of all appropria tions. $300,000 to be paid out of any money iu the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, balance from acts admitting Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. . . 750,000 00 28. Act of June 27, 1837, (General Appropriation) for arrearages due contractors 1,609 36 29, Act of March 3, 1835, appropriates $200,000 for continuing the road in the State of Ohio; $100,000 for continuing road in the State of Indiana; tobe Carried forward $4,720,006 44 THE OLD PIKE, 105 Brought forward $4,720,006 44 out of fund acts admitting Ohio, Indiana and Illi nois, and $346,186,58 for the entire completion of repairs in Maryland, Pennsj'lvania and Virginia; but before any part of this sum can be expended east of the Ohio river, the road shall be surrendered to and accepted by the States through which it passes, and the United States shall not thereafter be subject to any expense in relation to said road. Out of any money in the Treasury not otherAvise appropriated . . . ,' 646,186 58 30, Act of March 3, 1835, (Eepair of Eoads) appro priates to pay for Avork heretofore done by Isaiah Frost on the Cumberland Eoad, $320 ; to pay late Superintendent of road a salary, $862.87 1,182 87 31. Act of July 2, 1836, appropriates for continuing the road in Ohio, $200,000 ; for continuing road in Indiana. $250,000, including materials for a bridge over the Wabash river: $150,000 for continuing the road in Illinois, j^rovided that the appropria tion for Illinois shall be limited to grading and bridging, and shall not be construed as pledging Congress to future appropriations for the purpose of macadamizing the road, and the moneys herein appropriated for said road in Ohio and Indiana must be exjiended in comjileting the greatest pos sible continuous portion of said road in said States so that said finished part thereof may be surren dered to the States respecti\'ely ; to lie paid from acts admitting Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri 600,000 00 32. Act of March 3, 1837, appropriates $190,000 for continuing the road in Ohio ; $100,000 for continu ing the road in Indiana; $100,000 for continuing road in Illinois, provided the road in Illinois shall not be stoned or graveled, unless it can be done at a cost not greater than the average cost of stoning and graveling the road in Ohio and Indiana, and provided that in all cases where it can be done the work to be laid off in sections and let to the lowest substantial bidder. Sec. 2 of the act provides that Sec. 2 of act of July 2, 1836, shall not be applica ble to expenditures hereafter made on the road, and $7,183.63 is appropriated by this act for re pairs east of the Ohio river ; to be paid from the acts admitting Ohio, Indiana and Illinois : 397,183 63 Carried forward $6,364,559 52 106 THE OLD PIKE. ^ Brought forward $6,364,559 52 33. Act of May 25, 1838, appropriates for continuing the road in Ohio, $150,000 ; for continuing it in Indiana, including bridges, $150,000; for continu ing it in Illinois, $9,000 ; for the completion of a bridge over Dunlap's creek at Brownsville ; to be paid from moneys in the Treasury not otherwise' appropriated and subject to provisions and condi tions of act of March 3, 1837 459,000 00 34. Act of June 17, 1844, (Civil and Diplomatic) ap propriates for arrearages on account of surA'cy to Jefi'erson, Mo 1 .359 81 q Total 8(3,824,919 3 _ Note— The appropriation of $3,786 60, made by act of Feb. 26, 1812, is. not included in the above total for the reason that' it was a balance from a former appropriation. The act of March 3, 1843, appropriates so much as is necessary to settle certain claims on contract for building bridges over Kaskaskia river and con structing part of Cumberland Road. HON. T. M. T. MoKENNAN, CHAPTER XV. speech of Hon. T. M. T. McKennan, delivered in Congress, June 6, 1832 — The Road a Monument of National Wealth and Greatness — A Bond of Union — Business of the Road — Five Thousand Wagons unload in Wheeling in 30 oCO THE OLD PIKE. 177 Jockey HolloAv, kept at Ibo time by Aaron AVyatt. Tho stage com pany (old line) paid the injured passenger a considerable sum in dam ages, Avithout suit. A passenger by tho name of Merrill, of Indian apolis, had a leg broken by tho upsetting of a coach at tho turn of tho road, above Somerfield; vSamuol Jaco Avas tho driver. AVilliam Eoach, a Avell knoAvn driver, Avas killed in au "upset" at the Little Crossings bridge, about the year 1837. This soomsto have boon a different acci dent from that Avhich occurred near tho same place in 1835, related •in the skt^tch of John Marker. Marker Avituosscd the accident of 1835, and states that tho driver Avho Avas killed at that time Avas James Ehodes. David Stinson, an old driver ,Avas killed by an "upset" on AA'oodcock Hill. AVoodcock Hill is a short distance Avest of Thomas Brownfield's old Mt. Augusta tavern, and is the highest peak on the road in Fayotto county, Pennsylvania. Charley Howell upset in 1835, coming down the AA'inding Eidgo Hill, and Avas badly hurt. Ho had a log and arm broken, and Avas nursed at Connelly's tavern, in Peters burg, for many months before ho rocovorod. In 1834 or 1835, Mr. Stockton transferred a number of stage teams and drivers, from the Baltimore and AVashington City road, to tho National Eoad. Two of these teams ran in and out from, Somerfield. One called -'the Kangaroo team" Avas driven by John Mills. Thoy were large, dark bays, and much admired by lovers of fine horses.' Mills knoAV hoAV to handle them. Ho Avas a superb driver. xVnother of these " transferred" teams Avas driven by William Bishop. The horses in this team Avere light bays, all "bob-tails," and notAvithstanding there Avas but one good eye in the whole team, and all Avere -' sprung in the knees," it is asserted by many old pike boys that this unique and --blemished" team Avas the fastest on the road. It Avas brought out from the Baltimore and Washington road by Charles HoAvell, Avho drove it a short time before it Avas turned over. to Wil liam BLshop. Bishop Avas a capital reinsman. The preserA-ation of the National Eoad was considered so vital to the general Avelfare by everybody living upon its line and adjacent to it, that the deepest interest Avas manifested in the success of every measure proposed for its benefit. There AA^as no poAverful and paid "lobby" around the halls of Congress Avhen the Cumberland Eoad Avas the highAvay of the Eepublic, as there is at this day, but all measures planned and presented for its preservation and repair, were carefully vA-atched and guarded by such state.sinen as Henry Clay, Daniel Sturgeon, Andrew Stewart, T. M. T. McKennan, Lewis Steen rod, AV. T. Hamilton, and Henry W. Beeson. The following from a Cumberiand paper published in that place sixty years ago shows the popular feeling in behalf of the road at that date : "The citizens of the town on tho 21st of May, 1832, in demon stration of their great joy growing out of the appropriation made by the National Government for the repair of the Cumberland Eoad, made arrangements for the celebration of that cA-ent. In pursuance ofthat arrangement,' Samuel Slicer illuminated his large and splendid 178 THE OLD PIKE. hotel, which patriotic example was folloAved by James Black. In addition to the illumination, Mr. Bunting (our famous 'old Eed'),' agent of L. W. Stockton,, ordered out a coach, drawn by four large .gray stallions, driven by George Shuck, The, stage was beautifully illuminated, Avhich presented to the generous citizens of this place a novelty calculated to impress upon the minds of all who Avitnessed it the- great benefits thoy anticipated by having the' road repaired. There were also seated' upon tho top of the vehicle several gentlemen Avho played on various instruments, which contributed very much to ' the amusement of the citizens and gave a zest to everything that inspired delight or created feelings of patriotism. They started from the front of Mr. Slicer's hotel, and as they moved on slowly the band played 'Hail Columbia,' ' Freemasons' March,' 'Bonaparte Crossing the Ehine,' 'Washington's March,' together Avith a ncAV tune com posed by Mr. Mobley, of this place, and named by the gentlemen on the stage, 'The Lady We Love Best,' and many others, as they passed through the principal streets of the town. ^On their return they played ' Home, SAveet Home,' to the admiration of all who heard it." David Bonebraker was a stage driver of good reputation, and a general favorite. While his name would import otherAvise, he was a careful driver and never during his Avhole service did he break a bone of man or beast. He Avas a large, fine looking man, and drove between Somerfield and Mt. Washington as early as 1831, and for a number of years thereafter. Hanson Willison was early on the road as a stage driver, and none of his fellow drivers excelled him in skillfulness. He drove a brief period between Uniontown and Brownsville, but for the most part in and out from Cumberland. He is still living in Cumberland, proprietor of the American House livery stables, and doing a profit able business. He retains the habits of the early days of the road, generous almost to a fault, perfectly familiar with the roads history, his memory is well stored AAnth its exciting incidents and accidents. Hanson Willison and Ashael Willison before mentioned, are brothers. The few remaining old folks Avho witnessed the exciting scenes of the National Eoad in its palmy days, Avill readilj' recall the foUoAV- ing old stage drivers : John Griffith, AVilliam AVitham, George Lukens, AVa.sh Alters, Hank Smith, John Heinselman, Barney Strader, John Munson, West Crawford, James Chair, William Eoberts, A'in Huffman, John Windell, a small, thin faced man, Avith rings iu his ears, one of the earliest drivers, AVilliam Saint, Avho Avas also a blacksmith, aud Avorked, occasionally, at his trade iu UniontoAvn. He weiit to Texas before the civil Avar, and died there. LoAvis Gribble, son of John, the old wagoner and tavern keeper. He Avcnt to A^irginia, drove stage in that State, and died there. John Sparker, John Snell, David Oiler, Joseph Henderson, a steady -going man, mentioned among the old tavern keepers in connection Avith tho " Gals house," David Armor, AVilliam Armor, Samuel Oiler, and AVilliam Dickey. The Oilers, the Armors, Dickey and .Henderson were of Washington, Pa. Jacob Shy- HANSON WILLISON. TIIE OLD PIKE. 179 der, subsequently manager and proprietor of the Shipley house, in Cumberland. AVilliam and George Grim, John Zane, James Schaverns, Joseph A'anhorn, John McUroo, Jesse Boring, John Munson, John Euth, David Jones, Benjamin Miller, subsequently tavern keeper in the old Mannyponny house, UniontoAvn. An early line of stages stopped at Miller's. James Mannypenny, Thomas Fee, Walter Head, educateil for tho ministry, Thomas and EdAvard Mc Venus, William Totton, AVilliam Vanhorn, Spencer MothorspaAv, James Griffith, Abram Dedrick, AVilliam FoAvler, Thomas Chilson, AVilliam Jones, AndrcAv Heck, John Fink, AVilliam IrAvin, James Sampcy, subsequently and for many years OAvner and manager of the tavern at Mt. Washington, Avhcro the Good Intent line changed horses and passengers often stopped for meals; Isaac NeAvton, Eobert Jackson, a young man of diininutivo size, from one of the Ncav England States, whose father came and took him home; James Dennison, subsequently tavern keeper at Claysvillo and at HopAvood; Isaac NoAvton, died at Mt. AVashington Avben John Foster kept the tavern at that point ; MattheAV Byers. Hugh Drum, John Hendrix, Alexander Thompson, William Hart, Charles Kemp, Ben Watkins, Ben Watson, John and Andrew Shaffer, Garret Clark, Garret Minster, John Ferrell, James Lynch, John Seaman, James Eeynolds, .John Bunting, Lindy Adams, Lean der Fisk, James Derlin, Aaron AVyatt, James AndreAvs, Alfred Ilaney, Wash Bodkin, AVilliam CraAvford, Ghaiies Cherry, William Hammers, Addis Lj^nn, Harry,- Noise and Jack Hammers, Nimrod, Joseph, , Jack and AVilliam Sopber, John and Joseph Pomroy, William and Watt AA''hisson, John McCollough, William Miller, son of Charley, the old taA'crn keeper Avest of Hillsborough ; Eobert McUheney, John McMack, Thomas, Joshua and William Boyd, John Parsons, Matthew Davis, one of the oldest, and still living at Brownsville; John W. Boyce, George Wiggins, brother of Harrison, the old fox -hunter of the mountains ; Eobert Bennett, William White, David Eeynolds, James McUlree, Fred Buckingham, Thomas and AVilliam Noble. AVilliam Noble died in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jan. 26, 1894. Eobert McUheny, after relinquishing the reins and Avhip, became an agent for the sale of the celebrated Hayes buggies, of Washington. John Parsons left the road to take charge of a hotel in Bridge- A'ille, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Alfred Haney Avent South, became baggagemaster on a Southern railroad, and was killed in an accident. Charley Cherry had the manners of a savage, and was called "the big savage man," but it is not known that he ever wan tonly shed the blood of a fellow being. James McHree drove between Washington and Wheeling. Hugh Drum was called "Mickey Murray." He lingered for a Avhile on the road after its glory departed, and pushed out for New York, Avhere he engaged to drive an omnibus. "What became of him in the subsequent shifting sands of time is not known, but presumably he has gone to the unknoAvn world. William McCleary, who died recently near Claysville leaving an 180 THE OLD PIKE. estate valued at $50,000 ; Daniel Dawson, subsequently kept a tavern near Limestone, Marshall county. West Virginia, and died there; Samuel EoAvalt, Eobert Bell, William Watkins, John Ford, still living in Monongahela city; George Freiger, Barney and Samuel Nune- makor, Thomas Cox, John Euth, Abram Boyce, Charles Oulitt, James Dean, William ("Boggy") Moore, Avhen a boy a rider on the pony express; John Schenck, Thomas Hager, Joseph Euff, Dandy Jack, James Fisk, Joseph Drake, Andrew Forrell, John Pouch, George Walker, George Banford, Joseph Lewis, Larry Willard, Isaiah Fuller, Davy Crockett, Henry "Wagner, John Foster, Henry Smith, James Foster, John Noble, Edward McGinnis, Thomas McGinnis, John Johnson (Old Sandy), John Horrell, William Grim, Elias Johnson, Daniel Boyer, James Bodkin, James Null, William Null, William Clark, David Brower, Eichard Frantz, James Eowe, John- Seaman, David Brennard, Henry Schuck, George Grow, James AndrcAA^s (Dutch Jim), drove in and out from Grantsville ; John Huhn, drove in and out from Claysville; Moses Thorn burg, Wylie Baily, James McClung, James, Abraham and Eobert Devan, brothers; Thomas and George Henderson, Stephen Leggett, James Wilson, Ilenry Herrick, John Giddings, Ed Washburn, J. S. Bock, Frank White, Jesse Matthews, Eobert Fenton, Jesse Hardin, David Johnson, Archy McGregor, Samuel Darby, James Moore, Joseph Drake, James Eiley, William Matthews, Edward Hall, James Vancamp, Benjamin Miller, grand son of the old tavern keeper of UnioutoAvn; Samuel Betts, Calvin Springer, ex-sheriff of Fayette county; James Noggle, Martin Stedler, William Wiley, John Wiley, "William McGidigeh, James McGidigen, Daniel Shriver, Jerome Heck, Frederic Zim merman, Eobert Bennett, BdAvard Kelley, John Clark, Samuel Blair, Eoss Clark, George Butts, Beck Kelley, William Kelley, Wil liam Fisher, James and Thomas Bradley, Thomas Johnson, "William BroAver, Eichard Frazee, Isaac Toner (Dumb Ike), Joseph Jenk, Evans Holton, Daniel Dean, Jesse Brennard, George Brennard, John Steep, John Collier, Ben . Tracy, George Moore, George Eichmire, Charles Eichmire, Thomas McMillen, Samuel Porter, Isaac Flagle, William and Eoss Clark, Eichard Butts, Garret and West Crawford, John BroAvn, subsequently a clerk in the Wheeling postoffice; Joseph MatthoAvs, John Waugh, William Hickman, a circus man ; George Eobbins, Abram Boyce, Oli\'er Jackson, Joseph Bishop, Thomas McClelland, Elisha Stockwell, Isaac Denn_y, subsequently tavern keeper at the old Griffin house in the mountain, Avest of Somerfield; John Harris, drove on the Good Intent line, and died in Uniontown; Charles and Eobert Marquis, James Moore, son-in-laAv of James Sam pcy, of Mount Washington ; Perry Sheets, drove west of Washington ;' Elmer Budd, drove from UniontoAvn to Brownsville; Frank AVatson, Bate Smith, Sam Jerome, Jamos Downer, son of AVilliam, of the big Avater trough on Laurel Hill, Avhen a. boy a rider for the pony ex- jn-oss; William StoAA'art, Caleb Grossland, of UniontoAvn; William Bogardus, Avho lost an eye by coming in contact Avith a pump handle MATT. DAVIS. THE OLD PIKE. 181 on MprgantoAvn strool, I'niontoAvn, on a dark night; John Eobinson. a very large man; Samuel Youman, mentioned under the hoad of old Avagonors, next to -'Old Mount" the largest man on the road; Thomas Milligan. Joshua Boyd, Stephen Leonard, David Johnson, Jamos Mc- Cauky, Thomas Boyd, tiai-rot Clark, Henry Miller, Thomas Moore, AVilliam AVilkinson, GalloAvay CraAvford, Sainuol Jaco, Eobert AVright, Fred. Buckingham, Jacob Eapp, killed at BroAvnsville about 1840 by his team running ott'; John Eush, Samuel Hoisted, Sandy Connor, liv ing as late as 1882. and carrying the mail in a tAvo-horse vehicle from Frostburg to GrantsA'ille ; John Farrell, farming near Grantsville in 1SS2 and at that date eighty-five years old; Jacob Shock, Eph, Benja- min,AA*illiam Bergoman, X'pton MarloAv, subsequently proprietor ofthe American and other leading hotels in DeuA'or, Colorado; Archie Mc- A'ickor. Jamos Cameron. Charles Enox, Eobert Amos, James Finnegan, drove a bob-tailed team from Somerfield to Keyser's Eidge ; Squire Binch. of Brownsville, avoU remembered by the old folks of that place ; Eichard Harris. Joseph and DaA'id Strong, the former for many years a prominent citizen of Cumborland, and frequently honored by public trusts; Abo Walls, Bonum, called "Magnum Bonum; " James Gray. Henry PoAvell, Henry Bergoman, Eock Goodridge, SherAvood Mott, Daniel Boj'or, Eobert Dennis, David James, Thomas Grace, John Lidy, drove a dun team of bob-tails from Farmington to Somer field, that formerly belonged to the Pioneer line ; Isaac Frazee, James 3IcLean. Thomas and Henry Mahany, Ba^Dtist MuUinix, Amariah Bonner, B. W. Earl, subsequently a stage agent, and tavern keeper at the Stone house near Fayotto Springs, and at BrOAvnsAdlle ; John and Matthias A'anhorn, Daniel (^uinn, James Corbin, William Gorman, of Braddee mail robbery fame : Atwood Merrill, a fiery partisan of the Good Intent line; William AAlllis, noted as a fast driA'er on the Old line. On one occasion Willis passed Peter Burdine, a fast driver as before stated of the Good Intent line, which prompted the partisans of the Old line to get up tho little rhyme following to emphasize and signalize the event : " Said Billy Willis to Peter Burdine, You had better wait for the Oyster line." Tho faros on the .stage lines were as follows : From Baltimore to Frederic $ 2 00 " Frederic to Hagerstown 2 00 " Hagerstown to Cumberland 5 00 " Cumberland to Uniontown , 4 00 " irniontown to AVashington 2 25 " Washington to AVheeling 2 00 Through fare '^'^'^ 25 xV papen Avas prepared by the agent of the line at the starting point of the coach in the nature of a bill of lading, called the " Avay bill." This bill Avas given to the driver, and by him delivered to tho landlord at the station immediately upon the arrival of the coach. It g 182 THE OLD PIKE. contained the name and destination of each passenger, and the several sums paid as fare. It also bore the time of departure from the sta^rting point, and contained blanks for noting the time of the arrival and departure at every station. The time was noted by an agent of the" line, if one Avere at the station, and in the absence of an agent, the. noting was done by the landlord. If a passenger got on at a way station, and this was of daily occurrence, he. paid his fare to the landlord or agent, which was duly noted on the way bill, together Avith the passenger's destination. In addition to the stage lines hereinbefore mentioned, there Avas a line known as the "Landlords' Line," put on the road by tavern - ' keepers, prominent among whom were William Willis (the old driver before mentiond), Joseph Dilly, and Samuel Luman. There was also- a " Pilot Line " aud a " Pioneer Line." These lines had but a short run. The railroad managers east of Cumberland favored the older lines, and gave them such advantages in rates that the new lines were compelled to retire from the competition. They sold out their stock to the old companies. James Eeeside owned the "Pilot Line," and the " Pioneer Line " AA'as owned by Peters, Moore & Co. The compensation paid stage drivers was tAvelve dollars a month, Avith boarding and lodging. They took their meals and lodged at the stage houses, except the married riien, who lodged in their oaa'u dAvellings Avhen chance throAv them at home. At Uniontown a number of contiguous frame buildings on Mill and South streets, in the rear of BroAvnfield's tavern.- knoAvn as " Hopwood's Eow," were occupied almost exclusively by the families of stage drivers. They were erected and owned by the late Eice G. Hopwood, Esquire, and hence the name given them.. Two or three of these old houses are all that are left standing, and they are in a dilapidated condition. The spirit of improvement which in late years entered Uniontown, seems to have carefully avoided the neigh borhood of " Hopwood's Eow." The Good Intent and Stockton lines were taken from the Na tional Eoad in 1851, and placed on the plank road from Cumberland to West Newton, Erom the latter point passengers Avere conveyed by steamboat to Pittsburg by Avay of the Youghiogheny river, Avhich Avas made navigable at that date by a system of locks and dams like that of the Monongahela. Upon the A'vithdraAval of the lines men: tioned, a line Avas put on the National Eoad by Eedding Bunting and Joshua Marshe, and ran as far Avest as AVashington, Pennsylvania. William Hall subsequently purchased the interest of Mr, Marshe in this line, which Avas kept on the road until about the close of the year 1852, when the era of four-horso coaches ended, Mr. Bnsley, before quoted, furnishes his juvenile opinion of stages and stage drivers, which was shared in by all tho boys of the road, as follows : ' " My earliest recollections are intimately associated Avith coaches, teams and drivers, and like most boys raised in an old stage taA'crn,! JOHN MclLREE. THE OLD PIKE. 183 longed to be a man when I could aspire to the greatness and dignity of a professional stage driver. In mj- boyish eyes no position in life had so many attractions as that of driving a stage team, A Judge, a Congressman, even Henry Clay or President Jackson, did not meas ure up to the character of John Mills and Charley HoAvell, in my juA-enilo fancy. ' The picture of the stage coach era herein draAvn may be lacking in vigor and perspicuity of style, but it contains no exaggeration. Much more could be Avritten concerning it, and the story would still ^ be incomplete. It is sad to think that nearly all the old drivers, so full of life and hope and promise Avhen pursuing their favorite calling on the nation's great highAvay, have answered the summons that aAvaits the Avhole human famih', and of the vast multitude that wit nessed and admired the dashing exploits of the old drivers, but feAV remain to relate the story. AVhen the old pike Avas superseded by the railroad, many of the stage drivers Avont Avest and continued their calling on stage lines occupying ground in advance of the approaching railway. Others lingered on the confines of the familiar road, and foil into. A'arious pursuits of common life. Of these, some achicA'ed success. As driA'ers they had opportunity for making acquaintances and friends. Hanson AVillison was eminently successful as a local politician, and achieved the distinction of being tAvice elected sheriff' of Alleghany county, Maryland. CHAPTER XXV. Distinguished Stage Proprietors, Lucius W. Stockton, James Reeside, Dr. Hmvard Kemiedy, William H.Stdle — Old Stage Agents, Charley Hettig, John Risley, Wil liam Riddle, James Coudy, Redding Bunting, Edward Lane, Theodore Granger, Charles Danforth, Jacob Beck, Daniel Brown, " Billy ¦' Scott, " Lem " Cross, and B. W. Earl— The Pouy E.rpres«. The most conspicuous of all the old stage proprietors of the Na tional Eoad Avas Lucius AVitham Stockton. James Eeeside Avas prob ably an older stage man, and may haA'o OAvned and operated more stage lines; but Mr. Stockton Avas longer and more prominently iden tified Avilh the business on the National Eoad. IIo Avas born at Flein-_ ington, Ncav Jersey, September 1, 1799. Ho Avas a son of Lucius Stockton, and a grandson ot the Eca^. Philip Stockton, known in his day and among his countrymen as " The Bovolutionaiy Preacher," Avho Avas a brother of Eichard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from tho colony of Ncav Jersey. L. AV. Stockton appeared in UniontOAvn as a stage proprietor previous to the year 1824, the exact date not ascertainable. He Avas tAvico married. His first marriage occurred on NoA'omber 24, 1824, and at that date he Avas a resident of UniontoAvn, and had been previous thereto. His first wife was" Eobecca Moore, a daughter of Daniel Moore, an old stage proprietor Avho lived in AVashington, Peiinsyh'ania. By his fii'st raarriago he had six children, viz : Eichard C, Daniel Moore, Eliza beth C, Lucius AVitham, Margaret, and Eebocca. Eichard, Daniel, and Elizabeth, by the first marriage, are dead; the last named died in infancy. Lucius AVitham is living in Philadoljihia. He. married Ellon, the youngest daughter of Dr. John AA'ishart, au old and dis tinguished physician of AVashington, Pennsylvania, grandfiither on the maternal line of Hon. Ernest F. Achesou, late Eepublican nom inee for Congress in the TAVcnty-fourth district of Pennsyh'ania, Margaret Stockton became tho Avife of Dr. Thomas McKennan, a lead ing physician at this time of Washington, Poniis.ylvania, and a mem- boi- of the old and distinguished McKennan family of that ]ilace Eobecca Stockton became the Avife of Capt. Alexander AVishart, aud is living in NoAvark, Ncav Jersey, Avhere her husband is executive- officer of the LaAv and Order Iji-ague Captain AVishart Avas a gallant soldier of the Union army in tho Avar botAveon the States. Mr, Stockton's second Avife Avas Katharine Stockton, his first cousin. She is still living, making her homo Avith her son-in-laAV, (181) L. W. STOCKTON. THE OLD PIKE. 185 Gen. Leiper, of Philadelphia. By his second marriage Mr, Stockton had four children, as follows: Ka'tharine, Eichard C, Elias Boudinot and Henrietta Alaria. Of those all are dead but Henrietta Maria. She is the Avifo of tTon. Leiper, Avith Avhoni her mother lives, as before stated, in Philadelphia. It is related as an incident in the early career of Mr. Stockton that ho had a race Avith a horse and buggy against a locomotive, be tAveen tho Eelay House and Baltimore, in AVhich he came out ahead. The horse he drove on that occasion Avas a favorite gray. He had a pair of '- AVinfloAver " mares, Avhich he drove frequently from Union tOAvn to AVheeling belAvoen breakfast and tea time, tarrying Iavo or three hours at mid-day in AVashington. Al the watering places he ordered a little Avhisky to be added to tho Avator giA'on these spirited and fleet animals, and they became so accustomed to it that, it is said, thej^ refused to drink unless the Avaler contained the stimulating element. He Avould also drive from UniontOAVn to Cumberland in a day, stopping, at tho stations to transact busine.ss, and from Cumber land to HagerstoAA'n, sixty-six miles, AA'as an ordinary day's drive for him. His priA'ate carriage Avas a long open vehicle which he called "The Flying Dutchman.' Hanson Willison, avIio has a vivid recol lection of Mr. Stockton and his liA'cly trips over tho road, says that the names of his sorrel mares (the -' WinfloAvers") Avei'e "Bet ' and -- Sal," and that thcA' once ran off, Ou that occasion Mr. Stockton was accompanied by his wife and a sister. Miss Stockton was much alarmed, and pulling the coat-tail of her brother cried out piteoilsly, -Hold on, brother William, hold on, or avc 11 all be killed!" But Mr. Stockton heeded not the cries of his .sister, and having no fear of ' horses, soon regained control of the runaAva3's Avithout sustaining loss or injury, Mr. Stockton died at UniontoAvn on April 25th, 1844, at "Ben Lomond," the name he gaA^o his residence, uoav the property of the AvidoAV and heirs of the late Judge Gilmore A fcAv years ago the remains of Mr. Stockton were removed from the old Methodist bury ing ground in Uniontown, under direction of his loving daughters, Mrs. Wishart and Mrs. Dr. McKennan, and deposited in the beautiful cemetery at AVashington, Pa. Mr. Stockton Avas of Episcopalian lineage, and actiA^e in estab lishing the services of the church in UniontOAvn. He brought out Bishop Stone, of Maryland, to baptize his daughter Eebecca, now Mrs. "Wishart. He was a vestryman, and besides contributing liberally in money to support the church, donated to the parish of UniontoAvn the lot on Avhich the new stone edifice of St. Peter's uoav stands. James Eeeside, the second son of BdAvard Eeeside and his Avife, Janet Ale.s:ander, was born near Paisley, "Eenfrew, Scotland, and was brought, when an infant, to Baltimore county, Md., in 1789, where he was raised. His parents being in humble circumstances, toil Avas his first e,state. Poor in book learning and in earthly goods, he possessed genius, energy, executive ability, and an ambition that fitted 186 THE OLD PIKE. him to be a leader of men. Before the Avar of 1812 he was a wagoner, hauling merchandise from Baltimore and Philadelphia to Pittsburg and west to Zanesville and Columbus, Ohio. His promptness and sagacity soon enabled him to own his own teams, Avhich were em- ployed'in hauling artillery to Canada. Commissioned a forage master under Gen. Winfield Scott, at Lundy's Lane, his' Scottish blood prompted him to seize a musket, as a volunteer, from which hard fought battle he carried honorable scars. On his return he settled at Hagerstown, Md., where, in 1816, he married Mary, the daughter of John AVeis, a soldier of the Eevolutionary Avar. Abandoning Av-agon- ing, he ran a stage line, in 1816 to 1818, from Hagerstown via Green- castle and Mercersburg to McConnellstown, there connecting A\ith the stage line then in operation from -Chambersburg to Pittsburg by Bedford, Somerset and 'Mt, Pleasant. In 1818, in connection Avith Stockton & Stokes, of Baltimore ; Joseph Boyd, of Hagerstown ; Kin- caid. Beck & EA'ans, of Uniontown ; George Dawson, of Brownsville; Stephen Hill, of Hillsboro ; and Simms & Pemberton, of Wheeling, he put on the flrst regular stage line, carrying the mail, between Balti more and Wheeling, before the construction of the turnpikes betAveen Hagerstown and Cumberland. This division of the route being from Hancock to Frostburg, he removed to Cumberland, where, in con- j'unction with his stage line, he kept the " McKinley Tavern," at the corner of Baltimore and Mechanics streets, afterward kept by Jacob Fechtig, James Stoddard, John Edwards, and others, and now knoAvn as the " Blberon." In 1820 he quit tavern keeping, and confined himself to mail contracting and tho stage business. In 1827 John McLean, Postmaster General, afterward one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, prevailed on him to take the mail contract between Philadelphia and Ncav York, and he moved from Cumberland to Philadelphia. In the first year he reduced the time for transporting the mail betAveen the two cities from twenty- three to sixteen hours, and soon thereafter to twelve hours. He soon became the owner of most of the lines running out of Philadelphia and NeAV A'ork, and the largest mail contractor in the United States. He employed iu this service more than one thousand horses and four hundred men. The wagoner soon became the "Land Admiral," a title given him by the press in recognition of his energy and ability. The Postoffice Department at that time having to rely on its OAvn resources, and under Major W. T. Barry, then Postmaster-General, the service had so increased in thinlj^ settled sections it became deeply in debt. Mr. Eeeside raised, on his personal responsibility, large sums of money to relieve it. His efforts Avere appreciated, and he Avas the esteemed friend of AndrcAv Jackson, Henry Claj', and other distin guished men, without regard to politics, although he Avas a pro nounced Democrat. Of massive frame, six feet five inches in height, yet spare in flesh, clear cut features, sparkling, clear blue-gray eyes, fair -complexion, Avith dark, sandy, curly hair, he Avas a true High lander in appearance, genial in disposition, with quick and ready wit. JAMES REESIDE. THE OLD PIKE. 187 Fond of song and story, kind, yet strict, with all in his employment, and generous to a fault, no words can more appropriately describe him than -those of his favorite poet and countryman, Eobert Burns; " For thus the royal mandate ran, AVhen first the human race began, The social, friendly, honest man AVhere 'er he be, 'Tis he fulfills great nature's plan, An' none but he." Controversies arising betAveen Amos Kendall, the successor of Barry, and all the old mail contractors, their pay was suspended upon frivolous grounds, compelling them to bring suits, among the most celebrated of Avhich Avere those of Eeeside and Stockton & Stokes. The latter's case Avas referred to Virgil Maxy, Avho found in their favor about S140,000, Mr. Eeeside's claim Avas tried before Justice BaldAvin and a jury in 1841, and resulted in a verdict for plaintiff of 8196,496.06, Avhich, after seventeen years, was paid, Avith interest. As soon as his contracts under Kendall expired he quit the mail ser vice, after putting the Philadelphia and New York mail on the Cam den & Amboy railroad during the residue of his contract term. In 1836 he bought the interest of .John W. Weaver between Cum berland and Wheeling, then a tri-weekly line; increased it to a daily, then tAvice daily, and added another tri-Aveekly line, and named the lines '-Good Intent," Avhich Avas the name he had previously given- the fast mail line between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. In 1839 he sold his entire interest in the National Eoad lines, and gave his atten tion to his suit against the United States. His health being impaired, he spent the Avinter of 1842 in Ncav Orleans. Eeturning in the ensu ing spring, Avithout benefit to his health, he died in Philadelphia on the 3d of September, 1842. Mr. Eeeside attracted attention by reason of the peculiar garb he appeared in. In the winter season he always Avore a long drab over coat and a fur cap. Once in passing along a street in Philadelphia in company Avith Col. Eichard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, Vice-President of the "ilnited States, some scarlet cloth was observed in a tailor's AvindoAv, Avhich prompted Col. Johnson to say: "Eeeside, as your coaches are all red, you ought to wear a red vest." Mr. Eeeside re plied: '-I will get one if you Avill." '= Agreed," said Johnson, and straightway both ordered red vests and red neckties, and from that time as long as they lived continued to Avear vests and neckties of scar let colors. James Eeeside aided in an early day to develop the mighty resources of our country, Avith such agencies as Avere then available, and his name and good'^work deserve to be perpetuated in history. Dr. Howard Kennedy, an owner of stock in the National Eoad Stage Company, and for a brief period a trustee of the road under the provisions of a Pennsylvania laAV, enacted in 1848, repealed in 1856, Avas born in Washington county, Maryland, September 15th, 1809. His father was the Hon. Thomas Kennedy, an illustrious citizen, who 188 THE OLD PIKE. figured conspicuously in the history of Maryland .in the olden time. Dr. Kennedy was a graduate of the Medical University of Baltimore, and a thoroughly educated physician, but the practice of medicine not proving congenial to his tastes, he soon abandoned it and em barked in other pursuits. About the year 1840, or a little before that time, he was appointed a special, confidential agent of the general postoffice department, in which relation he achieved distinction by detecting numerous mail robberies, and bringing the perpetrators before the courts for trial and punishment. It Avas through the vigilance of Dr. Kennedy that the mail robberies of the Haldeman brothers, Pete and Abe, and Pate Sides, at Negro Mountain, Avere_ discovered, and the offenders apprehended and punished. The Haldemans and Sides Avere stage drivers, and their calling through tho dismal shades of death and other dark regions in the mountains Avith big, tempting, mail bags in their charge, no doubt turned their minds to what they considered a speedy, if not altogether a safe method of getting money. Whispers of suspicion groAving out of the Angilance of Dr. Kenned}' in pushing his investigations, reached the ears of the suspected ones, and they fled to Canada, but not to be thAvarted in his purposes, Dr. Kennedy pursued them thither, had them arrested and brought back to Baltimore for trial. Abe Halde man was acquitted, but Pete and Pate Sides were convicted and sent to the penitentiary. Dr. Kennedy Avas also the prime mover in bring ing to light the noted mail robberies of Dr. John F. Braddee, of Union- town, as Avill be seen by the following affidavits: Pennsylvania, Fayette County, ss.: The testimony of Dr. HoAvard Kennedy taken before N. EAving, president judge of the 14th Judicial district of Penns.A-lvania,the 8th day of January, 1841, in reference to the amount of bail to be re quired of John F. Braddee, Peter Mills Strayer and William Purnell. The said Dr. HoAvard Kennedj' being first by me duly sAvorn accord ing to law, deposeth and saith : " There Avill be difficulty in ascertain ing the amount of money stolen from the mails. Thoro haA'e been six mail pouches or bags stolen, Avhich Avould average tAvonly to thirty thousand dollars each. The Avhole Avould, I am satisfied, amount to one hundred thousand dollars. I saAv the money alleged to have been found in the stable of John F, Braddee The amount thus found Avas 110,098.60. The amount of cash stolen is probably about $50,000. "HOAVAED KENNEDY." Taken and subscribed before me, Januarj' 8th, 1841. N. EAVING, P, Judge 14th Judicial District. Pittsburg, January 25. 1841, "Howard Kennedy, .special agent of tho postoffice" department, in addition to the testimony given by him before his Honor, Judge BAving, further deposes that since that time he has receiA^ed reports WILLIAM H, STELLE. THE OLD PIKE, 189 from yarious persons and places in the West of letters mailed at dates which would have, by due course of mail, been in the bags stolen, containing bank notes, scrip, certificates, drafts, and checks, amount,- ing to §102,000 and upAvards; that every mail brings him additional reports of losses, and that he believes the amounts reported will not constitute more than one-half of Avhat has been lost in the mails be tween the r6th of November and the 18th of December, 1840, on the route from AA'heoling to Ncav York. "HOAVAED KENNEDY, " Special Agent Postoffice Department." Savoi-u and subscribed before me the 25th day of January, 1841. T. lEWIN, District Judge. As before stated, Dr, Kennedy Avas one of the owners of the line of coaches knoAvn as the National Eoad Stage Company. This was popularly knoAvn as the Stockton line,- called "the old line," because it Avas th^ oldest on the road. Dr. Kennedy managed all the business of this line relating to the transportation of the mails. He was also one of the original members of the Western Express Company, doing business between Cumberland and AA^heeling and Pittsburg via the Monongahela river. L. W. Stockton dying in the spring of 1844, in . the fall of that year Dr. Kennedy brought his family from Hagers town, Maryland, to Uniontown, and established his residence in the old Stockton mansion, called "Ben Lomond," now the home of Mrs. Judge Gilmore. Here Dr. Kennedy resided until the year 1851, when he returned to HagerstOAvn, Avhere he died on the 12th of June, 1855- He was of medium height and delicate form, of pleasant address, and a gentleman by birth, education, association and aspiration; in relig ion an Episcopalian, and in politics a Democrat. His widow, a sister of the late Alfred Howell, of UniontOAvn, survives him. She is enjoy ing the sunset of a gentle life in HagerstoAvn, the central figure of a remnant of that polite and refined society which in the palmy days of the National Eoad distinguished all the old towns along its line. William H. Stelle AA'as born in Noav Jersey, and it will be noted that many of the stage owners, agents, and drivers came out from that State. Two of Mr. Stelle's partners in the stage business, John " A. Wirt_and Mr. Hutchinson, were likeAvise Jersey men. It is related that Mr. Stelle and Mr. Acheson Avere both desirous of selling their interests in the stage lines, the former being an owner in the Good Intent, and the latter in the Stockton line. Mr. Stelle one day ap proached Mr. Acheson in AVheeling, and told him he would give him five hundred dollars, if he would sell or buy at a price to be mutually named. Mr. Acheson named a price Avhich he would give or take, a,nd Mr. Stelle elected to sell, and promptly paid Mr. Acheson five hundred dollars for acceding to his proposition. Mr. Stelle located in Wheeling about the year 1841, and died at Elm Grove, Ohio county, West Virginia, on the 26th of Septemberrl854, aged about fifty years. He left a son, William H., and a daughter, Mrs. Susan E. Hamilton, both living in Wheeling. , 90, 190 ''THE OLD PIKE. Agents of the stage lines possessed functions somewhat, but not altogether, like those of railroad conductors. Some agents pa'ssed constantly over the road, paying bills, providing horses and equipage,- and giving general direction to the running of the lines. Others Avere stationary, attending to local business. These agents were prominent characters, of the road, and popularly esteemed as men of high position. One of the earliest agents was Charles Eettig, whp subsequently kept the tavern two and one-half miles east of "Wash ington, and referred to in a chapter on taverns and tavern keepers. John Eisly, of Frederic, Md., and William Biddle and James Coudy, of Hancock, Avere old agents of lines east of Cumberland. Eedding Bunting, Edward Lane, Theodore Granger and Charles Danforth were agents of the Old line west of Cumberland, with authority extending to Wheeling. Bunting also kept the National House in Uniontown, and Lane kept the National House in Washington, which were headquarters at those points respectively for their line. Charles Danforth was a lead ing local agent of the Stockton line at UniontoAvn. He was a large, fine looking man, with florid complexion, heavy black Avhiskers, and pos sessed of popular manners. He was a native of New York State, and died at- Bedford, Pa., in 1853. His remains were brought to Union- "toAvn, and interred in the old Methodist cemetery, near Beeson's old mill. His widow is living in Chicago. Edward Lane was a man of average size, of reddish complexion, energetic in motion, and affable in manner. His tavern in Washington, Pa., was one of the best eating houses on the road. Granger was a large, dark complexioned man, not well liked by the people, but a favorite of Mr. Stockton. After the stage lines were taken from the road. Granger Avent to Cin cinnati, procured employment at a livery stable, and died in that city in indigent circumstances. Jacob Becls; Avas an agent for AA^eaver's line, which Avas on the road a short time, and Avent Avith that line to Ohio and Kentucky. He returned from the West, and Avas a bar keeper for John N. Dagg, of Washington, Pa., and subsequently, as elscAvhere stated, kept tavern at Eony's Point, A^a., and died there. He Avas an old stage driver, a good one, and esteemed as an honest man. Daniel Brown, mentioned among the old taA-ern keepers, Avas an agent of the Good Intent line, and a very competent one. He was a native of New Jersey, and his sad ending has been alluded to in another chapter. William Scott, familiarly called " Billy,'' Avas a Avell- knoAvn agent of the Good Intent line. He had been a driver, and was jn-omoted to an agency on account of his competency and fidelity. He Avas a master of his business, a man of small stature, dark hair and complexion, and a little given to brusquenoss of manner, but on the Avhole rather a popular agent. He remained an agent of the Good Intent line until business ceased on the road, Avhen he went to Iowa, and became an agent of a stage line in that State. From loAva he went to Texas, and died at Jefferson in that State. It is said that he was descended from a good family on both sides, who Avere Avealthy, and that he engaged in stage driving from choice, rather than neces- THE OLD PIKE. 191 sity, and his friends were" disappointed in his career. Lemuel Cross Avas an agent of the Old line. He also kept tavern at Piny Grove, • as elscAvhere stated, and is Avell remembered. His jurisdiction as agent Avas mainly on tbe mountain division of the road, and he thor oughly understood his business, and Avas familiar Avith all the haunts, hills, and holloAvs of the mountains. B. W. Earl was likcAvise an agent for a Avhile of the Good Intent line. He commenced a driver, Avas advanced to an agency, and ended a tavern keeper. John Foster, Andrew Cable, William F. Cowdery, Levi Eose and William Terry were agents at Wheeling, The latter had charge in part of Neil, Moore & Company's line in Ohio. THE PONY EXPRESS. In the year 1835 or 6, Amos Kendall, being Postmaster-General, placed on the road a line of couriers, called the " Pony Express." It Avas intended to carry light mails with more speed than the general mail was carried by the coaches. The Pony Express was a single horse and a boy rider, with a leather mail pouch throAvn OA'er the horse's back, something after the style of the old-fashioned saddle bags. The route for each horse covered a distance of about six miles on the average. The horse was put to his utmost speed, and the rider carried a tin horn Avhich Avas A-igorously blown when approaching a . station. William Moore, Thomas Wooley, subsequently stage dri vers, William Meredith, Frank Holly and James Neese were among ¦the riders on the Pony Express east of Cumberland, and Sandy Gon- ner, Pate Sides and Thomas A. Wile^', all three afterward stage dri vers, and William Conn rode west of Cumberland. Wiley rode from Uniontown to AVashington, Pennsylvania, and also between Washing ton and Wheeling. He went Avith the log cabin, boys from Union tOAvn to Baltimore in 1840 as a driver of one of the stage teams em ployed on that occasion. He is still living, an employe of the Balti more & Ohio Eailroad Company at Camden Station, Baltimore, in the service of which he has been employed since 1852. He was an at tendant at the bedside of L. W. Stockton during that gentleman's last illness. Calvin Morris, a son of William Morris, the old tavern keeper on the hill west of Monroe, and AVilliam Downer, a son of the old gentleman Avho lived at and maintained the big water trough on Laurel Hill, were also riders on the Pony Express. William Morris was one of the contractors for carrying this fast mail, and his house was one of the relays of the line. The relay next west was the old toll house near Searights. Luther Morris, a brother of Calvin, the Pony Express rider, went to Iowa previous to the civil Avar, and was elected State Treasurer on two or three occasions. John GilfiUan, noAv, or recently, of Parkersburg, AVest Virginia, Avap a rider on the Pony Express between ^Vest Alexander and Wheeling. Bryant and Craven, of West Alexander, were among the contractors of the Pony B.xpress ,line. " The Pony Express " did not remain long on the road, but .when it was on, old pike boys say "it kicked up a dust-" CHAPTER XXVI. Old Taverns and Ta.vern Keepers from Baltimore to Boonsboro — Pen Picture of an Old Tavern by James G. Blaine — The Maypole — The Hand in Hand — Ear- locker's — Pine Orchard — The Brown Stand — Levi Chambers, the NuUifier — Old Whalen's Sunfish, Bob Fowler's Goose and Warfield's Ham — Poplar Springs — Allen Dorsie,Van McPherson, TheWidow Dean, Getzendamer's, Peter Hagan, Riddlemoser and tlie McGruder House, Peter Zettle, Emanuel Harr. ''Caldwell's Tavern: We did not use the high sounding Aoie?, but the good old Anglo-Saxon tavern, with its wide open fire in the cheerful bar room, and the bountiful spread in tbe dining room, and the long porch for summer loafers, and the immense stabling with its wealth of horse-flesh, and the great open yard for the road wagons. How real and vivid it all seems to me this moment ! All the remin iscences of the old pike, for Avhich you are an enthusiast, are heartily shared by me." — James G. Blaine. Caldwell's taA'orn, mentioned by Mr. Blaine, is seven miles west of Washington, Pennsylvania, and will be referred to hereafter in its proper place, Mr. Blaine's description is ajipropriate to nearly all the old taverns of the road. The outward appearance of an old tavern of the National Eoad was no index to the quality of the entertainment it afforded. Manj' of the least pretentious houses furnished the best meals, and paid the most agreeable attention to guests and patrons. It Avas not unusual to see the wagon yard attached to a small Avooden and apparently de caying tavern crowded Avith teams and Avagons, Avhile the inviting grounds of the imposing Ijrick tavern near by Avere Avithout an occu pant. The May Pole tavern in Baltimore Avas a favorite stopping place for old Avagoners. It is located on the southAvest corner of Paca and German streets, and still standing, an object of much interest to the old people of the road. In front of it stands a tall, slim, granite col umn, representative of a pole, and preservative of the ancient name. Tho May Pole Avas kept in 1833 by Henry Clark, and in 1836 by James Adams, Avho remained in charge until his death. His suc cessor was Isaac Willison, a Virginian, and before assuming control of the May Pole, an agent of the Baltimore & Ohio Eailroad com-. pany, at Frederic City. George Elliott, subsequently manager for (1!)2) THE OLD PIKE," 193 Mrs. Adams, at the Mountain City house in Cumberland, was at one time a clerk in the Maj- Pole tavern. The "Hand in Hand" tavern on Paca, between Lexington and Saratoga streets, and the "White SAA'an" on HoAA^ard street, Were likcAvise old Avagon stands in Baltimore, Avell patronized in the early days of the National Eoad. Thomas Elliott also kept a wagon stand in Baltimore, and enjoyed a fair share of patronage. He was the father of George Elliott, above mentioned. The May Pole, however, Avas the faA'orite tavern of the old wagoners of the National Eoad. The "Three Ton" and "Gen. Wayne" taverns had each extensive stabling, and furnished accommodations for droves and drovers. The National Eoad entei-ed the city of Baltimore by way of West Balti more street. The first Avagon stand aa est of Baltimore, fifty years ago, was kept by a man whose name Avas Hawes. It was seven miles from the city, and wagoners often left it in the morning, droA'c to Baltimore, unloaded, reloaded, and returned to it in the evening of the same day, and the next morning proceeded on the long journey to their western destination. The Hawes tavern ceased to do business after 1840. At Ellicott's Mills, ten miles west of Baltimore, there was no wagon stand, but stage houses were located there, where stage teams Avere kept and exchanged. One mile west of Ellicott's, Frank Earlocker kept a wagon stand, that was largely patronized. He was rather of an economical turn of mind, and old wagoners were wont to say of him that he concealed the Avhisky bottle behind the counter, against the custom of the road, which Avas to expose it to full view ; and it is said that the miserly Earlocker lost more than he gained by his habit, since it induced wagoners to inquire for a drink, more to worry the landlord than to appease the appetite. A short distance Avest of Earlocker's is " Pine Orchard," where a tavern was kept by one Goslin. He was a goslin only in name. Otherwise, he Avas a square man, and knew how to treat strangers fjnd travelers, especially Avagoners, who largely favored him with their patronage. His house was a brick structure, and stood on. the north side of the road, and for aught known to the contrary, is still standing, a monument eommemoratiye of the many good old taverns Avhich studded the road in the days of its glory. James Dehoff kept a tavern at Pine Orchard as early as 1835. His house was a wagoners' resort, and stood on the south side of the road. An old tavern, known as the " BroAvn Stand," four miles west of "Pine Orchard," was a popular stopping place for wagoners in its day. In 1838 Levi Chambers took charge of this house, and continued to conduct it until 1842. He was called "Nullifier" Chambers, be cause of his adherence to the nullification doctrine, announced and advocated by John C. Calhoun, He, however, knew hoAV to keep a 194 THE OLD PIKE. - tavern, and was a sober and intelligent man. On the first of Jan uary, 1841, John Crampton and William Orr, old wagoners before mentioned, drove out from Baltimore with full loads, and put up at- the " Brown Stand." During the night a box of silk goods was stolen-, from Orr' s wagon. The loss was discoA^ered early in the morning,. and Orr and Chambers each mounted a horse and pushed out in the direction of Baltimore, in search of the stolen goods and the thief. There was a light snow on the road, and tracks were visible, indi cative of rapid steps -toward the east. Eeaching Baltimore, Messrs. Orr and Chambers entered the bar room of the May Pole tavern, in which a number of persons Avere drinking, and among them one, who, from his actions, was suspected as the thief. He was arrested, tried, convicted, and sent to the penitentiary. Four miles west ofthe " Nullifier's," John Whalen kept a wagon stand, and one of the best on the road. Old wagoners entertain pleasant recollections of John Whalen, and delight in recounting the good cheer that abounded and abided in his old tavern. He kept the tavern at this point up to the year 1842. One AVarfield kept a tavern a short distance west of Whalen's as early as 1835, and had a good wagon custom. Old Avagoners had a rough distich on this section of the road, running something like this : " Old Wlieeler's sunfish, Bob Fowler's roast goose,. Warfield's ham, Ain't that jam!" New Lisbon was an aspiring village, tAventy-six miles Avest of Baltimore, and the first point of note Avest of Whalen's. Stages stopped and teams were changed at Noav Lisbon, but it had no Avagon stand. At Poplar Springs, one mile Avest of Ncav Lisbon, there Avas a wagon stand kept by Allen Dorsie. Near the old tavern is a large, gushing spring, in the midst of tall poplar trees, and hence the name "Poplar Springs." Such was the situation at this point fift.A" .A'cars ago, but alas, fifty years is a long time, and the ''Poplar Springs" may present a different appearance hoav. Allen Dorsie, the old pro prietor of the tavern here, Avas likoAvise and for manj' years superin tendent of the Maryland division of the road. He Avas a very large man, six feet in height, and rounded out in proportion. Ho Avas be- ' sides a man of admitted integrity and good intellect. He ceased keeping tavern at Poplar Springs in 1842. Seven miles Avost of Poplar Springs Van McPherson kept a tav ern, Avhich did an extensive business. The proprietor Avas half Dutch and half Irish, as his name imports, and ho had the faculty of pleas ing everybody. His house AA'as a brick structure on the north side of the road, and is probably still standing. A^an McPherson kept this house from 1836 to 1842, and made money in it. New Market is a village west of McPherson's old tavern, a,nd in Frederic county, Maryland. Hero the stages stopped and changed' ' THE OtD PIKE. 195 teams, and an old Avagon stand Avas kept 'by one ShelL It is said of Shell that his name differed fromhis table, in that the latter con tained no shells, but the best of savoiy viands. Three miles Avest of Ncav Market, Frank Wharton kept a tavern, and a good one. He was rough in manner, and could swear longer and louder than Wilse Clement-, but he kept his house in good shape and did an extensive business. One mile Avest of Wharton's the widow Dean kept a tavern. Her house Avas a brick structure on the south side of the road, and she owned it and the ground Avhereon it stood, in fee simple. She Avas largely patronized by Avagoners. Next after passing Mrs. Dean's old stand, the city of Frederic is reached, Avhich fifty years ago Avas the largest town on the road be tAveen AA^heeling and Baltimore. James Dehoof and John Lambert kept old AA-agon stands in Frederic City. Lambert died about 1840, and Avas succeeded by John Miller, Avho kept the house down to the year 1853. Four miles west of Frederic City the old Avagoners encountered Cotockton mountain, and here was a fine old tavern kept by Getzen- danner, a German. His house Avas a stone building, on the south side of the road, presumablj' standing to this day. Getzendanner, true to his native traits, Avas the owner of the property. Old wag oners unite in saying that the old German kept a good house, barring a little too much garlic in his sausages. Peter Hagan played the part of host at an old tavern, one mile west of Getzendanner's. His house was a log building, and stood on the south side of the road. As before stated, the outward appearance of an old tavern on the National Eoad was no index to affairs withim; and though Peter Hagan 's house Avas small and made with logs, the cheer -within was exhilarating. His meals Avere simjile and but little varied, yet so manipulated in the kitchen, and spread upon the table so tastefiilly, and withal so clean, that they Avere tempting even to an epicure. Peter Hagan's patrons Avere for the most part wagoners, and the old wagonei3 of the National Eoad knoAv Avliat good living Avas, -and "put up" only Avhere the fare Avas inviting. Peter Hagan was an uncle of Eobert Hagan, a local politician of South Union town ship, Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Proceeding westward from Hagan's old ta\'ern, the next point is the village of Middletown, AA'hich hoped to become a city, and might have succeeded, had not the steam railway eclipsed the glory of the old' pike. At MiddletoAvn the stages had relays of horses. One of the stage houses at this point A\'as kept by Titlow, a relative of F. B. Titlow, of UniontoAvn. Here also there was a wagon stand, kept by Samuel Eiddlemoser. This Avas in 1840. In the spring of 1841 Eiddlemoser moved to the Widow McGruder house, one mile west of Middletown. The McGruder house was well conducted, and enjoyed a large patronage. .South Mountain comes next, and here a tavern was kept by one 196 • THE OLD PIKE. Miller. It was a wagon stand, a stone building, on the north side of 'the road. The battle of South Mountain was fought here, but the roar of the cannon failed to awaken the departed glories of the old Miller tavern. One mile west of South Mountain, Potter Zettle, a German, kept a tavern. It was a wagon stand, and a popular one. The house was of brick, and stood on the south side of the road. The old landlord was accustomed to join in the merry-making of the old Avagoners, and as the jokes Avent around in the old bar room, the German spice was plainly discernible as well as agreeable, in unison with the familiar notes of the native pike boys. One mile west of Zettle's, Eobert Fowler kept a wagon stand. Fowler quit in 1839, and was succeeded by Emanuel Harr, who con ducted the house for many years. Joe Garver, a noted blacksmith, had a shop at this point. Garver, it is said, could cut and replace as many as a dozen wagon tires in a single night. It was not an un common thing for the old blacksmiths of the road to work all night at shoeing horses and repairing Avagons. CHAPTER XXAai. ow Tarerns and Tarern Keeper.^ continued — Boonsboro to Cumberland — Funks- town, Antietam, Hagerstown, Dirty Spigot, Shady Bower, Clear Spring, North Mountain, Indian Spring, Hancock- The House of Nicodemus — Accident on Sideling Hdl, the Longest Hilt on the Road — Suih Hollow — Toivn Hill — Green Ridge — Pratt's Hollow — A Fnr/ltire Slave — Polish Mountain — Fl in t- stoue — Martin's Monntain. " It stands all alone like a goblin in gray. The old-fashioned inn of a pioneer day, In a land so forlorn and forgotten, it seems Like a wraith of the past rising into our dreams ; Its glories have vanished, and only the ghost Of a sign-board now creaks on its desolate post, Recalling a time when all hearts were akin As they rested at night in that welcoming inn." James Neavtox Mattheavs. Boonsboro is a small toAvn at the foot of South Mountain in Maryland, and in the palmy days of the National Eoad Avas a lively village. Old wagoners and stage drivers spread its fame, but railroad conductors are silent as to its memory. The Slifer Brothers kept tavern in Boonsboro in the olden time. Their house was not a wagon stand. One of the Slifer brothers, as before stated, claimed to be the inventor of the " rubber," brake, as it is commonly called. At the Avest end of Boonsboro the. AvidoAv Gahvix kept a wagon stand and did a large business. She Avas the widow of John Gahvix, hereinbe fore mentioned as a fancy wagoner. Eobert Fowler kept a taverfi in Boonsboro as early as 1835 and a Avagon stand on the north side of the road. Three and a half miles Avest of Boonsboro Henry and Jacob Fosnock, Germans, kept a Avagon stand, which Avas Avell patronized. The property was owned by the Fosnocks, and they made money Avith their tavern. They were bachelors, but had an unmarried sister, Susan, Avho acted in the capacity of hostess. .She subsequently be came the wife of the old wagoner, Joseph Crampton. The Fosnocks wore at the point mentioned as late as 1842. FunkstoAvn appears next in sight. Funkstown, another old village identified with the by-gone glories of the old pike. The name of this village brings to mind the once familiar form of John Funk, an old wagoner. John liA'cd at or near FunkstOAvn, atid his family may have given the name to the village. FunkstoAvn is located on Little Antietam creek, about seventy miles Avest of Baltimore. Fifty years (197) 198 THE OLD PIKE. ago there was a paper mill and a grist mill atTunkstown, and they may be there yet, and others in addition. At the east end of Funks- toAvn, Joseph Watts kept a wagon stand, and competed for the cus tom of the wagoners with William Ashton, who kept a similar tavern at the Avest end of the town. Each did a good business. Ashton aa'III 1)0 remembered as the athletic wagoner, who leaped over the top of a road Avagon at Petersburg. He knew the Avants of wagoners and seiwed them well at his old tavern. He was the owner of two fine six-horse teams, and kept them constantly on the road. After FunkstoAvn, come the classic shades and handsome streets of HagerstoAvn. Hagerstown was always a prominent point on the road. It ranked Avith Wheeling, Washington, Brownsville, Union- town, Cumberland, and Frederic. Hagerstown Avas a station for the stage lines. It outlived the road, and flourishes as one of the best toAvns of Maryland. The only old Avagon stand in Hagerstown was that of John B. AVrench. But Hajerstown was rather too stylish a place for old wagoners, and Wrench gave up his house there in 1842, and removed to Piney Grove, where he found a more congenial atmosphere. He subsequently kept one of the old taverns at Grants ville, from AA'hich point he emigrated to Iowa, and died there. Four and a half miles Avest of Hagerstown, an old wagon stand was kept by David Newcomer, It was a stone house, on the north side of the road. Newcomer furnished good entertainment, and Avas Avell favored Avith customers, mostly wagoners. He was a Quaker, and a money maker. He dealt in horses, in addition to tavern keep ing. When offering a horse for sale, his wife was accustomed to say in the hearing of the person proposing to buj- : "Now, David, thee must not sell that favorite horse." This, old wagoners say, was a " set-up job " betAveen DaAnd and his spouse to gain a good price. Ncav- ,, coiner was the owner of the property, and as the house Avas of stone, is probably ,standi.ng yet ; but the ring of the old pike has gone from it long since. Three miles westAvard from Newcomer's was the imposing and well-remembered taA^ernDkept by John Miller. It Avas of brick, a large and commodious building, situate on the north side of the road. Miller owned the property, and it may be in the possession of his descendants to this day. There were large rooms in this house, adapted to dancing purposes, and young men and maidens of the vicinity frequently tripped to the notes of the old time music in its spacious halls. The waltz was unknoAvn, and the figures A'aried from the "hoe doAvn " to the cotillion, closing ahvays with the "Virginia Eeel." The old Avagoners Avere invariablj' invited to participate in these festivities, and engaged in them with a gusto not excelled by the lads and lasses of the surrounding neighborhood, Alfred Bailes, the old pike boy of Dunbar, drove a line team from John S. Miller's to the Nicodemus House, tAA^o miles Avest of Hancock, as early as the year 1836, and is probably the only survivor of the young folks Avho participated in the gayeties of Mi'ller's old tavern. THE OLD PIKE. 199 One mile Avest of Miller's is "Shady BoAver." There a tavern Avas kept by Conrod AVolsey. His house Avas Avell favored by wagon ers, Avho sought his generous board in goodly numbers, and Avhile Avell liked by his customers, he got the name of "Dirty Spigot," bo- cause the spigot of a Avhisky barrel in his house Avas once besmeared with filth. There was a large distillery near Wolsey's tavern, op erated by Barnes Mason. Mason had tAvo teams on the road, driven by AA^illiam Keefer and Joseph Myers. Clear Spring comes next, and derives its name from the exist ence of a large, gushing spring of clear water, in volume sufficient to propel a mill. An old Avagon stand Avas kept at Clear Spring by AndreAV Kershaw, Avho died the proprietor of the house, and was succeeded by his-son Jonathan. The house Avas a large brick build ing, on the south side of the road. Stages stopped and exchanged teams at Clear Spring, but not at Kershaw's. His house, as stated, Avas a wagon stand. Gusty Mitchell is a Avell-remembered character of Clear Spring. He used to steal and drink the Avagoners' Avhisky, and "bum" around their teams in all sorts of Avays. One night the AVagoners poured turpentine over Gusty and set fire to him, Avhich so frightened him that he never aftcrAvard had anything to do Avith Avagoners. The next old tavern Avas on the top of North Mountain, tAvo miles west of Clear Spring, kept by Joseph Kensel. It Avas a log house, and on the north side of the road. Kensel owned the property. While this old tavern Avas humble in outAvard appearance, the fires burned brightly within, and its patrons, who Avere numerous, highly extolled the quality of the viands it spread before them. Indian Spring comes next, four and a half miles west from Clear Spring. Here a wagon stand was kept by David Miller. The house is a stone structure, on the north side of 'the road, and Miller owned it in fee simple. This old house Avas a favorite resort of wagoners, and. night after night echoed the once familiar notes of the great highway, in the days of its glory. Three miles Avest from David Miller's, Anthony Snider, a distant relative of John Snider of happy memory, kept a wagon stand. It Avas a frame building on the north side of the road. Peter Hawes once lived at this house, and hauled stone for an aqueduct on the ad jacent canal. Four miles Avest of Snider's, on the north side of the road, stood the old frame tavern of Widow Bevans. She owned the property, and her house was a popular stopping place. It will be noted thatm many instances widows kept the best taverns along the road. There is no record of a widoAv making a failure as a tavern keeper. Tavo miles further on to the Avestward, and before the once fami liar tavern of Widow Bevans entirely recedes from vicAV, the oldAvagon stand of David Barnett is reached. His house Avas a large log build ing, on the north side of the road. Here the first transportation line of six-horse teams, John Bradfield agent, had relays, its next relay 200 THE OLD PIKE. eastward being the house of John Miller, before mentioned. Bar nett was a jolly old landlord, fond of exchanging jokes with old wagon ers and other patrons. He had a manner and a method of pleasing his guests, and did a large and profitable business. WestAvard, two miles from Barnett's, is the historic toAvn of Han cock, named in honor of the man who wrote his name in letters so large and legible, that they were read all round the Avorld. There was uo old Avagon stand tavern in Hancock, except for a short time about the year 1838. John Shane established it, but was not success ful, and removed to Cumberland, where he set up a confectionery shop. Wagoners preferred country before town taverns, as a rule. Stages stopped and exchanged horses in Hancock. Tavo miles west of Hancock, one Nicodemus kept an old Avagon stand. His first name has not been preserved, OAving probably to the sublimity of his surname. He Avas known all along the road, but mentioned only as Nicodemus. His house Avas a frame building on the north side of the road, and he owned it, and died in it. He ke]>t a good taA-ern, and Avas Avell patronized. WidoAv DoAvner kept this house before the time of Nicodemus. Tavo miles west of the house of Nicodemus is Sideling Hill, so called from the sloping character of the ground upon which the road is laid. At the eastern foot of this hill Jacob Brosius kept an old Avagon stand, and had a good share of custom. His house Avas a frame building and stood on the south side of the road. The distance from the foot to the summit of Sideling Hill is four miles, and it is the longest hill on the road^ In 1837 Jacob Anderson, an old -wagoner, was killed on Sideling 'Hill, His team became frightened on the sum mit and ran doAvn the western slope, coming in contact Avith a large tree on the roadside with such force as to break it doAvu, and falling on Anderson, he was instantly killed. Isaac Browning, Caleb Lang ley and Black Westley, with their teams and wagons, Avere on the road with Anderson at the time of this accident, Anderson Avas a citizen of Loudon county, Virginia. Langley, Browning and AVestley be longed to Payette county, Pennsylvania. The road crosses a stream at Sideling Hill, called Sideling Hill creek. There Avas a covered bridge over this creek. In 1841 John Moss and Billy George, old Avagoners, droA'o their teams on this bridge, and stopping a Avhile to rest under the shade afforded by the roof, tho bridge broke doAvn, precipitating horses, Avagons and drivers a distance of fourteen foot to the Avafor, causing considerable damage to the Avagons and the goods therein, but strange to say inflicting bul slight injuries upon tho drivers and teams. The teams and Avagons belonged to Eobert NoavIovo, of AVheeling. Tavo miles from the foot of Sideling Hill, and on the north side of the road, John H, Mann kept a Avagon stand. His house Avas a frame building. Mann Avas a citizen of |Soine prominence, and at one time represented his county (AVashington) in the Maryland Legisla ture. It is not knoAvn that his proclivities in the line of statesman ship impaired in any Aviso his talent for tavern keeping. THE OLD PIKE. 201 On the Avestern slope- of Sideling Hill, about midAvay betAveen the summit and tho foot, Thomas Norris kept a tavern, Avhich Avas a favorite resort of Avagoners. His house Avas a large stone building, on the north side of the road. There Avas a picturesquoness about the locjition of this old tavern that imparted a peculiar spice to the ordi- mn-j' rounds of entertainment enjoyed by its guests. Samuel Cessna JKcpt this house at one time. ' One mile Avost of Sideling Hill creek, a Avagon stand AA'as kept by the AvidoAv Vshkottle, another AvidoAv, and she no exception to the rule before stated, that the AvidoAvs all kept good houses. Her name is not inappropriate to some of the duties of housekeeping, but Mrs. Ashkettle's forte Avas not in making lye, but in setting a good, clean table. She had a son, David, Avho managed tho business ofthe house for her. Her house Avas a franie building, and stood on the north _ si4e of the road. ' ^ ^ Twtrihilos Avest of Mrs. Ashkettle's the Avayfarer struck thi| point bearing the homely name of "Snib HoIIoav." These old names never Avear out. no matter hoAV ugly thoy are. and it is Avell they do\ not. They all haA'e a significanco and an interest, local or otherAvise,! Avhich Avould be lost hy a change of name. Quidnuncs in history aud literature have exerted their restless talents in efforts to obliterate those seemingly rude, old names, and substitute faucj' ones in their stead, but they have failed, and their failure is a pleasant tribute to fhe supremacj' of common sense As early as 1825 the widoAv Turn- bull kept a taA'crn at Snib HoIIoav. Later, an old wagon stand Avas kept there Iia- John Alder, Avho had a large run of customers. His house was a log building, on the north side of the road. Town Hill comes next, a half a mile Avest of Snib HoIIoav, at the foot of Avhich Dennis Hoblitzell kept a tavern as early as the year 1830, and probably earlier. The house Avas on the east side of the road, and tho locality is often called Piney Plains. Mrs. McClelland, of the McClelland House, UniontoAvn, is a daughter of Dennis Hob litzell. Samuel Cessna subsequently kept this house, aud stage lines and AA-agon lines all stopped at it. It was here, and in Cessna's time, that Governor Corwin, of Ohio, Avas treated as a negro servant, men tion of Avhich is made in another chapter. In 1836 John Snider stopped over night at this hou.se, Avith a load of emigrants, while Cessna Avas keeping it, and had to clean the oats he fed to his horses Avith an ordinary bed sheet, the Avindmill not having reached this point at that early day. At the foot of ToAvn Hill, on the west side, Henry Bevans kept a tavern. It was a wagon stand, and likeAvisc a station for one of the stage lines. The house stood on the north side of the road, and enjoyed a good trade. Samuel Luman, the old stage driver, kept this house in 1839. Two miles west from the Bevans house is Green Eidge, Avhere an old wagon stand Avas kept by Elisha Collins. His house Avas a log building, and stood on the north side of the road. Although this 202 THE OLD PIKj:. house was humble in appearance, old wagoners are unstinted in be stowing praises on its ancient good cheer. Trudging onward, tAvo miles further to the AvestAvard, the old Avagoner, and many a weary traveler, found a pleasant resting place at "Pratt's Hollow," Avhere Samuel Hamilton kept a cozy old tavern. It Avas a frame house, on the north side of the road. Hamilton was a planter as well as tavern keeper, and raised tobacco and owned and worked negro slaves. Levi McGruder succeeded Hamilton as the keeper of this house. This locality derived its name from Pratt, who OAVued the jiroporty at an early day, and, upon authority of the A'eteran David Mahaney, kept the first taA'crn there. An incident occurred at Pratt's HoIIoav iu the year 1842, Avhich brings to memory the state of public society in euite helium tiraea. Among the old Avag oners of the road, was Eichard Shadburn. He Avas a native of Vir ginia, and born a slave, Avhile his complexion Avas so fair, and his hair so straight, that he readily passed for a Avhite man. When quite young he escaped from his master and struck out for liberty aniong the enlivening scenes of the great highAvay of tho Eepublic. On a certain evening of the year mentioned, he droA'c into McGruder's Avagon yard along Avith a number of other wagoners, to rest for the night. The sun had not yet disappeared behind the Avestern hills, and a stage coach pulled up in front of McGruder's tavern, and stop ped for Avater, as Avas the custom at that point. Among the passen- - gers in that coach Avas the owner of the slave, Shadburn. Looking out through the AvindoAV of the coach he observed and recognized Shadburn, and calling to his aid a felloAA' passenger, emerged from the coach Avith a determination to reclaim his property. Dick was seized, but being a man of great muscular poAver. succeeded in releasing himself from the clutches of his assailants and fled. The disap pointed master fired at Dick Avith a pistol, as he ran, but he made good his escape. The team driven by Shadburn belonged to Parson's of Ohio, Avho shortly after the escapade mentioned, sent another driver to McGruder's to take charge of it. Shadburn never after ward reappeared on the road, and it is believed that he found a home ^and at last a grave in Canada, It Avas near Pratt's HoIIoav that the Cotrclls, father andtAvo sons, murdered a peddler in 1822, the porpeti-ators of Avhich crime Avere all hung from the same scaffold in Frederic. The old tavern at Pratt's .Hollow Avas destroyed l).y fire man.y years ago, and Avas never rebuilt. Two miles Avest from Pratt's HoIIoav, John S. Miller conducted an old tavern, and a good one. His house Avas a frame building, and stood on the north side of the road. It Avas a popular stopping place for wagoners. Miller kept this house as early as 1836, and subse quently became the proprietor of tho old tavern, five miles west of Washington, Pennsylvania, Avhoro he died. " Polish Mountain " is reached next, one mile Avest ofthe old Miller stand. On the summit of this little, but picturesque mountain, Philip Fletcher kopt an old tavern, and greeted and treated thousands THE OLD PIKE. 203 of old Avagoners and other travelers. His house stood on the north side of the road, and Avas made of logs, but the table it furnished Avas equal to the best on tho road. And ne.N:t comes Flintstono, four miles Avost of Fletcher s. All old pike boys remembeFFTiMsIone The name has a familiar ring. Tbe stages stopped at Flintstono, and Thomas Eobinson kept the leading tavern thoro, in tho olden time. His house Avas a stage sta tion, and a Avagon stand as avoII. Eobinson, the good old landlord, got into a difficulty, many years ago, Avith one Silas Tvvigg, and Avas killed outright ly his assailant. As early as 1835 Jonathan Huddle- son kept a tavern in Flintstono, and had the patronage of one of tho stage lines. He subsequently kept the old Tomlinson tavern at the Little MeadoAvs. John Piper was an old tavern keeper at Flintstone. His house Avas a favorite summer resort, and also enjoyed the patron age of old AA'agoners. The Piper house is a large brick building, and stands on the north side of the road. John Piper died about the year 1872. The house is continued as a taA'ern under the joint man agement of John HoAvard, a son-in-law, and an unmarried daughter of tho old proprietor. Homy B. Blboii also kept a taA'orn in Flint- stone for many years, but his career began after that of the old road ended. Blbon died about four or five years ago. FairAveathcr and LadcAv, of NoAv York, oavu and operate a large tannery at Flintstono. Tavo miles west of Flintstone, Martin's Mountain is encountered, at the foot of AA'hich, on the east, Thomas Streets presided over au old taA'crn, and Avelcomed and cared for many a guest. His house Avas a frame structure, on the south side of the road. Tavo miles further on the Avestward tramp the widow Osford kept a regular old Avagon stand. She.was assisted by her son, Joseph. It is needless to state that her bouse was popular. She Avas a widoAv. Her house was a log building, on the south side of the road, with a large wagon yard attached. Her dining room occupied the greater lioi'tion of the ground floor of her house, and her table was always crowded Avith hungry guests. Kitchen and bar room made up the remainder of the first story, and wagoners' beds coA'cred every inch of the bar room floor at night. Mrs. Oxford retired from this house after a long season of prosperity, and was succeeded by Peter Hager, an old Avagoner, who at one time drove a team for William Searight. Taa'o miles AA'est from widoAv Osford's, Henry Miller kept an old taA'ern. It Avas a brick house, on the south side of the road. It Avill be noted that Miller is tbe leading name among the old tavern keep ers of the road. The Smiths don't figure much in this line. Tavo miles Avest of Henry Miller's an old tavern Avas kept b}' Slifer, whose first name is lost to memory. It is probable he was of the family of Slifers who kept at Boonsboro. It is said of this Slifei- that he was a good, square dealing landlord, kept a good house and enjoyed a fair share of patronage. CHAPTER XXVIII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Cumberland to Little Crossiwjs — Tlie Cily of Cumberland — Everstine's — The Sic Mile House and Bridge — Clary's — Tragedy in Frostburg — Thomas Beall — Sand Springs — Big Savage — Little Savage — Thomas Johnson — The Shades of Death — John Recknor — Piney Grove — Mortimer Cade — Tuudinson's — Widow Wooding. The city of Cumberland is the initial point, as before stated-, of that portion of the National Eoad which, was constructed by author ity of Congress, and paid for with funds drawn from the public treas ury of the United States. In 1835 James Black kept the leading taA'ern in Cumberland. It Avas a stage house. In 1836 John and Emory Edwards, of Boonsboro, leased the Black House, and con ducted it as a tavern for many years thereafter. .John Snider, tho old pike boy of pleasant memory, hauled a portion of the household goods of the Edwards' from their old home in Boonsboro to their noAv location at Cumberland. At the date last mentioned there Avere tAvo Avagon stands in Cumberland. One of fhem Avas kept by Thom.as Plumer. Plumer had teams on the road. The other was kept by George Mattingly. Frederic Shipley kept a tavern in Cumberlaml previous to the year 1840. It Avas located on Baltimore street, near the site of the station first established by the Baltimore & Ohio Eail road Company. This house Avas subsequently conducted by George W. Gump, and after him, in 1857, by DaA'id Mahanej'. OneKaig, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, succeeded Mahaney in the control of this house. It was called " The American," and entertained AA'agon ers and the traveling publi(? at large. In 1844 and later, the AvidoAv Adams kept a wagon stand in Cumberland, on the site of the present rolling mill. George Elliott Avas manager for Mrs. Adams. The house was a large brick structure, and known in its day as the '-Mountain City House.'" Lewis Smith kept "Tho Blue Springs House '^ on Mechanics street, and was largely patronized by old Avagonors. Frederic Shipley also kept a tavern on Mechanics street, after he left the American. John Kelso, the old Avagonor, kopt a tavern for a shdrt time on Mechanics .street, and Avas avoII patronized; and Otho Barcus, another old Avagoner, kept the " Pennsylvania House " on Mechanics street in 1843, and for a period of three years there'after. The road when first laid out, as seen in a previous chapter, passed over AVills Mountain. In 1834 this location Avas changed for a better grade, up the valleys of AA^ills crook and Braddock's ,run. To make (204) JOHN KELSO. THE OLD PIKE. ii05 ibis change it Avas nocossary to first obtain the consent of the State of Maryland, Avhich Avas granted by an act of her Legislature in 1832, The old Plumer tavern stood at the eastern end of the old location, and the old Mattingly tavern at the same end of the new location. George Evans kept a tavern, also, near the eastern end of the original location. FiA'e miles Avest of Cumberland, on the new location, a wagon stand Avas kept by Joseph Everstine. This was a frame house, and stood on the north side of the road. It was well conducted, but ow ing to its jn-oximity to Cumberland, did not do as large a business as other taverns of the road, more advantageously located. Six miles west from Cumberland there Avas an old tavern knoAA^n as the " Six Mile House." It belonged to the Bruces, an old and AA'ealthy family of Alleghany county, Maryland, and many years ago Avas destroyed by fire. A new building Avas erected on the old site, and- remains to this day in the occupancy of a nephew of the old tavern keeper, Aden Clary. This house is near the junction of the old and new locations above referred to, and near the stone bridge over Braddock's run. The sixth mile post from Cumberland stands on the north wall of this bridge, firm and unshaken. The bridge is well preserved, and a polished stone thereof bears this inscription : "1835 — Built bj- Thomas Fealy, Lieut. Jno. Pickell, U. S. Engineer, H. M, Petitt, Ass't Supt'd." Eight miles Avest from Cumberland Aden Clary kept. His house Avas a large and commodious brick building on the south side of the road, and is still standing. There was not a more popular house on the road than Aden Clary's. Frostburg is next reached. This Avas ahvays a prominent point on the road. It did not derive its name, as many suppose, from the crisp atmosphere in which it Avas located, but from the original owner of the land on which it stands, Avhose name was Frost. Frostburg Avas the first stage station we.st of Cumberland. The leading taA'orns of Frostburg in the palmy daj's of the road Avere the " Franklin House" and the " Highland, Hall House." The Franklin House Avas kept for many years by Thomas Beall, the father of the Bealls of Uniontown. It was headquarters of the Good Intent stage line. The Highland Hall House Avas conducted at different times by George W. Claybaugh, George Evans, Samuel Cessna and Thomas Porter. It was the headquarters of the Stockton line of coaches. During Cessna's time at this house he Avas the principal actor in a tragedy which produced considerable commotion in the vicinity. A negro servant employed by Cessna addressed some insulting remark to his wife, and immediately upon being informed thereof, Cessna pro ceeded to dispatch the negro without ceremony. He was tried in Cumberland for murder and acquitted, public sentiment very gener ally acquiescing in the verdict of the jurj'. About the year 1850 tho Highland Hall House was purchased by the authorities of the Cath olic church, remodeled, improved and converted to ecclesiastical uses. 10 206 THE OLD PIKE. About one mile west of Frostburg, and at the foot of Big Savage mountain, is Sand Springs, so called from the gurgling water in the sand at that point. In 1836 the widow Ward kept a Avagon stand tavern at 9and Springs. Her house was a favorite resort for old Avagoners. On the night of October 3, 1836, snow fell to the depth of a foot at Sand Springs, breaking down the timber all through the surrounding mountains. Mrs. AVard's Avagon yard was crowded with teams and wagons that night, and the snow was so deep the next day that the wagoners deemed it inexpedient to turn out, and remained at Mrs. Ward's until the foUoAving morning. John Snider was among the .Avagoners at Mrs. Ward's on the occasion mentioned, and is authority for the occurrence of the October^ snow storm. The tavern at Sand Springs Avas subsequently kept by John AVelsh, an old stage driA'er, Hiram Sutton and Jacob Conrod, in the order named. Hiram Sut ton Avas a son-in-law of Jared Clary. He kept the Sand Springs taA' ern doAvn to the year 1852, Avhen he moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and may be living there yet. Philip Spiker, the old black smith at Sand Springs, it is said could shoe more horses in a given time than any other blacksmith on the road. He had a rival, how- 1 ever, in A. Brice DoA'an, now of Dunbar, Avho, in the palmy days of U.he road, carried on a shop in HopAvood, and shod horses for old Wagoners all night long on many occasions. Devan's backers will 'not concede that Spiker was a speedier sheer than he. A short distance west of Sand Springs, on the side of Big SaA'age mountain, an old wagon stand Avas kept by one Cheney, aftei-Avard by Jacob Conrod, It is a stone house, on the south side of the road. In Cheeny's time at this house, Henry Clay Eush, Avho was an old wagoner, says that metalic mugs Avere used for drinking purposes, instead of glasses. He further states that the mugs Avere clean, and probably, used thi-ough deference to the pure Avhisky of that day. Big Savage mountain is two thousand five hundred and eighty feet above the Atlantic. Two miles west from Cheney's, and at the foot of Little SaA'age mountain, Thomas Beall kept a tavern as early as 1830. AA^illiam B. Beall, superintendent of the UniontOAvn rolling mill, Avas born at this old tavern. Thomas Beall removed from this place to Missouri, but after a short absence, returned to AA'^ostorn Maryland, and took charge of the Franklin House in Frostburg. Thomas Johnson suc ceeded Thomas Beall in the management of this house It Avas a noted place, and Johnson Avas a noted character. He Avas a good fiddler and a good dancer. He OAvned a negro named Dennis, Avho Avas also a good dancer, and night after night in the cheerful bar room of the old tavern, Dennis performed tho "double shuffle," re sponsive to lively music furnished by his old master, Johnson Avas small in stature, weighing but .little over a hundred pounds. Al though he participated freolj' in the fun of the old road, he Avas not unmindful or neglectful of his business. He OAvned the old tavern- stand mentioned and the lands adjacent, and dj'ing, left a comfortable THE OLD PIKE. 207 inheritance to his descendants. Little Savage mountain has an eleva tion of tAVO thousand four hundred and eighty feet aboA'e the Atlantic, being one hundred feet loAver than Big Savage. Three miles further Avestward, and at the eastern approach to the Shades of Death. John Eecknor kept an old Avagon stand, well known, and in itsoay- Avell patronized. Eecknor kept this house as early as 1830, and ended his days in it. It was a log and frame structure on the north side of the road, Avith a commodious wagon yard attached. tTho thick branches of the pine trees groAving on Shade Hill, hung (over this old house, imparting to it a romantic, as well as an attractive {perspective The fame of Mrs. Eecknor as a pui-A'eyor of hot biscuits was co-extensive Avith the line of the road. Noav, ifijaill." Piney GroA'e comes next, two miles from Eecknor's, so called from the numerous pine trees growing in the locality in the olden time. At an early day Joshua Johnson, a wealthy man of Frederic CitA', owned fifteen thousand acres of land, embracing Piney GroA'c and the Shades of Death, which he held for many years for specula- tiA'e purposes. Portions of this large area, it is said, continue in tho possession of Johnson's descendants to this day. The pine trees were cut doAvn many years ago, sawed up and shipped to market. William Frost, of Fi-ostburg, erected the first extensiA'e saw mill in the vicin ity. At Piney Grove there was an old tavern, kept at different times by Truman Fairall, Mortimer Cade, Lemuel Cross, Johii Wrench and David Mahaney. All the stage lines of the road stopped at this old taA'ern, and wagoners in goodly numbers also congregated there. It Avas a large franie building on the north side of the road, and on the opposite side large stables and sheds Avere erected for sheltering horses and vehicles. West of Piney Grove about one-fourth of a mile, an old wagon stand was kept by a man whose name was Wagoner, and subsequently by Isaac Bell, and later by Mortimer Cade. Cade kept this house in 1840, and died in it. His widoAv continued to keep it as a tavern for a number of years, and until she became the wife of William Fear, who kept a taA'ern on Keyser's Eidge. A daughter of Mrs. Cade is living in Uniontown at this time. Two miles west of Piney Grove the celebrated old Tomlinson taA'ern at Little Meadows is reached. This is an old stand; as old as the National Eoad. Here the lines ofthe National and the old Brad dock roads coincide. Jesse Tomlinson owned the land at this point, and kept a tavern on the old Braddock road, before the National Eoad was made. Upon the opening of the latter he abandoned his old house and erected a new one on the new road, which he conducted as a tavern for many years. After his death the property passed to the hands of Jacob Sides. W. M. P. Magraw, as before stated, mar ried a daughter of Jacob Sides. This place is referred to as the Little 208 THE OLD PIKE. Meadows in the official record of Braddock's unfortunate march through the mountains in 1755. The region at and about Mt. Wash ington, further westward on the line of the road, where the conflict between Washington and the French and Indians occurred, in 1754, is designated by Wa,shington,in his official report of that engagement, as the Great Meadows. Tomlinson's tavern is a large stone house,^ on the north side of the road. After Tomlinson, it was -kept by .Thomas Endsley, who Avas succeeded by Thomas Thistle, Thomas Thistle by James Stoddard, and he, in turn, by Jesse Huddleson, Tru- _ inan Fairall, Lemuel Cross and David Mahaney, all before the rail-- road was continued west of Cumberland. It Avas kept by George Layman after the railroad absorbed the trade. Layman was after ward sheriff of Alleghany county, Maryland. In the year 1862, Avhile the property Avas under tho control of Mr. Magraw, the old Tomlin son tavern was remodeled and much improved. The contract for the improvements was undertaken by George W. Wyning, a Avell known carpenter of UniontOAvn, who superintended the work in person, and during its progress he and Magraw together, spent many a pleasant hour amid the exhilarating atmosphere of the mountains, in the society of the old pike boys. James K. Polk dined at the Tomlinson house in the spring of 1845, on his Avay to Washington to be inaugurated President. Huddleson was keeping the house at that time. The occasion brought together a large concourse of mountain people, Avho Avere addressed by the President-elect. One mile Avest from Tomlinson's the widow Wooding kept a tavern as early as 1842, and f5r some time thereafter. Her house Avas a frame building, on the north side of the road, and Avas largely patronized by old AA'agoners. Mrs. Wooding groAving old, and wearied by the onerous duties of tavern keeping, gaA'o up the business, and turned hor house OA'cr to her son-in-laAv, Peter Y^east,Avho conducted it for a season, anfl in turn .surrendered it to John AA^right. One mile Avest of Mrs. Wooding's old stand the traveler reaches the Little Crossings, a name given to the locality from tho circum stanco that here the road crosses tho Castleman river, and the prefix "little" is used because the Castleman is a smaller stream thau tho Youghioghony, whicli is crossed a few miles further AvcslAvard, and called the Big Crossings. There Avas no taA'ern at the Little Crossings prcA'ious to the year 1836. Subsequent to that date a tavern Avas established there by Alexander Carlisle, Avho entertained the travel ing public in a satisfactory manner. His house Avas a large frame structure, on tho south side of the road, subsequontl.y kept bj' John and Samuel McCurdy, and later, at different times, by David Johnson, William DaAvson, Elisha BroAvn, Jacob Conrod and David Mahaney. Although nearly twenty years elapsed from tho building of the road before any old landlord at Little C'rossings beckoned the Avoary traA'- clcr to rest and refreshment, nevortholoss, thoroaftor, and until busi ness ceased on the lino, that localit.y presented man.A' and rare attrac tions, as all old pike boys arc ready to vorifj'. CHAPTER XXIX. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continned — Little Crossings to Winding Ridge — GrantiirUle — The Old Shultz, Steiner and Fuller Howies — The Veteran, Darid Mahaney ^— Thomas Thistle, Widoiv Hcddeman, Death of Mrs. Reck nor, Negro Mountain, Keyser's Ridge, Log Cabin Boys of 1840, James Stoddard, Dennis Hoblitzell, The Fears, The McCurdys, Adam Yeast, David Johnson, Perry Shultz, Tnimun Fairall, John Woods, The Bane House, Wooing and Wedding of an Old Tavern Keeper, James Reynolds, Henry Walters. Next after leaving the Little Crossings on the AvestAA'ard march, comes Grantsville, a romantic little-^K)««±ain_£illage--ijiGa£i^t, form erly Alleghany, county, Marj'land, named long before the hero of Appomattox Avas knoAvn to fame, and therefore not in his honor. In 1833 Samuel Gillis kept a tavern in the east end of Grantsville, on the south side of the road, the same house that in later years was kept by John Slicer. It Avas a wagon stand in the time of Gillis, and Slicer did not take charge of it until business had ceased on the road. John Lehmaakept a tavern in Grantsville in 1836. He Avas a son- in-laAV, as Avas Peter Yeast, of the good oKk widow Wooding, before mentioned. The Lehman House was subsequently kept by Henry Fuller, and after him by George Smouse. It was a frame building near tho center of the village, on the south side of the street and road. In ' 1843 Henry Fuller demolished this old house, and erected a noAv one in its place. Adam Shultz kept a tavern at the east end of Grants A'ille back in the forties, and dying in charge, Avas succeeded by his son Perry, who continued it down to the year 1852, AA'hen the ancient glories of the old pike began to weaken and wane. The Shultz House was an imposing brick structure, on the south side of the road, and Avas kept for a while by the veteran David Mahaney, and at one time by Jesse King. Perry Shultz was subsequently elected sheriff of Alleghany county, Maryland. Solomon Steiner also kept a tavern in Grantsville during a portion of the prosperous era of the road. Grantsville seems to have been a faA'orite locality for tavern keepers of German names and antecedents. Steiner's tavern was a brick building, and stood on the opposite side of the road from- the old Shultz House. Steiner built it, owned it, and died in it, and his son, Archibald, con ducted it for a number of years after his father's death. It was a wagon stand. The Fuller House was kept at different times by John (209) 210 THE OLD PIKE. D. Wrench, Bazil Garletts, Barney Brown, John Slicer, William Slicer, William Beffler, John Millinger, and Nathaniel Slicer. Christian M. Livengood is the present proprietor. Archibald Steiner was succeeded in his father's old house, first, by William Shaw, and thereafter in turn by John Millinger and Jonas E. Canagy, the present proprietor^ and it is now called the Farmer's House. David Mahaney, whose name frequently appears in these pages, is a remarkable man. A boy when the National Eoad Avas made, he has lived on and near it all his life. His present residence is Dunbar, Fayette county. Pa., but he is a familiar figure on the streets of Union- town. He is the father of Lloyd Mahanej', the avoII knoAvn enter prising owner and manager of the handsome new Mahaney house in UniontoAvn, and of George Mahaney, also a popular hotel man, who at one time kept the Dixon house in Greensburg, afterward a hotel in Pittsburg, and at the present time is conducting a house in Latrobe. David Mahaney was born in Washington county, Md., near Hagers town, in 1807, and is therefore in his eighty-sixth year, while he has tbe appearance of a man not oA'or sixty. His complexion is swarthy, step elastic, and his memory but slightly impaired by the inroads of time. His father Avas a native of Culpeper county, Va., who met with -a melancholy death by droAvning in the Potomac river, on the night of the presidential election of 1856. His polling pilace Avas eight miles from his residence, in Maryland, and to reach it and A'ote involved the crossing of the Potomac. It was late in the oA'oning Avhen he left the polls to return home, and upon reaching the riA-er, by some untoAvard acci(lent fell into the water and perished. DaA'id Mahane3''s first A'cn- ture in tavern keeping on his own account Avas at the old Shultz house in Grantsyille. He Avas personally acquainted Avith Henry Clay, Thomas H. Benton, LoAvis Cass, and others of the old time statesmen, and frequently entertained them. J As early as 1836 Thomas Thistle kept a taA'ern at the foot of Negro Mountain, two miles west of Grantsville. AA'^ith a name.some- AMiat rasping in its import. Thistle had a .smooth tongue, a mild nian- n^v, and furnished excellent entertainment for the traA'eling public. He was one of the oldest and best known tavern keepers on the road. His house was a long, franie wooden building, on the south side of the road, at times a stage station, and throughout its entire existence a wagon stand. Here the National Eoad crosses the line of the old Braddock road. In 1844 William Dehaven kept the old Thistle tavern, and later it Avas kept by Levi Dean. One and a half miles west from the old Thistle house, and on the eastern slope of Negro Mountain, the AvidoAv Haldeman kept a tavern as early as 1840, and like all the widoAvs, had a large patronage. While conducting this house, Mrs. Haldeman became the Avife of Daniel Smouse, who thereafter took charge of it. The house Avas a log building, on the south side of the road, tind the spacious grounds surrounding it were croAvded, night after night, with six-horse teams and big, broad Avheeled wagons, covered with canvass, presenting the DAVID MAHANY. THE OLD PIKE. , 211 appearance of a military encampment. This old house Avas sub sequently kept by George Smouse, and later by John Wright. The Avidow Eecknor, of savoiy memory, before mentioned, died a boarder in this old tavern, much lamented. OuAvard, AvestAvard and upward, the crest of Negro Monntain is reached. There are soA'oral versions of the origin of the name of this mountain. Probablj' the one most worthy- of acceptance is that in tho early collisions betAveen the AA'hites and the Indians, a negro appeared as an allj' of the Indians in a confiict on this mountain, and^ Avas among the slain. Negro Mountain is tAvo thousand eight hun dred' and tAvontj'-fiA'e feet above the level of the Atlantic ocean, and the second highest elevation on the line of the road. The old com missioners give the height of the mountain as tAvo thou.sand three hundred and tAventy -eight and twelve one-hundredths feet, from their base of measurement in the Potomac, near Cumberland, and as before stated, make no mention of Keyser's Eidge. In the year 1836 Den nis Hoblitzell kept a taA-ern near the summit of Negro Mountaiu, on the eastern slope He Avas the father of Mrs. McClelland, of the McClelland house in Uniontown. This old tavern is a .stone building, on the north side ofthe road, and the same that in after years became celebrated as a resort for hog droA'ers, under the management of Wil liam Sheets. It AA'as kept as a tavern after Hoblitzell left it, and be fore the time of Sheets, by Thomas Beall. Two miles Avest from Negro Mountain J^eyser's Eidge looms up in vioAv. This was a famous locality in the prosperoas days of the road. It is a bald, bleak range, not inaptly described as the back-bone of the mountains. It is two thousand eight hundred and forty-three feet above sea level, and the highest point on the road. In the olden. time snow drifts often accumulated to the depth of twentyJJeetjM-- Keyser';CiEiilg57"arftd^ages_ajid-.^w«g5iis AveT^ comp'oHed'totake to tho skirting glades tiravoid thejfm Fi^TCis-Mt^'aErrbTid-ge-lfept-a ta-s'efii here as early as 1820, and Avas succeeded by Eobert Hunter, and ho by James Stoddard, some time previous to 1840. Hunter went from this house to Petersburg. James Stoddard was the grandfather of Mrs. McClelland, of the McClelland house, UniontoAvn. Stages stopped at Stoddard's, as well as wagoners and travelers of every description. The log cabin boys of Uniontown stopped at Stoddard's the first night out on their memorable trip to Baltimore, in 1840, to attend the great Whig mass meeting of that year in that city. They had with them, on wheels, a regular log cabin, well stored with refreshments of every kind, and the very best; and every mile of their long journey re sounded with lasty shouts for "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too." B. B. Dawson, esq., and Lucien B. Bowie, of Uniontown, are the only sur vivors of that unique pilgrimage, so far as can be ascertained. The party consisted of such distinguished and well remembered Whigs, of Uniontown,«as James Veech, Alfred Patterson, Eice G. Hopwood, Thomas E. Davidson, Lee Haymaker, John Harvey, William Mc Donald, Eobert L. Barry, James Endsley, William E. Austin, E. B. 212 THE OLD PIKE. Dawson and Lucien B. Bowie. There were doubtless others, but OAving to the long lapse of time their names are not recalled. Eed ding Bunting drove the team that hauled the cabin, and Thomas A. Wiley Avas with the party as an employe of the Stockton stage line, Avhich furnished foul' coaches for the transportation of the political pilgrims. James Endsley Avas of the Somerfield family of Endslej's, a""nd died in that place in July, 1893. At MiddletoAvn, a short distance east of South Mountain, in Maryland, the log cabin boys Avere con fronted Avith a petticoat siuspended from a pole, which excited them to rage A collision and a fight ensued. John Harvey, the muscular man of the log cabin boys, engaged a like representative of the other side, and it is claimed, by the friends of Harvey, that he vanquished his antagonist. It is not improbable that both sides claimed a A'ictory. The party reached Baltimore safely and on time, and were received in that city with great enthusiasm. They were tendered a reception speech, AA'hich was delivered by "The Milford Bard," a celebrated Baltimore poet and orator of that day, and the speech responsive was made by William E. Austin, who Avas a graceful orator, and his effort on this occasion was one of his best. The Stoddard House, at Keys er's Eidge, Avas subsequently and successively kept by Dennis Hoblit zell, William Fear, one of the McCurdys, Adam "Yeast and David Johnson, the latter the .stepfather of Mrs. McClelland, of the Mc Clelland House, UniontoAvn, before mentioned, Avho was born in this house AA'hen it was kept by her father, Dennis Hoblitzell. William Fear OAvned the old Stoddard House, and sold it to Perry Shultz, who conducted it as a tavern for a number of years, in addition to the parties above named. William and Daniel Fear Avere brothers. William, upon quitting the road, removed to Virginia, where he lived to an old age and died. Daniel exchanged the mountains for the rich valley of the Monongahela, and ended his days in Brownsville. In 1840 Truman Fairall built a house on Keyser's Eidge, and conducted it as a tavern down to the year 1853, and a short time thereafter moved to .the State of Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life. The Stockton line of coaches .stopped at Fairall's. Fairall was a na tive of Old Virginia. Samuel Fairall, a son of Truman, the old taA' ern keeper, at one time a student in the Dunlap's Creek Academy, near Merrittstown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, is a law judge in one of the courts of Iowa. About half a mile west of Keyser's Eidge, and in the year 1850, John Woods built a house and conducted it as a taA'ern until the close of business on the road. He Avas an uncle of Henry, Thomas and Alexander Woods, of UniontoAvn, and an old Avagoner. Sandy Con nor, the old blacksmith of Keyser's Eidge, and occasionally a stage driver, retired to an humble dwelling on the road side, opposite the Woods House, and there in the depths of the mountains took final leave of the old road and all ils endearing memories. • Tavo miles Avest of Keyser's Eidge an old Avagon stand tavern Avas kept by Daniel Fear, before mentioned, Avho was the father of THE OLD PIKE, 213 John G. Fear, AA'ho kept the old Workman House, in Brownsville, a few years ago, George AV. Fear, formerly a wholesale liquor merehant in the same place, and Frank Fear, who once kept the Yough House in Connellsville. The old Fear tavern referred to was also at one time kept by Harvey Bane and by William Carlisle, and later by David Johnson. It was a frame house on the north side ofthe road. AVithin the venerable Avails of this old tavern, and amid the romantic Avalks about it, AA'hen it Avas kept by David Johnson, Alfred McClelland, the renowned old tavern keeper of Uniontown, Avooed and won his bride, and'here in 1856 Avas happily married to Miss Sarah E. Hob litzell, now, and for many years, a Avidow, and reigning mistress of the old McClelland House, in Uniontown, one of the most famous of all the far famed hostelries of the road. About three-fourths of a mile Avest from the old Fear House, in later years better known as the Bane House, James Eeynolds estab lished a tavern as early as the year 1818, and continued to preside over it and entertain the traveling public until the year 1843. It was a popular AA-agon stand in its day. James Eeynolds, its old proprie tor, was the father of William Eeynolds, elsewhere mentioned as an old wagoner, tavern keeper and express agent. Daniel Fear suc ceeded James Eeynolds in the old house mentioned, and conducted it for a term of four years. He next moved to a wooden house about three hundred yards to the westward, and kept it as a tavern for two years. This old house was built by Jacob Frederic Augustine, and known as the Augustine House. From this old house Daniel Fear moved to Sand Springs, and kept tho old Hiram Sutton house at that point for a term of tvvo years, at the end of which he moved to Brownsville, and died suddenly in Uniontown on July 7, 1854, while on a business errand to that place. John Woods succeeded Fear in the Augustine House. AVithin a distance of one hundred yards westward from the old Eey nolds House, and in the year 1845, Henry Walters erected a wooden building and embarked in the business of tavern keeping. After a brief experience in this line, he removed to Hopwood, where he oper ated a blacksmith shop. While in Hopwood, and from the savings of tavern keeping and blacksmithing, he purchased the land on Dunbar's Camp, occupied it a number of years, sold it at an advance to Dr. Waters, of the Soldiers' Orphans' School, and with his added accu mulations, bought the old Grier-BroAvn farm on Eedstone creek, in Franklin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, founded the vil lage of Waltersburg, and about two years ago died, leaving his family a comfortable inheritance. He is well remembered as an amiable, industrious and money accumulating citizen of German origin. loa CHAPTER XXX. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Winding Ridge to the Big Crossings — The State Line — How it is Noted — The Old Stone Tavern on Winding Ridge, .Tohn Welsh, Major Paul, The Wables, Edward C. Jones, Tlie Augustirtes, Daniel Blucher, Petersburg, Gen. Pas's, William Roddy, Gabriel Abrams, The Risler Family, Col. Samuel Elder, Robert Hunter, John McMullin, Alfred Newlon, Lott Watson, John Mitchell, John Bradfield, The Temple of Juno, The Big Crossings, Endsley's Old Tavern, John Campbell, William Imhoff— An Old Time Fourth of July Celebration. From Baltimore to the point last mentioned in the preceding chapter, all the old taverns on the road are in the State of Maryland. The road crosses the dividing line between the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania, near the eastern foot of Winding Eidge. The crossing point is marked by a metal slab shaped like the ordinary mile post, and bears this inscription on one side: "State Line, Md. 96f to Wheeling, to Petersburg, 2f." On the other side: "State Line, Penna. 34J to Cumberland, to Frostburg, 23J." Near the top of Winding Eidge, and in Somerset county^Pa., there is an old stone tavern Avhich was built as early as the year 1819, and by John Welsh, who occupied it and conducted it down to the year 1821, when it passed to the management of Samuel Denni- ,son, Avho was succeeded in turn by M. J. Clark, Isaac Ochletree, Peter Yeast, Maj. William Paul, Michael Cresap, Eobert Boice and AVilliam Lenhart. John Welsh, avIio built this house and first occupied it, Avas the father-in-law of Aden Clary, avoII knoAvn in the early history of the road. Major Paul kept this house iu 1836, and for some time thereafter. He subsequently kept a tavern in AA^ashington, Pa., on Maiden street, opposite the female seminary, and later in AA^est BroAvns ville, where he died more than fortj- years ago. He Avas familiarly known from one end of the road to the other. A^oluble in speech, rotund in form, and ruddy in complexion, Major Paul Avas a fine type of the jolly landlord of the old road. Ho had a daughter, the Avife of Aaron Wyatt, an old tavern keeper of the road, aa'Iio ahvays enjoyed the reputation of keeping a good house, oAving in all probability to the early and practical training of his Avife, Mrs. Patrick at one time owned and occupied the old stone house on top of AVinding Eidge, She was the mother of W. W. Patrick, now, and for many years, the intelligent head of the old reputable and successful banking house of E. Patrick & Co., of Pittsburg, About the year 1850 the stables. (214) JOHN RISLER. THE OLD PIKE, 215 appurtenant to the old stone tavern, above mentioned, and when it was kept by William Lenhart, were destroyed by fire, supposed to haA-e been the incendiary work of a disreputable woman. Th'e loss was serious, and included tAvo fine horses, the property of William Hall, the tj'pical old regular wagoner, hereinbefore mentioned. Winding Eidge derives its name from the tortuous course of the old Braddock road up the mountain, at that point. At the foot of Winding Eidge, on the north side of the road, an old Avagon and drove stand was kept as early as the year 1820, by John Wable. This old tavern keeper was probably well advanced in years Avhen he first put out his sign, and from this old house he was summoned to his last account. He had two sons, John and Jacob, Avho succeeded him in the management of the old tavern, as tenants in common. The sons applied themselves assiduously to the business of entertaining the public, and after a brief experience, concluded that their father's old house was too small to meet the demands ofthe increasing trade and travel of the road, and accordingly' tore it down and erected a nevv and larger one in its place. The new house at tracted a paying business, and remains a well known landmark of the road. In course of time the Wables left this house, and their suc cessor was Edward C. Jones, the grandfather, on the maternal line, of Caleb and Noble McCormick, of Uniontown. This was more than fifty years ago. Mr. Jones moved from this old house to Searights, where he resided for a time, and subsequently located in New Salem, where he died. The old Wable house next passed to the hands of Jonas Augustine, who became its owner and conducted it as a tavern for many years, doing a good' business. While in charge of this old taA'ern he was elected a member of the legislature of Pennsyl vania for Somerset county, and represented his constituents Avith recognized fidelity. He died soon after his legislative career ended, and the" old tavern was purchased by his brother, Daniel Augustine, who kept it for many years, and until tavern keeping on the road ceased to be profitable. Previous to the occupancy of Daniel Augus tine, this house was kept for brief periods between 1840 and 1845, first by Michael Cresap, and after him by Joseph Whetstone. Cresap Avent from this house to the stone house on Winding Eidge. The widow of Jonas Augustine, well advanced in years, occupies this old house at the present time, as a private residence, and Daniel Augus tine is' a resident of Petersburg, and regarded as the richest man in that town. One mile west of Augustine's, Daniel Blucher kept a tavern as early as 1828. He was a German, and his custom consisted mainly of the patronage of old wagoners. This house dropped from the roll of taverns long before the great travel on the road ceased. The ancient and picturesque village of Petersburg is the next point reached on the westward march, Petersburg is noted for its healthful location and the beauty of the surrounding scenery. It has always been a popular resort for summer tourists seeking exemption 216 THE OLD PIKE. from the stifling heat of crowded cities. Here lives * Gen. Moses A. Eoss, a retired merchant, who did business in the village for fifty.years, and gained the confidence and enjoys the esteem of all his neighbors. A number of years ago his fellow citizens elected him to the legisla ture, and he served them intelligently, faithfully and honestly. He is a christian gentleman, and his long and honest business career on the road entitles him to be classed as a pike boy, well worthy of honor able mention. General Eoss was born in Masontown, Fayette Co., Pa., in the year 1810. Here also lived for many years, ^nd died, William Eoddy, who was at one time a superintendent of the road, and a gentleman of unquestioned integrity. The first tavern eA'or kept in Petersburg Avas by Gabriel Abrams, father of the late Judge Abrams, of BroAvnsville. It was a frame house, on the south side of the road, and built by Gabriel Abrams, aforesaid. This house did a large business throughout the entire career of the road, as a national highway. Subsequent to the time of Abrams it was conducted suc- cessiA'ely and successfully by John Skinner, Daniel Clary (in 1830).' William Eeynolds, Thomas Brownfield, James Marlow, Michael Cresap, Peter Turney, Joseph Hendrickson and Henry Magee. A frame house on the north side, erected by Henry Wentling, Avas conducted by him as a taA'ern from 1820 to 1829, when he leased it to John Eis ler, a celebrated old tavern keeper, who kept at various point's on the road in the days of its glory. Mr. Eisler Avas the father-in-laAv ofthe venerable Harrison Wiggins, Brown Hadden, and the late Stephen W. Snyder, and it is the tradition of the road that Avherever a kitchen and a dining room were controlled by a female member of the Eisler family, there a Avell cooked and relishable meal was sure to be ob tained. Mr. Eisler was succeeded in the old Wentling house by James Connelly, and he, in 1835, by the stalwart and popular old wagoner, Matthias Fry. Fry remained in charge until the spring of 1838, when he turned it over.to John Bell, Avho AA'as succeeded by his son-in-laAv, .Col. Samuel Elder, avIio remained in charge until some time late in the forties, when he moved to DniontoAvn and took the management of the National house in that place. In the year 1832 Eobert Hunter opened a taA'ern in a brick house, on the south side of the road and street, in Petersburg, and conducted it for many years Avith marked success. Mrs. Hunter, the old and amiable hostess of this house, is remembered asAvell for her good qualities as a housekeeper as for her immense size. She Aveighed tAvo hundred and fifty pounds. This old house was subsequently kept by John A. AA'alker, John McMullin, Alfred NcAvlon and Lott Watson, in the order given, and Avas ahvays Avell kept. The stage coaches of one of the- early lines stopped at this house, and it has been extensively patronized by summer A-isitors and pleasure seekers. It Avas one of the very best eating houses on the road, and is continued as a tavern to this day ly Mr, Mitchell, who holds a license and keeps a good house, John E. Eeeside mar ried a step-daughter of John McMullin. •> Died December 12, 1893. THE OLD PIKE. 217 At a very early period in tho road's history, John Mitchell kept a tavern one mile Avest of Petersburg, on the north side. Besides doing a general business, this old house was a station for the first line of stages on the road. It Avas destoyed by fire on the 31st day of October, 1828, and supplied by a new log structure, which was kept as a tavern for many years by John Mitchell, jr., who erected near the old site the present large and substantial brick building in which he is now living, one of the oldest men on the road. On the oppo site side of the road from this house immense stabling was erected, in after years supplemented by cattle and hay scales, all of which are still standing, tending slightly toAvards dilapidation and decay, but in a much better state of preservation than most of the old stables of the road. There is a large and fertile farm connected with this old tavern stand, Avell managed, under the direction of its venerable owner, *John Mitchell. A short distance Avest from Mitchell's, a large brick house on the north side of the road, was kept as a tavern by John Bradfield in 1840, and later. The locality was known as Newbury, John Brad field was the general agent of the first heavy freight line put on the road, moved by six horse teams, stationed at intervals of fifteen miles. He Avas an old wagoner, and a good business man, and before going to Newbury kept a tavern in AVheeling and in Washington, Pennsyl vania. After Bradfield's retirement the Newbury house was continued as a tavern by Moses Jennings. Less than a mile Avest of Newbury, on the north side of the road, an old building once used as a tavern, attracts special attention by -reason of the singular style of its architecture. It is a Avooden struc ture, commonly called a frame, with an unusually high portico in front, supported by four round and tall wooden columns, tapering upward and and dowiiAvard from the centers. It reminds one ofthe old pictures ofthe temple of Juno, aud possibly the designer had that ancient temple in vieAv Avhen he planned this old tavern. He is said to haA'e been a native of the vicinity, not likely vei-sed in the classic orders of architecture, but the style he adopted in this instance might reasonably be regarded as the Monogynous. Tavo immense stables appurtenant to this old tavern, one log, the other frame, both still standing, Aveather beaten, empty, and useless, bear silent, but impres sive testimony to the thrift of other days, and impart a tinge of melancholy to the memories of the old pike. Daniel Show was the original OAvner of the quaint old -building above described, and its first occupant. He sold it to Samuel Easter, who conducted it for a brief period, and was succeeded by Peter Lenhart, mentioned here inafter as "Shellbark." Samuel Thompson succeeded Lenhart, and he in 1846 Avas succeeded by Mrs. Metzgar, who subsequently became the Avife of John Ohvine. And noAv the hills that skirt the Youghiogheny river rise tOA-'icAv, and Somerfield is reached, an ancient little town, which the old metal •Died in -1892. 218 THE OLD PIKE. mile posts on the road persist in calling Smithfield. That this town was once called Smithfield there can be no doubt, and that it now is SomerBeld is equally clear. It was originally called Smithfield, be cause its founder's name was Smith, but the postoffice department changed it to Somerfield on account of the great multitude of Smiths and Smithfields in all portions of the universe. Somerfield has been the scene of many a lively incident of the old road. Here light feet, impelled by lighter hearts, tripped to the notes of merry music, and the ringing laugh and sprightly jokes of the old stage driver and. Avagoner, enlivened the now dull halls of the old taverns. The most noted old tavern keeper of Somerfield was Capt. Thomas Endsley. Somerfield was always a stage station, the second relay east of Union- town. The Endsley House was the headquartersof Stockton's line. It is a stone building, and stands near the bank, of the river at the western end of the town, and was erected in the. year 1818 by Kin kead, Beck & Evans, the old bridge builders, and occupied and con ducted as a tavern by James Kinkead, the senior member of the firm, from the date of its completion to the year 1822. John Campbell was its next occupant, who kept it for a term of two years, and until 1824. Capt, Endsley then took charge of it, and conducted it doAvn to tho year 1829. John Shaffer kept it from 1829 to 1831, when Capt. Endsley again took charge and continued doAvn to 1834, Avhen Eedding Bunting was installed, and conducted it down to the year 1837. He was succeeded by John Eichards, Avho remained in charge until 1840, Squire Hagan conducted it from 1840 to 1842, and Aaron AVyatt from 1842 to 1847, when Capt, Endsley, the third time, re entered, and remained in charge until 1852,Avhen he gave place to his son William, the present incumbent. This old house is as solid as when first constructed. Its foundation AA'alls are not the least im paired, and its mortar pointings are as hard as the stones, Avhile the wood work, and notably the doors, casings and mantel pieces, are in a perfect state of preservation, attesting the skill of the mechanics at the early period in which the house Avas built. Near tho center of the town, on the south side of the street, an old log taA'ern Avas kept by John Campbell, as early as the year 1824, and immediately after his retirement from the Endsley House. He was succeeded in turn at this house by L. C. Dunn, Samuel Frazee, Moses Jennings, and John Bradfield. The June Bug line of stages stopped at tbis house, aud for a while the Good Intent line. It Avent out of business in 1853, Avas remodeled and improA'cd, and is ifoAv the private resi dence of James Watson. Prior to 1837 and doAvn to 1849 a tavern was kept on the north side of the street in Somerfield, by Daniel Blucher, J. Tantlinger, Capt. Morrow, Aaron Wj'att, Andrew Craig, Samuel Thompson and .P. E, Sides, in the order given. This house ceased to do business in 1849, and was pulled doAvn in 1883, and never rebuilt. In 1823 James Kinkead, the old bridge builder, kept a taA-ern in a brick house on the south side of the street in Somerfield. This _ house Avas afterward and successively kept by AA''illiam Imhoff, James THE ENDSLEY HOUSE. THE OLD PIKE. 219 Watson, Lot Watson, John Irvin and Ephraim Vansickle. Vansicklo Avas a blind man and engaged in tavern keeping when the glory of the road was fading aAvay. He had many of the elements of a suc cessful taA-ern keeper, and furnished satisfactory entertainment to the toAv travelers and strangers Avho sought shelter and refreshment un- , dor his kindly roof; but he was too late. Tavern keejiing on the National Eoad Avas but a legend Avhen he embarked in the business, aud he Avas constrained to listen day after day, and night after night to the gloAving recitals of the good times in bygone years, and recon cile himself as best be could to the existing situation. At Somerfield the road crosses the Youghiogheny river over a large, handsome and substantial stone bridge, three hundred and seventy-five feet in length, with three symmetrical arches, and appropriately named by old pike boys the Big Crossings. A large dressed stone in the Avall of this bridge above the surface of the road, and near the eastern end, . bears the inscription; " Kinkead, Beck & Evans, builders, July 4th, 1818." The day of the month, the anniversary of Independence, is given because on that day the bridge Avas finished, and the occasion was celebrated Avith great eclat. The inhabitants of the' mountains for miles around, male and female, old and young, with old fashioned banners and old fashioned music, turned out in great numbers, in spired by that genuine patriotism Avhich characterized the earlj' period of our country's independence, while yet many of the soldiers of the revolution Avere living, and Avere addressed in eloquent terms by the Hon. AndreAv Stewart, Col. Samuel Evans, Hon. John DaAv- son and John M. Austin, of UnioutoAvn. CHAPTER XXXI. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Big Crossings to Mt. Washington — Old Sliellbark, Jacob Probasco, Jockey Hollow, Old Tom Brown, Mt. Augusta, Marlow' s, tfie Three Cabins, McCollough' s — A Fugitive Slave Tragedy — A Sermon cut short by the Baying of Hounds ^^ Charley Rush — The Sheep's Ear — the Bull's Head, the Old Inks House, Nick McCartney, Boss Rush, Sn,muel Frazer, John Rush. The first old tavern Avest of the "Big Crossings," and the first in Fayette county. Pa. (for the river here is the boundary line between the counties of Fayette and Somerset), is that Avhich for many years was kept by Peter Lenhart, commonly known as " Shellbark." This is a two-story house, originally built with logs, but subsequently weather-boarded and painted red. The red, however, has long since disajipeared, and it now wears the dingy, dark colored hue that settles upon all ancient buildings. A man named Bbert built this house and occupied it as a private residence. He w-as a tanner by trade, and a justice of the peace. He sold out to Peter Lenhart's father, who occupied the house also as a private residence until his death, when his son Peter succeeded him and opened up the house as a tavern, and soon after added a distillery. The house had a good custom and "Shellbark" was prosperous. He was an eccentric man, and like Orator Puff, had tAvo tones to his voice. He had a habit, upon rising every morning, of cutting a large slice from a loaf of bread, spreading it with butter, and eating it in connection with a glass of whiskey. He enjoyed this matutinal habit for many years, and rarely omitted it. Why he was called '' Shellbark " is not accu rately known. He was in early life an old-line Democrat, but in later years got " mixed up," and seemed to have lost his political moorings. He died a few years ago, and his widow and daughter remain in the old house, occasionally entertaining strangers and trav elers in very satisfactory style. The next old tavern stand is about half a mile from Lenhart's, on the south side of the road. The line of the National Eoad here is the .same as that of the old Braddock road, and this house was kept as a tavern by Andrew Flenniken, before tho National Eoad Avas constructed. Jacob Probasco succeeded Flen niken in this house. Besides keeping a tavern, Probasco had teams on the road, Avas a contractor for repairs, operated a store, put up and operated a grist and saw mill, and engaged in many other en terprises. One of his contracts was for taking up a portion of the old road bed. At first, as elsewhere noted, the road Avas paved with large boulders, Avhich were subsequentlj' taken up and their places supplied by stones broken into small pieces. There are points along ( 220 ) THE BIG CROSSINGS. THE OLD PIKE. 221 the road Avhoro tho old bed remains, and hero the road is in bettor condition than olsoAvhere, Avhich has started the belief that it Avas a mistake to take up the original bed; but this is a disputed and un settled question. Prominent among- those Avho thought it Avas a mis take to take up the original road bod Avas Capt. Thomas Endsley, tho old tavern keeper of .'Somerfield. He argued the question on manj' occasions Avith the eugiuoors, and after the work was done adhered to his opinion, and characterized the plan as a foolish notion of inex perienced young cadets. Probasco got into trouble in attempting to collect a claim by attachment, Avas indicted for perjury, and soon after left the State, settling in Ohio, and there became prominent and AA'ealthy. It Avas a relative, probably a son of Jacob Probasco, Avho donated the money for the erection of the celebrated fountains in the city of Cincinnati. Probasco sold out to Peter Baker, who kept the house a number of years, and he Avas succeeded in turn by John Irvin, Jacob Eichards, Charles Kemp, Aaron Wyatt, Morris Mauler,. Aden Clary and Alexander Speers. It Avas a stage house, and passen gers by one of the coach lines took meals there. John Conway uoav occupies the property, and it is OAvned by Aden Clary, of Frostburg, Maryland. The house is long and narrow, made up of different structures erected at different times, one part- stone, another log, and a third frame, all hoav, and for a long time heretofore, joined together and enclosed by weather-boarding. The intervening space between this and the Youghiogheny river is called " Jockey Hollow," a loA'ol piece of road upon which horses AA-ere run and cock-fighting prac ticed. Hence the name Jockey Hollow. Bphriam Vansiclde, "Blind Eph," as he Avas called, kept a tavern manj' years in an old log house in Jockey Hollow, and did a good business. This house was never kept as a tavern by any other person- than Vansickle. He subse quently kept a tavern in Somerfield. Nicholas Bradley, who died a foAv years ago, was an old denizen of Jockey HoIIoav. He Avas a con tractor on the original construction of the road, and as his name im plies, an Irishman. His son, Daniel, still lives here, an active business man and an infiuential Democratic politician. * Jeremiah Easter, esq.. Democratic Jury Commissioner, also lives here. John Conway once kept a tavern in the "bend of the road" near the foot of the hill, about half a mile west of Jockey Hollow. This house was a log structure, long since demolished, and a small frame now stands on the old site. John Conway Avas Daniel Bradley's grandfather, long since dead, and therefore not the man at present occupying the old Probasco tavern. Next is the old tavern of Thomas Brown. This is a large stone house, built by Mr. Brown about the time the road was made. It stands on the south side of the road. Brown kept it as a tavern from the time it was built until the time of his death. Col. Ben Brown field and Gen. Henry W. Beeson were wont to come here on their sleighing excursions in the olden time, often remaining many nights • Now deceased. 222 THE OLD PIKE. and days enjoying themselves in dancing and feasting. Brown Avas a good fiddler, and furnished his guests with mu-sic, as well as other means of entertainment. He was a large man with a shrill voice, and considered a popular landlord. The property remained in the Brown family a fcAV years after the death of the old proprietor, and ultimately fell into the hands of Jacob Umberson, the present occu pant. The elections of Henry Clay township Avere formerly held at this house, and many exciting scenes have been Avitnessed here on election day. The next old tavern site is Mt. Augusta. (Site is used because the old brick taA'ern house that stood here for so many years Avas burned down some time ago, and has not been rebuilt.) It was one of the largest and most commodious houses on the road, Avith two large water troughs and extensive stabling among the appurtenances. In the palmy days of the road it did a large business. John Collier Avas the original oAvner and occupant of this property. At his death it fell into the hands of his son, Daniel, who kept it for a number of years and sold out to Thomas Brownfield. Brownfield kept tavern here for thirty years, and sold out to John O'Hegarty, the present OAvner and occupant. Daniel Collier moved from here to Georges township, where he died a few years ago, the owner of a large estate. BroAvnfield became successively commissioner and sheriff of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and at the close of his term as sheriff removed to the State of Missouri, Avhere he died. The sale of this property by BroAvnfield to O'Hegarty, Avas effected through the agency of the celebrated Henry Clay Dean. O'Hegarty lived in Lebanon county. Pennsylvania, when bo became the purchaser. The old tavern house Avas burnt during the occupancy of Mr. O'Hegarty. After the fire he moved into a frame tenant house, on the opposite side of the road, a little to the east, where he lives uoav. He is an acting justice of the peace, esteemed for his honesty and probity, and wields great influ ence among his neighbors. Next is a stone house on the south side of the road, first kept as a tavern by William ShaAA', and afterward by William Griffin, Charles Kemp, Isaac Denny and "William A. Stone, in the order given. It did a good business, and Avas regarded as a good house. Next comes the old Marlow House. This is a large two-story brick building, near the summit of a long hill. On the opposite side of the road a large stable was erected, capable of sheltering a hun dred horses, and now in a decaying condition. The indispensable Avater-trough Avas here also. This house Avas built and kept as a tavern by Benjamin Miller, the grandfather of Ben,, Jeff and Sam Miller, of UniontoAvn. Miller sold the property to James MarloAv. Marlow kept it a long time, and died in it. At the time of his death he was superintendent ofthe road. He was a short, heavy set, quiet man, and came from Maryland. He had several sons, all of ^vhom AA-ent west many years ago, and one of them is now the proprietor of the "American hotel," in the city of Denver. Benjamin Miller Avas t ¦ ^^y^ ^x .#¦, ¦*¦ DANIEL COLLIER. THE OLD PIKE. 223 once a candidate for tho Legislature, and pending his canvass de clared, "By the Eternal, if the people did not elect him he would go up on the hill overlooking Harrisburg, and look doAvn Avith contempt upon the Capitol." He Avas not elected. At the foot of the hill, beloAv the Marlow House, stood, in the olden time, a cluster of small log cabins, three in number, Avhich con stituted a tavern stand knoAvn as the "Bush House," or "Three Cabins, ' This quaint old taA-ern Avas kept bj' one Leonard Clark, Avho entertained a great many strangers and traA-elers, especially such as Avero in quest of something to slake their thirst. Its best business days Avere during the time the road Avas undergoing Gonstriiction, and upon its completion the " Three Cabins"' succumbed to more preten tious inns. These cabins were coA-ered Avith clap-boards; the chim neys built of rough stones, and "topped out" Avith mud and sticks. Clark, the old proprietor, retired from public life soon after the com pletion of the road, Avent Avest, left his cabins to the tender mercies of the elements, and scarcely a trace of them can be seen at this day. That jolly times occurred at this old tavern, among the early pike boys, there can be no question. The next house is a two-story stone building with jDortico in front, knoAvn in recent years as the "Old McCollough Stand." It Avas built and first kept as a taA'ern by a man named Bryant. James Sampey, Isaac Nixon, Morris Mauler and Nicholas McCartney, each kept this house for shorter or longer terms before McCollough went into it. Col. John W. McCollough, who became the OAvner of the propertj-, kept tavern here for many years, and died the proprietor. He Avas a man "of stahvart size, a talking man and a politician. He Avas likewise a contractor, and did much work on the road. He left a Avidow and several children. * Jim and Nick, tAvo of his sons, are well known pike boys. His f widow married 'Squire Burke, who now occupies the house, and there is no place on the road where a better meal can be obtained. A tragedy Avas enacted at this house which forms a memorable event in the history of the old pike, and served as a good text for the old anti-slavery agitators. It was on the 4th of July, 1845. Early in the morning of that day, while a number of wagoners were engaged in feeding and cleaning their teams, as they stood in the wagon yard, a negro passed along the road, and William King, one of the wagoners aforesaid, cried out in a loud voice to Nicholas McCartney, who was then keeping the house, "There goes a runaway nigger." "Are you sure of that? " inquired McCartney, "I am," replied King, whereupon McCartney darted after the negro and captured him a short distance south of the house, the rocks and brush in that locality having impeded the progress of the fugitive. McCartney led him into the house, and informed him that he was going to take him back to his master in Maryland. The negro seemed submissive, and McCartney placed him in charge of one Atwell Holland, his brother-in-law, while he went for a horse to carry * Both now dead. t Now dead. 224 THE OLD PIKE. out his purpose of taking him back to Maryland. During McCart ney's absence the negro ran out of the house, and AtAvell and others pursued him. Atwell being more fleet than any of the other jiur- suers, soon overtook the negro, Avhereupon he wheeled upon Holland, drcAV a dirk knife from his pocket, struck it into his pursuer's heart, and made good his escape. Holland immediately fell to the ground, and expired while being borne to the house by his companions. Among the persons present on this tragic occasion, Avas one LcAvis Mitchell, Avho was a great hunter and an occasional preacher. While Holland was lying on the ground dying, Mitchell placed Avild grape leaves on his Avound, and prayed for him. Mitchell AA-as preaching once in this neighborhood, and in one of his most earnest passages, heard the yelping of hounds. He immediately ceased preaching, and exclaimed, "There are the hounds, and d — dif Lead ain't ahead," and straightway da.shed out ofthe meeting house to join the sportsmen. The next old tavern is about four hundred yards fi-om the last one, and Avas also built by Brj-ant, above mentioned, but not for a tavern. This house was kept successively by John McCollough, Morris Mauler and Adam Yeast, and isnoAv kept by*Nick McCollough. There were times Avhen it had a "good run" of patronage. Adam Yeast, one of its old occupants, Avas an eccentric character, and ulti mately became a lunatic. Next Ave come to Charley Eush's old .stand. This Avas a famous stopping place. Charles Eush settled here in the Avoods in 1838, built the house, AA'hich he occupied as a tavern until he died in 1846, in the prime of life. He ahvays kept a big team on the road, under the management of a hired driver. He Avas a brother of Bess Eush, and the father of Henry Clay Eush, a prominent and infiuen tial citizen of UniontoAvn. He Avas fond of horse racing, and always kept fast horses. His son Henry Clay Avas his favorite rider, Avho. when a small boy, appeared on the race course arrayed in the jockey outfit, and exactly filling the regulation Aveight. He AA'ould cut a sorry figure noAV, on the back of a race horse. Charles Eush Avas kind and charitable in disposition, but Avhen exigencies required, would not decline a fisticuff. Many an overbearing bully has felt the damaging effects of his well-aimed bloAvs. He entertained strangers and travelers at his hospitable board, Avhether they had the means of paying their bills or not, but ahva.A-s preferred that impecunious guests should inform him of their condition before engaging accom modations. On one occasion an Irishman tarried Avith him over night, and in the morning, after breakfast, informed him that he had no money to pay his bill. " AVhj- didn't you tell mo that last night? " sharply inquired Mr. Eush. "Aud faith, sir," replied the Irishman, "I'm very sorry to tell you of it this morning." Eush, pleased Avith his wit, absolved him from his bill, .gave him a parting drink, and al lowed him to go "Scot free." 'i- AVilliam L. Smith, esq., ex-county commissioner, married the AvidoAV .Eush, and occupies the old stand as " since deceased. t Now dead. SEBASTIAN RUSH. TIIE OLD PIKE. 225 a private residence Sainuol Eush, a fanner, and brother of Charles, li\:ed about throe miles from here, back iu tbe country. He Avas a contractor on the road, and an energetic, honest and highly respected citizen. He Avas the father of * Marker Eush, the proprietor of the Avoll kuoAvn "Eush House," near the Union Depot, in Pittsburg. Marker must have inherited his fondness for the sports of the day through his uncle Charles, as his father Avas not given to Avorldly in dulgences. There Avas a little log house a short distance Avest of Charley Eush's old stand, Avhich Avas kept as a tavern for a foAv years by Bd Avard Dean. It was not one of the original taverns, and not con sidered "regular. " The pike boys of the neighborhood called it the •-Sheep's Ear." Its chief business consisted in selling whisky at three cents a drink, Avhich Avas the price of whisky all along the road. F. H. Oliphant, the avcU known iron manufacturer, probably the old est in the State, once put a line of wagons on the road to carry goods and merchandise from Brownsville to Cumberland. The wagons were draAvn by mules, and the teams changed at fixed points along the road. This old Dean House Avas one of the stopping places of this line. One night some mischievous person, or persons, cut the harness of one of the teams into shreds, so that Oliphant's line did not move out the next morning from the "Sheep's Bar." Another house of similar proportions and character near by, was kept by Thomas Dean. It Avas knoAvn in the neighborhood as the "Bull's Head." It Avas the custom of the pike boys of the neighborhood to collect together in these old houses, Avhen they wore kept as taverns, now at one and then at the other, to "Avhile away" the long winter evenings, and enjoy themselves in dancing and reA'eliy. Nicholas McCartney often attended these festiA'e gatherings when a young man, and could relate manj- interesting incidents and anecdotes connected twihthe "Sheep's Bar" and "Bull's Head" inns. We next come to the old Inks House, now owned and occupied by Nicholas McCartney. This is a large franie, Aveather-boarded house, with a spacious wagon yard attached, a large stable and a number of sheds and other outbuildings. The house Avas built by George Inks, and kept by him as a taA-ern for many years. A man named Heckrote kept here once, and so also did John Eisler, and Samuel M. Clement, for many years a prosperous farmer on Eedstone creek, near UniontOAvn, entertained the traA'eling public for a brief period, in his early manhood, and proved himself a competent land lord. The house enjoyed a large share of patronage during the pros perous times on the road. fMr. McCartney, present occupant and OAvner, has been in feeble health for many months. Previous to his present illness he Avas a man of robust health and great energy. He is a son-in-law of Thomas BroAvnfield, the old proprietor of the Mt. Atigusta House. He is universally esteemed among his neighbors, and general sympathy is manifested on account of his illness. * Since deceased. t Now dead. 226 THE OLD PIKE, We next reach the celebrated house of *Sebastian Eush, invariably called "Boss." It is not a wagon stand, but an old stage house. Here stage passengers took meals, which were invariably gotten- up in the best style. The house was built in 1837 by Hon. Nathaniel BAving, Avho then owned it. Eush moved into it soon after it was finished, as lessee of Judge Ewing, and not long after purchased it, and occu pied it uninterruptedly to the present time. Here, also, is a store, postoffice and other improvements, constituting a little village called Farmington, and considered the grand commercial and business center of the mountains. Sebastian Eush is widely known as an in fluential Eepublican politician, has been superintendent of the road by appointniont of the Governor, and nominated by his- party for Associate Judge, but defeated by reason of the decided and long ex isting preponderance of the Democracy in the county. When a young man, and living in a small log house near the tavern stand of his brother, Charles, he Avas elected constable of his toAvnship, and, being too poor to own a horse, performed the functions of his office on foot. Since then he has made constables and other officers, aud OAVued horses without number. Previous to 1837 the AvidoAv Tantlinger kept tavern in an old wooden house, on the ground uoav covered by the Eush house. The store here, before "Eush came to the property, Avas conducted by Peter T. Laishley, an old and Avell knoAvn Methodist preacher, still living. He was then a Free Will Baptist. Morgan Jones also once kept store at this point. He is now a real estate broker in Philadelphia, and said to be Avealthy. He had several brothers, among them David, John and Samuel E., who were avcU known. DaA'id settled in Wisconsin, and became Lieutenant GoA-er- nor. John went to Kentucky, and became a prominent iron manu facturer. Samuel E. is a Probate Judge in southern Colorado. Allen Crane also once kejit store here.* The house hoav owned and occupied by AVashington Hensel, was once kept as a tavern by Samuel Frazer. Its public career terminated about the time Sebastian Eush located at Farmington, A short dis tance o\-er the hill, west, there is a franie house, built by John Eush, and by him kept as a taA-ern for a number of years. Henry Clay -Rush also kept this house for a short time. It is not classed among tho old taverns, but during its short public caroor enjoyed a high de gree of 230]jularity. Boss Eush, jr., lives here noAV in the capacity of a private citizen. John Eush Avas one of the most popular landlords along the road. He is a brother of Boss, aud is still living, soine- Avhere in the Avest, This old house Avas destroyed by fii-o a few years a.go, and nothing remains of it but Iavo tall chimneys, standing erect at this clay, • Deceased. m I RUINS OF THE OLD JOHN RUSH HOUSE. CHAPTER XXXii. OW Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Fort Necessity, Washington's First Battle Field, Monroe Springs, Reception to President Monroe, Gate Bob Mc Dowell, Braddock's Run and Grave, Fayette Spvings, A Trio of Old Fiddler.-<, Chalk Hill, Snyders, Old Squire Price, The Summit of Laurel Hill, Molly Cal houn, Ephriam McLean, Tlie Big Water Trough on Laurel Hill, The Goat Pen, The Turkey's Nest, Monroe, known now mostly as Hopivood, Matthias Fvy, Gev- man D. Hair, The Old Morris House, Widow Sands, Harry Gilbert. Mt. Washington is a point replete Avith historic interest. Here AVashington first measured swords Avith an enemy, and fought his first battle If is the site of Fort Necessity, and known in colonial times as the Great MeadoAvs. Gen. AVashington subsequently became tho OAvner of this property, and held it until his death. It Avas no doubt OAA-ing to the fact that bis first engagement with an armed foe took place on this ground he resolved to buy it. In his last Avill he di rected it to be sold by his executors, together Avith other real estate he held, and the proceeds divided among parties he named. The tract, Avhen owned by Washington, contained two hundred and thirty- four acres, and he valued it at six dollars an acre. He thus refers to it in a note appended to his will : -' This land is valuable on account of its local situation. It affords an exceeding good stand on Braddock's road, from Ft. Cumberland to Pittsburg, and besides a fertile soil, possesses a large quantity of natural meadoAv, fit for the scythe. It is distinguished by the appel lation of the Great Meadows, where the first action with the French, in 1754, was fought." Previous to 1835, and by divers good couA-eyances and assur ances, doAvn from Washington, this estate jiassed into the hands of the late Hon. Nathaniel Ewing, who caused to be erected on the property the large brick house, still standing, and one of the most noted old taverns on the road. Judge Ewing subsequently sold and conveyed the property to James Sampey, who went into possession and kept the tavern for many years, and until his death. The first year after Mr. Sampey's death the management of the tavern and farm was placed in charge of Eobert Hogsett, who turned over to the representative of the estate the sum of four thousand dollars, as the profits of one year. The Good Intent line of stages stopped at Sam pey's, and as showing the extent of the business of the house, Mr. 1 227) 228 THE OLD PIKE. Hogsett mentions that on one morning seventy -tAvo stage passengers took breakfast there. John Foster and James Moore subsequently kept this house. They were sons-in-law of James Sampey, and Moore Avas an old stage driver. At the close of business on tbe road, Ellis Y. Beggs purchased the property and the tavern was closed. AVilliam D. Beggs, the father of Ellis, died in this house. He had collected the 'tolls for many years at the gate near Searights, was likeAvi.se a school teacher, and a good one, and was, for a number of years, Steward of the County Home. His eldest daughter, Jane, was the second Avife of Dr. Smith Fuller, the eminent Uniontown physician. Godfrey Fazenbaker succeeded Beggs in the OAvnership, and engaged extensively iu farming and stock raising. Mr. Fazenbaker died in possession, and the property descended to his heirs, who are the present occupants. The big water-trough .still remains on the oppo site side of the road from this old taA-ern, but all else has changed since the days Avhen the proud stage driver cracked his long silken- ended whip over the backs of his four spanking steeds. The next old tavern was at Monroe Springs, on the hillside, a short distance west of one of the old round toll houses. This house Avas built by Charles McKinney, and opened uji ly- him as a tavern." It was a log house, weather-boarded, of small dimensions, uoav en tirely obliterated. Boss Eush commenced his career as a tavern keeper in the old house at this point, and it Avas kept at various times by such well known men as Wm. S. Gaither, German D. Hair, Wm, Dillon, Morris Mauler, John Eush, John Foster and David Ogg. It Avas essentially a wagon stand, and night after night, in the pros perous era of the road, the ground all around it AA-as crowded with big wagons and teams, and the old bar room rang out Avith the songs and jokes of the jolly wagoner. Opposite the house a large Avater- trough was erected, kept full and overfiowing from a spring near by, called "The Monroe Spring," in honor of President Monroe. AA'hen McKinney kept this house President Monroe passed along the road, and a public dinner Avas giA'on him here, John Hagan, then a con tractor on the original construction of the road, Avas prominently connected with the bestowal of this compliment upon the old-time President. The few old folks Avho have personal recollections of this event, speak of it as a memorable and exciting occasion. The dinner Avas substantial and superby and highly enjoyed by all pai-tieipating, including the illustrious guest. John Hagan Avas the father of Eobert Hagan, esq., ex-commissioner of Fayette county, Pennsyh-auia. One of the old .stone toll houses stood a short distance east of the Monroe Springs, and remained until 1893, Avhen it Avas torn doAvn. Hiram Seaton was one of the early collectors at this point. He Avas the father of *C. S. Seaton, the avcII known banker of UniontOAvn. He subsequently served two terms as County Treasurer. He had a wooden leg, and Avas esteemed as an honest man. IIo Avont Avest, settled in Missouri, and died there. He Avas succooded as toll collector * Now dead. HON. SAMUEL SHIPLEY. TIIE OLD PIKE. 229 by Eobort McDoAvoll, ahvays thereafter called "Gate Bob," to dis tinguish him from a nnmiior of other Avell knoAvn citizens bearing tho same name. Eobert McDoavoU Avas also an honest man, a popu lar man and a fighting man. He Avas tall, thin and muscular. His tingoi-s Avere distorted by rheumatism, but he could use thom in a fight with terrible ott'oct. lie Avas the Democratic candidate for county commissioner of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1854, but beaten by tho KiioAV Nothings. He died a fcAV years ago at Dunbar, voiy greatly lamented. The iiiemor}' of "Gate Bob" Avill long remain fresh in tho recollection of the pike boj's, old and young. The next old tavern stand is tho "Braddock's Eun House." Gen. Braddock Avas buried near this house, a day or tAvo after his disas trous defeat by the French and Indians, at Braddock's Field, near Pittsburg. The exact sjiot Avhere he Avas buried is still pointed out, and can be seen from tho road. This circumstance gaAo name to the brook here, and the tavern. The house Avas built by Charles Mc Kinney, the same person Avho built the "Monroe Springs House." He kept taA'ern here for many years. The house is a large two-.story stone structure. It Avas subsequently and successively kept by Eobert ShaAA-, Noble McCormick and William .ShaAv. This property is now OAvned by the heirs of James Dixon, and is not a public house. Next Ave come to the "Fayette Springs Hotel," a largo stone house built at an early day bythe Hon. AndroAv Stewart, Avho owned the propertj', and remained its OAvner until the day of his death. It Avas recently sold by his heirs to Capt. John Messmore, of Uniontown. This house Avas a favorite resort for visitors to the Fayette Springs, situate about three-quarters of a mile distant. In its halcyon days it had its ten-pin alley, billiard tables, SAving, and other appliances of pleasure and comfort, but they have all passed aAvay, and probably by reason of hard times, and the abatement of interest in the Springs may never again be brought into requisition. Here merry parties of young folks from UniontoAvn and elsewhere were accustomed to assemble and enjoy a hearty supper, engage in the dizzy mazes of the dance, and when it Avas all over "go home with the girls in the morning." Mahlon Fell and Tom Collins Avere the old- time fiddlers, and furnished the music, which in its line was of su perior exceHence. They were occasionally reinforced by Jacob B. Miller, esq., who tendered his services without pecuniary reward, and in the language of the day. "could make a fiddle talk." Collins is dead. *Fell and Miller are both living. The former has joined the church and abandoned the fiddle, AA'hile the latter still retains his taste and talent for music, and often entertains his friends in. a private manner, Avith many of the popular tunes of the olden time. The "Fayette Springs House" has been kept in turn by Cuthbert Wig gins. John Eisler, B. W. Earl, Samuel LcAvis, William Snyder, William Darlington, John Eush, Major SAvearingen, Eedding Bunting, Cuth bert DoAvner, and perhaps others. * AU now dead. 230 THE OLD PIKE. We next reach "Chalk Hill," so called from the circumstance of Avhite clay adhering to the shovels of the workmen engaged in dig ging the foundation of the road. The tavern house was built here in 1823 by Jonathan .Downer, who was its first host. He Avas suc ceeded by Boss Eush, and ho in turn by Springer Downer, Samuel Shipley, William Shipley and Milford Shipley. *John Ohvine noAV OAvns the property, and keeps tavern here. It is a tAVO-story frame, with commodious stabling attached. Boss Eush Avent from this house to Farmington. Samuel Shipley bought this property at an Orphans' Court sale, in 1846, for $1,405, and paid for it in gold. AA''estley Frost Avas the sheriff' and trustee to sell. Shipley subsequently be came an associate judge. He Avas more fortunate than his neighbor and fellow inn keeper, Boss Eush, in belonging to the strong side. Eush Avas one of his competitors on the Eepublican side. Next comes the old taA'ern stand of James Snyder. Snyder seeins to have been here ahvays, and is here yet. He did A-acate a short time for William ShaAV, but not long enough to change the tra dition that this is, and always was, Snyder's. The house looks old and dingy, and no wonder, for it has withstood the wild dashes of numberless mountain storms. It is situate at the foot of the eastern slope of Laurel Hill, and on the head Avaters of Sandy Creek. The old stable is decaying, and will soon be gone. The old host, too, is showing the marks of time and age. He has already passed beyond the age defined by the Psalmist. His three score and ten are supple mented by well nigh half a score. f He is the only old landmark left along the road, that has not shifted from original ground, except Natty BroAvnfield. A feAV years ago he Avas elected countA' commis sioner on the Democratic ticket, but practically Avithout opposition. He is universally esteemed for his honesty. As a taA-ern keeper he enjoyed an excellent reputation, and many a Aveary traveler has found consolation and comfort under his hospitable roof. The best Avishes of all his neighbors attend the old gentleman in his declining years. and heaven's choicest blessings are invoked upon his A-enerable head. Near the top of Laurel Hill on tho oastorn slope, once lived a noted character named Benjamin Price His house, a log structure. Avas built near the roadside, but beloAA' its surface, so that the upper story Avas about on a Ioa'cI Avith the road. He kopt a cake shoj), Avas an acting justice of the ]jeaco, and a strfct Methodist, and Avas in tho habit of annoying AA'agoners and hog drovers ly fining them for sAvoaring, and they in turn annoyed him bythroAving billets of Avood and disabled hogs down his chimney. Price is long since dead, and the last Vestige of his old house has disaiipoarod. The stable nearby it remained longer, but it has gone too. A foAV apple trees planted by the hands of the 'Squire, now encroached upon by the mountain undergrOAvth, are all that remain to indicate the spot Avhere the old house stood. Wo next reach tho "Summit House." This is not •> Now dead. t Now deceased. STONE HOUSE, DARLINGTON'S. THE OLD PIKE. 231 stand, nor strictly au old taAorn, but rather a fashionable and popular summer resort. It is ou the apox of Laurel Hill, and has the advantage of pure air. and an extensiA'o and charming vicAv of the surrounding and uiulorlying country. At this point large finger boards wore erected, iiulicating distances and routes to tho Washington Springs, Dulanoy's Cave and Jumonville's GraA'e, which are landmarks in delibly iinprossed upon the memories of surviving Avagoners and stage drivers. The proportj- here belongs to *Col. Samuel Evans, a Avealthy ami Avell knoAvii citizen of Fayette county, 'j- Ephraim McCloan kept the house hero for many years, and made it famous by the excellence and style of his entertainment. His flannel cakes and spring chickens haA'e passed into history', as unriA'alled productions of culinary art and temptevsof the appetite. There isa largo spring and bath house here. This has ever been a favorite re sort of parties in pursuit of pleasure. Here the youth, beauty and fashion of UniontOAvu Avere Avont to conic to Avhile aAvay an OA'cning in eating, dancing and other diA'ersions. The rooms Avere small, but the pleasure Avas unbounded. Here also the yeomanry of the county came to make a haiwest home, or celebrate an anniversary. The drive up and doAvn tho mountain, is delightful, and formed no small share of the pleasure incident to the old time parties at this popular place of resorl. Ephraim McCloan left this house many years ago and settled in Illinois. He Avas succeeded by Henry Clay Eush, who maintained the reputatiini of the house during his occupancy, but left it in 1856 to go to Searights. Brown Hadden came in after Eush, and after Hadden the house Avas successively kept by Stephen W. Snyder, John Snyder, AA'illiam Boyd and Webb Barnet, the present occupant. An terior to the erection of the present buildings, and many years ago, one Molly Calhoun kept a small cake shop at this point, and dis played upon her sign-board the following quaint legend : " Out of this rock, runs water clear, 'Tis soon changed into good beer. Stop, traveler, stop, if you see fit, And quench your thirst for a flppennybit." About a mile doAvn the western slope of Laurel Hill we come to the famous watering trough. Here William Downard lived for many years in a stone house built against tho hillside. He did not keep a tavern, for he had no ground for teams to stand upon, and no stabling that Avas accessible, but he ahvays maintained the big water-trough in good condition pro bono publico, a.nd it would be almost impos,sible for big teams to make the ascent of Laurel Hill, in hot weather with out water. Downard Avas eccentric and cross, and begrudged the use "of his Avater to persons he did not like, although the supply Avas in exhaustible. He was born near UniontOAvn of English parentage, a Federalist in politics, and a skeptic in religion. He Avas endoAved 'Deceased. t Deceased. 232 THE OLD PIKE. Avith strong sense, and could argue Avith considerable force. He has been dead many years. A little over a mile beloAv the big Avatcr trough the romantic spot knoAvn as the "Turkey's Nest" is i-eached. The road crosses a small stream here, Avhich, OAving to the peculiar formation of the ground, required the erection of a bridge, supported on the south .side by an immense stone Avail. This is one of the largest stone structures on the road, and is iu a good state of preservation. It is a fine specimen of Avorkmanship, and a grand monument to the skill of tho old time stonemasons. This locality has ahvays been invested Avith much in terest, aud admired by the lovers of picturesque beauty. Until re- centlj' it Avore its primitive colorings. Noav it is changed. Its prim itive appearance has disappearecl before tho advancing forces of progress and improvement. The natiA'o trees liaA'o been cut do.Avn and alittle hamlet occuj)ios their places Avith attendant stables, cribs, coops and other out-houses. The old massive curA'od stone wall re mains, but all about it so changed in appearance that the spot is scarcely recognized as the " Turkey's Nest." It is the popular be lief that this locality derived its name from the discovery here of a wild turkey's nest, by Avorkmen engaged on the original construction of the road. An old long log house, near tho foot of tho hill, Avas called tho " Goat Pen," and Avhy is not accurately knoAvn, but this name it bore from one end of the road to the other. We noAv reach the ancient and celebrated A'illage of Monroe a name it took in honor of the President hereinbefore mentioned. Approached from the oast, the first old tavern and the first house in the place is tho " Deford House," in the olden time and by old people called the General Wayne House. It appears that at an early day General AVayne had occasion to pass this Avay. and tarried over night Avith John Deford, Avho kept taA'ern in a small log house a short distance in the rear of the present building. Deford at this time Avas contemplating tho ereetion of a noAV and more imposing edifice, and applied to his distinguished guest for a plan. It avus furnished, arid the present stone structure is the outcome of it, Avhich shoAvs plainly enough that General Wayne Avas a much better soldier than architect. Deford kept tavern here for a long time and Avas succeeded first by Henry Fisher and next by Matthias Fry. Samuel ^Magio is uoav the owner of the property, and its caroor as a tavern is ended. A franie house a short distance below and on tho opposite side of tho street from the Deford House Avas once kept by James Douuison, Avho had a considerable tratle It Avas afloi-Avard' kopt by Matthias Fiy, but business then had groally decreased. Fry, in his prime, Avas one of the bost men on the road, and a ,ii-i-oal favorilo among the Avagonors. Ho had boon a A\-a.goncr hinisi-lf for many A'oars, and Avas at one time general agent foi- a transportation lino froiii Baltinioro to Wheeling, Avhich made him the disbursor of largo sums of money, and he discharged his office Avith scrupulous fidelity. Ho Avas a laro^c" JAMES SNYDER. THE OLD PIKE. 233 fine looking man, stoutly built, and ]ition of a very brief period that it Avas occupied and kopt as a taA-ern by Alexander E. AVatson. Mr. Brubaker surviA'cd the business era of the road, and died in his old tavern. He was a Pennsyh'ania Dutchman, born in Somerset county, and possessed the thrift characteristic of his race. Although econ omical and saving, be was not stinted in providing- for the comfortable entertainment of his guests, and enjoyed a large patronage, especially in tho line of Avagon custom. After ascending the long hill out from BroAvnsville, going east, old Avagoners found a pleasant resting place at Brubaker's. xVlex. E. Watson Avill be remembered by the old folks of the road as a man of small stature, but considerable energy, Avho, about forty -five years ago, ran an omnibus line between Brownsville and UniontOAvn for the conveyance of passengers. The next point is Brownsville, for many years the head of steam boat navigation on tbe Monongahela river. Here many passengers Avere transferred from the stage lines to the steamboats plying be tween this point and Pittsburg. It is shown by official figures that from 1844, the date at which the slack water improvement was com pleted to Brownsville, to 1852, Avhen through business ceased on the -National Eoad, covering a period of eight .years, more than tAvo hun dred thousand passengers left the stage lines at Brownsville andtook passage on the Monongahela steamers. West-going passengers Avere " ticketed through " from Cumberland, Baltimore ancl other points east, to Pittsburg , and other points Avest, via tbe National Eoad, and tbe Monongahela river route. A movement was set on foot as early as the year 1814, looking to the improvement of the navigation of the Monongahela river, by means of locks and dams, followed by later spasmodic efforts, but nothing of a practical nature was accomplished in this direction until 1836, Avhen a company Was incorporated to carry forward and complete the Avork. The act of incorporation 256 THE OLD PIKE. , designated a number of prominent citizens to solicit and receive sub scriptions of stock, among whom where Ephraim L. Blaine, father of James G.Blaine, of Washington county; William Hopkins, of tbe same county, and AndreAv Stewart and Samuel Evans, of Fayette county. Of all the gentlemen designated for this purpose, and there was quite a large number, not one is living at this day. There were no wagon stand taverns in Brownsville. Wagoners "put up" at the old Eiley and Bar houses in Bridgeport, and at Brubaker's, east of toAvn. The old AVorkman House, at the upper end ofMai-ket street, Avas a famous stage house. It had the patronage of tbe Stockton lino. This house is a stone structure, on the north side of the street, with a spacious porch in front. James Workman, the old proprietor, Avill be remembered as a gentleman of ruddy complexion, gray hair, .slim, but erect stature, elastic step and curt speech. He presided at this house for many years, and had a wide reputation for serving good meals. This old house was built by John McClure Hezlop in 1797, who first kept it as a tavern. James Beckley afterwards kept it, and after his decease, it was continued as a tavern by his widoAv. James Workman took charge of it in 1843. After Workman, and since the decline of travel on the road, it has been kept at different tiriies by William Garrett, Aaron Wyatt, William "Wyatt, Jacob Marks, John G. Fear, and probably others. It is continued as a tav ern, and kept at the present time-by Fred Chalfant. The late George E. Hogg, for many years a leading and Avealthy citizen of Brownsville, is authority for the foUoAving amusing story concerning James Workman, tbe old tavern keeper, and General Jackson. On an occasion of one of General Jackson's frequent trips over the National Eoad, the citizens of BroAvnsville resolved to give him a public reception. All the usual arrangements for such an event Avere made, including a dinner at Workman's tavern. The hero, upon reaching town, Avas taken to the Presb^-ferian church to listen to a reception speech and receiA-o the greetings of the people. Soon after the audience had settled down Mr. Workman entered the building, and forcing himself doAvn the main aisle, and to a front pew occupied by General Jackson, accosted him thus: '-General Jackson, I have been commissioned by the committee of arrangements to pro vide your dinner, and have come to inquire if there is any jjarticular article of diet you jirefer above another, that I may have the pleasure of gratifying your taste." The old General gravely responded, "Ham and eggs." This seemed rather confusing to the old landlord, who, supposing the General Avas joking, repeated his inquiry, Avhen the same response came a .second time and in an emj^batic tone, " Ham AND EGGS." The old landlord then hastily AvitbdrcAv, hurried home,, and oommanded his cook to prepare ham and eggs for General Jack son's dinner. The ham of that day Avas a different thing from the flabby, flavorless so-called "sugar cured" counterfeit of the present day, and thousands of other well meaning citizens besides General Jackson Avere fond of the ham of the olden time. Eggs, of course THE OLD PIKE. 257 are the same now as of yore, but simply and solely because modern food corrupters have not diseoA'ered any method of debauching them. Mr. Hogg, above quoted, is responsible also for the foUoAving story : An Old Line coach in Avhich Henry Clay Avas a passenger Avas upset on the iron bridge, and he Avas slightly injured and convoyed to the AA^orkman house. Dr, Stoy, an old practitioner of the place, Avas summoned, and hastened to the relief of the distinguished suf ferer. The old physician Avas given to loquacity, and not a little elated by being called to see so distinguished a patient. He pre scribed brand}', and to vary the prescription and assuage the patient's apprehension, began the recital of an old joke, meanAvhile holding in his hand a glass of brandy. Mr. Clay, perceiving that the story was going to be a long one, interrupted the doctor by suggesting that he be permitted to drink the brandy Avithotit further delaj-, and rub the glass over his Avounds. A feAV steps below the AA^'orkman House an old tavern was kept by Bazil Brashear, and subsequently by James Searight, Avho left it in 1836, to take charge of the "National House" in Washington, Penn sylvania. The Brashear House Avas a station for many years of one or more of the early stage lines, and in 1825 Gen. Lafayette dined at this house Avhile on his Avay from Washington, Pennsylvania, to Uniontown. This old house, built of stone, is still standing, owned and occupied as a private residence by the Avidow of the late Westley Frost. Bazil Brashear Avas a brother-in-law of Thomas Brown, the founder of Brownsville, and the grandfather of Prof, Brashear, the distinguished astronomer of Pittsburg. James C. Beckley kept a taA-ern in a frame house at the head of old Front street, for a number of years. He was a local politician of much shrewdness, commanding a considerable following, a close friend of tbe late Hon. John L. Dawson, and served that old-time, able and distinguished statesman in many trying contests. Further down the main street and on the south side near the present location of the old Monongahela Bank, was the Marshall House. This house was first kept as a tavern by William Eeynolds, who was an agent of the Adams Express Company. Mr. Eeynolds previously kept the old Abrams House in Petersburg. He did a good business at the Marshall House, which was headquarters for the Ex press Company. This house was subsequently kept at different times by Hiram Holmes, Isaac Vance, Harvey Schroyer, J.W. Kisinger ancl AVilliam Garrett. After Eeynolds left it the name was changed, and it was known as the Petroleum House. It has not been used as a tavern for a number of years. William Eeynolds was a native of Brownsville, born in 1804, and drove his father's team between Baltimore and Wheeling, before reaching his majority. He kept tavern in Petersburg five years, and moved from that place to Brandonville, Virginia, where he engaged in a mercantile venture, as a partner of his uncle, Zalmon Ludington, ¦ esq. After a brief experience as a merchant, he returned to his 258 THE OLD PIKE. father's oM tavern west of Keyser's Eidge, and afterward resumed tavern keeping in Petersburg. From Petersburg he went to Browns ville He Avas killed in a railroad accident near Pittsburg in 1856, while in the service of the Adams Express Company. His son John is postmaster at Confluence, Somerset county, Pennsyh-ania, and AVil liam Hartman, the unfortunate brakeman Avho was shot and killed on the Baltimoi-e & Ohio Eailroad, near Dunbar, in August, 1893, Avas a grandson of William Eeynolds. The old Clark mansion, located at the east end of "the neck" in Brownsville, was converted to a tavern about forty -fiA'e years ago, and became the headquarters of the Good Intent stage line. It Avas first opened up as a tavern by AndreAV Byers, Avho had previously kept the Clinton House in Uniontown. AVhen Byers left it Daniel BroAvn, the old stage agent, took charge of it and conducted it for a brief period. Daniel BroAvn's reputatation as a model taA-ern keeper bas been adverted to in another chapter. After Brown's time the patron age of this house Avas mostly of a local character. The Clark House Avas kept for a Avhile after BroAvn left it by Capt. Morgan Mason. Avho subsequently located in St. Louis, where he still resides, a leading citizen, and an ex-sheriff of that city. The widow Schroj-er also kept this house, and MatthcAv Story, and it is at present kept by the Theakston Brothers. The Monongahela House, a short distance west of the Clark ilouse, on the south side, Avas originally and for many years the pri vate residence of Samuel J. Krepps. It has been probably fifty years since this house was thrown open to the public as a taA-ern. One of the McCurdy's was first installed as landlord of this house. He was succeeded by Jesse Hardin, an old stage driver, and Isaac Bailey, WiUiam Gans, Ephraim H. .Bar, Cyrus L. Conner and John B. Krepps, son of the OAViier, kept this house noarly, if not exactly, in the order given. It was a stage house, and bad a large run of general custom. It continues to be one of the leading hotels of Brownsville, under tbe management of David ProA'ins. Thomas BroAvn, James Auld, Amos AVilson and James C. Beck ley were tavern keepers in BroAvnsville prioj- to the construction of the National Eoad. Auld preceded Beckley in the old house at the head of Front street, above mentioned. Amos AA'ilson kept the old "Black Horse" tavern on Front street. A few yai'ds westward from tbe Monongahela House the road crosses Dunlap's creek over a handsome and expensive iron bridge, erected in 1835, and the first of the kind Avest of the Allegheny mountains. The vicissitudes attending tho construction of this bridge have been alluded to in a previous chapter. Tho stone Avork of this bridge, Avhich is a fine s]iccimen of heavy masonry, Avas let by con tract to WiUiam Searight, Avho pushed itfoi-Avard and completed it with his characteristic onorgj-, David Chipps, a Avell remembered old citizen ofthe vicinity of UniontoAvn, and an expert stone mason, Avas a bo.ss AVorkman on this'bridge, and the late Gen. AVilliam AA^. AVilliams Avho BRIDGE OVER THE MONONGAHELA. THE OLD PIKE, 259 in the prime of his life Avas an excellent mason, also worked on its Avails and abutments. The work Avas done under authority of the AVar Department of the general gOA'ernment. After crossing the iron bridge the traA'cler is in the ancient bor ough of Bridgeport. Here Jack Arnold kept a tavern at a A'ery early period. He Avas succeeded bj- John Eiley, Avho for many years kept a Avagon stand. Eiley Avas a staunch citizen, and participated in the public affairs of his toAvn. His tavern Avas near the market house, and Avas a popular resort in the olden time. Isaac Kimber, Eobert Patterson and John Neelan kept taverns in Bridgeport before" the National Eoad Avas made. The present Bar House is on the site of the old Kimber House. The Bar House is OAvned by Ephraim H. Bar, who conducted it as a taA'ern for many years. It Avas a wagon stand, and had a good trade Eobert Carter, old Avagoner before mentioned, Avas one of the men Avho for a time successfully conducted the Bar House. Thornton Young, George Garrard, MatthcAV Story and Eli Bar kept this house in recent years at different times, and it is noAv conducted by AV F. Higinbotbam. It is but a short distance from the iron bridge before mentioned to the long wooden bridge OA'er the Monongahela river. This bridge, although a link of the National Eoad, Avas not built by the govern ment. It is a private enterprise, and was erected in 1833. In 1810 an act Avas passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, authorizing the Governor to incorporate a company to build and operate a bridge at this point; but for some cause the company was not organized, and in 1830 a company was incorporated by the Legislature. Ephraim L. Blaine, father of the brilliant and popular statesman, Avas an in corporator under the provisions of the act of 1830, and the company authorized b.A- that act promptly organized, and completed the bridge at the date above mentioned. Neil Gillespie, the grandfather of James G. Blaine, was named in the act of 1810, above mentioned, as one of tbe commissioners to solicit ancl receive subscriptions of stock for the bridge. CHAPTER XXXVi. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Brovmsrdle to Beallsville — West Browns ville, the Birthplace of James G. Blaine — Indian Hill, later known as Krepps' Knob — Indian Peter and Neil Gillespie — The Adams House, John Cummins, Vincent Owens — An Old and Mysterious Murdei — Maiden, Bry Taylor — Tragic Death of a Beautiful Girl — Centreville, John. Rogers, Zeph Riggle, Battelly White, the whip-maker, Mrs. Dutton, Eli Railley, The Old Constitution, Beallsville, David Mitchell, Andrew and Thomas Keys, Robert Cluggage,Wdliam Greenfield, Mrs. Chambers, Charles Guttery. From the Big Crossings to the Monongahela river at BroAvnsville the road passes through Fayette county, Pennsylvania. After cross ing the river bridge at Brownsville, going west, the traveler reaches the soil of Washington county, and plants his feet in the ancient village of West Brownsville. From the hill tops on the road, as far west as Hillsboro, glimpses are had of the receding mountains. West Brownsville has the great distinction of being the birth place of James G. Blaine, the foremost and most popular of all American statesmen of the present day. It is related in Crumrine's valuable and well written history of Washington county, that the land upon which West Brownsville stands Avas originally owned by Indian Peter. This Indian Peter, at a very early day, lived on lands in the vicinity of Uniontown, and gave name -to Peter's street, the oldest street of that town. He had a neighbor Avbose name Avas Philip Shute, with whom he was not on friendly terms. Prior to 1769 Indian Peter- wrote to the authorities of the proprietary government, that " he could not get along with the damned Dutchman, and Avished to give up his land for another tract." His request Avas promptly complied with, and he Avas given a tract of three hundred and thirtj--iiine acres, situate on the Avest side of the Monongahela riA-er, Avhich Avas surA-eyed and called "Indian Hill," and upon this tract stands the toAvn of AA'est Brownsville, It embraces Krepps' Knob, Avhich together Avith the character of the old_owner, accounts for the name given the tract. Krepps' Knob is ten hundred and fortj' feot above the level of the Atlantic ocean. Indian Poter, it seems, died in possession of the Indian Hill tract, and it passed to his widow Mary, a Avhite Avoman, and his oldest son William. In 1784 tho AvidoAv and son aforesaid, sold the tract to Neil GiUespie, the groat-grandfather of James G. Blaine. The price agreed upon betwoon the parties Avas forty shillings per acre, payable in instalments of money, iron and one negro. This (260) zUJQ -1< I- < zcc 111> < h THE OLD PIKE, 261 tract of land remained in the Gillespie family for many years. Philip Shute, the old German neighbor of Indian Peter, lived in Union toAvnship,- Fayette county, uoav North Union, near the late residence of Colonel Evans, and gave name to the gushing mountain stream Avhich floAvs through the lands of that' vicinity. The bridge over the Monongahela river stands on an almost direct north and south line, and a short distance from its northern end the road makes a shar]5 angle to the Avestward. On the south side of this angle a tavern Avas kept by Samuel Adams, as early as the year 1820. Samuel Adams was the father of Estep Adams, the present polite aind popular postmaster at West Brownsville. John Huston succeeded Samuel Adams in this old house. In the early days of the road this bouse Avas constantly crowded Avith guests. .At the close of Huston's term, the old house, which was a wooden structure, was torn down, and the present brick building was erected on its site, and continued as a tavern throughout the whole period of the road's prosperous era, and for many years thereafter. Joshua Armstrong was the first occupant of the new building. His term was prior to the year 1840. Morris Purcell came in, after Armstrong. Dr. Adams, the postmaster before mentioned, when a boy, counted fifty road wagons standing around this old tavern, in one night, when it Avas kept by Morris Purcell. The wagon yard, which was large and commodious, was located on the west side, and in the rear of the house. Major William Paul, hereinbefore mentioned, succeeded Purcell in this house, about the year 1842, and retained the extensive line of wagon custom with which his predecessor was favored. James Watkins, an old stage driver of Washington, Pennsylvania, was Maj. Paul's bar keeper at this house, and his son-in-law, Thomas Hamen Hopkins, was the successor of Maj. Paul in. this house. His widow is still keeping a tavern in West Brownsville. She is well up in years, but her memory is clear and well stored with interesting reminiscences of the road. Greenberry Millburn next had charge of this house, and kept it "for a -brief period, when he retired, and his name does not subsequently appear on the roll of old tavern keepers. John Cummins was the next occupant of this house. He purchased tbe property, and held it until his death, which occurred near the close of the prosperous era of the road. He was an Irishman, thrifty and energetic, and besides tavern keeping, took contracts on public works. About the year 1859 this house passed to the control of Moses Bennington, who conducted it during the era of the civil war. He was succeeded by William Dawson, whose successor was' James B. Dorsie. Doc Bar kept the house for a brief period, and one of its occupants was Eobert Miller. Upon the expiration of Miller's term Thomas H. Hopkins again took charge, and it was subsequently kept for short periods, at different times, by Solomon Watkins, James Nichols and John Taylor. The house is at present owned by the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charles ton railroad company, and used as a passenger and freight station. A few hundred yards west of the old Adams stand, and near the 120 262 THE OLD PIKE. foot of the river hill, on the river side, an old stone house was kept as a tavern when the road was first opened, and for a number of years, thereafter. The first man who catered to the wants of the traveling public at this old tavern was Vincent Owens, Avho had been a faithful soldier in Washington's army in the war of the Eevolution. The property belonged to the old Krejips family of the vicinity, and the old tavern stood at the northwest landing of the old Krejips ferry. Owens was succeeded at this old tavern by Samuel Acklin, and Acklin by John Krepps, a brother of Samuel J. Krepps. Morris Purcell succeeded Krepps, and went from here to the old Adams House, be fore mentioned. The Krepps ferry was operated iri connection with the management of this old tavern, and the ferry was continued down to the year 1845. The tavern was closed here long before the decline of travel oiji the road. The father of Vincent Oavous AA'as murdered in this old tavern Avhile his son was conducting it. The crime was an atrocious one, causing great excitement and indignation in the neighborhood at the time, and the manner and motives of tbe act seem to be shrouded in mystery. Two persons who lodged in the house over night were suspected of the crime, but they fled before the light of the morning and were never apprehended. About two and one-half miles west of Krepps' Ferry an ancient hamlet called by old pike boys Maiden is reached. Here on the north side of-the road stands an old stone tavern, Avhich in the palmy days of the road Avas a popular stopping point. It belonged originally to the old Krepps family, of Brownsville, and was designed and erected for a tavern. It was evidently the belief of the old~ owners that a Loavu Avoiild grow UJ) on this site, as they caused a stone in the front wall bf the old tavern, near the top, to be dressed and inscribed in cut let ters with the name Kreppsville. This name, hoAvever, was not adopted by the public, but the place Avas, and continues to be knoAvn as Mai den. The origin of this name is not positivelj- knoAvn, but tradition has it that a party of emigrants encamj^ing on tho ground ono night, fancying that it resembled the place of their nativitA-, Maiden, prob ably in the State of Massachusetts, gave it that name Be this as it may, Maiden is the popular name of the locality. The old tavern here was built in two sections and at different dates. The original, which is now the western section, Avas built iu 1822, and a dressed stone in its front wall bears that date. The second, or eastern sec tion, Avas built in 1830. It is the second section that bears the name KreppsviUe, above mentioned; and, in addition, the stone slab dis closing this name shoAvs the date 1830, also the AA-ord "Liberty," and the figure of a ]5loAv and sheaf of Avhoat, Bry Taylor Avas the first ])orson who kept the old tavern at Maiden, and he Avas constantly busy Avhile there in attending to the Avants of the traA-eling public. He had an amiable and beautiful daughter, Kizzie,Avho Avas accident ally kiUed in this house, causing great sorrow in the neighborhood. Her brother, James, had been out hunting one day, and returnino- placed his gun negligently on a table. His sister'. Miss Kizzie be-^ IL WILLIAM GREENFIELD. THE OLD PIKE. . 263 sought him to put the gun in a safe place, Avhich he declined to do, remarking that "it wouldn't hurt anybody where it was." Miss Kizzie did not share his confidence in regard to the absence of danger, and proceeded to remove the gun herself Her brother interfered to prevent the gun's removal, when a scuffie ensued between the parties, during Avhich the gun Avas discharged, and Miss Kizzie was fatally shot. The room in AA-hich tbis sad affair occurred is still pointed out to visitors. As if by the laAV of compensation, James Taylor, the "brother, many j-ears afterward Avas himself shot. He became a river man, and gradually made his way to points down the Ohio and Mis sissippi, and AA-as finally shot and killed by a United Slates Marshal near Memphis. Samuel Acklin followed Taylor in the old tavern at Maiden, and was favored with a large patronage, consisting mainly of Avagoners and drovers. Acklin was at this house as early as 1836. Samuel Bailey succeeded Acklin, and Bailey was succeeded in turn by- William Pepper and AA^illiam Garrett. James Britton, now and for thirty years past, bas owned this property. He occupies the old tavern as a priA-ate residence, and operates the fertile farm attached to it. The next point west, distant about three miles, is Centreville. Moving onward towards Centreville the traveler passes the old farms and residences of Jonathan Knight, the famous civil engineer of other days, and Nathan Pusey, father of Hon. W. H. M. Pusey, a leading banker. Democratic politician and ex-member of Congress, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Another point of interest on this part of the line, is the old historic Taylor church, which stands on the north side of the road, a monument of the religious tendencies of the good old inhab itants of the vicinity. Centreville was laid out in 1821, soon after the road was completed, and with special reference toils completion, and the anticipated prosperity to ensue by reason thereof. It is equi distant betAA-een UniontoAvn ancl Washington. The first old tavern kept in Centreville Avas by John Eogers, father of the venerable Joseph T. Eogers, of Bridgeport.- It is a brick house, on the north side of the road, still standing. Eobert Eogers succeeded bis father in this house and kept it for many years, and died in possession. At brief intervals in the lifetime of Eobert Eogers this house was con ducted by Solomon Bracken, son-in-law of Mr. Eogers, and a Mr. Wilson, the latter occupying it but for one year. The Eogers House was knoAvn and noted throughout the entire period of the road's prosperous era as a quiet, orderly, Avell kept tavern. The leading Avagon stand in Centreville was on the hill at the west end of town, a brick house, on the south side of the road. The wagon yard avus in the rear. Zephania Eiggle kept this hou.se at an early day, and AvaS succeeded in 1845 by Peter Colley, a nephew of Abel Colley, lie- fore mentioned. Henry Whitsett came in after Colley, and next .Jacob Marks, who was folloAved by WiUiam Garrett, and Jesse Quail" succeeded Garrett. The property is now owned by Joseph B. Jeffreys Avho keeps the old tavern open for the accommodation of strangers 264 I THE OLD PIKE. and travelers. The house kept by Zeph Eiggle on this site was de stroyed by fire during his incumbency, and promptly rebuilt. Battley White, the celebrated manufacturer of the wagoner's black snake whip, before mentioned, lived in CentreviUe. The house now occu pied by Morris Cleaver, on the hill west of Centreville, was at one time a tavern. It was first kept by Charley Miller, then by Zeph Eiggle, and next, in 1836, by Mrs. Dutton, mother of John E. Dutton, the well known, reputable and prosperous merchant of Brownsville, Mrs. Dutton owned the property, and m3ved from here to Browns ville, after which this old tavern closed. Its career was somewhat brief, but it was a well kept tavern, and had a good line of custom in - its day. About half a mile west from Mrs. Dutton's an old frame tavern, on the north side of the road, as early as 1824, displayed the sign of the Constitution, and entertained primitive travelers of the road. This old house was kept for a while by one Johnson, but it long since disappeared from view. Eli Eailley kejit a tavern as early as 1830 in a brick house on the north side of the road, about one and a half miles west of Centreville., and was succeeded by thoAvidow Welsh, who conducted it as a tavern as late as 1850. This house is still standing, owned by Amos Cleaver, and occupied by his son as a private residence. Beallsville, distant one and a half miles from the old Eailley tav ern, is next reached. In proceeding to Beallsville the traA-eler passes one of the old toll houses, all of which, as before stated, are still stand ing, and in good condition, except the one near Mt. Washington and the one on Big Savage mountain, David Mitchell, the old collector at the gate near Beallsville, is well remembered as a straightforAvard, honest and intelligent citizen. Beallsville, like Centreville as a ioaa-u, was the outgrowth of the National Eoad. It Avas laid out in 1821, and incorporated as a borough in 1852. Jonathan Knight, the old engineer before mentioned, surveyed the site of the toAvn and made the plat. The National Eoad forms the main street of this toAvii, as it does that of CentreviUe. The first old tavern reached in BeallsviUe, going west, was on the north side, at the east end of the toAvn, This house was first kept by Andrew Keys, and after him by Thomas Keys. This Avas previous to 1840. It Avas next kept by Eobert Cluggage, and after Cluggage, James Dennison kept it. Dennison Avas succeeded by Moses Bennington, who afterwards kept the old Adams House at West BroAvnsvilLe, Charles Guttery also kept this house in 1854. Dennison was a Claysville man, and after keeping tavern for short terms, at different points on tbe road, returned to Claysville, where he died. He Avas an old Avagoner, as avcU as a tavern keeper, and Avell and fav-orably knoAvn on the road. He had an interest by mar riage, or birth-right, in some real estate at or near Claysville, and this is doubtless the chord that droAv him at last back to that point. The old Keys tavern had a commodious Avagon yard attached and entertained many old Avagoners. CHARLES GUTTERY. THE OLD PIKE. 265 About the center of the town of Beallsville, and on the south or Avestside,AA'm. Greenfield kept a famous old tavern, and lioAvas in many other respects a famous old man. He Avas tall and spare, Avith a brown complexion, a defectiA-e eye, and a philosophic turn of mind. It AA-as his fortune to have a good wife, and to her, in great measure, Avas attributed the high grade of this old tavern. The traveler could always get a good cup of coffee at Greenfield's, a rare thing in a tavern and utterly unknown in a hotel. In addition to keeping tavern, William Greenfield was a banker, and established the"Bealls- A-ille Savings Bank." His bank Avas in his taA-ern, and his safe was his pocket. He issued notes of small denominations, which were handsomely printed and engraved, and they acquired some credit, and a limited circulation. The pressure of redemption, however, was more than the old banker-tavern keeeper could withstand, and he was forced to close business as a banker, but continued his tavern successfully. It is due to the memory of the old gentleman to state, that no serious losses Avere sustained by the note holders of his bank. He continued to keep taA-ern at the old stand until his death, which occurred many years ago, and all the old pike boys, from one end of the road to the other, have a kind word for the memory of William Greenfield. Charley Miller kept a tavern as early as 1830, and probably be fore that date, in the brick house on the corner opposite Greenfield's, and this house was subsequently, and for many years kept by Mrs. Charubers. It was a quiet, orderly, and aristocratic old taA-ern, especially Avhen under the management of Mrs. Chambers; and en joyed a good reputation as an eating house. Benjamin Demon took charge of this house after the retirement of Mrs. Chambers, and kept it for a while. Moses Bennington succeeded Demon, and Charles Guttery succeeded Bennington. Guttery was the last of the old line of tavern keepers, at this house. BeallsviUe Avas a station for the line Avagons, and John Cook, an old wagoner whose home was there, drove a line team for many years. CHAPTER XXXVII. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Beallsville to Washington — Hillsboro — The Old Hill House — Samuel Youman, next to Old Mount the biggest man of the Road — George Ringland, John Noble, Billy Robinson, Charley Miller's, The Gals House, Daniel Ward, Egg Nog Hill, The Long Stretch, Thomas Hastings, Xhe Upland House, Joseph Doak, The Mount Vernon House, Maj. Dunlap, Charles Rettig, Pancake, Jonathan Martin, The Sample House. Three miles west from Beallsville the traveler reaches the village of Hillsboro. This little town is another outgrowth of the National Eoad, and as at Beallsville and Centreville, the road forms its main street. The grade from Beallsvile to Hillsboro is for the most part ascending, the hill going out west from Beallsville being one of the lo'ngest on the road, and Hillsboro is situate on a lofty eminence over looking a wide range of hills, and many fertile slopes and valleys. On the summit above Hillsboro, tbe traveler coming east, gets the first glimpses of Laurel Hill, thirty miles distant in the mountains. Crumrine's history of Washington county, before quoted, informs us that Hillsboro was laid out in the year 1819, a date coincident Avith the completion of the road. Tbe proprietors of the tOAvn were Stejjhen Hill and Thomas McGiffin, and Crumrine's history coiTtains the following notice of the first jiublic sale of lots : "The public are informed that a toAvn has been laid oft", to be called Hillsboro, adjoining Hill's stone tavern, about equal distance from Washington to Brownsville, and that lots avUI be sold on the premises on Monday, the 19th day of August, at public auction. Sale to commence at 10 o'clock a. m. Stephe-n Hill, July 19, 1819. Thomas McGiffin, Proprietors. " - Accompanying the plat of the toAvn as recorded, says Crumriuo, Avere these remarks: "The above is a plan of the tOAvn of Hillsboro, nearly equi-distant betAveen BroAvnsville and AA'ashington, Pennsj'l- vania, on theUnited States road," Signed by the proprietors. Stephen Hill belonged to an old family of that name, AA-hich Avas among the early settlers of the region, and Thomas McGiffin Avas an old and prominent lawyer of Washington, and a contractor on the original construction of the road, father of Col. Norton McGiffin, a soldier of two Avars, and Sheriff and member of the Legislature for AA^ashington ( 266 ) ^^ — "'^^ '^*^^<>F'^ BILLY ROBINSON. THE OLD PIKE. 267 county. Hill's stone tavern was in existence as early as 1794. In the early histoiy of the National Eoad, and for a number of years, it Avas the leading tavern of Hillsboro, kept by Thomas HiU, who was not a son, but a near relative, probably a nephew, of Stephen Hill, the old proprietor. Samuel Youman kept this house fifty years ago, after the retirement of Hill, Youman Avas a stage driver as well as a taA-ern keeper, and next to "Old Mount," as before stated, the biggest man on the road. One of the stage lines, that on which Youman was a driver, stopped at this house, and it was the only stage house on the road that Avas largely patronized by old wagoners, and their faA'or Avas obtained probably by reason of the spacious and commo- , dious Avagon yard in front of the house. John Hampson, John Gib son, AVilliam Dawson and Oliver Lacock each in turn kept this house since Youman's time, and it is at present continued as a tavern by Ml-. Lacock's son. In the year 1827 James Beck kept a tavern in Hillsboro. He Avas a member of the old bridge builders firm of Kinkead, Beck & Evans, and moved from the "Vance farm," near Uniontown, which he once owned, to Hillsboro, at tbe date named. He remained in Hillsboro but one year, and his successor in the tavern there was George Eingland. Eingland was a citizen of some prominence iri his day. a brother of Col. ThOmas Eingland, an old soldier, and a leading man in the public affairs of Washington county more than half a cen tury ago. David Eailly succeeded Eingland in this house about the year 1840. It was a stage house, but did a general business. After Eailly this house was kept at different times by John Noble, Avho married Eailly's widow, John Taylor, Henry Taylor, Jesse Core and William Eobinson . Noble and Eobinson were both old stage drivers, Noble before, as well as after his experience as a tavern keeper. Eobinson died a tavern keeper, and in the house last mentioned. "Billy" Eobinson was one of the best known and most popular men of the road. He was short in stature, with reddish complexion, dark hair, and an amiable disposition. He hauled many an old-time states man safely in his nimble coach, and afterward dined him sumptuously in his bountiful taverns There was an old tavern in Hillsboro, near the centre of the town, on the south side of the road, kept first by John Wilson, and after his time by Stephen Phelps, and next and last by David Powell. Its career was not as long as many other old tav erns of the road, but in its time it was a lively house and had a large run of custom. Zeph Eiggle kept a tavern in Avhat is known as the Dr. Clark house, on the south side, in Hillsboro, at an early day, and as at other points on the road where he catered to the wants of the traveling public, drew a good trade. He was the only person that ever kept this house as a tavern. About two miles west of Hillsboro the famous old tavern of Charley Miller is reached. It is a large and handsome brick building on the south side of the road, and was kept before Miller's time by Henry Taylor. Miller did a large -business, and had all sorts of eus- 268 THE OLD PIKE. tomers, with a capacity to adapt himself to the wants and Avhims of every variety. He was accustomed to say, in commendation of his Avhisky, that it was a hundred years old; that he could vouch for its age, for he helped to ruake it. Parties of young folks were accus tomed to drive out from Washington, a distance of ten miles, to take a meal and have a dance at Charley Miller's. His meals were sump tuous and savory, and gave his house a reputation from which he did not fail to profit. One of his specialties was fine peach brandy, which is graciou.sly remembered and frequently spoken of by the survivors of the old pike boys with a glow of enthusiasm. Miller died in this house, and it passed to the hands of David Ullery. " No longer the host hobbles down from his rest In the porch's cool shadow, to welcome his guest AVith a smile of delight and a grasp of the hand, And a glance of the eye that no heart could withstand," One and a half miles west of Charley Miller's, on the south side of the road, a tavern was kept in a wooden building many years ago by William Plymire. This old tavern furnished good entertainment, and its old host was attentive and polite to his patrons. Plymire was succeeded in this house by Henry Yorty, who kept it going as a tav ern until his death, and for some time thereafter it was kept by his widow, but was never kept as a tavern after Mrs. Yorty's time. Tbe next old Avagon stand on the AA-estward tramp is the "Gals House." This house is situate on the north side of the road, about two miles west of Charley Miller's. It is a frame building, and once ¦was painted red, but the red all wore off many years ago, and was not replaced. It was called the " Gals House," because it was owned and conducted by three maiden Avomen of the family name of Dague. The grounds around this old house, night after night, throughout the entire period of the road's prosperitj', were crowded Avith teams and wagons, and the reputation of the place Avas excellent in every par ticular. The Dague girls Avere the owners ofthe house, and of about eighty acres of rich land surrounding it, and after business closed on the road, they sold and conveyed the property to Joseph Henderson, a well remembered and worthy old stage driver, Avho Avent into pos session and made this place his home for manj' years. One mile further Avest is Ward's. Here a well kiiOAvn tavern was kept by Daniel Ward, all through the flourishing era of the road, and it Avas well kept and well patronized. Ward Avas rich, the OAvner of his tavern stand, and a fine farm in addition, and therefore unlike many Other old tavern keepers of the road Avho leased their houses from year to year, and changed from point to point at different times. Ward's tavern is a large frame house, on the north side ofthe road, Avith a s]iacious porch in front, and a large wagon yard convenientlj' attached, and was a favorite stopping place for old Avagoners. The old, house is still standing, unused, because not needed as a tavern, but it remains a prominent landmark of the road, carrying the mind DANIEL WARD. THE OLD PIKE. 269 back to the period of its enlivening scenes and moving pageants. Daniel Ward was a pronounced type of the old tavern keeper. Ho Avas rather a large man, not fleshy, but broad shouldered, Avith a slight stoop. His complexion was reddish., and he ahvays had a pleasant smile AvheroAvith to greet a guest. He Avore a broad-rimmed, high- crowned, broAvn -colored fur hat, Avith long, soft nap, the style of hat Avorn by all old tavern keepers and Avagoners when dressed for special occasions. Mrs. Ward Avas an admirable help-mate for her husband. She AA-as a large woman, of florid complexion, and full of energy and zeal in her occupation. The meals she spread before her numerous guests in all seasons were bountiful and relishable, and gave her hus band's old taA-ern a wide reputation, AVhat a change? Once all Avas life and animation at this old tavern, now "The wind Avhistles shrill, through the wide open doors, And lizards keep house, on the mouldering floors." Four miles west from AVard's the old and popular wagon stand of Thomas Hastings is reached. In proceeding onward toAvard the Hastings House a celebrated point is passed, known in the peculiar vocabulary of the road as "Egg Nog Hill." On this hill for many j-ears lived in retirement Samuel Flowers, one of the oldest, steadiest and best known wagoners of the road. William D. Evans, residing in Malvern, Iowa, a son of Gabriel Evans, of the old firm of Kinkead, Beck & Evans, contractors and bridge builders, before mentioned, furnishes the following story as to the origin of the name of this hill : The engineers in locating the line of the road were much exercised in fixing the grade at this point, and before arriving at conclusions the sun went down, and with a vicAv probably of stimulating their minds to clearer conceptions, they ordered a bucket of egg-nog to be served in their shanty. Partaking freely of this ancient, agreeable and strong beverage during the night, they proceeded next morning with the work in hand, and established the grade without further embarrassment. The chain carriers and other employees were called in to the rough, roadside banquet, and the region all around echoed the notes of that night's revelry, and ever thereafter the locality has Jbeen known" as "Egg Nog Hill." If this is a true account of the origin of the name, and the authority quoted is respectable and cred ible, there are many persons willing to aver that the influence of the egg nog was anything but propitious, since the grade of the road at this point is nothing to boast of. At the foot of Egg Nog Hill a val ley is reached over which the road passes for a distance of two miles on a level grade, varied by slight undulations, terminating at or near the old Buchanan postoffice. Thisportion ofthe road was called by old stage drivers "The Long Stretch," andover its favorable grade stage teams sped with more than ordinary rapidity. It is considered ger maine to state in this connection, that the general grade of the road has been much and sharply criticised, and by many condemned outright. The main point of objection urged against the grade is, that it involves 270 THE OLD PIKE-. many long and steep hUls, which could haA'e been avoided by making side cuts and occupying the valleys, and this is true, but any other location would have lengthened the line and increased the cost of construction and maintenance. David Shriver, of Cumberland, was the chief engineer in charge of the location, and instructed by the GoA-ernment to make the line as straight as practicable, within the limit of a five degree elevation. Besides, there was a popular theory Avhen the line was located, that a road over hills was not as fatiguing to horses as a rdacl with a uniform grade. It Avas argued that a horse is provided with two sets of muscles, one of which is used in going up and the other in going doAvn a hill, and the conclusion was that horses were relieved and rested by a change from an up to a down grade. After this digression, the reader's attention is invited back to the old tavern of Thomas Hastings. It is situate on the summit of a hill of average length and grade on the south side, and a short dis tance back from "the road. The location of this house, with reference to the road, is similar to that of the old red tavern, two miles east of BroAvnsville. The Hastings House was a leading taA-ern of the road, all through its prosperous era. The large patronage it enjoyed is the " best evidence that it was well kept. John W. McDowell, of Uniontown, an ex-County Commissioner of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, was working on the road in 1844 under the superintendency of William Searight, and boarding at the Hastings House. On the morning of the election of that year he rose "bright and early," took his breakfast " before the break of daj-," mounted a horse, and rode to Mt. Washington, the polling place for Wharton township, Avhich Avas his home, in time to vote for Polk and Daljas. McDowell frequently relates this incident of his life, when 'recounting his party services, and laj's particular stress on the cir cumstance that the dining room girls gladlj' furnished him his break fast and cheer^ed him on his mission. The. distance from the old Hast ings tavern to Mt. Washington is forty-two miles. While the road Avas undergoing construction, there Avas a tavern about midAvay of the "Long Stretch," and on the south side of the road. It Avas kept by one Smith, of the oxtensiA'e American family of that name. At times there Avas great disorder and much tumult, amounting almost to riot, at this old taA'ern, and on one of these occa sions the old militia of Wasbington county Avas ordered to the scene to enforce the keeping of the peace. These disorders, like similar outbreaks of the present day, were no doubt attributable to the im moderate use of intoxicants. Within a few hundred feet, and Avest of the old Hastings house, Samuel Hughes kept a tavern in 1844 and before, and probably a short time after that date. His house Avas a large and imposing- frame building on the north side of the road, and known in its day as the "Upland House." This name appeared on the sign board. The surroundings of this house Avere attractive. It had an aristo-. cratic air about it, and enjoyed an aristocratic patroniige. While old JOHN W. MCDOWELL. THE OLD I*IKE. 271 Avagoners croAvded tho Hastings House, travelers in chaises and fine carriages stopped at the Upland. By some means, and many years ago, this old house Avas demolished, and a fine brick building erected on its site, OAvned and occupied by Joseph Doak, who was at one time a superintendent of the road. About ono and a half miles west of the Upland House, Major James Dunlap, at a very early period of the road's history, kept a tavern on the south side, on an elevation and a little distance back from the roadside It Avas called the "Mt. Vernon House," and Avas doing business as early as the year 1816, tAvo years before the road Avas completed as far Avest as AA'"ashington, Major Dunlap Avas a prominent man of his day, and brigade inspector of the Washington county (Pennsylvania) militia, an office of no little consequence in the early history of Pennsylvania, Major Dunlap subsequently kept the Jackson Houso in AA'^ashington, Pennsylvania, Before reaching the Mt. A^ernon House, an old round toll house is passed, where William Hill coUected tolls for many years from the throngs of travelers on the road. The old Mt. A^ernon House Avas supplanted by a hoav one, under the ^direction of Charles Eettig, who became the owner ofthe property. The ucav house is a brick structure, and was a wagon stand. There was an abundant Avater supply at this house, and old stage drivers and Avagoners halted upon reaching it to refresh their teams. Charles Eettig died about the year 1860. He was a staunch and sturdy citizen, and possessed the confidence and enjoyed the re spect of all bis neighbors. The next point Avest, but a short distance, is invested with more than ordinary interest. It is Pancake, sometimes called Martinsburg, and in later years,,to a limited extent, knoAvn as Laboratory. But Pancake was the original, and remains the popular name. It is almost Avithin eyesight of Washington. The first tavern here was kept by George Pancake, and hence the name given the jilace. His house was a small log building, erected near the beginning of the present century, and probably the first house in the village. Pan cake did Avell with the means at his command, but his old bouse was not equal to the growing Avants of the road, and after itwasremoA?ed, and the old proj^rietor called to his final reckoning, Jonathan Martin appeared on the scene. Martin was a discerning man, and foreseeing the future of the National Eoad as a great highway, built a large brick house for use as a tavern. It is situate on the north side of the road, tAVO stories, twelve large and comfortable rooms, and was erected in the year 1825. A spacious porch runs the entire length of the house and approaches the edge ofthe road. Jonathan Martin kept this tavern from the date of its erection until business closed'On the road, Avith the exception of one year that it was in charge of J. W,; Holland, back in the forties. Since the close of its career as a tavern it has been occupied as a quiet farm house. Martin was a genial landlord, and made money at tavern keeping. A short distance back from the tavern he had a horse-power grist mill and a carding machine 272 • THE OLD PIKE. which he operated for a number of years, thus supplementing his gains as a -tavern keeper. General Jackson was on one occasion a guest of Martin's tavern, and the celebrated theologian, Alexander Campbell, frequently lodged Avithin its A'enerable walls and sat at its bounteous table. As early as 1824 George Eingland kept a Avagon stand tavern Avithin a short distance of the borough limits of Washington. His old house, a commodious brick building, is still standing, situate on the north, or at this point rather, east side of the road, with sufficient ground intervening to form a good wagon yard. John Sample suc ceeded Eingland at this old stand, and became the owner of the prop erty. It is UOAV the private residence of William Workman, esq., and has not been kept as a taA'ern since 1844. CHAPTER XXXViil. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Washington — Washington and Jeffer son College — The Female Seminary — James Wilson, first Tavern Keeper in Washington— Tlie two Dodds — Major McCormick' s — The WhUe Goose and the Golden Swan — Hallam' s Old Wagon Stand ^ The Valentine — Tlie Buck — The Gen. Andrew Jackson — Tlie Globe — The Cross Keys — The Indian Queen — Tlie Mermaid — The Rising Sun — The Gen. Brown — The Fountain — Billy Brown and Jimmy Brown — The Mansion — John N. Dagg — A Giant Boot Jack — Tlie American — The Fulton — The National — Surratt's — The Greene House. AVashington became a point on the National Eoad by force of a provision in the act of Assembly of Pennsylvania, approved April 9th, 1807, before recited. In a retrospective view that seems to have been a wise provision. Washington, it is true, is older than the road, but without the road it Avould be difficult to conjecture AA'hat the his tory of the town AA'ould have been from 1818 down to 1852. That the road had much to do in promoting the growth and prosperity of the town, there can be no question, and it must also be conceded that the town contributed in good round measure to the life and prosper ity of the road. Washington is one of the largest and prettiest towns on the road, not as well favored by location as Uniontown. While Washington possesses many very important advantages, it has at the same time, like other towns, its disadvantages. For example, it is a dry tOAvn. It was not dry in the palmy days of the old pike. No liquor can at this time be lawfully sold in Washington as a beverage,- and the town is not over abundantly supplied with good water. On the other hand, the town is ju.stly distinguished for the superiority of its educational institutions. Washington and Jefferson college is .one of the best in the land. Its graduates include many of the ablest men of the country, both of the^ present and the past. Everywhere, at every leading point in our widely extended Eepublic^ the graduates of AVashington and Jefferson College are pushing ahead at the front, in all the learned professions, in the judiciary, and in every line of honorable industry. It is not a dude college, as many more preten tious colleges are, but a working college, sending out workers, equip ped like men; to run the race set before them. The Female Seminary is another institution of which the citizens of Washington are justly' proud. It stands in the front rank of similar institutions, and for " ( 273 ) 274 THE OLD PIKE. more than half a .century, year after year, has sent out its gradu ates to cheer and brighten the world. The writer of these lines confesses to an affection for Washington, Avhich no vicissitude of life or time can alienate. He Avas educated at her college, and if he failed in obtaining a thorough education, it was not the fault of his venerable alma mater. Dr. David McCon- oughy, who presided over the college, when the writer Avas a student Avithin its halls, deserves to be classed among the Saints. A purer man never lived. He was a Christian, Avho never entertained a doubt, and a scholar in the broadest sense; and it is most gratifying to the thousands of graduates and friends of the college scattered broadcast throughout the land, to know that Dr. Moffatt, the present head of the institution, is a worthy successor of that venerated president. The Avriter also retains the sweetest recollections of the old citizens of Washington, and cherishes with deepest feeling his associations at college with James G. Blaine, Avho subsequently became the most illustrious statesman of his generation, and many others Avho haA-e Avritten their names high on the scroll of fame. There may be some readers inclined to think that the blending of stage drivers and wagoners with doctors, teachers and statesmen, is a strange commingling; but it is not. History is literature, and stage drivers and wagoners, like other classes, and occupations of men, enter into the web and woof of history. James Wilson hung out the first tavern sign in AA'asbington. His house was a log structure, and stood at the northAvest corner of Main and Beau streets, now covered by Smith's store. He opened up busi ness in 1781, and was licensed by the court to disjiense the ardent at /'Catfish Camp." He continued business in this house down to the year 1792. The old Supreme Judges stopped at Wilson's tavern when they went to Washington to hold the courts of Oyer and Term iner, Whether they were fed on roast pig, as Chief Justice McKean at Salter's old tavern in Uniontown, does not appear of record. After Wilson's time this house was enlarged and otherAvise improA-ed, and continued as a tavern by Michael Ocheltree, Avho remained in charge down to the year 1812, when a man of the name of Eotroft' Avas in stalled as host. Eotrbft' gave Avay to John Kline, Avbo came up from the Cross Eoads, nine miles Avest of BroAvnsville, and took charge of the hquse, under the sign of. "Gen. AVayne" Capt. John McCluney followed Kline, and he in turn Avas folloAved b.y Joseph Teeters and Joseph Hallam. Hallam kept the house until probablj' 1840, Avhcn he went down town to take charge of the old Avagon stand on the site of the present Valentine House. AVhen Hallam left it the old AA'il- son House ceased to be a tavern. As early as 1782 John Dodd kept taveru in a log houso ou the east side of Main street,. nearl.A' opposite the court bouse, aud re mained its host until his death in 1795, Ho died Avhile returning home from a trading trip to Ncav Orleans. John AVilson next took charge, and conducted its affairs for many years, associated Avith stir- TIIE OLD PIKE. 275 ring events, doAvn to a period as late probably as 1835, Avhen the house disappeared as a tavern. John Dodd Avas an ancestor of the nuinerous Dodds uoav of AA^asbington and A-icinity, most of whom haA'e taken to the ministry and other learned professions. Charles Dodd, a brother of John, above mentioned, kept a tavern on Main street iu 1782, in a log bouse, recently occupied by Eobert Strean's hardAvaro store The first courts of Washington county Avero hold in this old taA-ern, and the county jail was a log stable in the rear of the lot on Avhich it stood. Charles Dodd kept this tavern for ten years, and sold out to Daniel Kebr, who continued it a short time, hut finding" it unprofitable, took doAvn his sign and went. to shoemaking. John Adams kept a taveru from 1783 to 1789, Its location is not accurately knoAvn, ancl so in the case of John Cohvell, a tavern keeper of 1784. In 1785 Hugh Means, Samuel Acklin and AVilliam Falconer, Avere taA-ern keepers in Washington. Acklin continued in the business until 1788, and Falconer until 1791. William Meetkirk, Avho Avas subsequently a justice of the peace for many years, kept a tavern on Main street from 1786 to 1793, in the house until recently occupied by Mrs. McFarland, and it is not unlikely that this is the houso kept by Colwell and Means. Maj. George McCormick kept a tavern in 1788, and Col. John May's journal compliments it by this entry: "Thursday, Aug. 7, 1788, set out from the hotel at four o'clock, and at half-past eight ar rived at Maj. George McCormick's in Washington, Avhere avo break fasted. This is an excellent house, AA-hereNew England men put up." The Avriter regrets his failure to ascertain the exact location of this old taA-ern. Hugh Wilson (son of James) kept a tavern in .Washington in 1789, and John McMichael in 1790, the locations of which are not- uoAv ascertainable. Charles Valentine kept the -'White Goose" in 1791. This house stood on the lot iidAv covered by the Valentine House. The name Valentine is prominently identified Avith the National Eoad from tho date of its construction to the present time. The " White Goose " Avas the symbol under which this old taA-ern .sailed until the year 1806, AA-hen it assumed the more poetic name of " Golden SAvan," under the management of John Eettigg. ¦ Eettigg was relieved frqm its cares and responsibilities in 1810 by Juliana Valentine, who pre sided over its destinies down to the year 1819. It next passed to the control and management of James Sargeant, Avho kept it for a brief period, and turned it over to John Valentine and LcAvis Valentine, Avho continued it doAvn to 1825. It was next kept for two years by John Hays. In 1827 it was kept by Isaac Sumny, under the sign of the " Washington Hall." It was kept by Samuel Donley and various other persons, doAvn to about the year 1840, when as before stated, it passed to the control of Joseph Hallam. In Hallam's time it was a popular wagon stand, and did a large business. Hallam was a man 276 THE OLD PIKE. below the medium size, a little stooped, and of quiet demeanor. He had a good, wagon yard, and catered to the tastes of old wagoners in an agreeable manner. The happiest moments of Am.os Waltz were those in which be inserted the gear pole between the Spokes of the hind wheel of a road wagon, as it stood on Hallam's yard, and after ward took a drink with the jolly wagoners in Hallam's old bar-room. In 1847 or 1848 the present Valentine House was built, and kept for many j'oars thereafter by Maj. Geo. T. Hammond. It was also kept a Avhile by ex-Sheriff Andrew Bruce, afterward by ex-Sheriff Hugh Keys, and later and until a recent date by William F. Dickey, and is now called the "Allison House." In 1791 Michael Kuntz kept a tavern where Vowell's drug store stands. This house was kept in 1797 by John Scott, under the sign. of the "Spread Eagle." I. Neilson, John Fisher, Samuel McMillen, and John Ferguson, Avere all old tavern keepers of Washington. Joseph Huston kept the " Buck Tavern " as early as 1796. This is a stone house on the east side of Main street, below Maiden. Hus ton kept this house until 1812, and died in it. His widow succeeded him for a brief period, and leased the house to James Sargeant, who kept it until 1815, when Mrs. Huston again Avent in, and kept it until 1820. She afterward re-married, lost her second husband, and Avas keeping this house in 1838 as Elizabeth Fleming, and it was con tinued after that date by her son, William B. Huston. The old Buck is still standing, one of the landmarks of the town. In 1797 James Workman kept a tavern, the site of which is not known. He continued until 1813, when he went to farming. After three years' experience in farming he returned to town, and opened a tavern under the sign of " Gen. AndreAv Jackson." This old tavern stood on the west side of Main street, beloAv the '• Globe Inn." It was subsequently kept by Maj. James Dunlap of the old Mt. Vernon House, east of Pancake. From 1798 to 1806 Dr. John J. Lemoyne kept a tavern on the south side of Main street, where an old road came down over Gallows Hill. This house was afterward kept by Jacob Good, and continued for a number of years by his w-idoAv. The " Globe Inn " Avas one of the most famous old taverns in Washington. It was located on the Avest side of Main street, at the corner of StraAvberry alley. This house Avas opened as a tavern in 1797, and in the next year passed to the hands of David Morris, and was kept by him, continuously, until his death in 1834. General La- Payette Avas entertained at this house in 1825, and it Avas a favorite stopping place of Henry Clay, and many other statesmen and heroes of the olden time. This old tavern Avas a franie building, and re mained standing until 1891, Eev. AVilliam P, Alrich, an old and popular professor of mathematics in Washington college, married a daughter of David Morris. One Fox -kept a tavern, at an early period, in a house that stood on the east side of Main street, where the Morgan Block noAV stands. THE OLD PIKE. 277 The "Cross Keys" Avas a popular tavern of the olden time. It stood on the southeast corner of Main and AVheeling streets, opposite the A^alentine House. It was opened in 1801 by James McCamant, Avho kept it until his death, Avhich occurred in 1813. Tradition has it that he died fi-om the effects of a bite by a mad Avolf His widow continued it for about two years, Avhen she quit it to take charge of the "General AVashington House," nearly opposite the court house. She returned, hoAvever, after a time to the "Cross Keys," and was keeping that house as late as 1831, In the year last named she caused to be inserted in a town paper a notice that she furnished din ner and horse feed for twenty-five cents, and boarding and lodging for jurors and others attending court for tAvo dollars a Aveek. The "Cross Keys" Avas kept afterAvard at different dates by James Sar geant, Charles Eettig, John Bradfield, William Blakely and Otho Hartzell. It closed as a tavern previous to 1844. James McCamant, the first proprietor of the "Cross Keys" tavern, Avas the father-in- law of Joseph Henderson, esq., a prominent and popular old lawyer of Washington. Christian Keiffer kept a tavern in 1805 at the sign of "Wash ington." Keiffer's career as a tavern keeper must have been a brief and an uninteresting one, since old inhabitants are unable to locate his house, although it bore a name that should and does survive, in every other form except in its application to Keiffer's old tavern. John Kirk kept a tavern about the beginning of the jiresent cen tury in a house that stood on Wheeling street, west of Main. This house was painted red and penciled to imitate brick. After Kirk loft it AVilliam Wilson became its proprietor. He was known as '•Center Billy." He did not find tavern keeping sufficiently profit able, ancl quitting the business, turned his attention to blacksmithing and Avagon making. The old name of Wheeling street was "Belle," and the present name was given it by the old stage drivers and wag oners, because it intersected the old road leading to Wheeling. The "Indian Queen" was an old and well remembered tavern on Main street, opposite the court house. It Avas opened in 1808 by John McCluny. In 1815 it changed its location and solicited public patronage on Main street, above Chestnut, where Justice Donehoe's residence now is, under the auspices of its old founder, John Mc Cluny aforesaid. In its new location it became the headquarters of the Jackson Democracy. This house Avas kept by Thomas Officer, and Avas known as the "Green Tree," before McCluny'placed it un der the shield of the "Indian Queen." It was afterward occupied by John Johnson, who kept it for a number of years, and it ceased to do business as a tavern during his occupancy. About the year 1820 John Manuel kept a tavern in a white frame house on the west side of Main street, immediately below the present depot of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. There was an old tavern in Washington at an early day kept by Jacob Moler, and known as "The Mermaid." It was located on the 13 1^78 THE OLD PIKE. south side of AVest AVheeling street, and on the lot now owned by Charles Driehorst. It was the headquarters of the Hibernians, and AvbUe it did not aspire to rival the " Globe" or the "Eising Sun," it was not lacking in patronage. It does not appear to haA'e been con tinued as a taA'ern after the time of Moler. The "Eising Sun," a leading tavern in its day, occupied a lot near the corner of Main and Chestnut streets, almost directly oppo site the -house subsequently known as "The Mansion." The first proprietor of the "Eising Sun" Avas James Garrett, and he remained in charge until 1822. He Avas active in his business, and accustomed to say, "Walk in, Avalk in, gentlemen; I keep a decent house, and provide SAveetened bitters." James Briceland kept tbis house for one year, after Avhich he turned it back to Garrett, who continued to keep it until it passed to the hands of John N. Dagg, Avho kept it until he p'urchased the "Mansion House," on the opposite corner. It is said that one hundred teams have been seen standing arOund the "Eising Sun" in a single night. Briceland went down to the lower end of toAvn and took charge of the house subsequently known as "The National." In 1823 whUe Dagg Avas keeping the "Eising Sun," a toAvnsman and an old wagoner had an altercation in the bar-room, and Dagg pitched them both out into the street. In the descent the AA'agoner's head struck tho curb-stone, fatally injuring him, Mr. Dagg Avas prosecuted and arraigned for murder in consequence, but acquit ted by the jury on the ground that the homicide Avas more the result of accident, than any intention to kill. During the brief term of Mr. Briceland at the "Eising Sun" he had as guests ou one occasion. Gen. AndroAv Jackson, family and suite. The distinguished party Avere en route to Washington City, and upon departing from the "Eising Sun" were honored by an escort of citizens of Washington as far east as Hillsboro. In 1821 Enoch Miller opened a tavern in a large brick house at the Avest end of toAvn, nearly opjiosite the old Methodist church, Avhich stood on Chestnut street, a little below Franklin. He called his house the "General BroAvn," and it Avas avoU patronized. Eichard Donald son kept this house after Miller's time. Upon quitting tbe "General BroAvn" Enoch Miller opened the "Fountain Inn," a brick building -nearly opposite and a feAv doors oast of tho "General BroAvn," on Chestnut street, and ho Avas succeeded in this house in 1825 by George Eingland. William P. Byles Avas an old proprietor of this house also. WUliam J. Brown, called "Old Billy, ' kejit a tavern as early as 1832, and for many .years thereafter, on' the oast side of Main street near tho center of town. It Avas a frame building and had a fair l)aying custom. It was knoAvu for a time as tho " Farmers' Inn," and later as the "Black Bear." The old proprietor Avas a quaint charac ter, and much pestered by tho boys of the tOAvn. AVith all his troubles and tribulations he managed to lay aside a sufficiency of AA'orldly goods to protect himself against the requirements of a i-aiuA' daA'. r S. B. HAYS. THE OLD PIKE, 279 And there Avas old 'Jimmy BroAvn," another odd character, not a relation of "Billy." Jimmy Avas an Irishman, and know hoAV to make and keep money. He kept a tavern for many years in a while frame house ojiposite the court house, and near tbe "Fulton," He called his house " The Franklin." His savings were sufficient to war rant him in tearing doAvn his old house and erecting in its stead a fino UOAV brick structure, Avhich he did. After building his uoav house he married a Avife, and Avas warmly congratulated by his nuinerous friends. AVith the assistance of his Avife he continued to enter tain the public until his death, leaA'ing the cares and anxieties of bis business to his bereaved widoAV, Avho soon after remarried and retired to private life. The house is now used for mercantile purposes, one of the best locations in town. Jimmy Brown, when occupying his old house, was accustomed to say to his friends: "I have some nice fcsh, come away ta the cellar Avith me, and see my/esA." He had no license then. The Mansion House Avas a leading taA'ern in AA'asbington from the time it commenced business until it Avas destroyed by fire, Avhich occurred after the National Eoad ceased to be a great thoroughfare. It was located on the northeast corner of Main and Chestnut streets. Before the "Mansion House " was built an old red frame house stood on this corner, which was kept as a tavern by a man whose sui-namc Avas Scott. John N. Dagg" bought this property prior to his Avith- drawal from the "Eising Sun," on the opposite corner, and com menced to improve it. The outcome of his enterprise Avas the erec tion of a large brick building, known as the Mansion House, Avith extensive sheds ancl stables in the rear. About tho year 1834 Mr. Dagg leased the premises to John Irons, Avho conducted the house for a period of tAvo years, after Avhich Mr. Dagg returned as landlord, and continued to keep it doAvn to the year 1844, or thereabout, when he leased it to S. B. and C. Hayes, who conducted it for a brief jieriod, and were succeeded by Bryson and Shirls, subsequently of the St. Charles Hotel, Pittsburgh. The Good Intent line of stages gave its patronage to the "American," when that house was kept by the Messrs. Hayes, and to the "Greene House," Avhen it was kept by*'Daniel BroAvn. Thereafter the headquarters of that line were at the Mansion House, and it Avas headquarters for the Pilot line when the Good Intent stopped at the "American." The Mansion House had a large country trade, as well as that derived from the National Eoad. The old bar room was of immense size, and the old proprietor, John N. Dagg; was one of the largest haen on the road. He Avas not fat, but tall, and widely proportioned. Ho provided for his country guests a large upright boot jack, with side bars, which acted as levers, designed to steady the toe in the operation of drawing off a boot. Half cut, cheap leather slippers were also provided, and upon pulling their boots, guests put on these slippers, and in the mornings, piles of boots, nicely polished, were placed in a corner ofthe bar room, to await the return of their owners from the slumbers of the night. It vvas not 280 THE OLD PIKE. an uncommon thing to soe scores of country people sitting about in the big bar room after supper, talking over the events of the day, all Avearing the slippers referred to, preparatory to going to rest for the night, at the early bed time of that hapjy period. James K. Polk, wife and suite, stopped at the Mansion House on the inaugural trip in 1845. The "Examiner," under date of February 15, 1845, gave the following account of the reception of the distinguished party: "President Polk arrived in our borough on Monday OA'cning last, about 5 o'clock, escorted by quite a respectable number of our citi zens. The President Avas accompanied by his lady, J. Knox Walker. his private secretary, and Ma.ster Marshall Polk, comprising the Presi dent's family; also Colonel Butler, of Kentucky, Judge Hubbard, of Alabama, ancl Messrs. T. K. Stevenson, J. G. Harris and J. N. Essel- man. The arrival of the President having been sooner than was anticipated, and intelligence of the same having reached us on Sab bath last, the arrangements on the part of our citizens Avere not so complete or extensive as they Avould have been under other and more favorable circumstances. Upon the arrival of the President at the Mansion House he was addressed by Dr. AVishart, as chairman of the colnmittee of reception, in a spirited and appropriate manner, to Avhich the President responded, to the evident gratification of the large assembly of persons Avho were jiresent. In the course of his remarks Colonel Polk alluded to the unbounded feeling of gratitude AA'hich filled his bosom for the distinguished partiality which had been extended tOAvard him by his felloAv citizens; to tbe great responsi bility Avhich that partiality bad devolved upon him ; to his implicit conficlence in that power Avbich controls the destinies of individuals as Avell as nations; to his determination to act for the best interests of our beloved country, and the A-ital importance of freedom of opinion and contrariety of sentiment among a Eepublican people. In concluding his remarks, the President expressed a strong- desire to interchange congratulations Avith as many of our citizens, of all parties, as time and circumstances Avould permit. After the formal rocej)tion Avas completed the President Avas conducted into the Man sion House, and during the evening Avas Avaited upon by many hun- di-eds of our citizens, from toAvn and country, Avithout partj- distinc tion. Many of the ladies of our borough, Avith the Principal, assistant teachers and young ladies of our Female Seminary, also, called npon Mrs. Polk, whose plain, dignified and fascinating deportment and intelligent conversation Tendered hor com^iany exceedingly pleasant. Mrs. Polk bas certainly not boon too highly complimented, by the many notices Avbich have boon bestoAved upon her, as a lady most admirably suited to tho discharge of the ]icculiar dulios Avhich aAvait her as the Avife of tho President-elect, On Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock tho President and suite left our borough, in good health and spirits, for UniontoAvn, at Avhich place thoy remained OA'er night." Tho Fulton House Avas a ]n-oininent houso of entertainment in Washington for many years. It is located on tbe corner of Main and GEORGE T. HAMMOND. TIIE OLD PIKE, 281 Beau streets, nearly opposite the court house. John Purviance kept a tavern on the Pulton House site from 1790 to 1805, and three years thereafter went to Claysville j as stated elscAvhere in these pages. Eich ard Donaldson succeeded Purviance in this old house. John Fleming- kept a tavern on this corner in 1820, called "The Philadelphia and Kontuckj' Inn.'' In January, 1821, a fire occurred in this house, on occasion of the marriage of a daughter of Mr. Fleming, Avhich par tially destroyed the building, and saddest of all, burnt to death one of the old proprietor's daughters. After the present large brick build ing Avas erected on this corner, it Avas called "The American House," and Avas kept by S. B. and C. Hayes previous to 1840, and after them by John Huey. In 1846 or 1847 it Avas leased by Henry Fulton, Avho came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and under his man agement it took the name of the " Fulton House," Avhich it retained, and under AA'hich it became Avidely and favorably known, until itAvas given the absurd name of "Hotel Maine." The Fulton House Avas admirably conducted and extensively patronized. The National House Avas the headquarters of the Stockton line of stages. It is located on the northwest corner of Main and Maiden streets. The firm name of the Stockton line of .stages Avas " The National Eoad Stage Company," and it has been seen that this line bestowed its favor upon public houses bearing the name "National." In 1821 Samuel Dennison, Avho came from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, kept an old taA-ern that stood on the site of the "National House." It was then known as " The Travelers' Inn and Stage Office." It Avas subsequently enlarged and improved, and in 1823 passed to the control of James Briceland, under the name of the " National House." Its next occupant was John Irons, who Avas succeeded by James Sea right, in 1836, and he in turn by Daniel Valentine, George T. Ham mond, Edward Lane, Adam C. Morrow and Elliot Seaburn. It was an elegant eating house in the days of staging, and at its best under the management of Hammond and Lane, respectively. It is uoav called the "Auld House," and, as in many other instances, its old prestige departed Avith its old name. James Searight went from the "National House" to Zanesville, Ohio, and kept a tavern there for a short time, and returning to Washington, leased the " Greene House," Avhich was managed by his son, William. These Searights were of a Cumberland, Maryland, family. As early as 1815 Eichard Donaldson kept a tavern on Maiden street, opposite the Female Seminary. This old house Avas surrounded by spacious grounds, and there was a ball alley in the rear of it, which afforded means of exercise and amusement for the town boys of the olden time. James Workman succeeded Donaldson in this old tavern, and he, in 1830, was succeeded by Samuel Suri-att, father of James F. Surratt, the popular postmaster of Steubenville, Ohio. Major William Paull kept this house previous to 1840, and for a time there after, and at the close of his term it was purchased by the trustees of the Female Seminary, since which time it has formed a portion of 282 THE Old pike, the real estate belonging to that institution. Major Paull came to this house from the old stone house on AVinding Eidge, and kept it as a wagon stand. It had good faciUties for the accommodation of Avagoners, by reason of the spacious grounds before mentioned, and these, in connection Avith the fact that Major Paull was an experienced tavern keeper of the road, attracted a large and profitable patronage. The "Greene House," a popular tavern, was located on the east side of Main street, south of the Mansion House, and on a lot for merly OAvned by John L. Gow, esq. It was kept in 1842 by William Searight, before mentioned, who Avas succeeded by S. B. and C. Hayes, Avhose occupancy Avas brief, and about 1846 it came under the control of Daniel BroAvn, one of the most competent landlords of his day and generation. During BroAvn's incumbency it had the patronage of the Good Intent Stage company. BroAvn's bar-keeper Avas Benjamin White, AA'ho Avore his hair long and had a scar on his face. His em ployer ahvays addressed him as "Benny," and confided in his integrity to the fullest extent, and in very truth "Benny" was entirely worth a' 'of his employer's confidence. Whither this quaint old bar-keeper drifted, Avhen the eclipse came over the sunshine of the road, is not knoAvn, but his name deserves to be perjietuated in history. Most of the facts contained in this chapter rest on aulhority of Crumrine's histoiy of AVashington county, Pennsylvania, UJ COD OI z < LlJXH CHAPTEi^ XXXIX. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — Washington to West Alexander — Rankintown — John Rankin — Andrew McDonald — Freaks of an Old Wagon- maker — Robert Smith — John Coulson — Millers — Bedillions — The S Bridge — Caldwells — Mrs. Brownlee — Anotiier Widow McClelland — Claysville — John Sargent — An event in the Life of Dan Rice — Ba:i! Brown — Den- nisons — The Walker House — Jonathan D. Leet — Coon Lland — John Canode — Rogers and the Doughertys — John Valentine. After pa.ssing Washington the ancient little village of Eankin- town is reached. It is situated a short distance over the top of the hill leading up from Catfish, and a little over a mile from AVashington. Here a taA'ern was kept in early times by one Spalding, who seems to have failed in impressing his name on the locality. His successor Avas John Eankin, who dying, left his name behind him. His house Avas a large frame building on the south side of the road, Avith the cus tomary wagon yard attached. AVhile this old tavern did a large Avagoner's trade, its agreeable old host ministered largely to the Avants of the traveling public without distinction. As before intimated wagoners as a rule preferred country taverns, and this is probably the reason so many of them halted at Eankin's rather than proceed ing on to Washington, going east, Avhere a number of good taverns Avere located, but being in a large town, more or less under the ban of "tony places." John Eankin oAvned the old tavern stand at Eankintown, and after conducting it for many years during the flourishing era of the road, to use a common phrase of the road, "died with the harness on." His M-idow continued to keep tayern at the old stand until about the year 1847, when growing old and tired of the cares and responsibilities of tavern keeping, concluded to re tire to private life, and leased the premises to a Mr. Johnson, who conducted the house down to the fifties, when he was succeeded by AndreAV McDonald, Avho remained in charge until the activities of the rpad ceased. The private residence of tbe late Hon. William Montgomery Avas for-a number of years on the roadside near the old Eankin tavern. He was an illustrious old pike boy and championed the glories of the road on many an occasion. Eankintown is now an incorporated borough, under the name and styleof West AVashington, but the glories of the old pike all rest and abide behind the present municipality. ( 283 ) 284 THE OLD PIKE. In 1844 and subsequent to that date, Alpheus Murphy, a wagon- maker, lived and operated a shop near the old Eankin tavern. He gained a local notoriety for proclaiming in a loud voice in season and out of season, his sentiments on current topics, and especiaUy polit ical issues. He was a man of great physical strength, and a skillful workman. He had no scruples against taking an occasional glass of the pure whisky that abounded on the road in his day, and Avas a fre quent visitor to Washington. Prompted possibly by the influence of the active element mentioned, he was accustomed to ascend tbc cupola of the Washington court house and from the balustrade near its summit give A-ent to his feelings, mainly of a Democratic tendency, in stentorian tones that startled the whole community. NotAvith standing the boisterous fits that marked and may have marred his life, he passed quietly away from the, scenes of earth, and will be long and kindly remembered by those who knew him. Tavo miles Avest of Eankintown Eobert Smith kept a taA-ern as early as the year 1818. At this point the National Eoad crossed an ancient roadway leading from Washington to Wheeling, and Eobert Smith kept a tavern here on the old road. It was a frame house on the south side of the road, and in after years became the homestead and jirivate residence of Jacob AVeirich, who died its possessor. Less than a mile west of Smith's John Coulson kept a taA-ern as early as 1820, and probably before that date. His house Avas a frame building, on the south side of the road. The old building Avas torn doAvn many yeai»8 ago, and a brick structure erected in its place. Coulson, the old proprietor, has been dead fifty years, and at bis death his tavern Avas closed, and not again re-opened as a public house The old wagoners and stage drivers who were familiar with Conlson's tavern long since passed to other scenes, along with its old proprietor. ' About one mile Avest of the old Coulson House the avoU remem bered and popular wagon stand of John Miller is reached. Miller moved to this point in 1836 from a stand tAvo miles west of Pratt's Hollow, and east of Cumberland, as before stated. The Miller house here is a large brick building, with all the necessary outbuildings for a tavern', and a good wagon j'ard. It is situate on the north side of the road. To gain the Avagon yard going Avest, old Avagoners as cended a steep grade, but on the other side the Avay Avas level. Miller had a good custom at his tavern east of Cumberland, and his old friends followed him to his new location. He had long experience as a taA-ern keeper, and furnished satisfactory entertainment to the traveling public. Previous to 1836 Levi Wilson kept this house, and entertained the first crop of Avagoners on the road, and tradition at tributes to him a good fame as a tavern keeper. Miller died in this house. A son of Levi AVilson married a daughter of John Miller, and since the death of the latter has been occupying this old taA'ern- stand as a priA-ate rosidence ' At the foot of the hill west of Miller's, and on the north side of the road, is the old Bedillion tavern. This house AA'as kept as early THE JOHN MILLER HOUSE. THE OLD PIKE. 285 as 1830 by one Scott, and as late as 1848 by Christly Wolf, and later by George Boyd, but OAving to a usage, in some instances difficult to account for, it is better known as BedUlion's, especially among old Avagoners, than by any other name. BedUUon was a German, and his first name Avas Abraham, and he probably possessed German traits and practices Avhich made an impression on old wagoners not to be forgotten. He kept this house in 1836. Wolf also was of Ger man origin, but his manners and methods were of the American type. He was a man of prominence in his neighborhood, and wielded con siderable local influence, and Avas likewise a member of the firm of Buck, Lyon and Wolf, contractors, before mentioned. The old Bedil lion tavern is a large frame building, with a high porch in front. George Boyd took charge of this house in the early fifties. He ex changed the shoe business in Washington for Avhat he no doubt con sidered the more profitable pursuit of tavern keeping on the old pike. In this he seems to haA-e been disappointed. His career as a taA-ern keeper Avas not successful, and there Avere two reasons for it. First, he began too late, and second, he Avas not a pike boy, and therefore not familiar Avith the Avants and ways of the road. On the north side of the road, about one mile west of the S Bridge, and as far back in the past as seventy years, one AndroAV Caldwell (not a relatiA-e of James, hereinafter mentioned), kept a small wooden tavern and entertained primitive travelers and neighbor hood callers in primitive style. An old blacksmith, bearing the sur name McSAviggin, AA'as found dead near this old tavern, and there Avas an undercurrent of suspicion in the neighborhood that Andrew Cald Avell, aforesaid, had, in some manner and for some purpose, taken the old blacksmith's life. Hoav ever, no prosecution was instituted, and, in fact, no legal investigation made as to the cause ofthe mysterious death ; and it is to be hoped, for the reputation of the early pike boys, that the suspicious AA'hispered against the old tavern keeper were groundless. The next noted old taA-ern on the westward march is Mrs. Cald- Avell's, scA-en miles from Washington. Before reaching Mrs. Cald- Avell's. the celebrated S Bridge is passed. This bridge takes its name from its shape, which resembles the letter S. It is a large stone bridge over a branch of Buffalo creek. Near this bridge a county road leads t(-) Taylorstown, celebrated in recent years for its oil devel opments, and in this vicinity reside James Noble and John Thomp son, tAv-o old wagoners of the road, mentioned in a previous chapter. There is a postoffice here called " S Bridge," Avhich affords postal facilities for a rich and populous neighborhood. In early times there Avas a tavern at the eastern end of the S Bridge, and one at its western end. These old taverns accommodated the public in their day,^but their facilities Avere limited, and they ceased to entertain strangers and travelers previous to 1840. Caldwell's is the tavern mentioned by Mr. Blaine, in the opening chapter of this volume on old taverns. James Caldwell owned and conducted this old tavern from the time the road was opened up for travel, or very soon thereafter, until the 130 286 THE OLD PIKE. year 1838, when he died, and his widow, Hester CaldweU, kept it going as a tavern from that date until 1873, so that she was one of the oldest tavern keepers of the road. The house is a large and handsome structure, near the summit of a long hill, and on the south side of the road. It is, at the present time, occupied by J. A. Gordon, who entertains the public, and as of old, the house is a favorite resort of pleasure seeking parties. A half a mile west from Caldwell's, the Avidow Brownlee kept a tavern in the early history of the road. Her house was a frame building on the south side of the road. Eobert Hall afterwards kept this house, and upon his retirement it ceased to do business as a tavern. On the top of the hill west of Mrs. Brownlee's the widow Mc Clelland kept a tavern sixty years ago. She was not of the famous tavern keeping family of McClelland, of Uniontown. This widow McClelland wa« keeping tavern at the point mentioned before the widoAv McClelland of the McClelland House in Uniontown was born. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad at this day passes through a tunnel near the old tavern of Avidow McClelland. Claysville is next reached. It is stated in Crumrine's history of Wasbington county, that John Purviance was the first tavern keeper in Claysville, and that he was the founder of the town. "When it became certain," says Crumrine, "that the National Eoad would paSs through the place, Purviance caused the following notice to be inserted in the Washington Beporter: "The subscriber having laid off a number of building lots in the new town of Claysville, will offer the same at public sale on the premises, on Thursday, the 8t,h day of March, next. Claysville is distant ten miles from Washington, westAvard, and about eighteen east of Wheeling, and six from Alexandria. The great National Eoad from Cumberland to Wheeling as located by Col. AVilliams and confirmed by the President, and now rapidly progressing towards its completion, passes directly through the toAvn. "Washington, April 21, 1817. John Purviance." It goes without saying that this toAvu Avas named in honor of Henry Clay, the unrivaled champion of the road. As at other towns mentioned, the road forms the main street of ClaysviUe. In 1821 James Sargent kept a tavern in Claj'svillo, at the sign of the Black Horse He moved to Claysville from Washington, and the house he kept in Claysville Avas a brick building, occupied formerly by John Porter. Claysvillo was a stage station, as before stated, Bazil BroAvn kept a tavern in Claysville as early as 1836, and probably before that date. He kept a wagon stand and had a large patronage. Some time during the forties, Dan Eico, after his circus stranded, Avas exhibiting a "learned pig" to the people of Claysville, and in Bazil BroAvn's tavern. On the night of the entertainment BroAvn lost an overcoat, and charged Dan Eice with stealing it, and had him sent up to AVashing- H Xm 03 00 oam THE OLD PIKE. 287 ton jail to aAvait trial. Dan employed Seth T, Hurd to defend him, and was acquitted. Soon after Dan" appeared in Claysville with a new- circus, and sang an original song in the ring intended to embody his recoUections of the oA-ercoat escapade, and to lampoon Brown for prosecuting him. The song Avas smooth, as all Dan's Avcre, and the thrusts at BroAvn sarcastic and severe, and much enjoyed by the local hearers. Despite this unfortunate occurrence Bazil Brown was a popular landlord, and kept a good house. The old circus man is stUl living, and has probably forgotten and forgiven the old tavern keeper for accusing him of felony, but the old tavern keeper long since passed beyond the dark waters, and entered upon the realities of an other and unknoAvn realm. James Dennison kept a tavern in Clays viUe as early as 1840. He subsequently kept at Beallsville and at Hopwood as before stated. He Avas an old wagoner and kept a wagon stand, but had the patronage of one of the stage lines in Claysville, as Avell as a wagon custom. Old Avagoners felt themselves entirely at bome atDennison's tavern, and thoroughly enjoyed his agreeable en tertainment. David Bell, John Walker, James Kelley, Stephen Conkling and John Mcllree were all old taA-ern keepers at Claysvillo, and kept stage houses. There Avas also a AVatkins who kept tavern in Claysville. The house he kept was destroyed by fire previous to 1850. It had the patronage of the Good Intent stage line. David Bell Avas an old stage driver. His house in ClaysviUe Avas a brick building on the south side, diagonally opposite tho old Walker House. He subse quently kept the Fulton House in AA^asbington in 1862 and 1863. The AA^alker House Avas a frame building, on the north side. Walker subsequently located at Wheeling and kept a tavern there. Conkling kept the Walker House. Mcllree kept the Brown House. Kelley also kept the Walker House, and it was in this house, and- in Kelley's time, that Jim Burr, the noted stage driA-er, "knocked out" tbe Cin cinnati buffer, before mentioned. The Stockton line of coaches stopped at the old Brown House, and the Good Intent line at the Walker and AVatkins Houses. The Avidow Calahan kept a tavern in Claysville prior to 1840. Jonathan D. Leet married her daughter. Leet Avas a pike boy of no little distinction in his day. His discernment and good taste in Avedding the fair daughter of an old tavern keeper Avere not the only proofs of his Avit and Avorth. He was a lawyer of ability, a major of militia, postmaster of Washington during the presidency of President Polk, and member of the Legislattire for Washington county. A large man with prominent features, and somewhat awk ward in manner, he Avas the personification of Mars, Avhen arrayed in the elaborate uniform of tbe old militia system. The great gilt rolls ofthe ponderous epaulette, and the immense three cornered and sharp pointed chapeau produced a feeling of aAve among all beholders, and struck terror to the hearts of young folks. Major Leet being a lawyer was Judge Advocate at all courts martial during" 288 THE OLD PIKE. the time he was in commission. These courts were frequently held in Washington, and their members were required to sit, hear and de termine in full uniform. On such occasions Major Leet was " the observed of aU observers," and elicited the admiration of his many friends. There was an old silversmith in Washington by the name of Gait, a man of acute intelligence, given to the amusing side of life, and a close friend of tbe philosopher Dr. Creigh, of the same place. Those old worthies were warm friends of Major Leet, and their enthusiasm knoAv no bounds in expressing delight over the triumphs ofthe Major, in conducting these courts martial. In 1848, when Major Leet was postmaster, he was an ardent advocate of the election of General Cass to the presidency, and accustomed to aUude with emphasis to the fact that his favorite was "a brave old volun teer." His candidate, however, was defeated, and under the rule of partisanship, he was superseded in the postoffice by a friend of the victorious columns. Subsequently be was elected to the Legislature, and after serving his term did not return to live among his constitu ents. He was essentially a pike boy, devoted to the memories ofthe road, and fond of its associations, yet he died in a strange land, and his is not the only instance wherein a seat in the Legislature has led a man from the gentle paths and innocent pastimes of his early days. Three miles west from ClaysvOle, at the foot of a long bill, the romantic, not to say classic spot of Coon Island is reached. Here Avas an old tavern stand, for many years kept by John Canode pre vious to 1840. It was on the north side of the road, and a wagon stand. The stages stopped here also at times, and it was a regular relay for the express Avagons. After Canode's time the tavern here was kept by John Brotherton and sons. It was a prominent point during the flourishing era of the road. As late as 1853 a Mr. Eeed kept the old tavern at Coon Island. The old stage and wagon lines, bowoA'er, were Avithdrawn previous to that date, and some small local lines substituted, as if to prevent an abrupt termination to the high prosperity which the road enjoyed for so long a period. The origin of the name Coon Island is presumably unascertainable, else Crumrine in his history of Washington county would have given it, as tbe locality is within the limits of that county. That coons ex isted and flourished in the neighborhood from time immemorial, there is scarcely a doubt, but an island has never been witnessed there since the subsidence of the great flood in Noah's time. The point is now a station on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and the name is changed to Vienna. The old name is more appropriate, albeit tbe island is absent. It is more appropriate, because it is familiar to the people, but it seems to be the inevitable doom of many old familiar- names to fall before the advance of modern fancies. Think of an old wagoner going back to Coon Island after an absence of half a cen tury, to find himself ''a mere looker on in Vienna! " Shades of the old pike, hide this ruthless and senseless innovation from the eyes of mankind. DAVID BELL. THE OLD PIKE. 289 Tavo miles Avost from Coon Island ami a short distance beyond the site of the old Catholic church, an old tavern Avas kept in early days by one Eogers, and subsequentl}- by Jacob and Michael Dough erty. It Avas a frame bouse, on the north side of tbe road. A good Avater trough Avas maintained at this old stand, and travelers halted here for Avater, In 1830 this old tavern Avas kept by Jacob Jones, the father of the distinguished iron manufacturer and politician, B. F. Jones, of Pittsburg. The old church mentioned, Avbich Avill be re membered by all Avho are familiar Avith this section of the road, Avas taken doAvn a foAv years ago, and rebuilt at Claysville, a more central point for the parishioners. Before reaching Dougherty's another old round toll house is passed, the last one on the road in Pennsylvania. Here William McCleary collected the tolls for many years. A few hundred yards further Avest tho old and popular tavern of John Valentine is reached. It is a frame house, on the north side of the road, large and commodious, and was a favorite resort of wagon ers. A'alentine kept this tavern a great many years. If be had a predecessor or a successor in this house, his name is totally eclipsed by that of John A'alentine. He possessed the talent for tavern keeping in a rare degree, and Avas a brother of Daniel Valentine, the old and popular tavern keeper of Washington, and of Charles Valen tine, an old wagoner of that place. CHAPTEi-l XL. Old Taverns and Tavern Keepers continued — WeM Alexander to Wheeling — A Modern Gretna Green — Dr. McCluskey — Crossing Another State Line — Abram, Carr — The Widow Beck, ivith whom' Abram Lincoln boarded, and at whose house Robert T. Lincoln was born — Tlie Widow Rhodes and Abram Beagle — John White, Isaac Jones, Roney's Point, Ninian Bell, John Bentley, James Kim- berly, Triadelphia, John D. Foster, Col. Thompson, the Widow Gooding — The Clay Monument — Col. Moses Shepherd and his wife, Lydia — Samuel Carter — Michael Blackburn — Steenrods — Wheeling — John McCortney, and others. Crumrine's history of Washington county states that West Alex ander was first laid out in 1796 by Eobert Humphreys, that most ofthe lots were subsequently acquired by Charles D. Hass, Avho in the year 1817 sold them by public outcry; that the National Eoad at the last mentioned date was in process of construction, and had been actually opened for travel from Cumberland to the Big Crossings, and it Avas believed that all the towns upon. its route would become places of prosperity and importance; that the town of West Alexander AA'as destroyed by fire on May 4, 1831, but slowly recovered from the dis aster, and in the succeeding twenty years became a thriving -village, by reason of the prosperity of tho great thoroughfare on Avhich it Avas located. A house called the "American Eagle" Avas thefirst tavern in West Alexander, established by Duncan Morrison in 1796, and kept by him for a number of years. Subsequent taA'ern keepers in West Alexander Avere Charles Mayes, Zebulon AVai-ner, John Good ing, John Woodburn, William McCall, Solomon Cook, James Sargent, Charles Hallam, Mary Warner, James Bell, Sih'er GilfiUan, Samuel Beamer, James Matthers, John Irons, Moses Thornburg, Samuel Doak, Joseph Lawson, Joseph DoAvdal, William F. Gordon, AVilliam McCutcheon, and perhaps others. Joseph LaAvson Avas probably the best known of all these old tavern keepers. He kept a AA-agon stand for a long time during the prosiDerous era of the road, and Avas exten sively patronized. Pie had been an old Avagoner himself, and knoAv the secret of agreeably entertaining old Avagoners. He is mentioned in a previous chapter as a " fancy Avagoner " of the road. His tavern in West Alexander Avas a largo and commodious frame building- at tho Avestern end of tbe tOAvn, on the south side of, the road, Avitli a large and well arranged Avagon yard attached. He owned the property, and died in possession. Beside being a successful Avagoner and ta\'ern keeper, Joseph LaAvson Avas a staunch citizen, a man of influence and (290) JOSEPH F. MAYES. (old justice of the peacf.! -THE OLD PIKE. 291 highly esteemed. He was at one time, for a brief period. Superin tendent of the road from BrownsviUo to the Virginia line. There was, during the prosperous era ofthe road, an academy at AVest Alexander under the management of the Eev. Dr. John McClus key, AA-here many boys Avere trained for entrance to Washington coUege. Dr. McCluskey Avas an eminent scholar, an able preacher, a successful educator and a worthy man in all tho Avalks of life. He devoted a long and laborious life hero, to gain a better one hereafter, and let us hope he is now realizing its enjoyment. West Alexander is also noted as a rival of the celebrated Gretna Green, of Scotland, by reason of the many clandestine marriages which have taken place there. Joseph F. Maj-es, an old justice of the peace of the place, married nineteen hundred and eighteen couples from 1862 to 1881, more than nine- tenths of whom were elopers. It is estimated that from 1835 to 1885, the date of the enactment of the Pennsylvania marriage license law, over fiA-e thousand eloping couples were married in West Alex ander. One mile distant from West Alexander on the north side of the road, Abram Carr kept a tavern as early as 1836. It was a frame building, and a wagon stand. After Carr this old tavern was kept by Silver GilfiUan, before mentioned in the list of taA-ern keepers at AVest Alexander. Carr and GilfiUan Avell kneAv the ways of the road, and were competent men in their line. Old wagoners avoi-o accus tomed to lay aside their coin, to jiay bills at GilfiUan's tavern, under a belief that he coveted silver because of his Christian name. This was the first tavern located in Old Virginia on the AvestAvard march, being less than a mile from the Pennsylvania State line. Two miles further west a large frame tavern on the north side of tbe road, was kept by Mrs. Sarah Beck as early as 1832, It Avas a station for the Stockton line of coaches. Mrs. Beck Avas succeeded in this house by Samuel Knode, who retained the good will and pat ronage extended to his predecessor. Mrs. Beck was the Avidow of James Beck, of the old bridge building firm of Kinkead, Beck & Evans, frequently mentioned in these pages. Her 'son, William G. Beck, still living in Fairfield, loAva, waS the hero of the exciting race between two coaches from Cumberland to Piney Grove, mentioned in a previous chapter. James Beck, the husband of Sarah Beck, died in Wheeling in 1829, while keeping a tavern in that place. His widow was of a heroic mold, and resolved to carry on the battle of life on her own account, and continued in the business of tavern keeping. She kept tavern at various points, and finally about the year 1847 bade a last adieu to the sc'enes of the road, amid which she had been reared, and emigrated to the then far Avest. Leasing a house in Springfield, Illinois, she resumed the business of tavern keeping. AVhile a member of the Illinois Legislature, Abraham Lincoln was a boarder in Mrs. Beck's house, and Eobert T. Lincoln, the late United States minister at London, Avas born under her roof. Thus an old tavern keeper of the National Eoad Avas closely associated 292 THE OLD PIKE. with, and enjoyed the confidence of, one of the most illustrious per sonages of his time or of any time. A short distance, less than a miy further west, the widow Ehodes kept a popular wagon stand as early as 1830. Another widow, and no exception to the rule, before stated. Her house was a frame building, on the south side of the road, and a busy, bustling hostelry. ~ Abram Beagle, an old wagoner, became the husband of the widow Ehodes, as elsewhere in these pages stated, and relieved her of many of tbe active cares of tavern keeping, until his death, which occurred in this house, leaving his wife a second time a widow, and she con tinued the business of tavern keeping as the widow Beagle, with her usual success. Abram Beagle was likewise, and- before he married Mrs. Ehodes, a contractor on the road. His work was near the Little Crossings. The next old tavern on the west, and a short distance from the Avidow Ehodes' house, was kept as early as 1830 by John White. It Avas a frame house on the north side of the road. Mrs. Beck, before mentioned, subsequently bought this property, improved it in many details, and especially by the erection of a substantial new stable, with a capacity for sheltering one hundred horses. She conducted this tavern in 1833, and kept the stock and boarded the drivers and' other employes of the Stockton line of coaches. She was a favorite of that line, and patronized by it at all points of the road where she kept a tavern, except at the Greene House in Washington, where she had the favor and p.atronage of the Good Intent line. The old W bite stand was kept by the widow Miller and her son, after Mrs. Beck left it, and they were succeeded by Peter Perkins, and he in turn by John Brotherton. One mile further west Isaac Jones kept a tavern as earl 3- as 1835, and probably before that date. His house was a frame building on the north side of the road. He was not active in soliciting patron age, and after a brief and not very successful career as a tavern keeper, closed his house to the public and continued to occupy it as a pri-vate residence, and it was never thereafter opened as a tavern. Eoney's Point is next reached, a stage station ten miles from Wheeling. The original owner of the land here Avas Eoney, and its peculiar conformation, a high ridge ending in a point on the south side of the road, gaA'e it the name of Eoney's Point. It is a familiar name, and was a lively place during the palmy da3's of the road. On the north side of the road, at Eoney's Point, a large stone tavern Avas kept by one Ninian Bell, prior to the year 1828. He Avas succeeded by James Beck, Mrs. Sarah Beck, Moses Thornburg, and Jacob Beck, in the order named. James and Jacob Beck Avere not relatives. The old Simms line of stages stopped at this house Avben it Avas kept bj' James Beck, and it was the stopping place of the Good Intent line, Avhen kept by Jacob Beck. One mUe Avest of Eoney's Point, on the south side, stood an old frame tavern, which, in the CA'cntful days of the road gathered in its MRS. SARAH BECK. THE OLD PIKE, 293 share of glory. It was kept first by John Bentley, and after him by Jamos Kimberly. In addition to the custom it gained from the roacl, this house Avas a favorite resort of the young rural residents, male and female of that portion of Old Virginia, and here they Avore accustomed to go for a night's festivity, always confining themselves Avithiu tho bounds of propriety, but Avithin those bounds enjoying tbemselA-es in a high degree. There is many a gray-haired A'eteran living in the vicinity uoav, of both sexes, whose memories revert Avith pleasure to the exciting and exhilarating scenes they Avitnessed and participated in, at John Bentley's old tavern. Ono mile further west, Triadelphia is reached, a small village, and like many others, the outgrowth of the National Eoad. Here John D. Foster kept a tavern at an early day, and very old pike boys say it AA'as a good one. It Avas a frame building on the north side of the road. The old landlord is said to have been courteous in deport ment, given to hospitality, and scrupulously observant of the pro prieties of life. His daughter, Mary, became the wife of C. S. Maltby, tbe celebrated oj'ster dealer of Baltimore. The flrst parties Avbo shipped oysters over the road by express were Nicholas Eoe, EdAvard AVright, and Holt and Maltbj'. The latter firm soon obtained entire control ofthe business, and made a fortune in it. Maltby died within tbe past two j-ears in Connecticut, and Holt was killed in a railroad accident in A^irginia in 1852. Colonel Thompson also kept a taA'ern in Triadelphia in an early day. His house Avas a frame building, on the north side. Colonel Thompson was a gentleman of the old Vir ginia school, and a fine type of the genial landlord. He ceased keep ing this house previous to 1840, and was succeeded by William Barnes, AA'ho in turn was succeeded by Edward Lane, and Lane by Frank Lawson. This house was largely patronized by pleasure seekers from Wheeling and other places, beside doing an extensi\-e road business, and enjoyed an excellent reputation as a hostelry. Three miles further west the old tavern of Mrs. Gooding, another widow, is reached. The site of this old tavern is uoav covered by the flourishing vUlage of Elm Grove. Mrs. Gooding had a wide fame as a ho.stess, and her house Avas croAvded by patrons. It is a stone building, still standing, situate on the south side of the road. Old wagoners to this day, enthuse over the sumptuousness of the widoAv Gooding's table. Sleighing parties from AVheeling frequented this old tavern in the halcyon days of the road, and were handsomely entertained. " Oh, the songs they would sing, and the tales they woukl spin. As they lounged m the light of the old country inn. But a day came at last when the stage brought no load To the gate, as it rolled up the long, dusty road. And lo ! at the sunrise a shrill whistle blew O'er the hills — and the old yielded place to the new — And a merciless age with its discord and din Made wreck, as it passed, of the pioneer inn." 294 THE OLD PIKE. Before reaching Mrs. Gooding's the Clay Monument is passed. This monument Avas erected by Moses Shepherd and Lydia, his wife, under an inspiration of personal admiration of the great statesman, and with a further vicAV of commemorating his distinguished public services in behalf of the road. It is of free stone, located upon a level piece of ground about fifty feet south of tbe ea.st end of a stone bridge of three arches, over Wheeling creek. At its base its circum ference is twenty-four feet, towering to a height of twenty feet, and surmounted by a chiseled figure of the Goddess of Liberty, at this date bearing plain evidences of the ravages of time and storm. Orig inally each ofthe four sides of the base column revealed an elaborate inscription, but all are totally effaced now, except the one on the east side. Avhich is as follows: "TiaieavUI bring every amelioration and refinement, most gratifying to rational man, and the humblest fiower freely plucked under tho shelter of the Tree of Liberty, is more to be desired than all the trappings of royalty; 44th year of American Independence, Anno Domini, 1820." The word Time stands out in bolcl relief over the other words quoted. John Aery, of ClaysA-ille, and Alexander Eamsey, of Washington, tAvo old and well remem bered stone-cutters, worked on this monument. The former did most of the carving, in Avhich he Avas an expert, and the latter much of the fine chiseling. Eamsey Avas the father-in-laAv of William G. Beck, the old stage driver previously mentioned. On a picturesque eminence, near the monument, overlooking Big Wheeling creek, stands the ancient and historic Shepherd mansion, a stone building erected in 1798, and now known as " Monument Place." tbe delightful and hospitable home of Maj, Alonzo Loring. In the olden time, Avlien tho National Eoad Avas the bustling highway of the Ee public, the handsome and luxurious stage coaches of the period, fre quently bore Henry Clay and other eminent men of his day to tho Shepherd mansion, Avhere they reveled in Old Virginia bospitalitA'. Near tho old Shepherd mansion stands an antiquated sun dial, coA-ered Avith the marks of time, and bearing on its south face this inscription : " The noiseless foot of Time steals softly by, And ere we think of Manhood age draAvs nigh." On the north face of this dial appear tbe names and the figures: " Moses and Lydia Shepherd, 1820." Col, Moses Shepherd died in 1832, and his widow subsequently married Gen. Daniel Cruger, Avhom she also survived man}- years. The}- are all now dead, and their mortal remains mingle Avith their native dust, in tho cemetery attached to tho "Stone Church," near Elm Grove. A handsome monument stands at tboir graves bearing the foUoAving inscriptions: On one side, ''SicTran- sit Gloria Miindt . Sacred to tho memory of Col. Moses Shepherd, Avbo departed this life Aiuil 29tb, 1832, in tiie 69th 3-earof his age." "To him the country owes a large debt of gratitude, as avoU for his de fense of it, Avhen a frontier sottlomeut, as for his recent public ser- COL. MOSES SHEPHERD. MRS. LYDIA SHEPHERD. tiie old PIKE. 295 vices in aiding the oxtonsiou and construcliou of the Cumberland Eoad through A'irginia." Tho obverse side tells the story of the second husband, as foUoAvs: ''Sic Tntnsit Gloria Mundi: Sacred to the memory of Gen. Daniel Cruger, Avho died July 12th, 1843, in the 64th year of his age" A third side ]ioi-]ictuatos tho memory of the tAvice bereaved AvidoAv as foUoAvs: '-Sir Transit Gloria IJundi . Lydia S. Cruger. Avito of Gen. Daniel Cruger, formerly Lydia S, Boggs,fir.st married Col. ^Mosos Shepherd : Born Fob. 26th, 1766 : .Died Sept. 2eth, 1867, in tho 102d year of her ago." High up on tbe granite shaft is chiseled on tAvo sitlcs the picture of a log cabin, aud at tbe door ap- ]ioars a female figure in sitting jiosture Avith a dog in repose at the feet, Avhile in the back ground is soon tbe roprosontation of a martial grou]i. Avith branches of a palm tree overhanging the Avhole de.sign. A short distance Avcst from AvidoAV Goodings, Samuel Carter kopt a tavern as early as 1830. It Avas a brick house on the south side of the road, a resort for pleasure sookors from AVheeling, and a avoU kept house. This house Avas subsequently kept by AA'"illiam StraAvn. About one mile Avest of Carter's, Michael Blacklnirn kept a tav ern in the olden time, and Avas avoU favored Avith custom. It Avas a stone house on the north .side of the road. Next comes Steenrod's, tAvo miles out from AVhcoling, a bi-ick and stone building on the south side of the road, and a Avidely knoAvn old tavern. Daniel Steenrod, tho old landlord, OAvnod the property, and Avas a man of intelligence and much influence. His son, LcAvis, rep resented the Wheeling district in Congress during the prosperous era of the road, and, as before stated, Avas one of its most zealous cham pions. LcAvis Steenrod, a grandson of tho old landlord, is at this time (1892), High Sheriff of Ohio county, AVest A''irginia, and on November 18th of this year, executed Maier, the murderer. Daniel .Steenrod kept the old taAcrn last mentioned as early as 1825, and probably before that date, and continued throughout tbe Avhole period of the road's great career as a national highAvay. He died April 27th, 1864, aged eighty years. The property still remains in the Steenrod family. A short distance from Steenrod's, on the north side, Avas "Good's Bottom," now called Pleasant A^alley, doubtless bj- reason of the frantic iconoclasm, which has lain its ruthless bands on so many old and familiar names. At Good's Bottom there was a race course in early times, and it Avas here, and previous to 1840, that the celebrated horse "Tariff"' lost bis laurels. "Tariff'" was owned by Thomas Porter, a farmer and stockman of Claysville. Joseph White, the well knoAvn marble dealer of Uniontown, a native of tbe vicinity of Clays ville, Avas a witness of the discomfiture of " Tariff'' on the old j-ace course at Good's Bottom. And now, after a long journey of tAvo hundred and sixty miles, the city of Wheeling is reached. Wheeling Avas the Avesterh terminus of the road, in contemplation of the Act of Congress of March 29th, 1806, given in a previous chapter. John McCortney kept the most 296 the old pike. noted Avagon stand in Wheeling, He was likewise a commission mer chant, Avbich further identified him with old wagoners, enabling him to furnish them with back loads. His tavern Avas located on Main street, running back east on Fourteenth to alley B, parallel Avitli, and between Main and Market, with ample grounds surrounding it for wagons and teams to Stand on. These grounds Avere so extensive that they accommodated the old time circus, in addition to Avagons and teams of the road, and tAvo distinct circuses have been knoAvn to exhibit on them at the same time. They Avere not of the modern "triple ring" order, but of the Dan Eice design. McCortney Avas a man of agreeable manners, and managed his extensive business Avith marked success. He died in Wheeling on December 10th, 1872, aged seventy-nine years. He Avas three times married. His last AA-ife Avas the AvidoAV of William H. Stelle, one of the proprietors of the Good Intent stage line. Martin Bugber was McCortney's bar-keeper for many years, and is remembered by old Avagoners as a rival of Wilse Clement in hard sAvearing. On loAver Water street, Eobert Newlove kept a AA'agon stand, ancl was well liked by old Avagoners, and Avell patronized by them. He was tbe owner of Avagons and teams, Avhich he kept on the road, in charge of hired drivers. In 1829 Eichard Simms, the old .stage proprietor, kept the United States hotel, and Avas its OAvner. .lames Beck kept this house after Simms, and James Dennison after Beck. James McCreary kept it next after Dennison, and Mordecai Yarnell next after McCreary. The Monroe House, on Monroe, now Tenth street, was kept in 1830 by John McLure, and subsequently by James Matthers. The Virginia House Avas kept in 1830 by John Graham, and afterAvard by one BeltzhooA-er, and later by Jacob Kline. Beltzhoover and Kline came out from Baltimore. The United States, the Monroe and the Virginia, were stage stations. On upper Main, street, in 1830, Moses Mosier kept a tavern, and on the same street, and at the same time, a tavern was kept by Mrs. Beymer, AvidoAV of Captain Frederic Beymer, assisted by her son, Samuel, who Avas a soldier of 1812. Cajjt. Frederic Beymer kept a tavern in Wheeling as early as the year 1802, at the sign of the AVagon, and took boarders at tAvo jiiasters a Aveek, The toAvn council of "W"heeling metin Capt. Bej^mer's tavern in 1806, The house that Widow Beymer presided over as hostess, is a brick buUding, on the south Avest corner of. Main and Ninth streets, on a lot bordering the river. This house is still standing, but has not been used as a taA-ern for many years. Beymer's old Landing Avas at the foot of Ninth street, Avhere the National Eoad approached tho Ohio river. In 1830 Joseph Teeters kept a wagon stand in AVheeling, beloAv McCortney's, and John Bradfield kept a similar stand on Water street in 1837-8. Tbe mysterious disappearance of a man by tho name of Cooper from the Mosier House about 1840, produced a local sensation, foUoAved by an accusation of foul play and a charge of murder. Cooper, in com pany Avith a friend and neighbor by the name ,of Long, put up to gether ono evening at tho Alosicr House and on the next mornina; m ^- JOHN MCCORTNEY. THE OLD pike. 297 Cooper Avas missing. Tho tAVO had come in from Ohio, and woi-o going to AVashington county, Pennsylvania, Avhere thoy avoi-c born and raised, to visit relatives and old friends. It appears that Coojier rose early and took au outgoing coach back to Ohio Avithout notifying bis traveling companion or any one else A dead bodj' Avas found in the riA'er and identified as that of Cooper; and Long, after reaching his destination, Avas arrested for murder and lodged in the AVashington jail. The A'irginia authorities made no requisition for him, and he was finally discharged, and settled in Michigan. A foAv years after Avard, Cooper Avas discovered in Indianapolis, sound and well. The Forsythcs of AA'hceling, James H. and his son Leonard, were prominently identified Avith the destinies of the National Eoad. The commission house of Jamos H, Forsythe & Co. Avas a leading es tablishment of its kind, Jamos H. Forsythe, the senior member of this old firm, Avas 'noted for his energy and clear-headedness. He could converse Avith any number of persons, and indite a letter at the same time, Avithout being in any Avise confused. His son, Leonard, Avas also Avell knoAvn on the road. He conducted commission houses at BrownsA'ille and Cumberland, and very often passed OA-er the road, in the management of his business. Ho is hoav living in Texas near Austin, and feels a deep interest in the history of the road. W. L. McNeoly, of AVheeling, Avhen a young man, had a brief experience as a Avagoner. Ho drove scA'cral trips for Thomas Drakely, who was a merchant Avith stores in Baltimore and AVheeling, and is Avell remembered by old pike boys. McNeely "put up" at Natty BroAvnfield's, in UniontoAvn, when driA'ing Drakely's team, a half a century and longer ago, and has never forgotten the good entertain ment he enjoyecl at that old tavern. The old tavern keepers of the National Eoad avoi-c a remarkable body of men. In manj' instances thej'^ Avcre free holders, men avoU posted in current affairs, and influential in their respective neighbor hoods. They were honorable in their dealings, ancl belicA'cd that every man's word should be as good as bis bond. As caterers they made no display. They bad no bills of fare, printed on gilt edged jiaper, or fine linen, and it is doubtful if any one of them ever heard tJie modern Avord Menu, yet tbe spreads of their generous boards would almost kindle exhilaration in the heart of a misanthrope. The thought may be attributable to change of time or circumstance, or taste, or all together, but there is an unmoA'able couAiction in the mind -of the writer of these pages, that the viands of modern hotels, lack the savorincss of those of the old taverns of the National Eoad. CHAPTER XLi. West of IVheeling — Old Stage .Lines Beyonil the Ohio River — Wdtiam Neil — (len. N. P. Talmadge — Stage Stations — Old Tarerns and Tavern Keepers — Rer. Doctor Sinsabaiu/h and "Sunset" Cu.i luere old Pike Boys — Lively Times in Guernsey — Crossing another State line — Sycamore Valley — Old Tarerns in lUehmond — A link out — Centerrille — Dnhtin — Through Indiana — The Road Disappears among the Prairies of Illinois. It is estimated that tAvo-fifths of tho trade and travel of tho road AVcre divt-rted at BroAvnsA'ille, and fell into tho channel furnished at that point by the slack Avater impi-ovement of the Monongahela river, and a like proportion descended the Ohio from AVheeling, and the remaining fifth continued on tho roacl to Columbus, Ohio, and points further Avost. The travel Avcst of AA'hooling Avas chiefly local, and the road presented scai'coh' a tithe of the thrift, push, Avhirl and excitement Avhich characterized it, east of that point ; and there Avas a corresponding lack of incident, accident and anecdote on the extreme Avostcrn division. The distance from AA'heeling to Columbus is one hundred and tAventy-nine miles, and the road enters the capital of Ohio by way of High street. Before the era of railroads Coltimbus derivocl its chief business from tho National Eoad. Neil, Moore &Co. operated a line of stage coaches betAVoon Wheel ing and Columbus prior to, and for some time after, the year 1840, and their line extended Avest as far as Springfield. Daniel Mooro, of AVashington, Pennsylvania, and his son Heni-A', composed the Moore end of this old Ohio Stage Company. Ilenry Moore subsequently located in Baltimore, and died there His father died in Washington, Pennsylvania, more than half a century ago. John Scott, of Wash ington, Pennsylvania, antedates Daniel Moore as a stage proprietor. He i-an a line of coaches between AA'ashington and AVheeling as early as tbe year 1810, on an old i-oad botAvoen those points, Avhich Avas used previous to the construction of tho National Eoad, and had the contract for carrying tho United States mails. ^Villiam Neil, the old stage proprietor, Avas tho in-ojcctm- and owner of the Neil House, tho leading hotel of Columlius. Ho Avas the possessor of large moans, enhanced b.A' holdings of largo tracts of i'ertilc land near Columbus, which he acipiircd at Ioav figures in, an early day. It is said his manners Avorc not of the .iuace order, but ho Avas noted lor energy and .shrewdness. Ono who knoAv him says of him, that '-ho Avas honest in his dealings, somoAvhat rough in bis (298) THE OLD PIKE. 299 Avays, but an onorgotic, pushing man, Avho made things move." This description fits many of tho old pike b(ys. Gen. N. P. Talmadge, of Avhom lurthor mention is made horo- aftor, OAvned and operated a lino of coaches also botAvocn Wheeling, and Columbus, and made things lively along tho road. He called his line the " Good Intent." John AVeaA'cr, as before stated, transferred his old line of coaches called the " Peoples," from the eastern to the Obio portion of tbe road. There Avas cousidorablo competition betAveen those old lines, but not comparable to that of the old linos oast of AVhcoling. Tho stage stations betAA'cen AA'hooling and Columbus wore: St. Clairsvillo, Morris- toAvu, FairA'ieAV, AVashington, Canibridgo, Concord, Zanesville, Gratiot, named in honor of Brig. Gen. Gratiot, before mentioned; Jackson, Etna and Boynoldsburg. Among the old tavern keepers Avost of Wheeling, the foUoAviug Avore prominent and avoU knoAvn iu the olden time: Moses Ehodes kept at Bridgeport, and hailed 'the Avest-bound traAcler on his entrance to the bordei-s of the State of Ohio. A short distance further Avest, one Cusic, and after him Nicols, in the same old tavern, ministered to the Avants of the traA'eler ou the nation's old higliAvay. A short driA'e from Nicols' brought the Avayfarer to tbe house of Chambers, -ever ready to Avait upon the public, aud a little beyi.' ¦' '¦ Grayson & Kaine, " 10 35 " H. "Winten, in full for work on road 37 00 " " Samuel Adams, " " 4 50 " James P. Morgan, " " 35 31 " '- J. Worrell, on account 7 30 same, in full 3 75 " J. McGuire, on account 57 70 " Jacob Shaffer, stove pipe 1 37 " Robert Sprowl, on account Avork on road 353 00 " Thomas Egan, in full 353 68 " _ " Henry Murray, stone 36 86 " Jacob Stillwagon, on acct. stone 327 00 " Anthony Rentz, " " 59 84 " David Andrews, work 128 00 " Joseph Miller, in full, stone , 63 50 " John Huston, work 43 00 " " Joseph T. Rogers, powder 5 50 " " Isaac Leet, Prof, services 10 00 " William Watkins, acct. stone 15 00 " Stephen Phelps, Gate No. 4, salary 300 00 ¦ ¦ Robert Bradley, work in f uU $1 33 96 same on account 8116 204 13 ¦¦ WiUiam Hill, Gate No. 5, salary 300 00 ¦¦ David Guinea, Gate No. 6, " 300 00 ' ' on acct. book for Superintendent 3 00 " counterfeit money received 11 00 " Superintendent, for his services, per account filed, 309 days at $3.00 per day 927 00 "' " AuditorSjforsettlingandstatingthisaccountjViz: H. Langley $3 00 J. K. "mison 5 00 S. Cunningham 5 00 13 00 Total expenditures on Western division $7,594 09J 3fi6 • tHE OLD PIKE. ' '-' RECAPITULATION. De. To amount received on the Eastern Division $ 8,103 73 To amount receiA'ed on the AVestern DiA'ision. 10,335 53 $18,429 25- : Cr. By cash paid out on the Eastern Division, per statement. $10, 847 98^ By cash paid on the AVestern Division, per statement. . . 7,594 09J $18,443 07| Balance due Wm. Hopkins, Esq., Superintendent, on the 10th Nov., 1841 S 13 82| The undersigned, auditors appointed by the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Wasbington, Pennsylvania, on the 9th day of November, 1841, to audit, settle and adjust the account of WiUiam, Hopkins, Esq., Commissioner of the Cumberland Eoad, having care fully examined the accounts submitted to them by said Commissioner (a full statement of which is bereAvith presented), and having com pared the vouchers Avith said account, do find that the said William : Hopkins, Commissioner as aforesaid, has expended up to the 10th day of Noveinber, 1841, tbe sum of tweh'e dollars and eighty -two f cents more than came into his hands, and that said sum of twelve dollars and eighty-two f cents was due to him on said day. In testimony whereof, we have hereto set our hands and seals the 22d day of January, A.D, 1842. SAMUEL CUNNINGHAM, (seal) JOHN K. WILSON, (seal) Auditors. ' HENEA' LANGLA^, (seal) Washington County, ss. The COMMONAVEALTH of Pennsylaania. I, John Graj'son, prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said county, certify that at a Court of Common Pleas for the Coijnty aforesaid, held on tbc 9tb day of Noveinber, Anno Domini 1841,- Samuel Cunningham, John K. AVilson and Henry Langly were appointed by said Court auditors to settle and adjust the account of AViUiam Hopkins, Esq., Commissioner of the Cumberland Eoad, as ajipoars of record in our said Court. In testimony Avhereof, 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed tbc seal of said Court, the 22d day of January, 1842. [shal] JOHN GP.AYSON, Prothy. THE OLD PIKE. 367 ACCOUNT OF AVILLL\M SK.ARIGHT, Cominvsioner of the Cnmherland R(iSampey at Mt. Washington, then several stopping places before reaching the Stewart stone house, a hotel that was not largely patronized by travelers on the road. Next the Chalk Hill bouse and then Jimmy Snyder's. Next the flrst bouse to the left as you.come to Monroe, built by Mr. Deford. Then several other hotels before you come to UniontoAA'u. In Union- tOAvn, the Walker House (now Feather's) was well patronized. Then- James Seaton's and Thomas Brownfield's wagon stands. Next the Cuthbert Wiggins wagon stand (later Moxloy's), and next tbe Sea right house. Over the bill, next was a house kept by Samuel AVool- verton and Hugh Thompson. Then the Eobert Johnson (later Hat field) stone house. Next old Peter Colley, father of Abel, Solomon and John Colley. Then the Bowman house, kept by John Gribble, and next the Brubaker house. Then the first house to the left as you go into Brownsville, kept by Darra Auld, and next the Workman House. But I presume j-ou have all these. Eespectfully, EB. FINLEY. LETTER FROM THOMAS A. WILEY, A NATIA'E OF UNIONTOAVN, WHO RODE THE PONY EXPRESS. Baltimore and Ohio E. E. Co., Gen. Ticket Agent's Office, Baltimore, July 16, 1892, T: B. Searight, Esq. — Dear Sir: — I have been receiving from some one the .leffersonian Democrat, a paper pubhshed in my old fa vorite Uniontown, and have read Avith great pleasure your publica tion of things that transpired along the National Eoad. I knew a great many of tbe old Avagoners, stage drivers and taA-ern keepers you mention. When I Avas Avorking for tho stage company the Bal timore and Ohio railroad Avas only completed to Frederic, Marjdand, and I used to travel the old pike very often. I hope to be able to come once more to Uniontown before I go hence, Avhere nearly all the rest have gone, and Avould delight in a long talk with you about old times on the road. In looking over the paper you sent mo I scarcely THE OLD PIKE, 377 see any names that I used to know in UniontoAvn, When last in Uniontown I met William Wilson, Ewing Brownfield and Greenberry Grossland, and did not get a chance to see my old friend and shop- mate, Philip Bogardus. He and I Avorked for the Stockton stage oompanj-. The shops were on MorgantoAvn street. I understand that since I Avas out my old friend, Bogardus, has passed away. I recollect the lady he married Avas a Miss Lincoln, and I also recollect his boy, Winfield Scott. I have been with the Baltimore and Ohio company since October 10th, 1852, and am still in its service. Again thanking you for the paper you sent me, I close, in the hope that God will bless you and spare your life and mine, that we may meet in old time- honored Uniontown, and talk over tbe glories of the old pike. Yours most respectfully, THOMAS A. WILEY. PROPOSALS FOR CARRYING THE MAILS. Washington City, September 26, 1831. AA'e will agree to convey the mail on route No. 1,031, from Phila delphia to Pittsburg, daily in four-horse post coaches, agreeable to ad vertisement, for the yearly compensation of seven thousand dollars. Or we Avill make the following improvements : To convey two daily mails from Philadelphia to Pittsburg : First mail to leave Phil adelphia at tAVO o'clock a. m. and arrive at Pittsburg in two days and .five hours, so as to arrive in Pittsburg at seven o'clock a. m,, and ex tend the route to Wheeling so as to arrive, including route 1,170, at Wheeling the third day by nine o'clock p. m., from the first of April to first of December, and, from first of December to first of April, to Pittsburg in three and Wheeling in four days ; and return from Wheel ing by Washington, Pittsburg, and Chambersburg, to Philadelphia Avithin the same time ; changing the mail as follows : at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Chambersburg, Bedford, Somerset, Mount Pleasant, and at any other office that is or may be established on tbe route. The second mail to leave Philadelphia at seven a. m., or immediately after the arrival of the New York mail, and reach Pittsburg in three days and five hours, so as to arrive in Pittsburg by noon, changing tbe mail at all way offices. We will agree to carry the mail on route No. 1,198, from Bed ford to Washington, Pa., via White House, Somerset, Donegal, Mount Pleasant, McKean's, Old Stand, Eobbstown, Gambles, and Parkinson's Perry, to Washington, Pa., as advertised, for the yearly compensation of twenty-nine hundred dollars. We do agree to carry tbe mail on route No. 1,230, from Bedford, Pa., to Cumberland, Md., three times a Aveek in coaches, from the first of April to the flrst of October, and once a week on horseback _fromthe first of October to the first of April, so as to connect with the Winchester mail at Cumberland, and the Great Eastern and West- 378 THE OLD PIKE. ern maU at Bedford, Avhich is much wanted during the summer sea son, for the yearly compensation of thirteen hundred dollars. JAMES EEESIDE, SAMUEL E. SLAYMAKBE, J. TOMLINSON. To the Hon. Wm. T.' Barry, Postmaster General. CONTRACT. -This contract, made the fifteenth day of October, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, between James Eeeside, of Philadelphia, Samuel E. Slaymaker, of Lancaster, and Jesse TomUn- son, of Philadelphia, contractors for carrying the mail of the United States, of one part, and the Postmaster General of the United States .of tbe other part, witnesseth, that said parties have mutually cove nanted as follows, viz.: The said contractors covenant Avith the Post master General : To carry the mails from Pittsburg to Harriottsville, Cannons- burg, AVashington, ClaysviUe, West Alexander, and Triadelphia, Va., to AVheeling and back, daily, in four-horse jiost coaches, the first mail to be changed at each county town through which it passes ; the second mail at every offlce on the route ; and to furnish armed guards for the whole, when required bythe department, at tbe rate of six thous and seven hundred and fifty dollars for every quarter of a year, dur ing the continuance of this contract ; to be paid in drafts on post masters on tbe route above mentioned, or in money, at the. option of the Postmaster General, in the months of Maj-, August, November, and February. That the mails shall be duly deliA-ered at. and taken from each postoffice now established, or that may be established on anj- post route embraced in this contract, under a penaltj- of ten dollars for each offence ; and a like penalty shall be incurred for each ten min utes' delay in the delivery of the mail after the time fixed for its deliv ery at any postoffice specified in the schedule hereto annexed; and it is also agreed that the Postmaster General maj- alter the times Of arrival and departure fixed bj- said schedule, and alter the route (he making an adequate compensation for anj- extra expense Avhich maj' be occasioned thereby) ; and the Postmaster General rosoi-A-es the right of annulling this contract, in case the contractors do not promptly adopt the alteration required. If the delay of the arrival of said mail continue until the hour for tbe departure of any connecting mail, Avberobj- the mails destined for such connecting mails shall miss a trip, it shall be considered a 'whole trip lost, and a forfeiture of one hundred dollars shall be in curred ; and a failure to take the mail, or to make tbe proper exchange of mails at connecting points, shall be considered a Avhole trip lost; THE OLD PIKE. 379 and for any dolaj- or failure equal to a trip lost, the Postmaster Gen-. eral shall have full poAver to annul this contract. That the said contractors shall be ansAverablo for the persons to Avhom they shall commit the care and transportation of the mail, and accountable for anj- damage Avhich may bo sustained through their unfaithfulness or Avant of care. That seven minutes after the delivery of the maU at any post- office on the aforesaid route named on tho annexed schedule, shall be allo-fved the postmaster for opening the same, and making up another mail to be forAvarded. The contractors agree to discbarge anj- driver or carrier of said mail AvbeneA-er required to do so by the Postmaster General. That when the said mail goes by stage, such stage shall be suit able for the comfortable accommodation of at least scA^en travelers ; and the mail shall invariably be carried in a secure dry boot, under the driver's feet, or in the box which constitutes the driA-er's seat, under a penaltj- of fiftj- dollars for each omission; and Avhen itis carried on horseback, or in a A-ehicle other than a stage, it shall be covered securely Avith an oil cloth or bear skin, against rain or snow, under a penalty of tAvcntj- dollars for each time the mail is Avot, with out such covering. Provided always. That this contract shall be null and void in case the contractors or any person that maj- become interested in this con tract, directly or indirectly, shall become a postmaster or an assistant postmaster. No member of Congress shall be admitted to any share or part of this contract or agreement, or to any benefit to arise there upon; and this contract shall, in, all its jiarts, be subject to its terms and requisitions of an act of Congress, passed on the 21st daj- of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight, entitled, "An act concerning public contracts." , And it is mutually covenanted and agreed by the said parties that this contract shall commence on the flrst day of January next, and continue in force until the thirty-flrst day of December, inclus ively, which will be in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirtj--five. In witness whereof, They have hereunto interchangeably set their Tiands and seals the. day and year flrst above written. (Signed.) JAMES EEESIDE. (Seal.) SAM'L E. SLAYMAKEE. (geal.) JESSE TOMLINSON. (Seal.) Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of EOB'T D. CAESON. JACOB SHEAEEE. BOND. Know all men by these presents, That James Eeeside, as princi pal, and Eiehard Morris and David Dorrance, as sureties, are held and firmly bound unto the Postmaster General of the United States 380 THE OLD PIKE. of America, in the just and full sum of two thousand nine hundred dollars, value received, to be paid unto the Postmaster General or his successors in office, or to his or their assigns-; to which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and ad ministrators, jointly and, severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, dated the seventeeth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one. The condition of this obligation is such that whereas the above bounden James Eeeside, by a certain contract bearing date the fif teenth day of October, in tbe j^ear of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, covenanted with the said Postmaster General to carry the mail of the United States from Bedford to Washington (Pennsylyania), as per contract annexed, commencing the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirty -two, and ending the thirty -first clay of December, which will be in the year one thousand eight hundred and tbirtj^-flve. Now, if the said James Eeeside shall well and truly perform the covenants in the said indenture expressed on his part to be performed, and shall account for all penalties, and shall promptly repay all bal ances that may at any time be found due from him, then this bond is to bo void ; otherwise to remain in full force. (Signed.) JAMES EEESIDE, (Seal.) EICHAED MOEEIS, (Seal.) DAVID DOEEANCE, (Seal.) Signed, sealed and delivered in tbe presence of (Signed.) E. C. WHITESIDE. A true copy from the original on file in the General Postoffice. MW, ST, CLAIE CLAEKE, Secretary. CLAIM FOR EXTRA ALLOAVANCE. AVashi.ngton City, December 28, 1831. Sir : For the four years Avhich I haA-e been j-our contractor for transporting the great Eastern mail from New York to Philadelphia, it has happened almost every Avook, and several times in a week,. that arriv-als from foreign countries haA-e brought thousands of ship letters to tbe office of Now York just before the time for mj- depart ure, and the importance of their being foi-Avarded Avithout delay to the Southern cities has required mj- detention from one to Iavo hours beyond the ordinary time for me to leave Noav York. Tbis detention I have been required to gain in sjiecd, antl that increased speed has required mo ahvays to keep on that route Iavo extra teams of horses, at an extra expense of not less than one thousand dollars per year for each loam. During the first year j-onr predecessor made me an extra allowa,nco for this oxponso, but during the last throe j-ears I haA-e re ceived nothing for it. I uoav submit tho subject to j-ou, inthe expec- THE OLD PIKE. 381 tation that you Avill alloAv.the claim; it is certainly but just that I should be relieved, at least in part, of tbis burden, for the last three J-ears it has subjected me to au oxponso of not loss than six thousand dollars, Avhich I hope j'ou Avill direct to be paid to me, at least in part, if J'OU do not think me entitled to tho Avhole. I have also, Avithin the same time, transported to Ncav York all tho largo mail bags Avbich are made in Philadelphia and sent to Noaa' York, not Avith mails, but to be used in Noav York, and to be sent from Noav York to other places. These Avithin three j-ears avUI amount to about flve hundred pounds a week, as Avill appear from accounts of the manufacturers in j-our office. WhereA-er I could procure transportation for those bags in wagons, I haA-e uniformly paid $2.50 per hundred pounds for car rying them, rather than overload my coaches in Avbich we carry the great mail. For this serA-ico, I hope j-ou will not consider my claim unreasonable, if I charge ton dollars per Aveek for three years. All of Avhich is submitted to j^our sense of justice for decision. A^'erj- respectfuUj-, j'our obedient servant, JAMES EEESIDE. Hon. AVm. T. Barry. Endorsement — AUoAvcd. AUoav $4,500. Tbe residue of tbe claim is reserved for future consideration. Allow the remaining Sl,500. COULDN'T AFFORD TO CARRY NEWSPAPERS. AVashington, July 12, 1832. (S'/>.- When we entered into contract-vs-ith'you to run two daily mails between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, one with unexampled rapidity, and the other in three and one-half days, wc had no idea whatever of earrj-ing the newspaper mail in our most rapid line, nor do we suppose it was ever contemplated by the department. It was , our intention and we so expressed it in all our conversation with j-ou, and with the superintendent of mail contracts, to carry the principal letter mail only in the most rapid line, not belie\-ing it practicable to can-y the beav-y load of newspapers sent to tbe West Avith sufficient rapiditj' to reach Pittsburg in the shortest time specifled. Indeed, if we could have supposed that it would ever become necessary to carry the newspapers with that rapidity, we should not have under taken it for less that flfteen thousand dollars a year beyond what we now receive; but experience soon taught us that great complaints .were made against the department and ourselves when tbe newspa pers were not received as soon as the letters, and that these complai nts were not confined to Pittsburg, but extended all over the West. To satisfy the public, and sustain the credit of both tbe department and ourselves as its servant, we made tbe experiment of trying to carrj- the new.spapers with our most rapid line. We have partially siic- ¦ ceeded, but with very great lo.ss. For three days in tbe week we are 382 THE OLD PIKE. compelled to exclude all passengers, to the loss of not less than one hundred dollars a day. We are willing to perform our contract to the fuU extent of its meaning, but we must relinquish carrying the newspaper mails by our most rapid line, unless we can in part be re munerated for it. If, however, the Postmaster General is willing to silence the public clamor, which is so great when we carry them in our 'sloAv line, we will carry all the newspaper mails, together with the letter mail, in our most rapid line to Pittsburg and AVheeling, in the shortest time specified in our contract, and so arrange the con nection of the Baltimore mail at Chambersburg with our swift line, as to carrjr the newspapers as well as letter mail, from Baltimore to Pittsburg in two days, for the additional allowance of ten thousand dollars per year, from tbe flrst of April last. The increased expense to us will not be less than flfteen thousand dollars a j^ear, and for our own credit and for tbe credit of the department, avo will make one- third of the sacriflce and perform the service for ten thousand dollars a year. We would gladlj^ do it for a less .sum if Ave could aflord it, but we cannot, and at tbat rate our sacrifice avUI be as much as avo can bear. It would be much more gratifying to us if the public would be satisfied Avithout it, but they will not, and our oavu feelings will not suffer us to perform a service in Avhich avo, cannot give satis faction to the public. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, JAS. EEESIDE, SAM'L E. SLAYMAKEE. To the Hon. W. T. Barry, Postmaster General. A true copy from the original on file in the General Postoffice. (The aboA'c letter is marked " Granted.") MW. ST. CLAIE CLAEKE, Secretary. MR. REESIDE DEFIES ALL CO:\IPETITORS. Philadelphia. Januarj- 25, 1833. Dear Sir: Your favor dated tbe 22d inst. has just come to hand, which I have examined AAdth much care, but must confess mj-self at a loss tb come to tbe exact meaning it is extended to eonvej-. " That there is at present, and has been for some time back, an ex press carried on horseback betAvccn tbis cit.A- and Ncav York, is a fact which is well knoAvn, and Avhich is publiclj- acknoAvledged bj' the newspapers in Ncav A'ork. That it is impossible to carry tbc Avhole' " of tbe great Eastern mail through iu coaches or otherAvise Avith the same speed as a small jiackage can bo carried through on horseback is a fact that requires no comment. Not having pointed out this matter clearly iu your letter Avhether it Avas the Avish of the departmout tbat a certain portion of mails THE OLD PIKE. 383 should be sent by express to Ncav York at an earlier hour than it now does. Should it be the latter, I avouUI at onco assure tho department of the irapossibililj- of haA-ing it carried through in as short a time as it is noAv carried by express on horseback. In cither case the department may rest assured of my wiUing- iicss and determination to use OA-ery exertion in order to meet the vicAVs and wishes of the department. Should j-ou desire it to be sent bj- express, I have no hesitation in saj-ing that I can have it sent through in a shorter time than it can be done by any otbci- indiAddual in the country. This avUI be handed to j-ou by Mr. Ewing, whom I have sent on witb directions to ascertain from you personally your vicAvs of this matter, and Avho Avill give you all tbe information re specting the express that has been sent from this place to Ncav York alluded to in j-our letter. AVith respect, your obedient servant, JAMES EEESIDE. N. B. I will say to a certainty I avUI go from tbis city to Ncav York in six hours, or faster than any other one can do it. JAMES EEESIDE. To Hon. O, B. Brown, Superintendent of Mail Contracts, Washington, D. C. TEAMS READY FOR THE NATIONAL ROAD. • Trenton, February 25, 1833. Dear Sir: You will perceive by the enclosed that I have at tended to your directions as far as practicable. It is their own ex position of the matter, and such as they gave me. I neglected to mention to you in my letter of yesterday that the cause of the private express beating that of the Government alluded to in Mr. Mumford's letter, was owing to but one cause. Their express came through from Washington. The Government express from Philadelphia, after tbe arrival of the steamship, giving the newspaper express the start of six hours in advance ofthat ofthe Government. The lateness ofthe succeeding ar rivals originated from the cause mentioned in the enclosed letter. No mail having arrived from tbe South, they supposed, from the lateness of the arrival of the express the following night, that there would not be any more. This was caused by the late arrival of tbe steamboat, and nO preparation was made on the road for taking it on. This is their ex cuse; whether it will pass current is for you to determine. I have just received a letter from Mr. Wasbington on the subject. He at taches the blame to Thompson's bad horse, &c. I think we shall be able to get the mail through in time to con- .nect with the boat, should the roads not get worse than they now are. 384 THE OLD PIKE. The mail arrived in Philadelphia this morning at 6 o'clock. I have good reasons for believing that it will continue, unless a change should take place in the roads. The mail has left Jersey City the last few days at a few minutes past three o'clock p. m., and Avill continue to leave at tbat hour unless " you direct otherwise : that is three o'clock. The teams intended for the National Eoad are here to-night, and . start to-morrow for the West; thej- are tAvelve in number, Jersey stock. Yours respectfully. D. EWING. Colonel James Eeeside. P. S. No opposition express for the last four days. Your ex-> press horses are in good order, Avitb but two exceptions. D. E. ' COPY OF AN ACCOUNT AGAINST COL. JAAIES REESIDE. Col. James Reeside, To Hutcuixson & Weaet, Dr. 1833. January 31. — To one horse on express $ 5, 00 February 1. " two horses " 10 00 " 2. "tA^-o horses " 10 00 " 3. "two horses " _. 10 00 " 3. " horses and gig, Eastward, making arrangements for regular express 5 00 March 7. — To two horses on express 5 00 " 7. " running express one month and four daj's, from February 4 to this date, inclusive, between Trenton and Ncav Brunswick 1,885 71. $1,970 71 The above is a true copy from our books, so far as relates to ex presses, and bas been paid to us by Col. Eeeside. HUTCHINSON & AVEAET. -" BEDFORD, PA., GETS A DAILY MAIL. February 14, 1833. Sir: The citizens of Bedford, Pennsyh-ania, desire that a daily mail be run between Bedford and IloUidaj^sburg. The latter being a place of great importance, being at the junction of the Pennsylvania Canal and Eailroad, and an intercouse of communication very great ' between the two points, I will agree to perform the service for a pro rata allowance, and put the arrangemeut into oftect in ten days. Very respectfully, etc., JAMES EEESIDE. Hon. W. T. Barry, Postmaster General, No. 1215, Pennsylvania. James Eeeside proposes to run dailj- for pro rata; Postmaster General says within "granted;" James, Eeeside written to 25th February, 1833, YALE UNIVERSITY 39 002: 00'40 9 5 379^b