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            The county of Sullivan being situated on high ground and extensive ridges between the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna, the territory remained a wilderness long after the river valleys were dotted with settlements. The evidences of the lands, both along the Muncy and Loyalsock creeks, having been the home of Indians, was clearly shown to the first white settlers, above Forksville, where, upon the lands known as “Indian Meadows,” the marks of the cultivation of corn were observed, while at Hillsgrove and Elk Lick broken pottery and arrow heads were found in quantities. But not until the roving tribes were visited by white men, we are able to learn anything definitely as to Indian occupancy. The labors of the Moravian missionaries as early as 1742 along the West Branch and the establishing of a mission at Wyalusing on the North Branch in 1763 give the first historical accounts of the Aborigines that we can trace.  The tribal name of the Wyalusing Indians was Monsays. It is said of these Indians that they were so totally brought under Christianizing influences as in a great measure to bring their roving and hostile natures into subjection. Fields for the cultivation of grain were cleared by them along the rivers, and regular hunting grounds assigned to members of the tribe. Their occupancy of at least the Northeastern portion of Sullivan County during the season for hunting wild game seems to be unquestionable, and in all probability they had camping grounds along the lakes and wild meadows on the head waters of our creeks.

            It is also known that the regular line of travel to the villages on the North Branch from Muncy was through this country, and when it became necessary owing to the greed of white men, for the missionaries with the tribe to remove to Ohio, they followed this well-known pathway. Crossing the river at the mouth of Sugar Run, and following up the stream to its head and from that point in a south-western direction, crossing the Little Loyalsock and Birch creeks and the main branch of the Loyalsock near the present crossing of the old turnpike, from thence to near Thorndale to the head waters of the Muncy creek, and following along the creek to the West Branch. There were fifty-five members of this company, having under their care sixty head of cattle and fifty-five horses and colts, leaving Wyalusing on the 10^th of June, 1772, and arriving at Wallis’ farm five days after. The journey was safely made, having lost but one animal. Here they were joined by the main party, who went down the river in thirty canoes to Northumberland and up the West Branch, where the united party proceeded to their future home. The writer on careful examination of the routes as reported to have been taken by the Indians during the Revolutionary war is unable to trace any as passing through the county.

            Our readers who are familiar with the history of the counties in North Eastern Pennsylvania have learned much relating to the long contention existing between what

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was known as Connecticut and Pennsylvania land titles. Events so thrilling and disgraceful in bordering counties were but slightly felt here, but in order to make what we have to say intelligible to those not favored with the history of Wyoming counties, we give a brief statement of this issue.

            The State of Connecticut held under charter dated 20^th April, 1662, all lands west of eastern boundary between the 41^st and 43^rd degrees of latitude, entering at Stroudsburg and crossing the Susquehanna near Bloomsburg. The charter to William Penn, dated February 28, 1691, granted a large amount of the same territory, being the west part of the Delaware river, to him and his representatives. These charters gave to each party the lands as held by Great Britain in accordance with the usage of the several colonies, the right to treat with the aborigines for the lands and their removal. The colony of Connecticut having made concessions to New York for the territory to the east of the Delaware river in 1730, and having already settled its tillable lands east of the boundary line of the latter State, took measures for the occupancy of the lands west of the Delaware. A charter was granted to a company for the tract of country lying west of the Delaware to within ten miles of the Susquehanna, and subsequently another to the Susquehanna company for the lands extending 120 miles westerly of the Delaware charter line. A treaty for the Susquehanna company lands was concluded with the Indians at Albany 11^th July, 1754, for the lands embraced within their charter, including nearly all the present Lycoming county, extending far enough west to take in the chief part of Elk and McKean counties.

            Settlements were commenced along the Susquehanna river in 1762. In 1763 the Pontiac war broke out, and by order of the Crown all further efforts to make settlements on the Susquehanna were suspended until the establishment of peace by the Indian treaty at Fort Stanwyx in 1768, when the proprietaries of Pennsylvania began to take possession of the lands and homes which had been abandoned by the Connecticut claimants at the beginning of the Indian war. In 1769 the Connecticut claimants returned and the country witnessed the horrors of what is known as the Pennamite War, but by 1772 peace was in a measure restored, and Connecticut began to exercise full jurisdiction in 1774. By this time settlers from New England came to the Susquehanna in large numbers. Subsequently to this date several townships were laid out along the West Branch, and settlements having to a small extent been found, one John Vincent was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Connecticut in 1775. Later in that year Mr. Vincent went to Wyoming, and upon his recommendation induced about eighty settlers to go to the West Branch. The Susquehanna Land company had, on laying out the West Branch townships, offered as a gratuity lands to the first three hundred settlers. The eighty who went at the instance of Mr. Vincent located within the townships of Charlestown and Judah, near Muncy.

            The Pennsylvania land owners soon after this settlement obtained an order from the Provincial Government to forcibly break up the settlement, and Colonel Plunkett, in command of the Northumberland militia, was detailed for this service. Having a strong force, but little resistance could be offered. One life was lost and several persons of the Connecticut party were wounded. Their buildings were burned and their moveable property distributed among the victors. The men were marched as prisoners and confined in the Sunbury jail, and the women and children sent to Wyoming, where most of them

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had relatives and friends.

            During 1775 the surveys, under the proprietors of the Pennsylvania lands, were made. The warrant of the William Clark tract was taken out, covering the lands on which the village of Hillsgrove is located, and the stream heading within that township took its name from Col. Plunkett, the hero of this expedition.

            The unwarrantable outrage upon these peaceable settlers soon came to the knowledge of the Governor of Connecticut, who hastily brought the matter before Congress, and the following action was taken: “The Congress taking in consideration the dispute between the people of Pennsylvania and Connecticut on the waters of the Susquehanna:

            “WHEREAS, A dispute subsists between some of the inhabitants of the colony of Connecticut settled under the claim of said colony - and the inhabitants settled under the claim of the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, which dispute it is apprehended will if not suspended during the present troubles of the colonies be productive of pernicious consequences, which may be very prejudicial to the common interest of the United Colonies: therefore,

            “Resolved, That it is, in the opinion of this Congress and it is accordingly recommended, that the contending parties immediately cease all hostilities and avoid every appearance of force until the dispute can be legally decided. That all the property taken and detained be immediately restored to the original owners; that no interruption be given to either party to the free passing and re-passing of persons behaving themselves peaceably through the disrupted territory, as well as by land as by water, without molestation of either persons or property; that all persons seized and detained on account of said dispute on either side, be dismissed and permitted to go to their respective homes, and that things be put in the same situation they were before the late unhappy contest, they continue to behave themselves peaceably on their respective possessions and improvements until a legal decision can be had on said dispute - and nothing herein done shall be construed in prejudice of the claim of either party.”

            In assent to this action of Congress the colony of Connecticut resolved to prohibit any addition to be made to the Susquehanna settlement unless under the special license of the General Assembly. In 1776 the Susquehanna territory, which had heretofore been attached to the county of Litchfield, was organized and known as Westmoreland, which included both the Delaware and Susquehanna Indian purchases. Members were regularly elected to the Connecticut Legislature, and a large number of soldier from Westmoreland county were credited to the colony of Connecticut during the Revolutionary war.

            During the years that Connecticut had pledged herself to abide in good faith by the resolutions of Congress, her claimants were doubtless over anxious to go on and possess unoccupied territory. There is unmistakable evidence that in the trying times of the Revolution the surveyor’s  compass and chain was in use laying out lands for settlement. The writer is in receipt of the following communication from Hon. C.D. Eldred on the subject:

            “It is a singular fact that the first surveys made in Sullivan county extending from the North Branch as far west as Lick creek at Campbell’s Mills were run in 1777. No

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warrants were laid on these until 1784, and so returned, but from the point named were actually run in 1777. I think those lines run in 1777 were made by the Connecticut surveyors, and after the settlement of the Connecticut claim their surveys were adopted and used for warrants laid in 1784.”

            On the 27th of November, by act of Assembly the estate of Proprietaries became vested in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; at the same time that body passed an act assuming to itself jurisdiction over the entire territory granted to William Penn, thereby placing the power of the Commonwealth as the contending party with Connecticut and its claimants. Connecticut continued, however, to exercise jurisdiction on the Upper Susquehanna until 1782, when by a commission, appointed by Congress, the right of jurisdiction was confirmed, but left the question of ownership of soil open, which became a source of continuous legislation for twenty years following. The thrilling events in the border counties during this period are full of interest, but are not to any great extent relevant to the history of Sullivan county.

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            Two of the leading men whose writings are largely drawn upon as giving reliable accounts of the respective claims and very active participants in much that pertained to this extended litigation and in shaping the destinies of this county were Col. John Franklin and Elder Thomas Smiley

            Colonel Franklin was born in Canaan, Connecticut, September 26, 1749, and died in Athens, Bradford County, March 1, 1831. His father had become one of the proprietors of the Susquehanna purchase, and located his claim in the township of Huntington. Col. Franklin having married, Feb. 2, 1774, Lydia Doolittle, the following spring left his New England home to take possession of his father’s lands in Westmoreland. Arriving at Plymouth, he left his family and made his way to the wilderness along Huntington Creek and located his patch. “Having circumscribed the limits of his claim by notching and blazing the bark of the trees, he overturned some of the turf with the pole of his axe.” No white man had preceded him in that vicinity. Here, within about two miles of the crossing of Huntington Creek by the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike, in the charter of which his name is found, and within the township upon the opening of the road, went out two colonies who made the first settlements on the head waters of Muncy Creek and Little Loyalsock.

            Col. Franklin developed those traits of character which in after years were brought so prominently to the notice of all classes of citizens of the Commonwealth. First, in his attendance at town meetings, where he was quick to debate and ready to defend his opinions, and thus looked upon as one of the first men in Wyoming Valley. When the 24^th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers was formed, he was made captain of the Salem and Huntington company. After the battle of Forty Fort, in 1778, he removed his family, consisting of wife and three small children, the youngest but three months old, to Berks county. There they were attacked with the smallpox and Mrs. Franklin died of the disease in November following.

            As soon as the other members of the family had recovered, Captain Franklin decided to place his children among his friends in Connecticut. Hitching a yoke of cattle to a small cart he put into it his three little children, tied a cow behind to follow and drove on, having a cup into which,, from time to time as occasion required, he milked and fed the babe. Thus he traveled, much of the way being through a wilderness, a distance of 260 miles, arriving at his destination in safety. Leaving here his helpless family, he returned to Wyoming and there joined the suffering inhabitants who had returned to the valley. He was soon called upon to take command of a military company, formed for self-protection, and also commissioned as a justice of the peace by the Assembly of Connecticut. The duties of both offices were responsible. Constant activity was required in defending the settlers from the attacks of savages. In the Sullivan campaign he joined the expedition, was severely wounded ay Chemung, disabling him from any further military service at that time. Returning to Wyoming, his services were put into requisition

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as a civil officer, and in 1781, he was elected a member of the Connecticut Assembly.

            In the various positions of trust that Col. Franklin was called upon to act, he gained the confidence and respect of the settlers on the Susquehanna purchase, and the home proprietors looked to him as the leading man to defend the interests of the company against all opposition. After the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania over the Wyoming lands had been confirmed by Congress, it was expected that the right of soil would still be held by the Susquehanna company and those deriving title there-from, but in this there resulted the greatest disappointment. Franklin, holding at the time almost unlimited control over the Westmoreland settlements, arrayed himself in the fiercest opposition to the efforts made for inducing settlers to procure Pennsylvania titles to the land. Concessions were finally made to the townships already settled, but Franklin still insisted upon the rights of the company to all the soil included within their charter, thereby taking in the entire territory of Sullivan county.

            This territory, as shown by the Susquehanna purchase, had been run of in township divisions and named as follows: Axham, Hancock and New Haven on the dividing line between Bradford and Sullivan; Concord, Eden, Adams, Guilford, Naples and Washington entirely within this county. This tier of townships started at the southwestern corner of Huntington, Luzerne county, following in a northwesterly direction through a corner of Benton, Sugar Loaf, and Jackson townships, Columbia county, there intersecting the southeastern line of Sullivan at a distance of about ten miles from Huntington. The towns of Salem and Huntington in Luzerne, and that of Albany, in Bradford, retaining the Connecticut names, but none of those located in this county.

            Up to the time that Pennsylvania refused to make any concessions to the Susquehanna company, there was practically a unanimity of feeling on the part of the settlers on what was known as Connecticut lands, but after concessions were made to resident settlers by Pennsylvania , many of the best men in the Wyoming Valley were led to drop all contention and accept the situation without engaging with Franklin in sustaining the rights of unoccupied owners. Franklin was violently opposed by a strong home party, but his friends were ready to sacrifice their possessions if necessary in maintaining what they believed to be a just and lawful right of all owners of Connecticut lands.

            In 1786 the efforts of the New England claimants were fully aroused and a plan inaugurated for the erection of a new State, to include the lands of the Susquehanna purchase. Franklin had been very active in visiting every settlement, and gave assurances that in this movement the settlers along the West Branch were with them. Liberal offers of lands were made to General Ethan Allen, of Vermont, to remove upon the Susquehanna lands and lead in this movement. General Allen accordingly visited Wyoming and gave encouragement to Franklin’s followers, proposing to bring on the Green Mountain boys to assist, and the evidences furnished by Miner in his history of Wyoming plainly show that the erection of a new State formed out of Pennsylvania was fairly under way.

            Then came the dark days in the life of Franklin, his being tried for treason, his long imprisonment in Philadelphia. On his release he was again called to places of high

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trust at Wyoming, and elected sheriff of Luzerne county. His home, which was on the southwestern border of Luzerne, was removed to the northern border of that county, now included in Bradford, at Athens. He was regularly installed as one of the commissioners for the sale and locating rights on the extensive territory of the Connecticut land company, the business connected with the transfer of lands having been removed from Hartford, Connecticut, to Tioga Point. Here he was engaged in the active work of completing surveys, settling questions of title and in taking measures for the protection of settlers.

            In the history of Bradford county we find the record of the sale by the company of thirty-four of about fifty township allotments between the years 1793 and 1799. During these years it is presumed the transfer if not the surveys of the lands in this county was made. The writer, in examining papers in the possession of Samuel Wallis, of Muncy, found a copy of a letter written by a person interested in the Connecticut title claims in 1795, describing lands about Hunter’s lake, giving its location and showing a considerable knowledge of the country. During that year a transfer was made to Sebastian Fisher, of the township of Albany as originally laid out, and Leffertstown to Leffert  Lefferts, on which was located the Asylum company’s village for settlers on the Loyalsock purchase. The township of New Haven was granted to Peter Hogeboom. The following is the form of deed for these township grants:

            “WHERAS, The Connecticut Susquehanna Company voted and entered on their records that the subscribers (three of whom were to be a quorum) should be commissioners under the said company, duly authorized to make out and sign grants for lands within the limits of the purchase of said company to such proprietors in said purchase; And, Whereas _______ has on the date hereof exhibited in our office to us, the subscribers ______ sufficient vouchers and have in other respects complied with the rules and regulations so as to entitle them to a grant of a township of land, which said township is bounded and described as follows: ______ containing ______ acres of land, and known by the name of ______.”

            This, with the usual form of conveyance, signed by

JOHN FRANKLIN,

SIMON SPAULDING,

ELISHA SATERLEE,

Commissioners

            “The survey of the above town is approved by me, Joseph Biles, for Jno. Jenkins, Superintendent of Surveys, Recorded in Liber, page ______ of the records of the Susquehanna Company. Bilia Franklin, Assistant Clerk.”

            In addition to Col. Franklin’s duties as one of the Commissioners, he was elected nearly every year as a member of the State Legislature from the county of Luzerne. In this capacity he became noted for his ability in awakening a national sympathy on the side of the Connecticut claimants for their Pennsylvania lands. The shareholders of the Susquehanna purchase were largely represented in the New England States, and New England’s publications were unsparing in enumerating the wrongs of the Pennsylvania legislation.

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            During the session of 1802-3, an effort was made to exclude Franklin from the Assembly, but those moving in the matter finding it a dangerous undertaking adopted another plan to prevent his reappearance. The lines between Luzerne and Lycoming counties were changed so as to include Franklin’s residence in Lycoming county - the change being made April 3d, 1804. The territory thus severed from Luzerne is now embraced within the ten northwestern townships of Bradford county, and includes parts of others; the line beginning at a point on the western line of Armenia township, thence east crossing the Williamsport and Elmira railroad near Granville Summit, thence to a point near Monroeton, thence in a northwesterly direction to a point near the village of Ulster, thence northeast crossing the North Branch near the village of Sheshequin, and from that point north to the State line. The village of Athens being the residence of Franklin, known as Tioga Point, was at that time a place of considerable importance, having an extensive trade and had for many years been a place for public gatherings. The territory embraced was already in a fair way for settlement, the settlers, with but few exceptions, holding their lands under the Connecticut title. At the time the State Legislature added this territory to Lycoming, nearly thirty years had elapsed since Franklin’s settlement in the township of Huntington near the eastern border of that county. His very extensive acquaintance at an early day with the people of the West Branch had warranted him in giving the assurance that they would join with Wyoming in the new State movement, and he felt that he could then confide in them to elect him to the Legislature, but it was taking up a new field to canvass and the work was unlike that in Luzerne, where it was well known that he could carry many election districts with hardly a dissenting vote. The importance of his return, however, he felt to be sufficient to warrant the exertion. Not only were his own interests at stake, but much more those of the Connecticut Susquehanna company, the justness and validity of its claims to over a million acres of land he was called upon to defend.

            We are not favored as in other periods of his history with minute statements of events, but can well imagine the very great anxiety he must have felt during this canvass. Our thoughts are naturally turned to the settlers within the bounds of Sullivan county at that time. Many who had only a short time before came from England had not fully become American citizens and the distance was many miles to a voting place. Two men at least must have been intelligent observers. We refer to Edward J. Eldred and John Hill. Both were gentlemen of more than usual mental ability, and especially Mr. Eldred, who had resided in Wyoming. They could not but be well posted upon the questions at issue. Their homes were at the time important stopping places for travelers on the principal thoroughfare between Athens and Williamsport., so that nothing of a public nature could transpire without their notice. Their pecuniary interests as well as that of many who supported Franklin were with the Pennsylvania claimants But the issue was made on much broader ground. The feeling had become very general that the “intrusion” law with its obnoxious  supplements was a standing disgrace to the Commonwealth, and in its results had driven many of its best me to the bordering counties in the State of New York; and that the election of Col. Franklin would be but a well-merited rebuke to the speculating landholders who had in their greed for gain trampled upon the honest rights

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of settlers. As a result, Franklin was again elected to the Legislature. Lycoming county doubtless found him a faithful and efficient member, but this ended his desire to continue the struggle. During that year the last surveys were made by the Connecticut claimants, and Franklin had given up all further opposition.

            His biographer says: “As his election (from Lycoming) was his crowning so it was his closing victory. From this time until his death in 1834 he enjoyed the honor and respect alike of his friends and opponents. It has been said of him that in regard to the great principles on which real estate is held in this country his knowledge has never been surpassed.”

            Elder Thomas Smiley was born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1759. At an early day his father removed with his family to the Wyoming Valley and took up lands and made improvements about six miles remote from the main settlements. When it became known in the early summer of 1778 that there was great danger of an attack by Indians, headed by Tories under the command of British officers, and the destruction of the Susquehanna settlements. Mr. Smiley removed his family from his farm to the principal settlement; but in going to gather his grain was one of the first to learn of the approach of the Indians. His family appears to have escaped, as they were not among those capitulating with Major Butler. The following from a letter of Elder Smiley, written to Col. Horn in 1801 is of interest:

            “I am a born citizen of Pennsylvania, and early in my life took the oath of fidelity to the State, which with a good conscience I can say I have never violated and have appeared repeatedly in her defense, and am now a steadfast friend to it.”

            It is said of him that his opportunities for obtaining an education were few, but were well improved. Having united with the Baptist church at Pittston when 33 years old, he very soon after engaged in the work of the ministry and licensed to preach four years after at Braintrim. Shortly after he became one of the first settlers of the township of Franklin on the Towanda creek, that township taking its name from Col. Franklin. Here he became successful in the work of the ministry, his labors at an early day extending into the first settlement of Sullivan county. At the time of his settlement in Franklin, and for several years later, the dispute between the Connecticut and Pennsylvania land claimants was at its height. The Pennsylvania land holders controlled the Legislature, but the great majority of the settlers in Northern Pennsylvania sided with the Connecticut claimants, and the warmth of feeling was so high that Pennsylvania land holders were forced to withdraw their surveyors, thus deprived of all means to communicate personally with the settlers. Elder Smiley appears at this time to have conceived the idea that it was his duty to lead in the defense of the Pennsylvania claimants. Believing that whatever merits there was to the Connecticut title, in the end the power of the Commonwealth would be used to protect the holders of her title and whatever was paid to secure the adverse title would prove an entire loss to the settlers, which they could ill afford to make. His movements exhibited both prudence and fearlessness. Making known his views to the settler along the Towanda creek for a distance of twenty miles he found that at least forty of them were in full accord with him, and accordingly measures were taken to protect themselves from

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any violent action of the Commonwealth under what was known as the “intrusion” law.

            This coming to the knowledge of the settlements north and east of Franklin township, a meeting was called by an association known as the “Wild Yankees” and “they determined that this business must be stopped.”

            Finding that Elder Smiley was about to have an interview with Col. Horn, the representative of the Pennsylvania claimants, they watched his movements, and the first night after his departure from home about twenty men with their faces blackened, with arms, followed him to his lodging place, and in the night obtained an entrance to his room, compelled him to burn his papers, took him near the creek, poured a bottle of tar over his head covering it with feathers, when, after giving him sundry kicks, they ordered him to leave the country. This occurred on the 8^th day of July, 1801. On the 15^th of the same month we find that Elder Smiley had gone to Williamsport (his letters headed Newberry), there he makes deposition before Judge Hepburn of the facts relating to the rascally treatment he had undergone, and states that hi object in going to Lycoming county was to seek protection. He must have returned, however, to his home within a short time, as we find in following up his religious history that he was ordained by a council of ministers meeting with his church in 1802. The active measures of Elder Smiley in advocating the Pennsylvania claims is believed to have prevented any sales being made in Sullivan county of the Connecticut title after his coming among the settlers. His future life will be given in connection with that of the Baptist churches in the county. In 1819 the State Legislature granted him two hundred and fifty dollars in compensation for his sufferings. Valuable records were made by him relating to the Wyoming massacres in 1778, and of Sullivan’s expedition in 1779, and known as “The Smiley Papers.”

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            The largest purchase of lands in this county was that of Joseph Priestly, Jr., and John Vaughan, the title to them being derived from Samuel Wallis. The following account thereof is given by Mr. Priestly in the reminiscences of his father, Dr. Priestly, in 1806:

            “About the middle of July, 1794, my father left Philadelphia for Northumberland, a town situated at the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna, about 130 miles from Philadelphia. I and some other English gentlemen had projected a settlement of three hundred thousand acres of land about fifty miles from Northumberland. The subscription was filled chiefly by men in England. Northumberland being at that time the nearest town to the proposed settlement, my father wished to see the place and ascertain what conveniences it would afford should he incline either to locate there permanently or only until the settlement should be sufficiently advanced for his accommodation. He had not, as has been erroneously stated, the least concern in the projected colony. The scheme of settlement was not confined to any particular class or character of men, religious or political. It was set on foot to be, as it were, a rallying point for the English, who were at that time emigrating to America and in great numbers, an who it was thought would be more happy in a society of their own kind such as they had been accustomed to than they would to be disposed as they now are through the whole of the United States. It was further thought that by the union of industry and capital the wilderness would soon be cultivated and equal to any other part of the country in everything necessary to the enjoyment of life. To promote this as much as possible, the original projectors of the scheme reserved only a few shares for themselves, for which they paid the same as those who had no trouble or expense either in forming the plan or carrying it into execution. This they did with a view to take away all source of jealousy and to increase the facility of colonization by increasing the proportion of settlers to the quantity of land to be occupied. Fortunately for the original proposes the scheme was abandoned. It might and would have been answered in a pecuniary point of view, as the land now sells at double or treble the price then asked for it, without the advantages which the settlement would have given rise to, but the generality of Englishmen came to this country with such erroneous ideas, and unless previously accustomed to a life of labor, and so ill qualified to commence cultivation in a wilderness.”

            The next body of lands of importance is that known as the Asylum Company lands, deriving its name from a French colony that commenced a settlement in Bradford county in 1793 and extended its bounds to Sullivan county the year following. The leading men connected to this purchase were Viscount Louis M. DeNoailles and Marquis Antoine Omer Talon. These gentlemen became greatly interested for the well being of thousands of refugees who at the time of the French Revolution had fled either to the United States or St. Domingo. Those in the latter place being obliged to abandon the island in consequence of an insurrection of the slaves, they ministered to their wants in Philadelphia and conceived the plan of securing a large amount of wild lands to be cleared and brought under cultivation as a future home for their unfortunate countrymen.

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For this purpose contracts were entered into with Robert Morris and John Nicholson, two of the largest Pennsylvania land owners, and a trustworthy agent was sent out on a tour of observation to this part of the state, M. Charles Bui Boulogne, accompanied by Adam Hoopes.

            The following letter of credit from Robert Mossis, under date of August 8^th, 1793, directed to Mr. Dunn, of Newtown (Elmira); Mathias Hollenback, of Wilkes-Barre, and James Tower & Co., of Northumberland:

            “Should Mr. Boulogne find it necessary to purchase provisions or other articles in your neighborhood for the use of himself or his company I beg that you will assist him therein; or should you supply him and take his drafts on this place (Philadelphia) you may rely that they will be paid, and I hold myself accountable. Any service you may be able to render this gentleman or his companions I shall be thankful for.”

            We are unable to state to what extent Mr. Boulogne and his associates visited the lands of Morris & Nicholson in this county at that time, but it is not improbable that they followed up Muncy creek to its source and crossed over to the head waters of Loyalsock. The fact that the Asylum company made choice of one hundred thousand acres of land known as the Loyalsock purchase, being the lands mostly east of the Priestly and Vaughan purchase, it is presumed that examination to some extent at least was made before the Asylum company located their village on the North Branch. Mr. Boulogne must have regarded the Northern Pennsylvania lands favorably. Her purchased for himself a farm on the opposite side of the river from Asylum in October, 1793, and engaged in building houses and making improvements for the Asylum company during the following month of November. About this time he writes Judge Hollenbeck: “I received by Mr. Town the favors of yours. When you will send the bill for the ox cart and cows and bell I will credit you. The cows are exceeding poor and hardly give any milk, but I hope they will come to.” Other letters indicate that during the whole autumn he was busy making the needful arrangements for the colony. A number of workmen were employed by him and he mentions that he wants a thousand dollars to pay them. December 23^d Mr. Boulogne writes that “the weather is so cold that the masons are compelled to leave their work.” Here closes the mention of Mr. Boulogne in the history of Asylum.

            The writer being at Wyalusing about forty-five years ago, remained over night with an old gentleman by the name of Taylor. During the evening, Mr. Taylor being an acquaintance of my father’s, related many incidents coming under his knowledge relating to the Asylum company, and in the narration mentioned the very great loss the company sustained in the death of Mr. Boulogne by drowning in the Loyalsock, on returning from a trip to Williamsport. The location of the occurrence, as given by Mr. Taylor, was at Forksville. From that time for several years inquiry was made among the oldest settlers then living in that vicinity, but failed to meet any one who could give information. On mentioning the subject at Hillsgrove, a few years later, Mrs. Rogers stated what she had learned of her father, Mr. Hill, relating to the occurrence. During a high flood, her father noticed Mr. Boulogne attempting to cross, on horse back, the creek at a dangerous point, and tried every way he could to inform him of his danger. Failing in this, he put forth

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every exertion in his power to save him, but the floating of driftwood at the time made all efforts futile. We have obtained the following memoranda, which has been kept by the Hill family since that time:

            “An inventory of cash and other things found on Mr. Boulogne when drowned in the Loyalsock, July 20^th, 1796.

            “Seven Guineas, one of which appears to be bad, one half Guinea, one Spanish gold piece (value not known, supposed to be about six dollars), one silver medal, nine quarter dollars, one 1/8 do., 2 1/16 do., one ½ do., four bank notes, $5 each, one pair tortoise shell silver buttons with silver chain and gold watch, two knives, two keys, one hallow punch, one pair of scissors, one snuff box, one red Morocco pocket book, one bill case, one promissory note of $700 of John V. Brederline, one promissory note of $214 of John B. Evans, one large map of Pennsylvania, several large drafts of land in sundry places, one portmanteau wearing apparel, boots and spurs, sundry papers in French not understood, a pair of saddlebags not yet found.

(Signed)

ROBT. ROBB,

JOHN ROBB,

JOHN HILL,

M. MOLLOCOVISO.

            July 26^th, 1796, received the within-mentioned cash and other late the property of M. C.T.B. Boulogne, deceased, of John Hill for the use of the said Boulogne’s administrator, &c., per me.

PIOVEL BRINOAROT

            The place of his burial was unknown for a long time, but the present owner of the Hill farm, Mr. Richard Biddle, discovered it a few years ago. From examination of old maps, it is believed that Mr. Boulogne’s knowledge of the topography of this county was far in advance of any other person, not only at that period but far superior to that of the surveyors who laid out roads for twenty tears subsequent.

            Having given all we have been able to gather relating to Mr. Boulogne, some mention may be properly made of Messrs. Talon and Noailles, who appear to have been the contracting parties in the Loyalsock land purchase. We find that Marques Talon held places of distinction under Louis XVI, and was obliged to flee to this country during the French revolution. He came to reside in Asylum in December, 1793, and was distinguished for his enterprise in making rapid improvements, providing pleasant homes and surroundings for members of the colony, and showing a remarkable degree of kindness and hospitality to his misdirected countrymen who had been unfortunate in selecting places for towns in other localities, and from lack of experience had come to want. He made large expenditures in opening a road from Asylum to the Loyalsock lands, and under his management a village was located and a number of families settled within and around it near the border of the county. Viscount Noailles was a distinguished officer in the American Revolution, having been appointed by Washington to receive on the part of the French the surrender of Cornwallis. Returning to his country at the close of the war

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he was soon called to places of honor as a government officer, but falling under the displeasure of Robespierre, was obliged to leave his country, returning to America, he gave attention to the management of the company’s interests in Philadelphia. It is said by Rev. Mr. Craft, the historian of Bradford county, that of the French immigrants some were of noble birth, several had been connected with the King’s household, a few belonged to the clergy and some were soldiers, while few, if any, were of the laboring class. Their residence within the bounds of Sullivan county was but brief. A map of the Asylum lands made from surveys about 1815 shows occasional clearings along the northern line of the county.

            A cabin and signs of a larger improvement on the present site of Dushore was found several years later; and the fact coming to the knowledge of the late Charles H. Wells, Esq., gave the history of the man who made it, Du Petit Thouars. This man was one of the most popular gentlemen in the Asylum Colony, and was known as “the Admiral.” Mr. Talon in his efforts to make an opening upon the Loyalsock lands offered a tract as a gratuity to Thouars in case he would improve it. Accordingly a selection was made in 1794 and Thouars commenced single handed (having lost one arm in battle) at clearing the valley land on the site of Dushore. Here he would labor for four or five days during the week and return to Asylum Village, 14 miles distant, for supplies and change of clothing, spending the Sabbaths with the colony. As other settlers came on, and the Loyalsock village was being built only from two to three miles distant, the long journeys on foot were not necessary, yet his company was always desired on the arrival of distinguished visitors from Asylum. An incident characteristic of him is given by Mr. Craft in his history of the Colony:

            “Journeying one day to Asylum he met a man nearly naked, who told him that he had been a captive among the Indians and had just escaped. Whereupon the Admiral gave him his only shirt, and buttoning up his coat to conceal the loss of his undergarment returned to M. Tolan’s. That evening at tea the room being very warm the Admiral was observed to be in profuse perspiration. When it was suggested that he would be more comfortable is he unbuttoned his coat, with true French politeness he thanked them for their attention, but observed that he was only but comfortable; too proud to expose his own poverty and too modest to tell of his benevolence.”

            Returning to France on the revocation of the decree of banishment, he was put in command of a vessel of 80 guns in the expedition to Egypt, and was slain at the close of an engagement August 1, 1798. With the abandoning of the improvement of Thouars that of all the settlements of the Asylum company occurred. They were not of the class of men calculated to clear up homes in the forest, and there was a longing desire to return to their native country. When the news came to the Loyalsock village of the decree inviting all refugees to return, with the assurance that their estates would be restored, there was a day of general rejoicing, and arrangements for immediate departure were made. Few of the families remained at Asylum. The village site subsequently became the property of the Laporte family, an account of which will be hereafter given. The writer has a very distinct recollection of one who when a child came to this colony and remained for many years of her life within a short distance of the deserted Asylum village - Mrs. Huff. She was

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daughter of Anthony La Fever. Her house was a place of public entertainment. This was for many years the stopping place of my father in attending to the settlement of landed estates, and here the enjoyable reminiscences of early days in their native countries were talked over.

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            The landed estates in this county subsequently became known by the second owners, the title to which, in many instances, was derived from tax sales, and were known as Cadwallader, McCall, Crammond, Rawl and Kuhn lands. I will here state an important matter omitted in its place that the Connecticut land title to the asylum lands was secured for them by Judge Hollenback. Mr. Morris gave directions, but did not appear as a party in the transaction.

            The body of lands next in importance were known as the Norris and Fox lands, the title to which is of about the same date as that of the Asylum company and Priestly and Vaughan lands. From the records found relating to these lands, we find that Michael Ross, a prominent citizen of Williamsport at the organization of Lycoming county entered into an agreement with Samuel M. Fox, of the city of Philadelphia, to examine and have surveyed seventy-for tracts of land, the quality of which is designated in a letter of instructions, which confines him to the exclusion of barren mountain lands and to the selection of such as at least two-thirds of the body shall be of fair quality for farming purposes. Mr. Ross, after accomplishing the work, reports as follows:

            “In the months of April and May, 1793, I explored lands on the headwaters of the Loyalsock and Muncy creeks and made the surveys, and that in my opinion at least two-thirds of the tract is of first quality beech and sugar maple land and generally timbered with beech, sugar maple and hemlock. These lands embrace the territory within the central part of the county, irregular in shape, extending as far north as Bernice, including a considerable part of the coal field, the eastern line extending to near Topez (sic), taking in but a single tier of tracts until within a short distance of Ringville, from that point running southeast for seven miles, where the line crosses Muncy creek near Nord Mont.”

            The map showing the first survey clearly shows that Mr. Ross was cut off in almost every direction by older surveys. Those on the northwest were Asylum lands, and north Meredith lands, on the east also Asylum company lands, and on the west by Wallis lands, subsequently known as George Lewis and Priestly lands. This purchase was held by the heirs of Samuel M. Fox for over fifty years, when sale was made to William B. and Thomas W. Clymer and S. Meylert. A very small amount of the original purchase had been previously given to the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike company and a few sales made, but at the time of the assignment to Clymers and Meylert there was remaining about thirty thousand acres.

            The early survey of the William Clair warrant in connection with the name of Plunkett’s creek and that of a tier of warrants (was) supposed to have been made by the Connecticut claimants in 1777. A body of lands, embracing about three thousand acres, known as John Reed lands, derives importance from the age of the purchase, and in following the records given among the title papers we obtain much information relative to land grants and the necessary expenditures in obtaining land titles. These warrants were taken out in 1773 and called for surveys, the title page at that time being derived from John Penn. The correspondence showing that no vacant lands could be found corresponding with the starting point, a sale of the warrants was about that time made to

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Rees Meredith, the father of Samuel Meredith and great grandfather of the late Hon. John M. Reed, who as executor of his father’s, John Reed’s estate, made the last sales to the present owners.

            The title passing through the hands of men for nearly a hundred years familiar with the laws of conveyance and painstaking in observing every step necessary for the security of real estate. For a period of nearly twenty years no attempt is made to obtain value for the purchase money for the lands derived from the heirs of William Penn, but after the Commonwealth became possessed of the unoccupied lands of the proprietors leave was obtained by the board of property for the Commonwealth to locate the warrants on vacant lands in 1785. Surveys were accordingly made and the warrants located, by the return of which it was found that an excess of land had been taken of the quantity originally paid for, and over fifty years later we find the State Treasurer’s receipts for the balance due for over plus quantity with interest. A re-survey was made in 1801, and again about 1840 by the surveyor's notes, we obtain a glimpse of the condition of the country at the periods of the survey.

            Daniel Ogden is believed to be the first white man who cleared lands and made improvements within the bounds of this county. His place of residence is noted on the oldest maps, and from all that can be learned of him, it is believed that he was, on settling here, a man already well inured to a woodsman’s life, possessing sufficient mechanical skill to provide himself with a comfortable home and favorable surroundings. In the choice of a locality a better one could not have been selected, being the site of the village of Hillsgrove. The date of his coming is not known, but is believed to be prior to 1784. It is commonly believed that he was a Tory, and chose a solitary home to avoid the ill feeling manifested at that time towards those who had taken sides with Great Britain. His home, however, must have been the frequent abode of surveyors and men who were prospecting the country. The creek known as Ogdonean takes its name from him, as the Wallises caused a road to be made from their main supply road to his place. Others came at an early day to occupy for a time lands along the Loyalsock Creek. Captain Brown, who had distinguished himself in fighting the Indians on the West Branch, built a cabin on lands now occupied by Isaac Rogers. He was a noted hunter and trapper. It was said of him that he could furnish at any time a supply of bear’s meat and venison upon a half day’s notice. “Browns’s Gap takes its name from him. A man by the name of Miller lived on the opposite side of the creek from Captain Brown.

            At Millview a man by the name of Strong made some improvements and remained for a short time, but finding that he was farther distant from the West Branch settlements than he had been led to suppose he abandoned his place. The Little Loyalsock was for a time known as Strong’s Branch. These settlers had no roads but made their journeys from their homes to each other in canoes.

            Joseph Priestly, with other English gentlemen, is said to have visited Strong’s place as early as 1792, before making the land purchase. Shortly after the Wallis sale was made in 1794, Mr. Priestly sent thee Englishmen from Northumberland to make improvements at the place abandoned by Strong. Their names were Powell Bird, John Warrin (sic) and William Molyneux. They having decided to make for themselves

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permanent homes on the Loyalsock, Mr. Priestly gave each one of them fifty acres of land, which they located but a short distance above the clearing they had made for Priestly.

            Powell Bird came from London and had lived one year in Northumberland before going to Loyalsock. On deciding to locate he returned for his family, consisting of wife and a number of small children, his son George being then five years old. They transported their goods up the creek in dug outs. Mr. Bird seems to have been a man remarkably well adapted to open a new settlement, possessing energy and forethought; he by all accounts surrounded his home with the comforts and to an extent luxuries of life. Morally and socially he stood high and by his example gave an enterprising and healthful tone to society. Having a large family his descendants are among the most numerous of the families who made the first improvements in the county.

            John Warren was from Derbyshire. When he moved to the Forks the family consisted of wife and daughter Sarah, Joseph, his oldest son, being the first male child born in the county.

            William Molyneux was born at Gaston, Lincolnshire, England, in 1761. The family were of French descent, having moved to England over a century before coming to America. He left his wife and family in England, intending to return for them as soon as he could find a suitable home for them. Was in the employ of Mr. ______ about a year before going to Loyalsock. He first built a cabin on the opposite side of the creek from Millview and lived there without his family for a few years. This being accidentally destroyed by fire, he built a house of hewed logs near the site of the Molyneux saw mill, and in 1797, he returned to England for his family, and was shocked to find that his wife had died. He had four children, and brought three of them, John, Thomas and Elizabeth, with him. Edward came afterwards. Elizabeth kept the house for her father for several years until she was married to Wm. Snell in 1823. The same year, June 23d, John married Martha Saddler, who came from Cheshire, England, and he and father lived as one family. Edward married Rebecca Bird. This family were all noted for their thrift and intelligence. Wm. Molyneux became possessed of an entire tract of land of over 400 acres as early as 1803, and much of the property has remained in the family since that time. A nursery was set out by him that supplied the settlement with fruit trees. The records found relating to him shows that he early planned for the maintenance of each member of his family. That he was active in movements for laying out roads and other measures of public benefit. He lived to an advanced age; was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

            The same year as the settlement of Bird, Warren and Molyneux, 1794, Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, having lands on the Loyalsock induced and Englishmen, John Hill, to visit them. Mr. Hill seems to have been pleased with the country and purchased three tracts. Finding Ogden on one of them he bought his improvements, Ogden being desirous to leave the country when he saw other settlers coming in. Hill was well educated and his place soon became known as a pleasant home for those having business in connection with wild lands. He married a daughter of John Robb, of Muncy. She is described by those who knew her as a very amiable woman, and noted for her

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recollection of events which ordinary people are apt to forget. Judge Eldred says of her:

            “I have often heard her speak of Joseph J. Wallis and other old surveyors who located the lands originally on the Loyalsock and its tributaries, and could almost see the men from her description.”

            The had two daughters, Mrs. Saddler and Mrs. David Rogers. One son, who became one of the most prominent citizens of the western part of our county, noted as a good surveyor and very useful in public affairs, as well as that of the social and religious well being of society. He died when comparatively young.

            During 1795 James Ecroid came from England to America. He was a gentleman possessing considerable property, and having a friend in Philadelphia he proceeded to that city. Finding his friend, John Howarth, he remained with him a short time. Being desirous to establish himself on a farm he started on a tour of inspection, visiting Northumberland. He was induced by Mr. Priestly to visit their lands on the Loyalsock, offering him in case he would become the purchaser of from twelve to fourteen hundred acres and “set down and improve it” to have the land at one dollar and fifty cents an acre. Mr. Ecroid visited the lands and subsequently made the purchase and made his abode with John Hill, and commenced improvements on the flats known as the Lewis farm, where his cousin, Miss Merritt, kept house for him. Other lands were selected on the ridges northwest of Hillsgrove. The following incident is related in a publication of Mr. Gernerd, of Muncy, relating to Mr. Ecroid:

            “On Saturday, the 30^th of January, 1796, James Ecroid set out to hunt and lost himself in the woods. The whole neighborhood drove the woods every day yet he was not found until the following Friday. He had wandered eight miles from the nearest house, although he had been twice within a quarter of a mile of Hillsgrove. On crossing a run by means of a pine log he had slipped in the water and wet his lower extremities, and subsequent exposure to the frost on one of the sharpest nights in coming winter resulted in the loss of most of his toes. The dog bark disclosed his whereabouts, and he was found by an expiring fire in a very exhausted condition. Fortunately, Dr. William Kent Larthy had settled at Muncy, and Dr. Rush wrote at once to secure his services, so that all the human skill and attention could give was secured for his patient. Mr. Ecroid married in Philadelphia in 1800 the daughter of his friend Howarth, and to them were born two sons and six daughters.” 

            The next settlement noted was that of a Mr. Griffey.

            In 1797 two brothers, Joseph and Thomas Huckell, came to settle on the Loyalsock; they were from Birmingham, England; Joseph settling on the eastern side of the Loyalsock at Hillsgrove, opposite John Hill’s, and Thomas on lands near William Molyneux, contracting for an entire 400 acre tract, which included the present site of the village of Forksville.. He died in 1798 after but one year’s residence on the Loyalsock. His widow being unable to pay for all the land surrendered to Mr. Priestly the lands on the south side of the creek. The other part was long the home of his widow, one of the most energetic and public spirited persons in the settlement, the property remaining in the possession of the Huckell family until the present time, D.T. Huckell, Esq., being the present owner. John Huckell came later and settled on lands near his brother Joseph, the

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property now owned by Wheeler Green, Esq.  Mr. John Huckell was a widower when coming to America, having lost his wife and two or three children, he married again after arriving in this country and had four children, one of whom a maiden lady, Mary, has for many years held an important place among the village school teachers. Two other ladies of the Huckell family came early to America and married gentlemen residing in Hughesville, one the wife of Edward G. Lyon and the other of John Ball.

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            Mr. Molyneux being the first permanent settler whose descendants are among the most numerous of any family, as full an account will be given as we have been able to gather relating to him. The following is largely taken from a paper furnished by G.M. Pardoe, a descendant:

            William Molyneux was born at Gaston, Lincolnshire, England in 1761. There is a family tradition that the Molyneux came from Normandy, France; that at the time of the evacuation of that country by the British armies a certain Captain Molyneux, an adherent of the British branch began with him. Of the members of the family in that country little is known. Occasional letters have been received from those contemplating coming to America. Mr. Molyneux is presumed to have married young, but no account is found of his wife or her family connections. The names of their children, with dates of birth and death, are as follows:

            i.    John, b. April 30, 1786; d. October, 1861.

            ii.   Elizabeth, b. November 28, 1787; d. 1829.

            iii.  Edward, b. April 16, 1789; d. March, 1872.

            iv.  Thomas, b. February, 1791; d. February, 1861.

            v.   [The youngest died in infancy]

            Soon after the birth of his son Thomas, probably early in the year 1792, Mr. Molyneux then being about thirty-one years of age, living with his wife and four children near the city of Manchester, he went into the city to purchase material for his business, which I was told was that of a weaver. After he had started home, he was seized by what was known as a press gang and forcibly conveyed on board a man-of-war then lying in the harbor. The sip soon after crossed the Atlantic and cruised in American waters. Smarting under the cruel injustice which had been done him, for he was not as much as allowed to visit his family to bid them farewell, he sought for a chance to escape. One dark and stormy night while his ship was lying at anchor in the Chesapeake Bay, he sprang overboard and swam ashore. He made good his escape, and finally reached the English settlement at Northumberland, Pa.  He there engaged in the employ of Joseph Priestly, remaining in Northumberland about a year. He was the employed by Mr. Priestly in assisting in making survey of his lands on the Loyalsock creek, and subsequently in clearing and improving the Indian Meadow land for Mr. Priestly. Having decided to establish himself on the Loyalsock, he built a cabin on the opposite side of the creek from Millview and resided there without his family for a few years. This cabin was accidentally burned. He then built a house of hewed logs near the present site of the Molyneux saw mill, returned to England for his family, shipping as a sailor. On his arrival he was shocked to find that his wife and infant child had died. Taking his sons John and Thomas and his daughter Elizabeth, his son Edward having gone to live on a farm about twelve miles from Manchester, he conveyed them to Liverpool and put them on board a vessel bound for America, and again shipped as a sailor. Before the vessel started, however, the authorities again received information of him and officers even came on board to arrest

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him. It is said that Molyneux feigned lunacy. He thought it useless to attempt to hide or escape, so he crammed his mouth full of bread and went among the officers who were looking at him, laughing and jabbering, and acting his part so well that they failed to recognize him. Without further molestation he again reached America, which was indeed a land of the free.

            He brought his three children to the home he had erected in the wilderness for them and their mother, who he then supposed was living. He went to work clearing up his farm, on which he lived in quiet for fifty-three years, and on which he died in peace in his eighty-eighth year, and also on which his earthly remains lie buried in the little mountain cemetery just across the creek from where he, so full of hope, erected his log house just one hundred years ago.

            As a citizen the records show that he was among the most trustworthy and enterprising of young settlers. The first elections were by act of Assembly held at his house in 1808. His home is believed to be the early place of gathering for religious meetings. His signature is found upon an application to the court of Lycoming County for a charter to the Loyalsock Methodist Episcopal Church. In appearance he is said to have much resembled his son Edward, who is remembered by many of our citizens. The writer listened with much interest to a description given of him a few years ago by the late Hon. Wm. A. Mason. But few men have made so strong an impression upon a generation that is now so rapidly passing away as the Elder Molyneux. Quiet and unassuming in his manners, he was truly one of nature’s noblemen.

            Powell Bird and wife were from Norfolk, England. He lived one year in Northumberland prior to his settlement on the Loyalsock. Our efforts to secure information concerning Mr. Bird have not proved as successful as that of other pioneers. His name is more frequently found in connection with church records than from any other source. From this we conclude that he was a leading man in establishing religious meetings in the neighborhood, and extended his labors throughout new settlements as they advanced in the wilderness. His name is found among the delegates who organized the Northumberland Baptist church. It is recorded that he was appointed first deacon, and officiated in conducting church meetings in the absence of clergymen. Prior to the organization of Loyalsock Baptist church he held his membership with the Little Muncy church, the ordinary place of meeting being about thirty miles from his home. Other information will be found in connection with the religious history of the county.

            Aside from clearing and improving his land, he was successful in supplying his family with wild game. We find that as late as 1826, within three years of his death, he obtained a bounty for killing a wolf. The location of his farm was up the Little Loyalsock creek. From a description of his home given by a lady to her daughter as early as 1817 we learn that notwithstanding the family resided in the wilderness, they were well provided with the rude comforts of life, with all the charm that intelligence and industry could bring to bear upon the wild surroundings. The first house built by him stood near the residence of his grandson, J.K. Bird. He was the father of a large family of children, and their descendants are among our most prosperous citizens. His son George inherited the old homestead and became a noted hunter. We learn from the docket of Esq. Eldred that

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he received the bounty for as many as fourteen wolves. George married Mary King, and to them were born a large family of children. Among his descendants are the families of Nortons and Biddles. His son, John K. Bird, now resides on the old homestead. A younger son, George C. Bird, a prominent citizen of Elkland township, inherits the traits of his father and grandfather as a successful hunter. The older members of Powell Bird’s family did not come with their parents to reside in America. The names of his daughters who resided in the country were:

            i.    Sarah; m. in 1810, Joel Benet.

            ii.  Eleanor; m. in 1810, John Ball.

            iii. Ruth; m. ______ Benet.

            iv. Elizabeth; m. ______ Summers.

            v.  Lydia; m. ______ Urons.

            The death of Powell Bird occurred April 13, 1829, and that of his wife, Lydia Hannant Bird Jan. 29, 1832.

            John Warren was from Derbyshire, England. He took up lands between those of Molyneux and Bird, where he lived until his death, April 17, 1813. His wife, Mary Ward Warren, was the first woman who came to live in the Loyalsock settlement. Her death occurred May 14, 1840. They had four sons and seven daughters:

            i.     Sarah, b. April 22, 1791; d. May 8, 1855.

            ii.    Jane (Mrs. Lambert), b. May 24, 1795.

            iii.   Joseph, b. Jan. 27, 1798; d. Mar. 22, 1878.

            iv.   Mary (Mrs. Wenck), b. Sept. 30, 1800; d. Sept. 4, 1884.

            v.    John, b. May 10, 1802; d. Aug. 5, 1873.

            vi.   Hannah, b. Sept. 15, 1803; d. Aug. 5, 1821.

            vii.  Elizabeth (twin), b. Sept. 15, 1803; d. March 20, 1823.

            viii. James, b. Sept. 17, 1805; d. July 26, 1888.

            ix.   Josiah, b. May 10, 1808; is still living.

            x.    Charlotte, b. May 7, 1810; d.

            xi.   Judith (Mrs. Edkin), twin, b. May 7, 1810; d. March 8, 1881.

            The same year as the settlement of Bird, Warren and Molyneux, 1794, Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, a prominent land-owner, having lands on the Loyalsock, induced an Englishman, John Hill, to visit them. Hill seems to have been pleased with the country and purchased three tracts. Finding Ogden located on one of them he purchased his improvements. Ogden being anxious to leave the country, having no desire to remain when he saw other settlers coming. Hill was well educated and his home became a place favorably known to surveyors as well as other adventurers. He married a daughter of John Robb, of Muncy. She is described as a very amiable woman and noted for her recollection of events which ordinary people are apt to forget. Hon. C.D. Eldred says of her:

            “I have often heard her speak of Joseph J. Wallis and other old surveyors who located the land originally on the Loyalsock and its tributaries, and could almost see the

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men from her description.”

            They had two daughters - Mrs. Saddler and Mrs. David Rogers. A son, John C. Hill, became one of the most prominent citizens, a good surveyor, useful in all the religious and social relations of society. He died when comparatively a young man. The farm is now the property of Richard Biddle.

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            One year after Mr. Hills. Settlement was that of James Ecroid, who came from England to America in 1795. Having an acquaintance, John Howarth, residing in Philadelphia, he at once proceeded to that city, where he made a temporary home with his old friend. Being desirous of establishing himself on a farm he shortly after started a tour of inspection. Visiting the Priestleys at Northumberland, he was induced to examine their lands on the Loyalsock. An offer was made by Mr. Priestley to him of from 1,200 to 1,400 acres of land, on the Loyalsock, at one dollar and fifty cents per acre on the special conditions that he should “et down and improve it.” Ecroid returned to Philadelphia, but shortly after decided to accept Priestley’s offer, much to the latter’s gratification. He returned to Loyalsock and took up his abode with John Hill. He subsequently commenced an improvement on what is known as the Lewis farm, below Hillsgrove, where his cousin, Miss Merritt, kept house for him.

            The following incident relating to Mr. Ecroid is found in the Now and Then, published by Mr. Gernerd, of Muncy:

            “On Saturday, the 30^th of January, 1796, James Ecroid set out to hunt and lost himself in the woods. The whole neighborhood had been called upon and drove the woods every day, yet he was not found until the following Friday. He had wandered eight miles from the nearest house, although he had twice been within a quarter of a mile of Hillsgrove. On crossing a run by means of a pine log he had slipped and wet his lower extremities and the exposure of the frost of one of the sharpest nights in the winter resulted in the loss of most of his toes. The dog bark disclosed his whereabouts and he was found by an expiring fire in an exhausted condition.”

            Fortunately Dr. Wm. Kent Lathey had settled at Muncy. Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, wrote at once to secure his services, so that all human skill and attention was secured for his patient. He married at Philadelphia in 1800 the daughter of his friend Howarth. To them were born two sons and six daughters.

            The efforts of Priestly and Vaughan to induce settlements upon their lands, which resulted in the settlement of Molyneux, Bird and Warren, also Ecroid, continued, and the next family coming to reside on the Loyalsock was that of the Huckells. From Birmingham, England, three brothers and two sisters came to America, Joseph settling on the eastern side of the Loyalsock at Hillsgrove, opposite the home of John Hill, and Thomas contracted for the purchase of a tract of 430 acres at the forks of the Loyalsock, including the lands where the borough of Forksville is now located.. He died in 1798, having resided only one year at the Forks. His widow being unable to pay for all of the land surrendered to Priestly the lands on the south side of the creek. The other part was long the home of his widow, and has nearly all remained as the property of his descendants, D.T. Huckell, Esq., the present owner, being his grandson. John Huckell came later and settled near his brother, Joseph, on lands now owned by Wheeler Green. The sisters married and settled at Hughesville - one the wife of Edward G. Lyon the other of John Ball. William Huckell, a younger brother, who settled in England, is supposed to have come much later. We find a record of his marriage to Sarah Eldred under date of

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October 22, 1826. He removed from this county several years ago and died in Kansas. His son, Henry, was a resident of the county until about 1870, when he settled in Kansas. He was a very successful hunter. He is said to have killed 300 deer before leaving the county, and helped to exterminate the buffalo on the plains after removing to the west.

            Mr. Ecroid about 1798 commenced improvement on the lands lying upon the heights above the Loyalsock and built upon that part of his purchase a small grist mill and saw mill, other settlers having located on adjacent lands were Wm. Snell, Wm. Bingley, Jesse Hanes, David Thomas and Wm. King. From the fact of Elk having been found there this settlement took the name of Elkland.

            But little has up to this time been learned of most of these settlers, but with two exceptions, that of Mr. King and Wm. Snell. Their descendants are not among the residents of this country.

            William Snell, who married Elizabeth Molyneux, and who resided in the county for some time, was the father of six children whose names and dates of birth are as follows:

            i.   Thomas, born Jan. 27, 1816.

            ii.  Margaret, born March 27, 1818.

            iii. William, born May 1, 1820.

            iv. John, born March 2, 1822.

            v.  Elizabeth, born Nov. 13, 1824.

            vi. Joseph, born June 2, 1826.

            Mr. King came to work for Mr. Ecroid in 1799, but soon after bought lands and commenced working for himself. Having built a house he at once sent for his father and mother, Thomas and Esther King, who lived with him the rest of their lives. John, a brother of  Wm. King, came later. He had a family of eight children, Elizabeth (married Hugh Boyles), Avis (married John Boyles), Mary (married George Bird), John (became a physician and settled in Clinton county), Thomas (a prominent citizen of Elkland), William (a citizen of La Porte township), Dinah (married Ephraim Anable, of Fox township), Job S. (a surveyor). We shall in the future have occasion to mention, in their various localities, the sons of John King. We find among the early records that the elder members of this family were frequently placed in positions of trust and otherwise held useful places in society.

            David Thomas made the first improvements at Elk Lake, the lake for a long time known as Thomas’ lake. He was a man of education, and afterwards moved to New York, where he became a noted engineer in the building of the Erie canal.

            The next settlement of importance was that of Eldred. Edward Jarvis Eldred was born at Overshot Mill, near London, England. His mother’s maiden name was Jarvis, the family being near blood relatives of William Penn.

            Edward J., with several brothers and sisters, was given a liberal but not classical education. At the age of about seventeen his father procured for him a clerkship in an extensive carriage manufactory in London. After remaining in this position for a few years a better place was found in a mercantile establishment, At about the age of twenty-

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five he engaged apartments at the “Inner Temple,” a noted law institution at the time, and for several years pursued the study of law with a view of making that profession the business of his future life, but for some unknown reason he abandoned the project, and finally embarked in the business of a wholesale tea merchant. His success as such was indifferent and after several years of effort and persistence he disposed of his stock and closed his store, evidently much discouraged. The next undertaking was that of  balloon navigation, which at the time was a theme rampant in France and England. This was, however, very soon abandoned. About this time the tide of emigration to the United States was high, and he caught the infection.

            His wife, whose maiden name was Paine, and of an opulent family naturally opposed to the project, but Eldred could not be restrained. So it was decided that she should remain with her friends until a comfortable home should be provided in the new world, but disease soon after terminated her life with that of her two sons, leaving only a daughter, who was brought up by her London relatives and long after her father’s settlement came and joined him in America.

            Mr. Eldred having obtained letters of introduction to Mr. Bond, the British consul at New York, and John Vaughan, an extensive land owner of the same city, and Dr. Priestley, of Northumberland, he engaged passage on the ship Mary, of 18 guns, 9 pounders, 130 men, bound for New York and embarked the 18^th of May, 1798. A voyage across the Atlantic at that time was not the pleasantest thing in the world, nor entirely free from danger. After being out from Liverpool one or two days a French vessel bore down upon them and Eldred was assigned to the command of a gun and men to operate it, but when nearly at hailing distance the French vessel ran up the United States colors and the vessels passed each other as friends. After a voyage of two and a half months the Mary arrived safely at the New York harbor. The following is taken from the bill of lading: “The good ship Mary whereof is Master under God for this present voyager, Eben Allen.”

            The two years prior to Mr. Eldred’s settlement at Elkland he was engaged in the first at Newark, N.J., and the following year at Kingston, opposite Wilkes-Barre. During this time he became proficient as a land surveyor.

            Arriving at Elkland at the age of thirty-seven, and having acquired a large experience in the varied relations of life, he had become remarkably prepared to fill a useful place in the formative state of society in the new settlement.

            Having secured the use of a log house of Thomas King, Sr., to which he transferred in the spring of 1800 such articles of personal property as was then in his possession. Finding at the time the neighborhood destitute of flour, the following letter addressed to Stephen Bill, a millwright, will give an insight of the duties at once assumed by Mr. Eldred:

            “Sir, I will beg of you on the part of Mr. Ecroid to come or send some efficient hand to set the mill at rights. Mr. Ecroid is down at Philadelphia and we have a number of new settlers that are very much distressed for flour; the mill will not perform at all. I undertook to grind for the settlers in Mr. Ecroid’s absence. It therefore rather devolves upon me to request a ready attention to our necessities, as most of the settlers have not the means to go out for provisions and are therefore much distressed for bread, I therefore

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beg that you will not fail to come or send immediately.”

            The location chosen by Eldred for his future home was at the northern line of our county. In choosing this location he doubtless had in view a convenient point to reach different settlements on the Priestly lands - a very large amount of which are within the bounds of Bradford county, extending entirely through the entire length of Albany township and including parts of Monroe, the Wilcoxes and Ladds having obtained a part of their lands as a gratuity from Priestley on the same conditions as the grants to Bird and Molyneux. His business frequently required him to visit Northumberland, so in order to make the trip comfortable and to bring in needed supplies he procured three oxen and belling the leader broke the others to follow. Encamping in the woods when night overtook him the green leaves and shrubbery generally supplied them sufficiently for feed before lying down to rest. The scream of the panther and the howl of the wolves was often an horrid serenade around him, but the camp fire and the bell of the ox deterred them from a closing interview. Whenever an emergency of any kind occurred in the Elkland settlement Mr. Eldred was immediately summoned and expected to either act as leader or name the man for the position.

            The first death in the settlement was during the winter of 1802, that of Felin Powell, and a copy of an oration delivered by Mr. Eldred at the burial has been found, as follows:

            “Men of the Elklands, we have been called together on a solemn occasion, the first of the kind that has happened in these lands. Men as we, are from different countries and of various religions, but united, it is presumed, in the same general moral and social sentiments; we trust and hope in the guardian and wise disposal of the great God of Nature and our being; while we exist the same hand is over us, in death the same God exists, where our spirits are fled we know not whither, and our bodies moldering in the dust. On Him the great and living God let us with steadfast and unshaken confidence depend. While we regard with unremitting attention the monitions he has placed within our bosoms, that monitor would teach us, after our acknowledgement to the great God of all, next under our present circumstances, to pay decent and becoming honor to the deceased. We remember him as a man; we cannot forget him as a man, active and laborious, considering his years (three score and ten), we must remember him as a useful member of society. We commit his body to our mother earth tenderly as brethren whilst we hope through the different modes that our various religions inspire for the future disposal of our deceased brother. Men of the Elklands, we have paid the last honor to a deceased friend, let us considered that each of us shall require the same kind offices of some of our fellow men. This should teach us the necessity of moral and social duties and while we observe a decent and becoming regard for the dead, let us bear away with us from the grave the reflection that higher and still more important are due from each of us to the other and from us to all mankind that live.”

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            The next important settlement was that of Samuel Rogers and family on the Loyalsock. Mr. Rogers was born in Barmley, near Leeds, Yorkshire, England, in 1760 and came to America in 1801. His oldest son, Samuel, had preceded him (by) about a year when a young man eighteen years old and had found employment in Philadelphia. About the time his parents were ready to embark he leased a farm in Philadelphia county, so providing a home for the family on their arrival. Here the family found a place well suited to their needs after a wearisome voyage of nearly three months, having endured great privations and hardships, with the death of one child on ship board. Very soon after Mr. Rogers had seen his family comfortably provided for, he found his way to the Loyalsock settlement, and before returning contracted with Mr. Priestley for one hundred and twenty-four acres of land, it being the present site of Forksville. The price agreed upon for the land was two dollars and fifty cents an acre, he to have the same for five years without paying rent or interest. Having thus secured a place of his own he and his son Jonathan, then a hearty lad of sixteen, forthwith proceeded to occupy it, making a clearing and erected a cabin, thus preparing as best they could for the reception of the family which remained near Philadelphia until the following spring, when the family were united in their wilderness home, there being then ten children living, as follows, four having died in infancy:

            i.     Samuel, b. Dec. 6, 1782.

            ii.    Joseph, b. Aug. 1, 1784.

            iii.   Jonathan, b. Oct. 7, 1785.

            iv.   John, b. Feb. 11, 1787.

            v.    William, b. March 17, 1788.

            vi.   Hannah, b. Feb. 13, 1790.

            vii.  Richard, b. July 15, 1791.

            viii. David, b. Jan. 17, 1793.

            ix.   Benjamin, b. Sept. 29, 1797.

            x.    Reuben, b. Dec. 3, 1798.

            The settlement of this family, as will hereafter be shown, proved one of the most important accession to the county.

            The settlement began to assume and important place in the affairs of Lycoming county, and we find that efforts were the (in 1802) made to organize a new township out of the northern portion of Muncy township. The boundaries called for in the petition embraced the entire territory included within Sullivan county, the lines extending for some distance south and west of our boundary. The Court granted the new township, and it took the name of Shrewsbury. So for a short period our entire county was within Shrewsbury township. The Court subsequently appointed William Benjamin, an old surveyor, to run and mark the lines of the township. When Mr. Benjamin came to do the work he found the settlers north of the Allegheny desirous of the division of a new township, who secured his services to also run a division line, and upon the presentment

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of the resident petitioners request the Court granted the division, and gave to the western portion the name Elkland, being a name already appropriated by the principal settlement. The townships now embraced in this division are Fox, Elkland and Hillsgrove, in Sullivan county and a territory equally as large within Plunkett’s Creek, Cascade and McIntire townships, in Lycoming county.

            A leading cause for the formation of new townships at the time was the prior building of a road extending from Muncy to the Shrader (sic) Branch of the Towanda creek, there intersecting roads through older settlements. As has been already shown, a pack horse road was opened by the Wallises  extending from the southern to the northern line of Sullivan county, while the Asylum company had made a considerable expenditure with a view of completing a road through the central and eastern part of the county connecting the North Branch of the Susquehanna at Asylum with the West Branch at Muncy following the Muncy creek. The Wallis road was only for a short distance practicable as a route for a wagon road and the French road was abandoned when that colony returned to their native country.

            The prominent settlements at this time were confined to the western part of the county and mainly north and west of the Loyalsock creek. The road crossing the Allegheny was known as Hill’s road, connecting with this was a road up Elk creek and designated on the old Lycoming county maps as Eldred’s road, while the maps of Luzerne of lands on Towanda creek named the road leading up the Shrader branch a “Road to Eldred’s.” We naturally infer that the settlements then made in different directions were alive to the importance of having a road which would be passable leading from the old settlements of the West Branch to those of the North Branch. In the meantime W. Ellis, a prominent surveyor, took the matter in hand and interested the large non-resident land holders in this undertaking, so a passable road was completed without drawing upon the township funds in making it, but it was very soon found necessary to make heavy repairs, which the parties making the original expenditure believed it to be the duty of the township. This was inconvenient for the Muncy supervisor to attend to, hence the willingness of the court to grant the petitions.

            The extent of travel, when we take in consideration the sparseness of the population, is believed to have been considerable prior to the formation of the township, and very soon after became the great thoroughfare to the Genesee country. A memoranda by Mr. Eldred, under date of November 16, 1801, gives the following:

            “Two hundred and eleven travelers, mostly horsemen have passed by here since the first day of June last.”

            Mr. Eldred, about this time, sends the following directions to a friend about to visit him from New York city:

            “From New York to Newark, 9 miles. To Easton on the Delaware through Wind gap for Wyoming to Socks tavern in the swamp 25 miles from Wilkes-Barre to Mr. Cadwells, Buttonwood 3 miles down the Susquehanna, cross the river at Steel’s ferry to Henlock’s 3 miles, 5 miles to Huntington, 10 miles to Blish’s distillery , 8 miles to McHenry’s, 4 miles to John Vingley’s, 4 miles to Eves’, 4 miles toJerseytown, 12 miles to Shoemaker’s Mill, 2 miles to Ellis’s Mill, 1 mile to Esq. Robb’s, 4 miles to Webster’s,

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15 miles to John Hill’s tavern, 10 miles to the Cross Roads that leads to Henderson & Jones’, 2 miles to Ecroid’s grist and saw mill, 1 mile to Eldred’s.”

            From this description, we are able to form an idea of the date of surrounding settlements and openings made for communication.

            The formation of Elkland township at the time evidently accomplished the desired object in making better roads; and soon a constant line of travel from the Southern counties of this State and Maryland was passing over the Allegheny mountains to Hillsgrove, and from that point to Eldred’s, and from thence to the older settlements on the Towanda creek, making a distance of about fifty miles with but occasional opening in the wilderness, twenty miles of which came within the bounds of this county.

            As early as 1803, Mr. Eldred had commenced putting up buildings of considerable size, but the demand made upon him by the Genesee emigration led him to greatly enlarge his plans for building. He was almost constantly overrun with applications for lodgings, meals and provisions for beasts.

            It was not infrequent at that time that from twenty to thirty wagons with moving families encamped around him and eagerly bought such supplies as he had.  Mr. Eldred presuming upon a continued use of the Genesee road as the main line of travel to central and western New York, undertook building a large house to accommodate the traveling public. The plan was that of constructing four houses of hewed timber cornering together, and so forming the fifth, the ground figure being that of a “fox and geese” board. The dimensions of each of these buildings was about 18 by 24 feet two stories high, the middle one being about 18 by 18 feet three stories, wit a lookout on top. It took a considerable time to complete this building, but it was finished during the year 1805, and known as “Liberty Hall.”

            A short description of the country is found in Sutcliff’s travels.  [Editor’s Note: This is Robert Sutcliff’s Travels in some parts of North America in the years 1804, 1805 and 1806; York: W. Hargrove 1815. This book was quite popular in the late 19^th century.]  After giving a description of the country along the North Branch of the Susquehanna he comes to that of crossing over to the West Branch of the Susquehanna during the month of December, 1805:

            “After passing by Sugar creek I came to Dotherty’s tavern in the evening on the bank of the Townday creek (now known as Greenwood, Bradford county). Here I supped and the next morning breakfasted on wild venison.

             “12 m. 12^th. This morning I left Dotherty’s and rode many miles through the woods without seeing one habitation or meeting one individual. The land in general is of good quality, and the forest trees are mostly beech, hickory, oak and a species of pine called hemlock, and the sugar maple. From the last a considerable quantity of sugar is made. Some farmers not only collect sufficient sugar and treacle for their own use, but have several hundred pounds weight to dispose of to the grocers. After traveling about twelve miles I came to a habitation called Eldridg’s (Eldred’s) tavern. The situation of this inn was very solitary and romantic in the midst of a very extensive forest. The mistress of the house told me that her husband and she had lately emigrated from London.

            “In the course of this day I came safe to my relatives at Elklands. The situation

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that he has chosen is very solitary, the nearest neighbor being one mile off, but there are several at about that distance and some of them being of our Society (Friends) they have united and built a meeting house near them.

            “13^th.  I spent this afternoon at Jesse Haines, whose family were busily employed in making maple sugar. Jesse is a minister in good esteem, has an agreeable wife, and a group of five children, who have plenty of employment in clearing and cultivating his plantation in the wilderness, which, however, appears to be excellent soil, and the situation being dry and healthy, there is every probability that at some future day this may become a property of great value.

            “14^th.  This day I visited Ezra Haines. He with his wife and one fine child had but lately come into this country, and had cleared only a few acres, but which appeared to be well managed and very productive. He had just nailed up the skin of a large bear against the side of his house. He had shot the beast whilst in the act of seizing one of his hogs, having been led to the scene of action by the shrieks of the poor animal while under the rude embrace of the bear.

            “15^th.  I attended Elklands meeting. During the sitting of it a company of hunters came in, and leaving their rifle guns at the door behaved in a becoming manner until the meeting broke up.

            “16^th.  This day I saw a family by the name of Lambert, from near Darby, in England, who, I understand, are likely to do well.

            “17^th.  I rode from Elklands to Muncy across the Allegheny mountains, passed the hunters who attended the meeting at Elklands. The principal object of their pursuit was deer, although they had no objections with meeting with bear or wolf. In passing down the Allegheny mountain we came near the house of a man by the name of Webster, who had killed thirty-six bear the last season.”

            Among Mr. Eldred’s papers we find the following advertisement of the Priestley lands, believed to have been used in calling the attention of settlers to the property during the years 1806, ‘7, ‘8:

            “The subscriber offers for sale a large tract of land situated on the waters of the Muncy, Loyalsock and Towanda Creeks, in the county of Lycoming, State of Pennsylvania, on which there is already formed a settlement of about fifty families, so that the difficulties usually to be encountered by those who go first on back lands are completely removed. Provisions of all kinds may now be procured there at reasonable rates. Two grist mills and a saw mill will be completed in a short time. The lands are intermediate between the waters of the Northeast Branch and the West Branch of the Susquehanna. The two roads to the Genesee country now most usually traveled pass directly through the main body of the lands, and another is now making as a turnpike from Waphollopen to the Lehigh is intended to connect with one of the Genesee roads now passing through this tract. No part of them are distant more than 15 or 20 miles from the old settlements, and will not be more than 135 to 150 miles from Philadelphia, when the contemplated roads are finished. The land will be sold in any quantity from 50 to 5,000 acres. If a part of a tract be sold it will be laid off parallel to any of the boundary

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lines, but no tract will be reserved that the settler is desirous of purchasing. At the same time that the lands will be sold very reasonably for cash, an extensive credit will not be refused to those who may require it. The cash price for a single tract will be two and a-half dollars per acre, or three dollars and a-half payable in five years, without interest, paying one-half dollar an acre in hand.”

            It will be noticed that Mr. Priestley describes his lands as within Lycoming county, while the map of the same lands shows a considerable amount within what is now Bradford county. The advertisement, however, describes a part of the lands on Towanda creek, this accounted for first from the fact that, as will be hereafter shown, the line of Lycoming county was supposed to have extended much farther north at the location of the Priestley lands, and account of which will be given further on.

            The price obtained for lands in the beginning of this century seems remarkably high in comparison with that paid twenty-five years later. We find as early as 1795, that Robert Morris and John Nicholson who were owners of 217,000 acres of land in Northumberland county, in which this county was then included, made an effort by combinations to raise the price of wild lands to two dollars an acre. That other parties holding adjacent property were governed by their prices - when Morris, Nicholson and other heavy land holders estates went into bankruptcy then the price of wild lands was reduced to one-half or one-third its former value.

            The two roads mentioned to the Genesee country are the ones passing up Elk creek from Hillsgrove, the other up Loyalsock for a distance of ten miles, crossing and re-crossing the creek sixteen times to the Forks, then following up the Little Loyalsock to Millview, and from that point taking a northwesterly course, and connecting with the Elk creek road on the Summit. The contemplated turnpike was the first road built through the country by the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike company, connecting with the old Genesee road at Northrup’s, at the north of Mill Stone creek, a branch of the Shrader creek. The two grist mills are supposed to be Ecroid’s and Lambert’s.    W.M.

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            One of the most perplexing questions connected with the holding of real estate in the early settlement of Sullivan County was that if the indefinite fixing of the northern boundary line. This matter was brought to the attention of the writer by Hon. C.D. Eldred, who afterwards published a paper relating to the same in “Now and Then,” from which the information here given is chiefly taken, upon comparing the same with the history of Bradford County.

            In order to make the question fully understood it is necessary to refer to the boundaries of the older counties. At the organization of Northumberland County in 1772, the part taken from Northampton, extended its northern boundary to that of the State of New York. The earliest land warrants were located by the deputy surveyor for that County, but in 1786 the County of Luzerne was organized, and the warrants after that date were located by the deputy from that district. In the formation of the County of Lycoming in 1796, the northern and eastern boundaries of Sullivan County were those of the County extended to those of Luzerne. Prior to the organization of Lycoming County nearly if not all the lands along the northern border had been taken up, which was also true of the lands adjacent in Luzerne. Mr. Craft in his history of Bradford County states, that after the Commonwealth had reduced the price of its lands from 33 1/3 cents per acre to that of 6 ¼  cents, warrants were laid upon nearly every acre of land not previously taken up; so that by 1793 very little vacant land could be found. Had these lands remained vacant little or no trouble would have been found from such indefinite bounds until settlement was made, but as stated it was otherwise. Not only had the lands been purchased, but as shown heretofore, vigorous efforts were made as early as 1794 by Joseph Priestly and the Asylum Company, who were the largest owners, to induce settlements.

            The original boundaries of the County of Luzerne were as follows: “Beginning at the mouth of Nescopeck creek and running along the south bank thereof eastward to the head of said creek; from thence a due north course to the northern boundary of the State; thence westward along said boundary till it crosses the east branch of the Susquehanna; thence by a straight line to the head of Towanda creek; thence along the ridge which divides the waters of the east branch of the Susquehanna from those of the West Branch to a point due west from the mouth of the Nescopeck creek; thence east to the point of beginning, which shall henceforth be known and called by the name of Luzerne County.”

            It will be noticed that in following the northern boundary line of this County as described in the act, “from the head of Towanda creek” a course ran along the ridge (known as Burnet’s ridge) which divides the waters of the east (North) Branch of Susquehanna. Burnet’s ridge is unlike our mountain ranges, for instead of consisting of mountain peaks and abrupt descent, there is for much of its distance broad plains extending for miles, intercepted by swamps and small streams which in a forest country it is found in many places difficult to determine upon what streams these water-courses take. In the location of warrants, the description of streams given were the only guides by

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which could be ascertained in which counties these lands were located. This, from the very nature of things was inaccurate; hence in the levy of taxes and transfer of property much perplexity was caused. The writer has noticed among old advertisements that descriptions are given of lands “along the waters of the Loyalsock or Towanda creek.”

            The original act for the organization of Bradford County (then known as Ontario), passed February 21, 1810, made the boundary lines nearly parallel. The southern boundary, instead of following, as there asserted, the boundary of Luzerne, called for a direct line from southeast corner of Tioga County to connect with the southeastern boundary. The commissioners to establish the boundaries were Samuel Satterly, Moses Coolbaugh and Justus Gaylord, who employed Jonathan Stevens, Esq., a well-known surveyor, and who was made deputy surveyor of the district in 1812, to survey the lines thereof. As the lines were run into the old township of Braintrim, which then included the townships of Windham and North Branch, of Wyoming County, and adjacent to the east line of Sullivan County, that township petitioned the Legislature to so alter the lines that the might remain in Luzerne County. Accordingly an act was passed March 8, 1811, calling for the change of lines so as to leave the township of Braintrim in Luzerne County, the southeastern corner of Bradford being at a point that would coincide with the northeastern boundary of Lycoming. The above is given as we find it in the history of Bradford County.

            Judge Eldred is of the belief that the southern line of Bradford County was not run in 1810, and also failed to find that any provision was made for it, but the fact that the citizens of Braintrim objected to the division of their township which, as would appear in part was made known to them by the running of this line, makes it evident that it was otherwise. He is, however, doubtless correct as to there being no evidences left that were sufficient guide to determine the work originally done. By the year 1816 the settlement of the County had so far advanced that it became very important to have the location of the line well understood, and Bradford County took the initiative and employed Judge Stevens, then a prominent surveyor, who resided a few miles below Towanda, on the North Branch, to do the work. Having organized a corps and made arrangements for supplies the Judge proceeded to the Beaver Dams, at the head of the Lycoming and Towanda creeks, and mistaking a sugar tree corner of a tract of land for the corner of Tioga County, ran and marked his line through to that of Luzerne County. Not knowing of the error a number of honest Dutchmen on the route were surprised to find themselves instead veritable Yankees, and booked for Meansville instead of Williamsport.

            E.J. Eldred, who has been commissioned a justice of the peace for Lycoming County by Governor Thomas McKean, now supposed himself a private citizen of Bradford, and for some months declined to act as a magistrate. The mishap of Judge Stevens was, however, soon after discovered and admitted by all the parties concerned, and for a subsequent decade affairs along the line resumed their wonted channel or continued in status quo, But the modus vivendi, which existed between the commissioners of the two counties became strained. In 1826, taxes were demanded of certain inhabitants of both counties, and the authorities of each saw plainly that something had to be done. It was therefore agreed, in the spring of 1827, that an effort

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should be made to fix upon and run the line that season. A conference for this purpose, to be composed of one commissioner and the deputy surveyors of Lycoming and of Bradford, were appointed to meet at the house of E.J. Eldred in the month of May following; and in pursuance thereof Thomas Hall, commissioner, and John A. Gamble, surveyor, reported at the time and place assigned, to represent Lycoming. The Bradford men failed to appear, but deputed Gordon F. Mason, then a bright boy of 16, as a messenger to inform Hall and Gamble that they concluded it was best to meet at the eastern corner of the counties, where they hoped to join them the next day. This intelligence provoked Hall and Gamble very much. However, a night’s rest, influenced by the sober second thought, prevailed to induce them to accede to the proposed change of base. On the following day the parties met somewhere near the Luzerne County line, and began to wrangle which, as usual, diverged as it progressed, until by mutual consent all hope of an amiable settlement of the question in dispute was given up, and the belligerents returned to their respective homes, “muttering threatenings.” It was now Lycoming’s turn to run and mark the disputed line as claimed by it. Accordingly, in the spring of 1828 preparations were made for doing so. In the meantime Thomas Hall had been elected sheriff and Benjamin Jones commissioner for the “Lower End.” It, therefore, became the latter’s duty to take charge of the surveying party, which he organized and provided for. Benjamin Jones and John A. Gamble, with their crew, including the renowned Tim Gray (fox hunter), drove up Lycoming creek to the Beaver Dams at the sources of the Towanda creek and beginning at a point as much to far north as Judge Stevens had south, began to run and mark line No. 2. This line, like the one run by Judge Stevens, was wide of the mark and served only to complicate the question.

            Nothing but legislation could henceforth be of avail to settle and adjust this chronic difficulty, and the General Assembly, at its next session, on the 8^th day of March, 1829, enacted a law designating “William Jessup, of Susquehanna County; John Sturdevant, of Luzerne, and Joseph Stillwell, of Union County, as commissioners, with authority to fix the corner of the counties of Lycoming, Bradford and Tioga, at or near the Beaver Dams at the head of Towanda Creek, in conformity with and according to the existing laws on this subject, and when so fixed to run the lines from said corner to the point designated by law.”  Of this commission Joseph Stillwell declined to act, which rendered it nugatory for that year. On the 14^th of March, 1831, a supplement was enacted appointing Joseph F. Quay, of Centre, to fill the vacancy, and empowering the Governor to fill any future vacancies which might occur. William Jessup subsequently declined also, and Charles Treziyulny, of Centre, was appointed to fill his place. All the commissioners were surveyors, and otherwise competent persons. The met and proceeded to the discharge of the duty assigned them in May of the same year (1831). After fixing the corner of Bradford, Lycoming and Tioga, near Beaver Dams of Towanda creek, they ran a testing line through to Luzerne, and then fixed the corner of Bradford and Lycoming on the line of the former, between those made by Stevens and Gamble. From this they ran back, marking their line conspicuously to the established corner at the Beaver Dams. Most of this line was run by Henry W. Treziyulny, son of one of the commissioners, then a young man. The distance from corner to corner they returned as 33 miles and 52

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perches. All parties have ever since respected their work as final. The territory under dispute seems to have been about two or three miles in width. Christian Mosier, whose father originally owned the sight (sic) of the town of Dushore, informed the writer that Bradford County at one time claimed their residence as being in that County.

            By referring to the Sullivan County map it will be seen that the northern line is unlike that of the other boundaries of the County - instead of being barren mountain ranges its entire distance, the lands were found susceptible of cultivation. Many of the improvements were made during the years of the controversy, that of Eldred in 1800, Haverly in 1810, Phiney at Headleyville in 1819, Thrasher and Harrington in 1822, and Lawrence in 1824.

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            The earliest educational effort in Sullivan county took place in the kitchen of John Warren, just east and adjoining the old log house now standing on the Warren place. This school was supported by, and constructed under, the direction of the neighboring families. It was of the most elementary kind and conducted upon the strict and summary method imported directly from England. The first teacher was John Ball, a good and competent instructor and a prompt and severe disciplinarian. In 1808 the proposition was submitted to settlers residing in Elkland by Mr. Priestley offering to furnish the glass and shingle nails for a hewed log school house on condition that the settlers would build the house at a point they should agree upon convenient for themselves. This proposition was delivered by ‘Squire Eldred, butt seems to have failed to meet the approval of the settlers. The building erected for the Quaker meeting house, and mentioned in Sutcliff’s Travels in 1805, was doubtless early used for school purposes. It is described as follows: One-story building containing two windows and a door with clumsy stone chimney and fire place for warming. From the date given of the first school taught in 1804 it is presumed that Mr. Bull continued to teach either in Shrewsbury or Elkland, although no record is found until 1811.

            In 1809 the school law obliged the County Commissioners to collect through assessors a list of all poor children whose parents were unable to pay for their schooling. These children were to be taught in the regular subscription schools, their stationery being furnished by the teacher, who was to make out his bill for tuition and stationery and submit the same for approval to the trustees of the school, if there were any, otherwise to three respectable citizens, subscribers to the school. When approved the bill was to be presented to the commissioners, and sworn to. An order was then drawn on the county treasurer for the amount. From Esquire Eldred’s docket, under date of April 4, 1811, we find the following entry:

            “John Bull sworn at the names of the mentioned children who were taken down by the assessor, and that they are charged for their schooling at the usual rate of charging for tuition at the school wherein I taught.”

            In 1806 and 1808 John G. Holmes, residing in Shrewsbury township, about two miles from the present site of Eagles Mere, taught a school in his own house. Mr. Holmes continued to teach for several years at different points in Shrewsbury township and along Muncy Creek. In 1814 a school was taught at Lewis Lake (Eagles Mere) by John Dillon, an Irishman, who taught a term of nine months.

            The first successful organized effort to permanently establish means for the education of the youth, was made at Forksville, by Mrs. Sarah Huckell, in conjunction with the inhabitants within eight or ten miles of that place, who by deed in 1816 conveyed one-half acre of land, where the present school house now stands, to Samuel Rogers, Powell Bird and William King, trustees, on which to erect a house for public benefit. The inhabitants of the whole neighborhood celebrated the Fourth of July of that year by

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clearing the ground. Moses Rogers assisted in carrying water to slake the thirst of these pioneers of education, who, during the ensuing autumn, built the first house for public instruction in Sullivan county. The school was opened December 1, 1816, John Warburton being the first teacher employed. Dillsworth’s Spelling Book, Daboll’s Arithmetic, and the Bible were the text-books used.

            We are unable to determine which of three houses next takes precedent, but judging from the time of settlement conclude the order to be as follows: That the house at Hillsgrove located about one mile above the present village across the creek from Wheeler Green’s was probably built in 1818 or 1819. Mr. Green informs me that a house was there as long ago as he can remember, and he is now over eighty years old. The next house in date is also uncertain, but is believed to be at the North Mountain settlement, built at a place called Buck’s Church. The first school taught there was by David Barber. The next school house was built in the neighborhood of Daniel Bahr, on Cherry Hill, in 1820. The same year a school was here taught by Salome Tompkins, at one dollar per week and board; term following the school was taught by Roswell Phelps, from Simsbury, Conn., who was followed by Alma Potter of Huntington.

            In 1825 Charles Mullen erected, at his own expense, in Elkland, a house to be used for school, scientific and religious purposes, which was for many years the central place for religious and educational gatherings in that township. Miss Zilpha Mason taught the first school in this building. The next winter James Green, an Englishman, taught, and later Nehemiah Ross, also Mr. Woodruff, of Monroeton. A school was opened in 1825 in Cherry township. We find no record of any other houses until the passage of the free school law in 1834. The names of other early teachers given are David Richart, David H. Goodwin, Roxy Mason, Cornelia and Mary Greegs.

            The first district to meet with the new provisions was that of Cherry township. An election was held at the house of John Bear, and on the 27^th of September, 1834, the directors elect met at the school house near Mr. Bear’s and apportioned the length of their terms of office. The following are the names of the first directors: H.W. Cooper, F. Huffmaster, Peter Hunsinger, Samuel McNeal, Jacob Hoffa and William Colley. At a meeting held at the house of William Colley, March 29, 1836, it was resolved that Cherry township be divided into two sub-districts, the inhabitants living north of the Little Loyalsock creek to have one school and those living south of said creek to have two schools.

            The acceptance of the school law in Elkland may have been as early as that of Cherry, but no record is found showing that a board was organized until 1837, when the names of the following directors are found: Edward J. Eldred, John Hostler, John Speaker, Benjamin Huckell, Wm. King, John Warburton.

            The time of organization of a school board in Davidson cannot be found, but the system is known to have been in full operation in 1840.

            Forks is presumed to have organized as soon as it became a township.

            We find the strongest opposition met with in the township of Shrewsbury. It was adopted in 1841, but after Sullivan was taken from Lycoming the part included in Sullivan failed to comply with the provisions of the law and for over ten years was

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deprived of all benefits that the other townships had gained in appropriations from the State.

            In connection with these statements relating to education in the county an effort was made at an early day to found a circulating library, Among the prominent men found contributing to this work were John Vaughan and James Royal. Others were equally so in giving time and providing means for the promotion of the object. This resulted in the following organization, 20^th June, 1819, under the following regulations:

            1^st.  That the school shall be organized in two departments, one for boys or young men, the other for girls or young women.

            2d.  That reading, writing and the first fundamental rules of arithmetic shall be taught therein.

            3d.  That the teaching shall be by the association generally, that is by a committee of two men each Sunday for the boys and two women for the girls (if women can be obtained on the same footing as the men), otherwise men teachers shall appoint at their discretion on the respective Sundays teachers for the girls department. For which purpose the men association shall be divided in two equal classes, the better learned in one, and the other half in the other, and one shall be drawn from each alternately by ballot, and so associated according to their drawing, and to take their turns in teaching in order as drawn and proceed in rotation till the expiration of one year, when a new ballot shall be made and the teachers assigned accordingly, proceeding in rotation as before.

            4^th.  That a select or standing committee of five of the association be chosen as a committee of arrangements, three whereof (the others having notice) shall form a board to be appointed every twelve months whose duties it shall be to see to the general management of the school on the principle of the constitution, providing wood, books and other necessaries.

            5^th.  That in the summer half year the school shall be open at eight o’clock morning and shall be dismissed at noon for a vacation not exceeding two hours, and in the evening to be dismissed at five o’clock; and in the winter half year the school shall be open at half past nine o’clock, with a vacation at noon not exceeding two hours and will be dismissed in the afternoon at half past three.

            6^th.  That the time of vacation at noon from school shall be open to all religious societies in their turn for religious exercises, not to be enjoyed by any one persuasion, but open to all. When one Sunday has been appropriated to one persuasion the next Sunday shall be devoted to another, and so continuing in turn till all persuasions or sects who may be desirous to be heard have had their right.

            7^th.  Any person after signing his or her name to the compact shall be at liberty to withdraw on giving three months’ notice to the committee of arrangements of their intention, but must be bound by their contract until that time.

            8^th.  The committee of arrangements is charged with procuring paper books and necessaries in teaching to be furnished to the scholars at the prime cost, they, the said scholars or their friends paying for the same.

            9^th.  As the opportunity will be open at all times for persons to join this association by signing their names to the compact on an equal footing on paying an equal quota of the

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incidental expenses that have been incurred, it follows in course that no children are free to the schools but such whose parents or guardians, master or mistress of their own or under their immediate protection shall have the right to patronize some other children not exceeding the average sent by other families.

            10^th.  All incidental expenses, such as fitting up the house under the committee of arrangements, shall be defrayed by ratio on the association proportioned to their county or road taxes, and this ratio collected by the committee of arrangements and applied to the purposes intended or paid over to their successors on their appointments.

            11^th.  That no alterations shall be made to the principles of this original constitution or foundation of the school but with approbation of teachers in the association assembled for the express purpose after a notification of at least six by the committee of arrangements.

            12^th. No corporal punishment shall be inflicted on the children by the respective teachers. The mode of punishment shall be pointed out by the committee of arrangements and entered in the rules of the school, which shall be made out and posted in the school houses, and that a uniformity may prevail in the mode of teaching; that mode shall be first marked out by the committee of arrangements as they may think right, one of them in rotation, when none of them are on the committee of teaching, shall attend each Sunday at first and afterward as often as necessary to assist in the arrangements, and any addition to the constitution that experience may point out as necessary may be supplied “prio tempore” by the committee of arrangements until it can be modified by the constitution according to the mode pointed out in the eleventh article.

            13^th.  That we may not trifle with our own interests or act as the boys might do that we are professing to educate. We whose names are hereunto subscribed do individually or severally pledge ourselves as men to each other to adhere strictly to the principles of this institution, and if any person notwithstanding be guilty of conduct grossly inconsistent with the principles of this compact, may he be expelled from the association or impeachment on complaint by any one of its members to the committee of arrangements, who shall, if they think it right, bring the matter before the whole association, the vote of two-thirds of whom shall constitute the expulsion.

            The following names are subscribed to this compact:

            William Russell,                        Edward J. Eldred,

            James Moyle,                           John Snell,

            Wm. King,                               Francis Bull,

            Francis Boyles,                         Joseph Pardoe,

            John Raper,                              Thomas Baker,

            John Grange,                            Charles Mullan,

            Richard Snell,                           James Hardy,

            John Huckell,                            John King.

            We are unable to state to a certainty how long this school continued, but the librarian’s account gives receipts and expenditures for over twenty years. We are of the

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belief that the work of the Sabbath school was gradually superseded by schools established upon a more strictly religious basis, but that the library which contained many choice works proved for years after the school closed to be a great benefit as an educational power. For twenty-three years Edward J. Eldred, William and John King served on the executive committee; Joseph Pardoe, six years; John Snell, four years; Francis Bull, six years. The librarians were as follows: James Rawl, one year; Charles Mullen, nine years, who was succeeded by Joseph Pardoe.     W.M.

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            On the 28^th of March, 1806, an act of Assembly was approved by the Governor of the Commonwealth appointing Levi Hollingsworth, William Trumbull, Anthony Morris, Benjamin R. Morgan, Samuel M. Fox and Samuel Mifflin, of the city of Philadelphia, Nathan Beach and Abel Fellows of Luzerne county, and John Franklin, Stephen Tuttle and Reuben Hale, of Lycoming county, commissioners to open books and receive subscriptions for the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike company. Of the Lycoming county commissioners for receiving subscriptions, two at least resided at Athens, near the northern terminus of the road, John Franklin being at the time the Representative of Lycoming in the State Legislature, and Reuben Hale, a gentleman well known by the first settlers of the county. Having moved from Athens to Towanda a short time after his appointment as commissioner of this road, he was appointed the first postmaster of that place in 1810, and subsequently resided in Towanda township. His son, Hon. James T. Hale, of Centre county, represented the district, including Sullivan county, in Congress from 1858 to 1863. The route described for the road in the act is as follows:

            “By the best and nearest route from Berwick on the East Branch of the Susquehanna, or from the mouth of the Lower Whopehawley to the point in the north line of the State which is nearest to Newtown (Elmira) on the river Tioga in the State of New York.”

            Books were to be opened for receiving subscriptions in the city of Philadelphia, Sunbury, Northumberland and Berwick; said subscriptions being shares of $100, and an advance payment of one-tenth of the amount. We have no records of the organization of this company or of its first surveys and expenditures in building. It is well known, however, that the company built two roads almost parallel for a distance of about fifteen miles through this country. The first road passing on the west side of Lopez and West Pond, crossing the Loyalsock about one mile below Ringdale and the county line in the Haverly settlement. This was known as the “old turnpike,” and was built at least as far as Ringdale in 1808, and reached the county line by 1810. The location of this road shows a lack of preliminary examination of the county, and that of the second road was but little better until it reaches the line of Bradford county. An account of the Mount Lewis road with that of the old turnpike has already been given.

            No settlements were made on the south side of the Loyalsock along this road until over thirty years after it was built, when Herman Ring built his first house of hewed logs on the rise of ground above the flats near the present crossing of the Williamsport and North Branch railroad. Aside from the names and boundaries of warrants, and location of streams, there is but one mention on the oldest map of the country along the line where this is marked, viz: “Snow Storm Camp, November, 1810.” It is believed there was considerable travel along the road, however, between the years 1810 and 1812. Mr. Adam Zaner informs me that his father on first coming to the county passed over this road in a one-horse wagon in company with the father of Gen. Wadsworth.

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            An account was given years ago to the writer, of a sneak thief who, having stolen bed clothing near the Haverly settlement, traveled with his stolen goods to the borders of the settlements in Columbia county, where night overtook him without finding a lodging place. He was compelled to stay out during a cold night and froze both feet. On being found in a helpless condition he became a town charge, and so his adventure became a matter of notoriety.

            The lands for several miles southeast of Ringdale along this road were purchased at tax sales, by Rawl & Kuhns, and after being held by them and their heirs for a number of years were purchased by Michael Meylert, who a few years later sold the hemlock bark on the standing timber to Messrs. Thorne & McFarland, largely furnishing the supply for the Thorndale tannery.

            On the north side of the Loyalsock the road for a considerable distance as originally located has been kept open, crossing the Little Loyalsock at Cherry Mills, the Doyle, Gainer, Barth and Bender farms. This road, although a total loss to the original projectors, proved a benefit for several miles of its distance in the early settlement of the county. The account of building the road that proved for a long time the main thoroughfare from Berwick to Elmira will be given in connection with the settlement of Cherry township.

            The following petition, at the instance of William Molyneux, was presented to the court of the county of Lycoming, at December term, 1808:

            “The petition of the subscribers inhabitants of Shrewsbury and Elkland townships, respectfully showed: That some alteration and addition to the road laid out some few years since from Peter Carson’s to Edward J. Eldred’s, by the Forks of the Loyalsock creek, would be greatly beneficial to your petitioners and the inhabitants in general of Shrewsbury and Elkland townships. That so much of the present road as leads from Rock Run to George Elkin’s may be laid on much better ground for a road. Likewise, so much of it is from the Eleventh to the Twelfth Mile Tree might keep down the mountain to the creek in a more gradual descent to the Forks of the Loyalsock being too steep and by its declivity rendered almost impassible for carriages. Also, that a branch may start out or near the Eleventh Mile Tree in an easterly direction until it strikes the Berwick and Newtown turnpike (Susquehanna and Tioga) at or near the junction of the Birch and Loyalsock creeks as these improvements are evidently of great advantage.”

            On the 28^th of March, 1808, by act of Assembly, an election district was made of territory embracing most, if not all, of this county. The place appointed for holding elections was the house of Wm. Molyneux. The day following, March 29^th, Edward J. Eldred was appointed by Governor McKean a justice of the peace for the Third district of the county of Lycoming. Said district comprised not only the entire territory within the county, but in additions five townships remaining in Lycoming. These events centralized the interests of the scattering settlements in this county, all of which were comprised within the townships of Shrewsbury and Elkland.

            The following list of taxable inhabitants is all that has so far been found then residing within this territory:

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                                                                 Elkland                                          

                                    John Ball,                                 John Hackett,

                                    Francis Ball,                             John Hill,

                                    John Bingley,                            Edward Jones,

                                    Francis Boyles,                         Wm. King,

                                    John Brown,                             Joel McCarty,

                                    John Coney,                             Charles Mullen,

                                    Peter Dominick,                        P. Mullen, Jr.,

                                    Edward J. Eldred,                     Aaron Patterson,

                                    James Ecroid,                           Sylvanus Parker,

                                    Joseph Hoagland, Sr.                A. Parker,

                                    John Hoagland,                         Joseph Reeves,

                                    A. Hoagland,                            Wm. Russell,

                                    Jos. Hoagland, Jr.,                    Wm. Snell,

                                    Jesse Hanes,                             R. Sample,

                                    Ezra Hanes,                              Webster Wymen,                    

                                    Jonathan Hartley,                      Richard White.

                                                              Shrewsbury

                                    Powell Bird,                             Tobias Little,

                                    Joel Bennett,                             Robert Lambert,

                                    Adam Derr,                              Wm. Molyneux,

                                    John G. Holmes,                       Geo. Edkin,

                                    Nathan Howell,                        John Molyneux,

                                    Theophilus Little, Sr.                 Samuel Rogers, Sr.,

                                    John Little,                                John Rogers,

                                    Daniel Little,                             Richard Taylor,

                                    Thomas Little,                           David Richart,

                                    Theophilus Little, Jr.,                 John Warren,

                                    James Yowres.

            A few years after the first pioneers went to Elkland a number of settlers went further west. A gift of one hundred acres was offered to each family first to settle. Of these families we are unable to find the names of any who remained permanently before 1808, excepting Joseph Hoagland, Sr., John Hoagland, A. Hoagland, and Joseph Hoagland, Jr. This settlement a few years later increased in numbers, embracing the families of Battin and Kilmer. About the same time or a little later, of this settlement near the northwestern boundary of the county, another was formed along the southeastern boundary.

            Three settlers having made their way around the North mountain by way of Fishing Creek, settled at the base of the mountain. Their names were Adam Derr, David Richart and Nathan Howell. Derr was an officer in the Revolutionary War. He settled

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upon lands owned and occupied by Griffith Phillips, now the home of his son, Hon. M.J. Phillips. David Richart was a stonemason and schoolteacher; he is remembered as the man who built the stone barn at Lewis Lake (Eagles Mere), in 1817. The writer well remembers seeing him in 1852 and can now imagine the feeling of the grip of his bony hand.

            In 1810 a very important manufacturing business was established at the present site of Forksville by the Rogers family. Shortly after Samuel Rogers, sr., had made his settlement in 1802, his son, Samuel, engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in New Castle county, Delaware. After he had become established in the business with his brothers, Jonathan and William, joined him. The family were engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in England, and the sons had obtained a practical knowledge of working power looms and were among the first to introduce them in the States of Delaware and Pennsylvania.

            Prior to this date nearly all woolen goods were spun and woven by hand. By the United States census returns for 1810, three hundred and twenty-five thousand hand looms are reported by the marshals’ returns. As a rule each family did its own spinning and weaving. Their knowledge of improved machinery enabled the Rogers Brothers to reap a good profit from their factory. Continuing the business for a few years in Delaware, they finally resolved to establish a factory upon the Loyalsock, where they could manufacture to better advantage and give employment to their brothers and neighbors. Their father deeded to them the land on which they first built a saw mill and afterwards a factory and seven dwelling houses also, Samuel and William taking charge of the new interest and Jonathan remaining at New Castle in charge of the business there until it was closed out in 1813.

            This factory not only proved a great help in giving employment to the settlement, but also gave a ready communication with neighboring settlements and enabled the inhabitants to obtain necessary supplies of merchandise from Philadelphia. When the war of 1812 came on they were prepared to enter into contracts with the Government to furnish Kersey cloth for the army. Several teams were constantly employed transporting their fabrics to Philadelphia and bring back raw material. Richard and David were chief teamsters, each had a heavy wagon and five horses. The horses were never blanketed and seldom enjoyed the luxury of a stable.

            This woolen factory continued in successful operation until 1816, when the greatest flood occurred on the Loyalsock ever known, by which the entire buildings were swept completely away. So thorough was the work of destruction that nothing remains to show the place of these extensive industries, save a single log imbedded in the gravel bottom of the creek about fifty feet above the bridge, that had been in the bottom of the dam. The factory stood a few rods below the bridge on the South side of the creek. The only thing ever found was the large dye kettle, this was discovered some months after the flood in a deep hole about one mile below the Forks, and thus known as the Dye Kettle Hole. The loss of this property resulted in the separation of the members of the Rogers family and the abandoning of the woolen manufacturing business on the Loyalsock for ten years.

            SAMUEL ROGERS, the second, who became one of the most enterprising

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business men on the West Branch, never afterwards invested in undertakings in the bounds of this county, but in the varied relations of his life kept up an intimate acquaintance with many of our citizens. He married Mary Akroyd and a daughter of his father’s sister Margaret, who came with her husband to reside at the forks of the Loyalsock at the time the woolen mill was in operation and afterward moved to Muncy. Mr. Akroyd died at Muncy and his wife below Forksville. To Samuel Rogers, Jr., were born eight children who survived infancy:

            i.     Mary (Mrs. Woodley).

            ii.    Margaret (Mrs. Winchell).

            iii.   Jacob.

            iv.   Samuel.

            v.    Elizabeth (Mrs. Vandyke).

            vi.   Richard-Grant.

            vii.  Jeremiah-Akroyd.

            viii. George-Higgins.

            Soon after the loss of the woolen factory Samuel Rodgers (sic), with his brother Jonathan, bought a small mill property at Muncy, consisting of saw, grist and plaster mills, and to which they added a woolen mill. This property, after being operated for about ten years, was destroyed by fire. The brothers then dissolved partnership and Samuel built another factory near Muncy, where he continued for about fifteen years, when he established the White Deer woolen mills in Columbia county. His sons established an extensive woolen factory on Bear creek, near the southern line of this county, in 1854, and his grandsons are now connected with the Muncy woolen mills. His death occurred in 1857. It was said of his that he was “a close observer, thoughtful, kind-hearted, cool, and having good judgment he was well calculated to acquire influence over and win the respects of his fellow men.” The writer well remembers him as a man of social abilities of a high order, a man of massive frame, whose look and bearing commanded respect and attention.

            JOSEPH ROGERS, the next in age to Samuel, appears to have removed from the bounds of our county when young. He doubtless was for several years the son relied upon most in clearing lands and making a comfortable home. It is related of him that a fire occurring on a shipboard just as they were about to land, the family took fright and gathered on deck to take a life boat, when it was found that little Benjamin was missing. Joseph, then about seventeen, rushed back to his berth and soon had the little sleeper in the arms of his mother. He finally settled on Lycoming creek, married Hannah Carlyle and their children were:

            i.      Margaret A. (Mrs.. Couden).

            ii.     Joseph

            iii.    Edmond

            iv.    Louisa (Mrs. Stahl).

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            v.     Emeline (Mrs. Steele).

            vi.    Samuel.

            vii.  Charlotte (Mrs. Scott).

            viii. Mary-Elizabeth (Mrs. Piper).

            ix.   Hannah (Mrs. McPherson).

            x.    Amanda (Mrs. Barrett).

            xi.   Catharine (Mrs. Soper).

            This family are now scattered through the Western States. Joseph Rogers’ death occurred in 1847.

            JONATHAN ROGERS, the next in age to Joseph, as before related, engaged in business with his brother, Samuel, and remained with him until 1826, when he returned to the Forks, and his father deeded to him sixteen acres of land, now known as the John Oyster property, where he erected a woolen mill, which he operated until the time of his death in 1830. He married Elizabeth Snell September 29, 1810, and their children were:

            i.    Sarah (Mrs. Bryan).

            ii.   Ann (Mrs. Wright).

            iii.  Mary (Mrs. Fowler).

            iv.  William.

            v.   David.

            vi.  Jonathan.

            vii. Richard.

            This family is well known in the county, and we will have occasion to mention some of them hereafter.

            JOHN ROGERS, the fourth son, also had lands of his father. He was a man much respected. He married on the 16^th of March, 1811, Sarah Lambert. Esquire Eldred, in his docket entry of the event, gives us the names of the following persons present of the Lambert family: Robert, Rebecca, Joseph, Sarah Bull, Francis Bull; of the Rogers family: William, Richard, David, Hannah Molyneux and Thomas Molyneux; also Francis and Elizabeth Bull. The following comprises their children:

            i.     Joseph, b. 1811; d. 1878.

            ii.    Rebecca, b. 1813; d. 1878.

            iii.   George, b. 1815; d. 1889.

            iv.   Reuben, b. 1820.

            v.    Levi, b. 1822; d. 1879.

            vi.   Ezra, b. 1824; d. 1841.

            vii.  Seth, b. 1826; is supposed to have died on the plains while en route to California in 1849 or ‘50.

            viii. Thomas, b. 1832

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            WILLIAM ROGERS, who married Abigail (sic) Titus, moved to Wisconsin and died there, leaving no children.

            HANNAH ROGERS married Thomas Molyneux.

            RICHARD ROGERS, who married Harriet Stanley, hand no children. He spent most of his life in the county and to him we are indebted for a number of incidents contained in these sketches of the county history.

            DAVID ROGERS married Mary, a daughter of John Hill, and resided at Hillsgrove. He gave diligent attention to church work, and is remembered as a useful citizen. His death occurred in 1840 and that of his wife in 1858. Their children were:

            i.   Martha Jane Davis.

            ii.  Ann Caroline.

            iii. John H.

            iv. Mary H. (Mrs. Ives).

            v.  Robert F.

            BENJAMIN ROGERS who married Gittyann Boone, settled in New Jersey. Their children were:

            i.     Daniel.

            ii.    Phoebe C.

            iii    Rachel A.

            iv.   Catharine B.

            v.    Benjamin.

            vi.   Elias B.

            vii.  Elizabeth.

            viii. Cabel.

            ix.   James.

            x.   Gittyann.

            xi.  Hannah.

            xii. Henry Clay.

            REUBEN ROGERS who married Nancy Sidman, is reported to have resided in Sheshequin, Bradford county, but the family are now mainly of Lycoming county. He was the father of seven children:

            i.     Charlotte.

            ii.    Duke William.

            iii.   Moses.

            iv.   Clinda.

            v.   Alice

            vi.  Joshua Bowman.

            vii. Nancy.

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            ISAAC ROGERS married Zilpha Mason, daughter of Eliphalet Mason and sister of William A. Mason. Their children were:

            i.   Roxey-Ann.

            ii.  Harriet.

            iii. Eliphalet-Mason.

            iv. Catharine.

            v.  Mary Ann, m. ______ Weir.

            vi. Thomas.

            Eliphalet was killed at Antietam. They resided for some time in this county, but the family afterwards settled in Illinois.

            MOSES ROGERS married Jane Sadler. Their children were:

            i.   Zilpha; (Mrs. Fleming).

            ii.  Samuel-Sadler.

            iii. Moses Austin.

            iv.  Isaac.

            v.   William.

            vi.  Mary Jane; (Mrs. Weaks).

            vii. John-Wesley.

            Moses Rogers resided all during his years at Forksville, being the stay and support of his father during the declining period of his life. He came into possession of the family homestead, being the site of Forksville village, by his father’s will, index date of October 20, 1827. We find that he is made sole executor of his father’s estate, who apportioned a small amount of property to each of his children. He was kindly in his disposition, and his house was long known as the home of the traveler. He was enterprising and public spirited. On the settlement of the country his house was found to be the most convenient gathering place, and he was induced to divide a portion of his farm into village lots and offered favorable inducements to mechanics and others there to locate. Possessing an even temper, to him may be attributed much that has given a reputation to the community for peace and good order. His death occurred Feb. 18, 1879. His youngest sister, Mary Ann, whose death occurred when but 27 years of age, made her home with him.     W.M.

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            The writer since undertaking to gather material for out county history has often regretted that he did not give more thought to it during the life time of the men who actively participated in its organization. They are no longer among the living, and the scant records left by them are almost our only source for information.

            The conception of a county with its originally intended boundaries - beginning at the upper end of Dodge’s island, in the Susquehanna river, in Asylum township, Bradford county; thence a westwardly course to the twentieth mile tree in the line between Lycoming and Bradford counties; thence along said line to the thirtieth mile tree; thence a southerly course to the Loyalsock creek near the farm occupied by John Snell, in Plunkett’s Creek township, thence a south-easterly course to the line of the Asylum company’s survey of land near the Beaver dam, in Davidson township; thence along said survey south about seventy-five degrees east to Columbia county line near the waters of Little Fishing creek; thence by Columbia county line to its northeastern corner; thence by the old Luzerne county line (now Luzerne and Wyoming) a northerly course to the Susquehanna river at Wyalusing Falls, and thence up the channel of said river to the place of beginning.

            How the settlers residing within these boundaries should have first conceived the idea of the organization of the county, they had no common central place for trade or in their business relations to become acquainted. Those residing on the north and east, found at Monroeton, Towanda or Wyalusing their most convenient place for trade, while those residing in Fox or Elkland had business intercourse with the merchants of Canton, while along Muncy Creek and Shrewsbury trade was naturally drawn to Hughesville and Muncy.

            Nothing so naturally suggested itself as the circuit boundaries of the Loyalsock Methodist Episcopal Church, which almost coincided with the proposed county, including the following points: Holland Hill, Bend, Frenchtown, Terrytown, Inghamtown, Haverly Settlement, Elkland, Hillsgrove, Forks, Lewis’ Lake, Edkins, North Mountain, Lairdsville, Corsons, McCartys and Muncy Bottom. It would seem surprising that so large a field should be assigned to one man, but on comparing it with that of the Wesleyan Methodist church of Elkland we find the boundaries are even more extensive, viz: Beginning at Towanda and running in a westerly direction, including Canton; from thence in a southerly direction, including Hillsgrove; thence in an easterly direction to the North Branch opposite Skinners Eddy.

            In the working of the M.E. Church there was brought together four times a year its official members at quarterly conferences. These meetings gave the best opportunity for prominent men of its membership residing in Lycoming and Bradford counties to become acquainted. Among those were David H. Goodwin, local preacher, and by occupation a surveyor. In that relation gave much attention in locating new settlers. Among the names of the official members who attended these meetings were found J.A. Speaker, J.C. Little,

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John Molyneux, Samuel Roberts, Jesse Low, Wm. H. Stevens, John Flick, John Hiddleson, Tobias Little, John Edkin, Samuel Speary and Wheeler Green. It will be noticed that a number of the stations in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church were in Bradford county.

            This is equally true of the Roman Catholic population coming in at the time from the North Branch, because of suspension of work on the canal, settled on the northern line of Lycoming and the southern line of Bradford counties. Their places of meeting were at Cummiskeys (Dushore), and McGoverns in the Haverly settlement.

            The inflow of population gave rise to the hope that a new county could be organized. Prior to 1846 it is believed, this whole county was thoroughly canvassed. The leading men doing this work were residents of Cherry, and there is no doubt but if the original intention in fixing the lines of the county could have been carried out, the county seat would have been located at the point known as Cherrytown. The Berwick turnpike was about equal distance from the Susquehanna river to the western line of our county, and would have been very nearly the center of population at the settlements had progressed at that time. The writer was informed by Lewis Zaner that he went to Harrisburg during the winter of 1845 to aid in securing a bill for the organization of the county, but the parties interested made but poor showing in bringing the matter before the Legislature. During 1846 S. Meylert made the purchase of the Norris and Fox lands, which materially added to his interests in this county. His business intercourse here had previously been almost exclusively confined to that of the citizens of Cherry. The Fairchild’s was a favorite stopping place for him, and the leading men trying to form a new county were among his personal friends. In giving attention to the land business, in which he was engaged, he was in the habit of spending a part of each winter in Harrisburg. Consequently the friends of this measure relied upon him to aid them in securing the desired legislation. The man chosen by the petitioners to represent them was Isaiah Bartley. Mr. Bartley was a hard worker and knew about every man residing within the district, and had an extensive acquaintance in other parts of the State. Bradford was at that time represented by John L. Webb and Victor E. Poillet. Mr. Meylert, very soon after the assembling of the Legislature, joined Mr. Bartley and brought the matter to the attention of leading members, and everything seemed favorable for the passage of the bill, when the friends of the measure were taken by surprise in finding that remonstrances were coming in from Towanda. Its leading citizens were unitedly opposed to the severing of any of the territory of Bradford county, and from that time Mr. Poillet opposed the measure. Mr. Meylert then gave up all hope of a new county, and shortly after arranged his business to leave, and returned to his home in Susquehanna county. Mr. Bartley was more persistent. It is said that he was looking for the appointment of associate judge on the formation of the county, and preferred to accept a bill that only gave the part taken from Lycoming than to suffer defeat. This may or may not have been the motive with Mr. Bartley. It is doubtless true that with a number of the leading men of Cherry, who gave much time in canvassing Bradford and Lycoming were in anticipation of positions of profit and trust which would, in a measure, compensate for the labor performed. Such was doubtless the case with Judge Colley and Dr. Alfred Bennett. The strongest

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arguments for the organization of a new county were in the great inconvenience of the people of Cherry in reaching the county seat of Lycoming.

            The traveler who now leaves Dushore and takes his seat in a Reading car at 7:30 A.M., arriving at Williamsport at 10 o’clock, giving him over six hours in Williamsport, can return by 7:30 P.M. One can little imagine the time and hardship required in making the journey forty-seven years ago, a distance of fifty miles to be traveled over mountain roads which during some seasons of the year when fording the streams was dangerous or impossible. In making the journey the only route to be relied upon being kept open was that of the Berwick turnpike, making it necessary to pass through parts of Luzerne and Columbia counties to Comberry, where connection was made with Muncy, a distance of seventy or eighty miles, requiring two full days for the journey.

            A bill was accordingly so introduced and soon carried and received the signature of the Governor. This measure was received with indifference at the time by the heavy taxpayers; their burdens were then as heavy and the fear of their being increased by this measure, made them unwilling to do anything for its furtherance.

            The Bradford portion furnished the most wealth and its resources better developed. Hon. C.D. Eldred, in giving a sketch of the life of his father, gives expression to what is known by the writer to have been felt by many others - “The prospect of increased taxation from the erection of the new county was imminent.” The payment of $250 for the charter was necessary within a limited time, and Mr. Meylert doubted its being to his advantage to make the advance, but on the earnest solicitation of one of his partners, William B. Clymer, he advanced the sum required. As soon as the settlers in the southern and western part of the county were informed of the passage of this bill, they at once began to consult as to the place for locating the county seat. The parties designated to run the extension lines, among whom was Hon. William A. Mason, then residing near Monroeton in Bradford county, afterwards of La Porte. John Laird and David H. Goodwin were the other commissioners appointed, but it is found by the returns that only two served, viz.: Messrs. Mason and Laird.

            The survey was completed and return made to the Secretary of the Commonwealth June 12, and a crude map made showing location of the different bodies of lands. A list of taxable was also obtained as nearly as could be made out by the commissioners of Lycoming county. The total number which resided in the county was six hundred and sixty-nine. The population of the county at the time was mostly along the borders of the county. Fox, Elkland and Upper Forks had at the time cleared farms and a comparatively prosperous population. The principal settlements were from forty to fifty years old. The citizens were intelligent and respectable, and could well represent the interests of that part of the county.

            Cherry had at the time taxable to the number of 305, much the larger population of any section of the county, but the farms were small and a large proportion of land was held by new settlers who had small clearings, averaging not to exceed ten acres, supporting their families largely by labor on public works or finding employment among the well-to-do farmers.

            The settlements in Davidson with taxable numbering 76 were not as advanced as those

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of the western part of the county yet showing a good degree of thrift and enterprise.

            Shrewsbury was just beginning to recover from the abandonment of the glass works, the population had become very small and although there were still a few farms at the extreme border of the township, aside from the influence brought to bear by Judge Jones, they had but little showing. The lumber interest so prominent now was then in its infancy.

            The population of Upper Forks was similar to that of Cherry, while that of the central and lower part of the township corresponded with that of Elkland, the taxable numbering sixty-two. Hillsgrove, with taxable numbering fifty-one, was identical in its population and interest with that of lower Forks.

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            Messrs. Lloyd and Wilber accordingly, accompanied by Mr. Meylert and others, went to the place known for a time as the center and set the stake. If my memory is correct this occurred on the 12^th day or the 19^th of August, 1847. The conditions of the agreement with Mr. Meylert for the location of the seat of justice upon the Meylert and Clymer lands was: that roads should be opened in different directions, building erected that would afford temporary accommodations for the holding of courts and for the different offices in the county, the lands to be donated for the erection of permanent buildings for the use of the county and for other public uses, and that the permanent building of the court should be given. Within a short time Mr. Michael Meylert proceeded to discharge his part of the obligation.

            During October the first building was erected near the present residence of Dr. W.B. Hill. Roads were opened on the north by Lewis Zaner and on the south and west by Michael Meylert. By November the work was so far underway that the building now known as the Mountain House could be so far completed as to admit of use for the county offices during the winter and to be ready for the convening of court in the month of June following.  In the election of the first officers for the county, Dr. Bennett obtained the office of Prothonotary and William Mullin, Recorder. Two of the Commissioners were from Cherry, Jacob Hoffa and William Lawrence. From the southern section Evan Phillips for Sheriff and James Taylor, Treasurer. The west only receiving one Commissioner, Joseph Molyneaux. The first meeting of the Commissioners was held at Cherry town, November 2, 1847, and under that date the record is as follows:

            Resolved, Inasmuch as no Public buildings are erected at the place fixed upon as the seat of justice - that we do transact the business of the county at this place until public buildings are erected or appropriated for the county.

            Resolved, That the Evangelical church near John Bears be designated as the house for opening and holding the first courts as is provided for in the third section of the act erecting the said county of Sullivan.

            The elected county commissioners conceived the idea that they could so construe the act of organization as to appoint the place of doing the county business at their discretion in any part of the county. Section 3 of the act reads as follows:

            (“)That the several courts in and for the county of Sullivan shall be opened and held in such house as may be designated by the commissioners of said county, to be elected at the next annual election, until a court house shall be erected in and for the said county as is hereafter directed, and shall thereafter be held at said court house; the said commissioners and auditors of Sullivan county, so elected, shall hold their respective

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offices, and transact public business, as commissioners and auditors of said county of Sullivan, at the place fixed and located for the seat of justice by the commissioners hereinafter appointed by this act for that purpose.(“)

            We will here observe that by the act constituting the county, Lycoming continued to exercise jurisdiction until January 1^st, 1848, and the time appointed for the first court the first Monday in June, 1848. By this action it was made very plain that the whole policy of the commissioners was intended to block all efforts toward a furtherance of the work of building at the county seat, as there would be no need of buildings until ample accommodations could be furnished. Mr. Meylert, however, pushed the work notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, that by February a large public meeting was held in the new building, at which over a hundred of the citizens of the county recorded their names to a paper expressing their satisfaction to the place, and gave a rebuttal to the arguments being advanced against the location. 

            We will here recall the reader to the statement made for the location being made by but two of the commissioners. Mr. Wilson instead of carrying out his agreement with Messrs. Wilber and Lloyd made a minority report derogatory to the interest of the place. This was answered by the affidavit of the other commissioners setting forth the facts heretofore stated. Nothing further of interest occurred until the calling of the court, June term, 1848, June 5, 1848. Pursuant to act of Assembly, March 15, 1847, court of  S. assembled at Cherry town. Present, Joseph B. Anthony, P.J., of the Eighth district; William Colley, J.A. Speaker, Associate Judges; William Bartley, crier, by appointment of court; Alfred Bennett, prothonotary; Evan H. Phillips, sheriff. Judge Colley left the bench, he having not been sworn by the prothonotary of Lycoming county in accordance with the act of Assembly. Members of the bar sworn, J.R. Jones, A.J. Dietrick of Sullivan; Wm. Elwell, Ulysses Mercur, of Bradford; C.R. Buckalew, of Columbia; O. Watson, James Gamble, A.D. Wilson, J. Hughes and J.M.B. Petriken of Lycoming; A.J. Dietrick, deputy district attorney. Constables sworn Wm. Elwell, in behalf of Lewis Zaner, a defendant, moved that the court be quashed, first because the said Zaner is called as a juror to appear at Cherrytown, whereas the said seat of justice is at LaPorte, nine or ten miles distant, and not at Cherrytown. Motion supported by O. Watson, Esq., and opposed by J. Comley. After argument, court quashed. The grand jury and the court broke up,  it being decided that the court must be held at LaPorte. This being the first mention of the town having a name, we will state the fact that when the matter of name was under discussion, that of Loyalsock was proposed, but the fact that it had become common at the time from the use of the word to leave off the Loyal and the calling of our principal stream “the Sock,” was not pleasing to Mr. Michael Meylert. He accordingly asked his father to name the town, who, in reply, gave the name of LaPorte.

            In resuming the history of the action of the court only served to intensify the action of the leading men, who had worked for location on the turnpike in securing the names of petitioners for the reappointment of commissioners to the Legislature to reconsider the question of location, and asking that it might be removed from LaPorte. During the fall of 1848, and early winter of 1849 the county was kept in constant agitation of this question. Mr. Bartley again was sent to Harrisburg to lobby the turnpike interest, with A,J, Dietrick,

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Esq., to assist in the work. The interests of La Porte were attended to in like manner by Lewis Zaner, and the brother of Michael Meylert, A.M. Meylert, then residing in Butler. The names of every citizen that could be obtained by either party were found upon the petitions either for or against the removal. This resulted in the passage of the act of 1849, appointing Ho. William Jessup, Jedediah Irish, and John H. Brodhead for re-locating the seat of justice.

            The commissioners accordingly came on during the early summer, visiting La Porte and Cherrytown and probably held meetings of consultation at other places. A mass meeting was attended by the writer held at the Forks of the Loyalsock in November, 1849, when for nearly two days the evidence pro and con was presented, Hon. S.F. Headley and David Wilmot appearing in the interest of parties asking for removal and Hon. J.R. Jones, William Elwell and Ulysses Mercur for La Porte, from papers before me it is believed the names of fully six hundred petitioners. Seven petitions are found favoring La Porte containing 246 names and as nearly as could be made out one hundred of those names were from Cherry township.

            A large majority of the citizens of the western townships favored the locations of either Millview or Forksville, but seemed to have united at the time upon Forksville as the location they desired. The local interests of that part of the county were favorably presented by Hon. J.A. Speaker.

            Much time was consumed in consideration of damages which, in the event of removal, should be awarded to Clymer and Meylert and their assigns. Judge Wilmot was in the special employ of the County Commissioners to defend the county interests. After his arguments had been attentively listened to, Mr. Mercur put forth his best efforts in a reply. It is now believed that his address brought him in the favor of many of the citizens who listened and materially helped in the final settlement of this question. Judge Elwell gave some time in sifting evidence, but the events proved that he at the time had no hope that either evidence or argument would avail before a majority of the commissioners, that the oath taken to discharge their duties with fidelity and impartiality would not be regarded by two of the locating commissioners.

            The meeting adjourned during the afternoon of Thursday, Judge Jessup having to hold court on the following Monday at Wilkes-Barre. It was accordingly agreed between the commissioners, as they would not have time to review the evidence and come to a decision before Judge Jessup would be compelled to leave to reach Wilkes-Barre, that after the adjournment of Monday’s court a meeting would be held at Wilkes-Barre, where their decision would be made.

            Immediately after the adjournment Mr. Brodhead and Mr. Irish, in company with Headley, Bartlett and others, started for Cherry, Mr. Elwell, Mr. Mercur and Wilmot, with Mr. S. Meylert and the writer, remaining at Forksville over night; Michael Meylert following the party to Cherry, as is believed by the advice of Mr. Elwell, remaining with Mr. Zaner over night, where he learned early the next morning that the two commissioners, after arriving at Cherry Hill, had proceeded, with the light of a lantern, to set the stake for the place as the future location of the seat of justice on Cherry Hill. He knowing that his father and the attorneys from Towanda would be coming up from

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Forksville, west to the junction of the Forksville road with the turnpike and waited for their arrival, when the action of the commissioners was made known.

            The first one to give expression to the feelings of indignation was Mr. Wilmot, who gave the party to understand that that would end all connection that he would have with those parties. The citizens in the western part of the county on finding what had occurred, called meetings at different places and gave vent to their feelings of contempt and indignation for the two commissioners. Mr. Michael Meylert and Mr. Elwell went to Wilkes-Barre at the time appointed, but neither Mr. Brodhead or Mr. Irish put in an appearance. From the county records we find that their report was filed by the clerk of the court, Dr. Alfred Bennett, November 5^th, 1849, as having located the place Saturday, November 3d.

            It was then made very evident that the matter would have to come again before the Legislature, and meetings were called during the fall and winter, and petitions circulated for the re-appointment of commissioners. Among the men most prominent in this work was Wm. Glidewell, of Elkland; Augustus Lippincott, of Hillsgrove; Judge Jones, of Eagles Mere. In this movement the citizens of the southern and western part of county were practically untied, and many more of the inhabitants of Cherry began to favor the location of La Porte.

            The question of damages to be awarded to the property holders at La Porte, and the fact that the public buildings would have to be erected at the expense of the county, if the location was confirmed on Cherry Hill, was doubtless a governing one on the part on many citizens in giving up the location that they first desired. It had been shown that expenditures had been made by the parties then interested at La Porte in excess of fourteen thousand dollars. These expenditures had been made in faith of the former location and by the act of Assembly appointing a new Board of Commissioners were to be allowed for the damages sustained in the case of removal. These damages at the very lowest estimate would have amounted to at least eight thousand dollars, and although the award given them by the report of the two commissioners was less than five thousand dollars, yet with the added burden of erecting public buildings would prove and enormous burden on the county. From the county assessment for the year 1849, it was found the tax of seven mills on the dollar would only give and income of two thousand five hundred a year.

            Soon after the opening of the Legislature in the winter of 1850, the matter was brought before it and petitions presented for the reappointment of commissioners. Mr. Elwell appearing before the Judiciary Committee, having the bill in charge, among whose members were Messrs. Porter, Packer and Conyngham, and his undisputable evidence that a majority of the locating commissioners were unworthy (of) the trust reposed in them., the Legislature passed an act, April 9^th, 1850, retaining for the time being LaPorte as the seat of justice, and authorizing the Governor to appoint commissioners to review, and if, in their judgment a removal should be made, to assess damages. Wm. Wilson, Frederick Watts, and ______.

            These gentlemen came on in the early summer of 1850, first meeting at LaPorte, then going to other points in the county, and were unanimous in the decision retaining

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LaPorte as the place for the seat of justice. Their action was approved by a large majority of the citizens of the county, and measures were at once entered into for the erection of public buildings.

            In calling to mind the events relating to the organization of our county, much is forced upon the memory that is better to be forgotten, while there are some pleasing reminiscences that we gladly record. During the three years that this question was kept in agitation, and at times an intensity of feeling and passion shown by our citizens could not be easily kept in subjection, but happily for the good of society there were among the leading men in each locality of calm, deliberate judgment and even temper who could be relied upon to promote peace and good order. Among those are worthy of mention, Wm. Lawrence, of Cherry; Wm. Smith, of Davidson, and Moses Rogers of Forks.

            During the first years of the making of improvements at LaPorte the voters of the place were under the necessity of going to Cherry to vote, and the county seat question being at times the all absorbing one on election day. There the vent of feeling became aroused beyond control. The man who of all men was a born leader was James Deagan. He was the great reliance of the Cherry Hill interest. On one occasion Mr. Meylert, going to the polls, well knowing that the passions of his friends were unusually aroused, took Mr. Deagan aside and in a friendly manner said, “that the occurrences of the day were likely to very exciting and unless unusual caution was used there might words pass that they would both regret; that in all probability in the future their views and interests would coincide and hoped that nothing would on that day occur that would personally divide them. He would take it for granted he would do his best to elect the men of his choice and it was then understood that the same privilege would be accorded on the other side, and it would in the end be best for all concerned.” This at once received the approval of Mr. Deagan and from that day as long as life lasted, whether politically they were united or opponents, they were, personally, friends.

            Another instance during the early winter of 1849 where a long life-friendship between opposites was formed, occurred between A.J. Dietrick and A.M. Meylert, on first making each other’s acquaintance in a stage coach, Mr. Dietrick then a young lawyer engaged as counsel and commissioners’ clerk. He had taken the stage at his former residence at Danville on his way to Harrisburg to aid in securing legislation in the interests of Cherry Hill. At the same time A.N. Meylert was on his return from Lewisburg, where he had met his brother Michael by appointment to become fully posted relative to the interests of LaPorte. On his arrival at Northumberland the passengers from the North and West branch occupied a coach together, they were joined by an acquaintance of Mr. Dietrick, to whom the all absorbing subject of the county seat was at once made by Mr. Dietrick to his friend, and the details talked over, Mr. Meylert being a quiet, but by no means a disinterested listener. On their arrival at Sunbury they were joined by a passenger who proved and acquaintance of Mr. Meylert. He at once called him by name and expressed his pleasure in meeting.. This caused surprise and the expression from Dietrick - “Why, Meylert, did you not let us know who you were?” Who replied that he did not care to interrupt an interesting conversation.. The joke, however, had a good effect. The parties during their attendance to the business at Harrisburg treated each

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other cordially, and during their stay at Harrisburg a kindly feeling is known to have existed between them, which continued the remainder of their lives.

            Mr. Dietrick remained at Cherry until the last board of commissioners decided the location for the county seat at LaPorte, soon after which he moved to LaPorte, and was for years one of our most active and respected citizens.        W.M.

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            Mr. Shiner owning a considerable body of land in the vicinity of Shinersville and having engaged a large number of laborers in carrying out the improvements on condition that lands were to be taken in part payment resulted in the settlement of most of his land, but from different causes most of those who made the first improvements abandoned the property, and Mr. Shiner being heavily involved, resulted in the sale of his property by the sheriff in 1820. Prior to this sale, in a letter written to Joseph P. Norris, we find the following:

            “A few hundred dollars would probably save the whole property, which has cost me over $7,000. I have worked hard and improved the property. It looks hard to lose all and be turned out of doors in my old age.”

            We learn from other sources that Mr. Shiner’s friends secured for him the position of gate-keeper of the river bridge at Berwick, where he spent the few remaining years of his life. We are unable to obtain but little information relative to his early history, but are led to believe him to have been a remarkably energetic man with the strictest honesty of purpose in his dealings with all classes of men holding alike the confidence of the turnpike company, sub-contractors and laborers. He, beyond all question, did more to open and develop the resources of this county during the ten years from the time he commenced work on the North Mountain until forced by old age and pecuniary losses to return to Columbia county. His two sons remained but a few years. His daughters, Mrs. Samuel Jackson and Mrs. Ellis, remained, and their children and grandchildren are the only descendants in the county. With the departure of Mr. Shiner came the abandoning of improvements at both Shiner’s Mill and Shinersville. The grist mill went to ruin. However, the turnpike, as soon as completed to Elmira, became a very important thoroughfare, and was for a number of years one of the best paying mail routes of any road extending into the northern part of the State. Mr. Ellis a few years after Mr. Shiner’s removal from the county became the owner of most of the Shiner’s Mills property, where he cleared a large amount of land and also engaged in the manufacture of lumber. In connection with his tavern he contracted for carrying the mails from Berwick to Towanda, keeping a line of stages which for a number of years gave him the largest business of any man in the township.

            The road, after reaching the height of land south of the Big Loyalsock, for most of the distance passes along the dividing summit of the North Mountain at an elevation of 2,200 to 2,300 feet, and although open for settlement for seventy-five years there has been no attempt at making improvements except at Lake Ganoga. Through this barren region of the country Mr. Ellis and those in his employ were constantly engaged constructing roads through the heavy snows of winter and making the highway passable during the other six months of the year. The first settlement diverging from the turnpike was made

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about one mile southwest of Dushore.

            A few German families commenced a settlement at a point long known as Germany. Henry Yonkin seems to have been the most enterprising in the beginning of the settlement. He came to America as early as 1807, and prior to his settlement here had lived in Brier Creek township, Columbia county. His family consisted of five sons, Henry, John, Jacob, Joseph and Peter; two daughters, Catharine, who married Christian Mosier, and Elizabeth, who married Henry Grafely. Other families who settled in the vicinity of Mr. Yonkin were Joseph Lentzelswope, John Harzog and Dennis Thall. These men, although heavily burdened to provide for their own families, offered all the hospitality in their power to render to others who came to make for themselves homes in the wilderness. They would turn out to open roads to the place they might select to locate, chop the logs for a house, cover it with clap-boards, make a floor of split puncheons and set them to housekeeping.

            In this settlement, as early as 1825, a rude log church edifice was built, Lutherans and Roman Catholics uniting in the work. A few years later another German settlement was made on the east side of the turnpike along the Little Loyalsock creek by George Thrasher. He took up 400 acres of land, and the property was improved by himself and sons, Adam, Benjamin, George, Reuben, William and Samuel. Other families settling in the vicinity were the Bachmans, Hiebers and Heilmans. Here was also erected a church edifice, and  Rev. John Miller, the first clergyman, settling in Cherry township, resided in the neighborhood, he having married a daughter of Mr. Thrasher.

            According to Mr. Meginness’ statement, Cherry township was organized at the May session of Lycoming county court in 1824, but from the records at hand it does not appear to have been separated from Shrewsbury until a year later. The territory originally included extended from the northeast corner of Forks township along the southern line of Bradford county for a distance of about thirteen miles to the eastern corner of the county, and followed for its eastern boundary the county line about ten miles. From that point it followed very near the dividing line between the streams flowing into the Loyalsock and Muncy Creeks, its western course being a continuance of the line of Forks township from its northern boundary to a point about two and one-half miles south to the borough of La Porte, embracing a territory of about ninety thousand acres, being a little more than one-third of the county. In 1849, 37,000 acres were taken off for Colley, and in 1859 about 17,000 acres included in LaPorte township, leaving within its present boundaries 36,000 acres. At the time of its organization the taxable numbered forty-eight, as follows:

                        Joseph Batchelder,                   Jacob Miller,

                        Henry W. Cooper,                   Shadrack Miller,

                        Thomas Davis,                         Alterartus Miller,

                        David E. Davis,                        Samuel McNeal,

                        Samuel Dill,                              John B. Maxwell,

                        Samuel Derby,                          William Martin,

                        David Dodge,                           John Mosier,

                        Freeman Fairchild,                    Brookins Potter,

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                        Henry Gravely,                                      Joseph Potter,

                        William Gravely,                                   Alden Potter,

                        David H. Goodwin,                              Henry Potter,

                        John Hartsock,                                    William Potter,

                        Henry Huffmaster,                                 Nicholas Potter,

                        Frederick Huffmaster,                            Roswell Phillips,

                        George Hunsinger,                                Ezra Payner,

                        ______ Houseworth,                            Jacob Payne,

                        Jesse Hicks,                                         John Reeser,

                        John Hicks,                                          Samuel Sharp,

                        Samuel Jackson,                                   Charles Scott,

                        Jesse Kerkendall,                                 Andrew Shiner,

                        Casper King,                                        Evan O. Shiner,

                        William King,                                        Dennis Fall,

                        John Lopez,                                          John Fall,

                        John Miller,                                          Henry Yonkin.

            In addition to the above names the following names are given as having settled about the same time:

                        Frederick Bartch,                                 Wm. Lawrence,

                        John G. Bartch,                                    F.X. Lusch,

                        Wm. Colley,                                         Cornelius Harrington,

                        John Dieffenbacher,                              Elinas Holcomb,

                        Jacob Dieffenbacher,                            Henry Payne,

                        Joseph Fulmer,                                    George Thrasher.

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            Prominent among the settlers was Freeman Fairchild. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Ketchem, were natives of Morris County, N.J.  They came to Cherry from Berwick, Columbia County, Pa., in 1819, with their children, Stephen, Harriet and Caroline. Another son, David, was born after their settlement in Cherry. Very soon after Mr. Fairchild built and occupied a commodious tavern, in which for many years weary travelers over the mountain found a welcome resting place. In 1834 Mr. Fairchild died, but his widow continued to keep the hotel until about 1851. For some time before she left the hotel she refused to keep or sell liquor, being convinced that it was a source of great evil.

            The settlement of John Reeser has already been mentioned in connection with the Shiner Mills improvements. Mr. Reeser, after abandoning the Shiner grist mill, settled on lands south of Dushore on what is known at the Wetzel farm, where he built a small log cabin without a floor, roofed with clap-boards, and in the construction of which not an iron nail was used. His son, Rev. William Reeser, who next to Hon. C.D. Eldred has given to the public the most information from personal recollections relating to our county, on giving a description of his childhood home he says:

            “It was nothing for the youngsters of those days to spring out of bed in the loft and land in two or three inches of snow that had sifted in during the night. After retiring on a clear night they could count the stars through the roof until sleep closed their eyes.”

            After providing this rude home for his family, Mr. Reeser built a small grist mill near his cabin, where for some time he did milling work for the neighborhood.

            Joseph Batchelder came from Columbia County and settled a short distance above the Catholic church in Dushore. He remained but a few years when he moved to Towanda flats and afterwards returned to Columbia County. His son, who visited the county several years ago, a gentleman of more than ordinary intelligence, gave the writer many interesting reminiscences of his boyhood days while his father resided in Cherry.

            About three-fourths of a mile north of Batchelder’s improvement William Lawrence took up lands. He came from Augusta Township, Northumberland County. Born in 1805, married a daughter of Horatio Ladd in 1824, and built a log house in this neighborhood in 1825, having contracted for 48 acres of land at $2 per acre, for which he obtained a deed, and five years after he increased the amount to 120 acres. He was one of the first school directors of Cherry Township. Mr. Lawrence was one of the first commissioners of the county, and prominent in all its affairs until he left the county and removed to Bradford County in 1854. His wife died in 1847, leaving one son, John H. Lawrence. A few years after the death of his wife he married a lady in Canton Township, Bradford County, where he resided till the time of his death. Among those who came to settle in Cherry Township about the same time that Wm. Lawrence came was David H.

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Goodwin. He was first employed as surveyor of lands by non resident landholders, and within a few years became the agent for the settlement of lands. He was thoroughly alive to the importance of the improvement of the county, and became a leader in the different walks of life.

            In church work his services were in demand as a local preacher. During the winter months he was called upon to serve as school teacher, and some of our oldest citizens first knew him as the teacher of singing schools. He seems to have held the confidence and respect of all classes of society during his residence of about twenty years within the county.

            Another leading man who resided in the township for a short time was John B. Maxwell, who was the first man called upon to serve as justice of the peace.

            Wm. Colley, who came from Columbia County when a young man, in the employ of Mr. Shiner, was one of the first to engage in the public business of the township. He succeeded Mr. Maxwell as justice of the peace. He became one of the largest resident land owners, engaged in lumbering and farming. Mr. Colley was president of the first school board and among the most active in measures connected with the organization of the county, received the appointment of associate judge, when a change was made by which judges were elected, he was continued in the office for five years longer. He also served as prothonotary and recorder, continuing to hold important positions either in connection with county or township until impaired health compelled him to give up public business. Soon after he moved from the county, and his death occurred a few years later. Judge Colley, from his long service in connection with the business of our county courts, became one of the most ready men in conducting the county business.

            Among the earliest settlers in Cherry township was George Hunsinger. He resided near Berwick before coming and went to live in the Genesee country before permanently settling here, but the fever and ague prevailed there. From this fact he decided to make his home in a mountain country. He took up land near the southwestern corner of the present boundary of the township along the old turnpike. By him and his sons the first clearings were made on the ridge between the two branches of the Loyalsock. His family consisted of seven sons and two daughters, viz: Christian, George, Samuel, Charles, Jacob, Solomon and Barney. The daughter married Thrashers and resided in Schuylkill County. Christian was a blacksmith by trade and by this occupation became a very useful man in the settlement of the county. Jacob moved to Lycoming County, Solomon to Bradford and Barney to Schuylkill, George settled in Forks Township, his father making his home with him when from the infirmities of age he was unable to provide for himself Samuel also lived in Forks Township where he raised a large and respected family.

            The first Catholic Irishman to settle in the township was Cornelius Harrington, He took up lands in the northwestern part of the township and was joined by a number of his own countrymen. The neighborhood is known as the Harrington district. He was an active man in all that pertained to the settlement of the county and was the first in taking active measures for establishing a county fair. He cleared a large farm, having a large family of children. His son Cornelius owns the homestead, James is a prominent business man in Dushore, Joseph learned the blacksmith trade, a number of daughters having married and

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left the county.

            One of the first German families to form a settlement was that of Lusch. They came from Baden and settled on land now owned by descendants in Ringer Hill school district. Mr. Lusch was accompanied by his father, a man then between 65 and 70 years old, and incapacitated for labor. He married in Europe and was the father of two children, F.X. Lusch, and a daughter, who married George Ambs. Mr. Lusch had learned the trade of a weaver before leaving his native country, and followed that occupation during the winters, clearing and improving his farm during the summer. He remained in the county till 1863, when he removed to Indiana. The son of F.X. Lusch is an enterprising and respected citizen. He married when 24 years of age Miss Mary M. Kaufman, who came to this country with her parents from Bavaria. They have a family of five sons and six daughters, Francis X., John B. and Julius, Mary, Amelia, Victoria, Helen, Anastasia and Agnes.

            The fact of the turnpike passing through this township, which was in general a great benefit, proved in one respect detrimental. Families moving to the State of New York from southern and central parts of Pennsylvania, in passing through were in constant intercourse with the settlers and from glowing representations of the country north drew from this settlement many of its best men, so that improvements were frequently abandoned, and not until ten years later did the lands become permanently occupied. The settlement of this part of the county was very different from that of Elkland, but a small amount of land was taken up by most of the settlers and as but few substantial buildings were erected the loss incurred in leaving was not regarded of great importance.

            Aside from what we can gather from records and what we are able to recall from conversations of the settlers the conditions of the settlers as to the means of support for the incoming population can be best judged by the publications of Mr. Reeser. We quote from him as follows:

            “A considerable source of income to our fathers in these early days was the maple sugar product. The seasons were much better than now, and considering the crude appliances in use then in the manufacture of sugar the amount of the crop in pounds was very gratifying, although the prices realized were generally small. Game and fish were plenty. Deer could frequently be seen walking along the highways. For a period of about eight years wild turkeys were very plenty. My wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Martin and who was raised on the farm now owned by Lyman Baker, says she was frequently sent by her parents to drive the wild turkeys from the buckwheat and some times the flocks were so large as to frighten her. Trout in great numbers could be found in all our streams, and of a size, too, that would set wild the anglers of to-day. What could not be raised in this county at that time. There was a plentiful growth of straw, but it would not head. Corn was the same way - all stalks and no ears. The first corn was raised on what is nor known as the Lyman Baker farm. Rye and buckwheat did well. Wages in those times were small. Finally times improved and a good workman was able to get seventy-five cents a day during haying and harvesting; at other times fifty cents a day was

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considered a day’s wages. A day’s work was from sun rise to sun set. We knew nothing about the eight hour law then. A girl’s wages were from fifty to seventy-five cents a week. Very often then men were compelled to go from home to work to earn money with which to pay for their lands, leaving their families, as we may say, in the wilderness to shift for themselves for months at a time. The tools used by the first settlers were an axe and a hand spike, and with the assistance of a pair of oxen, the early settler was ready to commence his battle with the wilderness.”         W.M.

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            The main courses and distances following the original survey of the county are as follows: Beginning at the northwestern corner of Fox township, running south 20 degrees east for 13 miles to the Loyalsock creek along the eastern boundaries of McIntire and Cascade townships, Lycoming county; thence south 48 degrees east 9 miles; thence south 72 degrees east 5 miles to the Columbia county line; thence north 6½ degrees east 2 miles; thence south 72½ degrees east 5 miles; thence north 21 degrees east 14¾ miles; thence north 78½ degrees west 30 miles.

            Fox Township extends along the northern line 7 miles adjacent to Canton, Le Roy and Overton townships, Bradford County. Elkland extends for 6 miles adjacent to Overton township; Cherry for 8 miles adjacent to Overton, Albany and Wilmot townships; Colley 5 miles adjacent to Wilmot township to the corner of Bradford and Wyoming counties. The eastern boundary of Colley extends for a distance of 10½  miles adjacent to North Branch and Forks ton townships in Wyoming county and 2 miles adjacent to Fairmont township in Luzerne county. Davidson’s eastern boundary line extends for 2 miles along the boundary line of Fairmont Township to the corner of Columbia County. Near the southern course it borders for eight miles on Sugar Loaf and Jackson townships, Columbia County, and for 8½ miles along Jordan, Franklin and Penn townships, Lycoming County. Hillsgrove has a southern course of 4 miles and a western course of 4½ miles bordering on Plunkett’s Creek Township in Lycoming County. The western course of Fox for 8½ miles borders on Cascade and McIntire townships, Lycoming County.

            The original geological formation of this county can be best described as one vast elevated plain. A bird’s-eye view taken from the tower of the court house at La Porte or any other elevated point on our mountain ranges presents to the eye a remarkable uniformity in elevation of the mountain ranges in every direction as far as the eye can reach. In theory the geologists represent nearly all of the county to have been at one time of the carboniferous or coal formation. The underlying rocks, having first been formed nearly horizontal, the first disturbance of these formations created upheavals. These are known geologically as essentials, making the dip of the rock formation from a point known as the axis in opposite directions and in some instances bringing to the surface the underlying formations. The upheavals extend for long distances, passing through the county in a southwesterly direction nearly corresponding with the course of our principal streams. The fact that much of the surface of the county remains yet an unbroken forest has prevented a well defined survey to have been made, but the examinations made in adjacent counties, together with all that has been here found result in the geological classification of the principal anticlinals as belonging to Wilmot and Muncy creek classifications. These have their corresponding depressions known as synclinals, classified as Barclay, McIntire, Mehoopany, and North Mountain. Aside from these general divisions are local or subordinate changes, affecting comparatively small acres of territory, but important in determining coal formation.

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            After the internal or upheaval action came that which was known as the glacier period. This action cut the first channels for the streams, and in the course of time left deposits of soil and boulders, which constitute the surface of our valleys and hillsides. At many points where the underlying rocks along the side of the hills are brought to the surface, furrows or scratches can be seen where the grinding of detached rocks had made their indentures. The channels made by the cuttings through the rocks are accounted for their relative power of resistance from the influence of water and moving masses of substances thereby brought in contact. It is noteworthy in confirmation of this theory that in the bed of our creeks are found stone and detached rock embracing all of these formations from the carboniferous to that of the lowest formation.

            The names and sub-divisions of the rocks found in this county are geologically classified as follows:

            No. 13             Coal measure - Carboniferous.

            No. 12             Serial conglomerate - Carboniferous.

            No. 11             Umbral red shale - Catskill, Mauch Chunk, red shale of Lesley.

            No. 10             Vesper tine - Catskill, Pocono, red shade of Lesley.

            No. 9               Ponent red sandstone - Catskill.                       

            No. 8               Vergent olive shades.

            According to the geological map of the county, made under the second survey of the State by Prof. Andrew Sherwood in 1879, within the divisions extending from No. 8 to No. 12, inclusive, beginning with the lowest division, No. 8, in our description, which extends for about nine miles along the line of Bradford county, from the crossing of the Erie and Sullivan railroad, nearly to the eastern line of Elkland township, this formation is irregular, having a width averaging about one and one-half miles. The greatest length extending twelve miles, its greatest width being along the head waters of Lick and Black creeks. This is regarded as the best formation for agricultural lands containing less sand and more valuable mineral substances, a small share of the carbonate of lime and oxide of iron. The rock is shale and more easily dissolved than that of the other formations.

            The lands on the south adjacent to the Chemung formation are No. 9, known as the Catskill red sandstone. These extend for a distance of 28 miles, embracing the lands along the Mehoopany, Little Loyalsock, Elk creeks and Hoagland’s branch, having an average width of about 3 miles. There are also within this same formation in the southern and central parts of the county lands for about 15 miles along Muncy creek and its tributaries with an average width of about 3 ½ miles, the greatest width along the southern line being 10 miles. Within these two formations are embraced by far the largest amount of lands under cultivation, as shown when the geological survey was made 15 years ago, since which time a large amount of forest land has been cleared, which indicates that a still larger amount of the county belongs to this formation.

            The intervening lands, with the exception of a small body included in the coal fields, are mostly known as Pocono sandstone formation No. 10. This embraces the larger part of Colley, LaPorte and Shrewsbury townships, as well as the mountain lands of

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Hillsgrove, Davidson and Fox townships. Geologically, lands of this formation are regarded as the least valuable.

            No. 11, known as Mauch Chunk red shale, is found in several parts of the county. The rock is not of uniform thickness and not known as surface rock to any extent. It, however, in its decomposition, gives coloring and value to the soil of lands on the underlying rocks. It is noted at all points in the county wherever coal is found. At Shinersville it has but 25 feet thickness, but above Forksville it is estimated at a thickness of not less than 100 feet. At Eagles Mere it is found about one-forth miles below the village along the La Porte road, where a considerable amount of this shaly rock has been removed and used for the top layer of road ways to some of the principal Eagles Mere cottages. A cutting has been made through this rock in the building of the Eagles Mere railroad at an elevation of about 1,800 feet.

            Formation No. 12, known as Pottsville conglomerate, is a hard sand stone pebbled rock and known as the base rock to the coal measure. It is found at nearly all the highest points in the county, and large boulders may be seen along the upper water courses in the county. Cut stone of this rock formation are to be seen in the construction of the new court house at La Porte, also in the culverts of the railroad bridges near Lake Mokoma.

            Formation No. 13, containing the coal measures is a sand stone conglomerate interlaid with black slate. This formation is mainly found between Birch creek and the Big Loyalsock, but at other high points of land in La Porte and Forks townships, there are two distinct coal formations, the upper beds classified as anthracite, with three or more layers of coal, aggregating about eight feet in thickness, the underlying vein being separated from the upper by about sixty feet of rock and about three feet in thickness and known as semi-bituminous. The upper vein to that extent that opening have been made is only found in the vicinity of Bernice and mountain lands at different points above Forksville. Bernice coal field extends from near the mouth of Birch creek to the east branch of Pigeon creek, nearly eight miles in length and an average width of one and one-quarter miles.

            Iron ore is found in a number of places in the county but in most instances of too poor a quality for profitable working. Future expeditions may result more favorable.

            A mountain lime stone is found in nearly every township and has been used to a considerable extent as a fertilizer.

            Over thirty-five years ago there occurred what was known as the “Copper Craze.” At different points along Muncy creek and its tributaries were found an ore that contained a slight amount of copper, which led to a considerable research, and excitement ran high for several months, which ended in the disappointment of all parties making investment.

            The principal streams of the county are Loyalsock, Muncy, Fishing and Mehoopany creeks. Loyalsock, which drains the principal part of the county, is known by its two branches, Little and Big Loyalsock. The former takes its rise in Albany township, Bradford county, the source being at a point near the headwaters of the south branch of Towanda and north branch of Mehoopany creeks. Crossing the county line near the southeast corner of Cherry township and running in a southwestern direction it receives a number of small streams both from the north and south, making but a gradual descent

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until within a short distance of Dushore, where are the Headly Falls, about six miles from the source. At Dushore it receives Marsh Run from the north and small tributaries from the south. About for miles below Dushore it receives a large tributary, Lick creek, which is the drainage from the northern part of Cherry township, and takes its rise in Overton township, Bradford county, having a course of between four and five miles in the county. About two miles below another large tributary, Black creek coming from the north, which also takes its rise in Overton township? The course of this stream is near the western border of Cherry township and eastern border of Forks township. This stream is about six miles in length, and for a considerable distance cuts a deep channel, having precipitous banks. It is the natural drainage for northeastern Forks township.

            Two miles below another stream, Yellow Run, comes in from the north, a short distance farther down it receives Rock Run, the principal tributary from the south. About a mile farther south another tributary comes from the north, big Bottom Run. At Millview a large tributary is received which forks about one mile above the village [:]

            Lick and Mill creeks. These streams both head near the Bradford county line, that of Lick creek being the natural drainage of western Forks and that of Mill creek by eastern Elkland.

            The Little Loyalsock extends for about sixteen miles in the county, where it unites with the Big Loyalsock at Forksville.

            The Big Loyalsock takes its rise in Forkston township, Wyoming county, running in a westerly direction, receives Santee run from the north about two miles below the point where it crosses the county line, a short distance below Rocky Run. Three miles below a large tributary comes from the north - Pigeon creek - and a short distance below that Lopez creek comes in from the south. This is a large tributary and near its junction of the Loyalsock is the village of Lopez. About three miles below Lopez is another tributary from the south - Ellis creek, and two miles farther down it receives another tributary from the south - Glass creek. Near the source of this stream is located the village of Thorndale. The next tributary is from the north, that of Birch creek, which unites with the Loyalsock at Ringdale. This stream has a course of nearly six miles and derives its importance from its drainage of the coal basin, the village of Bernice being about equal distance from its source and mouth. The next stream of importance comes from the south, about three miles below Ringdale. This stream heads at Lake Mokoma, within the village of La Porte. Two and a half miles above its mouth, within a short distance of the mouth of Mill creek, is that of Poll Bridge and Shanersburg creeks, the former heading south of Celestia and the latter near Eagles Mere, Shrewsbury township. The next important stream coming from the south is Double Run. Coming in from the south three miles below is the junction of Big and Little Loyalsock at Forksville, at a distance of twenty miles from the point where it leaves Wyoming county.

            Three miles below Forksville and near the crossing of the line of Hillsgrove township is the mouth of Kitchen Run. This is a mountain stream and makes a precipitous descent to Shrewsbury township. The first stream of importance below Forksville from the north is that of Elk creek, which empties into the Loyalsock about one mile above Hillsgrove. This stream heads along the northern county line and drains the larger part of

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Elkland township. Its general course being nearly due south, having numerous branches spreading out east and west, the most important of which are Hoagland Branch, which drains a large part of Fox township, and King’s creek flowing through the central part of Elkland township. The main stream of the Loyalsock below the mouth of Elk creek is the principal drainage of Hillsgrove township, receiving from the southeast Ogdonian creek.   The main stream of the Loyalsock runs for a distance of thirty-one miles through this county and pursues a winding course of twenty miles further, where it enters the West Branch four miles below Williamsport, being at an elevation of about 2,000 feet above ocean level where it enters the county, making a descent of about 350 feet, having and average fall of about 45 feet to the mile for 8 miles where the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike crosses the stream, from that point to Forksville, a distance of 13 miles, it descends 630 feet, having an average fall of 48 feet to the mile.

            The altitude of the Little Loyalsock at Dushore is 1,590 feet, and at its junction with the main stream 1,020 feet, making an average descent of about 50 feet to the mile.

            From Forksville to Hillsgrove, 7 miles, the descent is more gradual, being but 150 feet. Presuming it to be at about the same average at the county line, 4 miles below, would bring at 786 feet altitude at the crossing of the county line.

            The next stream of importance is the Muncy creek. This heads near the central and eastern part of LaPorte township, its principal stream forming the boundary line between Davidson and LaPorte townships. Its branches coming from the north are Elk creek and Deep Hollow run. At Sonestown it receives from the northwest the outlet of Lewis’ Lake. Three miles south of this mouth of the outlet of Hunter’s Lake, known as Trout run, the main stream has a course of about ten miles in this county and fifteen miles below where it unties with the West Branch at Muncy. This stream, with its tributaries, is the principal drainage of Shrewsbury and Davidson township, the altitude of Lewis’ Lake being 2,000 feet and that of McNeal’s summit 1792 feet at the head of Deep Hollow Run, making a descent of 1,000 feet to the point where it crosses the county line, the altitude at that point being about 780 feet.

            The Shrader’s branch of the Towanda creek heads near the northern line of the county and runs for a short distance in the county.

            The north branch of the Mehoopany creek enters the county at the northwestern corner of Colley township and follows a winding course for six or seven miles through the northern part of that township, when it enters Wyoming county. Its tributaries in this county are Wolf Run, South Brook and Scotia Creek. Along this stream and its tributaries are the best agricultural lands in Colley township.

            The South branch of Mehoopany creek also heads in this county about for miles above the village of Ricketts, at the point that Harvey’s Lake railroad enters the county.

Bloomsburg & Sullivan Railroad
Forks Township Station
Columbia County, South of Jamison City
The line ran about 28 miles from Bloomsburg north to Jamison City
Between 1888 and 1928
Undated Photo
Photo Courtesy of Deb Wilson

            Both the east and west branch of Fishing creek head within this county, the former crossing the county line at Jamison City, being the terminus of the Bloomsburg and Sullivan railroad.

            On the western border of the county Plunkett’s creek, tributary to the Loyalsock, heads in Hillsgrove township, flowing into the Loyalsock about three miles below the county line.

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            Pleasant stream, a large tributary to Lycoming creek, had its source in Fox township and flows for a few miles through the county.

            Sullivan county has for many years been noted for its attractions as a summer resort. Nearly all the county is from 1,200 to 1,500 feet in altitude above that of the West Branch Valley, which gives to it a very healthful climate. Added to this is its pure streams of water. The diversified mountain scenery is also a great attraction. The most extended view of both branches of the Susquehanna river is at the summit of North Mountain, two miles southeast of Muncy Valley station, on the Williamsport and North Branch railroad. The recent improvements at Eagles Mere have added greatly to the view of mountain scenery from that place. The highest point of land has recently been cleared, being at an elevation of 2,138 feet above tide, and over 70 feet higher than Eagles Mere. From this point “Jack’s” Mountain in Snyder county comes in view. The eye can take a large extent of the mountain ranges of Sullivan and Lycoming counties. Two miles northeast of La Porte, on the mead farm, is one of the finest views of the eastern part of the county, and from the Tyler Mountain, in Colley Township, is obtained the best view of the country extending in the direction of the North Branch of the Susquehanna. Through the northern parts of Cherry, Forks and Elkland townships, the public road extends along the broad ridges, a drive over which gives a continuous change of delightful mountain scenery. From the mountain road above Hillsgrove is obtained one of the finest views of the Valley of the Loyalsock. The following description of the scenery at Forksville is taken from Mr. Gernerd:

            “The road that winds around the mountain spur northwest of the village, almost with the easy grade of a railroad, we were captivated by the superb beauty of the view suddenly presented by the creek and flats, and the various mountain spurs that here and there jut boldly into the valley, as if expressly placed there to be admired, and to heighten the charm of the creek bottoms. All nature is beautiful - that is, to such persons as have their eyes and hearts open to her charms. But some spots on earth are more winning than others, and this we affirm is one of the typical vistas of picturesque Pennsylvania that is worthy of special mention. The view from the road we speak of would be a superb subject for the artist’s brush.”

            A description of Lake Ganoga scenery is given by Mr. Sherwood in his geological report of the county as follows:

            “The scenery is unusual beauty, the deep gorges of the mountain escarpment presenting some scenery scarcely equaled along the whole Allegheny mountain range through Pennsylvania.”

            “Long Pond” (Ganoga Lake) drains not west into the Lycoming, nor north into the Mehoopany, but southeast into Kitchen creek by a series of superb cascades through a chasm, with perpendicular cliff walls, affording rare scenery. This is a favorite hunting ground for the citizens of eastern Pennsylvania, and should be a favorite haunt of

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landscape painters. Already of the shore of Ganoga lake there is established a thriving summer resort.

            The climate resembles northern Maine; the plateau is so elevated above the sea (2,300 to 2,400 feet) and so broad as to render the flora of the crest different from that of the valley at the foot of the mountain, and to make it allied to the flora of a latitude far to the northward.

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            This township has four natural divisions; first that of North Mountain, second Muncy Valley, third Elk Lick, fourth Hess settlement, now known as Jamison City.

North Mountain.

            Mention has already been made of Derr, Richart, Howell and Phillips as among the pioneer families of the county who formed the nucleus of this settlement. Prominent among these men whose descendants remaining this section of the township is that if Griffith Phillips, Sr., who remained all his life in Davidson township and raised a large family. He was a man of great energy and of more than ordinary intelligence. He died in 1858. Quite a number of his descendants still reside in that vicinity. His son, Evan H., was the first sheriff of Sullivan County, and his son, Griffith Phillips, Jr., has been county commissioner. David B. Phillips, who is mentioned in connection with the war of 1812, remained at North Mountain until 1861, when he moved to Michigan, where he died in 1873. His remains were brought to his old home for burial.

            Elias Smith, father of Judge William Smith, who was mentioned in the history of Eagles Mere, moved to this county from Sussex County, N.J. The next settlers who came were William Richart, Thomas Reed, John Strawbridge and William McClemens. These were followed by James Biggers and the Swank and Harding families. But few of these remain. The Phillips family with their descendants are among the most numerous in the North Mountain settlement.

            In 1854 two enterprising German families came to this settlement, Godfrey Bay and Jacob Myers. Their descendants are now among the more prominent in the settlement.

Muncy Valley.

            The settlement of Muncy valley was first made a few miles below the county line by Peter Corson, about 1795. He had three sons named after the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jacob bought the land where his son now lives, the place known for many years as the Widow Corson’s. Isaac bought the land where the Pepple house stands. Abraham went some distance farther up the creek than either of them and settled on the farm now owned by Henry Myers.

            The first settlement along the creek, within the bounds of Davidson, was made about 1815 by Thomas Reed. He commenced an improvement of the Alfred Taylor farm. In 1818 the clearing was commenced three miles north of this by Timothy Crawley and Peter Anderson. They kept bachelors’ hall for some time. They sold their land to Benjamin Fiester, who afterwards sold to George Sones, near or adjacent to the clearing of Crawley and Anderson. The settlement at this point from its geographical position

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became a place of gathering, and took the name of Sonestown, this being a natural point for the location of a village. Muncy creek coming in from the northeast, here meeting with the outlet of Lewis’ lake, and other streams converging at this point, determined the direction of the road leading to the valley of the Muncy creek.

            Although the settlement was made as early as 1818, there was no move made towards the location of a village until twenty years later. One of the first school houses in the township was built here, and a sawmill erected by George Sones as early as 1843. The natural advantages of the town were made apparent to John F. Hazen, an enterprising millwright, who purchased a mill site and erected a grist mill in 1850. Prior to that the property was owned by George Sones and his descendants and George Bennett. In 1851 George Miller made purchase of 1,700 acres of land in Sonestown and vicinity, and moved with his family consisting of several sons, among whom were Cyrus, William and Peter, who were for a number of years engaged in the improvements of the place. In 1851 Jacob Reed purchased lots and erected a small tavern. This he occupied for a few years when he disposed of the property to William Corson. In connection with the tavern, Mr. Corson ran a stage line from Muncy to Dushore for several years. He continued in the hotel business about ten years, when he decided to move to the West, and sold the tavern to James Taylor, which was subsequently purchased by Thomas S. Magargle.

            The first store house was built by Edkin Corson, who engaged in the mercantile business for a short time and subsequently engaged in lumbering. In 1867 Edward Lyons purchased the Bennett farm and saw mill and timber lands of Mr. Corson, and engaged extensively in the lumber business. About the same time William and Jacob Lorah and Thomas Dent engaged in lumbering, farming and mercantile business in the place. In 1869 the Sones property was purchased my Messrs. Lorah and Dent. Jacob Lorah engaged in the mercantile business. A few years later Robert Whitacre erected a store and dwelling house and engaged in the same occupation.

            Soon after the first settlement at Sonestown, as early as 1820, James Glidewell, an Englishman, took up lands a short distance up the east branch of Muncy creek. He came to America from England in 1801, first settling in Northumberland county. Two years prior to his leaving his native country he had married Mary King, whose parents had settled in Elkland township. Mr. Glidewell was the father of nine children.

            i.     Hester, m. Thomas Crothers.

            ii.    Thomas.

            iii.   Elizabeth, m. John Warren.

            iv.   Mary, m. Simeon Best, of Danville, Pa.

            v.     John.

            vi.   William.

            vii.   Sarah, m. Josiah Warren.

            viii. Ann, died aged 22.

            ix.   Dinah, m. Andrew Elgar.

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            His sons Thomas and John also took up lands near their father. Thomas Glidewell married Hester Lacy, and their children were:

            i.    James.

            ii.   Josiah.

            iii.  Sarah.

            iv.  Thomas.

            v.   Ann

            vi.  Dinah.

            vii. Charles.

            He (Charles) was the one of the first in Davidson township to engage in the lumber trade. Charles now owns the lands in the vicinity of the old farm. William also engaged in farming for a few years on lands in this vicinity, but subsequently moved to Elkland township.

            Following up the valley south of Sonestown we come to the farm settled by Jacob Simmons. Mr. Simmons married Jane Sones, and their children were:

            i.      John.

            ii.     Isaac N.

            iii.   George W.

            iv.    Simpson S.

            v.    Thomas.

            vi.   David S.

            vii.  Rosetta.

            viii. Jacob.

            The farm owned by Mr. Simmons at the time of his death was for many years the property of the Anderson family. Mr. Simmons was a blacksmith by trade, and for many years an active and influential man in the county. His son, John, was elected sheriff in 1863, and five of his sons did good service in the War of the Rebellion.

            George Anderson, who originally settled on lands above Sonestown, came from Penn township, Lycoming county, married Jane Morris, and their children were:

            i.    Thomas.

            ii.   Sarah, m. Lafayette McClintock.

            iii.  Sarah, m. Joseph Morrison.

            iv.  Mary, m. William Taylor.

            v.   Martha, d. young.

            vi.  Abram C.

            vii. George Washington.

            Mr. Anderson was a cooper and his services were greatly in demand during the

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years of  maple sugar making, as it was an important industry in the county.

            Adjacent to this property is the hamlet of Glen Sharon. The lands were originally cleared by William Whitacre, who resided on the property until the time of his death, after which it was sold to John F. Hazen, who disposed of the same to Peter Armstrong and Sons, who have made the present improvements.

            A small improvement was made near this place by Eli Stroup about fifty years ago. Mr. Stroup was a carpenter and joiner and for many years a leading man in the erection of buildings at Muncy Valley.

Elk Lick.

            In the fall of 1823 James Rogers and ______ Wilson, of Huntington, Luzerne county, spent some time in looking over lands on the head waters of Muncy creek, and then decided to locate on what was later known as the Elk Lick settlement, Rogers choosing a place northeast of the present site of the school house and Wilson on the northwest, now known as the Bastian place. Their route was up the turnpike to the point crossed by Spring brook, when they took a westerly course towards Muncy creek. Having decided to locate, they made preparation at once for spring work by making sap troughs and getting ready for sugar making. Early in the spring they cut a road and moved their families into the wilderness. They were joined the next year by Edson and probably others from Huntington, who came at the same time and selected localities. John Keeler and his son John moved their families in 1826.

            About this time the citizens of Huntington united and aided the settlers to build a road over North mountain to connect with the Fishing Creek settlement, which was already connected with Huntington. The settlement then rapidly increased, the Hiddlesons, Sperrys and Penningtons taking up lands and making permanent improvements. These scattering settlers in forming a community of their own, were not altogether cut off from the social and religious privileges enjoyed at their former place of residence. They were visited by the local ministers of the Methodist church from Huntington and a class was soon formed and a prayer meeting and Sabbath school established. The intercourse of this settlement for several years with the outside world was almost exclusively confined to Columbia and Luzerne counties.

            The first road made to connect with other settlements within the township was one following around North Mountain. This, although of considerable benefit, was but little more that a bridle path. A better road was made north connecting the settlement with the turnpike at Ellis’s, and in 1832 the citizens of the Muncy Creek settlement united with them in opening a road to connect with their settlement, the business men of Hughesville aiding in the work by a generous subscription. About the same time the Elk Lick settlers united and built a log school house at the intersection of the Muncy road with the first road built crossing North Mountain. The site is still known by the name originally given “The Corners.”

            In 1834, when the first assessment was made for the township, there were eleven taxable in this settlement. They had at that time taken up 2,160 acres of land and had

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taxable property to the value of $1,647. From this date for a number of years the removals from this settlement were about equal to the gains by the children of those remaining coming of age. The names of Rogers, Wilson, Edson and Stevens disappear. The settlement, however, has a healthful showing, as there is constant increase in valuation of property.

            John Hiddleson was born in 1790 in Chester county, Pa., where he remained during the first years of his life. He obtained a fair education and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Early in life he married a woman of his native county, Miss Mary Pinn, who became the mother of:

            i.     Miller.

            ii.    Rufus K.

            iii.   Jane.

            iv.   William.

            v.    Rebecca.

            vi.   Lydia.

            vii.  John A.

            viii. Joseph.

            ix.   Mary.

            The family removed, a few years after their marriage, to Huntington, Luzerne county, where Mr. Hiddleson engaged in farming and lumbering. The Elk Lick settlement having been commenced by a few me living near him, he decided to join the settlement, arriving with his family April 21^st, 1826. He made choice of a tract of land and commenced improvements at the central part of the settlement, and this colony for considerable time was known as the Hiddleson settlement.. His home, almost from the start, became the place of gathering for the neighborhood, so that frequently both house and barn would be put in requisition to accommodate those who for religious or other meetings were called together. Strangers and weary travelers soon learned that at his fireside they could find a welcome place, and by his generous hospitality he became well known in Lycoming county long before the organization of Sullivan.. He cleared a large farm, built and operated a saw mill at the present site of Nord Mont and manufactured a large amount of hard wood timber. This was transported by teams during the winter and sold at Pottsville and other towns where it was in demand for the manufacture of furniture. About ten years after his coming to the settlement a mail route was established from Rick Run to Fairmount, and Mr. Hiddleson was appointed postmaster at Elk Lick. As his family grew up he availed himself of every means in his power to educate them. His sons, as soon as they arrived to years of manhood, were chosen to fill important public offices in Davidson township, and one of his daughters was among the first teachers at LaPorte. This family cleared and improved a large amount of farm land and helped materially in developing the resources of the county before removing elsewhere. About 1865, Mr. Hiddleson’s health having failed, he was desirous of making has home with his children, a number of whom had settled in the West. Having an opportunity to

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sell his farm to Edward Clark, he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, and resided there most of the time until his death in 1875, having outlived his wife for several years. The death of two of his children occurred in this county, viz: Mary, the youngest, who died at the age of 22, and John A., who, for a number of years after his marriage, lived on the farm of his father and died but a short time previous to the removal of the family west. His daughter, Lydia, who married Mathias Bastian, yet resides in the county.

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            Miles Sperry came from Huntington, Luzerne county, in 1826, and took up an entire tract of land of 400 acres. He was the father of seventeen children, and although a member of the family never came to reside in the county and others removed after their marriage, yet his descendants are quite numerous within the county.

            i.     Ann, his oldest child, taught the first school in the Elk Lick settlement in 1827.

            ii.    Wooden, remained in Luzerne county.

            iii.    Lucy, m. Jacob Good, of Columbia county.

            iv.    Amelia, m. Tovins.

            v.     Permelis, m. Abraham Ephlian.

            vi.    James L., died at the age of twenty.

            vii.   Samuel, m. Mary Pennington and resided for many years in Davidson township.

            viii.  Christopher, m. Rachel Benscoter, of Luzerne county.

            ix.    Susan, m. Benjamin Beach, of Bradford county.

            x.     Orpha, d. in inf.

            xi.    Miles, d. in inf.

            xii.   Sophia (twin), m. John Flick.

            xiii.  Julia, the first child by his second wife, m. John Snook and resided in Williamsport.

            xiv.  Charlotte, was unm.

            xv.   Asa, m. Jane Fiester and came in possession of the homestead.

                    [Editor’s note: No xvi is included in the text.]

            xvii. Mary, m. Benevel Horn, who lived for a number of years near the Sperry homestead, where he carried on the business of blacksmith.

            It may be said of this family that their names are but seldom found in connection with public offices. They are, however, prominent upon church records, and on referring to the rolls of lumber camps the memory of these men is made prominent. They are recollected as men of courage and endurance, while a number of their descendants were among the enlisted soldiers going from the county. Among the killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, mention is found in the diary of Colonel Watkins:

            “James Sperry, his father’s name is Christopher Sperry, resides in Davidson, Sullivan county, Pa. He died a soldier and a Christian. If he never meets you on earth, will meet you in Heaven.”

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            Joseph Converse came to the Elk Lick settlement in 1828. He was the father of four children by his first wife and five by his second, Mrs. Edgar:

            i.     Martha, the oldest, m. Charles Miller, and lived during her married life in Davidson. Mr. Miller owned a small farm and was regularly employed each winter as a school teacher.

            ii.    Caroline, m. Rufus K. Hiddleson, and was one of the first families residing at Laporte; subsequently settled in Illinois.

            iii.   Joseph, m. Ann Redenhouse from Huntington, and settled upon lands a few miles from his father, near the south line of the county.

            iv.   Henry, m. Martha Worthington; was for many years one of the most thrifty farmers of Laporte township; subsequently settled in Lycoming county.

            v.    Susan Ann, m. Edward Pennington, who settled upon lands west of Nord Mond (sic), where he cleared and improved one of the best farms in the township.

            vi.   Sarah Robinson, m. William E. King, also of Laporte township.

            vii.  Jane, m. Job L. King, of Elkland.

            viii. Permella, m. Richard Harding, of Lycoming county.

            ix.   Abigail, m. Charles Martin for her first husband.

            The Converse families are remembered as men possessing many of the characteristics of New England people, their speech and manners in perfect keeping with the Connecticut settlers who filled so prominent a place in the first settlement of the northern part of the Commonwealth. Their homes and surroundings had a different appearance from that of their neighbors, frugal and painstaking; although in the wilderness they were made enjoyable by well-conducted housekeeping and pleasant surroundings.

            In connection with the Converse family is that of the Edgars. Mrs. Edgar at the time of her marriage to Mr. Converse had two sons by her first husband, Abram D. and Andrew; they came from Huntington and lived with the Converse family in 1830.

            Abram D. Edgar, on arriving to years of manhood, entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. Andrew, who married a daughter of James Glidewell, took up lands near the Converse farm and has always lived in that neighborhood. He was the father of thirteen children, four of whom died in infancy:

            i.    Esther-Ann, d. in 1860; m. Fletcher Sperry.

            ii.   Amanda-R.

            iii.  Thomas.

            iv.  Rachel.

            v.   Sarah-Jane.

            vi.  James.

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            vii. Joseph, m. a daughter of Thomas Little; after a residence of several years in the county, having filled the office of county commissioner and other important positions, he settled in the West, where he is a practicing physician.

            viii. Andrew.

            ix.   Jeremiah.

            James Taylor married Delia Edkin. Their children were:

            i.   Matthew.

            ii.  Catharine, m. James Stroup.

            iii. Alfred.

            iv.  Sarah.

            v.   Maggie.

            This family first settled on lands in Shrewsbury township, but later purchased a large farm on Muncy creek, in Davidson township, where he resided from 1838 to the time of his death in 1872. He was a man of remarkable vigor both of body and mind. By industry and care he obtained large returns from his farm, and thereby was able to show what could be gained by farming in the Muncy Valley. His services were almost constantly sought as one of the supervisors of roads in the township, and expenditures of public funds made by him always secured the best results. The good judgment and fidelity shown in the discharge of the business of the township brought him prominently before the voters of the county on its organization and secured for him the office of County Treasurer at the first election of county officers. During the years of his life he was almost constantly in attendance at our courts in the interest of his township.

            Robert Taylor married ______ Bennett. They had seven children:

            i.    George.

            ii.   David.

            iii.  Clark.

            iv.  Elizabeth.

            v.   Angeline, m. Edkin Coursen; lives in Michigan.

            vi.  Rosetta, m. first John Hiddleson and after his death m. Fletcher Speary.

            vii. Jeremiah, whose death occurred when a boy.

            Mr. Taylor, like his brother James, first settled on the uplands in Shrewsbury township, but in 1838 moved to the valley lands in Davidson township. He cleared a large farm and was prominent in forwarding the improvements of the township. He held for many years the office of Justice of the Peace, and was twice elected County Commissioner. He took an active part in the political interests of the county, and was among the first to offer favorable inducements for establishing tanneries in the county, and upon his lands was erected the Muncy Valley tannery.

            This tannery was commenced about 1866 by L.R. Bump. He came from Wayne

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county. He was a practical farmer, and for a few years prior to locating at Muncy Valley had the supervision of the Laporte tannery under A. Lathrop & Co.  The building first erected was less extensive than those now in use. Mr. Bump continued  in the business, being aided by his father, who was a silent partner for about five years, when the property was destroyed by fire, the loss estimated at about $20,000.   The property was rebuilt by Mr. Bump, but he was unable to go on with business for any length of time and removed his family to Chicago. After a few changes in ownership the property came in possession of D.T. Stevens & Son. These gentlemen possessed abundant means and had much experience in conducting the tanning business. They gradually enlarged the capacity of the establishment and purchased additional lands and built comfortable dwelling houses for a large number of workmen. A few years after they had engaged in the enterprise the tannery was again destroyed by fire at a loss of nearly $100,000. Fortunately, the Messrs. Stevens were repaid by insurance and the works rebuilt in a short time. The business continued under their ownership for about twenty years, when it was embraced with the other tanneries in the county by the Union Tanning Company. The annual capacity is rated at 215,000 sides of sole leather and gives employment to 120 men.

            Hon. Judge (Joseph) Gansel, who came to reside in Davidson in 1881, had for thirty years been one of the most prominent citizens of the county. He was born in Mifflin township, Columbia county, in 1818. His ancestors came from Germany, but his father, Gideon Gansel, was born in the United States. His mother, whose name was Catharine Fisher, resided all her life in Columbia county. After arriving at the years of  manhood Joseph went to live at Foundryville, near Berwick, and there became intimately associated with S.F. Headley. Mr. Headley at this time having established a store at Headleyville, in Sullivan county, and was otherwise interested in Dushore property, induced by Mr. Gansel to go to Cherry township and take charge of his store. He had previously married a daughter of John Auman. In September, 1851, he removed his family to Sullivan county. After conducting the mercantile business for a short time for Mr. Headley he was induced, in connection with Col. James Deegan, to purchase the Headley store. The partnership continued for seventeen months, when he sold his interest to his partner and engaged in the employ of Wells & Wilcox, who were then largely engaged in the mercantile business in Dushore. Subsequently a change was made in the firm to that of Wells & Ackley, Mr. Gansel continuing with them about six years. In this connection he had become one of the most popular men residing at Dushore, and his health having failed from too close confinement in the store, he was persuaded by his friends to accept the nomination of the Free Soil Party for the office of Sheriff, and although that party was largely in the minority, Mr. Gansel’s popularity was so great that he was elected to the office. In 1860 he removed his family to Laporte. In 1871 he received the nomination of the Republican party for the office of Associate Judge and although the minority party he was elected to the office. He held the position for a term of five years. (He) remained upon his farm in Laporte township until 1881, on being employed by Stevens & Son to take charge of the bark furnishing business connected with their extensive tannery, he removed to Muncy Valley, continuing in this very laborious employment for three or four years; he then retired from this business.

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            After the Williamsport and North Branch railroad was built through Davidson township, Mr. Gansel engaged in various capacities in forwarding the interests of the road. In all the business relations of life he proved himself an honored and respected citizen In his early years (he) united with the Methodist Episcopal church and the interests of that church have always been dear to him and his services have been constantly in demand as an office bearer. He has filled the position of class leader for over 40 years, during which time he has been the leading man in the obtaining of funds and erection of three church edifices, that of Dushore, in 1853, Laporte in 1872, Muncy Valley shortly after moving to that place. Although now in his 74^th year (he) is still active, possessing full vigor of mind and a reasonable degree of physical strength.

            The first settlements make up the valley at the outlet of Lewis’ Lake was by the Wilson family. Isaac Wilson came from Columbia county and left the following children:

            i.   Joseph.

            ii.  Elias.

            iii. John O.

            iv. Isaac N.

            v.  Mary Jane; m, first John Gower; afterwards Edward Sones.

            vi. Catharine; m. Charles Glidewell.

            Mr. Wilson was for many years a prominent man in the affairs of the township. He was a weaver by trade, which occupation he followed in connection with his farm, his son John O. now owning the farm. The Lyons Lumber Company is operating large mills in the manufacturing of hard woods in this vicinity.

            In 1861 Ira Steinbeck, a native of Susquehanna county, moved to Sonestown. Prior to his settlement in Davidson township he had lived a few years in Laporte. His son Riley, formerly of Wayne county, came soon after. These men have been prominently identified with the interests of Sonestown. Mr. Ira Steinbeck served for a long time as justice of the peace, and members of his family were for many years known as school teachers in the county.

            In writing an account of the Elk Lick settlement, an omission was made of the Keeler families. John Keeler was among the first to make his home in Elk Lick settlement, Davidson township. He came from Benton, Columbia county, when quite advanced in life, and made purchase of 400 acres of land. His son also settled here as early as 1826. He married Sarah Bartleson, whose family resided near Benton. They had seven children:

            i.    Nancy R., m. Henry Kohensparger.

            ii.   Eliza Ann, m. Daniel Keeler.

            iii.  Edward.

            iv.  Susan-Jane, m. Thomas Mostellar.

            v.   Frederick-Robert.

            vi.  Thomas Jackson

            vii. Emily, m. first Newel Smith, afterwards John Anders.

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            Mr. Keeler improved lands and made for himself and family a comfortable home. His death occurred in 1861, at the age of 64, his widow surviving him over twenty years.

            A sister of John Keeler, Jr. married William Robbins, who took up lands adjacent to Mr. Keeler, and their children were: Henderson, Thomas, Leonard, Joseph and Mary. The homestead has long been in the possession of Joseph.

            James Keeler, a brother of John, who had resided about ten years in Canada, settled in this neighborhood about 1835. He married Mary Robbins. Their children were: Daniel, Katharine, William, John, Elizabeth, Susan, James, Ellen and Mary Jane. The John Keeler homestead was owned by Frederick Roher for a number of years, and since his death by his widow.

            Among the first settlers in Elk Lick was Jesse Pennington. He took up 300 acres of land. He was the father of a number of children, three sons and three daughters, who came to reside in the county:

            i.   Edmund; cleared a farm in Laporte township.

            ii.  Jesse, resided near his father for a number of years, but moved West.

            iii. John R., resided in Laporte township, but went West.

            iv. Mary, m. Samuel Speary.

            v.  Martha, m. John C. Botsford.

            vi. Anna, m. Thomas L. Little.

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            About 1844 two families by the name of Wilbur, Joseph and Adam C., came to reside in the Elk Lick settlement. They purchased improvements made by Jacob Rogers and were induced to come to the settlement by the Rev. Houst, a Methodist clergyman. Joseph, the father, only lived a few years after coming to this place, but his widow, a very intelligent woman, who is well remembered by the writer, long survived her husband. They had one daughter, who married Mr. Kilmer, of Fox Township. Amos C. Wilbur was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and a man of more than usual intelligence, having enjoyed good educational advantages before coming to the county. During the winter months his services were in demand as a school teacher, and in following his trade in different parts of the county became well known and was elected to the office of sheriff in 1854. He resided for several years at Laporte, but retained his interests while remaining in the county in his Davidson property, where he resided at the time he left the locality. He was twice married, having two children by his first wife, Judson and Sarah, who married Mr. Howell. About 1868 Mr. Wilbur removed to his former home in New York State. During his residence in the county he had much to do with the improvements made at Laporte. The first tannery was built under his supervision in 1856.

            The Wilbur farms were purchased by John P. Smith, who was the first man who settled from the northern part of Lackawanna County in this neighborhood. In 1865 three other families, former neighbors, came to reside near Mr. Smith. Edward Clark, who had lived a short time at Laporte, purchased the John Hiddleson farm. This purchase resulted in the permanent locating three of his sons-in-law, D.C. Gritman, Henry Small and Amos Foust. Mr. Clark after remaining in Davidson about five years returned to Laporte, and the farm is now owned by D.C. Gritman. Henry Small purchased the Miller Hiddleson farm, and Amos Foust the Daniel Savage farm. A few years later the adjacent farm embracing lands cleared by Charles Miller was purchased by Thomas White also from Lackawanna County.

            In December, 1869, two other families moved from the same vicinity, E.J. Brundage and Mrs. Stevens with her two sons, E.J. and W.M. Stevens. They purchased the Pennington properties. Mr. Brundage has been prominently engaged in the building and operating of saw mills, and still resides upon his farm, and is prominent in advancing the interests of his neighborhood.

            Mrs. Stevens for a great part of the time since coming to the country twenty-five years ago has remained upon the property. She possesses great energy and intelligence. E.J. Stevens lived upon the farm til recently and is now engaged in the mercantile business at Nordmont. W.M. Steven, a prominent lawyer at Williamsport, has residence upon the adjacent property where he resides during a part of each summer.

            Another former citizen of Lackawanna, living but a short distance from the Brundage and Stevens farms, is John Brown, who married a daughter of Samuel Speary. Mr. Brown came to the county and took charge of the machinery of Laporte tannery in

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1859.  He purchased lands on the east side of Lake Mokomo near Bernard Shebaus, where he made improvements and first resided after his marriage, subsequently moved to the vicinity of the home of his father-in-law. He had three children, Charles, Mary, who married John Bradley, and Fletcher. Mr. Brown is a Scotchman by birth and noted as a frugal, pains-taking farmer and in the varied relations of life is a most worthy citizen.

            About two miles northeast from the point where the Elk Lick road crosses the line of Columbia County is located the thriving village of Jamison City. This is a village containing about four hundred inhabitants, about sixty houses, a graded school and a fine church edifice. This manufacturing village has been built in the last seven or eight years. Prior to this, however, a few farms had been cleared along the east branch of Fishing creek and two or three saw mills. Thirty years ago a large body of timber lands along the head waters of the east branch of Fishing creek had been purchased by Messrs. Phelps and Payne and improvements made by them at the location known as Phelpsville on the county map. Later another large body of lands in the vicinity was purchased by the Messrs. Craig and Blanchard, and a considerable expenditure made on their lands by Mr. Appleman in search of coal. The property, however, has only proved valuable for timber and bark. The Bloomsburg and Sullivan railroad was completed to this point during 1837, and a lumber company organized at Williamsport under the management of Colonel James Corcoran and Thomas Wheeler. They built a large tannery and mill for the manufacturing of lumber, and the company known as the Fishing Creek Lumber Co. Later the property was purchased by Thomas E. Proctor, and is now owned by the Union Tanning Company. A large factory for the manufacture of wagon hubs and other wood work was erected and owned by Sherwood, Royal and Davage. This, together with the tannery, is within Davidson Township, and the direct line of the railroad extends about one-half mile in the county.

            Another important interest near the eastern border of Davidson Township is that known as Baumtown. This place takes its name from George W. Baum, who made improvements here about fifty-five years ago. He cleared a small amount of farming land and resided upon the property for some years, but during the summer of 1850 a disastrous flood occurred which swept away a large amount of mill property in the county, and at this place the destruction was so complete that no effort was made for rebuilding for a period of thirty years. On the completion of the main branch of the Bloomsburg and Sullivan railroad, a branch railroad was extended to this place, and a large lumber interest established known as Pentecost Lumbering Co. There has been erected in connection with the saw mill about 25 dwelling houses and a district school organized.

            As early as 1872 dams were constructed by Edward Lyons for the storage and floating of logs on Muncy creek. This business was carried on under the supervision of John Paulhamus. At first the business was confined to the moving of longs near the stream, but within a very few years slides were constructed over lands in this and adjacent townships, until the annual output amounts to 3,000,000 feet.

            The Williamsport and North Branch railroad * was completed from the county line to Sonestown, a distance of six miles in 1885. The road for this distance passes directly up Muncy creek and was easily constructed. The work was done by Mr. Woods, of

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Philadelphia. On first entering the county, the road passes through the farm of Judge Robert Taylor. This property for a number of years was owned by John Buck. Mr. Taylor purchased the property in 1854 and within a few years brought it up to a high state of cultivation. For a distance of three miles the railroad passes along the Taylor farms. Upon the completion of the road to Sonestown, work was suspended for a time. In 1888 it was extended six miles further through the township to Nordmont.

* Editor's Note:According to a 2011 entry in Wikipedia, "the Williamsport and North Branch Railroad (WNBRR) was a short line that operated in north-central Pennsylvania between 1872 and 1937. After a long struggle to finance its construction, it was completed in 1893. It derived most of its freight revenue from logging and to a certain extent from anthracite coal traffic. It also carried many passengers to mountain resorts in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. With the decline of the logging industry and increased accessibility of the region by automobile in the 1910s and 1920s, the railroad's business rapidly declined. The economic blow of the Great Depression proved insurmountable, and it was abandoned as unprofitable in 1937".
In January 2011, a 1931 Annual Pass on the WNBRR was auctioned on eBay. The anonymous seller offered these additional comments:

            The following description of Davidson’s finest mountain scenery is taken from the Press and Standard. The point is easily reached from Beech Glenn Station on the W. & N.B.R.R.:

            “Far to the west and north lie the dark and high mountains that form the water shed of central Pennsylvania; a little nearer are the mountains on either side of Loyalsock, whose course can be traced for a long distance. The river hills opposite Williamsport are plainly visible, the river itself gleaming in spots where the hills leave an opening. Smoke arises from the numerous manufactories of Williamsport, and the spires of the churches can be traced. Farther to the left the valley in which Muncy rest can be seen, and the creek itself lies in the foreground. The water as it widens into dams and eddies looks like a strip of molten silver in the noonday sun. Fishing creek rises but a short distance from us, flowing in nearly a direct line to the North Branch at Bloomsburg. “Bloom” itself is not visible, but the foot hills about it are. The river at Catawissa is distinguishable, and farther to the right the smoke from the great iron foundries at Danville arise. Around to the right Eaglesmere glimmers in the sunshine. The foot hills about which we have so often picnicked look as cool and inviting as ever. Hunter’s Lake is perhaps the plainest of all the sights and is by no means the poorest. As we sit on the rugged brow of the mountain and feel the rays of the sun on our tired and heated bodies, the lake as it rests so peacefully in a vista of the mountains, appear a veritable Paradise on earth, the water has such a cool look about it, the groves of trees on the banks so shady and about it all there is so much beauty and ease that is fairly rivals the “Garden of Houris.” Roads look like ribbons, and form a network over the entire surface of the country. Some that are in truth miles apart seem to be but a short distance. All we can say is that it is one of the most beautiful sights that eye can rest upon. It is folly to go to Europe to see the Alps or California to visit the Yosemite and to leave behind you this rare and beautiful vision, one of nature’s masterpieces.”

            The following reminiscence was kindly furnished mainly from Hon. C.D. Eldred concerning Davidson Township:

            “It was made an election district in the spring of 1834 by an act of the Legislature, consequently its first vote was given on the second Tuesday in October following. Lycoming County at this time included not only Sullivan but about half of Clinton. Tickets were then made by political parties as they are now, excepting for sheriff. For that office numerous volunteer candidates presented themselves. There were eight aspirants for the office in 1834 and all received a respectable vote. William Harris, who had been

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commissioner and treasurer, was supported by the Lycoming Gazette and Thomas W. Lloyd, also an ex-treasurer received that of the Lycoming Chronicle. The contest was by these influences narrowed down to these two men. The few districts heard from on Wednesday left the matter undecided, and by Thursday the returns still left it uncertain. Everyone by this time had become excited, and squads of people gathered at intervals upon the street to discuss the probable chances and intercept the remaining election officers as they came into town. By Friday all the districts were reported but Davidson, with the result that Lloyd had received 1,062 votes and Harris 1,051, giving the former 11 majority subject to the vote of Davidson, which being a new township was therefore an unknown quantity. It was four o’clock P.M. before ‘Squire Hiddleson was captured in a crowd in Market square and saluted with the question: “What was the vote for sheriff in Davidson?” His reply was prompt, “Harris had a majority of ten.” This elected Lloyd by one vote, but all the returns were so far unofficial, and a mistake of one would put the saddle on the other horse; consequently when the bell rang for the meeting of the return judges the court house was packed with eager spectators. Judge Armstrong, an expert in figures, stationed himself at the lawyers’ table, and as the official vote of each district was read off, set it down, and kept the column added as the work progressed. No error was found in the report up to the last district. Davidson was then announced and gave Harris 18 votes, Donnell 8, and Lloyd 0 electing Harris by seven majority. Col. Lloyd did not, however, feel like letting the result go without contesting the election,  for it was not thought possible that a new district in a back woods country could organize an election board and conduct the business in strict accordance with the election laws, but after the most diligent work of the lawyers no flaw could be found. William Smith, although a man nor favored with great educational advantages, was exceedingly painstaking in his duties, and the voters unhesitatingly relied upon him to prepare and superintend the work. The result gave to Mr. Smith a reputation for fitness in conducting public business, and a few years later secured to him the election to the office of county commissioner. Mr. Harris died soon after being commissioned as sheriff, and at the next election, in 1835, Col. Lloyd, his competitor, was chosen as his successor.”

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            Fox Township was constituted by act of the Court of Lycoming County at December term, 1839. It was taken from Elkland Township, and Evan Thomas and C.D. Eldred were appointed to fix the boundaries.

            The settlement of this township was commenced at the instance of Phineas Bond, an Englishman who at the beginning of this century owned a large tract of land included in this territory, and offered 100s acre to each ten of the first settlers. This offer was accepted by Joseph Hoagland, who with his five sons, Amos, John, Jonathan, Samuel and Joseph, moved to this region, each taking up 100 acres. Mr. Bond made an additional offer of 300 acres to the party who would erect a grist mill, and this was also accepted by Mr. Hoagland. The families of Battin, Kilmer and Luce joined Mr. Hoagland and they were followed by the Browns, Wilcoxs, Shattucks, Brenchleys, Williams and Awnabels, these with their descendants constituting nearly all the taxable at the time of the organization of the township.

            Joseph Hoagland came and selected lands at Fox Centre. He was born about the year 1750 in New Jersey, his father, James Hoagland, coming from Holland a short time before. After reaching manhood Joseph Hoagland settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Hannah Carpenter, whose parents lived at Muncy. Their children were:

            i.     James.

            ii.    John.

            iii.   Amos.

            iv.   Joseph.

            v.    Jonathan.

            vi.   Samuel.

            vii.  Susanna; m. Mark Widdenfield; settled in Canada.

            viii. Mary; m. Marshall Battin; settled in Fox.

            ix.   Betsy; m. Charles Mullen; settled in Elkland.

            The first settlement made by Joseph Hoagland soon after his marriage was on what is known as Hoagland Run, a branch of Lycoming Creek. The Indians were numerous in that vicinity, and soon after the breaking out of the Revolutionary War became hostile to the whites. The Indians formed a plot to massacre the whites. Joseph was, however, informed in time, and he very gently broke the news to his wife, who was a very frail woman. They buried all of the clothing and bedding that could not be carried, also cooking utensils, and started with their two children to Muncy. This was a long and dangerous journey, but was made with safety. The Indians came that very night and burned his house, and would have killed him and his family had they not made their escape. The next day after reaching Muncy, Mr. Hoagland took refuge in Wallis’ Fort. Here they staid through the winter. The father was a weaver by trade, and used it as a

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means of livelihood. So meager was the pay, however, that he had to work all day and often a great part of the night, the night work being done be the light of pine roots. He would work until worn out for want of sleep, and then would go lie down for a short time to rest on the loom bench, when he would get up and go at it again. The next spring he moved beyond the mountain to what is called Maiden Creek Valley, where he maintained his family by weaving until the close of the war.. It was at this place seven of his children were born. He and his family joined the Society of Friends or Quakers. After the close of the Revolution he returned to Muncy, where he lived until he removed with his family in 1802 to Fox. Their goods were conveyed on a wood-shod sled drawn by a team of oxen. For about ten miles of the distance there were no roads, and the brush and trees were cut as they traveled along. James, the oldest son, went to Ohio, where he married and settled down for life; the other children all remained with their parents at Fox till grown up. Here, with their descendants settles about them, Joseph Hoagland and his wife spent the remainder of their days and were buried in the old Quaker cemetery near Center School House. Of their children, John married Susanna Battin, whose children were Anna and Isaac, Amos married and became the father of ten children. None of his descendants now live in the county. He was killed by a falling tree and was the first one buried in the Quaker cemetery. Joseph, Jr., married Hannah Mullen and settled in Elkland. Jonathan married Rachel Patterson, and they had a large family of children, only one now remains in the county. Jonathan took possession of the old homestead. Samuel, the youngest son, settled at first in Fox, but subsequently moved to Bradford count, where his descendants still live.

            The next family who settled in this township were the Battins, who, like the Hoaglands, were connected with the Society of Friends. Marshall Battin seems to have been the first of the family who came. We find be reference to Esquire Eldred’s docket that on March 27, 1809 he married Mary Hoagland. It is mentioned by a granddaughter, Mrs. Hannah Brenchley, now living in Fox, that they traveled 30 miles on foot to be joined in matrimony by Esquire Eldred. After their marriage they went to live in Muncy for two years, when they settled near Mrs. Battin’s father, in Fox township. Their children were:

            i.     John.

            ii.    Joseph.

            iii.   Henry.

            iv.   Hannah; m. George Kilmer and moved west.

            v.    Joshua.

            vi.   Samuel.

            vii.  Reuben.

            viii. Benjamin; d. when a child.

            The descendants of this family are now the most numerous of any of the first settlers in Fox township.

            John Battin was one of the most enterprising citizens of Fox township. In 1849 he

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was appointed County Commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Joseph Molyneux from the county. His services as an officer in his township were always in demand. He died in 1890 at the age of 80 years.

            Joseph married Nancy Bradley and their children were:

            i.     Milton.

            ii.    Reuben.

            iii.   Lamartin.

            iv.   Harriet; m. John Reibsom, of Lycoming county.

            v.    Lucinda, m. John Fry; lives in Fox.

            vi.   Henry, d. soon after his marriage.

            vii.  James, went west.

            viii. Clark, removed to the west.

            Joshua Battin married first Ellen Woodhead and their children were Edwin and Walter. Mr. Battin’s first wife dying he married Amelia Hess.

            Samuel Battin married Catharine Williams and their children were Cintha, married Joshua McCarty, and Sumner, deceased.

            Reuben Battin married Eleanor J. McClellan; and their children were: Cora, Henry and Andrew.

            The next family to settle was that of the Kilmers. Philip Kilmer and his wife were of German descent, and came from Marseilles, N.Y., settling within the bounds of Fox township in 1816. Their children were:

            i.     Anthony.

            ii.    Henry.

            iii.   Martha; m. Christian Heverly, of Overton, Bradford county.

            iv.   Charles.

            v.    Philip.

            vi.   Rosanna.

            vii.  Peter.

            viii. Hannah.

            ix.   George

            Mr. Kilmer was the last one receiving land gratuitously. He received 100 acres for himself and 100 each for his two eldest sons. Anthony, the oldest, was a prominent citizen in the township, holding the office of Justice of the peace for twenty years. In 1864 he removed to Tyrone, N.Y. When advanced in life he had remarkable vigor, and at the age of seventy would have been taken for fifty. He lived to be over ninety years.

            Peter Kilmer married Lucretia Scudder, and their children were John P. and Rebecca.

            John P. Kilmer married in 1863 Samantha Williams, and their children were: Francis, Claude, Maude, Nannie and Jesse.

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            Only nine of the name of Kilmer are found among the taxable of Fox township.

            Among the families of note who came later was that of Henry Williams, born in the township of Caroline, Seneca county, N.Y., May 27, 1817. The early part of his life was spent in Bradford county, where he married Christina Rightmire, who died in 1851, leaving children:

            i.   Sanford; k. in army.

            ii.  Henrietta; m. Charles N. Porter; d. 1871.

            iii. Matilda; m. F.A. Boyle.

            iv. Mortimer; now lives in Auburn, N.Y.

            v.  Samantha; m. John P. Kilmer

            In 1850 Mr. Williams came with his family to Fox township, where, after the death of his wife, he married Ann Shattuck; their children were:

            vi.   Rosetta; m. Jacob Fuller.

            vii.  Homer; resides at Ithaca (sic), N.Y.

            viii. Everett; resides in Michigan.

ix. Mary; m. Jacob Bohm [Editor’s Note:  likely should be “Dohm”], of   

     Dushore.

            Mr. Williams, for over twenty years of his life, was one of the most active and influential citizens in the county. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years, and a large amount of the township business was entrusted to his care. His name was brought forward for prominent positions in the county. During the years of the Rebellion he served as County Commissioner, and by his exertion funds were largely secured to maintain families left destitute by the departure of enlisted soldiers, and later was among the most active in aiding the families of soldiers’ orphans in obtaining the advantages given by the orphans’ schools. During the later years of his life Mr. Williams was engaged in the care of wild lands, and in that connection gave careful attention to the geological formations of the county. He also became well informed as to the value of timber lands and was among the most prominent of our citizens in developing the resources of the county. His death occurred at his home, in Shunk, November 9, 1890.

            In 1855 settlement was made along Pleasant Valley by Benjamin Tripp,  who with a few other families came to this section from Luzerne, now Lackawanna, county. He is a grandson of Isaac Williams, who was taken prisoner by the Indians at the Wyoming massacre and remained in captivity six years. His son, whose name was Benjamin, is the father of Benjamin Tripp, now residing in Fox township. Mr. Tripp’s children are:

            i.   William; resides in Canton, Pa.

            ii.  Ella; m. Charles Porter, of Canton, Pa.

            iii. Henry; served one term as sheriff and for many years one of the best farmers in our county; now lives in Canton, Pa.

            iv. Eugene; resides at Laporte.

            v.  Milo J.; resides in Canton.

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            This family have been well and favorably known, having been employed on the public works and varied improvements of the county.

            One great advantage which the Hoagland settlement had was the grist mill built by Joseph Hoagland. This mill stood just below the present bridge which crosses the Hoagland branch at Shunk. The mill was built of logs in the rudest manner. The grain, after being ground was carried in bags up a flight of stairs and emptied into an iron hopper which it fell into the bolt and this bolt was turned by hand. As difficult of access as this mill was, the length of time it took the settlers to obtain their grist, it proved one of the greatest benefits to the surrounding country. We find by reference to the history of LeRoy Township, Bradford county, the settlement of which began about the same time as that of Fox township, that for many years this mill was the nearest place the settlers had to get their grist ground. Prior to its construction they were frequently compelled to pound out their corn in a hollow stump.

            No grist mill was built in that township until 1820. A grist mill is believed to have been maintained at this location since the first settlement in 1802. The first frame grist mill was erected by Joseph Molyneux. This mill he sold to Daniel Williams, who owned it for over ten years, when he sold it to John Campbell, who subsequently disposed of one-half interest to Mr. Fanning, and in 1885, when Homer Williams became owner or the property, it was rebuilt and improved machinery introduced. The property is now owned by R.S. and Edwin Fanning and Isaac Williams.

            Soon after the first settlement religious meetings were held by the Friends at the home of Joseph Hoagland. These meetings were continued in private houses until 1828, when a rude church was built of logs. This was used until 1850. The first school was established by Mrs. Samuel Hoagland in her own house. The growth of this township was very slow, fifteen years having elapsed from the time Mr. Bond made the first offer of 100 acres to each of the first ten settlers before the 1,000 acres were taken up.

            At the organization of the county in 1847 there were less than fifty taxable found in the township. Since that time there has been a slow but steady growth, both in number of taxable and valuation of property. In 1874 a strong effort was made to divide the township by adding the western part with a part of Lycoming and Bradford to form a new county, centering around Minnequa. Most of the citizens of Fox showed by their opposition to the movement their loyalty and attachment to Sullivan.

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            Much relating to the history of Elkland township has already been given in connection with the general history of this county. The township was set off from Shrewsbury in 1804. It then contained, in addition to its present boundary, a large territory on the west and south, which remained in Lycoming county. The western part to the county line was taken off about 1827; Fox township in 1833, and Plunkett’s Creek in 1836, which included the southern part retained in Lycoming, together with the township of Hillsgrove. The part remaining was the northeast portion of the original territory. It is nearly triangular in shape, its northern line extending for six and one-fourth miles along that of Bradford county, the eastern line for a  distance of about ten miles bordering on Forks township and Forksville borough. The southern course is irregular bordering on Hillsgrove township about three miles. Its western lines include seven courses bordering on Fox township for 7½ miles.

            Its principal drainage is the Loyalsock and Elk creeks and their tributaries. The part along the Loyalsock for four miles is from 1,000 to 1,030 feet in altitude, the mean level of the township being estimated at 1,400 feet and the extreme height 1,750 feet. It embraces within its territory an area of 23,645 acres.

Old Land Marks

            The first clearing within the present bounds of the township was made by James Ecroyd as early as 1798, along King’s Creek, near the northern line of the township, at the point where North street crosses the creek below Beaver dam. Mr. Ecroyd built a saw mill and grist mill. The dam, a long race, and the foundation of the mill can still be seen. Many trees that are a foot over stand in the old race. The Ecroyd clearings are now owned by Francis Bower and Fredrick Smith.

            After Ecroyd’s settlement came that of Jesse and Ezra Haines, John Bingley, William Snell, Webster Wynne, James Royal, William King, William Russell, Francis Boyle and Aaron Patterson. These all centered around the Friends Meeting House from one-half mile to one mile distant. On the Jesse Haines and James Royal are the farms of Connor Bower and Charles D. Everett. Webster Wynne on lands now owned by Nathaniel Tompkins, Samuel Bedford and Joseph Woodhead; Ezra Haines’ now owned by John Whiteley; John Bingley on lands afterwards owned by Joseph Whiteley, now by Ardell Day; William Russell’s farm was for some time owned by James Hardy, and later by Jonas Bedford, and now by Charles Kilmer and John Black.

            Prior to 1800 William King and Francis Boyle settled in this neighborhood. This William King farm was for many years after his death owned by his nephew, William Glidewell, and now by G.W. Glidewell. The Francis Boyle place has long been the home of Robinson Barnes, the oldest man now living in the township. Aaron Patterson’s, afterwards taken up by John King, and now held by his son, Job L King, now the property

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of Christian Snyder and Ira J. Pardoe. William Snell made the first clearing on land now owned by Joseph and Robert Hart.

            The Quaker meeting house was located northwest of Eldredsville and one-half mile south of Ecroyd’s settlement, on land afterwards taken up by Thomas Baker and now included in the farm owned and occupied by Mahlon C. Mercur. The old road leading to the church has been for some time vacated, a thicket of small timber has grown up around the site. The scattered stone from the fallen chimney marks the place of its location. A noble spring of water is very near the stone pile.

            The lands south of the meeting house for some distance were later in being settled, but near the point now known as Lincoln Falls a settlement was made prior to 1800 by Joseph Reeves. At this point roads diverged in different directions, hence it became a noted landmark. The place is now owned by J.M. Osler.

            David Thomas settled on the west side of Elk Lake, on the place now owned by B.C. Stephens. On the north line of the township James Muck made an improvement. This place is now owned by Milton Gilmore, on which is the little village surrounding his saw mills. Southeast of the Muck and Ecroyd improvements was the Eldred  location. This place is now the central place of gathering for the German settlers, and a Reformed church is erected here. On the Eldred farm reside Charles Hugo, Christian Fredrick and Henry Kobe; Francis Houck and Mr. Glockner east of Eldred’s on the settlement first made by John Coxy and afterwards owned by John Fawcett, and now by his son, Henry Fawcett. Near to the Coxy improvement is the John Snell place. It became the property of William Wright, afterwards William Chambers, and then for some years by Thomas Chambers; now owned by Charles Wank.

            The first twelve families were each granted 150 acres of land free upon the following conditions: First, that they would within one year build a substantial log house, completely clear(,) fence and improve ten acres in five years. Only one family to settle on a tract (400 acres of land) and they were to have the privilege of purchasing the remainder of the tract at $2.50 per acre. Hence settlers soon located at some distance from each other. Lands were taken up prior to 1806 by Joel McCarty west of the Quaker meeting house, and by Francis Ball and Charles Mullin on the east. The McCarty homestead is owned by Joseph McCarty. On the Charles Mullin farm is now located the village of Eldredsville. The Bull farm was long the home of Joseph Pardoe and is now owned by Barton Luther. Francis Bull was a carpenter by trade. He married a daughter of Robert Lambert, and they were both very active in advancing religious interests; resided in Elkland for over twenty years and then removed to Liberty Corners, near Monroeton, in Bradford county.

            Joseph Hoagland, Jr., located on lands northwest of Reeves place, later owned by Samuel Hoagland and now by Henry Vought and Joseph L. Hoagland. From a copy of the assessment of the township for 1808, the sixteen names are found whose settlements we have been able to locate. In addition to the above are the names of Robert Sample, Peter Dominick and Charles Mullin, Sr.  Lewis Donnelly and Jonas Yonso are believed to have been within the present bounds of the township. The valuation of property held by these 22 taxable was $2,466. The entire list contains 39 names, with valuation of property

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aggregating $6,466, the heaviest taxable being those taken within Hillsgrove township. From our memoranda of settlers not heretofore published we find the names of Elizabeth, William, Richard, Joseph, John and Anthony Snell as residents at an early date.

            Joel McCarty came to Elkland in 1803. He was born in Northampton county, and had seven sons and four daughters; John, Aaron, Silas, Jesse, and Joseph being found among the taxable in 1848. It is with no disparagement to other pioneer settlers to say that the descendants of Joel McCarty have added vastly more to the population, wealth and general improvement of Elkland than any other family. Twenty farms are now owned by his descendants in the vicinity of the old homestead, in this and adjacent townships.

            Charles Mullin and his son, Charles, are each found among the taxable of 1808. Charles, Jr., married Betsy, a daughter of Joseph Hoagland, and their children were: Joseph, William, Charles, Anthony and John. Hannah married John M. Warburton. Mr. Mullin was a blacksmith by trade and one of the most worthy citizens of the township. He built at his own expense the school house that was long used for church purposes as well as for school. He otherwise aided by personal efforts in sustaining these interests. Three of his sons, Joseph, William and John, settled in the township. Anthony and Charles removed to Iowa. At the time of the organization of the county William Mullin was elected to the office of Recorder of Deeds. He was active in promoting the educational interests of the county. His death occurred when he was about 50 years of age. John Mullin was well known and respected throughout the county and was elected County Commissioner in 1852. He is still living in the township.

            Joseph Hoagland, Jr., first settled in Fox township; soon after within the present bounds of Elkland. He married Hannah, a daughter of Charles Mullin. We conclude they had four children, three sons beside one daughter - Charles, David and Elias. The settlement of Joseph Hoagland in Elkland occurred from a stream of good luck that he and a man by the name of Wilson met with in securing the title of a 400 acre tract for the sum of $30.  He took the western half of the tract and built a house and commenced to improve the land. The only descendants of this branch of the Hoagland family now found in the county are Joseph L. Hoagland, of Lincoln Falls, and Mrs. James H. Campbell.

            Joseph Pardoe is believed to be the next settler. He came prior to 1813. His descendants are supposed to be Joseph W., William, Richard, George and Thomas. Many of the family moved west but they are still numbered among the prominent citizens of this township. Joseph Pardoe, born August, 1813, married Mary Molyneux, daughter of Edward Molyneux, May, 1840, and their children were:

            i.    George M.

            ii.   James H.

            iii.  Benjamin.

            iv.  Henry Clay.

            v.   Rebecca, m. Henry Norton.

            vi.  Lydia, m. Daniel L. Miller.

            vii. Mary, m. Levi S. Squires. He resided in the township all his life, his death occurring in 1890. For many years he lived on the place originally taken up by Francis Ball.

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            Thomas Pardoe, b. 1822; m. Margaret, youngest daughter of Edward Molyneux, and their children were:

            i.     David-Jesse.

            ii.    Ellen-Elizabeth; m. Watson Wright.

            iii.   Nelson; m. Anna M. Rogers, Lincoln Falls.

            iv.   Walter T.; m. Carrie F. Gansel, Muncy Valley.

            v.    Clayton-Thomas.

            vi.   Martha.

            vii.  John-Summers.

            viii. Charles-Maynard; only son living, resides in Minneapolis.

            Mr. Pardoe also spent his life in the township. He died in 1856.

            The next settlement of which we can find any record was made by James Molyneux, who was a brother or half-brother of William Molyneux. He took up lands at Lincoln Falls and made the first improvements on the Jonathan Rogers’ farm. By reference to Esquire Eldred’s docket, under date of Dec. 21, 1817, we find that he married Amelia Molyneux, both of Elkland township. Nothing positive can be given of their family.

            A settlement was made by two Englishmen in May, 1818. They came from Yorkshire, viz, John Grange and Henry Fawcett. Mr. Fawcett had married Sarah, a daughter of Mr. Grange, in 1812. They lived together as one family. Mrs. Grange died in 1835, being 93 years of age.  Mr. Grange survived his wife by three years, being 97 years of age at the time of his death. Their children were:

            i.   Sarah; m. Henry Fawcett.

            ii.  Joseph.

            iii. John W.

            iv. Dinah; m. Mr. Johnson, of Lycoming county.

            v.  Mary; m. William Mullin.

            vi. Faith; m. Benjamin Little.

            The first purchase of land made by Mr. Fawcett was for fifty acres bought of Joseph Priestley at $2.25 an acre. Seven years later he purchased 275 acres from Mr. Wansey of Towanda. These lands were improved but heavily timbered. As soon as his sons became of age he gave to each a portion of the tract. Mr. Fawcett died January 4, 1887, and his wife ten years later. Their children were:

            i.    Elizabeth, b. April, 1823.

            ii.   Joseph, b. October, 1814.

            iii.  John, b. April, 1817.

            iv.  William, b. April, 1820.

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            v.   Mary, b. February, 1823.

            vi.  Benjamin, b. February, 1825.

            vii. Sarah, b. April, 1827

            William and Benjamin are the only children now living, but there are over one hundred of the descendants of Henry Fawcett, most of whom reside in this county.

            Another early settler was Francis Grange, who bought land of Priestley. He was exceedingly domestic. He and his wife lived to see the seventieth anniversary of their marriage and were both over ninety-six years of age when they died.

            John Warburton is first mentioned as a teacher of the Forksville school in 1816. He settled on lands near Joseph Reeves. The first elections of the township were held in his house. He was prominent among those entrusted with the township business. His descendants as near as can be given are John M., Jesse and Mary-Ann.

            Thomas Baker, whose location was at the Friends’ meeting house, appeared to have settled here in 1819. From Esq. Eldred’s docket we learn that 400 acres were at this time deeded to him by James Boyle and Jeremiah Howocks, and on the 12^th of September, 1820, his name is found again as a widower, and that on this date he married Susannah Want (widow).

            An escaped slave, known only by the name of “Black Ike,” made a clearing of ten or twelve acres north of Elk Lake, where he lived with his wife for several years. But “Black Ike” abused his wife in a shameful manner, so some one sent word to his master and he came after him. He was taken, but with difficulty. Another colored man and his wife settled in the lower part of the township on lands now known as “Bishop White’s Ridge,” by the name of Elijah Johnson. Both he and his wife were much respected, and it is believed that through the settlement of this family the formation of the Wesleyan Church in this county was established. This place is now owned by Mr. Osler.

            From 1820 there appears to have been little addition to the population for several years; nevertheless, important measures were taken up for the educational and religious interests.

            About 1830 two Bedford families settled in the township. Henry Bedford, sr., came from England and had four sons, namely:

            i.   John, resided some time in the county and removed to Lycoming.

            ii.  Benjamin.

            iii. Jonas, m. Lydia Molyneux.

            iv. Richard, resided in the county for some time and then removed to Lycoming.

            The children of Jonas were:

            i.     Edmund, m. Annie R. Merrick, removed to California.

            ii.    Daniel, m. Martha Whiteley; settled in Hudson, Ia.

            iii.   Edward-Dorson.

            iv.   Alfred.

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            v.    Lyman-Nelson.

            vi.   Margaret-A.

            vii.  Wilson J.

            viii. Salathial-Boyd.

            ix.   Ermina-A.

            x.    Rebecca.

            Jonas Bedford moved from the county in 1873 to Rushmore, Minn. None of his descendants reside in the county.

            John Bedford’s children were:

            i.   Thomas; m. Anna Sturdivant, died in 1893.

            ii.  Mary A.; m. John Plotts.

            iii. Sarah; m. King Glidewell, afterwards John Smith.

            iv. Samuel; resides in the county.

            v.  Elmer J.; resides in the county.

            Henry Bedford’s children were:

            i.   L. Sumner.

            ii.  Sylvester.

            iii. Ulysses-Grant.

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            Mention has been made of the road from the West Branch to the northern line of the county being the reason of the formation of this township. The construction of the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike on the east, and the road up Lycoming creek on the west, almost entirely cut off the through travel by the Elkland’s, which left them without communication with the outside world. Hon. C.D. Eldred, in speaking of his father in this connection, gives the following:

            “The dream of a great highway by the most direct route from the West to the North Branch of the Susquehanna was ever present in the memory of E.J. Eldred. He suggested the possibility of procuring State aid and petitioning for and act appointing commissioners to lay out a State road from Pennsborough to Meansville, and the Legislature made such provision by a law passed the 13^th day of March, 1824. The commissioners were himself, William Brindle, of Muncy, and Eliphalet Mason, of Monroe, Bedford County. They at once proceeded to view and lay out the road, but the prevailing craze about the State canal and the large annual appropriations necessary to construct it, completely suppressed improvements of lesser pretensions, and no appropriation to this new State road was made.”

            The hope of State aid being abandoned, certain citizens of Muncy conceived the idea of constructing a turnpike on or near the route of the unopened State road, and procured the passage of a law for that purpose in February, 1831. Books were opened and the stock requisite to procure a charter was soon obtained. E.J. Eldred was chosen both president and secretary of this new corporation, but unfortunately a division among the stockholders ensued, as to the most practicable route for the road, which finally proved its ruin. The president hoped against hope, and spent both time and money to make it a success, but it was a doomed project from the beginning, and failed for want of means and unity.

            In connection with this undertaking, mention should be made of Eliphalet Mason, the commissioner appointed from Bradford. Mr. Mason resided in Monroeton Township, and in all the measures undertaken to build a thoroughfare through this county he was the right hand man of Mr. Eldred. He was also connected with the construction of the Susquehanna and Tioga turnpike, and during many years of active life devoted much time to the interests of Sullivan County. Two of his daughters, Zilpha and Roxy, have already been mentioned among our earliest school teachers. His son, Dr, Eliphalet H. Mason, in his younger days was engaged as mail carrier from Monroeton to Muncy, and William A. was one of the first settlers at Laporte. Perhaps no person living outside the county was on more intimate terms with the early settlers of Elkland Township than Mr. Mason.

            In 1847 occurred the death of Edward J. Eldred, and having followed the records

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left by him for a guide in furnishing the history of the county, the feeling of the writer is that of the loss of a dear and greatly respected friend. Personally never having had the pleasure of his acquaintance, yet in giving a careful study of much that he had written, an impression of his personal services has become fixed upon the writer’s mind. He came to make his home in Elkland at the age of about forty, having previously acquired a remarkable amount of knowledge that would fit him to act well his part in the higher walks of life. We find him almost from the first the great reliance of the inexperienced settlers. Travelers who have passed through the country, found him an interesting and agreeable landlord, and notwithstanding the hours required in hard labor in providing a home for the public, he is believed to have been fond of the sports and games engaged in by his countrymen. In sending invitations to friends to assist in raising a part of his house known as “Liberty Hall,” he writes: “Come early, so that we can have some time for play after we have finished our work.”

            Years passed by in which he, in addition to discharging successfully the duties of a landlord, gave a careful supervision of the settlement of the lands of the Priestley estate. Added to these duties came the appointment of justice of the peace for the third district of Lycoming county, which his previously acquired legal knowledge enabled him to discharge.

            The first ten years, although very laborious, were happily spent, and full of bright hope for the future, but now comes the brooding disappointment. The Genesee road is being abandoned by travelers - rumors of war with Great Britain are afloat, which carries with it the almost certain stoppage of settlers from that country, and as the war of 1812 progressed, his home became infected with camp fever brought in by returning soldiers. His wife died with this fever, and he became prostrated from the same cause. On recovering, he awoke to the knowledge that not only had new settlements ceased, but that the Elkland improvements were nearly all in danger of being abandoned. From this time the light and joyful nature of the entertaining landlord gave place to the stern realities of his duty to society for the improvement of its condition. Now it brought in requisition his remarkable fitness to give instruction to the young. He devised ways in the face of poverty for the mental and spiritual improvement of the community. The walls of the deserted Friends’ Meeting Hose were repaired, and  men, women and children listened to carefully prepared addresses which aroused the inactive and despondent to a hopeful expectation of a renewed happiness. This proved a cord which strongly bound Mr. Eldred to this community.

            As his business in Elkland had to a great extent failed in 1817, he was induced to devote a part of his time to the attention of the affairs of Mr. Lewis at the Glass Works, - in this capacity he continued at intervals for several years.

            His services as a justice of the peace, as shown by the docket entries, commenced September, 1808, continuing to October, 1812, and again resumed December, 1817. During the intervals, we gather from his legal papers, that the office was held by Thomas Little of Shrewsbury. From the last date, the entries are continuous to April, 1835, when there is again a break until June, 1843. The last entry is December, 1846. The records are remarkable for the fullness, in which each case is stated, and their examination gives

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proof of the work of an officer which one aim was that of the discharge of his duty with fidelity. We quote the following from a publication of Hon. C.D. Eldred after his father’s death:

            “Dame Fortune is represented by the poets as blind, but she has, nevertheless, a wonderful method of dispensing her favors in accordance with the known laws of cause and effect; and if she declined to feel her way over the Allegheny Mountains to the new settlement on the Loyalsock, she ought to be excused for it rather than blamed. The first inhabitants of that rugged country never saw her face, and their immediate descendants waited upon her in other more favored sections. But, barring the want of adequate schools, the necessities of life were easily obtained, and many of the comforts. Thus, in confronting accumulating misfortunes and disappointments, the active life of E.J. Eldred wore away, until the approaching infirmities of advanced age admonished him of the realities which surrounded him. His sons had all left home and engaged in other pursuits, and the old farm needed repairs. Real estate in the neighborhood was of less value than it had been forty-seven years before, and the prospect of a new county of Sullivan was imminent. With a philosophical resignation, however, he breathed no complaint, but complacently submitted to the decree of fate. He expired on the 7^th of July, 1847, aged nearly 84 years.”

            His third wife survived him a few years. Her maiden name was Northrop. She married first John Ross, who died, leaving her four children. Of Mr. Eldred’s children we can only give the following:

            i.    Sarah; m. William Huckell.

            ii.  Edward A., arrived at the age of manhood about 1826. He appears to have been the stay and support of his father for some years, but no memoranda is found relating to him except a short time after his father’s death.

            iii. William J.; b. in 1806, was for many years an active business man in the county. His death occurred in 1888.

            iv. Charles D., the only son living, is now a resident of Muncy. In early life he learned the printer’s trade, serving for a number of years in that capacity under ex-Governor Packer, and subsequently became the editor of the Lycoming Gazette. He removed to Clinton county; was there engaged for ten years as editor, when he returned to Lycoming and was engaged in the legal profession. He was called by his fellow citizens to serve as Associate Judge. During many years he has been engaged as a surveyor, having obtained on the field a large amount of information relative to the location of warrants. His services are constantly in demand, when questions relative to land titles are at issue.

            v.  George J., b. in 1818. He settled in Mackeyville, Clinton county, in 1839, and became a farmer. Was twice elected a member of the State Legislature. In his early manhood home at Elkland he made a profession of religion and became an active Christian worker. After moving to Clinton county he became superintendent of a Union Sunday school, which position he held for forty years. His death occurred in March, 1893.

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            At the first assessment taken for Sullivan County in 1848 there were found 88 resident taxable holding 12,120 acres of land valued at $13,518, with personal property values at $3,468. In going over this list we find the number of families most largely represented are the McCarty’s, Pardoes, Bedfords, Boyle, Kings, Hoaglands, Fawcetts, Grange, Mullen, Warburton and Norton. These eleven settlers and their descendants making more than half the list. But five names are found of those assessed in 1808, viz: Francis Boyle, Joel McCarty, William King, Joseph Reeves, and Joseph Hoagland and the descendants of but three others, namely, E.J. Eldred, Charles Mullin and William Snell. From all the records so far obtained we are led to believe that over half of those making substantial improvements removed from the county prior to 1825. The list of 1848 gives the names of Bryan, Brown, Barnes, Glidewell, Huckell, Little, Molyneaux, Marriott, Roberts, Webster, Woodhead and Whiteley, who were for years prominent men in the township. By the census returns of 1850 the population of the township is found to be 409. The assessment books for the next four years do not indicate any important changes; the removals nearly equal the increase.

            In 1855 a large increase is found, giving a total of 125 taxable. This increase is largely accounted for by there coming to the township a land speculating German by the name of Wm. Smith, who operated in the vicinity of Elk Lake.  Having secured possession of the property, he went to New York and by glowing representations induced a number of his countrymen to purchase small holdings of him. They came on and made some improvements and found employment among the farmers in the vicinity for part of the time. They soon found that the lands they had purchased were so encumbered that their title was of no value and that Smith was bankrupt.

            Many of these Germans proved to be worthy, industrious citizens and were favorably regarded by older settlers. They were aided in obtaining lands, where they have made comfortable homes. Among them we find the names of Brachman, Beinlich, Bohn, Caseman, Hugo, Hess and Lucks. These families were joined by others of their countrymen, who within a few years came in possession of much of the northwestern part of the township

            By the census of 1860 the population was shown to have increased to 604, being the greatest relative gain of any period of its history. The agricultural resources of the township were now being rapidly developed. Improved methods of farming were introduced. A ready market had been opened for their produce by the Towanda Coal Company, who were operating the Barclay coal mines, a road to which was about this time constructed to Elkland from the foot of the plains. This proved the turning point in the upward progress of the township, from which it has never receded.

            As soon as its citizens found that the cultivation of their land furnished more than a subsistence, a commendable disposition was shown in the erection of new school houses and providing themselves with church accommodation. Until 1856 the first constructed

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school building appears to have been in use. By the assessor’s return for that year we find that the township was divided into six districts, valuation and names of houses as follows:

Eastern, $50; Western, $20; Bethel, $30; Salem, $30; Mountain, $20; one without name, $15. These houses soon gave place to others with ten times their value, and although not equal to those of modern times, were fully up to those of that day. There are no nine school houses valued at $3,300 and four church edifices valued at $4,500.

            The greatest number of transfers of property occurs between the years 1866 and 1870. This is first accounted for by the young men returning from the army and afterwards by families removing to Kansas and Minnesota. By the assessment of 1870 the number of resident taxable was 199 and the population 705. From that date until 1875 there was a regular decrease in number to 163 taxable, when an increase in number again commenced reaching about the same figure in 1880 as of ten years preceding, and the population had reached 879. From 1880 to 1890 there was a regular gain in taxable, the population numbering 1,058. For 1895 the taxable reported are 300 and the aggregate valuation of all assessed property $139,010. The assessments are assumed to be at the rate of one-third, the real valuation, which gives an average of nearly $1,400 to each taxable.

            Mention should be made of two men who have added materially to the wealth of this township - Wm. C. Marsden and Mahlon C. Mercur. Mr. Marsden came from Philadelphia to reside in the township about 1865. He engaged in connection with farming in the purchase of dairy products and greatly added in obtaining the highest market price to Elkland butter. In addition to this he became one of the most active in the reorganization of our County Agricultural Society, thereby promoting improved methods of farming. His few years of residence among us are remembered as of lasting benefit.       Mr. Mercur was for many years the leading business man of Bradford County. He commenced making investments in landed property in the township as early as 1862. In 1866 he purchased of ex-Governor Packer the Priestly lands. Packer had six years before bought them of Joseph R. Priestly at the price of about $1 per acre, in all 5,270 acres, 3,364 of which were in Elkland. Value of the land at the time of sale to Mr. Mercur gave a large profit on the investment. The building of the State Line and Sullivan Railroad and the Hillsgrove tannery has given an added value to the land. Mr. Mercur having largely invested in coal lands in Cherry Township became the largest investor in improvements for opening the Sullivan county coal fields.

            Having made heavy railroad investments at the crisis of 1873, he met with losses, but by indomitable energy and persevering work overcame financial difficulties that would have sunk ordinary men. He continued in business at Towanda until the last three or four years. Has since that time retired to his Elkland farm, where he now resides.

            There are four important centers of gathering at each of which is a post office. Eldredsville, which for many years was the only office in the township, is very near the center. Here was the residence of Charles Mullen, near which was the Mullen school house, and is believed to have been the place for military muster where William King served as captain of the militia for many years. The name of Eldredsville was originally given to the post office by Gen. Samuel McKean, who was a member of Congress from Bradford County in 1825 and having that year secured the mail route and post offices, one

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at Hillsgrove. The other at the house of Mr. Eldred he gave the name of Eldredsville, and on the removal of the office to Mr. Mullin’s his residence became known as Eldredsville and has since that time been the gathering place for the township. The place was for a number of years owned by Samuel P. Rogers, a prominent citizen of the county at the time of its organization. D.L. Miller, justice of the peace, E.C. Hunsinger, Cyrus Rossbach and Miss Grange now reside upon the place. The township has recently here erected a neat election house, used for caucuses and meetings of the school board auditors and commissioners.

            In 1865 the post office was established at Lincoln Falls, here is the residence of Jonathan Rogers, who was for many years the postmaster, the point of the intersection of six roads being the location of the school house. Mr. Rogers is engaged in lumbering and has erected a large steam saw mill and shingle mill. At this point are the residences of Mrs. Anna Pardoe, Josiah Cott, George E. Brown, John Brown, John S. Brown, Allen Brown and John Brackman.

Two School Houses at Estella, PA
Postcard Dated June 24, 1909 at Estella
Addressed to E. R. Osler, Seaford, Del.
Note: The message on the back has faded but reads in part:
Dear D[illegible], Here we are at this little place and I saw this card and thought I would send one to let you see [illegible]
the old schoolhouse and the new. We will now go back. Ever yours, Anna.
Photo of an Old "Krumm" Postcard Auctioned on eBay in April 2010
Transcription of text thanks to Nancy Little Spencer

Editor's NoteWhy were there two separate school houses next to each other in Estella? According to Melanie Norton, in a message of April 15, 2010, the reason for the second school was to split the grades because of the number of students. So, there became what today we'd call a school for the elementary classes and then the building for higher grades. The "higher" grades only went to 8th grade. Melanie's husband Wylie Norton's father, Ivan Norton, born in 1908, went to school here but then finished high school in Picture Rocks, Lycoming County, as did many others in the area between Hillsgrove and Millview. The larger structure pictured in the photograph is still standing [2010] and is now used as a township building. The smaller building was torn down. Perhaps of relevance to this background, on June 4, 1896, the Sullivan Review published the following local report from its correspondent in Estella:

            In 1888 an office was established at a little village known as Estella. Here is the largest school in the township at the point of intersection of five roads. A general store run by C.B. Jennings, a saw mill by J.J. Webster. A creamery and cheese factory has been established recently, also two blacksmith shops. The lands were originally taken up in this vicinity by John and Hugh Boyle, and later by John Brown.

            Farms are now occupied by George C. and Ulysses Bird, Wheeler and John G. Plotts, F.A. and W.W. Boyle, S.C. Vargason, J.E. and Isaac K. Brown, A.T. Molnix, A.L. Plotts and George C. Birdsell.

            An office has also been established in the western part of the township, known as the Lake Run post office, kept by A. Glockner, located along the road leading from Eldredsville to Shunk, about equal distance from the German and McCarty settlement. A school house is located near this point.

            The Friend’s meeting house and school house is situated near the line of Fox township. Here an excellent school is maintained by that society without any aid from the township. The following are the principal owners of farms in this district: Joseph Bedford, Theodore Hess, C.F. Hess, Joshua Battin and son, W.C. Battin, Richard Pardoe estate, John London on Pardoe place, Abel McCarty, Fred McCarty, George Lilly, Ellis Snell.

Old Elkland Campgrounds (or Camp Meeting) Church
As It Appeared in 1992 Before Its Renovation
Elkland, PA
Photo Reprinted in the Sullivan Review, March 8, 2007

1809    March 27, Marshall Battin and Mary Hogeland.

1810    March 1, Joel Bennett and Sarah Bird. 

1820    September 12, John Bull and Sarah Donnelly.

1827    July 3, Hugh Boyles and Elizabeth King.

1829    August 20, Ellis Bryan and Sarah Rogers.

1830    August 30, John Boyles and Avis King.

1831    November 10, William Brown and Mary Clark.

1834    October, Joseph Bryan and Anne Witherton.

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1820    July 4, Samuel Clark and Elizabeth Lambert.

1828    February 3, Isaac Craven and Martha Jane Hill.

1818    December 10, Daniel Dugan and Rachel Craft.

1831    October 27, Owen Donnelly and Mary Snell.

1834    December 6, Edmond Grover and Aurelia Bruner.

1809    September 26, Jonathan Hoagland and Rachel Patterson.

1818    October 5, Samuel Hoagland and Lucy Parkhurst; Joseph Hoagland and Susanna Henderson.

1822    July 1, Charles Howlett and Martha Craft.

1826    October 23, Wm. Huckell and Sarah Eldred.

1827    October 18, David Hamilton and Hannah Hoagland.

1829    September 17, John Huckell and Eleanor Little.

1832    November 15, Joseph Hoagland and Susanna Henderson
[Editor's Note: This entry is an apparent duplicate of the prior entry above on October 5 of this year.]

1843    November, John Handlin and Rachel West.

1834    May 5, Archelas Luce and Martha Battin.

1811    January 27, Thomas Molyneux and Hannah Rogers.

1817    December 21, James Molyneux and Amanda Molyneux.

1833    April 4, John Maynard and Mary Hoagland.

1834    January 23, Samuel Norton and Catharine Ann Bryan.

1820    September 12, Thomas Baker and Susannah Wank.

1826    November 26, Latteny D. Porter and Mahala Luce.

1810    September 29, Jonathan Rogers and Sarah Lambert.

1828    November 4, Moses Rogers and Jane Saddler.

1829    December, Richard Rowe and Ann Palmer.

1823    July 30, Anthony Snell and Sarah Underwood.

1818    June 27, Abraham Woodhaven and Priscilla Howard.

1821    February 26, Barney Williams and Abigail Luce.

1829    January 8, Josiah Warren and Sarah Jane Glidewell.

1829    January 15, Alex Williams and Ann Hoagland.

1830    June 17, John A. Warburton and Hannah Mullin.

1810.   March 3, James Youres and Dorcas Garner.

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            Forks Township, taken from Shrewsbury Township, was erected by act of the court of Lycoming County in 1833. The pioneer settlements were largely embraced within this township, and have already been given. In following up the history we come to the family of George Bird, son of Powell Bird, one of the first settlers. He was born in Norfolk, England, in 1790, and was five years old when his father settled in Forks township. In 1813 he married Sallie King, daughter of Thomas King. The children were:

            i.     Phoebe, b. 1813; m. John Fawcett.

            ii.    Powell, b. 1815.

            iii.   Mary, b. 1816; m. Thomas Norton.

            iv.   Thomas, b. 1818; d. 1819.

            v.    Esther, b. 1820; m. Richard Biddle.

            vi.   Lydia, b. 1822; m. Joseph Fawcett.

            vii.  Charles, b. 1824.

            viii. William, b. 1826; d. 1828.

            ix.   George C., b. 1829.

            x.    Ann, b. 1832; d. 1879.

            xi.   John K., b. 1837.

            Powell Bird took up land near his father, and in June, 1839, married Sarah Molyneux, daughter of Thomas Molyneux. Their children were:

            i.   Hannah; d. at the age of 20 years.

            ii.  Manoah T.

            iii. Lucy.

            iv. Mary A.; m. William Gibbs, of Bradford county.

            Charles Bird settled on lands in Forks township, and in 1847 married Harriet Molyneux, daughter of Thomas Molyneux. Their children were:

            i.   Oliver.

            ii.  Ruth; m. George Rinebold.

            iii. William.

            iv. Adaline; m. James Farrell.

            v.  Angeline; m. Lewis McCarty.

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            George C. Bird married Harriet Kaye and resides in Elkland township. Their children were:

            i.   Alma; m. W.E. Miller.

            ii.  Mary; m. George Birdsall.

            iii. Ulysses.

            iv. Jennie; m. John Rogers.

            v.  Nellie.

            vi. Dora.

            John K. Bird, the youngest son, married Carried Yonkin, daughter of Peter Yonkin. Their children were:

            i.   Lincoln.

            ii.  Fanny.

            iii. Willard.

            iv. Arthur.

            v.   John.

            vi. Ethel.

            Mr. Bird is a worthy representative of his ancestry, He is a successful farmer and is noted for introducing improved machinery in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of the original Bird homestead.

            The descendants of William Molyneux are among the most numerous of any family as well as the largest property owners in the township. John Molyneux, the eldest son, was born in England, April 30, 1786. He married Martha Sadler, June, 1823. Their children were:

            i.    Mary; m. Reuben Rogers.

            ii.   William.

            iii.  Thomas.

            iv.   Samuel; supposed to have been killed in battle at Gettysburg.

            v.    Helen M.; m. Samuel H. Birdsall.

            vi.   Jane; m. George H. Luke.

            vii.  Eliza-Ann; m. Joseph Pardoe.

            viii. Martha.

            Mr. Molyneux from the time of his arrival in this country lived upon the farm adjoining his father where he accumulated considerable property, which he left to his descendants, having one of the best farms in the county. He is remembered well by the writer. He lived in the enjoyment of the respect of all who knew him. He died in 1861; his wife surviving him about ten years. His sons William and Thomas were among the most prominent business men of this county.

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            Thomas Molyneux married Sarah Little. They had no children. William and Thomas became partners in extensive lumber business in connection with their farms at Millview. The relation of the brothers was in every way a happy one and gave both confidence and pleasure to all who were associated with them. Thomas died in October, 1880, and from that time 1891, the business interests of Millview were largely in the hands of William Molyneux. From boyhood he had been entrusted by his father with extensive business interests. His time and means were freely given to forward all measures that he believed would benefit society. His death occurred in December 1891.

            Edward Molyneux, the second son, was born in England in April, 1789. He joined his father in America in 1811 and married Rebecca Bird in July, 1814. Their children were:

            i.     John.

            ii.    James.

            iii.   Mary; m. Joseph W. Pardoe.

            iv.   Lydia; m. Jonas Bedford.

            v.    Margaret, m. Thomas Pardoe.

            vi.   George.

            vii.  David.

            viii. Jesse.

            ix.   Esther-Ellen; m. Vincent Woodhead.

            x.    Ann; m. Abram Vough.

            xi.   Joel L.

            xii.  Sarah; m. first John P. McCarty; secondly, Daniel Waters.

            xiii. Nelson; d. at the age of 10 years.

            Edward Molyneux took up lands near has father and by industry and good management became the owner of one of the best farms in the township at the time of the organization. His death occurred March, 1872, and that of his widow in 1882.

            John Molyneux, oldest son of Edward, married Hannah Heverly. Their children were:

            i.     Albert.

            ii.    Wesley N.

            iii.   Charles S.

            iv.    Lydia R.

            v.    Theodosia A.

            vi.   Emily J.

            vii.  Ellen E.

            viii. Cyrus H.

            ix.    Oscar.

            x.    Fanny J.

            xi.   Tinney M.

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            John Molyneux settled on lands in Forks township and subsequently removed to Overton, Bradford county. This family by intermarriage is connected with the Warburtons, Peckhams, Shermans and Tomkinsons, now residing in this county and adjacent townships in Bradford county.

            James Molyneux, the second son of Edward, married Esther Tomlinson. Their children were:

            i.     Watson F.

            ii.    Edward-Thomas.

            iii.   Mary-Rebecca.

            iv.   Georgeanna-E.

            v.    Margaret-Ann.

            vi.   Jabez-Moss.

            vii.  Clara-Adelaide.

            viii. Frank-Lincoln.

            ix.   Joseph-Solomon.

            x.    Charles-E.

            xi.   George-F.

            James Molyneux first made his home in the township, but afterwards moved to Overton. His family intermarried with the Frears, McCartys, Rowes, Warburtons, Matthews, Pardoes, Mortons and Bedfords, a large number of whom are settled in the West, but are still well represented in the county.

            George Molyneux, the third son of Edward, married Permillia Travis. Their children were:

            i.   Clinton.

            ii.  Barton.

            iii. Alida May.

            His death occurred in 1866. None of this family now reside in the county.

            David Molyneux, the fourth son of Edward, married first, Hannah Norton, in 1863; her death occurred March, 1877. Their children were:

            i.   William-Manley.

            ii.  Oscar-Norton.

            iii. Frank.

            iv. Herbert L.

            v.  Carl B.; d. May 8, 1877.

            David Molyneux married Elizabeth Webster, for second wife, February, 1879. Their children were:

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            vi.   Hattie F.

            vii.  Hartley C.

            viii. Dean-Webster.

            Mr. Molyneux possesses his father’s farm, and is one of the most active and enterprising citizens of the township. He is prominently identified with the business and religious interests of the county, and has for many years been one of the leaders in the management of the County Agricultural Society.

            Jesse Molyneux, the fifth son of Edward, moved to Michigan; married Philean Roberts. Their children were:

            i.  Lloyd-Anson.

            ii. Laura-Jeanette.

            Joel L. Molyneux, the sixth son of Edward, married Elvira McCarty in December, 1865. Their children were:

            i.     Martha; d. s.p.

            ii.    Mary-Alice.

            iii.   Rosa-Adele.

            iv.   John-Robert.

            v.    Charles-Ross; d. s.p.

            vi.   David-Silas.

            vii.  Wardner K.

            viii. Winifred.

            Mr. Molyneux, like his brother, is a successful farmer in Forks township. He did efficient service in the army during the years of the Rebellion and is identified in all the means intended to help the soldiers or their families.

            Thomas Molyneux, son of William, married Hannah Rogers, daughter of Samuel Rogers. Their children were:

            i.     Joseph.

            ii.    Henry.

            iii.   Margaret; m. Charles Snell.

            iv.   Sarah P.; m. Powell Bird.

            v.    Rachel; m. Stephen D. Goff.

            vi.   Harriet; m. Charles Bird.

            vii.  Enoch.

            viii. Amanda; m. Marshall E. Tallman.

            ix.   Lucinda; m. Stephen D. Goff.

            Thomas Molyneux early engaged in lumbering at a point near Millview, and later

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he and his son Joseph erected and ran a grist mill for a number of years. The freshet of 1850 destroyed the mill property and he with most of his family went to the West. He died in Wisconsin in February, 1861. His descendants that remain in the county are those of his daughters, who married Powell and Charles Bird.

            William Lambert early joined the Loyalsock colony and settled near the Molyneux and Bird families. The first record we have of him is found in Sutcliffe’s Travels, under date of December 16, 1805. He says: “This day I saw a family by the name of Lambert from Darby, England, who I understand are likely to do well.” From other sources we learn that Mr. Lambert was a millwright and owned the first grist mill at Millview. Members of his family have already been mentioned in connection with lumbering on the Loyalsock. Some of the family have always lived within the township. His son, William, a prominent farmer, died in April, 1887, and the property is now owned by his grandson, George W. Lambert. A daughter married Geoffrey Clark, whose descendants reside in the township. Another married John Rogers.

            Soon after the settlement of the Lamberts was that of the Littles. Most of the families settled near Lewis Lake (Eagles Mere) about 1803. They first contracted for 3,000 acres of land adjacent to that of George Lewis, but upon making the survey it was found that the quantity not already disposed of in that locality fell short of the 3,000 acres and they were induced by Mr. Priestley to take a tract of 400 acres about one mile below the present site of Forksville. On this land Theophilus Little, Jr., settled He married Elizabeth, daughter of John G. Holmes, in January, 1809. Their children were:

            i.     Mariah.