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ANO
'iHoNa,
i
STATE-BOOK
OF
PENNSYLYANIA,
CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT
OF THE
©coigraplju, ^istorg, ©ouernment, Hesources, anh Noteb
(Hiti^ens of tl)c State ;
WITH
A MAP OF THE STATE AND OF EACH COUNTY.
FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES.
BY THOMAS H. BURROWES.
PHILADELPHIA :
URIAH HUNT & SON, 44 N. rOTIKTH tST. : \ ■
PITTSBURG: LUKE LOOMIS, ' '
AND BOOKSELLERS GENERALLY TUROIJ Gif\, O V't THE sil A'T E.
18 4 6,
i
\
V-
THENEV^.' YORK'
PUBLIC L1BRARY|
tIdEN FOUN0ATlOf«S.
E>TERED according to act of Congress, in the year 1846, by
T. H. BURROWES,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania.
■TK&EOTrPF.n BT L. J0II.V80IC & CO.
nilt.ADF.LrHIA.
PXIJITKD BT J. TAlf COURT.
\
PKEFACE.
A BOOK calculated to impart to our youth a full and accurate know
ledge of their own state, has long been deemed necessary. Whether this
will supply the want, experience alone can determine.
Consisting, as it almost wholly does, of a description of things, and a
statement of facts, there is no room for invention and little for novelty in
its composition. In the scope and arrangement of its materials, however,
a considerable departure from the beaten track will be discovered.
The counties are not treated in alphabetical order, but in classes, accord-
ing to their form of surface, productions, and historical relation. The
strongly marked distinctive features of each group suggested this idea ;
and a desire to aid the learner by a rational and easily remembered divi-
sion of the subject of study induced its adoption. To carry out the design,
a small state map, in addition to the separate county maps, has been con-
structed with the classes of counties marked upon it. The advantage of
the change must be very small, if it do not compensate the learner for the
loss of that easiness of reference, which is the only sound reason that can
be urged in favour of the alphabetical arrangement.
Should the book succeed, it is designed to keep it up with the changes
that are continually occurring in the state, by regular periodical revisions.
These v^dll also afford an opportunity for correcting any errors that may
have found their way into this edition. Notices of such errors will at all
times be thankfully received by
The Author.
Lancaster, July, 1846.
i
TO TEACHERS.
This book is intended to suit different classes of pupils, and both modes
of study — that of conimitting the words to memory, as well as that of
merely impressing their substance on the mmd.
Young pupils should commit so much of the first eight and of the last
three di\'isions of the introductory matter, as is in large type, together with
the first seven paragraphs of the descriptive matter of each of the counties.
These altogether constitute about forty pages.
More advanced classes should learn all the parts in large type, forming
about ninety pages.
The portion in smaller type is not intended to be committed to memory
at all, but to be carefully studied by the most advanced classes. Or, it
may be profitably used once or twice a week as a reading exercise.
But, whether conmiittcd to memory, carefully studied, or merely read
in class, the use of the questioyis at the foot of each page is in all cases
reconuncndcd. In committing to memory, they will cause the mind to act
— in studying, they will give the learner a standard by which Ms own
proficiency may be ascertained — and even in reading, the knowledge that
an examination is to follow, will fix the attention and improve the mind.
The county maps require no remark. The state Tnap is merely a skele-
ton, designed, 1. To exhibit to the eye the seven classes of counties ; and
2. To ascertain the pujtil's knowledge of the resj)ective counties by caus-
ing him to i>oint them out with their county-seats, mountains, and streams,
the names of all which have been for this purpose omitted.
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
Index and Synopsis of the Counties ------ g
I. Situation and Extent of the State - - - 9
II. Mountains --------IQ
III. KivERS and Lakes ------- 13
IV. Soil 15
V. Cltxate -..-.--- 17
VI. History ---------20
VII. Population ---.---- 27
VIII. Government - - - - - - - -31
IX. Defence -------- 37
X. Education - __----- 40
XI. Religion -------- 42
XII. Charitable Institutions ----- 44
XIII. Prisons 46
XIV. Property and Productions ----- 48
XV. Animals --------- 50
XVI. Agriculture --------54
XVII. Manufactures - - - - - - - .60
XVIII. Commerce 63
XIX. Public Improvements - - - - - - 68
XX. Towns 71
XXI. Counties and Townships ----- 73
XXII. Natural Divisions — General Remarks on the Seven Classes 74
First Class, or South-Eastern Counties - - - 94
Second Class, or Cumberland Valley Counties - - 140
Third Class, or Anthracite Mountain Counties - - 168
Fourth Class, or Iron Mountain Counties - - - 193
Fifth Class, or Bituminous Mountain Counties - - 227
Sixth Class, or Western Counties - - - - 241
Seventh Class, or Northern Line Counties - - 289
(;^ To find the pages of the counties, see the first column of the table
on the next page.
' 7
INDEX AND SYNOPSIS OF THE COUNTIES.
137
2S«
266
283
203
U7
206
298
117
280
230
173
213
113
272
233
236
219
277
160
154
109
238
311
241
164
245
203
283
269
197
125
151
144
184
222
306
286
199
176
121
140
IW
193
94
28U
303
168
227
295
SOI
216
274
308
248
292
253
190
IS3
NAVK8
or
COUMTIXS.
AJams .
Alle^heoy
Aniislroog
Beaver
Bedford
Berks
Blair .
Bradford
Burks
Butler
Cambria
Carton
CcDlre
Cbesler
Clarion
Clearfield
Clinton .
Columbia
Crawford
Cumberland
Dauphin. •
Delaware
Elk . .
Erie . .
Fayette .
Franklin
Greene .
Huntingdon
Indiana .
Jedienon
Juniata .
Lancaster
Lebanon .
Lehleh .
Luzerne .
LvcoDiing
M-Eeao .
Mercer •
Mifflin .
Monroe .
riaod
rerty
Philadelphia
Pike . . .
Potter . .
Schu)lkill .
Sonicrset
SusqurLanna
TiiHta . .
I'ninn . .
Wnanp) . .
Warrrn . .
Wa»hinflon
Wayne . .
Wrstmorelaad
Wyomioc .
Tork . . .
< 9
1800
1788
1800
1800
1771
1752
1846
1810
16^2
ISOO
IS04
1843
1800
I6.S2
1S39
IK)4
1^39
1813
1800
1750
1785
1789
1843
1800
1783
ITO6
1787
IK)3
530
750
625
650
1300
920
650
1170
600
780
670
400
1000
740
600
1200
1030
575
975
550
530
ISO
800
720
800
740
600
730
775
1804 I 930
1831 I 350
1729 950
18131 300
1-121 350
1786, 1400
1795 I 1500
l'<M
18^0
1789
1836
1784
1752
I7T2
IS-20
it;82
IHI4
1801
1811
I7ai
1810
1804
1811
1800
1800
1781
1798
1773
1842
1749
1100
775
370
600
450
370
600
540
120
600
1100
750
1050
800
1100
650
850
800
850
700
1000
400
925
< z
p. c*
2h
23,044
8 1, -235
19,500
29,368
25,089
64,569
20,250
32,769
48.107
22,378
11,2-6
7,500
20,1 M
67,515
9,500
7,834
8,323
24,267
31,724
30,953
30.118
19.791
2,000
31,344
33,574
37.793
19,147
19,481
20,782
7,253
11,080
84,203
21,872
25,787
33,000
22,649
2,500
32,873
13.092
9.i"'70
47,241
34.000
20.027
I7,09<J
258.037
3.832
3;ni
29,053
19,650
21,195
15.498
22,787
14,600
9,278
41,279
11.848
42,699
8,500
47,010
PRCP«R-
TV IN
1S45.
4,339,531
14,669,025
1,618,800
4,073,824
3,050,000
19,874,816
3,440,000
3,075,784
14.703.067
2,361,289
770,587
1,291,319
4,980,213
18,655.7.=i3
1,294.796
798.329
1,588,628
4,260,914
2.881,388
9,092,674
8,197,491
7,264,721
367,910
3,428,588
4,304,034
11,600,143
2.191.592
4,9T3.0to
2,142,176
821,298
2,498,930
27,561.973
7.237,>63
8,367.110
4.S25.081
3,787,874
502.643
3,733,742
3.827.454
1,422.309
14.298,100
12,00.1,718
4,035,605
2,895,758
I16.9^5,697
670,403
.582,621
6,943,678
2,370.078
2,141.095
1,394,449
6,235,053
1,109,403
915,739
7,172.092
1, 1 66,790
6,312,068
877,782
9,310,100
OODKTT
TOWNS.
Gtllysburg .
Pittsburg . .
Kittannins .
i Braver . .
Bedford . .
Heading . .
Hollidaysburg
Towauda . .
Dovlestown .
Builer . . .
Ebembur^ .
Mauch Chunk
Bellefonle
West Chester
Clarion . .
Clearfield. .
Lock HaTeo .
I Danville . .
Meadville
I Carlisle . .
I Harrisburg .
Cbeiier . .
Ridgway . .
Lne . . .
Uniontown .
Chaint>ersburg
W.iynesbure .
Huntingdon .
Indiana
Bronkville .
Mifflinlown .
LAccaster . .
Lebanon . .
Allenlon-n .
Wilkejbarre.
Willianisport
Smrthport .
Mercer . .
I.«n-istown .
Stroud-.burg .
Norrislown .
Raston . . .
Sunbury • .
RIooninrld ,
I'hiladelpbU.
Milford . .
Couder»port .
Urwigvburg .
Somenet . .
Monlro»e . ,
Well. bo rough
New Berlin .
Franklin . .
Warren . .
Wanhinglon .
Hooesdale
Greensburg .
Tiinkliuinock
York . • .
KXARZST
BTRXAM.
Rock creek .
Ohio . . , .
Allegheny . .
Ohio ....
IU)s Town B.
Schuylkill . .
Juniata . . .
North Branch
Nejhaminy
Conequeuessing
Black Lick .
Lehieh . . ,
Bald Eagle c. .
Brandywioe .
Clarion . . .
West Branch .
West Branch .
North Branch
French creek .
Conedoguioet .
Susquehanna .
Delaware . .
Clarion . . .
Ijke Erie . .
Redstone creek
Conecnchf^pue
Ten Mile creek
Juniata , .
TwoLifk creek
Red Bank . .
Juniata . . .
Conestoga . ,
Quilajiabilla .
Lehieh . . .
North Branch
West Branch .
Potato creek .
Neshaonock .
Juniata . . ,
Brodhcad's c .
Schuylkill. .
Delaware . ,
Susquehanna .
IJltle Juniata c
Delaware . .
Driaware . .
Allegheny . .
Schuylkill . .
Coi's creek .
Wya' using. .
Pine creek . .
I'enn's creek .
Allritlieny . ,
Allefcheny . .
Charlie's creek
(..ackawaiin .
Sewickly . .
North Branch
Codorui . .
<2
2h
1,908
21,115
702
55!
I,(H2
8,410
1,896
912
906
861
353
1,200
1,032
2,152
60"
300
600
1,000
1,319
4,351
5,9S0
1,000
200
3,412
1,710
3,2.'?9
500
1,145
674
276
420
8.417
I,s60
2,493
1,718
1,353
400
781
2,058
407
2.937
4.865
1,108
412
93,665
400
400
779
638
632
3C9
679
695
737
2,062
1,086
SOO
30C
4,779
i' * 5 2
■« o ; eS
f- S ti D
36 S.
200 W.
186 W.
230 W.
102 W.
52 E.
I15N.W,
163 N.
100 E.
205 W.
134 W.
99 N. E.
85 N.W.
71 E.
IS7 N.W.
127 N.W.
118 N.W.
68 N.
237 N.W.
18 W.
100 S. E.
150 N.W.
275 N.W/
184 S.W
48 S. W.
222 S. W.
90 N.W.
150 N.W.
167 N.W.
43 N.W.
36 S. £.
25 E.
87 N. E.
115N. E.
96 N.
210 N.W.
238 N.W.
55 N.W.
130 N. E.
90 E.
105 N. E.
52 N.
25 N.W.
IIOOE.
160 N. E.
175 N.W.
I 62 N. E.
I 139 W.
169 N. E.
145 N.
60 N.
213 N.W.
'2>0N.W.
210 W.
160 N. E.
|I70 W.
146 N. E.
24 S.
8
STATE-BOOK
OP
PENNSYLVANIA.
T. SITUATION AND EXTENT.
1. Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America,
lies between 39 degrees 42 minutes, and 42 degrees
15 minutes, north latitude ; and 2 degrees 18 minutes
east, and 3 degrees 32 minutes west longitude from
Washington.
2. It IS bounded on the east by New Jersey and New
York ; north by New York ; w^est by Lake Erie, Ohio,
and Virginia; and south by Virginia, Maryland, and
Delaware.
3. Its shape is a regular oblong ; its length is 310 miles ;
its breadth is 160 miles ; and its entire area about 47,000
square miles, or 30,000,000 of acres of land.
4. Its seat of government is Harrishurg^ and its chief
commercial cities are Philadelphia and Pittsburg.
5. The word Pennsylvania is composed of the name of Penn,
the founder of the state, and the Latin word si/lva, which means a
wood or forest, to which are added the letters nia, a termination
used in Latin to show that the word of which they form part is the
name of a land, or country. The whole, therefore, means Penn's
Forest country, a term quite applicable to its appearance when
granted to William Penn, in 1681, by King^ Charles the Second of
Xin gland.
6. A State, in our sense of the word, is a member of the great
North American Union, with all the rights and powers of a sove-
1. What is the latitude and longi-
tude of Pennsylvania ?
2. How is it bounded?
3. What is its shape, length,
breadth, and area?
4. Name its chief towns.
5. What is the origin of the word
Pennsylvania ?
6. What is a State ?
10
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
reign and independent nation, except such as have been intrusted
to the g-eneral government of the Union for the protection and benefit
of all the states united.
7. The powers thus transferred are chiefly those that relate to war
and peace ; intercourse and commerce with foreign nations ; coin-
ing money ; post-offices ; naturalization of foreigners ; patenting
new inventions, &c.
8. The original thirteen states of the Union were generally
divided into the Eastern,, or New England states; the Middle states;
and the Southern states. Under this distribution, Pennsylvania
was really a Middle state. But, owing to the immense extension
of the Union that has since taken place to the west and south,
she is not now actually a middle state, though still so called. To_
indicate the new states, formed in the west since the Revolution, a
fourth class or division has been added, called the Western states.
Those that have been created on the extreme south are still classed
with the Southern states.
9. From her original middle position, having six of the old states
on each side of her ; from the fact, that, in a geographical point of
view, she really connected those portions together, her south-east-
ern corner being washed by the tide-waters of the Atlantic, and
her north-western by Lake Erie, which separates that part of the
Union from Canada; and from her devotion to the preservation
of the Union of the states, which has always been conspicuous and
eflfective, she early acquired the name of the Keystone state, as
being the point on which rests the weight, and by which is pre-
served the safety of the federal arch.
10. Let it be the duty as well as the pride of her children, to
retain for her this proud appellation.
II. MOUNTAINS.
1. The chief mountains of Pennsylvania are the Mp-paU
a'chian chain, more commonly called the Al-le-gher^ ics .
2. They enter the middle of the state, from Virginia
and Maryland on the south, principally in Bedford and
Somerset counties; and running, first, in a northerly direc-
tion with close regular ranges, then spread out with a wide
sweep towards the north-east.
3. As they approach the north, their ranges become de-
7. ^Vhat are theporvers transferred
to the United States ?
8. What are the divisions of the
States, and to which does Pennsyl-
vania belong ?
9. What is Pennsylvania called,
and why ?
10. What is the duty of her sons ?
1. Which are the chief mountains
of Pennsylvania ?
2. What is their situation and di-
rection ?
3. What change do they undergo
as they approach the north ?
MOUNTAINS.
11
pressed in height, and more scattered from each other, are
finally broken into large irregular hills in the northern tier
of counties, and wholly disappear in the adjacent counties
of New York.
4. Some of their ranges that tend to the north-east tra-
verse the states of New Jersey and New York, and either
strike the Atlantic coast in New Jersey, or cross the Hud-
son into New England.
5. Their height varies from 1500 to 2500 feet above the
level of the Atlantic.
6. The several mountains composing this chain are
known by various names in different parts of the state.
These will be stated in describing the respective counties.
7. The intervening valleys of the Al-le-ghen'ies are, in
the south and east, deep and narrow, but many of them in
the middle and north are broad and fertile.
8. The South Mountain lies on the south-east of the Al-
le-ghen'ies, and about tw-enty miles from their exterior
ridge, wdiich is called the Kit-ta-tin'ny mountain, and
sometimes the JYorth and sometimes the Blue mountain ;
It follows the general course of the Kittatinny, from the
Maryland to the New Jersey line, forming the south-east
boundary of the great Cumberland valley.
9. The mountainous portion of Pennsylvania forms fully
one-third of its whole area, or 16,000 square miles. One-
half of the remainder is of a hilly, or broken character, and
the other has a gently rolling surface. Little of the state
is perfectly level land.
10. Though the Ap-pal-a'chian chain chiefly terminates towards the
north, within this state, it extends southwardly to a great distance,
having its southern termination in Alabama. In fact, it forms the
eastern boundary of the great vallei/ nf the Mississippi.^ the western
being composed of the Rocky Mountains.
11. It is not to be understood that the whole of the mountainous
portion of Pennsylvania is unfit for cultivation. On the contrary,
some of our finest valleys and most productive lands are embraced
4. What is remarked of those that
tend to the north-east ?
5. What is their general height ?
6. Are they known by various
names ?
7. What is said of the valleys ?
8. Describe the South Mountain.
9. What proportion of the state is
mountainous, hilly, and roUing?
10. What is said of the whole Ap-
palachian chain ?
1 1 . How much of the state is wholly
mountainous ?
12
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
in this region. Probably, therefore, not more than one-sixth of the
state, if so much, is wholly unfit for the purposes of aCTriculture.
12. Nor is it to be supposed that the most barren ridg-es, over
which a plough will never pass, are valueless. Providence has
wisely and kindly formed them differently. Many of them contain,
within their rugged bosoms, immense and most valuable deposits
of coal, iron, and limestone. They are clothed with forests of all
the kinds of timber useful in the arts. They are penetrated in every
direction by rivers and streams, which may be used either to pro-
pel machinery, or convey to market the minerals and lumber found
on their banks. And, as has just been stated, these streams traverse
some of the most fertile valle3'^s in the state.
13. When all these advantages are taken in view, it is only rea-
sonable to conclude, that, in a few years, the mountainous part of
Pennsylvania will contain a population equal in number and pros-
perity to that of any portion of the state.
14. The scenery of many parts of the mountainous portion of the
state, particularly where the mountain ranges are either cut through,
or skirted b}" large streams, is of a character for grandeur, wildness,
variety, and beaut)'-, rarely surpassed. Many of our citizens are in
the habit of making long journeys into other parts of the Union, or
even to foreign countries, for the sole purpose of beholding their
boasted landscapes, without suspecting- that within the bounds of
their own Commonwealth, there may be views worth a visit.
15. In this particular, as in every other, it is a good rule to inform
ourselves thoroughly in all that relates to our native country, before we
travel into foreiorn lands to become acquainted with their appearance
or condition. The American tourist along the Rhine or in Egypt,
who is unable to describe to an intelligent foreigner his own Nia-
gara, or Mississippi, or White Mountains, much less the resources
and institutions of his own state and the Union, will be set down,
at once, either as deficient in love of country, or as having com-
menced his travels without due preparation.
16. The whole scenery along the Juniata — many noble and com-
mandinjr views from the summits of the Alleghcnies — the numerous
rich landscapes in Cumberland Valley, from various points on the
Xittatinny — those presented by Wyoming Valley from the sur-
rounding mountains — the Delaware and Lehigh Water Gaps — the
scenery below Clark's Ferry and about Northumberland on the
Susquehanna, with very many others that might be named, would
justify a journey by a Pennsylvanian, without detracting in the least
from his reputation for good taste or right feeling.
12. Are the mountains valueless ?
13. Wliat may be expected in a few
years ?
14. IVhat is said of our scenery ?
15. IVhat is a good rule for tra-
vellers ?
16. Name some views in Pennsyl-
vania worth visitins.
RIVERS AND LAKES.
13
View of the Susquehanna River at Northumberland,
III. RIVERS AND LAKES.
1. The chief rivers of Pennsylvania all rise in the Al-
le-ghen'y mountains, and therefore possess the qualities of
mountain streams, being rapid in their descent, liable to
sudden changes of high and low water, and only per-
manently navigable for a short distance near their
mouths.
2. Those of the first class are the Del'a-ware in the
east ; the Sus-que-han'na in the middle ; and the Al-le-
ghen'y and Mon-on-ga-he'la, forming the 0-hi^o, in the
west.
3. The second class are the Schuylkill and Le'high, fall-
ing into the DeFa-ware ; the Ti-o'ga, West-branchy and Ju-
ni-atfa, into the Sus-que-han^na ; and the French-creek, Clar'-
i-ouj Kis-ke-min-e'tas, Yough-io-ghen'y, and Beaver, tribu-
taries of the Ohio.
4. The third class, sometimes called rivers and some-
1. What is the general character
of the Pennsylvania rivers ?
2. Name those of the Jirst class.
3. Of the second.
14
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
times creeks, are the Lack-aw-a' xen and Brandywine, in the
east; Con-es-to'ga^ Con-e-wa'ga^ Con-e-co-cheugue! ^ and
CastlemarPs^ in the south ; Ma-ha-noi/, PenrCs-creek, Con-
ed-O'guin'et, Rays town-branch, Loy-al-han'na, and Con-e-
maugh'j in the middle; Lack-aw-an'na, Tunk-han'nock,
Pine-creek, and Sin-ne-ma-hrMiing in the north; and She-
nan' go, Red-hank, and Ma-ho'ning, in the west.
5. In addition to these, there are a great number of
smaller streams or creeks, and large springs; Pennsylvania
being a remarkably well watered state.
6. The lakes are few and small. Con'ne-aut, in Craw-
ford county, is the largest lake entirely embraced in the
state. In the north-eastern corner of it there are numerous
and beautiful small bodies of standing water called Ponds.
7. Lake Erie, which forms a small portion of the north-
west boundary of Pennsylvania, is 200 miles long, and 50
broad.
8. The regret is often heard, that the rivers of Pennsylvania are
not permanently navig-able. But, like all other complaints against
the works of Providence, this objection, when candidly examined,
is without foundation. For, let it be borne in mind, that though
the gentle streams of New York or Ohio present a long course of
navi^ble waters from their mouths to their sources, yet, that those
sources are far below the rich mineral regions from which our
mountain torrents leap ; and though difficult of ascent, that our
streams have, by the hand of enterprise and industry, been converted
into the easy means of transmitting down to the level plains of the
sister states, the inexhaustible and indispensable riches found amidst
their wild fountain heads.
9. The widely distant points, also, at which the rivers of Penn-
sylvania empty into the ocean, present another proof that she was
designed to be the great mineral storehouse of this part of the
continent.
10. From one of her counties, (Potter,) waters flow into the Gulf
of St. Law-rence, Ches-a-peake' bay, and the Gulf of Mexico; and
from nearly all those that border on the great Al-le-ghen'y moun-
tain, considerable streams fall into the two latter.
11. When it is further remembered, that twice each year nearly
Schuylkill, pronounced Skool'kill; Conewaga, Con-nch-wau' geh; Cone-
cocheague, Con-neh-co-jig' ; Mahanoy, 3[aw-haw-noy' .
4. Of the third.
5. Is Pennsylvania well watered?
6. What is said of the Lakes ?
7. Of Lake Erie ?
8. What regret is heard ? Is it
well founded?
9. Why may Pennsylvania he
called the mini ral storehouse ?
10. IVhat is said of Potter and
of the Allegheny counties?
SOIL.
15
all our streams are navigable for descending craft, and that the few
articles which are required to be taken up for the use of the moun-
tain counties, are of light freight in comparison with those sent
down, the objection that our streams are not permanently navigable,
disappears before the numerous other advantages of our position.
12. Most of the streams of Pennsylvania retain their original
beautiful Indian names, and it is to be regretted that all do not.
The Del'a-ware, which took its present name from Lord Delawar,
a British nobleman, who was one of the early governors of Vir-
ginia, was called Mac-ker-is-kif! tan by the Indians. Man'a-yunk
was the name by which they knew the Schuylkill. Its present
name was given by the Hollanders, and is said to mean " the
Hidden River," its mouth not being visible to persons ascending
the Delaware.
IV. SOIL.
1. The soil of Pennsylvania varies with the rocks which
compose its surface ; the greater portion of the substance
of all soil being formed of pulverized rock.
2. In the limestone valleys and alluvial flats, it is equal
to any in point of fertility. These prevail in the south-
east, among the mountains of the middle counties, and in
the west.
3. Where red-shale^ slate^ and some kinds of sandstone
occur, the soil is only tolerably productive in its natural
state, but is susceptible of great and permanent improve-
ment by means of judicious farming. These form a large
portion of the surface in every quarter of the state.
4. The soil of the mountains themselves is of little value
for agriculture, except as pasture ranges. For this pur-
pose much of it will, no doubt, hereafter become useful
and profitable.
5. Some of the most valuable improvements in modern agricul-
tare proceed from the discovery, that all plants do not exhaust from
the soil, in which they grow, the same ingredients or component
parts of it ; and that no two plants of a different kind abstract the
same proportion of each ingredient.
11. What of the ascending and de-
scendins freight ?
12. What of the names of the riversl
1. Of what does the greater por-
tion of soil consist ?
2. Where do hmestone and allu-
vial soil occur ?
3. What is said of red-shale, slate,
and sandstone ?
4. What is said of the moun-
tains ?
5. What valuable discovery has
been made in relation to soils ?
16
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
6. Hence, beyond all question, it is established: 1st. That every
kind of soil is, in its natural state, fitted for the production of some
one or other of the thousand plants that cover the earth; and
2d. That the addition to it, by human labour, of those inffrcdients
or substances of wliich any soil is deficient, will fit it for the pro-
duction of the plants that require those ino^cdients.
7. Careful examination has also shown that silicious or flinty
matter not only constitutes a large portion of all soils, but also the
largest ingredient in the composition of or//.y, trkeaf, Lulian corn^
rye and barley. It also demonstrates that cerfciin other substances,
of which LIME is always one, are contained in these and other
plants, a very large portion of it entering into the composition of
clover and corn.
8. From these facts, it follows that the addition of lime to soils
from which it is naturally absent, must confer upon them the power
to produce those useful plants, especially corn and clover, so far as
unproductiveness of them was caused by its absence.
9. The same may be said of potash, soda, magnesia, and certain
acids, all of which are ingredients in most of the useful plants.
10. In this view of our soils, the presence of limestone in large
quantities, in any county, is second in value to that of no other
mineral ; not even excepting coal or iron.
11. For, as the productions of the farmer are indispensable to per-
sons in every business, and as the proper application of lime to the
sgils of Penns)'lvania, which are destitute of it, will convert them
into fruitful asrricultural districts, the value of limestone must be
beyond that of any other mineral we possess.
12. Nor does this good effect alone follow the addition of lime,
or any other single substance of which a soil happens to be deficient.
The mixture of entire soils with each other often has the same result.
For instance, the carting of a certain proportion of the surface of
rich boggy or bottom land upon upland, or the reverse; the addition
of pure sand to stiff clay fields ; or the application of any other soil
to one of an entirely dissimilar character, has generally the same
beneficial effect.
13. In all these cases, the applied soil being dissimilar from that
to which it is added, the chances are, even without the certainty of
a scientific analysis, that productive substiinces have been obtiiined,
and consequently that ])roductiveness will be increased.
14. In this way there is great truth in the remark, that in the
hands of a judicious farmer, almost every farm confciins within its
limits the means of its own fertilization.
6. lilint conclnsioiis have followed
from it ?
7. What is said of wheat, other
grains, and clover ?
8. What of lime f
9. IMial is said of potash, soda,
magnesia, and acids ?
10. What of the value of lime-
stone ?
11. Why?
12. Wiat is said of entire soils ?
13. Why?
14. What remark is thus proved
true ?
CLIMATE.
17
V. CLIMATE.
1. The climate of Pennsylvania, which means the state
and influence of the weather during all the seasons of the
year, is exceedingly variable.
2. The year is usually divided into jTowr seasons: March,
April, and May, are called Spring; June, July, and Au-
gust, Summer ; September, October, and November, jiu-
tumn or Fall; and December, January, and February,
Winter.
3. In this state, the weather of each of the seasons in
the same year is not only so very inconstant, but those of
the different years vary so much from each other, that this
distribution often seems unsuitable to our climate.
4. Sometimes the storms of Winter begin with Novem-
ber, or endure till March ; other years delightful Spring
weather commences in February, and Autumn runs into
December.
5. The Summers^ however, more nearly resemble each
other, though the weather of each is also variable. The
larger number of days are hot and clear ; but violent thun-
der gusts, heavy rains from the north-west and east, and
warm showers from the south, are common.
6. The Winters are very variable. Some years snow
covers the ground for months at a time ; and during others,
enough does not fall for sleighing. But severe and long-
continued frosts are rarely wanting.
7. The prevailing Winds of summer are from the north-
west and south-west, the former bringing clear, and the
latter cloudy weather. South and south-east winds are
generally accompanied by warm, and east and north-east
winds by cold rain.
8. North-west winds also prevail in winter, generally
with clear cold weather. Northerly and easterly winds
bring snow-storms, and those from the south mild rains.
1. What is climate?
2. Name the seasons ?
3. Are they variable ?
4. What is said of spring
autumn?
and
5. What of summer ?
6. Of winter?
7. What are the prevailing winds
of summer ?
8. Of winter?
18
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
9. Dunni^ tlie spring and fall the winds are exceed-
ingly variable, producing the same changes of weather as
in summer and winter.
10. In the northern and in the high mountain counties
the climate is more severe, but also more regular than in
the lower and southern parts of the state.
11. Snow generally continues the greater part of the
winter ; spring sets in nearly a month later, and winter as
much earlier, than in the south ; and the nights are fre-
quently cool in the midst of summer.
12. In every part of the state the greatest heat, being
about 95 degrees by the thermometer, usually occurs in
July, and the most intense coldj which is about 20 de-
grees below zero, in January.
13. The ordinary temperature of summer is about 70 de-
grees, and in winter about 30, above zero. During spring
and fall it ranges between those two points.
14. Though so fickle, and suddenly changing from such
opposite extremes, the climate of Pennsylvania is remark-
ably healthful ; the amount and kind of disease being simi-
lar to those that are common to milder climates.
15. The climate of Pennsylvania is much more severe than that
cf the countries of Europe, which lie on the same parallels of lati-
tude. Neither Portugal, Spain, Italy, nor Turkey, experience the
same deg^ree of cold in winter that we do. Even Great BriUiin and
Ireland, lying from 12 to IG degrees further north, have a milder
climate.
16. This is mainly caused by those countries being cither wholly
or nearly surrounded by the sea, which usually moderates the heats
of summer, and the cold in winter. Whereas we are not only re-
moved from the sea, but connected by land, or a chain of cold fresh-
water lakes, with the frozen regions of the north. The prevailing
northern winds in winter, sweeping from this chilly source, and
passing over the intermediate snow-clad surface, reach us with a
degree of severity unknown to similar latitudes in the Old World.
17. These causes may account for the greater degree of cold,
which we experience in winter, than our latitude demands. Our
summer heats, however, are not beyond what a similar vicinity to
9. Of spring and fall?
10. VVliat is reitiarked of the north-
ern and iiiountaiii counties ?
11. What of ihcir spring and fall,
and nichts?
12. What is the greatest heat and
cold in Pennsylvania?
13. What is the ordinary tempera-
ture?
14. Is our climate healthful ?
15. What is said of our climate J?i
comparison wilh other counUics ?
IG. Why?
CLIMATE.
19
tlie line usually produces. That the countries above named have
cooler summers, is caused by the peculiarities, just noticed, in their
position.
18. Within the century and a half elapsed since its settlement,
the climate of Pennsylvania has undergone a great change. At the
commencement of that period, and for many years after, the winters
were longer and more severe. Snow almost uniformly lay on the
ground during the greater part of December, January, and February.
Frosts occurred earlier in the fall and later in the spring. More
rain seems to have fallen throughout the year, and the summer
heats were more oppressive.
19. The change is generally attributed to the clearing of the land,
and the draining of its surface by cultivation. These causes have ,
rendered the earth drier, and have, consequently, decreased the
quantity of water, which, by evaporation, reaches the clouds; re-
turning to chill the earth in the form of snow in winter, and to keep
it almost constantly damp, in the shape of rain, in summer.
20. This amelioration of climate, or rather decrease of moisture
on the surface, will probably advance till the whole state is cleared
and cultivated. Thus far it has had the beneficial effect of improv-
ing the health of many places. Agues and other diseases produced
by extreme heat, acting on damp and decaying vegetable matter,
are now comparatively rare.
21. But as few earthly blessings are without some alloy, this
also has its inconvenience. Many springs and wells, that used to
continue throughout the year, now become dry during the latter
part of summer and fall ; their sources being deprived of a constant
supply of water by the decrease of rain and snow.
22. The most remarkable peculiarity of our climate is that suc-
cession of mild, calm, hazy weather that commonly occurs after the
first frosts in November, called " Indian summer."
23. Some say it was so named by the first settlers, who believed
that this smoky state of the air proceeded from the burning of the
woods, leaves, and dry grass by the Indians in their autumnal fire
hunts.
24. Others suppose that the name originated from the fact, that
the Indians took advantage of this lingering remains of summer to
strike their last blows on the white settlements, before the winter
rendered it difficult for them to reach their victims. If this were
its origin, then the season that is so delightful to us, must have
been one of terror to our ancestors.
17. What is said of our summers ?
18. What, change has taken place ?
19. What are the catises ?
20. Name one of its good effects,
21 . Also, one of its inconveniences .
22. What is remarkable in fall ?
23. What do some say was the ori-
gin of the name ?
24. What do others say ?
20
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Penn's Treaty with the Indians.
VI. HISTORY.
1. Before it was taken possession of by Europeans,
the territory now called Pennsylvania was occupied by
various tribes of Indians, of which the chief were the Del'-
a-wares^ Six JVations^ and Shaw-an-ee<^ .
2. In 1643, the first colony of whites was established
by the Swedes^ under Governor John Printz, They set-
tled along the western bank of the Delaware, principally,
near the mouth of the Schuylkill. They were the first
purchasers of the land from the Indians, and called it New
Sweden.
3. In 1655, the Dutch colony of New Netherlands (now
New York) subdued the Swedish colony, but permitted all
the Swedish settlers to remain.
4. In 1664, the English conquered the territory now
1. Who occupied Pennsylvania
before the Europeans ?
2, Wlicn and by whom was the
firbi while colony established ?
it?
3. When did the Dutch conquer
4. When did the English ?
HISTORY.
21
called Pennsylvania, with all the other Dutch possessions
jji North America.
5. In 1681, King Charles the Second granted Pennsyl-
vania to William Penn, and gave it the present name.
6. In 1682, Penn regularly founded the province.
7. In July, 1776, Pennsylvania became a free and inde-
pendent state by the Declaration of Independence and the
formation of a state constitution. At that time it contained
about 300,000 inhabitants.
8. In 1790, the second State Constitution was adopted.
9. In 1834, the Common School Law was passed.
10. In 1838, the thh'd and present State Constitution
was adopted.
11. The Del'a-wares, so called by the whites from the river on
whose banks they were first met, and where they chiefly resided,
were the most numerous nation in the province. They called them-
selves Len'ni Len'a-pe, or the original people. They were also
sometimes known by the name of Al-gon'quins.
12. They were divided into three chief tribes : The U-na'mis, or
turtles, the Un-a-lacht'gos^ or turkeys, and the Mon'seys, or wolves.
The two first occupied the country south-east of the Kit-ta-tin'ny,
and the last the region north of that mountain, on the upper waters
of the Delaware and Sus-que-han'na.
13. The various bands of Delawares received different names
from the whites, according to their location, as the Sus-que-han'nas,
the Con-es-to'gas^ the Nesh-a-min'ies^ the Nan-ti-cokei/ ^ ^c.
14. The Shaw-an-ees', a portion of a different nation, were settled
near Wy-o'ming, and some of them on the Ohio, below Pittsburg.
15. The celebrated Five Nations seem originally to have owned
north-western Pennsylvania. The Oi>on-da'gas^ Ca-y' u-gas^ On-ei'-
das, Sen'e-cas^ and Mo'hawks first composed this remarkable and
powerful confederacy. To these were subsequently added the Tus-
ca-ro'ras, after which they were called the Six Nations.
16. By the Delawares they were called Ming'os and Maquas, by
the French Iroquois, and by the English the Five or Six Nations.
17. Their chief residence or council-house was at On-on-da' go^
in New York, the greater part of which state belonged to them.
Onondagos pronounced On-on-daw' goes ; Iroquois, E-ro-quaw' .
5. When was it granted to Penn ?
6. When founded ?
7. When become independent ?
8. What happened in 1790 ?
9. In 1834 ?
10. In 1838 ?
1 1 . Who were the Delawares ?
12. Hov) divided ?
13. How subdivided ?
14. Who were the Shawanees ?
15. Who composed the Five Na-
tions ?
16. TVhat vaere they called ?
17. Where was their chief resi-
dence ?
22
STATE-BOOK OF PKNNSYLVANIA.
18. Sometime previous to the landincr of the Europeans, the Six
Nations are said to have conquered the Delawares. It is at least
certain, that they exercised authority over them, and that this
subjection often rendered the dealings of the colonists with tlie
Delawares complicated and difficult.
19. In 1756, Tee-dy-us'cund, the noted Delaware chief, seems to
have compelled the vSix Nations to acknowledge the independence
of his tribe ; but the claim of superiority was often afterwards
revived.
20. In 1G38, the 5'u?ec?fs purchased from the Indians the land from'
Cape Hen-lo'pen to the Falls at Trenton, along the western shore
of the Delaware.
21. In 1643, the)"^ commenced settling within the present bounds
of Pennsylvania. Their Governor, John Printz, erected a fort,
which he called New Gottemburg, and afterwards a church and a
spacious house for himself, on Tin'i-cum island, in the Delaware,
below the mouth of the Schuyl'kill.
22. Until 1655, the Swedish settlements regularly increased. In
that year they were taken by Pcler SttLyveaant, Governor of the
Dutch colony of New Netherlands, now New York.
23. Nine years afterwards, or in 1664, all the Dutch possessions
in America, including those on the Delaware, were conquered by
the English.
24. Being thus possessed of the territory by conquest from those
who had rightfully acquired the Indian title to at least a part of
it. King Charles the Second, by charter, dated March 4, 1681,
granted it to William Penn, a member of the Society of Friends,
in discharge of certain large claims due by the crown to his father,
Admiral Sir William Penn.
25. On the 24th of October, 1682, William Penn arrived at his
new province in the ship Welcome. He first landed at New Castle,
in the present state of Delaware. At this time Delaware also be-
longed to Penn, by grant from the Duke of York, the king's bro-
ther, but did not long continue connected with Pennsylvania.
26. Tlie same year he laid out Fhil-a-detphi-a, on land purchased
from three Swedish settlers; divided the province into the three
counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks ; and convened the
first legislature, which met on the 4th of December, at the town of
Chester, and completed their session in three days.
27. Early in 1683, Penn entered into treaties with the Indians
18. What is said of them with re-
gard to the Dclau:ares ?
ly. What hajrpentd in 1756 ?
20. Wlicji did the Swedes pur-
chase ?
21. When aiul where did they
settle ?
22. When and by whom were they
contjuered ?
23. When and by whom were the
Dutch conquered ?
24. When and to whom did King
Charles grant it ?
25. T^ heri did Penn first arrive ?
26. When wire Philadelphia and
the three counties laid out ?
27. What did Penn do in 1683,
a7id what was his conduct to the In-
dians ?
HISTORY.
23
for the purchase of large tracts of land west and north of Philadel-
phia, it being- his honest rule to acquire the Indian title, as well as
that of the English king.
28. In 1684, Penn sailed for England.
29. In 1691, a dispute arose between the provinces of Penns)^l-
vania and Delaware, which resulted in the formation of separate
legislatures, and the final separation of the provinces.
30. In 1699, Penn returned to the province with his family, and
found it much increased in population, prosperity, and wealth.
31. In 1701, a new charter^ or frame of government, more fully
adapted to the wants of the people, was adopted, and Penn finally
returned to England.
32. In 1718, he died at Rushcomb, in Buckinghamshire, aged
74 years. His last days were embittered by persecution and pecu-
niary distresses at home, and dissensions in his colonies.
33. On his death, Pennsylvania became the property of his sons,
John, Thomas, and Richard, by whom, or their deputies, it was
governed till the Revolution.
34. In 1723, Benjamin Franklin, then in his seventeenth year,
arrived in Philadelphia from Boston, and soon acquired an influence,
which he exercised to the benefit of the province and his own honour
during a long life.
35. The same year the first paper money was issued in the
province.
36. In 1732, Thomas Penn, and in 1734, John Penn arrived in
the province, where Thomas remained till 1741.
37. In 1739, on the breaking out of a war with Spain, the Assem-
bly refused supplies for the defence of the province, on the ground
of religious scruples. This was the beginning of a long contro-
versy between the legislature and the governors.
38. In 1744, the war between England and France put an end to
the peace that had previously existed without any interruption be-
tween the colonists and Indians. Before that melancholy era, the
prudent councils of the Friends had completely saved the province
from those Indian ravages that afterwards devastated the frontiers.
39. In 1754, by the treaty of Albany, the Six Nations conveyed
to the province a large tract of land, lying beyond the Susquehanna
28. When did he return to Eng-
land ?
29. JVken did the dispute com-
mence between Pen?isylvania and
Delaware ?
30. When did Pen7i return ?
31. TVhe7i was a new charter
granted ?
32. When and where did he die ?
33. Whose property did Pennsyl-
vania then become '\
34. When did Fra?iklin arrive ?
35. When was the first paper mo-
ney iss7ied ?
36. When did Thomas and John
Penn arrive ?
37. When and why did the Assem-
bly first refuse supplies ?
38. When and how was the long
peace between the colonists and In-
dians broken ?
39. When was the treaty of Alba-
ny, what was done by it, and what
was the consequence ?
24
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
river and Kit-ta-tin'ny mountain, and south-west of the mouth of
Penn's creek. Being without the consent of the Delawares and
Shaw-an-ees', who occupied the territory, those tribes became justly
incensed, and joined the French.
40. In 1755, General BraJdock, while marching, in a manner op-
posed to the advice of Colonel IVo^hington, with a large force
against Fort Du Quesne, (now Pittsburg,) was attacked by the
Indians and French, and defeated with great slaughter. He him-
self was mortally wounded, and died shortly after, during the
retreat.
41. In 1758, General Forbes led a strong force from Carlisle
against Fort Du Quesne, which he found abandoned. The French
never afterwards regained any footing in the province.
42. In 1763, the Indian war, called Pon-ti-ac's war, raged. Forts
Pres'qu'ile', Ve-nan'go, and Le Bceuf were taken, and Forts Pitt,
Lig-o-ni'er, and Bedford, were attacked on the same day, by strata-
gem. The exposed settlers suffered many hardships.
43. The same year the Manor Indians were killed at Lancaster
jail by the Paxton boys.
44. In 17G7, the southern line of the state was finally run and
settled by Mason and Dixon.
45. In 17G8, all the remaining lands in the province, except those
beyond the Al-le-ghen'y river, were purchased from the Indians at
Fort Stanwix, now Rome, in Oneida count}% New York.
4G. In 1769, the civil war between the Connecticut settlers and
the Pennsylvania claimants began in Wy-o'ming.
47. In 1769, the right of taxing the colonies, without their own
consent, some years before asserted by the British Parliament, was
boldly denied by the colonial Assembly, who took strong ground
against that odious doctrine.
48. In 1774, Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, took posses-
sion of Fort Pitt as being within the limits of his province ; but his
garrison was soon expelled.
49. On the 18th of June, 1774, a meeting of QOQO persons took
place in Philadelphia, and recommended a Continental Congress
Du Quesne pronounced Doo-kain' ; Presque-ilc', Pres-keeV ; Le BcDuf,
Le Btff; Ligonier, Lig-o-neer .
40. What happened to Braddock ?
41. What did Forbes do, and
when ?
42. When did Pontiac's war hap-
pen, and v.hat took place ?
43. When, where, and by whom
were the Manor Indians killed ?
44. What is Mason and Dixon's
line, and wheri runi
45. IVhtn was the first treaty of
Fort Stanwix held, and what was
done ?
46. IVlien and where did the Con-
necticut claim create a civil war 1
47. When was the right of taxing
the colonies without their own consent
first distinctly denied by the Assem-
bly 1
48. When and why did Lord Bun-
more take Fort Pitt ?
49. M^hat large meeting was held
in Philadelphia, when was it, and
what did it recommend ?
HISTORY.
25
for the vindication of the rights of the colonies, and the relief of
Boston.
50. On the 15th of July, 1774, deputies from all the counties met
at Philadelphia, and passed strong resolutions in favour of the rights
of the colonies, and the holding of a General Colonial Congress.
Accordingly the Assembly appointed seven delegates to the
Congress.
51. In September, 1774, the first Congress met at Carpenter^ s
Hall in Philadelphia.
52. On the 15th of July, 177G, independence having been declared,
a state convention, in Philadelphia, met and framed a Constitution
for Pennsylvania as a Free and Sovereign State. At that time
the population was about 300,000.
53. In 1777, after the battle of Brandywine, Congress adjourned
to Lancaster, and thence to York ; and Philadelpbia fell into the
hands of the British, M'ho retained it till June, 1778. In the last
named year Congress returned to Philadelphia, where it remained
till 1800, when it removed to Washington.
54. In 1778, the Tories and Indians destroyed the Wyoming
settlements.
55. In 1779, Sullivan'' s expedition against the northern Indians
occurred.
56. In 1780, slavery was abolished in Pennsylvania.
57. In 1781, by the advice of Robert Morris, Congress incorpo-
rated the Bank of North America^ which was the first bank in the
Union.
58. In 1782, the controversy with Connecticut about the Luzerne
lands was decided in favour of Pennsylvania, by Commissioners
of Congress at Trenton, after full argument and investigation.
59. In 1784, all the remaining lands owned by the Indians in the
State, were purchased from the Six Nations by treaty at Fort
Stanwix.
60. In 1789, Harmar^s expedition against the western Indians
took place.
61. In 1790, the second State Constitution was adopted, and 7%o-
mas 31ifflin elected first Governor under it.
50. When did the first deputies
meet, and v)hat did they rccoiiuiund ?
51. Wlieii and where did the first
Congress assemble ?
52. When was the first State con-
stitution framed ?
53. When did the Battle of Bran-
dywine take place, atid lohat luas its
effect on Corigress and Philadelphia ?
54. When, and by whom was Wy-
oming destroyed ?
55. When did Sullivan's expedi-
tion take place ?
56. When tvas slavery abolished ?
57. Whe?i was t/ie first bank esta-
hlisJied, and wtiich was it ?
58. When and how was the Con-
necticut controversy settled ?
59. What took place at the second
treaty of Fort Stanwix, and when ?
60. W/iefi did Harmar^ s expedi-
tion take place ?
61. When was the second State
Constitution adopted, and who was
first Governor under it ?
26
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
62. In 1791, General St. Clair, most of whose troops were from
Pennsylvania, was defeated.
C3. In 179'i, Pennsylvania purchased the Erie triangle of land
from the Unitt^d States g-ove'rnment.
G4. Between 1792 and 1795, Wayne's operations against the
western Indians put an end to their ravacres.
65. In 1794, the Turnpike from Philadelphia to Lancaster was
completed, at a cost of $465,000, being the first in the Union.
66. In 1799, Thomas McKcan succeeded Governor Milllin.
67. In 1800, Lancaster became the scat nf state <ri)vcrnmcnt, and
that of the Union was removed from Philadelphia to Washington,
68. In 1808, Simon Snyder succeeded Governor McKoan.
69. In 1812, the seat o/'f^orcr;jmc7i/ was transferred to Ilarrishtirg.
70. About 1815, the great era o/" /urn/)z/:c improvement, to which
Pennsylvania owes so much, was at its height.
71. In 1817, William Findluy succeeded Simon Snyder as Go-
vernor.
72. In 1820, Joseph Hiester succeeded Governor Findlay.
73. In 1823, /. A. Shulze was elected Governor after Joseph
Hiester.
74. In 1825, the great system of state improvement by canal and
railroad was commenced.
75. In 1829, George JFb^ succeeded Governor Shulze.
76. In 1834, thej^rs^ Common School Law was passed.
77. In 1835, Joseph Ritncr succeeded George Wolf as Governor.
78. In 1836, i\\e present Commo7i School Law was passed.
79. In 1838, the existing State Constitution was adopted, putting
an end to the life tenure of ofRce, and taking nearly all the appoint-
ments from the Governor.
62. When did St. Clair $ defeat
happen ?
63. Witen was the Erie triangle
purchased ?
64. When did Wayne^s western
campaicvs occur ?
65. When v:as the Lancaster turn-
pike completed, and at what cost ?
66. ]\ho succeeded Governor M if •
fliti, and when elected ?
67. When did I^ncaster become
the seat of state povernment, and
what happened to J'hiladelphia the
same year 1
68. Who succeeded Gov. McKean,
and when ?
69. Whin did Harrishurg become
the seat of government ?
70. What was the date of the turii-
pike era ?
71. Who succeeded Governor Sny-
der, and when ?
72. Who succeeded Governor Find-
lay, and when ?
73. Who succeeded Governor Hies-
ter. u7id uhi n ?
74. ]Vh(7i was the internal itn-
provemt nl system comme?iced ?
75. 117/0 succeeded Gov. Shulze,
and u:he7i t
76. When was the first Common
School f^w passed 1
77. II ho succeeded Governor Wolf,
and wlien ?
7B. \\ hen was the present Common
School Ja\w passed \
79. When was the prcsfnt State
Constitution adopted, and what
changis did it iffact ?
POPULATION.
27
80. In 1838, D. R. Porter was elected Governor after Joseph
Ritner.
81. In 1844, F. R. Skunk succeeded Governor Porter.
82. In 1845, the great Fire at Pittsburg occurred.
^^~ The local history of the different parts of the state will be
found under the respective counties.
VII. POPULATION.
1. By the census of 1840, the population of Pennsyl-
vania was 1,724,033. At the end of the year 1845 it was
probably not less than 2,000,000, being about 42 to each
square mile, or 1 to every 15 acres in the whole state.
2. Though the state was first regularly colonized by
Englishmen, principally of the society of Friends, yet
there were previously some Swedish and Dutch settlers.
Large numbers of English, Irish, German, and Welsh,
with some from France, Holland, and Scotland, have since
been added. Several counties have also almost exclusively
been settled by JYew-Englanders.
3. In the older counties, the emigrants of each nation
generally formed separate settlements by themselves.
Hence, to this day, different languages continue to be
spoken at different places. The English, however, is the
prevailing tongue, though German is commonly used in
many counties. In two or three the Welsli language is
heard to a considerable extent, and in some few settle-
ments French is spoken.
4. In most of the Western counties the population is
of a mixed description, they having been chiefly peopled
from the older parts of the state.
5. The new counties along the Northern line are less
mixed than any, their inhabitants being nearly all of New
England origin.
80. Wh.0 sticceeded Governor Eit-
ner, and when ?
81. JVho succeeded Governor Por-
ter, and irfien ?
82. When did the Pittsburg fire
happen ?
]. What was the population of
Pennsylvania in 1840 ? in 1845 ? the
number to each square mile ? and
the number of acres to each person ?
2. From what nations were the
people originally derived ?
3. What is said about language?
4. What is said of the western
counties ?
5. What of the northern ?
28
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
6. Not less than one-half of the people of the state are
actually engaged in agriculture. The rest are divided
among the various pursuits connected with commerce,
manufactures, mining, and lumbering.
7. The process by which the various sections of Pennsylvania
first became settled, presents some interesting circumstances. In
tracing it we not only perceive the severities practised by the
various governments of the Old World materially hastening the
population of the New, but the distinct national characters of the
emigrants from each land thus brought into contact, singularly de-
veloping themselves.
8. Though the Sujedes and the Dutch, or Hollanders, were un-
doubtedly the first white settlers in Pennsylvania, yet the former
never extended themselves far inland from the Delaware, and the
latter can scarcely be said to have made a permanent lodgment at
all. They merely held possession, for a few years, as conquerors
of the Swedes, without adding many settlers of their own nation.
Some Swedish and a very few Dutch names of families and places
along the River Delaware, are all the remains that are now dis-
coverable of either. •
9. The next influx was that of the English Friends. They were
for some years the most numerous ; but, as they offered religious
toleration to all who desired a refuge in Pennsylvania from the
same oppression that had exiled themselves, and as their number
in the Old World was small in comparison with that of others also
seeking freedom of conscience, they were soon outnumbered, and
their policy on other points overruled in their own colony.
10. The chief immigration of the Friends occurred between 1680
and 1700, but their peaceful policy governed the province till about
1740, a period of sixty years.
11. The next considerable national class of emigrants were the
Presbyterians, from the north of Ireland. These are generally
termed the Scotch-Irish, from a similarity of religion and dialect
that exists between the people of the north of Ire/and and the oppo-
site part of Scotland. They arrived here in the greatest numbers
within the first forty years of the last century, but especially about
the year 1720.
12. From 1710 till 1750, but most largely about 1740, German
settlers, now commonly but inaccurately called Dutch, came from
various parts of Germany, many being from the Palatinate. They
were nearly all of the different reformed sects.
13. Both before and after the last-named period, arrivals also
6. How are the people employed ?
7. What is said of the process by
which Pennsylvania has been peo-
pled ?
8. What of the Swedish and Dutch
settlers ?
9. What of the Friends ?
10. Wlien did they chiefly arrive,
and Iiow long rule ?
11. W/io were the Scotch-Irish,
and when did they mostly arrive ?
12. W/ie?i did the Germans come ?
13. What is said of other emi'
grants ?
POPULATION. 29
occurred from most of the other civilized countries of the Old World ;
but they either took place in small numbers, or did not form dis-
tinct settlements. Their ejffect, therefore, is not very perceptible at
this late day.
14. The Roman Catholics of Ireland do not seem to have settled
in this state in very considerable numbers till towards the close
of the last century; though since that period they have become
quite numerous in every part of the state.
15. Between 1750 and 1770, south-western Pennsylvania, then
claimed by Virginia^ was entered by a number of settlers from that
colony and from Maryland, and considerable improvements were
effected by them.
IG. From 1762 to 1770, numerous adventurers from Connecticut
seated themselves in the north-eastern part of the province, mostly
in Luzerne county. This was under a claim that the whole north-
ern part of Pennsylvania, from its eastern to its western limit, and
as far south nearly as the 41st degree of latitude, formed part of
Connecticut, under the grant from King Charles the Second.
17. Among all these various sources of population, the most in-
fluential upon the destinies of the state, have been the Friends, the
Scotch-Irish, the Germans, and the N^ew Englanders,
18. The Friends, though not now comparatively numerous, have
impressed upon our statute-books, and our habits as a people, that
degree of mildness and of plainness for which Pennsylvania has
heretofore been noted.
ID. The Scotch-Irish, with the daring energy of their nation, at
once occupied the extreme out-posts on the Indian frontier. They
were almost uniformly seen in advance of all others, raising their
rude dwellings, establishing their churches, and forcing back their
savage neighbour. As soon as they became sufficiently numerous
and influential in the province, the peaceful policy of the Friends
was abandoned, and the government made to take an open part in
the hostilities against the Indians and their wily French ally.
20. As if intended to act as the pioneers of civilization, they do
not seem to have had the power of remaining long stationary.
About the year 1730, they crossed the south mountain, and entered
the Cumberland Valley throughout its whole length. But even
the Kittatinny did not long restrain them. Between 1745 and 1750,
they passed its various gaps west of the Susquehanna, and occupied
the narrow belt of limestone lands that skirts most of that portion of
its northern base. Thence they rapidly followed the main streams
towards the north and west, establishing themselves in the pleasant
14. What of the Roman Catholic
Irish ?
15. Who first settled south-western
Pennsylva?iia?
16. IVhen, where, and lohy did tlie
Connecticut men settle ?
17. Which classes of settlers eX'
ertcd the greatest influence ?
3*
18. What influe7ice have the Friends
had ?
19. Where did the Scotch- Irish
first settle, and what change did they
effect in the policy of the province ?
20. Whe?i did they enter the Cum-
berla?id Valley, and when cross the
Kittatinny ?
30
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
valleys and flats on their banks, till they arrived at and finally
crossed the main Allegheny mountain.
21. The progress of their successors, the Germans, is no less
remarkable or regular. Still following", they have almost as uni-
formly displaced the Scotch-Irish. This singular change has taken
place in Adams, part of York, a large portion of Lancaster, and in
parts of several of the other south-eastern counties. But it is most
striking in Cumberland Valley. Every county in that pleasant
region, with the single exception perhaps of Berks, was first en-
tered by the Scotch-Irish. But their restlessness and enterprise
soon bore them onward, leaving the steadfastness of the German to
occupy the soil. This it has so completely effected, that in most
parts of the valley scarcely any memento remains of the first settlers,
except the names on a few old grave-stones.
22. While this double wave of population was sweeping on from
the south-east, the early settlements effected from Virginia and
Maryland, in the south-west, were increased by numbers from the
older parts of Pennsylvania. At the same time, the New England-
ers in the north-east had continued to advance till they reached the
extreme north-western limit of the state.
23. Thus the tide of civilization, flowing on simultaneously from
the east, the south, and the north, united finally at a point in the
middle west, where accordingly we find our latest and our most
mixed settlements.
24. Though thereyetexistsgreatdiversity of habit, feeling, and lan-
guage, betAveen the various portions of a population thus constituted,
yet the whole, when a few more generations shall have blended them
together, will probably form a community inferior to none. When
the staidness of the Friend shall have moderated the ardour of the
Irishman; the steadfast industry of the German be mingled with
the enterprise of the New-Englander ; and the versatility of the
Frenchman, the sagacity of the Scot, and the fire of the ancient
Briton be thrown into the mass, it is not easy to perceive what
element of a superior national character will be absent.
25. The result of each portion acting se])arately has heretofore
been propitious. It is probable that the combined effect of all, act-
ing in harmony, will be even more so.
26. The great variety of occupation, furnished by the diversified
interests and resources of the state, will also exercise an important
influence in the formation of the character of her people. They
can never be either a wholly agricultural, commercial, or manufac-
turing community; but will have their intellects shaipened, their
ideas enlarged, and their habits diversified by all these means.
21. Who succeeded them, where,
and to vhut extent ?
22. What took place in the mean
time in the north and south-west ?
23. Which are the latest and most
mixed settlements ?
21. Wint is said of the ehmcntsfor
the formation of a national character ?
25. What is expected to be the
result ?
26. What is the effect of varitty
of cmploijmcnt ?
GOVERNMENT.
31
27. As agriculture must ever be their main pursuit, the proba-
bility is, that the sterling; virtues which seem invariably to accom-
pany that useful and noble calling-, will still predominate among
the (jualities which shall ultimately constitute the state character.
28. It is not, therefore, too much to expect that when the Virtue
of an agricultural people, the Liberty of free republicans, and the
Independence of a community in possession of all the necessaries
of life, shall be fullj^ enlightened by that Intelligence which is the
gift of sound mental and moral culture, then indeed the state motto
will become a state character of which all her sons may be proud.
29. The accomplishment of this glorious object depends on the
youth who attend the schools of the state.
VIII. GOVERNMENT.
1. The government of Pennsylvania \s ?l representative
republic ; that is, the power of making and executing the
laws is exercised by the representatives of the people,
elected or appointed for a limited time, and not in any
case for life.
2. These Powers are divided into legislative^ executive,
Tund judicial, each of which is kept separate from the other.
3. The Legislature, composed of a Senate of 33 mem-
bers, and a House of Representatives of 100, meets on
the first Tuesday in January annually, at the seat of
government. By the Legislature the laws of the state are
made and altered when necessary.
4. The chief Executive authority is intrusted to the
governor of the Commonwealth. He is elected for three
years, and it is his duty to see that the laws are faithfully
executed.
5. The Judicial power, or the power to apply the laws
to particular cases, is exercised by the courts ; which are
either courts of original jurisdiction, in which suits are
brought in the first instance, or courts of appeal, in which
the decisions of the courts of original jurisdiction are
reviewed, to keep them all in accordance with the uniform
rules of law. They are also divided into civil and crinii-
27. What is expected from the pre-
valence of agriculture ?
28. Of education ?
29. On whom does this depend ?
1. What is our form of govern-
ment ?
2. How are its powers divided ?
3. How is the legislature com-
posed ? what does it make ?
4. Who is the chief executive ?
5. What is the judicial power?
how exercised ? how many kinds ?
32
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
nal courts. By the former, civil rights are determined;
and by the latter crimes are detected and punished.
6. That portion of legislative, executive, and judicial
power which Pennsylvania has delegated to the United
States government^ is exercised by the national legislature,
called Congress^ the national executive or President^ and
the United States courts of different grades. In the elec-
tion or appointment of all these officers she participates in
common with the sister states.
7. The Expenses of government, which mean the cost
of all the acts performed by officers of state for the public
or common good, are chiefly defrayed by tax.
8. Tax is that portion of his property which each person
contributes yearly to support the government that protects
and aids him in the enjoyment of the remainder, and of
his rights generally.
9. The whole amount of the revenue or income of Penn-
sylvania, from tax and all other sources, is annually about
$3,500,000 ; and the expenses of the state government of
all kinds, including interest on debt, are about the same.
10. The right of voting for public ofRcers belong-s to every white
male citizen of the state, of the age of 21, who has resided in the
state one year, and in the district in which he ofiers to vote ten
days next preceding the election, and paid a state or county tax
within two years, assessed at least ten days before the election ; but
citizens between the ages of 21 and 22 are not required to pay tax
to enable them to vote ; and citizens previously qualified, having
removed from the state and returned, are only required to reside six
months previous to voting.
11. In addition to the distribution of the powers of government,
into legislative, executive, and judicial, the officers of government
are divided into State^ County, and Township officers : the constable
being as much an officer of the law and of the government as the
governor, and equally entitled to respect and obedience, in his proper
sphere.
12. The election of state and county officers takes place on the
second Tuesday in October annually ; and of township officers on
the third Friday in March in most of the counties.
6. How are those powers of go-
vernment delegated to the United
States exercised ?
7. How are the expenses of go-
vernment paid ?
8. What is tax?
9. What is the amount of the re-
venue and expenses of government
in Pennsylvania ?
10. Describe the right of voting ?
11. How are the ojjicers of govern-
ment divided ?
12. Whc7i are state, county, and
township ojjicers elected ?
GOVERNMENT.
33
13. State Senators hold their office three years, and receive $3 a
day while in session ; representatives are elected annually, and also
receive $3 a day.
14. For the election of senators the state is divided into 28 dis-
tricts, and for representatives into 47.
15. A senator must he 25 years of age, and have been a citizen
of the state four years, and of the district one year before his
election.
16. A Representative or Assembly-man must be 21 years of age,
and a citizen of the state three years, and of the district one year
before his election.
17. Four months is the usual duration of a session of the legis-
lature.
18. No person can be Governor unless he is 30 years of age, and
has been a citizen of the state seven years next before his election.
19. The governor receives a salary of $3000 a year, and cannot
hold the office longer than six years in succession.
The other chief executive state officers are :
20. The Secretary nf the Commonwealth, who keeps a record of
all the official acts of the governor, issues commissions to all persons
appointed by him, and to most of those elected by the people,
attends to the official correspondence of the state, &c. He is also
Superintendent of Common Schools, and as such has charge of the
common school system. He receives $1700 a year.
21. The Auditor General, who settles all the accounts of the
state. He receives $1400 a year.
22. The Surveyor-General, who has care of the public lands of
the state. He receives $1200 a year.
23. The State Treasurer, who has charge of all the money
belonging to the state. He receives $1400 a year.
24. Three Canal Commissioners, who have charge of the public
works of the state. They each receive $3 a day for their services.
25. The Adjutant General, who has the charge of the militia esta-
blishment of the state in time of peace, and in time of w-ar is one of
the chief militia officers. He receives $300 a year in time of peace.
26. The Attorney-General, who is the legal adviser of the
governor and of the other chief executive officers ; and by himself
13. State the term of office and pay
of se7iators and representatives.
14. How many senatorial and rep-
resentative districts ?
15. What are the qualifications of
senators ?
16. Of representatives or assem-
blymen ?
17. The duration of a session ?
18. State the qualifications for go-
vernor.
19. His salary and tenure of office.
20. IVho is the secretary of the
Commonwealth ? what are his duties
and salary ?
21. Who is the auditor-general,
and what is his salary ?
22. The secretary of the land office,
his salary ?
23. The state treasurer, and salary ?
24. The canal commissioners, and
their pay ?
25. The adjutant-general, and sa-
lary ?
26. The attorney-general, and sa-
lary ?
34
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
or liis doputics prosecutes all criminal offenders in every part of the
Coranionwralth. He receives $300 a year, and fees.
27. All these executive officers are appointed hy the jjovernor for
three years, except the state treasurer who is elected annuall)' hy
the lecrislature, and the canal commissioners who are elected by
the people, each for three years, one beings chosen every year.
28. The chief tribunals of original jurisdiction are those of Jus-
tices of the. Peace in the townships, and Jlldcrmen in llie cities; and
Courts of Common Pleas in each county. The latter are so called
when they exercise civil jurisdiction, but are termed courts of
Quarter Session when they sit as criminal tribunals. They are
composed of a President .ludtre, who is a lawyer, and frequently
holds court in more counties than one, and of two associates in
each county, who are not lawyers. They try all causes with the
aid of a jury of twelve men. JNIost civil causes involvino; any sum
less than §»100, are in the first instance determined by justices of
the peace or aldermen, with the right of appeal to the Court of
(yommon Pleas in most causes. Causes over $100 are tried by the
Court of Common Pleas.
29. Justices of the Peace and Aldermen have no power in criminal
cas-^s, except to send the accused party to prison to await his trial,
or to receive bail that he wull appear at court and be tried.
.30. Some counties have an additional court, called a District Courts
which is altogether of civil jurisdiction.
31. Cities have a May or'' s Court, which is a criminal tribunal.
32. There are 21 Common Pleas Judicial Districts in the state.
33. Some Presidents of the Court of Common Pleas receive
$J000, and others $lG00a year, and hold their offices for ten years.
Associates receive $120 a year, and hold their offices five years.
31. The Sujn-eme Court, the highest state court of appeal, is com-
posed of a Chiif Justice and four Associates, who are all lawyers.
They review all causes that are brought before them from every
part of the state, without the aid of a jury. For that purpose they
meet annually at Philadelphia, Harrisburfr, Surdiury, and Pittsburg.
35. The judg-es of the Supreme Court hold their oflices for fifteen
years. The Chief Justice receives $2006 6(j. and the Associates
from $1G00 to $2100 each, annually. In addition to this, they all
receive from $3 to $1 a day each while holding court.
36. All the Judges in the state are appointed by the Governor,
with the consent of the Senate.
27. How are the state executive
officers elected or appointed, and for
XL- fiat trrms ?
28. State the chief courts of origi-
nal jnristtirtLim, utul their j>ower8.
2'J. ]^lia( jH>u( rs Itnve justices of
the ptarr in criminal cases ?
30. Jl^fial is a state district court ?
31. Mayor's court ?
32. Jfuw many judicial districts ?
33. IVhat is the term of office and
salary of President and Associate
judues f
34. llliat is the Supreme Court ?
liow many judges ? where do they
meet ?
35. What is their term of office and
pay ?
36. ITow are all the judges ap
jKfinted I
GOVERNMENT.
35
37. Justices of the Peace and Aldermen are elected by the people,
and hold their offices five years. They are paid for their services
by fees in each case.
38. If either party to any civil suit desire, he may have it tried
in the first instance hy Arbitrators^ chosen by the parties to the suit.
They determine the case without the aid of judge or jury; but after
arbitration, if either party is dissatisfied with the award, he may
appeal the case to court.
39. The Sheriff is the chief executive officer of each county. He
executes the process, sentences, and judgments of the courts, and is
the general guardian of the public peace.
40. The Coroner inquires into the cause of death of all persons
found dead by unknown means, and performs the duties of Sheriff
when that officer dies, or is incapacitated from acting.
41. The Prothonotary is the clerk who keeps the records of the
civil courts of the county.
42. The Clerk of the Sessions keeps the records of the criminal
courts.
43. The Register has charge of all wills, and of all proceedings
necessary in the settlement of the property of men after their death.
44. The Recorder keeps a record or copy of all deeds and con-
veyances relative to lands in the county, so that if the originals be
lost, the copies in his office may remain ; and also, that every per-
son, by examining his records, may know the condition of the land
titles.
45. The Clerk of the Orphans' Court is the clerk of that branch
of the business of the Court of Common Pleas which relates to the
care of orphans and their property, the appointment and control of
guardians, &c.
46. Three County Commissioners manage the property and money
matters of each county. By the County Treasurer the money of
each county is received, taken care of, and paid out.
47. Three County Auditors examine and settle once a year the
accounts of the Commissioners and Treasurer.
48. All county officers are elected by the citizens for three years,
and are not paid a fixed salary, but receive fees from the persons
who transact business with them, except the Commissioners and
Auditors, who receive daily pay, and the Treasurer who receives a
per centage out of the money that passes through his hands.
49. In each township two Justices of the Peace are elected for
five years.
37. Hov) are justices of tJie peace
and 'aldermen ctiosen,for what term,
w/iat is their pay ?
38. W/iat is arbitration ?
Who is the sheriffs
Coroner 'i
Prothonotary ?
Clerk of tlie Sessions ?
43. Register 1
39.
40.
41.
42.
44. Recorder 1
45. Clerk of the Orphans' Court 1
46. County commissioners ?
47. County auditors ?
48. How are all county officers
chosen 1 for what term ? and what is
tJieir covipensation 1
49. How many justices of the peace
are elected in each township ?
36
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
50. One Constable is also elected, who is the chief police officet
of the townsliip, in wliich he has powers somewhat similar to those
of the sherifl" in the county.
51. Kacli township also elects two Supervisors to keep the roads
in rej)air; two Overseers to provide for the poor when there is no
poor-house in the county; six Directors toestiiblish and nianao;o the
common schools; an ^Isscssor and Collector of county and state fcix;
a township Clerk ; a Treasurer; three Auditors to settle the township
accounts ; and two Jnspcciors^zxi^ one Judge o( the General Election.
5*2. All tlu'se officers are elected for one j'ear, except School
Directors and Auditors, who are elected for three years.
53. In cities, a Mayor, or chief city maoistratc, is elected for one
year; Aldermen for five years; Select Councilmen for three, and
Common Councilmen and City Constables for one year.
51. In borourrhs, a cbief Burgess, town Councilmen, and borough
Constable are elected for one year.
The chief Taxes collected in this state are :
55. The Boad Tax^ by which the roads and bridges of each
township are made and repaired.
56. The School Tax^ by which the common or free schools are
mainly supported.
57. The County Tax^ by which the cost of the county affairs is
defrayed, such as the expenses of courts, jails, poor-houses, hospi-
tals, the erection of public buildings, large bridges, &c.
58. City and Borough Taxes in towns of those classes to sup-
port their local government.
59. Tiie State Tax^ by which, since the large increase of the
state debt, caused by the construction of the public works, the inte-
rest of tlie debt is cliirfly paid.
GO. In addition to the State Tax, the other incomes of the state are
derived from the tolls of the public works ; store and tavern licenses ;
sale of the stitc lands ; auction duties ; taxes on bank dividends,
corporation stocks, collateral inheritances, writs, &c.
61. The chivi txpetuliturts of the state government are tlie annual
expenses of the legislative, executive, and judicial departments,
penitentiaries, militia, pensions, common schools, and interest of
tlie state debt.
50. Who is the constable ?
.'il. Who are the other township
ojftctrs ?
52. ]\liut is the term of office of
tounship officers ?
b'i. nhat are the city officers, and
their term ?
51. Borough officers, arid their
termi
55. IVhat is the road tax ?
56. School tax ?
57. Count)/ till ?
58. City and borough tax ?
59. State tax ?
CO. IVhnt are the other incomes of
the slate derived from ?
61. IVhat arc the chief expenses of
the state government ?
DEFENCE. 37
IX. DEFENCE.
1. The public protection is, by the Constitution, en-
trusted "to the freemen of the Commonwealth, who shall
be armed, organized, and disciplined for its defence, when
and in such manner as may be directed by law."
2. This organization of the freemen is called the Mili-
tary power ; and citizens acting as officers of the civil
government constitute the civil power. To prevent op-
pression by the former, the constitution enjoins that ''the
military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict
subordination to the civil power."
3. The military power consists of Militia and Volun-
teers.
4. The militia is composed of every free able-bodied
white male between the ages of eighteen and forty-five,
who has resided in the state one month ; except executive,
judicial and legislative officers of the United States, includ-
ing postmasters and mail-carriers ; ministers of religion,
teachers, and school directors; state judges, sheriffs and
jailers ; pilots, mariners, and ferrymen ; and persons un-
fitted to perform duty by infirmity or disability. All these
are exempt.
5. The Militiamen are enrolled into Companies^ com-
manded by captains. Regiments by colonels, Brigades by
brigadier-generals, and Divisions by major-generals.
6. In 1845, there were seventeen divisions in the state,
containing 39 brigades, 174 regiments, 1509 companies,
and 231,695 men.
7. The regiments are inspected once a year by an officer
called the Brigade-Inspector, for which purpose the men
parade in battalions or AaZ/^regiments.
8. The Brigade- Inspector has charge of all matters re-
1. To whom is the public defence I 5. How are the militia enrolled
intrusted ? and commanded ?
2. To what is the military power
always to be in subordination '{
3. How is the military power di-
vided ?
4. Who are subject to and ex-
empt from miUtia duty ?
6. How many divisions, brigades,
regiments, companies and men ?
7. Who inspects them ?
8. What are the duties of brigade
inspector ?
38
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
lating to his brigade in time of peace, and makes his re-
turns to the adjutant-general of the state.
9. The Governor is commander in chief of the military
force. The other olTicers are elected by tlieir respective
commands, each for seven years, except the adjutant-ge-
neral, ^vho is appointed by the Governor, for three years.
10. Volunteers are citizens Avho, to perfect themselves in
military discipline, voluntarily form companies or troops,
uniform themselves, and meet frequently for drill. Their
arms are provided by the state.
11. They elect their own officers, select their uniform,
and generally adopt regulations for their own government,
subject to being called into actual service, as militiamen,
in time of war, unless they offer theii' services as volun-
teers.
12. In 1845, there were 509 volunteer companies in the
state, containing 32,195 men, composed oi cavalry y artil-
lery^ infantry and riflemen.
13. The public arms of the state are preserved in three
arsenals, one at Philadelphia, one at Harrisburg, and one
at Meadville.
14. In time of peace, neither militiamen nor volunteers
receive pay, except the adjutant-general and brigade-in-
spectors, and the captains of companies who are allowed
a small sum for enrolling the men.
15. In time of war, the number of men required is
draughted from the different regiments by lot, to serve
not longer than twelve months at any one time. They
then receive the same pay and rations as the regular army
of the United States, and are subject to military law.
16. All offences against the military law or articles of
war, are tried by a Court Martial, or board of officers,
and not by the civil tribunals of the state.
9. Who is commander in chief?
How are the otlicr ofliccrs chosen,
and for wliat term ?
10. What are voUmtcers ?
11. What are ihcir privileges and
duties f
12. IIow many companies and
men, and what kind of force ?
13. What and where arc the arse-
nals ?
14. Do mihtiamcn or volunteers
receive pay in time of peace ?
If). In time of war, how are the
militia called out and paid ?
16. How are military ofTences
tried?
DEFENCE.
39
17. In 1845, the militia expenses of the state were
$18,831 92 ; and the amount of fines paid for not attend-
ing parade was $7,838 18.
18. There is another kind of military force emploj^ed by some
governments for their support and defence, called a standing army.
By this, is understood a regularly uniformed, armed, and disci-
plined body of soldiers, paid and commanded by the government,
and constantly retained in service, in peace as well as war.
19. Neither Pennsylvania nor any other state of the Union pos-
sesses a force of this kind; and, though the general government
of the United States has a standing army for the purpose of guard-
ing the frontiers, and the forts of the nation, yet in time of peace
it only amounts to about 8000 men, in a population of 20,000,000.
20. In the monarchical nations of the old world, very large and
expensive standing armies are always maintained. There they
form the chief means not only of defence against foreign attack,
but of sustaining the government, and of keeping the people in
subjection to the laws.
21. Under the free and peaceful institutions of Pennsylvania, no
military force is requisite for these purposes. The degree of know-
ledge which the citizens possess of their rights and duties, and
thefr veneration for the laws, aided by a few judges, justices of
the peace, sheriffs, constables, and other civil officers, have ge-
nerally been found amply sufficient to preserve order, administer
justice, and perform all the operations of government.
22. Acts of turbulence have, it is true, occasionally disgraced
the state ; but even these are of much rarer occurrence, and of a
less violent description than under governments supported by
the terror and force of immense standing armies. This fact not
only conclusively shows the greater economy, but the superior
security and happiness of our republican institutions.
23. Such having been the result heretofore, it is not unreason-
able to expect that instances of riot and insubordination will con-
tinue to decrease, in exact proportion with the spread of sound
education, until each citizen's knowledge of his duties shall form
the only support needed by the civil authority, and the best gua-
rantee of peace and order.
17. What was the expense and
income of the miUtia in 1845 ?
18. What is a standing army ?
19. Has Pennsylvania a standing
army ? Has the United States go-
vernment ? and what is its number ?
20. Have other governments stand-
ing armies, and for what purposes ?
I 21. How are those purposes aC'
complished in Pennsylvania ?
22. What is said of iiistanccs of
opposition to the laws that have here-
tofore occurred in Pennsylvania ?
23. What is cxpeclvd to happen
hereafter 'i and to what will it ha
owing ?
40
STATE- noOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
X. EDUCATION.
1. A FREE and general means of education, called the
common school system^ is in operation in the greater part
of the state.
2. Its object is, and if faithfully administered, its efiect
will be, to confer upon every youth in the Commonwealth
the elements of a sound, plain education, leaving it to pa-
rents to bestow, or personal efforts to attain, the higher
branches.
3. In 1845, there were 1227 common school districts
in the whole state, of which 1074 were accepting, and
153 non-accepting districts.
4. The accepting districts contained 327,418 pupils,
taught by 8031 teachers.
5. The schools were kept open about five months in
the year, at a cost of 31J cents per month for each pupil,
and at the total annual expenditure of $453,155, including
the expenses of school-houses.
6. This does not include the city and county of Phila-
delphia, in which, in 1845, there were 234 public schools,
containing 36,665 pupils, taiight by 554 teachers, during
the whole year, at a total expense of $227,205 42.
7. The branches generally taught in the common schools
are Reading^ Writings Arithmetic^ Grammar^ Geography^
and History.
8. The higher branches were, at the same time, taught in
about 80 academies, 60 female seminaries, and 9 colleges;
the two former containing about 5000 pupils, and the
latter 1000.
9. There were also in the state not less than 2000 pri-
"v^te schools of the various grades, with about 70,000
pupils.
1. What general means of educa-
tion hnve we ?
2. What is its object?
3. IIuw many common school dis-
tricts are there ?
4. How many pupils and teachers
m 184.') ?
5. How long were the schools
kept open, and at what cost ?
6. Slate the number of public
schools, pupils, duration, and cost
of instruction in Philadelphia?
7. What branches arc usually
taught in common schools ?
8. How many academies, female
seminaries, and colleges, and how
many students in them ?
9. How many private schools and
pupils ?
EDUCATION.
41
10. The whole number of pupils in the common schools,
academies, female seminaries, and j^rivate schools, includ-
ing Philadelphia, was about 440,000.
11. The number of young persons in the state between
the ages of four and sixteen, in 1845, w^as about 550,000.
12. There w^ere, therefore, 110,000 of our youth, over
four years, who did not attend school. But, as six years
is early enough for the commencement of school instruction,
the number absent through carelessness was about 60,000.
13. It has been usual to stigmatize Pennsylvania as an ignorant
state ; but it would be well for strangers to ascertain whether a
large portion of the ignorance of which they complain does not
exist in themselves.
14. The language, habits, and occupations of a portion of the
people of this state are found to be different from what many citi-
zens of other states have been accustomed to. And because this
portion of our people do not happen to be acquainted with their pe-
culiar language and customs, these strangers at once pronounce us
an ignorant people. But it should be borne in mind, that the same
charge of ignorance will come with as much propriety from one side
as the other, and yet may be well-founded on neither.
15. Still, it is admitted that the people of Pennsylvania are not
as highly educated as those of some other states. This is caused
by the diversify of language, customs, and origin, which prevents, in
many neighbourhoods, that unity of action so indispensable to the
establishment and support of schools ; by the sparseness o^ population,
in many parts, rendering the effectual support of schools impossible ;
and by the easy circumstances of many of our citizens, it being
generally found that a poor people who are compelled to live by
their wits, become educated sooner than a rich one. In the one
case education may be the very means of support, in the other only
an addiiion to wealth. In both, however, it ought ever to be re-
garded and desired as an invaluable blessing.
16. To overcome these difficulties, and bestow this blessing upon
all, has been the great object of our law-makers since the first set-
tlement of the state.
17. In 1683, the year after the province was founded. Governor
Pennandthe Provincial Council took measures to establish a school
10. State the probable number
of pupils in all the schools of the
state.
11. The number of persons be-
tween four and sixteen years.
12. The number who do not at-
tend any school.
13. What do many strangers say
of Fennsylvaiiia ?
Why is this not
altogether
14.
true ?
15. Why are we less educated than
some ot/ier states ?
16. Have attempts been made to
overcome these difficulties ?
17. What was done in 1G83 ? who
was the first regular teacher in the
colony i
42
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
in Philadelpliia. Enoch Flower was the tpacher, and seems to have
brcn \\\o first school-mast rr who taught in Pennsylvania.
18. The first state Constitution, framed in 1776, by a convention
of which Dr. Franklin was president, provided for the establish-
ment of one or more schools in each county, and of one or more
universities in the state.
ly. The state Constitution of 1790 directed the legislature to
provide by law for the establishment of schools throuorhout the
state, in such manner that the poor shall be taught gratis. The
present Constitution contains the same provision.
20. Many laws were from time to time enacted to accomplish
this object, with little success, till the common or equal system
was adopted.
21. In 1834, the first general common school law was passed,
during the administration of Governor IVolf. It was found defect-
ive in its details, and was amended, and the system placed on its
present solid footing, in 1836, during the administration of Gover-
noi" liitner.
22. By the provisions of this law, each district (township, bo-
rough, or ward) that accepts the system by a vote of the people,
at once establishes free schools for the instruction of all the youth
therein; the affairs of the schools in each district are managed by
six directors ; and the expense is defrayed by a fund partly derived
from the state treasury, and partly from district taxation.
23. At the end of three years, each accepting district may reject
the system, if its effects be found unsatisfactory.
24. In districts which have either not accepted, or have rejected
the system, schools for the education of poor children must be esta-
blished by the directors, and supported by tax.
25. The main deficiency yet to be remedied, in the results of the
system, is the shortness of the time during which the schools are
kept open in the year. But this will gradually decrease as the
people discover the system to be the most cheap, efficient, and equal
they can adopt.
XI. RELIGION.
1. There is no religion established by law in Pennsyl-
vania. Each person is at liberty to follow the dictates of
his own judgment in this respect, so long as he does not
violate public order and morality.
18. IVfinf did the fir^t state Con-
Stilution J) rov ide ?
19. Ivhat the second and the pre-
sent ?
20. IVhat was attempted by laws ?
21. IVhcn was the first common
school law jHissed, and during whose
administration f the present , and
during whose administration ?
22. What are its general outlines ?
23. 7s it perpetual ?
24. How are the poor taught in
non-accepting districts ?
25. Slate the main deficiency in
the results of the common school syS'
temi
1, Is there any established religion
in Pennsylvania ?
RELIGION.
43
2. Nearly all the citizens are attached to one or other
of the various Christian sects, the majority belonging to
those that have arisen since the reformation.
3. The most numerous of them are Methodists, Presby-
terianSj Episcopalians^ Roman Catholics, Baptists, Friends,
Mennonists, Lutherans, German Reformed, and Mora-
vians.
4. These all have regular church governments of their
own adoption, with numerous pastors and churches.
Their pastors are supported by the voluntary contribu-
tions of the members of the respective congregations or
societies.
5. Thouo^h there is no established religion, or religious test in
Pennsylvania, yet the moral code of the Christian system is a part
of the law of the land. Hence the Christian Sabbath is observed ;
the Christian Scriptures are used in the administration of all oaths,
unless objection is made by the person sworn ; the Christian insti-
tution of the marriage of one man to one woman is enforced ; and
blasphemy of the Christian Deity or Scriptures, together with pro-
fane cursing and swearing, are punishable by fine and imprison-
ment.
6. But though the framers of our constitution and laws were
evidently anxious to engraft the pure morality of the Christian
system into the statutes of the state, they were as careful not to
interfere with the rights of conscience. They have, therefore, not
enforced any particular sectarian creed. They have not even at-
tempted to enumerate the creeds that shall be tolerated, because that
would be only one remove from intolerance. For, if the right to
select be admitted to belong to mere human authority, the power to
reject must also be conceded ; and thus the creeds selected for tole-
ration one year might be excluded the next.
7. In addition to this, it is the height of arrogance for man to
declare that the Deity shall only be worshipped in a particular
manner; if that Being bear with the sins of his creatures, and
tolerate the errors and imperfections of their worship, it is not for
them to be less charitable to each other, or to pronounce that to be
error which he permits.
8. The safer, wiser, and humbler course, has therefore been
adopted, of declaring perfect freedom of conscience to be a common
right, leaving each person accountable in this respect only to his
Creator.
2. What is the religion most pre-
valent ?
3. Name the most numerous sects?
4. How are they governed ?
5. ^Vhat moral code is part of the
law of our landl
6. Are the rights of conscience con-
trolled by lawl
7. What would it he for man to
prescribe a form of religion to his
fellow ?
8. JVJiat is the proper course ?
44
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
9. All that the civil authority requires from the citizen, is that
he shall not disturb others in the enjoyment of their peculiar reli-
gious views ; and that his own shall not be such as to violate the
peace or outrage the great moral principles of the land.
10. In the case of young persons, the laws give the control of
their religious instruction to their parents, or such persons as their
parents shall select.
11. This right of the parent is not infringed in the least by the
common school system, sectarian instruction being wholly out of
place in the public schools. But this salutary exclusion does not
prohibit the teaching of Christian morality in those scljools. On
the contrary, such teaching is not only proper but highly necessary,
inasmuch as Christian morality is a part of the law of the land.
XII. CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
1. In most of the older counties, Poor-houses^ with work-
shops and hospitals attached, are provided for the support
and relief of the poor and destitute sick of the county.
2. Each Poor-house has a large farm connected with
it, the produce of which is applied to the support of the
inmates. The remainder of the expense is paid out of the
county treasury.
3. The affairs of the poor-house are managed by a
board of directors^ (usually six,) who hold their offices for
three years, and are elected by the citizens of the county.
4. The Directors appoint a Sfeivard, who resides in the
poor-house, and, under their direction, has charge of the
paupers and of the poor-house and farm.
5. In counties having no poor-house, the poor are pro-
vided for by overseers ; two, and in some instances three,
of whom are annually elected in each township.
6. It is the duty of overseers to assess a tax upon the
township, not exceeding one dollar in the hundred, for the
support of the poor ; and to provide them with employ-
ment when they are able.
7. All destitute persons having a legal settlement^ (which
9. What is required by the civil
authority ?
10. Jilio has the sole rigid to
control the religious instruction of
youth ?
11. Is this right infri7iged by the
common school system ?
1. What art! poor-houses ?
2. How are they supported ?
3. How managed ?
4. Who is the steward ?
5. How are the poor provided for
where there are no poor-houses?
6. What is the duty of overseers ?
7. What is a settlement ?
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
45
generally means one year's residence) in the county or
township, are entitled to support from the directors or
overseers.
8. Jldmission into a poor-house, or relief from overseers,
can only be obtained by a written order from two, and in
some counties one justice of the peace of the county.
9. Destitute orphan children are bound out to trades by
the directors or overseers ; if males, till they arrive at tw^enty-
one years, and if females, till they arrive at eighteen years
of age.
10. In the city of Philadelphia, there are Hospitals,
Houses of Refuge, Lunatic, Blind, and DenJ' and Dumb
Jlsylums, and other noble Institutions for the relief of suf-
fering humanity.
11. In many of the smaller towns there are private asso-
ciations of various kinds, that afford much assistance to
the poor and afflicted.
12. Our c'harit;i])le institutions are not based on the narrow prin-
ciple, that it is better to spare a pittance to a destitute man, than to
refuse it, and thus compel him to starve or steal ; but on the plain
and nobler g^round, that he has a ri^ht to be supported by his more
fortunate^ nei<rhbours durin^r his state of destitution.
13. All who possess the means are bound by every principle
of relifrion, morals, and policy, to aid, in a reasonable degree,
those who are in actual need. The most effectual mode of dointr
this, is by a tax for the purpose of providincr support for all the
poor, and employment for such as are able to work.
11. If each person, while he have the means, pay this tax, he
thereby acquires a ri^ht^ when his means or his health fail, to re-
ceive the same relief from others.
15. In this view of the subject, there is neither obligation nor
disgrace incurred by accepting relief at the hands of the public ;
and it should never be so understood either by him who receives or
him who gives.
16. There are, it is true, many unworthy objects of public bounty
in our poor-houses and other similar institutions; but who will
8. How is admission or aid ob-
tained ?
9. What is done with destitute
orphans ?
10. Name some of the charitable
institutions of Philadelphia ?
11. What is said of the smaller
towns ?
12. ^Vliat is the foundation of our
charitable i?tstitutio7is ?
13. What is the duty of all who
have the means ?
14. What right does each acquire by
the performance of this duty ?
15. What is said of obligation and
disgrace ?
16. What is said of unworthy oh'
jects of bou7ity ?
46
STATE-BCOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
venture to desijrnato thoin 1 and, even if certainly known, who will
dare to sa)^ *' I would have conducted myself better, if I had been
placed in tiioir circumstances]"
17. Till this can with propriety be said, the more charitable and
safe rule is to suppose that misfortune, and not crime or improper
conduct, has reduced them, and to relieve them accordinofly.
18. That our charitable institutions are not only based on correct
principles, but generally well managed, is proved by the absence
of those crowds of paupers from our streets, that render travelling
so disagreeable in other and especially in older countries.
19. It is true that the freedom of our institutions, and the abun-
dance of the necessaries of life and of employment, materially pro-
mote this happy state of things. But it is also true, that without
good and well administered laws for the relief of the poor, the
benefits of these advantages would be impaired if not lost.
XIII. PRISONS.
1. No crime is punished capitally, (that is, by taking the
life of the criminal,) in this state, except murder in the first
degree, which means premeditated killing.
2. All other crimes are punished by fine or imprison-
ment, or by both, according to the enormity of the offence.
3. Imprisonment for the lighter offences, and for less
than one year, is inflicted in \hejail of the county in which
the offence was committed.
4. In the county jails, also, all persons who are only
accused of crime, are imprisoned till they are tried by the
proper court.
5. Generally speaking, prisoners in the county jails are
not obliged to labour, nor are they subjected to solitary
confinement. They are only deprived of the liberty of
leaving the jail, and their diet is bread and water, unless
they can afibrd better fare out of their own means.
6. Persons convicted of the more heinous offences are
confined in the state penitentianes, of which there are two ;
the eastern, at Philadelphia, and the western, at Pittsburg.
17. lV)iat is the safe nile ?
18. ^V/iy viuy v;e conclude that our
charifdhle institutio7is arc based on
correct prijiciples ?
ly. What IS said of the necessity
of f^ood laws on the suhject ?
1. What is murder m the first de-
gree, and how punished ?
2. How are all other crimes pun-
ished ?
3. Where is imprisonment for less
than one year inflicted ?
4. What other persons are kept
in county jails?
5. How are they treated ?
6. What is a penitentiary, and
how many ?
PRISONS.
47
7. Each penitentiary is managed by a Boani of Insjjed-
orSy appointed by the judges of the Supreme Court, and
under them by a warden and other officers.
8. In these penitentiaries, the convicts are confined sepa-
rately, day and night, in their cells or rooms, and are not
permitted to see or converse with any person except the
officers of the prison. Their victuals are conveyed to them
through a hole in the door of their cell, and they are con-
stantly employed at some trade or business, the profit of
which goes to the support of the penitentiary.
9. They are neither permitted to see nor hear from their
friends or relatives ; but are provided with books proper
for the improvement of their minds ; and the most careful
attention is paid to their health.
10. During their confinement, they are clad in the pri-
son dress. When discharged, at the expiration of their
sentence,- their own clothes are returned to them, with a
small sum of money to enable them to reach home, or to
support them till they obtain some honest employment.
11. This kind of punishment is called solitary confine-
ment with labour^ and is said to be very terrible. The
most daring and hardened offi^nders soon become subdued
by it. They complain of the awful loneliness and weari-
ness of being kept in the same room, day after day, and
year after year, without seeing a friendly face, or hearing
a human voice.
12. The object of punishment is three-fold: 1. To deprive the
offender of the power of repeating the offence ; 2. To deter others
from following the evil example ; and, 3. To reform the offender.
13. Duty to society renders the two first imperative upon law-
makers and magistrates. The good of the individual, as well as
duty to society, dictates the last.
14. All tliese objects seem to be as fully promoted by the Penn-
sylvania system of solitary confinement with labour, as is practi-
cable by merely human means in the present state of human nature.
15. It is, however, melancholy to reflect, that the general condi-
7. How managed ?
8. How are the convicts confined,
fed, and employed?
9. How are they otherwise treated ?
10. How are they clad, and what
lakes place on their discharge ?
11. What is this kind of punish-
ment called, and what are its effects ?
12. What are the objects of punish-
ment ?
13. What duties render them ne-
cessary 1
14. Are they promoted by the peni-
tentiary system'?
15. Are they counteracted by many
of the county jails ?
48
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tion of our county jails, and the system of discipline prevailing- in
them, counteract or prevent nearly all the good effects of the peni-
tentiaries.
16. All offenders, previous to trial, and most younfr and first
offenders after trial, are thrown into these schools of iniquit}'^, with
almost the certainty of coming out more depraved than when com-
mitted.
17. Every grade of criminal, from the old adept to the novice —
all sexes, and ages, and colours — the drunkard, the thief, and the
forger, are brought into contaminating contact with the merely un-
fortunate, or unjustly suspected prisoner. The result is, that the
jail, instead of being a warning from, is but the preparatory depart-
ment for the penitentiary ; and when the regularly trained graduate
in vice thus finally reaches his cell in the latter, it is with habits so
hardened as to be beyond hope of reformation.
18. A few counties have redeemed themselves from this reproach.
Philadelphia, Chester, Dauphin, and Allegheny, have prisons so con-
structed as not to be schools of crime.
19. The same beneficent spirit which supports the schools of the
state at so vast an expense, for the purpose of bestowing useful
knowledge and sound morality upon the rising generation, ought to
compel the counties to provide prisons calculated at least not to
counteract reformation.
20. If cost is to be taken into account on such a subject, the de-
crease of crime, and the produce of the labour of prisoners would
soon prove the economy of properly constructed and regulated
county prisons.
XIV. PROPERTY AND PRODUCTIONS.
1. The value of property, both real and personal,
in the whole state, assessed for taxation in 1845, was
$420,296,130.
2. But as property is always assessed for the purposes
of taxation at much less than its actual value, and as a
vast amount of property is not assessed at all, the real
amount of the whole property, real and personal, in this
state, may be safely put down at more than double that
sum.
16. Who are thrown into them 1
17. What is usually the result of
this contact ?
18. Which counties have proper
prisons ?
19. What spirit ought to compel
the other counties to erect proper pri-
sons f
20. What would be the result, even
as regards expense ?
1. What was the assessed value
of all the property in Pennsylvania,
in 1845?
2. What was its probable actual
value ?
PllOPERTY AND PRODUCTIONS. 49
3. The PRODUCTIONS of a country such as ours, are usu-
ally divided into those of the Fields the Slioj)^ the Mine,
and the Forest.
4. Our agricultural productions, or those of the Fields
are the largest in amount, and the first in importance.
They are : wheat ^ corn, outs, rye, barley, potatoes, buck-
wheat, hay, Jhx, lietnp, beef, pork, mutton, poultry, and
J'rult,
5. Penr^sylvania ranks third among the agricultural
states of the Union, Ohio being first, and N. York second.
6. The chief productions of the Mine are : coal, iron,
salt, limestone, marble, and slate ; with various other useful
and valuable minerals, which will be specified in describ-
ing the counties in which they occur.
7. In mineral wealth, Pennsylvania stands at the head
of the Union.
8. The productions of the workshop, or Manufactures,
are : all kinds of articles formed oi' grain, metal, vjood, cot-
ton, wool, flax, hemp, stone, clay, leather, Sfc.
9. In this branch of industry, Pennsylvania holds about
the fourth rank in the Union, and is rapidly rising.
10. She foimerly held the lirst place in the production
of ardent spirits, but has recently been losing rank and
gaining character in this respect.
11. The productions of the Forest, or Lumber, are : pine,
oak, hemlock or spruce, chestnut, hickory, locust, ash, wild
cherry, walnut, poplar, maple, ^'c.
12. The quantity of lumber annually floated from the
northern and mountainous counties is very great, ranking
Pennsylvania about the third lumber state in the Union.
13. The value of the productions of Pennsylvania cannot be
known by the amount exported. In some of the oppressed countries
3. How are productions usually
divided ?
4. Name those of the field ?
5. What is our agricultural rank
in the Union ?
6. Name our chief products of the
mine ?
7. What is our rank in mineral
wealth?
8. What are the chief products of
the shop formed of?
9. What is our rank in this re-
spect ?
10. What is said of ardent spi-
rits ?
11. Name the different kinds of
lumber.
12. What is our rank as a lumber
state?
13. Why cannot the value of our
productions he easily ascertained ?
50
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
of the Old World, where nearly the whole produce of the peasants'
industry is sold to pay his rent or his taxes, this mode may pre-
sent a near approach to the actual amount produced ; little, and that
of the coarsest kind, being left for the support of the producer.
14. Happily here it is quite different. Few people in the world
live better than those of Pennsylvania ; the first object of the pro-
ducer, especially in agriculture and the smaller mechanic arts, being
to provide for the wants of his own family and immediate neigh-
bours. The quantity actually exported from the state is, therefore,
only the excess remaining after the supply of this home consumption.
15. The same maybe said of the productions of the 7nine and the
forest, a very large proportion of each never reaching a market be-
yond our own limits.
16. This ability in our citizens to appropriate the greater part of
the products of their labour to their own use and comfort, has also
had the effect of introducing a vast variety of employments among
them, and of heretofore preventing that general prevalence of any
one, agriculture excepted, which is usually the parent of excellence.
17. A poor people may be driven by necessity, or an oppressed
one by tyranny, so sedulously and constantly to devote themselves
to some particular occupation, as to become eminently proficient in
its exercise. From this kind of productive excellence, our state
has thus far been fortunately preserved. Nor is it desirable, even
if it were possible, that she shall ever become so great a manufac-
turing, or even mining community, as to destroy her agricultural
habits.
18. Her immense mineral resources, her water-power, the indus-
trious habits of her people, and the large amount of her inactive
capital, will, beyond all question, raise her high in the scale of
manufacturing productiveness. But agricultural habits, and inte-
rests, and wealth, will, it is believed, ever predominate over all
others, and preserve her present reputation for varied industry, strict
integrity, and unyielding independence.
XV. ANIMALS.
1. These are usually divided into beastSy birds, fishes,
reptiles, and insects.
2. Beasts are either tame or wild.
3. The principal tame beasts or domestic animals of
Pennsylvania, are the horse, cow, sheep, hog, dog, and cat.
14. How do the people of Pennsyl-
vania live, and what portion of their
agricultural productions do they ex-
port t.
15. What portion of those of the
mine and the forest ?
16. What effect has this had on
tmployments ?
17. How may necessity be the pa-
rent of excellence ?
18. What is said of manvfactures
and of agricullural habits 'I
1. How are animals divided ?
2. How are beasts divided?
3. Which are the principal tame
beasts ?
ANIMALS.
51
which are found in f^reat numbers in every part of the
state.
4. The chief ivild hensls are : those o{ p?'py^ as the beaVj
wolf^jimither ox catamount^ raccoon^ fnx^ inin/x\ and weasel ;
and tliose Jiot of prey^ as the deer^ nibhit^ squirrel^ ground-
hofr^ opossum^ musk-rat^ and skunk.
5. Of tliese, the bear, wolf, panther, antl deer, are now
exceed in^rly rare.
6. Wlicii Pennsylvania was first discovered, it contained
numbers of buj/'alo, eUx\ beaver^ and other valuable wild
animals, but they liave wholly disappeared.
7. The liiiios are also either tame or wild. The tame
fowl, are : turkrys^ geese ^ liens ^ ducks ^ pea-fowl ^ guinea-fowl y
and pigeons.
8. 'I'he wild Land-birds are : the bald-eagle^ buzzard^
haioky crow, owl, pheasant, partridge or (/nail, plover, wood-
cock, snipe, wilil-pigeon, dove, robin, lark, thnis/i, black-
bird, mocking-bird, cat-bird, wJiippoorwill, wood-pecker,
flecker, jay, king-bird, marten, swallow, pee-weet, blue-
bird, red-bird, reed-bird, snow-bird, sparrow, hanging-bird,
wren, hununing-bird, with ujany others,
y. The wild Water-fowl are : swans, geese, many kinds
of ducks, &c. Of wild-fowl, the pheasant, parlridt^e,
wood-cock, snipe, wild-pi^^eon, goose, and duck, with
some others, are usetl for food.
10. The wild-turkey was formerly common in Pennsyl-
vania, but is now rarely met.
1 1 . The Fish of our streams are numerous. The shad,
herring, rock-fish, and eel, ascend the rivers that empty
into the Atlantic, in the spring.
12. In the other streams are found pike, perch, cat-fish,
sun-fish, suckers, carp, mullet, &c.
13. The sturcreoii is taken in the Delaware.
14. In the clear mountain streams, large numbers of
excellent trout are met.
4. Wild beasts f
5. Which are rare ?
6. Which have disappeared ?
7. How are birds divided ? Name
the tame ?
8. Name the wild land-birds ?
9. The wild water-fowl ?
10. What about the wild-turkey ?
11. Which fish ascend the rivers
from the sea ?
12. Which are found in the other
streams ?
1 3. Where is the sturgeon found ?
14. Where the trout?
52
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
15. In Lake Erie, the celebrated white-fish and the
large lake trout abound.
16. In the Ohio and its tributaries, besides most of the
fresh-water fish found in the eastern streams, the large
perch or white-salmon^ the bubble)' ^ several species of fresh
water herring^ and exceedingly large cat-fish are taken.
17. Of Reptiles, none are venemous in Pennsylvania,
except the rattle-snake, copper-head, and viper. The hiss-
ing viper, blacky garter, house, water, and other snakes are
harmless.
18. Land and snapping tortoises, and terrapins, are
numerous.
19. There are many kinds oi frog, as the hull, shad,
and tree frogs, and the common toad; with numerous
other smaller reptiles.
20. There are a multitude of Insects, of which the
common house fly and the musquito are the most annoy-
ing, the butterfly the most beautiful, and the locust the
most interesting.
21. South-eastern Pennsylvania is noted for teams of large
strong horses, called " Cnnestoga feams.^^ They are not of any
peculiar breed, but the fruit of good care and food. Our farmers
house and feed their colts carefully during the winter, and thus
bring them to their full size and strength.
22. In the western country, on the other hand, where many
horses are raised for sale, little attention is paid them, till they are
four years old. Before that age, they are permitted almost wholly
to shift for themselves, both in summer and winter. This want
of care, though it renders them hardy, has the effect of stunting
their growth, and preventing the full development of their shapes.
23. The horned cattle of the state have been greatly improved
within the few past years. The mixture of Durham, Devon, and
other improved blood has much increased their size, and added to
their beaut3^
24. Still it is not by an}'^ means certain, that the full-blood of any
of these imported breeds is suitable to our climate, which is much
more severe than they have been accustomed to. Unless they re-
15. What fish in Lake Erie ?
16. In the Ohio?
17. Which reptiles are venemous?
18. What o( tortoises ?
19. What of frogs?
20. What of insects? which most
annoying, most beautiful, most in-
teresting ?
21. ^V)iat is said of Conestogo
horses ?
22. Why are they of large size 1
23. What change has taken place
in cattle ?
24. Does our climate suit foreigii
stock I
ANIMALS.
53
cfiive better food, and jrrcater care than the native animals require,
they do not seem to thrive. It may be, however, that when these
breeds become fully acclimated, they will be more profitable.
25. Still their importation has been beneficial, the cross or half-
breed between them and the native stock, beinir, l)cyond all question,
a very hardy and superior animal, liolh size and shape are im-
proved ; maturity is liastened ; capacity for fat is enlarged ; and in
the f<;mah's, the (juantity of milk is increased.
20. Within the last thirty years, the number of sheep in the state
has been ^rp-atly increased, and their quality improved in the same
proportion. In some counties many thousands of Merino, vSaxony,
and (Ulier fine-wooled sheep are now owned. In others, the Bake-
well, Soulli-down, and other animals with lontr and comparatively
fine Heecr's, and superior mutton are raised. Few farmers in any
part of the state are now without a flock of these useful creatures.
27. The breed of s win/- has also been jrreatly improved. Instead
of the old " wf)()d-bree(l," with sun-fish backs, jrreyhound le^s,
and elej)hant snouts, the h)n<(-boilie(i, sliort-lejrtred, small-headed,
liy^ht-boned, Berkshire and other improved kinds are commonly
met. These are not only much more easily fattened, but can with
less (lifliciilty be kept out of mischief.
28. In tlie well-settled parts of the sUite, hunttmr and /o jy/t no- are
now reduced to very narrow limits. Occasionally in the fall and
winter, ?i fox-hunt takes place; and in the northern counties a few
deer are still chased, and some wild turkeys are shot.
29. rartrid^re, pheasant, wood-cock, wild-pigeon, duck, and
fi(piirrel shooting, in their several seasons, still alFord sport to the
lovers f»f fowling in most parts of the state.
30. These seem to be legitimate^ game for the gunner. But the
j)ractice of shooting rohins^ larks,, black-birds,, tnm-tits, and other
small birds, is neither sportsman-like nor proper. Some farmers
justify the practice, on the ground that these little birds destroy
their gr.iin. But if closely observed in the field, it will be found
that they are generally in ])ursuit of noxious insects ; and, that
though they do occasionally make free with a grain of corn or
wheat, their favourite food and chief object are the cut-worm, grub,
and fly, ag-ainst whose ravages, if these friends of the farmer be
destroyed, he will have no protection.
31. Before our rivers and creeks were obstructed by dams, shad
ascended to the northern part of the state, and penetrated every
creek of any size. They are now confined to the lower waters of
25. How has the foreign blood im-
proved our stock ?
26. Hott have sheep been improved ?
27. Have swine been improved ?
28. What change has taken place
in hunting and fowling ?
29. What kinds of shooting are
still practised ?
30. Why ought the smaller birds
to be spared ?
31 . Do shad ascend the streams as
high as formerly ? Why ?
54
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the Delaware and Susquehanna, where, in the spring, they are taken
in large numbers.
32. 7\nui-Jishing, in a clear cool mountain brook, on a pleasant
autumn day, is an agreeable amusement.
33. As the beasts, birds, and fishes, have been permitted to man
for food, there seems to be no sound reason why the taking of
them may not be pursued in such a manner as to afford him plea-
sure. The only proper restrictions are, that no unnecessary pain
be inflicted upon the animal ; and that only so many as are re-
quired for actual use shall be taken at any one time. In othei
words, cruelty and waste are to be avoided.
View of a Farm-House and Barn.
XVT. AGRICULTURE.
1. Agriculture means the culture ofland^ for the pur-
pose of raising food and other necessaries of life. It is,
therefore, the most useful of all occupations.
2. The land occupied by one family for agriculture, is
called a farm. In this state farms are about one hundred
acres in extent, and cost from $10 to $100 per acre.
32. IVhat is said of trout -Jishifig ?
33. IVfint restrictions are to be
observed in fowling and fishing ?
\. What is agriculture ?
2. What is a farm ?
AGRICULTURE.
55
3. They are either frroin or pasture farms, and, as each
includes a pnrden^ horticulture is also a })ortion of the
fanner's business.
4. To constitute a farm, tlicre must be a certain quan-
tity of land divided into //r/r/.v, in some of which croj)s are
raised, ;md in others the farm animals pastured.
5. There must also be a house for the farmer, and a barn
and stables, with cribs, pens, and yards, to contain the
crups an(J live-stock. •
6. There must also be live-stocky consisting of horses
and o\en, to work the land, and cows, steers, sheep, hogs,
and })nultry, to I'urnish milk, butter, meat, w'ool, eggs, &c.
7. There must also be farming implements^ such as
ploughs, harrows, wagons, carts, scythes, cradles, rakes,
flails, or thrashing-machines, grain-fans, hoes, spades,
shovels, forks, ^:c.
8. And, finally, there must be Ti farmer and his family,
able and willing to use these imi)lements; for without con-
stant human labour, a farm will soon again become a part
of the wilderness.
9. The chief crops raised in Pennsylvania are : luheat^
corn, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, potatoes, Jiay,Jlax, turnips,
pumpkins, ^'c.
10. Wlieat, in good land, and with proper care, yields
about 20 bushels to the acre ; corn, 50 ; oats, 40; rye and
barley, 30 ; potatoes from 100 to 200; and hay, from 1 to
3 tons. Buckwheat, flax, turnips, and pumpkins vary
much, according to the season.
11. Wheat and rye are mostly sown m fall, and the
other grains in the spring. They are all cut or harvested
in July or August, except corn, buckwheat, potatoes, tur-
nips, and pumpkins, which are gathered in October and
November.
12. Hay is chiefly clover, timotliy, or natural grass.
Clover is sown in the spring, timothy in the fall, and natu-
3. How many kinds of farms ?
what is horticulture?
4. What divisions has a farm ?
5. What buildings?
fi. What animals ?
7. What implements ?
8. What persons ?
y. What are the chief crops in
Peimsj'lvania ?
10. What is the yield of each per
acre ?
1 1 . When are the grains sown and
cut?
12. When the grasses ?
56
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ral grass grows spontaneously. They are all cut or made
in June, July, and August.
13. In the northern counties, and on the mountains
generally, neither wheat nor corn grow in large quantities.
The other crops succeed well in every part of the state
where the land is fit for tillage.
14. On pasture-farms^ the chief business of the farmer
is to provide hay and other fodder for the horses, cattle, and
sheep, during the winter. In summer, there is less work
than on grain farms.
15. Proper manure is as indispensable to a farm as in-
dustry and skill. Manures are either animal^ vegetable, or
mineral.
16. Animal manure is stable and other offal^ guano,
ground hones, ^x. Vegetable consists of clover and other
green or dry crops ploughed down, also ashes. Mineral,
is lime, plaster of Paris, (gypsum,) or soil, either in its
native state, burned, or in the form of compost.
17. As the farmer raises more than his own family and stock
need, his prosperity must depend on the price he receives for the
excess. Experience shows that when wheat, which generally
regulates the price of other articles, sells for ahout ^1 a bushel in
market, the general prosperit}'', or " times," as it is called, is best.
18. When it falls materially below that sum, the cost of the la-
bour to produce it is so great in proportion to the price, as not to leave
a sufficient compensation for the farmer, and then he suffers.
19. When it rises much above that price, many persons, who do
not raise, but buy their bread, find difficulty in procuring the means
to do so, and then they suffer.
20. This is owing to the fact, that the price of labour does not
constantly and equally change in proportion to that of bread.
21. 'J'herefore, when bread is high and labour low in comparison,
the wages of the labourer are not sufficient to purchase enough for
his family.
22. But when bread is very low, and wages high in proportion,
the labourer does not derive so much benefit as might be expected ;
13. What is said of the northern
and mountain counties ?
14. What is a pasture-farm ?
15. How are manures divided ?
16. Name the manures, animal,
vegetable, and mineral.
17. 071 what docs the 'profit of the
farmer depend, and which article
regulates the price of the rest ?
18. JVfiat is the effect of a low price
for wheat ?
19. Of a high price?
20. iVhy is this ?
21 . Hov) docs dear bread and cheap
labour affect the labourer ?
22. ^Vhy docs he not derive much
benefit from cheap bread ?
AGRICULTURE.
57
for Xhrn tho farmer brinjr unal)le to employ him as much as when
|»ro«lu<M- hr'>ii«:hl a betUr prii-*-, his ejirnintrs arc hss in aiiiouiit.
'S.i. llcnct', il i»c(in8 ihal any arraij<^riinMit that would hav»' the
eflfc'ct, cilhiT of keeping the price of wheat steady at about >5*1, or
Qf eausintr the price of labour to rise and fall in exact proportion
with that (jf wh<at, would br a ' i>ul)l»c himfit.
'Jl. In the oidrr and well-inij . . ; rcjnntics, farms are {generally
divided int/> about six fields. One is in ^rnins for pastur*', and own
for hay. Two an* sown with wheat or ryo. Out- is planted with
corn, and one with oaLs, barhy, potitoj-H, Sec.
Vifj. In lliL' norllurn eoiinti»'s,and in tlie more newly settled parts,
tliis arran^fement does not exibt, but divisions and crops are \';iried
to suit the soil and climate.
2«j. Withiii the few past yf^ir^i the art of airriculture has been
njuch aidrd by the introduction of inijjroved faruiinir imphinents.
It Would not be too much to say that the atrricultur.il pntduce of
the Stat*" has been incn-ased at least one-third by the mere use of
the cultivator ^ or corn-harrow, the horse-rake^ and the thrtshimr-
muchtiu.
Ml . Thry have cert:iinly d«'creas«tl human labour in at least that
proportion ; and consetjuently, if the amount of labour, applied be-
fore their ijitroduction, be still applied with tlieir aid, of which ther;;
is no doubt, a pr()pf)rtionate increase of produce must be the result.
2b. When thf various hotin^ and iiind-dicssin^rs retjuirod hy
a corn-field, fifty years a<jo, are contrasted witii the ease and speed
of its cultivation now, the benefit of improved implements will at
onci? bi' pen-eived.
*JI>. Thi- course or routine of crops durinj; a succession of years,
in the older counties, has lon«; been settled by experience. Sod or
{Trass land is plouirhod in tlu' fall, or ttarly in the sprinjr, for corn.
Next ytar, oats, barhy, or potatoes are planU'd. The third year
wheat is S(jwn with a dressinir of manure, and if the soil be not
very stronir, it is then laid down in {^rass. But if in good heart,
wheat or rye is sown the fourth year. It is then put into grass,
mostly clover, with a small j)ortion of timothy, and pastured or
mown for two or three years, when it is ainiiii broken up for corn.
30. If the majority of farmers be asked the reason for this par-
ticular succession of crops, they will probably answer, that expe-
rience has tiiught them and tlieir ancestors, that each of these crops
yields better after the one preceding- it in tliis order, than after any
other. But why this is so, few can tell.
23. ^Vhat seems to he required to
correct tfiese evils ?
24. How many fields usually in a
farm in t/ie ohler countits ?
'ifi. In (lie newer counties ?
26. Have famtijig implements been
mucli improved latterly ? Name some
of t hem.
27. How, and hoxb much have they
added to production ?
28. What is said of a corn-field in
old times, and now ?
29. What is the usual course of
crops ?
30. Wliat reasons are usually
given for this course ?
58
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
31. Attention to some well-settled facts and sound principles,
may lead to correct conclusions on this subject.
32. In the first place: Few soils are so rich as to yield full craps
of the same kind of plant several years iri successio7}.
33. The reason of this is, that each plant draws from the soil
certain ine^redients proper for its own formation, and no other. If,
therefore, it be planted year after year in the same field, it must ex-
haust the field of those in^cdients, and thus deprive it of the power
to support the plant.
31. In some parts of the state, there are a few river bottoms, so
rich and deep in vegetable soil, as to produce corn or wheat many
j'ears in succession. I3ut this only proves that those bottoms are
so exceedingly strong as to bear many crops without exhaustion.
35. In the second place: Particular classes of crops., for instance^
prain after roots, roots after grass, and grass after grain, are found
to succeed better than a succession of the same crops, or even of crops
of the same class.
36. The reason is, that each crop taking from the soil only the
]iarticular ingredients proper for its own formation, those substances
in the soil which are not needed by it, but are needed by some other
cro]), remain dormant in the ground till that other crop arrives to
abs'>rb them. Therefore, a succeeding crop ought to be as dissimi-
lar from its predecessor as possible.
37. In the third place : Certain crops which exhaust the soil of the
suhstaiKes proper for their own reproduction, seem actually to enrich
it for the production of certain other crops.
38. This is said to be owing to the fact, that not only do all
l>iants absorb from the soil the ingredients which they require, but
that being living organic bodies, with a digestive and circulating
system, they actually reject and deposit in the earth, through their
roots, as excrement, the matter not fitted for their support. And
that this rejected matter, though poisonous to their own class, is,
like all similar matter, calculated to promote the growth of other
classes.
39. With these facts in view, it is no longer astonishing that
reheat cannot be easily made to thrive after corn, but will grow as
well after turnips or beets, icithout, as after oats or corn with ma-
nure ; that the application of lime, or gypsum, (which is but another
form of lime,) promotes the growth of corn and clover, both these
plants requiring large quantities of lime ; and that permitting a field
31. WheTice may rigid co7ulusions
he derived ?
32. Are soils rick enough to bear a
long succession of the same crops i
33. Why?
34. Why are some fe\D tracts ca-
pable of jiroducirig many crops ?
35. Are dissimilar crops found to
succeed better after each other lliau
similar 1
3t]. irhyl
37. Do some crops seem to enrich
the soil for the production of ot tiers
of a dijferent kind ?
38. Wliy ?
39. Witat do these facts explain ?
AGRICULTURE.
59
to rest in prass several years, from' the production of grain, restores
its power to yield grain.
40. There is not space here to enumerate the various component
intrrodients of plants, or of soils. But these remarks may lead the
mind to other sources of information on the suhject.
41. In addition to the henefit to he derived from a skilful succes-
sion of croi)s, productiveness is also greatly and chiefly increased
hy proj)or manures.
42. 'I'iie use and mode of ap])lying stahle manure, clover, lime,
and gypsum, are so general and well understood, as to require no
ex])lan;ition here.
43. The benefit of composts is not so fully known or appreciated.
44. Compost is a manure genenilly composed of soil or vegetable
mould, (most frequently taken from bottom land,) mixed with small
quantities of stahle manure.
45. The simplest mode of preparing it, is to cart the soil into a
large heap during the winter, and to apply tlie stable-manure as it
is hauled tou-ether. After remainintr a few weeks, it is then du"; or
turned over, and well mixed togetiier with the spade. 'J'his pro-
cess is repeated two or three times during the summer, and then it
is aj)plied to the wheat land in the fall.
4(j. This kind of manure has the advantage not only of stimnlut'
in<r into action the productive powers of the land, but of adding to,
and permanently sustaining them.
47. Another and easier, but not so effectual, mode of adding to
the manure of a farm, is to cart vegetable mould to the manure heap
in tlie barn-yard.
48. On the whole it may be said, that though Pennsylvania is
one of the foremost farming states in the Union, and farming the
most imj)ort;int business pursued by her citizens, yet that the science,
and consequently the true practice of agriculture, is still in its
infancy.
40. Wliat is the object of these re-
mar lis ? ™
•1 1 . IV^/iat is another, and the chief
means of i?icreasinu productiveness ?
42. Which manures are well un-
derstood 1
43. Which is not ?
44. J^^hut is compost ?
45. How is it cojumonly prepared 'i
46. What is the advantage of it?
47. What is an easier way to make
ifi
48. MHiat is said of the science of
agriculture in Pennsylvania ?
60
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
-'.ia!i..3'u.iik ir'aciones.
XVII. MANUFACTURES.
1. Manufactures are of two classes: The smaller^
which are made in private famiUes, for their own use, or
by separate mechanics for retail ; and the larger^ which are
produced in factories for wholesale or exportation.
2. In a w^ealthy, populous agricultural state, like Penn-
sylvania, the value of the smaller manufactures greatly ex-
ceeds that of the larger.
3. They consist of clothings and omer articles for
domestic use made in families, together with all those
made by blacksmiths, cabinet-makers , shoemakers, weavers,
tailors, hatters, and mantuamakers ; coach, wagon, and
farming-implement makers, and saddlers; carpenters,
masons, chair-makers, painters, and coopers ; tin, copper,
?in(l gun- smiths ; watch-makers, silver-smiths, diud jewellers ;
confectioners, tobacconists, and tallow-chandlers, &c.
4. The larger manufactures are those fabricated at
Jlour-mills, iron-furnaces, forges, rolling-mills, foundries.
1. Name and describe the two
classes of manufactures ?
2. Which is most valuable ?
3. Name the smaller ?
4. The larger manufactures?
MANUFACTURES.
61
n/iil^ and edfre-tnol factories ; cotton^ woollen, and carpet
factories; distilleries, and breweries; salt-works ; glass-
factories, tanneries, 7\rn\ paper-niills ; rope-walks, and sJiip-
yards, &c.
5. Nearly all the articles produced by these factories
are used in tlie state, except Jlour, iron, whisky, salt, and
glass, of which larj^e (juantities are exported.
6. Manufactures of all kinds add to the actual wealth
of a state, to the amount of the diiference between the
price of the raw material of which they are composed,
and that of the manufactured article ; the additional value
bein^ the compensation for the labour expended in effect-
in<r the change.
7. They also enrich the community, by causing; an in-
creased home demand, and enlar<^ed price for agricultural
and olh<*r articles ; manulacturers being obliged to buy all
they eat, wear, and use.
8. The value of all the manufactures of Pennsylvania,
great and small, in 18-15, was at least $35,0U0,0UU.
9. Previous to the war of li-il2, the United States, including
Pennsylvania, wen' rontented to j)rodiice the raw inaterials, to
carry iheui lur nianiilacture to other countries, and when manu-
factured, to brinir them home again or deal in them in every part
of the civilized worUl. In otlier words, they were a great pruduc-
in^ and cuininircittl, hut not a mainifdcturiiv^ peopje.
It). VN'iien the war broke out, and interruj)ted their commerce,
they Ibiuid themselves deurived of the manufactured articles that
had before been imported nrom foreijrn countries.
11. This led to the adoption of a system of laws and measures
for tiie promotion of donustic or home manufactures, that the coun-
try mjirht he independent of foreitrn supply. This was called the
tarilf or protective, system^ by wliich a heavy duty was imposed on
the maimfactured articles of other nations, for the purpose of secur-
ing^ the home market to our own.
I'J. Durinir the last thirty years, this system, aided by the enter-
5. Which of their producis are
consumed in the state, and which
exported ?
6. How much do manufactures
add to the weahh of a country ?
7. How else do they enrich it ?
8. What was the value of manu-
factures in Pennsylvania in 1845 ?
9. Were the United States a manu-
facturing nation before the war of
1812 ?
10. How did that war affect us ?
11. What system did this state of
things produce ?
12. What has been the effect of t/ie
tariff during the last thirty years ?
62 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
prise and inofenuity of our citizens, and the cheapness of much of
the raw material, has heen so successful, that the country can now
compete, in cheapness and fjoodness of many manufactured articles,
with any nation in the world, not only at home but in foreign
markets. ^
13. Tlie protective system, having thus effected its object with
regard to many articles, is no longer absolutely requisite for them ;
but others, such as iron, wool, woollen goods, coal, salt, &c., still re-
quire it ; though the time seems rapidly approaching, when even
they will no longer need its aid.
14. But, as it happens that the articles still demanding protection
are among the great staples of this state, her interest in its continu-
ance, till the whole object shall be accomplished, seems obvious
and direct. Her claim to have it continued seems equally strong.
Having acquiesced in the operation of the system, while other
states and other interests required it, it is but fair that it shall now
be continued while she needs it.
15. The smaller manufactures of the state are, of course, pro-
duced in every part of her territory.
16. The larger are chiefly confined to the older and populous
districts, or to the points where the raw article is largely produced,
or fuel most abundant.
17. Hence it is, that cotton and woollen factories are most nume-
rous near Philadelphia and Pittsburg, labour being there most abund-
ant and cheapest.
18. Iron is wrouo-ht in the counties containing the mines, and
the char or mineral coal ; salt is produced where the brine is found ;
and glass is ciiiefly made at Pittsburg.
19. Flour-mills, which are more numerous than any other kind
of factory, are found in great numbers in every part of the state
where wheat is raised. Distilleries, tanneries, paper-mills, &c.,
are also established in almost every county.
20. Nearly all the flour-mills, except those in large towns, are
driven by water. So are most furnaces, forges, and rolling and
paper-mills. Factories and mills of all kinds in large towns are
generally driven b)^ steam, as are some in the country.
31. The convenience of having factories in or near towns, where
labour is abundant, is found to more than compensate for the cost
of the fuel necessary to produce steam, as a driving force instead
of water-power.
13. IV/iich articles still require its
j)roliction ?
14. Are these the staple articles of
Pennsylvania ? arid what claim has
she that they shall still be pro-
tected ?
15. Where are the smaller manu-
factures fabricated ?
16. II here the larger 1
17. IF/iy are cotton and woollen
factories generally found near or in
large towns ?
18. Where is iron made, and why 1
salt, and why ? glass ?
19. Where are four-mills, distil-
leries, tanneries, i^-c.,found1
20. What factories are driven by
water ? xrhat by steam ?
21. Why is steam found to be
cheaper than water in some factories ?
COMMERCE.
63
22. While manufactories give occupation to our unemployed liands,
create a doinanil fur tlio raw materials produced in this or the sister
states, and increase the consumption and price of arrricultural pro-
ductions, they will h(> hifrhly ben«'ficial. Hut, should they ever so
preally increase as to licconi*' the chirf husinc^s of the stale, to the
destruction of her ajrricultunil character and habits, it may then be
discovered, that increased business and wealth have been attained
at the exjx-nse of happiness and indej)cndence. Of this change,
however, there is little present danger.
•^'^c'.
^ »1>\- ^
a.-.ti-
\'iew ol a MtTtliant .Ship
XVIII. COMMERCE.
1. Commerce is the business of buying from them the
articles which persons or communities have to spare ; and
of selling to them others which they need, and is usually
transacted by merchants.
2. The commerce of Pennsylvania is either Foreign,
when it is with other nations ; Domestic^ when with our
sister states ; or Internal^ when between citizens of our
own state.
22. How lonci: will ma nti factories
be beneficial i uruler what circum-
stances may they become injuri-
ous ?
1. What is commerce, and by
whom transacted ?
2. How many kinds in Pennsyl-
vania ?
64 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
3. Merchants are either wholesale, who buy and sell
articles in large quantities ; or retail, who sell single articles,
or in small quantities.
4. The Merchandise imported or brought into Penns^
vania,from foreign countries, are : cotton, woollen, and silk
goods; tea, cojfee, and sugar; wines, spirits, ?in& fruit;
china, queensware, and glass ; cutlery and hardware of all
kinds ; salt, molasses, hides, and many other articles.
5. The articles exported, or sent to foreign countries, are :
Jlour, grain, whisky, heef, pork, lumber, jwtashes, SnX.
6. The foreign commerce of the state is all carried on
at Philadelphia, which is our only seaport. In 1845
the exports amounted to $3,574,363, and the imports to
$8,159,227.
7. The imports have always been greater than the ex-
ports, though the difference is now gradually becoming
less, in consequence of the increase of home produc-
tion.
8. The Domestic commerce of Pennsylvania consists in
cotton, and cotto7i and woollen goods, tobacco, sugar, rice,
live-stock, fish, oil, pork, lard, tar, and turpentine, which
she receives from the other states ; and in flour, grain,
coal, iron, lumber, butter, cheese, and foreign merchandise,
which she sells to them.
9. Domestic commerce is carried on at Philadelphia,
Pittsburg, and Erie, and through the numerous rivers,
canals, railroads, turnpikes, and common roads, that in all
directions connect Pennsylvania with the other states.
10. The exports of this commerce are considerably
greater than the imports, though their channels are so nu-
merous that it is impossible to ascertain the precise amount
of either.
11. Internal commerce embraces all that is sold by and
to citizens of the state, at the numerous stores, workshops.
3. How are merchants divided ?
4. What foreign merchandise is
imported into Pennsylvania?
5. What are exported ?
6. Where is our foreign commerce
carried on ? State its amount in 1845.
7. Which are greater, the imports
or exports ?
8. What are the articles of do-
mestic commerce ?
9. Where is it carried on ?
10. Which are greater, the im-
ports or exports ?
11. What does the internal com-
merce embrace ?
COMMERCE. 65
mills y iron-works y factories , mines, quarries, taverns, §t.,
in every part of it.
12. 'I'he internal is vastly larger tlian either the foreign
or domestic commerce; but it is impossible to estimate its
exact amount.
13. All commerce is oilectetl either by barter or sale.
Barter, sometimes called '* trade," in this state, consists
in giving or exchanging one article for another. It pre-
vails to some extent in our internal commerce.
14. Sale is the giving of money, called a price, for the
article ac(|uired.
15. .Money is either specie or paper money.
l(j. Specie is coin composed of silver or gold; and in
tlie United States is only coined and issued by the national
government.
17. Paper money, or bajilc notes, are promises on paper
issued by the banks, to pay in specie the sum stated on
the face ot the nutt*, ^vhenever demanded at the i)roper
bank.
18. In 1S1.0, there were 45 banks in Pennsylvania with
... ''
$10,107,18S 18 of notes in circulation. They were then
genejally able to pay specie for their notes.
19. Tlio (listi notion Ixtwr'tn cask and crtdit forms a most im-
porUmt roiisid* r.itioii in cummcrci'.
'JO. Cash is the payment of money for the articles boutrht at the
time of purehuse. It is the safest, cheapest, most eoonomical, and
peaeeful mode.
'Jl. // is s</fcy because by Ijiiyinij no more than is j)aid for, all
risk is avoiii«'d of beinir annuyed or put to cost antl trouble, on ac-
count of debts which the purchaser may not have the money to
meet, when they are demanded.
"22. Jt is chitip, because when cash is paid for any article, it is
obtained for a less jirice than when it is bought on trust or credit.
In the latter case, the seller always adds to the price so much as
he thinks the risk of never bein^ paid, the loss of the use of his
money till he is paid, and the expense of collecting it, are worth ;
which he is perfectly justiliable in doing.
12. Is it larger than the foreign or
domestic ?
13. What is barter?
14. What is sale ?
15. How many kinds of money
are there i
H'>. What is specie ?
17. What is paper money ?
6*
18. How much paper money was
there in circulation in 1845?
I'J. What is an important distinc-
tion in contmerce?
20. What is casJt ?
21. Why is it a safe mode of deal-
ing ?
22. Why cheap i
66
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
23. // is economical^ because if only such thinors are boug^ht as the
cash can be paid for, the purchasing of unneeossary articles will fre-
quently be prevented, and the ready money on hand will be saved for
those that are indispensable. This rule also often prevents a waste
of necessary articles, on account of the dilhculty of obtaining ready
money to purchase a new supply.
21. // is pcac(ful, because very many of the disputes and lawsuits
that take place are caused by niisundersUmdings about del>ts for
articles bought on trust, which would all be avoided if the cash
had been paid.
25. Still, credit is not to be altogether condemned. Within pro-
per limits, it is one of the most useful and beneficial agents in com-
merce. It is only the abuse of it that is injurious.
26. Credit is that trust which one person reposes in another when
he lends him money or sells him property, on the faith of his pro-
mise, that he will return the one, or pay for the other at the time
agreed on.
27. Interest is an inseparable incident of credit, and is that sum
which the borrower of money, or purchaser of goods on credit, pays
for the use of the money or price, while he detains it from the
owner.
28. Civilized nations always fix by law the rate of interest that
may be charged. In this state it is six per cent., which means that
no more shall be charged for the use of money than at the rate of
six dollars for the use of one hundred dollars during one year.
This is called legal interest.
29. When more than six per cent, is attempted to be charged, it
is called usury., or illegal interest, the receiving of which is severely
punishable by law.
30. No dealings on credit are either safe or justifiable, unless
the debtor or person who borrows or buys on credit is at the time
reasonably certain, that he will be able to keep his contract or pro-
mise with his creditor, or person who sells or lends.
31. When he is thus certain, such dealings are safe, beneficial,
and ought to be promoted. They form the only means of enabling
integrity, punctuality, and skill to t;ike the place of money, and of
realizing for their possessor the actual value of a good character.
32. Banks, when sound and well-managed, are importiint agents
in sustaining credit. Tluur oi)jects are two-fold : I. To add to the
money or circulating medium of a country, liy increasing its quan-
tity ; it being found that the whole amount of specie in any com-
mercial country, is generally less than the whole amount of the
value of the articles offered for sale, and is therefore inadequate to
^s
23. ^Vhy economical ?
24. IV/iy peacf/ull
25. M^hfn is credit usrfull
26. What is credit ?
27. What is interest ?
28. What is legal interest in Fa. 1
29. What is usury ?
30. JVhcn is credit safe ?
31. What does credit then
represent ?
32. What
banks ?
really
arc the objects of
COMMERCE.
67
the wants of the community. 2. To afford to persons in want of
short loans, or accommodations of money, the means of obtaining
them, on the streng-th of their credit for honesty and solvency.
33. While these objects are strictly and faithfully adhered to,
banks are safe and useful. But when they issue more notes than
they can instantly redeem in specie, without loss to the holders,
they are dang-erous to the community, and highly injurious to com-
merce. So, also, when they lend out their money in large sums,
^or a long time, to few persons, they cripple their own means, and
.nfiict a great injury on commerce. By so doing, they deprive the
smaller dealers of those short accommodations which are so neces-
sary to them, and to afford which, banks, with discounting or lend-
ing privileges, were chiefly established.
34. It has been stated that the foreign imports of Pennsylvania
are greater than her exports. This is true when all the articles
brought from foreign countries are compared with those sent thither.
But it is not believed to be the case, when the foreig^n articles ac-
tually used in this state are contrasted with those of her own pro-
duction actually exported.
35. It must be recollected that a very large part of our foreign
imports are sold to the western and south-western states. If these
be deducted' from the gross amount, it is probable that the im-
ports for our own use do not much exceed our exports.
36. At the present time, our foreign commerce is not so direct as
it used to be. In former days, Philadelphia imported by her own
vierchants, and in her own ships, all the articles she needed from
foreign nations. This is no longer the case. She now buys large
quantities of foreign merchandise from the importing merchants of
New York and Boston.
37. The vehicles of foreign commerce are ships and ocean steamers.
Of the latter, Philadelphia yet possesses none.
38. In 1845, 420 vessels from foreign countries entered the port
of Philadelphia, carrying about 91,313 tons.
39. About 10,000 vessels of all sizes arrived the same year from
all parts, foreign and domestic ; the chief part of which were en-
gaged in the coal trade.
33. When are they safe and use-
ful ? when injurious a?id unsafe ?
34. Are our foreign imports really
greater than our exports ?
35. Why not ?
36. Is the foreign trade of Phila-
delphia as direct as formerly?
37. What are the vehicles of fo-
reign trade ?
38. How many foreign vessels en-
tered Fhiladelphia in 1845 ?
39. Hot!) many vessels arrived the
same year from all ports ?
68
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Reading Railroad, and Bridge across the Schuylkill.
XrX. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
1. The public improvements of Pennsylvania, consist
of canals, railroads^ turnpikes, and bridges ; of all which
she contains more than any other state in the Union.
2. Of completed canals, the state owns 715 miles, and
of completed railroads, 118 miles.
3. There are also 380 miles of completed canals owned
by companies, and 700 miles of railroad.
4. There are 2000 miles of stoned or gravelled turn-
pike in the state, all owned by companies.
5. There are at least 30 bridges across the main streams
of the state, varying from one-fourth to one and a quarter
mile in length, with numerous smaller structures of tlie
same kind.
6. The whole cost of all the canals, railroads, turn-
1. IIow many kinds of public im-
provt'incnts in Pennsylvania ?
2. What is the length of the
completed Btato canals ? also rail-
ruuda ?
3. Connpany canals ? railroads?
4. Turnpikes ?
5. How many bridges ?
6. What is the csiiniatrd cost of
ull the public UDproveiuciiis ?
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
69
pikes, and bridges, in Pennsylvania, has been estimated at
$80,000,000.
7. The great objects of the internal improvements of
Pennsylvania are to convey to market the surplus produc-
tions of the interior of the state, and to form a connection
between the Ohio river and Lake Erie in the west, and
the river Delaware at Philadelphia in the east.
8. The following is a list of the chief works of public improve-
ment in Pennsylvania :
The Main Line of state canal and railway, from Philadelphia to
Pittsburg, 396 miles.
9. The Susquehanna canal, from the Main Line at the mouth of the
Juniata, up the Susquehanna and North Branch, to Lackawanna
in Luzerne, 112 miles.
10. The West Branch canal, from the Susquehanna canal at
Northumberland, to Farrandsville in Clinton, 75 miles.
11. The Delaware canal, from the head of navigation on the
Delaware at Bristol, to Easton on the same river, 60 miles.
12. The French creek canal, from Franklin on the Allegheny, to
Conneaut lake in Crawford, where it joins the Erie canal, 55 miles.
13. The Erie canal, from the town of Beaver on the Ohio, to the
harbour of Erie, 136 miles.
14. The state has also a number of canals and railroads, in an
unfinished condition.
The chief company canals, are :
15. The Schuylkill Navigation, from Philadelphia to Port Carbon
in Schuylkill, 108 miles.
16. The U7iion canal, from the Schuylkill Navigation at Reading,
to Middletown on the Susquehanna, where it joins the state Main
Line, with an extension to Pinegrove in Schuylkill county, 82 miles.
17. The Lehigh Navigation and railway, from Easton on the
Delaware, to Wilkesbarre in Luzerne, 105 miles.
18. The Susquehanna and Tide Water canal, from the state Main
Line at Columbia in Lancaster, to the Maryland line, 30 miles,
and thence to Havre-de-grace on the Chesapeake, 15 miles further.
19. In addition to these, there are many company canals of lesser
importance.
7. What is their object ?
8. What points does the Main Line
connect, and what is its length ?
9. The Susquehanna canal ?
10. The West Branch canal?
11. The Delaware canal ?
12. The French creek canal ?
13. The Erie canal ?
14. Has the state any unfinished
canals and railroads ?
15. Describe the Schuylkill Navi-
gation.
16. The Union canal ?
17. The Lehigh Navigation and
railway.
18. The Susquehanna and Tide-
water canal.
19. Are there other company ca-
nals 1
70 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
The cliief company railroads are :
20. The Hcadiivj: railroad, from Pliiladelphia to Pottsville in
Schuylkill, 101 miles.
21. The Philadelphia and Wilmington railroad^ leading toward^,
Baltimon^ 27 miles.
22. The Philadelphia and Norrislown railroad, 17 miles.
23. The Philadelphia and Trenton railroad, towards New York,
28 miles.
24. The Lancaster, ITarrishtinr, Carlisle, and Chanthcrshurg rail-
roaii, leadinfT throiifrh those places to the Maryland line, 88 miles.
25. The Cohunhia, York, and Maryland line railroad, towards
Baltimore, 31 miles.
26. The Carhondale and Iloncsdale railroad, in Luzerne and
Wayne, 16i miles.
27. The Little Schuylkill railroad, in Schuylkill, 23 miles, with
very many others in different parts of the state.
The principal turnpikes are :
28. The Southern turnpike, leadinp- from Philadelphia, through
Lancaster, York, Gettysburg, Chambersi)urg, Bedford, and Greens-
burg, to Pittsburg; with a branch from Bedford, through Somer-
set, to Uniontown in Fayette, where it intersects the great National
Road leadinjT through Washing-ton, Penna., to the Ohio river at
Wheeling.
29. The Northern turnpike, from Philadelphia, through Reading,
Lebanon, Harrisburg, Lewistown, Huntingdon, Ebensburg, and
Blairsville, to Pittsburg.
30. The North- Wester 71 turnpike, from Lewistown, through Belle-
fonte, Philipsburg, Brookville, Clarion, Franklin, and Meadville,
to Erie.
31. A turnpike from Harrisburg, through Carlisle, to Chambers-
burg.
32. Another from Philadelphia, northwardly through Easton to
Wilkesbarre, and also to the Great Bend in Susquehanna county.
33. With many others, connecting together the prominent towns
and business points of the stite.
31. Tlie chiif bridges ?LTe : seven across the Schuylkill at Phila-
delphia ; ten across the upper portions of the Delaware ; ten across
20. Descritie the EradiiiQ railroad. | 27. The Little Schuylkill rail-
21. TAc rhilndclphia and Mil- ' road
mirif^ton rail road.
22. Thr Phdadclphia and Norris-
toxin rnilrond.
23. The Philadelphia and Trenton
railroad.
24. The Lancaster arid Chavibers-
hurp railroad.
25. The Columbia and Maryla7id
line railroad.
2G. The Carhondale and Ilones-
dalc railroad.
28. Describe the Southerii turn-
pike.
29. The Norlhrrn.
30. The North-western.
31. The Harrisburg and Cham-
bcrshiirir.
32. The one that runs northwardly
from Philadelphia.
33. A re there others ?
34. IVliich are the chief bridges ?
TOWNS.
71
the Susquehanna, and its north and west branches ; and /our across
the Allegheny and Monongahela at Pittsburg.
35. The bridg-e over the Susquehanna at Columbia is one and a
quarter mile long, and is the longest in the state.
XX. TOWNS.
1. There are three kinds of towns in Pennsylvania, viz.,
CitieSy Boroughs^ and Villages.
2. A City is a large incorporated town, governed by a
mayor, recorder, and councils ; having a Mayor's Court
for the punishment of the smaller crimes, and aldermen
who act as justices of the peace.
3. A Borough is an incorporated town, generally smaller
than a city, governed by a burgess and town council, but
having no court or aldermen.
4. A Village is a town not incorporated, and in most
cases smaller than a borough, with no separate govern-
ment, but included in that of the township in which it is
situated.
5. There are ybwr cities in this state : Philadelphia^ Pitts-
burg, Allegheny^ and Lancaster.
6. There are 191 boroughs, with an average population
of 600. The chief are. Readings Harrisburg, Easton, York,
Germardown, Carlisle, P ottsville, Chamber sburg, Erie, JYor-
ristown, Hollidaysburg, Carbondale, Allentown, WestChester,
Washington, Lewistown, Columbia, Gettysburg, Lebanon,
Uniontown, Wilkesba.rre, Johnstown, Williamsjwrt, Mead-
ville, Bristol, Sfc.
7. There are at least 375 villages, with an average
population of 250 in each. Many of them have a larger
number of inhabitants than some of the older boroughs,
and are increasing with great rapidity.
8. In some of the older countries of the world there is another
class of towns, called fortified, or walled towns. We have none
such, because our republican institutions neither require nor permit
the government to occupy fortresses by means of a standing army,
for the purpose of keeping the people in subjection. Nor is there
35. Which is the longest in Pal
1. How many kinds of towns are
there in Pennsylvania?
2. What is a city ?
3. A borough ?
4. A village ?
5. Name the cities.
6. How many boroughs ? Name
the principal.
7. How many villages, with what
average population ?
8. Have we walled towns ? why ?
12
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
such danger of foreign invasion as to render them necessary as a
means of defence.
9. There are, in other parts of the Union, especially along the
sea-coast and on the frontiers, a few fortified posts and forts, for
the protection of those places. But in Pennsylvania, there are none
even of tliese now occupied. Nor are there in any part of the
Union any large walled or fortified towns, in which the milifciry is
superior to the civil power ; such places being unnecessary in a
countr}' where the people not only govern but defend themselves.
10. The appearance of the cities and towns of Pennsylvania is
different from that of most other countries. They are chiefly laid
out according to the plan adopted by William Penn when he
founded Philadelphia; that is, the streets are all broad, perfectly
straight, and cross each other at right angles, and at uniform
distances.
11. The materials used in building are brick, stone, and wood.
The prevalence of the two former gives our towns a more substan-
tial appearance than those of some other states; but the want of
paint or whitewash causes many of them to have a less pleasant
appearance.
12. In building the older county-towns, the practice prevailed of
placing the court-house in the centre of a public square or street, in
the middle of the town. This inconvenient arrangement has been
avoided in the location of the court-houses recently constructed.
13. The practice of planting shade trees along the side of the
streets prevails in most of the towns of this and the other states.
In addition to the pleasant coolness afforded by these trees in sum-
mer, they promote the health of the inhabitants by their purifying
effect on the air. It is said that the leaves of trees absorb or attract
from the atmosphere during the night certain gases, which are inju-
rious to human health, but necessary to the growth of the trees, and
emit during the day others that are beneficial to man.
14. This may be called the breathing process of the trees, and
closely resembles that of animated beings. The air, when drawn
into the lungs of the latter, is fit and necessary for their support in
health ; but when throwm or breathed out, has lost its life-support-
ing principle, and become injurious to them. In the same manner,
the leaves, which are the lungs of the trees, absorb the air neces-
sary for their support, chiefly at night, and emit it during the day,
after it lias been deprived of the qualities necessary for the growth
of the trees.
15. This is but another of the numberless instances of the per-
fect wisdom and beautiful harmony of the works of Providence.
9. Are there forts in oilier parts of
the Utiion ? why ?
10. JV/tdt is th( peneral plan of the
tov>ns in Pennsylvania ?
11. What are their materials and
apjiearance ?
12. What practice prevailed in
huUdins the older county-towns.
13. What is said of stiade trees 1
14. How is this effected ?
15. What is it a proof of ?
COUNTIES AND TOWNSHIPS.
73
That which might be injurious to one portion is found to be bene-
ficial and necessary to another, and thus all are indeed good.
[A more minute description of the principal towns of the state
will be found under the head of their respective counties.]
XXI. COUNTIES AND TOWNSHIPS.
1. A COUNTY is a portion of a state, separated from the
rest for certain purposes of local government. Counties
are formed by the state legislature.
2. All the public affairs of the county are transacted at
the county town^ or seat of justice, where the courts are
held, and the public offices and prison are placed.
3. There are 59 counties in Pennsylvania, viz., .^(fams,
JUlegJieny^ Armstrongs Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair,
Bradford, Bucks, Bidler, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Ches-
ter, elation, Clearjleld, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford,
Cumberland^ Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette,
Franklin, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata,
Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean,
Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton,
JYorthumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuyl-
kill, Somerset, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, War-
ren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, and
York.
4. A Township is a portion of a county set apart for the
performance of such acts of local government as do not
relate to the whole county, but only to the people of the
township, such as the repair of roads, &c. Townships are
formed by the Court of Quarter Sessions of the proper
county.
5. Townships are generally also election districts, which
means that the citizens meet at one place in the district
or township, to vote for their representatives and other
officers.
6. Townships are also common school districts, for the
election of directors, and the establishment of free schools.
1. What is a county ?
2. What is a county-town ?
3. How many counties in
state? Name them.
the
4. What is a township ?
5. How connected with elections ?
6. With common schools ?
74
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
7. There are 1110 townships in the state, being about an
average of 19 in each county, though some counties have
less and some more than this number.
[The different counties will be described in detail, and their
townships designated, in the following part of this Book.]
*,
XXII. NATURAL DIVISIONS.
1. There is a marked difference in form of surface,
quality of soil, and nature of productions, between various
portions of Pennsylvania. This is so obvious and strongly
marked, that the state naturally divides itself into seven
CLASSES or groups of counties:
2. I. The South-eastern counties, consisting of that
portion of the state .which lies on the south-east of the
South mountain.
3. Eight counties form this class, viz. : Philadelphia,
Delaware, Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, Lancaster, York,
and Adams.
4. Their distinctive features are: 1. A surface free
from great elevations ; 2. A soil generally capable of pro-
ductive cultivation ; and 3. Great fruitfulness of grain.
5. II. The Cumberland Valley counties, occupying
that great limestone valley, which stretches from the Dela-
ware to the Maryland line, between the Kittatinny and
South mountains.
6. The chief parts of seven counties constitute this
class ; viz. : JVorthampton, Lehigh, Berks, Lebanon, part of
Dauphin, Cumberland, and Franklin.
7. Their peculiar characteristics are: 1. Great even-
ness of surface, except where they extend up the moun-
tains on each side of the valley; 2. Uniform fertility of
soil in the valley ; 3. Abundance of all agricultural pro-
ductions, and of limestone.
7. How many townships in Pa. ?
1. Into how many classes of coun-
ties is the stale naturally divided ?
2. Which is the first class, and
where situated ?
3. What counties compose it ?
4. What are its features ?
5. Which is the second, and whero
situated ?
6. Name the counties.
7. Describe its peculiarities.
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
75
8. III. The Anthracite Mountain counties, embrac-
ing that part of the state which Hes between the main
Susquehanna and the waters of the Lehigh, on the north
of Cumberland valley.
9. Including Dauphin, there are seven counties in this
class ; viz. : part of Dauphin^ Schuylkill^ Carbon^ Monroe^
JYorthumberlandj Luzerne, and Wyoming.
10. Their peculiarities are : 1. Great ruggedness of
surface ; 2. General scarcity of limestone ; 3. Abundance
of anthracite coal, which is found in no other part of the
state.
11. IV. The Iron Mountain counties, occupying the
central portion of the state, between the main Susquehanna
on the cast, and the great Allegheny ridge on the west,
and extending from the Maryland line to the northern tier
of counties.
12. Ten counties compose this class ; viz. : Perry ,
Juniata, Mifflin, Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon, Centre^
Union, Columbia, and Lycoming.
13. Their distinguishing qualities are: 1. Great un-
evenness of surf ace ; 2. JVumerous fertile limestone valleys
and river flats ; 3. And general abundance of iron ore, of
a superior quality.
14. V. The Bituminous Mountain counties, extend-
ing from the top of the main Allegheny to its western
termination, and from the Maryland line to the northern
tier of counties.
15. There are five counties in this class ; viz. : Somer-
set, Cambria, Clearfield, Clinton, and Elk.
16. Their characteristics are: 1. A 5Mr/ace very much
elevated and broken ; 2. A soil of only moderate fertility,
consisting of high table-lands and '^glades;" 3. Abund-
ance of bituminous coal.
17. VI. The Western counties, embracing all those
8. Which is the third, and where
situated ?
9. What counties are embraced
in it ?
10. State the peculiar features.
11. Which is the fourth class, and
where situated ?
2. N ame its counties.
13. Describe their distinguishing
qualities.
14. Which is the fifth, and where
situated ?
15. What counties form it ?
16. Describe its characteristics.
17. Which is the sixth class, and
where is it situated ?
76
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
west of the mountains, except the counties along the New
York line.
18. Fourteen counties compose this class ; viz. : Fay-
ette, Greene J Washington, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Indiana,
Jirmstrong, Jefferson, Clarion, Venango, Butler, Beaver,
Mercer, and Crawford.
19. Their peculiar features are: 1. JVumerous irregular
hills, with deep ravines and water-courses between ; 2. A
generally fertile soil ; 3. Abundance of bituminous coal,
with iron-ore, limestone, and salt.
20. VII. The Northern Line counties, consisting of
those that form the northern and eastern boundary of the
state, from Erie to Pike.
21. Nine counties constitute this class; viz.: Pike,
Wayne, Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter, McKean,
Warren and Erie.
22. Their distinctive features are : 1. A surface uneven
and hilly, but not often attaining the height or regularity
of mountains ; 2. A soil well adapted for pasture, but ge-
nerally too cold and thin for wheat and corn ; 3. Great
abundance of lumber, with few valuable minerals.
FIRST CLASS.
1. In geological character, a portion of this class, viz., the whole
of Delaware and Philadelphia, and the southern parts of Bucks,
Montgomery, Chester, Lancaster, and York, belong to the primary
formation of rocks, consisting of gneiss, mica-slate, and their varie-
ties, with granite at the extreme south.
2. The remainder belongs to the middle-secondary or transition
order, and presents the red-sandstone formation, with soft red and
brown shales, bands of conglomerate, several ridges of trap, and oc-
casional large tracts of limestone.
3. The soil consequently exhibits the qualities of all these varie-
ties of rock, varying from the most fertile to nearly barren. Little,
however, occurs so barren as to be wholly irreclaimable.
4. Nearly all the tracts that used to be considered comparatively
valueless, for the purposes of tillage, are now in the process of
18. What counties consiitute it?
19. State their peculiar features.
20. Which is the seventh class,
and where situated ?
21. What counties belong to it?
22. How are they distinguished ?
1. What is the gtoloi^ical character
of the souther?i portion of the Jirst
class ?
2. Of the remainder ?
3. Jvhat is the general jMture of
the soil ?
4. Mas a?iy improvement been ej'
ftcled^ Howl
NATURAL DIVISIONS. 77
fertilization, by means of lime and other mineral manures, and by
the use of clover. When thus reclaimed, they are found to be the
most certain grain lands in the state, and to produce heavier wheat
than the limestone farms.
5. These counties are wholly destitute of coal mines, but have
numerous veins of iron-ore of various qualities.
6. The agricultural productions embrace all the varieties of grain,
meat, fowl, and fruit, common to a rich farming region, and a tem-
perate climate.
7. It is a remarkable fact, that the rich limestone lands of the
south-eastern and Cumberland Valley counties, were not the first
that were selected for improvement by the earliest settlers. When
first visited by Europeans, they were found nearly destitute of tim-
ber, and were then, as now, not so well watered as the slate and
shale lands in their vicinity. In parts of the Valley, some lime-
stone lands which are now worth from 50 to 100 dollars an acre,
lay unimproved for many years, and were actually called " dry
barrens."
8. It was the Germans who first discovered the superior qualities
of these tracts, and occupied them fully. Before they settled, how-
ever, considerable improvements had been effected by the Scotch-
Irish, but were chiefly confined to the banks of the larger streams.
9. The absence of timber was owing to the Indian practice of
burning the dry leaves and grass every spring, upon these favourite
hunting-grounds. This burning promoted an earlier springing of
grass for the support of the deer and other game, and prevented the
growth of trees, by which the hunters' view might be obstructed.
10. The consequence is, that though many of these tracts have
become heavily timbered since this practice ceased, yet few trees
are now found over 150 years old. This may easily be ascertained
by counting the rings or annual growths upon the stumps of the
largest trees that have been felled.
11. The south-eastern is the most densely peopled part of the
state ; and contains many towns, with numerous mills, furnaces,
factories, turnpikes, bridges, canals, and railways, and a great num-
ber of churches and school-houses. The private edifices, especially
the barns, are large, commodious, and substantial.
12. The Flour business of Pennsylvania is of great magnitude,
especially in the Jirst^ second, and sixth classes of counties. Like
most other prominent branches of industry, it has vastly increased
in extent and facilities within a few years.
/), Is coal found ? Is iron ?
6. What are the agricultural pro-
ductions ?
7. TVhat is said of the limestone
lands when first visited by Euro-
peans ?
8. Who first fully occupied them ?
n*
9. Why were they bare of timber ?
10. IVhat is the general age of the
largest trees ?
1 1 . How is this class peopled and
improved ?
12. In which classes is the flour
business greatest ?
78
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
13. Durincr the earlier times of the colony and state, mills were
much fewer in number than now. It was not uncommon for the
pioneer settlers to carry their bag of wheat on horseback, ten or
twenty miles to the nearest mill, along bridle-paths through the
Avoods.
14. In those days, too, and long afterwards, a mill was a very
rude and simple machine. A clumsy water-wheel with the interme-
diate cog-wheels put the mill-stones in iuotion. A hopper contained
the wheat and fed it to the stones ; and a rough bolting cloth sepa-
rated the flour from the bran. All the rest was performed by
human labour.
15. Now a complete merchant mill, such as are seen almost
within sight of each other, on every stream in the wheat counties,
is one of the most perfect labour-saving machines which man has
contrived.
16. The grain is taken from the wagrons at the mill door, and
hoisted to the third, fourth or fifth story of the building, according
to its size, by means of a rope and puUy^ worked by the mill-wheel.
Even then the miller has not the labour of carrying it to the proper
garner^ but is provided with a small wagon or truck for the purpose.
17. Before being ground, the grain is screened and put through a
smut machine, by which it is cleansed of all impurtiies, and thence
fairness and sweetness of the flour increased.
18. It is then conveyed through tubes to the hopper, over the
stones or grinders, after passing through which the ground grain is
raised by means of elevators, to the happer-boy , by which it is com-
pletely cooled before passing to the holt, which separates \he Jlour
from the middlings, ship-stuff, shorts, and bran.
19. Even yet, it is not out of the power of machinery, the miller
being provided with a press wrought by the water-wheel, by which
the flour is packed in the barrel, and weighed at the same time.
20. In a barrel there are 196 pounds of flour, which is the pro-
duce of from four to five bushels of wheat.
21. In 1845, there were about 12,000,000 bushels of wheat raised
in Pennsylvania. Of these, about 5,000,000 were coiwerted into
1,000,000 barrels of flour and sent to market.
22. Not less than 1,000,000 bushels of the balance was re-
quired for seed, so that about 6,000,000 bushels were consumed
in the state.
13. Were mills numerous in early
times ?
14. Describe an old fashioned mill ?
15. What is a Jlour-mill now ?
16. How is the {^rain taken into
the mill ?
17. What is done before grinding ?
18. Jiuw is it ground, elevated,
cooled, and separated ?
19. How is it packed ?
20. How mant/ pounds of flour
are there in a barrel, and how matuj
bushels of wheat make a barrel of
flour ?
21. How many bush Is were raised
in 1845 f How much flour sold I
22. How much was sow7i, and how
much consumed in the state ?
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
79
SECOND CLASS.
1. Cumberland Valley extends from the Delaware in Northamp-
ton county, to the Maryland line in Franklin, a length in Pennsyl-
vania of about IGO miles, with a breadth of about 12 miles. South
of Pennsylvania, it passes through the states of Maryland, Vir-
ginia, and North Carolina, to Georgia.
2. In this state, it presents the appearance of a rich, broad, gently
rolling plain, with a high regular mountain barrier on the north,
and a chain of broken hills to the south.
3. The geological features of this beautiful region are very uni-
form. The large middle portion is entirely limestone. Along the
base of the mountain on the north, slate is generally found, often
extending some distance up the mountain side. Above this is the
barren silicious sandstone of the Kittatinny, which forms the base
of the mountain range of counties. On the south edge of the val-
ley, the succession of irregular hills, forming the South mountain,
is composed of rocks of the primary class, covered, however, to-
wards its western extremity, by the hard silicious sandstone of the
secondary formation.
4. In the north-west spurs of the South mountain are found some
of the most valuable iron ores of the state ; and hence numerous
iron works are seen along the southern border of the valley.
5. The limestone portion of Cumberland Valley is noted as being
a most fruitful agricultural district. In this respect, its only de-
fects are a failure of the springs of water during the latter part of
summer and fall, and the frequent and irregular manner in which
the limestone rocks are protruded through the soil, forming what
farmers call "broken land." Large portions of the valley are,
however, free from both these objections.
6. The slate lands along the mountains form a light, thin soil,
but tolerably fertile when improved. They are better watered than
the limestone tracts.
7. The buildings and other improvements are nearly equal to
those of the south-eastern class of counties, and the population
almost as dense. The climate is the same.
8. The most valuable mineral of this beautiful valley is its lime-
stone.
9. Fifty years ago, Lime was only used in building; and as
1. What is the extent of Cumber-
land Valley ?
2. What is its appearance in this
state ?
3. What is its geological cha-
racter ?
4. What is found in the spurs of
the South mountain ?
5. What is said of the valley as
an agricultural district ?
6. Of the slate land ?
7. What of the improvements, po-
pulation, and climate ?
8. Which is the most valuable mi-
neral in Cumberland Valley ?
9. What about lime fifty years ago ?
80
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
comparatively little was needed, no pains were taken to discover
the cheapest and most expeditious mode of making it.
10. But wlien it was found that some lands were, by a long suc-
cession of crops, worn out, or exhausted of the rich vegetable mat-
ter that had been accumulating upon their surface for centuries, it
became necessary to aj)ply some new substance to restore fertility.
Animal or barn-yard manure was well known to have this effect,
but could not be obtained in sufficient quantities.
11. It was perceived that limestone soils, which mean soils rest-
ing on limestone rock, did not wear out like others. Hence it was
concluded, even before any correct scientific investigation had ren-
dered the fact certain, that this desirable quality must be owing to
the limestone ; and that the application of lime, as a manure, would
restore productiveness. The experiment was soon tried, and the
success was perfect.
12. Since this new and most beneficial use of it was discovered,
the demand for lime has very largely increased, and every means
have been taken to facilitate and cheapen its production. The con-
sequence is, that the cost is now not more than one-fourth of what
it was when only used for the purposes of architecture.
13. The chief good that has followed this use of lime, is the very
great increase effected in the agricultural productions of the country.
The crops of poor worn-out lands, to which it has been judiciously
applied, have increased at least four-fold ; and many impoverished
and almost deserted regions now bear the smiling ai)pearance of
prosperity and happiness.
14. In former years, the process of lime-burning was tedious, la-
borious, and expensive. A rude, ill-shaped kiln was built. It was
then filled with limestone, and the necessary heat obtiiined by keep-
ing up a continued wood-fire in the eye or furnace of the kiln, till
the contents were converted into lime. This occupied about three
days, and was very laborious, the workmen being compelled to
attend the fire night and day. The quantity of wood required for a
kiln of 500 bushels was about ten cords.
15. At present, the fuel mostly used is stone-coal, and the whole
process is much easier and cheaper.
16. Most persons still burn lime in kilns nearly similar in shape
to the wood kilns. The limestone and coal are placed in alternate
layers till the kiln is full. Fire is then applied from below, and
no further attention is needed, for, by the time that the coal is con-
sumed, the lime is burned. This usually takes place in three
days.
17. Some extensive lime-burners use what arc called perpetual, or
10. M'hat became necessary when
lands were worn-out ?
11. IVhat was remarJscd in lime-
stone soils ? and the result of it ?
] 2. What is the effect on the cost
of lime ?
13. What is the effect on the pro-
ductions of the county ?
14. Describe the old process of
viaking lime.
15. What fuel is now used ?
16. Describe the present mode.
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
81
draw kilns. These are deeper and narrower than the common kind,
but are filled in the same manner with alternate layers of limestone
and coal. When the coal in the lower part of the kiln is consumed,
and the lime consequently burned, it is drawn out from below.
The contents of the upper portion sink as this is done without ex-
tinguishing the fire ; more layers of stone and coal are then thrown
in till it is again full ; and in this way the kiln is at the same time
receiving stone and coal at the top, burning in the middle, and
emitting lime below. Lime may be draw"n from one of these kilns
two or three times in the twenty-four hours, to the amount of from
100 to 500 bushels a day, according to its size.
18. Burning lime in stacks is still another mode. This differs from
the other processes merely in dispensing with a permanent kiln.
The limestone and coal in alternate layers are piled up in the form
of a stack on the ground, with openings or flues beneath to apply
the fire, and admit a draught of air. The outside of the stack is
then covered or daubed over with stiff clay, to serve instead of the
walls of a kiln and keep in the heat. Fire is then applied at the
bottom, and in a few days the coal is burned out and the lime formed,
19. Owing to these processes and the use of coal, lime is now
sold for from 5 to 12 cents a bushel, according to the price of coal
and the convenience of limestone.
20. One ton of coal will make from 75 to 150 bushels of lim& —
some stones being more easily converted into lime than others.
21. There is great difference in lime for agricultural purposes ;
or rather the foreign substances found mixed in most limestone
produce very different effects upon vegetation. Pure lime, which
very rarely occurs, is always uniform in its qualities.
22. The chief of these foreign ingredients are silicinus^ or flinty
matter, iron^ and magnesia. The two former do not injure, but pro-
bably improve the effects of lime as a manure. The last is gene-
rally injurious, though in some few cases of rich soils it has a good
effect.
23. Magnesian lime is said to be injurious, because it remains
caustic or unslacked in the ground longer than any other ; it being
well established, that quick or unslacked lime is generally hurtful
to plants, while slacked lime is nearly always beneficial.
24. When limestone does not freely effervesce, or produce bub-
bles, in acid, is so hard as to scratch glass, and is of any shade of
colour, from clear blue to pure white, it contains silicious or flinty
matter. When it is of a deep yellow, brown or red colour, iron is
contained. And when it is of a light brown or pale yellow, not
17. Describe the perpetual kiln.
18. Describe the stack mode.
19. What is the price of lime now ?
20. How many bushels will a ton
of coal burn ?
21. What is the difference in lime
caused by ?
22. JVhat i7igredients are usually
found mixed with it ?
23. Why is magnesian lime inju-
rious ?
24. How is the presence of silex,
iron, and magnesia indicated ?
82
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
sufficiently hard to mark glass, effervesces slowly, and gives a
milky appearance to acid, it contains mnffncsia.
25. The mode of applying lime in this state varies with the soil
and object in view, actual experience being- the best guide.
"26. Generally it is put on sod land intended for corn. After the
ground has been ploughed and harrowed, the slacked lime is spread
over the surface, and the grain is then planted in the ordinary
manner. The good effects generally begin to exhibit themselves
the first year, but are not fully developed till the field is laid down
in grass, when they are usually most obvious and satisfactory.
27. Strong soils bear a greater quantity of lime at one dressing
than thin or poor ones. From 50 to 100 bushels to the acre may
safely be put on the former, while half the quantity is as much as
the latter will receive with advantagre. In all cases it is said to be
better to apply the intended quantity at two dressings, with an in-
terval of two or three years, than at once.
28. In some parts of the state, the practice is becoming general
of putting out lime on grass or clover sod, and permitting it to lie
two or three j^ears before ploughing. By this mode a smaller
quantity is said to produce the desired effect, and the improvement
which at once takes place in the grass crop is very marked and
profitable.
THIRD CLASS.
1. The whole mountain region of the state, including the third,
fourth, and ffth classes, belongs, geologically, to the secondary
formation. The rocks rangre from the lowest sandstone of the
massive series to the crowning stratum of coal, including variously
alternating layers of sandstones, shales, limestones, slates, and con-
glomerates. The last named are uniformly found underlying the
coals, which constitute the highest of the series.
2. The order of stratification is not uniform throughout the whole
mountain region, but certain general features everywhere occur,
that mark the identity of the formation.
3. In the .Anthracite counties, iron ore is very generally found in
close vicinity with the coal, but limestone very rarely occurs in the
same neighbourhood.
4. The greater portion of the anthracite region being composed
of rijgged mountains, cannot, consequently, be a very productive
agricultural district. Still it contains some fertile valleys and al-
luvial bottoms. This is especially the case, in parts of Dauphin,
Northumberland, and Luzerne.
25. Wfiat is the best guide for ajp-
fihjiiiS lime ?
26. To xchat crop, and how is it
ttsualli/ applied?
27. Do strong or poor soils bear
most ? and how much ?
28. What is said of putting it on
sod?
1. What classes dnes the mou7itain
region contain ? Describe their ge-
neral geological formation.
2. is this order of strata uniform ?
3. What is found near the coal i?i
the anthracite counties ?
4. What is their agricultural chu'
racter ?
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
83
5. The climate is not so mild as in the less elevated counties.
Snow falls earlier, and remains longer in winter ; and in smnmer
the nig-hts are much cooler.
G. This class of counties contains a larofe number of the most
flourishing- towns in the state ; and, on the whole, forms a rapidly
improving district.
7. Monroe and Wyoming are classed with the anthracite coun-
ties, because, though they do not contain any of that mineral, they
possess the other features of the class, and seem to be more closely
connected with it than any other.
8. Anthracite is that kind of coal which is hard, shining, and
of smooth fracture ; is composed almost entirely of pure carbon^
is difficult to kindle, and burns without much flame or smoke.
9. There are three basins, or fields of this kind of coal in Penn-
sylvania : all in the eastern mountain counties ; all of a long oval
shape ; all with strata mostly dipping from the sides of the basins
towards the centre ; and all running from north-east to south-west,
or, in other words, following the general course of the mountains.
10. The Southern Basin, embracing Ly kens-valley, Pint-grove,
Pottsville, and Mauch-Chunk, extends from Lykens-valley and
Stony-creek, (two points in Dauphin, near the Susquehanna,)
through Schuylkill, to Mauch-Chunk in Carbon. It is about 65
miles in length and 5 in breadth.
11. The Middle Basin, including Shamokin, Mahanoy, Ilazelton,
and Beaver- Meadow, runs from Shamokin in Northumberland,
through Schuylkill and part of Luzerne, to Beaver-Meadow, in the
north-west corner of Carbon, and is about 55 miles lono; and 5 broad.
12. The Northern Basin, embracing the Wilkesharre or Wyom-
ing, and the Lackawanna mines, extends from Shickshinny, near
the south-west corner of Luzerne, to the vicinity of Carbondale
near the south-east angle of Susquehanna ; being about GO miles
long and 5 broad.
13. The aggregate area of the three basins is nearly 1000 square
miles, or about one-fiftieth part of the whole state.
14. It is a singular circumstance, that not only does the anthra-
cite coal of each of these basins differ from that of the others, but
that the coal of each part of the same basin varies according to some
general law of nature. Every one who uses the article is a^vare
of the fact that the anthracite of Wyoming valley, the northern
basin, is harder, more difficult to ignite, and burns longer than that
of any of the fields to the south of it ; that the Dauphin county,
generally called the Lykens-valley coal, which is the product of
5. Describe the climate.
6. Wtiat is said of the towns and
general condition of the district ?
7. Why are Monroe and Wyoming
embraced in this class ?
8. What is anthracite ?
9. How many basins are there, and
what is said of them all ?
10. Describe the southern basin.
1 1 . Ttie middle.
12. The northern.
13. What is their aggregate area 1
84
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the southrrn ejctremff}/ of the southern basin, is the softest, the most
easily kiiidhnl, and the quickest bnrninor eoal of the whole anthra-
cite class ; and that the coal of the ////;/<//<? i)asin seems to hold a
medium rank with respect to all these qualities. It is also well
known, so far at least as reorards the southern basin, that its coal
chancres in the same manner, rrrowingr softer, burninji sooner, and
beincr less difiicult of ijrnition, from east to west. In further con-
firmation of this rule, coal has lately been discovered in the extreme
south-west of the coal land of Dauphin county, approaching nearly
to the qualities of the bituminous class.
15. Some of these properties are therefore most probably owing
to an increasing proportion of bitumen or mineral tar, towards the
west and south. It is well known that even in the bitu?niiwus coal
region of the state nearly the same difference is perceived, bitumen
increasing in constituent proportion in the same direction. Hence
it would seem probable, that if the extensive tract intervening be-
tween the anthracite and the bituminous fields had not been denuded
of its coal by some great convulsion of nature, the two kinds would
have run into each other so gradually, that it would be impossible
to detect the point of junction.
16. It seems to be another law^ of nature, (or rather of Providence,
for "nature is but the name of an effect whose cause is God,") that
coal alwa)'s occupies the highest position of all the other rock
strata. By highest is meant last in geological formation, though
frequently not highest in present actual position, owing to some
great disturbances that have taken place since the formation of the
coal. Hence it is in vain to search for coal below the layers of con-
glomerate rock, which are uniformly next to it in geological order.
17. Anthracite coal was first discovered on the Lehigh, williin
the present county of Carbon, in 1791, by Philip Ginter, a hunter,
who found it adhering to the root of a tree that had been blown
over by the wind. Its existence in Schuylkill was earlier known.
18. In 1792, some of it was taken to Philadelphia from the
Lehigh, and tried under the boiler of the steam-enirinc at Centre-
scjuare, but the mode of using it not being known, // put the fire
out. The remainder was used as gravel on the walks of the square.
19. In 1820, the Philadelphia market was completely stocked by
a supply of 3(>5 tons, which sold at ^S 40 per ton.
20. In 1815, the whole quantity transported from the three basins,
in every direction, was 2,012,742 tons, which, at $4 per ton in
market, produced the vast sum of $58,050,908.
21. The mining of coal is an interesting and important business.
14. Wtmt gradual change Is per-
ceived in the coal from the north-east
to south-vest ?
13. IP7/af inference may he drawn
from this ?
l('). Mliat is the uniform geologi-
cal position uf coal?
17. When, where, and by whom,
was anthracite first discovered on
the LehigJi ?
18. iV/ien was it first taken to Phi-
ladelphia, and wtiat v:as done with it ?
19. How much stocked that market
in 1820 ?
20. How much was tent to market
in I8i5, and at what price was it sold ?
NATURAL DIVISIONS. 85
It gives direct employment to a great number of men ; and, as the
whole time of the miners is occupied in the mines, they must
depend on others to supply their provisions and clothes. This
gives additional employment to farmers and mechanics ; and tlms
mining furnishes business to a great many more persons than are
actually engaged in the mines.
22. When a coal mine is about to be opened, a drift or small
tunnel is run into the side of the mountain, till the coal vein is
struck. The coal is then loosened by means of pick-axes and
other implements, and conveyed to the mouth of the drift in small
cars, on a railroad track laid in the shaft and through the mines.
As the coal is removed, the upper portion or roof of the mine is
prevented from falling by numerous props, made of large trees,
which the miners insert as they advance.
23. In this way, large portions of some of the mountains in the
anthracite region are undermined and actually supported on props.
In the beginning of 1846, owing to the enormous weight thus rest-
ing on the props in a mine near Carbondale, they gave way, and
about 100 acres of excavation were filled up, and fourteen of the
miners met a miserable death.
24. Where the vein of coal to be mined lies immediately hehw
the level at which operations are to be commenced, a perpendicular
shaft or well is dug down, till the coal is reached. The coal is
then mined in the manner just described, but instead of being
drawn to the mouth of the mine on a level railway, it is elevated
from the bottom to the top of the shaft by steam power.
25. In the various parts of the coal region, there are now several
hundred miles of railway, under ground, extending in every direc-
tion through the mines ; and the flourishing town of Pottsville is
undermined in many places.
26. The productive coal veins are generally from 5 to 10 feet in
thickness. In Luzerne, there are some that reach 25 feet. There,
instead of using timber props, large columns of coal are left, at
regular distances, for the support of the mountain ; and the mines
are so high and open, that a stage and horses might easily enter.
Some of the veins near Shamokin are said to be 40 feet, and at
Mauch-Chunk there is one of the immense thickness of 60 feet.
FOURTH CLASS.
1. These counties belong to the secondary formation, and are the
same in geological features as those of the third class ; except that
21. What is the effect of coal min-
ing upon other business ?
22. How is coal mined out of a
mountain or hill ?
23. What happened at Carbondale
in 1846 ?
8
24. How is coal mined below the
level at which the mine is begun ?
25. What is said of railways
under ground, and of Pottsville ?
26. vVhat is the usual thickness
of coal veins ?
86
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the coal-bearing strata of rocks are nearly wanting, and that those
containing iron ore, and the limestone strata, are more fully exposed.
2. The soil formed from the great variety of rock found in the
counties of this class is equally various in quality. The northern
part is not well adapted to the growth of wheat and Indian corn,
except in the numerous limestone valleys and alluvinl river flats.
These are, however, among the best farming lands in the state.
3. 'i'he population is generally more sparse, and the buildings
and other improvements less numerous and substantial than in the
south-eastern counties; but a marked and rapid improvement is
recently perceptible in all these respects.
4. The climate is similar to that of the other mountain regions.
In the northern counties of the class, the winter is somewhat longer
and colder, and the summer nights less warm than in those of the
south. It is, however, a healthful district.
5. That portion of tlie state lying between the anthracite and the
bituminous mountain counties, does not generally possess the strata
of rocks that invariably accompany the coal. Whether they were
once there, and have been carried away by some tremendous con-
vulsion of nature, or whether the divine Creator originally formed
the mountains as they now are, is a question not here necessary to
be discussed. In either case their present condition is his work.
G. But the consequence is, that throughout this whole region,
though the coal and the coal-bearing rocks are nearly absent, yet
that those which come next in geological order and contain the no
less valuable minerals iron-ore and limestone, are at almost innu-
merable points exposed on the surface. Hence this is emphatically
called the iron regrion of the state ; and hence also it is said that
all these counties, if not now, must hereafter become engaged in
the iron business.
7. For the successful prosecution of this business, no country in
the world possesses greater facilities. The ore is of a superior de-
scription and everywhere abundant. Wood to form charcoal is
plenty and cheap, and if mineral coal be used, it is in great profu-
sion on both sides of the region. The numerous fertile valleys not
only produce food for the population engaged in the business, but
yield liniestone, which is so indispensable in refining the metal.
In addition to all which, the streams and public works of the state
traverse the iron counties in every direction, thus affording a certain
and cheap conveyance to market.
8. The iron of these counties, known in market as the "Juniata
iron," is superior in quality to that of most others. This character
1 . How do the counties of this class
differ in sjrtological features from
those of the third ?
2. iJiscribc the soil.
3. IVhat is said of population and
improvements ?
4. Of the climate ?
5. JVhat is said of the original
formation of these count its ?
6. What is the co7isequtnce of the
al)sence of the coal ?
7. What are the facilities for the
iron business ?
8. The quality of its iron t
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
87
it will probably retain. Being naturally of the best kind, and from
necessity smelted and wrought with charcoal,, it must continue to be
used for the finer purposes of the arts, to the exclusion of the cheaper
and less malleable metal, refined by means of mineral coal.
9. On the other hand, the latter, though inferior, being cheaper
and equally well adapted for the coarser uses, will inevitably also
come into extensive demand.
10. In this way both will be in requisition; and the barren moun-
tains of the state, yielding nothing but rough timber, and the sterile
coal hills, will each add to her character as the chief iron state of
the Union.
11. After the iron ore is raised from the mine, it is roasted or heated
in an open fire. It is then placed in the furnace with large quanti-
ties of charcoal or stone coal (as the case may be) to rnelt it, and
limestone iojlux or purge it of its impurities. The heat requisite to
smelt it is created by immense bellows,, generally driven by water-
power, but frequently by steam.
12. When a sufficient quantity is melted, it is drawn or made to
flow from the bottom of the furnace into hollows made in sand,
where it cools in shapes that are called " pigs."
13. These pigs are then either taken to another furnace to be
again melted and formed into stoves, pots, and other articles of cast'
metal, or to the forge, to be refined into bar iron ; or to the rolling-
mill, to be drawn into rods, plates, bars, or rails.
14. At the forge, the pigs are put into a charcoal fire till they are
formed into a large soft lump, and then placed under heavy ham-
mers, moved by water-power, till all the impurities are forced out,
and the mass thus purified is formed into a bar, such as is seen at
blacksmith's shops.
15. At the rolling-mill, the same, and various other shapes are
given to the iron, and in the same way, except that instead of being
hammered, the heated metal is drawn or pressed into the required
form by rollers or moulds, which do not so completely expel the
impurities of the metal as the hammer.
16. The quantity of pig metal produced in Pennsylvania in 1845,
was 275,000 tons, worth, at $30 in market, $8,250,000.
17. Charcoal, so necessary in the formation of the best iron, is
nothing but half-burned wood.
18. The wood being cut into proper lengths, is piled in the form
of a dome, covered with leaves, charcoal-dust, and clay, to exclude
the air, and then set on fire from below. During the burning it is
carefully watched, night and day, to prevent flame from burst-
ing out ; for if such a draught of air were allowed as to produce
9. Of anthracite iron ?
10. tVhat will be the effect of both ?
11. How is iron smelted ?
12. How formed into pigs ?
13. What use is made of pigs ?
14. What is done at a forge ?
15. At a rolling-mill ?
16. How much pig metal was made
in Pennsylvajiia in 1845, and what
was its value ?
17. What is charcoal ?
18. How is it made ?
88
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
flame, this would carry off the substance of the wood, and leave
nothing but ashes. But so long as this'is avoided, the heat merely
expels the moisture and gases of the wood, and changes it into
charcoal or carbon.
19. Being only half burned wood, charcoal is capable of being
set on fire again, and of producing a strong heat. It is the heat
caused by this second burning that is found so beneficial in the
production of the best iron ; the chief reason of which is, that it adds
to the metal the quantity of carbon requisite to convert it into mal-
leable iron.
FIFTH CLASS.
1. The geological features of these counties, being of the second-
ary formation, are nearly similar to those of the anthracite class,
except in the quality of their coal.
2. In an agricultural point of view, the soil of the bituminous
mountain counties is not so various, nor so much of it fertile as in
the sixth class. A large portion is composed of high table land,
and " glades," looking mostly to the west. It is not very fit for
the growth of wheat or corn, but is noted for the production of
grass, oats, potatoes, and buckwheat.
3. Alluvial and limestone tracts, when they occur, are similar in
fertility to those in other parts of the state.
4. Most of these counties being new, the population is thin, and
the buildings and other improvements not equal to those of the
older and richer counties.
5. The climate is similar to that of the other mountain counties.
6. Bituminous is that kind of mineral coal which contains a
large proportion of bitumen (mineral tar) and sulphur ; is softer and
less shining in appearance than anthracite ; and burns freely with
much flame and smoke.
7. The same remark made with regard to the geological position
of the anthracite coal applies to the bituminous. Both are always
hio-hest or last in formation, and thougrh in some of the latter, the
surface is actually lower than the adjoining mountains of the iron
region ; yet the strata of the highest peaks, when traced eastwardly
and westwardly, are always found to dip or pass under the rocks
which support the coal.
8. .Some bituminous coal is found in portions of the iron class
that adjoin the bituminous region, but being either in small quantity
19. Mliat is its use in refining
iron ?
1 . What are the geological features
of this class ?
2. What is their agricultural cha-
racter ?
3. What is said of alluvial and
limestone tracts f
4. What of population and im-
provements 1
5. Of climate?
6. What is bituminous coal?
7. What is the position of bitumi-
nous coal ?
8. What is said of the bituminous
coal in the iron counties f
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
89
and isolated, or found in counties whose other minerals and general
productions belong properly to the iron class, they are included in
that group.
9. On the west also of the bituminous mountain counties, are
found a large class covered almost entirely with bituminous coal-,
and the rocks bearing that valuable mineral. But as they resemble
the present class in no other respect, they necessarily form a group
by themselves.
10. There are marked differences between the two bituminous
classes. The surface of the western is much lower and the rocks
more horizontal than those of the eastern, thus presenting a more
suitable climate and soil for agriculture. On the other hand, the
eastern, though higher in surface, less fertile in soil, and more severe
in climate, will probably be ultimately found to possess a greater
variety of mineral wealth than the other. This is owing to the
larger number of rock strata brought to the surface on the tops and
sides of the hills, and in the valleys.
11. There seems to be some connection between the presence of
bitumen and salt. No salt wells have yet been discovered in the
anthracite region, while they are general in the bituminous.
12. Not less than 12,000 square miles, or one-fourth of the area
of the state, contain bituminous coal.
13. It is so generally present over nearly all the counties west of
the Allegheny ridge, is so frequently exposed at the surface, and
has been so long known as a fuel, that there is little of interest in
the history of its discovery or use.
14. It is mined pretty much in the same manner as anthracite, but
being found at almost every point where it is needed, the mines are
not so extensive, nor the business so systematic.
15. Being mined at such a vast number of places, and applied to
so many purposes, it is difficult to ascertain correctly the quantity
annually consumed. But it is supposed, that for all purposes, in-
cluding domestic use, manufactures, and exportation, close to two
and a half millions of tons are now raised from the mines.
16. As a general rule, it may be remembered that anthracite coal
is only found east of the main Susquehanna, and bituminous, with
few exceptions, west of the Great Allegheny ridge ; the intermediate
being the iron region of the state.
9. Ill the western counties ?
10. What is the difference between
the two bituminous classes ?
11. What is said of bitumen and
salt?
12. How much of the state contains
bituminous coal ?
13. What is said of its history ?
14. How is it mined?
15. Why is it difficult to estimate
it ? How much is now raised ?
16. What is the general rule about
anthracite and bituminous coal, and
iron ?
8*
90
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SIXTH CLASS.
1. All these counties belong to the highest strata of our secondary
formation ; or in other words, they are the same as the bituminous
coal-bearing rocks of the Allegheny. In the Ohio valley, of
which these counties form a part, the upper secondary rocks are
found nearly undisturbed, with an almost level stratification ; while
in the Alleghenies, they, with many of the underlying rocks, ap-
pear to have been forced up and broken into immense mountain
ranges.
2. One happy effect of this horizontal position of the rocks of
the Ohio valley, is the gentle and often navigable character of its
streams ; and a most valuable quality in the bituminous strata is,
that iron-ore and limestone of superior quality are generally found
in close vicinity with the coal. Thus all the materials for the
manufacture of that most valuable of all metals are found together.
3. The surface rocks of this class of counties are the shales,
slates, sandstones, and limestones, that accompanj'' the coal. But
in the northern parts of Mercer and Venango, and the whole of
Crawford, they are found stripped of the coal.
4. The soil formed by the decomposition of these rocks is of a
quality either highly fertile in its natural state, or easily susceptible
of fertilization. It is very productive of all kinds of grain, grass,
fruit, flax, &c.
5. From the top of Chestnut JRidgc, the last of the Alleghenies
westward, a view is obtained of the formation and character of this
part of the valley of the Ohio. The whole country, as far as the
eye can take it in, descends very gradually towards the west. It
has evidently the appearance of having once been the bottom of
some vast lake or inland sea. The receding waters, or the streams
formed by the rains that have since fallen, appear to have worn the
nearly level surface into innumerable ravines and valleys, leaving
those rounded intervening hills that now compose the fertile, but
uneven fields of this rich airricultural region.
6. This class of counties possesses all the elements of comfort
and prosperity. The soil is almost everywhere productive. The
climate is pleasant and healthful. The streams are nearly all navi-
gable, and the waters pure; while coal, salt, iron, and limestone are
abundant. In few regions of the earth has less been left for the
hand of man to accomplish ; and in as few can the exercise of
moderate care and industry produce a more ample return.
7. The western counties are more thickly settled and highly im-
proved than the middle mountain region of the state ; but not so
1. IVhat formation and what strata
do these counties belong to ?
2. What are the effects ?
3. Name the surface rocks?
4. Describe the soil.
5. What is seen from. Chestnut
Bidge ?
6. Wliat does this class possess ?
7. What is said of the population
OTid climate ?
NATURAL DIVISIONS.
91
' much so as the old south-eastern counties. In climate they very
nearly resemble the latter.
8. The numerous Salt-works on the Allegheny and Kiskemi-
netas form a prominent feature in the industry of Armstrong, Indi-
ana, Westmoreland, &c.
9. This indispensable article is here obtained by evaporating the
natural brine by means of heat.
10. The brine or salt-water is obtained by boring into the earth
from 400 to 800 feet, till a sufficient stream of it is struck. Copper
tubes are then inserted into the hole or well thus formed, throuo-h
which the brine is pumped to the surface.
11. It is then put into large shallow pans, and heat applied till
the water is driven off or evaporated, and the dry salt alone left.
12. In this process," of which the chief agent is Jire, the inex-
haustible coal-beds close to the salt-works are invaluable. If the
large quantities of coal necessarily consumed were to be trans-
ported any distance to the wells, the cost of the salt would be
greatly increased.
13. At some of the works, 15000 bushels of salt have been made
in one year; and in 1845, the salt works of western Pennsylvania
produced 550,000 bushels of this indispensable article.
14. In old times, when no salt was made west of the mountains,
nor good roads had been formed, this great necessary of life was
" packed" or carried across from the sea-coast on horses' backs.
15. In 1813, its manufacture in western Pennsylvania was com-
menced, by William Johnston, on the Conemough near the present
town of Saltzburg, in Indiana county.
16. He noticed the "salt licks," or oozinjrs of brine through
the surface, and determined to gain access to their source by boring
into the rock. He was perfectly successful, and thus conferred an
invaluable benefit upon the western country.
SEVENTH CLASS.
1 . These counties generally belong to the higher series of our
secondary formation ; the rocks that compose the surface being
those that are next below the coal measures, such as shales, slates,
and sandstones. They are more nearly horizontal in their position
than in the mountain- counties, their inclination being very gentle
and towards the south.
8. TVhnt are conspicuous in some
of the counties ?
9. What is the salt obtained from ?
10. How is the brine obtained ?
11. How is it changed into dry
salt ?
12. Why is the vicinity of coal so
valuable in this process ?
13. How many barrels are annu-
ally made at some works, and in the
whole state ?
14. How was salt formerly taken
to the west ?
15. What and by whom was salt
first made in the west ?
16. How did he accomplish it ?
1 . Describe the geological forma-
tion of these counties.
92
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2. Few ATiluable minprals are found in this class. Along its
southern borders where it joins the coal nnd iron counties, some
small deposits of those minerals occur, but they are nowhere ge-
neral. The same may be said of limestone.
3. The soil is, in a state of nature, most congenial to the growth
of the valuable kinds of timber, especially the pines.
4. When improved, though not generally adapted to wheat or
corn, it yields good crops of oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, and
potatoes ; and forms the very best pasture land in the state.
5. When finally cleared of their forests, these counties will pro-
bably be devoted to the raising of live-stock of all kinds.
6. Erie is not now a lumber county to any great extent, though
it properly belongs to the class. It only differs from the others in
having a somewliat less uneven surface and more fertile soil, and
in being nearly stripped of trees. It is in reality a present speci-
men of what the best of the lumber counties will be, when more
generally cleared and improved.
7. The population and improvements of these counties are such
as might be expected in a newly settled part of the country. Most
of the houses are of wood, which, being well painted and white-
washed, gives their towns and villages a clean and cheerful look.
8. The climate is more severe than that of the southern counties.
Winter commences nearly a month earlier, and spring is as much
later. More snow falls in the season, and the summer heat is less
intense.
9. At present, the chief business of these counties is that of
Lumbering, which is thus performed :
10. During the winter, and at other seasons when not differently
employed, the people cut down the trees, cross-cut them into logs
of tiie proper length, and roll or drag them by means of oxen, to
the nearest stream, down which they are then floated to the saw-
mill. Here they are sawed into boards or planks. Others, in-
tended for market in the shape of logs, are squared with the axe
before beinff removed from the woods.
11. The boards or logs are then united into small rq/Ys, and again
floated down till they reach some large stream or river, where a
number of small rafts are united into a large one, which is often
over one hundred feet long. In this form they are " run" or floated
during the spring'and fall freshets, to the large towns on the lower
parts of the rivers, for sale.
2. What is said of the minerals of
this class ?
3. What does the soil produce in
its natural slate ?
4. Whc7i. improved, what is it best
adapt* d to ?
f). IVhrti v'holli/ cleared what will
it jtrofxihlif he ajtpliid to ?
0. IVhat is said of Eric ?
7. Describe the population, im-
provements, and appearance of the
coufity.
8. The climate.
9. What is the chief business of
these counties ?
10. Ifow is the lumber procured t
11. JIow is it conveyed to mar-
keti
NATURAL DIVISIONS. 93
12. The men who navigate them live upon them in small cabins
of boards, cooking their victuals as the stream bears them along.
They float from 20 to 40 miles a day, according to the state of the
current. They depend altogether on the stream to force them along,
never using their large oars except to keep the raft in the best chan-
nel, or to approach the shore at night.
13. The rafts are steered by means of immense oars, swung at
their front and back parts ; and through intricate passages of the
rivers they are guided by pilots hired for the purpose. They never
run at night.
14. Frequently, at favourite stopping places, the river shore may
be seen in the evening lined for miles with rafts, and all the taverns
and boarding-houses crowded with the merry raftmen.
12. What is said of the raftmen ?
13. How are the rafts steered and
guided i
14. What is often seen at their stop-
ping places ?
94
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FIRST CLASS.
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY.
CdlumTjia ll.Il,.i— "
^^^^^'' ^ 40- N.
DEI ATVAR E ,
A
^^ 1 Philadelphia.
2 Frankford.
3 Gennantown.
j» 4 Manayuiik.
1. Philadelphia, a south-eastern county^ is hounded on
the S. and S. E. by New Jersey, N. E. by Bucks, N. and
N. W. by Montgomery, and W. by Delaware county. Its
area, including the city, is 120 square miles, being the
smallest of all the counties in the state.
2. It contains neither mountains^ nor large hills ; but a
low range of the latter traverses the north-western part.
3. The Streams are the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers,
and Pen-ny-paclif , Tado-ny^ or Frankford^ Po-ques'sing,
and Darby creeks, falling into the Delaware, and Wis-sa-
hickfon into the Schuylkill.
4. The Soil, though not naturally very fertile, has been
rendered productive by skilful cultivation. That portion
of it lying on each bank of the Schuylkill below the city,
is noted for its excellence as pasture and meadow-land.
1. State the class, boundaries, and
area of Philadelphia.
2. Its mountains, hilla.
3. And streams.
4. Describe its soil.
FIRST CLASS — PHILADELPHIA.
95
5. It contains few Minerals of value in the arts, or for
the ordinary purposes of life, except stone and other mate-
rials for building, which are found at various points.
6. The Incorporated or huilt Districts of the county
adjoin the city, and really form part of it. They are :
the JYortfiern Liberties j with 34,474 inhabitants ; Spring
Garden^ with 27,849 ; and Kensington^ wiih 22,314, on
the north ; and Southwark* with 27,548, and Moyamensiiig,
with 14,573, on the south of the city.
7. The county also contains the Townships of Blockley^
Bristol^ Byherry^ Germantown, King- ses' sing ^ Lower Dub-
lin^ Moreland, Moy-a-men'sing, JVorthei'u Liberties, Pas-sy'-
unk, Penn, Oxford, and Roxborough.
8. These townships, which constitute the country part,
as the incorporated districts do the town part of the county,
contain the boroughs of Germantown, Frankford, West
Philadelphia, and Man-a-yunld ; and the villages of Brides-
hurg,Bustleton, Holmesburg, Haddington, Hamilton, Man-
tua, Smwille, ^c.
9. The Public Improvements are: Railroads leading to
the Susquehanna, at Columbia and Harrisburg, to Norris-
town, Reading, and Pottsville, and to Trenton, New York,
Wilmington, and Baltimore ; Canals, to the coal region in
Schuylkill and Carbon counties, and to the Susquehanna,
at Middletown ; Turnpikes connecting with all the sur-
rounding towns and cities; and seven Bridges across the
Schuylkill.
10. The Population of the county (exclusive of the
city) was, in 1840, 164,372, and in 1845, at least
200,000.
11. The value of Property in the city and county,
assessed for taxation in 1845, was $116,985,697; but the
actual value of all the property in the city and county was
probably not less than $250,000,000.
12. The first permanent settlers of the county were
Swedes. These were followed in 1682 by English Friends,
*Southwark pronounced Suth'erk.
5. Minerals.
6. Name the incorporated districts,
with their population.
7. Also the townships.
8. Name the boroughs and villages.
9. What are the public improve-
ments?
10. What was the population in 1840?
what now?
11. What is the value of property?
96
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and others, under William Penn. Since that period, it has
become the dwelling-place of citizens from almost every
civilized nation in the world.
13. The MAIN Pursuits of tlie people of the incorpo-
rated districts of the county, are commerce and manufnc
tures ; of the outlying townships, yar?7?i??o- ?ind gardening ;
and of the boroughs and villages, chiefly inanufactures .
14. The Literary Institutions are a large number of
academies and female seminaries, and numerous common
schools ; with several literary and scientific societies and
institutions.
15. This county elects eight members to the House of
Representatives, and three to the Senate of the state, and
with a small portion of the city, 3 members of Congress.
16. The county and city form the first judicial dis-
trict, and have a Court of Common Pleas, with four law
judges, and a District Court with three law judges ; each
court possessing similar powers with those of the same
class in the other counties.
17. The county of Philadelphia contains many thriving and plea-
sant towns, in most of which large manufactories of various kinds
have been established.
18. The borough of Frankford is five miles N. E. of the city, and
contains over 2000 inhabitants. It is in the midst of a well culti-
vated and populous country, and has in the vicinity a number of
extensive manufacturing establishments.
19. Gcrmantouni, with a present population of not less than 3000,
was laid out in 1684, and incorporated as a borough in 1689. It
was first settled by German Friends, from which event it took its
name. It contains several schools, churches, and a bank. It is six
miles N. W. from Philadelphia, with which it is connected by rail-
road and turnpike.
20. Mun-a-yunhf is on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill, eight
miles above the city. It is now one of the busiest manufacturing
towns in the state, and has been wholly built up, since 1819, by the
immense water-power created by the construction of the Schuylkill
canal. That work passes through it, as do the Norristown railroad
and turnpike. It now contains 600 dwelling-houses, wath upwards
of 30 establishments for the manufacture of cotton, wool, flour, paper.
12. How was the county peopled?
13. What are the main pursuits of the
people ?
14. The literary institutions?
15. How many Kepresentaiives does it
elect?
IG. "What judicial district does it form,
and how many courts has it?
17. \V7iat is said of the toions?
18. What of Frank/ord?
19. What of Gennantown ?
20. Manayunk?
FIRST CLASS — PHILADELPHIA. 97
and other articles. It has five churches, and two bridges over the
Schuylkill.
21. Near Bridesburg^dX the mouth of Frankford creek on the Dela-
ware, the United States arsenal is erected.
22. West. Philadelphia, Holmesbwg, and Haddington are also pleasant
and flourishing towns, with several manufacturing establishments.
23. The Wire Suspension Bridge across the Schuylkill at Fairmount
is a noble and beautiful structure. The road-way is suspended on
immense cables, made of Juniata iron. The span is 343 feet, and
the breadth of the wagon and foot-ways 27 feet. The cost was
$55,000. It was completed in 1842.
24. The old Permanent Bridge across the Schuylkill at Market
street was finished in 1805, at a cost of $275,000. It is now a free
bridge.
25. The counlry portion of the county is mostly occupied by~ gar-
dens and small farms, producing articles for the Philadelphia market.
The immense quantities of manure annually carted from the city
have enabled the owners of the soil to render it very productive.
The fruit and vegetables supplied by them are consequently excel-
lent, abundant, and cheap.
26. This county is watered by several small creeks, all of which
afford considerable water-power for mills and factories. Po-que^ sing
separates it on the N. E. from Bucks, and Darby on the S. W. from
Delaware. Wis-sa-luckfon flows from Montgomery, and passing
through a more hilly country than the others, presents much beau-
tiful scenery along its banks.
27. Hi STORY. — Philadelphia is one of the three original counties esta-
blished by Penn in 1682, at which time it extended indefinitely towards
the N. W., bounded on one side by Bucks, and on the other by Chester.
Previously, and as far back as 1642, it had been partially occupied
by the Swedes and Dutch, the former of whom, in 1677, built a church
at Wec-ca-coe', in Southwark. The county, soon after its settlement
by the English, became thickly peopled. In 1752, part of it was
taken ofl" to form a portion of Berks. During the Revolutionary
war, it was the scene of many stirring events, especially of the bat-
tle of Germantown, which took place on the 4th of October, 1777.
In 1784, it was reduced to its present size by the formation of Mont-
gomery. Since that period, its history has been so intimately con-
nected with tliat of the city, as not to admit of separate detail.
28. The same remark applies to the many noted citizens of the
county. They will be named under the head of the city ; in which
connection, also, the incorporated districts of the county will be
described.
21. Bridesburg?
22. What of the others ?
2-3. What of the Wire Bridge?
24. Of the Permanent Bridge ?
25. What of the country portion ?
26. Of the streams?
27. What is the history of the county ?
28. What is jaid of its noted citizens?
9S
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
View of" Philadelphia from the Delaware, below the Navy Yard.
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.
1. The dfy proper of Philadelphia is hounded by the
county on all sides, except the east, where it is separated
from New Jersey by the Delaware.
2. It extends from the Delaware to the Schuylkill, about
two miles east and west ; and from Vine to Cedar street,
about one mile north and south.
3. It occupies a level neck of land between the rivers
Delaware and Schuylkill ; and the whole ground plot of
the city being now nearly covered with buildings, the
toum has spread north and south into the incorporated
districts of the county.
4. Including the adjoining districts, Philadelphiayro;}/^
on the Delaware about four and a half miles, and on the
Schuylkill nearly two miles.
5. It is distant 120 miles from the Atlantic, by the
1. How is the city bounded ?
2. What is its extent ?
3. Where is it seated?
4. What is its from on the Delaware,
and Schuylkill ?
5. How far is it from the Atlantic. Har-
risburg, Pittsburg. New York, Balti-
more, and Washington ?
FIRST CLASS PHILADELPHIA.
99
course of the Delaware river and bay, and 60 in a straight
line across New Jersey ; and is 100 miles E. of Harris-
burg, 300 E. of Pittsburg, 87 S. W. of New York,
95 N. E. of Baltimore, and 136 N. E. of Wash-
ington.
6. It y^diS founded by William Penn in 1682 ; and soon
became, and long continued to be, the largest city in the
^jolonies and the Union. It is now the second in size,
New York being the first.
7. In 1840, the population of the city proper was 93,665,
and of the whole town of Philadelphia, including the in-
corporated districts of the county, 220,423. In 1845, the
whole population was probably not short of 260,000.
8. The streets are laid out in straight lines, of regular
width, and cross each other at right angles ; those that
lead from the Delaware to the Schuylkill, running nearly
from east to west, and those that cross them, from north to
south.
9. The houses are generally built of brick. Most of
them have white marble steps, with which material, also,
the lower story of many is faced, giving the city an ex-
tremely neat and cheerful appearance.
10. The streets are paved with stone, having the side-
walks covered with brick or flags, and are noted for their
cleanliness.
11. There are six large public squares^ viz.: Indepen-
dence, Washington, Penn, Franklin, Logan, and Ritten-
house, containing from 8 to 10 acres each, laid out in
walks, and planted with various shade and flowering trees
and shrubs.
12. The principal public buildings are the State House y
the Custom House, (formerly the United States Bank,)
the Merchants'' Exchange, Pennsylvania and Girard Banks,
United States Mint, with a great number of spacious and
elegant churches, halls, and other edifices.
13. Out of the bounds of the city, are the Girard
College, United States JYaval Asylum, Blockley Almshouse^
6. Who founded it? what is its present
rank?
7. Its population?
8. How is it laid out?
fi. Of what is it built 1
10. How paved ?
11. How many public squares ?
12. Name the chief public buildings ia
the city ?
13. In tUo county ?
100
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Eastern Penitentiary^ Moyameiising Prison, and numerous
other large and noble structures.
14. Many of the public buildings are of white marble,
and constructed after some of the purest and most beauti-
ful models of Grecian architecture.
15. The chief Literary Institutions are the University
of Pennsylvania, four medical colleges, numerous acade-
mies, seminaries, and boarding schools, and the admirable
series of public or yree schoois, of which the High school
deservedly attracts general admiration.
16. There is also a large number of literary and scien-
tific associations that rank Philadelphia high in the scale
of learning and intelligence. At the head of these are
the Franklin Institute^ Philadelphia Library^ and Phila-
delphia Museum. "
17. The Charitable /rt5/z7i^^io7i5, both public and private,
are very numerous. The principal are the Philadelphia
Almshouse, Pennsylvania Hospital, asylums for the deaf
and dumb, blind, and insane, for orphans and for destitute
females ; the House of Refuge for juvenile offenders, the
Friends' almshouse and Lunatic Asylum, Wills' Hospital,
with those of very many beneficial and other benevolent
societies.
18. The chief Prisons are the Eastern Penitentiary, in
which convicts from the Eastern Dictrict of the state are
punished by solitary confinement, and the Moyamensing
prison, which is the common jail of the city and county.
19. Philadelphia is supplied with abundance of pure
water J distributed in iron pipes, from the Fairmount Water-
works on the Schuylkill. These works form one of its
chief ornaments as well as greatest blessings.
20. It is lighted by gas, which is produced from bitumi-
nous coal and rosin, and purified with lime, and distributed
by pipes into every street, and into many of the houses.
21. It is noted for the excellence of its apparatus for the
extinguishment oi fires, and for the courage and skill of
its firemen.
14. What are many composed of?
15. What are the chief literary insti-
tutions?
16. What is eoid of other literarj'
associations \
17. Name the chief charitable institu-
tions ? 19. Prisons?
19. How is it supplied with watei?
20. How lighted ?
21. What is said of firc»?
FIRST CLASS PHILADELPHIA. 101
22. It contains several commodious covered Market
Houses^ the chief of which, in Market street, is two-thirds
of a mile long. They are all noted for their abundant,
excellent, and regular supply of meat, poultry, butter, fish,
vegetables, and fruit.
23. A large number of daily and weekly newspapers
and of other periodicals are published. In the business
of book publication also, it now probably stands foremost
in the Union.
24. The main pursuits of the citizens are commerce
and manufactures.
25. The commerce is chiefly of the importing and ex-
porting^ and wholesale description, Philadelphia supplying
nearly the whole of Pennsylvania, and a large portion of
the western and south-western states, with foreign mer-
chandise, and receiving their produce in return.
26. The Manufactures are principally those composed
of iron, cotton, and wool, for the profitable prosecution of
which the cheapness and abundance of stone coal, as a
fuel, afford great advantages.
27. The city elects 5 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives and 2 to the Senate of the state ; and 1 member
to Congress.
28. For state Judicial purposes, it forms, with the
county, the Ji}'st District, with a court of Common Pleas
and a District Court, whose jurisdiction extends over both.
It has also a United States District Court.
29. The Government of the city proper is vested in a
Mayor, Recorder, Common and Select Councils, Alder-
men, and Constables ; the incorporated districts of the
county having each its own municipal government.
30. The city is divided into 17 wards for govern-
mental and election purposes ; each ward electing an alder-
man, constable, assessor, &c.
31. In conjunction with the county, the city elects a
sheriff, coroner, prothonotaries, register, recorder, clerks
22. Of market houses ?
23. Of publications ?
24. What are the main pursuits of the
citizens?
25. Of what descriptioa is its com-
merce ?
26. Its manuiactures ?
9
27. How many members does it elect?
28. What judicial district is it in?
29. How is the city proper governed?
How the incorporated districts?
30. How is the city divided?
31. What officers does it el«ct with
the couxxty ?
102
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVAMA.
of the various courts, county commissioners, and auditors,
for the same terms and with like powers as in other
counties.
32. So constant is the improvement, so numerous are the objects
of curiosity, and so various the interests, of Philadelphia, that it
would be impossible, even were it proper in a work of this kind, to
be full and minute in description. All that can be done, in addition
to the foregoing particulars, is to present some general views.
33. The first thing that strikes the mind, when contemplating this,
our chief commercial city, is her commanding and advantageous
position.
34. Far enough withdrawn from the sea-coast to be free from
foreign attack, yet joined to the Atlantic by her noble river; occu-
pying a middle position between the north and the south, and thus
escaping the extremes both of their climate and their feelings, yet
so placed as to benefit by the medium of both ; constituting the
commercial metropolis and sea-port of a Commonwealth, whose dis-
tant extremities touch the great lakes and rivers of the vast Valley
of the Mississippi, yet connected Avith them by the internal improve-
ments of the stale ; placed low down between two considerable rivers,
yet commanding the wealth and trade of their sources ; seated on a
soil aftbrding all the materials for building, yet yielding in abundance
the productions so indispensable to a great city ; certain of a con-
stant and cheap supply of coal and iron, those main constituents of
manufacturing success, yet removed from the sterility and rugged-
ness of the regions where they are found; with a population capable
of appreciating and improving these advantages, yet generaHy
steady and prudent enough to avoid the great error of over-trading,
Philadelphia possesses, in her own position and resources, all the
elements of substantial and permanent prosperity.
35. Other cities may have one or other of these advantages to a
greater extent, but none can boast of possessing them all in equal
degree with her.
36. The consequence is, that she is now the /rs/ numu/aduring city
in the Union, if all the various branches of industry be taken into
account. This is undoubtedly the case with regard to the numerous
articles formed of iron. In the construction of steam locomotive
engines, for instance, she stands unrivalled.
37. She also possesses a very large number of cotton and woollen
factories and sugar refineries, and of establishments for the manu-
facture of leather, harness, boots, shoes, hats, caps, and bonnets;
carriages, furniture, earthen and glassware; liquors, tobacco, soap,
candles, drugs, and paints; besides paper and flour-mills, maible
and brick-yards, ship-yards, rope-walks, &c.
38. Philadelphia still ranks as the second commercial city in the
Union, and will probably retain that position. She is not only more
32. Why cannot a particular description
of Philadflphin be here ^ircn .'
3rJ. H7i ai Jirst Unka the mind on ex-
aminint; it ?
lA. HTiat are those advantage*?
35. How does it excel most other cities?
36. What is the consequence?
37. What are the other manufactures?
3^. What is tfu rank of Phitaddphia in
commerce ?
FIRST CLASS PHILADELPHIA.
103
readily accessible from the rich west and the south-west than any other
Atlantic city, but the great variety of articles offered by her nume-
rous and increasing manufactories, will, it is fair to suppose, induce
customers from the interior to resort to her store-houses, as well for
their supply of those articles, as of merchandise generally.
39. Before, and for some years after the Revolution, Philadelphia
owned more sea-going s/ii/;s than any port in the Union; but, latterly,
she has been falling behind in this respect. Most of her foreign
goods are now imported through New York. On the other hand,
her coasting-trade, particularly in the transportation of coal, has,
within the same period, immensely increased. She yet possesses
no ocean steamships.
40. The coal-trade of Philadelphia, though evidently yet in its in-
fancy, is already very large. In 1820, only 365 tons were brought
to the city from the anthracite mines. In 1845, the quantity had
increased to not less than 1,000,000 tons. It is transported on the
Schuylkill navigation, the Reading and Potts ville railroad, and on
the Lehigh Company's works, connecting with the Delaware canal
and river.
41. The chief part of the coal-trade of Philadelphia with other
ports, is transacted along the Schuylkill front of the city; though
lately the Reading Railroad Company have established a depot and
landing at Port Richmond, four miles above the city, on the Dela-
ware, where large quantities are now exported. From the Delaware
front, some Lehigh coal is also shipped.
42. To accommodate and promote the business of Philadelphia,
there were, in 1845, 13 banks, with an aggregate capital of
$8,222,380, and a sound circulation of $4,222,000; besides many
loan companies and savings institutions ; over 20 insurance com-
panies, with capital to the amount of $6,000,000 ; together with the
Board of Trade, Merchants' Exchange, and various other institutions.
43. In charitable institutions and societies, both as regards number,
variety of object and efficiency, Philadelphia is surpassed by no
other city. Hardly any form of suffering humanity can be men-
tioned, for which she does not possess a refuge or an alleviation, so
far as human means can provide it. From the extensive and costly
arrangements of Blockley Almshouse and Pennsj'-lvania Hospital,
down to the unpretending but useful societies for furnishing the
destitute with clothes, soup, and fuel, a charity as expansive in its
scope as it is minute in its detail seems to animate the whole.
44. There are within the bounds of Philadelphia, over 100 churches
of various denominations, with their Sunday-schools and other use-
ful and benevolent accompaniments.
45. Within the last twenty years, the impropriety of burying the
dead within the bounds of crowded cities has become so obvious,
that rural cemeteries, or country burying-grounds, are very generally
39. What change has taken place ?
40. What is said of the coal business ?
41. Where is it chiefly transacted ?
42. What is said of banks, insurance
companies, ^c. '
43. Wliat of charitable institutions?
44. How many churches ?
45. What is said of grave-yards in
cities ?
104
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
established. In the vicinity of Philadelphia, there are two of these
beautiful and proper places of sepulture.
46. Laurel Hill Cemetery is on the bank of the Schuylkill, four
miles N. W. of the city. It is a spacious tract of laud, laid out with
gravelled walks, and otherwise ornamented in a manner consistent
with the object. It contains a Gothic chapel and other necessary
buildini^s. It was established in 1836, and already presents many
beautiful monuments of the worth of the departed, and the affection
of the living.
47. Monument Cemetery is in the vicinity of Girard College, and
was established in 1838. It is also beautifully ornamented.
48. The most remarkable buildings connected with the city are
the Eastern Penitentiary and Girard College.
49. The Perntcntiary is a huge massive structure, placed on an en-
closure of ten acres, which is surrounded by a wall 30 feet high.
The cells are on each side of long corridors, which diverge from a
common centre. From this centre a watchman commands a view
of the entrance to each cell in all the corridors. The cells are
12feetlong, 8 wide, & 10 high. They are warmed by heated air, and
supplied with water conveyed in tubes. The prisoners' food is
passed to him through a drawer without his seeing the person who
places it there. There are two stories or tiers of cells in each cor-
ridor, and to those of the lower story, a yard for exercise, 18 feet
by 8, is attached.
50. The prisoners are employed at some useful trade or business,
each in his or her own cell, the profit of their labour going to the
support of the penitentiary. They are furnished with proper books,
and with sound moral and religious instruction, but are never per-
mitted to see or communicate with each other, or with persons
beyond the walls.
51. This mode of punishment, intended also to reform the offender,
is of Philadelphia origin, and seems to have accomplished the object
in view in a greater degree than any other system that has yet been
tried.
62. The Girard College is the most costly, substantial, and magnifi-
cent structure of the kind in the United States, and has scarcely an
equal in the world. The main building is 218 feet long, 160 feet wide,
and 97 feet high. It is surrounded by 35 columns, each 55 feet
high, and 6 in diameter, with a richly ornamented capital. The out-
side walls, columns, floors, stairs, and roof, are all of marble, no
wood being used in the whole building, except for doors. It con-
sists of two stories, and each story is divided into four rooms,
50 feet square. This building is intended exclusively for the pur-
poses of instruction.
53. On each side of the main building there are two others,
125 feet long, 52 wide, and two stories high. One of these is in-
46. 0/ Laurel Hm?
47. Of monument Cemetery?
4S. Which are the most remarkable build-
ings ?
49. Describe the Penitentiary.
50. How are the convicts treated ?
51. What is the effect ?
52. Describe Girard College.
53. Wiat other buildings are connected
tcithii?
FIRST CLASS PHILADELPHIA.
105
tended for the residence of the professors and their families, and the
other three for the students.
54. The whole is placed on a lot of 45 acres, on high ground, a
mile north-west of the city proper. It was commenced in 1833, and
is not yet completed.
65. This magnificent college is erected under the will of the late
Stephen Girard, and, in the words of the testator, is for the education
and maintenance " of poor white male orphans," " to be received
between the ages of six and ten, and to be bound out, between the
ages of fourteen and eighteen, to suitable occupations, as those of
agriculture, navigation, arts, mechanical trades, and manufactures."
56. In medical science, Philadelphia is now and has for years been
deservedly celebrated. Her character in this department of knowledge
has been built up by a long list of eminent teachers, among whom,
Rush, Wistar, and Physic may be named. Students resort to h6r
medical schools, not only from all the other states, but from Canada,
South America, and the West Indies. During the winter of 1845-6,
their number exceeded 1000.
57. The free schools of Philadelphia compose her chief glory. By
their agency, an education, embracing all the ordinary and many of
the higher branches, is conferred upon her youth, without cost to
the individual, and at less than one-fourth the expense to the com-
munity, that a similar course of instruction would cost in the ordi-
nary pay-schools.
58. The law regulating this noble system is not confined to the
city, but extends over the whole county, conferring its blessings
upon every district and township.
59. The instruction is so thorough, and the discipline so exact,
that admission to the High School of the series is a matter of great
difficulty, and is only conferred upon real merit and undoubted
qualification. In the High School, in 1845, there were over 400
students. The course of study occupies four years ; the acquire-
ments are equal to those of many colleges; and the diploma,
when obtained, is a sure passport to employment, because none but
the industrious, the studious, and the intelligent, can attain it. Al-
ready the graduates of this school are sought by merchants and
men in large business, as clerks and assistants ; and some of them
have become partners in houses to whose confidence the High
School diploma was their chief recommendation.
60. The police regulations of Philadelphia have long been noted
for their simplicity and efficiency. But latterly the occurrence, on
several occasions, of turbulence and disregard for the laws, would
seem to indicate either that they have become relaxed, or that the
city of Penn is not uncontaminated by the unruly spirit of the age.
It is believed, however, that the sound moral instruction bestowed
by her free schools will expel the foul spirit, and teach the rising
54. How much land belongs to it, and
when was it commenced ?
55. Who caused it to be erected, and for
ivhat purpose?
56. What is said of the medical schools ?
57. Of the free schools?
58. How far do they extend. ?
59. ^V^lat is said of the High Schod?
60. Of the police of the city ?
106 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
generation that the first duly nf the citizen is obedience to the lawK, utider
all cirnniistayirc!!.
61. HisToHY. — The 5j7f of Philadelphia seems to have been called
Coaquantiock by the Delaware Indinns, who occupied it before the
white men. The Swedes were its first permanent settlers. Three
sons of a person of that nation called Sven (subsequently known as
Swansons) held the ground on which the lower part of the city
stands, by deed from the British governor of New York, dated in
1664. Penn's grant of the province was obtainetl early in 1681,
and the first settlers, under it, arrived in the August of that year, in
the ship John and Sarah of London. Philadelphia not being yet laid
out, they landed at the Swedish town of Upland, (now Chester.)
62. In 1682, William Penn, having arrived, selected the site for the
city, and regularly laid it out. He procured the land of the Svens
for that purpose, by giving them other land on the Schuylkill
in exchange. He gave the new town, and the county in which
it is placed, the name of Philadelphia, which he had determined on
before he left England. It was the name of an ancient city in .isia
Minor, and adopted on account of its indicating the harmony he
"wished to prevail in the new town. It is composed of the Greek
words philos, a friend, and adelphos, a brother; and may be said to
mean the city of brotherly love. It soon grew into importance, as
many as 23 ships having arrived from various parts of Europe with
settlers, before the close of 1682. When Penn returned to England
in June, 1684, the population had already reached 2,.500. He did
not again visit Philadelphia till 1699, when he found it much in-
creased and improved. The same year the yclloiv fever first made
its appearance in the town.
63. In October, 1701, Penn chartered Philadelphia as a city, and
Edward Shippen was the first mayor. The same year, Penn finally
returned to England. The old Court Hottse, in the middle of Market,
where it is crossed by Second street, was built in 1707. Here
the Assembly met and the courts were held. The present State
House, in Chestnut street, was commenced in 1729, and the central
portion completed in 1735. In 1731, the Philadelphia Library was
commenced by Dr. Franklin. In 1751, an Academy, which subse-
quently became the University of Pennsylvania, was founded. It was
chartered in 1753, erected into a College in 1755, and a University
in 1779. The bell procured for the state-house from England, in
1752, having been broken by accident, a new one was cast in Phila-
delphia and hung in the steeple, with this remarkable motto upon
it: ^'^ Proclaim liberty throughout the land, and to all the people thereof."
The same year, Pennsylvania Hospital was founded, chiefly by the
exertions of Dr. Franklin, the population of the city then being
about 14,000. In 1760, the population was 18,000, and in 1770,
28,000.
64. In the month of September, 1774, the frst Continental Congress
met in Cai-jjenters^ Hall. On ihe fourth of July^ 1776, Ixhependksce
was publicly declared from the steps of the State-House; the Declara'
61. Name the chief evtnU in the history I 62. From 1682 tiU 1700.
of Philadelphia tiU 10»J. | 63. From 1700 till 1760.
FIRST CLASS — PHILADELPHIA. 107
Hon having been adopted and signed by the members of Congress,
in an apartment on the first floor of the eastern end of the main
building. The courts and public offices of the city and county are
now held in the State-House, but Independence Chamber remains in
the same condition as when the memorable Declaration was there
adopted. In 1781, the Bank of North America, being the first in the
Union, was established by Congress. In 1788, the first steamboat
was tried on the Delaware by John Fitch. In 1790, the population
of the city and adjoining districts was 42,500. In 1793, the yeUow
fever carried oiF 4041 persons, and drove the greater part of the
inhabitants from the city. In 1794, Southwark was incorporated,
and the turnpike to Lancaster completed. In 1799, water from the
Schuylkill was introduced into the city by steam, and distributed in
pipes from Centre-square, now called Penn's square.
65. In the year 1800, the population was 69,300. In 1803, the
Northern Liberties were incorporated. In 1805, the Permanent Bridge
was completed across the Schuylkill. In 1809, the Phoenix, the first
of Fulton's steamboats, was placed on the Delaware, from which time
steamboats continued to be used. In 1810, the population of Phila-
delphia was 95,672. Spring Garden was incorporated in 1813. In
1815, Fairmount St^am Water-works were completed. In 1818, the
existing Public School Law of the city and county was enacted. In
1819, the United States Bank (now the Custom House) was com-
menced, and completed in 5 years.
66. In 1820, the population was 117,887, and Kensington was in-
corporated. In 1822, the Fairmount Water-works, as at present in
operation, were completed. In 1823, the Eastern Penitentiary was
commenced. In 1824, the Franklin Institute was incorporated. In
1826, the Schuylkill Navigation was completed. In 1830, the whole
population was 166,270. In 1833, Girard College was commenced,
Stephen Girard having left his immense property, worth ten millions
of dollars when he died, to the city, for the erection and support of
that institution, and the improvement of the city. In 1834, the Co-
lumbia Railway was completed, and locomotive engines first used
on it. In 1835, gas for lighting the city was first introduced. In
1837, Pennsylvania Hall was burned. In 1840, the population of the
city and districts was 220,423. In 1843, a great fre happened in
Front street. In 1844, the Kensington riots occurred. In 1845, the
population of the city and districts was not less than 260,000.
67. Noted Citizens. — John Key was the "first-born" child of
European parents in the town of Philadelphia. His birth took place
in 1682, in one of the " caves" or rude dwellings formed in the river
bank, near what is now the north-west corner of Vine and Water
streets. He died in Chester county in 1767. Samuel Carpenter,
James Logan, David Lloyd, and Edward Shippen, were among the most
prominent and useful of the first citizens of the town. John Bar-
tram, the botanist, was born in Chester county in 1701, but early
settled in Philadelphia and established the botanic garden near Gray's
Ferry. He was a great traveller, and died in 1777. Thomas Godfrey,
64. From 1774 till ISOO.
65. From 1800 till 18L^.
60. From 1S20 till 1&15.
67. Name the most noted citizens before
the Revolution.
108
STATR-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
(the inventor of the Quadrant, an instrument for finding the latitude,)
was born near Germantown in 1704, and died in 1749.
68. Benjaviin Franklin, the great philosopher, and one of the com-
mittee who prepared the Declaration of Independence, was a native
of Boston, but settled in Philadelphia in 1723, in his seventeenth year,
where he resided till his death in 1790. Charles Thomson, secretary
of the Revolutionary Congress, was an Irishman by birth, but
arrived in Philadelphia in 1739, in his tenth year, and died in 1824.
David Rittcnhouse, the great mathematician, was born near German-
town, 1732, and died in 1796. Robert Morris, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, and the financier whose abilities and
wealth sustained it under so many difficulties, was born in
England in 1733, but came with his father to Philadelphia in 1746.
He died in 1806. Joseph Jiced, president of the state, a general in
the revolutionary army, an incorruptible patriot, and a sound j.urist,
was born in New Jersey in 1741, and died in Philadelphia in 1785.
John Cadwalader, a gallant general who fought at Trenton, Prince-
ton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, was born in Phila-
delphia in 1742 and died in 1786. James Wilson, one of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the Convention
which framed the Constitution of the United States, and one of the
judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, was born in Scot-
land in 1742, arrived in Philadelphia in 1766, and died in 1798. Thomas
Mijffiin, a general in the revolutionary army, and subsequently gover-
nor of the state, was born in Philadelphia in 1744, and died at Lan-
caster in 1800. Nicholas Biddle,a. captain in the first American navy,
was born in Philadelphia in 1750. This gallant officer was blown
up with his crew, in the Randolph of 32 guns, during an obstinate
contest with the British ship Yarmouth of 64, on the 7th of March,
1778. Benjamin Rush was born near Philadelphia in 1745, and died
in 1813. He was an eminent and learned physician, and medical
professor and writer; he was also one of the signers of the Declara-
tion of Independence.
69. William While was born in Philadelphia in 1748, and died in
1836. He was chaplain to the Revolutionary Congress, and author,
among other works, of " Memoirs of the Protestant Episcopal
Church," of which church in Pennsylvania he was the bishop from
1787 till his death. Stephen Girard was born at Bordeaux in France,
in 17.50, settled in Philadelphia in 1769, and died in 1831. He was
a most sagacious and successful merchant, and left his immense
estate of $10,000,000 nearly all to the city of Philadelphia. WVliatn
Bradford was born in Philadelphia in 1755. He was appointed
attorney-general of Pennsylvania in 1780; judge of the Supreme
Court in 1791, and attorney-general of the United States in 1794,
and died in 1795, at the early age of 39. He was one of the most
active and influential among the reformers of the penal code of the
state in 1790. Jllcxandcr James Dallas was born in Jamaica in 1759,
settled in Philadelphia in 1783, and died in 1817. He was an able
lawyer, and published valuable law reports and other works. In
G8. Name those that distinguished them-
ulves in the Revolution.
69. Those that became distinguished
since. I
FIRST CLASS DELAWARE.
109
1814, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury of the United States,
and in 1815 also acted as Secretary of War. William Tdghnan was
born in Maryland in 1756, was brought by his father to Philadelphia
in 1762, and died in 1827. From 1806 till his death, he held
the important station of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the
state, and discharged its duties with an ability inferior to that of few
judges that ever sat on any bench, and an integrity above all suspicion.
Caspar Wistar was born at German town in 1760, and died in 1813.
He was a skilful physician, and an able medical professor and
writer. Philip Syng Physic was horn in Philadelphia in 1768 and
died in 1837. He was a learned and skilful physician, and may be
called the father of American surgery.
DELAWARE COUNTY.
1. Delaware, the south-eastern county, is bounded on
the E. by Philadelphia, N. E. by Montgomery, N. W. and
W. by Chester, S. by the state of Delaware, and S. E. by
the river Delaware, which divides it from New Jersey. Its
area is 180 sq. m.
2. It contains no mountains. The north-western part
is hilly, but towards the river the surface is level.
3. Its streams are the Delaware river, and Brandy wine,
Chester, Ridley, Crum, Darby, CobVs, and some smaller
. 1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Delaware?
10
2. Has it any mountains ?
3. Name its streams ?
110
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
creeks^ which nearly all cross the county fronn the west and
fall into the Delaware.
4. The soil was originally not fertile, but has been ren-
dered very productive by judicious farming.
5. No limestone nor very valuable minerals are met in
the county, except building stones of the granitic class,
which are sent in large quantities to Philadelphia and other
places. On Crum and Darby creeks, also, great numbers
of superior whet-stones are procured.
6. It contains 21 towiiships, 2 boroughs, and several
flourishingr villajres.
7. The Boroughs are : Chester, the county-seat and the
oldest town in the state, situated on the Delaware, and con-
taining about 1000 inhabitants, and Marcus-IIook. The
villages are Dm'by, Leipewille, Lima, Village Green, ^x.
8. The Public Improvements are the railroad from
Philadelphia to Wilmington, which passes through the
whole length of the county ; and the Columbia railroad
through the north-eastern part. Turnpikes from Philadel-
phia to Wilmington, Baltimore, and Lancaster, also traverse
the county.
9. The Population in 1840 was 19,791, and the assessed
value of property $7,264,721 in 1845.
10. The earliest settlers were Swedes. These were soon
followed by some Dutch or Hollanders, and they again by
large numbers of English and Welsh, who were princi-
pally Friends.
11. The c1 lief pursuits of the people are agriculture and
manufactures. Most kinds of grain are produced, but the
land is best adapted to pasture and meadow.
12. Delaware is one of the foremost manufactunng
counties in the state. It possesses a large number of cot-
ton and woollen factories ; flour, saw, and paper-mills ; roll-
ing-mills, furnaces for castings, potteries, tanneries, &c.
13. The Literary Institutions are numerous, and of
4. Di'Rcribe its soil ?
5. Its inint-rals?
6 How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages?
8. What are the public improvements ?
9. lis population and assessed pro-
perty ?
10. By \vhom was it settled?
11. What are the chief pursuits aad
productions ?
12. Has it any manufactures ?
13. Literary institutions ?
FIRST CLASS DELAWARE.
Ill
an elevated class. They are the Friends' " Haverford
Central School," the Delaware county Institute of Science,
six Public Libraries, and several Lyceums, and other
useful institutions.
14. There are a number of respectable private acade-
mies and schools, and 61 common schools, all in a pros-
perous condition. There are 5 churches in the county.
15. This county elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Chester, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with Montgomery, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the
fifteenth judicial district.
16. The Townships of Delaware are, Jtslon, Bethel, Birmingham,
Chester, Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Concord, Darby, Upper Darby,
Edgmo)!t, Haverford, Marple, Middletown, Newtown, Upper Providence,
Nether Providence, Radnor, Ridley, Springfield, Thornbury, and Tinicum.
17. Chester, the oldest town in Pennsylvania, was commenced
by the Swedes, about 1643. By them it was called Upland. Here
Penn held his first provincial assembly, in 1682, and passed many
wise laws. It took its name from the city of Chester, in England,
the birth-place of Pearson, one of Penn's companions. After the
laying out of Philadelphia, in the latter part of the same year, it
ceased to increase as rapidly as it had done before. It was incor-
porated as a borough in 1795, but has experienced little improve-
ment for many years. It contains a court-house, jail, market-house,
several churches, a library, and a bank. It is a pleasant, quiet
place, and is fifteen miles south-west from Philadelphia.
18. Marcus Hook is on the Delaware, three miles below Chester,
near the south-east corner of the state. It is an old town with about
400 inhabitants. During the earlier years of the province, it Avas a
place of some resort, large vessels frequently wintering at its wharf.
But it has for many years ceased to be used as a port, and the town
been going to decay. Latterly, however, it has shown some ap-
pearance of improvement.
19. Darby is a pleasant village, at the head of tide-water on Darby
creek. It is half-way between Philadelphia and Chester. It con-
tains several mills, and has a number of delightful country seats in
the vicinity.
20. The Toions of Delaware, though the oldest, have increased
less than any other, in the state. It is, however, probable that the
establishment of manufactures in the county will add to their popu-
lation and prosperity.
21. Above Chester, on the Delaware, is the Lazaretto, or station
where vessels having contagious diseases on board, or arriving from
14. Schools?
15. What members does it elect, and
in what judicial district is it?
1 6. Name its toiofiships ?
17. Describe Chester.
18. What is said of Marcus Hook ?
19. Of Darby?
20. Of the towns of Delaware?
21. The Lazaretto?
112
STATE- BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
sickly ports, perforin quarantine, till the health of their crews is re-
stored, or it is ascertained that they are not infected. They are
then permitted to proceed to Philadelphia.
22. The singular curved line, which separates this county from the
state of Delaware, is part of a. circle whose centre is the town of
New-Castle, from which the line is twelve miles distant. It origi-
nated in the terms of a grant made in 1684, by the Duke of York, to
William Penn, of territory south of Pennsylvania, and now forming
part of the state of Delaware.
23. The fust Flour-mill in the province was erected by Richard
Townsend, on Chester creek, about one and a half mile north-west
of the town of Chester. The original dwelling-house built and oc-
cupied by Townsend is still standing.
24. The cause of education seems to flourish more generally in
Delaware than in most of the other counties. Not only are scien-
tific institutions, public libraries, and schools of the higher grades
numerous, but the common schools seem to be better managed.
Many of them are kept open the whole year.
25. The Friends' " Central School" at Harerford is an excellent
institution of the collegiate class. It has four professors, and over
50 students. Its spacious buildings and pleasant grounds are near
the Columbia railroad, a few miles west of Philadelphia. It was
established in 1831.
26. History. — Delaware, which derives its name from the river
on which it is situated, though not verj' long organized as a separate
county, is really the oldest settlement in the state. Its county town
was the seat of justice of the county of Chester, (then including
Delaware,) from 1682 till 1789. After the organization of the pro-
vince by Penn, the county became rapidly settled ; but little of ge-
neral interest occurred in its history for many years. During the
Revolutionary war, though no battle was fought on its soil, it was
frequently overrun by the contending armies. In 1789, it was di-
vided from the present county of Chester, the new county retaining
the old name. Since that time it has gone on quietly increasing in
population, wealth, and intelligence. Latterly, its citizens have em-
barked largel}' in manufactures, especially those of cotton and u'ool,
for which it is well adapted by its wealth, enterprise, dense popula-
tion, and extensive water-power. On the 5th of August, 1843, a
most destructive torrent of rain burst upon this county, causing the
streams to swell to an unusual height, almost instantaneously, and
destroying $250,000 worth of property, and 19 lives.
27. NoTKi) Citizens. — Benjamin ires/, the celebrated painter, was
born in 1738, in Springfield township, five miles north of Chester.
After retaining the first rank in his art, both in the old and the new
world, during a long life, he died in England, in 1820.
22. The curved state line ?
23. ^Vhere and by whmn was the Jirst
four-mill in the province built ?
24. What of education?
25. Describe Haverford School.
'J6. State the principal etents in the his-
tonj of Delaware.
27. Who was the most noted citizen?
FIRST CLASS — CHESTER.
113
CHESTER COUNTY.
1. Chester, a south-eastern county, is hounded on the
S. E. by Delaware county and Delaware state, N. E. by
Montgomery, N. W. by Berks, W. by Lancaster, and S.
by Delaware and Maryland. Area, 740 square miles.
2. It has no Mountains. The hill called the Welsh
mountain forms its N. W. boundary, and the Valley hills
are N. and S. of the Great Valley.
3. The Schuylkill river separates it from Montgomery.
The creeks are the Brandywine, Elk, Oc-to-ra'rOy White
and Red Clay, French, Valley, ^c.
4. The Soil is very various, but generally fertile, or
easily susceptible of improvement. The great limestone
valley crosses the county from N. E. to S. W., is about
two miles wide, and highly productive. North and south
of it the land is naturally less fertile, but has been made
productive by judicious treatment. Nearly the whole
county will ultimately be cultivated.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Chester ?
2. What are its hills ?
10
3. Its streams?
4. Its soil ?
114
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
5. The CHIEF Minerals are limestone^ murhle^ iron-ore^
and chrome.
6. It contains 48 townships, 2 boroughs, and a large
number of pleasant villages.
7. The Boroughs are, West Cliester^Xhe seat of justice,
near the centre of the county, with 2152 inhabitants, and
Oxford. The villages are, Downington^ Coatesville, Phce-
nixville, Waynesburg^ Parkesburg, A'^ew London, Kennet
Square, Cochranville, Marshallton, ^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are. The Columbia and
Philadelphia Railroad, with a branch to West Chester, the
Schuylkill jYavigation, the Reading Railroad, and the Phila-
delphia and Lancaster, Downinirton and Ephrata, and
Wilmington and Lancaster turnpikes.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 57,515, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, $18,655,753.
10. The^r^^ settlers were mostly English Friends, who
came over with Penn. Since that period, many English^
Welsh, German, and Insh emigrants have given a mixed
character to the population. Their chief pursuits are
farming, and gardening, for the Philadelphia market,
and manufacturing.
11. The Productions are grain, beef, pork, mutton, but-
ter, poultry, fruit, &c., to which is to be added a large
amount of manufactured articles, the county containing
many furnaces, forges, rolling-mills, and nail factories,
woollen factories, fulling-mills, and cotton factories, paper,
flour, and oil-mills, tanneries, &c.
12. The Literary Institutions are the Athenaeum and
Cabinet of Natural Sciences at West Chester, a number of
superior academies, seminaries, and boarding schools, and
209 common schools. Education is generally prosperous.
There are over 100 churches in the county.
13. Chester elects 3 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and with Delaware, 1 to the Senate of the
state ; and 1 member of Congress ; and is in the fifteenth
judicial district.
5. Its minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvemenls.
9. What is the population and property?
10. AVho settled it?
11. What are the productions?
12. The literary institutions?
13. Ilovv many members does it elect,
and what judicial district is it in?
FIRST CLASS CHESTER. 115
14. The Townships are, Birmingham, E. Bradford, W. Bradford,
E. Brandyioine, W. Brandy wine, E. Cain, TV. Cain, Charlestown, E. Co-
ventry, N. Coventry, S. Coventry, Eastown, E. Fallowfield, W. Fallow-
field, E. Goshen, W, Goshen, Honeybrook, Kennet, London-Britain, Lon-
donderry, Londongrove, E. Marlborough, W. Marlborough, E. Nantmeal,
W. Nantmeal, New Garden, Newlin, New London, E. Nottingham,
W. Nottingham, Upper Oxford, Lower Oxford, Penn, Pennsbury, E. Pike-
land, W. Pikeland, Sadsbury, Schuylkill, Thornbury, Tredyffrin, Uwchlan,
E. Vincent, W. Vincent, Westown, Warwick, E. Whiteland, W. White-
land, and Willistown.
15. West Chester, so called from its situation with regard to old
Chester, in what is now Delaware county, is one of the most plea-
sant, improving, and literary towns in the state. It is placed on
high ground, five miles south of the Great Valley. It is substantially
and neatly built, and contains a number of handsome public edifices,
among which are the bank, prison, Athencpum, I'obnar's seminary, and
several of the churches. It has also the other requisite county
buildings, an academy, female seminary, and public librar3% It is
supplied Avith running water. The town seems to have been com-
mencedin 1784. In 1786, itbecametheseatof justice, andin 1799 was
incorporated. It is on the state road, leading from Philadelphia to
Stras burg, and is 27 miles W. of Philadelphia, and 7 1 E. of Harrisburg.
16. There is a county poor-house 8 miles S. W. of West Chester,
with a large farm attached.
17. The Friends^ Seminary for both sexes, at Westown, was esta-
blished in 1794. It has extensive buildings and a farm. Instruc-
tion is afforded by eight teachers. It is an unpretending, but most
useful institution.
18. The Yellow Springs is a pleasant watering-place in the north-
east part of the county, with ample accommodations for visiters.
The Springs were discovered in 1720, and a cabin, for the shelter
of visiters, erected in 1750. Near one of the hotels stands a build-
ing, known as the " old barracks," erected by General Washington
for the sick and wounded of his army during the Revolutionary war.
19. In Coventry township a forge, called Coventry forge, was built
by a person of the name of Nutt about 1720. Here was made the
first iron manufactured in the state.
20. Pha:uixvillc, a.t the confluence of French creek with the Schuyl-
kill, is a flourishing manufacturing town, grown up within 40 years.
It contains a large cotton factory and extensive iron works. The
Reading railroad passes through a tunnel of 2043 feet near the
village.
21. Parkesburg is a busy growing town on the Columbia and
Philadelphia railroad. It contains the state depot, with shops for
the repair of the locomotive engines used on the road, and bids fair
to become a large place.
22. HisTORT. — Chester was one of the three original counties of
14. Name I'ts townships.
15. Describe West Chester.
16. Has it a poor-house?
17. What of Westown?
18. The Yellow Springs?
19. Coventry Forge?
20. Phcenixville?
21. Parkesburg?
116 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the state, laid out b}' Penn in 1682. Chester, in Delaware county,
was the seat of justice, the two counties then forming; one, with an
indefinite extent of territory westward. The county took its name
from the city of Chester in England, the native place of Pearson,
one of the companions of William Penn. When first seen by the
Enjjlish, it was occupied by the Delaware Indians, from whom the
founder of the colony purchased the soil. The south-eastern part
of the county was early occupied, and gradually the whole became
settled. In 1729, Lancaster was separated from it. Few stirring
events marked its history for many years. The gentle and honest
conduct of the early Friends towards the Indians saved the inhabit-
ants from the ravages of savage warfare. The contests of 1736
and 17.55, which disturbed other settlements, passed over Chester
county with little annoyance. Part of Berks county was taken off
in 1752. In the mean time, emigrants from various countries of
Europe grouped themselves in difierent parts of the county. The
English occupied the southern portion, the Welsh the eastern, and
the Irish the northern and western, where they were soon succeeded
by many Germans and Hollanders. These large additions of those
who were strangers to the peaceful creed of the Friends, prepared
the county to take an active part in the Revolution, some of the
most important acts of which great drama were performed on its
soil. In 1775 and 1776, tw^o regiments were raised in Chester county
to sustain the cause of the country. Of one, Anthony Wayne, after-
wards so celebrated, was the first colonel. During the war, the
county was frequently the scene of hostile movements. In 1777,
the battle r>f Brandywine and the massacre of PnoJi occurred. Since
the establishment of independence, little of interest has transpired
to mark its quiet course of prosperity. In 1789, Delaware was
taken from the south-east part of the county, reducing it to its pre-
sent limits.
23. NoTKT) CiTizKxs. — General Anthony Wayne was born in
Eastown, Chester county, January 1. 1745. He entered the patri-
otic army in 1775, and served during the war with distinguished
skill and bravery. He was a member of the slate convention of
1789. In 1795, he concluded a successful and decisive campaign
against the Western Indians, and died at Erie in 1796. Thmnas
Ml Kran was born at New London in 1734. He was a prominent
member of the first Congress, a signer of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and an active patriot during the whole Revolution. After
having been chief justice of the state, and subsequently governor,
he died in 1817. Dr. Hio^h UllUarnson, born in Chester county in
1735, was an accomplished physician and natural philosopher.
It was he who, while in London in 1773, obtained possession of
the celebrated letters of Governor Hutchinson and Lieutenant-
governor Oliver, of Massachusetts, to the British ministry, which
he delivered to Dr. Franklin, the agent of the colony, and by
which the machinations of those officers were disclosed. This fact
was never discovered to the world till after his death. He finally
22. What are the chirf events in the his- I 23. Name its most noted citizens,
tory of Chcfttr county ?' \
FIRST CLASS — BUCKS.
117
settled in North Carolina, from which state he was a delegate to
the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States.
He was the author of a History of North Carolina and other works,
and died in 1819.
BUCKS COUNTY.
^ LE H 1 CH^^i^/^^^^
SO
E.
•3 ^^*^^^ 40°15^N
1 Doylestown. *^ y //^^ ,'r
2 Bristol. \ ' «^"^ i^Q
3 Newtown. ^. O^V ■sJ^
4 Newhope. ^ -v^ //^ ■^^^^
5 Morrisville. ^^"? / -^^^^
6 Hulmeville. Ifc*r«^'f^^^^^
7 Sellersville. jS^'-US^^^
8 Ottsville. W.'''':'mm
9 Quakertown. *% '"«|| 2°
E.
1. Bucks, a south-eastern county, is bounded on the
S, E. and N. E. by New Jersey, on the N. W. by North-
ampton and Lehigh, and on the S. W. by Montgomery
and Philadelphia. Its area is 600 square miles.
2. It has no mountains^ and few hills^ the most con-
siderable being some of the spurs of the South mountain
in the northern part.
3. Its Streams are, the Delaware river, separating it
from New Jersey, and navigable to the head of tide at
Trenton ; and the JYe-sha'mi-ny, To-hick! on, Durham, and
other small creeks.
1. What are the class boundaries,
and area of Bucks ?
I
2. Has it any mountains or hills?
3. Name the streams.
118
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
4. The Soil is very various. The northern part is ge-
nerally uneven, and not very fertile, except in some lime'
stone valleys which it embraces ; the red-shale soil of the
middle is kindly and productive ; and the southern end,
consisting of soil formed from primary rocks, is less fertile
in grain, but well adapted to grass. The whole county
may ultimately be made productive.
5. The valuable Minerals are limestone^ plwnbago,
(called black lead,) and some iron-ore.
6. It contains 29 townships, 5 boroughs, and a large
number of flourishing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Doylestown, the seat of justice,
centrally situated, with 906 inhabitants ; Bristol, with
1448; JYew-Hope, with 820; JVewfown, with 600, and
Morrisville, with 405. The villages are JWwport, Yardley-
ville, Harlington, Jlltlcbo rough, Bndgetown, Caitreville,
Gi'eenville, Quakertown, Hartsville, &c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Delaiaare divi-
sion of the Pennsylvania canal, from Bristol to Easton,
connecting the Lehigh canal with tide-water on the Dela-
w^are ; the Philadelphia and Trenton railroad ; a turnpike
from Doylestown to Philadelphia, and others in diiferent
parts of the county; and ei^thndges across the Dela-
ware at various points.
9. The population, in 1840, w^as 48,107. Assessed
value o{ property in 1845, $14,703,067.
10. 'Y\\c earliest settlers were English and Welsh Friends,
who have spread over most of the southern part, and Ger-
mans, who occupy the northern, retaining their own language.
11. Their c\\\{i\^ pursuits are farming, and gardening tor
the Philadelphia market ; all kinds of grain, meat, butter,
and fruit, forming the main productions. There are also
many manufactories of various kinds.
12. The Literary Institutions are 3 academies, 1
female seminary, and 152 common schools. Education is
tolerably prosperous. There are 80 churches in the county.
4. Describe tlie soil.
5. The minerals.
6. How many townsnips, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements?
9. W^hat is the population and as-
sessed properly ?
10. Who settled the county?
11. Their pursuits and productions ?
12. The literary institutions ?
FIRST CLASS BUCKS.
119
13. Bucks elects 3 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and 1 to the Senate of the state; with Lehigh,
1 member of Congress ; and is in the seventh judicial
district.
14. The Townships are, Bedminster, Bensalem, Bristol, Buckingham^
Doylestown, Durham, Falls, Haycock, Hilltown, Lower Makefield, Upper
Makefield, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Newton, Nockamixon, North'
ampton, Plumstead, Richland, E. Rockkill, W. Rockhill, Solebury, South-
ampton, Springfield, Tinicum, Warminster, Warrington, Warwick, and
Wright st own.
15. Doylestown is a pleasant, quiet town, on an eminence com-
manding an extensive view. Its county buildings are substantial,
convenient edifices of fine sandstone. It has a bank, academy, female
seminary, 3 churches, and several weekly newspapers. It seems to
have been commenced about 1780, and took its name from the per-
sons who owned the ground. It became the county-seat in 1812,
as being more central than Newtown. It is 24 miles north of
Philadelphia, and 100 east of Harrisburg.
16. Bristol, the largest town in the county, was the first seat of
justice. It is among the oldest settlements in Bucks, and was in-
corporated in 1720. It is a neat, pleasant place, with 3 churches,
1 bank, a town hall, and market-house ; and is favourably situated
for business, at the junction of the Delaware canal with the river.
It is a favourite resort of the citizens of Philadelphia.
17. New-Hope is a pleasant and flourishing town on the Delaware,
31 miles above Philadelphia, and opposite Lambertville in New
.lersey, with which it is connected by a fine bridge. It contains
820 inhabitants, an academy, lyceum, and several churches. It has
also several cotton factories, saw-mills, and flour-mills. They are
driven by the water-power of Inghamh spring, which discharges a
large body of water, and falls 110 feet in two miles.
18. Morrisville is a pleasant borough, with 405 inhabitants, opposite
Trenton. The bridge over the Delaware, connecting it with Trenton,
is 1100 feet long, and consists of 5 arches. The arches are of wood,
and are above the level of the road-way, which is suspended from
them by means of iron rods. Morrisville took its name from Robert
Morris, the financier of the Revolution, who resided here some years,
in a house that was afterwards occupied by General Moreau, of the
French revolutionary army.
19. The Log-college was a celebrated classical seminary, and was
one of the first of the kind established in the state. It was the first
literary institution, higher than a common grammar school, that
existed within the bounds of the Presbyterian church in the United
States. It was established in 1728, by the Rev. William M. Ten-
nent, principally for the purpose of preparing his four sons and
other promising young men for the ministry. They, with others,
13. What members are elected, and
what is the judicial district?
14. Name the toivnships.
15. Describe Doylestown.
16. Bristol.
17. New- Hope.
18. Morrisville.
19. What is said of the Log-college ?
120 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
who afierwacds became distinguished, were educated there. It was
built of logs, one story high, and about 18 feet square; and was
situated 19 miles from Philadelphia, on the Old York road, about
one mile from the present Neshaminy church.
20. HisTonv. — Bucks was one of the three original counties es-
tablished by William Penn, at his first landing in 1682. It totik its
name from Buckinghamshire, (shortly written Bucks,) where Peun
chieiiy resided in England. It first extended as far to the north "os
land should be piirrhascd frotn the Indians.^' Before the settlement of
the whites it was occupied by the Neshaminies, a tribe of the Dela-
ware Indians. A considerable settlement had been made in it near
the lower falls of the Delaware, by some English Friends previous
to Penn's landing in 1682. His first dwelling was at the manor of
l^enusbury, on the Delaware, a few miles above Bristol. One of the
out-houses still remains. Here the founder of the state generally
resided while in the country, and held most of his conferences Avith
the Indians. In 1697, the town of J^ristol was laid out, and was the
first seat of justice. By the peaceful arts of the Friends, Bucks
long enjoyed freedom from those Indian hostilities, by which some of
the other settlements were disturbed. In 1733, the famous " iralA"
was performed to ascertain the extent of an Indian purchase, from
a point near the Delaware. On this occasion Edward Marshall, a
native of Bucks, accomplished 110 miles from sunrise to sunset, of
a midsummer-day. This so much exceeded the expectations of the
Indians, that they refused to ratify the contract, and it was subse-
quently abandoned. In 1752, Northampton, including the present
county of Lehigh, was separated from Bucks. Little remarkable
occurred till 1775, when the last of the Indians left the countv, and
removed to the Wabash. During the Revolutionary war, its proxi-
mity to Philadelphia brought Bucks withm the scope of hostile
movements, and subjected many of its non-combatant citizens to
harassing suspicions and treatment. Since that era, it has held
on the even tenor of its way, growing populous and wealthy from
its favourable position on the Delaware, and vicinity to a constant
market for its surplus produce of every kind.
21. NoTKi) Citizens. — The Rev. Wdliam M. Tenncnt was born in
Ireland in 1673. He came to America in 1716, and, in 1721, settled
in Bucks county. In 1736, he became the pastor of the Neshaminy
Presbyterian congregation, and died in 1746. He was an eminent
classical scholar and founded the school, afterwards called the Log-
college. General Jacob Brown was born in Bucks county in 1775.
About 1800, he settled in the north-western part of New York,
where he became a brigadier-general of militia. On the breaking
out of the war of 1812, the defence of that frontier devolved on
him, and he defeated the enemy at Ogdensburg, and Sackctt's Har-
bour. He afterwards commanded at the battle of Niagara, and the
sortie of Fort Erie. He was a major-general at the close of the
war, and, in 1821, was commander in chief of the army of the United
States. He died in 1828.
20. State some of the leading events in I 21 . Name some of its noted citizens,
the history of Bucks.
FIRST CLASS MONTGOMERY.
121
MONTGOMERY COUNTY,
1 . Montgomery, a south-eastern county^ is hounded by
Bucks on the N. E., Berks on the N. W., Chester and
Delaware on the S. W., and Philadelphia on the S. E. Its
area is 450 sq. m.
2. It has no mountains. Its surface, especially in the
northern part, is diversified by numerous hills of no great
size.
3. The chief streams are the Schuylkill river, with Per-
ki-o'meriy Wis-sa-hic/ifon, and Man-at-aw'ny creeks, falling
into it, and Pennypack into the Delaware.
4. The Soil is very various. The great Chester county
limestone valley extends into its south-western townships,
constituting a fertile region. A large portion of the county
is occupied by red shales and sandstones, the former com-
posing a soil of easy fertilization. The whole county is
lit for tillage.
5. The principal Minerals are limestone, which is burned
in great quantities for the supply of Philadelphia, and for
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Montgomery ?
2 Has it mountains or hills ?
11
3. Which are the streams?
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
122
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
agricultural purposes; various kinds of valuable marble;
some iron and soapstone ; and formerly lead^ copper^ and
zinc were found, but the mines are not now worked.
6. It contains 30 townships, 2 boroughs, and a number of
considerable villages.
7. The Boroughs are A^orristown, the county-seat, on
the Schuylkill, w^ith 2,937 inhabitants ; and Pottstown, also
near the Schuylkill, with 727. The villages are Sumany-
town,Trappe,NewGoshenhoppen, Lexington, and Willow-
grove.
8. The Pltblic Improvements are the Philadelphia and
Columbia railroad, in the north- w^est ; Reading railroad
and SchuylkillJVavigation, along the Schuylkill ; the Phil-
adelphia and Norristown railroad ; with turnpikes passing
through the county from Philadelphia to Bethlehern, Doyles-
town, Reading, and Lancaster ; and a very large number
of substantial stone and wooden bridges, in every part of
the county.
9. The population in 1840 was 47,241, and the assessed
value of property in 1845, $14,298,100.
10. The first settlers were Swedes and Welsh, in the
south-eastern part, and Germans in the north-western,
where the German language is still spoken.
11. The chief employments of the people are agiiculture
and manufactures. The soil has been very much improved
by the application of lime ; and of late years, the addi-
tion of a great variety of manufactures to their former pur-
suits has largely increased their business and wealth.
12. The Literary Institutions are 4 academies, several
female seminaries, 5 libraries, and 67 cow,mon schools.
Education is prosperous in several of the townships. It
contains many churches.
13. Montgomery elects 3 members to the House of Rep-
resentatives, and 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Dela-
ware, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the seventh judicial
district.
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villap:pp?
7. Which are the county-scat, bo-
roughs, and villages?
8. The puMic improvements?
9. What is the populaliou and assessed
propony ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. What ure their employments and
productions?
I'J. The literary institutions?
1.3. Ilow many memltcrs arc electee^
and which is the judicial district?
FIRST CLASS MONTGOMERY. 123
14. The Townships are, Abington, Cheltenham., Douglas, Upper Dublin,
Franconia, Frederick, Gwyncdd, Upper Hanover, New Hanover, Hatfield,
Horsham, Limerick, Marlborough, Upper Mcrion, Lower Merion, MontgO'
mery, Moreland, Norriton, Perkiomen, Plymouth, Pottsgrove, Lower Pro-
vidence, Upper Providence, Lower Salford, Upper Salford, Springfield,
Towamensing, Whilemarsh, Whi'pain, and Worcester.
15. Norristown is a neat, thriving place. It took its name from
Isaac Norris, one of the first settlers of Philadelphia, and the pro-
prietor of the ground on which it stands. It has grown up entirely
since the Revolution. It was laid out in 1784, and incorporated as
a borough in 1812. It contains a handsome court-house, county
prison, 5 churches, a bank, an academy, and a public library, with
a noble bridge over the Schuylkill. The Norristown railroad, con-
necting it Avith Philadelphia, and the Reading railroad and Schuyl-
kill canal passmg on the opposite side of the river, have latterly
given an impulse to business and improvement, whose effects are
already very visible. It is 16 miles N. W. of Philadelphia; 90 E.
of Harrisburg; and 150 N. E. of Washington.
16. Among the township names, those of Merion and Gwynedd, in
the south, sufficiently indicate their Welsh origin, while Hanover,
Franconia, and Frederick, in the north, tell of their German settle-
ment. At Swedesford near Norristown, the Swedish emigrants chiefly
established themselves. All distinctions, however, of national
habits and language are rapidly wearing away from among the de-
scendants of the first settlers. In a few years these names will be
their only mementos, in the same way that those of Perkiomen,
Skippack, and Towamensing, are all that remain of the original Indian
occupants of the soil.
17. In the village of Trappe, which took its name from a tavern
with high steps (called in German Treppe) which stood there in
early times, is seen an ancient German Lutheran church, built in
1743, by the Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, the first minister of the Lutheran
church in the United States.
18. In the northern corner of the county, near New Goshenhop-
pen, there is a settlement of Schwenckfeldters, a German reformed
sect, who fled from persecution in Silesia in 1739. Three years
after their departure, Frederick the Great of Prussia offered them
strong inducements to return, having too late discovered the worth
of those whom he had permitted to be driven into exile. But they
preferred the freedom of their new home, and remained.
19. Valley Forge is situated about 6 miles above Norristown on
the west side of the Schuylkill, and on Valley Creek, near the Ches-
ter county line. Here General Washington, with his almost naked
army, remained in huts from December, 1 777, till June, 1 778 — the very
darkest and gloomiest period of the Revolution. But from the glori-
ous sufferings of Valley Forge, that army of patriots marched to
14. Name the townships ?
15. Describe Norristown ?
16. What is said of tke na7nes of places
in the county?
17. Of the Trnppe?
18. Of Neiv Gosfienhoppen?
19. Of Valley Forge f
124
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the hard-fought field of Monmouth, showing that no privations can
subdue those Avho contend in a good cause.
20. Montgomery is growing in manufacturing prosperity, with great
rapidity. It contains numerous furnaces, forges, rolling-mills, and
a large establishment at Conshehocken, for making superior
sheet-iron. There are also many cotiorr and woollen factories, pow-
der and paper-mills, saw-mills, and oil-mills, with a great number of
flour-mills. This prosperous state of things, which is only yet in its
infancy, is caused by the entei'prise of the people, and the advan-
tageous position of the county on the leading lines of canal and
railroad, which connect the coal and iron region of the state with
its commercial metropolis.
21. HisTORT. — Montgomery county, which derives its name from
a county of the same name in Wales, and from the gallant Montgo-
mery, who fell at Quebec in December, 1775, formed a part of Phila-
delphia till 1784, when it was erected into a separate county. Pre-
vious to the Revolution, it shared the prosperity of the mother
county, having been saved from Indian outrages by the prudent
conduct of the Friends, till the savages had retired far beyond its
borders. During the revolutionary struggle, though not the scene
of any great battle, it witnessed many of the marchings of the
hostile troops, and many acts of individual adventure. After the
battle of Brandy wine, on the 16th of September 1777 Washington
crossed into Montgomery at Parker'' s Ford, in pursuit of the enemy,
but they eluded him and" marched to Philadelphia. About the end
of September, he advanced from near Skippack creek to the attack
upon Germantoicn, in Philadelphia county, which took place on the
4th of October. There his well-laid plans were mainly defeated by
the obstinate and unexpected defence of Chew's house. After the
battle he returned to Skippack. It was during the winter followmg
this active campaign that he lay with his army at ]'allcy Forge.
There is little doubt but that his bold occupation of that command-
ing post, during that critical winter, caused the enemy to evacuate
Philadelphia the following summer, and thus turned the tide of suc-
cess in favour of freedom. Since the separate organization of
Montgomery in 1784, its career has been marked by a quiet but
regular succession of prosperit}', which, however, presents few in-
cidents of interest to persons at a distance.
22. NoTKi) CiTizKxs. — Henry Melchior MnhJcnherg, the father o{
General Peter Muhlenberg of the revolutionary army, F. A. Muhlen-
berg, speaker of the lower House of Congress, and of the Rev. H. E.
Muhlenberg, a learned divine of Lancaster, was a native of Han-
over in Germany. He was born in 1711, and came to this country
in 1742, and was a learned, pious, and useful divine. He was the
father of the Lutheran church in America. After establishing
many congregations, he finally settled at the Trappc, where he dif(i
in 1787, aged 70. General ./Indmv Porter, a colonel in the revolu-
tionary army, who fought with great gallantry at Trenton, Prince-
20. 0/ the manufactures of Montgo-
Xiery?
21 . Repeat the ehUf ntrds in its history ?
22. Name the most tioted citizens, tviih
their actions ?
FIRST CLASS — LANCASTER.
125
ton, Brandywine, and other places, was a native of this county,
where he was born m 1743. He died while surveyor-general of the
state in 1813. David R. Porter, his son, lately governor of the state,
is also a native of this county. Francis R. Shunk, the presen»
governor of the commonwealth, is also a native of this county.
He was born near the Trappe, in 1788.
. %^ ^^A \i^* ^
\^ \^ <-« J.X«.
MI. V^ A.XA
«\.^ t^ %^iM.\y 1,3
■> r^
Downingtown ; and a very large number of costly and
substantial bridges^ that at Columbia being the longest in
the state.
9. The whole Population^ in 1840, was 84,203, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $27,561,973.
10. The FIRST Settlers were Swiss and French Hugue-
nots, who were soon followed by large numbers of German
Memionists^ both of whom settled in the central part of the
county. Next came the Scotch- Irish, who established
themselves in the north-west, and the Friends from about
Philadelphia, who chiefly seated themselves in the eastern
townships. Many Irish settled in the southern townships.
The English is the prevailing language, but German is
spoken by a large proportion of the population.
11. The chief employment of the people is farmings
their agricultural productions being greater in amount than
those of any other county in the state. There are few
manufactories yet, except those of iron, which are very
numerous, Lancaster having been long noted for the num-
ber of her furnaces and forges. There is also a very
^&„S.->»-tr^
1^ r-i-M r^A- +-l^N-«i
.;ii^
1. Lancaster, a south-eastern county, is hounded on the
N. by Dauphin, Lebanon, and Berks, W. by York, S. by
Maryland, and E. by Chester. Its area is 950 square miles. K.
2. Its chief Mountains are, the hills of the South moun-
tain on the north, called the Conewaga and the Berks Hills', •
the Welsh mountain, extending into the eastern part of the
county from Chester; and the Mine Ridge and Martic Hills,
crossing its southern portion to the Susquehanna. None
of them are very abrupt, or of great elevation.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna river, dividing
it from York on the west, into which empty tjje Con-es-to'ga,
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Lancaster ?
11
2. Describe its mountains.
3. Streams.
126
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Pe-que'a, Oc-to-ra'ro, Chi-ques-a-lun'go, Con-o-win'gOy
Coji'oy, and Con-e-iva'go* creeks, with their many tnbu-
taries.
4. The Soil varies ver>- much. The gi'eat Limestone
valley or tract, extending from the hills of the South moun-
tain to those of Martic, and from the Mine Ridge and
Tageous posirion of the county on the leading lines of canal and
railroad, which connect the coal and iron region of the state with
its commercial metropolis.
21. HisTouT. — Montgomery- coanty, which derives its name from
a county of the same name in Wales, and from the gallant Montgo-
imry, who fell at Quebec in December, 1775, formed a part of Phila-
delphia till 1784, Avhen it was erected into a separate county. Pre-
vious to the Revolution, it shared the prosperity of the mother
county, having been saved from Indian outrages by the prudent
conduct of the Friends, till the savages had retired far beyond its
borders. During the revolutionary struggle, though not the scene
of any great battle, it witnessed many of the marchings of the
hostile troops, and many acts of individual adventure. After the
battle of Brandywine, on the 16th of September 1777 Washington
crossed into Montgomery at Parke/ s Fori!, in pursuit of the enemy,
but they eluded him and marched to Philadelphia. About the end
of September, he advanced from near Skippack creek to the attack
upon Germantoicn, in Philadelphia county, which took place on the
4ih of October. There his well-laid plans weic mainly defeated by
the obstinate and unexpected defence of Chew's house. After the
battle he returned to Skippack. It was during the winter following
this active campaign that he lay with his army at Valley Forue.
There is little doubt but that his bold occupation of that command-
in? post, during that critical winter, caused the enemy to evacuate
Philadelphia the following summer, and thus turned the tide of suc-
cei?s in favour of freedom. Since the separate ori^anization f>r
tne Conestoga, wiin a pupuiauun oi o-*x < , uic uuiuu,^,ii>
of Columbia^ with a population of 2719, Marietta^ FJ'iza-
helhtowTiy Slrasburg, Washington^ and Manheiniy with from
400 to 1000 inhabitants each ; and the villages of J\^cw
Holland J Churchtown, Soudersbwg, Georgetown, LampUrr
Square, Leesburg, Texas, Millerstown, Bainbridge, Litiz,
Ephrata, Reamstown, Adamstown, Concord, S^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are: The Philadel])liia
and Columbia railroad, crossing the county from east to
• Conewago, pronounced Con-neh-wan' go.
4. Soil.
5. What arc its most valuable mine-
rals?
G. How many townships, cities, bo-
roughs, and villages?
the
7. Name the county-seat and
towns of the (lilTerent kinds.
8. W'hai are the public improve
meals ?
FIRST CLASS LANCASTER. 127
west, the Lancaster and Harrisburg railroad, the Cones-
toga navigation, from Lancaster to the Susquehanna, where
it unites with the Tide-water canal, the Pennsylvania canal,
from Columbia to the northern and western parts of the
state; turnpikes ivom. Lancaster to Philadelphia, Harrisburg,
Columbia, and New Holland, with one crossing the north-
ern part of the county from Lebanon, past Ephrata to
Downingtown ; and a very large number of costly and
substantial bridges, that at Columbia being the longest in
the state.
9. The whole Population, in 1840, was 84,203, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $27,561,973.
10. The FIRST Settlers were Swiss and French Hugue-
nots, who were soon followed by large numbers of German
Mennonists^ both of whom settled in the central part of the
county. Next came the Scotch-Irish, who established
themselves in the north-west, and the Friends from about
Philadelphia, who chiefly seated themselves in the eastern
townships. Many Irish settled in the soiithern townships.
The English is the prevailing language, but German is
spoken by a large proportion of the population.
11. The chief employment of the people is farming,
their agricultural productions being greater in amount than
those of any other county in the state. There are few
manufactories yet, except those of iron, which are very
numerous, Lancaster having been long noted for the num-
ber of her furnaces and forges. There is also a very
large number of flour-mills.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 3 academies, 3 fe-
male seminaries, many private, and 253 common schools,
with several libraries and literary associations. There are
also 150 places of religious worship.
13. Lancaster elects 5 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Lebanon, 2 to the Senate of the state,
and 1 member of Congress ; and forms the second judicial
district, having also an additional court, called the District
Court.
9. What is the population and property?
10. By whom was it settled?
11. What are iheir employment and
productions ?
12. The literary institutions?
13. What members does it elect, and
what judicial district form?
128 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
14. The To\vnships are, Bart, Brecknock, Caernarvon, E. Cocalico,
IV. Cocalico, Cohrain, Concstoga, Conoy, K. Donegal, If. Donegal, DrO'
more. Earl, E. Earl, Elizabeth, Ephrata, Fulton, E. Hcnijifield, W. Hemp-
field, Harrison, E. Lavipiter, \V. Lampiter, Lancaster, Lcacock, Upper
Leacock, Little Britain, Manheinij Manor, Martic, Moitntjoy, Paradise,
Penn, Rnpho, Sadshnry, Salisbury, S'rasburg, and Warwick,
15. The town of jLu«cas/cr, which, with the county, takes its name
from the City of Lancaster in England, was laid out by Andrew
Hamilton, the proprietor of the ground, in 1730. A person, of the
name of George Gibson, then kept a tavern, with the sign of the
Hickory Tree, near the present centre of the cit)'. In 1734, it became
the seat of justice of the county. In 1742, it was first chartered as a
borough. In 1754, it contained 2000 inhabitants. In 1759, barracks
for 500 men were erected in it by the government. In 1763, the
Manorlndians were killed at Lancaster work-house, by thePaj-/o?j j'oys.
In 1777, the ancient corporation was re-established by act of Assembly.
During the Revolutionary war, many British prisoners were confined
in Lancaster, on account of its inland position and the known devo-
tion of its citizens to the cause of independence. On the 27th of
September, 1777, Congress met in Lancaster, and next day adjourned
to York. During the same struggle, its celebrated gvnsiuUhs fur-
nished many muskets for the arm3\ In 1794, the turnpike to Phila-
delphia was made. In 1799, it became the seat of state government.
In 1800, the population was 4292. In 1812, the seat of governvient
was removed to Harrisburg. In 1818, it was incorporated as a city.
In 1829, the Concstoga navigation, and in 1834, the State railroad wore
completed. In 1837, it was supplied with water from the Concstoga.
In 1838, the common school system was adopted.
16. It is a plain, substantially built town, with streets laid out at
right angles, containing a court-house, jail, county-offices, and a
market-house, neither of them elegant or convenient, 12 churches, an
academy, female seminary, mechanics' institute and library, a num-
ber of elegant common-school houses, 3 banks, 1 savings institution,
a large cotton-factory, and several iron-founderies. It is noted for the
manufacture of rifles, axes, combs, thrashing-machines, and car-
riat,'cs. It is 36 miles S. E. of Harrisburg, 62 W. of Philadelphia,
240 E. of Pittsburg, and 100 N. E. of Washington.
17. Long before the turnpike to Philadelphia was constructed or
thought of, there were two leading roads from that city into Lan-
caster county: the "old continental road," as it was called, passing
direct to the town of Lancaster, and thence to the Susquehanna;
and the "old king's highway," laid out in 1733, now called the
West Chester road, and passing through that town and Strasburg.
The last-named, when originally laid out, led to " Postlethwaite's,"
the first county-seat, 5 miles S. of Lancaster, near which was " Cones-
toga town," an Indian settlement, where so many treaties and con-
ferences took place between the colonial authorities and the Indians.
18. In 1784, a line of stage-coaches to carry passengers between
Philadelphia and Lancaster was established on the West Chester
14. Name the townships.
15. Rrptnt the hiitorij of Lancaster city.
IG. JJu>cribe ii.
17. What roads first led into Ike county ?
1 ^. What is said of stage ajid railroad
travtUing.'
FIRST CLASS LANCASTER.
129
road. It made the trip regularly in three days, and was thought to
be a great convenience. Now a person may leave Lancaster at
4 o'clock in the afternoon, spend three hours in Philadelphia, and be
back in Lancaster by 5 o'clock next morning. So great is the
change effected by the power of steam in a few years.
19. Other changes have also been etfected by the same agency.
A very large proportion of the taverns, which used to be necessary
along the public roads to accommodate the numerous travellers who
passed in carriages or on horseback, and the long line of " Cones-
toga" wagons, have disappeared. The passengers and the goods
are now carried on the railroad. This is a great benefit to society,
though the roads may seem lonely to those who delighted in the
noble teams and well-appointed wagons, with their cheerful bells
and the clear sound of the driver's whip.
20. Some of the older toHvns haye lost much of their business from
this cause, while others have sprung into sudden existence along
the lines of railroad and canal. But the change, if properly im-
proved, need not prove a lasting injury. The borough of Strasburg
is an instance. Most of its taverns have been discontinued, it is
true, but in their stead respectable seminaries of learning, of difler-
ent grades and for both sexes, are established. Thus, not only are
the morals and the intellects of the rising generation improved, but
even the business of the place is to a great extent sustained, thougli
in a different manner. The same gratifying change has occurred,
but to a greater extent, in West Chester.
21. Many of the old towns of Lancaster county have interesting
legends connected with their earlier history.
22. The village of Ephrata, in the north-eastern part, was com-
menced about the year 1730, by a religious society called ''Seventh-
day Baptists." Though a reformed sect, they, to a certain extent,
adopted the monastic mode of life, having separate buildings or
cloisters for each sex. Some of these ancient structures still re-
main, and present a very singular and interesting appearance.
They are divided into a great number of small apartments or cells,
and on the outside are entirely covered with shingles. The society
early established a paper-mill and a printing-press, and published
many German books and pamphlets. They were decided Whigs
during the Revolution, and, after the battle of Brandywine, con-
verted one of their buildings into an hospital, for 500 of the wounded
soldiers, of whom near 200 died, and were buried in the vicinity.
A monument is now in the progress of erection over the graves of
these patriots.
23. Liiiz, 8 miles north of Lancaster is a Moravian settlement,
noted for its schools, its neatness, and its good order. It was laid
out in 1757. The population is about 400. The town belongs to
the Moravian society, and is governed according to their own regu-
lations. The society's buildings are plain and substantial. Itcon-
19. What change have railways and ca-
nals effected ?
20. What other change?
21. What is said of the older towns ?
22. What is said of Ephrata?
23. Of Litiz?
130
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tains a female seminary, long known as a useful and successftil
institution, and a boys' academy, more recently established, but
equally flourishing.
24. Manheim is a quiet old place, 1 1 miles north-west from Lan-
caster, with 400 inhabitants. It was founded in 1761, by Henry
William Steigel, a wealthy German nobleman, who was connected
with the early iron works of the county. He erected an extensive
glass factory in his new town, which has long since disappeared.
25. Straslmrg and New Holland were both commenced about the
year 1730, b)- Germans. They are quiet pleasant towns, each con-
taining about 700 inhabitants, and three churches.
26. Churchtoicn, in the extreme north-eastern part of the county,
was originally a Welsh settlement, commenced about 1725. From
this circumstance the Welsh mountain obtained its njme.
27. Mountjoy, a thriving town 12 mile^ north-west of Lancaster,
on the railroad and turnpike to Harrisburg, is of recent growth. It
was laid out in 1812. Its advantageous position, and the richness
of the surrounding country, have caused it to increase rapidly. It
contains two churches. In the vicinity is Cedar-liill female sem-
inary, a well-known institution by the Rev. N. Dodge.
28. Columbia, 10 miles west of Lancaster, on the Susquehanna, is
the second town for size and business in the county. Its position
Oii the river, the southern line of turnpike, the railroad from Phila-
delphia to Baltimore, and the Susquehanna canals, confers great
advantages. Accordingly, its growth has been steady and rapid.
Its p, pulation is now 2719. It contains seven places of worship,
and a town hall, and is supplied with running water in pipes. It
was first called Wri^hfs ferry, and was laid out by Samuel Wright,
in 1788. The first settlement was made in 1728, by members of
the Society of Friends from Chester county. It was incorporated
as 'a borough in 1814.
29. Marietta, on the Susquehanna, 3 miles above Columbia, was
long known as Anderson s ferry. It was erected into a borough by
its present name in 1812, and increased rapidly during the specu-
lating times of that period. It has since ceased to grow, but has
still a considerable trade in lumber, coal, and other articles floated
down the river, and on the canal which passes through it.
30. The great majoritj' of the people of Lancaster county, are
engaged in agriculture, or the smaller manufactures and mechanical
occupations connected with it. It has long been noted for the great
amount and excellence of its grain of all kinds, for its comfortable
and substantial buildings, for the skill of its farmers, and the su-
perior quality of their horses and cattle.
31. During many years, it possessed the less enviable fame of
containing more distilleries for making whisk)'' than any other coun-
ty; but latterly, this branch of business has very greatly decreased.
24
Of Manheim?
25. Of StrashrfTg and Ncic-HuUand?
»>. Of ChuTchtinrn?
27. Of Mountjov?
2a Of Cohnnbial
29. Of Marietta?
.'W. What has the county been ton? 7ioted
for?
31. What about distilUria ?
rmsT CLASS — Lancaster.
131
32. The chief manufactories of the county, besides her 270 flour-
mills, are those connected with iron, for which she has long been cele-
brated. They consist of large numbers of furnaces, forges, rolling-
mills, foundries, tilt hammers, and sickle-factories. In addition to
which there are numerous small woollen and other factories, a large
number of saw-mills, and tanneries, and the extensive Lancaster
cotton factory recently erected.
33. About half a mile east of the city, is situated the house for
the employment and support of the poor of Lancaster county. It is
a very extensive building, and during the winter usually contains
near 300 inmates. Attached to it are hospitals for the sick and
insane. This useful establishment is situated on a farm of 235
acres, the produce of which goes to its support, the balance neces-
sary for that purpose being paid by the county treasury. The law
for its establishment was passed in 1798, and the main building
erected soon after.
34. History. — The county seems to have been chiefly occupied
by the Conestoga Indians, who had their head town near the Susque-
hanna, on the creek of the same name ; but many other tribes fre-
quented it as a hunting-ground. The first permanent settlement in
the bounds of the present county, was probably made by some Swiss
emigrants who arrived about 1709, on the Pequea, near the present
village of Paradise. From 1717 till 1723, large bodies of German
Mennonists and other sects followed, together with many Scotch-Irish.
These last fixed themselves mostly in the north-west part. About
1725, a body of Welsh emigrants seated themselves near Church-
town. In 1728, a number of English Friends from Chester county,
established themselves on the banks of the Susquehanna, at what is
now Columbia. The Scotch-Irish of the southern townships settled
at a later day. In 1729, the county was separately orgaxircf/, deriv-
ing its name from Lancaster in England, and being the first county
formed after the three original counties erected in 1682. Before
that time it formed part of Chester, and when first organized, includ-
ing all the parts of the province lying to the west and north-west.
The first temporary jail and court-house were built at Posflethwaites\
about 5 miles south-west of the present city of Lancaster. In 1734,
Lancaster became the county seat. In 1736, a violent contest took
place between the authorities of Lancaster^ and those of Maryland,
about the southern boundary. About 1740, the German Lutherans
began to settle in the county. In 1742, the celebrated Moravian,^
Count Zinzindorf, visited it. In 1749, York was taken off Lancaster,
Cumberland in 1750, and Berks in 1752. About 1760, the more ad-
vanced settlers were very much harassed by the Indians. In June,
1768, the county was visited by a dreadful hail-storm. In July,
1774, a meeting of the freemen of the count}'- was held in Lancaster,
at which strong resolutions in favour of the rights of the colonies
were adopted, and money collected to aid the citizens of Boston. In
December of the same year, a committee of safety of 60 persons was
chosen by general vote of the freemen of the county, and from this
32. What are its chief manufactories?
33. Wliat is said of the poor-house ?
34. State the leading events in the history
of the county, with their dates.
132 STATK-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
time it efficiently supported the cause of independence; several
regiments were raised among its citizens, and fought bravel)'. None
of the battles of the Revolution occurred in the county, but during
the gloomy winter of 1777-8, while Washington was encamped at
Valley Forge, General Wayne, with his forces, many of whom were
citizens of Lancaster, lay in Mountjoy township, where they suf-
fered almost equal hardships. During the winter of 1780-1, called
the " hard winter," the frost penetrated from four to five feet into
the ground, and the ears of the cattle were frozen. In 1785, Dau-
phin was taken off Lancaster. In 1790, the population of the county
was 30,179. In 1813, Lebanon was formed into a separate county,
and Lancaster reduced to its present size, since which time nothing
peculiar has occurred in its annals. Its progress has been one of
great but noiseless prosperity.
35. NoTKi) CiTizKxs. — George Ross, one of the signers of the De-
claration of Independence, was a respectable lawyer, born at IVew
Castle, Del. in 1730, settled in Lancaster in 1751, and died in 1779.
Gen. John Gibson, a brave soldier of the French and Revolutionary
wars, was born at Lancaster in 1740, and died in the western country
in 1822. He was the person to w^hom, in 1774, Logan delivered his
celebrated speech, of which Gen. Gibson's translation has been
spread over America and Europe. Edward Hand, a skilful physi-
cian and a brave general, during the whole Revolutionar)' war, was
born in Ireland in 1744, and settled in Lancaster in 1774, where
he died in 1802. Gen. Henry Miller was an active and gallant officer
in the Revolutionary army, having been in most of the important
battles fought in this and the neighbouring states. He was also a
general in the war of 1812. He was born in the present city of Lan-
caster in 1741, and died at Carlisle in 1824. Jaupcr Yeates was bora
in Philadelphia in 1745, and settled in Lancaster in 1764. In 1791
he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of the state, and
died at Lancaster in 1817. Henry Ernest Muhlenberg, an eminent
clergymen of the Lutheran denomination, a distinguished botanist,
and the author of several botanical works, was born in Montgomery
county in 1753, but settled in Lancaster in 1780, where he died
in 1815. David Ramsay, the American historian, was born in Dro-
more township, in this county, in 1749, and died in South Carolina
in 1815. SamiwI Stanhope Smith, D. D., president of the Princeton
college, an eminent scholar and divine, was born in Salisbury
township in 1750, and died in 1819. H7//((rm //c/?/?/, father of Judge
John Joseph Henry author of the Campaigti against Quebec under
Montgomery and Arnold, was a citizen of Lancaster. It was he,
who, about 1776, in conjunction with /o/ni i/. TJrtwfA, of Warwick
township, invented the Srretc-auger. Wm. Henry was a man of
a strong mechanical turn of mind, and J. H. Ranch was an inge-
nious blacksmith. The first screw-auger ever made is said to be
still in existence in the neighbourhood of Litiz. Dr. Benjamin S.
Barton, the successor of Dr. Rush, as professor of the practice of
medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of vari-
35. Name the most noted citizens.
FIRST CLASS YORK.
133
ous works, was born in Lancaster in 1766, and died in 1815. His
elder brother William, author of several works of merit, was also
born and died at the same place. Robert Fulton, the first who suc-
cessfully applied steam to the purposes of navigation, was born in
the township since called Fulton, in honour of him, in 1765, and
died in 1815. Symon Snyder, governor of the state from 1808 till
1817, was born in the town of Lancaster in 1759, and died in Union
county in 1819. John Eberle, an eminent physician, medical writer,
and linguist, was born in Manor township in 1789, and died at Lex-
ington, Ky., in 1838.
YORK COUNTY.
1. York, a south-eastern county, is bounded E. by
Lancaster and Dauphin, N. by Cumberland, W. by
Adams, and S. by Maryland. Area 925 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are the South mountain, between it
and Cumberland. The hills are the Con-e-wa'go in the
north, the Pigeon in the west, and the Slate hills in the
south.
3. The Streams are the Susquehanna river, dividing it
from Lancaster and Dauphin ; and the Yellow-breeches
creek forming its northern boundary, the Conewago in the
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of York ?
12
2. Name the mountains and hills.
3. The streams.
134
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
north, the Co-do' rus and little Conewago in the middle, and
Muddy creek in the south, all falling into the Susquehanna.
4. The Soil consists of about one-fifth Ihnestone, the
remainder is slate^ gravely and red shale. Nearly the
whole may ultimately be made productive.
5. The chief Minerals are iron, limestone^ and slate.
6. It contains 28 townships^ 6 boroughs, and many
considerable villages.
7. The Boroughs are, York^ the seat of justice, on the
Co-do'rus, with a population of 4,779 ; Hanover^ Shrews-
bury J Wrightsville, and J\^ew Holland: the principal vil-
lages are Mechanicsburg, York-Have?!, Liverpool^ Dover,
Dillsburg, .IWwbury, and Peach-bottom.
8. The Public Improvements are the Susquehanna and
Tide-water canal, from Wrightsville to the Maryland line,
the Co-do' i-us JYavigation, from York to the Susquehanna,
the Columbia, York, and Baltimore railway XhroM^ York;
and twmpikes from York to Lancaster, Hanisburg, Gettys-
burg, and Baltimore, with a number of bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 47,010 ; and the
assessed value of property in 1845 was $9,310,100.
10. The first settlers were English, Germans, and Scotch-
Irish. The Germans now prevail, as does the German
language, in a considerable portion of the county.
11. Their chief pursuit is agriculture, but there are many
iron-works, distilleries, and tanneries.
12. The Productions are large qualities of grain, live
stock, whisky, iron, and some tobacco.
13. The Literary Institutions are an academy and
county lyceum, several private, and 110 common schools.
There are about 50 churches in the county.
14. York elects 3 members to the House of Represen-
tatives, and 1 to the Senate of the state ; and with Adams
1 member of Congress. It forms, with Adams, the nine-
teenth judicial district.
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
6. }low many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages ?
8. The public improvements?
9. What is the population and assessed
property of York ?
10. VVho settled it ?
11. W^hai are their pursuits?
12. Their productions ?
1-3. Their literary institutions ?
14. How many memb-rs are elected,
aud what is the judicial district?
FIRST CLASS — YORK.
135
15. The Townships are, Carrol, Chanceford, Lower Chanceford, Codo-
rus, North Codorus, Concwago, Dover, Fairview, Fawn, Franklin, Heidel-
berg, Hellam, Hopewell, Manchester, West Manchester, Manheiin, Monag-
han, Newberry, Paradise, Peach-bottom, Shrewsbury, Springgarden, Spring-
field, Warrington, Washington, Windsor, Lower Windsor, and York.
16. York is a neat, substantially built, and wealthy town. It
contains an elegant and spacious new court-house, a jail, academy,
10 churches, a bank, and a savings' institution, nearly all of brick.
It is supplied with running water from a hill on the south, and has
four newspapers and several common schools. It is a place of
considerable business, being connected with Philadelphia, Balti-
more, and the neighbouring towns by railway, canal, and turnpike.
It was laid out in 1741, and incorporated in 1807, taking its name
from the city of York in England. It is 24 miles S. of Harrisburg,
83 W. of Philadelphia, and 48 N. of Baltimore.
17. A short distance east of York, the large county poor-house
and hospital are situated.
18. Hanover, with a population of 1070, is 18 miles south-west of
5f ork. It is on the turnpike from Carlisle to Baltimore and the road
from York to Fredericktown. It is a quiet, wealthy place, with two
churches and two newspapers.
19. Wrightsville is on the west bank of the Susquehanna, opposite
Columbia, with which it is connected by a long bridge. Here com-
mences the Susquehanna and Tide-water canal, and here, also, the
railroad leading to Baltimore connects with the Pennsylvania rail-
way. It is a pleasantly located and improving town, with 673 in-
habitants.
20. York-Haven is on the Susquehanna at the foot of the Conewago
falls or rapids, to avoid which a canal of a mile in length was con-
structed some years ago. Extensive mills were erected on the water-
power thus created, but the place has not succeeded to the extent
that was expected.
21. The limestone portion of York is chiefly a continuation of
the Lancaster valley, and occupies the central part of the county.
It runs into Adams, but grows narrower as it approaches that
county. It is remarkably fertile, well watered, densely settled, and
highly improved.
22. Both on the north and south of the limestone region, the soil
is thin and uneven. Except in York and Hopewell townships, it is
not yet highly cultivated; but is susceptible of great improvement,
particularly the red shale of the north, and the slate land of the south.
23. York county contains five furnaces and three forges ; and
possesses great advantages for the manufacture of iron, in its ore
banks and extensive forests for the formation of charcoal.
24. Excellent slates for roofing are procured in the south-eastern
part of the county ; and the valuable red sandstone of the north-east
is extensively sought after for architectural purposes.
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe York.
17. Where is the poor-house ''
18. Describe Hanover.
19. Wrightsville.
20. York-Haven.
21. What is said of the limestone region ?
22. What of the other portions ?
23. What of iron works ?
24. Of slate and sandstone ?
136
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
25. In the southern part of the county is an extensive tract of
land called the "York barrens." It is not really sterile, but the
want of trees has given it this forbidding name. Many parts of it
are now in the course of being reclaimed, and under judicious cul-
tivation yield good crops.
26. History. — Previous to its settlement by the whites, York
was chiefly occupied by the Susquehanna or Delaware Indians.
About 1716, some Maryland squatters established themselves in its
southern part, but they were driven off by the provincial authorities
in 1728. The regular settlement of the county was commenced in
1729. The Indian title was finally extinguished in 1736. The first
settlers were English, Germans, and Irish. For some years they
were disturbed by the conflicting territorial claims of Pennsylva-
nia and Maryland. The sheriff" of Lancaster, to which York then
belonged, in 1736, met and defeated Captain Thomas Cresap, (pro-
bably a progenitor of him w^ho afterwards murdered Logan's famil}',
near Wheeling.) This Cresap was sheriff" of Baltimore county,
and was at the head of a large force. He was taken prisoner and
lodged m Philadelphia jail. In 1737, these conflicts were terminated
by an order of the king in council, for settling the disputed boun-
daries. In 1749, York, including Adams, was formed into a separate
county, taking its name from Yorkshire in England. In 1777, the
Continental Congress, when it adjourned from Philadelphia, met in
the old court-house of York, after a short stay in Lancaster. Dur-
ing its session there, Philip Livingston, one of the members, died,
and w^as buried in the grave-yard of the German Reformed Church.
In 1800, York was reduced to its present size by the erection of
Adams. Since that event, little of interest has transpired in its
history.
27. Noted Citizeits. — Col. James Smith, by birth an Irishman,
but a citizen of York, was one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. He was the writer of the able " Address to the asso-
ciators of Pennsylvania," published by the Provincial Conference on
the 25th of June, 1776. He was a sound lawyer and an unflinching
patriot. He was born about 1720, and died at York in 1806. Gene-
ral James Eu'ing was born in Lancaster county in 1736, but settled
early in York. He was a lieutenant in Braddock's expedition. He
served with distinction, through the whole Revolution, and rose to
the rank of Brigadier-general. He died in York county, in 1806.
Thomas Campbell, a captain in the Revolutionary army, and a gallant
officer, was also a citizen of York. General John Clark was born
in York county in 1751. He served with distinction in the Revolu-
tionary army, was an aid-de-camp to General Greene, and possessed
the confidence of General Washington. William Leuhart, a pro-
found mathematician, was a native of the borough of York. Chris-
tian Gobrecht, an eminent engraver and die-sinker of Philadelphia,
was born at Hanover.
25. Of the York barrens?
26. Repeat the chief events in the history
of York.
27. Name the noted citizens, and the acts
for which each became distingvished.
FIRST CLASS — ADAMS COUNTY.
137
ADAMS COUNTY.
1. Adams, a south-eastern county, is hounded E. by York,
N. by Cumberland, W. by Franklin, and S. by Maryland.
Area 530 square miles.
2. The South Mountain separates it from Cumberland
and Franklin. The rest of its surface is uneven^ being tra-
versed by several ridges of trap rock.
3. It has no large Rivers. Rock^ Marsh, and Middle
creeks, the head waters of the Mon-od a-cy flow southward
into Maryland ; Latimore, Bermudian, and 0-pos'sum, the
sources of the Con-e-wa'go, run eastward into York.
4. The Soil is various. In the south-east part, adjoin-
ing York and near the South mountain, there is limestoney
and of course fertile land. Of the remainder, the greater
part is red-shale and trap, both easily fertilized by lime.
The whole of the county, except the portion occupied by
the South mountain, is tillable.
5. The CHIEF Minerals are, limestone, extensively used
as a manure ; iron, which is worked to some extent, and
some copper. Potomac marble also occurs.
6. Adams contains 18 townships, 2 boroughs, and nu-
merous villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Gettysburg, the seat of justice,
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Adams ?
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
12
5. Chief minerals?
6. Ilow many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
138
STATE- BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
with 1908 inhabitants, and Berwick or Jihhottstoicn ; and
the villages are Petersburg^ Berlin^ Littlestownj Oxford,
Fairfield, and Cashtown.
8. The Public Improvements are, the unfinished
Gettysburg Extension railroad, designed to connect the
Columbia with the Baltimore and Ohio railroad ; turn-
pikes to Chambersburg, Carlisle, York, and Baltimore ;
and many substantial bridges.
9. The Population in 1840 was 23,044, and in 1845
the assessed value of property was $4,339,531.
10. The first settlers were Scotch-Irish, but more re-
cently the German race have increased. Their pursuits
are agricultural.
11. The Productions are, all kinds of grain and cattle,
and some iron.
12. The Literary Institutions are, Pennsylvania
College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary, both near,
and an academy and female seminary in Gettysburg, and
85 common schools in the w^hole county.
13. Adams elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Franklin, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with York, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the nineteenth
judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Benmck, Concwago, Cumberland, Franklin^
Freedom, Gcrinany, Hamilton, Hamiltonban, Huntingdon, Latimore, Liberty ^
Menallen, Mountjoy, Mount Pleasant, Reading, Straban, Tyrone, and
Union.
15. Gettysburg, so named from the first proprietor of the ground,
is a quiet, neat town. It was incorporated in 1806, has the usual
county-buildings, with seven churches, and is supplied with running
water. Pennsylvania college and the Lutheran seminary are large
and beautiful edifices. Near it, on the north, is a county poor-house.
It has long been noted for the manufacture of carriages, and the
branches of industry connected with that business. It is 114 miles
W. of Philadelphia, .36 S. of Harrisburg, and 52 N. W. of Balti-
more.
16. Its retired position, cheap living, and moral population render
it an eligible place for the education of youth. Hence its literary
institutions are in a most flourishing condition, and are yearly add-
ing to their number of students.
8. The public improvements.
9. What is the population and assessed
property ?
10. Who were the first settlers?
11. What are the productions?
12. The literary insti'uiions ?
13. IIow many members are elected,
and what is the judicial district?
11. Name the totvnships.
15. Describe Gettysburg.
16. What is said of its literary institu^
tions?
FIRST CLASS ADAMS COUNTY. 139
17. Petersburg is a pleasant town, 13 miles N. E. of Gettysburg.
It contains about 250 inhabitants, with a church and an academy.
18. Near Petersburg are the York springs, an agreeable summer
retreat, long frequented by many who have derived great benefit
from the pure air and healing waters of the place. Sulphur is their
chief mineral ingredient.
19. Adams is chiefly an agricultural county, and in no part of
the state is the judicious use of lime adding more to the wealth of
the farmer. Tracts of land that heretofore scarcely repaid the
labour of tillage, are now as flourishing and productive as any part
of the state.
20. History. — While Adams formed part of Lancaster, little re-
markable occurred in its early annals. The South mountain and
the more advanced Conecocheague settlement, in Franklin, seem,
in a great degree, to have protected it from the ravages of the West-
ern Indians. Its first settlers were Scotch-Irish, who took up their
residence about 1740. They bore with them their usual love of
learning, one of the first classical schools in the interior of the state
having been established by them, in the Marsh Creek settlement.
In 1749, York, including Adams, was separated from Lancaster.
From this time till the end of the century, a want of similarity of
language and habits between the Germans of the eastern, and the
Scotch-Irish of the western part of the county, produced a feeling
which finally led to the formation of Adams into a separate county
in 1800. It took its name from the elder President Adams. It is
somewhat remarkable that the quiet tide of German enterprise has
since carried that class of citizens so largely over the line of
division, that at the present time their language is the common
tongue of many parts of the county which was organized to exclude
them.
21. Noted Citizens. — Captain Nicholas Bittinger, of Adams, who
died in 1804, aged 78, was amongst the first to take up arms in the
Revolution. He was made prisoner while fighting gallantly at Fort
Washington, and endured a tedious captivity and much hardship.
Captain David Wilson, also a brave soldier of the Revolution, was
born in this county in 1752, and was recently living near the place
of his birth. William Paxton, D. D., was born in Lancaster county
in 1760. In company with his father, he was at Trenton with Gen.
Washington on the night of January 2, 1777. He afterwards studied
divinity, and became pastor of Lower Marsh Creek church (the
first established in Adams county) in 1792. He continued in the
exercise of the ministry at Marsh Creek till 1841, when the infirmi-
ties of age obliged him to retire. He died in 1845, and was a man
of great eloquence and clearness of mind.
17. 0/ Petersburg?
18. Oftfie York springs?
19 Of Lime.
20. Detail the events of the history of
Adams, with their dates. _
21. Naine the noted citizens.
140
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SECOND CLASS.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.
KIEESJiy
40^45'N.
L E H I C H
1 Easton.
2 Bethlehem.
Nazareth.
Richmond.
Williamsburg.
Cherryville.
Wind Gap.
Water Gap.
1. Northampton, a Cumberland Valley county, is
bounded E. by New Jersey, N. by Monroe and Carbon,
W. by Lehigh, and S. by Bucks. Its area is 370 square
miles.
2. The Mountains are, the Kittatinny, or Blue moun-
tain, on the north, and the South mountain on the south,
forming the barriers of the Cumberland Valley.
3. The Streams are, the Delaware river on the east,
separating it from New Jersey, and the Lehigh on the west,
from Lehigh county. Bushkill and Martin'' s creeks fall into
the former, and Saucon, Mon-oda-cy, and Hock'en-dock
into the latter.
4. The Soil is that which is common to the Cumberland
Valley counties. Among the pnmarp hills of the South
mountain, with the exception of a few small valleys, it is
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Northampton ?
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams?
4. Describe the soil.
SECOND CLASS NORTHAMPTON.
141
not fertile. Next occurs the broad belt of fertile lime-
stone land, constituting the richest portion of the valley.
Beyond this, an extensive tract of slate land, which is of
easy fertilization by proper culture, extends to the Kitta-
tinny. The whole of the county, except the small por-
tion occupied by the Kittatinny and South mountain, is
productive.
5. The Minerals are, limestone^ iron-ore^ slates^ and
hydraulic cement.
6. Northampton contains 15 townships^ 3 boroughs, and
many considerable villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Easton, the county-seat, at the
confluence of the Lehigh with the Delaware, with 4865
inhabitants, Bethlehem and South Easton. The villages
are, JYazareth, Richmond, Williamsburg, Cherryville, Sfc.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Delaware divi-
sion of the state canal, from tide-water on the Delaware at
Bristol to Easton, where it connects with the Lehigh JYavi-
gation, which follows the last-named stream into the coal
region. At Easton, also, the Morris canal commences,
leading across New Jersey to New York. There are a
number of turnpikes in the county, one of which runs from
Easton northward, through the Wind Gap, and several
large bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 34,000, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $12,005,718.
10. The earliest settlers were the Scotch-Irish ; they
were soon followed by Moldavians, and other German sects.
The German population and language now prevail.
11. The main occupation of the people is agriculture,
but iron-works and other manufactures, with the trans-
portation of coal and lumber, are carried on to some
extent.
12. Their Productions, such as all kinds of grain, beef,
pork, and mutton, find a ready market in Philadelphia and
the coal region.
5. What are the minerals?
6. How mai]^ townships, boroughs,
and villages .
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What is the population and assessed
property ?
10. WHio settled the county?
11. What are their occupations ?
12. The productions ?
142
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
13. The Literary Institutions are, La Fayette college,
a number of academies and seminaries, and 144 common
schools. Education is in a tolerably prosperous state.
14. Northampton, with Monroe, elects 3 members to the
House of Representatives, and with Lehigh, 1 to the
Senate of the state ; and with Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and
Wayne, 1 member of Congress. It is in the third judicial
district.
15. The Townsjiips are, Mien, E: Allen, Bethlehem, Bushkill, Forks,
Hanover, Lehigh, Jyoore, Upper Mount Bethel, Lower Mount Bethel, Upper
Nazareth, Lower Nazareth, Plainjield, Saucon and Williams.
16. Easton, which seems to have been so designated on account
of its eastern position in the province, was, in the early records,
called the "Forks of the Delaware," the Delaware and Lehigh there
vmiting. It was a favourite seat of the Delaware Indians. It seems
to have been laid out in 1738, but did not receive man}'' inhabitants
till 1752, when the count)' was organized. Several councils Avith the
Indians were held here, and treaties made between the last named
year and 1761, in which the celebrated Delaware chief, Teedyuscund
participated. It was here that he compelled the Six Nations to ac-
knowledge the independence of his tribe. Easton was erected into
a borough in 1789. It is one of the most pleasant and thriving
towns in Pennsylvania ; its position on the Delaware and Lehigh,
with their canals, and in the rich Cumberland Valley, conferring
ad\'antages not often equalled. It has an ancient court-house, a
county jail and offices, an academy, bank, insurance office,
ti churches, a public librar}% and a cabinet of minerals. In tne
town, or its immediate vicinity, there are also a large number of
flour-mills, with oil and saw-mills. It is supplied with water in
pipes from a spring about a mile distant, and has bridges over the
Delaware, Lehigh, and Bushkill. It is 56 miles N. of Philadelphia,
105 N..E. of Harrisburg, and 310 E. of Pittsburg.
17. South Easton is a busy manufacturing place, with about
700 inhabitants, on the opposite side of the Lehigh, about 1 mile
above Easton. It has a cotton, a rifle, and a wire factor}', a furnace
and founder}', with several flour and saw-mills, all propelled by
water-power from the Lehigh canal.
18. La Fayette College, a manual labour institution, in which the
students are enabled by light labour to pay for a portion, or the
whole of their own support and instruction, is on a hill near the
town, north of Bushkill creek. The main building is a noble edifice,
and the institution is in a flourishing condition.
19. Bethkhem, a large Moravian town on the Lehigh, 11 miles
above Easton, was founded in 1740. It is now the chief settlement
of the United Brethren, or Moravians, in the United States, and con-
13. The literary institutions ?
14. What members are elected, and
which judicial district is it in?
15. Name the townships.
16. What is said of Easton ?
17. Of South Easton ?
18. Of La Fayette College?
19. OfBtthlehem?
SECOND CLASS NORTHAMPTON. 143
tains 1622 inhabitants. It is noted for its neatness, good order, and
the excellence of its boarding-schools for both sexes.
20. Nazareth, 10 miles north of Bethlehem, another Moravian
town, also contains a flourishing academy for boys, managed by the
society. This town was first commenced by the celebrated George
Whitefield in 1739. He commenced a building, yet standing, which he
intended as a school for African children ; but before it was finished,
he disposed of it to Count Zinzindorf, who completed the edifice.
21. At Gnadenthal, near Nazareth, the county poor-house is esta-
blished.
22. About two miles south of the Water Gap is an extensive slate
quarry and manufactory. Besides a vast quantity of roofing slate,
a large number of school-slates are here prepared and framed by
means of ingenious machinery.
23. The Delaware Water Gap, the Wind Gap, and the Lehigh Water
Gap, three remarkable passes in the Kittatinny mountain, all de-
serve the notice of travellers. Few combinations of mountain and
river sceneiy present greater attractions to the admirer of the grand
and beautiful, than the pass in the Kittatinny through which the
Delaware seems to have burst its way. The Wind Gap, about mid-
way between the two Water Gaps, is not traversed by any stream.
It is merely a remarkable denression of the Kittatinny, almost to
the level of the adjoining plam, and as such has become the point
to which the leading roads of the vicinity tend for a passage through
the mountain.
24. History. — Immediately after the noted " walking-purchase"
of 1733, Northampton, then a part of Bucks, began to be settled by
Scotch-Irish. They long bore the brunt of defending the frontier
against the Indians. In 1740, the Moravians established themselves
at Bethlehem, and succeeded Whitefield at Nazareth. The Lutheran
and other German settlers came in at a later date. The county was
erected in 1752 by the name of Northampton, after a county of the
same name in England. Braddock's defeat in 1755 reduced this
frontier settlement to great straits, and exposed it to the merciless
barbarities of the Indians. During the Revolutionary war, it ex-
perienced more than the ordinary vicissitudes of that trying time,
being directly on the termination of the war-path from the north, by
which the Indians were in the habit of descending on the lower set-
tlements. Soon after the close of the Revolution, the original Scotch-
Irish settlers began to move farther westward and northward, and
Northampton rapidly filled with German citizens. In 1798, Wayne
was separated from it. In 1799, Fries' rebellion disturbed this and
the adjoining counties. In 1812, Lehigh, and in 1835 Monroe, were
taken off, and in 1843, Northampton was reduced to its present size
by the organization of Carbon county.
25. Noted Citizens. — George Wolf, governor of the state from
1829 till 1835, was born in Northampton county in 1777, and died
in 1840. He was distinguished for his unwavering advocacy of the
20. Of Nazareth? I 23. Of the gaps in the Kittatinny?
21. Where is the poor-house ? 2A. Repeat the hiitory of the county.
22 What is said of slates ? \ 25. Na/ne the tioted men.
144
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Common school system. David Braimrd, the celebrated Indian mis-
sionan', visited this and other parts of the state a number of times.
About 1745, he built a cabin at Mount Bethel. He was a native of
Connecticut, where he was born in 1718, and died in Massachusetts
in 1747. Count Zinzindorf, the early protector and subsequently
the leader of the Moravians, also visited the missionar}' stations of
that society, in Northampton, a number of times between 1741 and
1743. He was born in Europe in 1700, where he died in 17(J0.
Even before these attempts to convert the Indians, the celebrated
Ceorse W/iiteficld hdid been at the "Forks of the Delaware." As early
as 1739 he commenced his building at Nazareth. He was born in
England in 1714, and died in 1770, in Massachusetts.
LEHIGH COUNTY.
\^B0
SCHUYLKILL ' ^"^""^
1 Allentown. 5 Millerstown
2 TrexJertown. 6 Fryburff.
3 FoglcsvUle. 7 Saegersville
4 Emmau!). 8 LynuviUe.
■v •a 2
BERKS V
1. Lehigh, a Ctimberland F«//ey county, is bounded N. E.
by Northampton, N. W. by Carbon and Schuylkill, S. W.
by Berks, and S. E. by Bucks. Mrea 350 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, the Kittatinny mountain on the
north, and the South mountain, here called the Lehigh
hills y on the south.
3. The Streams are, the Lehigh river, and its tributaries
Saucon, Little Lehigh^ Jordan^ Copley.^ and Troxit creeks,
with the head waters of Maiden creek, which flows west-
ward through Berks to the Schuylkill.
4. The Soil is the usual rich limestone and slate land
1. What are llie class, boundaries,
and area of Lehigh?
2. Its mountains ?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
SECOND CLASS LKHIGH. 145
of the Cumberland Valley ; that of the mountain is sterile.
All the rest is tillable.
5. The chief Minerals are abundance of limestone and
iron-orey roofing slate^ some hydraulic cement^ and cop-
peras.
6. Lehigh contains 13 townships ^ 1 borough, and se-
veral pleasant villages.
7. The Borough of Allentown, the county-seat, is on
the Lehigh, and contains 2493 inhabitants. The villages
are Em^ma-us, Millerstoivn, Foglesville, Trcxlerstown, Frey-
burgj Saegersville^ and Lynnville.
8. The Public Improvements are the Lehigh Naviga-
tion, along the river, leading from Easton into the anthra-
cite coal region, and turnpi/ces from Allentown to Reading,
and Easton, with several large bridges.
9. The population, in 1840, was 25,787, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was $8,367,110.
10. The First Settlers were Scotch-Irish^ but they
were soon followed by large numbers of Germans^ who
now form the great bulk of the population.
11. Their chief Occupation is farmings though there are
several extensive iron works, and some smaller manufac-
tories. The German language is chiefly spoken.
12. Their main Productions are grain, cattle, pork,
and iron, with some other articles.
13. The Literary Institutions are not numerous.
They are an academy, 82 common, and several private
schools.
14. Lehigh, with Carbon, elects 2 members to the House
of Representatives, with Northampton 1 to the Senate of
the state, and with Bucks, 1 member of Congress, and is
in the third judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Hanover, Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, Upper
Macungie, Lower Macungie, Upper Milford, Northampton, Salisbury, Upper
Saucon, Weisenberg, N. Whitehall, an^ S. Whitehall.
16. ALLENTowjf, formerly called the borough of Northampton, is
5. Minerals ?
6. Hnw many townships, boroughs
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, and the vil-
lages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Lehigh?
11. What are their employments'
12. Their productions ?
13. The literary institutions?
14. Kow many members are elected?
What is the judicial district?
15. Name the townships.
13
146
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
beautifully situated on an eminence near the river Lehigh. It is a
■well built, prosperous, and remarkably healthy town, with Q493 in-
habitants. It contains a spacious court-house and county prison,
6 churches, an academy, 2 libraries, a bank, and the buildings of a
homoeopathic medical college. It is supplied with pure water from
a spring in the vicinity. There are also several mills, a foundery,
a large and substantial stone bridge over Jordan creek, and one of
wood across the Lehigh, near the town. It was laid out before the
Revolution, by William Allen, chief justice of the province, from
whom it derives its name. It was incorporated in 1811, and is 55
miles N. of Philadelphia, 87 N. E. of Harrisburg, and 290 E. of
Pittsburg.
17. Etnmaus is a small Moravian village at the foot of the
South mountain, about 5 miles south-Avest of Allentown.
18. The Lehigh Water-Gap, at the point where the river has made
its way through the Kittatinny, forms a scene singularly grand and
beautiful. The mountain, on either hand of the traveller as he
passes the gap, rises a thousand feet. It is very steep, yet covered
with trees from the summit to the level of the river. After beholding,
from the plain, the regular chain of the Kittatinny, which stretches
away to the east and to the west, in a straight line, and then ex-
amining the sudden gap in its huge wall through which the river
peacefully flows, it is impossible not to attribute the chasm to the
agency of water; or to prevent the mind from endeavouring to
realize the power and stale of the element when it burst the rocky
barrier.
19. Lehigh is not only one of the richest agricultural counties
for its size, in the state, but bids fair still to increase its wealth
by means of manufactories. The beds of superior iron-ore, which
are chiefly met among the hills of the South mountain, the water
power, the cheap and constant supply of anthracite coal delivered
along its whole eastern border by the Lehigh Navigation, and
the ready access to market, present elements for the application
of capital and industry not often surpassed.
20. HisTonr. — Lehigh, so called from the river which separates
it from Northampton, is written Leclia in German, which probably
comes nearer the true pronunciation of the htdiun name of the river
than its English orthography. The county formed part of North-
ampton till 1812, when it was separately organized. It pre-
viously shared the fortunes, and was embraced in the history of the
mother county. During the years 1798 and 1799, the present
county of Lehigh, together with parts of Berks, Northampton, and
Bucks, was the scene of an opposition to the laws of the United
Slates, called " Fries' rebellion.'" The popular feeling was roused
against paying a direct tax called " the house tax." The officers
of the government appointed to collect it were opposed and dri'ven
off'. Fries, the leader, was tried for treason and sentenced to be
hung, but was subsequently pardoned by the President. Others
16. Describe AlUntown.
17. Emmans.
18. The Uhigh WattT-Gap.
19. The resources of I^hi^h.
20. Repeat its history, uith dates.
SECOND CLASS BERKS.
147
were fined and imprisoned, after which order was again restored.
The improvement of the Lehigh, by the Navigation Company, was
commenced in 1818. That event has added greatly to the pros-
perity of the county. In January, 1841, the company's works were
almost destroyed by an ice flood, but have since been reconstructed.
BERKS COUNTY.
S C H U
1 Reading'.
2 Womelsdorf.
3 Sinking Spring.
4 Bemville. 8 Mertztown
5 Rehrersburg. 9 Pricetown.
1 6 Hamburg. 10 Unionville.
7 Kutztown. 11 Morgantown. ConestO'
1. Berks, a Cumberland Valley county, is bounded on
the S. E. by Chester and Montgomery, N. E. by Lehigh,
N. W. by Schuylkill, and S. W. by Lancaster and Le-
banon. Area 920 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, the Kittatinny or Blue mountain,
in the N., and the South mountain in the S., the latter
being broken into many irregular hills.
3. The Streams are the Schuylkill river, crossing the
county near its centre from north to south, with its tribu-
tary creeks, Maiden^ Man-at-aw'ny, Tul-pe-hocfken, Little
Swa-ta'ra, JYorth Kill^ and other small streams.
4. The Soil is various. The fertile limestone valley be-
tween the two mountain ranges, composes one-third of
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Berks ?
2. Which are its mountains ?
3. Its streams?
4. Describe its soJ.
148
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
tlie county. The shale land and of the South mountain
is highly favourable for cultivation ; and the slate land
bordering on the Kittatinny is susceptible of easy im-
provement. The whole county, except the mountainous
portion, will be ultimately rendered productive.
5. The most valuable Minerals are iron-ore, limestone,
and some hydraulic lime.
6. Berks has 36 Townships, 4 boroughs, and many
thriving villacjes.
7. The Boroughs are, Reading, the seat of justice, on
the Schuylkill, with 8410 inhabitants ; Womelsdorf, Kutz-
iown, and Hamburg ; and the villages are, Morgantown,
Rehrersburg, J\Iertztown, Slouchburgy Ber?iville, Pricelown,
and Unionville.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Schuylkill ca-
nal and Reading railroad, both connecting Reading with
Philadelphia and Pottsville, and the Union canal from
Reading to the Susquehanna. There are also turnpikes
from Reading to Philadelphia, Pottsville, Harrisburg, &c.,
and numerous bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 64,569. Assessed
value of property, in 1845, was $19,874,816.
10. The first settlers were mostly German, as are the
present population and language. Their main employ-
ment is agriculture, though manufactures have latterly
much increased.
11. Their Productions are such as are common to a
rich farming distjict. Grain of all kinds is raised in
abundance. Many iron furnaces, forges, and rolling-inills,
with a large number of grain-mills and distilleries, are
among their means of wealth.
12. The Literary Institutions are neither numerous
nor flourishing. They are 3 academies, 1 female seminary,
a number of private, and 47 common schools.
13. Berks elects 4 members to the House of Represen-
5. Name its minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-scat, boroughs,
anil villages?
ti. The public improvemenu.
9. What are the population and pro-
pony ?
10. By whom was Berks settled?
11. What are the productions?
12. The literary institutions?
13. How many members are elected,
aud what is the judicial district?
SECOND CLASS BERKS.
149
tatives, and 1 to the Senate of the state, and 1 member of
Congress ; and is in the third judicial district.
14. The Townships of Berks are, Albany, Msace, Amity, Bern^
Upper Bern, Bethel, Brecknock, Caernarvon, Centre, Colebrookdale, Ciwtru,
District, Douglas, Earl, Exeter, Greenwich, Upper Heidelberg, Lower Hei-
delberg, N. Heidelberg, Hereford, Longswamp, Maidencreek, Marion, Max-
ataivny, Oley, Penn, Pike, Richmond, Robeson, Rockland, Ruscombmandr,
Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken, Union, Washington-, Windsor.
15. READiifG,atavery early day, reached the full size of an ordinary
county town, and then for many years remained nearly stationary.
But the few past sea ons have produced much improvement. It is
delightfully seated on the Schuylkill, in a pleasant plain at the foot
of Penn's mount, from the top of which there is a noble prospect.
It is regularly laid out according to Penn's system of right angles,
and is remarkable for smooth, hard, clean streets. The gravel with
which they are covered is from the adjoining mountain, where it is
found in a state nearly ready for use. The town is noted for its
high steeples and elegant court-house. It has the other usual
county buildings, 12 churches, 2 banks, and 2 market-houses; and
is supplied with pure runnmg water, and has seven newspapers, of
which three are German. There are a number of manufactories of
iron, such as nail, and rolling-mills, founderies, steam-engine, gun-
barrel, and auger factories; also grain and saw-mills, with esta-
blishments for making agricultural implements, and many other
articles, all driven by steam. It was formerly noted for the manu-
facture of wool-hats, shoes, and stone-ware, which is still carried on
to some extent. The town was laid out by the Penns in 1748, and
took its name from the city of Reading, in Berkshire, England.
During the Revolution many of the citizens of Philadelphia re-
treated thither. It was incorporated as a borough in 1783; and is
62 miles N. W. from Philadelphia, and the same distance E. fi-om
Harrisburg.
IG. Three miles S. of Reading is the large county poor-house, with
a farm of 480 acres, which at one time belonged to Gov. Mifflin.
17. Womelsdorf is a pleasant town on the turnpike, 14 miles W.
of Reading, with 849 inhabitants. It is in a rich agricultural
region near the Tulpehocken creek.
18. Kutztown is 17 miles E. of Reading, on the Manatawny. It
contains 693 inhabitants, and two churches.
19. Hamburg is on the Schuylkill, 15 miles N. of Reading. It
contains 500 inhabitants, and has a bridge across the river.
20. Sinking Spring, near the Harrisburg turnpike, 5 miles E. of
Reading, is something of a natural curiosity. The water here rises
and disappears again in the same basin. The Dragon's Cave, in
Richmond township, has one chamber 50 feet long, 20 wide, and 20
high.
It is in the limestone rock.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Name the townships.
What is said of Reading ?
Is there a poor-Iiouse ?
What is said of Wmnelsdorf?
13
18. Of Kutztown?
19. Of Hamburg?
'20. Of Sinking Spring and Bragori's
Catie ?
150 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
21. Berks has many advantages of position, that must ere long
vastly increase its population and prosperit)\ The canal and rail-
road which connect the commercial capital of the state with the
anthracite coal region traverse its whole length. Thus not only
has it a cheap and ready means for the transportation of its rich
produce to the seaboard, but the prospect of an increasing and more
certain market among the dense and busy population that must
s(yon cover the coal counties on the north. In addition to this, the
establishment of various manufactures in the county will be the
effect of its vicinity to coal, its abundance of iron, and other local
inducements.
22. History. — The settlement of Berks was commenced about
1734, by Germans, principally of the Lutheran and German Re-
formed denominations. After Reading was laid out in 1748, and
the county organized in 1752, the population increased rapidly.
Berks was formed out of parts of Philadelphia, Chester, and Lan-
caster, and at first included portions of the present counties of
Northumberland and Schuylkill. The former was taken ofi" in
1772. The count)^ derived its name from Berkshire, (written
Berks,) in England. For many years the inhabitants were kept in
alarm by the Indians, but this altogether ceased after General Sulli-
van's expedition against the northern Indians in 1779. During the
Revolutionary war, though the county was never the scene of hos-
tilities, it sent many of its sons forth in the common cause ; since
that period little of interest has happened. In 1811, a portion of its
territory was included in the county of Schuylkill then formed.
23. Noted Citizens Conrad Wciscr was chief interpreter and
agent of the province among the Six Nations of Indians. He was
born in Germany in 1696, and emigrated in 1713, and finally settled
near Womelsdorf. On many occasions he was of the greatest ser-
vice to the province, by his influence with the Indians. The Rev.
H. A. Muhlenberg, late minister to Austria, was the son of the Rev.
H. E. Muhlenberg of Lancaster, and of a daughter of C. Weiser.
Joseph Heisler was born in Berks in 1752. He entered the Revolu-
tionary army young; was in the battle of Long Island; a prisoner
in the prison ship Jersey; as soon as exchanged, again in the ser-
vice of his country, and at the battles of Germantown and Brand}---
wine ; after the peace, w^as long a member of the state legislature
and of Congress ; and finally elected governor of the state, and
died in 1832. Colonel Thomas Hartley was born in Berks in 1748,
but early settled in York. He ser\^ed with distinction in the Revo-
lution. He was long a member of Congress ; and died in York in
1800. Three of the governors of the Commonwealth were natives
of Berks : Joseph Heisler, J. A. Skulze, and Joseph Ritner,
21. what advantages does Berks pos- I 22. miat is its history ?
sess? 1 23. Who were the most noted citizeiis ?
SECOND CLASS LEBANON.
151
LEBANON COUNTY.
CASTER
1 Lebanon. 5 Shaefferstown.
2 Millerstown. 6 Jonestown.
3 Palmyra. 7 Myerstown.
4 Campbellstown.
1. Lebanon, a Cvmberland Valley county, is bounded
on the N. E. by Berks and Schuylkill, on the N. W. and
W. by Dauphin, and on the S. by Lancaster. Area 300
square miles.
2. The Mountains are, the Kittatinny on the north, and
the South mountain., called the Conewago hills, on the south.
3. The Streams are, the Swa-ta'ra with its branches,
Little Swatara, Quit-a-pa-hW la, and Indian creek, dis-
charging into the Susquehanna, and the Tul-pe-hock'en,
into the Schuylkill.
4. The Soil is chiefly the productive limestone and slate
land of Cumberland Valley. The soil of the mountains
north and south is sterile, but the proportion is not large.
5. The Minerals are abundance of limestone and con-
siderable quantities of iron-ore, the latter being met of a
superior quality in the edge of the South mountain.
6. Lebanon contains 12 townships, 1 borough, and a
number of villages.
7. The Borough of Lebanon, the county-seat, is situ-
ated near the Quitapahilla, and contains 1860 inhabitants;
the villages are Jonestown, Myerstown, Campbellstown,
Palmyra, Millerstown, Shaefferstown, JYew Lebanon, Slc.
1. What are the class, botuidaries,
and area of Lebanon?
2. What are the mountains?
3. Streams?
4. SoU?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the counlj'-seat and the vil-
lages.
152
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Unioji canal., which
passes near the town of Lebanon, connecting the Scliuyl-
kill with the Susquehanna. It has a branch extending to
Pinegrove, in Schuylkill county. There is a turnpike from
Reading to Harrisburg, through Lebanon ; and another
through the southern part of the county, from Hummels-
town in Dauphin, to Downingstown in Chester.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 21,872, and the
assessed value of j^Toperty., in 1845, $7,237,563.
10. The earliest settlers of Lebanon, in common with
most other parts of Cumberland Valley, were Scotch- Irish.
These have latterly been almost wholly displaced by Ger-
mans. The German language is generally spoken.
11. The chie^ employment of the people is agriculture,
though some are engaged in iron-works and in transporta-
tion on the Union canal.
12. Their main Productions are all the kinds of grain,
cattle, and other articles, usually found in a rich agricul-
tural district ; and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are few. They are an
academy and female seminary, and 38 common, with several
private schools. There are over 20 churches in the county.
14. Lebanon elects one member to the House of Rep-
resentatives, and, with Lancaster, 2 to the Senate of the
state ; with Dauphin and Schuylkill, 1 member of Con-
gress ; and is in the tw^elfth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, N. Atn-ille, S. Anvillc, Bethel, E. Htimx^er, Uei-
fhlhers, Jackson, N. Lebanon, S. Leba}ion, Londonderry, MUlcreek, Sicalara,
and Union.
IT). Lebanon is a pleasant town, and being on the Union canal,
and the seat of justice of an extremely rich, though small county,
possesses considerable business. The buildings are generally of
brick and stone. It contains a spacious court-house, a jail, a market-
house, an academy, a public library, a bank, and 6 churches. It
was laid out about the year 1750, by a person of the name of
Stcitze, from whom, for many years, it was called Steitze's town. It
was incorporated in 1821, taking the present name from the town-
ship in M-hich it is situated. It is 25 miles E. of Harrisburg, 28 W.
of Reading, 80 N. W. of Philadelphia, and 227 E. of Pittsburg.
8. The public improvements.
9. Whai are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Lebanon ?
11. What is their chief employment?
12. The productions ?
13. The literary institutions?
14. Mow many members are elected?
What judicial district is it in *
15. Name, th/ toicnships.
16. DesTtbe Lebanon.
SECOND CLASS — LEBANON.
153
17. Near Shacfferstown, a large village, 8 miles south-east of
Lebanon, are the ruins of a castle built by Baron Steigel, a German
nobleman, who early established glass and iron-works in Lancaster
county, and was connected with some iron-works m Lebanon.
His usual residence was in Philadelphia, but he was in the habit of
passing some of his time at this castle, living in great style, accord-
ing to the forms of the European nobility. But the practice does
not suit our country. His property passed into other hands, and he
became the manager of one of Colemans iron-works.
18. Jonestown is a considerable village, with 3 churches. It is
7 miles north-west from Lebanon.
19. Myerstown, 7 miles east of Lebanon, is also a large village
with a Lutheran church.
20. The Union canal is the chief work in the county. It is so
called from having been constructed by a company composed of the
union of two, that had been incorporated to connect the Susquehanna
with the Delaware. The first move towards it was made in 1791,
Robert Morris, David Rittenhouse, and others, being commissioners.
After many attempts, the work was commenced in 1821, and com-
pleted in 1828, being the first considerable canal in the state. The
most remarkable part is the " summit level," which is over 6 miles
in length. This section passes through limestone rock so full of
fissures and caverns, that none of the ordinary expedients were suffi-
cient to cause it to retain water. The company were therefore com-
pelled to line the whole with plank, so that it is now in reality aa
immense wooden trough, more than 6 miles long. It is chiefly sup-
plied with water pumped by steam and water power from the Swa-
tara. At one point the canal passes through a tunnel 729 feet in
length, which was the first of any size excavated in the Union.
21. History. — Previous to its erection into a separate county,
Lebanon formed parts of Lancaster and Dauphin, and its history
was included m theirs. It was first settled by Scotch-Irish, who
were followed into its southern portions, by the German Mennonists,
about 1732. From that time till the Revolution, the Moravians,
Lutherans, and German Reformed sects, entered the county in con-
siderable numbers. During the Revolution, Lebanon sent many of
its citizens to fight the battles of Independence. After the battle of
Trenton, in December, 1776, many of the Hessian prisoners were
confined in the old Lutheran and Moravian churches, in the present
town of Lebanon. Since the close of the Revolutionary war, the
early Scotch-Irish settlers have been almost wholly succeeded by
the German population. In 1813 the county was erected, taking its
name from the township of Lebanon, formerly in Dauphin, and one
of the principal townships embraced within the new county, which
was, no doubt, so named from the Lebanon of the Old Testament.
22. Noted Citizens. — John Andrew Shulze, governor of the state
from 1823 to 1829, was a citizen of this county for many )^ears pre-
vious to his election to that ofiice, and represented it in both houses
of the state legislature.
17. What is near Shatfferstown?
18. What is said of Jonestown?
19. Of Myerstown?
20. Of the Union canal a7id summit level ?
21. Detail the history of Lebanon.
22. What governor resided there?
154
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DAUPHIN COUNTY.
1 Harrisburjc.
2 Middletowii.
3 Highspire.
4 Hummelstown.
5 Coxestown.
6 Linglestown.
7 Dauphin.
8 Halifax.
9 Millersburgr.
10 Gratztown.
11 Wiconisco.
12 Duncan's Isl'd.
40-'1.5'X.
N C A ST E R
stex KR.
1. Dauphin, partly in Cumberland Valley and partly in
the anthracite region^ is bounded E. by Lebanon and
Schuylkill, N. by Northumberland, W. by Perry, Cum-
berland, and York, and S. by Lancaster. Its area is
530 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, on the south of Cumberland
Valley, the South mountain^ called the Conewago Hills; on
the north of it, the Kittatinny ; proceeding northward along
the Susquehanna, Second, Third, Peter^s, Berry'* s, and
Ma-han-ton' go* mountains are met ; and in the north-east-
ern part, in addition to these, Short and Broad mountains
are situated.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna river, along the
whole western line, into which flow Swa-ta'ra,\ Paxton,
Fishing, Stony, darkens, PoweWs, Armstrong'' s, and Wi-
♦Mahantongo pronounced Mau-hon-ton' go.
t Swatara — Swet-tar'ra
1. What are llie class, boundaries, and
area of Dauphin? ^
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams?
SECOND CLASS DAUPHIN.
155
con-is^co creeks, with Con-e-wa'go, forming the southern,
and Ma-han-ton'go the northern boundary.
4. The Soil is of every quaUty, from the most fertile to
barren. The southern portion, crossed by the Cumberland
limestone valley, is equal to any in the state. North of
this, and bordering the Kittatinny, a belt of less fertile slate
land occurs. The high and abrupt ranges of mountains,
next in succession, are valuable for nothing except the
coal and other minerals imbedded in them, and the timber
with which they are clothed. But between them are many
pleasant and kindly red-shale valleys, particularly that of
Lykens, at the extreme north. About two-thirds of the
county is tillable.
5. The Minerals are, great abundance of limestone in
the south, and anthracite coal in the north, the upper part
of Dauphin properly belonging to the anthracite class of
counties. There is also some iron-ore.
6. This county contains 19 townships, 4 boroughs, and
many growing villages.
7. Harrisburg borough, the county-seat and capital of
the state, is on the Susquehanna, and has a population of
5980. The other boroughs are, Middletown, Hummelstown,
and Dauphin. The villages are, Portsmouth, Highspire,
Linglestown, Halifax, Millershurg, GratztownyJWiconisco,
Berrysburg, and Coxestown.
8. The Public Improvements are, the State canal from
Middletow^n, where it is joined by the Union canal to Dun-
can's island, whence it extends westward up the Juniata ;
the Wiconisco canal, not yet completed, from Duncan's
island to Millershurg, where it unites with the Lykens
Valley railroad, leading to the coal region of that name ;
the Lancaster railroad^ uniting at Harrisburg with the
Cumberland Valley railroad ; turnpikes from Harrisburg to
^ Lancaster, Columbia, York, Duncan's island, and Leba-
nor and many large bridges.
. The Population, in 1840, was 30,118, and the
obsessed value of property, in 1845, $8,197,491.
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs and
villages ?
7. Name the seat of justice, other bo-
roughs and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What is the population and pro-
perty?
156 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
10. The earlier settlers were Scotch- Irish ^ but latterly
large numbers of Germans have succeeded them. By the
latter, the German language is generally spoken.
11. The main employment of the people is farmings
though many are engaged in raining coal, and some in
iron-works. The productions consequently are grain of
all kinds, and some cattle, coal, and iron.
12. The Literary Institutions are, an academy,
female seminary, an orphan institute, and 133 common
schools, with several private schools and seminaries.
13. Dauphin elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, \vith Northumberland, 1 to the Senate of
the state ; %vith Lebanon and Schuylkill, 1 member of
Congress; and is in the twelfth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Derry, Halifax, E. Hanover, W. Hanover,
S. Hanover, Jackson, Jefferson, LiOndonderry, Lykens, Mifflin, Upper Pax'
ton, Lower Paxton, Middle Paxton, Rush, Susquehanna, Sicatara, Lou-er
Swatara, Washington, and Wiconisco.
15. Harrisbvrg, the seat of government of Pennsylvania, is de-
lightfully situated on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna. Behind
it runs the Paxton, or (as the Indians pronounced it) the Paxtang
creek. The front street, or rather the front row of houses of the
town, faces the river, and enjoys one of the most beautiful prospects
in the state, during the spring and early summer. The broad river,
studded with richly wooded islands, enlivened by numerous rafts
and arks, and spanned b}- noble bridges, leading to the fertile lands
of Cumberland county, with the Kittatinny and the hills of the South
mountain in the distance, altogether presents a scene of remarkable
attraction.
16. Harrisburg, previously called Harris's Ferry, and subsequently
for a short time Ixiuishnrg, as being the county-seat of Dauphin, so
named from Louis, the Dauphin of France, was laid out and became
the county-seat in 1785. John Harris, from whom it takes the pre-
sent name, was the owner of the ground on which it is built. It
was incorporated as a borough in 1808, and became the seat of go-
vernment in 1812. It is 100 miles W. of Philadelphia, 200 E. of
Pittsburg, and 110 N. of Washington.
17. As the seat of justice of Dauphin, it contains the usual
county-buildings, among which, the Dauphin county prison, lately
erected on the solitary confinement and labour principle, is a credit
both to the taste and the humanity of the citizens. It also contains
1 1 churches, a market-house, a bank, a savings institution, and an
10. By ^\•hom was it settled?
11. What are their employment and
productions?
12. Literary in.'stitutions?
13. How many members are elected,
and what is the judicial district ? 1 other structures ?
14. Name the townships.
15. What is said nfthe situation of Har-
burg ?
16. What of its name and history?
17. What of its county-buiidings and
SECOND CLASS DAUPHIN. 157
extensive anthracite iron furnace, and is abundantly supplied with
water raised by steam from the river. It recently had two noble
bridges over the Susquehanna. Of these the upper or old bridge
was constructed by Burr, the celebrated bridge builder, in 1817, at
a cost of over $190,000. The greater part of it was carried away
by the great freshet of March, 1846, the lower or railroad bridge
having been consumed by fire a year before. But the usual facili-
ties for crossing the river will unquestionably soon be restored to a
point so important as Harrisburg.
18. The State Capitol forms the most striking object in Harrisburg.
It is placed on a gentle elevation in the north-east part of the town.
The main building is of brick, 180 feet long and 80 wide, two stories
in height, with a circular portico in front, supported by six Ionic
columns, and surmounted by a dome. The central portion of the
lower story is occupied by a large rotunda and the stairway ; on the
north side of the rotunda is the Senate Chamber, and on the south
the Hall of the House of Representatives. The second story is oc-
cupied by rooms for the committees of both branches of the legisla-
ture, with the State Library, Supreme Court room, and Canal Com-
missioners' office.
19. The building faces the west, with the town and the river in
front. The view from the dome is rarely equalled for richness,
variety, and beauty.
20. On each side of the capitol is a smaller building, but uniform
in design. The one to the north contains the Executive or Gover-
nor's chamber, the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the
State Treasury, and the Auditor-General's office. That on the south
is occupied by the offices of the Surveyor-General and of the Board
of Property. The three buildings stand in a large enclosure, planted
with trees, laid out in gravelled walks, and enclosed with a wall and
paling.
21. Immediately south of the enclosure of the capitol is situated
one of the three state Arsenals, in which the public arms are pre-
served. The other two are at Philadelphia and Meadville-
22. About two miles south-east of Harrisburg is the county Poor-
House, on a large farm, on which there is also a mill.
23. Middlctoivn, so called from its midway position between Lan-
caster and Carlisle, contains 756 inhabitants. It was laid out in
1785 by George Fisher, and is on the turnpike from Lancaster to
Harrisburg. The part of it called Portsmouth, lying more immedi-
ately on the Swatara and Susquehanna, is the place of junction of
the Union with the State canal. Between the two towns stands the
Em'ma-us Orphan institute, founded by the will of George Ever-
hart, called Frey, who was long a citizen of Middletown, and died
about 1808. It is endowed with a large property, and is capable of
being made of great benefit to the community.
24. Hummelstown is 8 miles E. of Harrisburg, and is a quiet place
IS. Describe the state capitol.
19. What of the dome?
20. What of the other state buildings ?
21 . What of the state arsenal ?
14
22. The poor-house?
23. Describe Middletown.
24. Hum?nelstown.
158
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
with 480 inhabitants. Within a mile of it, near the Swatara, is a
cave in the limestone rock of considerable extent.
25. The point on the Susquehanna, called Dnncanh Island, or
Clark's ferry, is remarkable in many respects. The mountain and
river scenery of the vicinity is wild and beautiful. The Juniata and
Susquehanna here meet, presenting in the boating season, even bC"-
fure the public works were constructed, a busy and interesting
scene. But now that the state canals along the Susquehanna and
Juniata are in operation, and the Wiconisco canal certain of being
completed, there are few points at which so many of the elements
of the prosperity of the state are presented at a single glance.
Down the Susquehanna are seen gliding, either on her broad bosom
or on the canal along her margin, the lumber, the anthracite
coal, and the other valuable articles found on her head waters.
Along with these are the grain, the bituminous coal, and the lumber
of the West Branch. The Juniata, with the celebrated iron that bears
her name, the bituminous coal of the Great Allegheny, and the agri-
cultural produce of her own banks, pours out the rich produce of
the western counties and states; while the Wiconisco canal will
add the valuable coal of Lykens valley. On the other hand, hun-
dreds of boats freighted with merchandise for the north and the
west may be seen ascending the canals to supply the farmers, the
lumbermen, the miners, and the iron-men along their banks. It is
while contemplating a scene like this that the Pennsylvanian learns
to confide in the internal resources of his native state, and to disre-
gard what is called the diversion of her business into other routes.
26. The part of Dauphin county called Lykens valley, is one of
the most interesting regions in the state. It is a broad red-shale
valley enclosed between Berry's and Mahantongo mountains, and
extending back from the river to the Schuylkill county line, except
where the Short or Bear mountain, containing the Lykens valley
coal, juts into it from the east, terminating about 12 miles from the
river. The soil is the thin, lively, easily worked red-shale land, which
is so susceptible of improvement by means of lime. The houses
and barns of the inhabitants show, both by their number and com-
fortable appearance, that the land has fallen into the right hands;
while the coal region to the east offers a certain and increasing
market for all the farmer can raise.
27. Jlndrew Lykens, from whom the valley takes its name, was the
first settler. He resided at the place now called Oakdale forge.
He and his son were famous hunters, and long a terror to the In-
dians, against all whose attacks they manfully held their ground.
28. Coal was discovered in this region in 1825, by Thomas Elder
of Harrisburg, son of the Rev. John Elder, formerly of Paxton. Un-
der his direction and that of Jacob M. Haldeman of Harrisburg, it
was regularly explored, in 1830, by Hugh Maxwell and William
White of Lancaster.
25. For what is Duncati's island remark-
abU?
86. Lykens vaUey ?
27. Wltat is said of Andrew Lykens ?
'28. When, and by whom was coal dis-
covered^
SECOND CLASS — DAUPHIN.
159
29. The coal is chiefly mined in the Bear-gap, an opening in the
southern side of the mountain, through which Bear creek flows to-
ward the Wiconisco. Bear creek runs from the east between Bear
and Big Lick mountains, (the union of which is generally called Short
mountain,) before it breaks through at Bear-gap. The whole space
between these mountains contains coal, and is in the usual form of
a coal basin, with strata dipping rapidly from each side towards the
centre. The veins are from 4 to 11 feet in thickness. The im-
portance of this coal region is only beginning to be appreciated.
30. The town of Wiconisco has grown up since the commencement
of the coal business here, and bids fair to be a flourishing place.
It is connected with the Wiconisco canal by means of a railroad.
The wild scenery, pure air, and trout streams of the vicinity, render
Wiconisco a pleasant summer retreat for a few days.
31. Further south, coal has more recently been discovered, be-
tween the Third and Fourth mountains. It has been mined to some
extent, and somewhat approaches the qualities of the bituminous
class. This is called the " Stony Creek" region.
32. History. — The first settler within the present bounds of
Dauphin county seems to have been John Harris, who established
himself at the place where Harrisburg now stands, about 1726. He
erected a fort or stockade, and carried on a considerable trade with
the Indians. His son, the founder of Harrisburg, was the first
white child born west of the Conewago hills. At the time of the
French war of 1755, there was a large body of settlers in the county,
which was then called Paxtang township, and formed part of Lan-
caster. They were chiefly Scotch-Irish. After Braddock's defeat
in 1755, the people of Paxtang were much harassed by the Indians,
and many of them murdered. Their sufferings finally led to the
vengeance which they took, upon the supposed spies of their foes, at
the Lancaster workhouse in 1763. During the Revolutionary war,
the men of Paxton and Derry turned out in large numbers to sustain
the cause of Independence, and none made better soldiers. The
Germans do not seem to have moved into Dauphin in considerable
numbers till after the Revolution. In 1785, the county was orga-
nized, taking its name from the Dauphin of France, afterwards called
Louis the Seventeenth. From that period till 1812, when Harrisburg
became the seat of government, it increased slowly but regulaily
in population and wealth. That event, and more especially the
construction of the public works in 1825, gave it a new impulse.
The discovery of coal in the county, in 1825, also added to its pros-
perity. At present, few parts of the state exhibit so many marks
^ of rapid and substantial improvement.
33. Noted Citizens. — John Harris, the first settler, was from York-
shire in England, and, judging from his boldness in establishing
himself so far in advance of the then frontiers, and the sway he ac-
quired over the savages, must have been guided by a spirit of great
energy as well as uncommon prudence. On one occasion, having
29. Describe this coal region.
30. What is said of Wiconisco ?
31. Where is the Stony Creek region?
32. Repeat the events in the history of
Dauphin, tvith dates.
33. Name the noted citizens.
160
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
refused rum to the Indians, they tied him to a mulberr}' tree in front
of his dwelling, and were proceeding to burn him to death, when he
was released by some friendly Indians, who came to the spot just
as the others were kindling the fire. In memory of his escape, af
his own request, his remains, when he died in 1748, w^ere buried at
the foot of the tree. There they still repose, though the tree itself
has long been dead, and nothing but a part of the trunk remains.
The Rev. John Elder, the first clergyman in that part of Pennsyl-
vania, was a Presbyterian from Scotland, a sound scholar, and one
of the most remarkable men of his day. He was pastor of the con-
gregation at Paxton, from 1736 till his death in 1792, in the 86th
year of his asre. He was also, during part of the time, colonel of
the Dauphin Rangers, a body of men organized to repel the attacks
of the Indians. He and the men of his congregation were fre-
quently compelle-d to carry their rifles with them to church, so
constant was their danger from the merciless savage. Lindley
Murray, the great English grammarian, was born near Swatara
within the present bounds of Dauphin county in 1745, and died in
England m 1826. WUliam Darby, the distinguished geographer,
who is still living, was also born in Dauphin, about 1775. Francis
E. Skunk, the present governor of the state, has been a citizen of
Dauphin county since 1812.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
PER
tO°15'N. ^yj
R
(J-1.5'
1 Carlisle.
3 NewvUle.
3 Stoughstown.
4 Shippensburg.
5 Hogestown.
> / i
/ ADA
^^:z:--^^
6 Mechanicsburg.
7 Lisburn.
8 New Ciimberland.
9 Wormleysburg.
10 Fairview.
m
^^ ' . YORK
M S
1. Cumberland, in the CumherUmd Fa/Zey, is bounded
E. by Dauphin, N. by Perry, W. by Franklin, and S. by
York and Adams. Area 550 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, the Kittathmy and South moun-
tains^ which form its N. and S. boundaries.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna^ which separates
1. Whtit are the class, boundaries,
and area of Cumberlard ?
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams?
SECOND CLASS CUMBERLAND. 161
it from Dauphin ; the Conedoguinet creek, along the Kit-
tatinny, and the Yellow Breeches, along the South mountain,
both emptying into the Susquehanna ; and a number of
large springs.
4. 'rhe Soil of the valley is of the fertile limestone
class ; approaching the mountains on each side, it is less
fertile, but susceptible of easy improvement. It is nearly
all tillable.
5. The Minerals are liw£stone and iron-ore.
6. The county contains 15 townships, 5 boroughs, and
a number of villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Carlisle, the seat of justice, in
the centre of the valley, with 4351 inhabitants ; Skippens-
burg, 1473 ; Mechanicsburg, 670 ; JYewville, 654 ; JYew
Cumberland, 284, and the villages of Lisburn, Fairview,
Stoughstown, Hogestown, and Wormeleysburg.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Cumberland
Valley railroad, from Harrisburg through Carli&le to
Chambersburg, and turnpikes from Carlisle to Harrisburg,
Chambersburg, and Baltimore.
- 9. The population, in 1840, was 30,953. Assessed
value of property, in 1845, $9,092,674.
10. The First Settlers were from the north of Ireland.
Many Germans have since followed them. Their chief
employment is agriculture.
11. The Productions are much grain of all kinds, cattle
and pork. The county contains 8 furnaces, 5 forges, and
many mills.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 college, with an
academy or preparatory classical school; 138 common,
and several private schools.
13. Cumberland elects 2 members to the House of Re-
presentatives, and, with Perry, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
Hi with Perry and Franklin, 1 member of Congress ; and is
in the ninth judicial district.
4 Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, and other
boroughs and villages.
S. The public improvements.
14
9. What is the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Cumberland?
11. What are the productions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How many members are elected,
and what is the judicial district?
*
162 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
14. The Townships are, Allen, Dickenson, Frankford, Hamj-xien,
Hopewell, N. Middleton, S. Middlclon, Mifflin, Monroe, Newton, E. Penns-
borough, W. Pennsborough, Shippen, Sdver-Sp}-ing, and Southampton.
15. Carlisle is a substantial and flourishing place, with wide
streets, and a large square, around which are erected the public
buildings and other edifices. It contains a spacious new court-
house, a jail, market-house, town-hall, two common school build-
ings, 10 churches, a bank, and Dickinson college: and in the
vicinity are the United States barracks, and the county poor-house.
The town was laid out in 1750, and became the seat of justice in
1753. It had previously been the site of an old fort or stockade.
In 1753, a second work of the same kind was erected, for the pro-
tection of this distant frontier settlement. The first weekly mail
from Philadelphia was established in 1757. During the Revolution-
ary war, Carlisle, owing to its distance from the scene of hostilities,
was frequently selected for the confinement of British prisoners ;
among these, at one time early in the war, was the unfortunate
Major Andre, who had been taken by Montgomery near Lake Charn-
plain. In 1782, the town was incorporated. In 1794, General
Washington had his head-quarters in Carlisle, while preparing the
forces sent out to quell the whisky insurrection. It is on the rail-
road and turnpike leading from Harrisburg to Chambersburg, 18
miles W. of Harrisburg; 116 W. of Philadelphia; and 184 E. of
Pittsburg.
16. Dickinson college is one of the oldest, and now one of the most
flourishing in the state. It was chartered in 1783, and named in
honour of John Dickinson, president of the executive council, who
was a liberal benefactor of the new institution. It passed through
many changes till 1833, when it was transferred to the Baltimore,
Philadelphia, and New Jersey conferences of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, since which time it has been in a more flourishing
condition than formerly. The main college edifice was erected in
1805, and is a spacious and substantial structure. There is also a
large additional building for the faculty and students, and another
for the use of the preparatory department. The whole number of
students is about 180.
17. The United States barracks, in the outskirts, were built in
1777, chiefly by Hessian prisoners captured at Trenton. They can
accommodate 2000 men. During the past few years, they have
been occupied by the United States dragoons, as a place of cavalry
practice.
18. Four miles north of Carlisle are the sulphur springs, formerly
a place of considerable resort. It is a pleasant, quiet, summer re-
treat, with comfortable accommodations for visiters.
19. Shippenshurg, the oldest town in the county, is 21 miles S. W.
of Carlisle. The county courts were held here in 1750. It was in-
corporated in 1819.
14. Name the tojcnships.
16. Describe Carlisle.
16. Dickifison coUege.
17. The United States barracks.
1 ^. The sulphur springs.
19. What is said of Shippenshurg ?
SECOND CLASS CUMBERLAND.
163
20. Mechanicsburg is a thriving town on the railroad, 8 miles E.
of Carlisle.
21. Newville is also near the railroad, 12 miles W. of Carlisle. It
is a flourishing place, with two churches.
22. About a mile north of Carlisle, on the Conedoguinet creek,
there is a remarkable cave. It is in a limestone cliff, with an arch-
like entrance 8 feet high. A passage 80 yards in length leads from
the entrance to a point where the cave branches off in various di-
rections, some of the avenues extending a considerable distance.
Human bones are said to have been found in it, supposed to be
those of Indians who may have used it as a place of sepulture.
23. History. — Previous to the settlement of Cumberland, it was
occupied by the Shawanee Indians, by permission of the Six Nations.
In 1736, the latter sold this territory to the proprietaries, though set-
tlers had intruded upon it before that time. When the county was
erected in 1750, it contained 807 taxable inhabitants, embracing all
the then settled part of the province westwards. It was called Cum-
berland, and its chief town Carlisle, after the shire of Cumberland, in
England, of which Carlisle is the seat of justice. In 17.55, the pro-
prietaries instructed their agents to encourage the Irish to settle in
Cumberland, and the Germans in York, in order to prevent colli-
sions between them. Cumberland was much disturbed by the
Indians till 1764, when they were defeated by Colonel Bouquet, at
Brushy-run, on his way to relieve Fort Pitt. From that time, this
source of annoyance seems to have nearly ceased. During the Re-
volutionary war, Cumberland was called on to take no part, except
that of sending her sons to fight in the common cause. In 1784,
Franklin county was separated from her, and in 1820, Periy was
taken off. She has since gone on quietly and prosperously, grow-
ing in population and increasing in wealth.
24. Noted Citizens. — Samuel Brady, the famous captain of the
scouts, whose daring achievements have connected his name and
memory with so many spots in western Pennsylvania, was born in
Shippensburg in 1758. He commenced his career by marching as
a private to the siege of Boston in 1775, when only 17 years of age.
WiUia7ii Denning, who died in 1830, in his 94th year, in Mifflin town-
ship, was an artificer in the Revolutionary army. He was the first
to form effective wrought iron cannon. Two of them were used with
perfect success. One was taken by the British at the battle of
Brandy wane, and is now in the tower of London. Thomas Duncan,
late judge of the Supreme Court of the state, was a native of Car-
lisle. He was a sound jurist. John B. Gibson, the present chief
justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, is a native of Carlisle,
^md the son of Colonel Gibson, who fell at St. Clair's defeat.
20 . Of Me-ch a n icsb urg?
21. Of Newville?
22. Of the Conedoguinet cave?
23. Detail the history of Cumberland,
with the dates.
24. Name the noted citizens.
164
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
1. Franklin, a Cumhoiand Valley county, is bounded
on the E. by Adams, N. E. by Cumberland and Perry,
N. W. by Mifflin and Huntingdon, W. by Bedford, and
S. by Maryland. Its area is 740 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, the South mountain^ dividing it
from Adams on the east ; the Kittatinny or Blue moun-
tain, which traverses the north-western part of the county,
and terminates near Loudon, in two abrupt hills, called
Jordanh and ParneWs Knobs ; and the Tus-ca-ro' ra and
Cove mountains, which separate it from Bedford.
3. The Strkams are, the Con-ed-o-guiii'ct creek, flowing
through Cumberland into the Susquehanna, the Con-e-co-
cheague', with its numerous branches, and the An-ti'e-tara
and Licking, running southward into the Po-to'mac, and
the Tuscarora emptying northward into the Ju-ni-at'a.
4. The Soil of the large middle portion of the county,
occu})ied by the Ibnestone of the Cumberland Valley, is
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and Jircfi of Franklin?
'2. 'J'he mountains ?
3. Streams?
4. boil?
SECOND CLASS— FRANKLIN.
165
equal to any in fertility. The sandstone soil of the South
mountain is sterile. Bordering the mountains on the north
and west, the slate land, though not naturally fertile, is of
a kindly nature and easily improved. Nearly the whole
county is tillable.
5. The chief Minerals are, iron-ore of superior quality,
along the edge of the South mountain and in the valley,
abundance of limestone^ and some marble.
6. It contains 15 townships, 7 boroughs, and several
pleasant villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Chamber sbwg, the county-seat,
on Conecocheague creek, with 3239 inhabitants ; Mer-
cersburg^ with 1143; Green-castle^ with 931; Waynes-
borough., 799 ; Fayetteville, Loudon, Fannetsburg ; and the
villages are Strasburg, St. Thomas, Roxbury, Concord, and
Green-village.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Cumberland
Valley railroad from Harrisburg through Chambersburg, to
Hagerstown in Maryland ; and turnpiJces from Chambers-
burg to Gettysburg, Carlisle, and Bedford, with one in the
southern part of the county, through Mercersburg, Green-
castle, and Waynesborough, towards Bahimore.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 37,793, and the
assessed value oi property, in 1845, $11,600,143.
10. The FIRST Settlers were Scotch-Irish, who were
soon followed by Germans. The descendants of the latter
are now numerous, and still use the language of their an-
cestors to a considerable extent.
11. The people are chiefly employed in agriculture,
though many are engaged in iron- works.
fil2. The Productions are all kinds of grain in abun-
dance, with cattle and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are a college and
theological seminary, an academy, a female seminary,
and 172 common schools. The county contains over 40
places of public worship.
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, other bo-
roughs and villages ?
8. The public improvements?
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. How are they employed?
12. What are the productions ?
13. The literary institutions?
166
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
14. Franklin elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Adams, 1 to the Senate of the state;
with Cumberland and Perry, 1 member of Congress ; and
is in the sixteenth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Antrim, Fannet, Greene, Guilford, Hamil-
ton, Lctlcrkniny, Lurgan, Metal, Montgomery, Peters, Quincy, Southamp-
ton, St. Thomas, Warren, and Washington.
16. Chambersburg, a substantial and flourishing town, is placed
at the junction of Falling Spring with the Conecocheague creek.
The first settlement in the county was made where the town now
stands, by Benjamin Chambers, from the north of Ireland, in 1730.
The town which takes its name from him, was laid out in 1764, and
erected into a borough in 1803. Its public buildings are an elegant
new court-house, a jail, 8 churches, a bank, and a spacious academy.
The creeks that pass through its bounds aflbrd great water-power.
The surrounding country is rich and well settled, and the facilities
for communication by railroad and turnpikes are ample. The in-
ducements for investment in manufactories are therefore very
great. Already Chambersburg contains several flour and fulling-
mills, an oil-mill, a large straw paper-mill, an extensive edge-tool,
and a cotton and woollen, factor)\ It is distant 48 miles S. W. from
Harrisburg, 148 W. from Philadelphia, 152 E. from Pittsburg, and
77 N. W. from Baltimore.
17. At Mcrcersburg, a pleasant town in the south-western part of
the county, Marshall college, and the theological seminary of the
German Reformed church, are situated. The main building of the
latter is a large and handsome brick edifice. Both institutions are
in a prosperous state. Particular attention is paid to the cultiva-
tion of the German language and literature. Mercersburg con-
tains 5 churches.
18. Greencastle and Waynesbm-ough are both flourishing towns,
situated in the midst of rich and highly cultivated land. Each
contains several churches.
19. Snotv-hill, on Antietam creek, near the South mountain, is a
village of the Seventh-day Baptists, whose chief settlement was
formerly at Ephrata, in Lancaster county. The peculiar obser-
vances of the society are here maintained.
20. The County Poor-house is near the turnpike, 2 miles E. of
Chambersburg. The buildings, of stone, are large and commodious.
The farm contains about 200 acres.
21. The resources of Franklin are very considerable. In addition
to the rich agricultural productions of a Cumberland valley count}',
she has recently exhibited strong symptoms of manufacturing en-
terprise. For the prosecution of this kind of industry she pos-
14. How many members are elected,
and what is the judicial district?
15. Name the townships.
16. IVhat is said of Chamhershurg?
17. 0/ Mercersburg and MarshaU coUfgt?
18. Of Gremrastk ami Waynesborough ?
19. O/Snow-hiU?
20. Of the Poor-house?
'21. Of the resources of the county?
SECOND CLASS FRANKLIN. 167
sesses many advantages, among which may be mentioned her
ready access to market by railroad and turnpike.
22. History. — This county, known, among the early pioneers, as
the " Conecocheaque settlement," received its earliest permanent
white inhabitants in 1730. The first settlers were chiefly from the
north of Ireland, but these have more recently been followed by
Germans. Being on the very out-posts of civilization, they were
long exposed to the attacks and cruelties of the Indians. This was
especially the case after Braddock's defeat, in 1755. During all
this period, however, the hardy settlers maintained their ground.
In time of peace, they carried on a profitable trade with the Indians,
and when hostilities succeeded, protected themselves against the
savages in the numerous forts and block-houses which their ex-
posed situation compelled them to erect. From this hardy school,
many brave and enterprising soldiers went forth to support the
cause of the country, during the war of the Revolution. In 1784,
the county was separately organized, taking the name of the great
philosopher of the age. It previously constituted part of Cumber-
land. Its prosperity was very much promoted by the construction
of the turnpikes connecting it with Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and
Baltimore, from 1812 to 1815; and more recently, by the comple-
tion of the Cumberland Valley railroad.
23. Noted Citizexs. — Col. Benjmnin Chambers, the first white
settler in the county, seems to have been born in the north of Ire-
land, about 1708, and died at Chambersburg, in 1788. He was a
useful and enterprising citizen, and deservedly possessed great in-
fluence. William Findlay, who was governor of the state from 1817
till 1821, is a native of Mercersburg, where he was born about
1770, and resided till 1807, when he was elected state-treasurer.
He now resides at Pittsburg.
22. State the events in the history of \ 23. Name the noted citizens.
Franklin, with dates.
168
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
THIRD CLASS.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
1 OrwiLBhurK. ;i SLlmylkUl Haven.
2 Pottsville. 4 Frcdensburg.
5 Port Clinton. _
6 McKeansburg. * ^^ -Ttf Ar
7 Port Carbon.
8 Tuscarora.
9 Mhiersville.
10 Taniaqua.
1 1 Mahanoy.
12 Zininiunnan's T.
13 Klinjterbtown.
U PinegTove. <«
^^
E R N
CARBON
-■' V'T^^ n - o r'
1. Schuylkill, an anthracite mountain county, is hounded
on the N. E. by Carbon, N. by Luzerne, N. W. by Co-
lumbia and Northumberland, S. W. by Dauphin and
Lebanon, and S. and S. E. by Berks and Lehigh. Area,
IbO square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, on the south, the Kittatinny ; then
the Second, Sharp, and Broad mountains occur ; the Ma-
hantongo and the Line mountain are in the north-west part
of the county, and on the north-east are Locust, Mahanoy,
and Green mountains. Between these principal ridges
there are many others of less size, Schuylkill being almost
wholly mountainous.
3. The Streams are, the Schuylkill river flow^ing to
1. What are the clas.i, boundaries, and
area of Schuylkill ?
2. Its mountains?
THIRD CLASS SCHUYLKILL. 169
the Delaware, with its various branches, of which Little
Schuylkill is the principal ; the Swatara in the south-west,
the Ma-han'to7i' go in the north-west, and the Ma-ha-no' y in
the north, all flowing into the Susquehanna. In the north-
east, the Cat-a-wis'sa empties into the North Branch, and
in the south-east are some of the tributaries of the Le'high.
4. Most of the Soil is of little value for atp-icultural
purposes, but there are a few small valleys of fertile land
which are cultivated ; about one-fourth of the county be-
ing fit for farming.
5. The chief Mineral is anthracite coal^ in inexhaustible
abundance, w^ith considerable quantities of iron-ore, and
some limestone.
6. Schuylkill contains 15 townships, 6 boroughs, and a
great many busy and growing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Orwigsburg, the county-seat, on
a small branch of the main Schuylkill, wdth 779 inhabit-
ants, Pottsville, on the Schuylkill, with 4345, Schuylkill
Haven, Miner sville, Pinegrove, and Ta-ma^qua; and the vil-
lages are, Port Carbon, Port Clinton, Zimmennanstown,
Friedensburg, Tuscarora, Sfc.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Schuylkill Jfavi-
gation, and the Pottsville, Reading, and Philadelphia railroad,
both connecting Schuylkill with the latter place. Within
the county are numerous other railroads, of which the prin-
cipal are the Little Schuylldll and the Mine Hill and
Schuylkill Haven railroad, w4th many shorter ones leading
to the various mines. In the south-west, a branch of the
Union canal connects Pinegrove w'ith that work. The
turnpike from Reading to Sunbury passes through Orwigs-
burg and Pottsville.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 29,053, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, $5,943,678.
10. The FIRST Settlers were German farmers from the
counties on the south. Latterly, since the vast increase
of the coal business, many citizens from other counties in
the state, and large numbers of miners from Wales, Ire-
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements?
9. AVhat are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Wlio settled ths county ?
15
170 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Innd^ Scotland^ and England^ have given a very mixed
character to the popuhition, and to the language, English,
German, Welsh, and Irish being all occasionally heard.
11. Their chief employment is raining and transporting
coal to market, and the other occupations therewith con-
nected. But a small proportion of the people are perma-
nently engaged in agriculture. Some few are employed in
lumbering, and latterly several large iron-works have been
established.
12. Their main Productions are consequently coal,
with some lumber and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies, 1 fe-
male seminary, 68 common, and several private schools.
14. Schuylkill elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Carbon, Monroe, and Pike, 1 to the
Senate of the state ; wdth Dauphin and Lebanon, 1 mem-
ber of Congress; and is in the twenty-first judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Barry, Branch, E. Brunswig, W. Brunswig,
Lower Mahantongo, Upper Mahantongo, Manheim, Norwegiaii, Pincgrovey
Porter, Rush, Schuylkill, Union, Wayne, and West Penn.
16. Orwigsburg, the county-town, is seated in a pleasant and fer-
tile valley, about 8 miles S. E. of Pottsville. It contains the usual
county buildings, an academy, and 3 churches. It was laid out in
1796, incorporated in 1813, and takes its name from Peter Orwig,
the proprietor of the ground. It is 78 miles N. W. of Philadelphia,
62 N. E. of Harrisburg, and 260 N. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Pottsville, the great centre of the coal business of Schuylkill
county, is a town of very recent growth, having been wholly built
up since 1825. John Putt, whose name has been given to it, was
the owner of some of the land on which the town now stands.
18. Though the history of Pottsville does not date far back, it tells
of many changes. Times of fierce and bold speculation have had
their inseparable consequences in almost utter stagnation and loss.
But now, the great business of the place being well understood and
reduced to a system, and the actual value of coal lands ascertained,
there is little danger of a recurrence of the fluctuations here-
tofore experienced. The various operations of mining, preparing,
transporting to market, and selling the coal, are well arranged.
Each has its small, though certain profit. And, as the demand for
the article constantly increases, the success, to a reasonable extent,
of those engaged in the business seems to be beyond danger. It is
at length on that foundation, which is the only safe one in trade,
yielding a small profit on a large and increasing business.
11. "What are their employments?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. "What members does it elect, and
what is the judicial district?
15. Name the toicnships.
IG. Describe Orwigsburg.
17. What is said of Pottsville ?
18. Of its business ?
THIRD CLASS SCHUYLKILL.
171
19. Pottsville is situated on the Schuylkill, just above the point
where it passes through the Sharp mountain. It was incorporated
in 1828, and contains, within the borough limits. Mount Carbon, and
several other villages. Vast quantities of coal are transported from
it on the Schuylkill Navigation and the Reading railroad, and
several iron and other manufactories are carried on. The chief
buildings are, the town-hall, academy, bank, 6 churches, and several
large hotels and elegant private residences. The town is generally
well built, and is 86 miles N. W. of Philadelphia, 58 N. E. of Har-
risburg, and 256 N. E. of Pittsburg.
20. Port Carbon, on the main branch of the Schuylkill, two miles
above Pottsville, at the termination of the Schuylkill Navigation, is
another thriving coal town. The Schuylkill Valley railroad, with its
numerous lateral roads, leads a large business to this point.
21. Mincrsville is on the west branch of the Schuylkill, 4 miles
N. W. of Pottsville, with a railroad, 3 churches, a flour and saw-
mill, foundery, and car factory, and 1265 inhabitants.
22. Schuylkill Haven is on the Schuylkill, at the point where the West
Branch railroad connects with the Schuylkill Navigation. It con-
tains 700 inhabitants, and is 4 miles below Pottsville. It has
3 churches, and 2 bridges over the Schuylkill. It differs from most
of the coal-towns of the county, in being surrounded by fertile farms,
instead of the rugged and bare mountain sides of the rest of the coal
region.
23. Tamaqua is on the Little Schuylkill, 15 miles E. of Pottsville,
between the Sharp and Locust mountains. It is a straggling, busy
place, with 465 inhabitants and 3 churches. It was laid out in
1829, by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation company, who own large
tracts of coal land in the vicinity.
24. Port Clinton is at the mouth of the Little Schuylkill, and is
connected with Tamaqua by the Little Schuylkill railroad.
25. Pinegrove is on the Swatara, in the south-west part of the
county, between the Kittatinny and Second mountain. The Swa-
tara branch of the Union canal terminates at this place, and joins a
railroad which leads northward into the coal region. It is a thriv-
ing place, and ships a large amount of the coal known by its name.
26. Schuylkill is the chief anthracite coal county in the state. It
is traversed by tivo of the three basins that enrich the anthracite
region : the southern and the middle. The southern, which commences
in Dauphin county, crosses the whole southern portion of Schuyl-
kill, from the neighbourhood of Pinegrove, past Pottsville, to Mauch
Chunk, in Carbon. The middle basin or field extends from Sha-
mokin, in Northumberland county, across the northern part of
Schuylkill to Beaver Meadow, in Carbon.
27. Schuylkill county sends streams into the Delaware through
the Schuylkill and Lehigh ; into the Lower Susquehanna through
the Swatara; into the Middle Susquehanna through the Wiconisco,
19. Describe the town.
20. What is said of Port Carbon ?
21. Minersville?
22. Schuylkill Haven ?
23. Tamaqua ?
24. Fort Clinton?
25. Pinegrove?
26. Whjat is said of SehuylkiU as a coal
county ?
27. Of its streams?
172 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLTANIA.
Mahantongo, and Mahanoy, and into the Upper Susquehanna, or
North Branch, through the Catawissa. In fact, the county is drained
by streams running east, west, north, and south, and must therefore
be the highest land between those streams.
28. History. — The territory now composing Schuylkill does not
seem to have been visited by any white men, except hunters, much
before 1790, though the existence of coal was known several years
earlier. About 1787, a company was formed by General Arthur
St. Clair, (then living in Montgomery county,) Samiiel Potts, Samncl
Baird, Francis Nirholh, and some other citizens of that county, to
mine coal on the Nonccgian creek, where Poitsville now stands.
They do not seem to have made any progress in the main object of
the undertaking, for their lands were soon afterwards sold. In 1790,
a few Germans from the lower counties settled in the valleys imme-
diately north of the Kittatinny. About 1806, coal began to be used
by the blacksmiths of the settlement. In 1811, the county was
erected out of parts of Berks and Northampton, taking the name
of its main stream. In 1812, and the following years, some coal
was taken to Philadelphia from the Norwegian, but did not sell. It
was sent by George Shoemaker, Robert E. Hohart, John Potts, Peter Bay-
tress, John Bailey, I^'irholas Allen, and others. Some was transported
on rafts on the Schuylkill, and some on wagons. From that time
anthracite coal came slowly into use, but the coal-trade cannot be
said to have really commenced till some years after the works of
the Schuylkill Navigation Company were completed. They were
commenced in 1815, and finished in 1825. That yearthere were
6500 tons of coal transported on the navigation, and since that time
the quantity has immensely increased every year. In 1845, the
number of tons transported by the Schu3'lkill Navigation and Read-
ing railroad was 1,083,824. Schuylkill is now one of the busiest
and most flourishing counties in the state, and greatly promotes the
prosperity of many of the others, by affording a constant and in-
creasing market for their productions.
29. Noted Citizexs. — A blacksmith, of the name of Whetstone,
was the first who succeeded in using anthracite coal as a fuel for
smithing purposes in Schuylkill county. This was in 1795. But
his example does not seem to have been followed till 1806, when
David Berlin, another blacksmith, also was successful in using it on
his hearth. From that time many others employed it. Col. George
Shoemaker, in 1812, took nine wagon loads of anthracite to Philadel-
phia, but could only persuade the citizens to buy two of them,
and gave the rest away for nothing. Some of it, however, was after-
wards tried with perfect success at a rolling-mill in Delaware county,
and the result noticed in the city papers of the day.
28. Repeat its history. | 29. Name the noted citizens.
THIRD CLASS CARBON.
173
CARBON COUNTY.
L U
41? N.
1 Mauch-Chunk. >
2 Leliightown. ^ ^
3 Parryville. ,.J^
4 Lausanne. T
5 Beaver-Meadow,
Lowry-town.
1. Carbon, an anthracite mountain county, is bounded
N. E. by Monroe, N. W. by Luzerne, S. W. by Schuyl-
kill, and S. E. by Northampton and Lehigh. Area 400
square miles.
2. The most considerable mountains ^xe^ Mauch-Chunk*
Broad.) Po-ko'no, Spring, and Bald-ridge, and the Kitta-
fmny forming its S. E. boundary.
3. The Streams are, the Lehigh river, crossing the
county from N. W. to S. E. The creeks are, the A-quan-
chido-la, Big, Lizard, Ma-ho'ning, Mauch-Chunk, JYes-
qui-ho' 7iing , Qua'kake, Hays, &c.
4. The quantity of arable Soil is small, the county being
generally mountainous. In the south there are some lime-
stone valleys tolerably fertile.
5. The chief Minerals are, anthracite coal in great
abundance, iron-ore, and some limestone.
6. It contains 8 townships, and several growing vil-
lages.
7. The Towns are, Mauch-Chunk, the seat of justice,
situated at the confluence of the Mauch-Chunk creek and
* Mauch-Chunk, pronounced Mauk-Chunk.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
areaof Carboii?
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams?
15
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townshipa and vil-
lages?
174
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Leliigh, with 1200 inhabitants ; and Beaver-Meadow y Ha-
zleton, Lausanne^ Pemi-Haven^ Clifflon, Lehighton^ Weiss-
porty Parryvilley &c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the works of the
Lehigh canal and Slack-water Navigation Company along
the Lehigh ; the Beaver-Meadow railroad, from that place
to Parr^'ville, and other railroads ; and a turnpike from
Mauch-Chunk to Easton, and to Berwick on the Susque-
hanna.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 7500, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, w^as $1,291,319.
10. The people are of various origin, drawn together by
the business advantages of the county. Their chief pur-
suits are minings lumberings and boating. Little agricul-
tural produce is raised.
11. The Productions are anthracite coaly and lumber,
in large quantities.
12. The Literary Institutions are 29 common schools.
13. Carbon elects, with Lehigh, 2 members to the House
of Representatives, and, with Schuylkill, Monroe, and
Pike, 1 to the Senate of the state; with Northampton,
Monroe, Pike, and Wayne, 1 member to Congress ; and
is in the twenty-first judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Banks, Lausanne, Mahoningy Mmtch-ChunJCf
E. Pen7i, Pcnn Forest, Upper Toivamensing, and Lower Towameyising.
15. The town of Mauch-Chunk, named from the mountain, occu-
pies a wild and romantic position. It is a fresh-looking, busy place,
with the requisite county buildings, 5 churches, an iron furnace,
and founder}', grain mill, and other similar establishments. It was
commenced in 1818, and is 91 miles N. of Philadelphia, & 99 N. E.
of Harrisburg.
16. Nine miles W. of the town are the celebrated Summit mines,
on the top of Mauch-Chunk mountain, from which the Lehigh Com-
pany obtain much of their coal. They are connected with the town
landing by a railroad. The grade being descending all the distance
from the summit, the loaded cars come down by their own weight,
and were heretofore drawn up again when empty by mules that rode
down with the coal, feeding in the cars as they descended.
7. Name the county-seat, and other
towns.
P. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
peny ?
10. WTio settled it, and what are their
Vursuits?
11. Their productions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How many members arc elected,
and what is the judicial district ?
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe Mauch-Chunk.
16. What is said of the Hummit mines ?
THIRD CLASS — CARBON.
175
17. Recently, owing to the largely increased demand for the com-
pany's coal, greater facilities became necessary. They have con-
sequently constructed what is called the " back irack,^^ which is one
of the boldest, as well as most successful undertakings to overcome
natural obstacles yet attempted; and when fully in operation, will
probably altogether supersede the use of mules.
18. From the schutes, where the coal cars are unloaded at the
town of Mauch-Chunk, they return by their own weight, called
gravity, to the foot of Mmmt Pisgah, a short distance north of the
town. They are then drawn to the top of that mountain on an in-
clined plane, by means of a stationary steam-engine. From the
head of this plain they pass by their own gravity along a railway
of six miles, to the foot of another inclined plane. To the top of
this they are again raised by steam, and thence by gravity descend
to the different workings or parts of the mine, where they are filled
with coal. When loaded they descend by their own weight along
the old railroad to the schutes.
19. The Mount Pisgah plane is 2250 feet long, with a perpendi-
cular rise of 664 feet, which is said to be the greatest elevation
overcome by any single inclined plane in the world. Instead of the
ropes used on other planes for elevating the cars, iron bands, four
inches wide, and one-eighth of an inch in thickness, are substituted.
20. The canal portion of the works of this enterprising company
was almost entirely swept away by the great flood of January, 1841,
but has since been reconstructed. No single undertaking of the
same kind in the state has opened up for the use of man so great
an extent of wilderness. In 1845, besides large quantities of lum-
ber and other articles, 429,492 tons of coal were sent to market, by
means of the Lehigh Navigation.
21. HisTOET. — The first settlement of this county, then forming
part of Bucks, was effected by the Moravian missionaries, who, in
1746, built Gnadenhmtten, on the Mahoning, near the Lehigh, for the
residence of the converted Mohican Indians, who had been expelled
from Shekomeko in New York, and Patchgatgoch in Connecticut.
In 1754, most of them removed to New Gnadenhuetten, (now Weiss-
port,) E. of the Lehigh. In 1755, old Gnadenhuetten was attacked
and burned, and 1 1 persons killed, by the northern Indians. This
caused the desertion of the new town. In 1756, Dr. B. Franklin
built a fort called Fort Allen, at the latter place, by order of the go-
vernor of the state. In 1760, another missionary station was es-
tablished at Wech-qne-tank, near or on the borders of Schuylkill
county. The ill-feeling of the white settlers of Kittatinny valley,
towards the converted Indians, caused the desertion of Wechque-
tank in 1763, after which it was burned. These settlements having
been on or near the great " war path" leading to Wyoming, caused
the Moravian Indians to be suspected of all the hostile attacks by
the northern Indians who made their inroads by that way. In 1783,
a few scattered white settlers resided along the Lehigh and Mahon-
17. What is said of tJu back track ?
18. Describe it.
19. What is said of Mount Pisgah plane ?
20. Of the co7npany''s tvorks generally?
21. Nam£ the leading events in the history
of Carbon, with their dates.
176
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ing. In 1791, the discovery of anthracite on the Lehigh directed at-
tention to this district. In 1792, a coal mining company was formed,
but did not eflect much. From 1791 to 1816, various acts were
passed by the legislature for the improvement of the Lehigh. In
1818, the Lehigh Navigation Company, and the Lehigh Coal Company
were both incorporated. They >vere united in 1822, and have been
the cause of the present prosperity of the county, presenting one of
the few instances of more good to the public generally, than to the
company, being produced by such a corporation. The county was
erected in 1843, from parts of Northampton and Monroe. Its name
is derived from the Latin word carbo, which means coal.
22. Noted Citizens. — Philip Gintcr was the first discoverer of
anthracite coal on the Lehigh. He found it on Mauch-Chunk
mountain in 1791. He was at the time a backwoods hunter.
Josinh White, long the president, and yet the chief engineer of the
Lehigh company, is the man of Carbon county. His indomitable
perseverance, intelligence, ingenuity, and skill, carried through an
undertaking that few could have accomplished. The recently con-
structed " back track," shows that the fertility of his invention is
equal to all demands upon it.
MONEOE COUNTY.
1. Monroe, an eastern line mountain county, is bounded
on the N. E. by Pike, on the N. by Wayne, on the N./W.
by Luzerne, on the S. W. by Carbon, and on the S. E. by
22. Na7ne the ivoted citizens.
1. "\V)mt are the class, boundaries, and
area of Monroe ?
THIRD CLASS — MONROE.
177
Northampton county and New Jersey. The area is 600
square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, the Kittatinny on the south-east,
and Po-ko'no towards the centre, with Chestnut Hill, and
Prospect Hill, and other elevated ridges.
3. The Streams are, the Delaware river, separating it
on the south-east from New Jersey ; the Lehigh dividing it
from Luzerne on the north-west ; Brodheadh creek, (with
its branches, Pokono, McMickW^s^ and MarshaWs^) and
Bushkill between Monroe and Pike, both emptying into
the Delaware; and the Tohyhanna in the north-west, and
A-quan-chic' o-la and Big creek, in the south-west, falling
into the Lehigh.
4. The Soil is very various ; a large portion of it being
mountainous is unfit for cultivation, but produces excel-
lent lumber ; in the south and east are some limestone and
slate valleys, of a very fertile kind.
5. The Minerals are not numerous. Some limestone
is found in the south-east, which is the more valuable
on account of its distance from any other body of the
same kind of rock.
6. Monroe contains 11 townships, 1 borough, and a
few villages.
7. The Borough of Stroudsburg, the county-seat, is
near the junction of Pokono with Brodhead's creek, and
contains 407 inhabitants. The village of Dutotsburg is on
the Delaware at the mouth of Cherry creek.
8. The Public Improvements are few. A turnpike
crosses the county from the Wind Gap to Stoddartsville,
in Luzerne, on the Lehigh. The Lehigh Navigation
Company's works have also been extended as far as the
last-named place, along the north-western line of the
county.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 9879, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, $1,422,309.
10. The population is of a mixed description. That of
2. Its mountains ?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
178
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the south and south-eastern part is chiefly German, using
their own language. In the north and north-western quarters
many lumbermen from the adjoining counties have lately
settled.
11. Their chief employments are agriculture and lum-
bering, and their productions of a similar nature.
12. The Literary Institutions are, an academy and
female seminary, and 69 common schools.
13. Monroe, with Northampton, elects 3 members to
the House of Representatives ; with Schuylkill, Carbon,
and Pike, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Northampton,
Carbon, Pike, and Wayne, 1 member of Congress; and is
in the twenty-first judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Cliestnut Hill, Coolbough, Hamilton, Jackson,
Pokono, Price, Ross, Smithfichi, Middle Smithficld, Stroiid, and Tohyhanna.
15. Siroudsburg, seated in a pleasant valle)' about 4 miles from
the Delaware, was regularly laid out about 1806, by Daniel Stroud,
from whom it takes its name. It was incorporated in 1815, and has
a quiet rural appearance. It contains a court-house, jail, an aca-
demy, and female seminary, a public library, 5 churches, a tannery,
a flour-mill, and a saM'-mill. Near it is a forge for making bar-iron.
It is 85 miles N. of Philadelphia, 130 N. E. of Harrisburg, and 330
N. E. of Pittsburg.
IG. The greater part of Monroe is yet uninhabited. The princi-
pal settlements are along the Delaware, and the lower parts of the
streams that flow into it in the south-east part of the county, and in
the valleys that lie near the Kittatinny in the south and south-west.
The inhabitants of these are engaged in agriculture. Further north
and north-west, the land is yet only resorted to for the lumber it
aflferds. Since the completion of the Lehigh Company's works up to
Stoddartsville, the value of that article has induced many to pene-
trate the hitherto untrodden wilds of this part of the county.
17. In the north-western part of the county, beyond Pokono moun-
tain, there is an extensive tract of land, called the " Shades of Death."
It received this dismal name from the miserable survivors of the
Wyommg massacre, in 1778, when they were driven through its
dark swamps and over the bleak Pokono to escape the merciless
savage, and his heartless white allies. It is now becoming opened
up to the light of day, and enlivened by the sound of the woodman's
axe. The soil, though none the most productive, is capable of im-
provement; but the timber growing upon it is of the most valuable
kind-
11." What are Uieir pursuits and pro-
ductions ?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How many mernbers are elected,
and what is the judicial district?
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe Stroiidsburg.
10. JVTiat is said of the different parts of
the county?
17. Of the great swamp, what is it called ?
THIRD CLASS — MONROE.
179
18. Monroe is not properly an anlhradte county, but is more
closely related to that class than any other. It is equally mountain-
ous, its other productions are similar, and it borders on the Lehigh,
the second anthracite stream of the state, upon which it depends for
an outlet to market for its lumber. Its vicinity also to Carbon and
Luzerne will probably connect it more closely in business with those
anthracite counties than with any others.
19. Along the Delaware are some alluvial flats of remarkably fer-
tile land. These were probably settled as early as any other parts
of the state. Between the Kittatinny in the south-east, and the Po-
kono, a number of rich and beautiful limestone and slate valleys
occur, that have also long been occupied.
20. History. — It seems not improbable that the earliest settle-
ment made by the whites within the bounds of the present county
of Monroe, were by the Dutch, or Hollanders, from the Hudson.
Certain it is, that a settlement existed on the Minisink flats of the
Delaware, above the Kittatinny, long before it became known to the
Proprietary government; the Delaware having its Minishik or Munsy
flats as well as the Susquehanna. As early as 1730, the provincial
authorities took formal measures to investigate the facts, and when
the agent sent by them arrived there, he found a settlement of Hol-
landers of some years standing, with a road leading to Esopus, (now
Kingston,) on the Hudson. The Brodheads and others early settled
on Brodhead's, or A-na-lo'mink creek, and in 1755, seem to have
gained sufficient footing to defend themselves against the general
outbreak of the Indians that took place that year. The same year
Fort Hamilton was built, near the present town of Stroudsburg, and
Fort Penn during the Revolution. It was here that the Wyoming
wanderers took refuge. From the close of the Revolution till the im-
provement gf the Lehigh, and the organization of the county, Avhich
last event took place in 1836, little of interest occurred within its
bounds. It now bids fair to become a flourishing portion of the
state. It takes its name from the fifth President of the United States,
and was formed out of parts of Northampton and Pike. In 1843 it
lost a portion of its territory by the formation of Carbon county.
21. Noted Citizens. — General Daniel Brodhead, an officer of
the Revolutionary army, and in the subsequent Indian wars, was
a son of the first settler on Brodhead's creek. In 1780, he com-
manded Fort Pitt, and was a celebrated leader of the frontier men
against their Indian enemies. He was surveyor-general of the state
during part of the term of Gov. McKean. Col. Jacob Stroud, also
of the Revolutionary army, was the father of the person who laid
out Stroudsburg, and was the first settler at that place. He died in
1806.
18. What is said of the class of Monroe?
19. WJiat of the Delaware Jiats atid val-
leys?
20. What is the history of the county,
ivith dates ?
21. Name the rioted citizens.
180
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.
1. Northumberland, an anthracite mountain county,
is bounded on the E. and N. E. by Columbia, N. by Ly-
coming, W. by Union, S. by Dauphin, and S. E. by
Schuylkill. Jirea 500 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, the Line, Little, Ma-ha-noj/ , and
Big mountains, in the S. ; the Sha-mo'kin hills in the
middle, but S. of tlie North Branch ; JVIontour^s ridge, cele-
brated for its iron, and Limestone ridge, N. of the North
Branch ; and the Muncy kills, in the extreme north.
3. The Streams are, the JVorth and West Branches of
the Susquehanna, uniting at Northumberland, and thence
forming the main Susquehanna, along the western border of
the county ; the creeks are, Ma-han-ton'go, Ma-ha-noy,
and Sha-mo'kin, falling into the main Susquehanna ; Roar-
ing creek into the North, and Chil-lis-qua-que* and Lime-
stone into the West Branch.
4. The Soil is of very different qualities. The alluviac
flats, and limestone land along the West Branch, are highly
* Chilisquaque pronounced ChU-lis-quau/ que.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Northumberland ?
2. What are its moumains ?
3. Streama?
4. Soil?
THIRD CLASS NORTHUMBERLAND. 181
fertile. There is also limestone, and consequently pro-
ductive land about Sunbury, and in some of the valleys
south of it. In many parts, slates and shales occur, afford-
ing very fertile land under a proper system of tillage. The
mountains themselves are generally barren. One half
of the area of the county may be called farm land.
5. The valuable Minerals are anthracite coal, the mid-
dle coal basin terminating in this county ; with limestone
and iron-ore.
6. Northumberland contains 17 townships, 3 boroughs,
and a number of growing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Sunhury, the seat of justice, on
the main Susquehanna, with 1108 inhabitants; JYorth-
umberland, on the point between the North and West
Branches, with 928, and Milton on the West Branch, with
1508 ; the villages are, Georgetown, Snydertown, Shamo-
kin, McEwensville, Watsonhurg, &c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the North and West
Branch canals, uniting at Northumberland, thence extend-
ing down the river on the Union county side ; a railroad
from Sunbury to Shamokin, intended to be continued to
Pottsville ; a turnpike from Pottsville, through Sunbury
and Northumberland to Lewisburg, in Union county ; two
noble bridges over the West and North Branches at North-
umberland ; one over the West Branch at Lewisburg, and
one at Milton.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 20,027, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was $4,035,605.
10. The first settlers were Irish and English. In the
southern townships, the majority are now Germans, who
use their own language.
11. Their chief Employments are, agriculture and coal
mining, with a small amount of iron business, and some
lumbering.
12. Their Productions are, grain of all kinds, cattle
and pork, coal, lumber, and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 3 academies, 1
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
16
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
10. Who settled the county?
11. What are their employments?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
182
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Repi
female seminary, 80 common, and several private schools.
There are over 30 churches in the county.
14. Northumberland elects 1 member to the House of
)resentatives, and, with Dauphin, 1 to the Senate of the
state; with Union, Lycoming, and Clinton, 1 member of
Congress ; and is in the eighth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Augusta, Chillisqunquv, N. Coal, S. Coal,
Delaware, Jackson, Lewis, Lower Mahanoy, Upper Mahaiwy, Little Ma-
hanoy, Milton, Northuvibei'land, Point, Rush, ShanioJcin, Sunbury, and
Turbet.
16. Sunbury is delightfully situated on the east bank of the Sus-
quehanna, a short distance below the confluence of its two branches,
and just above Shamokin creek. In front of it, the Shamokin dam
of the Susquehanna canal forms a wide and lake-like basin, and on
either hand are high and picturesque hills. It is a pleasant, quiet,
old borough, built on a long green, or rather very wide street, in the
midst of which stands the court-house. It was laid out in 1772, and
was the seat of Fort Augusta during the early Indian troubles. It
was incorporated in 1797, and contains the usual county buildings,
5 churches, an academy, and a foundery. Being the terminating
point of the Shamokin railroad, considerable quantities of coal are
shipped here. The business of the place will be much increased
when that road is connected, as it will be, with Potisville. It is 52
miles N. of Harrisburg, 123 N. W. of Philadelphia, and 220 N. E.
of Pittsburg.
17. Northumberland occupies one of the most beautiful as well as
commanding positions in the state. The scenery combines the
charms of river and mountain views in great variety, and in a high
degree. Its noble bridges, its canals, and its vicinity to the rich
lands of the West Branch, and of Buffalo Valley in Union county,
and to exhaustless coal and iron, seem to indicate that it ought to
be more than a mere place of transit. The intelligence and capital
of its citizens, when applied to manufactures, for which it has all
the elements, will make it the Pittsburg of the Susquehanna.
18. Northumberland was laid out in 1775, but shortly afterwards
abandoned, in consequence of attacks by the Indians. It was re-
occupied in 1785, and soon grew to some importance, being a
commanding trading point. The completion of the state canals
past it on the North and West Branches, deprived it of this advan-
tage. It was incorporated in 1828, and contains 5 churches, an
academy, a bank, and a town-hall.
19. Milton is a flourishing town, 12 miles above Northumberland,
on the West Branch. It contains 6 churches, an academy, with
several flour-mills and founderies.
20. Shatnok-in is a new coal town, built since 1834, about 19 miles
14. How many members are elected,
and what is the judicial district?
15. Name the toiov^hips.
16. Describe Sunbury.
17. What is said of Northumberland?
IS. Describe it.
19. Describe Milton.
THIRD CLASS NORTHUMBERLAND. 183
S. E. of Sunbury. It is in the neighbourhood of some of the most
valuable coal mines in the state, one of the veins being represented
as 40 feet in thickness. When the railroad connection with Potts-
ville is completed, it will probably become a place of great business.
21. Shamokin is situated in the south-western termination of the
middle anthracite basin, and has, in its vicinity, also large quanti-
ties of iron-ore. A promising commencement of the coal trade was
made here previous to 1840j but the change of times that then took
place checked its growth. An extensive anthracite furnace was
also erected. The place still promises to fulfil the expectations of
those concerned in its prosperity.
22. History. — Before the Europeans took possession of the terri-
tory of this county, it seems to have been occupied by tribes of the
Delaware and Shawnee nations, under the control of the Five Nations.
They had a town at Shamokin, now Sunbury, over which Skikelli-
viu>^, a celebrated Cayuga chief, and the father of the well-known
Logan, presided in 1731. Zinzendorf visited it in 1742, and J^rainerd
in 1745. Soon afterwards, the Moravians established a mission
here ; and, the lower part of the county having been purchased
from the Indians in 1749, about 1750 English and Irish settlers
began to move into it. Braddock's defeat, in 1755, exposed them to
great hardships, and caused many to retire. The " new purchase,"
including the upper part, was made in 1768, and immediately after,
many Scotch-Irish from below Kittatinny, and some Friends from
the south-eastern counties, established themselves. Northumber-
land, deriving its name from the English shire of that name, was
formed into a separate county in 1772, with an indefinite extension
to the north and west. It had previously formed part of Berks and
Bedford. The breaking out of the Revolutionary war again ex-
posed the settlers to great danger from the Indians and British, to
protect themselves against whom, Forts Augusta at Sunbury, Fort
Freeland, and Fort Menninger on Warrior's Run, and others up the
West and North Branches, were erected. Though many were killed,
they held their ground till the close of the Revolution, exhibiting
many acts of daring, and of devotion to the good cause. After that
event, the county enjoyed peace, and a moderate share of prosperity.
Luzerne was taken otF it in 1786, Mifflin in 1789, Lycoming in 1795,
and Centre in 1800; and finally, Northumberland was brought
down to its present limits by the formation of Columbia and Union
in 1813.
23. Noted CiTiZEifs. — Dr. Joseph Priestley, the celebrated philo-
sopher, controversialist, and author, resided in the town of North-
umberland, during the last ten years of his life. He was born in
England in 1733, and died at Northumberland in 1804. He was the
first to discover the existence of oxygen gas.
20. Shamokin. I 22. State the history of the county, with
21. What is said of it with rtference to dates.
the coal trade ? I 23. Name the noted citizens.
184
STATK-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
LUZERNE COUNTY.
1. Luzerne, an anthracite mountain county, is hounded
by Wayne on the E., Susquehanna and Wyoming on the
N., Wyoming, Lycoming, and Columbia on the W.,
Schuylkill and Carbon on the S., and Monroe on the S. E.
Its area is 1400 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, the main Jillegheny^ broken
into huge irregular hills, and known by various names in
the north-western part ; across the middle portion, from
north-west to south-east, lie two ranges, the northern called
the Lack-a-wan' nock ^ in the N. E., and the Shawnee and
A'^an'iicoke in the S. W., and the southern, called the
Moosic, in the N. E., and the Wyoming in the S. W.
These ranges are about 6 miles apart, and embrace be-
tween them the Wyoming or Lackawanna coal valley. In
1. "What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Luzcrue ?
2. Mountains?
THIRD CLASS LUZERNE. 185
che southern quarter are JYes'co-peck and Buck mountain.
South of Buck mountain a portion of the middle coal ba-
sin is included in Luzerne.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna^ or North Branch
river, running through the middle of the county, and the
Lehigh forming part of its eastern boundary. The creeks
are, the Lack-a-wan'na^ Wap-wal-lo'pen^ Mes' co-peck^ Hunt-
ingdon ^ Shickshinny^ Hemlock^ and Harvey'' s^ flowing into
the Susquehanna, and Bear^ with some smaller streams, into
the Lehigh. There is a number of picturesque waterfalls
in Luzerne.
4. The Soil is very various. That of the Wyoming
Valley and of the bottom lands on the streams is very fer-
tile. The mountainous portion is sterile. More than one-
half of the county may be capable of cultivation.
5. The Minerals are, anthracite coal^ in vast abundance,
and some iron-ore. There seems to be no limestone in
the county.
6. Luzerne contains 33 townships, 3 boroughs, and
several villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Wilkesbarre^ the seat of justice,
on the Susquehanna, in Wyoming Valley, with 1718 in-
habitants, Carbo7idale, near the north-east end of Lacka-
wanna Valley, with about 2000, and Whitehaven. The
villages are, Stoddartsville, Conyngham, JYescoj^eck, Ply-
mouthy Kingston^ Troy, and Pittston.
8. The Public Improvements are, the J\^orth Branch
canal, from the south-eastern line of the county to the
mouth of the Lackawanna ; the railroad of the Lehigh
company, from Wilkesbarre to Whitehaven on the Lehigh,
and one from Carbondale to Honesdale in Wayne county ;
a turnpike from Stoddartsville, through Wilkesbarre, to
Tunkhannock, two in the north-east, and another across
the south-east part, and a large bridge over the Susque-
hanna at Wilkesbarre.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 33,000, and
the assessed value of property, in 1845, $4,825,081.
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
o^
16*
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. W^hal are the population and pro-
perty?
186
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
10. The FIRST Settlers were from Connecticut. These
were soon followed by others from the lower counties of
Pennsylvania.
11. Their chief employments are, agriculture^ coal-
mining and luwhering; and ihau j)f'oductions are in accord-
ance with those pursuits.
12. The Literary Institutions are, an academy and
female seminary, 137 common, and a number of private
schools.
13. Luzerne elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Columbia, 1 to the Senate of the
state, and, with Columbia and Wyoming, 1 member of
Congress; and is in the thirteenth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Mington, Benton, Blakcly, Buck, Butler,
Carhondale, Covington, Dallas, Dcnnison, Dorrance, Exeter, Fairmount,
Franklin, Greenfield, Hanover, Hazle, Huntington, Jefferson, Kingston,
Lackaioanna, Lake, Lehman, Nescopeck, Newton, Newport, Pittston, Ply-
mouth, Providence, Ross, Salem, Sugar-loaf, Union, and Wilkesbarre.
15. WiLKESBAnRK, SO Called from a combination of the names of
the noted John Wilkes and Colonel Barre, two prominent members
of the British Parliament, who zealously advocated the rights of the
colonies in that body about the commencement of the war of Inde-
pendence, is delightfully seated on the Susquehanna, in the far-famed
*' Vale of Wyoming." It was laid out by Colonel Durkee in 1773,
and incorporated in 1806. It contains the ordinary county build-
ings, 3 churches, a bank, academy, female seminary, and an exten-
sive rolling-mill. It has a bridge over the Susquehanna, connecting
it with Kingston. Its business facilities, by river, canal, railroad,
and turnpike, are very great. It is 111 miles N. W. of Philadelphia,
and 115 ]V. E. of Harrisburg.
16. Carhondale is a flourishing town at the head of the Lackawanna
Valley, built up since 1826, by the coal business. It is at the mines
owned by the Hudson and Delaware Canal Company, who trans-
port immense quantities of coal from this point, by means of their
line of canal and railroad to the city of Ts'ew York. It contains
6 churches.
17. Whitehaven and Stoddartsville are on the Lehigh in the great
lumber country opened up by the Lehigh Navigation. The former
is the point where the railroad from Wilkesbarre strikes the Lehigh.
It bids fair to become a large busy place.
18. The coal of this county must form its chief wealth, when all
the contemplated avenues to market shall be completed. The ex-
10. Who settled the county ?
11. What are their employments and
productions?
12. Literar>' institutions?
13. What members are elected, and
what is the judicial district ?
14. Name the toianships.
15. Describe Wilkesbarre.
16. Carhondale.
17. IVh itfh aven and Stodda rtsvUle.
1^. What is said of the probable detnand
for the Wyoming coal ?
THIRD CLASS LUZERNE.
187
tension of the North Branch canal to a connection with the public
works of New York, will, above all the rest, afford such an outlet
as to render the custom of the cities and the country to the south
and east of minor importance. All western New York, and the im-
mense lake country, with their numerous towns and long winters,
will consume any quantity of coal that can be taken out.
19. The coal land of Wyoming differs from that of the anthmcite
basins further south. They are in the midst of sterile and rugged
mountains, while it forms one of the most fertile and pleasant val-
leys in the Conlmonwealth. The same acre that gives employment
to the miner in his proper business, yields him the necessaries of
life. In addition to this, the whole length of the valley is Avatered
by the Susquehanna or the Lackawanna, thus afibrding, either by
natural or artificial navigation, a ready means of transporting to
market the coal, which may be run doion to their banks for ship-
ment, on short railroads, requiring no power and little cost.
20. The veins are of great thickness, some of them reaching thirty
feet, with a few intervening thm layers of slate ; and the coal, owing
to its great hardness, bears the process of transportation to market,
and the various transhipments, with less loss than any other.
21. Harvey's Lake, in the north-western part of the county, is a
beautiful sheet of water, about 3 miles long. It is in a wild region,
abounding in game. Chapman's, and Upper and Lower Crystal
lakes are in the north-east.
22. HisTORT. — Previous to the time of Penn's settlement of the
province, a tribe of the Shawanees occupied the western part of the
Valley of Wyoming, still called the "Shawnee flats." About 1740,
a band of the DelaAvares, excluded from their residence on their own
river by the encroachments of the whites, established a town called
Waiomink, said to mean large meadows, just beloAV the present town
of Wilkesbarre. Before that time, the valley seems to have been a
favourite hunting-ground of the Five Nations and other tribes. In
1742, they were visited by Count Zinzendorf, who established a Mo-
ravian mission. Soon afterwards, the Shawanees were expelled by
the Delawares, and retired to the Ohio. After Braddock's defeat, in
1755, all the Delawares of this region, except such as had been
converted by the Moravians, still soured at having been driven from
their old home, took part with the French, but were for a time pa-
cified by Sir William Johnson.
23. In 1754, certain citizens of Connecticut, advancing a claim to
the whole northern part of Pennsylvaniaunder their charter from King
Charles the Second, purchased Wyoming Valley from some chiefs
of the Six Nations assembled in Albany, and explored the country.
la 1762, 20^ settlers from Connecticut arrived, and after making
a few improvements, returned to that state for the winter. Next
year they came back with their families, but in consequence of
the murder of the noted chief, Teedyuscimd, which was wrongfully
charged on them, they were attacked in the fall by the Indians, and
19. What of the coal-land ?
20. Of the veins and the coal?
21. Of Harvey'' s Lake? »
22. Repeat the Indian history ofthevalley.
23. State the origin of the Connecticut
claim, and settlement.
188
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
compelled, after losing 20 men, to abandon the settlement. Peace
with France took place in 1763.
24. In 1768, the proprietaries of Pennsylvania purchased from
the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix, near Oneida lake in New York, all
the remaining Indian land in north-eastern Pennsylvania. This
included Wyoming. In the same year, Pennsylvania settlers, under
proprietary grants, arrived, and laid out two " manors," one on each
side of the Susquehanna, including the improvements formerly
made by the Connecticut men. Early next year, about 40 Con-
necticut men arrived to resume the settlement. From that time,
each party being occasionally re-inforced by fresh arrivals of their
friends, a scene of constant controversy, sometimes proceeding to
bloodshed, succeeded; and both the governments of Pennsylvania
and Connecticut took part in the dispute. Connecticut recognised
Wyoming as a part of that state, and attached it to the county of
Litchfield, under the name of Westmoreland: while Pennsylvania, on
the other hand, sent out civil officers supported by troops to expel
the intruders. During these contests, several forts were constructed,
and many sieges and skirmishes took place. This state of things
lasted till the opening of the Revolution.
25. That event compelled both parties to unite for the common
defence against the British and their Indian allies. In the contest,
the Six Nations and most of the unconverted Delawares took the
British side, causing the converted or Moravian Delawares to be
suspected by the colonists. The civil war being thus suspended,
Wyoming, which had become quite populous in the midst of all con-
tentions, sent forth nearly all her able-bodied men in the common
cause.
26. In June, 1778, while in this defenceless condition, the settlement
was attacked by a large body of British and Indians, the former un-
der Col. John Butler, and the latter, under the famous Mohawk chief,
Brant, whose Indian name was Thayendancgca. The result is known.
After a brave resistance, chiefly by old men and boys, an almost
general massacre took place. The few wretched survivors, now
principally widows, with their orphan children, traversed the deso-
late wilderness of the Great Swamp, or " Shades of Death," crossed
the bleak summit ef Pokono, and at last found rest and protection
at what is now Stroudsburg, in Monroe county.
27. The same autumn Captain Spalding, with troops from Strouds-
burg, rebuilt the fort at Wilkesbarre, and recovered possession of
the valley. In 1779, General Sullivan's expedition against the north-
ern Indians removed all further danger from that source.
28. As soon as independence was achieved, the old feud between
the Connecticut and the Pennsylvania settlers, or the Yankees and
the Pennamiies, as they were then called, broke out in all its former
fury. But in 1782, the question of original title was decided at
Trenton in favour of Pennsylvania, after full and fair investigation,
by commissioners appointed by Congress.
24. Of the Pennsylvania jettUment, and 27. What happened that autumn, and
of the controversy. in 1779 ?
25. ^Vhat put a stop to the latter? 2'1. When did the controversy revive, and
2ti. What hnppcnefl in l~'i7 how teas it JitXalbj terminated?
THIRD CLASS LUZERNE. 189
29. In 1784, the destructive ice-flood on the Susquehanna, laid
waste Wyoming, the ice having formed a dam in the gorge of the
river at the lower end of the valley, by which all the bottom lands
were inundated. In 1786, the county was erected, taking its name
from the Chevalier de la Luzerne, at that time minister from France
to the United States government. In 1799 and 1801, laws for the
final settlement of all private claims and disputes still existing
among the Connecticut and Pennsylvania settlers were passed by
the legislature of this state. In 1810, Bradford was erected into a
separate county, and part of it taken from Luzerne. The same year,
Susquehanna was taken oif, and in 1842, Luzerne was reduced to its
present bounds by the organization of Wyoming; thus not only losing
territory, but the name that ought to belong to a soil with which
it has become associated by so many deeds of toil, of courage, and
of suffering.
30. NoTKD Citizens. — Col. Zebulon Butler, the leader of the set-
tlers in the battle of 3d July, 1778, was a brave officer in the Revo-
lutionary army. He was born in Connecticut in 1731, and died in
Luzerne in 1795. Col. Dennison, the second in command, was also
a gallant soldier. He was also born in Connecticut in 1741, and
died in Luzerne in 1809. The descendants of both still reside in the
valley. Genl. William Ross was born in Connecticut in 1760, and
died in Luzerne in 1842. He was not in the battle, having gone in
pursuit of some Indians a few days before. He took an active part
in support of the state authority after the Revolution, and was greatly
esteemed for his modesty and worth. Col. Timothy Pickering, though
a native of Massachusetts, was for many years a citizen of Luzerne,
which he represented in the Convention that framed the state Con-
stitution of 1790. During the Revolution, he had been an aid-de-
camp to General Washington, and in 1787 was sent by the govern-
ment of Pennsylvania to use his influence in restoring order in
Luzerne, which had the year before been erected into a county. He
held many offices under the national government. He was born in
1745, and died in 1829. Judge Obadiah Gore, a blacksmith by trade,
was the first, in 1769, to use the Wyoming coal. He was a Con-
necticut settler. After that time, the blacksmiths of Wilkesbarre
continued to use it. Judge Jesse Fell successfully employed it in a
nail factory about 1800. In 1808, he also succeeded in causing it
to burn in a grate in a common fire-place. From that time, it came
into general use as a fuel for domestic purposes.
29. What events occurred between 1784 | '30. Name the noted citizens.
and 1842.'
190
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
WYOMING COUNTY.
1 Tunkhannock.
2 Buttennilk Falls.
3 Exeter.
4 Scottsville.
1. Wyoming, a north-eastern mountain county^ is
bounded N. by Susquehanna, W. by Bradford and Lycom-
ing, and S. and E. by Luzerne. Area 400 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are the terminating hills and irregular
spurs of the great Allegheny^ the chief of which are,
Ma-hoo' pe-ny , Big and Little Mahoopeny, Tuiik-han'nock,
Boioman^s, and K7iob mountains.
3. The Streams are, the JS'^orth Branch, crossing from
the north-west to the south-east ; and Tunkhannock, Falls,
Me- shop' pen, and Tuscarora creeks, flowing into it on the
east, and Big and Little Mahoopeny, and Bowman'' s on the
west.
4. The Soil is tolerably good. Along the streams there
are alluvial bottoms of great fertility. Much of the high
table land and of the hill sides, is well adapted for pasture
and some of the coarser grains. One half of the county
may ultimately become cultivated.
5. No valuable Minerals have yet been discovered.
6. Wyoming contains 13 tow^nships, 1 borough, and a
few growing villages.
^. The Borough is Tunkhannock, the county-seat, on
i. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Wyoming?
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
4._Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs, and
villages?
7. Name the county-town, borough,
and villages.
THIRD CLASS WYOMING.
191
the east side of the Susquehanna at the mouth of Tunk-
hannock creek, with about 300 inhabitants. Buttermilk
Falls, Exeter, and Scottsville, are small villages on the
Susquehanna.
8. The Public Improvements are, the unfinished JYorth
Branch canal, and a turnpike from Wilkesbarre through
Tunkhannock to Montrose, in Susquehanna county.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 8500, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $877,782.
10. The early settlers were from Connecticut, and at
present most of the citizens are of New England origin.
11. Their chief pursuits are agriculture and lumbering;
and iheiY productions are some wheat and corn, w^th con-
siderable quantities of oats, potatoes, and cattle, and a
large amount of lumber.
12. The Literary Institutions are 42 common schools.
13. Wyoming with Susquehanna, elects, 2 members to
the House of Ptepresentatives, and with Susquehanna and
Wayne, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Luzerne and
Columbia, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the eleventh
judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Braintrim, Clinton, Eaton, Exeter, Falls,
Forkslon, Mahoopeny, Monroe, Nicholson, Northumberland, Tunkhannocky
Washington, and Windham.
15. Tunkhannock, SO called from the Indian name of the creek
near which it is situated, has become a thriving town since it was
selected as the county-seat in 1842. It was incorporated in 1841,
and contains the usual county buildings and several churches. It
is remarkable for its wild mountain scenery. The Tunkhannock
valley above it on the creek, is thickly settled, and affords the town
considerable support. The lumber business also adds largely to its
trade. Should the North Branch canal, which passes through the
place, be completed, it will very much promote the prosperity of the
county-seat. It is 146 miles N. E. of Harrisburg and 142 N. W. of
Philadelphia.
16. At Buttermilk Falls, near the mouth of Falls creek, there is a
thriving village. This place is remarkable for its water-falls and
immense unimproved water-power.
17. History. — Before the close of the Revolutionary war, it is
8. Public improvements ?
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county?
11. What are their chief pursuits and
productions?
12. Literary instilulions ?
13. How is it represented, and in what
judicial district is it ?
14. Na7ne the townships.
15. Describe Timkhannock.
16. WTiat of Buttermilk Falls ?
17. Repeat the history of the county, tvith
dates?
192 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
nol probable that any permanent settlements were made in the
bounds of Wyoming. It may be, however, that some attempts
were made after the peace with France in 1763, and the extinguish-
ment of the Indian title to the lands in 1768. If such were the
case, the settlers were no doubt driven off by the British and In-
dian incursions of 1778. In 1779, Sullivan's expedition mainly
removed this obstacle, but not altogether; for we learn from Major
Moses Van Canrpen's Narrative, that his famous escape from his
Indian captors took place within the present bounds of Wyoming,
in 1780. It is at all events certain, that immediately after the close
of the Revolution, Connecticut settlers began to occupy this por-
tion of the state, believing it to be within the bounds of their claim.
About the same time, the well-known John Nlcholsou, the great land
speculator, formed a settlement in the township that still bears his
name. As early as 1788, a permanent establishment was made at
the place where the county-seat now stands. From that time till
nearly the present, as a part of Luzerne, this county shared the
fortunes, was embraced in the history, and distinguished by the
men of the mother county. In 1842 it was separately organized,
assuming the name of the celebrated valley which constitutes both
the historical and physical wealth of Luzerne.
FOURTH CLASS PERRY.
193
FOURTH CLASS.
rERRY COUNTY.
1 Bloomfield,
3 Petersburg.
3 Liveri)ool.
7 Newport.
8 New Germaiitown.
9 Buflalo.
4 Millers town.
5 Landisburg'.
6 Ickesburg.
1. Perry, an iroji mountain county, Is bounded E. by
Dauphin, N. W. by Juniata, S. W. by Franklin, and S. by
Cumberland. Jlrea, 540 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, the Kittatinny^ forming the south-
ern boundary, and the Tus-ca-ro'ra the northern, with a
number of smaller ridges or hills between.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna river, dividing it
from Dauphin on the east, and the Ju-ni-afa, crossing its
north-eastern corner into the Susquehanna : the o'eeks
are, Sherman^s, Little Juniata^ and Fishings falling into the
Susquehanna ; and Buffalo^ Little Buffalo, Racoon, and
Co'CaV am-us , into the Juniata.
1. What are the class, boundaries, I 2. Name the mountains,
and area of Perry ? ' | 3. Streams.
17
194
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
4. The Soil is various. The limestone and slate land,
^vhich form the northern accompaniment of the Kittalinny
throughout nearly its whole course, are highly fertile. The
rest of the county, except the mountains and broken ridges,
is moderately fertile. More than one-half of its area may
be cultivated.
5. The Minerals are iron-ore, in great quantities, and
liinestone.
6. Perry contains, 15 townships, 8 boroughs, and some
growing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Bloomjield, the county-seat, near
the Little Juniata, with 412 inhbaitants ; Miller stown,
Liverpool, JVewport, Petersburg, Buffalo, Landishurg, and
JSfew G eiinant ow n ; diXid the villages are Ick'es-burg, Dun-
cannon, &c.
8. The Public Improvements are the Susquehajina ca-
nal, from the mouth of the Juniata at Duncan's island, up
the eastern line of the county, and the Juniata canal from
the same point up the Juniata ; the northern turnpike, from
Duncan's island along the Juniata ; and several large
hndges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 17,096 ; and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, was $2,895,758.
10. The First Settlers were Scotch-Irish. Many
Germans have since established themselves, and gene-
rally use their own language.
11. Their chief employments are agriculture and the
manufacture of iron. There are a number of furnaces,
rolling-mills, forges, and nail factories in the county.
12. Tht productions are grain, cattle, pork, and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, 100
common, and some private schools. There are about 30
churches in the county.
14. Perry elects 1 member to the House of Representa-
tives, and, with Cumberland, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
4. Soil.
5. Minerals.
C. How many
and villages ?
7 Name the county-seat,
and villag^es.
& The public improvement*
townships, boroughs,
boroughs,
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. ^Vho settled Perr>' ?
11. What are their chief pursuits?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is it represented, and what is
the judicial district ?
FOURTH CLASS PERRY.
195
with Cumberland and Franklin, 1 member of Congress ;
and is in the ninth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Buffalo, Carrol, Centre, Jackson, Greenivood,
Juniata, Liverpool, Madison, Oliver, Penn, Rye, Saville, Toboyne, Tyrone,
and Wheat field.
16. Bloomfield is handsomely situated in a narrow fertile valley-
near the centre of the county. It was laid out in 1825, and incor-
porated as a borough in 1831. The tract of land on which the town
is built was called " Bloomfield," in the original patent or grant
from the state to the first settler. Hence the name of the town. It
contains the requisite county buildings, 4 churches, and an academy.
It is 25 miles N. W. of Harrisburg, 123 N. W. of Philadelphia, and
185 E. of Pittsburg.
17. The practice of giving distinct names to estates, or tracts of
land belonging to families, is general in the countries of Europe. It
does not suit our habits or institutions. There, an estate, owing to
the rights of primogeniture, will remain for many centuries undi-
vided in the same name and family. Here, owing to the equal claim
which each child has in the estate of the parent, and to the fact
that land is liable to be sold for the payment of debts, real estate,
(which means houses and lands,) either soon becomes divided or
passes altogether into other hands. Thus the name either becomes
lost by the subdivision of the estate, or is forgotten by some new
purchaser.
18. The custom of naming tracts was attempted to be adopted
under the provincial government, in issuing the patents, as in the
case of Bloomfield, but did not succeed. Where the names thus
given have survived at all, they have lost their exclusive applica-
tion, and are only heard in the common name of some township or
village.
19. Liverpool, on the Susquehanna, 14 miles above Duncan's
island, has 454 inhabitants, and is the largest town in the county.
There are extensive iron-works in the vicinity, which, with the
trade of the state canal that passes in front of it, afford a lively
business.
20. Newport and Millerstown, on opposite sides of the Juniata,
are flourishing towns with over 400 inhabitants each. Below the
latter, is the rope-ferry of the Juniata canal, at which the canal boats
are drawn across a dam in the Juniata, by an ingenious application
of the water-power of the river.
21. Duncannon is a busy manufacturing village, at the mouth of
Sherman's creek. An extensive rolling-mill, nail-factory, and other
works belong to this establishment.
22. Near Landisburg, about 8 miles south-west of Bloomfield, in
Sherman's Valley, the county poor-house is situated.
15. Nmne the toivnships.
16. Describe Bloomfield.
17. What is said qftmming estates ?
18. What has been the effect here?
19. ^Vhai is said of Liverpool ?
20. Of Newport, Millerstown, and the
Rope ferry ?
21. Of Duncannon?
22. Of Landisburg?
196 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
23. Sherman^s Valley, so often named in early times as the scene
of many adv^entures in the contests with the Indians, lies along the
northern base of the Kittatinny, and is watered by a beautiful creek,
which takes the name of the valley. It is mostly limestone land,
and though the surface is very broken and irregular, it presents the
appearance of a quiet and thriving settlement.
24. The scenery along the Peny bank of the Susquehanna, and
on the Juniata, is grand and beautiful. At Duncan's island and
Liverpool, especially, the mountains and the river present views
scarcely surpassed even by the storied localities of the Old World.
The heights, it is true, are not crowned by ancient and picturesque
ruins, neither are the streams the dividing-line between princes
whose past struggles for power have associated with them the
legends of chivalry. But they remain in all their native beauty
and grandeur, unchanged, except so far as human ingenuity has
applied their resources to the promotion of human happiness. They
remain a type of what our country's history should be, with no
change recorded, except for the common good; no monument
erected except to virtue.
25. History. — About 1730, Cumberland began to be permanently
settled. In 1750, when erected into a county, it contained within its
then bounds about 3000 inhabitants. Sometime during the interval
betAveen these dates, the Scotch-Irish of Cumberland Valley, began
to pass through Sterrei's and other gaps in the Kittatinny, and es-
tablish themselves in Sherman's Valley. So late as 1745, there was
a noted Indian town on the '' Juncauta, (now Duncan's) island," in
the mouth of the Juniata. For several years after Braddock's de-
feat, in 1755, at which time the settlers in Sherman's Valley had
become numerous, many were killed by the Indians, and the survi-
vors kept in constant alarm. This state of things was terminated in
1764, by Colonel Bouquet's defeat of the Indians at Brushy run, in
the west. From that period the county increased slowly but regu-
larly in population and improvements, forming a portion, and shar-
ing the prosperity of "mother Cumberland," During this period a
large number of German settlers added themselves to the popula-
tion. In 1820, Perry, honouring herself with the name of the hero
of Lake Erie, was erected into a separate county. Since that event
her population and prosperity have been much promoted, by the
establishment of numerous iron-works, for the successful prosecu-
tion of which business, the abundance and excellence of her iron-
ore, and the plenty and cheapness of wood for charcoal, afford
many advantages.
23. 0/ Shermans Valley? I 25. Relate the history of Perry, with the
24. Of the scenery ? \ dates.
FOURTH CLASS JUNIATA.
197
JUNIATA COUNTY.
1 .Mirtlintown.
2 Mexico.
3 Thonipsontown.
4 Ridgeville.
5 Waterford.
6 Waterloo.
7 CalhouiivUle.
1. Juniata, an iron mountain county, is bounded E. by
Northumberland, N. by Union, N. W. by Mifflin, S. W.
by Huntingdon, and S, E. by Perry. ./2re«, 350 square
miles.
2. The Mountains are, Tuscarora and Turkey moun-
tains, its boundaries on the S. E., and Shade and Black
Log on the N. W.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna^ which divides
it for a short distance from Northumberland on the E., the
Juniata crossing its centre, and Tuscarora^ Lost, Licking,
and Co-cal'a-mus creeks emptying into the Juniata, and
west Ma-han-ton' go into the Susquehanna.
4. The Soil of the Limestone and Slate valleys is quite
productive. The rest of the county, consisting chiefly of
steep mountains and ridges, is sterile. About one-half
of its area is fit for cultivation.
5. The Minerals are, iron-ore and limestone.
6. Juniata contains 10 townships, 3 boroughs, and a
number of villages.
1 What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Juniata?
2. What are the mountains ?
3. Streams?
17
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
198
STATE- BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
7. The Boroughs are, Mifflintown^ the county-seat, on
the Juniata, with 420 inhabitants, Waterford and Perry-
ville ; and the villages are, Tliompsontown^ Mexico^ Tam-
many tow7i, Calhounville, and Waterloo.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Juniata canal,
which passes along the north bank of the river ; the north-
ern turnpike alongside of it, and two large bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 11,080, and the as-
sessed value oi'propertyy in 1845, was $2,498,930.
10. The first Settlers were Scotch-Irish. These
have since been followed by considerable numbers of
Germans.
11. Their chief employment is agriculture^ iron-works
not having yet been established.
12. Their Productions are, gi'ain of all kinds, catthy
and pork.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
54 common schools.
14. Juniata elects^ with Union, 2 members to the House
of Representatives, wdth Mifflin and Union, 1 to the Senate
of the state, and with Centre, Huntingdon, Blair, and Mifflin,
1 member of Congress ; and is in the ninth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Beale, Dclaicare, Fayette, Fermanagh,
Greenwood, Lack, MUfi,rd, Turbet, Tusrarora, and Walker. ^
16. Mifflintown occupies an elevated situation on the bank of the
Juniata. It became the county-town in 1831, deriving its name from
that of Governor Mifflin and the old county of Mifflin, in which it
was included when laid out, which was about 1791. It has much
improved since Juniata was organized, and the county business
centred in it. It contains a court-house and jail, with an academy
and 3 churches, and has a substantial bridge over the Juniata. It
was incorporated in 1833, and is 43 miles N. W. of Harrisburg,
141 N. W. of Philadelphia, and 165 E. of Pittsburg.
17. Thompsontown and Perryville are thriving places, the former
9 miles below Mifflintown, on the north bank of the Juniata, and the
latter on the opposite side, about 2 miles beloAV the same place.
There is a noble bridge over the Juniata at Perryville, and the
mountain view below the town is remarkably fine. This, however,
is the character of the whole scenery on the river.
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
10. "Who settled Juniata?
11. What is their chief employment ?
12. Their productions ?
lo. Their literary institutions?
14. How is it represented, and what is
the judicial district?
1.5. Name the tow7iships.
16. Describe Mifflintown.
17. Thompsoiitoion and Pent/vilU.
FOURTH CLASS MIFFLIN.
199
18. Though Juniata is in the iron mountain region of the state,
she yet has no iron-works. But she possesses all the requisites for
the prosecution of the business.
19. HisTOHT. — The first settlements in Tuscarora Valley, which
constitutes the large south-western portion of the present county of
Juniata, were made about 1749. The enterprising Scotch-Irish of
Cumberland Valley were the pioneers. Some passed over the Kit-
tatinny, crossing the present county of Perry, from the Carlisle set-
tlement ; while others arrived from the Conecocheague settlement,
now Franklin county. At first, they experienced the usual losses,
and suffered the usual hardships of all who occupied the out-
posts on the Indian frontier. But they finally made good their
footing in the beautiful valleys of the Juniata ; and their descendants,
now mingled with many industrious German settlers, enjoy the fruits
of their hazardous enterprise. Juniata long petitioned the legisla-
ture for a separation from Mifflin county, which at length took place
in 1831, and seems much to have promoted her prosperity and con-
venience without detriment to the old county. She of course as-
sumed the Indian name of her romantic river.
MIFFLIN COUNTY.
1 Lewisiovvn.
2 McVeytown.
3 Hamlltonville
4 Horrelstown.
5 BeUevUle.
6 Keedsville.
s»
1. Mifflin, an iron mountain county, is bounded E. by
Union, N. W. by Centre, W. by Huntingdon, and S. E.
by Juniata. Jirea, 370 square miles.
18 What is said of the iron-business ?
19. Repeat the history of Juniata^ with
the dates.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Mifflin ?
200 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2. The Mountains are, Shade and Black Log on the
S. E. boundaiy, Stone and Path Valley, or Seven mouri'
tains, on the N. W., and Jackh mountain in the middle.
3. The Streams are, the Juniata river, flowing tlirough
the south-western part of the county, into which Kishicoquil-
las* and Jack'^s creeks empty on the north, and Licking
creek, through Tuscarora in Juniata county, on the south.
4. The Soil of the limestone valleys, especially that of
Kishicoquillas, is remarkably fertile. Slate and shale soils,
where they occur, are also easily improved. The moun-
tains are barren. Fully one-half oi the county is tillable.
5. The valuable Minerals are, great quantities of ex-
cellent iron-ore and limestone.
6. Mifflin contains 9 townships, 3 boroughs, and a num-
ber of growing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Lewistown, the seat of justice on
the Juniata, with 2058 inhabitants, McVeytown and Hamil-
tonville ; and the villages are, Horrelstown, Belleville, Reed-
ville, and Allenville. *
8. The Public Improvements are, the Juniata canal,
following that stream through the county ; the northern
turnpike taking the same direction ; and the Bellefonte and
Erie turnpike, which diverges from the northern turnpike
at Lewistow^n.
9. The Population of Mifflin, in 1840, was 13,092;
and the assessed value oi property, in 1845, $3,827,454.
10. The first Settlers were Scotch-Irish, who were
followed by many Germans from the lower counties. The
latter still use their own language.
11. Their chief pursuits are, agriculture and the iron-
husiness. There are some other manufactories, and a large
number o{ flour -mills.
12. The Productions are, grain, cattle, pork, and iron
in large quantities.
* Kishicoquillas, pronounced Kish-a^ok'il-as.
2. Name the mountains.
3. Streams.
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs and
villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and Villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled county ?
11. What are their chief pursuits?
12. Their productions ?
FOURTH CLASS MIFFLIN.
201
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
43 common schools. Education seems to prosper.
14. Mifflin elects 1 member to the House of Representa-
tives, and, with Juniata and Union, 1 to the Senate of the
state ; with Juniata, Huntingdon, Blair, and Centre, 1
member of Congress; and is in the twentieth judicial
district.
15. The Townships are, Armagh, Brown, Decatur, Derry, Granville,
Menno, Oliver, Union, and Wayne.
16. Lewis' own, one of the busiest and most prosperous towns in
the state, occupies an elevated position on the north bank of the
Juniata at the mouth of the Kishicoquillas creek. It is a well-built
town, with a spacious new court-house, and the other county-build-
ings, 7 churches, an academy, bank, two founderies, a woollen and
axe factory, and a large liour-mill. Its advantageous position, with
reference to canals, turnpikes, and a rich agricultural and iron re-
gion, has caused, and will continue to increase, its prosperity. It
was laid out in 1790, taking its name from William Lewis, a member
of the legislature from Philadelphia, who exerted himself to have it
made the county-seat, in opposition to Mifflintown, now in Juniata
county. It was first incorporated in 1795, and is 55 miles N. W. of
Harrisburg, 153 N. W. of Philadelphia, and 154 E. of Pittsburg.
17. McVeytown, formerly called Waynesburg, is a thriving place,
with 348 inhabitants, on the Juniata, 11 miles above Lewistown. It
contains 2 churches, and has a furnace, foundery, and forge in the
vicinity.
18. Hamiltonville, or Newton Hamilton, also on the canal, 10 miles
above McVeytown, is situated near a remarkable bend in the river,
where, after a south-eastern course of several miles, it turns sud-
denly to the north-west and approaches within a few hundred yards
of its channel above the bend. A short distance above this point is
the wild Gap through which the river passes Jack's mountain.
19. Below Lewistown is the singular reach of the river called
the '■'■Long Narrows." It is a mere straight trough, 4 miles in length,
and completely occupied by the Juniata, with Black Log on one
hand, and Shade mountain on the other. Few scenes present a
more wild or grand appearance.
20. There are a number of caves in the limestone rocks of Mifflin.
HenawalVs cave, near McVeytown, is large, and frequently contains
crude saltpetre. Alexander^ cave is in Kishicoquillas Valley, and
abounds in calcareous concretions.
21. Kishicoquillas Valley is one of the richest and best improved
agricultural regions in the interior of the state, and is noted for the
abundance and excellence of its wheat and corn. It is about
13. Their literary institutions?
14. How is INIifflin represented, and
what is the judicial district?
15. Name thf. townships.
16. Describe Leivistown.
17. McVeytown.
IS. Harniltonville and vicinity.
19. The Long Narrows.
20 The caves.
21. Kishicoquillas Valley.
202
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
30 miles lon^ and 3 wide, Iving north-west of Jack's mountain, and
is chiefly settled by Germans from Lancaster and the older south-
eastern counties. It is drained by Kishicoquillas creek, which breaks
through the mountain, and falls into the Juniata at Lewistown.
22. South-east of Jack's mountain is the no less fertile Valley of
Xcu.-is/o«-», which is divided into several smaller ones, through which
the beautiful Juniata pursues its winding course.
23. There are a considerable number of furnaces, forges, founder-
ies, and other works for the manufacture of iron in various pans of
Mifflin. For the profitable prosecution of this useful branch of in-
dustry, she possesses unusual advantages, having, in addition to
abundance of the best ore, and of charcoal and limestone, a con-
stant and cheap conve)'^ance for the article to market, by means of
the state canals and railroads.
24. HisTORT. — About 1755, some of the daring Scotch-Irish pio-
neers from Conecocheague, (now Franklin,) reached the valley of
Mifflin by way of Aughwick creek. A settlement was made that
year near where Lewistown now stands. This was broken up by
the Indians and French in 1756. After the Indian title was extin-
guished in 1768, by the treaty of Fort Stanwix, the settlers returned.
In 1769, Kishirocjuillaa Valley, so called after an Indian chief of that
name who resided there, was first settled, as was the south-western
part of the county. The celebrated Logan, the " Mingo chief," son
of Shikellimus, chief of the Senecas, had his lodge a number of
years on Kishicoquillas creek, near its Gap through Jack's moun-
tain. He was the friend of the white men ; yet " all of his blood"
were afterwards murdered by them on the Ohio. During the Revo-
lutionar}' war, this secluded settlement does not seem to have been
disturbed. In 1789, Miffl.in, deriving its name from the then presi-
dent, and subsequently governor of the state, was erected into a
county out of parts of Northumberland and Cumberland. In 1791,
a considerable contention occurred between the people of Hunting-
don and Mifl3in about the boundary between the counties ; which, how-
ever, was finally settled without bloodshed. No other event of interest
occurred till 1829, when the state canal was completed as far as
Lewistown, which, together with the establishment of numerous
iron-works, has since greatly promoted the prosperity of the county.
In 1831 Juniata was taken ofl', and Mifflin thus reduced to its pre-
sent limits.
25. Noted Citizens. — William Brown was the first settler in Kishi-
coquillas Valley, and continued to be one of the associate judges of
Milflin till his death, at the age of 91. Jrlhur Buchanan was proba-
bly the first settler in the neighbourhood of Lewistown. He took
up the land in 1755, for which a warrant issued in 1762.
22. LeM'istown ValUy.
23. What is said o/t/u irotubusiruss ?
24. Repeat the history of the county, with
dates.
25. Norm the noted citizens.
FOURTH CLASS — BEDFORD.
203
BEDFORD COUNTY.
1. Bedford, an iron mountain county, is bounded E.
by Franklin, N. by Huntingdon and Blair, W. by Somer-
set, and S. by Maryland. Jlrea, 1300 square miles.
2. In crossing the county from east to west, the follow-
ing Mountains are met, viz., Cove, Scrub, Sideling,
Ray^s, Clear, Warrior, Tussey^s, EviVs, Dunning^s, Wills\
Chestnut, and the Great Allegheny forming its western
boundary. In the northern part is Broad-top mountain.
It is perhaps the most mountainous county in the state.
3. The Streams are, the Raystown Branch of the Juni-
ata in the north, and a number of mountain streams flow-
ing to the Potomac in the south.
4. The Soil is very various. Many of the \'alleys are
of the richest limestone. The shale, slate, and sandstone
lands, where sufficiently level for tillage, are less fertile,
but susceptible of much improvement. One-half of the
county is rocky mountain, unfit for cultivation.
5. The valuable Minerals are, iron-ore, limestone, and
bituminous coal ; the latter in Broad-top mountain.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Bedford?
2. Name tlie mountains.
3. The streams.
4. Describe the soil.
5. What are the minereds?
204
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
6. Bedford contains 22 townships^ 3 boroughs, and a
number of thriving villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Bedjord^ihe seat of justice, near
the Raystown Branch, with 1022 inhabitants, McConnells-
hurg, and Schellsburg ; the villages are, Woodbury, Sto-
nerstown, Ramsburg, Bloody-run, ^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the turnpikes from
Bedford to Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Somerset. There
are neither canals nor railroads in the county.
9. The Population, in 1840, of the terrhory now com-
posing Bedford, was 25,089, and the assessed value of
property, in 1845, was $3,050,000.
10. The People are mainly of Scotch-Irish and German
descent.
11. Their chief Employments are agriculture and the
iron business.
12. The Productions are, grain, cattle, timber, iron,
and some maple-sugar.
13. The Literary Institutions are, an academy,
a female seminary, and 185 common schools.
14. Bedford elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Huntingdon and Blair, 1 to the Senate
of the state; with Cambria and Westmoreland, 1 member
of Congress; and is in the sixteenth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Air, Bedford, Belfast, Bethel, Broad-top,
Colcrain, Cumberland Valley, Dublin, Harrison, Hopewell, Liberty, Lick-
ing creek, Londonderry, Monroe, Napier, E. Providence, W. Providence,
Southampton, St. Clair, Union, Smith Woodberry, and Middle Woodbcrry.
16. The town of 7:W/f»Y/ g:ives name lo the county, and is so called
after old Fort Bedfurd, which occupied the same site, but was known
as Raystown till 170.3. It is pleasantly placed on a rich limestone
tract near the head of the Raystown Branch. It is a neat and flou-
rishing place, and contains a well-built and spacious court-house,
prison, and public offices, 3 churches, a woollen factory, and several
flour-mills. It was first regularly laid out as a town in 1766, though
occupied at an earlier date, and was incorporated in 1795. Its dis-
tance from Harrisburg is 102 miles, from Philadelphia 200, and
from Pittsburg 100.
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name tln'in. wiih the county-seat.
8. Tho public improvements.
9 What are the population and pro-
perty ?
lo'. By whom was the county settled ?
11. What are their employments?
1'2. Their productions f
13. Literary institutions?
14. Mow is Bedford represented, and
what is its judicial district ?
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe the town of Bedford.
FOURTH CLASS BEDFORD.
205
17. In a valley I3 miles south of the town, are the celebrated " Bed-
ford Springs.^' The buildings and accommodations are spacious
and comfortable, and the surrounding grounds tastefully arranged.
This delightful spot has for many years been resorted to during the
sultry summer months, by hundreds in pursuit of health and the pure
cool air of the mountains. The number has recently so largely in-
creased, that Bedford bids fair to vie, in this respect, with the most
favourite places of the kind.
18. McConnellsburg is beautifully situated in a limestone valley, be-
tween Cove mountain and Scrub ridge, on the turnpike, 28 miles E.
of Bedford. It contains 2 churches and 486 inhabitants.
19. Schellsburg contains 316 inhabitants, and is situated 9 miles
west of Bedford, on the turnpike leading to Pittsburg.
20. Nearly all the valleys in Bedford county are of limestone forma
lion, and consequently fertile. They are generally highly improved.
21. There are numerous iron furnaces and forges in the county;
abundance of ore, wood, and limestone, presenting great advantages
for the prosecution of the iron business.
22. History. — Long before the Indian title was extinguished, the
restless cupidity of the whites led them to encroach upon this region.
In 1750, a number of the cabins of these intruders were burned by
order of the governor and council. In 1755, the province sent out
300 men to cut a road from Fort Loudon, in what is now FrankUn
county, across the mountains through Bedford to join Braddock's
road, west of the AUeghenies. The work was not completed till 1 758,
when Colonels Bouquet and Washington carried it through by
means of the large force which General Forbes was leading to the
capture of Fort Duquesne. From 1773, Fort Bedford, previously
called Raystown, became the principal depot for military stores, and
the halting-place for adventurers, between Carlisle and Fort Pitt.
Thus a small settlement around it commenced. There were at this
time several other forts in the vicinity, among which were Littleton's,
Martin's, Piper's, and Wingawn's. By 1770, considerable settle-
ments had been effected in the county, the first pioneers being from
Cumberland and Franklin. At the commencement of the Revolu-
tion, it took a decided stand against the oppressions of the mother
country, and sent two companies to Boston. The county was
erected in 1771. It then included the whole south-west part of the
state, having previously been part of Cumberland. The establish-
ment of Westmoreland in 1773, Huntingdon in 1787, Somerset in
1795, and Blair in 1846, reduced it to its present bounds. During
and for some years after the Revolution, its citizens were much ha-
rassed by the Indians. From that period, and until the era of turn-
pikes, about 1815, its growth was slow. That valuable species of
improvement added largely to the population, business, and comfort
of this and the other mountain counties.
23. Noted Citizens. — W^Wiam J^razer, recently if not yet living,
17. Bedford Springs.
18. McConnellstown.
19. Schellsburg.
20. What is said of the valleys ?
18
21. Of the iron busitie,%s ?
22. Repeat the history of Bedford, tenth
dates.
23. Name the iwted citizens.
206
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
■«-as the first white child born in the county. His birth took place
in 1759. Thomas Smith, afterwards a judge of the Supreme Court,
resided in Bedford at the commencement of the Revolution, and
efficiently supported the cause of freedom^ Johii Tod, a native of Con-
necticut, .settled as a lawyer in Bedford when youno^. He was a mem-
ber of the Senate, and speaker of the House of Representatives of
the state, a prominent member of Congress, president judge of the
court, and died in 1830, a judge of the Supreme Court of the state.
BLAIR COUNTY.
1. Blair, an iro?i mountain county, is hounded E. by
Huntingdon, N. by Huntingdon and Centre, W. by Cam-
bria, and S. by Bedford. Jirea^ 650 square miles.
2. The chief Mountains are, Tusseyh^ forming the east-
ern, and the Great Mlegheny the western, boundary. Be-
tween these are Lock, Brush, Bald Eagle, and others,
Blair being a very mountainous county.
3. The Streams are, the head- waters of the main Ju-
niata, the principal of which are, the Frankstown Branch,
Little Juniata, Clover creek, S^c.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
aad area of Blair ?
2. Name the mountains.
3. Streams.
FOURTH CLASS BLAIR. 207
4. The Soil resembles that of most of the counties of
this class. That of the numerous limestone valleys is fer-
tile, but the mountains are barren. About one-half of the
county may be fit for tillage or pasture.
5. The valuable Minerals are, abundance of iron-ore and
limestone, with bituminous coal in the Allegheny mountain.
6. Blair contains 11 townships, 3 boroughs, and seve-
ral growing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Hollidaysburg, the seat of jus-
tice, on the Juniata, with 1896 inhabitants, Gaysport and
Martinsburg ; and the villages are, Williamsburg, Franks-
town, JYewry, Davidsburg, Laurelville, Ironville, Duncans-
ville, Waltersburg, Henrysburg, and Collinsville.
8. The Public Improvements are, the state-canal along
the Juniata to HoUidaysburg, w-here it joins the Portage
railroad, which extends over the Allegheny mountain to
Johnstown ; the northern turnpike across the county through
HoUidaysburg ; and a number of bridges.
9. The Population of the territory now forming Blair,
in 1840, w^as 20,250, and the assessed value of property,
in 1845, was $3,440,000.
10. The first Settlers were mainly Scotch-Irish and Ger-
mans. Latterly, large numbers from other counties of Penn-
sylvania, and from other states, have settled in the towns.
11. Their chief Employments are, agriculture, the iron
business, and trading on the public works.
12. Their Productions are, grain, cattle, pork, iron,
and some coal.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 75 common,
and some private schools.
14. Blair elects 1 member to the House of Representa-
tives, and, with Huntingdon and Bedford, 1 to the Senate
of the state ; with Huntingdon, Centre, Mifflin, and Juni-
ata, 1 member of Congress; and is in the sixteenth ju-
dicial district.
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name them, with the county-seat.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county?
IL What are their chief employ-
ments?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is Blair represented, and what
is the judicial district?
208 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
15. The Townships are, Allegheny, Antis, Blair, Catherine, Franks-
town, Greenfield, Hustoti, Snyder, Tyrone, Woodberry, and South Woodberry.
16. Hollidaysburg is a large, busy, and growing town on the Juni-
ata, at the head of canal navigation, and at the eastern end of the
Allegheny Portage railroad. It was laid out by Adam Holliday, a
Scotchman and early settler in the county. From him its name is
taken. In 1830, it only contained 72 inhabitants, but the completion
of the main line of canal and railroad, soon after, caused it to grow
with great rapidity. It was incorporated in 1836, and contains
6 churches, 6 public schools, several founderies, a large steam flour-
mill, and a number of immense warehouses and other establish-
ments connected with the canal trade. It became the seat of justice
of Blair county in May, 1846, by the selection of the commissioners
appointed under the act of Assembly, which formed the county ; but
the county buildings have not yet been erected. It is 115 miles N. W.
of Harrisburg, 213 N. W. of Philadelphia, and 95 E. of Pittsburg.
17. Gaysport contains about 1000 inhabitants, and is only sepa-
rated by a small branch of the Juniata from Hollidaysburg. The
two boroughs in fact form one town.
18. Frunkslown is on the Juniata, 2^ miles below Hollidaysburg.
It was an important point on the northern turnpike, before the con-
struction of the canal.
19. Williamsburg is a flourishing town on the Juniata, 14 miles
below Hollidaysburg. It has a population of 637, with 5 churches,
and a number of mills.
20. Martinsburg is a thriving town in the rich valley, called Mor-
rison's cove, in the southern part of the county. It contains 422 in-
habitants.
21. Sinking-spring Valley contains lead ore, which attracted con-
siderable attention during the revolutionary war. A fort was then
erected, and a number of miners were sent out to obtain a supply
for the army. But, owing to the small quantity produced, and to
the hostilities of the Indians, the undertaking was soon abandoned.
The valley derives its name from a considerable stream, called
Arch spring, which rises in the southern part of Tyrone township,
and, after flowing northward some miles, sinks into the earth and
rises again a number of times, and disappears in the mouth of a
large cave. It is supposed to pass for several miles under Brush
and Canoe mountains, and to reappear by two branches m Canoe
valley, whence it falls into the Frankstown branch of the Juniata.
Sinkmg-spring valley is also noted for the abundance and excel-
lence of its iron-ore.
22. Nearly all the valleys that occur among the rugged mountains
of Blair are of the limestone class, and very productive. They
generally contain iron-ore of a superior quality, and the surrounding
mountains are clothed with abundance of timber. The consequence
15.
Name the townships.
20. Martinsburg.
IG.
Describe HoUidaysbuTg.
21. Describe Sinking-spring valley.
17.
Gaysport. ~
22. What is said qf the valleys and tht
1«.
Frankstown.
iron-works ?
19.
Williamsburg.
FOURTH CLASS HUNTINGDON.
209
is, that iron-works are very numerous, and add largely to the pros-
perity of the county.
23. History. — Previous to 1846, the territory now forming Blair
was included in the counties of Huntingdon and Bedford, and
its history is embraced in theirs till that period. The completion
of the state canal and railroad in 1834 added so largely to its
population, business, and wealth, as to cause the citizens to
desire its erection into a separate county. This took place in
July, 1846, the name of the county being derived from that of
John Blair, of Blair's gap, who was one of the earliest settlers
and most worthy citizens of this part of the state. He was a mem-
ber of the legislature in 1825-6, and warmly advocated the improve-
ment of the state by canals and railroads. He died about 1828.
HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
w- c f N T R e;. •
stkv
•i-^m.. MIFFLIN
• a^;*;>* *• 1 Huntingdon.
^ "> ^ 2 Alexandria,
a «=f^ i? 3 Petersburg.
\^S= '^ ^ 4 Waterstreet.
^vi~//<.^^iF ^ 5 Birmingliani.
*— '^^^^ «/ 6 Shirleysburg.
B^^# A. ^ McConnellBtown
'^^ ^ Orbisonia.
9 EnnisvUle.
1. Huntingdon, an iron mountain county, is hounded E.
by Franklin, Juniata, and Mifflin, N. by Centre, W. by
Blair, and S. by Bedford. Area^ 730 square miles.
23. Repeat the history of the county.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Huntingdon ?
18*
210
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2. The Mountains are, Tuscarora^ between Huntingdon
and Franklin, next to which are Shade, Black Log, and
Jade's mountains ; in the south are Sideling-hill, Terrace
mountain, and Broad-fop ; and west of the town of Hunt-
ingdon are Warrior ridge and Tussey'^s mountain, the latter
forming the boundary of Blair.
3. The Streams are, the Juniata, into which fall, from
the south, the Raystown Branch (with its tributary Trough
creek) and Aughwick creek, and on the north Standing-
stone, Little Juniata, and other creeks.
4. The Soil of the numerous limestone valleys is noted
for its fertihty. The greater part of that of the mountains
is barren, but where shale and slate lands occur, the soil
is easily improved. Probably one-half of the area of the
county is fit for cultivation.
5. The Minerals are, abundance of the most valuable
iron-ore and of limestone, with hituininous coal in the south-
ern part, and some hydraulic cement.
6. Huntingdon contains 19 townships, 5 boroughs, and
many villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Huntingdon, the seat of justice,
on the Juniata, with 1145 inhabitants, Jilexandria, Peters-
burg, Shirley shurg, and Birmingham ; and the villages are,
Waterstreet, McConnellstown, Ennisville, Orbisonia, Smith-
Jield, ^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the state-canal, fol-
lowing the course of the Juniata across the county ; the
northern turnpike taking the same direction ; and a num-
ber of substantial bndges.
9. The Population of the territory now composing
Huntingdon, was 19,484, in 1840, and the assessed value
of property, in 1845, was $4,973,085.
10. The FIRST Settlers were Scotch-Irish and Ger-
mans, but many have since followed from the other counties
of the state.
2. Name its mountains. \
3. Streams.
4. Describe the soil.
5. Tlie minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs, and
villages?
7. Name them, with the county town.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
FOURTH CLASS HUNTINGDON. 211
11. Their main Pursuits are, agriculture and the manu-
facture of iron.
12. The Productions are, grain of all kinds, cattle,
pork, and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, and
130 common schools.
14. Huntingdon elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives ; with Blair and Bedford, 1 to the Senate of the
state ; with Blair, Centre, Mifflin, and Juniata, 1 member
of Congress ; and is in the tw^entieth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Barre, Cass, Clay, Cromiccll, Dublin, Frank'
tin, Henderson, Hopewell, Jackson, Morris, Porter, Shirley, Springfield, Tell,
Tod, Union, Walker, Warrior^ s mark, and West.
16. Huntingdon town is delightfully situated on the north bank of
the Juniata, near the centre of the county. It was laid out a short
time before the Revolution, by the Rev. William Smith, Provost of
the University of Pennsylvania. He gave it the present name in
honour of the Countess of Huntingdon, a pious English lady, who
had been a liberal donor to the funds of the university, then recently
established. It had previously been the site of an Indian town,
called Standing-stone. It was incorporated in 1796, and contains a
large and commodious brick court-house, a stone prison, and other
county buildings, 6 churches, and an academy, and has a substan-
tial bridge across the Juniata. It is a place of considerable busi-
ness, and is traversed by the Juniata canal, and the northern turn-
pike ; and is 90 miles N. W.of Harrisburg, 186 N. W. of Philadelphia,
and 122 E. of Pittsburg.
1 7. Alexandria is a handsome town on the north side of the Juni-
ata, near the mouth of the Little Juniata, 7 miles above Huntingdon.
It contains 2 churches and 574 inhabitants.
18. Water-street is a village two miles above Alexandria. It is so
called from the fact that in early days the road passed through a
gap in Tussey's mountain which was so narrow, for more than a
mile, that the road was literally in the stream which occupied the
pass.
19. Birmingham is a thriving town on Little Juniata, 15 miles
N. W. of Huntingdon. It contains 235 inhabitants, and is in the
vicinity of the iron-works of Sinking-spring Valley.
20. Shirleysburg is 16 miles S. of Huntingdon, in Aughwick Valley,
and contams 247 inhabitants.
21. The Warm Springs are in the valley of Standing-stone creek.
It is a place of considerable resort. The water contains magnesia.
11. What are their main pursuits ?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is Huntingdon represented
and what is its judicial district?
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe Huntingdon.
17. Alexandria.
18. Water-street.
19. Birmingham.
20. S/iirteysburg.
21. The Warm Springs.
212 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
22. Huntingdon is one of the chief iron counties of the state, for
the manufacture of which valuable metal, it possesses every advan-
tage. The ore is of the best quality and in great abundance. Wood,
for the formation of charcoal, is equally plenty, and limestone is
found in every township. Water-power, for propelling the neces-
sary machinery, is abundant, and the fertile soil of the valle)''s pro-
duces all the necessaries of life. Added to all this, are the great
facilities for getting to market, afforded by the public works ; the
whole forming a combination of advantages not often surpassed.
The number of iron-works already in operation is consequently
considerable, and will beyond all doubt increase.
23. History. — The first attempt to settle Huntingdon county
seems to have been made by certain intruders upon the Indians in
1749. Their cabins were burned by order of the provincial authori-
ties in 1750. Fort Shirley, in the southern part of the county, was
built in 1756, but few permanent settlements seem to have been
made till after the treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1688. Immediately
after that event, the Scotch-Irish from Cumberland Valley entered
the county in considerable numbers. They held their ground
through all the Indian hostilities of the Revolutionary war. During
that contest an attempt was made to obtain lead for the supply of
the army from the mines in Sinking-spring Valley, now in Blair
count}'. Considerable labour and money were expended, but with-
out much success. In 1787, the county was erected, having before
formed part of Bedford, and took its name from the town of Hunt-
ingdon. About 1795, the iron business was introduced, and much
promoted the prosperity of the county. In 1804, part of Cambria
was taken off its western side. In 1840, there were 47 iron-works
in Huntingdon, with a capital of $780,000, employing 1357 men.
In 1846, Huntingdon lost more than one-third of its territory on the
west by the formation of Blair, but is still one of the most important
and flourishing counties of its class.
24. Noted Citizexs. — Hugh Brady, at present a distinguished
brigadier-general in the United States army, was born at Standing-
stone (now Huntingdon) in 1768, and entered the United States ser-
vice as lieutenant in 1792. He served under Wayne in his western
campaigns against the Indians, and greatly distinguished himself
by his gallantry and bravery during the war of 1812. He is the son
of John Brady, who was killed by the Indians, in Lycoming county,
during the Revolution, and brother of Samuel Brady, the famous cap-
tain of the scouts, who died in 1795, in his 39th year, at West
Liberty, Ohio county, Virginia.
22. The resources of the cminty. \ 2A. Name the most noted citizen.
23. Repeat its history, with dates.
FOURTH CLASS CENTRE.
213
CENTRE COUNTY.
1. Centre, an iron mountain county, is hounded E. by
Union, N. by Clinton, W. by Clearfield, S. by Hunting-
don, and S. E. by Mifflin. Jlrea^ 1000 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, Path-valley mountain on the
S. E., and then Brush and JYit'ta-ny ; Bald Eagle in the
' centre, and the Great Allegheny on the N. W.
3. The Streams are, the West Branch on the N. W.
line, into which flow Bald Eagle, Peim^s, Mo-shan'on, and
other creeks.
4. The Soil is very various. The mountains are sterile
and generally unfit for cultivation, while the intervening
limestone valleys are equal to any land in the state. Want
of water in some parts is their only defect. More than
one-half of it is tillable land.
5. The chief Minerals are, iron-ore, of excellent qua-
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Centre ?
2, What are the mountains?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
214
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
lity and in great abundance, bituminous coal west of the
Allegheny mountain, and limestone in the valleys.
6. It contains 18 townships ^ 2 boroughs, and several
villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Bellefonte, the seat of justice, in
Nittany Valley, with 1032 inhabitants, and Mileshurg ; and
the villages are, Philipsbwg, Potterh Bank, Aaronshurg,
Milheim, Boalshurg, S^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the unfinished Bald
Eagle A'^avigation, from Milesburg to Lock Haven on the
West Branch canal ; and turnpikes from Bellefonte to Lew-
istown and Meadviile.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 20,492. The assessed
value of property, in 1845, was $4,980,213.
10. The county was originally settled by Germans and
Irish, and their chief employments are agriculture and the
manufacture of iron.
11. The Productions are, grain, pork, beef, and live-
stock. Iron is manufactured in large quantities, there
being very many furnaces, forges, and rolling-mills in the
county, together with several cotton and woollen factories,
and a large number of flour-mills.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, and
90 common schools.
13. Centre elects, with Clearfield, 2 members to the
House of Representatives, and with Lycoming and Clin-
ton, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Blair, Huntingdon,
Juniata, and Mifflin, 1 member of Congress ; and is in
the fourth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Boggs, Ferguson, Gregg, Haines, Haffmoon,
Harris, Howard, Huston, Liberty, Marion, Miles, Pattoyi, Penn, Potter^
Rush, Snows/toe, Spring, and Walker.
15. Bellefonte, so called from its fine spring, (that being the mean-
ing of its French name,) is placed on elevated ground in the great
limestone valley of Nittany, and presents a pleasant though irregu-
lar appearance. It has an elegant court-house, with other county-
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and V llaffps.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. AVho settled Centre, and what are
their chief employments ?
11. Their productions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is it represented, and what is
the judicial district?
14. Name the toumships.
15. Describe BelUfonte.
FOURTH CLASS CENTRE.
215
buildings, 3chiirches, 1 academy, 1 cotton-factory, and several mills.
It was laid out in 1795, incorporated in 1814, and is 85 miles N. W.
of Harrisburg, and 183 of Philadelphia.
16. Philipsbnrg is on the high land N. W. of the Allegheny on the
Moshanon, and the turnpike to Erie. It was laid out in 1797, by
two brothers of the name of P/u7(>s, Englishmen, who erected exten-
sive iron-works and a screw-factory. It is a neat town, in the bitu-
minous coal region, and in the midst of a valuable lumber country.
17. Milcsburg is a small busy town at the junction of Bald Eagle
and Spring creeks, and at the head of the Bald Eagle Navigation.
It is 2 miles from Bellefonte, and contains 2 churches, several iron-
works, an axe-factory, and a number of mills.
18. The limestone valleys of Centre are among the richest and most
beautiful tracts of land in the state. Nittany, Brush, and Penn's
Valleys unite into one at the south-western end of the county, and
are all well-improved.
19. There are over 30 iron-ivorks of different kinds in the county,
yielding a very large amount of the best pig and bar iron that
reaches market, neither are the facilities for its manufacture inferior
to the quality of the metal. The ore is in profusion ; wood for
charcoal covers all the mountams ; limestone for flux is found in
every valley ; and the valleys also afford abundance of provisions
for the hands employed in the works.
20. The portion of the county north-west of the main Alleghany,
though rough and destitude of the beautiful and rich valleys of the
south-eastern part, contains inexhaustible quantities of bituminous
coal. Thus Centre really belongs both to the iron and coal regions
of the state.
21.' History. — The first whites seem to have settled in Centre
county, about 1768, near the present town of Milesburg. It then
composed part of Northumberland. About the same time, James
Potter took up a large tract of land in Penn's Valley, where he after-
wards built a fort, at the place still called Potter's Fort. He and
a number of others, who had settled in the same vicinity, were
however forced to abandon their new possessions by the hostile In-
dians about the commencement of the Revolution. On the restora-
tion of peace, the settlers returned, and from that period the county,
which was formed out of parts of Lycoming, Huntingdon, Mifflin,
and Northumberland, in 1800, has presented nothing remarkable in
its progress. It owes its name to its central position in the state.
22. Noted Citizexs. — James Potter, a brigadier-general in the
Revolutionary army, was one of the first settlers in Centre, and a
useful citizen. Genl. Philip Benner, who died in 1833, aged 70, in-
troduced the manufacture of iron in Centre, and took the first " Ju-
niata iron
to Pittsburg.
16. Philipahurg.
17. Milesburg.
18. What is said of the valleys ?
19. Of the iron-works ?
20. Of coal?
21. Repeat the history of Centre^ with
dates.
22. Name the noted citizens.
216
STATK-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
UNION COUNTY.
1. Union, an iron mountain county, is hounded E. by
Northumberland, N. by Lycoming, VV. by Centre and
Mifflin, and S. by Juniata. Its area is 550 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, Shade in the S., Jackh in the
W., and Buffalo and JWtany in the N., with JMiite Deer^
forming the Lycoming boundary.
3. The Strkams are, the Susquehanna and West Branch,
dividing it from Northumberland ; into the former flow
Penn^s, J\fiddle, and West Mahantongo creeks, and into the
latter Buffalo and White Deer.
4. The Soil of the valleys, especially that of Buffalo, is
unsurpassed by any in the state in point of fertility. The
mountams are sterile. The broken land in the south is
only moderately fertile. Probably two-thirds of the county
is or may be made productive.
5. The Minerals are, limestone and iron-ore, there be-
ing less of the latter than in any of the other iron counties.
6. Union contains 15 townships, 4 boroughs, and quite
a number of villages.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Union ?
2. The mountains ^
3. Suearas?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals ?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
FOURTH CLASS UNION.
217
7. The Boroughs are, JVew Berlin, the seat of justice
on Penn's creek, with 679 inhabitants ; Lewishurg on the
West Branch, with 1220 ; Mijflinshurg in Butfaio Valley,
with 704, and Selinsgrove. The villages are. Hartley ton,
Middlehurg, Swiftdown, Jidamshurg, Freehurg, JVew Co-
lumbia, ^c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Pennsylvania
canal, along the Susquehanna to Northumberland, where
it joins the West Branch canal, which passes up the east
side of that river, and is connected with Lewisburg by a
cross-cut canal and a dam in the river ; a turnpike from
Lewisburg through Mifflinsburg and Hartleyton into Centre
county ; and three large bridges over the West Branch,
one at Northumberland, one at Lewisburg, and one at
Milton.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 22,787, and the as-
sessed value oi property, in 1845, $5,235,05.3.
10. The first Settlers were mostly Scotch-Irish and
Germans from the lower counties, with some from JYew
Jersey. The German portion now form the large majority,
and use their own language.
11. Their employments are chiefly agriculture, and their
productions large quantities of all kinds of grain, cattle,
and pork. Some tobacco is also raised.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 97 common, and
some private schools. There are 30 places of public wor-
ship in the county.
13. Union elects, with Juniata, 2 members to the House
of Representatives, and with Mifflin and Juaiata, 1 to the
Senate of the state, and with Northumberland, Lycoming,
and Clinton, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the twen-
tieth judicial district.
14. The Townships of Union are, Beaver, W. Beaver, Buffalo,
E. Buffalo, W. Buffalo, Centre, Chapman, Hartley, Kelly, Middle Creek,
Pcnn, Perry, Union, Washington, and Whitedeer.
15. New Berlin is a pleasant town in the midst of Penn's Valley
and on Penn's Creek, a considerable stream which is navigable for
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Union ?
IL What are their pursuits and pro-
ductions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is Union represented, and
what is the judicial district?
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe New Berlin.
19
218
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
rafts and arks, 50 miles of its length. It contains a commodious court-
house and county-offices of brick, a stone prison, and 4 churches.
It was laid out about 1800, and was for some time called Lon^a^owii,
after the proprietor of the ground. It was incorporated in 1837, de-
riving its name from the city of Berlin in Prussia. It is 60 miles
N. of Harrisburg, 137 N. W. of Philadelphia, and 200 N. E. of
Pittsburg.
16. Leu'isburg is the largest town in the county, and is delightfully
seated on the west bank of the West Branch, at the mouth of Butialo
creek. It has a bridge over the river, and a connection with the
West Branch canal. Being the point of business, and on the
natural outlet, of the large and rich valley of Buffalo, it is a place
of considerable trade. It is connected with Bellefonte, in Centre
county, by a turnpike, and contains four churches and a foundery.
17. Nearly all the towns of Union county possess the singularity
of two names. New Berlin is called Longstown ; Lewisburg, Derrs-
lown ; Mifflinsburg, Youngmanstown ; Middleburg, Swinefordstown ;
Freeburg, Stroupstown, &c. This arose from designating each by
the name of the proprietor before some finer name had been selected,
and now the original appellation generally excludes its later rival.
18. Union, though in the midst of the mountains, is one of the
richest agricultural counties in the middle portion of the state. Her
position is peculiarly advantageous with reference to the iron and
coal-trade of Pennsylvania. Having Mifflin and Centre on the
south and west, and Columbia and Northumberland on the east,
when the minerals of those counties come fairly into use, she will
have a home market for much of her produce, and for the remain-
der will still command access to a more distant market by means
of the state canals.
19. Thus, though not herself possessed of many iron-works, she
seems by her position and productions to be most intimately con-
cerned in the success of that business.
20. Hi STOUT. — A few pioneers had settled about the mouth of
Penn's creek between 1750 and 1755, but were driven away in the
latter year by the Indians. Soon after the treaty of Fort Stanwix,
in 1768, had extinguished the Indian title to this part of the state,
and opened it to settlers, many Irish and German adventurers from
the lower counties established themselves. The first settlements
were about the mouths of Penn's and Buffalo creeks along the river.
They suffered many hardships from the Indians and their British
allies during the Revolution, but held their ground, and gradually
extended their improvements up the streams into the interior of the
county. After independence was achieved, as part of Northumber-
land, Union enjoyed quiet and prosperity. In 1813, it became a
separate county, under the name of that bond which binds the states
together, and has since been the scene of no remarkable occurrence.
21. Noted Citizens. — Col. John Kelly, born in Lancaster county
16. Leichburg.
17. HTia/ « said of the nanus of the
tCWHi ?
18. O/tht position of Union ?
19. Of the iron-business ?
ao. Reptat the history of the county, with
the dates.
21. Name the noted citizens.
FOURTH CLASS COLUMBIA.
219
in 1754, early settled in Buffalo Valley. He was a major in the
Revolutionary army, and was in the actions of Trenton and Prince-
ton, and was a brave and meritorious officer. He died in Union
county. Simon Snyder, one of the governors of the state, was long
a citizen of Union county. His residence was near Selinsgrove.
He was born in Lancaster county in 1759, and settled in Union in
1784, where he died in 1819.
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
1. Columbia, an iron mountain county, is bounded E.
by Luzerne, N. by Lycoming, and W. and S. by Northum-
berland and Schuylkill. Jlrea, bid square miles.
2. The Mountains are, Little, Catawissa, Knob, and
JYorth mountains ; Montour'' s and limestone ridges, and the
Muncy hills.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna, called the JVorth
Branch, Fishing, Ca-ta-wis'sa, Roaring, Ma-ho'ning, and
Chil-lis-qua' que creeks.
4. The Soil varies from rich limestone land to the bar-
ren rocky surface of the mountains. Much red-shale, clay,
and limestone soil is found in different parts of the county,
one-half of which may ultimately be cultivated.
i. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Columbia ?
2. The mountains?
3. Streams?
4, Soil?
220
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
5. The Minerals are, abundance of iron-ore and lime-
stone.
6. The county contains 22 townships, 3 boroughs, and
several thriving villages.
7. Danville, on the North Branch, with over 1000 in-
habitants, is the county town ; the Boroughs are, Bloomsburg,
Berwick, and Catavnssa ; the villages are, Mifflin, Jersey-
town, Fruitstown, Washington, Williamsburg, Moorshurg, Sfc.
8. The Public Improvements are, the JVorth Branch
canal, a turnpike to Potts ville, and bridges across the
Susquehanna at Danville, Catawissa, and Berwick.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 24,267. Assessed
value of property, in 1845, was $4,260,914.
10. Many of the earlier settlers were Germans from the
older counties of the state, whose descendants still use the
German language. Their chief employm^ent is agriculture,
and latterly the extensive manufacture of iron.
11. The principal Productions are, grain, meat, and
iron. A large home demand for the two former is created
by the numerous iron-works, and the neighbouring mining
region of Schuylkill.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies, 1 fe-
male seminary, and 114 common schools.
13. Columbia e/fc/^ 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and with Luzerne, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with Luzerne and Wyoming, 1 member of Congress; and
is in the eighth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Bloom, Brio r creek, Catawissa, Centre, Darby,
Fishing creek, Franklin, Greenwood, Hemlock, Jackson, Liberty, Limestoiic,
Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Mifflin, Montour, Mount Pleasant, Orange,
Roaring creek, Sugar Loaf, and Valley,
15. Danville is one of the most thriving towns in the state. Its
position on the Susquehanna river and the North Branch canal, the
inexhaustible mines of the finest iron-ore in the immediate vicinity,
together with the adjacent rich agricultural country, form a combi-
nation of advantages not often equalled. It is seated on the high
western bank of the river, with the canal in its outskirts, and the
5. ^linorals?
6. liow many townships, boroughs,
and villsigus?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and Villages 7
8. The public improvements?
9. What are the population and pro-
party ?
10. Who settled the county, and what
are their pursuits ?
11. Their productions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is it represented, and what is
the judicial district?
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe DanviiU.
FOURTH CLASS COLUMBIA.
221
celebrated Montour's ridge with its invaluable iron-ore beyond.
The town contains the usual county buildings, 3 churches, an aca-
demy, several anthracite blast furnaces, one of them the most com-
plete in the United States, and other manufacturing establishments.
Its commencement seems to date back as far as 1780, when it M'as
laid out by the Montgomery family, and is said to have taken its
name from General Daniel Montgomery, who first established a store
where Danville now stands. In 1813, it became the seat of justice
of the new county, but has never been incorporated. Since the com-
pletion of the North Branch canal, and especially since the success-
ful use of anthracite coal in smelting iron, it has improved very
rapidly, and bids fair to become one of our largest manufacturing
towns. It is 68 miles N. of Harrisburg, 120 N. W. from Philadel-
phia, and 230 N. E. of Pittsburg.
16. Bloomsburg is a well-built and growing town, 9 miles N. E. of
Danville, and a short distance from the North Branch. It has a
population of 600, and 4 churches, and is situated in a fertile part
of the county.
17. Monfou/s Ridge extends along the North Branch, from
Northumberland to Bloomsburg, a distance of 21 miles. It abounds
throughout its length both with iron-ore and the limestone so in-
dispensable in the fluxing of the metal. Since anthracite has been
used as a fuel in furnaces, the union of these three elements of
wealth forms a new era in the prosperity of this part of the state.
18. History. — Pi'evious to the commencement of the Revolution-
ary "war, there do not appear to have been any permanent settlers
in what is now Columbia county. About 1777, two brothers of the
name of Montgomery settled at the mouth of Mahoning creek.
They were soon, however, forced by the Indians to seek shelter with
their families at Northumberland, where there was a fort. On the
return of peace, they resumed their former settlement, and were
soon followed by others in different parts of the county. Berwick
was commenced in 1783. Catawissa was settled in 1787 by a So-
ciety of Friends, who have since disappeared and been succeeded
by Germans. Bloomsburg was laid out in 1802. The county was
separately organized in 1813, having before been included in North-
umberland, taking its name from the discoverer of the continent. In
1816, it received an increase of territory on the west, from North-
umberland, and in 1818, lost a portion by the formation of Schuyl-
kill. Little has since marked its history, except the oft-repeated
attempts to change the seat of justice to Bloomsburg, as being more
central.
19. Noted Citizens. — Moses Van Campen, whose narrative of
daring and suffering, as a scout during the Revolution, is known to
most readers, performed some of his boldest feats in this region.
His father was a resident of the county.
16. Also Bloomsburg.
17. ^Vbat is said of Moyitottr's Ridge,
and of the iron-busitiess ?
18. Repeat the history of Columbia, with
dates.
19. Name tlie noted citizens.
19*
222
STATE-BOOK OF PEINNSYLVANIA.
LYCOMING COUNTY.
1. Lycoming, an iron mountain county, is bounded E.
by Luzerne and Wyoming, N. by Bradlbrd and Tioga,
W. by Clinton, and S. by Union, Northumberland, and
Columbia. Its area is 1500 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, White Deer, which divides it
from Union, and the Muncy Hills from Northumberland
and Columbia, both in the South ; Bald Eagle, south of
the West Branch, extending from that stream to the Clinton
line ; and the Great ,/lllegheny lidge, here called the JVorth
mountain, traversing the county from east to west about
its centre, but greatly broken and deeply indented by
streams. Beyond this is the usual high table-land of the
Allegheny, gradually sloping towards the north and west.
3. The Strkams are, the West Branch of the Sus(jue-
hanna, through its south-western quarter ; into which
empty, from the north. Pine, Lycoming, Loyalsock, and
Muncy creeks, with some small ones from the south.
4. The Soil is very various. That of the numerous
1 . What are the clasf , boundaries, and
area of Lycoming?
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
FOURTH CLASS LYCOMING.
223
limestone valleys and river flats is remarkably fertile.
Much of the rolling upland, consisting of slate and shale^
is susceptible of cultivation. The mountain sides are
generally barren. About two-thirds of the county may
ultimately be reclaimed.
5. The Minerals are iron-ore^ limestone^ coal, andflre-
brick clay.
6. Lycoming contains 32 townships y 3 boroughs, and
several villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Williamsport, the seat of justice
on the West Branch, with 1353 inhabitants ; Muncyj with
662, and Jersey Shore, with 525 ; and the villages are,
JYewbury, Ralston, Jaysburg, Hughsville, Montour sville,
Fairview, and Uniontown.
8. The Public Improvements are, the West Branch
canal, following that stream throughout the county ; a rail-
road, intended to connect Williamsport with Elmira in the
state of New York, and completed from the former place
to Ralston, a distance of 16 miles ; and several bridges,
the largest of which is over the West Branch at Jersey
Shore.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 22,649, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $3,787,874.
10. The FIRST Settlers were chiefly Scotch-Irish, and
Friends from the lower counties, who were subsequently
followed by Germans, and latterly by many from New
Jersey, New England, and New York. The population
is now of a mixed description. In several settlements the
German language is still spoken.
11. Their chief Employments are, agriculture, lumber-
ing, and the iron-business.
12. Their Productions are, large quantities of grain of
all kinds, cattle, pork, lumber, and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, 140
common, and several private schools.
14. Lycoming elects, with Clinton and Potter, 2 mem-
4. Soil ?
5. Minerals ?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county?
11. What are their pursuits?
12. Their productions ?
13. Literary institutions?
224 STATE-BOOK OF PEN N SYLVAN L\.
bers to the House of Representatives, and \vith Clinton
and Centre, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Northumber-
land, Union, and Clinton, 1 member of Congress; and is
in the eighth judicial district.
15. The Townships of L}-coming are, Anthony, Armstrong, Brown,
Cascade, Cherry, Clinton, Coganhousc, Ciunmings, Davidson, Klkland,
Fairfield, Forks, Fox, Franklin, Hepburn, Jackson, Lnvis, Limestone,
Loyalsock, Lycoming, Mifflin, Morcland, Muncy, Muncy creek, Nippenose,
Penn's,Plunkct's creek. Porter, Shrewsbury, Susquehanna, Washington and
Wolf.
16. Williamsport is beautifully situated on the north bank of the
West Branch, between Lycomins: and lioyalsock creeks. It is hand-
somely built, with a number of tasteful private dwellings, an elegant
court-house, a jail, and the requisite countj'-otfices, 5 churches, an
academy, a bank, a foundery, and 2 large tanneries. The United
States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania is
held here alternately with Pittsburg. It was laid out in 1795, and
incorporated as a borough in 1806, and takes its name from William
Hepburn, one of the first associate judges of the county. Its position
on the West Branch canal and the Elmira railroad, together with
the rich agricultural region in the vicinity, renders it a place of con-
siderable business, which will be much increased when the railroad
is completed. It is 96 miles N. of Harrisburg, 164 N. W. of Phila-
delphia, and 196 N. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Muncy, formerly called Pennsborough, is on the north side of
the West Branch, near the mouth of Muncy creek. It is a neat
and growing town, and contains 3 churches. It is in a region ori-
ginally settled by Friends from the south-eastern counties.
18. Jersey-shore is above Williamsport, on the same side of the
river, and near the mouth of Pine creek. It has a considerable
lumber trade from the Pine creek region, and contains 3 churches,
and several elegant private residences. It was originally settled by
emigrants from IS'ew Jersey.
19. Eabton is a busy village of recent growth, at the mouth of
Stony run on Lycoming creek, 26 miles north of Williamsport. It
is the present termination of the Elmira railroad, which is in opera-
tion thus far. In Lewis township, in which Ralston is situated, there
are a furnace, rolling-mill, nail-factor}', and several saw-mills. In
the vicinity are extensive mines of iron-ore and bituminous coal,
with some limestone and fire-brick. Lower down the Lycoming
there are several other iron-works.
20. Ralston promises to be a prosperous manufacturing and busi-
ness point. The coal and iron of the vicinity, the water-power, and
the facilities for getting to market, which will be very great when the
connection with the New York works at Elmira is perfected, cannot
fail to insure its success.
14. TIow is it represented, and what is
the judicial district ?
15. Name the townships.
16. Dtscribe Williamsport.
17. Muncy.
IS. Jersey-shore.
19. Ralston.
20. What is said 0/ it as a place of busi-
ness?
FOURTH CLASS LYCOMING. 225
21. One of the most remarkable localities in Lycoming is Nippe-
nose Valley, in the south-western part of the county. It is a regu-
larly-shaped oval valley of limestone, surrounded by high mountains,
except at one point opposite Jersey Shore, where a deep gap in Bald
Eagle mountain affords access to it. Numerous small streams de-
scend on all sides from the surrounding mountain, towards the cen-
tre, and sink through the fissures and caverns of the limestone rock.
They emerge again, however, from their subterraneous channels near
the gap, and form a large spring which flows thence to the river.
The soil of this singular valley being very fertile, it has long been
inhabited, and is traversed by several public roads. It is 10 miles
in length and about 4 in breadth.
22. When the resources of Lycoming shall be fully developed, the
business of its people will be of a very mixed description. Its coal,
iron, limestone, and abundant agricultural productions will probably
combine manufactures with farming in such a way as to insure the
success of both.
23. History. — Previous to its permanent settlement by the whites,
the region now called Lycoming was chiefly occupied by the Mon-
seys, a band of the Delaware Indians, and the Shawanees, but be-
longed to the Six Nations. In 1745, the Indians were visited by
David Brainerd and the Moravians. In 1768, when the treaty of
Fort Stanwix opened it for settlement as far as Pine creek, many
Scotch-Irish from Cumberland Valley, who, in their previous Indian
expeditions, had become acquainted with the richness of the soil
along the river, eagerly took possession of it. For some 3''ears,
doubts existed as to the real bounds, westward, of the " new pur-
chase" of 1768, as it was called, and some contentions arose between
the government and the settlers. These, however, were finally set-
tled by the second treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1784. During the first
seven years of this interval, the settlers enjoyed peace with the In-
dians, and increased in numbers; but when the Revolution com-
menced, they suffered much hardship and many lives were lost.
They took a gallant part, notwithstanding, in the war for freedom.
Some joined the patriotic forces, while others erected block-houses
or forts at home for the defence of their families. From Sunbury to
Lockhaven a line of these rude but indispensable defences was
thrown up, and each of them became the scene of many a legend
of border warfare. But the settlers did not always hold their ground.
In the fall of 1777, in consequence of a series of Indian murders,
more numerous than common, and of rumors of the advance of a
large Indian force from the north, the commander of Fort Augusta,
at Sunbury, sent directions to the occupants of all the posts above
him on the West Branch to evacuate them, and take refuge in Sun-
bur}'. This caused a general panic. Every sort of craft that could
float was put in requisition, and loaded with the families and pro-
perty of the settlers. This strange fleet, gathering strength as it
floated down the West Branch, with the adult males of each family
marching along the shore, to guard the precious freight, finally
21. What of Nippenose Valley? J 23. Repeat its history, wUh dates.
SS. What of the resources of the county?
226 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
arrived in safety at Sunbury, and was long afterwards talked of as
the "Big Runaway." Thus were the settiemenls on the West
Branch for the time abandoned. But the hardy adventurers re-
turned next year, and did not afterwards leave their homes. When
the close of the war gave safety to the tiller of the soil, the Muncy
flats and other rich tracts in Lycoming, rapidly filled with inha-
bitants. In 1795, the county was erected under the name of its
chief stream. Since that time, it has been the fruitful mother of
counties: Centre, Armstrong, Indiana, Clearfield, Jefferson, McKean,
Potter, Tioga, and Clinton, having been formed from its territory.
Yet it is still the largest county in the state.
24. NoTEn CiTizExs. — Robert Covenhoven, still living near Jersey
Shore at the advanced age of 91, is a native of New Jersey. He
settled young on the West Branch. He was in the battles of Tren-
ton and Princeton. After his return to Lycoming, in 1777, he took
a distinguished part in all thescoutings and battles with the Indians,
till peace was restored. John Brady, the father of the famous Cap-
tain Samuel Brady, and of the present Brigadier-General Hugh
Brady, of the United States army, was born in the state of Delaware
in 1733. He was one of the Scotch-Insh who early settled in Lyco-
ming, after having spent some years near Shippensburg, in Cum-
berland, and in Huntingdon counties. He built a block-house, and
resided near the mouth of Muncy creek. With his elder sons he
joined the continental army at Boston. They were also at the battle
of Brandy wine. Soon after that engagement, John, the father, re-
turned to the West Branch, where he was ambushed and shot by a
party of Indians. John Borrows, who died in 1837, at the age of 77,
was born in New Jersey, and settled in Lycoming in 1794. During
his early youth he served in the revolutionary army, having been
in the military family of General Washington. He was with the
army at Long Island, Trenton, Princeton, Valley Forge, and Mon-
mouth. During his long residence in Lycoming he filled many im-
portant public offices, and uniformly enjoyed the confidence of his
fellow citizens.
21. Name the noted citizens.
FIFTH CLASS — SOMERSET.
227
FIFTH CLASS.
SOMERSET COUNTY.
1 . Somerset, a bituminous mountain county, is hounded
E. by Bedford, N. by Cambria, W. by Fayette and West-
moreland, and S. by Maryland. Area^ 1050 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, the Great Allegheny^ forming the
boundary of the county on the N. E., and thence passing
through the S. E. part ; Little Allegheny, forming the S. E.
boundary ; Savage mountain in the south-east, between
the Great and Little Allegheny; JVe^ro mountain, the middle
of the county in the south, and Laurel Hill forming the
western boundary.
3. Its Streams are, the Youghiogheny * forming the
* Youghiogheny pronounced Yo-a-gen'ny.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Somerset?
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams?
228
ST ATE- BOOK OF PENNS\'LVANIA.
boundan' of the south-west corner of the county, into
\\-hich empty Castleman^s river, with its tributaries Elk
Lick^ Buffalo Lic/t, and Cox^s creeks, and Laurel Hill
creek ; in the north Stony creek, with its branches Shade
and QuemnJioning^ flows into the Conemaugh ; in the east
are the sources of the Raystown Branch ; and in the south-
east the head-waters of WilW creek flow into the Po-
tomac.
4. The Soil is better than might be expected in such a
high region. Tlie southeryi 'part produces tolerable crops
of corn and wheat ; the northern is productive of grass,
oats, and potatoes. Somerset is noted as superior grazing
land ; for which purpose and for tillage probably three-
fourths of its area are fit.
5. The Minerals are, an abundance of bituminous coal,
a considerable quantity of limestone, and some iron-ore.
6. Somerset contains 16 townships, 3 boroughs, and some
pleasant villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Somerset, the seat of justice, near
Cox's creek, with 638 inhabitants ; Berlin with 525, and
Stoystown ; and the villages are, Smithjield, Petersburg,
Jennerville, Salisbury, and Milford.
8. The Public Lmprovements are, the J\^ational Road
in the south-west ; the Bedford and Mount Pleasant turn-
pike crossing the middle, and the Bedford and Greensburg
turnpike the northern part, and a turnpike passing in the
south-east from Somerset to the National Road at Cum-
berland, M(l.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 19,650, and the as-
sessed value o{ property, in 1845, $2,370,078.
10. The FIRST Skttlers were chiefly Germans, of
whom the greater portion of the population now consists,
using their own language.
11. Their chief Occupations are, agriculture, and the
raising of cattle and sheep.
12. The Productions are, some wheat and corn, with
4. Poll?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. What are their occupations ?
12. Produclion*?
FIFTH CLASS SOMERSET. 229
large quantities of oats, rye, potatoes, buckwheat, flax,
wool, cattle, butter and maple sugar, and some iron and
coal, the latter not being yet mined for exportation to any
extent.
13. The Literary Institutions are, an academy, 119
common, and some private schools.
14. Somerset elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Westmoreland, 1 to the Senate of the
state ; w^ith Fayette and Greene, 1 member of Congress ;
and is in the sixteenth judicial district.
15. The Townships of Somerset are, Addison, Allegheny, Brother's
Valley, Conemaugh, Elklick, Greenville, Jenner, Milford, Paint, Quema-
honing. Shade, Somerset, Southampton, Stony Creek, Summit, and Turkey-
foot.
16. Somerset is a neat, healthy town on the Bedford and Mount
Pleasant turnpike, and connected by turnpike with the Great Na-
tional Road. It contains a court-house and the other county-build-
ings, 3 churches, and an academy. It was laid out in 1795, and
was for some time called Brunerstown, from its founder, but takes its
present name from the shire town of Somerset in England. It was
incorporated in 1804. In 1833, it was visited by a devastating fire,
but has since recovered from the blow. It is 139 miles W. of Har-
risburg, 237 W. of Philadelphia, and 70 S. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Berlin, i\\e oldest town in the county, is in Brother's Valle)'',
one of the earliest settlements in Somerset. It is in a fertile region,
contains 2 churches, and is near the turnpike from Somerset to
Cumberland on the National Road.
18. Agreatpartof this county consists of what are called " glades,''
being level tracts of land with a heavy wet soil on the high table
land west of the Great Allegheny. Though too cold and moist for the
production of wheat and corn, they are celebrated for yielding supe-
rior pasture and hay. Hence, the "glade butter" is well-known in
the markets of the large cities.
19. East of the borough of Berlin, on the Great Allegheny, there
is a small tract whose springs find their way to the ocean at widely
distant points, and through various channels. Here are found some
of the sources of the Raystown Branch flowing into the Susque-
hanna, of Wills' creek into the Potomac, of Buffalo Lick creek into
the Monongahela, and of Stony creek into the Allegheny.
20. History. — Previous to 1754, Somerset county seems to have
been nearly untrodden by the foot of white men. In that year Lieu-
tenant Colonel George Washington, afterwards the Father of his
Country, was stationed at Wills' creek post, (now Cumberland, Md.,)
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is it represented, and what is
the judicial district ?
15. Name the toivtiships.
1(5. Describe Somerset.
17. BerltJi.
18. The glades.
19. Wliat remarkable tract is east of Ber-
lin?
20. Repeat the history of Somerset, ivith
dates.
20
230
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
in command of a portion of the expedition, despatched by Governor
Dinwiddie of Virginia, to occupy the Forks of the Ohio, (now Pitts-
burg.) To facilitate the passage of the troops, he cut a road through
the south-western part of the county, near where the National Road
is now constructed. The next year, Braddock's ill-fated army
marched over the road thus opened. In 1758, Col. Bouquet opened
a similar passage across the northern part of the county, which
long continued to be the only road between Philadelphia and Pitts-
burg. Soon after the formation of these routes, some of the hardy
adventurers from Cumberland Valley commenced settlements in the
county, and a number of Germans established themselves in the
eastern part of it. When Pontiac's war happened in 1763, there
were several settlements in the county. They were, however,
all broken up by the Indians during the Revolutionary war, except
those of the Germans along the eastern line. After the termina-
tion of that contest, and of the Indian wars which succeeded it,
the county began slowly to increase in population. It was erected
in 1795, out of part of Bedford, and took its name from the shire of
Somerset in England. Since 1815, about which time the great turn-
pikes of the state were constructed, it has regularly and largely in-
creased in population and wealth.
CAMBRIA COUNTY.
ioesoiN.
^- -^^
1 Ebensbur^.
3 Munster.
3 Loretto.
4 Summit.
5 Jollnsto\^•n.
1. Cambria, a bituminous Tuountain county, is hounded
E. by Blair, N. by Clearfield, W. by Indiana and West-
moreland, and S. by Somerset. Area^ 670 square miles.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and area of Cambria ?
FIFTH CLASS CAMBRIA. 231
2. The chief Mountains are, the main Allegheny^ which
forms its eastern, and Laurel Hill its western boundary.
The county occupies one of the most elevated posi-
tions in the state, on the broad westward slope of the
Allegheny.
3. It has no large Rivers. Conemaugh, Stony, and
Blacklick creeks, the heads of the Kis-kim-in-e'-tas, flow
through the south part ; and in the north. Chest and Clear-
field creeks, the sources of the West Branch, pass into
Clearfield county.
4. The Soil along the streams is productive, but the
larger portion is rugged and cold, and better fitted for pas-
ture than grain. Oats and potatoes are raised in consider-
able quantities. About one-half of the county is tillable.
5. The valuable Minerals are, bituminous coal, iron,
and limestone.
6. It contains \^ townships, 3 boroughs, and a few small
villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Ebensburg, the seat of justice,
on one of the ridges of the Allegheny, with 353 inhabit-
ants ; Johnstown, with 1377, and Loretto ; and the vil-
lages are, Summit, Munster, ^c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Allegheny Portage
railroad, crossing the county from east to west, and turn-
pikes from Ebensburg to Pittsburg, Kittanning,and HoUi-
daysburg.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 11,256, and in 1845,
the assessed value of property was $770,587.
10. The People are of Welsh and Irish origin, with
some Germans. The Welsh language is still commonly
spoken in many parts.
11. Their main Pursuits are, agriculture, lumbering,
and mining.
12. The Productions are, lumber, coal, some live-
stock, oats, and potatoes.
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams ?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
10. Who settled Cambria?
11. What are their pursuits?
12. Their productions ?
232
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, and
71 common schools.
14. Cambria elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Indiana, Clearfield, and Armstrong,
1 to the Senate of the state ; with Westmoreland and Bed-
ford, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the tenth judicial
district.
15. The Townships are, Allegheny, Cambria, Carroll, Clearfield, Co-
nemaugh, Jackson, Jefferson, Munster, Richland, Summerhill, Susquehanna,
Washington, and White.
16. Ebensburg is a small quiet town, with the usual county buildings,
an academy, and 4 churches, in several of which service is per-
formed in Welsh. It was laid out in 1805, by settlers mostly from
Wales. It was incorporated in 1825, and is 74 miles E. from Pitts-
burg, 134 W. from Harrisburg, and 232 from Philadelphia.
17. Johnstown, the largest town in the county, is seated on a flat
closed in by mountains, at the confluence of the Conemaugh and
Stony creek. It is a well-built place, with 4 churches. It contains
the large canal basin, with its surrounding warehouses and boat-
yards, and the state locomotive depot. It occupies the site of an old
Indian town, called Kickenapawling^s town, and was commenced in
1792 by Joseph Johns, or Jahns, from whom it takes its present
name. It was incorporated in 1831 by the name of Conemaugh,
which was changed to Johnstown in 1834.
18. Cambria contains that which is rare in Pennsylvania, a de-
serted village. The town of Beiilah, 2 miles S. W. of Ebensburg, was
early laid out and built, but the establishment of the seat of justice
at Ebensburg caused it to be abandoned.
19. Some of the waters of Cambria flow through the Susquehanna
into Chesapeake bay, and others into the Gulf of Mexico through
the Ohio and Mississippi. It is consequently a high county, and
its climate severe, frost sometimes occurring in the summer. Its
streams, too, are little better than torrents, which is the general cha-
racter of all those which Pennsylvania discharges towards the east.
Still these defects possess their countervailing advantages. If the
winters of our mountain counties be long, the air is bracing and
healthful, and the waters are pure, abundant, and sparkling, though
the torrents be wild. «
20. Among the stupendous works by which Pennsylvania has
sought to overcome the natural obstacles of her position, and to give
outlet to the abundance of her mineral and agricultural wealth, none
exceeds in boldness or magnitude the series of vast inclined planes
and levels, called the Allegheny Portage railway, which connects
the canal basins of Hollidaysburg and Johnstown. The distance
13. Literary institutions?
14. Unw are they represented, and
what is the judicial district?
15. Nanif the toirtiships.
16. Describt Ebouburg.
17. Johnstoivn.
18. Beulah.
19. What is said of the position and cli-
mate ?
20. Describe the Allegheny Portage.
FIFTH CLASS CLEARFIELD.
233
traversed is 40 miles; the eastern ascent 1398, and the western de-
scent 1 172 feet: the planes are 10, the longest, of 3100 feet, overcomes
a rise of 307 feet; the cars, by means of ropes, some of them over
a mile long, are raised and lowered by steam-engines at the head of
each plane ; on the route there is a tunnel of 870 feet, and a stone
arch of 80 feet span. The cost of the work was $1,500,000.
21. History. — Previous to 1797, Cambria was a wilderness, and
formed part of Huntingdon and Somerset. In that year, the first
settler took up his residence near the present town of Loretto. In
1804, it was erected into a separate county, and the ancient name
of Wales, from which a majority of its inhabitants came, given to
it. It did not increase much in population till the construction of
the public works ; since that era it has been steadily advancing.
22. Noted Citizens. — Captain Richard McGuire was the first set-
tler in the county, and the Rev. Rces Lloyd, the first in Ebensburg.
The Rev. Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, during 42 years, exercised
the functions of a Roman Catholic clergyman in the county. He
was a native of Germany, and held the rank of prince in Russia.
He spent a long life in the discharge of his sacred duties on the
bleak summit of the Allegheny. He died in 1840, aged 72.
CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
1. Clearfield, a bituminous mountain county, is bounded
E. by Centre and Clinton, N. by Elk, W. by Jefferson and
Indiana, and S. by Cambria. Area, 1200 square miles.
21. Repeat the history of Cambria.
22. Name its noted citizens.
I 1. What are the class, boundaries, and
I area of Clearfield?
20*
234
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2. This county is mountainous and hilly^ without any
long or distinct ranges, except Elk mountain in the west.
It lies on the western slope of the Great Allegheny.
3. The Streams are, the West Branch of the Susque-
hanna, navigable for lumber and arks during the freshets ;
the creeks are, Clearfield^ Chesty JMoshanon, and Jin-
derso7i^s.
4. The Soil of the alluvial valleys is highly productive.
The uplands are tolerably fertile, except where too rough
for tillage. The county is generally well adapted for pas-
ture, three-fourths of its area being probably fit for pasture
or tillage.
5. The Minerals are, abundance of excellent bituminous
coal^ with iron-ore, limestone^ ?ind fire-brick clay.
6. It contains 19 townships, 1 borough, and several
villages.
7. The Borough is Clearfield, the seat of justice, on the
West Branch, with 300 inhabitants ; and the villages are,
Curwensville, Luthersburg, Frenchville, KarthausCy and
Mount Pleasant.
8. The Public Improvements are, turnpikes to Erie,
Bellefonte, and Smethport, and some bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 7,834. The assessed
value of property, in 1845, was $798,329.
10. The people are mainly settlers from other parts of
the state, and are principally employed in farming and
lumbering.
11. The Productions are chiefly lumber, with some
grain and cattle. Clearfield contains about 100 saw-7nil Is.
12. The Literary Institutions are, an academy, a
female seminary, and 76 common schools.
13. Clearfield, with Centre, elects 2 members to the
House of Representatives, and, with Indiana, Cambria,
and Armstrong, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Butler,
2. Its mountains?
8. The public improvements.
3. Streams?
9. What are the population and pro-
4. Soil?
perty?
5. Minerals?
Id' Who settled it?
6. How many townships,
boroughs,
11. What are the productions?
and villages?
12. Literary institutions ?
7. Name the county-seat,
boroughs.
1.?. Mow is it represented, and which
and villages.
judicial district is it in ?
FIFTH CLASS CLEARFIELD. 235
Armstrong, and Indiana, 1 member of Congress ; and is
in the fourth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Beccaria, Bell, Boggs, Bradford, Brady,
Bumside, Chest, Covington, Decatur, Ferguson, Girard, Goshen, Huston,
Jordan, Karthause, Lawrence, Morris, Penn, and Pike.
15. Clearfield town occupies the site of an old Indian town, called
Chinklacamouse, from a small creek of that name near it. It was
laid out in 1805, and incorporated in 1840, and is a pleasant, quiet
place, with a court-house, prison, academy, and 3 churches. It has
also a bridge across the West Branch. It is 127 miles N. W. of
Harrisburg, 225 of Philadelphia, and 100 N. E. of Pittsburg.
16. At Karthause, so called from the name of the original proprie-
tor, the first successful attempt was made in Pennsylvania to smelt
iron by means of bituminous coal. Extensive works for the pur-
pose were erected here in 1836 by a company, but owing to the re-
moteness of the position and other causes, they are now abandoned.
17. Curwensville is a stirring place on the West Branch, and on
the Lewistown and Erie turnpike, about 5 miles S. W. of Clearfield.
It has a substantial bridge a.cross the river, and does a large lumber
business.
18. Luthcrsburg is a flourishing settlement, in a fertile agricultural
region, about 10 miles N. W. of Clearfield, on the turnpike.
19. Frenchville is on the north bank of the West Branch below
Clearfield, near the mouth of Trout creek. As its name imports, it
is a French settlement.
20. Clearfield abounds with bituminous coal, and has considerable
quantities of limestone and iron-ore. Though much of its surface
is mountainous and deeply indented by the water-courses, yet the
soil is naturally of a good quality, and is admirably adapted for pas-
turing. It still sends large quantities of lumber to market.
21. Htstort. — Until the beginning of the present century, few per-
manent inhabitants were to be found in this county. It was taken
ofl^ Lycoming and formed into a separate county in 1 804, though for
several years it remained to some extent connected with Centre. In
1823, a small addition was made to its territory from Lycoming.
Part of the new county of Elk was taken from it in 1843. The
county and county-seat are said to derive their names from certain
clear fields, apparently old Indian corn-fields, found in parts of the
county by the first settlers.
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe Clearfield.
16. Kartliause.
17. CunvensviUe.
18. Luthcrsburg.
19. Frenchville.
20. What is said of the resources of ths
county ?
21. Repeat its history.
236
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
CLINTON COUNTY.
1. Clinton, a bituminous mountain county, is hounded E.
by Lycoming, N. by Potter and Tioga, W. by McKean, Elk,
and Clearfield, and S. by Centre. Jirea^ 1050 square miles.
2. The Mountains are, the Allegheny^ about the middle
of the county, but much depressed in height ; and the
Bald Eagle in the south-east.
3. The Streams are, the West Branchy crossing from
westioediSt,^ndSin-ne'nia-ho'-ningjBald Eugle, Kettle^ and
other creeks.
4. The Soil is very various. The limestone valleys and
alluvial flats in the south-east are equal to any in the state.
In the north-west the sandstone soil is poor and thin. Be-
tween the two, a tolerably fertile slate and shale soil occurs.
About one-half of its area may be cultivated.
5. The Minerals are bituminous coal ?ind Jire-brick clay,
west of the Allegheny mountain, with limestone and iron-
ore in other parts.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area ofriimoii?
2. The inuuniains?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. ALnerala?
FIFTH CLASS CLINTON.
237
6. It contains 15 townships^ 1 borough, and several
villages.
7. The Borough is Lock Haven, the seat of justice, at
the junction of the Bald Eagle and the West Branch, with
about 500 inhabitants ; and the villages are, Lockport,
Dunnstown, Mill Hallj Farrandsville, Young- Womans-
town, ^c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the West Branch
division of the state canal, finished from Northumberland
to Farrandsville; and the Bald Eagle JVavigation, from
Milesburg, in Centre, to Lock Haven.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 8,323, and in 1845,
the assessed value of property was |1, 588,628.
10. The people are mostly settlers from the older parts
of the state, and are engaged m. farming and lumbering.
11. Lumber and grain form their mmn productions.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
41 common schools.
13. Clinton, with Lycoming and Potter, elects 2 mem-
bers to the House of Representatives, and with Lycoming
and Centre, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Lycoming,
Northumberland, and Union, 1 member of Congress ; and
is in the fourth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Allison, Bald Eagle, Chapman, Colebrook,
Crawford, Dunstable, Greene, Grove, Lamar, Logan, Lumber, Pine Creek,
Porter, Wayne, and Woodward.
15. Lock Haven, so called from its position at the junction of the
Bald Eagle Navigation with the West Branch canal, where there
are a number of canal locks, and a basin or haven on the West Branch,
is a new thriving town. It contains a neat brick court-house, a jail,
2 churches, and an academy. It was laid out in 1834, became the
county-seat in 1839, and was incorporated in 1840. It is 118 miles
N. W. of Harrisburg, and 188 N. W. of Philadelphia.
16. Farrandsville, 7 miles above Lock Haven on the West Branch,
is a deserted manufacturing village. Here were expended $700,000
by a company in the erection of a nail factory, foundery, rolling-
mill, coke iron-furnace, saw-mills, workmen's houses in large num-
bers, a splendid hotel, and other costly establishments ; and all are
6. Townships, boroughs, and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
10. Who settled the county, and what
are their pursuits?
11. Prod notions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How are they represented, and
what is the judicial district?
14. Name the toiv?iships.
15. Describe Lock Haven.
16. Farrandsville.
238
STATE- BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
now hastening to ruin, a monument of the times. Its short history
was completed in the period between 1830 and 1840.
17. Bituminous coal abounds in the part of the county north-west
of the Allegheny mountain. The limestone valleys of the south-
east and the alluvial flats along the streams are very fertile. Much
of the county is still covered with forest, from which a great deal of
lumber is sent to market by means of the numerous streams empty-
ing into the West Branch.
18. History. — In 1 768, the treaty of Fort Stanwix vested in the colony
all the lands on the West Branch to the eastern bounds of the present
county of Clmton. This brought it to the knowledge of the early pio-
neers, who shortly afterwards pushed their settlements to the fertile
bottoms at the mouth of Bald Eagle. It was then part of Northumber-
land county. The troubles of the Revolution compelled them for a
while to abandon their improvements ; but they returned with in-
creased numbers at its close. In 1794, Dunnstown was laid out, and
subsequently settlements extended themselves in diflierent directions.
In 1795, it became part of Lycoming by separation from Northum-
berland. It continued to increase slowly, till the construction of the
West Branch canal, about 1830, gave a new impetus to improve-
ment. In 1839, it became a separate county, taking a small part
of its territory from Centre, and the rest from Lycoming. Owing
its prosperity to the West Branch canal, it received the name of
Clinton, the father of similar improvements in New York.
ELK COUNTY.
1. Elk, a bituminous mountain county, is bounded E. by
Clinton and McKean, N. by McKean, W. by Jefferson,
and S. by Clearfield. Jlrea, 800 square miles.
17. What is said of the resourres ?
18. Repeat itt history, with dates.
1 . What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Elk?
FIFTH CLASS— ELK. 239
2. The Mountains are not in regular ridges, like those
of the other mountain counties, but broken and scattered.
Elk mountain in the south is the highest. The greater
part of the county lies on the north-western slope of the
Great Allegheny.
3. The Streams are, Bennefs Branch of the Sin-ne-ma-
ho^-ning ^mi\ie east, and the head waters of Clarion river
in the west, with their various tributaries.
4. The Soil is various, about one-fifth being limestone,
and the remainder of the quality usually found on the west-
ern slope of the Allegheny, being better adapted for pas-
ture than tillage.
5. The Minerals are, bituminous coal, in great abun-
dance, limestone^ and iron-oi'e.
6. Elk contains 8 townships and several small villages.
7. The Towns are, Ridgway, the county-seat, on a
branch of Clarion river, with about 200 inhabitants, and
Williamsville, Caledonia^ Kersey, Brandy-camp, Benezette,
and St. Mary^s town.
8. The only Public Improvement is the Milesburg and
Smethport turnpike.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 2,000, and
the assessed value of property, in 1845, $367,910.
10. The FIRST Settlers were from the older counties of
the state, many of them being of New England origin. A
German settlement was formed in the southern part a few
years ago.
11. Their chief Employments are lumbering and
farming.
12. Their present Productions are considerable quan-
tities of lumber, with grass, oats, and potatoes, and wheat,
rye, and corn, in the southern part. Coal is not yet mined,
except in small quantities for home use.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 16 common and
some private schools.
2. Its mountains? 9. What are the population and pro-
3. Streanns? perty ?
4. Soil ? 10. Who settled Elk ?
5. Minerals? 11. What are their employments?
6. How many townships and villages ? } 12. Their productions ?
7. Name the county-seat and villages. | 13. The literary institutions?
8. The public improvements.
240
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
14. Elk, with Warren and McKean, elects 1 member to
the House of Representatives, and with Warren, Clarion,
Jefferson, Potter and McKean, 1 to the Senate of the state;
with Erie, Warren, McKean, Potter, Clarion, and Jeffer-
son, 1 member of Congress; and is in the eighteenth judi-
cial district.
15. The Townships 2ire, Benezette,Benz{nger, Fox, Gibson, Jay, Joiies,
Riflgway, and Spring Creek.
16. Ridgway is a thriving village, selected as the count5'-seat in
1843. It is named after the late Jacob Ridgway, of Philadelphia,
who OAvned large tracts of land in the vicinity. It contains the ne-
cessar}' count)'' buildings, the court-house being a large handsome
frame edifice. It is 150 miles N. W. of Harrisburg, 260 JV. W. of
Philadelphia, and 110 N. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Caledonia is a thriving village on the Bennet's Branch, at the
point where the road leading from Karthause to Ridgway intersects
that stream. There is also a road from this point to Clearfield.
The town was commenced a few years ago by settlers from New
York and New England.
18. The greater part of Elk is still a wilderness, abounding in
bituminous coal and lumber. The soil is equal to that of any of
the counties similarly situated. It only wants good roads, and facili-
ties for getting to market, to become a flourishing and populous
district.
19. Deer, bears, wolves, and panthers are common in parts of
the county, and it is said that some Elk and Heaver are still met.
This is probably the only county in the state where the last-named
animals yet exist.
20. HisTOHT. — Elk, till about 1810, remained unsettled. It was
then included in Clearfield, Jefl^erson, and McKean. About that
time, a few pioneers, chiefly of New England origin, began to esta-
blish themselves. Of the first settlers, C. Brockway, P. Clarke,
J. Horton, J, Nicholls, B. Leggett, J.Mason, T.Dent, S. Mead, J.Ky-
ler, N. Rogers, F. Green, W. S. Meredith, and J. L. Gillis, still sur-
vive. Their numbers increased slowly till 1843, when the county
was separately organized, taking its name from Elk mountain.
Since that time, the increase of population has been more rapid. In
1842, the German Society's settlement was made a few miles north
of Kersey, and added a large number to the citizens of Elk.
. 14. How is it represented, and which
IS the judicial district ?
15. Name the tmcnships.
16. Describe Ridgivay.
17. CaMonia.
18. What is said of the resources of Elk ?
19. Of the wild animals?
20. Repeat its history.
SIXTH CLASS FAYETTE.
241
SIXTH CLASS.
FAYETTE COUNTY.
1. Fayette, a western county^ is hounded E. by vSomer-
set, N. by Westmoreland, W. by Washington and Greene,
and S. by Virginia and Maryland. Jirea^ 800 square miles.
2. The ?\IouNTAiNS are, Laurel Hill, forming the eastern
boundary, as far south as the Youghiogheny ; and Chestnut
rid^e with its southern continuation, called also Laurel
Hill, crossing the middle of the county from north to south.
3. The Streams are, the Mon-on-ga-he'la, constituting
its western boundary, and the Yough-io-ghen'y passing
from south-east to north-west through the body of the
county. Redstone, Dunlap^s, and George'^s creeks are tri-
butaries of the former, and Indian and Jacobs of the latter.
Big Sandy falls into Cheat river in Virginia.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Fayette ?
2. The mountains?
3. Streams?
21
242
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
4. The Soil in the north-west part is fertile, and well-
adapted for agriculture. The eastern and south-eastern
portions are uneven, and more suitable for pasture than
tillage. About four-fifths of the county may be cultivated.
5. The valuable Minerals are, hituminous coal, lime-
stone and iron-ore.
6. Fayette contains 18 townships, 5 boroughs, and many
thriving villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Uniontown, the seat of justice,
on Redstone creek, with 1710 inhabitants, Brownsville,
with 1362, and Bndgeport on the Monongahela, Comiells-
ville on the Youghiogheny, and Cookstown ; the villages
are Perryopolis, Bellevernon, JS^ew Haven, Gennantown,
Smitlifield, Kew Geneva, Woodbndge, Haydentown,Monroej
Kew Salem, Merritstown, Middletown, ^c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the JVational Road, or
turnpike, crossing about the middle of the county from the
south-east to the north-west, and several bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 33,574, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, $4,304,034.
10. The FIRST Settlers were from Virginia and Mary-
land, but were soon followed by many from the more east-
ern parts of Pennsylvania. The population is now of a
very mixed description.
11. Their chief Employment is agriculture, though
many branches of manufactures, such as those of iron,
woollen, cotton, salt, and glass, and boat-building are car-
ried on.
1 2. Their Productions are, grain, live-stock, wool, iron,
salt, glass, (Sfc.
13. The Literary Institutions are, a college,, an aca-
demy, and a female seminary, and 153 common schools.
Education is in a prosperous condition.
14. Fayette elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and with Greene, 1 to the Senate of the state;
4. Soil?
5. Minerals ?
6. How many
aiid villages ?
7. Name the county
and villages.
8. The public improvements?
tovpnships, boroughs,
seat, boroughs,
9. "What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. AVho settled the county?
11. What are their employments?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is it represented, and which
is the judicial district?
SIXTH CLASS — FAYETTE. 243
and with Somerset and Greene 1 member of Congress;
and is in the fourteenth judicial district.
15. The Townships an-e, Bullskin, Dunbar, Franklin, George, German,
Henry Clay, Jefferson, Luzerne, MenaUen, Nicholson, Perry, Redstone, Salt-
lick, Springhill, Tyrone, Union, Washington, and Wharton.
x6. UxioNTowx is pleasantly situated on the National turnpike,
near the centre of the county, in a fertile region. It is a compact
flourishing town, and contains the usual number of neat and spa-
cious county buildings, 7 churches, Madison college, an academy,
and a female seminary, with a large hotel. Its position on the Na-
tional Road makes it a point of considerable travel and trade. It
was laid out about 1770, and incorporated in 1796, by the name of
the "Boiough of Union," in commemoration of the union of the
states. It is 184 miles S. W. of Harrisburg, 282 W. of Philadelphia,
209 N. W. of Baltimore, and 59 S. E. of Pittsburg, by turnpike.
17. Brownsville, 12 miles N. W. from Uniontown, on the Mononga-
hela, where it is crossed by the National Road, and near the mouth
of Redstone creek, is a thriving town, with considerable manufac-
turing and other business. The Monongahela having been improved,
is navigable by steamboats from Pittsburg to this place. With Bridge-
port, a large borough close to it, Brownsville contains 7 churches, a
bank, town-hall, and several paper-mills, glass factories, piano facto-
ries, a foundery, rolling-mill, and nail factory, with other manufac-
turing establishments. Connecting Bridgeport with Brownsville
there is a cast-iron bridge across Dunlap's creek; and a noble bridge
over the Monongahela, 630 feet in length, erected at a cost of $50,000.
Brownsville was laid out in 1785 on the site of "Redstone old fort,'*
a famous post in the early wars with the French and Indians. Near
it, was also one of those ancient fortifications so common in the
valley of the Ohio and Mississippi, whose origin is now unknown.
18. Connelhville is a thriving manufacturing borough on the You-
ghiogheny, 12 miles N. E. of Uniontown. It contains 4 churches,
and has in the town or vicinity a number of furnaces, forges, and
paper-mills, with a woollen-factory, and a bridge over the river.
19. The National Road, which crosses a portion of Somerset and
the whole of Fayette and Washington counties, connecting Cum-
berland in Maryland with the Ohio river at Wheeling, and thence
proceeding across the states of Ohio into Indiana, is the most import-
ant improvement in south-western Pennsylvania. It was constructed
by the national government for the purpose of connecting the states
that lie between the Ohio and the Mississippi with the Atlantic cities,
especially that of Washington. The design has not been completed,
but has already been of great benefit. It is constructed in the most
substantial manner, and as soon as the portion through any state is
completed, the care of it is intrusted to the government of that state,
by whom toll is collected and applied to the repair of the road.
20. Delany^s cave,in West Laurel Hill, is a great natural curiosity.
15. Name the toionships.
16. Describe Uniontown.
17. Brownsville and Bridgeport.
18. ConneUsviUe.
19. The National Road.
20. Delany''s cave.
244
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
It has been explored to the distance of two-thirds of a mile, and con-
tains many spacious chambers, with large streams passing through
them.
21. Ohio-pile FnUs on the Youghiogheny, below the passage of the
river through the main Laurel Hill, presents a scene of much wild-
ness and beauty. The stream descends 60 feet in the course of a
mile, exhibiting great variety of wild river scenery.
22. Though Chestnut ridge, which is the last of the mountains
westward, traverses this and the county of Westmoreland, extending
into Indiana, yet they cannot be properly classed with the mountain
counties. They are not only more similar in their mineral and
agricultural productions to the western than the bituminous moun-
tain group, but their climate, the pursuits of their population, and
their business connections, include them in the former.
23. History. — The western part of Pennsylvania seems to have
been chiefly occupied by roving bands of the Six Nations of Indians
previous to its settlement by the English. The lower portion of it,
- including the Valley of the Monongahela with the Forks of the Ohio,
(now Allegheny county,) was supposed to be within the bounds of
Virginia, and the earlier grants of land were made under the laws
of that state. The first attempt to settle this region was made about
1748, by the Ohio Land Company, consisting of some London mer-
chants and certain citizens of Virginia, two of whom were Lawrence
and Augustine Washington, brothers of the General. Under their
auspices, Christopher Gist, (afterwards the companion of General,
then Major, Washington on his journey to Fort Lebceuf in 1753,)
explored the county, and made the first settlement within the pre-
sent bounds of Fayette county, about 1752. In 1754, Colonel Wa.sh-
ington, while proceeding to occupy the Forks of the Ohio, was met
by the French at the Great Meadows, where he built Fort Necessity,
about 10 miles east of where Uniontown now stands. In the vici-
nity he attacked and defeated them in the latter part of May, 1754.
In consequence of the arrival of a large French force from Fort Du-
quesne, (now Pittsburg,) Washington found himself compelled lo
surrender Fort Necessity on the 3d of July, and retreated with his
men to Wills' creek. In 1755, Braddock, while on his way with a
large force to attack Fort Duqucsne, was defeated near the Monon-
gahela in Allegheny county. He died of his wounds on the retreat,
and was buried in the road near Fort Necessity, and not far from
the present National Road, 10 miles east of Uniontown. After this
disaster, the few settlements in the county were abandoned. In
1759, Braddock's road or " trail," as it was called, having been im-
proved and opened as far as the Monongahela, and Fort Redstone
built, settlers, among whom was the notorious Cresap, began to en-
ter the county again. They rapidly increased in numbers till 1774,
when the murder of the Indians by Greathouse and Cresap on the
Ohio, including the family of the well-known Logan, renewed the
depredations of the savages, and reduced the settlers to great straits.
21. Ohio-pile Falls.
22. What is said of the class to which
Fayette btlongs*
23. Repeat the history of the county, with
dates.
SIXTH CLASS GREENE.
245
During the Revolution, the settlers were kept in constant dread of
the Indians, though the chief scene of the attacks of the latter was
further west. This state of things continued till 1795. when Wayne's
successful operations entirely removed Indian warfare beyond the
bounds of Pennsylvania. In 1783, the county was separately organ-
ized, having before formed part of Westmoreland, and took the
name of the Great French Volunteer in the cause of our country's
independence. In 1794, it took a very moderate part in the Whisky
Insurrection. Its prosperous history has since been marked by few
incidents of general interest.
34. Noted Citizens. — Christopher Gist, the guide of General
Washington during his first journeys and campaigns in the west,
was from Virginia, and was probably the first settler in Fayette
county. He seems to have been a brave, sagacious, and enterpris-
ing man. Col. WUliam Crawford, also, one of the very earliest
settlers, was from Berkely county, Va. He was a noted leader
against the Indians, and served with distinction as colonel in the
Revolution. He was taken by the Indians in 1782, while in com-
mand of an expedition against their towns in Ohio, and inhumanly
tortured to death. Albert Gallatin, still living in New York, is a na-
tive of Switzerland. He came to this country in 1780, in his 19th
year. In 1785, he settled at and founded New Geneva, in Fay-
ette, where he established glassworks. His talents soon distin-
guished him. He has been a member of the state convention of
1 789 ; a member of Congress ; secretary of the treasury of the United
States; one of the commissioners at Ghent in 1813, and minister to
France and England till 1826.
GREENE COUNTY.
,j 1 Waynesburg.
2 Jeflferson.
>. 3 ClarkesviUe.
4 Carmichael's T,
< 5 Greensburg.
6 Newtown.
7 Newmarket.
8 Moirisville.
9 Clinton.
1. Greene, the south-western county, is hounded E. by
Fayette, N. by Washington, and W. and S. by Virginia.
Its area is 600 square miles.
24. Name the noted citizens.
I 1. What are the class, boundaries, and
I area of Greene?
21*
246
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2. No Mountains are found in this county, though its
surface is generally hilly and uneven.
3. The Streams are, the JMon-on-ga-he'la, forming the
eastern boundary, into which fall Ten-mile, Duvkardy
IVhitely and Muddy creeks ; and in the western part are
the head waters of Wheelmg and Fish creeks flowing
through Viririnia into the Ohio.
4. The Soil, though hilly and cut into deep ravines by
the water-courses, is fertile, being, however, better adapted
for pasture than tillage, except the river bottoms, which
form first-rate farm land. The whole county may be said
to be fit for the purposes of agriculture in one or other of
its departments.
5. The valuable Minerals are, plenty of bituminous
coal, with limestone and some iron-ore.
6. Greene contains 17 townships, 1 borough, and seve-
ral villages.
7. The Borough is Wayneshurg on Ten-mile creek,
with 500 inhabitants, and the villages are, Clarksville, Car-
niichaelstown, Jefferson, Greensburg, Mount Manis, JVew-
town, Clinton, Sfc.
8. There are no canals, railroads, or turnpikes in this
county. Several state-roads have been from time to time
laid out, and bridges are constructed over the principal
streams.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 19,147, and the as-
sessed value of property-, in 1845, was $2,191,592.
10. The first Settlers were from Virginia and Mary-
land. They were soon followed by others from the east-
ern counties of Pennsylvania and from New Jersey. To
these have been added several German and Irish emigrants.
11. Their Employments are, farming and raising live-
stock. There are several woollen factories, glassworks,
and oil-mills.
12. The chief Productions are, all kinds of grain, with
large numbers of cattle, sheep, swine, and glass.
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams ?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. Townships, boronghs. and villapes?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
aad villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. VVhat are their employments ?
12 Their productions?
SIXTH CLASS GREENE.
247
13. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies and
56 common schools.
14. Greene elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and with Fayette, I to the Senate of the state ;
with Fayette and Somerset, 1 member of Congress; and
is in the fourteenth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Jlleppo, Centre, Cumberland, JDunknrd,
Franklin, Greene, Jackson, Jefferson, Marion, Monongahela, Morgan, Mor-
ris, Perry, Rich-hill, Washington, Waxjne, and Whitely.
16. Waynesburg is situated in a pleasant valley near the centre of
the county, and contains a neat brick court-house and county-ofRces,
and a stone prison, with 5 churches and an academy. The scenery
in the vicinity is delightful. It was laid out in 1796, and incorpo-
rated in 1816, taking the name of the hero of Stony Point and the
rescuer of the western frontier from Indian barbarities. It is 222 miles
S. W. of Harrisburg, 320 W. of Philadelphia, and 45 S. of Pittsburg.
17. Greene county not having any turnpikes or other lines of pub-
lic improvement leading to the great commercial marts of the state,
has heretofore had its principal busmess connections with Virginia
and Maryland. It, however, annually drives large niimbers of live-
stock, particularly swine, to the eastern counties of Penns)'lvania.
18. The face of the county, like that of the greater part of western
Pennsylvania, is very uneven; the streams having worn deep chan-
nels or ravines through the soil and into the softer coal-bearing
rocks which form the surface. Though this operation of nature has
rendered the land somewhat less convenient for tillage, it has had
the beneficial efiect of rendering easy of access the veins of coal,
limestone, and other minerals, otherwise almost too deep for profit-
able working.
19. History. — With the rest of the south-western comer of the
state, this portion being long supposed to lie within the bounds of
Virginia, was early visited by adventurers from that state and Mary-
land. For a number of years, the county continued to be the scene
of constant warfare between them and the Indians, aided by their
French allies. Many heart-rending tales of murder and devastation
are told of those trying days. In 1763, the French ceased to take
part in the contest, but the Indian ravages continued till the close
of the Revolution. From 1783, and especially from Wayne's suc-
cessful campaigns in 1794 and 1795, the quiet and safety of the
frontier being secured, Greene began regularly to fill up with emi-
grants from the older counties of this and the adjoining states. Its
more rapid increase has been only retarded by the want of greater
facilities of communication with the other parts of the state. It was
erected into a separate county in 1796, till then having been included
in Washington, and appropriately took the name of Washington's
distinguished fellow-soldier, General Greene.
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is it represented, and what is
the judicial dislrici?
15. Name the toivnship^.
16. Describe Waynesburg.
17. What is said of the business connec^
tions of Grefjie?
18. Of the face of the country ?
19. Repeat its history, with dates.
248
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
40?15:.N
1 Washington.
3 Canonsburp.
3 Monongahela.
4 Greenfield.
5 Frederick Town.
6 Hillsboro'.
7 Amity.
8 Claysville.
9 West Alexandria.
10 Middletown.
11 Mt. Pleasant.
12 Burgettstown.
13 Florence.
1. Washington, a western county^ is hounded E. by
Fayette and Westmoreland, N. E. by Allegheny, N. by
Beaver, W. by Virginia, and S. by Greene. Its area is
850 square miles.
2. It has no Mountains, but, like the rest of south-
western Pennsylvania, is hilly, being cut into deep ravines
by the streams.
3. The Streams are, the Mon-on-ga-he'la, its eastern
boundary, into which flow the north fork of Ten-mile creek
and Pigeon creek ; in the north Chartiers* and Raccoon^
two considerable creeks, fall into the Ohio below Pitts-
burg; and in the west, the heads of Wheeling^ Buffalo, and
some smaller creeks, run into the Ohio in Virginia.
4. The Soil is highly productive, and, with little ex-
ception, the whole county is susceptible of tillage.
♦Chartiers pronounced Sha/teers.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Washington?
2. Has it any mountains?
3. What are the streams?
4. The sou ?
SIXTH CLASS — WASHINGTON.
249
5. The Minerals are, bituminous coal, limestoney and
some iron-ore and salt.
6. Washington contains 27 townships, 7 boroughs, and
numerous villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Washington, the seat of justice,
on Catfish run, a branch of Chartiers creek, with 2062 in-
habitants ; Monongahela, formerly called Williamsport,
Canonsbiirg, West Middletown, Claysville, Hillsboro, and
Greenfield; and the villages are. West Alexandria, Bur-
gettstown, Amity, Mount Pleasant, Bentleyville, 8fc.
8. The Public Improvements are those in progress for
the improvement of the Monongahela Navigation ; the
Jfational Road across the county, from south-east to north-
west; a turnpike from Washington to Somerset through
Mount Pleasant ; another from Washington to Pittsburg ;
and several bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 41 ,279, and the assessed
value of property, in 1845, was $7,172,092.
10. The first Settlers were Scotch-Irish from the
eastern counties and from Ireland, with many emigrants
from Virginia, and subsequently considerable numbers of
Germans. But all differences of language and habits are
now rapidly disappearing.
11. Their chief Employment is agriculture, and the
raising of cattle and sheep.
12. Their Productions are, grain of all kinds, live-
stock,- wool in large quantities, glass and coal, though
little of the latter is mined except for home use.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 2 colleges, with
preparatory departments, 1 theological seminary, 1 supe-
rior female academy, and 233 common schools; education
being in a very prosperous state.
14. Washington elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Beaver,
boroughs,
5. The minerals?
6. How many townships,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. ^Vho settled the county ?
11. What are their chief employ-
ments?
12. Their productions ?
13. IJterary institutions?
14. How are they represented, and
which is the judicial district ?
250 STATK-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
1 member of Congress; and is in the fourteenth judicial
district.
15. The Townships are, ^^mtfc//, E. Bethlehem, W. Bellileheyv, Lvffah,
Canton, Carroll, Ceril, Charticrs, Cross-ercck, Donegal, F allmrfield , K. Find-
ley, W. Findley, Hanover, Hopewell, Morris, Mount Pleasant, Nottingham,
Peters, E. Pike-run, W. Pike-run, Robinson, Smith, Sotnersct, N. Straban,
S. S:7'aba7i, and Union,
16. Washington is a large, pleasant, and flourishing town, noted
for its literary institutions and elegant public and private edifices.
They are, a spacious new court-house, with other county buildings,
those of Washington college, a large female seminary, and
9 churches. It has the advantage of the National turnpike, and
those to Pittsburg and Philadelphia passing through it, and contains
an extensive woollen factory. It was laid out in 1782, and incorpo-
rated in 1810. It is 210 miles W. of Harrisburg, 308 W. of Phila-
delphia, and 25 S. W. of Pittsburg.
17. Monongahela city, formerly called Williamsport, at the mouth
of Pigeon creek on the Monongahela, is a busy commercial and
manufacturing town, and bids fair to attain considerable size. It is
beautifully and advantageously situated, and besides 4 churches,
contains two glass factories, with steam saw, and carding-mills, and
other manufacturing establishments. Iron-ore and salt-wells, with
abundance of coal, are found in the vicinity.
18. Canoiisbttrg is a quiet, pleasant town, 7 miles north of Wash-
ington. It is noted as a place of learning, for which purpose its
retired position, moral and intelligent population, and cheap living,
peculiarly fit it. It is the seat of Jefferson college, and the theolo-
gical seminary of the associate church.
11). The two colleges of this county are, Washington in the borough
of Washington, and incorporated in 1806, and Jefferson in Canons-
burg, in 1802. The)' are both flourishing institutions, and have been
long known as desirable places of resort for those who seek sound
instructi(m, among an intelligent and orderly people, at small cost.
Both colleges have the requisite number of professors, with the
libraries, cabinets, and philosophical apparatus necessary to enable
them to bestow an education as thorough and general as can be ac-
quired in any similar institutions.
20. The production of wool has latterly become the great business
of this county; some of its citizens owning over 20,000 head of
sheep each. In 1840, the number of these valuable animals in the
county, mostly of the Merino and Saxon breeds, was 222,631, yield-
ing annually about 600,000 pounds of wool. The number has since
probably largely increased. For the successful prosecution of this
pleasant and profitable business, the mild climate, variety of sur-
face, and extensive pasture ranges of the county are well adapted.
21. History. — After the close of Pontiac's war in 1763, pioneers
from the Scotch-Irish settlements of Cumberland Valley and Bed-
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe Washington.
17. Monen^nhda city.
IS. Canonsburg.
19. The colleges of the county.
20. What is said of wool ?
'2\. Repeat the history of Washington till
1796, loith dates.
SIXTH CLASS WASHINGTON. 251
ford, and from Virginia, established themselves within the present
bounds of Washington ; chiefly along the Monongahela. The land
titles of the county were for some years rendered complicated by
the claims of Virginia upon this part of Pennsylvania. This ceased
in 1774, at which period, the settlements had extended westward
to the Ohio in Virginia. In the opening of that year, the cold-blooded
murders perpetrated by Greathouse and Cresap upon the Indians,
including the family of Logan, at Captina and other places on the
Ohio, brought upon the infant settlements the series of attacks that
produced " Lord Dunmore's war." It was so called from the fact,
that that nobleman, then governor of Virginia, led an expedition into
Ohio against the Indians, which brought about a hollow peace in
November of the same year. There is little doubt but that the ex-
asperated feelings of the Indians produced by these murders were
one of the causes of that succession of attacks and inroads which
harassed the whole western frontier during the Revolution. The
advanced settlements of Virginia and Ohio suffered more than those
of Pennsylvania from this scourge, but the latter were often dis-
turbed. Expeditions were sent out to subdue or drive off* the Indians
in 1778, 1780, and 1782, but with little success. The like results
attended the attempts of Harraer in 1789, and St. Clair in 1791;
but in 1795, Wayne's efficient tactics completely secured the west-
ern frontier against Indian depredations. In the mean time, the
county of Washington had been erected out of Westmoreland in
1781, and subsequently reduced to its present size by the forma-
tion of Allegheny in 1788, and Greene in 1796; but had continued
to grow in population and improvement under every danger and
change.
22. In the famous Whisky Insurrection, between 1791 and 1794, this
county took the most active and leading part. This was an open,
and organized resistance of the people of the four south-western coun-
ties of Washington, Fayette, Allegheny, and Westmoreland, against
the collection of a tax, called an excise, of four cents a gallon upon
domestic distilled spirits, the law for the collection of which was
passed by Congress on the 7th of March, 1791. The people resisted
it because they said it bore severely upon the producers of grain at
a distance from the Atlantic market. It was impossible for them to
send the produce of their farms to the distant cities, over almost
impassable mountains, in the bulky shape of grain or flour, whereas,
in the form of distilled spirits, the produce of a farm was reduced to
a small size and weight, and could be readily transported. They,
therefore, said it was a tax upon them which eastern producers of
grain did not pay. After open resistance on their part, and several
modifications of the law by the government, for the purpose of re-
moving objections, many of the people proceeded to actual violence
upon the persons of the collectors of excise and others, in 1793 and
1794. In August of the latter year, a meeting of delegates repre-
senting the discontented from the four counties, with some from Bed-
ford county and Virginia, took place at Parkinsoii's Ferry, now
Monongahela city. There, owing to the judicious mauiagement of
22. State the cause and progress of the Wliisky Insurrection.
252 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Albert Gallatin, H. H. Brackenridge, and others, the spirit of oppo-
sition was greatly allayed, and moderate measures were adopted.
In November, an army of 15,000 men, composed of volunteers from
eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland, under
the command oi' Gov. Lee, of Virginia, arrived at Pittsburg. Gov.
Mifflin of Pennsylvania, Gov. Howell of New Jersey, Genl. Knox,
secretary of war, and Genl. Hamilton, secretary of the treasury, ac-
companied the army. Genl. Hand was adjutant-general. This
force had been called out some time before by President Washington
to quell the disturbance, but did not arrive till the spirit of opposi-
tion to the law had mainly subsided. Still, a number of arrests
were made, and a few persons sent to Philadelphia for trial. Two
were convicted, but soon pardoned, the chief instigators of the dis-
turbance having fled early, and thus escaped punishment.
23. Since this noted era, nothing unusual has occurred in the
annals of Washington county. It has gone on increasing not only
in population and wealth, but in learning and social order, till it is
now excelled in the last-named particulars by no part of the state.
24. NoTKo Citizens. — Thomas T^a^•^o/l, the first president of Jefler-
son college, was a man of distinguished talent, and for acquirements
remarkable for the disadvantages under which they were attained.
He applied himself to the study of the Latin language during his
leisure moments, while attending the bar of a tavern. Struck by his
love of learning, some liberal friends of genius afforded him the
means of pursuing his studies under better auspices. He graduated
at Princeton with high reputation, and was soon elected president
of the new college, but lived only a short time afterward. Joseph
Jiilner, lately governor of the state, is a native of Berks county,
where he was born in 1780, but now resides in Cumberland. He
was long a citizen of Washington, which he for six years represented
with great ability in the House of Representatives of the state, of
which body he was chosen speaker in 1824 and 1825. He filled the
governor's chair from 1835 till 1838.
23. Did any thing Temarkabk occur after- I 24. Name the noted citizens, tcilk their
wards ? acts.
SIXTH CLASS WESTMORELAND.
253
WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
BUTLER
30' W
1 Greensburg.
2 Adamsburg-.
3 Stewartsville.
4 Murraysville.
/5 NewScUem.
6 Hannastown,
7 New Alexandria.
ANA
8 YouiiKstown.
9 Ligonier.
10 Louglilinstown.
11 Pleasant Unity,
12 Mt. Pleasant.
13 Robbstown.
1. Westmoreland, a western county, is bounded S. E.
by Somerset and Cambria, N. E. by Indiana and Arm-
strong, W. by Allegheny and Washington, and S. by Fay-
ette. Its area is 1000 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are, Laurel Hill, forming the eastern
boundary, and Chestnut ridge crossing it from south-west
to north-east, about 12 miles from Laurel Hill. The rest
of its surface is moderately hilly.
3. The Streams are, the Al-le-ghen'y on the north-west,
the Kis-kim-in-^-tas on the south-east, and the Yough-io-
ghen'y and Monongahela on the west. The Loy-al-han'na
traverses the north-east part of the county, and falls into
the Kiskiminetas. Besides these, there are Se-wickly,
Jacobus, Beaver-dam, and Brush creeks.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Westmoreland ?
2 The mountains?
3. Streams?
22
254
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
4. The Soil is fertile, except on the raountain ranges;
not more than one-fifth of it is unfit for cuhivation.
5. The valuable Minerals are, bituminous coaly linie-
stonCy iron-ore^ and salt.
6. Westmoreland contains 19 townships, 8 boroughs,
and several villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Greenshurg^ the seat of justice,
near a small branch of Sewickly creek, with 800 inhabit-
ants ; Mount Pleasant^ JVew Alexandria^ Yowigsiown ,
Ligonier^ Adamshurgy West JYewtoji, and JS^ew Salem ; the
villages are, Robbstown, LougJilinstown, Stewartvillej Mur-
raysville^ Jacksonville^ ^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Pennsylvania
canal along the Kiskiminetas and down the Allegheny;
turnpikes from Bedford to Pittsburg, through Greensburg ;
from Blairsville, on the Conemaugh, to Murraysville ; from
Somerset to Wheeling, past Mount Pleasant; and from
Johnstown to Ligonier ; and several large bridges.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 42,699, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was $5,312,068.
10. The FIRST Settlers were Scotch-Irish and Ger-
mans, of whose descendants the present population is
mostly composed.
11. Their chief Occupation is agriculture, and their
productions are, large quantities of grain, particularly wheat,
with cattle, sheep, and swine. Salt is manufactured on the
Kiskiminetas, and iron along the base of Laurel Hill.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
168 common schools.
13. Westmoreland elects 3 members to the House of
Representatives, and, with Somerset, 1 to the Senate of the
state; with Bedford and Cambria, 1 member of Congress;
and is in the tenth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Allegheny, Derry, Donegal, Fairfield, Frank'
I'm, Harmony, Hcmpfidd, E. Huntingdon, N. Huntingdon, S. Huntingdon,
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. Townships, bnroiif^hs. and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county?
11. What are their pursuits and pro-
ductions ?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is it represented, and which
is the judicial district ?
14. Name the townships.
SIXTH CLASS — WESTMORELAND. 255
Ligonier, Loyalhanna, Mount Pleasant, Rostraver, Sewickly, Salem, Union,
Unity, and WasJiington.
15. Grccnsburg, the county-town, is situated on the Pittsburg and
Bedford turnpike, in a fertile part of the county. It contains a large
brick court-house and county-offices, and a stone prison, 6 churches,
and an academy. It was laid out in 1783, and incorporated as a
borough in 1799. It is named in honour of General Greene of the
Revolutionary army, and is 268 miles N. W. of Philadelphia, 170
W. of Harrisburg, and 32 S. E. of Pittsburg.
16. Mount Pleasant is a stirring place on the Bedford and Wash-
ington turnpike, 10 miles south of Greensburg. It occupies an ele-
vated site, and contains 5 churches.
17. Youngstown is near Chestnut ridge on the Bedford turnpike,
11 miles E. of Greensburg. It is a pleasant town, with 2 churches.
18. New Alexandria is a smart town 10 miles N. E. of Greensburg,
on the northern turnpike, where it crosses the Loyalhanna.
19. History. — Previous to 1758, the Forks of the Ohio, which
was the great point of interest then as now in the western part of
the state, was only approached from the east by the route of the
Juniata and Kiskiminetas on the north, or by Braddock's road on
the south. During that year, a portion of General Forbes' army
opened a road through Bedford, the northern part of Somerset and
Westmoreland, as far as the Loyalhanna. This detacliment was
commanded by Col. Bouquet. In the fall of that year he established
Fort Ligonier. When the army approached Fort'*'Duquesne, they
found it abandoned by the French and Indians. This prepared the
way for numerous settlers from the eastern counties. They pos-
sessed the land in quiet till Pontiac's war, in 1763, caused them to
seek refuge in the forts, all of which were besieged, and some taken
by the Indians. In August of the same year, the Indians havmg
been totally defeated by Bouquet at Brushy run on his march to the
relief of Fort Pitt, then surrounded by them, quiet was restored
to the settlements of Westmoreland for some years. The county
was regularly established in 1773, at which time it included the
whole north-western corner of the state. It had before formed part
of Bedford, and took the name of Westmoreland from its western
position, and from the shire of the same name in England. Its
county-town was Hanna's town, about 3 miles N. E. of the present
site of Greensburg. Here it is said the first courts were held, west
of the mountains. During the Revolutionary war, the settlers were
again harassed by the savages. In 1783, Hannastown was burned
by them, and does not seem to have been rebuilt. After this event,
Westmoreland underwent the usual vicissitudes of the frontier till
Wayne's success, and the treaty at Greenville, in 1795, established
its security and that of other western counties. In 1781, Washing-
ton was separated from it, and Fayette in 1783. Allegheny took
oif a part of. its territory in 1788, and Indiana in 1803, In 1800, it
was reduced to its present bounds by the erection of Armstrong.
15. Describe Greensburg.
16. Mount Pleasant.
17. Youngstown.
18. Neio Alexandria.
19. Relate ttie history of the county, with
the dates.
256
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
20. Noted Citizens. — General Arthur St. Clair \ras a native of
Edinburgh in Scotland, and served under Genl. Wolf at the taking
of Quebec. When the Revolutionary war broke out, having esta-
blished himself in this county, he took the side of the colonies. He
serv^ed through the whole war with credit, and rose tc the rank of
major-general. In 1785, he was elected to Congress, and was chosen
president of that bod)% He was governor of the territory north-west
of the Ohio from 1803 till 1807. During this period he commanded,
in 1791, the expedition against the Miami Indians, which terminated
so disastrously. It is but justice to his memory, however, to state
that, at the time of the attack, he w^as worn down by a fever, and
was obliged to issue his orders from a litter. In 1792, he resigned
his commission, and finally settled on Chestnut ridge in this county,
where he died in 1818, in his 84th year. William Findley, an Irish-
man by birth, was a citizen of Westmoreland. He frequently repre-
sented the county in the State Legislature, and was long a prominent
member of Congress. He was an influential member of the con-
vention that formed the state constitution of 1790.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY.
M STRONG
1 Pittsburp.
2 Allegheny.
3 Birmingham.
4 Manchester.
5 Lawrence\ille.
6 Wilkinsburg.
7 East Liberty.
8 McKeesport.
9 Elizabelhtown.
10 Noblesboro.
H Shousetown.
12 Perryville.
13 Stewart viUe.
14 Bakerstown.
15 Tarentum.
16 Sharpshurc.
1. Allegheny, a western county, is hounded E. by
Westmoreland, N. by Butler, W. by Beaver and Wash-
ington, and S. by Washington and Westmoreland. Area^
750 square miles.
20. Name the noted citizens.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Allegheny ?
SIXTH CLASS ALLEGHENY. 257
2. It has no Mountains, but is very hilly, being much
broken by its numerous water-courses.
3. Its Streams are, the Al-le-gJien' y from ttie north,
and the Mon-on-ga-he'la from the south, uniting at Pitts-
burg and forming the Oldo^ which flows to the west ; the
Yough-io-ghe7i'y flowing into the Monongahela from the
south-east ; and Char-tiers' ^ Peters, Pine, Bull, Turtle, and
Po-ke'tas creeks.
4. The Soil in the south-east portion of the county is
excellent, being of limestone formation ; in the north-west
lime is less abundant, but the soil being clayey, is sus-
ceptible of great improvement. It is nearly all tillable.
5. The Minerals are, bituminous coal in vast abundance
and of great excellence, and Ihnestone,
6. Allegheny contains 23 townships, 2 cities, 6 boroughs,
and many thriving villages.
7. The Cities are, Pittsburg, the seat of justice, between
the Allegheny and Monongahela, where they unite to form
the Ohio, with 21,115 inhabitants, and Jllleglieny, on the
west side of the river Allegheny, with 10,089. The Bo-
roughs are, Birmingham, Manchester, Lawrenceville, Eli-
zabethtown, McKeesport, and Sharpsburg. The other towns
and villages are. East Liberty, WilJdnsburg, Sligo, Miners-
ville, Steioartstovm, Bakerstown, Moblesboro, Tarentum, fyc.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Pennsylvania
canai, connecting Pittsburg with Philadelphia; Xhre^ibridges
over the Allegheny, and one over the Monongahela at
Pittsburg, each a quarter of a mile long ; and numerous
turnpikes.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 81,235, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $14,669,025.
10. The first Settlers were chiefly Scotch-Irish,
though many Germans and others have since established
themselves.
11. In the coun«try districts, the pursuits of the people
2. Has it any mountains?
3. Name the streams.
4. Describe the soil?
5. The minerals ?
6. How many townships, cities, bo-
roughs, and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, cities, bo-
roughs, and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county?
11. What are the employments and
productions of the county districts?
258
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
are agricultural^ and their chief productions are grain and
cattle, with some flax and wool.
12. The towns are actively engaged in manufactures of
all kinds, and in a large commerce \s\\hi\ie west and south-
west ; steamboat-building is also extensively carried on.
13. The Literary Institutions are, the Westeryi Uni-
versity, 3 theological seminaries, with classical academies,
female seminaries, and numerous other literary and scien-
tific establishments. There are 241 common schools in
the county, and the cause of learning generally prospers.
14. Allegheny elects 4 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Butler, 2 to the Senate of the state;
1 member to Congress; forms the fifth judicial district;
and has a separate District Court.
15. The Townships are, Baldunn, E. Deer, W. Deer, Elizabeth, Fay-
ette, Findky, Franklin, Indiana, Jefferson, Mifflin, Moore, Ohio, Peebles,
Pine, Pitt, Plum, Reserve, Robinson, Ross, Upper St. Clair, Lower St. Clair,
Versailles, and Wilkins.
A View of Pitlsburg, taken from "Day's Historical Collections of rcnnsvlvania."
16. The city of Pittsburg, in a commercial point of view, includes
that of Allegheny, with the adjoining towns of Sligo, Birmingham,
12. Of the towns?
13. What are the literary institu-
tions?
14. How is Allegheny represented, and
what is the judicial district?
15. Natne the townsltips.
SIXTH CLASS ALLEGHENY.
259
Manchester, Lawrenceville, &c., having an aggregate population of
50,000, and constituting the commercial capital of Western Penn-
sylvania.
17. Its first settlement as a tmvn seems to have commenced in
1764. In 1775, the number of houses did not exceed 30. In 1784,
Tench Francis, the agent of the Penn family, to whom the land be-
longed as a manor, laid out town-lots, which sold readily, and from
that time the place rapidly increased. It was incorporated as a
borough in 1794, and the name changed to Pittsburg, and as a city,
in 1816.
18. In 1811, the first steamboat on the western waters was built
at Pittsburg, where upwards of one hundred are now owned. From
that era, its increase in size, business, and importance, became
greatly accelerated, and its improvement in all the conveniences
and embellishments of a large town kept equal pace. It is supplied
with running water from the Allegheny by steam, and is lighted
with gas. It has seven daily, and twice as many weekly news-
papers. With its environs, it contains about 60 places of worship,
together with the literary institutions already noticed. The court-
house is a splendid edifice, having the county prison attached, and
cost $200,000. Pittsburg contains 4 banks, and a number of insur-
ance otfices. Among its vast manufacturing establishments are
many iron-founderies, rolling-mills, forges, nail, steam-engine, and
steel factories; glassworks, steam flour and saw-mills; rope-walks
and smith-shops ; with shops for the manufacture of agricultural
implements, carriages, cabinet-ware, paper, leather, hats, and almost
every article of use or fancy.
19. The greatest calamity that ever befel this city was the great
fire in 1845, from which, so great are its enterprise and resources,
it recovered in a few months, though one-third of the town was
consumed.
20. The prosperity of Pittsburg is the eflect of its position at the
head of the navigable Ohio, and of its exhaustless beds of coal. The
first renders it the great distributing point, to the west and south-
west, of the articles which co??wifrce bears overland from the Atlantic
cities; and the second enables it to manufacture, for the same market,
other articles of indispensable use, whose carriage from abroad is
thereby saved. These natural advantages can never be taken away.
21. Pittsburg is 300 miles west of Philadelphia and 200 of Har-
risburg, by turnpike, and 394 from the former and 286 from the lat-
ter, by canal and railway.
22. The State Penitentiary, for the western district, is in Allegheny
city. It is constructed on the same plan, and managed in the same
manner, as the one at Philadelphia, but is not so large.
23. There are a great number of flourishing toAvns in Allegheny
county, of which only a short description can be here given.
16. What is embraced in Pittsburg ?
17. WJien was it laid out and incorpo-
rated ?
18. What does it contain, and what is
its business ?
19. UTiat befell it in 1845 ?
20. What is the cause of its prosperity?
21. What is its distance Jrotfi FhiladeU
phia and Harrisburg ?
22. Where is the Western penitentiary ?
23. WhcU is said of the other towns ?
260 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
24. Birmingham is beautifully situated one mile south of Pittsburg,
on the opposite side of the Monongahela. It has a turnpike connec-
tion with Elizabethtown, and a bridge to Pittsburg. It contains
^o-reral extensive glass and iron-works, and several other manufac-
tories, 2 churches, and 1554 inhabitants.
25. Manchester is a place of more recent growth, on the north side
of the Ohio, about a mile below Pittsburg. It is also a busy manu-
facturing town, with many pleasant country-seats on the high
grounds in its rear.
26. Sligo is on the south side of the Monongahela, opposite Pitts-
burg. It contains extensive iron-works, glass-works, and boat yards.
All the coal used in these establishments, together with a large
quantity for shipment, is taken out of the hill behind the town, and
let down to the factories in which it is used, or to the wharves where
it is shipped, on short railroads. Sligo contains 2 churches.
27. Lau-renccville is on the east bank of the Allegheny, 2^ miles
above Pittsburg. It contains 3 churches and 867 inhabitants, and
has many manufacturing establishments, such as woollen, paper, and
edge-tool factories, boat-yards, &c. In this town the United States
arsenal is situated, and near it are several handsome country-seats.
28. Sharpsbnrg is on the east side of the Allegheny, 5 miles above
Pittsburg, with the state canal passing through it. It contains
several boat-yards, and is a busy town.
29. McKeesport is 12 miles from Pittsburg, at the junction of the You-
ghiogheny with the Monongahela. It contains several boat-yards,
saw-mills, and flour-mills, and in the immediate vicinity are many
mines, from Avhich a vast quantity of bituminous coal is annually
raised for the supply of the toM-ns on the Ohio and Mississippi.
30. Klizabethtoivn is a busy manufacturing town, beautifully placed
on the east side of the Monongahela, 16 miles from Pittsburg. It
contains a number of boat-yards, factories, mills, and a glass-house,
with 3 churches.
31. Tarcntum is on the west side of the Allegheny and on the state
canal, 21 miles above Pittsburg. There are a number of mills here
propelled by the water-power of the canal. It is a growing town,
with 2 churches.
32. Bakerstoivn is a pleasant country-village on the turnpike to
Butler, and 16 miles from Pittsburg. It is in a flourishing agri-
cultural district, and supplies many articles to the Pittsburg market.
33. To this list might be easily added as many more, most of
them being growing and prosperous towns, with various manufac-
turing, mining, or commercial establishments. From this it is evi-
dent, that though Allegheny county is a rich and fertile agricultural
district, )^et her commercial, manufacturing, and mining interests
exceed all others ; and that the prosperity of her farmers must be
greatly promoted by the home demand thus created for their produce.
24. 0/ Birmingham ?
25. j\]anrhester?
2(i. Sligo?
27. LauTencevilU?
29. S/iarpsbnTS?
2y. McEccspurt?
30. Elizabethtown?
31. 7'are7Uum?
32. Bakerstown?
33. ^Vhat is evident fro7n the number and
kind of towns ?
SIXTH CLASS ALLEGHENY.
261
34. History. — Long before it became permanently settled, the
territory of this coanty was known, and its importance duly appre-
ciated by the whites. Genl. Washington, on his way to Le Boeuf,
in 1753, examined the "forks" of the Ohio, (now Pittsburg,) with a
view to the establishment of a fort to check the incursions of the
Indians, and encroachments of the French. In the spring of 1754,
a body of Virginians commenced the work, but were captured by
the French, who completed and called it Fort Duquesne. In 1755,
Genl. Braddock was defeated and killed in an attempt to retake the
post.
35. The French retained it till 1758, when it was abandoned to
Genl. Forbes. In 1759, Genl. Stanwix constructed a formidable
work, embracing the old fort, and called it Fort Pitt, in honour of
the distinguished British statesman of that name. It remained in
the possession of the English till the beginning of the Revolutionary
war, when it fell into the hands of the Americans, and with it the
control of the surrounding country.
36. During and subsequent to the Revolutionary war, its inland
position secured this county from foreign attack, but it continued to
be much annoyed by the Indians. Several expeditions were de-
spatched from Fort Pitt against them. While Genl. Brodhead com-
manded here, in 1780 and subsequently, one of the principal Indian
lighters of this part of the west was the famous Capt. Samuel Brady,
whose daring exploits are still the theme of wonder. In 1788, Alle-
gheny, including all the territory of Pennsylvania north and west
of the Ohio and Allegheny, became a separate county, taking
the name of one of its rivers. It had previously formed part of
Westmoreland.
37. From 1791 till 1794, the Whisky Insurrection disturbed Alle-
gheny, in common with the other south-western counties. After the
large force sent out on that occasion had been disbanded, many of
the volunteers being pleased with the country, returned from the east-
ern counties and states, and became permanent settlers. The county
was completely freed from Indian atrocities by Wayne's campaign,
and after 1795, no further injury was experienced from that quarter.
In 1800, Butler, Beaver, Mercer, Venango, Crawford, and Erie, were
formed out of its extensive territory to the north and west, and Alle-
gheny reduced to its present limits. Since that era, its course has
been one of almost uninterrupted prosperity.
38. Noted Citizens. — Thomas Hutchins, a distinguished geogra-
pher and historian, who published several works of merit, was born
in New Jersey about 1730, but early settled in Pittsburg, where he
died in 1789. General John Neville was born in Virginia in 1731.
He was present as a lieutenant at Braddock's defeat, and subse-
quently served through the whole Revolutionary war. After the
close of that contest, he became a citizen of Allegheny, and held
several distinguished civil offices. In 1791, when the excise law
34. Repeat the history of Allegheny under
the French.
35. Under the British.
36. From the Revolution till 1791..
37. What happened then, and subse-
quefitly?
38. Name the noted citizens.
262 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
was passed, General Washington appointed him inspector under it,
hoping that his great personal popularity might aid in allaying the ex-
citement against that unpopular act. This hope proved groundless,
for his house was burned, his property destroyed, and his life threat-
ened by the insurgents. He continued, however, to enjoy the confi-
dence of Washington during the life of that great and good man,
and died in 1803. Presley Neville, his son, was an accomplished
scholar and distinguished citizen. He was also a soldier of the
Revolution, during part of which period he acted as aide-de-camp to
General La Fayette. He removed to Ohio in 1815, where he died
in 1819. Isaac Crai^ was born in Ireland in 1743, and emigrated to
America in 1768. He served as captain of marines on board the
Andrew Doria, under Captain Nicholas Biddle, and subsequently
became a captain of artillery. He was present at the battles of
Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germautown. He held im-
portant military offices during the administration of Washington
and Adams, and died in 1826. James CHara was also a native of
Ireland. He and Isaac Craig established the first glassworks at
Pittsburg. He v/as also the first person who transported salt from
Solina, in New York, to western Pennsylvania. By that means, the
price of this indispensable article was at once reduced to one-half
that which it had cost when packed on horseback over the mountains
from the Atlantic cities. Major jibraham Kirkpalrick was a native of
Maryland. He served during the Revolutionary war, and at its close
settfed in Pittsburg. He was quartermaster-general during the ad-
ministration of President Washington, and during his whole life was
distinguished for an utter want of personal fear. Hvfrh Henry Braxk-
enridge was born in Scotland in 1750. When five years of age, he
came with his father to America. After a variety of pursuits, he
studied law, settled in Pittsburg in 1781, and soon became distin-
guished. He was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of the
state in 1800, and died in 1816. He was a man of great eccentricity
of character, but of considerable acquirements, and was the author
of Modern Chivalry and Law Miscellanies. Joseph Mdison was the
first judge who presided in Allegheny county under the Constitution
of 1790, and was an accomplished scholar. Henry Baldwin was born
at New Haven, in Connecticut, about 1776, and early settled in
Pittsburg. He was an able lawyer, and for several years a promi-
nent member of Congress. He was appointed by President Jackson
a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, which office he
filled till his death in 1844.
SIXTH GLASS — INDIANA.
263
INDIANA COUNTY.
4<014n3N'
WESTMOtlE LAN
1 Indiana.
2 Bhiirsville.
3 Saltzburg.
4 Armag-h.
5 Nicholsburg.
6 Georgeville.
7 Home.
8 Shelocta.
9 Lewiaville.
10 Mechanicsburg.
O 11 Strongstown.
1. Indiana, a western county, is bounded E. by Cam-
bria and Clearfield, N. by Jefferson, W. by Armstrong,
and S. by Westmoreland. Its ai'ea is 775 square miles.
2. Its Mountains are. Laurel Hill, terminating in
larsfe irre2:ular hills in the south-eastern corner of the
county, and Chestnut ridge j entering it from Westmoreland,
about 10 miles west of Laurel Hill, and extending north-
ward nearly half its length. The rest of Indiana presents
the usual hilly appearance of the western counties.
3. The Streams are, the Co7i-e-maugh' , (called the Kis-
kiminetas lower down,) forming its southern boundary,
into which flows Blacklick, with its tributaries, Twolick
and Yellow creeks. Ma-ho' -ning diT\(\. Crooked creeks pass
westward across Armstrong to the Allegheny. In the east,
some of the head waters of the West Branch arise.
4. The Soil of the northern and w^estern parts resem-
bles that of the w^estern counties generally, but is not quite
so fertile as those to the south-west of it. The mountains
are of course barren. About three-fourths of its area may
be cultivated.
1. AVhat are the class, boundaries,
and area of Indiana ?
2. The mountains ?
3. Streams?— 4. Soil?
264 BTATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
5. The Minerals are, bituminous coal^ saltj iron-ore,
and limestone. ,
6. Indiana contains 12 townships, 4 boroughs, and a
number of pleasant villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Indiana^ the seat of justice, near
TwoHck creek, with 674 inhabitants ; Blairsville^ on the
Coneraaugh, with 990 ; Saltzhurg and Armagh. The vil-
lages are, Georgeville, Ho77ie, Sheloda^ Lewisville^J\Khols-
burgj Mechanicsbuig, Strongstown, S^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are the Pennsylvania ca-
nal^ along the Conemaugh ; the northern turnpike crossing
the south-east corner of the county, from Ebensburg to
Blairsville, and another from Ebensburg to Kittanning,
through Indiana.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 20,782; and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, was $2,142,176.
10. The FIRST Settlers were principally Irish, and a
majority of the present population are their descendants,
though many Germans have since established themselves
in the county.
11. Their chief Pursuits are, agriculture, lumbering,
and the manufacture of salt.
12. The Productions are, grain, lumber, and salt.
Many horses, cattle, and sheep are raised and driven to
the east.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, and
130 common schools. There are many churches in the
county.
14. Indiana elects 1 member to the House of Representa-
tives, and, with Clearfield, Cambria, and Armstrong, 1 to
the Senate of the state ; with Clearfield, Armstrong, and
Butler, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the tenth judicial
district.
15. The Townships are, .Armstrong, Blacklick, Bnish Valley, Centre,
Conemaugh, Greene, Mahoning, Montgomery, Washington, Wheatfcld,
White, and Young.
6. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs and
villafies?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ? /
10. AVho settled Indiana ?
11. What are their employments?
12. Productions ?
i;j. Literary institutions?
It. How is Indiana represented, and
what is its judicial district?
15. Name the torcTiships.
SIXTH CLASS INDIANA.
265
16. Indiana, the county-town, is pleasantly seated on high ground
near the centre of the county. It is neatly built, and contains the
requisite county buildings, 4 churches, and an academy. It was
laid out in 1805, and incorporated in 1816, its name and that of the
county being formed from the word Indian. It is 248 miles N. W.
of Philadelphia, 150 N. W. of Harrisburg, 54 N. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Blairsvilk is a flourishing town on the Conemaugh, below the
mouth of Blacklick creek, and has principally sprung up since
the commencement of the state canal. It is a place of considerable
trade, especially in the pork business. It contains 5 churches, and
has a noble bridge, of one arch of 295 feet, over the Conemaugh.
18. Saltzburg is also on the Conemaugh, 10 miles below Blairs-
ville. It is so called from the numerous salt-works in the vdcinity.
19. Nine miles below Blairsville, the western division of the state
canal passes through b. tunnel of 1000 feet in length, cut through the
rock. At the same point it crosses the Conemaugh by means of a
large and substantial stone aqueduct.
20. The lowest summit in Pennsylvania, between the waters of the
Susquehanna and those of the Ohio, is said to be in the north-eastern
part of Indiana. This point is between Cushing creek, emptying
into the West Branch, and Two-lick into the Conemaugh.
21. Near the same place was the Cherry-tree station, somewhat
noted among the early settlers of the west, as being the highest point
on the West Branch to which a canoe could be pushed. From this
place an Indian path led to the old Indian town of Kittanning.
22. Though more uneven and hilly than most of the other western
counties, Indiana possesses all the resources of that class. She con-
tains coal, salt, iron-ore, and limestone, has the advantage of vici-
nity to the public works of the state, and enjoys a pleasant climate.
She is, therefore, rapidly becoming a rich and prosperous county.
23. History. — The first permanent settlement of the county was
made in 1771, near where the town of Indiana now stands, by Scotch-
Irish from Cumberland Valley. Their numbers slowly increased,
and they seem to have enjoyed peace with the Indians till tlie break-
ing out of the Revolution drove the latter into open hostility. From
that period, they suffered much, and many were forced lo abandon
their improvements, till Wayne's peace, in 1795, rendered their return
safe. After that event, the county slowly became peopled. It was
separated from Westmoreland and Allegheny in 1803. Many Ger-
man citizens have since been added to the population, which has
more than doubled in the last twenty years.
24. Noted Citizens. — William Johnston wks the first to introduce
the manufacture of salt into this region. This act, in point of real
utility, exceeds most of those public services which are generally
more lauded.
16. Describe the town of Indiana.
17. Blairsville.
18 Saltzburg.
19. WJiat is said of the tunnel?
20. Of ttie summit ?
21. Of Cherry-tree station?
22. Of the resources of Indiana ?
23. Repeat its history, with dates.
24. Name the noted citizen.
23
266
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
ARMSTEONG COUNTY.
1 Kittanning.
2 Freeport.
3 Leechburg.
4 Warren.
5 MiddletowTi.
6 Lawrencebiirg.
1. Armstrong, a western county, is hounded E. by In-
diana and Jefferson, N. by Clarion, W. by Butler, and S.
by Westmoreland. Jirea 625 square miles.
2. It has no Mountains, but its surface is generally
broken and hilly.
3. The Streams are, the Allegheny, which traverses it
from north to south, and is navigable except during low
water, and the Kis-ld-jnin-e'tas which separates it from
Westmoreland. The creeks are, the Red Bank, Mahoning^
Crooked, Pine, Buffalo, ^c.
4. The Soil is various. The rolling land in which
limestone occurs is fertile, and the river bottoms are among
the most productive in the state. Much of the residue,
forming about one-fourth of the county, is unfit for culti-
vation.
1, What are the class, boundaries and
area of Armstrong?
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
SIXTH CLASS ARMSTRONG.
267
5. The Minerals are, coal^ iron, salt, and limestone
in abundance.
6. It contains, 12 towtiships, 2 boroughs, and some
small villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Kit-tan'ning, the seat of justice,
on the Allegheny, with 702 inhabitants, and Freeportj with
727 inhabitants. The villages are, Leechburg, Warren^
Lawrencehurg, Middletown, ^c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Pennsylvania
canal, which passes along the Kiskiminetas, and turnpikes
to Indiana and Butler.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 19,500 ; and, in 1845,
the assessed value of property was $1,618,800.
10. Some of the people are of German, and some of
Irish origin. Many are from the adjoining counties.
11. Their Pursuits are chiefly agricultural.
12. The Productions are, grain, cattle, some wool, and
large quantities of lumber. To these are to be added the
considerable amount of salt and iron annually manufactured.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
female seminary, and 152 common schools.
14. Armstrong elects 1 member to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Clearfield, Indiana, and Cambria,
1 to the Senate of the state ; with Butler, Indiana, and
Clearfield, 1 member of Congress; and is in the tenth
judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Allegheny, Buffalo, Franklin, Kittanning,
Kiskiminetas, Madison, Perry, Pine, Plum creek. Red Bank, Sugar creek,
and Wayne.
16. Kittanning is pleasantly seated on the river-flat of the Alle-
gheny, with high hills in its rear. It is regularly laid out, and con-
tains the usual county buildings, with 3 churches. It occupies the
site of an old Indian town of the same name, which was a noted
point on the great Indian path, from the upper Ohio to the waters
of the Susquehanna. It was laid out in 1804, and incorporated in
1821. It has an ingenious wire ferry, the boat being driven across
the river by the force of the current striking against its side in an
5. Minerals ?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. "What are their pursuits?
12. Their productions ?
1.3. liiierary institutions ?
14. How is the county represented, and
what is its judicial district?
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe Kittanning.
268
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
oblique direction. Kittannins: is 45 miles N. E. of Pittsburg, 166
W. of Harrisburg, and 284 of Philadelphia.
17. Frecport is a busy town with 727 inhabitants, on the Allegheny,
and on the western division of the state-canal. It is 16 miles below
Kittanning. It contains o churches, 2 steam woollen factories, a
stearn saw and flour-mill, and has a number of salt-works in the
vicinity.
18. Lccchbrirg is also on the canal. 15 miles from Kittanning. A
dam at this point has been constructed acrciss the Kiskiminetas,
27 feet high and 574 long, for the supply of the canal. The water-
power thus created is yet unimproved. Leechburg contains about
250 inhabitants.
19. There are several furnaces and other iron-works in operation
in the county. Of these, the Great Western iron-u-orks in the north-
west corner are said to be among the most extensive in the Union.
There are also a number of salt-vorks which have long been esta-
blished. On the whole, it would seem as if Armstrong bids fair to
add manufactures to her other means of wealth.
20. History. — Previous to 1756, the history of this county is the
same as that of the surrounding region. In that year, Gcnl. (then
Col.) Armstrong, of Cumberland county, led an expedition against
the Indian town of Kittanning, which he took and burned. In 17G8,
the eastern portion of its territory was purchased by the state from
the Indians, and in 1784, that part lying west of the Allegheny. In
1780, and for some years after, it was the scene of many Indian
fights, in which Samuel Brady, the famous captain of the scouts, bore
a gallant part. It received few settlers till 1800, when it was formed
into a separate county out of parts of Lycoming, Westmoreland, and
Alleghen}'. It was named in honour of Genl. Armstrong, whose
family owned the site of the count)'-seat where he had destro)'ed the
old Indian town. Since 18.30, the completion of the state-canal has
added to its population and wealth. In 1839, its northern end was
taken off to form part of the new county of Clarion.
21. NoTKD Citizens. — Robert Orr, an Irishman by birth, settled
in western Pennsylvania in 1773, and, partly at his own expense,
raised a volunteer company in 1781, with which he joined General
Clarke's forces against the Indians on the Ohio. He was wounded
and taken in that disastrous expedition, and remained prisoner at
Montreal till 1783. He was an associate judge of Armstrong from
its first organization till 1833, when he died.
17. Freeport.
18. Leechburg.
19. \Vhat is said of mami/acturest
20. Rrptnt the history of the county.
21. l\'atne a noted citizen.
SIXTH CLASS — JEFFERSON.
269
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
1. Jefferson, a western county, is bounded E. by Clear-
field and Elk, N. by Warren, W. by Venango and Cla-
rion, and S. by Indiana. Its area is 950 square miles.
2. Though it contains no Mountains, the county is hilly
and uneven.
3. The Streams are, the Clarion and Red Bank, with
their branches in the central part of the county, the Ma-
honing in the south, and the Te-o-nes'ta in the extreme
north-west. All flowing south-westward ly towards the
Allegheny.
4. The Soil of the river bottoms is excellent ; that of
the level uplands is also moderately fertile ; but the hill
sides are generally rocky and broken. About three-
fourths of it may ultimately be fit for cultivation.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Jefferson?
2. Its mountains ?
c
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
23^
270
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
5. The chief Minerals are, hUuminous coal, vith some
iron-ore and limestone.
6. JefTerson contains 14 townships, 1 borough, and a few
small villages.
7. The Borough is Brookville, the seat of justice, with
276 ihhabitants, and the villages are, Port Barnett, Punxa-
tawny, Troy, Jefferson, Sfc.
8. The only Public Improvements are, the Bellefonte
and Erie turnpike passing through Brookville, and the
state road from Kittanning to Olean Point in New York.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 7,253, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, -$821,298.
10. The first Settlers were chiefly from the older
counties of the state, many of them being of New England
origin, and recently a number of German emigrants have
estabhshed themselves in the southern part.
11. Their main Occupation heretofore has been lum-
bering, the county containing much excellent pine timber,
and many saw-mills. But latterly, considerable attention
is given to agriculture and the raising of live-stock.
12. Their Productions are large quantities of excellent
lumber sent down the chief streams, with a sufficiency of
grain and other agricultural produce for the support of
the inhabitants.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
73 common schools.
14. Jefferson elects, with Clarion and Venango, 2 mem-
bers to the House of Representatives, and, with Clarion,
Warren, McKean, Potter, and Elk, 1 to the Senate of the
state; with Erie, Warren, McKean, Potter, Elk, and Cla-
rion, 1 member of Congress; and is in the eighteenth
judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Barnett, Clover, Eldred, Gaskrll, Jenks, Perry,
Pine creek, Porter, Rose, Snyder, Tconesta, Warsaw, Washington, and
Young.
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villapes?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
6. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. "NMio settled the county ?
11. AVhat is their chief occupation?
12. Their productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is Jefferson represented, and
what is its judicial district?
15. Name the toiciishii/s.
SIXTH CLASS JEFFERSON.
271
16. Brookville, the county town, is pleasantly seated on the sources
of the Red Bank, or Sandy-lick creek. It was laid out in 1830, and
incorporated in 1834, and, with the usual county buildings, contains
an academy and 1 church. It is supplied with running water in
pipes. It is 167 miles N. W. of Harrisburg, 265 N. W. of Phila-
delphia, and 85 N. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Punx-a-tan/ny is a pleasant little village in the southern part
of the county, on Mahoning creek.
18. Like most of the new northern counties, Jefferson yet contains
few towns or villages properly so called. Most of those marked on
the maps are merely settlements, or places where the population is
more dense than in other parts of the county. These scattered
hamlets usually contain a school-house, a number of saw-mills, and
occasionally a church. Many of them will no doubt become flou-
rishing towns.
19. When Jefferson shall be cleared of the heavy pine forests that
now cover a great portion of its surface, it will prove a rich and pros-
perous county. The soil, though not the most fertile in the state, is
productive, and particularly well-adapted for raising sheep and live-
stock of all kinds. It has abundance of coal, with considerable
quantities of iron-ore, and some limestone, and contains many large
streams, with abundance of water-power. All these advantages
must, before many years, produce their full effect in the hands of
an intelligent and enterprising population. This result will be hast-
ened, when the distant holders of large tracts of land shall see, as
they must, the policy either of improving them, or of selling to those
who will.
20. History. — The first permanent settlement in the county was
made at Port Barnett, 1 mile east of Brookville, in 1797, by settlers
from the West Branch. From 1800 till 1804, a few others from differ-
ent places followed. In the latter year, the county was erected out
of parts of Lycoming, taking its name from the third President of the
United States; but was not regularly organized for judicial purposes
till 1830. From that time, the county began to receive settlers pretty
rapidly. A number of Germans established themselves in the
southern part, and several enterprising citizens from Ncav England
and New York gave an impulse to the lumber trade, which has
added largely to its business and wealth. In 1843, it lost part of its
territory by the erection of Elk county.
21. Noted Citizexs. — Joseph Barnett was the first settler in the
county. He was from the West Branch, and had served during the
Revolution under General Potter, and subsequently on the part of the
state in the Wyoming troubles. He settled Port Barnett in 1797.
16. Describe Brookei'ille.
17. Pioixatawny.
18. What is said of the towns ?
1 9. O/" the resources of Jefferson ?
20. lie}jeat its histort/, with dates.
21. Name a noted citizen.
272
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
CLARION COUNTY.
1. Clarion, a western county, is hounded E. by Jeffer-
son, N. by Venango, W. by Venango and Butler, and S.
by Armstrong. Area^ 600 square miles.
2. It has no Mountains. The surface is hilly and rolling.
3. The chief Streams are, the Allegheny river^ passing
alonfj its south-west border, and Clarion and Red Bank
creeks, both emptying into the Allegheny.
4. The Soil infertile and adapted to the growth of grain,
except a portion along the streams, which is much broken.
Four-fifths of it may be fit for tillage or pasture.
5. The Minerals are, bituminous coal, iron-ore, and
liinestojie.
6. It contains 14 townships , 1 borough, and a few
villages.
7. The Borough is Clarion, the seat of justice, on the
Clarion, with 500 inhabitants; the villages are, Stratton-
ville, Shippensville, Greenville, Carlesville, Callenburg, Sfc.
8. The Public Improvements are, a turnpike from Cla-
rion to Bellefonte and Meadville.
1. Wliat are the class, boundaries,
and area of Clarion ?
2. Has it any mountains?
3. What are the streams ?
4. Describe the soil.
5. Tlie minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name them, and the county-se.it.
8. The public improvements.
SIXTH CLASS CLARION.
273
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 9,500, and in
1845 the assessed value o{ property was $1,294,796.
10. The Inhabitants are generally from other parts of
the state.
11. They are chiefly engaged in agriciiUure, and the
lumber and iron business.
12. Their Productions are those of a new fertile county,
with large quantities of lumber and iron.
13. The Literary Institutions are, an academy, and
90 common schools.
14. Clarion elects, with Jefferson and Venango, 2 mem-
bers to the House of Representatives ; with Warren, Jeffer-
son, Elk, McKean, and Potter, 1 to the Senate of the state;
and, with Erie, Warren, McKean, Potter, Elk, and Jeffer-
son, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the eighteenth
judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Beaver, Clarion, Elk, Farmingfon, Limestone,
Madison, Monroe, Paint, Perry, Porter, Red Bank; Richland, Toby, and
Washington.
16. The town of Cknon was only laid out in 1840, and for its time
has made considerable advances. It is a fresh-looking, thriving
place, on the turnpike leading from Bellefonte to Erie, and contains
an elegant court-house, substantial prison, and an academy. It was
incorporated in 1841, and is 187 miles N. W. of Harrisburg, 285 of
Philadelphia, and 75 N. of Pittsburg.
17. Shippensville is a pleasant village on the turnpike, 7 miles west
of Clarion. It contains 1 church, and is a place of some business.
18. Strattonville is also on the turnpike, Smiles east of the county-
seat, with 2 churches. It is in a thriving farming neighbourhood,
and has a considerable trade.
19. Though Clarion contains abundance of coal, limestone, and
iron-ore, no part of its mineral wealth, except the latter, has yet been
made productive. Iron-works of difierent kinds have been erected,
and have added largely to the business, wealth, and population of the
county.
20. History. — The territory of this county was first settled about
1801. It previously formed parts of Armstrong and Venango. It
was erected into a separate county in 1839, taking the name of its
main stream, and promises to become a populous and wealthy
county.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
10. Who settled Clarion?
11. What are their pursuits?
12. Their productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is the county represented,
and which is its judicial district?
15. Name the townsliips.
10. Describe Clarion.
17. Shippensville.
18. Strattonville.
19. What M said of the mineral resources
of Clarion ?
20. Repeat its history, with dates.
274
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
VENANGO COUNTY.
1. Venango, a western county, is hounded E. by Jeffer-
son, N. by Warren and Crawford, W. by Mercer, S. by
Builer, and S. E. by Clarion. Area 850 square miles.
2. There are no Mountains in the county, but it is very
much broken into steep hills by the various water-courses.
3. The Streams are, the Allegheny^ winding through its
centre, into which flow French and Oil creeks from the
west, and Te-o-nes'ta from the east, with their branches,
and other small streams.
4. The Soil on the table-lands, between the streams, is
good; along the river bottom it is very fertile ; but on the
steep and broken hill-sides it is of little value for tillage.
About three-fourths of the county may be susceptible of
cultivation, but it is better adapted for pasture than tillage.
5. The Minerals are, iron-ore in great abundance, bi-
tuminous coal in the southern, and limestone in the south-
western part.
6. Venango contains 16 townships^ 1 borough, and
several villages.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Venango?
2. Has it any mountains?
3. Which are the streams ?
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
6. How many townships, boroughs, and
villages ?
SIXTH CLASS VENANGO.
275
7. The Borough is Franklin^ the county-seat, at the
junction of French creek and the Allegheny, with 595 in-
habitants ; and the villages are, Vtica, Cooperstown,
Hickory-town, Clintonville, Perryville, Teonesta, and
Wesley.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Franklin line of
the Pennsylvania canal, from the Allegheny along the French
creek to Meadville ; turnpikes from Franklin to Clarion,
Meadville, Butler, and Warren ; and a large bridge over
the Allegheny at Franklin.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 14,500 ; and
the assesssed value of property, in 1845, was $1,109,403.
10. The FIRST Settlers were from the older counties
of the state, with some from New England.
11. Their chief Employment is agriculture, with alarge
iron business, and some lumbering.
12. Their Productions are, grain and live-stock, iron
and lumber.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
124 common schools.
14. Venango elects, with Clarion and Jefferson, 2 mem-
bers to the House of Representatives, and, with Crawford,
1 to the Senate of the state ; with Mercer and Crawford,
1 member of Congress ; and is in the sixth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Allegheny, Canal, Cherry-tree, Cornplantcr,
Cranberry, French creek, Irwin, Oakland, Pmegrcwe, Plum, Richland,
Rockland, Sandy creek, Scrubgrass, Sugar creek, and Teonesta.
16. Franklin is placed on French creek, near its confluence with
the Allegheny, and contains a stone court-house and jail, an aca-
demy and 3 churches. It was laid out in 1795, and incorporated
in 1828. It takes its name from Fort Franklin, which was erected
within the bounds of the present town in 1787. It is a place of
some business, and has a splendid bridge over the Allegheny, and
one across French creek. It is 213 miles N. W. of Harrisburg,
310 N. W. of Philadelphia, 68 N. of Pittsburg, and 62 S. E. of Erie.
17. The point of confluence of the French creek with the Alle-
gheny has always been one of note and importance. Even before
the whites took possession of this part of the continent, it had been
occupied by an Indian town belonging to the Monseys, a tribe of
7. Name them, and the county-seat.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Venango?
11. What are their main pursuits?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is Venango represented, and
which is its judicial district?
15. Name the tovniships.
16. Describe Franklin.
17. What is said of its position ?
I
276 STATK-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the Delaware?. The French erected a fort here about 1750, as one
of a chain of posts intended to connect their Canadian possession
with the Mississippi. It was finally abandoned and burned by them
in 1759. In 1787, the United States government erected Fort Frank-
lin at the same place. This was occupied till after Wayne's treaty
at Fort Greenville put an end to all danger of Indian hostilities.
And now it is the site of the town of Franklin, and the point where
the state-canal intended to connect the Allegheny with Lake Erie,
strikes the former. Thus, in war and in peace, by savages and
civilized men, has it always been esteemed a commanding position.
18. Utira, on French creek, and Coopcrstoivn on Sugar creek, both
7 miles from the county-seat, are flourishing villages, containing
saw-mills, grist-mills, founderies, carding and woollen mills, &c.
19. Only the southern part of Venango county lies in the great
bituminous coal basin of the valley of the Ohio, whose rocks here
dip towards the south and south-east. From its northern part, the
coal-hearing strata of rocks seem to have been removed by some
natural convulsion. This has exposed the strata next in order,
which are similar to those forming most of the surface of the iron
mountain counties. Hence that part of Venango is found to pos-
sess abundance of iron-ore, and numerous works for its refinement
and manufacture have already been established.
20. HisTouY. — The greater part of the county was occupied by
the Motiscys, a band of the Delaware tribe, before the French visited
it in 1749. In 1759. the latter abandoned their fort at the mouth of
French creek, and their control over the Indians. About 1767, the
Moravians, under Zeisberger, established a missionary station at
Goshgoshunk on the Allegheny, near the mouth of the Teonesta, and
afterwards further up the former stream, near the present Hickory-
town. In 1770, they removed to Friedenstadt, in Beaver county.
The county remained unoccupied from that time till 1 792, except that,
in 1787, the United States government erected a fort at Franklin.
Settlers began to arrive from the older counties of the state, and
some from New England, about 1790. Much confusion prevailed
among them for some years, the claims of the large land- com-
panies and land owners, and those holding under donation titles
from the state, coming into conflict with those of the actual settlers.
The county was erected in 1800, taking the Indian name of the
.«?tream now called French creek. It had before been included in
Lycoming and Allegheny. In 1805, it was finally organized for ju-
dicial purposes, and in the same year, the disputes about land titles
were terminated by the decision of the Supreme Court of the United
States. Since that time, the construction of the Franklin line of
canal, and the establishment of numerous iron-works, have very
greatly promoted its settlement and improvement. In 1839, it lost
some of its south-eastern territory by the formation of Clarion.
Ifi. Of Vtira ami Coop«rston-ii ? | 20. Repeat its history, with dates.
19. Of the mineral resouTces of tlu county ?
SIXTH CLASS CRAWFORD.
277
CRAWFOKD COUNTY,
1. Crawford, a western county, is hounded E. by War-
ren, N. by Erie, W. by Ohio, and S. by Mercer and
Venango. Area^ 975 square miles.
2. It has no Mountains, but is generally undulating or
rolling.
3. The chief Streams are, the French creek^ (formerly
called Venango^) Conneaut^ Cassewaga, and the head-
streams of the Shenango and Oil creeks.
4. The Soil is generally fertile^ but a large part of it
better adapted to grazing than the production of grain.
The whole is lit either for farming or grazing.
5. The Minerals of value are, some iron-ore and lime-
marl. Little, if any, coal occurs.
6. Crawford contains 28 townships^ 3 boroughs, and a
number of growing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Meadville, the seat of justice, on
French creek, with 1319 inhabitants, Conneautville and
Woodcock ; and the villages are Harmonsburgy Centreville,
Conneaut-town, Pottersville, Titusville, 8fc.
8. The Public Improvements are, the state-canal from
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Crawford?
2. Has it any mountains?
3. Name the streams.
24
4. Describe the soil.
5. What are the minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
278
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Beaver to Erie^ ^vhicll crosses it from S. to N., the French
creek feeder and Franklin line of state-canal, which con-
nect the Erie canal at Conneaut with the Allegheny at the
town of Franklin, and turnpikes to Erie, Mercer, and
Franklin.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 31,724; and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was $2,881,388.
10. The county is generally peopled from the older
parts of the state.
11. Agriculture forms their chief Employment, and fur-
nishes nearly all their productions. Maple sugar in con-
siderable quantities is made. There are several saw^ grain^
paper^ fulling^ and oil-mills^ and few distilleries.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 college, 1 aca-
demy, and 264 common schools.
13. Crawford elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Venango, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
wuth Mercer and Venango, 1 member of Congress; and is
in the sixth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Athens, Beaver, Bloomfield, Conneaut, Cas-
sewaga, Fairfield, E. Falloivficld, W. Fallowficld, Gy-eonrood, Huyfeld,
Mead, Oil creek, Randolph, Richmond, Rockdale, Rome, Sadsbury, N. She-
nango, S. Shenango, Sparta, Spring, Summerhill, Sunmxit, T)vy, Venango,
Vernon, Wayne, and Woodcock.
1.5. Meudvdlc is one of the pleasantest towns in north-western Penn-
sylvania. It is seated on a beautiful flat on the east bank of French
creek, and contains a number of handsome private residences. The
streets are laid out at right angles, and the public buildings placed
round a large square. They are, a spacious and substantial court-
house, with a prison, a number of churches, an academy, and other
edifices. It has also several paper-mills, an oil-mill, an edge-tool
factory, and several other mills driven by the ample water-power of
the vicinity. The town was commenced, in 1789, by David Mead,
from whom it takes its name. It was about that time the site of a
block-house built for protection against the Indians. It was incor-
porated in 182.3, and is 90 miles N. of Pittsburg, 37 S. of Erie, 237
N. W. of Harrisburg, and 33.5 of Philadelphia.
16. About a mile north of the town, on a commanding eminence,
is situated jiiUglieny College, now belonging to the Pittsburg Confer-
7. Name them, and the county-8cat.
8. The public imjirovi-mcnts.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
10. AVho Bellied Crawtbrd ?
11. What are ihcir employment and
productions ?
12. Literary institutions?
1.3. Mow is Crawford represented, and
what is its judicial district?
14. Name the tmcnships.
15. Describe MeadviUe.
16. Allegheny college.
SIXTH CLASS CRAWFORD. 279
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is a noble strncture,
and the institution is in a flourishing condition. The number of
students in alt the departments is about 150.
17. In the vicinity, there is also an arsenal for the preservation of
the arms belonging to the state. It was erected in 1816, and is an
ornament to the place.
18. From the banks of Oil creek, a species of oil exudes and may
be seen on the surface of the water some distance down the stream.
The oil is burned in lamps, and is also in some repute for its medi-
cinal qualities.
19. Conaeaut Lake is a beautiful sheet of water, about Smiles long
and 3 wide. It has been converted into a basin or feeder for the state-
canal, and its surface raised several feet by leading the water of
French creek into the lake. Oil-creek Lake, and Sugar-creek Lake
are also in Crawford county.
20. The greater portion of Crawford is beyond the bituminous
region of western Pennsylvania, but is admirable pasture-land.
Much of it is, however, fertile wheat soil. The prosperity of the
county will be undoubtedly promoted by the opening of the long-
delayed Erie canal.
21. History. — The Seneca Indians seem to have occupied this
part of the state previous to 1748, when the French first visited it.
The latter had control of it in their passages from Lake Erie to the
Allegheny till 1758. After that time, it was uninhabited by white
men till 1788, when a band of pioneers from Northumberland settled
near the present town of Meadville. The State Land Law of 1792,
regulating the terms of settlement and the claims of the large land
companies, for some years prevented the rapid population of the
county. The Indian hostilities, which took place about the same
time, also had their effect in producing this state of things. In 1795,
General Wayne's treaty with the Indians, after his successful cam-
paign, removed the latter difficulty. In 1800, the county was sepa-
rately established, being taken from Allegheny, and deriving its
name from Col. William. Crawford, one of the defenders of the west-
ern frontier, who was burned by the Indians, at Sandusky, in 1782.
In 1805, the Great Holland Company land case was decided, and
soon after put an end to the controversies about titles. Since that
period, the county has been steadily increasing in prosperity and
population.
22. Noted Citizens. — David Mead, the founder of Meadville,
seems also to have been, with his father who was killed by the In-
dians, the first settler in the county. He died in 1816, aged 65.
Robert E. Randolph, who died in 1830, aged 89, was among the first
settlers. He was a native of New Jersey. He served his country
during the Revolutionary war, and was at the battle of Germantown.
17. The arsenal.
1 8. Oil creek.
19. Conneaut lake.
20. What is said of the bi4siness of the
county?
21. Repeat its history, with dates,
22. Name the noted citizens.
280
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
BUTLER COUNTY.
1. Butler, a western county, is hounded E. by Arm-
strong and Clarion, N. by Venango, W. by Beaver and
Mercer, and S. by Allegheny. Area, 780 square miles.
2. It presents neither mountains, nor any considerable
hills. The surface is of a rolling or undulating character.
3. No large Stream passes through this county, but the
c/^Z/f^-Z^e^^/touches its north-east and south-east corners. The
creeks are, Con-e-que-nes' sing, Slippery-rock, and Muddy.
4. The Soil is tolerably fertile, with very little waste
land. A large portion of it is sandy, but in the south it is
more loamy and of greater fertility.
5. The valuable Minerals are, abundance of bituminous
coal, iron-ore, limestone, and salt.
6. It contains 17 tow7iships, 5 boroughs, and several
villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Butler, the seat of justice, on
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
art-a of Butler?
2. Has it any mountains?
3. Name the streams.
4. Describe the soil.
5. The minerals.
G. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Naine them, and the county-seat.
SIXTH CLASS BUTLER. 281
Conequenessing creek, with 861 inhabitants, Harmony^
Zelienople, Prospect^ and Portersville ; the villages are,
Centreville^ Woodville, Murrinsville^ Summerville, Si'c.
8. The Public Improvements are, graded roads, called
" clay pikes," leading from Butler to Pittsburg, Mercer,
Freeport, and Harmony.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 22,378 ; and, in 1845,
the assessed property was $2,361,209.
10. The FIRST Settlers were from the other parts of
the state. Many Germans, Irish, and some Scotch have
since taken up their residence.
11. Their Pursuits are mainly agricultural, though a
number are engaged in manufactures.
12. The Productions are, grain and live-stock, with
some wool and silk. There are several iron-furnaces,
woollen factories, saw and oil-mills. Little lumber is sent
to market.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, and
152 common schools. The spirit of education is increasing.
14. Butler elects 1 member to the House of Representa-
tives, and, with Allegheny, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with Armstrong, Indiana, and Crawford, 1 member of
Congress ; and is in the seventeenth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Buffalo, Butler, N. Butler, Centre, Cherry,
Clearfield, E. Conequenessing, W. Conequenessing, Cranberry, Donegal,
Franklin, Mercer, Middlesex, Muddy creek, Parker, Slippery-rock, and
Venango.
16. The Town of Butler occupies a high position with an extensive
prospect, near the centre of the county. It is a pleasant, quiet
county-seat, with the usual county buildings, of a plain substantial
kind. It has 4 churches and an academy. It was laid out in 1800,
and incorporated in 1817, taking its name from the county. It is
30 miles N. of Pittsburg, 205 W. of Harrisburg, and 300 of Phila-
delphia.
17. Harmony, 14 miles S. W. of Butler, is a thriving village. It
■was founded by the German Society of Harmony, (who now reside
at Economy in Beaver county,) in 1804, when they first settled in
Pennsylvania. They sold their large estate here in 1814, for a con-
siderable sum of money, and removed to Indiana, whence they re-
turned to Beaver county in 1825.
S. Tlie public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro
perty ?
10. Who settled Butler ?
11. What are their pursuits?
12. Productions?
24
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is Butler represented, and
what is its judicial district?
15. Name the townshifs.
16. Describe the town of Butler.
17. Harmony.
282
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
18. Zclictiople is near Harmony on the Conequenessing, and 15
miles from the county-town. It is a pleasant village, with over
300 inhabitants. It is in a fertile region, abounding with coal, lime-
stone, and iron-ore.
19. Ccntrcvilk is 14 miles N. W. of Butler, on the turnpike to
Mercer. It is a thriving village, of recent growth, with near 300 in-
habitants.
20. This county possesses most of the elements of comfort and
prosperity. The climate is salubrious, the waters are pure and
abundant, and the soil is kindly and generally productive. It has
also abundance of iron, coal, salt, and limestone. To these natural
advantages, numerous manufactures have been added, consisting
of iron-works, woollen factories, and flour, saw, and oil-mills. Some
attention has also been paid to the production of wool and silk.
21. The cultivation of the mulberry and the production of silk seem
to form an employment very suitable to the population and climate
of the greater portion of this state. The labour of feeding the silk-
worms is light and pleasant, and can be chiefly performed by females
and children, without material interruption to other business. The
business, also, is one that can be commenced at little expense. A
few mulberry-trees, some silk-worm eggs, and a book descriptive of
the means of using them, are all that is needed. With this stock
to begin with, the business can be enlarged to any extent, both the
tree and the worm being of easy propagation.
22. HisTonT. — A band of the Delaware tribe occupied the terri-
tory of Butler before its settlement by the whites. Their village,
about 10 miles N. W. of Butler, was called Kaskaskunk. This was
in 1770, when the Moravians first visited the region. No perma-
nent settlement was eflected till 1792, when the law for the settle-
ment of that part of the state, north and west of the Ohio and Alle-
gheny rivers and Conewango creek, was passed. Though this law
eflected the settlement of the county, which mainly took place about
1796, it opened a wide door for imposition upon the real settlers by
the land-jobbers, and produced numberless controversies. The
county was taken otf Allegheny in 1800, and named in honour of
General Richard Butler, who fell at St. Clair's defeat in 1791. In
1805, the United States Supreme Court settled the land controversies
by which the improvement of the county had been retarded. Since
that event, its increase in population and wealth has been slow but
steady.
23. Noted Citizens. — William ^yrcs was the first prothonotary
of the courts, and afterwards filled several honourable stations.
John Gilniore was long a citizen of Butler. He was at various times
a member of the state legislature, and of Congress, and state
treasurer.
18. Zdienople.
19. Centreville.
20. What is said of the resouTces of Butler?
21 . Of the silk husiness?
22. Ktptat its history, with dates,
23. Nayne the iwted citizens.
SIXTH CLASS — BEAVER.
283
BEAVER COUNTY.
1 . Beaver, a loestern county, is hounded E. by Butlei
and Allegheny, N. by Mercer, VV. by Ohio and Virginia,
and S. by Washington. Area^ 650 square miles.
2. It has no Mountains, nor any considerable hills, ex-
cept on the streams. The surface is generally rolling.
3. The Rivers are, the Ohio^ which crosses the south
part of the county ; in the north the Mahoning from Ohio,
and the Shenango from Mercer unite and form the Beaver,
which joins the Ohio at Beaver. The creeks are, Slippery
Rock, Conequenessing, Racoon, and Little Beaver.
4. The Soil is fertile, particularly the river bottoms.
It may all be called farm-land.
5. The chief Minerals are, bituminous, with a bed of
cannel coal, frequent strata of limestone, and some iron-ore.
6. It contains 21 townships, 11 boroughs, and many
thriving villages.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Beaver ?
2. Has it any mountains?
3. Name the streams.
4. Describe the soil.
5. What are the minerals ?
G. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
284
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
7. The Boroughs are, Beaver^ the seat of justice, on
a high bank at the junction of the Beaver and Ohio, with
551 inhabitants ; JVew Brighton, with 981 ; Brighton,
Bridgewater, Fallston, Freedom, Philipshurg, Darlington,
Mount Jackson, Hookstown, and Frankfort-springs. The
villages are, Sharon, Rochester, Economy, and Georgetown.
8. The Public Improvements are, the state-canal along
the Beaver and Shenango, connecting the Ohio with Erie
harbour ; the Pennsylvania and Ohio, and the Sandy and
Beaver canals, both connecting the Beaver with the Ohio
state- canal.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 29,368. In 1845,
the assessed value of property was $4,073,824.
10. The FIRST Settlers were from the other parts of
the state, with recently some Germans and Irish.
11. Their chief Occupations are agriculture, and a va-
riety of manufactures.
12. The Productions are those of a fertile agricultural
district, to which have recently been added some silk and
wine, and various manufactured articles.
13. The Literary Institutions are, an academy,
2 female seminaries, and 160 common schools. Educa-
tion is encouraged.
14. Beaver elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and with Mercer, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with Washington, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the
seventeenth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Big Beaver, Little Beaver, N. Beaver, S. Beaver,
Chippewa, Economy, Greene, Hanover, Hopewell, Marion, Moon, Ohio, Pat-
terson, Perry, Racoon, Rochester, New Sewickley, N. Sewickley, Shenango,
Slippery Rock, and Wayne.
16. Beaver is an old-fashioned, quiet county-town. It has the usual
court-house and jail, and 3 churches, built around a large open
square, through which passes the long main street. It was laid out
in 1791, and incorporated in 1802. It is 28 miles N. W. of Pittsburg,
230 W. of Harrisburg, and 328 of Philadelphia.
17. The cluster of towns at the mouth of Beaver was suddenly pro-
duced by the speculation of 1836. The design was to enlarge the
7. Name them, with the county-seat.
8. The pulilic improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Beaver?
11. What are their occupations?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How is it represented, and which
is the judicial district ?
15. Name the toivnships.
16. Describe the town of Beaver.
17. ^Vhat is said of the towns at the
mouth of Beaver ?
SIXTH CLASS BEAVER. 285
whole into a city, to be called " Beaver." The hope of success was
based on the position and water-power of the locality. But the pro-
ject was pushed too fast, and failed.
18. Ten miles further up the Ohio, on the same bank, is an in-
stance of the success of the opposite system. This is Economy, the
village of the Harmony Society. It was founded by George Rapp
and his followers, from Germany. They first settled in Butler
county, calling their place Harmony. The soil not suiting their
flocks and vines, they removed to the Wabash, in Indiana, about
1814. There they built a beautiful town, but the place proving un-
healthy, they returned to Pennsylvania, and finally settled where
they now are, in 1825. They x)wn about 3500 acres of land, which,
together with all their property, is held in common. They number
about 400, and are not increasing, as marriage is discouraged, and
few new members are admitted. Since their settlement at Economy,
they have greatly improved their property and added to their wealth.
They possess all the requisite buildings for the convenience of the
society, with a large steam cotton and woollen factory, flour-mill,
and also a silk-factory. They pay much attention to the culture of
the vine and Mulberry. In agriculture they excel, and are famous
for their choice domestic animals. The whole is under the care of
their patriarch, Rapp, who is their spiritual as well as temporal
guide. They generally use the German language.
19. This society is another proof of the certainty of slow, com-
bined, and continued effort in overcoming obstacles, and accumu-
lating wealth. But whether the result is a sufficient compensation
to each member for the personal independence and domestic happi-
ness sacrificed to attain it, he alone can tell.
20. The first thing that strikes the mind on examining this county
is its commanding position, as regards communication with the
lakes, the interior of Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, and in fact
the whole Ohio valley. These outlets must ultimately employ its
immense, but now nearly idle water-power, and render it a great
manufacturing point. Where water-power is absent, abundance of
coal is found to form a cheap substitute, and the fertile soil of the
county will feed almost any number of people who may engage in
the various pursuits, for which it holds out so many inducements.
21. Htstort. — Zeisbcrger and other Moravians, who established a
mission in 1770, were the first white settlers in Beaver county.
The Indians who then frequented the region were the Six Nations,
the Shawnees, and Delawares. The same year Washington ex-
amined it to select land for the soldiers of the French war. In
1778, Fort Mcintosh, near the present site of Beaver, was built.
During the next 17 years, the county was so much infested by
the Indians, as to be incapable of habitation. This state of things
was ended by Wayne's treaty, in 1795. A rush of settlers then oc-
curred, but the land titles of the north-west corner of the state had
been rendered so intricate by previous legislation, and by the con-
18. Of Economy?
19. Of what is it a proof ?
20. What is said of the position and re-
sources of the county ?
21. Repeat its history, with dates.
286
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
flicting claims of the land companies and of individuals, that, for
several years, its improvement was materially retarded. In 1800,
the county was separately organized, taking its name from the river.
It was previously embraced in Allegheny. In 1 805, the land con-
troversies were terminated by the decision of the Supreme Court of
the United States. Since which time, and especially since the con-
struction of the canals, its improvement has been steady.
22. Noted Citizens. — Abner Lacock was one of the first settlers.
He was self-taught, possessing scarcely the common rudiments of
learning when he first appeared in the state legislature. He filled
many honourable oflices, among which was a seat in the Senate
of the United States. George Rapp, of Economy, has already been
noticed. He is now near 90, and one of the most remarkable men
of his day.
MERCER COUNTY.
Li^lo'W.
1. Mercer, a western county, is hounded E. by Venango,
N. by Crawford, W. by Ohio, S. by Beaver, and S. E. by
Butler. Its area is 775 square miles.
2. It contains no Mountains, and few large hills. The
surface is generally undulating, but in some parts almost
level.
3. The Streams are, the Shenango, which traverses the
county from north to south, with its chief branches JYes-
22. Name the noted citizens.
1. What are tlie class, boundaries, and
area of Mercer?
2. Has it any mountains ?
3. Name the streams.
SIXTH CLASS MERCER. 287
han'nock on the east, and Py-jna-tu'-niiig on \he west; the
Ma-ho'-ningiouching the south-west corner, Slippery rock
the south-east, and French creek the north-east.
4. The Soil is generally fertile, that of the river-flats
and the limestone land, in the southern part, being very
productive. The whole county may be said to be sus-
ceptible of tillage.
5. The valuable Minerals are, bituminous coal, lime'
stone, and considerable quantities of iron-ore.
6. Mercer contains 17 townships, 4 boroughs, and many
flourishing villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Mercer, the seat of justice, near
Neshannock creek, with 781 inhabitants; JVew Castle, with
611 ; West Greenville, with 626, and Sharon. The villages
are, Georgetown, Pulaski, JVew Bedford, Harlansburg, &c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Erie canal, from
Beaver to Erie, which follows the Shenango through the
whole length of the county, and a turnpike from Pittsburg
to Erie, through the county-town.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 32,873, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was $3,733,742.
10. The first Settlers were mostly from the older
counties of the state, with latterly many emigrants from
Germany and Ireland.
11. 'iheir main Occupation is agriculture, and their
productions are, large quantities of grain, especially of
wheat, with numbers of horses, cattle, and sheep.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, 1 fe-
male seminary, and 214 common schools.
13. Mercer elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Beaver, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with Venango and Crawford, 1 member of Congress ; and
is in the seventeenth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Coolspring, Delaware, French creek, Greene^
Hickory, Lackaivannock, Mahoning, Neshannock, Pymatuning, Salem,
4. Describe the soil.
5. What are the minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name them, and the county town.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. What are their occupation and
productions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is it represented, and which
is its judicial district ?
14. Name the townships.
288
STATE- BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
W. Salem, Sandy creek, Sandy lake, Shenango, Slippery rock, Springfield,
and Wolf creek.
15. Mercer, the county town, occupies an elevated position near
the centre of the county. It has a public square, on which the
court-house is erected. It also contains an academy, 5 churches,
and a foundery. It was laid out in 1803, and incorporated in 1814,
taking, with the county, the name of the gallant Mercer, who fell at
Princeton in January, 1777. It is 238 miles N. W. of Harrisburg,
336 N. W. of Philadelphia, 61 N. of Pittsburg, and 68 S. of Erie.
16. New Castle is a flourishing town near the southern line of
Mercer, at the junction of Shenango and Neshannock creeks, and
on the Erie canal. It has abundance of coal, iron-ore, and water-
power in the immediate vicinity, and promises to be a considerable
town. It is already the seat of various manufactories, among which
are 2 founderies, a furnace, rolling-mill, and nail factor)', and seve-
ral saw, flour, and oil-mills. It also contains 4 churches and a fe-
male seminar3\
17. West Greenville, in the north-west part of the county, on the
cabal, is a rapidly improving town. It contains 5 churches. Being
in the midst of valuable and extensive coal mines which are among
the nearest to Lake Erie, when the- canal to the town of Erie shall
be fully in operation, there will no doubt be a large coal business
done here, in addition to the other trade of the place.
18. Mercer has heretofore been noted as one of the richest agri-
cultural counties of the west. The quantity of wheat annually pro-
duced is very great. But since the completion of the Erie canal, a
new prospect opens to her. She will not only thus have a constant
and cheap conveyance to market for the produce of her farms, but
various useful manufactures will no doubt be called into existence,
creating a profitable home market, and calling all her resources
fully into action.
19. History.— Mercer long remained a wilderness, but immedi-
ately after peace and security were restored to the Indian frontier,
in 1795, the southern pari of it began to be peopled. The county
was erected in 1800. About 1806, the settlements in the neighbour-
hood of the town of Mercer, principally from Westmoreland, Wash-
ington, and AUeghen}', were made. Previous to that time, its pros-
perit)' had, in common with the other north-western counties, been
impeded by conflicting claims of title. But since the settlement of
these, in 1805, it has rapidly improved.
15. Describe the town of fiercer.
IG. Newcastle.
17. West Greenville.
IS. What is said of the resources of
Mercer ?
19. Repeat its history, with dates.
SEVENTH CLASS PIKE,
289
SEVENTH CLASS.
PIKE COUNTY.
4n5*N.
Y H K
M
y. JERSEY X
1 Milford.
2 Dingman.
3 Bushville.
4 Darlings ville.
5 Tafton.
6 Wilsonville.
7 Mt. Maria.
1. Pike, a north-eastern line county, is bounded N. E. by
New York, N. W. by Wayne, S. W. by Monroe, and
S. E. by New Jersey, ./irea 600 square miles.
2. The county is high and uneven, rather than moun-
tainous. A continuation of the Pokono mountain enters
from Monroe on the south-west, and crosses towards the
north-east. The highest point of it is called High Knoh.
3. The Streams are, the Delaware^ dividing it from
New York on the north-east, and New Jersey on the south-
east, into which empty the Lack-a-waa/en, (with its tribu-
tary, the Waul'len-paupack,) together with Bushkill, Sho*
ho la, and Sawkill creeks.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Pike?
2. Its mountains ?
3. Streams?
2b
290
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
4. The Soil of the alluvial flats, along the Delaware, is
very fertile, but the greater part of the county is thin and
stony. Probably not more than one-half of it is susceptible
of cultivation.
5. No Minerals of much value have yet been dis-
covered.
6. Pike contains 8 townships, 1 borough, and a few
small villages.
7. The Borough is Milford, the seat of justice, near
the Delaware, with about 400 inhabitants ; and the vil-
lages are, Bushville^ Wilsonville^ Tafton^ Dingmanj Mount
Mariah^ and DarlingvUle.
8. The Public Improvements are, the Delaware and
Hudson canal, along the Lacka waxen ; a turnpike from
Milford to Owego, N. Y., and a large bridge over tlie Dela-
ware at Milford.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 3,832, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, $670,403.
10. The earliest Settlers were Hollanders, or Dutch,
but the greater proportion of the people are now of New
England or Pennsylvania origin, with some French, Ger-
man, and Irish settlers.
11. Their chief Employment is lumbering, though
agriculture is on the increase. Their productio?is are large
quantities of lumber, wdth some oats, rye, potatoes, and
cattle.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies and
23 common schools.
13. Pike elects, with Wayne, 1 member to the House
of Representatives ; with Monroe, Carbon, and Schuylkill,
1 to the Senate of the state ; with Wayne, Monroe, Carbon,
and Northampton, 1 member of Congress; and is in the
eleventh judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Delaware, Dingman, Greene, Lackawaxen,
Lehman, Milford, Palmyra, and West full.
4. Soil?
5. Min»'rals?
6. Townships, borouphs. and villages ?
7. Name the county-seal, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improv««mentR.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Pike?
11. W'hat are their employments and
productions?
12. Literary in.slitutions?
V.i. How is I'ikc represented, and
which is the judicial district?
14. Namt the tovt^iships.
SEVENTH CLASS — PIKE.
291
15. Mil/ord is a small, quiet town, built mostly of wood, with a
court-house, jail, 2 churches, and an academy. It was commenced
about 1800, and became the seat of justice in 18 14, and was so called
from a ford in the Delaware near the town, at which the first mill
in the county was erected. It is 119 miles N. of Philadelphia, 160
N. E. of Harrisburg, and 350 N. E. of Pittsburg,
16. WihoiivUie is on the east side of the Waullenpaupack, at the
point where that stream is crossed by the Milford and Owego turn-
pike. It was the seat of justice of Wayne county before Pike was
separated from it. About two miles east of Wilsonville is Tafton,
a smart village of recent growth.
17. Within the bounds of Pike county, two associations or colo-
nies were established, a few years ago, on the principle of a com-
munity of property and labour. One, called the "Sylvania Associa-
tion," in the north-east part of the county, was formed principally
by citizens of the city of New York. The other, called the "Social
Reform Unity," was in the south-west quarter of the county. Both
have been abandoned.
18. The population of Pike has not increased rapidly during the
past ten years. This is probably owing to the fact, that it has nearly
become stripped of its valuable lumber, and has not yet attracted
the attention, to any great extent, of emigrants as an agricultural
region. It still contains many large tracts of wild land, fit for tillage
and pasture, that can be purchased at a low price; and, having the
advantage of a healthful climate, with tolerable facilities for reach-
ing market, the inducements presented to the settler are encouraging.
19. The Falls of the Saickill, little more than a mile south-west of
Milford, present a scene of singular wildness and beauty. The
main fall is about 60 feet. Many other beautiful cascades are met
in different parts of the county.
20. History The first white settlement within the present bounds
of Pike were probably made by Hollanders, or Dutch, who crossed
New Jersey from New York, then called New Netherlands, as early
as 1680, if not before that time. They established themselves on
the rich flats of the Delaware, near and below Milford. It is from
these early settlers that many of the creeks have obtained the addi-
tion to their names of " kill," which means creek in the Dutch lan-
guage. Little increase was made to the population till towards the
commencement of the present century, when the land came into
request on account of its excellent lumber. In 1814, the county
was separated from Wayne, under the name of the gallant Pike, who
had a short time previously fallen in the attack upon York, now
Toronto, in Upper Canada. In 1835, a portion of its territory, on
the south, was included in the new county of Monroe.
15. Describe Milford.
16. Wilsonville and Tafton.
17. What is said of common property
associatiotis?
18. 0/ the resources of Pike ?
19. Of the Falls of Sawkill?
20. Repeat the hikory of Pike, xoith dates.
292
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
WAYNE COUNTY.
1 Honesdale.
2 Bethany.
3 Clarkesville.
4 StirUng.
5 Pleasant Mount.
6 Damascus.
7 Starucca.
8 Stockport.
9 Preston.
1. Wayne, a north-eastern line county, is hounded E. and
N. by New York, W. by Susquehanna and Luzerne, S. by
Monroe, and S. E. by Pike. Jiren^ 700 square miles.
2. The chief Mountains are, Moosic, near the south-
west boundary, and Mount ^rarat^ extending a short dis-
tance towards the north-east. The general surface, though
elevated, is not mountainous.
3. The Streams are, the Delaware^ dividing it on the
east from New York, into which falls the Lack-a-wax'en^
with its tributaries Byherry^ Middle^ and Waul-len-pau' pack
creeks, the latter dividing Wayne from Pike. In the north,
are Sta-rudca and E-quin-unk! creeks.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
trea of Wayne ?
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
SEVENTH CLASS WAYNE. 293
4. The Soil is generally rough and stony. Much of it
is productive, though generally better adapted for pasture
than tillage. The greater part is yet covered with wood.
Probably about two-thirds of it may ultimately be re-
claimed.
5. No Minerals of great value have been discovered
in the county.
G. Wayne contains 16 townships^ 4 boroughs, and a num-
ber of small villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Honesdale, the county-seat, on
the Lackawaxen, with 1086 inhabitants, Bethany^ Plea-
sant Mount J and Prompton ; and the villages are, Clarkes-
ville. Sterlings Stockport^ Damascus^ Starucca, Preston^ 8^c.
8. The Public Improvements are, the works of the
Delaware and Hudson Canal Company^ consisting of a
railroad from Carbondale, in Luzerne, to Honesdale, and
a canal from that place down the Lackawanna to the Dela-
ware ; and turnpikes from Milford to Owego, from Cochec-
ton to the Great Bend, from Easton to Belmont, and several
others.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 11,848, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, $1,166,790.
10. The FIRST Settlers were mostly of New England
origin.
11. Their chief Employments are, lumbering and agri-
culture.
12. The main Production is lumber, with live-stock
and some grain.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies, 1 fe-
male seminary, and 99 common schools.
14. Wayne, with Pike, elects 1 member to the House
of Representatives, and, with Wyoming and Susquehanna,
1 to the Senate of the state ; with Northampton, Carbon,
Monroe, and Pike, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the
eleventh judicial district.
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. "Who settled Wayne?
11. What are their main employments?
12. Productions ?
13. Literary institutions?
14. How are they represented, and
which is their judical district?
25*
294
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
15. The Townships are, Berlin, Buckingham, Canaan, Cherry-ridge,
Clintcm, Damascus, Dy berry, Lebanon, Manchester, Pleasant Mount, Pal-
7nyra, Preston, Salem, Scott, Sterling and Texas,
16. Honesdale, at the junction of Dyberry creek with the Lacka-
waxen, and of the railroad and canal of the Hudson and Delaware
Company, is a large and growing town. It was laid out in 1826,
incorporated in 1831, and became the county-seat in 1842, taking
its name from Philip Hone, of New York, an early and prominen..
patron of the Hudson and Delaware canal. It contains the usual
county buildings, 5 churches, an academy, and a female seminary.
The houses are generally of wood, neatly painted, and many of them
built according to the New England plan, with their ends to the
street. During the year 1845, there were 273,435 tons of coal
shipped on the canal at this place from the Carbondale mines for
the New York market. It is 211 miles N. W. of New York, by the
canal and Hudson river, 125 N. of Philadelphia, and 160 N. E. of
Harrisburg.
17. Bethany, till lately, the seat of justice, is 3^ miles N. of Hones-
dale, on a hill. It contains 1 church and an academy, and is a
pleasant place. Near it, are extensive works for the manufacture
of window-glass.
18. Wayne abounds with beautiful ponds, or small lakes. Each
has its outlet to some of the larger streams, affording numerous
saw-mill seats.
19. Walknpaupack Falls, in the south-eastern part of the county,
deserves to be more known and visible than it is. The stream de-
scends 150 feet in four successive falls within a mile and a half;
one of the cataracts being 70 feet perpendicular.
20. In the extreme northern part of the county, the Delaware ap-
proaches the Susquehanna, in Susquehanna county, within 10 miles.
In wet seasons, their small tributaries are said to unite.
21. Lumber yet forms the chief wealth of Wayne. The principal
kinds now sent to market are hemlock, pine, and beech. The last-
named is so abundant, that many of the forests of this part of the
state are called the " Beech ivoods."
22. History. — This part of the state seems to have been first set-
tled in 1757, by adventurers from Connecticut. They were driven
off in 1761 by the authorities of the province, but afterwards returned,
and proceeding further westward, made a permanent settlement in
Wyoming. From that time, settlers slowly entered the county. In
1798, it was organized out of part of Northampton, taking the name
of the gallant General Wayne. In 1800, the county only contained
800 inhabitants. In 1814, Pike was separated from it. About that
time, turnpikes began to be constructed, and added considerably to
its prosperity. This was greatly increased by the construction of
the canal and railroad about 1826 ; since which event, little of inte-
rest has transpired.
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe Honesdale.
17. Bethany.
18. What is said ofpotids?
19. Of IVauUenpaupack Falls ?
20. Of the Delaware and Susquehanna?
21. Of lumber?
22. Repeat the history of Wayne, with
dates.
SEVENTH CLASS SUSQUEHANNA.
295
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY.
1 Montrose.
2 Harford.
3 Dundaff.
i Spnngville.
5 Auburn.
6 Friendsville.
7 New Milford,
8 Great Bend.
9 Harmony.
1. Susquehanna, a northern line county, is bounded E.
by Wayne, N. by New York, W. by Bradford, and S. by
Wyoming and Luzerne. Jirea, 800 square miles.
2. The chief Mountains are. Elk, in the eastern part ;
Moosic in the south-east ; Mount Ararat, a spur of Moosic,
in the north-east ; and the Oc-qua'go in the north.
3. The Streams are, the Susquehanna, or JVorth Branch,
which enters the north-east part of the county from New-
York, and then passes back into that state, forming what
is called the "Great Bend." Lack-a-wan-na, Tunk-han'-
nock, and Me-shop'pen creeks, are in the south ; Wy-a-lu' sing
in the west ; and Saltlick, Snake, and Cho-co'nut in the north.
4. The Soil, though not the most fertile, is productive
of grass and the coarser grains. Little of it is mountainous.
The hills are neither high nor abrupt. Probably four-fifths
of it may be reclaimed for tillage or pasture.
5. Few valuable Minerals are found. In the north-
west, an impure limestone rock occurs. There are also
some salt springs, or " licks."
6. Susquehanna contains 22 townships, 2 boroughs, and
a number of thriving villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Montrose, the county-seat, near
1 What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Susquehanna?
i Its mountains ?
3. Streams? 4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. Townships, boroughs, and villeiges?
296
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the head of Wyalusing creek, with 632 inhabitants, and
Dunda(J\ near Crystal lake ; the villages are, Harford^
Springville^ Jluhurn^ Frkndsville^ Mew Miljbrd, Great
Bend^ Harmony^ ^'c.
8. The Public Improvements are, turnpikes from Mon-
trose to Wilkesbarre, Carbondale, and Owego in New
York ; one from Harmony to Belmont, and another from
Belmont to the Great Bend ; with several bridges. There
are neither canals nor railroads.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 2] ,195, and theassessed
value of property, in 1845, was $2,141,095,
10. The FIRST Settlers were mostly from the eastern
states. A number of Friends and others from the south-
eastern counties have also established themselves.
11. Their chief Employments are, agriculture and the
raising of live-stock. Some are engaged in lumbering.
12. The Productions are, oats, potatoes, grass, cattle,
sheep, butter, cheese, wool ; some maple-sugar, and
lumber.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies and
200 common schools.
14. Susquehanna, with Wyoming, elects 2 members to
the House of Representatives, and with Wyonnng and
Wayne, 1 to the Senate of the state ; with Bradford and
Tioga, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the eleventh judi-
cial district.
15. The Townships are, Auburn, Bridgcwater, Brooklyu, Choronut,
Clifford, Dhnovk, Forcst-lakc, Franklin, Gibson, Great Bend, Harford,
Harmony, Hcrrick, Jackson, Lenox, Liberty, Middlctown, New Milford,
Rush, Silvcr-lnke, SjJ7-in<rville, and Thompson.
16. Montrose is pleasantly placed on an eminence near the sources
of Wyalusing and Meshoppcn creeks. It was laid out in 1811,
incorporated in 1824, and takes its name from Dr. Robert H. Rose.
The houses are mostly of wood, painted white, and the town resem-
bles a neat New England village in appearance. It contains a
court-house, county offices, prison, bank, academy, and 6 churches.
Being at the junction of several leading roads, many stages daily
7. Nnine the county-seat, boroughs,
ami villapf s.
8. 'I'hc public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty?
1(1. Who settled the county''
II. What are their employments?
12. Productions?
13. Literary institutions?
11. How is the county represented,
and which is the judicial district?
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe Montrose.
SEVENTH CLASS — SUSQUEHANNA.
297
pass through it, in every direction. It is 165 miles N. of Philadel-
phia, and 169 N. E. of Harrisburg.
17. Dundoff is delightfully situated near Crystal lake, in the south-
eastern part of the county. It contains 1 church, a glass factory,
and 304 inhabitants.
18. Great Bend is on an extensive flat on the bank of the Susque-
hanna. It is a pleasant village, with a bridge across the river.
19. Susquehanna is rapidly assuming its proper rank as a graz-
ing county. It is too high and far north ever to be a very fertile
wheat or corn district, but for the support of herds of horned cattle
and flocks of sheep, it has peculiar advantages. Its pasture is
abundant, its waters are copious and pure, and its climate its cool
and healthful. Already, the amount of wool, cattle, butter, and cheese
sent to market, indicate the true sources of its future wealth.
20. Like the other north-eastern counties, Susquehanna is thickly
studded with small lakes. One of the most beautiful is Silver lake,
8 miles north of Montrose. It also contains a number of picturesque
water-falls, among which that on Cascade creek, near the Great Bend,
is much admired.
21. The piospect from the summit of Elk mountain is one of the
most extensive and varied in the state. Not only does it embrace
the whole county of Susquehanna, but extends to the Kittatinny in
the south, and the Kaatskill mountains in the east.
22. History. — The first settlers in the county were Connecticut
claimants, who began to ascend from Wyoming about 1785. About
1790, John Nicholson, the comptroller of the state, and other great
land speculators, took up immense tracts. The conflicting claims
of these persons and of the Connecticut settlers, embarrassed the
land titles for a length of time. The latter were settled in 1799 and
1801, by the state laws enacted for the purpose. From that time,
this part of the state slowly increased in population. In 1810, it
was separated from Luzerne and became a county, taking the name
of Susquehanna, from the fact that the river first enters the state
within its borders. Little of interest has since occurred in its his-
tory. Being out of the course of the great lines of state improve-
ments, its citizens owe whatever of prosperity they enjoy to their
own unaided efforts. The numerous turnpikes of the county show
that, in so far as their means enable them, those efforts have been
well-directed.
2.3. Noted Citizens. — Dr. Robert H. Rose was a native of Chester
county, but early settled in Susquehanna. He was a scholar, a
poet, and a man of useful enterprise. He was the first to introduce
the raising of sheep in northern Pennsylvania, at his large farm
near Silver lake. He died in 1840. George Catlin, the well-known
Indian painter and traveller, was born at Great Bend, in this county,
where his father was one of the earliest settlers.
17. IhAndaff.
18. Great JBend.
19. What is said of the resources of the
county ?
20. Of the lakes?
21. Of Elk mountain?
22. Repeat the history of Susquehanna^
with dates.
23. Name the noted citizens.
298
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
BRADFORD COUNTY.
1. Bradford, a northern line county, is hounded E. by
Susquehanna and Wyoming, N. by New York, W. by
Tioga, and S. by Lycoming^. Area, 1170 square miles.
2. It has no regular Mountain chains. Many large
isolated spurs and hills of the Alleghenies are seen through-
out the county, before the whole range finally disappears
in New York. Its surface is consequently broken and
rough.
3. The Rivers Susquehanna (here called the J\^orth
Branch) and Tioga, (the lower part of which is called the
Che-miaig' ,) enter the county from New York, unite at
Tioga Point, and flow south-eastwardly into Wyoming.
Their tributaries are, Towanda, Wysox, Wyalusing, Sugar,
and other creeks.
4. The Soil is very uniform, the rock strata being
nearly horizontal. It is chiefly of sandstone origin, with
occasional slate and shale tracts, and a small quantity of
limestone. It is only moderately fertile, except the allu-
vial bottoms, but is very suitable for pasture. Nearly the
whole area of Bradford is fit either for pasture or tillage.
1. What are the class, boundaries, I 2. Its mountains ?— 3. Streams?
and area of Bradibrd ? l 4. Soil ?
SEVENTH CLASS — BRADFORD.
299
5. The valuable Minerals are, iron-orey some bitumi-
nous coaly limestoney nnd ^re-brick clay.
6. It contains 31 townships, 3 boroughs, and several
small villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Towajida, the seat of justice, on
the Susquehanna, with 912 inhabitants, Athens and I'loy;
and the villages are, Frenchville, Ulster, Burlington^ Spring-
ville, JVew Jilbanyy Wyalusingy §t.
8. The Public Improvements are, the unfinished A^orth
Branch canal ; 2i turnpike through the county from south to
north, between Berwick and Elmira, New York ; and bridges
across the Chemung and North Branch, at Athens, and one
over the North Branch, at Towanda.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 32,769. The as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was $3,075,784.
10. The FIRST Settlers were mostly of New England
origin, and their chief pursuit has been that of lumbering,
though agriculture is now more attended to than formerly.
11. The Productions are, oats, potatoes, buckwheat,
cattle, and some wheat, corn, and maple-sugar. But the
great article is lumber, there being over 200 saw-mills in
the county.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 2 academies and
247 common schools. Education is much cherished.
13. Bradford elects 2 members to the House of Repre-
sentatives, and, with Tioga, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
wuth Susquehanna and Tioga, 1 member of Congress; and
is in the thirteenth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Albany, Armenia, Asylum, Athens, Burl'mf^-
ton, Canton, Columbia, Durell, Franklin, Granville, Herrick, Leroy, Litch-
field, Monroe, Orwell, Pike, Ridgumy, Rome, Shesheqidn, Smithfield, South
creek, Springfield, Springhill, Slanding-stotie, Towanda, Ulster, Warren,
Welles, Windham, IVyalasiug, and Wysox.
15. Towanda is pleasantly seated on the west bank of the Susque-
hanna, near the mouth of Towanda creek, from which it takes its
name. Its white wooden houses give it a cheerful appearance. In
addition to the usual county buildings, it has 3 churches, an aca-
5. Minerals ?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages ?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county, and what
are their pursuits?
11. Their productions?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is Bradford represented, and
in what judicial district is it?
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe Towanda.
300
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
demy, and a bank. It was laid out in 1812 by William Means, from
whom it was called Meansville till 1822, when it was incorporated
as a borough by the name of Towanda. It is 163 miles N. from
Harrisburg, and 180 N. W. from Philadelphia.
16. Jit hots, on the isthmus between the Chemung and North
Branch, about 2 miles above their confluence, is a delightful place.
"Tioga Point," below the town, was the site of an old Indian town,
and a noted station among the early traders. Athens was laid out
about 1784, and incorporated in 1831.
17. Frenrhville and Asylum township, in which it is situated, were
both so named from the fact, that a number of French emigrants
here sought an asylum during the horrors of the French Revolution,
in 1793. Some of their descendants remain, but many of the origi-
nal exiles returned to France when order was restored. The build-
ings have a different appearance from those of the other settlers.
18. With a soil generally, though moderately fertile, enough coal
for home consumption, and a healthful climate, Bradford must be-
come one of the most flourishing of the northern pasture counties.
The completion of the North Branch canal, or the construction of
some other adequate outlet to market, seems to be all that is required
to develope its varied resources.
19. History. — Northern Pennsylvania belonged to the Six Nations
of Indians when first visited by the whites. The upper Susquehanna
was owned by the Cayugas, but was frequented by the Munseys, Mo-
hicans, and other southern nations. In 1763, the Moravians, under
Zcisberger, established a mission at Wyalusing. Next year, they built
Freidenshuetten in the vicinity. Here they remained to the great
benefit of the Indians till the Connecticut claim, among its other
evil effects, so disturbed the country as to drive them and their con-
verts further west. They removed to Freidenstadt, the Moravian
station in Beaver county, in 1772. By the treaty of Fort Stanwix,
of 1784, the whole Indian title to this part of Pennsylvania was
finally extinguished in favour of the state. The permanent settle-
ment of the county was then commenced by some of Genl. Sulli-
van's men, who had become acquainted with the land during his
expedition in 1779. A number of squatters from New York also
seated themselves, with many New Englanders, at a later date.
These all claimed under Connecticut. For several years, the im-
provement of the county was much retarded by the conflicting
claims of the two states, and some acts of violence were committed
within its limits. During the same period, the settlers were harassed
by the Indians, who returned for some years after Sullivan's expe-
dition. In 1799, the controversy about the land titles was finally
terminated, and improvement became more rapid. The county was
taken from Luzerne and Lycoming in 1810, and called Ontario. In
1812, its name was changed to Bradford in honour of William Brad-
ford, of Philadelphia, attorney-general of the United States.
16. Athens.
17. Frenchtoum and Asylum township.
IS. What is said of the resources of Brad,
ford?
19. Repeat its history, vnth dates.
SEVENTH CLASS TIOGA.
301
TIOGA COUNTY.
1. Tioga, a northern line county, is hounded E. by Brad-
ford, N. by New York, W. by Potter, and S. by Clinton:,
and Lycoming. Jlrea^ 1100 square miles.
2. It has no regular Mountains, but is rendered gene-
rally uneven by the hills that skirt the Alleghenies.
3. The Streams are, the Tioga river, which rises in the
county, runs northward into New York, and finally unites
with the North Branch, in Bradford, where it is called the
Chemung ; the Cow-an-es'que, in the north, falling into the
Tioga, and the head-waters of Pine creek in the south.
4. The Soil is the slate ^ shale ^ and sartdstone, which is
better for pasture than tillage. The river bottoms are
very fertile. Nearly the whole is fit for pasture or tillage.
5. The Minerals are, some valuable deposits of bitu--
minous coal, iron-ore, and fire-clay, and small quantities
of impure limestone and marl.
6. Tioga contains 22 townships, 4 boroughs, and some
pleasant villages.
1. What are the class boundaries,
and area of Tioga?
2. Its mountains ?
26
3. Streams?— 4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. Townships, boroughs, and villages*
302 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
7. The Boroughs are, Wdlsborough,ihe seat of justice,
near the centre of the county, with 369 inhabitants, Co-
v'mgton^ Lawrenceville^ and Horacetown ; and the villages
are, Blosshurg^ Tioga^FiirmaTistown^KnoxvilleyMixtoiun^^'c.
8. The only Public Improvement is the Blossburg and
Corning railroad.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 15,498, and the as-
sessed value of property, in 1845, was §1,394,449.
10. The People are chiefly of New England origin, and
ihe'iT pursuits are lumbering, (there being 150 saw-mills in
the county,) and agriculture.
11. Their chief Productions are, large quantities of
lumber, with live-stock, some coal, the coarser grains,
maple-sugar, and potashes.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
136 common schools. Education is cherished.
13. Tioga elects 1 member to the House of Representa-
tives, and, with Bradford, 1 to the Senate of the state;
with Bradford and Susquehanna, 1 member of Congress ;
and is in the thirteenth judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Bloss, Brookfield, Charleston, Chatham, Co-
vington, Deerfidd, Dclmar, FAkland, Fannington, Gaines, Jackson, Law-
rence, Liberty. Middlclniry, Morris, Richmond, Rutland, Shippen, Sullivan,
Tioga, Union, and M'csi field.
15. WelLsborough is pleasantly seated near the centre on the east
and west state road. It contains 2 churches, an academy, an elegant
stone court-house, and the other county buildings. The town exhi-
bits much neatness and taste, was laid out in 1806, and incorporated
in 1830. It takes its name from William Hills ll'clls, of Delaware,
who took an active part in the improvement of the vicinity; and is
145 miles N.of Harrisburg, and 215 N. W. of Philadelphia.
16. Covington is a flourishing town on the Tioga. The state-road
and the Blossburg railroad pass through it, affording great facilities
for business. Its lumber trade is considerable.
17. Blossbvrgis further south, on the Tioga. Being in the northern
edge of the bituminous coal formation, it promises to become a place
of note. A railroad leads to Corning, in New York, a distance of 40
miles, upon which 100 tons of coal are now daily transported. It
has an iron-furnace, iron-ore being found near it, and at Mansfield.
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled Tioga, and what are
iheir pursuits ?
11. What are the productions?
12. Eitprary institutions?
13. How is Tiopa represented, and
which is the judicial district?
14. Name the tou.'nship$.
15 Describe Welisborough,
1({. Covingtoiu
17. Blossburg.
SEVENTH CLASS POTTER.
303
18. On the whole, the resources of Tioga are very considerable.
With a healthful climate, a tolerably fertile soil, a sufficiency of iron
for its own consumption, and of coal for exportation, and much
valuable lumber yet remaining, it possesses most of the elements
of comfort and prosperity. Like the other northern line counties, it
will ultimately become a great pasture region.
19. History. — The territory now composing Tioga remained un-
occupied till 1796. About that -time, the agents of Sir William
Pulteney, an Englishman who owned large tracts of land in the
adjoining parts of New York, opened a road from the mouth of Ly-
coming creek across Tioga into New York. This was called the
" Block-house road," from a block or log-house, built to accommo-
date the men engaged in the work. This enabled settlers, princi-
pally of New England origin, to enter the county, but the land-titles
remaining doubtful for some years, owing to the Connecticut claim,
the increase of population was slow. This obstacle was removed
in 1801. Li 1804, the county was separated from Lycoming, taking
the name of its chief stream. From that event, nothing remarkable
occurred till 1840, when the Blossburg railroad was completed,
thus affording a new outlet for its resources.
POTTER COUNTY.
1. Potter, a northern line county, is hounded E. by
Tioga, N. by New York, W. by McKean, and S. by Clin-
ton. Area, 1100 square miles.
18. What is said of its resources ?
19. Repeat its history, with dates.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Potter ?
304
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
2. Though composed of the highest table-land in the
state, it has no regular Mountains. Its surface is gene-
rally rolling.
3. The Streams are, Sin-ne-ma-lio'ning and Kettle
creeks in the south, flowing towards the West Branch ;
Pine creek and Cow-an-es' que in the ea^st, the former to-
wards the West, and the latter the North Branch ; Gen-
neS'See' in the north, towards Lake Ontario ; and the jille-
gheiiy^ with its tributary the Os-way'a^ in the west, towards
the Ohio.
4. The Soil is the usual slate and shale of the northern
counties, and is first-rate grazing land.
5. Few valuable Minerals occur in the northern and
middle part of the county. Towards the south, some bitu-
minous coal, limestojie, and iron-ore have been found.
6. Potter contains 20 townships, and a few villages or
settlements.
7. The Towns are, Coudersport, the seat of justice, on
the Allegheny, with 400 inhabitants, with the hamlets
of Sweden, C/testerville, Millport, Sfc.
8. The only Public Improvements are, the east and
west state-road, which traverses the northern tier of coun-
ties, and a /i^r7?;;i7ce from Jersey-shore, through Coudersport
into New York.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 3371 ; and
assessed value of property, in 1845, was $582,621.
10. The People are from the eastern states and
older counties of Pennsylvania
11.
culture, and iheu productions of a similar description
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy, and
44 common schools.
13. Potter, with. Clinton and Lycoming, elects 2 mem-
bers to the House of Representatives, and, with McKean,
Elk, Warren, Jefferson, and Clarion, 1 to the Senate of
the state; with McKean, Elk, Jefferson, Clarion, Warren,
the
the
Their chief Occupations are, lumbering and agri-
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships and villapes?
7. Name the county-seat, and villages.
8. The public improveiuents.
9. What are the population and pro-
perly?
10. AVho settled the county ?
11. What are their pursuits and pro-
duction.s ?
12. Literary institutions?
13. How is Potter represented, and
what is its judicial district?
SEVENTH CLASS POTTER.
305
and Erie, 1 member of Congress ; and is in the eighteenth
judicial district.
14. The Townships are, Allegheny, Bingham, Clara, Eidalia, Genes-
see, Harrison, Hebron, Hector, Homer, Jackson, Ostvaya, Pike, Portage,
Roulette, Sharon, Stewardson, Sweden, Ulysses, West Branch, and Wharton.
15. Coudersport is a small thriving village on the Allegheny, where
it is crossed by the east and west state-road. It contains a handsome
stone court-house, the other requisite county buildings, and an aca-
demy. It was laid out in 1807, and takes its name from Samuel
Coudere, an European friend of the proprietor, John Keating. It is
175 miles N. W. of Harrisburg, and 245 N. W. of Philadelphia.
16. There are, properly speaking, no other towns in the county.
On the streams are a number of thriving settlements or scattered
hamlets, to which generally the names of the townships in which
they are situated are given.
17. Potter is yet one of the most thinly settled counties in the state,
but possesses considerable natural resources. In the southern part,
some coal, iron-ore, and limestone have been discovered. The soil
is generally kindly and tolerably fertile, and when it shall have been
cleared of the heavy mass of timber that now covers most of the
surface, it will form a rich pastoral region.
18. History. — Previous to 1808, this part of Pennsylvania was
in a state of nature. In 1804, it was formed into a separate county,
but was not organized for judicial purposes for many years after-
wards. It previously formed part of Lycoming, and was named in
honour of General James Potter, of the Revolutionary army. In 1809,
John Keating, and other citizens of Philadelphia, who owned large
tracts of lands in the county, caused the east and west road to be
made for the purpose of opening the county to settlers, and offered
other liberal inducements. Few, however, arrived for several years.
About 1830, the growing demand for lumber added considerably to
the population, but there are still room and support for thousands,
where only hundreds have settled.
14. Name the toivnships.
15. Describe Coudersport.
16. What is said of the villages ?
17. Of the resources of the county?
18. Repeat the history of Potter, with
dates.
26^
306
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
M'KEAN COUNTY.
1. jNIcKean, a northern line county, is bounded E. by
Potter and Clinton, N. by New York, W. by Warren, and
S. by Elk. Area^ 1100 square miles.
2. There are no Mountains, but the county is rolling
and hilly.
3. The Streams are, the head-waters of the Allegheny,
into which flow the Os-wa'ya in the east, the Tan-en-gu' ant
in the north, and the Ken-ju'a in the west. In the south-
west are some of the sources of the Clarion^ and in the
south-east, of the Driftwood branch of the Sinnemahoning.
4. The Soil is the usual slate and shale lands of the
northern counties, aflording superior pasture.
5. There are few valuable Minerals in the county. In
the southern part, adjoining Elk, some bituminous coal and
salt have been discovered, and in the same quarter there
are probably limestone and iron-ore in small quantities.
1 . What are the class, boundaries, ami
area of McKean?
2. Its mountains?
3. Streams?
4. Soil?
5. Minerals?
SEVENTH CLASS M'KEAN.
307
6. McKean contains 12 townshipsj and some small vil-
lages, or rather settlements.
7. The Towns are, Smethportj the seat of justice, on
Potato creek, with 400 inhabitants, TeiUonia^ Port Alle-
gheny, Empormm, Ceres, Keating, Bradford, Ginalsburg, ^'c.
8. There are no Public Improvements of any conse-
quence in the county, except the East and West road.
9. The Population, in 1840, was about 2500, and the
assessed value of property, in 1845, was $502,643.
10. The Settlers are mostly from New England, New
York, and the older counties of Pennsylvania. Some
Germans have recently entered the county.
11. Their main Pursuits are, lumbering and agricul-
ture, and ihevc productions similar.
12. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
31 common schools.
13. McKean, with Elk and Warren, elects 1 member to
the House of Representatives, and, with Potter, Elk, Jeffer-
son, Warren, and Clarion, 1 to the Senate of the state;
with Potter, Elk, Jefferson, Clarion, Warren, and Erie,
1 member of Congress; and is in the eighteenth judicial
district.
14. The Townships are, Bradford, Ceres, Corydon, Eldred, Hamilton^
Hamlin., Keating, La Fayette, Liberty, Norwich, Sergeant, and Shippen.
15. Smcthport is situated at the confluence of Marvin and Potato
creeks, and on the east and west road. It contains a brick court-
house, and the other county buildings, an academy, 2 printing offices,
with several mills of different kinds. It was laid out in 1807, but
not permanently commenced till 1822. It is a pleasant village,
named in honour of Theodore Smethe,?^ European friend of John Keat-
ing, the original proprietor of the ground; and is 210 miles N. W.
of Harrisburg, and 280 N. W. of Philadelphia.
16. Ceres, on the Allegheny, near the New York line in the north-
east corner of the county, is a thriving settlement. It contains
1 church and several mills, and has a considerable trade in lumber.
17. Tcutonia is a village in the middle part of the county, 5 miles
S. E. of Smethport. It was founded by a German society, on the
principle of community of property and labour, but did not succeed.
6. How many townships and villages?
7. Name the county-seat and vil-
lages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who settled the county ?
11. What are their employments and
productions?
12. The literary institutions?
1.3. How is McKean represented, and
what is its judicial district?
14. Name the townships.
15. Describe Smethport.
16. Ceres.
17. Teutonia,
308
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Ginalshurg, 4 miles E. of Teutonia, belongs to the same societ}', and
is also a failure.
18. At present, the chief wealth of McKean consists in its lumber,
but when this shall be cleared ofl", it will probabl}-- become a prosper-
ous grazing county. Though wheat and corn do not succeed well
generally, yet oats, potatoes, buckwheat, and grass are produced in
large quantities.
19. History. — The greater part of McKean county was owned,
before its settlement, by capitalists residing in Philadelphia, and
other places at a distance, among whom were John Keating and
Jacob Ridgway. Much of the land still belongs to them. The first
settlement in the county was made about 1807, by an Englishman
of the name of King, at Ceres, on the Oswaya creek. About 1816,
the distant proprietors caused roads to be opened, in order to render
their property productive, and induce settlers to buy the lands. The
county, which had been separated from Lycoming in 1804, was not
organized for judicial purposes till 1826. It was named in honour
of Thomas MrKeau, governor and chief justice of the state. The
population has since been slowly increasing, the great obstacle be-
ing the want of roads. In 1831, the manufacture of salt was tried
with success in Sergeant township. In 1843, the county was re-
duced to its present size by the formation of Elk.
WARREN COUNTY.
■2^15'\V.
1. Warren, a northern line county, is hounded E. by
McKean, N. by New York, W. by Erie and Crawford,
and S. by Venango and Jefierson. Jirea^ 800 square miles.
18. What is said of the resources of
McKeatt ?
jn. Htpeat its history^ with dates.
1. What are the class, boundaries, and
area of Warren ?
SEVENTH CLASS WARREN.
309
2. There are no Mountains, but the general surface is
hilly, and in some parts broken and rocky.
3. The Streams are, the Alleglieny river, passing from
the north-east to the south-west corner of the county, into
which fall the Con-e-iuan'go and Brokenstraw on the west,
and the Te-o-nes'ta and Ken-ju'a on the east.
4. The Soil along the New York line is generally of
good quality. A portion of the rest of the county is very
stony and broken ; but along most of the streams are ex-
tensive flats of great fertility.
5. Few valuable Minerals have yet been discovered.
6. Warren contains 16 toivnships, 1 borough, and seve-
ral stirring villages.
7. The Borough is Warren^ the seat of justice, on the
Allegheny, with 737 inhabitants; and the villages are,
Pmegrove, Sugar-grove^ Sheffield^ Deerfield^ Yoimgsville^
Columbus^ Lottsville^ Sfc.
8. The Public Improvements are, a turnpiJce from
Warren to Franklin in Venango, and one to Ridgeway in
Elk ; and a fine bridge over the Allegheny at Warren.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 9,278 ; and, in 1845,
the assessed value of property was $915,739.
10. The FIRST Settlers were mostly of New England
origin, with some from the older counties of this state.
11. Their chief Employment is lumbering, with agri-
culture, the latter being on the increase.
12. Their Productions are, immense quantities of the
finest lumber, and enough grain for home consumption.
Some live-stock is also raisech
13. The Literary Institutions are, 1 academy and
86 common schools.
14. Warren, with McKean and Elk, elects 1 member to
the House of Representatives, and, with Clarion, Jefferson,
Elk, McKean, and Potter, 1 to the Senate of the state ;
with Erie, Clarion, Jefferson, Elk, McKean, and Potter,
1 member of Congress ; and is in the sixth judicial district.
2. The mountains?
9. What are the population and pro-
3. Streams?— 4. Soil?
perty ?
5. Minerals?
10. Who settled Warren?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
]1. What are their employments?
and villages?
12. Productions?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
13. Literary institutions?
and villages.
14. How is Warren represented, and
8. The public improvements.
what is the judicial district?
310
STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
15. The Townships are, Brokenstraxv, Columbus, Conewango, Deer-
field, Eldrcd, Elk, Freehold, Glade, Kenjun, Limestone, Pinegrove, Plea-
sant, Sheffield, South-ivest, Spring-creek, and Sugar-grove.
16. Warren is built on the bank of the Allegheny, just below the
mouth of Conewango creek. It is a delightful situation, and the
town itself a pleasant and growing place. Around the large square,
near its centre, are placed the public buildings, among which are
the court-house, jail, and academy. It also contains 3 churches,
and has a noble bridge over the Allegheny. It became the seat of
justice in 1819, and was incorporated in 1832; taking, with the
county, the name of the brave and amiable Warren, who fell at
Bunker's hill. It is 250 N. W. of Harrisburg, 330 N. W. of Philadel-
phia, and 120 N. E. of Pittsburg.
17. Pinegroi-e is a thriving village of about 300 inhabitants, on the
Conewango, 7 miles above Warren. It contains a number of mills.
18. Youngsville, on the Big Brokenstraw, 3 miles from the Alle-
gheny, is a busy village. It contains 1 church, and is in a fertile
and well-cultivated vicinity.
19. Seventeen miles above Warren, on the western bank of the
Allegheny, and near the state-line, was the residence of Coniplnnfer,
the Seneca chief. His Indian name was Ga-nio-di'euh, or handsome
lake. He was born on the Genessee, in New York, about 1732.
After taking part with the French against the British, till the former
were expelled from this part of the continent, he then sided with
the British against the colonists during the Revolution. When
independence was established, he made peace with the United
States, and by the treaty of Fort Stanwix, in 1784, induced the Six
Nations to convey all their remaining lands in Pennsylvania to the
state, reserving a number of tracts in New York for his Nation, and
the one, on which he spent the rest of his life, in Pennsylvania, for
himself. From that time, he never took any part in hostilities
against the whites, but remained on his farm, exerting himself to
keep the Indians at peace. He died in 1836, being then, according
to his own account, over 100 years of age, and the last Indian chief
in Pennsylvania. His village was called Jen-ne-se-da'ga.
20. Lmnber is still the great staple of Warren county, the quality
of its timber being very superior. The facilities for getting it out,
presented by the numerous branches of the Allegheny, and the
choice of market among the towns of the Ohio and Mississippi,
oflfer great inducements for prosecuting this business. The conse-
quence, probably, will be, that a few years will clear Warren of its
forests. It will then become, like the other northern counties, in a
great measure a pasture district. But, having numerous fertile
tracts of land, especially on the river flats, it will also be to some
extent a grain-growing county. Ii is rapidly increasing in popula-
tion and wealth, having doubled its number of inhabitants within
the ten years between 1830 and 1840.
21. History. — The territory embraced in north-western Pennsyl-
vania and western New York, was occupied by the Six Nations
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe the town of Warren.
17. Pinegrove.
Youngsville.
18.
19. What is said of Cornplanter?
20. O/' tlie resources of Warren ?
SEVENTH CLASS ERIE.
311
of Indians, when it first became known to Europeans. The part
now constituting Warren belonged to the Seneca tribe of that con-
federacy. It remained unsettled till Wayne's treaty in 1795. Some
Scotch-Irishmen started from Philadelphia about that time, and
ascending the West Branch of the Susquehanna and the Sinnema-
honing, crossed McKean county till they struck the waters of the
Allegheny. Sailing down that river till they entered the present
county of Warren, they finally made the first settlement within its
bounds. Their names were Robert Miles, .John Russel, John and
Hugh Marsh, John Frew, and Isaiah Jones. They established them-
selves in the northern part of the county. Tliey do not seem to
have been followed by many others for some years. In 1800, War-
ren was separated from Lycoming, but was not organized for judi-
cial purposes till 1819, having before that period been attached to
Venango. In the mean time, settlers, mostly of New England origin,
slowly arrived; but, for several years, the prosperity of the county,
in common with the rest of north-western Pennsylvania, was greatly
retarded by the ditficulties growing out of the land law of 1792, and
the claims of the land companies. The greatly increased demand
for lumber between 1830 and 1840, brought the pine lands of Warren
into notice, and added largely to its population and business. The
failure of the Lumberman's Bank .of Warren, about 1838, tended
materially to arrest this career of prosperity. But the county is now
recovering her energies, and must soon become a flourishing part
of the state.
ERIE COUNTY.
1. Erie, the north-western line county, is hounded E. by
Warren and New York, N. and N. W. by Lake Erie and
21. Repeat its history, with dates.
1. What are the class, boundaries,
and area of Erie ?
312
STATE- BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
New York, W. by Ohio, and S. by Crawford. Area^
120 square miles.
2. There are no Mountains in the county. A ridge of
high land, parallel with Lake Erie, traverses it about
8 miles from the lake.
3. The chief Streams are, the head-waters of French
creek, which joins the Allegheny at Franklin ; Con-ne-aut' ,
Elk, Walnut, and other small creeks emptying into the
lake.
4. The Soil is fertile, being chiefly clay, shale, and
slate land.
5. The Minerals are neither numerous nor very valu-
able. Some iron-ore is found.
6. Erie contains 20 townships, 6 boroughs, and several
thriving villages.
7. The Boroughs are, Erie, the seat of justice, on Erie
harbour, with a population of 3412, Waterford, Gii'ard,
JVorth East, Edinhoro, and Wattshurg ; and the villages
are, Fairview, Springfield, Wesley ville, Juliet, ^x,
8. The Public Improvements are, the state-canal, con-
necting Erie with the Ohio at Beaver, and the Allegheny
at Franklin ; and a turnpike to Pittsburg.
9. The Population, in 1840, was 31,344, and the
assessed value oi property, in 1845, was $3,426,588.
10. The People are mostly of New England origin,
though many are from other parts of Pennsylvania.
11. Their chief Occupation is agriculture.
12. The Productions are, grain of all kinds, cattle,
butter, and cheese ; lumber, potash, and maple-sugar. Be-
sides many grain-mills, there are several fulling-mills and
tanneries, 1 iron-furnace, and several founderies.
13. The Literary Institutions are, 3 academies, 1 fe-
male seminary, and 250 common schools. Education is
much attended to.
2. Has it any mountains?
3. What are the streams?
4. Th« soil?
5. Minerals?
6. How many townships, boroughs,
and villages?
7. Name the county-seat, boroughs,
and villages.
8. The public improvements.
9. What are the population and pro-
perty ?
10. Who setiled the county?
11. What is their chief occupation?
12. Thfiir productions ?
13. Literary insiimiions?
SEVENTH CLASS ERIE. 31 3
14. Erie elects 2 members to the House of Representa-
tives, and 1 to the Senate of the state ; with WaiTen,
McKean, Potter, Elk, Jefferson, and Clarion, 1 member
of Congress; and is in the sixth judicial district.
15. The Townships are, Amity, Concord, Conneaut, Elk creek. Fair-
view, Franklin, Girard, Greene, Greenfield, Harbor creek, Lebceuf, McKean,
Mill creek, North East, Springfield, Union, Venango, Waterfcyrd, Washing-
ton, and Wayne.
16. The town of Erie is delightfully placed on the lake, opposite
the peninsula of Presqu'isle, which forms the harbour. It was laid
out in 1795, and incorporated in 1805. The chief buildings are, the
court-house, jail, market-house, bank, a splendid hotel, 8 churches,
an academy, and female seminary. Its trade is already consider-
able; and now that the long expected canal is completed, there is
every prospect of a large increase. It is 120 miles N. of Pittsburg,
275 N. W. of Harrisburg, and 373 N. W. of Philadelphia.
17. The Harbour is the largest, best, and only safe natural one on
the lake. Since the first discovery of the county by the whites, it
has been a place of importance. In the fortified route by which the
early French sought to connect their possessions on the Mississippi
with Quebec, it was the first point where their soldiers and traders
left the chain of lakes. Passing overland from Fort Presqu'isle to
Fort Le Boeuf, (now Waterford,) they proceeded by Venango, or
French creek, to Fort Venango, (now Franklin,) and thence down
the Allegheny till they struck the Ohio at Fort Duquesne, (now Pitts-
burg.) Its commanding and increased facilities must still render it
a key point in the enlarged trade and travel of the present day.
18. The Pem«s2<ia belongs to the United States government, which
has expended large sums in improving and fortifying the harbour,
and erecting a lighthouse.
19. Waterford, 13 miles S. E. from Erie, on the turnpike to Pitts-
burg and near Lake Le Boeuf, has 403 inhabitants ; North East,
16 miles N. E. from Erie, has 339.
20. The Lake Ridge divides the waters that flow into the Gulf of
Mexico from those that reach that of the St. Lawrence. The soil on the
west of it is more fertile in grain than that on the east, which is bet-
ter for grass.
21. Erie contains 3 small but beautiful lakes, Con-ne-aut-tee' ,
Le Bceuf and Pleasant.
22. Erie, being now ia a great measure cleared and settled, has
taken her proper rank in the state with reference to her resources.
She is a pasture and farming county. The former branch of agri-
caltural business better suits the portion of her soil south-east of the
Lake Ridge, than the raising of grain. But the part next the lake
is first-rate wheat and corn land. In addition to the productions of
14. How is Erie represented, and what
s its judicial district?
15. Name the townships.
16. Describe the town of Erie.
17. The harbour.
18. WTiat is said of the peninsula ?
19. Of Waterford}
90. Of the Lake ridge?
21. Of the lakes?
22. Of the resources of the courUy?
21
314 STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA.
her soil, her position on the lake and on the state-canal, bestows
upon her citizens the profits and advantages of a commerce thai
must constantly increase.
23. HisTonr. — When the white man appeared in what is now
Erie, and the adjoining counties, it was held by the Six Nations of
Indians. The French were the first actual white occupants. It was
to Le BcEuf, one of their posts, that General, then Major Washington,
was despatched, in his twenty-first year, with only three white com-
panions, on a mission to the commandant, by Gov. Dinwiddie of Vir-
ginia. This was in 1753. In ] 7 63, Prcsgu' isle, then held by the
English, was, with many other forts, surprised by the Indians, in
execution of the grand designs of the celebrated chief Po?j/fac. Pre-
vious to 1789, there were few settlers in Erie. In that year, the
triangle of land, forming its northern part and lying beyond the ori-
ginal line of the state, was purchased from the Indians, and in 1793
from the United States by Pennsylvania, $151,640 25 continental
money having been paid to the United States. This was a most
important acquisition, as it embraced the harbour of Erie. In 1796,
Genl. Woyne died at Erie, after his successful campaigns against
the Indians, and was buried near the blockhouse, whence his re-
mains were afterwards removed to Chester county. In 1800, Erie
was erected into a separate county with its present boundaries, tak-
ing its name from the lake. Previously it formed part of Allegheny.
During the summer of 1813, in the short space of 70 days, at Erie,
was built the fleet which, on the 10th of the following September,
achieved the victory that immortalized the name of Perry, and gave
his country the mastery of the lake. After the war, for some years
the improvement of the county was slow. In 1818, the frst steam-
boat appeared on the lake. Since 1825, when the project of con-
necting Erie with Philadelphia by canal was broached, the county
has rapidly increased, especially at periods when the completion of
the public works seemed to be at hand.
24. Noted Citizens. — Willia7n Miles, still living, resided in North-
umberland county in the early part of the Revolutionary war. He
was there captured by the Indians in 1778, and carried into Canada.
He was released at the close of the war, and on his return settled in
this county, of which he was one of the very first settlers. He has
resided in the county ever since. Col. John Reed was the first per-
manent inhabitant of the town of Erie.
23. Repeat its history, with dates. [ 24. Aam< the noted citizens.
THE END.
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i
8
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trious men who directed the fortunes ol antiquity ; the general purity
of the moral tendencies of his writings, and the favourable moral in-
fluence which always follows from the true history of great men,
are circumstances which explain why he is so universally adopted in
tlic European schools, and is beginning to be introduced in so many
of our own."
THE NEW LATIN TUTOR; or, EXERCISES
IN ETYMOLOGY. SYNTAX, AND PROSODY : compiled
chiefly from the best English works. By Frederick P. Leverett,
Principal of the Public Latin School in Boston. 12mo, 350 pp.
AINSWORTH'S LATIN DICTIONARY, octavo.
This work is so well known as hardly to need a notice. Its
almost universal use in the schools and colleges of this country, as
well as in those of" England, is an evidence of its superiority over
ether works of the kind. It is now offered at a price much lower
than formerly, while it is manufactured in a superior manner. 1028pp.
^NTHON'S ABRIDGMENT OF AINS-
WORTH'S LATIN DICTIONARY, for the use of grammar-
schools. Into this edition are introduced several alterations and
improvements, for the special purpose of facilitating the labour and
increasing the knowledge of the young scholar. By Charles
Anthon, Professor of Languages in Columbia College, N. Y.
This work contains about the same number of words as the larger
work, the chief abridgment being in the quotations and illustrations
of the original work. From the convenience of its size and cheap-
ness, it is particularly adapted for the use of beginners. 18mo, 761 pp.
THE STATE-BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA;
comprising an account of its History, Geography, Resources,
Leading Incidents, and Prominent Men ; illustrated with a Map
of the state, and a M-ap of each county ; intended for the use of
schools and families. By Thomas H. Burrowes, formerly Secre-
tary of State and Superintendent of Public Schools.
This work is intended more particularly to be used as a recitation
or reading book in the public and private schools of the state. It
embraces an account of the chmate, soil, productions, manufactures,
geology, mineralogy, government, &c., of Pennsylvania, arranged in
paragraphs, and accompanied with questions for examination. It
is such a book as every Pennsylvanian should possess. The pupils
of our common schools could have no subject of greater interest
and practical value presented to them, while in this volume it is
presented in a style attractive and pleasing. We wish that teachers
would do us the favour to examine the book.
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF PENMAN-
SHIP. By George J. Becker, Professor of Writing in the Phi-
ladelphia Central High-school. In Ten Numbers.
In these books the exercises progress in a regular series of ad-
vancement, from the first rudiments of writing to perfect specimens
of penmanship. The copies are printed by the Lithographic pro-
cess, and have every appearance of being executed with a pen, thus
affording an imitable copy for the learner. The use of these books
will abridge the labour of the teacher, and make better writers in
half the time usually taken.
THE INTRODUCTION TO THE ENGLISH
READER. By L. Murray. A very neat and cheap edition.
THE ENGLISH READER. By Lindley Murray.
A very neat and cheap edition.
i
l^-
>
To the Controllers^ Directors^ and Teachers of the Public and
Private Schools of the State of Pennsylvania.
The State Book of Pennsylvania ; Containino: an account
of the Geography, History, Government, Resources, and
Noted Citizens of the State : with a Map of the State and
of each County. For the use of schools and families. By
Thomas H. Burrowes.
The subscribers respectfully solicit an examination of the
above-mentioned work, with a view to its introduction into
the schools under your care. They believe you will find that
the knowledge it contains is such as should make a part of
the common school education of every Pennsylvanian. Apart
from the matter relating directly to the subject, are short di-
gressions on Trade, Credit, Agriculture and Manufactures,
which embody information not found in ordinary school books.
The whole intent and influence of the book is to add greatly
to the intelligence of the scholar, and impress his mind with
correct principles. It is so arranged as not to require an
undue amount of study from the pupil, and can be introduced
as a bj'-exercise.
The work has already been introduced into some of the
best private female as well as male schools throughout the
state. It has, we believe, been unanimously adopted by
resolutions of the Boards of Directors of Lancaster, York,
Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Bedford, Somerset, Washington,
Greensburg, Pittsburg, and the whole of Beaver county.
We annex a few notices and letters of recommendations
selected from a number we have received from individuals
whose position and abilities entitle their opinion to weighty
consideration.
URIAH HUNT & SON.
Philadelphia, Wth mo, 13, 1846.
From Francis R. Shunk, Governor of Pennsylvania.
Harrisburg, Nov. 6th, 1848.
Thomas H. Burrowes, Esq.
Dear Sir : — Accept my warm thanks for the copy of your
" State Book." I have examined it with great satisfaction.
The arrangement of the geography and history of our state is
so simple and plain, the ibrm is so engaging, the facts are so
judiciously set forth, and the story of each county is so well,
so briefly, and yet so comprehensively told, as to make the
work not only highly valuable as a common school book, but
interesting, abounding as it does in useful knoM'ledge, to the
citizens generally. In addition, it has the merit, which is too
rare in school books, of being a Pennsylvania work, written
by one of her OM^n citizens, and not only well calculated to
instruct the learner, but to lay a strong foundation for his at-
tachment to the state in an accurate knowledge of the ele-
ments of her greatness. I am yours verv respectfully,
¥R. R. SHUNK.
From the Rev. Wm. R. Dewitt.
Dear Sir : — I have been much interested in the examina-
tion I have been able to give of the " State Book of Penn-
sylvania, by T. H. Burrowes," which you had the goodness to
send me. The philosophical arrangement of its contents is
not more novel than admirable. The historical, political,
geological, agricultural, commercial, as well as strictly geo-
graphical, and other information of the most useful kind,
compressed within so small a space, and presented with so
much perspicuity, exhibits, not only the great extent of the
author's researches, but his powers of concentration ; and
classes it among the most valuable publications of the day. It
is indeed a kind of statistic table of all the intelligent citizen
would wish to know of his state, yet drawn up in a way that
cannot fail to interest and captivate the most cursory rt-adt-r,
who has any ambition to become well informed in whatever
relates to this Commonwealth. As a school book, for the
higher classes in our common schools, it is invaluable. The
directors and teachers in these schools could not confer a
greater advantage on their pupils, and the cause of general
education, than to introduce it as a book to be carefully
studied. But it is much more than a school book. Every
citizen, and all who wish to possess the most valuable infor-
mation on almost every subject relating to this Coinmou-
wealth, cotiipressed in the smallest compass, should procure a
copy of Mr. Burrowes's " State Book of Pennsylvania ;" and
after having carefully read the whole of it, keep it as a book
of reference for themselves and families.
Yours with much respect, WM. R. DEWITT.
Harrishurgy Oct. 7th, 1846.
I have just examined a work entitled " State Book of
Pennsylvania, containing an account of the Geography, His-
tory, Government, Resources, and Noted Citizens of the
State ; with a Map of the State and of each County. For
the use of Schools. By Thos. H. Burrowes." Such a work
has long been a desideratum in our Common Schools and
Academies ; and it affords me pleasure to be able to say that
the want hitherto experienced is now ably supplied by the
aforesaid text book. The plan of the work is excellent; the
statistical information is accurate ; and the style and gene-
ral execution of the work are well calculated to introduce
it to public favour. I most cheerfully recommend it to
teachers and boards of school directors, as a work which
should be immediately introduced into all the Common
Schools within the limits of Pennsylvania.
ROBERT MILLIGAN,
Prof, of Eng. Lit. in Washington College.
Washington, Oct. I6th, 1846.
Unionville (Chester co.) Academy, lOth mo. 24, 1846..
Respected Friends : — I received by the hand of Elijah
Pugh, a copy of the " State Book of Pennsylvania," by Thomas
H. Burrowes, which I have carefully examined. And I feel
free to say of that work, that it is precisely the kind of book
that we have long wanted in our schools — And I am so well
pleased with the work that I shall at once introduce it into
my academy as a class book. It is a work that ought to be in-
troduced not only into everv school, but into every family in
the state. Your friend, JONA. GAUSE.
Uriah Hunt & Son.
From the Pittsburg Daily Commercial Journal
'•STATE BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA."
A copy of this work has been laid on our table by the Pittsburg
publishers, and we can very safely recommend it to the favoura-
ble regard of teachers. Mr. Burrowes. the author, brings to the
task he has undertaken an intelligent and disciplined mind, with
stores of experience which he was in the best position to acquire,
while discharging the multiform duties of Secretary of the Com-
monwealth and Superintendent of Common Schools ; an office he
filled with infinite credit to himself and benefit to the cause of
education, during Ritner's administration of the government of
Pennsylvania.
It can scarcely be forgotton, already, that to the labours of Mr.
Burrowes, Pennsylvania is mainly indebted for conducting to prac-
tical operation our system of Common Schools ; for opposing and
breaking down the obstacles to a general adoption of the system,
interposed by ignorance and avarice ; and that to his personal super-
vision and painstaking is attributable the fact that the system is
at length producing the most salutary results. With the valuable
experience acquired in organizing the vast system of our Common
Schools, it is to be presumed that Mr. Burrowes's present effort to
advance the cause of education, will exhibit high claims to the
approbation of the teacher. So far as we are competent to judge,
it is admirably calculated to fulfil the design of the author, which
is shortly stated to be '^ to impart to our youth a full and accurate
knowledge of their own state."
The arrangement of the parts is clear and simple, and the
method of dividing the geography, topography, and history of each
county, is well adapted to facilitate the labours both of teacher
and student.
V
From the Lancaster Examiner and Herald.
"STATE BOOK OF PENNSYLVANIA."
The above is the title of a new and valuable work, designed
for the use of schools, which has just issued from the press, un-
der the authorship of Thomas H. Burrowes, Esq., of this city.
It contains a general description of the geography, history, go-
vernment, and resources of the Commonwealth, together with a
more minute account of the advantages, products, location, &c.,
of each individual county. A map of the state faces the title-page
of the book, and a map of each county is annexed to the chapter
which describes it. The counties are treated under a perspicuous
arrangement of the author, according to which they are classified
with a view to their most prominent and distinctive features — the
South-Eastern Agricultural counties forming one group, the An-
thracite counties another, &c. The task which IVIr. Burrowes pre-
scribed to himself in undertaking this work was undoubtedly
difficult, but it has been accomplished with leisure, research, and
judgment. While nothing has been omitted that could render the
book useful for reference to a person of mature years, the valu-
able information it contains is so simply and clearly stated as to
be inteUigible to an infant. Upon the whole, Mr. Burrowes ap-
pears fo have produced what was long a desideratum in our com-
mon schools, a work which will impress the resources, advantages,
and condition of our State so forcibly upon the minds of our
children, that they will carry it witn them to manhood and
throughout life. It is hoped that the different School Boards will
adopt " The State Book," and place it in the hands of our youth.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRAi
REFERENCE DEPARTMENT
This book is under no circumstances to
taken from the Building
MAH 1 7 181?
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