USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
CYN OF
PIT
SITY
TSB
INO
1787
LIBRARY
+
HISTORY
OF
CLEARFIELD COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS
,
יוויו
EDITED BY
LEWIS CASS ALDRICH ...
+
SYRACUSE, N. Y. D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS
1887
Day F157 C53A3 Cop. 1
PRESS OF D. MASON & CO.,
63 WEST WATER ST., SYRACUSE, N. Y.
rrrrr
€ cerer
1
1
INTRODUCTION.
TO NO a person unacquainted with the detail of a history of any county, a very inadequate idea of its scope can be conveyed by the expression, a History of Clearfield County. Were this work to be devoted alone to a narrative of the events of the county, it would occupy a volume much less in size than this; but when we come to consider the vast and varied interests of Clearfield county, and its large area, then we may know that the work is not over-sized. In its compilation great care has been exercised to insure correctness in general and in detail ; nevertheless it would be a surprising fact, a thing unprecedented, should there be found within its covers not a single error. In its preparation the compiler has sought, and had the assistance of a number of the most capable writers of the county, who, by their contributions and efforts, have helped to make this history what it is. And there are others, too, who have freely furnished every information requested of them, and made many valuable sug- gestions, all of which have materially facilitated the work of the editor.
Our obligation of thanks is due to many, and among them there may be selected some of whom special mention should be made. To Hon. George R. and Colonel Walter Barrett, for assistance and courtesy uniformly extended, and for the use of a large and excellent library ; to Hon. Joseph B. McEnally, for like kindness; to John Franklin Snyder, esq., for a most carefully prepared chapter on Education ; to Daniel W. Moore, for a chapter on the Press; to Dr. Preston Wilson, for the chapter on the Medical Profession; to the Rev. Abram S. R. Richards, of Osceola Mills, for several valuable chapters; to Peter S. Weber, of Du Bois; A. Judson Smith, of New Millport; Captain James Dowler, of Burnside; Alonzo Potter Macleod, esq., of Coalport ; R. D. Swoope, esq., of Curwensville, and others, in various portions of the county, for the contri- bution of valuable and well-written chapters. In addition to these, thanks are
598
4
INTRODUCTION.
due to the press of the county; and also to the people, generally, who, by material encouragement and support, have helped to make this work not only a success, but possible.
The volume now is before the public, and of its merits and imperfections the people of the county are to judge. Possibly some things are omitted that should have been stated, and possibly some things that are stated might better have been omitted. Should there be a fault it cannot be laid at the door of those who have aided the work, or contributed to its pages. Nothing has been said through envy, malice or hatred, but in entire fairness toward all, and with a desire to record the events as they have occurred.
With these thoughts the Memorial History of Clearfield County is placed before the people by the editor, and the publishers.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW.
The Subject - Formation -- Geographical and Topographical -- Mountains -- Rivers --- Natural Characteristics. 13
CHAPTER II.
INDIAN OCCUPATION.
Indian Occupation - The Lenni Lenapes -- Their Origin - Country Occupied by Them - The Iroquois - Their Clan System - The Five Nations - The Lenapes Conquered - The Delawares - Other Tribes - Iroquois Successful - The Six Nations -Shawnees 17
CHAPTER III. THE INDIANS IN THE FRENCH WAR.
The French and English War -- Disposition of the Indians - Erection of Forts - Fort Augusta - Events Along the West Branch - Scenes at Chinckeclamousche - Sum- mary - Close of the War 23
CHAPTER IV. WARS WITH THE INDIANS.
Pontiac's War- The League - Depredations on the Frontier -- Forts Taken - Indians Driven Back - The Treaty of Peace -- Threatenings of an Outbreak - Departure of the Moravians - Incidents - The Cresap War- Logan. 31
CHAPTER V.
THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.
The Revolutionary War - Action of the Crown - The Colonies Determined - The Out- break - The Indians Hostile - Six Nations Divided - Depredations - Defenses - Struggles - Close of the War.
2
37
6
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
EARLY LAND OPERATIONS.
Land Titles - Penn's Charter - Naming the Province - Treaties with Indians - Acquisi- tion of Lands to the Proprietaries - Boundaries -The Divesting Act-Surveys- Owners - The Holland Land Company. 43
CHAPTER VII.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
Early Settlements - Territory Divided - The First Settlers -- Difference of Opinion - The First Mill - First Marriage - First Child Born - The Christening - Other Settlements - Settlement Down to 1810 .. 50
CHAPTER VIII.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
Erection of the County - Boundaries - An Error - Jurisdiction of Centre County Officers Extended Over this County - The Governor's Order -Proceedings of the Com- missioners -County Seat Fixed at Clearfield - Election Districts -- Return of Tax- ables - The First Townships - Population - Act of 1812 - The Civil Organization Completed - Subsequent Townships - Erection of Elk County -- Townships Taken from Clearfield County
64
CHAPTER IX.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND COURTS.
Plan of the County Seat - Lots Donated for Public Buildings -The Old Log Jail - The Jail Built in 1841-2-The Present Jail -- Its Cost -- The First Court-House - Description - Important Cases Tried Therein - The New Court-House Built- Courts in the Old Church -- Court-House Remodeled and Additions Built - Some Leading Causes Recalled.
73
CHAPTER X.
FROM 1810 TO 1843.
Pioneer Settlements After 1810- Population in 1810-The First Murder - Events of the War of 1812-15 -- Peace - Election Districts Prior to 1843 - Record of the Floods on the West Branch -The Pumpkin Flood - Drowning of John and Ellis Graham - Gorges at the Pee Wee's Nest. 82
CHAPTER XI. LUMBER AND ROADS.
The Lumbering Interests - Rafting and Floating -Turnpike and Road Companies - Railoads of the County. 92
.
7
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
CLEARFIELD'S MILITARY HISTORY 105
CHAPTER XIII.
GEOLOGY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY. 203
CHAPTER XIV.
A REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COAL INTERESTS OF THE CELEBRATED HOUTZDALE-OSCEOLA-PHILIPSBURG REGION. 215
CHAPTER XV.
BENCH AND BAR.
History of the Courts - Supreme Court - Common Pleas - Other Courts - The Judiciary - The Bench and Bar of Clearfield County 233
CHAPTER XVI.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 256
CHAPTER XVII.
THE PRESS OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY. 267
CHAPTER XVIII.
REVIEW OF THE ORIGIN, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCA- TIONAL INTERESTS AND INSTITUTIONS OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY .... 279
CHAPTER XIX.
POLITICAL HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY
313
CHAPTER XX.
CIVIL LIST AND COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS.
CHAPTER XXI. 323
HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF CLEARFIELD, THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY. 331
8
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXII.
HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF DU BOIS. 376
CHAPTER XXIII.
HISTORY OF BECCARIA TOWNSHIP
407
CHAPTER XXIV.
HISTORY OF BELL TOWNSHIP 414
CHAPTER XXV.
HISTORY OF BIGLER TOWNSHIP
425
CHAPTER XXVI.
HISTORY OF BLOOM TOWNSHIP.
428
CHAPTER XXVII.
HISTORY OF BOGGS TOWNSHIP. 434
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HISTORY OF BRADFORD TOWNSHIP
444
CHAPTER XXIX.
HISTORY OF BRADY TOWNSHIP
455
CHAPTER XXX.
HISTORY OF BURNSIDE TOWNSHIP.
478
CHAPTER XXXI.
HISTORY OF CHEST TOWNSHIP .. .. 495
CHAPTER XXXII.
HISTORY OF COVINGTON TOWNSHIP
501
CHAPTER XXXIII.
HISTORY OF COOPER TOWNSHIP 509
9
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
HISTORY OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP. 511
CHAPTER XXXV.
HISTORY OF FERGUSON TOWNSHIP. 523
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HISTORY OF GEULICH TOWNSHIP 531
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HISTORY OF GIRARD TOWNSHIP 537
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
HISTORY OF GRAHAM TOWNSHIP
542
CHAPTER XXXIX.
HISTORY OF GOSHEN TOWNSHIP
546
CHAPTER XL.
HISTORY OF GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP.
552
CHAPTER XLI.
HISTORY OF HUSTON TOWNSHIP
558
CHAPTER XLII.
HISTORY OF JORDAN TOWNSHIP
566
CHAPTER XLIII.
HISTORY OF KARTHAUS TOWNSHIP
577
CHAPTER XLIV.
HISTORY OF KNOX TOWNSHIP
586
CHAPTER XLV.
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP 591
IO
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLVI.
HISTORY OF MORRIS TOWNSHIP. ...... 603
CHAPTER XLVII.
HISTORY OF PENN TOWNSHIP AND THE BOROUGHS OF LUMBER CITY AND PENNVILLE. 615+
CHAPTER XLVIII.
HISTORY OF PIKE TOWNSHIP AND THE BOROUGH OF CURWENSVILLE .. 628:
CHAPTER XLIX.
HISTORY OF SANDY TOWNSHIP ... ... 645,
CHAPTER L.
HISTORY OF UNION TOWNSHIP. 651
CHAPTER LI.
HISTORY OF WOODWARD TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER LII.
658
BIOGRAPHICAL 674
INDEX
725
II
CONTENTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Barrett, George Rodden 676
Betts, Rev. Frederick G. 691
McClosky, Isaac Crosby 675
Betts, William W. 692
McEnally, Hon. Joseph Benson 696
Bigler, William 709
Mahaffey, James 704
Boynton, Jonathan
700
Maxwell, James Andrew, M. D. 682
Chase, John Mitchell 695
Coudriet, Leon M. 703
Murray, Thomas H. 706
Patchin, Aaron W 683
Patton, Hon. John 679
Porter, William
697
Forcey, Thomas H.
702
Goodlander, George Breon 698
Potter, Dr. Johnson W
688
Hoyt, Hon. John P.
.689
Shaw, Richard 685
Shaw, Richard Henry. 692
Shaw, William M. 694
Stewart, Robert Shaw 678
Wilson, R. V.
705
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Barrett, George Rodden facing 242
Betts, William W. facing 334
Bigler, William facing 314
Dill, William H. facing 356
Boynton, Jonathan
facing 700
Chase, John Mitchell facing 658
Coudriet, Leon M. facing 538
Irvin, Col. John 701
Irvin, William
684
Irwin, Ellis
68I
Murray, Alexander
687
Dill, William H
690
Du Bois, John
719
Irvin, Hon. Alexander
682
Irvin, Col. E. A. 674
Du Bois, John facing 376
I2
CONTENTS.
Flynn, James
facing 412
Murray, Thomas H. facing 250
Forcey, Thomas H. facing 702
Patchin, Aaron W. facing 490
Goodlander, George Breon facing 358
Patton, Hon. John facing 680
Hoyt, Hon. John P.
facing 688
Porter, William
facing 344
Irvin, Hon. Alexander
facing 338
Potter, Dr. Johnson W
facing 504
Irvin, Col. E. A.
facing 120
Shaw, Richard
facing 596
Irvin, Col. John
facing 184
Irvin, William
facing 684
Irwin, Ellis.
facing 548
Stewart, Robert Shaw
facing 544
Wallace, William A.
facing 318
Wilson, R. V.
facing 258
Windsor House, View of
705
Murray, Alexander
facing 540
Shaw, Richard Henry
facing 692
Shaw, William M.
facing 360
McClosky, Isaac Crosby
facing 580
McEnally, Hon. Jos. Benson
-facing 240
Maxwell, Jas. Andrew, M.D. facing 632
HISTORY
OF
CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW.
The Subject - Formation -- Geographical and Topographical -- Mountains - Rivers - Nat- ural Characteristics.
T THE history of Clearfield county properly begins at the time of its organ- ization, and a narrative of the events of the territory within its boundaries, prior to such organization, must be associated with the events of the older counties from which it was erected.
Previous to the early part of the present century, Clearfield, as a county, was unknown-not even contemplated. In the year 1804, by the act of the State Legislature creating this county, the older counties of Lycoming and Huntingdon surrendered portions of their territory to the formation of the new. The county of Lycoming was formed from a part of the still older county of Northumberland, in the year 1795, while Huntingdon county was taken from Bedford in 1787, so that, in order to narrate the events of Clearfield county, or the territory embraced by it, prior to its civil organization, a much larger area must be included within the scope of its Indian and early occupation, that the connection of events may be kept perfect ; in fact the aboriginal occupation of this region is inseparably connected with the whole West Branch valley of the Susquehanna river-it is auxiliary to, though not co-extensive with it.
But, before going thoroughly into the subject of the Indian occupation, a geographical and topographical description of the county in general will serve to prepare the mind of the reader for such events as shall follow thereafter ; and, as the configuration of the surface has not materially changed since its
3
14
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
earliest occupancy, hundreds of years ago, this description may be given in the present tense.
Geographically, Clearfield county lies on parallel 41º 4' north latitude, and longitude 1º 30' west from Washington, D. C., according to the reckoning of Darby. The point of intersection of these imaginary lines is near Clearfield borough, as now located.
The county is bounded north by Elk and Cameron counties; east by Cen- tre and Clinton counties ; south by Cambria county, and west by Jefferson and Indiana counties. The average length from north to south is about thirty-six and eighty-five hundredths miles, with an average breadth of about forty and five-tenths miles, containing an area of about fourteen hundred eighty-two and forty-two hundredths square miles, or its equivalent in acres of nearly nine hun- dred and fifty thousand. It lies rather to the west of the main ridge of the Allegheny mountains, which enter the State from Allegheny county, Mary- land, separate Bedford and Somerset counties, and extending in a northerly direction also separate the northwest part of Bedford from the southeast part of Cambria county. At the extreme northern angle of Bedford, the mountains turn to the northeast, and are thence drained on either side by the tributaries of the Susquehanna, discharging the waters of the West Branch to the north- west and those of the Juniata and Bald Eagle Rivers to the southeast. The Alleghenies reach the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near the mouth of the river Bald Eagle.
The surface in the western part of the county is considerably broken by the great secondary formation of the main chain-by some writers of note called the Stony Mountains. It is between these mountain formations that the greater portion of the county is situate. The surface is irregular, hilly, and in some localities quite mountainous; but the mountains, with a general incli- nation northeast and southwest, form no distinct chains, but are entirely broken.
The height of the summit lands bordering on the Susquehanna River and Moshannon Creek, average from sixteen hundred to eighteen hundred feet above tide-water. The ridges in various localities often reach nineteen hun- dred, and in a few instances exceeding twenty-two hundred feet in height. As instance, in Girard township the elevation known as Big Knob is in the highest point twenty-two hundred and thirty feet.
In the northern and northwestern portions of the county, in the localities generally included by the townships of Sandy, Huston, Union, Pine, the ex- treme northerly part of Lawrence, and some portions of Goshen, Girard, and Karthaus, a large area is found averaging in many places in excess of two thousand feet, and in general ranging from seventeen to nineteen hundred feet altitude.
At the extreme southwest corner of the county, in the township of Burn- side, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River enters and flows in a generally
15
GENERAL GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW.
northeast direction, maintaining through Burnside and into Bell township a course nearly direct north. At Chest post-office it bears to the east, with an inclination to the north, and holds this direction generally, but excessively devious and irregular, until it leaves the county, forming the southerly bound- ary of Karthaus township. Here it enters the counties on the east, and grad- ually finds its way to the confluence with the North Branch at Sunbury. On its general course through the county, the chief tributaries of the West Branch are Chest Creek, Clearfield Creek, and Moshannon Creek.
Chest Creek rises near Ebensburg, Cambria county, and flows in a north- erly course through Chest township, and discharges its waters into the West Branch in Bell township, just north of Ostend.
Clearfield Creek has its source mainly in Beccaria township, and flows northeasterly into Bigler township to Madera; thence on through Bigler, north, forming the boundary between Knox and Woodward townships, penetrates Boggs, and empties into the West Branch in Lawrence township, east of Clear- field borough. Clearfield Creek has two small tributaries, called Muddy Run and Little Clearfield Creek respectively. Muddy Run divides the townships of Beccaria from Gulich, and Knox from Woodward. Little Clearfield Creek rises in Ferguson and Jordan townships and flows northeasterly, dividing Pike from Knox, and Lawrence from Boggs townships, and discharges into Clear- field Creek, near Stoneville.
The Moshannon forms the eastern boundary of Clearfield county, and sep- arates it from Centre county. Its head waters are near the Cambria county line, and from thence it flows in a northeasterly direction to a point east of Morrisdale, where it turns and runs in an easterly, though very tortuous, course for several miles ; thence in a generally north direction to its mouth at a very sharp bend in the West Branch. The Moshannon receives the drainage or surface waters from the west slope of the Alleghenies in Centre county, and of the eastern slope of the irregular and broken hilly districts of the townships on the east boundary of Clearfield county. The tributaries of the West Branch thus described, all discharge their waters into the main stream from the south.
The streams auxiliary to the West Branch, which flow from the north or the northwest portion of the county, are Anderson Creek, Moose Creek, Lick Run, Trout Run, Deer Creek, Sandy Creek, Musquito Creek, and Upper Three Run.
Anderson Creek rises in Huston and Union townships, thence runs south through Union and southeasterly through Bloom and Pike townships, and empties into the Susquehanna near and south of Curwensville.
Moose, or more properly named "Chincleclamousche" Creek, has its source in Pine township ; from thence it flows through Lawrence township and into the river a short distance north from Clearfield. The name originally given this stream is not its only prominent feature. It has, within the past few
16
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
years, been utilized as the water supply for Clearfield borough, concerning which further mention will be found in another chapter.
The head waters of Lick Run are found in Pine and Lawrence townships. The stream crosses Lawrence entire, and enters Goshen in the extreme south part, where it reaches the river.
Trout Run rises in the extreme north part of Lawrence and Goshen town- ships, and is formed from several small mountain streams. Its main course lies in Goshen, and its waters discharge into the West Branch at Shawsville.
Deer Creek lies almost wholly within the township of Girard, and flows. into the river in the southeast corner of the township.
Sandy Creek rises in the north part of Girard, and flows southeasterly into Covington township, and enters the river there.
Musquito Creek has its source in Girard and Covington townships, from whence it crosses into Karthaus, where it empties at a sharp bend of the river.
Upper Three Run rises and runs through Karthaus township only, and dis- charges into the West Branch near the Clinton county line.
Bennet's Branch of the Sinnemahoning has its source in the south part of Huston township, whence it takes a northeasterly course into Elk and Cam- eron counties, and gradually finds an outlet into the main stream which empties into the West Branch near Keating, Clinton county.
Laurel Run, a small tributary of Bennet's Branch, rises in the eastern part of Huston township, and flows thence north into the Branch in Elk county.
Sandy Lick Creek has its source in Huston and Sandy townships, and takes a westerly course into Jefferson county, which it crosses, and mingles its. waters with those of the Allegheny River at Redbank.
As an evidence of the excessively tortuous course of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, as it traverses the county, its waters flowing from southwest to northeast, the fact appears that a direct line from the point of entrance to the county, to a point where the stream enters the counties bor- dering on the east, is fifty miles in length, while by the course of the stream, as a log would float, the distance is nearly one hundred miles.
-
17
INDIAN OCCUPATION.
CHAPTER II.
INDIAN OCCUPATION.
Indian Occupation - The Lenni Lenapes -- Their Origin -Country Occupied by Them - The Iroquois - Their Clan System - The Five Nations - The Lenapes Conquered - The Delawares - Other Tribes -- Iroquois Successful - The Six Nations - Shawnees.
A T the time the first settlers came to that part of our country now included within the boundaries of the State of Pennsylvania, the territory was found to be in possession of a tribe of Indians known as the Lenni Lenapes, which by themselves being interpreted, means "original people." Among the European settlers they were styled the Delawares, from the fact of their inhab- iting the region of the Delaware River. In other localities they were known as the Algonquins. Tradition, so long and frequently related concerning them that it seems to be an established fact, credits them with having come from the far western country, even beyond the borders of the Mississippi River; that about the time they reached the Mississippi in their journey eastward, they fell in company with another tribe distinct from themselves, called the Mengwe. The latter had in view the same end sought by the Lenni Lenapes-a home in the country farther east. Rumors sent in advance reported the country bordering on the river and to the east of it, as inhabited by a people of vast strength, who dwelt in strongly constructed fortifications and entrenchments. A request was made of them that the new-comers might settle in their coun- try. This was refused by the Allegewi, the occupants of the region, but per- mission was given that the Lenapes and the Mengwe might pass through their country and settle in the country still farther east. Deceived as to the number of emigrants in the eastward-bound body, or else with treachery afore- thought, the Allegewi made a fierce attack upon the Lenapes and slaughtered many of them before the entire tribe had crossed the river. The Mengwe, who had remained neutral during the fight, formed an alliance with their com- panions, the Lenapes, and waged a fierce and bloody war against the treach- erous Allegewi, and drove them from the country. The Allegewi suffered great loss by this war and fled to the country southward. The Lenni Lenapes also lost many warriors in the strife, and claimed that brunt of the battle fell upon them, while the Mengwe hung in the rear. Gradually the now conquer- ing forces worked their way eastward, maintaining friendly companionship, the Mengwe making a choice of the territory bordering on the Great Lakes, while the Lenapes followed the streams running to the eastward, and occupied the country from the Hudson River to the Chesapeake Bay, including the shores of the four great rivers-the Hudson, Delaware, Susquehanna, and the Poto- mac-making the country of the Delaware the chief center of their vast posses-
18
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
sions. That portion of the Lenapes that reached and occupied the Atlantic slope, became in time divided into three clans, or smaller tribes, to wit .: The Unamis or Turtle tribe, Unalachtgo or Turkey tribe, and the Minsi or Wolf tribe, otherwise known as Monsey or Muncy. The Wolf or Monseys, being more warlike and fierce than the other tribes, occupied the territory farthest inland, that they might defend the border against any depredations of the Men- gwe, who, although they engaged with the Lenapes against their common enemy, the Allegewi, were still distrusted by them on account of the doubtful interest they took in the war on the Mississippi. The possessions of the Len- apes extended from the Hudson southwest, including the Susquehanna valley and the valley of the Juniata. The three principal tribes, Turtle, Turkey, and Minsi, of the Lenapes, were afterward sub-divided into other tribes or clans, each assuming a separate name, as locality or circumstance might suggest. Some of these subordinate tribes were known as the Shawnese, the Susque- hannas, the Nanticokes, the Neshamines.
The Mengwe became, in course of time, separated into five distinct tribes, and were severally known as follows: Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cay- ugas, and Senecas. Although their main line of possessions hovered along the borders of the Great Lakes, their hunting ground reached many miles inland, and they frequently came in contact with the Lenapes of whom they were jeal- ous, and they endeavored to arouse hostilities among the various tribes of the Lenapes, but in this they were unsuccessful. The Lenapes were the stronger and more powerful in point of numbers, and this fact was well known to the Mengwe. They dare not attack them nor wage war against them, nor was their border as carefully and strongly guarded as that of the Lenapes, with the Minsi on their frontier. Having failed in every attempt either to create dis- sension among the various Lenape sub-tribes, or lead them from their well defended border, the Mengwe called together their several tribes for the pur- pose of effecting a union for aggressive and defensive warfare. This council having met, it resulted in the creation of that great branch of Indian govern- ment known as the Five Nations. By the French they were known as the Iroquois ; by the Dutch, Maquas, and by the English, Mingoes. In general, this confederacy was known as the Iroquois Nation, and thus the most skilled historians have been content to designate it. It should be borne in mind, how- ever, that the name " Iroquois" was never used by the Confederates them- selves. It was first used by the French, and its precise meaning is veiled in uncertainty. The men of the Confederacy called themselves "Hedonosaunee," which means literally, " They form a cabin," describing in this manner the close union existing among them. The Indian name just above quoted, is more liberally and commonly rendered, "The People of the Long House," which is more full in description, though not so accurate in translation. The central and unique characteristic of the Iroquois league was not the mere fact
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.