USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > History of Huntingdon County, in the state of Pennsylvania : from the earliest times to the centennial anniversary of American independence, July 4, 1876 > Part 1
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1
HISTORY
OF
HUNTINGDON COUNTY,
IN THE
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE CENTENNIAL ANNI- VERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4, 1876.
BY MILTON SCOTT LYTLE.
/ YORK
ǃBRARY
LANCASTER, PA .: WILLIAM H. ROY, Publisher. 1876. w
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by MILTON SCOTT LYTLE,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
PEARSOL & GEIST, PRINTERS, LANCASTER, PA.
1
THE NEVY PUBLIC ( '_'
ASTOR, LETIM
TILDEN FOUNDATION
1
JUNIAT
13.
1
PREFACE.
The first suggestion of the preparation of local histories at the close of the first century of our national existence that came to the atten- tion of the author of this work was made some four or five months before the opening of the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. The purport of that suggestion was that such histories be sketches of the progress of towns and villages, to be delivered before assem- blages of their citizens, respectively, on the then approaching anni- versary. With a view to enlarging upon this idea, the author wrote a communication to the Philadelphia Press, which was also published in a number of other newspapers, recommending the preparation of histories of counties, and that they embrace sketches of sub- divisions and minor localities. Shortly afterwards, action upon the subject was taken by Congress, and the following joint resolution was adopted by the Senate and House of Representatives, and ap- proved by the President on the 13th of March last :
" Be it resolved, etc., That it be and is hereby recommended by the Senate and House of Representatives to the people of the several States, that they assemble in their several counties or towns on the approaching Centennial anniversary of our national independence, and that they cause to have delivered on such day an historical sketch of such county or town from its formation, and that a copy of said sketch be filed in print or manuscript in the clerk's office of said county and an additional copy in print or manuscript be filed in the
...
iv
PREFACE.
office of the Librarian of Congress, to the intent that a complet record may be thus obtained of the progress of our institutions dur- ing the first centennial of their existence."
This resolution was promulgated in proclamations of the Governor of Pennsylvania and the President of the United States, by the former on the 21st day of April, and by the latter on the 25th day of May, following its adoption. After reciting the resolution, the pro- clamations were as follows :
GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION.
" Now, therefore, I, John F. Hartranft, Governor as aforesaid, do hereby favorably commend this resolution to the people and authori- ties of the various cities, counties and towns of this Commonwealth, with the request that wherever the observance of the incoming anni- versary of our National Independence will permit, provision may be made to comply with the recommendation contained therein, so that these historical sketches may be made to embrace all information and statistics that can be obtained in relation to the first century of our existence as a Commonwealth."
PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION.
" And whercas, It is deemed proper that such recommendation be brought to the notice and knowledge of the people of the United States ; now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do hereby declare and make known the same in hope that the object of such resolution may meet the approval of the people of the United States, and that proper steps may be taken to carry the same into effect."
Although the histories of counties were thus in contemplation, the plan proposed was not a large one. The material of a historical character that could be condensed into a fourth of July address or
.
V
PREFACE.
oration would necessarily be brief and unsatisfactory. It could in- clude but a few of the most important outlines, and only such facts as in all probability had already been put into a shape to insure their preservation. That these histories could be made complete only by the adoption of a much more extensive plan, is apparent from the fact that this work has grown into a volume more pretentious in size than the author designed it to be in any other respect. In fact, to prevent its proportions from becoming too great, he was compelled to omit much that he originally intended it should contain. The annals of townships and boroughs, which he at first thought of giving in full, he has been obliged to shape according to the space that could be allowed to them. When it is remembered that there are in the county twenty-five townships and twelve boroughs, it will be seen that a sketch of each to the extent of eight or ten pages, would have filled this book, to the exclusion of the general history of the county, which, in the opinion of the author, at least, is of more importance. The sketches of a few of the townships may be regarded as sufficiently thorough. These were prepared before it was discovered that equal space could not be given to all of them.
As the author desired to act upon the suggestion he has mentioned, especially after it was given an official shape by the action of Con- gress and the proclamations of the Governor and President, and as he was unwilling to confine himself to the meagre limits proposed by them, he has reconciled his own ideas as nearly as possible with theirs, and has produced this volume, which he hopes will reach a larger public than could any history prepared and delivered in strict accordance with the plan contemplated by the resolution.
It is impossible for the author to specify the many persons to whom he is under obligations for courtesies and assistance in his researches
vi
PREFACE.
for the material for this work. There are some, however, from whom he has received favors that deserve to be especially acknowl- edged. Several of these have been mentioned in the chapters for which they contributed information, while to the others he must here express his thanks. To Mr. B. F. Ripple he is indebted for a sketch of Cromwell township, to Hon. David Clarkson for a sketch of Trough Creek valley, to J. L. McIlvaine, esq., for a sketch of Jackson town- ship, to Dr. J. H. Wintrode for a sketch of Penn, to Robert McDivitt, esq., for a sketch of Oneida, to Dr. J. A. Shade for a sketch of Dublin, and to Samuel Mc Vitty, esq., for a sketch of Shirley.
He is also largely indebted to all the editors and publishers of newspapers in the county. Their uniform courtesy and readiness to aid him whenever required, led him to believe that they appreci- ated the work in which he was engaged and encouraged him to per- severe in its completion. The editorial profession, to be successfully pursued, requires, perhaps, a higher intelligence than any other, and the approval of the gentlemen connected with it has a peculiar signi- ficance. Those who have assisted him most are Messrs. J. R. Dur- borrow and J. A. Nash, of the Journal, Prof. A. L. Guss, of the Globe, S. E. Fleming, esq., of the Monitor, Messrs. Hugh Lindsay and Frank Willoughby, of the Local News, and Col. J. M. Bowman, of the Mount Union Times.
Having endeavored to keep in view three of the purposes for which history should be written : first, to interest the general reader, second, to present facts and statistics for information and reference, and third, to preserve a record of the past, so that the scenes and the actors may not be forgotten, the author presents this work, hoping that he has not failed in any of these objects ; that it will be received by the public in the same generous spirit manifested
vii
PREFACE.
toward him during its preparation, that it will grow in value as time recedes, and that the few copies that may outlive the second century of American independence may be sought after by our descendants, anu may form the basis of a new and enlarged history of that portion of this free and enlightened people for whom Huntingdon county is to be a home and an abiding place.
HUNTINGDON, PA., Oct. 19th, 1876.
M. S. L.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER I. .
17
Aborigines of Huntingdon County-Doubts Concerning Them -- First White Vis- itors-Indian Traders-Their Character-The Old Indian War-Path.
CHAPTER II . 20
Conrad Weiser-His Journey to the Ohio-William Franklin-George Croghan- Andrew Montour-Black Log-The Standing Stone-John Harris's State- ment-Its Location-Meaning of Inscriptions upon it-Second stone erected by the Whites.
CHAPTER III . 28
A Popular Error-The story of Captain Jack-Its Unreliability-Jack's Nar- rows-Origin of the Name-Murder of Armstrong, Smith and Arnold-Shick- alamy's Statement-The search for and fiuding of the Bodies-Monument to Jack Armstrong. .
CHAPTER IV 35
Aggressions upon Unpurchased Lands-First Settlers in Huntingdon County- Measures taken to Expel Them-Burning of their Dwellings-Aughwick- Burnt Cabins-Discontent of the Indians-Ineffectual Work.
CHAPTER V 40
Treaty and purchase at Albany in 1754-Description of Lands Conveyed by the Six Nations -- Consequences which Followed-A Turning Point -- The Six Nations-Their Sovereignty-History-Residence-Character-The Delawares -Their Subjection to the Six Nations-The Shawnees-Imperious Assertion of Authority-An Acknowledgment by the Delawares-Fatal Revenge.
CHAPTER VI .
45
Aughwick-Croghan-Kis Reasons for Settling There -- Surrender of Fort Neces- sity-Indians Come to Aughwick -- Are Furnished with Supplies by Croghan- Drunkenness-Temperance Measures-Weiser's Conference with the Indians -Charges Against Croghan and the Answers to Them-Braddock's Com- plaints-Death of the Half King-Consolation from Croghan-Indian Desire for Presents-Monacatootha.
CHAPTER VII . ·
55
Fortification of Aughwick-Croghan's Views-Postponement of the Project- Movement against the French-Braddock's Expedition -- Appeal to the Indians-Croghan in Command of those from Aughwick-Deserters-Thanks of Council-Speech of Scarroyady -- Indians leave Aughwick --- Change in Croghan's Relations to the Government-No Longer in Charge of Indian Affairs.
x
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER VIII. .
· 61
.
Revival of the Project of Fortifying Aughwick-Condition of the Frontier Settle- ments -- Reasons why they were Unprotected --- Conflict between the Governor and the Assembly -- Croghau Commissioned as a Captain and Ordered to Erect Stockades - Where they were to be Built --- Fort Shirley --- Captain Croghan Recruits men to Garrison the Forts --- Difficulties Concerning His Accounts --- Resigns his Commission and Leaves Fort Shirley.
CHAPTER LX
Commissary General of Musters Visits and Pays Troops at Fort Shirley -- Letter from Captain Mercer -- Recruiting at Carlisle -- Strength of Garrison at Fort Shirley -- Condition of his Company --- Arms, Accoutrements, Provisions and Pay --- Capture and Burning of Fort Granville --- Preparations for an Attack en Fort Shirley -- Colonel Armstrong's Expedition Against Kittanning -- Ren- dezvous at Fort Shirley- . Surprise and Rout of the Indians -- Killing of Captain Jacobs, the Indian Chief-Captain Mercer Wounded and Missing-He Rejoins His Company --- Evacuation of Fort Shirley.
CHAPTER X
70
Situation on the Frontiers after 1754-Warrants Granted in 1755-In 1762-Hugh Crawford's Improvement-Revival of Purchases-Dangers From and Depre- dations by the Indians-The Town of Huntingdon -- Its Founder, Dr. William Smith-Selina, Countess of Huntingdon.
CHAPTER XI. 74
Huntingdon at the Beginning of the Revolutionary War-The McMurtries- Fort Standing Stone-Tories-Colonel Piper Exceeds his Authority-General Roberdean at Huntingdon -His Letter-Tory Expedition to Kittanning-Its Result-Death of Weston and Dispersion of his Men.
CHAPTER XII. .
82
1778 to 1752-Cumberland County Militia sent to the Frontier-Difficulty of Obtaining Arms-Colonel Broadhead's Regiment Ordered to Standing Stone- Captain Thomas Clugage's Company-At Fort Roberdeau-Charges Against Captain Clugage-His Reply to Them-Militia of Lancaster and York Called out for Service in Bedford and Westmoreland-Their Failure to Respond- Colonel Martin's Letter to Council-Assistance from Cumberland County- Huntingdon a Depot for Supplies-Division of County into Military Districts -Colonel George Ashinan-His Report to President Reed-His Anxiety For the Safety of the Country-Surrender of Lord Cornwallis-General Carlton Supersedes Sir Henry Clinton-Peace.
CHAPTER XIII.
91
Division of Pennsylvania into Counties-Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester- Lancaster-Cumberland -- Bedford-Huntingdon -- County Seat-Townships then within the County-Election Districts-First Incumbents of County Offices-Court Houses-Jails-Running and Ascertaining County Lines- Difficulties with Mitllin County-Erection of new Counties-Centre-Cambria -Blair.
CHAPTER XIV 101
A Tenjest in Politics-Adoption of the Constitution of the United States- Opposition to it in Huntingdon County-General William McAlevy-His Political Influence-Armed Interference with the Public Officers in the Per- formance of their Duties-Turbulent Interruption of the Courts-Arrests and Rescues-Muster of Col. Cannon's Battalion-Assault and Battery upon Benjamin Elliott-The Military retires from the Field-More Arrests-De- struction of Warrants and Indictment-Obliteration of the Records of the Court of Quarter Sessions-Secretion of Smith and Flight of Henderson- Action of Supreme Executive Council-Further Violence-McAlevy and the Mob-The Storm Subsides.
66
xi
JNTENTS.
CHAPTER XV .
PAGE. 110
Close of the Eighteenth Century-Peace and Plenty-Prosperity and Improve- ment-Navigation of the Juuiata and Raystown Branch -- Of the Little Juniata and Standing Stone Creek-First Iron Works-Bedford Furnace-Barree Forge-Huntingdon Furnace-First Ark on the Susquehanna and Juniata- First Newspaper-Establishment of the Post Office at Huntingdon.
CHAPTER XVI . 116
Newspapers of the Past-Huntingdon Gazette-Literary Museum-Republican Advocate-Huntingdon Courier-Huntingdon Messenger-Standing Stone Banner-Shirleysburg Herald-The Union-Broad Top Miner -- Workingmen's Advocate-Young America-The American and the Republican.
CHAPTER XVII .
124
Newspapers of the Present-The Journal-A. W. Benedict-Theo. H. Cremer- James Clark-J. Sewell Stewart-J. R. Durborrow-The Globe-William Lewis-A. L. Guss-The Monitor-Destruction of the Office by the Soldiers- S. E. Fleming-M. M. McNeil-The Local News-Hugh Lindsay-Mount Union Times-The Herald-The Leader-The Pilgrim-The Young Disciple.
CHAPTER XVIII. 137
Enterprises of the Past-Post-Riders-Arks-Pack-Horses-Juniata Mail Stage -Weekly-Daily-Time From Philadelphia to Huntingdon aud Pittsburg- Mail Route to Chambersburg-Turnpikes-Incorporation of the Huntingdon, Cambria and Indiana-Huntingdon and Lewistown -- Pennsylvania Canal- Legislation Under which it was Constructed-Preliminary Surveys-Opened for Navigation-Public Enthusiasm -- Sale to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany-Abandoned West of Huntingdon.
CHAPTER XIX 147
Railroads-Philipsburg and Juniata-Huntingdon and Chambersburg-Hun- tingdon and Hollidaysburg --- Pennsylvania-Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain-Drake's Ferry and East Broad Top-East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company-Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek-Telegraphs.
CHAPTER XX . . 157
Organization of First Agricultural Society-Its Objects and Manner of Advancing Them-Present Agricultural Society-Organization -- First Officers -- Incorpo- ration-Dates Upon which Fairs have been Held -- Premiums and Expenses- Present Officers-Statistics of Agriculture and Manufactures.
CHAPTER XXI. . 163
Coal and Iron-Early Knowledge of the Existence of Coal on Broad Top- Attempt to Create a Market for'It-Beginning of the Coal Trade-Annual Production-Detailed Statement of the Business for 1875-Coke-Juniata Charcoal Iron-Furnaces and Forges by which it was Made.
CHAPTER XXII . . 168
Education-Number of Schools in the County-Average Number of Months Taught-Number of Children in Attendance-Teachers-Classification- Branches Taught-School Buildings-Primitive School House-Recent Archi- tecture-Heating of School Rooms-Furniture and Apparatus-Teacher's Institutes-County Superintendency-Salary-List of Persons who have Held the Office-Receipts and Expenditures for School Purposes-Illiteracy- Number of Persons who cannot Read or Write.
xii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIII. .
PAGE. 178
Private Schools-Shirleysburg Acadsmy and Seminary-MIilnwood Academy- Cassville Seminary-Soldiers' Orphan School-Huntingdon Academy-Moun- tain Seminary-Churches.
CHAPTER XXIV . 182
Population and Wealth-Steady and Gratifying Increase-Progress from 1790 to 1870-Whites, Free Colored and Slaves-Foreigners-Countries from which they Came and number from Each-Distribution of Population-White and Colored, Native and Foreign-Valne of Real and Personal Property-Compar- ison with Other Counties-Ares and Taxation.
CHAPTER XXV . 185
The Great Rebellion-Resolutions Adopted before its Commencement-Series of Meetings at Huntingdon in April, 1861, and Proceedings Thereat-Departure of the First Company for Harrisburg-Enthusiasm of the People-Display of the National Colors in all Parts of the County-Supplying Soldiers with Re. freshments-Soldiers' Aid Societies-Number of Men Furnished by the County during the War-Commissioned Officers, with their Rank Commands, Etc .- Militis-Emergency Men -- Decoration of Soldiers' Graves-Memorial Association.
CHAPTER XXVI . 200
Supreme Execulive Council-Members from Huntingdon County-Col. John Cannon-Benjamin Elliott-Numerous Publie Positions Filled by the Latter -His Descendants.
CHAPTER XXVII 202
David Rittenhouse Porter-Leading Events in his Life before becoming a Citi- zen of Huntingdon County-Clerk sud Mansger at Barree Forge-Engaged in the Manufacture of Iron on Spruce Creek-His Failure-Elected County Auditor-Member of Legislature-Appointed Prothonotary-Ilegister of Wills and Recorder of Deeds-Elected State Senator-Governor in IS3S and IS41-Vote in Huntingdon County-Retires to Private Life-Death.
CHAPTER XXVIII . 207
Hon. John Scott-His Education-Admission to the Bar-Appointed Deputy Attorney-General-Elected a Representative in the Legislature-Supports the Government in the Suppression of the Rebellion, and Advocates the Re-election of Lincoln in 1864-Elected United States Senator-His Publie Services-Committees of which he was a Member-Part taken by Him in Legislation -- Appointed General Counsel for Pennsylvania Company and removes to Pittsburg.
CHAPTER XXIX . 214
Representatives in Congress-First Election-Apportionments-Districts to which Huntingdon County has Belonged-Names of Representatives and Years of their Election-Hon. R. Milton Speer-Sketch of His Life.
CHAPTER XXX .. 217
President Judges-Appointments Previous to 1851-Elections in that Year and Subsequently-llon. George Taylor-His Death-Proceedings at Meetings of Members of the Bar-Sketch of His Life-Associate Judges-Prosecuting At- torneys and District Attorneys.
CHAPTER XXXI. 225
Senatorial Districts Fixed by Constitution of 1790-Septennial Apportionments and the Districts to which Huntingdon County has Belonged-Senators Elected Since 1790-Representatives in Legislature-Members Elected Since the Erection of the County.
CONTENTS.
xiii
CHAPTER XXXII .
FAGE. 229
Constitutional Conventions-1776-Benjamin Elliott-1790-Andrew Henderson -1838-Delegates From the County and Senatorial District-1873-Dr. John M'Culloch and John M. Bailey.
CHAPTER XXXIII 232
County Officers-Sheriffs -Prothonotaries, Clerks of Courts of Common Pleas, etc .- Registers, Recorders, and Clerks of the Orphans' Court-County Treasurers-County Commissioners-Directors of the Poor-Couuty Surveyors -Jury Commissioners.
CHAPTER XXXIV 238
Huntingdon-Old Deed of Conveyance-Incorporation as a Borough-Extensions of Borough Limits-Additions to the Plan of the Town-J. Edgar Thomson's Survey-Miller, Wharton and Anderson's Addition-Manufacturing Estab- lishments-Planing Mill and Furniture Factory-Shoe Factory and Taunery -Car Works and Machine Shops-Broom and Brush Factory-Pilgrim Publi- cation Building-Number of Buildings Erected-Census-Opening and Ex- tension of Streets-Change in Street Nomenclature-Numbering of Buildings and Lots-Division of the Borough into Wards-Fire Department-Engine House-Gas-School Buildings and Schools-Churches and Pastors.
CHAPTER XXXV 262
Townships -- Divisions and Sub-Divisions-Erected from Tyrone-From Hun- tingdon-From Barree-From Hopewell-From Shirley-From Dublin- Townships formed Since the Erection of the County, in the Order of Their Ages-Barree-Hopewell.
CHAPTER XXXVI . 265
Dublin Township-The Shadow of Death-Early Settlers-Alexander Blair- Manufactories-Development of Mineral Wealth-Shade Gap-Incorporation as a Borough-Churches, etc.
CHAPTER XXXVII 272
Shirley Township-Early Settlers-Mille-Stores-Drake's Ferry-Clintonville Santa Fe-Mount Union-Iron Ores of the Southern Part of the County -- Improvements in Mount Union and Vicinity-Jet d'Eau and Hotel des Invalides-Shirleysburg.
CHAPTER XXXVIII . 279
Franklin Township-Agricultural and Mineral Wealth-Iron Works-Post Offices-Springhield Township -- First Settlers-Their Character -- Early Schools and Churches-Public Improvements-Causes that have Retarded the Development of the Resources of the Township.
CHAPTER XXXIX 283
Union Township-Trough Creek, Smith's and Hare's Valleys-The Streams -The Tory Hare-Mapleton-Morris Township-Water Street-Spruce
Creek or Graysport-Union Furnace.
CHAPTER XL . 293
West Township-Shaver's Creek Valley-Anderson's Fort-Escape of Jane Maguire-Petersburg-Warrior's Mark Township-Origin of the Name- Birmingham-Its Foundation, Growth and Decline.
CHAPTER XLI . 299
Tell-Henderson-Porter-Walker.
1
.
xiv
CONTENTS.
PAGE. 302
CHAPTER XLII .
Cromwell Township-Indian Remains-George Irvin-Early Settlements- Furnaces-Bedford-Rockhill-Winchester-Rockhill Iron and Coal Com- pany-Their Improvements-Starting of the New Furnace-The Clugage Family-Black Log-Orbisonia.
CHAPTER XLIII 314 Tod Township-Union-Trough Creek Valley-Cass-Salisbury, or Chilcoats- town-Cassville-Hon. David Clarkson.
CHAPTER XLIV . 319
Jackson Township-Joseph Jackson-General William McAlevy-His Method of Immigration-McAlevy's Fort-Schools and Churches-Greenwood Fur- nace-Mitchell's Furnace-Stone Creek and McAlevy's Fort Railroad-Clay Township-Brady-Mill Creek-Sand Quarries.
CHAPTER XLV 322
Penn Township-Soil-Ores-Early Settlers-Villages -- Marklesburg-Grant- ville-Grafton-Religions Denominations-Reformed-Lutheran-Methodist Episcopal-German Baptist-Mennonite- Churches-Mills-Soldiers of the Union Army.
CHAPTER XLVI . . 333
Oncida Township-Nathan Gorsuch-Jacob White-Other Early Settlers-Im- provements and Productions-William Foster-Boat Building-Juniata Town- ship-Soil-Timber-Carbon Township-Its Chief Industry-Lincoln Town- ship-James Entriken-Coffee Run.
CHAPTER XLVII 33S
Centennial Anniversary of American Independence-Observance of the Day-At Warrior's Mark-Birmingham-Dudley-Orbisonia-Mount Union-Hunting- don-Display of Flags and Decoration of Buildings-Procession-Oration by Dr. J. H. Wintrode-Balloon Ascension-Close of the Century.
.
1
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ILLUSTRATIONS.
The Juniata,
Frontispiece.
Jack's Narrows, .
Facing page 28
Cassville Seminary,
178
Hon. John Scott,
66 206
Spruce Creek Tunnel,
60 286
Below Mill Creek,
321
66
EXPLANATION. Some copies of this work will be found not to contain the portrait of Hon. John Scott, which appears in the above list of illustrations. It is deemed necessary to explain this omission. The engravings were arranged for early in the last summer and were to be furnished early in the month of July. At that time a portion of them was received. The balance have sinee been repeatedly promised by the owner of the plate, but after waiting for them until the latest possible moment, we are obliged to publish the work without them.
ERRATA.
Page 19, for Governeur Morris read Governor Morris.
21, at beginning of last paragraph, for 1758 read 1748.
" 112, for 1780 read 1785.
130, line 16th from the bottom, for 1871 read 1873.
160, for Peter Stryder read Peter Stryker.
for David Auxandt read David Aurandt.
" for Hon. James Given read Hon. James Gwin.
" 190, for Couser read Conser.
201, for Henry Miller read Jacob Miller.
" 227, for members of Assembly from 1817 to 1830, inclu- sive, see next page.
-
1
HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
ABORIGINES OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY-DOUBTS CONCERNING THIEM-FIRST WHITE VISITORS-INDIAN TRADERS-THEIR CHARACTER-THE OLD INDIAN WAR-PATH.
BUT little is known concerning the Aborigines of Hunt- ingdon county previous to the settlement of the whites among them. Of course, such knowledge could be gathered only from the traditions of the Indians themselves, few of which have been retained by us, the scenes upon the savage stage having vanished with the actors. Even the names of the various tribes that may have lived here have passed into oblivion. It is true that some facts in relation to the native inhabitants of Standing Stone have been preserved, but of so meagre a character that it is uncertain to what nation they belonged. Writers on this subject state that they are sup- posed to have been Oneidas, but after giving the matter as thorough an examination as the limited data at hand affords, I am inclined to the contrary opinion, if, indeed, it is suffi- ciently free from obscurity and doubt to admit of an opinion at all. The supposition to which I refer is founded upon a theory, that the name Oneida signifies, in our language, "Standing "' ne," and that the Oneida Indians of New York were of Southern origin. But some authorities, in contra- diction to this theory, have given the name a different inter- pretation; and as to their emigration it must have taken place, if at all, many years before white visitors came to the ancient village on the Juniata. On the capture of New York from the Dutch in 1664, the Five Nations, of which the Oneidas were one, were living in that State and entered into an alliance with the English. If the entire Oneida
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