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HISTORY
OF
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA,
INCLUDING
1
'ITS ABORIGINAL HISTORY; THE COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIODS; EARLY SETTLEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT,GROWTH; POLITICAL ORGANIZATION; AGRICULTURAL, MINING, AND MANUFACTURING INTERESTS; INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS; RELIGIOUS, EDUCA- TIONAL, SOCIAL, AND MILITARY HISTORY; SKETCHES OF ITS BOROUGHS, VILLAGES, AND TOWNSHIPS; PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF PIONEERS AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS, ETC., ETC.
EDITED BY
HERBERT C. BELL.
ILLUSTRATED.
CHICAGO, ILL. : BROWN, RUNK & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1891.
PRESS OF JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, CHICAGO.
PREFACE.
N O county of interior Pennsylvania possesses a greater degree of historic interest than Northumberland. Shamokin, one of the most impor- tant Indian towns in the State, was situated within its present limits, and here, at the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna, Fort Augusta was erected for the defense of the Province in the French and Indian war. This region was constantly harassed by hostile savages during the Revolutionary period; no part of the Pennsylvania frontier suffered more from their incursions, as "The Great Runaway," the fall of Fort Freeland, and numerous lesser calamities abundantly testify. Organized in 1772, the county once extended from the Lehigh river to the Allegheny, with the New York line as its northern boundary, embracing more than one third the area of the State, and with eminent propriety it has been called "The Mother of Counties."
The physical features of the county-its aboriginal history, and the con- test for possession of its soil-the military movements upon its territory in the Colonial and Revolutionary periods-the gradual progress of its early settlement, with the customs and characteristics of pioneer life-its civil organization and administration- its material resources in soil and mineral treasures, and industrial activity in the past and present-the part taken by its citizens in the Revolution, the war of 1812, and the civil war- the educa- tional and religious interests of the community, with biographical mention of many of its citizens, are included in the plan of this work, and have been treated with such fairness as its comprehensive character would permit.
Herbert C. Bell, of Leitersburg, Maryland, is the author of the general history (Chapters X and XI excepted). The editorial supervision of the work was intrusted to Mr. Bell, whose thoroughness and accuracy in histor- ical research and narration have been acquired by a varied experience in this department of literary effort. In this responsible position he received the assistance and co-operation of the publishers, whose long connection with the business has made them familiar with all the details of local historical work.
The Shamokin coal field and its development (Chapters X and XI) have been treated by Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin. In these chapters the history of the mining industry in Northumberland county is presented to the public
IV
PREFACE.
in a connected narrative for the first time. Doctor John's long residence in the coal region and intimate acquaintance with the subject of which he writes are ample guaranty of the thorough execution of his work.
An important feature of the publication is its several chapters of per- sonal and family biography, the data for which were obtained from those to whom they relate or their descendants; and in order to insure accuracy, the matter was afterward submitted to them for correction.
It would be impossible to mention here every one who has rendered valu- able aid in the preparation of this volume. The assistance given by Dr. R. H. Awl, John B. Packer, W. I. Greenough, S. P. Wolverton, and H. B. Mas- ser, of Sunbury, Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin, and the late John F. Wol- finger, of Milton, is, however, worthy of special notice. Appropriate ac- knowledgments are due and gladly tendered to the public press of the county for access to newspaper files, and words of encouragement; to county and borough officials for courtesies shown; to the descendants of the pioneers in every locality for information furnished; to attorneys, physicians, and other professional men; to the pastors of churches; to the leading spirits in various societies; to the owners and managers of manufacturing and other business establishments; to those enterprising citizens who gave us their patronage, and without whose support we could not have succeeded; and in general to every one who has contributed in any manner to the success of the work.
Neither time nor money nor labor has been spared to make this volume an authentic and reliable source of information concerning the early history and material development of the county, and the various commercial, social, and religious activities of its people. We take pride in the knowledge that we have redeemed our promises, and furnished our patrons a work which every intelligent citizen can justly appreciate.
BROWN, RUNK & Co.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. THE COLONIAL PERIOD.
General Topography-Drainage-First Exploration of the Susquehanna-Indian Tribes -The Susquehannocks-The Delawares-Allumapees-The Shawanese-The Iro- quois-Shikellimy-Indian Traders-Conrad Weiser-Missionary Effort. 17-42
CHAPTER II.
THE COLONIAL PERIOD (Concluded).
Purchase of the Susquehanna-Alienation of the Delaware Indians-Hostilities Inaugu- rated-Rumors of French Invasion-Defensive Measures Adopted-The Augusta Regiment Organized to Build a Fort at Shamokin-Progress of the Expedition- Construction of Fort Augusta-Principal Events of Colonel Clapham's Administra- tion-Extracts and Incidents from Major Burd's Journal-Subsequent Commanding Officers-The Magazine and Indian Store-Operations in 1763-Strength of the Gar- rison and Armament-The Flag-Doctors and Chaplains-Plan and Description of the Fort-Close of the French and Indian War-Purchase of 1768-Early Surveys- Lists of Pioneers-Fithian's Journal-The Yankee and Pennamite War. .42-98
CHAPTER III. THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.
Close of the Provincial Regime-The County's Representation in the Continental Army -Companies of Captains Lowdon, Parr, and Weitzel-Twelfth Pennsylvania Regi- ment-Committee of Safety-Militia Organization-Indian Outrages-Defensive Measures Instituted by Colonel Hunter-" The Great Runaway "-Colonel Brodhead Temporarily Stationed on the Frontier-Colonel Hartley's Military Administra- tion-Fall of Fort Freeland-The German Regiment-General Potter's Expedition- Events of 1781-82-Colonel Hunter's Accounts 99-142
CHAPTER IV. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION.
Erection of Northumberland County-Disintegration of its Territory-Present Bound- aries-Internal Subdivision-Original Townships-Formation of Present Subdivis- ions-Statistics of Population-Public Buildings-Early Fiscal Affairs-Inaugura- tion of the Public School System-Roster of County Officers-Representation in Constitutional Conventions, etc .- Legislative Representation-Early Township Of- ficers 142-198
VI
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
First Courts and Cases-The Quarter Sessions-Early Administration of Penal Justice- The Orphans' Court-The Common Pleas-Rules of Court-The Bench-Roster of Justices-Biographical Sketches of President Judges-Associate Judges-The Bar of the Past and Present-The Supreme Court. 201-260
CHAPTER VI. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
List of Sunbury Physicians, by Dr. R. H. Awl-Biographical Sketches of Physicians Throughout the County-Medical Societies-Roster of the Medical Profession .. . 261-273
CHAPTER VII. THE PRESS.
Journalism at Northumberland-Sunbury Papers-The Press of Milton-Shamokin Newspapers-Journals of Mt. Carmel-McEwensville and Locust Gap Papers .... 273-296
CHAPTER VIII. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Relation of Highways of Travel to Civilization-Public Roads-The Tulpehocken Road-The Old Reading Road-Early County Roads-Turnpikes- River Navi- gation-Canals-Railroads-Pennsylvania - Danville and Pottsville- Philadelphia and Erie-Northern Central-Sunbury, Hazelton aud Wilkesbarre-Sunbury and Lewistown-Lewisburg and Tyrone-Philadelphia and Reading-Mine Hill and Schuylkill Haven-Mahauoy and Shamokin-Enterprise-Shamokin and Trevortou- Trevorton, Mahanoy and Susquehanna-Catawissa-Shamokin, Sunbury and Lewis- burg-Delaware, Lackawanna and Western - Lehigh Valley - Wilkesbarre and Western 297-328
CHAPTER IX.
AGRICULTURE,
Preparation of Soils the Result of Remote Rather than Immediate Agency-Geological Structure-Anticlinals and Synclinals-Subdivisions of the Paleozoic System-Loca- tion and Characteristics of Each Stratum-Development of the Farming Industry- Condition of the Farming Interests in 1845-Agricultural Societies .329-346
CHAPTER X.
THE SHAMOKIN COAL FIELD.
BY DR. J. J. JOHN.
Importauce of Coal-Its Location-Names of the Veins-Their Position and Character- A Walk from the Weigh Scales to the Camerou Colliery-Ascent of the Great Culm Bank- A Talk with the Inside Foreman About the Coal Formation-Further De- scription of the Sixteen Veins Found in This Region-A Section of the Measures- Depth of the Shamokin Coal Basiu-A Short Description of the Districts and Basins-Production of the Three Districts-The Question, " How Long Will Our Coal Supply Last?" Answered. 347-357
1
VII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHAMOKIN COAL FIELD. BY DR. J. J. JOHN.
Discovery of Anthracite in This Region-First Application to General Uses-First Shamo- kin Coal Taken to Market-Opening of the First Mines at Shamokin, Coal Run, and Trevorton-First Coal Shipments Dowu the Susquehanna-Speculation in Coal Lands-The Danville and Pottsville Railroad-Pioneer Coal Operations-The Dis- astrous Year of 1842-Revival of 1850-Judge Helfenstein's Developments-Orig- inal Coal Breakers-Marshall's Letter-New Collieries and Outlets-Coal Shipments to Elmira in 1855-Other Collieries Started and Breakers Erected-Tonnage of This Region for the Years 1857 and 1889-Total Production for the Past Fifty-one Years.358-391
CHAPTER XII.
WAR OF 1812.
Mobilization of the Militia-Companies of Captains Robert McGuigan, William McGuire, William F. Buyers, and Jacob Hummel, and Lieutenant Joseph Dreibelbies. ..... 391-396
CHAPTER XIII. THE CIVIL WAR.
State of Public Sentiment at the Outbreak of the War-Mass Meetings and Resolutions- . The Sanitary Commission-Regimental Sketches-Eleventh-Eighth-Thirty-fourth -Forty-sixth - Forty-seventh-Fifty-first- Fifty-third - Eightieth - One Hundred and Twelfth-Fifty-eighth-One Hundred and Thirty-first-One Hundred and Fifty- second-Seventy-fourth-Militia of 1863-Militia of 1863-Soldiers' Monuments. . . 396-444
CHAPTER XIV. SUNBURY.
The Town Plat-Early Residents-Sunbury in 1808-Reminiscences of Dr. R. H. Awl- Prominent Merchants, 1772-1850-Early Hotels-Municipal Organization and Gov- ernment-Facilities of Travel and Transportation-Industrial Activity-Banking Institutions-Gas, Electric Light, and Water Companies-Local Papers-The Post- office-Secret and other Societies-Educational Interests-Churches-Cemeteries- Borough of East Sunbury. 444-514
CHAPTER XV. NORTHUMBERLAND.
The Town Plat-Early History-Prominent Early Residents-Early Merchants and Hotels-The Postoffice-Bridges, Canals, and Railways-Borough Organization and Government-Industrial Activity-Schools-Local Journalism-Secret and other Societies-Churches-Cemeteries .515-545
CHAPTER XVI. MILTON.
Pioneer History-The Town Plat-Inhabitants from 1804 to 1808-Taxables in 1818- Borough Government-The Postoffice-Facilities of Travel and Transportation- General Business Interests-Industries of the Past and Present-Floods and Fires- Secret and Other Societies-Churches-Sunday Schools-Miscellaneous Moral and Humanitarian Organizations-Educational Interests-Local Papers-Cemeteries.545-591
VIII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVII. SHAMOKIN.
Brief of Title-The Town Plat-Pioneers-Shamokin in 1839-Subsequent Growth Sum- marized-The First Stores and Hotels-Early Physicians and Lawyers-Municipal Organization and Government-The Riot of 1877-Facilities of Travel and Transpor- tation-The Shamokin Coal Trade-General Industrial Interests-The Postoffice- Banks-Water, Gas, and Electric Light-Board of Trade-Secret and Other Societies 591-655 -The Press-Churches-Educational Interests-Cemeteries
CHAPTER XVIII. MT. CARMEL.
Old Hotels-The Town Plat-First Improvements and Subsequent Growth-The First Merchants, Physicians, and Lawyers-The Postoffice-Railroads-Municipal Organi- zation and Government-The Mt. Carmel Coal Trade-General Industrial Interests- Financial Institutions-Water and Electric Light Companies-Seeret and Other Socie- ties-The Press-Schools-Churches-Cemeteries 655-676
CHAPTER XIX. WATSONTOWN.
Pioneer History-The First Surveys-Early Industries, Stores, and Hotels-The Town Plat-Railroads-The Postoffice-Manufacturing, Past and Present-Banks-Electric Light aud Water Companies-Borough Organization and Government-Secret and Fraternal Societies-Educational and Literary Effort-Churches-Watsontown Cem- etery .. 677-692
CHAPTER XX.
TURBUT TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Original Boundaries-Subdivision and Present Area-Pioneers-Mills -- Churches-Schools-Cemeteries. .692-697
CHAPTER XXI. UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP.
Erection of Augusta Township and Development of its Subsequent Boundaries-Forma- tion of Upper and Lower Augusta-Pioneers-Roads and Streams-Industries- Schools-Churches. 698-705
CHAPTER XXII. LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP.
Territorial Development-Topography-Fisher's Ferry-Mills-Schools-Churches ..... 705-707
CHAPTER XXIII. UPPER MAHANOY TOWNSHIP.
Proceedings for the Erection of Mahanoy Township-Disintegration of Its Territory- Organization of Upper Mahanoy-Pioneers-Hotels-Mills-Secret Society-Schools -Churches 708-710
CHAPTER XXIV. LOWER MAHANOY TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Drainage-Early History and Present Business and Industrial Interests of Georgetown-Malta-Industries-Schools-Churches. 711-714
IX
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXV. POINT TOWNSHIP. 1
Proceedings for Its Erection-First Township Officers-Pioneers-Industries. ..... .714-716
CHAPTER XXVI. CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIP.
Area and Topography-Erection and Subdivision-Pioneers-Industries-Pottsgrove- Montandon-Sodom-Chillisquaque-Schools-Churches. .716-726
CHAPTER XXVII.
SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP.
Formation of Ralpho Township and Description of its Original Boundaries-Change of Name to Shamokin-Physical Features-Pioneers-Taxables in 1788-Industries- Early Settlement, Present Business, and Municipal Government of the Borough of Snydertown-Villages-Schools-Churches 726-734
CHAPTER XXVIII. LITTLE MAHANOY TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries-Organization-Pioneers-Mills-Schools-Churches. .734-736
- CHAPTER XXIX. RUSH TOWNSHIP.
Successive Movements for the Division of Shamokin Township-Formation, Origin of Name, aud First Township Officers of Rush-Pioneers-Industries-Rushtown- Schools-Churches. 737-742
CHAPTER XXX. JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Original Boundaries-Pioneers-Industries-Early History and Growth of Herndon- Mahanoy-Schools-Churches. 743-748
CHAPTER XXXI. COAL TOWNSHIP.
Suggestiveness of the Name-Organization-Streams and Roads-Industries-Villages- Coal Poor District-Churches 749-751
CHAPTER XXXII. DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Boundaries-Pioneers-Early Industries-Early History, Growth, In- dustries, and Borough Organization of McEwensville-Dewart-Churches-Schools -Cemeteries .752-764
CHAPTER XXXIII. LEWIS TOWNSHIP.
Topographical Features-Political Organization-Freeland's Mill-Settlement, Growth, Present Business Interests, and Municipal Government of the Borough of Turbut- ville-Churches-Schools-Turhutville Cemetery. .765-769
x
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIV. CAMERON TOWNSHIP.
Extent-Organization-Drainage-Villages of the Past and Present-Schools-Churches. .769-772
CHAPTER XXXV. JORDAN TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Organization- Drainage - Roads - Post-Villages -Industries -Schools- 772-777 Churches
CHAPTER XXXVI.
ZERBE TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Boundaries-Pioneers-Origin, Growth, Present Business Interests, and Secret Societies of Trevorton-Schools-Churches 777-783
CHAPTER XXXVII. MT. CARMEL TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Drainage aud Roads-Collieries-Mining Villages-Churches .. .... .784-786
CHAPTER XXXVIII. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Original Boundaries-First Township Officers-Pioncers-Industries-Rebuck-Schools .786-790 -Churches
CHAPTER XXXIX.
ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Boundaries-Drainage and Roads-Villages-Mills-Schools-Churches.
790-795 ..
CHAPTER XL.
RALPHO TOWNSHIP.
Successive Steps in the Proceedings by Which the Township was Erected-Line of Divis- ion from Shamokin-Drainage and Roads-Pioncers-Early History, Growth, and Secret Societies of Elysburg-Industries-Schools-Churches. 796-800
CHAPTER XLI. GEARHART TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Organization-The Founding, Growth, and Municipal Government of the Borough of Riverside-South Danville-Schools-Churches-Cemetery. 800-803
CHAPTER XLII.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Sunbury
.804-860
XI
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLIII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Shamokin
860-967
CHAPTER XLIV.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Milton
967-1013
CHAPTER XLV.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mt. Carmel
.1013-1067
CHAPTER XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Watsontown
1068-1092
CHAPTER XLVII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Northumberland Borough and Point Township. .1093-1106
CHAPTER XLVIII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Turbut and Chillisquaque Townships
1106-1141
CHAPTER XLIX. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Lewis and Delaware Townships and Boroughs of Turbutville and McEwensville. . . 1141-1160
CHAPTER L. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Upper Augusta, Lower Augusta, and Rockefeller Townships. 1160-1175
1
CHAPTER LI. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Shamokin, Ralpho, Rush, and Gearhart Townships, and Boroughs of Snydertown and Riverside 1175-1217
CHAPTER LII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Zerbe (Trevorton), Cameron, Little Mahanoy, Jackson, Lower Mahanoy, Washington, Jordan, and Upper Mahanoy Townships. 1217-1239
INDEX
1241-1256
XII
CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAITS.
PAGE.
NAME. PAGE.
Aueker, R. S. NAME.
955
Koerber, Henry 991
Awl, M. D., R. H
271
Kremer, Jacob 1081
Kulp, Darlington R 649
Bellas, Hugh.
51
Bittenhender, Stephen.
163
Bolich, Daniel D.
1027
Llewellyn, David. 325
Brice, Andrew N.
289
Bruner, Charles J. 145
Bucher, J. Weiser. 793
Buck, Peter E. 919
Camp, David. 1045
Carl, John
1054
Chester, Holden 865
Clement, Ira T. 433
Dickerman, Charles H
577
Douty, John B
883
Elliott, William 523
Fagely, Reuben 109
Fagely, William 127
Fairchild, Abram. 1009
Fairchild, Solomon 1117
Oram, W. H. M.
451
Packer, John B.
199
Packer, Samuel J
33
Pardoe, Joseph.
1135
Pollock, James 973
Purdy, T. H. 253
Haas, John 343
Haas, John S. 1099
Haas, M. D., Joseph. 1225
Harvey, Bernard. 1018
Heim, A. A 487
Heim, D. 541
Herb, Edward C.
1207
Hill, George 829
Hottenstein, Charles 181
John, J. J. 595
Jordan, Alexander 91
Kauffman, J. R.
847
Vastiue, Amos 739
Watkius, M. K.
667
Wolverton, Simon. P
235
MISCELLANEOUS.
Colonel's Quarters, Fort Augusta
81
Fort Augusta
80
Map of Northumberlaud County.
14-15
Martin, M. D., Charles M 505
Martin, Hugh. 721
Martz, Solomon 1171
Miller, S. M 757
Morgan, Harry W. 901
Muench, Jacob E. 1189
Mulleu, John. 613
Murray, Samuel Wilson. 559
Mccarthy, Francis 784
McWilliams, C. Q
937
Newbaker, M. D., J. B
775
Fulton, Alexander 388
Goodwill, Robert.
415
Graeber, Conrad. 307
Greenough, Ebenezer 69
Ramhach, Silas 685
Robertsou, Audrew 379
Rockefeller, William M 217
Rohrbach, Lloyd T. 811
Ryon, George W 469
Shimer, Samuel J. 586
Speece, A. S.
703
Stahl, George 1144
Taggart, James 397
Kellagher, M. 1063
Koch, Rev. J. Joseph 631
Leinbach, J. B.
1153
Mahon, Peter A 928
Markle, Martin. 910
Marshall, William H. 361
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HISTORY OF
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY,
CHAPTER I.
THE COLONIAL PERIOD.
GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY-DRAINAGE-FIRST EXPLORATION OF THE SUSQUEHANNA- INDIAN TRIBES- THE SUSQUEHANNOCKS-THE' DELAWARES-ALLUMAPEES-THE SHAWANESE THE IROQUOIS-SHIKELLIMY-INDIAN TRADERS-CONRAD WEISER -MISSIONARY EFFORT.
A COMPREHENSIVE survey of the topography of Pennsylvania dis- tinguishes three general divisions. The southeastern section of the State, a region of wide, fertile valleys and irregular hills, forms part of the Atlantic coast plain; on the west and northwest is a plateau of moderate elevation, deeply indented by numerous watercourses; while a section of the great Appalachian mountain system, averaging about fifty miles in breadth with a maximum length of two hundred thirty miles, comprises the inter- vening territory.
The middle division, embracing the territory to which this work especially relates, is situated between the Allegheny and Kittatinny ranges, the former on the north and west, the latter on the south and east. It is essentially a mountainous region. On the east, between the Lehigh and Delaware rivers, is the Pocono wilderness, a region of inaccessible mountain recesses, prop- erly a continuation of the Catskills and possessing many of their rugged characteristics; between the Lehigh and Susquehanna and traversed by both is the anthracite coal region, in which are found the highest altitudes of the State; and southwest of the Susquehanna is the Juniata country, in many places a labyrinth of irregular mountains.
No part of this middle belt contrasts more strongly with its general mountainous character than the valleys of the Susquehanna. A succession of peculiarly symmetrical ranges distinguishes the Appalachian system
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.
throughout; between the Juniata and the Susquehanna these ranges include valleys of varying width and great natural picturesqueness, of which the continuation east of the West Branch, though less marked, is quite noticea- ble. Buffalo and White Deer find their counterpart in the valleys of Chillis- quaque, Pleasant, and Paradise, extending eastward through Northumber- land and Montour into Columbia, but with such changes in name and modi- fications of territorial extent as virtually to lose their individuality. The valley of the North Branch, which attains considerable width at Wilkesbarre and Pittston but becomes narrower in southern Luzerne, again expands in Columbia and Montour, with broad stretches of bottom land at several points in Northumberland. This wide region of alternating mountain and valley, the fairest portion of central Pennsylvania, was all included in the original limits of Northumberland county.
It would be difficult to define the geometrical figure to which the present shape of the county corresponds; for, while the Susquehanna forms a natural boundary on the west, Muncy hills on the north, and Mahantango creek on the south, the remaining county lines are the arbi- trary dictations of political necessity and convenience. Embracing on the north a part of the valley of the West Branch, and on the southeast a part of the Western Middle coal field, its topography includes the representative features of an agricultural and of a mountainous region, with many inter- mediate types in which the characteristics of one or the other predominate.
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