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ISTO
VENANGO COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
F 157 V4H6 +
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
PUYEZRA
BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE
Cornell University Library F 157V4 H6
History of Venango County, Pennsylvania +
3 1924 028 854 904 olin
Overs
DATE DUE
NOV 1 8-78 JE 1.
GAYLORD
PRINTEDINU S A
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Cornell University Library
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HISTORY
OF
VENANGO COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA.
ITS PAST AND PRESENT,
INCLUDING
ITS ABORIGINAL HISTORY; THE FRENCH AND BRITISH OCCUPATION OF THE COUNTRY; ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT GROWTH; A DESCRIPTION OF ITS HISTORIC AND INTERESTING LOCALITIES; ITS RICH OIL DEPOSITS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT; SKETCHES OF ITS CITIES, BOROUGHS, TOWNSHIPS, AND VILLAGES; NEIGH- BORHOOD AND FAMILY HISTORY; PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF PIONEERS AND REPRESENT- ATIVE CITIZENS; STATISTICS, ETC., ETC.
ILLUSTRATED.
CHICAGO, ILL .: BROWN, RUNK & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1890. -
NS
A
PRESS OF JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, CHICAGO,
1491498 14K S
PREFACE.
T HAT portion of the Allegheny valley included within the limits of Ve- nango county is eminently rich in historic interest. No unimportant part of the struggle between France and England for empire in America was enacted upon its soil. It was here that the military occupation of the Ohio valley, perhaps the most comprehensive project of territorial aggran- dizement ever attempted upon the American continent, was begun by the French, who thus expressed in unmistakable language the extent of their claims and the course of their future policy, attracting the attention of the English and colonial governments, and precipitating a conflict, the ultimate results of which are apparent in all subsequent American history. Here the conspiracy of the great Pontiac, almost without a parallel in its organization of a savage population for combined action, achieved one of its most atro- cious and successful victories; and here was erected the last fortification for protection against Indian aggression in the state of Pennsylvania. While the county was thus the theater of events of far more than local sig- nificance in the period preceding its first settlement, the discovery and de- velopment of its rich oil deposits have rendered its recent history equally interesting and important.
The physical features of the county-its aboriginal history, and the contest for possession of its soil-the gradual progress of its early settlement, with the customs and characteristics of pioneer life-its material resources in soil and mineral treasures, and industrial activity in the past and present- the transportation facilities of river and rail-its civil administration, and public eleemosynary institutions-the patriots of the Revolution who settled upon its soil-the part taken by its citizens in the war of 1812, the Mexican war, and the civil war-the educational and religious interests of the com- munity, 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 com- prehensive character would permit.
The opening chapters of the work, commencing with the aborigines and extending through the French and British occupation of the Allegheny valley down to the period of its permanent settlement, are from the pen of the late Reverend S. J. M. Eaton, D. D., who also wrote the chapter on
IV
PREFACE.
the early history of Franklin. Doctor Eaton's long residence in the county, his earnest researches into the stirring events of the pre-American period, and extensive experience in educational, literary, and historic work are ample guaranty of its thorough execution.
The petroleum development has been treated by Walter R. Johns, of Oil City, a gentleman of extended acquaintance with this subject, both as journalist and author, who has presented in graphic and concise terms the salient features of a story, which, though hackneyed by frequent repetition, will never cease to possess local interest.
Herbert C. Bell, of Leitersburg, Maryland, is the author of the re- maining portions of the general history, excepting the chapter on Oil City, which was compiled principally by Burton A. Konkle. The editorial super- vision of the work was intrusted to Mr. Bell, whose thoroughness and accu- racy in historical research and narration have been acquired by a varied experience in this department of literary effort. In this responsible posi- tion he received the assistance of the publishers, whose long connection with the business has made them familiar with all the details of local his- torical 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 val- uable aid in the preparation of this volume. Appropriate acknowledg- ments, however, are due and gladly tendered to the public press of the county for access to newspaper files, and words of encouragement; to county, city, 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 manu- facturing 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 his- tory and material development of the county, and the various commercial, social, and religious activities of its people. We take pride in the knowl- edge 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. PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Introductory-The Place of Venango County in History-Surface-Productions-Timber -Scenery-Foliage-Geology-Latent Resources-Allegheny River-French Creek- Smaller Streams and General Drainage. 17-22
CHAPTER II. MOUND BUILDERS AND INDIANS.
Traces of a Mysterious Race-Prehistoric Remains at Franklin and, Oil Creek-History Re-enacted-Indian Occupation of this County at the Time of the French Possession -Tribal Connections-Custaloga-Guyasutha-Cornplanter-Traditions-Indian God Rock 22-35
CHAPTER III. THE FRENCH POSSESSION.
The Jesuit and Franciscan Missionaries-Extent of the French Claims-Celoron's Expe- dition-Route and Progress-Burial of the Leaden Plates-Translation-The Return to Canada-Bonnecamp's Map-Actual Occupation Begun-Military Posts Estab- lished-John Frazier. .36-42
CHAPTER IV. WASHINGTON'S MISSION.
The Local Interest That Attaches to Washington's Visit-His Interviews with Joncaire and St. Pierre-Route Traversed on the Journey and Returu-His Commission, In- structions, and Passport-Influence of This Mission on his Subsequent Career. .. .. 43-47
CHAPTER V. FORT MACHAULT.
Construction Begun-Sources of Information-The Shippen Map-Its Description and Probable Origin-Statements of Pouchot, Long, Johnson, Chauvignerie, Post, and Mercer-Military Preparations at Fort Machault in 1759-Concentration of French Forces for an Attack on Fort Pitt-This Project Relinquished and the Fort Evacuated -Its Destruction-Retreat of the French-Traditious and Memorials of the French Occupation .47-57
CHAPTER VI. UNDER ENGLISH RULE.
English Occupation-Fort Venango-Its Location and Appointments-Pontiac's Con- spiracy-Destruction of Fort Venango and Massacre of the Garrison-Sacrifice of Historic Remains to the Utilitarian Spirit Deprecated. .57-60
VIII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
UNDER AMERICAN RULE.
Fort Franklin Erected-Indian Depredations-Ransom's Deposition-Ellicott's Letter -Adlum's Testimony-McDowell's Statement-Coruplanter's Attitude-Location of Fort Franklin-The "Old Garrison"-Suggestive Reflections 61-67
CHAPTER VIII. LAND TENURE.
Acquisitions of Indian Territory under Proprietary Auspiees-The Purchase of 1784- Douatiou Lands-Reservations-The Act of 1792-Land Companies-The Astley aud Bingham Lands-Dickinson College Traets-Settlement and Improvement Teuure -Resume 68-82
CHAPTER IX.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
First Permanent Settlement in Northwestern Pennsylvania, at Meadville-George Power and his Early Contemporaries at Franklin-Pioneers of Scrubgrass-Clinton-Irwin -French Creek-Sandy Creek, Victory and Mineral-Sugar Creek-Canal-Jackson -Oakland-Cornplauter-Allegheny-Oil Creek-Cherry Tree-Plum-Presideut- Richland-Rockland-Cranberry-Pinegrove-Taxables in 1805 in Allegheny, Irwiu, and Sugar Creek-Population of the County by Decades 83-98
CHAPTER X. EARLY SOCIAL LIFE.
Character of the People Who Formed the Early Population of This County-Household , Furniture-Social Customs-Game-Domestic Manufactures-Pioneer Architecture -Convivial Habits-Educational Facilities-Early Schools, Teachers, and Text Books -The Postal Service-Financial Methods. 98-104
CHAPTER XI.
EARLY RELIGIOUS LIFE.
Sunday iu a Pioneer Community-Early Religious Literature-Activity of the Clergy- Interest of the People in Attending Worship-Manner of Traveling-Architecture of the First Churches-The Methodist "Circuit Rider"-General Religious Tendencies -Revivals-The "Falling Exercise"-Early Denominational Organization. .... .. 107-112
CHAPTER XII.
ยท ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION.
Erection aud Boundaries-Early Civil Administration-Internal Subdivision-Public Build- ings-Inauguration of the Public School System-Congressional and Legislative Rep- resentatiou-Roster of County Officers-Early Township Officers. 112-152
CHAPTER XIII.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
First Courts-Court Week During Pioneer Days-John Morrison, The Old Crier-Record of the First Sessions-First Juries and Cases Tried-Prominent Early Lawyers-The Bench-Brief Biographies of the Successive President Judges-Special District Court-Associate Judges-The Bar of the Past and Present. 153-189
IX
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIV. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
Uninviting Character of Venango County as a Field for the Lahors of Professional Physi- cians at an Early Date-Pioneer Doctors at Franklin aud Throughout the County- Medical Societies-Roster of the Medical Profession. 190-207
CHAPTER XV. AGRICULTURE.
Relative Importance of Agriculture - Pioneer Farming - Development of Improved Methods and Machinery-Introduction of Domestic Animals and of the Cereals iuto America - Pioneer Stock-Prospect Hill Stock Farm-Oakwood Farm and Garden Company, Limited-Agricultural Societies-The Grange-Harvest Home Associa- tions. 208-222
CHAPTER XVI. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Relation of Highways of Travel to Civilization-Roads-Turnpikes and Plank Roads- Water Highways-The First Steamboat-French Creek and Oil Creek-Railroads- Venango Railroad-New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio-Western New York and Pennsylvania-Jamestown and Franklin-Allegheny Valley-Postal Facilities. . . . 222-242
CHAPTER XVII. THE PRESS.
First Newspapers in Western Pennsylvania-Journalism in Frankliu-Emlenton Papers- The Press of Oil City-Papers at Pithole City, Pleasantville, etc. 242-262
CHAPTER XVIII. EARLY MILITARY HISTORY.
Venango Couuty in the Revolution-The War of 1812-Defenseless Condition of Erie- Militia Organization of Western Pennsylvania-General Mead Calls out the Militia to Repel Threatened Invasion at Erie-The One Hundred and Thirty-Second Regiment Again Called out iu 1814-Roster of the Regiment-The Old Militia-Roster of the Venango Guards-The Mexican War-Sketches of Generals Alexander Hays and Jesse L. Reno. 262-278
CHAPTER XIX. VENANGO COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
State of Public Sentiment at the Outbreak of the War-Public Meetings-Regimental Sketches - Thirty-Ninth - Fifty-Seventh - Sixty-Third -Sixty-Fourth -Sixty-Fifth -One Hundred and Third-One Hundred and Fifth-One Hundred and Twenty- First-One Hundred and Forty-Second-One Hundred and Sixty-First-Lamberton Guards-Relief Association-Soldiers' Monument. 278-307
CHAPTER XX. THE PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT.
The Drake Well-Early Methods of Drilling and Transportation-The Third Sand-First Flowing Wells-Railroads and Pipe Lines-Heavy or Lubricating Oil Belt-Oil Towns-Petroleum Transportation-Nitro Glycerine-Natural Gas-The Producer- Petroleum aud Gas Fields-Statistics. 308-338
X
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXI. CITY OF FRANKLIN.
Survey and Sale of the Town Plat-Settlement and Growth-Early Surveyors-The Old Merchants-Early Mechanics-Hotels-The Press-"The Nursery of Great Men " -- Early Physicians aud Lawyers-Some Old Ministers-The First Sunday School- Incidents and Landmarks-The Old Way of Traveling-Ancient Roads-The Old Cemetery-Water, Light, and Scenery. 341-378
CHAPTER XXII. CITY OF FRANKLIN (CONCLUDED).
General Progress of the Town-Franklin in 1823-Municipal Government-The Post- office-Bridges, Railroads, etc .- Manufactures-The Oil Industry-General Business Interests-Telegraph, Express, and Telephone Facilities-Secret and Other Societies -- Educational-Religious Organizations-The Franklin Cemetery-Resume ...... 374-432.
CHAPTER XXIII. OIL CITY.
Sites and Sales-Early Business, Physicians, and Lawyers-Plats and Organization- Public Buildings, Grading, and Drainage-Departments of Fire and Police-Water Works, Gas, and Electricity-Fires aud Floods, etc .- Facilities of Travel and Trans- portation -Internal Revenue Service -Post, Telegraph, and Telephone Offices - Banks and Building Associations-Newspapers-Hotels and Halls-Manufactures- Oil Operations - Secret, Social, and Professional Societies - Schools - Religious Organizations-Cemeteries 432-510-
CHAPTER XXIV. BOROUGH OF EMLENTON.
Early History-The First Merchants-Hotels-Local Bridge and Railroad Enterprises- Manufactures-The Borough Organization-Secret and Other Societies-Schools- Churches 511-524
CHAPTER XXV. IRWIN TOWNSHIP.
Erection aud Population-Pioneers-Taverns-Mills-Villages-Schools-Cemetery- Churches 525-535
CHAPTER XXVI. ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Boundaries-Pioneers-Early Industries-Schools-Churches and Ceme- teries 535-541
CHAPTER XXVII. SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Boundaries-Pioneers-Villages-Churches-Schools .542-548-
CHAPTER XXVIII.
SCRUBGRASS TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Early Land Entries-Pioneer Settlements-Industries and Resources- Villages-Schools-Churches .548-560
XI
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIX.
FRENCH CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Erection-Boundaries-Topography-Indians-Pioneers-Mills and Factories-Borough of Utica, Its Early Settlement, Growth, Business Interests, and Official Record-Bor- ough of Polk, Its Past and Present-Churches-Cemeteries-Schools. 561-581
CHAPTER XXX. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Population -Pioneers- Early Industries- Villages -Churches- Schools 582-586
CHAPTER XXXI. CHERRY TREE TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Streams-Population-Pionecrs-Early Industries-Villages-The First Oil Well-The Benninghoff Robbery-Schools-Churches-Cemeteries. .587-597
CHAPTER XXXII. PLUM TOWNSHIP.
Extent and Population-Pioneers-Borough of Sunville-Chapmanville-Wallaceville- Diamond-Bradleytown-Churches-Schools. 597-604
CHAPTER XXXIII. ROCKLAND TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries and Erection- Pioneers -Industries and Resources- Village Growth- Churches-Schools. 605-615
CHAPTER XXXIV. PINEGROVE TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Early Land Ownership-Settlement-Mills-Villages-Coal, Oil, and Gas -Churches-Schools. 615-620
CHAPTER XXXV. CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries-Population-Organization-Pioneers-Industries of the Past and Present- Village Growth-Schools-Churches. 620-634
CHAPTER XXXVI.
CANAL TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Boundaries-Physical Features-Timber-Watercourses-Early Settlement -List of Pioneers - Industries - Hannavillc-Educational-Cemeteries-Religious 634-643
CHAPTER XXXVII.
CORNPLANTER TOWNSHIP.
Material Wealth and Historic Associations-Pioneers-Industries-Organization-Plumer -Pithole City-Petroleum Center-Rouscville-Borough of Siverly-Smaller Towns -Churches-Schools. .644-674
XII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. SANDY CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Erection aud Population-Pioncers-Taxable Inhabitants of 1836- Schools-Churches 675-679
CHAPTER XXXIX. OAKLAND TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries-Organization-Pioneers-Dempseytown-Schools-Churches. .680-689
CHAPTER XL. JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Organizatiou and Extent-Pioneers-Borough of Cooperstown-Inhabitants in 1837- Industries-Oil Developments-Secret and Other Societics-Municipal Government -Population-Schools-Churches 689-702
CHAPTER XLI. PRESIDENT TOWNSHIP.
Topography-Erection and Population-Settlement-Economic Resources-Villages- Churches-Schools. .702-706
CHAPTER XLII. CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
Topographical Features-Pioneers-Township Organization-The Bullion Oil District- Borough of Clintonville-Village Growth of the Past and Present-Schools- Churches. 706-723
CHAPTER XLIII. OIL CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Pionecrs-Early Mills-Pleasantville-Settlemeut-Growth-Banking In- stitutions - Secret and Other Societies - Municipal Organizatiou - Shamburg- Churches-Schools-Pleasantville Cemetery. 723-734
CHAPTER XLIV. MINERAL TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Topography-Settlement-Raymilton-Churches-Schools. .734-739
CHAPTER XLV. VICTORY TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Pioneers-The Old Furnaces-Springville-Schools-Churches. .. 740-744
CHAPTER XLVI. BIOGRAPHIES OF FRANKLIN.
Biographies of Franklin
. 744-837
CHAPTER XLVII. BIOGRAPHIES OF OIL CITY.
Biographies of Oil City
.838-929
XIII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLVIII. BIOGRAPHIES OF EMLENTON.
Biographies of Emlenton .930-953
CHAPTER XLIX. BIOGRAPHIES OF IRWIN, SCRUBGRASS, AND CLINTON.
Biographies of Scrubgrass 966-979 -
Biographies of Clinton 979-1006
CHAPTER L.
BIOGRAPHIES OF FRENCH CREEK, SANDY CREEK, MINERAL, AND VICTORY.
Biographies of French Creek 1007-1025 | Biographies of Mineral 1030-1037
Biographies of Sandy Creek. 1026-1030
Biographies of Victory 1037-1040
CHAPTER LI.
BIOGRAPHIES OF SUGAR CREEK, CHERRY TREE, PLUM, CANAL, OAKLAND, AND JACKSON.
Biographies of Sugar Creek 1041-1046 Biographies of Canal 1059-1067
Biographies of Cherry Tree. 1046-1052
Biographies of Oakland 1067-1070
Biographies of Plum. 1053-1059
Biographies of Jackson 1070-1077
CHAPTER LII.
BIOGRAPHIES OF ALLEGHENY, CORNPLANTER, PRESIDENT, AND OIL CREEK.
Biographies of Allegheny. .1077-1082 Biographies of President 1099-1103
Biographies of Cornplanter. .1082-1099
- Biographies of Oil Creek. 1104-1111
CHAPTER LIII.
BIOGRAPHIES OF RICHLAND, ROCKLAND, PINEGROVE, AND CRANBERRY.
Biographies of Richland 1111-1119
Biographies of Pinegrove. 1128-1135
Biographies of Rockland 1119-1128
Biographies of Cranberry
1135-1154
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 1155-1164
Biographies of Irwin. 953-966
XIV
CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PORTRAITS.
PAGE.
Adams, John
573
Mitchell, F. W.
393
Mitchell, John L. 321
Myers, James S. 177
McCalmont, John. 33
McClellan J. P. facing 1020
McKee, Thomas 123
Osmer, J. H. 807
Park, Myron. 339
Phipps, Porter 987
Phipps, R. J. 303
Phipps, Samuel 141
Plumer, Arnold. 753
Raymond, Aaron W 231
Raymond, William 357
Ritchey, J. A. 483
Ross, Joseph
501
.
Sayers, H. J. 681
Sloan, Leslie.
519
Smithman, John B
897
Snowden, S. Gustine 195
Speechley, Samuel.
facing 1132
Standley, John.
.facing 1148
Stewart, S. W.
915
Strong, O. H.
627
Taylor, Charles E. 285
Taylor, F. H. 861
Trunkey, John.
159
Vandergrift, J. J 843
Wallace, John 663
Weber, Adam
699
Weller, Joseph. 933
Whann, Walter Lowrie
411
Wilbert, Henry.
591
MISCELLANEOUS.
Carte d'un Voyage Fait dans la Belle
Revicre en la Nouvelle France. 40
Drake's Pioneer Oil Well. 311
Fac Simile of Leaden Plate. 38
Fort Machault, 1754-59.
48
Fort Venango, 1760-63 58
Franklin in 1840 377
Indian God Rock. 32
Iuscription on Indiau God Rock.
32
Map of Venango County
V-vi
-
Dale, Samuel F.
87
Eaton, S. J. M.
16
Espy, George P. 645
Fassett, L. H. 429
Fleming, S. L. 735
Foster, James
.facing 1036
Frazier, Alexander.
facing 1068
Galbraith, D. C. 825
Geary, Michael 465
Gilfillan, C. W. 789
Hatch, Philip M. .facing 1084
Hays, Samuel. 267
Henderson, J. B. facing 1116
Hetzler, John.
609
Hovis, David.
951
James, H. F. facing 1052
Lamb, John. 537
Lamberton, Robert.
51
Leach, James
879
Mackey, C. 375
Mackcy, Charles W. 771
Miltou, John.
213
PAGE.
Anderson, James.
555
Beringer, George facing 1004
Bleakley, James 249
Bredin, James M.
facing 802
Clapp, Ralph. 105
Clapp, E. E. facing 1100
Clapp, J. M. 447
Crawford, D. M. 969
Cross, Robert. 717
Dale, Samuel.
69
0
1
HISTORY OF VENANGO COUNTY
CHAPTER I.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
INTRODUCTORY-THE PLACE OF VENANGO COUNTY IN HISTORY-SURFACE- PRODUCTIONS -TIMBER - SCENERY - FOLIAGE - GEOLOGY - LATENT RESOURCES-ALLEGHENY RIVER-FRENCH CREEK-SMALLER STREAMS AND GENERAL DRAINAGE.
THE history of Venango county has many points of special interest. T It is not extensive in its geographical boundaries, and lies distant from the seaboard, yet from the earliest period it has been the scene of in- teresting and historic events. On its hills and its valleys there still linger the dim foot-prints of a people whose origin and history and decadence are alike enshrouded in mystery.
Its history is touched by that remarkable period in European history known as "the Hundred Years' war." Although no battles were fought on its soil, yet the great proportion of the struggle between France and Eng- land is one of its exciting features in colonial history. It has had no less than four military fortifications for its defense, which, although not equal to the fortresses of the Middle Ages, have yet answered the purposes of the times.
And in modern times Venango was for years the theater of the won- drous development of wealth known as the oil production, the history and progress of which are given in another chapter.
Beneath her soil, too, mineral wealth has slumbered, all unknown to the Indian and the Frenchman and the earlier citizen, that has in later days been a blessing and a joy to the people. Her coal and iron mines, whilst not at all equal to those of other regions; have been an element of comfort and even wealth, when other sources of business prosperity seemed to fail.
And her fountains of water have been a source of health and enjoyment, as they gush from the hillside, or find their way from the mountain tops.
-
18
HISTORY OF VENANGO COUNTY.
In the days when the primeval forest covered large portions of her ter- ritory, the creek and river were navigable and added to the facilities of travel both in colonial and earlier state history.
In her influence on the commonwealth and nation, Venango has exerted no limited power. Whilst the county seat has been called the "Nursery of Great Men," the history of the past has gone far to show that, amid her rugged hills and majestic scenery, there has grown up a succession of men of broad views of government, of talent to mould and to influence their fel- low men in the halls of the state and national legislatures, on the bench, and in more stormy times to command on the field of battle. In this regard this county has had her full share of labor, of responsibility, and of success, and can point proudly to the history of the past.
Venango county has a very diversified surface. In many portions it is extremely rugged, and the soil not favorable to cultivation. The great upheaval and subsidence of a formative age are quite distinctly visible. The shrinking and collapsing of the cooling process that followed the heated era through which the earth passed have left wrinkles and depressions that formed the hills and valleys of the present. Still, many parts of the county are level, with productive soil and all the elements that constitute a good farming region. In the southern portions, particularly the townships of Scrubgrass and Clinton, in the Sugar creek and French creek valleys, and in the northern portion, as Allegheny township, there are level stretches of country, with generous soil equal to any in the state, and the farming is car- ried on with as much skill and success as in any other region.
The productions are the same as in neighboring counties. Wheat, rye, corn, and oats are harvested successfully, and hay and buckwheat are staple crops.
The country must have appeared very beautiful when in possession of the Redmen. The valleys were covered with forest trees, and the hills presented every variety of foliage from the deciduous to the evergreen. Along the valley of the Allegheny, or the Ohio, as the French called it, there was no more beautiful natural scenery to be found in the world, judg- ing by the lingering traces of beauty that yet remain.
Dean Stanley said that he came to America chiefly to see an American forest when clothed with its autumnal foliage. And the view is beautiful and attractive, as is no other forest upon earth. Other countries have their hills and valleys, their parks and forests of majestic trees, but in no place is there found the variety and beauty of autumnal foliage that belong to this country.
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