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1800
Glass
Book
COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT
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POPULAR HISTORY OF
ERIE COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA.
A CONDENSED STETCH OF THE STATE, COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY; ITS CITIES, VILLAGES, TOWNSHIPS;
EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT; AND BIOGRAPHIES OF PROMINENT MEN.
STATISTICA, POLITICAL, AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTER,
BY D. P. ROBBINS, M. D. 761-2 1
Author of "Health and Happiness," "Medical Receipts," and Numerous Historical Sketches of Cities,
ERIE, PENN. ADVERTISER PRINTING CO., LTD. 1895.
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COPYRIGHTED. 1894 BY D. P. ROBBINS, M. D., ERIE, PA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
1-10787-MI
PREFACE.
In a large sense, one could say there is no pure or- iginality. All minds quote. Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. We quote not only books and proverbs, but arts, sciences, religion, cus- toms and laws; nay, we quote temples and houses, tables and chairs by imitation."-Emerson.
A historian, from the nature of his work, cannot be original. He is compelled co quote, either in words or in fact. He may narrate in his own words but as he is reproducing an oft told tale, must necessarily somewhere, encroach upon the language of earlier sketchers. Hence while weare under obligations, to scores of former writers, upon the subjects under discussion: and have refered to an hun- dred books, as well as numerous manuscripts and records, we are under no partic. ular obligation to any individual, excepting as a matter of courtesy, and all who have in any manner aided in this work, alike have the sincere thanks of the author.
The first duty of an historian is to ascertain and record facts. To narrate a succession of events, in a correct and concise manner. as a plain unvarnished tale. has been the effort of the writer in the following pages. No attempt has been made at word painting nor to relate "interesting reminiscences." Extensive re- search has been made, both of original and printed documents, with the simple end in view to secure and record, reliable facts.
Individuals, have to do, with county state and national matters and in that sense are a part of history. Biographical notes, given with strict reference to fact, are important in establishing dates and occurrences, but when filled with gush and fulsome praise are not only unimportant but nauseating. Shorn of these however, brief biographical notes are valuable historical pointers and as such we have not orly made mention of William Penn and all the governors of this State, but the principal actors in Erie County history. In City. Village and Township history will be found brief biographies of the leading families, whether such per :ons have subscribed for this work or not.
While this history is not as "bulky," as some of like import, the author be- lieves that in reality it covers many more important features, regarding Erie County, than any of its predecessors: as a special effort has been made to condense as closely as compatible with an intelligent understanding of the facts and to dis- card everything of a traditional or insignificant nature.
To commemorate and record. the events of a century of development in this county, this work has been com; iled, and although it appeared to be a hazardous undertaking from a financial s andpoint, no labor has been spared in making a solid foundation by thorough research. The paper used is the finest quality of book the printing and illust ations are superb and at present writing we have every assurance that merit, industry, zeal and perseverance will bring their proper reward.
THE PUBLISHERS.
U. S. STEAMER MICHIGAN.
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PRE HISTORIC
PRE-HISTORIC TO PRESENT CENTURY.
The Lake Region is full of interest for the student of American history, both present and remote. Long before the Indians, of whom we have record, roamed through this section, it is believed to have been inhabited by a superior people- of whom not even a tradition remains-whose only monuments are earthworks and tumuli, scatterd here and there, in some places containing bones from men of gi- gantic size. Whether these were a distinct people from the aboriginal Indians or not, we may never know; but it is reasonable to suppose that they were predeces- sors, or a division of the half civilized race, from whom the Mexican Aztecs de- scended. Mounds and relics from these "Mound Builders" were formerly abund- ant throughout the Ohio and Mississippi valleys and especially in this section. If a separate race from the Indians, when and by what agency they were destroyed, will probably remain a mystery as deep as that of the lost island "Atlantis "
EARLY EXPLORATIONS .- The Colonization and subsequent settlement of America has largely resulted from the movements of three distinet nations and while we shall not attempt to follow out these developments in detail, a brief out line will be given. Although America, along the northern Atlantic coast, was doubtless discovered by Norsemen about A. D. 980 and explored by Lief Erichson's party as far south as Massachusetts in 1002. yet the colony which was planted upon its shore succumbed, and the New World was left in obscurity until after its redis- covery by Columbus, who landed at Hispanoli. October 12, 1492. August 1, 1498 he discovered South America and Ponce de Leon sailed into the harbor at St. Augustine, Fla., on Easter Sunday 1512. In 1540 the Spaniards, from Mexico, pen- etrated the western part of this country, along the line of the Rocky Mountains, while about the same time the daring Ferdinand DeSoto, landed with several hundred warriors in Florida, marching through six of the southern states and as far north as St. Louis, Mo. The Spaniards thus made known. much of the va: t area of this country and thereby assisted in its development. Shortly afterwards the French explorers, crossed the North Atlantic. Settlements were made at Nova Scotia and along the St. Lawrence about the year 1600. The Jesuit Fathers accompanied these daring explorers and were among the first to attempt to Christianize the Indians. LaRoche Daillon, an early French Missionary, visited Canada in 1626 and preached to the famous Neutral Nation. He also crossed the Niagara river and reached certain Indian villages west of Buffalo: but the warlike Eries held the entire south shore from Cataraugus Creek to Sandusky and he was deterred from further explorations.
The Eries .- So called historians, who delight in reminiscences and tradition, have given many pages of word painting regarding the extermination of the Eries, the populous tribe which formerly occupied this section of country; but as White men were than rarely among them, this early Indian tradition is unworthy of be- ing called history. It is purely legendary and the various compilers agree in but one point, which is that the Eries, known among the Whites as the Neutral Nation, in a deadly feud with the Iroquois, were exterminated shortly after the year 1650. Subsequent to this the victors, known as the Six Nations-composed of the Onon- dagas, Cayugas, Senecas, Oneidas, Mohawks and Tuscaroras-claimed possession of the territory contiguous to the lakes from Vermont, to the westend of Lake Erie. The French from their natural politeness, were generally more successful in re- taining the Indians as friends and allies than the English Colonies and the latter were much retarded and harassed from time to time by Indian massacrees and depredations.
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ERIE COUNTY HISTOTY.
The Algonquin tribes are the earliest aborigines here of whom we find record and of them but meagre mention. They are reported to have held all the region south of Lake Erie prior to the advent of the Eries. The Indians were generally of a migratory disposition however, and from time to time rambled over a wile section " Pantry
FRENCH HISTORY .- The cavalier Robt. de LaSalle, in 1669, crossed through a trackless wilderness, from the south shore of Lake Erie to the Ohio. descending the entire length of that beautiful river. He published in 1672 a map of Lake Erie and this region of country,-partly drawn from imagination-and in 1678, five miles above Niagara falls he built "The Griffin" a sailing craft of 64 tons burthen. With Father Hennepin, a mate named Tonty and 34 seaman, LaSalle navigated the lakes as far as Green Bay, Wis. Here the boat was loaded with furs and in charge of the mate and 15 seaman started for the head of Lake Michi- gan, while LaSalle, Father Hennepin and the others proceeded by land: but as the boat was never heard from thereafter it was evidently lost in a storm. The French explored the Mississippi valley and claimed for their king all of Canada and the region from the Alleghanies to the Rocky Mountains. There were num- erous bloody encounters between the Indians and the French, from 1670 to 1715. when a treaty of peace was effected through Chabert Joncare a young Frenchman who had been reared by the Indians. In 1752 the French erected Ft. Presque Isle at Erie, and Ft. LeBœuf at Waterford Pa. The following year George Washington, as an embassy from Gov. Dinwiddie, of Va., was sent to Ft. Le Bœuf, to request the French Commander to evacuate this section, as belonging to Eng- lish territory in consequence of the treaty made with the Indians at Albany, in 1726, for all lands west of Lake Erie and a strip 60 miles broad along the south shore of the lake. It was not however until after the treaty of Paris. 1763, that this region of country was finally relinquished to British rule.
THE PURITAN FATHERS .- We now turn back to take up the thread of our narrative and trace the colonization of New England. The Mayflower which sailed from Plymouth England, Sept. 6th 1620 anchored at New Plymouth, Mass. Dec. 11, having on board 42 men and 60 women and children. These puritans had fled from religious and political persecutions, to plant a free nation in the new world and with implicit confidence in the God of Destiny, they laid the foundations for American Liberty. They were compelled to contend with privation, and hunger, the French upon the north and west, the Spaniards in the far south and the Indians .n their midst. By the time these questions were amicably settled. the mother country, by dint of taxation and usurpation, forced them to fight against their own kindred, for the precious boon of liberty. At the time of the Revolutionary war, this country had no white inhabitants. The area now com- prising the populous states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, was by an act of Congress 1787. created the Northwest Territory. Settlement was made at Marietta, April 7, 1788 and the seat of government for the terri- tory located there. Gov. St Clair made a treaty with the Indians, but numerous bloody encounters were had until after Gen. Wayne's decisive victory at Maumee, in 1794, and the final treaty with the Iroquois in November following. This ended all further danger of savage uprising, in this vicinity and with the assurance of peace a new impetus was given to immigration and settlement. The Massasauga Indians, a peaceful part of the Delaware tribe, continued in these parts for some time after the arriva' of the early wh te settlers.
COL. SETH REED.
GILES SANFORD.
THOS. H. SILL.
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" DUTCH AND SWEDES
Dutch and Swedes .- Before commencing the biography of William Penn, and history of Pennsylvania proper, it may be well to note in brief the prior settlement upon Delaware Bay. All new countries are first settled where the in- habitants have access to shipping interests and the magnificent harbor of Dela- ware Bay was early recognized as a desirable landing. Cornelius Jacobson Mey, Governor of Manhattan, in 1623, accompanied by twelve men and five women landed on the Delaware (which had been discovered by Hudson in employ of the Dutch in 1609,) a little below the present site of Philadelphia, and built Fort Nassau; in which he installed his colony and returned to Manhattan. After a few months this was abandoned and only remained a trading post. In 1629 a tract of land 16 square miles was purchased from the Indians, on the west side of the Del- aware near its mouth, and Dec. 12, 1630, David P. DeVries from Sweden, with about 30 colonists, cattle and implements came to open developement. The place was called Zwanendal. DeVries returned to his native land and in the summer of 1632 came back with new supplies, only to find that his entire colony had been massacred by the Indians and he abandoned further settlement. The Dutch how- ever sought to maintain the foothold, on the Delaware and fortified Fort Nassau, capturing Holmes' Connecticut Colony, which in 1633 had attempted to make de- velopments there, and returning them as prisoners of war to Manhattan.
In 1638, two vessels of Swedes and Finns, under command of Peter Minuit, ar- rived in Delaware Bay and from the Indians purchased the land from the Ocean to the falls of Trenton. The Dutch were in possession of Fort Nassau, but Min- ut't notwithstanding their protest, erected another fort at the mouth of Christiana Creek and by proper diplomacy an open rupture with the Dutch or misunder- standing with the Indians was avoided and this Colony proved to be of consider- able permanency. Minuit died in 1641 and was succeeded by Peter Hollandær, who two years later gave place to John Printz, who erected a royal mansion, built ofher forts and in 1646 made aggressive inroads upon the previous Dutch posses- si ns. Peter Stuyvesant who succeeded to the chief authority of New Nether- land, (New York) in 1647, was more than a match for Printz, established new forts on both sides of the mouth of the Delaware and by force of arms, backed by docu- mentary evidence from the Dutch West India Co., proved the prior right of his people to the soil. Printz sailed for Sweden Oct. 1653, leaving his son-in-law John Pappegoya in command of the colony. He was instructed to make ami- cable settlement with the Dutch and keep friendly relations with the English. This however he failed to do and in Sept. 1655, Stuyvesant landed 600 armed men and compelled the Swedes to surrender and this colony came to an end. By the conquest of New Sweden, Stuyvesant aroused the claims of Lord Baltimore of Maryland and many changes were enacted during the next score of years. Under Stuyvesant, John Paul Jacquet was vice-director of settlements on the Delaware, succeeded by Jacob Alrichs in 1657. He gave sub-power to Goran Van Dyck over the Swedes and Finns who by Stuyvesant had been allowed to retain individual possession of their lands. This power succeeded to Wm. Beekman in 1628 and was held 5 years by him. Aldrichs was succeeded by Alex. D'Hinoyossa in 1659. The latter refused to recognize Stuyvesant as his superior, claiming that his source of power was from the commissioners of the city of Amsterdam and in 1663 visi- ted Holland to secure for the City Company the right of independent government. This was granted but was of short duration as the conquest of New Netherland by the English, in 1661, brought a different source of power, from the British Crown and Ministry.
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WILLIAM PENN
English Rule,-Virginia and Maryland under their broad charters, had repeatedly claimed the territory on the Delaware, Massachusetts and Connecticut also laid claim for everything westward to the Pacific. The English Crown had always claimed the territory which the Dutch had been permitted to occupy. Mar. 12, 1664 Charles II granted a patent to his brother James to all the territory between the Connecticut and the Delaware rivers. Four vessels, with armament and 450 soldiers, were sent in command of Col. Richard Nicholls, to take possession of the territory thus conveyed and on Sep. 8th, Stuyvesant surrendered Manhattan without resistance. D'Hinoyossa on the Delaware was not so easily taken and at- temped fight with a poorly equipped fort, garrisoned by 50 men. He was soon how- ever compelled to surrender and Robert Needham was placed in command of the Delaware colonies. Captain John Carr succeeded to personal charge, under orders of Col. Francis Lovelace, in 1667, continuing to 1673, when New York was retaken by the Dutch and Captain Anthony Colve assumed supreme authority. A treaty of peace between England and the Netherlands made Feb. 9, 1674, restored New Netherlands to the English and Sir Edmond Andros was chief governor until the sale of rights to William Penn in 1681.
William Penn .- No history in this state would be complete without biogra- phical reference to its illustrious founder, William Penn, who was born in the great city of London, Oct. 14, 1644. His father was a rich Admiral and William received a liberal education. Before completing his college course, he was con- verted to Quakerism by the preaching of Thos. Lee, and for his belief was ex- pelled from the university. The Admiral sent him in travel to France and Hol- land and upon his return, in 1666, he was put in charge of the family estates in County Cork, Ireland, which he managed with great success. Here he again met the Quaker preacher and for attendance at these meetings was arrested and de- posed from his charge on the Emerald Isle. On his return to London he engaged in preaching his faith and published in 1668 a sermon styled "The Sandy Founda- tion Shaken," for which he was imprisoned in the Tower. He wrote "No Cross No Crown" and other telling works, which aroused the sympathies of the Duke of York, through whose intercession he was liberated. On occount of his religious belief, Penn had several ruptures with his father, but when the Admiral reached his last illness in 1670 he sent for William and gave him the following mottoes:
"1. Let nothing in this world tempt you to wrong your conscience; so you will keep peace at home, which will be a feast to you in the day of trouble.
"2. Whatever you design to do, lay it justly and time it seasonably, for that gives security and dispatch.
"3. Be not troubled at disappointments, for if they may be recovered, do it; if they cannot, worry is vain. These rules will carry you with firmness and comfort through this inconstant world." Like most other great inen William had a noble loving mother who in boyhood helped to lay the principles of right.
In 1672 Penn married Gulielma Maria Springett, to whom was born William Jr. and Letitia. She died in 1693, and two years later he was married to Hannah Cal- lowhill, this second union bringing five children, viz: John, Thomas, Richard, Dennis and Margaret. All the Penn estate in England was willed to William Jr., who died Mar. 1720 and his only son Springett, died a few years later. The es- tate now reverted to Penn's wife Hannah and the three boys, Dennis having died in the meantime. The daughters each received 10,000 acres in Pennsylvania.
Penn was several times imprisoned on account of his preaching, but was final- ly tolerated. In 1676, with others, he framed laws for the Colony of West New
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RESERVOIR FROM CEMETERY POINT.
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VIEW OF ERIE CEMETERY.
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CAFT. D. P. DOBBINS
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PENNSYLVANIA
ter various annoyances with commissioners and other appointees, July 27 1688, he appointed John Blackwell to be Lieut. Governor and admonished him to rule the meek, meekly and the haughty with authority." His reign however was only 1+ years and the government again devolved upon the Council, Thos. Lloyd, Pres.
Different Modes of Government .- Three forms of executive government had now been tried-a council of 18 members, five commissioners and a Lieut. Gov- ernor either of which had objections and Penn decided to leave it to the Council, as representative of the people, regarding the form of government to be adopted. The Council decided in favor of a Deputy Governor; but the members from the lower counties seceded and this consummated in the formation of Delaware as a separate province.
In 1689 the Friends' Public School was incorporated in Philadelphia and was confirmed by subsequent patents from Penn. Penn's favor with James II caused him to be suspected of disloyalty, when William and Mary had come to the throne and he was at different times arrested but always proved his innocence. He was how- ever forced into seclusion for two or three years, to avoid persecution, and in the mean time George Keith caused a division among the Friends. After creating considerable commotion, he joined the Church of England and was ordained as vicar. Penn's enforced neglect of his colony and adverse reports, from internal enemies, caused William and Mary on Oct. 21, 1692, to revoke his right to Penn- sylvania and transfer the provincial government to Benjamin Fletcher Governor of New York. Fletcher assumed authority April 29, 1693. The Pennsylvania Council however, while nominally accepting his right of authority, proceeded to enforce the laws in their own way and pay but little attention to the governor's requests. Penn was reinstated in his government Aug. 1694 and commissioned William Markham as Lieutenant Governor. A new constitution was now adopted making the Council 12 members and the Assembly 24.
Penn's Second Coming .- Having satisfactorily arranged all matters per- taining to his estate, on Sept. 9, 1699, accompanied by his family, Penn again sailed for the New World. Great joy was expressed upon his arrival and his presence for two years, with wise counsel, assisted greatly in promoting harmony in the province. He had come intending to spend his remaining years in America but a bill being introduced into the House of Lords, "for reducing all the propri- etary governments in America to regal ones" he felt it important to return at once to England and plead his cause. He left here Nov. 1, 1701 and King William died Jan. 18, following. Anne of Denmark succeeded to the throne and Penn being again in favor at court. the pending bill was never called up. Gov. Andrew Ham- ilton whom Penn had appointed as his Deputy, on the eve of his departure, lived but one year and for a year the government devolved upon the Council, of which Edward Shippen officiated as president. John Evans a Welshman was next av- pointed and with William Penn, Jr. arrived Dec. 1703. Evans' governorship con- tinued for six years, although it was far from satisfactory. Col. Charles Gookin was commissioned as Evans successor. The old matter regarding Gov. Evans' con- duct, still continued to be agitated, and Penn's mind was much troubled. At the age of 68, with his fortunes used up by unworthy agents, gifts to Indians and other expenses for his eolony he decided to sell his proprietary rights to Pennsyl- vania and offered it to the Crown for £20,000. This was considered too high and he had agreed to take £12.000 when he was stricken by apoplexy and incapacita- ted for business. He was in the act of writing to Logan, his trusted American
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ENGLISH RULE
"The end of government is first to terrify evil doers: secondly, to cherish those who do well, which gives government a life beyond corruption, and makes it as durable in the world as good men shall be. * * * To support power in reverence with the people and to secure them from the abuse of power, that they may be free by their just obedience and the magistrates honorable for their just administration. For liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedience with- out liberty is slavery."
At Penn's Indian Treaty made about this time, he said, "The Great Spirit who made us both rules the heavens and the earth. He knows the thoughts of men and knows that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship with you and to serve you to the utmost of our power. It is not our custom to use hostile weapons, against our fellow creatures and so we have come unarmed. We have met on the broad pathway of good faith and goodwill, so that no advantage is to be taken on either side; but all to be openness brotherhood and love." The memory and compact, of this great treaty, was long respected by the natives and gave rise to the assertion, that this colony was the only one founded and sustained without bloodshed. Penn's deeds with the Indians, for lands pur- chased, were recorded in 1683; one of them providing that "the tract shall extend as far back from the river as a man can walk in three days." The first half of this was walked by Penn in company with the Indians and covered 30 miles; but the last half of the purchase was not walked until 1733, when the walker stimula- ted by a prize of 500 acres of land and $25, made 85 miles in 1} days, to complete the extension.
In the Fall of 1683, Penn wrote regarding Philadelphia, "It has advanced within less than a year, to about four score houses and cottages, where merchants and handicrafts are following their vacations as fast as they can, while the coun- trymen are close at their farms."
Maryland's Area, which had been granted to Lord Baltimore conflicted with Penn's domains and in 1684 serious trouble was threatened, many of Penn's people in the Delaware country having been driven from their homes. He accordingly on June 6th, soiled for England to gain an audience with the Crown. On Dec. 6, 1684, Charles II died, and was succeeded by his brother; known as James II, who was a professed Catholic and many feared lest the reign of Bloody Mary should be re- peated: upon ascending the throne however he proclaimed himself opposed to ar- bitrary principles of government and promised protection to the Church of England. Penn enjoyed the friendship of the King and interceded for the Quakers, of whom 1,400 were in prisons for conscience sake. He also besought the King for the furtherance of universal liberty. In 1685 he received concessions regarding the disputed territory; but the Secretaries who formed the Royal Act, failed to un- derstand the geography of the country and as the division upon the lines de- scribed was found impossible the boundary remained undetermined till 1732. Through Penn's influence with James II, the King issued a proclamation for gener- al pardon early in 1686 and 1,300 Quakers were released. In April 1687, he is- sued a declaration for entire liberty of conscience and suspending the penal laws in ecclesiastical matters; but the Aristocracy of Britain at that time did not want liberty of conscience, preferring persecution. Bitter reproaches were heaped upon Penn who was believed to be the power behind the throne and upon the advent of William, Prince of Orange and his wife Mary, they were recognized as rulers and James was compelled to flee to France for safety. Penn's commissioners and ap- pointees in the new province acted unwisely and caused him much anxiety. Af-
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