USA > Pennsylvania > A geography of Pennsylvania : containing an account of the history, geographical features, soil, climate, geology, botany, zoology, population, education, government, finances, productions, trade, railroads, canals &c. of the state : with a separate description of each county, and questions for the convenience of teachers : to which is appended, a travellers' guide, or table of distances on the principal rail road, canal and stage routes in the state > Part 32
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The hard gray and reddish sandstones (IV) of the next formation are seen in Tuscarora, Shade, Black-log, Jack's, Tussey's, Lock, Canoe and Brush mountains : iron ore is found connected with this sandstone at some places on Black-log and Jack's mountain.
Next we have a series of olive, yellowish and red shales (V,) containing some thin bands of sandstone and limestone, with abundance of shells and other fossil remains in some of the strata. In this formation is included the valuable fossiliferous iron ore, from which many of our furnaces are
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HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
now supplied. The position of the ore bands is usually indicated by a dirty white and yellowish sandstone, breaking into rhomboidal fragments, con- taining fossil impressions, and is below the thin limestone strata beneath the red shale. The rocks of this formation are seen along the west side of Tuscarora mountain, and on the east of Shade, folding round on the south, passing west of Black-log mountain and spreading out in the valley between this and Blue ridge. It next appears on the east side of Jack's mountain, passing round its southern end and ranging along the west side of the same ridge to the Juniata, whence it passes northward on the west of Stone mountain, and then turns in a broad belt south-westward along the south-east side of Tussey's mountain, between that and Warrior ridge. We next meet it on the west of Canoe mountain, passing around Scotch valley, and spreading out southward to Hollidaysburg ; whence it ranges again to the north along the west side of the Bald Eagle or Muncy moun- tain, east of Bald Eagle creek. The fossiliferous iron ore generally accom- panies this formation, though the strata are frequently too thin to be pro- ductive. It is mined for the supply of Matilda furnace, east of Jack's mountain, near the Juniata; also east of Tussey's mountain near the little Juniata, and in several other places.
Accompanying the last mentioned formation, and overlying the red shalc, is a belt of limestone (VI,) frequently containing fossil impressions, in con- tact with which is the next succeeding member of the series, a coarse fos- siliferous sandstone (VII,) generally forming a range of sharp irregular hills, and sometimes rising into a ridge of considerable magnitude. These adjunct formations may be seen on both sides of the Tuscarora valley ; between Black-log mountain and Aughwick creek in the neighbourhood of Shirleysburg ; in Chestnut ridge east of Jack's mountain, and then fold- ing round its southern end and passing on the west of it in a northern di- rection across the Juniata, extending in Rocky ridge on the west of Stone mountain to the head of Stone valley. From this south-westward, we find the fossiliferous sandstone in Warrior ridge, with the limestone along its north-west side. These formations again occur on the west of Lock and Canoe mountains, sweeping around Scotch valley and appearing on the Juniata near Frankstown. Hence they curve round south of Hollidays- burg, passing in a north-east direction on the west of Brush and Bald Eagle or Muncy mountain. Iron ore is occasionally found in the lower portion of the fossiliferous sandstone, near its contact with the limestone. It is mined near the Juniata, south-east of Newton Hamilton ; in Chestnut ridge near Chester furnace ; west of Brush mountain in the neighbourhood of Allegheny furnace, and other places.
Overlying the sandstone last mentioned is a series of dark coloured and olive slates (VIII,) with bands of gray and greenish sandstone, containing, among its lower beds, calcareous strata which in some places yield a good hydraulic cement. This formation may be seen on both sides of the Tus- carora valley in the eastern part of the county, and in the valley of Augh- wick creek, where it occupies a considerable breadth ;- thence, folding southward round Jack's mountain, it passes down Hare's valley to the Juniata, and crosses northward to the head of Stone valley. From this it ranges along the south-east side of Warrior ridge by the town of Hunting- don, and across the Juniata to the Bedford county line. The same forma- tion occupies the middle part of the basin east of Frankstown and south of Scotch valley. We next find it ranging in a broad belt from a little west of Hollidaysburg nearly to the base of the Allegheny mountain, extending north-eastward into Centre county, and southward into Bedford. A valu- able iron ore is sometimes found in the lower layers of this formation ; being mined for the supply of Chester furnace, and at several other places in the neighbourhood of the great Aughwick valley.
The red shales and sandstones of the next overlying formation (IX,) occupy the middle of that part of Tuscarora valley which is in Huntingdon county, and are seen along the eastern base of Sideling hill, crossing to
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the north of the Juniata below the town of Huntingdon, and thence pass- ing up the Raystown branch, west of Terrace mountain. The same rocks also appear along the base of the Allegheny mountain and for some distance up the ascent. A hard coarse sandstone (X,) succeeds, which is seen on Sideling hill, in Terrace mountain, and towards the summit of Allegheny.
Overlying the last is a series of red and greenish soft argillaceous shales (XI,) with some layers of sandstone, and containing, in its lower portion, a bed of gray and reddish silicious limestone, seldom of sufficient purity to be burned into lime. The rocks of this formation occur in Trough creek valley, and encircle Broad Top mountain. They are also seen well ex- posed in the Allegheny mountain, on the ascent of Plane No. 7 of the Portage rail road. Iron ore is sometimes found near the contact of this formation with the underlying sandstone : it is mined near Hopewell and Trough creek furnaces.
The conglomerate and sandstone (XII) immediately below the coal, as well as some of the lower coal beds themselves, are found on Broad Top mountain ; but the limits of Huntingdon county do not extend far enough westward to include any considerable portion of the coal measures on the Allegheny.
Huntingdon county is watered by numerous streams, the prin- cipal of which is the Juniata, pursuing a winding course among the mountains and passing across nearly the whole extent of the county from west to east. The Raystown branch flows north-east-
7
Valley of the Juniata.
ward from Bedford county, and falls into the main stream below the town of Huntingdon. The Little Juniata rises at the foot of the Allegheny mountain and runs south-eastward, meeting the river below Alexandria. Aughwick creek rises in Bedford county, and pursues a northern direction to the Juniata near Newton Hamil-
257
HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
ton. Smaller streams are numerous, of sufficient water power for extensive manufacturing operations. On Spruce creek alone, the length of which is but about ten miles, are two furnaces, seven forges, six grist mills, seven saw mills and two woollen factories.
Huntingdon, the seat of justice, is a flourishing town situated on the Juniata, containing a population of 1145. The court-house is a large and commodious brick building recently erected; there is also a prison with other county buildings, and churches belonging to Presbyterians, Methodists, Catholics and Episcopalians. The Juniata division of the Pennsylvania canal, and also the northern turnpike road from Harrisburg to Pittsburg, pass through the town. It is a place of considerable business in country produce and merchandise.
Hollidaysburg, at the head of canal navigation on the Juniata, and at the eastern termination of the Portage rail road, is the largest town in the county: the borough containing about 2000 inhabitants, and including Gaysport, separated only by a branch of the Juniata, the population amounts to nearly 3000. Since the completion of the state improvements, the progress of this town has been exceedingly rapid, and its business operations are now considered to be more extensive than those of any place between Harrisburg and Pittsburg. · Large quantities of iron and other produce of the surrounding country are shipped here, as well as the bituminous coal of the Allegheny mountain destined for an eastern market. There are five churches, several large hotels, two iron foundries, a steam grist mill, two machine shops, 14 large warehouses, about 1200 rail road cars, and a great number of canal boats.
Williamsburg and Alexandria are considerable towns, on the canal, between Hollidaysburg and Huntingdon. Frankstown is on the turnpike, three miles east of Hollidaysburg; and Petersburg at the mouth of Shaver's creek below Alexandria. Birmingham is on the Little Juniata in the north-western part of the county, and Shirleysburg in the east, near Aughwick creek. Besides these there are many other villages of less note.
The soil of the valleys is generally fertile, and much of it in a high state of cultivation, producing abundant crops of grain, grass and other agricultural products. The mountains are covered with timber, and yield a plentiful supply for domestic purposes, as well as charcoal for consumption in the numerous iron works of this region.
There are in this county 22 furnaces, producing annually about 16,000 tons of pig iron ; 32 forges, manufacturing 15,000 tons of bar iron and blooms; two rolling mills and a nail factory ; besides several cupola furnaces for castings. Also seventy grain mills, 182 saw-mills, 9 woollen factories, and a great number of other manufacturing establishments of various kinds. The annual pro- ductions of the county, of every kind, are estimated to amount to upwards of $4,000,000.
For its healthy climate; its mineral resources ; the grandeur and sublimity of its scenery; the fertility and diversity of its soil; its 22*
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
adaptation to the rearing of stock and the production of nearly all the crops which reward the labours of the husbandman, this inte- rior county will compare favourably with most others in the state.
The Pennsylvania canal passes mostly along the banks of the Juniata, from the eastern limit of the county to Hollidaysburg, from which place the Portage rail-road extends to the western ex- tremity. The northern turnpike from Harrisburg to Pittsburg also passes up the valley of the Juniata, and through most of the prin- cipal towns. Substantial bridges are erected over the Juniata at Huntingdon, Alexandria and Hollidaysburg ; as well as over the other large streams where crossed by the main roads.
By the assessment of 1842, the property taxed for county pur- poses was valued at $8,575,139 : county tax $17,149 : State tax $10,417.
The progress of popular education does not seem to be so rapid as the improvements in the agricultural and manufacturing indus- try of the county. The common school system is, however, gene- rally adopted, and of the 27 districts, 24 have reported to the su- perintendent that they have a total of 172 schools established under the law, the average period of instruction being a little over four months in the year. There is an academy at Huntingdon ; but the higher branches of learning meet with but little encouragement.
The religious denominations are various : Methodists, Presbyte- rians, Baptists, Lutherans and Catholics are most numerous ;- in some of the valleys there are settlements of Dunkards and Mennon- ists, and in the towns a few Episcopalians. The moral condition of the population, particularly with regard to habits of sobriety and temperance, has greatly improved within the last few years.
The early pioneers of this region were mostly adventurers from the old counties of Cumberland, Lancaster, York and Berks, who pushed their explorations into this then wilderness in quest of game. After the Indians had retired to the west, many of these hunters, attracted by the fertile and beautiful appearance of the valleys, made permanent settlements in them, which became the homes of their children and are still occupied by their descendants. The population is chiefly of Scotch, Irish, and German origin, the latter being generally farmers, and many of them still speaking their own language.
How is Huntingdon bounded ? What is the character of the face of the country ? What mountains are in the east ?- in the south ?- in the west ? Describe the geological features of the county. In what valleys are the limestone (II) and slate (III) formations? What ore accompanies this lime- stone ? In what other formations is iron ore found and where does it oc- cur ? In what series of rocks is hydraulic cement, and another variety of iron ore ? To what formation does the iron ore of Hopewell and Trough creek belong ? Where is coal found in this county ? Describe the course of the Juniata river and its branches-of Aughwick creek. What manufactur- ing works are on Spruce creek ? What is said of Huntingdon, the county town ? Where is Hollidaysburg, and what is said of its population, trade and business? What buildings, manufacturing establishments, &c., are mentioned ? Where are Williamsburg, Alexandria, Frankstown and Pe- tersburg ? 'Shirleysburg ? What is said of the soil of the valleys and its productions ?- of the mountains ? Mention the different kinds of iron
259
INDIANA COUNTY.
works and the amount of their products. Mills and factories. What is the estimated value of the productions of this county ? What is said of its advantages generally ? What canal, rail road and turnpike are in Hunt- ingdon county ? Bridges ? What is said of the state of education, schools &c. ? Mention the principal religious societies, and the improvement in the moral habits of the population. From what counties was Huntingdon chiefly settled, and from what foreign nations are the inhabitants mostly descended ?
28. INDIANA COUNTY.
Indiana county has Jefferson on the north, Clearfield and Cam- bria on the east, Westmoreland on the south, and Armstrong on the west. By the census of 1840, its population was 20,782.
The face of the country is generally uneven and hilly. In the south-east are the northern terminations of the two mountain ranges called Laurel hill and Chestnut ridge, which here appear of diminished elevation, and break away into a series of irregular ridges and hills.
In each of these two mountain ranges, the rocks next below the coal se- ries have been upheaved to the surface on an axis of elevation, and appear on their summits and along their sides ; the coal bearing strata resting upon them near the base, or sometimes extending some distance up their acclivi- ties. These lower strata of the coal measures crop out abundantly along the ravines near the base of the two mountain ridges, descending on each side towards the middle of the basin between these anticlinal elevations, where they are deeply covered by superincumbent strata. At Lockport, on the Conemaugh, however, the river cuts so deeply across the basin as to expose all the lower strata down to the sandstone which forms the floor of the coal measures. Ascending from the water level, towards the summit of the hill on the north side of the river, five successive beds of coal are exposed, separated by intervening strata of sandstone, shale, limestone and iron ore. In the deep ravine of Black-lick creek, nearly similar exposures may be observed.
West of Chestnut ridge, the lower coal beds are again seen along the Conemaugh, and in the deep ravines of Two-lick and Yellow creeks, pass- ing deeply beneath the high grounds around the town of Indiana. Further westward, on Crooked creek, and also northward on the Mahoning, coal beds appear which have a higher position in the series.
Along the Conemaugh, in the southern part of the county, salt water is obtained by boring to a depth of from 500 to 800 feet, from which salt is extensively manufactured. The quantity of that ar- ticle annually made in this county is upwards of 70,000 bushels.
The soil, where not too rough for cultivation, is tolerably fertile, producing fair crops of wheat, oats, grass, &c. Horses, cattle and sheep are raised in considerable numbers by the farmers, and sold to the drovers, who drive them to the eastern markets.
The Conemaugh river forms the southern boundary of this county, separating it from Westmoreland. Black-lick creek flows westward through the south-eastern part, and falls into the Cone- maugh at Blairsville. Two-lick and Yellow creeks unite their wa- ters and run southward to the Black-lick. Crooked creek rises by several branches in the western part of the county, and passes westward through Armstrong to the Allegheny river. In the north is Mahoning creek, also a tributary of the Allegheny.
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Indiana is the county town, handsomely situated on high ground, nearly in the middle of the county, on the main road from Ebens- burg to Kittaning. It contains the usual county buildings, an academy and several churches. Population 700.
Blairsville, on the Conemaugh, is a flourishing town, favourably situated for business, being on the main line of the State improve- ments, and a depot whence produce may be shipped either east- ward or westward, and merchandise received for the surrounding country. There are several branches of manufactures successfully carried on in this place, which has rapidly improved within the last few years : its present population is about 1000.
Saltzburg is a borough containing about 350 inhabitants, situ- ated in the neighbourhood of the salt works, on the Conemaugh below Blairsville.
Armagh is also a borough, with a population of nearly 200, on the turnpike from Ebensburg to Blairsville and Pittsburg, in the south-east of the county.
The northern and eastern parts of Indiana county are thinly set- tled, being yet covered by extensive forests, containing much valu- able white pine and other timber, but little of which has yet been rendered available, owing to its remote situation from any stream of sufficient capacity for rafting. Some, however, is sent down the West branch of Susquehanna, which heads near the eastern limits of this county, and some down the Mahoning, when those streams are sufficiently swelled by freshets to float small rafts.
At an angle in the eastern line of Indiana, where it is joined by . the line separating Cambria from Clearfield, is a celebrated station called the Cherry tree, or Canoe place, as the farthest point to which a canoe could be pushed up the Susquehanna. From this point to Kittaning was anciently a famous Indian path, which is yet perceptible in several places on the route. This was also the boundary of one of the purchases of land from the Indians.
The Western division of the Pennsylvania canal extends along the Conemaugh, throughout the whole extent of the southern boundary of this county, greatly increasing the facilities of trade and transportation for the inhabitants. The northern turnpike from Harrisburg to Pittsburg, by way of Huntingdon, Ebensburg, Blairsville, &c., passes through the south-eastern part; and the turnpike from Ebensburg to Kittaning crosses the county in a north-western direction, passing through the town of Indiana.
According to the assessment of 1842, the value of property sub- ject to taxation for county purposes was $1,932,938 : county tax $5,008 : State tax $2,454.
The common school system, as regulated by law, has been adopted in all of the 14 districts, and 131 schools are reported as being taught about 4 months in the year. The academy at Indiana is reported to contain about 30 pupils ; but does not appear to be sufficiently encouraged to render its effect as useful as it might be if properly sustained.
The first settlements in this county were chiefly made by emi- grants from Ireland, who suffered great privations and hardships,
261
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
in this then remote wilderness. The want of the necessary pro- visions of life was often severely felt, and to this was added the danger of attacks from hostile Indians, by whom they were some- times driven from their homes and obliged to seek a place of secu- rity on the eastern side of the mountains. Two of the early patri- archs of this region, Fergus Morehead and James Kelly, com- menced improvements about the year 1772, by erecting each a log cabin near the place where the town of Indiana now stands. They were much annoyed by the abundance of rattlesnakes, and by wolves and other wild beasts prowling around their cabins at night. One morning Mr. Morehead paid his neighbour a visit, but Kelly was not to be found. Observing traces of blood and tufts of human hair near the cabin, Morehead supposed his neighbour to have been killed by the wolves, and was cautiously searching for his remains, when he discovered Kelly sitting by a spring and washing the blood from his head. He had fallen asleep at night with his head near the side of his cabin, and a wolf had reached through an open space between the logs, and seized him by the head. The aperture was, however, so small as to prevent the wolf from grasping him so far as to have a secure hold, and this saved his life. After remaining here some time, the two adven- turers returned to Franklin county for their families, and on their return to Indiana were accompanied by other settlers; but during the first years, grain and most of the necessaries of life were trans- ported on horse-back from Franklin and Cumberland counties, there being no wagon road across the mountains. Such were some of the dangers and difficulties encountered by the bold and hardy settlers of our western counties, whose descendants now dwell in peace and security on the same soil, surrounded by plenty, and enjoying not only the comforts but even the luxuries of life.
What counties are adjacent to Indiana ? What is the face of the country, and the names of the principal mountain ridges ? What valuable mineral productions are found ? · Where is salt manufactured, and to what amount ? What is said of the soil, and of the products of the farms ? Mention the principal streams, their situation and direction. Name the county town, and describe its situation. Where is Blairsville, and what is said of it ? Saltzburg ? Armagh ? Describe the northern and eastern part of the county. What is said of a place called Cherry tree ? What canal and turnpike roads are in this county ? What is the condition of education ? By whom were the first settlements made, and what privations and difficulties did they encounter ? Name two of the early settlers, and tell the story of Kelly and the wolf. By what means did the first inhabitants procure grain and other necessaries of life ?
29. JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Jefferson county is bounded north by Warren, east by Elk and Clearfield, south by Indiana, and west by Armstrong, Clarion, and Venango. Population, 7,253.
The surface is generally hilly and uneven, but not mountainous. In the valleys of many of the streams, there are tracts of bottom
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
land which is very fertile; much of the upland soil is also tolera- bly good, but in some places is too rough and rocky for cultivation.
Bituminous coal is found in almost every part of the county ; iron ore also appears in many places, but little has yet been done towards the deve- lopement of the mineral wealth of this region.
Much of the northern part of this county is still a wilderness, and even in the south the settlements are thinly scattered among immense forests of timber. The staple production is lumber, of which vast quantities are annually floated down the Clarion, Red- bank and Mahoning to the Allegheny river, whence it finds its way to a market at Pittsburg. Within the last few years, how- ever, the cultivation of the soil has received more attention : settle- ments and farming establishments are multiplying, and the agri- cultural products of the county rapidly increasing.
The principal streams in this region flow in a south-western di- rection towards the Allegheny river. The north is watered by the Clarion river, which flows across the whole breadth of the county. Towards the south it is also crossed by the Red-bank or Sandy creek, a large and rapid stream, of sufficient capacity for rafting at high water, and at all times affording power to drive the nume- rous saw mills erected on its banks. Near the southern line of the county is Mahoning creek, also a considerable stream.
But few towns or villages are found in this wild and woody re- gion. Brookville, the seat of justice for the county, is situated near Sandy creek, on the Bellefonte and Erie turnpike, and con- tains about 300 inhabitants. It has a court house, prison, acade- my, and several stores and taverns. About a mile east of this is Port Barnett, one of the oldest settlements in the county. Punxa- tawny is a rather pretty village, on Mahoning creek, in the south of the county.
The value of property assessed in 1842 for county taxation was $867,180: county tax $5,922 : State tax $1,075.
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