A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania, Part 49

Author: Murray, Louise Welles, 1854-1931. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Athens, Penna. [i.e., Pa.] : [s.n.]
Number of Pages: 726

USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > Athens > A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania > Part 49

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4 While nothing is known of the origin or early residence of James Irwin, letters indi- cate that he was well known in Baltimore, where he had large business transactions, and in after years was much distrusted. Evidently he was a man of means, and large ventures; quite possibly his goods were purchased of Ashbel Welles, whom he may have acquainted with Tioga Point. He has been often confounded with family of Col. Arthur Erwin, a careless blunder. While at Athens he married, in 1798, Lucy, daughter of Noah Murray, Sr., who, with her child, is buried in the old cemetery. He removed to Newtown and later to Painted Post. In 1806 his house was burned, containing a large amount of cash, although he was heavily in debt, and distrusted therefor. Caton's letters show that at a later date he sought to re-establish his claim at Tioga Point and injure the Pennsylvania cause. Though devoid

of right principle, he must have been a man of unusual abilitv.

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Welles remained in Connecticut; though some family traditions say differently, the faithful account book records expenses of journey only for self and son, Henry; and there is further evidence in annexed letter.5 (Also a record has been found, in the hand writing of C. F. Welles, indicating that they arrived in August, 1799.

It would be interesting to know how the coming of the Pennsyl- vania Claimants to the whole Point, from the meeting of the waters to above Mile Hill, was regarded by the Connecticut settlers. Un- questionably many, living in terror of the armed enforcement of In- trusion Law, saw an easy way out in selling their lands to George Welles and moving on ; which they accordingly did. For the partners in purchase had agreed to buy out at least all the settlers on the Point in and below the village plot. Besides Irwin, the immediate purchases were of Isaac Cash for $120; Ira Stephens, $100 ; Nehemiah Northrup, $130; David Paine, $400; Henry Decker, $500; Jonathan Harris, $75; Nathan Bull, $135; John Shepard, $60, and Solomon Beebe, the whole amount paid being about $1,500. All proved amicable except Elisha Matthewson, who had, as occasion offered, made additional purchases or exchanges, until he owned about 125 acres on the Point farm, of the land cleared by the Indians. "A very generous offer was made to him but declined with scorn."

The "Welles and Caton store" was on the lot now occupied by Mrs. G. T. Ercanbrack, and may have been built prior to Welles' ar- rival. The ledger shows business was brisk for Welles and Caton ; even the Owego people came to trade at the new store. At a late day some comment and criticism has been found written to Matthias Hol- lenback by his agent at this time :

July, 1798. "The new store is in full vogue here at present. Mr. Welles spoke to me to-day about your selling out to him house land &c, what your price and pay as he had heard you want to sell, Mr. Irwin also would buy for cash, Mr Welles is very anxious, expects a great many people to move to this country in the Spring."

This news evidently brought Mr. Hollenback to Tioga Point, but the bargain was not consummated. Many of the goods did not arrive until late in the season, having to be poled up the river, a tedious job, which in this instance cost $50. Trade was so brisk, however, that more soon had to be ordered. The account books record every article sold and an unusual amount of cash received. Had we not seen the Hollenback invoices it would seem that only pewter dishes had here- tofore been available; as surely every family in all the country round

5 "Tioga Point. 29th Nov. 1798. My dear Suky (Susan). I am informed that this is the day after Thanksgiving in Connecticut. If so I hope you have an Opportunity and Dis- position to be sociable and happy. I should rejoice that Harry and I could be home this even- ing to take a bite of your Pumpkin pies, &c. &c. Any how we wish you and the other young Ladies a pleasant time. In this Country they know none of Thanksgiving pies. Pitkin Pratt is here. going to set up his trade. His tools, stock &c. are with our goods at Harrisburgh. Pratt appears to be steady and likely. Had our Goods arrived I intended to have sent you a handsome cloth for a Surtout or Coat. Martin Skins are not yet brought to market-now is the time to catch them. I shall purchase both for you and your Aunt, and my little dear you shall have good ones. I hope to be able to bring them when I come home. * *

* I am my dear Daughter, your affectionate Parent, George Welles."

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MERCANTILE VENTURES

purchased a china tea set. February, 1799, Mr. Hollenback's agent writes :

"Mr. Welles has got on his goods that he had sent for when you were here and is dashing away as largely as ever; he trades from $50 to $200 in a day, and the people carry off back loads of his goods every time they go there. I have done nothing (in trade) since his goods came. March 1799 Mr Welles not so anxious to purchase Connecticut title as he is very sure of the whole."

This second lot of goods had been long delayed, as the boats were stopped at Harrisburg by the ice, and goods had to be conveyed hence in sleighs, a slow and expensive process. Still more goods were brought that spring, as a charge is entered, "$93.38 for boating 3 tons 2 cwt. and 1 quarter of goods from Harrisburg, Archelaus Ellis, Boat- man." A distillery was built in January, 1799, and went into immediate operation, grain being brought from Wysock, Asylum and Towanda.

Take it all in all, at the beginning of 1799 the prospects seemed pretty bright for the newcomer, even if Franklin, Satterlee and Mat- thewson were arrayed against him. Confident of the approaching in- crease of navigation on the Susquehanna, and unsuspicious of coming disaster, in April George Welles built what for years after was known as "Welles' Folly." According to his ledger, it was the "Wharf on the little Flats," and "cost $1250." Tradition says this was built with slips for steamboats, but there is no written record further than that given. The "little Flats" was a name given to the land on the Susque- hanna River from village plot to the cove. The bright outlook was short lived. That very spring "the failure of Welles and Caton in Baltimore involved the whole of the concern at Tioga Point in ruin." There are no letters concerning this catastrophe, but plenty of records. May 14, 1799, Ashbel Welles deeded his undivided third to Richard Caton, and6 the same day George Welles mortgaged his third to Caton in security for 1/3 $16000.7 The best idea of the concerns of the part- ners at this time is gleaned from Richard Caton's letters, although George Welles had not the careful habit of his son, Henry, shown in preserving copies of every letter he wrote. However, it is often easy to supplement with records. June, 1799, the store books were taken to Baltimore, so the store must have been closed.8 May 16, 1800, Caton writes to Ashbel Welles (who had now moved to Tioga Point) that he had been expecting George Welles, who was rafting down the river. Caton reports a very depressing business outlook in Baltimore; and discourages a proposed attempt to find purchasers there for land at Owego, adding :

"Yet to possess or to speculate in real estate on the Susquehanna is a most certain mode of acquiring wealth, for as sure as the waters of the River flow to the Chesapeake, the produce as certainly will, and that ere long in great quantities ; and when that does take place on a footing of security, by having the obstructions of the river removed, the lands will take such a rise as must greatly benefit every man who holds them."

6 See Luzerne Co. Deed Book No. 6, p. 208.

7 See Luzerne Co. Deed Book No. 1, p. 379.

8 It is surely astonishing that these very books are now in Athens, the accounts being continued in the name of George and Henry Welles.

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He proceeds to wish "with all his heart, that Ashbel might pur- chase lands with good title, and profit thereby," and tells him if he can find such near to the river, he will make a great profit inside of five years, adding :

"For by that period we shall have the navigation complete; indeed in this year the bed of the river will be cleared, and by next Spring I hope to see lumber flow down without difficulty or danger."

In spite of these sanguine expectations, it was only two weeks later that Caton mortgaged his two-thirds of the Point to Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, for the payment of $44,000. There is nothing to indicate that this was the purchase money for the Point, as often as- sumed. Only $3,200 had been paid to Lockhart, and it is fair to suppose that this amount was borrowed of Carroll to discharge the debts of the firm of Ashbel Welles & Co. At the same time Caton assigned to Carroll the mortgage of George Welles for the other third of the Point.

An extract from this mortgage describes the property as

"known by the name of Tioga Point in the town of Athens (so-called) by the location made under the title of Connecticut,"

and speaks of the settlers as "persons holding possession or claiming rights under the Connecticut title, whether in law or equity." Previous to this, to offset the movements of the revived Susquehanna Com- pany, an organization had been formed, called the Pennsylvania Land- holders' Association. There were now many bitter contests in the legislative sessions, at which Franklin was actively present, for he was a member of Assembly from 1799 to 1805 continuously, often re- ceiving all or nearly all the votes of the district. The division of the county was under consideration, with a view to excluding Franklin from Luzerne, but the Connecticut settlers would not be downed. In January, 1801, an effort was made by petition, which can best be ex- plained by extracts from Caton's letters to Clement Paine and George Welles between January and August of 1801. These letters reveal the true condition of affairs at Tioga Point, also Richard Caton's ad- herence to air castles, and his conviction as to the coming greatness of the Point, in which view he was not alone.

While there were at this period stirring times throughout the seventeen townships, by reason of the attempted adjustment of claims by the State-appointed commissioners, it seems best to follow up first the Caton correspondence :

"7th Jan'y, 1801 .- To Clement Paine .- By a letter from Mr. George Welles I find you intend being at Phil'a on the 10th inst. with the expectation of getting signers to the Petition for a County Town at Athens. I hope you will obtain from the Landholders at Phil'a, holding lands in Luzerne County the approbation of the County Town being fixed at Athens. It is a subject in which they are much interested, and which will eventually add greatly to the value of their lands. I have written Mr. Welles of this business. I hope he will give you his signature and recommend others to follow his example. * * * After you have finished your errand in Phil'a it would be advisable to go to Lancaster, there call on Charles Smith, and Mr. Josiah Lockhart, they will both expect you. *

* * Whilst in Phil'a call on Mr. Adlum. He is appointed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania to lay off the northern part of the State into districts. I have

written to him pointing out the advantage of Athens for a County Town. I

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RICHARD CATON'S OPTIMISM

hope he will accord with me, and give it his recommendation. You may observe to him that the establishment of it as a Town is principally opposed by those who feel no interest in the general improvement of the Country. That the holders of the Lands do not possess the property under the legal title of Pennsylvania -that Tioga from its natural position commands the Trade of the eastern branch, and the Chemung River. That it will probably control the Trade of the Lakes. That in case of a division of the State, the possession of a Town at Tioga, will be an important acquisition ;- and that no place in that neighborhood, bids so fair, to command an important commercial consequence, as its local ad- vantages have even at the present time under many embarrasing circumstances established a respectable Trade, and that it is at this time, capable of accom- modating the officers attached to the courts of Justice, and of furnishing con- venient apartments for a Court of Justice. *

* * Let me hear from you every day how you progress. R. CATON."

"19th Jan'y, 1801 .- Mr. Clement Paine .- It was not requisite that I should meet you at Phil'a, as you were competent to do every thing that can be done there. I shall leave for Lancaster to-morrow, if the weather permit. Mr. Adlum has already laid off the County. He is of opinion that Tioga Point will be the County Town. Commissioners are appointed to fix on a spot for the Town, and will, in some degree, be influenced by the offers of different parties, who may give money to build a court house, or lands to establish schools. Our Territory of Tioga Point forbids of our giving Lands, as the tract is too small to admit of it. We may however manage to build, or to contribute towards a fund for the Court House. The location of Mr. Adlum is not materially different from the one recommended by Geo. Welles. I request that you will forward by some safe hand going on the Stage for Lancaster, the petition in your pos- session-and put it in a cover, and that inside another cover directed to Josiah Lockhart, Esq., Lancaster. R. CATON."

"Lancaster 29 Jany 1801 .- To George Welles :- I have been here since Friday. *

* Mr. Paine has not forwarded me the petition. * * * I did not attend at Phila., as it was not necessary. I believe he was little successful there, as all landholders were of opinion that it was a trick to get the seat of Justice at Tioga for purposes intended to defeat the execution of Justice. When I reached Lancaster I found a number of gentlemen attending the Legislature in behalf of the land-holders of Luzerne County, praying the state to take such measures as they might deem necessary to protect the lawful proprietors of the land. A committee have been sitting on the question, and much evidence has been given against the intruders. Mr. Franklin defended their pretensions and the committee as well as the Legislature are heartily sick of him.

"I believe very energetic measures will be adopted to remove them, or to compel them to buy the title of Pennsylvania, should the proprietors be willing to sell.

"The things contemplated by the committee are-

"To appoint an agent to act on behalf of the state, to eject all persons holding lands in possession for the state of Connecticut, and to punish by fine and hard labor, all those who have obtruded since. For this purpose they will be compelled to show that they hold the Penna. title. The State's agent will have large power, and if necessary, the militia to support him. The persons to be ejected and to be punished as intruders, are to (be) prosecuted in mass. That is, 100 of each will probably be brought to justice at the same time.

"It is probable the county of Luzerne will be limited to the 17 towns, and the other parts of the county adjacent to Northumberland, Northampton and Lycoming. This will be done to effect a more certain execution of justice, and after the evils be removed, it will undergo such a division as may be thought best. The county embracing the Point will be from the beaver's dam of Towanda to the York line, along the York line about 40 miles, then to the waters of Wyalusing up the Susquehanna river, and up the Towanda to the beaver's dam. This is not the exact location, but pretty nearly so. I suppose commissioners will be appointed to locate the county town, when this is done, I will attend to it. I am of opinion Tioga will be fixed upon.

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"It is probable that the State agent will fix his residence at the Point. Much warmth may be expected at this crisis. I recommend to you to keep your- self as much clear as possible, consistent with those necessary services to pro- mote the end the state has in view. All persons on the Point will be ejected, and as the laws of the State will probably prevail, it is necessary that we should resolve in our minds what we are to do with those who have built on our prop- erty. I think we should be merciful, and give them the property on easy terms,- for instance, a dollar a year ground rent for a lot of 50 feet front, but on no account let the lot run to the water. A road must be kept on each bank of the river. I would have you to get those to whom you may have sold to consent to this measure, but do not sell any lots without my consent.

"The River will, I expect, be opened this year. A law is before the Legis- lature for the purpose, etc. R. CATON."

"Baltimore Feb. 1801 .- Mr. C. Paine :- Your letter of the 1st accompanys the petition. I did not receive it in Lancaster as I had left that place previous to the return of Mr. Lockhart. It was sent to me by Post from thence.

"The Legislature will not at present divide Luzerne County owing to a spirit of opposition to the Laws, and Intrusion under the titles of Connecticut. They appear to me rather disposed to let the 17 towns only remain the County of Luzerne, and to attach the other part of the county to Northampton and Lycoming. The measures intended to be adopted by the Legislature for the pun- ishment of intruders, had given the proprietors of the soil under Pennsylvania possession, and example was made of certain persons who had trampled on the Laws of the State with impunity. I did not, however, wait to see the issue of the bill preparing for these objects. It is truely deplorable to see so fine a Country as the greater part of Luzerne certainly is, little better than a desert. I was in hopes that the compromise would have restored tranquility-the Legis- lature had the same expectations. And the disappointment of these well grounded hopes has raised them up to measures of coercion. The good sense, the habits of order and industry which the settlers in Luzerne from the New England States, certainly possess, with few exceptions, will I think induce them to submit to the Legal authorities of the State; a different conduct might bring misfortune. It is certainly (on the score of self Interest) their benefit to see the Country improved and settled. This cannot be the case as long as the Settlers on one title feel insecure as to the possession of the property, and on the other as to the safety of their persons. The present year will, I think, accomplish the open- ing of a tolerable navigation to tide water. The high prices of grain and lumber must excite a spirit of industry and in a few years give a face to the Country around Tioga. Mr. Franklin, I am well informed, is an enemy to the establish- ment of a county town at Tioga. I can't agree with his policy in the opposition, for if he has any property near to Tioga it must benefit by a County Town being fixed at that point. R. CATON."

July, 1801 .- Mr. George Welles :- * I am sure lands will rise on the opening of the River; the persons engaged for this object are now at work, and I believe a safe communication will be made to tide water from Wright's Ferry.

"I am informed that a Mr. David Harris lives at or near Tioga, who was employed by Major Adlum to run some of the lands in his district, among the rest he run mine. I could wish to engage him to accompany me in the examina- tion I mean to make of these lands, and to execute the surveying I wish to have done, have the goodness to find him out, and to engage him to accompany me. I fear, however, that my object of surveying these lands will be defeated for the present, as I understand that violence has been offered to one of the deputy agents of the State, acting under the Law of last session. If this has happened, I would not be surprised if the Government were to use great pains to bring the offenders to severe punishment.

"I suppose you accepted your commission of magistrate on the way home- ward. Clothed with this authority they will respect you.

"Mr. Goldsborough is the bearer of this letter. His intention is to settle at New Town. I do not think you can induce him to fix at Tioga. The want of traders there will delay the progress of improvement materially. I want to hear of the success of your harvest. Wheat will be low here most likely next

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THE PUMPELLY SURVEY

Spring. At present, the wheat of your country wont sell for $2.00, but I would not be surprised to see it at or under $1.50 in the months of April and May. I will keep you advised. Let nothing prevent the beef and pork speculation, and if possible, have them down this fall. I am confident much may be done in these articles to advantage. R. CATON."

Apparently Mr. Caton visited the Point in 1802. The prospects of the Pennsylvania claimants were just then very bright, as in the Archives is found a letter from one of the commissioners, Thomas Cooper, saying :

"I even suspect that the Connecticut claimants will fail in making out a single title in Athens, for which I am sorry."

Doubtless this hastened the new survey of the town plot, made for George Welles in 1802 by James Pumpelly9 of Owego. Diligent

JAMES PUMPELLY

search has failed to reveal a copy of this survey, and though Z. F. Walker attempted to work it out by deed description, recent investi- gations prove his map very inaccurate; therefore it will not be in- troduced; it may, however, be found in the second edition of "Early

9 James Pumpelly and his father, John, came from Connecticut in 1801 or 1802 with a party of surveyors to Beers Settlement, in which George Welles had an interest. Father and son were surveyors. He was 28 years old when he rode on horseback the entire distance, and frankly impecunious. But he was accurate and enterprising, and soon became agent for large tracts of land, and with his brothers surveyed the "Twelve Townships." He located at Owego, and soon became the largest land owner in that region, and as public spirited as wealthy. We are indebted for his portrait to Mr. Leroy W. Kingman of Owego. He first proposed to locate at Tioga Point.

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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

Times." According to Pumpelly's survey, Main Street was called North and South Union Street, the dividing line being Welles Street, which ran from river to river, a little north of Hopkins Street (1907). Running from Welles Street parallel with Union was Susanna Street to north line of purchase. From river to river, near present Paine Street, was one evidently named for the Virgin, Marie-la-bonne. There were others, evidently cross streets, named Carroll, Fanning, Johnson, Caton and Hamilton, which crossed the upper part of the Point Farm, Pine Street (now Island Lane) and Traffic Street, about where Susquehanna now is. On each river bank was laid out a street called, respectively, Sus- quehanna Way and Tioga Way; although the two latter were never regularly opened, Mr. Caton was very particular about them, continually charging his partners and agents not to sell or lease through to the river. doubtless because of anticipated navigation. Government Square was laid out where the Presbyterian Church now stands, extending over Harris Street ; and Market Square on the plot reserved by Connecticut proprietors for school lands.

This survey was evidently made to facilitate the division of the property completed while Mr. Caton was at the Point. Undoubtedly he gave the names to the streets.

Evidently a second bond of Lockhart's had been paid, as it was deemed necessary in the partition to satisfy his claim in order to have title clear. On August 31, Mr. Caton executed a deed to George Welles :

"In trust to convey to Josiah Lockhart in full of his claim of $8000; or if he will not accept and release then to sell as Richard Caton may direct; having in view the security of Geo. Welles and Ashbel Welles as against their liability as securities on the said Bonds of R. Caton to Josiah Lockhart" (recorded Luzerne D. B. No. 8 p 342).

The next day, September 1, the partition deed was executed,10 by which George Welles' third consisted of the entire Point as far north as Hamilton Street, which crossed from river to river not far

10 Partition Deed between Geo. Welles & Richard Caton Luz. Co. Deed Book No. 8, P. 259 Description of R. Caton's share (2/3)

-Lands lying on Tioga Point, all those parts or parcels thereof-Beginning at the be- ginning of the original tract [3 walnut trees on the bank of the Chemung River-See Lock- hart's Deed] and running southerly by and with the River Chemung till it intersects the north side of a street laid out in the town of Tioga Point called Marie le bonne [Marylebone] Street, thence binding on the north side of said street, easterly to the River Susquehannah; thence by and with said river northerly till it intersects the first line of the original tract, and thence westerly on said line reversely to the beginning: laid off for four hundred and ninety eight and one quarter acres (4983/4).

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A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania, Part 49

Author: Murray, Louise Welles, 1854-1931. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Athens, Penna. [i.e., Pa.] : [s.n.] Number of Pages: 726

Author: Murray, Louise Welles, 1854-1931. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Athens, Penna. [i.e., Pa.] : [s.n.]
Number of Pages: 726