USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > Athens > A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania > Part 54
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going to Phil'a or some other place in Penn'a where he can acknowledge it be- fore a magistrate, and then enclose it directly to me. I hope you will attend to this deed without delay as difficulty will arise if not sent on. Our family are yet in your house (Irwin Hotel), but can and will leave it within three months, so if you think proper to have Mr. Clark come on, no objection will arise on that score. It is a delicate point for me to say anything relative to the expediency of his or any one else coming as a agent to sell your land. Keeping a tavern would be to him a source of loss than otherwise. David Paine's plan was to keep one so much better than the others as to acquire the custom, with the help of numerous friends and acquaintances; even with their advantages, I give as my opinion that he would make nothing. I well know Mr. Clark could not do near as well. The time has not yet come to effect sales of your back lands. The Point is also in an unpleasant situation. I cannot give any encouragement to mechanics or others to come here. I don't know the price of lots, probably it is so high as to discourage them from settling among us. In addition to this it is really an inconvenient, crampt place, on account of wood, pasturing and other important things. I am sorry to say disagreeable things, but it appears to me you should know something of the estimation in which the place is held, that you may, if you think proper, take measures for its advance instead of its retrograd- ing. The Compromising Law, will, I think, take place, but whether this session or not, I cannot say. We are struck off into a new County District, but the southern bounds are so low as to take away all hope of the seat of justice being placed here .- H. W."
"Tioga Point 26 August 1809 .- R. Caton, Esqr .: I duly rec'd your favors of the 8 June concerning Mrs. M's deed & the one by Mr. H. of 23 July.
"If the compromising law should not be extended over this place what mode would you pursue relative to the lots & lands on the purchase? Our neighbors often enquire on that point, and as there have been no instances, except Mrs. M. in the country, of persons being ousted by ejectment, they hope and expect you will not resort to that method but will be willing to sell; and by desire I make the enquiry : What do you design to ask per acre for the pine lands above the town flat? You will oblige me by stating what would be the price when you write next. I have conversed frequently with Mr. Paine about the house (Irwin Tavern) &c. He is willing to give as rent 100 dollars the first year, 106 for next, 112 next, 118 and so on, adding six dollars each year for the six years, making the last year $136 ; and to make the necessary advances immediately to put the house in order to keep a tavern. This rent I suppose you will think low and indeed does not pay the interest of the cost of the property but it is really as much as he can afford, and I know of no other person who wants it. He is a neat, careful man and will do as well for the place as any one. Mr. Hollenback's property here consisting of 4 rich town lots, 2 two story houses and store room in one of them, 'stabling and other conveniences together with a large convenient store house on the bank of the river Tioga is rented for $120 per annum. This prop- erty is worth more yearly than yours in question; as there is not much business done rents must be low. Mr. Paine observes that if you conclude to let him have the place at the price mentioned he will take it and will make the necessary imp'ts as cheaply and as carefully as if he were doing them for himself. It is difficult to anticipate what the exact expense would be, but he would charge just what they cost. * If that way is acceptable to you I can safely say that you
will not be imposed on. As plaistering here is quite uncommon owing to the extreme difficulty in getting Lime and plaisterers we think it best to ceil the rooms with rough boards matched together and then papered. It is cheap and appears well. Boards come low here.
"We think it quite advisable to paint the house outside as the old paint is nearly all gone and the house looks old and decaying. There never was a house more slightly or miserably built. The north cellar was walled up with logs. Summer before last we took them out and made a good stone wall. It is a trou- blesome inconvenient place and a pity it was not sold to the Saltmarshes.
"I am fully sensible that all these things ought to have been done by my father while living on the property, but every day has brought its unceasing labour, fatigues, & disasters to us and we have never had the time and the prop-
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EXTENSION OF COMPROMISING LAW
erty to spare. I have met with many losses and checks, among others two sweep- ing freshets this spring and summer, the latter came just before haying when every kind of crop was on the ground and killed the whole. Our grass is now on the ground a putrid mass. Corn, oats wheat and rye all dead, fences gone and soil washed. The river is wearing in several places which we must take in hand this fall or eventually the flats will be ruined, and we hardly know what mode to adopt. If the rains should cease and the river fall we shall boat a great qt'y of stone and pile in a proper place. I am almost weary of the flats, they keep one in constant trouble.
"I paid on account of the 4000 acres contract $600 on the 1 day of May which you will please to endorse. When I can pay any more, I know not. I am exhausted by payments, losses and building .- I am with esteem, HENRY WELLES."
"Nov .. 1809 .- Dear Sir :- Yesterday's post brought me your favour of the 20th instant, which I have shown to Mrs. M. agreeably to your request. I think your ideas on the subject of her application perfectly correct. You may depend upon it, Sir, that as I told you in my last letter, their intentions were to take advantage of your indulgence to them in the farther use of land and deprive you of it under the Compromising Act, if it takes place.
"I shall endeavor to forward our mutual interests as far as is consistent in Lancaster next winter, indeed the particular situation of the country here was my principal inducement to attend. Had I as much to do at home as in other winters I should be very far from willing, but the water last summer did up my winter's work completely .- HENRY WELLES."
Previous to this it had been recognized as desirable to ask the Legislature to include Bedford, Ulster and Athens in the action of the Compromising Law of 1799. Samuel Satterlee, representative from this district, in February, 1809, presented many petitions to this effect.27 While it was under consideration, the session closed before the bill was reached. Henry Welles was elected as Satterlee's successor, tak- ing his seat in December, 1809. He was fully conscious that he was chosen with the expectation that he would push the proposed act to completion ; the legislators having already agreed that they would de- fend the interests of Pennsylvania claimants, as well as those of Con- necticut. It was a somewhat trying ordeal for a new member, and a young man, to feel that this was the one important act to be effected, both for his friends and foes. His letters at this time reveal a conscious- ness of his responsibilities, and yet a sincerity of purpose and zeal to
27 Lancaster, Jan'y 13th, 1809 .- My Dear Sir: My first enquiry is what have I done that you will not write me. I have written you twice since here by private conveyance. I believe the letters have not reached you. *
* Petitions are presented for the two contem- plated County Districts and refered to a Committee of which I am a member, we shall un- doubtedly report favourable, and I have no doubt the results will be favourable unless Messrs. Miner & Dorrance create a difficulty respecting the boundaries. Mr. Miner, a few days, since, presented two petitions from some fellows living about Tunkhannock, praving to have us an- nexed to Luzerne, in the event of being set off into county districts. I wish you without any delay (if thought advisable) to Draft a petition for an Organization of our County so far at least as to enable us to choose Commissioners and a Treasurer. And I think it will be well to ask for an Organization for judicial purposes. I hope you will not neglect to forwrad a petition for a removal of the place of holding our Elections. You will see the propriety of forwarding all petitions as early as possible. We have a multiplicity of business and are a set of as lazy rascals as you ever saw assembled. Consequently we shall be in great confusion toward ploughing time. As for Speakers in the House, we have none (or no good ones) since the departure of Leib for Congress, but gablers, loungers-Murderers are so numerous and so active, that I have not yet found sufficient nerve to display my wonderful faculties in this mutilating art. Petitions are presented for the removal of the Seat of Government. Some pray for Harrisburgh, others for Northumberland-Some are presented to the Senate and others to the House. Committee of Senate have reported in favour of Northumberland; and so will the Committee of the House report in a day or two. I am in some hopes of a result favourable to Northumberland but 'tis extremely doubtful, I am electioneering for it. most industriously, and the Philadelphians begin to talk favourably and say they are almost persuaded that it will be politic in them to favor Northumberland. For our proceedings gen- erally I refer you to our journals which I forward to Esq. Paine. I am as I ever was, Your sincere friend, SAM'L SATTERLEE.
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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
learn, that soon helped him to gain the confidence and admiration of his associates, though his efforts in behalf of the act were not altogether successful. Very soon after he took his seat he wrote to his father :
"I am apprehensive the compromising business will not succeed, the subject is rather an obnoxious one to the house, Franklin is so odious to the members that even when his name was read as a signer of the petition a buzz of disap- probation was evident-I wish I had erased it .- I shall press the matter on, if it succeeds it will be well, if not I shall be conscious of having done my duty to my neighbors, and shall get my tongue loosened, and perhaps speak on other business."
January 10, 1810, he writes concerning letters from Mr. Caton (who persists in combining, his father's unsettled account with Henry's purchase of the Point), saying :
"He talks in an obscure way, but his object and intention are not obscure, his view is to have your account settled before Mr. Carroll's deed is given to me. * * Dont give yourself any uneasiness about * * * (the contestant), if the compromising law is revised, there will be a medicine in it that will cure
* ; if it takes place it will be by my management, and evidently some mem- bers are friendly. If it gets into a Bill, I shall digest a whole system, and have no reference to any former laws; it must be simplified and as specific as possible, and exact better terms from the settlers, or it will never pass."
He continues to urge upon his father the necessity of engaging in all sorts of business enterprises to retrieve their fallen fortunes, and closes with the warmest expressions of affection for his parents. Jan- uary 27 he writes that the bill for the erection of two new counties had been before the House, and that he had spoken for it, also that it would undoubtedly become a law, adding, what is now unknown :
"The name of our county is Morris, it does not please me; there is some talk of calling it Ontario in the Senate * After a great deal of doubt and hesi- tation I have concluded to venture on an important measure relative to our town- ship Law. I wrote to Athens and Ulster for instructions ; having received none, shall make this alteration, to the terms * * * To have the settlers pay the same price as that affixed by Commissioners as compensation to Penn'a claimants * * these terms however comparatively hard, are certainly much better than trusting to individual compromises; it is general and uniform in its operation ; perhaps in this form the measure may go thro', but I pronounce it impossible on the former terms. This is an important step, and I feel uneasy about it; but under the conviction that no better terms can be had, they ought to remain satis- fied. The scene here is a busy, intriguing and instructive one-things dont go it is help me in this and I'll help you in that ; well let um go on.
"We must try to raise money from our business, we'll try lumber next year, it.affords one of the best hopes of our country ; rough as the country up there is, it has some great resources ; its conditions will be ameliorated by improvements." Feb. 3. he writes : "I dont know what your opinion is, or that of our neighbors respecting the expediency of the compromise law on terms I mentioned in my last ; 'tis true they are very different from the former, but 'tis also true that the prices are less than half those they must pay to individual land holders. * * Take such a spot as John Spalding's for instance; under the law perhaps 30 acres of his land might come at $3. and hardly that, and the rest at 25 cents on a long credit, with the state as creditor, lenient and indulgent. On the other hand this land comes at about $4. per acre rough and smooth, the difference is great. I feel very apprehensive of censure on the subject, but as there is no time for de- lay, and I am convinced it is very desirable, I will get the law passed if I call.
* * * As it respects our private interests it is desirable, and the people on the point will get their lots at a song to what Caton would ask, another important thing, if it had been possible to have got the two towns of Bedford and Ulster by some sort of a bargain, it would have been totally impossible to have
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THE BEDFORD AND ULSTER ACT
got its benefits extended over the river to Sheshequin, and there would have been great censure, and with some justice too. As I have drafted the Bill, there is an ample provision for Pennsylvania claimants who are in, and who are not in possession. I have drawn it up with great care and caution and shall report it on Monday next."
February 15 he writes that "the new counties are finally set off, the name of one is Ontario" (changed to Bradford March 24, 1812), and that the bill adjusting titles in the three townships is before the House :
"I have some hope of its passing, but dont say one word; for it is doubt- ful, and some advantage might be taken, up with you. One section provides in a full and explicit manner for our safety as possessors under Penn'a. title. I consulted four or five of the first lawyers in the State on the subject. * * * A bill removing seat of government to Harrisburg has passed. I think it will be the permanent spot, and of some use to us who live on that river."
He writes to Mr. Caton February 16 :
"Dear Sir :- I can only repeat what I have said before that when it is ascertained whether the Point comes under the Compromising system or not, I have no doubt but that my father will make such offers as you will deem reasonable and the utmost in his power to give. Should that event take place it certainly will make a very great difference in the case. Instead of being responsible to the estate of Mr. Lockhart to a large amount, the purchasers of his title will have a legal claim on it.
"The great press of business before the House has prevented me from getting the bill for the adjustment of the titles on for consideration. However, from what I can learn in conversation with the Members, I think it may be got through, tho' on different terms from the original law. The bill before the House stipulates that the settlers, instead of 2/5ths, shall pay the whole amount of price affixed by the Commissioners as the compensation to the Pennsylvania . claimants. These terms are in my opinion equitable, and it is highly expedient for the peace and welfare of the State that it should pass. The violent prejudice that exists here against the Yankees, however, may possibly defeat the business in the Senate. Indeed, it is a tedious, irksome task to get anything done here for that unfortunate and obnoxious part of the State. It is not very desirable to rep- resent a set of people who are in a manner at war with the State, and to be here alone and unsupported in any local object. However, I must make the best of it.
"The Point cannot be a County Town. It is too far from the centre. The law limits the distance at 7 miles and the Point is 16. I went to Philadelphia in January for the purpose of trying to get the route of the Berwick road changed so that it may come round by the Point, and have succeeded on condition that the inhabitants about there should make the road entirely from Towanda to the line, which will cost from $11 to $12,000. On the suggestion being made to thein they have agreed to do it and have subscribed $8,000 so that I have sanguine hope the road will be made around there. I think it will be extended to the Cayuga Lake and will become a very useful road. I am very much pleased to see Mr. Ster- ret of Balt'o with a memorial from the Maryland Canal Co. containing an offer to co-operate with Penn'a in improving the navigation of the river-an object of the first magnitude and which I hope will meet with a proper attention from the House. I am chairman of the committee appointed on the subject and shall exert myself to get everything done that is practicable. The jealousy of the Philadelphians will probably retard our steps, but they cannot coerce trade across the country out of its natural course much longer. The people on the vast terri- tory on the Susq'a are becoming too numerous and influential in the legislature for all the rest of the State."
March 3 he writes to his father :
"You ask how I like the legislature. Why, if my health was good, I think pretty well, the intercourse with agreeable and well-informed men is pleasant and quite instructive, and I find myself well treated. * * * I am afraid of the fate
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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
of compromising bill, the house seem so unwilling to take it up, it is an obnoxious subject ; however next week we will know its fate. I have had a great deal of trouble with this affair, and whether it passes or not shall do my duty to my constituents."
"March 10. Our compromising bill has passed the House with difficulty after a long and animated debate, in the course of which Athens was struck out, notwithstanding Graham's and my efforts; we adhered to that township with such tenacity as to endanger the whole bill, and at last were fain to lose it in order to save the rest. * * * I expect much censure put upon me ; but I espoused the cause with all the zeal and ability in my power. * * * I spoke six or seven times, listened to with perfect attention. * * * Altho' the law embraces only the two towns Bedford & Ulster, I know I carried the bill; the labour however may all prove abortive, it has not yet passed the ordeal of the Senate. I shall now be busy among the members, I am anxious to get it through, our interest in it is great. Although one section guards us as pointedly as possible, yet you must look out for Mrs. M., dont let her get possession on any lot, we shall have trou- ble I suppose, but there is no danger at last. I have written this in the midst of a great debate on militia system, some of the members are getting very warm. "HENRY."
This bill, as framed and reported above, became a law March 19, 1810. Its enforcement and effects will be given in a later chapter.
CHAPTER XVII
1800-1810
ADJUSTMENT OF TITLES
Tioga Point at the Opening of the Century-Agitation Caused by Attempted Enforcement of the Intrusion Law-Work of the Com- missioners Under the Compensation Law-History of Ulster Township-Rejection of Bedford, Ulster and Athens-Last Efforts of the Susquehanna Company-The Satterlee-Matthewson Con- troversy-The Bedford and Ulster Act-Work of the Commis- sioners of 1810-Final Adjustment of Connecticut Claims-Condi- tions of Trade-War of 1812-Militia
Having carried the Pennsylvania claimants ahead to another epoch in the history of the valley, i. e., the passage of the Bedford and Ulster Act ; let us retrace our steps, and take a general view of the town and - the condition of the Connecticut settlers. Strange that among the many old letters no mention is made of the general impression pro- duced by the attempted enforcement of Lockhart's claim! Doubtless it seemed but an episode in those troublous times.
Although at this period there was general uneasiness about titles, and considerable depression resultant therefrom, the tide of emigra- tion flowing into New York State through Tioga Point gave an im- pulse to trade. It was estimated that between 1790 and 1800 nearly 1,000 people settled in the Genesee country, whose main channel of ingress and egress was up the Susquehanna and Chemung (or Tioga). Tioga Point seemed a natural tarrying place, and almost every home was a public house, or at least open to the travelers, most of whom came by water. Generally the first stopping place was at Queen Esther's flats, and doubtless this was the reason that in 1796 a road was opened "from Wright Loomis's to the Ferry." This ferry was at the end of the street crossing from river to river just north of present Chemung bridge. Let us ride to town with Mr. Loomis about 1801, and cross the ferry to the street, which was called on old maps "Ferry Street," the first opened across the Point. On the northwest corner lot a large new house is being erected by John Salt- John Sattmarch marsh,1 lately arrived. The fam- ily were old acquaintances of George
1 According to family traditions the Saltmarshes were descended . from an English family banished from England after the battle of Preston-Pans in 1745. The earliest ancestor of whom we have record is Thomas Saltmarsh of Watertown, Conn., who married Mary Hazen. Their son William, b. 20 Jan., 1734, was a farmer at Watertown; m. 9 Dec. 1760 Elizabeth Patterson, of Scotch descent, dau. of Joseph Patterson of Watertown. Both Salt- marsh and Patterson were in colonial wars, the former a lieutenant in 1758. William had two sons, John and Elijah, and a daughter (name unknown), who married Manna Newel and settled at Union, Broome Co., N. Y. In 1796 William Saltmarsh and wife came from Canaan, Columbia Co., N. Y., to live with their daughter, and in 1801 they came to Athens to live with their sons. 'They were earnest Christian people, connected with the church at Richmond,
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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
Welles in Connecticut, and his deed to them, of property extending from present Tioga Street to the Herrick property, is the earliest Pennsylvania deed found. They built a pretentious public house, still standing. On the east side of Main, on the cross street, is the public house of David Alexander, built by Samuel Hepburn. A short dis- tance above (on present Perkins property ) was Dr. Hopkins' hospitable home, ever open to travelers ; his large and far more pretentious house, built in 1802, was farther up the street. Next to Hopkins' was Elisha Matthewson's "Red Tavern," and of course, opposite it was Hollen- back's. This was now kept by a son-in-law of Matthias Hollenback, Stephen Tuttle,2 who came to Tioga Point in 1798. While his residence only lasted ten or twelve years, he was ac- tively concerned with affairs here, and his letters to Matthias Hollenback, still preserved, are a great source of information. Therefore the silhouettes are here given of himself and wife. Associated with Tuttle at this time was
MARY ANN TUTTLE
STEPHEN TUTTLE
William Prentice,3 acting as postmaster and having an office in Hollen- back's store. Previous to this letters came to town from Wilkes-Barré postoffice by boatmen or chance travelers. Wm. Prentice was ad- mitted to the bar of Luzerne County in 1799, therefore he was the first lawyer, as well as postmaster. His house was the farthest north of any known at this time, located near the Tioga River, west of R. F.
Mass., just over the line from Canaan. Elizabeth Saltmarsh was greatly beloved in Athens; she and her husband lie in the old burying ground. Further information of Pattersons to be found in Patterson Genealogy. Doubtless the Saltmarshes could be easily traced at Water- town or in Bond's History of Watertown. Nothing is known of Elijah Saltmarsh. John was a graduate of Yale college, m. Rhoda Beach and had two children born in Weston, Conn., D'Alanson and Orlando; and dau. Eliza, b. 1802 at Athens. John Saltmarsh was a merchant, taverner, justice of the peace and general lawyer for the settlement. He was an intelligent and useful citizen. D'Alanson m. Esther White of Connecticut, and had Caroline, Eliza and Orlando. Caroline m. Dr. Jno. Fretwill; Eliza m. George H. Welles; Orlando m. Mary Red- ington and lives in Troy, Pa. Orlando 1st m. Sarah Goodrich from an Owego family, and had John, Goodrich and Louise, who m. Walter Comstock, now living in New York. Eliza m. William H. Overton. The Saltmarsh brothers moved to the South about 1835, and remained many years, establishing post routes under the Government in Georgia and Texas; Orlando dying there in 1852. "Squire" John Saltmarsh died Nov., 1815, greatly lamented.
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