A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania, Part 69

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 69

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A previous cabinet maker was Horatio T. McGeorge, who located here about 1830. He was an expert carpenter, his specialty being church building. He evidently came here to build the first Presbyterian Church. He was twice married; by first wife had Henry and Leslie; then married Rebecca, daughter of Daniel McDuffee, a beautiful wo- man, mother of Frank and Eliza, well known, though no longer resi- dent at Athens. Mr. McGeorge was a fine musician and long played the organ and bass viol in the Presbyterian church, just north of which he had a house and shop for twenty years; later he lived and died on Paine Street, having become en- tirely blind. His daughter Eliza married Rev. William French, at one time teacher in the Academy, who later, for long years, did a wonderful missionary work on Blackwell's Island, gaining the well-deserved name of "Angel of the Island." His labors were shared by his wife, who still con- tinues them. Mr. French, while at Athens, was largely instrumental in establishing Trinity Church.

REBECCA MCDUFFEE ( MCGEORGE)

And now all eyes were on Ath- ens, and even Towanda takes up the theme. In February, 1843, the Bradford Porter gave a most flatter- ing account, copied by the Scribe:

England in 1630 and settled at Dorchester, Mass. Sidney Hayden m. Florilla E. Miller of Tor- ringford, Conn. Had five children; Julius, Sidney, Charles, Albert and Ruth. Of these, Charles and Albert survive, the latter having his residence in the old homestead; m. Ruth Lester and has two sons. Sidney Hayden was a man of great literary ability, an intelligent scientist, an able writer, and collected one of the most valuable libraries in the region. He was deeply interested in the progress of the community, a great antiquarian, and a famous Mason.

503

TIOGA POINT, THE CITY OF THE PLAINS

"Athens, more familiarly known as Tioga Point, is one of the most delight- ful spots on the Susquehanna if not the most so. We would not dare to compare it with Wilkesbarre, such is the celebrity of that place without a personal knowl- edge of their respective claims. But this knowledge we have, and without hesita- tion we give Athens the preference. The charms of Nature are lavished upon it," etc., etc., ad infinitum. After speaking of the new buildings, the Porter continues to praise Athens as a place of greatly increasing business and remarkably enter- prising citizens. Mentioning the canal, the Erie road and the expected local rail- road ; it closes by saying : "Athens has nothing to fear and much to hope for, but whatever may be her fate commercially, the habiliments with which nature has adorned her can never be taken away." In a subsequent article the same paper says : "Athens has the prettiest girls in the world and we may say the same of the married ladies." "Hurrah for Towanda, and the Porter!" says Editor Worden. It is mentioned that "the name Tioga Point is frequently used to designate the whole valley above river junction, including Athens, Milltown, Factoryville and Ville- mont" (a new town, later Waverly).

It will thus be seen that Tioga Point is the proper name to be ap- plied to the whole "City of the Plains."

The canal having had a set-back, not only from the flood, but from the state's decision to sell some public works at auction, the backers of the Scribe called an "Improvement Meeting," at which it was pro- posed that the northern counties become responsible for the canal, as a result of which the Legislature agreed to turn it over on certain conditions. As to Athens improvements, we have neglected to men- tion that in the first issue of the Scribe an appeal was made "to the 2500 Whigs of Bradford County to assist in the erection of the new Susquehanna bridge," doubtless by "Scotch Thompson."

Major Stuart was interested in the intellectual as well as the ma- terial development of the town, and it was said to be due to his energy and enthusiasm that so many societies were organized at this period. While this may be true, unquestionably Sidney Hayden's influence was quite as active. "Old Tioga Point" was far more cultured than the Athens of to-day, especially under the influence of David Paine. But we venture to assert that culture in this valley was at its height in "Early Athens," and the notices in the Scribe are the evidence incon- trovertible ; to wit:

"The young men of Athens are requested to meet to consider forming a de- bating school" * "The Athens Debating Society meets on Saturday evening. Question, Ought the Classics to be excluded from our system of Education ?"

"The Athens Literary and Scientific Association [which held weekly meet- ings] will be addressed by the following gentlemen : Essay, Early Impressions by H. C. Baird-Lecture, Perseverance in Literary Efforts by H. W. Patrick-Essay, Anti-Phrenology by Dr. F. S. Hoyt-Lecture, Practical Botany, J. G. Merchant. Literary and scientific communications of all kinds, curiosities, etc., solicited from citizens of Tioga Valley."

"The Ladies and Gentlemen of Athens are respectfully invited to attend at Athens Academy, to take into consideration the propriety of forming a Geological Society. Remarks upon the utility of science may be expected."

This society also was organized, with Charles Comstock as leader, constitution adopted, meetings frequent, and many lectures delivered by Sidney Hayden, Dr. Corss and others; although there is no record that they gave serious consideration to the geological wonders of the region roundabout. However, the men of Athens of to-day, especially

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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

the descendants of these cultured people, may well pause to consider the time given by these busy town makers, even the farmers and mechanics, to intellectual pursuits. Nor was this all. The wave of tem- perance, under the auspices of the Washingtonian Society, at this time spread over the country, and reached Athens at an early day. January 13, 1842, the Athens Total Abstinence Society was organized, with Charles Comstock as president ; a great temperance convention was held here in March, 1842; July 4th a Temperance tea-party was held at Sheshequin, and July, 1843, a regular branch of the National Society was organized as the "Athens Washingtonian Society," Richard Dur- bin, president ; James Fritcher, secretary.

December, 1843, Guy Tozer, Sidney Hayden and Orson Rickey called a meeting and organized the "Tioga Valley Agricultural and Mechanical Association," which held its first meeting in the new Epis- copal chapel February 6, 1844. Speaking of the elections in 1842, the Scribe said :

"Not more than 46 years ago the now county of Bradford was almost a wilderness. The townships now called Sheshequin, Ulster, Smithfield, Springfield and Columbia formed but one district with 124 voters, 36 of whom were old sol- diers, only two of whom now survive; Zephon Flower and Benjamin Brink.

Attracted by the flattering prospects, a self-taught portrait painter, N. B. Kittel, opened a studio in Athens in 1842 ; his work was given unstinted praise in the Scribe, but now known to us only in the ex- cellent portrait of Mrs. Elisha Satterlee, which has been reproduced for this volume. This leads us to mention a talented artist, S. A. Mount, who spent some time in Athens about 1830 to 1832. He was permitted to use a room in the Academy for his studio, and many ex- cellent examples of his work exist. Those reproduced are Henry Welles, G. A. Perkins and wife, E. H. Perkins and Mrs. McGeorge.

A very active political party in Athens in 1842 was called the "Workies." They felt called upon to suggest "Practical Reforms for Pennsylvanians" and held a meeting December 3, at which a petition was drawn up, addressed to the Senate and House of Represnetatives, which it was resolved should be circulated throughout the State. This party was in opposition to the Whigs, and at a later date the name of Scribe was changed to "Athens Democrat and Workingman's Friend," and in the campaign of 1844 was the organ of the Workies, The paper records an enthusiastic celebration of Independence Day, 1843 :

"Just on the eve of this day, three or four young men resolved to observe it, despite the croakers and bolters. The Presbyterian house was well filled by an in- telligent and highly respectable congregation of ladies, youths and farmers. Rev. Mr. Corss made an opening prayer, O. N. Worden gave an address; the Declara- tion of Independence was prefaced by some elegant remarks, and read by Sidney Hayden. Extracts from Washington's Farewell Address were read by E. H. Perkins * * * the exercises were interspersed with excellent singing under direc- tion of Mr. Wheeler. Let it be understood that hereafter the Fourth will not be forgotten in Athens."20

20 Thanksgiving, as well as the Fourth, was properly celebrated this year, for besides the notice of service in the Scribe, a letter still exists addressed to Rev. C. Thurston: "Dear Sir, The undersigned highly approving of a proper observance of the day appointed by the executive for public thanksgiving, etc., Most respectfully request that you favor the citizens of Athens and vicinity with a suitable discourse on that day at the Presbyterian Church in this village, and sincerely hope it will be compatible with your sense of duty and feelings to comply with their

505

JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS

The Scribe of June, 1842, contained the following concerning a most celebrated man of that time :

"A recent copy of this paper containing a notice21 of the re-election of Joshua R. Giddings met the eye of that gentleman, and he wrote to the editor thanking him and adding :

"'But your notice was peculiarly interesting to myself, as it comes front the place of my nativity. Of this fact, I presume neither you nor any other resident of your village was aware. It is now nearly half a century, since a family consisting of a father, mother and four children, arrived, and for a while took up their residence at Tioga Point. They were from Connecticut, and were looking for a home in the then newly settled region of your valley or of New York. They arrived in the month of February, and departed, in November following, for the town of Canandaigua, at that time an infant settlement in On- tario County, in the State of New York. While at your place 'the Yankee family' received an increase of its number by the birth of a son. Soon as the little stranger was supposed to have acquired strength sufficient for traveling, they set out on their journey for their newly se- lected home. That son now addresses you. I have not the least recollection of your pleasant valley, and for the above facts am indebted to the often repeated relation of my parents. I presume there is not a person living in Athens at this time who has the least recollection of the stranger family who re- sided there some seven months in the year 1795. I recollect hearing my parents mention the name of Loomis in connection with their residence at your place. I think he was a landholder, and a man of some wealth .- I have a curiosity to visit the place of my infancy, but whether I shall ever find it convenient is quite un- certain.

"With great respect, your ob't sert.

"J. R. GIDDINGS.'

"It is hardly probable that in the tide of emigration pouring through this Valley to the Lake country at the time referred to, Mr. Giddings' family should be separated from the others and remembered by any now among us.

"Mr. Giddings will excuse me if I make some additions to the history of his life thus singularly commenced. His father removed to the Western Reserve in Ohio, where the son has since resided and there has lived to see it physically and request. We are with sentiments of respect, Yours truly, H. C. Baird, O. N. Worden, H. W. Patrick, C. H. Herrick, F. S. Hoyt, J. K. Wright, G. O. Welles, H. C. Gallup, M. Sawyer, C Comstock, D. T. Van, O. D. Satterlee, C. S. Park, H. Stanley Comstock, R. Durbin, N. C. Harris, E. H. Perkins, L. S. Ellsworth, O. O. Shipman, G. A. Perkins." These names are given in full as showing the general interest in the national fast and feast day by the active business men of Athens.

21 The notice referred to was published in the Scribe of May 11, 1842, as follows: "Joshua R. Giddings, whom Congress in a fit of passion attempted to disgrace for declaring in a manly way the sentiments of a freeman on a great National question (slavery), has been re-elected by the triumphant majority of over 3500. His opponents did not name a candidate until a few days before election, and the vote was light-sufficient however to satisfy the tyrants who would put Northern freemen on a par with their slaves-Mr. G. in Congress again will doubtless rep- resent the resolutions for which he was censured,-and if the Representatives of the Free States do not stand by their fellow in his right to offer his opinion on a legitimate subject, they de- serve to be made what some of the South call them-'white slaves.' "

The Giddings family came up the river in a boat, and landed, as many others had done, on Queen Esther's Flats. Finding the log cabin of Uriah Stephens, which harbored so many pioneers, once more vacant, they took possession. These flats were then claimed by Wright Loomis, who came to this locality in 1792, and had a home nearby.

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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

morally 'bud and blossom as the rose.' In the last War, Joshua R., then a lad of 16 or 17, buckled on the armor of his Revolutionary sire, and stepped into the ranks of his country's defenders under the command of General Harrison. He cheerfully completed his long term of service. Returning among the hardy sons of New England, he 'grew with their growth and strengthened with their strength' -- and upon the retiring of the well known ELISHA WHITTLESEY, 'the poor man's friend,' from Congress, Mr. G. was chosen to fill his place by a majority probably greater than ever given to a Representative in the National Legislature. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Claims-as laborious and important a committee as is created-and in every respect stands forth one of nature's noble- men.2

"However we might disagree in some respects, the citizens of this place would cordially welcome their distinguished son, who now represents the flower of young New England, supported by majorities varying according to the fulness of the vote from 3000 to 6000. It would be but little out of his way for Mr. Giddings to pass through Athens on his way home, and he could not fail of being gratified with the delightful scenery which abounds where he first opened his eyes to the light of heaven."

Mr. Giddings did visit Athens; the late Jesse Spalding told the writer it was one of the proudest days of his life when he, a very young man, was sent to Waverly to meet him. While there are no positive records known to the writer of the date, he seems to have made two visits. When the late Edward Herrick, Jr., became interested in local history, he wrote inviting Mr. Giddings to visit his birthplace. At this time he was entertained in the house of Col. C. F. Welles. Mr. Herrick and some other citizens drove down to Queen Esther's Flats with him; after which a meeting was held in "Patrick's Hall," in the "Brick Block." The illustrious man spoke, and C. L. Ward and A. H. Spald- ing responded. We regret that there is no recorded account of these visits. The portrait here reproduced was obtained from his own rela- tives for this volume by courtesy of one who had been a resident of Giddings's home town in the Western Reserve. One has but to look at it to recognize a fit champion of a down-trodden people, for love of humanity is written on his face. The school children should be taught to reverence this great man and to have a pride in the place of his nativity.

The story of Early Athens, as told in the Scribe, may, perhaps, be fitly closed by a group of amusing and interesting advertisements. The object of the following, unfortunately, is not stated, but it may be ob-

22 Joshua Giddings was elected to Congress in 1838, and had no more than taken his seat when he became prominent as an abolitionist, and was ever after active in the cause of the abo- lition of slavery. In 1842 he offered a series of resolutions in the House against slavery, which created such a disturbance that he withdrew them and resigned his seat. Undoubtedly it was in connection with these events that the Scribe took up the cudgels in his defence. He was a very tall, vigorous man, and somewhat feared by his opponents. When he made his great speech in Congress he was challenged to fight a duel by one of the champions of slavery. He replied, in accepting the challenge, that "the time is now, and the weapons those that God Almighty has given me."

His activity as a defendant of anti-slavery principles was as great in the days of the Civil War as in the forties. At the time of Lincoln's nomination he made a determined effort to have the Declaration of Independence mentioned in the platform of the Republican party. "All men free and equal" was his motto. In what was called the Wigwam Convention of 1860 he was a conspicuous figure. Hay and Nicolay, in the "Life of Lincoln," mention him as one of those greeted with spontaneous applause. In McClure's Magazine, for February, 1907, is a fine portrait of the venerable man, of whom Carl Schurz says: "Everybody knew him as one of the veteran champions of the anti-slavery cause for which he had pleaded with undaunted courage and fidelity when no one could do so without danger. It was the religion of his life."

507

EXTRACTS FROM THE SCRIBE

served that the somewhat obnoxious word "Saloon" in this case means the ball room of the Exchange Hotel :

"An entertainment will be given by the Ladies of Athens Tuesday Aug. 10, 1841 at Mr Park's Saloon. The citizens are respectfully invited to attend."

"Aug. 31 SOIRÉE, MUSICALE. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. White from the Boston and New York Concerts will give a soirée musicale this evening at the Exchange Hotel. A pleasing variety of styles of singing will be introduced, accompanied on Spanish Guitar. Admission 25 cts."

"Romance and Reality

"Married Monday 8 inst by C. H. Herrick Esq., Henry Simson and Charity Fox. Caution .- The public are hereby cautioned against harboring or trusting my wife lately Charity Fox, as she refuses to live with me, and I will pay no debts of her contracting. Henry Simson Aug. 12."

"The Hunters of Bradford

"Eleven deer have recently been killed within four or five miles of Athens. Deer killing is an every day occurrence in this vicinity, but bear killing is more of a rarity. However last Thursday Nov 8, 1843 a moderate sized Bruin started from the Plains to cross the Chemung for the West Mountain just above the Athens Borough line. He was headed off in the river and after ducking a dog several times was driven ashore on Mr. Tyler's farm, and literally mauled to death."

(This was probably the last bear seen within the borough limits.)

"Curiosity

"We were yesterday shown a musket ball, just taken from a pine tree in She- shequin by a shingle shaver. It appears to have been shot at a mark, as the place had evidently been scored with an axe. Above all this 70 outside rings were counted ; it appears evident the ball was shot 90 or 100 years ago, how or by whom fancy can best conjecture. 1843."

"Hat and Cap Store. A. Dodd. Shingles, lumber and most kinds of produce taken in payment, Cash not refused."

"Taken! from the Presbyterian Meeting House a black cotton GLOVE. The person will return it to this office, and receive owner's thanks, or call and get the mate to it: Either way will do."

"Wanted, to rent a slip in the meeting house near the pulpit."

"The Athens Band! When shall we again hear its soul-enlivening strains ? Our long pleasant evenings are coming again ; can ye not take your harps from the willow, and make our loved valley vocal with living song again? Ye have done well, would that ye should continue ! The blessings of old and young, gentle and strong will rest upon ye, if ye will revive those .

'Old familiar strains That ravished once our ear.'

Tune up, tune up, gentlemen, and by the sweet influences of heavenly music will ye once more add to our musical enjoyment.

"Athens May 1842

"Melodia."

We are somewhat in ignorance as to this band ; it may not be amiss to record some later ones. In 1847 there was an Athens Band, of which it is written :

"Ed Kendall was a key bugle player, W. H. Shapley a trombone, James Tuttle clarionet, some one else a bass instrument called an opheclide. The next was Stone's Band in operation in 1856, Jabez Stone, the boat builder, was the leader and played a snare drum, and the music of this band was highly praised. Tom Perry of Litchfield was a great Bass drummer and there were several others around the country that secured us martial music for the Fourth and other oc- casions .- C. T. H."

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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

November 15, 1843, a large advertisement appeared in the Scribe as follows: "New Firm and New Goods .- C. F. Welles Jr., and O. D. Satterlee. Ready Pay System." Orrin Day Satterlee was the son of John F. Satterlee, and was born and brought up in Athens ; later a prom- inent citizen of Lockhaven. Charles Frederick Welles23 was the son of C. F. Welles, and most of his life had been spent in Wyalusing; the rest was spent in Athens, to whose interests he ever devoted his time, strength, energy and means. The two young men opened their store in a new building, north of the "Ath- ens Hotel," as the old Irwin house was. now called. This building, well shown in the picture of the village street, taken a few years later, was erected by the inde- fatigable H. W. Patrick, certainly well named by a contemporary, who recently wrote to us saying: "Lawyer Patrick was quite a Town Builder and rented large numbers of buildings." He seems to have converted all his available means into town improvements at this time. Welles and Satterlee did a thriving bus- iness, adding lumbering to their mercantile efforts, and laying the foundation of their fortunes.

AHWellas

Besides all these noted improvements, in 1841 the bridge over the Susquehanna River was completed, and Satterlee's Ferry, after fifty years of use, was abandoned. (Further information in Chap. XX.)

EAST SIDE MAIN STREET, 1845

1, Chester Park's Store; 2, Guy Tozer's Store; 3, Patrick's Frame Block; 4, Irwin's Tavern, or Pike's Hotel; 5, The Mansion House.

23 "Charles Frederick Welles, the son of Charles Fisher Welles, was born May 25, 1812. He is generally known as C. F. Welles Jr., or Colonel Welles, from his militia title. Having obtained a slight education in the common schools, he early evinced an aptitude for business, and was

509

THE DAVIES COFFEE HOUSE

At that time "Herrick's Meadow" was full of "red brush," and there was a so-called "brush road" through it, leading to Satterlee's Ferry, or perhaps it should be said, Satterlee's "still." Deer often wan- dered into this brush, and the last one shot in the village was discovered there.

Soon after the completion of the bridge, Thomas R. Davies, who had built his residence about ten years before on the site of present Stimson House, was urged to open a temperance hotel, convenient to the bridge. He, therefore, enlarged his house to three times the orig- inal size, and opened "the Davies Coffee House," a most commendable

soon known as an industrious, energetic, honest young man. His first ventures were in the lumber trade, running the river himself. Always bold in his ventures he was successful as well, and by 1835 had amassed sufficient capital to start a country store near Asylum. Having good fortune, he later established stores along the line of construction of the North Branch Canal, and in 1843 established, with O. D. Satterlee, a store at Athens. C. W. Clapp and N. C. Harris were his first clerks, and later Mr. Harris became his partner in place of Satterlee, and in large land purchases in and about town. About 1850 he relinquished trade to devote entire attention to large and lucrative operations in public works and construction of great improvements. In this business he was, for some years, associated with his cousin, H. S. Welles. They constructed the Brooklyn waterworks at a cost of $5,000,000, and contracted for building of many railroads in both North and South." In 1857 he purchased a half interest in a great lumber tract in Northern Michigan. He soon valued this interest at $275,000, but was fraudulently deprived of it by an associate, a blow from which he never recovered. In 1859 he bought the entire North Branch Canal, organized a company, and shipped the first Wyoming coal to Chicago and the West, thus inaugurating a trade of present great dimensions. But his main object in gaining control of the canal was to carry out the great ambition of his life, a railroad along the Susque- hanna Valley, which should form a continuous line from Wyoming coal fields to the Great Lakes. This was accomplished in a great part as the result of his own labors. For, having interested capitalists, he was himself contractor for the extension of the Lehigh Valley road from Pittston Junction to New York State Line. It was the writer's good fortune to accom- pany him in the first train that ran over the line for inspection of construction. The country people had congregated at every station to see the train, and "the Colonel" was overwhelmed not only with thanks, but many tears, for his efforts to develop the country. In this venture he sunk his entire fortune, but left to those who knew him an enduring monument to his name. In connection with these great enterprises it has been said: "He evinced boldness, foresight and confidence in the ability to achieve not often possessed by one man. He had a marvellously quick conception, a thorough knowledge of finance and industrial subjects, great faculty for organization and control; and an uncommon power of impressing his convictions on others." He stopped at nothing in his proposed improvements, visiting not only legislative halls of various States, but the President himself. It has also been said of him that no man ever lived in Athens who was so full of public spirit; "his benevolence and desire for the welfare and advancement of the town were unsurpassed." It was his intention to make Athens a great railroad center, and doubtless had he lived it would have been accomplished. But such continuous mental exertion shattered his constitution, and he died when only sixty years of age. His kind and genial temperament made his home beloved by all who frequented it, and he was "father" to many a youth and girl now scattered the world over. He married Elizabeth Laporte, a descendant of the French Refugees at Asylum, and their children, all born in Athens, who grew to maturity, were Frederick, Eleanor, John, Louise, Robert, Elizabeth and Jessie.

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A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania, Part 69

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