Centennial history of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Part 124

Author: Stocker, Rhamanthus Menville, 1848-
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : R. T. Peck
Number of Pages: 1318

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HISTORY OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

effectually cut through, settlers began to arrive in the vicinity. Every new-comer was hailed with delight. Early in 1799 Andrew Tracy, Esq., came through here with his family ou his journey from Connecticut to the Brooklyn settlement; his horses being jaded and worn with twenty-eight days of travel over the rough, uneven roads, Mr. Hayden took his oxen and kindly helped them on their way through Harford to the little border clearing. At Martin's Creek they were met by Mr. Joseph Chapman, who had preceded them to the settlement, and who guided them through the great woods to their new home, carrying in his arms the infant daughter, who was destined to become the mother of the eight " Hayden Brothers." Samuel Hayden, father of Benjamin, had located towards Great Bend, Benjamin Doolittle on the hill to the west, and the Leaches and Hunts to the south; and, as the century closed, the ring of the woodsmen's axe and the welcome sounds of human voices were heard daily on every hand. Although long distances inter- vened between them, they often used to visit at each other's houses during pleasant moonlight nights, re- gardless of the danger of being followed by wolves and other wild animals, and many happy evenings were thus passed despite their inconvenient surround- ings. A common condition of toil, trial aud privation forbade all haughtiness and ridicule, and made them a worthy baud of brothers and sisters in a common cause. About this time there was a panther's den among the ledges on the rugged hill-side, northeast of the settlement, and those fierce animals became a terror to the settlers. Their night forays were com- mon, and lambs, sheep and pigs were often carried away. After many adventures with them they were eventually exterminated.

Benjamin Hayden died in 1842, at the age of sixty- seven. He lived to see his enterprising efforts re- warded, and for his honesty of purpose and faithful performance of duty he has ever been remembered. His widow died in 1849, age seventy. They had but one son, Warner Hayden, who married, in 1815, Sally, daughter of Andrew Tracy, Esq., of Brooklyn. At that time there was only one dwelling on the east side of the road, where the borough now is. This was near where the old Moss store stood in after-years, and was owned by Mr. Adams. Warner Hayden was a saddler and harness-maker, and carried on a successful business for many years. He died in 1850, at age of fifty-two. His widow, a very old lady, aged eighty-nine, is still living in the borough, near the spot where she first commenced housekeeping. They had nine children,-William, John, Tracy, George, Mary, Henry, Andrew, Benjamin and Marshall. Their enterprises in connection with the progress of the borough will be noticed further on.

About 1802 Colonel Christopher Longstreet, an honored Revolutionary soldier, came from New Jersey, and bought Robert Corbett's improvements. He was a very influential man in the community.

His wife died here in 1813, at the age of seventy- three, and shortly afterwards he moved to Great Bend. A colored man popularly kuown as "Old Prince," who came here with them, remained in the settlement until his death, in 1815. Upon Colonel Longstreet's retirement the property was purchased by Nicholas McCarty, who increased his facilities for keeping and feeding the hungry throng which now began to pour along the old Newburg turnpike, and who kept a very creditable public-house for several years. He died October 11, 1821, aged fifty-seven ; Lanah, his widow, died January 20, 1862, at the ripe old age of ninety years. During the latter part of her life she lived in a small, old-fashioned house near the railroad crossing, west of the Eagle Hotel. They had four children,-Benjamin, who settled on part of the estate, and built a small house where C. M. Shelp now resides ; Leah, who became the wife of Isaac Warner, and lived on the hill west of the borough ; Rachel, who became the wife of John Boyle, and lived on another part of the estate; and Mary Ann, who married a man by the name of King, and early re- moved to the western country.

In 1806 William Ward and his young wife arrived in the settlement from Litchfield County, Conn. He was a brother-in-law of Benjamin Doolittle, who preceded him to the frontier a few years previous, and whose glowing accounts of the thriving settlement at this place induced him to make New Milford his future home. They occupied a small log house near the present site of the Town Hall. Immediately upon their arrival Mr. Ward entered upon the com- mon duties of that period, chopping a large fallow where the depot, steam-mill and adjoining buildings have since been erected. Mrs. Ward, whose maiden- name was Sally Briggs, came from the midst of refined society in the old settled town of Roxbury, Conn., and the sudden change to life in the back- woods brought many lonesome hours, but she looked forward with hope, lent a helping hand wherever she could, went about her daily duties cheerfully, and never a word of complaint was heard from her lips.

The next year, 1807, they were joined by Deacon Ichabod Ward, father of William Ward, who located nearly opposite the present Presbyterian Church, on a spot long occupied in after-years as the beautiful garden of H. Burritt. A pear-tree, planted by his hand, long survived its worthy owner, living aud flourishing until a few years since. Deacon Ward was one of the most valued members of the Presby- terian Church, and it was mainly through his earnest endeavors that an organization of that denomination was thus early effected and maintained. His children were William, who came here the year previous, as already stated ; Samuel, much younger; and three daughters, one of whom became the wife of Benjamin Doolittle, one Mrs. Seba Bryant, and the other Mrs. Uriah Hawley. After making quite an extensive clearing William Ward removed to Mt. Pleasant,

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NEW MILFORD.

where he remained for several years, but ultimately returning to New Milford, he soon became one of the most valued citizens of the growing settlement. In 1834 he was commissioned a justice of the peace, and for a long time he was noted for his honesty, integrity and ability in that capacity. He was many years the principal agent in this section for the sale of the lands of the Du Bois estate, and the extensive tracts owned by Meredith, Bingham and Drinker. It has been said that few citizens of the Salt Lick Valley did more to develop the resources and contribute to the prosperity of Susquehanna County. "To great perseverance and untiring industry in the pursuit of business he added the most unqualified kindness, ever extending to rich and poor a cheerful hospitality."

He had ten children,-Christopher L., William C., Peter, James, John, Jack, Augustus, Charles, a daughter who became the wife of D. Dimock, and another who became the wife of William Post. He died at the old Ward homestead October, 1849, at the age of sixty-four. The house was the second framed dwelling in the place. It now forms a part of the residence of William T. Moxley. Mrs. Ward after- wards became the wife of Joseph Williams, one of the pioneers of Bridgewater township, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty-five. She died in August, 1872.

The following incident of pioneer life is related by Miss Blackman, who received it from the lips of the heroiue herself:

"A large buck was one day chased by the hunter's dogs into Mr

. Ward's clearing. Samuel Ward, then only a lad of twelve or fourteen years, who was living with his brother, seeing the animal stumble and fall, immediately sprang and caught him by the horns, at the same time calling to Mrs. Ward for assistance. Feeling her helplessness, but, with a true woman's courage and quickness of perception, realizing the dan- gerous position of her young brother-in-law, who was struggling to pre- vent the animal from regatuing his feet, she hastened to unwind the long-webbed garters she wore, and with them speedily succeeded in tying its legs, until a neighbor, who happened to be in calling distance, reached them and cut the animal's throat."

1 William C. Ward was a very prominent man in New Milford, and many of his characteristics resem- bled those of his brother, for whom he was agent for the sale of lands. He purchased many cattle in this section, and drove them in droves to New Jersey and New York; and much of his life was spent in the mercantile business. His charitable disposition, hon- esty and sound judgment were prized by the people, and offices of public trust were continually placed in his hands. He held the office of justice of the peace for more than thirty years; and such were his per- suasive arguments in settling all quarrels and disputes brought before him, in a satisfactory manner to both sides without recourse to the law, that he earned the title of "Peacemaker," and received the commenda- tion and respect of all. He delighted in relieving suffering, aud his cheering presence often brought a ray of sunshine to dispel the gloom of poverty in many a home in times of sickness and trouble. He

died February 24, 1871. Mrs. Ward survived her husband several years, living on the honestcad, in the neat residence on the corner opposite the Eagle Hotel, now owned by Charles Pratt. She was a sis- ter of Mrs. Burritt. Their children were Lewis, who died in New Milford; William T., now in the West- ern country ; Eliza Jane, who became the wife of C. S. Bennett; Sarah, who became the wife of George Weed ; Maria; Caroline, who became the wife of George B. McCollum ; and George, now in the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, at Great Bend. Charles Ward, brother of William C. and C. L. Ward; is at present the only representative of the Ward family living in the place.

Captain Thomas Dean, from Cornwall, Conn., ar- rived in the New Milford settlement in 1814, and lo- cated opposite Benjamin Hayden's. He had an en- ergetic spirit, and he labored faithfully for the good of the settlement. His daughter became the wife of Dr. Bingham; and after her husband's death Mr. Dean passed his declining years with her. He was blind and infirm several years before his decease, but he was ever calm and resigned. He died June 22, 1870, at the age of ninety-one.

In 1817 an especially valuable acquisition was made to the settlement by the arrival of Dr. Lemuel W. Bingham. He possessed a splendid education, and as a physician had few equals in this section of the country. His practice was very extensive and successful, and continued thus without interruption to the close of his life. During his early practice the roads were very poor, in many places being only passages cut through the woods ; and his long jour- neys were often tedious, lonesome and fatiguing in the extreme. Many times, when obliged to be out in the night, he was followed by wolves; but he had a stout and resolute heart, and the dangers and trials of his profession did not deter him from active work.

Among the prominent arrivals of 1818 were those of Albert and Gaius Moss, from Cheshire, Conn. They located on the east side of the turnpike, near the present site of the Episcopal Church. Albert Moss was a shoemaker, tanner and currier ; and being possessed of some means as well as ambition and en- terprise, he built a small tannery, and later a store and shop, purchased a considerable tract of land, and carried on quite an extensive business. A number of hands were required most of the time in the different fields of labor, all of which served to give spirit and activity to the rising town. His sons were Levi, who lost his life in the late war ; Josiah, who moved to Ne- braska a few years since; and Albert, who still resides in New Milford.

JUDGE JOHN BOYLE was born in the town of Bal- lybay, County Monaghan, Ireland, April 20, 1799. His parents were people who possessed a comfortable home and evinced a wise intelligence by giving their children the advantages of a good education. His boyhood and early youth were spent at his father's

1 For Christopher L. Ward, see history of the press.

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HISTORY OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

home, but a spirit of enterprise, which even at that early date led many to seek fortune and a home in the New World, induced Mr. Boyle, at the age of nineteen, to bid adieu to friends and native land, and taking passage to America, he landed in New York in September 1818. Early in the spring of 1819 he came to New Milford, and soon afterwards took up a farm of eighty acres, a portion of which now forms an important part of the borough. For several years he devoted his time to clearing up and improving his farm, and to agricultural and mechanical pursuits, he being possessed of a trade that he had learned before

cal surveyor, and after his death, in 1821, there was no one to take his place until about 1825, when Mr. Boyle, having a full knowledge of the theory, com- menced the practice of surveying, which he continued successfully for many years. He was appointed county surveyor in 1839, and held the office several successive terms. During his active career as sur- veyor, he surveyed a large portion of the lands in this county, and his services were often called for in ad- joining counties. As a surveyor, he was noted for his accuracy and strict impartiality. In politics Mr. Boyle was identified with the Democratic party, with

John Boyle

coming to America. Thus, with little worldly capi- tal, but with an active brain, industrious habits and a large stock of energy and perseverance, he com -: menced a career of business activity, destined to leave a lasting impress upon the town of his adop- tion.

In 1822 he married Rachel, daughter of Nicholas and Lanah (Decker) McCarty, who came to New Milford in 1805, and purchased the farm and hotel at the Corners, where he continued to reside and keep a public-house until his death. It was a noted resort and land mark for travelers, and has remained a ho- tel to the ;present day. Mr. McCarty was a practi-

which he early allied himself. He was a man of pos- itive convictions, and having intelligently weighed a question and reached a conclusion, was tenacious of his views. In 1851 he was elected an associate judge for Susquehanna County for five years, and sat on the bench with Judge Wilmot, then president judge of this judicial district. He also took a prominent part in the local affairs of his town, and among the local offices to which his fellow-citizens elected him was that of justice of the peace, which he filled with much ability for several years. In his religious belief Judge Boyle was an exemplary and consistent Roman Catho- lic. He was the first Catholic settler in the county,

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NEW MILFORD.

and thus became the sturdy pioneer of the faith which he ever manfully upheld and earnestly championed. His amiable wife became a convert to his creed, and together they reared their children in its tenets. In a few years other Catholics settled in the county, yet it was a long time before a priest came to this section. In order to avail himself of the sacramental privileges of his church, he was obliged to go to Phil- adelphia, the nearest accessible point. Finally a priest was sent at intervals to visit Mr. Boyle, and for a period of more than forty years Mass was celebrated and other religious services held at Mr. Boyle's house. As other Catholics moved into the town, the congre- gation was so increased that a church was found to be necessary. Judge Boyle not only deeded a piece of land in the borough for this purpose, but contrib- ·uted liberally towards its erection, and the Catholics of New Milford consider that to his exertions and liberality they are largely indebted for their present place of worship. And not alone in religious matters did his liberality find expression ; the poor and op- pressed ever found in him a friend. Patriotic in his love for the land of his adoption, he was ever solici- tous for its welfare and progress. He died in the centennial year, at the age of seventy-seven, leaving behind the example of a life full of busy activity, and a record for integrity and honorable dealing second to none. He lies buried beneath the shadows of the little church he loved so well, his amiable and loving wife having preceded him many years before, dying at the age of forty-three, and leaving a void in the household never afterwards filled. Their children are : Timothy received an excellent education, and became an expert surveyor and draughtsman. In 1853 he was elected county surveyor, removed to Susquehanna, where he practiced his profession, and was also ex- tensively engaged in the insurance business. He died at Susquehanna in 1873, aged fifty years. Two children survive him. Francis W. learned the car- riage-making trade when young. He afterwards pur- chased the " Eagle Hotel," which he conducted for several years, and was postmaster of New Milford from 1853 to 1861. In 1862-65 he was engaged in the mercantile business at Susquehanna. He was ap- pointed by President Johnson assistant internal rev- enue assessor, which office he held for two and one- half years. Returning to his native town, he erected, some years since, a fine residence near the old home- stead, where he now resides. He has been a justice of the peace for the last ten years. He has been twice married and is the father of ten children, three of whom are deceased. Benjamin M. learned black- smithing and when of age went to California, where he married and remained ten years. He then re- moved to Ottawa, Ill., where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has successfully con- tinued to the present time. He had eight children, six of whom are still living. Sophia J. was educated at the school of those thoroughly refined ladies, the

Misses White and Griffin, of Binghamton, N. Y. Before completing her studies she was summoned home by the illness and death of her mother. She at once assumed the care of the family, and remained her father's housekeeper until his death. She has never married-is now residing with her youngest brother, Dr. Boyle, of Susquehanna, who was but three years of age when the mother died. Ann Eliza was also educated in the same school with her sister. in Binghamton, and in 1861 entered the Convent of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at St. Joseph's, and was known in religious life as Sister Mary Cephas. She possessed more than ordinary abilities, and dur- ing her short life in the convent she occupied the po- sition of Superioress for a time at Pittston and also at Lebanon, Pa. She died at Reading in 1867, aged thirty-one years, and lier memory is revered by all the members of her order. John C. (1838-49). Henry K. (1843-74), after completing his education, at the age of nineteen, went to Ottawa, Ill., and en- tered the law-office of Bushnell & Avery, and after completing his studies was admitted to the bar. He rapidly ran to a high rank in his profession, but his untiring energy and devotion to its increasing de- mands undermined his health, and in the summer of 1874 he sought the genial air of Southern California, hoping to regain it, but survived only a few weeks after reaching there. Alluding to his death, the Western papers thus speak of him : " Hon. Henry K. Boyle was one of the most talented young men that ever lived in Ottawa, and was universally esteemed for his sterling qualities of head and heart. His men- tal and legal attainments were of a high order, and though comparatively a young man, only thirty, he occupied a place in the front rank with the ablest law- yers in the State." He was mayor of Ottawa several years, and in 1873 married Linnie Carton, who, with a son, survives him. Julius J. (1846) commenced the study of medicine with Dr. D. C. Ainey in 1864, but the following year went to Ottawa, Ill., where he continued his studies with Dr. R. M. McArthur, of that city. In 1864-67 attended Rush Medical Col- lege, at Chicago, and 1868-69 completed his studies at the Buffalo University, New York, graduating there- from and receiving his diploma in 1869. He located at Ottawa, and for five years successfully practiced his profession, and during that time was elected health officer of the city. His health becoming im- paired, he sought the mild climate of California, where he remained two years. Returning to Ottawa with the intention of resuming his practice, he soon found that its malarial atmosphere was too much for his constitution, and he decided to seek the pure air of his own native hills of Susquehanna County. In 1872 he married Miss Cecelia Killelea, of Ottawa, Ill., and has two children, two having died in infancy. When the Medical Examining Board for Pensions was established in this county, Dr. Boyle was ap- pointed one of its members. A local paper thus

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HISTORY OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

speaks of him : "Dr. Boyle has resided in Susque- hanna the past ten years, and has, by reason of his conceded skill, secured an extensive practice and at- tained distinction in his profession."

James Boyle, brother of the above-mentioned pioneer, came later and purchased the opposite improvement of Benjamin McCarty, lately known as the Whitlock property, where he resided until his death, in 1857, aged sixty. He was a carpenter by trade.

The land throughout the valley was now all taken up, and the clearings of the different settlers were all united in one. A better style of buildings had taken the place of the early cabins and log barns, and though the wolves were still heard now and then far back in the woods, and an occasional wild-cat was killed, prosperity began to prevail in the settlement, and the light of a brighter morning began to dawn. The line of forest was gradually pushed back to the base of the hills, from whence they sent back the jingling echo of the great old-fashioned sleigh-bells as Captain Leach drove through with his spirited team, or others passed over the turnpike, wrapped in buffalo robes and furs, on a pleasant pleasure drive or on their way to some distant point on business.

The principal days of amusement were the Fourth of July and the military parades, or " Training Days," on the second and third Mondays in May. Many of the older inhabitants readily recall the fun and festivities enjoyed by all in those early days, when the different companies assembled at an early hour for the duties of the day, when the participants enjoyed their work and the spectators were happy with the entertainment. Boys and young people regarded those days as holidays, and their approach was hailed with pleasure and delight. Peddlers and hawkers met the assembled people and made themselves conspic- uous in the display and sale of their wares. Razors, knives and pencils were sold cheap, though when tested for use they often proved dear to the purchaser. The boy who did not manage to secure some flashy article on that day considered himself very unfortunate. Everything was enlivened by music, and rendered gay by scores of yards of red, white and blue, while the quick and heavy discharges of Harford cannon shook the ground, and sent its angry voice roaring through the forest, from hill to hill, like the deep-toned notes of thunder. Mr. Boyle had a small cannon which was sometimes used on those occasions, and when the trainings were held at Captain Leach's, Berry Well- man used to carry it up there on his back, in the morning before daylight, for the fun of waking up the captain. Many who belonged to these early military companies here will remember the names of Captain De Witt, Captain Brown, Major Avery, Major Ham- mond, Colonel Bowman, Colonel Lusk and many more. The military history of New Milford in con- nection with the late war will be found in another place.

HOTELS .- The first hotel in the place was kept by

Robert Corbett before the commencement of the pres- ent century. At that time his house and Benjamin Hayden's were the only dwellings in the place. A son of Joshua Sabin, one of the early settlers of Brooklyn, speaks of going through the woods from Great Bend to Corbett's tavern, while on their way to Hopbottom, in 1799, and of seeing a tame elk in the inclosure with Mr. Corbett's cattle. In the barn he saw an enormous pair of elk's horns standing on their points, the top of the inverted skull of which was more than six feet from the floor. Mr. Sabin, who was five feet ten inches in height, took off his hat and passed through between the horns, under the skull, which, as he stood erect, just touched his hair. At that early day guests at the lone tavern were not numerous, but with the cutting through of the roads the number rapidly increased, and the keeping of a public-house soon became quite a business. In 1802 or 1803 the Corbett property was purchased by Colo- nel Christopher Longstreet, who continued the hotel business for several years, when it was bought by Nicholas McCarty. The tide of western travel soon began to assume vast proportions, and the line of the old turnpike presented a busy scene in the constantly passing throng. Many private houses were turned into hotels, and even then they were often crowded with guests. Benjamin Hayden and several others were at length obliged to open taverns to meet the demands of the traveling public. "McCarty's Cor- ners " soon became a famous stopping-place, and its barns were nightly full of horses, and its yards crowded with long, white-covered wagons of emi- grants. His first license was granted by the Governor on the recommendation of the court of Luzerne County, January, 1807. "In the Name and by the Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania " the right was given to sell "Rum, Brandy, Beer, Ale, Cyder, and all other Spirituous Liquors," but he was forbidden to "suffer drunkenness, unlawful gaming or any other disorders." Later the property was owned by Mr. Boyle, who conducted the business in a cred- itable manner for some years. It was finally pur- chased by P. Phinney, by whom it was remodeled and much enlarged, including the addition of a neat and commodious hall, where balls, shows, entertain- ments and meetings were often held, and the "Eagle Hotel " became known as one of the leading public houses in this part of the country. Though perhaps contrary to the true intent of the law, the elections of the township have, up to this time, always been held here. Situated midway on the main road from Sus- quehanna to Montrose, at its intersection with the old Newburg turnpike, it forms a sort of half-way house between these two important points, and receives a fair share of local patronage. A good livery is also connected with the hotel, and a free bus meets all day and evening passenger trains. It is one of the oldest public-houses in Susquehanna County.

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Centennial history of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Part 124

Author: Stocker, Rhamanthus Menville, 1848- Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : R. T. Peck Number of Pages: 1318

Author: Stocker, Rhamanthus Menville, 1848-
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : R. T. Peck
Number of Pages: 1318